Hi Guys!

Sorry for the lengthy update! The joys of motherhood!

Anyway lets get to it!

Disclaimer: I own nothing aside Bella.

Brick stood with Boomer outside the familiar white house. Butch was on babysitting duties, a task he was violent to protest but one threat from Brick made the middle brother back down and suck it up. Plus Brick promised he wouldn't be long. Heh.

"Are you sure this is gonna work?" Boomer asked miserably.

"Yes. Now stop your bitching." He snapped and pressed the doorbell. The boys stuck out like a sore thumb. People gossiped and they weren't blind. 2 RowdyRuffs at a PowerPuff house?! Boomer twitched as he saw the old lady from across the road peeking through her blinds. The door opened in one swoop as Bubbles stood like a deer caught in headlights.

"Can I help you?" She squeaked. Brick grumbled and let himself in, Boomer stood out on the porch a little longer staring at the pretty blonde puff.

"Uhm… you can come in?"

Boomer blinked "Huh?"

"You might want to hurry before you give Mrs. Higgins a heart attack."

Boomer peered around him to see the old lady's eyes like dinner plates. He cleared his throat before walking through the door as Bubbles closed it behind him. Brick was already sat on the sofa in their living area looking pointedly at his Brother. Boomer gave Bubbles another look who gestured him to sit.

"What? Are you mute?!" Brick hissed, Boomer scowled and sat down at the side of his brother.

"Just one second." Bubbles smiled before zipping upstairs in a flash of blue.

"Tch, pathetic." Brick grumbled.

"What?!"

"You! Drooling over the blonde like some damn lovesick teenager. Get it together for fucks sake!"

Boomer glared hard. "Fuck you man…. She's hot, a guy can look! Not like you who goes around banging Puffs!"

"Want to say that again?" Brick seethed darkly, smoke seeping through his teeth.

"You don't scare me Brick. I didn't do anything wrong, I don't have a baby as a result of it!"

Brick grabbed his collar and pulled him forward until a voice interrupted.

"Oi, you get blood on my sofa you're paying for it." An annoyed Buttercup snapped coming down the stairs, Bubbles following her shocked.

"Brick! Put him down!"

Brick let go roughly while Boomer straightened his jacket scowling at his older brother. The two Puffs sat down on the opposite the Boys, one looking bored and the other looking worried.

"So you've gotta watch Bell's for me this weekend." Brick said.

"Why? Not that we don't mind, of course we won't mind! But why can't you watch her?" Bubbles asked.

"We got business."

"What business?" Buttercup asked, her eyes narrowing.

"Our business, that's all you need to know." Brick's tone left no room for questions but Buttercup pressed on.

"You're up to something and its illegal." Buttercup accused. Boomer bristled while Brick remained poker faced.

"No, we aint. Are you taking Bella or not?" Brick snapped.

"Yes you are he's squirming like an ant under a glass." Buttercup fired back pointing at Boomer. Brick whipped round to his brother who was looking shocked.

"Get it together!" He hissed harshly. Boomer swallowed and tried to compose himself and desperately tried to shake the blue puff's gaze off him.

"What are you doing?" Buttercup asked again her gaze piercing.

"Look it aint none of your business you just need to let me know if you're taking you god damn niece!"

Buttercup shifted her gaze to Bubbles who took a deep breath.

"Boomer… Please, tell us the truth."

"Boomer! Do not answer!"

"Boomer… what are you hiding?"

"I won't warn you again!"

"Please…"

"WE RUN THE ROWDIE GANG!" Boomer blurted, he took a deep breath before tentatively looking at his older brother. Brick was glaring hard at him, he knew he would regret this.

"Th-The Rowdies?! It's YOU?! How- When- You-!"

"Calm down blondie!" Brick snapped a headache fully forming.

"I knew it was fucking illegal. Once a street rat always a street rat." Buttercup sneered folding her arms.

"For fuck sake Boomer! You can kill a man without hesitation but blonde hair blue eyes and you run your mouth like fucking motor!" Brick hissed.

"You've killed people?!" Bubbles squeaked.

"No! I-!"

"Of course he has! But not like what you think!" Brick reacted quickly as Buttercup got to her feet.

"Give me one good reason we shouldn't haul your asses to jail!"

Brick gave a heavy sigh and run his hand through his hair.

"Bro, this could be a good thing that they know?" Boomer watched his brother's reaction carefully.

"I want not one more word from your mouth!"

Boomer gave an annoyed eye roll before sitting back into the couch.

"If you sit down like a civil human I might actually speak to you like an adult."

"Pfft! You don't know the meaning of the word civil seen as you kill people for a living!"

"Oh for the love of god woman!" Brick snapped standing also. "Look! We kill to stop other's being killed. We kill the people that cross us and generally speaking their up to no fucking good anyway-"

"But their people Brick, with families. It's still inhumane to kill regardless of who they are." Bubbles spoke. Brick calmed slightly at the Blue Puffs words but he was still angered.

"Look that's the way this game works… that's what we do. If it makes you feel any better we don't kill innocents. If anything we protect them-"

"Pfft! Don't make me laugh! You and you? Protectors? What a joke, you'll feed us any lies to avoid the nick." Buttercup spat. Brick could feel his temperature rising.

"Look! The only reason I'm here in the first place is for Bella, otherwise I wouldn't waste my time with you! Yes we're gang leaders, yes we've killed people. Are those people good people? No! Will they be missed by others? I doubt it. But that's what everyone signs up for in the gang game! We protect the people on our territory from other gangs wanting to start shit. Heck we probably protect more of this god damn city than you! Our work doesn't interfere with your life or the lives of civvy's - civilians Bubbles – so stop getting your fucking panties in a twist!"

Bubbles looked shocked and Buttercup was damn near seething.

"Just who do you think you're talking to! Don't listen to him Bubbles – it's a pack of lies. You know she wouldn't have stood for this. She would have hauled them down to jail by now."

"Oh really? Then how come we're still here? Cos she knew! She knew for months and didn't do nothing or bother to tell you! She knew we weren't a threat to you or the civvy's. " Brick's eyes widened, his anger got the better of his and his words came out like word vomit.

Bubbles looked like she was about to cry and Boomer was starting at his brother carefully. The silence was suffocating as Buttercup stood frozen.

"She- she knew what you did?" Bubbles asked quietly.

Brick shifted his gaze to the small women and his shoulders dropped.

"Yeah- she almost busted us but once she realised that we were preventing more killings than what we were doing as necessary she understood and left us alone. As long as innocents weren't harmed she understood."

Bubbles stood slowly and placed her hands-on Buttercup's shoulders.

"Butter-"

"No! Fuck this!"

She growled and flashed upstairs with the loud slam of a door. Bubbles watched her sister leave and sigh.

"Sorry about that, she's still sore that Blossom kept you and the baby a secret. Knowing more was kept from her will be a hard thing to take."

Brick didn't respond and had to use all his will power not to roll his eyes. Fucking drama queen. Still, he supposed it wasn't all bad the Puff's knowing. They didn't have to sneak around as much with them and it would probably get the feds of their tail if needed. Not that he would say Boomer's big mouth was a good idea.

"So, will you take Bella or not?"

"Just promise me… that with what you do… doesn't put her in danger? She is safe with you?"

"Of course she is!" Brick defended hotly. "No one from our jobs knows her and that's the way it will stay as long as I can help it. She won't be touched or harmed. By anyone."

Bubbles could see the strong determination in his eyes. While she never in a million years thought a Rowdyruff boy – the leader none the less would be fatherly or be able to care for an infant, she was happy to say she was pleasantly surprised with how committed Brick was to his daughter. Blossom… would be proud.

Bubbles smiled. "Yes, we'll have her."

Brick nodded and flicked his head at Boomer who stood as Brick walked to the door.

"I'm not a bad person Bubbles, I'd never hurt you." He stared into her beautiful crystal blue eyes something inside him desperate for her to believe him.

"I know your not, just a little 'ruff' around the edges." She allowed him a small smirk.

"Heh.. suppose that's one way of putting it." He smiled scratching the back of his neck.

"BOOMER!"

Boomer groaned. "Ugh… way to ruin a moment!"

"I'm sure they'll be more." She giggled.

Boomer gave a smile before wincing at Brick yelling his name again.

"Until next time."

"Next time."

A small group of people stood on the dark side of the street where the street lamp was dimly lit. They stood poised, controlled and unwavering. There was about 12 people, mainly men with 2 women all dressed in dark smart attire. It was passed midnight and the smell of alcohol lingered from the bar near the main road. For a Wednesday it was quiet, which was to be expected.

No one moved, all stood almost waiting… watching.

A smooth woosh and a quick flash in the night and suddenly 3 men were stood in front of the group, their backs to them. Boomer cracked his fingers, Butch rolled his shoulders and Brick raised his chin.

This was the Rowdie gang.

"Lets go." He commanded. The group followed wordlessly. The twins taking their position closest to the Rowdies. They walked up to what appeared to be an abandoned building. The greying brick and boarded up windows did not make for comfortable viewing. The boys knew they were already being watched as they walked up to the door. The door seemed out of place, huge dark metal which looked near impenetrable, clearly for keeping people out… or people in.

Brick banged once with his fist. A slat opened near his head and a quick gasp echoed as the slat closed as quickly as it opened. Another second later the sound of a heavy lock turned, and the door swung open. The boys and the gang walked through without any hesitation. The inside reflected the exterior, dark, cold, grey and empty. A few pillars dotted about to hold up the building but nothing more.

The gang made their way over to the stairs and climbed silently. They reached a long corridor that was scattered with other people watching the group with narrowed eyes. Muted whispers whipped around them as the watchers muttered into invisible speakers. At the end of a corridor was a shut door as the Rowdies made their way towards it. Butch looked back darkly and nodded to two men who gave a nod back and stood to the side, joining the other watchers on the outside.

Brick didn't even knock and opened the door. The people in the room all stared as the final gang made their entrance. The silence was thick and engulfed the large room as Brick and the boys walked to the end of the table were three chairs were vacant. Brick took a seat in the middle with Butch on his right and Boomer on his left.

They sat down as the Rowdie gang stood behind them, the twins front and centre.

Brick's cold expression didn't falter as his piercing red eyes scanned the room. This was the Huddle, the only time in the whole year the gangs of Townsville didn't kill each other and addressed troubling or important issues which may affect everyone's way of life.

On Brick's right next to Butch were the Kane's. They were a large group, one of the newest set ups. The Rowdies had done one deal with them, but the Kane's were notorious for backstabbing and double crossers and never getting caught. No blood on their hands – the leader said. It was wise to keep them at arm's length.

Next to them -the Ronkin's- the oldest running crime gang in Townsville. They claim they were the first ever crime gang in Townsville, a claim hotly rebutted by the Frosts. They shared a deep heated rivalry that had gone on for years, many casualties and fatalities on each side from the other. Nothing ever good came from a Ronkin and Frost brawl. So much so at the brawl of BlueBay. It has been planned for months and the lead up to the brawl had been deadly enough. The day came the two gangs were to have one final showdown with only one coming out on top – and thus finally holding the title of longest running crime gang. The Rowdies paid close attention to that particular brawl. Hell, every crime gang in the city had! But numbers soon dwindled on both sides and Brick realised quickly that no one was coming out of this brawl alive. Thus the boys stepped in at the opportune moment to end their petty rivalry. There motive? Information. Both gangs on their own merits provided the Rowdies in their own way, whether it was money or information. Either way the boys needed both gangs. They had more allies in the RonKins and Frosts than the other gangs… all a matter of survival.

Then at the other head of the table opposite the Rowdies were their biggest rival . The MayRay's. Disgusting, Despicable rats the boys would say. They were the second biggest gang behind the Rowdies and just as deadly to boot. They were the Rowdies biggest threat and the ones their associates clashed with most. Brick despised the leader -Dean-. Cocky, arrogant little weasel. Brick wanted him dead so badly, but he knew killing a gang leader was not an easy task. Even for someone with his particular skills.

Finally the last gang, placed between the Frosts and the MayReys were the Turelli's. Another one Brick loathed. Especially their leader Cedric. Slimy, arrogant and impulsive. Brick's harboured a special hatred for Cedric after the bastard decided it was cleaver to after his girl. Brick had been screwing with a pretty blond years ago. Nothing serious but he hated it when someone thought it was a good idea to muscle in on his things. Brick never cared for the blonde bimbo… it was all down to pride and principle. Brick had arranged a good couple of hijacked hauls on the Turelli's after their leaders' stunt.

Another headache for Brick was that the MayRey's and the Turelli's were strong allies. Dean and Cedric got along particularly well due to their mutual hatred of the Rowdie Boys. They felt they were at an unfair advantage because of their powers and had debated at a few huddles the ban of their powers. The boys basically laughed their threats off and explained they are never letting go of their skills.

Power is Power baby.

Unfortunately, one associate just couldn't let it go. About 2 years ago he stood, slandering the Rowdie name to the Townsville gangs, threatening them and then calling them cheats. Sneering disgusted at the boys. Unlucky for him he got too close to a deadly Green ruff who with one strike put him 6 foot under. The Huddle has been abruptly ended that year as the unfortunate associate just happened to be Dean's brother. The MayRey's vowed revenge and a lot of killings on both side of the gangs happened the following year. The causalities slowed down but the hatred burned deep.

Back to present and the meeting had begun, and a tense atmosphere hung in the air. No one spoke as the smell of smoke wafted around the room. A thin mist coating everyone and everything. Brick sneered hatefully at Dean and Cedric, both sat particularly close.

"Well… anyone have anything to say?!" He snapped irritably. A few people stiffened and looked questionably to each other until the second in command of the Frost's stood. He was a slim guy, but very tall. Dark blue eyes and a shaven head and he glared around the room.

"28th March. We had a haul coming in on the West block at Section 228. We got hijacked and the bastards got away with out 15 pounds of steel." He hissed.

Murmur's rumbled around the room as Butch whistled lowly smirking, he leaned in closer impressed with who had the balls to hijack a steel haul. Those things were hard to do and closely guarded.

"Heh, sike."

The second in command glared but was smarter than to strike an argument with the Green Ruff. Boomer looked round curiously while Brick remained perfectly poker faced waiting for someone to own it. It wasn't uncommon for gang to flush out hijackers of their high-end hauls. It was prime time and some revelations didn't end with a full gang intact.

Dean looked equally bored, this kind of business was tiresome when he wasn't involved. Another minute passed without ownership when a chair scrapped the floor on Butch's right. All eyes turned to the 2nd in command of the Kane's. He lit a cigarette and took a long drag and exhaled slowly plastering a cocky smirk.

"Guilty."

Butch leaned back with a laugh and Brick and Boomer smirked along with other members in the room.

"Bastard." Butch snickered, he loved a conflict. Especially an arrogant one, the balls to own up to a 15-pound steel haul was not something to be ignored.

In seconds the Frost's has all pulled their guns onto the Kane's who responded in the same fashion.

"What made you think you had the right to pull a stunt like that?!" The second from the Frost's seethed. The leader of the Kane's 'David' stood up then and took a long drag of his own cigarette before arrogantly flicking the stub at the Frosts. He reached into his pocket and threw a small bag at the Leader 'Hunter' Frost, who was still sat down. He opened the bag to a roll of cash. He quickly flicked through it before also standing angered.

"This is a quarter of the cost of that fucking Steel!"

"Take it or leave it." David Kane hissed.

Frost glanced at the weaponry from the Kane's and his own gang, he was smart enough to know a gun fight was not wise, but this would be something he wouldn't forget. His eyes flicked to his second who signalled the gang to lower their weapons. Everyone on both sides settled.

Frost knew he had to pull a big hijack on the Kane's to redeem some of his rep, he couldn't afford to look weak. Weakness meant death.

"Anything else?" Brick asked in a bored voice.

The Huddle proceeded. The Ronkin's told they were opening an establishment on the south side, it was near Kane's territory but they allowed it for partial use which was agreed. The southside wasn't much of a money maker. The Frost's told them the Fed's had cornered off more of their territory and it was getting harder for deals to be done.

A few deals were made between gangs but Brick stared hatefully at Cedric and Dean. They were being suspiciously quite – very unlike them. They always had something to say.

Just as business was wrapping up Dean gave Cedric a look and Brick tensed.

"Well…" Cedric stood. "This has been a massive waste of my time. But none the less it allowed a direct meeting." He glared at the boys.

"What do you want fuckface." Butch snapped.

"Well if you're looking to grant wishes you could put a hole in your head. Save me a job."

"Is that a fucking threat?!" Butch seethed slowly getting to his feet. The Rowdie gang braced themselves… this was going south fast.

"More like a promise." Cedric hissed and pulled out an oddly shaped gun, it has a glass case at the top filled with an orange liquid.

"The fuck is that?" Boomer spat his face murderous.

"That…" Dean spoke also standing. "Is a nifty little gadget filled with wonderful Antidote X."

The boys stiffened. How the fuck had they gotten a hold of Antidote X?! The only person who held that was Professor Utonium, under bullet proof- hell bomb proof lock and key. The girls would never let anyone get past their father.

Brick stood this time.

"Ah the leader himself… tell me Brick, did fucking that hot redhead finally allow you to grow some balls?"

Brick felt his stomach flip. Shit. He'd been caught! Thankfully it seemed the idiot didn't realise who that redhead had been, but it was concerning he'd gotten that close to Brick without his knowledge. Something he would have to review to keep Bella safe.

"Where the fuck did you get that?!" Brick snarled his composure slowly slipping when she was mentioned. He eyed the weapon with venom.

"Ah…can't go revealing my secrets, now can I?" Cedric smirked. Brick looked at Dean who looked equally as smug.

"You better watch it, you're playing with fire." Brick growled.

"Oooooo I'm so scared!" Cedric mocked. "Don't fucking test me Jojo. Things are gonna start changing around here, starting with your territory!"

The boys remained still, anger evident on their faces. The other gangs slowly moved back. No one wanted a Rowdie brawl. The MayRey's and the Truelli's stood side by side as a show of force. The Rowdies gripped their weapons, waiting for further instruction.

"Ha! Already backing down… see you're NOTHING without those fucking powers. Listen up! This is how it's gonna work. You're gang is dismembered – we can make that literal if you like- You're territory is ours. You need to get out of town and NEVER come back. Should you have any trouble with this we can end you now." Cedric smirk lapping up his victory.

The Rowdie gang shifted, the threat lingering in the air. Brick looked at both Boomer and Butch in turn before the boys glared at Dean and Cedric.

"Go on then." Brick hissed. Cedric looked confused for a moment but didn't lower the gun.

"What?!" He snapped.

"Do it. 'End us'. I fucking dare you."

Cedric looked at Dean who looked equally as unsure before shrugging.

"You think I won't?! I'll fucking blow ya brains out!"

"Gone on then shit for brains! I'm still standing!" Brick's voice was getting louder and more aggressive. Cedric grit his teeth angrily before firing the gun. Brick cocked his head by milometers as the bullets ricochet past and into the wall behind him. Butch with the distraction flipped the long table onto it's side as Boomer kicked it into the MayRey's and Turelli's. The double gang hit the floor like skittles as the Ronkin's, Frosts and Kane's stood back. Brick flicked his hand to his gang as they flooded over to the downed gangs standing poised with their guns trained on them.

Cedric was struggling hard to free his arm with his gun but was cut short when a hand tightly gripped his neck. He gasped a breath as he was ripped free from the heavy table. Butch and Boomer kept their feet on the table, locking the rest of them in place.

Brick slammed Cedric into a wall, his head connecting with the brick. He yanked the gun out of his hands with ease.

"Did you really think it was wise to threaten me and my boys?" Brick growled his face centimetres from Cedric's. "Did you think we were just going to roll over on your command?" He threw him back into the wall again making Cedric groan. "I could do everything you threatened me back at you and more overnight if I wanted. You're lucky to be breathing!" Brick spat.

"You fucking mutants! Cheats! You're not real bosses and you never will be!" Dean hissed groaning as Butch pressed harder on the table her was trapped under.

"Keep talking and I'll snap your neck!" Butch growled. Brick looked down at the weapon and could see traced of yellow washing through the liquid. Fucking diluted, idiot couldn't even snatch the full power of Antidote X. Next question is… how did he get it? Brick was smart enough to know Cedric or Dean wouldn't speak and would take it to the grave. But he had an idea…

"If I hear anymore of this 'cheat' bullshit, trust me neither of you will have a gang left to run. I am quite clear?!" Brick snapped.

Cedric and Dean glared but their silence spoke volumes. The Rowdies had won this one.

"Frost, Ronkin, Kane." Brick kept his glare on Cedric as he mentioned the other gangs.

"You're free to leave."

The gangs didn't need a second reminder and silently left the Huddle. It was done for the year. The Truelli's and MayRey's remained on the floor glaring at the Rowdies. There were more Truelli's and MayRey's than the Rowdie gang… but that, was not an issue.

"Huddle's over you fucking freaks! What do you think you're doing?! Cedric spat. Brick turned back to him and gave him a malicious grin.

"Why it is. But it seems you all need a good lesson in NOT threatening my gang again. Boys?!"

Butch grinned and laughed manically as he threw the table back and smashed Dean in the face. Brick did the same to Cedric and threw him unconscious to the other side of the room while Boomer took out more of the higher ups as the rest of the gangs clashed.

Outside the Rowdie's watchers grinned at the MayRey and Truelli watchers as they stared in horror at the screams coming from inside the room. The Rowdie member's sniffed and waited while the screams went on into the night.

Ta Da!

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CJR.x