Yahoo! It's Chapter 12 of Angelica! Well, I hope you're all really excited and enjoying the story! :D In this chapter, we'll see what happens as a result of Pyro's PUNCH to 'Ash head' lol, and what happens between Pyro and Angelica. Oh, and if you don't already, be prepared to hate 'Ash Head', or…to be 'polite', Rick XD. Lol. ANYWAY! Yeah! I'm not sure if I'll include Bubbles or Boomer in this one either, we'll just have to see! Please REVIEW, I love all of you for reviewing! I'm honored to have so many! OH, and also? HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE! Hope you're all having a great time =) Now, on with the story! ;D

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE POWERPUFF GIRLS OR THE ROWDYRUFF BOYS, OR ANYTHING, EXCEPT THE IDEA AND ANY MADE UP CHARACTERS! =D

REMINDER: THE PGG AND RRB ALL HAVE NORMAL LIMPS, EYES, NOSES, FINGERS, TOES…ETC. =)

Angelica

Chapter 12: Pyro Almost confesses!

P.O.V.: Angelica

Setting: The Hospital Angelica volunteer's at- the Children section. Takes place in the past, where we'll be staying for a while, until further notice! Angelica is 16, Boomer and Bubbles are 37, and Pyro…? Well, …he's a demon. ^_^

I gently closed my eyes and took a deep breath in, placing a soothing hand on Rick's shoulder.

Healing energy filtered into him from me, and in no time, his nose was unbroken, and his pain would soon subside.

However, he still had blood all over his face, thanks to Pyro's powerful fist.

I smiled, reopening my sympathetic eyes to look at Rick, who was whimpering and sobbing from pain.

"…Rick." I smile more, "He didn't break your nose. Don't worry about it."

"W-What…the…fuck.. a-a-are you…talking about?" he sobs out, touching his nose, his eyes in little slits filled with tears.

I winced at the curse, it reminded me of what Pyro had just said before he left in a rush…

Secretly, I wondered what it was like to cry. It didn't look too…fun.

Quite the opposite.

Humans cry when they're in pain, sad, or angry, I have noticed. Some even when they're happy.

He he, that's funny. If I cried every time I was happy, my Mother and Father would have their own personal beach in our house, minus the sand, palm trees, and sea life.

Suddenly, he realizes that the pain isn't there any more and his eyes widen, trickling down the last of his tears.

"H-Hey…" he slowly gets up from the floor, "Y-You're RIGHT!" he exclaims.

I smile and giggle, getting up and nodding.

I felt bad for Rick and didn't understand why Pyro had hit him in the first place…

I thought him better than that…

"Guess that jerk wasn't as strong as he thought!" Rick growls out, wiping away the blood on his face with his arm. Some had gotten on his blue uniform and I used my mind abilities to quietly make all the blood 'go away' without him noticing.

"Um…" I frown gently at his tone, "I'm sorry he did that to you. I promise I'll talk to him about it…but please don't lie to me when I ask you this…" I begin, staring into his eyes, which avoid mine entirely, soul searching, "Did you provoke him somehow?"

There's not a word in the air, you could hear a pin drop as Rick stares away from me.

Slowly, his face scrunches up and he looks irritated, like he was eating lemons.

"Provoke him? No. The stupid bastard just…randomly punched me. I'm telling you, he's insane. Did you see that black, weird tattoo on his forehead? Yeah, insane. Why the hell are you friends with a guy like that?"

Rick's voice was filled with venom and irritation as he spoke- almost spat- into my face.

I frowned, knowing him to be lying. I sensed it.

My eyes were loving as always, but I made them go serious now, staring directly at him.

"Rick." my voice was firm, and he looked at me, kind of surprised I sounded so serious, "You're lying to me." I don't ask it, I state it.

It was the truth, he was.

He shifts his weight from one foot to another awkwardly and breaks my gaze by looking up at the ceiling.

"I'm not…"

"Yes, you are."

"How would you know?"

"Trust me. Now tell me what you did."

"…Oh my gosh, what the hell? You've known me for months now, Angelica. Months! You know I'm not like that! Why are you taking his side over mine? I'm the one who got punched here!"

"Rick, just answer me without getting upset. I'm taking no one's side. If you tell me what you said to him before he hit you, I can help clear up as to why he did it. Rick-" I blinked, my eyebrows raising. Suddenly, it clicked.

Psychically, and memory wise.

Pyro, when he left here, had said…something not only vulgar and unnecessary, but also confusing.

'Boyfriend.' he had said, 'boyfriend.'

He was referring to Rick.

"Rick…" I trailed off, looking into his eyes, my eyebrows slightly furrowed now, "Did you tell him I was your girlfriend?"

His eyes pop out at that, a sudden blush appearing on his features. He fidgeted in his spot and couldn't make eye contact.

"Well, I…Um…w-what would give you that idea?"

But I didn't even need an answer. I already knew my answer.

That's exactly what he told Pyro.

A sigh escaped my lips as I looked towards the room where Matilda and Gerald stayed in and were currently sleeping. We were still right outside of it.

Pyro had befriended the kids, even though I knew they had sensed something wrong with him.

Pyro had once again proved to me he could be sweet and kind…

Could be good.

"Rick, I hope you feel better. I must be off. See you next Sunday." I suddenly smile at him brightly, confusing him and making him blush more.

I start to walk away and he stands there, watching me do so for a second or two, before reaching out and grabbing my arm.

All of this was unplanned.

It was all a result of Pyro. Anything involving a demon in my life screwed up the schedule.

Pyro wasn't a real disturbance, as long as he was well behaved…

But, it still caused a ripple effect, specially when he interacted with people other than me…

"Angelica. Wait." Rick pleads and my eyebrows raise as he suddenly pulls me in close to him.

He's so tall that I'm face to face with his chest, pressed up against it. My hair flows behind me as he wraps his arms around me, pinning me there.

I can feel a pink blush creep up onto my snow-white skin as my eyes widen in surprise.

"…Look, it's true, okay? I did say that…and I'm sorry for lying but…I really, really like you Angelica.." he suddenly admits.

Wait…this wasn't part of the plan! Rick liking me? That wasn't part of the plan! Oh no…

"I kind of wanted to tell you for a while…" he slowly goes on, "but, I just couldn't. I was too shy…I guess this is a fine opportunity as any?"

He looks down at me, his face red as well.

I gulp, feeling the need to go after Pyro.

I needed to talk to him….about what just happened.

However, I was being hugged by Rick and couldn't just…vanish in his arms.

How suspicious would that look?

"Rick…" I begin, not truly knowing what to say. These matters always baffled me! I wasn't much good at them because I was never supposed to be!

My plan was never to be 'romantically involved' with anyone…

"I can't stay. I have to go." I finish, my voice gentle but firm, and now, his face looks disappointed, hurt, and bitter.

"where Angelica? To do what? I'll go with you, just tell me!"

"Your shift isn't over, I couldn't pull you away from your obligations…"

"Obligations? It's Community Service for crying out loud!"

"Community Service is an obligation bigger than any paying job you could imagine."

"..look, whatever, that's not what I need to talk to you about."

"I know, and I appreciate the affection but Rick I-"

"You what?"

"I have to go!"

"Are you going to meet that damn Pyro? What's he got I don't got, huh? What!"

"…You want the truth? I never lie."

"Yeah, I want the fucking truth."

"…please watch your tongue. Okay, the truth. Yes, I am going to meet up with Pyro. Pyro has a lot of stuff you don't have although I'm sure you wouldn't want to have….but he also has something else you might benefit from."

"Huh, like what? Don't tell me it's the stupid Tattoo- cause if you like Tattoo's I'll-"

"No." I smile, "It's not the tattoo…it's spirit. He has a LOT of spirit, and isn't afraid to show it. Yes, he's rude, yes he lies, yes, he's arrogant and selfish…but he has spirit and real passion to him. Perhaps he's bad, very bad, but he has a heart bigger than most people I've seen…and that's something to admire."

I felt a tingling on my cheeks, and I was sure I was blushing.

My heart raced a little bit too.

Why was that? I hadn't been running or exhorting energy.

How peculiar…

He frowned at this, his eyes narrowing angrily.

I could tell he was getting the wrong impression…

He thought I liked Pyro…more than on a friendly level.

"So…you 'admire' him, huh?" he whispers out in a deadly way, and I just stare up at him, not feeling intimidated at all.

He lets go of me, and I'm not being hugged by him anymore. I'm freed from his grasp and standing in front of him.

"Yes. Very much so. A man with true spirit is always honor-" I should've seen it coming.

I really should have.

I mean, I usually see everything coming that didn't have to deal with Demons…

However, to be fair to myself, none of this was planned, and was the result of Pyro coming here and interacting with us…

However….I highly doubt even Pyro would've liked much what happened next…

Rick slapped me- straight in the face.

My eyes widened and my head turned towards the direction I was slapped in- the right.

I also gasped at it and clutched the cheek he had hit.

It didn't even hurt.

Not even a tad bit…

But it hurt emotionally.

Had…had I done something wrong? Had I said something to offend him? Had I insulted him?

What did I do wrong? I never meant to! Honest, I didn't!

I … I just was stating how I felt! The truth!

I never meant to… hurt Rick…

I looked at him with wide eyes, trying my best not to shed a tear. That's how shocked I was.

I had known Rick for months now, and never saw him to be a violent person.

He was always so caring, kind, and funny - much like the big brother I never had.

However, at times, I had seen him get very quite, very brooding, very secretive.

I had always known what was wrong, psychically, but he was never violent or impolite about it.

Usually, it was just friend drama, or family issues.

All of that had been planned.

However…this? This wasn't. was this…what he was truly capable of?

His face remained the same- angry little slits for eyes that were beady and cold, and a harsh frown on his face. His head was slightly lowered down to level out with mine.

And he stared me directly in the eye…

No remorse.

"R-Rick.." I chocked out, not really knowing what to say. All I knew was…was I couldn't cry. I couldn't become full Angel and waste my powers on a poor, defenseless human!

"Get away from me…" he almost demands, "just, get away…" he frowns sadly now and straightens himself up.

Now, remorse washes up over his features, and I knew he'd apologize…when he was ready. I slowly start to relax, letting my shock turn into forgiveness.

"…Rick." I repeat this time, stable, "…I hope that we can still be friends…" I smile hopefully, gathering myself together after the shock left me.

He looks shocked I said that, and more to his surprise, I give him a friendly hug before walking off…

I couldn't hold it against him.

It was his right to how he felt about me…

But I certainly couldn't hate him. I couldn't hold resentment against anyone.

"W-Wait! Angelica, I'm…I'm sorry!" he suddenly shouts after me, and I smile gently while I continue to walk.

I stop abruptly, turn to look at him, and smile forgivingly.

"..I know you are Rick. I know you are."

P.O.V.: Pyro

Setting: In a small town near the Trench. One filled with drunks, vulgar people, and very superstitious individuals. Thanks to the Legends of the Trench.

I burped loudly, licking the remaining blood off my lips, as I stared down at the two men I had slaughtered and killed.

I had ate one completely- all that was left was a few remains. The other man, I had devoured half of.

But, eh…I was full now. What can I say?

I sighed, rage from before still in my heart and kicked at the top half of the man remaining.

It wasn't fair. It wasn't fucking fair!

Why did Ash Head get the girl?

I didn't get it! What's he got I don't?

He's a jerk, and so am I…

But, I'm cooler.

I mean, really!

Does the Ancient One like losers or something?

Ohhhh, why the FUCK do I care ANYWAY?

I should've killed that bitch by now! Yesterday, when I had the chance!

Damn my lack of intellect! I let her beauty get the best of me instead…

How foolish could I be?

So what if she went off with that PRICK Ash Head?

Soon, they'd both be dead. I'd make sure of it.

I'd kill anyone familiar with the Ancient One. Making sure it'd be like she never existed…

Never existed…

I frowned at that thought as I stared down at the dead man, touching my feet.

I shouldn't have, but for some reason, I didn't like that idea.

I didn't want her not to exist…

She made my life interesting. I was so used to things, day in, day out.

It got boring, and quite frankly, I enjoyed being able to have someone like her around.

It was unpredictable…

And so …tempting.

Tempting to kill her. Tempting to kiss her.

I enjoyed the temptation.

After all, I'm the Temptor himself. He he.

I smirked bitterly and walked away from the scene. I didn't care where I was going.

I started to walk into the forest, towards the Trench which was about a mile away. Not far at all. No wonder these people are so bad…they're affected by the negative energy lying in that trench.

Our trench. Our home.

At least on Earth…

Perhaps I'd visit the Underworld today. Visit Him, the King of Demons.

Instead of walking back to the Trench however, my feet lead me somewhere else.

Somewhere I hadn't bothered to visit before…

T-There was a stream here? Since when?

I blinked, watching the water slowly run along the stream, on it's way to some unknown river, another water source I had no idea about.

With a defeated sigh, I plopped down on the ground, my brow arched and furrowed, my bottom jaw jutting out, like a little kid's.

I hated this world…and yet it never ceased to baffle me.

There were so many things I hated, enjoyed, didn't know about or just plain didn't get….cause I didn't want to.

I didn't care for half the things out there.

However…there were things that did intrigue me.

Killing, hunting, torturing, lying, and fighting being a few of them…

And the Ancient One happened to tag along to that.

What a freakish thing?

I'm supposed to hate her, not be intrigued by her. I don't understand this world.

How is it even remotely possible for a DEMON to feel any ounce of goodness what so ever?

love was goodness.

I admit to lustful thoughts towards…Angelica…but, I didn't just have that.

With lust, you didn't get jealous if your object of attraction walked away from you after the deed was done- at least I didn't.

So…could this be the word I hate the most?

…could it be…possible…I, Pyro, Prince of Lies and demons…am in love with an Ancient One?

….I stared at the stream, really thinking about it, wincing at the idea.

If I've lived here for over a thousand years and have never noticed this stream until now, then…even though I hate to admit it…yes, it surely is possible.

Suddenly, I hear a clearing of one's throat and perk up.

I look to my right and squint- the sun getting in my eyes.

I couldn't tell who was there by sight- being blinded, currently- but I could sense it.

DAMN IT! It,..it was the ANCIENT ONE!

ARRRGGG…

Suddenly, she blocks the sun from my eyes with her head, and it makes the back of her head glow.

Like she needed it…she already glowed so brightly on her own…

She blinked, her neon blue eyes shining into mine gently, and a smile bloomed on her unique lips.

She giggled and smiled with her eyes closed at me.

"…May I join you?" she asks considerately and I narrow my eyes at her, bitterly.

I was still sitting in front of the stream. Didn't feel like budging much…

I shrug, irritated.

"whatever." I mumble angrily, looking away from her- but not really wanting to- and towards the stream. My eyes immediately drooped when I did.

"Thank you." she smiles contently, as if grateful for my permission- as if she couldn't take the seat next to me without it- and sits herself down.

She's right next to me- our shoulders I touching.

I shiver at that. My irritation was growing…and so were the feelings I felt before, when I kissed her yesterday…

"Pyro, I understand why you attacked Rick…" she says after a moment of silence. Her voice was calm, collected. I blinked, not looking at her.

"So?" I spat and I can feel her eyes on me.

Why was she here?

"…I don't blame you for hitting him." she suddenly surprises me and I blink, looking towards her now.

"w-what?" I stutter. Could it be possible she was actually in approval of my violent nature towards him?

Whoa, whoa, WAIT! Does that mean I could kill him with her approval to? CRAP, that'd be great!

"I mean… I know why you did it and know that you had a reason…" she stared at me candidly, assessing my features.

Her eyes were filled with curiosity, caution, and gentleness.

They probed into my black ones…and I admit, I liked staring into hers. I liked how it felt..

I wonder what she saw in mine.

Blackness…heartlessness..?

"That's it?" I sourly frown, "you mean…you don't approve?"

She smiles at that, the corners of her mouth turning up just slightly.

She looked so elegant and proud- like a beautiful, dignified lioness.

Roar~

"No, I can never approve of violence Pyro." she says, bemused, "I'm trying to establish peace in Townsville…so that'd be hypocritical of me."

I roll my eyes and plop my chin down on my knees, looking at the stream in front of me.

My dream was crushed…damn it.

"…why're you here?' I grumble out and half moan. It was kind of like torture- knowing she belonged to someone else…

"Why? Well, to say sorry, of course."

I blinked at that, her voice sounded so light and airy at that moment. So comforting and beautiful. I let my eyes drift back to her.

She was so damn breathtaking. Her hair swayed ever so gently in the breeze and sparkled gently in the summer sun. her skin glowed and had a shimmer to it, itself.

Her eyes gleamed with loving intent, and her lips…begged to be kissed by me.

Or at least, that's what I thought.

"You apologize?" I scoff, "what the fuck for?"

I tried not to laugh really. It was preposterous…

She continued to smile gently at me, always calm…

"For Rick's lie." Ash Head?

My eyebrows furrowed at this.

He…lied? Huh?

"Yes. I can see that you're confused about that…you certainly had me baffled as well!" she laughs now, sounding adorable, "But, not for long…"

"w-what the fuck are you going on about?" I growl, turning towards her now, completely.

She still had her shoulder to me while smiling at me.

Finally, she faced me as well. We were both face to face now.

"When you left, you called Rick my boyfriend…" she commented and I growl openly, loudly. I folded my arms, a sneer on my face.

"Yeah. That damn…" I was about to hiss out when she decides to continue onward…

"He's not my boyfriend." she smiles more now, her eyes lightening up, as if relieved to say it.

I blink, my eyes widening, my jaw dropping. Wait, had she just said what I think I heard?

She nodded slowly, probably knowing my thoughts.

"…He's not my boyfriend." she confirmed my dream words yet again- or at least one of my dream words.

"Y-You're serious?" I scoot closer to her and she nods again, more eagerly this time, as if a great weight was lifted from her delicate shoulders.

"Yes. I definitely am. I'm sorry Pyro, it seems he viewed you as a threat, for some reason, and admitted to me just now he liked me…" she frowns gently, sympathetically, "He just said that to upset you is all."

What did she mean by 'for some reason'? I was a threat alright!

What, was it true? Did she seriously not think her and I could…ever be?

My frown was evident as I let that sink in. she frowned worriedly.

"what's wrong? You look down." she reached out to rub at my shoulder, but I slapped it away.

"…You obviously don't give a damn about me. Why don't you just get up and leave?" I growl out, bitterly.

She looked shocked, taken back, her eyes widened.

"That's not true at all! I care about you very much! You impressed me today, befriending those kids…I thought it was very sweet of you Pyro. And I'm very sorry you were lied to by Rick…he's usually such a nice guy-"

"so why don't you date him, if he's 'so nice'?" I bitterly interrupt and she looks down awkwardly, a blush creeping to her features.

"Oh…" she gently, and somewhat sadly says.

Man…why did I have to even suggest it?

"I…I was never planned to fall in love…to be honest." she blushes deeper and it adds a certain frailness to her elegant self.

That's what I liked about Angelica. She was eloquent, sophisticated, and smart, but not stuck up, really adorable and sweet…

DAMN WHY DO I CARE?

"Never…planned to…fall in love?" I repeat, defeated.

So…that's why she hadn't kissed back. She had never needed to know how to…

Save for that experience. Thanks to me…

I guess I interfere with her plans…or something like that.

Man, that sounds bittersweet. I'm a burden?

Fuck it…

I growled lowly and looked away. This…really couldn't work out, could it?

"Yes…never." she admits, looking at me with shy, but gentle and truthful eyes. Her eyelashes were so long…

"But…can I ask you something? Something personal?"

"what?" I growl out, enraged by this …this bummer to my only wish.

"…Have you ever been in love?" her voice sounded so interested, so hopeful, so curious that I couldn't help but feel bad. She eagerly looked at me, like…like…

I was a mentor or something! She even scooted closer to me…

I gulped and frowned, acting pissed off by her getting closer, when in reality, I wasn't.

"Love? Fuck love…I live for lust, baby. Nothing more, nothing less."

That wasn't true. Or was it?

I couldn't tell any more…

"L-Lust? That's one of the seven deadly sins you know…"

"So?"

"So don't you feel bad doing it?"

"not really, no. too accustomed to it. I guess."

"…So…you kissed me yesterday…out of lust."

Oh crap. I felt like a deer in headlights now. I was frozen, my tongue felt like it was in knots. She wasn't asking, she was stating.

Did that mean…it was true?

She never told a lie. She couldn't.

It was against her nature. Her divinity.

However, what if it wasn't a statement, and was a question? Then…what do I say to that?

Did I just feel lust towards her? I doubted it…

It was a bit more…complex than that.

"…Um.." I mumble, avoiding her piercing gaze, "Fuck…" I curse harshly under my breath, and she frowns at that.

"..listen.." I sigh, finally looking into her eyes, "I'm…I'm not sure. Okay? I'll be blunt. I have no idea what the fuck is happening to me right now…at all." I admit, which wasn't easy. She tilts her head to the side cutely, staring at me with intrigued eyes.

"…So, you believe that it might have been something…more than lust back there?"

"…phhh… I dunno. Don't get your hopes up."

She smiles at that. A genuine smile. The type you wouldn't mind smiling with.

"My hopes are always up." she giggles.

I sigh and bite my lip, thinking.

"…You know…" I slowly begin after a moment or two, "…I could teach you."

I looked away but now I'm looking in her eyes again.

She stares at me intently.

"teach me? What's there for me to learn?"

"…About…well…" I begin awkwardly, "…some stuff. Like…romantic love related?"

Her eyes swell at that and the blush forms on her face again.

"O-oh…I don't have time for that…" she pouts, but I grab at her arm, seeing her get uncomfortable.

"NO! Wait, let me explain…" I quickly speak, "..just…let me teach you…how to kiss." I offer and her blush increases.

I liked that.

"K-Kiss? Like what my parents do..? Like…what you did?" she blinks in confusion, hesitation. I nod eagerly awaiting her approval.

"Yes." I encourage her.

"why should I know that…?"

"B-Because…?" I shrug, "It's just…good to know?"

"It's not part of my mission…"

"well, it's a handy skill…"

"why?"
"Well…um…if you…um… if you're a good kisser, it can get you places. People like good kissers."

"…what defines a good kisser?"

"Uhhh…passion, mhm."

"Compassion?"

"N-not really…"

"I don't understand why this relates to peace for Townsville…"

"But-"

"I'm not sure I really understand what you're getting at Pyro, I-"

"okay!" I suddenly roar out, regretting it because she jumps, "…Okay." I say quietly this time, frowning.

"I'll admit something to you. Hm? Are you ready for this?" I start, my heart doing glides and swoops like crazy.

"Um…?" she blinks, confused, staring into my eyes, trying to understand what I was thinking.

"…Whatever you have to say will be of importance to me." she nods slowly, encouragingly.

I doubted that…

I sucked in a breath, not knowing what the hell I was doing. I could be…risking everything here…

I was about to tell her something preposterous. Something…outlandish and impossible.

I was about to tell her I loved her.

And I believed it too. At that very moment. The way she stared at me, I at her, the way my body begged to be against hers…

It was believable. But what made it more so…

Was…

The feelings I had for her. Not lustful ones- at least not JUST them- but…

Protectiveness, wanting to know her, wanting to laugh with her, spend time with her, care for her…

Those things had nothing to do with lust.

Not at all, and they were foreign to me.

But, just as soon as I was about to speak the words I felt were so true at that moment…

Just as I was about to do something I might've lived to regret…

I hear a twig snap and swivel my head around towards it, to see it's none other than Lilith…

My best friend, Demoness of waste….

AHHH! :D Hope you all enjoyed that! Ha ha, it was good, no? Ummm, sorry! Had no time to fit Bubbles or Boomer in here! Maybe next time? Well, none the less, these two chapters in a ROW have been ALL about Angelica, Pyro, and a bit of Rick…what do you think ? =D I liked writing this one…ANYWAY! ;D PLEASE REVIEW! Next chapter, we'll see what happens with Lilith, Pyro, and Angelica, and hopefully a bit of Boomer and Bubbles! Also, sorry for any spelling mistakes! HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE! :