Previous: He's too shy to make the first step and she's too prideful to accept that she sucks at reaching out. It'd be great if they could clear up their misunderstandings, but life isn't that easy
Summary:
All I wanna do – After his long-awaited chat, Brick finally allows himself to admit something.
At some point in time, the pupils at Pokey Oaks Academy need to label the words 'mock exams' as taboo. Even at first when only three teachers had mentioned it, the school's atmosphere was heavily distorted. At Blossom's old school, those two words put together meant nothing short of an over-glorified midterm exam. However, here at the academy, it meant overcaffeinated, baggy-eyed kids with their eyes glued to their notes and their focus stuck on study groups. Well, one thing's for sure, the young Bellum wasn't really here for it.
Being distracted meant not asking the questions she deemed pertinent when the opportunity arose. Oddly, her fingers nervously twiddled with a loose strand on the cuff of her school blazer instead of wrapping themselves tightly around a silver pen while leaving smooth curves on her notepad. There was a genuine surprise after she had heard the bell rung. In a last-minute attempt, her teacher made it her mission to reiterate as much as she could while the students packed their stuff away.
Her classmates groaned.
Let's just say, Tort Law and the legal system weren't concepts that could easily be crammed within a little under two weeks' time. While they shrugged their backpacks on to tread out the room, Blossom remained rooted to her seat.
No; keep walking.
She wasn't interested in study groups.
Too caught in her own head, she mulled over the thought that she wasn't much of the socialite she'd previously assumed. Being born into a family well-engaged in politics, she'd always pride herself in her social skills and grace but as of late, she wasn't too sure.
Brick made her feel invisible. Had her opinions of him not shifted slightly, she wouldn't care less but… oh come on! After that show he put on last Wednesday, how could she not be curious about him? For the two classes they shared most of the school term, Brick hardly seemed the type to be interested in his studies. From what she'd observed, the boy was prone to skipping, drifting off, or doing the absolute bare minimum during times when others were well-focused. Yet last week he'd been answering difficult questions as if it was child's play and soon after, transformed into a diligent student. So fine, she noticed him. He seemed smart, athletic, and easy on the eyes. The problem was, she didn't understand him, and her curiosity was getting the best of her.
No.
She still wasn't interested in joining a study group.
Please go away.
Sacrificing her lunch periods to beef up her college portfolio was slowly driving her insane. Top tier universities loved it when their prospective students looked like a light of shining beacon. Blossom… was starting to regret allowing her sixth form studies to take up so much of her time. The thing was… even though constantly surrounding herself with teenagers of high ambitions had its merit, it was mentally taxing and almost mind-numbingly boring. She honestly didn't care if Susan's life goal was to be accepted into ten ivy league schools or how badly Delores wanted to outdo her elder siblings' academic achievements. Blossom just wanted the motivation to keep studying as hard as she was. That was all.
Still not interested in joining a study group.
Talking to Brick was a feat hard to accomplish. For all the times she'd seen him during the week, he'd either been preoccupied with his studies, deeply engaged in a conversation, or playing footie; aggressively. The 'stick-to-himself or a small group' boy she'd observed was almost non-existent in the haze of a scholarly rush. Almost impossible for her to believe, but even after a week's worth of attempts, just finding an opening to chat proved exceedingly difficult.
At this point, she was desperate.
Heck, at this point, she was willing to try anything.
"Ay, Princess?" Okay… that was an accident. If her fellow Law 1 classmates could've just exited the class without bothering her, she wouldn't have committed a potential social suicide. Her pores rose from shock, and she quickly tried to rub the sensation away.
Well, it had already happened.
Princess had stopped in her tracks, eyes reluctantly leaving her cell to look back into class, and oh crud! Blossom knew she had to see through it because backing down was against her family's motto. Naturally, the hand that was about to touch Blossom's desk cowered at the sound of Princess' name. Said girl briefly pushed her attention to Blossom with caution. She'd clutched her phone after sending a text and went on to properly shoulder her messenger bag as she navigated her way to the desk. By the care Princess had taken and her awkward gestures, Blossom could tell this one was new. The polished leather beauty was the perfect topic-changing diversion she needed but… her mind had been too settled on her dilemma to care… and she already promised herself that she'd see this through.
"How can I start a conversation?"
At first, Princess just blinked. She'd even taken into consideration that Blossom did not look okay when she'd asked. However, with a skipped breakfast, annoying school mates and a terrible data plan, she wasn't going to easily dismiss such a pointless question, "Come again?"
Blossom inhaled deeply as she rose. With the class damn near vacated, ice-box temperatures were quickly approaching. So, if she was going to let herself be a clown, she was at least going to do it in the warmth of the hallways. "I asked—"
"Oh Honey," a visible cringe, "Was that really a serious question?"
Either Blossom didn't understand sarcasm, or she didn't care. "Of course it was!" Princess' snark was much to be expected. Truthfully, if she'd chosen to walk away, Blossom wouldn't have blamed her. The question was dumb no matter how she looked at it. "And… and it's one I'm having a bit of difficulty with."
"Well, would you look at that?" The sun-spotted teen looked so bored with the topic already, "You just started one with me! See! Fixed it. You're welcome!"
"Ay!" Blossom pouted, "I'm honestly asking you for advice."
Princess flattened her lips in disbelief. The idea that people were consciously coming to her for advice was becoming burdensome and unsettling. She wasn't Dr. Phil nor was she trying to be anything close to it, "You know, you look a wee rough there." She signalled Blossom to hasten down the hallways.
The design of their school was rather peculiar at first. Blossom had never been to one that seemed to box a scenic garden in the middle. The hallway looped to the staircase which housed all the lockers belonging to the upper and lower sixth forms. It was the first place Brick had noticed her, and since it was usually very trafficked, she'd missed how entranced he was by her.
She looked down the stretch of lockers in hopes to see even a glimpse of him that afternoon. It was a long shot, she knew. The law classes were housed on the opposite side of the building and had their bags not been heavy, they'd just used the back stairs and risk bumping into an amorous couple or two.
"What? Stayed up all night?" Princess made idle talk as she rummaged her locker.
"Time somehow slipped past 4."
"How many cups of coffee are you on now?"
"No coffee, but two energy drinks."
"Yikes," She turned to make sure she met Blossom's eye, "You look about one short."
"Thanks." Blossom pulled out a brown paper bag before shutting closed her locker door. Again, she glanced a bit further down the hall for even the slightest glimpse of him, but it was to no avail. "I'm dead serious. I keep getting ignored every time I try."
Princess shrugged. It was the best answer she could muster. She'd been tinkering with her phone while she waited on Blossom to finish, and she'd been much displeased with her findings, "Today's menu sucks!" She took a sip from her once frozen can of tea. "Who in their right mind gives studying students this much starch?"
Blossom squinted, "I've seen how you eat; you don't 'do' diet… and what's wrong with starch?"
Barely registering the sentence, she mumbled, "I'm too hungry to even care anymore… So about your question, yeah? Have you ever, I don't know, thought of telling him 'hi' or even 'good morning'? He's one of those 'systematically nice people', you get what I mean?" Of course Princess air-quoted it, "So he has to return the pleasantry… almost disgusting. Being nice gets you almost nowhere… you should know."
"I am nice." Blossom didn't miss that attempt of a dig.
"Whatever."
"And… I never said it's a 'he'."
"Are we going to pretend we're not talking about Brick now?" She took a deep, almost frustrated breath, "Because I'm not good at pretending."
Without even a thought, she replied. "No." and trailed behind Princess like a small child. "But could you not," she began to whisper, even looking up the staircase to see if there were many students. "talk so loud. I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea."
"Honey," There was a small echo that followed the stairwells, but it usually got muffled by the sea of voices that flooded it, "No one here would think you like him anyway."
"What?" she said with much surprise. Understanding that Blossom was a girl secretly driven by her pride wasn't something most people got. What people worried about and she worried about were two completely different things. She was trying to fix the cracks in her image, not chase feelings. "Who said anything about liking him? I barely even know the g—"
"So, what's up with all this secrecy? I— You know what? I… don't even care. The both of you are... My god. Just go up to him and say 'hi'... That's all. Hell! Bloody Hell! In fact. go do it now!"
"You're not listening. I've tried that... been trying that and he's ignored me every. single. time."
"Well, did you say it loud?" The patronizing tone was accidental. She wasn't even trying to be rude.
"Again… ignored every time."
"Could just be a misunderstanding."
"Okay… well… listen this! I tried leaving a seat for him and he skipped over it!"
"Did you ask him to sit with you when he passed?"
"I moved my bag for him."
"Okay," she smiled, "Brick's supposed to be able to read Blossom now? Child please."
"What about… I tried waiting after class to talk to him but... "
"Let me guess, you just looked at him and expected him to know you were waiting on him?"
"No, I said hi, and only Boomer responded."
"How's he supposed to know you were talking to him?"
"I said 'Hi Brick'."
"Did you say it loud?"
"Princess."
"What," she whined. "Goddammit! What is it with…" she caught her tongue, "people thinking I'm the go-to advice-giving person?"
"You give honest answers."
"And?"
"Come on, Princess! You two are good friends. I'm starting to think that I'm the problem."
"Yeah, ditto."
"Okay, what made you so cranky today?"
"I'm hungry and you're talking too much." She whined.
"We're almost at the cafeteria anyway, so I'll try you when you're full."
Yeah; no.
"Blossom?" Princess asked sweetly.
"Yes?"
"Could you kindly fuck off and stop talking to me?"
.
.
Last period Biology met them with no disruptions. Miss Keane took the time to share a few exam tips and studying strategies until the class lull cooled to a staggering dread. There was panic in some eyes. They had until this Friday and the next to get the bulk of all the content they've learnt thus far committed to memory. For most crammers, it just wasn't happening. The big exam was fast approaching, and it was stupid of some to think that their mock exams wouldn't cover the academic year's syllabus. In fact, by Miss Keane's standards, a student's job is to study, not cram. Students with parents spending this much on tuition shouldn't be breaking any sweat over a test paper. Everything there should've already been learnt.
Despite the half-inch taller-than-usual pumps and wickedly gripping skirt she wore, Miss Keane was the first to exit the class when the bell rung. The students' voices rose expeditiously. Most complaining, few boasting.
Boomer fit into neither category. In fact, he'd been particularly amused by his teacher, "Looks like somebody's getting some."
Annoyed, Robin crept up to where he was standing and stretched his cheek playfully. Boomer groaned, of course, roughly shoving his text into his messenger bag before zipping it shut. "This mouth of yours like saying some nasty— Oi! Brick? Where're you going?"
Brick tugged at his shirt with much distaste then twisted his lips into an uncomfortable grimace, "I smell like ass!" He confessed, twisting his shoulder to the side to allow a student to pass by him.
The way he plopped on the desk with such a lazy smile was simply breathtaking. Slouched slightly, fixing his knapsack on his back and tightening it until it hugged his shoulder blade almost sent Robin's mind into overdrive. Why? Well… he had a strong pair of shoulders that housed a muscle or two. When the fabric pulled against his shirt, Robin could see — even through his blazer — the bit of definition in his chest… mostly her imagination, but she was a proud dreamer. A second thing to note. His hair freaking glistened. Good grief! The way it cascaded down his face when he'd look down for just a few seconds wasn't really good for her heart.
As much as she wasn't a fan of his personality. His face, his body, and sometimes his scent? Yeah, totally her type. So understandably, she was just a few seconds away from losing it.
"What's with you?" Brick asked.
"Your button… shirt button… Let me fix it."
"Thanks, but no thank you." He said tiredly, checking his shirt himself.
Brick had a casually flirty nature that always caught people by surprise. Maybe it was because he moved a lot as a child. He treated most girls the way he'd treat his sister… well, back in the days when she was a little bit nicer to him. He'd sometimes hover, completely unaware of what his proximity to them implied. In his head, the girls were just friendlier than the boys and he never got to stick around a city long enough to be told otherwise.
Things were different here though. Most kids stuck to their own devices, only coming together in a small circle of friends or for a good gossip. It was part of the reason he'd been relatively hands-off here, and also why some of his actions were grossly misunderstood. He leaned in to Robin's words with eyes studiously fixed on her. Of course, her face had been a bit heated after thinking about how hot he looked that time.
"But you, you…" she really needed to get it together, "You smell like you showered."
"For about five minutes… Do you see how bright it is outside?"
"Are you off your rocker? It's overcast… It was drizzling just a few minutes ago."
"Well it wasn't at lunch!" he defended, his fingers tugging at his shirt and sniffing with displeasure, "And a five-minute shower cannae erase forty minutes kicking ball in that sodding sun."
"Geez!" she groaned, "Don't go yelling at me you dramatic clean freak." Brick just knew how to erase his appeal. Sometimes it was just one word, sometimes he'd take a whole sentence, but most of the times she'd assumed he was cute enough to flirt with… Brick opens his mouth and she was over it.
"Robin please."
"I'm sure the other guys—"
Brick's accent really shone when he'd been slightly tilted. As much as he'd try denying or hiding it, his use of shorter vowels, dark L's and the way his R's had a rich articulation at the back of his mouth showed a greater variety of Northern British than the South West he usually claimed. "At lunch, Butch said 'fuck you' to the warning bell and continued showering. And, you know? He played basketball indoors. So don't come at me with this 'dramatic' rubbish." He stretched. Even looked at his skin as though its epidermis was mud-caked and sweaty. "And about the other guys, I'm positive they feel just as grimy as me."
"You'll get to where you're going soon. I promise I'll let you after."
"Home, to my shower."
"Right," She widened her eyes in annoyance. "Just... Oh! Wait. Blossom! Wait up!" she called out, and Brick suppressed his blush at the sleepy-eyed, half squinted and yawning Blossom who looked their way. "Come here, come here!"
She honestly didn't need to be asked twice. Blossom had previously calculated three or more ways to join in their conversation and failed. Being invited to it was a Hail Mary pass she simply refused to skip.
"And what's everyone on about?" Humble, soft-spoken… you know to mask her enthusiasm and what not. Her eyes passed over Boomer with haste and settled on Brick who'd been busy fiddling with his school tie. "Hi guys." Definitely couldn't call out to Brick first, and she'd feel weird ending with his in case she'd stretch it.
"Okay so… Brick! Come on! Just wait up!"
"I am… but could you let go of my blazer? You're wrinkling it."
It was a reflexive action. Brick was the type to weasel his way out of a conversation the moment the first distraction showed. She wasn't going to risk texting and being ignored her proposal, so she'd acted without thinking. "I'm sorry Mr. Neat freak."
"Neat my ass."
"Thank you, Boomer, for finally joining the conversation." Brick groaned.
"She was talking to you; I didn't want to interrupt."
"You didn't want to interrupt because you were busy flirting."
"Jesus, it's like I can't talk to a girl anymore these days."
"Oi, just a joke. No need to ruffle your feathers."
"I just want to go home." Boomer groaned, his hands passing through his hair and caught up in a knot or two, "And I'm due for a trim."
"Butch and I have a trade." Robin originally planned to ease her way into her request, but she figured that it was best to just be blunt with those dodgy jerks. They looked at her with query, Brick prying himself off the desk and Boomer getting closer to the girl.
"Walk with me," she ushered the small group out of the class, "His dad promised to look over our answers as long as my parents look over his."
"That doesn't seem quite fair. Your parents aren't even lecturers."
"Brick, if I may? Please allow me to finish?"
"Go on."
"Both mines graduated first-class honours in Business… and even without that, mum's got a few ads on the telly and billboards. Butch's in Media studies and Marketing, right?"
"Correct,"
"Mum's got that covered whilst Dad's good for his finance and management courses." Prideful, she boasted, "Needless to say, he's got the better trade."
"Fair. Fair."
"So, on to my point. My study group needs more members."
"No offense, but do you really need a study group when your work is going to be checked over by a Biochem Professor?"
Robin sighed, "Yes… I still have few weak points to cover and I'm a bit low on resources."
Even though Boomer nodded in understanding, Brick wasn't a fan of the pity pitch she was throwing, "I have my own Bio group."
"Same." Boomer's grin was sly, and so was his exchanged look to Brick. "So sorry. Good luck though."
Robin rolled her eyes, "And that's why I'm inviting all the members of your group to come join mines."
"Well, our group actually has three members." Boomer started.
"Three?" Brick clarified… because the past week at Boomer's only saw two.
"Brick did you forget," his scheming voice made Brick a tad bit uncomfortable, "It's me, you and your eg- oh… you're wrinkling my shirt you animal."
Robin groaned, "Boys! Seriously! I'm also trying to get Blossom on my team. Couldn't you opt-out of your Broomer moment for a hot second?"
"Me?" Blossom asked confused. "I, I um. I've never been in a study group before… well… never a good one. I just think it's more of a horses for courses kind of thing."
The chance that Brick may also join made that firm 'no' a bit hard to say. It's not like she'd be wasting her time if her scripts were to be properly marked, but she'd still prefer to study alone. The last group study she'd been to was just an extravagant display for one of her classmates to flaunt his knowledge and wealth. Did she learn from him? Yes? But she'd been super peeved and disgusted for days after.
"Trust and believe, we give and decide roles in our group! We're totally not here to piggy-back you."
"Thanks… I suppose."
Almost immediately, Brick offered some support which made Robin shocked beyond belief. She expected more of a fight. Heck, she also expected a bit of begging, maybe an I-owe-you or two, and a lot of compromising on her behalf for him to say he'd consider it. Brick was a bit mean and unhelpful… him caving this easy felt like a trick and she needed clarity!
"Wait? Was that your— Did you just agree?" she wanted to get this in writing because he'd shut her down harshly for a study group last term. Mr. Jojo's help or not, Robin knew Brick wasn't the type to do meetups so easily.
"But of course he'd be in." Boomer's eyes glanced at Blossom's frame for a moment as he closed his locker door. "The offer was just too good to pass up! Oi, but I can weasel in some papers too. Mine's are just as good as Brick's!"
"Boys, hold on. There're three other members who've already bought the good test sets, so—"
"My mum's university is connected to a very good Citiesville preparatory high school." Brick inserted.
"Your mum's a lecturer?" Robin asked.
"No… that university just loves her. Uh, I guess she guest speaks there about twice a semester? I can ask for more, but it's what Boom and I've been using so far."
"I reckon that answer sheets came with them?"
"Obviously."
"Okay, your cockiness isn't appreciated, Mathews."
"It's a two for one deal, miss," Boomer grinned, helping Blossom pack away the last of her stuff, "Him and his ego."
Blossom honestly tried to conceal her laughter, but Boomer was too close to her to miss even the slightest of her snicker. "See! She gets it." He teased, helping her shoulder her bag as he closed her locker door.
Robin rolled her eyes, "And you Boom?"
"Brick and I've also been using some test papers from Farmsville. Completed with MCQs and I've got solutions for everything!"
"Boomer, are we doing any other subjects together?"
"No."
"Drats! We could've grouped up again."
"I have a life, Robin. I wouldn't even."
"Okay, well… what about this? How'd you always get your hands on these things? I swear, sometimes you're just too resourceful."
Boomer shrugged, "Blessed?"
"That's tosh."
"Okay, but seriously Rob, when're we supposed to be meeting?"
"Right!" she exclaimed, "Tomorrow afternoon is great, but I'll add you all to the group chat this evening." She halfheartedly laughed. "No Wi-Fi now, you know the struggles."
"About me?" Blossom called out, "What would I be bringing if I… do join?"
"If? Oh, come on Blossom! You must join! Please, please, please!"
"Um," Blossom wanted to fucking cringe, but after a stolen glance at Brick she conceded, "Maybe I can try one session?"
"Thank you!"
"Oh, you're a hugger."
Boomer chuckled, elbowing Brick at the laughable situation before urging Blossom to hug back. Well, she did, very awkwardly and hesitantly.
"Okay, all you have to do is bring that big beautiful brain of yours… and… maybe some snacks?"
"I wanted to bring snacks!" Boomer piped up.
"Grape soda isn't 'snacks' and it just tastes purple."
"Brick? Are you taking a piss out of me? Tell me? Do we have words? Buddy, I'm ready when you are, just say when." His fists in the air and floating around Brick's face.
"This cuck's always trying to get punched."
"No problem. It just looks to me like you want to be suspended suspended."
"When."
Not quite sure if Brick threw the punch because he saw that Butch was there, or if Boomer was exceedingly lucky, but in a matter of seconds, Brick was being detained, Boomer's arms were properly shielding his face and Butch's grip was strong.
"Glad to see we're still handsy." Butch struggled at first, but after his muscles contracted, Brick became nothing but a fly caught in a web.
"Butch, let go of me."
"Make me." He stressed his consonants in the most aggravating way. If there's one guy who really knew how to rile Brick up, it was this green-eyed jerk who smelt like Irish Spring and two sprits of a spicy cologne.
"Actually Blossom," Robin offered, "Maybe you should also bring a stick to whack them."
Boomer smirked, looking at Brick with a suggestive grin, "I think Brick would absolutely love to be spanked by — yeesh!" he jumped back, "Thanks, mate! That wild pup darn near bit me."
"Any time." Butch was built like a rock. There was no use fighting against his hold and Brick gave up after three good jerks. Honestly, his physique would have been utilized more effectively in hockey, but it was never his fancy.
Boomer joked, "For the record, hitting a small, skinny guy like me should be classified as bullying... Do I look like I could—"
"Oh, save your breath, Ainsley! We all saw how ready you were to block, right Blossom?"
"I wasn't paying attention to them."
"I don't blame ya, love. Those two seriously need to get a room."
"Oh, piss off Snyder!"
"What Brick said!"
Butch laughed softly, releasing the relaxed boy, "Is this your dream team?"
"There're three others." Robin replied.
"Alright," his eyes trailed to Blossom, studying the oddity of her appearance, "Your hair?"
"What happened to it?"
"It's curly…ish."
"Yeah?"
"Since when?"
"Always?" Seeing that the idea unsettled him, she clarified, "It's easier when it's not, so I flat iron it. Just, busy morning."
"Honestly, I think it'd look better if you owned a comb — Shit, Buttercup, what the hell?"
"Do the world a favour and keep some things to yourself, please? Geez, how's it you thought that was a good question to ask?"
"I was curious."
"There's rude, and there's you."
"I could've said worst. Trust me."
"Worse, you meant to say worse."
"Stop teaching me English, I'm too knackered for this rubbish."
She would've just smacked him upside the head again, but it'd been a while since she'd seen Brick or Boomer. "Hey stranger… and Boomer."
"Well, look what the cat dragged in."
"Funny Blondie. So what's up? Where's the party at?"
"No party," Robin grinned, "But I just realized something; Butch, BC, have you met Blossom yet?"
The name bore some familiarity, but Buttercup couldn't really be arsed at the moment, "Should I?"
"She's great!" Robin confessed. "You'd honestly like her."
"Blossom's in my homeroom." Answered, already bored from the conversation.
"That's the one with Princess, yeah?"
Butch gave Buttercup a look of warning, "You know it's the one with Princess."
"Yikes," With a look of sympathy, Buttercup extended to Blossom a firm handshake, "Terribly sorry for our minted monster."
"Monster?" Blossom started, but the rest of her sentence couldn't be heard over the sound of Butch.
"I think that girl's on her meds again. Now she's less of a cunt and only half a bitch."
They laughed; Brick especially since he knew the feeling of dislike was certainly mutual. Blossom though could barely relate to any of their experiences. She shuffled back, just buzzing around for an opening because she was still interested in getting that one-on-one with Brick.
Saying 'hi' in this situation seemed weird but as the two brunettes changed the mood to a more casual setting, she knew a chance was nearing. Blossom yawned. She'd barely gotten to cover her mouth in time and her little jerk brought Brick's eyes towards her.
They lingered a bit, and she pondered on whether she should give a friendly wave or finally use the magic word, 'hi'.
"H—"
"So, Blossom... You're that new transfer, yeah?" God, why was she always interrupted? "Sorry we only just met; I'm Buttercup."
After the banter and a devious whisper in her ear, Buttercup understood Blossom to be that infamous girl Brick had a crush on. There was no way in hell she'd give up this opportunity to tease him. Guns cocked, and her blonde partner-in-crime just a few steps away, she rubbed her hands in delight.
Boomer continued from where she left off, naturally. "Don't worry about it, BC. It took Brick three weeks to realize she was in his class… es… Classes."
Butch snickered, "Classic!" instantly ruining the flow they'd already set up and that made Boomer a bit peeved.
He grimaced, "You're one to talk. Friday morning's homeroom. How in God's green earth did you now notice her hair?"
"Because I came to school at break?" he answered in a questioning format, "I'm not leaving my warm bed for a stupid homeroom period. That's bullocks."
"Aaand that's why you have detention. Enjoy child jail, loser." Buttercup gave Butch a friendly chest slap before turning to Brick with a smile, "I heard Brick prefers curly-haired girls anyway." She grinned.
"Don't you have tennis?"
Ignore Boomer's snickering, because even he couldn't deliver such a final blow before leaving. Robin had been none-the-wiser and Blossom was busy reconfiguring her approach once again. Butch leaned over the staircase railing in absolute silence as he listened for Buttercup's steps to go distant.
"Okay, so fuck her..." he mumbled, finally mustering the urge to go down himself, "God, I'm so late."
"Bye Butch!" Robin excitedly waved. The boy just looked up with a scrimmage and continued his lacklustre walk down the stairs.
"Blossom! He's super dreamy, isn't he?"
"If you're into that, I guess?" After she'd been on the receiving end of Robin's death glare, Blossom quickly fixed her words. "Yea, yea! I mean, he's not bad on the eyes. This is another horses for courses kind of thing… he's prolly a bit too athletic for my tastes."
"Innit? Listen this, he could literally bench pres—"
"Stop this… please."
"Grow up, Boomer." Robin playfully swatted his shoulder with her handkerchief while he'd been the idiot to fake being hurt while running down the stairs.
Absolute children.
So… this was the awkward part. While both of them had a playful tirade down the three flights of stairs, Brick was left with Blossom and a bunch of words he wanted to say but couldn't.
"They look like they're having fun."
Shocked, she froze. Took her a few seconds to register a proper answer and when she did, it was more like a rushed blur, "Yeah-and-I-guess-they're-close!"
Brick covered his mouth with a surprised chuckle. It was safe to admit she was cute without it meaning anything. As in… the way someone looks cute when they're flustered and not in the he-wants-to-hold-her-hands type of way.
"Should we follow?"
"I don't think she was finished pitching her idea to us."
Us. Brick wasn't stupid. He knew exactly what she meant, but the boy was allowed to daydream once in a while wasn't he? Just the thought that's she'd grouped them together without being disgusted meant he was getting somewhere.
It was a bit weird walking out with someone in mostly silence. The two idiots before him were still goofing off and Blossom was simply, quiet. He wanted to change that. Needed to.
"So, where are you from?"
"Ahh…" She felt stupid. Wanted to slap her head about four times already, "Townsville?" she stuttered, then caught herself, "I mean… meant, West Pokey oaks, near the lakes?"
Boomer doubled back with eyes widened. "Brick isn't that your territory?"
Brick squinted. Judging by the boy's tone, it wasn't a tease, but for the life of Brick, he couldn't properly process the question.
"Well, your dad's."
Brick shrugged, "I guess... He'd done a lot of projects around that area last year. I think he personally did a few viewings himself. I wasn't paying attention. Ask Court."
"You know I won't."
"Court?" Blossom asked, easing into the conversation. That was natural, right?
"Someone…" he sighed, trying to find a nice way to describe his sister, "My dad's potential understudy."
Boomer nearly tripped on the cobblestone walkway. The types of descriptions that left Brick's mouth lately was downright hilarious.
"Oh, his intern?"
"Yeah." Brick nodded, "Exactly." He smiled, "But I actually meant to ask where you lived before here." He looked at the two walking slightly ahead of him and explained, "Most the broads here never lived off Townsville... Hardcore locals. "
"Oi!" Robin playfully yelled.
"Just speaking the truth."
Blossom smiled, "Well, I don't blame them."
"Really? Why's that? It's a bit boring here innit?"
"Well, true. Even as a newcomer, the sites are dead, but it doesn't change that here's where people find their forever homes."
"I guess I can see that," he tried to relate, "From a real estate perspective, when people see actual houses instead of apartments or condos, they try to set roots. Especially in your case where you've got a lakeside view… and in London! That's prime housing there!"
Agreeing, she answered, "You got me! And, I lived in Westminster. Emery hill street, heard of it? It's a real sight!"
"You're kidding?"
Confused, she joked, "I kid you not! Why?"
"Why I've lived Westminster myself!"
"Get out of here!"
"No seriously! Thirebly road actually. My dad worked Francis street. Back then he was mostly into reno and I know he absolutely hated that stretch because it lacked character."
"What?" she giggled, mostly because Brick had an accent too far to place and it sounded nice on her ears, "Those brick buildings were magnificent! It all added to the charm!"
Robin had already left. Jumped into her mother's minivan and waved the others bye. Boomer was still trailing the two. His urge to make a 'Brick' joke was quelled by his desire to see the two non-locals finally hit it off in such an upbeat conversation. Also, Brick was walking in the wrong direction. Boomer figured the boy's just been walking in accordance to Blossom's path so slowed his steps as to not disturb the two.
"Except, my dad's blood pressure went up every time he had to do interior work on a house identical to the last. I honestly think he'd cuss about how soul-sucking and mundane the job was. I'm not too sure, we had thick walls and thick doors. Even with an empty glass, it was hard to discern his words."
"I'm sorry," she giggled, "Your English is a bit rich! It reminds me of home, but the accent's just off."
"I just paid attention in English class, I wouldn't exactly call it rich."
She smiled, "I'll give you that for now, but I do have a follow-up question."
"I'm listening."
"A lot of us love seeing those suburban development houses on the TV, but what makes their so special yet ours being mundane? Come to think of it, don't theirs also look similar inside and out? Is it just because of the yard space?"
"Keywords, similar, not identical. Big difference!"
"And I take it you've been to some of those places?" she was just teasing him a bit, but she hadn't expected his answer to be a yes.
"To be honest, I was... Right before I moved here."
"Really? Where?"
Boomer left. He didn't feel needed anymore. No need to try to bridge the gap between Brick's awkwardness and her reservation. So, he left.
"Way far."
She giggled, "You're talking Ireland, Scotland? Because you have just the tip of the accent."
"You think? I've never been there before, but I've lived in the north a bit? May have picked up a thing or two."
"Ooh, really? They have big yards there?"
"Wait, wait. Before we get there, let me tell you the 'far place' I'm referring to."
She giggled softly, quickly apologizing for her haste.
"I'm talking about Maryland, America."
She flattened her lips in surprise, "But you don't have an American accent. Not even in the slightest. Are you pulling my leg?"
"Honest! I was about thirteen… I think? Yeah, thirteen when I moved, then returned to England at fifteen. That's about two years innit? Not enough to borrow an accent. At least I don't think so."
"Really?" she asked with such enthusiasm that he couldn't help but blush.
"There's a park nearby, wanna head there?"
"Sure," almost automatic; barely much of a second thought about it.
"So my dad was just like… the project manager. He'd done a virtual presentation which they loved, but he wanted to see it in person… and he'd make a bit more money by overseeing more of it, so we ended up moving. It was probably the most exciting thing for my family because we were absolutely chuffed about the idea of living abroad!" He took a deep breath before continuing, "When we got there, yeah?" he caught himself, caught her pink eyes just staring at him in wonder and he'd blushed out of embarrassment, "Shoot... was I talking too much?"
Almost immediately she denied, "No, no! I was enjoying it... You were talking about a real estate perspective before, so I figured that's your dad's field, but… I'm just amazed. I always assumed it was just about buying and selling homes but you're talking about renovating, designing… travelling? I just think it's really cool. So please, please go on."
"Well," he clarified, rolling his shoulders from a bit of discomfort, "Is your bag heavy?"
"No, I leave my texts at school. I scanned the pages on my tablet anyway so I don't need to carry around that heavy load."
"I'll still hold it," he offered, "Or maybe we could just take a seat on that bench."
"Maybe, my feet could use a break."
"Same here."
"Bet they ache from practice."
"Just a bit. I don't screw around with my warmups or cooldowns, so it's no real issue."
"Now about your story?"
"You really want to hear it?"
"Let's just say that I'm curious about the ending. Please, go on!"
"Well, there's not much to it. He recently dove straight in the whole real estate mogul business but before that, he was just a renovator making his way up the chain. He'd work a few houses at a time and when he'd gotten bored, him and my mum would choose a new location, secure a job then we'd all move after they finalized the school transfers.
"Both parents're in real estate?"
"No," he laughed, "No way. But mum did decorate our home. Simply put; dad makes houses, mum makes homes."
"She's a stay at home mum? Is she the reason why you're so good at your studies?"
Brick laughed heartily, "My mum's got a home office alright, and she sometimes watches us like a hawk, but she's not a stay at home mum. She's a psychiatrist. A really good one actually. I mean… she makes good quid."
Blossom giggled, "So how come you all returned to England? And why settle in such a town? Maryland is an affluent area if I'm not mistaken."
Brick's eye-opening stressing was enough of an answer for her, "It is. But my parents… mostly my dad, hated American schooling. The private schools were really pricy, and he wasn't too chuffed about the lack of uniforms in the public ones. We initially lived in New York, Soho. It was the first time I saw what people meant by art deco housing and I was slowly beginning to love it. The land was small, but we lived on the eighth floor of this magnificent penthouse condo. It felt like something straight out of a book!"
"There it is!" she exclaimed, "Your rich English is showing again." She giggled at his confusion, "Your received pronunciation is strong… almost the definition of contemporary."
"Are you kidding me?" he touched his lips as if to deny her claim, "But I'd say you too."
"That's fair, but I'll have my say after you're done."
"But now I'm curious."
"As am I! Let me hear the end of yours and you'll hear the full of mines. Let' us have me as your dungeon boss. You'll unlock my stage after you finish your… arc? Was that correct? Swore it was funnier in my head, but it kind of came out like a fairy tale book… it was silly, I'm sorry."
"Don't be. You're a gamer?"
"Only if The Sims count."
"I can't see why it doesn't."
"Well, now I'm officially a gamer… but continue, please."
"My dad's firm did a few expansions, and his boss absolutely loved one of his designs for Maryland, hence… we went there. Living almost large but… I don't know, maybe it was the food, or the fact that they used miles and Fahrenheit." He watched her brows knit and laughed, "I know! It's not just on the telly! But dad got homesick… they… got homesick so they've found this fixer-upper city named Townsville and it's been... What? About three years so far? I think it's safe to say that my days of moving are over... well, maybe until college."
"Hmm? You seem like an Oxford type of guy."
"Maybe… I guess, but there're also some pretty good unis right here."
"Oxford's also not very far away!" she insisted.
"Not to sound rude, but… seems like you're the one interested in going there? Innit?"
She giggled, "Who isn't?" She hugged her shoulders, "The wall of last year's accomplishments is still up, and we've got that plaque dedicated to the renowned students who graduated from our school. I heard you've got a few scholarships lined up. I can see it as an option for you. It is a reasonable goal after all."
For lack of better words, and mostly out of surprise, he begun rambling, "I thought about Dartmouth? But closer to home, there's Citiesville U, Townsville U... and not to mention The Institute of Townsville U."
"I considered there, but their program seemed more suited for the Law and Business students. The Nat Sci and Medical fields have a stricter course load. I might prefer my degree with a little more flexibility."
"But aren't you studying Law?"
She smiled shyly, "But that's… kind of complicated?"
"Try me."
The sky was slowly darkening. They'd been through two soft serves, one pack of roasted nuts, and a park hot dog. Needless to say, they'd been enjoying each other's company enough to stay out in the chilly weather. Blossom found it stupid that she hadn't spoken to him before. He was surprisingly insightful, and he had an oddly accommodating way to which he spoke. It made sense that Princess was so annoyed by her question. Brick was as friendly as they came, she was the asshole for judging him off a few bad days in class.
"The medical field may not be in my cards, but I still like it. I'd like to learn more about it, but I just…"
"Uh-huh?" He listened.
"I just can't see myself in that field. I want to find something where I can… I don't know," she admitted, "I'm still figuring it out… and I know it's late, but I don't mind. I'm even open to becoming something near a malpractice lawyer... or, work with pharmaceuticals maybe? Basically, I'm going to be a huge fan of job fairs until I find the right one for me."
Brick smiled lightly in agreement. He hadn't thought much of his decision. All he did was search up high paying jobs in a certain field and started studying towards it. He hadn't any dreams nor passion, he just wanted to make legal money.
That's why he'd found Boomer so admirable. That boy studied like crazy to get where he was right now. It was insane, almost stupidly so! He could easily recall Princess chastising the blond for wasting his God-given talents — his looks — studying for a job that wouldn't pay even half the salary he'd get as a model. Butch's plans weren't so deep. He liked suits, golf, and golfers. That was all. Somehow his brain figured that meant advertisement and he set his mind out to it. Buttercup wanted to be a shark. The idea of being around a lot of money was just the icing on her cake. Almost as if it were fate, she'd tried her hand at finance and loved it.
At first, Brick believed Butch only followed after his then-girlfriend into the Business field, but that theory had been disproved daily by Butch's genuine interest. Those guys, they didn't seem to have doubted their choices for one second. Brick? He was always worried.
"You?" she asked. Her voice so clear and soft, almost as if it was meant to pull him out of his void.
"Guess."
She pouted, "I can't do that."
"What if I told you my classes?"
"I do know you're in Bio and MS… and Computer Science? If I'm not mistaken… so... a medical engineer? Is that the term?".
"P-pardon?" he chuckled. It sounded a bit too advanced for him.
She blushed, "As in, a developer of robotic prosthetics or those seeing-eye cameras for the visually impaired."
"I'm truly flattered you think I could do that kind of work but—"
"I'm confused? Why can't you?"
"It's just a bit too much? Too complicated?"
"But… you didn't even start. Mathews, no one expects a five-year-old to become a neurosurgeon overnight. They've got to study towards their goal. You're making me so confused. Why not? You're not supposed to think about it. Just do."
He laughed, "Thanks for the pep talk."
"So sorry," she lightly tapped his shoulder, "So if not that, then, doctor? Some sort of techy doctor?"
"Ta for the joke," Brick scoffed, "I want a life in the future, so hard no."
"What about private practice?"."
"And treat a bunch of rich people? No thanks, already hate my job."
"Okay fine!" she jokingly whined, "Just go on and tell me!"
"You weren't far off the first time. Ever heard about medical informatics or databasing? Basically, it's—"
"Whoa..." she was in complete awe, "Really, Mathews, you don't quite look the type."
"You see, I've got some tricks up this sleeve," the attention put on his arm couldn't have been placed in more of an inopportune time. He'd gone off and put on a show for her, taking off his blazer and rolling up his sleeves to show how his barely-there muscles slightly bulged. More out of shock than anything, Blossom's ears reddened right after she'd seen a pulsing vein.
"Footballer, right?" She kind of wanted to touch it just to see how it felt.
"I'm pretty standard fare."
"I actually wouldn't know," she joked, "But is it okay if I ask? Why'd you also do arm workouts?"
It was an honest question. Nothing close to a flirt. Brick found it surprising that he didn't feel the urge to make a suggestive 'you checking me out?' question, especially after her fingers just barely touched his goose-bumped arm.
"Can't only have leg days, now can we?" he had to cover himself again. Not because of the cold. Of course not. His blood was boiling hot. More out of the fear that he'd be carrying a stiffy if her fingers had touched him for even a second.
God, just the idea of how soft they'd probably felt was making him a bit uncomfortable.
"Okay, okay, so... Westminster, New York—"
"Soho." He clarified. Cleared his throat right after, because his voice sounded a bit froggy then.
"Of course," she smiled, "Maryland, then Townsville? Well, someone's well-travelled?"
"Actually, it's Westminster, York, New York." he joked making sure she got the pun.
She did but she also became curious, "York? What's in York?"
"Actually, it was Fulford. My grand's 'are from York."
"Born there? Explains a lot."
"Would you believe me if I said I was born in London, small town, not much of a story to it. We didn't live there, just visiting." he smiled.
"I see, but I reckon those Fulford houses were what your dad loved? Was it why you left for the states?"
He smiled, "You're a smart cookie, aren't you? It was great. Truly!"
"Which part, York, or America?"
"Yes?" he playfully answered, "My dad changed firms like underwear!"
He loved the way she giggled. Wanted to make her laugh a bit more. Loved the way the pink stained through her tanned cheeks. Love the way her eyes seemed to laugh along to the beat.
"And it was great for my mum's job too. You know what's the best part about moving to small towns in big cities?"
"No, what?"
"When everyone knows everybody, they rather tell their secrets to strangers. My mum's no therapist… well… she is in a clinical sense but… simply put, people rather go to her than their Annabeth who used to pick her nose in homeroom."
"That's true. But ay, you're dad's a mogul, and your mum's very prolific… East Pokey Oaks, innit?"
"I'm a bit miffed that your generalization is so spot on."
"At least you're not gutted," she joked.
"Just like you, I've got quite the view! I live about a 5-minute walk from the bay. It's two by car or moped."
"Moped? No one really rides a..." the look on his face wasn't one of someone faking it, "Oh my gosh... You don't! It can't be true. You're kidding!"
"It's like this, picture a mix of a scooter and a motorbike. You can't go wrong with it."
"It is not! You're absolutely off your trolley! You are so far off right now!"
"Honestly, you just need to try it. Take it from me. I'll even loan you mines."
"Terribly sorry but it seems as though I left my helmet at the store."
"I have a spare."
"But I have all this hair," she countered, gesturing to the loose curls she'd rushed in a half-assed ponytail, "don't think it'll all fit."
"As if mines weren't longer." he scoffed.
"Get. Out!" Her lips curled jubilantly.
"I'm serious!"
"No way! I can't believe that. It couldn't have."
It was late. The park's foot-traffic begun to pick up as blue-collar workers trudged through with their briefcases in hand. He searched his pocket for his phone, quickly scanning through his cloud for the older photos, "You need to hear this first!"
"Okay!" she was so giddy.
"So last year, I stupidly played this game of truth or dare, yeah? One of the dares wanted my hair shaved off!"
Slack-jawed and completely amused, she laughed along, "That's one hell of an interesting buzz cut you've got there." Brick's face had barely changed. His size may have grown a tad bit and it seemed as though his jawline was coming along.
"You should've seen the look on my mum's face when I got home! Poor thing thought her son was being bullied." Blossom hid her face in glee, studying him with bated breath. "Must say, it was really awkward walking in with a really… bad… seriously awful haircut and a big bruise on my face."
"Why? Shaver nipped you?"
"No shavers, scissors… paper scissors. What happened was that I punched the jerk who made that stupid dare."
"You could have just skipped out."
"The punishment was brutal!"
"Really? What was it?"
"Twenty pounds! He expected me to pay him twenty pounds! Ain't he crazy?"
"That doesn't sound like much for someone living where you're from."
"Well if I go around throwing away me money like that then I can't stay there."
"Oh," she said mischievously, "There's a word for people like you."
"And that's?"
"Cheap."
He glared, but only half as potently as usual, "The word is 'cheated'," he corrected, "I was clearly cheated!."
"And you spent how much to fix your hair after?"
"Maybe about thirty or more."
"Unbelievable!" she joked.
"Listen, I needed it marked and styled properly! I needed a professional!"
"It would've been cheaper to give him the twenty."
"I wasn't giving that cuck a dime! He could suck salt."
"Was it because he punched you back?"
"Wished! So, after he'd said that load of rubbish, I threw the punch, but listen this. He was running, so by the time my fists reached, we were by the stairs then fell off it. I guess karma got me because I knocked my cheek on the—"
Blossom looked visibly disturbed by the story. Whereas he'd been laughing over a fond memory, she'd just imagined blood, stitches and a lot of pain.
"Oi, it was really nothing. The stairs were only about three. We fell off from the platform… I only got bruised because those walls were bloody popcorn! Swear it! It was a crazy night, will not do agai– " he finally found the pictures, "Here it is, me before the butchering."
"Whoa."
"Yeah..."
"Okay Rapunzel, did you braid it when you went on the field?"
"Ponytail," he nodded, "Don't miss it now. I save so much on shampoos and I barely need to comb it anymore."
"Clearly."
"Wa– was that a piss? You're one to talk!"
"Bad morning. Late morning and my hair was too wet too flat iron. Hey, don't get fresh! My hair's combed you know. People with mostly straight hair like yours just wouldn't get it!"
"One name. Princess."
"That's not fair. She's mixed differently. Mines is a bit more… bent-wavy."
"Well Miss Bent-wavy, just know that for today, you can't judge what's on my head."
She giggled, "I'll accept that."
Somehow, they'd let the sun set on them. Though it was obvious it was getting too late to continue, they've been enjoying each other's company too much. Her interaction with Brick was almost puzzling. She didn't understand what about him made her want to talk longer. It was even better since he didn't seem to have any ulterior motives.
"Congratulations, you've just unlocked my story."
"Finally!"
"My dad was a politician. Resigned last year. He preferred his courtroom madness over chamber meetings. He was the MP last election but didn't want to run for this term. Said something about missing his Law roots and how grey politics felt for him. He just wanted out."
"Ever went overseas on a diplomatic meeting with him?"
"I wouldn't exactly call it a diplomatic meeting, but yes. The food was nice. I got to wear these beautiful dresses, but everything was a little stuffy," she shook away the bland thoughts and focused on the better moments. Brick had done a great job at entertaining her for hours, the least she could do was return the favour. "Closer to the end, they'd all get drunk and have a grand old time with each other. It was a bit funny to watch."
"You call that funny?" he teased, "Wouldn't want to be you then."
"Oh shush!" Her 'iron' fists landed on his shoulders, and he let his hands linger on them before properly removing it in fake agony.
"So," she started, "No high-profile parties for you?"
"Oh yeah," his sarcasm was delivered in a delightfully humorous manner, "My mum's seminars were a complete riot alright. My dad never bothered dragging me to any of his dinners. He'd just bring back food and ask how my day was. He still does it. I'm almost certain his staff thinks I'm a toddler."
"Staff?" She asked, "Don't mind me asking, but what's your dad's name?"
"Harvey Mathews"
Blossom squinted, "As in Harvey Ivan Mathews?"
"You even know his middle name?"
"I can assure you I'm no Mogul Bunny," she clarified, "This is kind of funny. I guess I've met your father before! He personally sold my parents the house and he also highly recommended the school. The thing was that dad couldn't just leave his office, so I had to get specially admitted to a school, and here was my best bet."
"I'm not over the idea that my dad personally sold your family a house." He wrinkled his face, "You're pretty high profile, aren't you?"
"I wouldn't say that. Maybe my dad is?"
"And your mum?"
"She's a legal secretary amongst other stuff."
"If I looked up your family, would anything come up?"
"Well, my dad was an MP… ooh, and my mum once had her face on a limited-edition box of Frosted Flakes. We had a good laugh for some months."
"Serious question time now."
"Yes?"
"Are you a cereal or milk first kind of gal?"
"Oh, this is your idea of serious?"
"Well… essentially, it doesn't matter but it also explains the nature of a person. And I'd like to see into the mind of a high-profile family."
She laughed, "I'm nowhere near high profile… Cereal first."
He nodded, but not too visibly, "Are you a milk first guy?"
He breathed in deeply, missing how titillated she'd been after he'd properly used her first name, "Blossom listen, psychopaths may choose to pour their milk first... But the only reason normal people have the milk before cereal is that they've eaten their first bowl and would like to finish the remaining milk with some captain crunch."
"You said it didn't matter… essentially."
"I also said it explains their nature, and as the son of a – your words – very prolific psychiatrist, I could safely say that milk-first people are sociopaths."
"You said psychopaths first."
"Is there a difference?"
"Are you sure your mother's a psych?"
He only laughed.
"Back to cereal, I take it that captain crunch is your fav?"
"Lucky charms being a close second… You?"
"Honey bunches of oats... Cinnamon and almond flavour!"
"I'm allergic."
"Ooh, that sucks"
He laughed, "Kidding, just kidding. But you're a bit harsh though."
"Sorry, I'll work on my filter. Showing pity is a bit rude though. I was simply being kind."
"Now you're just making stuff up, aren't you?"
"Maybe?" she giggled.
"But seriously, there's this really good pastry place that makes these scrumptious almond cookies. You've got to try them someday. I'll give you the name and directions. Promise."
She smiled, "How about you show it to me someday?"
As in a date?
"Yeah! Sure!" He perked up, "if you don't mind, that is?"
She shook her head looking at the time on her phone, "I don't see why not? I guess you forgot I'm still new here… only a few weeks in. I barely even know my way to school most days. I'm sorry if I'm coming off a bit too much. No hard feelings on my end if you want to refuse."
"I wouldn't mind hanging out with you more. You're pretty cool to talk to."
"Really? Thought you hated me because of before. I felt really bad about it. Honest. I didn't mean to be so rude."
"You've just met Buttercup, yeah?"
"Yip?"
"Today you've seen her on her good day, trust me. You're not rude. We've got some real class acts at our school. I'm sure you could name a person or two."
"Boomer."
"Innit!"
She giggled, "But you love him."
"Eh." His hands gestured his false indifference, "Oh, you and Butch seem to be on good terms. You two close?"
"Well, he promised me a tour my first week here."
"Butch?" he was perplexed, "Butch Jojo? Did he really?"
"Only allegedly... He said it so that this guy... Uh... He kind of made me uncomfortable..." she tried her best to recall his name, "What was it again? Henry? No, it's Harr, Harr… Oh right! Harry. He'd originally volunteered to do it... But he's a bit too…"
"Over-friendly? Yeah, good kid... Just too much energy."
She curled a hair behind her ear the same way she did the first time he saw her, "Ditto..."
"And…. De—?" no. He didn't want to know.
"There's this one girl I actually don't like?"
"Really?"
"She shares Law 1 with me. This tall upper six student with a snake arm tattoo. I mean, she pretends to hide it, but no one hikes their sleeves up in that cold school. It's crazy, the warm temperatures haven't even come in yet. She just… Ack! I don't know. I just feel so unedged when she looks at me. So unnerving!"
"That's because the gangrenes are people you can't even pretend to like… Billy's decent but Ace isn't even for acquired tastes."
Blossom coughed slightly, "I've met with Billy… plays baseball, yeah?" Brick could tell by the way she hid her face that they'd been talking about a different person, "We've hung out a couple of times, but he didn't strike me as the type to hang around people like Ivy. Plus, he's in our year, I just don't see why he'd hang around those seniors over us..."
"Not that pretty boy," Brick rolled his eyes, "The one I'm talking about's big. Like the bloody size of a house… and he dyed his hair carrot... just… so bloody big!"
She giggled, "Think I saw him once or twice."
"Blossom, no. If you saw him. You know. You don't think. You know!"
She giggled. "Okay, I saw him a few times but... Did you just say he dyed his hair carrot?"
"Babe, there's literally no other way to phrase it."
She blushed. She knew he didn't mean it that way, but it was hard to not feel self-conscious after. "It's getting late." she shyly pushed her phone towards him, "Um, exchange numbers?"
He looked down and thought about it. Even mentally calculated how long he should take before answering. After a fifteen second delay, he gave her the affirmation. Awkward wasn't a look he often wore, but could he admit it now? He was absolutely smitten!
He had crushes before, but not like this. Obviously, their school had a freaking beauty or two walking around, but they didn't act, smell, or even talk like Blossom. She was more mature than he'd expected and the way she could carry a conversation with him was simply enticing!
Could he just do it now? Was it safe for him to admit she was definitely his type?
Maybe it was hormones or the fact that he was seventeen and never had a girlfriend. Could also be that she was this new shiny thing in a city filled with old or refurbished items. Whatever the fuck was his reason for noticing her, he did. Her personality was out of the world if not indescribable and the way he had to go through hoops — the fact that he actually put in work in the first place — was proof enough that he liked her... most likely past the bridge of just friends.
"What's that?"
She pointed, "Said I'm going over there now," she whispered, "Time to go home."
"I'll walk you."
She giggled, "I'm not giving you all that work Brick. It's fine." His name sounded a bit shaky when it left her lips.
"You're cold?"
"Not rea..." he saw the way she seemed to ease in the warmth of his jacket.
"I'm not using it." He pointed to his open knapsack, "And my books think it looks better on you… just give it back on Monday. Rules of Townsville, April temperatures are shit after rain."
She nodded, "Trust me, duly noted."
"So, we're walking you to your…?"
"Cab app!" she saw that look, "Don't worry, it's only 2 minutes away."
He liked the way she nuzzled more into his jacket. He loved the fact that he saw her in his jacket.
"I'm not. Just making sure you get home safe."
"Thought you wanted to shower?"
He chuckled, "What's a few extra minutes after a few hours? Eh?"
"Oops." She grinned.
"But trust me, first thing on my docket when I get home."
Blossom looked at the Silver Almira that stopped right in front of them, "Guess this is me." She double-checked before slowly opening the car door.
He nodded pleasantly, "Yeah. Um… reach home safe." Was he supposed to hug her? She didn't seem like a hugger… most girls here weren't huggers anyway… except Robin but she's…
"Will do… and Brick?"
"Yeah?" he asked, watching her go inside the car.
"I think we had a really nice chat today, Thanks! And for the jacket too!"
Face flushed red, but she probably couldn't see it from the dimmed atmosphere, "Yeah… me too."
Chapter End Notes
Billy: Twas the fight before Christmas (Christmas themed movie)
Next:
This feeling – Brick struggles to appear cool in Blossom's eyes.