Long time no see all! First off I deeply apologize for not updating in a while, but I just want to reassure you all that I have not given up. Sometimes I just lose inspiration and I need to take a break until I get the inspiration to write for it again to make sure I give you all quality chapters and that they are something I am proud of. But, I got a spark of inspiration and decided to run with it. The next chapter will return to JxC and even SxL again, but for now to provide more background… we're going to have a flashback chapter. This chapter will explain how Cindy started to briefly date Eustace Stych and why exactly she did so? Interested? Read on to find out! This chapter picks up after Eustace manages to convince Cindy to join him for lunch to 'explain himself and where he's been the past 5 years'. Hope you all enjoy!

3 months ago

({No POV})

After washing up quickly after summer track practice and getting into some semi-casual clothes for going to the bistro downtown, Cindy (reluctantly) got into Eustace's car and drove off with him.

Despite seeming like she was oddly liking the situation, it was also like she couldn't shake her skepticism of Eustace still. And everything else about this situation REALLY wasn't helping.

Particularly since even Cindy couldn't deny that after not seeing Eustace in years… she was liking what she saw.

Even though that aspect also confused her simultaneously since as far as Cindy was concerned, it was like she was talking to and seeing two completely different Eustace Strych(es).

Though she remembered and now totally saw through his 'sweet talking' and 'false chivalry' toward her from when they were kids and he was just using her to get at Jimmy… she couldn't explain it. Despite still being skeptical as all get out and was NOT just about to trust Eustace that easily, Cindy was intrigued to say the least.

And his current actions also weren't helping, particularly with seeming almost genuinely… chivalrous with her this time.

Eustace waited by her front door for her to return, offered her his arm (which she declined), opened the passenger side door of his car for her AND helped her in, and he even gave her full reign of the radio in his car.

Though surprised by the offer and just curtly responding she 'didn't really want to listen to anything right now, but thanks'... again, Cindy was shocked and unsure about everything.

And the fact that Eustace would immediately look at her and smile every time she even remotely looked in his direction made her absolute and total confusion skyrocket on how to even remotely deal with this situation.

It was silent as Eustace kept driving and Cindy eventually decided to say 'something' to break up the awkwardness and just remarked, "Nice car."

Eustace grinned and responded, "You like it? I'm glad. It was a gift from father when I turned 16. When I was 13 I found out I quite liked cars actually, particularly vintage as you can see and I had to have one. So, once I got my license, father got me this 1960 convertible. Of course, I had some 'updates' made to it to make it more to my liking. AC, high definition speakers, and the best navigation system money can buy. Ideal for taking on a nice weekend drive, wouldn't you agree?"

Cindy just gave him a curt nod, still not knowing how to deal with the situation she currently agreed to take part in for some reason.

Eventually she ran out of time to 'figure things out' as Eustace took a parallel parking spot and came around and opened the passenger side door for Cindy and smiled slightly at her as held out his hand and started, "May I?"

As much as Cindy was close to 'giving in', she remembered and felt slightly embarrassed that she even let him help her into the car earlier and just go out herself and proceeded to walk ahead, causing Eustace to tilt his head and quirk up an eyebrow in confusion as Cindy said, having a bit of sharpness to her voice, "I'm perfectly capable of getting out of a car myself. Thanks."

Although she was surprised to see Eustace's response as he smiled slightly at her and started, "Cindy… you seem to misunderstand. I am merely offering out of courtesy as a part of gentleman's code with a lady and did not mean any offense. Besides, you've always been rather headstrong and capable if my memory serves me well."

Cindy felt a blush coming on but was quick to stomp it down and proceed to walk into the bistro as Eustace just followed silently alongside her, as well as continuing to fluster her as he held the door for her and pulled out her chair as she was about to reach for it to sit down.

She kept giving Eustace unsure looks all the while as he just smiled and commented, "Well, I appreciate your accepting of my invitation. The cuisine here is quite a treat. I hope you'll enjoy it."

As Eustace picked up his menu, Cindy's hands clenched in her lap under the table in order to relieve some of the tension she was suppressing until a server came to take their orders and interrupted her thought process.

After ordering, it appeared Cindy's flustered frustration finally bubbled to the surface completely as she gave Eustace a hard look and directed bluntly, "Look, what are you playing at with me right now?"

Eustace gave Cindy a slightly confused look as he started, "Sorry, I beg your pardon?"

"Oh don't you try to 'classy, smooth talk' your way out of this billion dollar dingbat. Are you seriously thinking that this?!..." She started to tirade while also trying to keep her voice down until Eustace leaned forward and stopped Cindy in her tracks as he put a hand over hers on the table as he started, "Cindy… as I explained earlier, all I am asking for is an opportunity."

After a beat of silence between them as nothing but the music in the bistro filled the thick, tension filled air currently between the two of them.

Cindy quirked up an eyebrow as she retorted, "An opportunity to what?" She was surprised to see Eustace purse his lips momentarily before smoothing a hand over his hair and letting out a sigh.

She kept giving Eustace a confused look until he made eye contact as he elaborated, "To apologize for my... past behavior. I was quite immature and angry the last time you saw me and did some very impulsively imbelitic things as a result. And for that I am sorry."

Cindy's eyes went wide before narrowing in confusion as she responded, still not buying it, "And give me one good reason why I should believe that?"

There was silence yet again between them as Eustace looked down and responded, "Well… from that standpoint, I can't."

At that point Cindy rolled her eyes and looked like she was about to get up until Eustace verbally cut off her current action as he began, "But I can tell you that a lot has changed since the last time you saw me. Let's just say I had a life alteration shortly after you last saw me."

Cindy continued to freeze while she kept a hard, hesitant, yet now curious look all the while before eventually nodding at him to proceed.

Eustace sat back and folded his hands together as he looked off, still looking almost painfully embarrassed by the memory currently circling his thoughts as he started, "After father grounded me when you all were over after the battle kite tournament for my banquet and I was sorely beaten, I kept defiantly resisting father's wishes to hold to his punishment. In the past it usually worked if he tried any feeble attempt at reprimanding me. All I had to do was talk back and resist and then father would always give in and let me have my way. And just when I thought it almost worked, I was sadly mistaken. Toward the end of my month of grounding, father had me enrolled in... Benton Prep."

Cindy knew exactly what Eustace was talking about.

Benton Prep was an old and elite all boys preparatory and reform school that just happened to exist a few towns over from Retroville.

Although having a pristine and successful reputation like most wealthy and private boarding/prep schools, it wasn't without reason. It was a school that had a reputation of being close to a strict military school without the 'military' aspect and was really 'stuck in its ways' and same methods over the many years of establishment.

Eustace even elaborated on to confirm this as he began, "I had to quite literally be dragged out of the house and despite threats, begging, and fighting back… father made it quite clear he wasn't going to budge as he made me get in the car to have the chauffeur drive us there to start my first semester. All he kept saying was how, 'I gave him no other choice' and that it would be good for my character. Father even went to the school so that was one of the reasons why I was admitted immediately… along with a generous donation from father. At first I thought it wasn't going to be so bad. After all, my father was an Alumnus and was on the board so I thought I'd receive 'special treatment' of some sort. But unfortunately… no…" Eustace paused and grimaced slightly before he continued, "It was clear the head master and my professors wasted no time. Making me cut my hair shorter, maintaining my uniform in pristine condition, keeping me on a tight leash with a strict regimented schedule. As much as I detested to admit it, they'd done it. They broke me down and rebuilt me from the pieces that were left practically. But… It also in turn made me realize things as I went through my curriculum at Benton. As you have seen from the past, I was a bit… ill tempered."

Cindy on reflex couldn't help but roll her eyes and scoff as she remarked sarcastically under her breath at her past memory of Eustace, "Yeah, you don't say?"

While Cindy was expecting a lash out from Eustace at that point, she was even more surprised and felt her face get consumed by a blush as Eustace put his hands over hers on the table, making direct eye contact as he responded (still surprisingly genuine and calm), "But that's the point, Cindy. That isn't who I am anymore. When father admitted me, apparently he made a remark to the Headmaster about my temper and I was put out at first for lack of a better term since that ancient relic kept an annoyingly close watch on me. And I just about hit my limit when he called me to his office one day. At first I thought I was in for a telling off since I had already had a few instances of losing my temper with my professors, but… then he made a suggestion that ended up changing everything. One of the sports that Benton is known for is its elite boxing program. At first I thought boxing was rather barbaric despite it being considered a 'gentleman's sport' and was not in any way amused with being coerced into it. But then… I loved it. Everything about boxing came almost naturally to me. An advisor I had even noticed my changes once I started boxing. I was sleeping much better, I didn't have pent up rage like I used to, I stopped lashing out almost completely, and I just felt calmer. More in control. Eventually it even became more than an activity when the head boxing coach had me join the formal school team. Normally they didn't let anyone join until they were 14, but I was always tall for my age and I was at the right weight to start. So… I took the chance."

Eustace grinned and he brushed part of his black cardigan he had on over his shoulders aside to show what was embroidered on the right pectoral of his polo shirt.

It was the Benton Prep School Crest with 'Boxing' written underneath it.

Cindy, while still a bit hesitant, had a look of absolute intrigue crossing over her demeanor as she looked back up and hesitantly and subtly led on, "So you're good?"

Eustace continued to grin as he responded proudly, "5 time golden gloves champion of my school and my division, if that means anything? Also, I must say, the fact that it helped me fill out quite a bit was also an unexpected plus."

Even though Cindy always makes it out that she finds 'show offy boys' insufferable… she couldn't help but give Eustace credit where it was due in terms of his 'current physique'.

Despite feeling incredibly confused and conflicted even admitting that about Eustace, considering the tall beanpole she remembered him as when they were kids. She was impressed by 'what she was seeing' of Eustace currently. While not overly built and more of a lean kind of muscular bulk up… again, Cindy was interested.

But, she made sure to maintain her front as she remembered something else she wanted to know about.

"What about the teeth? Did the 'overbite' disappear overnight too? I'm surprised boxing hasn't knocked all your teeth out." Cindy remarked in her usual sarcastically yet playfully sassy way, thinking that would get a rise out of him only for Eustace to start chuckling.

Eustace gave her a grin, showing off his now straight teeth as he did so, and responded with a chuckle, "Hardly… About the same time I was admitted to Benton, I had dental reconstruction and braces that took almost 3 years to finish. So… naturally I try to look after myself with headgear and mouth guards when I'm in the ring. But, please, enough about me. I know you are no stranger to throwing a punch yourself. Do you still do karate and taekwondo? From what I've gathered, you aren't so bad yourself?"

Cindy was giving Eustace a surprised look for a fraction of a second, looking shocked that he even remembered she did martial arts from the one time she told him.

And never one to skip an opportunity to talk about her accomplishments, Cindy gave him a coy smile before looking off to the side and starting, "Well…"

2 hours later

After nearly two hours of talking at the bistro, the banter didn't seem to stop there as the talking and laughing continued well into the car ride home and up to the front door of the Vortex's house.

Even shockingly to the point of Cindy even accepting Eustace's arm as he walked her to her door.

Until they separated and turned to face each other as Eustace smiled and started, "Well, I must say, this was quite an enjoyable interlude. And it was a pleasure to have you accept my invitation for a meal and an apology. Although, should I take this as 'apology accepted'? Or at least a start?"

Cindy looked down and saw Eustace holding his hand out to her, giving her a slightly hopeful look.

Although still hesitant, Cindy eventually reached out her hand and shook his as she responded, "Let's call it a start."

Eustace smiled a little more as he said, maintaining eye contact with her, readjusting his hand to hold hers in a traditional gentleman's fashion, before saying, "Splendid. Thank you so much for allowing me to explain myself. When I happened to come across you earlier, I felt like I needed to say something and am very grateful you allowed me to do so. Perhaps we could consider this a fresh start?"

Cindy didn't know how to respond until another blush consumed her as Eustace pressed his lips to the back of her hand.

After Eustace pulled back, Cindy was quick to take her hand back and seemed to want to get back into her house as quickly as possible in an attempt to collect herself until she heard, "Cindy?"

Even though she still felt confused, flustered, and slightly unsure, Cindy slowly turned back around and Eustace stood there with his arms behind his back as he started, "Are you free this Friday? If you are, perhaps I could pick up and we can take a spin in my car. If you're interested, that is?"

Cindy bit her lip, looking conflicted, as she uttered in perplexion, "Well…"

She was trying to think of a way around it until she looked past Eustace's shoulder and noticed Jimmy walking past the window in his room and taking a seat at his desk, not even remotely seeming to be paying attention to anything else except for whatever appeared to be on his desk at the current moment.

Cindy felt her stomach as a tinge of frustration took her over for a moment… as well as another idea.

She tried to play it cool as she started, "Sure, why not? Sounds fun."

Eustace grinned as he responded, sounding pleased by her answer, "Excellent! I'll come at 6 to pick you up." After exchanging smiles, the two went their separate ways and Cindy walked into her house feeling oddly... satisfied.

Sure even though she wasn't quite sure about her new found crush and attraction to Eustace Strych or why she just kept accepting his advances, but either way… she was willing to go with it.

After all to Cindy, this became a win-win scenario for her all things considered.

Best case scenario, she makes Jimmy jealous and finally gets his attention.

Worse case, she gets to date the richest kid in town and at least have bragging rights of having Eustace as a boyfriend if things go somewhere.

Ever the opportunist… Cindy was willing to see what happened with Eustace.

I know its a lot to unpack, but allow me to explain. As I said before, 'King of Mars' and 'League of Villains' never happened in my fanfic so instead I devised an alternate path for Eustace. In my fanfic, I thought it would have been interesting if the reason no one saw Eustace for several years was because he was sent away to reform school. In the show, I never saw Mr. Strych as a bad guy but he just wasn't the best parent and probably would have had his will worn down enough to give in on being a disciplinarian to his son and instead deciding on getting Eustace into a reform school to 'straighten him out' and make him less of a total brat. And this leads over to Cindy. In the show, it was almost kind of a running gag that Cindy kept on forgiving Eustace WAY too easily and going against her skepticism her character usually possessed. To me, while Cindy is still human, I don't think she'd be so stupid to let someone like Eustace fool her twice without good reason to try and trust him again. So to me, I thought it would be more believable if after years of not seeing Eustace (seeing 'how he's changed' ;)) and finding out how he was knocked down some pegs at a reform school would make her more inclined to kind of sort of trust him again. And then of course take advantage of Eustace's interest to try and make Jimmy jealous. Which judging by Jimmy's reaction at the party, it seems our favorite oblivious teenage boy genius didn't seem to notice at all. Lol. XD But, what happened to make the tides turn as they did between Cindy and Eustace? Stay tuned to find out! ;) Anyway, thanks so much for reading and constructive feedback is always appreciated.

Stay classy, healthy, and safe all!

Dexter1995