Blossom flew through the sky with a speed just shy of rotating the earth. "Pinky", "Text me." Could he be any more unprofessional? Truthfully, she was glad that she got through her first interaction with Brick unscathed, and with her pride intact. He was just as handsome as she dreamt. His buzzed hair did work for him, and the slight wave of his beard softened his features subtly. He had broadened just a bit from age, and his eyes still bore into hers with a familiarity she wished she could forget. She could still feel the ghost of his fingers on her arm. She shook the feeling from her mind just as she landed at her front door. She failed to notice Bubbles' car in the driveway.
"How'd it go?" Bubbles instantly yelled from the couch with Bishop curled up on her lap. That child could sleep through an earthquake.
"It went well," I began hanging my purse on the coat rack and plopping next to Bubs. "We got the Centennial. Also, we have to go to the Mayor's Pickle Ball when he reschedules it. He wants to see the boys."
"Bloss, I don't care about the venue we all knew you would get it when you said you were taking Brick. How did that go?" She inquired with knowing eyes.
Blossom let out a sigh and rolled her eyes at the rising tension in her forehead. She spent the flight home thinking about it and every moment before the meeting worrying over it. Could they not talk about anything else? Knowing Bubbles, she'd respect not wanting to talk about it, but it was good to keep her in the loop. You know, just in case.
"He was late, he did all the talking and I really felt like an assistant. I used to be someone who had an assistant, so being his is really…" I scrunched my nose and furrowed my brows. "Different. He's the boss? I don't know, it felt a little weird. But nothing crazy happened. We had the meeting, we walked out of the building, I told him I was going to get to work on the rest of the wedding plans, and he said to text him."
"Text him?" Bubs said letting the last of my statement pique her interest. "Not email?"
"That's what I said! I said email, but he said to just text him. Then he called me Pinky, like ughhh, he could've at least tried to be profess-"
"He brought out the nickname?" Bubbles interrupted letting her amusement creep onto her face.
"Yes!" I exasperated, "I immediately corrected him and told him to call me Blossom, we are professionals with boundaries-"
"Professionals that are exes that have to establish boundaries," Bubs interjected again.
"Exactly, a perfectly professional working experience," Blossom concluded with a huff. I guess I did need to get that off my chest.
"Soooo," Bubbles began waggling her eyebrows, "if this is completely professional, why did you have to establish that boundary in the first place?"
Blossom blinked a few times but quickly caught on to what her sister was insinuating. No, Brick has always called her Pinky. It's simply an old habit. Even if there was still something between them she had taken that route with him before and it led her exactly where she was now. Broke, insecure, and borderline homeless. She would not lose herself in Brick or his absence again. This assistant role is a stepping stone to the new her and the proximity to him is just a coincidence. There was no way in hell she was going to let Brick or any errant feelings ruin her new beginning. Never again.
Blossom steeled her features letting her cold reality solidify her vow. "Regardless of any possibilities," she seethed. "He and I are done. I won't do that to myself again."
Bubbles appeared to shrink a bit in her seat but nodded understandingly in acceptance. "I'm proud of you," she said softly.
Blossom swallowed the lump of emotions in her throat that she didn't realize would surface from her declaration. She realized that after all this time, she still held a little bit of hope for them. For him to turn around and be the person she saw in him, for her. For their future. Now to see him and the future he has, the one he built on his own without her, she wanted nothing to do with it. She wanted her light far from his, and the darkness he had once brought to her. They were done. It's what's best for her.
"I'm gonna head upstairs and get started on the plans," Blossom told Bubbles. "You know any caterers?"
"Ouu, use Robin! She was in the culinary program at Townsville U. She and BC had an elective together and she helped her perfect her tiramisu. Plus, she can keep a secret."
"Thanks, Bubs, you're a genius!" I said flying up the stairs.
"Am I smart enough to convince you to cook toni-"
"FEND FOR YOURSELVES!" I yelled from my room, opening my laptop to find Robin's catering company.
The professor thundered up the stairs from his lab with Baron attached to his leg. "Chinese?"
Robin quickly agreed to cater the wedding and has already had experience working with The Centennial. Apparently, she was the mayor's caterer for his event so she doesn't have to move anything around to accommodate. It feels like everything is beginning to fall into place. Decorations will be a part of Brick's team. There is a particular look that is being curated for the campaign, and they don't want anything to overpower the designs. All that's left is getting fitted, invitations (also a Brick team thing but mostly for security clearance), music, and the wedding party. BC and Princess want to do their bachelorette together. With everything else out of the way, she could focus on that dreaded speech.
Blossom checked the time and decided it wasn't too late for an email.
SUBJECT: WEDDING DETAILS
Hello Buttercup,
The venue is secured at The Centennial and the
caterer is Risen Robin. Please see her website linked
below to review her options, but she is willing to book
a consultation for any customizations. Please also review
her cake options, and decide if you would like to order
a tasting box or have an in-person tasting. She will need
a number for serving so please provide your guest list
in response to this email for invitations. Brick, please
inform me as to when the invites are cleared to be sent
out. Lastly, please decide if you would like a band or DJ
for the wedding, and determine what day you'd like your
bachelorette. Brick, if your team intends to be involved in
the party for the campaign, please let me know.
Thank you for your time,
Blossom Utonium:
Wedding Assistant
Blossom hit send and shut her laptop for the night. She felt pleased with what she was going to be able to accomplish in the next 48 hours. She already had a design in mind for the invites. To be eco-conscious they were sending them out digitally, plus they could encrypt the invitations. The sooner everyone was able to respond to her the better. No sooner than she finished her thought, her phone let up with a notification.
DONOTCALL/ANSWER: I thought I told you to text
Brick's name had gone through a series of titles before she finally settled on this and never looked back after deleting all of their messages. Seeing that lone blue message at the top of her screen felt like she was resurrecting the dead. She quickly changed his name to his professional title and wrote a quick response.
I thought I'd never have to see you again. (delete)
I had to address you and BC and include the link. Email was best.
Brick J. Designer: still could've texted this. You're so formal.
I'm a professional. Speaking of, do you have information about the invites and party?
BJD: I can find out. When can I have you for a fitting?
When will the dress be ready?
Blossom watched the dots appear and disappear until she just decided to occupy her time elsewhere. She could feel that familiar flutter in her chest when communicating with him. She couldn't afford whatever little remnants of hope in her heart deter her from her mission. Do a good job, reinvent yourself, and stay away from things that aren't good for you. Specifically, Brick Jojo. She couldn't wait to bury him again just as she had done the last time. Brick by brick let the dead rest.
I should write that down.
Blossom opened her notes app and let her mind flow where the thought left off.
Brick by brick let the dead rest,
Beware your skeletons in the catacombs
Souls of the damned buried their sins
In a past that chills to the bone
In Paris, the darkness seeps in
No light on the path to the unknown
Brick by brick let the dead rest
Tread carefully past your skeletons
Blossom cringed internally at the macabre nursery rhyme-esque prose. Yes, she considered Brick a skeleton but she didn't think her imagination would take her to the grim history of the city of love. Fitting, but still… that's a lot more rhyme than she's used to. She starred it in her notes to possibly rewrite later.
BJD: I should have it done Friday before we have to be at the Centennial.
bffr (delete)
That's cutting it close don't you think? The event manager needs us to be punctual, alterations could take a while
BJD: Do you not have any faith in my skills? I'd like to think I know your body well.
Used to you fucking asshole. Arrogant piece of shit stop talking to me like (delete)
I'm sure your skills are adequate to be granted this position. I'm simply concerned about being on time.
BJD: I have work up until 4 but if you come after that we should be finished in time.
You can do everything you need to in 2 hrs?
BJD: I can be finished with you in 15min, but I like to take my time.
Blossom clenched her jaw and tried to control her ragged breathing before she bolted out her bedroom window to give him a piece of her mind. She could read the blatant double entendres in his words and tried not to let her mind wander back to every time he requested 15 minutes from her in their past relationship. Brick did know how to make quick work, but he definitely preferred to take his time with her.
I'll be at the studio at 4:30.
She quickly put her phone on DND and locked it. Her body was tense and she was frustratingly aware that her rested mood had been ruined by Brick's antics. He always knew how to get under her skin. Whatever she would request he would do the opposite to get a rise out of her. Sometimes he was right, most times he was being a prick. I can't believe how long I put up with his shit. The dick was amazing. Shit, the dick was…
Blossom slapped her face rapidly in an attempt to rid the memory from her mind. Her body was already reacting to the distant but never forgotten stimulation and she crossed her legs on her bed to fight the urge. It's just been a while that's all. The box of her old toys had collected dust over the years. When she said she had lost all passion, it was honestly all passion. Now when she had finally decided to swear off her ex and better direct her focus her body chose to reignite. Blossom clutched her bedsheets and let out a shaky laugh of disbelief.
"Un-fucking-believable," she breathed to the ceiling.
She launched out of bed and flew to the bathroom. Nothing like a cold shower to keep her from breaking her dry spell. She stripped in a flash and turned the shower on not bothering to adjust the temperature. The cold water hit her pert nipples and she had to bite back a moan when a flash of memory came to her. She remembered when Brick had asked her to freeze his fingertips before he rolled his digits over the peak then let his hand drift lower, and lower melting the ice along the way to her…
"Fuck," she breathed bracing against the shower wall.
This was unbearable. Torture, really. Since when had she become so prideful to deny herself pleasure? Since when did she allow Brick to control her when he wasn't even hers? Who gives a fuck if he was the one to turn her on? He doesn't have to know, and he'll never get the chance to touch her. Fuck it.
Blossom put the shower on the highest temperature before plummeting to the floor. The hot water would've scaled her body if it wasn't for her ice powers. She spread her legs and let the water jet beat against her sensitive core. One hand shot to her nipple and her dominant plunged her middle and ring finger inside. She groaned against the tiles letting her fingers stretch her out. No dry spell would keep her from wanting it rough and full.
God, he used to fuck her so good. He'd let his hand entangle itself in her hair while he pinned her body against the headboard. He'd tell her she wasn't allowed to scream until she finished and bite her bottom lip if she let any sound slip. He dug his hands into her hips slamming her against him with every thrust while whispering sweet nothings to her like she was everything he wanted. She could never get enough of him.
Her walls clamped around her fingers as she gasped through her climax. She rapidly flicked her thumb against her sensitive clit letting the smaller orgasm chase the first down the drain. It was still nothing compared to what they had. She shakily got up turned the water back to cold, and grabbed the soap. She tried to scrub the memory of him off of her body and out of her mind. She gave into temptation and she was ashamed. Out of all the fantasies she ran back to Brick in a heartbeat. Clearly, she wasn't over being under him.
She exited the shower now physically and mentally exhausted from the night. After her crucial bathroom break, she donned a tank top and loose shorts, forgoing underwear for her health. Her body aches began to set in as she pulled back the sheets and plopped into bed. Without another thought her head hit the pillow and sleep found her effortlessly.
She awoke to the sounds of rummaging in the kitchen. The professor would sometimes wake up in the middle of the night a little distraught looking for a late-night snack. He'd be jittery, and though tests showed that it wasn't diabetes, it was likely just a side effect of chemical X. She'd have him sit at the table and fix him her famous ramen noodles. (There was nothing special about them she just added butter, soy sauce, a squeeze of lemon, cayenne, and chili powder.) It was going to be one of those nights until she heard the door close. That's unusual.
Blossom treaded carefully down the stairs unsure if the sound was the professor or an intruder. Worst house on the block to break into, really. She reached the bottom of the stairs with her body humming with power and spotted Brick with his head down braced against the counter.
His crumpled shirt was untucked and mostly unbuttoned, his belt was completely undone and his barely zipped pants hung at an angle around his hips. The subtle waves in his fade were sticking up at odd angles. He was a mess and by his stance, she could tell he was tense.
"Brick?" she inquired softly.
At the sound of her voice, his head shot up revealing his solemn eyes and swollen lips. He scrunched his brows and let his eyes dance between hers and the front door. Realization set in and he straightened his back and ran a hand down his face with a sigh.
"You need to leave," his deep voice revered across the room.
Blossom was taken aback before scoffing and making her way to him in the kitchen. "I need to leave? This is my house, what are you doing here?" She sneered.
"Red, I really can't do this with you right now," Brick began before Blossom interrupted.
"Who the fuck did you have in here? I heard the door shut, and you look thoroughly fucked. Where do you get off slutting up in my house?" She eyed him up and down.
"The kitchen obviously," he jabbed, "again, you need to leave before she comes back."
"Who the fuck is she?" Blossom was feeling her temperature rising. Her ex is in her house in the middle of the night fucking some random bitch hours after she masturbated to the thought of him. The universe must love playing sick jokes on her.
"She's you!" Brick exploded. "She is you, and immediately after you pushed me away and ran out the door before I could even say anything! Now leave before you come back and explode the whole space-time continuum or whatever the fuck! Just—"
Blossom watched Brick squeeze his eyes shut and take in a shaky breath before biting his bottom lip.
"When is this?" She felt herself asking.
"We're two weeks before the wedding," he nearly whispered not looking at her.
It's the first time she's allowed herself to recognize that this is a new power. She is time-traveling, or astral projecting? She's not too sure yet, but it happens when she dreams. Very special dreams. In this moment, she is being granted the gift of foresight. She had been doing her best to keep Brick at arm's length, but at some point down the line she failed and it led them to where they are now. Her, running away from her own home and him, disheveled in her kitchen abandoned. She didn't want this for either of them.
She doesn't know what moved her to do so, but she cautiously wrapped her arms around Brick's torso and rested her head against his chest. His embrace was warm and he rubbed his arms against the small of her back. It was nostalgic and forbidden. Such a shame that something could feel so right even though they both know how it ends. He rested his head against the top of hers and she felt him breathe in her scent. She stepped away slightly peering into his longing gaze before she brought her lips to his in a tender kiss. It was an apology, it was understanding, it was goodbye. When the kiss ended, she stepped further away and let his hands slide past her arms loosely hanging onto her fingertips.
"I won't put us through this again," she promised.
Blossom flew up the stairs before Brick could tighten his grip and she awoke with the ghost of him on her lips.
Hey, long time no write!
This chapter had a lot of themes of denying and longing. Blossom is clearly on her healing journey. This is the first time Dream Blossom has jumped to the future, so this new power is nonlinear. Let's see how well Blossom can keep her promise. Also, did you notice the new nickname? Blossom didn't ;)
Thanks for reading!