Alright, finally done with the last of my nightmare chapters. I'm still not really completely happy with this but same could be said for the last two chapters so meh. I'm not really writing this for any other reason to have fun and to be able to say I did it too so I'm not going to stress. Not. Going. To. Stress. (T.T) I'll stress about my next story (which I'm itching to start writing but I want to get further into this one first). Anyways, enjoy!
"Do I even want to ask this time?" Bubbles asked as she worked on the costumes. Blossom hummed but said nothing in response.
Buttercup snorted. "Do you even need to? Hat head did something again and Bloss is pissed. Just hurry up with this stupid fitting. I want to put in a few hours in the simulator today."
"But I'm curious about what he did! Everything seemed fine and then poof!"
"How was everything fine? It was the same as it always is!"
"Well yeah but-"
"It doesn't matter. It wasn't a big fight and I'm not angry at him. I'm just a little annoyed okay? It's fine," Blossom said with a sigh. If she knew they were going to make such a big deal out of this she would have made more of an effort to not be annoyed for so long.
"But Bloss, I want to knooow!" Bubbles whined.
"And I want to be done with this. I still can't believe you pulled an all-nighter to get these ready so quickly. We have plenty of time before the party still."
Bubbles pouted but could tell she wasn't going to get anything out of her sister. "I'm between art projects right now and I wasn't really tired. I maybe did go a little crazy though. Still, I'm going to have to make some adjustments and stuff so it's fine."
Buttercup and Blossom knew that wasn't the real reason but also knew better than to say anything.
"Do I have to have my hair up for this one? I hate hair ties. They make my head hurt," Buttercup said.
"And do I have to have my hair down? Really?" Blossom added.
"Yes and yes! It's important," Bubbles huffed.
"Yeah well, I could also just shave it all off. That kinda fits too, loosely," Buttercup mumbled. Bubbles spun to look at her, aghast.
"You most certainly will not! It doesn't fit at all! Also, if you shave your head I swear I'll make this worse for you!"
Buttercup groaned loudly at that but let it drop.
"Okay, finally here. Geez, can't believe how crazy the traffic was," Mike said as he parked the car in front of the mansion. He and the rest of the car's riders were quick to pile out.
"Seriously though! I hate holidays," Buttercup grumbled.
"I thought you liked Halloween," Bubbles said. Buttercup glared at her.
"Yeah, when I get to choose the outfit I wear."
"I agree. Next year we should choose our own costumes," Blossom said as she rubbed her arms. There was a slight chill in the air that had Blossom frowning. Robin, Mike and Bubbles snorted at that.
"The last time you chose your costume Bloss you were a giant pumpkin that you used to hid from us and read a new book. Not gunna happen again," Robin said. "Plus, you three look so cute! I wish I could have gotten in on this one. I could have totally been Belle."
"Sweetie, you don't read enough for that one," Mike said with a snicker. She glared at him which only caused him to laugh.
Bubbles huffed and crossed her arms. She was wearing a short, off-the-shoulder green dress and had on a pair of fairy wings. Her hair was up in a bun on the top of her head and she was wearing a pair of green slip-on with a white pom-pom on the toe of them. Her make-up consisted of more glitter than anyone had seen her wear to date but she made it work.
"I wanted it to be a surprise," she said. Buttercup just sighed as she looked up at the house.
Her hair was up in an attempt at a bun as well. She had on a red and white hanfu and her make-up was done with bold red lipstick and a red to black smoky eye. A pair of red slippers could be seen poking out at the bottom of the dress. Hanging across he back with the help of some string was a fake sword that Bubbles had picked up from a Halloween store.
"I don't see why all of a sudden you wanted to do this theme though," Blossom said as she once again tried to push her hair all behind her.
Unlike her sisters, her hair was loose. It flowed down her back and stopped at around her knees. She was wearing a blue grey, long, V-neck dress the ruffled at the bottom. The top was decorated with an intricate lace design that was dotted with white beads forming shapes such as sea shells and stars. The ruffles on the bottom of the dress had sparkles throughout them sparingly, giving the dress more of a slight shimmer effect than a sparkly one, like moving water. She was also wearing a pair of white heels. All three Powerpuffs were stunning in their own separate ways. Robin giggled.
"Bubbles has been wanting to do this since middle school Bloss. It was going to happen sooner or later."
She was wearing a blue fluffy dress with stripped knee high socks and a pair of black Mary Janes. Her hair was held back with a blue ribbon as well. Mike walked over and wrapped an arm around her waist. He was wearing black slacks with a button-up white shirt and a pair of white rabbit ears on his head.
"Seriously. Although, I wish I'd done the Alice in Wonderland theme first. Now I've lost my chance," Bubbles cried. Robin giggled as Mike awkwardly scratched the back of his neck.
"Yeah, still feels kinda off to be wearing these things. I'm not looking forward to hearing what the guys have to say about them."
"Oh, Butchie boy is gunna have a field day with 'em. Speaking of, anyone know if they're here yet or not? Party just started so I wouldn't be surprised if they weren't. Really don't feel like waiting around for them though," Buttercup said. Bubbles giggled as she started towards the mansion, everyone moving to follow her.
"Boomie texted me about 5 minutes ago saying that they were here. They should be at the front door."
"Thank god."
It took them a few minutes to reach the front of the mansion. Even though the party was just getting started a lot of people had already arrived. Princess's parties were known for being crazy and everyone wanted to be in on it. It was one of those weird times where people weren't late but on time, just because they didn't want to miss any of it. It helped that Princess's parents were never home meaning no adult supervision at all. The puffs were convinced the cops were bribed to not crash the parties as well. They didn't question it too much though.
When they reached the front of the house they saw all three ruffs standing there looking bored. Boomer was the first one to spot them and immediately smiled. He was wearing black jeans with a black button-up shirt that had POLICE printed above the breast pocket. Hanging at his waist were even a pair of handcuffs and what looked like a baton.
"Hey, you all look great! What is everyone?" Boomer asked as them met up with the ruffs. Bubbles giggled.
"I'm Tinker Bell! Bloss is Ariel and Buttercup is Mulan. We went Disney this year!"
Butch snorted out a laugh as he looked at Mike. "Even have yourselves a fluffy little pet. Dude, the bunny ears are best left to the girls. Just saying."
He was wearing a black shirt with a pair of jeans and a black cape. When he talked they could see a pair of pointy fake teeth.
Mike grumbled under his breath as Robin patted his arm reassuringly. "Mikey and I decided to do Wonderland. I'm Alice and he's the white rabbit."
"Yeah, we can see that."
Brick just sighed and looked away from the group. He was wearing his ever-present red cap as well as a red, button-up flannel shirt and a pair of black pants. Thrown through his belt, almost like an afterthought, was a fake axe.
"We went pretty simple. A cop, a vampire, and a lumberjack," Boomer said. Bubbles giggled.
"Maybe a little simple but at least you did something! I know Mitch was talking about not doing anything."
"Yeah, then you glared at him. Pretty sure that alone was enough to change his mind," Buttercup mumbled. Bubbles ignored her.
"It's a little cold out so are we going in now or…?" Blossom asked trailing off with a huff. Nobody got a chance to respond as the front doors of the mansion flew open.
"Why are you dweebs just standing here? Get in here," Princess said, Mitch sighing behind her. She was wearing a long Victorian styled gold and purple dress with a familiar gold crown on her eye. The girls eyed it cautiously wondering if it was what they thought it was. Mitch was wearing a simple white button up shirt with black slacks and a black bow tie.
"That thing isn't what I think it is, is it?" Blossom ended up asking after a second or two, still staring at the crown. Princess scoffed.
"It doesn't work anymore. Don't worry. Now hurry up and get in here! The party started an hour ago. Seriously can't believe you dweebs made me wait."
"Same! I haven't even been able to get a beer yet because you lot hadn't shown up," Mitch whined.
"Nothing was stopping you?" Buttercup said, giving him a weird look. "The hell are you anyways?"
"He's my butler. Duh. I've been doing my last checks and everything is finally perfect. Now hurry up, get in here and let's finally show these losers how to party," Princess said with a dramatic spin as she waltzed into her house. Mitch threw Buttercup a look that said everything. Clearly Princess's 'I've' was a 'he'd'. She snickered at him in response. He glared before turning to follow Princess.
"Well I'm hungry as hell. Especially since someone demanded we get here fucking early," Brick grumbled with a glare at Boomer who sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm finding the food."
With that he took off, not even looking back. Blossom sighed before turning back to the group.
"I guess we'll catch up with you all later. Buttercup, Butch. Do not destroy anything. I mean it," Blossom said with a glare as she left to follow after Brick. Buttercup pouted.
"I won't. At least, I won't break anything of Princess's. Too much hassle."
"Don't break Butch's face either! No fighting!"
Butch grinned at that in a way that Buttercup did not like. Bubbles sent her a sympathetic look.
"Well, if we're going to split already then I'm going to go find the dance floor. Catch you guys later," Robin said as she grabbed Mike and took off with a smile.
"Where do you think the drinks are?" Buttercup asked as she took off in a direction similar to where Blossom and Brick had gone. Butch laughed.
"Hell if I know but I'm so there with you."
Boomer and Bubbles glanced at each other before quickly looking away. They stood there in awkward silence for a moment. It was easy for them to be normal when there were others with them but things still felt so awkward when it was just the two of them. Boomer cleared his throat before speaking.
"So, Robin mentioned statues that you did? I'd love to see them."
Bubbles gave off a half groan half laugh. "Of course you do. I really wish Mr. Morebucks would move those and that Rob would stop mentioning them. C'mon. They're this way."
Without giving herself a chance to second guess herself she grabbed his hand and began leading him through the house. She couldn't bring herself to look at him so she missed the pink in his cheeks at her actions. She didn't miss the way he squeezed her hand gently before moving to walk beside her. She still couldn't bring herself to look at him.
"Brick! You know you can't just walk off. Princess'll give us both grief if she sees," Blossom huffed as she caught up to the red head. He sighed before turning to give her a look.
"Figured you wouldn't let me just walk off and what do you know, I was right. And no Princess in sight to give us grief for the two seconds I was out of your sights. Chill Pinky," He said as she caught up. She huffed again and glared before turning to look around.
"You know as well as I do that she won't like you being off on your own for even a second. I wish she'd let up on it though. It's been years since any of you last caused trouble."
He gave her a quick look over while she was looking around but quickly turned away. He really wished he could have a few words with Bubbles about this. While Blossom was wearing more than the costume she'd had last year, he wasn't sure this was any better. The lighting kept hitting the dress in a way that made it glow in a way that was just the right level of eye catching. It was making it difficult for him to look at her for too long.
"Yeah well, you know her. Never lets anything go."
"True I suppose. Still, I wish she'd let up if only so I'd not have a reason to come to these things."
Brick snorted at that. "Still not a party fan huh."
She glared at him. "I just have other things I would rather spend my time on."
He cocked an eyebrow. "Like reading a book? Maybe try the pumpkin outfit again."
She threw her hands up. "Oh my goodness! It was one time! Can you blame me though? The professor had just bought me the Hobbit!"
"All I know Pinky is that you seriously need to loosen up. You're way too high strung."
Her jaw dropped and he snickered at her. "I am not! Take that back," she said with a glare. He shrugged.
"You yelled at a freshman on Thursday for not buttoning up his blazer. I think you need to chill a little."
"Dress code states-"
"Pinky, you're the only one in the entire school who actually cares enough to dress according to dress code. Not even the teachers care."
She pouted before turning away from him. He snorted and looked around. He was pretty sure Princess had the booze and food in the usual place but she did sometimes mix it up. While he was looking around he couldn't help but notice the number of people looking at them.
No, not them. Her. Almost every single guy in the room kept glancing at Blossom. Half the taken ones seemed to be chancing looks her way too. He frowned at that before glaring at them all.
"Whatever. I'm just a little stressed is all."
"Hmm? Sorry, what was that?" Brick asked as he dragged his eyes back to Blossom. She rolled her eyes.
"Seriously? Usually you at least do a have decent job at pretending to listen. Look, if you see someone you like please let me know before you swoop in. I'd rather not see you all over someone."
"No, that wasn't-wait, you don't want to see me all over someone?" He smirked at her causing her to glare. "Well well well Pinky-"
"I'd rather not seeing anyone like that but I'm not an idiot. We're at a party. The difference between them and you is, I'm stuck babysitting tonight. Just one night without please? Save the horror show for school?"
He made a face at her. "I'm feeling kinda insulted here. Horror show?"
"Just, a heads up please?"
"Fine, but on one condition."
"Uh-uh. Your conditions are never good."
"Oh come on Pinky, it's an easy one."
She hummed as she glared at the room. Brick noted that anytime she looked in any direction, heads were turning away. He did not like that. Not one bit.
"Fine, I'll hear it at least then decide."
"Like I said, it's an easy one, you've even done this one before."
She spun to glare at him. "No. Please tell me you aren't about to say what I think you are."
He shrugged. "Well, pretty sure Bubs did want you to loosen up. We are at a party, a Princess one. What else would you expect me to ask?"
She huffed and crossed her arms. A quick scan of the room and he saw plenty of eyes back on her, specifically watching the movement of her arms. He glared and a few looked away but not enough for his tastes. He turned back to her as she huffed.
"Fine. But only one! And I'm choosing which one!" She said as she walked off.
Brick couldn't help the face he made behind her back as he watched the room watch her walk off, eyes following her. Shit. Maybe he should have thought this one through just a little more.
"Here they are," Bubbles said as they turned down a hallway not far from the front door. She dropped his hand to gesture at them while mentally berating herself. She said she wanted time yet what did she go and do? Hand holding was definitely not taking her time.
"Shit Bubs. These are amazing," Boomer said, awe obvious on his face.
The first was a pair of wings propped up by a twisted metal rod. The feathers had an iridescent light to them that flickered depending on how the light hit it. When he looked closer he saw that each feather was different. No two feathers had the same pattern for the barbs, clearly all hand crafted.
"I had Blossom and Buttercup help me a bit with this one. We gathered up a bunch of old glass from all over. Dumps, recycling factories, abandoned buildings. We used our lasers to melt them down and then I shaped them into a basic shape in the size I wanted. I went through afterwards and added the final details. Blossom was the one who really came through for me though. She said that if we added certain metals we would get this iridescent effect. Princess helped with that one to be honest which was how Mr. Morebucks found out about it. The metal for the frame I got from an abandoned park that was set to be demolished. The mayor was kind enough to let me take the metal from the playground set."
"It's amazing. I honestly can't believe it's here and not on display somewhere."
Bubbles shrugged. "When Princess told her dad about it he offered a nice sum for it. I didn't really care too much about where it ended up, I just had fun with it."
"Why wings?"
"I don't know. I think it was after I'd spent a day at the vet clinic I sometimes volunteer at. I saw the birds and their wings and just got the urge to do something. This is what I ended up with. It was really just a fun piece to do."
"Uh-huh. Hence the title 'Freedom's Wings'? Pretty serious name for a fun piece."
"Is it though? I felt free from expectations when I was doing this. It gave my sisters and me a chance to just have fun, be somewhat normal even. When we were working on this we weren't the Powerpuff Girls. We were just three sisters having fun, letting the winds take us where they would."
Boomer was silent for a moment before speaking again. "Is it that rough? Being a hero? To the point where you don't feel free?"
Bubbles sighed and reached out to stroke a feather. "Maybe that's taking it a bit far. It's not easy though. The press watches everything we do. The only people who understand are us. The professor tries to get it but beyond the invasion into our privacy he doesn't really see the problem. Having these powers and having spent our whole lives using them to help people kinda made it impossible to stop. I mean, we love to help people and we'd never abandon the town but we're not children any more. We're applying to colleges next year and there's really only one choice for us. And after that? Buttercup's dream involves traveling the globe but how can she do that when we need her here to help protect the city? We were working on this when we kinda came to realize these things."
Boomer didn't know what to say to that. Instead he moved onto the next piece. It was a lion roaring but also fragmented. It looked like it had been a giant puzzle where the pieces were just played next to each instead of snapped together. In between the seams there were bronze branches extending out. On each branch was a different scene from what you'd expect to see in the Savannah. Buffalo at a water hole, antelope prancing across the plains, monkeys climbing trees.
"This one was a commission. Kinda. Mr. Morebucks wanted a lion but he wasn't too particular about the details so I got a little creative. I thought it was fitting. Kings are supposed to carry their kingdoms on their backs, always think of them, and protect them always."
"Supposed to. I think the king of this household is a little lax on that one though."
Bubbles giggled. "Mr. Morebucks definitely isn't the most attentive of people but he tries."
Boomer scoffed. "Right, that's why Prinny had issues growing up. He tries."
"He's been better lately at least."
"Barely."
Bubbles shrugged. "Princess seems happy enough these days. She knows we're here for her. Beyond that, it isn't our place to say."
"I guess."
Bubbles rolled her eyes. Boomer couldn't look away from both statues. "C'mon, let's go find Buttercup and Butch. I don't want them destroying anything just yet."
"Yeah, sure. Hey, have you started on your pieces for the competition?"
"Yup! I finished planning before the Halloween party and I have everything I need. Next week I'll really get started."
"Don't suppose you'd give me a hint?"
Bubbles giggled and swung their hands slightly. "Nope! I might be a chatter box but I think I enjoy the surprise of things more than I do hinting at things."
Boomer groaned at that.
"Well hello cap boy. Why are you here? Drinking water?" Buttercup said as she and Butch walked away from the drinks with their own beers. Brick groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Fuck off Buttercup. Not in the moo-"
"Oh my gosh! This tastes amazing. Oh! Buttercup! Taste this taste this!" Blossom said as she giggled and nearly hopped over to her sister. Buttercup made a face at her as a colorful drink was shoved into her hands.
"Hey there leader girl. What's this?"
"Just this amazingly delicious drink that I found! Princess has some great stuff here."
Butch snickered from behind Buttercup and she couldn't help but to smile as well. Blossom was pretty much bouncing in her heels.
"Well hello Bossy. How many of these have you had? And what are these?"
Blossom hummed as she continued to eye her sister and the drink she had shoved into her hands, eyes darting between the two as she waited for Buttercup to take a sip.
"It's the fucking punch. And she's had two fucking glasses," Brick grumbled as he glared around the room. Buttercup raised an eyebrow and then sniffed the cup.
"Doesn't smell that bad?" Buttercup said. Butch grabbed the drink from her, Blossom whining about it as he did so, and sniffed it as well. He coughed slightly and quickly gave the cup back to Buttercup.
"You need to get your sniffer checked then. Christ, what the hell did she put in that thing?"
Brick shrugged. "Good question. I can barely be within a foot of the bowl without coughing. Don't know how she did it but the punch has to be almost completely made up of alcohol and still somehow tastes like it isn't."
"Seriously though. Leader girl might not have any tolerance," Buttercup ignored the cry of outrage from her already very tipsy sister, "but she's still an X-enhanced individual. Takes a lot before any of us feel anything."
"Yeah well she's feeling it alright," Brick grumbled, still scanning the room. Buttercup took that moment to do the same, Blossom still grumbling about the comment about her tolerance. She saw the amount of attention on them. The amount of male attention. She couldn't help but chuckle.
"Well, looks like for once, the babysitter needs babysat," Butch said as he did his own scan of the room, chuckling as he did so.
"Buttercup," Blossom whined, grabbing Buttercup's hand and tugging lightly. "Try it. Please, for me?"
Blossom then gave her sister the one look that was almost never seen one the leader and commander's face. She gave Buttercup the puppy dog look. Buttercup winced and looked away.
"Leader-Bloss," Buttercup corrected herself after a harsh tug on her hand. Blossom tilted her head, puppy dog eyes still on her face. Buttercup heard a weird strangled sound from the other red head of the group but couldn't pull her eyes away to see why. Not that she really needed to. "This shit is really strong and I probably shouldn't drink too much with how much you've already had. If something-"
"Try. It."
"Blo-"
"Pleeaase? With a cherry on top? Extra sugar? Please? Bubs already said she'd cover the calls tonight. Please?"
Buttercup made her own strangled sound as Blossom went from holding her hand to hugging Buttercup's arm, head resting on her should, most amazingly strong puppy dog eyes still on her face.
"A sip. That's it."
"Yay!" Blossom said as she pulled back and hopped up and down slightly. One of the hops had her ankle rolling slightly in the heels and, with the lack of normal coordination, Blossom nearly fell. Brick's hand quickly latched onto her upper arm though and stopped her from falling onto her side.
"For fuck's sake Pinky. No more fucking hopping. That's Bubs' thing anyways."
She pouted at him and he groaned again before quickly making sure she was steady and pulling his hand away.
"Party pooper," Blossom mumbled right as Butch had gone to take a sip of his beer. He couldn't help but spit it out at crack up laughing at that.
"Oh my god. Can we please get her to drink this shit at every party? This is fucking great."
Buttercup ignored him and with a sigh, finally took a sip. Brick groaned as he shook his head and turned away from them all.
"Holy shit. This thing is loaded," Buttercup said as she finished her sip. She couldn't taste much of the alcohol but just a sip and she could feel it. "Fuck. Okay, no more of this for you leader girl."
"What?!" Blossom squeaked out. Brick let out a small sigh of relief and Buttercup was quick to hand the drink to Butch.
"Get rid of it," she told him as she made sure Blossom couldn't get at it. Butch looked at it, looked at Blossom, then shrugged and chugged. He coughed a bit at the end before crumpling the red cup up and shooting for the nearest trash. He made it as Blossom glared.
"Rude. I'm just going to get another one," Blossom said as she stuck out her tongue and spun away for the drink table.
"No-shit. Pinky, no more fucking punch!" Brick growled as he went to follow her. Buttercup grabbed his arm as he tried to walk past and he turned to glare at her. She leveled him with a serious look.
"Keep an eye on her, yeah? I see the way everyone's looking at her and she's already had too much. Normally the guys at school are too terrified of her to even think of approaching her but tonight with her outfit and the booze it's a whole different ball game. I know this is what Bubs would want but…" she trailed off. Brick huffed as he yanked his arm away.
"Why the hell do you think I'm sticking with fucking water? Shit! I knew it was a bad idea a second after she said she'd grab one. Fuck," Brick mumbled as he stormed off in the direction Blossom went.
Buttercup and Butch watched him before Butch barked out a laugh.
"Idiots following after her like a fucking guard dog. Doesn't even realize it," he said with a snort. Buttercup chuckled.
"Bubs would be freaking out if she were here. Hey, does he…?" she trailed off. Butch turned to look at her, eyebrow raised.
"Does he what?"
She watched Brick glaring at every guy watching her sister before he also disappeared out of sight. She sighed lightly through her nose.
"Never mind. Wish Bubs had seen that. Whatever. Least she's enjoying herself and serves Brick right. Glad he's the one doing the babysitting for once."
"You know, we ruffs really don't need babysitters."
Buttercup scoffed at that. "Right. Anyways, that punch? Fucking insane. We wanna have a good time? That's the way to do it. Small cups for me though."
"Fuck yes. That one cup was bomb. Let's get this party really started!"
"Brick, Brick! Look! Oh my gosh that is such a pretty costume!" Blossom gushed. Across the room a girl wearing a fairy costume was jumping between groups. Brick gave a half laugh at her and grabbed her drink. He was honestly surprised she was still standing at this point. Maybe even a little bit impressed. Definitely pissed that he hadn't been able to keep her from the fucking punch though.
"I think you've really had enough now Pinkie."
She pouted at him. "And you haven't had enough. Why?"
He gave a glance around the room and still saw guys watching them. All fucking party long. He took a breath through his nose to keep calm. "No reason. Just haven't felt like it is all. Let's go get you some water now, yeah?"
She was still pouting at him. She crossed her arms at what he said and he had to stop the groan and look away. The dress was completely modest and yet when she did that his eyes couldn't help but be drawn to areas they shouldn't be. Bubbles was very easily his least favorite puff at that moment.
"Is it because you're here with me? Usually you out drink everyone else at these things."
Brick sighed. On one hand, yes. On the other hand, no. He doubted it would have mattered who he came here with. One look at her and he would have spent the night chasing off creeps regardless. Especially after she'd downed that third cup of punch. What Princess put in that thing he didn't even want to know, he just wanted it gone at this point.
"No, it isn't because I'm here with you. I'm just not in a drinking mood. Now, can we please go get you some water?"
She glared at him for a few more seconds before relaxing and smiling at him instead. She giggled and wrapped an arm around one of his.
"Okay but I'm kind of having a hard time with my shoes. I've been floating for the past hour."
Ah. That explained that. He smirked slightly at her. "Alright. Keep floating please. Last thing I need it for you to face plant in front of the whole school. You'd kill me tomorrow if I let that happen."
She giggled and he led her back outside where the waters were. "I wouldn't do that silly. I'd probably just hide. The library's good for that. The almost perfect place."
"Almost perfect? I would have thought you'd consider it to be perfect."
She giggled again and leaned onto him so her head rested on his shoulder. He took a deep breath to stop himself from reacting in any way. He really really hoped she wouldn't remember any of this tomorrow.
"Almost. Sometimes it is perfect but that's only because I'm trying to hide from you those times."
He stumbled a step but quickly recovered to prevent the both of them from face planting. He looked down at her and saw her looking up at him, gentle smile on her face. The blue of the dress seemed to bring out the pink of her eyes and they shone like gems. Her hair still flowed around her like a sheet of silk, despite all the crazy rushed movements she'd been making since she started to drink. He forgot what he was about to say.
"There you are."
Well, that was a wake-up call. That voice had him gritting his teeth. Why the fuck was Howie here? Blossom lifted her head from his shoulder and blinked blearily at the dweebster.
"Howie? Why are you here? I thought you hated these."
"Yes well I heard that you were coming and thought that perhaps I could suffer through at least one of these. You look divine tonight. Now, Blossom, let's get you somewhere a little quieter as well as some water."
"Fuck off dweebster. I'm not in the mood to deal with you tonight," Brick said.
"I don't get it. Why does my being here matter?" Blossom asked.
"I think the better question is why you would want to be here. I'm sure it was to make your sisters happy but I know this isn't the right…type of scene for those who are like us. Now, my Blossom, shall we?" Howie held out his hand and Brick felt his teeth creaking under the pressure he was putting on them. No way in hell was he letting Blossom go with him when she was this drunk. Or dressed the way she was. Even if the guy was too chicken to really try anything.
"It's also a costume party. What are you?"
He was wearing what look like a long black robe with a high white collar.
"Galileo of course. Who else would I want to pretend to be other than the father of modern science himself?"
Blossom blinked at him blankly. "What?"
Brick sighed through his nose and tried to not grit his teeth too much again. Last thing he needed was to have to make a visit out to the professor for dental issues.
"Look, Howie, Blossom isn't really in the best state right now. I'm just going to take her to get some water. Give her a good hour or two and then feel free to try and bother her." He took a sniff but was too far from Howie and there was too much alcohol in the room to tell if there was any particular smell of it coming from Howie himself. "Maybe take a breather or two yourself while you're at it."
"I think she does indeed need some water but I shall be more than happy to get that with her. Blossom." He held out his hand again and she blinked at it. Before she could do anything though a tremor went through the house followed by the sound of something breaking. Both Brick and Blossom spun to look in the direction it had come from.
"Ugh, too much alcohol. I can't focus. Please tell me it isn't the greens and that it's just some other idiots who aren't related to us," Blossom said as she rubbed at a temple squinting in the direction of the sound. He'd let go of her when he spun and she teetered for a second before he'd reached out to steady her again.
"Well, it isn't the greens. Unfortunately I'm still related to the idiot responsible for this."
"Boomer? But why-"
"Another unexpected guest who seems to have found the blues."
Not completely understanding who he was talking about but understanding his tone completely Blossom nodded. "Right. We need to go now."
"Blossom you need water. Let me just take you to grab a drink and-" Howie tried to say.
Blossom spun on Howie, the situation sobering her considerably.
"When I say I need to do something Howie I mean it. Now if you'll excuse us." She didn't spare him another thought as she turned back to Brick and mumbling, "I'm still a little unsteady."
He rolled his eyes with a smirk and held out his arm which she took before they both floated up and over the crowd heading to the source of the trouble.
Buttercup nearly toppled out of the chair she was laughing so hard. Butch snickered and steadied her, grabbing the drink she had at the same time so it didn't spill all over her.
"Oh my god! Mitch seriously can't dance! Look at the fucker!" Both greens looked at him and laughed some more. He was drunk, obviously, and dancing with some random girl.
"He better hope Princess doesn't see him. She'll throw a fit," Butch said with a shake of his head. Buttercup snicker before laying her arm across his shoulder and leaning on it.
"Seriously. And he wonders why they aren't dating."
"Nah see, he thinks she's too good for him."
Buttercup snorted at that. "That doesn't matter with Princess. She wants something she gets it and let's be real, she's wanted him since high school started."
"No, wasn't she into Brick freshman year?"
Buttercup snickered and shook her head. "Nah, that was a popularity ploy. Brick's top dog at the school. She snagged him and she'd be the real queen bee even with Bloss at school. That was the only reason she was into him."
"Huh. Brick's top dog huh?"
Buttercup rolled her eyes and realized how close she was to her counterpart. She swung back, trying to do so slowly but nearly tipping over in the process.
"Don't get butt hurt. You know the way the girls at school are. Plus, from what I hear he might be top dog but you're not far from it yourself."
"Hmmm. How do you even know this? Coulda sworn the only girls you hang with are Rob, Princess and your sisters."
"Bubs likes to talk about it at dinner. Duh."
Butch laughed. "Course. Speaking off, where are the blues anyways?"
"Who knows and who cares. Hopefully they've finally grown a pair and are sucking face in some hallway. I'm sick of seeing them do this weird dance thing. Nah, I wanna know where the reds are."
"Hey, bout them. Is Bossy still pissed at big red?"
She waved him off. "Nah, not pissed. Upset maybe yeah. Don't stress. I'm sure she's not nearly as upset now. I'm sure Brick having to chase all those guys off has done a good patch job even if she hasn't noticed him doing it. Poor guy's maybe even stayed sober enough to do it."
Butch snickered. "Wonder if Bossy had anything more to drink."
"Prob-shit. Is that Mark? The hell is he doing here?"
"What? Where?" Both of them stood up and tried to look through the swarm of dancing bodies. The alcohol was messing with their X and they were having a hard time concentrating so their usual control was gone. It was impossible to find the right moving body in the sea of them.
"Shit. I really hope that wasn't him."
"If it was might not be us who break something for once."
Butch looked at Buttercup as he said that. A heartbeat later both broke out in half crazed smiles.
"Let's up the party then."
"Hell yeah! Let's rock this thing Butters!"
"No no but see then Butch decided that he had to be the best so there we are right? Never even touched a basketball before. Brick's mentally freaking out cause he doesn't know the rules. Butch is pissed as hell because some kids made him look like an idiot and then there's me. I'm just holding the thing trying to figure out how the hell I can get out of this cause I'd much rather be watching a game on a big screen TV than playing it but Butch had to go and announce the throw down."
Bubbles giggled as Boomer animatedly went about telling his story. He'd had to set his beer down a little while ago because he kept splashing it everywhere.
"And so Brick just looks at him at this point. His face just screams 'I hate that you do these things to me'. You know, that face!"
"I do know. He has a habit of looking at Butch with that face."
"Well this was the beginning of that face. It was the first time Brick really realized what an idiot Butch can be."
"And yet here he is now, all these years later, one of the basketball team stars. All three of you are also the football stars."
Boomer waved her off. "Yeah well, that's mostly the other two. I don't even like the sport all that much but they wanted me on the team so I'm on the team. Mostly, I just do what I'm told. Long as I do that Brick can usually handle the rest."
"You do so much more than that! I've seen you with the team. You do a great job at keeping their spirits up. Brick might be a great team captain but that's because he has you and Butch to help. Trust me, you do so much more than just what you're told."
Boomer gave a small laugh at that and rubbed the back of his neck. Bubbles had leaned forward and was looking at him with the softest look in her eyes. He felt that familiar little twitch in his hands again. He hadn't seen her look at him like that, ever. Even back before he had screwed things up she would just give him the same smile she would give everyone else.
Before he could think to even do something though someone stumbled into the sitting room they were in. They both jumped slightly, caught off guard, and turned to see who it was. Bubbles tensed and turned back around quickly, good mood gone. Boomer leaned forward and glared. The only thing that kept him from launching forward was the hand Bubbles laid on his shoulder keeping him where he was.
"Shit, didn't realize someone was already here! My bad! C'mon baby, let's me and you find somewhere else. Unless, you two would like to join," Mark said as he practically hung off of a giggling girl. Both were clearly completely wasted and Mark hadn't realized who he was talking to having only spared them a glance before he'd gone back to burying his face in the girl's neck.
"Hard pass. Find someplace else," Boomer growled out. Bubbles squeezed his shoulder in warning.
At his voice Mark looked up confused. He squinted at the two blonds for a bit before recognition finally hit.
"Shhiiit! If it ain't Bubbly and my man Booms. How you two doing?" Mark slurred, grinning like an idiot. He drunkenly made his way further into the room. The other girl pouted before following him.
"We were a lot better a minute or two ago."
"Yeah? Why's that? Oh! Shit. Cause of me huh? Don't worry. I ain't about to cramp on your style. Figured it was only a matter of time before you moved in anyways. You are a crook after all." Mark said with a laugh.
The girl giggled but sounded a little less sure now. She took a step back as well, just to be safe. Boomer had started to stand but stayed where he was with another warning squeeze from Bubbles. She was worried with the look on his face. His teeth were barred slightly as he grit his teeth.
"Mark, maybe you should take your friend and leave," Bubbles said.
Mark laughed. "Nah, I think I've got something I need to say. You know, you and your brothers really piss me off. I'm not the only one either. You just swagger onto the field and take charge. Stealing our thunder just like you've done your whole life. You're a Rowdyruff Boy though so none of us are really surprised."
"Mark," Bubbles warned. He ignored her.
"We're all just waiting for it. For that moment where the puffs get fed up with you lot and decide enough is enough. Figured it would happen before you went and stole more than just my position though."
"Seriously Mark you need to leave," Bubbles said. Boomer was on his feet now and while Bubbles was standing between the two she wasn't sure how much good she'd be in her current state, even if she was pretty much sober. Boomer was stronger than her to begin with too. The other girl was at the door now, making her way out of the room quickly. Bubbles envied her.
"Now here you are stealing my girl. Saw your brothers out there too, making moves on her sisters. Guess you three are trying to collect 'em all huh? I can't wait until they realize just what you three really are. Complete and utter city trash. Filth that doesn't even belong on the underside of my foot. Should be locked up right next to that piece of trash monkey in Lockdown."
Boomer had had enough. It was one thing to insult him but to insult the people who mattered to him? Not if he had a say in it. He didn't say much though. The alcohol, like with the others, had affected his control over his X. Unlike the others where it meant they had a hard time focusing it though, Boomer's lack of control let it spiral out chaotically. There was a huge explosion of blue sparks that launched out from him. Bubbles moved quickly and was just about able to push Mark down and cover him as the sparks destroyed most of the room.
Once the wave had disappeared Bubbles looked over her shoulder from where she was crouched over Mark. Boomer's shoulders were heaving and his eyes were such a bright blue that they looked like lightening. She stayed where she was. Thank god she had used the professor's invented fabric for her costume though. It helped keep it in one piece against the X fueled attack.
"Boomer, I need you to calm down now," she said. He laughed dryly at that.
"After everything this shit stain just said? Fuck no! He insulted me. He cheated on you and then dares to still call you his girl. And then what does he do? Insult my bros. No one insults a ruff other than a ruff."
"I know and I'm sure when Mark is sober he's going to be very very sorry but he's drunk Boomer. He isn't thinking straight and neither are you. You need to calm down."
"Fuck that! Move Bubs. I'm about to teach this little shit a lesson he should have been taught a long time ago."
The doors burst open as Buttercup and Butch stumbled through. Bubbles groaned at the sight of the obviously two very drunk greens.
"Look!" Buttercup yelled pointing at Mark. Bubbles glanced at him and saw that he was stunned from the blast earlier, possibly even unconscious. She needed to get him to a hospital. Just in case. That had been a lot of electricity and she doubted she blocked much of it. "Told ya! It's cheating Mark!"
"Dude! You were right. Man Butters, this is perfect! Look! He's even out cold and everything. Won't even be able to tell people it was us."
"Okay, that is wrong on so many levels! Both of you need to go!" Bubbles grit out. This was not looking good. Where were their leaders?
"Nah, Bubs, I think we need to consider all our options first. Beating him up would be wrong though so none of that. Public humiliation though? Fuck yes," Buttercup said with a scary smile as she popped her knuckles.
"That's not okay either! Not at all! And you're a freaking Disney princess right now, you're supposed to set examples! All three of you need to go. Now!"
"Sorry Bubs. I think it would actually be best if you were the one to go. I wouldn't want you to see this anyways. I'm not gunna make it pretty," Boomer said as he took a step towards her. She glared at him before realizing there was nothing she could say at this point. She glanced at the window and moved before any of the other teens had a chance to realize what she was doing.
She roughly grabbed Mark and launched herself at the window. She shattered it with a quick blast before flying out it. Of course, this put her right above the rest of the party. Princess stood up from where she was sitting and shot an alarmed look at the blonde girl as she floated there with Mark hanging over an arm. Bubbles didn't have time to worry about her though.
All three of the others floated out the window after her, looks of thunder and lightning on their faces. They were surrounded by blue sparks, green flashes and a green mist. Bubbles glared at them hoping the reds would find them soon.
"Why don't we all just take a nice deep breath and calm down, hmm?"
"Dunno what you're talking 'bout sugar cube. I am calm."
"Icy calm."
Both green cackled at this as they started to float towards Bubbles and Mark. Bubbles panicked and wondered what she was going to do. Luckily she didn't have to wonder for long.
"What the flying fuck do you three think you're doing?"
Brick and Blossom floated up to their level. The guests below them had moved into the house but were all pressed up against doors and windows to watch. Mitch had made his way over to Princess and was trying to convince her to go inside with next to no success. She was glaring at them all.
"Just squishing a bug," Boomer said as he smiled at his brother. His smile had a slight crazed edge to it.
"Yeah I don't think so."
"Bubbles, is he okay?" Blossom asked as the two quickly floated to up between the two groups. Brick kept an eye on his brothers and Buttercup while Blossom looked at Bubbles and Mark.
Bubbles shrugged. "Boomer lost his temper and sparks went flying, literally. I did what I could to block them but..."
"Get him to the hospital. Now."
"Aww but Bloss, that ruins all our fun," Buttercup said as she sneered at the unconscious boy. Blossom turned to glare at her.
"Go drink some water, take a walk even, and sober up a little."
Butch and Buttercup snickered. Bubbles waited a second before taking off in a flash of blue for the hospital. Boomer made to follow but was stopped short by a red energy blast that barely missed him and went wide of the house harmlessly. Boomer glared at Brick.
"Me thinks it's the pink princess here that needs a sobering. C'mon Bossy, you think you two can stop us in your state?" Butch said as he gestured to where Brick's hand was on Blossom's upper arm, steadying her.
"Seriously. Can't even fly straight without a hand from cap boy right now can you?" Buttercup chimed in. Boomer was watching the fading blue streak angrily.
"He deserves a lesson or two beat into him. You both know that. Hell, I'm surprised you haven't done it yourself," he said pensively.
Brick sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah, guy fucked up but that doesn't mean we get to fuck him up. I told you what would happen if you went after him Boom. Did you forget?"
Brick glared at his brother who snarled back in response. Brick tensed and his eyes brightened threateningly. Blossom hissed slightly as his hand heated up and burned her arm slightly.
"Seriously though. You two think you can take us three? The Baron of Berserk and the toughest fighter included in that?"
Blossom glared at Butch at this. She obviously had been a bit lax lately. A fine steam started form between the two reds as Blossom let her body temperature drop. Her eyes weren't shining but she didn't need them to. Buttercup shivered at the look in her sister's eyes.
"I think if you don't stand down know you'll find out exactly how much we can take, alcohol or not."
Buttercup regarded her sister for a moment before dropping to the ground with a groan. Butch glared down at her.
"The hell Butters! Get up here!"
"Nah, I don't feel like getting burned today, from either of them. Think I'm going to grab some water and take a walk."
Blossom glanced at her sister before continuing to glare at Butch. He growled as he watched Buttercup walk off before glaring at the two red heads.
"Fine," he spat. "But he's going to get his sometime."
"Probably but it won't happen at your hand," Blossom said. Butch growled at her before dropping down and swaggering off after Buttercup. Both reds turned to glare at Boomer.
"What'll it be Boom?" Brick asked.
The blond boy watched the two for a moment before also dropping down.
"Dumb and dumbest I might be but I ain't suicidal." He stuffed his hands in his pockets before slinking off.
Brick and Blossom sighed before floating down. Princess was immediately at their sides.
"That was-"
"We're sorry Princess. If we'd known Mark was going to be here we would have kept a better eye on them. It won't happen again" Blossom said cutting her off. She lifted a hand to rub at her temple. Princess glared for a moment more before huffing and stomping off muttering about getting another drink. Mitch sighed and followed.
The people that had retreated into the house started to slowly make their way back out and go back to what they had been doing. Sadly, they were all pretty used to the supers losing their tempers here and there.
"Okay, where's the water?" Blossom asked. Brick snorted at that before leading her away.
Boomer sighed again and gulped down some more water. Now a little more sober he felt like a careless idiot. He didn't care so much about what happened to Mark but Bubbles had been there when he lost control like that. Granted, the alcohol had had a lot to do with that blast but still. He felt bad. He groaned as he let his head drop into his hands. The evening had been going so well too!
He jumped slightly at the feel of a hand on his should and quickly spun around in his chair, hoping. His shoulders dropped when he saw it was Ali.
"Ali, hey. Didn't know you came," he said turning back around. She giggled.
"Of course I came. I heard you were coming after all. I was hoping we could talk."
Boomer raised an eyebrow at that. "About? Not gunna lie Ali, not sure I'm in the mood to talk"
Ali hummed. "I can work with that."
He jumped slightly as she sat down in his lap.
"Umm, Ali?" He asked, very confused. She sent him a sultry smile as she looked at him through her lashes.
"I can definitely not talk," she said leaning in.
Bubbles sighed as she landed in the room the fight had been in. She surveyed the damage with another sigh. Could have been worse she supposed. She went out and was about to head down the stairs to try and find Boomer when a flash of gold caught her eye. She turned and saw Boomer. With Ali in his lap. She couldn't see Boomer's face but she watched as Ali leaned in. Not wanting to stick around and see what happened Bubbles spun and dashed down the stairs. She swallowed heavily. This had turned out to be a not so great evening after all.
Boomer leaned back as Ali leaned in. She sent him a confused smile as he sighed and shook his head.
"I ended it Ali. I'm really not interested. I just kinda want to be left alone to be honest."
She pouted at him. "I thought you liked the way I kissed you. I'm sure I could make you forget all about tonight with one or two. Plus, we were great together!"
"I'm pretty sure you couldn't. Even if you could, I'm really not interested. And again, I ended it."
She huffed and thankfully got up out of his lap. "Fine. You change your mind though and I'm sure you still have my number."
She winked at him as she left. He sighed in relief once she was gone and took another swig from his water. He should probably be questioning that more than he was right now but he couldn't be bothered. He hoped Bubbles got back soon.
"Hey Bloss," Bubbles said heavily as she approached her sister. Brick and Blossom both turned to her. Brick frowned while Blossom took a step forward and grabbed her.
"Bubs! How was Mark? Is he okay?"
She waved her sister off. "Yeah. He was knocked out but it wasn't anything too serious apparently. He should be fine but they wanted to keep him overnight to be safe. I put the medical expenses on the puff tab." She gave a weak smile to her sister.
"You didn't need to do that. Bellum would have understood. It isn't the first time Boom's lost it like that and done damage," Brick said as he stepped up next to her. She smiled at him and he gave her a small smile back.
"Yeah but usually he just damages stuff, not people. The city still doesn't have 100% faith in you three. I thought it would be best to just put it on us. Kinda my fault anyways."
Brick reached out and ruffled her hair affectionately causing her to pout and swat his hand away. "I can handle them. Thanks though. It's appreciated."
"I'm glad he's okay though. I was worried when I saw him in your arms."
Bubbles waved her off again. "It looked a lot worse than it was. Would have definitely gotten out of control if you two hadn't shown up though."
"Probably. The greens are still more than a little pissed at him," Brick said. Bubbles signed again.
"Yeah, I know. Hey, this whole thing has really tired my out. I think I'm gunna head home. Let Buttercup know for me yeah?"
Blossom took a closer look at her sister now. She did look oddly...slumped. Normally Blossom'd be able to get a feel for what the problem was but she still had too much alcohol buzzing through her.
"We can text her. We'll head back with you," Blossom said.
"No no no! Don't leave early just cause of me! Stay! Relax and have fun!" Bubbles said quickly. Brick snorted at that.
"Howie's here and he's managed to track us down twice now. We've spent the last 30 minutes mostly just trying to avoid him. There isn't much fun left to have," he said. Bubbles pouted.
"I wish he'd just leave you alone. Though, odd that you couldn't scare him off for once Brick."
He shrugged. "Figured he's probably had some liquid courage tonight. Anyways, let's head off. Is Boom also coming?"
Bubbles hesitated before shaking her head. "I couldn't find him. If we're texting Buttercup we can just text them all that we're heading off. I really don't want to try and hunt anyone down right now. I'm sure Princess will be fine with him being on his own. He's usually the calmest."
Brick and Blossom both observed her closely and she tried not to squirm under their attention. Blossom for once wasn't a worry. She could still see a slight glaze in her sister's eyes and was happy she'd been able to relax for once. She made a note to thank Brick on Monday.
"Okay, I'll send them a text now," Brick finally said, turning from him. Blossom turned to look at him.
"Do you think I can grab another water before we go?"
Brick snorted at that. "I can grab you another one on our way out. You can hold onto Bubbles so you don't trip over your feet while I'm doing that."
Blossom pouted at him. "I'm not that bad. At least, not anymore."
He smirked at her. "I'll believe it when I see it. Either way, you need a flight buddy. I don't trust you to not start drifting off."
"Rude! I'd never!"
Bubbles giggled at them. Maybe her evening hadn't ended the way she wanted but at least her sister seemed to have had fun.
I feel so bad! I forgot to thank Artemis Raven Courtney last time I posted for your comment! I'm glad you like the way I portray everyone. I'm really having fun with writing they way they all interact with one another. I think I want to start getting into Brick with the other puffs a bit more too but it's tricky cause...well...Brick doesn't ever have a reason to talk to them...nor does he particularly want to...Anyways, hope you enjoyed the new chapters!
So I don't know when I'll be able to post the next chapter. I was able to draft up two and a half chapters while on my vacay but I didn't edit anything so...gunna take me a while. Especially since the first rounds of edits I tend to add like a good 1,000 to 2,000 words to some of these chapters if not more which means I need like three rounds of edits before I'm happy enough to post. I should have it up before the end of August though. Until then, ciao!