So I know I said two weeks last week but like, literally yesterday, I decided to go camping with my folks for a weeks soooo...I decided I'd rather post a week early than a week late! Happy surprise!
Blossom couldn't help the little shiver that ran through her as she finally touched down just outside the school gates. They had just switched to the winter uniforms, the vest switching out for a blazer, but the flight over still had winds cutting through her clothes. It wasn't quite full fall weather but the mornings were definitely starting to have that hint of what was to come. She was not looking forward to it.
Buttercup eyed her as she rubbed her arms, eyebrow raised. "You good leader girl?"
"Yeah, just, you know, fall," Blossom said. It was a weird feeling, cold weather. Due to her powers, Blossom didn't actually feel the cold. She was so used to it from the blizzard in her lungs that she could walk into an actual blizzard wearing only shorts and a tank top and still not actually feel cold. That didn't mean the cold didn't affect her though.
Her body, despite the X running through it, needed to maintain a certain temperature to continue to function. When her temperature dropped too much her blood would begin to turn to slush until, if she didn't warm up, it would freeze over. It didn't ever have any long term affects thanks to chemical X but, as one would imagine, she couldn't do much of anything when her blood froze over. The storm in her lungs didn't help either. She had to make sure her external environment was kept to a certain heat to avoid the internal environment from affecting things too much.
Bubbles had off-handedly mentioned it was like the way reptiles are during winter although both Blossom and the professor had been quick to correct her. Reptiles did not freeze solid the way Blossom did. It wasn't entirely off though. She supposed that her internal store did make her slightly…reptile like. She wasn't able to produce her own body heat and so she needed something else to do so to continue to function. So while she didn't actually feel cold her body would still do what any human body would to generate heat. Goosebumps, shivers, chattering teeth, the works. Annoyingly.
"Not that cold out yet. Give it another week and we might have to start hitching a ride with Rob to school again," Buttercup said. Blossom shrugged. If it's the way things had to be then it was the way things had to be.
"I love when we ride with Rob! She just downloaded a ton of new songs that I've been dying to listen to but haven't had the time. Maybe I'll see if she wants to hang out this weekend," Bubbles said with a hum. Buttercup shrugged.
"She always has time to hang with you Bubs. Will you have time to hang with her though? You've been really focused on those costumes."
Bubbles waved her off. "I can take a break. I finished the plans and have all the materials I need. It shouldn't take me too long to finish them up now."
"Do I even want to know?" Buttercup said with a groan. Bubbles giggled.
"You'll love them, I promise."
"Love what? The costumes? I'm sure I will once you tell me what they are," Butch said as he touched down next to Bubbles, typical grin on his face. Buttercup groaned before turning away and heading for the building.
"Too. Fucking. Early," she grumbled. Blossom scowled at her.
"Language Buttercup."
"Speaking of costumes, I seriously think you need to re-make the ones from last year. That dress Bossy was just-" Butch started saying.
"Not going to happen." Blossom said curtly as she spun and walked off. One batch of apology cookies from Bubbles was not enough for her to put up with this. She'd managed to avoid Butch's comments so far but if that didn't stay true she was going to be demanding a lot more from Bubbles. She really wished there was a way she could hack into her sister's phone and get rid of the last of the blasted photos!
"Butch, what did I say? No being mean," Bubbles said pouting. Butch shrugged.
"I mean, but you ain't giving me anything to work with here sugar cube. At least let me know what your plans for this year are and I'll never mention that dress again. Well, at least not to Bossy. Sure as hell won't be forgetting it anyti-" Butch cut himself off with a groan of pain as a red blast hit him in the back of his head. Blossom huffed and glared at the green ruff as Brick and Boomer touched down next to their brother.
"Seriously? Still? Jesus Christ would you shut the fuck up about that already? Annoying as fuck," the red ruff grumbled as Butch whined in pain.
"That thing was perfection though. How could I just-"
"How about if you don't let it go I'll freeze you solid and make sure you stay that way for a week," Blossom said with a snarl. All three ruffs blinked at her outburst and she swallowed heavily before clearing her throat and straightening out, her cheeks turning just slightly pink. "Just, you know, a thought."
Not sticking around to hear anymore Blossom quickly spun and all but ran away. She could hear Bubbles giggle behind her.
"I did try to warn you Butch. I really wouldn't continue to bring last year up. This year will be much better though!" Bubbles said as she rushed to catch up with her sister.
"By better I hope you mean more appropriate," Blossom grumbled. Bubbles smiled patiently at her sister.
"Of course. Don't worry Blossom. I won't make you wear something so revealing. You did look great though."
"I say we agree to disagree on that last point."
"Bloss-"
"How are you feeling by the way? Are you okay?" Blossom said looking at Bubbles. Bubbles glared lightly before huffing and turning to look forward with a small smile.
"I'm good. I think I'm pretty much over it now. I'm really looking forward to Halloween too."
"Hmmm, I couldn't tell. Hoping something maybe happens?" Blossom teased with a light smile. Bubbles giggled lightly, a very small blush across her cheeks.
"I mean, if something happens then who am I to complain?"
Blossom chuckled lightly at that. "As long as you aren't rushing things. You and Boomer have been on the outs for a while. Just, take your time okay? I don't want you to ruin anything by rushing."
"I know. I promise that I won't rush. Still not going to say no though."
"Fair enough," Blossom sighed out. It should be fine. If Bubbles felt like she was just about over Mark then maybe it would be good. It had been a few weeks after all. Quite a bit of time to mentally get over things. Maybe, finally, her baby sister would be able to move forward with someone else. The only someone that she was ever actually interested in too.
Bubbles hummed to herself as she skipped down the hall. She couldn't wait to get home and get started on making the costumes. This year would turn out much better than last. She stopped at her locker and opened it to put some of her books away.
She frowned though after a few seconds and turned having heard her name. She swore people kept saying it but every time she turned no one seemed to be trying to get her attention. She was starting to really get annoyed. She huffed and turned to continue down the hall some more, finally stopping in front of her locker.
She and the girls were heading out to get ice cream after school and she couldn't wait. Blossom would even be joining them which was rare, especially on a Thursday when she had dance in the afternoon. She turned with a glare as she once again heard her name. No one seemed to be trying to get her attention though. Again.
"Maybe he likes her? I mean why else would he threaten Mark like that?" A girl said as she walked past catching Bubbles's attention.
"I doubt that. Brick wouldn't do that to Boomer. Still, doesn't make much sense does it?" Another girl said. They hadn't noticed Bubbles, her locker door blocking her from sight.
Bubbles frowned but continued to pay attention. Why would Brick have anything to do with Mark? Even though he was the football captain Mark was pretty much just a bench warmer.
"Other than jealousy? I don't know. Why would anyone threaten someone like that? I heard he left bruises all over Mark's chest. Seriously, I mean I know he has a temper and all but to hit a normal? He had to be pissed. I say he was jealous."
Brick? Jealous of Mark? Why?!
"I don't know. I mean, Boomer had just broken up with Ali. Maybe Brick wanted Bubbles to stop dating Mark so that his brother could make his move."
"What?!" Bubbles couldn't help but exclaim as she zoomed over to the girls. "Explain. Now." She hissed out, blue sparks of energy flickering around her. Both girls screeched and shrunk back. They gulped and exchanged a look before responding.
"You haven't heard? It's all over the school." One of them said. At this, Bubbles started paying attention to what everyone around her was saying.
"Threatened Mark"
"Jealous of him"
"Obviously it's cause of Boomer"
"Poor Mark and Bubbles"
"Made him break up with her"
Bubbles saw red. She quickly scanned the building and found who she was looking for standing at the front gates talking to a couple of girls. She floated up above everyone, the students who noticed going quiet and moving quickly at the look on her face. Without any warning she blasted off through the hallways for the front of the school. Brick turned at the sound of her blasting the front doors off their hinges and barely managed to bring his hand up to block her punch.
"Bubs what-"
She didn't give him a chance to finish before shooting a laser beam directly at his face. He managed to move his head quickly enough to avoid it.
"Bubbles! The hell you doing?!" He growled as he took a step or two back. The girls he had been talking to were long gone thankfully.
"How dare you Brick. You had no right to do that. No right!" She shrieked, barely keeping her voice from going sonic.
"Do what? Serious need you to explain a little bit more here."
"You know exactly what! The whole school knows!"
She didn't wait any longer before launching at him with another punch that he blocked. He grunted with the force behind it and knew he was in trouble. He was dealing with a full on blue hardcore mode and he wasn't sure why.
"I don't know! Why the hell do you think I asked?!"
"Mark!"
He paled slightly at her words and she knew then that rumors were true. He had made Mark break up with her. She couldn't stop the rage this time and let a full on sonic scream off at him. He yelled something as he covered his ears but she had stopped listening. She didn't want excuses or reasons. She just wanted to hit him. Hard. So she did just that sending him flying through the school gates and into the street.
"Bubbles! What are you doing?" She heard Blossom yell as she landed next to her.
"Making him regret," Bubbles hissed back before launching again at Brick.
He had pulled himself out of the ground and was ready for her this time. He blocked her punch and threw one of his own quickly after sending the girl flying back. She landed on her back stunned slightly. Butch and Boomer appeared at their brother's side while Blossom ran over to Bubbles.
"Bro what's-"
"Find Mark," Brick said, cutting Butch off. "Bring him here. Now"
That was all he was able to say. Alerted by a cry from Blossom, Brick turned just in time to see Bubbles launch an energy blast at him. He brought his arm up to block it, hissing at the burn it left behind. As soon as the blast ended Brick launched up and away from the school, heading towards the edge of town, not too far away. Bubbles quickly launched after him, despite Blossom's attempt to stop her.
"Why Mark?" Butch asked, confused. Boomer shrugged.
"Dunno. Better do it though. Haven't seen Bubs that pissed in a while."
"The hell is this? Butch, what did you do?" Buttercup asked as she landed near Blossom. She glared at the two ruffs and advanced on them, green wisps of energy swirling around her. Blossom grabbed her arm quickly to stop her.
"It wasn't them. Bubbles launched herself at Brick. She's in hardcore mode and I don't know why."
"Brick wants us to grab Mark. Any clue where he is?" Boomer asked the two, seemingly unfazed by Buttercup's glare. Butch had one of his manic grins on.
"Mark? The hell has he got to do with this? And why would I know where he is?" Buttercup growled at them. She turned back to Blossom. "Plan?"
Blossom raised an eyebrow. "Well, it sounds like the plan is to find Mark. I suggest we all get started on it."
The sound of a scream reached them, followed by an explosion. Blossom looked in the direction and sighed.
"Brick can handle Bubbles for a little while on his own. She's actually more likely to burn herself out at this rate than she is to actually do any damage. Let's split up and find him."
Brick was pissed. As soon as he saw Mark he decided he'd have no mercy. He had gone through all the trouble of trying to not rip him into shreds and look where that landed him! He covered his ears as Bubbles let out another scream.
That was the third one so far. She only had another two or three full powered ones left in her. Already he could hear the strain this was putting on her voice. Mark better pray that the monsters for the next week or so were easy ones otherwise the city would be taking a hit.
Bubbles spun, her foot heading straight for his head. He dodged as he brought in a deep breath. He launched a full blast of flames at the girl causing her to zoom away. He took the chance to take a breath and quickly scan the distance. Still no sign of his brothers.
Bubbles yelled and launched several energy blasts at him in rapid succession. Watching carefully, Brick swerved out of the way of almost all of them, blocking the last one with his arm again. He'd taken several hits with this arm now and knew he'd have a burn for the next day or so. She hadn't managed to do anything more serious than that yet, though he may also be a bit hard of hearing for the next few days.
"Bubbles, listen to me! It isn't what you think! I don't know what the rumors say exactly but it isn't what you think!" He yelled at her. She shrieked in pure rage at him.
"I don't care I don't care I don't care! How dare you Brick Jojo! You have no right!"
"Like I said! It wasn't like that! I didn't make Mark do anything! He had a choice to make and he made it!"
"Because you threatened him!"
"By saying I'd tell the truth! I didn't threaten anything worse! Not really at least."
"I said I don't care!" He voice was shrill from the anger.
Frustrated that he wasn't getting anywhere and that his brothers were still nowhere in sight Brick decided he was done. He roared out his anger, a blast of fire exploding out from him that Bubbles had to zoom further away to avoid.
Not giving her a chance to recover Brick launched at her and landed a punch on her stomach to send her flying into the ground. Zooming down after her, Brick readied another breath and let fire blast down the tunnel he had created using Bubbles's body. Immediately afterwards he flew straight up into the sky, still smoking as he did another quick scan. Still nothing! How long could something so easy take?!
Bubbles rocketed up out of the hole, clothes still glowing red at the edges of where his flame had burned them. One pigtail had come loose, the hair tie glowing slightly as it fell away, but she didn't seem to care much as she sent another scream at Brick. He was slow to react this time and yelled at the pain of her scream hitting his eardrums. His hands felt slick with blood as he finally covered his ears. He wasn't able to block the punch Bubbles sent at his stomach and went flying through the air. He was barely able to pull up short before hitting the ground.
He looked back at where Bubbles was to see her flying straight at him again. Not hesitating he sent an eye beam straight at the girl, hitting her straight in the face. She yelled and dropped like a rock, hands going to her face. He winced, feeling bad for going so far and knew none of the girls would be happy about that last hit, even after he cleared things up.
"Yo bro!" He heard Butch yell in the distance. Brick looked over and sighed in relief. They'd found Mark. He flew down and landed on the ground at a distance from where Bubbles was crouched, hands still on her face. Hopefully Boom wouldn't be too angry at him either. He turned to face his brothers and the other puffs as they dropped Mark on the ground, somewhat roughly.
"Finally. What the hell took so long?" Brick growled out as he marched over to Mark.
"Dude. What the fu-"
"The only words I want to hear from you right now Mark are ones that explain to me why the fuck Bubbles is angry at me right now! If I hear anything else then I swear you'll find out just how much I was restraining myself at our last talk!" Brick roared out causing the other boy to flinch.
Boomer and Butch exchanged a worried look while Buttercup raised an eyebrow. He heard Bubbles hissing something at him but the blood was pounding in his ears too much to make out what it was. Blossom was quick to step between him and Mark, a stern look on her face.
"Don't even think of it Brick," she ground out at him.
He laughed angrily at her. "Oh I've thought about it plenty already. If he doesn't start talking now Pinkie I think you'll find yourself having a hard time keep me from doing more."
"Hold up, explain what? What's going on?" Mark asked, slightly panicked.
Brick couldn't blame him really. He was surrounded by some very upset and angry super teens right now. One of which who was obviously pissed at him.
"I'm going to take a wild guess and say it has something to do with sugar cube over there. Christ bro. Did ya have to be that harsh with her?" Butch asked. Brick grunted in response. So he may have let his temper get to him slightly.
"What? What do I have to explain to Bubbles? I have nothing to do with her anymore! I swear!"
"It's okay Mark. I know he threatened you to make you break up with me. Just give me a second and I'll fix this," Bubbles said as she made her way to the group, blue sparks still flying. At her comment the group exploded into various different reactions.
"Brick! The hell?!"
"Nice hat boy. Real nice."
"Okay, everyone just needs to take a second and we can talk about this."
"Bro, that's low and hella confusing."
"Whoa wait. Where the hell did you hear that from?"
"The whole school is talking about it apparently and I want to know why. Talk," Brick growled at Mark. Bubbles raised her hand to launch another beam at him but Boomer zoomed in between the two.
"Move Boomer."
"Not until we hear about what's going on. And I mean hear from the people involved, not through the grape vine," Boomer said with a determined look on his face. Bubbles glared at him before slowly dropping her hand.
"Fine."
"Well Mark? It seems that Brick thinks this explanation needs to come from you," Blossom said, still between Brick and Mark. Brick kept pacing slightly trying to get past her but she met his every step to stay between the two. He growled at the boy, glare set solidly on him. Mark gulped.
"C'mon Brick. We had a deal. You said you wouldn't tell!" Mark pleaded, shooting a quick glance at the puffs. Brick snorted.
"I said shit. That's why I want to know why the school seems to think I threatened you to get you to break up with Bubbles."
Mark gulped and sent another pleading look at Brick which was solidly ignored.
"It's okay Mark, we won't let them hurt you," Bubbles said in an attempt to reassure him.
Mark laughed bitterly at that. "I wasn't worried about the ruffs doing shit to me. You weren't supposed to know about the talk Brick and I had. I swear, I didn't say shit Brick. Please!"
"Don't care. Why don't you explain exactly what happened during our talk. Now." Brick was still growling but had stopped pacing. Blossom was watching him like a hawk.
"Might as well talk Mark. Don't think we're going anywhere until you do," Buttercup said from where she stood behind the boy. Unknown to her, the reminder that Buttercup was the closest one to him terrified him.
"Fine. Fine! I'll talk but under on condition. I want Butch standing between me and Buttercup," Mark said with a resigned sigh. Brick scoffed at that, not really sure why he thought Butch of all people would try to stop Buttercup.
"I mean sure. Don't know why but sure?" Butch said before moving to do as asked. "Good?"
"Fuck no. This wasn't supposed to happen!" Mark grumbled, watching the puffs carefully. Blossom was the only one with a clear path to him now but that should be fine.
"Talk Mark. Tell them," Brick said.
Mark flinched at the look of the ruff leader. His eyes glowed and a trail of smoke left his mouth out the corner. He was tense and clearly ready to launch himself at Mark the second he got a chance. Mark took in a shaky breath before starting.
"Look. I never thought it'd be a problem okay? No one was supposed to find out and it would be fine. I mean shit, I didn't expect you to still be into me by the end of the summer! Then there was the re-zoning and things got complicated and I didn't want to stop and I thought it'd be fine. You wouldn't find out. You were so caught up in everything else. Hell, I thought you all were."
"Mark? I don't-you're not making sense," Bubbles said, unsure sounding. Buttercup had tensed and was now glaring at Mark, her instincts telling her she wasn't going to like what he said.
"I'm sorry Bubbles. I really am. You weren't supposed to find out and like I said, I didn't even think we'd last as long as we did!"
"Stop talking circles," Brick growled. "Tell her what you did."
Mark hesitated, looking around the group. He took another shaky breath.
"I cheated. Brick caught me."
Buttercup hadn't let him finish before trying to launch herself at Mark. Butch immediately blocked her, wrestling to keep her from reaching the boy behind him. Blossom had gone ramrod straight and was still keeping her eyes on Brick, looking now for confirmation. He gave her a quick nod doing just that. Blue sparks were now flying all around Boomer but he kept his eyes on Bubbles who now looked so confused and lost.
"Wh-what?" She squeezed out sounding breathless. Mark winced.
"I'm really sorry Bubbly."
"Don't you fucking dare! I don't want to hear you ever talk to her again you piece of-"
Buttercup was cut off as Butch managed to grab her in a giant bear hug like hold, pinning her arms to her side. He squeezed tightly causing her to cough slightly at the pressure.
"Think it might be best if I maybe move Butterbutt here to somewhere else to cool her head a bit," Butch said with a glance at Blossom.
"To the house. Buttercup, simulator you understand?" Blossom said, still not looking at Mark. She wasn't sure what she'd do if she looked at him right now. Bubbles had sunk to her knees looking so confused.
"Like hell! He's mine! I'm going to-"
"Simulator! Go Butch."
"Sure thing Bossy. C'mon firecracker. Let's go burn some steam."
Butch struggled but managed to get flying off in the direction of the puffs' home with Buttercup in tow, still struggling. Boomer made his way over to Bubbles and crouched next to her, checking to see how she was, both physically and emotionally.
"Boomer, do me a favor? Princess and Robin should still be at the gates. Can you take Bubbles to them?" Blossom asked. Boomer cast a look at her before quickly turning his attention back to Bubbles. He nodded and, without waiting, scooped Bubbles up into his arms and took off for the school. Bubbles was still too shocked to even respond.
"Well Brick, I guess I know what put you in such a bad mood that day now."
"Yeah, you know. Sure as hell was hoping you puffs wouldn't find out."
"That's not fair. You should have let Buttercup and I know."
Brick barked out a laugh. "What for? We both know that was more likely to end with Mark in the hospital. Buttercup is going to need watched like a hawk for the next week at least now."
"And why didn't you just tell me then?"
"You know why."
"Um, can I go now?" Mark asked hesitantly. Blossom tensed at the sound of his voice and, very stiffly, turned to face him.
Mark flinched back and wished immediately that he hadn't said anything. If he thought Brick had looked scary then Blossom was terrifying. Her pink eyes were glowing an almost purple color. The sun hit her hair making it glow like flames flying around her and pink mist seemed to cling to her with small sparks going off around her. She looked ethereal standing there, like a creature that had descended from the heavens above. That was what made her so terrifying for Mark. At least you could make a deal with the devil.
"Yes. You can go," Blossom said curtly. Mark flinched at the icy tone in her voice.
"Great. Um, though the school is really far?"
"Then you'd better start walking. Should take you about three or so hours I'd say."
Mark hesitated shooting them a pathetic look. They continued to glare and a second later Mark's shoulders slumped. Without saying another word he turned and began to walk back to the school. The reds stood there and watched for a while in silence.
"You good?" Brick asked.
"Not really," Blossom hissed. Brick nodded but stayed silent. "Thank you, for trying to keep it from Bubbles."
Brick sighed. "I probably should have let you know but I figured you'd just end up like this."
"Hmmm, yes. And I'm sure Buttercup dragged Butch into the simulator. Knowing those two they won't be leaving until someone drags them out or they've broken bones."
"Might solve another problem though."
"Problem?"
"Butch has been twitchy since the beginning of the year."
Blossom spun to him in shock. "He has?"
Brick snorted at that. "Yeah, he has. Buttercup's been having a hell of a time what with him baiting her at every corner."
Blossom sighed shakily. "How did I not notice that?"
Brick shrugged. "You've got a lot on your plate. Take a day off or something Pinkie."
"More than a day off I really wish there was a monster right now."
Brick laughed at that. "Yeah, that'd be real fucking nice right now. Too bad they never show up when we need something to really pummel."
"Probably for the best. Last time I went at a monster like this the ice took a week to melt. Doesn't mean we can't pummel something though." She pulled out her phone and sent Bubbles and the girls a text saying not to wait up. She'd trust Robin and Princess to cheer Bubbles up for a few hours at least. They could all talk later. She needed to blow off some steam herself first. She also was definitely skipping dance tonight so she sent off another text to take care of that.
"Hmm, Bellum doesn't like us using the simulator on week nights but she might just make an exception this time."
"Great," Blossom said before both took off in the direction of the ruffs' house.
"Boomer let me go," Bubbles said softly. He glanced down at her while stopping in mid-air.
"You're sure you're good?"
"I'm sure I'm not but I can fly on my own. Please."
He let her go slowly to make sure she was steady enough in the air. Bubbles took the chance to take out her remaining pigtail and throw her hair up into a messy bun instead, too tired to try and deal with it. Boomer watched her carefully trying to make out how she was feeling and failing. He also held back a wince at the intense looking burn on the left side of her face. It was a hella nasty burn.
"Did you want to talk about it?" He asked her softly. Bubbles sighed and shook her head slightly.
"Not right this second. No, right now I just want to go meet up with Robin and Princess and eat a ton of ice cream while I process I guess."
"Is there anything I can do?" He asked with a wince. Obviously there wasn't but he was dying to do something and he couldn't really go do what he really wanted to do right now. Which was punch Mark in the face. He was too angry to control a punch right now and the last thing he needed was to do serious damage to the guy.
"No. It's fine. I'm going to be fine."
She took off slowly for the school, Boomer following. They flew in silence for a bit before Bubbles spoke up.
"He was right. Neither of us were really into each other and I was shocked as well that we lasted through the summer. I suppose I'm not surprised too much about this."
"That's bullshit and you know it. Even if you weren't really into each other it doesn't make what he did anywhere near being okay. It should be surprising because he should have never considered it."
Bubbles shook her head. "He started to pull away half way through the summer. Avoiding me or calling off the odd date here and there. There were times we'd meet up for something and I'd notice things, like a slightly floral scent. I brushed it off but now, looking back, it makes sense."
"Still doesn't make it okay," Boomer said, blue sparks dancing around him. Bubbles sighed.
"I didn't say it did, only that I shouldn't have been so surprised. I suppose I'll need to apologize to Brick tomorrow."
"He's fine. He actually probably owes you an apology, though good luck getting it. Your face is going to be pretty red for a few days."
"Yes well a laser to the face tends to do that. And an apology will make me feel better. I should have let him explain before trusting the rumors."
"I mean, they kinda weren't wrong."
"They were wrong enough. Anyways, do me a favor?" Bubbles asked as they pulled up above the school.
"Anything."
Bubbles smiled softly at that and Boomer felt his heart squeeze slightly at the sight of it. His hand twitched and he stuffed it into his pocket to stop himself from doing something he might regret.
"Don't do anything to Mark. I'd rather the school not find out I was cheated on and having a ruff or Buttercup go after Mark might spark more to the rumors. I don't want to chance it."
Boomer groaned. "You would ask that Bubs, you would. Just one punch? Please?" He begged, puppy dog eyes and all. Bubbles giggled slightly at his response.
"No. Please?" She asked giving him puppy dog eyes right back.
He groaned again. "For someone who wasn't made with puppy dog tails you're way too good at that. Fine." He sighed heavily.
She giggled again. "I know. And thank you Boomer. Really, thanks."
Without another word Bubbles flew down to where the two girls stood at the gates. She hooked her arms in theirs and began dragging them to the ice cream shop all while they asked what was wrong. Boomer was able to hear the sound of a heartbreakingly soft hiccup as they walked away. Not trusting himself to stick around and hear more he turned and shot straight for home.
Man he missed this. There was nothing that got the blood pumping quite like a good brawl with his counterpart. Maybe he should ask if she'd be willing to make this a weekly thing?
He scoffed at that as he pulled out of the rubble of the building the simulator had created. His bones were creaking in an ominous way but nothing was broken yet. So long as that stayed true there was no way in hell he was stopping. He stepped through the hole in the wall and looked to the person who had put him there.
Buttercup's X was in overdrive and it showed. Her skin had a glow to it that meant she was bursting with energy. He'd asked her about it once and she said it came with her special ability. She had the best control over her X in the group and could even use it to extend that control to her body. She would coat her muscles with X and use that to make her muscles move the way she wanted. When she did it her body would end up glowing slightly.
"Well? You going to just sit there all day or what?" She asked while swiping at the blood on her chin. She wasn't smiling. Yet.
He sent her a wild grin. "Careful what you ask for Butters."
He bent his knees and watched as she braced, that ghost of a grin finally starting to show on her face, and then launched. She braced and brought an arm up to block the punch he sent towards her head. She grunted once his punch landed but didn't bother taking even a second before launching a punch of her own at his stomach. He swept his other arm down catching her arm and causing the punch to land on air.
She grit her teeth and brought her leg up between his own. Reacting quickly he caught her leg before it landed and grinned.
"That's a nasty move Butters."
"Get over yourself. You love when people fight dirty."
He couldn't help the cackle as she finally bared her teeth at him in a wild grin. Now they were talking. Not giving her a second he fired off an eye beam straight at her. She cursed as it landed on her stomach and the top half of her body went flying back as he kept a firm grip on her leg. Not wasting a second she used the force and twisted her body around to aim a kick at his head. He didn't get a chance to block and sent flying into another building.
God he loved how flexible she could be. Always caught him off guard and he could almost never predict where the next hit would come flying in from. She didn't him a chance to recover this time as a flurry of light green energy blasts followed him into the building. He grunted at the force of them as they landed directly on him.
When the attack finished he couldn't help but cough up some blood. She really hadn't held back. He couldn't help but chuckle again before launching full speed back out of the hole. He was pretty sure that this time she'd broken something but he was past caring. He launched several of his own blasts at her that she was quick to swerve out of the way of.
When he reached her he began to throw a punch, similar to before, but swung wide as she moved to block and flipped in the air, bringing his foot down on her head instead. She went flying down into the ground with a grunt. He cackled again.
"God Butters! The fucking rush that comes with fighting you! I mean fuck!"
"You talk way too much," she said, wild grin still in place, as she launched at him and landed a punch straight on his stomach.
Having seen her coming Butch quickly threw a shield up over his stomach. She groaned in pain as her fist came into contact with it. Both heard the sound of bones breaking at the force of it. They stared off for a moment before both pulled back another fist.
All of a sudden the room went dark causing both greens to look towards the control panel. The professor stood on the other side of the glass, a cup of coffee in his hand.
"Alright you two, enough is enough. The scans are showing that you've both broken bones. You know what that means," he said.
"But professor," Buttercup whined. Butch chuckled but let his shield and fist drop. His momentum was broken. Best if they stopped now.
"C'mon Butters, we still have class tomorrow. Good thing you used your left hand for that last hit isn't it?'
She huffed at that but relented. "Still gunna suck tomorrow during practice."
"Eh, not the first time you've had to deal with broken bones. You'll live." He stuffed his hands in his pockets as he dropped and began walking to the door. He was gunna be all kinds of sore tomorrow too. He couldn't help but grin at that. Pretty sure he had at least two broken ribs though they weren't too bad he supposed. He could still breathe after all.
"Whatever. Let me see your hands real quick."
He turned and gave her a lazy smirk. "Why Butters, are you worried about me?"
"I'm worried about the school. Let me see them."
He watched her a second before sighing and pulling his hands out of his pockets. They were both in good moods. He didn't feel like ruining it by being stubborn. She quickly made her way over and frowned at him.
"Seriously? Still? The hell is up with you lately Butchie boy?" she mumbled as she say a slight twitch in his hands still. It wasn't as bad as earlier but still there. He shrugged.
"Dunno. Just antsy I guess." He flexed his hand while staring at them. "Keep feeling like there's something I need to be doing but I don't know what."
"That makes no sense."
He snorted at that. "I know. It's fine though, I'm handling it."
She glared at him. "You don't handle things. You fly off at them."
He shrugged. "Yeah well I'm trying. Used to be a time that you weren't that different from me. Maybe it's about time I learn a little control or something."
"Right, well in the meantime if you feel like you're about to fly at me can we at least take it to the simulator? Last thing leader girl needs is us to going off at each other in the middle of the school."
"Whaaat? But that's so boring," he whined. She glared at him as the door to the sim room opened.
"Come on you two. Let's get you two bandaged up," the professor said. She jabbed a finger into Butch's chest causing him to wince slightly in pain, the warning clear, before walking off.
"Is Bubbles back yet?" She asked as she followed after the professor.
Well he said he'd try. She knew that it didn't really mean much with him though.
It was a flurry of blows, a block here followed by a punch that was blocked and returned with an elbow or a kick. They hadn't even bothered to turn the simulator on. There wasn't really a point. They both needed to blow some steam and the best way was a simple spar.
Or, well, simple by certain people's standards. No powers, just their natural enhanced X speed and power. An exchange of blows, each one carefully, but quickly, considered before being thrown. Blossom, because she was naturally faster and more nimble than he was, had landed a few hits and while he might have a bruise or two he wasn't slowing down. He had the upper hand when it came to strength and stamina. He usually just had to wait her out.
Not that he wanted that though. That was never fun. Blossom was the only one with that same control over everything that he had in a fight. It was why they never used their powers when they spared, to really see who the better fighter was. They weren't able to do this often though, not with how busy her schedule was.
She spun and her hair whipped towards his face causing him to step back and letting him see the incoming low and block it. He grabbed her leg as he did so and spun, throwing her slightly across the room. She landed on her feet and spun to face him. They circled each other slowly.
"Hey, Bloss, don't tire him out too much. I need a round or two as well," Boomer's voice came through the speakers. They both glanced to see him sitting in the command booth, head propped up by a hand. They turned back to one another.
"We're a bit busy Boomer. Please keep quiet," Blossom said as she ran at Brick. He caught the punch she aimed at him and threw one of his own that she swiftly dodged.
"Come on you two, please? Buttercup has Butch and you two have each other. How am I supposed to deal? I mean, unless you want me to, you know, just take a swing at the guy tomorrow. Cause I can do that."
"Boom, would you shut. Up," Brick ground out as Blossom swung a fist at his jaw that he was quick to divert. He continued through the motion and swung his elbow towards her jaw. She brought her head back far enough to avoid the elbow and danced a few steps out of his range.
"So punching Mark tomorrow. Sweet. Though Bubs made me promise not too. Not sweet."
"For fuck's sake Boom! Shut up!" Blossom rushed him again and this time he grabbed the fist and threw her across the room again. He spun to face his brother. "I'll set up something in the simulator okay?! Something with Mark's face on it just to let you beat that up instead! Gah!"
Blossom had taken advantage of his turned back and had jumped on him, her arm going around his neck in a chock hold. He grunted but quickly managed to get a hand between her arm and his neck, stopping her from cutting off all his air.
"Really?! Sweet! That would be awesome!"
Brick grit his teeth and noticed they'd maneuvered to be close to the wall. Without hesitation he threw his back, meaning Blossom, against it. She coughed at the hit and her arm loosened enough for him to pull away. He swung around and pinned her to the wall, his arm going across her neck raising his other fist but not swinging it. They glared at each other before she huffed.
"Fine. I give," she said. He grinned at her before stepping away.
"Great! I want my simulation now bro!" Boomer said. Brick groaned and glared at his brother. Blossom laughed, still slightly out of breath.
"I suppose you better get to it then?" Blossom said. Brick turned to see Blossom grinning at him. Her hair, which she had put in a braid before their spar, had fallen slightly loose. Strands of it were stuck to the sides of her face and there was a flush to her cheeks. Her eyes had that little spark of light to them that he could never not see. He turned away quickly and rolled out his shoulders.
"Suppose I should. You good?" He asked making his way to the door. He heard her let of another airy laugh.
"Debatable. I'm not about to freeze the house solid tonight though. I should probably get back. Bubbles should be home by now."
"Let her know I went a bit too far. With the laser. To the face." He winced as he finished saying this. He heard her sigh.
"Yes, that was maybe a bit much Brick. I'm sure she didn't leave you much choice though. Try not to do that again. Especially to my baby sister."
He couldn't help but turn to face her at the tone in her voice. She was not happy. He winced.
"Right. Won't do it again."
"Hopefully you just won't have reason too."
"My simulation," Boomer whined through the coms causing both reds to groan.
"So, did you tell Robin and Princess?" Buttercup asked. Bubbles sighed from where she sat on her bed, surrounded by her stuffed animals. She spun the half empty glass of hot chocolate in her hands.
"Yeah. But I didn't really want to spend too long talking about it. I didn't really want to go into it with them," Bubbles said.
"Do you want us to talk about something else then?" Blossom asked. She was sitting on the edge of the bed looking at her sister, playing with a small stuffed bear. Bubbles shook her head.
"I don't mind talking about it with you two. It's just…" she trailed off.
"You don't feel there's much to talk about?" Blossom asked. She was looking at the bear now. Buttercup scuffed her foot against the floor where she straddled the back of the desk chair across the room.
"Is that weird to say? I mean, I felt more upset about the break-up than I do about this."
"Yeah? Well I feel pretty fucking horrible about this," Buttercup grumbled. Blossom turned to glare at her.
"Language."
Bubbles also turned to her sister, brow furrowed. "Why?"
Buttercup awkwardly shrugged but didn't look up at either of her sisters. Blossom sighed after a few seconds.
"You wouldn't have known Buttercup."
"She wouldn't have known what?" Bubbles asked. Buttercup huffed and turned away from the two of them.
"Still," she said gruffly. Blossom sighed before turning back to Bubbles.
"She feels bad because she was the one who told you to go for it back when he first asked you."
Bubbles spun to face Buttercup with a glare. "You do not feel guilty about that! I was the one who said yes. Not you. This is in no way on you. You didn't do anything wrong Buttercup."
"Well maybe but-"
"Nope! This is on me, not you. And Mark. Probably mostly on Mark."
Buttercup spun in the chair sullenly and Bubbles decided she was not having it. She got up and went over to her sister, handing her cup to Blossom. Buttercup watched her hesitantly. When Bubbles reached her sister she reached out and squished her cheeks. Buttercup glared at her.
"No. You were not in any way, shape, or form at fault! Plus, I really don't feel bad about it. I'm honestly kind of not surprised."
"'ow can oo nah ee suhrised?" Buttercup attempted to ask. Bubbles blinked blankly at her for a few minutes as she tried to make out what her sister had said. She was still squishing her cheeks. Bubbles shrugged when she finally got it and went back to her bed, Blossom handing her back the cup.
"I guess it's just because neither of us were really in it from the start. I mean, I realized it but kinda tried not too. He never really felt genuine and I just could never really reciprocate. I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm still not happy he cheated and he shouldn't have but I probably could have put a lot more than I did into the relationship too. I enjoyed being with him but he never really made my heart race, you know?"
"You put plenty into it from what I saw. Too much for my taste," Buttercup mumbled into her arms. Bubbles sighed.
"I obviously made sure to show affection and to enjoy things. I wanted him to enjoy being with me as well I just never gave back a full 100%."
"That's kinda terrifying, not gunna lie. Let me guess though, blue boy had something to do with that?" Buttercup asked. Bubbles shrugged and took a sip from her hot chocolate.
"Are you going to do something? Now that you're both single?" Blossom asked glancing at her sister. Bubbles shook her head and Blossom couldn't help the small sigh of relief. Right away would be too soon for them both. They both needed time outside of a relationship to heal a little more first.
"No. At least, not yet. We've been weird for a while now and it seems like just recently that we can kind of, just sort of really, have a semi-normal conversation again. Plus, he just ended things with Ali and I was just cheated one. I kinda just want to see how things go for a bit."
"I think that's a good decision. You should think about what you really want for a bit, both of you should. There's plenty of time if you decide you want to ask him out."
"Well, this is assuming he'd even be interested in me."
Both Buttercup and Blossom scoffed at that.
"You're kidding me Bubs. The boy has stars in his eyes when he looks at you. Almost always has," Buttercup said with a sigh.
"I'm not assuming anything. Plus, like I said, I kinda just want to see how things go for a bit. Anyways, I do not want you feeling guilty Buttercup. Not one bit, okay?"
Buttercup sighed but looked at her sister. "I'll try. I'd have an easier time if I could punch the guy."
"Yes well, I think most of us feel that way," Blossom said softly. Buttercup grinned.
"Probably, and only cap boy has been able to take a shot. Kinda sucks."
"Speaking of Brick, I really should apologize tomorrow to him. I shouldn't have just listened to the rumors like that. I know better."
Buttercup scoffed. "Yeah well, cap head owes you an apology too for the face but we all know you sure as hell ain't getting one."
Blossom snorted at that. "That's putting it mildly."
"Well, okay. The laser to the face was maybe a bit extreme but I was the one who rushed him first so that's on me."
"Okay, so you won't get an apology. Maybe you should just see if he'd let you return the favor then," Buttercup said with a grin. "If you don't feel up to it I don't mind doing it for you."
"Buttercup, no," Blossom said with a heavy sigh as she massaged a temple. Bubbles giggled, feeling better about things now. She might not be happy about the cheating but things were looking up and even if they still didn't turn out okay, at least she had her sisters.
Blossom sighed as she opened her locker. It made no sense to make math textbooks so heavy and she thought that as a super! Thankfully she got a break before chemistry. English class didn't have a textbook. She was thankful Bubbles was doing okay at least. It had been only a few days and if Blossom didn't know that something had happened she would have had a hard time seeing the change in her sister. It was a subtle, more subdued air to her. She had been working overtime on the costumes and for once, Blossom couldn't wait for Princess's party. It would probably really help to cheer her sister up.
It was then that she heard a giggled from just down the hall. Now normally she wouldn't have paid attention. It was between classes and she was in the hallway after all. The only reason she noticed is because that giggle was one she was too used to hearing but hadn't heard in a while. She turned with a sigh to see Brick leaning against his locker with Kelly standing in front of him, a giggly mess.
She supposed it had been a while. Abigail had been doing a pretty good job at scaring girls away. Kelly had been stuck on Brick since 9th grade though. It would take more than a new pretty girl to keep her away.
Brick looked up and made eye contact with her as she thought this. She made a point to not roll her eyes as she turned away and grabbed her book for English. The best course of action with Brick was usually no action. If he caught on that she was annoyed he'd just be more obvious with things. She already made eye contact though so she supposed it was a lost cause anyways.
With a sigh she closed her locker and started towards class. She could feel his eyes on her but made a point to completely and totally ignore him. Which he apparently didn't like. He caught up to her pretty quickly.
"How's Bubbles?" he asked as he reached her. She shrugged.
"She's handling it. She tries not to talk about it too much." There was no way she'd mention to anyone ever that although Bubbles had bounced back quickly, Blossom and Buttercup would still hear the sniffles and hiccups late at night when Bubbles thought they were both asleep.
"I see." They walked in quiet for a bit longer. She could feel Brick glancing at her every now and then but didn't turn to look at him.
"So, this party next week. Butch is dying to know what you puffs are going as," he said as he tried to change gears. She glanced at him at saw he had his hands in his pockets. An annoying habit that he, and the other ruffs, had picked up. The best way with any ruff to read their mood was to check their hands. Butch might be the most obvious with his twitch but even Brick's tells tended to be with his hands. For instance, he tended to rub his thumb between the pointer and middle finger joints when he was nervous. She supposed it was a brotherly trait between the three.
"Well, Bubbles would probably kill me if I even hinted at it so this might be the end for him."
Brick snorted at that. "That'd be a nightmare. He'd consider not seeing the outfits a tragedy and haunt us all until Halloween."
"Perfectly in theme then."
"You seem like you're okay with it now."
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well, you ran pretty fast when it was first mentioned. Guessing the outfit won't be as bad this year as it was last year?"
She sighed. "Wow, thanks for that confirmation Brick. I always suspected that last year's costume was a bad look for me but hadn't ever actually heard it. Thanks."
He spun to her and she could see from the corner of her eye the slight panic on his face. "That's not what I meant. I just figured that you weren't comfortable with it. It's not your usually choice. Bubs said you didn't want anyone to see it so I just figured-"
"I didn't want anyone to see it because I looked and felt ridiculous. I looked like some weirdly long armed, long legged red blob."
"You really honestly didn't."
"Yes well seeing as how you're not actually saying what you did mean instead and just denying it you'll have to forgive me if I don't exactly have faith in that sentence."
They stopped in the middle of the hall and she was glaring at him. He winced. She was tempted to do the same. She knew that people were watching them but she was annoyed, especially after what her sisters had said before the whole Mark thing to her about him. Obviously, they were wrong.
"I didn't mean it like that," he almost growled at her. He looked uncomfortable to say the least. She sighed.
"But you meant it in a different way and what other way is there to mean it? Whatever. It doesn't matter anyways." She turned and started walking towards class again. To her annoyance, he followed. Granted, he did have the same next class as her.
"Pinky, I really didn't mean it like that."
"It's fine."
"Clearly it's not."
"Are we really going to argue about this?"
"Apparently we are," he was growling now. They'd stopped again in the middle of the hallway and were glaring at each other.
"Well how else was I supposed to take that Brick? I mean, really, how else?"
"Which is why I'm saying I didn't mean it like that!"
"Then what did you mean?!"
He groaned as he rubbed his hands across his face. "It just isn't something you'd usually wear. I didn't think you'd enjoy wearing something like that."
"Yes, you said. I said that I didn't. It made me feel awkward and uncomfortable."
"Are you really going to make me say it?"
"I'm not going to make you do anything Brick! No one ever makes you ruffs do anything so clearly neither should I. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to class," she hissed before turning and stomping off. She heard him cursing behind her but ignored him.
Clearly her sisters were seeing things.
"Alright, what's with the smoke?" Boomer asked as he sat down. "And where's Bloss? Did something come up?"
A puff of smoke left Brick's mouth as he huffed. "She's probably in the library."
Boomer watched his brother for a moment or two. "What did you do this time?"
"Nothing!" Boomer raise an eyebrow. "Maybe. Okay, accidentally something possibly."
"Accidentally?"
Brick groaned and rubbed a hand across his face. He took a deep breath to try and calm down a bit more. Any more smoke and he might set of the fire alarm. Again. A sure fire way to piss the pink puff off more. "I said something and it didn't-I didn't meant it the way it came out and it just sort of…spiraled. Like always. Especially this year."
"Do I want to know what you said?" Boomer asked hesitantly. Brick sighed and went to pull out his lunch.
"It's nothing Boom. I just put my foot in my mouth is all."
"Again."
"Yeah, again."
"You do that a lot with Bloss."
Brick's teeth audibly ground together. "I'm aware."
Knowing better than to say anything else, Boomer pulled out his own lunch and began eating. Mitch and Mike joined not long after and, sensing the mood at the table plus the seeing the missing member, decided to sit and eat in quiet. It didn't stay quiet long though.
"Brick, hi," Abigail said as she sat down next to Brick. He hadn't been paying attention to the cafeteria. None of them had. He winced and turned to Boomer, already mentally pleading for help. Boomer snickered.
"Abigail. Hi," Brick grit out. She leaned over and rested her hand on his arm as she leaned very much into his space. Mike and Mitch were watching, clearly interested.
"So I've been hearing a lot about this party and I was wondering-"
"Princess's party. I'm going with my brothers," Brick said, quickly cutting her off. He saw Boomer raise an eyebrow out of the corner of his eye. Abigail pouted.
"That doesn't really mean much you know? You and I could still-"
"We were also planning on meeting up with the girls too, right?" Boomer asked cutting Abigail off again. She glanced at him just briefly and Brick thought he saw a flash of something but it quickly disappeared. He felt Boomer tense just slightly though and nearly turned to his brother but stopped himself.
"The girls?" Abigail asked. Brick nodded.
"The puffs. Princess usually wants the puffs to keep an eye on us at her parties. Sometimes some of us can get a little out of hand," Brick said.
Abigail gave him a slow smile as she trailed her fingers along his chest. He barely managed to stop himself from throwing her away. She needed to stop. Brick never gave her the okay to touch him. In any way.
"I'm sure I can handle you being a little out of hand," she said. Boomer, Mitch and Mike snorted at that. Abigail glared at Mitch and Mike who were quick to stuff some food in their mouth.
"By some of us he means Butch and the only one who can really keep him from getting out of hand at a party is Buttercup. She made it pretty clear that if one of us has to suffer, then we all do. If we go to one of Princess's parties we have to at least stay near a puff," Boomer said. Abigail let her glare land on him now. Brick sighed.
"I'm still not exactly seeing the issue here," she turned back to Brick and pouted. "Do you not want to go with me?"
"Honestly? Not really." Her jaw dropped at his response but seeing as how she didn't seem capable of taking the hint he was beyond caring. He stood up and stepped away from her and the table. "I think I'll head to class early."
Without waiting for a reply he slipped through the door behind the table and away from them. He didn't turn when he heard the door open again and the sound of footsteps quickly make their way over to him. Only once Boomer had caught up did Brick glance at him.
"Okay, I take back everything nice I've said about her. Something about that chick bro, I don't like it," he said. Brick snorted at that.
"Glad you've come to your senses again. She doesn't understand the word no either. She's as bad a Princess used to be. She'll probably be all over me again in a week despite the rejection."
Boomer shook his head. "She's worse. Princess didn't really care about you. You were always just a way to get a potential upper hand over the girls. This girl? She watches you almost religiously every lunch. She clearly hate Bloss too. If she isn't staring at you she's glaring at her."
"I've noticed. I thought things were fine because she'd backed off lately but guess I was jumping the gun."
"Clearly. Either way, I don't like it. Hell, I don't like her. Something just feels…" Boomer trailed off.
"Wrong. Almost like the feeling Him gives off."
"Yeah, but not. I mean she's clearly human but there's still something. Do you think maybe he sent her? That other school did close down after he showed up again after all."
"I don't think so. I still need to look into why that other school closed though. Pinky was muttering about it a while back but I don't think she's gotten to it yet."
"Let me. You know I do my best work when it comes to digging for secrets."
Brick snorted. "Only when those secrets are kept by people. Dig away though. Let me know what you find."
Boomer gave his brother a sly smile. "I'll find everything that's find worthy. Ruff's honor."
Why was it that things had to be so annoying in this class? She had been looking forward to it at the beginning of the year but then Butch had it followed with Merrick transferring into the class. She wasn't sure how he'd managed to convince Ms. Keane on that. Their principle didn't like students transferring class after the first week of school. And today was her first day where she could actually lift with her left hand again after the fight too!
"So I heard about this party that's going on. Apparently some hot shot rich girl on the student council is throwing it?" Merrick asked sitting next to her as Buttercup bench pressed. The professor had provided the school with a set of weights that allowed the super teen to work out at the levels they needed. She was pretty sure he mentioned them using some special material that allowed them to manipulate the weight or something. She didn't pay as much attention as she probably should have.
"Princess," Buttercup grit out. He nodded.
"Right and I was wondering if you were going."
Where was the teacher in the class?! Merrick wasn't even spotting her! Not that he could. "Probably."
"Right, well I was interested in going to the thing and was wondering if you'd been asked yet. Maybe you'd be interested in going with me?"
She wasn't. Not that it mattered. She was going with her sisters. No way she wouldn't after the Mark thing. Bubbles had earned a Halloween free of most complaints this year. She glanced at Merrick and saw he was sending her one of his slimy smiles. She huffed before setting the weights down and sitting up, grabbing a towel to wipe the sweat off.
"I'm already going with my sisters." Again, not that it mattered. His smile faltered for a second before he shrugged.
"Drat. Any chance of adding a date to the group? I'd love a chance to get to know your sisters and we'd rock it if we went together."
She sighed only to sigh again when she saw Butch making his way over. The corners of his lips kept twitching up and his hands were in his pockets. Just great.
"Not likely."
"Yeah Rick. Not likely. See sugar cube's word is law on these things. Plus, her hands'll be full trying to keep me in check all night," Butch said as he reached them. He motioned with his chin for Buttercup to move which she did. He lay down where she was.
"What setting?"
"Even have to ask Butters?"
"You two are going together? And its Merrick," Merrick grit out, glaring at Butch. Buttercup sighed when she saw her counterpart send him a cocky grin. They seriously needed to figure out what was going on with Butch. In more ways than one. She went over to the controls for the weights ignoring them both.
"Yeah, we ar-too much Butters," Butch grit out as he kicked his X into overdrive to keep the weights from crushing his throat.
"Whoops. Totally my bad," she said sarcastically as she took her time to adjust the weights to the right setting. Butch glared at her. She glared back. "And no, we aren't. Princess just demands I keep an eye on him at her parties,"
"You two hate each other. Hell, he tried to kill you if I remember correctly. Why the hell would you agree to something like that? Why would they even be allowed into the party even?"
"Well, seeing as how we actually killed them once I'd say things are pretty even. Plus, other than this one, the ruffs are pretty much harmless. Princess even has a soft spot for them," Buttercup said. She scanned the room and found the teacher still wasn't back. What the hell?!
"I wouldn't go that far Butters. I'd say we can be plenty dangerous when we want to be," Butch said as he started working out. Out of habit she stood behind the bench to spot him. Merrick watched and then glared at Butch some more.
"The only time you ruffs get your hackles raised is if you think someone's coming in to piss on your territory. In this case, that means you're all pretty harmless."
"We ain't dogs Bitterbitch."
"So the Powerpuffs are actually okay with the Rowdyruffs? Despite the fact they were literally made to destroy you?" Merrick asked as Buttercup just sighed.
"Seeing as how they haven't actually tried to do that since we were like, what, 9? I'd say yeah, we don't have a problem with them. Usually."
"Aww, Butters. I didn't know we were friends and all that shit now. You should have let me know," Butch said with a smirk. She glared at him.
"I said okay with, not friends with. Don't confuse me with Bubbles snail face."
Butch laughed at that. "You and sugar cube? Nah, I could never do that."
Finally, the teacher was back. He scanned the room and saw Merrick sitting there doing nothing and quickly yelled at him to get back to working out. Merrick glared at the teacher but got up regardless.
"Well sweetheart, you change your mind on your date you know where to find me. I promise I can show you a better time," Merrick said with a wink as he went to leave. Butch barked out a laugh.
"Nice chattin' with you Rick," he said. Merrick gave him the middle finger and a glare before heading to the other side of the room.
"Did you really have to do that?" Buttercup asked, glaring down at him. He sent his usual smile at her.
"Course. Can't leave you to fend him off all on your own. What kind of date would I be if I did that?"
"Don't even with me Butch. We both know that was all about you and not me. And we aren't dates."
"Dunno what you mean Butters. If that whole thing was about anybody then I'd say it was about Rick, wouldn't you?"
They glared at one another for a moment before Butch went to put his weights back.
"I don't like them," Buttercup said, watching Merrick work out across the room. Butch glanced at her before watching him too.
"Yeah, starting to agree with you there. There's just something that's…" he trailed off.
"Yeah, just something there. Have you mentioned anything about it to the reds?"
"No, have you?"
"No. Leader girl has too much on her plate."
"Brick's been having a hard time dealing with Abigail. Let's just keep an eye on them for now."
"Fine. Should we tell the blues?"
"Nah, let those two focus on each other for once."
"Right. Hope that sniffer of yours is still as good as it used to be Butchie boy. Cause something smells."
"Okay, you know what? I am not the puppy tail representative! You want dog go find Brick!"
Buttercup cackled at the outraged look on his face.
Thank you so much for the review Artemis Raven Courtney! Yes, Butch really should be careful but...well...Butch.
Okay, seriously. Two weeks this time. Ciao!