The two got ready in what appeared to be Brick's bathroom. Red walls and grey adornments covered the counters, which were completely devoid of day-to-day items such as toothbrushes, towels, or soap. Luckily, they left rolls of toilet paper stored under the sink.
Princess let her curly hair loose and fluffed the roots to make it bigger. With her hair on display, she opted for a deep smokey eye, dark lip liner, and pinkish gloss. She kept her skin mostly clear of makeup except for some blush, light contour, and highlight. The team decided on crimson satin pajamas with black trim. Her black lace bra just barely peeked out over the buttons. She finished the look with thigh-high strappy heels and light-mixed jewelry.
"Like you just rolled out of bed," Kamari noted when Princess finished in the mirror. "But in the movies."
The birthday girl got to wear a lace nightgown and robe instead of the two-piece ensemble. She left her long braids down and opted for gold and diamond jewelry to reflect her movements since she was so high up for her performance. She also did thigh-high strappy heels, but her makeup was light winged liner with a sultry red lip. She finished with a dusting of gold body oil.
"You look like you're trynna get into bed to make a movie!" Princess joked snagging a bit of oil from her to put on her chest.
"Hmm, we'll see where the night takes us." She shook her shoulders in the mirror with a coy grin. "We need pictures."
"It's always the pics in bathroom mirrors for you," Princess rolled her eyes and struck a pose next to Kamari while she held the angle. "Not too high, I hate looking like a bobblehead."
"With all that hair, it's kind of inevitable, Prin," she joked, and Princess pinched her arm.
Kamari tickled her back and then grabbed her best friend's hand. "C'mon, our Trulys are empty and we probably have to pull Mitch off of Al. Those satin pants won't hide shit."
They entered the main area of the party again now nearly in full swing with all bandmates and dance members accounted for. Mitch was just where Mari expected him to be. Glued to Al's lips, no shirt, and low-hanging satin pants that left nothing to the imagination. She fought back a grimace. Kamari started in their direction to keep him from staining his pants before the show, but Princess caught Opal and Adriana sipping punch out of the corner of her eye.
"I'll catch up with you in a minute," she squeezed then released her best friend's hand.
Tonight would be a good night to get some level with the girls. They had each other, but Princess wanted them to know that they had her as well. Plus, she wanted Adriana to know that her loyalty did not go unnoticed. Adriana looked amazing with her long wavy hair pulled back in a half-up, half-down bun and black honey lip. She was never one for too much makeup or flair, but tonight, she had on an interesting array of jewelry. Diamonds even. Opal was fair with striking features. She had a platinum blonde buzz fro with a multitude of ear piercings and a diamond stud for the nose. She kept her lashes done, which drew attention to her hazel-green eyes. Tonight, she colored her blonde brows red for the occasion, and the two styled their pajamas in the same way. Their button-down tops were knotted tight, with simple lace-up dance heels on their feet.
"You girls look stunning," Princess honestly greeted whilst serving herself some punch. "Anyone spike this yet?"
"Uh, no… not that we know of yet." Adriana promptly answered. Princess caught Opal's side eye at her quick response.
"Shame," Princess shot the girls a wink and took a sip. "Tends to help with the jitters. Are you guys nervous? It's your first show, after all."
Princess watched Opal fidget and Adriana open and shut her mouth before deciding she could speak for herself. "Dancing and parties are pretty common in my household. This feels a bit like home to me." Adriana admitted with a smile.
"Must be nice," she heard Opal mumble into her cup.
"Hey, you're an amazing dancer," Princess placed a light hand on her elbow. "In Oaks Kingdom, next to me, we've all got each other, okay?" She glanced between the two letting the conviction seep through the current situation. Trust me.
Time for the kill. "I love your jewelry, Adriana. I see you're wearing only the best." Opal beamed and Adriana blushed.
"Thanks, Opal gifted them to me. I know your family kinda had a monopoly on them for a while…" Adriana trailed off.
"Girl, in the clerb," Princess cocked a knowing brow.
"We all fam!" All three girls chimed in together and erupted into giggles.
"Speaking of fam, will there be any other Kings or Mahones' joining tonight?" To get information you give a little. "I'm trying to get my cousin to stick around, and he might if he has friends."
Friends. Such a delicate word for their situation. "My half-brother might be circling around here somewhere," Adriana said swiveling her head around the room. It was almost sweet how green she was, Princess couldn't help but wonder if it was an act. Opal was more keen.
She cocked a brow and gave a knowing smirk, but threw the bone regardless. "My sister looks to be getting comfortable," she angled her head behind Princess's shoulder. Another fair girl of similar features and platinum locs leaned against the wall sipping the punch with distaste. "She wishes the punch was spiked too."
No name, but she at least knew what the King's tail looked like. Then Princess caught herself. Yes, there was a war on the horizon, but these were the girls she chose. The girls she saw herself in, and they weren't there for her to gather intel on the allegiances of their families. They were dancers, they were a part of her court. She wanted to give them the same feeling and opportunity she had when she made the dance company. To be free of their realities. To be normal.
"Then let's fix that," She fished a bottle of tequila out from under the protective tablecloth and shot the older King a welcoming grin. "For you!" She exclaimed, then dumped the bottle into the punch. She gave it a strong stir then poured another cup for herself and downed it. All three girls watched in awe.
"Damn, Demi, that's one way to prove it isn't poisoned," BC magically appeared to walk up to the side of Princess as she wiped the drink from her chin.
"I'm definitely Kehlani! What makes you think—" Her words got caught in her throat as she turned to look at Buttercup.
Long satin pants hung low while she let the red lace of her panties stick out over the top. Princess's eyes traveled up to her navel piercing that sported a black diamond, and her completely open long-sleeve satin shirt exposed the same lacy bralette from the speakeasy. Silver jewelry hung low right between her breasts, and her eyes got stuck there for just a moment. She traveled up to her face with blood-red lips just in the center and a sultry black liner. Her shag is done perfectly for fuckable bed-head.
Princess licked her lips and then quickly recovered. "You wore red."
BC leaned back on her heels a bit, nearly flexing her flat stomach. "You lookin at my panties?"
"You trynna show me more?" Princess shot back, then blushed. They were putting on a show, but that one was a little too direct.
BC just shot her a wicked grin.
"Oh, bitch, this is better than that video," Opal blurted, then immediately clamped a hand over her mouth.
"We're natural performers," BC interjected, smiling at Opal and pulling a curl of Princess's hair.
Princess shot Adriana a knowing wink. "Have Al and Mitch detached themselves?" She asked Buttercup.
"Mostly, but temporarily," She shrugged. "I'm here to tell you it's 9:15."
"9:15!" Princess repeated dumbly. "Is?"
"This way," Buttercup cut her off, grabbing her shoulders and steering her towards the back door.
Standing in the doorframe was Dom Louis. He wore grey flannel pants, a black beater, and a matching flannel top. "A pajama party, Prin? Seriously?"
"Bedroom Inferno," Princess shrugged then hugged her favorite cousin. "Okay we can get you upstairs and then—"
"Princess," Dom Louis began, then noticed Buttercup unmoving out of the corner of his eye. "Can I get a minute, Solo Thing?"
With that, both girls flushed. "Uh yeah, sure thing," she sheepishly glanced at Princess. "I'll set up," she said before shuffling off.
Once out of earshot, Princess pinched his wrist, hard. "What the fuck, Dom?"
He chuckled and rubbed the sore spot. "I couldn't help myself I'm sorry… but I need an update on your end."
Princess sighed and then steeled herself. The many hats of a Morbucks. "I made nice with the girls; I truly like them. Adriana's half-brother is here somewhere, and Opal's sister is the one with platinum locs The Kings gave Adriana some jewelry to show their allegiance and send a message to us. I spun a "we're all in this together" narrative. If the Kings support Mahones, and the Mahones support us, then we've got a near-solid foundation. I'm trying to get Opal closer."
Dom Louis nodded and smiled proudly. "Not bad in the field, Princess. Do they know I'm here?"
"They don't know if you'll stick around or not. It might not be a bad idea for y'all to make friends." She suggested.
Dom hissed and pulled his collar. "Onyx, I get along with fine, but Antonio… he's hard because she's soft. He's a tough one to get off the edge."
"Doesn't hurt to try," Princess shrugged. "Might be better with Onyx by your side. We need this trio strong, right? If we girls get along, and the tails all share good words with the bosses, then that's a solid foundation, right?"
Dom Louis rubbed his face. "In the clerb, we all fam," he sighed.
"That's the spirit!" She circled him to push him to the stairs. "Now get up there and enjoy the show!"
She and Dom were the last of the members to get into formation on the stairs. As planned the members and their littles would put on some show on the floor and she, Mitch, Mari, and the girls would be on the stairs. Princess and Dom passed King and Mahones and he gave them a small smile.
"Familia," Adriana whispered to them and Princess gave her a genuine smile back.
Princess stopped once she reached BC, and she let Dom continue to his chair. Kamari's smoky silhouette strolling sultry at the top.
"Showtime," BC whispered as Dom Louis took his seat.
(Beat Inspo: Life Force slowed & reverb, Krasinski & RJ Pasin)
All band members struck a note, and Buttercup got right into it. She could see the rest of the Oaks Kingdoms scattered around below, and the crowd bubbled out to give them space to perform. There was everywhere to look. Up, down, and midair. She hoped the kid from the yearbook could keep up.
The girls were making Leslie look like a king. They ruffled his sandy brown hair and took turns treating him as if he were an inanimate chair. Having him in their corner wouldn't be a bad idea either. Vigilantes are great when they're loyal to someone.
Typically, I / tend to be by my lonely / but I'm on fire for you,
how could you be anything but my only? / My obsession,
the confession is / It's not just a heat wave
I think you're growing on me…
Fuck, she couldn't even begin to look in Mitch and Al's direction. It takes an expert drummer not to miss a beat with someone grinding on your lap, staring sex into your soul. Those satin pajamas were done for. At least they would pause for a moment for Kamari's solo.
The members slowed and simplified their movements then directed their attention to the top of the platform. Kamari's silhouette swayed around the mystery figure covered in smoke. She rolled her hips, slammed her heels, and swung her braids in wild arches with every movement. The scene above was a true spectacle. Dom was probably up there tortured.
A Wildfire, / You know how to turn me up
Temperature rising / I'm out of control, and You're too dangerous.
Every moment / under your sun, / leaves me glowing
I love when we get caught up in the moment
Kamari let the shoulders of her robe drop to her elbows as her eyes never left her target. Dom Louis was staring at her with pure heat as his chest rose and fell, hands clutching the sides of the chair to keep from getting up. She stalked to him and dropped to her knees, flinging her hair to the side and creating a rainbow. She rose, letting her hands find themselves on his shoulders as she leaned inches from his face, breathing his cologne. Versace Eros, and gun oil.
She walked around him and then straddled his lap before lifting off with a spin, strutting back to the edge of the platform, where she flung the robe over the edge. The Oaks Kingdom picked right back up where it left off.
Typically, I / tend to be by my lonely / but I'm on fire for you,
how could you be anything but my only? / My obsession,
the confession is / It's not just a heat wave
I think you're growing on me…
Princess danced close to Buttercup, bending and caressing but being careful not to disturb her performance. She was frustrated that her stomach was obstructed by her instrument. Princess had been dying to pull on the waistband of her lace panties since she got a peek earlier. Outside of Oaks Kingdom, she could be a bit shy and coy, but there was something about BC that brought this viciousness out in her. Or maybe she was just embracing another side of herself. The part of her that loved control, attention, power… The five-year-old in her who envied what the Powerpuff Girls had that she was too young to recognize in herself. She had nearly shot the green puff down with Antidote X in this Lair 13 years ago. Back then, Buttercup was her rival and her equal. Now she's her partner and forbidden desire. Princess has always been a bit spoiled. She doesn't know how to not get what she wants.
Wildfire, Wildfire / My Obsession / I'm out of control, and you're too dangerous
Wildfire, My Eternal Flame / It's not just a heat wave
I think you're growing—
As the song finished, Princess couldn't help herself. She grabbed hold of Buttercup's nylon strap and pulled it towards her. BC stumbled backward, and as she spun to face Princess, the momentum shot the heiress back. Right over the rail.
Princess shut her eyes and braced for impact just as strong arms wrapped around her back. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around her savior's neck and legs around their waist. The only contact she had with the ground was the ends of her curls dusting the tile floor. She crept one eye open and then shot them wide to match BC's terrified stare. BC froze horizontally in midair the moment Princess was in her arms. The two breathed heavily, adrenaline running wild between the two and everything unspoken mere inches from each other's lips. The room was silent, and the audience was tentative until the flash of a camera broke the moment. The lights returned to normal, the smoke machines were turned off, and in strolled the Pink Puta with the authorities.
"Interesting venue for a party," Blossom sneered.
Princess panicked for only a moment as BC righted her. "Buttercup," she said frantically. "Get my cousin, Mahones, and King out the back door. Now."
To her surprise, BC didn't question or hesitate. In no more than five seconds, a green streak flew from the stairs to the platform, then out the backdoor. The party began to clear out en masse as Princess fluffed her hair and steeled her nerves to face her foe.
"Evening officers," she said sweetly, checking their badges to see if they were on payroll. Just her luck one was. "What brings you both here?"
The officer she didn't know spoke first. "Miss Morbucks, are you aware that you're standing on private property?"
Princess feigned an incredulous expression. "No officer, I… I thought this would be a nice location for a small gathering."
"Small gathering," Blossom seethed behind the officers.
"Miss Utonium, Please let us do our job," Officer White chastised. Just for that, I'll make sure daddy gives him a bonus.
"This property belongs to Mojo Jojo," The other officer continued. "Is he present or aware of the use of his location? If there were any incidents on his property he would be liable."
"You guys really questioning a minor without her parent or guardian present?" BC interrupted, strolling through the elevator doors. Smart of her not to draw attention to the back door. "I got the okay from the monkey to use the spot, and I was watching the whole shindig. No incidents on my watch."
Blossom glared daggers at her sister's head, and frost formed around her nostrils. Princess would've hated to go home with her.
"You are also a minor Buttercup," Mr. Bad Cop pointed out. "You still require a parent or guardian."
BC rested her elbow on Princess's shoulder and scoffed at the cop. "What, I can swear to serve and protect at five but I still need mommy around to watch a small gathering?" She shot a smug look at Blossom. "Just let us head out and clean up the place tomorrow before the paperwork of this incident prompts a legal battle with the Professor and City of Townsville."
The two cops shot each other a knowing look. The professor was not too old to put on his super suit and smart enough to hand out ass whoppings via litigation. The answer was obvious.
"Have a nice night, Miss Morbucks." Officer White told them. "Thank you for your diligence Miss Utonium." Directed at BC. "And Miss Utonium." Directed at Blossom but much flatter. Yup, definitely a bonus.
The officers took the elevator down, and Blossom stood before them visibly, conjuring snow clouds with rage. "So you defend her now?"
Buttercup took a step in front of Princess. "Everything I said was true. It was my idea to be here."
"She's bad for you, Buttercup." Her voice was more like an icy growl. "She's corrupting you and you're becoming someone—"
"You know what fuck this, Blossom!" BC interrupted her monologue. "Instead of looking for the bad in everyone else, why not take a look in the fucking mirror!"
This time, it was Princess's turn to be swept away, and before she could blink, she was out the backdoor in BC's arms, watching the volcano become a blip on the earth.
They landed on the steps of Fuzzy Lumpkin's cabin. The old log house was now preserved in his memory. One Fuzzy Fit, turned into heart palpitations, which led to a collapse, which ended with a brain bleed. The girls didn't have the heart to see his solace in the woods torn asunder, so they (and the boys who used to be Fuzzy's smoke buddies) convinced the mayor to make it a memorial.
Buttercup placed Princess on the steps, then immediately stepped away to pace. "God, she's been such a fucking bitch lately! Since Brick has been gone, she's been on this war path about doing the right thing and some bullshit about 'villains can't be saved' or whatever the fuck!" She huffed.
Princess sat on the wooden steps and patted the seat next to her. BC caught her motion and followed suit. "Sorry, I'm not trying to dump, but, like, without him keeping her off her high horse she's becoming the same mini tyrant she was when we were little."
Princess rubbed her back silently, letting her continue. "With Brick, she was more fun and nuanced. She could see a little good in being a little bad, but now that they're apart… I think she's projecting him returning to crime and her having to be on her A game against him. She probably doesn't even want that or believe that's what he's doing, but I don't know. Maybe that's just her shitty coping mechanism."
Princess rested her head against her bent knees, watching Buttercup. She didn't turn to look at her. She just stared at the most interesting, nothing in the grass. Deep in thought. "That's a very astute observation," Princess noted.
"Astute," BC smirked. "What're you, The Professor?"
Princess chuckled a bit. "You worry about the way Blossom sees you," she began. "Even when tough, you always had a soft spot for the villain. Mojo, Fuzzy, Butch, Ace," BC grimaced at that name. "Me…"
BC sighed and lazily turned her head to face Princess, her eyes a deep green in the moonlight. "I can't do absolutes. There's bad and good in all of us. I wish Blossom saw it that way." She stood and grabbed Princess's hand to tug her up.
"Why Fuzzy's?" Princess asked fighting the butterflies in her stomach when their hands touched.
She laughed and bit her bottom lip the way Princess couldn't get enough of. Like she was holding back a secret.
"Used to come here to smoke and chat with the old pink mothball." She slapped the wood on the porch frame. "Really miss you, Fuzzy. You had the best bud in Townsville."
BC turned her head to look at Princess and smiled. At that moment, she saw who Buttercup truly was: The friend to all foes. In Buttercup's genuine smile directed at the Princess of Crime herself, Princess was sure Fuzzy did indeed have the best bud in Townsville.
Wooo, are we still here?
10 chapters in!
I was sure this story would be a long one, but I promise I'm gonna start picking up the plot soon.
Thanks for reading!
*PS: I am not a songwriter, lol. My mistake was not making RF a cover band :((