Previous: After his long-awaited chat, Brick finally allows himself to admit something.
Summary:
This Feeling – Just because he accepted it in his heart, doesn't mean he'd ever say it out loud. They're getting closer. That's all that matters, but could he act natural for once? In which the gang invites Blossom to lunch.
Having a sporadic fit because the social Feng Shui 'felt' off was probably the most ingenious plan Boomer had pulled off for the year. One should note, his lavish bullshitting about 'study synergies and chemistries' failed miserably. It was only after he mentioned the delightful cracks in Brick's personality that the space in between Boomer and Blossom was reserved. Same girl placed her knapsack on Brick's chair after everything had been said and done. Sure, there was no need, but for all the times he'd passed on sitting next to her, she needed this win.
Light refreshments were being ordered on her dime. Boomer remained rooted to his seat in deep thought as his eyes peered over the menu card and towards the plain-clothed waitress. In the sea of crisp uniforms and lint-free aprons, that young blonde with her tresses tied low stood out to him. Her tone was gentle, and she spoke with a happy burst of confidence.
Don't know if it was her darn-near enticing laugh or if it had been the way her skin was freckled loosely with moles, but to Boomer, her face warranted every stolen glance. He'd stutter if he'd tried to speak. Boomer was painfully aware of the damage fresh crushes did to his vocal cords; the way it gutted and stabbed his insides and the way they messed with his head.
Being the more interested party sucked. It pained him to desire her name, the school she attended, or to know if she'd been looking. Questions like that — interest like that — usually came after she'd stolen a glance or two. He wasn't the best at relationships; a bit neglectful, forgetful, and sometimes over-friendly with others. Whatever the reason, they always ended with the girl's shed tear and a bit of regret from being too much like his own father.
Anyways, he hated this. Crushing first was hardly ever his thing. His fear of rejection usually prevented it from happening.
He should have studied at home.
He hated this.
Brick entered the café as if he'd just bitten into a slice of heaven. The atmosphere felt light and airy, the furnishing's conditions were mint, and the tables were sparse of the slightest scratch or stain. The music that danced to his ears mixed between easy classics and current top hits. Brick was too busy wondering how Blossom managed to discover the place to notice Boomer's intense stare the moment he reached the top of the stairs.
"Mate, your face?" Either way, the blonde was glad for the distraction. Though the others were yet to have caught on, he knew he'd been looking in her direction for far too long.
Brick's eyes continued to cruise the room for a flaw. Had the study meet not been on Blossom's dime, he'd have walked the fuck back out and get his stomach's fill at a vending machine or a cheap parlour. The hints of epoxy leaking through the floor made him feel a bit at ease. Perhaps, the only reason the café looked so lavish was that it was recently renovated.
"Hey," He needed to get the blanket greetings out the way first. Surprise took him as he realized he'd been the last to arrive. Brick had managed to drag himself to the meeting spot a whole ten minutes early, yet the other six were already seated and prepared. Go figure.
Seeing Blossom again brought about a sea of emotions. Her eyes seemed to have lit up the moment they dragged past whatever dark brew she had steaming in her mug and looked at him. Brick couldn't help but recall their little bonding session last afternoon. Between that, a few shared texts and the fact that she'd worn her hair differently today made it a little hard to hide his growing crush.
He had worried about her the night before. Even freaked his sister out by his unsettling antics. Courtney may have been a brat most times, but seeing her brother anxiously fixated on his phone while his hair dripped on his shoulders was disquieting.
Blossom had texted a bit late — as in, 'twenty minutes after Brick himself asked if she got home safe' late. Thoughts about her safety or if she'd been ignoring him quickly squatted in his mind but they'd been quelled by how easily she'd roped him into a chat.
Honestly, he still remembered how three simple words, 'Blossom is typing . . .', made his insides knot. That time, Brick had even chewed the tip of his thumb until it reddened and almost pierced. Yes, it pained. Duh, it stung. So what, it near-drew blood, but it was the least he could do to stay grounded.
"Door." The memory was as painful as it was embarrassing. There was no chance in hell Boomer was going to get further details.
All in all, their study session had been a commercial success. Within the last six hours, they'd managed to breeze through two practice tests and at least eight difficult questions they'd stumbled upon during their personal studies. Somewhere in between, maybe during their first break, Brick turned to the small tap on his shoulder. Between her twin braids with white ribbons adorning the end, — no, he wasn't staring! Sometimes she'd toy with her kiwi and coconut-scented plait to clear her mind! — light makeup refreshing her face with colour and the smell of her perfume, Brick was not okay.
"Look down," she said softly. While everyone else had preoccupied themselves with another snack order, she'd taken the liberty to return his borrowed article.
She'd packaged it oddly. A small brown shopping bag that looked like she'd just visited a boutique. "House-warming gift?" he'd asked stupidly.
Her giggle was understandable, "It's yours."
His eyes widened, "I... Didn't get you anything back."
"No silly, your jacket." Brick was really out of it, "I washed it."
"You didn't have… It wasn't even all that clean." A shrug because it was a thoughtful act on her behalf.
"It's the least I could do."
"But you're already sponsoring…"
Her lips seemed to have tightened, her gaze cautious as she leaned in closer, "My friend there…" fingers pointing to the plain-clothed blonde, "Bubbles? This is her family's."
"Ooh," He chuckled, dare not look at her since she was too close for his chest to comprehend, "Abusing our friend role, are we now?"
She giggled even louder, a stray-eye catching their moment, "Almost? I may have mentioned something about the son of Ivan Realty and Mathews Designs before…"
He looked at her oddly; suspicious, weary.
"Oh, God! No, wait, not like that!" Her tone still hushed, her palms framing her embarrassed cheeks, "Okay, look. It was stupid, but at that time it was funny. I mean!" she giggled, "Come on, I'm in class with the son of the man who sold my family our house… that's bonkers? Right?"
Not really but he still smiled in agreement.
"Whatever," she teased, "But Bubs and I got to talking and…"
He listened intently. Mostly since he enjoyed her flustered rattling. Something about her slipping character was oddly comforting. Blossom had been one of the most put-together and mature girls he'd met in a while. Seeing her all defensive like that had been cute. She was after all, cute; very cute.
She paused after he'd flickered her straying fringe from her face. Part of having bangs was that they didn't always conform to loosely braided styles. She tried to get it all back, but as the day went on, they'd keep getting free and curled to her eyes. Annoying, yes, but growing them out was not something she was open to… yet.
"Well, at some phase your dad helped them out… and that's when she joked that if I ever brought you here, food's free… so…"
"She gave you an inch, so you took a mile?" Save for Princess and her skewered view of socializing, no one loosely described Brick as a nice person with tact. A fun asshole was what he was, and on a good day, an alright lad. His bluntness wasn't something most people were a fan of but — luckily – Blossom had taken it in one of the most humorous tones.
"You can say that." She tittered. Partly true, Blossom did have a few costs to cover but they paled in comparison to studying at Joey Finklemeyer's father's conference room. Listen, that boy was one of the most self-important jerks she'd met… and she grew up with a lot of social climbing disasters. Had Robin revealed that her last-minute study group was filled with such… God! No wonder Brick and Boomer almost passed. Freaking nightmares!
Brick smiled, "My dad's almost a real celebrity in your eyes, yeah? Enough to name-drop me? Me?"
"Oh relax," she teased, "We just used that as an excuse to help cover the costs."
A brow popped at her word choices. Only the slightest slip, but he'd been smart enough to see through her story. Blossom may seem firm and steeled, but the girl had moments when she was far too nice. It was a sight he wasn't a fan of. "I'm still paying my share, don't worry."
He didn't need to squeeze her hand with such reassurance. Blossom was perfectly fine with her decision. A bit too quickly, she pulled her hand away, fisting them on her leg as she continued. Oddly, the action didn't spur much thought between the two… Boomer honestly believed they didn't even realize the awkward situation they averted.
"I don't doubt that you can, but I insist."
Brick waited until it had been late to act. While the group chatted amongst themselves, he looked to one of the staff; their uniform, an almost colour-blocked shirt in khakis and apron, cute, refreshing, stylish, "Bathroom?"
.
.
"Nice haircut."
His cap was finally off. Held neatly in his hands. Subconsciously, he raked his fingers through it, the short length feeling unfamiliar to the touch, "What's your angle?"
"No, no," Boomer explained, chin in palms with a wicked grin, "Looks good, honestly!"
Brick's glare never wavered. He positioned himself on the chair and forced a thanks for the sake of being polite. His fingers brushed past the bruising on his forehead. Had he known it would have darkened this much, he'd have opted out of cutting three months' worth of his hair and give his hand a try at bangs.
"Smells good too." Blossom added. She didn't have the social tact the others had. She wasn't too good at inserting herself into conversations without careful consideration.
She kept a straight face as the two passed their gazes between her. Her awkward swallow being missed as Bubbles rushed to her rescue, "Anything else?"
Brick blinked out of pure surprise. "Well… no… I don't think…"
"Well, I think you should try our special of the month!" she really was a charismatic gem.
"And that's?"
"Caramel pecan pie!"
"What's the cost?"
Her smile widened, "On the house!"
"No, seriously." He glared at people far too easily.
"Yes, seriously." She was completely unfazed.
"No-"
"Brick!" Robin groaned, fixing the last set of completed papers into her binder, "You know, sis," she addressed Bubbles directly, "Just for him, I'll pay." She shook his head, "He's always like this, I'm so sorry."
Bubbles returned the apologies, "It's really on the house! Look, I'll even bring one for eve- "
"Then you'll go bankrupt." This guy.
"Brick, why are you like this?" Robin hissed. The atmosphere got heated fast. The girl seated beside Robin really tried to calm her down, but Brick's personality had a habit of getting bristly at the most inopportune times. She'd tell him off directly, but she really wanted their study group to last more than one session. The chances that any of the newer members would return were slim as is. Tanking it by challenging Brick was not an option! Robin should have known better!
"I'll have a slice." Boomer said simply, "And a cup of builder's? My last for the day." He closed the menu card and smiled genuinely, "We should hang out sometime, my treat! Honestly, thanks for this, Bloss."
That fucking heartthrob.
The table got quiet; thoughtful first, then grateful.
Joey looked at his watch and grimaced, "Is it really this late already?"
Robin shrugged, "If you guys want to go on longer, I don't mind."
Boomer shook his head, "Tapped out."
Joey nodded, "Yeah, same here. It's already half six… but tomorrow's fine–"
"I'll pas-"
"Whoops. Sorry, Blossy." It was no fucking accident. Call it a save-her-friend-from-being-a-rude-bitch type of 'stumble'. Bubbles was wearing sneaks for crying out loud!
Blossom straightened and smiled, "My apologies, I'm actually quite busy tomorrow." One of her rehearsed lies. "But this was good work! Thanks everyone… and, also," because she really didn't like Joey, "No one here is obligated to treat me to anything. I bribed you all to study here, so it's nothing, really!" Her distancing was subtle but very much understood.
Robin felt a bit jaded, "Hey, Joey? Help me out? I think I'll leave too. Drop me home?"
"Yeah," he flexed his keys, "Got the cool car today, this baby drives smooth."
White noises, interference, chatter that receded with time; the day had passed. Brick smiled impishly at the two seated across him, the way they racked their brains for easy excuses to leave.
"Well, I guess that's it." Maybe it was pity… or something else. Let's just say, he really didn't want anyone else to make an order.
"Yes, today was very… scholarly… what?" Suzan had managed. She usually thought of herself as a figment of female strength and empowerment, but something about Brick and Boomer made her feel so small. "Lou, are you taking the bus?"
"It's not like I have a car."
She rolled her eyes, "I'm offering you a ride to the stop. Jesus. Just take it!" as much of a drag he was, she'd feel less self-conscious if she left the group with someone else. She would ask Blossom, but that girl was far too intimidating to consider manipulating.
"Bye." Boomer said sweetly as if he'd known she'd had a few nasty thoughts about them in her head.
"Yeah," a shy wave.
Bubbles beamed when they left. She flipped her notepad open once more and begun working on the rather difficult boy in front of her, "So, the special?"
"I guess," He shrugged. Cheeky little devil. "I'll just have what Boom's having."
She dipped her head in confusion, "Boom?" the gears turning slowly, "Oh," she turned, "Is that you?"
"Boomer," He clarified, and with a tired point, he explained, "He's Brick."
She smiled, "Bubbles," he'd lost count every time he tried counting the dusted moles on her face. The hint of the prominent beauty mark on her ear caught him off guard. Stunning.
"What about you, Blossom?"
"No, it's late. I shouldn't."
Bubbles nodded in understanding, "Let me just put in their orders and I'll meet you at the office. Dad'll take you home."
"Thanks."
"Darling, It's fine."
.
.
Well, that day went nice. Nice enough to carry his smile into the next week. He learnt a few things about her last Saturday. Like how she was the type to dress regally. Her blouse, though unusual, gave such charm to the rich wine-coloured circle skirt she wore. Another thing he noted was that she was getting used to the cold. Her stockings weren't even that thick, yet she'd been complaining about the heat. No, he wasn't staring at her legs… well, not on purpose.
Oh, whatever! Between her fashion choices, scent, and the shine on her lip gloss, Brick was surprised he didn't fumble right next to her. Even as the days faded in and out, the memory of her still burned into his cheeks. Boomer had twice asked if he'd been unwell because… well… Brick had been caught smiling a few times in the hallways. It creeped the blonde out.
Somehow, thinking that she'd touched his arm four times for a consultation left an imprint on his chest. Something almost mimicking a cup of cocoa on a cold winter evening, or that first time he went ziplining in the mountains. Buzzling, indescribable–
"What Butch?" He lacked tact when answering his phone. He groaned as one of his exiting classmates jumped from his tone. Okay, maybe he needed to work on being a little more personable, but these people always overreacted when it came to him.
"Babe, you're blocking my locker. Move."
Brick's eyes immediately searched the source of the commotion, not even surprised that Princess was telling off an upperclassman who'd mistakenly inconvenienced her while he was flirting with his boyfriend.
"You're on the money, but she's only talking." Brick eased in the call. Friends or not, Princess was a bitch and it's not his fault that Butch recognized that shrill from the receiver, "You're downstairs already? … Did you skip class or something? … Yeah… I'm down, let me just finish with my locker."
.
.
"But the formulas aren't formulating, Ainsley! Are you sure there isn't a problem with my laptop? I think it's got a bug."
Boomer propped his phone to his ear with his shoulder as he held the stubborn door open. He was thanked, of course. One or two girls giggled childishly after taking his gesture personally.
"Quite the chauvinist, are we?" Blossom grinned, resting her back against the adjacent hallway window.
"Some doors get stuck like this sometimes… nothing an ole' lunchtime greasing won't fix."
"Thanks Boomer!" another girl cheered. The guy trailing slowly behind just scoffed in disgust, hand in his blazer as he marked Boomer a flirt.
Fuck that shit.
"Buttercup? Are you coming or what?" very angry for someone with a permanent smile stitched on his face. Letting go of the door was his greatest release. Blossom still stayed pressed on the wall, watching the blonde roll the pain off his shoulders, "For the record Blossom, common courtesy. There was a group behind me…"
The girl said nothing, only smiled.
"Why am I wasting my time explaining to you? You know what? I don't care if you don't believe me," how unhinged, "Common. Courtesy."
She shrugged, "No offense, but you're thinking way too deep into what I sa-" her hand immediately clasped on her chest at Buttercup's loud interlude.
"Help. Me."
Boomer hung up. Wished his phone was a flip for that lovely dramatic effect. "Hi Boomer," he said sarcastically, then turned to Blossom as he showed Buttercup what it meant to have manners, "Oh, hi Blossom! So sorry. Did I interrupt your super important conversation because I don't know how to operate an overpriced laptop? My humble apologies."
"Our teacher recommends Macs." She's used to him already.
Boomer rolled his eyes, "Macs are pure shit for gaming."
"Whoop-tee-doo. Thankfully, I don't game." Buttercup turned to Blossom's shuffling. The girl's hugged arm exposed her reluctance to leave them without a word. A month ago, Blossom wouldn't have thought twice about disappearing. Unfortunately, she'd gotten attached to some of the students, so she'd been struggling to keep her good impressions. "Blossom, yea? We've met before."
Blossom awkwardly bowed her head before Buttercup could offer a very stiff handshake.
"I'm thinking," there was something misplaced about her smile, "Since you're already hanging out with this loser here, want to join me for lunch?"
"I don't want to impose." Fast and polite rejections were Blossom's specialty. They left her lips almost automatically.
"I mean, you're not." Buttercup clarified, "I invited you," her tone quickly switching to a friendlier beat, "Plus, I need to borrow Boomer! I'd hate that I interrupted your super important conversation!"
It was sad that Blossom didn't understand how fake Buttercup was at that moment. The girl did 'peppy' like a pro. Buttercup was internally gagging at every action she made. To her friends, it was pretty obvious. Honestly, not her finest act, but still acceptable. Boomer was really keen on keeping his poker face until he found Buttercup's ulterior motive.
"You really don't have t–"
"You know," she crinkled her nose whilst enjoying her borrowed persona, "I don't think I ever saw you in lunch hall before? Look, you're friends with Brick, right? I'll get him to sit with us."
"Ha!" Boomer grinned. "Chance."
She glared, then smiled sweetly at Blossom, "I'm sure he'd be interested."
Boomer opened his eyes in recognition of her scheme, "Holy fudge! Yes! Blossom, please!"
.
.
Brick almost choked on his milk. Even though he and Blossom were on casual texting terms, he'd never had the courage to ask her out to lunch again. Seeing her stroll in with Buttercup and Boomer — a pair that sometimes meant fucking disaster — made him question his sanity. "I think my brain's fried."
"Nope, I see her too." Butch barely replied. Just placed his phone face down on the table.
"Why?"
"Because she's… there?" notice that Butch never mentioned who. Even though he wasn't too big on piss-Brick-off-Thursdays, he was bored, so he complied.
"No, I mean... Why's she there?"
His shrug perfectly matched his don't-know-don't-care expression. His table was near filled… Well… there were two others occupying the bench. They could have fit if they were less stingy on table space, but he didn't want to, "Remember when I said these seats were saved?" Harry barely got a bite in before Butch changed his tune, "Ride the fuck out."
Brick rose a brow. Didn't expect them to scamper without even a protest. Had Brick done that same shit, he'd be called out for being a tyrant, but oh well, apples to oranges, life's always been quite the bitch. "What are you, a struggling mafia man now?"
"And you're my boss, boss."
He glared, "Funny."
"I should be thanked! I know I'm not the only one seeing how grumpy that asshole looks!"
"Yikes, does Buttercup know you talk about her like that?"
"Funny."
Brick studied the blonde, "Yeah, really. I don't think I've ever seen him force a smile that wide. You know, I'd kill to see someone push his buttons today. Never saw him snap before. It'll be a laugh."
"I can't risk getting suspended again. Dad might lose his last shit."
Brick snickered, "Come on, you're saying that if he got in a fight, you're not getting involved?"
Butch glared.
"You're right, mate." He looked at Butch's fists, "Those things you got there are bloody weapons, innit? Don't know why you're such a hooper. You should be Krav Magaing or something like that."
"I… do something like that?" wasn't much of a question, just a blanket statement, "Remember that three-week involuntary counselling I got way back when?"
"As in, last year?"
"So, they advised 'physical outlets'."
"Does it help?"
"No."
"Classic."
Buttercup pulled her laptop out of her bag and promptly placed it on the lunch table.
"This mess comes with a password?" Boomer asked, settling in his space.
"It's not locked. Just, let me get my lunch. And the file's already opened, no worries."
"Yeah, yeah."
Impatience made his eyes wander. Butch's food looked like the first step to a heart attack. He understood that the boy's father wasn't much of a cook, but it didn't mean Butch had to go buy himself the most disgustingly unhealthy shit he could find in a street cart.
"How could you eat that absolute rubbish?"
Butch looked up, mouth filled with the cheesy fries, and swallowed. Nope, he didn't choke… surprisingly. Years of barely chewing made it easy to swallow just about anything, "This? This is good shit! It's like poutine, but on crack! And… piss off! Still better than your MIND diet shit food."
"Which is sodium-free," Brick rightfully added.
Boomer acted mighty offended, "Brick, what did mum cook for me?"
"You want?" He'd looked as though he'd been waiting for the suggestion.
"This bloke's asking answers here!" he cried.
"No backsies." Brick quickly exchanged lunches with a lazy smile. From what he'd noticed, it seemed to be another one of those fancy Mediterranean salads with chicken.
"What's wrong with this?" Boomer asked suspiciously.
"We've been having steak every night for the past week. I'm sick of it."
"Seriously? I hate your type. This lad's got life good and he's got the gall to complain. No, seriously? Why can't I just become your brother?"
"Brother? You're still holding that crush on my sister? Didn't know you were into the bratty types. God bless your poor soul."
"You have a sister?" Blossom asked quietly.
Brick was suddenly conscious of his every blink, breath, and muscle twitch. How on God's green earth did he forget that Blossom was there? "Yes?"
One, why did he answer as a question. Two, was he seriously stuttering? He had a class with her just fine this morning. He'd spent a good hour texting her on Tuesday and he was pretty sure he'd been more on the cool side last Saturday. What the heck was wrong with him?
"How come you're not with Dexter?"
He was stupid. That was what's wrong with him.
"Hmm?" The question confused her at first. She poked her creamy mac and cheese a bit before talking about the tutoring program she'd joined for community service hours. It made sense. The whole thing just screamed… 'Blossom' and at some point, Boomer had to question if she had a life.
She had a laugh, "Of course I do," prodding him with her elbow since he'd gotten so snappy and snarky.
Buttercup joined in the middle of their 'interrogation'. Her first step to accepting Blossom was to show her the ropes, "And seriously, these two?" Buttercup pointed, "They don't let up, so you need to be upfront and tell them as it is or else, they'll walk all over you."
"I know someone who'd — Ouch! Buttercup!"
"Wasn't me." She rose her hands defensively, eyes widened with glee.
There was a mischievous glint to Butch's nonchalant gaze. He'd been paying too much attention to his food lately. His lack of eye contact meant he'd been up to no good. It took the others a while to catch on, but after Butch had moved to the end of his table, their plan was set in motion.
"Sorry Bloss, could you go over to Brick's side?"
"I'm… sorry?" She wasn't sure if he was kicking her out because she somehow vexed him or if he'd been kidding. If it was the former, it was nearly embarrassing. "Cups and I are working on this here," he further explained. Must say, he felt relief after he'd seen that pint of doubt leave her eyes. "and we sort of need some space… I want to scoot around."
"So sorry," Buttercup's sugar-sweet voice quickly alerted Brick she'd been scheming. Calling them out on their shit was too risky. They'd obviously dragged Butch into it so the only person to be potentially embarrassed was him. "And we need more space to put our bags."
Bullshit.
Still, Brick scooted near the middle as he added salt to his lunch. His friends meant well. That was all that mattered.
"I think I got your problem."
They'd gotten back to Buttercup's assignment. A few incorrectly linked columns, bad graph plotting, and… simply put, Buttercup sucked at excel. Dog shit according to her current tutor. Brick was upset he wasn't considered to help but after it was made obvious that he routinely marked her texts as read, he'd been silent for a while.
"Okay, and that's why I asked you to show me what I did wrong!" Buttercup argued.
"The question is, what didn't you do wrong?"
"This guy!" she groaned, "I really can't stand you sometimes!"
"Yet you texted him instead of me."
"Brick, you don't even bother to open her messages." Boomer was so done.
"So? And?"
Blossom facepalmed. The point flew past his head.
"Always the pretty ones. So dumb." Sure, Buttercup had said it to Brick, but the way she'd been playing in Boomer's hair meant he'd also been referenced.
"You flatter me Buttercup. You're not my type." Brick dug his own grave.
"Oh?" Butch slyly asked, "You have a type?" his gleam bright and mischievous. There was a distinct twitch in his arm. Probably a result of him getting too excited over such a trivial prank.
Brick's face immediately reddened, his muscles tensing as he stared at his salad. Where were the public meltdowns when he needed it? Most of the students were exhausted. Baggy eyes, dulling skin, and fresh acne welts. They hadn't the time to throw a wobbly. That really blew!
"Hey, Butch? Mind I ask? Doesn't your digital media course cover excel? You should try helping her too."
"Unfortunately, I went to him first," Buttercup groaned, "He's just as bad as me, okay? But the guy deserves an A for effort. Boomer has his uses and I'm over you ignoring my texts. So let's just drop it for now, please?"
"You really want to drop Brick explaining his type?" Boomer asked in a sort of distracting tone. Albeit he was sometimes great at multitasking, his priority was helping Buttercup.
"I don't have a type. But I'll know her when I see her."
"Don't you mea-"
"Her?" Butch was faster and louder, "You said you'll know her when you see her. I'm no English major but– "
"You're really not."
"Buttercup, shush!" Boomer warned. Butch was really laying it thick! He loved it!
"He should have said," Butch carefully enunciated his words because screw her. "It. I asked your type, not your girl." An impish smile, "Unless… wait, is your type is based on a girl? I mean, if it is... My apologies," Hands to his chest in the noblest of ways." If she is... would she happen to have curly red hair?"
"Oh, fuck you." Brick was usually very stingy with his dire curses. He wanted to trust that they wouldn't say anymore but if he were in their shoes, that trust would be out the window.
On Butch's nudge, Boomer continued, "you usually ignore our Princess teases... What's happening today?"
"Probably exams." He lied. And you know what? He wasn't daft. They weren't bloody talking about Morbucks! Blossom was freaking next to him for crying out loud. Why the hell would they even do him like that? He's been nice all month!
"Or we probably hit the nail on its head."
Buttercup snickered, "Oh yeah? Princess, sure." her sarcasm, ripe for the picking. Brick wanted to fucking die. Blossom wasn't usually the clueless type when it came to these things. He probably lucked out since she'd been spacing out the whole time. Everyone there had their place. They all belonged… which, made sense, because they were friends for quite some time. But Blossom felt like an imposter.
Playing with her mac and cheese, tuning in to a few of their jokes, and replying when she thought she'd been addressed. That was all she'd been doing. That's why when she'd replied on his behalf, she had no idea that their words had merits or the fact that Brick had a serious crush on her. Just a week ago, she thought he disliked her so much that she found it hard to even tell him 'hi'.
"You guys need to give him a break." Blossom pleaded. "Look at how red his face is!" It was because she was sitting near, "And he's getting redder." Because she was defending him. "I get that your friendship is strong, but what if he starts distancing himself because he's uncomfortable? And what about Princess? Don't you think he'll start feeling uncomfortable around her?" he wouldn't. They're like cousins. Their feelings were mutual in that sense. "I don't know. I just feel like you're all adding fuel to the rumours… and what if he actually likes her."
"I do not."
Butch cackled. "You heard him! A riot eh! God. He told you!"
Buttercup kicked him under the table — knock it off. If he didn't catch himself now, she'd fall prey to his laughter, then Boomer would join in. The gang had said enough to make her aware but not entirely sure. The chances of Blossom reciprocating his feelings were next to none. Flat-out telling her about his crush would lead to disaster but planting only the thought might bear some hope.
Brick was dopey most days, but he deserved his slice of the pie. He wasn't bad-looking or anything. He was years due for a reform, but she might be able to work with that. Sure, the group's methods may have been a little unconventional, but they wanted to help. Sue them.
"Don't worry about it," Well, this felt awkward. Buttercup didn't even know why she felt obligated to explain herself. It appeared that she simply succumbed to Blossom's motherly scolding, "He knows we're joking and those rumours? Not started by us. It's a run-on joke… it's funny how twisty his knickers gets over it… Plus, this time we weren't even talking about Princess. We dropped her name because… it's… funny?"
Suspicious.
"Look, I feel bad, okay?" Buttercup explained, "Let me make this up to you."
"Oh, there's no need." She smiled.
"No, let's get to know each other."
Blossom continued smiling.
"Are you free on the weekends? Movies?"
"Uh…" hands twiddling, eyes searching the lunch hall for familiar faces. Buttercup made her feel cornered. Couldn't describe how but she felt like prey to her whims.
"Relax, she's not asking you out… not in the way you're thinking." Butch spoke up. He'd had enough of the group for now. The whole let's-sit-down-and-have-a-chat mood they've been promoting lately was quite the bore. He wanted to sit in on some gossip or game scores, not this play-with-me-let's-be-friends nonsense. "Buttercup, you're too forward! Chill."
"Rich coming from you."
"Oh, I'm chill…"
"Ignoring Butch," she sighed, "I know Brick'll be in."
"Fuck off." His only answer.
Boomer snickered, "Not missing this! And I owe her a date."
Curious eyes from Buttercup and Butch made him clarify, "As in a friendly get-together. Geez, what's wrong with you people?"
"And we're rolling back to Butch. You in?"
"Let's see. Hoops, or some rom-com… Which do I choose?"
Buttercup seemed pissed.
"As hard as the decision is." Brick tried his hardest not to laugh, "Hoops, there it is! Hoops, there it is!" Butch had real balls.
"For the last time Butch," Patience and understanding were not Buttercup's middle names, "you're the one who bought the wrong tickets."
They fought. Expected. Buttercup was stubborn and Butch liked doing whatever he wanted. As much as they complemented each other on their best days, they'd get nasty on their worst.
"So, what movie it is this time?" Brick was the type to leave people to fight it out. It probably humoured him. God bless Boomer's soul for always knowing the right thing to say. Without his input, Buttercup was probably going for Butch's shirt collar.
"I'm thinking," Blossom offered. Her going already seemed like a done deal, the least she could do was give watchable options, "Something actiony, DC?"
There was a short pause for thought. Their faces showing agreement after a few seconds. "Blossom's in… just you Butch."
"I said pass."
"Don't be a baby."
"Pass."
"Fucking hell!"
"Still, pass."
"Well, we're going to have fun without you then."
"Don't care." He left. Brick was surprised he'd even lingered so long.
"That guy." Buttercup groaned, turned to Blossom then smiled, "So, how's this school treating you? And these two jerks? They giving you a hard time?"
Chapter End Notes
Joey Finkelmeyer: Equal Fights - Season 3 Episode 10
Suzan (Play on the Femme Fatale): Equal Fights - Season 3 Episode 10
Lou Gubrious: The City of Frownsville - Season 6 Episode 10
Next:
Roses – With all the things that have been happening at school. It's nice to take a break once in a while. If Blossom's getting comfortable with Brick's friends, it's natural that he'd do the same with hers, right? Does this mean they're getting closer?