Ensnared

by Carriedreamer

Part III: Roulette: Blossom is surprised to find herself in what seems like some high end Casino- Why Though? Why is this her test? :: AU [Reds]

1. Part I: Spoil of War

A/N: Hello my lovelies and happy October. And y'all know what that means! Another Horror centric story from the mind of Carriedreamer: Believe it or not I am hoping to become a horror writer at some point ;p And so welcome back to my annual tradition in October- a new horror and or paranormal laced story to be released if not finished in fill during the month ( Demon Nip turned into a bigger project than I thought and so it has taken the place of "The Thing" being the first full length attempt at pure "humor/parody" I have ever attempted- Chapter 3: "Two Heads are Better than one" - IS coming soon- ( in production as we speak)

And now lovelies- for anyone curious: I present:

"Ensnared:

A story of temptation... and exploration into the darkness prevalent in even the "nicest" soul.

Enjoy my lovelies... ;)

---

We are each our own devil, and we make this world our hell."
— Oscar Wilde

0-o-0

I won't do it.

You can't make me!

…. You wouldn't dare-!

… Yes Mother.

Three little girls. Three little boys. Counterparts. Equals ( in theory) and the six of them would be the harbingers of Mother's greatest victory.

Again. In theory.

Brick Jojo begged to differ. In varying levels of screaming. Yelling- roaring- bashed across the head and fireballs spitting.

It was infuriating. This entire debacle was ridiculous.

Brick was above being "scolded" like a child god damn it! And yet here he was- being scolded like he was still five years old and-!

His lame ass brothers- they'd be fine. No more than fine. But Brick? Brick the fucking leader, the hottest, strongest and most badass of the Rowdyruff Boys- the bludgeoner, The over all greatest villain this side of this miserable state!

He was going to be in the goddamn yoke.

Brick was only twenty-five years old and now he would have to ignore all the gorgeous sluts who threw themselves at him on a daily basis and instead he was going to be stuck with a flat, ice cold, prude for the rest of his goddamn life.

Life wasn't fair.

Yes he understood the so called "benefits"- begrudgingly… of Mother's plan! It would make everything run so much smoother, better, everything would work better blah blah blah- But… fucking hell it just wasn't fair!

But Brick had his orders. And sooner or later he'd have to follow them. Just not yet. He didn't have to do it just yet so he wouldn't! So there! He was young and he was allowed to have a goddamn life before-!

" Like… morning babyyyy."

He inwardly cringed. Sexy yes. Slutty and willing to do whatever was in Brick's sick and twisted mind? Oh fuck yes.

But they all were inevitably dumb as a fucking post.

He scowled- freed his arm from the whore of the day and she pouted. Ugh she didn't want to...talk did she? Listening to her prattle had been bad enough last night before he'd managed to shut her up by fucking her into a stupor last night.

Ugh. Well at least the "icy" prude would be able to take it and he wouldn't have to slow down anymore. Bitch was probably still a virgin. That'd be interesting he guessed. A minor thrill- tch maybe if he got lucky it'd be that one time only deal: Surely the demon wouldn't expect more than one… spawn so to speak.

He shuddered and grabbed the hot arm candy. She squealed- ugh why were they always so fucking loud! He accepted the sloppy hungover kiss with no comment- she wasn't staying long anyway. He had no idea what her name even was and Brick didn't… "cuddle" regardless.

This one clearly wanted to.

Ugh. He really didn't want to get yelled at again for messing up his sheets- blood never came out and God knows " Mother" would have a cow which would turn into a lecture and order to " get moving!"

Bull. Shit.

He was a grown ass man. He was not-.

The door pounded, slammed open and the stupid chick shrieked and covered herself. Yeah okay- now she was modest ugh fuck it.

He knocked the whore out and both his brothers- lame ass lucky assholes- gaped up at him. Boomer dumb as a post- His intelligence barely superseding the unconscious….Ugh. He'd picked up a redhead… gross Brick hated redheads.

Reminded him too much of his unfair fate.

Butch however looked like a seething rabid dog. Twitching like mad- teeth grit in a fanged snarl. Brick rolled his eyes- Mother's favorite unhinged dog had clearly had a bad day.

Tch. Bastard had nothing to complain over. He wasn't going to have to stick it to some prude -!

Ugh. No, no. Must be the mature one here. Mother had said so. Lucky bastards.

" Bro." Butch growled, Boomer cowered next to him like a total sap. Brick only rolled his eyes.

" The hell is it this time Butch?" He sighed, his brother only snarled more.

" I saw em'." He rasped. Brick stiffened and folded his arms. Them in this case only meant one thing. And it wasn't something he had any intention of doing today. Or tomorrow. Or the next week.

He was a brilliant asshole. He'd find a way out of this-!

"B-Brick?" Boomer tapped his arm and despite the sneer he got back he pointed anyway. Ah…. that was a problem. Butch looked ready to kill. Had always had a temper this one. Brick only sighed.

" What happened this time Butch?" He drawled.

" She fuckin' ignored me! Was too busy hangin' round those dumb ass humans lookin' for some and her lame ass sisters were there lookin' too!"

Brick raised an eyebrow but the blonde next to him stiffened and puffed his shoulders indignantly,

" Even Bubbles? But... but that's not fair! They're supposed to be "ours" Mom said so-!"

Baby. Lucky sniveling baby.

" Yeah... don't remind me. Least you two's got the little blonde and The firecracker! I got a fuckin' block of "ice"- real nice i get stuck with the town prude- great." Brick muttered again. The indignation over his undeserved fate still stung.

" Not from what I saw- those girls were on the prowl: lookin' for some nooky. And she fucking ignored me!"

Butch was indignant. Angry. And he had been bored. Horrible combination for Brick's peace and quiet.

" So?" He shook his head. "She's "ignored" you before."

" Awwww c'mon she's miiiiiine! Mom said so! Brick this is lame can't we get em' now!" Boomer whined. "Mom said Bubbles is miiiiiiine!"

" The bitch saw ME and what does she do!? She fuckin' ignores me- ME!" Butch continued to rage.

Brick despite himself stiffened at that. " They saw you- and yet did nothing?"

"SHE IGNORED ME! All three of those bitches ignored everyone- includin' the horde of dumb asses surrounding em'- surrounding OUR property!" Butch stamped his foot. " Fuck if I'm gonna be ignored"... you know what- screw this! Time to show them their goddamn place!"

" Yeah! I want my Puff! We've trained enough!"
Boomer declared.

Brick folded his arms. "No. It's not the right time you know the plan-."

A closed order. Butch continued to seethe but Boomer- Boomer refused to back down and met Brick eye to eye. The insubordination!

" You can't blow it off forever Bro. Just get the chick preggo and then get rid of her if you don't like her - not that hard- Momma's getting impatient. And I want my Puff!"

" Says the one with the chest and tits to spare!" Brick snapped. Flat as a fucking board! No ass to speak of! Snooty. Prudish. Intolerable!

It. Wasn't. Fair!

Boomer however was the one to shake his head, " Bro. People change outta high school. The last time you saw her we were what- sixteen? C'mon man."

" Seventeen dumb ass!" He snarled. " Or maybe it was eighteen- point is little Miss granny panties was always that icy little prude who-!"

Boomer however just shook his head. " Brick… she's changed. Trust me. I saw the pictures-."

Brick stiffened. " Pictures?"

His youngest brother nodded, " Yeah. Butch got some pics- Butch phone."

" Fucking ignoring me like I'm some kinda lame ass she can just bat away like a dumbass fly- I'll show her!" Butch continued to mutter under his breath but held out the phone anyway. Shockingly the blonde knew how to work such an advanced device as a cell phone.

" See Bro. College uh… was good to her. Don't look like a Icy prude to me." He held it out. Brick swiped it.

" Tch. Once an icy prude bitch always an icy-!"

The table of ladies was filled. Many nice options and such but:.. that chick in the middle. He blinked. Holy… fuck. Who the…?

She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

" Who...the fuck is this?" He said slowly.

" That's… your woman Bro." Boomer smirked but Brick's glare immediately rid him of that insubordination.

His gaze returned however to the woman in the photo. The lighting was shit- but her skin was the color of cream and looked just as soft and flawless- she was sipping what looked like a martini in one picture while she arched her hips in a dance in another- and that hint of chest just peeking out from that small V' neck in that tight little black dress at the movement… he felt himself growing hot.

The crowning moment though was the shine of that thick hair she'd let loose as she writhed on the dance floor- like a burning flame. Brick's gaze drifted to the ordinary hue of that unconscious whore that had sullied his bed last night and then back at the fiery beauty in the photo.

He could almost feel the saliva gather in the back of his mouth. He felt itself go hot. His breathing seemed to grow harder and even the very rhythm of his chest seemed to stagnate.

Brick looked again at distaste at the whore who had dragged him away so early. Tch. Disgusting. Truly so. He'd have to take a shower to get the scent of her off him.

"Stupid bitch thinks she can just ignore me and- Hey! Yo Brick! The fuck you doing with my phone! That's mine man!"

But Brick didn't stop. He just kept on walking. Staring at the photo. Skimming through them at lightning speeds. His hand almost shook as he swiped the screen, each new picture revealing more delights than the last.

Blossom….

He could picture it clear as day in his mind. That beauty lying there deliciously rumpled, tangled in his sheets covered in evidence of their sinful night. Those cerise eyes half lidded in both curiosity… and anticipation of his next move.

She would be a prize worth claiming. A prize worth-! HMM!?

What the hell-!

The grip became dangerous and he felt a heavy hand on his shoulder while Butch swiped the phone back.

" Dude! You can't go stealing a guy's phone man I need that shit what if a babe texts me and I ain't there to pick it up- Jeez lemme send you the goods fuck man - stealin' my phone like some kinda-!"

" Who. Is. That?" He snarled. Boomer released his shoulder.

" What's up Bro?" Boomer cocked his head and then folded his arms. " You look pissed. Well pissier than usual."

" Who. Is. This?" He repeated before he grabbed the phone again from the loudmouth who hollered But Brick didn't care no all he cared about was that slime slithering near that gorgeous piece of Brick's property. His intended due. His reward for a goddamn job well done!

The brothers rose their eyebrows in sync before the blond snapped his fingers. " Oh right- the pencil pusher! Yeah that lame ass showed up late and that set the pink one off. They were still arguin' when we left- no worries Bro. Total dweeb you can take him easy."

That was without question. However what Brick wanted to know was how anyone dared to touch something of Brick's.

Though…. it was true. This was clearly not a case of love and laughter and marriage bells ringing in the future. The look on his pink eye beauty's face was like thunder- the dweeb looked exasperated.

Well then.

The smirk on his face grew-well, well. Boomer cleared his throat,

"Bro- so… what now? We gonna go get em' now? C'mon man I want my Puff! She's miiiiine!" Again with the whining. Butch sneered.

"And That bitch is gonna learn the hard way no one ignores me like some kind of-!"

Brick's phone went off then signaling the acquisition of the goods. The pictures of his beauty were promptly stored in the appropriate folder- he shuddered in distaste however before he promptly trashed all the other whores who littered his phone.

He stared at the woman on screen again.

"Well…?" Boomer said again. Butch scoffed behind him.

"... Fine." He murmured. Though he put a hand up to stop the celebration." But not yet." Boomer pouted. " We have some prep to do first Don't we boys… this is no place for a lady now is it?" He smirked. Despite the pout on his face even Boomer shook his head with a small wilted nod.

" Yeah I know but I want her nowwww."

" Patience is a virtue little brother." He murmured before he turned, his mind already racing…

"Eh? Where you goin' Bro?" Butch called out like an idiot. "Bro what about your-!" Brick turned and Butch gestured to the woman still unconscious. His face twisted.

"I'm done with her." And all those like her. "Do what you want just get rid of her."

He waved his brother off.

Brick had work to do.

Blossom. Blossom. Blossom.

Very… important-.

CRACK

Work to do.

0-o-0

"Ensnared"

Part I : Spoils of War

0-o-0

Ugh… my head

She groaned softly to herself. Her head was throbbing and her entire body seemed to be aching all at once.

She couldn't remember anything. Nothing at all. Her head was aching, she grit her teeth- she needed an aspirin-.

Clink.

...Huh? Her arms wouldn't move.

Clink.

She blinked before she tried her arms again.

Clink. Clink. Clink.

Blossom's eyes widened before she whipped around and saw her wrists bound behind her with a thick heavy chain… Attached… to a bedpost?

W-what?!

She pulled again. Nothing. No matter her pulls nothing would budge. But… but that was impossible! Nothing could keep her for long! Nothing! What was-!?

Where am I!?

Her eyes drifted around the room- but she only saw darkness and…. Her heart began to pound.

This wasn't her uniform. This wasn't… this wasn't even-!

It was a white, diaphanous, virtually translucent in places nightgown- the only thing that kept her modesty were well placed pieces of lace and-.

This was not something she would ever wear of her own accord. So why was she wearing it?!

Badum. Badum. Badum.

She pulled again, and again- she didn't like this. No. No she did not! This was wrong- what had happened? This was no hospital gown! This was no-!

Clink. Clink. Clink. Clinkclinkclink.

The chain wouldn't budge.

BadumbadumBadumdumdum.

"What….what the fuck-!?" She finally managed to speak aloud.

"...Damn. So miss "everything nice" can swear after all- well who would have thought?"

She stiffened. That voice… she knew that voice… but there was no way or reason for her to be hearing this voice… no he was-!

She was met with a pair of blood red eyes and she gasped out like a little ninny before she backed away into the headboard.

"Brick?!" She choked out. It was impossible- no this was impossible he was-!

He only bowed mockingly, " At your service Babe." His smirk only grew as his eyes skimmed down her body… her cheeks burned- never once had Blossom felt more naked than being under that intense cruel stare. It felt as if that leer was assessing every minute detail about her, memorizing every inch and curve.

Clink. Clink. Clink.

"What the hell is-?!" He reached over and put a finger on her lips.

"Shhhhh-. No need to shout." He snickered. She wrenched herself away from that slimy hand.

"I have every right to shout! What's going on here!What the fuck are you doing here!" She snarled with more authority this time. His brow rose more, probably at her crude language.

Brick Jojo, leader of the Rowdyruff Boys…. Only snorted as he settled himself at the side of the bed and ran his hand through her hair. "The boys are back in town babe." His breath was far too close to her ear then, "Did you miss me?"

She jerked away and pulled at the chain again.

"You're not supposed to-!"

The Red Rowdyruff Boy only flashed her a smirk- an oily, oozing crooked curl of lips that put a chill down her spine.

"What? Be here." He cocked his head to the side in a mockery of deep "thought" but then snapped his fingers, " Oh right- right. That." He smirked more. It looked… dastardly. She bit her lip and pulled but he only steepled his fingers and peered at her from the above the tips. "Let's just say… Mother Dearest took pity on the "babies" you and those nasty girls threw in that cold lonely cell. So Mother sprung us…"

She stiffened. Shit. Did that mean…. It was involved… she could remember nothing specific. Her head was still throbbing. She pulled her legs up in an attempt to sit up, his brow rose. "Gotta say Blossom - I was never expecting the town prude to have grown up looking so damn...fine." He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "No… no I was not." His grin broadened more.

"What the hell is going on here!?" She demanded.

He clicked his tongue, "Having a bit of a memory lapse I see." He murmured. "Shame this was definitely one of our better fights I must say."

Fight…? Wait… yes! The fight! The battle! Wait...oh…. Oh god Blossom remembered now! She sucked in a harsh breath.

It had been a moment. One phone call. They'd flown into battle…. As usual and…

It had been there. It and it's three… wait… three so where was-?!

… Bubbles… Buttercup…

Her eyes widened and she yanked at the chain again. Nothing. The constant clinking echoed through the room. He laughed.

" Babe. Don't bother. You know you can't break that chain."

"What do you mean i know!?" She snapped. "What the hell is this-!?" Another pull. " What the fuck is this?! I demand answers at once you- you ROWDYRUFF!" She swore out loud and he blinked for a moment before… he started laughing. She grit her teeth.

"You don't give up easily do you?" He cleared his throat.

" WHERE ARE MY SISTERS!" She screeched.

"... Well that's like clockwork." He muttered.

"Where are my sisters!"

"It's like a broken record."

" So help me you bastard if you hurt them I swear to-!"

"Relax. They're fine. They're being… entertained-."

"WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN!"

" Well if you'd stop yelling maybe-."

The head of the Rowdyruff Boys rolled his eyes before he turned around and the next thing she knew a water bottle was thrust at her before he plopped in a chair in front of her with a sigh.

"Seriously you're going to keel over - drink then we'll talk-."

"Do you think I'm some kind of imbecile! I'm not taking anything from the likes of-!"

"Yeah, Yeah- okay- will you just drink woman." She stiffened and looked at the bottle. Another eye roll. " It's not poisonous- for the love of-." Again she gave him a withering look and then-.

Clink.

He blinked but then the "genius" finally got it. " Oh- oh yeah." He grabbed the bottle back before opening it and then grabbing back her face.

"Open up."

She kept her lips tightly closed. He made another growling sound before he forcefully pulled her mouth back open. And poured it in… oh sweet relief… water- her throat had been so dry she'd admit that to herself.

"Easy there tiger." He removed it. "I take it you didn't drink much before this. Hell of a hangover you must have-."

She frowned. "I drink! I'm not a child!" She retorted, stung. "I just don't like it." And that look she got also stung her into honesty,damn it.

"Clearly." The redhead plopped back into his seat and only continued peering at her over his steepled hands. Again… that look was making her most… uncomfortable.

"Can you… not?" She muttered. The restraints were infuriatingly staying put even when she pulled at full strength.

"Can I not what?" he mocked. She bristled.

"Can you not stare at me as if I were a piece of meat!" Blossom pulled herself back up further, this dress, nightgown thing didn't leave much to the imagination and… ugh.

"It's hardly my fault. You're a beautiful woman Blossom Utonium." he seemed to linger on her name for some reason. "I'm only a man- superhuman or not- I'm still a man."

"I would prefer not to be mocked."

"Nothing mocking about it Babe." He shrugged. "I can assure you- never in even my wildest dreams did I ever think the Town Prude was going to turn into...you." Those red eyes darted up and down. "Had I known earlier…" He began muttering to himself like some kind of maniac- she grit her teeth and pulled again. Still nothing.

"They're not going to break. That's pure titanium alloy- you're not going anywhere Babe." He said quietly. "Lucky us…" another mutter, though this time it sounded… annoyed.

She narrowed her eyes, " I certainly didn't come here by choice!"

" I'm aware. And so is my stomach where you kicked me and started yelling in your hung over stupor." He rolled his eyes again. " if you were so fucking miserable in that relationship why did you stay with him- fuck." He cracked his back. " You've still got that kick I see"

She bristled. "... serves you right more than likely." He snorted. " and my boyfriend is… irritating at times yes."

"I… noticed." Another grunt as he stood back up. He was walking with a slight limp in his gait. Good. Served him right! He grabbed a glass and poured himself a drink, something strong it smelled like before he tossed his head back and chugged it down.

" Why am I here?" She hissed. " where are my sisters and why am I wearing-!"

He put a finger up, he had poured himself another shot. She scrunched her nose. "All in due time Babe. You'll figure it all out soon enough." He said simply.

Now the Powerpuff Girl grit her teeth and chained or not she lurched forward.

"I demand an explanation on my attire at least at once!"

He blinked but then he burst out laughing… how dare-!

" Fucking hell- you really do put on a damn good girl act don't you? Your "attire"- you mean your new "threads"? Yeah Babe- you're wearing something pretty, most girls like wearing something pretty." He rolled his eyes. She bristled more.

"I look like a-!" This nightgown or whatever was giving her a bad feeling in her stomach. She didn't like how… she couldn't think of what exactly right now but it reminded her of something and-! Oh never mind! She began to pull furiously. Sooner or later even the strongest metal would break! Brick sighed again before he strolled over.

"C'mon Babe- you're too smart not to have realized it yet-." He caught her chin in an iron grip. "Nah… you feel it don't you- or well the lack of it I should say-." His grin increased and she was going to blast it off his smug face and-!

….What? She blinked and focused again. Nothing. No extra heat. No nothing but…

Her breathing quickened. H-How!? Her- Her powers-!? Her strength!? Her… Her X-!?

"What...WHAT DID YOU DO!?" She railed, screeched and began struggling like mad- he released her and held his palms up briefly.

"I didn't do shit- you can thank Momma-."

"YOU STOLE MY POWERS!"

"More like-." he fingered the chain idly. "Repressed them. It's a security measure, He didn't want anyone running around fucking up the place but-."

CLANK

Hm? She blinked but then rubbed her newly freed wrists cautiously.

"I think we can both agree you're not the "destructive" type however. So...Thanks Momma, but not my kink i can do this on my own." He muttered that last part and then leaned against the wall.

"Do what on your own?" Blossom said quietly as she stood up- those red eyes fixed on her. The garment was grotesquely too big, she practically swam in this thing(!) and she also wasn't wearing shoes?! What the hell was he even-?! Never mind… she was free! The fool had gone and released her!

"You know what...never mind- I'm out of here."

The grip on her arm instant before she got tossed back on the bed like a rag doll. He glared down at her.

"Not very polite to leave in the middle of a conversation." He drawled.

"Ow! - well it's not very "polite" to kidnap a girl from a bar and-!"

"I didn't take you from the bar- I took you from the battlefield." He shrugged again. "Not my fault you don't remember the facts. If it makes you feel better you still put up a good effort." He picked at a hangnail before that evil red spark appeared in his eye. "But hey you know the ancient rules of war… to the victor."

Step. Step.

"Comes the spoils." His grin was dastardly and she squirmed away back towards the headboard.

" Spoils… I am hardly a-mmph!?" He looked down at her with a wry look in his eye.

"I don't make the ancient rules babe. I just enjoy them." he smirked. He wouldn't be smirking long(!) She tensed her jaw but he took his hand away smoothly only to slap it harder over her mouth. "Are you going to be a good girl and not bite or am I going to have to keep you gagged while I finish this conversation?"

"mmmph' mmmph' mmmph mmmmmph! (DROP DEAD YOU WRETCH!)

Again, he released her. "Good girl- now listen, this is hardly the ideal for me either- but it is what it is."

He was making literally no sense. Literally none! It was annoying her to say the least.

"What Mother wants… mother gets." Shrug. "But… at least you turned into a damn babe after your high school prude days."

Why… that-!

"I was hardly a prude - I just had self respect and didn't follow the masses into that assembly line you called a bedroom!" She snarled.

"Too bad I would have rocked your world." He started playing with a piece of her hair but she pulled away in disgust.

"Do not touch me! My standards are still too high for someone like you to ever reach!"

That seemed to irritate him. His nose scrunched as he took a deep breath and squeezed the top of it. Now Blossom was the one to smirk. Score one for-.

"So that loser pocket protector somehow did though eh?"

Blossom bristled. Both for the past tense of that statement… and the allusion to what was the absolute… worst part of her relationship. Dexter was… charming in his way and he was a good man when he wasn't being an arrogant cad but… they weren't… very… he wasn't… well….

Her cheeks flushed. Everything could be fixed in time. Even the smallest non consequential things in a relationship could… be fixed…

Though he saw nothing wrong and thus had no desire to improve either.

"He and I are very compatible." She said primly. He snorted out loud.

"Compatible? Funny that's not usually the first word I'd think when describing any relationship-."

"Well mine are more than just about what goes on in the bedroom!" She snapped. He rolled his eyes skyward.

"Typical answer of an unsatisfied woman. No wonder you two were at each other's throats. What a loser."

"Dexter is not a-!"

"It's fine- Butch took care of that one anyway."

Silence.

"... what?"

The black frames went bouncing off the mattress- tossed so nonchalantly and such- wait...Dexter… what had happened to-?!

Her heart started to pound. It… it couldn't be-! What was-?!

"What… what did you do?!" She demanded and began to rise but he shoved her back easily.

"He was a loudmouth- he made the mistake of flapping his gums and ultimately upsetting Butch." That smirk returned only now there seemed to be a malice hiding within… she bit her lip and reached for the glasses but they were batted away to the floor while he sat down in their place. "But forget about him. Let's talk Babe- we ought to get to know-..."

Powers or not Blossom still had a good kick like he had said. He went crashing to the floor and she took her chance held the cumbersome skirt up as she bolted through the open door into the hall.

It was surprisingly well lit, with paneled walls and a tiled floor. It could have been in any affluent home even- though… there were no windows. Nothing- save the artificial lights- there wasn't a hint of the outside world…

Where… where was she? Oh… oh what did it matter, she came across a large door. It was monstrous but it had to give! It had to! She threw her weight on it.

"You don't really think you can escape so easily do you?" He sounded bored as he hovered just above her. She grit her teeth and continued to push at the door. It wouldn't budge and that was more disturbing than anything else.

She pushed more regardless.

"Seriously Babe you're going to rip your pretty dress."

"Screw this dress! Why can't I open this?!"

He blinked but then only gave another of those irritating shrugs.

"Again did you really think you'd be able to escape that easily, come on now Babe you're smarter than that-."

BANG. BANG. BANG.

"Let me out! I demand this door be opened! Release me at once-!"

Brick raised an eyebrow and returned to the ground. "You're going around making demands…. you're reaaaaaally not getting it are you?"

She found herself whirled around and her wrist was seized as he marched on.

" What the-?! Let me-!"

"Rules of war 101- very simple. Victors get the spoils and the goods- no matter what- losers hope there will be mercy in their futures and so provide the victors with said spoils to get mercy. See how that works Babe?" She pulled at his grip but he only opened another large door that had not been there a minute ago (!?) and half tossed her in.

Where once there had been no windows now there was nothing but windows- panes of glass and such and the only furniture was one large velvet couch in front of them all.

"This is our surveillance room." He said quietly, almost in her ear. She jumped and she could feel the curve of his mouth.

"Surveillance… in other words… you've been spying-."

"Not me. My brothers maybe to get a look at a naked tit or two back then… but I never bothered." She shivered. "I didn't need 3D porn… the real thing was always at my disposal."

She grit her teeth. "You were always a loathsome boy." She hissed. "Every girl knew Brick Jojo was trouble."

"D'aww- So you did notice me back then." He seemed delighted for some reason. " Well this makes things a bit easier…wouldn't you agree Babe?" He started playing with her hair again and Blossom jerked away.

" Don't touch me!" She hissed. " I'm not one of your stupid fools! Don't think I'm going to fall for any of your tricks-!"

"Oh I know you're not one of those insipid bimbos… you're brilliant… as well as one hell of a beauty….lucky me." he beamed. Her face went warm and she clenched her fist.

Damn him! Damn him and that silver tongue of his! God knows how many fools had fallen for its vile machinations in their youth! It was a true wonder that an entire army of red eyed little terrors hadn't ended up invading the city seeing as the rumors had been quite clear no outside "protection" had ever been used!

Every day it'd been a new name.

"Did you hear about Brick with Charlene?"

"Oh my god I know I heard- wasn't he with Miranda last week though?!"

" I thought it was Vivian."

Tch. Disgusting. Truly disgusting.

"I don't know what sort of insidious plan your vile little mind has conjured up but it will not work-!"

"Plan?" He cocked his head to the side oh so innocently, Blossom only scowled more. "Can't a man admire a beautiful woman without an ulterior motive?-"he had the gall to start playing with her hair again.

"Save it." She pointed her finger straight at him, "I know when you're full of shit - I'm not one of those brainless floozies you liked to collect like fucking postage stamps back in high school!"

Veronica, Nikki, Chloe, Monique,Amanda, Lily, Sue-.

"Oho… again I'm appalled Miss Utonium… such a foul mouth." She stiffened but then tensed at how close the wretch had suddenly gotten. Her nostrils flared on instinct- was he wearing… sandalwood cologne? Oh… god she loved that smell why of all scents did he have to choose that one-!? Dexter had hated that smell and instead had gone for that obnoxious "Hatchet" or whatever despite Blossom's continued entreaties to the contrary-...

Dexter….

What had that…. fool gone and done to himself now...

Brick smiled another oozing smile and leered down at her straight on. Face to face. Most people would end up looking to the floor eventually confronted by Blossom's piercing state but oh not this one… clearly not this one.

She clenched her fist and averted her gaze. "What am I doing here?" She had to get information first and foremost. Brick had taken her here likely under orders from… A-and as such it meant something dastardly was afoot and she would have to-!

"I just thought I'd show you something Babe." He murmured and his hands ended up on both her shoulders as he led her to the couch and pushed her in it. He plopped down right next to her and kept an iron grip on her arm. " Let's see Townsville at the moment eh?"

She narrowed her eyes, "If you did anything to my city I swear I'll-!"

The screens all reacted and… all looked surprisingly… normal. The sun was out, the civilians were all out and about…. what?

"Its a nice little city isn't it… shame if something were ever to happen to it." He oozed in her ear and as if on cue suddenly an explosion seemed to rock the room: she tensed but his grip didn't budge- the smoke billowing out of the large volcano rose high into the sky, the observatory… or what was left of it lay in pieces. The screams echoed through the room, and she could almost smell the sulfur.

The scene changed again into that white box like house in that charming neighborhood. The older man was happily clipping his hedges before that dark cloud shadowed the entire…

"Stop it." She whispered.

"Just wait…"

The man stopped and looked up. The large cloud crashing towards-.

"STOP!" She squeezes her eyes shut. " Stop! Stop!"

Snap.

The images vanished. She clutched her mouth and her body shook. She felt him get up but move behind her.

"It hasn't happened yet." He murmured. She continued to shake. "It was averted actually- by yours truly in fact." She stiffened. What?

She couldn't help it. She turned to face him and the shock must have been apparent in her face as he once again had that ingratiating smirk on his face. "You?" She " Why would you-?!"

But-But he was evil! Clearly-?! Why would?!

" Yeah….disasters not caused by Momma aren't exactly popular around here." She swallowed hard. "Your city is safe… for now."

She bit her lip and despite her best efforts her hands wouldn't stop shaking. Just for that brief moment… the carnage… the destruction had been unbelievable.

"So… it didn't happen…" she whispered. He shook his head.

"Not yet. Here you want proof?" Snap.

The image changed once again to that white boxy house in the suburbs only this time- she frowned…. her Father lay fast asleep in his lab. He'd been up late working on his experiments again but…. he was safe.

The trembling still wouldn't stop though. He sighed and with another snap a bottle appeared at their side with two glasses. He popped it and poured them out before extending it to her.

Blossom frowned, " I-I don't…"

"Drink."

"N-No thank you."

He rolled his eyes before plopping next to her with his own. " Suit yourself."

Her eyes however were still fixed on the screens. Townsville was sleeping. It was late at night... the battle… what time had the battle been anyway? What had happened her head hurt… just-.

She held it. "Sure you don't want anything?" He continued with his drink.

"... water would be nice." She finally said quietly. His eyebrow rose but nonetheless another snap of fingers and a glass of water was in her hands.

"H-How?" She whispered. " How did-?"

" The water or the Volcano?" He said dryly. She bit her lip for a moment.

"... both I suppose."

" I have powers in this realm I don't have in Townsville. And as for the volcano…" he took another sip. "You'd have been better off asking the Einstein wannabe who tried to play God and failed miserably."

A chill went through her spine.

"... Dexter?" She whispered. Brick nodded.

"I take it you remember those experiments your "Boo Boo" pencil protector was conducting down there." He took a deep swig. "He fucked with shit he shouldn't have." His tone went dark." Mother was very angry."

… Dexter had grown obsessed with those experiments even arguing with his mentor… Professor Utonium… he'd become… obsessed over these last few weeks.

" He thought he had discovered a way to… harness geothermic energy." She stared into her empty glass but it was filled again almost instantly. "He… wouldn't listen it was like he had…"

"Mm. That much was obvious the way he was spouting his mouth at Butch." Brick snorted. "You can do better Babe. Well actually you will have it better. Lucky you." He finished his glass in one shot before he poured himself another. "And Lucky me."

"... what?" She sounded like a simpleton and he snorted, Blossom narrowed her eyes but the Red Rowdyruff only waved it off it seemed.

"Don't worry about it. You should get some rest- chill and shit." Another door appeared seemingly out of nowhere. She hugged her arms- she was getting… a bad feeling about this. About all of this.

"I'd prefer to get answers first." She stood. He gave her another bored look.

"Well, I don't feel like giving them to you at the moment. We'll talk about it later."

"No." She said in a hiss. "We are talking about it- now!"

"I don't feel like it Babe. And that's the end of it. Now…" He pushed her from behind into the room. "We'll talk later- right now, I have a headache and you need to sleep some more clearly."

His thumb pressed against her temple.

"What the hell are you even-!?"

Everything went black.

0-o-0

Blossom,

I think we got off on the wrong foot yesterday . Let's have dinner. How's about I pick you up at six and we'll have a good talk.

See you then.

Brick

PS: Wear something nice.

0-o-0

Blossom had awoken to that insulting letter placed by her pillow. Her head was pounding. She gulped, what… what had happened?

At least she saw her attire hadn't changed again- she was in the same nightgown she'd been in before….

Which at least meant he hadn't touched her.

Spoils… what sort of nonsense was that?! Blossom was a human being thank you not some sort of trophy or whatever was in that wretch's head!

And furthermore how foolish did he think she was?! She'd been called into battle with him- and he was claiming he had "averted disaster" with her idiot boyfriend's experiments he'd been continually warned off of-?!

Blossom had told him it was dangerous. Professor Utonium had told him…

But he'd refused to listen. Like he'd been a man… possessed. He'd been determined to make his mark in the science community. He'd never been a patient man- he wanted to get the prestige now.

She should have stopped him...but she hadn't and so…

Let's have dinner

She frowned before simply crumpling the paper up and chucking it away from her.

Dinner- ha! She'd rather starve.

The room was pitch black. Lovely. Just lovely- she couldn't see a thing. Her eyes narrowed however, well she could see something. A bright light coming from what looked like a door. She stretched out her stiff arms and legs before she stood. Hugging her arms as well as closing this… far too open neckline she really didn't want to know where it had come from Blossom walked towards the light, reached out clumsily in the darkness and finally found a door knob. Had that fool really left the door unlocked?

Idiot. Whatever, the Rowdyruff Boys had never been ones with brains now-.

…Had they?

She squinted, getting used to the brightness engulfing the room slowly but she took one clumsy step forward, then another. Her eyes widening more and more as the seconds passed.

She'd wandered into… a rather spacious bathroom. The cool stone at her feet, glistening white… marble? Was she walking on pure… no. She shook her head. Preposterous. Still though, she saw a large round tub with various bottles perched on the sides- one quick sniff confirmed them as smelling of jasmine, lilac and rose respectively, her favorite scents. A fluffy white towel was hanging on the edge as well. Just like it was waiting for her to take a bath. A lovely...perfect bath.

The water came out instantly warm. No waiting period and steam soon filled the room. She took one of the bottles, the one that smelled of jasmine and poured it in the tub. Mounds of sweet smelling bubbles soon popped up.

She felt gross. Blossom felt truly disgusting and grimy. God only knew what she must have looked like- how long had she even been asleep before-? She shuddered- she needed to get this thing off her.

With an audible sound of disgust she peeled off the diaphanous garment and let it slip to the floor- giving it a kick for good measure.

Disgusting. Truly disgusting.

she stepped into the tub.

… Ahhh…

Despite herself and her own better judgement she sunk deeper into the water- her aches and pains both from how she'd been chained up… as well as before then arguably all seemed to melt away.

She couldn't remember the last time she'd been allowed something like this. She had a lovely tub back at home, not as… luxurious sure but a bath had always been a possibility save that annoyance of "water bills" and being "eco-friendly" and blah blah.

She buzzed her lips. She was a Powerpuff girl and yet here she was not even allowed to draw herself a fine soak because of… stupid reasons. Tch. Just like her house had always had to have been at most sixty seven degrees.

Cheapskate. Tch. He'd always been such a cheapskate. Dexter thought he was so good to the environment and eco-friendly but how much waste did those failed experiments make hmmmm? Not to mention stink up her home! What did keeping the house at sixty seven degrees help anything with except keeping Blossom freezing!

He was truly-!

"Butch took care of that one."

What the hell had that meant…

She dunked her head and lathered up her hair, shampooing it, conditioning it, and adding extra shine with another treatment while she washed her body. It was over all too soon for her to be honest. At least the towel she found was still warm and the other towel by the sink was thick enough to actually be of use regarding her hair. Thick and luxuriant as it was… it could also be a royal pain at times.

She looked around warily still, it was… strange how wonderful that bath had physically been. Just what she had needed… with everything she would have wanted.

But… how had … that come to pass?

Blossom clutched the towel closer to herself. She felt cold again. Much too cold. Something wasn't right here. No… something was… off.

She noticed a new light from behind the door now- where it had once been pitch black… her eyes narrowed.

Odder still, there was a plush robe hanging on the doorknob that looked to be just her size…

She bristled. Probably left over from some woman he'd had for an evening or something.

She rolled her eyes. Talking…. Right. That was completely what the wretch was looking for. Uh huh- sure.

She shouldn't wear it. She shouldn't even have changed! But… something about that gown she'd been wearing had filled her with such dread… it had looked…

She picked it up daintily, the lace work was honestly exquisite, it was elegantly made and it only hinted at what lay beneath but it still… unnerved her.

Because looking more closely… Blossom had seen a piece like this once before…

" Oh my. How very naughty of you Robin."

" Well… I mean it is special night."

Laughter. Nudge. Nudge. Wink. Wink.

Blossom threw it back down and took a good few steps back from the disturbingly bridal like night gown and hastened out the door.

Spoil of war….

He'd called her a that. Like she was...A prize. A prize for what?! What had happened? Where were her sisters?!

What had-... what happened to the room?!

What… what the-?!

There was a bed now she could see. Likely the one she had been chained to mind you- but it was elaborate and huge. Elegant and stately. The canopy over it was a rich burgundy color- in better circumstances Blossom could admit she had never seen a more beautiful piece of furniture. It was also piled high with pillows and… a glossy black throw that…didn't look like faux fur. God help them if Bubbles were to ever see that.

Another turn of her head and there was a large wardrobe on another and crowning the room a lovely chandelier sporting the most realistic looking faux crystals she had ever seen hung from the ceiling.

All in all… Her entire…prison cell had changed. It looked more… like a fine hotel room now. Or had she just not noticed her surroundings before... Or had it changed when she had left… Blossom didn't know…

But she did know… she didn't like this. No she was getting a very bad feeling from all this.

And that bad feeling only grew when she saw what must have been her supposed " attire" for this dinner she was supposed to attend hanging on a hook on the wardrobe,

It was a deep plunging V' neck style floor length gown with the thinnest most redundant spaghetti straps she'd ever seen. All in red. Of course it was red. He had never been one for subtlety had he? No of course not. Why bother?

The fact remained however that this was something Blossom never in a million years would choose to wear herself.

The material was slippery, if she didn't know any better should almost swear this was actually pure silk but… she frowned and shook the ludicrous thought away - no zipper or buttons- Something like any of those Hollywood starlets on the television would wear… with custom made, one of a kind silk and chiffon gowns being fawned upon by the masses. So much of their time and money made with nothing but pretty faces and smiles… loved by all...

Never mind. She wasn't wearing this. It was too demoralizing.

Pervert. Wretch. Clearly nothing had changed in that filthy head of his. It was laughable if he thought she would ever deign to wear something so… so demeaning.

She wasn't going to be a cretin like Brick Jojo's entertainment- dressing for his benefit. Disgusting. Never! She had self respect!

If he'd wanted her to actually agree to that insulting letter he could have at least tried to get his filth ridden mind out of the gutter and given her something more… more appropriate!

Something like say her prom gown- still in its bag in her closet at home. The silver beads meshing so beautifully with the rose colored satin- she'd looked like an old time princess compared to the scraps of clothing the other girls had worn-!

So what she'd never gotten a chance to wear…. her own prom dress come to find out…

Blossom… of course had other priorities.

Why on her Prom night she'd been defending the city from a threat- imagine the horror of someone other than Princess Morebucks being voted as Prom Queen… unthinkable! Her outrage had engulfed the entire city. Jessica the usurper caught in a robotic clamp while her plastic crown was ripped from her head… foolish- and frankly if anyone had been robbed it had been Bloss-... her sister. Bubbles. Of course Bubbles had been robbed and of course Blossom had done her duty. Of course… what did it matter having not even been nominated… it was fine. It was just a night. After her battle she'd been too weary to do anything but collapse in bed.

A job well done…the day was saved... what did it matter not having been able to dance...?

Her eyes skimmed over a rather ornate mirror hanging from the door- it was… a shame really. For all it being such an obvious ploy for shame and disgust… it was a lovely dress. On someone else it would be she meant!

Powerpuff Girls didn't wear things like this. It was far too revealing, and far too… too… - she'd look like some sort of.. mafia dame or something out of one of those casino movies! It was ludicrous! Give her one of those long cigarette holders why don't you!?

Her hands trailed over the material but then she came to the grim realization she had two no three choices.

One. She wear this towel forever.

Two. She put that used disturbing nightgown back on with whatever message that was supposed to give her.

Three. She wears the mafia dame dress.

She grabbed the wretched thing and held it against her with a sneer.

It likely wouldn't fit her anyway. May as well show the the wretch how ludicrous this whole thing was! Playing dress up- what were they five!? The pervert was probably "enjoying the show" in that spy-room of his before he decided to do whatever it was he was truly-.

It fit like a glove.

She was less… endowed than either of her sisters true but...oddly this didn't seem in matter in this gown. For all of the demeaning cut and innuendos obviously associated with a gown like this… she… Blossom…

To be honest Blossom Utonium was killing in this as Buttercup would have said. Her hands trailed down the smooth glossy fabric that was certainly not silk- traced the outline of her hips, the hourglass curve. She turned and looked at her backside. A little… too open for her comfort level usually but she… looked fine.

As only a matter of last resort of course.

She wasn't going.

She turned and strode back over to the bed then paused.

Those hadn't been there before… the shoes she meant. The heels that were sitting on top of the pillow.

Unnerved now she backed away only to hit something hard. A vanity? But why was a vanity in here?

Blossom's eyes widened.

A fully stocked vanity at that. Glistening holders and boxes full of an assortment of brushes, combs, and other hair products? Vials of perfume? Just… what did the wretch keep a supply of womanly objects and necessities for!?

Were these all for when he "entertained" his ladies of the evening or something?

She picked up one of the brushes and made a face. Really weren't they a little old to plaster rhinestones and fake jewels over everything?

" shows the type of women you normally bring here doesn't it cretin?" She mumbled and put the garish thing down. It was even painted gold - how ridiculously trashy. So unnecessary.

Just like all of this make up and such here- there was need for-...

Wait… no but that's… that's impossible!

But it was. There was no doubt. She recognized that label.

Blossom had never… really advertised how much she loved… makeup. Make-up and other….cosmetic past could be a fun hobby! But… an expensive one.

She couldn't spend her life and money on the act of… adorning herself. Of making herself…look pretty.

She was above that. Her mission in life… her duty… she didn't have time to waste on individual vanity.

But…. then again...

She took one of the many brushes standing in a set with shaking hands. The smooth wood- mahogany. How did she know this? Because she recognized them. How many times had Blossom paused at the window of that store- longing evident in her eyes at the luxurious set. The one time she'd even allowed herself a demonstration… the soft camel hair had tickled her skin, blending the make up into a flawless canvass for her to work with.

Individually she could have paid thirty six per brush- except the contour- that was forty two or...Two hundred and fifty four dollars for the entire set. Plus an extra seventy-five for the wooden, crimson velvet lined carrying case which would have looked amazing on her vanity at home… but…

I-Imagine the commander and leader having done such a selfish thing… as paying such an exorbitant price for a single makeup brush… let alone a set.

Unthinkable.

Any spare money she had, had to go to the needy!

… but god as her witness Blossom had wanted them. She'd wanted them so badly.

She'd given Dexter so many hints. So many- her birthday was coming up- Christmas- Valentine's Day- Hell even Easter!

...but her words had been unheard… or perhaps just ignored. All his funds went to Science and more science…

Never to anything else… never.

Her hand moved almost by itself, she sighed in pleasure at the caress on her skin- soft. So soft, no cheap hard bristles this time!

The gloss on her lips was perfectly applied. The shading of her eyes was sublime. She giggled despite herself. Masterful, divine- Her morning routine would have been cut in half with these babies! It was like a silly dream come….true.

But…

How had they gotten here… and why?

She was even more unnerved now and she put the brush down. What… what was going on here? Blossom abruptly stood up and backed away-.

Only to hit something both solid and… warm.

"I was right. Red's your color Babe."

She stiffened and whirled around. Brick had the gall to send her a cheeky little wave.

" Where… where did you come from?!" She demanded. She hadn't heard the door open- it was closed last time she'd- WHERE WAS THE DOOR?!

He snorted, " Well I mean- Prison cell 1119 at Townsville penitentiary was one theory- the others-." He shrugged with a sly grin. " You know."

She clenched her fists and backed away from him.

" But speaking of "knowing"- Damn Babe… I knew you'd look hotter in red but even I wasn't expecting this."

His look was disturbingly hungry and she backed further- almost tripping back into the vanity chair but she retaliated anyway. "It wasn't like I had any other option!" She snapped. "My other clothes seem to have mysteriously vanished!"

He smirked again but infuriatingly said nothing as he strolled over until he was right behind her.

"Meh- details. Details. You always focused too much on the small things Babe."

"I would appreciate you calling me by my name instead of continually mocking me." She said through grit teeth.

"What's mocking about it- you are a knockout." The husky voice scalded her ear, Blossom's chest clenched and she hastily covered herself with her arms. Brick only gave her an oily smile while his gaze unashamedly flicked up and down, assessing her figure and that sly look only grew more… appreciative.

She was getting a bad feeling about this.

"You could have knocked!" She hissed. He shrugged.

" Yeah I could have. Ah well."

She tightened her grip on herself by instinct. This man's gaze had left her feeling as if she were standing there naked!

But Blossom was a Powerpuff Girl. She had a duty. Finding out more about this situation and sisters' whereabouts were her top priority!

So she took a deep breath and released her hold. Brick however again didn't seem to notice. He only looked at the vanity with a bemused look in his face.

"So I see you liked my gifts." It was a low husky murmur that put an unwanted chill down her spine.

" Gifts?" She repeated.

"Yeah, You like em?"

She hugged her arms tighter. " You mean the...?" She looked at the make-up brushes. "Why did-?"

"Because you deserve nice things." He said so simply. "So I made sure you had them… for once." His tone went dark again. She shivered.

Again however….she was beginning to grow more concerned.

"I'm not one to be taken in by bribes." She hissed finally.

Even though however subconsciously Blossom's hand had drifted to the beautiful brush case.

He smirked, " Oh well shit then I'm sorry Babe-let me take them back-." He reached over to the vanity.

Her hand slapped over the case.

"What are you up to Brick?" She snapped.

" What do you mean Blossom?"

"I know what you're up to. You're- you're up to something! And I'm not going to fall for it!"

He raised an eyebrow. " Really now? Well that's a relief. Now we can get somewhere. What am I up to?"

She blinked. His smirk grew. She glared at the reflection in the mirror, mostly at those evil red eyes boring into her from behind. She clenched her fists.

"You're looking to - foolishly I might add- try to lull me into a state of dull complacency."

" Huh… interesting idea. And why am I doing this?" He cradled his chin, thoughtfully.

" To kill me of course. What other reason would there be?"

The Rowdyruff was only silent. She frowned and finally turned her head from the mirror- if nothing but to shift that cruel scarlet gaze away from her! They were like two burning coals… looking almost like they were about to consume her.

"Definitely more and more interesting." He murmured again.

"What's more interesting!" She demanded. " There is nothing interesting about such a transparent-! What are you up to! I demand-!"

Brick ignored her mouth curled more in amusement it seemed as her tirade increased.

"Right you finished Babe?" She stiffened as his hands caressed her alarmingly bare shoulders. Those "straps" so called seemed more like scraps of red string left over from the sewing room than actual support so called of the gown! Certainly one wrong move and they'd be snapped clean off- something as simple as a flick of his finger for example…

The strap was pulled up and then he moved away but grabbed her by the wrist. Again that glint in his eyes… did not bode well.

"Because I don't know about you but I'm starved. Let's eat eh? Get to know each other a little better since we're going to be seeing a lot more of each other from now on."

"I don't want to get to know-wait… what do you mean seeing each other- oof!"

He didn't even allow her another word- she just found herself pulled out the door- and her hand trapped in the crook of an elbow. The semblance and charade of " the perfect gentleman."

What… what was he up to?

Judging from her earlier surroundings Blossom could have almost expected one of those stereotypical scenes from any horror movie- the long looming dining room table in a dark eerie room.

But no. Instead she'd been led to an arguably charming in better circumstances little table on what seemed like a balcony of sorts. He'd even pulled her chair out for her before settling in his own seat. She wasn't sure how… but dinner had begun almost immediately- again…. this was… bizarre.

Therefore no. No she would not go about and-!

" Not hungry Babe?" She stiffened. He looked at her amused it seemed from above his glass. " Not a wine sort?"

She narrowed her eyes. Wretch. She knew what he was up to. Drugged wine. Probably filled with a toxin. A sedative. To kill her.

"I don't drink as I told you before." Again his eyebrow rose but nonetheless he reached over, grabbed the pitcher from the middle of the table and proceeded to pour her a glass of crystal clear water. Blossom narrowed her eyes.

" Funny our previous encounter says otherwise." He snorted.

"I don't drink with people like you." She said acidly in reply.

Silence. He leaned back and took a sip from his glass. So casually so nonchalantly.

"Shame." He quipped. " So lemme guess- you want answers." He air quoted. She scowled.

"Yes." She was fuming now. " That would be nice yes."

Another sip. "Okay. Shoot."

…. what? It couldn't be that easy…

He seemed to sense her confusion his smirk only increased. " I told you Babe. We're going to be seeing a lot more of each other from now on. Why not make you comfortable." There was an odd glimmer in his eye.

"You keep saying that… and yet still haven't bothered to tell me what that means…."

"Where's the fun in that?" He swirled his glass nonchalantly. "This is a good vintage Babe- sure you don't want one?"

"I don't drink with cretins!" She hissed.

"Ouch. My ego and my heart." He wiped a mock tear away. "Who knew Miss Everything Nice could just be so damn mean." Now he gave an exaggerated pout. "And after I went to all that trouble." Sip. "Finding out all your likes, dislikes...your deepest desires." He lingered on that one and gave her another of those disturbing piercing looks.

She felt pinned to the chair. The sensation of it… she meant. Those eyes were… Blossom clutched the arm rests. Steady. He was trying to trick her. This was Brick Jojo- a master manipulator - remember that!

"So sorry to disappoint you." She said acidly, " If you were expecting some perfect little angel you're solely mistaken- and as such-!"

That stare didn't bode well for her. She got that feeling right away.

" Expecting maybe yes… but what an unexpected treat this is. You're much more interesting than I expected." He grinned. "... and much more beautiful too."

Her cheeks went warm. It was an instinct- nothing more.

Brick began his dinner, " Tell me more- go on. So… what was your major?" He dabbed at his chin with a napkin. Apparently even cretins could have table manners. She scowled before she lifted her glass of water cautiously and gave a sniff. There didn't seem to be anything… Amiss with it. "What's your favorite movie?" Brick continued to hound her with asinine questions. She almost rolled her eyes but instead sipped her glass, she wouldn't even give the impression she was actually paying attention to such a-! " You prefer to be on top or bottom?"

Cough. Sputter. Choke.

"Ah there we go. One instant cure for sudden deafness." He snickered as she beat her chest, hacking and heaving. " Good. I was afraid you were just ignoring me."

" You...y-you!" She hissed with blazing eyes. He leaned against his chair. " YOU PERVERTED BASTARD HOW DARE YOU! HOW FUCKING DARE YOU-! LISTEN HERE YOU ILL CONCEIVED, POMPOUS NEANDERTHAL-!" Her well deserved tirade went on for a few moments. Again she was likely going to die. Of that there was no question but…

" Are you through?" Brick said simply when she paused to take a breath. She glared and he only steepled his fingers. Not looking the least intimidated- no not even in the slightest. She clenched her fists. Why… that-!

" Because if not- do go on- you're quite the firecracker aren't you Babe? I like it…."

" Bastard." She hissed.

" Ooh tell me more." He cooed mockingly. " Call me more nasty names… show me your feisty side."

Blossom paused and averted her eyes- those evil red irises were centered straight at her and suddenly she felt the sense of just how… revealing this dress was.

Instinctively she hugged her arms and shrunk more against the back of her chair. He raised an eyebrow.

"Cold?" Another low voice- dripping with honey and false concern.

" Very funny." Another hiss as she hugged her arms tighter even as it caused the redundant straps to slip down . "I'm sick of this little game of yours Brick." She glared at him. "I don't know what sort of sick amusement you think you're getting here Rowdyruff and frankly I don't think I care. You brought me here for a reason and I'm not going to waste my valuable time playing some foolish game of dress up-!"

"You're right." He cut her off in mid word before he stood. " I did bring you here for… a reason." He smirked.

"Which is-!"

The Red Rowdyruff raised an eyebrow mockingly. " Eat a little bit and then I'll tell you."

Oh this loathsome little-!

Her grip on her own glass hardened. The muted crack of broken glass sounded through the room. Brick raised an eyebrow.

"Careful now… you're going to break it." He said simply.

CRACK

She jumped and hissed- the glass shards fell everywhere and some stuck in her hand even through the glove! She swore and cupped it. Well wasn't this just peachy!

"Warned you." He snorted. " Here-." He began to stand. Wretch.

" I don't need your help-!" The bastard ignored her and crossed over to her side of the table in an amused silence. He ignored her warning hiss even before he took her bleeding hand - and really it wasn't that much!- but he took the linen napkin and pressed it on her palm in an again… bemused silence.

No taunts or teasing? Was he ill? Could she use this to an advantage in an escape plan? Another squeeze- she flinched somewhat but he only continued kneading the glass out and dropping it into the napkin- ruby red drops of blood falling against the stark white.

And that wasn't the only thing red that was in her sight suddenly.

Those fiery red eyes were fixed on her. She shivered despite herself. Smoldering was probably the right word actually. Even… Dexter rarely ever had the gall to look Blossom directly in the eyes. No one did.

Save this one.

Badum. Badum.

She shuddered again but…n-no...no...NO! she would not be beaten down. She would prevail over this… this cretin! He had taken her God knows where- God knows why and if he didn't stop staring at her like she was a piece of meat Blossom would-! Would-!

"There. All set. Clearly glass is a bad idea for you. Strange here I was thinking the other one would be the one to break all the china so to speak."

Other one…? Wait…

"... Buttercup." She whispered. He released her and crossed back over to his side.

" Where is she Brick!"

He ignored her.

She grit her teeth. " Where are my sisters Brick?"

He sighed, " This again…" he rolled his eyes upward. "How's the food?" He deliberately ignored her previous question.

"I'm not hungry. Where are my sisters!"

He leaned back in his chair and took a sip of his glass nonchalantly, not a care in the world it seemed. The smirk that slid on his face nonetheless put a chill down her spine.

"Where. Are. My. Sisters. BRICK!" She demanded again. They were likely in trouble. God knows what this wretch had done with them! He was always… as much as she hated to admit it… there was no doubt Brick was the most dangerous of the Rowdyruff Boys. He was too clever and calculating… almost a match to her as much as she loathed to admit that.

And she never would(!)

… Out Loud.

Blossom however met his gaze evenly nonetheless. Neither would be one to back down of course and neither would fall to intimidation but oddly enough he finally shrugged and took a bite of his meat. "It's not poisoned. In fact it's delicious. Lamb is your favorite right?" She grit her teeth. Wretched-!

"I'm not hungry!" She snapped again. She clenched her fists unseen under the table. "Where… are my sisters Brick!"

"...And there she goes back to being boring." He sighed and returned to his meal.

"Where are they Brick-!"

" To think we were making such progress." He cut his meat nonchalantly.

" Where are-! MMPH?!"

It melted in her mouth. The flavor was extraordinary- the luxurious meat that was near forbidden to her nowadays-.

BLOSSOM! THAT'S MURDER!

She shouldn't have but her human instincts took over. Indulging in the sweet forbidden sin so called. Her eyes closed and she relished in every chew before she finally swallowed- missing it immediately. He smirked, removed the fork he'd gone and plopped in her mouth and folded his hands serenely.

"Still think it's poison Babe?" He said with a snicker.

….. one could not hope to beat a cretin such as this weak from hunger. She'd play along with this little game then. No problem. Oh…. oh sweet meat.

She would simply ignore his amused chuckles then! So there!

" I'll take that as a no." He murmured and then took a sip from his wine. She just took another bite. Cretin.

Thankfully he resumed his own meal and if she was lucky he'd just cut to the chase and forgo with all this nonsense and just-!

" So about my other questions…" he began again and for the love of-!

"Why. Do. You. Care?!" She demanded. "What possible way could my favorite movie be used against me in battle?!" She demanded. "Is this a game you play with all your victims or am I just the lucky one?"

Now she finally got a reaction of something other than blase' amusement or indifference. His eyes glimmered briefly.

"Well You are my greatest rival. My only equal." He said quietly.

Well that was a no brainer…. why was he looking at her like that.

Red alert. Danger. Danger! - the sirens were going off as that glint seemed to increase and she didn't like it. She already felt exposed, it only grew worse the longer she was trapped under that sweltering gaze. Psychological… psychological warfare much?!

" Stop. Looking at me like that!" She hissed. He didn't listen.

"It's hard for a man to take his eyes away from a beautiful woman Blossom." She bristled and finally grabbed her wine glass. She needed a drink.

"Mm, especially from one he kidnapped-." She muttered sarcastically over her glass.

"And when a man's looking at his bride… it's even harder."

PFFFFFTSHHH-.

The wine went splattering across the table and the chair went flying back as she flew up.

"B-Bride?! Did you just-!?"

To her horror he didn't burst out laughing. He wasn't smirking.

No… to Blossom's horror Brick looked all too serious.

"You heard me." The Rowdy simply took a sip of his wine again. "We're going to be married. Sooner rather than later if I can help it. Preferably right after I finish this glass. Just to get it over with."

"MARRIED?! With you?! What…. what sort of sick… sick joke is this-?!" She grabbed the steak knife and held it up. "You… You stay away from me! You're- you're out of your goddamn mind! I will never-! And what do you mean get it over with?!"

The GALL! The Audacity! The-The-!

Brick rested his head in his hand. "Must you shout? C'mon babe- you're a smart woman. Did the pretty nightgown-?" He squeezed the bridge of his nose and that smirk finally returned. " Not give you a clue?"

She froze in mid rant.

That gown… that l… that BRIDAL - just like Robin's! Oh… oh God.

I knew it…

I knew I should have burned it… I should have thrown that vile thing in the trash!

Her hand drifted to her painted mouth- to her immaculately applied make up and she suddenly felt the bile rise in her throat. Blossom immediately dunked her napkin in the water pitcher before she began to furiously scrub her face.

Off! Off! Get this off!

" Aw But you look so nice with that on Babe. A blushing bride any man would be more than happy to call his own." He beamed. Blossom felt the prickles crawl all the way up her spine at that smile.

" N-Never!" She rasped out. " I would rather-!"

Her wrist was seized and the napkin removed from her hand. " You're going to smudge it Babe."

She ripped her wrist free. " You really are crazy." She hissed. " Since when is some relentless womanizer the " marrying type at all?!"

He raised an eyebrow and then… Brick only laughed before he shrugged. " Okay Listen Babe- here's the thing. You're acting like you have a choice- like either of us have a choice. Newsflash Blossom-." He rolled his eyes and knocked the knife out of her hand. " we don't."

"... what?"

Those slimy hands ended up on her shoulders again. "Did you not hear what I said earlier- what Momma wants- Momma gets. It's not just you who has to follow orders."

" I don't have to-!"

" Dd you not see that volcano Babe?" He squeezed her shoulders. "That ex of yours did a number on it and it's going to blow sooner than later unless something supernatural keeps it at bay."

"... why do you keep calling my boyfriend my ex?" She whispered. His eyes narrowed.

"Because one: I don't share. Two: he's been taken care of. Three: the mere image of a woman like you throwing herself away on such an insignificant squalling low life makes my skin crawl."

Badum. Badum.

He was too close. Far too close.

"Momma gets what it wants… there's no point in fighting it… trust me."

And now his arms latched around her waist.

"You won't be unhappy here- it's not that bad. You just get used to it… Hell ain't that bad."

She shuddered. The grip on her waist intensified. " I ain't the marrying type… or well I wasn't but at least with you… it'd be tolerable. You're a beauty- I'm a handsome son of a bitch and god knows you're repressed as fuck because of that loser so…"

"So what?" She Met his eyes. "You killed my boyfriend- kidnapped me and then expect me to go along with this farce?!"

"I didn't kill him. He pissed Butch off. Can you ever calm Buttercup in a rage?" She flinched. " I didn't think so. The guy was out of control and didn't give a flying fuck about anything except his experiment. You really know how to pick em' don't you?"

"He has his moments-!"

"Had." Beck released her. " Past tense. That shitheads gone." He waved off her boyfriend of almost two years as if he were a fly. "You've traded up."

Blossom clenched her fists. " And if I refuse?" She hissed.

Brick's eyes narrowed, " It'd be easier if you didn't." She bristled and took a step back but he took a strong step forward and grabbed her arms. " Listen to me Babe. You can't fight Momma alright?"

" I've fought Him plenty of times-!"

"No." He gave her a shake. " You haven't. Listen to me Blossom you wouldn't stand a chance!"

" Oh and you care?" She demanded.

" A man has to care about his betrothed yeah!"

" We are not -!"

" Yes. We. Are!" He threw his hands up. "Listen. I wasn't happy about this either- trust me I fought tooth and nail like a rebellious little punk but…" He gave her a once over. Revulsion spread through her and she hugged her arms closer again. "This… this could work." He shrugged.

"You barely know me." She hissed.

" And what do you think this is?!" He gestured at the table. "I'm trying Woman! I'm not a fucking idiot like my brothers! I know this is ridiculous! But I can't stop it - I lucked out with you though- you're not the icy prude I remember…" She scoffed. He groaned. " That came out wrong- fucking hell this is why the stupid ones are so much easier!" He hissed.

"Excuse me-!?"

" That came out wrong too- fucking… fine: You're not the worst case scenario I had feared-NYUH! Let me finish!" He snarled. "I fuck a woman once- and only once- you however I wouldn't mind giving a second look, or even a third, a fourth- We could make this work."

And now she was in his arms. She flinched back but he held firm.

"I told you- I wasn't the marrying type. But for you I'll make the exception- which I had no choice in anyway but at least we won't both be miserable-."

She felt dizzy. "You can't be serious… there has to be another way… my… my sisters!" She yelled. " We could probably fight the beast all together- it wouldn't stand a chance-!"

"Just because I fought the inevitable like an idiot doesn't mean my brothers did… or will."

A chill went up her spine. "... Them too?"

He nodded. "And unfortunately for you my brothers aren't like me. Butch tends to play with his food and Boomer can't even be trusted with a pet fish."

Oh… oh God! She pushed against his chest.

"... Let me go. Let me go I have to-!"

His grip remained firm. "I keep them in line. You agree to marry me and make our lives infinitely easier I'll protect your sisters … but if you keep fighting the inevitable and we both end up dead from a Momma temper tantrum...I can make no guarantees for either your sisters… or Townsville."

"Is that a threat!"

"More like an observation on the inevitable."

She froze. He had said it so callously but she sensed the urgency too… was he… frightened?

"... I… There really isn't-."

"There really isn't Blossom." He sighed. " For what it's worth… this sucks. I know this sucks… but at least see the bright side- we're both attractive enough to make it tolerable…"

" But I don't… love you." She sunk back in the chair. His hand rested on her shoulders. "How am I supposed to… this isn't a goddamn game this is-!"

She closed her eyes, despite her common sense his hands felt rather nice on her shoulders as he rubbed them soothingly. Strangely kind of a Rowdyruff Boy…

"Love ain't always what it's cracked up to be." He murmured. "It's nailed you in the ass before hadn't it? That wimp? You "loved" him right?"

She flushed. "For a time… yes." She whispered, stung into honesty at last.

They'd fought. Again. It was unraveling by the seams- their entire relationship and his odd behavior he only been the spark that had begun to fuel a fire which kept growing and growing.

And then Blossom had gone to the bar with her sisters… and then…

"Good girl. She finally admits it- you were miserable with him see?" He crossed over to look at her in the face. "You need someone who challenges you and not only that will seek to challenge you." Those red eyes bore into her again. "I'm the only one who can do that. And vice versa- a bunch of floozies make good bed sport… but-." He caressed her cheek with a thumb. "You challenge me. You keep my interest with clothes on you know. You're… intriguing."

"... you sound strangely eager for someone whose being forced into wedlock…" she said slowly.

"Acceptance is one of the last stages of grief." He said snarkily.

"Oh goody- it's always wonderful to hear the thought of marrying me put a man into the five stages in the first place." She drawled. "Everyone's dream kind of forced wedding."

" Tch. See that's what I'm talking about- everything nice - yeah right. You're much more intriguing than that." He cupped her chin and tilted it up. " I think we can learn to live with this… quite easily."

" I see." His breath tickled her neck. " Well…"

She could feel his smirk as his mouth trailed over her skin in a brief kiss. "Yeah?" He breathed. "Told you this wasn't so bad."

She looked up at him.

Only for him to kiss her again only harder... hungrier.

This time on the mouth.

That… was unexpected.

He did indeed have a silver tongue. He was a true charmer of women. Perhaps those idiots in high school hadn't been well "idiots" after all so much as overwhelmed teenage girls with burgeoning hormones.

He began to press down harder and that other hand was trailing up her neck with a well seasoned touch- he knew exactly what he was doing.

Tch- admittedly a welcome change from what she was used to.

She clenched the arm rests but didn't push him away either. In a calculated… and perhaps arguably indulgent strategy she instead let her own hormones do the talking for now.

Blossom had had needs and well… this man actually knew what he was doing. And… how to make it pleasurable on her end… very… much so.

Wait...when had her hands come to rest on his shoulders…? When had she stood up? Why was she suddenly wound completely in his arms, with parted lips and gripping at the ends of his hair, pulling him closer and...surprisingly he wasn't pawing at the redundant dress strings or anything that wasn't her hair, neck and face during their...frighteningly passionate… but wholly chaste make out session.

… oh you're good.

Nope… those girls weren't idiots after all. He was indeed good at his chosen craft.

… Pity then. What had to happen-.

Badum. Badum.

Yes. What had to happen? He broke away from her only to move down her neck with even hungrier kisses and... what was she thinking of before? Funny...her mind was... drawing a blank.

"Fucking… hell. The fuck did I wait for so fucking LONG for!?"The growl was buried in her hair but it sent a shiver up her spine. For reasons both usual… and a very unwelcome unusual.

"Say you'll do it. Just say it Babe." Another growl. That growling was doing things to her. This wasn't… a good thing either. "Blossom, Be mine. We'll both be happy… I'll make you happy."

She jumped a little from the hushed passionate undertone that… that was unexpectedly...sincere sounding.

… He really was good.

"Just marry me-"

Too good. And now it came back to her with a crashing clarity.

CRASH

It took one shove and he was in the table. Broken glass and the remains of their meal all over him. Blossom backed away, breathing hard. Heaving even. She made sure to make a show of wiping her mouth and spitting out the… infuriatingly good taste of him for good measure.

He looked up at her agog. " WHAT THE HELL?!"

Blossom just pointed at him.

"I-I will never marry you!- And no amount of cheap tricks or bribes will ever change that!" He wiped his jacket and face off irritably. " I'll find a way out of here WITH my sisters you'll see!"

He was up then. Those smoldering red eyes glowing dangerously.

"Yeah I guess we will." He finally hissed.

Her hand found the door knob and she practically fell through the door and she shut it with a slam.

He didn't come charging through- or even bang on the door all there was was silence. An eerie… unexpected silence.

She slid down the wood and clutched a hand to her chest.

Marriage…?

"I'd rather die." She hissed to herself.

Even as her hand subconsciously trailed to her mouth.

Where her lips were still tingling from the most sinfully… delicious kiss she'd ever received.

0-o-0

Brick slammed the door to the observation room shut and the raucous laughter broke out almost instantly.

"Gee that went well." Butch snickered from the couch.

" Shut up!" Brick snarled.

"Be miiiiiine- we'll be happy- I can make you happy- mwah mwah." Butch cawed and soon Boomer's obnoxious donkey braying joined in with the equally asinine mock kissing sounds coming from the couch.

Brick's face went red. He clenched his fists.

" !" He bellowed.

"Well I mean... I guess if you like her that much." Boomer cocked his head. " Well guess you're gonna need Mom's help after allllll-." He sang though he wasn't gloating for long-!

"Seriously Bro, that was your best performance yet- fuck I almost believed you-HRRRRRRRGH !"

The pipsqueak clawed at Brick's hand but the Red Rowdy kept him pinned to the wall regardless.

"I don't need help! You little peeping Toms were watching- well then watch and learn! Everything went exactly as I predicted it would!"

Boomer blinked but Butch only arched an eyebrow and… plucked a piece of glass he'd missed from the broken table sticking to his thoroughly soaked shirt.

"Sure about that Bro?"

WHAM

" Just get ready for phase two you ingrates!" Brick seethed. Butch groaned while rubbing his but Boomer jumped up and gave a salute.

" Yes Sir! Right away! On my way-!"

" THEN GET GOING!" Brick roared and the blond bolted. the door slammed behind him and Brick tapped his fingers irritably. " Well?"

Butch stood up, " You sure this gonna work Bro- she sounded pretty serious."

He narrowed his eyes but his mouth still tingled with the sensation of those warm petal lips that despite any heated fucking denials after the fact had kissed him back- her hands had wrapped around his neck, brought him closer and she'd pressed herself against him like any other woman…

Only she'd been different.

Blossom was different.

Brick just gave his brother a withering look. "My plans never fail. Now get going."

" Sir." Another salute only this time it was mocking. Brick knew that but he also didn't feel like punishing him at this moment for his insubordination. Butch sauntered our leaving Brick alone.

Alone with his thoughts.

Brick.

Not for long apparently. He groaned and turned his face to the nearest reflective surface around.

Hello... Mother.

Ah, there you are Brick... well that certainly... could have gone better…

Shut up.

You should have known she wouldn't fall for that ploy. An "inevitability"- my son you can do better than that. Well it seems I'll have to fix-.

Do not hurt her.

Oh not even a little scrape?

Not a hair on her head! She's mine!

Possessive are we? Your temper already showed before… naughty boy- blaming it on your poor brother.

… he deserved it.

Of course my boy. Of course.

I want her.

I'm aware of this. Will you let Mummy aid you now? A simple spell will-.

No… I want her as she is not as an obedient doll. I wasn't lying… she intrigues me. She has potential Mother… you see that too.

Blossom Utonium always did have a dark side… yes. But are you sure this plan of yours will suffice?

Don't underestimate me Mother. Make no mistake… she'll turn. I can guarantee it.

Oh can you?

Yes.

Brick sneered at the reflection before he turned back to his other "mirror"- She was pacing the room like an angry lioness. The Red gown swirling around her.

He smiled.

This would be fun.

After all… if anything…

Brick had always liked a challenge.

0-o-0

To be continued….

---

Thanks for reading my lovelies! See you next time:

Part II: "Thirteen Hours"