Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters of the Demashitaa! Powerpuff Girls Z anime.

The storyline and any OCs are my ONLY property.

This merely serves as entertainment for the viewers!

(Warning: This story is rated T; it contains violence, vulgar language, and minor suggestive adult themes. Read at your own risk.)

Narrator/Third Person's P.O.V.

It was already morning, and as the birds began to chirp as opposed to crows that the place was used to, one man laid his head on his desk as his snoring was the only thing that could be heard in the office space. The door swung open, yet he still laid there asleep as his hair covered his fair face.

Crimson red eyes scanned the office, turning into annoyance as it caught sight of the man on his desk. Groaning, the tall man with red hair closed the door behind him and approached the desk. Without any hesitation, he slammed his hand hard on the desk.

"Aah!" The raven-haired man exclaimed, his eyes shooting wide open. "What the hell?!"

Rubbing his face in frustration, Butch looked up to glare at his brother who just smirked at him. "Did Butchie not get enough sleep?"

"Fuck you, man, you could've just called." He replied, quickly snatching the hair tie he had on his desk.

"Why'd you sleep here, anyway?"

Butch sighed as his hair was now pulled back into his usual ponytail. "I didn't even notice that I fell asleep." He answered. "With all this work, I'm spending more time in this damn office."

"You and me both." Brick said before leaning against the walls of his brother's office. "Are you looking for more recruits?"

He shook his head. "Mojo told me not to. Said he got it covered."

"So I had to look through a ton of databases for nothing?" Brick exclaimed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "This place is becoming a total mess."

"Nobody expected that sudden progress so people here have been running around and stressing so much about this, including us."

"I just want to get a full 8-hour sleep, my eyes are killing me man."

"You know we can't." Butch said, raking his hands through his hair. "As much as I want to just take a few days off, you know that the boss isn't having it. They want this project done so bad and it's starting to drive me nuts."

Brick crossed his arms. "Makes you realize what fucked up shit we signed up for, doesn't it?"

Butch looked at his brother with a serious look on his face. But it quickly faded as he leaned back in his chair. "So, why are you here anyway?"

"Came to drop off this," He started, pulling out a flash drive from his pocket and putting it down in front of him. "And to ask you something."

"What is it?" He asked as he took the flash drive.

"What's up with Boomer and Bright?"

Butch raised his eyebrow in confusion. "Those two?" He asked. "What do you mean by what's up with them?"

"Heard that Boomer asked her out." Brick answered. "Did you know about this?"

"Does it look like I'd know about him and his girlfriend?"

Brick rolled his eyes. "I'm just curious." He stated. "Because apparently, you saw them together a few days ago."

"Yeah, I was just grateful that they weren't eating each other's faces off when I saw them."

"Now you know what we feel when you're the one making out with girls right in front of us." Brick said, chuckling. "Good thing Butterfly doesn't seem to get jealous."

Butch's face turned serious, though a hint of embarrassment could also be seen. "We're not together, why should she?"

"Sure, and you stepping in to get her away from Kazuo last night wasn't your jealousy kicking in either." Butch's eyes widened in shock, making Brick laugh harder. "Yeah dude, I saw you."

"I just reminded him that he needed to get his ass out of there and start working."

"Keep telling yourself that."

"I'm serious."

"So you don't like her then?"

"What?" Butch asked, a bit taken aback. "So I've been hanging out with her on missions, big deal."

Brick raised his eyebrow at him. "So you're telling me that you haven't been with any other girl ever since Butterfly and her sisters came into the agency?"

"W-Well, I've been busy."

"Sure you were."

Butch glared at his brother, his eye twitching in irritation. "Why're you suddenly asking me these questions?"

"It's just hilarious seeing you flustered." He replied. "Surely livens up a very boring morning for me."

Butch scoffed, "And you're telling me that you're not attracted to Bloom in any way?" He asked, smirking. "Seems out of character for you to be interested in Boomer's relationships, even mine for that matter."

"So what if I do?" He retorted. "As if anyone's getting through to that woman."

"Looks like she's as stubborn as you."

"Yeah, could never understand what she's thinking."

"That makes two of us then."

Brick chuckled, finally standing up straight. "I should get going then, just call me if you need any more stuff for your division." He said, walking towards the door. Before leaving, he glanced over his shoulder. "Don't forget to tell Boomer to be careful, considering the fact that they aren't aware of what's happening."

His face turning serious once more, Butch merely nodded. "I'll let him know."

As Brick left his office, Butch sighed. No matter how much he tried to deny it, he has been acting differently, especially when it comes to her. There was something weird going on with him whenever he saw her. He thought that that undeniable attraction to her would fade after a while, but it kept pulling him back.

What the fuck has Butterfly done to him?

He couldn't wrap his head around it, but he wants it to stop, now.

A few hours passed, and Bloom had finished doing another round of researching. It seemed as though the stones of legend still had more details to it that they had missed, leading her to call the help of one of her colleagues back at LUX. It was going to take some time and they're going to have to wait a bit longer.

Now, she only hopes that they weren't too late to uncover the R.I.D.'s true motives.

She now sat in Brick's room. After they talked about burying the hatchet between them, Bloom spends her free time watching her favorite romance movies on his TV. With everything that was happening, she just wanted to relax for a while especially since she wasn't getting that many missions anymore.

Hugging the throw pillow tight, her eyes were completely glued to the screen. She began to tear up as the movie began to reach its climax. Not paying mind to the sound of the door opening, Bloom remained invested in what she was watching.

Curious, Brick slowly stepped into his room. "Uhm, Bloom?"

"Shh!" She exclaimed, raising her finger to her lips. "It's just about to get to the good part."

He chuckled at her statement. Slowly making his way towards her, he sat down on the couch. Putting down a paper bag he was holding on the coffee table, he asked, "So, what are you watching?"

"The Faker and Her Lover."

"Huh, never heard of it."

"Seriously?" She exclaimed with wide eyes. "You have to watch, it's amazing!"

"In the middle of the movie?"

Bloom gasped, "You're right!" Before Brick could say something, she quickly covered his eyes. "You can't watch it yet! You'll get spoiled!"

"Woah, okay, relax," Brick said, gently holding her hands and pulling them away. "I won't watch it, calm down."

Sighing in relief, Bloom took the pillow again and held it to her chest. "Didn't think you'd be back here at this time, you've been off somewhere doing god knows what for a few days now." She said, "But anyway, what's that?"

His eyes darted to the paper bag on the table. Grabbing it, he took out two plastic containers from it. "Just took some snacks before leaving the office, do you want some?"

Holding it out to her, Bloom realized that a slice of strawberry shortcake was in the container. Can't help but feel so happy, her eyes began to twinkle like stars as her face came closer to the dessert. "Y-You… you got cake?!" She exclaimed. "Can I really have some?!"

A bit taken aback by her excitement, Brick smirked, "Yeah, here." He replied, placing the container on her lap.

Squealing, she quickly opened it and took the small fork that it had inside. Scooping a piece for her, she munched on it in delight. Her face practically shined as she took in its goodness.

"So delicious~" She said, looking back at Brick. "Thanks a lot!"

Chuckling, Brick took his own container. "You're welcome." He replied, opening it as he took a bite for himself. "Didn't know you liked cakes."

"Anything sweet, basically." She corrected. "I've been trying to curb my cravings for desserts, but this just tastes so good that I can't help myself."

"Are strawberries your favorite?"

"Mhmm."

"I see, this was the only one they had downstairs so I couldn't get the one I wanted."

"Which is?"

"A peach (momo) cake."

Bloom suddenly choked on her cake at the mention of the word peach. Shocked, Brick quickly tried to calm her down. "Hey, woah, slow down. Just breathe, Bloom."

As she swallowed the piece of dessert that was lodged in her throat, she let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks…" She said, still breathing heavily. "Sorry, I didn't know what had gotten into me."

"Just slow it down, your food's not going to run away from you." He said, "What made you want to watch a cheesy romance movie anyway?"

"Hey, cheesy or not, I still like this movie."

"But basing it on the title alone, isn't the whole point a bit stupid?"

"What do you mean?"

"She loves him but she's lying to him, isn't she?" He asked. "Kind of a fucked up way to start a relationship with someone."

Bloom's lips frowned, her eyes turning sad. "I guess it is…" She whispered. "It's selfish, but by hiding her identity, he got to know who she really was as a person. If he knew who she really was, I doubt that he'd even try to get to know her."

"True, but he'd eventually learn the truth."

"Yeah… a true pair of star-crossed lovers." She said, sighing. "Even if they did truly love each other, nothing good would ever come from their relationship."

"Love really is complicated, or so you say."

Her eyes looked up at him, "What if you found yourself in the same situation?" She asked, "What would you do?"

"Huh, tough question." He replied, looking up as he began to think. "I think I would've hated her. Because in the end, even if I loved her, she fooled me. If she loved me, she should've been upfront with me from the start. But again, what the hell do I know about love and relationships?"

"Would you have ever forgiven her?"

"Don't know, it depends, doesn't it?"

Bloom smiled softly. "I guess it does…" She said. "Love really is hard, and that's why I really love this movie. It makes you realize that if you love someone, no matter how much hurt you've gone through, you'd unknowingly find it in your heart to forgive them. There will always be love in forgiveness."

"Philosopher Bloom at it again." He replied, chuckling as he put down the container on the table. "Didn't know you could get all sappy just from some movie and a cake."

"Would you rather I go and tease you again?"

"Nah, you're way cuter when you're like this."

Her eyes widened at his statement. "Are you messing with me again?"

"When am I not messing with you?"

"Ugh, I hate you so much." She replied, pouting as she faced away from him. "You can be so annoying sometimes. And here I thought you were being nice. I mean, really, would it really kill you to actua—"

As she turned around to glare at him, Brick's eyes were already shut as his head leaned against her arm. His breathing almost completely inaudible, Bloom couldn't help but smile. She took off his hat and placed him in a more comfortable position on her lap. Grabbing the blanket she had, she covered him as he continued to doze off.

Looking at him, Bloom clutched her chest.

'Would you ever… forgive me?'

Nighttime came fast, and as everyone in the agency was busy attending to their own business, a tall, fair man began ruffling his long raven hair. Tying it in a low ponytail, he quickly took his jacket and opened the door of the room he was in.

"Leaving so soon?" A voice said from behind him. Flipping her hair back, her hazel-green eyes stared at him. "You never left this early before."

"I've got work."

"Didn't stop you from fooling around before."

Butch didn't reply. Putting on his leather jacket, he quickly left the room without saying another word. As the elevator doors began to close, he ran as fast as he could and squeezed in at the last minute.

Meeting up with one of his colleagues, Ace and Souichirou eyed him weirdly. "It's still 6:30." Ace said, "Thought I'd be seeing you at midnight."

Butch rolled his eyes, leaning against the wall as he crossed his arms.

"Huh, you're acting weird." Souichirou commented. "Are you okay, bro?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"Well, for one you're being crankier than Brick is on a daily basis." Souichirou started, "And two, you're not all that thrilled after coming out of a girl's room."

"It's going to be a stressful day, why would I be happy?" Butch deadpanned, striding out of the elevator quickly as soon as it stopped.

Looking at each other, both of them just shrugged as they both went their separate ways. Butch frantically walked through the hallways until he finally got to Fuzzy.

"Butch, I just got the reports and—

"Hey Fuzzy, could you do me a favor and look over the reports on my desk?"

"What?! Why would I—"

"Thanks, you're the best," Butch exclaimed, sneakily placing a small key in his hand. "I'll make it up to you, so just knock yourself out with that."

Before Fuzzy could protest, Butch quickly ran into the elevator again and let out a huge sigh. He was just out of it and he needed some time to rest. If it could just clear his mind then everything would be easier.

Reaching the floor of his room, he fished out the keys from his jacket pocket and forcefully opened it. As he entered, he was taken aback at the sudden commotion in his room.

"Come on!" Butterfly exclaimed, clenching her fist. "And… shoot!"

The sounds of hurrahs and applause erupted from the television as Butterfly began to cheer as well. As the sound of the door clicking shut was heard, she quickly turned around. "Butch?"

"Uh, yeah, hey."

"Weird, did you get off of work early?"

"Something like that." He replied, removing his jacket. "What're you watching?"

"It's the Green Rangers' match today," She answered, her eyes twinkling. "I just couldn't miss it!"

"Shit, I forgot that was today."

Butterfly raised her eyebrow at him. "You're a fan too?"

"Guilty," He said, chuckling. "Fucking hell, how'd that slip out of my mind? Did they win?"

"Fuck, yeah! Too bad you missed it."

"I'll just watch it later," Butch said as he jumped in his bed. "They'll be screaming for me to go back to the office after a while. Coffee ain't waking me up so if I can just fucking get a wink of sleep or something."

"Sleeping at this time? Yeah, right." She commented, but then her eyes lit up. "Wait a minute, that reminds me, what the hell, dude? Why'd you wrap me up in that blanket?! I woke up sweating!"

He took his pillow, covering his ears as she began to shout. "Take a guess." He deadpanned, "Obviously you were drunk."

"Don't tell me you actually took advantage of me when that happened."

"More like it was you who was trying to make a move on me." He retorted. "And relax, I ain't like that."

Pursing her lips, she decided to let it go. After all, she was fully clothed when she woke up, and nothing felt wrong with her body. But even she could sense that something was wrong with him.

Opening the window of his room, the breeze blew through her raven hair. Taking in a deep breath, she darted her eyes back to him. "Hey, random question, but you know a way to sneak out of this place?"

"Why?"

"I'd kill for some fresh air now, especially since I need a way to let out all of what I'm feeling right now after that big win."

"Brick's gonna be pissed again."

"Since when did you care about what your brother says?"

Letting go of the pillow, Butch smirked. "I don't." He replied. "I meant he might get pissed at you."

"Please, if I can handle Bloom then dealing with your brother will be a walk in the park." She said as she began to levitate. "So, are you going to come with me or what?"

As the stars began to twinkle, Bright took in the last bite of her dinner. Finishing fast, she left the plate on her roommate's desk and went back to her room. Boomer had told her beforehand that he might not be back for dinner. Having much-needed "me time," Bright opened her window and just began to relax as she breathed in deeply.

Every time she was with him she was happy. But every time she was away from him, she couldn't help but feel both sad and frustrated.

Why did he have to be the reason for her smile? Why did he have to change, to be a man that she couldn't help but fall in love with? So many guys had approached her before, but with Boomer, that attraction she felt was almost instant, albeit she tried to deny and hide it.

She couldn't explain why. She wasn't like this with him before, so why now? It's that feeling she has whenever he looks at her; she wasn't expecting him to have this effect on her, but he came crashing into her world and left a permanent mark in her heart.

Ever since that day, she began to imagine all of the possible scenarios that may happen after this mission, and almost none of them were good. In the tiniest bit of her heart, however, she's hoping, begging for a miracle wherein everything is fine. A future where what they have would still be there.

Bright sighed, looking up at the sky. "How many stars do I have to wish upon just for ours to align?" She whispered, "Grandma… just what do I do?"

Closing her eyes, she absentmindedly found herself wishing, "No more heartaches… Please don't take a person I love away from me anymore…"

As soon as the words left her lips, her compact began to beep. Confused, she opened it. Seeing the name of the caller, she immediately answered.

"Chief Kyoshi," She greeted, placing the compact near her lips. "I wasn't expecting you to call."

"Ah yes, do pardon me. I realize that this is such an odd time to contact you."

"It's okay, chief, we're always here when you need us." She answered, "Might I ask why the sudden call?"

"It has been a while, hasn't it?" The deep, husky voice said from the other end. "I haven't been able to check up on the agents, especially you girls. I merely just wanted to check how you three were doing. After I missed you girls' graduation, I've been trying to find time to call."

"We're all doing very well." She replied. "We understand that you couldn't make it, especially since you and the other higher-ups have been sent on a mission from overseas agencies. We hope that you too are doing well and are wishing for a safe return."

"Speaking of which, where are your friends?"

Bright tensed up for a bit, trying to remain poised in her answer, "They… went out. Momoko is on a date and Kaoru went out with some of her old teammates"

The voice on the other end chuckled. "I see, so no plans for you as of the moment, huh?" He asked, "Well, I must get back to work. I'm working on a very tight schedule, you see."

"Of course, sir."

"Be sure to send my regards to the agents and your friends, as well as the Professor. Hopefully, we'd be back in two or three weeks. Just in time after you girls' leave is done."

The chief's last remark made Bright confused for a second. Nevertheless, she said, "Yes, of course, please stay safe, Sir."

"I will, to you as well."

As she closed her compact, Bright couldn't help but feel troubled at what the chief just said. She didn't know that the three of them were actually on leave, she was expecting a serious scolding from the higher-ups for not coming to work. Bloom never told them that, and she wonders why.

This whole mission was a whole question mark. Bloom had been very vague as to why they were doing this in secret, a topic she was really trying to avoid even as both she and Butterfly asked her. That and the fact that she willingly didn't tell them that their absence was to be expected was weird.

The chief had been there for them ever since the incident, acting as a second father just like how the Professor was to them. He was the one who recruited the girls to join LUX, and Bright couldn't recall a time when the chief wouldn't look at them smiling ever since. He was always checking up on them and always made sure that they were comfortable in the agency.

Even though his fellow higher-ups were a bit prejudiced, highly opinionated, or unapproachable, the chief was always there to help and aid the girls as they worked in LUX. It had earned the girls a few favoritism insults, but they didn't pay mind. Chief Kyoshi looked after them as if they were his own children; a man that they had put their complete trust into.

So why is it that Bloom is suddenly acting like this?

How long has she been planning this? Doing this mission, let alone just the thought of doing something like this behind his back wasn't like her at all. The Professor even schemed with her for crying out loud. Why did they feel the need to hide the truth from both her and Butterfly?

Sooner or later, they had to know. They are a team; they are family even. They were already so deep in the mission, Bright had to ask Bloom about it even if she had to heavily persuade her to do so.

Now, she's just hoping that Bloom has a good and valid reason why she did what she did.

"So spill, how come you knew exactly where the force field's weak spot is?"

"Head of the Training and Security Division, remember?" Butch replied, chuckling. "That and after sneaking out a million times, I know it like the back of my hand."

Butterfly laughed with him, flying swiftly as her eyes seemingly tried to find something. "Looks like Brick tears you a new one every time you get caught."

"He's gotten sick of it. Aside from his usual glare, he has given up on trying to scold me."

"Can't blame him, you could be a piece of work sometimes."

"And you aren't?"

"Touche."

As they flew farther away from headquarters, Butch looked at her confusedly. "Why did I agree to this again?"

"I'm bored, you need something to wake you up, and I just want to get out of that room for a while." She answered. "It's going to be fun, trust me. I just need to find something I could use…"

Before Butch could ask another question, Butterfly suddenly swooped down unto the forest down below. Taken aback, he tried to locate where she went. But out of nowhere, a giant pine cone suddenly came charging at him.

"Woah!" He exclaimed, his head barely avoiding the projectile.

"And she scores!" A sudden shout came from behind him. "Come on now, Butch. Is that really how you're going to defend the goal?"

Looking back, he saw her, smirking at him with her luscious mahogany-colored lips. She playfully toyed with another sizable pine cone in her hand. "You got game, Jojo?"

As she began kicking the cone around, Butch chuckled. "You really can't contain yourself just from the match?"

"Dude, if you saw how that match went, I'm willing to bet that you'd be asking for a game yourself." She said, "That is, if you really are a fan?"

Smirking, Butch began cracking his hands and neck. "An improvised one-on-one match, huh?" He asked, amused. "Looks like it's your turn to show a guy a good time then."

"From where we stand, our goals will be fifty meters away from opposite ends." She explained, kicking the cone around with her knee. "No powers, just flying. First to score ten goals wins."

"And what does the winner get?"

"Loser does whatever the winner wants."

"That's a big gamble for you."

"I won't suggest something like that unless I know I'm going to win, Jojo." She taunted, "Let's just hope you'd last long going up against me."

"Game on, babe." And just like that, Butch quickly flew and stole the cone from her. Letting out a small gasp, she immediately turned around and began tailing after him.

He was fast, and very agile at that. It took a bit of effort before Butterfly could steal the "ball" back. Just before he could land a goal, she swiped it from him. And just like that, the ensuing match continued for god knows how long.

To her surprise, Butch knew what he was doing. Butterfly never expected him to be this good. His playstyle was reminiscent of one of her old teammates, with a little bit of his own flair.

She half-expected him to be cocky and arrogant during this little game, but he seemed to just be having fun despite the bet. A few casual trash-talking and teasing came from both of them, yet they found themselves laughing as the cone went back and forth between the both of them.

"Ha!" Butch exclaimed as he stole the cone back again. "Should be guarding the ball tighter, Neko-chan."

Butterfly smirked, flying in zigzags as she tried to corner him. "As if I'm going to take it easy on you."

The ball went left and right, up and around, almost invisibly flying through the air as the pair seemed to dance around each other in the starlight. They unknowingly kept staring at each other; the little twinkles in their eyes shining brighter than before.

And as the scores were now tied at 9-9, Butch looked at her smiling. "Looks like you're at a disadvantage now." He said, hitting and playing with the cone with his knees. "Shouldn't have made such a gamble, babe."

"I'm not through with you yet." She answered, quickly dashing through him as she gave it her all.

The ball went back and forth. And absentmindedly, the pair began spinning up in the air as they spun in unison. And before they knew it, their close contact suddenly took them by surprise as it knocked their ball out and quickly dropped down to the forest below.

They would have flown down in a heartbeat, but the starlight shone on both of them as they locked eyes with each other. There it was again, Butch thought, that bewitching connection that's tying him to her. As she stared at him with those tantalizing eyes of hers, he wondered if she could feel it too.

It's been fucking up his head as he could feel his heart beating so hard that it began to hurt. He flew a bit closer to her, looking at her affectionately. Butterfly stood still, her eyes mirroring his.

He lifted up his hand to cup her face, just like before. Butterfly softly closed her eyes as she leaned into it. They were both wondering why it felt good to be with each other, as if their souls were bound to find each other. If it felt this way, then why were they trying to fight it?

Butterfly can't deny it anymore. She's starting to like him. What would she tell her friends now? After she said those things to Bright, she can't believe that she's starting to feel the same thing.

She admits it, he's drop-dead gorgeous. Aside from being that evil, perverted idiot she always pictured him to be, he showed that he was more than that. He was funny and charming in his own way. He knows how to have fun, but he still knows when to become serious especially when the situation calls for it.

He was a brute who loved fighting, and yet ever since that day on the balcony, she's been wondering when she'd feel those gentle arms wrap around her again.

"Looks like I was wrong." He said softly. "Shouldn't have taken your skills for granted, huh?"

Butterfly smiled, "That means you have to do something for me."

"Anything." He reassured, caressing her face softly. "I'm a man of my word."

She held his hand, tilting her head as her smile never left her face. "Get some rest."

"Huh?"

"I mean it, Butch." She said firmly, "I could tell how tired you were when we were playing."

"You know that I'll get yelled at."

"To hell with them, you'll get worse if you keep this up. You might not even be able to do work anymore."

"I'm getting my ass kicked either way."

"Then I'll just have to knock some sense into them." Butterfly replied frankly. "If I'm going to have to do it the hard way then so be it."

Butch looked away from her, his eyebrows furrowing as his expression became visibly confused. "Why is this the thing you're asking from me? Why not something else?"

"Take it as a thank you for last night."

He whipped his head around, "You remember?"

"Not all of it," She answered, "I could only remember little bits and pieces, but I really did appreciate that you were trying to help me back there. I'm stubborn, I know, but I just want to return the favor."

"It was nothing, any decent guy would do the same, you know." He replied. "You don't owe me anything."

"Maybe I don't, but I wanted to do something nice for you too."

His eyes widened in shock, his mind trying to process what she just said. Flying next to him, Butterfly averted her eyes as she could already feel the embarrassment creeping up on her. "Come on, don't act so surprised, idiot."

"Where is it, where is it?" He exclaimed, quickly checking his pockets.

"Where's what?"

"My phone, I need to get this on tape." He answered, looking back at her. "Could you say that part again?"

Butterfly playfully punched his arm. "Oh, shut up."

"Butterfly actually helping me?" Butch said, his usual smirk flashing on his lips. "And they said miracles weren't real."

She rolled her eyes, letting out a small chuckle. "Let's just go back before I actually change my mind."

"Yes, Ma'am."

And with that, they flew side by side. The wind that blew by them seemingly felt better than before, the distance between them becoming smaller and smaller.

Butterfly never would've thought that she'd be doing this, yet she wasn't regretting it. Because the moment that she looked into his eyes, she already knew.

He was someone who was really worth understanding.

Headquarters was still busy even at such a late hour. As both Butch and Butterfly entered, with the former trying to hide from his colleagues, they immediately began walking towards the elevator. Many agents passed by and came with them as they too waited in front of the elevator doors.

"What's up with you?" Butterfly asked, looking back to see Butch darting his eyes left and right. "You're acting as if someone's going to murder you."

He didn't face her, instead continuing to look around like a meerkat. "If Fuzzy or my brother see me sneaking out, I'm running." He replied. "But hold on a minute, why don't we just use someone's teleportation ability? Have you forgotten that you've got that, babe?"

"Easier said than done." She answered. "I'm beat, it's not like the ride back to our room is that long anyway."

"But still…" Butch whined, finally looking at her with puppy dog eyes.

She chuckled, playfully rolling her eyes at him. "That ain't going to work on me Butch, so suck it up." She said, grabbing him by the arm as the doors finally opened.

Stepping aside as she pulled the still pouting Butch, her eyes lazily followed the people who had just come out. As the last occupant came out, they immediately began walking towards the elevator. However, before she could move another step, something caught Butterfly's eye.

A white light.

At least, that was what she thought at first.

But as her mind began to process what she just saw, that's when she realized that it wasn't a light. Instead, it was a tuft of bright white hair.

"What's the holdup, Butterfly?"

Her eyes widened as she turned to look back at Butch. "Hey, quick question, but do you happen to know—" Before she could finish her sentence as she whipped her head around, the person she was looking for was already gone.

Scanning the whole area, Butterfly couldn't help but curse under her breath. She wasn't able to get a better look. But if it was by any chance that it was him, then maybe they weren't too late. Maybe there's still hope.

"Know who?"

Letting out a small gasp, she didn't realize that she had zoned out for a bit. Waving her hands in denial, she said, "Oh, nothing, nothing. Must have been a mistake, don't worry about it."

Before Butch could start asking more questions, she quickly pushed him into the elevator. Pressing their floor button, she turned to face the doors so as to avoid his gaze. Thankfully, he didn't seem to be too interested in the topic anymore as he let out a loud yawn.

Butterfly couldn't help but be even more confused. Was what she saw real or was it just her eyes playing tricks on her? She tried to block out the idea, but the possibility of that person still being alive shouldn't be overlooked.

They had to find him, even if it's just a small chance, they had to grab that opportunity.

Furrowing her eyebrows, Butterfly's gaze intensified.

'That person… is it really you, Keishiro?'

Author's Note:

Time check, it's already 2 AM, fuck. Let's just ignore that we have school tomorrow and just celebrate this new chapter! I have been writing during my free time and now that prelims are done and midterms have just started, I may be able to write some more :)). Fortunately for me, my workload in college isn't that hectic compared to what I had to deal with in high school. Once semester break finally comes, I'll be able to have all the time that I want to write, so please stay tuned!

On a side note though, can we appreciate how cute these pairs are coming to be? Like yes, give me more! (Yes self, I'll give you more so just relax).

And before I get some much-needed sleep, please don't forget to share with me your thoughts as you leave a review, favorite, and follow! My inbox is also open so please feel free to message me!

See you next time!

~Disastress