Brick peeled his shirt off as he entered the bedroom after her. Blossom was sitting at the edge of his bed, arms and legs crossed. No matter how much she wanted him, she wasn't going to make this easy. She could hold out.

He stood in front of her less than a foot away. He was… smug? Sure,

Blossom was behaving as he probably expected, but this arrogance was calculated. Somehow she was right where he wanted her.

He crouched to the carpeted floor and rested his head on her knees, his hands caressing the side of her thighs as he inhaled deeply. She was dripping, but regardless of her obvious scent in his chemical X nostrils, she was going to stand her ground. She would not cave.

"You're not getting any," She huffed into his face.

His crimson eyes shone into hers with an amused smirk on his lips. "Wasn't planning on it."

She furrowed her brows down at him but kept her lips shut. Whatever his game was, he would reveal himself eventually.

Brick rose to his feet again and maneuvered behind her straddling her hips. His rough fingers curved into her shoulder blades as he kneaded her tension points, letting his erection press into the small of her back. "Busy week, huh?"

She sighed despite herself and let her grip on her resolve loosen a bit. She decided to play along. "Yeah." She let her voice hold her apprehension. "You?"

"Worst one yet," He breathed into her ear. "Had a lot on my mind."

"All business?" She asked.

"Related." His hands curved into her hips and up her spine. "Depend on what you'd say my business is."

The corner of her lip twitched. "Wouldn't say anything about your business. Seems like a private matter."

She felt his thumbs dip deep into a vertebrae and she fought back a needy sigh. The soft rumble of his chuckle reverberated through her warm, yet ominous.

"Things are only private if people don't know, huh?" His fingertips trailed up and down the side of exposed ribs feather light and her hard nipples ached for contact. "What do you think my business is?"

It was difficult to keep her eyes open and alert under his touch. She was melting into him, her back curving into his chest with every syllable he uttered like a summoning spell. The gap was a centimeter between them.

"Don't think," she swallowed thickly. "Wouldn't know?"

His warm fingertips ran over her breast and pinched at her peaks. "Guess."

She threw her head back and the contact sent a shiver down her spine. His chest was solid and broad, warming her shoulder to shoulder. The crest of her head barely met the top of his collarbone. He was looking down at her fluttered-shut eyes and slightly parted lips. She tilted her head to the side when she felt his stare.

"Not gonna bother to pry," Blossom squeaked out as a blush tinted her face.

She hated the wantonness that possessed her when she was with him. The control would ooze out of her body like an unwanted substance under infected skin. He released her tension and made her burst, all pink and open before him. A sight that made her sick but oddly satisfying. To say he extracted the worst parts of her would be a gross understatement.

"Don't mind," he mumbled resting his chin on her shoulder, pressing his lips into her neck. "Think you might already know."

"You think too highly of me," she said with a breathless laugh. "Don't have a clue."

He pinched hard and she hissed. "Never too high. Just know you better."

"What do you know about me?" She tensed when the question flew out of her mouth. She was enjoying herself, but she didn't want to subject herself to his scrutiny. Blossom grit her teeth and steeled herself. At least what he might say might give her the upper hand.

"Know plenty," He said sucking a mark into her neck. "Know how you operate, your defenses. Know what you want."

At this, she snorted. "What I want?"

"Mmhhmm," he switched sides. "You want what you don't want, and you omit the truth to save face about it. Ain't no shame here, Red. I want what you want."

She could feel him hard as a rock behind her, temperature rising everywhere their skin touched. He was completely still behind her, not bothering to rock into her lower back to ease the tension he undoubtedly had in his basketball shorts. One of his hands roamed to the crease of her right thigh, tugging at the waistband of her panties. His fingertips rolled over her skin just under the band not daring to go further. She fought the urge to spread her legs as he sucked another mark into her neck.

"And what do I want?" She'd have to wear a turtleneck tomorrow.

"You want to want." He stated simply. "And you want to let yourself receive what you want."

He released his hold on her and her back flopped against his mattress just before he kneeled in front of her. "But you lie to yourself and everyone around you out of fear you won't get it."

Blossom peered down at him on her elbows as he uncrossed her legs and spread them. He settled into the space peppering lazy tongue kisses over her knees and inner thighs. She wanted to whimper at the sight, instead, she bit her bottom lip.

"Don't bother saving face for me, Blossom." His ministrations slowed ever so slightly and his persistent eyes bore into her hooded pink. "Let me give you what you want."

Blossom was near heaving. She was aware of the heavy rise and fall of her chest, the agonizing hardness of her nipples, and the soaking heat in her underwear. Her want was so obvious he could've plucked it out of thin air and molded the unspoken matter into a replica of his 9-inch cock. It still wouldn't be enough, because she wanted him. This. The terrible visibility, a complete inability to hide any part of herself in his presence. She couldn't stand the vulnerability. It was as maddening as much as it was gratifying. Only he could really see her naked beyond her lack of clothes. It was a terrifying thing to want and a terrifying thing to have.

His fingers ghosted over her apex atop the thin black fabric. "Tell me what you want."

She licked her lips, but the words remained stuck in her throat. He applied more pressure. "Tell me." He demanded.

His eyes were blown wide open the burning desire so recognizable. Was she always like this? Did he always let her slide? Blossom couldn't recall when she ever had to ask for it. Every time she needed it, she would just elude, persuade, and he would be on his knees begging to give it to her. Her humbling era. Taking ownership of her needs.

Blossom never thought of herself as a needy person. She provided. She achieved. It was the loss of that ability that made this chapter so difficult. Before, she didn't need anyone. Didn't rely on her partner's income or the opinions of others to build her confidence. She was needed and she thrived off that title. No matter the extra hours, overbooked public events, or who called for her help. She believed she needed to be needed. At the time, she needed Brick. Someone to have all to herself and pour into her after a long day of giving too much.

Today, she wasn't that person. She doesn't need Brick as much as she needs stability, yet, he's still willing to give himself in all the ways he did before. It scared her. Could she let him be with her without feeling like she has to earn him, questioning if she deserves him? Could she let herself want him the needy way she is now?

Her mouth gaped open but no words would come out. "I want you, you know I want you." He pulled back and stood up. "Despite everything, you still don't want me?"

Her chest tightened as she watched him run a hand down his face. "I—" she choked out, then pursed her lips. "It's because of everything else…"

He spun on her and his fist clenched. "I thought we were past the past? Yeah, I was a dick and fucking unstable but I'm trying really hard not to be—"

"It's my past!" She blurted the interruption. "Mine. I'm not…"

She stared down at her hands. "I don't understand how I can be someone you want right now, and that makes me think you only want me because I'm needy."

He rapidly shook his head. "What the fuck, no… Blossom." He licked his lips looking for the right words. "Wanting you is easy. I want you no matter what's going on in our lives. I want to give you what you need."

Something sour settled into her stomach. The thought was nice, but life was full of ups and downs. They'd done this before. One low, one high. Not minding the strain and constantly reminding the other that they're not a burden, and how difficult it is to believe it. She didn't want to be wanted based on what they could give or receive. It's gotta be in what they have. Who they are.

"That's not how I want you," she said small and unsure. "And the person that I am right now… she needs a lot of work."

He crouched in front of her again hands clasping her own. "Blossom, there is nothing wrong with you. Please, I want—"

"I can't let you." Her voice broke. "I can't fuck this up."

"We can do better this time," he was practically pleading with her. "We can work through things… we- we're mature. Blossom, don't shut me out."

Her tears fell on their joined hands and she felt herself begin to slip away from him. It felt wrong, but it felt right. She wanted to know herself the way he knew her. Vulnerable. Imperfect.

"I— I know I pry and I overstep, but I just want to be there for you. You don't know what it's like to see you like this…" he trailed off, and with one sentence what soured, hardened.

"Like what?" Her voice was low and her eyes narrowed on him. "You think I need you to be the hero? Fuck me good into a new personality, let you tell me who the fuck I am?"

She snatched her hands away and stood from the bed as he stumbled back. "Red, no. That's not what I meant."

"Look at you," she sneered beginning an arduous slow clap. "The self-made Brick Jojo. Did it all on his own, just to walk back into my life and play super save a ho."

"For fucks sake, would you let someone help you?!" He bellowed effectively stopping her applause. "God, sometimes you're not easy to love."

The silence lingered between them and the weight settled within it as Brick decided just how much he meant what he said. This was her point. This was why she couldn't let him in right now. She knew she was difficult, flawed, and above all prideful. She didn't want to drag him through the ugly process of self-acceptance, then, improvement.

She arched an eyebrow expectantly as the minute stretched. "I didn't mean—" he began.

"Exactly." She cut him off and shoulder-checked him on her way out of the bedroom.

She quickly tossed back on her clothes and reached for her laptop when his firm hand caught her wrist. Angry pink eyes met determined red.

"I do love you," he said low and sure. "You. Always have, always will."

She let the four words rest over her skin years overdue. For once they weren't said in the throws of passion. He just said them. Sure and unwavering, but they still required some level of prompt. She believed him, but she wished he wasn't always telling her to keep her when she was slipping away. Or at least she wished she didn't think that way, because whenever she told him, he was hers. Not when he was lost.

"I know," she'd said and swallowed how his face fell like a hard pill before flying out the door.

888888888

They were now three days before the wedding and the anticipation was killing everyone involved. BC would be coming over to stay for the next few days until her wedding. Both companies decided it would be best if Blossom got to be hands-on with her schedule and preparations as the wedding planner. Brick and his team would handle Princess. Luckily, she was the most anal of the two brides and would likely be moving ahead of schedule and bossing around everyone in her path.

Bubbles had come over as well, letting Boomer handle the boys and the three girls were huddled down in the lab, tipsy over drinks, doing what sisters do.

"For the last time, I do not need to relive your college project regarding same-sex vs opposite-sex, sex!" BC shouted. "I still can't believe you interviewed me for that."

"You inspired me," Blossom giggled. "Sexuality is a spectrum, and Clarity on Queeriousity, was published as a scholastic article. You were credited."

"Ugh, don't remind me." BC downed her wine and Bubbles quickly refilled it.

At the top of the stairs, the Professor was admiring his daughters. All grown up getting drunk in the lab that birthed them, together and happy. It was more than what he could ask for. Kids. He had wanted perfect girls and that's exactly what he was blessed with. He thanked science, the universe, and whoever or whatever else played a part in making his life more beautiful by putting them in it. He wiped a tear and cleared his throat.

The girls spun to his attention as he approached them. "I have a surprise for you guys. Well you first, Buttercup."

He grabbed his daughter's hands and hauled her up. Blossom and Bubs in tow. It wasn't like the professor to keep something from them, especially not something lab-related. He ushered them into the simulation room.

BC stood in the center with her sisters flanking either side in the large white room. They were well past their fighting years, but each sister began to stretch and flex their muscles to wake them up.

"It's not a combat sim," the Professor's voice boomed through the speakers. "When you guys were teenagers, begging me to marry Miss Keane, I might add, you each told me what you thought your wedding would be like."

Before them, the white walls shifted to the Townsville Centennial, and filled with booming music and chattering guests. It was a small gathering, in a room not as big as the grand hall they rented, but it was still very nice. Miss Keane didn't make her relationship with the professor until after the girls graduated due to her conflict of interest as their principal. Princess and BC had just gone their separate ways.

They weren't in their sim suits so their attire stayed the same but they could spot the guests around them. BC's band was in the corner. The decor and flower arrangements matched the color scheme of the rehearsal dinner. A little boy with dark hair and blue eyes lingered by the entrance holding a ring box. A little girl of the same features held a flower basket.

"Looks like your sister made up for what Miss Keane and I couldn't do, BC," The professor chuckled over the simulated music.

A pregnant Miss Keane spotted the girls and ushered them in line. "Oh, you girls look lovely. Buttercup," She turned her attention to her I'm so proud of you, well done. C'mon now. We're about to start."

BC got in the back of the line and stood next to a less grey Professor. He linked his arm with hers with tears watering his eyes. "My lovely daughter." He whispered.

Bubbles linked arms with a more boyish version of Boomer, and Blossom gazed into the eyes of a longer-haired Brick. Mitch and Kamari brought up the rear. Butch was nowhere in sight. Blossom tilted her head back towards BC and she mouthed the words "bad time." To think if they hadn't reconnected in college, Butch wouldn't be a part of today's story. Maybe none of this would be.

An acoustic version of her band's song played and Blossom and Brick led the way. He held her arm gently, eyes forward until it was time for them to go to their sides of the matrimony. His hand slid down her arms and he gave her a warm smirk. His eyes glowed into hers and then like a whisper, wordlessly in her head, she heard his voice. "We're next," he said.

Her eyes widened and she stepped back into MOH position. She watched the rest of the party arrive and took her time to relish in a younger professor and her sister walking up the aisle. BC stood in front of her but she leaned back ever so slightly to whisper to Blossom.

"I don't know if he has telepathy. Butch and Boomer do though," and leaned back, her head snapping to the entrance as the song changed.

Princess looked her name, in a regal wedding dress done ball gown style, a crown atop her curly hair pulled into a low bun. On her arm was a plump and stout Basilo Morbucks and the three sister's hearts stuttered at the sight. Bas had made his sacrifice and stuck to it all these years later. In the real wedding, Princess was determined to walk herself down the aisle but would wear her father's thick rings across her fingers.

"We can show her this when she's ready," the professor added, and the girls nodded dumbly.

When Princess stood in front of Buttercup, her sister couldn't stop the tears. "I love you," Princess whispered to her bride, just as Princess-like as she stood today.

"I love you too," BC garbled back.

The mayor officiated and they moved on to the reception. Blossom relished watching her sister and in-law dance with their fathers. Bubbles took the time to get to know her simulation siblings. When it was time for her speech she offered the once she had prepared for the real wedding. BC nodded in approval and she couldn't help but glance at sim Brick, who was looking at her with awe. "How'd you know?" His voice trailed to her in the back of her mind.

After Princess slammed cake into BC's face and a food fight nearly broke out, the reception was in full swing. BC and Princess both changed into classy but more comfortable white outfits and performed a medley of their high school hits. She watched them laugh and steal kisses in between sets and Blossom couldn't help but wonder if it was going to be exactly like this. If it was always meant to be like this.

Butch strolled through the doors after their performance and the room went silent. He approached the couple. No one, not even his brothers could stop him. Butch shook free of his siblings and Princess stepped in front of her sister.

"I don't give a fuck how much X is pumping through your veins, try me on my wedding day! I fucking dare you." She snarled into his face.

Butch tilted his head down staring at his polished shoes for a moment before pulling both girls into a bone-crushing hug. "Congratulations!"

Princess broke away and let them chat. Blossom couldn't overhear what they were saying. She'd rather not use her super hearing for an obviously intimate moment. By the end, both greens hugged and smiled, then shared an innocent dance. Counterparts until the end.

"Some things are just inevitable, huh?" Brick's melodic voice flowed through her ears as he draped his arms over her shoulders.

She let herself lean into this version of him. An old Brick she had loved, that had left, that had loved her at one of her most heinous versions of herself, but also distanced himself so she could work it out. She wondered what this Brick would think if he saw her now.

"You think?" She asked.

He brought his hand up to tilt her lips towards his and sealed his conviction with a searing kiss.

"I know."

Thanks for reading.

Next chapter will be Brick's POV.

I'm terrible with updates so here's a preview xoxo

Brick POV:

Brick-paced and paced in the room designated for Concrete Rose. It was here. Everything they worked for, was the moment of truth for this campaign. His career was taking place over the next few hours. They were communicating. Professionally. Quick texts and updates on the movements and whereabouts of the brides. There were so many variables to today, neither of them could be in two places at once. They hadn't crossed paths, yet.

"Brickkkk," his boss sang from the doorway. "Just got done checking in on BC's bridal suite! Glam is going smooth, but Blossom hasn't shown up yet."

He patted him on the back making him instantly smooth out his jacket. Easy with the design dammit.

"I know you both are wearing two hats today, but she needs to get in there. Do what you have to do." He finished.

"No need," Blossom's voice carried through the doorway. "Just came to give my update then I'm headed there."

The two locked eyes as she approached the small circle and she quickly went over the key details. As much as Brick tried to keep his mind on business he couldn't stop replaying everything he wanted to say since that night. Since she chose herself over him.

He wanted to embrace her decision. Wanted to really be able to support her, but he couldn't help but believe that the best way to do that was by being by her side. He couldn't convince her, but fuck, he wanted to try.

"Anything else?" She directed the question towards him. He didn't hear a word she said.

"Uhhh, no… Well actually," He pulled her to the side. "Blossom I—"

"I don't want to hear it." She deadpanned. "Keep your shitty apology, I gotta get to hair and makeup."

Brick slammed his lips shut, swallowing the fight building up in his chest. It wasn't about them right now, he needed to do his job. He nodded reluctantly and let his eyes follow her out the door.

He rejoined his circle ensuring that everything was under control, hoping his blatant disappointment didn't show on his face. He kept looking towards the door, fighting the urge to follow her. He couldn't help but hope she would come back and make time for him to say what he needed to say before they had to give their best performance for this campaign.

Just when he thought he'd given the door one look too many, his red eyes met undeniable pink.

~Fin (For now;)