Chapter 8
This is the eighth chapter of 'Can I Love You?'
Last time, the school week finally ended and the Girls attended their Friday shoot for 'Cover-Girl' cosmetics. The Boys just happened to forced to accompany Ms. Bellum to the same building the Girls were performing their shoot. Unfortunately, the Boys also find out about their competition for the Girls' love; their boyfriends.
Anyway, enough with the chitchat, let's get on with the story, nya~!
"We're their boyfriends."
That sentence continued to ring in each one of the Boys' ears over and over again. It was like a broken recording, one that made them want to regret that they even asked what the Guys' relationship was with the Girls. There was a stifling silence that seemed to have even Brick slightly fidgeting in his shoes, but the other teens seemed right at ease. It was as if they were used to encountering such an awkward silence and knew exactly how to deal with it.
Leonardo suddenly narrowed his bright golden eyes into threatening slits, "Are you four… the Rowdyruff Boys that our girls have talked so poorly about in the past few years?" The other three guys also narrowed at the boys who caused their lovers such pain in the past. Boomer stammered, doing his best to preserve any remaining dignity, "H-How did you know..?" The blunette's eyes remained in their narrowed-down slits, "They showed us pictures of you in their yearbooks. Honestly, you four haven't really changed in physical appearances."
Bruise nodded slowly, "Alright then." Just then, Evana called out through a bullhorn, "Alright, cut! That's a wrap, Your Majesties! You were all fabulous today, and on be-half of all the crew here today, thank you for attending this shoot today!" Applause came after the brunette's little speech. Blossom smiled beautifully, "We were happy to be here. Thank you all for your hard work." Hannah approached her girls with large white towels, which they each took one and wrapped around themselves, to prevent the slight draft cause by the ajar windows to give them a chill, due to all their sweat.
Josef smiled as he handed his orangette girlfriend a cool bottle of water, "That was excellent Blossom. You were truly marvelous out there. You looked like a real angel from Heaven." Said orangette chuckled, taking the bottle of water and taking a huge swig from it, "Thanks Josef. That's very sweet of you." Anthony smiled, glancing down at his watch, "'Ey, Buttercup, I've got front row tickets to tonight's hockey game. And reservations at that Italian restaurant that you like so much. Shall we get going?" The ravenette smiled brightly and her emerald green eyes lit up like Christmas lights, "Oh yea! Let's go!" Her mahogany-haired boyfriend simple smiled and ran his large, calloused hand through her raven black locks of hair.
Bloom smiled; this was so rare; the fact that all eight of them were free at the same time and were able to spend said free time together was something that didn't happen everyday like normal couples, "But first, why don't we change first?" With a kiss on their boyfriends' faces, the Four Queens spun around and headed for their changing room, Hannah following them at the heels.
Josef smiled calmly, "She gets more and more gorgeous every single time I see her. And yet, I can never tire of her." James chuckled, "Indeed. She's like an angel, as beautiful, sweet, caring, more than a humble boy like me can hope for." Anthony simply continued smiling as he glanced down at his hand which touched his precious emerald's hair; it had felt so soft and delicate under his touch, like it would break if he wasn't careful.
Leonardo turned towards the Boys, who were simply standing there, unable to move, "And, we would like for you four to stay away from them." Butch, somehow, was the first to snap out of his shocked stupor, "What? Why? If you were too busy going all ga-ga with them a few seconds ago, maybe you would've seen that we have feelings for them too!" Leonardo kept his blank expression, "Them? Or their bodies and wealth?" Butch was taken back by that comment, "Wh-What..?"
The blunette scowled, "I've seen boys like you before. You claim that you love the Girls for who they are, and yet, all you're after is either their money, their bodies, or both. And you four already are off to a bad start, considering your little 'event' with the Girls seven years ago." That scowl upon the young blunette's face deepen, sending off an ominous aura that even Ms. Bellum couldn't match if she tried, "I don't want you anywhere near my Bloom, understand… Bruise Rowdyruff…?"
The brunette Rowdyruff didn't get a chance to return the remark, when Blossom, Bloom, Buttercup and Bubbles stepped out of their dressing room, dressed 'casually' in their designer brand clothing, with matching accessories. Bubbles giggled as James sweetly kissed her on the corner of her mouth, "Ready to go?" Said brunette chuckled, "Of course, my dear. I've reserved the restaurant La Belle Fleur." With that, the eight made their way out of the studio, leaving the four Boys behind, feeling completely insignificant. They may be handsome and have some extra cash in their back pocket, but their entire family fortune would be considered simply chump change to both the Girls and their boyfriends.
For once, they truly felt that the thing they desire, was out of their ledge to obtain.
Blossom sighed softly as Josef helped her out of his black Bentley, which was standing by in front of Chen Long, one of the best Chinese restaurants in Townsville. There was deliciously cooked Chinese cuisine, as well as Chinese-based dramas performed by professional actors. Blossom absolutely loved Chen Long, and Josef knew it. She was still dressed in casual clothing, but since she was considered one of the 'regulars' to the restaurant, the manger, one Mr. Ling Mong, didn't really enforce the strict dress code upon her.
Her ginger-haired boyfriend glanced at her, "Are you alright, my blossom?" The orangette chuckled lightly, "I'm fine, just a bit tired and hungry." Josef smiled, placing a chaste kiss upon Blossom's cheek, "Well then, shall we enter?" Stepping inside the open doors, the two approached the front desk, which was managed by a young woman dressed in a shimmering cheongsam of silver and royal blue. She smiled sweetly, "Welcome to the Chen Long. Do you have reservations?" Josef nodded politely, "Yes, I have a reservation for two under the name Crossceria." The lady glanced down at her large book, and nodded, "Yes, here it is. This way please." She took up two menus and beckoned for Blossom and Josef to follow her.
They were led to a spacious booth which gave the couple a fantastic view of the drama stage, as well as an air of privacy. Josef noticed Blossom's down look, "Honey, is something bothering you? Because if there is, you can tell me." The orangette smiled at her boyfriend; his consideration and compassion for her was only one of the trillions of things that she loved about him, "It's just that… being too close to the Rowdyruff Boys makes me… uncomfortable. I still haven't really gotten over what happened seven years ago."
The ginger-haired teen was silent for minute, before smiling warmly and placing his hand upon Blossom's, "You needn't feel so worried about those Boys anymore. They are beneath you now; they couldn't do you any harm, even if they tried. Besides, if that Brick fellow tries to come too close to you, he'll have to get through me first." The orangette model smiled, "Oh, thank you Josef." Just then, a waiter named 'Joe' stepped to their table, "May I take your order, Sir and Madam..?"
Blossom took a quickly look at her menu, "I would like the Chow Ming please." Josef sipped his light grape wine, "I would like the Egg Noodles." Joe took everything down and quickly dashed for the kitchen, but not before shooting Blossom a flirty wink. Josef growled, "If you're going to flirt with my girlfriend, at least of the decency to do it when I'm not here." Blossom giggled lightly, "Don't be so uptight Josef. I don't care if all the men in the world try flirting with me, the only person I love is you." The ginger-head chuckled and reached over to take of lock of sunset orange hair and twist it between his fingers, savoring the silky feeling.
The rest of the evening simply flew by as the couple enjoyed their Chinese cuisine and a drama about two lovers from ancient China.
Bloom exited the manor, dressed in a chic black dress with a short train trailing behind her and a daring cut which ran all the way up her left leg. Her hair was pulled up into a French bun with two long bangs purposely left to frame her face, with a net of diamonds to keep the bun in place. Around her neck was a sliver cross embedded with tiny beads of diamond hanging on a delicate silver chain, with matching silver-diamond-cross earrings, a bracelet and a silver-diamond ring. Encasing her delicate feet was a pair of black high heels, boosting her height by three inches, making her just short of Leonardo.
A sleek white limousine was parked outside, waiting for the brunette to come out. Apparently, Leonardo had reserved tickets to 'A Midnight Summer's Dream,' one of the most popular operas showcasing in Townsville. And, he had reserved one of the small balconies so that they may get the best view in the house.
The driver, dressed in complete black and navy blue uniform, held the back passenger door open for Bloom, keeping his head formally bowed as the brunette glided past him and stepped into the vehicle. Leonardo, already inside, dressed in a formal black Armani suit, smiled as his gorgeous girlfriend stepped into his limousine, "Mmm… you look absolutely ravishing tonight Bloom." The brunette chuckled as she made herself comfortable on the black leather car-seat, "Why thank you Leo. You look quite dashing yourself."
The blunette teen turned towards the still opened car door, "You can start driving. We only have twenty more minutes to get to the opera-house." Said driver nodded, firmly closing the car door before making his way to the driver's door, stepping inside, smoothly started the car engine and began the drive down to the Townsville Opera-House.
There was quite a large crowd at the opera house, celebrities dressed in fresh tuxedos and sparkling dresses. It was a rule that the paparazzi was forbidden to come to the opera-house on such occasions such as this. The security was extremely tight and everyone that wasn't a celebrity was thoroughly checked and searched for cameras or any other form of media communication.
Showing their tickets to the two bulky security guards dressed in black suits posted at the exclusive VIP entrance, Leonardo and Bloom were showed to their personal little balcony, giving them a fabulous view of the entire house. Bloom smiled as she scanned the chairs below them, "There's Shoko Fujibaki, the supermodel. Oh, there's Mr. Rahzel Alzeid Balasubramanium, the owner of the Alzeid Entertainment company." She turned towards her blunette boyfriend, smiling brightly, "You chose a great crowd tonight, haven't you?"
Leonardo simply smirked, "Of course. Only the best for my gorgeous Bloom. Now, come, take your seat. The show should be starting soon." The brunette chuckled, but did so, taking out her custom-made opera glasses, which was a beautiful black, covered smoothly with the finest quality of lacquer and trimmed with genuine gold and placing them across her lap. Several long minutes later, Leonardo noticed that his girlfriend was unusually quiet. He turned his attention towards the side, and felt a stab of pain at the cringing expression on Bloom's face, like she was in a trance.
She lightly jolted when the blunette teen gently placed his hand upon hers, "Bloom, what's wrong? You know you can talk to me about it." The brunette model chuckled softly, "It's nothing too serious…" Leonardo narrowed his eyes and took on that threatening 'I-will-continue-asking-no-matter-what,-so-you-might-as-well-tell-me-now' tone, "Bloom…" The brunette hesitated before sighing deeply, "… It's just that, I'm just a bit a worried about interacting with the Boys, especially Bruise."
Leonardo smiled lightly, "Oh come on, interacting with that Bruise fellow can't be too bad." Bloom glanced at the blunette, "The last time I saw him, I slapped him across the face with all my strength." Leonardo chuckled nervously, "Oh… But, anyway, you needn't worry about that boy getting too close to you. Because I'll make sure that he stays far away from you. That is a promise, I guarantee it. So please don't worry unnecessarily Bloom. Such a pain expression doesn't suit you at all." He gently placed his hand upon his beloved girlfriend's face and used his thumb to wipe away a stray tear that Bloom didn't was trickling from her eye.
The brunette chuckled lightly, caressing those long, slender fingers with her own, "Thank you so much Leonardo. You always seem to know just what to say." The blunette simply smiled, allowing his girlfriend to simply hold his hand close, enjoying the silky texture of her beautiful skin against his hand himself. The sudden sound of the orchestra snapped the couple out of their 'love' trance. Leonardo whispered, "Now then, how about we sit back and enough 'A Midnight Summer's Dream?'" Bloom smiled brightly, "Of course."
The rest of the evening was filled with bliss and quiet joy as the couple enjoyed the four-hour long opera, along with a delicious European dinner which Leonardo had especially brought up to their balcony.
"Score!" Buttercup leapt out of her seat at the Townsville Stadium, screaming as her favorite team, the Townsville Tigers, scored a point on the ice. Anthony chuckled as his enthusiastic griped him in one of her famous 'rib-crushing' hugs, "Oh Anthony, I love you for getting these front row tickets to the hockey game! I'm so close to the hockey game that the puck could probably hit me in the gut!"
The mahogany-haired teen chuckled nervously, "Stop being so… descriptive. I don't want to image of your 'gut' spilling out when the puck 'hits' you." Buttercup simply stuck her tongue out at her boyfriend before turning her full attention back to the game. Anthony laughed into his hand; he loved that childish side of his tomboyish girlfriend.
"Only ten seconds left on the clock..! Number 6 on the Townsville Tigers has the puck… he's going for the goal…! And he shoots… and he SCORES! The Townsville Tigers win! The Townsville Tigers win!" Buttercup all but screamed, leaping out of her seat, along with all the other super-fans within the stands. Anthony chuckled as he too applauded loudly as well, "Wooh yea!" After her little 'crazy-fan' craze, Buttercup sighed tiredly as she collapsed against her mahogany-haired boyfriend, "Wow, that was so great! I haven't felt that great in a long time."
Anthony laughed as he led his slightly drained girlfriend out of Townsville Stadium, into the parking lot, "Same here. Come on, lets get going for dinner. I'm starved, and the stadium food is enough to make me wanna barf." Buttercup grinned, "You just have too delicate a stomach. I, on the other hand, can handle stadium food and enjoy it too, like a man." Anthony shook his head before leading Buttercup to his black Chevrolet convertible, "Alright alright, you beat me at that aspect, but I'm better at everything else." That only earned him a slap upside the head.
The mahogany-haired teen laughed out loud as the couple climbed into the convertible and Anthony started the engine, "Let's get going. The Splendida Libellula is waiting." Buttercup grinned, "Awesome! I love you!" Anthony simply chuckled, "How can I deny my beautiful Butterfly anything?" The ravenette shyly blushed, which made her turn her head towards the window, causing Anthony chuckle at the sheer cuteness of his ravenette girlfriend.
After a comfortable ten minute drive, the couple made it to a beautifully built restaurant in the Italian style. A large sign with glowing neon letters read 'The Splendida Libellula' shun brightly into the dark night. Anthony and Buttercup stepped out of the convertible, Anthony giving the keys to a waiting parking valet before they made their way inside. The inner décor was lit by long, sleek candles, giving the restaurant a romantic air. The floor was smoothly cloaked with a rich velvet carpet, and there were tables placed everywhere, covered with lacey white tablecloths, cleanly washed porcelain plates and shiny silver tableware.
The two approached the front table, where an elderly man, perhaps in his late forties or early fifties, dressed in a sharp black suit, "Welcome to the Splendida Libellula. Do you have reservations, monsieur?" Anthony nodded, "Reservations for two under the name Castallanta." The man peered into the enormous book laid open in front of him and nodded, "Yes here you are. Come this way, monsieur." He picked up two large menus embroidered with golden patterns and beckoned Buttercup and Anthony to follow him into the restaurant.
They sat down at a nice table near the string quartet, which was playing a beautiful tune. The waiter set the menus down, bowed and silently returned to his post at the front of the restaurant. Anthony noticed that Buttercup was strangely quiet, not to mention that she wasn't giving too much thought into what she was going to ravage on the menu, like she used to, "Buttercup, are you okay? You seem… tense." The ravenette attempted to blow that comment off with a light scoff, "Yea right. Are you that hungry that you're imagining things?" She mentally cringed when she felt her mahogany-haired boyfriend's eyes burn holes into her back, "Buttercup…"
The ravenette hesitated before sighing exasperatedly and collapsing against the backrest of her chair, "I dunno. It's just that… ever since I met Butch again at school, I've been feeling a little… queasy. Like, I hate him, as well as feeling extremely uncomfortable being around him." Anthony blinked before mentally chuckling; what Buttercup was feeling was like the aftermath of a messy rejection. It would be awkward for the two in question to see each other if one had rejected the other in the past, or in Buttercup's case, completely humiliated. But, Buttercup's feeling made him a bit uneasy.
He chuckled out loud, "It's okay Buttercup. That's nothing to be ashamed of. You're seeing a guy who rejected you seven years ago; it's only natural that you'd feel this way if you're seeing him again. Especially if you don't want to." He scooted his hand forward so that their fingertips were just barely grazing each other, "You don't have to worry. I'm here for you; you can talk to me about anything. Besides, if that Butch punk every comes near you…" Buttercup chuckled at the murderous glint that lit up her boyfriend's silver eyes, "Thanks Anthony. That means a lot."
A waiter dressed in the usual waiter attire approached them, "Good evening, may I take your orders?" Buttercup answered, "I'll have the Double-Cheese Lasagna, a Casear Salad and glass of Dom Pérignon champagne." The waiter jotted the order down and turned to Anthony, "And you, Good Sir?" The mahogany-haired teen browsed over his menu again before deciding, "I'd like the Zucchini Onion Frittata, the Potato Salad and a glass of Bordeaux wine. Thanks." The waiter took their menus, bowed before making his way into the kitchen. Within fifteen minutes, their food arrived, along with a thank-you for their good business to the restaurant, considering that there weren't many people who could afford that expensive brand of champagne and wine.
Worries about Butch slowly faded away from Buttercup's mind as their meals were delivered and they ate with healthy appetites, while enjoying the beautiful songs of the string quartets.
Bubbles giggled as she snuggled her cheek against the soft fur of the baby blue teddy bear that James had bought here at one of the many booths set up along with very good side of the vast Townsville shopping district. The streets were lit up by streetlights as well as the impossibly bright neon-colored sighs of hundreds of fabulous shops still open. It was one of those days were the expensive stores decided to stay open extra late because they know that if they did, they would snag a few very generous customers. Bubbles had already spotted quite a few fellow models that she had met during various shoots, and James met up with several 'friends' that he knew from other ally companies.
James chuckled, "I see that you're very happy with that large furry thing I just bought you." Bubbles pouted, "It's not a 'large furry thing.' I happen to love this teddy very much. And, I'm thinking of named him James~." That caused her brunette boyfriend's jaw to slightly slack, "I look nothing like that overgrown pile of puff!" Bubbles giggled again, "I know, but you two do have something in common." James huffed, "Hurry up and tell me so that I can change so that we have nothing in common."
That phrase instantly died when his blond girlfriend smiled and placed a butterfly kiss upon his cheek, "I love you both~" The brunette blushed fiercely before bringing his beloved into a passionate kiss, tightly wrapping his long arms around her lithe waist. When they pulled apart, it was Bubbles who had a fierce blush upon her face while James had a smug smirk on his, "Bet that stupid bear can't do that, now can he..?"
The couple strolled by several dozen more stores, simply window shopping unless Bubbles forced her 'kitty-cat eyes' on James, which were 2.6% cuter than puppy-dog eyes. Then, the brunette couldn't resist, and had to give into whatever his girlfriend wanted, for feel gut-wrenchingly guilty for the next month. Finally, James and Bubbles made their way into one of the smaller cafes, showing themselves to a vacant table and seating themselves. When a waitress approached them, Bubbles couldn't help but notice that she was making flirting eyes with her boyfriend.
Sighing, Bubbles' eyes grew as cold as the Arctic ice as she spoke without looking up from her menu, "If you are here simply to flirt with my boyfriend, please kindly remove yourself before your boss removes your remains from the walls with water and a sponge." Both the waitress and James jolted at the sheer coldness and emotionless sound of the normally so warm and emotional blond model. This time, Bubbles glanced up, and the waitress nearly pissed herself at the scary, murderous look that was so strongly ranging within those cold sapphire blue eyes, "Didn't you hear what I said? Go. Away. Now." The poor girl nodded quickly and ran back into the kitchen, where Bubbles had the satisfaction of hearing her cry as the other staff tried to comfort her.
James blinked, turning his head from the flapping kitchen door back to his girlfriend, who was now back to her brightly smiling self, "Are you alright Bubbles. I swear you just snapped just then." The blond smiled lightly, "I'm sorry, its just that… when I see other girls hitting you, it make me a bit angry." James laughed with that thick honey-warm tone that sent soothing signals all throughout Bubbles' body, like hot chocolate on a snowy December day, "If that's how you act when you're just 'a little' angry, I'd better head for the shelters when you become really angry." That earned him a light slap upside the face.
Another waitress came along a few minutes later. She had long cascading ink black locks with crimson highlights, and matching black eyes. Her nametag read 'Karry,' and she had a light smile on her face, "Hello, may I take your orders? I apologize for my college's vulgar behavior." James smiled, "Of course, no hard feelings. I'll have the Five-Fruit Flambé and coffee, no sugar, just cream." Carry took the order down and turned to Bubbles, that same smile upon her face, "And you?" Bubbles smiled lightly, "I'll take the Strawberry Shortcake and pink lemonade." Carry nodded, jotting it down before bowing and quietly returning to the kitchen.
Bubbles sighed happily, "See, I like that type of girl. They know when a guy is taken, and don't desperately throw themselves at them regardless." James chuckled, "Or maybe she saw the scene that you caused with that other waitress and just didn't want it to happen to her." His girlfriend shrugged nonchalantly, "I don't care."
A comfortable silence settled over the couple as James took out his phone to answer several emails while they were waiting for their late-night snacks. The only sound that he could hear was clicking coming from the digital keyboard on his phone-screen. Which he found strange in itself. Normally, Bubbles, too, would take out her phone to text her sisters, Hannah, or her modeling friends. But, this time, there was not a single sound coming from Bubbles. If James had knew better, he would've thought that he was sitting alone at the table.
The brunette even glanced up to make sure that his beloved was still there, and his eyes grew wide with shock. Bubbles… was crying..! Tears were trickling down her face like rain, falling off her chin and cheekbones, leaving tiny drop-stains in her coat. James shot up from his slouching posture, "Bubbles, what's wrong? Please, tell me." The blond forced a smile upon her face, "Its nothing… really." James narrowed his sky blue eyes, "If it was nothing, you wouldn't be crying. Now tell me; what is the matter?"
Bubbles sighed as she used the tip of her sleeve to wipe away any trailing tears, "Seven years ago, when I confessed to Boomer, I knew that, because of our statuses in both school and in life, we'd never truly be together. And yet, I asked anyway. When I ran out of the school that day, I never thought I would see him again. Ever. But, here we are again." James was confused for a minute before the pieces came to together. He smiled, placing his hand upon Bubbles', "My dear Bubbles, don't cry. I would never hurt you like he did, nor will I allow that bastard anywhere near you. You are my girl now; there is nothing and no one who could take you away from me. Alright?"
The blond glanced up at her brunette boyfriend with uncertain eyes, "Really?" James gave his best smile, "Really. Now, stop that crying. Tears and frowning faces don't suit my dear Bubbles. Smiles and laughs; now that's more like it." Bubbles giggled when James tickled her under the chin while wiping away the remaining tears from her eyes and face with his handkerchief. Just then, Karry came back out carrying a small serving tray which bore Bubbles and James' orders. She set the cups, plates and tableware upon the couples' table, "Enjoy your meal,' before making her way to serve another table.
The couple smiled and 'clinked' their cups together, "To each other,' and enjoyed their snacks. Not another tear was shed that entire night.
One by one, the Girls finished up their dates and were driven home. First was Buttercup, then Blossom, then Bubbles and lastly was Bloom. John, who was still wide awake and working in his laboratory, didn't question where his daughters went for a date. He had personally interrogated these four gentlemen, and each one passed the man's code of necessities to date his daughters with flying colors. In other words, the professors trusted the Guys absolutely.
Being too tired to talk much, the Girls simply gave their sisters a hug and kisses on each cheek and the forehead before making their way upstairs to their separate rooms. Bubbles actually tried to complain her sisters into talking, but they managed to shut her up by telling her that they'd talk after their busy schedules tomorrow.
Whew, sorry it took so long for me to finish typing and to update. Its summer, and I've been looking for community service work around my community.
~PLEASE REVIEW! Whoever does gets a cookie and a glass of lemonade!