"Butterbutt, wait up a sec!" Butch yelled, catching the girl's attention as she opened the school's doors. She turned back to see her counterpart jogging to her. She raised an eyebrow.
"What do you want now?" She asked. He gave her his usual manic smirk and stuffed his hands in his pockets. She'd not been able to see if the monster fight had calmed him or not yet. It was concerning to say the least. Right now he was an animal she couldn't get a read on which was always a bad sign.
"Got speaking to Prinny. She wants to know if we can do today after practice."
Buttercup blinked blankly at him. "Do what today?"
"The meeting? For the competition?" He said with a raised eyebrow. She groaned.
"Why not just do next week? It's not like the athletics department needs to do much more than they already do. We'll all just be doing scrimmage games anyways." As she said this she started to walk towards the practice fields. Today was the day they announced the squads and she was itching to get started practicing with the first string team. Thankfully her arm hadn't been broken in the recent fight. Just a hairline fracture that was pretty much gone at this point.
"Dunno. Prinny wants to meet though. I told her today works for me." Butch followed lazily beside her. She sighed.
"Of course she does. This is our dear queen bee we're talking about. Knowing her she'll wanna do something big and over the top or something."
Butch shrugged. "Probably. What should I tell her? Yea or nay?"
"It's Friday! That's what you should tell her."
"Yeah, don't think she'll take that answer."
"She should." They reached the edge of the soccer field. She saw Merrick across the field watching and turned away. Butch caught him watching though and gestured at him.
"He's got the cap's band. Where's Steve?"
"Apparently he transferred. New kid was offered his position."
"Huh." Butch watched him watch Buttercup for a second. "Don't like him."
"That makes two of us. I don't like any of these new kids. That Abigail is a nightmare from what Bubs was saying."
Butch snorted. "Normally I'd just brush that off cause you hate everyone but I might be with you on this one. They've been rubbing me the wrong way."
As he said this Merrick turned his attention to Butch and sized him up. Butch watched as he glared before scoffing and dismissing him. Butch felt the corners of his mouth twitch into something before he smashed that down. He glanced at Buttercup to see if she noticed only to see she wasn't looking at him.
"I don't hate everyone. I just don't trust 'em. I dunno. They've just thrown everything off and I don't like it."
"If they've thrown things off then it's an easy fix. Just gotta reestablish the pecking order."
Something in his tone alarmed Buttercup and she turned quickly to watch her counterpart. He was still watching Merrick who had started his warm up. She observed him for a second but couldn't see anything concerning. Not for the first time since the fight she wished she could see his hands but they were still stuffed in his pockets.
"Don't go starting shit Butch. I mean it," she snarled at him. He gave her a lazy smirk for once before shrugging and walking backwards to the football field.
"For once Butters, don't think it's me you need to be warning."
"I mean it Butch. Even if you don't start it don't you dare!"
Butch laughed at that. "Butterbabe, c'mon. You know me better than that. I might not always start shit but I'll always finish it."
With that he shot off in a flash of dark green for the field. Buttercup growled under her breath as she looked across the field. Merrick was watching the dark green flash disappear before he saw her watching. He shot her a smirk and waved before going back to warm ups. Great. Just fucking great.
Today was not a good day. Mark was standing by the bench talking with some of the other guys while they all waited for the coach to come out. With the way he was glaring Boomer was sure he knew that Bubbles, Robin and him were meeting after practice. Add in the fact that they were announcing the starters today and Boomer found himself wishing that he was able to catch things like colds or the normal flu. Anything was better than having to deal with Bubbles's jealous BF.
Butch jogged out from the changing room and joined him and Brick on the field. Brick nodded at him before going back to his phone. He'd been on it a lot more than normal lately, frowning more than normal at it too. Boomer had a feeling it wasn't a girl but he wasn't sure what else his brother would be constantly on his phone for. He didn't ask though, knowing that Brick would just brush him off. Instead he turned to Butch and saw his hand twitching slightly. Again. He raised an eyebrow at that.
"Seriously dude? Monster fight wasn't enough? Why're you so jittery lately anyways. Swear you've been like that all summer." Boomer stopped and thought for a second before continuing. "You're not on drugs or something are you?"
Butch scoffed. "Nah. Doubt there's a drug out there that could compare to a good beat down anyways."
"That's not the point Butch," Brick said, still looking at his phone.
Butch shrugged. "Dunno. Just feeling the jitterbug. Don't worry, I ain't gunna go off. I learn my lessons. Might be the hard way but I learn."
Brick sighed before tossing his phone onto his stuff. He shot Butch a glare.
"You better. Last thing I need is for you to take out another building."
"Especially since the make up with a certain puff. Seriously though, did you apologize or what? She almost went back to normal yesterday," Boomer asked. Brick rolled his eyes.
"Doesn't matter. It's done with and things are back to normal."
"Almost. Bossy still seems pretty tense. I bet you didn't actually say sorry and that's why," Butch said with a snicker. Brick shot him a glare.
"He's got a point bro. She has been slightly frosty at lunch. Straight up ignored us all the past two days," Boomer chimed in.
Brick sighed and ran his hand through his hair, his hat currently sitting on his stuff. "I'm aware. I don't need the reminders that she's off. It's still fine. Just need a bit more time for something is all."
"An apology?" Boomer asked as he saw the coach walk out.
"No. Just something okay? Not even sure what yet," Brick mumbled.
The coach blew his whistle and the boys jogged over to join the rest of the team. Boomer glanced at Mark to see he was still glaring. Great. They hadn't even announced the positions yet and he was already pissed. Seriously, why couldn't he catch the flu or something?
"So I know that it's ridiculous to plan much since we all just have matches or whatever but there's a few teams that won't be doing that. Farmville doesn't have a pool so the swim team are asking what they should do. Cheer also never has a competition since that would need judges which they never have so I was thinking we should plan something," Princess said to both the greens. Buttercup gave her a blank look while Butch leaned back in his chair looking bored.
"Okay? What do you have in mind?" Buttercup asked. Princess huffed.
"I don't know! Isn't that why we're doing these meeting? To plan this stuff?"
"I guess? Athletics never really has anything to plan though."
"Yeah but this year Bossy is running the show. Let's be real, think she'll like hearing that we aren't doing anything?" Butch said. He let his head fall back against the back of the chair and stared at the ceiling. He wanted to go home so bad.
"Exactly. Our leader and commander doesn't like idle hands. Ever," Princess said with a huff.
Buttercup groaned. "I dunno! I'm not good with this sort of thing!"
"Should we do some sort of race thing or something? Like pick your competitor sort of thing?" Butch asked. Princess thought about it before shaking her head.
"Blossom won't accept that. It's lazy. Not a bad idea. Something along those lines maybe? What do they even do at festivals?"
Both greens gave Princess a look at this. Buttercup pulled out her phone as Butch let his head fall back again.
"How the hell should I know? Last year I was only there for a few minutes to help with the clean-up from the punks."
"Well I've never been so any idea?"
Buttercup flipped through the web looking for ideas before sighing and setting her phone down to think.
"Maybe? There was one thing that I saw in the fly over that caught my eye. Citiesville High has this giant maze. Didn't look like it was being used but I remember thinking that was a waste. Could have totally used it for something."
"Hmm, Farmville doesn't have a maze and even if they did I doubt they'd let us use it," Princess said in thought.
"Could just make one. Then have like check point things in it that people have to find. Have little puzzles and games for them to complete for stamps. At the end they get something?" Butch said in thought. Buttercup and Princess blinked at him.
"That might work. They hand out tickets for students to use as prizes for booths and things. The tickets are used to enter the raffles at the end of the competition," Princess said.
"Great! Job done then right? We just had to come up with the theme. We can get the club leaders together next week and run it past them. Any clubs who can't compete can take part in it. Can we all go home now?" Buttercup begged. Princess sighed before waving her hand.
"Fine. Go. I'll organize the meeting and everything else."
"Sweet!" Buttercup said before disappearing in a flash of light green. Butch lifted his head slowly.
"You want any help?" He asked. Princess sighed and waved him off.
"No. I have all their contact information in the Stu Go room. Go."
Butch shrugged before getting up and slowly walking out the door. Princess raised an eyebrow at that before brushing it off. Butch wasn't her problem after all.
To say things felt strained would be the understatement of the year. Mark had texted her all through practice about not getting the position and begged her to go get dinner with him after practice. Bubbles would have done it too if it weren't for the fact that she needed to meet with the cause of Mark's bad mood.
Which was maybe a bit harsh she supposed. It wasn't like Boomer had set out intentionally to slight Mark. It was just bad luck that they played the same position. Boomer didn't even care that much for football, only really playing it for his brothers. Still, it made the meeting awkward. Doubly so when Boomer seemed to be avoiding her eyes.
"Well, usually it's pretty straight forward what the arts clubs do. Half the space ends up dedicated to a giant gallery. The other half puts of events through the three days of the competition. One day for music, one for drama and the last for a fashion show. Do we want to stick with that?" Robin asked.
"It'd make things easier. We already have the plans from past years to help. We just need to think of the theme for everything," Bubbles said with a sigh. Last year the senior class had forgone a theme for the arts department and it had been a disaster. Maybe that was why the punks had caused the trouble there the way they had.
"That's not going to be easy. What theme could we do that hasn't been done, at least not recently," Robin said out loud in thought. They all went silent as they thought about it.
"What about joy? You know, what makes people happy? Plenty of plays drama can choose from, it's broad enough for the art clubs and there's tons of happy music out there. Don't think it's been done recently either," Boomer said. Both girls thought about it.
"That would work. I think everyone would be okay with that," Bubbles said.
"I agree. Alright, joy and happiness it is! This'll be an easy one for you miss joy and laughter. Oh!" Robin exclaimed ash she clapped her hands together she leaned towards Bubbles, her eyes shining in a way that worried Bubbles just slightly. "Please tell me you'll do a sculpture. I've been dying to see another one!"
Boomer looked at her for the first time of the night, eyebrow raised. "You sculpt?"
Bubbles nervously played with her hair and avoided looking at both of them. "Yeah but I don't know that it's such a good idea for me to do that. There's usually not much space and we only ever get to do one or two pieces. It'd probably be better if I just did a couple of paintings."
Robin scoffed at that. "Bloss already figured part of that out. With the number of people in the art clubs everyone can do two pieces of art. There will also be plenty of room for people to do things like sculptures if they want to. Small to medium sized ones only though."
Bubbles groaned. Of course her sister would think that through already. She probably made extra sure to see if there was enough space for sculptures simply because of her.
"Please Bubs. You're paintings might be good but your sculptures are out of this world!"
"I don't know about that Rob," Bubbles said tugging again on her pigtails. Boomer was still watching her and she couldn't help but squirm slightly.
"Come on Bubs! Mr. Morebucks himself begged to buy your last one. He even commissioned you to do another! Princess said she reserved a spot for it already, right next to the first one."
Bubbles groaned and buried her face in her hands to try and hide the pink that she knew was there now. "I really wish they'd move that one."
"No way. It was amazing! Please do some for the show? Please?" Robin begged. Bubbles glance at her before looking away quickly groaning. She thought about it but knew that unless she said yes, Robin was just going to continue to beg.
"Fine. I might have an idea or two."
"Yes!"
"Can we go now? I need to apparently start thinking of sculpting ideas."
"Yeah, I'm done if you both are."
"I'm good," Boomer said. Bubbles glanced at him to see he was staring at the table, hands in his pockets. She couldn't help but wonder what had caused him to look so confused right then. It quickly cleared up though when he realized she was watching him. He shot her a small smile before grabbing his stuff and leaving. Robin was quick to follow, not wanting to leave Mike waiting outside much longer.
Bubbles couldn't help but blink at where Boomer had sat. It had been a long time since she'd last seen that small smile of her counterparts and it had thrown her. The last time she remembered seeing it was back in middle school, before things had gotten weird and awkward between the two of them. She hadn't realized until just then how much she'd missed those small smiles he would send her way.
She was pulled from her thoughts as her phone went off. She pulled it out to see another text from Mark and felt her shoulders slump slightly. He'd gone with some friends to get food instead and told her he'd see her tomorrow.
"Yo, Bubs. Let's go," Buttercup said as she appeared at the door in a flash of green. She stopped though when she saw her sister's face. "You okay?"
Bubbles looked at her sister for a moment before sending her one of her usual bright smiles. "I'm fine. Come on, I'm sure Bloss is waiting. Oo! Guess what? I'm going to do sculptures for the competition! They have enough space this year apparently."
Buttercup laughed at that before smiling back at her softly. Whatever the problem was, she'd come for help if she needed. Buttercup knew better than to pry too much. "Course. With Bloss in charge this year? No way that wasn't gunna happen."
A couple weeks later Bubbles was walking down the hallway on her own for once, towards homeroom. She'd been waiting for Mark but had gotten a text telling her he'd be late after she'd said bye to her sisters. She sighed, feeling a little bit off because of it. It was then, as she looked down a side hallway, that she saw them.
Boomer was talking to a crying Ali. The sounds of the hallway drowned out his low voice to a point where even she could only hear the low rumble of his voice as he whispered something to her. She glared at him through her tears before bringing her hand up and slapping Boomer across the face with everything she had. Bubbles blinked in shock as Boomer just continued to whisper to her like nothing had happened.
Granted, he probably hadn't really felt any pain but still! His girlfriend just slapped him! Curious she took a few steps closer without realizing. Ali spun and turned away, walking the opposite direction as Boomer rubbed a hand over his face and sighed. He turned then and saw Bubbles standing there.
He grimaced before turning and walking away, in a different direction than Ali. Now more curious than before Bubbles rushed to follow.
"Boomer! Wait, what just-" Bubbles started as she caught up to her counterpart. He cut her off quickly.
"Bubbles, really not in the mood right now. Shouldn't you be with Mark anyways? Bell doesn't ring for like another 5 minutes or something."
"He said he was going to be late. What happened?" She asked clearly concerned. "Was it an argument? I'm sure it wasn't such a big deal that it deserved a slap."
Boomer laughed softly. "Considering what just happened I'd say the slap was definitely deserved. Go to class, let Brick know I'm taking off for a short fly. I'll be back by lunch."
"Wha-wait but Boomer! You can't just take off! What happened? You're not going to try and go fix it or something?"
"Nothing to fix Bubs. Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to go clear my head with a very high speed flight."
Boomer grabbed her shoulders, jolting her slightly, and moved her from where she had been standing. She blinked in slight surprise. She hadn't even realized when she'd blocked him. It was then that she caught what he'd said.
"What? Why? I thought you two were happy?" She asked still following him. Boomer sighed heavily before finally reaching an exit.
"Apparently not if I broke it off. Let Brick know. Bye Bubs."
With that, and the fact that he'd finally left the building, he shot off as quickly for the sky. Once he reached a high enough altitude he picked up enough speed to cause a sonic boom. Bubbles glared.
"Uh-uh. Not enough of an answer." Bubbles said as she flew up to follow Boomer. She knew what she was doing was stupid but at the same time Boomer was a ruff and the puffs were still technically supposed to keep an eye on them. That in mind, she really ought to follow Boomer and make sure he didn't vandalize a building or something.
Well, that's the excuse she'd use at least when Bloss cornered her about this later. She looked to where the dark blue streak was slowly disappearing in the distance and without a second thought took off as fast as she could in that direction, setting off a sonic boom of her own.
When the second boom went off Brick could only assume it had meant Bubbles had taken off after his brother. He was thankful she had. Although Boom hadn't seemed to upset last night when he'd told his brothers what he was going to do Brick wasn't so sure. Sometimes it seemed like anything could trigger one of Boomer's moods and he'd rather someone watch his brother just in case that happened. Last thing Brick needed was for Bellum to be calling to lecture him. Again.
Blossom looked back at him at the second boom with a concerned look on her face. Brick shook his head at her and while she still seemed concerned she nodded and turned back around. Buttercup glared back at both him and Butch for a little bit longer before also turning back around.
Butch shot him a look as well and Brick shrugged. Who knew what way this would go. If he had a choice he himself would be the one to watch Boom. That way if he did get into a mood Brick could help him blow off the steam. That said, Bubbles would either be the best to keep him calm or the most likely to make him do something he'd regret.
Assuming he could catch her. She was the fastest of the six of them easy. A fight between the two would probably just result in a very high speed chase that Boomer would lose. Which would help him blow off steam so he supposed it was fine.
That all said, he realized this might finally be his chance to figure out what the problem with Mark was. With Bubbles gone he could finally track the guy down and have a talk, feel him out. Brick knew there was something off but for the life of him couldn't seem to figure out what even with his hacking and asking around. No one else seemed to feel this way but he wasn't too surprised. The greens were emotionally blind. Boomer was avoiding Bubbles because of Mark. Pinkie was just swamped.
"Hey, let Mr. Phillips know that Boom will maybe be out all day. I'll be back for first period," Brick said to Butch. His brother raised an eyebrow.
"Something up? Worried about little boy blue? Pretty sure sugar cube'll keep him out of trouble."
"Nah, this is something else I've been meaning to look into. Could be nothing but I just want to double check."
"Need a hand?"
Brick snorted at that. "I need a softer touch than what you're capable of for this. If I could I'd have Boom help but, well, that's not happening obviously. Just let Mr. Phillips know."
"If you say so bro."
Brick nodded and grabbed his stuff and left. He felt Pinkie's eyes on him but made sure not to look in her direction. Even after he left the room he could feel her watching him for a bit longer. He decided to take the long way around to where Mark had his homeroom. After a little while he felt her stop paying attention and let out a small sigh of relief. He didn't want her getting on him for this, not before he figured out what this was anyways.
It wasn't long until he reached the classroom. He looked in only to be confused when he didn't see Mark inside. He glanced at the clock and saw there was only about another minute or so until the bell rang. Brick remembered seeing him today so, with Bubbles chasing his brother, he'd been expecting to see Mark in his homeroom. He backed out of the room and tapped his finger against his thigh. The teacher came around the corner moving for the classroom and shot him a glare. Before she could say anything Brick quickly turned and started to walk in the direction his homeroom was in. When he heard her enter the classroom though he stopped. He scanned the hall but when he saw it clear relaxed slightly.
Thankfully, x-ray vision was one of the many powers he had. Being careful to avoid looking in the direction of his homeroom, Pinkie would notice even a brief glance at her, he scanned the building. When he finally found Mark he felt his blood begin to boil. Without another thought he took off, stomping, towards where he was. He barely had enough thought past his rage to keep his feet on the ground and his heat from burning down the posters on the wall. He didn't need the fire alarm going off, not before he dealt with what he saw.
As he got closer to the almost empty classroom he began to hear slight, feminine giggles. He couldn't help the smoke he exhaled at the sound and it took all the self-control he had to not blast through the wall at the rough sound of Mark whispering. He didn't try to make out what was being said.
Once outside the classroom he took a calming breath, wanting to be somewhat level headed. Last thing he needed was to put someone in the hospital and have Pinkie on his back, especially since they were finally somewhat back to normal. It had taken more than a week and a good amount of cookies but she was finally not ignoring him half the time anymore.
Calmer than he was five seconds Brick pushed the door open. He heard the lock break and the hinges creak as they bent seriously out of shape. Oh well. So she'd be on his back about damaged school property. He could handle that.
The sound of the door being forced open so casually caused the two teens inside to jump apart, the blond scrambling to button her shirt back up as Mark quickly tried to straighten his own shirt. Brick leaned against the doorframe with feigned disinterest, hands curling into fists in his pockets. Seriously? Who was dumb enough to cheat on a puff? Especially the sweetest, but arguable most dangerous, one of the three.
"So, seems like I'm interrupting something. What's up Mark?" Brick said with a smile that was all teeth. He watched with satisfaction as Mark visibly gulped.
"Yo, cap," Mark said, using the nickname all the football players used for Brick, their captain and quarterback. Brick snorted. "What-what are you doing here? Hasn't class started?"
"Feels like I'm the one who should be asking you that. Who's the friend? Gunna introduce me?"
"Hailey. I'm new," the girl said, awkwardly shuffling closer to where her stuff was.
Brick barked out a short laugh at that causing Mark to gulp again. "Clearly. You know who you're currently in the room with?"
"Um, footballers?" She asked hesitantly. Brick hummed slightly at that.
"Not wrong but a little off. My name's Brick. I'd say it's a pleasure but I don't think it is."
At his name the girl shrunk back, finally realizing she was in a room with a super. Brick figured she was one to not be a fan of supers, none of the new kids really seemed to be. Those ones were also the only type dumb enough to be involved in something like this.
"Hailey, do you know who else is in the room?"
Confused, the girl glanced uneasily between Mark and Brick. The tension in Mark was obvious but Brick not so much. He was still leaning casually against the door frame. A quick look to his side and he saw the room had only one door. Worked in his favor.
"Um, he said his name was Mark. He's the team running back right?" She replied. Brick raised an eyebrow at that. Mark took a hesitant step back and towards the window. For a second Brick wondered if he'd try to jump and run. They were only on the second floor so it wasn't impossible but it wouldn't really do him any good.
"The running back? Really? Last I checked our first team running back's name was Boomer. Really great guy although I'd recommend you stay away. My baby brother finally seems to have had a moment of clarity and I'd like that moment to stick around a little while longer. Mark, why don't you tell this poor thing who you are properly this time."
Mark gulped again but with a glance at Brick's eyes knew there was no way out. He hesitantly turned to Hailey, keeping an eye on Brick out of the corner of his eye. Brick thought it was hilarious. Keeping an eye on him or not wouldn't do any good.
"I'm the second string running back, Mark," he said through grit teeth. He glanced back at Brick and saw the raised eyebrow telling him he wasn't impressed. "Like I said, I'm involved with someone."
Brick laughed darkly at that. "Oh, so she knew? How nice of you to tell her. Did you tell her who you're involved with?" He couldn't help but lean forward and snarl out the last bit. He recovered though and with a deep breath went back to leaning casually against the door frame. He smelt something a little smoky but wasn't sure if it was from the smoke in his throat or if he was causing something to start to burn. He didn't really care either way at that moment.
"I didn't think it mattered."
"I mean, yeah. Does it make a difference?" Hailey asked clearly confused and now looking slightly agitated. Brick almost felt bad for her. He sighed before deciding he'd had enough.
In a flash of red Mark found himself on the floor, on his back, a foot planted firmly on his chest. Brick was careful not to put any pressure on the boy but let his foot rest there. Mark cursed and went to throw Brick's foot off only to be stopped as he applied the tiniest bit of pressure. Mark gulped again.
"Oh my god! What are you doing?!" Hailey screeched. Brick gave her a lazy glare quickly quieting her. She gulped as he finally put the full weight of his gaze on her.
"This little fucker here is officially the dumbest piece of shit in the school. Wanna know why?"
Hailey gulped again before slowly shaking her head no. Brick grinned again, all teeth.
"Surely you know about how our own resident super heroes attend this school right? Well this bastard here," Brick put a little more pressure onto Mark's chest causing him to gasp slightly. "Happens to be dating the one, the only, the joy and laughter, Bubbles Utonium."
At the sound of her name, Hailey paled until she looked about as white as a sheet. Feeling slightly bad for the girl Brick gestured to the door.
"Scram. Don't tell anyone and I won't either."
She didn't need to be told twice and quickly ran for the door, nearly forgetting her stuff. Brick shook his head slightly before turning his attention back to the bug he had pinned on the ground. Said bug was currently glaring at him, trying and failing to look fierce. Brick snorted at that before finally dropping the act.
At the sight of smoke leaving his throat and the added glow to his eyes, Mark paled, quickly looking very similar to the way Hailey had just a few seconds ago. Then the begging started.
"Look cap," Brick added a little more pressure again. "Brick. I was an idiot. I saw her once or twice over summer and then she transferred here cause of the damned re-zoning. Today was the last time I was gunna see her. I swear man!"
Brick felt the flames licking the inside of his throat and carefully swallowed. As much as he'd like to roast the bug alive that would cause the puffs to ask questions. Normally he wouldn't care too much. He was usually justified in his actions. Maybe went a bit far here and there but the puffs usually backed off when they heard why he did the destructive things he did. This time questions would lead to answers that would not have a good outcome. The last thing he wanted was a crying blue puff, an uncontrollable green one, and a raging pink one. As enjoyable as the show would be he did not want to see it.
"So this happened over the summer huh? How many?"
"How many?" Mark laughed, with a great deal of difficulty, uneasily at that. "What do you-"
"Cut the crap and answer the question before I lose what little patience I have left."
Mark gulped at the sight of the more than furious ruff whose foot was placed firmly on his chest.
"Three different ones. Lost count how many times."
Brick wasn't able to swallow the flames all the way this time and Mark let out a sound of pure panic at the sight of them slip past his lips.
"Three? Lost count?" Brick growled out. Mark nodded, now too scared to speak.
He'd thought it weird. While Bubbles had been asked out before, none of the football guys had been brave enough to do so. Anyone with eyes could tell the blues were obviously interested in one another. It was why Boomer's relationships never lasted. The girls dated him to enjoy their short time in the limelight before getting fed up with him only really paying attention to Bubbles. Most of the football guys knew this and stayed away from the blonde girl because of that.
When he'd heard that Mark had asked her out he immediately thought it was because of the fact Boomer had the starting position and he didn't. He didn't trust it from day one. He was about to speak to Pinkie about it but was too late. It had clearly been a sucker punch to the gut for his brother to see Bubbles walking down the hallway, hand in hand with Mark. Things had gotten worse when Ali had asked him out and at that point Brick figured he'd just let them fumble through this mess on their own.
Then he heard that Mark was continuing to date her over the summer. While he supposed it could have been because he was genuinely interested that little voice in his head had continued to doubt it. Mark had never been one of the guys interested in Bubbles. He'd always seemed more into Buttercup, the most physical one of the three which made it even odder. He brushed off his concerns though when he saw that neither Pinkie nor Buttercup seemed concerned though.
Then school had started and the voice came back with a vengeance. It didn't help when he saw how tired and slightly worn out his counterpart looked. She wasn't as sharp as she normally was. It meant she was focusing on things that were not her sisters. It didn't happen often but when he heard about the competition and her position he knew that she had too much on her plate. Again. A problem he'd hopefully find a way to fix soon.
He hadn't suspected this though. He'd simply thought Mark was leading the girl on. Using her to get at Boomer. Cheating on a puff though? Mark was lucky it was him that had caught on first for once.
"I'm going to say this once so listen closely. You're going to break up with Bubbles," he applied a little bit more pressure as Mark made to say something, cutting him off. "You're going to say it's because you see how she feels about Boom and now that Boomer is single again you're ending it before she gets the chance to. You're going to convince her it's for the best and that it's entirely not her problem. Everyone knows how the blues feel about one another. Hell, there's even a betting pool going on about how much longer it'll take. Am I understood?"
As much as Brick wanted to add more pressure he knew that anymore would be dangerous. He didn't want the boy going to the ER for broken ribs. Mark nodded quickly.
"Fine. Whatever. Just don't kill me."
Brick snorted. "Oh I won't. I don't need to. See, if Buttercup finds out about this? You'll be wishing that I put you in the hospital instead. Now I'm going to let you go now but I expect to hear news before the end of the day."
"But, the sonic booms. She's-"
"Don't care. Get it done."
Brick lifted his foot and waited for Mark to sit up. Before he could stand though Brick sent a casual, swift kick into his stomach sending Mark back down to the ground as he coughed violently.
"Keep your head down at practice too. Getting real sick of the shit you keep pulling and after today I have no patience left."
Without waiting anymore Brick turned and left. He didn't bother going to class and quickly left the school building, flying up the roof to cool off a bit. He felt Pinkie glaring at him after first period started and silently begged her not to bother him for once. If she flew up there to give him crap he knew he'd fly at her and that was the last thing any of them needed right now.
"Bubbles, why the hell are you here?" Boomer growled out. He hadn't been flying for long before realizing she had been following him. He had waited though until he was a good ways out over the ocean before stopping.
"Obviously I was worried! Boomer, what happened?"
He groaned and rubbed a hand over his face. "I'm fine! I already explained what happened. Can I please just get some time to myself?"
"I don't know that that's such a good idea," she said hesitantly tugging on a pigtail. He groaned.
"Oh my god Bubs! I'm fine!"
She jolted slightly at the name. He hadn't meant to use it, not this time or the time before. She didn't seem to notice when he used it earlier but this time she hadn't missed it. He mentally groaned at the slip up. Just because he was single didn't mean she was! He had to keep himself under control. Plus, he didn't think jumping into something again would be a good idea anyways. He probably still had things to figure out. Probably.
"I don't think you are. You just broke up with someone. How can you just be okay after that?" She was giving him such a sad look that he had to look away. It wasn't like he'd really enjoyed his relationship with Ali or anything.
"Seeing as I was the one who broke it off I think I can just be okay pretty easily."
She huffed and crossed her arms causing him to groan again. He knew that look. Clearly he wasn't getting rid of her until he decided to go back to school.
"I'm not leaving Boomie. That's that."
He jolted slightly at the use of her old nickname for him. She also seemed slightly surprised but quickly recovered. He couldn't help but swallow heavily. This was the closest they'd really been in a while. They were using nicknames that they hadn't used for one another since freshman year.
"I really just need to blow some steam Bubs," He said almost hesitantly. She seemed tense but was starting to loosen up.
"Maybe I can help?"
He couldn't help the grin that spread across his face at that.
"Half the day. Both of you skipped half the day. What were you thinking?" Blossom said as she stood lecturing the two ruffs at the table. Mike and Mitch pulled up short and immediately turned to walk the other way.
"Don't leave us alone!" Boomer begged them as he caught sight of them. They turned around to see Blossom standing there with a raised eyebrow.
"Where are you two going?" She has meant to ask casually but her tension and anger at the two ruffs seeped in causing her to just sound irritated. She winced slightly as the two exchanged looks and hesitantly sat at the table.
Blossom watched them for a second before turning back to the ruffs. Boomer looked exhausted but content. Brick looked bored. She raised an eyebrow only to have Brick look away from her. She turned to Boomer.
"I totally forgot how fast Bubs is. Seriously. Haven't felt a rush like that in ages. I kinda get why Butch is always poking at Buttercup of this is how he feels," Boomer said. Brick spun to glare as Blossom groaned slightly.
"Don't even. It's bad enough that those two destroy at least one building every time they go at it. We do not need you two adding to that," Brick snarled. Boomer blinked in slight shock at him. He raised his hands in surrender.
"Chill man. If I ever feel the urge to go a round with Bubs again I'll be sure to use the simulator. Don't think the fish appreciated all the sonic booms we kept letting off either." He gave his brother an odd look. "You know I have better restraint than Butch. What's up?"
"Nothing. Bad mood. Leave it," Brick bit out at him. He met Blossom's eyes for a second before looking away.
"Um, can we go now? Feeling a little like a normie should not be sitting at this table if they value their life right now" Mike said cautiously.
"And we value our lives," Mitch added. Blossom sighed.
"I think I should be the one to leave today." She grabbed her stuff and waved of Boomer's halfhearted attempt to stop her. "As long as you and Bubbles didn't destroy anything, including yourselves then that's good enough for me. Don't skip your afternoon classes."
Blossom turned and walked off without another look back. She should have kept an eye on Brick. He'd left the classroom in a decent enough mood so she hadn't been too worried. Then first period had started and he was up laying on the roof. Something he only ever did when he was way too close to destroying something for her tastes. Something had happened and she'd missed what. Normally she might not care too much but she was still on edge a little from their fight.
She brushed it off with a sigh. Pushing him right now would just cause a fight. An actual one. The last thing she wanted was for her counterpart to erupt, especially around so many normal people. He had such a hard time controlling his heat when he got angry, she didn't want to cause any unintentional burns because she pushed him when she knew better.
Still, she glanced at her phone again. She felt a storm brewing and wasn't sure what it would bring. It didn't help that Bubbles and Boomer had disappeared as well. Bubbles had texted her when she got back saying that everything was fine but added a crying face to the end of it. She wasn't sure what to make of that. Then Boomer had just now called her Bubs. She hadn't heard him call her that in years.
She was happy to hear Boomer had taken her advice and thought things over with Ali. She'd heard the whispers in the hall that once again, all three ruffs were on the market. She'd rolled her eyes at the group of girls that had been giggling about it in between classes. No break up was a happy thing and while she was glad this one had happened, for Boomer's sake. She hoped Ali wasn't hurting too much. Hopefully the girls would keep their distance at least for a few days.
It was probably wishful thinking though.
She reached the library and pushed the doors open only to immediately regret. Sitting at the one table that had a clear view of the doors was Howie. She was about to try and sneak back out but he looked up and caught sight of her. She sighed as he scrambled to grab his things and make his way over to her. Knowing there was no escape she went to find a table. At least in the library there was a chance he'd keep quiet. A small one but a chance all the same.
"Blossom. I was hoping to catch you today. I wanted to discuss the plans with you. The robotics class had some ideas that I disliked and they feel adamant about not budging on it," he said as he sat down right next to her, leaning into her space. Blossom sighed and leaned back. He didn't seem to get the hint but that wasn't anything new.
"Was it a bad plan or just not yours? We aren't planning the whole thing Howie. The idea is that we come up with the overall theme and the clubs get together to plan something out. We just oversee things."
"Yes but my plan is clearly the better plan. It's based off of Professor Utonium's last major creation."
Of course. Hence the reason he wanted to talk to her about it. She wasn't sure if he was trying to butter her up or what but it drained her of the little energy she had.
"Howie. The last invention professor released was the advance alarm system for monsters. Why do you want to do something based off of that?"
"Well I was reading through his paper about the design of it. He mentioned that monsters give off certain energy waves that are specific and unique to them. The machine picks up on these long before the monsters reach the city alerting you to them."
"Yes Howie. I'm well aware of how the machine works. The professor had my sisters and I help him with it. I understand the mechanics of it about as well as the professor. As such, I have no idea where you're going with this."
"Well, my theory is that there may be a way to deter the monsters from leaving the island. A way to create something like a giant shock collar to keep them in place."
Blossom saw a strange gleam enter his eyes at that. Howie had always been someone to get caught up on obsessions and while she was used to seeing it this worried her. He looked slightly manic and she felt more than thought that there was more to this than he was letting on. The words shock collar worried her as well.
"The professor's looked into this pretty extensively already. He's already found that they dislike certain sound waves. It's part of what makes Bubbles's scream so effective against them. She matches that wave length almost perfectly. It isn't enough to drive them away or keep them confined to one place though. It just annoys them, similar to a bee sting without the risk of an allergic reaction."
"But has he looked into other wave types? There are so many that one has to be the key."
Blossom shook her head. "He's not stopped looking into it but the more he looks the less hopefully we get. Anyways, it doesn't matter. This isn't something that should be used for the school competition. You'd never get enough money to be able to run the tests needed let alone build a machine that would work."
"I'd get enough money. That isn't a concern." She begged to differ on that. "This would be monumental and I can do it. I know I can."
She really didn't like that look in his eyes. "This isn't about you though Howie. This is about showing team work, a unified school through a project that needs us all to work together. I will not approve this as the project for your group. Think of something else."
He frowned at her and leaned forward. He went to place his hand on hers but she was quick to move out of his way. "This would be big."
"It would be a long shot. Monsters aren't machines Howie. They're living beings and each one is slightly different than the last. We can maybe find ways to deter them but those'll only work on some. Others won't care as much and the city will still be attacked. And again, it doesn't matter. This is not what you'll be working on for the competition and that's final."
"But-"
"No." She stood and grabbed her stuff. He scrambled to follow. "Find something else. Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'll head to my next class early." She swung around him and out the door ignoring his protests.
She didn't like that look in his eyes at all and knowing what she did, him looking into this further could be a disaster. She'd have to keep an eye on him.
"What?" Bubbles asked, shocked. Mark looked away from her and sighed.
"It just isn't working and I just think it's better to end things here," he said.
"But-but why? What, I don't, what isn't working?" She could feel her eyes tear up slightly.
"Us. I'm just not feeling us anymore."
"So we can work on it. We can talk this through."
Mark shook his head. "Nah Bubbles. This isn't something to talk out. Sorry."
And with that he turned and walked away from her, leaving her standing there shell shocked. It took a second to truly feel it sink in but once she did, the tears in her eyes started falling. She quickly wiped at them and glanced around. She was at the back of the building, not far from the fields but far enough that no one was around to see her. She couldn't help the sniffle though and knew she wouldn't make it home. She immediately took off and floated to the roof of the school, letting her stuff fall before she landed. She covered her mouth as she tried to muffle the sob, knowing that not only her sisters but the ruffs were also still on campus and she didn't want them to hear. She fell to her knees, wrapping one of her arms around her.
She didn't understand. She'd tried so hard. Was always there for him, looking her best, cheering him up. Hell, she even put up with the nickname that Buttercup hated and complained to her about because he liked it. She'd even thought it was cute that he had a nickname just for her. They'd even made it through the summer. She just couldn't wrap her mind around why.
She obviously hadn't been as quite as she had wanted. She saw a pair of Mary Janes and white tights in her periphery and looked up at her sister. Without saying a word she held her arms open and Bubbles rushed into them in a flash of blue.
"Bubs, what's wrong? What happened?" Blossom asked. Bubbles sobbed lightly and buried her face in her sister's shoulder.
"It's Mark. He-he broke up with me," she tried to wail softly. She heard another pair of feet touch down and soon a hand was rubbing circles on her back as she sobbed. Bubbles turned her head to see Buttercup watching her carefully.
"Do I need to go punch him?" She asked. Bubbles chocked out a small laugh and shook her head. She held out an arm for her other sister and Buttercup walked over to join the hug. They stayed like that until Bubbles calmed down slightly.
"Let's get you home. I'll go out after dinner and grab some frozen yogurt for us all," Blossom said as she pulled back with a gentle smile.
"And I have to get started on an awesome dinner. Imma blow away your taste buds tonight," Buttercup said with a smirk. Bubbles giggled.
"You always do that."
"Yeah, well I'll really do it this time. So let's go. It isn't gunna cook itself now is it?"
"Seems like it's all good," Butch said as he watched the pink, blue and green streaks take off from the roof. Boomer was glaring at where Mark stood just at the edge of the field. Brick hit him softer than usual in the back of the head. Boomer glanced at his oldest brother before glaring down at his feet.
"Yeah. All good. Do me a favor though? Keep an eye on him. I wanna know if he tries to approach Bubbles again. Don't make it obvious though," Brick said, his last comment directed at Boomer. The blond grunted before turning back to practice.
"I'll do it. Boom's too likely to just rip the guy a new one. While Mark isn't my favorite teammate, last thing we need is for the girls to be on us for being too harsh with the ex," Butch said. Brick sighed.
"Yeah. Last thing we need is that."
So Mark's an idiot. He's also lucky. Would have ended a lot differently if Buttercup had found out. Or Butch...or Boomer.
Also, my summer class started like right after I posted that last chapter and I have had like no time to right. I probably won't post again for another two weeks. I'll try to get a side story up this weekend or next thought!