Helloooo! Thank you for all the reviews! I was feeling generous, hehe. so, heres the longest chapter yet! enjoy! :D
The boys stood in Him's lair, or Hell. Sharp rocks floated around, fire surrounding the outskirts. Screams were heard in the distance. The boys didn't even flinch.
Boomer shifted nervously from foot to foot, trying not to think about what would happen to him in a matter of minutes. Instead, he thought about his hotel suite, and what Bubbles would be doing. Yeah, he thought about Bubbles. A lot. So what? It didn't mean anything. They weren't even on a friend basis.
And that's exactly what Him doesn't want, He reminded himself.
"Boomer? Did you here me?" Brick asked, his quick temper already surfacing. Boomer tried to remember what he and his brothers were talking about moments ago, but to no avail. At his silence, Butch snickered. Brick growled, his eyes turning a disturbingly bright red.
"I said, if Him asks, we've been kissing up to the Powderpuffs, doing exactly what he ordered. I'm only telling you two because I know you haven't been." Brick answered, glaring at both of his brothers. Butch scoffed incredulously, his eyes doubling in size.
"Excuse me? I have been doing my job...kinda. Sorta." His brothers gave him knowing looks. He rolled his eyes.
"Okay, I haven't necessarily been kissing up to her. But Buttercup would see right through that. These things take time." He said, crossing his arms indignantly. Boomer nodded.
"I agree with Butch on this one. Their not going to just come running into our arms at a compliment." Boomer tried to reason with his brother-mostly because he just hasn't been keeping up with the plan. After his little 'charming' act on the plane, the two blondes just kinda went their own ways. Boomer didn't like pretending to like her; because he didn't. He didn't know how Brick did it. Boomer didn't do it not because he was just that repulsed by Bubbles, but because he thought it was cruel; tricking someone into liking them. So when Bubbles would try to reach out and be nice-searching for the Boomer from the plane-he would just shut her off completely.
It didn't stop Bubbles though. Oh, no. It only encouraged the blonde to try harder with the cobalt eyed Rowdyruff.
"You think I didn't know that? Of course I do. But at least I'm trying. You know why? because I know what's best for me, for us. And whats best for us right now is to keep our lips shut, and go with the plan. Got it?" Brick growled out, pointing an accusing finger at his brothers.
"Got it." The boys answered in unison.
Suddenly, a slow clap began from behind the shadows, and out stepped Him.
"Marvelous speech, Brick. You really are getting the hang of things." Him spoke, a little sarcasm etched in his words. Brick didn't respond; he knew better than to. Him didn't give out compliments, only teasing remarks. So instead he nodded his head stiffly, staring at something in the distance.
Him turned to the remaining 'Ruffs.
"As for you two; I am very displeased." Him spoke, strutting over to the two. Boomer swallowed a lump in his throat, redying himself for the 'discipline'.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them fell, taking them with it. Boomer and Butch fell for a little bit, before floating back to the top. Beneath them was now a pit of fire, with the occasional scream of a tortured soul. Boomer grimaced. Why did his life have to be so f*cked up?
Him stood on a floating rock nearby. "Brick? Please join us." He bellowed, faking a sweet tone. Brick crossed his arms and floated over to his brothers, his face emotionless.
"Now," Him began, his rock circling them. "You boys have been less than satisfactory. To be quite honest, I was very disappointed. I really thought all that training set you boys strait..." He acted sad, before a vicious smile spread across his face.
"I think you might need a little more preparing..." He growled the last word, his smile never faltering. The boys eyes widened. Brick cleared his throat and floated forward, separating him from his brothers.
"Him, with all do respect, I think your suggestion is not necessary. Though we have not been quite satisfactory, I can assure you we have had enough preparation, and are ready for this. Yes, we have been slacking. Some more than others- but all the same. We have been better then you are accusing us of-We all have been trying with the girls. But, they haven't warmed up to us yet. But once they have, they will be putty in our hands." His voice was even, and collected. He looked at Him with emotionless eyes. Him was silent for a few seconds.
"Hmmm. Boys? Do you agree?" He asked, his sarcastic tone ever present.
The boys nodded eagerly.
"Well, that's a lot to sink in. Maybe some refreshing may help...?" Boomer furrowed his brows. Refreshing?
"BUTCH!" Him cried, and his rock flew over to where Butch hovered, his arms crossed and his face emotionless.
"I think it was extravagant, what you did for Buttercup! She was in real trouble. If it wasn't for you, she could have died..." Him spoke, an evil smile covering his face.
His brothers looked over to him in confusion. Butch noticed their stares and cast his eyes downward, glaring at the flames licking at his feet.
"I couldn't just let her die." Butch spoke through gritted teeth, his hands in fists at his sides. Him nodded thoughtfully.
"Right, of course...the plan an all. That was the only reason, right?" His spoke, his eyes glowing with a knowing glint. Boomer furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. What was he...?
"Of course." Butch growled,the words coming out rather forcefully.
"Oh really?" Him growled. Suddenly, millions of screens began to float around the boys. All were filled with Butch and Buttercup. In most, Buttercup looked rather sick, and Butch looked worried. Brick and Boomer watched each one, curiosity consuming them. Meanwhile, Butch stared daggers at Him, who simply smirked back.
"I'm so sorry, Buttercup. I-I didn't mean to yell...are you okay? Tell me what to do. I'll do anything."
"Buttercup, don't cry. Please?"
"No, Buttercup! Buttercup! You gotta keep your eyes open. Don't give up."
"Butch...not working...rinse off...skin..."
"Don't worry, you'll be okay. Then we'll be back to fighting, and hating each other. Don't worry, you'll be fine..."
"I think you care."
"I don't care."
"You do."
Boomer widened his eyes at his brothers actions. Was he...sincere? Or that good of an actor?
Then, suddenly all the screens displayed the same image...
Butch widened his eyes. "Buttercup! It worked!"
Buttercup looked down at herself, before landing back into the tub. She smiled widely at Butch, and he returned it.
Butch growled. "Stop."
Him didn't respond, just fast forwarded to another image...
Buttercup zoomed into him, taking them into the next room, and landing on the floor. She hugged him tightly, and Butch just lay in shock.
"STOP!" Butch yelled. Him shrugged, the TV's going black. Boomer and Brick just stood, shocked by the images. All was quite, and Boomer began to worry for his brother. He was surely going to get it.
Butch breathed heavily, his fists clenching and un-clenching at his sides.
"I did what you told me to do Him. I was only acting." He said, his voice distant and emotionless.
"Good. Because I've said it once, and I'll say it again-no matter what happens, you will go through with the plan. Any hesitation, and you know what will happen to you. No hesitation on my end." Butch stood stock still, readying himself for what was to come. Him smirked evilly, and suddenly Butch's powers faltered. He began to slowly descend into the fire, screaming etched in every flame. Boomer looked away, not being able to watch his brother go through the horrible punishment. His screams were heard though; and Boomer visibly flinched. Once Butch was no longer audible, Him turned to Boomer.
"And of course, how could I forget the slacker? Boomer, why aren't you doing as told? You won't get Bubbles to fall for you if you keep pushing her away. At least your brothers have tried. What have you done, Boomer? Hmm?" Him circled Boomer, his harsh words spitting out of his mouth.
"I'm sorry Him. I have been slacking, I know. But, on the bright side, shes trying to get to me more than ever now. Maybe she likes the chase...?" Boomer suggested.
Hey, if he was going down, he would go down with a sense of humor.
Him gave a dry laugh. "Oh, Boomer. You must realize when it is right to joke, and when it is not." He spat. Boomer suddenly felt tingling heat on his leg, and looked down to see fire surrounding it. He tried to hide the pain as Him stared, expectantly.
He let out a whimper. "H-Him, I'm...s-sorry! I-I'll try har-harder to get Bu-bubbles to like me." He spoke, trying to make hi voice even, but failing. The fire had spread to the top of his leg.
Him considered his apology, taking his time. Finally, after Boomer let out a struggling yelp, Him snapped his fingers. The fire stopped, and Boomer fell onto a nearby rock in pain.
"I guess I'll let you off with a warning this time. But!If I see you slacking one more time, what just happened will seem comforting." He growled, towering over Boomer. Boomer nodded weakly, and forced himself up.
Suddenly, Butch came floating out of the trench, covered in scratches and black marks. He breathed heavily, wincing when he took big breathes. Boomer felt sympathy for his brother;he probably had a few broken ribs. Brick sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He looked flawless compared to his brothers.
"Alrighty then! I guess this family reunion is over! Don't screw up." And with that, Him was gone, a black fog replacing him.
...
Brick huffed. "Well, I guess we better be getting back. The girls are probably getting suspicious."
The boys nodded, and followed their leader into a large black hole against one of the larger rocks. He walked through, disappearing on the other side. Butch went after him, wincing all the way. Once he was gone, Boomer let out a huff, and limped through.
On the other side, he was back in England.
He felt the night's cool breeze, and immediately relaxed. He looked around at his surroundings. He stood on a sidewalk near his apartment. People didn't seem to notice his weird entrance, and walked past him casually. He stood there for a minute, evaluating the events that had just occurred.
Don't screw up. Him's voice rang through his head. He shivered.
A new thought registered in his mind; Bubbles was probably growing suspicious.
You could use that to your advantage A voice in his head spoke. It sounded strangely familiar to Him, but Boomer didn't pay much attention.
He had began to limp to his street, pain etched in each step. He gridded his teeth together, trying not to attract too much attention. It was hard; he had scratches all over his face, not to mention the black patches from the smoke. His hair was ruffled, and his eyes glowed in the night. Almost every ones eyes were on him as he slowly made his way to the entrance to his hotel.
A soft gasp sounded from above, but he didn't pay any attention. He limped to the stairs, and once he made sure no one was around, he flew up the stairs, leaving a cobalt blue streak fading up the stairs.
He floated to his door, trying to be as quiet as can be. He waited to hear any signs of life inside, and once he heard Bubble's even breathing-indicating sleep- he crept in. He fell into his bed, hoping that by the next morning, the chemical X would have fixed his leg. He winced.
Not because of his injured leg, but tomorrows contents.
And as he closed his eyes, a voice rang through his head.
You won't get Bubbles to fall for you if you keep pushing her away.
Bubbles awoke to the sound of frying food. With a questioning look, she sat up and got out of bed.
Do I smell...bacon? She thought incredulously.
She swung her bedroom doors open, quickly walking to the kitchen.
There, in an apron stood Boomer. Bubbles stood in shock, mouth agape. Boomer flipped pancakes like a professional, oblivious to her presence. He hummed a slow tune dancing a little at the chorus. Bubbles giggled.
Startled, Boomer jumped. The pancake he was flipping flew through the air, aiming for Bubbles. Bubbles closed her eyes, waiting for the impact.
But, nothing came. Instead, the sizzling sound returned, closer this time. Bubbles opened her eyes slowly, letting her muscles relax.
Boomer stood inches from her, holding the pan. The pancake was safely inside, sizzling away. He smiled widely, showing off his perfect teeth. Bubbles let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. She looked back up to her counterpart, clad in only an apron and boxers. She slowly began to smile,until bursting into a laughter fit. Boomer's smile slowly faded, turning into a confused frown.
"What?" He asked, his eyebrows furrowing cutely.
Bubbles stifled a laugh. "N-nothing. It's just- have you looked in the mirror lately?" She asked, a teasing smirk playing on her lips. He rose an eyebrow, before looking down at his attire.
"...Oh..." He said, his cheeks turning red. He walked over to the stove, putting the pan back down. He turned back to her, and looked her up and down. His eyes widened and her turned away, his cheeks reddening once again.
"Uh, Bubbles? Maybe you should look in the mirror..." He mumbled, trying to focus on the stove.
She looked confused. "What? Why?" She asked walking toward him. He backed up.
"Uh-uh...Bubbles, seriously..."
"What?" She asked, growing frustrated with his lack of information. He rolled his eyes and grabbed the empty pan. He flipped it to the back and held it out to her, looking away. She stared at her reflection, and her eyes widened.
Her hair was down and ruffled, taking away her innocent look and replacing it with a sexy look. Her makeup was smeared, giving her the 'smoky eye' look. But, what really threw her was her pajamas. She was wearing a sky blue silk gown. Lace covered the top and bottom, ending a little above her mid thigh. Her eyes widened.
"Oh my..." She said, putting down the pan.
Boomer made an unidentifiable noise in the back of his throat in response. It sounded strained; as if he was holding something back.
Bubbles cleared her throat awkwardly. "Well...we might need to get used to...this." She said, gesturing to their clothing, or, lack of clothing. Boomer nodded in response, a strained look on his face.
...
"...Soo, can I have some breakfast?" Bubbles chirped. Boomer shook his head, coming back to reality. "Uh, y-yeah. Sure."
Throughout the morning, Boomer continued to give Bubbles strange looks. She shook it off though; it was Boomer after all. He went from sweet and open to cold and restricted in a matter of days. It was just who he was. So, there was rarely any conversation, just the sound of metal hitting the plate, and the quiet chews of the super-powered teens. Once they were both done with their food, they gathered by the sink to do dishes.
"Hey, can I ask you a question?" Bubbles suddenly asked, turning to Boomer with soapy hands. He looked at her from the corner of his eye, continuing to dry the dishes.
"Yeah, sure." She turned back to the sink.
"Do you hate me?" She asked bluntly. She turned to him fully, her eyes piercing into his. This seemed to strike a nerve. He widened his eyes, and turned to dry another dish. He was quiet, and seemed to be going over something in his head. His eyebrows furrowed, and he sighed.
"No, I don't hate you." He said, turning to her as well.
"Well, then why have you been so cold to me?" She asked, taking a step closer to him. It seemed to make him nervous. He looked her up and down, before looking back to her eyes.
"It's just...I don't know. I guess I've been so caught up in everything...Well, that's no excuse. I'm sorry Bubbles, I promise not to do that ever again." He said, his eyes seeming to hold a painful glint.
"It's fine. I understand. It's just, your all I've got right now, Boomer. I kinda need someone to lean on, ya know?" She asked, touching his arm. He widened his eyes toward her hand. He swallowed, and looked into her eyes.
"You can...you can lean on me Bubbles." He smiled, and Bubbles smiled as well.
"Thanks. Now, I need you to go sit on the couch a sec. Kay?" She asked sweetly, batting her eyelashes.
Boomer's eyes widened. "The couch? What for?" He asked, his voice husky.
Bubbles rolled her eyes. "Just do it."
Boomer cautiously headed to the couch, slowly sitting down. He looked up to blue eyed girl.
"Okay. Now what?" He asked, his voice returning to normal.
"Is your leg okay?" She asked, her voice filled with concern. He rose an eyebrow.
"That's what your asking?" He laughed. "It's fine."
"Why were you limping last night?" She asked, curiosity taking over.
"Wait, how did yo-Never mind. Don't worry, It's fine." He said. Bubbles didn't look convinced. She bent down next to his legs, and rolled up the right pants leg.
She gasped.
His leg was covered in burns, turning green from the chemical X.
"B-Boomer..." She said, not able to say much else. He sighed, and pulled the leg back down. "Please don't ask." He asked, his eyes pleading.
Bubbles sighed. "Okay." She got up, and went to the fridge. She found some frozen peas in the freezer, and walked back to him.
"What are you-" He began, but she didn't let him finish. She put the peas on his leg, ignoring his protests. He moaned in relief, and Bubbles giggled.
"Bubbles. Why are you doing this?" He asked, when she sat next to him. She shrugged.
"Were all each others got. Remember? We've gotta look out for each other." She said, letting a small smile slip into her features.
He smiled back."Yeah. I guess we are."
There ya go! I hope you didn't get bored. When i start on blues, there's no stopping me. as you can see, lol. The same rules apply-
REVEIW!