Thank you correct guessers!
Katherine Loves Kisses, dragonroses, SPARK187, Mindless Chey, Anju156, and LovelyxOx
And thank you to the nameless users who didn't have time to sign in :)
You try going to any store at night and convincing someone else it isn't the strangest time you'll have. Aside from the teens who are goofing off in each aisle, and the revealing clothing you find your neighbor wearing, the trip to Walmart can be promising. Only this was Target, which holds much more in store for strange. Bubbles enjoys her trips out, regardless. It's impossible to catch her refusing a simple greeting or kind gesture. Although, after every encounter, she wonders if she would have been done sooner if she avoided contact with people.
The blonde pulls out her list, which has been torn down to the few items she has left- a few beverages and snacks. Half of the snacks she knows were put on the list for Blossom's sake, as Buttercup would pester Blossom from here on end. Bubbles smiles at the thought. She adjusts the shopping basket in her hand, sliding it up her arm. She has an urge to hurry and return home, but she knows she'd be alone for a while if she did so.
The Powerpuff weaves through the aisles, not minding a few small conversations here and there. More people were out at this time nowadays. You couldn't begin to imagine the chaos of someone out during this time in the past. Well, where would Bubbles and her sister's be if nothing had occurred? Forming this tranquil, safe town was always the goal. And still is, as there are some parts of the town that have yet to get the clue. There was a short period when certain people would purposely cause trouble just to see the Girls back in action. However, anyone intentionally causing harm just to see a few celebrities kick ass were questioned and usually arrested on spot.
Crimes have been low for years now, almost ten at least. People still thank the Girls for all they've done. Tourists used to visit the town just to say they were in the same location as a Powerpuff. And now it's not uncommon for a newcomer to say "Who?" when the girls are even mentioned. Things have changed, and they've done so for the better.
Bubbles stands before a few bottled drinks, picking out which ones will satisfy her sister or make her throw a fit. Just as she decides on the last one, her whole body tenses just before an enormous impact takes place at the front of the store. As the entire building shakes momentarily, she knew it could either mean a horrible accident or it's something she'll be forced to handle. A few screams are heard before Bubbles hurries to the front of the store. She slows her pace when an announcement blares through the speakers.
"Ladies and Gentleman, please refrain from activity on the north side. There was an accident, and while no one was hurt we wish to avoid further injury." Bubbles feels a wave of relief as to noone being injured. But checking out the scene seems necessary, as it wasn't explained what caused the accident. Bubbles continues her beeline, stopping to ask a woman if she was alright. The woman was panting which caught Bubbles' concern.
"Oh yes, dear!" The woman smiles widely, touching the Powerpuff's arm lovingly, "I'm fine, and so is everyone else. You're lucky you didn't see it though, might've scared you right out of your pigtails." Bubbles smiles back at the comment. She wasn't even wearing pigtails. The woman must be an old-time fan. Bubbles ends the conversation as she looks at the damage. She and a few others stare in disbelief at the huge hole in the wall. Four pillar-promotional shelves are now laying on the ground, one of them cracked. A Target logo swings from its cord and flickers on and off as it might unplug itself. And boxed products lie, scattered everywhere. One hell of an accident.
"No, all is good ma'am." A clerk smiles at Bubbles' kind offer to help clean up, "We'll handle it. It's late and it looks like you were in the middle of something." He points to her shopping basket. Bubbles smiles back, reassuring that it's okay to continue. More people gathered within the store after the incident, out of curiosity. So she might have to explain exactly what happened, just to keep others safe. Flash of blue, huh? Sounds like something a child would make up. That's hardly the case here.
Bubbles' only choice is to finish her errand and get home. She turns up an aisle, almost too quickly, and runs into a gentleman. "Oh my gosh! Are you okay?" she apologizes, hoping to avoid obscure remarks from him. The man looks quite irritated already. Bubbles stops when he just stares at her. "I'll um... watch where I'm going next time." She smiles, passing him.
Boomer took in a sharp breath and ran cold water over his face. He turned the tap off, then looked up into the mirror. He felt tired, exhausted, and beaten down. The purple under his eyes stick out more than the signature blue within them. He swallowed hard, remembering the voicemails he received from his brothers. Both of them- both of them have already captured their target. And now it's the baby's turn. While Brick's words were a little more encouraging, Butch once again reminded Boomer he might fail before he even starts.
Boomer gripped the sink, watching his knuckles turn white. HIM already contacted the poor boy, calmly letting him know that he's behind his brothers and should show his own worthiness. Tonight of all nights. He's forced out of his comfort zone, pushed into unfamiliar territory and is required to complete a task that could very well put him in prison. He knows that when he's let out of his own walls, he breaks others'.
Boomer watches Bubbles apologize to him, excusing herself. Getting the opportunity to bump into her head-on never ran through his mind, but he can only work with what he's given. He turns around and begins to discreetly follow her up the aisle. When she stops, he concentrates on any item near by, contemplating on buying it. He does this a few times, becoming impatient. His best bet is to just push her out the door and force her into his home. That is, unless HIM actually does something- anything.
Bubbles smiles a little when she notices the man she ran into a few minutes ago. He was innocently looking at a childhood memory of hers. She walks up behind him, "It's the best one, in my opinion." Boomer looks at her instantly, gripping the cereal box in his hand. She points to the breakfast food, "Lucky Captain Rabbit King?" she tries. Boomer looks at the box.
"Never had it before." That was a lie. He would eat this stuff whenever he had a chance.
"It's actually my childhood favorite." Bubbles grabs a box herself. Boomer tries to look interested, but he can't help wondering how and when this Puff is gonna fall. Hearing her voice makes his blood boil. He's already on edge. "Me and my sisters went through a lot of trouble with this." She laughs, causing Boomer to sneer in irritation. "It was actually in the news and everything. I don't know if you-"
"Okay!" Boomer grabs Bubbles' arm, forcing her down the aisle.
"What are you do-" He tugs her arm tightly.
"Oh, you're okay! You're fine, just a little accident! She's okay everyone!" He yells while continuously pushing her through the Employee Only door. She wasn't putting up much of a fight, just wouldn't stop asking so many damn questions. He nearly throws her in, while the door swings back and forth behind them. "Can you just shut up for two seconds?"
"What is your problem!?" Bubbles' voice cracks with enough strength to damage Boomer's ears. Boomer gives a facial gesture that suggest even he doesn't want to be there. He notices a small desk and and an office chair behind Bubbles. He steps forward, only to watch Bubbles try and dash past him. He catches her by the waist, forcing the two of them to walk until she abruptly falls into the chair. It rolls back a bit before Boomer catches it with is foot and reels it towards himself, encasing Bubbles between the back of the chair and his chest. She struggles and kicks at his feet. Boomer locks his hands on both arm rests, forcing her to look right at him.
"I know you don't want to be here, but-"
"What to do you want with me?" Bubbles fires back into his face. This was going to be an experience, that's for sure. Bubbles stops struggling, and instead prepares to blast him at any moment. She notices he's doing everything in his own will to remain calm. She stifles her yells and looks up sternly. "Who are you?"
"Doesn't matter." Boomer answers quickly. He finds that he's begging internally for HIM to do something to this annoying ball of energy in front of him.
"It does matter actually." Bubbles tightens her grip on the chair, looking right into his eyes. They scowl at each other; him staring daggers into her soul, and she looking with the most concern she's ever given anyone. In a beat she hitches her breath, darting forward again.
"Would you stop that?" Boomer grabs her waist, while she fires up her fists with a blue light and struggles to get free.
"Boomer! C-can you just tell me what's going on!?" The Rowdyruff tightens his grip around her.
"If you knew who I was, why did you ask?"
"Because! I-" Boomer feels her body go limp. She falls forward and he lets go out of shock. She smacks the floor, motionless. Boomer releases a harsh breath, muttering a few words. He finally leans down and picks her up. He knows he can't lead her through the store, so he turns around and begins to search for another exit.
Sorry for the long wait!
But now it's your choice to choose who you want to pick up with :)
I'm always open to creative ideas too, so don't be afraid to suggest some.
Thanks for reading!