Hey guys! Here's the new chapter. Enjoy!


Buttercup

My steps faltered when I caught sight of the place I was approaching, and my mouth hung open in awe. In front of me, there resided a beautiful city, nothing like I'd ever seen before. The skyscrapers made of glass ruled the whole piece of land, looking tall and majestic, their bodies reflecting the beauty of the area, the cars moving peacefully on the road with joyous people inside and the sky a heavenly blue color with puffy clouds. It looked like a Paradise.

"Welcome, Miss Campbell!" greeted a guard beside me, as I went through the gateway, "Hope your time is well spent in the Celestial City!"

I beamed at him, "Thank you! But I don't know why I'm here?"

"Mr. Andrews will tell that piece of news to you," he replied, mysteriously.

Again, my mouth dropped open. Butch was here?! What news did he have?!

Excited thoughts ran in my mind as stepped farther into the city. I didn't have to wonder for long because I caught sight of Butch!

"Buttercup! I was expecting to see you here!" he said, brightly. I expressed confusing excitement and asked, "Why am I here?!"

"That because you finally defeated Ethan!" he declared, "Congrats, Buttercup!"

"Wait, what?" I said, confused, "I defeated Ethan? When?"

"Yesterday, baby! Don't you remember? And this is your reward for having faith in yourself."

My mind clogged up as I tried to process this. I defeated Ethan?! Already?! How come it happened and I didn't remember it?

"Don't put too much stress into that brain of yours!" Butch teased, "And enjoy yourself!"

"But..."

"Buttercup!" someone shouted frantically, cutting me.

I whipped my head around, to see who shouted.

"Who is calling me?"

But Butch didn't seem to hear me, for he kept babbling on about the Celestial City and my win against Ethan.

My name was shouted again, and then again until I grew panicked.

"Who...who is it?!"

Then suddenly, Butch, the city and everything around me vanished into the darkness and now I could hear the voice crystal clear.

"Buttercup, wake up!"

I jolted awake at the hysterical cry. Ohh...I was dreaming!

"Hey, you awake?!" Brute shouted over me. It was her all along.

I rubbed my eyes and yawned, "Yeah. What's the big deal?"

"It's 10 minutes till 8! We're gonna be late! Hurry up and get ready!" Brute told me.

My eyes snapped wide at this, "Late?!"

Then everything started to flood onto me. Today was the day of my big fight with Ethan!

"No, no, no, I can't be late today!" I exclaimed, as I jumped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom.

"I'm dashing now, see you later!" I heard Brute say.

"K, bye!" I called back, my mouth full of toothpaste.

I came out of the bathroom, quickly threw on the first outfit I saw in my wardrobe (short sleeves red T with black tights), combed my hair, pulled a hairband on my wrist, applied lip gloss and mascara, grabbed my phone and backpack and dashed out of the dorm. It was exactly 8 by then.

"Gotta hurry, gotta hurry," I murmured to myself as I ran towards the main building as fast as my legs could muster. Combats were the first class today and I didn't want to be late.

I entered the compound - and my mouth dropped open. It was utterly deserted. Not a single soul in sight.

Panicking, I whipped out my phone and texted Brute, Where the heck is everyone?!

She replied within a second, In the auditorium. The principal's giving a speech, come quick!

I obeyed and ran towards the auditorium. I pushed open the doors and saw the whole student body there, with the principal on the stage, and the faculty near her.

Out of breath, I moved forward in the crowd and found Brute.

"There you are!" she exclaimed, "Thank God you reached in time."

I caught my breath and replied, "I agree. Why did the Principal gather us here?"

"You'll see,"

I turned to listen to Mrs. Hoffman.

"There are some new rules I'm bringing forth into the academy," she was saying, "The reason behind is some recent disturbances sensed at night, with the security computers failing to pick it up. Therefore, guards will now be monitoring the cameras, to make sure everybody follows the rules and strengthen the safety for all of us in the Academy."

I stared at her, amazed. Did she mean what I think she meant?

At the precise moment, someone entered the auditorium through the other door, which was direct across from where I was standing. It was Butch.

I stifled a laugh as I saw him blending in with the faculty, acting as if nothing happened. I was glad to see he was late, too! Last night was very tiring for both of us.

"I trust you all will follow the rules and work hard in your classes," Mrs. Hoffman continued, "Remember, you have potential. You just have to find it."

With that, she ended the speech. The huge crowd started to file out of the doors, going to their respective classes.

"I wonder what were those 'disturbances' Hoffman was talking about," Brute said, as we made our way towards the Combat classroom.

I giggled, "Whatever it was, it sure made everyone anxious!"

Instead of feeling nervous because of the big fight, which I normally would have, I felt giddy and confident. As if fighting Ethan was now so easy, I could do it with my left hand. I assumed it was because of defeating Butch and then having an amazing love session with him. And then finding out more rules got added, because of us. The news made me feel brave and daring.

Nevertheless, I couldn't wait to fight Ethan, to get my revenge. When we entered the classroom and took our places, I tied my hair in a ponytail with the band on my wrist and straightened my t-shirt. Thank God I chose the perfect outfit for a fight, in a frenzy.

"Morning, students!" Butch called, as he entered the classroom, "Let's cut to the chase, shall we? Today, I have a test for you, guys."

A well predictive murmur erupted in the class but ceased when Butch motioned for silence.

"I've already taken this test before," he told us, "But now, I want to see how much you've all improved and learned. That's right, you're gonna fight in the ring again."

Whispers filled with anxiety spread around the room. Everyone was now nervous and confused - but for me, I had a smile on my face. For a moment, I had worried that Butch wouldn't stick to his promise and would schedule the fight in the next exam. So it was heartwarming to find he didn't break his promise and did what I wanted. I love him so much! I thought, looking at him with dreamy eyes.

"The rules are simple and unchanged," he went on, "The fight will be of maximum 5 minutes, exceeding it will reduce marks, the one who forfeits..."

On he went about the rules, and since I knew them by heart, I focused on the ring. It was so strange to think Butch and I fought there, and then minutes later, made love. Two opposite things happened in the same ring...

"I'm going to give you 10 minutes for warm-up," Butch said, "Then it's fight time."

The class went to work at his words. Everybody was practicing their punches and kicks, stretching their muscles and whatnot. As for me, I pretended to exercise while I waited for Butch to get close to me. He was inspecting everyone.

"Thank you," I whispered when he reached me.

"For what?" he whispered back, raising an eyebrow.

"For keeping your promise! I thought you would change your mind at the last second..."

He smiled, "Well, I didn't. Because I trust you."

The words brought a grin on my face and I got a sudden urge to kiss him. Unfortunately, I couldn't.

"Best of luck!" he said, patting my head good-naturedly.

"Uhh...what was all that about?" Brute asked me, as soon as he left. I opened my mouth to reply but the 10 minutes were up.

"Okay, class! I wish you all the best!" Butch said, giving us an encouraging smile, "The first pair...Donald Mathews and Gregory Hilfer, step in the ring, please."

Both boys, one skinny, the other alright, went up to the ring and faced each other with nervous eyes.

"On the count of 3," Butch called, "1...2...3!"

At his whistle, the boys advanced at each other. I slowly lost my focus as I replayed advice after advice Butch gave me because I was starting to get nervous, as the moment approached nearer.

Pair after pair went up to the ring and fought their best. Some received black eyes, some bled, some clutched their body parts and some couldn't move. I felt sorry for all these people, but at the same time wished I could do this to Ethan. To make Butch proud and to satisfy my desire.

At last, the moment I was waiting for came into being.

"Ethan Hayes and Buttercup Campbell," Butch called.

A few gasps escaped the crowd, including Brute's.

"Is he crazy?!" she whisper shouted. I shook my head, "Not at all."

Unlike last time, when I could barely move, I walked confidently towards the ring and climbed in it before Ethan.

When he came in, he had a huge smirk on his face.

"Looks like we meet again," he said, his eyes on mine, "Huh, princess?"

I fixed him with a glare and didn't answer.

"Ready?" Butch said, a hint of doubt in his voice, "1...2...3...go!"

Ethan immediately advanced on me, but I was quick and dodged his blow just in time. Confused at first, he faltered, giving me the chance to punch his cheek, sending him into a stagger.

"You're gonna pay for that!" he hissed and launched at me again. I dodged him again, my speed, my strength.

He gaped at me in disbelief, "When did a dainty thing like you get so good at this?"

The insult in that sentence pierced my heart. He still considered me to be dainty?! I screamed in my head, glaring at him, how could he?!

But I maintained my composure, as Butch had said, "Don't go attacking out of anger. Fight with strategy."

"Yeah? Well, you sure look scared of a dainty thing like me," I said, smirking. Ethan's surprised face turned into a frown.

Like I predicted, he attacked out of anger, and I dodged his blow once again and sent a kick to his stomach. He gasped and fell on the floor. Taking this chance, I dropped down and started to punch his neck and face, remembering all the harassment and bullying he had done.

"This is for all you've ever done to me!" I told him through gritted teeth, "You idiot!" Anger was coursing through my veins. Anger like I've never felt before and I wanted him injured in a bed, just like he did to me.

But he had enough. As I was just about to punch him again, he stopped my fist with inhuman strength, twisting my arm in the process.

I screamed in agony. It was hurting too much!

"Get - off - me!" Ethan screamed and sent me flying to the other side of the ring.

I heard gasps and shouts from the audience but I couldn't focus properly. My world was spinning like a top.

Someone grabbed my hair and pulled me up. Ethan.

"You made a huge mistake messing with me, Campbell!" he bellowed in my ear and punched me in the face. Tears sprung in my eyes and I laid on the floor, defeated. I'm so sorry, Butch, I thought through sobs, I failed you. And myself.

"Buttercup, you have 5 seconds to get up," I heard Butch say from someplace far away, "If you fail to do so, Ethan wins."

With that, he started the countdown.

"1..."

I can't do this. Everything hurts. I can never win against a monster like Ethan.

"2..."

You must be so disappointed in me, Butch. I am so sorry for being such a failure.

"3..."

No! Buttercup, you are not a failure! someone shouted in my head, you have to get up! You can still do this!

"4..."

Yes! I have to get up! I can do this!

Almost every limb in my body hurt as if I got hit by a truck. But I pushed myself up, ignoring the pain in my arms, legs and especially my back, which got the full effect of the fall. But it happened. I was up on my feet before Butch came to 5.

The whole class erupted into cheers, at the sight of me putting an effort despite my pain, and it filled my heart with hope. Maybe I still had it.

"You guys only have 2 minutes left," Butch announced, "Finish this, quick!"

I turned to Ethan, cracking my knuckles. I was ready.

Both of us stared each other down, waiting for the other one to make the first move. At that moment, I recalled an advice Butch gave me, "Confuse him. Pretend to move in one way and attack in another. That will make his defenseless spot an easy target."

I shared an inward smile with myself - and attacked.

I aimed myself to Ethan's stomach and he immediately crossed his arms protectively over it. But I fooled him and punched him with full strength, square in the jaw. Blood sputtered out of his mouth and he fell on the floor, clutching his jaw. I did it. I inflicted real damage.

"5 seconds, Haynes or Buttercup wins," Butch said and started the countdown.

But Ethan howled in pain, holding his bloody jaw, as the whole class looked at him, waiting for his move. There was a pin drop silence as if everyone was holding their breath.

Finally, Butch completed the countdown and Ethan was still sprawled on the floor. I won.

My ears rang with the class's applause and before I could comprehend it, Butch had taken my hand and raised it in the air.

"To Buttercup! Forgiving such an amazing performance today!"

The class erupted into another applause at his words. Someone hooted from the crowd. Brute.

But I wasn't paying attention. I couldn't pay attention. My mind was clouded with thoughts.

I can't believe it...I did it! I actually did it! It's over!

"Buttercup?" Butch said, breaking into my thoughts, "You okay?"

"Oh, Butch...I can't believe it...it's over..."

He grinned at my words, "It is. You've done it!"

I beamed at him and turned towards the class. My turn was over.

"You can get up now," Butch said to Ethan, who was still lying on the ground. The latter groaned, his jaw still in his hand, clearly in a lot of pain.

Despite everything, I couldn't help but feel sorry for him, so I did a really stupid thing.

"Here," I said, offering him my hand. He looked at my hand, and then at me, in disbelief.

"But..." he trailed off, not having enough strength to string words together.

"Come on, Ethan!" I urged him, then went ahead and pulled him up by myself. Beside me, Butch was tsk tasking.

"Get more stamina in you, Haynes. And put some ice on that," Butch told him, then turned to me, "And have a good rest for your body to stop paining."

"I will sir, thanks," I answered, like a good student. My body still screamed in pain though.

Butch dismissed us and it took every ounce of my strength to climb out of the ring and when I did, I immediately got embraced by Brute.

"Oh my God, Buttercup!" she yelled, "You were supremely amazing up there!"

I grinned at her, "Aww, thanks Brute. I'm glad to see my hard work paid off."

"That's so cool! Now Ethan will always think twice before bothering you. You showed him good!"

I laughed along with her as the next match started. Unlike before, my focus didn't waver, since my heart was finally at ease...


"You coming?" Brute asked me, as I lingered behind. The class was over, but I wanted to talk to Butch.

"In a while," I told her, "I want to talk to Butch about something."

She smirked, "Ohh...going to demand a treat, hmm?"

I grinned, "Something like that."

She laughed, "Okay then, see you in Computers!"

I waved at her back and waited for the others to get out - by rummaging in my bag conspicuously. The pain was finally fading and I could bend more easily now.

When Butch and I were finally alone, I abandoned the bag and ran towards him.

He laughed as I jumped myself on him, hugging him fiercely.

"Oh, Butch...I did it! I did it!" I exclaimed with ecstasy, making him smile with delight, "How did I do? Was it good? Or average? Or -"

"Whoa, whoa, calm down!" he chuckled, "I think you were awesome up there! And I'm not being biased."

"Really?" I asked, in a sweet voice.

"Really."

"And it was all because of you," I said with sincerity, burying my face in his chest, "Thank you."

"Well, you don't have to thank me now," he said, grinning, "Cause of what happened last night."

I smiled, my cheeks getting hot, "Point made."

"It was so amazing," he whispered against my ear, sending a tickle down my body, "I couldn't stop thinking about it last night. About you."

"Shut up," I teasingly said, but enjoying his touch all the same.

"Oh, don't tell me you didn't enjoy it," he said with a sarcastic smile.

"I did. I enjoyed every second of it."

"You know what, Buttercup? The moment I called you and 'that guy' up? I began to feel extremely doubtful and anxious, about everything. What if he won? And left you in a state worse than before? How would I have been able to forgive myself then?"

"But that didn't happen," I added, smiling.

He smiled back, "Exactly. It didn't. And that's why I feel both pride and relief. Thank God all went well."

"It surely did," I agreed and hugged him again. Instead of hugging me back, he lifted me and kissed me.

"I like this version of you, not gonna lie," he said, as he set me back down, "Bold, fiery and daring? Makes you look even more beautiful."

I giggled, "Why, thank you. I like this version of me, too."

He laughed, then asked in a concerned tone, "How are you feeling now. Did the pain fade a bit?"

"Yeah, it did." I assured him, "Only my face hurts the most."

"Come here,"

I did and he kissed every inch of my face. My chin, nose, cheeks, forehead and then finally - my lips. The sensation was immensely pleasing, making me forget everything and wrap my arms around his neck, feeling the utter bliss our passionate contact was creating. I wanted to kiss him until my lips couldn't continue. I wanted to feel him until I become numb. I wanted him to make love to me, right then and there. Strip me down and enter me and make feel in heaven all over again.

But unfortunately, our kiss ended. And so did my urges, thankfully. Not quite...

"Did you wished to stop the match at some point?" I asked him.

"Oh yes, several times!" he replied, "Especially when he pulled you by your hair. It was brutal to watch, but I restrained myself. I decided to let you have it."

I beamed and settled my head on his chest, "Thanks, Butch. You're amazing."

"You're more," he kissed the top of my head. I was running late to class but I didn't care. His embrace felt so nice, warm and lovely that I never wanted to let go of him.

"Buttercup?" he said softly.

"Yes?"

"Don't you have class?"

"Aw, did you have to remind me," I groaned, stepping away from him.

"I had to," he said, "It's important."

"Yeah, yeah. I get it," I replied and lingered to get my bag. Suddenly, I remembered something.

"So, Butch..." I began, giving a mischievous smile towards his way, "What are we doing to celebrate this victory?"

"We have to celebrate this?" he asked, clearly confused.

"Um, yeah! It was such a crucial fight for me and I nailed it!"

"Okay...what do you have in mind?"

I smiled at him, "What I always have on my mind. To spend time with you!"

"Oh," he said, "You mean, like a date?"

"Yes, Butch," I sighed, "It's been weeks since we went on a date."

"Hm, true."

But he didn't seem to be completely present as he appeared to be thinking about something. I filled up the silence that followed.

"We should go out tonight," I said, hanging my bag across my shoulder, "To celebrate this achievement! We spend so less time together, Butch. Especially since now we won't be having those nightly classes anymore, we would be seeing each other less. So I think it's the perfect opportunity to spend some time in each other's company. Don't you think?"

He looked at me, with a hint of hesitance in his face, "Do we have to go out tonight? Can't we do it some other day? Tomorrow, maybe?"

I raised an eyebrow, "What's wrong with tonight? I won this match today, so it's proper to go out the same day, Butch."

"That's a weird protocol, Buttercup."

"It's not weird! It's proper!" I cried.

"Okay, okay," he said, motioning for me to cool it, "I get your point. But...there's an issue."

"What issue?" I demanded. I never liked it when he kept secrets from me. He sighed, clearly defeated.

"Sorry to break this to you," he finally said, "But we can't go out tonight."

My smile instantly faded, "Why not?"

"Because..." he said hesitantly, "Because I have plans with some guys."

I didn't reply to that, just looked at him and he continued apologetically.

"I'm sorry, Buttercup. But this was a last-minute plan. You see, there is this football series going on and the match today is in Boston, and the only one that will happen here. I wanted to go but I had responsibilities, you know, because of training you at nights and class duties, so I abandoned the idea. And then, last night, my friends surprised me with the news that they had bought tickets to the match - including mine and told me I had to come."

"And you said yes?" I asked, nonchalantly.

"Well, yeah! I had to!" he admitted, still nervous, "This series is huge and I need to see at least one match of it, so I couldn't miss the opportunity and refuse."

"Yeah, of course, you couldn't," I said, in a ticked off sarcasm, "Is Derek going?"

"No, he isn't."

"Why? I thought he loved football, too."

"He does, but..." he trailed off and sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "Look, I know this may seem really bad news to you but babe, I can't help it...I -"

"But why tonight, Butch?" I burst out, "Can't you put this interest of yours aside, just for once...for me? I achieved something huge today and made your efforts worthwhile. Don't you think I deserve a bit of your company on this special day?"

He looked at me with pitiful eyes, "I'm sorry, I really am, but I just...can't."

That did it.

I turned harshly away from him and snatched up my backpack.

"Have fun with your friends tonight," I said, angrily, briskly walking outside the classroom.

"Buttercup, wait!" he called out, frantically but I ignored him - and broke into a run, heading towards my Computers class.

The rest of my day was spent in a horrendous mood. People came to congratulate me everywhere. In class, outside class, and at lunchtime. It was a big achievement, what I did.

But instead of smiling at them and saying 'thank you' meaningfully, I gave a cold one with a dead look in my eyes.

Brute noticed that something was wrong with me, but she didn't say anything in front of others lest it was something about Butch. She was smart.

So when she asked me about it once we got to our dorm, I couldn't take it anymore.

I burst into tears.

"Oh, Buttercup..." Brute said, "What is it?"

I ignored her and continued to cry. All the emotions which I was bottling up came tumbling down at once.

"Okay, I'll give you space. Have a good cry and then tell me what's going on."

"I - I'm s - sorry, Br-ute," I sobbed, "I - It's just -"

"Don't talk right now," she cut in, and squeezed my hand, "It's alright."

But I swallowed the lump in my throat, bit my lip to stop the trembling and wiped my eyes, for her sake.

"Okay...what is it?"

I took a deep breath before speaking, in case I broke down again, "It's Butch..."

"I knew it!"

"I thought he cared about me," I told her, gasping the sobs back, "But, but..."

"Tell me from the beginning, Buttercup."

"Okay, well..."

Taking a deep breath, I told her everything. Everything that I didn't tell her yet leading up to now, including the nightly classes. She listened to me, open-mouthed, as I told her about the vicious prank I helped pull and getting trained by Butch late into the night. I skipped the part where we made love because I didn't think it was necessary to tell.

"And now, after all he and I have been through, he wouldn't even make an effort to appreciate it fully!" I cried, "A stupid sport is more important to him than his girlfriend who ALWAYS puts him first."

Brute didn't say anything. She seemed to be processing everything I have spilled.

"I am sorry I had kept all this from you though," I sniffed, "But it was too much. I - I didn't think it was right to tell you, lest you would become mad at me..."

"Mad at you?" she echoed, "Why would I ever be mad at you over this?"

"Well, because..." I pulled a strand of hair behind my ear, my eyes downcast, "Because I got separate lessons from Butch, and it is clearly favoritism - "

"Favouritism?!" she hollered, "Buttercup, you're his girlfriend. And he cares about you!"

"I know, I know," I said, "But it just doesn't seem fair. Also, I have much closer interaction with Derek, who's your crush. It makes me feel awful, Brute. I'm so sorry!"

"Buttercup..." she began, "You don't have to apologize, okay? I understand why you are closer to Derek than I would ever be because he's your boyfriend's best friend, isn't he? So, in that case, aren't you bound to have such a relationship with him? Look at me and Butch, we stand the same!"

"That's true," I agreed, wiping my nose.

"And, about this Butch thing, listen to me," she grabbed hold of my hands and fixed her eye on me, "I'm sorry to say this but you're the wrong one here."

My mouth dropped open. I was sure I didn't hear her correctly.

"Excuse me? I'm wrong?!"

"Yes," she sighed, "Look at his position. He can't abandon his favorite thing in the world which is a once in a while opportunity for something which can happen whenever you guys want to?"

"But - "

"And it's not necessary to go out on the same day the match was held," she spoke over me, "I mean, come on Buttercup! Be sensible!"

"I am being sensible!" I cried.

She shook her head, "No, you're not. Try to understand his dilemma, Buttercup. Because if you expect him to understand you then you should do the same for him. That's how good relationships work."

I closed my mouth and let her words sink in. Yes, it was true. I did want him to understand my feelings, my hardships, and my shortcomings. Didn't he respect my decision of not hooking up because he understood where I was coming from? Even though he wanted it badly?

And yet here we were, in alternative positions, with me as the one who should understand where he stood and sacrificing my needs for him, just like he did for me. But did I do that? No. Instead, I got pissed off at him and complained to Brute. What kind of girlfriend was I? A bad one?

Now that I've realized my mistake, I instantly started to feel guilty.

"Ohh, you're right Brute!" I exclaimed, "What have I done?"

"Thank goodness you're in your senses now," she said with a smile and patted my shoulder, "You should text him. And don't worry about not celebrating your awesome victory with him because you can celebrate it with me!"

My eyes widened with glee, "Really?"

She laughed, "Yeah, girl! Let's have a movie night! With snacks!"

"That sounds cool!" I agreed, hugging her, "Thanks, Brute. You always know how to make me feel better."

"Anything for you, cuppy!" she replied, "Now go and text him while I browse movies for us to watch."

"Okay!"

She left the room with me reaching for my phone. I switched it on and saw multiple calls and texts. All from Butch.

I am sorry, Buttercup. Please don't be mad at me.

I won't be able to enjoy the match if you stay like this...

Buttercup?

And the latest one,

Pick up. It's urgent

I called him and waited, while the phone rang. I was ready to forgive him.

The phone clicked.

"Butch, I just wanted to say, it's ok -"

"No time for this," he interrupted suddenly, "Be ready by 9 and come down."

I was confounded. What was happening?

"Um, what are you talking about?" I asked him.

"I'll explain once we meet. It's already 8:25 and I want you to meet me at 9 sharp," he said, matter of factly.

I sighed. He wasn't going to tell me, was he?

"Okay, fine. I'll be there."

"Perfect. See you!"

And just like that, he hung up.

I stared at my phone for a moment. What was all this all of a sudden? One minute he's apologizing and the next he's like, "Up, up and hurry!"

I shrugged my shoulders to maintain my curiousity and called, "Brute, change of plans..."


Some 30 minutes later, I was in the car with Butch, trying to make him explain what was all this about.

"Butch, will you please tell me now where are we going?" I asked him, as he started his car and drove out of the academy. He still hadn't told me about this new behavior of his and in fact, didn't even say anything. Just hurriedly got us in his car and drove off. This mysterious attitude was ticking me off big time. Also, wasn't he supposed to go to that oh so beloved match?

"Butch?" I called, trying to get his attention.

"Oh yeah, I'm sorry!" he said, excitement in his voice, "I'll tell you about this in a minute. Wait."

With one hand on the steering wheel, he pulled his phone out with the other and called someone.

"Hey!" he said in the phone, "We are gonna be there in 15 minutes max. Yeah, yeah. Yep. Thanks, bro."

He hung up and looked at me, grinning.

I had my eyebrow raised, "Um, what was all that about?"

He took a deep breath before beginning, his eyes dancing in enthusiasm, "The thing is, I'm taking you with me on this football match."

My mouth dropped open, "What?!"

"Yes! I felt bad abandoning you at such a special day and on the other hand, couldn't miss this match for anything. So I thought, why not mix both of these plans?" he explained in a rush.

I was thunderstruck, "But...but...how did you get the extra ticket for me?!"

"God blessed us," he chuckled, "One of my friend's girlfriend couldn't make it today. Caught up in a family matter or something."

"That's too bad, I don't want to take your friend's girlfriend's place," I murmured.

"Don't be ridiculous! This is an opportunity for a lifetime!" he exclaimed.

I crossed my arms over my chest and looked outside, away from him.

"I don't even like football!" I whined silently to myself.

After a few agonizing traffic moments, we reached the famous football stadium of Boston. The audience appeared to be massive, with thousands of people and cars visible everywhere.

Butch was directed to an empty space in the parking lot and we got out.

But before we could go, Butch took my shoulder in his hand.

"Listen, Buttercup. I know this was a last minute plan and you weren't expecting to be thrown in this like that, but please try to enjoy tonight, okay? The only thing I really want right now is for you to enjoy this night to your fullest, so I know that my attempts to make you happy weren't futile, okay?"

It took me some seconds to answer, "Uh, okay. Don't worry, I'll try to entertain myself with this game. Surely I can find it interesting if you're so obsessed with it."

"That's true," he replied, "Thanks, babe."

"No. Thank you. For caring about me this much," I told him with sincerity and a smile.

He smiled back, "Let's go then!"

He took my hand in his and led me towards the main entrance of the enormous stadium. People were having their tickets checked by the guard standing by the entryway. However, Butch didn't join them as he appeared to be waiting for someone.

"Does your friend have our tickets?" I asked.

"Yep. He should be here by now," Butch replied, then added with a grin, "And there he is!"

I followed his line of gaze and spotted a boy, with messy blonde hair and wide blue eyes, approach us with a smile.

"You're here!" he said, excitedly as he shared a one - armed hug with Butch, "I was beginning to think you'll be late."

"Of course not!" Butch said, "Do you really think I would play football like that, Boomer?"

Boomer?!

The boy chuckled, "No way."

"Well, this is Buttercup, my girlfriend," Butch introduced, "And Buttercup, this is Boomer, my pal."

His name really was Boomer. He looked shy, because he kept averting his eyes and never looked straight at me. He was kind of cute.

"Hey Boomer," I greeted, extending my hand to shake his, "Nice to meet you. Was it your girlfriend who got caught up?" I added.

"Yeah. She had to attend a wedding at the last moment."

"Aw, that's too bad. She'll miss today's match."

"Yeah well," Boomer shrugged his shoulders, "She doesn't like football that much, so I guess it's alright."

Me neither.

"Okay! Now since you all know each other, can we go inside?" Butch asked, with sarcastic excitement.

"Of course!" Boomer replied.

I laughed inside at his name. I knew it was wrong of me but it was hard to resist not to laugh at a name like that. But, no matter how funny, his name was sure unique!

He led us inside the stadium, among the huge crowd bustling in with us, moving us forward. I grasped at Butch's hand in the midst of the stuffiness. My claustrophobia was taking its toll on me. Butch sensed my uncomfort and pulled me close to his side, making me feel a lot more secure.

We found our seats in the massive set of bleachers and that's when I was introduced to Butch's other friend, Brick and his girlfriend who didn't seem happy to be here, Blossom (excuse me?). She seemed like a studious type to me, with her pink cardigan, red skirt over leggings and a bow in her hair. As for me, I was wearing a shamrock green short dress with jeans, with my hair in a waterfall braid. I could feel Blossom looking me up and down as I was introduced to Brick. He looked like an impartial kind of guy to me, and didn't seem to care for things a lot. Except maybe football. The thing about them which intrigued me a lot were their eyes. She had pink eyes while he had red. It was extremely strange...

I settled down between Butch and Blossom and looked at the field below us. The match was between USA and France. No wonder Butch and his friends were so excited. They kept yelling and talking in loud voices and the pace increased when the match started .Meanwhile, only Blossom and I remained quiet - me because I was trying hard to concentrate on the game (which I couldn't understand) and she because she was staring off in distance and kept giving dirty looks to the boys.

I rarely watched football with my dad so I didn't have a clear idea as to what was going on at the field. Since I couldn't ask Butch for explanations too, as he was engrossed in the game, I lost interest a decided to have a conversation with Blossom, no matter how uninterested she looked. It seemed like Brick literally dragged her to this match, just like Butch did to me.

"So, Blossom" I began, "What's up?"

"Oh nothing much," she replied nonchalantly, her eyes up ahead and not on me, "Just not enjoying myself."

"Oh? How come?" I asked, even though I could guess why.

"These sporting events are really not my scene," she told me, "I prefer quiet places where one can curl up with a book or something."

"Yeah, you looked like it," I said, smiling, "The 'reading book' type." Her eyes seemed even stranger up close.

"And you seem like the girl who loves clothes," she said, her pink eyes observant.

I smiled at her "On point! But I like other things too," I glanced at her clothes and added, "Nice outfit though."

"Well, thank you," she said smugly. She gave an impression of a bossy person who loved to order people around.

"And what are you studying?" she asked.

"I'm a spy major," I told her, proud of myself, "I started half a year ago. What about you?"

"I am majoring in cardiology," she answered smugly, "I always loved science and dreamt to be a doctor when I was little."

"That's nice! I didn't think I'd be training to become a secret agent when I was a kid," I laughed, "It was all kind of last minute."

"Last minute plans never work out," she stated, "That's what I believe."

I was taken aback, "Well, it is clearly working out for me. I'm excelling in my classes, got a good friend and met Butch. So I think it's great."

"You're saying it now but let's see what happens next," Blossom said, "And Butch is a teacher at your college, no?"

"Uhh..." I was embarrassed. Yes, he was a teacher and I was his student and yet here we were - dating.

But it didn't matter. His friends probably knew the whole story anyway.

"Yeah, he is a Combats teacher," I let out, "I am a student in his beginners class."

Blossom tsked tasked, "You're breaking laws by dating each other, you know that?"

"No we're not!" I exclaimed, defensively, "He's not much older than me - only two years. I bet you and Brick have that age gap too."

"We do. But he's not my teacher and I'm not his student," she said matter of factly, "We both are students at my college."

I sighed and decided not to answer. I didn't want to argue with her.

USA scored a goal and the crowd erupted into cheers - and so did the guys.

"So, do you enjoy football?" Blossom asked me.

"Nope" I said, "Butch brought me here for a make believe date."

She chuckled, "You wanted to go on a date with him today?"

"Uh, yeah..." I said, confused, "How did you know?"

Butch, in the meantime, was focusing on the game, with Brick and Boomer. They seemed literally oblivious to their surroundings.

"Butch told Brick. And Brick told me. How you got pissed off at him for not taking you out."

My mouth dropped open. Wait a second... Butch tells literally everything about me to his friends?!

I was flabbergasted and it must be very obvious because Blossom then said, "Don't act too surprised. Boys tend to share with their friends about baffling situations."

"But, still..." I said, still lost, "It wasn't that big deal of a situation."

"You made it a big deal," Blossom said, with a hint of attitude, "Here's some advice - stop being so sensitive."

I looked at her sharply, "Excuse me? I'm not sensi-"

"Sensitive girls claim that they're not sensitive," she interrupted, "Which they clearly are. Fragile as well."

I shook my head firmly, "Not true. I defeated a boy today in a physical match, and he's one of the most strongest ones. So your point is not valid."

She rolled her eyes, "Honey, I've worked with psychiatrists. You need to learn to strengthen yourself. If you fail, you'll get stepped on."

I opened my mouth to retort but snapped it shut again. Was she really only giving me genuine advice or insulting me? I decided to go for the former. Besides, didn't Brute tell me the same thing?

"All right then," I said, "Thanks."

"Good to see you coming to your senses," she said, with a tight smile.

I was starting to like her. Sure she seemed bossy, but people could surprise you sometimes.

"It was really nice to meet you, Blossom," I said with a smile, "We should hang out sometime."

"Sure, sure, why not?" she said, and finally, smiled back, "If we're not too busy of course."

We spent the rest of the first half of the match talking, telling each other about our lives. She mostly talked about her studies but that was okay. At one point of our conversation, I couldn't hold myself back. I had to ask her.

"So, there is this one thing I really want to ask you," I said, playing it safe.

"Go ahead."

"Um, your eyes are so... peculiar. I've never seen pink eyes before."

She laughed at my curiosity, "I get that all the time. I was born with these peepers so I guess I have to live with them."

"You don't like them?"

"No, I do! They are medically extremely rare. So are Brick's," she glanced at him, "Match made with compatibility."

"I can see that!" I smiled.

She was a good girl. We chatted while people cheered, screamed and hollered. Numbers were exchanged, and stuff was told. It was a really nice meet up.

By the time the intermission came on and Butch asked me if I was enjoying, I was all smiles and told him yes.

I had fun throughout the whole night. Besides talking and getting to know Blossom better, I watched the game with interest after Butch explained rules and how it's played. As I was not into sports that much, I enjoyed it to an extent but I did enjoy it, and that mattered.

So when we were on our way back to campus, I was happy and cheerful. It was a great idea coming out with Butch.

"Thank you for taking me out on such short notice," I said to Butch, leaning forward to kiss his cheek, "I had a lot of fun."

"Well, thank you for making my efforts worthwhile," he smiled, "For a second, I thought it was a bad idea."

"It wasn't. Did you enjoy the match?"

"Hell yeah! It was great!"

We reached the deserted campus grounds and once we were out of his car, I pulled Butch down for a kiss. There was this thing about me - I'll get more affectionate when I'm cheerful.

"I'm so glad that you care about me," I told him, with sincere compassion, "I love you, baby."

"Not more than I love you," he said, with a smile and kissed me. I was tempted to go to bed with him but it was pretty late and our nightly classes were over. Both of us deserved proper sleep.

Brute was sound asleep when I entered the room. I contained my excitement to tell her about today's events and went to bed without waking her. Sleep came and brought happy dreams. I was contended.