A/N: Alright, so clearly I have some explaining to do. It wasn't my intention to not update for 8 months, truly wasn't. I tried my best to get this done sooner but something was always getting in the way, whether it was friends school or just home stuff someone was always determined to distract me :/ So as a please forgive me gift, I have created two new stories! I truly do love you guys and hope you all will forgive my long absence. So I hope this makes things a bit better. Thank you to everyone who stuck with me despite everything and read my story, though I'm curious to see what you guys think of the chapter you don't have to review. I kinda deserve it. But read away! I hope you enjoy! :)

This is stupid! I thought to myself as I continued taking notes. I never considered fourth period the easiest class to stay awake in, even more so when our teacher gave a really boring lecture. When I woke up this morning, I felt relaxed, happy; calm... then Blossom just had to remind me it was a school day. Which meant I'd have to deal with Princess and her constant chatter, or worse; Jacob. But on another note, today I had decided against my usual attire; instead I wore my favorite dark-wash skinny jeans with combat boots, a plain white shirt under my dark leather jacket, combined with a pair of black, fingerless gloves with a bow made of rhinestones around the wrist. And instead of straightening or curling my hair, I just gave it a quick brush; which surprisingly ended up looking better than I had thought it would.

THUD! I jumped at the sudden noise and turned in time to see Jacob's idiotic friends decided it'd be fun to push each other out of their chairs then laugh their heads off about it. Seriously, today's lesson couldn't possibly be interesting enough for our teacher to not notice anything! Jacob looked up and caught my eye for the slightest, fraction of a second before I turned away from him and went back to my notes. Honestly, I shouldn't get distracted so often by their stupidity.

I heard mumbling along with the creaking of chairs, but I thought they were just picking up after themselves and disregarded the commotion. Till I noticed Jacob had slid into the seat beside me. Butch's seat to be exact. "Hey Buttercup! What's up? You don't seem like yourself today."

And what do you know about who I am? I thought bitterly. "I'm fine."

"Really?" He gave me a suspicious look. "You don't really seem like your happy, sweet, and perky self."

I turned to him and raised an eyebrow. "You just described Bubbles."

His eyes widened and a blush appeared on his cheeks. "What? No I didn't! You're amazing and kind and smart and not at all like your cousin."

"She's my sister," I deadpanned.

"OHMIGOD! I'm sorry! I didn't… I mean… well I… it's just-"

"It's okay." Just proves you know nothing about me.

He rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment, "Well anyways for sorry not knowing… I mean sorry for not knowing that about you so… would you or well do you have… are you going to the dance this weekend?"

"I don't know," I replied and turned back to taking my notes.

"Well um… would you perhaps, consider maybe going to the dance with me?"

There was something sweet about his offer; he was shy and stumbled over his words, yet he had enough courage to ask someone he just humiliated himself in front of to the dance. He seemed like a poor defenseless hamster that you'd feel bad about turning it down, so if I hadn't known him as a strange, creepy, desperate guy, his offer would've almost been tempting. Almost. I've known him way too long to just suddenly starting thinking of him so differently. And while his courage is something I can't help but respect, it'll take a lot more to change my opinion. Still…

I sighed and looked up at him. Large hopeful eyes and small, shy smile as he awaited my answer; maybe saying yes wouldn't actually be that bad. But for some reason, the idea of agreeing… it makes his face come to mind. Spiky jet black hair, fierce forest green eyes, strong jaw, and an incredible smile. I felt the warmth of his hand in mine, and how they fit perfectly together, his breath against my skin every time he leaned close to me. I find it funny how he always manages to predict my reactions or thoughts before I know them. I'd almost say he knows me better than I know myself.

"Jacob," I began, "Thank you, but I'm going to have to-."

"Why not?!" He exploded before I could finish. "Is it because of him?! Butch!" The teacher paused and glanced over at Jacob's outraged expression before returning to his lecture.

I shot my slightly crazy classmate a glare, as a sudden feeling of defensiveness surged through me. "Of course not! He's-"

"He's nothing! A nobody! An idiot; you said so yourself! How can you go back on all those things you said about him?! He's mean, rude, a jackass lying bitch that isn't worth your time! Going back to wherever he came from and leaving us alone would be the best thing he could ever do in his entire life! No one's gonna miss him, and everyone would be glad to have him gone! So just stop talking to him, no wait, don't even look at him! I don't want you to have anything to do with him!"

Before I could even think, my hand shot out and Jacob was on the floor, his eyes wide with shock. I never felt such an intense rage before. It was as if there was an overpowering fire running through me; the small flame of annoyance he caused everyday transformed into an uncontrollable inferno of fury at the ignorant, condescending, arrogant… I grabbed his collar and pulled him so that we were face to face; causing him to flinch away from my death glare as I stared him down.

"I am not someone you can just boss around! Especially when you hardly know anything about me, or Butch either for that matter. He's an idiot and can be a jerk, I'll admit that, but I won't let you talk about him like that! He knows me better than anyone; he's stubborn, determined, yet a smart, kind person in his own crazy way. In fact, it'd take me forever to explain everything about him, all of which I'm pretty sure you didn't even notice since you never let go of your stupid jealous opinion! So don't you ever say anything about Butch in front of me again! And as for this weekend, if I were you, I'd go to the dance with someone I actually know." I spat as I let go of his collar, causing him to fall back to the ground.

A thrill shot through me when I noticed his expression; I haven't seen anyone intimidated by me in so long. I couldn't even remember the last time I was out of breath from ranting out what I really thought. It felt refreshing, exciting, it felt … liberating. A coughing sound pulled me from my thoughts, and I looked up to find my teacher staring at me with a solemn expression before he pointed to the door, "The Principal." I stood without hesitation and made my way out of the classroom with a faint smile on my face. Honestly, I needed to stretch my legs anyways, and I never would've guessed how much I'd miss that phrase directed towards me. Or how energized it'd make me; something I undoubtedly needed in my life.

The days at school were always frustrating whenever it came to annoying subjects, but out of the four years that I've been keeping up this act, this is the first time I have worn something so casual compared to my usual look, the first I haven't fussed over my hair, and definitely the first time I've yelled at someone, not to mention push them to the ground. Surprisingly, I found myself not caring; I'm not going to get into much trouble with the principal since he'll probably let me go with a warning and as for Jacob, he'll leave me alone and eventually find someone who truly cares for him, so no harm done. As if, everything turned out as it should have been if I hadn't decided to change myself.

I absolutely despise losing, but for once I didn't mind. A laugh escaped me at the realization; Buttercup Utonium, one of the most competitive people in Townsville, not minding losing?

I started laughing harder, the echo caused by the halls proving how weird I was acting. But, it wasn't bothering me; my laugh, my smile… they're real. I'm not stressed about my clothes, I got into trouble for a good reason, I spoke my mind… That boy actually did it. Butch said he would turn me back into my old self and now I am. And I couldn't be more thankful.

I couldn't help but visit after school was out. He wasn't here today either and I just had to see him, after what had happened in class; I really needed good dose of Butch's stupidity. The rest of the day went pretty well, I got off with a warning and even though my friends weren't used to my clothes, lack of makeup, and speaking my thoughts more often; they accepted me and actually liked my little change. The only down sides; my encounter with Jacob, and the fact that Butch still hasn't gotten over his fever. But he's been sick since Saturday! It's Tuesday already! How long does he plan on staying home?

I pulled into his driveway to see another car in front of the house, discarding the thought of it I rang the doorbell to be greeted by one of the house maids. "May I help you?"

"I'm here to see Butch."

"And you are?"

"Buttercup Utonium, I'm a friend."

"Right this way." She lead me into the house and wouldn't leave my side till I was right outside his door, as if making sure I got there without stealing anything. Pft! Like I would steal. "And here you are. Miss Samantha is already in his courters, but if you'd like you could go in. I'm sure he'll be happy to see you." And just like that she was off, leaving me awkwardly standing alone in front of his door.

Miss Samantha? As in Sammy? She's here?! Was that car out front hers? She's our age then, is she an old friends of his? Why hasn't Butch ever mentioned her before? Did he want to keep her a secret from me? What is she to him? I blanched out the last thought. Why do I care? If he doesn't want to tell me that's his fault.

I blinked and I realize I'd begun leaning towards his door, to the point where I could almost make out their voices. I pressed my ear closer but only a few words came through, like Butch saying, "-and then just like that! Everything disappeared! Only the-" and the girl giggling and gasping. I found myself feeling a little down knowing that someone else had his whole attention; that I wasn't the only girl in his life that he focused on, but as soon as the feeling began, I shoved it away. Whether I was myself or faking it, Buttercup Utonium never mopes about stupid things. I grabbed the doorknob and walked in without bothering to knock, only to find Butch lying on his bed with a blonde-haired, brown-eyed eight-year-old girl sitting on the chair beside his bed.

"Hi Buttercup! What're you doing here?" Butch smiled at me and missed the girl's sudden shocked expression.

I shrugged casually and walked a little closer towards his bed, "I said I'd visit if you weren't at school. You feel any better?"

"Why don't you come over here and see for yourself," He patted the spot next to him, and I couldn't help but glance at his open window when I noticed the mischievousness look in his eyes.

"I'd rather not; you might infect me with your stupid germs!"

He smiled again before his hand shot out and grabbed my wrist, allowing him to jerk me onto the bed and pull me into a hug with my back against his chest. "That's never stopped you before!"

"Butch, get off me right now!" I hollered, struggling to break free. Damn! Even when sick he's still freakishly strong!

"Yeah Butch, I'm right here, the least you can do is not grope her while I'm around," The younger girl growled. I looked her over and she didn't seem all that annoyed, just a little disgusted, which I couldn't blame her for.

Butch simply squeezed my waist tighter to the point where I was sure I would die from either lack of oxygen or embarrassment. "Then why don't you get out?"

"Butch you jerk! Let me go so I can breathe!" I gasped.

"No way!" I looked at the girl for help and she just sat in her chair, completely emotionless. It's like repeating the whole sleep over fiasco!

He kept teasing me as I shouted at him and struggled to break free his grip, since I obviously wasn't going to receive help from anyone, but no matter what I did, he wouldn't budge! The thought of biting him crossed my mind, but I couldn't resort to cheap shots just yet…. After a while the girl left and came back with popcorn which I found completely unnecessary, until a thought popped its way into my mind.

"Hey, can I have some popcorn?"

She shrugged, "If you can reach it."

I couldn't. "Butch!" I elbowed his side, "The least you could do is let me have something to eat while you have me trapped here!"

"Can't do that, the second I let go you'll run away. Sammy, don't be mean and come closer so she can have some."

"Coming from the guy keeping her hostage," She shot back before scooting the chair closer and holding the bowl out to me.

I snatched a handful and stuffed half of it in my mouth before I turned toward my moronic captor and gave him my best innocent look, "Yo Butch, you want some?"

He narrowed his eyes, "What are you doing?"

"Nothing."

"You're up to something."

"No I'm not," I nonchalantly ate another piece.

"You're lying."

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"Fine! Don't have any! I was just trying to be nice; but I guess I'm not allowed to do that, huh?" I questioned.

He hesitated for a moment before narrowing his eyes at me, "Why the sudden hospitality?"

I shrugged, inwardly panicking when I realized I only had one piece left, I better reel him in soon or I might not ever get away. "Well you are sick."

"Not that much anymore."

"Still..." I lifted the last piece and looked at him. He glanced from my hand to me and back to my hand before tentatively leaning down to accept the treat. As soon as he was close enough, I used all my strength to angle myself and struck his forehead with mine, scrambling away as soon as he let go.

"Ow! What the heck Buttercup?!"

"Don't you, 'What the heck, Buttercup' me!" I snapped, "You wouldn't let me go!"

"You didn't have to-"

"Yeah she did," Sammy interrupted, which earned her a disbelieving look from Butch.

"Sammy, what-"

"I like you," She said to me.

I blinked, "W-what?"

"You're funny and you don't take any of Butch's crap, or put up with him!"

"Crap?!" I vaguely registered Butch's indignant tone as the young girl continued.

"And just like me, you think he's an idiot!"

"Sammy!"

"You're not at all like his other girlfriends. Poor, lonely suckers, they had it coming if you ask me," She shook her head in disappoint.

I glanced over at Butch with a raised eyebrow. "Other girlfriends?"

His face turned bright scarlet before he threw a pillow at the little girl and shouted, "Sammy get out!"

"Why?! I didn't do nothing!"

"I'll take you to a movie and buy you a toy." He bribed.

"And candy?"

"No!"

"Then I'm not leaving."

Butch growled, "Sammy."

She ignored him and looked at me, with excited in her eyes, "Hey, have you heard about what happened with him and Jessica?"

"Fine I'll get you a candy! Now just get out!" Sammy smiled triumphantly and skipped out of the room.

Butch sighed, "Could you close the door?"

"What happened with Jessica?"

"Nothing," He grumbled.

"It had something to do with pudding!"

"Shut up Sammy!" I watched in amusement as Butch jumped out of his bed and slammed the door shut himself.

Blossom Pov

I had to hand it to her; Buttercup does get some pretty good ideas when she acts like herself.

Flashback

"And he has me wearing this stupid maid outfit! It's short and frilly and embarrassing! I hate it!"

"Oh wow," Bubbles gave me a worried look, "What're you going to do Blossom?"

"There's nothing I really can do; he has the final say in everything, remember?" I sighed as we headed towards our cars.

"Then just drive him away."

I turned towards Buttercup and smiled slightly when I noticed the waffle in her hands. I find it hard to remember the last time she ate such a thing in public "What do you mean?"

"Ok think about it; if you become super clingy, whiny, needy, obsessive and never shut the hell up, all that good stuff guys don't like, then he'll get so annoyed with you, he'll just have to call off the bet," She explained.

I had to admit, it was a pretty good idea but how on earth would I be able to pull it off? School is far more important than trying to get out of some bet, but if I were to stay in the bet he'd get in the way of my studies. If I were to be clingy to Brick… no way! Far too embarrassing! But it would kind of be funny to see how he'd react to everything… It could be fun, I guess. He'd be too embarrassed to even be seen with me if I go along with Buttercups idea… It'd be just my luck if it turned out he was the type of person who enjoyed it when others clung to him... Then again, the odds of that; not likely.

"Oh look, here he comes."

I looked at the direction Bubbles pointed at to see Brick park his car in my driveway. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I could follow Buttercup's idea, but the smug grin my idiotic 'master' shot me helped me make my final decision.

I plastered a big smile on my face and ran towards him, throwing my arms around his neck in a hug as soon as I reached him. I never had a favorite toy growing up, but I tried hugging him the same way I always saw Bubbles hugging Octi, and I was surprised to feel how muscular Brick was and that he actually smelt good! How strange is that?! "Aw Bricky poo! I missed you so much! Where have you been? I waited sooo long!"

He froze and stared at me with a dumbfounded expression when I pulled away, and I inwardly smirked when I noticed he had also stopped breathing from the shock, "Bricky pie, are you mad at me?" I asked in my best soft-sweet voice.

I nearly cheered when his face turned bright red at the ridiculous nickname (it also could've been from the lack of personal space, but I didn't really care), "No but um… " He paused in an attempt to regain his breath. " What, did you just call me?"

I grinned widely and snuggled into him. "Let's never be apart again!"

"What're you doing?" He frowned and placed his hands on my shoulders, pushing me away slightly. Just in time too, I was afraid I might get drunk of his cologne. But the sudden chill of the morning got to me, and I realized how warm it felt clinging to him.

I shook my head slightly to clear my Thoughts and gave him my best puppy-eyes and pout, "What do you mean? Is something wrong?"

"If you're the one doing this, then of course it is! It's more than wrong; it's freaky!"

I was shocked. Less than five minutes into my act and he felt the urge to flee! This could be easier than I thought. I gave him my best, kicked-into-the-rain, heartbroken puppy expression, "Are you calling me a freak?"

Guilt crossed his face for a moment, and I quickly formulated a plan to use the emotion to my advantage, "How dare you insult me so casually?" I snapped as I pulled away from his grip, "That was horrible and mean! Worse than the time you got a higher math score! And you know what?" I backed away slightly and scowled harder to keep myself from laughing at the dumb look of confusion on his face, "I'm not going to sit here and be insulted by a spoiled little rich boy!"

"Spoiled?!"

"I'm leaving," I announced loudly and walked off.

"What just happen?" I heard him say, and I glanced over my shoulder in time to see Buttercup shrug.

End Flashback

Currently I am at school in fourth period where, even though I was acting strange to him this morning, I was my normal noncling-y self. I had decided that if I were to act normal at school, then turn into a completely different person when we're at his house, then he would think he was slowly going insane and leave me alone. Plus I won't fall behind on my work since I'll annoy him after school. Over all there's nothing I don't win in.

A simple plan really, but too much to think about when you're actually the one plotting ways to end someone's sanity. It could possibly cause you to question your own mental stability.

I shook my head to clear my thoughts away from planning and tried to focus on my papers. Another test was coming up this Friday and I had to finish my homework before class ended if I wanted to have enough time to study after getting home from Brick's.

"Hey."

I glanced over my shoulder to see Brick looking at me warily. Wow, this morning must've really freaked him out if he's only just now talking to me.

"What do you want? I'm working," I snapped.

Brick frowned a bit. "I need an explanation."

"For what?"

"For this morning, what else?!"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Brick let out a frustrated sigh and tugged at his hat. "You know, with the strange attitude and the weird nicknames like Bricky poo and Bricky pie-"

I couldn't help but let out a laugh. He actually bothered to remember the names! I had already forgotten about them! "Those are the worst names I've ever heard! Who would say such things?" I asked between giggles.

"You did!"

"Why on earth would I say something like that?"

"I don't know! That's why I'm asking!"

I raised an eyebrow at him. "Are you sure? Cause if you think about it, why would I, one of the top students in school, whose top priority is to do my work, and who is now a slave to your treachery, suddenly have a lovey dovey urge to call you peculiar pet names?"

He opened his mouth, but no words came out. I shook my head sadly at him before turning back towards my homework, trying hard not to reveal the small smile crawling its way up to my lips.

Bubbles Pov

With Buttercup visiting Butch and Blossom being a maid on secret strike duty, I had originally planned on spending the day alone. Fortunately Boomer decided to join me as I went shopping for Mr. K! I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity to spend more time with him. I can't help but feel happy when he's around; it's like seeing a rainbow; you can't help but smile at one of nature's beauties.

"So, why'd you decide to call him Mr. K?"

I gave a small smile as I stuffed a bag of rabbit food in the cart. "It's a nickname for my old band teacher. I had a lot of good memories in his class before I joined art."

He raised an eyebrow. "You were in band?"

"Yup!"

"What'd you play?"

"Percussion; the drums mostly in Jazz Band."

"That's so cool! How come you never told me this before?"

"You never asked," I shrugged as I walked past him, glancing back in time to notice him smile to himself before catching up to me.

"How much more don't I know about you?"

I giggled. "Depends on how much you want to know."

He grabbed my hand and leaned in close. It was the only then that I noticed we had stopped walking. He smiled softly. "I want to know everything about you."

He made me a bit nervous then, saying he wants to get to know me just as much as I want to get to know him. He's a mystery to me, and he made me even more curious to get to know what else is behind that gentlemanly smile. Maybe I could become somewhat of a mystery too.

"You sure? Might take a while?" I was surprised by how steady my voice sounded. Judging by how close he was, and how much warmth I felt from holding his hand. Since when did I have enough confidence to be able to talk like this with someone I liked?

He grinned and entwined our fingers; resting his forehead against mine he whispered, "More of a reason for me to spend more time with you."

I couldn't help but beam at him. He has no idea how happy I am right now. "Wanna watch a movie later?" I asked.

"Then go to dinner after? My treat."

"Sounds tempting, I'll think about it once I get all these things home," I pulled away slightly and tugged on his hand gently to lead him to the registers.

When we arrived at my house, Mr. K was waiting patiently in his pen and began hopping in excitement when he noticed Boomer. I made sure Boomer was comfortable before I started making room for the new rabbit cage I bought and set everything up. Boomer tried to be a gentleman and help me out but I refused his kindness every time. I wanted to show him I can take care of things myself.

"Hey, how about we get going. It's getting late and if we don't go now we might not be able to catch that movie you owe me," Boomer commented once I was done.

I nodded and placed Mr. K in the rabbit pen, then grabbed Boomer's hand and led him out the front.

Back with Buttercup

I'm not sure how I ended up lying on Butch's bed watching the holographic ceiling of the stars he had, but I did and we talked for a long time about anything and everything. Eventually Sammy got us to stop by whining about dinner and that she didn't want anything the maids cooked because "if Butch doesn't trust the maids, then I don't either."

Turned out Sammy was the Jojo's nine-year-old cousin. They lived close by when Butch had moved and she had gotten to know every single one of his secrets since before she could talk. They're very close despite the age difference, and they visited each other as much as they could. (Which explained why Butch was gone for weeks at a time during the summer when we were kids…) Jealousy was never something I felt often, but knowing someone was closer to him than I was… it felt like someone had tied my stomach into a knot then dropped a rock on it. Back then almost every time he was gone I was left with nothing to do, and my sisters would usually be off doing their own thing like reading or drawing while I skated alone. It was strange not having him to argue with, everyone else wouldn't dare challenge me at sports, and sometimes I'd get bored talking and just sitting around like all the other kids my age. I remember sometimes going down to the river, knowing he wasn't anywhere close enough to come but some foolish part of me hoped he'd show up anyway.

A small sigh escaped me as I closed my eyes and felt Butch turn his head to look at me with what I guessed, if I know him as well as I thought, was a raised eyebrow. "What is it?"

"You won."

"Won what?"

"About making me, me again," I yawned, suddenly feeling sleepy. "It makes me feel more relaxed. Thanks."

I felt Butch shake his head. "You've been yourself for a while now; just didn't dress or shout like it."

I opened an eye at him. "What do you mean?"

"Every time I saw you, you were defensive but fun-loving, hardcore but gentle, head strong but sweet," He shrugged and faced the ceiling again. "But from what you told me, I guess you didn't notice until after you yelled at Jacob or maybe in the hall when you were laughing your head off."

I turned to face him fully, "Only when you were there. Somehow, I'm always myself when you're around… you just have this way of bringing it out. Today though… you weren't there, and I was able to be myself with everyone. They accepted me."

Butch gently wrapped an arm around me and brought me into a warm hug that I couldn't help but lean into. "Well they should." He whispered softly, "If they weren't able to handle someone so real, then they're missing out one someone amazing."

I buried my face into his shirt, so he wouldn't see the blush creeping its way to my cheeks. "Thank you."

"You're so weird." Butch snickered.

I gave him a nudge with my elbow. "Not as weird as you."

"True, but I make it work."

"Shut up Butch."

"You shut up first."

"Oooh, soooo mature."

"Coming from the sore loser, maturity must be the last thing on your mind."

I moved back far enough so I could see his face. He looked calmly amused by the situation, and gave a small smile that I couldn't help but feel happy about. "If you ask me, I'm handling this loss surprisingly well… and I'm willing to accept any kind of wacky arrangement you've got planed." I added, curious to see what he would come up with.

He was silent for a while, deep in thought. "Come to the dance with me."

Butterflies erupted into my stomach, tickling its walls and gave me a pang of nervousness. Is he asking me out? My heart fluttered at the thought. "But just as friends, of course," He added quickly. I felt my heart sink, as if a huge weight fell on my chest and simultaneously killed the butterflies. I felt like an idiot. Obviously that's what he meant when he asked. If I were to go to the dance with him, I would have to wear a beautiful dress and he'd get a chance to tease me about how weird I looked and how I wasn't suited to wear something so nice, or embarrass me in front of everyone somehow, this was his own way of torturing me.

"Well duh," I choked out, and paused for a slight second to regain the voice I hadn't noticed had left. "How else would we have it? But are you sure you want to go with me? I'm not the best dancer."

He let out a laugh that seemed a bit forced, "Didn't need you to say it in order to figure that out."

I flicked his nose. "Oh stop it you! You may know a lot about me, but as your friend I need to warn you about things, even if it's about me."

He rolled his eyes, "Friend-shmend. I don't need any warnings."

"Then let's lay down some rules for the dance."

He gave me a skeptical look, "Okay."

"I'll dance with you, spend the day with you, and let you walk me through the door, but you're not going to pick me up from at my house," I declared.

"Then how am I supposed-"

"You can meet me outside the school."

"But why do I have to meet you when I can just pick you up?"

"Because I'm not having anyone drive me anywhere." This was a lie of course. Just the thought of going to a dance with him… it just made me nervous. It was an unwanted emotion, and it held no place inside me because I didn't like Butch in a romantic way, he wasn't someone I daydreamed about or wondered about constantly. He was simply, an old friend; not a boy or a man, just Butch. Someone I shouldn't ever have to worry about.

"You know that isn't very traditional."

I snorted, "You don't seriously think I'm the type to be traditional about a dance, do you?"

He flashed a grin, "True, but I thought I might give tradition a try for once."

I leaned closer and gently wrapped my arms around him, laying my head comfortably on his shoulder. Doing this made my head whirl, but I tried to sound a bit casual, "Well, there's always next time."

He stiffened almost unnoticeably, "Next time?"

I shrugged. "Of course, you're not going to let me dance alone with all those other losers out there are you?"

He suddenly pulled me tighter against him; and his secure but tender grip filled me with warmth. "I could never do that," He mumbled.

I'm not sure how long we stayed holding each other, not bothering to loosen our grip even after our arms began to ache. Butch is here with me, the fun loving friend who always picked a fight and never acted like a total loser afterwards was here. The stubborn, determined, idiotically cuddly guy is here, and honestly, nothing else really matters. I hadn't noticed I had fallen asleep till the light from the rising sun, combined with Butch stretching, woke me up.

"Butch you suck," I muttered, burying my face into the pillows. "I was having a nice dream."

"Hm? Oh sorry, did I wake the little princess?" He asked, pushing some of my hair back.

I waved his hands away and glanced at him. "What time is it?"

"Not sure," He yawned. "Seven in the morning maybe?"

I groaned. "Aw man! School…"

"That's what you get for sleeping over without permission."

"Hey, can I spend the night?"

"It's a little too late for that don't you think?"

I smiled and stretched, in an attempted to get out of bed. "Well it's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission."

He sat up and snaked his arms around me comfortably. "Not all the time, like right now it'd be hard for me to forgive you if you leave."

I rolled my eyes. "Then come with me you big dummy."

"But I don't want to go to school."

"Oh shush, you already got to miss two days."

"So? Let's make it three, but this time you're coming with me."

"I'd rather not fall behind on my work," I said, pulling away from his grip which was surprisingly easy.

"Work," He snorted. "I can't believe you're using that as an excuse!"

"I'll come help you with yours if you come to school today."

"And if I don't?"

"Then I won't make breakfast for two."

Butch shook his head. "You can cook? I hope it's not the same as it was in the-"

"It's a lot better, thank you very much! I haven't ruined a dish in years!"

Butch smirked. "Alright then, show me. If I like it, then I'll go to school, if I don't then you skip for the whole day with me."

I grinned and clasped his outstretched hand. "Deal."

A/N: So what did you think? Was it ok? I tried to make this better for you all since I've had a long absence so I hope this makes up for it a little :) See you all later!