hey everyone!
as I failed to add any introductions before, well, this is my own take on a ppg story
it's mostly reader-insert as you can see, but in an oc-kind of way? oh well.
umm, pls leave reviews and favorite and follow and message me bc I love getting those!
and I'm also curious if you guys like it or not ; D; /
As soon as the week started, two days after the meeting with Butch, you decided to return to work, because who didn't need money? Thankfully, Mitch's shift was in the morning while yours was in the afternoon, that meant you dodged him flawlessly. Yes, you were a coward when it come down to giving explanations and facing people that you blatantly lied to...even if it was by omission.
Bubbles came over to visit you later when her courses were over with and when you made sure everyone had been served and the new trainee could handle himself, you went to her table and took your break, having got your own coffee in the meantime.
"Blossom is pretty angry," she drummed her fingers over the mug, looking very nervous and worried. Ah, leave it to her to be concerned about everyone's well being. "I'm sure she'll get over it, don't worry."
"Oh if only it were that easy. It's not that what you said was not true...especially after what she said to you…" ah, yes -apparently, Bubbles was up when the argument between you and Blossom happened and she heard most of everything. "I just feel like I should do something...maybe go and talk to Brick. If he talks to her then maybe she will calm down?"
That was the worst idea ever. It only enabled this toxic relationship they had. You cringed.
"Umm...I would stay far away from it all,"
"You should also tell her that you didn't meet Brick that night and that you just went with Robin to the club. She would settle down and apologize for her outburst."
You also lied to Bubbles and told her you were gone with Robin at a local club instead of meeting with the green ruff. It was better for her to know less. Wearily, you took another sip of your coffee. "Nah, let her boil. Serves her right."
"Renee." the blonde chided half-heartedly. You looked away sheepishly. "What? It's true." the blue puff shook her head and leaned over, tucking some stray hairs from your messy bun on top of your head. "You should bring that apron home so you can wash it. Look how dirty it is."
You didn't bother much with the apron you wore at work. It was a very dark green and splashed with so many types of coffee and drinks that it was looking like the menu. Now that you looked at it, you had to agree with her, though. "Yes mom." -in more ways than one, Bubbles became quite maternal with her sisters and you, even taking care of the home chores, from doing the laundry to cooking dinners alongside your mother.
"And you should use that shampoo I bought. It would make your hair look even better. Try to comb it next time you make a bun, it will get tangled this way."
"Bubbles…" you whined, setting down your own mug. The chime of the door bell made you instinctually stand up from the table. "I get off in two hours, think you can wait for me?"
"Yep! Oh! Bring me that delicious lemon cheesecake you were talking about~"
You laughed and turned to walk towards the counter, where the trainee was struggling with the pots -and then your eyes fell over the figure looking over the blackboard containing the coffee types for the cafe. Your whole body went rigid and you glanced back at Bubbles. She also stared in the same direction, visibly tense.
Brick and Boomer.
Swallowing thickly, feeling your palms getting sweaty, you slid behind the counter again, hoping they didn't see you yet. "Yo, pinky!" -shit.
You were ready to sneak through the door to the employee bathrooms, so close. Slowly, you forced yourself to turn and face them, the trainee looking at you curiously. "Bart -Bob, I got this."
"Its Brad."
"Brad, yeah, what did I say?" you laughed nervously, giving the poor guy an awkward nudge at his side. Before he could reply, you pointed to the cups left behind at a table. "You should go get those!" and with one pat over his shoulder, he was gone. When he was gone from sight, you turned to the grinning blonde ruff and the smirking redhead.
"What do you want?" time to put the professional suit on. "Coffee." Brick replied simply.
"What…" you pinched the bridge of your nose "What kind of coffee?"
"What kind of coffee do you like?" he leaned on the counter with one elbow. "Oh, look, Bubbles is here too," you heard Boomer in the distance, being unable to focus on anything but those devil-like eyes just staring into your soul.
"Are you trying to ask me what I would suggest you get?" "No, I'm asking what kind of coffee you like."
"Why?"
"Make me your favorite coffee."
Alright. This was getting weird as fuck. Quirking an eyebrow at him, you decided it was best to get this over with. Whatever the creep wanted. "That would be 1 dollar and 30 cents." and as soon as he paid, all the while avoiding his eyes at all costs, you proceeded to make his coffee, just as the trainee returned.
"Here you go. One cafe latte with two shots of espresso, hazelnut syrup and cinnamon sprinkles." you handed Brick his mug and his fingers brushed yours. You didn't know if it was intentional or not, but you weren't gonna try and find out either. Boomer had already moved to Bubbles' table and was chatting animatedly with her. Brick joined him in a second.
The cheesecake.
You fished for a plate and went to get the slice of the dessert to bring your step-sister. The problem was that you had to go back to the table that currently harbored the two demons-cough- ruffs. Where was Butch anyway? Sighing to yourself, you added a teaspoon and headed for the trio.
Bubbles was talking to Brick when you came over, probably about Blossom, like she said she would. Always the opportunist. "Here you go, Bubs," -that snapped her attention to you and she gave you a bright smile. Brick's eyes also fixed on you, along with Boomer's.
"Renee! Tell him, tell him!" she tugged at your apron "Tell who what?" you raised your eyebrows at how her eyes sparkled. "About Blossom!" you were so tempted to slap your forehead and drag her away from them.
"Is your hair color natural?" the blue ruff suddenly asked, staring intently up at your head.
"Yes! It is her natural color! You should have seen our faces when we first met her! Buttercup hated her hair color so much, she attempted to put dye in her shampoo!" the perky puff exclaimed. Oh God...not the embarrassing stories. Nonetheless, you cringed at the memory.
"Pfffft!" even Brick was snickering at that. "Well, I'm gonna go back-" but Bubbles halted you again. "No no! It's still your break, you didn't even finish your coffee!" she gestured towards the cow patterned mug next to hers.
Bubbles, no.
You bit your lip. You tried to resist -Ugh. Sulking, you shoved the chair next to hers back and plopped down with a grunt. "So, as I was saying! Blossom now thinks you went on a date with Renee and she is extremely cranky." you choked on your coffee and started coughing.
"Bubbles!"
Her innocent gaze turned to you, eyes widened at your reaction. "Renee, are you alright?! Oh my! Deep breaths!" she slapped your back as you continued to cough weakly. "Then let her think I did." came his unamused reply, sporting a strained smirk.
"But you didn't," Boomer retorted, frowning in confusion at his brother.
You all looked at him as if he grew two heads. You could see now why he was Bubbles' counterpart and just how similar the two truly were. "But that would hurt her more!" her eyes were getting watery by the time you cooled down. "I just want everyone to get along…" Brick's smirk vanished, instead he just looked away from the goldie locks.
You placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Hey, it's okay Bubbles!" started Boomer "Everything will be fine." and he reached across the table and grasped her hand in his. Your eyes grew to the size of saucers at the extremely affectionate gesture.
What was wrong with these boys?
"Woah woah, settle down there buddy, hands off my sister." you literally disentangled his hand from hers and pushed it back to him. Yeah, you couldn't get the image of him and that fish-lipped blonde chick in the backseat, out of your mind just yet. He only stared at you dumbly, completely clueless at what he did wrong.
"Right, I'm gonna get back to work."
Just as you made to stand up, Brick turned to face you and reached up to grab your wrist frp, across the table, making you almost lose your balance and fall over the coffees. You flinched at the contact, flashbacks of how he handled you that first time and the things he said just playing over and over again in your mind. "What?" you glared in his direction, his calloused fingers cold on your skin.
"When do you get off?" like hell you were gonna answer him -"In two hours! Oh...more like one hour and forty-nine minutes to be precise! Are you two going to wait with me? It has been so long since we've met and talked like this!"
Thank you Bubbles.
He let go of your wrist and you stalked back to the counter, fuming at what had transpired. He needed to get this out of his system before you punched his face in. Did he just magically forget how he treated you? The things he said or how he...great, your hands were trembling now.
When you get free time, you should really look into getting a new job.
Five minutes into closing and it didn't seem the ruffs were going anywhere. You decided long ago that you were not going to walk out of here with them. You had watched them like a hawk and it didn't look like they were ever going to try and harm Bubbles in anyway. More so, Boomer seemed to be getting touchy-feely with her. Yes, you were dying on the inside when you'd catch him winking at Bubbles or making her giggle.
Speaking of the devil. You were seething at the way he was looking at her. That...that damn look was making you feel like you were drenched in shit and honey, that's how dirty it made you feel.
Wiping the counter, you settled yourself down. No need to kill the idiot. Did he at least know where to stick it? Doubtful. That made you somewhat relax. Granted, you were sure humping was the only thought process he was able to do, even if it was with his penis.
The plan was in motion.
While they were absorbed in their own happy little convo, you snuck into the backroom, where you found the new guy. "Hey, Brendon! Come over here."
"It's Brad…"
"Yeah, Brad. Uh, so, I need to go really fast. My cat is pregnant and she just gave birth, so I gotta be there for her. Close up for me, will you?"
The poor boy was staring at you with a 'are you serious right now?' face, but just shook his head and gave one lazy and exhausted thumb up. Perfect. You passed by him and went for the bathroom. The window was at the back of the place and you already made sure you had all your things in the locker so you wouldn't have to go back in the front. This felt like a very bad Bond parody. Locking the door after you as you got all dressed, you pulled the window open and squeezed your way through.
The smell of freedom and garbage welcomed you as soon as your feet touched the ground. Time for phase two. You pulled out the piece of shit phone you had borrowed from your mother and quickly typed a message to Bubbles.
From: xxx-xxx-xxxx-xxx
To: Bubs
hey, had to leave bc i remembered i had to do something before going home. i'm rlly sorry. it was urgent. pls forgive me.
i'll explain everything at home, see u there!
Oh you felt like such a jerk for doing this to Bubbles, but you were not gonna go through that kinda hell. Message sent. The only thing you were hearing as you were hiding behind the dumpster all anxious was the drum of your heart.
A low ping made you almost shit your pants right there.
From: Bubs
To: xxx-xxx-xxxx-xxx
Oh, okay! Don't worry, Boomer will walk me home
I'll see you there! ::kiss emoji::hug emoji::heartemoji::
Phew.
Thank the heavens she was so understanding. As if on cue, you could hear their voices in the distance and then a red streak passed above your head, over the buildings and the alley you were in.
Finally, in the clear.
You counted to 10 and left your hiding spot, acting as normal as possible. Tonight you'd get home walking instead of the fastest route that flying would provide.
Luckily, on your way home, you saw an announcement on the door of a club, saying they were hiring waitresses and looking for a bartender. You snapped a picture of that for later. The cafe wasn't in the best area of Townsville. In fact, it was on the very edge to the slums, but that also meant you got the job the moment you stepped foot in the place. It was because you weren't afraid that you took the opportunity. Mitch, however, well, he knew the area like his own pocket and got along with most shady peeps around, not to add the fact that he lived close.
It was a pity, though. The cafe was small but quaint. The boss, an elderly man named Jones, didn't have enough money to rent the space or buy the space closer to the center of the city, but had enough to make it nice and comfy.
As bad as you felt about thinking of abandoning the ship, you had principles and morals and right now, both were telling you to get the fuck out of there because your position had been compromised.
Hopefully, when you were done with university, you would have other options at your disposal, especially with the degree in law you were oogling. You didn't tell anyone this, but you were planning on moving back to Citiesville one day, even if you were gonna be alone. It was something about the other place that you preferred and called it home.
Your walk home took a detour suddenly, because you weren't looking forward to get there just yet, which made you end up walking aimlessly on the streets and window shopping. God, you didn't have enough money for the amount of stuff you wanted to get your hands on.
A sigh left your lips as you lingered in front of the glass window to a little boutique, a pair of high heels with studs on the back of the heel making you whine pathetically and check your wallet. Could be worse. At least you still had a five dollar bill, alas, crumpled, but still good enough until your paycheck.
When you did get home, you noted that the house was dark, which meant that it was pretty late, or at least later than you anticipated, you decided to be a nice person and use the flashlight on your phone to tip-toe to your room and get changed. After that, you made the same route back to the kitchen, setting the phone face-down on the counter so it would illuminate the room.
Time for some midnight binge-eating. Thank heavens the fridge was always full, because you made sure to shove as much bacon and ice cream in your mouth as you could and that would probably leave the others famished if they didn't go grocery shopping regularly. Ah, who were you kidding? You were a hungry fiend.
You made peace with that as you munched on some sausages straight from the jar, mixing them with pickles and mustard.
Suddenly, the front door clicked open. You stopped everything you were doing and stood there frozen. The girls were home, the professor was surely asleep along with your mother, so who the fuck was trying to sneak in? Grabbing a cucumber, you tip-toed to the kitchen door and pushed your back against the wall next to it, preparing to swing the vegetable as hard as possible on the intruder.
Just as expected, you heard footsteps coming towards the kitchen, lured in by your genius plan of leaving the fridge open and your phone still on flashlight. Your breath hitched, muscles tensed and heart rate elevated.
This was it.
Then, there was light bathing the whole room. The person flipped the switch on and you were caught mid-bashing none other than Buttercup with a cucumber. Your mouth was open, pickle stuff on your chin and pajama shirt, the vegetable gripped in both hands, just an inch from her face.
"...dude..I don't know if I should be impressed or cry for you."
You bristled at that. "What the fuck?! Couldn't you say something? Called out?"
"Yeah, like I'm gonna be that stupid bimbo from that one horror movie." she rolled her eyes and stalked inside the kitchen, noticing your pig-out session. "Stuffing your face again? How lady-like." she snorted and hopped up on the counter, taking the pickle jar and feasting upon it.
"Fuck you too."
"Language!" she imitated Blossom in a high pitch voice, wagging her finger in a no-no motion. And you weren't the most observant of people in this world, but that jacket she had on was too large for her and was certainly not hers. The dread set in. She was seeing someone.
Playing it cool, you marched over to the fridge and got your sausages, pulled up a chair and sat down, crossing one leg over the other, with a smug ass grin on your face. "Nice jacket."
"..." she was glaring with so much fire at you that if looks could kill, you would have been maimed right on the spot. "Wipe that grin off yo face." it only hitched higher "Don't made me come there and bash your face in with the pickle jar."
"You're just ruthless." you slowly took a sausage out and chewed on it, eyeing her still. She groaned and looked away, clearly flustered for being caught. She probably didn't expect anyone to be awake either.
"I'm going to bed, freak."
"Nighty night~ Don't let the boys bite blah blah I needed a rhyme for that." you called after her.
"You're lame." the sad sad truth, but at least now you knew that Buttercup had a social life other than hanging around the gym and sports for the rest of her existence.
feedback? pls? yas?