So A quick little Note here this chapter had to be re written due to the website having an error while I was writing and basically losing the first half of all my work. As frustrating as it was I still kept at it. Cause I like doing this, I'm really into this story so I hope you enjoy the fruit of my frustration.
So here it is, the third installment of Punks not dead that I dubbed "A return to normalcy / Old Friend'
Enjoy
Adam and Brute stood only paces away from one another with Adams hand hidden behind his back "Ready...?' he asked.
With a deep breath and slap over the head Brute nodded "...Ready...'
Adam turned away before launching a few rocks in Brutes direction. Brutes eyes gave off the vibrant forest green glow as she managed to fire beams of energy turning the stones into dust all for the exception of one that pegged her right between the eyes with a thunk. She hunched over holding her face as Adam winced trying to hold back a chuckle "Holy sh-haha hey Brute you alright?' he rushed over as Brute rubbed the spot where it started to welt "Yeah, yeah I'm good...and don't laugh you asshole' she half laughed punching Adam in the arm. A ring from Adam's pocket pulled his attention away as he answered his phone "Hey pop, whats up...oh yeah...right on...cool thanks for the heads up' he said hanging up. Brute sat down on the tree stump "What'd your dad say?' she asked. Adam shrugged "Apparently the state of emergency has been lifted from the city since the last quote unquote ufo citing so school is starting back up tomorrow regular time. Looks like our mini vacay is over' he laughed gesturing that they walk out of the forest where they had been training. Brute sighed "That's a relief, It'd be nice getting things back to normal since...well you know' she said as her palms gave off the strange glow of energy before fading away as she shoved them in her jacket pocket. Adam nodded "Yeah it'll be nice having a return to normalcy' Brute chuckled "Yeah cause you're the one who found out that he has superpowers' she joked walking ahead as Adam only chuckled nervously "Yeah...right...' he cleared his throat. Over the coarse of a few weeks he trained with Brute helping her figure out her powers but never revealed anything Ramona had disclosed to him in regards to Brutes origins or the super suit he has acquired. It was better left for another day. After hiking for a minute through the forest they finally came to the clearing to their neighborhood. "Alright B, I'll see you tomorrow at school' he waved walking towards his house.
"...Hey Adam...' Brute chirped not quite take her eyes off the floor in front of her "Yeah B, whats up?' He asked turning to her. "About that day in your kitchen...when I found out about my...my condition...' She seemed to stammer her words. "Oh don't even worry about it B, I replaced all the items that blew out, my dad didn't even notice the new microwave' he laughed. Brute chuckled hiding her blushed face "Thats great man but I mean like...when I kissed you..' She said as Adam's face drew a scarlet red "Look I don't want things to get weird between us...I was scared and I was thinking I was gonna lose you and..and..' She turned away. Adam cleared his throat "Hey no it's cool, it was an ...impulse reaction come on I get it. it's no big deal really' He walked up behind her throwing an arm around her "All in the past right?' Brute smiled "Yeah for sure...'
Adam chuckled "Yeah I mean why would we let that one slip up break up the dream team' he laughed rustling her hair as she playfully shoved him off. "See you tomorrow B..' Adam said as Brute smiled "You too Adam...'
They both walked to their homes.
Next Day..
Adam rolled his eyes "That's dumb, the only way you can tell me that Army of Darkness is better than Evil Dead II is if Bruce Cambell himself came down and told me that to my face' Brute scoffed "Look I'll agree that Evil Dead II is grade A quality B movie cheese but I'm sorry Army of Darkness solidified the staple that is the series' she argued gesturing her hand to the sky "Bow down to the king baby' she said as they both laughed as Adam spotted someone walking towards Brute "Brute hold up!' Adam warned as the other student collided with Brute knocking her over. Brutes mind swam for a moment until the figure stood over her offering its hand out "I'm sorry I didn't see you there, I was looking at the school map trying to find gym two when I ran into you' the voice said as she took its hand looking up into his forest green eyes. "Nah it's cool...' her words seem to trail off "I'm Butch...I just moved in from the city over' he said extending his hand. Brute just kept looking on how similar their outfit scheme was it was odd like looking in a mirror of sorts. Adam extened him hand to shake Butch's hand "What my clumsy friend means to say is she's Brute and I'm Adam and here's your..' Adam struggled to hand over Butch's heavy duffel bag he dropped "Bag' he exhaled as Butch took it back "Damn what's in that thing?' Adam asked with a huff "It's my Hockey gear, tryouts are today for the new season' Butch said in a more excited manner. Adam rolled his eyes "How could I forget' he noticed as Brute still eyed Butch starting to pick up on the similarities "Well I'll be damned, If I didn't know better I'd think the two were related' he laughed as Butch chuckled "Oh no she's way to cute to be related to me' he said innocently as Brutes face went red. Butches watch started to beep as he panicked "Damn I'm late! Ill see ya around new friends' he raced passed them towards the gym as Adam and Brute turned to where he ran "I like him...a little dumb but you can tell me means well' Adam laughed.
"Let's go watch the tryouts' She chirped taking Adam's hand and walking in the direction of the gym "Wait what!? No we're gonna miss home room and try outs are just so boring I mean we wouldn't miss much' Adam protested as Brute continued. Brute sighed "Adam you didn't happen to notice how oddly similar me and Butch looked...' Adam paused "I mean yeah but who's to say that he just doesn't also like green and have green eyes' Adam said as Brute turned to him "...yeah but I think there's more to it than that...' Adam paused "Do you have a crush on him?' Adam asked blatantly making Brute roll her eyes "No you idi...look Adam can we just go I swear will be in and out in 5 minutes I swear' Brute pleaded. Adam sighed "Alright' he threw a fit punching the air "Lets go..' Brute hesitated before following "Why are you so against going to try outs...' She asked. Adam sighed "No reason...' They made their way into the gym.
Brute and Adam walked the bleachers and found a seat near the center of the rink were Adam kept looking about until Brute reached out "Hey, you sure your okay?' she asked.
On the ice the coach skated onto the ice first "Alright so new blood on the right, Hooligans on my left' The group of kids separated into two groups as the coach kept an eye on the newcomers including Butch. The coach chewed his gum before pointing at a kid in the group "You, have you played Hockey before?' he asked making the kid stutter "Y-Yeah' Coach walked on "Wrong, you have you played Hockey before?' he asked another kid "...uhh Yes sir' Coach skated on "Wrong! You guys aren't Hooligans yet. Until you play and fight like a Hooligan you ain't never played Hockey' He skated to a stop. "Let me introduce assistant coach and former Townsville High Hooligan Team Captain Randal "Wrecking ball' Klutch' The second coach skated out as the team slammed their sticks on the ice.
Adam dipped in his seat "Nothing ya know what I'm gonna go to the bathroom real quick' As Adam got up Brute grasped him by the arm keeping him there "Adam, seriously you've been acting weird. Whats going on?'
Randal looked up from the ice to see the squabble as he squinted to see better "Adam?' Randal skated toward the two as the head coach looked over "Randy, the hell you doin?'
Randy skated up to the wall and knocked on the clear wall guard "Adam is that you?' He smiled as Adam tossed his arms up in frustration "Hey Randy whats up'
Randy chuckled "Little bro it is you! How ya-' he was cut back by the sound of head coach's whistle "Randy, we don't pay ya to entertain the crowd. Front and center' Head coach barked.
Randy waved at Adam as he skated back to the center of the rink "As I was saying, Randy here is a Model for all you potential Hooligans, he fought, sweat and bled for this team. Hell even left a part of him on the ice...show'em Rand' Coach said as Randy reached in his mouth and pulled out three false teeth leaving a gap when he smiled making the team cringe.
Coach jarred into the groans "Yeah yeah you sissys but here's my point, unless you're willing to give up as much as Randy. you will never be a Hooligan. The minute you sweat, bleed and push until you cant push anymore and even then you get up and keep pushing...only then can you be a hooligan...only then can you play Hockey' Coach looked back at the Team "So I ask you...who's ready to play Hockey...' A few mumbles came from the group. "No I'm sorry I don't think I heard ya I said who's ready to play Hockey!' Coach growled. "we are coach' the group said. The Coach barked "Who's ready to play Hockey!'
"We are coach!' The team shouted as the coach waved the team "Hooligans on three, 1,2,3'
"Hooligans!'
Coach skated to the side "Alright Hooligans with Coach Klutch and new guys with me' The team split going to two sides of the rink.
Brute looked over at Adam "You have a brother?' she asked as Adam rolled his eyes "Step brother from my dads second Marriage, they divorced two years ago. Totally neutral though they still even talk and Randal has tried to keep in touch by coaching here since he graduated 3 years ago and I've done my best to avoid him' he half smiled. Brute cocked a brow "Why he seems so excited to see you' she asked. Adam huffed "It's just me and my pop for the longest time, I never had much use for a brother and here comes Randal trying to force the whole sibling thing on me and it was just overbearing' Adam huffed as Brute took his hand in hers "It's cool man, I get it...' She smiled as Adam smiled back.
"Is that your girlfriend, dude she's cute' Randy said making the two jump pulling away with blushed faces.
Head coach pulled Butch up "Name?'
"Butch' Butch answered looking forward "Butch...hmm I like that, Where'd you play last?' he asked.
"Citiesville'
Coach chuckled "Not a bad team, head coach is a real piece of work but believe we do things different down here are you prepared for that?' Coach asked as Butch nodded.
"Butch your first for slap shots, line'em up' he said. As Butch tried to skate to the Puck one of his skates blades shook loose catching Coach's attention "Are those skates gonna hold..?' He asked as Butch nodded nervously slamming his skate into its mold.
Adam feigned listening as Randy went on about Hockey and how much they needed to hang out as Brute could only chuckle to herself.
Butch went down the line slapping the pucks towards the net only missing one thus far "Good form kid keep it up just a few more'
As Butch reached back for the last puck his blade on his skate went loose making him collapse during his swing sending the puck towards Randy.
"Hey watch your head!'
Randy turned only shutting his eyes to the puck only for a solid thunk to come from his direction. Randy and Adam's breaths were heavy as they looked to see Brute had caught the puck mid way.
"Holy...' Head coach looked at Brute who dropped the puck shaking her hand "That stung, ouch'
Head coach skated towards them "You, come down here' He said as Brute pointed at herself questioning of his motives before hopping over the wall and holding her balance on the ice getting a few chuckles from the team.
"What's your name...?' Coach asked.
Brute cleared her throat "Uhh...Brute' Coach nodded thinking for a moment "Brute...you ever think of being a Hooligan?' he asked as the Team protested "Come on coach we can't have a girl she'll bleed all over the ice' a player protested who was silence by the icy glare from head coach.
"So what do you say kid? wanna be a Hooligan?' He asked.
Brute let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding with a chuckle "Yeah...but I've never skated before...' more groans came from the team as Coach hushed them again.
"Coach Klutch will train you on that and well work you up to speed' He gently grabbed Brute's wrist "These hands are a gift kid, don't let them go to waste' He skated waving Randy over.
Adam sighed "I would have just let the Puck hit him, avoid this whole thing' Brute rolled her eyes "Don't be a jerk'
Randy kept pace with Head coach "Are you sure thats a good idea coach I mean it's gonna take a lot to get her up to speed'
HC came to a stop "Randy I just saw her snatch a puck right out of the air with out breaking a bone in her hand. I don't know how but I'm not letting someone like that off my rink that easy' he said looking back at the gawking team "What are ya looking at, back to practice!' he shouted making the team scramble to their play positions.
Adam and Brute exited the gym while Adam was mid way through a fit "You could have signed up for football, baseball...hell even lacrosse but noooo you had to go with Hockey' he ranted only for Brute to roll her eyes. "I don't see the big deal man and after the past few weeks I need something to get my mind away from...well you know' she said tightening her grip on her bag. Before Adam could go on Brute spoke up "Adam I just wanna be a normal kid ya know, after finding about my condition I'd like to do things normal teenage kids do...' She said casting her gaze to the football field. Adam saw how distraught the thought made her about not being considered "Normal' . With a sigh Adam walked up to Brute throwing an arm around her "You know it's not exactly normal for girls to play Hockey' he joked as Brute shoved him off "Oh come on don't start that. You know I can hold my own, bet I can kick your ass' She laughed walking in front of Adam. "yeah I didn't doubt ya for a second, alright let's get to homeroom' he said as they made their way back onto the awning.
After second bell, Adam and Brute stopped in the hallway "So what you have planned after school?' Brute asked walking to her locker as Adam followed since his was 4 lockers down "I got to go to the computer lab to make up some extra credit for my digital design class' he said changing out some books. Brute closed her locker "Want some company? I wasn't planning on doing much anyways' Adam closed his locker looking away "Ehh, it's gonna take me some time and it's really boring you don't wanna hang around for that' Brute punched at his arm with a chuckle "I'm bored half the time we hang out, what's the difference at school?' Adam gave her a faux laugh "HA HA very funny, but seriously I'll probably just go by myself. If anything maybe I'll see you after, I'll probably get home around 7ish' The bell for the next class had rung as Adam looked back at Brute as he headed for his next class "Talk to ya later B' He waved as Brute gave a weak wave back "What are you up to Adam...' she asked herself before turning and heading to her class.
Brute watched the clock tick down the final minutes as she was broken from her trance by a slightly agitated instructor "Brute, looking at the clock doesn't make the class go by any faster. Now if you would be so kind as to come up and solve the equation' she said holding out a dry erase marker. Brute sighed walking up to the board and looking over the equation occasionally looking back at her classmates for help. Her hand shook as she brought it up to the board having not the slightest idea of what the answer might have been. The ticking from the clock seemed to echo louder as the embarrassment started to settle in. With a gulp Brute placed the marker on the board just as the final bell for the day sounded off. With a sigh of relief Brute went to grab her bag to have her instructor stand before her "You okay Brute, you seem a bit distracted today?' she asked as Brutes eyes darted between her instructor and the open door. "Yeah, I'm good. I guess...' She trailed off at the sight of Adam walking by the door "I'm...just still settling in , that's all' she chuckled nervously. Her instructor tilted her glasses before sighing "Look it's okay to be nervous at a new school...' her instructor rambled on as Brute kept looking back at the door. "Yeah yeah yeah thanks for the pep talk Miss Johnson, gotta go don't wanna miss the bus. Thank you bye' Brute said walking out the door before picking up the pace.
"Computer lab computer lab computer lab' she thought to her self making her way to the science building on campus.
She ran around the corner to the computer lab as she peered into the dark room through the window. "There's no one here...'
"Can I help you?' an instructor from across the hall asked as she locked her classroom for the day. Brute cleared her throat "yeah isn't the computer lab supposed to be open today?' She asked pulling on her bag strap. The instructor gave her a questioning look "No I'm sorry miss, Coach Rylance has Soccer practice on tuesdays, the lab is only open after school on thursdays and fridays. I'm sorry' she said walking away.
Brute clutched her fist in anger as she stormed out of the building onto the parking lot of the school "...if he didn't want to hang out he could have just told me, he didn't have to right out lie...' she said walking out. A final glace over at the football field she spotted Adam walking behind the bleachers.
Brute felt her anger boil over as she marched after him. He vanished behind a few of the steps as Brute walked faster .
"Hey kid' Brute was halted by the voice of Head coach who was locking the gym door "Come here, I've got some paper work your parents need to fill out before you join the team' He said walking over as Brute kept looking over at the bleachers and walking over towards her coach. "Yeah just have them sign this for the gear rental, be sure to get a physical within the next two weeks so you can play this season and-' Brute interrupted her coach "Yeah yeah fill out the forms got it' she said grabbing the paper work and continuing for the bleachers as her coach only shrugged and walked for his car.
Brute marched around the corner with a "Ah Ha!' she said to an empty area. She looked around at the open area to no sign of Adam "What the...where'd he...' she looked around from the field to the back of the school "...where...how did he manage to shake me...' she thought taking a deep breath and walking towards the bus pick up area.
Brute sat at home looking out her window where she could see the side of Adam's house. She spent the past few hours in her computer chair looking out the window waiting for either Adam or her Mom to show up. She hated being alone for extended periods of time.
She saw a figure on the street walking up the side walk, it was Adam. Only moments later her mom pulled into the drive way. She ran down stairs as her mom came in through the garage door "Hey love, sorry I'm late. Work piled up-' Brute cut passed her "Alright mom going to Adam's real quick' she said closing the door behind her.
Brute sped walked meeting Adam at his drive way "Whats up B, sorry the computer lab session took longer than I wanted it to but I should be all caught up with my credits from last year' he chuckled as she only looked him up and down. She noticed a scuff across his cheek "What happened to your face?' she asked pointing to the mark on his cheek. Adam wiped the mark from his cheek with a pause and a chuckle "Oh, the printer was on the fritz so I took a look at it. it's printer ink...' Brute just kept studying him as Adam took a step back "Everything...okay...?' he asked. Brute crossed her arms with a sigh "Yeah Adam, everythings good...i'll see ya' she said walking away. "You didn't...want to hang out?' he asked. She stopped "I'm just tired' She said walking away. Adam nodded "Uh...alright B, I'll see you tomorrow...' he said as Brute ignored him and continued walking.
Adam huffed "Right...' he grabbed his bag and large box walking inside.
Brute made it inside where her mom had already started dinner "Hey hun, it's running kind of late so I just made spaghetti is that okay?'
With a sigh she mumbled "Yeah...' Her mother put the pasta in the pot to boil as she went over to Brute "Hey...what's the matter?' She asked sitting across the table from her. Brute didn't say anything. "Are you and Adam fighting again?' she asked which made Brute blush slightly, she hated the idea that she always felt like he had ways of making her feel a certain way. "No, not really. I mean not that it matters I mean he can do what he wants ...wait I'm getting a head of myself ugh!' She sighed with a deep breath "Mom, If you had a friend who you know was lying to you about something. Would you confront them about it or just pretend like everythings fine...' she asked as her mothers face dropped a little "well honey, if it bothers you that much...I think...you should ask why he lied but I mean there has to be a reason why he lied but I couldn't tell you what he's thinking hun' Ramona turned to the stove biting her lip slightly.
"Yeah...I think I'm just gonna leave it alone. We all have to have our secrets I guess' Brute sighed sulking in her chair. Ramona turned off the stove off "Tell you what why don't we order your favorite' she asked making Brute sit up a little bit "...Thai...?' Brute asked as a smile tugged at her lips "Beef and Broccoli' Ramona asked pointing her phone at Brute. Brute smiled "Yeah...and e-'
"Egg drop soup, come on I think I know my own daughter' Ramona laughed ash she called in the order "Yeah hi, I'd like to place an order for delivery' Ramona said walking into the living room and turning on the TV.
Brute gave her a half hug as she went upstairs to wash up before dinner, as she walked back from her rest room to her room she glanced out the window at Adam's house and felt her heart sink for a moment before going over and closing the blinds to her window.
Before making her way down stairs she grabbed her paper work to join the Hockey team and jumped on the couch next to her mom. "Soooo mom, I've been thinking of joining an after school program...' she said fiddling with the papers. "Well that's great love, what'd you have in mind? You know as much as you're into music I always pictured you in band' her mom said flipping through channels. "Yeah well mom it's not really that kind of program...it's more physical, like really physical...' Brute said looking around trying to stall off telling her. Ramona looked over at her slowly "Like...cheerleader physical..' Ramona said with false hope. Brute gave her mother her biggest grin "...Hockey' Brute shrugged. Ramona sat back into the couch with a sigh as she looked over at her hopeful child. She smiled at Brute caressing the side of her cheek "You just have such a beautiful face love, I don't want you walking around looking like one of those goons...'her mom pleaded but Brute didn't break face "I've always loved hockey mom, I've never thought about playing it till I went to tryouts but in order to play you have to sign these. Please mom...' Brute begged. Her mom rolled her eyes hugging Brute "You know I can't say no to you my love' Her mom said as Brute looked up at her "Really?!' Ramona nodded "Go get me a pen' Brute giggled excitedly jumping off the couch and rummaging through the kitchen until she came back with a pen.
Ramona signed and initialed the permission paper glancing up at her daughter "I just had a thought, you don't even know how to skate?' she said in a rather confused manner. Brute nodded "I don't, but the assistant coach is going to give me one on one training before the season starts' She said watching the random tv sitcom that her mom left on. Her mom nodded rather impressed "One on one huh? Why are they so interested in my little turtle dove' she asked playing with a strand of Brute's hair.
Brute took a deep breath "Well I ran into this guy' She was cut off by her mothers barrage of questions "Guy? Does Adam know? Where'd you meet him?' She asked as Brute raised her hands in an attempt to get a word in. "Woah, mom no it's nothing like that. I accidentally ran into him while he was on his way to try outs and I just decided to pop in and watch. And what did you mean by does Adam know?' She asked with a raised brow.
Ramona paused "I was under the impression that you and Adam were kind of a thing...' she said looking away to hide a slight blush. Brute nearly fell off the couch "What!? No, eww. Me and Adam are just friends Mom' She said looking over her shoulder to hide a slight blush. "...You know your father and I were just friends before we started dating' Her mom said looking back to the tv. "Mom! Stop!' Brute laughed tossing a pillow at her mom. Ramona laughed "What? Adam's handsome' Brute make a gaging noise "Barf' she laughed as the door bell rang "Foods here' her mom said getting up.
Ramona walked in with a bag as she placed the Styrofoam containers before herself and Brute "So when do you start practice?' Ramona asked as she pried apart her chop sticks. Brute shrugged picking up a piece of broccoli "You know I'm not sure, I would imagine as soon as I get the permission slip turned in' she said taking a bite of the stalk. "Well you're a quick learner. I'm sure you'll pick up on it quick' Ramona said as they went on eating and watching tv.
Brute grasped for the wall trying to keep her balance on her skates as Randal continued to skate around her "Easy there kid, you just need to find-' Randal paused and Brute fell over on the ice. he laughed holding his hand out "-your center of gravity' She blushed taking his hand as he helped her up. "Don't worry, once you get this down the rest comes easier' he reassured her as she only continued to focus on her skates below her. "So your fan didn't come to watch you practice?' he asked skating about as Brute slowly let go of the wall to start her stride "My fan?' She asked slowly picking up momentum. Randal nodded "My brother?' he laughed. Brute rolled her eyes "it's not like were tied at the hip or anything' she said almost losing her footing. Randal chuckled "Although true, no matter what I told the kid I could never really get him to even set foot in this building. And you show up and he practically held the door open for ya' he nodded as Brute shot him a look. She didn't realize how much he really detested this place. Before she could say anything Randal spoke "But hey don't let me pester you on the matter, here' he handed her a hockey stick "Get use to having this in hand, so your not constantly waving your hands around for balance' he continued to skate around her 'Just a few more laps around the rink and that'll be enough practice for today' He said as Brute slowly started to pick up her pace.
Brute walked out of the building as she grabbed the strap of her bag and hoisted it higher "Not bad, you're learning fast' A voice came from behind her. She turned to see Butch leaned against the wall "You were watching?' she asked eyeing him "Well sure, it's not every day you see someone snatch a puck clean out of the air' she kept thinking back to that and how she wish she hadn't "Lucky catch I guess' she said turning to leave "How'd you do it Brute?' He asked freezing her in place . "That or you can at least say you sprained your hand but you walked out with out even a flinch of pain' He said as Brute just took a breath "Just lucky I guess' Butch didn't break face before a grin relaxed his whole demeanor "Say, what are you doing after this?' he asked making Brute turn around "What...um nothing I guess...' she paused not really knowing what to say. "Wanna go grab something to eat?' he asked. As if like clock work her stomach growled causing her to blush "I take that as a yes, I mean since were gonna be playing on the same team we might as well get to know one another' Butch said. Brute only shrugged "Sure, what have I got to lose' she said following Butch to the school parking lot.
And there it is, chapter 2