Over time, as the girls became more involved in the social scene, both in real life and online, they'd learned to brush off criticism regarding their attire and general way of life. They'd occasionally retort with a smart remark if they were feeling fed up enough. The following Monday was one of those days. They'd decided to walk to school for a breath of fresh air when they were hounded by a college student seemingly in her early 20's. She went at them with the usual "Halloween is over" shtick most goths were used to hearing. Buttercup had the perfect response.

"I probably give better head than you with your passive-aggressive 1960's conservative jock attitude. Grow up, lady."

"Excuse me, you little bitch!?"

The older girl pulled the puff back around. Buttercup swiftly countered with an arm lock.

"You don't seem to understand how things work here. We've been protecting this city since you were suckin' every dick on the football team. The least assholes like you can do is let us live our lives in peace."

"Let me go!"

To the girl's surprise, Buttercup obliged. She spun back to face her former target.

"See? We ain't so bad. We're just tryin' to get to school. Just chill out and we'll forget about the whole thing, all right?"

The girl gulped, nodding in compliance. Buttercup faced forward and began walking away with her sisters.

"Oh, and don't bother trying to have your friends jump us. It won't end any better for them."

The girl stood motionless, stunned by how quickly the tables turned against her. Maybe that edgelord had a point...

Later in the day, the girls smoked cigarettes and chugged a few shots of booze by the side of the school. After their little exchange that morning, they didn't feel like talking to anyone.

"This sucks," Buttercup complained, "I'm so fucking bored. I say we head home."

"Agreed." Blossom concurred. Bubbles silently nodded. The trio finished their afternoon recreation and flew off without anyone noticing. If the professor asked, they'd just tell him Bubbles wasn't feeling well.

The girls snuck out to a local club after ten that night. They each ordered a cup of coffee so as not to arouse suspicion about their age.

"Seems laid back enough." Buttercup assessed.

"You feel like dancin'?" Blossom inquired.

"Nah. Not really."

"Me neither."

Bubbles pulled three DS systems out of her bag. The girls traded Pokémon and played through the story campaign while they took in the scenery. They headed home around midnight.