Hey guys!

Did you miss me? I missed you! I'm so sorry for the long delay! Honestly that wasn't my intention!

My work has been crazy busy and I've just had no time on an evening to write! But I logged on quickly tonight before bed and was determined to get this out!

I'm gonna shut up now cos this is the chap you've been waiting for! Brick and Rose's confrontation!

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I own nothing apart from Bella.

It has been a week since Bella bumped into the Blossom 'look-a-like' and a week since a gang with a death wish had tried to take Bella. The week has been tense for the boys knowing that a hit was called on the youngest Ruff and it was safe to say they were out for blood.

The Rowdies were very protective of family and if you messed with one of them you messed with all of them. Butch had been going out on more deals and negotiations, leaving associates with more menacing injuries to try and lure out the culprit. Boomer had been a little subtler (though not much) with his investigations, choosing to leave direct threats without being caught. Brick liked that, it was smart.

While Brick, on the other hand, had been on the war path. Butch and Boomer had to pull him back on one nasty hit. They had gone out to get some more information and had captured a member from the Mayrey's Gang on the east side of town. Very notorious and very lethal, the boys were sure if any gang in Townsville would go for them it would be the Mayray's. Brick had been so convinced it was them that he had beaten the associate within an inch of his life. Boomer and even Butch had to step in and pull him back to stop Brick from murdering the guy.

It left a nasty message for the Mayray's which they responded by looting the West Side. The West Side was a street of high-profile banks and businesses which most of Townsville's prestige business men and woman worked on. Naturally the Boys were known faces there with their hands in the pockets of most companies, so it came to a blow when 3 of the buildings were hit with a string of robberies.

The police did their minor investigations, knowing that this type of crime ran deep within the underground criminal community, and were assured with a sly tip off that this would be dealt with. Thus the police closed the investigation with an 'unresolved' sticker. Naturally Bubbles and Buttercup has been interested in the case but thanks to the boys associates in the TVPD they were ushered along and convinced the case was handled.

The girls were suspicious, but when they caught wind it was to do with 'those' criminals, they trusted the boys to sort it out.

Regardless, the Mayrey's had denied any type of foul play relating to the family of the Rowdies. Brick hacked their mainframe and found a few dodgy deals in the pipe work (some he took note of to oversee himself) but aside from that they were clean.

Figuratively speaking.

So they were back to square one. The boys knew the only two gangs stupid enough to strike hit against them were either the Mayrey's or the Trelli's. Now the Trelli's had been annoyingly quite and Brick knew they were up to something. He despised Cedric Trelli to hell, he hated that slimy piece of shit and if he found out he was behind this then Brick would put an end to that pathetic little association.

"Daddy can I go see Rose again please?"

Brick clenched his jaw and took a deep breath. Bella had been begging him to go see 'Rose' and he would be lying if he denied he didn't also want another encounter. He was positive it was Blossom, it had to be. Who else has pink goddamn eyes?! He knew he needed to find her again but without Bella around.

"We'll see."

Bella 'humphed' from her spot on the floor near her colours.

"Rose is so much cooler than you." She muttered. Brick bristled. Bella opened her bag and pulled out the empty shot glass and looked at her Uncle Butch.

"Can you fill this up for me?"

Butch looked between the glass and his brother who was burning a hole into his head.

"I didn't give her it!"

"Rose gave me it!"

"Why would Rose give you a shot glass?" Brick asked.

"Well she didn't give me it herself but she was using one and said it makes great mistakes, so I want to make a great mistake too!"

The boys were silent before Boomer snorted, he quickly covered his smirk when Brick's eyes landed on him.

"Pretty sure that's why you're here kid." Butch snickered. Brick whacked him on the thigh instantly giving him a dead leg.

"Ow! You fucking asshole!"

Ignoring his brother's cursing Brick turned back to Bella. "Don't listen to Rose. In fact, don't mention her again."

Bella instantly looked upset. "But why?"

"Because I said so."

"That's not a reason!"

It was Boomer this time who started laughing. "How does it feel to be arguing with yourself?"

"Shut up Boomer! Bella, you do as you're told, don't mention that woman again!"

"But I want to see her!"

"Well why don't you go live with her?!" He snapped, he had been so on edge recently with trying to work out who had called a hit on his daughter and with this Rose woman. His brother knew he was on a short fuse and played wise to steer clear of their red leader, however, Bella didn't seem fazed by her father's out burst and instead scrunched her little face in defiance.

"I will!" Bella jumped up from her spot stomped and over to the balcony.

"Bella, don't you dare leave this house!" Brick yelled pointing at the little girl. Bella spun on her heel.

"I can handle myself Daddy! "

"Bella! Stop being stupid and come away from the door!"

Bella's eyes flashed. Nobody called her stupid.

"Oh Brick, you fucking idiot." Butch hissed quickly getting up with his pizza and into the kitchen. Brick threw him a nasty glare and turned on the sofa, so he was facing his daughter.

"I'm not stupid!" Bella hissed. Brick groaned and run his hand down his face.

"Don't start this Bells, just come back in here."

"But I want to see Rose!"

"Well tough luck! You're not off to see her!"

"Yes. I. Am!"

"Bella you leave this building and you're grounded for a whole month. No powers, no TV, no nothing. Do you understand me?!"

Boomer was sat on the opposite couch looking between the arguing redheads with worried eyes. These father-daughter arguments rarely ended without damage to some form of their home, Boomer was just hoping the TV survives.

"You're not being fair! You're such a poo-poo head!"

Phfffttt

Brick and Boomer whipped round to see that Butch had started laughing with his pizza in his mouth and had barely caught the remains. Brick grit his teeth and fired his eye beams straight at the box knocking it flying out of the green ruff's hand and down onto the floor.

"OI!"

Brick ignored his brother's outraged cries and turned back to his angry daughter.

"I'm not going to tell you again, if you don't come away from that door you're grounded."

Bella wasn't backing down and in an act of defiance put her hand on the handle of the door, looking her father straight in the eyes.

Red on Red.

"Right… I'm going to count to 3. Trust me, you don't want me to get to 3."

Bella didn't move.

"1."

She pulled the handle.

Boomer looked back at his older brother, grabbing a cushion for protection.

"2."

She pushed the door open.

Butch picked up a kitchen chair.

"Bella... last warning!"

In a bright red flash, she bolted, and a second red flash lit up the apartment.

"EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF!" Butch cried jumping into his room and kicking the door shut. Boomer jumped up, grabbed Butch's discarded pizza and ran into his own room. Butch opened his door and quickly raced to the TV, unplugged it and carried it into his room.

Seconds later angry screaming rang through the apartment as Brick shut the balcony door and locked it. Bella squirming violently in his arms. Brick grunted as he tried to control his furious daughter.

"BELLA! CALM DOWN NOW!"

"NO! LET ME GO! LET ME GO!"

She thrashed harshly in his arms, so hard that Brick couldn't hold on, he threw her down and she went sliding across the floor. Brick braced himself as Bella jumped to her feet and flew at him in an attempt to get around him. Brick blocked her first attempt and the second but the third she flew down and twisted through his legs.

"Shit." He hissed.

She yanked the door open, pulling it off it's hinges and shot herself out. Brick was close behind and grabbed her foot before she could get far and threw her back into

the apartment with such accuracy she landed on the couch. He bolted back down, blocking the door with his body.

"BELLA! ENOUGH!"

Bella was in full tantrum mode and her hands lit up in flames.

"Don't you even dare!"

In a flash, a ball of fire was hurtling towards him, with millimetres Brick raised his hand as the fire was absorbed into him.

"BELLA!"

Another 'whoosh' as another fire ball was thrown which Brick quickly deflected. A few more came at him until he lunged at her grabbing her hands. "STOP IT!" She pulled hard at his hold before looking down at the floor, so her hair covered her face. Brick was breathing heavily as Bella roughly yanked her arms out of his hold and stormed to her bedroom, slamming the door with a slam.

Brick stood up and gave a deep sigh before walking back over to the couch and dropping down into it with a groan. A few moments passed before he looked up and surveyed the damage. A few scorch marks and the now empty doorway. He gave another groaned and put his hands over his face.

A squeak of a door alerted his attention, he turned his head to see Butch peeking around the door,

"Is it safe?"

Brick just groaned and leant forward so his arms were resting on his legs. Butch walked round and sat on the other couch, watching his brother carefully.

"Don't worry man. She'll calm down-"

"It's not Bella that's bothering me, It's this chick! And whoever called that fucking hit,"

Butch's mouth formed a grim line, He wouldn't admit it out loud but the thought of someone after his little niece made his blood burn.

"We'll find out bud- we will. We always do. Tell you what, I'll take Boom out tomorrow to do some more digging. There's been some whispers in from the south side about a dodgy hit – we'll do some digging."

Brick gave a half smile. "Thanks man."

Butch nodded and stood up, patting Brick on the shoulder as he passed him. Brick leaned back and gave a deep sigh before looking up.

"Hey! Where's the TV?!"

"WHERE'S MY FUCKING FOOD?!"

Brick had been wandering around downtown Townsville for over an hour. It was safe to say the Rowdie leader was not in a good mood. Butch and Boomers investigates came to another dead end which soured Brick even further, Bella also wasn't speaking to him and had been ignoring him all day. He couldn't stand being in that house any longer and decided to try and locate that infuriating woman.

He was a man of action and she wasn't going to magically turn up on his doorstep, he had to do some work himself. He went to the last place she was and was ducking in and out of bars and clubs. The good thing about being a feared gang leader is no one dared questions his appearance. Downside? Other gang members could tip off others of his whereabouts and the fact he was alone.

Brick snorted, no one was foolish enough to ambush him and Brick couldn't help but smirk. He came out of a small dive bar after another unsuccessful search, he'd taken a quick drink and the cold air was a refreshing smack in the face. He gave a sigh before continuing on his search, he was about to walk into the next club when a laugh caught his super hearing. He turned quickly but couldn't spot where the noise had come from. Concentrating he heard a low mutter of chatter and turn to his right and was surprised to see a door with the word 'drink' on the front. Quirking an eyebrow he pushed the door and was surprised to find another bar.

It was quite large with tables and chairs and booths around the room, a small dancefloor and a long bar at the side. He was pleasantly surprised and decided to take another drink is this secret bar, just as he was walking over his eye caught something orange. He gave a large satisfied grin at the woman who stood out to him like a beacon. Her fiery red hair hung in loose waves framing her face, her lips painted in a deep red that were wrapped around a straw as she sucked on her drink.

The bar was crowded and the dim lights made the venue looked fuller. The music was current and there were a few people on the dance floor. Brick was pleased to see that she was sat by herself has he confidently made his way over. She didn't look up as he took residence in the vacant seat at her side.

Her drink slurped as she finished the glass and placed it back on the table, she lent back and sigh still not looking at him.

"Are you mute?" She asked coolly staring in front of her. Brick swallowed back the smirk. Sassy, he liked sassy, but he wasn't here to play.

"No, and I'm glad to know you're not either."

Rose rolled her eyes. "What do you want?"

"Answers, and I'm not leaving without any."

Rose huffed and gestured to the bar man for another drink, Brick watched as the barman gestured to himself and Brick nodded.

"Well get on with it then, I'm waiting for my date."

Brick tensed, and his stomach flipped. Date?! She's waiting for a date?! Brick swallowed back the growl and took a deep calming breath. This was not a time to lose his head.

"When did you come to Townsville?"

Rose scoffed. "What is this, 20 questions?"

"Just answer the question!" He snapped, Rose sigh.

"I don't know… a few years ago?"

"How many years ago?"

"How should I know?! I'm not Google!"

Brick rolled his eyes. "Well where were you before you came here?"

Rose stiffened, and Brick knew he was onto something. "That's really none of your business." Her voice was low and warning, but Brick knew this would give him something to work with. Luckily, he didn't have to wait long.

"Beside's I don't think a coma is hardly anything to talk about." She muttered bitterly.

Brick narrowed his eyes in suspicion and tucked that information away for later but before he could press further two drinks were placed in front of them, one of which Rose hastily snatched and began drinking.

She took a long drink before a big sigh and placed the glass back on the table. Brick took a sip of his own drink before slyly inching closer.

He could smell her perfume, it was the same one she used. Her eyes were the same pale pink surrounded my big dark lashes, she had two small freckles just below her jaw line which made Brick freeze. He knew those freckles, he remembered them…. This was too much of a coincidence. It had to be…

Rose turned to him, Pink on Red and Brick's throat squeezed. It had to be her. He stared into her eyes, they looked hazy… like she wasn't really there. Her eyes widened as Brick slinked closer and a sly smirk twitched on her face.

"You may be cute, but personal space is still recommended."

Brick didn't move and instead allowed another smirk. "Is me being this close bothering you?"

"No. I've dealt with men worse than you."

"Oh babe, I highly doubt that. His voice was low and he knew he was heading into dangerous territory. He could feel that pull, he was being sucked in. Again. He had to remain strong, he had to remain composed, and he couldn't let himself show weakness. Rose revealed a bright smile and leaned back.

"Why do I feel like I know you?"

Brick's face remained perfectly composed.

"Maybe we knew each other before?"

"Ha! Maybe…." Her train of thought seemed to wander before she quickly snapped out of it and took another drink. Brick continued to look at her before getting back on track. He was here for a reason.

"So this coma… how long were you in it for?"

"I told you it was none of your business."

"Well I'd like to make it my business."

"I'm not stupid… hey!" Her eyes suddenly widened as she snapped her fingers. "You're the guy with the kid aren't you?"

Brick leaned back slightly, immediately on guard. He was extremely protective of his little girl and didn't let any important information slide.

"Hmm."

"You need to learn to keep her in slight. She shouldn't be running around downtown, bad people linger round here."

Brick knitted his eyebrows and scoffed. "Like who?"

"No one you'd want to associate with." She muttered. Brick seemed to sense her hesitation and took a sip of his own drink.

"You'd be surprised." His voice was low and Rose turned back to him intrigued.

"You're different…" She cocked her head to the side and Brick sucked a sharp breath… she used to do that. "What's your name?"

Brick stared hard at her, her eyes looking foggy again before answering.

"Brick, Brick Jojo."

Rose's eyes widened before she quickly shuffled away from him as if he suddenly caught fire. Brick's poker face remained but he was confused to the sudden flinch. Did she remember something? Had his name triggered a memory?

"You're from the Rowdies." She gasped. She was frightened, and it struck Brick was she knew him from his gang. What did she know about that? He didn't say anything and instead continued to stare as Rose started fidgeting. "I shouldn't be here, I-I can't be seen with you, you need to leave! Now!" Her voice was becoming erratic as her eyes flickered across the venue, horrified she might be spotted. She stiffened when she felt a hand grab her forearm. Brick had moved closer to her.

"Why are you so scared?"

"B-Because-! I-! Look I can't be seen with you."

"Why?"

"B-Brick! Please leave!"

"Not until I know why you're freaking out!"

Rose started looking round the room again as Brick tried to follow her gaze.

"Brick if you don't leave I will!"

Rose attempted to stand as Brick's strength pulled her back down into her seat, she rounded on him angrily. "Let me go."

"You're not going anywhere until I get some goddamn answers!"

"If you don't let me go you'll get killed!"

Brick snorted. "Woman please! I'm a lot harder to kill than I look."

"Well I'd like to give it a good try if you don't let me go!"

Brick released her arm and she shuffled further away, she hastily grabbed her bag and jumped to her feet, making certain she didn't make eye contact with anyone. She scurried across the bar her head flipping in every direction, worried that she had been spotted with him and rushed out of the door. Brick released a puff of smoke in irritation and downed the rest of his drink. He cracked his fingers before getting to his feet also. He never left a job unfinished.

He smoothly exited the bar without attracting unwanted attention and into the cool night air. As he predicted she wasn't there. People walked up and down the sidewalk, heading into bars and laughing loudly. Brick was never a quitter so concentrated on his super hearing.

He picked her up instantly, her rushed footsteps and panicked breaths were the perfect giveaway as his eyes snapped to the left he took off in a brisk walk. He turned down into Townsville's notorious back alley's where the worst of the worst roamed and was mildly surprised she took such a route.

He dodged the city's wall crawlers and addicts without paying them too much attention. Her hair stood out like a light once he rounded a corner onto another alley. The darkness made them like a labyrinth and he idly thought how dangerous these alleys could be to a civvy on a night. A civvy such as the redhead who was attracting a lot of unwanted attention.

Brick smacked his arm back causing a yelp from the person behind him from the guy who was trying to pick pocket the Red Ruff. Brick gave a nasty glare and the guy scurried off horrified. Brick turned back round, and his eyes narrowed.

Two men were following Rose awfully closely, Brick didn't need his super hearing to know what they were planning so quickly rushed over.

He grabbed the two men by their shoulder's and threw them harshly to the floor, knocking the breath out of them. He kicked them hard in the back before shoving them roughly into the wall.

"Go near her again, and you'll be in a body bag." He hissed.

The men spluttered and groaned, and Brick left them to suffer. As he turned he wasn't prepared to come face to face with bright pink eyes.

"What are you doing?!" She hissed. Brick wasting no more time grabbed her waist and took off into the sky.

"ARE YOU CRAZY-?! MMmmmph!"

"Please just don't scream for the next few minuets." Brick groaned, his hand covering her face. Rose scowled, and Brick's stomach flipped. He remembered that scowl, how he loved to see it. Gritting his teeth, he knew he had to remain focused and took her somewhere she couldn't run away from him.

He flew to the highest skyscraper in Townsville and landed them both directly on the top. As soon as her feet hit the floor she ripped herself from his grasp stumbling back slightly in her heels.

"What. The fuck. Do you think you're doing?!" She snarled.

"We need to speak somewhere you weren't going to shit yourself." He fired back.

The tall building was causing a lot of wind resulting in her hair billowing around her like fire. Her face was murderous.

"Take me down!" She ordered, Brick scoffed.

"No. Something's not right and you're going to tell me why!"

"Something's not right about what?!"

"About you!"

Rose rolled her eyes and threw her hands up in despair.

"Have you heard yourself?! Do you know how much of a fucking lunatic you sound?"

"Look, if you work with me, I'll work with you. Answer my questions. I'll put you down and I'll never bother you again. Deal?"

Rose was hesitant, she narrowed her eyes at the redheaded man and bit her bottom lip in contemplation. Another 'Blossom' trait, Brick mentally noted. Finally, she sigh in defeat.

"Fine, but you're still a fucking lunatic."

Brick didn't think he would ever get used to hearing swear words come out of the Blossom doppelganger's mouth. But he was glad he was making some progress. Neither moved as they stood frozen glaring at each other and Rose's impatience started to crack.

"Well?! Get on with it then!"

Brick growled lowly in his throat, he hated being told what to do but he had to swallow his pride.

"When did you come to Townsville?"

Rose scoffed. "I don't know, okay? I woke up here."

Brick quirked an eyebrow. "You mentioned a coma back in the bar, how did that happen?"

Rose seemed to visibly flinch at the thought of her coma. Brick blood red irises were glued to her, watching her body language as to not miss a thing. "It just happened, it fucked with my memory okay? That's why I can't tell you how long I've been here."

Damn. A setback, this was not what Brick needed. A foggy memory would throw a massive spanner in the works.

"Besides I think I have more important information for you." Rose suddenly challenged, changing the tables.

"Is that so?"

"Yup." She responded smugly, crossing her arms and resting her weight on her back leg. "It concerns your kid."

Brick felt his blood freeze but remained perfectly indifferent. Rule 1 – never show ANY weakness.

"And what may this information be?"

"Ah ah ah, let me go and I'll spill the beans."

Brick couldn't tell if she was bluffing but could he really afford to lose out on information regarding his daughter? But Brick was a gambler by nature and sometimes that got him into sticky situations. He decided to meet her bluff.

"How do I know you're telling the truth? You've only seen her once you can't know any more than that."

"I know someone was after her."

"Only because you were there when they tried to take her again!" Brick's voice became a bit more fierce but Rose didn't seem fazed

"Ah... but I know who was trying to take her."

The silence was palpable, and Brick felt his chest tighten. She knows. In a red flash he was in her face, his eyes wild and manic, all control slowing slipping through his fingers.

"Who."

The command was simple and dark smoke was trickling through his teeth, Rose merely took a step back but remained composed at the overbearing man in front of her.

"Let me go, and I'll tell you."

"This isn't a time for fucking games Blos- Rose! When it involves Bella you don't fuck with me!"

Rose stumbled back as a powerful image flooded her mind. It was a small baby, with matted red hair, she was crying hysterically and covered in blood. Rose's legs were splayed out in front of her which also had traces of blood on them. Small delicate eyes slowly opened revealing sharp red irises. She felt content, she felt blissfully happy. She felt whole. A small smile was on her face looking up at her before Rose was brought back to her current situation.

Those same red eyes were piercing straight at her and Rose stumbled backwards her head pounding. Her foot hit the ledge and she felt her body falling backwards before she could catch herself. A rush of wind and a sharp jolt had a pair of arms around her waist stopping her falling in mid air.

Rose's breathing was heavy as her eyes focused again onto his red eyes. Her head cleared, and she turned it to the side to see she was hanging in mid air over the side of the building. If Brick wasn't there she would have surely fallen to her death.

She was roughly pulled back up on the roof as Brick glared at her.

"Do you have a fucking death wish?! What the hell are you playing at?!"

Rose barely heard his yelling; her head was spinning. What the hell did she just see? Why did if feel so real? Brick observed her, curious to her sudden change in demeanour. Rose blinked rapidly trying to make sense of what just happened, but she couldn't form a reasonable explanation.

"What are you doing?" Brick strong voice cut into her, her eyes glided over to his when a blaring noise from her pocket make her jump. With regrettable shaking hands she fished out her phone and looked at the caller ID.

'Hugo.'

Rose narrowed her eyes and silenced the call before shoving it back in her pocket.

"I need to go." She said, her voice detached.

"I told you you're not going anywhere unless I get my answers!"

"Well how about I just throw myself off this roof? At least that way I can finally get away from you!" Rose snapped before turning sharply on her heel.

"What is wrong with you?! You'll just casually throw yourself off this roof just to get out of answering some questions?!"

"Questions I don't want to answer!"

She carried on walking to the ledge.

"You are so fucked up! What about your family? You're sisters?!"

Another jolt and a sharp pain made her double over clutching her head, a groan escaped her lips. As more images flashed through her mind.

Blond hair, brunette hair, giggling. Pink, Blue, Green.

"Come on!"

Pale blue eyes and lime green eyes looked back at her smiling, an older man walked in. Dark hair. He was smiling at her, she was in someone's home. Food was on the table and someone mentioned school.

"Rose?! Rose?!"

Another lash of pain.

"Please talk to us! You've been so secretive."

Sad blue eyes, judging green eyes stared at her.

"You've changed Leader Girl."

Rough voice, blue, green, blonde, brunette.

"We're your family, sister's always stick together…"

"Gahhh!" Rose screamed scrambling backwards, Brick was crouched in front of her, confusion all over his face.

"What is happening?!" Rose screamed clutching her head.

"Rose, you need to tell me what's going on!"

"I don't know…I can't explain it… memories… or what I think are memories, or something keep appearing in my mind!" Her voice was shaking as Brick edged closer eagerly.

"What did you see."

Rose started breathing heavily her eyes wide and panicked.

"Rose, talk to me. What did you see."

"I saw red eyes! Blue eyes, GREEN EYES!" Her voice was shrill as she raked her fingers through her copper hair. Brick jaw clenched, his suspicions becoming stronger and stronger, but Rose was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, he had to calm her down.

"Come here." He grabbed her arm and practically dragged her over to the door in the middle of the roof which provided entry to the workers. He leaned her against the wall and gave her time to calm down.

After a few minuets her breathing returned to normal, but her eyes still seemed wild. She turned to look at him and her vulnerability shocked him.

"Do you know what's happening to me?" Her voice was weak.

"No." He answered honestly. He really didn't, he had no clue what was going on. "But I want to help you."

Rose scoffed. "Why? I'm nothing special, you're better off getting back to your little girl without me dragging you down."

Brick was confused. Why was she so hard on herself? She seemed so cock-sure and confident when he met her before? She was hiding a lot of things from him and he knew he had to tread carefully. Time for his answers.

"Tell me… the first thing you remember from your coma."

He chose his words carefully, fully expecting her to shut him down. She took a deep sigh before resting her head back on the wall, her eyes zoning out over the sparkling city below them.

"I remember… opening my eyes… and seeing him in the chair…

She felt heavy and tired. Gods she was tired. Her eyes squinted painfully at the bright lights above her. A soft beeping was ringing in her ears and her whole body felt like it was being weighed down. Two vibrant green eyes caught her attention straight away.

A man was sat primly in the chair at the bottom of the bed. She looked around to see wires coming from her and connected to machines, she had a blanket on her and a hospital gown. Her head felt as if it had been ripped apart and everything was foggy. She couldn't even remember her name!

The man was dressed in a flora yellow and red suit, his face was pointy and he had a little goatee on his chin. His black hair was slicked back with too much gel making his ears seem more pointy.

He was smiling a soft unnerving smile at her, his eyes never leaving her form.

"Good. You're awake." His voice was slimy and he slightly showed his much too white teeth.

She groaned as she tried to shift her sore limbs.

"What happened?" She asked groggily.

"What do you remember?" He asked quirking a perfectly arched brow. Rose's own eyebrows furrowed in concentration trying to bring up any memory. Her head screamed in protest bringing on a painful headache.

"I-I don't know… do you?" She asked, trying not to panic. The man wetted his lips and nodded before a smile came to his face.

"I see. Well then, looks like I'll have to fill you in." He crossed his legs and leant back in the plush chair, his fingers pressed together to form a triangle.

"You've been in a coma, for 5 years."

Her eyes widened. 5 years?! She'd lost 5 years?!

"W-w-w-what?! How?! WHY?!"

A tiny smile cracked onto the man's face before he smoothly continued.

"Now, now, let me explain." He scolded as if he was talking to a child, her eyes remained on him as he watched her carefully.

"Now, your name is Rose. You're a drunk, which is why you ended up in this sorry state. You have no family, they kicked you our because you're worthless. You went on a 4-day bender resulting in serious damage so you were put in a coma. Heaven knows we thought you'd never wake up." He explained his voice added that additional sass.

Rose stared at him gobsmacked. Her? A drunk? Kicked out with no friends or family? Her head started aching as she took in this new information. She wished she could remember but everything was coming up blank. The only person she had was this mysterious man sat in the chair.

"Who are you?" She asked.

The man slapped his hands on his legs and grinned.

"I am Hugo! And I am you're only friend." His voice was slick with hint of smugness behind it. Rose stared at him trying to wrap her head around the information he unloaded onto her. She had no reason to trust him but at the same time she had no reason to not to trust him either.

If he was telling the truth then she had no one and no where to go. She knew she needed him if she was going to get her shit together.

"So what happens now?" She asked. Hugo's grin deepened sinisterly.

"Well my dear, we'll get you somewhere to stay and I'll introduce you to some of my friends and then we'll go from there."

Rose was sceptical but agreed none the less.

Within a few hours she was discharged and out of the hospital. Her only possessions were a t-shirt, a pair of jeans, some boots and a leather jacket. Hugo took her downtown and explained that she was in Townsville. The name rang bell and Hugo seemed to study her carefully before she shrugged it off due to her memory loss.

Hugo seemed relieved.

He provided her with a one bedroom flat and told her to mingle with the neighbours. No one seemed that friendly, so Rose learned quickly that they only way she would get by is by defending herself.

She became rough and aggressive, she always found her fridge stocked with drink which she gladly welcomed to hide herself from her cold and lonely reality. Hugo persuaded her to hit the town most nights always with an interest of who she met or ran into but no one seemed to satisfy what he was after.

A few weeks later he introduced her to Cedric. Cedric Turelli, who took an instant liking to her. Hugo pressured her into spending more time with Cedric as he run a powerful underground crime gang in the city. Rose amused Cedric to keep Hugo happy, fearful he would take everything he has given her leaving her with nothing.

Cedric was abusive and hot headed. Their relationship was barely a relationship and just something to do in most cases. Sometimes he was nice, and she often returned the affection but it was mostly aggressive arguments and the often beating.

Hugo didn't seem to mind when she confided in him that Cedric struck her and turned a blind eye to her bruises. Rose learned to battle on.

She went out more so Cedric couldn't make surprise appearances at her flat, Hugo becoming more and more eager to hear who she had met almost as if he was anticipating her bumping into someone of value to him. She paid him no mind.

"Cedric took me back and I guess we've kinda been seeing each other again. He was actually who I was waiting for in the bar. But that's all I know. I don't remember anything since the coma, only what Hugo told me." Rose finished.

Brick remained silent, his body trembling. Hugo. This Hugo was a huge piece of this puzzle. His next target was him, but first he needed to get her away from the Turelli's.

"Okay. I'm going to get you away from Cedric." Brick spat his name like acid. The thought of him hitting her set his blood on fire and was something he was not going to get away with. He would make sure of that personally. Rose gave a disbelieving laugh.

"If only it was that easy."

"It can be. I can get you away from him."

Rose rolled her head to the side, so her eyes were looking up at him now void of any emotion.

"And why would you want to help me."

"Because… I think I can help you get your memory back."

Rose sat up straight and watched him with guarded eyes.

"What do you know?" She asked.

"I don't know how you lost your memory, but I have a feeling I know who you were before that coma."

Rose looked at the ground. This was something she dreamed of. That someone would come as tell her that everything she was told about her life from Hugo was a lie, a horrible, disgusting lie. This seemed too good to be true.

"How can you be sure?"

"Call it an educated guess. But I don't want you back in downtown Townsville as much as you don't want to go back."

Rose contemplated his offer but couldn't see how it would work.

"I can't just leave, Cedric would find me. I can't throw all Hugo has done for me back in his face."

'Like hell you can't that fucking lying snake!' Brick internally seethed.

"Look, I promise Cedric won't hurt you again and I can give you a lot more than what that prick Hugo can."

Rose was still torn. Hugo, Cedric and downtown were all she knew. How could she just leave it all behind to go with a Rowdie?! They were notorious and feared for a reason, but something she couldn't explain was telling her to trust him and that he would help her learn her real past.

It was reckless and stupid but then again when has her life not been? She laughed humourlessly. Fuck it. Worst things had happened.

"Do I have to stay with you?" She drawled uninterestingly, Brick snorted.

"No. I have some friend's who would be happy for you to stay with them."

Rose nodded and looked back out over the silent, dangerous city.

"Okay."

They remained in silence for a few moments before Brick began to get to his feet when a hand stopped him.

"You should know… I do know who tried to take your daughter. I found out after the incident." Brick stared hard at her, but she didn't falter.

"It was the Turelli's. Cedric wants her as leverage, you should know because he's going to try again."

For the second time that night Brick felt his blood light up. He could feel the smoke bubbling in his throat has he slightly began to shake. He knew it. He fucking knew it. The Turelli's had a death wish, and he was more than happy to grant it.

Rose sensed his anger and stood to her feet.

"I figured seen as you're doing something nice for me I'd re-pay that. But don't get used to it, I ain't nice."

Brick looked at her and nodded his head too far gone to form correct sentences.

"So, what happens now?" She asks. Brick put one finger up indicating for her to wait, he walked to the far side of the roof before letting out a thunderous burst of flame in sheer anger lighting up the night sky. Rose placed her hand in front of her to shield herself from the intense heat blast.

Once he finished he took a few deep breaths before composing himself and returning to where she was stood.

"Better?" She asked sarcastically.

"Much, now. You need to show me where you live."

Rose tensed. "Uh, why? I thought I was going with you."

"Don't you need your things?"

Rose bit her lip in thought. She didn't want him to see her run down little squalor. She didn't need his pity, it was an embarrassing place to live.

"I do, look, how about I go home and collect my things and meet you in West Park at 2pm? I'll go with you then."

Brick seemed to weigh up the options. It did make sense, if he brought her back to his place now he'd get nothing but grief. Plus, he needed to speak to the people he'd so easily volunteered for her to stay with. It was a messy plan, but he also didn't like the thought of her going back to her place where this Hugo and Cedric were easily able to get to her.

This was a situation.

One night. She'd be okay for one night.

"Okay, but don't tell anyone about this arrangement, okay?"

"Do you think I was born yesterday?" She sassed, Brick bit back a grin.

He grabbed her waist and they were in the air, he dropped her on the outskirts of Downtown into the shadows. They were pressed close but neither moved away.

"Here."

Brick grabbed her phone and punched his number in under the name 'Jo'.

"You ever need me, call me. You're under Rowdie protection now."

"Why?" Rose asked sceptically.

"For telling me that it was Cedric that was after Bella."

Rose jolted sudden headache ripped through at the mention of her name but mercifully she was able to shake it off.

"Yes. Well. Like I said, don't get used to it." She muttered.

They were still stood close; their eyes in contact, neither wanting to break it first. Rose felt a familiar tingle in her stomach and a warmth spread through her chest. Brick was lost in the Pink eyes that haunted his dreams for the past 6 years.

'Whhhhrrrrrrrrrr'

The sound of a police siren instantly made them jump apart. Brick cleared his throat uncomfortably while Rose played with the end of her hair.

"So tomorrow, West Park at 2?" Brick clarified.

Rose nodded. "Yes, I'll see you then."

She turned on her heel and made her way down the street. Brick watched her from the shadows getting smaller and it wasn't until she was almost out of sight he caught her look back at him.

A smile. A small genuine smile he only keeps for Bella made its way onto his face. Happy with his nights work, he took off into the night, knowing he had a very tricky conversation with two Powerpuffs coming up.

Phew! Well... That was interesting!

It's getting good now guys, only a few chaps left!

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Loves

Cornelia.x