Here it is. My last chapter that I had stockpiled. I now have to go on a content break. When I will get to writing said content? Haha. Good question. Work has gotten crazy and I'm in the last few weeks of school so I have like no free time. My quick read over this story just now was the most writing I've done all week.
That said, I'll try and post at least one chapter before the end of the year. Chances are I'll still be working on building up content for the new semester but I'll try to have something ready to post by the end of the year at the latest.
As always, thank you everyone for the likes, follows, and comments! Love them all. I keep seeing more and more! Which is super amazing! Thank you all for the support!
Now, enjoy!
They were right about the rumors. By the time they were back at school a few days later, after the school's heating had been fixed thanks to Princess, news of what Blossom had done had spread through the entire school. Everyone knew and it was driving her mad. Every time Blossom was even in the same hallway as Brick people couldn't help but look between the two and whisper amongst themselves. She didn't know why they bothered though. They all knew she could hear them all the same.
Really, at this point she was more than happy to avoid Brick for the whole day. No. The whole week...who was she kidding, she was ready to avoid him for the rest of the year at this point! From the look she'd caught on Brick's face the few times she'd seen him that day she knew he wouldn't be opposed. He looked more done with things than she'd ever seen before. It was a miracle he hadn't burned anything!
Well, it was actually probably the fact that burning something down would make the whole thing worse, but she was still surprised.
Blossom sighed as she shut her locker door and leaned her forehead against it. Wednesdays meant club meetings, but she really wasn't in the mood for dealing with that. While the other girls in the flower arranging club weren't big gossips and tended to sympathize with her she was sure they'd hound her this time. Maybe she would skip. It's not like it would be the end of the world.
Just...the end of the day. As relieving as that sounded Blossom knew that when she straightened up that she would not be going home. No. There was too much that needed done to get ready for the competition still and the only time she really had to work on it was during club hours lately. Plus, the club room was warm and outside was not.
Sighing, Blossom straightened up and turned to head to the club only to jump.
"Oh my gosh! Howie! Don't just stand there like that!" She said as she landed back on the ground, hand over her heart. If even Howie was starting to get the drop on her then she really was out of sorts. Usually she knew the second he entered the same hallway as her. It was the only way she'd ever get a second to breath sometimes after all.
"Blossom. I saw that you were out of sorts today and heard some interesting things being said. While I'm sure none were true, I'm well aware of how the rumor mill works, I thought that you would perhaps like to talk. I know many people like to vent things out in situations such as these and I just wanted to let you know that I'm here for that very reason."
Blossom groaned internally. She should have known it would only be a matter of time before Howie did something like this. She looked at him and could see that familiar glint in his eyes. Howie was all about equivalent exchange. She knew if she did what he was suggesting she'd have to listen to whatever it was he actually wanted to talk about as well.
She was very not tempted.
She gave him a wobbly smile. "Look, Howie, I'd rather just go to my club and kind of pretend the whole day didn't happen."
"Oh Blossom, so kind. Always thinking of others. You don't need to spare me. I am more than willing to prove to you that I can be the supporting partner you need in life."
So he was going to jump right into it anyway. Well, she wasn't really surprised.
"Howie that's really not what I was saying. Now if you'll excuse me-"
"Perhaps if you aren't interested in venting to me I could take your mind off it some other way. There's this wonderful new theory a geneticist-"
Yup. She was gone.
"I really need to get to my club before I'm late Howie. I'll see you later!"
She didn't wait for a response before zooming around him and away. The key with Howie was timing and carefully phrased sentences. She'd see him later but in no way shape or form would she be willingly talking to him later. Nope. Not gunna happen.
"So the school lived to see another day," Boomer said as he lazily followed his eldest brother home.
Second semester this year, Butch played for the Basketball team while Boomer and Brick decided to take a break. If Boomer had his way, he wouldn't join any extra outside school things but, well, he'd learned to just accept that football was gunna happen either way and school policies and all. Oh well. At least they were allowed a pass in their second semester because of the competition.
Brick huffed in front of him and a cloud of smoke drifted back. Boomer coughed slightly as some of it got into his lungs and glared. He knew Brick was smirking. Didn't even have to see him. He just knew.
"Don't have a clue what you're talking about Boom. Why wouldn't the school be in one piece?" Brick said, still not even glancing back at Boomer. Boomer scoffed lightly.
"Oh I dunno. Maybe it has to do with the fact that not a single girl other than Abigail wanted anything to do with you today? Hell, even Kelly didn't flirt with you. In fact, I think her exact words were-"
"Yeah okay Boom. Don't need to repeat it. I was there remember?" Brick said through grit teeth.
I mean, yes, Brick was there. Kinda the point. He was there all day and not one single girl sent him a wink, or a slow smile. Hell, Boomer had never seen a day where Brick's phone was so...quiet. Kinda unsettled him a little.
But just a little.
"Well then you know why I'm surprised the school survived."
"Not like the school did anything wrong."
"Hey, let's play nice now bro. Bloss didn't do anything wrong. She just, you know, got a little cold."
Brick snorted. "Yeah. Cold. That was the problem. Not her jumping into my lap like-"
"You've always hoped and dreamed she would?"
Boomer wasn't surprised when Brick faltered in midair. He really honestly wasn't. He'd suspected for a while now that Brick had a hella big crush on Blossom but knew that, as usual, Brick had reasons for what he did and didn't do. And yeah, normally he didn't understand them but he really didn't get his brother this time. I mean, did he not see what happened between him and Bubbles? Then again, that could be the reason. Always hard to tell with the reds what they really wanted.
"That's not- I never-"
"Yeah yeah. Try it on someone who'll actually believe it. I told you at the prof's house didn't I? I'm not letting this go," Boomer said in a sing song voice.
Truly, he was enjoying this. Being the baby in the family meant he would always take advantage of situations where he could, for once, have the upper hand. And Brick was usually so good at not letting that happen that Boomer really couldn't remember the last time he had a chance like this.
Brick had stopped in midair and Boomer did the same, staring at his brother's back. He was tensed and Boomer could see him clenching and unclenching his fist and he really wasn't sure what to expect at this point.
"Does it even matter either way?" Brick asked, still not turning around. Boomer raised an eyebrow at that. Not what he was expecting response wise.
"I mean yeah? If you like her or not probably changes the whole thing don't ya think bro? Usually you have no problem admitting interest in a girl. Any reason why Bloss is different?"
Brick finally turned around, a frown on his face. Boomer could also see that the tips of his ears looked a bit red.
"...Answered your own question didn't you? Not that I'm admitting or denying anything but Blossom is, well, Blossom. And I'm Brick. Someone like me isn't- I'm not-" he cut himself off with a groan and rubbed his hand across his face. Boomer waited knowing Brick needed a second to sort through his thoughts. "Look. It doesn't matter how I may or may not feel okay? This is Blossom were talking about. Leader and commander of the Powerpuff Girls. The only relationship she should have with any of us is that of a watch dog."
Boomer raised an eyebrow at that. "Well I sure as hell think of her as a friend. I'm sure Butch is the same."
Brick groaned again and waved him off. "Fine fine. You're friends with the puffs and all. It's just-" he sighed and looked away before continuing. "Look Boom, Blossom being close to me, leader of the ruffs, well, that looks bad. Like real bad. I can't- no, I won't let that sort of thing happen to her."
It finally clicked for Boomer. "You're worried about how the city might react to her being close with a former villain."
"Yeah. You and Butch aren't a big deal I guess but me? Everyone knows I was the one giving orders. I was the reason we tore down so many buildings. I was-"
"The reason we decided to become heroes. Look, Brick, I get it but that was all in the past. If you like Bloss-"
"No Boom. I'm not even going to go there okay? She's a co-leader, or well, will be soon when we're fully up and running, and that's it. I'm not even going to think about it any other way."
Boomer watched his brother for a second before sighing and scratching at his head. He should have known that Brick would get some weird idea about how he'd be bad for Blossom. Boomer knew Brick still punished himself for all the damage they'd caused as kids. He knew that because he did the same.
"Brick. Bro. It doesn't work like that though. If you like her, and I think you really like her, then there's nothing you can do to stop that. And it's not like you can pretend it isn't real either because it'll start to effect things. It already has. Look me in the eye and tell me that Howie doesn't bug the shit out of you."
Brick rolled his eyes. "Howie bugs everyone Boom."
"Except you're really good at ignoring and avoiding people you find annoying. You avoid Abigail four out of every five school days which is hella impressive since you have half of your classes with her at least. Howie though you don't hesitate to butt heads with. That's not the only thing either. With all the puffs you let your guard down but Bloss in particular. I wish you could see the way you look at her when you think no one is watching too. You ain't slick bro, least, not enough to deceive me."
Brick was glaring at him but he wasn't going to back down.
"She's nothing more than a soon to be co-leader Boom. Nothing else."
Boomer rolled his eyes. "Seriously Brick, you deserve-"
"Don't even Boom. Not when you can't even ask Bubbles out and don't pull that whole, the timing has to be right bullshit because I know it's not true."
"Hey, I nearly-"
"That was literal weeks ago now Boom and you haven't made another attempt. You know as well as I do that chances were high you'd have chickened out at the last second too. You don't think you're good enough for her."
"I would have totally asked! It was- I was this close-"
"But you haven't tried again Boom! You've had plenty of chances too! So why haven't you?"
Boomer wasn't really sure how this had turned around to be completely on him but he didn't like it. Not one bit. He glared at his brother.
"We weren't talking about me and Bubs-"
"But maybe we should be. Look, Boom, she's been waiting for this for a long time and so have you. So what are you so scared of? Why aren't you taking that leap?"
"I'm not- we haven't- bro why you gotta be like this?" Boomer whined out as Brick smirked at him.
"Cause I'm the big bro here. But seriously Boom, just ask. It doesn't have to be anything big either. Just, ask her to have lunch with you one weekend. A walk in the park. Hell, a picnic."
Boomer gave his brother a look. "In the middle of winter?"
Brick winced. "Okay, not a picnic. Still, just, ask her something Boom. You already made her wait over two years and in that time she even tried to move on once. Now she's waiting again and don't even try to tell me you don't see it. Might've flown the first time but not anymore. Don't screw it up this time."
"...I knew I should have asked you and not Butch for advice all those years ago."
Brick snorted at that. "Seriously. Who asks Butch for advice on anything? Look, Boom, point is you need to do something. You hear the guys talking in the hallways just as much as I do. Now that she's dated Mark and been broken up with, the guys at school don't see her as nearly as taken as they used to. Some have already started to try and make moves on her."
That got his attention. "What?! Who?"
Brick waved the question off. "Doesn't matter. Point is, she's not going to wait forever and sooner or later someone else will come by and she'll say yes. Don't let that happen. I don't think either Butch or I can handle you moping around like you did last time."
Boomer could feel his face heat up slightly at that reminder. "I wasn't that bad."
Brick laughed at that. "Boomer, you sat and watched just about every female superhero movie you could find and then praised any of the more emotional or soft ones about how amazing they were and that they deserved everything in life even if they weren't being given it by the right guy. You went through so much ice cream that Butch won't even look at the stuff still. Want me to go on?"
"...not particularly, no."
"Good. Do something then."
Boomer sighed and looked away to pout. Brick chuckled before turning to continue home. Boomer quickly followed.
"...you know the same could be said for you too bro," Boomer said softly. Brick was quite for long enough that Boomer almost thought he hadn't heard him.
"Not the same Boom. It's just not the same."
They'd have to agree to disagree then.
"God it feels so good to be back on the court," Butch said as he walked to the gates. Mrs. Keane didn't like them taking off from the school grounds anywhere but there unless it was an emergency. Helped keep the grounds maintained. Buttercup couldn't argue the reasoning so she rolled with it.
"I'm sure. Still playing your same position?" She asked. He nodded.
"Yeah, coach said he wasn't about to change it anytime soon, even if I am the shortest on the squad."
"Citiesville still giving hell about how you subtlety try to fly on the court?"
Butch snorted. "Course. It's Citiesville. Doesn't matter though. You know they track our X levels during games. I never use my powers on the court or the field."
"I know. Honestly surprising. Used to be disappointing too."
Butch snickered at that. "Figured that was why you watched my first few games. Kept hoping I'd slip up didn't you?"
"I mean, not like you gave me much reason not to."
"Eh, fair I guess. Though, hey! By that point I'd spent the last like few years being a goodie two shoe and all. That's plenty of reason!"
Buttercup gave him a look. "Butch. A week before your first game you literally gave me a black eye."
"...a mostly goodie two shoes."
Buttercup shook her head. "Whatever helps you sleep at night Butch."
"Seriously, I felt like you were way too caught up on all the things I coulda done and not what I did do."
"Cause you didn't do shit! You and your bros just didn't get into trouble. That's all."
"Not true. We helped you three out. Sometimes."
"Yeah, when we were already half beaten to a pulp. Always waiting till the last second to swoop in."
"The hero always arrives late?"
"What? No! Oh my god Butch seriously do not quote anime to me right now."
"Hey that's a very good-"
"Just no. Anyways, is blue boy back on the patrol schedule yet?"
Butch squinted at her and she glared. Thankfully he didn't try to push her. He looked away with a sigh. "Nah, big red is still tutoring him. He's stuck with it until the end of the month from what I heard."
"Did he really screw up his final that bad?"
"Eh, wasn't the worst, wasn't the best. Big red is just annoyed bout something I think."
"Do you know what?"
Butch gave her a look. "I don't even try to understand his head and you think he'd ever tell Boom or I bout anything?"
Buttercup raised an eyebrow. "I guess. When leader girl gets stuck in a rut though we usually have to drag her out. Is cap boy different?"
"Eh. A little of this. A little of that. Kinda depends on the mood Boom and I are in. Boom's handling it this time though so I'm just letting it happen."
"Ah so it's an emotional issue."
"I mean, you and I are usually best left out of those situations so if Boom is benching me probably."
"I'm not that bad. I'm better than you at least."
"Pft. Butters, let's be real, you and I are clueless when it comes to handling emotions. We'd rather just beat things up, not talk things out."
"I mean, I guess? Shit, am I really that bad? Still?"
Butch frowned and looked at her. She knew she was pouting but she'd been working on being more careful and cautious. Did she still come off as a green brute? Still?
"Is this about the whole city damage thing again? Cause that was bullshit the first time and it only got more ridiculous as they made a bigger deal of it. You've barely destroyed anything in years too. So no, you're not still that bad. I meant that you and I aren't the best to give advice for heart things. That's the blues' domain. Nothing wrong with that either."
"You think? I mean, shouldn't people want to come to me for advice? I'm a hero and all right?"
"Nah, being a hero has nothing to do with it. It's kinda like how you don't get prescribed antibiotics for a mood disorder. Different situation, need a different approach."
"I guess," she sounded unsure even to her own ears.
"Look, what does it even matter? You're a kick ass woman and anyone who has an issue with that's an idiot."
"Yeah," she barked out a short laugh, "that's true." The walked a few more steps in silence before Buttercup couldn't help but make a face. "Oh gross! You just complimented me! No, worse. You tried to cheer me up! Ugh!"
"Yeah. That was weird. Let's not do that again anytime soon." He was making a weird face too and Buttercup nodded.
"Seriously. Ugh, now I need to go clean my ears out."
"Bitch rude. Here I was just trying to be a good counterpart and shit and this is how you treat me. Ha! See that I lend an ear again."
She stuck her tongue out at him and he returned the action. A second later they simultaneously turned away from each other, finally reaching the gates. They paused there for a moment.
"Still, thanks doofus. Not that I needed a pep talk but still, thanks."
She felt Butch shrug. "Eh, for you Butters? Anytime. See ya later stink face."
And with that he blasted off. Buttercup flipped him the bird and made a face at him, even though she knew he wouldn't turn around to see it. The idiot always had to go and ruin their few nice moments.
She took off for home at that, a small smile seemingly stuck on her face.
"So. No Brick? But you're here today at least" Mitch asked as he and Mike sat down at the table. Blossom sighed as she turned the page on her book.
"Honestly, I'm surprised I'm even sitting here. This is really ridiculous."
Mike snorted at that. "What's ridiculous is that we weren't there to see it. I can't believe we missed that!"
Blossom gave him a look that he answered with a cheeky smile. She sighed through her nose before turning her attention back to her book.
"Seriously though, is everything good?" Mitch asked. Blossom shrugged.
"Yeah, it's fine. I just have to avoid Abigale and deal with hearing the most outrageous rumors ever."
"Did you hear the one about how you and Bubs had a fight over-"
"Yes Mitch. I've heard it. I'm not amused."
Both boys laughed at that, not at all threatened by the cold tone in her voice.
"You know, reminded me with you mentioning her and all, where is Abigale? Usually she's staking out the table to wait for her chance to pounce on Brick?" Mitch asked.
"Probably out trying to hunt down where Brick is hiding," Blossom said as she turned another page.
"I'm guessing she's not having much luck?"
"Well considering that he flew home for lunch I'd say you're probably right."
Mike barked out a laugh at that. "He flew home for lunch? Seriously? Ha! Talk about one way to avoid the situation."
"Honestly if this keeps up don't be surprised if I start doing the same."
"Any reason why you haven't already?"
Blossom gave them both looks before sighing again. "I don't want the professor to get any ideas. Again."
Both boys winced as they remembered the last time the professor thought one of the girls was having troubles at school. It had made Powerprof Suit look like child's play.
"Fair po-"
Mike was cut off as a hand slammed down on the table between the two, startling them. Blossom looked up with mild interest.
"Princess, I hope you have a pass."
Princess huffed before pulling one out and waving it in the air. "Happy?" Blossom sighed, nodded, and went back to her book. Princess turned to Mitch. "I swear to god you are impossible to track down."
"Um, sorry? I mean, you have my number? Coulda just called," he replied. Mike rolled his eyes as he finally started to eat his lunch. Princess gave him a look.
"Yeah. No. Three weeks from today, Saturday. Are you busy?"
"Maybe? I don't know what-"
"The correct answer is no, you're not. Now again, are you busy?"
Mitch gulped as he glanced at Blossom, ignored, and then Mike, a smirk was sent his way, for no help at all. "No?"
"Great. Now you are." Princess pulled out a piece of paper and slammed it down in front of him. "Be at this address at three. They'll take care of everything. Now if you don't mind, I need to get back to math unless I want to fail. Tah bitches."
"Language."
Princess waved her off before sauntering away. Mitch looked at the paper like it was a snake that might attack. "The hell was that about?"
Mike barked out a laugh as he reached over to pick the paper up and read it. Blossom even sent him a disbelieving look.
"Really? Assuming I have my dates right, which I'm pretty sure I do, I'm about 99% sure you just got yourself a Valentine's Day date."
Mike snickered this time. "Oh, you're right. Princess put everything down here. Date, time, place, the works. Looks like you won't want to have that study date with Becky after all buddy."
"Wait, what?" Mitch said, face flushed red as he scrambled to take the paper from Mike without ripping it. Blossom shook her head.
"I'm surprised she waited this long truth be told."
"Seriously. She's not been hiding her interest for a while now dude."
Mitch whined as he stared, face still cherry red, at the paper. "Her interest? Dude all she does is bitch at me half the time."
"Well, in her defense, half the time you're flirting with another girl," Blossom said before turning back to her book.
"I am not!"
Blossom glanced at Mike before looking down at her book again. He sighed. "Alright dude. How's about you and I have a real talk here?"
"Please please please please! Blossom! You're the last person we can ask for this! Please!"
"Now wait, I have-"
"Please!"
Blossom couldn't help the strangled sound from escaping. The three seniors were all literally begging at this point. She'd had to stop one from getting down on his knees even. And it wasn't like she didn't get it, it was just, she was so busy already and to do this too? She wasn't even good at these things! Robin and Princess always were the ones to handle them for the student government for her!
"I just don't know that I'm the right person to ask. The Three City Ball is a big thing too."
They all looked up at her and oh darn it! She could see the tears!
"We have no one left to ask," the one in the middle said. Abraham, she remembers is his name. A good guy, great student government leader, and usually very efficient.
Not that this situation was his fault though she supposed. The added security for the upcoming competition was new and the seniors were under a lot of added stress because of it. While Townsville would never push their students too far, the seniors wanted to go above and beyond for their school. From what she'd seen of their projects they were doing a good job of it too. It just sadly meant that they'd had to make sacrifices in other areas. Including the Three City Ball.
The Three City Ball, or TCB for short, was something every school did for comradery. Each school would throw a dance in the weeks leading up to the competition that students from other schools were welcome to attend. Of course, the competitive nature of the next event all schools would see each other at influenced this one too. Each school tried to host the fanciest, nicest dance possible. As with the main event, the senior class was in charge of organizing it all. They were slotted for the second week dance this year.
And her senior class was asking for help. From her. For a dance. She wasn't even allowed to help for the dances she had to plan! Robin and Princess wouldn't let her touch them! Which she took a small offense too but couldn't really blame them. Parties and dances just weren't her thing. Fundraisers though, those she could handle.
That said, she knew what her answer would be. She sighed and felt her shoulder slump.
"Okay. I'll handle it."
One of them actually sobbed at that as all three crowded around her thanking her. She meekly patted them on the back and asked them to send her what they had before quickly escaping.
"Please tell me you didn't just do what I think you did."
Blossom jumped at the sound of Boomer's voice right behind her. She turned and glared.
"That's it. I'm done letting you all get away with sneaking up on me."
Boomer raised an eyebrow, cheeky smirk on his face, but didn't comment. On that at least. "Bloss, no offense, but you're not really much of a party planner."
She huffed as she turned away to continue to her next class. "I'm sure it'll be fine."
Boomer made a noise she chose to ignore. "Sure sure. Just wanted to let you know that I'll so be there to tell you I told you so when you realize you're wrong."
"Not going to happen. Anyways, shouldn't you be on your way to Zoology?"
"Eh, got plenty of time until the bell rings."
"Avoiding her isn't going to make the problem go away you know."
She felt him wince and glanced at him out of the corner of her eye to see him rubbing his neck nervously.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
She sighed loudly and saw his shoulders drop. "You ruffs actually overthink things you know. If you ask me, which oddly you don't, I can't think of anyone more deserving of a chance to be happy. Especially since that chance would make someone very important to me very happy as well."
He was quite as he followed her for a bit before finally sighing. "It's not that-"
"I know everyone says I'm a terrible liar but I have to say, Boomer you're not much better."
He grimaced. "Yeah, it's one of those things us ruffs are the opposite of you three on. I swear that's half the reason Butch gets away with so much BS. He's too good at lying."
"But not as good as Brick sadly."
"Actually caught him in a lie not too long ago. Felt good."
"I'm sure. Which brings me back to my catching you in yours. You don't get to decide what you do and don't deserve from her you know. That's something that people decide based on your actions towards them. If Bubbles thinks that you're worth her time then not asking won't stop her from finding a way to make it work."
"I'm sure that Bubbles would be much better off with someone who can actually make her happy."
"So you don't deny that you know that she'd say yes." He winced at the fact that she caught him there and she sighed. "Boomer, I think you might be forgetting something. This is Bubbles we're talking about. She's giving you the time to do the right thing here but you already gave her everything she needs to know what's coming. That said, she's only going to give you so long before taking matters into her own hands. She might not have ever actually actively pursued anyone but she's the most obsessed with love of the three of us. She's not afraid to hunt you down herself if she has to."
"...that's almost a terrifying thought."
Blossom hummed in agreement. They were quite for a few more steps before Boomer spoke up again.
"I'll work on it but no promises." Well, she'd take that over nothing. Bubbles said the end of the month and they were already almost half way there. Thankfully this whole thing would be over soon, one way or another. "Although, as a heads up, she's got you and Brick in her sights as the next big thing."
She made a face and Boomer laughed. "Oh trust me, I know. I can handle her though. It's not the first time she's tried to pair me off with someone."
"Oh? This I gotta hear."
"Well then you're out of luck because I'm most definitely not telling you. Needless to say, it didn't work out the way Bubbles wanted it to and I'm fine with that."
"You know I'm not going to stop poking until I find out right? Even if you won't tell me I'll still find someone who will."
"Good luck Boomer. With that and everything else."
He didn't get a chance to respond as she entered her classroom, mind moving back to her new problem. Tonight she'd take a look at what the senior class had planned already and go from there. She had a few months. She could totally handle this.
Brick sighed as he closed his locker and willed himself not to lose his temper.
"Hi Howie. How can I help you?" He should be proud of himself for not speaking through grit teeth because honestly? All he felt was annoyed. He knew this was going to happen sooner or later though.
"Brick. I think we need to talk," Howie said as he adjusted his glasses and looked down his nose at the red ruff. An impressive feat when Brick was at least a good 6 inches taller than the guy.
"Yeah I don't think that's a very good idea," Brick replied as he turned and started to walk away. He'd almost gotten through day 2 of this whole debacle without dealing with Howie's response and he was almost ashamed he hadn't managed longer. But only almost. Howie was one of the most persistent people Brick knew after all.
"I think it's something that must be done. You're actions towards Blossom-"
"Are really none of your business and are completely platonic. Though, again, none of your business. You're not her boyfriend Howie and you're barely an acquaintance. More of a tolerated presence than anything else. Which is honestly almost impressive because this is Blossom were talking about here. She never dislikes anyone and yet, she almost hates you."
"Preposterous. Blossom is merely experiencing her life and independence while we spend this time apart. I'm sure soon she'll realize that her and I are inevitable and will accept my date invite."
"Your delusion, you know that right? Should really go get that checked out."
"I'm nothing of the sort. My mental health is at its optimum."
"Riiiight. Look, I really don't know why you're bothering me-"
"Clearly because Blossom is having some confusion."
Brick felt his eye twitch at the interruption.
"As I was saying. I don't know why you're bothering me when the whole thing was because she needed warmth and I literally have fire running through my veins."
"Oh please. That's just the excuse you're using to stop the flying rumors. Blossom would never allow herself to behave so unseemly unless she had a complete faith and trust in the person she acted that way towards."
Clearly Brick needed to recheck his facts if Howie, Howie of all people, was telling him the same things his brothers had. Was he really that blind when it came to Blossom's actions?
"Which is why you and I need to have this discussion. While you and your brothers may no longer be fighting for the wrong side you were still a tool made for her destruction and as such there is no one less deserving of her attention."
That pissed him off. He glared at Howie and enjoyed the sight of the smaller boy flinching.
"Look here dweeb, I ain't a tool and I ain't about to go about trying to destroy her. In case you haven't noticed, those days are kinda long gone. Also, let's be real, you have zero right to decide who is and isn't deserving of anything of hers. She's the one who gets to decide who does and doesn't deserve her attention."
Howie had the gale to glare back at him.
"I just want what's best for her. She deserves better than someone like you."
"Yeah? Well she sure as hell deserves someone better than you too. You're nowhere near good enough for her Howie. Blossom already has the brains, she doesn't need someone who's smart by her side. She needs someone who's willing to share her burdens and you've never even considered doing that. All you ever try to do is take and take from her. You care only about yourself when it comes to her. You want greatness but you know, deep down, that'll you'll never be the best, that someone will always be better and that bothers you. You hate it even. So you latched onto the idea that she's your ticket. When she saved you all those years ago your brain twisted it to make you think that she might someday care for you and bring you into her life and therefore up to her level but news flash! She saves hundreds and thousands of people on a god damned weekly basis. You're nothing more than another person in a long line of people that she's saved and that's all you'll ever be to her. So get over yourself, move on, and give the poor girl the break she fucking needs because she's stressed out enough as it is without your annoying ass adding to her long list of problems that need to be taken care of."
He'd backed Howie into the lockers and was growling at him by the time he was done. Brick huffed out a blast of smoke and glared for a few moments longer. When it was clear that Howie, who could barely meet Brick's eyes anymore, wasn't going to say anything else he turned and marched down the hallway. There were a few people giving him weird looks but considering the rumors already floating around it wasn't like it could get any worse.
Hell, half the school still thought he wanted to date Bubbles!
He nearly threw the school's doors off their hinges as he finally made it outside the school. Boomer was already waited and raised an eyebrow as he marched past.
"You ok-"
"Fine. Going home."
And in a blast of red that may or may not have created a crack or two in the pavement, Brick did just that.
"Why can't I seem to get away from you?" Merrick mumbled as they took a water break. Butch raised an eyebrow at that.
"Pretty sure that's my line."
Merrick just glared before stomping off. Seriously though, Butch was starting to get annoyed with the guy. He kept pushing and pushing and while it might have been funny last semester, he'd also been a little bit of a loose cannon then. With the hero gig, and having helped with a couple of basic monster fights in the past few weeks, Butch was feeling calmer than he had in a long while.
Which meant that Merrick's entertainment value had plummeted. Wouldn't have been a problem if they guy would just back off but apparently Butch had started a war. Which he'd normally just end except that Buttercup was really on him to not screw around right now since they'd just started this hero thing and that was the last thing they all needed.
Butch got it too, he really did, but it was already driving him mad. And mad Butch was not a good Butch. Mad Butch put holes in buildings. Typically using Buttercup's body to do so. Which would be a bad idea. A very bad idea.
A flash of an image of glacial pink eyes staring down at him as he groaned in icy pain went through his mind.
Yup. Not gunna do that. Bad idea Butch. Staying in control was a must.
Merrick was doing some passing drills with another guy on the team but overthrew and the ball went flying at Butch. Said ruff lazily grabbed the ball, bounced it a few times, and tossed it back. Merrick's tsk and following glare said the whole thing was slightly less than accidental.
Butch took a deep breath. How did Buttercup deal with this? He'd read the rule book, really he had, but half of it was just annoying. Don't do that. Don't do this. Always make sure to do this though. Ugh. He hated rules! Why couldn't they just let him pound what he wanted to?!
Well, okay, he knew why but still. He was doing better than he ever had before and so Buttercup needed to just back off a little. At least until he handled this guy.
He wasn't sure how to handle Merrick anymore though if he was being honest. He'd been pretty overt in his manhandling of the guy in previous encounters and so clearly the transfer knew Butch could break him in half and yet he still kept pushing. It was annoying!
...Maybe go after his girls? Blegh. Just the thought of them being his girls was weird, especially when Merrick hardcore wanted Buttercup to be included in that group. Butch hated players. Ironic, yes. Butch didn't deny that him and his brothers played the field but at least they were honest about it! And they weren't making out with three different girls in one day. Hell, even Brick wouldn't do that! If a ruff had decided to be involved in some way, past flirting, with a girl then they were honest and loyal to that one girl!
Well, for the most part. Brick was the iffiest there with his flirting but Butch also knew that the entire female population knew and accepted this. Hell, after the whole lap puff thing he'd overheard some interesting things being said. The girls of the school apparently had all accepted a long time ago that Brick would never be anyone but Blossom's at the end of the day and that the time they'd all had with him was borrowed to begin with.
Which was weird. And creepy. And no. He wasn't going to just roll with that. Another puff-ruff duo? Ugh. Gross. Throw in the fact that this was the reds they were talking about and it just made it worse. He did not need them teaming up on him more than they already did!
The girls weren't his problem though he supposed and Brick wasn't too upset about it. Even if the red ruff hadn't acknowledged that he'd heard any of these whisperings, Butch knew he had. Even if he actually hadn't, extremely unlikely as it was, none of his usual girls were flocking to him and he wasn't too upset about it. In fact, he seemed to be using the time to think about something.
Butch wasn't dumb enough not to put two and two together. This was his brother after all but he wasn't Boomer. He wasn't going to try and poke his nose into Brick's business. It was up to the red ruff to decide what he wanted to do. Even if the thought made his shoulders slump.
They'd still fight every now and then right? He'd still get his breaks from the red team up, right?
Whatever. He'd just unload his frustrations into a monster. That would help.
The coach yelled at him to get moving and Butch put his water bottle down before jogging back onto the court. Merrick was glaring again which brought him back to his original thought.
How to deal with that?
He'd decided to give Boomer a break for the night and send him out on patrol instead. Did the fact that he was the one who was supposed to be on patrol affect this? Maybe. But he wasn't about to admit that he was avoiding Blossom. That would be admitting defeat to his youngest brother and he wasn't ready to do that. Ever.
He wasn't the only one in a funk either. Butch had been straight up sullen when he'd gotten back from practice. When Brick had asked what was wrong, all he'd gotten in response was a grunt as Butch had shouldered past him for the shower.
He'd bug his brother more about it if it became an issue but lately his brother had been almost...calm. Not a word normally associated with the green ruff but for the first time in a long time it fit. Butch was at ease for once.
The monster fights had helped a lot with that and Brick grimaced at the thought of what would have happened if Mojo hadn't been given a chance. They'd still be non-heroes and Butch would still be twitchy. Chances were high that if they'd continued that way that Butch would have really lost it at some point.
He was trying not to think too hard about that.
Brick groaned as he spun around in his desk chair. There were a lot of things he was trying not to think too hard about. Problem was, he knew he tended to overthink things. It was probably a red thing, he knew Blane did the same thing and so did Blossom obviously. Berserk was harder to get a read on, much like himself he supposed.
He grimaced at that. He hated that he had so much in similar with the red punk. He just hoped that it was obvious that they were different in the ways that actually mattered.
"Dude, did you hear what Boom said earlier?" Butch said, standing in Brick's doorway. He wasn't actually in Brick's room so the red ruff couldn't justify getting mad.
"What?"
"Bossy apparently was roped into planning the TCB by the senior class. It's gunna be a nightmare."
Brick tried to process that. They asked Blossom? Seriously? I mean, clearly they couldn't ask Bubs. She was too much about rainbows and butterflies and glitter to trust with something like this. Buttercup couldn't do it either. Not unless they wanted a rave instead of a school dance. But still, Blossom?
He groaned. "Please tell me she didn't say yes."
Butch raised an eyebrow and he supposed that answered that. He buried his face in his hands.
"Yeah that was pretty much my response. Rob and Prinny and all are in a panic over it too. They don't have the time to help so they're pretty worried."
"Because Blossom Butch. Blossom. Fuuuuck."
"Yeah. Blossom. Not sure what to do about it either."
Brick knew what to do. He just didn't want to do it. He had plenty on his own plate after all!
"Don't stress about it Butch. I'll make sure it works out."
"Like usual? You actually going to let her know you helped this time?" Brick dropped his hands and raised an eyebrow. Bitch shrugged. "Just saying. Can't use the whole, we aren't the heroes excuse anymore."
"Just- go away Butch. I need to think and you're hurting my head."
"Dick. I was going to offer to help but screw that now. Good luck with the party planning red. Oh and Prinny finally asked Mitchelson out. Peace."
Brick's eye twitched. If he needed Butch's help then Butch would help, whether he wanted to or not. Also, why did he care about Princess and Mitch? Everyone knew Princess would get her way eventually. Anyways, how was he supposed to do this? He couldn't just go up to Blossom and say he'd take care of it after all. She'd give him the stink eye for sure if he did that. He could do what he always did. Plant the ideas and tips she needed to make things go smoothly. Do the research for her and then make sure he placed the answer somewhere she'd see it. Normally that was enough.
He kinda didn't want to do that this time though. Maybe it was because he could actually claim the spotlight now and not feel like it was unearned. He doubted it though. No, it probably had to do more with everything else.
He groaned again as he clenched his eyes shut. This wasn't easy. He'd spent years at this point not even letting his mind go there. It wouldn't have helped. He couldn't have done anything about it after all.
He didn't have that excuse anymore though. He was signed up to be working alongside the good old pink, green, and blue now. He wasn't just an ex-villain anymore. Soon, hopefully, he'd be able to say he was a hero and not feel like it was forced.
It would probably take a bit but it seemed life didn't want to give him the time to come to terms with it. Between Boomer and Howie, not to mention everything being said at school, it seemed life wasn't going to let him pretend any longer.
He still couldn't make his mind go there though. Old habits and all. He glared at his ceiling.
Okay, so he couldn't just take over for her. He also didn't want to plant the ideas this time either. What did that leave him with?
Easy, offer to help. In a way that wouldn't piss the pink puff off. Yeah. Right. Easier said than done. He had a nasty habit of saying the wrong thing around the puff and she always noticed.
Being honest might help. It would be tricky though. He wasn't ready for her to realize, although clearly he wasn't as subtle as he thought if everyone else had. So it would be a matter of being honest but not telling the whole truth.
He could do that right? Wouldn't even have to lie. Just say he was worried that she was taking too much on and wanted to help. As a fellow, future co-leader. He knew she'd accept that reasoning but only if she felt he was being honest about it. That was the problem. She was so good at sensing when he wasn't saying something. It was what started half their fights.
What did he even really want from her anyways? Now that he wasn't going to suppress that one thought, ignoring that he'd yet to actually think it, he should probably figure out what he wanted to do about it.
He thought back to what he'd said to Howie. It was all true. Blossom deserved someone who would support her. She was the hero after all and she always would be. The first on scene to help people, the first to make the sacrifice, the first to take the hit meant for someone else. She deserved someone who would do the same for her. Someone who would help her keep doing the good she always did.
The question was, did he think he could be that person?
He flinched at the thought. So close to admitting, even to himself, that he immediately felt his face burn. God he felt like an idiot. He couldn't even mentally admit it to himself without blushing! How the hell was he supposed to do this?
He glared out the window as he mulled the thought over. He knew how, he just didn't want to admit it. He also knew what he wanted, even before Boomer had tried to lecture him.
He wanted her to trust him but not the way she does now. He wanted her to trust him with the things she felt she couldn't trust other people with. He wanted her to let him be important to her.
Fuck. He was screwed.
Viola! That was it. The last of my stockpile. Lots happened in this chapter. There were somethings I was tempted to move or change but I'm so tired guys. So, so tired. I'm sorry about the laziness on my part there because of that. Still, hope you all enjoyed!
Now, reviews!
Aim13. I agree. It was so cute and I had so much fun writing it! Yes, the reds are a bit selective in what they notice or acknowledge. Their my favorite ship too so I'm enjoying writing them. Boomer is working on it but as you can see, Brick is being a liiiittle stubborn. It's okay. Things should work out in the end!
RainbowColoredHumanBeing, power to you. I'm asleep by 10PM every night. I won't not do that. I like sleep too much (and I'm a bit of a monster without it...). I'm glad you like my Blossom! I feel like from the outside she gives a feel of having it together but I love writing her mental panic moments. It makes her feel more human to me! And more teen like too! If you can't stress how much you love my story then I can't stress how much I love that you love it! Seriously! You all are the reason I'm still posting! Also, you're English was as good as mine is so all good there! Hope you were able to get some good rest after posting. Hopefully you aren't up too late reading this again! And sadly, yes. This time it will be have a great month T.T . I'll be back when I can! Promise!
Artemis Raven Courtney. Wasn't is just?! And yes, I didn't mention anything about that did I. We're gunna go with that he has great mental fortitude and was determined not to let it happen (and not that I forgot to address that detail...). He probably also had to imagine some things he wished he would have never had to and used his restrooms breaks to at least breath a little (still keeping up that mental fortitude cause he would have to go back out there). And pft! Bubs is totally going to exasperate rather than help. Buttercup might have some sympathy and help though. Maybe. (At extreme risk of angering Bubbles...). We're working our way up with the greens. It'll probably be the slowest build of the three couples. Sorry about that. But! I will get us there!
Hi Attari Fuse! I'm glad you love it! And that you think things are so naturally developed! I'm always trying to make sure that the story flows and with how long it's getting it's gotten to be a bit of a challenge to keep everything in line! (Part of why I haven't been able to write this week. My brain is fried.) Glad you enjoyed the reds moment. I'll hopefully have more for you all sooner rather than later!
If you're a US citizen, enjoy the upcoming holiday! Thanksgiving feast! But do it smartly and safely. The numbers for COVID are scary bad and only going to get worse. For everyone, I might not post before the holidays so enjoy those too! Same dealio with COVID too. Please stay safe everyone. Hopefully we'll have our vaccine soon and things can begin to return to normal. Hold on just a bit longer!
See you all before the new year. Ciao!