Townsville High

~Hello everyone. Thanks if you're still reading :) Things are going to get very exciting in the next few chapters. Some twists and turns are coming as well as a..well, I wouldn't want to spoil anything, so just wait and see ;)~

Chapter 48 - He's Back

Last Chapter - Buttercup was in shock at the sudden arrival of Mitch. Blossom and Tyler each grieved Skylar's depart. Bubbles continued to worry for Boomer's health. And Maxine's secret could destroy any chance of getting Brody back when she ran into Mitch.

AN; I just want to repeat one last time, I have no plans for romance for Mitch. He will not be breaking up the greens or even the blue's and the red's for that matter. I've already lost a good amount of readers for bringing him into the story, so just understand that he won't be ruining anything. He's just a new character to the group. He is also the replacment for Sky which means she won't be returning. Perhaps if I make a sequel, but she won't be in the rest of this story.

Thanks for reading ^^

BcXBu - (Warning, this reply is going to be big haha.) Hey :) Glad you liked the pictures of how they look. I personally think that Buttercup is the prettiest, but the girl I used for Bubbles is gorgeous too. Thanks for the idea, I always had trouble picturing them whislt writing! Oh, and Maxine said she remembered blonde hair (Which was the bartender, not Mitch.) That was just so that no one would realise before they read the scene. Smart, aren't I? :)

You're next review was so sweet! I was worried that when I got the idea for this fic it would come off to cliche. It's good to know that something thinks it's unique and not like the others. Some of the twists and relationships do make it a bit different so yeah, thanks for reasuring me of that :) The poem, it fits them perfectly! And yes, I had always intended for the Tyler/Sky relationship to be like the greens, but it was getting too alike so I guess making Sky leave did fit into the story well, I only intended for her to leave so Mitch would have more scene time but it worked out pretty well I suppose.

That Buttercup/Butch scene was always my faveorite too. I try so hard to keep everyone in character so the positive feedback from that scene was appreciated. I'll wrap this reply up before it turns out longer than the actual chapter haha! Talk later :)

AN2; This chapter will have a lot of Mitch, letting you get to know his character as he settles into the group. There will also be a lot of Bubbles/Boomer considering their new plot twist and a lot of Maxine too. In the next chapter the other characters will get their time to shine, don't worry :)

Now, on to the story...


Bubbles' POV

It was getting dark now. Only then I had realise that Boomer and I had lost track of how long we had been sitting at that park. It must be true what they say, time flys when you're having fun. We just sat and talked for hours, laughing and smiling. There was kisses, a lot of them, and peace. It was peaceful.

For a moment I was able to forget everything that was going on. Sky leaving, Tyler's feelings, Boomer's injuries. It felt good to just pretend for even a few seconds that everything was sunshine and rainbows. It only lasted for a moment though. Then I remembered everything.

Sometimes I miss when I was a kid. I would run about, saving the world like I owned it. I was never as good as my sisters, but it was what I was born for back then. Soon the world got better and the villans stopped being..villany, and then I got the chance to be a normal teenager. If I had known how complicated being normal was, I wouldn't have signed on for it.

Oh, the irony. All I wanted was to grow up, stop crying all the time, ditch the stuffed animals. And now? I just want to go back to being a little girl. Things were easier back then. My biggest problem was if I ran out of crayons. Now my biggest problem could be anything. Anything could happen, we never know what life will hold, but I do know one thing. Life is not a box of crayons.

Clinging to Boomer's hand, we began to walk back home. Well, my home. After being on edge all day, I just wanted to go home and run up to my bedroom and not talk to anyone. Of course, Boomer, I could talk to. It's just Blossom, and Buttercup, and everyone. It's because of me that Sky left. Technically. All this time, Tyler had been in love with me, and I just sat back and watched him ruin Sky's chance at happiness. What does that make me?

Sure, I didn't know that he was still in love with me, but I should have been able to tell. If someone's in love with you, most of the time you can tell. They want to spend all their time with you. They laugh at your jokes - no matter how bad they are. They watch you, study you, stare. They just act in love with you. I should have seen it. I should have known.

Now with all that's going on, it seems like no one has had a good week. Not just because of Sky leaving. There's something wrong with Boomer, I could just tell. He's weak. He's never weak. As of right now, nothing matters to me more than him, and I can't let him find out about the real reason that Sky left. It would drive him over the edge.

Boomer's hand tightened around mine, causing me to look up to his face. Oh, why does he have to be so much taller than me? His warm smile brought the grin to my face. He opened his mouth to speak.

"Today was a good day." He spoke softly.

I couldn't help but agree. Just getting away from it all and having fun, it's what we're known for. All of us. Nothing can keep us down, not even losing a member of that gang. Yes, no matter what Sky said or how she felt, she was one of us.

"Yeah, it was." I whispered after a few seconds, smiling up at Boomer. His arm made it's way around my shoulder. The warmth he exuded was nice. I always felt at home with Boomer. That's sounds odd, doesn't it? What I meant to say was, I feel like I truly belong back in this town, because he's here with me.

"So, when are you going to see the doctor?" I asked him slyly.

Boomer tensed. I could feel it. Suddenly I just stopped walking, causing him to stop in his tracks as well. He looked into my eyes, willing me not to ask, but that only made me cross my arms. Why is this subject so touchy for him? I don't get it. Something sinister is going on. He's reluctant to see the doctor about his scar and he had been keeping the fact that it wasn't healing from me.

Why? I just don't get it. What could be so bad that he wouldn't tell me? He's been acting shifty for the past week. He's been distant and sometimes distracted, even cold towards me. My intuition was telling me that he's hiding something from me, something big, and my intuition never lies.

"Shouldn't we go inside?" Boomer attempted to change the subject.

I had just then noticed that we were almost at the house, the door was in clear view. Tearing my gaze away from the door of my house, my eyes hardened on Boomer's, demanding my answer. His body grew stiffer if that was even possible.

"Answer the question!" My voice raised and I clutched my hands to a fists. "A simple check-up can't hurt. You can go see Dr Russell and have him take a look at it, I'll come with you-" Suddenly I was caught mid-sentance.

"No!"

I took a step back, my eyes wide at his out-burst. Seeing the look in my eyes, Boomer immediately calmed down and let out a sigh. So many emotions were chasing around my mind. Why didn't he want me to come with him? I swallowed the harsh lump in my throat before raising my chin and looking him in the eye.

"If you have nothing to hide, then you'll go to the doctor with me."

Boomer's brows furrowed. He looked hurt, but not more than me.

"What exactly are you accusing me of?" He asked in a raised tone. I simply stared in response. Should I have to explain myself? No. He sighed deeply. "It's nothing to make a big deal about. Stop being so worried about me." He said, softer this time.

I wanted to laugh bitterly in his face. My own boyfriend, telling me not to worry about him? All I do is worry about him. Asking me not to worry about him is like asking me not to breathe. Our eyes battled each other intensely, neither of us were backing down any time soon.

"Do you love me?" I asked, causing his eyes to cower away in shock.

"What kind of question is that?"

I smiled weakly and shrugged. "I love you, Boomer. So much that even the smallest thing scares me. Your stitches should have healed way before mine did. You shouldn't be so dismissive about finding out why they haven't. You shouldn't be standing here yelling at me because I asked. So maybe you'll answer me that, do you love me?"

Boomer quickly made his way in front of me, taking his hands in mine. I felt our fingers intertwine. I couldn't read Boomer's expression, and I didn't feel like I needed to. If he's going to be honest with me, this is his chance. It's now or it's never.

"Of course I love you, you idiot," He muttered. "I'll go to the doctor soon. I promise. I just don't want you tagging along, I don't want you to worry about me as much as you do. Just sit this one out. I'll go and talk to Dr Russell, and I promise you, right here right now, it will be nothing." He said before pressing his lips to my forehead.

Oh, he better be telling the truth, because if he isn't..that was his last chance.

Pushing away all doubt, I smiled and kissed him twice on the lips. He wrapped his arms around me, and I breathed a steady breath, relaxing my muscles in his warm embrace. He kissed my forehead again before pulling away and taking my hand, leading me up the walkway to my house.

We walked in the front door and closed it behind us. I could see pretty much everyone - excluding Brody and Tyler - sitting on the couch, all happily chatting away. Eyes turned to us. I smiled at my friends before hearing a presence behind me. Assuming that it was just Brody, I spun around with a bright and friendly smile on my face, which soon faded to nothing.

Standing before me was the tall figure I knew all too well. It would be impossible not to recognise that mop of dark brunette hair, the warm brown eyes and the charming smile. They belonged to someone I once knew. It was really him. Unbelievable, the only word that came to mind in that moment.

I was at a loss for words, and by the looks of it, so was he.

We stared for what seemed like years until I was caught of guard with a hug. His arms gripped me, ripping the air right out of me. I stood rigid as he hugged me. Eventually, I began to realise that this wasn't my imagination and wrapped my arms around my once good friend.

"I missed you so much." His voice spoke into my ear.

"Mitch," I breathed out. "You're back."

He pulled away and smiled contagious at me. I grinned back and shook my head, still finding it hard to believe that he was really here. I hadn't seen him in three years, I never thought I would see him again. Mitch has always been like a big brother to me. It's been hard not having him around to make me laugh and smile.

"I'm back." He repeated happily.

"Mitch, it's good to see you." Boomer said as he stood beside me, nodding at Mitch.

"You too."

I turned around and looked at Buttercup, who was watching the scene beaming. I spun back around to look at Mitch, taking him in. He looked so different. Dressed all smart-like. His hair had gotten longer and looked more scruffy. The only thing that hadn't changed were his eyes, still a deep hazel colour.

"So, you moved back?" I asked, hope clear in my tone. I didn't want this to be just a short visit. This felt like a miracle, losing Skylar and getting Mitch back to fill that small hole in our little group. He was always considered the perfect fit.

"Yup," Mitch grinned boyishly. "I'm starting back at Townsville High so I can graduate there."

I almost forgot about how soon graduation was. Of course it was months away, but it was getting closer and closer. The thought of what I would go on and do after high school was scary. I've grown to love going to school with my friends, which I never thought possible. I almost don't want to give it up.

"That's great, it's so good to have you back." I said breathlessly. It was all starting to feel more real now. Mitch was back with us, back in our little family, like the big brother I've been needed to help guide me through the hard times. The one person that can make me laugh without trying is back. Mitch, god, it feels good to talk to him again.

"We have so much to catch up on, sis." He said with a grin.

It felt good to hear that too. We occasionally called each other brother and sister, because even everyone around us saw how much we protected each other and how much we had in common.

"Indeed we do." I chirped.

He's back..oh, thank god he's back.


Mitch's POV

God, this is heaven.

Things have changed since the last time I stepped foot in this house, but for some strange reason, it seems more real. Buttercup's all grown up, got herself a boyfriend, she believes in love. Sometimes when I listened to Buttercup ramble, she didn't seem real.

Nothing about her seemed real. But now? She's normal. I never thought that Buttercup Utonium would ever change beyond the point of belief. She seems happier than before. Butch really did tame the beast. I'm glad for her, for both of them. The thing that I love about them is that they don't seem right, they seem like they hate each other, despise even, but then through it all, they still love and care for each other. They're still crazy about each other.

I didn't think that when I moved back that so much would have changed. I guess that's life though. Things change, people change. I know I did.

Buttercup motioned for me to sit next to her, so I followed and sat down on the couch beside her. I've missed this, being able to sit down with my best friend and have some friendly banter. We always had so much to talk about, I hope that hasn't changed.

"Hey, Bloss, has Tyler gotten in touch yet?" Brick asked Blossom, his eyes lit curiously. Mine did the same.

Blossom shook her head at him before frowning. I looked around at everyone's expressions. Buttercup was chewing her lip and Bubbles was looking down at the ground, shielding her expression. Boomer was frowning as was Brick. I narrowed my eyes as I turned to Blossom.

"Who's Tyler?" I heard myself ask curiously.

"My brother." Maxine replied. She wasn't looking my way, just staring at the wall with a bored look on her face. I smirked before speaking.

"He must be as annoying as you then." I muttered loud enough for her to hear.

She glared at me with narrow eyes, causing me to chuckle. God, I know how to get on people's nerves. It makes me wonder why people bother to spend time with me. Maxine didn't seem too bothered by my statement though. If it were Buttercup she would have tore me in half. Obviously Maxine agrees with me. Of course, most siblings tend to dislike each other at one point or another.

I wonder what he's like. If he's anything like Maxine then he must be interesting.

"He's a friend of ours," Blossom answered next. "His girlfriend just skipped town. So he's a little detached at the moment. I'm sure you'll get to meet him soon. You're actually a lot like him, Mitch."

Hmm, interesting.

"I look forward to meeting this guy then." I said with a wide and dopey grin.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Maybe it was the mysterious Tyler? Buttercup has made a lot of new friends since I last saw her in this town. She really done well for herself.

Blossom got up from her seat and slowly made her way over to the door. She opened it to reveal this tall guy with brown hair and blue eyes. His eyes instantly flew to meet mine. His eyebrows arched. Something about him seemed friendly, confident, mature. Yes. This must be that guy. Max talked about him before, and Buttercup mentioned his name. Brian, was it? No, Brody. That was it.

I rose to my feet to present myself.

He walked past Blossom and stood in front of me. His eyes searched me. He looked like he was studying me. But I guess that what we all do when we meet someone new. After a moment of deafening silence, I decided to introduce myself.

"I'm Mitch," I told him as his eyes glued to mine. "You must be Brody."

From the corner of my eye, I could see Maxine watching him like a hawk, then me. Now I can see why she wasn't too pleased about me showing up. She's worried that I'll tell him about our little thing. It was hardly even a thing. But obviously, it would mean more to the ex boyfriend than I figure. No guy likes to know that his girl moved on less than twenty four hours after a break up. That's just humiliating.

"That would be me," His voice drawled thickly. Brody had a masculine and mature voice. Just when it was getting awkward, a smile spread across his features, easing both mine and Maxine's mind. "Nice to meet you. Buttercup told me about you a while back."

I turned to look at my one-of-a-kind best friend. She smiled wildly from her seat. So she talks about me? Cute. I chuckled to myself before turning back to glance at Brody.

"All good things, I hope."

He nodded with a grin, enjoying our banter. This guy wasn't so bad. I thought he would be a little stuck-up, maybe boring, but he seemed like an alright person. Maybe this dude and I would become great friends. I hope so any way, I don't want to make any enemies just when I started to hang out with my best friend's again.

Brody moved past me to sit beside Brick on the floor around the coffee table. Bubbles and Boomer were sat on the red chair beside the fire, Boomer sat on the edge. Maxine was on the couch on one side of Buttercup. Finally, Butch and Blossom were sat on the floor next to each other. They all looked like a..family. I wonder how I'll fit into all of this. I've been gone for a long time.

Hopefully things will adjust and it can be the way it was before, when I was Buttercup's best friend, a big brother figure to Bubbles and a friend to Blossom and the boys. The new kids will just have to learn to love me, but that isn't too hard, I mean I'm awesome.

Ah, it's good to be back.


Normal POV

Hours later, the dust was settled and everyone was getting to know Mitch.

Out of everyone, Mitch had bonded the most with Brody. They came to realise that they actually had a lot in common. He had learned all about Brody being Butch's best friend, how they met, how he met everyone else, even his complicated relationship with Maxine that Mitch seemed very interested in. Not because he was interested in her, but because the fact that she was pregnant was an eye-opener.

Mitch then learned all about Buttercup's relationship with Butch as her sisters and his brothers. He was shocked to hear about it, considering they were all once mortal enemies, and now they were happily in love with each other. It was confusing but Mitch seemed happy that his three favorites girls had three great guys.

Although he was surprised about all the changes that had gone on since he was last in this town, he was still just too happy to be back.

"So, you were in a car accident?" Mitch asked Bubbles, concern dripping from every word. After hearing her story, he realised how much he was needed here to protect his little sis and friends. Anything could have happened to her and Boomer. Then Butch for donating the kidney. The thought of anything happening to them scared Mitch.

"It was months ago, and we're all healed and well now."

Mitch didn't miss the cold look that Bubbles gave Boomer after that statement, but Boomer seemed blissfully unaware of it. Realising that it was a subject not to be touched, Mitch ignored it and smiled at her.

"Good, just don't be getting into any more cars on my watch."

Bubbles laughed and sent a nod his way before getting up to join Buttercup in the kitchen. Mitch looked over to the couch and saw Maxine sitting alone, her eyes blank as they stared at the wall. He also hadn't missed the looks she had been giving Brody all day. He felt the need to pick her brain and find out what the long face was for.

He wandered over to her, which she didn't seem to notice as she was stuck in a trance. Mitch couldn't help but notice how different she looked. No, not just because of the bump, but also because her hair was darker and longer, and she just seemed different from the girl he met in that club.

"So, you're having his kid, huh?" Mitch asked as he sat down next to her.

Maxine pulled out of her trance and turned to look at him. Annoyance was lit in her eyes, only making Mitch's grin wider. She rolled her eyes before running a hand through her soft brown hair.

"What's wrong with that?" She asked bluntly.

Mitch held his hands up in surrender. "Nothing at all. It's just a bit fast don't you think?"

"You think I planned this!?" Maxine snapped, trying to keep her voice down. "Believe me, I would be ecstatic if this never happened," She motioned to her stomach. "But things happen."

Mitch nodded slowly. "Yeah, things happen." He muttered, thinking once more about the night he met the alluring Maxine Slater. He knew that if he ever met her again, they could be great friends, maybe even best friends despite their tiny history, but she was shredding all chance of that happening by being so blunt with him.

"About that night-" Mitch started quietly.

Maxine interrupted him, "Don't."

She finally turned to meet his gaze. Her eyes looked tired, no doubt from her lack of sleep thanks to stress and a kicking baby, but they also held a deep coldness to them. This wasn't what she wanted. She wanted that night to be left alone and untouched, for it never to be mentioned. He wasn't supposed to show up in her life. They were just strangers, and that was the brilliance of that night.

"There was no night," Maxine announced. "We just met a couple of hours ago, remember?"

Mitch instantly frowned. It wasn't that he cared about what she had said, but she didn't have to dismiss it. That night was special to Mitch, because he felt like for once he had met someone who wasn't like the other girls. Someone who was kind and sincere. This Maxine was a shadow. She wasn't the girl he met.

"Don't do that. I get that we have to keep how we met a secret from Brody but why shouldn't we talk about it? Think about it? It didn't exactly mean anything but it still happened. We still talked for hours and we still kissed." Mitch said, keeping careful to keep his voice down so that the others in the room wouldn't hear the conversation.

Maxine bit her lip. "We met a couple of hours ago..there was no night. Brody never finds out and we don't talk or think about it. Okay?" She said with force, not backing down. Mitch slowly nodded, a tiny unnoticeable frown on his face.

Even though that night meant nothing to them, it was still a night to remember, that was how Mitch saw it any way..

FLASHBACK;

"You want another?"

Maxine lifted her head up to look at the bartender. His hand clasped around a bottle of clear white liquid, hovering over her glass. She stared for a moment before nodding her head. The bartender, who's name tag suggested that his name was Callum, poured more alcohol into her glass. Callum walked away to tend to another customer.

She gripped her glass and brought it to her mouth, taking a long drink. The liquid burnt it's way down to her throat causing her to hold back a gag. Although Maxine liked to have a casual drink, this day had been different. She had drank more than most, trying to hold back the urge to scream or blame herself for losing Brody.

Just as her glass hit the counter, Maxine heard someone approach and sit down on the empty seat beside hers.

She took a glance at her right side to get a good look at the stranger. His hair was short and brunette, just a shade lighter than her own. He had a face that you would remember, a very handsome one. Perfect cheekbones. Maxine had never seen him before, he was a complete stranger. Something seemed friendly about him, it was as if he exuded it.

The first thing she admired was his outfit. A dark blue and black checkered shirt and skinny fitted black jeans. The blue squares of his shirt matched the shade of Maxine's jeans. He had a skinny body and legs but nice, toned arms. His sleeved were rolled up, showing some amount of muscle. Not much, but nevertheless it was there.

Maxine continued to study him in solitude for a few moments.

When he finally met her gaze, she noted how nice his eyes were. A deep hazel brown. He quickly looked away from her before taking a swig of whatever he was drinking. Maxine continued to look at him, anxious to have a conversation with anyone other than the bartender whom was literally paid to talk to the troubled people in this club.

"Do you live around here?" Maxine suddenly asked in a small voice.

She didn't expect him to talk to her, but it couldn't hurt to try. The stranger lifted his head to glance at her, looking down at her shoes before looking back up into her turquoise coloured eyes. He stared for a moment before looking away, his hand still clutching his glass.

"Yeah. Just 'round the corner actually. What about you?" He responded before tipping the glass to his mouth.

Maxine was surprised that he was actually talking to her, but she didn't want to stop it. She craved real conversation. She wanted someone to listen to her, to understand, and even though she had said literally five words to him, he seemed like the type of guy you could talk to. His eyes were friendly and his voice was soft yet husky, one you could listen to forever.

"I live not that far away," She replied, raising her voice so he could hear over the blaring music. "I haven't seen you around here before."

She watched as the boy looked down at his drink and nodded. Although her sight was becoming hazy from how much she had to drink, she could notice every detail about him. There was a short muteness before she heard his soft and sultry voice again.

"Well, I used to live here a while ago. I just moved back not that long ago. I don't really get out much."

Maxine's brow raised. "You used to live here? Did you go to Townsville High?"

His attention turned right to her, lifting his head up to glance. "Yeah, I did. For the first year anyway."

"That's so weird," Maxine said with her head tilted. "How is it that we went to the same school and I never met you?"

"I didn't socialise much in school."

Maxine sent a smile his way. When he smiled back, she felt her cheeks flush. He had such a handsome smile.

"How are you getting served? You don't look a day over sixteen." The boy commented.

Maxine reached into the pocket of her dark blue jeans and pulled out a small card. She held it up for the boy to see. There was a picture of her, smiling brightly, with a birthdate beside which was clearly not right. Mitch raised his eyebrow before reaching into his own trouser pocket and pulling out a card almost identical apart from the picture, name and date.

"I don't think the bartender cares if you're underage as long as you have a fake I.D." Maxine said before putting her card away and reaching for her glass. The stranger chuckled, it was like music to Maxine's ears. He had such a husky and masculine voice. Maxine couldn't bear to stop hearing it.

A smile crossed her lips beautifully. "I'm Maxine."

"Mitch."

Maxine bit her lip as she stared into those big brown eyes of his. Maybe it was the drinks talking, but all she could think about was kissing him.

It was strange for Maxine, because she was shy around most guys. Mainly because she had only dated two boys before, the first Brett, but that was a mistake in her eyes. Secondly, Brody, she had been with him so long that the thought of kissing someone else was foreign to her, but she couldn't stop thinking about what it would be like to wrap her arms around Mitch's neck and surrender.

As the bartender began walking over, Maxine tore her eyes away from Mitch.

"Callum, give me another," She asked as Callum made his way over to the pair. She nodded her head over to Mitch. "It's on him." Mitch couldn't hold back his smile as he stared at Maxine. She smiled shyly back as Callum poured her another drink, motioning the same to Mitch.

Maxine took a good look at Callum as he poured their drinks. He looked like Boomer. Sandy blonde hair and dreamy blue eyes. It was almost uncanny how alike he looked to Boomer. Although Callum was taller and much older. Maxine gave him a smile in thanks before he wandered off to tend to another customer.

"You're not like most of the girls around here, Maxine." Mitch suddenly commented, causing her to raise a brow.

"Why's that?"

Mitch looked at her with adoration in his eyes. "There's just something about you, that seems different, interesting."

"I bet you say that to all the girls." Maxine said with a natural smirk.

"Not all of them," Mitch chuckled. "Count yourself lucky."

Maxine grinned contiguously. He seemed very vain about himself, but he had reason to be. He was one of those guys that knew he was attractive and didn't see point in acting any different, much like Butch. Maxine found herself staring at him once more, studying him as much as she could.

"Oh, I must be very lucky." Maxine drawled.

They sat in silence for a few seconds until Mitch slowly began leaning forward, stopping just before Maxine's lips could reach his own, as if asking for permission. A strong heat rised in Maxine's chest before spreading through her whole body, making her hands feel like they were on fire.

Maxine felt the intensity from the moment, and she wanted more. Without giving herself time to think, she leaned forward until their lips were pressing against each other, and locked in a passionate kiss. His lips were soft and experienced. Maxine had to hold her breath to take it all in.

Their arms were around each other in seconds, pulling one another in as close as could be done. From the other end of the bar, Callum was looking at them with a dopey smile on his face, shaking his head as he cleaned a glass. Maxine deepened the sweet kiss.

Eventually, they broke apart for breath and just looked at each other, knowing that this was the end. They continued to talk for another hour until it was all over, and they said their good-byes.

In that moment, Maxine and Mitch both wondered if their paths would ever cross again. Nevertheless, nothing could destroy their perfect night. It felt as though them meeting again and getting to know each other would ruin it, like it was a sacred memory that shouldn't be touched or played with, but they still found themselves hoping that this wouldn't be the last time they would talk.

But a small part of them also knew that they wouldn't be forgetting each other any time soon.

"That night was a mistake, Mitch. I was drunk and you were just..there," She tensed her last word. "It didn't mean anything to me."

Mitch caught her eyes and let her words sink in. He felt like his ego had just been knocked into oblivion. Most girls just tried to get his number after talking to him, and Maxine was so reluctant to forget it ever happened. He knew it was because she was in love with Brody and wanted to be with him again, and Mitch couldn't blame her, Brody was a great guy. But it still stung.

"Well, right back at you," He mumbled. "It meant nothing."

Maxine seemed taken back by his reply but nevertheless she sent him one of her million-dollar smiles, showing off her pearly white teeth. She relaxed in her seat and looked in his eyes again, noticing that he was watching her every move.

"Friends?" Maxine asked.

Mitch was silent for a moment before smiling back at her. "Friends."

Without thinking, Maxine threw her arms around and gave him a friendly hug, trying to push away all sence of tension from them. She wanted them to be friends, so that they could deal with seeing each other everyday, the same with Mitch. So he hugged her back and smiled, glad that the past was now safely tucked away for only them to remember.

From across the room, Brody watched them with envy in his eyes.


Buttercup opened the thick red door to Maxine's home, letting herself in.

It had been hours since Maxine had left in a hurry. Everyone else soon went home after. Brody had to get back to finish off some late homework and Mitch needed to get back to help his mother, Sandy, and his brothers with the new house. There was a lot of reconstruction to be done before they would be finished.

Ever since seeing Maxine at the house, Buttercup knew that she was acting distant for a reason, and she wanted to find out why.

She wandered into the living room and took a look around. After noticing how painfully empty the room was, she made her way out and headed up-stairs to check if her friend was in her bed room. Her thought was confirmed when she could hear soft music coming from Maxine's room.

As soon as she walked inside, wild green eyes met turquoise.

Maxine was sat on the vintage cream coloured chair in the corner of her room. The stereo beside her - sat on top of the white chest beside her chair - was playing a familiar tune throughout the room. Buttercup took a decent look at Maxine, noticing the stiff figure and weary, tired eyes.

"I knocked a few times," Buttercup announced. "You didn't answer."

This time expecting an answer, Buttercup stared at Maxine, who simply nodded weakly. They exchanged a look from across the room. Buttercup's eyes furrowed in confusion as she walked forward towards Maxine.

"Is everything alright, Max?"

Of course it wasn't. Buttercup had almost forgotten about the small and tense encounter between her best friend and her other friend. It seemed weird to think that they had a history, albeit a one night one kiss history. Buttercup wanted to believe that it wasn't a big deal, but when it came to things like this, someone always got hurt. Well it wasn't going to be Maxine. Buttercup would make sure of that.

"Just peachy." Maxine answered in her usual sarcastic tone.

Buttercup's face lit up in a smile. She knew that her good 'ole, vintage adoring, snarky and spunky friend was still in there somewhere. Maxine looked up at Buttercup and smiled beautifully.

"How's life at the Utonium house?" Maxine asked casually. Buttercup chuckled to herself as she walked over to Maxine's oak white bed. She sat down on the silk sheets and looked over at her friend.

"Not bad. Having Mitch back is great, and Blossom seems to be feeling better. I'd say everything is back to normal."

A sad smile crossed Maxine's lips, which did not go unnoticed by Buttercup. Maxine stared into space, set in a daze, thinking about Brody once more. She wondered if things really had gone back to normal. Sure, the aftermath of Sky's depart was over and done with, but there was still so much going on.

"What's wrong?" Concern filled Buttercup's voice, bringing Maxine's attention back to her.

"Not a thing."

"Right." Buttercup stretched out the word with her lips slightly pouted and her eyebrows raised. Maxine looked down to the black carpet beneath her chair and felt them close shut. There was a silver of silence. Buttercup was having enough of the muteness, she wanted to talk, to get everything out in the open.

"It's about Brody right?"

No answer.

"And Mitch?"

Maxine suddenly whipped her head up to glare at Buttercup. "I'm just stressed, I have a lot going on with the baby, and constantly feeling sick, and just.." Maxine stopped talking abruptly and let out a frustrated sigh. She looked down at her hands and frowned.

Buttercup was hating this. She had known Maxine for the better part of a year now, and this girl wasn't her. Maxine was always the happy one, throwing parties for her friends, bringing people together. Now, she was just a shadow of that head-strong girl that everyone once knew.

She had to get Brody back, and then she could get herself back.

"Come on, Max, why haven't you spoken to Brody yet? You said you would talk to him after Ty calmed down, and considering what happened with..you know, I don't think he's concerned about Brody any more." Buttercup said as she caught Maxine's eyes. There was something there, she still wasn't sure. Buttercup could read this girl like an open book.

Maxine sat back in her chair, her legs curling up in front of her. She pondered what Buttercup had said for a while as she mindlessly bit her nails. Buttercup was watching and waiting, giving Maxine some time to think.

"I don't know," Maxine shook her head. She still wasn't looking Buttercup's way. "It's just this whole Mitch thing. I wanted so bad to just forget that kiss. It's not like I, you know, like Mitch or anything. But Brody made a big point of us waiting a while to move on because it was the respectful thing to do but then I went off and kissed a guy I didn't even know. He'd be so angry if he found out."

Her head slumped down in despair. Throughout all the years that Maxine and Brody had known each other, Brody had never been able to stay angry at Maxine. But given a good enough reason, he could be cold and distant for days on end. She didn't want that.

"Why does he have to find out?" Buttercup asked softly. She couldn't believe she was saying this, encouraging more lies to run through the group. But sometimes lies had to be told, if the out-come was bad enough. "You and Brody are perfect for each other. Don't let kissing Mitch ruin your chance of getting him back. Plus, Mitch is awesome, he won't tell a soul."

Maxine sighed. "I know that. But even though Brody won't know, I will. I shouldn't have been so reckless. I just wanted to feel close to someone again. Maybe I should just talk to Brody, see what happens. I don't think I can handle us not being together for another second."

A smile tugged at Buttercup's lips. She knew exactly what Maxine meant. The thought of not being with Butch any more, it made Buttercup sick to her stomach. Although love was something that never came easily to her, she didn't want to stop loving someone. If that was how Maxine felt, that no wonder she ran right into the arms of a stranger the second that love was ripped away from her. Buttercup didn't judge her for even a second.

"You and Brody will be just fine. Everything always works out in the end. You two will be back together within the week." Buttercup said with a grin.

Maxine smiled. "Yeah. I can't wait."


A deafening silence filled Tyler's apartment until the sound of a door practically being pushed off of it's hinges startled him.

Sitting up fully on his couch, Tyler cautiously glared over at his front door only to see a very angry looking Bubbles Utonium. Tyler felt a rushing pain in the pit of his stomach. His heart was hammering against his chest at the sight of her. Worry flushed in his face as he noticed the not-happy look in her eyes.

His own eyes widened at seeing Bubbles for the first time in a week. Tyler's whole body grew rigid as she just stood there and looked at him, not daring to break the muteness. The only thing that separated them was the coffee table in front of the leather couch that Tyler was sitting on.

Bubbles' blue eyes were lit in rage, glued to his confused green orbs.

A million thoughts ran through his mind. But deep down, he knew that there was only one reason she would be angry with him. She knows.

Tyler quickly rose to his feet.

"How did you get in, love?" Tyler questioned.

Bubbles held her hand up, revealing a set of keys that belonged to this house. Her blank expression didn't change as she threw the keys at him. Tyler skillfully caught them in his hand before they could hit the floor. He looked down at them with a raised eyebrow. Of course, he gave her a set of keys when they were dating and forgot that she had them.

Tyler wondered if she had them this whole time, but never told Blossom that she had a way to reach him. Maybe because she wanted to let Tyler have his peace and quiet, or maybe just because she didn't care. But that didn't sound the Bubbles that he knew and loved.

His dark green eyes traveled back up to stare at her. He swallowed the lump in his throat.

"We need to have a talk," Seriousness was clear in her voice. "And I'm not leaving until I've said what I have to say."

Tyler struggled to find his voice. It had been so long since he had spoken to her, or at all in that matter. He had been sitting alone for days, he hadn't heard himself speak in a while, apart from the phone call to Sky, but he had managed to block that out. He simply nodded at Bubbles before stepping out from behind the table to stand in front of her.

He swallowed again before clearing his throat. "So, talk."

Bubbles crossed her arms and studied him for a second. She opened her mouth to speak but couldn't seem to say the words. She had planned out this conversation since Blossom told her the real reason that Sky left Townsville, but in the moment, Bubbles couldn't seem to say a thing.

"Bubbles?" Tyler's sharp British voice brought Bubbles back to reality.

There was a pregnant silence.

Bubbles decided to come right out with it, she had nothing to lose, right? She took a bold step closer to her friend and tilted her head, scanning his eyes. She bit her lip before opening her mouth to speak.

"Skylar," Bubbles suddenly said, confusing Tyler to no end. "Blossom said she left because she didn't feel like she fit in here. But then she said something else. She gave me another reason."

Tyler's game-face stayed firmly attached. "Oh? What did she say?"

"She said..that you're still in love with me," Bubbles paused to study his reaction, but he had none. "Now, I need you to tell me that she's crazy. I can't honestly believe what she said, it just doesn't sound right. So, you're going to come out of your shell and get over to the house so you can look Bloss in the eye and tell her that it isn't true."

Without giving him time to object, Bubbles turned around and headed for the door. She felt his hand tug at her upper-arm. He pulled her back and spun her around to face him. Bubbles glared at him cautiously, secretly terrified of what he was about to say.

"I can't tell Blossom that it isn't true." Tyler said strongly.

Bubbles pulled her arm away. "And why not?"

"Because it is true," Bubbles began to tune everything out. She shook her head slowly, over and over, her eyes wide with disbelief. No, no, no, she was chanting in her head. "I'm still in love with you."

No, no, no.

"Don't say that! You're in love with Skylar, not me. Why would you say that!?" Bubbles barked in a firm yet trembling voice. She noticed the anger in Tyler's eyes that soon vanished as though it had never been there. She noted the way his eyes flamed at the mention of Skylar's name.

"You've never been in love with two people before?"

Bubbles felt a growl escape her lips. He should know better than to dance around the subject of the love-triangle she once shared with two best friend's. That subject was supposed to be long buried, never to be brought up again, but Tyler just had to open up the hatchet, didn't he?

The blonde sucked in a deep, sharp breath and looked away from her ex boyfriend. In that moment she wanted to grab as many glass items as she could and start throwing them around until her arms weakened. She wanted to scream at Tyler and scream at everyone. She just wanted to let it out.

"Love," Tyler's voice spoke softly. "I'm sorry I said that."

Bubbles felt Tyler's hand try to make contact with her arm again but she pulled it away before his touch could linger. Her usual happy blue eyes grew fierce and livid as she met his own. A small bitter laugh escaped her lips, not smiling at all as she did so, looking nothing like herself.

"No, you're not," She hissed in his face. "For the past day, I've felt like it's my fault that Skylar left, because I couldn't see what was right in front of my face. But it wasn't my fault, was it? No, because you don't love me. You just want an excuse. So just stop running about, thinking that you love me. You can't love anything." She whispered the last part, eager to get it out.

Bubbles' hands were shaking in anger and her eyes were seething with flames. Her regular calm and smiley demeanor drastically switched and her face twisted in a consuming rage. She was like a volcano ready to explode. Her breathing was rapid and forced. Her eyes suddenly dulled when she noticed the look in his eyes. He seriously believed that he was in love with her, but Bubbles couldn't accept that.

"Just calm down, love, you're not acting like yourself." Tyler said in a serene tone.

Bubbles let out a frustrated scoff. "Is that such a bad thing? News flash, Ty, people grow up. Maybe you should try doing that. Not everyone can avoid change. The girl you were in love with is different, get over it." Bubbles hissed, starting to realise just how much she really didn't sound like herself. What was he doing to her? What's happening to me?

"It's not that easy!"

"Well make it easy! You can't just wake up and decide that you're still in love with me. I'm not the same girl you dated, I've grown up a lot this year, and I can't be the girl that everyone loves. I love Boomer, and I always will, I can feel it. He's a part of me. He was made for me. Sure, technically he was made to kill me, but he didn't. He had so many chances and he didn't. That's love. What you're feeling..it's just routine. You're so used to being in love with me that you can't realise that you aren't."

Tyler shook his head, his expression melancholy.

"You know that's not true. I tried, okay? Boomer was born to kill you. He changed for you. Well, guess what, so did I! My life was perfect. Love was never an option..until you came along. You kissed Boomer and then didn't tell me, and I still loved you. You cheated on me with him, you started dating him behind my back, and I still loved you. I still do."

"No," Bubbles whispered harshly. "You love Skylar. She's gone, and you can't deal with that. You can't deal with the fact that you had something amazing, someone perfect, and you messed it up! You're not in love with me, you're in love with pain."

The following statement almost rendered Tyler speechless. He took a step forward and looked deep into her furious blue eyes. The girl he knew was still in there, somewhere, but she was just masking it in rage. She was so stressed about Tyler's feelings and Boomer's secrecy that she was shielding all of her emotions by focusing on one. Anger.

"Is that really what you think?" Tyler asked softly. Yes.

Bubbles' face softened, only slightly, and nodded. "It's what I know. Boomer can't find out about this conversation. He has enough to deal with. I'm sorry, okay. You're upset about Sky but it's time to get out of the house and back into the world. But let me get one thing clear," Bubbles said firmly, "You can't say that you're in love with me ever again. I can't bear to hear it. Good-bye, Tyler-Jay."

She gave him a final sympathetic look before turning and practically sprinting out of his house, leaving him once again, all alone. Bubbles stopped running as soon as she got to edge of the road and fought the urge to throw up. During their conversation, she saw that loving look in his eyes, and she just knew that he still loved her.

But she couldn't let that happen.

Bubbles had made her choice a long, long time ago. And she wasn't going to let this stress Boomer out even more. Whether he liked it or not, she was going to find out what was going on with him, and then maybe after the dust settled she would tell him. But first she had to find out what he was hiding.

She found herself thinking again.

What exactly was Boomer hiding from her?

Only time would tell..


Oooh, the dramatics. So counting so far, Boomer, Mitch and Maxine are all hiding something. Butch and Buttercup are blissfully happy for once. And Tyler is still head over heels for Bubbles. But don't worry, Bubbles and Boomer aren't breaking up over this. I'll say it now before the reviews hit, she isn't ever going back to Tyler, it's just a new twist. Haha, so yeah, thanks for reading.

The next chapter will give the greens and reds some time to shine. There will be an intense talk between Brody and Maxine (The talk, if you catch my drift.) Some more Mitch moments too. So, look out, it will be a chapter worth reading :)

Review please, it only takes seconds :)

Allie