Buttercup sighed, staring down one of the grocery isles. Her mom had given her enough money for groceries, using her daughter to run errands. She hadn't minded at first, but now the lines were long at every station. That's what I get for going when everyone's off work I guess... She huffed as she finally moved up a space.

"Did you find everything okay?"

"I did." Her head snapped up as the guy three people in front of her answered. That voice... She tried to see around the people standing in front of her, but the candy and magazines on each side of her weren't leaving her much room. I know that voice! She heard the beep of the card reader, praying he took his time leaving. She tapped her foot, praying the two in front of her wouldn't try to talk to the cashier, and slow her down even more. Come on, come on, come on! Finally, it was her turn. She practically snatched her grocery bags and change, dashing to the automated doors. She paused outside, turning her head left and right. She didn't see him, but she also had no idea what he even looked like. This is dumb...no way it's the same guy...he can't be. How would I know his voice enough to dream about it? I just got surprised because they were similar. She sighed, turning to the right and heading home.


"What's wrong BC? You've been in a bad mood since this morning." Buttercup grunted, turning to look out the window. Blossom raised an eyebrow but didn't push any further. Bubbles burst into the classroom, practically vibrating with excitement. Blossom caught her ecstatic friend as she launched herself at them, smiling nervously.

"What's got you so excited?" Bubbles didn't answer, instead pulling a flyer from behind her back.

"There's a new art gallery opening downtown. ANDTHEYWANNASHOWCASEMYWORK!" Buttercup turned toward her friends, a proud smile on her face.

"Oh ho? So our little Bubbly has her first showcase soon huh?" Blossom grinned, impressed Buttercup understood what Bubbles had said at the end.

"When is it? And how did that happen?" Bubbles rocked on her heels, waving the poster as she talked with her hands.

"Actually it's a super funny story! I was sketching in the park and..." Buttercup zoned out, nodding when Bubbles looked at her. She didn't mean to be rude, but she couldn't get yesterday's incident out of her head. She'd had the same jarring dreams last night, except this time she and the mystery man were at a spring, and he talked more. It's probably because I heard that guy's voice...but why do I feel like I'm overlooking something important?

"...and so I want you guys to come with me to the showcase Saturday!" Buttercup nodded, turning to look out the window again as class began. Well whatever, it's probably nothing.


"Blossom? Don't you usually go to the library?" Blossom giggled nervously, twirling a strand of hair framing her face.

"W-well...I don't feel like reading today so I think I'm going to go outside and enjoy some fresh air...?" Buttercup and Bubbles narrowed their eyes, stopping to corner their friend against a row of lockers near their first period.

"You don't feel like reading? Since when?"

"You love the library, but you want some fresh air? Seems fishy to me."

"Did something happen?" Blossom groaned and hid her face behind her math textbook, unable to lie to them. Buttercup cracked her knuckles, while Bubbles grabbed her shoulders.

"Did someone do something to you? Is someone threatening you?!"

"We'll take care of it no problem." Blossom shook her head, lowering the book enough to show her striking eyes.

"No...he didn't do anything particularly awful...it just made me uncomfortable..." Bubbles and Buttercup froze, zeroing in on Blossom.

"He?!"

"I'll kill him! Who was it?!"

"I wasn't trying to make you uncomfortable Pinky." The girls whipped their heads to the side. There stood Brick, nonchalantly rifling through his locker.

"I took it too far yesterday." Blossom blushed, as scenes of yesterday replayed in her head. Bubbles noticed, giving her a we'll talk later look as Buttercup shifted in front of her friends, glaring at the red headed devil.

"Whatever you did, don't do it again. And don't take advantage of people scumbag." He slammed his locker shut, turning to fully face them.

"Scumbag? A bit harsh, especially when you don't even know what happened."

"I don't have to know. You made her uncomfortable, so you're a scumbag. End of story." He scoffed, shifting his books in his arms.

"A simple deduction from a simpleton. But I didn't expect anything less." Buttercup's eyebrows drew together as the insult washed over her. She took a menacing step forward, her muscles coiling in preparation to strike.

"Why you-"

"Don't insult my friend!" Blossom broke from behind the girls, glaring up at Brick. There it is again. I knew it was you... He moved forward, bending forward to whisper in her ear.

"How long will you keep this shy act up?" She blanched, backing up.

"It's not an act you jerk! Stop imposing your twisted view on others!" She marched around him without a second glance. Bubbles stuck her tongue out at him, and Buttercup flipped him off before heading in the opposite direction. Brick sighed, leaning against the lockers with a soft thud.

"That was smooth Casanova." He frowned, kicking the newcomer. Boomer dodger effortlessly, smirking all the while.

"Shut up. I couldn't help myself." Boomer turned in the direction Blossom had gone, shrugging.

"Maybe, but our mission is different this time. No matter how much you want her, you can't do things that risk the rest of us." Brick brushed past him, his frown transforming into a scowl.

"I know. Don't forget who's in charge here." He turned to glare at his friend, his deep scarlet eyes flashing in warning. Boomer held up his hands in surrender, dropping them only when Brick turned the corner. He sighed, making his way to class as the warning bell rang.

"You're not the only one holding back."