Soft rays of sunlight filtered in through the blinds. She woke slowly, rising from the best sleep she'd ever had. She never had trouble sleeping, but this had been a deep sleep, though she couldn't remember having any dreams. The soft cotton sheets pooled at her waist as she stretched, reaching blindly for the water bottle she always kept on her night stand. When her hand hit empty air, she stopped rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She looked to the left where her night stand should be, but instead saw empty space.
"What the…" She looked down, grabbing at the dark blue sheets and covers around her. Her breathing sped up as she noticed her clothes had been changed, but thankfully her underwear hadn't. Okay calm down Bubbles. What happened yesterday? I talked to Buttercup and then I went to the bathroom…but why was I crying…? I feel like I'm forgetting something… She swung her legs over to the side, wandering around the room. It was a modest set up, with just a bed, nightstand, and TV as the main focal points of the room. The nightstand and TV stand were made from beautiful chestnut wood, with a design that looked like leaves growing out of it in a spiral shape. Different paintings hung on the wall, each striking in their own way. They all seemed sad though, and one depicting a battle field seemed to resonate with her, though she wasn't sure why. The door to the bathroom was half open, so she went in to splash water on her face and attempt to freshen up. Someone had left a new toothbrush and toothpaste for her, which she was thankful for. Once she finished, she made her way back to the bedroom and to the exit. She opened that door more cautiously, not sure what she would find. What she didn't expect to see was the back of a guy's head as he cooked, humming to himself. She pushed the door open wider, walking out. He had midnight black hair that spiked up, exposing his neck in an inviting way. He wore a sleeveless tshirt and basketball shorts, and she would be lying if she said she wasn't admiring the way his arms flexed with every move. He didn't seem to have noticed her yet, so she cleared her throat before coming around to the bar top counter.
"Um, hi." He turned to her and her heart nearly stopped at the smile he shot her way. Get a grib here girl! He's a stranger! A dangerous, sexy stranger! She flashed a small smile in return, making herself comfortable on one of the bar stools.
"I was wondering when you'd wake up. Boom was worried sick." Boom? As in Boomer? Does that mean they're friends? That bedroom was his favorite color…wait focus.
"Boom? Like Boomer?" She didn't bother with a last name. Who else had that name? And if they weren't talking about the same guy she didn't want to give too much away so he could fake knowing who she was talking about. He nodded as he stirred some scrambled eggs.
"Yeah. He brought you home last night. Said you'd passed out."
"Oh." That made sense. She couldn't remember much of yesterday. But didn't I go to the bathroom? Maybe I left and passed out during elective? We do have that together so that would make sense. But why bring me here instead of the infirmary? She focused back on the conversation when the boy started putting food in front of her and handed her a paper plate.
"I don't know what you eat so just take whatever." He came around to sit with her, practically inhaling his food and going for more. Bubbles couldn't help but giggle at the way he ate. He kinda reminds me of BC. She eats with the same vigor.
"What's your name?" He raised an eyebrow but didn't answer, instead taking a sip of juice. Bubbles huffed, gesturing to her now empty plate. "I wanna know the name of the guy who made me such a great breakfast." He grinned, running a hand through his hair.
"Name's Butch." Butch…why does that sound so familiar? And why am I so relaxed around him? She brushed off her concern, trusting her instincts. She spent time talking with Butch, though she didn't want to admit she was sticking around mainly to see if Boomer really lived there.
Brick is gonna kill me. Boomer managed to keep his neutral facade in place as he rushed home. Butch has already called him an idiot for bringing her home, but he couldn't help it. She had been in pain and in danger of remembering their past life. One of the reasons they could live so peacefully now was because the girls didn't remember. Blossom had made sure that would happen when she cast the spell, ending her life in the process. Buttercup especially would be devasted all over again. None of them wanted that. It had been seventeen wonderful years. Boomer intended to keep them on track. He knew Butch wouldn't try anything. Leaving her there had been the safest choice. Raiden couldn't interfere there. He made it home and pushed open the door, and his heart panged at the sight. Bubbles was laughing with Butch, bent over with a hand on the counter. She had never laughed that way around him. He couldn't help the jealousy that ran through him for a moment.
"You're awake." Bubbles tapered off to a giggle as she spun to face him. She grinned, sliding off the bar stool and making her way to him.
"Yeah. Butch told me how you took care of me while I was out. Thank you." Her smile was heart stopping, just as he remembered. He let a small smile creep onto his face as he scratched the back of his head.
"You're welcome." Butch coughed, pulling their attention back to him.
"As cute as this is, Bubbles should be heading home now." Bubbles nodded, looking for her phone. Boomer had slipped it on to the counter when he'd first returned, his business with it done. He handed it to her, smiling innocently. She thanked him, and accepted his offer to walk her home. He knew he and his friends had a lot to talk about when he got back. Raiden and his brothers were a problem they would need to handle before they could interfere anymore.
