So I was more okay with this chapter than I thought! So here I am with it! Hope you all enjoy!
Still playing around with the style for the texting and trying to figure out what I like most so sorry for the format changes on that! I'm close though and once I have one I'm happy with I do plan to go back and update the previous chapters with the correct format...eventually...It doesn't help that when I upload it here half of it disappears...and certain parts the system won't even let me do on this site, ugh. If you found it confusing on here for the past chapters then you can maybe go take a look at AO3. I have this up there and the formatting there let's me make it a bit more clear.
Thank you all for all the kudos, follows, and reviews! I love seeing those!
Her phone went off again and Blossom couldn't help but roll her eyes. Finally finished catching up on school, she reached for it and opened the group chat she had with her sisters.
Bubs
So I was thinking…
BC
Tell me it ain't so
U no we leave that 4 Bloss to do for a reason…
Bubs
Jerk.
As I was saying
I was thinking
Maybe we can get them to get off-guard or something?
BC
Explain? Not getting wat ur getting at
Bubs
Well first, clearly Bloss still isn't done
Because you know she would have gotten on you for the text lingo
Second, I mean maybe we can get them to like, not relax
BC
Bloss can just lay off. I dont care
Bubs
But maybe like, off balance them?
Like, Boomer clearly wasn't happy after the shopping trip
BC
Ok…kinda seeing it
You wanna mentally go at em
Drive em to the point where theyll slip
Bubs
YES! That!
BC
I mean, Im down
Anything to make getting a break easier
Bubs
So we should repeat the shopping trip right?
BC
More like just be us
But like…x5
Bubs
That's a lot
LET'S DO IT
Blossom rolled her eyes before thinking on it. The boys were already going to be up either late or early two of every three nights. That would mentally be pretty exhausting and with their schedules it seemed that getting naps wasn't likely either. Plus, Boomer had seemed pretty traumatized after the shopping trip. Maybe her sisters were onto something.
Blossom
I think it's worth a shot.
Bubs
BLOSS!
So glad to hear it!
BC
There she is. Thought you'd be asleep.
Blossom
Still awake I'm afraid.
Just finished catching up.
Thank you for stopping with the text lingo.
BC
Whatever. Not like I'm doing it for you…
Bubs
Don't lie. We both know you are.
BC
You can just go text Cabel now and lay off me.
Blossom
ANYWAYS.
I think that like Buttercup said
We just have to be our normal selves
Just…like five times worse.
BC
Ha! They're so gunna regret agreeing to this
Bubs
YES!
Let's make them regret
Think we could even scare them away?
Blossom
That would be pushing it so no.
But we can mentally exhaust them
And make them mentally look for escapes.
Once they get to that point we should be able to sneak out.
I think our best shot will be during Butch's shifts.
He seems to be the least attentive.
I'm hoping it'll mean he's the easiest to sneak past.
BC
I'm so down.
Might even offer once or twice to distract him
If you two need to sneak out without me and promise to take Mitch with you
And you two promise to make it up to me
Might even need to do it since Bloss's red head went and found our ways out.
Blossom
He's NOT my red head!
BC
Sure Bloss. Sure.
Bubs
Please no.
Blossom
He's NOT! Ugh!
ANYWAYS
We can start tomorrow.
Dad usually complains about us in the mornings anyways.
We'll just be extra loud, I guess.
BC
Hell. Yeah. Let's rock this!
Bubs
Oh I'm looking forward to this! :D
Blossom
Haha, just make sure you aren't going to end up late.
I'm going to turn in now.
Night girls.
BC
Night
Bubs
Nighty night!
With a light giggle, Blossom set her phone back down and made her way out of her room, stifling a yawn as she did so. It was a little after midnight and Blossom hadn't planned on staying up for as long as she had but she'd missed more than she thought she would have, even after it just being one day. She'd managed though and now it was time for brushing teeth and going to bed.
Wrapping the dressing gown tighter around herself, Blossom stepped closer to the rail so she could just about look down into the living room. Brick was sitting on the sofa, the coffee table pulled slightly closer to him, looking over notes as well. She could see the familiar textbook she'd just spent the past hour pouring over open in front of him and wondered if he was also struggling.
As if sensing her, Brick looked up from his book at her and raised an eyebrow. Blossom frowned back down at him before turning and continuing down the hall. Rethinking it, she didn't really care if he was struggling or not. After all, she wanted as little to do with him as possible and if she kept wondering things like that...well, she knew herself pretty well. She knew she'd end up wanting to help if he was and Blossom really didn't want that. Plus, maybe this would help exhaust him the way they were planning on.
Blossom couldn't help but frown at that thought though. They'd have to be careful. She might want them to let their guard down, but she didn't want them all to be making slips and mistakes with school or work. She'd have to keep an eye out to make sure she and her sisters didn't take it too far.
"Bubbles! Why the hell isn't there any hot water left?!" Buttercup yelled as she stormed out of the bathroom, only a towel wrapped around her, hair dripping wet.
"Don't ask me! Blossom took the first shower!" Bubbles yelled back from her room. With a growl, Buttercup turned to stomp to Blossom's room.
"I just did what I normally did! Don't go yelling at me for any lack of hot water!" Blossom yelled back.
"Gah! Someone took the hot water! Hey! Nimrods!" Buttercup yelled as she leaned to poke her head over the second-floor balcony. "It better not have been one of you three! If I find out it was, you're all dead!"
Not waiting for a response, Buttercup stomped into her room and slammed the door.
"Buttercup! The house!" Blossom yelled.
"My make-up! Buttercup!"
Boomer frowned while Butch finally uncovered his ears.
"Think it's always like this?" Boomer asked.
"God, I hope not. Think bro's still asleep?"
"Fuck no. Even he can't sleep through this."
"Poor dude. Hope Blossom has time for him to do a coffee run planned in. He'll be hell to deal with today if she doesn't."
"I'd say good luck but you know what? After that shopping trip maybe some return justice is deserved."
Butch raised an eyebrow at that. "You're gunna have to give me more details on why this trip was such hell, cause now I'm dying to know."
Boomer shook his head. "It was kinda like this and having to heard cats all mixed in one. Had to ask Buttercup not to wander out of sight at least five times. And they had to argue about everything too. It was a nightmare."
Butch hummed in thought as that before they heard the click of a door opening. They turned to see Brick shuffle out of the guest room, clearly still half asleep.
"You good bro?" Butch asked. Brick glared before flipping him off and shuffling past him for the bathroom. Butch chuckled at that.
"Yup. Nightmare," Boomer said with a glance at the second floor. "I'd hate to be in the eldest Utonium's shoes today."
"Eh, think she'll be fine. If they have as many classes together as it sounds like they do it won't be her first time."
A door slammed open and the two Jojo brothers looked up at the second floor to see Bubbles storm out of her room and head for Buttercup's. When she reached it she started banging on the door.
"Buttercup! You better still have my straightener and you better not have ruined it!"
"Chill! I gave it to Blossom!"
"Blossom!"
"Remind me to never let you suggest a new idea ever again," Butch said with a groan as he moved to cover his ears again. Boomer sighed.
"No need. Think I've learned the lesson."
Brick groaned as he rubbed a hand down his face. He was so tired he could barely think straight and all he wanted was a damned coffee but no, Blossom just had to be difficult. He was slowly becoming more and more convinced that the three Utonium sisters were doing it on purpose at this point. He'd seen Blossom order her morning drink before without even half a thought. He knew she didn't need five minutes to think it over.
Even the guy at the register was side eyeing them at this point.
"Blossom, I'm fucking paying. Just chose something. Please," Brick groaned out. He hated that he was clearly begging but it was what it was at this point. He needed his caffeine.
Blossom raised an eyebrow at him and smiled that little smile of hers that he was quickly growing to hate. "I'm sorry. I just couldn't decide. I think I'm ready now."
Brick watched her for a second or two before moving to stand in line. "I swear if you're pulling my leg-"
"I'm not. Plus, it's getting close to the point where we need to head for class anyways. Don't worry, I won't risk being late."
Brick found himself grinding his teeth regardless, a bad habit he thought he'd pretty much broken years ago. Yet there he was. Not even a full 24 hours after the Prof had left, grinding his teeth.
"Careful. You wouldn't want to end up needing dental work."
Today…was going to be a long day.
"There she is, my baby!" Buttercup said as she walked into the shop, completely ignoring as all the mechanics kept glancing at her, confused.
"No keys for you though," Butch said with a sigh as he made for the line up to see what he had to do for the day.
Buttercup glared at him. "No need to be an ass about it. I got it the first ten times you told me."
"Just making sure. I can't keep an eye on you all day long so please stay here."
Buttercup let her upper lip curl in a snarl. "Believe it or not, but I can be mature you ass. You got a break room I can sit and do homework in?"
"Yeah, it's just back-"
"Cool. I'll be there."
Butch sighed as he watched Buttercup stomp off. His boss, a middle-aged man with a bit of a gut to him and a nose just a bit too big and that had always looked out for him and his bros, came up after, clearly confused.
"Sorry Billy. Some stuff happened and I'm gunna be bringing her by a lot for the next few months. She's promised to just stay in the back and out of the way."
Billy raised an eyebrow. "You're not in trouble again are you?"
"No. At least, probably not. Just, please let me just leave her in there?"
Billy watched him for a few minutes before sighing and nodding. "Fine. It's the least I can do for my best mechanic. As long as she doesn't cause any trouble, she can stay."
"Thank you!"
Now Butch just had to hope that Buttercup would do as she promised and not get him in trouble.
"Robbie! Oh my gosh I needed to see you way more than I realized!" Bubbles cried as she flung herself out of Boomer's car and towards her best friend. Robin laughed as she accepted the desperate hug and gave Bubbles' back a few pats.
Boomer sighed as he turned off his car and climbed out. Robin turned at the movement and he watched as she gave him a slow once over. Smiling, Boomer made his way over and held his hand out.
"Hi, I'm Boomer. I'm guessing you know what all is going on?" Boomer asked. Robin gave him a few eye flutters and a slow smile as she shook his hand. Bubbles huffed before quickly moving to put Robin between her and Boomer, hugging her best friend's arm as she did so.
"I do. You must be the knight sent to protect Bubs here, hmm?"
Boomer laughed. "Knight is pushing it. I'm just an extra set of eyes really. I wouldn't go expecting me to fight off any fierce dragons or anything."
Robin giggled and missed Bubbles making a gagging motion behind her. Boomer raised an eyebrow at that only for Bubbles to simply glare back.
"Right. Well. If I need my extra set of eyes, I'll be sure to text you. In the meantime, we have class to get to so toodles!" Bubbles said as she quickly gave Boomer a blindingly fake smile before quickly turning and walking off, dragging Robin behind her.
"Wait! Bubs! I was busy there!"
"No, nope, not gunna happen! Last thing I need so sorry, but you'll just have to find some other hunk to solve your issue!"
Boomer chuckled at that. "Don't forget I'm just a text away!" He yelled after the two girls, getting the attention of most everyone around them. Bubbles completely ignored him while Robin waved goodbye.
Well, that was that. Boomer wondered how long it would be before the rumors reached the ears of one of the Utonium sisters. Boomer was famous after all and he had arrived with Bubbles in tow. It probably wouldn't take long, especially since this wasn't going to be the last time he dropped her off.
Boomer smiled at that and turned to make for the cafe. Bubbles would probably end up blowing up at him soon. He was kinda interested in seeing how it'd go. After all, if she was screaming in his face then she wouldn't be ignoring him. And Boomer could work with that.
"Okay, spill! I need all the details," Robin begged as they walked through campus. Bubbles huffed and rolled her eyes at that.
"I'm pretty sure you got the big ones already. They're supposed to be like bodyguards or something, but I swear they just feel like babysitters. Ugh, so annoying!"
"I definitely don't have the big ones! You never said anything about one of the babysitters being a Jojo!"
Bubbles pouted. "It's not just one Jojo. It's the whole stinky lot of them."
Robin dramatically sighed, the back of her hand coming up to rest on her forehead as she fanned herself.
"You mean to say, all three Jojos are living with you three? Swoon central. Please tell me they're as drool worthy out of their clothes as they are in them."
"Ew! Like I bothered looking! And it's definitely not swoon central. They're all just big, dumb, smelly brutes and I want nothing to do with any of them."
"Bubs, please tell me you're kidding. They are literally the school's biggest heartthrobs, and only one of them even goes here!"
"I don't care. I want rid of them."
"Then why would you drag me away from my chance of helping you with that?" Robin cried as she shook Bubbles' arm. Bubbles sighed.
"Because, and trust me on this here, they are determined and that one likes to not take his eyes off me. Annoyingly. If you see me with Butch though, have at it. We decided he'll be the easiest to give the slip and we plan to make use of that."
Robin raised an eyebrow. "There were so many things you just threw at me there I don't know what to comment on first. Okay, let's start with, what the hell do you mean he doesn't take his eyes off of you?"
Bubbles tugged on a pigtail. "I dunno. He doesn't, even though I clearly don't want him staring at me."
"Oh my gosh, he's the blond one. Oh, that makes so much sense! Please tell me you haven't told him to stop yet!"
"Robbie! I'm dating someone!"
"You mean tall, lanky, and boring?"
"Caleb is sweet okay? And why does everyone think he's boring? I happen to think he's super interesting!"
"You think his face is, sure. But the rest of it? Tell me one time where you had an intelligent, deep conversation with the guy."
Bubbles pouted as she thought on it for a bit. Robin watched with a knowing smile as she watched Bubbles' lips twist slightly.
"See?" Robin said, triumphantly. "And I know you. You might be fashion obsessed and trend focused but you need someone who you can really talk to. Not just thrown fluff pieces at."
Bubbles glared at her. "We do really talk. I just feel uncomfortable sharing the details with other people is all. Maybe."
Robin rolled her eyes. "Bubs, we share everything. If you'll remember, I was the one who took you freshman year to get that pregnancy test when you had that scare and you were too terrified to go to Bloss."
"Robin! You promised that you'd never mention that again!"
"I don't get why you're so scared even. I seriously doubt that Blossom would get angry. She'd probably be super helpful even."
"Ugh! Whatever. It doesn't matter. None of it does. I'm happily dating Cabel and I don't want Boomer giving me those...puppy dog eyes."
"Sure Bubs. I'll have to text Buttercup later to see what the betting pool is like on this one."
"Ugh! You're as bad as they are. Seriously, can't you just be happy that I'm happy with Cabel?"
"I am but I just don't want you settling. Cabel seems great and all but he just doesn't feel like he's right for you. And your sisters and I are worried. We all know what you get like. We don't want you to go getting to wound up with this guy and then regretting when the right one does come along and you miss him."
Bubbles pouted at that. "I've been better lately. I'm not too caught up in him. And I seriously doubt Boomer Jojo is the one for me. He can't possibly be a better fit for me than Cabel."
Robin shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not." She smiled and nudged Bubbles in the side, eyebrows wagging. "Bet he'd be the better lay though."
"Oh my god. You sound like Buttercup. We're finding you a guy. Pronto."
"Kinda scary you just compared me to her. I'm not that bad yet, am I?"
Bubbles giggled. "The fact that you said yet tells me all I need to know. We'll start looking for a good guy for you now that tests are behind us. In the meantime, class?"
They had arrived at the building their classes were in and Robin pouted at the doors.
"Fine. Only if you promise me my guy...and a new dress to seduce him with."
Bubbles laughed. "I'll see what I can do."
"Can't believe we still had to drive this shit thing to school," Buttercup grumbled under her breath as she slid out of Butch's jeep. Butch growled lightly and Buttercup smirked at that. Success.
It was a pretty shit jeep though. She wanted her baby back.
"Let's just get to the damned cafe already," Butch grumbled as he got out of the jeep as well.
"Why do I have to go with you? Can't I just go to class?"
"You ever been there?" Buttercup was silent and Butch snorted at that. "That's why. Bro wants me to make sure you know where it is, in case you need to get to it."
Buttercup rolled her eyes. "Like I'd need to know. I'm not dumb enough to lose my phone or something. If I need to get there, I can just look it up."
"Yeah? So then firecracker, what's the name of the place?"
Buttercup frowned. "Uh, Puppy Waves?"
Butch blinked for a few seconds at her before cracking up. "Shit! That's so what I'm calling it from now on. It's Ruff Tides though. Come on, it's not far."
Buttercup huffed as she watched Butch turn and start walking down the sidewalk. She eyed the students all walking around and the campus that she knew she could disappear into before looking back at Butch. She startled when she saw he had stopped to turn back and look at her, eyebrow raised.
"I mean, I won't stop you but it'll just get worse when I have to report that you ran off before I could show you the place. You really don't wanna underestimate my big bro. He will make sure you see where the place is, one way or another. Might as well just make it easy on both of us and follow me now."
Buttercup frowned as she thought on that. She really didn't want to make things more difficult right now though. They were still trying to find a gap to slip through and alerting the Jojos was not gunna help. With a huff, she started to walk towards Butch.
"Lead the way."
Butch smirked before turning to continue down the walkway and Buttercup felt her frown grow. She felt like she just lost. She hated losing.
Damn it. She should have just made a split for it. Fuck the consequences. Too late now, she'd committed.
It didn't take long before they reach the café, a blue sign saying 'Ruff Tides' over a plain door leading into a decent sized place. Buttercup cast a glance around the area and had to admit it was a great spot. Boomer had seriously lucked out.
Butch didn't wait for her to finish looking around before opening the door. "Yo! Where's Boom?" He all but yelled as he walked in.
Buttercup shook her head before following him in. All the tables were filled and the students had all turned to look at Butch. Their reactions were interestingly mixed. Some looked annoyed, some interested in more ways than one, some even looked almost star struck. Creepy.
"Butch, how many times I gotta tell you not to yell when you come in?" Boomer grumbled as he hopped the bar and walked towards Butch, glaring.
Butch let out a booming laugh. "Too many. I ain't about to stop either. I'm here to relieve you. Mikey here today?"
Boomer socked Butch in the arm, the older Jojo ignoring it, before waving slightly at Buttercup. "Nah, his first day is tomorrow. Mitch'll be able to train him then. We're always weirdly swamped on Wednesdays."
Wait. Who now?
"Man, that sucks. Was hoping I could test him and get him to make me something."
"Dude, you hate coffee and we don't sell booze till after seven."
Butch grinned. "Exactly. Wouldn't have to fake it when I told him I thought his drink was shit."
"Dude, can you at least wait a few days before...hey, Buttercup! What're you doing here?" Mitch asked as he walked out from the back, grinning when he saw Buttercup. Boomer and Butch swung around to look at her.
"Well shit. You just had to be in business with this fucker didn't you. Fuck my life. I'm going to class now. Peace mo-fos," Buttercup snarked out before turning and storming out.
"Whoa, someone's in a bad mood. What happened?" She heard Mitch ask.
God fucking damn it all. Mitch just had to be partners with Boomer fucking Jojo of all people, didn't he?
Gah! Why couldn't things just be easy for once?!
Sparring Dummy
BC
Yo
I no ur there
U left read receipt on
Please dont b mad
Buttercup
UGH! Im not
Not at u at least
Sparring Dummy
Right
Thats so believable
Buttercup
Im not!
U ask those losers why I was mad?
Sparring Dummy
Uh, kinda?
Butch said theyre watching u 3
Buttercup
Yeah
Exactly
U just met the babysitters
Sparring Dummy
Kinda figured at this point
Cant b that bad tho
Theyre pretty cool dudes
The Jojos
Buttercup
Maybe they are
Maybe theyre not
I dont care
I DONT need babysat!
Sparring Dummy
Ok maybe not u
Ur sisters tho
Theyll b safe with those 3
Buttercup
And thats great!
Id be all down 4 it
If I werent included in it!
Sparring Dummy
Yeah
Ur pissed
Thats fair
Still gunna try and sneak out from them?
Buttercup
U gunne rat me out if I say yes?
Sparring Dummy
Come on BC
You no I wouldnt do that
Not to u
Buttercup
Then duh
Course I am
Might need u to help once or twice
Especially if my sisters come with
Id maybe feel better to no I had back up
Just in case my dad was right to get these losers to help
NOT that I need them
Sparring Dummy
I no u dont
U kicked my ass like 3 times a few days ago
I still have the bruises
Buttercup
Ha! Good that u havent forgotten
Sparring Dummy
U wont let me
And u can still escape to my place
If u need a place
Buttercup
Ill keep that in mind
Prof just walked in
Talk later
Sparring Dummy
Later
"Can't let you do that short stuff," Butch said as Bubbles huffed in response.
"Come on! We'll follow right behind you. It'll be fine!" She complained back. Buttercup munched idly on a protein bar as she looked between the two.
"No can do. He can follow us but you gotta ride back with me."
"I promise we'll head straight to the house."
"Nope."
"Pretty, pretty please?"
Bubbles was doing the eye batting thing that Buttercup hated. She always used it when she wanted to get her way. Usually worked too, to Buttercup's disgust.
"Uh-uh. Not gunna happen. In my jeep you go."
Oh? Buttercup was impressed. Butch seemed completely not fazed.
"Oh come on, please? I'm asking super nicely."
"So am I. In the jeep we go," Butch said with a wide smile. Bubbles pouted.
"I don't want to. Cabel's car is so much-"
"Okay, you Utonium sisters can diss the jeep once a day and firecracker here already took up that quota. Diss the jeep again and I'll throw you in it. Now go tell him no and then in the jeep you go."
Bubbles glared at him before huffing and turning around to walk back to her boyfriend.
"Please tell me she's telling him to follow us. I really will throw her in my jeep if I have to."
Buttercup rolled her eyes. "It's fine. Hope you know Cabel's still going to be coming over."
Butch shrugged. "Should I care?"
"I dunno. How would you feel if you're girlfriend had three guys all of a sudden crashing at her place? You trying to tell me you wouldn't cause issues or have a talk with said guys?"
Butch frowned. "Huh. Hadn't thought about it that way. Still don't care. I'll make Brick deal with it."
Buttercup raised an eyebrow. "Not Boomer?"
"Yeah, last thing I think we need is for my baby bro to go and say something that'll ruin baby Utonium's relationship. If anything, Boom is gunna be put inside a room and told, firmly by big red, to stay."
"Sounds like you three might not be complete idiots then."
Butch raised an eyebrow. "Is that why you asked? Cause you wanted to test me?"
Buttercup smirked as she stuffed the protein bar's empty wrapper in her back pocket. She'd throw it away later. "No. Was kinda hoping I'd get to see one of you cream bean pole there. Oh well. I'll do it myself once he screws up somehow."
Without waiting for a reply, Buttercup turned to get into the jeep's front seat. First come, first serve after all.
"Wait, you wanted us to stir up trouble? Ain't he your sister's boyfriend?"
Didn't mean she had to like him. Also didn't mean he wouldn't screw up somehow. Buttercup had seen her sisters go through enough relationships to know someone was gunna screw something up eventually and it's not like she cared if it was Bubbles. If Cabel screwed up though...well, that would be another story entirely.
"I'm so sorry! He's being really difficult. I have to go in his car. But you can just follow us home," Bubbles said as she wrapped her arms around Cabel.
Cabel looked over at Butch who was looking at Buttercup instead and couldn't help but glare slightly. "I wouldn't do something to put you in danger. I don't see why it's such a big deal."
"I know," Bubbles pouted. "It probably isn't even really him though. His big brother seems to be as much of a stickler for rules and things as Bloss is."
"...so it's really not just him that's at your place? And you said for at least six months they'll be there?"
Bubbles winced a little at that. "Yes," she said hesitantly before quickly continuing on, "but it really isn't that bad. They're mostly on the first floor and they really just kinda left us alone after daddy left."
"Right...I'll be right behind you, kay?" Cabel mumbled, still half glaring at Butch.
Bubbles gave a wobbly smile. "Sounds good. I'll see you at the house."
"I want a nap so bad," Brick groaned into his hands as he sat on the sofa. Blossom snorted at that as she continued past him for the kitchen. She stopped right before turning past the fireplace though.
"You make it sound like today was a long day. Today is our short day."
Brick knew she was right. Still, he felt like he was gunna cry. He didn't do well without sleep. This was torture for him.
"My coffee addiction's gunna get out of control. Damn it."
"...well, at least Boomer owns a café, right? Can't he give you some free drinks?"
"I don't wanna put that on him. The place is only really just now starting to take off. Can't leach off him. Yet."
"I see."
Brick heard her continue on her way into the kitchen. Well, that had gone well. Better than every other conversation he'd had with her today, which had only added to the reason he was so tired. And he had a ton of homework because of course he did. Nothing could ever just be easy.
Brick stayed like that, face in hands, as he thought about what all he had to do and how best to tackle it all. Time management would be key. If he could use part of the hour break they had tomorrow to do that one assignment and get ahead then he could focus on the one due Monday now and hopefully get that out of the way tonight. Over the weekend he was sure to have time for the essay so that shouldn't be an issue either. He just had to squeeze in transcribing his notes and he'd be set for the week. Barely.
"Here."
Brick startled slightly at the sound of Blossom's voice right in front of him and quickly dropped his hands. She was standing there with a cup of something hot in her hands, holding it out to him. She had a light blush across her cheeks and wasn't looking directly at him but at a point just to the right of him.
Brick raised an eyebrow. "This is?"
Blossom huffed lightly. "Not coffee. It's black tea. We also have matcha, but I thought you'd prefer this."
Brick glanced between her and the cup for a few seconds before hesitantly taking it. "...thanks."
Blossom glanced at him before quickly turning away and making for the stairs. "I'm sorry today was difficult. I'm sure tomorrow'll be easier."
"...right. Tomorrow. Easier," Brick said slowly.
"Yes. We decided on pizza tonight. Text me what you and your brothers like and I'll place the order shortly. They should all be back soon."
"...will do?"
"And Bubbles said her boyfriend is coming over. As a heads up."
And there went any rising hope that he could relax for a little bit. What time did Boomer say he was off today at?
"Got it," Brick said with a sigh. He swore he could hear Blossom giggling lightly from the second floor.
Because of course, his life never could be easy.
"We're back, thank fuck," Butch said as he came in through the front door. Brick looked up at him from his schoolwork on the coffee table.
"Welcome back. Blossom ordered pizza a little bit ago. Should be here soon."
"Thank. Fuck."
Despite hearing that food was on the way, Butch made straight for the kitchen. Brick shook his head at that.
"We'll send Boom to pick up food later," Brick said as Butch went by, telling him all the younger Jojo needed to know. There likely wasn't anything for Butch to snack on before pizza. Brick only got a grunt of understanding in response.
Turning at the sound of incoming, quick steps, Brick watched as Buttercup ran in and up the stairs, not even sparing him a glance as she very quickly made for her room. He raised an eyebrow at that.
"Brick," Bubbles said as she walked through the door. He turned to face her and the guy that came through with her as she closed the door. "This is my boyfriend, Cabel. Cabel, this is Brick. He's the one mainly watching Blossom."
Cabel gave him a half nod but didn't say anything. Brick couldn't help a sardonic smirk at that. This was a great start for the guy. He could only imagine how much worse it would get once Boomer got back.
...yup. Brick was so sending him shopping.
Standing up, Brick made his way over to Cabel, hand extended for a shake. "Hey man. Nice to meet you."
Cabel glanced at the hand before reluctantly grabbing it.
"...yeah. Nice t-ugh meet you," Cabel said with a wince as Brick shook his hand. Butch always did say he had a grip of steel. Brick just liked to make sure people knew what to expect when they tried to mess with him.
"Yeah." Brick dropped Cabel's hand before gesturing to the table and looking at Bubbles. "Need me to move? The guest room does have a desk in it I can use. Butch probably won't leave the kitchen anytime soon so I should be good to clear out."
Bubbles raised an eyebrow as she glanced between Cabel and Brick's hand. Brick ignored it.
"No. We'll be in my room. Holler when the pizza gets here," Bubbles said as she grabbed Cabel's other hand and made for the stairs. Brick shrugged before heading back to the coffee table.
A few moments after hearing the click of her door shutting, Butch poked his head around the corner.
"Dude. Please tell me this place has good sound proofing."
Brick grimaced at that. Like he knew. He hoped it did. Last thing he needed to hear was Bubbles getting it on while he tried to study.
...maybe it'd be okay if he wore his headphones.
"I'm back. Damn, I need a shower," Boomer groaned as he shuffled through the door. "Pizza's also here."
Brick looked up from his homework again and raised an eyebrow. Boomer waved him off though. He knew he was a mess. Some girl had spilt coffee, and he swore it had been on purpose for some fail of a flirting attempt, and so he was covered in it. And of course, because they were everyone's favorite, it had been a flavored drink with a ton of syrup in it. It had been at the beginning of his shift too, so he'd spent all day feeling sticky and gross.
"Got it. Pizza first or...?" Brick asked as he stood and made his way over, cash in hand.
Boomer rolled his eyes at his brother. "You really just ask that?"
Brick chuckled. "Just checking. Tell Butch to get the girls?"
Boomer rolled his eyes and continued into the house. He wasn't gunna get Butch though. Last thing Boomer wanted was to try and convince his brother to go get the girls. He'd rather just go get them himself.
Making his way up the stairs, Boomer couldn't help but run a hand through his hair. He just wanted to eat, shower, then hit the sack. He was surprised Brick wasn't already taking a nap or something honestly. He knew his oldest brother had to be exhausted and he had second shift that night.
Oh well. Not his problem.
Reaching the first door, Boomer knocked loudly. He could make out the faint blasting of some rock music and figured this was Buttercup's room. Rock didn't really fit with his image of Bubbles or Blossom. The house had some pretty damn good sound proofing though it seemed.
Not that Boomer cared. Over the years in their shitty apartment he'd learned how to tune out things he didn't want to hear. He'd gotten pretty good at it to. Buttercup wasn't the only one who blasted music.
Boomer tended to try not to think about the other noises he would tune out. Some things were best left not known about brothers.
Sighing at the lack of response, Boomer knocked again, harder this time. After another moment, the music cut off and Buttercup opened her door.
"What?" She asked.
Clearly he wasn't the only one who'd had a bad day. He pointed a thumb over his shoulder. "Food."
Glaring for another second, Buttercup grunted at him before shoving past for the stairs. Boomer rolled his eyes at that.
Moving to the next door, he knocked again. Then waited. Knocked again. Still no response.
Frowning, Boomer figured he could come back and moved to the last door. He knocked and a moment later, Blossom was opening the door.
"Food's here I take it?" She asked. He nodded.
Blossom sighed before stepping out. "Have you let the others know?"
"Everyone but Bubbles."
Blossom frowned at him at that. "Bubbles..." she seemed to think for a second before sending him a way too bright smile. "I'll let her know. Why don't you head down? We'll be down shortly."
Boomer frowned at that. Something was off. Any other time and he'd probably want to know what, especially since it involved Bubbles. Right now though? He was too tired to care.
He shrugged. "Sounds good. Don't take too long. Butch is a literal black hole."
Blossom rolled her eyes before waving him on. "We'll just be a second."
Boomer shrugged again before heading down. He felt Blossom watch him but when he turned the corner, he could see that she'd turned and was knocking on the door. He finally heard the door open as he reached the bottom of the stairs but didn't really pay any attention. He'd see them both in a second.
When he walked into the kitchen he watched everybody's head snap up at him. Freezing at the sudden attention, Boomer slowly raised an eyebrow.
"Can I help you all?"
Buttercup and Butch watched for another second before both seemingly grunting and going back to their food. Brick shook his head.
"Nope," Was the only reply Brick gave him. Feeling odd, especially with the smile Blossom had given him earlier, Boomer cautiously made his way into the kitchen.
Boomer was way too used to his brothers pranking him and he was getting that feeling that told him something was off.
He reached the pizzas and glanced at everyone else in the kitchen. They'd all gone back to their food and weren't looking at him, so pizza was probably safe. Slowly opening the box, he cautiously leaned back but nothing happened. Boomer grabbed for a plate, again slowly, as he picked up a few slices. When he turned around they still weren't looking at him, but he noticed they kept glancing at the kitchen entrance.
What the hell was going on?
Boomer found out a moment later. Blossom entered the kitchen, met his eyes, and sighed. Boomer opened his mouth to say something only for it to snap shut when Bubbles walked into the kitchen, her hand in the hand of a familiar guy.
Oh. That explained a lot.
Boomer shrugged it off as he sat down. His brothers knew this wasn't the first time he got interested in a girl already in a relationship. There wasn't a ring on it yet though so he could be patient. He was good at being patient. In the meantime, Boomer couldn't help but squint at the guy as he walked by.
...Where had he seen that face? Boomer could remember it and not from the first time Bubbles was in the café with the guy. Boomer had barely glanced at him then so that couldn't be it. There was something...
The guy turned and it clicked. Well shit. This was the guy who had mention the mojo thing about his girlfriend and the café. Boomer couldn't help but glance at Bubbles at the thought and mentally snort.
The mojo huh? That had been her excuse? Good to know.
The guy seemed to click as well and gave an awkward half smile.
"Hey, you own that one café, right?"
Bubbles' eyes, from behind Cabel, went wide and it took her a second to get her expression under control. Boomer couldn't help the slow smile at that. Looking at Cabel, he held out his hand.
"That's me man. You were in a little bit ago right? Grabbing a drink for your girl. Glad to know Bubbles here likes the tea. I'm working on the mojo issues too so hopefully you'll both be able to come by together soon."
Bubbles was glaring at Boomer as Cabel shook his hand and Boomer couldn't lie, it sent a thrill down his spine that she was clearly not happy. The question now for Boomer, was why? Was it really because she didn't like his attention? Or did it lie more in the reason as to why she never clearly said 'no, I'm not interested'?
Boomer felt a foot kick his lightly and his smile grew. That was why Brick had wanted Butch to go get the girls.
A thought that promptly made the smile drop off his face. Bubbles hadn't answered and he'd knocked several times. Damn, he so didn't want to think about that.
"Yeah, sorry about that. Probably wouldn't have said anything if I'd known it'd end up like this," Cabel said as he gave a wobbly smile and shook Boomer's hand. Boomer gave an amicable shake back.
He was sure Brick had already shown him the grip of death. Time for the nice brother to play his role. For now.
Boomer gave him a smile. "It's all good. I appreciate the feedback. Next time hopefully Bubbles can just tell me herself. I had no clue she didn't like the place."
Cabel turned and Bubbles was quick to put a small smile on her face. Boomer heard a sigh or two from behind him and his smile grew. Oh, he was having so much fun with this.
"I didn't know you liked feedback. I'll be sure to give it next time," Bubbles said.
Boomer could hear the unspoken 'if there is one' and couldn't help but smile more.
"Sounds good."
"So I'm being put on lockdown even after I went and did our shopping huh?" Boomer asked from where he sat on the corner of the bed, head propped up against his fist.
Brick sighed as he took of his hat and ran a hand through his hair. "You know that's not what this is."
"Sure feels like it is."
"Come on Boom. You had the second shift last night, I know you don't need a ton of sleep but even you have to be tired at this point. And I know what you're like."
Boomer snorted. "I'm not that bad. You know I'll behave."
Brick raised an eyebrow. "I don't doubt that. All said and done, you ain't an idiot. You wouldn't cross me that way. What I mean is that I know you're just gunna over think things and be generally annoying and Butch doesn't have the patience to deal with you and I need sleep."
"Oh whatever. I knew about all this so it's not like I'm surprised or anything. I wouldn't-"
"Don't even make me drag out memories I know you'd rather I didn't. And I have a ton to choose from too."
"I just meant that I think you're over thinking this. I promise I'd be fine even if I wasn't being grounded."
Brick gave his brother a serious look but Boomer did actually look calm. He definitely looked calmer than he usually did when he had his eyes on a girl that was already taken. Normally he'd have stirred up some sort of trouble by this point.
"What's up with you and her anyways?" Brick asked. Boomer was quiet. "Cause I know you. You fall fast, yeah, but not this fast. As far as I'm aware, you only saw her a handful of times before this whole thing."
Boomer shrugged and he leaned backwards onto his hands. "Dunno what you mean. I'm same as always."
"Boom. Don't mess with me on this."
Brick and Boomer stared at each other for a few seconds before Boomer looked away.
"Fine. I think I noticed that I was starting to fall for her around the sixth or seventh time I saw her."
Brick waited for more and sighed heavily when he didn't get it. "I know you haven't had that many conversations with her."
"…I said saw. Never said it was the sixth or seventh time I spoke to her."
"…Boomer Jojo I swear to god if you've been stalking a Utonium-"
"No! See, this is why I didn't say anything! I knew you'd go there."
Brick snorted at that. "Can you blame me? Why the hell have you seen her over seven times and not had that many conversations? How many times have you seen Bubbles without talking to her?"
"Look, I never expected to actually have her walk in to the café okay? Can we just say it was a curveball I wasn't expecting and I'm getting it under control? I swear I'm not out to ruin her relationship or any shit like that for once."
"Bullshit. I've seen the way you've been looking at her and answer my goddamned question. How many times Boom?"
Boomer chewed on his lip for a second before turning and giving Brick a wide smile. "Come on bro, you know I always sucked at math. Don't make me go counting here."
Brick rubbed a temple at that. Boomer clearly didn't want to come clean. And to be honest, it wasn't like Brick needed him to either.
"Fine Boom. As long as it wasn't stalking or anything I have to worry about the Prof killing you for."
"Cross my heart, swear to die, I wasn't stalking her. I haven't done anything that the Prof would kill me for. Yet."
"See that?" Brick said as he pointed at Boomer. "That's what I mean when I say I'm worried. She ain't interested from what I've seen Boom. Don't make me beat lesson I know you already know into you."
Boomer winced. "Yeah, okay. So she's been pretty unhappy but she hasn't actually said no bro."
"She's done just about everything but that. Look, I'm not gunna pry into why you're so into her but word of advice? Tone it down and apologize to her Boom. You keep this up and she'll seriously want nothing to do with you."
Brick felt like this was something Boomer needed to hear. He knew his younger brother. Boomer was the 'nice' one of the three of them and that that meant he tended to get people approaching him the most, girls included. And yeah, Boomer had plenty of girls with significant others come onto to him. While he drew the line at a ring on the finger, anything else was fair game to him since the final commitment to someone hadn't been given. Add in the fact that some girls were just plain rude when they were trying to get Boomer's attention and Brick always worried that his brother had a skewed idea of what someone not being interested in him would look like. This situation with Bubbles was quickly becoming a concern to Brick because of it.
Boomer pouted at the advice. "I mean, I did lay off though. I've not be super flirty and I was nice to the guy tonight, wasn't I?"
"Yeah well, she doesn't believe it. Even Butch can tell she doesn't and we both know he doesn't usually notice that sort of thing. Seriously, apologize to her and tell her you're trying to not screw with her relationship."
"…So I should probably tell her to watch out for the rumors that are bound to start with me dropping her off too I guess."
Brick groaned as he rubbed a hand across his face. "Yes Boom. Please warn her. Completely forgot how the students are. Shit."
"Yup," Boomer said, popping the p. "It's gunna be fun. Don't even have to lift a finger and everything's gunna go to hell."
"Warn her, please. Last thing I need is for her boyfriend to go after you. If Butch were to catch word of something like that happening, you and I both know he'd put the guy in ICU."
Boomer chuckled. "Dunno why. I can hold my own just fine but yeah, I do know. I'll warn her and maybe even apologize to Cabel about it. Maybe. I'll also try and back off a bit more. Can't help with smiles and looks though."
Brick sighed as he turned to leave. "I know Boom. Just…try not to get into too much trouble. Last thing I need right now is to bail a brother out of jail."
Boomer snickered. "So glad you didn't specify which one there bro. You really do know best."
Brick glared at Boomer who simply shrugged before he closed the door. Groaning, Brick made for the first floor. Butch poked his head out of the kitchen when he got to the first floor and, with another sigh, Brick made his way for the kitchen.
"How'd it go?" Butch asked.
Brick groaned again as he slumped into a kitchen chair. "Fine I guess. For now. Apparently, Boom has been keeping secrets though. He mentioned seeing Bubbles plenty of time before this, but not talking to her."
Butch raised an eyebrow as he plopped into a chair across the table from Brick. "Stalking? Never would have thought he'd fall so low."
"He said it wasn't stalking but wouldn't go into it."
"Sounds like stalking. We gots a stalker for a bro. Creepy."
Brick rolled his eyes. "Be serious Butch."
Butch gave a smirk. "Kinda am but yeah, stalking isn't a Jojo brother M.O. None of us have the patience for it, Boom included. Still, I wouldn't worry bro. Boom'll end up getting bored with not being able to make a move on her and he'll move on soon."
"To who? Not like any of us'll be getting out anytime soon. And he hates when the customers hit on him cause usually all they want is a free coffee."
"Or a quickie in the back. Heard that he's had plenty of offers for those too."
"And he still hates it. You know he takes that place too seriously to want to fool around in it."
"I know. Seriously wouldn't stress about it though. Boom knows better than to poke a resting beast."
"Clearly not with how he's still going after Bubbles."
Butch snorted. "I meant you bro. He knows better than to screw this up cause you'll rip him a new one if he does."
Brick blinked as he processed that. "Right. I will but…whatever. I'm clearly tired. Told him to apologize and try and tone it down regardless. Hopefully, it'll be enough for Bubbles to at least stop glaring."
"Yeah, right. Good luck with that one bro."
Brick sighed as he stood from the table to leave. He could hope at least. Maybe, just maybe, it would be enough.
I have one more chapter that's going to be ready in about a month and then I am out of my buffer! The question is...do you all want me to go on my writing break with it or not? Eh, I'll let you all decide if you want to hate me for it or note after I post it. Let me know if the formatting for the texting was confusing!
OffendedOtter! So happy to hear you're enjoying the story so far! Yes, trouble is a-brewing! More to come! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Be back in about a month with that! Ciao!