Notes: Format meaning below:

Italic fonts = thoughts

Bold Italic fonts = inner demon

Ch. 16 Welcome Home

Brick returned to the car and ignored the two bubbly blondes. He went home wet with muddy shoes but didn't bother wiping them. Wanting to forget this day, he went to his room. Luckily, nothing was different, but to double-check, he ensured his father didn't plant any spy wear. Neutron suggested that small devices are pricey if you can't make them yourself, so there'd be less than five placed in dry, prominent areas hidden in plain sight. Sure enough, he found three.

One was spotted on his closet door frame, another under his bed, and the last across his bedroom door behind the bed frame. Screw that older man, Brick thought as he gathered all the devices. They weren't video cameras but hearing devices that sent automatic updates. Is there any lying around the house?

"Oh, Brick!" Boomer appeared at his door. "Buttercup and Butch are back from their practice! We're going to dinner in a few minutes! Mom left a suit in the closet!"

Brick looked inside his closet, which hung a lovely red suit with a black dress shirt and red tie. They're probably planning some welcome-home party. He stopped and wondered if Buttercup still wore her little dresses—an inappropriate image manifested in his mind.

"What are you thinking about?" Boomer asked, smiling innocently as he was still stationed in the doorway. "You have this perverted look. Like when Buttercup used to wear her red dress-ACK!"

Brick's hand found itself around the ditzy blonde's throat. "You might be taller, but you're still weak," he released him - watching his brother stumble to fix himself. "Get out before I decide not to release you next time. Fucking creep."

"Okay, but FYI, she doesn't wear dresses anymore!" Boomer shouted before rushing out of the room. "And at least I'm prettier than you!"

Brick frowned before he got dressed and headed downstairs. Everyone was there, even his father. The old man was aging, and the wrinkles on his face were more definite than before. Meanwhile, even with her makeup, his mother was starting to age in her eyes. Butch was messing with Boomer but more in a playful manner rather than his psychotic episodes. His brothers wore matching suits but with their signature colors: Dark green and dark blue. Despite all of them being in the living room, none acknowledge him. His father had yet to greet him while Butch and Boomer were in their world talking to each other.

"Stop staring, you weirdo," Brick took a deep breath before glancing at her. "I thought you'd break that habit while abroad."

Unfortunately, Boomer was right about the dresses. However, Buttercup did seem to develop a taste for the family's money. Not only was it apparent by the name brands she had on - but her style was more different from the dresses. Her hair was bob-cut, and she wore an oversized brown winter coat with dark plaid pants. She wore no makeup, but her face was taken care of. Her black boots were up to her calves, and she was carrying pearls around her neck-

"Earrings?" Brick subconsciously reached out and touched hers. "You've got some expensive taste." Leaning in, he whispered, "How can Trailer Boy afford you?"

Buttercup elbowed him in the gut. He doubled over. "What? Did you forget how strong I am?"

"No, I forgot your ability to distract me with your beauty."

Her face lit up, and she stomped away, heading outside for the car. Anger was prevalent, and he was grateful she could still get red for him. He smirked about to follow her when a heavy arm landed on his shoulders.

"Hey, Brick," Butch got his arm around him. "Did you miss me?"

"Not as much as you missed me, apparently," Brick swiftly removed his brother's arm.

"Well, at least I got an inch over you," Butch was a bit taller than him, but he was still smaller in comparison.

"I bet not where it counts." Brick gave his psychotic brother a smirk while Butch's cocky smile fell. "Let's go before the old man blows a gasket."

The car ride over was silent. Brick went to the back alone while Buttercup sat in between Boomer and Butch, yapping away about the finals. He felt like an outsider. He didn't like the feeling. Not now. Not with her connecting with every other person but him.

"Brick, did you know your brother got a deal for modeling!" Boomer blushed at their mother's sudden outburst. "While Butch and Buttercup are trying to get sports scholarships! Tell him, sweeties."

All the pairs of green eyes in the car rolled. Buttercup turned to make eye contact with the redhead. "I'm getting my scholarship in Martial Arts, mainly Karate. Butch-" she flicked his head since he muttered nasty words- "is getting his in football as long as he doesn't fuck up anything during his baseball season."

Brick was somewhat intrigued that she ended up back on her feet despite the concerning voice in her letters. He smiled, "Karate? Do you still train at the Dojo?"

"Yeah, Sensi and Ashia have assisted me with my forms! They're like a power couple!"

"Ah, Sensei and Ashia?" His former student? Brick was happy that the older man, Sensei—the stupid prick who made her blush when they were younger—was now married. His students were not off limits, but it relieved Brick. Less competition. "Good for him."

"Right," Butch snickered. "Being able to fuck someone that young for being an old man is fucking goals-Ouch!"

Buttercup elbowed Butch. "Shut up, asshole!"

"Buttercup!" Their mother yelled.

"Make me bitch!" He yanked on her hair.

"Butch!" Their mother sighed in exasperation. "Thank goodness we're here."

The two greens continued to fight while Brick got out and stood next to Boomer. "Don't worry," Boomer told Brick. "They don't hurt each other that badly unless... never mind. Come on, they might be a minute."

They were led into a separate room when they entered the lovely restaurant. "Surprise!"

Multiple people shouted, and Brick blinked back in shock. He recognized no one except a few family members and some familiar annoying faces. One of those annoyances came up to him.

"Hey Brick, welcome home! Sorry we didn't get off to the best of introductions, but I'm happy you're here. Buttercup is always talking about you," Mitch said. I feel like she's constantly comparing me to you. Hard shoes to fill."

That honest response caught him off guard - before he could reply, multiple people came up and continued to talk to him. He noticed that Buttercup and Butch came in wearing annoyed looks on their faces. He was going to speak to his emeralds but was too caught up in the older family members asking about his studies.

Buttercup saw that others were surrounding Brick. She decided to go talk to a familiar face, "Robin!"

Robin stood next to two ditzy blondes. "Look who finally decided to arrive? You need to get your anger in check, or Mitch will never pop the question."

Buttercup smacked Robin, who just laughed it off. "I'm kidding. I can't believe it's been 10 years since your brother returned. He never got to come home for vacation, right? Like ever?"

"Dad didn't want to see him," Boomer said, sipping apple cider. "He doesn't like him."

"Boomer!" Buttercup smacked him, too. "Don't say that out loud."

"Well, I stand by my statement. So does Bubbles."

"Why?"

"Because it's true!"

"Yeah, your dad hates him. I don't know why, though," Bubbles was blatantly staring at Brick. "He looks just like your dad, just a different color palette. Plus, all your brothers are hot... except this one."

"Hey," Boomer sounded offended. "I'm planning to be a professional model!"

"A professional model is not the same as your brothers and dad's ruggedly hot looks. Plus, your dad is a DILF, and Butch is the younger version, while Brick is a thicker one."

Buttercup turned red and smacked her the hardest. "Bubbles! Gross!"

"Ouch! Well, your mom's a MILF too-"

"I second that motion!" Robin exclaimed as Mitch appeared.

"Second, what motion?" Mitch asked, carrying six pastries for each person.

"Nothing! They're just staying stupid things again," Buttercup took the pastry and flicked her tongue over some frosting - trying to ignore the familiar feeling of someone staring at her. "I can't wait till graduation, and I can finally move out."

"Me too!" Bubbles squealed in excitement. "You, me, and Blossom! Roommates once again!"

"Only if I get my scholarship, Bubbles." Buttercup was grateful for her family's financial status but refused to depend on their support after school, especially that old man. "Otherwise, I guess I'll move in with psycho."

"You'll purposely move in with Butch!" Boomer exclaimed, "That crazy bastard! What about me? I thought I was your favorite brother!"

Buttercup rolled her eyes. "Yeah, but you're a giant pervert."

"So!"

"What about Mitch?" Robin pitched in. "Why not move in with him?"

"Mitch is going to be traveling the world, and I want to stay close to home."

"I did offer if she wanted to come, but—" Mitch seemed hesitant before continuing. "I won't be around this area that long."

"Yeah, but you used to dream about starting a family, " Robin recalled her conversation with her neighbor years ago. "You know, before the gang stuff!" There was a sudden awkward silence in the group. Robin noticed that everyone looked like they were on thin ice. "Nevermind. Where's Blossom?"

"She stayed back home with her nerd," Bubbles was looking into a crowd behind her. "If you'll excuse me, I want to say hi to your Mom Buttercup! BRB!"

"Well, I am going to get some cake—" Robin said as an angry-looking Blossom suddenly blocked her path.

"There you all are! I told Bubbles to wait for me!" Blossom placed her hands on her hips like a scolding mother. "I wanted to let you guys know that Dexter wanted to show off a new machine! Nobody responded to the group chat except Boomer. He said you were at a party, but you're not even speaking with the main host! You're off doing your own thing to eat the food! And yes I saw Robin sneak away to get cake!"

"You want us to leave our literal family to go see that dweeb!" Blossom could do so much better, Buttercup groaned in frustration. Does Dexter even like girls? Dismissing the thought, she turned to punch Boomer in the gut. "Thanks for telling her where we were at."

Boomer -like the punching bag he was- recovered and gave a bright smile. "Anything for my Princess Bubblegum!"

Buttercup noticed the slight blush on Blossom's cheeks. Jeez, Blossom, can you be any more obvious? She always wondered why her older sister couldn't give up on her one-sided crush on the stupid boy genius - especially when her blonde brother always made her blush. However, she might be biased because Boomer was her favorite brother. "Whatever. I'm going to say bye to Mom and Brick before we head out. Coming Boomer?"

"Okay," Boomer happily followed his sister to say goodbye to the party's host. "Do you think we should invite Brick?"

"No. I'd be pretty rude if he left his welcome-home party. Plus, all your dad and other family members came to see him. If anything, we're in the way. And we sort of- kinda of got into a fight."

"It hasn't even been a day! How?"

Buttercup blushed, recalling when her brother returned and kissed her in the dugout like some - stupid romcom! "I still want to get along with him, but he's the same cocky little shit!"

"Duh, it's Brick. When isn't he a cocky little shit." She snorted. Something that Brick didn't miss as he saw the two approaching him. He glared at their familiarity, and they must've felt his eyes because they had both stopped laughing.

Buttercup was glaring right back - good. She still has that fire in her eyes for me. Thankfully, his distant relatives got the hint that he was in no mood to 'get along' with them. It was strange. They've never once cared about speaking to me before. Why was today so special? It slowly clicked on why he was here, surrounded by his family - his mother's very wealthy side of the family. He glanced at his father speaking with one of his uncles. The one that owned part of his mother's company. That old fucker wants me to be like a good little puppet. Brick paused. Stick to the plan: Returm - get 1/3 of the inheritance - leave with Buttercup - and never return.

Unfortunately, one part of the plan wouldn't happen unless he figured out how and why Mitch crawled into his emerald's life. From his understanding of her letters, everything was fine until her sophomore year of high school and that Green gang involvement. I doubt I can get information from Buttercup herself, but maybe she'd be willing if she read my letters...

"Sorry about leaving your party, Brick," Boomer said while Buttercup glared. "Blossom just showed up and offered to take us to see a friend's invention. We usually go in our group to show support. Are you okay with us leaving?"

"It's fine. This kind of party isn't my cup of tea anyway."

"Oh, okay. Do you want to come with us?" Buttercup's green eyes shifted from the owner of the red eyes to the blue. "Mitch can fit us all in his van!"

Buttercup immediately interjected, "No, I don't think Mom would like us taking away the main attraction."

Brick smirked, "Well, I am attractive, but your cute sister is right. I don't think Mom or Father would appreciate that. I'll go next time."

"You're not that attractive," Buttercup would've been more convincing without that beautiful red covering her cheeks.

"Maybe not that attractive, but," he leaned down to look her in the eye. "Enough to make you blush."

"Asshole!"

"Denialist."

"Prick!"

"Did you learn no new comebacks while attending school?"

"Am I interrupting?" Boomer asked warily until the Buttercup growled out. "No, nothing to interrupt. I'm leaving. I'll see you in the car, Boomer. "

Buttercup's cheeks were still aflamed before she stormed off, muttering multiple insults under her breath. "She needs to stop hanging out with Trailer Boy if she wants her vocabulary to improve. Right, Boomer?"

"Sure, yeah, um. Can I leave now?" Brick's hand was gripping his brother's wrist. "Oh my gosh, do you want to hold my hand? I've been waiting for this day-"

Brick hauled his annoying brother deeper into the restaurant - away from the other guests. "Boomer, I need an answer. What happened to Buttercup her sophomore year?"

"Huh? Oh, you mean when she was in the Gang Greengang, I uh- "

"Don't bullshit me," despite the height difference, Brick managed to remind his little brother who the superior one was. "What happened?"

"I can't tell you. It's not something anyone in the group likes or can talk about. It was one of those you had to be there for yourself. And don't expect an answer from the others. We can't bring up this subject, especially if you don't want Buttercup to hate you. Trust me on this; it is not something she has gotten over. Mom and Dad don't even know about her ex-boyfriend." He stopped, fearful of spilling anything else, as Brick wore one of the most menacing looks. "But lucky you Bubbles knows all about it! Bubbles!"

The bubbly blonde appeared. "Hi, Boomer, and welcome back, Brick! The others and I asked your mom if it was okay to come to your party. Sorry, we're about to leave so soon. Blossom is just so bossy."

"You can stick around and talk to Brick if you want! He has some questions I know you can answer! I'll let the others know you couldn't make it!" Boomer quickly slipped away, running towards the exit. "I'll see you later."

"Sorry, Brick," Bubbles said confidently. "You're not my type."

"Trust me, you're not mine either," she faked gasp. "Boomer said you'd be able to answer a question."

"Sure, but what is it about?"

"I want to know what happened to Buttercup during her time in that Gang from her sophomore year. It sounds like a taboo topic for the others. I don't understand. Did the gang threaten you guys? They were teenage gang members; how threatening could they be?"

Bubbles gave him a peculiar look. "The Gangreen Gang weren't teenagers; they were grown men. They hung around the high school smoking and recruiting teens, that's why" Bubbles seemed hesitant and took an exaggerated breath. "Do you honestly want to know about those days?" Something in the redhead's face convinced her. "I'm so happy that Buttercup has someone like you! Come on! I can't give you all the details, but I know who can! Oh! I need a quick favor!" Before he could object, Brick was pulled along by the annoying blonde. "Just stay quiet and look pretty."

They headed in the direction of the food table. In the corner of Brick's eye, he noticed a psycho following his movements, but when following the eye line, it wasn't Brick that Butch was watching. It was the bubbly blonde catching that maniac's attention. He never noticed, but despite the lighter shade of blue, Bubbles wore a striking resemblance to their mother. Mommy issues, Butch. Really?

"Hey, Robin," Bubbles called out. "You're not leaving with the group, right?"

"No, I escaped your sister. She's so bossy. Anyways - you brought Mr. Broody over here because?"

"He wanted to see his first love!" Brick fought the urge to kill her. "I'm kidding. Anyways, please answer questions about Buttercup for Brick here. I would, but I know you have more information on the event during our sophomore year. Anyways, I need to go see a hot psycho who can't seem to get his eyes off of me!" Bubbles quickly released Brick and started skipping in his crazy brother's direction.

"Oh, this confirmed something," Robin said, taking a bite of her cake. "They're for sure fucking, but I guarantee you that Buttercup has yet to pick up on it. And never will. You picked an oblivious girl to fall for Brick. Crazy, want some cake?"

Brick ignored her request. "No, I want answers. What happened to Buttercup with the gang and her ex?"

"Listen, it's not my place to tell, but I will say this. When you weren't here, the green duo got involved with a gang."

"I'm aware of that amount of information. I want to know what happened to Buttercup during sophomore year when you and the others no longer talked to her."

"Okay, stop with the the glaring. The Greens were involved with other people while in the gang, so exes were also gang members. And no, not Mitch. Buttercup got the worst because she's an adorable human and was involved with the gang leader. This guy is named Ace. I also need to say they were in their early twenties- Brick, calm down. I can smell the bloodlust on you."

Yeah, calm down, he clenched his fists. There's no need to kill anyone... yet. Brick ignored the disturbing voice trying to resurface, and through gritted teeth, he muttered, "Continue."

"They weren't together anymore, but everyone could tell something bad happened. We tried to help, but Buttercup shielded herself. She set up these walls - from all of us. Mitch convinced her of something because they started dating soon after she left the gang. But that's all I know. I don't think you can break Mitch unless you want Buttercup to hate you-" He involuntarily flinched at that comment. "The only person you can get answers from is one of the other ex-members. Either Butch-"

"No."

"Or his sane ex-girlfriend: Brute Plutonium."

"Brute?"

"Yeah, weird name, right - Brick?" He ignored her snide remark. "She's pretty cool but dropped out of school a while ago. I think your psycho brother might still be in touch. That's all I know. You stop with the broodiness. It hurts the vibe of this party. You're lucky I offered to help you."

"Not that I'm complaining, but why are you helping me?"

"I always felt we were friendish as kids, but it's mainly for Buttercup's health. Listen, Mitch is a great guy, but he always dances around the issue. You can tell it still affects her. There used to be times when she'd disappear for weeks. Bubbles, and I think she kept writing to you—even after you never wrote back—because she was willing to confide in you. Thus, you'd be the best option."

"The best option for what exactly?"

"Closure," Robin gave Brick a concerned look. "Are you okay?"

"No," a few drops of blood trailed down his fist. "Not in the slightest."

"Well, um, welcome home, Brick. I am going to see if I can catch a ride back home. I hope you can help her."

He stared in the distance, mumbling to himself. "Me too."

TBC...

Thank you all for sticking with the story! I'm really trying to finish it in five or fewer chapters. Then, I would do a spin-off series involving all the kids, but they'd be more like one-shots.

Extra Story

A few years ago, Angel Johnson was about to be married to her soon-to-be husband. She was aware of her family name's status and the wealth that came with it. Angel wasn't aware she'd be engaged so young. Granted, she wasn't innocent, but she feared not having others' love. Marriage meant no more parties, friends, or fun hookups - her parents didn't love her, so it caught her off guard when she was engaged to a stranger from her school - Richard Mojo Jojo - what kind of name was that? Regardless, he was infatuated with her, apparently, and he held a good standing for her family's name.

He wasn't horrible to look at, ruggedly handsome with dark forest eyes that made her shiver. He was somewhat possessive, but that wasn't an issue. She loved the idea that he didn't want to let her go. He confessed that he had loved her since she was 5 when they attended the same Dojo. That is what made her heart flutter. He wanted me, me? Even before this arrangement! This thought made her giddy. She wanted this man's love for the rest of her life. She was sure he would never leave her... until war broke out, and he was drafted.

Once her husband left, she couldn't stand it. Granted, she loved that once married (even if only for a few days), her husband treated her like a queen—the bedroom was their favorite place. Then he left, leaving her alone. She wasn't used to being alone; she missed the attention, the touches, the feeling of being loved. She hated being alone, more so when she found out she was pregnant.

Angel knew she couldn't handle being around alcohol or any influences. She decided not to go out anymore. Her so-called friends no longer wanted to stick around as a sad, lonely housewife. She had no real friends, and for that reason alone, she felt empty. Isolated. The doctors called it prenatal depression. At some point, she wanted to end it all - until her husband's best friend approached her.

'HIM' was the alias she created for the man—she never liked him. Destruction followed 'HIM' everywhere he went. She didn't want 'HIM' in her house, but he was a devilish charmer. His crimson eyes sent shivers through her. 'HIM' gave her something only her husband could, but he wasn't there. His friend was. Seven months later, the guilt ate at her for the rest of her pregnancy, but once her triplets came into the world, she knew she would never feel alone again.

Unfortunately, that one mistake gave one of her children crimson eyes - to always haunt her for straying from her husband's love.

Quick Note: There is no excuse for either of the parents' decisions, but because of Richard's possessive personality, the problem is that his "possession" eventually got taken away, and he didn't know how to cope. Despite Angel's depression, her obsession with her husband's love was no longer available, so she directed it into her children's love for her.