Sorry for the wait!

"It's getting late," Mitch said. He'd settled into his spot against the banister with Buttercup sitting opposite.

"Yeah." It'd been a while since Mitch had stepped into her house for more than five seconds. Buttercup had always assumed that he was uncomfortable around the huge presence that was Blossom Utonium, but now she realised it was Bubbles he'd been uncomfortable around, for an entirely different reason. "So what are your plans for tonight? Another date?"

"Nothing's planned. Should we do something instead?"

"Like what? Moving isn't part of my skill set right now."

Mitch gave a slow nod. "Guess I'm completely free." He climbed to his feet. "Which means I'm heading home."

Buttercup rested her head against the wall and closed her eyes. She heard the creak of door hinges and tipped her head towards the source. Bubbles was at the end of the hallway, shuffling towards them in a long baggy shirt.

Buttercup shut her eyes again. "Impressive. Do you have some kind of boyfriend radar?"

When there was no response, Buttercup opened her eyes. Bubbles was crouched inches away with an expression twisted in concern. "Did the Professor really treat you? Maybe you should see him again? I mean, I only caught a glimpse, but it didn't look this bad in the morning."

Buttercup shuffled sideways and staggered to her feet. Both Mitch and Bubbles clearly had deep rooted issues with personal space. "Yeah, he's worked his magic. I'm fine now, so there's really no need to wake the entire house." She'd accepted her loss to Ace, her wounds were no longer an epic mark of failure. But they were still horrible—she didn't plan to display her wounds and all their varied, nauseating colours.

"Oh… right. Okay." Bubbles stood up.

"Come on," Mitch said, "she's only looking out for you." He peered at Bubbles, and she gave him a small smile.

It was the first time Buttercup had seen them interact, and if they hadn't made such a huge deal out of their relationship, she would have never guessed they were together.

"You're up late," Mitch said, examining Bubbles. "Did you know I was here?" He pushed off the banister. "Do you need to talk?"

"No, no, I couldn't sleep and I heard your voice, so…" She ran a hand through her hair, completely dislodging the band tying her ponytail. "But you two are busy. I think I'll just go over here–" Her voice fizzled out and she took a step forward before swiftly doubling back.

It was like she didn't fully understand the meaning of her own words; like Mitch's presence alone was short-circuiting her brain. "So when you two hang out for hours on end, is Bubbles conscious? Or has she fainted by then?"

Bubbles' face burned red.

"What the hell Buttercup." Mitch muttered.

"It was a joke." If she'd said that about anyone else, he would have grinned.

Bubbles was blinking rapidly, and there was a slight sheen to her eyes. "D—don't worry. Don't argue, it was funny!"

"…Yeah?" Buttercup said.

Bubbles nodded. "But I'm a bit tired now. So… good night." She spun around and disappeared into her room.

"Ten seconds ago you decided to be a bit more sensitive – so maybe think before you speak?" Mitch sounded weary; like an adult who'd chastised a child several times over the same issue.

It was irritating, and his lectures were getting old. "I did. And I thought it was funny." She hadn't been cruel on purpose, and she didn't particularly want to censor herself just because Bubbles was made of glass. "Even Bubbles said it was funny."

Mitch snorted. "I'm beginning to think that I know her better than you do."

Buttercup scowled and trudged downstairs; it was a slow stomp, but she made it. She wanted to get away from Mitch before the kernel of guilt in her stomach sprouted into full blown regret.

She slumped onto the couch, turned on the TV, and just stared at the muted screen. It wasn't her fault. Bubbles was just too… Bubbles. The only thing they had in common was Mitch, and it was likely to stay that way. They just didn't get each other.

A few minutes passed and Buttercup heard footsteps approach. She turned around.

He put his hands up in surrender. "I'm not saying anything."

"Okay." Buttercup went back to staring at the TV.

"Except, that Bubbles admires you. If you hangout for more than three seconds, maybe you'll feel the same about her."

"I don't have anything against Bubbles," was all Buttercup said.

"I know. But you don't really respect her either."

Buttercup remained silent.

"Okay," Mitch said. She could practically see his slow nod. "I'm heading home. Rest up."

She intended to. It wasn't long before she slipped into a dreamless sleep.