The other day I was rewatching the original PowerPuff Girls series and took this almost 25 year old grown woman on quite a nostalgia trip and helped me laugh outside my work as a healthcare professional in these crazy times. But, it also made me realize several things. Now if you do enjoy the new 2016 series, I mean this as no offense to you and you can enjoy it if you like it! But there's for sure one thing that irks me to no end. And that is Ms. Sara Bellum was completely disrespected and short changed in the new incarnation to supposedly make the series more 'viewer friendly' due to the amount of femininity, for lack of a better word, Ms. Bellum posed. I never saw Ms. Bellum as an inappropriate character. Yes, she is a curvy figured woman with a throaty voice but that doesn't make her inappropriate or give her the ability to send wrong messages? Not at all! That's just who she is as a character. I always saw Ms. Bellum as a model independent woman who had skills and smarts to prove she was more than just a beauty and to not be judged for that sole reason which I always thought was so cool about her. She was always an excellent role model/mother figure to the PowerPuff Girls and had a hand in helping to teach lessons in the original show throughout the time it aired. Ms. Bellum was done dirty and I felt inspired to write about her and give her character the respect she deserves. :) Specifically, I wanted to write a fanfiction for Ms. Bellum and Professor Utonium. Yes, I absolutely ship them and yes, I remember the times we as original fans of the ship and series were trolled several times over a possible attraction being between them, or at least from Professor Utonium. Remember the wedding fake out from the original series between supposedly Ms. Bellum and the Professor? Yeah that was painful. It was funny! But, also painful as a fan of the ship. Haha. ): Honestly, I always thought it would have been kind of awesome and really sweet if the Professor and Ms. Bellum were at least dating each other in the show. Even just to have it as more of a background romance. Like maybe the girls would be in trouble, so Ms. Bellum would call the Professor and they'd be able to work together to help since they both really care about the girls as guardian figures. Also, I know Professor Utonium previously dated Ms. Keane, but in my opinion I just felt like all that was kind of forced to me in that one episode. The Professor and Ms. Bellum just seem like a good pair as both the parental-like figures for the girls when giving them advice, at least to me. I apologize for this A/N being very long winded but I felt the need to express my view on this as a long time fan. Haven't decided how long I was going to make this, but I just really wanted to write fanfiction for these two characters. Specifically this fanfiction is going to be set in the original 1998 series universe.

Hope you all enjoy it!

"Great job girls!" Blossom announced as Bubbles and Buttercup followed her back into the Utonium residence.

All of them smiling and high fiving after a decisive victory against the RowdyRuff Boys trying to play pinball with a wrecking ball they found in the middle of the freeway and causing all sorts of chaotic destruction to Townsville even before the fight started.

"Yeah! We totally kicked their butts! As much as I hate to admit it about those dummies, but they can pack a pretty good punch sometimes." Buttercup admitted, rubbing a slight bruise on her shoulder from the fight.

"I don't know? They all aren't so bad sometimes." Bubbles admitted looking off to the side and giggling to herself.

Blossom and Buttercup exchanged a look between them before rolling their eyes, knowing Bubbles still has a tiny crush on Boomer.

It wasn't anything that got in the way of anything in a fight, but they just still couldn't believe she even admits that Boomer is cute out loud.

"Bubbles, they made you eat a bug that one time, remember? You hate bugs!" Buttercup reminded her, still not believing what they were talking about now.

Then again, they also knew it was harmless since Boomer out of all his brothers was definitely the one who just kind of follows his brothers on everything and isn't really that much of a threat by comparison since he is definitely not the sharpest tool in the shed with a non-existent attention span.

Last time they faced off, both Bubbles and Boomer got simultaneously distracted by a stray cat that came out of an alley dumpster until they were both snapped out of it. Well, Bubbles being snapped out of it while Boomer got smacked on the back of the head by Brick for getting distracted by a cat.

"Well, yeah… but I said it wasn't that bad, remember!" Bubbles responded while Buttercup groaned as she said, "You're so weird."

Blossom stood off to the side and just laughed and shook her head at her sisters until all of them stopped when they heard what sounded like humming upstairs.

The girls all exchanged curious glances between them as they tried to silently float up stairs.

They kept following the noise until they found the source. The girls all stopped and stared in curiosity at the Professor fixing his tie in the mirror of the hall bathroom as he smiled and hummed to himself. But, that wasn't the cause for the girls' eyes being glued on their father, considering they see him in a tie every day and he fixes it almost constantly.

Unlike the usual white lab coat he wears over his tie and dress shirt, he was instead sporting a black suit jacket that looked as pressed to perfection as everything else he usually wears.

"Professor?" The girls all eventually said in unison to get his attention as they kept curiously looking at him.

Professor Utonium jumped slightly as he looked toward them before saying, sounding caught off guard, "Oh, h-hello girls! I… I didn't expect you to be home so soon."

The girls all tilted their heads before Blossom chimed in, "Are you okay, professor?"

The professor fumbled a little with the comb he also happened to be holding, before catching it at the last second, and responding, "Y-yes! Yes! Everything is fine. Nothing interesting."

"Then what's with the suit?" Buttercup questioned. "Um…" The professor stammered before Bubbles cut in with, "Yeah, and you smell really nice too. Oh! Are we having a birthday party?!"

"We're not having a party, Bubbles! It's not even any of our birthdays." Buttercup cut in, crossing her arms.

"Hey maybe the professor just wanted to dress up?" Blossom rationalized. "Yeah right? Since when was the last time we saw him wear a suit?" Buttercup argues.

The girls all kept talking over each other as they kept going back and forth until the professor finally yelled, "Girls! Please!"

The three went quiet as they looked back at the professor, who was now looking nervous and flustered as he pinched the bridge of his nose before letting out a sigh.

"Professor?" They all said in unison, a hint of concern in their voices.

(The Professor's POV)

I couldn't help it as I scrapped my hand down my face.

I didn't know how to explain, but I knew that I had to say something. Even I really don't know exactly what I'm getting myself ready for right now?

"Professor?" I heard Bubbles say as I glanced over only to see all their eyes fixated on me.

Come on Utonium. You're a scientist used to dealing with complicated matters. You can do this.

I tried to calm down even though I could already feel the perspiration forming on my forehead.

Oh no.

I managed to let out a deep breath before straightening up and answering, "It's nothing girls. I'm only going out to discuss things over dinner."

"Dinner? With who?" Blossom inquired.

Oh... why?

This was exactly the reason why I was hoping to escape the house and have the mayor here to babysit before they got home from the city. I didn't want any confrontation with this topic that was even perplexing me.

But, I knew I was caught and I knew I couldn't escape without telling them the truth despite getting a false reaction.

I sighed before straightening my tie as casually as I could muster before closing my eyes and saying, trying to sound as matter of fact as possible, "Well, I'm having dinner with Ms. Bellum."

My response was met with silence, causing me to crack my right eye open only to see my girls exchanging surprised looks.

I thought I somehow upset them until all of a sudden I thought I had heart palpitations when they suddenly erupted into high pitched squeals and they started practicing buzzing around me.

"The professor's dating Ms. Bellum!" They all screamed, sounding absolutely overjoyed.

I felt overwhelmed as I tried to calm the situation down by saying, "No girls! It's not a date!"

All of them immediately stopped and gave me looks of total confusion.

"But, you said you were having dinner with Ms. Bellum?" Bubbles pointed out. "Yes, just as two mutual acquaintances having dinner and adult conversation together." I said, trying to maintain my composure.

"But you're dressed up?" Buttercup added.

"Because we're having dinner at a high class establishment in the city that requires formal clothing." I responded as evenly as possible.

"But talking about what? How did you and Ms. Bellum even end up having dinner together?" Blossom questioned me even further.

I felt like they completely backed me into a corner.

My little girls have officially put me into the proverbial rock and hard place situation. But honestly… I really didn't even know how to respond?

However, I knew I was stuck.

I sighed before starting, "Well… I was in Townsville giving a seminar on educational advancement and its benefits today at the local college. Surprisingly it was a pretty decent crowd for a reserved seminar but…"

Earlier that day

"Good morning everyone, I am Professor Antonio Utonium. It's a bit early but since most of us seem accounted for I'll go ahead and start this informative presentation. Today I have been asked to relay to you all the facts and benefits of educational advancement and its impact on um… on your um… uh…" I stopped when I saw someone walk into the side door who I knew all too well and did not expect to come.

Ms. Bellum? What's she doing here?

I kept watching her as she took her place in the third row before putting her focus on me. Luckily she seemed to attract others attention to distract them from my stumbling until I heard, "Psst, professor."

I saw the dean giving me the gesture to move forward, so I cleared my throat and said, "I apologize. Um… to continue. There are many benefits to pursuing advancement in one's education. Aside from the privilege of giving one the chance to attain higher knowledge, it can lead to job opportunities and of course increased in salary. But, to me it's not about the money why one should want to pursue higher education. To me, it's about looking at the aspect of immense enrichment. Here, allow me to present some examples."

I could still feel her gaze in particular on me for whatever reason, well I personally knew the reason why a bit for myself which was why I decided to find other points for my focus… and thank goodness for this chalkboard.

I can get through this! I present all the time so why am I feeling a sense of nervousness? Maybe… well, nevermind.

I tried to focus as I started to write up the points for my thesis statement on the chalkboard.

30 minutes later

({No POV})

People started to file out of the auditorium as the professor started to gather his notes into a briefcase since the presentation had concluded.

He kept packing up until he heard a familiar smooth voice behind him say, "I really enjoyed your presentation, Professor."

The professor whipped his head behind him to see Ms. Bellum standing there. A notebook held close to her chest in one hand and a shoulder bag hanging off to the side of her.

"O-oh, why… why thank you, Ms. Bellum. I was surprised to see you here." He stuttered nervously, wondering why she was even here on a Friday morning when she's usually at work and why she was going out of her way to speak to him if all people in his opinion?

Ms. Bellum gave him a slight smile as she said, "I noticed the sign for your seminar when I was here taking one of my courses the other day and decided to get a ticket. I thought I came on time after fighting traffic so I apologize for interrupting your introduction."

The professor didn't even think of her coming in during the introduction as rude.

Mainly because he started a couple minutes earlier, but also because he was just more surprised to see her in attendance at a college seminar and allowed it to distract him.

Plus, more importantly, he was even more interested at her mention of classes.

"N-not at all! But, I had no idea you took classes here… not that you couldn't take classes. I mean, uh…" He stammered until Ms. Bellum saved him from digging himself into an accidental hole as she laughed a little and said, "It's fine, professor. I've been taking classes a little at a time here to get my Master's degree. So, I thought I'd catch your seminar before I had to go to my class since it seemed to apply to my situation. I can also see why you're always asked to present and teach courses. You're a very good public speaker. If you don't mind me saying so?"

The professor was almost in a state of shock by everything that happened to be occurring at the present moment.

Even though he knows her and they talked in passing on many occasions before, this was the longest they've ever really spoken to each other.

He was pulled out of his thoughts as she glanced at her watch and said, "I'm sorry. I was hoping to ask you some questions and for your opinion on some things but I have to go to my class and I'm guessing you'll probably be busy today. But, I'd really like to talk to you more about this if you're interested? If you're free tonight, maybe we can talk over dinner together if you're interested in talking and letting me pick your brain a bit more with some questions. Here."

Ms. Bellum pulled out a business card that had her name and both her work and home phone numbers.

The professor stared at the card in total shock as he heard Ms. Bellum explain, "I'll be in the office from 11 to 5 today but call my home number if you call later. We can work out the details of where if you're interested?"

Still in a state of shock that any of this even occurred, all the professor could do was just look at her and nod before trying to as subtly as possible swallow a lump in his throat.

"Perfect. Just call and let me know if you have time. Thank you professor. " She said with a smile before turning on her heels and walking away, leaving the professor in a state of shock about what exactly just happened.

Present

(The Professor's POV)

I was waiting for something but all the girls just kept doing was stare at me.

But, not that I don't blame their shocked reaction since I'm also still completely flabbergasted about this whole situation. Not that it was unwelcome, not at all! But, even I still don't understand why Ms. Bellum actually attended my seminar, approached me, and much less asked me to call her so we could talk over dinner.

About what exactly I still have no idea?

Was it just about the seminar?

Then when I worked up the courage to call and she suggested a nice Italian bistro near city hall… I was even more floored.

Why would she want to go out for a formal dinner with me of all people?

But, perhaps I'm reading too far into it. After all, it wasn't a date. It's just dinner, right?…

"Professor?" I heard Bubbles say, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Are you saying… Ms. Bellum asked you on a date?!" She exclaimed in absolute excitement as her sisters followed suit.

"Girls please! Calm down. As I have said, it's not a date. Ms. Bellum merely inquired if I wanted to meet for dinner to talk. No mention of a date. It's nothing really." I explained, trying to calm things down.

"Oh yeah? Then why are you all sweaty?" Buttercup questioned. "Um…" was all I was able to stammer as Bubbles said, "Yeah, and why is your face all red?" I continued to stammer as I kept getting painted into a corner and looking for an escape as Blossom said, "And why are you going to a fancy restaurant with her then?"

Just as I thought I was done for I heard the doorbell and immediately straightened up as I darted out and exclaimed in elation, "Oh good the babysitter!"

I ran to the door and looked down as I saw the Mayor standing on the front stoop and waving and I was still feeling absolute elation at the escape he gave me.

"Hello Professor! Looks like you're going somewhere fancy, hm?" He greeted, seeing me in a suit. I had no idea if Ms. Bellum told the Mayor anything but I didn't want to keep bringing it up if she didn't want anyone to know.

"Hello Mayor. Thank you for babysitting on such short notice." I expressed.

"Absolutely! Go have fun! I'll be here." The mayor sat down in one of the living room arm chairs as I made an escape out the door, got in my car, and tried to get on my way before I was asked any more questions.

({No POV})

The girls all sped downstairs only to see the professor gone and the Mayor sitting in the chair.

They all darted in front of him as Blossom started, "Mayor, did you know the professor was going out with Ms. Bell… um?"

It was at that point that they realized the Mayor was already in a deep slumber on the chair as they heard a loud snore come from him.

"Oh for crying out loud!" Buttercup complained while simultaneously throwing her arms in the air, only saying what both her sisters were thinking in regard to the current situation with the professor and Ms. Bellum. Especially knowing the Mayor was going to be out cold for a while and is an extremely heavy sleeper.

But the question remained.

If the professor kept insisting it wasn't a date then… what?

I hope you all enjoyed part 1! Like I said, I don't know how many chapters this will be or how far I'll go with this story, but just let me know if you liked it and want me to continue! Though part 2 will probably come up soon though regardless. (; Also, fun trivia fact! I just recently learned a little known fact from several different sources that officially Professor Utonium's first name is Antonio. So, I'm sticking to it! Haha. :D Anyway, thank you all so much for reading and constructive reviews are always appreciated. Hope you all are staying safe and careful out there!

Stay Classy and healthy!

Dexter1995