I've been meaning to really thank everyone who has been reading my story and leaving me with kudos and reviews. Seriously, I can't begin to tell you all how much it all means to me. I'm a rather extreme introvert (like, 98% kinda extreme) who is also shy and probably has a decent amount of social anxiety. When I first posted this story, I nearly stopped because my anxiety went through the roof. I know, it makes no sense but anyone with anxiety knows that it never really does. After the first few chapters though I started to see the kudos and reviews come in and it always did and always will make my day.

Thank you to my readers. You make posting this here worth it.

And once again, Bubbles watched as Boomer zoomed out of Zoology so fast that she'd nearly missed it. And she had the fastest eyes of the three of them! Not the best vision, but the fastest for sure!

She could feel the pout on her face at that. He didn't seem upset at her or her sisters so she didn't understand why he was avoiding her so much. Maybe it was because of their conversation? No, he hadn't started this until after Mojo so that had to be it.

With a sigh she picked up all her stuff and started to her next class. Butch had been avoiding her too. In fact, he'd been flying around the city instead of going to school. She was surprised that Brick was okay with that but then she remembered that Butch being near Buttercup right now would be a bad idea. The last thing they needed was for a fight to break out.

Ignoring that it sort of already had.

Buttercup had been surprisingly forgiving to the ruffs too. Bubbles was sort of surprised but also sort of not. She'd been the most against hiding Mojo from the boys. Then again, her green eyed sister didn't like when people hid things from her either so she probably was imagining how she would react.

How would Bubbles have reacted? She couldn't even begin to imagine. She didn't think she'd have shunned the responsible party though.

Which wasn't really what Boomer was doing but it still hurt. Which led her back to the thoughts that had been plaguing her mind lately.

She really really enjoyed being around Boomer. He made her laugh and smile and she just always felt so good around him. Although she had deflected, with debatable success, during their talk away from the Ali thing he had noted it. She noticed that he was making extra sure to avoid his ex and she appreciated it. Even with him avoiding her, he still avoided Ali as well. It was reassuring to see.

And maybe she had been overthinking things. The ruffs were all really loyal people. When they trusted someone, they really trusted someone. If they got involved with someone, they didn't get involved with anyone else. Brick's flirting being the only exception but Bubbles was still convinced that it was just a weird way for the red ruff to get her eldest sister's attention without actually getting it.

She would never understand boys. Especially if they wore a red cap.

That said, no girl had ever had complaints about any of the ruffs being unfaithful, Butch included. They were all devoted at their core. She couldn't help but wonder if it was the puppy dog tail in them, somehow inciting a sense of loyalty to those they cared for. Or it could just be that the Mayor had taught them better. Either was likely really.

And both left her feeling a little ridiculous that she had, even for half a second, thought that Boomer would take Ali back. He wasn't dating Bubbles but it was clear to everyone that they weren't necessarily just friends either. They were talking and he wasn't doing anything to potentially ruin that. Which she should have expected.

None of which really mattered right now. All the ruffs were avoiding all the puffs and unless something changed no one was going to be talking to anyone. Or doing anything else either.

Which would seriously screw with her red ship so something had better change soon or so help her she would fix things herself!

"So still no ruffs huh?" Mike asked as he sat down at the table. Blossom hummed at him as she continued to read her book.

"Surprised there's no Howie at the table either at this point," Mitch mumbled.

"It's the week before Thanksgiving. He's always out this week," Blossom said. Mike and Mitch shared a look.

"Is that why the Brick and Boomer haven't been at the table?" Mike asked. Blossom shook her head but didn't say anything else causing the two boys to share another look.

"Buttercup hasn't said anything to me but she seems a bit stressed this week. Do you know why?" Mitch asked.

"I do," Blossom replied. They waited but that was all they got.

"So I can't help with it?"

"Nope."

Sharing another look Mike and Mitch finally decided to let it drop and just start eating. About halfway through the lunch period and they were startled slightly by another person joining the table.

"Well well well, look how the mighty has fallen," Abigail purred out as she sat down a seat or two away from Blossom. "How does it feel hmm?"

Blossom sighed. "How does what feel?"

"To not be the favorite anymore, obviously."

"Favorite what?"

"Of Brick's girls."

Blossom couldn't help but sputter out a disbelieving laugh at that, Mike also choking on his drink. Mitch carefully set his food down to avoid the same possibly happening to him.

"I'm sorry, what?"

Abigail glared at Blossom. "Don't play it off like that. It's obvious you're being avoided."

"I mean, yes but where did this whole favorite thing come from? Last I checked, Brick didn't have favorites and even if he did I'm definitely not one."

"Well then clearly you're deluded, not that that would surprise anyone."

"Deluded? Me? I'm sorry but I think maybe you should take a visit to the nurse's office because clearly you're not thinking very straight right now."

"Only if you come with to get your head checked too. Maybe your eyes as well. Who knows what you see with those weird pink bug eyes of yours but it clearly isn't what I see."

"Well, you're right about that but somehow I don't think it's my eyes that need checking. The ruffs found something out that has them upset. Knowing Brick he's been avoiding the puffs to try and think through it. That's all there is here."

Abigail scoffed. "Right. Let me guess. He finally made a move on you and, being the ice queen you are, you turned him down. Now you're no longer his favorite," she sneered. Blossom let out a disbelieving laugh.

"I'm sorry. Where is this even coming from? No, Brick did not make a move on me and he never has. He never will either. And anyways, in case you really do need your eyes checked, Brick hits on almost every girl in the school."

"Except he's never hit on you? Explain to me again how that doesn't make you special."

"I'm not the only girl he hasn't hit on. In fact, I'm pretty sure I'm currently looking at one of Brick's other few exceptions as well. In case you take that to mean that you're special to him let me stop you right there. Brick doesn't hit on me because I'm a puff and literally a ruff babysitter. I'm sure he'd love to be rid of me. He doesn't hit on you because, frankly, he just doesn't like you."

"Oh and you think he likes you? Because believe me, if he does? It won't work."

"I'm sure he doesn't so it's a moot point. That's not even the point. How are we even talking about this?!" Blossom asked looking to Mike and Mitch for help. They both shrugged, just as weirded out by the verbal tennis match.

"Look. I see the way you look at him," Blossom tried to say something, an almost un-seeable blush on her cheeks, but Abigail continued on. "But I just want to make sure you understand that it's never going to happen. I'm well aware that I'm not his favorite person at the moment."

"Oh so you do have some awareness of it then," Blossom mumbled. Abigail ignored her.

"But at the end of it all, trust me, Brick will see what I see."

"And what, pray tell, is that?"

"That I'm the perfect woman for him."

She said it with so much confidence that Mike and Mitch couldn't help but picture it. Physically they could see how she might think that but then they thought of who exactly Brick was. Just the fact alone that she had decided for him what was perfect for him would be enough for Brick to be puffing out smoke. Then the cussing would start.

"Right, well maybe you should talk about that with him because it has literally nothing to do with me!"

Abigail and Blossom were glaring at each other and Mike and Mitch were starting to wonder if they should just find another table at this point, just to be safe.

"Right, do you take me for an idiot? Like I said, I see the way you look at him, especially when he's talking to other girls."

Blossom threw her hands up in the air. "Oh my gosh. I'm done! For the last time, you're seeing things! The only way I watch him is the way I watch all the ruffs. Something I have to do as they are, literally, my responsibility. I'm held accountable for any and all damages that they cause. If they break the law it isn't them that has to handle the clean-up or the fall out, it's me. Oh they might get in trouble and punished but after that? I'm called in so they can ask me how I allowed it to happen. I've learned that it's best to be proactive with the ruffs and the only way to do that is watch them! I'm the babysitter. Nothing more, nothing less. Not until they decide to do something to actually change the way the government and school see them at least. Even then? Brick isn't interested in me and so the only change that would happen is that I can finally, finally, relax around them completely. So you know what Abigail? If you want to follow after Brick with hearts in your eyes be my guest because it has absolutely, positively, nothing to do with me! Now if you're done, heck, even if you aren't, I'm leaving."

Blossom's eyes were glowing and a layer of frost covered the seat she'd been sitting on as well as part of the table. She didn't even attempt to walk through the cafeteria either. She quickly stood and spun, stuff in hand, to exit out the door right next to their table. She didn't even care that she'd have to walk all the way around the cafeteria to get to her next class, she just wanted away.

Mike and Mitch flinched slightly as the door flew open and hit the wall with unintentional force from Blossom. When the door softly swung back shut they exchanged a look while Abigail sighed.

"Well someone's awfully dramatic," she said as she stood and sauntered off.

Mike couldn't help the shocked laugh at that while Mitch just let out a low whistle as he shook his head.

"Maybe she needs to see someone a bit more intense than a school nurse," Mitch said. Mike nodded.

"You know, not even gunna try and argue with you on that one."

"So I see Butch is still skipping," Merrick said as he benched weights next to Buttercup. She grunted in response and hopped he'd get the hint. He, once again, didn't. "Surprised he's not getting into a heap of trouble with all the skipping. You'd think that the ruffs would be given some sort of three strike you're out policy or something."

Seeing that he'd keep talking regardless, Buttercup sighed. "They were for like, a year or so after the signing. These days as long as my sisters and I know where they are they only get into about as much trouble as you would."

"So what, he just goes up to you and says, hey, I'm skipping? And you're just so whatever about it?"

"No. He texted leader girl that he's flying around the city and had his phone on him. Something bad happens and the GPS in his phone lets us know if he was near the trouble or not. And I'm not his guardian so of fucking coarse I'm whatever about it. Long as he's not destroying anything it's not my business."

"And you trust him? To keep his phone on him? Seems like a bad move."

"He knows to keep it on him. He won't chance pissing the reds off and leaving it behind. It's one of the few things they'd both roast him alive for. I wouldn't even need to lift a finger for once. Why do you even care? And how the hell are you talking so much? I think you're going too easy on the weights if you're this talkative."

"Nah, don't want to overwork things. I have a routine that I do at home so this is kinda just extra. Easy A too." In other words, she was right and the weights were too light for him. She grunted at that. "And I care cause the guy is psychotic. Nearly broke my neck earlier this semester."

Buttercup scoffed. "If he wanted your neck broke then all it would take is a tap. If it ain't broke then he was nowhere near nearly breaking it. And he's not psychotic, just has a few issues he has to work through." Serious ones, yes, but she didn't need to add that.

Merrick put the weights down and stared at her for a second before letting out a disbelieving laugh.

"You're actually covering for him. Like, why the hell would you do that? Guy has issues yeah, but they aren't the type that can be worked through. He seriously just needs thrown in the deepest and darkest cell in Lockdown and left there."

"Butch is pretty much harmless. Honestly. Even when we spar the worst I walk away with is a broken bone or two. Considering the guy can bench like double what I can nearly, if he actually wanted me hurt I'd be a pile of bone shards. Throwing him in Lockdown would be a waste of a jail cell."

He shook his head. "I don't get why you puffs back them up so much. Hell, your sister practically drools after the blond one. Your other sister treats Brick like he's an actual equal or something and you, you always do this with Butch. You might insult him like no other to his face but you're always in his corner when other people talk shit about him."

"Oh trust me, I'm not in his corner. I'm just straightening out the facts for you. Butch has issues but to you? He's seriously harmless. He'd sooner break his own leg than one of yours and trust me, your leg would be a hell of a lot easier to break."

"See! You just backed him!"

"And I'm telling you I didn't. Butch will fly off the handle at things but when he does it'll always be at me or Brick. The reason is because he would sooner put a bullet in his head then end up in a place like Lockdown. The ruffs don't do well with jail cells. Trust me on that one."

"Just the fact that he'd go at you should be enough to throw him in a cell, whether he likes it or not!"

"Look. I'm not going to argue this with you. Five years ago and I'd be all for your idea so trust me, I get it. Thing is? I've seen Butch from before the signing and had to watch him after it too. The guy is actually harmless. Hell, Bubs has called him a fucking teddy bear and I can't even argue with her. You don't have to worry about him. Doesn't matter what he's doing or where he is, he isn't a threat to civilians like you."

"I don't think you get what I'm getting at. I don't care if he's a threat to me, it's you I'm worried about," Merrick said softly. Buttercup finally decided she'd had enough.

Enough of him always talking to her. Enough of his slimy voice and looks. Enough of him slacking off. Definitely enough of him looking down on her. She set her weights down and stood up to glare down at him.

"Look, I'm going to say this once and only once. Fuck. Off. I don't need you or anyone else fucking pitying me or worrying about me because the fucktard of a snail brain is my god damned responsibility. I'm a fucking Powerpuff Girl. I can handle him and anything else thrown at me. I don't need you to try and be some shitty bodyguard or watch dog or whatever the hell you think you're doing. Seriously. Shut the hell up and stop always fucking talking to me. It's annoying as shit," she growled out before stomping off to the other side of the room to continue her workout. She didn't give him a chance to reply and she sure as hell didn't look back. Thankfully, he did what she asked and left her alone. For once.

"Alright everyone! Great hustle out there! Molly, you need to tighten those spins a little more still and Cho? That cartwheel was half a beat too late still but otherwise? Mwah! Perfection!" Bubbles said with a giggle. Half the cheer squad smiled at her while the other half huffed or sighed or glared. She ignored them.

"Don't forget to exercise and practice over break bitches. I don't care if you have a Thanksgiving meal better than mine or not, you come back fat and I will boot you off. Now scram all of you," Princess said with a haughty huff and wave of her hand. The squad was quick to take off for the showers. Bubbles giggled before turning to Princess.

"Well someone's in a mood. What's up?"

"Ugh, don't get me started. This hoe in my homeroom seriously pissed me off and I don't even Bubs. I just don't even."

"That bad huh? Well, when you feel like talking about it you know I'm just a text or call away."

Princess regarded the girl for a moment. "You know the same is true for you too right? If you want to talk..." she trailed off. Bubbles gave her a wince of a smile.

"Thanks but I don't think that would be a good idea."

"I think it would be a great idea. You puffs have all been way too tense and I know they're why. I'd like to know if I need to kick those ruffs in the ball sacks because sweetie? Whether I know the reason or not, I'm kicking them in the ball sacks."

Bubbles let out a short bark of laughter at that. "Somehow I don't think they'd let you do that."

"Sweetie, there's no letting me do anything. I do what I want."

"Princess..."

"Well, are you going to tell me or not? Cause I'm pissed with them. They're all being idiots and they clearly need some sense knocked into them."

"It's not really something that's worth talking about? It's really not that big of a deal. They just need some space and-"

"Okay! I'm stopping you right there. You are so making excuses for them, like you and Bloss always do. Seriously, that shit needs to stop. They need to grow the fuck up already."

"Princess! That's not it, I promise. For once I'm really not making excuses for them."

"I'll believe it when I know why they hell they're being such idiots."

Bubbles gave her a small smile. "I appreciate it, I really do Prinny but it really isn't something I can talk about. It really isn't my place and I kinda can't talk about it."

"Can't? What, bureaucratic bullshit or something?"

"Hmmm, I really can't say anything Princess."

Princess squinted at her trying to read her face before huffing and turning away, arms crossing.

"Fine. Don't say anything. If those idiots don't have their shit together by the time the holiday is over then I seriously am kicking them."

Bubbles giggled. "Well, I can't stop you from trying at least. Just promise me us puffs can watch. I'm sure Buttercup would be more than happy to root you on."

"Boys! Can one of you set the table? The turkey is nearly done!" Bellum yelled from inside the kitchen. Brick and Butch, sitting on the sofa in the living room watching the news, turned to look at Boomer who had just walked into the room. Boomer saw the looks and sighed.

"On it," he yelled back turning to the dining room. Butch smirked as both him and Brick turned back to the TV.

"Turn that off! It's nearly food time and I don't want to be hearing that all through dinner!" Bellum yelled. Butch groaned as Brick reached for the remote with a sigh. They could both hear Boomer snickering at them from the dining room.

"Keep laughing blue butt. I promise you won't be gettin' the last one," Butch said as he floated up over the back of the sofa landing on his feet. He strolled towards the dining room, hands in his pockets. Brick stayed where he was and just pulled out his phone.

"Yeah? Think so? Last I checked you ain't even fast enough to touch this blue butt here so me thinks you be lyin'," Boomer said with a confident smirk.

"Oh ho ho! Lookie lookie! Little boy blue seems to be finally growing a pair. Too bad he's showin' them off to the wrong person. Plus, all I need is one punch Boom. Think you can dodge them all?"

"Wanna find out? Cause from where I be standin' all that muscle's just gunna keep you from bein' able to reach me."

"Both of you knock it off. Last thing we need is a fight today. It'd piss off Bellum and she's already upset that you trashed that building using Buttercup Butch. And speak proper English you idiots," Brick said as he finally made his way into the dining room too. Butch whined in response.

"Boys! One of you start grabbing the bowls!"

Again, Butch and Brick turned to Boomer who glared this time.

"You know, it really sucks being the youngest," he grumbled as he went to the kitchen.

"Rocks being the eldest," Brick said with a cheeky grin on his face. Butch shrugged.

"Eh, no complaints for me."

Boomer ignored them both as he started to grab the bowls to bring to the dining room.

"So Bellum's still pissed at me?" Butch asked. Brick sighed through his nose.

"Why wouldn't she be? Not like you tried to make up for it. In fact, you've been in a shitty mood since."

"Well yeah but I haven't broken anything since. I think that says a fuck ton there."

"Language guys. Bellum's nearly done with the turkey," Boomer mumbled to them as he set down a few bowls. His brothers made faces at him but listened all the same.

"Not breaking something doesn't make up for breaking something. It just means you didn't break something," Brick said.

"Yeah well it's not like anyone but Bellum even knows it was me. I don't see the problem," Butch whined. Brick groaned as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"That really doesn't make the situation any better. In fact, it kinda makes it worse."

"Uh-uh. The city people don't know so they can't hound. I don't get what the big deal is. It's fine and personally, I think I've done an awesome job not smashing Butters through a wall yet."

"You mean again. Already smashed her through a wall Butch."

"Like you didn't wanna do the same. Aren't you pissed that they kept it from us?"

"Yeah, but you heard what Bellum said when she explained it all. Their hands were tied. They couldn't tell us anything."

"Which brings me, again, to the question of why are we still avoiding them?" Boomer mumbled as he brought the last set of bowls to the table. Brick sighed.

"I'm just trying to figure out what the best move for us would be."

"Is there really much to figure out? I mean, this gives us more flexibility doesn't it? Now that we don't have to worry about Mojo," Boomer said as he sat with a sigh. Butch made a face at him.

"You say that like we worried for the monkey." Both Boomer and Brick gave him looks to which Butch just shrugged in response to. "I mean, not like he ever really worried about us. We dumpster dived before we turned 10 and Bellum took us in."

"Yeah, but not for food or essentials. He always made sure we were fed and had a roof over our heads, even if that was all he did. We know you worried about him too so don't even try it Butch," Brick said. Butch just shrugged again.

"Okay! Turkey is done!" Bellum said as she came out from the kitchen, turkey partially carved already and on a nice large dish. She placed it on the center of the table. "Right, did someone grab the plates?"

Boomer didn't even wait this time before sighing as he got up to get them, Brick and Butch snickering as he went.

"You two really shouldn't push him like that," Bellum said tutting at the two before sitting. "It'll only come back to bite you in the butt someday."

"Nah Bellum, its fine. Were just making sure he understands how to help out his future wife. We all know how helpless he is in the kitchen after all. Gotta learn how to make his keep somehow," Butch said as he also sat down on Bellum's left.

"You say that like you're better but last I checked Boomer hasn't burned water yet," Brick said as he also sat down this time on Bellum's right.

"One time! And it was a game night. I couldn't chance missing the winning basket!"

"Neither of you are allowed to cook in my kitchen without myself or Brick there. I like my pot set thank you," Bellum said with a smirk on her face.

"What? C'mon Bells, I can at least do the basic stuff," Boomer said as he returned with the plates and set them in front of everyone. He finally sat down next to Butch.

"Nope! I want to keep that set. Now, food!" She said with a clap of her hands. Butch and Boomer sighed before everyone started to dig in.

Once they all had food piled onto their plates they wasted little time before digging in, the odd bit of conversation here and there. The ruffs finished first but stayed at the table just chatting about random things until Bellum finished.

"Okay, before I grab dessert, I wanted to talk to you three about something," she said as she folded her hands in front of her. Boomer winced while Butch sighed through his nose softly. Brick didn't bother trying to keep his sigh quiet.

"Bellum-"

"I know. But I feel like I need to ask again. Things have changed since I last asked and the girls are still under a lot of pressure. The city put another request into the league but they denied it again saying that other cities need their help more."

"Which is a load of bulllll-baloney," Brick said, quickly stopping the cuss word at Bellum's look. It might not have been as icy as Blossom's but the ruffs respected Bellum and her position too much to pull their usual antics. "Townsville is the closest city to Monster Isle and for some reason, a hot spot for super powered individuals. Mostly villains."

"I agree, as does the city. The puffs have been too good at their job over the years though. They never needed help and always find a way to come through, even if it does cost them. They don't need the help which is the small technicality that the league is using."

"I mean, if they don't need the help though I don't get why you want us to help them," Butch said as he played around with his silverware, not looking at Bellum. She sighed softly at that.

"The girls would never say anything bad against the city or their hero work but the professor, Ms. Keane, and I can all see what it does to them. Missing practices, classes, extracurriculars, time with friends and family. They sacrifice and sacrifice for this city and have never asked for anything in return. The only reason we even pay them anything is because when I became mayor I wanted to do what was right by them. Even then, they wouldn't let us pay them nearly as much as we wanted to. The fee the league charges is almost 3 times what we pay the girls and they're happy with that."

"I mean, yeah, the pay would be nice but..." Boomer trailed off with a look at Brick who was silent still. He and Bellum watched each other for a moment before she spoke up again.

"They don't like me asking you. Buttercup in particular usually gets upset when she hears that I've done so because she hates when it's implied that they need help. They also would never ask someone to give up what they do."

"Yet they get huffy when we don't say yes," Butch said. Bellum sighed.

"They get huffy because you never say anything. A straight answer is all they want but instead you leave them floating. They don't know if they can continue to count on your occasional help and they don't know if they can look forward to more help. It doesn't help that you never want me to tell them why you don't answer."

"But you knew why even if I never said it. And yet you still stayed quiet about the monkey," Brick said. He ran his fingers through his hair with a sigh. His hat was up in his room. Bellum didn't like him wearing it at the table. "You knew that the reason I never said anything was because I was worried about what would happen to monkey breath if we did decide to go full hero. Which I'm still up in the air on so that was not a yes."

"I know. I wanted to tell you but doing so would have been a breach of faith and trust that I couldn't afford. The girls were also stuck in a bind. Trust me when I say they don't have nearly as much freedom to do what they want as you think they do. Something you'll learn if you decide to become heroes alongside them. There was a lot of backlash against them simply because you three did find out. Buttercup was put on stand-by for the week and they're reviewing all the details. The damages have been decided to be put on the official record of puff related damages. It'll never leave them." Butch's head swung around to Bellum and he was about to say something only to stop at Bellum's raised hand.

"It isn't the first time and I doubt it'll be her last. It also isn't the first time they've been held responsible for city damage. It's all a formality more than anything else. We're required by super law to keep a record of super related damages. As for Buttercup, the city wants to punish her for the slip in her attention regarding you three and for the destroyed city building. She'll be back out with her sisters by the end of the week and if an urgent situation comes up she'll be given emergency clearance but it's something that you three have to realize. You've been given a lot of freedom because of those three and anytime you've chosen to abuse it, the puffs have been the one to pay the price. Now I'm not saying this to try and make you three feel like you owe them or anything but to make you understand more of what you'd be agreeing to. Being a hero will come with some very strict rules and you three would have to be more careful. I don't want an answer right now either. Think about it over the long weekend and let me know on Sunday what you decide to do, okay?"

Brick thought it over for a moment before nodding. "I'll think it over and give an answer. A final one. Sunday."

Bellum smiled at him. "Thank you. Now. Dessert. Who wants pie?"

Butch didn't wait for her to finish before he disappeared into the kitchen in a flash of green.

"Alright. You've had your time. Now fess up. What the hell are we doing?" Butch asked as he barged into Brick's room. Brick groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Seriously? I've told you a thousand times Butch. Knock and wait. Really simple."

"Yeah but Butch bro. Butch," Boomer said as he floated in and landed on Brick's bed.

"You're not any better!" Brick yelled, nearly sending a laser at his blond brother. He stopped last second when he saw Boomer was ready to dodge. Bellum would be pissed if he said he needed new sheets. Again. He sighed and rubbed his temples. "Do we really have to do this now? I have fucking homework and this damned competition thing to work on."

"Weeell, you could tell us about your competition thing and we could help buuut…" Boomer said as he grabbed the football that Brick kept on the shelf next to his bed and started tossing it in the air. Brick sighed again.

"Like you could even help with it. Not much that anyone can do to help at this point either. Still working out kinks in the plans while the others do all the fundraising we need."

"Aren't ya glad ya got to skip that bit bro," Butch snickered as he nabbed the football from Boomer causing him to groan and glare at his brother. "Didn't come in here to talk about that though."

"No, you two came in here to annoy me," Brick said turning back to the papers on his desk.

"No, we wanna know what you're thinking."

"Isn't that what I just said?"

"Brick. C'mon. You know we'll do what you think is best but this is a little more seriously than usual. Least let us talk about it dude."

"Fine," Brick growled out springing around to glare at his brothers. "The hell do you wanna know?"

Boomer and Butch shared a look.

"Well, are we gunna do it or not?" Boomer asked. Brick sighed and took his hat off to run his hand through his hair.

"It's not that simple. I mean, we were one of the top villains in this city. We might not have done much bad in years but we haven't exactly done much good either."

"Other than help save the city from a monster or two on at least a yearly basis," Butch said. Brick shook his head.

"Yeah, a monster or two. That's it. The puffs do that weekly at least. Right now they're almost doing it daily. We've done jack shit for this city. You think they'll want us to help the girls?"

Boomer shrugged. "Probably not. Doesn't mean we shouldn't though. Plus, is it really such a bad thing that we were villains? The puffs are all goody-two-shoes. Sometimes things need a ruff-er hand you know?" He couldn't resist throwing an eyebrow wiggle in at that one.

"Ha ha. How long have you been wanting to use that one huh? And I dunno. They seem to get it done just fine without a rougher approach."

"Seriously? I mean, when Him, Mojo and us all went out of the game you do know who stepped up right? The Gangreen Gang and they brought normal crime to a very not normal city. We still have monsters, still have the super baddies every now and then, and now we have the gang violence. The puffs aren't suited to dealing with that shit."

"Maybe," Brick said, unsure. "Or maybe our rougher approach would make things worse. Maybe we wouldn't even be able to take a rougher approach. Bellum isn't allowed to tell us all the ins and outs until we say yes so who knows what we can and can't do. Sure as hell seems like the puffs aren't able to do much."

"Well, either way, I'd sure as hell be down for some monster fights. Really get the blood pumping ya know?" Butch said. Brick glanced at his hands. They were steadier than they had been in months.

"So you wanna do it then? Fight for the good guys? Can I trust you with that even Butch? We do this and you seriously won't be able to just fly off at Buttercup anymore."

"Not like I've ever really been allowed to do that anyways. Plus, I think it'd be good."

"What do you mean good?"

Butch shrugged. "I dunno. Ever since the prof cleared up our imbalances with those damned booster shots we've all been pretty stable and all but you know me man. I'm just not made to be normal. I think...I think these years of sitting on my ass have started to get to me ya know? Just the thought of going out weekly to bust ass...I dunno."

Boomer and Brick watched their brother for a moment before Brick sighed.

"Is that what's been up with you lately? I mean, you've had the twitch since Him came back. I thought it was cause of that at first but..." Brick trailed off and Butch shrugged.

"I mean, yeah, Him being back put me on edge. Hell, put us all on edge for a while there but that's not what my issue was. Him just kinda jumpstarted it. I think I woulda gotten to this point eventually either way. I'm not made to sit still. Hell, we were made to destroy and while I'm sure as hell not about to go completing that particular duty any time ever it doesn't mean I don't still get that itch. Don't you two get it?"

Boomer shrugged. "I mean, I'd get angry but I never felt that itch. Not really. Not like you two did at least. I just wanted to have fun and mess things up. Didn't really matter what it was."

Brick rolled his neck both sighing and looking at his two brothers.

"As you're leader, I was made with the control needed to not only put you two in your place but myself as well. Yeah, I hated Pinky a hell of a lot back when we were first made but after a few years? Well, logic kicked in I guess. Didn't really see the point in fighting our only real equals when they always managed to find a way to one up us. I haven't felt any sort of urge against the puffs in years. Even before signing the contract I hadn't felt it for a long time."

"But you still get that urge to just...bust something up ya know? I mean, like you said, you're mister control but me? I'm not. I can't just push the urge away and be okay like you," Butch said, mumbling at the end. Brick sighed before leaning back and closing his eyes. That wasn't something he had considered before and he mentally chided himself on it. He should have thought of that.

"So you want to do it. Boom?"

"I mean, I think it'd be nice. A good way to blow some steam? I dunno man. I like my life the way it's going but at the same time I'd be fine mixing it up. I guess I don't really care either way. My only thing is the puffs really could do with some help. Bubbles said something at Halloween that I never really got over. She made it seem like they all were willing to give up their dreams to keep protecting this city and that just seems-I dunno, seems unfair."

Brick thought about that for a second or two. He could see the puffs doing something like that, Blossom in particular had a habit of forgetting her own needs just to put someone else's first. That said, Bubbles and Buttercup weren't much better.

"So Butch, you're all for it and Boom, you don't care personally either way but think the puffs deserve the help," Brick said. His brothers both shrugged.

"Pretty much, yeah," Boomer said. Brick sighed and went silent for a bit, thinking.

"Okay. I still want to think it over a bit more but I should probably have an answer for Bellum tomorrow."

"Any chance we'll know what the answer is before then?" Butch asked. Brick snorted.

"After you barged into my room despite the fact that you idiots know I hate it? Yeah, not gunna happen. I'll say this though, enjoy this weekend. Chances are pretty good that things are really gunna be different soon."

She wasn't too sure about this outfit now that she thought about it. The pink blouse with the high waist white pants had looked good on her bed but now? She wasn't too sure. The problem was that she had really wanted to wear her special red ribbon but she just wasn't sure that it went with the outfit. She sighed as she looked at her reflection.

Sure, she could ask Bubbles but that wouldn't just end with outfit advice. It would result in a full blown make over and considering Bubbles also needed to get ready for the event there wasn't enough time for that. Blossom refused to be late, not when she'd spent the past three weeks making sure everything would be perfect for this event. It was their big Thanksgiving event after all.

A chiming sound went off bring Blossom out of her thoughts. She turned and frowned at her phone, not knowing who would be calling her the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Even more confused since anyone who would call her on a Sunday should know how big today was to her. She went to her phone and quickly picked it up when she saw who it was.

"Mayor Bellum. How can I help you?" Blossom asked. The mayor chuckled.

"Sorry to bother you Blossom. It isn't serious, I just wanted to share some good news with you. I don't think I'll get the chance to tell you tonight at the event and thought it might be best not to wait until then either way," the mayor said. Blossom relaxed slightly.

"I see. What is it?" Blossom asked hesitantly.

"Well, you see, I asked the boys again." Blossom winced and barely stopped herself from groaning at this. She wished the mayor would just let it drop at this point. "And they gave me an answer."

That got Blossom's attention. "They did? But why? I thought-"

"I can't really go into it too much but yes, they gave an answer. They've decided they want to join you girls."

Blossom twitched slightly at that. She was surprised to say the least, and very unsure.

"They did. Okay. I see."

"Yes, it'll take a little while for everything to be properly processed. Maybe about a week? I have to run everything past the city but seeing as they've been wanting this too it should help move things along. Either way, I think it would be safe to say you can probably talk to Brick about the expectations next weekend at least, maybe get them started on a training regimen as well."

"Right."

"Anyways, that was all I really called to tell you about. I need to go get ready for tonight now. I'll see you girls there."

The mayor hung up and Blossom couldn't help but blink at the phone. Right. Well.

"Bloss? You good? Who was that?" Buttercup asked as she walked past Blossom's door. Blossom turned and blinked at her sister for a few seconds before frowning.

"You cannot wear that Buttercup. This is a charity event for goodness gracious! The leather pants are out."

"Come on Bloss, you said to be myself. These pants are so-"

"Not appropriate. Change."

Buttercup huffed but turned to walk back to her own room regardless. Blossom shook her head at her sister before turning back to the mirror. She titled her head slightly and pursed her lips.

She supposed the red ribbon wouldn't look too weird. I mean, yes, the black might look better but she did grow up wearing a pink dress and red ribbon. Just because the black ribbon would look better with the pink blouse didn't meant she had to wear it. Plus, it was her signature item and all.

Red ribbon it was then.

"You literally can't get out of it Butch. I'm not gunna let you," Boomer said with a scowl. Butch glowered back.

"Yeah well I don't wanna dude. Big bro gets away with never saying it so why do I gotta?" the green ruff whined out. Brick gave them both looks.

"I personally don't care but I suggest you make up your mind soon. The puffs should be here any second."

"Great. Come on Butch. Let's go," Boomer said standing up from his desk. Butch whined again and slumped further into his chair.

"Don't wannaaa."

"Don't caaaare."

"Stop whining and just go do it Butch. We both know Boom isn't gunna let up on this," Brick said with a sigh as he rubbed a temple. Butch huffed before standing up.

"Fine but if she provokes me and I break something-"

"I won't actually be the one to put you in your place for once. Pretty sure Bubs and Pinky would be more than happy to on this one," Brick said.

"Dick."

Boomer rolled his eyes at his brothers before heading out of their homeroom classroom. Butch followed, feet dragging.

"I don't see why you and Brick make such a big deal out of saying a simple sorry. It really isn't that big of a deal," Boomer said as he walked through the halls.

"Well that's cause you're a baby blue. You and sugar cube are the most comfortable with all this sort of shit," Butch mumbled. Boomer huffed.

"No, it's cause you and Brick care too much about looking like the tough guys. Saying sorry really isn't a big deal."

"Dude I haven't even talked to BC since the whole thing. I'll be lucky if she doesn't just storm past me."

"Nah, I let Bubs know what you were gunna do. She won't let Buttercup go until she agrees to listen to you."

Butch glared as they finally made it to the front of the school. "I hate you blues sometimes."

"Ha! You really ain't fooling anyone Butch."

Butch grumbled under his breath as Boomer ignored him. It wasn't long until a familiar tri-colored streak was seen shooting straight for the school. Butch tensed as the puffs slowly landed.

"Hi Boomie! Butch!" Bubbles said as she touched down. She was hanging off of Buttercup's arm as said girl glared at the two ruffs. Blossom sighed before making for the school.

"Don't break anything. Either of you," she said as she walked past. Butch groaned as Boomer shot her a thumbs up.

"Well Buttercup? Can I head in and trust you to be good?" Bubbles said in a voice that was too sweet. Buttercup huffed.

"Just go so we can get this over with sooner."

Bubbles and Boomer exchanged looks before shrugging and heading in. Butch and Buttercup began their usual stand-off.

"So," Buttercup said.

Butch looked away and shrugged. "You know the blues are demanding this and that's literally the only reason I'm doing this right?"

"Oh I figured but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy this."

When Butch turned back to look at Buttercup he saw she had the biggest shit-eating grin on her face and groaned.

"Oh whatever. So sorry I threw you into a building. Tots my bad," Butch said sarcastically. Buttercup glared.

"Couldn't let me have this one thing could you?"

Butch gave her a grin of his own. "Nope."

She huffed as she threw her hands in the air before stomping past him.

"Whatever. Accepted. You can go back to being your usual dick self now."

Butch shrugged as he spun around to follow her. He winced as she threw the doors to the school open just that little bit too hard. She continued to stomp through the school as he followed.

Now he was starting to feel sort of bad. Just a little. I mean, she did take the fall for him so he supposed he should have just given her an actual apology and all. And he knew how much it sucked to not be able to let off steam. Just before they reached the hallway with their classroom Butch made his decision.

"I am actually sorry. I let my temper get the best of me and didn't try to listen but you know how that is. Also, thanks for taking the fall and all that shit," he mumbled, not looking at her.

She stopped in the middle of the hall and Butch was quick to walk past her and continue to the classroom. He heard her let out half a laugh.

"You really are impossible you know."

He snorted. "Oh I know Butterbutt."

He could feel her glare at the back of his head. "Be ready for leader girl to really whip you three into shape tonight. She isn't going to hold back anymore."

He shot her a grin over his shoulder. "Oh Butterbutt, I'm so looking forward to it."

She sighed as she shook her head at him. Back to normal once again.

And that marks the end of what I have mentally dubbed as part 1! Yay! With this we're about a forth to a third of the way through the story. Yay.

But seriously, for those of you who have stuck through with me until here you are the best. I've really enjoyed writing this and hearing that you all are enjoying reading it really makes my day.

See you all again in about two weeks. Ciao!