Disclaimer: Nope, nope, nope.

Author's Note: Chapter 7 was originally supposed to be huge, but I didn't want to make y'all wait too long, so I'm giving you the first half of it. I've just been really busy this past week... So, enjoy this half-chapter!

We'll skip the picks for today. Anyhoo, I hope you like this! C:

...

For the past week, Buttercup had slept over at the police station, working the graveyard shift that would strengthen her application for the promotion she desired. As much as she hated missing Powerpuff duty, she was still happy to fight crime and beat the crap out of the lame criminals that lurked Townsville. In all honesty, though, the past week had been a little boring and constricted by Blossom's adamant no-powers rule, Buttercup hadn't actually gotten much action and she was itching to change that.

Sitting lazily in her police vehicle, Buttercup's ears ignored the police scanner in front of her, focusing instead on the grimy depths of underground Townsville. Her emerald eyes narrowed as she heard a distinct shuffling around the west port and coupled the fact that it was 4 in the morning, it sounded a lot like someone was smuggling. Buttercup grinned as she smashed the gas pedal and drove herself towards the shady harbor.

Parking her car about a mile away from the port, Buttercup placed her gun in its holster and her two-way radio in her pocket. Pulling her keys out of ignition, she quietly stepped out of the car and tip-toed towards the harbor. Tempted to fly up to get a better view of the situation, the brunette groaned as she realized she couldn't compromise her identity as Jade. Instead, she used her x-ray vision to see through the massive pile of crates separating her from the boat and smugglers unloading it.

There were about five henchmen and one woman near the dock and Buttercup used her finely tuned ears to listen in on their conversation.

"This is the last shipment, Sedusa."

"Good. All we need to do now is keep the cops and those damn Powerpuff Girls as far away from here as possible."

"Sounds like a plan."

Buttercup grinned. She loved it when smugglers underestimated her abilities.

Craning her neck around to some of the buildings along the port, the green-eyed law enforcer found another person at the scene. He seemed to watching the six smugglers carefully and clad entirely in black, the only feature Buttercup could make out was a set of piercing green eyes. Even from a distance, those orbs seemed intimidating and the brunette couldn't help but swallow.

Turning her attention back to the smugglers, Buttercup rolled her eyes. She could take out these guys easy. She pulled her radio out to call for back-up just in case but by the time they'd arrive, she would already have these criminals knocked out. She snorted.

"That might not be such a good idea," a deep voice from behind her growled.

Buttercup spun around, surprised she hadn't picked up on anyone sneaking around her. She narrowed her vert eyes at the masked figure in front her, matching his penetrating gaze.

Shoving her communication device back into her pocket, "Who are you?" she scoffed.

"Green. I wish I could say it's a pleasure," he snarled.

The brunette raised an eyebrow, pretending she wasn't afraid, "Buttercup Utonium," she replied. Pulling out her badge, "From the TPD. So, don't mess with me," she said fiercely.

"I knew she looked familiar," Green muttered under his breath quiet enough that no human would hear. But Buttercup did. Her eyebrows furrowed, but he continued. "Look," he was grinning under his mask, "How about you leave now and no one gets hurt?" he compromised.

Buttercup snorted, "Hell no. I've got a job to do. So, if you don't mind," she motioned for him to leave.

"Well, I tried," he shrugged. In a forest green flash of light, he had grabbed the cop and slammed her against the concrete wall adjacent to the wooden crates. The force of impact alone should've been enough to knock her lights out, but Buttercup quickly recoiled and pulled out her handgun. Her first instinct was to the shoot her attacker with a beam of green energy, but she grudgingly knew she couldn't.

"Assaulting an officer? That's a felony," she spat, keeping her gun aimed squarely at him.

"Go ahead, shoot me," he chuckled. "It won't do much."

Buttercup narrowed her eyes and pulled the trigger, aiming for his leg, but the bullet merely bounced off him at contact and quickly fell to the floor. The brunette's jaw tightened. Superstrength and invulnerability? Weren't the Powerpuff Girls the only people who possessed those abilities?

"What are you?" she asked, unable to keep her eyes from widening. "A Powerpuff?" she couldn't help but grin.

He scowled, "Never."

Buttercup couldn't help but chuckle at his revolted response. "Okay, this has been real. But I've got a job to do," she shrugged, crossing her arms.

"So do I," Green's fist went flying towards the brunette. She side-stepped the attack and then crouched as he threw another punch. She desperately wanted to beat the crap out of this complacent superhuman, but biting her lip, she hated that she couldn't. "Well, aren't you something?" he chuckled as they exchanged attacks.

"Don't expect anything less," her voice came out huskier than she had wanted.

Unbeknownst to either of the two, they were getting closer and closer to each other physically as they fought. Green grinned, having no qualms about being pressed up against the beautiful police officer and surprisingly, Buttercup found herself not complaining either. In fact, she found this superpowered man quite attractive with his chiseled muscles rippling under her and she couldn't help but feel that the mystery of his identity added to his allure.

Punches and kicks soon led to kisses and caresses as the two soon found themselves embroiled in a fiery embrace, their hands and tongues exploring each other. But the sound of police sirens soon threw the two asunder and in a flash of emerald, Green was gone.

Buttercup swallowed, her lips still tingling. Biting her lip, she picked up her gun from off the ground and shook her head, trying to Green out of her thoughts. Tightening her grip on her weapon, Buttercup nodded as she saw her fellow police officers approach the scene and in seconds, the area was infested with law enforcement.

Stepping in front of the crates to address Sedusa and her henchmen, Buttercup stated, "Townsville Police Department. Put your weapons down, you're under arrest."

...

"You locked the deal with Ayshus Corporations," the redheaded assistant happily stated, handing her boss the closing papers. She wrapped her fingers around the warm mug of coffee in her hands and took a sip of the hot liquid as she waited for his response.

"Great," he said offhandedly, not bothering to even glance at the documents.

Blossom frowned. Normally her boss would respond with a cocky remark or a smirk when he had successful business takeovers but then again, he had been acting a little differently for almost a week. Blossom didn't know what happened, but she was willing to bet that it was his parents' return that had Brick like this.

"What's wrong?" Blossom softened her hazel eyes. Working for a guy like Brick for the past month, Blossom had seen every facet of his personality and despite how much he irritated her at times, she was still a girl and she still didn't have control over her feelings towards him. As much as she hated to admit it, there was something deep down that missed Brick's smirk and clever wit... A feeling that she couldn't exactly describe, but that managed to weedle its way into her heart. She took another sip of coffee and glanced expectantly at her boss.

"Nothing, Blossy," he rolled his chocolate eyes. She frowned at the puerile nickname. ...Aaand, that feeling was gone.

"Okay," Blossom shrugged and turned away to finish her coffee and sort through some schedules when a strong gust of wind tripped her balance. She lost grip of her mug and piping hot caffeine spilled all over her coral chemise and ivory skirt. She would've gotten a nasty burn too, but nothing happened thanks to her superskin; it didn't salvage her outfit for the day, however.

The redhead spun around to face her boss, anger radiating off of her. "Brick, why is your office so freakishly windy?" she vented. She knew it wasn't right to take out her frustrations on him, because after all, he didn't control the wind or have superbreath. She mentally scoffed at that idea.

But she shouldn't have. Brick just smirked in response, "So sorry about that, Blossy."

"It's not your fault," she grumbled reluctantly, sighing before tossing the ceramic shards and other remnants of her mug into the waste basket. Examining her blouse, she frowned. That coffee was going to leave a nasty stain and she was going to look ridiculous walking around wearing it, but she didn't have another option.

"Well, you can't wear that all day," Brick scoffed.

Blossom just glared. She lived a good half-hour away from J&M and Brick would get suspicious if she flew home and returned back in a few seconds. And she certainly couldn't waste an hour of work time to change her outfit. "It's not like I have a choice," she said acerbically.

"Here," Brick pulled off his tie and started unbuttoning his white collared shirt. Blossom just blinked, staring at him quizzically as she tried to fight away the blush crawling up her neck.

"What are you doing?" she finally asked after a few moments of silence.

"Isn't it obvious?" he raised an eyebrow, handing his silk Armani piece to her.

"You want me... to wear... that...?" Blossom asked, absolutely incredulous, trying her hardest not to stare his muscular abdomen.

Brick just smirked, "It's your color, Blossy."

"It's white," she stated.

He shrugged, "What can I say? You just look great in every color. Or even better, no color at all," he winked suggestively.

Blossom was a loss for words at Brick's salacious response, but quickly composed herself, "I can't wear that. It's unprofessional," she stated, redder than Brick's natural eye color.

"Not listening to your boss is pretty unprofessional too, huh?" Brick leaned back in his chair, placing his hands behind his head casually.

Blossom narrowed her pseudo-hazel eyes in a ferocious glare, but snatched the shirt from him, "Turn around," she demanded.

Brick rolled his eyes and turned his rolley chair around to face the window as Blossom quickly undid her pink buttons and slipped off her ivory skirt. Pulling the oversized fabric over her slender, petite frame, Blossom was thankful it hit her mid-thigh.

"I take it back. Pink is definitely your color," Brick smirked.

Blossom's eyes widened as she pulled the white cloth closer to hide her salmon lace bra and matching panties. "Shut up," the crimson assistant grumbled as she fiddled with the buttons on his shirt. Blossom was too engrossed her maintaining her modesty while Brick was too distracted by her lack of it at the moment that neither heard the office door open and close behind the two men who had entered the room.

"Are we interrupting something here?" an effeminate voice teased, causing both Brick and Blossom's necks to snap up.

"Geez, have you guys ever heard of knocking?" Brick glared.

"If our presence is a problem, we are more than happy to leave and return another time. That is, HIM and I, Mojo, do not wish to intrude and cause a disturbance that would result in you, our son and you, our son's girlfriend becoming uncomfortable because we are free to come back again and-"

"Mojo, I think they get the idea," HIM clamped a claw-like hand around his friend's mouth.

"T-This isn't what it looks like," Blossom said weakly.

"Oh, it never is," HIM said sympathetically. "Well, have fun, you crazy kids," he giggled before leaving, dragging Mojo along with him and leaving a flustered Blossom and smirking Brick in their wake.

...

"Look, girls, I don't know what to say," Robin sighed. She had a copy of today's Townsville Tribune beside her and she looked at it weakly before glancing back at the Utonium sisters seated in plush chairs around her. The four friends had finally met up for a long overdue dinner at the Utonium residence but it had quickly taken a sour turn as they flipped on the television to see the Powerpuffs name desecrated all over the news.

"It's not us," Bubbles cried, desperate for her friend to believe her.

"I know," the brunette said softly, "I've known you girls almost my whole life. I know you would never do that. I know. But how am I supposed to make Townsville believe it?"

"We don't have proof," Blossom said resignedly. She looked up at her friend, "I've got a hunch, but there's almost nothing to support it. We just need you to buy us some time, Robin," the redhead pleaded.

"I love you girls, but I don't know if I can," their reporter friend sighed. "My editor wants an article soon and I've got to give him something."

"Well, what can we do?" Buttercup frowned. "It's like the whole town's gone batshit crazy and hates us!"

"We need to figure out who's responsible for all these high-profile murders and then we can clear our names," Blossom explained.

"But where do we start?" the blonde looked at her sister expectantly.

The redhead sighed, "I think I've got an idea, but it could take a while."

Robin gave her three friends a sympathetic smile, "You girls love Townsville. It's so easy to see that you'd never kill anyone."

"How do you propose we make Townsville see that?" Buttercup asked her.

Robin took in a deep breath, "Well, I've got an idea. At least, for now."

"Well?" Bubbles asked anxiously.

"I think it's time the Powerpuffs gave a press statement," Robin declared.

...

Tonight was the J&M art show and Bubbles couldn't have been more nervous. She had slaved over an easel for the past week in preparation, trying to make the most beautiful art for tonight's auction. She knew there would be a plethora of rich and influential art buyers here this evening and really wanted to make a good impression; Boomer was coordinating the entire program as well, and she was anxious to impress him too.

She chewed her lip, rubbing her clammy palms on her elegant satin aquamarine dress. She had pulled her golden locks into a delicate bun, leaving a few strands to strategically frame her face. Finishing off her simple yet classy outfit were dangling snow-white earrings, a matching pendant and ebony pumps.

The blonde had already conversed with a few people, but she still hadn't seen Boomer. He was really the only person she knew here and she was hoping to find him and maybe discover his thoughts about her art. She had created three paintings- a docile watercolor vase of flowers, an innocuous acrylic of two baby blue birds and a final, more controversial, oil pastel of the Powerpuff Girls, their respective colors lighting up the dim Townsville night sky.

Her first two paintings proved to be quite popular and many people had already placed their bids, but her Powerpuff painting had garnered an awful lot of frowns and contemptuous glances. Chewing on her lip, Bubbles wondered if maybe it would've been better not to include the painting of her and her sisters.

"Cookies?" an ebullient voice brought her back to reality. Bubbles looked to her side where a tall, almost womanish man dressed in a black dress with frill and leather boots stood with a tray of delicious-looking chocolate chip cookies.

"Sure!" she grinned, taking a bite. "These are good!" she commented, still chewing her treat. "Thank you!" she turned towards the ruddy man.

"No problem, dear," he smiled. "Say, you didn't do this, did you?" he looked from a painting of the Powerpuff Girls over to her with big eyes.

"Y-Yes, I did," she stuttered, unsure whether he was another anti-Puff citizen of Townsville.

"I think it's magnificent!" he exclaimed, examining the painting more closely. "The technique, the message... Amazing!" he gushed.

The blonde was taken aback, "Well, thank you!" she replied, grinning. Bubbles was about to ask for the man's name when she spotted a headful of golden hair in the crowd.

Narrowing her eyes, she grinned even wider realizing it was Boomer. Her smile faltered, however, when she saw three very beautiful women hanging off of him. Bubbles frowned, immediately berating herself for expecting anything different. How could she have even believed for a second that she had a chance with a guy like him? It was utterly preposterous.

"Boomer! Yoo hoo!" the man beside her called out to the blond host. Boomer suddenly turned towards him and made his way over to the two.

"Hey, Mom," the blond greeted as he took a cookie. Boomer turned towards Bubbles and grinned, "Hey, I've been looking for you."

"Hey," Bubbles said weakly, rubbing her elbow awkwardly.

"Boomer Jonah Johnson! Where are your manners?" the effeminate man (and apparent mother of Boomer) chastised. "Aren't you going to introduce us?"

"Oh, yeah," the blue-eyed blond finished off his cookie, "This is Bubbles, Mom. She's a friend of mine," he explained. Turning towards to Bubbles, he continued, "And this Hubert Morrison, my adoptive mother."

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Morrison," Bubbles extended her hand to shake his. "Or, do you prefer Mrs. Morrison?" she asked, a little confused.

He just giggled, "It's lovely to meet you, Bubbles. I've heard a lot about you," he gave a knowing glance to Boomer. "And call me HIM. Everyone does!"

Bubbles was too engrossed in her conversation with HIM to see Boomer's frown at the Powerpuff Girls. He couldn't deny that the technique was beautiful, but he couldn't stand to look at those three stupid superheroines. Boomer couldn't say anything, though. The last thing he wanted to do is hurt Bubbles' feelings.

"Looks like the auction is about to start!" HIM tittered excitedly, "I'm going to get this one!" he exclaimed, pointing to Bubbles' oil painting. She gave him a toothy grin.

"Hey, Bubbles," Boomer turned towards the blonde artist, "You look great tonight."

"T-Thanks. You too," Bubbles looked down, blushing.

"Thanks," Boomer grinned. "Hey, um," he started, rubbing his hand behind his neck, "After this, wanna grab a bite?"

Bubbles slowly looked up to meet Boomer's anticipating glance. "Are you... Are you asking me out on a date?"

"Yeah, I guess I am," Boomer shoved his hands in his pockets.

"Well, then, I'd love to," Bubbles grinned.

...

Lemme know what you think! I'd love to hear all about it in a review! C:

The other half will be up soon. ...Hopefully.