Blossom was sure it was all an act. After the Professor introduced Brick to everyone, they spent the next few weeks getting him adjusted. While he still had smart comments here and there, he was actually pretty helpful. Despite what the Professor said about handing over her projects, Brick had pulled her aside, explaining he didn't mind letting things stay as they were. Instead, they'd been partners, working on the gene therapy project together and making serious progress. It was…nice. She also felt the tension leaving her shoulders with each passing day.
She made it to her desk with a slight slump to her shoulders, feeling her stress mounting. She couldn't remember if she had set out all the supplies they would need for today's tests, and she knew none of her team members would've checked.
"Did anyone set out the supplies for today's tests? Where are the rats?" Her coworkers glanced at each other, shrugging. They were used to letting Blossom set everything up, so they'd gotten lazy with the preparations. Blossom fought the frustration wanting to bubble to the surface. She was tired of having to do everything.
"They're in the back. I thought that'd be better, since there's more room back there, and we can control the environment in one of the rooms." Blossom glanced up, her hands unclenching as Brick walked in, his hands carrying a granola bar and a medium sized Frappuccino. Wordlessly, he handed both to her. Blossom blinked, touched, as he continued to the back to change into his lab coat. She didn't realize she was hungry until that moment, practically inhaling the granola bar.
"Thank you…" Brick flashed her a grin, turning to go into one of the back rooms they kept temperature controlled. Blossom rose to follow him, the tension leaving her shoulders as she sipped her drink. She was still wary of him, but she couldn't deny how he'd been making her life less stressful.
"I see you're still holding your feelings in Pinky. That's not healthy." He tsk'd as he shook his head, scolding her. Blossom felt defensive as she moved to throw the empty cup away.
"I'm not holding anything in. It would just be nice if I didn't have to always do everything. I mean, what were they doing before I got here?" He shrugged, gently picking up a rat and injecting it with the needle in his hand.
"Does it matter? It'll be whatever they do after you move on. Besides, you have me now." Her breath stuttered in her chest at the confident way he'd declared that. It was true that she didn't mind relying on him more and more each day, but…
"I mean, you're helpful. But it's not like I'll have you forever." She had turned toward her notebook on the table, jotting down her observations. She wasn't expecting Brick to gently grab her chin, turning her to face him. His eyes bore into hers with an intensity that left her breathless, and his other hand came up to wrap around her waist, erasing the space between them.
"Why not?" Blossom was at a loss for words as they continued to stare at each other. It wasn't until they heard a squeak that Brick moved away from her, turning back to observe the rat moving more vigorously now. Blossom's cheeks flamed as she worked to focus back on what they were doing, and how the way he'd looked at her had made her ask that same question.
Buttercup didn't believe in coincidences. So when Butch popped up outside the library for the third week in a row, she knew something was up. She'd even varied the time and day she went, but she still ran into the man.
"Are you stalking me?" Butch grinned wide as he fell into step with her, producing flowers from behind his back and handing them to her.
"Yes." Buttercup sputtered out a laugh, not expecting him to admit it. She wouldn't admit that she liked the idea of that, or that the flowers he'd just handed to her had instantly brightened her day.
"Why? Don't you have something better to do than waste your time like that?" He peered down at her, frowning as he held the door for her.
"Nothing concerning you could ever be a waste." Buttercup's ears grew hot. She wasn't sure how to handle someone so direct and intentional in their pursuit of her, which is why she'd tried to avoid him. But she could admit to herself that she was pleased that hadn't deterred him. She turned her face away and into the flowers, her ears still burning.
"Whatever." The basement had become their unofficial hang out spot. Buttercup would study while Butch would nap, but it was comfortable. Buttercup finished early today, nudging Butch.
"Hey, I'm headed out." Butch glanced her way, his gaze still heavy from sleep.
"You're leaving?" Buttercup nodded, fighting the urge to pet him. He looked so cute still half asleep.
"Is your hair as soft as it looks?" Yeah, so I'll see you on Monday at our usual time? Both of them froze as they registered what she said. Buttercup wished the ground would swallow her right that moment, but Butch was leaning forward, his head tilted toward her.
"Why don't you find out?" She didn't realize her hand was outstretched until it was buried in his strands, gently gliding through it. Once she started touching his hair, she couldn't stop, marveling at how soft it was. Butch closed his eyes, content, as he shifted to give her better access. Buttercup had moved closer so she could sink both hands in his raven locks, ending up between his legs. She didn't notice until his large hands gripped her waist, holding her there. She jumped at the contact, her hands freezing.
"Oh…um…" Butch hummed, but didn't remove his hands. Buttercup was debating whether she wanted him to or not. His hands were warm and rubbing small circles into her hips. His touch was soothing, and felt so natural, like it'd always been meant for her body. Her hands involuntarily tightened in his hair, causing Butch to groan. He pulled her forward even more, looking up at her. His eyes were piercing, and momentarily flashed golden, but she was sure that was just a trick of the light.
"Don't start something you aren't ready for Buttercup." She blinked, entranced, as they locked eyes. She wasn't sure what made him so different. She usually wouldn't get so attached to someone so quickly, but there was something about Butch that drew her in. She didn't even mind how close they currently were, she only knew she liked how he always looked at her.
"I'm not starting anything." Butch hummed again, his hands lifting to gently remove hers from his hair.
"You won't be able to deny it next time." He gathered her things and shook his head when she tried to take her bag from him, gesturing towards the elevators.
"I think we should go. Unless you want to do something more intensive than studying." He wiggled his brows suggestively, causing her to snort and make her way to the exit.
"In you dreams." They made it to the entrance of the library before he handed her back her bag, watching her descend down the stairs before he followed, his eyes alert for any signs of trouble.
"Every night, beautiful."