It's been two weeks...so you all know what that means! Another chapter! Hope you all enjoy.
Thanks as always for all the likes, follows, and reviews! Always love to see them!
"Okay. O. K. I can do this. Not like this is my first date or anything. It's fine. I got this."
Butch and Brick exchanged looks as they watched Boomer pace the floor and give himself a pep talk. Again. He was dressed for his date in a pair of nice, grey denim jeans and a long-sleeved dark blue button up shirt.
"You sure you're good there Boom?" Butch asked. Boomer twitched before turning to them with a crooked grin.
"Yeah. Totally. Why wouldn't I be?"
Butch and Brick exchanged another look.
"Right. Look, Boomer, take a deep breath okay? It's fine. You have an awesome first date planned, and Bubs is gunna love it. She's meeting you at the park, right?" Brick asked. Boomer nodded before a look of panic crossed his face.
"Shit. I should have picked her up shouldn't I have? I mean, she was pretty set on me not picking her up but I should shouldn't I? Shit! Think Bellum would lend me a car for the night? Or Princess? But, wait, shit. It would take too long to drive there. Shit!"
"Uh, think you're good Boom. Blossom mentioned that Bubs wants a date or two before the prof finds out so I really don't suggest picking her up."
Boomer paled at Brick's words. "Oh shit. I should have asked the prof for permission-"
"Stop! Just...no Boomer. No. We all know the man would lock you up in a cage coated in Antidote X so no. Don't worry about that tonight either. Just go to the park and have a nice night. Okay? Deep breaths Boom. In and out."
Boomer started to hyperventilate, and Butch decided he'd had enough.
"Screw this shit," the green ruff mumbled before sucker punching Boomer in the stomach. The blue ruff doubled over glaring at Butch.
"The hell!?"
"Stop being a pussy and just enjoy the date dude. Seriously. You're way overthinking things."
"Doesn't mean you can punch me!" Boomer snarled as he made to launch at Butch. Brick quickly zoomed between the two.
"Okay! Not a good idea before the date Boom. You also need to head off now if you want to be a little early," Brick said with an eyebrow raised. Boomer spun to look at the clock before swearing and taking off in a flash of blue. Brick turned to Butch.
"Think he'll be okay?" Butch asked. Brick sighed.
"Let's just say it's a good thing Bubs has our numbers. I already told her that if he hyperventilates himself unconscious to call me."
"Ha! Smart. See? This is why you're the red."
Brick sighed before rubbing at a temple. "Sure Butch. Sure."
Okay. He had this. Girls always loved his dates. He was an expert at this!
...that probably actually wasn't a good thing. Hell, it was why he'd nearly lost this chance altogether. Bad thoughts Boomer. Bad thoughts!
Boomer groaned into his hands as he stood at the meeting spot. Why? Why was this so hard all of a sudden? He never struggled like this before! He sighed before looking up only to jump back at the sight of Bubbles standing there smiling at him.
"Holy shit! Bubs! Gunna give me a heart attack!"
She giggled at him and he took a few breaths to try and calm down. Not that it did much good. He'd been nervous before but now he wasn't sure he was going to be able to get through the night.
Bubbles' hair was down for once and softly framing her face in loose curls. She had on a long light blue dress with a denim jacket and what looked like a pair of high heels with little blue bows on them. Her lips shone with lip gloss and he could see gold shimmer around her eyes. She looked amazing.
How did he breathe again?
Shit.
"Sorry Boomie. You looked like you needed a second."
A second. Ha. Boomer thought that he probably needed more than that.
"Right. Yeah, sorry," he cleared his throat and looked at her. His heart hurt in such a good way. She was really here, on a date, with him. "You look amazing."
She giggled at him as her face flushed slightly. "You're looking pretty handsome there yourself."
Boomer felt his face flush at that and couldn't help the giant grin that ended up on his face as he rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Thanks."
They stood there grinning at each other like idiots for a few moments before Boomer managed to find the motivation to stop just staring at her.
"So beautiful lady, if you would do me the honors?" He held out his hand as he smiled at her. She flushed again as she lay her hand in his. "Let me show you the most amazing date you've ever been on."
She gave him a blinding smile. "It already is."
"Blossom, where did Bubbles go? She asked me to show her something yesterday, but I didn't have it then. I have it now though, but she isn't in her room," The professor asked as he poked his head inside his eldest daughter's room. Blossom tried not to react, she really honestly did. She couldn't help it though.
She felt her spine go straight and managed not to whip around to stare wide eyed at her father. It wasn't enough though. He was like a bloodhound with things like this. "Blossom?"
"Yes daddy?" Blossom smiled as she turned around to slowly face him. For once the man wasn't smiling at her.
"Where's Bubbles?"
Well, he didn't look or seem angry. Just curious. Would he stay that way though? Probably not. She'd have to apologize to Bubbles later. Chances were high Boomer was going to have to face the professor sooner and not later like she'd hoped.
"She's...on a date?"
"Oh? I thought her and Mark... who is she on a date with?"
Why couldn't he have gone and asked Buttercup? Where even was her sister?! There was no doubt that she'd heard the professor. Why wasn't she coming to help?!
"Um...well, you see, hmm. Okay, he's a great guy and I know that he'll really really treasure her. Buttercup approves of him even! And you know how hard that is so you shouldn't worry about it. It's their first date which is why she didn't mention it. Bubbles wants to give it a few dates before bringing him over."
"Oh? So, who is it?"
He was smiling but...Blossom wasn't sure it was a very nice smile. She felt her shoulders drop. There was no way out of telling him.
"It's Boomer."
The professor went quiet before nodding.
"Okay."
Without saying another word, he slowly withdrew his head and walked away. Blossom watched through the wall until he had made his way to the staircase. Buttercup showed up then and Blossom turned to glare at her.
"Whelp. Tough luck to the baby blues. Boom's a dead man walking," Buttercup said as she looked to the staircase.
"Why the heck would you leave me to handle that?! You should have come and help!"
Buttercup raised an eyebrow. "Would it have made a difference? I mean, let's be real, you were going to tell him either way."
"I mean probably but..."
"Well, it's not like he's mad right?"
"No, he's not mad but..."
Buttercup snickered. "Yeah. But. Poor Boom."
"Ugh, you're no help. I'm going to let Bubbles know."
"Eh, she'll find out later. Let her enjoy at least one date with the guy first."
Blossom hesitated with her hand over her phone before sighing and pulling away from it. "Fair point. Although, knowing her, she'll find a way to squeeze in another date before the professor finds a way to get him over here."
Buttercup snorted at that. "Knowing her? I wouldn't be surprised if she convinced dad that he didn't have to meet Boom at all."
"Hmmm...somehow I don't think even she's that good."
"This is amazing Boomie," Bubbles gushed as they landed just inside the roof of the observatory. Boomer had convinced Mojo to open the roof for them. It hadn't been too hard. It meant there was zero chance of him running into a puff after all.
"You like it then? I was worried cause it's no fancy restaurant but..."
She spun around to face him, stars almost literally shining in her eyes. "It's perfect."
Not as perfect as the smile she was giving him though. Still, he'd have to thank his bros he supposed.
The roof was down giving them a clear view of the sky and although there was a ton of light pollution from the city, their eyes could still make out most of the stars that people could see without all of that. In the middle of the room was a picnic blanket with a basket in the middle and pillows piled around for comfy seating. Boomer had not only convinced Brick to cook something but also had Butch swing by and light the candles around the blanket for him as well. It was the green ruff's way of saying sorry for the bad advice all those years ago.
"I'm glad you like it. Come on, let's eat."
He held his hand out and she didn't hesitate to take it. They walked over to the blanket and sat, shy smiles on both their faces.
"I'm sure it won't compare to Buttercup's cooking but I'm pretty confident it'll taste good. We have some stuffed peppers to start with and then ratatouille for the main course. Desert's a secret and everything is vegan. Promise."
Bubbles giggled. "It sounds amazing. I can't wait to try it all."
He owed Brick so so much. "Well, let's dig in then."
Boomer pulled out the food as Bubbles watched him, a comfortable but nervous silence falling over them. He handed her her plate and she thanked him softly. He felt his palms start to sweat as he waited for her to take the first bite.
"Yummy! Oh, this is so good! Where did you get this?"
Boomer let out a breath of relief that Bubbles missed. "I may or may not owe a certain red head for this. On the bright side, I've heard he's a sucker for a certain blonde's smile so I'm sure if you asked him really nice, he'd make it again for you."
"I might just. I suppose it would be too much to ask for the recipe. Buttercup would love to know how to make something like this I'm sure."
"Not gunna lie. Still find it odd how she's the good cook and Bloss is...well, I can cook better than Blossom from what I've heard."
"Yeah, Bloss isn't allowed to touch anything in the kitchen. It usually finds some way of turning into a disaster. One time when she was helping Buttercup cook, she managed to cover the kitchen in the sauce Buttercup had made. It took like, three seconds for it to happen too. None of us could tell how it happened either. As for Buttercup cooking, well, she says it's relaxing."
Bubbles shrugged slightly at that. It was better than Butch's method so Boomer couldn't really say much on that.
"I'd love to see first-hand how Bloss does with the one thing she can't seem to do."
"Boomie. Sweetie. Trust me. That's a sight no one wants to see."
Boomer chuckled lightly at that, his cheeks feeling slightly hot from being called sweetie. Bubbles didn't seem to notice though.
They continued eating while talking about several things and then continued some more. Even when the candles had burned down to the wick, they both knew they could go on for hours more.
When they'd finished eating, they moved things around so that they were lying side by side on the blanket. Bubbles was using Boomer's shoulder as a pillow and even though he'd started to lose feeling in his left arm because of it, he didn't want to move.
"Hey Boomie? Can I ask you a question?" Bubbles said after a moment of comfortable silence.
"Any time. What's up?"
She hesitated for a moment before speaking up again. "Why...why did you not ask me out? Back at the beginning of high school?"
Boomer winced. He knew the question would come up eventually. Although they were good now, better than ever before even, they'd never talked about what led to their whole issue.
"That's... It wasn't anything to do with you. I was just...it wasn't that I didn't want to but..." he trailed off with a groan as he rubbed his right hand across his face.
"If I shouldn't have asked..."
"No! No, you had every right to ask. Heck, I should have had this talk with you before we started going out. I wanted to but..."
"I didn't really give you a chance."
Boomer snorted. "I mean, I have zero complaints. Zero. But yeah. Look, I'm sure you know that me and my bros... we still have hang ups about our past. Butch might not seem to care but all of us feel like we haven't really redeemed ourselves ya know? We've just done the bare minimum to stay not evil but that doesn't mean were good. When we started in high school, well, that's when we really noticed ya know? Townsville High is a big school, and half the kids were kids we'd never even met before and they were terrified of us."
"But that's just because they didn't know you."
"Yeah but still Bubs. There were kids that would literally add three minutes onto their walk time between classes just to avoid the halls we'd use. We heard them talking about it and it sucked ya know? To hear that people still thought of us as villains. The other thing we weren't used to was the talk about you puffs."
She pushed up onto her hands to look down at him, a puzzled look on her face. "Talk about us?"
"Yeah. No one in the middle school or elementary school ever really talked about what all you three did cause it was old news. They were all used to it. Once we hit high school and all those other kids from other middle schools saw you three though...well, it was a bit of a shock. We were so used to you three being heroes that we never really thought about how amazing what you three do is. That's all they could talk about though. And anytime any of them saw one of us near one of you? Man, people did not like that at all."
"Really? I didn't..."
"You puffs are probably so used to being talked about that you tune most of it out. Bloss noticed and apologized to us after about a month. She said it'd die down before the end of the school year and she was right, but the damage was still done. After hearing all of that for a few months I just didn't think..."
Bubbles took a second before catching on and her face hardened. "No one can decide who is or isn't good enough for us but us."
Boomer shrugged sheepishly. "I mean yeah but that's easier said than done Bubs. Mentally I just couldn't get over that new perception. Then that girl asked me out and I was confused, and I went to Butch and... well. That was the last time I'll ever go to a green for dating advice."
"I somehow don't think going to Brick would have been much help either."
Boomer laughed at that. "Probably not! He'd have told me that my crush on you was a bad idea and that maybe dating someone else could help me get over it."
Bubbles cocked her head slightly. "Butch told you something different?"
Boomer blushed and looked away while scratching sheepishly at his cheek. "Yeah, um. Butch pretty much asked who she was, then said she's hot, then said why wouldn't I say yes. So, I said yes?"
Bubbles gave him a look. "Don't ask Butch for advice again. And here I thought Buttercup was bad. At least she's not that bad."
Boomer shrugged as he turned back to look at Bubbles. "The greens go with their gut instinct. They live in the moment. If they have an urge to say yes and no real reason not to? They'll say yes."
"True," Bubbles said with a sigh as some hair fell into her eyes.
Boomer reached up to tuck it back behind her ear before letting his hand rest against her cheek. She smiled down softly at him as she leaned into his hand.
"Have you had fun tonight?" He asked her softly. She giggled lightly.
"Silly Boomie. Of course I have. I always have fun when I'm with you."
Boomer swallowed lightly at that. Thank god he hadn't screwed this up for good. He would have hated himself for the rest of time if he had. He felt his eyes widen as Bubbles brought her face close to his.
"Bubs?"
"Are you going to have me make all the first moves or are you going to stop making me wait?" She said with a sly smile.
He didn't need to be told twice. He pushed up slightly and brushed his lips against hers, feather soft. She followed him as he leaned back down to brush her lips against his again only to have him return it again. Sweet, gentle, soft. Everything that was Bubbles. He wasn't in any rush for anything more. Just her being here was all he needed.
"I hope you know I don't plan on letting you go like those other girls did," Bubbles whispered in between kisses.
Boomer chuckled against her lips softly. "Good cause I don't plan on going anywhere."
They continued like that for a while before a cell phone went off demanding why they were still out when it was nearly midnight. Needless to say, neither blue was very happy with the chef of the night after that.
Boomer couldn't help but yawn noisily as they watched the opposing team call yet another time out. They were getting demolished which wasn't really a surprise. Still, it was the first game of the season and there was no way Brick and Boomer wouldn't be there for Butch.
Brick shot him a glare at him for being so loud. "Just had to stay out until midnight. You're lucky Bellum doesn't have a curfew past the city's curfew otherwise you'd have been screwed."
Boomer waved him off. "Stop being such a worry wart. We would have been fine if we'd stayed out a bit longer. Not like the cops can pull us over in the sky."
Brick rolled his eyes. "Maybe not but they'd sure all hell know who you two were. Plus, you're barely awake for the game. You better not let Butch see you yawning like that. I won't stop him from throwing a punch or two at you if he does."
"It wouldn't be the first time so I'm sure I'll live."
Brick gave him a look before sighing and turning back to the court. Butch was quietly chugging water a bit away from the team while the rest of them chatted.
"I wouldn't be so sure. Butch has been in a weird mood after practice lately. Plus, he's usually the center of attention on the team but look, he's off to the side today. Something's off with him and basketball lately."
Boomer's eyebrows drew together as he frowned down at the bench. He'd somewhat noticed what Brick was talking about, but he'd been preoccupied with other things lately and hadn't paid as much attention as he normally did.
"Huh, you're right. Wonder what that's all about."
"I dunno but it can't be good. This is Butch and basketball we're talking about after all."
"You're telling me. I seriously hope he shapes up soon or the other team might just be able to make a comeback." Both Brick and Boomer jumped as Buttercup seemed to come out of nowhere to sit down next to them. She gave them both a cheeky smile before turning her attention back to the game. "Has he been like this all game long?"
Boomer couldn't help but yawn again, more quietly this time, as Buttercup rolled her eyes at him.
"Probably."
Buttercup gave him a look before turning to Brick who shrugged.
"Gotten worse as the game went on. I think it's that Merrick kid's doing."
The guy Butch had meant to keep an eye on but hadn't. Also, the guy who had screwed with Butch's painting and seemed to be into Buttercup.
Said guy hadn't noticed the green puff yet. Brick was a bit worried about what he might do when he did.
Butch had noticed her though. He shot a glance and a nod in her direction before setting his water down and turning to face the court. Time-out was over and they were all headed back to continue the game.
"Merrick huh? He's really been egging Butch on lately hasn't he," Buttercup said mostly to herself. Brick raised an eyebrow but kept his attention on the game.
"Any clue as to why?"
"Notta one. He mention anything to either of you about it?"
Boomer shook his head. Trust a green to miss what was right in front of them. "Nope. Hasn't said a word to us."
Wasn't technically a lie. Brick shot him a look and a smirk before turning back to the game.
"Whatever. The tensions gotten worse since last semester. Has he at least mentioned anything about that?"
Boomer shrugged. "Not really. Could just be because he's in one of his moods."
Buttercup shot him a look that Boomer couldn't help but avoid. He was so no good at lying.
"Cut the crap Boom. You and cap head here both know I'm the one who usually has to deal with snail brain when he snaps. I'm trying to make sure he doesn't do that to Merrick here. Has he seriously not said anything?"
Now Boomer felt kinda bad. He knew the guy had been the one to mess with Butch's painting, Butch had told both of his brothers, but he also was sworn to secrecy. He literally couldn't say anything. Luckily, Brick decided to take over.
"No, he really hasn't said anything. I think the guy just rubs him the wrong way and we all know how Butch feels about basketball. Having someone like that in Butch's holy sport is probably just messing with his head. I wouldn't worry about it too much."
Buttercup narrowed her eyes at Brick and Boomer turned back to the game. He was more than happy to let Brick finish this conversation.
"I might not have any dog in me, but I can smell bullshit from a mile away. Been dealing with it from snail brain long enough to have a special sense for it. You two are hiding something about this from me and I know you are. You're just lucky I also know I won't be able to get it out of you. Don't think this is over though. I'll find out either way."
Brick and Boomer both frowned at that. Buttercup finding out… could be bad. Like really bad. Boomer knew they had to at least try and throw her off the scent.
"Seriously Buttercup, Butch is just in one of his funks. I think he also found some new history project he's working on and adding in the hero stuff? He's probably just distracted. I wouldn't worry too much about it."
Buttercup glared at him. "Bull. Shit. He's more focused than he has been in a long time. I will find out what's going on and you better hope it doesn't piss me off or I'll be hunting you two down." Boomer couldn't help but wince at that. Buttercup's glare focused on him. "Also, daddy dearest knows you're dating Bubs. Been nice knowing you."
And with that Buttercup stood up and stormed out of the gym. Butch shot her a glance while trying to also focus on the game before shooting a look at Brick. Brick waved him off and Butch shook his head slightly before focusing fully on the game again.
"So, I'm dead and Buttercup's on the hunt. Any wise words oh leader of mine?" Boomer asked.
Brick snorted and turned to give him a look. "Yeah, bribe the guy and just maybe he'll only take your X."
"I'm so dead."
Okay, he was officially done. She wouldn't stop laughing at him. It was ridiculous! It wasn't even that funny! In fact, Brick found the whole situation to be straight up offensive.
"You done yet?" Brick asked Blossom dryly.
"I just can't- haha oh my gosh. Seriously, you were- ha - you were essentially the pat on the back," Blossom managed to get out before breaking down into giggles again.
Brick gave her a look. Honestly if it were anyone else right now...
"Yeah yeah. Laugh it up. Just don't go telling everyone about this. I can barely handle the jokes Boom and Butch have been throwing my way."
Blossom laughed harder at that and Brick couldn't really do anything other than sigh. He should have known better. Of course Blossom would find the while Him Abigale situation funny. Of course she would.
"Don't you have student council work you should be working on or something? Anything other than continuing to laugh at me?"
They were currently seated in the junior year student council office, Blossom in her chair and Brick sitting across the table from her. They'd figured it would be the best place to talk about things without prying ears listening in.
"Sorry, really. I just can't believe that she'd actually go for it. I always thought something was off with her but a minion of Him? It explains so much," Blossom said between lingering giggles and catching her breath.
"Yeah. Whatever. The thing now is gunna be how to make her see that Him didn't actually promise me to her. Thank god for that."
"Could he have? I mean, I know that he's essentially the devil and he did bring you three back, but I don't really know all the details. Does he have anything on you like he does Abigale?"
"Nah, we never signed any contracts with Him when he brought us back. Mostly cause he didn't even ask, just went ahead and brought us back. Figured out later it was cause he considered us tools to defeat you three but, well, that ain't gunna happen."
"I know. I just wanted to understand how much control over everything he has. I'm actually a little concerned to find out he has minion families who just willingly do his bidding."
"Eh, that's half cause he rewards them and half cause he's used a few to set some very harsh examples. This is Him after all. I wouldn't worry too much though. Him is all about himself and he apparently finds this whole situation between the ruffs and puffs to be entertaining. That and the fact that six X individuals actually pose a serious threat. Even just you puffs were a threat so now? Now he'll not risk anything."
"Hmmm, I don't know that I like that. I mean, does that mean that somewhere far down the line he'll act out again? Can we trust Him to not do that now?"
"I seriously wouldn't worry too much Blossom. Him doesn't actually want to destroy the world, he just wants to play with it and take advantage of the darkness already in it. He might pop up every now and then for some sort of mental game, but he won't seriously go against us all."
"...that really doesn't make me feel better Brick."
He shrugged. "Best I can do. Him isn't a problem though. Not anymore at least. I wouldn't stress about it. And as for the whole minion family thing? Usually they don't do much beyond buying him the new aerobics work out videos."
Blossom made a face. "He still uses those?"
"Probably. Look, Him was around long before any of us were and he'll be here long after. As long as he stays entertained, we don't have to worry."
"And what about our situation does he find entertaining?"
"...probably all the drama to be honest. I'm sure that he was loving the tension between the blues."
"And now that they're happily together?"
Brick shrugged again. "He'll probably enjoy a good romance story just as much for a while. It's probably safe to assume he'll know most of what goes on in our lives. It's why I don't get why he's demanding tea with us."
"Maybe he wants to make amends?"
"Nah, he's not into the goody two shoes thing. I don't think he'll try turning us again, he's too smart for that, so I really don't know what he wants."
"Well, Mojo seemed to want what was best for his sons, in other words you three. Maybe he convinced Him to want the same thing?"
Brick thought it over before shaking his head. "I doubt it but I'm not stressing over it. I'll figure out what he wants eventually, it just might take a bit."
"Well, as long as he isn't going to be a threat to the city, I say we keep Him entertained for as long as we can. Of all the villains out there, Him has the greatest potential to do the most harm."
"Yeah. He does. Anyways, now that you know about Abigale and the whole deal about meeting Him, I'm gunna bounce. Especially since you don't seem to have any real idea on how to address either issue."
"I'll talk to the council tonight and should have more information after that. I don't see that they'll have a huge issue if one of us is at least within earshot the whole time but we'll see. They'll definitely want to see the contract before you sign it. As for Abigail, I could go talk to her but..."
"Yeah no. Bad idea. I'll handle it. Somehow. In the meantime, just be careful. I'm positive Him isn't a threat but her? Not so sure."
"Okay, I'll keep an eye out then. Thank you for the heads-up Brick."
"Yeah yeah, whatever. Just...don't go telling anyone. Seriously. Last thing I need is for Buttercup or Mitch to catch wind of this," Brick said as he stood up and grabbed his stuff. Blossom gave him a wide grin.
"I won't say anything. Butch though..."
Brick made a face at her. "Don't remind me. See ya later Blossom."
She returned the parting as Brick opened the door and left the student council room. He sighed heavily once the door was shut before turning to make his way down the hall. He didn't get far though before he felt a pair of eyes on him. And whoever it was wasn't happy with him.
Brick quickly spun around to find out who was glaring at him only to make eye contact with Howie. The boy glared for a few more seconds before turning and stomping off. Brick glared after him.
That was an issue and one he should have dealt with a while ago. Hell, he thought he had dealt with it. Oh well, later was better than never. He'd have a talk with Howie. And soon.
"Oh man, this'll be so sick! They're gunna hate it!" Butch cackled as they flew in the direction of Townsville. Buttercup glared.
"Keep it down."
"Why? Not like anyone out here can hear us?"
"You're assuming we weren't noticed. Which I guess we weren't but still, shut your damn trap before they do!"
"Whatever. Still, so glad big bro changed his mind and let us do this."
Buttercup rolled her eyes. "Yeah well, looks like this year Blane actually has the punks under control."
"Lucky for us then eh?"
"I mean, sure, if this is enough to get them to finally do what we need them to. If this doesn't though..."
"Don't sweat the deets Butters. Bro has it covered. The guy never has less than three back up plans."
"I mean, he is a red. I'd be more surprised if that wasn't the case. How are things with him lately anyways? I haven't seen him upset or angry about the girls at school backing off."
"You mean most of them backing off. Abigale's still trying to sink her teeth in. Did Boom-"
"Tell me? Hell yeah he did. Hilarious as shit!" Buttercup said as she cracked up laughing. Butch was quick to join.
"I heard Blossy was cracking up about it too."
Buttercup raised an eyebrow. "Blossy? Not Bossy?"
Butch shrugged. "Eh, felt weird calling her Bossy now that Brick's calling her by her name. Plus, she's like a second leader now, I guess. Felt she needed a nickname upgrade."
"Ha! And yet I still get insults?"
"Huh. Hadn't thought about you."
Buttercup groaned. "You know you're the reason I hate nicknames, right? Literally why I tell everyone else to just call me Buttercup."
"I... didn't. My bad?"
"Are you gunna stop?"
"...probably not?"
Buttercup sighed. "Fine. I guess I've lived with it this long."
"Come on though. I haven't called you Bitterbitch in a while." She gave him a look. "Okay, so maybe I've called you other names but they haven't been the worst names."
"You've been slightly tamer than usual. Only around me though. Had a question about that actually."
"The monster fights get my jitters out. Guess I can't live a happy life without wailing on something."
Buttercup shook her head. "Yeah, not that. I figured that one out already. It's about Merrick actually."
"Ugh, please let me wail on him. Please."
She gave him another look. "Hell to the no. Heroes don't wail on civilians."
"Damn."
Buttercup sighed. "What's up with you and him anyways? You're always glaring at him and vice versa. Hell, anytime you aren't in weight class the guy ends up trying to convince me to lock you up."
Butch scowled at that. "Course he does. Guys a dick and he won't take a fucking clue. I've serious all but actually punched the guy but he won't take a hint. I know he's not dense too so he should be getting it."
"Getting what? What's the issue between you two anyways? Wait, was he the one who messed up your painting?"
Butch was very careful not to tense, freeze, or react in any other way. "Didn't realize you'd heard about that."
"Course I fucking did! Is he the one who did it?"
Buttercup's eyes were glowing ever so slightly, and Butch knew he had to be careful. It was one thing for him to go off on a civ. It was another thing entirely for Buttercup to go after one.
"Nah, wasn't him. Don't know who did that. They didn't leave any clues for me to go off of."
Buttercup watched him for a second or two and Butch was convinced that she saw through him. "Fine! What's the issue then?!"
"I don't even know anymore," Butch whined while also internally letting out a sigh of relief. It was fine. For now. "At first it was just fun to rile him up and I knew you wouldn't get on me for it cause you weren't a fan but then it like got worse. Now he seems to think I'm in his way or something."
"In his way for what Butch? What does he even want?" Buttercup snapped, getting annoyed with the lack of an actual answer.
"You."
"...what?" Buttercup asked, blinking a few times as she attempted to process.
"Yeah. Guy thinks I'm in his way of getting to you. He wasn't really stuck on you at the beginning but sometime at the end of last semester or something it changed. Now he seems stuck on you and convinced that I'm the reason he can't have you. Which is total bullshit."
"Hell yes it is! I cussed the guy out telling him to leave me the fuck alone even! How the hell did he get this...wait. End of last semester? Like around the time you guys found out about Mojo?"
"Yeah. I mean, up to that point I was kinda winding him up a little but afterwards he went on the offensive. I've tried to make it clear he needs to back off but he ain't getting it."
"Shit. That...might be my bad actually."
Butch stopped in midair to glare at her. She stopped as well. "What do you mean it might be your bad?"
"Well I mean, I might have stepped on a trigger? So when you guys found out about Mojo and you were skipping there was a day he came up to me insisting I was going easy on you, which I wasn't, and I cussed him out and told him to back the fuck off. I think I said I don't need watching out for or being protected? I dunno! It was a while ago! Anyways, after that he's left me mostly alone. Hasn't bugged me or anything since really."
"And you think that's why? Kinda a stretch dontcha think?"
"I dunno! I'm not a blue dipshit! I'm no good at reading emotions! It's just, you said he was trying to get with me, right? Well, I cussed him out good after he was trying to convince me that you deserved to be in jail and then I don't hear shit from him. But you? You he actually starts to go at. So maybe, I mean, I just thought that maybe, I stepped on a trigger."
Butch thought about that. "You mean you accidentally made it a challenge he hadn't been aware of? With me as the challenger?"
"Okay, first off, ew. I do not like that thought. Secondly, maybe? Guy's a dick yeah but he seems to stop bugging girls when they say no. I mean, I know he's got plenty he can chose from and all but most of the time they don't say no cause of another guy. They just say no. I mean, I was doing that too but maybe..."
"Maybe he thought it was cause of me. Shit Butters, why you gotta make my life more complicated like this?"
"Oh, don't even! I've been dealing with your bullshit for years!"
"And now I gotta deal with your delusional crush?!"
"Hell no! He's not a crush! I want nothing to do with the guy!"
"I meant-gah! Never mind! I just want the guy to go the fuck away! It ain't funny anymore!"
"...sucks to suck I guess." Buttercup said before continuing for home. Butch was quick to follow.
"Hell no! If you don't want this guy to end up in the hospital, you're helping me get out of this! No way in hell are you getting off easy with this!"
"Why do I have to help?" Buttercup whined. "Now that you're a hero and all, I'm only half on babysitting duty anymore. If you send someone through a wall it isn't me that has to deal with you anymore. It's leader girl."
"And you really want Blossy to have to deal with me with everything else she has going on?"
Buttercup glared at him before turning away with a huff. "Low blow Butchie boy. Low. Blow. Fine! I'll help if I can but I don't know what you expect me to do."
"...date someone? Who's not me?"
"Hell no! How the hell would that help?!"
"I don't know! I'm just thinking of ways to make him realize I'm not in the way between you and him!"
"No one's in the way between him and me cause there isn't a him and me!"
"Well make him realize that!"
"Gah! I'll do what I can. Night!" Buttercup said before picking up speed to zoom home. Butch glared after her for a bit before turning in the direction of his home. He glanced after Buttercup's green streak one last time before taking off at full speed for home himself.
"No! How many times must I say it! That part is subpar, and we won't be using it!" Howie all but screamed at the other boy.
"Howie, we can't afford a better part! We only made so much with the fund raising and we need to get this bit finished by the end of the week or we won't be ready for the competition! It's already February!" The other boy yelled back. Antonio was his name if Brick remembered correctly. Great guy. Really understood coding and was looking to be an engineer of some sort. Computer maybe?
Well. Didn't really matter to Brick.
"If we use this part then the likelihood of the machine breaking in a few years-"
"That's fine! We don't need the thing to last years! It only has to last a few months."
"You gunna keep letting them scream like that at each other?" Another kid, Tyler, asked as he walked up to Brick. Brick shrugged.
"Tony seems to have it handled and I'm not gunna lie, kinda refreshing to see someone else yell at Howie."
Tyler snorted. "If that's how you feel then you should attend all of these sessions. Not a single one goes by where one of us doesn't yell at Howie. Hell, Aubrey even yelled at him a few weeks back and she's the nicest and softest-spoken person I know."
"Hmmm, has it affected things a lot? Are you going to be good for the deadline?"
"Yeah, we'll be fine. Most of us know how to handle Howie. Tony's the one who's been handling most of the arguments. As the second best in the computers class, he's the only one that Howie might listen to."
"Need Blossom or me to step in?"
"Eh, I've heard that you're pretty busy with your own thing and Blossom's always busy. I heard she took on the planning for the dance and that it's actually coming along nicely. Howie's more just annoying than anything else and one of you two stepping in wont for sure make things easier. If it really becomes a problem, we'll let you know though."
"As long as you do. Come to me first though."
Brick could feel Tyler's eyes on him but didn't say anything. The rumors had died down a tiny bit with Bubbles and Boomer now dating but there was still a lot of talk around the school. Brick was just glad they were all starting to get more focused on the dance though it made him sneaking hints in front of Blossom more difficult. She just had to go and say she didn't need help and make his life more difficult.
"Sure thing. If Howie makes Aubrey snap again, we might just."
"Good. In the meantime, let me at least get him out of your hair for a bit."
"Long enough for us to get this piece in?"
Brick gave him a look. "At least that long but you know him, might not do any good."
Tyler shrugged. "It's actually an easier fight if the part's already installed than it is to get him to let us install it. It'd help a lot."
"Consider it done then. Hey! Howie! Need to talk to you for a sec," Brick yelled across the room, startling Howie. Tyler gave Tony a nod and the boy stepped away with the part as Howie went to Brick.
"Thanks," Tyler said before walking over to join Tony. Brick gave him a nod before turning to Howie.
"What could you possibly want?" Howie asked as he reached Brick. He was looking down his nose at Brick while adjusting his glasses. Brick could see that his hand was shaking slightly. This was the first time they'd really talked since the last time. Well, the first time it was just them without Blossom as a buffer.
Brick grimaced at the reminding thought. "I need to talk to you about something. Let's move elsewhere. Don't really want people listening in." Howie glared at Brick, clearly hesitant. Brick scoffed. "I'm not going to hurt you Howie. I literally just want to talk."
Well, he hoped it would be just a talk. Howie had a real way of getting under his skin. The arrogance and unfounded confidence the boy had reminded Brick of too many of the annoying people he'd faced in his past. Half the city council had given him and his brothers a similar look last time they'd seen them all.
"Fine. There is an empty classroom just a few doors down. The teacher allows me to use it for quiet study time after school. Let's talk there."
Howie moved past Brick quickly and started to lead the way. Brick took a deep breath before following. He needed to keep his cool. Last thing he needed was to accidentally burn the guy and have Blossom on him about it. Especially since she didn't know he was having this talk with Howie. Brick was pretty sure if she did know about it that they'd just end up in another fight.
"Here," Howie said as he walked into the room. He didn't bother waiting to see if Brick would follow. With a sigh, Brick entered the room and closed the door behind him. He gave the school a quick scan with his X-ray vision, avoiding looking in the direction of the student government office where he knew Blossom was. Butch was at practice and so was Buttercup. Boomer and Bubbles were nowhere to be seen. Probably on another date. "So. What did you need to speak with me about?"
Brick turned to face Howie. The boy was standing, arms crossed, in the middle of the room.
"Figured you and I needed to talk. Especially since you ignored the things I said last time."
Howie scoffed at that. "I didn't believe what you said at our last encounter was worth giving any credence. You are, after all, a former villain."
Brick took a deep breath. Howie was baiting him, he could tell. Still made it tempting as hell to give in to it.
"Look, Howie, I'm really not a fan of you. That's pretty obvious. And you ain't a fan of me either." Howie rolled his eyes at that. "But I'm not saying this for me or hell, even just for Blossom. You need to back off. If you keep this up your gunna end up hurt."
Howie narrowed his eyes. "Is that a threat?"
Brick sighed through his nose. "Not entirely? I mean, I do plan to start actively keeping you from bothering Blossom but at the end of the day I'm more worried you'll push someone else to their limits first."
"Firstly, I do not bother Blossom," it was Brick's turn to roll his eyes. "Secondly, Blossom would never harm anyone who hasn't committed a crime."
"Oh, I agree. It ain't Blossom I'm worried about you pushing too far, it's my brothers. See, they haven't really had to deal with you at all. I know how bad you really are, but they don't. Now that we've officially joined the hero brigade, my brothers will be seeing a lot more of Blossom even at school. I know that means that they'll also be seeing a lot more of you. Now, that's where the issue is. I have self-control, although not much of it around you. They don't have a lot to start with. Piss them off and they won't hesitate to tear you down Howie."
"The Powerpuff Girls would never-"
"They won't even know. My bros ain't dumb. You piss Boom off and he'll trash your rep so bad that not even moving to another country could fix it. Butch? Well, Butch is a bit of a loose cannon I'll admit but that's only really with Buttercup. With someone like you he'll just keep on showing you over and over what your place is. He'll throw his weight around every time he sees you until you finally understand that you don't hold a chance against a super and you never will."
Howie narrowed his eyes at Brick. "You think that threatening me will leave Blossom open for you to-"
"Oh, for fuck's sake. Even you? Jesus Christ! No! I'm not saying this so I can make a move on Blossom okay? That is not the point! The point is you make moves on Blossom that she doesn't want. She's told you so too! My bros have a lot of patience but seeing someone try over and over to force their thoughts on someone even when it's clear that person isn't interested? Yeah, been there, done that. We don't have a lot of patience for that. Especially when it's happening to a friend and believe it or not Howie, Butch and Boomer consider Blossom a friend. So listen to me for once and back. Off. For good. I mean it Howie."
Howie scoffed at that but gave Brick a side look that said he was actually paying attention to what was being said. Brick might be the Bludgeoner but it was Butch who was the Baron of Berserk and Boomer who was the Dumb and Dumbest. They didn't know where the limits were, not like Brick did at least.
"I will take what you said under advisement," Howie said as he decided he'd had enough of this conversation. He moved to walk past Brick. "Now if you don't mind, I have to get-"
As he was walking past Brick, Brick reached out to grab Howie by the arm, stopping the boy. Howie turned and glared. Brick gave an uninterested look back.
"That...was where I was gunna leave it, but I changed my mind. I have one more thing to add." Howie raised an eyebrow but quickly shrunk back as Brick's eyes began to glow. "You seriously need a reality check Howie and listen to me when I say I only need half an excuse to give you one. I might have patience compared to my brothers, but you wore through that a long, long time ago. I left it alone though cause it wasn't my place. I'm not leaving it alone anymore though. Back the fuck off from Blossom. She's not interested and she's told you so in about a hundred different ways. Enough is fucking enough. Next time I see you bugging her I will get you for it and I'm not like my brothers Howie. They might destroy your social life or your ego but me? I'll destroy ever single possibility of a future you want. Every. Single. One. I will make your life a living hell so seriously, enough is enough."
Howie cowered for a few more seconds as Brick glared at him before Brick finally let him go. The boy's legs had gone weak and he immediately fell into a pile on the floor. Brick glared for a few more seconds before sighing and letting the beams in his eyes dissipate.
"You're a smart guy Howie and not a complete dick. Just slightly deluded. Blossom isn't interested and she never will be. Get that through your thick head and not only will we not have issues, I'm sure you'll also find you're a lot happier in general. Find someone else. Last I heard there were a few girls that might actually be into you if you payed them half a second's worth of attention. Talk to them. Maybe you'll find someone who you really actually like and not someone to have a warped hero worship for."
Brick watched Howie for a few more seconds but it was clear that he wasn't going to reply. With a sigh Brick turned and left the room. Howie stayed like that on the floor for several minutes before, slowly, his teeth began to grind together as his eyes sharpened into a glare at the door Brick had left through.
"That- that dog! Thinking he knows her better than I do! She rescued me! She helped me! It's me she sees, not him! I'll show him. I'll show them all!" Howie hissed as he pulled out his phone and unlocked it.
He pulled up a string of messages he had been exchanging with a group of people he never imagined ever talking to. His fingers hovered over the keyboard for a second before beginning to type out a simple message.
It's a deal.
So this chapter? It's 100% the reason I fell behind. I had the hugest writers block with it and no motivation. The reason being? The blues date. Oh my gosh did I struggle with that thing, probably because I don't have a lot of dating experience (read: next to none). Managed to get through that though! I had a guest on AO3 post a review that gave me the push I needed saying that I was doing a good job with the blues. Whoever you are nameless guest from AO3, you have my thanks. This chapter would have taken twice as long without that (and it was already something I had been working on longer than most chapters). Hope you all think I did the date justice!
Now! Onto the reviews from the past two weeks!
Trase! I so never noticed that with the blues! Thunder and lightening! I'm definitely keeping that in mind, it's such a good parallel for their powers and it makes me want to write them as a crazy storm that drags everyone into their pace (which...they do). I'm really glad to hear you're loving the story. Greens are about to start moving now that blues have had their moment and the reds are in a kind of stopped point (cause Brick doesn't know what to do the silly guy. I'm sure a blue is going to get fed up sooner or later.). For this story, because the puffs and ruffs all grew up together with the ruffs having willing chosen to avoid crime I feel like they would have grown up to be really good friends and, at least on that basic level, protective and supportive of one another. Some of them are just more willing to admit it than others (*cough* silly greens *cough*).
Guest! Hope you enjoyed the new chapter!
I'll be back with another post in two weeks for this one. Till then. Ciao!