Woo! I'm on a writing-frenzy with this story! Two days, and four chapters! :D

Chapter Nine

[Kaoru POV]

The movie ended, and, when it did, I tried to bolt for the exit. Butch caught my arm before I could, though. I sighed.

He took my hand and pulled me towards the exit, making sure I wouldn't run off. I couldn't pull myself free from him, so I just let him drag me along.

We were waiting in the lobby, and I was praying that Bubbles would come soon. When she didn't come within five minutes, I could tell Butch was getting as annoyed as I was, probably for a different reason. He then sighed in exasperation and turned to me. He changed his expression and wore his trademark smirk.

"So, Buttercup," he said coolly.

"So, Butch," I mimicked, with an amused smirk on my face.

He frowned a bit, but then changed to smirking again. "Buttercup, baby, where've you been?" he said, in a voice that could be only be described as an impression of Ozzy Osborne.

I laughed at him. "Idiot," I said.

"Hey!" he said, mockingly angry.

We were both laughing for a while. Then everyone else showed up.

"Kaoru! How was the--" Momoko stopped abruptly. She and Miyako stared at me, but not at my face. I looked at myself. Butch's arms were around my waist and I was only mere inches away from his body, just barely.

I pushed him away. "What the hell, Butch?!" I screamed.

He only smirked and laughed. "Well, you certainly didn't notice until now," he said, his voice cocky.

"Why I outta--" I was interrupted by Miyako.

"Why don't we all go now?"

"Actually, you, Kaoru, and I should stop by the lab," Momoko offered.

"Yeah, I don't wanna go home right now," I said.

"Perfect, we'll come with you," Brick said, speaking for all of the RowdyRuffs.

"Wait?!" we exclaimed.

The boys were confused, each wearing a different expression on their faces. "Is there a problem?" Boomer asked.

"No, no, it's just…" Miyako didn't finish.

So I did. "It's just that the professor might not want so many people in the house, or the lab."

"And we'll be doing experiments anyways, so you'll all be bored," Momoko added.

We all smiled nervously. Those were lame excuses, but we didn't have much better ones planned.

"Are you sure you're not all just coming up with wimpy excuses?" Butch asked. "Those sound pretty wimpy to me."

We sighed as the boys all looked like they hadn't fallen for our excuses.

"Fine! Just come, then," Momoko said.

They all smirked at us. "Then let's get to the lab before it gets dark out," Brick said.

"Shall we?" Butch asked, offering me his hand.

I groaned and excepted it. "Fine… Just this once," I said, irritated.

I took his hand and he lead me outside. The others followed us soon after. I looked behind and saw that Brick had his hands in his pockets and Momoko had her hands at her sides. Boomer had his arm around Miyako, and she had a faint blush on her face, as well as a peaceful smile.

Yuck.

Why a happy, sane girl like Miyako would fall for Boomer is none of my business, not that I would be able to understand it, anyway.

We arrived at the lab soon enough, thankfully. Momoko and I immediately rushed through the door, leaving our counterparts behind. We ran into the lab and hid. Miyako was probably still with Boomer…

"I did not like that I was forced to watch a movie with Butch!" I whispered to Momoko. "He kept trying to make a move! How was your date? Any better?"

"Date?" she asked. "No, it wasn't better. I guess it was, but we didn't really do anything, thankfully. I know he's good and all, now, but I can't help be suspicious."

"Really? I just don't like Butch. I know he's good, now, but I think he's a pervert."

The Professor came by and interrupted our whispering. "Momoko? Kaoru? Why are you hiding?"

We came out from behind a machine. "No reason!" we said, and ran to the living room. We didn't want to be in the lab while the Professor was there. He might ask to do more experiments and give us a lecture about something we didn't care about hearing.

When we ran into the living room, everyone else was there, watching TV.

Miyako turned and saw us. "Hey, Momoko! There's some sweets in the kitchen. Kaoru! There's a sports program on TV!"

How very tempting.

"Sorry, but, I, uh, have to go!" I said.

"Me too!" Momoko said.

"But--" We didn't let Miyako finish. We ran out of the house and when we were a few meters away, we stopped.

"That was close," Momoko said. "I'll be at the new candy shop that opened up, okay?"

"Yeah, sure," I said. "I'll be at the park."

We walked away since our destinations were in opposite directions. "Oh, wait!" I said. "Let's hope we don't find them."

She nodded. "Good luck."

"Good luck."

I turned and ran for the park. It was my favorite place to go, even more so than my own home.

When I got there, it was around six, and getting a bit dark. The sun hadn't set yet, but it was going to, soon. I walked over to my favorite tree in the park, an old oak tree that was perfect for climbing, and sat down. I leaned against it and closed my eyes.

I opened my eyes again and it was dark out. Oh, crap!

I looked around. No one nearby. I sighed and got up. I started walking home.

Soon I was out of the park, and I was on a sidewalk, still walking home.

It was getting darker, and I was getting worried. I felt like someone was watching me, and that made my legs work faster to get me home as soon as possible.

That was a horrible plan. I was halfway there, but still on the sidewalk in the streets, and I was getting tired. I had to start walking, and I was slow. Worst of all, I still felt like I was being watched, but I never turned to check for sure. I didn't want to check, because that would make me waste time.

I walked forward, refusing to stop and rest. After a short time, I heard footsteps. My heart was racing and I wanted to run--or at least transform into Buttercup! But I couldn't! I was too tired from walking fast, and if I transformed in front of anyone, they'd know who I was…

The footsteps got louder and louder, meaning they were nearer and nearer.

I felt two cold hands grip my shoulders, pulling me to a stop and making me trip. I'm pretty sure my knees were skinned.

"Well, well, it's a girl," I heard a voice say.

"Yeah, boss, a girl," a louder, dumber voice said.

"Shut up, Big Billy!"

Ooh!! Whaddaya think's gonna happen??

Find out...in chapter 10!! I'll answer reviews then. And I'll also say THANKS to Blossom012! :)

I would LOVE to give a list of people whom have inspired me, but it's kinda long, so I'd rather not.

Oh, by the way, sasukexnaruto4ever10092, it's okay. You don't need to write that 57-page-essay-review. ^.~ lol