So before we jump in I just wanted to say thank you! to my lovely reviewers and readers! You guys are the reason I write, and now that the holidays are upon us, I can hopefully get more chapters out to you guys. I read every review you guys leave me, sometimes multiple times since they make me smile :D, and I really appreciate you guys leaving them, so keep it up! But we all know you guys aren't here to read about my sappy appreciation author notes, you're here for some ppgxrrb goodness! Things are starting to heat up, so let's get to it!
Blossom nibbled on her bottom lip. She'd wandered downtown, killing time before she was supposed to help her mom with the bookstore. She had decided to try the new cake shop, almost moaning at the richly moist taste. She'd gone with a strawberry shortcake first, then red velvet, then a pound cake. She'd just finished when the bell chimed, signaling someone was entering the store. Curious as to who else would be awake so early on a Saturday, she glanced in that direction. Her eyes stuck to the young man as he made his way to the counter to order. He was lean, but obviously worked out if his arms were any indication. He wore long sleeves, but they melded with his body so perfectly it was like a second skin. Grey sweatpants hugged his trim waist. His hair was long enough to be pulled into a man bun, with red highlights. He was gorgeous…and he was walking toward her. Oh god, how long was I staring?!
He flashed her an easy yet shy smile as he walked, pausing in front of the seat across from her.
"Is this seat free?" His voice washed over her like a wave, not as deep as she would have expected it to be, but cool as ice. She nodded mutely, resisting the urge to giggle as she often did when she was nervous. She fiddled with her tea, suddenly wishing she hadn't eaten her cake slices so fast. When she looked back up at him, his smile was kind and understanding in a way only a fellow introvert's could be. Blossom straightened, silently telling herself to calm down because it's not that deep so just talk to the guy and be smooth.
"Are you new here? I haven't seen you around before." Nailed it. He swirled his straw, breaking up the foam in his Frappuccino.
"I am. My brothers and I just recently moved here. I came a bit later though so I'm not as used to this town as they are." The smirk that flashed across his face was secretive, but it disappeared as quickly as it came. Blossom brushed it off, her nerves calming with each passing moment. She would have to be careful not to get comfortable with silence. She tended to do that when she had nothing else to say. And while that was normal and comfortable for her, that wasn't the case for everyone, even if they might be a fellow introvert.
"That's cool." That's cool?! He's not talking about his love of action figures! Gotta add something else so he doesn't think I'm bored. "I've lived here my whole life." His smile brightened, reaching around to grab her hand. Blossom's smile faltered for a minute before she recovered, tightening her other hand in slight panic. Too comfortable! Too comfortable! She tried to ease her hand back, but he wasn't letting go.
"Since that's the case, would you mind showing me where the nearest grocery store is? We live around here, and it's my turn to cook." He let go of her hand once she agreed, standing up. She followed him, rubbing her hand. Something about that hadn't sat well with her at all. I'll show him the way and then make up an excuse to leave. She moved beside him, guiding him while pointing out other stores along the street that might be helpful. When they stopped in front of the grocery store, he turned to her, kissing the back of her hand as he thanked her. Blossom's face flamed as her earlier reservations were pushed to the back of her mind. She didn't even notice that while his lips were on her, his eyes weren't, staring at something to the left of her. He straightened before she noticed, focusing his kind smile on her once again. "Thank you. I hope to see you again." Blossom, still blushing, nodded as she stuttered out a response.
"Y-yeah…no problem…" He paused at the door, turning to look at her over his shoulder as they slid open.
"My name is Reed. It was a pleasure to meet you beautiful." He disappeared without waiting to see her reaction. Blossom nearly evaporated, her face was so hot. She turned to the left, zoning out as she walked toward her family's bookstore. My name is Reed. It was a pleasure to meet you beautiful. It was a pleasure to meet you beautiful. Pleasure to meet you beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful...
"I need to call Bubbles."
Buttercup sighed, balancing a pencil on her nose. She'd just gotten off a three way call with the girls. Blossom had run in to some mystery hottie named Reed, and Bubbles has said she'd met an equally mysterious hottie named Butch. She'd perked up at the name, but couldn't for the life of her figure out why. It had stirred something in her heart but not her memory, so she'd brushed it off. It was probably a character in a book or movie or something I'd really liked. She pushed away from her desk, stretching until she cracked her back. She glanced at the clock, nodding to herself. 4:30...so now's as good a time as any. She changed into a sports bra and leggings with pockets. Her phone and key came next, since her mom wouldn't be home for awhile. She locked up, slipping in to a slow jog toward the park.
The world faded around her as she lost herself in the music blasting from her headphones. Her eyes were open but unseeing, the path so familiar to her. She evened her breathing, gradually speeding up the pace until she was at her current limit. The park had a running trail that started at a worn wooden bench and ended at the same spot, using different routes through the trees and the heart of the park to form a giant loop. The heart of the park housed a playground for the kids, with benches and picnic tables spaced around it. The trails mostly ran through trees, dispersed almost evenly on either side of the trail. It had the feeling of a secret garden, though the road ran parallel to some parts, breaking up the tranquil atmosphere. Buttercup had completed the loop three times before she noticed someone was watching her. She slowed once she came near a bench, pretending to stretch while she glanced around. The creep startled her when they made eye contact. How long he had been staring at her she wasn't sure, but something about the way he looked at her made her skin crawl. She was in the middle of the park, and she could get home from here, but it would be wiser to run back to the start where it would be a straight shot to her house. She stretched her left leg before taking off at the same pace as before, not wanting to alert the man. She made it back to the start, and made it home without further incident. She practically slammed the door shut, making sure it was locked before heading to her room. That was weird... Unbeknownst to her, a pair of honey colored eyes disappeared into the shadows.
Bubbles practically skipped to the Utonium bookstore. She just had to know more about this handsome character Blossom had met at her favorite coffee shop. Bubbles was a die hard romantic, and a chance meeting like that must have been written in the stars! I still kinda like someone else for her though...she's not shy when around us, but she definitely needs someone who'll allow her to be comfortable while at the same time push her to come out of her shell every now and then...I don't think she'll work with another introvert...hmmm... She was so lost in her thoughts she didn't see the person in front of her until it was too late.
"Ah!"
"Woah!" She stumbled into a foreign chest, causing her ears to heat in embarrassment.
"I'm so sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going-!" He smiled teasingly at her, holding her upper arms until he was sure she could stand on her own.
"It's no problem. Bubbles right?" She grinned, flashing a wink.
"Yup! Do I know you?" His smile was sly as he cupped her face.
"Not as well as I would hope." She shivered, politely pulling her face away. Something about his eyes was...wrong. They were a beautiful light teal, but what swirled in them was almost possessive in a way that made no sense to her. Okay, another crazy fan. He's cute, but not cute enough to be drawn down that path. Time to ditch.
"Well. I'm meeting my friend so I'll have to get going." He stepped to the side and allowed her to pass, but not before slipping a softly glowing gem into her purse. She hurried on her way, never noticing the intrusion. Raiden watched her go, his smirk turning predatory. This time, I will have you and that wonderful power. He sent a text and continued on his way.
It's done.
