Chapter 3

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Butch opened the door at the sound of the knock on the other side. There he saw Buttercup standing in her baggy black pants and her dark green tank, fiddling with her hair. She looked uneasy and he noticed that she was avoiding his eyes. He gave her a hug and she limply hugged back.

So, why'd you wanna come over? He said after letting go of her almost catatonic body. he walked around the couch and motioned for her to sit.

I'll stand... I wanted to talk... She stated slowly. He looked at her and sat down on the couch, a chill running down his spine.

About what? He asked, fearing the answer. She looked down and took in a deep breath. She looked back up into his eyes.



What... What about us? He asked a bit disturbed. He had a feeling where all of this was going. He just wanted to stop it there, before she went any further, but he couldn't speak. He could barely move.

I think... She started to think about what she was going to say. I think it would be good if we took a break... For the both of us... Busy looked away quickly when she saw Butch close his eyes. Tears were stinging his eyes. He wiped them quickly before they threatened to run down his face.

He mumbled. Why now?

I need to think about other things right now... School... My job... My life... She told him sadly. It's for the both of us... We could use this to think about our future...

I have a feeling this is more then a break... I think you want to end this permanently... Butch said quietly. Busy knew he was right, but she didn't want to hurt him anymore then she was already.

It's a break for now, Butch. You never know... Maybe things can change... She said as she thought about her words. Things can change. That's what started this whole damn thing. Because things change.

She shook her head at her words. I should go... She said sadly. Butch rose from his seat and walked to the door. As he opened it, he refused to look up. She walked out and was about to bid him farewell when he shut the door in her face. She turned slowly and walked down the porch stairs. She looked up at the birds flitting around in the sky. She felt a bit of relief as well as fear. It had been so long since she had been single. She wasn't quite sure what to do.

As she walked home, she felt the fear begin to lift with the warm sun on her back. She walked on to her house and found her family waiting for her inside.

Are you OK, sweetie? Blossom asked concerned. Bubbles and her father were standing beside her red sister.

Yeah, I'm OK... I'm actually a little better with the walk home... I'm just worried about Butch... Busy told them. The Professor went up to her and gave her a big hug.

I'm proud of you, Honey. You chose what you wanted to do with your life and your doing it. You're so strong and I'm so proud. He said as he held her in a warm embrace. Buttercup pulled away and looked up at her father.

Thanks, Daddy... I know that this is going to be good for the both of us... He just has to understand it... Just then the phone rang. Bubbles ran and answered it.

Busy... It's for you... I think it's Butch... Buttercup looked uneasy and took the phone.

Her voice rang quietly. She felt her throat tighten up and her heart fall to the pit of her stomach.

Buttercup, would it be OK if I came over and picked my stuff up? Butch's voice asked timidly. Buttercup shook her head yes but said nothing. Then she realized that he couldn't see her nodding her head and quickly answered.

Yes, of course you can...

I'll be over in a little bit... And with that, he hung up the phone. Buttercup felt a chill and went up to her room to go and organize what was his and what was hers. DVDs, books, games, trinkets, clothing. She put them all into a neat pile on her bed so that he could take them when he got there. She looked around the room to see if she had forgotten anything. She then noticed that her room was so empty looking without all the things Butch had left.

There was a knock on the door and Busy went down to answer it, knowing exactly who it would be. She opened the door to find a red eyed Butch.

Oh, God, he's been crying... What have I done? No, stop thinking that way, Buttercup... Be strong... Keep your cool.' She thought to herself. She motioned for him to come in. He drug his feet into the house and up to Buttercup's room, all without making eye contact at all. He saw all the things on the bed and picked them up.

Is there anything else? He asked.

I don't think so... I think this is it... She replied, nodding to the contents on her bed. He looked around the room, seemingly satisfied that she spoke the truth. There was nothing left of his on the walls or in the shelves. He turned around and walked out the door. Buttercup exclaimed. I almost forgot... She ran to her closet and pulled a thick, black CD case. This is yours too... She said, handing him the heavy collection.

Did you take out all of the ones that are yours? Butch asked sadly. Buttercup looked at the CD case that they filled together and felt a coldness run through her. She shook her head.

No... You bought me all my CDs so I figured they're really yours... Besides I have them all on my computer... She replied. He nodded understandingly. She walked him down to the door and looked at him. Goodbye, Butch... I'll see you later? She said, trying to lighten the mood.

Thanks, Sprout... He said nonchalantly.

For what? She asked, confused.

Thank you for loving me... And with those words said, he left.

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