Bubbles could swear the whole party started out weird, then went slightly insane, then it was a pure mental institution... but let's start from the beginning...
Of course the minute they got inside, they all got caught up in the already drunken, screaming crowd. Bubbles had never seen so many drunk crazy people at once, never in her entire life! There were hundreds of them and the place was huge. It had at least five floors, a swimming pool, several Jacuzzis and dark rooms, two enormous dance floors, a stage for live performances, bars and comfortable places to sit of course... just everything! To say that the blonde was stunned was understatement.
They also got the best place to sit, seeing as Brick was the main guest. The leathered couch was in a U shape, black and extremely comfortable. It was on the second floor and they could clearly see the crowded dance floor beneath them. After they sang Happy Birthday, the time for presents came.
Blossom got her red headed friend a painting. But not some ordinary painting, mind you, it was made by Brick's favorite artist, almost impossible to get...and it was an original piece. Bubbles could only guess it cost a fortune. When Brick saw his present, he literally gasped then quickly composed himself and hugged Blossom tightly. What a hilarious sight that was, really both seemed surprised by Bricks actions, Bubbles assumed he wasn't a very emotional person... Anyway, Princess got him some fancy car and Buttercup got him something connected with explosions – Bubbles didn't want to know, Boomer somehow managed to get a hold of some retro album Brick had always wanted.
All in all everyone's gifts were amazing, and Brick seemed to really like them. With every gift Bubbles felt even stupider about her 25 dollar gift card.
"Okay, now that we have that behind us, it's time to... dance!" Princess exclaimed loudly, standing up from her place. "Come on, Brick!"
" Yeah okay. Everyone move yer ass were all going to the dance floor. That means you and Little boy Blue , Pinky", Brick shouted.
"What? Why me?" Blossom asked, looking a bit flustered. Brick rolled his eyes and grabbed the red head by her arm.
"Because Princess is a bratty red head who wont cease talking my ears off if I don't, and I refuse to be on the dancefloor with Queenie alone. Besides been awhile since you've dance right, let loose for once." Blossom had no other choice than to sigh at that. Getting up with a small smirk, she followed the boy to the dance floor. In a matter of seconds the two red heads were playfully grinding on one another.
"They totally just ditched me and dancing was my idea" Princess whined.
"Brick's right! Come on Boomer!" Buttercup said, ignoring her cousin entirely, grabbing Boomer's arm and pulling him after them, before the blonde had a chance to even open his mouth. Sighing with resignation, he shook his head. There was no use fighting with these people really. Sending Bubbles an apologetic look, he followed Buttercup .
The blond frowned slightly. She wasn't jealous... but what was the exact nature of their relationship?
"Worried, Blondie," Princess asked, laughing lightly after seeing Bubbles' glare. "If I wasn't this fabulous I'd be worried too."
"What? No, I'm not worried, really!" Bubbles denied hurriedly, waving her hands.
"Sure you're not." Princess said, winking at her playfully. "Seriously I'd watch out, Buttercup is aggressive and rude and boyish, but she's also likeable. Damn likeable, don't ask me why. She may even steal your boyfriend"
"Boy-boyfriend?" Bubbles asked, choking on her drink. Looking at Princess she saw the woman grinning widely. "Boomer's not my boyfriend..." She added, in a quieter voice however. How come saying it made her sad?
Princess observed the girl for a few seconds. There was something extremely honest about her... and something extremely lonely as well. Smiling, the diamond studded woman sipped on Bubbles drink.
"But you sure as hell would want him to be, right?" She asked, arching one eyebrow and observing as Bubbles's face went red instantly. "Don't deny that, that's pretty obvious... from the way you keep looking at him and all."
Bubbles slammed her forehead on the table in embarrassment.
"Am I really that obvious?"
"Well, I don't know...for me you couldn't be more. For him...it's hard to tell really." Princess said, pondering on the matter for a minute while playing with Bubbles straw. "Boomer probably notices that as well... but ignores."
"Ignores?" Bubbles said, really interested in the conversation. For the first time she was going to get some facts about the blonde. "Why would he ignore it?"
"Why indeed..." Princess answered, getting lost in her thoughts. She had a pretty good idea why he would ignore it, she couldn't tell it to the blonde however, no matter how much she wanted. "But look at this like that: he tries to ignore it but yet, here he is with you."
"But didn't his sister order him to bring me or something?" Bubbles asked confused.
"Ordered? Can you really picture Boomer being ordered around by anyone? I mean sure Brick may scare him a bit, and Blossom definitely bosses him around from time to time. But if he really doesn't want to do something, he won't."
Bubbles looked at Princess in wonder, as the woman grinned at her suggestively. She really did have a point...
"Just know this..." Princess decided to give a clue to the blonde after all. She seemed like she was worth it, really. From the way she interacted with Boomer, it could turn out extremely good...or very, very bad. Princess decided to take her chances however. She really hoped she was right, if not... Blossom was going to have her head. "Things with Boomer never were and never will be easy. Whatever it is, this thing between you, it's merely a beginning and it will take a great deal of patience and stubbornness to get through it and actually succeed. Don't give up easily... and be ready for literally everything. If you really care that is."
Bubbles looked at Princess amused. Words couldn't describe how fucking grateful she was! It was actually the first piece of real information she got about Boomer.
"God, Princess, I love you!" Bubbles exclaimed loudly throwing her arms around the sparking women and grinning widely. "You can't even imagine how helpful that is!"
"Yeah, yeah just get off already." Princess said, as she lightly pushed Bubbles into a seat. Then smiling sincerely she saids. "Just put that information to good use...and don't tell anyone I was the one who told you anything."
"Sure!" Bubbles said bouncing happily in her seat. Then she noticed Boomer approaching them with an irritated expression. The blonde sat right next to Bubbles and glared at Princess.
"I swear, your cousin is insane." He said, grabbing his Malibu and drinking half of the glass in one shot. Bubbles let out a small smile while Princess arched her eyebrow.
"No shit. What was it this time?" Princess asked, but Boomer just shook his head, indicating that he really wasn't able to put it into words. "Where is she anyway?"
"Oh, I don't know." Boomer said sarcastically. " She got bored of dancing and started a drinking contest, she won by the way, against a man. A 6'2, 250 pound man, he got upset an nearly killed the both of us. She then said she needed to get laid to celebrate."
"No surprise, I guess I''ll go find her, or at least that yummy guy she beat. Ya know stroke his ego among other things" With that, Princess stood up and headed downstairs.
Bubbles glanced at the blonde, grateful that Princess left them alone. According to her advice, Bubbles was supposed to be patient and stubborn with Boomer and not give up... hell yeah, those were the things she was the best in! Maybe her patience needed a little work, but that wasn't something she couldn't do.
"Do I have something on my face or is it just that interesting?" Boomer asked, arching one brow curiously at the blonde.
"Heh. You bet it is." Bubbles said after snapping out from her thoughts and smiling.
"Bubblebrain." Boomer said, smiling lightly. "So, what do you want to do?"
"Wow, aren't you considerable tonight." Bubbles said, looking at Boomer amused. The blonde rolled his eyes.
"I asked you out, remember? Anyway, we can either dance, sit here or explore the club..." Boomer said, elaborating on their options. Weird or not, he really wanted Bubbles to have a good time. This current situation went much further than a random sex situation and he had no problems behaving himself and acting accordingly. Boomer had some tact, thank you very much.
"Exploring!" Bubbles screamed immediately. "I love exploring, it's so much fun to do! Come on!" With that the blonde got up and pulled Boomer with her, already excited. "So, where are we going first?"
"Hm... How about we start from the next floor? Dark rooms, Jacuzzi and so on." Boomer said after thinking for a minute. Bubbles nodded eagerly and they both went upstairs. The blonde couldn't even count how many people they saw making-out on their way up.
After about two hours, when they managed to visit almost every room and laugh from the most stupid things that came to their mind, they stopped near the bathroom as Bubbles declared a great need in using one.
After going into the room, she swung open the first door she saw... and closed them almost immediately, blushing all over her face. God, she shouldn't be surprised, really, but still... deciding to use another stall, she went quickly inside, did what she had to do and stepped out of the bathroom with an embarrassed expression. Boomer arched an eyebrow, pushing away from the wall he was leaning on.
"Something wrong?"
"What? No, no! Why would something be wrong?" Bubbles asked, but the fact that she did it very fast and was looking everywhere beside Boomer made the blonde doubt his answer. Then he smirked.
"What, did you see someone giving a blowjob?" He asked casually, and observed as Bubbles's eyes went even wider and her face even reader. "Don't tell me you've never done it before."
"Wha—?" God, how could Boomer speak so...casually about this. And did he just insult her blowjob skills? Bubbles frowned. "You bet I have the best blowjob skills on this side of the Equator!"
Boomer had to laugh at that.
"Really? I'll remember that." He said, smirking suggestively at the blond, who only got more embarrassed. "Anyway, come on. I've got something to show you."
With that Boomer grabbed Bubbles's hand and steered her towards the elevator. The blonde immediately wrapped her fingers around Boomers hand, not very tight but strong enough to give Boomer a sign that she didn't want to let go any time soon. Maybe it was slightly daring, but at least she wasn't trying to kiss him. Boomer of course noticed it immediately and debated with himself whether he liked it or not... his first reaction was to jerk his hand away of course, but he decided holding hands wasn't that bad. He could do that much for the blonde, he did owe her his life, Princess really would kill him if he didn't come with Bubbles.
After getting to the top floor, they entered a beautifully decorated hall, which were surprisingly empty. Leading Bubbles to one of the doors, Boomer typed the code and they opened with a quiet click. Stepping inside, the blonde gasped in shock and astonishment.
They were in an enormous room with one wall and part of the ceiling completely made of glass revealing beautiful promenade beneath and sky above them. The room, or rather chamber, was full of exotic flowers, had a pool in the middle of it with clear, blue water and comfortable looking white couches and small tables in the corner. Everything put together with the delicate light coming from the pool and Bubbles could swear she didn't want to leave this place ever.
"You like it?" Boomer asked, looking around. It was silent, for a change, and Boomer sure as hell appreciated it.
"Do I like it? God, Boomer! It's beautiful!" Bubbles said, still stunned at the sight in front of her. "What is this place anyway?"
"These are the private quarters for rent. But since today we have only Brick's birthday here, they are left empty... and I just happen to know the entering code." Boomer said with a smirk and let himself be dragged around by Bubbles. Finally, the blonde decided to sit by the pool. Letting go of Boomer's hand – with great regret – she sat on the edge. Taking her shoes off, she put her feet into the water, moving them around and smiling tenderly. Boomer sat next to the blonde, with his legs crossed.
"God Boomer... you really are lucky." Bubbles said quietly after a few minutes of silence and simply enjoying the blondes company.
"Me? Lucky?" Boomer asked sarcastically, shaking his head. If only Bubbles knew...
"Yeah. Well, aren't you?" The blonde asked, turning to the side and looking at Boomer. She paused for a second, fiddling with a bottle of vodka, letting the silence around them envelope the room. "I know something really tragic must have happened during these last years... but still, it's not so bad, is it?"
"Not so bad? Right." Boomer chuckled humorlessly.
"Oh come on, Boomer. Don't look at everything so pessimistically!" Bubbles said, intending to really show the blonde that despite life sucking, sometimes big time, there were still things to enjoy in it. "For one, you don't have to worry about money. You have everything you want, and it really can be a bother, the money I mean. I can tell you that from experience." The blonde said, shaking her head and taking a swig of the bottle.
"You live only from what you earn at Oliveraa, I can't imagine that going well with your apartment?" Boomer asked, as he remembered the building from the week before.
Bubbles laughed, nodding her head and downing another swig of the bottle "My apartments not too bad, but I have do extra stuff to meet rent. I like to paint, so on the good days just selling those are enough. Bad days are scrubbing toilets"
" You don't have anyone to help with the bills" Boomer asked.
"What like a roommate, no I couldn't find one… I don't really know anyone here so…yeah. My god father, Dick Hardly, no pun intended that is actually his name. Anyways he sends me some money every month, but I always donate it."
"Why would you do that?"
"Cause he's terrible.." Bubbles slowly said. Suddenly she grinned, " he writes porn books!".
"Porn books?"
"Yeah! That is a passion of his life, really. Can you imagine what weirdo spends his life writing about fucking. Only thing worse than that is the weirdos reading it. Its like hey, look at me I'm a perverted turtle who likes to read about positions and shit" Bubbles explained and Boomer had to laughed at that. That was one hell of a story.
" I think I like plastered Bubbles, I should've let you get shitfaced when we met." Boomer said, still chuckling and Bubbles grinned happily at that.
"Anyway, back to the topic! Money aside... you have great family as well." Bubbles said and Boomer sent her a confused look. "By family I mean your sister of course, but also Brick, Princess and even Buttercup. Seriously Boomer, don't you realize how lucky you are to have them? They are simply amazing and clearly love you... how I wish I had people like that, really. And seriously, I thought you really had no friends whatsoever."
Boomer tried to take everything in as Bubbles chuckled lightly. Okay, so maybe he was lucky to actually have so many people around him, even after everything that happened. Sincere people, to say more... but that aside, the blonde decided to concentrate on Bubbles's words about not having anyone. Now that he thought about it, she never mentioned any friends, she lived alone...
"Oh come on bubblebrain, you've got to have some friends." Boomer said. He just couldn't picture Bubbles of all people as a lonely person. With this loud and open personality of hers... how was that even possible?
"Well, there is Mr. Cooper, but he's kind of old so I can't really tell him much... and maybe that guy from 'Penis Stories' but I don't think we are that close. We're cool with each other sure, and I enjoy his company but we don't hang out outside of work and I don't think I really trust him." Bubbles said, thinking about the matter for a minute longer. No, there was no one else.
Boomer looked at the blonde shocked. Even now, in his current situation he had more friends than that. When he was back in Citysville, he had even more friends, despite his bastard personality. There was Robin and Mike, his best friends. Mary, his distant relative... and of course his sister, Brick and Princess.
The blonde observed Bubbles in silence. She stared into the water, and even though she had a small smile gracing her lips, it didn't reach her eyes. They actually reflected pain and Boomer realized that he felt bad for Bubbles. For the first time in his life, he actually felt bad for someone other than himself...
"Come here." Boomer murmured quietly and reached out his arm, putting it on Bubble's shoulder and pulling the blonde to him. Bubbles immediately leaned in, putting her head on Boomer's chest and scooting closer wanting to feel his body as much as possible.
"I don't really know why it's that way..." Bubbles said in a small voice, sniffing slightly as tears started to run down her cheeks. She didn't want to cry, God, how she hated to do it, especially in front of others! But she just couldn't stop herself. She had always been alone, even back when she lived with Dick, she was alone. She felt so lonely and miserable all of sudden... "I'm sorry I know I'm a stupid, loud, annoying crybaby..."
"Shh..." Boomer whispered, rocking Bubbles lightly from side to side. He really didn't know what to do with a crying person; he never had to deal with such a situation. But he couldn't believe it, really. How could anyone say something like that about the blonde? Sure she was loud and sometimes acted idiotic... but more you hung out with her, you just started to like it and it was funny. Moreover, it wasn't everything there was to the blonde, she was extremely matured emotionally, she always knew when to be serious and saw things as they really were.
Sighing, Boomer moved his hand from the blondes' shoulder and twirled a curly strand within her left pigtail.
"You really shouldn't believe them whoever told you that bullshit." Boomer started in a whisper when he felt Bubbles calming slightly. "You're a great person, really...and that's coming from a block of ice like me." The blonde said and Bubbles chuckled quietly. "Don't give a shit about what other people think, it's your life and they are probably just jealous."
"You really think so?" Bubbles asked, lifting her head slightly and looking at Boomer with her puffy eyes. Boomer looked down at the blonde with half lidded eyes and moved away a few strands of hair from his face.
"Why would I lie, Bubblebrain? Have I ever lied to you?"
"Heh, good point." Bubbles said, letting out a small laugh and putting her head back on Boomer's shoulder. "Do we have to leave this place?"
"Don't worry, we have time until Blossom will take us back home, Brick won't let her go that easily."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Brick indeed didn't plan on letting Blossom go easily. It was his birthday and he was going to take full advantage of it... or actually was already doing it. Right now they were both sitting at the bar, sipping slowly on their drinks and talking about random things.
"So, you seem to be enjoying yourself. Actually smiles, no fake handshake or nods. Princess didn't do half bad, eh?" Blossom asked, looking at her good friend.
"I guess Queenie did alright I'm not complaining. More interested on how long you were analyzing me to deduce that Pinkie" He said, smirking. "I loved the present you got me, you didn't have to, really. I know it was a bitch to find and cost so much as well."
"It doesn't matter. I do anything for you, you know I love you." Blossom answered and smiled slightly.
Brick bit his lower lip, turning his red eyes away. God, how he wished she meant it in the way he wanted... Shaking his head, Brick looked at the floor when he heard one of the songs Blossom always liked.
" Finally a song that doesn't suck ass. Come on Red, lets dance" He said, getting up and pulling Blossom with him. Blossom was just about to point out that Brick hates this song, but decided against it. It was his birthday after all.
They danced through the entire song, Blossom with a giant smile on her face and Brick with a small smirk on his. When the song switched to a slow jam, Brick looked at the redhead uncertainly.
"What is it?" Blossom asked arching one brow at her friend's hesitation.
"Nothing I'm just tryna figure out how cheesy we would look if we ..ya know" Brick said laughing sheepishly, it was so embarrassing! Could he risk asking Blossom to do it? He really wanted to, but what if... oh hell, it was now or never. "kept dancing " He finished finally, getting unbelievably nervous. He was usually Mr. Cool but damn it this was 10 years in the making. God, Blossom was going to think that he was such a child...
"Hn." Blossom grunted and Brick instantly frowned, ready to argue with her and stomp his way home. " It be macaroni and cheese sticks cheesy, but I'd be honored ."
With that, Blossom put her hands around Bricks neck pulling him closer. Brick was stunned, but wasn't going to change his mind of course. Putting his hands around the redheads waist, he grinned down at her
"Honored huh. Careful you pump my head up, I'll never let you deflate it" He said and received another one of those rare smiles in return. It really didn't happen often, only around special people and Brick loved every single one of them. He just wished they meant something more... he just wished Blossom thought about him as more than a friend.
God, he really had depressing thoughts today... then again, he always got melancholy on his birthday. How many years was it anyway? Ten maybe, since he though this way about his Blossom? Yeah, it was since Middle School. Freakin long time... but Brick didn't regret it in slightest. So what if Blossom didn't love him in the same way he did? He'd get used to it...somehow. And if a friend was what she needed, Brick was more than willing to act as one, even if it hurt like hell, he wasn't going to complain... he wasn't...
Gritting his teeth silently and stepping closer, he pulled Blossom just a bit closer. Of course it wasn't like he didn't give her any signs... but lack of any reaction from the other side for so many years could mean only one thing. She simply wasn't interested. Brick was glad that they still were friends at least.
Take the situation right now for example. Sure she agreed to this dance, but Blossom was just this way towards her friends. See despite Brick stepping closer, Blossoms arms were still only loosely dropped around his neck, nothing more. God, how he hated this situation! Despite knowing the answer for so many years, he still looked for some kind of sign, anything, even the smallest one. He still hoped somewhere deep down that Blossom's actions held some deeper meaning... but he always turned out to be wrong. He simply saw things that weren't even there.
Taking in Blossom's scent for the last time, in the feeling of her warm body pressed to his, Brick stepped away as the song came to an end. Moments like that were so rare he learned to savor them dearly. Putting a happy facade immediately, he smirked at the pink eyed girl.
"You were right macaroni and cheese sticks defiantly." He said, winking playfully and receiving a short laugh in return. Then Blossom's cell rang. Coming out of the crowd to a quieter place with Brick close behind her, Blossom answered the phone.
"Boomer? Something happened?" Blossom asked, already feeling concerned. She really was over sensitive when it came to her little brother's safety.
"No, nothing's wrong." Boomer said in a quiet voice and Blossom barely heard him. "I was just wondering when are you heading home."
"Home? I don't know, what time is it?"
"3 a.m."
"Oh... well, I intended to stay for a few more hours at least. Why?"
"It's just Bubbles had fallen asleep and I thought that if she's tired then there's no use staying here. But if you're not going then we will take a cab or I could drive and you would go back with Princess."
"No, you already drunk alcohol and a cab isn't a great idea either... I will take you home."
"No, come on. It's Brick's birthday and he surely wants you to stay longer." Boomer said, sighing. He should have known Blossom wasn't going back home any time soon, but if he just disappeared his sister would kill him the morning after.
"It's alright. I'll take you two and then come back. We will meet on the parking lot... or do you need help with her?"
"No, that's fine, I think she's already waking up... See you there." Boomer said and hung up. Blossom also put her phone away and looked at a slightly disappointed Brick.
"Sorry. I'll just take them home and come back, okay?" Blossom asked and when Brick nodded sending her a reassuring smile, she headed towards her car.
Brick looked on after his friend. Blossom really cared about her little brother and he honestly loved her for it... but sometimes he wished she would concentrate on herself for a minute instead.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Boomer steered a half asleep Bubbles to the car, helping her to get in. When both of them were inside, the blonde immediately collapsed to the side, putting her head on Boomer's knees and smiling pleasantly. Boomer smirked as well, putting one of his hands into Bubbles's soft hair and moving it thought it, destroying the pigtails entirely.
Blossom glanced at her brother and his new friend while getting into the car as well. They really seemed to get extremely friendly in an extremely short time. It sure as hell was something more than a one night stand... even if they didn't realize it yet themselves. One look at Boomer's behavior around the blonde confirmed all of the Blossom's thoughts. It was so easy to read Boomer in a situation like this. But despite being happy for her brother, Blossom was still worried. Because if everything turned out even slightly similar to the events from the last year, Boomer was not going to get up after that once again... she was sure of it.
She wasn't going to do anything just yet. She had to talk with Bubbles and Boomer first, to come to any constructive conclusions... then she would see.
"So what exactly happened?" Blossom asked quietly, not wanting to disturb the sleeping blonde.
"Nothing much." Boomer said, shrugging his shoulders and not prying his eyes from Bubbles."We talked a little... and I realized that some people had it hard in their lives as well."
Blossom looked slightly shocked at that. As far as she remembered, everything was always about Boomer. To hear him speak like that...
"What exactly does she know?" The older Mojo asked firmly, but still somehow gently. Boomer's blue eyes moved up and he looked at his sister.
"Only that I have my grave in the cemetery." Boomer said and noticed his sister's eyes narrowing instantly. "Don't look at me like that, her parents are buried just next to our family... and I did introduce myself when I met her at the club, she would have found out anyway."
"Why didn't you use your fake name then?" Blossom asked, slightly irritated. Didn't he know how much it could cost them?
"Seriously, I didn't expect to see her ever again... at the graveyard especially. Don't worry; she doesn't know anything more though. She doesn't look like the one to tell anything anyway."
"Boomer..." Blossom said in a low voice, glaring at her brother dangerously through the mirror. The blonde rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, I know. We can't risk anything and so on..." Boomer said dully and looked at Bubbles again. "Is this how it will be until we die? Always in hiding, always in fear, always remembering..."
Blossom sighed tiredly. What could she say, really? It was what they chose.
"Where am I supposed to drop her?" She asked, deciding to change the topic.
"At my apartment, where else. She'll sleep there for tonight." Boomer said. He really couldn't picture Bubbles going back home in this state, she would probably collapse on the staircase and sleep there... so might as well take her home, if he was to take care of her anyway.
Blossom nodded and the rest of the journey was spent in silence. When they finally arrived, Boomer somehow managed to get Bubbles out of the car. Then he looked at Blossom.
"Thanks, you really didn't have to do it... You should have your fun as well." Boomer said, looking at his sister awkwardly. Blossom observed her sibling, slightly stunned. It was the first time in a long time that Boomer actually thanked her for anything.
"No problem. You know I'm always there for you." Blossom said, smiling gently as her brother returned the gesture.
"Yeah, I know." And he was fucking grateful for it, Boomer added, in his mind however. He's not sure if he would ever tell Blossom this to her face, but he wouldn't manage without her.