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CHAPTER 1

Alex, otherwise known as the Red Veran Ranger, was relishing the chance to get outside for a change, and was enjoying basking in the cool crisp autumn air as he walked to the fairgrounds. It had been a quiet few weeks around Veran Ranger HQ, and he was even starting to relax after a grueling series of monster attacks the month prior. The stillness almost made him uneasy, he always tried to remain vigilant as the forces of evil seemed to lurk around every corner. But for once, he could take a deep breath and just enjoy being a teenager for a change.

The Angel Grove Harvest Festival was a local fair at his finest, with booths lined up in the field behind the high school sporting vegetables, pies and other goodies for sale with the standard menagerie of carnival games and rides in full swing. He tried his hands at a few games of ball toss and of course he just had to give the strength tester a swing of the old mallet, though he'd never admit how much he liked showing off his muscles.

After a few hours the games started to all seem a bit dull, and he ventured off to another corner of the festival, seeing a string of balloons leading along a path around the corner and out of sight.

"Well, that's new..." Alex mused to himself, unsure if this section was here last year. The area was tucked away behind the gymnasium and blocked from the view of the rest of the festival by large tents. "Odd place for an attraction if nobody can find it..."

Alex rounded the bend and stopped in his tracks as an enormously plump plush elephant mascot stood across the lawn from him. Standing at over seven feet tall, the chubby creature was covered mostly in white fluff, splotched with various blobs of neon colors in pinks, teals, yellows, and blues, making it look like it was pulled from the pages of a cartoon. To say the elephant's body was rotund, would be an understatement - the mascot looked like a bloated balloon, as if the skin under his fur was latex and there was nothing but air inside him. In spite of this the elephant looked heavy and ponderous, his whole body wobbling as he slowly turned to greet each of the people gathered around him.

The undercover Veran Ranger immediately bristled and tensed, the creature reflexively making him think of all the monsters he had battled, but it's comically rotund stature and kind, friendly gaze made Alex unclench...a little. This was just a some guy in a goofy mascot costume, after all.

He watched for a little bit as the elephant administered hugs, a bit surprised to see adult males walking up and willingly giving him a sincere embrace thinking this was just supposed to be kids' stuff. But watching him move was somewhat mesmerizing, the wobble of his balloon-taut belly as he stamped around, the way his loooong trunk swayed and undulated, and the big happy painted on grin convinced Alex that this was a mascot, and not to be feared for a change. As his watched the elephant extend his pudgy hands to initiate yet another hug he found himself staring at the colorful paw pads, patterned in a variety of colors much like his fur, but Alex could swear that they almost seem to change color.

"See? Aren't cuddles just the greatest?"

A dopey voice came from the large plush elephant, making him seem even more like a giant living teddy bear. As he went in for another hug, the gigantic trunk coiled around his shoulders like a scarf allowing room for the grown man to wrap his arms around his big soft belly, though even the guy seemed a bit embarrassed by what he was doing. With the male in his arms, the elephant seemed to light up like a metronome, blink, blink, blink, almost in a heartbeat fashion. With each flash of his light, the initially resistant man soon came to cuddle him back, and within moments he had buried himself in the elephant's big smothering embrace.

The elephant wanted to keep this man in a long, deep hug, but there were so many people here and he couldn't just hold anyone for too long a time. This made him and his new friends sad, but after giving a big hug to the last visitor he promised that he'd be here for a while so they should come see him again. And just like that the crowd dispersed, walking off and continuing to explore the festival with their arms around their friends, trying to get that same huggy sensation, but it just wasn't the same. He was sad to see them go, but the elephant knew they'd come back.

Patting his hands against his distended stomach, the elephant seemed to sigh happily.

"Mmmmm, such a good hug," he mused to himself before looking up, seeing that he was not alone.

"Ah! Hello there, you scared me!" A grin spread on the plushie's face, always excited to meet a new friend. Something about this one seemed so tense and sad though. Instantly his thoughts kicked into overdrive.

"Excuse me, but are you in need of a hug? You look so... ruffled. Can't have that."

As the crowds parted Alex didn't realize he was alone until the silly voice of the strange elephant broke his reverie. He looked around until he was convinced the mascot was talking to him, then straightened up and stammered a response.

"Hug? Huh? What? Me? I, um...no, I mean, I'm alright. Nothing personal, but I'm not much of a hugger. I'll pass." Alex said and backed up a step. He was about to turn on his heels and leave, but there was something about this overstuffed plushie that made him want to stay. He found himself tracking the paws of the creature with his eyes, the brightly colored pads seeming to draw his attention as the elephant gesticulated and wobbled in such a swishy, distracting manner.

The mascot had spread his arms wide, wiggling his fingers and reaching out, and hoping it would be another easy cuddle buddy. Though it was certainly a step in the right direction to see him relax the slightest bit at the offer, it was always a pleasant sight to know that the offer of a hug was always a delight. He bounced forward with a couple of steps, eagerly expecting an eager acceptance of his offer right away.

But the man stopped, and that just broke the poor plushie's heart... Did he have a heart? Well it certainly felt like it. His dopey grin diminished almost instantly, his colorful arms and hands dipping back down a little as rejection took hold.

"But hugs can take away any bad times and feelings, and, hopefully not being rude myself, but you look so tense and untrusting." Giving what could only be described as a pout, the elephant wiggled about on the spot, swaying his hips in a childish, needy fashion, holding his hands out again.

Anyone who saw those plush pads on his hands would at the very least double take, they were filled with colors colliding with each other, sliding alongside and bouncing together, new colors sprouting out and dancing about like a lava lamp, so relaxing and a little entrancing.

"It's just one hug, and I promise, I give the best hugs, you'll feel like a new man, so relaxed and happy. Just one?"

Alex gritted his teeth and stiffened like a board at the sudden approach of the elephant. Not used to having his personal space invaded so cavalierly, he didn't know quite what to do. His ranger instincts caused his arms to shoot up into an attack pose, but then slacked as the elephant mascot projected sadness with his hangdog shuffling.

"Oh! Oh no, please don't hit me!" the elephant seemed caught off guard and perhaps a little nervous by the attack stance, holding his hands straight out. If Alex wasn't staring directly at the colors before, they were practically shoved into his view and unable to look away. After a moment though, the stance faded, again leaving him seeming so tense and guarded, a little nervous he may have been, but that unhappy, tight and withdrawn look just made Stuff so sad.

Suddenly Alex felt like a jerk.

"Untrusting...feh! Me? I mean, my friends think I'm a nice guy," the ranger said, arms akimbo in a defensive posture, not used to being insulted, especially not by silly looking mascots.

"I just don't like hu...I mean, people who know me have learned that I don't like giving..."

He trailed off, completely taken by the bright swirling colors on the elephants chubby paws, watching red shift to blue and then to green, all melding together. It was hard to tell what was what, but it certainly had caught his attention. The elephant continued to swish his hands like a concert maestro, and Alex's head bobbed up and down in perfect response. Maybe he was being a bit tense. It wasn't like he was being attacked, and would one hug really hurt things. The creature did look quite soft and plump, and though he would rather die than admit it, he imagined he did give pretty good hugs.

"Eh...sure...why not. If you want a hug, let's make it snappy, OK? My friends are supposed to be arriving soon, and I don't really want them to see me hugging some loony toon."

Alex looked around to make sure nobody was watching, then with as little enthusiasm as he could muster he shrugged and stepped forward, barely opening his arms to accept the hug.

"Ohhhh, yes yes yes! I'm so happy you're okay with this, everyone says my hugs just feel so... well, why am I talking about it, duh!"

With Alex's arms stretched out, the elephant waddled those few steps closer and wrapped those chubby arms around his new friend, pulling him in against that rotund figure, knowing the effects of his hug would instantly hit the ranger like running into a wall. Though of course, feeling the exact opposite.

"Ooof hey watch it....oooooohhhhmmmmmmm...!!!!!"

Alex was caught off guard by the wobbling charge of the giant fluffy elephant as he was quickly jerked into a big hug that he wasn't quite prepared for. He squirmed for a hot second, but as the mascot's bulbous, squishy arms encircled his back and pulled him directly into that barrel of a belly a tidal wave of warmth and relaxation enveloped him like a warm fog. He immediately sank deep into the softness, the silky white fur rising up to meet his cheeks with a gentle lap while at the same time swallowing up his body with a comfortably tight compression from head to knee. With one squeeze Alex became a human-sized divot in the elephant's swollen balloon body, and with a pudgy paw to the top of his head the ranger let out a long sigh and leaned his head down to rest it on the mascot's chest.

It was like being cocooned in a childhood blanket with a hot water bottle, surrounded in a lightly toasted marshmallow, all the while floating on a cloud. Times three. That's how good the hug was, so amazingly intoxicating without the actual intoxication.

"Mmm, there we go, does that feel better, new buddy?" the elephant said warmly as he rubbed the top of Alex's head.

In an instant all of Alex's tension melted away, feeling like he was being smothered in an avalanche of the poofiest down pillows in the world while being tucked into bed by a hundred of the kindest mothers. He found it quite impossible to tense up within the warm billowy embrace, and the more he snuggled into it the more his body floated away on a sea of gentle lapping silk waves, creaking and swishing with low whispers that seemed to call to him to forget the harsh realities of the world and come a be hugged forever.

It was only the voices of other festival goers that snapped Alex out of his reverie. Like hitting rapid rewind he was sucked up out of the trance and slapped back into the dull thrum of the schoolyard. He staggered back as the elephant's arms released him, almost falling on his rump but managing to catch himself in time. His eyes look glazed, and putting a hand to the side of his head he shuddered in an attempt to shake off the strange feeling that had just come over him. Alex turned to see a couple who had wandered over, his cheeks flushing red when they giggled at the grown man hugging the silly cartoon elephant.

Alex turned back to the elephant, flashing a sheepish smile as he looked at the ground and rubbed the back of his head.

"Wow...that was just...I mean, how did you make that feel so g..." he stopped, realizing what he was about to say. "I mean, yeah, that was nice. I guess it does feel OK, I think. Ummmm...thanks?"

The ranger shuffled his feet, not wanting to subject himself to further embarrassment but unable to deny the thought that it was the best hug he had ever gotten.

"See, what'd I tell ya?" the pachyderm hummed blissfully, enjoying the hug much himself as well as the recipient. But his enjoyment didn't fully come in until he felt that warmth flowing through him, feeding off the huggy energy as his body grew imperceptibly larger.

The light beat in the elephant's chest much like a real heartbeat as it pulled Alex into its rhythmic thrall. Unfortunately, he didn't get to enjoy it long, it blinked maybe once before Alex found himself pulling away from the soft embrace. It was a shame, the cuddle hadn't lasted a few seconds, but already he could see that loving, glazed look in the boy's eyes.

"A good hug can make anyone feel better, and you certainly look better for it."

Smiling as the boy tripped over his words, clearly saying he'd enjoyed it without outright saying so, but the elephant could tell that he wanted to keep that tough exterior of his up as a facade. A fluffy hand came down onto Alex's hair, ruffling it playfully. Leaning in, he grinned, more warm and inviting than his goofy self would normally portray.

"Don't be a stranger now, you ever think you can tough yourself through another hug or just want to snuggle up, I'm not gonna judge ya and won't tell no one," the elephant chuckled and winked, like it was their little secret.

"I ain't going nowhere for some time, so come on back if you want to."

Trying to keep a stiff upper lip, Alex was nonetheless listening with rapt attention to the silly voice of the plushie elephant, his kind words of encouragement giving him a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. It resonated a little too closely with the Red Veran Ranger, all the time he spent putting up an act, posturing, looking tough, and doing what he thought a leader should do really did take its toll on him. In the end he was just like everyone else; he had feelings and he needed love and affection. Was all his energy spent putting up this front keeping him from experiencing affection and comfort?

For an instant, the thought made him mad. Why was he letting what others thought dictate how he should be acting? Who cares if others giggled when he hugged the big cartoony elephant? Deep down, he felt like he needed hugs just as much as he needed food and water. Either way, he realized that in spite of his blushing cheeks, he hadn't moved from his spot in front of the big wobbling mascot. As strange as it was to say, sharing this moment made him feel a true connection, even if it was with a giant stuffed animal.

"No, I'm sorry, I'm being silly," Alex finally admitted, the words escaping his lips like he was letting out a breath he had been holding onto for years.
"Maybe....maybe I do want another hug. Maybe I'm tired of trying to be so macho all the time. Maybe this is what I've been wanting all along..."

As the words came out of his mouth, Alex could barely believe he was saying all of this. But beneath the sting of shame at letting his guard down, it felt really good to finally admit it.

The ranger looked up into the elephant's big bright eyes, a wave of dizzyness falling over him as the upheld shifting colors of the elephant's pawpads tugged at his attention, not realized just how locked his gaze was on the big bubbly plush.

"So...I mean, if it's alright with you, can I have, you know, maybe just one more hug...?"

CHAPTER 2

The giant elephant looked a little confused at first, trying to understand what Alex was saying, like the male was having a conversation more with himself than the jiggling plushy. However, he'd heard the words 'another hug' and that was all he really needed to understand. The man who had looked so tense, uptight and defenses high enough to reach the clouds had gone and now in his place was someone who was open about himself, could admit to his short comings and best of all, understand his needs were more important than his image.

Of course, while all these were important things to understand, all the elephant could think about was hugs! Before Alex had finished his sentence, the plump creature giggled playfully and decided he wanted to give this man a very special hug. It wasn't often someone asked for another right there, and that thought alone just warmed the plushy to his core, and he wanted to share that with his now friend. His trunk unwrapped itself from around his shoulders and snatched out almost like a whip to wrap around Alex's waist. Before he really had time to resist Alex was lifted up and pulled against the top of the elephant's belly, sinking in as those fat arms wrapped around him once again.

Still giggling so playfully, like a child let alone a cartoon character, the elephant let himself roll backwards to allow Alex's weight to press down on him fully, making the hug deeper and more blissful than befor.. He didn't need to say anything, just let the hug do the talking. He'd made a new friend in Alex and wanted to let him know that it would be the start of something wonderful.

It all happened so fast - the trunk uncoiling, swishing around in the air and swooping down to encircle the ranger that Alex didn't have time to wonder how the mascot could have such dexterous use of what should have been an inanimate prop. He was picked up as easily as if he was a doll, legs kicking as he fell forward into the belly. Big squidgy arms wrapped around him tight, squeezing him tight into the embrace. But he didn't fight the sudden intimacy; all he could see was that big beautiful bulbous belly flying towards his face and filling his view completely.

Alex wasn't quite used to such aggressive affection, and his martial art reflexes forced him to put his hands up to brace the impact, but as they squished into the impossibly soft tummy of the giant elephant he was brought right back into that all-encompassing warmth that had cracked his steely exterior. As they fell backwards together, Alex let out another happy sigh and reached his arms as far around the elephant's body as they would go...which, given his massive girth, only got him as far as the elephant's armpits.

The whole rapid motion felt like a dream in fast forward, and the falling sensation gave Alex the feeling that he was floating through the air to land on the most comfortable mattress in the world. The experience was beyond intense in the most wonderful way - like getting eskimo kisses from an army of angels while being snuggled by a thousand of the puffiest wooly sheep. His entire world suddenly became nothing but the hug, and the familiar and welcome warmth returned only tenfold this time. Completely unaware of his surroundings, Alex mmmmmmm'ed loudly and wriggle himself deeper into the hug, letting gravity do the work of helping him sink into the taut inflated hide of the big silly cartoon elephant.

It was like nothing he had experienced before, and as the hug continued all Alex could think about was how he never wanted to leave the elephant's embrace. His whole body was being swaddled in comforting plushie pudge that wobbled all around him, and he kicked and squirmed just to allow the mascot to wrap him up entirely in his big friendly arms.

Time was irrelevant now, and slowly Alex drifted away to the growing thump of the creature's...heart was it? A slow pulse radiating heat and happy thoughts in a rhythmic drumming, like a hypnotic spell pulling him deeper and deeper into the single-minded desire to stay here and be hugged forever.

The elephant couldn't stop himself from giggling as he rolled about, cuddling happily with his new friend sinking into him almost to the point of practically falling through the material. Gravity mixed with pulling Alex in, it was the most loving cuddle he'd ever given to anyone, it just felt so good. So so good. He began flashing with his heartbeat again, a warm beat of light from deep within him that started to sap Alex's energy more and more with each thump. And with each blink of the light, the hug felt better and better, causing more jiggling and the desire within both of them to not let go.

"Mmm, I hope this isn't the first time you've given someone a hug because yours are really amazing," the elephant hummed, hand idly stroking back and forth over Alex as their session continued, becoming a little intimate as time went on. But the creature had no desire to let go any time soon. The longer this went on the better it felt. Every time he gave a hug, he always felt so much better, so much more happy and bouncy, and everyone always seemed so happy in his cuddles. This one so far was the best, the longest. He liked Alex and wanted somehow to give him this feeling forever.

Since neither of them seemed too bothered with moving, the elephant had an idea he was sure his new friend would love.. For a brief moment it seemed like he took in a breath, the plush and rubber expanding outward before Alex sunk back down, this time a little deeper. Though rather than sinking in like one would hug a toy, it seemed more like his limbs were being enveloped, little by little as if he were in plush quicksand

Alex was a little hesitant at the start, those nagging thoughts of doubt and shame bubbling up and telling him that grown-ups didn't give hugs like this. But with each thump of the elephant's beating heart and the slowly pulsing translucent light drew his focus more and more, a dreamy drifting sensation that made his squirm his way deeper into the smothering hug and forget about everything else.

"This is the first time I've hugged anyone like this...and...well...I feel silly to say, but I love it so much..." Alex blushed as the words simply fell out of his mouth, but the growing warmth radiating from within the plushie's core seemed to encourage him to let go and embrace all those bouncy, happy, snuggly feelings. He barely noticed that he was bucking gently against the billowy tummy of the elephant, but as a fat paw rubbed his head lovingly he realized how much he was enjoying this intimate moment.

A hissing sound registered in Alex's ears, but he was too blissed out nuzzling against the plushie tummy to notice that the elephant was swelling up bigger and bigger around him. The ranger fidgeted and tried to reach his arms around further to compensate, but found that the expanding mass was so soft and squishy that it simply slurped up his arms and legs and swaddled them in an enveloping embrace. The gravity willed him to fall deeper into the cocooning balloon belly, the thumping getting louder and louder in his ears, like a drum beat willing him to march to the tune of this snuggle-obsessed creature. This time however, Alex's resistance was nowhere to be found, and he followed the tune obediently; welcoming the growing warmth as the desire got stronger and stronger in his head - he never wanted to leave his hug...

As if the elephant's grin wasn't enough, it practically burst out with more happiness than could be expressed by most other people.

"You have no idea how pleased I am to hear you say that," he hummed blissfully, momentarily squeezing Alex a little more, he too loving the hug more so than any he'd had today... but he knew things had to come to an end. No matter how much he enjoyed having this guy in his arms. He was feeling so much more exhilarated than from anyone else he'd cuddled, so much strength and warmth flowing through him as all the energy he had drained was sure to leave the teen as weak as a kitten.

"I don't wanna let you go, but I've gotta save some strength for the kids." the mascot sounded a little sad, but he kept up his cheery expression.

"So, I'm gonna make sure you can enjoy my hugs wherever you go. I hope you enjoy it, I don't give this to just anyone. Only to those who are my very best of friends!"

Alex's heart lifted when he was told he could have this hug all the time. So blissed out that he could only mutter a dreamy, breathy response. "I...I would like that very much..."

As the hug continued the thick, plush, rubbery sensation started to envelop Alex, almost smothering him, the rolls of chubby fur and the bouncy material the elephant was made of surrounding his limbs until his arms were completely pinned to his sides. The ranger found himself held where the elephant's chest should be, the squishy stomach wrapping around his waist and backside and slowly spreading down his legs. It was almost as if Alex were being absorbed into the cuddle itself.

I felt like he was being squeezed against an inflating balloon, and as the pressure grew so did Alex's enjoyment. It was like mascot's arms were wrapping tighter and tighter around him, but never stopping. The sensation spread from neck to his wrists and ankles, and though dimly aware as he was lost in his huggy haze, the elephant's silly words rang in his ears and caused a smile to grow from ear to ear.

"Do you feel that? Like my hug is completely surrounding you?" the elephant said as he gazed down at the man stuck in his ballooned tummy. All that seemed to be left were the human's hands, feet and head.

The ranger didn't realize just how much he was enjoying the hug until the elephant mentioned stopping it. Reflexively he cuddled deeper in an attempt to cling to this sensation, though finding that he couldn't quite move in the smother immobilizing squeeze of the inflated tummy all around him. His heart now thumped in time with the elephant's own pulsing core, and he felt like he was a part of him in some strange way. He wasn't quite sure - these were such new feelings, but so powerful that he couldn't deny them.

"Oooh yes...you give such wonderful hugs...I can feel it all over!" he giggled in spite of himself, sounding quite silly, but at that point the rush of joy to his head made him not care how he was acting one bit, just as long as the hug continued.

The squeezing around Alex's entire being became tighter and tighter until it was almost like the clothes around his body were all that separated his skin from mascot's strange fabric. And then within a few seconds, they just seemed to dissolve, and that last remaining barrier was gone. The tight, rubbery feeling pressed right up to Alex's flesh, clinging to him as if it were superglued together, almost bonding with him. The feeling like this hug would never end.

From the outside Alex really did look ridiculous, just a head, hands and feet sticking out of the cartoonishy swollen stomach of the big plushie. With a big dumb grin on his face while the elephant stroked his cheeks patronizingly, Alex mumbled happily to himself, writhing in enjoyment and causing the whole belly wobble like a bowl full of jelly.

With an unexpected bounce, Alex was ejected from against the elephant's stomach, falling a few feet away onto his rear.

"Oh! I'm sorry, I should've warned you about that, when it's finished I'm a bit of a trampoline!" Though it was a sincere apology, the elephant couldn't stop a giggle as he stood up, belly shaking again as he waddled over to help Alex to his feet. Despite no longer being in the plushy's arms though, the hug felt like it hadn't ended... completely. It was difficult to explain.

But it all began with what Alex was now wearing. Aside from his shoes, the human was in no other clothes than a skin-tight body suit, completely white and made of the same rubbery substance that laid underneath all that canvas-esque fur the elephant was made from. It felt exactly like the hug they'd been embraced in mere moments before, though seemed to lack something. It would be hard to figure out what, but the sensation was (almost) there.

"There! Y'look good in that, buddy!" the elephant chuckled, helping Alex up and patting him on his shoulders.

The ranger blushed at the compliment as he stood up, but now finally getting a chance to look at himself Alex gasped audibly. The source of the hug around his body was a thick shiny white rubber suit, skin tight and showing off every contour of his body. Toned biceps, chiseled abs, and a very obvious bulge between his legs. The panic of the sudden embarrassment pushed back at the blissful fog, and his hands immediately shot down to cover up his shame.

"Wh..what did you do to me? What is this? I can't be seen wearing this, it's showing off, well, everything!"

The elephant couldn't stop himself from giggling childishly at the realization, glancing down at every ab shown off by the rubber suit and teasingly running his hands over them. But as Alex's mind raced, a soft paw on his shoulder brushing against the smooth white latex spread a calming wave over the teen.

"Oh my, I guess it kind of does, huh, all the more reason then I suppose," the elephant chimed as if it were oblivious to what he was going on about, and quickly changed the subject.

"Not to worry! Just keep wearing that and you'll be enjoying my hug wherever you go and whatever you do!"

"Enjoying your hug wherever I go...?" Alex's addled mind forgot about his shock as he processed the elephant's words. He was still feeling shy, but knowing that he could be hugged at all times by the big lovable elephant made him...happy. He had to admit that it wasn't quite as nice as the real thing, but his hug was something special and he felt honored to be bestowed such a gift by his new friend.

As the warm hug of the suit persisted, it fought off the panic and returned Alex to a swoony state. He was starting to enjoy his new look, rubbing his hands over the smooth latex just to feel how it caressed his skin in such a titillating manner. But oddly, it wasn't quite as appealing as the soft features of the bloated balloon elephant. Something about that taut squishiness made him think of hugs, and his bony hard physique wasn't really designed for that.

The elephant smiled brightly though looked somewhat quizzical as he looked his friend up and down.

"Hmmm, is a little skinny though, might have to bulk it up a bit, but it'll get there."

"...bulk up?" Alex's bulge quivered ever so slightly at the mere mention.

"Oh, well, of course!" the elephant said brightly, holding up his color shifting paws to keep Alex's rapt attention.

"Not that being skinny or too muscley is a bad thing, of course not, I mean, you look pretty good after all." He made sure to playfully wink at his friend, another low chuckle coming out before shaking his head and moving on.

"My hugs though, well they just won't be as good if they're not as big or bouncy as usual. I mean, imagine me skinny and giving that kind of hug, I'd break like a twig! Or if I wear overly strong, it'd be like you're trying to hug a brick wall!"

Alex's gaze was suddenly drawn to the elephant's massive gut, the timpani sound of his paw swatting his stomach and the slow spreading ripple in the fabric pulled him in like a hypnotist's spiral. His jaw went slack as he stood staring at that big, soft tum. Alex's hesitance melted away as the elephant's encouragement made him feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Instead of being ashamed of his shiny white rubber suit he started to revel in it, puffing out his chest to make it easier for the mascot to caress his body with those big soft paws of his.

"Ohhhh....so that's why you give such amazing hugs..." Alex said as his mind blanked while he processed the thought. Suddenly he wasn't quite sure about the Adonis-like physique he had worked so hard for. New thoughts bubbled up and he wondered what good it all was if he couldn't give those all-enveloping squishy hugs he loved so much? What would he do if the elephant left and he could never hug like that again? The thought alone made him feel sad.

"My cuddles are so amazing because, well, I'm fat! I'm pillow soft and oh so squishy and that just makes things better. I guess your suit needs to be the same, fatten up a little and it should feel better."

The ranger was eating it up. The elephant was leading him to the logical conclusion, all while making it seem like his idea.

"Yeah...that's a good point! I mean, I like my body as it is, but I bet I'd give such good hugs if I was big and plump like you!" Alex said with an uncharacteristic giggle.

"Yeah yeah!" the elephant said eagerly at the idea, his whole body jiggling with excitement. "Big plump plushie hugs are soooo much better! Let me show you how wonderful it can feel."

With the teen's assent the elephant's trunk uncoiled itself from around his neck, the 14' long tube swaying clumsily but the broad nosetip managed to stick itself right up against Alex's belly button. As soon as attached large bulges began travelling down the trunk, twisting and turning comically as they made their way through the tube before forcing themselves into Alex's rubber suit.

It was all so seamless and subtle that Alex had no idea it was happening. It was like a balloon was being inflated around his body, a slow imperceptible building of pressure that got lost in his giddy admissions of enjoyment for the elephant's big tight squishy hugs. It didn't seem possible for the hug to get any tighter, but as his outfit expanded the hug just kept getting better. And the more snug the embrace, the happier the ranger became.

The teen was a little disappointed when the trunk pulled away from his body with a 'pop!', and to his delight when he looked down he noticed that the white latex catsuit had puffed up a little around the middle, his washboard abs and nearly-risque package had plumped enough to give him the start of a wobbly little pot belly. The sight of it excited Alex to no end, and he was suddenly aware that the suit was hugging him just a little tighter. Still not nearly as good as a the elephant's hug, but he happily welcomed the increased rubbery pressure surrounding him.

The bloated mascot wanted to see his new friend get bigger, but he knew there would be plenty of time to plump him up nicely. Even inflated, the suit's would just not be as good as the real thing, and would keep the boy coming back for more. And by the glazed look in the teen's eyes, the elephant knew he was completely under his huggy spell.

"You sure are nice, mister....uh...you know, I've made a new friend and I don't even know your name!"

"Oh my! I do sincerely apologize, I got so caught up in your amazing cuddliness I completely forgot!"

The elephant profusely begged for forgiveness, perhaps going a little overboard, but that seemed in line with the exaggerated character he seemed to portray himself in. He reached out his pudgy hand to leisurely shake Alex's in a welcoming gesture.

"Well, of course an absolute pleasure to meet you new best friend!" he gave in official greeting, grinning almost literally from ear to ear.

"I go by Bubblestuff! But I would just love any nickname you can come up with. I dunno, like, Bubbly, or just Stuff. I dunno, I'm kinda dumb at that kinda thing. I'm sure you'll think of something though, I have faith in you!"

"The name's Alex, and it's a pleasure to meet you mister Bubblestuff. Hey that's a cute name...it's all bouncy and happy just like you! Well Bubbs, I think this may be the start of a beautiful friendship!" he stuck out his hand, and though it was dwarfed by the plump plush paw of the elephant he shook it gladly, exchanging a warm smile with the grinning toon.

Bubblestuff's jaw practically dropped at the idea that came from what was most certainly indeed the beginning of something beautiful.

"Bubbs! I love it I love it I love it!" So excited by the idea, Alex was once more pulled into the plushie's arms. The best hug yet, though of course all of them were the best Alex had ever had.

Following the lead of the plushie's affectionate touches, Alex jovially bumped his puffed hips against Bubblestuff and sidled up beside him. He looked up into his eyes and flashed a grin as if they were sharing some kind of inside joke, but to the outside observer his actions could easily be interpreted as flirting. Alex wasn't quite sure why he was becoming to enamored with the big toony pachyderm, but he was loving every second that his taut inflated fur compressed against his latex covered skin.

To an outside observer, the strangest part of this whole situation would have been how normal the conversation seemed between the obese plush elephant and the teen wearing nothing but a skin-tight white rubber suit. But it didn't phase Alex one bit. He found himself smiling more and more, finding excuses to put his hand on Bubblestuff's body, or slug him in a friendly way, or 'accidentally' lose balance and squish against his belly. In the haze of his growing hug-addiction, nothing the rotund plushie said caused the slightest bit of worry. The Veran ranger couldn't remember the last time he had made such a deep connection like this. He was completely oblivious to how much the plushie's hug had affected him, just thinking it was his own natural outgoing nature coming through.

"You should really give a seminar on how to give hugs! I mean, they are some of the best around. Everyone else doesn't know what they're missing!"

Alex was beating around the bush, his head swimming with blissful thoughts of plump balloony hugs but not quite ready to come right out and ask to become a bloated blimpy hugger like him. But he wasn't exactly trying to escape either...

"Well, one way to get the word out is for you to go bring your friends along!" Bubblestuff suggested excitedly.

"I mean, look at how you turned out, you were so withdrawn and shy about it and now you're a hugging machine! Go show others what my hugs are like, or if they don't believe you, bring 'em here and I'll show them~"

Alex's head was nodding like a bobble head, wearing a dopey grin as he soaked up all the bouncy excitement exuding from Bubblestuff. He let out a squee of delight upon being pulled back into the elephant's puffy clutches, dusting up a whirlwind of happy floaty feelings before coming back down to earth upon his release.

"Yeah that's a great idea! We can have a hugging booth. Or a hug-house; kinda like a fun house but with more hugging! Or how about a hug-coaster? And hug contests!" The ranger babbled on excitedly, still reeling from that last embrace.

"We'll show them all just how good hugs can really be! Let me go get my friends - I know they'll be sooo excited to meet you! Though I'm not sure my hugs would be good enough for them..." Alex said, looking down with shame at less-than-bloated body.

Alex's self-doubt of his own hugs however was saddening. The elephant put a hand on his friends' shoulder comfortingly and shookg his head, his floppy ears and trunk waggling cartoonishly as he did.

"Don't worry, your hugs will be just right for them, and soon enough, you'll be able to give even better cuddles, just don't worry about it," he praised his buddy, knowing the suit would be feeding off his excitement after all. The energy practically exuding out from the now giggly, silly and hug obsessed boy. It wouldn't be too long before he would be sporting a paunch.

"Awww thanks Bubbs! You always know just what to say. I know once I bring them back here they'll meet you and see what hugging is all about!"

The amped-up ranger was all ready to go, not even remotely aware of the reaction that a latex-covered, nearly-naked man would get running through the fairgrounds like this. But Bubblestuff said to go spread the gospel of hugs, and there wasn't anything he would rather do. Anything to earn more hugs from his new pal Bubbs!

"Just do what you think is for the best, bring as many people here as you can and... ooo! I'm already so excited to meet your friends!"

The joy and elation Alex was experiencing just kept building and building, and showed no sign of stopping. He just had to share this huggy love with everyone - especially all of the other Veran Rangers! It was an odd sensation; on one hand, the dizzying giddiness the red ranger was feeling made him feel weak and woozy, but the more he gave in to the bubbly excitement the more bouncy he felt. Almost like he was walking on the moon with its reduced gravity.

"Alright! Stay right here and I'll go get my friends! Oooh I can't wait to see the look on their faces when they get their first hug!"

CHAPTER 3

The Red Veran Ranger took off at a trot, which quickly turned to a bouncing lope through the fairgrounds. He turned quite a few heads as he travelled, the sight of a handsome teen in a lightly inflated white latex suit was a strange sight, but given the cartoonish grin on his face most of the fair attendees just thought it was part of the festivities.

Though his mind was focused on bringing his teammates back to meet his new friend, the smells of festival food soon entered Alex's nose. A hunger like he had never felt before burbled up suddenly, and without even thinking the ranger made a detour to each of the food stands. In minutes his hands were full of cotton candy, funnel cake, ice cream, corndogs and a large bag of kettle corn. As he continued on to find the other rangers, Alex began to wolf down the food without even thinking, sending crumbs everywhere and leaving behind bits of food down his cheeks. For some reason eating felt more wonderful than he could ever remember, and as he packed away the fattening treats he could feel the latex swelling up just a bit more. By the time he was done eating his pot belly had turned into a noticeable gut, a sight which only elated the teen while he basked in the increasing snugness of his rubber outfit. He gave his belly a hearty pat, giggling as it wobbled cutely.

Finally, after searching around for what seemed like an eternity he found Jeremy and Kim, the respective Green and Yellow Veran Rangers, busily throwing rings onto milk bottles at one of the game booths. Excited and out of breath, Alex ran up to greet his compadres.

"Okay, steady now, just keep your cool and..." Jeremy wooped as Kim managed to get one of the rings circling around the bottle neck before carelessly dropping around the empty container. Seeming perhaps a bit more excited than the ranger who'd accomplished it. Kim simply pumped her fist one time, a casual grin spreading between her cheeks as a winner was actively declared. Jeremy was almost childishly glancing around the prizes they were told they could pick from, all a generous helping of fluff and plush which would bring a smile to any kid. And knowing his love for them, Kim was allowing Jeremy to choose.

Their excitement was soon however interrupted by a familiar yet oddly happy sounding voice and turned to see their leader of sorts wearing...

"Oh what fresh hell is this," Jeremy mused out loud. It was one thing to see the usually calm and collected, if a little rough around the edges leader of the Veran Rangers with a grin on his face and a spring in his step, but that wasn't all he seemed off about him. Squeaking and bouncing with each step was what could only be described as a white balloon suit, almost half inflated, and yet still Alex was moving around in it as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He looked like some kind of child-themed mascot from a movie or something.

"Hey guys! I know you're in the middle of a game, but you gotta stop what you're doing and come meet my new friend Bubblestuff! He's the elephant mascot for the festival, and you just gotta try getting a hug from him! It's like hugging a cloud!"

"Alex, buddy, what on earth are you wearing?" Jeremy questioned as carefully as he could, cautiously moving around their now pudgy friend, seeing that this... suit, for lack of a better term, seemed almost encased around him, rounded out over every part of him other than his feet and head. Even the gloved hands were a little bulbous.

Kim cautiously poked at the material around Alex's stomach, feeling the spring and wobble as she quickly pulled back her finger from the warmth radiating out of it.

"Hold up, you wanna take us to see who now?" she queried. "This... bubbles and stuff," which sounded weird when said as a name, let alone a thing. "Is he where you got this...costume...from?"

The other rangers' sarcastic comments flew right over Alex's head, his manic smile not cracking one bit while bouncing around them like an excited puppy.

"Heh heh...nice one guys. You like it?" Alex beamed, doing a turn to show off the puffed latex suit causing it to wobble and bounce. He really did seem proud out it, coming to a stop and letting his pudgy hands bounce off his inflated barrel of a chest.

"I won it! Well it was a gift anyways, from my new buddy. Bubbs as I like to call him. I got it for being such a good hugger! Here, see for yourself!"

Without warning Alex launched himself at Jeremy and Kim, wrapping arm around each of their shoulders and curtly pulling both rangers into a big hug. Caught off guard, the two of them were easily pulled into Alex's hug, rather confused about why he was acting so ditzy.

Their fall was cushioned by his billowy rubber suit, sending up noisy squeaks as they sank into his puffy features until their heads were pinned under his arms. Now, there was no confusion as to what was really causing Alex's odd behavior, especially as the warmth of the hug sank in to the other two rangers. The hug was strangely nice, smooth and not completely unlike a cloud as he had promised. They could swear they heard a hissing sound as Alex held them in his rubbery clutches, barely noticing the suit inflating slightly as it drained more of their leader's energy and willpower.

"C'mon, these games are kid's stuff...you guys gotta come meet him! You won't regret it I promise!"

Kim's eyes grew wide in the instant it happened and quickly attempted to squirm out of it. Her hands initially sunk in rather deep to the squeaky rubber that coated their leader's body, but with enough force, removed herself from him. Alex let them go, but was bouncing in place grinning and looking at each of them eagerly. Jeremy and Kim quickly got the feeling that he wasn't going to give up on this, even if it was some kind of prank he was pulling.

"Alex, you need to get that... thing off," she quickly snapped... Only to see him bouncing about like a child and clearly not listening to her. She sighed heavily, shaking her head.

"Jeremy can you try and talk to him?" Jeremy seemed a little blank and out of it from the hug and really didn't seem to be paying too much attention.

"Hey!" Snapping her fingers in Jeremy's face, Kim quickly snapped him out of his daze.

Shivering out of his stupor, Jeremy steeled himself a little more.

"Dude, I'm sure giving great... well, fantastic cuddles is awesome," he mumbled, face going red with admitting it.

"But, uhm, I think maybe we should do what Kim says, get you out of that thing. It must be stifling, if not, really freaking hot in there..."

In far too bubbly of a mindstate to listen to reason, Alex was starting to get frustrated that his friends weren't as excited about getting big squishy hugs as he was. For a quick moment his bouncing stopped, eyes darting around wildly as he looked for a solution. The Red Veran Ranger was a clever leader, and filtering his quick decision making skills through the haze of his huggy bliss he suddenly thought of a solution.

"Got your stuff!"

With lightning quickness belying his bloated frame, Alex bounced forward and snatched the bag containing all of Kim's yoga outfits and mats from off her shoulders before either of them could react. He knew Kim was cool, calm and collected most times, but if there's one thing that could rile her up, it was messing with her fitness gear.

"Nya nya nya! If you want this back, you're going to have to catch me!"

Alex dangled the bag in front of Kim tauntingly, pulling it back out of reach when she made a swipe to get it back. His whole body jiggled as he bounced and backed up slowly, the movement somehow adding to the ridicule like a red cape in front of a bull's face.

"What the--" The lightning fast movements of the rotund, clumsy looking Alex was completely stunning to his friends as they watched him dash off with her stuff. It was utterly childish and completely unlike Alex, and the more that went on, the more Kim was completely positive that this "Bubblestuff" was more than some mascot for the festival. Turning to Jeremy she narrowed her eyes a little, seeing him giggle at the predicament, seemingly still reeling from the huggy effects he'd been under a few moments ago.

"Ugh, call the others will you, we need to sort this out," Kim commanded, usually treated as the second in command in situations much like this, before she made her way after their waddling, rubbery, squeaky leader.

Jeremy shook his head with a sigh.

"Always on the days off," he muttered before pulling his wrist up and using the communicator to send a distress signal to the remaining rangers, though not urgent, he was still feeling a little dizzy and couldn't seem to shake it, but still, he drew enough focus to chase after the others as soon as he was done.

*************************************************************

"Just got the signal Jeremy. What's up? We're about to go on the haunted house ride with some of Lee's friends," Sarah, the pink ranger said with mild annoyance, wondering why she was being bothered during her time off. The two rangers sighed and excused themselves as their friends passed through the turnstiles.

"I dunno. Alex is in some kind of balloon costume and he just stole Kim's cute little yoga satchel and ran after him. I mean, you gotta see this. Alex looks like a blimp and he's going around hugging everyone! " Jeremy's thoughts drifted while he spoke with the blue and pink Veran Rangers, thinking about every little detail of the hug he had just gotten and completely forgetting to mention the potential monster in their midst.

"Alright. We will be there as soon as possible," Lee said, rolling his eyes and exchanging a look with Sarah while Jeremy excitedly relayed his position.

"That does sound like an odd thing to do for Alex. A radical behavior change could be a sign that a monster is lurking behind the scenes." Lee said.

"Yeah, but did you hear that little giggle in Jeremy's voice? I'll bet you this is just a prank, and he's in on it." Sarah scoffed, and together they jogged off to find their friends.

Description
CHAPTER 1

Alex, otherwise known as the Red Veran Ranger, was relishing the chance to get outside for a change, and was enjoying basking in the cool crisp autumn air as he walked to the fairgrounds. It had been a quiet few weeks around Veran Ranger HQ, and he was even starting to relax after a grueling series of monster attacks the month prior. The stillness almost made him uneasy, he always tried to remain vigilant as the forces of evil seemed to lurk around every corner. But for once, he could take a deep breath and just enjoy being a teenager for a change.

The Angel Grove Harvest Festival was a local fair at his finest, with booths lined up in the field behind the high school sporting vegetables, pies and other goodies for sale with the standard menagerie of carnival games and rides in full swing. He tried his hands at a few games of ball toss and of course he just had to give the strength tester a swing of the old mallet, though he'd never admit how much he liked showing off his muscles.

After a few hours the games started to all seem a bit dull, and he ventured off to another corner of the festival, seeing a string of balloons leading along a path around the corner and out of sight.

"Well, that's new..." Alex mused to himself, unsure if this section was here last year. The area was tucked away behind the gymnasium and blocked from the view of the rest of the festival by large tents. "Odd place for an attraction if nobody can find it..."

Alex rounded the bend and stopped in his tracks as an enormously plump plush elephant mascot stood across the lawn from him. Standing at over seven feet tall, the chubby creature was covered mostly in white fluff, splotched with various blobs of neon colors in pinks, teals, yellows, and blues, making it look like it was pulled from the pages of a cartoon. To say the elephant's body was rotund, would be an understatement - the mascot looked like a bloated balloon, as if the skin under his fur was latex and there was nothing but air inside him. In spite of this the elephant looked heavy and ponderous, his whole body wobbling as he slowly turned to greet each of the people gathered around him.

The undercover Veran Ranger immediately bristled and tensed, the creature reflexively making him think of all the monsters he had battled, but it's comically rotund stature and kind, friendly gaze made Alex unclench...a little. This was just a some guy in a goofy mascot costume, after all.

He watched for a little bit as the elephant administered hugs, a bit surprised to see adult males walking up and willingly giving him a sincere embrace thinking this was just supposed to be kids' stuff. But watching him move was somewhat mesmerizing, the wobble of his balloon-taut belly as he stamped around, the way his loooong trunk swayed and undulated, and the big happy painted on grin convinced Alex that this was a mascot, and not to be feared for a change. As his watched the elephant extend his pudgy hands to initiate yet another hug he found himself staring at the colorful paw pads, patterned in a variety of colors much like his fur, but Alex could swear that they almost seem to change color.

"See? Aren't cuddles just the greatest?"

A dopey voice came from the large plush elephant, making him seem even more like a giant living teddy bear. As he went in for another hug, the gigantic trunk coiled around his shoulders like a scarf allowing room for the grown man to wrap his arms around his big soft belly, though even the guy seemed a bit embarrassed by what he was doing. With the male in his arms, the elephant seemed to light up like a metronome, blink, blink, blink, almost in a heartbeat fashion. With each flash of his light, the initially resistant man soon came to cuddle him back, and within moments he had buried himself in the elephant's big smothering embrace.

The elephant wanted to keep this man in a long, deep hug, but there were so many people here and he couldn't just hold anyone for too long a time. This made him and his new friends sad, but after giving a big hug to the last visitor he promised that he'd be here for a while so they should come see him again. And just like that the crowd dispersed, walking off and continuing to explore the festival with their arms around their friends, trying to get that same huggy sensation, but it just wasn't the same. He was sad to see them go, but the elephant knew they'd come back.

Patting his hands against his distended stomach, the elephant seemed to sigh happily.

"Mmmmm, such a good hug," he mused to himself before looking up, seeing that he was not alone.

"Ah! Hello there, you scared me!" A grin spread on the plushie's face, always excited to meet a new friend. Something about this one seemed so tense and sad though. Instantly his thoughts kicked into overdrive.

"Excuse me, but are you in need of a hug? You look so... ruffled. Can't have that."

As the crowds parted Alex didn't realize he was alone until the silly voice of the strange elephant broke his reverie. He looked around until he was convinced the mascot was talking to him, then straightened up and stammered a response.

"Hug? Huh? What? Me? I, um...no, I mean, I'm alright. Nothing personal, but I'm not much of a hugger. I'll pass." Alex said and backed up a step. He was about to turn on his heels and leave, but there was something about this overstuffed plushie that made him want to stay. He found himself tracking the paws of the creature with his eyes, the brightly colored pads seeming to draw his attention as the elephant gesticulated and wobbled in such a swishy, distracting manner.

The mascot had spread his arms wide, wiggling his fingers and reaching out, and hoping it would be another easy cuddle buddy. Though it was certainly a step in the right direction to see him relax the slightest bit at the offer, it was always a pleasant sight to know that the offer of a hug was always a delight. He bounced forward with a couple of steps, eagerly expecting an eager acceptance of his offer right away.

But the man stopped, and that just broke the poor plushie's heart... Did he have a heart? Well it certainly felt like it. His dopey grin diminished almost instantly, his colorful arms and hands dipping back down a little as rejection took hold.

"But hugs can take away any bad times and feelings, and, hopefully not being rude myself, but you look so tense and untrusting." Giving what could only be described as a pout, the elephant wiggled about on the spot, swaying his hips in a childish, needy fashion, holding his hands out again.

Anyone who saw those plush pads on his hands would at the very least double take, they were filled with colors colliding with each other, sliding alongside and bouncing together, new colors sprouting out and dancing about like a lava lamp, so relaxing and a little entrancing.

"It's just one hug, and I promise, I give the best hugs, you'll feel like a new man, so relaxed and happy. Just one?"

Alex gritted his teeth and stiffened like a board at the sudden approach of the elephant. Not used to having his personal space invaded so cavalierly, he didn't know quite what to do. His ranger instincts caused his arms to shoot up into an attack pose, but then slacked as the elephant mascot projected sadness with his hangdog shuffling.

"Oh! Oh no, please don't hit me!" the elephant seemed caught off guard and perhaps a little nervous by the attack stance, holding his hands straight out. If Alex wasn't staring directly at the colors before, they were practically shoved into his view and unable to look away. After a moment though, the stance faded, again leaving him seeming so tense and guarded, a little nervous he may have been, but that unhappy, tight and withdrawn look just made Stuff so sad.

Suddenly Alex felt like a jerk.

"Untrusting...feh! Me? I mean, my friends think I'm a nice guy," the ranger said, arms akimbo in a defensive posture, not used to being insulted, especially not by silly looking mascots.

"I just don't like hu...I mean, people who know me have learned that I don't like giving..."

He trailed off, completely taken by the bright swirling colors on the elephants chubby paws, watching red shift to blue and then to green, all melding together. It was hard to tell what was what, but it certainly had caught his attention. The elephant continued to swish his hands like a concert maestro, and Alex's head bobbed up and down in perfect response. Maybe he was being a bit tense. It wasn't like he was being attacked, and would one hug really hurt things. The creature did look quite soft and plump, and though he would rather die than admit it, he imagined he did give pretty good hugs.

"Eh...sure...why not. If you want a hug, let's make it snappy, OK? My friends are supposed to be arriving soon, and I don't really want them to see me hugging some loony toon."

Alex looked around to make sure nobody was watching, then with as little enthusiasm as he could muster he shrugged and stepped forward, barely opening his arms to accept the hug.

"Ohhhh, yes yes yes! I'm so happy you're okay with this, everyone says my hugs just feel so... well, why am I talking about it, duh!"

With Alex's arms stretched out, the elephant waddled those few steps closer and wrapped those chubby arms around his new friend, pulling him in against that rotund figure, knowing the effects of his hug would instantly hit the ranger like running into a wall. Though of course, feeling the exact opposite.

"Ooof hey watch it....oooooohhhhmmmmmmm...!!!!!"

Alex was caught off guard by the wobbling charge of the giant fluffy elephant as he was quickly jerked into a big hug that he wasn't quite prepared for. He squirmed for a hot second, but as the mascot's bulbous, squishy arms encircled his back and pulled him directly into that barrel of a belly a tidal wave of warmth and relaxation enveloped him like a warm fog. He immediately sank deep into the softness, the silky white fur rising up to meet his cheeks with a gentle lap while at the same time swallowing up his body with a comfortably tight compression from head to knee. With one squeeze Alex became a human-sized divot in the elephant's swollen balloon body, and with a pudgy paw to the top of his head the ranger let out a long sigh and leaned his head down to rest it on the mascot's chest.

It was like being cocooned in a childhood blanket with a hot water bottle, surrounded in a lightly toasted marshmallow, all the while floating on a cloud. Times three. That's how good the hug was, so amazingly intoxicating without the actual intoxication.

"Mmm, there we go, does that feel better, new buddy?" the elephant said warmly as he rubbed the top of Alex's head.

In an instant all of Alex's tension melted away, feeling like he was being smothered in an avalanche of the poofiest down pillows in the world while being tucked into bed by a hundred of the kindest mothers. He found it quite impossible to tense up within the warm billowy embrace, and the more he snuggled into it the more his body floated away on a sea of gentle lapping silk waves, creaking and swishing with low whispers that seemed to call to him to forget the harsh realities of the world and come a be hugged forever.

It was only the voices of other festival goers that snapped Alex out of his reverie. Like hitting rapid rewind he was sucked up out of the trance and slapped back into the dull thrum of the schoolyard. He staggered back as the elephant's arms released him, almost falling on his rump but managing to catch himself in time. His eyes look glazed, and putting a hand to the side of his head he shuddered in an attempt to shake off the strange feeling that had just come over him. Alex turned to see a couple who had wandered over, his cheeks flushing red when they giggled at the grown man hugging the silly cartoon elephant.

Alex turned back to the elephant, flashing a sheepish smile as he looked at the ground and rubbed the back of his head.

"Wow...that was just...I mean, how did you make that feel so g..." he stopped, realizing what he was about to say. "I mean, yeah, that was nice. I guess it does feel OK, I think. Ummmm...thanks?"

The ranger shuffled his feet, not wanting to subject himself to further embarrassment but unable to deny the thought that it was the best hug he had ever gotten.

"See, what'd I tell ya?" the pachyderm hummed blissfully, enjoying the hug much himself as well as the recipient. But his enjoyment didn't fully come in until he felt that warmth flowing through him, feeding off the huggy energy as his body grew imperceptibly larger.

The light beat in the elephant's chest much like a real heartbeat as it pulled Alex into its rhythmic thrall. Unfortunately, he didn't get to enjoy it long, it blinked maybe once before Alex found himself pulling away from the soft embrace. It was a shame, the cuddle hadn't lasted a few seconds, but already he could see that loving, glazed look in the boy's eyes.

"A good hug can make anyone feel better, and you certainly look better for it."

Smiling as the boy tripped over his words, clearly saying he'd enjoyed it without outright saying so, but the elephant could tell that he wanted to keep that tough exterior of his up as a facade. A fluffy hand came down onto Alex's hair, ruffling it playfully. Leaning in, he grinned, more warm and inviting than his goofy self would normally portray.

"Don't be a stranger now, you ever think you can tough yourself through another hug or just want to snuggle up, I'm not gonna judge ya and won't tell no one," the elephant chuckled and winked, like it was their little secret.

"I ain't going nowhere for some time, so come on back if you want to."

Trying to keep a stiff upper lip, Alex was nonetheless listening with rapt attention to the silly voice of the plushie elephant, his kind words of encouragement giving him a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. It resonated a little too closely with the Red Veran Ranger, all the time he spent putting up an act, posturing, looking tough, and doing what he thought a leader should do really did take its toll on him. In the end he was just like everyone else; he had feelings and he needed love and affection. Was all his energy spent putting up this front keeping him from experiencing affection and comfort?

For an instant, the thought made him mad. Why was he letting what others thought dictate how he should be acting? Who cares if others giggled when he hugged the big cartoony elephant? Deep down, he felt like he needed hugs just as much as he needed food and water. Either way, he realized that in spite of his blushing cheeks, he hadn't moved from his spot in front of the big wobbling mascot. As strange as it was to say, sharing this moment made him feel a true connection, even if it was with a giant stuffed animal.

"No, I'm sorry, I'm being silly," Alex finally admitted, the words escaping his lips like he was letting out a breath he had been holding onto for years.
"Maybe....maybe I do want another hug. Maybe I'm tired of trying to be so macho all the time. Maybe this is what I've been wanting all along..."

As the words came out of his mouth, Alex could barely believe he was saying all of this. But beneath the sting of shame at letting his guard down, it felt really good to finally admit it.

The ranger looked up into the elephant's big bright eyes, a wave of dizzyness falling over him as the upheld shifting colors of the elephant's pawpads tugged at his attention, not realized just how locked his gaze was on the big bubbly plush.

"So...I mean, if it's alright with you, can I have, you know, maybe just one more hug...?"

CHAPTER 2

The giant elephant looked a little confused at first, trying to understand what Alex was saying, like the male was having a conversation more with himself than the jiggling plushy. However, he'd heard the words 'another hug' and that was all he really needed to understand. The man who had looked so tense, uptight and defenses high enough to reach the clouds had gone and now in his place was someone who was open about himself, could admit to his short comings and best of all, understand his needs were more important than his image.

Of course, while all these were important things to understand, all the elephant could think about was hugs! Before Alex had finished his sentence, the plump creature giggled playfully and decided he wanted to give this man a very special hug. It wasn't often someone asked for another right there, and that thought alone just warmed the plushy to his core, and he wanted to share that with his now friend. His trunk unwrapped itself from around his shoulders and snatched out almost like a whip to wrap around Alex's waist. Before he really had time to resist Alex was lifted up and pulled against the top of the elephant's belly, sinking in as those fat arms wrapped around him once again.

Still giggling so playfully, like a child let alone a cartoon character, the elephant let himself roll backwards to allow Alex's weight to press down on him fully, making the hug deeper and more blissful than befor.. He didn't need to say anything, just let the hug do the talking. He'd made a new friend in Alex and wanted to let him know that it would be the start of something wonderful.

It all happened so fast - the trunk uncoiling, swishing around in the air and swooping down to encircle the ranger that Alex didn't have time to wonder how the mascot could have such dexterous use of what should have been an inanimate prop. He was picked up as easily as if he was a doll, legs kicking as he fell forward into the belly. Big squidgy arms wrapped around him tight, squeezing him tight into the embrace. But he didn't fight the sudden intimacy; all he could see was that big beautiful bulbous belly flying towards his face and filling his view completely.

Alex wasn't quite used to such aggressive affection, and his martial art reflexes forced him to put his hands up to brace the impact, but as they squished into the impossibly soft tummy of the giant elephant he was brought right back into that all-encompassing warmth that had cracked his steely exterior. As they fell backwards together, Alex let out another happy sigh and reached his arms as far around the elephant's body as they would go...which, given his massive girth, only got him as far as the elephant's armpits.

The whole rapid motion felt like a dream in fast forward, and the falling sensation gave Alex the feeling that he was floating through the air to land on the most comfortable mattress in the world. The experience was beyond intense in the most wonderful way - like getting eskimo kisses from an army of angels while being snuggled by a thousand of the puffiest wooly sheep. His entire world suddenly became nothing but the hug, and the familiar and welcome warmth returned only tenfold this time. Completely unaware of his surroundings, Alex mmmmmmm'ed loudly and wriggle himself deeper into the hug, letting gravity do the work of helping him sink into the taut inflated hide of the big silly cartoon elephant.

It was like nothing he had experienced before, and as the hug continued all Alex could think about was how he never wanted to leave the elephant's embrace. His whole body was being swaddled in comforting plushie pudge that wobbled all around him, and he kicked and squirmed just to allow the mascot to wrap him up entirely in his big friendly arms.

Time was irrelevant now, and slowly Alex drifted away to the growing thump of the creature's...heart was it? A slow pulse radiating heat and happy thoughts in a rhythmic drumming, like a hypnotic spell pulling him deeper and deeper into the single-minded desire to stay here and be hugged forever.

The elephant couldn't stop himself from giggling as he rolled about, cuddling happily with his new friend sinking into him almost to the point of practically falling through the material. Gravity mixed with pulling Alex in, it was the most loving cuddle he'd ever given to anyone, it just felt so good. So so good. He began flashing with his heartbeat again, a warm beat of light from deep within him that started to sap Alex's energy more and more with each thump. And with each blink of the light, the hug felt better and better, causing more jiggling and the desire within both of them to not let go.

"Mmm, I hope this isn't the first time you've given someone a hug because yours are really amazing," the elephant hummed, hand idly stroking back and forth over Alex as their session continued, becoming a little intimate as time went on. But the creature had no desire to let go any time soon. The longer this went on the better it felt. Every time he gave a hug, he always felt so much better, so much more happy and bouncy, and everyone always seemed so happy in his cuddles. This one so far was the best, the longest. He liked Alex and wanted somehow to give him this feeling forever.

Since neither of them seemed too bothered with moving, the elephant had an idea he was sure his new friend would love.. For a brief moment it seemed like he took in a breath, the plush and rubber expanding outward before Alex sunk back down, this time a little deeper. Though rather than sinking in like one would hug a toy, it seemed more like his limbs were being enveloped, little by little as if he were in plush quicksand

Alex was a little hesitant at the start, those nagging thoughts of doubt and shame bubbling up and telling him that grown-ups didn't give hugs like this. But with each thump of the elephant's beating heart and the slowly pulsing translucent light drew his focus more and more, a dreamy drifting sensation that made his squirm his way deeper into the smothering hug and forget about everything else.

"This is the first time I've hugged anyone like this...and...well...I feel silly to say, but I love it so much..." Alex blushed as the words simply fell out of his mouth, but the growing warmth radiating from within the plushie's core seemed to encourage him to let go and embrace all those bouncy, happy, snuggly feelings. He barely noticed that he was bucking gently against the billowy tummy of the elephant, but as a fat paw rubbed his head lovingly he realized how much he was enjoying this intimate moment.

A hissing sound registered in Alex's ears, but he was too blissed out nuzzling against the plushie tummy to notice that the elephant was swelling up bigger and bigger around him. The ranger fidgeted and tried to reach his arms around further to compensate, but found that the expanding mass was so soft and squishy that it simply slurped up his arms and legs and swaddled them in an enveloping embrace. The gravity willed him to fall deeper into the cocooning balloon belly, the thumping getting louder and louder in his ears, like a drum beat willing him to march to the tune of this snuggle-obsessed creature. This time however, Alex's resistance was nowhere to be found, and he followed the tune obediently; welcoming the growing warmth as the desire got stronger and stronger in his head - he never wanted to leave his hug...

As if the elephant's grin wasn't enough, it practically burst out with more happiness than could be expressed by most other people.

"You have no idea how pleased I am to hear you say that," he hummed blissfully, momentarily squeezing Alex a little more, he too loving the hug more so than any he'd had today... but he knew things had to come to an end. No matter how much he enjoyed having this guy in his arms. He was feeling so much more exhilarated than from anyone else he'd cuddled, so much strength and warmth flowing through him as all the energy he had drained was sure to leave the teen as weak as a kitten.

"I don't wanna let you go, but I've gotta save some strength for the kids." the mascot sounded a little sad, but he kept up his cheery expression.

"So, I'm gonna make sure you can enjoy my hugs wherever you go. I hope you enjoy it, I don't give this to just anyone. Only to those who are my very best of friends!"

Alex's heart lifted when he was told he could have this hug all the time. So blissed out that he could only mutter a dreamy, breathy response. "I...I would like that very much..."

As the hug continued the thick, plush, rubbery sensation started to envelop Alex, almost smothering him, the rolls of chubby fur and the bouncy material the elephant was made of surrounding his limbs until his arms were completely pinned to his sides. The ranger found himself held where the elephant's chest should be, the squishy stomach wrapping around his waist and backside and slowly spreading down his legs. It was almost as if Alex were being absorbed into the cuddle itself.

I felt like he was being squeezed against an inflating balloon, and as the pressure grew so did Alex's enjoyment. It was like mascot's arms were wrapping tighter and tighter around him, but never stopping. The sensation spread from neck to his wrists and ankles, and though dimly aware as he was lost in his huggy haze, the elephant's silly words rang in his ears and caused a smile to grow from ear to ear.

"Do you feel that? Like my hug is completely surrounding you?" the elephant said as he gazed down at the man stuck in his ballooned tummy. All that seemed to be left were the human's hands, feet and head.

The ranger didn't realize just how much he was enjoying the hug until the elephant mentioned stopping it. Reflexively he cuddled deeper in an attempt to cling to this sensation, though finding that he couldn't quite move in the smother immobilizing squeeze of the inflated tummy all around him. His heart now thumped in time with the elephant's own pulsing core, and he felt like he was a part of him in some strange way. He wasn't quite sure - these were such new feelings, but so powerful that he couldn't deny them.

"Oooh yes...you give such wonderful hugs...I can feel it all over!" he giggled in spite of himself, sounding quite silly, but at that point the rush of joy to his head made him not care how he was acting one bit, just as long as the hug continued.

The squeezing around Alex's entire being became tighter and tighter until it was almost like the clothes around his body were all that separated his skin from mascot's strange fabric. And then within a few seconds, they just seemed to dissolve, and that last remaining barrier was gone. The tight, rubbery feeling pressed right up to Alex's flesh, clinging to him as if it were superglued together, almost bonding with him. The feeling like this hug would never end.

From the outside Alex really did look ridiculous, just a head, hands and feet sticking out of the cartoonishy swollen stomach of the big plushie. With a big dumb grin on his face while the elephant stroked his cheeks patronizingly, Alex mumbled happily to himself, writhing in enjoyment and causing the whole belly wobble like a bowl full of jelly.

With an unexpected bounce, Alex was ejected from against the elephant's stomach, falling a few feet away onto his rear.

"Oh! I'm sorry, I should've warned you about that, when it's finished I'm a bit of a trampoline!" Though it was a sincere apology, the elephant couldn't stop a giggle as he stood up, belly shaking again as he waddled over to help Alex to his feet. Despite no longer being in the plushy's arms though, the hug felt like it hadn't ended... completely. It was difficult to explain.

But it all began with what Alex was now wearing. Aside from his shoes, the human was in no other clothes than a skin-tight body suit, completely white and made of the same rubbery substance that laid underneath all that canvas-esque fur the elephant was made from. It felt exactly like the hug they'd been embraced in mere moments before, though seemed to lack something. It would be hard to figure out what, but the sensation was (almost) there.

"There! Y'look good in that, buddy!" the elephant chuckled, helping Alex up and patting him on his shoulders.

The ranger blushed at the compliment as he stood up, but now finally getting a chance to look at himself Alex gasped audibly. The source of the hug around his body was a thick shiny white rubber suit, skin tight and showing off every contour of his body. Toned biceps, chiseled abs, and a very obvious bulge between his legs. The panic of the sudden embarrassment pushed back at the blissful fog, and his hands immediately shot down to cover up his shame.

"Wh..what did you do to me? What is this? I can't be seen wearing this, it's showing off, well, everything!"

The elephant couldn't stop himself from giggling childishly at the realization, glancing down at every ab shown off by the rubber suit and teasingly running his hands over them. But as Alex's mind raced, a soft paw on his shoulder brushing against the smooth white latex spread a calming wave over the teen.

"Oh my, I guess it kind of does, huh, all the more reason then I suppose," the elephant chimed as if it were oblivious to what he was going on about, and quickly changed the subject.

"Not to worry! Just keep wearing that and you'll be enjoying my hug wherever you go and whatever you do!"

"Enjoying your hug wherever I go...?" Alex's addled mind forgot about his shock as he processed the elephant's words. He was still feeling shy, but knowing that he could be hugged at all times by the big lovable elephant made him...happy. He had to admit that it wasn't quite as nice as the real thing, but his hug was something special and he felt honored to be bestowed such a gift by his new friend.

As the warm hug of the suit persisted, it fought off the panic and returned Alex to a swoony state. He was starting to enjoy his new look, rubbing his hands over the smooth latex just to feel how it caressed his skin in such a titillating manner. But oddly, it wasn't quite as appealing as the soft features of the bloated balloon elephant. Something about that taut squishiness made him think of hugs, and his bony hard physique wasn't really designed for that.

The elephant smiled brightly though looked somewhat quizzical as he looked his friend up and down.

"Hmmm, is a little skinny though, might have to bulk it up a bit, but it'll get there."

"...bulk up?" Alex's bulge quivered ever so slightly at the mere mention.

"Oh, well, of course!" the elephant said brightly, holding up his color shifting paws to keep Alex's rapt attention.

"Not that being skinny or too muscley is a bad thing, of course not, I mean, you look pretty good after all." He made sure to playfully wink at his friend, another low chuckle coming out before shaking his head and moving on.

"My hugs though, well they just won't be as good if they're not as big or bouncy as usual. I mean, imagine me skinny and giving that kind of hug, I'd break like a twig! Or if I wear overly strong, it'd be like you're trying to hug a brick wall!"

Alex's gaze was suddenly drawn to the elephant's massive gut, the timpani sound of his paw swatting his stomach and the slow spreading ripple in the fabric pulled him in like a hypnotist's spiral. His jaw went slack as he stood staring at that big, soft tum. Alex's hesitance melted away as the elephant's encouragement made him feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Instead of being ashamed of his shiny white rubber suit he started to revel in it, puffing out his chest to make it easier for the mascot to caress his body with those big soft paws of his.

"Ohhhh....so that's why you give such amazing hugs..." Alex said as his mind blanked while he processed the thought. Suddenly he wasn't quite sure about the Adonis-like physique he had worked so hard for. New thoughts bubbled up and he wondered what good it all was if he couldn't give those all-enveloping squishy hugs he loved so much? What would he do if the elephant left and he could never hug like that again? The thought alone made him feel sad.

"My cuddles are so amazing because, well, I'm fat! I'm pillow soft and oh so squishy and that just makes things better. I guess your suit needs to be the same, fatten up a little and it should feel better."

The ranger was eating it up. The elephant was leading him to the logical conclusion, all while making it seem like his idea.

"Yeah...that's a good point! I mean, I like my body as it is, but I bet I'd give such good hugs if I was big and plump like you!" Alex said with an uncharacteristic giggle.

"Yeah yeah!" the elephant said eagerly at the idea, his whole body jiggling with excitement. "Big plump plushie hugs are soooo much better! Let me show you how wonderful it can feel."

With the teen's assent the elephant's trunk uncoiled itself from around his neck, the 14' long tube swaying clumsily but the broad nosetip managed to stick itself right up against Alex's belly button. As soon as attached large bulges began travelling down the trunk, twisting and turning comically as they made their way through the tube before forcing themselves into Alex's rubber suit.

It was all so seamless and subtle that Alex had no idea it was happening. It was like a balloon was being inflated around his body, a slow imperceptible building of pressure that got lost in his giddy admissions of enjoyment for the elephant's big tight squishy hugs. It didn't seem possible for the hug to get any tighter, but as his outfit expanded the hug just kept getting better. And the more snug the embrace, the happier the ranger became.

The teen was a little disappointed when the trunk pulled away from his body with a 'pop!', and to his delight when he looked down he noticed that the white latex catsuit had puffed up a little around the middle, his washboard abs and nearly-risque package had plumped enough to give him the start of a wobbly little pot belly. The sight of it excited Alex to no end, and he was suddenly aware that the suit was hugging him just a little tighter. Still not nearly as good as a the elephant's hug, but he happily welcomed the increased rubbery pressure surrounding him.

The bloated mascot wanted to see his new friend get bigger, but he knew there would be plenty of time to plump him up nicely. Even inflated, the suit's would just not be as good as the real thing, and would keep the boy coming back for more. And by the glazed look in the teen's eyes, the elephant knew he was completely under his huggy spell.

"You sure are nice, mister....uh...you know, I've made a new friend and I don't even know your name!"

"Oh my! I do sincerely apologize, I got so caught up in your amazing cuddliness I completely forgot!"

The elephant profusely begged for forgiveness, perhaps going a little overboard, but that seemed in line with the exaggerated character he seemed to portray himself in. He reached out his pudgy hand to leisurely shake Alex's in a welcoming gesture.

"Well, of course an absolute pleasure to meet you new best friend!" he gave in official greeting, grinning almost literally from ear to ear.

"I go by Bubblestuff! But I would just love any nickname you can come up with. I dunno, like, Bubbly, or just Stuff. I dunno, I'm kinda dumb at that kinda thing. I'm sure you'll think of something though, I have faith in you!"

"The name's Alex, and it's a pleasure to meet you mister Bubblestuff. Hey that's a cute name...it's all bouncy and happy just like you! Well Bubbs, I think this may be the start of a beautiful friendship!" he stuck out his hand, and though it was dwarfed by the plump plush paw of the elephant he shook it gladly, exchanging a warm smile with the grinning toon.

Bubblestuff's jaw practically dropped at the idea that came from what was most certainly indeed the beginning of something beautiful.

"Bubbs! I love it I love it I love it!" So excited by the idea, Alex was once more pulled into the plushie's arms. The best hug yet, though of course all of them were the best Alex had ever had.

Following the lead of the plushie's affectionate touches, Alex jovially bumped his puffed hips against Bubblestuff and sidled up beside him. He looked up into his eyes and flashed a grin as if they were sharing some kind of inside joke, but to the outside observer his actions could easily be interpreted as flirting. Alex wasn't quite sure why he was becoming to enamored with the big toony pachyderm, but he was loving every second that his taut inflated fur compressed against his latex covered skin.

To an outside observer, the strangest part of this whole situation would have been how normal the conversation seemed between the obese plush elephant and the teen wearing nothing but a skin-tight white rubber suit. But it didn't phase Alex one bit. He found himself smiling more and more, finding excuses to put his hand on Bubblestuff's body, or slug him in a friendly way, or 'accidentally' lose balance and squish against his belly. In the haze of his growing hug-addiction, nothing the rotund plushie said caused the slightest bit of worry. The Veran ranger couldn't remember the last time he had made such a deep connection like this. He was completely oblivious to how much the plushie's hug had affected him, just thinking it was his own natural outgoing nature coming through.

"You should really give a seminar on how to give hugs! I mean, they are some of the best around. Everyone else doesn't know what they're missing!"

Alex was beating around the bush, his head swimming with blissful thoughts of plump balloony hugs but not quite ready to come right out and ask to become a bloated blimpy hugger like him. But he wasn't exactly trying to escape either...

"Well, one way to get the word out is for you to go bring your friends along!" Bubblestuff suggested excitedly.

"I mean, look at how you turned out, you were so withdrawn and shy about it and now you're a hugging machine! Go show others what my hugs are like, or if they don't believe you, bring 'em here and I'll show them~"

Alex's head was nodding like a bobble head, wearing a dopey grin as he soaked up all the bouncy excitement exuding from Bubblestuff. He let out a squee of delight upon being pulled back into the elephant's puffy clutches, dusting up a whirlwind of happy floaty feelings before coming back down to earth upon his release.

"Yeah that's a great idea! We can have a hugging booth. Or a hug-house; kinda like a fun house but with more hugging! Or how about a hug-coaster? And hug contests!" The ranger babbled on excitedly, still reeling from that last embrace.

"We'll show them all just how good hugs can really be! Let me go get my friends - I know they'll be sooo excited to meet you! Though I'm not sure my hugs would be good enough for them..." Alex said, looking down with shame at less-than-bloated body.

Alex's self-doubt of his own hugs however was saddening. The elephant put a hand on his friends' shoulder comfortingly and shookg his head, his floppy ears and trunk waggling cartoonishly as he did.

"Don't worry, your hugs will be just right for them, and soon enough, you'll be able to give even better cuddles, just don't worry about it," he praised his buddy, knowing the suit would be feeding off his excitement after all. The energy practically exuding out from the now giggly, silly and hug obsessed boy. It wouldn't be too long before he would be sporting a paunch.

"Awww thanks Bubbs! You always know just what to say. I know once I bring them back here they'll meet you and see what hugging is all about!"

The amped-up ranger was all ready to go, not even remotely aware of the reaction that a latex-covered, nearly-naked man would get running through the fairgrounds like this. But Bubblestuff said to go spread the gospel of hugs, and there wasn't anything he would rather do. Anything to earn more hugs from his new pal Bubbs!

"Just do what you think is for the best, bring as many people here as you can and... ooo! I'm already so excited to meet your friends!"

The joy and elation Alex was experiencing just kept building and building, and showed no sign of stopping. He just had to share this huggy love with everyone - especially all of the other Veran Rangers! It was an odd sensation; on one hand, the dizzying giddiness the red ranger was feeling made him feel weak and woozy, but the more he gave in to the bubbly excitement the more bouncy he felt. Almost like he was walking on the moon with its reduced gravity.

"Alright! Stay right here and I'll go get my friends! Oooh I can't wait to see the look on their faces when they get their first hug!"

CHAPTER 3

The Red Veran Ranger took off at a trot, which quickly turned to a bouncing lope through the fairgrounds. He turned quite a few heads as he travelled, the sight of a handsome teen in a lightly inflated white latex suit was a strange sight, but given the cartoonish grin on his face most of the fair attendees just thought it was part of the festivities.

Though his mind was focused on bringing his teammates back to meet his new friend, the smells of festival food soon entered Alex's nose. A hunger like he had never felt before burbled up suddenly, and without even thinking the ranger made a detour to each of the food stands. In minutes his hands were full of cotton candy, funnel cake, ice cream, corndogs and a large bag of kettle corn. As he continued on to find the other rangers, Alex began to wolf down the food without even thinking, sending crumbs everywhere and leaving behind bits of food down his cheeks. For some reason eating felt more wonderful than he could ever remember, and as he packed away the fattening treats he could feel the latex swelling up just a bit more. By the time he was done eating his pot belly had turned into a noticeable gut, a sight which only elated the teen while he basked in the increasing snugness of his rubber outfit. He gave his belly a hearty pat, giggling as it wobbled cutely.

Finally, after searching around for what seemed like an eternity he found Jeremy and Kim, the respective Green and Yellow Veran Rangers, busily throwing rings onto milk bottles at one of the game booths. Excited and out of breath, Alex ran up to greet his compadres.

"Okay, steady now, just keep your cool and..." Jeremy wooped as Kim managed to get one of the rings circling around the bottle neck before carelessly dropping around the empty container. Seeming perhaps a bit more excited than the ranger who'd accomplished it. Kim simply pumped her fist one time, a casual grin spreading between her cheeks as a winner was actively declared. Jeremy was almost childishly glancing around the prizes they were told they could pick from, all a generous helping of fluff and plush which would bring a smile to any kid. And knowing his love for them, Kim was allowing Jeremy to choose.

Their excitement was soon however interrupted by a familiar yet oddly happy sounding voice and turned to see their leader of sorts wearing...

"Oh what fresh hell is this," Jeremy mused out loud. It was one thing to see the usually calm and collected, if a little rough around the edges leader of the Veran Rangers with a grin on his face and a spring in his step, but that wasn't all he seemed off about him. Squeaking and bouncing with each step was what could only be described as a white balloon suit, almost half inflated, and yet still Alex was moving around in it as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He looked like some kind of child-themed mascot from a movie or something.

"Hey guys! I know you're in the middle of a game, but you gotta stop what you're doing and come meet my new friend Bubblestuff! He's the elephant mascot for the festival, and you just gotta try getting a hug from him! It's like hugging a cloud!"

"Alex, buddy, what on earth are you wearing?" Jeremy questioned as carefully as he could, cautiously moving around their now pudgy friend, seeing that this... suit, for lack of a better term, seemed almost encased around him, rounded out over every part of him other than his feet and head. Even the gloved hands were a little bulbous.

Kim cautiously poked at the material around Alex's stomach, feeling the spring and wobble as she quickly pulled back her finger from the warmth radiating out of it.

"Hold up, you wanna take us to see who now?" she queried. "This... bubbles and stuff," which sounded weird when said as a name, let alone a thing. "Is he where you got this...costume...from?"

The other rangers' sarcastic comments flew right over Alex's head, his manic smile not cracking one bit while bouncing around them like an excited puppy.

"Heh heh...nice one guys. You like it?" Alex beamed, doing a turn to show off the puffed latex suit causing it to wobble and bounce. He really did seem proud out it, coming to a stop and letting his pudgy hands bounce off his inflated barrel of a chest.

"I won it! Well it was a gift anyways, from my new buddy. Bubbs as I like to call him. I got it for being such a good hugger! Here, see for yourself!"

Without warning Alex launched himself at Jeremy and Kim, wrapping arm around each of their shoulders and curtly pulling both rangers into a big hug. Caught off guard, the two of them were easily pulled into Alex's hug, rather confused about why he was acting so ditzy.

Their fall was cushioned by his billowy rubber suit, sending up noisy squeaks as they sank into his puffy features until their heads were pinned under his arms. Now, there was no confusion as to what was really causing Alex's odd behavior, especially as the warmth of the hug sank in to the other two rangers. The hug was strangely nice, smooth and not completely unlike a cloud as he had promised. They could swear they heard a hissing sound as Alex held them in his rubbery clutches, barely noticing the suit inflating slightly as it drained more of their leader's energy and willpower.

"C'mon, these games are kid's stuff...you guys gotta come meet him! You won't regret it I promise!"

Kim's eyes grew wide in the instant it happened and quickly attempted to squirm out of it. Her hands initially sunk in rather deep to the squeaky rubber that coated their leader's body, but with enough force, removed herself from him. Alex let them go, but was bouncing in place grinning and looking at each of them eagerly. Jeremy and Kim quickly got the feeling that he wasn't going to give up on this, even if it was some kind of prank he was pulling.

"Alex, you need to get that... thing off," she quickly snapped... Only to see him bouncing about like a child and clearly not listening to her. She sighed heavily, shaking her head.

"Jeremy can you try and talk to him?" Jeremy seemed a little blank and out of it from the hug and really didn't seem to be paying too much attention.

"Hey!" Snapping her fingers in Jeremy's face, Kim quickly snapped him out of his daze.

Shivering out of his stupor, Jeremy steeled himself a little more.

"Dude, I'm sure giving great... well, fantastic cuddles is awesome," he mumbled, face going red with admitting it.

"But, uhm, I think maybe we should do what Kim says, get you out of that thing. It must be stifling, if not, really freaking hot in there..."

In far too bubbly of a mindstate to listen to reason, Alex was starting to get frustrated that his friends weren't as excited about getting big squishy hugs as he was. For a quick moment his bouncing stopped, eyes darting around wildly as he looked for a solution. The Red Veran Ranger was a clever leader, and filtering his quick decision making skills through the haze of his huggy bliss he suddenly thought of a solution.

"Got your stuff!"

With lightning quickness belying his bloated frame, Alex bounced forward and snatched the bag containing all of Kim's yoga outfits and mats from off her shoulders before either of them could react. He knew Kim was cool, calm and collected most times, but if there's one thing that could rile her up, it was messing with her fitness gear.

"Nya nya nya! If you want this back, you're going to have to catch me!"

Alex dangled the bag in front of Kim tauntingly, pulling it back out of reach when she made a swipe to get it back. His whole body jiggled as he bounced and backed up slowly, the movement somehow adding to the ridicule like a red cape in front of a bull's face.

"What the--" The lightning fast movements of the rotund, clumsy looking Alex was completely stunning to his friends as they watched him dash off with her stuff. It was utterly childish and completely unlike Alex, and the more that went on, the more Kim was completely positive that this "Bubblestuff" was more than some mascot for the festival. Turning to Jeremy she narrowed her eyes a little, seeing him giggle at the predicament, seemingly still reeling from the huggy effects he'd been under a few moments ago.

"Ugh, call the others will you, we need to sort this out," Kim commanded, usually treated as the second in command in situations much like this, before she made her way after their waddling, rubbery, squeaky leader.

Jeremy shook his head with a sigh.

"Always on the days off," he muttered before pulling his wrist up and using the communicator to send a distress signal to the remaining rangers, though not urgent, he was still feeling a little dizzy and couldn't seem to shake it, but still, he drew enough focus to chase after the others as soon as he was done.

*************************************************************

"Just got the signal Jeremy. What's up? We're about to go on the haunted house ride with some of Lee's friends," Sarah, the pink ranger said with mild annoyance, wondering why she was being bothered during her time off. The two rangers sighed and excused themselves as their friends passed through the turnstiles.

"I dunno. Alex is in some kind of balloon costume and he just stole Kim's cute little yoga satchel and ran after him. I mean, you gotta see this. Alex looks like a blimp and he's going around hugging everyone! " Jeremy's thoughts drifted while he spoke with the blue and pink Veran Rangers, thinking about every little detail of the hug he had just gotten and completely forgetting to mention the potential monster in their midst.

"Alright. We will be there as soon as possible," Lee said, rolling his eyes and exchanging a look with Sarah while Jeremy excitedly relayed his position.

"That does sound like an odd thing to do for Alex. A radical behavior change could be a sign that a monster is lurking behind the scenes." Lee said.

"Yeah, but did you hear that little giggle in Jeremy's voice? I'll bet you this is just a prank, and he's in on it." Sarah scoffed, and together they jogged off to find their friends.