(Boomer's POV)
I could hardly listen to Bubbles read the note. They were beautiful. The little boy, I guess since he's wrapped in a blue blanket, opened his eyes suddenly blinking rapidly. He suddenly smiled and gurgled a sound I think was supposed to be a laugh. I could help but grin. The girl, swaddled in pink, opened her eyes slowly and looked around quizzingly. She made a little sigh of content that made my heart melt.
"What are you going to name them?" Brick asked. I hadn't even thought of that. I guess I was just going to let Brat decide.
"I don't know. Mojo had it easy. We named ourselves!" I sighed a bit frustrated.
"I don't think Brat left you hanging." Bubbles laughed showing me the ends of their blankets. On the little boy's was the name River, while on the girl's was the name Shyla. I smiled. They fit perfectly.
"I guess they're names are River and Shyla then." I smiled.
"Way to stick with the B theme." Butch teased. I rolled my eyes.
"They're allowed to have their own identities." I reminded him.
"I wonder if they have super powers." Brick mused. He can't ever just be happy that he's an uncle or at least happy for me. Can't take his nose out of analytical mumbo-jumbo.
"They should." Blossom informed us making me roll my eyes. I picked up Shyla as Bubbles picked up River.
"I don't know what we should do. Brat and I hadn't got anything for them yet." I worried. Blossom's laugh tinkled out.
"I figured you wouldn't." She explained and opened up a door to the storage room. "When I went shopping, I got you guys stuff as well." Everyone just stared at her. "What? I'm always prepared."
Buttercup opened the door to the nursery we had painted a few weeks ago. The girls started working faster than I ever saw them move. They finally zipped and stood in front of us smiling proudly.
"It's all ready!" Blossom chirped. I felt a tear roll down my face.
"You two are amazing." I whispered. "I'd hug you if I could. How can I repay you guys?"
"You're practically our brother-in-law. Family helps family no favors asked." She reminded me with a soft smile. She put her hand on my shoulder reassuringly. I couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion rack through me. I finally felt at home with people that will do anything for me and love me.
"Wait. I kinda wanted something in return." Buttercup told her laughing. She turned to me looking very serious. "Don't ever hurt Bubbles and we'll be even." She grinned. I chuckled.
"I wouldn't think of it." I gave her an awkward one armed hug.
"Good. Now, put those babies to bed." She tweaked my nose and walked back to Butch. I walked into the nursery and it looked amazing.
The walls were painted a faint blue with one dark blue stripe around the upper center. Two white cribs were pushed against the far wall side by side. A field of butterflies was painted on the wall to the left. An ABC rug was in the middle of the floor. A huge toybox was on the near wall with a snow white dresser right beside it. From the ceiling hug cloth butterflies. It looked really beautiful.
Bubbles put River in the crib to the left that had race car bedding, so I put Shyla in the one with butterfly bedding. I stepped back to stand with Bubbles. I wrapped my arms around her but kept on watching my kids. How did I get so lucky? Two great kids. A perfect girlfriend. An amazing family.
River instantly got fussy and started balling. I flinched at the sound.
"Oh Mr. Big and Bad can go fight the worst of the worst but he gets scared because of a baby crying?" Bubbles laughed as she picked him up. She looked at him for a moment then layed him down beside Shyla. He gave a cute little sigh and fell asleep beside her. She too fell asleep peacefully. It even seemed like the wore content little smiles.
"How did you know that's what he wanted?" I whispered confused. I'm their dad... why can't I read their minds like she can.
"I slept with Buttercup and Blossom until I was nine. They need each other." She whispered staring down at them lovingly. It's like she's their mother.
My life could not get better.
(Blake's POV)
"Are you a retard!" I screamed at Berserk. How could she just go through with that! They killed their own sister with that stupid plot. "Why can't you just realize when you've lost! They're all really good people that don't deserve to have to be suffer from your infernal plots! Face it! Butch is going to be married to Buttercup in a few years and Brick is going to be a step-father in a few months! You. Have. Lost!"
"Shut up!" She yelled angrily. "I will get my Brick! You can't stop me!" I don't know what came over myself but I slapped her across the face with the force I would hit a guy with. She stumbled back and fell on her butt. She blinked and looked up scared.
"B, I'm sorry." I tried to apologize. "I didn't mean to hit you." She sniffed and held her face. She knows how to make me feel guilty. What? I might not like what she's doing, but I kinda sorta really like her. She's cool when she's not plotting someone's doom.
I pulled her hand away gently and examined her cheek. It would be bruised pretty badly, but she'll live.
"I'm so sorry." I whimpered.
"I understand." She spluttered trying not to cry. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be. Please, don't be."
(Bash POV)
Nothingness sucks.
The Next Day
(Brick's POV)
I grinned ear to ear as I hung up the phone. I had been checking that all my plans were still a go. I have planned an amazing day for Blossom and me. Starting now. I walked into our room where she was finishing doing her hair for the day.
"Hey baby." I smiled happily.
"G'Morning. You seem happy this morning." She noted amused.
"I am and you will be too. I'm taking you away for the day."
"To do what?"
"You'll see."
Half an Hour later
We arrived at Uhop in no time. It's the one day a year that they serve strawberry oatmeal with honey toast. Blossom told me how much she loved to get it every year.
I opened the door for her in time for a bunch of people to run out.
"FIRE!" They screamed. Without thinking we both ran in there to see what was going on. Okay, I naturally wanted to poke the fire! Don't look at me that way! Fire is my element! Blossom on the other hand handled the situation the right way. She blew ice on the fire which was kind of a disappointment for me. It went out but everything was burnt. She grinned happily. I thought she'd be disappointed. The next Uhop isn't for three hundred miles and she didn't get her annual breakfast that she loves so much. What a way to start out a date. Working.
"Oh my gosh! Babe! That was so cool! It's been forever since I've got to put out a fire like that face to face instead of from a distance." She was out of breathe from excitement.
"Yeah. I guess it was pretty cool. I'm sorry about your breakfast." I sighed.
"Oh! It'll be back next year." She rolled her eyes. "Come on! Let's go make sure everyone's okay." She ran out of the building looking excited. This wasn't how I wanted to start our picture perfect day, but at least she's happy. Sigh.
When I finally got into the parking lot, she was helping the ambulance guys check people out. She was smiling as little kids hugged her and thanked her. I couldn't help but grin. She really does love helping people.
"Anyone seriously injured?" I asked one of the ambulance workers.
"Nothing more than a little smoke inhalation." The man assured me. "They're lucky your girlfriend there was able to help them." Ouch. Way to hurt a guy's ego! The ambulance packed up as it finished giving a person oxygen. Said person of course hugged Blossom and thanked her over and over.
"They're all safe." Blossom told me as she finally was able to break away from all the thank yous and hugs. She hugged me tightly. "Thank you so much! It's been so long since I've worked."
"Um. Yeah. Not exactly what I planned, but if you're happy – I'm happy." I smiled weakly. She let go of me and looked behind me.
"Hey, I got a call about a fire. What's happened?" Buttercup's voice came from behind us. Butch was with her of course.
"Anyone hurt?" He asked.
"There was a interior fire, but it'll be salvageable for them. No one got hurt." Blossom informed them.
"That's good. We were heading to breakfast at the diner across the street. Want to join?" Buttercup offered.
"That sounds cool." Blossom grinned looking at me as to ask.
"Like I said, whatever makes you happy."
Breakfast was fun. The girls talked animatedly about anything and everything like such girls. Butch and I talked a bit about sports and cars, but he's always talked more to Boomer about that kind of stuff. They always got along better than they did with me. I was always the parent. I guess that's why Butch didn't argue when I offered to pay the bill. What a man I raised my sister to be!
After paying and talking a bit more, a water park came up.
"Yeah, we're heading to Water Daughters. You guys should tag along. It's great!" Butch smiled ear to ear. I rolled my eyes and prayed for Blossom to say no. She just smiled really big.
"I love that place! I haven't been since I was a a little kid. Unless, you had something planned, Brick?" My darling asked like a little kid. I just smile weakly.
"We can go horse back riding anyday." I shrugged. She clapped and accepted the offer. Yeah, we can go horse back riding any day in the mountains with it raining rose pedals at the end of the trail with a harmony of doves soaring above our heads with your favorite Spanish artist singing your favorite love song any day! "Let me just let the stables know."
"Cool." She practically ignored me as she kept talking to Butch about Water Daughters. I called everyone to tell them our plans had changed. They reminded me I still had to pay. Lovely.
An hour later after Blossom got her bathing suit and they flew all the way to Water Daughters
We just got into the park. The girls are changing into their suits. Butch was talking about how they had set a date for the wedding last night. Unlike most men, he wasn't nervous. He just wanted Buttercup to be all his forever and always. If I were a girl, I'd think it was adorable. Since I'm guy, I think he's whipped.
The eight hundred dollars I spent on not going to all the events I had planned was worth this sight. Blossom walked out of the bathroom looked like wow. She had on a tiny little pink bikini that... should be illegal. It had white and red stripes in random places. It covered practically nothing. Very illegal. Baby bump or not, she's the sexist thing I've ever layed eyes on. (A/N: Not to break the fourth wall or anything, but I personally think love has made Brick blind.) Come on Brick, don't think manly thoughts! Don't think manly thoughts! These trunks won't hide anything!
"How do I look?" She asked in a cutesty little voice as she ran one finger from her cleavage down her body to the hem of her bottoms. I turned into the lockers and slammed my fist into it.
"Dammit." I curse under my breathe. I composed myself and kept my eyes down on my own feet. "You look amazing." I smiled.
"Then why aren't you looking at me." She asked oh so innocently.
"Because the things I think about when I see you like that are very illegal in public places." I chuckled. Fuck it! Right now I'd pay the fine and do the jail time for it.
"Oh silly." She giggled. "Come on! Let's go on some rides!" She grabbed my hand and started dragging me. I recovered from my very unpure thoughts when we passed a hairy old man in a speedo. This my eyes can never unsee.
She ran around this huge hill to a place with a pool at the end of a slide and a set of mats. She grabbed a mat and looked up the hill.
"Will you go with me?" She asked batting her eyes like I could say no.
"Sure." I rolled my eyes. She flew to the top with me chasing after her. I looked towards the bottom not understanding what had her so scared. She gave the lifeguard the small rectangular mat and got on towards the front. She looked back at me.
"Get on. You're holding up the line." She laughed. I sighed and could feel a migraine coming on. This girl will be the death of me. I straddled the mat with her between my legs. I tried to position us so it wasn't as compromising. She just scooted closer to me and were sent off like that.
We came around the first turn kind of slowly. Then we went down a decent sized hill turning backwards as we went. We took a sharp turn way too fast and went up the side. It was like that ever few feet. My head banged against the wall with each sharp turn and she laughed the entire way. We suddenly sped up. I looked behind us just in time for come face first with the pool of water. I let go of her so I wouldn't pull her under and came up a little miffed. HOW IS THIS FUN!
I looked around as I came up from the water and Blossom was out and walking away with Buttercup. I wiped the water out from around my eye and got out to a very amused Butch.
"Looks like you had fun." He laughed. He must know the ride! I rang my hair out and wiped the water off my face some more.
"That girl. Is trying. To kill me!" I yelled frustrated.
"Awe, bro, why do you say that?" He laughed like he knew something I didn't.
"It's like she's doing everything she can just to tease me."
"At least you're getting some. Dude, I've became wanker. I haven't been a wanker since I was thirteen!" He acted like it was the end of the world.
"Oh shut up. I haven't got anything since she found out she was pregnant." I rolled my eyes. That would just be wrong.
"I can see why. She had such a hot body. Now she's going to have a mom body. I hope for your sake she's a milf." He shook his head. What is he talking about? Blossom is still as beautiful as always.
"That's not why. I love Blossom. She's stunning in any way shape or form. I just don't like the idea of having sex when she has a little person inside her. It freaks me out." I shook my head. He nodded like he understood. I can't help but think he doesn't. "How is it out of all of us, you're the one doing it right?" I asked. I always thought that would be me.
"I keep my nose out of drama. A lot less happens to me that way." He shrugged. I leaned against the cement wall of the equipment shed. I tried to stay out of drama... drama just oozes Blossom though. Yes, I meant it that way around. I love her – she's just made life harder. "Speaking of the girls, isn't all of this a bit unsafe for the baby. I mean the smoke from the fire and all these rides."
"Yeah, it is. Do you want to tell Blossom she has to slow down?" I raised an eyebrow knowing it could never happen.
"Valid point." He looked around looking to change the topic. He sat down on the bench and looked like something was troubling him. I gave him a look to tell him to spit it out. He ran a hand through his hair roughly and let out a heavy sigh. "I know that Boomer has to take responsibility for his kids, but I can't help but feel he's dragging Bubbles down with him. What's going to happen when she wants to go to concerts and out clubbing but she can't because Boomer has to watch the kids?"
"Don't worry about it. We can watch them from time to time, and Bubbles is thick headed. She'll go without him if she really wants to go. I know her."
"Another question. Why'd you do it? I mean with Bubbles."
"I don't rightfully know. Bubbles is innocent and naïve like myself. I felt comfortable with her. Everything was at our own pace. It was pure lust. I'd never be so stupid again."
"It doesn't sound like lust to me. I mean, you said you guys didn't even have sex. That's not lust right there." Butch looked up at me seriously. What is he trying to say? "You love her, don't you?"
"No! Of course not! I'm in love with Blossom."
"I know that." He chuckled and leaned back coolly. "You can love more than one person and there's a difference between being in love and loving someone. I know, dude. I've felt them both. You'll never see anyone quite the way you see that one girl you're in love with. Blossom will always be your main girl. But, no matter how much you fight it, you'll always love Bubbles as well. We can't help who we love or who we're in love with."
"Little brother, are you trying to tell me you love someone other than Buttercup?" I asked walking back to the little picnic area that we had reserved. I spotted the girls going down some big yellow ride.
"No. I love Buttercup, and I'm in lo ve with her. She's not my first and only love though." He sighed. I scrunched up my face. What was he talking about it? "Do you remember my first girlfriend? Paige Turner?" He asked. I tried to think back. That was so long ago.
"Um... yeah... didn't she get seriously injured and die because she was riding on the back of her step-dad's motorcycle?"
"Then they got t-boned by a drunk driver. Yeah. She was my first love. She'll always be in my heart." He sighed. "I could have saved her. I know it. If I had been faster."
"You saved that little girl who's mom was drunk driving. Paige would have wanted you to. It was years ago. You need to let go so you can give your entire self to Buttercup."
"I know I do. I can't help but feel like I'm doomed for the same thing to happen. I'm scared, Brick. I don't like being vulnerable. I don't want to give my everything to Buttercup and then she rip my heart out." He teared up. I knew it looked incredibly gay, but I hugged him. He needed it. When I let go he was staring at the table. "Today's her birthday. The little girl. She'll be five today. Today also would have been Paige and I's third anniversary."
"It's all because of you that the little girl gets to see her fifth birthday. Don't let it get to you. If that hadn't happened, what would have happened with Buttercup. You two are made for each other. I'm sure you have Paige's blessing."
"Do you really think so?"
"I know so. Butch, why haven't you talked to me about this before?"
"I don't know. You already had so much going with Boomer and Blossom. I just didn't want to bother you like I am today. I'm sorry we kind of crashed your date with Blossom."
"Oh, forget about it. She's happy so I don't mind. I was a fool to think I could give her a perfect day."
"Here," He pulled out his wallet. "I was going to take Buttercup to the Townsville Gnomes's game tonight. Why don't you take Blossom?" He handed me the tickets. I stared at them.
"I can't take these from you." I refused. Just because I'm awful at making plans doesn't mean he has to ruin his. He snorted and shoved them back at me.
"Seriously, dude. I'll take her home and we'll have more fun there." He assured me with a wink.
"Have fun and be safe. We don't need any more little one's crawling around."
"Yeah. That'll happen." He rolled his eyes. "Buttercup practically wears a chastity belt and she burnt the key and spread the ashes across the Atlantic."
"I wish I could say I'm sorry for you, but this serves you and Boomer right for all those years of tormenting me." I patted his shoulder as the girls came running up to us. Blossom jumped into my arms. Thank god for fast reflexes. She giggled and kissed my cheek. Out of the corner of my eyes I saw a few people glaring at us. What the hell? I know I have some enemies and so does she but here?
"Brick. Today has been so much fun!" She laid her head on my chest.
"It's not over yet." I whispered in her ear smiling a bit. She looked up at me quizzingly. "Go get your clothes on and you'll see when we get there."
"I don't like surprises." She reminded me.
"You've said that to all my surprises and you loved them so will you please just trust me."
"Fine." She hopped off my lap and walked off to get dressed while Buttercup air-dried next to Butch.
"It's been awhile since I've seen her smile. Especially this much. You're good for her, Brick. She needs these random days of just being a regular kid." Buttercup grinned.
"Thanks, BC. And thanks for taking care of the kid brother. I always hoped he'd find a girl like you." I smiled and glanced at Butch though I don't think she noticed.
"You might want to go change. She's going to be waiting on you. You know her and idle hands. We're going to stay here for awhile. Want us to wait up for you guys or are you planning a late night?" Butch asked pulling Buttercup into his arms.
"I'm not sure. Don't wait up. Have fun." I winked and jogged back to the locker rooms to change.
At the baseball game
We arrived at the park a few minute ago. We're just walking around until the game starts. Blossom told me that this was her first time at a baseball park. Now that' ridiculous. She had fun looking at all the things I guess I just took advantage of like how the stand were set up, all the different booths and benders, and how little kids were dragging the dirt.
There was just something I could shake. People were glaring at us as we held hands. I put my arm around her a little more protectively as the glares got more intense and I glared back. What are these people's problems. We suddenly came face to face with an elderly couple.
"Don't worry about those ignorant people." The woman told Blossom. "I was 15 when I had my first child and he grew up to be in the United States Airforce. They don't know anything."
"Thank you ma'am." My darling smiled softly.
"Thank you." I grinned as well. "I know if you can make it, so can we." The man put an arm around his wife lovingly.
"It'll be tough, but ignore them all. You're the Utonium girl." The man suddenly went from looking at me to Blossom with the last sentence. "The superhero? You've probably saved these chumps butts more times than they can count. If they can't be grateful for that, then who needs 'em."
"Thank you, sir. I don't care about the looks and glares. I was born to protect these people, not be loved by them. I've done my job. I made a mistake. A beautiful mistake. I don't regret it."
"You're a lucky lad. You've got a great girl there. Don't forget it." The man put his hand on my shoulder like old men do and they walked off.
"Yeah don't you forget it." Blossom giggled.
"Like you would let me." I snorted.
The game went off without a hitch. The Gnomes's won. The kiss cam stopped on Blossom and I and there were actually people who cheered for us. It was nice and reassuring. The music just started and the fireworks are about to start. I didn't have a perfectly planned out day, but this is nice too. Plus, Boomer has a buddy that's working for fireworks display and he's going to hook me up.
The first firework went up in the sky and it rained down blues and greens. Blossom snuggled into my chest and watched the show in awe. She'd comment on them from time to time and her eyes started to get heavy.
"I think the big finale is coming up." I whispered trying to keep her up for my surprise. She watched the sky with a smile. Then it came. Boomer's boy is a genius.
In the sky the words, "Marry me Blossom?" were spelled out in bright pink fireworks. It was going to cost me an arm and a leg but it's worth it. She turned around to me and I pulled out the diamond ring I had gotten so long ago. It's a long story, I'll tell you some other time.
"Blossom Utonium, I love you with every fiber of my being. I don't want there to be a morning I don't wake up with you by my side. I want to be a good father to our child and a loving husband for you. I promise to love you and cherish you until I take my dying breathes and even after that. Will you do the honor and marry me?" I breathed feeling shaky and nervous.
A single tear ran down her cheek. Her expression looked torn. She breathed in and then began to speak in a small whisper. "No. I'm sorry. I can't." What?