CHAPTER 25: LATE-NIGHT VISITS
ME: SOO...I know you all expected a quicker update, and I got a review asking for more drama. I guess it HAS been lacking a bit. But I'll see what I can do. And about the last chapter, it was sort of meant to be confusing. Sorry though! So without further ado, here's the latest chapter!
BUTCH: As usual, she owns nothing.
ME: Well...that's not entirely true...I just don't own you guys.
BUTCH: *shrugs* Whatever. Moving on.
ME: ...Right. Anyway, since it's the holidays and Christmas is almost here, expect quicker updates!
Chapter 25: Late-Night Visits
Michelle tapped her heeled foot impatiently, glancing at her friends. "I hope there's a good reason for all of your latenesses."
"Michelle, that was a last-minute call! You don't think we could just whisk over here, did you?" Kelly said, placing her hands on her hips.
Michelle waved her away. "Whatever. Now, I'd like to know if that Mousey Bubbles is going to Boomer's house again."
"Of course she is," Sophie commented quietly.
Michelle glanced at her. "I just hate how she can just so easily get to visit him! Ugh, who does she think she is? She is such a nobody!"
Sophie winced.
Michelle looked her friends over. "Okay, let's all get this done and over with. I want something to prevent that visit for tomorrow! Tomorrow's the perfect day for a date, and I'm getting impatient!"
"Got it!"
Michelle smiled slyly. "Good."
Buttercup twirled a few strands of her ebony black hair around her finger. She felt uncomfortable. "So..." she trailed off.
He blinked, glancing at her. "You wanted to talk," he urged. "So talk. I'm not going to force you. This is only if you want to talk. If not, well..." He looked away, his gaze darkening as he tried to force away heavy tears. When he spoke, his voice was hollow. "I get it."
She blinked in surprise, his hurt piercing her heart. "N-No; it's not like that!"
Suddenly, his head shot up and he glared at her. "Then what is it like!? You're making me feel like shit, and I'm pretty sure I didn't do anything wrong! What the hell do you want me to do!? That so-called 'evidence' is definitely fake! How could you believe—!?"
"SHUT UP!" she screamed, angry tears falling from her eyes. "Just shut the hell up! I don't know what to think anymore. This is all so confusing..."
His gaze softened, if only for a few moments. But then his gaze hardened again and he turned away. "What is so confusing about it?" he whispered, his voice hoarse. "I thought you trusted me."
"I do!" cried Buttercup, looking up. "But I just don't know what to believe in anymore. I feel so hurt..."
He turned back to her. "Then believe in ME," he murmured, taking her hand. "Why can't you just do it? You're hurting ME as well, and others too."
"I-I can't," she stammered. She shook her head, her black locks flying into her eyes. Hot tears spilled down her cheeks, making them ruddy. "I just can't!" She started crying, sobbing so hard her shoulders shook. "I don't know what to do anymore. I just don't. Th-Those news...it broke my heart. I didn't want to believe in it, but now...now I just don't know. I just don't. My feelings are a tangled mess right now. I feel like my heart and my mind are at war. I-I—"
"Shhh," he whispered, wrapping her in a strong hug. He felt warm and sweaty, but cold and hard at the same time. He felt...distant. "I'm sorry, Buttercup. I didn't mean to make you cry. I hate it when you do that. But this isn't just about how much you're hurting. The others are hurting too."
Buttercup sobbed into his shoulder for a few moments, clinging to his shirt. He didn't seem to mind that it was getting wet. After awhile, she pulled back and wiped her eyes. "Sorry. But I just have no idea what I should do now. I know it isn't just about me. I know I'm being selfish."
His gaze softened. "No," he whispered. "This...It's so much bigger now."
Buttercup looked up, fear gripping her heart all over again. Her eyes went wide. "No...no; I shouldn't be here. Not like this. Not yet. I can't give in to my emotions just yet. You...you hurt me. Even if you didn't..." She swallowed, trailing off.
He glared at her, his anger finally being let out in crashing waves. The hurt slapped him in the face. "What is wrong with you?" he shouted, grabbing her shoulders and shaking her. "I didn't mean to do whatever the hell you think I was doing! This...you're the only one, Buttercup. Snap out of it! This isn't the tough BC I've come to know and care about. You're just—"
"No!" she screamed. "I don't want to hear it! Leave me alone!" Hurt tears spilled from her emerald orbs.
"NO I WILL NOT JUST LEAVE YOU THE FUCK ALONE!" he shouted back sharply. "It's been way too long! You've kept me waiting in pain for THIS. LONG! HURRY UP AND DECIDE IF YOU FORGIVE ME OR NOT!" Tears were streaming down his cheeks as he yelled, feeling as if a huge burden of anger and hurt was being lifted from his shoulders.
"SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP!" she yelled back, covering her ears.
"NO!" he shouted back in protest, his eyes glistening with bottled-up pain. He had finally, completely burst. "I will not shut up! Not until you realize that this whole thing is a stupid mess—!"
"I said, SHUT UP!" She glared at him, her hand flying across his cheek as she slapped him...hard. Shocked, he stared at her, his tears frozen and his rising anger calming. He placed a hand to his bruised cheek slowly, with a distant gaze, as if he was barely even there.
She gasped, also shocked. Her eyes widened. "I...I'm so sorry—I didn't mean—"
He held up his hand, looking away once again. "Save it," he whispered. "Tell it to someone who you still care about." He turned back to her, his gaze piercing. "I get it now. You're not ready yet. But what if you never are? Will I always mean...this to you? I don't see how you possibly still care about..." He trailed off.
Tears were streaming down her cheeks again. "No..." she whispered. "I..."
He shook his head. "Just...shhh. Save it for when you actually have faith in me. I thought you cared about me, Buttercup." His gaze dimmed. "But I guess trust was too much to ask for." He stared right at her, his gaze tearing at her heart. "I guess we just lost the 'us' in 'trust'."
Buttercup swallowed hard, tears still falling. Then, without a word, she got up and began walking away toward the door. He watched her go with disappointed eyes.
She paused at the door, her hand on the handle. She looked back at him. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "...Butch. Please get better soon."
Then she was gone, and all that was left was a wind.
"...Shit."
He sighed, staring after her. He turned and looked at the item she'd left behind. A bouquet of buttercups. He took it, burying his nose in the fragrant scent of the flowers. In the shadows, tears made their way down his hidden face as muffled, angry sobs and shouted swears raked his body.
A knock sounded at the door, and he looked up slowly from his bouquet.
The light from the door was blinding. The newcomer smiled sheepishly, their eyes worried and somewhat sad, despite their attempt to appear cheery. The person leaned against the doorframe, one arm resting on the side of the door. They opened their mouth to speak.
"...Hey, big shot. You've got some visitors."
Bubbles sighed, rummaging through her bag. She eventually pulled out what she was looking for; her comb.
Sitting up, she turned to the mirror and blinked hard, pulling her comb through her hair. Yanking it roughly, she stared emotionlessly at her reflection.
I still look gross.
Sighing, Bubbles started pulling out all the blond, tangled knots in her hair. When she was done combing her hair, she got rid of the hair that had fallen out.
Setting down the sapphire-blue comb, she blinked as she leaned toward her reflection. Her blond hair fell around her shoulders in heaps. "Why do I look so much like a sleep-deprived ghost?" she sighed.
Bubbles walked out of her washroom, tying her hair up in the usual pigtails. She checked the clock. 7:30 pm. She briefly wondered where Buttercup had gone. She wasn't in her room when Bubbles had knocked on her door, bringing her dinner after she didn't respond to her calls.
Closing the door quietly behind her, she winced as it creaked a bit. Then she made her way back to her sister's room.
Bubbles paused then, hearing a sound from behind the door. Had Buttercup come home?
It was light, and she could hear sniffling. Bubbles briefly wondered if BC was crying, but she found the idea somewhat...weird. Afraid of knocking, Bubbles slowly backed away and decided to pay Butch a visit instead. Buttercup needed some time alone; she could tell.
Bubbles rushed downstairs and was greeted by the Professor saying, "Hey, sweetie. Do you—?"
"Not now," she replied, interrupting his offer. She opened the door and flew out, her signature blue streak behind her.
"—Want some cookies...?" The Professor sighed, his eyes closing as he shut his newspaper.
The cool night air felt good against her face. Bubbles let it blow away her worries and her fears.
When she finally made it to the school infirmary, she could hear low voices talking.
"I'm surprised you can actually stay here."
"It's boring though."
"You really can't complain, what with the fever and all."
"Yeah, you should be thankful the school's letting you stay here!"
"But it's boring!"
"Who said it's always about doing something? You need your rest."
"But—"
"No but's, dude. You really got no say in this right now."
A sigh. "I know, but...I don't know, I guess life could just be better right now."
"So who sent these?"
"...Someone."
"...You gonna tell us?"
...Silence.
"...Wait. I think I hear someone." Bubbles froze. She swallowed when she saw the shining ruby orbs glowing in the darkness from the window, staring at her coldly and suspiciously.
"Bubbles," the voice called softly. It sent shivers down her spine. "You want to join us? It's probably cold out."
"Sorry," she apologized breathlessly as she was let in through the window. Her face reddened. "I don't usually stalk others."
The person who'd let her in shrugged. "I guess you'd have a good reason to be coming here." He paused. "Oh and tell Bliss that I'm thankful she found Butch. And that he's sorry for all the trouble he caused."
"Oh c'mon, Brick; I'm pretty sure they know that already," the guy in a bed complained.
"Zip it, Butch. You were being stupid and you know it. You have no right to speak in this matter, though you DO have the right to remain silent." Brick sent a warning glare toward his raven-haired brother. Butch made a face back, sticking his tongue out.
Brick turned back to the blond Puff. "Well?" he pressed, raising an eyebrow.
"O-Oh," she stammered. "Yeah, I'll deliver that message. And um...BC has a message for you too, Butch."
Brick opened his mouth to speak, but Butch beat him to it. His head shot up, eyes wide and hopeful, but also...scared...? "What is it?" he pressed anxiously, staring into her eyes.
Bubbles swallowed, looking away from his penetrating, emotion-filled green irises. "Sh-She wanted me to tell you that you were...well, she's glad that you're okay. And that you're an idiot."
"Oh." Butch leaned back, eyes disappointed. "Is that all?"
"Yeah," Bubbles answered, feeling bad that she had nothing more to offer the hopeful Ruff.
"...Well, if she's worried, she sure doesn't seem like it." He stared up at the ceiling, leaning back against the bed-frame.
Bubbles hesitated before speaking. "Well, she's never been the best to show her true emotions," she responded hopefully.
"...TRUE emotions?" His head shot up, and he sent Bubbles such a terrifying, emotion-filled glare that she winced and drew back. Then he sighed and turned away, eyes glistening. Was it from tears or anger? She couldn't tell. "I KNOW her true emotions. And trust me; she doesn't seem like she's worried." Before Bubbles could reply, he added, "At. All."
Bubbles swallowed hard, eyes wide. "But Butch..." She trailed off.
Brick glared at his upset, feverish brother. "Stop it, Butch," he snapped. "I'm sure she's worried about you; stop sulking"—He paused, eyes growing worried and sad—"you're scaring all of us."
His head shot up again and he glared at his crimson-eyed brother. "Yeah, Leader Boy? You think she still gives a damn? Well, you obviously don't know what it's like in my position, constantly not being able to tell if she. Even. Cares. Or. Not! It's pissing me off! So fuck the hell off or get the fuck outta my face, 'cause I swear to God; if you don't, I will friggin' punch the hell outta you!"
Brick stared at Butch with semi-wide, surprised eyes for awhile, and after a few moments, Butch, who'd been panting, turned away. "Sorry, bro," he apologized before sighing, "I guess I'm just...edgy right now."
Brick's gaze softened. "I understand," he said quietly. Then he sighed as well, glancing around the room at the worried and surprised gazes. "...I think we all are." His quiet voice sent shivers racing down all of their spines, and Bubbles shuddered. And she was sure it wasn't from the cold.
Brick turned back to Bubbles, his gaze softening somewhat. "So why are you here, Bubsy?"
Bubbles blinked, not expecting Brick to turn to her. "O-Oh," she stammered. "Right." Her face flushed as she kept talking. "I-I wanted to come check on Butch." She pulled something out from behind her, smiling slightly in a shy manner. "Here," she whispered, giving it to Butch.
Butch looked surprised, but then he smiled. "Thanks," he said, holding the bouquet closer to his nose. He let the sweet scent of the flowers sink in. Then he set them down beside the other bouquet with buttercups. The one beside the buttercups was obviously from the Ruffs.
"And who are those from again?" Brick pressed, raising an eyebrow and pointing at the bouquet with a lightish green wrap around it.
Butch shrugged, not facing his brother. "...Just someone," he muttered.
"That someone sure knows what to send," Braker teased carefully. He waited for Butch's reaction.
"Shut up," Butch snapped, not turning to face his orange-eyed brother. But they could all tell that he was glaring at the wall ahead of him.
"Jeez; calm down, man," Braker huffed.
Boomer leaned over to feel his brother's forehead. "Your head's still warm," he pointed out quietly, changing the subject. "Maybe you should rest."
Butch gave his blond brother a grateful glance before nodding. Then he slid down into the blankets and wrapped them around himself.
Boomer stared at Butch's form for awhile before sighing. He turned to the others and ushered for them to follow him. "C'mon," he said quietly. "Let's leave him to his sleeping."
They nodded and wandered out into the halls, deciding to just chat for awhile.
"So...how's BC?"
Bubbles blinked, turning in surprise to see Boomer's troubled gaze. He looked down, his hands in his pockets as they walked. He kicked a stray pebble left behind probably from someone's shoe, his voice quiet as he spoke. "I just...haven't seen her in awhile, you know? And she won't answer anyone..."
Bubbles swallowed. "Oh. Yeah...She's good. She won't really talk, but..." She sighed, lowering her eyes, not able to watch his sad face any longer. The Ruffs were in so much pain, and Bubbles couldn't help feeling like she was being selfish, always seeking them out for comfort. I've never given them any comfort, she thought bitterly, her eyes shadowed.
"...Oh. That's good...I guess."
Bubbles nodded absently. "Mm-hmm," she agreed quietly.
"Hey, you don't have to worry," Boomer said, managing a smile. "You've been plenty of comfort."
"H-How did you...?" she stammered, eyes wide.
"I can see it in your eyes," he chuckled.
An awkward silence descended upon them.
Bubbles sighed, thinking back to Butch coming into their room and calling breaking the awkward silence with a grin and a plan. But not right now. Right now he was sleeping, face flushed and eyes filled with dark pain and a...bruised cheek...
Bubbles froze then, eyes widening. How had she not noticed it before? Why had she not focused on it? Because I've been too wrapped up in my own problems, she thought bitterly, scolding herself. How could I be so selfish?
"Bubbles...?" Boomer blinked. "You okay...?"
"I-I'm good," she stammered, turning Yo her blue-clad counterpart. "I just—"
Just then, a cry sounded.
Brick spun to stare at the section they were leaving, eyes wide and mouth agape. "Butch!" he shouted.
Bubbles' eyes were wide as she flew after the Ruffs back to the infirmary.
"I hope he's okay," Bandit fretted. "He's having it so hard right now..." He trailed off.
Brick glanced at the purple-eyed boy from over his shoulder. "...Let's simply focus on the problem at hand," he finally sighed, looking away. Then he added in a quiet voice, "I don't want to make things worse or any harder than they already are."
Bandit's brow furrowed as his eyes narrowed. "...I understand," he agreed quietly.
The rest of the trip back to the infirmary was a silent one.
Bubbles was glad it was also a short one. The silence was suffocating, only broken by another cry.
They rushed in, the door slamming open at their hasty entrance.
Brick was the first one over at Butch's side, shaking him to wake him up. "You okay, bro!?" he shouted, eyes wide.
Boomer landed beside his brother, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Calm down," he said softly.
"...Right." Brick sighed, gaze darkening as he relaxed and let go of his brother's shaking shoulders. "Butch?" he begged. "Please wake up..."
Butch's eyes flashed open then, and he stared at his brother with fear. "Brick..."
"Are you okay?" the red Ruff asked, eyes shining with worry.
Butch backed slowly away, as far as he could until his back hit the bed-frame. "No...stay where you are...don't come any closer..."
"Are you okay?" repeated Brick, brow furrowed in worry. He leaned in, eyes pressing. "What happened...?"
Butch gulped, emerald orbs wide. "Stop it..." He let out a cry. "I said, STOP IT!" He punched Brick in the stomach, his hand ablaze with a green fire.
Brick froze, wincing in pain as he clutched his stomach. He stared at his brother in shock. Butch stopped as well, green eyes blazing and chest heaving as he panted heavily, his fist still out.
"Butch..." Boomer's eyes grew worried and fearful when he spoke again, his voice dripping with concern. "What happened to you...?"
Butch's eyes grew even wider, if remotely possible. He stared at his sizzling fist before looking up at Brick, who had one eye squeezed shut in slight pain. "Brick..." He swallowed, sweat dripping from his face. "I didn't mean to... I'm sorry, I just..." He trailed off, his throat feeling dry and scratchy like a desert. He could feel it closing up.
"Hey; no worries," Brick chuckled weakly, sweat sliding down the side of his face. "I'm all good; I've got Chemical X, after all. But man; that was..." His gaze became faint as he turned to stare at the ceiling. It started becoming blurry as it shook, and his eyes fluttered. "One hell...of a...punch..." He collapsed on the bed, eyes closing as he felt comforting darkness embrace him.
"BRICK!?"
That was the last thing he heard as he let the comforting darkness lull him to sleep.
Boomer turned to stare at Butch, eyes wide with shock. "What the hell..." His eyes narrowed as he grabbed Butch by the shoulders, shaking him violently. Butch didn't fight back. "What the hell were you thinking!?" he shouted angrily, hurt tears appearing in the corners of his eyes.
"I...I didn't mean to..." Butch's voice was barely above a whisper and it was faint.
"Sure as hell you didn't mean to!" Boomer glared at Butch, his gaze hurt and glowing with a wildness Bubbles recognized. It was his crime-life instincts kicking in...! "If you did, I will fucking punch your l—"
"Boomer!" cried Bubbles, eyes wide as she pushed herself between the two brothers. "Stop it! What are you doing? You're blinded by terror and rage! Stop it; you're scaring Butch and hurting him!"
Boomer's eyes widened with surprise as the blazing anger dimmed from his cerulean-blue irises. "I..." His throat tightened as he squeezed his eyes shut, tears streaming down his face. "I'm so sorry...I don't know what got into me," he sobbed. He wrapped his arms around the two.
Bubbles froze in surprise before her gaze softened and she hugged both of them back, rocking them gently. "Shhh,"she whispered. "It's all okay now."
She remembered a lullaby Fredrick had once shown her, and she began to sing.
"Hush now, quiet now;
It's time to lay your sleepy head.
Hush now, quiet now;
It's time to go to bed!
Drift, drift; off to sleep,
The exciting day behind you,
Drift, drift; off to sleep,
Let the joy of Dreamland find you!
Hush now, quiet now;
It's time to lay your sleepy head.
Hush now, quiet now;
It's time to go to bed!
Drift, drift; off to sleep,
The exciting day behind you,
Drift, drift; off to sleep,
Let the joy of Dreamland find you!"
Soon both Boomer and Butch relaxed enough to pull away and both managed a sad, weak smile, held together by realization and hope of not being alone.
"You two good now?" Bandit asked, pulling out a chair and sitting down.
"Yeah; sorry about that." Boomer smiled somewhat as he sheepishly wiped his eyes with his sleeve.
"Yeah; I needed that." Butch nodded absently, his gaze distant. Then his eyes darkened and he felt faint. He fell to his side, his eyed closing as darkness sank in. When his head hit the soft pillow, he was already wrapped in darkness.
"BUTCH!? Not you too!"
He looked around, knowing he was dreaming. It was just like before; he could still see a light and he could still hear a voice. He could see a silhouetted body shape up ahead, lying on its side.
Swallowing hard, he splashed toward it. Ripples appeared where he stepped, and a reflection would surface before vanishing back into the black nothingness and murky water.
Praying it wasn't who he thought it was, he stopped at the body and poked at it. "Hello?" he said softly.
The body shifted, and fireflies offered some dim light as the darkness drew back briefly.
What he saw made him gasp.
"Brick?"
One crimson orb opened, long red strands of hair falling around a pale face, which was wet and streaked with water. Or was that tears? Butch couldn't tell. "Ungh...Butch...?" he whispered.
Butch trembled, eyes narrowing in sadness as he felt tears coming. "I...I think we're sharing a dream," he explained hoarsely, staring at his cap-less brother. Butch shoved one hand up his hair, still shaking. His left eye was covered, but his right eye was still glistening with tears. I couldn't even keep him safe... Now he'll see what my terrible nightmares hold...
"Hey, man." Brick offered a small, comforting grin, somewhat teasing, even. He reached over and wiped one of Butch's tears, voice so low Butch could feel shivers tingling down his spine. "Don't you dare cry on me. Everything's okay; you'll see."
Butch's head snapped toward Brick, eyes ablaze. "No everything is NOT okay!" he snapped, shivering. "You're in MY dream world... And it's not pretty here."
"Hey, man," Brick laughed weakly. "It can't be that bad; I'm not scared of what you come up with. We're brothers, idiot; I'm not going to let you go through this alone." He sat up, wincing. "Although I wish your dream would've been kind enough to get rid of my pain for me...ouch."
Butch stared at his red-clad brother in surprise. That's right, he realized. I have my brothers and friends to count on. I'd forgotten about that care when Buttercup revealed what she believed. He smiled weakly, tears still flowing. He hastily tried wiping them away, but Brick still saw them.
"Heh." Brick smiled slightly. He was sitting, one leg straight out and the other bent. His right arm rested on that bent leg, and the other rested at his side. "You've sure grown up, Butch, since those bad guy times; matured, even. And that's saying something. Now stop crying; where's the manly guy we've come to know and care about?"
Butch wiped away more tears with his sleeve. "Sh-Shut up," he hiccuped. "I owe that to you guys. And I'm not crying; I just have something stuck in my eye. And that guy's right here. Besides; where's your cap, hotshot?"
Brick smirked slightly, sighing as he got up and dusted off his pants. "Now there's the Butch I know." He sighed again, feeling his bare head and the carrot-coloured hair. "Although I seriously wish I still had my cap..."
Butch couldn't help but laugh a little at that. If Buttercup couldn't believe him, then he understood. She might not even have been the perfect one for him, although deep down he knew she was. She was the only one for her. He'd always miss her, but if she couldn't understand... He shook his head to clear it, a determined glint appearing in his eyes. "I won't let that happen," he vowed to himself.
Brick paused, looking surprised. He turned to the green Ruff, raising an eyebrow in curiosity. "Let what happen, exactly...?" he inquired, tilting his head to the side.
Butch flushed slightly, letting out small whistle as he put his arms behind his back. "Er...well..."
Just then, they heard footsteps approaching. They both froze.
"What's that?" hissed Brick.
Butch gulped hard, wanting to swallow the sudden lump in his throat. "...Welcome to my latest nightmare," he whispered. "Greet her properly; mind you."
"Huh?" Brick shot his brother a confused glance.
"Shhh." Butch nodded at the approaching newcomer, who was bringing a light and a melody. "She's here."
The dark shadows drew back, afraid of the light. The girl that greeted them had ebony locks of hair and closed eyelids, pale skin and red lips. Her dress flowed out behind her, slightly ripped and dirty. Her bare feet barely touched the ground, appearing as if she was floating lightly and creating ripples as she walked.
"Is that..." Brick trailed off, swallowing. "Is that who I think it is...?" He glanced at Butch.
Butch nodded. "Yup."
The girl's eyes flashed open and Butch recognized the flames within the empty pits. She raced over, water splashing out behind her quick steps.
Brick let out a gasp.
"She's coming," he warned.
"Buttercup? Is that really you?" Brick whispered fearfully.
Butch smiled slightly, a sad tint to the little grin. "Buttercup..."
Both Brick and Butch shuddered, and Bubbles and Boomer shuddered as well as they tried to heal the two somewhat. They sped up the process of the Chemical X, both holding their breaths in concern. Bandit joined in, offering his services as well.
Just then, a knock at the door interrupted their little medical session.
"Hellooo~?" a voice sang. "Like, anyone home?"
They all froze, not daring to reply. They'd recognize that voice from anywhere...
But despite their silence, the door was still pushed open and a girl came out. Her dark hair swung out behind her as she smiled, walking in like she owned the place. The people behind her follow more timidly, although they were still sashaying.
A low growl sounded in Braker's throat as Blaster held him back. "Of all the worst, possible times...they just had to choose this one, didn't they?" he hissed.
Bubbles swallowed, nodding with wide eyes as she stared at the group standing in front of them. The newcomers had their hands on their hips and smiles on their lips.
It was Michelle...and her friends.
ME: Again, SUSPENSE. What's next for the torture—*ah-hem; cough, cough*—I mean, chapter? *smiles innocently and sheepishly*
BUTCH: *stares disbelieving; raises eyebrow* Okaaay then. *turns* Anyway; R&R, yadda yadda yadda. You get the idea. *rolls eyes*
ME: ...Right. *waves* So see ya all later! Until next time!