Pivoting she threw her palm up defensively, the shells shattering against the barrier and ricocheting across the sandy beach. With her bright blue eyes practically electric she moved forward and was able to send several rocks flying off of the projected barrier, a sweaty strand of blonde hair fell across her face as she almost pirouetted backwards and slid with one leg stretched out behind her. Holding the barrier with her right hand she was able to keep several more rocks and shells from coming into contact with her body. Boosting herself backwards with her left hand and bended leg Bubbles returned into a more solid defensive stance, the sand around her was torn up from her movements and sneaker prints marking every area that she had stepped squarely upon.
With an exhale of surprise Butch put both hands on his waist, "not too bad, you've definitely been practicing." He dusted his hands off before returning to his duffle, grabbing his water bottle he took a drink. He wasn't nearly as sweaty as she was but holding that kind of defense for extended periods of time, even if they were only small sections, wasn't easy for any beginner.
Happily giving her own water bottle a gulp, Bubbles was grinning wildly, and it wasn't the tense or false one she had felt like she needed to keep up the last month or two. It was genuine, painless, and reflected through her entire being. "I think having my hand a little softer is helping, it wasn't snapping as hard when I was more tensed up." She plopped down on the sand on a diagonal from Butch, the sky was beginning to darken with oranges and violets, the sand reflected the deeper blues and purples of the evening coming on.
Peering at Butch she tilted her head slightly, pouted, and then sighed. Pointing at her own eyebrow and then drawing it across her chin she remarked, "I told you not to pick at it, now you have permanent scars."
Amused, Butch rolled his eyes at her, "just a few more to add to the collection for the ladies to love, blondie." He took another drink of water, trying to avoid her curious expression. However just because he wasn't looking at her didn't mean Bubbles would let him go without answering her questions.
"So," she started casually once she noticed he wasn't even going to look her in the eye, "how many do you have?" Brows slightly furrowed he finally looked over at her.
"What?"
"How many scars do you have?"
Giving her a leer Butch remarked, "I didn't take you for being into the bad boys."
Bubbles only managed to look slightly disgruntled, "you're not a 'bad boy', Butch." Taking another sip of water she was met with dark skepticism. "What? You're not."
Rolling his head to crack the tenseness in his neck Butch dismissively said, "I lost count."
"You… lost count of what?"
"Of how many scars I've got," his hand rested on the water bottle and Bubbles let her eyes actually look closely at his hands. Across his skin were slivers of shiny and paler marks. Uncomfortably he pulled his hand back from it's position and left the bottle in his lap. "It's not a big deal, normal people scar, makes me feel like one of them."
Taken aback by this remark Bubbles leaned towards him unconsciously, "you don't feel like a normal person?"
His laugh wasn't meant to be harsh or patronizing but he knew that it was, he knew what he was. What his brothers were, what the girls were; they would never be like the normal people of Townsville. "You do?" The falling of her face was clear to him and Butch actually felt guilt at this, "look, my bad, you and your sisters are-," but he didn't get to finish.
"No, I guess not." Pulling her knees to her chest she wrapped her arms around her legs and the only way to describe how she looked at him would be ruefully defeated. "Sometimes I think I feel like anybody else and I forget for a little while until something comes up, but the way people look at me? At us? But then we want to be so much like them."
"It's nice to blend in sometimes," Butch admitted.
Bubbles just scoffed, "I wouldn't know what that's like, my face is on a stupid billboard as you drive into the city."
"You girls do look pretty dumb up there."
"Hey!"
Mimicking their poses and with an overly bright smile Butch mocked, "the Powerpuff Girls welcome you to the city of Townsville! Ah-ha-ha-ha, don't be a litterbug!"
Covering her mouth with a hand Bubbles worked to suppress a laugh, "you're so weird," but even she couldn't keep her laughter bottled in.
"Then just imagine how you must look," in a jokingly snide manner Butch gave a wicked grin.
"Oh my gosh, you're the worst, Butch," she extended her leg to push at his upper arm to knock him off balance but without any real strength behind it he swayed a fraction before clasping his hands around her ankle and pulling her towards him. The unexpected retaliation sent Bubbles flat on her back, her ankle pressed into his leg while her other leg was thrown over his lap carelessly. Although not everyone would call it an intimate position, for two teens who were slowly opening up to one another it was closer than either had expected to be.
Before he could throw on a cocky grin or make a lecherous comment, Bubbles leaned up on her elbows and laughed, her head rolled back in a relaxed manner, "if I didn't know you better I'd think you did that on purpose, Butch Jojo." Luckily for him this had been an accident but he also couldn't deny that he had enjoyed the weight of her leg over his, he didn't often get that close to people, even his own friends.
"Yeah well," he was a bit flustered by this relaxation of her's, "I'm very good at hiding how devious I am." The usually confident and teasing grin on his lips was tense but she didn't seem to see it as her eyes were closed allowing her to float into a standing position above him.
"What else do you got for me tonight? Training-wise, I mean," She dusted off her shorts and handled the last bit of her sentence with anticipated sarcasm.
Clearing his throat Butch stood as well and quickly composed himself, "I think you need to start building it more, expanding it around you."
"That sounds hard…"
"I didn't figure you for a quitter, blondie," Butch was walking over a few large rocks before he cast a grin over his shoulder and was met with the stubborn look he had expected.
Briskly she caught up to his side, "I said it sounds hard, not that I wasn't going to try it." In a bratty moment she stuck her tongue out at him and twisted her hips so she was ahead of him but walking backwards. Her step had a bounce to it and Butch could maaaaaaaybe see why other guys thought she was cute. Not that he would ever admit to anyone, or even himself for that matter.
"Then let's get to it," motioning for her to stop Butch gave a small flex of his hands and immediately the bright green barrier was between them. He hadn't made a dome quite yet but with one hand gestured to his own head, "you gotta picture what you want to put in front of you or around you. This takes a lot of focus and practice but after awhile it becomes reflexive."
Bubbles appeared serious, observant as she tilted her head slightly to peer at the way his hands moved and held the energy. Butch knew she was studying how he moved and although a little self-conscious he made sure to move smoothly and even slowed down his movements. His brothers didn't even study him this diligently, they all just made sure that their abilities were up to par.
Without missing a beat, Butch dropped the barrier before giving a quick flick with his wrist and engulfing himself within the humming emerald sphere. The energy rippled around him and he knew his eyes were blazing, the sparks dancing down his arms and fingertips were spurring him forward. He was itching for a fight and hadn't been totally aware of it.
Just seeing that look in his eyes caused Bubbles to take a step back from him, but her eyes were level and she locked him within her own gaze. She wasn't willing to let her guard down when he looked like that. Butch seemed to read her body language as his shoulders relaxed a fraction and his mouth softened, a small crooked grin moved onto his face and he nodded his head at her, "your turn." The collapse of his hand calling the barrier to disintegrate around him.
Deeply exhaling, Bubbles could feel the sparks moving down her arms and through her fingers, sapphire glows engulfing her hands as she kept her thoughts as focused as possible. Around, a sphere, a dome, a cap. She could see herself on the beach and while drawing her arms in a graceful manner the extension of the barrier move began to engulf her. Lifting her eyes to watch the wave of cool blue light move overhead, it was much more difficult than putting up the small blocking barriers but she was doing it.
Even though it felt like minutes as the dome moved into place around her it was barely over a second, the strain of concentration in creating such a large protective barrier around her was draining. Channeling her powers like this wasn't a natural reflex for her, a sonic scream would be nothing and flying was effortless but this was taking far more concentration than she could have ever anticipated.
Walking around, inspecting the rippling blue surface of the barrier Butch had to admit it wasn't a bad first attempt. It wasn't much larger than she was but it was better than nothing. Knowing her though she'd want to cover more area. "Keep it up," he watched her face turn to him and she nodded, inhaling deeply again as she worked to relax her own body.
After walking around it a few times he said, "I want you to try to follow me, don't leave your position except for turning in a circle."
Butch pretended not to see the gulp of nervousness but thought the sheer look of determination was rather cute on her face. What the fuck? He could've slapped himself with that but instead he focused as she carefully shuffled her feet in her own tiny circle, her hands balanced before her in order not to lose the concentrated connection.
After a few more minutes of that he would suddenly pivot and change direction, picking up speed, although nothing nearly as fast as what they could actually do. With the sky continuing to darken the only that that consistently illuminated them was the bright glow of the barrier.
Just as Butch made another quick direction change and dash he noticed the flickering ripple move through her barrier and how her body was beginning to sag. But that damn look on her face, she wanted to prove she was tough, and that she could handle his training. He could see that. Halting he held up his hands, "alright, blondie, you can drop it now."
Bubbles hesitated, "I can keep going," but her voice was breathy and didn't match the expression on her face.
Knocking on the barrier, causing it to flicker again, Butch insisted, "yeah, you did enough for one night."
Clenching her fists she let the barrier close and fade down, the heavy snap of it didn't even make her flinch. Bracing her hands on her knees she could feel the sweat raising and chilling her skin as the ocean breeze finally reached her. With uncertainty Butch walked over tentatively, his hand reaching out, "blondie, are you-," his voice died on the air of waves though as her hands clasped against his forearm and she pulled herself to brace against him.
"I'm really getting it!" The happiness radiating beneath her exhausted exterior was certainly something to see, without her powers even boosting it her eyes were illuminated and starry. Butch stood still as Bubbles righted herself, her one hand still resting on his forearm while the other brushed away the sweaty strands of hair from her face. "You make it look so easy, but I think I'm starting to get it."
Catching her own breath she gripped with her hand and felt the firm and warm resistance of Butch's arm, her head swung to look at him but he didn't look annoyed. "Oh, I didn't mean to."
"Nah, it's fine." He didn't seem to be looking at her, "I don't need you falling on your ass anyways."
Too exhausted to verbally battle him she just puffed through her lips and gave him a shaky hip check. They moved back to where their bags were and greedily Bubbles inhaled her water. The sun was deep behind the horizon at this point and the remnants of watercolor light were just barely hanging on. This far out from the city or congested places meant there were plenty of stars scattered across the sky. As Butch was finishing his own water bottle and enjoying the night chill Bubbles chirped up, "you don't get to see the sky like this at home."
"You like the stars?"
"I like a lot of things," pulling her sweatshirt over her head, "but yes, I especially like stars." Turning to look more directly at Butch she asked, "do you want to fly home together?"
Oddly enough Butch was caught off guard, clearing his throat he leaned suggestively towards her, "I didn't know you wanted to jump into bed so soon with me, sugartits." The words felt clumsy in his mouth but he let it slide.
"Why do you always do that?"
Blinking at her questioningly Butch asked, "do what?"
Zippering up her bag she exhaled, "ya know, be kinda nice but then say something lewd or sarcastic." Bubbles tucked a hair behind her ear, "it's okay if you don't wanna be friends, or talk." Her voice was sullen but she made an effort to show sincerity.
"I don't mind you or talking to you or anything like that…," he lamely trailed off, unsure where she expected him to go with it. It was true though, the more time he and his brothers spent around the girls the more he enjoyed their company and quirks.
Smugly Bubbles crossed her arms and suggested, "it just doesn't look 'cool' for a Ruff to hang with the crybaby Powerpuff Girl?"
He rolled his eyes, "well, you haven't been a HUGE crybaby lately. And for your information," he stepped closer to her with his own arms crossed, "I am the king of cool."
Covering her mouth with one hand Bubbles stifled a giggle, slinging her bag over her shoulder she said, "you don't have to stop whatever," and she gestured at him, "this thing you're doing is, but don't go thinking I'm just gonna drop it."
Butch slung his own bag over his shoulder, "you know, you can be really annoying sometimes." But the crooked lift of his lips made her jokingly throw a punch at his arm. "We may as well go part of the way together." Butch was already levitating, gesturing with a nod of his head.
Partially beaming at him Bubbles shot up to join him, "I'm still recovering, can you go a little slower?"
"Just this one time."
~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~
~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~
Wrinkling his nose at the foul stench of piss coming off of the pavement, Brick made his way to cross the street as the crosswalk illuminated the little walking figure. Luckily for him it was around 7pm so most of the people he would've encountered were inside restaurants or bars having dinner or an after work drink. He'd come here to scout out the area before the attempted "recovery" of the scroll, and so far the surrounding five blocks had plenty of routes that could be taken to be more evasive.
He wanted to get a closer look at the building itself though that he'd be entering, and from afar he knew it would be plenty tricky to enter. Yes, there was a doorman, and the building was more elaborate with it's marble walls and golden fixtures, and he could see the clientele that lived there were people with money. It was like dealing with Morbucks all over again. Grimacing at the thought he drew closer, slumping down on a bench across the street.
Trying to regain his own composure of cool indifference he knew he was failing with the way his eyes darted to count the rooms, he was clutching a small notebook that he had jotted notes into but now his notes were turning into guilt and worry. He'd been so relieved to finally see Mojo, to understand that he was recovering somewhat. He had actually spoken to the girls today in the halls of their school, and although he had been snide he was still being spoken to with a lighter air. It was strange, they'd all always kept their distance from one another for the most part, not wanting to stir the pot more than academic rivalries the past five years.
It made them fly beneath the radar that was their past, but he wasn't a fool and could easily blame their pride as well. He and Red were the proudest by far, followed by maybe Butch and Buttercup and Boomer trailing at the end. Bubbles had always attempted to be friendly and although nervous with him and his brothers she didn't carry the same prideful attitude the rest of them did as they grew.
Clapping the small notebook shut, Brick stood and started walking in the opposite direction, he wasn't getting anything done. His phone gave a 'ping' sound, lifting it up to his face he let a small smile move over his lips. Boomer had been able to acquire some information on the man who lived there, apparently he'd been more than happy to open his home to magazines about the décor of his home. People really did throw everything about their lives onto the internet these days.
Slipping down a separate alley that connected several blocks and two garages, Brick hustled up the concrete steps of the parking garage as deftly as possible. His sneakers barely made a sound as he passed the unfamiliar faces. He was just another 'punk teen' hanging around the bustling city of L.A. He was no one of consequence. At least to their knowledge.
Rounding to the roof and exiting the stairwell he noticed only a smattering of expensive vehicles up at the very top, the drawing of twilight was pulling additional cover for him. He knew he'd stop by the diner before he went home to jot down more notes about where he was sending Butch Friday, about what rooms to avoid. He wanted to think through every possible scenario before he sat down with his brothers.
Effortlessly he took two strides after ensuring the coast was clear, one foot hit the concrete wall and he shot quickly into the sky.
Staring at the same sentence he'd been working on for the last ten minutes he finally scribbled it out. He wasn't confident enough in that possibility and he'd be damned if he got his brother caught. Popping a potato chip in his mouth and chasing it with a swig of water Brick tapped at the notebook with the end of his pen. From his left, about two seats down at the counter a man who was typing on a small laptop gave him a slight side-eye but said nothing.
A rattling buzz ran through the counter as Brick's phone moved a few centimeters. For a brief moment he felt his heart catch in his chest, but as he turned the phone over in his hand it immediately fell back into it's place. Of course Red wouldn't be calling him, that was insane for him to even speculate it. However, the name on the phone didn't make him feel any better. With a heavy sigh he hit the green circle and lifted the phone to his ear.
"Ace."
The voice on the other line matched his own enthusiasm, "been awhile, kid."
"Yeah," Brick wasn't sure where to go with this conversation and after a pause he said, "listen, man, I'm sorry about Grubber." He'd seen the corpse, he'd smelled it, he'd heard that Ace had broken more than one thing in his office.
"Tanks," Ace's voice seemed as uncomfortable as Brick's in this moment, "'dats actually why I was callin'. Youse'see, we're havin' a kinda funeral for 'im next Turs'day."
"A wake?" Brick asked.
"Yeah, sumthin' like dat, we had to get 'im cremated-…" Ace's voice fell off towards the end there, from where he was sitting in the diner even Brick knew he could feel that tension rising. "Ya know, he was always fond of youse an' yo' brothas. We all kinda are."
Biting the corner of his upper lip Brick nodded, a small, "uh-huh," on his end.
This had to be something difficult for Ace to come out and say, especially with how close he'd been to Grubber. Laying a friend to rest was something no one should have to do until their bones begin to creak and their memories sway. In the truth of things Brick had never even been to a funeral, much less a wake of all things. He'd never had to.
"If youse aren't busy, it'll be at da club around 7pm. We jus' wanna celebrate his life an' shit."
It was fitting, sending their friend and family member out the way he would've wanted to go. Probably. Brick hadn't been super close to Grubber but he had enjoyed chatting with him and laughing at his impressions. His Red was spot on. Or, it was spot on.
"We'll be there," he licked his lips that felt incredibly dry.
"Cool, I'll see ya den." And without waiting for Brick to say anything else Ace clicked the phone off, the dead air hanging on the line was numbing in contrast to the low music playing around him in the diner.
Scowling, Brick's thumbs navigated to the group chat he had with his brothers.
Next Thursday, Grubber's funeral/ wake. 7pm at the club. I told Ace we'll be there.
He didn't wait to see if any replies would come buzzing through before putting his phone back to being face down on the counter. With an elbow on the hard surface he rested his forehead in his hand and whispered to himself, "what are you even supposed to wear to a wake?"
A voice chimed from his side, "usually black, like funerals. Although you don't typically wear the whole jacket ensemble for the wake. Navy or dark gray work too."
Narrowing his eyes Brick looked over at the stranger who was still typing away at his keyboard, his eyes focused on the screen in front of him. He wanted to say something but decided not to, turning his face back to the half eaten BLT and chips.
"Just don't wear brown shoes with a black suit, I've been told that's a faux pas."
Placing the sandwich back down on the plate he retorted, "I don't remember asking you."
Closing the laptop in front of him the man reached down and placed his worn leather bag on his lap. "No, you didn't," he was sliding the laptop into the bag, folders and papers peeking out, "but you sounded like you needed some advice."
This guy was sticking his nose where it didn't belong and Brick could feel the anger rising within his body, he exhaled and turned back to his sandwich, taking a large bite out of it. He felt eyes on him and irritated he turned back to look at the man, "stop."
He was standing, khaki slacks slightly wrinkled from sitting and walking all day, the white button down that was half tucked and a plush navy cardigan. He was dressed like an old man for someone who could only be in his thirties, round glasses, freckles scattered across an unshaven face, and dark brown curls that were pushed away from his face. He blinked once before he exhaled awkwardly, "well, my deepest condolences to you and your loved ones."
Before Brick could say anything the man strode over to the hostess stand to pay his bill. Irritation was buzzing in his head and Brick pushed the plate away from him. He hadn't had much of an appetite all day and now being eavesdropped upon didn't restore what already wasn't there.
Clicking his pen into place he scribbled down additional things he had noticed as well as what was already displayed in the magazine photos, no doubt Butch would have to actively hunt for whatever this item was. It wouldn't be out on display since it was as rare as Norman Blaine had told him it was. This still didn't 100% sit well with him but he knew an item like this wouldn't be reported. Maybe on the black market but not within public outlets.
After roughly thirty minutes Brick waved down the waitress, "can I get the check?"
Her light brown ponytail bounced around her shoulders as she shook her head, "no worries, hun, it's already been taken care of."
Caught off guard for a moment, Brick just blinked, but the dots quickly connected and pinching the bridge of his nose he sighed, "please tell me it wasn't that nosy guy." It wasn't really a question but the woman gave a chuckle as she cleared his plate away.
"That's just what the doc does."
She turned and swept a tub of dirty dishes to the kitchen. Brick stared at his hands, of course the guy was a doctor of some sort. Nosy-know-it-all. He didn't want some random guy's pity. He wanted this job to run smoothly and for Red to call him. A ruddy flush warmed his cheeks at that lost thought, but clearing his throat he stood from the stool and jammed his notebook and pen into one of his pockets, sliding his phone into his back pocket.
He just wanted to get home, plus it was late and he knew that Boomer and Butch would want to talk about this funeral-thing. Giving a curt nod to the hostess stand he shoved open the door before taking a few long strides and pushing himself back into the cool winter air.
~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~
~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~
Tapping his finger on the paper in front of her, Boomer corrected, "you keep going for the more complicated functions, instead just work on the ones I highlighted."
"I can do them both." Buttercup was grumbling as she swatted his hand away from her paper, but even she knew she was just being stubborn.
"Clearly you can't," and he didn't mean for it to come across as condescending but the way she was glaring at him had him clear his throat, "that's not- I don't mean you can't do it, 'cause you obviously can. But you're making mistakes on the easier ones because you're so determined to start working on the more difficult ones."
Now Buttercup had turned her attention back to her paper and looking between the problem she had insisted on doing and the one Boomer had told her to do… the little asshole was right. "Ugh!" Crumpling up the worksheet she tossed it into the recycles bin across the room, once this was rather impressive but by now many of the students were used to it. With a loud 'shush' coming from the librarian Buttercup just folded her arms on the desk and rested her chin on them. "I'm never going to get it."
Lifting his eyebrows, Boomer dryly responded with, "you will when you stop ignoring good advice, plus we barely started." Pulling another copy of the worksheet out of a binder he proceeded to highlight the problems he wanted her to work on again. "Is this why Blossom won't help you out with this?"
Without looking at him Buttercup just muttered, "I don't ask Blossom for help anymore."
Curious, Boomer decided to poke at the bear a bit, "why not? You live together." It was so simple in Boomer's head. Just ask your sibling! But even he knew he had a hard time admitting he needed help from his own brothers. He was about to say something when Buttercup's quiet voice broke through the air.
"Blossom expects everything to be perfect. And knowing I can't live up to her expectations all the time is fine by me, but it fucking sucks when she says it out loud." She had turned her head so she was facing him, the scowl on her face was ruined by the softness of hurt beneath the mask she tried to present. "I'd rather struggle on my own than have her tell me I'm not trying hard enough. And if she finds out I'm getting help but only sees I'm doing the easy shit then she's gonna be pissed. And disappointed."
Hesitantly Boomer felt his hand hover in the air, even though she was upset there was this softness he wasn't familiar with and it was so strange to look at her like she was just so small. Instead of resting his hand on her head, knowing in his gut she'd kick his ass, he settled for her shoulder. Boomer wasn't good at this comforting thing. When she didn't shrug his hand off he decided it was safe enough to say something. "Well, I'm not Blossom, I'd rather you work and get it right than get everything wrong. Plus," he cracked a grin, "it's just me."
Her bright green eyes watched him steadily, and for once she felt maybe a little understood by the blue Ruff. "Don't tell anyone but you're gonna have to come up with a new title, pretty boy." She pushed herself up and let his hand fall from her shoulder, she took the worksheet from in front of him and picked up her pencil.
Confused he asked, "what do you mean?"
Without looking away from her work, "you're not really the 'dumber than the dumbest,'" she was about to stop there when she sniggered to herself, "maybe Mitch should take up the mantle."
This got a more genuine smile from Boomer, not that Buttercup would've seen it as she was actually concentrating on her work. It was a big change from when she'd snapped at him previously, and he had to admit, it was nice to hear her acknowledge that he was smarter than his old 'title'. It meant more so because of her outburst last week, he knew he'd been cold to her but just her actually acknowledging he wasn't dumb… it was relieving.
"This doesn't look right," her voice brought him out of his own thoughts and he saw the irritation beginning to brew on her features. Before she could push the worksheet away or make a remark on it he tapped the paper with his own pencil.
"You've just about got it, looks like you forgot to multiply this," drawing an arrow to one point he jotted down the formula, "but you caught it and that's more important."
Making her correction, Buttercup felt some self satisfaction at that, she had to admit to herself that Boomer was being more understanding and patient of her than Blossom ever was. He really wasn't so bad.
Since the bell had rung the hallways were much more crowded now, Buttercup and Boomer were standing fairly close as they exited the library. They had lunch to go off to currently, the banging of lockers echoed through the halls as students switched binders over and pulled out paper bags filled with sandwiches or containers.
"You swinging by your locker today or-," Buttercup was interrupted when a jovial voice called her and Boomer's names. Turning to look she noticed Elmer's large frame breaking through the sea of students as he pulled up beside them.
"I didn't expect to see you two together," and although it was an innocent observation by their friend, Buttercup tensed defensively. However Elmer was chattering in Boomer's ear, something about a party?
Shrugging awkwardly Boomer just replied, "I don't know, man, plus it's not like I got an invite."
"What party is this?" Her voice was curious but irritated, it's not like parties flew under the radar often at this school.
Before Elmer could answer his watch buzzed and he looked slightly alarmed, "shoot, I gotta run, I'll text you guys later!" And as quickly as he appeared he seemed to vanish from sight.
Boomer and Buttercup exchanged a look and she stated, "I still haven't figured out how a guy that tall can disappear so quickly in a crowd."
"Ah, a mystery we're never meant to solve."
They were already walking down the hallway towards the cafeteria when another shocking sight hit them. Blossom and Brick were standing with Bubbles at the corner to the second story stairs. Bubbles looked animated, but there was an edge that hadn't been there the other day. As they approached they both caught the tail end of her sentence.
"-it's just been nagging at me all day."
"What's been nagging you?" Boomer pulled up and gave a pointed look at Brick, "aren't you two going to be late for class."
Blossom answered, "we have a free study period since is out sick, so we were on our way to the library."
"Together?" Buttercup pointed at them with a cocked hip.
Ignoring her dark haired sister, Blossom looked back over to Bubbles, "I'll email the chief and we'll see if she's gotten any tips, alright?"
Crossing her arms Bubbles pouted, knowing she wasn't being taken as seriously as she needed to be. "Fine."
Brick's head suddenly jerked and he groaned, "shit." Blossom was about to chastise him when she was interrupted by a very familiar voice.
"Lookie here, a Powerpuff and Rowdyruff play date, how nice." The voice was on the edge of trying to be sultry but still weighed down by sheer youth. Tossing over her shoulder a cascade of copper curls, Princess gave them a satisfactory grin. As to be expected of a Morbucks, specifically herself, she was dressed in an overly expensive button down skirt of navy material and a pale mint colored cashmere sweater. Her earrings were silver and her trendy white sneakers were practically blinding.
Brick only scowled but then a look of indifference came over his face. He did not want to interact with his former ex if he didn't need to. Their fling had been only six months their sophomore year but it had been volatile.
Giving a small wave, Bubbles simply said, "hey, Princess. Hey, Clara." The preppy looking Clara just grinned and waved back. She was carrying a small box half filled with clean and pretty envelopes.
Swiping out a few from the box Princess thrust one out at Brick. He was surprised and she looked slightly embarrassed. "Jeff asked for you to come personally. He'll be disappointed if you don't."
Hesitantly Brick took the envelope and recognized how difficult that had to be for Princess to let go of her pride enough to do something for someone else. "Cool, I'll be there then."
Smoothing out a wrinkle on her sweater she snidely remarked, "of course you will." So much for being humble. With a huff Princess handed out another one to Blossom who took it.
"Is this some kind of prank?" Blossom's tone was disbelieving but Princess just scowled with her hands on her hips.
"No," she handed out the other two to Bubbles and Buttercup respectively, "Robin, Mary, and Elmer are going to be there along with most of the other notable Juniors and Seniors. Plus I don't have time for pranks on you three anymore."
Clara just gave a small shake of her head and handed one over to Boomer, "it's a pre-Valentine's Day party tomorrow night."
"Ah, I've already got plans Friday, but thanks." Boomer handed it back to Clara and seeing her own in, Buttercup did the same.
"Yeah, same here."
Blossom was unamused as she crossed her arms and gave her sister a notable look, Bubbles was about to say something when she was startled by Brick putting his hand on her shoulder but it stopped her from calling her sister out or starting an argument between Buttercup and Princess.
"You can count on Bubbles, Red, and me to show then," he released Bubbles' shoulder and indicated with his head, "we've gotta get going, c'mon, Red." Blossom's head moved to look at him and she tucked some loose hairs behind her ear but hesitantly followed his lead.
"We'll see you Friday night, Princess." With that the two red headed teens departed down the same hall that Boomer and Buttercup had just come down.
With her lips in a pout, Princess just crossed her arms and turned on her heel down another hall with Clara close behind. "You'll be sorry to be missing it!"
Buttercup exhaled with relief as the former arch enemy stalked away but she was quickly pulled by her arm and nearly smacked heads with Boomer. Righting herself she noticed that Bubbles had her arms linked through both of theirs as she ushered them quickly to the lunchroom.
"Jeeze, Bubbles, slow down." Buttercup pulled back a bit but Bubbles slowed her pace. With big eyes she stared at her sister.
"You're not going to come?" Twisting her head she looked at Boomer, "neither of you?"
Sheepishly Boomer grinned, "sorry, Bubs, I made plans with the guys beforehand."
Scoffing, Buttercup chimed in, "I can't believe you're actually going to go."
Bubbles just gave her sister a level expression, "she isn't so bad, plus Jeff is DJ-ing! That's reason enough to go."
"And bears don't shit in the woods…," muttered Buttercup. At this statement Boomer burst out laughing resulting in a red faced Buttercup, "I'm not wrong!"
Rolling her own eyes Bubbles released them as they approached Robin and Pablo who were standing in the lunch line and waving at them. As they approached Robbin grabbed Bubbles' hands and gave an excited squeal, "did you get an invite? I can't wait to hear what Jeff has planned! Oh-," she whipped her head to Pablo, "do you think he'll play that remix with our favorite song?"
Pablo just rested his hand on Robin's lower back, "we'll just have to wait and see," pecking her on the cheek.
With a side eye cast over to both her sister and Boomer, Bubbles rested her fingertips on her collarbone, "I'll be there, but two somebodies are party poopers."
"Oh, yeah, didn't you make plans with some of the guys?" Pablo asked Boomer. At this the shaggy blonde nodded in confirmation but Pablo, suspicious, pointed at Buttercup. "What's your excuse, Butters?"
Hurriedly she blurted, "same thing," ignoring the surprised expression on Boomer's face. "You know someone responsible has to babysit Mitch and since you're gonna be hanging all over your girlfriend someone needs to be the adult here. And Mike doesn't count."
Simply shrugging, Pablo agreed with, "true," before dropping it.
Robin, still excited, waved a free hand in the air, "this is going to be so fun! I get to go to a party with most of my friends and then have a romantic dinner the next night with my wonderful boyfriend." The dreamy and satisfied look in Robin's eyes was enough to make Buttercup roll them while Bubbles simply grinned at one of her best friends. "This is going to be the best weekend ever!"
~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~
~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~
Brick was turning the pages in his textbook, his eyes scanning the paragraphs for the answer he was looking for. All he wanted to do was get this stupid essay out of the way. His laptop was perched on top of a few notebooks on the now rumpled bed, to his left Boomer was plucking a few chords on his ukulele and jotting down his own notes.
"Do you have to do that here?" Maybe his tone was more gruff than it needed to be but he was having a difficult time focusing. Steady beeps and the sounds of air and whirring machinery were sounding off in the corner of the room where Mojo was hooked up, the two brothers were doing homework in the basement lab of Professor Utonium, a place neither had seen themselves spending time at before the last few weeks.
Trying to humor his brother and boss, Boomer quipped, "I could always start singing too? Or I can put all your pretty notes into a PowerPoint for Butch."
At the very mention of their side job Brick just cast a glare at Boomer, "don't talk about that here."
"What? You want him to be as prepared as possible before tomorrow night-," but he was interrupted.
"Not. Here." The finality in Brick's voice was enough for Boomer to drop the subject as he twisted in the chair, placing the ukulele back in it's case. He was about to say something further when a figure leaned against the doorway. Both brothers turned their heads to see Buttercup with an amused expression on her face.
"So is this gonna be the set up for the next few weeks?" Clearly indicating to them studying in the room alongside Mojo's recovering body.
"You have an issue with that?" Brick leaned over his textbook, he was almost daring her to kick them out but by the look on her face and the posture of her body she had no intention on doing so. He went to quirk the corner of his mouth slightly, trying to look more friendly. He'd been trying more and more so to actually be friends, and that shocked him. Old habits just died hard.
Muttering from his chair, Boomer rolled his eyes, "you two are so dramatic."
Taking this as an invitation in, Buttercup strode into the room, her feet were bare on the tile floor and Brick felt cold just by looking at her. He wasn't much of a fan of walking around barefoot. She didn't even ask or hesitate when she boosted herself onto the foot of the bed that Brick was occupying, her legs kicked lazily over the edge and she grabbed a handful of papers and began flipping through them.
With a snort of laughter, she said, "jeeze, you can really tell how anal you actually are just from how you write. Is that cursive? I didn't even think anyone still wrote like that."
Boomer was suppressing a laugh when Brick scowled and snatched the papers from her hands, "don't you have your own homework to do?"
"I'm taking a break," she rested her hands on her abdomen and her hair was messily scraped into a sort of top knot, it looked like she'd been dragging her fingers through it.
"Stuck on something?" There was a knowing edge to Boomer's voice but he didn't change his lackadaisical position on the chair.
Buttercup just scrunched her nose up with displeasure. "Maybe."
"Want me to take a look?"
"…maybe."
Brick could pretend he knew his brother wasn't amazing with numbers and arts, but that would be a lie. He had pretty much omitted to Buttercup in the underground city of that fact alone, and they were becoming close friends. The very thought of that was enough to send Brick spinning into a headache. Some days he was fully against building relationships with the girls, and yet the more time he was around them the more he felt himself drawn to their voices and presences.
He was brought out of his train of thought as Buttercup jabbed a finger in his direction, "and you!" She rolled up so one leg was bent on the bed and the other still hung off, "don't you dare tell anyone about this."
"As long as I can get my work done in peace and quiet I don't care what you do." She crossed her arms and looked at him levelly, but with how relaxed his demeanor was and how he lacked the 'snotty' canter in his voice she knew he wasn't as hostile as his words appeared.
"Good." She twisted her head and was nodding towards a now standing Boomer, "follow me."
"I'll be back," Boomer called over his shoulder, but Brick just grunted and pulled his laptop into his lap as he jotted down the next few paragraphs of his essay.
He wasn't sure how long he had lost himself, but his fingers were flying over the keyboard and he knew this essay was turning into a lot more than the required four pages. Feeling himself zone outwards he blinked and shifted back slightly. The surprise he felt when he noticed he was being watched was enough to bring his eyes alight and dark crimson sparks across his arms and hands.
Sitting crisscross in the air and resting her head on her forearms at the base of the bed was a familiar blonde. She cracked a small smile, "I called your name for awhile but you were so in the zone you never answered."
"I- uh, what?" Confusion dropped the activation of his own powers as he processed her words.
"Dinner."
"We're having dinner?"
"Well," she brought her index finger up close to her mouth as she gave a recap, "we all already ate without you. Boomer said you'd be fine, and it wasn't anything special. Blossom got called into a meeting with Chief Rosa though."
So Red wasn't at the house anymore, Brick shut his laptop and shoved it into his backpack, "where's Boomer?"
"Upstairs," lazily she tossed her loose braid over her shoulder, "he and Buttercup are playing a game. Oh! But I did bring you down some food." She dropped her legs to the floor and moved over to the bed beside him, swinging a tray around and dropping it on his lap. "It's homemade chicken and veggie lo mein."
"Thanks," he picked up the fork and twirled it into the noodles, sure to stab a few peppers and piece of chicken with it. After chewing and swallowing he nodded, "not bad. Did you make it?"
"Elizabeth and me, yeah."
Once that food had hit his tongue and stomach it was like his body was roaring back to life with how ravenous he actually was. Digging further into his meal he followed her with his eyes as she ventured over to check on Mojo and then returned to the end of the bed. She appeared to be studying him herself, the way she tilted her head slightly and perked up when he answered her mundane questions that people normally ask.
"-I wouldn't say my favorite color is red exactly, I like other shades of it more."
"Ah ha…" nodding her head she chimed in, "that sounds about right, I asked the Professor once if we liked these colors because we were born with them but he said it's something he doesn't really understand himself. Maybe something about being drawn to it by DNA or along those lines, at least hypothetically."
The bowl was long discarded on the tray and the water bottle she had brought down was halfway drained by Brick at this point. "You ask a lot of questions."
Almost embarrassed she flushed before sticking her chin out with certainty, "well you aren't as scary as you pretend to be so I felt like I should know you better."
"I wouldn't say I'm not scary."
The look of skepticism was strong on her typically sweet features, "the more time I spend around you the more I realize you just like to act grumpy and like a loner. But I saw you on Sunday, you were having fun." Now she just looked plain smug, as if she'd caught his biggest weakness. And maybe she had. Even he knew the past few weeks had softened him, it was kind of embarrassing.
"Whatever you say, cupcake." Brick stood from the bed, stretching out the cramps that had slowly developed in his legs. Bubbles took the tray from the table and as she exited the room she continued to chatter away at him.
"Jeff is going to be so happy to see you tomorrow, I'm kind of sad that Buttercup and Boomer won't be coming," she hesitated just a fraction of a moment, "what about Butch?"
Brick was already following her out of the lab and gave a nod to Clark as he was studying a monitor and gave a small wave to the kids. "He's working tomorrow night."
"Oh." There was a feeling of disappointment in her chest but she just grinned through it as she and Brick walked up the steps, "do you want to go over with Blossom and me?"
They were already at the landing and entering the rest of the house, Brick felt uneasy at that question but just shrugged as he jammed his hands into his pockets, "I don't think Red would want me to come with."
Entering the kitchen, Bubbles dropped off the tray and deposited the dishes into the dishwasher, "that's not true. Besides, weren't you two on a date recently?"
"It wasn't a date," Brick firmly laid out, though his ears were burning.
"What wasn't a date?" Boomer and Buttercup entered from the living room, and although Boomer looked genuinely curious Buttercup just rolled her eyes and shoved past him to rummage in the fridge for a drink.
"Your charming leader dropped our sister off pretty late after they left the crime scene last week," she pulled out a can and cracked it open, "gross." She just smirked behind her drink as Brick scowled at her.
"It wasn't a date." But a flicker of expression moved into his eyes, "why? Did Red say it was?" Was there a detectable note of something in his voice at that question? But he didn't wait to hear an answer, crossing his arms, "we were starving afterwards, I drove us to get burgers. That's it."
"You took her to Andre and Miguel's place?" Boomer whined, both hands clasped over his heart, "how can you betray your own brothers so easily?"
Buttercup lifted an eyebrow and looked at Brick, "and he called us dramatic?" Brick pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.
"What's that?" Bubbles was curious, especially since she hadn't been able to get any details out of her sister.
Dramatically Boomer turned and faced the girls, "only the best burger shack in the world! These guys are amazing, we'll all have to go together, well-," here he cast an accusatory look at Brick, "maybe not all of us."
"You better fly fast tonight," Brick retorted, "because I'm going to kick your ass when I get my hands on you." Brothers.
"Aw, I say that to you too sometimes," Buttercup laughed at Bubbles who gave her an eye roll before changing the subject.
"So what do you think? Do you want to go over with Blossom and me tomorrow night? I know it starts at 8pm but we probably won't leave until closer to 9." She seemed to be thinking that over.
Buttercup offered a reason, "patrol. So long as nothing happens we should be able to wrap it up quickly."
Goosebumps seemed to roll down Bubbles' arms as she rubbed them, "yeah."
Brick and Boomer both noticed the change in her demeanor but to avoid pointing it out Brick just nodded, "sure. I can get here by 9pm." Looking at Boomer he asked, "need me to drop you two off?"
Buttercup motioned at Boomer, "dude, I'll just catch up with you and the guys when I'm done. Plus I don't take as long to get ready as some people in this house do."
"As long as you're cool with it," Boomer said.
Snarkily she replied, "didn't I just say I was?" She huffed and muttered under her breath about 'men'.
~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~
~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~
Friday Night
Buttercup was lacing up her beaten up combat boots as she sat on the steps leading to the bustling upstairs. They'd gotten in from their patrol 30 minutes ago, and although she was going out too she wasn't as flustered as Blossom seemed to be. She was leaving that mess to Bubbles. The Professor stepped out of the lab and looked around as Buttercup finished her second knot.
"Where are your sisters?"
Rolling her eyes, "Blossom's probably brushing herself bald."
"I know you want to head out right now but," he walked over as she stood up and crossed her arms, "why don't you help your sisters out?" Her expression was reading as 'fat chance' but her creator and father simply tacked on, "you work best as a team."
"Fiiiiine, fine, but don't say I never do anything for this family."
Half stomping up the steps Buttercup could clearly hear the chaos going on in Blossom's room and when she pushed the door open she was faced with Bubbles sitting on a facedown Blossom, a curling wand in one hand and determination purely on her face. Buttercup was stopped in stunned silence when Bubbles' head whipped up and she pointed at her.
"You! Hold her down while I finish the rest of her hair," the seriousness in her voice finally getting Buttercup to laugh heartily.
"Wait, wait, let me get a photo for my 'gram," fumbling her phone out of her back pocket just in time for Blossom's head to jerk up.
"Don't you dare!" She was trying to scramble out from under the blonde, "how are you so strong?"
"Because of my sheer determination of will," it was stated so plainly as if it was a known fact, "now hold still!"
With her newest embarrassing photo of her sister taken, Buttercup slipped her phone into her pocket and walked over, "nice. Alright, let's let her sit up, c'mon." Bubbles climbed off their sister while Buttercup lead her to sit on the chair. Blossom finally relented and plopped into the chair with a sigh.
Taking another section of hair in her hand, Bubbles wound it around the heated barrel, "you said you wanted to dress up a little," Buttercup was over at the bed eyeing up the outfit Blossom had tossed onto the bed.
"Yeah, but I meant like trying a different shade of lipstick…"
Bubbles rolled her eyes and nodded towards Buttercup, "can you grab the cream sweater off of my bed?"
"Aren't you wearing that tonight?" Blossom twisted her head to look at her 'baby' sister but felt a hand turn her head back into place.
"I was until I saw what you were planning on."
"What's wrong with the outfit I picked?"
"You're not going to a meeting at City Hall," she could sense Blossom open her mouth and added, "I won't hear any of it! You're going to wear the sweater." She was finishing up on a few loose strands when Buttercup walked back in, putting the sweater on top of the old outfit.
"That skirt looks a little prim though…" she loved Blossom but sometimes her style was too mature for a teenager.
Excitedly Bubbles gasped, "you're totally right! Let's do that pink pleated skirt, oh with some thigh highs, and maybe some cute booties?"
Resigned to her fate Blossom waved her hand in a defeated manner, "am I getting no say in this?"
Buttercup just shot her an amused look, "you know better than to ask dumb questions, Bloss."
"There," Bubbles unwrapped the last curl, "now let them cool, you can finish your makeup and I'll be right back." She practically danced around the chair and gave puppy-dog eyes to her dark haired sister, "are you sure you won't come with us?"
Shooing her away, Buttercup laughed, "and have to deal with Morbucks and you dorks all night? Nah, I'm good." Bubbles bounced out of the room with a remark around 'party-pooper' but Buttercup was already in Blossom's neatly organized closet. Rummaging through it she noticed Blossom applying mascara in the mirror. "So… dressing up for anyone in particular?"
Flushed, Blossom refused to look her sisters way, "no! Of course not. It's just fun to do sometimes."
Pulling the skirt out and walking over to Blossom she half-jokingly-half seriously quipped, "it better not be that goddamn red Ruff, I swear I will fucking riot."
Looking in any direction but Buttercup's, Blossom gave a nervous gulp, "hah! You know me better than that." Just because he could cook, and was smart, and had really nice smile when he meant it… she rapidly smacked both her cheeks, get it together! "And watch your language," she managed after doing so.
"If that's some kind of new blush technique keep it away from me," Buttercup was feeling awfully suspicious of the redhead but it was Blossom, she'd never fall for one of those Rowdyruff Boys, no matter how much time they'd all been spending together lately.
At that moment Bubbles scurried back in, finishing fastening a pretty gold hoop earring as she did so. She'd already finished her own makeup before the hair debacle, but she seemed to be missing a very important piece. A damn shirt. Clad in only a bra on her upper half she beelined to Blossom's closet and began rummaging.
"What on earth are you doing?" Blossom was puzzled, she didn't mind sharing clothes but it was rare they had guests who could've caught them in their bras and underwear.
Without skipping a beat Bubbles replied, "it's a Valentine's Day party, and you've got more things with pink or red than I do." Blossom stood but Bubbles ordered, "just get dressed and be careful with your hair!"
Sighing reluctantly Blossom gave Buttercup an incredulous expression as she stomped over to the bed and began changing. Buttercup had moved to the closet and was pointing out different options, "-maybe if you tucked this up?" And even though Blossom was a little nervous she had to admit that she was also enjoying having this 'normal' time together too. She pulled the sweater over her head and slipped and fastened the skirt on, she had to admit it was a more appropriate outfit for the night's activities.
She was sitting on the bed pulling the high white socks on when Bubbles triumphantly turned around, the white off the shoulders top with the pink and red roses was being slightly adjusted by Buttercup to show a little bit of skin above her jeans waistband.
With a smirk Blossom leaned back, "there's no way the professor lets you out of the house with the shirt like that."
Hands on her hips Bubbles strode over with a comb and hair tie, "I can handle him, now sit back on the chair and then we can go!"
Blossom wasn't so sure but returned back to the chair, she could feel some of the curls being brushed out of the corkscrew-like fashion and half being drawn back into a pretty half-up style. At the end of it even Blossom had to admit that her sisters had been right, they definitely knew what they were doing when it came to this stuff.
Tossing her own golden waves into a high but loose ponytail, Bubbles turned her head from side to side, the ends of her hair sliding over her bare shoulders. "I'm ready if you two are!"
Overly exaggerating Buttercup sighed, "ugh yes, I've been ready." Her head turned slightly and then she turned back to her sisters, "I think Brick just pulled up. You guys really driving over?"
Shrugging as Bubbles trailed out behind both of her sisters she said, "he offered, plus it's a little chilly. He's just trying to be nice."
Blossom ignored them as she beelined down the stairs and to the foyer, snagging her tall over the knee boots out of the back to slide onto her legs. The Professor walked over just as Brick gave a polite knock at the door, "You girls look very nice." Blossom was stunned and whipped her head around to see Bubbles wearing Buttercup's leather jacket, it was half zipped to hide her midsection. Sneaky.
As Bubbles put her own heeled booties on Blossom opened the door, "hey, Brick, thanks for the ride."
He was properly dressed for a High School party, probably like most of the other guys; Jeans, half tucked shirt with the sleeves pushed up, clean sneakers. His notorious cap was missing but his red curls were tied up in a loose and high bun. Hesitating Brick seemed to pause in himself. Brick and his brothers never really went to dances, and they certainly didn't attend parties the girls were going to, but one look at Blossom Utonium all dolled up… maybe they should have.
Seeming to snap out of it he gave an embarrassed but tight grin, "no problem." Stepping into the foyer he gave a nod to Professor Utonium, "hi, sir. How's Mojo doing today?"
"No need to 'sir' me," although if he'd known that Brick had just looked at his daughter with interest than he wouldn't have said that, "Mojo is doing well, still stabilized and there is continuous tissue growth."
Nodding more confidently Brick said, "that sounds good, thanks."
"Alright, alright, enough chit-chat, let's go already!" Buttercup waved her father off and pressed forward, "c'mon, asswipe," she pushed Brick's chest and forced him backwards.
"Uh, see you later I guess," he gave Buttercup a look but she rolled her eyes.
Standing in the doorway and waving goodbye the Professor called out, "be careful and don't stay out too late!"
Bubbles called out over her shoulder with her arm linked through Blossom's, "we know! Love you!" As they approached the car and Brick unlocked it Bubbles said to Blossom, "you can ride up front." Releasing her arm she hopped over to the other side of the car and Brick looked at her curiously.
Buttercup followed her and the blonde shucked her sister's jacket off, "thanks."
Shrugging it back on Buttercup said, "yeah, yeah, you're just lucky I decided to wear a sweatshirt tonight."
Blossom brought her hand to her forehead, "you two are going to get us in trouble," her hand hovered on the car door handle while Brick remarked on her sister's appearance.
"It's not bad, must be a father-daughter thing, 'cause I've seen HIM showing waaaaaay more skin than that." He gave an over exaggerated grimace and Buttercup laughed as she pushed Bubbles into the backseat.
"You should borrow his thigh-high boots sometime."
"Stop trying to get me to undress for you," he smirked as Buttercup flushed and scoffed at his reply.
"Whatever, just make sure my sisters are safe, otherwise I'll come kick your ass." Brick humored her with a nod and as he opened his own door to climb into the driver's seat she shot off with the pale green streak fading in her wake.
Shutting the door he was surprised to see Bubbles leaning over the center console fiddling with the radio knob and completely ignoring Blossom attempting to lecture her.
"-and I know you wear less clothes technically in warmer weather but you know how the Professor is when it comes to boys and parties-," but she was interrupted by her sister picking a station with a retro pop song playing.
"Finally!" Bubbles flopped back into her seat and Blossom just looked embarrassed as she clicked her seatbelt in. "The Professor is just a silly fuddy-duddy of a dad, remember when Buttercup's boobs developed?"
The speed in which Blossom whipped her head around to deliver a death stare onto her sister was astonishing. "Bubbles!" She hissed, "not the right conversation in present company!"
"Oh, whoopsie," Bubbles gave a nervous giggle and Brick flicked his eyes at the rearview mirror, he gave a sly grin and pulled his car out into the quiet suburb street.
"Trust me, Red, everyone remembers when Buttercup jumped from a A cup to a D cup." He gave a laugh as she smacked his upper arm, he could see the small smile on Bubbles' face as she seemed to relax.
"You're absolutely incorrigible!"
"Anything to get your hands on me, Red."
Thankfully the night was dark enough to hide the furious red flush creeping onto Blossom's cheeks.
Buttercup landed with a dull thud outside of the diner, hustling inside she gave a courtesy wave to the hostess before beelining to an occupied booth. Mike caught her eye first and seemed to be thanking whatever god he was praying to that she had finally arrived, Mitch was sitting across from him and next to Samson while Boomer was on the other side beside Mike. Even he perked up when she pulled a chair out from the empty table across from them and took a seat at the head.
"Children," she greeted them before swiping a fry from one of the shared baskets and popping it into her mouth.
Mike uttered a, "thank god you're finally here."
She just laughed but Mitch wagged a finger at her, "I thought you were on your way 30 minutes ago?"
"I had to help Bubbles get Blossom ready, I got the best photo though," she whipped out her phone and pulled up the photo of Bubbles pinning Blossom to the floor. Mike ended up looking at it upside down while Mitch took it to get a better look.
He smirked, "nice," and Samson was practically drooling over her phone. Even Boomer perked up, still enjoying seeing these different sides of the girls.
"Man, I recognize that face," Boomer commented, and when Mike gave him a curious look Boomer shrugged and took a sip from his shake. "Same look whenever she'd punch me through a wall." It wasn't an uncomfortable subject at this point, it was common knowledge that the Rowdyruff Boys and the Powerpuff Girls used to kick the snot out of each other. No one was innocent in that situation.
Samson gave a low whistle, "that's pretty hot," he waggled his eyebrows but Mitch rolled his eyes and Buttercup snatched her phone away to jam into her jacket pocket.
"Those are my sisters, you fucking creep."
Samson sighed, "I'm just saying, one of these days I'll be your brother-in-law." With that sentence the drink that Mitch was sipping on went straight out of his nose, sticky soda splattering the basket of fries on the table.
"Dude, nasty!" Buttercup recoiled but laughed towards the end of her exclamation. Mike was already using napkins to mop everything up and handed an unsoiled one to Mitch who was holding onto his nose and shaking his head.
Boomer looked over at Samson, "can you make Brick do that?"
After another thirty minutes of discussion and table cleaning Mike's cell phone buzzed, he picked it up and with familiarity grinned into his greeting, "about time you called, what took you so long?"
The others buzzed in the background, but Mike nodded towards Buttercup first who held up her hand and shushed the others. Turning back to the guys Mike said, "Hanout apparently got us a lane at the night bowl," Mitch gave an excited shake of his fist and Samson held both arms in the air with a whoop of excitement.
Boomer was a bit puzzled and leaning forward in his seat asked, "what's the night bowl?"
"Yeah, let us pay for our meal and we'll be right over, thanks dude-," Mike was relaying back to Hanout while Mitch gave Boomer a look of disbelief.
"How do you not know what night bowl is?"
Sheepishly he shrugged, "it's not like I used to get out much."
Low profiles for the boys had always been the most fitting after their last incarceration. Funny how both of their "dad's" had insisted on it despite continuing to pursue their lives of crime. Some things would never fully make sense to any of the boys.
Samson started pushing at Mitch, "let's go already!"
Nervous sweat dotted on his brow, they were counting on him… they needed him to do this and do this right. There was no one left now, tension pulled at his stomach and he resisted the urge to peek over his shoulder. Taking one big steadying breath he closed his eyes with determination to do this right. One- two- three steps, the lean and release. Feeling the surge of power of his arm Boomer tried to restrain himself as best he could.
Illuminated blue flew above the smooth surface, barely grazing it, leaning slightly to the edge it hooked before making contact with it's target. A clattering erupted, parts of the target scattered and bounced off of the smooth wood. One last piece wobbled with that air of uncertainty before tumbling backwards.
Pivoting in place, Boomer raised his arms and smiled wide, "strike! Woo-hoo!"
Mike whooped and laughed as he gave Boomer a high five, "damn! Way to go, man!"
Buttercup gave an indignant snort and crossed her arms, "whatever, beginners luck. I'll smoke you guys next round." Mitch hung his head sadly and Samson just gave him a disappointed pat on the shoulder.
"This is a first, Butters is on our team and we lost."
She may have punched his arm a little too hard as he stumbled to the side and clutched it, his face pale. "Jeeze, woman! Why would you use a certified weapon against a citizen?"
Boomer laughed and pointed at Buttercup, "he's got you there."
A little smugly she raised an eyebrow, "it should be a privilege then, you'll never get this close to power like this without special clearance." Hanout threw an arm around Buttercup's shoulders and indicated with his head towards the game keyboard.
"We playing another round?"
Reaching for his wallet Boomer responded, "yeah, I'm gonna grab another drink though. Anyone want anything?"
Mitch eagerly raised his hand, "can you get an order of cheese fries?"
"Really?" Mike looked dubious, "are you planning on sharing with the rest of us?"
"Get your own, Believe," Mitch scowled.
Laughing Boomer waved his hands, "I'll get a large, but that means you're sharing, dude."
Buttercup started walking ahead of Boomer, "I need an Energyade or something, but I don't trust you to pick out a good flavor if they don't have the icy blue one."
Scoffing as Boomer joined her and walked along the illuminated floor he quipped, "the dragon fruit one is the best."
"Uh, okay, didn't know you were trying to become a future Narc. Color?"
"The dark reddish-maroon one."
"Nasty, I should've known your tastebuds were shit."
Beneath the loud music and dark lights of Night Bowl were happy whoops from other teens and young adults in their sections, chattering, the electronic blips and beeps coming from the arcade and the falling of quarters from the coin machine.
"Is it always this busy?" Boomer was enthralled with the place; he loved the color changing LEDs and neon colored bowling balls that glowed beneath the blacklights. The glowing posters and smooth hardwood floors gave it a kind of retro-disco feel that he'd seen in old movies before.
Pushing her bangs to the side of her face she shrugged, "it's a Friday, they don't let anyone under 21 in from Monday-Thursday, so I couldn't tell ya."
Standing in line at the concessions counter Boomer crossed his arms, "you're telling me you don't use your hero privilege to break some rules?"
Nonchalantly she was typing a text message to someone, "I didn't say that," looking up at him she gave a slight smirk, "I just don't do that here."
She stuffed a few bills in his hand as they neared the counter, "they've got the icy blue one, I'm gonna pick out some music on the machine over there." Before Boomer could say anything, she was already striding over to the machine, garnering looks in her own right. Buttercup may not be overly feminine but she did manage to turn heads regardless.
Popping in his order, Boomer was told it would be a few minutes on the large cheese fries but he still managed to get the large drinks in hand as he waited. There were so many other teens here, not just high schoolers but plenty of college kids from the local university, they looked like they were caught between that awkward fence of not knowing where they really belonged in the scheme of things. Too young to order a beer but too old to flirt with kids barely younger than them. Although… from the looks of it, it wasn't stopping two boys from chatting up Buttercup while she was scrolling through the digital screen.
She'd barely picked two songs before these assholes came over, asking about where she went to school and how old she was… she was over it. She jerked back as her hand was pushed to the side and one of the guys was rolling the screen backwards, "nah, babe, you don't want to listen to that shit." She was roiling and exhaled through her nose to keep her temper under control.
"You can pay for your own songs then," she lightly (for her) elbowed him out of the way and was scrolling back to the Bohnes menu so she could pick out a song.
Buttercup didn't even flinch when the guy slammed his hand on the screen, "listen, I'm just trying to help you educate yourself-," he was sneering and spittle was dangerously close to flying into her face.
"Well you're doing a shit job at it, especially when I didn't ask," she retorted. The way she dangerously narrowed her eyes but wore a confident smirk on her lips should've been enough to get this chump to back down but he decided to double down.
"No man wants to fuck a little cunt, so you need to learn when to shut up."
At that moment she knew her eyes were beginning to illuminate, just from the way their faces paled slightly and the confident way the guy's grin faltered. Before things escalated further, Buttercup felt a solid hand and arm go around her shoulders and leaning forward Boomer stated, "it's really shitty to go around calling women nasty names when you're the one with a problem." She was surprised but turned her head to look at the blonde, not at all surprised to see him balancing a tray with the drinks and fries on it in his other hand. "Fuck off."
The biting way he said it solidified the same chill that she'd felt when he'd been aiming those angry eyes at her not too long ago. It wasn't a fun look to be under. There was hesitation in the guys before Buttercup cocked a hip and made a 'shooing' motion with her hands, "you heard him, fuck off." The cocky expression on her face didn't leave well until the guys turned into the arcade.
With a frustrated sigh she turned back to the screen, "I can't stand fuckers like that, like why me saying 'no' didn't make as much impact as you coming over." There was clear irritation in her voice as she muttered under her breath, "such fuckin' bullshit."
"Actually," Boomer chimed up, "I did that more for their sake. Dumbasses like them would've just provoked you into punching one of them in the face. And I don't want to get kicked out just yet."
Surprised, she turned to see his face but noticed the playful look in his eyes and the dimple that rose at the corner of his mouth as he grinned. "Whatever," she grumbled. It was true that she knew how to take care of herself, and having that acknowledged was always a bonus. Boomer recognized her power and strength. Her hand hesitated over the screen but she then dismissively shrugged and pulled her drink from the tray he was holding. "I have one more credit left, just pick a song so we can get back to the game."
She tried to pretend not to notice when he brightened and turned his attention to the screen, flipping through the catalogue as she had done before.
Rubbing at his eyes sleepily Samson whined, "how did I not win a single game?"
Mitch just shrugged as he leaned on Mike's shoulder, "I guess you're just shit at bowling, dude." He cackled as Mike shook his head and started to pull out his keys. Hanout was leaning on his own car beside Mike's in the small city parking lot, Boomer and Buttercup standing close by. After several hours of bowling they had been ready to call it a night, plus the adults who were over 21 were starting to get more intoxicated as the night went on. It was only Friday, plenty of weekend left to hang out during.
"You need a ride home?" Mike asked Boomer, but the blonde just shook his shaggy blonde head.
"Nah, I'll fly tonight, it's pretty clear tonight."
Indicating to Buttercup with his keys, "and you?" Samson was sulkily getting into Hanout's car as they lived in the same neighborhood and it just made more sense for them to ride together. He was nothing, if not a sore loser.
"Eh, I'll be fine flying home," cracking her knuckles she looked over at Boomer and raised an eyebrow, "I'll race ya to Jefferson Park right outside of the city."
Grinning in an excited and determined manner Boomer was already pulsing with those navy colored sparks, "you're on." He turned to Mike, "thanks again, dude, this was fun."
Like a mother hen of sorts Mike chirped, "wait! Don't just launch from-," his voice was lost as the two bursts of color exploded into the sky, the wind rattling the other parked vehicles and managing to push one into another. The car alarm blaring away in the night as Mitch laughed and exasperatedly Mike finished, "-here."
"Let's get out of here before we get in trouble," Hanout laughed as he hopped into the driver's seat of his car. In agreement Mike did the same as Mitch continued to bust his balls about, 'not being able to control the kids,' or something along those lines. Where was Blossom when he needed her?
Shooting through the clear night air, Boomer dipped below the green puff as he dodged a flagpole jutting out from a building, the loud sound of wind whipping past his ears was exciting. Brick didn't like him and Butch racing, he said Boomer's lightning powers were too unpredictable when he got going to that extent. He must have zoned out because a bright green beam shot past his face.
Blinking, Boomer noticed Buttercup flying backwards, the grin on her face was practically feral with excitement. His own brow lowered with determination as he shot forward, passing her with ease. Buttercup rolled in the air as she spun in his direction, right on his heels. The piercing sound that followed them as they darted around tall buildings and water towers brought a few people to their windows and Boomer suddenly felt incredibly self-conscious.
They were expecting two Puffs, not a Ruff being chased down by one of them.
He must have slowed down because Buttercup was suddenly parallel to him, she quirked her lips and eyebrows in a cocky manner but softened as she saw the expression on his face. She was back to flipping around so she was backwards, pulling one of her legs up, "c'mon, you can do better than that!" Her raspy voice carried a playfulness he had only experienced a handful of times before, but before he could reply she used that raised foot to brace against his shoulder as she rocketed off.
Tumbling backwards in the air a few feet Boomer shook his head and pushed those shaggy waves to the side of his face. He could feel the electricity pulsing through his veins as he took off in her direction, any time he came close to a solid object he would push off of it, eager to gain lost distance. She seemed to have been taking her time but the surprised expression on her face as she turned to face forward was worth it.
She wasn't sure how'd he'd gained so much ground so quickly, plus the park was coming up fast. Her dark hair blew wildly around her face as she increased her speed but as she saw Jefferson Park come into view she felt heavy static in the air. It kind of felt like she was pushing against floating in the air instead of piercing it. Peering from the corner of her eye she saw the glint of blonde hair and a vicious grin. Vicious in the sense that Boomer was clasping this victory from her, not a viciousness of ill intent.
Rolling to the side and beneath him she knew she had him caught slightly off guard, but her mistake was to roll back up to his side and shove his arm with her own. Spines of heat surged through her veins and her teeth felt like they were on edge. The shiver that coiled down her back made her left arm involuntarily jerk roughly and she followed the movement. Crashing into Boomer she felt that surge of electricity rocket through her system, goosebumps forming underneath her sweatshirt.
As her body moved forcefully into his Boomer felt himself falter, the descent was no longer steady but jumbled. Buttercup seemed to lock one of her arms around his as she tried to twist away but they were already hitting the grassy hill. Cold, hard dirt flew up and some buried itself down the back of Boomer's neck, Buttercup went to raise herself up but only flipped back onto her butt as they slid to a stop.
Instead of their arms being ensnared it was now their legs, and with his ears slightly ringing he shook his head before gingerly bringing his heads up to it. He'd definitely smacked it against something on the way down but it had happened too quickly for him to realize what was happening. Squinting he noticed that Buttercup was rubbing her own temple and then splayed out her fingers to ruffle her hair, dirt flying off her scalp.
Not knowing what to say Boomer licked his lips before sitting more upright, a snort brought him looking at bright green eyes as Buttercup howled with laughter, "you should see yourself!"
Pushing his wind-tangled hair back he felt a massive clump of dirt with the grass still clinging to it wrapped up around the back of his head. Flushing furiously he quickly dislodged it and gave a smile in her direction, "you don't look much better."
"Oh, I know," disentangling herself from his long legs she stood and dusted off her pants, picking a few strands of grass off of her sweatshirt. "Didn't know you had that in you, pretty boy."
"Had what?" Ignoring the comment about being pretty.
"That jolt," she stiffened her body in an exaggerated manner, her tongue sticking out of the corner of her mouth. Laughing again she gave a smirk, "that was crazy, Boomer."
Embarrassed he staggered to his own feet, "ah, sorry about that, that's ah… I'm not so good at controlling that yet." In truth Boomer wasn't sure if it would ever be something he could control.
She clapped a hand on his shoulder with a warmth and friendliness she herself hadn't been expecting, "well it's damn effective, I'm just glad you couldn't do that when we were kids."
Laughing it off with her, Boomer dusted his own pants off, crouching he looked up at her and gave her a warm smile. Without letting the grin fall from her face Buttercup stiffened again but only for a fraction of a moment before clearing her throat and stepping away from him, "not too bad."
"Would you say you had fun?" He teased, straightening up himself, but she just playfully shoved him.
"Don't get ahead of yourself! I never said that."
He liked the way her nose crinkled when she was grinning, it was kind of… cute? It softened her normally tough exterior and it was a side he wanted to keep growing accustomed to. "We'll just have to have a rematch then." He took a few steps back, his feet practically dancing over themselves as he lifted himself in the air, "I'll catch ya later." Giving a two fingered salute Boomer shot off, though at a much more controlled pace in the direction of his home.
"Yeah…," her words were lost to no one in particular. If Bubbles actually had a crush on Boomer then maybe she shouldn't be tumbling over him like that. Not that she liked him or anything, he just wasn't as annoying as she'd originally thought he was. Shrugging off any additional thoughts she floated up in the sky herself before darting back over to her own home. She'd have to explain to Blossom why there was a small crater in Jefferson Park at some point but maybe she could save that for later.