(BRICK'S POV):

I had been at it again. This time, for nearly three and a half hours. I was getting better with each session. This was only day three and I had made it all the way to level thirty-four. It was kind of odd how the machine scaled the different enemies. Before, I had been fighting a group of building sized monsters. Now, I was up against beings with similar powers to my own. They gave me a hell of a challenge, but I still came out on top. After finishing off my last opponent, I decided to power down the chamber.

It was Saturday morning. We didn't have school today so I decided to fly over to the Puff's house for some more training. After last night, I couldn't help but come back.

I grabbed the brand new hat from my head and looked directly at it. I wasn't expecting for Butch to approach me the way that he did, let alone say what he said.

~Last Night~

"Come on! Let me pick the movie this time!" Boomer whined from the other side of the couch.

"No way! You wanna watch that stupid kids movie again! I want to see some gore! Put on a horror flick! I vote for Headless Part 2!" Butch protested.

Bubbles quickly stood up and grabbed the remote. "We are NOT watching some lame slasher! Besides, it's my week to pick and I choose From Riches to Rags."

"Bullshit! You picked the last two movies!"

"Guess you gotta deal with it."

I sighed and got up from the couch. "I'm gonna go step out for a minute." I said to each of them. They all looked at me like something was wrong. "Relax you guys. Just getting some fresh air."

"Are you sure Brick? Are you feeling alright?" Blossom asked.

"Yeah, it's nothing. You guys go ahead and pick the next movie. I'll be back."

I decided to walk out front and take a seat on the step. I had so many things to think about. So many things that I still wanted to sort out. One thing that I wanted to do in particular was visit Mojo.

To think that he had gone into complete seclusion was nuts! He was the most proud villain in the world. No one was more excited to blow up a convenient store than him. I made it a point to go and see him soon. Maybe tomorrow or Sunday with my brothers.

As crazy as it may sound, I needed his help. I wanted to know what Butch had genetically that I didn't. I mean, all three of us have HIM's demonic blood within us. The only issue is that Butch is the only one who can tap into it. I can't go get the answer from HIM. If anyone can help me now, it would be Mojo. He, aside from maybe HIM, knew more about us than anyone. He was our original creator and could run scans on our DNA.

I looked down at my palms and glared. I wanted it more than Butch did. I deserved to have it too! Why couldn't it be me? Why couldn't I tap into it like he did?!

Every single day for the past three years. I've been hoping that it would randomly happen. I'd be gifted with the same transformation. I kept telling myself that it just wasn't meant to be. I was trying desperately to convince myself that I didn't need it.

That was such a joke! One of the six strongest living creatures on the planet was ready to throw a temper tantrum because he was weak. I'm shameful!

"Brick?"

I lifted my head up and turned to look at my green eyed brother. His arms were folded and he had an impassive leer on his face. I took note of the bag in his hands.

"What are you doing? Go back inside."

He sighed before taking a seat on the step higher than me. "No can do. Bubs was dead set on making us watch that corny ass film. I'm good on that one."

"Whatever man."

We sat there in silence for a few minutes. The tension was obviously still there. This was the first time we've spoken after what happened at lunch. Needless to say, it was awkward. Was he still angry? I sure as hell was bitter about getting dropped the way I did.

"You know that you're really smart right?"

I couldn't help but scoff at his words. "Flattering doesn't suit you, Butch."

"You're way better at talking to people than me."

"Where are you going with this?" I asked.

"I'm pretty sure Blossom likes you the most-"

"DUDE! Why are you saying all of this?"

He gave me a sharp stare and it kind of startled me. "Why do you think so? It's because I'm kind of jealous of your sorry ass."

Did he just say that he was jealous? "Why would you be? You've got the power."

"What's up with you and that same sob story? Who the hell cares about that? It's literally just you! No one goes around saying that they want to be a demon! Just give it a rest already man!"

"I know that it sounds pathetic, but I can't just let it go. Our last little confrontation reminded me about why. When it comes down to it, I can't beat you."

"...It's like you value my power more than anyone else. I haven't even gotten the chance to understand it. I'm pretty sure I blew my chances of mastering it the other today. Not sure why though."

"Just leave me alone already."

I heard him ruffling around in his bag before tapping my shoulder with something. I turned to see a solid red hat.

"You probably miss your old one so I picked this one up with Buttercup earlier."

I reached out and grabbed it from him. "It really does look like my old hat. Why'd you pick it up for me? We haven't exactly been on the best of terms lately."

"It's because I'm sorry. I shouldn't have hit you. Look, I was being a dick…You were kind of being a dick. Let's just move past it already."

I raised a brow. "What's with the sudden change of heart?"

"Cool it man. I'm still not bowing down to you anymore. I just wanted you to know that I'm trying to change. I don't want to keep trying to be a better version of you. Like I said before, I'm done being in your shadow. I've been so confused about everything in my life so far. It hasn't even been a full week since we've been free! I'm still unsure about who I am and what I wanna be."

"I think I'm going through the same thing." I admitted.

His eyes seemed focused. Dare I say, serious. They had that dark green appearance with that mysterious aura. Whatever he was thinking right now, it seemed to be troubling him.

"Tell me something. What do you think of Buttercup?"

"In what regard?" I asked suspiciously.

"I don't know! Any regard I guess."

"I can't really say for sure. I mean' she's pretty headstrong and tough as nails. She's the real deal when it comes to combat and her determination to herself is admirable."

He sighed. "Is that it? You can't think of anything else to say? You know, in terms of her being a girl?"

"I mean, she's very much attractive but I gotta say, she's not really my type. Her sparky attitude and violent mannerisms aren't really my thing. That and I don't have a fetish for pain. Why do you even ask?"

He shrugged. "After hanging out with her the other day, I began to see her as less of a pain in the ass and more like someone I could really talk to. If I had to sum her up into one word, I'd say that she's…well, fun. I think I might actually enjoy her company or whatever."

"Now you've got me wondering. What do you think of Blossom then?" I asked.

"...I guess she's the person that I want to prove myself to. She's kind and caring. She's motivated as a true hero and I guess that makes her a good role model in my eyes."

"You like her don't you?"

"...Yeah, I do. Then again, things haven't been as black and white as I've made them out to be. I'm definitely more confused than I was before."

"What's there to be confused about?" I asked.

"Buttercup…"

"What does Buttercup have to do with you being confused with Bloss-" Then a thought occurred to me. "Before, you said you spent ALL day with her yesterday?"

"Yeah, so what?"

"You don't think that you're into her at all?"

He gave me a slight glare. "Is that some kind of sick joke or something? No way I like her like that. She's just not a total drag like I thought she'd be. Doesn't mean that I think she's hot or funny or anything!"

"And you're sure about that?"

"What is this? You sitting here questioning me like you're Sherlock fucking Holmes is getting pretty annoying. Lay off the prying, will ya?"

I shrugged. "If that's what you want, little brother."

"Why can't you go a full minute without pissing me off? Huh Brick?"

I shook my head. "Seriously...Thanks for this."

"For what? Yelling at you? I do that all the time. You're kind of a douche."

"No, you idiot! I meant talking. Also the new hat. I really am glad that you got it for me."

His face grew a tad bit redder as he scoffed and turned away from me. "Quit making such a big deal out of it. It's just a stupid hat!"

I put it on and adjusted it. The thing fit perfectly. It felt good to have a RED hat again. I forgot how much I needed it.

"Well, how do I look?"

"Like my piece of shit brother. How does it fit?" He asked.

"Feels good! Just like it should."

"Good. Now stop brooding and come back inside. They're not starting the next movie without you."

I stood up and grabbed his shoulder. "I've changed too. As of right now, I'm solemnly swearing to never lose to you again. I'm gonna get stronger than even you. With or without demonic boosts, I'll be the leader that you'll respect."

He gave me his usual devil-like smirk before turning away from me. "I'll be looking forward to that. The next time I beat your ass, it'll be while I'm still conscious."

~Present~

Those words played over and over again. Our talk felt just like how I wanted it. Serious and personal without all of the bullshit to go with it. Thankfully I didn't say anything to screw it up either. He even gave me an apology. I don't know what to really make of it all. Should I give him something back? What would he even want?! This was way too complicated!

"Brick?"

I shook my head and took a quick glance at Blossom. "Yeah? What's wrong?"

"You seemed spaced out so I thought I'd come and check on you."

"No! I'm uh, I'm all good." I got up and stretched a bit. "You know what? I'm gonna take off."

I noticed her face fall a bit before deciding to give me a nod. "Okay." Before I could get too far, she quickly stopped me. "Will you be free tomorrow?"

I shrugged. "What's going on tomorrow?"

"I wanted your help with a community project. I thought that it would be the perfect thing to help clear your reputation."

"Can my brothers tag along?"

"Of course! It'll be good for all three of you."

I nodded. "Alright, I'll let them know. We'll see you tomorrow."

"Very good! I'll text you the address tonight."

Don't know why her sending me a simple message made me feel good but it did for whatever reason.

"Right." With that, I flew off back to the apartment pondering on her request. It made sense. People certainly still saw the three of us as threats. Maybe giving our services to the city would help persuade them to change their outlook on us.

I entered the building and immediately saw Boomer sitting on a small white couch playing a game on another handheld.

"Hey Brick…" He muttered without losing focus.

"Where'd the couch come from?"

"I got it earlier. Butch gave me some cash and told me to pick up some furniture before he left out with Buttercup."

"So you bought a couch?"

"Among other things."

I folded my arms. "Such as?"

"Go and see for yourself."

I walked towards my room first and saw a full sized bed with red sheets and a standing mirror.

"BOOMER!"

The blue eyed blonde dashed over to me and glared. "WHAT IS IT?! WHY ARE YOU YELLING?!"

"What the hell did you get me a mirror for?"

He shrugged. "Bubbles said that it would be something that you'd appreciate. Judging by your reaction, I'm assuming that you don't."

"It's more of a what's the point. I don't have many clothes to play dress up in so what am I supposed to use it for?"

"I don't know! Practice your pick up lines. I'm sure Ms. Pink would LOVE that."

I held back my sudden urge to backhand the grin off of his face. "So what did you put in YOUR room?"

"Uh...not much."

I shoved him aside and stomped over to his and Butch's room. Apparently he decked the place out with two dressers, a blue bean bag chair, a black desk and a large bunk bed.

"How much did Butch give you? And why is this room more packed than mine?!"

"Butch gave me about five hundred bucks from a relief check that he got from his boss after technically getting injured on the job. Plus a tip that he got from Princess. Also Bubbles got us a TV. It should be here in a few days."

"Dude! Why did he even want a bunk bed?"

He scratched the back of his head with a nervous chuckle. "You see, I kinda got carried away with the spending and blew more of the money than he told me to. He doesn't exactly know that I spent an extra two hundred on the adult bunk bed."

"Why Boomer?! Why would you do that?"

"I've always wanted one! If we have to share a room then I want the full experience!"

"You're an idiot! You know he's gonna kick your ass when he gets home right?"

"No! He's gonna love the bunk bed! Trust me on this."

"Whatever you say, Boomer."

"I've been wondering something, Brick."

I walked towards the kitchen and opened the fridge. To my surprise, it was completely stocked. I did see a few things with Butch's name scribbled on it. Guess he went grocery shopping today. I wasn't really used to Butch taking on so much responsibility. He got a job and instantly started providing for us. It was a level of maturity that I still have yet to show. It honestly felt weird.

"Huh? You say something Boomer?"

He sent me another glare. "Are you even listening?! I asked what you've been up to lately!"

"None of your business!" I accidentally shouted defensively.

"What?! I'm your baby brother! You have an obligation to tell me everything!"

"Leave me alone Boomer."

"Man! Between Butch working and you being a secretive douche, I fell like I'm the only one that has nothing going on!"

"That sounds like a YOU problem! Go figure it out on your own!"

His gaze lingered before he spoke up. "Every time I see you, you're always banged up and exhausted. Bubbles also told me that you've been at her house a few times this week. What are you hiding?"

"It's nothing for you to be concerned with. Everything is fine! Just drop it already." I grabbed a soda can from the fridge and cracked it open.

"I'm not as dumb as you guys think. You've both been acting weird for a while now. I just want to know what happened."

"Like I said, drop it."

I remained silent as he walked out of the kitchen and towards the leather couch. He grabbed his gaming device and started playing again.

Wasn't too sure what his deal was. I don't know what made him think that something weird was going on. Not like I've got any control over Butch so what the hell is he giving me flack for?

Something else was rubbing me the wrong way. When did Boomer get so cautious? He never questioned either of us before. Now he was investigating whatever turmoil we had? Didn't seem right. Not for him at least. I couldn't figure him out which made me even more irritated. I can't stand not knowing what's going through their heads. First Butch and now this? Maybe he really was more than what he led us to believe. I didn't doubt that he'd grown a tad bit mature. However, he was definitely still the younger sibling.

Later that Evening…

I had finished up some more assignments from school that wouldn't be due until next Friday. I felt much more at ease knocking them out early. Gave me plenty of time to plan out my week. First things first, I need a job. There's no way I'm relying on Butch to manage our financial situation. Second thing was dealing with the anger management classes along with the community service.

I suppose Blossom's plan might help with that. Things should be fine. I had optimism for the future. School would go well, the three of us would be living comfortably, and the city would give us a chance to show our growth. We'll prove ourselves!

Yeah… It's gonna be okay. I know it!