What's good everyone? Thanks for your patience, hope you all had a great summer. But who's ready for autumn? Know I am, heat is killing me on the small planes.
~We've got a vicious love
We mix our tears with blood
No clock will stop for us
It ticks by, we fight as hard as we love~
"Vicious Love" -New Found Glory (feat Hayley Williams)
"Fuck yes! The time has finally arrived!" Buttercup shouted in triumph as Butch and Boomer finished packing up the car.
Blossom smiled warily as her sister cheered. "Well, at least I can come prepared for the sun. And we've brought umbrellas." She sighed, scowling at the giant star.
Buttercup ignored her uncharacteristically surly sister and made a mental checklist that everything was packed and ready to go. "Duffel bag? Check. Towels? Check. Sunscreen for the snow queen? Double check. Awesome tunes for the road? Locked and loaded." She put her hands on her hips and smiled in satisfaction. "Hey, Bubs! You ready?"
A moment later, Bubbles bounced down the steps of their house sucking on a lollipop. In an instant, Boomer was at her side, holding his hand out for her like a storybook knight. "Milady." He gave her a mock bow as her hand slid into his.
Bubbles laughed and curtsied. "Sir Boomer." She stuck her lollipop into her lips and all but jumped into his arms. "Are you ready for some awesome aquatic fun?" Their noses rubbed together.
"Cut that shit out before my stomach spills out onto the floor." Butch gagged and pointed his finger into his mouth. "Bad enough we all have to drive together. I'd rather save the mushy crap for when I absolutely can't avoid it."
Bubbles and Boomer shared a look, then resumed their canoodling, much to the dismay of the green Rowdyruff.
"Sick." Butch shuddered as Buttercup came up next to him.
Throwing an arm around his shoulders, Buttercup chuckled. "There are some things that should never see the light of day, am I right?"
He shook his head. "Even the dark would be offended to see that lovey dovey shit." He turned to face her. "Man, am I glad my woman is a badass motherfucker and not some sugar plum fairy." Butch sent an electric grin her way.
Buttercup rolled her eyes. "Careful you don't say that too loud. Bubbles and Blossom would fight you to the death over the athleticism of ballet. Even I did it for a while when I was in rugby. Good for your muscles."
At that, Butch was taken a bit aback. "The fuck? Really?" She shrugged her shoulders and raised a brow.
"Ballet is more metal than half the sports out there. Looks can be deceiving."
"Damn, well you must've been the most hardcore ballerina of all time. Bleedin' n' stuff, breaking shit."
She laughed. "Yeah, cuz that's what we all think about when ballet comes to mind." She turned her head over her shoulder. "Yo Bloss! Where we at? Let's go!"
The aforementioned Powerpuff Girl was currently standing moodily next to Brick as he smoked his last cigarette before the drive. As her sister called her, she hung her head and groaned. "Coming.." she called back. She really hated sunburns.
Buttercup shook her head. "Such drama, she needs to get out more." She began to saunter over to the passenger side of the SUV. "Calling shotgun! Butch! Fuck over here, you're driving."
"Yeah, no shit, it's my car." He whipped out his keys and opened the door. "Like I'd let anyone else touch this masterpiece." He sighed happily as he slid into the leather seat.
"Yeah, it's a piece of something, alright..." She muttered, also settling in. "Who the fuck puts an alternator V8 in an Escalade?"
Blossom and Brick opened the back doors and folded the chairs down. The red haired girl was looking nervous at the potential skin damage with her counterpart looking too bored to care.
Bubbles and Boomer followed soon after. Boomer was now sucking on the lollipop Bubbles previously had, a fact that made Buttercup's stomach turn with how sappy it was. Bleh.
The blonde girl plopped herself into the back seat, Boomer hot on her trails. "Aw, yay! Water park with my favorite people!" She gave her boy a squeeze and shrieked in excitement.
Everyone within earshot winced at the sound. Even when she wasn't trying, Bubbles' screams were powerful.
"I hope you weren't trying to drive off without saying goodbye, girls, boys." The Professor made an appearance from within the house, smoking on his pipe as he strode into view. "Else I'll have to read you all the riot act." His kind eyes narrowed ever so slightly.
"Of course not, Professor! If anything, I can volunteer to stay behind and help out around the hou-" Blossom began, eager for an opportunity to escape potential UV damage.
"Oh, no you don't! If I have to go on this escapade, then so do you Pinky." Brick quickly shushed her and turned to shake the hand of the girls' creator. "Professor Utonium, nice to see you again after all these years."
The Professor took the offered hand and shook it firmly. "Well, well! If it isn't Brick of the Rowdyruff Boys! And Butch as well. Boomer, you look well." He nodded to each of the boys as he called them. "So where exactly is this theme park?"
An awkward silence followed. Not even Blossom spoke up.
The Professor raised a brow. "Well? Don't I have a right to know where my children and their...friends are going?"
Buttercup relented. "It's...in Citysville, but in the nice part! Close to uptown, far away from the seedy side." She scratched her head, feeling awkward. Citysville was notorious for shady activities and crime, a fact the girls knew all too well. They were forbidden from going there under most circumstances after what had happened when they were children.
Frowning, the Professor took a puff on his pipe. "I see..." He smoked thoughtfully for a moment. "Well, then. Boys, front and center!" He crossed his arms as the boys suddenly scrambled to face him.
"Yes, sir?" Brick replied, cool as a cucumber on the outside, but somewhat anxious at the Professor's sudden authoritative tone.
The Professor studied the boys. Butch kept shifting from foot to foot, fighting to stay still, while Boomer kept glancing back at Bubbles for reassurance. Brick stood with his hands crossed behind his back, trying to appear as open and at ease as he could. "Gentlemen, it would be in your best interests to take excellent care of my daughters while you are out today." He leaned in closer. "Else you may suddenly find yourselves without a very important appendage of the male anatomy."
All three boys' faces turned white as sheets. Butch subconsciously covered his groin.
"Yessir. Rest assured, they'll be well taken care of." Boomer swallowed nervously.
The Professor backed off. "Excellent! Have fun today, make sure to wear lots of sunscreen." He looked pointedly at Blossom, who gave a sheepish grin. "Please give me a call at some point, just to check in."
The boys nodded in unison and reentered the car, terrified for the wellbeing of their virility should anything happen.
Bubbles ignored her shell-shocked beau and opened the car window. "Goodbye Professor! We love youuuuu~!" Bubbles waved a handkerchief out the window as if she were going sailing.
Blossom gave Brick a once over and whispered to him, seeing through his facade as she knew he was nervous.
Buttercup rolled her eyes as Butch shakily put his keys into the ignition. "Don't be such a little bitch, nothing's gonna fucking happen." He glanced at her as he started the car.
"Buttercup!" Blossom scowled.
The green Powerpuff just stuck her tongue out at her sister. "Chill out Bloss, today's a day to have fun, relax." She turned back around and hit the power for the music. Fast rock music immediately blasted through the speakers. Bubbles and Blossom covered their ears and winced. Buttercup laughed and air drummed a solo as Butch shifted into gear. "Let's gooooo!"
Butch hit the gas and they peeled out of the driveway.
The drive was straightforward and without incident save for Butch having to stop to take a leak by the side of the road, much to Buttercup's annoyance. He just shrugged and gave her the old adage of, "When you gotta go, you gotta go!"
Finally, the gates of the water park appeared in front of them. Bubbles squealed in excitement. "Oh my gosh! There it is! My heart always starts beating SO FAST whenever I see the signs for an amusement park! It's the best feeling ever!"
Butch smirked and gave Buttercup the side eye. "I can think of about 15 different positions that give me a better feeling." He snickered as Buttercup shook her head, a small smile on her face despite herself. "What, you don't agree?" He turned down the music, much to the quiet relief of most everyone else in the car.
Face burning, Buttercup merely sat back and folded her arms, not challenging him.
Blossom switched on her leader mode and began to search for the fastest moving line to enter the parking structure. "There!" She pointed, "Far left lane isn't busy, head towards that one."
Butch looked over his shoulder, making sure no one would sideswipe his precious car, and drifted left.
Pulling up to the tollbooth, he looked over his shoulder at his passengers. "Alright, I drove, so I'm not paying for parking. Butch rolled down the window. "Boom, cough it up." He held his hand out as Boomer began to search around his shorts for his wallet.
"Why am I always the one to pay for everything?" He grumbled, handing over that sleek card the girls had grown to enjoy seeing.
Butch swiped the card from his brother and held it out to the attendant with a flamboyant flourish. "Cuz we get cash back when we use this bad boy, and because you're the one who applied for it in the first place. Gotta take responsibility for being responsible, dude." The attendant ran the card and waited for a receipt to print out and hand over. Once it did, he ripped it off and returned it the card.
"Signature, please." He passed Butch a pen.
Butch snatched it and scribbled a messy signature before thrusting the paper back to the bored-looking worker. "Take care now!" He pulled out of the booth and began to follow signs for the parking structure.
Buttercup stretched, feeling her muscles tense and relax. "Alright, it's gonna be a good day. Bloss, you better start applying sunscreen right now." She turned to look at her fair sister. "I don't want to hear about any kind of sunburn today."
Blossom, already ahead of her sister, was already busy rubbing in SPF 70 onto her arms. She didn't even look up as she said, "Yes, yes. I think I know my skin and what it can handle better than anyone else, thank you very much." There were several different bottles of various types of sunblock in front of her. She grabbed a new one and began to apply it gently to her face. "I'm making everyone wear this one as well, I don't want to see any peeling noses the next few days."
Buttercup resisted the urge to argue and turned back around. "Yeah yeah. Fine, I guess."
At this point, Butch had found a parking spot big enough to accommodate the large vehicle. Pulling in slowly, he parked the car and killed the music and air conditioning. He turned off the car and unbuckled. "We're here, now get the fuck out of my car and don't be slamming any doors."
Buttercup smirked. "Drama queen, obsessed with his car." Regardless, she closed the door gently as she could.
The three pairs of super humans got out of the car and regrouped, shaking out their legs from sitting.
Boomer grabbed Bubbles' hand and asked, "So what's the big plan? We staying together or going off on our own?"
Brick yawned. "Well, I think the first step would be to actually get into the park, Boom." He casually opened the trunk of the SUV and began to unload their bags. "Help carry stuff." He tossed towels at his brothers, not looking where he was throwing. Once it was empty, he slammed the trunk shut.
"Hey!" Butch barked. "What the fuck did I say about slamming doors, asshole?!" He immediately inspected the car for any signs of damage. "It's okay, baby, Brick can fly home with his wet swimsuit." He shot a glare at his older brother. "Easy on the Butchmobile, you dick. You're lucky I even let you in this car in the first place."
Brick was too busy lighting up a cigarette to notice the unchecked aggression sent his way. He inhaled and puffed out the smoke through his nose like a dragon.
Buttercup shook her head at the boys' antics. Grabbing Butch by the elbow, she began to drag him towards the stairs of the parking garage. "Butch, shut up. It's just a fucking car, it's fine."
"Just a fuckin-!" He started, "Excuse you, Miss 'I used to use a security blanket to give make me fight good!' Was that 'just a blanket?'"
She sent him a glare. "I was having an identity crisis, so sue me. Least I got over it."
Butch blinked in retaliation. "Why you...c'mere!" And he tackled Buttercup into the air, sending them flying.
"What the hell?!" Buttercup growled out as she wrestled midair with her counterpart. "Butch, fuck off!"
The two struggled for a moment while everyone else looked on, shaking their heads at the greens.
"Can't take them anywhere." Boomer sighed, his arm around Bubbles.
Blossom covered her forehead with her palm. "No, no we cannot."
"Butch! Don't you daaaare-!" The last syllable turned into a high pitched scream as Butch latched onto the soft curve of Buttercup's waist, his fingers tickling her sides.
Everyone's collective eyebrows shot up as the toughest fighter was reduced to a screaming, laughing pile of a girl. It was a humbling experience, at the very least. Who knew she was so ticklish?
"St- sto-ahh! Stop it!" Buttercup gasped for air in between giggling fits. "Butch! I said STOP IT!" And she shoved him away from her.
The green Rowdyruff collided with the wall, a grin splitting his face. "Respect the tech, Butterbabe. Our I'll send out reinforcements." He wiggled his fingers at her.
Brick snubbed out the butt of his cigarette and sighed. "Enough, we're going, with or without you." He coolly strode past where Buttercup was struggling to control her breathing and floated down the stairs of the parking garage.
Butch grinned and slung his arm over the still panting Buttercup. "That's enough fun for now, time to hit the slides!"
Buttercup heaved one final breath, and nodded, not having the will to fight back for once. They made their way over to the exit.
Everyone else soon followed thereafter, and the group chatted amongst themselves as they reached the park entrance.
Finally arriving at the gate, the group slowed down and formed a circle.
"Okay, first up, who has the tickets?" Buttercup asked, her green eyes scanning faces.
Bubbles held her hand up. "It's me! I have them ready to go on my phone." She waved the device, the barcodes ready to be scanned.
Buttercup nodded. "Good, and who's in charge of lockers and food storage?"
Blossom, already wearing her large hat and sunglasses, raised her hand. "That's us, just need to top off the cooler with some fresh ice and we'll be good to go."
"Then that leaves us in charge of finding and setting up a base camp. My idea is towards the wave pool. It's centrally located, giving us the best access to all the rides, AND, there's a bunch of chairs and stuff in the shade." Butch stated proudly, his hands on his hips.
Everyone voiced their agreement, and they began to queue for entrance to the water park.
Bubbles and Boomer went first, the electronic tickets on her phone were scanned by the attendant without issue. The blue duo immediately set off towards a bathroom. Then went Brick and Blossom, who carried the cooler and most of the bags to be stored for later. Finally, the green pair entered, Butch beginning to shake in excitement.
"Fuck yeah, we're in!" He looked around like a child in a candy store, eyes wide with awe.
Buttercup chuckled. "As if there were ever any doubt of that." She elbowed his side. "C'mon, let's go set up."
Keeping their powers under wraps to avoid any confrontation, Buttercup and Butch wandered over to the beach portion of the wave pool, artificial sand crunching under their toes.
They soon found a suitable location for a base for the day. There was plenty of sunshine, just enough shade to keep things cool, and enough distance from the pool to drown out any screaming children that might be swimming nearby. Perfect.
The two set about arranging towels, chairs, and some of the smaller bags. As they were finishing setting up, Boomer and Bubbles arrived.
"Great spot BC! Blossom will be thrilled she has a seat in the shade." Bubbles smiled. "Have they shown up yet? I want to go swimming!" She kicked off her shoes and stripped down to her stripey swimsuit.
Buttercup shook her head as she adjusted the back of a chair. "Not yet, but soon. She'll want to be out of the sun ASAP." She straightened, also taking off her shirt and shorts, leaving her in a sleek, black swimsuit. "You don't need to wait for her, Bubbles, I'll go with you right now. C'mon, let's go." She her hand out to her sister.
Bubbles glanced back at Boomer, who gave her a thumbs up. "Go for it, Bubbly! I'll meet you there in a minute."
She turned back and grabbed Buttercup's hand. "Okay, let's go!"
Buttercup smiled and the two linked arms, heading toward the water.
Butch and Boomer watched their counterparts as they treaded into the water, both of them snickering as the water shocked the girls.
"Water must be cold, the way she's clinging to Buttercup like that." Boomer laughed, hooking an arm around his brother's neck.
The two looked on as the girls waded into deeper water, laughing as a wave broke into them, sending them stumbling backwards.
"Whatcha'll lookin' at?" Brick's raspy voice called out. He and Blossom walked into view, the latter holding a pink parasol and looking as elegant as ever.
The brothers shared a look and Butch gestured with his chin towards the pool. "Couple of foxes in the water. Thinkin' about joining 'em in a bit. You in?"
Brick shrugged his shoulders. "Only if my lady fair graces me with her company." He turned back to face Blossom, who bit her lip.
"Oh, why not? Some vitamin D will do me good, I suppose." She folded her umbrella and kicked off her shoes.
The boys followed suit and pretty soon, all the superhumans were wading into the water, the cool liquid electrifying their senses.
"Bloss! Boomie! Over heeeeere!" Bubbles cheered from deeper in the water. She and Buttercup had managed to find an abandoned inner tube, and they were taking turns floating on it.
As the rest of the group joined them, a loud buzzer sounded, signalling the start of another session of waves.
A crowd had gathered in the water, and many people began to cheer and shout, anxiously awaiting the waves.
Butch swam over to Buttercup, who was currently taking her turn on the tube. "Howdy babe, mind if I take it for a spin?" He asked, referring to the flotation device.
Buttercup tipped her sunglasses down to look at him. "Sorry kid, but it's my turn on this bad boy." She stretched her arms behind her head as the water started to get choppy. "But remind me later and maybe I'll let you have a go." With one finger, she flicked her sunglasses back into place, a smug smile gracing her features.
Butch frowned. "No fair!" The waves were coming even more often now, and they floated up and down with the swells. "Sharing is caring, Butterbabe!"
She didn't look remotely bothered and continued relaxing. "Get in line." Was all she said.
Meanwhile, Boomer scooped Bubbles into his arms and gently carried her. "Don't be scared, I gotcha." He flashed a lightning grin.
Bubbles clung to his chest. "Surfer dude to the rescue!" She smiled and gasped as a particularly large wave nearly smacked her in the face.
Brick watched the antics of his siblings with mild interest before looking toward Blossom. "How's the hair handling everything?" He nodded to her elaborate bun on her head.
Blossom touched her bun as she floated over a swell. "Not too bad actually. Only problem is I'll probably have a headache by the time today's over. Long hair is so heavy." She frowned, tugging at her scalp.
He didn't say a word as he began to massage and gently scratch her head. She sighed in content and leaned into his touch, happy at the show of affection.
A few minutes passed, and gradually the water calmed down, returning to it's former tranquil state.
Immediately, Buttercup relinquished the inner tube. "Bubbles! You're up! Take it before someone else snatches it." She pushed the tube over to the blondes.
Boomer swiftly placed Bubbles on top of it, kissing her toes as they stuck out of the water. "Toesies!" He smiled as she wiggled them at him.
Butch and Buttercup glanced at each other. You thinking what I'm thinking? They thought together. Nodding, they began to make their way back to shore.
"We're going to hit up the slides, we'll meet back for lunch at around noon?" Buttercup asked as she trudged through the water.
She watched Blossom check her watch. "That's about an hour and a half! Please be safe! No running on wet surfaces!" She called out, her arm waving.
Buttercup gave her the shaka, signalling she had heard her sister. "Worrywart..." She mumbled under her breath.
Once they reached dry land, Butch and Buttercup headed towards the map to find a ride.
"Let's see, Big Kahuna allows up to six people, we should wait for everyone for that one, Down the Drain we can do two...let's do that one!" Buttercup pointed to a slide to the west of where they currently were.
Butch shook out his arm muscles. "Works for me, lead the way BC."
The green pair headed towards the attraction. Finding the entrance, they waited in line for an inner tube to be given to them.
A short time later, a sandy-haired young man and who appeared to be his brother handed their tube off to Buttercup.
"Thanks, dude. How's the ride?" She asked, maneuvering the tube onto it's side.
The boy grinned. "Yo, it's rad man! Be careful whoever's smaller though. You'll be going down backwards." He waved and he and his companion left the area.
Buttercup felt an arm around her shoulder. "Looks like that's you, Nancy Drew. Don't worry though, anything happens I'll be sure to attend the funeral." He teased, running a knuckle against her head.
Buttercup scoffed and leaned against him. "Look who's talking! If we flip, you're going to be the one going flying, my man." Feeling somewhat flirty, she pecked his cheek before shoving the inner tube into his arms. "C'mon, we're holding up the line."
Butch laughed, feeling giddy and together they carried their tube up the stairs to the ride.
About halfway up the top, Buttercup leaned over the side. Spotting Boomer and Bubbles, she tapped Butch's shoulder.
"Check it out, Bubs and your brother are doing the lift from Dirty Dancing in the pool. Her and Patrick Swayze, I swear..."
Butch looked over. Sure enough, Boomer and his counterpart were practicing the run, leap, lift combo made famous by the 80s movie. A small crowd had gathered around them, and they cheered whenever the two managed to land it.
"Dancing, huh? Your sister sure has a way of hypnotizing Boom. I would have never guessed he'd be doing that shit when we were kids." He ran a hand through his hair. "Then again, didn't think I'd be doing this right here either." He pulled her against his long body and gave her a squeeze. "Life has a funny way of biting you in the ass like that."
Buttercup smiled. "Yeah, no shit."
The line started moving once again, and the two started back up the stairs.
Finally reaching the top, Buttercup and Butch dropped the inner tube and waited as a lifeguard directed them to the slide.
"Smaller rider goes in front, they go down backwards. Keep your legs in front of you at all times. Do not let go of the handles." She directed.
Butch rolled the tube into the pool of rushing water and held it while Buttercup situated herself in front. Butch climbed in after her, their legs touching as they faced each other.
"You ready?" He asked with a smirk, his heart starting to pound.
Buttercup held up the sign of the horns. "Let's fucking go."
The lifeguard checked her watch, then gave the okay to let go.
The rushing water carried them into the dark tunnel.
A gentle curve steepened into a rapid drop. It was pitch black in the slide. The inertia carried them into twists and turns. Water sprayed everywhere as Butch and Buttercup yelled in excitement.
Then they were back outside, going up a steep incline, then flying back down into another curve. All too soon, they came screaming back into the catch pool, where another lifeguard greeted them with applause.
"Alright! Nice one, go ahead and give your tube to the next riders, please. Thanks." He pointed to the line of people waiting.
Butch and Buttercup smiled at each other, then burst into joyful laughter. They pulled the inner tube to the next rider who was none other than...
"Princess Morbucks?!" They said in unison.
Indeed, the curly, red-haired demon of a child stood before them in a shiny gold bikini, her arm around a tall, tan stranger in board shorts and sunglasses.
Princess raised her eyebrows and smirked. "Well well. If it isn't the chaotic good and evil couple. Fancy seeing you here." She released her grip on the mysterious young man and took the inner tube from them. "We'll be taking that, thank you."
Buttercup grit her teeth. She really didn't like seeing Princess, even after all these years. She wanted to say something to tell her off...she snuck a quick look at Butch. His mouth was in s grin line, eyes narrowed. She knew he didn't care for her either.
In the end, Buttercup sighed. She wouldn't let Princess ruin her day. "Always a pleasure, Miss Morbucks." Buttercup all but growled out. She looked at the boy next to her. "Who's this unlucky sap?"
"Um, rude!" Princess pouted. "This," she gazed dreamily up at her partner, "is Henri! He's from Mauritius, I'll have you know." She kissed his cheek and traced her fingers up his chest.
"Pleased to meet you..." Buttercup studied the guy.
Henri didn't move or say anything.
Butch raised a brow. "Is...he okay?"
"Of course! He's more of the strong, silent type. Right Henri?"
He did nothing.
Buttercup and Butch bit back a laugh.
"Well...okay then. Guess we'll see you around. Eh, have fun..?" Buttercup backed away with Butch right behind her.
Princess tossed her hair over her shoulder. "Naturally. Try not to slip and fall, Buttercup. Let's go, Henri."
As soon as Princess was out of earshot, Butch and Buttercup started to laugh.
"Oh my God, leave it to Princess Morfucks to date a literal statue. He's like a Greek god! He's very pretty, but he just...stands there!" Buttercup cackled, wiping tears from her eyes.
"The poor little fuck! She probably pummeled him into submission and he's too scared to say anything!" He doubled over laughing. "He's probably a cool dude when she's not around."
Buttercup held her sides for the second time that day. "Could be! Or he's got the anatomy of a Ken doll from all the time he's spent with her." They laughed again. "That's a damn shame, I've heard Mauritius is a cool spot."
Butch took a deep breath to calm back down. "Eh, whatever. Maybe she'll lighten up one day." He looked around. "Anyway, where to next?"
Buttercup thought for a moment. "Drop slides?"
Butch's eyes widened. "Fuck yeah, drop slides!"
The line for the capsule slides was much shorter, partially due to the lack of people brave enough to face it, and also because multiple slides went off at once. Soon enough, Buttercup and Butch found themselves at the top of the slide, with only one way down.
Buttercup knew she wasn't afraid of heights. Hell, she could fly for goodness sakes. But when she was looking down at the rest of the pedestrians, her stomach did a little flip. Deep breaths, girl. Deep breaths.
Butch went first, to prove his manliness or whatever bullshit.
Buttercup crossed her arms as she watched him enter the capsule where the floor would drop out on him.
"This one's for you, Butters." He pointed at her as he crossed his arms and legs.
Buttercup felt the blush creep onto her face as he made faces at her from inside the plastic tube. Moron.
"You ready?" The lifeguard asked.
Butch nodded, his eyes never leaving Buttercup's.
The lifeguard counted down from 5...4...3...2...and then the bottom dropped out and Butch was gone.
The Powerpuff girl flinched involuntarily. The suddenness of the drop surprising her. And then she was up next, being ushered into a pod of her own with water flowing down her back and the smell of chlorine in her nose.
You got this, BC, you've faced monsters way harder than some dumb waterslide...
As the door closed her in, the sound of drums filled her head. She barely made out the lifeguard instructing her to cross her arms and legs through the foggy glass. He gave her a thumbs up, she gave him one back. And then he counted down for her.
5...everything was fine.
4...fine, I said.
3...okay, maybe not.
2...was it too late to back out?
1...WHOOSH!
The floor went out beneath her and water went straight up her nose. For the first three seconds, Buttercup couldn't breathe, there was too much water. But then she found her air and gasped. Her heart thundered as she shot like a torpedo to the exit pool. Four seconds later, it was over and she was being helped out of her skinny coffin by a smug-looking Butch.
"Y'allright there, girl? Looking a little pale, you need to sit down and put your feet up for a minute?" He smirked at her as she slapped his chest.
"You can talk big, but I heard that scream when they dropped you." She took a few shaky steps, her heart calming down.
Butch shrugged. "You got me, truce?" He stuck out his hand.
She took it. "Truce. What time is it?"
Butch checked his watch. "Quarter to noon. You wanna start heading back to the wave pool?"
Buttercup nodded. "Make a stop at the bathroom on the way there. No pissing in the pool."
A few minutes later, the greens were lounging next to the pool. Bubbles and Boomer were playing in the water, and Brick and Blossom had returned to the locker to grab the lunch.
Buttercup held a hand over her face, covering the sun. "You know where Bloss put that face sunscreen? This sun is harsh today." She sat up and began to rummage through one of the various bags in their spot.
"Nope." Butch replied, his face covered by a towel. "But lemme know when you find it. I want some."
"Buttercup! Come help carry things, please!" Blossom called out.
The ravenette abandoned her search for the sunscreen and jogged over to her sister and her counterpart. Buttercup could have laughed at the scene: Brick was carrying 4 bags and the cooler by himself, while Blossom daintily twirled her umbrella.
"Easy there, killer. Let me grab a bag...or two." Brick gratefully handed off two duffel bags packed full of dry snacks.
Buttercup shouldered the weight and began hiking back. "Butch! Get up and help you lazy fucker!" She dropped the bags and tipped his chair, sending him sprawling onto the sand. "Too late, already got it." Buttercup smiled wryly.
Blossom knelt onto the sand, adjusting her umbrella so it would cover her with shade as she unpacked lunch. "Can someone tell Bubbles and Boomer it's time to eat, please? Thank you." She said without looking up.
Butch stood up and shook himself off much like a dog would. "On it." He padded over to the water and called out, "Hey, Boomer you fat lard come get some lunch!" All heads in the vicinity turned towards him. Silence followed.
Satisfied, Butch then spun around and waltzed right back to find everyone staring at him. "What?"
Blossom blinked without saying anything. Brick rubbed his temples, suddenly feeling a migraine coming on. Buttercup simply burst into laughter and fell over in a fit.
"Did...did you seriously just quote Napoleon Dynamite at him to make them come over?" She covered her eyes. "Next you're going to be a 'Rex-kwando instructor." She covered her mouth with her hands. "Lord, have mercy!"
Butch felt a bit embarrassed and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Well, I mean...yeah." Boomer and Bubbles came into view. "And it worked too, didn't it?"
"What's going on?" Bubbles asked as they walked up. Her big blue eyes scanning faces for some sort of explanation.
"Don't worry about it Bubbles, come get some lunch..." Blossom began to hand out sandwiches as everyone settled in.
Lunch passed in a comfortable fashion, the couples sharing food, talking, and laughing together.
Everyone seemed to be in a good mood, even the normally-surly Brick had a lazy smile on his face after eating.
"I'm telling you, the system is actually just perfect." Butch began, "If you feel like everyone hates you, sleep. If you feel like you hate everyone, eat. If you feel like you hate yourself, take a shower. Tell me where I'm wrong." He sat back, Buttercup sharing his chair, their legs tangled together.
"Makes sense to me, dude." Boomer said thoughtfully as he chewed on a cookie.
Brick had his hat tipped forward over his face as he laid out in the sun. "Well what if everyone just hates you? Sleep or no sleep?"
"That sounds like a personal problem to me, man. Can't help you there." Butch retorted.
The hint of a smile could be seen under Brick's hat. "Spoken like someone who knows the feeling."
"Well we've got some quality parenting to thank for that one." Boomer added.
"Are you talking about the monkey man, the radioactive toilet, the tap dancing crab demon, or all three?"
Everyone laughed at that.
"Seriously though, you can't make this shit up, yo." Butch draped his arm across Buttercup's shoulders. "But hey, are we ready to try that big waterslide?"
"Ooh! Yes! That'll be so much fun!" Bubbles popped up from her seat on Boomer's lap.
Blossom stood as well and began to rummage through a bag. "That sounds fine, but I want everyone to reapply, please." She held out various bottles of sunscreen, all SPF 50 and above.
A subtle groan rippled through the group.
"Hey!" Blossom snapped. "Skincare is a lifelong commitment, it is your largest organ and you need to take care of it!"
"Easy, Blossom. We'll do it." Brick breezed through her defenses and pacified her. He grabbed a bottle began to coat his nose in zinc oxide.
Everyone begrudgingly obliged and soon everyone was coated in a fresh layer of sunblock.
Blossom nodded in satisfaction as she finished rubbing in a white blob on Bubbles' cheek. "Beautiful, is everyone ready?"
"One sec." Brick removed his cap from it's usual home on his head and gently tucked it away into a bag. "Cool, let's roll."
Leaving their items in an inconspicuous spot to avoid any theft, the party headed towards the largest waterslide of the park.
The line was fairly long, but it moved quickly. A lifeguard handed off an inner tube big enough for the six.
The boys grabbed it and made for the path.
Everyone took turns carrying the large flotation device. Gentle sprayers of water ensured their feet didn't burn from the hot pavement, and time passed. The boys joked around, while the girls watched, casually amused.
Just as they reached the top of the ride, Buttercup misstepped and nearly tripped down the stairs. A strong pair of arms caught her fall and braced her against a knee.
"Whoa! Are you okay?" Butch's upside-down green eyes peered into hers.
Buttercup felt her heart reach out to his. "Yeah, just need to...watch where I'm going." She cleared her throat and righted herself. "Thanks for the save, babe."
Butch gave her a vampire grin. "A Powerpuff Girl fell for me! Literally, and metaphorically." He teased.
"Aww! That's so cuuuuute!" Bubbles cooed, dancing from one foot to the other. "Oh my gosh you guys!"
Both the greens blushed and averted their eyes. Being affectionate in public was still something of a work in progress.
"Yeah, yeah. Like you two are any better. Pioneers of the 'french fry kiss' and all." Buttercup crossed her arms.
Boomer laughed and hugged Bubbles from behind. "Sweet, salty, and delicious."
"Ooh! Now I want fries!" Bubbles kissed Boomer's cheek. "But I can settle for that for now."
"I hate to break up this love fest, but it's our turn to ride." Brick pointed to the lifeguard, patiently waiting for them to load up.
"Shit, sorry dude."
Boomer and Butch quickly carried the tube over to the pool and held it still for the girls to climb in.
Once they were situated, the boys crawled in next to them and waited for confirmation.
"Legs straight, don't let go, have fun." She gave them a salute.
Brick and Butch let go of the handles. Bubbles and Blossom squealed as they began to slip down into the tunnel of darkness.
Immediately, rush of water forced them down into a steep drop. The tube accelerated into a curve, sending Blossom's side hurtling backwards.
Bubbles had her eyes squeezed shut. She didn't like the dark, but she wasn't about to let that ruin anyone's fun.
Buttercup hollered, feeling the urge to let go of the handles and hold her arms up.
Stripes of light suddenly circled the tunnel and she locked eyes with Butch next to her. A silent message was passed, and the two grabbed hands and all at once, released hold of the inner tube.
The ride suddenly got a lot more thrilling, the risk of being thrown out of their seats making it more exciting.
She laughed. Throwing her head back to watch the strips of light and dark pass over her. Damn, today was a really good day.
The end of the ride was coming quickly, but one final drop was too fast and Butch and Buttercup were launched from their spots, tumbling directly onto the slide itself.
Four pairs of alarmed eyes turned towards them, getting farther and farther away until they slid into the immediately scrambled out.
Buttercup and Butch latched onto each other as they were shot into the pool themselves, landing with a giant splash.
They released each other, swimming to the surface.
"Do not release the handles." Were the first words she heard.
Quickly followed by, "BUTTERCUP! Are you alright?" Blossom high-stepped over to the couple.
Buttercup pushed the dark, wet hair out of her face and rubbed her eyes. She spotted Butch doing the same.
"Yeah, yeah I'm good!" She panted, that last drop catching her off guard.
Blossom visibly sighed in relief. "Oh thank goodness, you scared us all to death when you two went flying like that! What on earth happened?"
Butch looked over at her. Just seeing his shit-eating grin made her smile too. She looked back at Blossom. "Freak accident, wasn't expecting that grand finale I guess." She shrugged her shoulders. "All's well that ends well, right?" She began to walk out of the water.
Blossom followed, looking dubious. "I see. Buttercup, please remember that while we are tougher than everyone else, bumps, breaks, and bruises still happen and they still hurt."
Buttercup rubbed her tailbone where she had landed. "Ouch! Yeah no kidding. Just a little souvenir from the universe."
Bubbles came up to Buttercup and threw her arms around her. "You really freaked us all out, girl!" Her blue eyes searched Buttercup's face. "You didn't hit your head, did you?"
"Hey, what about me?" Butch called out, feeling somewhat left out of all the attention.
"Oh! Butch are you okay too?!" Bubbles immediately rushed over and hugged him as well. "Glad you're okay!"
Butch took the hug gratefully, sending a wink to Boomer, who looked like a sad puppy.
"Yes, yes. Everyone who has a brain is still lucid." Brick sighed, tired of constantly being the voice of reason. "Forgot to mention earlier, but someone needs to check in with the Professor soon."
Buttercup raised her hand, still massaging her back. "I'll go, kind of need to walk that last one off, anyway."
"Could you bring me a bottle of water, please BC?" Bubbles piped up, walking back to Boomer.
"Sounds good, see you in a bit." She began to walk back to the wave pool.
After a moment, she reached their circle of chairs and located her bag. She shuffled through it, first finding a bottle of water for Bubbles, and then her phone.
She unlocked it, checking for any notifications when the phone began to buzz. Buttercup's heart dropped at the sound.
It was the hotline calling.
Hope you all liked this chapter! Thanks for being patient, I worked really hard to make this one special. I promise the next one won't take 4 months omg