(BOOMER's POV)
It was a bright sunny morning! Some would call this the beginning of the week. However, I'd like to think of today as the glorious end.
Sunday had just started and I was gonna do whatever I wanted to. That includes eating half of the cereal and watching some cartoons on the TV that Bubbles gave us yesterday.
I hopped off of the top bunk and eyed my brother. He seemed to be shifting around a bit in his sleep.
He was probably having some kind of bad dream. I guess I'll ask him about it later. Right now is the time for my Sunday to start.
I stepped out of our room and into the empty kitchen. I grabbed a ridiculously large bowl of cocoa stones and carried it to the living room.
With the remote in hand, my Sunday morning had begun.
It wouldn't be long before my other two brothers were awake and ready to start the day. Butch, sadly enough got called into work today while Brick decided to get a jump start on his community service.
Brick had made some eggs and toast while Butch just settled on a protein shake and a banana.
I appreciated them joining me for the morning TV time. Yeah, Brick was more focused on his reading and Butch was tuning in and out, the time was still well spent in my eyes.
We were together. The big three! The Rowdyruff Boys! I cherished moments like this even if they didn't.
"Alright, I'm out," Butch said. He fist-bumped me and nodded to Brick.
"What time are you coming home?" Brick asked.
"Probably around four."
"Sounds good. See you later."
After about another hour, Brick ended up leaving as well. That left me alone in the apartment.
I wasn't entirely sure what to do today so I thought it might be a good idea to check my phone. About twenty missed calls and fifty unread messages.
I was grateful for how many friends I've made. I felt bad for leaving them unanswered.
Clair: Heyy Boomer! When are you taking me out again? You promised! I'll be really hurt if we don't go.
Zeke: Boomer! Don't forget about the party at my place on Tuesday! Come through bro!
Samuel: Club meeting on Tuesday. Send me some title recommendations. Grant is bringing in some authentic JRPGs.
Del: Boom my man! Got a sick new guitar with your name on it! Thing shreds like a…A shredder! You GOTTA take it for a sample!
I grinned at the messages and started responding to them all. Having a phone was the coolest!
"Okay, that wraps things up. I think now I can-"
*DING*
Hey Boomy! Come swing by the café later. I'll totally give you a free scone.
That last one was Bubbles. It had been quite a while since we had some pastries together. Honestly, that was my fault. Bubbles was my first actual friend outside of my brothers. I mean we weren't supposed to be, but it kind of just happened. Neither one of us cared for the battle between our siblings and the whole arch-enemy thing. We just want to have fun.
I thought back to it all. How we were as little kids. Instead of fights, we'd just make up some random little game and see who won. I'm pretty sure we were tied last I checked.
I thought of a response and started typing away.
Make it two and you've got yourself a deal!
She texted me back within the same minute.
Fine!!! But if I get fired, you're gonna get it!
I couldn't suppress the light smile and chuckled at her odd yet subtle threat.
It's time I got out of the house and did something. I wasn't hungry for the scone just yet. I guess I could just fly around and do some exploring.
I threw my blue sweater on and tied my black and blue sneakers. After a light comb session, I flew right out of the house.
I loved zipping through the air and feeling the breeze. I was fast! Like REALLY fast! It was kind of my thing.
I could speed past Brick. Heck, even Butch got dusted by me so long as I pushed myself.
I took pride in it. Yeah, I wasn't as smart as my brothers…Or as strong…BUT, I did have my speed and good looks.
"HELP!!!"
I heard a shout from beneath me. I dove down and landed in front of the lady.
"What seems to be the problem ma'am?" I asked. She pointed to a man speeding off in his car.
"That guy stole my purse!"
"Have no fear! I'll return it for you!"
I took off and closed the gap between me and the car. The man and his accomplices noticed me and panicked.
"What the fuck?!"
I glared at them. "Give back what you stole or your trip to jail is gonna get painful."
"Like hell! Screw off you freak!"
"Too bad…Oh well! Here we go!"
I dug my hands into the metal chassis of the car and lifted it off of the street.
"Don't just sit there you idiots! SHOOT HIM!"
Lo and behold, they decided to fire their pistols at me. It didn't work even a little bit.
"You guys done?"
After wasting all of their ammunition, the driver sighed and dropped his gun.
"Well boys…It's been quite the ride." He glared at me while tossing the purse onto the pavement. "Screw Townsville! I say we try our luck in Detroit or something."
"You three are gonna have to wait about ten years for that. You've got some time to serve!" Darn! Why are these lines so much cooler when Brick or Butch say them?!
Despite my lack of quality quips, I was able to fly the crooks to jail without them putting up much of a fight. The purse was returned to its rightful owner and there was still time to head to the cafe.
I had a few ideas in my head. None however topped the idea of catching Butch at work. I have yet to see it for myself but from what I've heard, he's most likely miserable.
Being the good brother that I am, it is my sworn duty to bring joy and annoyance to my siblings!
I blasted off towards Townsville's number one café. Unfortunately, when I got there, it was already packed!
"SHOOT! No way am I waiting in this line!"
I took a glance around before quickly powering up. Without anyone noticing, I bolted into the café through the backdoor. You gotta love super speed!
My nostrils were instantly filled with the sweet and savory scent of delicious pastries that were freshly baked.
My senses had been so clouded that I hadn't even noticed that I was slowly creeping towards the kitchen. Right away, my eyes spotted a gorgeous plate of croissants that I KNEW had my name on it!
My arm extended forward and I could already feel the lingering warmth from the several baked goods. They were mine!
SMACK*
"OW! Why?!" I cried while rubbing my fractured hand.
I saw a set of angry eyes that were as green as an emerald. The glare they gave me was haunting enough to make me shrink.
"What the hell are you doing in here?"
"I uh…sorry Buttercup…"
"OUT!" She demanded with a stiff point to the door.
"What? But it's cold outside!"
"The door Boomer. I suggest you use it!"
I got on my knees and pleaded. "But it's cold outside! Please! Come on Buttercup! It's cold!"
"Now!" She growled.
"Man…" I sighed and slowly walked towards the door. "I guess I'll be on my way…Into the harsh elements…Alone…and mildly hungry…"
*CLANG*
"OOOOOWWW!" I shouted while grabbing the back of my head. "A pot! Seriously?!"
"It's gonna be a knife next!"
"Okay! DAMN! I'M LEAVING!"
Just before I could grab the handle to the door, it flung open and slammed me in the face. Why? Because that's just how my life works sometimes!
"What the hell was that noise?" I heard the familiar sound of my somewhat grumpy older brother.
"What the heck was…BUTCH?! ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?!?!"
"Boom? What are you doing here? And why is there a lump on the back of your head?"
I looked up at him and raised a brow. "I could ask you the same thing."
He narrowed his forest green eyes to his counterpart. "Probably has something to do with SOMEONE not taking compliments too well."
"You want another two lumps across your jaw?" She said with a scoff.
"Fuck you, Butters!"
"How about fuck you!"
They went on like this for about five minutes until Bubbles came into the kitchen looking for them.
"WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING BACK HERE?!?!" The blonde screamed.
Butch pointed. "Ask your bitchy sister."
"Shut the hell up, Butch! Your brother was the one stealing food!"
"It was one croissant!" I said with a hint of shame.
Bubbles grabbed my arm and pulled me towards the door. "Boomer if you ever want anything, all you have to do is ask. I'll get you as many treats as you want."
My heart warmed up more and more as she spoke to me in her soft and upbeat tone. Bubbles was always super cool! Ever since we were kids I felt like she had a lot of talent. Her passion for art, her underrated strength, and to top it all off she had a wicked singing voice! It didn't hurt that she was also really pretty…WHO SAID THAT?!?! Disregard that last part!
"Boomer?" She said while poking my cheek.
"Huh? What did you say?" When did I get to this table?
"I said, do you want anything to drink with your scones?"
"Oh! Uh…You guys got any hot chocolate?"
She gave me a wink. "Coming right up!"
She skipped back over to the kitchen, leaving me to my thoughts. Too many of them.
The first of many involved my brothers. I wanted to get them on the same page. Get them to be as inseparable as they used to be. I just didn't know how.
I mean…Earlier on, it was always those two working together and me holding them back. They'd both scold me for messing something up and then fix it together.
Now they seem like silent enemies. I do appreciate being much closer with Butch. He's like my BEST friend now! The only problem is that it's at the cost of Brick being almost completely absent from my life. I hardly feel like I know what's going on with him now. I hate that!
The next thought was a smidge more concerning. What was up with these enemies lately? Sure the last guy was a pushover, but I wasn't dumb enough to think he was the best they had. What was going on? What's gonna happen to Butch?
I lowered my eyes and glanced at my hands. I needed to figure out what was going on with me. These odd sensations I've been feeling didn't sit well with me. I still have to work on controlling my stress in order to-
"Yo!"
I snapped out of my thoughts and looked at Butch. He took a seat across from me and dropped a brown paper bag on the table.
"Hey. Are you on break?"
He sighed. "Damn right. Between Princess' ridiculously obnoxious orders and Butters creasing me over every little thing, I'm about ready to fly off."
"Damn, dude! Work has got you pressed already?" I laughed.
"Hell yeah! It would be fantastic to just disappear for a few months, maybe even a YEAR! You know? Just vanish without a trace. Maybe even come back out of nowhere one month…Then disappear again."
"Yeah, I get it! Just like WingSun!"
"Bingo!"
"I mean…They're kind of a douchebag though." I shrugged.
Butch took a pause. "...Yeah I guess doing that is pretty extreme. Leaving people waiting like that…Fucking prick…"
"Anyways, what's in the bag?"
He gave me a cautious squint. "My lunch."
"Oh."
He rummaged around and pulled out a VERY handsome-looking ham sandwich.
"Can I-"
"Boomer, I will break both of your legs and watch you crawl slowly towards your missing teeth."
"Wow! You could've just said no."
Threats aside, it was nice talking to him. I always appreciated him being relatively open with me on stuff he wouldn't even tell Brick. It wasn't like I couldn't form my own deductions on Butch either. I used to be able to read my brothers easily. I knew when they were annoyed or upset about something. I knew if they were hurt. I knew if they were hiding something. They were my brothers and I'd always be there for them. Even if they find it annoying.
"Professional fighter? Isn't that like mega cheating?" I asked.
"Not if I keep my powers off." He grinned.
"But what's stopping you from flicking them back on for like half a second and knocking someone out with a single jab?"
"I don't know. I'll tell the professor to nerd me up with something for that." He smirked. "Maybe I could ask Blossom."
"Watch out dude, your simp is showing."
He glared. "Shut up Boomer!"
"Geez Butch…You got it bad don't you?"
"Tch! No way! She's just super hot…And nice…and smart…and smells freaking good…and has a real nice-"
"WHOA! Slow down there buddy. Are you seriously that into Blossom? I thought that Brick was just teasing you. I mean, don't get me wrong she's pretty but…I dunno man."
"Don't know what?" He barked hastily.
"It's just that you seem more like an active guy. One that likes fun, parties, kicking someone's butt…" I muttered with a shrug.
"First of all, I've never been to a party. Second, Blossom's active. You don't get to look that good without being active. Trust me Boom, I know!"
"Okay well for starters you're coming with me Tuesday night for the homecoming party at Zeke's place."
"Who the fuck is Zeke? Also, who throws a party on a Tuesday?"
I grinned. "Cool guy on the football team. His parents are gonna be out of town. Told me I was welcome to come."
"What does that have to do with me?" He asked.
"I said that I'd only come if you and Brick were allowed."
"And what made you think that big bad me and Ol' redhead stick up the ass would want to go to some limp dickwad's party?"
My grin grew wider. "Because the Powerpuffs are known for going to parties."
His eyes widened with intrigue and skepticism. "You're a goddamn liar."
"Nope! I'm dead serious. Buttercup hates them but Blossom and Bubbles always go willingly."
"Hmm…Noted!" He thought it over for a bit. "Okay, so say I do decide to go…What then?"
I shrugged. "I dunno. Just talk to her bro. Maybe try asking her to dance."
"I guess I could do that…" He then cracked his signature smirk. "Alright then! That's the plan for Tuesday. Dance with Blossom and then ask her out!"
I was glad his spirit was high but truthfully, I didn't have the heart to tell him he was probably wasting his time. I was fully aware of Brick's outings. If I was being completely honest, Brick was more than likely already closer to Blossom than Butch would ever be. If they were both going to the party then this would only make things worse!
I gave a short sigh and looked down at the table. This wasn't gonna go well at all. WHY'D I EVEN TELL HIM ABOUT THE PARTY?!
"What are you two dorks talking about?"
I looked up to see Buttercup standing over us with her hands on her hips.
"None of your goddamn business!" Butch fired back.
"Oh?! So that's how it is? Well, guess what? Your break is over so move it!"
"Already?! No way it's been thirty minutes!"
She stuck her tongue out and pointed behind her. "There are a bunch of customers over there. Get to it!"
With a roll of his eyes, he got up and stomped over to the other tables. His glare was still visible.
I watched Buttercup take his seat and pull her phone out. I wasn't sure if she was trying to ignore me or just didn't have much to say.
It wasn't hard to see that I talked to her the least. Not because of any disdain or random beef. We just didn't know what to say to each other most of the time. Also, she made me nervous. I always felt like she'd snap my neck if I said the wrong thing…and I tend to do that a lot.
So…Do you like Butch?" SEE?!?! Every single time!
"What?!? Which concussion made you think that I'd like that moron?!" Her glare sent chills down my spine.
"I uh, meant like friends! You two seem pretty cool with each other so I-"
"No! I can't stand the sight of him! He's weird, annoying, a complete jerk, a dick that nearly gets himself killed, and also the world's brightest dumbass! I hate him!"
I don't know what it was, but something told me that she wasn't being one hundred percent sincere. I heard from Bubbles about what she did when Butch got hurt. There's no way you'd act that way towards someone you hate.
"Well I'm pretty sure Butch enjoys your company. I think you're the first real friend he's ever had. And you both like similar things. AND you look just as beautiful as your sisters!"
Her face was redder than I'd ever seen it before. I hope she doesn't hit me. "Why are you saying all of this?!"
"Because I'm pretty sure my brother likes you!" Well, I've really done it now. I'm pushing for BC and Butch to get closer. Hopefully, if all goes wrong at the party, it won't sting too much. Then again, if it turns out that the two of them really do hate each other…I guess dying isn't so bad when you've done it before.
"I-I don't care what he likes!"
I could feel the rest of the shop looking at us. BC had her fist balled up and I could've sworn she was going to hit me.
"EASY!" I said fearfully. "I was just saying! I mean, think about it…He talks to you more casually than anyone else. Plus, you're the only one that makes him smirk let alone smile."
"W-well…that's only because he's always shit-talking! Yeah! I bet that's the only way he gets off." She huffed with a fold of her arms.
"If you say so." I shrugged. "You going to the party on Tuesday?"
"Like I have a choice. It's a party that's hosted by one of the biggest douchebags in the school. Everyone important to the shit hierarchy of our school is gonna be there. That unfortunately includes my sisters and me."
"I don't get it."
She rolled her eyes. "My sisters are super popular so I'm cool by default. All this despite my lack of caring for something so insignificant. I couldn't give two shits about my image unless it involves my foot up a bad guy's ass."
"So Bubbles is popular too?"
"DUH! She's in like eight different clubs. She can sing, she's great at art, her goody-goody nature makes her super likable, and she has an entire fan base of dumb guys that go to the football games just to see her cheerleading."
"Oh…" Well, I guess me having a chance with her is out the window. DANG, IT!
I can't lie, this is the most I've ever talked to Buttercup. She sure was an interesting one. While she was physically strong and had a demeanor that led people to believe she was unshakable, I could see the insecurities that she kept relatively quiet. Her iron willpower had cracks in it. She was, dare I say, envious of her sisters. It made sense. I always felt that she didn't get enough credit for her prowess on the battlefield. She was easily the biggest threat to me and my brothers. Any plan that Blossom came up with was always executed perfectly by Buttercup…Kinda like with Brick and Butch.
It made me ponder on my brothers and their recent dynamic. Brick and I got a pretty good amount of attention. Brick's untapped genius was praised by many. Top that off with his charisma and you had the total package. As for me, I was already making a ton of friends. Butch just seemed more on edge. I can only imagine what's going on inside of his head every day. He's gotta watch his back all the time while keeping himself under control. It's probably a constant battle every day. Add that to the fact that he's still feeling guilty about what happened a few years back…
"Boomer!"
I lifted my head and stared at the green-eyed puff. "Yeah?"
"My break is over so I'm heading back to work. Enjoy your scones…and thanks for talking with me."
"Yeah! Sure thing BC. I don't mind at all. Just let me know whenever." I said back. Wait did she say-
I looked down at the steaming plate on the table. Lemon and orange scones that were ALL for me!
I panned around the room and noticed Bubbles looking back at me. She gave me a bright smile and a wink before walking back into the kitchen.
Maybe my chances ARE better than zero!
I gobbled up the plate of scones and stood up with newfound determination. I've got a new mission now! Operation: Make Sure Butch Has a Good Time!
"Yeah! Let's make MSBHGT a success!"
"MSBHGT? What the fuck is that?! Also, who the hell are you talking to?" My brother asked with slight concern.
"Ah, don't worry about it, Butch! Everything will work out perfectly!"
"…Yeah, no more scones for you. Go home Boom!"