Chapter Seven

Her eyes stung with each blink that burned. A reminder of how tired she was.

Sleep depraved, Bunny struggled to stay awake. She just wanted to lie in her soft, cozy purple bed but that wasn't an option. Apparently, the young brunette had to stay up and explain why Blossom was within their presence and why Boomer's eyes were now red.

With a struggle, Bunny manages to keep herself from laughing out loud as she re-told her parents what happened not even an hour ago.

Blossom stood with a can of pepper spray in her hands; her pink eyes frantically flickering between Bunny and the crippled Boomer on the floor. Poor Boomer's eyes were not only red and teary but his legs were pressed tightly together. He groaned and rolled slightly over the floor, his hands not knowing what to cradle. His pepper-sprayed eyes or his badly kicked balls.

The Prince of Thieves had fallen to the little princess of music.

"Please, Uncle John, don't tell Daddy that I'm here. I just want to show him that I can manage on my own." The pink-eyed heiress begged John, her uncle and Bunny and Robin's father. She even gave him the puppy eyes; a known fact that once given the face, John couldn't say no.

"John," the stern voice of Sandra interrupted the standoff between uncle and niece. "We have to tell Torridon that Blossom is here."

The owner of the small café shop hopelessly looked at his wife. How did he find himself in this situation to begin with? "But…Sandra! The face! She's giving me the face! I can't say no to the face. You should know that." John pleaded.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold the phone." Boomer held his hands out front. He was following just fine until the names 'Blossom' and 'Torridon' were said. The girl couldn't be who he thought she was; could she? This small redhead girl, who kneed him with no mercy after successfully robbing him of his sight.

"This is Torridon's daughter? The Torridon Meredith, the world's most famous music director? This is his daughter?" he said the last bet with distaste as he pointed at the pink-eyed fiend. "She is your niece?" No one answered. Boomer tossed his arms up. "What the hell! I thought I was family? Why wasn't I in on this?"

"Stop being such a Drama Queen, Boom; that's Him's department." Robin patted his shoulder while ignoring his icy glare. "We couldn't tell anyone."

"Yes, but who are you?"

If Boomer didn't hate Blossom already, Bunny was sure he hated her now. She could see it now, Boomer ranting in his mind on how someone like him wasn't known by everyone. Him? Boomer Ezar Gordon, Prince of Thieves; who stole from the rich and gave to the needy. Chief Simeon's number one criminal and who was regularly on the news. The girl sighed. There was no doubt he was offended.

"Boomer. The name's Boomer. I'm sure you heard of me. I'm always on the news." He placed a hand on his chest, a smug look plastered on his face.

With a blink, Blossom only shook her head before inverting her attention back to the topic at hand: whether or not her father was coming. With just a last glance, Bunny saw the hurt in her brother's eyes before it was replaced with absolute hatred towards her cousin.

What a pleasant way to build a friendship, Bunny thought. Now when can I go to bed?

"Before Mr. Theft here murders Blossom for not knowing him, Mom, please don't call Uncle Torridon," Bunny asked. She would beg if she knew it would help with letting Blossom stay.

Her mother only glanced at Blossom for a moment before returning to her gaze back to Bunny. "You know how your uncle gets, dear. We can't just not tell him where Blossom is and allow him to go on a frantic rage through the town while Blossom is safe and sound."

"But, that's exactly why we shouldn't tell him, Mom." Paying no mind to the attention she was given, Bunny continued. "If we let Blossom go back, she's just going to try again and this time, Blossom won't even come here. Why sell her out? Uncle has to come to terms that Blossom is no longer a child and is capable of taking care of herself."

With a quick thought, an idea came to the young brunette's mind. The perfect solution for two problems Bunny was given. "If needed, Blossom doesn't even have to stay with us. I have a friend that has a few available rooms and she could stay there. She'll be safe and when Uncle asks if we have seen her, we can tell him that Blossom is safe and he doesn't have to worry."

Sandra bit her lip, thinking about the option her daughter laid. Honestly, she didn't like it; she didn't like it at all. If it was Robin or Bunny that ran away, Sandra would want to know where her kids were and if someone knew their whereabouts she would want to know. Then again, Torridon has been too hard on Blossom since Layla's death.

Layla. A tear fall from Sandra's eye as she thought of her late sister-in-law. She would want her child to be happy and the current situation wasn't making Blossom happy. Blue eyes looked up to see pleading pink ones. The same eye coloring as Layla's that made Torridon fall madly in love with her. Those very pleading eyes that Layla used on her when Layla begged Sandra to look after her children once she was gone, where now being used again, but this time, from Blossom. Forgive me, brother, Sandra thought as she made up her mind.

Torridon would be furious once he finds out that she betrayed him and helped hid his daughter, but it would be for the best. Layla would understand and in time, so would that stubborn man Sandra could her brother.

"Alright," the kitchen exploded with a cheer, "but under one condition." The cheering stopped.

"Anything, Auntie, anything."

Blossom was beaming. She was going to do so much! Travel the world. Explore the depths of every hidden secret on Earth. Try different types of foods. See new people and learn new languages. Oh, who cared! It didn't matter where she went or what she did. She was free! She was-

"If you promise to stay within the city limits, it is only fair."

-stuck in Townsville.

Blossom sighed. "Yes, Auntie." Well, it was better than nothing.

"Now, Bunny dear, this friend of yours, whom is it?"

The brunette grinned.

…***…

"You sure this is safe?" asked Blossom for the nth time within the two-hours. She sat in Bunny's car, wiggling in the passenger seat. That entire morning, Blossom had spent her time with the family, while eagerly waiting for this friend of Bunny's to give the okay to stop by. All that time, as Blossom sat in the Utionum's house, she had wanted to leave and now that the time was here, she wasn't sure anymore.

Blossom had a habit on being shy around new people and the fact she was on her way to meet someone whom she didn't even know made it worse. Though, it could also be the fact that her cousins – Boomer included, who insisted that he had to make sure his sisters and cousin (Blossom begs to differ) were safe – wouldn't tell her where it was that they were going. Why couldn't one of them just tell her? The redhead sighed. She hated surprises. They never ended well.

"I'm starting to have second thoughts about this idea." Blossom grumbled, looking out the window where buildings appeared to zoom by. "I think I would rather face my father's wrath than continue off on this futile plan of yours, Bunny."

The brunette scoffed, mocking the proclaimed leader since their childhood. "Really? Come on, Bloss. What happen to my cousin that had a taste for adventure?" Bunny turned a corner, smirking with amusement. "You know, I have another friend that you would get along with, but I think seeing that both, you and her, are big-headed, there will be future fights to come."

Blossom gasped and glared at Bunny. "I am not egotistical!"

"Awes, Blossy, take a chill pill. Buns is just kidding." Robin cooed, shaking the pink-clad female from the backseat. "This is exciting, yes? This is a new chapter in your unwritten book. Just think about it! You can do anything that your dad didn't want you to do. Like, um…um…" she snaps her fingers trying to think of something. "Aha, like combing your hair with a dinglehooper!"

"Oi! Bun-Bun, transfer, please. Trying to understand this scatter-brain bird is giving me an awful headache." Boomer grumbled while massaging his temples.

"Basically, Robin told her that Blossom should comb her hair with a fork." Purple eyes glanced in the review mirror to see Boomer's expression. "Don't ask. I swear Mom dropped her on the head when Robin was a baby. And, don't call me 'Bun-Bun'."

"You two are just jelly of my awesomeness." Robin sat back in her seat, arms crossed. No one understood her. No one appreciated her greatness.

Blossom sighed as she twirled her hair. She could do this. It was just like they said; she had to think of this as an adventure. Yeah, an adventure and in this adventure she would run into the boy she met all those years ago. They will fall in love, marry, and live happily ever after. She snorted at the childish thought. That likelihood of that happening was as close as her father letting her go. Besides, it has been years since she last saw that boy. Almost ten years. There was no way he would remember her.

"Hey, new cousin, we're here."

Her nose crunched. "We are not cousins."

Boomer grinned childishly. "Sure, we are! Bun-Bun's and Robby's parents took me in. Hence, cousins."

"Whatever."

Blossom stepped out of the car and saw her new home. An American version of a Victorian house and her stomach dropped. She was hoping for a simple looking house. Not a house that was similar to hers but at least her home had a more lively feeling to it. She wrapped her arms around her as a chill went down her back. This new home of hers had an unwelcome feeling to it and the dark, dreary colors of the possibly three-story house just added to her discomfort.

God, she felt like she was staring at a haunted house. The garden was terrible, so dead, so uninviting. Even the statues had a creepy feel to them. What saneperson would put gargoyles in their garden? Dear Lord, whom was her cousin leaving her with?

"Scared?" Pink eyes narrowed as she pushed Boomer aside and ignored his taunting smirk. The heiress was not about to stoop to his level as she followed behind Bunny.

Maybe the inside was better, she thought, maybe the outside only looked this way to keep people from wanting to come.

With a brighter thought, Blossom smiled as she walked towards the awaiting home.

…***…

She was wrong.

She was so terribly, terribly wrong.

How it was possible, she didn't know, but the inside was far worse than the outside.

It was so dark. The lights were barely dim enough for Blossom to see her own two hands. Her cousins – minus Boomer – where crazy! They were absolutely mad! How did this house qualify as a safe house? It was everything but safe! She gripped her suitcase handle even tighter as she brought it closer to her body.

Deep breaths, Blossom. Deep breaths. She thought to herself. Just because the house is uninviting, does not essentially mean the home owner is. Remember, there is more than meets the eye. You can do this. It's an adventure. Think of the positive, Daddy won't know where you are and once you're situated, you will somehow find a way to tell your brothers. Yeah, positive thinking!

With a boost of new-found courage, Blossom made her way towards Bunny.

"Blossom," Bunny pulled Blossom by the arm once the redhead was within arms distance. "This is my very good friend, Brick. You'll be staying here with him."

Red eyes met pink.

Blossom studied him. He was tall, slightly built with red, almost dark, hair that fall to his shoulders in an untamed mane. She would classify him attractive, but the glare he gave her kept her from that thought. He looked at Blossom like she shouldn't be here. As if, her very presence was a nuisance and the very thought of hiding her was nothing but trouble. How was Bunny friends with him?

Still, there was something very familiar about this Brick fellow but Blossom couldn't put her finger on it. Has she met him before, perhaps?

"Brick, this is my cousin, Blossom. I'm entrusting you'll treat her well." Bunny through an arm around Blossom. "She is like the sister I never had."

"Hey!"

Bunny rolled her eyes. "Older sister I never had," the purple girl added for Robin. "And, this is Boomer, my brother. He'll be helping out because Blossy here has a habit for sneaking out. So, he'll be keeping watch from the outside if she tries to wonder off."

Blossom was flabbergasted as she watched the two men briefly shake hands. Did Bunny not trust her? "I'll be over later to discuss over the details pertaining to the runaway princess." Boomer stated, smirking slightly as Blossom gasped at his insult.

"Well, we should get going. Bye, Bloss! Bye, Brick!" The purple-clad brunette waved, pulling Robin and Boomer out the door with a satisfied grin on her face.

…***…

The sooner we leave the two redheads alone, the sooner the two would fall in love and live happily ever after; one couple down and two more to go, Bunny thought smugly as she practically skipped ahead of Robin and Boomer and towards her car. She was beaming with joy as she marveled over her greatness.

"I know what you are doing, sis, and I don't think it's a good idea." With a yelp, Bunny skidded to a halt. When did her sister pass her? Robin was leaning on Bunny's car, waiting for Bunny to unlock it.

Pulling her keys out of her pocket, Bunny went to the driver side. "Of course, it is! Didn't you see the way they looked at each other? It's true love I tell you!"

"I don't know." Robin was skeptical. She was sure she was in the same room. The two redheads didn't seem to like each other. Robin sighed. These were the moments Robin worried about her older, and sometimes, childlike sister. "I just think you're messing with fire."

"Do I take it you don't want to help? I have four more people in mind." Bunny innocently asked.

Robin smirked. "I'll help. Someone needs to keep you in check. Who's next?"

Bunny opened her mouth but shout it when she saw Boomer and opened her car door. "I'll tell you later." Robin only nodded and followed Bunny inside the car. Purple eyes sparkled as she eyed the blue thief through the review mirror.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" Boomer asked as he ran a hand over his face to wipe off whatever Bunny was staring at.

"Nope." She sang, starting the engine. "Just happy."

Operation Red was a go and now it was time to start Operation Blue.

…***…

Blossom watched as her cousin rushed everyone out. She was up to something, that much Blossom knew, but she didn't know what Bunny was up to. Either way, there was no point in just standing around, even if Brick scared her. Putting on her best smile, Blossom turned to Brick.

She almost jumped. He was staring at her, partially watching her every move. It wouldn't have bothered her if it wasn't for his eyes. Those bright, slightly dark, red eyes didn't bother her the slightest. No, it was how he was gazing at her. He wasn't even gazing, it was more of a glare. He stared like her presence on being here was the worst thing. Never in her life had Blossom felt so hated. She averted her eyes, no longer able to hold his glare.

"May you show me where I will be staying, please?"

Brick didn't move. He didn't even make a sign that he had heard her. He just kept staring… and it was beginning to annoy her. And, like anything that annoyed Blossom, her temper got the better of her. "Could you stop staring?" she demanded. Her free hand clenched tight.

He blinked, a half smirk barely visible on his face. At least she got some reaction out of him.

"Let's get something straight. You're a guest. Don't think of this as your home. There are two rules you will obey." Blossom clenched her teeth at the way he sneers the word 'obey.' "One, what I say, goes. Two, stay out of my room and study. Do not disobey me."

Pink eyes narrowed. If he thought he could intimate her again, he was sorely mistaken. Blossom did not just risk her neck, and possibly her brothers, for some beastly man to bully her. To hell with the fact that he seemed so familiar to her! This may not be her home, she'll give him that, but his rudeness towards her was unforgivable. She had done nothing wrong to deserve it and she wasn't going to stand for it.

"You have no right to speak to me in such a manner!"

Brick was in her face in mere seconds. "I can speak to you in any way I please, Pinky. This is my damn house and I will not tolerate any disrespect under myroof!"

Up close, Blossom noticed how small she really was to him. Her head didn't even glaze his chin, but that didn't stop her from glaring back and speaking with venom back at him. "Then you better start earning it. Because, unless you forgotten, Bunny left me under your care and if anything happens to me, it'll be your head."

Her words did nothing but infuriate Brick more to the point he bared his teeth at her. Red and pink eyes locked eyes with a hateful glare, daring the other to look away. It was a battle for dominance and neither was backing down.

"Master Brick," both looked at the intruding voice to see an older, pulped woman with graying hair pulled back in a bun.

"WHAT!" Brick snapped.

The woman gently smiled making her way towards them. "You have a call. If I may, I would gladly show the young lady to her room."

"Very well." Brick stepped back, turning away from them both. "See that you do." He was gone.

The elderly woman touched Blossom's arm. "Don't mind him, dreary. He's actually charming once you get to know him better."

"I doubt that." Blossom eyes lingering on the empty spot that the inferring man left a horrible and bitter taste in her mouth. To think, she had to spend her days here with him. Huffing, Blossom looked away and stared at the new person. "I'm Blossom."

"A pleasure, dear. I'm Mrs. Potts. Come a long, dreary, let's get you settled in. We have things to do and if there is time, I'll show you around and introduce you to the rest of the staff.

Blossom smiled her first smile there. She liked this woman and followed her down the hall.

…***…

The room wasn't what Blossom had expected. She had assumed it would be grand, full with useless knickknacks. But, this room was simple, smaller, and she loved every inch of it. From the simple white walls and pink trimmings to the plain blue-tint tiles. The bed was only a twin size with blue comforter and soft green pillows. Some dressers where randomly placed and a full-length mirror was next to the closest. Blossom even had her own bathroom.

But, if she had to pick her favorite part of her new room, it would be the balcony.

Blossom placed her hands on the blackish bars with a soft smile. She had a wonderful view of the town's park. This was her first time seeing a park in person other than from pictures or shows she saw on the television.

"Is everything to your liking, Miss Blossom?" asked Mrs. Potts. She was unpacking and putting away the few things that Blossom had brought.

"It's wonderful and please call me 'Blossom'." The heiress turned away from the view. "Please, you don't have to do that. I can manage myself."

She tried taking the clothes out of Mrs. Potts hands but the old woman declined. "That's sweet of you, Blossom, but this is my job. Now, why don't you just relax on the bed, dearie. Go on, try it out." Mrs. Potts ushered Blossom to sit on the bed. "I made sure everything was simple but tasteful. Master Brick called me late last night to fix up one of the guest rooms. It took me all day to get it right for a young lady. Chip, he's my son, helped me as well, but he is out with his friends. And don't worry, you're secret is safe within these walls."

"Oh, so you know who I am?" Blossom blushed, embarrassed to have been discovered.

"Why yes. Pink eyes are not common. Now, if I may, I was thinking about a little makeover. That way, you can get out and explore the town. You can even visit my son and me."

"You don't live here?"

The woman laughed. "Heavens no. None of the staff does. We work from six in the morning to nine at night everyday, but Sundays and holidays."

Blossom wasn't pleased to hear she would be alone with Brick during the nights and Sundays. He made it clear he didn't want her here. It would be awkward when they ran into each other. Maybe Blossom could leave Sunday mornings and return late in the evenings.

"I was thinking, we can cut your hair."

"My hair?" Blossom reached for it.

"Yes. No one in town has long hair like you. I'll even add some highlights to bring out that gorgeous hair color."

Her hair? Blossom twirled some around her finger. Never had she cut her hair. Just the occasional trims that kept her hair from getting too long. She looked in the mirror across from her bed. Her hair draping over the bed, inches from touching the floor. It was rather long and cutting it would help, but she loved her hair. Loved the length. How could she cut it? Besides, Daddy always told her she couldn't cut it.

She stopped her thoughts. Her father wasn't here. He had no say. What better way than to show him she was her own woman than by cutting her hair? Blossom smiled.

"Yes. Let's do that. Can we start?"

"I'll be delighted. And, I have an idea for your eyes." Mrs. Potts lead Blossom to the bathroom.

Two hours later, Blossom was admiring her new look. Her hair now stopped a few inches under her shoulder blades. There were a few strands bleached, bringing out her hair color. Lean hands touched the mirror. It was hard to believe it was really her. She looked so different now. Even her eyes. Mrs. Potts gave her a pair of cornflower blue contacts that gave the illusion that her pink hue was part of the eye color.

"Well, I best be going. I'll see you in the morning. Good night, dearie." Mrs. Potts was gone before Blossom could say anything.

Well, Blossom, welcome to your new world, she thought with glee.

She couldn't wait for tomorrow. Her stomach growled. She had forgotten about dinner. Well, she never did get a tour of the house.

Time to explore.

The reborn woman opened her door and there stood Brick. A first raised to knock, the other holding a plate with a sandwich. They blinked, not knowing what to say. The feelings Blossom felt hours before towards him seemed to have vanish without a trace.

What if Brick didn't like her new look? What would he say? She shook her head. Why did she even think that?

"Yes?"

He shoved the plate in her hands. "You missed dinner. Thought you might be hungry. I…I would had made you something else, but I…uh…don't know how to cook." His confession left a soft pink hue on his cheeks that Blossom couldn't help but find…adorable?

"Thank you."

"Boomer came by. We talked and agreed that when you leave the house, you must be escorted by him, one of his men, or me. Those are the terms. Other than that, you must stay within these walls."

She didn't like knowing that she couldn't leave the house alone.

Alone.

For the first time, Blossom was alone. No father or her brothers. No servants at her every call. If left such a fearful feeling inside. She was away from her family with no contact. What has she done? This wasn't what she wanted. To leave her home, yes. But, to never speak to her family wasn't. This whole thing was selfish of her. What would happen when her dad found her gone?

"Hey…are you okay?"

Blossom blinked. Feeling the tears drop. She hadn't realized she was crying. She tried to wipe them but it wouldn't stop. Brick just stood there and Blossom wondered if he had ever seen a woman cry. He shifted awkwardly to the side, his hand twitching. Did he want to comfort her?

Blossom felt his hand hovering over her head, as if, he was going to gently pat her. It wasn't what she was used to, but she just needed comfort. Anything would do. She waited for the touch, but nothing happened. She looked up and her eyes met his.

"You got what you wanted. Why the water show?" He may have meant to sound concern, but his voice was cold.

"Miss my family."

He snorted. "Get over it. Grow the hell up."

This man was insensitive! "How can you say such a thing? Something so cold?" Hands clenched, Blossom leered. Sad to mad in seconds. "That's my family!"

"Well, should have thought of that sooner!" Brick shouted back. He looked from Blossom to the plate in her hand, snatching it back. "Now you can have another reason to cry!" With his other hand, he slammed Blossom's door shut. Leaving her alone and hungry.

Blossom screeched. Her mind running a mile per minute. She couldn't think and yelled the first word that came to mind. "Asshole!"

With that, Blossom flung herself on her bed and cried herself to sleep.

…***…

Brick leaned against the wall, eyes downcast at her insult. He didn't mean to act out. He really did try to make an amends by giving her a peace-offering. His eyes stared at the plate. He put a lot of effort on trying to apologize. Dammit! Why in the hell did she have to cry? He didn't how to handle tears! This was her fault, not his.

"I told you, boss, that the sandwich wouldn't work." A tall, thin man appears behind Brick. His brown hair tied back while brown eyes looks at Brick with sympathy. His deep French accent echoes the empty halls. "A simple sandwich is not the answer to a woman's heart."

Brick sighed. "Lumiere, I was only trying to apologize for early today."

"Aw, yes, Mrs. Potts told me how your standoff with the young lady. I must say, for a woman to stand up to you like she did, it must have made you flustered, no?" Lumiere took the sandwich off the plate. "Still, this was no way to apologize to the girl. You must remember, she left her family for whatever the reason is and is now coming to terms with her actions."

Brick pushed off the wall. "Her actions are not my concerns. I have my own to worry about."

He walked away from Blossom's door, leaving Lumiere alone.

Lumiere smiled at his boss' retreating back, eating the unoffered meal. He chuckled to himself. Who knows, this girl might have a bigger connection to you than you think, Brick.

Hey, everyone. I know it's been well over a year since I last updated, and I am so sorry for that. I hope that this chapter makes up for the lack of updating. But, I want to thank everyone you how as still been reviewing, favoring, and following this story. It means a lot to me.

I hope to have the next update soon along with the updates to my other stories.