She chased him through the aisles, but got slowed down once again at the cash register. She lost him once she stepped outside, panting as her hands rested on her knees.

"How did he disappear like that again?"

"Are you looking for me?"

"Gah!" There he stood, leaning against the side of the store with his hand covering his mouth in a poor attempt to hide his laughter. Buttercup blushed, straightening to her full height. She couldn't help the way her eyes roamed his perfect figure, even in the dim light of the street lamps. He pushed off the building, coming to stand right in front of her. And she didn't know why for a moment she couldn't breathe. It really is him...

I see I still affect her. But this life won't go like the last. He caressed her cheek, and she didn't fight it as she leaned into his touch. He tilted her face up, and kissed her slowly. Sparks danced in the air around them. His voice began to fill her mind, but just before it could take root in her soul once again, he finished sealing the connection. She passed out in his arms. He scooped her up, mindful of the bag of groceries.

"Don't worry Butterbutt. I'll protect you this time." He left her outside of Blossom's house, only leaving after she opened the door and dragged her friend inside. He melted into the shadows, her striking eyes stuck in his mind. I didn't realize it would be so long before I met her...


"Was that wise? You weren't supposed to meet her yet." Butch threw water on his face, wiping it with a towel.

"I didn't have a choice. That was the second time she'd chased after me." Brick scoffed, following his friend out of the bathroom.

"You should have ignored her."

"What, like you ignored Blossom?" Brick frowned, folding his arms across his chest. Boomer sighed from his place on the couch, the light from the laptop reflecting off his glasses.

"Will you two calm down? Nothing we can do about it now. And since neither of you can follow the plan, I guess I won't either."

"It's not like they'll remember. Blossom made sure of that when she cast the spell. A few 'chance' encounters won't hurt." Butch rolled his eyes, while Boomer snorted.

"And what happens when those 'chance' encounters keep happening? Her spell will hold as long as they don't want to remember. The second they start getting unhappy with this life is the second the seal is in jeopardy. I don't know about you two, but I won't let Bubbles awaken again." Brick popped the top of an orange soda, buying time. God I miss her...but her safety takes precedence.

"Fine. We won't freeze them out, but we can't get too close. We don't need them to remember what they were, what we are, or what we were to them. Butch." Said boy hummed, but didn't look at him. "No more slips. Buttercup said she's been having dreams, so I hope you took care of that." He frowned, slumping further in the couch.

"I did."


"Buttercup are you sure you're okay? You passed out yesterday." Buttercup waved off her friend's concern, eyes never leaving the tv.

"Of course. I was probably just tired." Tired my perfect ass. You were fine before you went to the store.

"Okay..." Buttercup paused her game, sighing heavily before facing her friend.

"I know that tone Blossom. Leave it." Like hell I will.

"Okay, fine." She crossed her fingers behind her back, smiling innocently. Buttercup stared at her suspiciously for a few minutes more, before nodding. Blossom grinned, slinking off to grab her phone from her desk.

Bloss: Bubbles.

Bubs: What? I'm kinda busy rn.

Bloss: Well get unbusy. I need you to do something for me.

Bubs: What?

Bloss: BC won't tell me what's wrong, so I'm gonna find out. You're gonna help me.

Bubs: Ugh don't you get tired of meddling? Of course I'm in.

Bloss: Great! So here's what we're gonna do...


How are weekends always so short?! Buttercup dragged her feet through the hallways. Third period on Monday's was always the worst, because she didn't have Bubbles or Blossom with her.

"Alrighty folks! We have a new student joining us! It's a bit late in the year, but be nice to your new classmate!" The door opened with a flourish, and the class turned as one to watch the new kid strut inside. It was a boy, about average height with brunette close cropped hair. A silver earring reflected off the classroom lights.

"Sup." His voice was deep as the ocean, and smooth like freshly poured coffee. "I'm Raiden."

"Raiden. Welcome, your seat is over there. Now last class we learned how to apply this formula..." He sat a seat behind and to the right of Buttercup. She wasn't sure why she felt a chill crawl down her spine, or get the feeling he watched her the whole class.

When she packed up her things, he was there behind her.

"I see you're just as cold." She jumped, hand pausing on the way to her backpack.

"Excuse me?" He grabbed her arm, turning her to face him. The blank, unimpressed stare on her face caused a mischievous smirk to appear on his for a brief moment before it faded. He let her go, raising a hand to scratch behind his head.

"I'm sorry. I mistook you for someone else. But," He grabbed a lock of her hair, spinning it between her fingers. "it also was my attempt to talk with such a beautiful girl." He let her hair slip from his fingers as she fought a blush.

"Buttercup-" He smirked, leaning down to whisper in her ear.

"See you around Buttercup." Buttercup watched him go, and Blossom let him pass without a word. She bumped Buttercup with her elbow when she passed her, falling into step beside her.

"Who was that?" Buttercup shrugged, readjusting her backpack.

"No idea."