Blossom POV
I finally caught up with Bubbles, Brick and Bunny. Just when I greeted them, Bubbles screamed my name and hugged me so hard I could hear something cracking. Bubbles was joined by Bunny who came beside me and put her arm around my shoulder.
" I am soooooooooo proud of you! " said Bubbles as she finally pulled away and started wiping away her tears.
" You're the real deal now Bloss! We can't leave like this, we're having an after party! " announced Bunny as she ruffled my hair. Good thing my hair was already puffy enough so there was nothing to ruin.
" A-are you sure that's a good idea? I mean we still have work tomorrow " I reminded. Not gonna lie, I love the idea of having an after party, but considering we have work tomorrow and we need to arrive early, I'm not sure if it's a good idea.
" Well look at you being all punctual. You really killed your bad habits " commented Bunny, her arm not leaving my shoulder.
" Aw man, that means Blossom is boring now " pouted Bubbles.
To be honest I wasn't fun before so there is nothing for me to lose. I looked around trying to find Boomer and Buttercup, but I couldn't find them. I was about to ask, but Brick already realized what I was searching for.
" Boomer is having a drink and Buttercup has some stuff to take care of " he said. Hearing that I started wondering if she was here when I performed. I mean, having her around made this all happen and it would be a bummer if she left right when I sang.
" I recorded your performance and sent it to her " added Brick. I nodded in somewhat disappointment. Seeing it on a video and live is not the same at all. But who am I to blame her? She's a busy woman and has stuff to do. Maybe one day I'll be in her shoes too and I won't make it to many events. That's just how it goes.
" There's no need for you to be sad Blossy. BC will like the performance just like we do " said Bubbles trying to cheer me on.
" Yeah, I guess.." I said. Hiding the disappointment was really hard. I mean, I'm aware of everything Buttercup does. But I just can't get over it.
" Are you sad? " asked Bubbles in a low tone. I looked away and scratched my arm nervously. Bubbles sighed and walked towards me. She placed her hand on my shoulder and placed her index finger below my chin, moving my face so she can properly look at me.
" You'll have to understand her Bloss. She really did have something to take care of " she said calmly.
I know she had to go. I know that whatever reason it was, it was worth it. But I just can't seem to get over it. I bit my bottom lip trying not to say anything wrong, but somehow my tongue just forces his way out.
" What was so important that she had to leave right on my performance? " that sounded so bitter, but I couldn't even control the sound of my voice anymore. Bubbles stepped away and let out another sigh. Everyone was quiet. Why is everyone so quiet? Why are they not telling me where did she go? I'm sure they know.
" You guys keep telling me I'm family and yet you're not telling me anything " I blurted out. Saying that I looked straight at Bubbles. She's the one who told me that so many times. So why is she not telling me about Buttercup?
" Blossom…" started Bubbles.
" I always feel like I'm left out. I'm not talking about the events or anything. But when it comes down to MSW and you guys, it feels like everyone knows what's going on but me. Why are you not telling me anything? Why am I always being excluded? You're constantly putting a barrier I can't seem to go through. You know every part of my life and I know nothing about you guys. You know how to comfort me and I have no idea what to say when you're feeling down. Why are you enjoying on making me feel so useless? " I asked. Everyone just looked at each other but they didn't tell me anything. Maybe I'm overdoing it with questions. Maybe it's not that easy to just introduce me to everything that's going on. But it pains me that everyone knows what's going on and yet I'm not aware of a single thing. I turned around and walked myself to the balcony, I could use some air.
Buttercup POV
Princess was nagging on driving me to the hotel so I can avoid the media. Thankfully it was easy for me to get out of the bank unnoticed. Mitch thought it would be the best first to take Bellum and Robin to the police station and let the media follow them, around ten minutes later Princess and I are leaving the bank too. So that's how it played, and here I am in Princess's car and she's driving me back to the hotel.
" You think MSW will go back into being the top studio in Townsville? " asked Princess.
" Actually TGS is the top studio. But I suppose everything will go back to normal after this " I said. Realizing what I said, it feels like some big pressure left me. Not gonna lie, the whole problem with MSW and Bellum drama really got me exhausted. I'd rather go home and rest for the night, but I feel like I owe it to Blossom to come back. Since the whole thing is done, it'll be a proper thing to do into letting her know what was going on. Bubbles wanted to tell her before, but I stopped her. Blossom had to focus on her performance and only on the performance. Adding the problem with money would only upset her. If anything, Bellum was stopped and she couldn't touch mine and Blossom's earnings from this performance. She took the huge amounts of money and a criminal procedure will be instituted against her.
" So you're gonna stop putting all MSW problems on yourself now? " asked Princess. I looked at her from the corner of my eye and noticed her smirking at me. I guess my career did kind of suffer do all this drama. But to think how many employees will be relieved after this mole case is done, it was worth it.
I chuckled at her and answered " Yeah. Detective Buttercup is done with cases now "
Having said that, my phone rang and I saw it was Bunny calling me this time. Must be telling me about an after party or something. I picked up.
" So where is the after party at? " I asked nonchalantly
" Well I thought of that when the mood was good. Now I'm not even thinking about that…okay I am, but not that much "
I raised my brow after hearing that. What does she mean with " when the mood was good " Did something happen all of a sudden?
" Did something happen Bunny? " I asked concerned. All I did was leave for like an hour. What's going on in there?
" Bloss is feeling kind of sad for you leaving. Actually, she figured we know why you left, and is feeling sad for not being told " she explained.
Can't blame her for that.
" I see..alright Bunny thanks for telling me. You keep Blossom inside the hotel, I'm on my way. I'll explain everything to her " I said
" Wait, you mean they're done for? "
" Yeah, it's all over now. She deserves to know, and I'm the one who'll tell her "
" Alright BC…so for how long will it take for you to arrive? "
" Around fifteen minutes or less "
Bunny hung up and I placed my phone back to my purse. I leaned on the seat and positioned it backwards so I was in a laying position. I wish I was on my bed.
" I won't ask a thing " commented Princess
" Please don't " I muttered.
No POV
The three of them just stood there, discussing who should go and see Blossom. Bunny didn't feel like going. She was aware that as her manager it was her job to keep her in shape. Especially since they're still in public, but Bunny felt sorry for having to keep secrets from Blossom. She didn't know what to say so she could cheer up. Bubbles reached for something in her purse and revealed a card given to her earlier. Bunny and Brick just looked at her.
" If this doesn't cheer her up, I don't think I'll have anything else in store " said Bubbles.
" Be careful with the approach Bubbles. She's sensitive now " added Bunny
" So am I. If anyone knows how to approach her now, it's me " saying that, Bubbles walked towards the balcony. As she opened the glassy door, she faced the back of her red haired friend, her arms resting on the white fence. The wind flew at her hair, sending her to the left side. Bubbles closed the door and approached her friend. Bubbles was quiet for a minute or two, she wasn't sure how to start a conversation, but something had to be said.
" Buttercup is on her way…she'll explain everything to you " said Bubbles. She leaned the same way Blossom did. Both stared somewhere in the distance, but the only things their eyes could meet was the sight of city lights and some hills further.
Blossom didn't say anything, she just stared. Bubbles got more nervous since Blossom was not replying anything to her.
" Are you willing to wait for her? " she asked. It took a few seconds before Blossom answered her.
" Yeah, I'll wait "
Bubbles nodded. She remembered the card she was given and reached for her purse.
" There's something that belongs to you " said Bubbles, handing Blossom the card. Blossom turned to face Bubbles and just stared at the card. She wasn't sure whether she should take it, but she did. She stared at the peace in her palm and just read the name Barron Gardner.
" What is it? " she finally asked. Bubbles was relieved that Blossom was interested in hearing her out after all.
" While you were signing autographs, that man approached us and asked me to hand this to you and tell you to call him. He wants to offer you a tour around Europe " explained Bubbles.
" Wait, really? Me? "
" Yeah, I guess you picked his interest. But, it's all your choice if you'll accept "
Blossom looked at the card, unsure of what would she choose. The two were interrupted when Buttercup joined them on the balcony.
" Brat, we need to talk " she said straight away.
Bubbles felt that she wasn't needed anymore and just showed Blossom thumbs up before leaving. The two were left alone and some silence surrounded them.
" There is no need for you to explain yourself Buttercup.." said Blossom quietly.
" Is that so? So you're worrying everyone out there because of nothing "
Blossom forgot how sharp Buttercup was. The red haired girl bit her lip, not wanting to say anything wrong in front of her. Blossom was already scolding herself for being harsh on Bubbles and pressuring her.
" You're feeling excluded in personal life of your friends and think we don't trust you " she said. Blossom clutched her first and all she could do was nod. Buttercup only followed her reactions.
" You believe that your new life was built because of us and want proof that you belong with us " Buttercup continued and just watched the red haired girl in front of her. Not once did Blossom look her in the eye.
" Or maybe you're practicing drama and want more attention " she said. Hearing this, Blossom finally looked at Buttercup with a heart breaking expression. Buttercup smirked seeing Blossom's reaction. Of course Buttercup lied at the last part, but she wanted to trigger Blossom into finally telling her, better yet, confirming everything.
" So, which one is it? " asked Buttercup, keeping her smirk
" I…I looked up to you ever since I found out Butch played me. I made it this far thanks to your support. Finding out you saw my performance just through a recorded video is heart breaking.." she said.
" Leaving you out there is my fault. It was only my fault "
Blossom understood what Buttercup meant by that. It wasn't Bubbles's fault, nor Bunny's or Brick's fault. Maybe it was hard on them too, and she felt bad for pressuring them more. Maybe right after Blossom confronted them, someone informed Buttercup about what happened. Blossom assumed that's what happened.
" I'm really sorry for that..I shouldn't have said some things "
" You said those words to them, and to them you should apologize. Whatever you told them was wrong, but whatever you say referred to me is right. I'm the one excluding you " said Buttercup.
Blossom was quiet, feeling out of words.
" I was solving the mole case all this time. I researched all files in order to find something against Sarah Bellum because I was suspecting her. When our performance ended, I got a call from a certain person helping me and I was informed that my plan on taking down Bellum worked. I asked the others not to tell you anything so you can focus on your work. Turns out that Bellum was not alone in her crime, she was working with Robin, Butch's manager. TGS suffered some losses too, the studios will sue them both. Thanks to their stealing, MSW was troubled over releasing your album. I should've told you this sooner, but I didn't want anything to interrupt your preparations. I believed that if you were to find this out, you'll be discouraged. Or worst then that, you'd try to help and not focus on work. So if you're gonna blame anyone for this excluding, you should blame me for forcing other to lie to you. " explained Buttercup.
Blossom stood there speechless. She wasn't mad at anyone but herself. Of course she'd try and help her. She already felt that she owed Buttercup a lot, and there was no way she'd let her do this on her own. There were so many things running through her head right now. She admired how Buttercup could save the two studio's and prepare for the grand opening too. The whole performance was flawless, Blossom wondered how did she not see any of Buttercup's strange behavior. She wondered if she even had any. How hard was the whole case on her? And beside everything, she wondered another thing.
Robin betrayed Butch
As that thought crossed her mind, Blossom shook her head a little trying to make herself forget that thought. Screw TGS, she's not a part of that studio, she worked with MSW and that's the only place she cares about. Besides, Buttercup didn't help TGS because she wanted to. Instead she cracked Robin because she was involved with Bellum. But Blossom had one thought crossing over another, and the topic was the same.
" Fangirls everywhere. Home, work, street, dreams, everywhere. She's so old fashioned. She's like my grandma stuck in a body of a eighteen year old. She's not as near as feminine as you are. So what would I want a girl like that? "
He didn't idealize Robin the way she idealized him, but he still must feel bad for having her do this. If people were to find out his manager did this, he'd be asked if he knew anything. Moreover, there would be reporters who'd change the truth and cause him trouble. She somehow started feeling bad for him.
" Are you feeling well? " asked Buttercup. Blossom looked like she was going to throw up. She didn't feel nervous when she was on stage, but this is what truly got her stomach turning around. She nodded weakly, but anyone couldn't be convinced by that.
" Your face is turning a bit pale. Do you want me to take you home? " asked Buttercup concerned. She placed her arm around Blossom's waist and helped her lean on her. Blossom still felt bad for getting mad at Buttercup. As the black haired helped her regain her balance, Blossom felt tears forming in her eyes. She bit her lip and hugged Buttercup, hiding her face in the black haired girl's shoulder. She closed her eyes and let her tears fall as she remembered everything regarding their meeting.
Flashbacks ( I recommend you listen to Michelle Branch " All you wanted " for better emotion )
" Watch where you're going brat! Either you need some contacts or I'll have to fix your eye sight for you "
She remembered the day she met her. The feeling of fear and envy at the same time.
" I don't care. Wait in the car, I got a word with this one "
- "FORGIVE ME SATAN! "
And then at the toy store, where she encountered her niece. On one side she was glad that she didn't get to see that kid again, she really wanted to get Blossom in trouble. The stare Buttercup had given Blossom that day was the same she wanted to give Butch the next time he approaches her. She wanted that stance. And Buttercup really helped her.
" Who do you think you're kidding. I'm talking about the time we first met. We all have stuff going on, so why are you acting like you're the only one going through a hard period? "
-" I need your help to run over my problem "
And then she really heard her out. She came to her office and Buttercup listened to everything she had to say. Even though Boomer was constantly trying to convince Buttercup that Blossom's problem was not something they should deal with. But Buttercup had her reasons, and she stood with Blossom and helped her around. Even though Blossom had a fear of Buttercup when she'd mess something up, Buttercup was still there for her.
" D-do you think I can do that? " asked Blossom nervously
" We're both damaged in some way, so I guess we're in a same pickle here...we can do it " said Buttercup smiling
Later on, Blossom found out why Buttercup helped her in the first place. She hated people like Butch and admired Blossom's determination. He brought others down for his own satisfaction and Buttercup hated that. She didn't like to be around him believing that his stupidity is contagious. But when Blossom arrived with her story, Buttercup looked interested in her. And she decided to help her. And she got her Bunny as a manager! And when she messed up…Bubbles helped her.
" It's alright Blossom. I'll think of something, trust me "
-" Where are we going? "
"To see Buttercup of course "
-" Are you crazy!? I can't let her see me after what's happened, she's gonna kill me! No wait, I'm gonna kill me because she actually tried to help me and I blew it even though I was the one asking her to help me. Bubbles, are you even listening to me? This is important ranting and it's not wise to zone out on me! "
" You can't turn back time and fix it, but you can move forward and fix it as well. All you gotta do is open this door "
Blossom pulled away from her hug and kept thinking about how much she was mean to Bubbles. She remembered what she told her inside, and how hurt Bubbles looked. She felt so sad for saying something like that while it was actually her who was hurt.
-" I'm glad I met you all. I really am…"
" You belong here Bloss. Your voice is proof "
It was Bubbles who made her feel like she was actually not alone. A cheerful and loyal friend like her was something Blossom was missing out in her life all these years. And yet she was so mean to her.
" I really messed up, didn't I? " asked Blossom, remembering the scene from a few minutes ago. Thinking how she'll be scolded now, she was surprised by Buttercup's chuckle.
" Yeah but you're feeling sorry, so it's fine. Just go there and apologize " said Buttercup smiling at her. Blossom was relieved by this smile.
" Before I go, I need to apologize to you too. I'm really sorry for acting like a total child…you had so much going on and I didn't even consider. I really did act like I'm the only one with problems…and I'm sorry for that " said Blossom.
Buttercup pulled her in for another hug, comforting the girl. She knew that Blossom really did feel sorry. And she noticed how Blossom was changing. She wasn't an ignorant clown anymore. She was dependable and hardworking. She broke many bad habits she had, and for one goal. Not just to crush Butch, but to actually show him and everyone who doubted her how worthy she was.
" Don't bother yourself with that. I wasn't mad at you at all " said Buttercup, letting go of Blossom as she said that.
Blossom was about to leave back to the ballroom, but Bubbles and the others were already opening the door to the balcony. This surprised Blossom since she was just about to reach for the knob. Bunny stood next to Bubbles with a bored expression on her face, as if she just wanted to leave. Brick and Boomer were in the back. Brick held a server with seven drinks. Boomer held another server containing three bowls of snacks. Another person was between the two, Blossom didn't recognize him. Blossom approached Bubbles who was in the front and hugged her with all her might.
" I really acted like an asshole back there. I'm really sorry " she said, doing her best not to cry again.
" It's alright Blossom. I'm sorry for having to lie to you. I promise I'll never exclude you again, no matter who asks me to " added Bubbles, taking a glance at Buttercup as she said the last line. Buttercup looked at the two with a small smile. She was happy that those two bonded. The two pulled away and Blossom turned to the rest of them.
" I acted like an asshole to all of you. I never should've said those things to you and act so ignorant of your own feelings. I promise you I will never do that again! " she said and wiped her tears who just had to fall down. She was certain her makeup was done for, so why not cry it out anyways. The group smiled at her. All of them got to the balcony and closed the door, including the mysterious man Blossom couldn't recognize.
" Since you promised, you're forgiven " said Bunny, pulling Blossom by her waist and the two hit their cheeks.
Brick approached them and bowed like a butler, holding the server in front of the two girls.
" A drink for this fine night? " he said. Bunny chuckled and took two drinks, handing one to Blossom.
" My, my, don't you look outstanding looking like that " said Buttercup, approaching them and taking other two drinks, giving one to Bubbles.
Brick stood up from his bowing position and placed the server on small glassy round table in the corner of the balcony. He turned to Buttercup and gave her a small smile
" I am simply one hell of a butler m'lady " he said giving her a wink at the end of the sentence.
As the group shared a small laughter and enjoyed their drink, Blossom was approached by the mysterious man in a tux.
" If I may introduce myself " he started. Blossom looked at him confused and looked around at the others. The man took her hand gently and led her to the corner where they could have some private time.
" My name is Barron Gardner. I was informed that you were given my card, but I really couldn't wait for the call. So I asked your friends if they could help me introduce myself to you " he said.
Blossom remembered who he was. He wanted to offer her that tour, but she still didn't know what to say. She just got used to having these people around her, she didn't want to be alone again.
" Thank you for you offer Mr. Gardner but…I'd like to decline your tour offer " said Blossom frowning.
Barron looked surprised by her answer. As much as this was her own choice, he didn't want her to decline so fast.
" I am sorry for being rude but, may I ask the reason? " he asked.
" You see, I don't want to be separated from them " said Blossom, looking behind her at the sight of her friends. It looked like Bunny was messing with Brick and Buttercup. And Bubbles was leaning on Boomer, laughing at him for some reason. Barron caught her look and couldn't help but smile.
" And would you change your mind if I tell you you can bring them with you? " asked Barron, keeping his smile. He understands Blossom and her wish, and she wants to convince her to accept the tour no matter what.
Blossom's mouth opened wide, not being able to say a word. Barron gave a small laugh at her expression.
" Of course they can come with you, it's a cruise. Though it's starting on September 3rd and I'll need your answer fast "
" YES I WILL! " shouted Blossom as she made a few jumps while answering that. Bubbles rushed to Blossom's side and hugged her all the way.
The two girls hugged and screamed, even did a little waltz around the balcony, earning scared looks on the faces of others…except Barron who found this cute.
" Where's the ring!?" asked Bubbles as she took Blossoms hand and scanned it, but got disappointed when she didn't see one.
" What ring? What are you talking about Bubbles? " asked Blossom
" How can you propose without a ring? " asked Bubbles turning around to face Barron Gardner, who was now confused himself. Bubbles ignored Blossom's questions and just looked at the man who got uncomfortable now.
" Bubbles he asked me to go on a tour and I accepted that! He did not propose to me! " Blossom exclaimed with a forming blush on her face.
" Ooooooooh that explains the Yes I will part you shouted " said Bubbles figuring it out.
" Don't you worry Boomer, you still have chances " said Brick, ruffling Boomer hair. The blonde blushed and drank his drink quickly. Blossom blushed as well and did the same with her drink. Unfortunately, their blushes didn't go away, which made the others laugh at them. Who knows, maybe in the future they will end up together.
