I know, I feel horrible :( My brains been fried from all the work I've had to do in order to complete my schooling education. Ugh...on top of that my Word program decided to go skitso and refuse to work...been a NIGHTMARE.

I've been debating on whether or not I should do a sequel...I've been a bit disheartened over some of my favourite PPG stories not being updated in a while...*sigh* but anyway, I'm gaining back the love for this story...and I have some ideas I'd love to write (: Anyways, I won't dribble along too much.

Personally like to thank...

sammygirl16 (Aw thanks (: Lol, glad Blayze is cute, and glad Butch is hot! :P definately the personalities I wanted. :D hope you like x)

Haruka Ai (Still working on past/passed thing...I only just noticed, believe it or not! *Sigh* I have to admit I am lazy, I get so excited in putting a chapter out I make stupid mistakes all the time..I only just noticed that I wrote that Blayze's eyes were red...lucky I fixed it...I don't know where my head is sometimes! Lol! Thanks :D I hope you like the update)

moon-mistery (Lol, thank you! I hope this chapter is sufficient :D)

CC-chan (Aw that would be such a good idea :P I should try and fit it in...that would be cool :P lol! I hope you like the chapter, and thanks!)

happybunnyntx (Aw thanks! :D All good questions, all in good time (: I hope you like the chappie! x)

Kagami Rin Ne (Aw, I like writing Blayze...even though he's only tiny so oh-so limited, he'll soon get older...which I'm already working on ;p)

temi (Hope you like :D x)

DarkRoseMoons (Thanks :D I hope you like my update :P)

DC12 (Aww thank you!! (: You make me smile. I hope this chapter's just as good :D)

MEEP doodad (Sorry I've kept you waiting :( I'll try better to update I promise...seeing as it's nearing the end (of this part) it's getting exciting! :D)

NurseAryan (Nooo still a way to go (: I really want to do a sequal...but I'll see what happens...hope you like! x)

Camisado (No...I have risen! RISEN! (: Hopefully seeing as my homework level has gone down I'll be able to update quicker :P)

Corcey (I love Blayze...I can guarantee he'll be in some adventures :P lol thanks :D)

animeskullgirl16 (Lol thanks, I hope you like the chapter XD)

hellopandaluver (Lol...hi! :D Welcome aboard! Hope you like ;p)

Twenty-

I sat on my bed, contemplating on the weeks that had passed.

A few weeks had passed, and already I felt as though I was getting a serious dose of Cabin Fever. Butch went to incredible lengths to ignore my pleas of freedom, and to give his action a little extra sting he'd take Blayze with him…wherever he went.

Mostly I found myself in Butch's old room, which he'd vacated in order to ignore me further. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but there was a definite glowing, forbidding passion in his eyes whenever he looked at me- those emerald pupils seemed to sparkle with malice. Whenever he was near I felt it- his intense glare on my skin. Sometimes I felt it even though I was sure he was nowhere nearby.

It was driving me insane.

I opened my eyes toward the ceiling, feeling a headache coming on. The same house, same prison cell…for weeks…

I turned to look at my bundle of joy, who was lying next to me on the giant bed, gnawing on one of his toys and kicking his tiny feet into the air happily, babbling. He was dressed in the jumpsuit Cass bought me all those months ago. It fit him perfectly. Sometimes my mind wondered to my friends, school…My bestie Cass, Matt, Tyler, Holly…even Jayden before he was a jerk. It had been so long since I last saw them…those memories seemed like a lifetime away.

Blayze giggled at me, drooling and attempting to roll over. He still couldn't make it, no matter how strong he was. He seemed to pout, and I rolled over and tickled his stomach to make him smile. He giggled, clasping my hand with his tiny fingers.

Even though it seemed like years since I was first put in this house of horrors, it had only been a few weeks and I still didn't have my powers back. When I asked Brick he'd said something about how draining it was to give birth to a kid with such a large amount of power- Chemical X and Chemical X- combined with human genetics, born naturally. It didn't make any sense to me; I just hoped they'd return soon. Sure, I was probably stronger than the average person, but I was hardly ready to crash through an entire glass skyscraper. Just a few days ago I cut my finger on a piece of glass and burst into tears when a torrent of blood gushed out. I never felt so pathetic.

"It's just blood." Boomer had mumbled, attempting to calm me down with a band aid. He even pointed out that it was bright green, my favourite colour, but nothing worked. I was a blubbering mess.

I sighed at the memory, wrapping my arms around Blayze and drawing him in close, my face close to his. I loved to take in his scent, babies always smelt so good, and Blayze had an indescribable aroma that always seemed to calm me. He babbled at me and parted his lips, trying to tug at my hair. I smirked, gently winding his fingers around mine.

I sometimes fell asleep with Blayze in my arms, but then I'd wake up and he wouldn't be there…like some nightmare that I couldn't awaken from. I'd stay up all night, just waiting and worrying, but then by morning he'd be there in the living room amongst the rest of his playthings, sitting in his tiny carrier batting at the dangling toys that hung above him. Other nights I'd fall asleep, tossing and turning, then awake to find him in the crib next to me, fast asleep. I knew Butch was behind it, he pined for Blayze as much as I did, and I could tell both of his brothers were getting annoyed by it.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, thinking of my own sisters and how much they meant to me. It had been weeks…ever since they gave me the camera. Butch was probably keeping them at a safe distance…a 'threat' he would call them. Baby Blayze kicked his padded feet at me and I gave him a sad smile, knowing both Blossom and Bubbles would give anything to see their nephew, to play with him and hold him like I could…

Maybe I should just play the game… I thought vaguely. I gently pushed a few locks of hair from Blayze's forehead. His hair was growing so long and thick that it stuck out, just like Butch's. Maybe I should be thinking strategically, not stubbornly…I should be thinking of the greater good…for my sisters, for Blayze and for me…

It was a voice I hadn't heard in a long time, the sensible, logical voice I had within me that always seemed so far away…that was always Blossom's job... to think logically. I found myself smirking. Me- the brawny Powerpuff- thinking with her gut not with her heart, like Bubbles, or head, like Blossom.

I sighed, leaning down once again to cuddle against my baby, who snuggled me back, smiling a toothless grin. I had to smile back, and I realised once the thought had entered my mind it wouldn't go away. I tentatively ran my fingers through Blayze's hair, and then wrapped my hands carefully around his body, holding him to my chest as I sat up.

"C'mon, Blayze…" I mumbled to him, kissing his forehead. "Let's go find your Daddy…"

'...I am a little more provocative than you might be,
It is your shock and then your horror on which I feed,
So can you tell me what exactly does freedom mean
If I'm not free to be as twisted as I wanna be?...'

Raw knuckles against raw leather- the sensation of skin against punching bag had to be one of the greatest feelings in the world (after bare skin). Loud thumping beats pounded in my ears as I smashed my balled fists into my punching bag, barely giving it time to swing before hitting it again, and again, until the sense became so numb and repetitive my mind seemed to wander, and all my emotions let loose on that one, focused action.

Sweat poured down my face and bare chest as I beat my fists against the leather, working and burning every muscle in my chest and arms. My hair was damp and dripping and my eyes were set. My ears rang with the pounding beats of my music. My skin was rubbed raw but I barely felt it, I felt heated and ready, pumped up as I let loose, the emotions that had built up in my system the last few weeks running through my veins, putting more energy into the workout.

"Butch."

I stopped. Even when I was practically a million miles away, lost in my own world, on my own level, her voice still penetrated through that barrier. I closed my eyes, trying to still myself as I pulled out the earphones that had been blasting Disturbed as loud as my tiny player could, and turned towards her, feeling the sweat drip off me and my chest heaving.

She stared at me, still as a vision of so called beauty, no matter how much I hated that. She barely had anything to wear, so she had slid on one of my shirts again, and it was baggy against her slim, athletic form. Her hair, now overgrown and unkempt, fell to her elbows in a maze of tangles and knots. Her eyes, however, were the only thing that hadn't changed, and they were gazing at me, flashing with unreadable emotion. She held Blayze close to her, against her chest so his head rested on her shoulder.

I had to turn away, and I hit the bag again to mask my sheepishness at her glare.

"What?"

I heard her walk over, quick but gentle steps that seemed to echo around the room. I felt her next to me, her intense glare directed at my face. I glared back.

"I…" She paused, frowning, and then shook her head and began again, her eyes looking deep into mine. "Look, I…I've been staying here for a while-"

"A couple of weeks." I pointed out, scoffing. I could tell she was biting back a furious retort, but continued calmly anyway…she must want something.

"Well, yeah" She muttered, her eyes darkening. "But, you know…if I wanted to…escape I would have done something by now. I think I've proved my loyalties, Butch."

I scoffed again, my eyebrows rising as I folded my arms. "I doubt that."

She growled at me. "Look, I'm going crazy here! I'm locked up in this stupid place with nowhere to go and…" She looked up at me, her pale cheeks tinged with pink. "And…I was wondering if I could maybe…visit my sisters-"

"No."

She bit her lip angrily and chewed on her tongue, probably gnawing back all the insults she longed to throw at me. I smirked as I watched her; it was funny to get her so angry with so little effort. She must be fuming. I slid Blayze out of her grasp and held him. Amazingly she let me.

"Butch!" She hissed at me. "I've kept up my end of the bargain!"

"I know you have…" I muttered, grinning. Her dark eyes flashed angrily. "For now."

"Why are you so paranoid?" She suddenly snarled at me, her eyes wide and gazing into mine, breaking the strong, stubborn shield I always seemed to put up against her. I almost winced. "I mean it, Butch. I didn't think me leaving would mean that much to you."

"It…did" I blurted out, my lips moving before I even gave them the order. I swallowed. "I mean, it did because you were pregnant with Blayze-"

"But I'm not now." She muttered back, growling. "So can't you just let it go? Please?"

That hurt. I couldn't remember the last time someone had actually used…actual politeness with me before. The guilt seemed to throb through me as I continued to hold up my glare, her forest green eyes boring into mine. To be honest, I knew within me I wanted to keep the green puff next to me no matter what. I broke away and looked down at Blayze in my arms, his legs kicking up into the air sweetly as he watched both of us behind those wide green pupils. I couldn't imagine him without his mother- it would be like me without Mom…

I couldn't let her know that though.

"So what?" I growled back, annoyed. "You'd leave Blayze?"

Buttercup stiffened, and for a second I thought her fist was going to fly at my face. She stilled, and her face calmed as she watched me closely.

"I won't leave Blayze…" She said slowly, carefully. She made sure she pushed every syllable. "Why do you keep thinking I will?"

I blinked at her, unable to come up with a suitable excuse. I couldn't tell her the truth- I knew what it was like to not have a mom, I somehow wanted her around because Blayze loved her, and she reminded me of my own mother? I have a hard enough time trying to come up with my own excuses for my stupid emotions; it was bad enough trying to come up with excuses for her.

"I don't trust you!" I growled at her, my eyes narrowing. "You ran off, remember?"

"But Butch…" She growled at me, her eyebrows rising. "I will come back, I won't leave Blayze. Now I know him and love him, why would I leave him with you?"

I growled to myself, knowing she had to slip in that jab at the end. Truthfully, I couldn't stand her moaning and groaning around the house, I knew secretly she was going to end up like our own mother- depressed and alone in a household where only we (I think) made her happy. She hated Bane because I think he wanted to make her suffer, and that's what she did until the very end.

I didn't know what to say, or what to do. I just watched Buttercup for a fraction of a second, the way her eyes gazed up at me stubbornly, yet pleadingly, asking for that little bit of freedom…the freedom I was afraid of, yet the same that made my own mother look so sad…

I turned and flew out of the room in a quick burst of light, knowing she couldn't follow me.

I sat at the breakfast table; chewing my pancakes dully and watching the flood of maple syrup saturate my plate. The only sound that filled my ears was the dull thumping of the television in the next room, where I knew Bubbles was pretending to watch Saturday morning cartoons. Bubbles hardly seemed full of life anymore, instead she just seemed like a ghost, floating around like an imprint of what she once was, silent and still. Her usually dancing blue eyes seemed calmed into nothingness and her once sunny golden locks seemed unkempt and hanging around her face pathetically, her chapped lips pulled into a sad grimace. I wasn't much better…I'd hardly thought to groom myself in days.

Without Buttercup…I never thought we'd suffer so much without her. When she left we'd managed, but only surviving on the hope that she was safe and that she'd return, now that we knew where she was…and who she was with…

Then the image of Blayze entered my mind, that sweet face at the hospital and the way he had cuddled to Buttercup…she'd fit the image of a mother so nicely, and it made my heart ache to miss out on that.

"Blossom…" Bubbles called out to me, her voice low and croaky. I stiffened as I heard her sniff. "Could you get the door?"

I sighed, standing up and stumbling my way over to the front door. I caught a glimpse of Bubbles from the hallway- her petite, pale body curled up in a ball on the couch, her cheeks flushed and blotchy with tears. I think she was taking it harder than I was…I was so used to being a leader…

I opened the door, revealing the warm, welcoming sun and freshly cut lawn. I cupped a hand over my eyes and squinted.

Nobody was there.

"Nobody's there, Bubbles." I growled, slamming the door and retreating back to the kitchen. Bubbles sat up, her eyes wide.

"B-but…" She began, frowning. I turned back to her. "I could have sworn-"

SMASH

Both of us screamed and clutched for each other as the entire wall of the house blasted inwards, leaving a gaping hole in it's place. I blinked and gaped at the hole- giant and menacing in the once pristine, white plaster- and then at the floor, where chips of wood, plaster and paint littered the carpet. I looked up, and immediately I could feel my anger bubble.

"BRICK!" I hollered, screaming. He blinked back innocently, smirking as he dusted off the plaster that clung to his hat. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!"

Brick stood in the centre of our living room, looking around with interest, his blood red eyes wide. He grinned mischievously, his hands deep in his pockets.

"I got impatient" He shrugged uncaringly. "You took too long to answer the door."

"ARE YOU INSANE?!" I screamed at him, my voice hoarse from days of silence. "GET OUT!"

I didn't want to see his face; I didn't want to see him. He just reminded me so much of…

"Hey wait" he growled, folding his arms before I had a chance to kick him out. I growled at him. "You think I'll honestly travel all the way over here to see you and knock your door down, Puff? I have a message for you."

"What message?" I snarled back, glaring into his deep red pupils. I suddenly gaped. "Is it about Buttercup? What's Butch done to her? Has he hurt her? Is Blayze alr-"

"Calm down, Babe!" Brick sniggered, blowing his long red bangs out of his eyes. He grinned at my horrified expression. "They're fine; Butch's taking care of them." He cocked his head to the side, his eyes flashing. "Jeese, you don't show much trust in my bro, do you?"

I snarled at him, ready to point out just how much I didn't trust Butch, but eventually I closed my mouth as I thought better of it. Instead I shook my head, giving him a quick, suspicious glare.

"Well?" I muttered. "What is it?"

Brick frowned, as if he despised being told what to do, but rummaged around in his jeans anyway, his fingers roaming his pockets. "Hang on…" His frown deepened as he went to his red hoodie, rummaging in the pockets. Eventually he smirked with triumph and pulled out a small pile of paper, throwing it over to me before I had the chance to catch it. I was about to send him on his way, not sure if I could stand to see him any longer, when Bubbles spoke up.

"Is she…" She whimpered, hugging her arms. "Is she alright?"

Brick looked over in alarm at her small voice. He hesitated, his lips curling up into a resentful snarl as he shrugged his shoulders.

"She's alright, she with Blayze…just her and Butch don't get along. I know my brother, and I know he wants her safe, but because they're so stubborn they clash…"

I faintly listened as I opened the note. A few of Buttercup's irritated scribbles adorned the page, written in black ink. It looked smudged- either her hands were sweating or maybe- my heart seemed to shiver nervously- with her tears.

Hey my sisters…

Words can't express how much I miss you. I think about you all the time… It's hell here, as per usual. But don't worry about me, I'm alright…not starved or anything. Brick and Boomer are tolerable, and I hardly see Him or Mojo around.

Blayze is growing up fast, he smiles and laughs a lot. I keep showing him the picture of us and he smiles. I think that means he remembers you. Don't worry- I'll make sure he does.

I miss you guys like Hell, but try not to worry about me; I'm making the best of it. I'm trying to get Butch to let me out some more so I can show Blayze the outside world. I really want to visit you soon…I hope I can get on his good side, no matter how much I hate sucking up to him.

I love you, and miss you like crazy. Hope to see you soon,

Buttercup + Blayze

Xoxo

My stomach was attempting flip flops as I read and re-read my sister's untidy scrawl, tears scratching at my eyes as I clutched at the paper. Bubbles read over my shoulder, her own eyes fogging up with unshed tears. Brick watched us carefully, awkwardly, his hands deep within his pockets again. He cleared his throat and turned, making a move to fly out of the hole he created.

"Wait"

Both Brick and I looked over at Bubbles who had spoken again so suddenly, her eyes to the floor. She sniffed, wiping at her cheeks as she looked up. She darted off in a flash of crystal blue light, leaving us both in a shocked silence. In a few seconds she returned, clutching in her hand Buttercup's bright green iPod. She handed it to Brick, who blinked at her, stunned.

"Give this to her" Bubbles murmured, her eyes wide. "It's from both of us."

Brick gripped the iPod; Buttercup's prized possession, and slipped it into his pocket, a slight frown still etched in his face.

"Yeah…" He grunted. "Sure."

I was already fuming when I stomped into the living area after my furious workout, seeing Bane staring serenely at Blayze didn't help matters. Especially when Blayze was staring back, both unblinking and both never letting their gaze drop. Blayze simply stared at him, his usually light green eyes darkening to almost black. Bane stared back at him, his own blood red pupils an unusually dark crimson. The two were stiff and unmoving, Bane spread across the floorboards on his stomach and Blayze just sitting up, staring.

"Bane" I snapped irritably. "What are you doing? Leave him alone."

Bane finally broke the stare, glancing over at me with now normal red eyes. He blinked at me innocently, his trademark smirk on his face. I glared back.

"I was just checking something…" He mumbled, looking back to Blayze, who automatically met his gaze. He seemed to smile at him, his pudgy baby cheeks perking up into what looked like a sly smirk. I shook my head…couldn't be…

Boomer watched them both from the corner of the room, an open comic book in his hands and his bright blue eyes peeking out from above the book. He quickly glanced at me and we exchanged suspicious glances.

"Stop that."

Bane looked up at me again. "What?"

"Quit it" I snarled at him, folding my arms across my chest. Blayze looked up at me too, shoving one of his toys in his mouth and sucking on it. He looked so sweet and innocent, I liked him that way. When Bane was watching him like that he seemed much more…like him. "Stop staring at him."

Bane rolled his eyes but hoisted himself off the floor anyway, folding his legs and sitting up straight. I stomped over and collapsed next to Blayze, causing him to fall back onto the blanket. I smirked, wrapping an arm around his form.

"What's your problem?" Bane blinked at me calmly, smirking. "Hissy fit?"

"I don't wanna talk about it." I snarled back, pulling Blayze into my arms as I played with him. He laughed at me, drooling all over my wrist.

"By the way…" Bane cooed at me smoothly, causing me to look up. He grinned at me as he pulled something out from his pocket and dangled it in front of me- a dirty looking keychain with 'M.M' engraved into it. He jingled it in front of me eerily until I snatched it from his grip, staring at it in my palm with immediate dislike.

"What is it?" I muttered, suspicious. Bane smirked at me.

"Ask Buttercup. She might want it."

I growled, my eyes narrowing. "Why?"

"Just do it." He muttered, rolling his eyes. I knew it'd be pointless to argue, so I shoved the stupid keychain in my pocket and tried to forget it was there.

"I heard you…don't exactly have a hand on the situation…" Bane said silkily, his blood red eyes twinkling. I stiffened, my heart pounding dangerously in my ears as I glared at him fiercely, my eyes narrowing.

"Who says?" I snarled at him.

He didn't answer, his pupils merely slid towards where Boomer and Brick were lounging. Boomer looked away awkwardly, Brick stared back, annoyed.

"Thanks Guys." I growled at them, giving them both my meanest snarl. Boomer had the decency to look ashamed; Brick merely folded his arms at me sulkily.

"Well you don't! You and BC are always fighting, and Blayze is in the middle! I bet he hardly knows what's going on between his mom and dad; you're always fighting over him! He'll never have a normal upbringing like that!"

"Shutup" I snarled back, furiously gnashing my teeth together. I held Blayze delicately in my arms and he looked up at me innocently, chewing on the toy in his hands. I noticed Bane eyeing him closely, his red eyes wide with curiosity. I growled, looking up. "So what do you suppose I do? I don't want her to leave."

"Yeah" Brick growled back irritably. "But you don't have to go rabid on her either."

I glared at him, my eyes dangerously narrowed. "Who's side are you on?!"

Brick gave me a careful look, his eyes trailing to Blayze, who was gazing up at me with awe.

"Blayze's."

"I don't know why you're so pissy at things you can't control..." Bane said loftily, sighing. I turned my glare to him. "When someone doesn't go your way, you take care of it. You don't worry about it when it hasn't even happened yet."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

Bane chuckled at me, leaning against the sofa with an air of smugness. "Maybe once you about that keychain, you'll know how to take care of things that are in your way. Problems need to be dealt with" he smirked, rolling his blood red eyes to the ceiling. "…Not bitched about."

I stared at the photo in my hands with immense sadness. We all looked so happy, Bubbles with her radiant smile, Blossom with her calm, soothing pink eyes, even Blayze looked happy, cuddled in my arms. All of us just squeezed into the frame. I had to smile, even though I felt tears scratch at my eyes.

I hope we'll all be together soon…

I heard familiar heavy steps echo up the hallway and I quickly shoved the photo back into the bedside table drawer under a book, where I was pretty sure it would remain hidden. I didn't trust Butch with it; I doubt he'd show any of my personal possessions any compassion. I rolled over and adjusted myself innocently with expertise before he even threw the door open. I looked over casually, but already expected to see Butch looking back at me. I tried to fight back my enthusiasm at seeing Blayze cradled in his arms. Upon seeing me he babbled happily, causing me to grin. Butch kicked the door closed and made his way over stiffly. I straightened, expecting the worst.

"Hi." He mumbled, his green eyes eyeing me closely. I swallowed, trying to battle the urge to kick him square in his jeans. I was trying to judge what he was going to be…sugar or spice…it was hard to tell with him. Blayze gurgled at me expectantly, his wide eyes travelling between us almost anxiously. I cleared my throat, struggling to keep my voice calm.

"Hey." I mumbled, crossing my legs. "You decided to bring him back, then?"

I winced, expecting him to immediately snarl a furious, cocky retort about the smartness in my voice. Instead my eyes widened at his calm retort.

"Yeah…" He mumbled, looking down at his baby. "He missed his Mom and…" He looked away awkwardly. "So did I."

I fought the urge to snort. Butch missing me? When he was responsible for locking me up in this godforsaken hellhole?

Yeah, sure.

I looked up. But there was seriousness in his tone, I could tell. Maybe…it couldn't be…a peace offering?

I frowned suspiciously as he took an awkward step forward, holding Blayze out to me.

"Here…" He muttered, his eyes still avoiding mine.

I wrapped my arms around Blayze and held him close. He cuddled against my grip and drooled happily on my sleeve. I was trying my best to keep my guard up- this could not possibly be the Butch I knew- the twitching, psycho enemy who loved to make my stay here as miserable as possible. I blinked, my face snuggling against Blayze's. He wouldn't give in that easily, right?

My mind ticked back to past memories- 'Jedd' kissing me sweetly on the football fields, him magically appearing out of nowhere to give me a swift, romantic kiss on the lips, him wiping away my tears, kissing me in hospital, telling me he loved me-

I tried to shake myself from these thoughts. It couldn't be.

I faintly noticed him sitting beside me, his eyes both cautious and curious as he watched us. I was reminded of how he'd first watched me like that, when he felt Blayze kick in my stomach for the first time. It was the first time I'd seen him so innocent and vulnerable.

...It was strange, but I liked it.

"Listen, BC…" He muttered, his eyes rolling towards the ceiling. His shoulders slumped, his hands digging into his pockets. I frowned at him. BC? Since when does he call me by my nickname…

He turned to me, his eyes wide.

"I've…been thinkin' and…I realised I haven't really handled this crap like…really well…I mean I think I've made it hard for you-"

You think?

"Well…" He swallowed, his eyes looking fierce. "The guys think I'm being, like…a prick about it-"

I know a better suited word…

"But…I guess I really wanna say…sorry."

I jumped, my eyes widening. "What?"

He groaned, his eyes darkening and his lips curling into a snarl. He'd spat out the word with visible hate and disgust, but I thought even my ears deceived me. No way…this was not the Rowdyruff I knew.

"I said sorry." He hissed, snarling. "Don't make me say it again, I hate it."

It didn't sound like a command, more like a plea. I turned back to Blayze, who was easier to look at than him.

"I've been stupid and stubborn." He growled lowly, sheepishly. "And…what I really wanted to be is a dad, I never wanted to be childish about it…but I guess I couldn't help it." He added coldly. I turned to him. Maybe it was my craving for human contact or my own cabin fever, but I genuinely wanted to talk to him. I rocked Blayze gently, clearing my throat.

"Why do you say that?"

He turned his head sharply, his eyes narrowed with suspicion. He obviously decided he could trust me, because he growled to himself and fell back onto the bed, but continued.

"I don't want to lose you." He snarled venomously. I stiffened.

"W-"

"I mean, the moment Blayze was born I knew you had a connection, I could…almost see the love in your eyes for him…" He groaned, staring at the wall opposite us. "I couldn't break that…I mean, It would just be too much...everyone kept telling me I was wrong to do it but I didn't believe them…I realised it then."

I looked down at Blayze, who was making himself comfortable on my lap. His eyes looked sleepy and he let out a cute yawn, wriggling impatiently.

"It took me back to my own Mom…" Butch mumbled quietly. "As much as I hate to admit it."

It was as though I had suddenly swallowed a whole bucket of ice, my stomach seemed to freeze up.

"You…really had a mom, huh?"

"Yeah" He muttered back harshly. "Not for long. She died when I was four."

"Oh…" Was all I could muster. I didn't know what to say…I was barely away Butch had something anywhere close to feelings. I couldn't believe I was actually feeling empathy for him.

"I…I'm sorry."

"Don't be." He mumbled back faintly, staring straight ahead. He was stiff and tense, barely moving an inch…not even his familiar twitch. It fascinated me, to see him so calm yet so tense, causing me to wonder what was going on in his mind…what was ticking away behind those wide, intense irises. He blinked and turned to me. "It's in the past."

I nodded faintly. "Right."

Butch looked down to Blayze, who was squirming and smiling at the both of us. His wide eyes, identical to mine, flickered from Butch's face to mine and back again, his lips forming a wide grin and a small baby laugh, kicking his legs up high.

"I've never seen him so happy." Butch mumbled, half bitterly, half admirably. I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. I had to agree. Butch seemed to etch closer, reaching out a hand and clutching Blayze's baby hand gently. I frowned, never having seen him so gentle and calm before. He barely showed any affection in front of me…unless.

"It's why I love you…"

I shook that out of my head, hardly daring to believe it. Half of me wanted to push him away, curse and scream at him for being evil and putting me in such a hell hole…but the other half thought of my sisters and Butch…and Blayze, especially the baby in my arms…my baby. I looked at them both, Blayze giggling and Butch smiling back, his expression warm and tranquil. Maybe I should try…maybe I should attempt at making it better…it's my job to be the hero…right?

"Listen…" He muttered offhandedly. "I…I'm sorry for the way I've been acting, I really am. I want it to be easier and…I want to try a bit better." His eyes locked with mine. "At least…so you won't be as mad as me and we can both hang around Blayze together..."

I nodded. "Okay."

"So…" He titled his head thoughtfully, shrugging his muscular shoulders as he bit his lip in thought. "I, er- if maybe I could sleep with you and Blayze tonight?"

I hesitated, but then felt Blayze's gentle kick against my stomach. He was laughing, his eyes wide and sweet. I cuddled him closer and looked into my enemy's eyes, now so wide and vulnerable…earnest. There was still that flicker- passed the trusting gaze to the inner flash of trouble…trouble I always seemed to see whenever I looked at him. He'd always be my enemy…but then again…

He'll always be Blayze's father.

"It's why I love you…"

Pushing this out of my head I turned to him, clearing my throat as I did so. I thought of my sisters and the Professor, the fact that my powers were still recuperating from being unused for so long…the baby in my arms. I opened my mouth and blurted it out.

"Okay."

I descended down the stairs carefully and cautiously, squinting in the limited light of the basement. With each step I became steadily more shakier, nervous and paranoid. Was he still down here? Did something happen?

"P-professor?" I asked, frowning into the darkness. "Professor, are you down there?"

There was a pause, and I jumped in mild alarm as I heard a faint reply from the abyss.

"Yes, Bubbles. What is it?"

He sounded tired and snippy. My body slumped in relief.

"N-nothing…" I murmured in return, already stepping up to retreat. "Just checking if you were still here, that's all."

"I am."

"That's..good." I mumbled, sighing in defeat. The Professor had been locked in his lab for days, both Blossom and I had hardly seen him in a week. We were getting worried and stressed, but already our heads were full of worry for our own nephew and sister. I wished I could do more to help. "I…I guess I'll see ya."

I paused for a reply, but I was only met with silence. Shrugging sadly, I retreated back up the stairs, my head heavy with anxious thoughts.

Another sleepless night.

Book after book…

Article after article…

It didn't make sense…

But it was coming together…

He examined photo after photo, text after text…he was a smart one, that's for sure. His stupid little scientific brain was ticking and whirring away, connecting the dots like any overenthusiastic child could. He was dealing in too much, getting way too close. I'd been watching…connecting with him. He was nearing, just wasn't close enough yet…

He sat in complete darkness, and I sat in the shadows, watching and waiting. He worked under the limited light, examining the spread of thick, old books and newspaper articles that surrounded him. His black hair, usually sleeked back and neat, was hanging in his face- overgrown and unwashed. A thick stubble grew on his face and his lab coat, usually pristine and bleach white- was stained and crumpled. It would have been a joyous sight if it wasn't for the proof in front of him, the thing that could possibly be a threat to me.

Threat to me…

It didn't sound right.

I snarled, prodding one of his stupid experiment bottles with my foot in mere entertainment. Of course he couldn't see me, but maybe him getting lost within his own insanity would be beneficial. He didn't notice, he was too immersed in his study. I snarled in fury, growling to myself. I was frustrated…I hated this…I wasn't in control…I couldn't take control…be too much of a risk…

I sidled up to him, amused that he could probably sense my presence…I hope he feels fear.

"Oh…John…" I cooed into his ear, knowing he couldn't hear me, but probably felt that forbidding hiss of warm air seeping into his conscience. "You're getting pretty knowledgeable on this old black magic, conjuration crap that you're studying, huh? You seem pretty damn confident that you can fight big bad evil demons…you think you know us…"

I growled, turning to the papers in front of him. He shivered involuntarily and quickly looked over his shoulder. I smirked, but my frown deepened as I leaned over to see a picture- taken with a polaroid camera- taped to the light he was working on. Blayze- looking up into the camera with those wide, innocent jade eyes. My heart seemed to thump deeply within me. So he had seen him...the girls must have slipped it to him with hopes he'd maybe give a damn...

I wanted to kill him then and there, along with his stupid hopes that he'd ever come close to getting his hands anywhere near Blayze.

"You're getting pretty cocky now, Johnny boy….big bad professor creating the heroes of Townsville…" I growled, wishing he could hear my taunts. I leaned down closer, growling in his ear. "But I swear…I swear Professor, If you so much as touch my grandson, or any of my offspring, for that matter…your blood will be spilt."

:D Hope it wasn't too confusing. In case I wasn't clear enough, the last POV was Bane :P Song Butch was listening to was 'Divide' by Disturbed. (y)

Let me know what you think! (: Thanks for reading

xx