A/N: Hi! Sorry for not updating for so long I've been having troubles with ideas. Also I haven't been feeling well so my brain wasn't functioning properly and I had to miss a few days of school this week so I have to get caught up with my school work. plus my sister wouldn't help me edit for the longest time! She's sorta like my beta but kinda isn't... idk it's weird but she helps me a lot especially when it comes to capitalization... Important announcement in the end! Please read and help out if you can :) I'll get right to the story so I can't explain right now. Enjoy!
Day's turned into weeks and sadly weeks suddenly became months; and I still haven't made any progress at getting rid of Jacob or Butch. Butch is hanging around me more than ever and since he won't leave my side, neither does that jealous little weasel Jacob. Together, they've created the worst headache in the history of headaches. Never in my life have I ever thought I would resort to avoiding them all together, but somehow they're able to sniff me out like stinking bloodhounds! Once, I even climbed up a tree in an attempt to hide but Butch found me anyways, and another time Jacob visited me at work with a bouquet of roses while everyone was watching. I threw them away when I was finally alone. It's gotten so bad; I've considered hiding in the library. Those two are driving me so close to the edge I'm afraid I might snap in front of everyone; all my hard work would be ruined because those two thoughtless jerks! And for what? Just because an idiotic, immature, careless, fool decides to stroll back into my life expecting everything to be how it used to be? HA! Good luck with that stupid.
"Um Buttercup?"
"What?!"
"You're strangling your apple juice," Blossom pointed out. I let go of the poor little juice box, who was victim to my inner anger. I let out a heavy sigh and slouched in my chair, causing my hair to fall silently into my face.
"What am I gonna do about them Blossom?" I asked.
"Just be yourself; tell them to get lost," She said simply.
"And when they don't?"
Blossom gave me a small, sincere smile and said, "Beat them up."
"That's an odd thing to say, especially from you," I laughed a little.
"It just seems like something the real you would do," She shrugged before leaving.
"The real me…" I said, thoughtfully as I followed Blossom into the living room. Today was Friday so my sisters and I wanted to have a movie night at our house with a few of our friends. Everything was great, relaxing even; until we heard the doorbell ring during the movie. Before we could get up to answer, the people outside just welcomed themselves and walked on in.
"Honey I'm home!" The one with red hair shouted. Blossom glared at the red head with such a heated glare, that it could start a fire but I barely caught a hint of pink dusting her cheeks. I couldn't tell whether it was from her anger towards him or if it was actually something else...
"What're you guys doing here?" Blossom and I demanded, simultaneously. Butch separated from his brothers and leaned over the couch until we were face to face.
"Why ask? Can't I just watch a simple movie with my favorite girl?" He asked.
His closeness caught me somewhat off guard, the slight smell of peppermint from his breath lingered in the air and his curious eyes seemed to search mine for an answer. I pressed my lips into a tight line and glared at him.
"Then go find her," I snapped.
"Aw Buttercup, I'm hurt," He said, placing a hand over his heart and gave a very sad expression. "Don't you care about me anymore?"
This is one of the many little things Butch does that drive me crazy: his stupid jokes. I wanted to glare at him, I wanted to yell, I wanted to throw back some smart response, to put up a fight; but I didn't. I couldn't. Not because I didn't know what to say or want to hurt his feelings with all the harsh words I thought about using, but because there are people here; people from school who haven't witnessed my harsh temper like my family or Butch and his family has. If they saw it, everything would be ruined. I let my features soften a bit, going from a rude, angry girl, to a gentle, caring young lady. I stared deep into his gorgeous forest green eyes and saw his shock at my expression along with a small hint of pink dust slowly appearing on his cheeks; I can't wait to see how he reacts to my words.
"Oh Butch, don't think like that. I really do care, even if it doesn't seem like it. Right now I just don't want you to get so close because I'm not feeling very well and didn't want you to get sick. Actually, I think I'll go to my room now. Excuse me." I gave him a warming smile before getting up and walked upstairs, where I was instantly welcomed by my dark moonlit room with the softest bed in the world and the happiest thoughts I've had in a while.
I remember riding my skateboard through town and sometimes in the halls at school to annoy the teachers, how Butch came up with the wonderful idea of drawing on our math teacher's face when he fell asleep in the teachers' lounge, when I first rode a horse, when I won my first trophy for sports, and the time I put syrup on the door to the Principals office and Butch messed with the pipes to the bathroom next door. We managed to hide a camera in there right before the principal went in, and the second he turned on the faucet; the entire bathroom exploded into a water park! The water from the sink pelted him and forced him into a stall where he accidentally fell face first into the toilet! The principal never had proof of who the culprit was, since Butch and I stole the camera back from under their noses, but he suspected it was us. After all, who else would be bold enough to drench him in toilet water? I couldn't help but laugh at the memory. Even though I said I try not to, I actually do think about the memories I share with Butch quiet often. I'm not quite sure why, but I feel somewhat at peace when I remember the things we would do.
The door began to creak softly and when I looked up I saw Butch poking his head into my room. "Mind if I join you?" I know I should still be mad at him for his stupid jokes but strangely I didn't feel like yelling at him, I just felt happy.
"No, I don't," I said, giving him a warm smile. Butch gave a small smile in return to mine as he leaned against the dresser.
"I haven't seen you smile like that at all since I came here." I felt my smile slowly fade and found my ceiling extremely fascinating.
"How is this smile any different than my other ones?"
"This one's genuine."
"Nothing gets past you doesn't it?" I sighed.
I could tell his smile grew a bit wider as he said, "Nope!"
"Why'd you have to come here on a weekend?" I asked, glancing his way. His smile wavered a bit.
"Why? You don't want me here?" He asked, sounding annoyed.
"Never did, that's why I asked why you had to come," I said impassively, but if I were truly honest with myself I wasn't sure if that's the right answer. Butch's expression darkened a bit, and if I didn't know any better, I'd say he had a small hint of pain in his eyes.
"Fine, in that case I'll just go," He said, turning towards the door.
Next thing I knew, my body moved on its own and I got up as fast as possible, my hand reaching out and grabbed Butch's arm. I looked up at him and froze in place; notice how muscular his arms felt and I tried my best not to blush from embarrassment. Why did I stop him from leaving?! Now I have to deal with another moment with his ridiculous face. He was a few inches taller than me so I had to tilt my head up to get a good look at him: his dark raven hair was spiked up; he had a strong jaw line, his lips full and tempting, and his eyes… I felt as if I could get lost in those vivid green eyes. They were filled with surprise, but they were warm and comforting. The surprise in them slowly started to disappear; I felt my face grow hot as his eyes began to smother me. He leaned closer, so that his lips were at my ear and his warm breath was tickling my neck.
"You know," He said softly, "You look really cute when you blush." That immediately snapped me out of whatever trance I was in.
I quickly pushed him away from me and walked back to my bed as calmly as I could. "D-d-don't say such weird things, stupid! Just go away," I stammered, feeling like an idiot.
"You didn't seem like you wanted me to leave a moment ago," He smirked.
"Well I want you gone now," I said, laying arms behind my head on the bed.
"Why?" He asked, then faked gasped, "Could it be, that you're…embarrassed?" I closed my eyes and willed myself to keep my blush from getting brighter. There is no way I'm going to give any proof of my embarrassment.
"Of course not! Don't be such a moron Butch!"
I heard him walk over and when I glanced his way all he did was lay down next to me with one hand behind his head, the other on his stomach and he was staring at the ceiling. We stayed silent for a long time or long enough for my face to finally return to normal. I'm not sure what to think of him, he's really annoying, stubborn, short-tempered, impulsive, but he's also kind, honest, and even though I call him stupid he's actually very smart. What I remember the most about being with Butch when we were kids, was that we argued and fought a lot but now that I think about it; every time we fought, it was playful. And when we argued, it was usually because I just felt like yelling I'm not sure why Butch put up with it for so long. Heck, I'm surprised he still wants to deal with me. I don't get him, he's too confusing.
"Hey, do you remember the time we went into the woods behind the school?" He asked suddenly.
"Yeah, there was a hole in the fence and you lead me to a little waterfall," I answered, smiling.
"Remember what happened when we got there?" he asked.
"I pushed you into the water," I giggled.
"And I pulled you in a while later," He grinned.
"The teachers were so mad when they saw us dripping wet," I laughed.
"And yet after that they still didn't fix that hole!" He said, laughing with me.
"I'm actually really glad they didn't though," I said when I caught my breath.
"Why?" He asked.
"Because that place turned into our own personal hangout, we could go there for anything," I explained.
"Yeah, I remember knowing you so well; I could tell whether you wanted to go there or not."
"I think I recall that, I'd just look at you and we'd know where to go."
"Anything," He sighed.
"Everything," I agreed.
"We'd go when we were excited, competitive, angry, sad, bored…" He began listing.
"Plotting to ruin the teacher's day," Butch laughed at that, and I continued, "Frustrated, happy, anxious, inspired, scared, lonely…or just to relax. There's too many to list." Butch turned towards me with a strange look in his eyes, something I couldn't recognize right away.
"You were lonely when I left?" I mentally started beating myself up when I realized what I said.
There's no way I could feel lonely if he was with me all the time and he knows it! Why'd I have to mention that?! I stayed silent and refused to look at him for the longest time, while Butch refused to turn his gaze away from me. I didn't want to answer him, in fact I don't even get why I let him in my room in the first place! Butch is always getting under my skin…then again he always has, but ever since I saw him again this year he's made me feel…weird? I'm not sure how to explain it. I know I should hate him because he's trying to ruin everything I've worked so hard to maintain, but… when I'm around him I can't help but feel… ugh! I don't even know anymore! This is just too confusing! Suddenly Butch shifted himself so he hovered right above me; his hand caressed my face so I couldn't look at anything but him. Subconsciously I leaned into his touch, his eyes captured mine and I couldn't let his gaze go; as if I was trapped in some kind of trance. I found myself wanting to stay in the moment; where his rough calloused hand felt gentle, where I felt my heart begin to pound wildly under his touch, where his eyes were soft, calm, and had a tender edge to them. Somehow his minty breath made me feel dizzy, causing my eyes to flutter; Butch gave a small smile that made my already crazy heart beat even faster, if that was even possible. He leaned down so that our foreheads touched and my face quickly felt on fire. Mindlessly, my hand lifted itself up and I softly brushed my fingertips against his lips, his hand left my face and grabbed a hold of my hand.
"Buttercup." He whispered. Hearing him say my name sent shivers down my spine; I felt like my head was spinning madly, to the point where I couldn't even think, only react. I opened my mouth to speak, but suddenly the door swung open and Bubbles burst into the room.
"Buttercup! Dad says you can't be in your room, you have to be here with us." My head stopped spinning and I realized how close I was to Butch. I immediately shoved him away, causing him to fall flat on the ground with a loud thud, and rushed past Bubbles to the living room. Thanks you Professor! Who knows what could've happened if you had sent Bubbles a minute later. I thought to myself as I entered the living room. I stayed as far away from Butch as the room would allow, but I couldn't pay attention to the movie at all; my mind kept wondering off to what happened in my room. What exactly happened in my room? I shook my head to clear it but that didn't help, but when I looked out the window I saw that there was a full moon tonight and a thought crossed my mind. I heard quite a few times that a full moon is to blame whenever strange things begin to happen, and what happened in my room was definitely weird. I glared at the moon with such irritation that it rivaled how I felt about Jacob and Butch constantly bugging me.
"This is all your fault!" I grumbled before hugging my knees and turning back towards the TV.
I don't remember falling asleep, but I know this must've been a dream because why on earth would I be standing in the middle of nowhere with a polar bear? It was cold and everything is covered in snow, and I'm wearing something that would fit my image but definitely not the weather. My hair was curled and blowing wildly in the ferocious wind, I couldn't stop shivering and couldn't pry my eyes from the polar bear. He just stood there, as if there weren't a care in the world; he's just chilling there.
"What do you want?" I demanded finally when I felt uncomfortable out under the bear's curious gaze. He didn't move and I just glared at him. It frustrated me to see a massive polar bear stand right in front of me, perfectly warm while I'm shivering as if I was in Antarctica. I had half of mind to take the bear and turn him into a fur coat or something I could use to keep warm. It wasn't until I curled myself into a little ball that he finally moved. He lay down beside me and placed his massive paw over me, keeping me warm. His warmth seemed to melt the snow, turning the icy artic into a warm, flower blooming forest. The trees were high overhead with a few low hanging branches and some of the sun's rays shining through the leaves, there was a fallen log beside me and the sound of rushing water was close by. Once I recognized everything, I stood up from the brown soil and I started to shout, "Hey! Where are you?!" I began running, searching all over the forest, but as time went on I forgot what I was looking for. I began to focus on how natural it felt to be running around, to breathe in the fresh air, and it wasn't until I felt a hand on my shoulder that I realized I was wearing a pair of baggy shorts, tennis shoes, a loose shirt, and a light green hat that was a bit too big. I smiled down at myself before turning toward the person beside me and I felt my smile widen. With spiked up black hair and dark green eyes, the boy beamed as if he had just won a million dollars.
"I knew you'd be here," He said, knowingly.
"Of course I'd be here stupid! What made you think I wouldn't?" I asked. He shrugged, then glared at my clothes. "What?"
"Why do still you dress like that?" He asked.
"Like what?"
"Like a guy. Didn't I say you should act like a girl? Why else did you think I moved?"
"But you said… about having the old me-"
"I lied! Damn it Buttercup, I can't believe you actually bought that dumb act! You're so stupid!" He said before shoving me to the ground and stormed off.
"Wait! Where're you going?" Panic gripped at me as I watched him fade away as he walked further away from me and I desperately wanted to run after him but I couldn't move. "Don't go! Please! Don't leave me here! Don't go! NO!" I was pulled from my dreams as the last word left my throat and I immediately grabbed the closest thing next to me, vaguely aware it was actually Butch.
"Buttercup, you're shaking. What's wrong?" I shook my head and tightened my grip on him; clinging to him as if he would disappear. I heard him let out a sigh as he pulled a blanket over us as he held me a bit awkwardly, as if he didn't know what to do. I rested my head against his chest as we lay back down, relaxing at the sound of his rhythmic heart; it was soothing and steady and it made me feel tired again.
Although my eyelids felt heavy I looked up at him to see his sleepy eyes full of concern, and it took me awhile to find my voice, "Do you think I'm stupid?"
He stared at me for a second, confused, but answered; "No."
"Why'd you move?"
"My dad's job."
"Did I dress like a boy, before?"
"Never thought you did, I thought you dressed like you."
"Would you lie to me?"
"Never."
"Do you hate me?"
He looked down at me with the same expression he had before, filled with something I didn't recognize and it seemed to be smothering me. His voice was soft, and gentle as he whispered, "Actually, the exact opposite."
Tiredness became too much to handle and I barely caught what he said because I drifted off to sleep, still in his arms. When I woke the next morning I feeling warm and comfortable, with the smell of bacon in the air I lazily tried to get up but found that I couldn't. Trying to blink the sleepiness from my eyes I tried to take in my surroundings, the first thing I realized was that I was wrapped in Butch's arms and he was fast asleep. I had half of mind to scream as loud as I could to wake him up but, he looked so peaceful it'd seem cruel to wake him. He seemed younger, like he did when we first met and his nose would twitch every now and then; he looked almost adorable. Almost. Every time I tried to escape from his grasp, he would pull me closer and frown, as if someone was trying to steal his favorite toy. After about five minutes everyone else began to stir and when Blossom saw me, her eyes widened and she burst out laughing.
"You jerk!" I screamed/whispered. "Don't laugh! Help me!"
"Like the time a certain someone got gum and glue stuck in my hair?" Blossom asked, walking away.
"Hey! That was an accident! Come back!" I whined, before noticing Bubbles getting up. "Bubbles! Help me!" Bubbles just smiled as Butch began to squeeze the living day lights out of me muttering something about paradise while all the friends we had over had sympathetic looks on their faces. Geez! Why is everyone so cruel this morning?! I asked myself. Much to my horror Butch rolled over, squishing the air out of my lungs and he still didn't let go! What's wrong with these people?! I tried shoving him off, but I knew that my only choices were to wake him up or die from lack of oxygen. "Wake up you lazy retard!" Butch opened his eyes slightly and smiled when he focused on me.
"Well aren't you a morning person," He yawned. I let out a low growl as I got up since Butch finally let me go so he could stretch. Wondering into the kitchen, I was welcomed with the sight of five plates full of bacon, hash browns, eggs and a ton of orange juice! ….along with Blossom glaring at Brick, with Boomer off to the side drinking some juice and the other girls were looking confused.
"What do you mean you're not gonna share! This is our house, our food!" Blossom screeched. Brick shrugged.
"You snooze you lose."
"That rule doesn't apply!"
"Hey, why don't you be a good hostess and quit yelling at me will you?"
"Why you little-"
"Blossom," Bubbles interrupted.
"What?!" The little blonde stepped back a bit from Blossom's ferocity.
"Why don't we just take it from them?" I asked. Blossom seemed to consider it, Bubbles gave me a grateful glance and the other girls looked at me in shock. Crap! That's not what my character would say. I gave them a sheepish smile and tried my best to look as though asking the question had made me feel a little uncomfortable. That seemed to satisfy everyone and they turned back to the scene unfolding before them. Geez this is so stupid! I can't even ask a stupid question without them judging me.
"Brick?" A sleepy voice said coming into the room. Brick looked away from Blossom for a second and that's when she leaped into action. She grabbed the red headed annoyance and threw him out of his chair. The rest of us stared in shock, surprised that well-mannered and even-tempered Blossom had done something so… un-Blossom like! We all watched in stunned silence (Boomer with wide eyes and Brick staring at my sister from the ground) as Miss Goody-goody quickly grabbed a few plates and walked out of the room with a triumphal smirk. The room was silent for a moment, then Butch, Boomer, Bubbles and I burst out laughing while our friends were just looked back and forth between us.
"Hahaha! She got you good Brick!" Boomer laughed.
"You couldn't even react!" Butch snickered.
"Shut up Boomer!" Brick shouted, whacking Boomer on the head.
"Wait, didn't Butch make fun of you too?" Bubbles pointed out. Whap!
"Hey! That hurt!" Butch whined.
"Good!"
"Why'd you have to tell him Bubbles?" She shrugged and gave a small smile.
"Buttercup? Do you think we should leave them alone? The boys are getting a little violent and they're setting a bad example for you," Veronica, one of the friends who stayed over, asked me. A bad example? What the heck are you talking about? I couldn't help but glance at the boys and my sister; they were laughing and horsing around. Bubbles glanced up and noticed me, she gave an inviting smile before Brick grabbed her and playfully winked at her, making Boomer frown.
"No, I'm fine right here," I said casually. "They're my friends, I feel like this is normal."
"What about your sister? You're gonna make her eat alone?"
"You can eat with her can't you?"
"But-"
"Veronica," I interrupted, trying my best to keep my irritation out of my voice. "I'll be fine." She looked at the other girls for back up but when she found none, she reluctantly left. Almost immediately two muscular arms wrapped around my waist and spun me around. I knew who it was and I couldn't help feeling annoyed and overjoyed at the same time.
"Buttercup's all grown up! Making big decisions all by herself, I'm so proud!" Butch said happily.
"Stop being stupid Butch! Let me go!" I laughed. He did what he was told and as soon as he did I playfully punched his arm.
"What was that for?" He asked, giving me a shove.
"For being an idiot."
"That hurts Buttercup."
"The truth does that."
"Now you're acting like Brick.
"Hey, no one compares to the original," Brick cut in; giving Boomer a chance to snatch Bubbles away.
"What's with you today? You've had something stolen from you twice already," Butch asked. Brick just shrugged.
"Girls, why does Blossom-" The professor began, walking into the room but stopped when he saw Boomer had his arm around Bubbles. The professor walked over tore Bubbles away from Boomer, and shot him a death glare.
"Dad I-"
"Bubbles it's sort of late in the day, go with your sisters and get dressed," The professor instructed.
"C'mon Bubbles," I said. I had a feeling this wasn't a good place to be. From up stairs we couldn't hear anything other than the front door slam. I let out a sigh of relief when I found out our friends had left soon after eating with Blossom. It's not that I don't like them, but they can be really annoying when they look at me like I'm a little kid.
Today, I felt like doing something new, something I haven't done in a while. I dressed in shorts, a loose t-shirt, tennis shoes, and an old cap I used to wear. It felt good to be in my old clothes again, but it felt even better to tear through Townville's streets. I kept my cap coving my face whenever someone passed by as I rode all the way to the skate park down town; I was relieved when I saw no one was there, I didn't want a chance of having someone recognizing me. The movements came naturally; I was skating and doing tricks like a pro, despite all my years of avoiding it. (Sorry I know nothing about skating so you can just imagine all of the things she's doing :)) As the day flew by more people started to show up, much to my discomfort. One more trick, then I'll go home. I thought to myself as I finished a rail grind, but before I could do anything someone rammed into me. I swore under my breath and looked up, finding Butch was the cause of the problem. What the hell? Is this guy stalking me or something? He's everywhere! I quickly scrambled up to my feet, careful not to let Butch see my face and noticed my hat was missing. How ironic.
"Sorry about that, didn't see you there," Butch apologized. I just turned away and kept my head low; he was the last person I'd wanna have freaking out over me being here. "Hey what about your hat?" I let out a growl in frustration and snatched the hat from him. Putting it on, I started to walk away when suddenly someone spun me around and held me in place. "I thought you seemed familiar."
"Can't I ever just have one hour alone anymore?" I groaned.
"Wait, you're here? At the skate park?"
"No, I'm at an ice cream shop."
"And you're dressed like that?"
"What's wrong with the way I look?"
"And you're skate boarding?"
"Wait you skate board at a skate park? I never knew that!"
"You're in public too!"
"So?"
"Does this mean you're alright with being your old self again?" Thunder roared suddenly, and a light drizzle began to fall from the dark, gloomy clouds. The weather seemed to match my mood perfectly because a sudden fury aimed directly at Butch began to consume me. Why doesn't he get it through his thick head that I don't want to change? Why else would I still be acting this way when he's back in town?
"NO, it doesn't! Just drop that subject already! Haven't you ever thought that if I wanted to act like the old me, I could do it anytime I want?" I questioned.
"It's crossed my mind." He shrugged.
"Then why haven't you stopped?" I growled.
"Because I came up with another explanation." He said
"And what could that possibly be?"
"I think you're afraid."
"What?" Thunder roared and the light drizzle became a heavy down pour.
"You want to stop pretending, but you're afraid to go back because you're used to being this way. Everyone else is used to it too."
"Buttercup Utonium is not afraid of anything!" I shouted.
"You're afraid of stepping out of your new comfort zone."
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Am not!" I shouted, shoving him so hard he fell to the ground. His soaking wet hair fell into his fierce green eyes as he glared daggers at me. Ever since we were kids, Butch has always hated being pushed, especially because he's always been the kind of person who just loves being rebellious, whenever he felt like someone was trying to control him other than his family; he's not really the first person you would want around. Butch and I are very similar in that aspect, which is why he should know better than to enforce his stupid little thoughts on me.
"Stop telling me what to do! Stop trying to change who I am! Just go away! I wish I never met you! I HATE you!" Butch looked stricken by my words, and I felt a strange twist in my stomach and my heart started to beat erratically.
Guilt and another bizarre feeling made me sick, maybe it was the rain or the cold weather or maybe it was how his eyes suddenly lost the fire they had before but either way I felt horrible. When Butch made no attempt to give a comeback, or even move for that matter. I turned and skateboarded away; drowning myself in hot chocolate once I got home. Worst. Saturday. Ever.
A/N: Wow! I had lots of trouble writing that and I can't wait to get the next chapter out! I'm working on it now and I just came up with an interesting thought :3 Anyway, announcement time! As I have said before I am running low on ideas especially for the Reds and Blues so if you want, could you please leave me an idea in a review or just PM me? All ideas will be considered and it is NOT first come first serve so will you guys help me out? Pretty please? I really hope you enjoyed this chapter! Read and review!