Read up to: Chapter 32. For the best reading experience, don't skim ahead and try to read this in one sitting. Enjoy!
At first, everything was a blank canvas.
Then, with a gentle hand, I pick up my brush and set out a small tin can filled with water.
Just a dab, and then I wet the canvas down.
Soft strokes of color take over, first in faint lines, then in deeper hues. I take my time with it, carefully blending the red and brown to make sure his sweater looks perfect. Piece by piece, the image comes together: a young man in a red turtleneck sweater, a crisp white lab coat, khaki pants, and white tennis shoes. He has a stiff posture, stepping cautiously while his fluffy brunette hair bounces up and down.
In his hands, I add two cups of Morbucks coffee, the warm feeling on his fingertips and the aroma of coffee beans taking over. The cups both have a pink and red color scheme for the holiday today with little hearts and swirls wrapping around them like red velvet ribbons. His grip is careful but firm as if he knows just how fragile this moment is.
I pause for a second, tilting my head as I study him. Then, I notice he begins to step on his own. The nervous furrow in his brow, the way his mouth opened slightly in stop motion as if rehearsing words he wasn't sure he'd get right.
Then, with a small smile, I add a final stroke of color at the edge of his hair.
And just like that–
The paint shifts. The colors deepen, extremely saturated. The canvas becomes a reality.
Oh, there here goes. Good luck, Niles! I hope you have the perfect day.
Niles wove through the chrome hallways, his fingers wrapped tightly around the cups with a lot on his mind. He was breathing through his nose, making sure he wouldn't hyperventilate.
"Okay, okay. Just walk up to her. Just ask. Tell her she looks great, or… wait? No. Ask her out first."
He let out a sigh, glancing down at the two coffees. The heat managed to warm up his hands just fine, grounding himself. This was simple. So simple! He had spent countless hours with her in the lab, working on experiments, and subtly learning what it meant to be an amazing superhero.
Yet, somehow, this? This was terrifying.
The man slowed his pace as he strolled up to a familiar metal door, the soft hum of the ventilation system pulsing through the walls. He held his breath when he caught sight of the small digital nameplate beside the entrance.
"Blossom Utonium"
Next to it, a pixelated red bow bobbed up and down in an idle loop, waiting for someone else to notice it.
Niles swallowed hard, tapping his foot against the ground as he braced himself. His nerves were kicking in again, causing butterflies to scramble in his stomach. He had this, right?
"Alright, just breathe. It's fine. Everything's fine," he whispered to himself under his breath, as if saying them out loud would magically make them true.
Preparing himself, he stepped inside.
The lab was practically spotless, lit up by the sleek overhead lights on the metallic ceiling. Every surface was lined with neatly arranged equipment like blueprints folded out without any curves, prototypes sitting idly next to one another, and the shelves just perfectly rowed with equipment down to the square inch. Additionally, the space smelled like welded metal, warm circuitry, and the faintest hint of cherry blossom.
That was her scent.
Niles wasn't worried about the machines. His eyes were drawn to her.
A lone figure stood with her back turned, shoulders hunching over, focusing quietly on the work in front of her. Her long ginger hair fell past her shoulder blades, framing the oversized white lab coat that hid most of her body. And there, perched atop her head like a ribbon of love, sat a red velvet bow. It was so familiar, so unmistakably Blossom.
She was working intensely on something, her gloved hands adjusting the plating of a suit of armor unlike anything Niles had ever seen before.
The 2.0 Blossom Dynamo Suit.
Niles didn't recognize it. All he saw was a bunch of red, white, and black plates that created an impressive bit of protection.
Even with it not being finished, the suit was glaring at him specifically. Its neon yellow eyes stared deeply into him as if challenging him. Its upset face was screaming to get his attention, yet he didn't answer.
Niles blinked. Yeah, that was definitely not ominous at all. He exhaled finally, choosing to ignore the unsettling aura. It was fine! Everything was fine.
The grip on the coffee cups tightened before he cleared his throat. "Hey, Bloss?"
The woman turned, and in an instant, he caught his breath.
Blossom stood before him, still stunningly beautiful in his eyes. Hers were sharp yet soft, overlooking him with recognition, curiosity, and just a hint of sugar. However, there was something surreal about the way she looked.
Her skin, smooth like felt, had this constant pink blush on her face as if she were flustered. In the faintest corners of her irises, they looked like black buttons sewn on. The glow from the lights up top made her look like she was a doll, untouched by time, added with the fuzziness of plush.
But she wasn't a doll? She was real.
For a brief moment, Niles forgot what he was supposed to say.
Come on, Niles, think!
"Oh, right!" he shook himself out of it. Reaching a coffee cup forward, he gave her a wide smile. His face immediately began burning a velvet red.
Blossom blinked innocently at the extended coffee cup, tilting her head slightly before taking it. "Oh, thanks, Niles."
"Wait! Before you drink it, I need to tell you something!" he blurted out, standing as straight as a board. His fingers drummed anxiously against the cup still in his other hand.
Blossom raised an eyebrow, lowering her cup partially.
"So, yeah–Valentine's Day! It's a thing. A holiday, right? And I know, obviously, that it happens every year. People do romantic stuff, things, you know… couples? Those exist. Anyway–" he coughed, forcing himself to speed it up a little before his brain fried itself. "I was thinking that, since today is Valentine's Day, and I caught you at a good time, at least I hope a good time. I decided to get you some coffee and–"
"And?" she squinted.
"Uh, yeah! I got your coffee, from Morbucks, but that's beside the point." He waved a hand frantically. "The point is–I'd like to take you out today. On a date. Like a… Valentine's Day kind of date?"
She was about to open her mouth but he kept going.
"It doesn't have to be a romantic date! I mean–unless you want it to be romantic! In which case, yeah that sounds totally cool. If not, it can just be a fun hang out for the two of us without any lab work, heading out to do date-like things, but only in a casual way unless you don't want casual, then–"
"Niles."
He stopped, shutting up instantly.
Blossom just stared at him. Then–slowly, barely noticeable–her lips curled into a knowing smile.
The cup in her hand suddenly felt way more important to her. Her grip tightened around it, and she exhaled deeply through her nose before squealing under her breath. She turned away enough to hide the giddy expression on her face.
Niles blinked. "Wait–was that a squeal?"
"No-" Blossom immediately turned back around, her usual analytic attitude coming back as she took a sip of coffee. She was totally innocent. "It was just a controlled exhale."
"That sounded like a squeal to me-"
She cleared her throat, straightening her posture, and finally met his eyes. "Niles, I thought you'd never ask!"
His brows shot up.
She lifted her cup slightly. "Also, you really didn't need to be this nervous about asking me out. I was going to say yes no matter how badly it was spilled out!"
"Gee, I didn't think you'd accept so fast!" Niles said, shoving his free hand into his pocket with a smirk.
Blossom leaned forward, giving him a teasing look. "I didn't think you'd ask."
He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck, feeling the tension finally slip away.
They fell into easy conversation as Blossom set her tools down to give him her full attention. They sipped their drinks, the talk turning to the city, the lab, and eventually, a fair happening at the Sunken Mall today.
"They have all sorts of things there," Blossom expressed passionately. "Carnival games, special food, a photo booth–"
"Photo booth?" Niles perked up.
"Yeah! Y'know, the old-fashioned ones with the tiny pictures? Super cheesy, super romantic~" she wiggled her eyebrows.
He snorted. "Oh yeah, that does sound like us."
Blossom rolled her eyes but still kept smiling. "So, what do you say? Wanna go?"
Niles pretended to think about it, tapping his chin dramatically. "Hmm… hang out and do boring lab work all day at Dexlabs, or spend time at the fair with the prettiest girl in Townsville?"
Easily, she nudged him with an elbow.
He grinned. "Yeah, let's go!"
Blossom could feel the excitement building up in her but held it back. She played it cool, nodding. "Great, let's get moving."
Together, they began walking out of the lab. The Red Dynamo Suit remained exactly where it was like it had been completely forgotten.
Still staring. Still angry.
But Niles didn't notice. They were already gone. He had a date to focus on.
He could hear the hum of the hall's lights buzzing overhead as they stepped out of the lab, leaving that silly suit behind. The sterile scent was clear by the floors that had been waxed and scrubbed walls countless times.
Blossom glanced over her shoulder at him, giving him a soft look. "I just need to put my lab coat away, and then we can head out! Okay?"
"Take your time," Niles answered honestly, stuffing his hands in his coat pockets.
Then, without warning, Blossom lifted off the ground. Her levitation brought her to eye level with him as a faint pink glow encased her. She hovered beside him in one smooth motion, placed both hands gently on one shoulder, and leaned in.
A featherlight kiss was pressed on his cheek. It barely stayed, but the effect lasted longer.
After that, she already zipped over to her locker, landing gracefully on her feet like nothing happened.
Niles remained standing where he was, completely bewildered by what just happened. His thoughts were frozen, and he blinked. What the hell just happened?
Blossom? Kissing him? Just like that?
His thoughts tried to make some sort of logic out of it, but instead of finding a solution, all he heard was static from the TV in his brain. Something deep clicked, something big. But before he could dwell on it, he shook his head violently and decided to pretend he wasn't just spiraling somewhere.
Not gonna think about that right now, he thought.
Clearing his throat, he turned to his own locker, yanking it open and tucking his coat inside like it had personally harassed him.
Meanwhile, Blossom already slipped out of hers, revealing her iconic outfit. First, it was a jet-black sleeveless turtleneck that fit snugly against her chest. Her khaki pants sat neatly on her waist, held up by a belt, while her black Mary Janes clicked lightly against the reflective floor.
As she adjusted her belt, she gave it a quick tug, noticing it felt a little loose. Her hips swayed as she tightened it, the motion causing her cotton-stuffed butt to jiggle a little bit.
Niles, now closing his locker, caught it at the exact time it happened. He arched an eyebrow, then smirked.
"Where'd that come from?" he thought out loud.
Blossom froze for a second. Then, with the most innocent expression she could muster, she turned her head just enough to glance at him over her shoulder.
"What?" she asked, feigning ignorance.
Oh, she knew. She absolutely knew.
Niles let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "Just close the locker, you tease."
She merely hummed, closing the door with a jangling click. She then turned on her heel and sauntered past him, her ponytail bouncing lightly behind her.
"Come on," she said smoothly. "We've got a fair to get to."
Niles exhaled through his nose, rubbing the back of his neck.
Yeah, he was definitely going to be in trouble. Honestly, come to think of it, he didn't mind.
The day couldn't have been more perfect. The sun beamed warmer, brighter, happier than usual, lighting everything up in a golden glow. High above, marshmallow-white clouds drifted lazily across the vast blue sky, floating toward the shimmering sea by Bravo Beach.
Most importantly, Planet Fusion was gone. There were no green scars in the sky, nor was there a looming threat of war. Just peace, a blissful feeling of ignorance.
On one side of Townsville, the buildings and city decorations were wrapped in soft, pastel flags. Baby pinks, reds, yellows, blues, and whites brought color to the scenery like a living festival. These little flags stretched across the streets like banners of joy, fluttering in the breeze and welcoming all who arrived.
Down below, rows of booths lined the initially expansive flat ground of the Sunken Mall. Vendors handed out sweet snacks and sizzling foods, the air filled with the scent of cherry blossoms, cinnamon, and freshly baked cookies. Over by the skatepark, dozens of skaters zipped across the ramps and rails, showing off insane tricks while their friends cheered them on.
Somewhere in the distance, a concert played, its melody echoing over the crowd. It was familiar, definitely recognizable, but the lyrics were just a hair from being truly heard. It was like a song lost to the wind, an old favorite with forgotten lyrics.
Just above this fair, hovercars touched down on the paved streets below, surfing to find a good place to park. Spaces were filling fast as it seemed like everyone wanted to be here today.
Through the heart of it all, Niles and Blossom walked hand in hand. Her felt fingers fit naturally between his, a warmth both new and familiar at the same time. He glanced at her, taking in the way the sunlight made her hair glow like silky fire.
Blossom, sensing his gaze, looked up at him with a sweet smile.
"You ready to go?"
He nodded. "Yeah! Let's go!"
Before Niles could take his next breath, Blossom's grip tightened around his hand, and they whisked away. The world around them blurred.
The entire fair whipped past them, the chatter of the crowd turning into a single, rushing sound of whirlwind. For a moment, he felt entirely weightless.
Then, just as suddenly as it started, they stopped. The rush quit, the sounds of the fair coming back into place, and Niles found himself standing beside a small photo booth. His stomach needed a minute to catch up with everything.
Blossom let go of his hand and clasped hers together, looking proud of herself. "There! No line, no waiting."
Niles blinked, still processing the fact that they had teleported into the crowd. "Jeez, Bloss, you could warn a guy before you take off at light speed."
"Where's the fun in that?" she teased, stepping further inside the booth. Niles followed behind, and together they were greeted by a screen bringing up a selection of photo styles. "C'mon, let's take some pictures!"
He let out a huff as he squeezed in beside her, getting comfortable. "Alright, but no crazy–"
Snap!
He barely had time to register the camera before Blossom squeezed her face like an overexcited puppet, fingers pulling at her cheeks in opposite directions.
Niles just stared, confused.
The next flash came, and she had already switched to crossing her eyes and puffing out her cheeks.
The realization hit him; she was going all in. Niles didn't have time to think before the third picture snapped, but by the fourth, he got with the program.
He flexed dramatically and gave a macho look, exaggerating his arms like Major Glory. Blossom, delighted, played along by swooning over one bicep.
Then, he threw an arm around her and pulled her in for a tight side hug, grinning at the lens.
Next, he let his head drop over her shoulder, dramatically clutching his chest as if he had just fainted from being lovestruck. Blossom laughed, playing along by looking at the camera with wide, innocent eyes.
And then–right before he could even react–she kissed his cheek again.
The last snap caught it perfectly!
The photo strip was printed, sliding out from the bottom of the machine. The Powerpuff Girl grabbed it first, holding it up with a smile.
Niles, still feeling her pillowy lips on his cheek, rubbed on it as he tried to act casual.
"You're keeping this, right?" she grinned, gesturing it toward him.
"Uh, yeah!" Niles answered, taking it with a blush. "Gosh, I'm getting all worked up-"
Blossom giggled, gently rubbing his shoulder. "Good! Now, let's keep this momentum going. I've got some games to win."
Before Niles could recover from his trance, she took his hand again, rushing out on foot and toward the carnival games. He picked up the pace, quickly pocketing the pictures as she began laughing.
Their first stop was a classic game, filled with little light bulbs flashing in mesmerizing patterns. The whack-a-mole booth had rows of cartoonish moles popping out of burrows with goofy smiles on their faces. Beside them, the mallets provided were two big foam-covered clubs, designed for fun.
Niles cracked his knuckles with an ambitious smirk, rolling his shoulders. "Alright, this is my kind of game!" He grabbed the mallet, glancing over at her. "You ready?"
She gave him an innocent smile as she picked up her own. "Oh, absolutely."
The game started, and the moles began popping up. Niles went to work, hammering them down as fast as he could. He felt sluggish, though had great hand-eye coordination.
The moment he glanced over at Blossom, her mallet was practically blurred. Every mole that popped up was whacked down within milliseconds.
Niles barely registered what had happened before the game was over and she was declared the winner.
She then spun her mallet with a satisfied smirk. "What was that about this being your kind of game?"
He groaned, dropping his mallet onto the counter. "Okay, that wasn't fair!"
"I dunno. I think it was pretty fair-" Blossom tapped her chin, acting thoughtful.
He shot her a look, but she just laughed and pulled him toward the next game.
The air hockey table had a blue neon trimming around its edges with a smooth white surface. The moment they stepped up to it, a mechanical voice sang a robotic welcome.
Blossom grabbed a paddle, spinning it between her fingers before getting into position. She had a wide smile on her face, eager to prove to him just how better she was at this.
This time, Niles focused.
She started strong, knocking the puck across the table with incredible speed. Niles barely blocked it, the entire table shaking from the impact. She had a bold smirk on her face, obviously not holding back despite not using any powers.
Her focus was honed in on the game. She didn't talk, nor did she tease him. She was just too confident.
Niles took notice of this confidence and came up with a clever idea, realizing she was only paying attention to her own shots and not his movements. That was when he noticed an opening.
Instead of taking a direct shot, he angled the puck off to the side. It bounced off one wall, then to another, and then–
Clink!
It landed right in her goal. Blossom blinked as she looked down, then up at him. Her smirk was wiped right off her face.
Niles raised his arms in triumph, smiling widely. "Alright! Sometimes I can beat a Powerpuff Girl!"
Blossom crossed her arms. She pursed her lips, unimpressed.
"Okay, okay," she wrapped an arm around his, tugging him off elsewhere. "Let's go check out some other games before your ego blows up."
He just laughed, following her along to another area. "You mean yours?!"
A new booth stood out with a bright red and white striped tarp, illuminated by a row of flashing lights. The stall was made from polished wood, slightly worn from years of participants stepping up to try and win a prize. Lined up in the back were ten neatly stacked pins, an easily recognizable game with the baseballs lined up on the counter.
Above them, dozens of plushies hung from hooks, gently swaying. There were all sorts of them ranging from giant teddy bears to chubby-looking cartoon animals, as well as a couple of Justice Friends dolls with capes fluttering in the wind. The top-shelf prizes were meant for those who could land a perfect shot, while the smaller ones were consolation prizes for those who couldn't make the mark.
Blossom stepped up first, rolling one of the small balls in her hand after paying the faceless booth vendor to play.
"Watch and learn, Niles," she said confidently, beaming.
Niles leaned against the counter with a smirk, acting like her most loyal spectator. "I'm watching."
Blossom wound up her arm, swinging the ball back in an underhand motion.
Wham!
The back of her hand smacked violently straight into his crotch.
Niles' entire body stiffened as he grunted, his eyes shooting wide open. He immediately grabbed a hold of himself, doubling over and collapsing onto the ground.
She didn't even notice. She was too busy swinging the ball straight forward. Much to her analytical nature, she had arched her jointless arm in the perfect spot. The ball toppled all ten pins over, and a triumphant dinging played from the booth.
"Yes!" Blossom raised her arms in victory, cheering and spinning around.
Then she saw him on the ground, sweating profusely now that he was in visible pain.
"Oh, Niles," she cooed, squatting down to meet him while pushing back her bangs. "Do you need help up?! I'm so sorry!"
Niles, still reeling, clenched his jaw as he started pulling himself up. "N-No… I got it."
With a sheepish smile, she still offered to help him up and kept an arm wrapped around him. Once he was up, she slipped away from his grasp and reached up to claim a prize, which the vendor had no issue with.
There, gifted to him in his hands, was a chubby teddy bear with a red heart over its chest. Additionally, it had a little red velvet bow wrapped on the side of its head, clearly indicating that it was marketed as a girl.
"Here," she said, letting go. "Now you have something to remind you of today."
Niles looked down at the plush bear. It was soft, round, and undeniably cute with its stitched eyes staring up at him with innocent joy. The little red bow on its head only made it more overtly sweet, reminding him of her more than anything.
Even with how girly it was, he couldn't help but smile. He held the bear a little closer to his chest before looking down at Blossom, cherishing it submissively despite his manly size.
"I'll take good care of it," he assured her, giving the plush a good squeeze. "I promise."
Promise. That word rang in his mind.
Blossom grinned. "Good. I'd hate for my hard-earned victory to go unappreciated~"
Before either of them could say anything more, a small group of people nearby erupted into cheers from out of nowhere. It seems that a few of the passing patrons watched them from afar. They had no eyes, no nose, or no mouths, yet somehow cheered her on loudly.
"Woo! Way to go, Blossom!"
"That was incredible!"
"The Powerpuffs RULE!"
This handful of random citizens had turned their attention to her, acting like she had just thwarted another villain in the streets. They weren't overwhelming, but their cheers certainly made her blush. She held up her hands, waving slightly as her composure broke for a moment.
"Thank you guys! You're too kind…" she said, speaking sheepishly. As much as she enjoyed being admired, this was her day with Niles. It felt weird having their moment interrupted by fanfare.
Niles, standing beside her, felt small for a moment. It was just a little reminder of who she was to the world–a hero, a symbol of strength to Townsville. And him? He was just a guy holding a cute teddy bear.
Come to think of it, where were Buttercup and Bubbles anyway?
And then, almost right on cue, a shrill, unmistakable voice rang out from the crowd.
"Well, well, well! Look who it is!"
Blossom's eyes narrowed. Niles raised a skeptical eyebrow.
Stepping forward from the bustling crowd was a familiar teenage girl with a bad attitude, her moves sharp and stiff–like she had been put in place by an unseen hand. The way she dressed was obnoxious and impractical, decked out in a pristine set of pale yellow power armor with a fresh coat of paint. It was like she had just been taken off a collector's shelf, the joints in her gauntlets flexing with an artificial stiffness.
Her visor, tinted pink, flashed at them as she cocked her head. It looked like the two of them were trapped inside the reflection, wrapped together inside a perfect heart-shaped frame. Of course, resting atop her tight curled ginger locks was an oversized golden crown, exaggerated as a child's idea of royalty.
She had a smug look on her plastic face, flicking some of her hair back.
"Little Miss Liberty Bell and her precious waste-of-space boy crush!"
Niles furrowed his brows, already rolling his eyes at the nickname. "Princess."
Princess scanned him once over, looking unimpressed with the display in front of her. It was like his sheer existence made her disgusted.
"Seriously?" she huffed, then turned back to Blossom. "What do you even see in this nobody? You could do so much better if you actually tried."
The Powerpuff Girl immediately took a step forward, glaring at her as she got defensive.
"He's sweet, good-looking, and appreciative, clearly a taste you'll never get to try," she shot back, sizing her up.
Princess' eyes twitched mechanically, and the crowd around her hummed in surprise. They eagerly awaited her next voicebox insult.
"You know, I'm kinda not surprised. You have so much value, and yet your taste in boys is just… worthless."
Blossom scoffed at the action figure. "As if you have any say. You go through boys like they're your weekly allowance."
"Excuse me?!" Princess gasped, clutching her chest with an over-the-top flare. "I'll have you know that I only date top-tier boys!"
"So, millionaire sons with the personalities of rocks?" Niles crossed his arms, deadpanning to her.
She snapped her head toward him with a glare. "Shut up, lover boy! Nobody asked you!"
Blossom smirked, but she was running out of patience. "Look, Princess, if you came here to annoy us, you succeeded. Congratulations! You can leave now!"
The girl, of course, had no intention of doing that. She put her hands on her hips and lifted her chin pridefully. "Oh, I'm not leaving yet. I just had to see this with my own eyes. Blossom, the fearless leader of the Powerpuff Girls, misusing her time with some random boy who grovels at her feet. Like, it's honestly sad!"
That really did it. A pink glow began radiating off of the plush Powerpuff GIrl as she rose off the ground. Her fingers clenched into fists as she held back the urge to just pound her into the dirt right now, a piercing pink glow crackling from her angry eyes.
The crowd took a collective step back. Even Niles, who trusted her, chose to stand still for the time being.
Blossom stared Princess down, speaking up in a deadly tone.
"Back off, Princess, or you're really gonna regret this."
Princess smiled, popping her knuckles as she stiffly clicked into a combat stance. "Oh please, you don't scare me, Pinky."
Blossom let out a sigh. "Fine. You had your chance."
Before the girl could even blink, she shot forward in a blur.
Princess swung a punch and hit nothing but the air. She then twisted her leg for a kick, which Blossom then ducked. She hurled another punch, and she weaved.
In a growl of frustration, the girl stomped her foot furiously, but the Powerpuff easily sidestepped her.
It was almost comical how completely outpowered she was. Each failed stiff attack left Princess stumbling, growing more and more flustered as Blossom effortlessly hurled through everything she threw her way.
And then, without a warning, Blossom struck first. She grabbed onto her plastic wrist, twisted her around, and flipped her over her shoulder.
WHAM!
Princess hit the ground with a strained yelp. The crowd winced, while Niles just held the teddy bear in his hands with mild amusement.
Blossom then grabbed Princess by the front of her armor and lifted her to eye level, giving her two quick smacks across her face.
Her face clicked left, and then right, leaving two burning red marks over her rosy, freckle-ridden cheeks. Princess was dazed, her head spinning as little stars swirled around her.
Blossom flew upward even more, strangely feeling less merciful than usual. The girl in her grasp barely had time to scream before she spun in the air and delivered a powerful roundhouse kick from her muscular thigh.
Within moments, Princess rocketed into the sky. She spiraled, her arms flailing, and her high-pitched shriek like a spaceship setting course for orbit.
She shrunk into the golden sky until there was nothing left but a twinkling spec. And just like that, she was gone, falling through the clouds elsewhere.
At first, it was completely quiet.
Then, the crowd broke out into applause. Dozens of faceless citizens raised their fists and jumped for joy. It seemed like more of them drifting from the moving traffic behind them and crowded the two together, ushering them on.
"Blossom the unbeatable!"
"That's our hero!"
"Everyone adores you! At least I do!"
The Powerpuff Girl dusted off her hands, flipping her hair over her shoulder before floating gently back down. She adjusted her clothes, completely unbothered.
Niles stood there holding the little stuffed bear tightly to his chest. The applause around him was just noise, since his focus was just on her. He watched her with a warm, admiring gaze like she was golden light.
"That was so amazing! I'm glad you're here with me," he said softly, a vulnerable smile tugging at his lips. "You're too good for me, you know that?"
Blossom turned to him, easing her button eyes. Without hesitation, she stepped closer and put a hand over his, intertwining their fingers. "Niles, don't say that," she murmured. "You mean more to me than anything in the world."
Niles blinked, tilting his head to the side as if her words made him short-circuit. Then, ever so slowly, he playfully grinned. "Even the girls?"
She smirked, pressing a single finger against his lips.
"Don't push your luck~" she firmly teased.
He chuckled, muffling something against her finger before she finally dropped it. Then, she tugged him easily, pulling him forward through the crowd.
They moved through the busy fairgoers, the liveliness of the carnival swirling around them like glitter. Eventually, they found themselves stopping in front of a food truck. It was a charming little stand with a white cover, tiny painted hearts on the side, and a large pink and red cursive sign displaying the menu. The scent of cherry blossoms and cinnamon was still swirling in the air as if the fair itself was a smell.
Niles took a step forward, glancing over the options before settling on an obvious choice. "One cotton candy heart, please!"
He couldn't see the vendor's face behind the booth, but silently handed over an oversized, fluffy stick of pink cotton candy–shaped like a heart!
Niles reached for his pocket, then hesitated when he realized something.
The vendor never asked for taros.
He blinked, staring at the silent figure for a second before shrugging. He took the cotton candy and turned to Blossom with a little smirk. "Here you go~"
She raised an eyebrow with a wide grin and took the treat gladly.
Together, they wandered a few steps away, finding a quiet spot overlooking the carnival on top. Their legs dangled over the edge and yet there was no breeze. It was perfectly still, everything encased in a golden hue.
Blossom held the cotton candy between them, each of them leaning in and taking a bite from opposite sides of the fluffy heart. The sugar melted on their tongues, but it was even sweeter when Blossom began softly laughing. Niles looked over at her, seeing her stick out her pink tongue. They both had taken the exact same-sized bite.
"Hey, you've got a little something on your face-" she pointed out toward him, leaning forward.
Her finger softly scratched at the corner of his lip and snatched a piece of cotton candy from him, chucking it in her mouth.
He smirked at her antics, watching with a grin. He shook his head at her. "You're lucky you're cute."
Blossom giggled, then tilted her head, watching him with a warm grin. "Are you having a good time?"
Niles let out a slow, contented sigh, leaning back on his hands. He looked out toward the fair in front of them, seeing everything blur out of sight and into the background. It all felt distant, like background noise to something more important.
"This has been great," he admitted sweetly. "I could stay here forever with you."
Her smile grew, and without hesitation, she cozied up against him. Her arm wrapped around his hip while the other hand was placed on his chest, giving him the cotton candy. The weight felt natural, like she belonged there with him.
"Wanna go anywhere else today? I've got time," she murmured, peeking up at him with a soft look.
Niles thought for a moment, then offered, "How about the park?"
Her eyes lit up, and she immediately sat up, nodding eagerly. "That sounds perfect!"
The transition from the lively carnival to a tranquil park felt almost surreal. Here, the air was peaceful, untouched by the busy energy of the city.
A red-and-white checkered picnic blanket was laid out beneath a bold oak tree, the branches casting shadows across the soft grass. The late afternoon sun still colored everything in gold, the precious clouds drifting by just across the horizon. It was the kind of settling that was unreal–calm and weightless. It was like time itself had slowed down just for the two of them.
Sat between them was a chessboard, its polished marble pieces sitting in a deep match. Niles was lying on one side, his head propped up by his arm while the other was making his moves. Blossom, opposite to him, was lying on her stomach, idly twirling a strand of hair as she focused on her next move.
It was quiet, almost ethereal. The only sounds were the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of a familiar songbird. There wasn't even a breeze, just stillness.
Niles exhaled slowly, closing his eyes for a second before opening them again, taking in the moment. He didn't think he'd ever been this relaxed before.
Blossom finally reached forward, smacking a black knight off the board and planting a firm white bishop across the board. She then looked at him with a knowing smile. "Check."
He raised an eyebrow, looking down at the board. He exhaled through his teeth. "Huh. Not bad," he mused, reaching for his next move.
Bust instead of playing, he leaned forward, resting his chin in his palm. "Think you got me beat again?"
"Oh, I know I do." Blossom smirked.
Niles quietly chuckled, shaking his head. "Guess I'll just have to make this a little more interesting, then."
And with that, he made his next move.
The game continued, but neither of them really focused on winning. It was as if both of them didn't want to win, sharing an unspoken affection. It was just being here together was all that mattered.
Though, at some point, somebody had to end it.
Blossom made her eventual final move, gently placing her white queen down in the perfect position. Checkmate.
Niles stared at the board for a moment before coming to the inevitable conclusion. "Well, you beat me. Not that I should be surprised by the smartest girl I know."
He smiled and chuckled, but Blossom didn't gloat. She didn't smirk or tease him like she normally would. Instead, she just watched him with something deep in her eyes. The usual playfulness softened into something more sincere.
She reached out, taking a hand in hers, tracing her thumb across the top in delicate circles. "You always try to think three moves ahead of me, don't you?" she said. "But right now, I just want you to enjoy this."
Niles blinked, caught off guard by the weight of her words. There was a small, lingering concern in his heart–an instinct told him to stay alert, something primal, to analyze the moment like he always did.
But then he looked into her eyes, and he was flooded with warmth and affection.
"I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't," he answered blissfully. "This has been the best day ever."
Blossom gently picked up the chessboard, setting it aside next to the teddy bear they'd won. Then, shifting closer, she pressed up against him, her body warm as they both fell on their sides completely.
Niles took a deep breath, her hand feeling his cheek. Her touch was light but grounded him while she held it there.
Why did it feel so familiar?
Her thumb brushed over his cheekbone, and for a moment, she hesitated. She savored this fleeting moment, tilting her head while gazing at his lips.
Blossom lingered there, her fuzzy fingers resting against his cheek, her button eyes suddenly holding a weight that he wasn't prepared for. There was understanding, some kind of knowing.
"I wish this would last longer," she muttered.
The words sank into him like tossing a stone into a pond. Niles furrowed his brow with a flicker of confusion. "What are you talking about?" he asked, sitting up slightly.
Blossom didn't answer immediately. Instead, she gave him a soft, bittersweet smile as she brushed a strand of hair away from his face. It was so gentle, so achingly familiar, it almost hurt.
"You know what I mean," she answered solemnly, finally finding the strength to stare back into his eyes. "All you have to do is come find me."
Everything shifted.
"What? Wait!" Niles held his breath as an unstoppable pressure began pushing him down on his chest. The weightlessness of everything cracked at the edges, the golden light dimming like a fireplace finally being snuffed out.
His muscles tensed, his fingers trembling as he reached out to grab her. It was desperate, frantic even. To cup her face, his palm resting against the smoothness of her flawless cheek. She leaned into his touch, not looking away from his eyes as her hair fell on his arm. He could see the red velvet bow drooping to the side like it was about to fall over.
"I can't lose you again!" his voice cracked, the fear creeping in. His voice got scratchy, and with every ounce of mental strength he had left, he thought about gripping onto her as though holding on tightly enough would keep her here. "Blossom! Don't leave me!"
She stared at him with nothing but tenderness. But it was the kind of look that felt like one in a million.
"I'm closer than you think," she said softly. "Please don't lose hope."
And then–
Everything just shattered like glass.
A strangled gasp tore out from Niles' mouth as he launched forward, ripped from that vision and into a new cold, cold reality in front of him. His chest heaved as if he was suffocating, lungs stretching for breath like he just bobbed at the surface of a deep lake. Even then, the intense air wasn't enough to fill his aching lungs and heart.
A layer of thick, chilling sweat clung onto his naked chest, his bare shoulders trembling from a faded warmth that no longer existed.
His hands were clutching tightly onto the sheets underneath him, so tight that his knuckles turned white. His reflection stared back at him from the wardrobe mirror at the food off his bed–a pale, wide-eyed man, torso rising and falling rapidly. His fluffy hair, normally wild and untamed, was hunched forward, hanging over his face like he was in a maddened state.
His heart was beating against his ribs like a caged animal. Everything about what he had just seen felt so real in his head. The scents, feelings, smells, sounds, all of it. The intensity of his adrenaline was so much that he could feel the blood pulsing in his veins, following along to the beat of his turmoil.
Niles slumped back against the pillows, shoulders moving with each shuddered exhale. His eyes darted to the side, looking out past the window where the world was in a thick, undisturbed blanket of snow. The suburbs of Sector V stretched out toward the horizon, the lights of the street lamps slightly dimmed from the raging snowstorm.
Everything just felt hauntingly peaceful.
Even in this serenity, Niles could feel the slow trickle of hot tears sliding from the edges of his eyes, fighting against the cold that clung to his skin.
He sniffled, rubbing his face roughly with the back of his hand. A shaky breath left him as his fingers fell away, his eyes dropping to his hand.
His ivory-pale fingers curled into a fist, trembling as he glared at the whole limb. The smooth, perfect skin without any scars or imperfections reminded him of everything.
"Why!? Why me?!" he hissed in a hoarse voice. His grip tightened. "Even my own damn mind is against me!"
Even speaking so lowly of himself, the venom faded away. It was replaced with exhaustion by the cold, sheer weight pressing down on his chest.
With a heavy sigh, he pushed himself up, shifting forward to the edge of the bed. He wore nothing except for the deep red boxers that hugged his crotch, a striking red versus the cool blue of the room. He hunched over, elbows resting on his knees, hands gripping his head.
The winter air began cooling him down, giving him some time to rest. His breathing began slowing down, becoming fuller as his heartbeat fell back into rhythm with the silent world around him.
Something stirred in him. It was an urge, a pull at something he couldn't name.
Without thinking, he rose to his feet, barely acknowledging the cold that was taking him. His body moved out and into the dimly lit hallway, practically on autopilot. The floor was chilly beneath his bare feet, and the silence was incredibly thick. He passed by the darkened rooms, past the quiet hum of the heater, and the other rooms until he stepped through the door at the end of the hall.
The air was even colder in there, untouched by the warmth of the house. Yet, Niles didn't shiver. He just didn't seem to notice it.
His eyes drifted over toward the suit–his suit–standing idle with the dim glow of yellow from the eyes. It stood firmly, staring out toward the garage door as if waiting for him to step forward, to wear it once again.
He just left it be, settling on the desk right beside it. A simple collection of items that held more meaning than he could ever put words into waited for him. First, it was a black superhero mask, untouched and safe.
And beside it, a red velvet bow.
Slowly, Niles stepped forward. His hand hovered over it before scooping it up, the fabric soft and delicate in his fingertips. His thumb brushed over the strands, and he tilted his head to the side.
He hunched over, his shoulders sinking along with his head. By now, his body began to subtly shiver from the chill, yet a warm feeling in his heart ached for something beyond the frostbite.
A moment passed, and then another.
Finally, in a whisper, he spoke up.
"I'm almost there, Bloss. I won't give up on you."
The words echoed, heavy with sorrow, yet carried by something else.
It was quiet, it was sure.
Something like hope.
2/11/25
Hello and thank you for reading! It's been a while since I've posted.
Most of this In-Between was solely fueled by the song Love For You by LOVELI LORI. (I can't let the boys know I like this song, LOL.) If this chapter had a theme song, it's that. Additionally, I took a bit of inspiration from the Johnny Bravo Valentine's Day special! That hit me hard.
The more you read this, or if you look back over it, you'll notice the smaller details. If you ever got confused at some point about the way this was going, or if you thought that some things didn't make sense, that's on purpose. I left this a mess without cleaning up the details (or at least tried to) but got to the point. After all, those kinds of dreams tend to let that happen. You remember some of the most vivid, personal moments in front of you, but the extra details around you get lost. That's why I never bothered to give any side characters more detail than what was worth their time.
This could be interpreted on multiple different levels. Read it as shallow as you want, or as deeply in between the lines as you want. I don't mind.
The fourth-wall break intro was something new. This whole chapter was stepping out of the F boundaries with the overtly sweet stuff, so I just bounced off the walls with it. I guess you could also say I'm a messy painter!
The point of this chapter was to have a good blend between both sweet and bitter. The first part was supposed to feel like a romcom, and it was tricky writing the two of them outside of their usual comfort zone (with the Dream Niles and Doll Blossom aesthetic). Also, this whole segment took the stereotype of guys leading the girls on dates and flipping it on its head. Once again, the regular guy x super girl ship is back. I guess I have a theme now, don't I?
I hope the whole trope of 'the character wakes up and it was all a dream' was well enough to stand on its own and not be cringe. I couldn't think of anything else with what little time I had to write this for the upcoming holiday, and I also do have an explanation for why this would've happened. It'll be answered in the sequel fic.
This was almost a bottleneck chapter(?) if you could call it that. The only exception was Princess Morbucks (PPGs) in the doll vs action figure fight. The Team Rocket twinkle at the end was added for a good touch!
Not all of this was supposed to be tragic. I left it on a good note. There's just too much sadness in my fic with this kind of stuff, and I firmly believe it's time we switch that around! I have a bit of work to do and don't intend on stopping until this series is finished. I've hurt Niles a lot.
Happy Valentine's Day!