Hey, guys! I know it's been over a week since I've updated this story, and I'm really sorry about that. I felt so bad that I left you guys on a cliffhanger for over a week. :\ But I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! In all honesty, I think I could have done better with this chapter, but oh well.

I'd also like to thank everyone for all of the sweet reviews y'all left me on chapter seven. You guys are awesome~

Anyway, hope you like!

(Blossom's POV)

"Mommy!" My redheaded daughter exclaimed, jumping up and down. "Can I please get a box of Fruit Loops?"

"In a second," I replied as I got a pack of chicken breasts from the freezer and put it in the cart.

Don't ask me why, but for some reason, I felt someone's eyes on me… I have absolutely no idea why. It was pretty peculiar.

So I decided to look up. I looked up and… oh, my gosh. Please tell me I'm seeing things. Please.

Before me stood a man… but not just any man. He had fiery red hair that was pulled back into a somewhat messy ponytail. He was wearing a white wife-beater, red sweat pants, and a pair of white sneakers. He had a very muscular body, as seen from his arms and chest. His eyes were like… a shade of red…?

And then it hit me. The man that stood before me was… Brick. Brick Jojo, my ex. The man I've never stopped loving for five years straight. You've got to be kidding me. This cannot be happening… am I dreaming?

I pinched myself to be sure. Nope, this was reality. Crap!

My eyes widened in complete and utter shock. "…Brick?"

I didn't know how else to react. It's been a whopping five years since we had last seen each other in person. This is bound to be awkward..

He stepped closer to me. I felt my knees starting to buckle as he did so. Contain yourself, Blossom. Don't give yourself away. God.

He took a deep breath. "…Blossom."

I studied him with my pink eyes. He looked so… sexy. Even in a pair of sweats and a form fitting wife beater, he still looked extremely attractive. He didn't really change much over the years, except that he was much more muscular and he had some stubble on his chin. God, he looked gorgeous. I just wanted to run up to him, hug him, and kiss him. I wanted to tell him how I felt, that I still loved him, and that I had never stopped thinking about him after all of these years. I even wanted to tell him about Bailey, for crying out loud…

…But I couldn't. It's been five freakin' years. A lot has changed. He's obviously lost interest and me, and I don't want to embarrass myself. I have too much pride. I mean, who would still be in love with the same person after being broken up for five years? Only me, because I'm a loser. Ugh. Not to mention, he's engaged to that Kennedy girl. What's her name? Brat? Brute? Oh, right, Berserk!

But like I was saying, it'd be better if I just kept all of those things to myself. He's got a whole bunch of things going for him, so it'll be best if I just kept my mouth shut. I just need to act calm, cool and collected so that he won't know my true feelings.

Yeah, that's it. Just act nonchalant, Blossom, and everything will be okay.

"Cat got your tongue, Blossom?" Brick suddenly questioned me, raising an eyebrow. He smirked.

"N-no," I replied, stuttering. Jeez, Blossom, hold yourself together! He is just a guy. …A guy that you still have feelings for, a guy who is the father of your four year old daughter...

Damn it…

He shrugged. "Whatever you say, Blossom," He responded.

I took a deep breath. "So…" I began, trying to be as nonchalant as possible, "Fancy meeting you here, huh?" I wasn't going to lie, us meeting was so random. At the grocery store, no less!

"Very," Brick replied casually, shrugging his shoulders. "It's been awhile, hasn't it, Blossom?"

"Sure has..."

"Mommy!" Bailey interjected, pointing to Brick, "That's the guy that came to my school! The one I told you about!"

I sighed as I turned to my redheaded daughter's direction. I folded my arms. "Honey, what did I tell you about pointing at people?"

"Sorry, Mommy," Bailey apologized, obviously not wanting another one of my lectures.

"Cute kid," Brick said suddenly, eying my pink-eyed child.

"Thanks," I murmured, looking down. For some reason, I swear I felt his gaze on me (yet again...), so I looked up. And I was right, he was staring at me. I stared at him back. Well, it was more of a glare, but… you catch my drift.

About a minute later, I finally decided to speak up. "Why on Earth are you staring at me like that?"

He raised an eyebrow. "What, I can't look at you now?" Ugh, don't play that game with me!

"You don't have to look at me in such a strange way," I began, "It's kind of irritating."

"Then I apologize," He said, shrugging his shoulders, trying to act as indifferent as possible.

I rolled my eyes. "So… what are you doing here?" I asked, trying my best to change the subject.

"Buying ground beef to make hamburgers. My damn butler went out of town, and now I have to cook for myself." He responded, as if his butler going on a well-deserved vacation was the end of the world. Wow, really?

"Really?" I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "You make it sound as if your butler going on vacation is the absolute worst thing ever," I teased.

He furrowed his eyebrows and bit his lip afterward. "Yeah, whatever. Anyway, what are you doing here?" He questioned me, desperately trying to change the subject. "You don't live in Townsville."

My eyes widened. "H-how do you know that?" No, really, how do he know that? We haven't spoken in five years, there is absolutely no way he could know that I didn't reside in Townsville. I then raised an eyebrow, "Have you been stalking me?"

Brick's reddish eyes widened in shock. "No, of course not. Why the hell would you think that?"

"How else would you know that I didn't live in Townsville?" I spat.

"I visited Riverside Elementary School to talk to the kindergartners," He said. He looked over to my daughter, "And I saw your daughter there."

…Oh, right. Well boy, did I feel silly.

"Oh," I said, turning as red as a tomato. "My bad."

He chuckled. "It's cool," He replied coolly. He looked at me, "You know, you're still the same old Blossom. Always assuming things."

I was not always assuming things! Okay, maybe I was - but it wasn't his place to say that. Well, you know what? Two can play that game!

"And you're still the same old Brick," I began, my lips turning into a smirk, "Just as irksome as ever."

"Oh yeah?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. He paused, trying to think of a comeback. He then said, "Well, you're still the same old Blossom - a smart aleck."

"Really?" I replied, my smirk turning into a frown. "Well, you're still the same old Brick. Arrogant as hell."

"And you're still the same old Blossom," He said breathlessly, inching near me. "Just as sexy as ever."

I flushed, and I bit my lip immediately afterward. "Oh?" I folded my arms, and stepped closer to him. I swear, we were like a centimeter away from each other! "Brick Jojo, are you flirting with me?"

"Maybe," He began, "Maybe not."

"Well," I said, my lips curving into a smile, "You're still the same old Brick - incredibly hot."

Our bickering had ultimately turned into endless flirting, and during that moment, everything else had ceased to exist. I felt like a sophomore in college again, for the first time in five years.

My original plan of being as indifferent as possible towards Brick had ultimately failed, but I didn't care. I actually felt… good. Hell, I even forgot about the fact that Brick was engaged to be married.

But… wait, that's the thing. Brick is engaged. Why is he flirting with me? And why exactly was I flirting with him? I guess… we aren't over each other. Maybe I was wrong after all. I mean, he's always had a place in my heart, but I'm still in love with him. And maybe he's still in love with me? But, he's with Berserk… ugh.

I suddenly felt a tap on my leg, removing me from my thoughts. I decided to look down, and I saw my daughter looking up at me, wide-eyed. I had completely forgotten that she was in the room. Oh gee, that means that Bailey saw Brick and I flirting. Dear Lord.

"What is it?" I asked her, exasperated. This better be good…

"Can Mister Jojo come over for dinner tonight?" She asked, her pink eyes full of hope. "Please? He's so cool!"

My eyes widened.

…Did she just ask me if Brick could come to dinner? Tonight? Seriously? I... I don't even know how to respond to that.

I sighed. "I don't know about that, Bailey. I don't think that's such a good idea."

"Please?" She pleaded, giving me the puppy-dog eyes. Damn it, she got me there. Bailey knows I can't resist those.

I guess one dinner couldn't hurt...

"It's not up to me," I replied, turning towards Brick. I raised an eyebrow. "It's up to him."

...

(Brick's POV)

My eyes widened in astonishment. Her daughter was asking me to join them for dinner? I mean, I'd sure as hell would love to… but would Blossom? I mean, she flirted with me… but she's married. How awkward would it be for her ex lover and current lover to dine in the same room? Awkward as hell.

So as much as I'd like to, I simply had to decline her offer.

I sighed, "Uh… I don't think that's the best idea-"

"Why not?" Bailey questioned, her eyes filled with sadness. She curled out her bottom lip, "Please, Mr. Jojo sir?"

Now, this is exactly why I dislike children. They can never take no for a freakin' answer. And then they always have to give you the damn puppy dog look just to get what they want. Well you know what, I'm not falling for it.

But she looks… so damn adorable...

Damn it Brick, you sound like a fruit cup. Ah, whatever, fuck it.

I groaned in defeat. I can't believe she got me. "Fine. I'll be there."

Yeah, I know, I said I wasn't going to fall for her daughter's puppy dog pout - but I changed my mind. So deal with it, and shut the hell up.

"Yay!" She beamed, jumping up and down in excitement. "This is gonna be fun!"

"It sure will be," I heard Blossom mutter sarcastically under her breath.

"Dude!" A masculine voice said from behind me. "Isn't that Brick Jojo?"

"Nah, man, it can't be!" Another voice said. Oh boy, this is my cue to grab my shit and leave…

"Let's ask him!" The first voice said.

"Well, as fun as this was," I said, grabbing the ground beef from the freezer, "I think it's best that I get going. What's your address, Blossom?"

After she gave me her address, I quickly walked out of the aisle (Brushing past the two boys who recognized me), paid for my stuff, and walked out.

Time to get ready.

(Butch's POV)

I parked my dark green BMW on the side of the street and walked up to a small trailer. I knocked on the door once and not too long after, the door was open.

"Hello?" I asked. The door had opened, but no one was there… strange.

"Hey, tough guy," A Mexican voice said from below. "Down here."

I looked down, my forest green eyes widening in bewilderment. "Who are you…?"

"I'm Lil' Arturo," He said in his thick, Mexican accent. He held up a comb, "And this is my daughter, Maria!"

I raised an eyebrow. "What the f-"

"Butch," A New Yorker accent said from behind Lil' Arturo. He was wearing black sunshades (Who wears sunshades inside…?), a blue and orange vest with a purple/white long-sleeved shirt under it, and tan-colored pants. He had jet-black hair, and his skin was a greenish color.

I recognized him almost instantly. It was Ace.

"Ace," I said, stepping over Lil' Arturo. "Just the man I wanted to see."

"What brings ya here, Butch?" He asked, putting a toothpick in his mouth. He raised an eyebrow, indicating that he wanted me to get on with it.

"Look," I sighed, "This whole Buttercup thing, I don't know if I want to go through with it anymore."

"What the hell do you mean?" Ace scowled. "You told me you'd help me!"

"I'm…" I choked out, "I'm falling for Buttercup."

"No!" Ace exclaimed, clenching his fists, "You told me you'd stick to the plan and that you wouldn't fall for her. Ya traitor!"

"Look, Ace, I'm sorry," I put my hands in my pockets. "I can't help it."

I really couldn't help it, though. I didn't think that I'd fall for Buttercup at all. Two dates can really change you.

"Get outta my sight," Ace said, pointing to the door.

I sighed as I walked out of his door and walked towards my car. I couldn't help it that I was slowly falling for Buttercup, that wasn't my intention at all. But the heart wants… what the heart wants? Eh, I sound like a chick.

(No POV)

"You're gonna regret the day you messed with Ace D. Copular, Butch Jojo!" Ace called out, cracking his knuckles and laughing mischievously.

(Brick's POV)

I walked into my lavish home and placed the ground beef on the kitchen counter. Boomer looked at me expectantly.

"Well?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, what?" I replied.

"Are you going to start it or what?"

"No," I said walking towards the kitchen door. "I'm going somewhere in thirty minutes."

"What the hell, Brick?" Boomer whined, folding his arms. "You know I don't know how to cook."

"Then learn, you lazy bum," I called out towards him as I entered my room.

...

(Boomer's POV)

"Fine," I said to myself, pulling out my cell phone. I smiled to myself, "I'll just call someone to help me."

After a few rings, a sweet, feminine voice picked up. "Hello? Boomer?"

"Hey, Bubbles," I replied. "How are you this fine afternoon?"

"Never better!" She chirped. "So… what's up with you?"

"Nothing really," I said casually. "I just have a little problem."

"What is it?" She asked me worriedly.

"Our Butler decided to take the week off, and I have no idea how to cook," I sighed. "Could you teach me how to make hamburgers from scratch?"

"Of course!" She said excitedly. "I'd love to help."

"Great!" I exclaimed, my grin widening. "You'll come over when you're finished with work?"

"Sure! Just tell me your address, and I'll be there when I'm done over here. I have about thirty minutes left in my shift."

After giving Bubbles my address, she told me she'd be there in about forty-five minutes, and then we had exchanged goodbyes.

(Brick's POV) - An Hour Later

I parked my 2010 dark red Mercedes Benz on the side of the street and walked up to Blossom's house. I rang the doorbell and immediately afterward, Blossom answered the door.

"Hello, Brick," She said calmly, stepping aside, "Come on in."

She was wearing the same clothes from earlier. The only difference in her appearance was that instead of her hair being in a professional bun, her long, auburn hair was let down, and it flowed over her shoulders. She looked gorgeous. Her husband is one lucky guy.

"Just take a seat on the couch," She said, pointing to the black leather three-seater couch. "Dinner will be ready in awhile."

"You've got a nice place here, Blossy," I said, taking a seat on the couch. I wasn't going to lie, this place was a bit too small for my own tastes, but it seemed like a pretty cozy place.

"Thanks," She said, giving me a small smile. She returned to the kitchen to resume the preparation of the meal.

I looked around her house, and I saw various pictures of her and her family. I saw pictures of her, her daughter, Buttercup, and a blonde-haired woman, whom I assume was Blossom's other sister.

But for some reason, I couldn't find any pictures of her and her husband. …Why is that? That's a tad bit… peculiar. Her husband wasn't here in the house, either.

And then I realized something. When I visited the kindergartners at Riverside Elementary School and heard the teacher call Bailey's name, she said her last name was Utonium. That was Blossom's last name. If Blossom was married, then wouldn't her daughter have her husband's surname and not her own?

"Hello, Mister Jojo!" A young, high-pitched voice said from behind me. I turned around, and I saw Blossom's four-year old daughter, Bailey. Jesus Christ, she resembled Blossom so much. From her hair, to her eyes, to her undeniable beauty.

"Um, hi," I replied casually, not really in the mood for conversation.

"Can I ask you a question?" She asked me, taking a seat beside me on the couch.

My eyes widened. "Uh, sure… shoot." What on Earth could she possibly even ask me?

"How do you know my Mommy?" She asked me out of curiosity. Well, that answers my question.

"We knew each other in college, that's all," I replied simply. I didn't want to tell her that I used to date her Mom. That'd be weird.

"Cool!" She exclaimed. She smiled at me.

"Alright," I said, changing the subject. If I was going to get to the bottom of this, then now was my only chance to ask. "Now it's my turn to ask you something, Bailey."

...

(Blossom's POV)

I was still a bit uneasy about Brick staying for dinner. I mean, come on, I still had feelings for the guy. Even though I think he still has feelings for me, his fiancée's in the way. And the absolute last thing I'd ever want to become is a home-wrecker. After tonight, I don't want to have any type of contact with Brick ever again. Ever. I don't want to get hurt more than I already am.

I put my oven mitts on, removed the pan of chicken from the oven and placed it on the kitchen counter. I then began to prepare the salad, but then I heard my ring-tone go off.

Boy you got my heart beat runnin' away

Beating like a drum and it's coming your way

Can't you hear that boom, badoom, boom

Boom, badoom boom, bass?

He got that super bass…

I looked at the caller ID to see who it was that was calling me. It was Buttercup. I silenced the music by answering the call.

"Hello?" I answered, holding the phone to my ear.

"Bloss," Buttercup began, "I'm going to be home late tonight. There's a lot of customers here at the shop who want their hair done."

Ugh, first Bubbles called me earlier and told me she wouldn't be able to make it, and now Buttercup? They were both supposed to make this dinner less awkward... And now they both wouldn't be able to make it for dinner? Damn it.

"It's okay, Buttercup," I began, "It's not your fault."

"I'm really sorry, Blossom. Save some food for me."

"It's fine. And will do," I said. "Anyway, I'll see you later tonight."

"Alright. Bye, Bloss," And she hung up.

About five minutes later, I finished preparing dinner. I picked up the pan of chicken and walked out of the kitchen.

I began to call, "Dinner's rea-"

"So, do you have a father?" I heard Brick ask my daughter.

After hearing that, I immediately dropped the hot pan of chicken on the ground.

Shit.

ANOTHER CLIFFHANGER. I dunno why I keep leaving cliffies at the end of these chapters, I know y'all hate it. But it makes it more suspenseful.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed it. Leave a review! :D