CHAPTER 34: FORGIVING EACH OTHER
ME: So...finally got started on the new chapter! Sorry guys. Usually I just type, but I've actually made a list of what I want to include for this chapter. *sweat-drop*
BUTCH: *yawns* Well, okay.
ME: ...Aand I've recently stapled my thumb so it's harder to type on the iPhone than usual. The injury's better, but if I press it hard it hurts. So I'm STILL wearing a band-aid, and so the phone doesn't always respond. And I got in a fight with my li'l bro—he slammed me into a closet so now my pinkie's hurt and STILL hasn't healed. Links to my journals on dA will be included. Here ya go:
journal/Extreme-Idiocy-or-Bad-Luck-You-Decide-3676 92202*
journal/FIGHT-And-a-Hurt-RIGHT-Pinkie-367845242*
BRICK: ...Ow...?
ME: Yeah, and I'm typing some of this on a Band trip—on the bus, and at our location: Whistler. So there IS wi-fi, but it costs money. Here's the link:
journal/Good-News-Bad-News-TRIP-368924029
BOOMER: ...Have fun...?
ME: Thanks. I own nothing besides my own OC's and the story! Now...rolling!
Chapter 34: Forgiving Each Other
Coffee. Buttercup needed some coffee.
...Or sleep.
Maybe she should just give up on all this and just go to bed.
She needed something, anything. To keep her awake, or make her fall asleep.
Buttercup didn't even know WHY she was still awake. She'd received a new paper airplane note telling her to remain awake and wait.
...Maybe she should just give up and go to bed.
...Why DID she even feel like she had to wait for...him, anyway...?
...But she knew why.
...She was lonely.
Yes; strong, powerful Buttercup was lonely.
Isolating herself meant being alone. Obviously, right?
She'd thought she was ready. But apparently not.
...Is this how Bubbles always feels...? Buttercup wondered. She quickly shook her head to clear it. ...I-I shouldn't be thinking about her.
...Butch...
Flashback
And as Sam looked into Tyrone's eyes, she felt her breath leave her. "...R-Really?" she breathed shyly.
"Really," Tyrone promised, taking stray strands of her long red hair and kissing it. "...I love you, Sam."
"B-But I thought you liked Jeannie!" Sam said, breathless. "She's so much more beautiful, she's more girly, and she's...nicer."
"But that's why I like you," Tyrone replied, sweeping her into his arms and kissing her cheek. "You're...a tomboy. You're the first girl I've seen in such a long time who hasn't swooned when they first see me. You've been a challenge, Sam." He paused before smiling. "...And I've loved nearly every minute of it."
Sam blushed. "...Y-You have?"
They began leaning in in the full moon, but a gasp sounded and footsteps raced away as rustles sounded.
Tyrone pulled away from their nearly touching lips, spinning around. He saw black hair flowing in the wind and tearing brown eyes. "Jeannie!?"
He turned back to Sam. "I'm sorry; I should go after her."
Sam nodded in understanding. "...I understand. Now...GO."
Tyrone nodded gratefully, giving her a quick kiss before dashing off.
Sam stared after them, holding a fist to her heart. She smiled almost sadly.
"...Leaving you behind? How unbecoming," a voice said.
"He's very noble to be willing to go after her," Sam responded defensively, figuring it was just a dark voice in her head.
"But leaving the girl he claims he loves behind? What kind of message is that?"
"He—" Sam suddenly paused. "...Wait a sec, you're not a voice in my head; you're a guy..." She spun around, gasping with her eyes wide. "...J-Jasper!?"
The guy she was talking to simply smirked, folding his arms. Long black bangs fell into his eyes. He was dressed in black and red, and looked like a shadow against the night. "It's a wonder you know who I am."
Sighing, Buttercup stopped reading at the end of the chapter and clamped her book shut. Another romantic novel with a "bad boy" involved.
She'd read to chapter 21 without much trouble, but then...BAM. Bad boy involved.
In all her boredom, she'd taken up reading. However, most adventure stories involved a girl like her or a boy like Butch. And besides, she'd read what little books she had over and over again.
She'd sneaked out and had wanted to get adventure books, but for some reason, she got romance instead.
Now it was almost like a game: look for a romance story without boys like Butch inside.
"Goodies and Baddies Love" had seemed promising; a Baddie girl like her falling for a Goodie boy, whose fiancée is a Goodie girl...who happens to have the BIGGEST crush on him.
...And now...Jasper. A Baddie boy like Butch.
Would the story put Jasper with Jeannie, the Goodie girl...?
Cliché? Maybe. But it was like the story of her life.
If Jeannie—who was like Bubbles—ended up with Baddie Jasper—who's like Butch, Buttercup would have to smash the book through the wall.
Sighing, Buttercup placed the book down. She didn't know what she really wanted anymore.
Tyrone and Sam meant something along the lines of Boomer and...err, her together.
...The very thought made her feel uncomfortable.
Still, Jasper and Sam meant Butch and her, which just made her feel bad about their own current situation. Jasper and Jeannie didn't get along, like Butch and her used to be, but maybe later...?
There were still like 20 more chapters, anyway.
Sighing, Buttercup tousled her hair, trying not to think about Jasper...and Butch.
Plink. Plink. Plink.
Turning, she was surprised to see pebbles bouncing off of her glass window.
...The mysterious stranger...? It had been awhile since she'd last seen him.
"The jerk," she muttered. But inside she felt pretty happy about not being alone, and she was glad he was distracting her from her silly thoughts.
She opened the window, dodging a flying pebble (she was getting the hang of it!) and looking outside.
As usual, there was no one there. She expected him to appear, but he didn't. However, a paper airplane did drift up.
She unfolded it and read:
"'Lovely maiden stuck in the tower,
Sitting like a lonely flower,
Wait for me and let your hair down,
Let me come tomorrow and let me take you to the ground.'"
Blinking, Buttercup stared out the window, but there was still no one there.
A cold wind blew by, sweeping up some stray leaves.
End Flashback
Plink.
Taken out of her thoughts of hours before, Buttercup rushed to the window and thrust it open. She didn't bother dodging the half-hearted thrown pebbles.
She scanned the lawn before her vision zoomed back to the centre...
...He was there.
...He was there!
HE. WAS. THERE!
He looked up and she caught a flash of a small smile.
Her heart pounding, she didn't bother closing the window and rushed downstairs. She nearly skipped five steps in her flying rush.
At the last step, she paused, suddenly hesitating.
...Why was she so excited...?
...Was it because he reminded of her of...him...? ...Of...Butch...? Or that she was...lonely...?
Slow knocking sounded at the door.
Snapping out of her spinning thoughts, Buttercup hurried to the door but slowed down so she didn't appear too eager.
She threw it open and took a deep breath. "...Hi," she greeted.
He just nodded, giving a half-hearted wave. "...Hi."
They stood there awkwardly, neither clearly not knowing what to say.
"I-It's been awhile," Buttercup managed.
He nodded. "Yeah."
Buttercup sighed. ...I wish he'd talk more...
"What would you like now?" she whispered.
Rain was falling now.
"Do you want to come in?" she asked, almost hesitantly.
He shook his head, droplets falling.
There was a small pause.
Then all of a sudden, she saw a tear slip down his cheek.
...But maybe it was just rain...?
And then a flash and she felt arms around her.
Eyes wide and face red, she froze.
"I missed you," he said, his voice sounding more welcoming and emotional than she'd ever heard it.
She slowly looked down at him. "Y-You have—?"
But before she could finish, she felt lips crash onto hers.
She felt teeth, and she winced as she paused and her eyes felt like they had slammed shut. Cold metal pressed into her lip.
"...Ah..."
He pulled away. Rain poured harder.
She watched as he gritted his teeth. She was surprised to see some blood drip from his mouth.
"I-I..." she stammered.
"...S-Sorry," he muttered, wiping it with his sleeve. "...I seem to have cut my lip."
Buttercup felt her own lips, flushing. "D-Did my teeth do that?" she asked.
He paused before shrugging. But it wasn't an offensive shrug.
Then she noticed a small silver ring at his lip.
...That must've been the metal she'd felt.
...But now it looked a little red from the blood.
"I-I'm sorry," she stammered shyly, feeling her lips.
He shook his head. "...No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have...k—done that."
Buttercup noticed a small tear... Sighing, she wiped it away and stared at the shining bubble on her finger. "No...it's okay."
"...I missed you..."
When she looked again, he was gone.
Sighing, Buttercup turned and closed the door.
She headed upstairs. As usual, the window was closed, and the new—slightly wet—paper airplane read:
"'I missed you.
Did you miss me too?
I'll wait for you
When you'll give me a clue.'"
Sighing again, Buttercup took the wet rose attached and put both things away.
Under a black-and-blue umbrella, eyes watched two shadows embrace.
Sighing and shuddering, the person turned away.
...He seems so familiar.
Blue eyes trailed back to the now closed door.
And then he was gone as well.
"You sure you're okay now?"
Giggling, Bubbles rolled her eyes. "I'm fine! You can stop asking now, Boomer," she teased.
He smiled warmly. "...I'm just worried."
She smiled back. "You don't need to be."
He smiled too. "I'm glad..."
Bubbles blushed and looked away. "Th-Thanks," she mumbled.
Boomer just grinned, taking her hand and looking it over. "No problemo, Bubblemo."
She stared at him, raising an eyebrow. "...'Bubblemo'?" she repeated skeptically.
He chuckled. "...Yeah...don't ask; it rhymed with 'no problemo'."
Bubbles giggled. "I don't think I need to ask now; you already answered."
They both laughed.
When the laughter died down, they simply sat there shyly and in silence.
Bubbles poked at the ground shyly, tracing circles. "...Umm...are you and Brick still..." She trailed off before squeaking, "...Mad at each other...?"
"...I...guess you can say we still kinda are," Boomer said hesitantly.
Bubbles suddenly stood up. "C'mon; we should get you two to make up!"
"Umm...Bubbles?" Boomer mumbled. "I don't think we—"
Bubbles narrowed her eyes before bursting. "...You two need to make up! Siblings fighting is just...f—ridiculous! I can't stand it! Blossom and Buttercup are so close, as are you and Brick too! Siblings should stay together!" Tears began appearing in the corners of her eyes. "Buttercup won't believe what we say, she hates Butch and I, she's mad at Blossom, and you and Brick too! I JUST CAN'T—"
"BUBBLES!" Boomer shouted, sitting up and grabbing Bubbles' wrist. "IT'S OKAY! Brick and I don't hate each other! We just kinda argued, is all. Helping you out at school made us less angry."
"...I-I'm sorry," Bubbles stammered shyly. "...I-I just burst..."
Boomer's worried shadowed expression became a small smile. "...It's okay," he said slowly and kindly.
Bubbles looked away, embarrassed. I can't believe I did hat!
"...Would you like to go now?" Boomer asked, still holding her wrist as he stood up. He let his hand slip down from her wrist into her hand.
Bubbles blushed. "...Y-Yeah..."
Boomer smiled. "C'mon then," he said.
"Okay," Bubbles agreed, managing a smile.
The two blues walked off together, and Boomer grabbed their painting before reaching a window.
Boomer turned to Bubbles. "...You ready?" he asked.
Bubbles paused before managing a nod.
Boomer threw open the window with his free hand and he squeezed her hand.
Then they flew off into the night.
...Soon, they came to be able to view the Ruffs' house.
Boomer landed lightly, and he turned to Bubbles. "...Okay, I'm ready, I suppose. And you?"
"...I-I guess I'm ready as well," she said.
Boomer managed a smile. "Okay."
The two strode over to the door and he pulled out his key. But before he could unlock it, the door flew open and nearly slammed into him. Boomer stood there, hand raised.
...Brick stood in the doorway.
"...WHERE WERE YOU!?" Brick shouted at Boomer. "YOU HAD ME FUCKING WORRIED SICK!"
"Language, Brick~!" Him called, carrying a basket of laundry and smiling.
Brick spun around and glared at Him. "YOU DON'T GIVE A FUCKING DAMN ABOUT LANGUAGE!" he shouted.
"...True, true~," Him agreed with a sigh, rolling his eyes. He walked on, his high-heels click-clacking along the floor.
Brick turned back to Boomer. "AND WHAT ABOUT YOU!?" Brick leaned forward angrily.
"...I don't really care about it when it comes to you, but...uhh...I have a...'guest' with me," Boomer replied, leaning back.
Brick turned and finally noticed Bubbles.
Bubbles waved shyly.
"Err...hi," Brick said, managing a wave.
"...H-Hi," Bubbles managed.
An awkward silence fell upon them.
"...Come on in," Brick managed.
Bubbles smiled. "Umm...would you rather come out and look at the stars instead?"
"...Okay," Brick said, stepping out.
Boomer looked up to see the stars above. "...Umm...I guess we should talk..."
"...Umm...okay," Brick said, thinking back to this morning.
Bubbles nudged Boomer.
Boomer sighed, turning to face Brick completely. "...I'm sorry."
Brick looked surprised. "...Oh. Umm, okay. ...I'm sorry too then...I guess...?" He scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
Bubbles smiled. "No fighting now, 'kay?"
Brick turned to her in surprise before managing a smile. "You set this up, didn't you?"
"...Yeah," Bubbles ended up giggling.
Boomer passed Brick the painting. "I'll give this to you as a sign of my apology."
Brick smirked. "...Alright." Then he left, put it away, and came back. "Done," he said, dusting his hands.
"...We'll help you with Blossom and Buttercup," Boomer offered. "...We owe you one..."
"...Sure," Bubbles agreed, brightening.
"...Are you sure she's home?"
Boomer rolled his eyes for the umpteenth time. "Brick..."
"I know, I know," Brick sighed, rolling his eyes.
Bubbles smiled awkwardly. "Umm...well, yeah; she's just...holing herself up and everything..."
"...Ah," Brick said.
Just then, a light flicked on from behind the curtains.
Bubbles perked up. "Let's hurry," she suggested. "It is getting late."
Brick and Boomer both nodded. "Right," they agreed.
Bubbles approached the door and was about to unlock it, but the door opened before that could happen.
"BUBBLES! There you are! Where have you been!? I have been worried sick!" Blossom shouted, grabbing Bubbles' shoulders and shaking her.
Bubbles smiled sheepishly. "Umm...I'm sorry, but umm...I have...'guests'..."
"...You do?" Blossom said, blinking in surprise. She turned to see Boomer and Brick. She immediately blushed. "...Umm...I'm sorry...?"
Brick smiled sheepishly as well. "...Hi," he said. "...Don't worry; I freaked out earlier too."
"Kinda like your reaction," Boomer teased, nudging his red-headed brother.
Brick flushed. "Shut up," he hissed back.
Then they stood there awkwardly.
"Umm...I think you and BC should talk," Bubbles offered.
Blossom stopped smiling to turn and stare at her. "...Seriously?" She raised an eyebrow.
"...Umm...yes," Bubbles managed, shrinking back.
Brick cut in sheepishly. "Err...sorry; we all agree. Boomer and I made up with each other too, after all."
Blossom huffed, turning away and blushing. "Yes, well... Boomer isn't holing himself up inside his room like a depressed ghost and arguing with others when he actually does come out!" she ranted.
"Blossom... Blossom... Blossom..." He paused, sighing. "BLOSSOM!"
She blinked. "...Y-Yes—?"
...Brick leaned in and kissed her.
Blossom flushed in surprise. She resisted a little, before quitting that and kissing back.
When he pulled away so they could have air, he smiled. "...And now...? I think I'm pretty serious here."
Blossom blushed, looking away. "...O-Okay, fine."
Brick smirked, taking her hand. "C'mon, let's go; you have some talking to do."
Blossom rolled her eyes and sighed but followed him in anyway.
Bubbles turned to Boomer and they both smiled excitedly.
"...BC...?" Blossom called softly, knocking on the door.
...No reply.
Blossom sighed. "Buttercup...I just want to talk."
The door creaked open and Buttercup's green eye peeked out, slightly narrowed. "...What?" she demanded almost coldly.
Blossom sighed, groaning as she rolled her eyes.
Brick nudged her. "Go on," he whispered.
"...Look, sorry about this morning, 'kay?" Blossom sighed.
"...Okay." Buttercup was about to close the door, but Brick stuck his foot in first, ignoring the pain.
"Guys, hear each other out! apologize properly, will you guys?" he demanded. He winced then. "...Ouch. You do that and I won't have to keep my foot stuck in here."
Buttercup rolled her eyes, sighing. "Okay, fine," she muttered, shoving the door open.
"Ow!" Brick muttered, drawing his foot back after the door banged into his leg.
Buttercup stared at Blossom. "You wanna talk? ...Let's talk."
Blossom sighed and rolled her eyes before saying, "...Okay, so I'm sorry about this morning. I was just stressed, and you haven't really talked to us at all these past few days."
Buttercup sighed. "...I try, okay? ...Anyway, I'm sorry too, 'kay?"
"...'Kay," Blossom agreed, smiling. She held out her arms. "...Hug it out?"
"...Okay," Buttercup said, sighing and rolling her eyes. Despite that, she smiled a little. She stepped forward and hugged Blossom.
Blossom smiled.
Bubbles and Boomer stepped forward. Bubbles squealed. "I'm so happy you guys made up!"
Buttercup blinked in surprise. "...Bubbles... Did you set this up?"
"...With Boomer and Brick's help," Bubbles giggled cheerfully, throwing her arms around their shoulders. Brick didn't miss Boomer's blush; he raised an eyebrow.
Buttercup's face darkened and she sighed. "...Okay. Thanks," she said. Then she slammed the door shut and went back into her room.
Blossom turned back to them. "...Umm...well...thanks for helping us make up..."
Bubbles sighed, managing a small, weaker smile than before. "...No problem," she managed to say.
On the other side, Buttercup leaned against the door and slid down onto the ground. She looked up at the ceiling.
...Considering Bubbles helped Brick and Boomer make up, as well as Blossom and I—kinda, anyway... Well, just considering, maybe I should talk to Butch...?
Buttercup flushed. "What am I thinking?" she muttered.
Just then, there was a new text.
DING!
"'...Wanna talk again? At our..."old" meeting place...?'"
Buttercup stared at it, reading it over and over again. Then she stared at the sender, who was...
...Butch.
Sighing, she managed a small smile a little hesitantly. Then she typed back:
"'...Okay. Meet you there at 10:30...?'"
DING!
"'See ya there then...'"
Sighing, Buttercup got up and started fishing through outfits. She still didn't really know why she was so worried about how she looked, but still...
Buttercup finally chose a dark-green no-sleeve with a camouflage pattern. She had a garbage-green jacket with black skinny jeans and black boots with golden stripes.
She almost wanted to forget her jacket in case they could share Butch's again...
Blushing, she shook her head to clear it. What am I thinking!?
...Well, at least it's a thin jacket...
She blushed again, mentally hitting herself for her idiocy.
She wondered what Butch would be wearing...
Butch combed a black comb through his spiky hair and stared at his reflection. He looked down at the cold cross necklace against his chest.
Butch threw on a black no-sleeve with a baggy lime-green jacket and baggy gray, ripped jeans with chains that jangled at the pocket.
He looked down at his phone and sighed, before tucking it away in his pocket. He zipped up his jacket and slipped on his neon-green sneakers decorated with a yellow shooting star on each side.
He flew out the window, creating another dent in the wall and squashed the bush again.
He flew through the sky and made his way to their special meeting place.
Landing, he sat and let the nice scents sink in. His hair blew back, and despite the dangers, he still unzipped his jacket. The left side of his jacket slipped off of his shoulder. He rested his left arm on his bent left knee. His right hand just rested beside his bent right knee.
After a few minutes, a voice sounded.
"...Hey..."
He looked up to see Buttercup bent over kinda awkwardly, one hand behind her back and the other out in a half-hearted wave.
"...Hey," he greeted.
A silence descended upon them.
Then Butch sighed, flopping down and breaking the silence. "...Here; sit down," he offered.
"...Okay," Buttercup agreed, almost shyly. She sat down and turned to look up at the sky.
"...It's pretty, isn't it?" Butch abruptly said.
Buttercup glanced at him in surprise before blinking. "...Yeah, I guess it is," she agreed slowly.
"...You wanna make a wish?"
She shrugged. "...Not my kinda thing, really," she said, picking at a poor daisy. And you know it, her mind shouted.
He loves me...
He loves me not...
He loves me...—
He smiled at her, immediately shushing her mind but setting off her thumping heart. "...Yeah, I know. Still, one wish couldn't hurt, could it...?"
Buttercup shrugged. "...I guess so," she whispered. She closed her eyes and chanted:
"Star light, star bright,
The first star I see tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might,
Have the wish I wish tonight..."
Then she finished the wish in her mind.
When Buttercup opened her eyes, she was surprised to see Butch staring at her. Blushing, she looked away. "Wh-What?" she asked, flustered.
Butch just smiled slightly—somewhat sadly, though. "...I was just hoping we could stay like this," he whispered.
Buttercup felt something snap inside of her. Butch... Me... Bubbles... Cheating... Decisions, decisions, decisions... She quickly looked around, suddenly uneasy. "...I don't think so," she said nervously, sweat trickling down her cheek.
Butch sighed, grabbing her by the shoulders and shaking her lightly. "...BC, have you still not decided?" He stared at her. "...And will you stop looking around?"
Finally, laughing nervously, she turned to face him. Buttercup offered a half-hearted wave. "...N-No..."
"BC," Butch said, eyes sad. "This hurts. So much... It's like you don't trust me at all any—"
"NO!" Buttercup shouted, slapping his hand away. "...J-Just don't touch me!" She hit him before racing into the sky, flustered and eyes wide.
"Butter—agh!"
Buttercup almost expected him to come after her. But he didn't. She was sad for a moment, and her mind said, I told you so! But then...:
"AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! IT HUUUURRRTTTSSS! AHHHHHHH!"
Buttercup spun around to see Butch flopped down on the grass clutching his sides, his legs drawn to his chest.
Her eyes widened. "...Butch!?" she shouted.
...No response.
Suddenly scared, Buttercup flew back down and grabbed Butch. She shuddered at how cold, yet sweaty and warm he felt at the same time.
"...Butch...?" she whispered worriedly. She felt his forehead. ...Burning up.
Butch yawned from his position on her back, clearly tired.
Buttercup couldn't help it—she just had to smile—even a little—at the adorableness of Butch and his sleeping form.
Sighing, Buttercup hoisted him up a little. "...Guess I have to get you to the infirmary, then..."
"Infirmary," he murmured in repeat.
"...Yeah," she confirmed. She paused before saying, "...Infirmary."
"...Thanks," he whispered.
"Huh?" Surprised, Buttercup turned around—but Butch was—supposedly—still asleep.
...She smiled a bit. "...You're welcome."
Dark brown eyes and a fake smile. Long brown hair tied up neatly and pinned to the young lady's head. Her dress was tight and her shoes pinched. Plus the outfit was just SO last season.
Across the table, a young-looking man was smiling as he shook another man's hand. "Thank you for this opportunity," he was saying over and over again.
The young lady gagged. Did they have to kiss up to them...?
When the man shot her a look, she simply smiled innocently and sheepishly.
Beside her, another young male was eating mashed potatoes slowly and carefully. He was eyeing the whole scene.
"I have a daughter around this fine lady's age; I'm sure they would've gotten along quite fine," the guest was chuckling. When he looked at her, she smiled another inevitable fake smile.
"I'm sure they would," the other man agreed. "What is her name again...?" He winked.
"Princess," the guest said, winking back, "Princess Morbucks."
The young girl paused in the middle of scooping up some mashed potatoes and beef. "...P-Princess?" she stammered. Her spoon fell into her bowl with a forgotten CLANG!
The man shot her a warning look. He turned back to their guest. "I'm sorry, Mr. Morbucks, she's just—"
Mr. Morbucks simply smiled. "Do you two know each other...?"
The two children shared unsure glances. "I-I think so," the girl stammered.
"...Well, we seem to knew her when we were younger," the boy pitched in.
"Why how wonderful! You do remember!" Mr. Morbucks chuckled. "You all had quite a lot of fun back then."
The boy smiled. "...Yes, yes we did, Mr. Morbucks. Your daughter is very charming."
"Ah, thank you; but also a bit spoiled, I'd say," Mr. Morbucks sighed. "Thank goodness she's gotten better now that she's older."
"Oh no, no, no; she was...wonderfully fun," the young male objected politely, smiling a small smile.
"Why thank you, Michael," Mr. Morbucks said, "and from my baby Princess too. It's rather sad she couldn't join us today; she's currently on a trip."
"So I've heard," the other man added. "How goes it? Is she really traveling all alone?"
"It's going well," Mr. Morbucks said. "It sure is teaching her to take care of herself. But she does have the Mitchelsons with her."
"Maybe I should send my children on a trip to learn discipline too," the other man joked before chuckling.
As the two men laughed, Michael leaned in with interest. "...The Mitchelsons...? Who are they...?"
Mr. Morbucks stopped laughing to stare at him curiously. "...A strange thing to ask, but okay. They're our good friends—"
"Are they rich?" Michael blurted.
"...Michael!" his father protested.
Mr. Morbucks waved it off. "It's quite fine, really. They aren't rich. But they're not poor either. At first I wasn't sure I was quite okay with my darling hanging out with that...'Pauper' kid."
chael paused, scrunching up his nose. "...'Pauper'...?" he repeated.
Mr. Morbucks laughed again. "His name's actually Mitch, but I call him Pauper at times because that's what I used to call him. Now it's more of a joke than an insult."
"...I see," Michael murmured thoughtfully, stroking an invisible beard. Then he leaned in again. "And their relationship...?"
"Michael!" his father scolded.
Mr. Morbucks had looked taken aback, but he had recovered. "It's quite fine," he said. "Mitch is my Princess' current...boyfriend."
Michael sat back, looking somewhat taken aback. His mouth fell open. "Wow..."
"I know; I was originally surprised too," Mr. Morbucks agreed. "Still, they make each other better people. Mitch teaches Princess how to take care of herself, while Princess teaches Mitch things like money and manners."
Michael clamped his mouth shut, a small fire evident in his eyes. "...I see," he finally said.
...Wow... Princess sure has changed since those days I met her, the girl thought, poking at her mashed potatoes.
Then she stood up, her chair scraping the ground harshly. Everyone turned to stare at her. "...May I be excused?" she asked politely and coolly. Then she hastily added when she realized her tone could've been thought as icy, "just for now; I'll be back."
Her father, who had been staring at her sternly, suddenly sighed and nodded. "...Go ahead."
"...Okay," she said, turning around. She tugged at her tight dress. ...Huh, that was easier than I thought.
"...Oh and Pumpkin?"
The girl sighed and rolled her eyes at the old nickname. She turned, smiling innocently. "Yes, Father?"
"...Be quick, okay...?"
The young brunette nodded. "...Got it." And then she left.
She walked to the washroom and went inside, locking the door.
Sighing, she stood up and click-clacked to the counter. She puckered her lips as she stared at her hair.
...She barely ever tied her hair up like this.
She checked her phone. Sixteen new notifications from Facebook, it read.
Most of them were comments and likes on her new photo of her in her uncomfortable outfit. Of course, she'd made it out like she adored it.
"'You look GORGEOUS!'"
"'Wow, you look so pretty!'"
"'Special guest much...?'"
"'I like your dress!'"
Scrolling through, she sighed. There wasn't any comment that was different from the—
Her eyes widened and she blinked.
—others...?
She read the comment again. And again. And again. This is what it read:
"'...Isn't that outfit kinda uncomfortable?'"
The girl blinked. "...It is," she murmured.
Sighing again, she looked at herself in the mirror. Sure, she looked gorgeous. But she felt...overdressed.
Sighing once more, she undid her hair, took off her shoes, and did her business. After washing her hands, she redid her hair and slipped on her tight shoes again.
Then she walked slowly back to the kitchen. She paused briefly when she heard the males' laughing.
...Why am I even here...? She couldn't help but wonder. They're talking about guy stuff and business; there's really no place for me... But I guess Mr. Morbucks just wanted to see us again. Dad probably just wants to show how polite we are and how much we've grown.
Then she sighed, fixed her hair, dress, and shoes. She took a deep breath before plastering a fake warm smile on her face.
Her father looked up. "...How nice to have you join us...again...Michelle."
Michelle paused, but then she smiled another fake smile and said, "Glad to be back."
She quickly seated herself back beside her brother, preparing for a looonngg dinner full of questions and discussions.
...And it had already passed nearly forty minutes!
Michelle sighed again. ...Better get ready, she figured.
The males continued talking as she ate.
Michelle sighed as she set down her fork. She didn't suck at Math, but she barely understood anything her father and Mr. Morbucks were saying.
"...The shares are down..."
"It's been like that since last week..."
"...Funky Monkey has been suffering too..."
"And what about Apple...?"
"...The Art Contest..."
Michelle perked up. "What about it?" she blurted.
Her father stared at her in surprise. His daughter hardly seemed like someone interested in such..."trvial" things, as she herself had called it.
Still, it was a surprise he couldn't spoil. So he just smiled. "...Not much, really. Just something to do with the prizes."
Michelle blinked before nodding, looking at her lap. Silly me for bursting out, she thought with embarrassment. Of course Father thinks I don't care...
...Still, she had a feeling it wasn't "not much" and "just something to do with the prizes". She felt that it was bigger...much bigger.
Michelle sighed again as she looked to the ceiling. But Boomer...
"Are you okay, sweetie?"
Michelle blinked, snapping out of her swirling thoughts. She faked another inevitable smile. "...I'm fine, Father."
He didn't look like he believed her, but he smiled back anyway. "...Okay, hon. Talk to me if something is wrong, 'kay...?"
"...'Kay," Michelle agreed, managing a real smile—albeit a small one.
Michael just watched with small interest.
...And the conversations went on.
Bubbles by now was feeling tired. After such a long day, she just wanted to rest. Placing her injured hand on her bed she winced as her weight was brought down upon it. She quickly switched to the other hand.
She had managed to come in without letting her family see it, but she doubted she could hide it for long. The Professor and Blossom had excellent, keen eyes.
...Bubbles didn't know what to say to them if they did see it.
She was surprised Blossom hadn't caught it yet—she was probably too panicked at first, and then she was distracted by Brick and Boomer's presence, as well as having to make up with BC.
Sighing, she turned to watch the night sky. The stars and the moon caused a faint glow to the whole scene.
Her eyes were slowly dropping shut, when just then...
...Her phone rang.
She groaned and mumbled something about sleep, before fumbling around. The phone continued to ring, as if taunting her.
Finally, she located it in a pocket in her jeans. She flicked it on. "Hello...?"
"Hi!" a cheerful voice sounded. Then it seemed to grow less happy. "...Are you okay...? You sound tired... Did I wake you up? If I did, I'm SOOO sor—"
"It's fine, it's fine!" Bubbles giggled, interrupting his rant. She glanced at her clock. "It's only 10:50, anyway."
He laughed on the other end. "I'm glad," he said, "I was worried you were upset."
"No, no, no; not at all! Just tired," she answered brightly—as brightly as she could, anyway.
He seemed to catch the sadness in her tone, because he asked, "...Are you sure you're okay...? If you're sleepy, I'll call again later—"
"No!" she blurted, almost too quickly.
"...Umm...okay...?" he said, sounding amused.
Bubbles blushed when she realized her slip. "I-I mean, I'm totally fine with talking to you! I-I'm not tired... Well, I am, but not that tired...—"
...He was stifling laughter on the other end.
She stumbled on. "Well, it's just I like talking to you—well, not that I like you. ...Wait, no! I mean, I do like you, but not like like you! Not yet anyway! ...I-I mean I don't even know who you are...but uh..." Why won't I shut up!?
He couldn't contain it any longer—he burst into laughter.
"W-Well I'd like to meet you, and then maybe I'll like like you, but I do like you. You're really good at cheering me up—not that I'm depressed or anything. Okay, maybe I can get depressed, but doesn't everybody...? I'm definitely not emo. ...Well, no offence to emo people—aaand I'll just shut up now." She was flushed.
He continued to laugh. "No, no; do go on," he teased. "You sound like Mojo Jojo! I still remember when you practically became him once...**"
She blinked in surprise. "...Y-You...remember that...?"
Suddenly, HE was the one flustered. "W-Well, I was around your age and I am a civilian of Townsville, a-and...yeah...now I'll shut up."
Bubbles couldn't help it—she giggled.
"Umm..." He sounded puzzled, but soon he was laughing with her.
A knock sounded from the other end. "I better go," her mystery caller said quickly. "Talk to you soon?"
"...Of course," Bubbles agreed cheerfully. "Thanks again."
She thought he smiled. "...No problemo," he replied. "I'm glad I could help."
She giggled, and then they hung up.
Bubbles flopped down on her bed again and sighed happily, hugging Octi tightly.
A knock sounded at her own door, and she quickly stood up. "Come on in," she called softly, quickly shoving her hand behind her back.
The door clicked open and coral-pink eyes peeked in. "...Bubbles...? Are you still up?"
Bubbles smiled. "Yeah..."
Blossom smiled too as she came in and sat down beside Bubbles. She looked out at the clear night sky. "Are you nearly ready for the Art Contest?" she asked.
"Yeah," Bubbles answered, smiling. While Blossom wasn't looking, she slipped on a sleeve glove to hide her bandages. It revealed her fingers though.
Blossom turned back to her. "I'm sure you two will get a good spot, if not first."
"Thanks, Blossom," Bubbles giggled.
Blossom smiled. "No problem!"
"And how are you and Brick doing with organizing it all?" Bubbles asked teasingly.
Blossom giggled. "We're doing great too. Brick's such a sweetheart."
"I bet," Bubbles giggled back, covering her mouth with her hand. "He seems to get all mushy around you~"
Blossom blushed. "B-Bubbles!" she chided, her face red. "H-He's just nice, is all! I mean, what about you and Boomer?"
Now it was Bubbles' turn to flush. "H-He's nice to everybody!" she protested.
"...And what about you and Butch...?"
Bubbles paused, confused. "What a silly question; I'm just his friend! We all know he likes Buttercup... Blossom, why would you ask such a thing...? Do you not trust me now too...? And why is your voice so muffled...?"
She turned to Blossom expectantly, who shook her head and pointed at the wall.
Bubbles gasped when she realized it wasn't Blossom who'd asked, but...
...Buttercup.
Blossom and Bubbles stared at each other for awhile, suddenly scared of breaking the silence. But no noise came from BC's room, so soon they started to relax and breathe again.
"That was kinda scary," Blossom whispered.
"Yeah," Bubbles agreed shakily.
Blossom suddenly noticed a decorated blue bandage poking out of Bubbles' glove. She'd recognize those anywhere...
Blossom grabbed Bubbles' hand, catching the poor blue Puff by surprise. Bubbles winced from the sudden pain.
"...What is this? WHAT IS THIS!?" Blossom cried, pulling the glove off. "Bubbles, what happened!? Are you okay!?"
"Shhh, Blossom!" Bubbles clamped a hand over her older sister's mouth. "I don't want to worry the others."
"What happened to your hand!?" Blossom hissed, shaking Bubbles' hand with two of her own.
Bubbles winced again. "...Blossom..."
"Oh, s-sorry." Blossom calmed down. She stared at the bandages and studied them. Then she looked up. "...So...?"
"So...?" Bubbles repeated uneasily.
"What happened!?" Blossom reminded in a whisper-shout.
"...N-Nothing."
"This isn't nothing!" Blossom protested. "Tell me, Bubbles! Tell me NOW!"
Bubbles hesitated before staring into her sister's fierce coral-pink eyes. Bubbles gulped.
"Well!?" Blossom demanded.
"...I-I..." Bubbles trailed off then.
Blossom raised an expectant eyebrow.
Bubbles hesitated before sighing and telling her sister the truth.
Blossom's expressions softened then. "...Bubbles..." she said worriedly.
"P-Please don't tell anybody!" Bubbles said, flustered.
"...Okay," Blossom sighed in agreement. "But I won't guarantee anything in case someone like the Professor asks and drills it out."
"...Okay," Bubbles agreed after a few moments of silence. She managed a small smile. "...Thanks, Blossom."
Blossom smiled back. "No problem, Bubbles. Be careful next time, o—"
BAM!
The two stared at each other in surprise before turning to stare at the wall.
...Had that come from Buttercup's room...?
Buttercup sighed, looking up from her seat against her door. A poster with a creepy face grinned down at her, as if mocking her.
Buttercup just picked up a dart from the target above her head and tossed it again. It easily hit the target, but didn't stick. The magnetic dart bonked her on the head and she cursed under her breath.
...So her sister had an injured hand, huh...? Buttercup stared at her own hand. She hadn't even noticed.
Ha! She deserves it! Her mind was shouting cruelly again.
Buttercup shook her head to clear it. What the hell was she thinking, anyway!?
No girl deserves that! Her heart was protesting. She's your sister!
Sighing, Buttercup tugged her fingers through her short black hair. Oh yeah? Not even after cheating with your own boyfriend on you? Especially if she's your sister...?
But all the evidence proves otherwise! Plus what about that Michelle girl?
Buttercup's head was starting to hurt.
"Shut up, shut up, shut up!" she hissed out loud, trying to get her mind to stop thinking.
"Ugh!" Unintentionally, she smashed her fist into the wall again. A few cracks appeared and she sighed.
Buttercup looked up at the ceiling.
...Hell... Why did life have to be so confusing, anyway...?
She sighed again as she looked away.
Him entered Boomer's room before making himself comfy on Boomer's bed. "So...how are you doing?"
"Fine," Boomer responded, tapping his Math textbook with his cute blue pen. The pen had a blue bear charm dangling from the end of it.
Him stood up and peeked at the Math book. "...You guys are learning how to find the surface area of 3D objects now...? How fascinating; it's not that hard, really."
Boomer just scoffed. "Hardly," he answered sarcastically. "I only need to show all my work and calculate nearly—not even—ten things in one equation."
Him tutted from beside Boomer.
"What...?" the blue Ruff demanded, looking up to stare at Him.
"...I just figured you wouldn't be so sarcastic," Him answered, stating it like it was obvious.
Boomer turned away. "...Oh...that. Well, just think of it as a way I speak sometimes; like...a quirk or something," he offered cheekily.
Him just grinned and shook his head. "Do you need any help?"
"Nah," Boomer answered quickly. "I have notes."
Him raised an eyebrow.
"Not that I don't want your help or anything," Boomer said quickly in apology. "I-I just—"
"—Embarrassed?" Him finished for him.
Boomer nodded in agreement. "Y-Yeah, embar—" He paused then. "Wait a sec, n-no!"
Him raised an expectant eyebrow that said "can't fool me".
Boomer sighed, giving up as he nodded, feeling even more embarrassed. "...Yeah, embarrassment," he sighed in agreement.
"...It's fine, really," Him answered coolly.
Boomer managed a smile. "Thanks, Him."
"No problem!" Him struck a pose.
Boomer frowned as he imagined Him in a bathrobe or a bikini... Shit; I think I just scarred myself...
"...Boomer? Are you okay?"
"F-Fine," he stammered in reply. The image popped back up and he gagged. I just scarred myself again...
Butch often teased people into imagining these kind of things, and Brick has admitted to scarring himself with the image a few times, as goes for his other brothers.
Him sighed, pouting. "Fine. I'll go if you want me to—"
"No!" Boomer said again, again too quickly.
Him paused from walking out the door, and stared at the blue Ruff, raising an eyebrow again.
Boomer blushed. "B-Brick's out of the question because we just had a fight and we made up but I know he's tired, and I'm not asking Mojo because he'll just give really long speeches, Bandit's probably already asleep, and everybody else is outta the question, except"—he took a deep breath—"YOU," he finished.
Him just smirked as he raised an eyebrow. Then he walked back in calmly. "Okay, if you want my help that much"—Boomer flushed red—"Then I'll help you."
Him leaned over and pointed at the first question. "Now, see: first we draw the net. Because it's a cylinder, what will it look like...?"
"...Like this?" Boomer asked, sketching out a neat square with two circles on opposite ends; one up and one down.
"Correctomundo!" Him cheered quietly, grinning. "Now, add the measurements..."
*(A/N: For some reason FF won't post teh "http:" section, so just add it in and rooolll with it, please!)
**(A/N: References to a PPG episode!)
ME: So I'm finally done! I hoped all of you liked it, even without a LOT of drama involved—I think we had enough of that last chapter. And who on earth is Michael...? Michelle has a brother? You didn't think I was gonna give her much background story development, did you!? WELL, YOU'RE WRONG!?
...Oops; I'm most supposed to include the question mark after "THAT". Lets try that again...: *sweat-drop*
WELL, YOU'RE WRONG!
Oh and here's a link to a picture of Michelle in her outfit and with Michael~:
art/HUOY-Michelle-and-Who-370177935*
BRICK: *sweat-drop* Umm...okay—
ME: And about the nets and surface area, we just finished learning that. I was rather confused, but I was smart enough to search up how on the Internet to clarify—unlike Boomer~!
BOOMER: *blushes* H-Hey!
ME: Anyway, please review now that you've read this whole thing and wasted minutes of your life! Why not waste more, right...? After all, I did waste my time typing this! *grins*
BRAKER: Or the next chapter will be filled with Math questions~ Especially on how to find the surface area of things~ And if you don't do the equations, there won't be another update for awhile~ *grins darkly*
BLASTER: So review please! *sweat-drop*
BRAKER: *holds up papers* We can get the equations from Kuku88's Math Review...lots of pages~ I'm warning you~!