#v excited to interact with a Tooth again!

[rogerswifesblog]

my internet breaks again and I can't send it to your inbox😭

I hope this time WiFi works🙏🙏🙏

Thank you for requesting for/joining my 500 special <3

prompt; „Sweetheart, tears don’t work on me. You can cry as much as you want.“

I’ve never written anything ABO so I hope it’s okay? If there’s anything I should change let me know <3

Btw this was supposed to be Drabble.

It’s not. 3.5 k words, enjoy.

😩😆

I just had too much fun writing it.

Salty tears and sweet scents

Warinings: ABO, dark(-ish, but not really) Curtis, dub con but like not really reader’s just a bit scared (?), I think I can’t really write dark stuff but Idk, size difference/size kink, innocent reader (not dd/lg), , virginity loss, smut, p in v, mating/knotting, Curtis is hung😌😂😂

Let me know if I need to add anything!

Don’t forget to interact ❤️

You were a sweet omega, the youngest in your family and also the precious one-sweet, little thing, the beloved omega of your proud parents. They always wanted the best for you.

Which also meant a great mate. A perfect, big and strong alpha who would take care of you and your future pups.

They knew many wealthy alphas but none of them really seemed good. Nobody seemed to be enough.

When an alpha was strong, he was stupid, just a horny with his knot-thinking alpha. There was another one they liked, a beta but a really intelligent and strong one… even though they were scared it’d be hard to get many pups since some betas had problems with impregnating omegas. There were also some people not worth mentioning.

When there was finally someone they wanted you to meet, you didn’t like them and you often didn’t like their scents. No one was compatible with you.

Your parents slowly started losing hope.

And then he came.

Out of nowhere.

While you were shopping with your mom and decided to have a break -means you were eating ice cream on a bench in the park- a man approached you two.

You felt yourself getting excited, smelling his rich scent, something wood-ish but also a bit of smoke. Something that just screamed big strong alpha. You wanted to bury your nose into his neck, smell and lick him everywhere. Get a taste of this amazing smell. Did he taste as good? You scented the air trying to get more of the alphas scent and also showing him your own.

Curtis had smelled you when he walked past the park, needing to… he actually forgot what he had planned before. It probably wasn’t that important (he was actually supposed to pick up his friend… well…). He smelled you from a mile away. The sweet, sweet omega scent. Something fruity but also with a hint of chocolate? Some kind of sweets. He could already tell you had a sweet tooth- and he definitely wanted to bake you a chocolate cake, even though he had never baked before. Huh? Curtis had no idea who you were but he wanted to gift something meaningful to you. Would this be meaningful? Would you like it?

God he had to meet you first. He had to take you home with him. There was no other way he’d go back.

“Good morning” said the alpha in a deep voice, making your whole body tingle. Even your mother noticed the two of you had your eyes only for each other. The world around you didn't matter anymore.

He was an attractive and strong man. His hair was short, a buzz-cut, making him look slightly dangerous, but the sparkle in his blue eyes showed his good heart. He’d treat you right.

This was the right man. The right alpha.

A quiet gasp escaped your lips when you heard the man’s voice. It sounded so nice! Everything in you tingled. “Hello.” You smiled friendly, bowing your head slightly, unintentionally showing him your submission.

Curtis wanted to growl. Maybe he did, seeing how you squirmed for a second, watching him from under your eyelashes. He’s definitely taking you home.

Your mother talked with him for a moment, not needing a lot of convincing to give you over to him. But you didn’t mind that. You wanted to spend more time with the good smelling alpha. A voice in your head reminded you of how much you actually wanted to wear someone’s mark. This alphas mark. Being his. You’d wear it proudly on your neck, showing it off.

He took you out for a coffee. Even though you just ate ice cream, he ordered you some cake. Just as he had suspected you seemed very content with this decision, smiling at him warmly. Such a sweet, sweet omega. He couldn’t stop inhaling your scent. Didn’t your parents make you wear blockers? With such a scent it would be better to hide it. Making sure only one person would get to smell you. Your mate. Him.

Curtis felt his dick twitch at the thought of marking your unscarred, soft skin. You’d look so pretty with the imprint of his teeth.

Maybe he shouldn’t be thinking about marking you already, but how could he not? You were clearly scent compatible, like he had never been before with any other partner or hook up. He wanted you. And he wanted you to be his.

“So, sweet omega-” he said, making you bite your bottom lip to hide the smile. Normally you didn’t like being called omega but from his lips? He could say it all the time and it wouldn’t be enough. “-your mother told me you’re looking for a mate, huh?” It was a rhetorical question. He already knew the answer.

“I think I don’t have to look anymore” well, this answer he did not expect. The corners of his lips twitched to a smirk. “I guess you’re right,” Curtis put his palm over your smaller hand, squeezing gently. You felt your cheeks heat up, making you blush.

The next few days you’ve spent with Curtis -all the time. He didn’t let you go back home with your mother. Instead he wanted you to stay with him. Even though you wanted to sleep in the guest room. That’s not how he imagined living with you.

At first he accepted it -maybe you were shy and needed some time to adjust but after a week he started to be annoyed by that. Your parents already accepted him as your future mate. He wanted for it all to happen. ASAP.

The only thing you allowed him to do was kissing. Always gentle and sweet but he couldn’t stop thinking about more. About your lips against his neck, chest, knot… he wanted to kiss your whole body himself.

You were making him crazy.

Sometimes he could smell it on you too, your sweet scent turning even sweeter, your slick drenching your panties -he assumed you often had good dreams since he could smell your slick the strongest in the mornings. God, didn’t it make him hard as rocks. He would have a permanent boner if this keeps happening. He wanted to knot you so badly. Feel your slick walls stretch around him.

He wants you to have his scent all over you -and your own on him. He wanted his skin to smell like his sweet omega. Show the world what a perfect mate he has.

That night, after a romantic dinner, he took your hand and walked you to the bedroom where he had bought new blankets and pillows for you. (He hoped you’d make a nest but he wasn’t sure if you’d do it...)

He sat down on the bed with you, giving you a few gentle kisses on your scent glands on your neck. You smelled and tasted so, so sweet. Curtis couldn’t help himself from licking over your skin.

A quiet moan escaped your lips while you grabbed his arms and unintentionally pulled him in closer. Curtis growled into your neck, nibbling at your skin. He could smell your slick since you were only wearing a shirt and panties. Soaked panties. Fucking drenched.

He caressed your thigh, slowly stroking up to your core. When his fingers stroked over your wet underwear, you moaned quietly and grabbed his hand quickly, pushing it away. “Curtis, I’m-” “shh, Shh. I know, omega. I’ll take care of you, sweetheart… let your alpha make you feel good.” A whimper escaped your lips while you slowly nodded.

If you had to be honest you had no idea what he meant by that -your mom only told you the mating process was something that would feel good. Was Curtis talking about this? Would he put his knot in you? You’ve never talked about how it all would happen. Actually you don’t even know what a knot looked like. But it couldn’t be big, since it had to… well, fit in your hole.

Curtis wanted to keep going, especially after he had felt how warm and wet you were.

But first he wanted you to make the nest, so you’d feel comfortable in the bed and during the mating process.

Because that’s what he wanted to happen. He wanted to mate with you tonight. You were perfect for him. He didn’t want anyone else.

Curtis put the blankets on the bed and sat down in the chair that stood next to the desk. “Come on omega, make it comfortable for us, hm?” You looked down at the blankets, feeling blood rush to your cheeks. You’ve never made a nest for anyone besides yourself.

You were nervous.

Slowly you grabbed the blanket and put them on the bed, rearranging them and the pillows Curtis had on his bed. They smelled nicely. Just like him. Oh and there was even his sleep shirt!

Just as Curtis wanted to take it from your hands, thinking you wouldn't like it you growled quietly, pulling the shirt closer to your chest.

Normally he wouldn’t allow you to growl at him but he knew this was because of the nest you were making. Him approaching it without asking was a mistake. Even if it was his bed. Maybe he should’ve let you do it in his walk-in closet? He shook his head, knowing he couldn’t change your mind anymore. Maybe later you’d want to make another, bigger nest when you’ll be having pups. A closet would make you feel safer, he thought, watching you bent over and smashing your face against his pillows.

He watched you slowly preparing the nest and also unknowingly to present for him. At least it looked like that from the way you arched your back. God, he felt his dick getting even harder than before.

Curtis could see your slick leaking around your panties along your thighs. Fuck, you were probably so wet. He could just sink into your tight virgin hole. He knew he was big but you’d take all of him. Just like the good omega you were.

A moan escaped his lips when he stroked his hard cock. He hadn't even noticed when he pulled his pants low enough to free his dick. For a moment he watched his tip leaking with pre-cum, while he pumped his fist over his huge dick. Even his palm didn’t fully close around his girth. His fingers didn’t touch.

God you’d struggle so much to fit him in your virgin pussy.

When he looked up, he saw you watching him with big eyes. Your gaze glued to his dick, making him smirk knowingly. Your big, surprised gaze and the slightly open mouth was a pretty good ego boost. He could even make out some tears filling your eyes and your scent showed you were slightly scared.

Slowly the alpha stood up, taking off his shirt. Just as he wanted to throw it to the floor you grabbed it from his hand, smelling it. You were still watching him -or more like his dick- while he took the rest of his clothes off. Then he stepped closer. His cock was heavy enough for it not to curve upwards, it just hung down, even in a completely erect state. Probably as thick as his wrist, with lots of veins showing and leaking pre-cum.

“Can I come into our nest, omega? It looks very comfortable” he whispered. “Yes Alpha.” You whispered but pulled your hand away when he wanted to grab it. Quickly you shook your head and buried yourself under the covers.

He chuckled darkly, pulling the covers away and taking your hand once again in his, slowly putting it against his knot. “Come on sweetheart, your alpha wants you to make him feel good” he whispered in your ear, making you nod slowly but you still tried to pull away from him.

Just then did he start kissing your throat, making you forget about the feeling of his hard cock against your palm, while he grinds against you. He smelled your slick and he couldn’t stop thinking about sinking his fingers in your dripping pussy.

His free hand slowly slid along your thigh before grabbing your drenched panties and ripping them off of you. Gasping you looked down at your naked core while his fingers grind along your folds, collecting the slick before licking it from his fingers. “Fuck, so good, my little Omega.”

You whined, spreading your legs a bit further while he did it again, making you moan when his fingers rubbed over your swollen clit. Normally you’d be embarrassed about how much slick you were leaking but it was good, right? You’ve heard alphas -especially mates- liked their omega’s slick.

Curtis wanted to finger you till you were loose enough to fit him in your pussy but some other part… told him to fuck you like this. Your tight virgin hole. Seeing it stretch around his knot…

He knew omegas normally don’t need much preparation but he knew exactly how big he was. Yet, he really wanted you to feel it -and he wanted to feel it himself. It should work with enough slick.

He secretly hoped you’d let the tears fall.

Rubbing your clit, he felt you already trembling, your thighs squeezing and shaking around his arm but he didn’t stop. “That’s it, omega. You’ll come for me just from that, huh? That’s it…” he whispered in your ear while his pinky finger rubbed your folds, slowly entering your tight pulsing channel. And -fuck, even around his finger you were so tight.

“My omega…” And these words were what you needed, from approaching your orgasm, to falling headfirst into it. The overwhelming pleasure made you go cross-eyed. You’ve never felt like this. From the way you were moaning, Curtis could tell that too.

He took his hand from your core, making you whine, having you already dumb on the feeling of your first orgasm.

“Shhh, shhh. Come on, omega… show me that pretty pussy…” he rumbled into your ear, wanting for you to present for him. Curtis wasn’t sure if you knew what he wanted from you but you seemed to understand -or at least the omega brain did. You took off your shirt, threw it on the bed and turned around.

For a moment you looked over your shoulder, back at Curtis. He sat back against the headboard, crossing his arms behind his head and watching you. His dick rested against his hip, twitching when you wiggled your hips a bit. A giggle escaped your lips while he stroked with one hand over the curve of your ass. “Such a pretty thing…” he whispered.

Then you bend down, showing him your dripping pussy.

The alpha bit his bottom lip while he stroked his throbbing neglanced dick. He could see your glistening folds, your hole so slick he’d slip right into you.

And he couldn’t wait anymore.

Within seconds he was over you, growling into your hair, grabbing your neck and squeezing, knowing it’d calm you a bit more, kissing your skin. “My omega -mine.” He growled animalistically before grabbing his heavy dick and rubbing over your wet folds.

You whined and tried to pull away when he tried to push the thick head of his cock into you but even with the amount of slick it didn’t work, especially with you writhing under him.

For a moment his tip sank into you, making the two of you gasp before you pulled away from him and turned around, watching him from under your wet eyelashes while the first tear rolled down your cheek.

You knew you had no chance against Curtis -he was so much bigger and stronger- but he wouldn’t hurt you. He knew what was best for you.

Didn’t mean you weren’t scared.

He was so big. He’d never fit! Even his tip was already too much.

Curtis grinned slightly, smelling your scared scent but the amount of slick betrayed you. You still enjoyed it. You may have been scared but you didn’t want him to stop. Not really.

Slowly he stalked over your body, watching you like you were his prey. A quiet gasp escaped your lips when you felt his dick rest against your hip. He felt so heavy against your skin.

“My little omega...” he whispered against your lips before kissing you urgently, dominating the kiss. Meanwhile he took his dick in hand, positioning it at your hole and slowly pushing the tip in. His other hand clasped around your throat, making you unable to move while he pushed halfway in, ignoring any resistance.

You whimpered unintentionally squeezing tighter around his dick. “Alpha-hurts-too much” you sobbed, trying to push him away but also grabbing and pulling him closer, not knowing what you wanted. You buried your nails in the skin of his shoulders, leaving red marks behind while squeezed your throat gently- but not enough to cut off your breath.

“Please, alpha-hurts-” you sobbed into his neck, trying to calm yourself by scenting him and hoping for the same -which he knew and did. He rubbed his face along your neck, kissing and licking where he was planning on leaving his mark.

You sobbed again, trying to squirm away when he pushed a bit more into you. “Curtis! Alpha-too much” you whined. Curtis growled into your neck, looking down at your tears covered face. Warmth spread in his chest seeing you cry because of how big he was. “Sweetheart, tears don’t work on me. You can cry as much as you want.” He mumbled against your cheek before kissing away the tears.

You wanted more. But it was so much��

He was stretching your hole so much. You’ve never felt this full before -not that you had anyone else before Curtis.

He pushed another inch into you and worked up a slow rhythm, using only half of his cock, wanting for you to get used to him. It seemed to work since you started to moan quietly.

His pleased rumble just makes you whimper, embarrassed but wanting more of everything he wanted to give you. You knew he’d make you feel good. He was your alpha, he was your -he wasn’t your mate yet! You immediately pushed his head closer to your neck, looking to the side and revealing your unmarked skin to him.

Curtis knew what you wanted.

And he wanted the same.

Fucking you slow as not to hurt you but making sure he goes as deep as he can.

Words are beyond you only repeating alpha or Curtis and he seemed very satisfied, his very pleased alpha purr makes you whine quietly, his scent turns even more smug and possessive. The more slick squelched out around him, the more he growled possessively while he pushed more of his dick into your hole with every thrust.

“Alpha…” you whisper-whined, your eyes fluttering closed and your mouth hung open as he finally started to fuck you faster, pushing his whole length into you. As his knot began to grow, you went cross-eyed all over again. “My sweet omega-I’m going to fill you up baby. Fill you with my seed. Make you full and round with my pups” he moaned into your ear.

Curtis felt his knot slowly swelling up, approaching his orgasm quickly. He looked down at you for a moment, gently cupping your face with his hand. “Bite me, omega. I want to wear your mark too.” He whispered against your lips before kissing you.

He knew this wasn’t common but he wanted everyone to know you two belong together, forever.

For a moment he wasn’t sure if you understood him, seeing how out you were, but you nodded frantically, pulling him closer against you.

A hot pleasure rolled over you when he sank his teeth into your skin, breaking it easily. You felt your brain turning into mush while sinking your own teeth into his neck. He used the moment of your orgasm to push his knot into your pussy, locking the two of you together while his knot swelled even more, so full of cum.

Moaning, he put a bit more weight over you, wanting to feel you close while he filled you with his cum.

He licked over your fresh wound and you did the same to his, even though you were exhausted but you felt content, feeling his warm body over you while he filled you with his seed. You knew you had made the right choice with him as your alpha.

His knot locked you together for a few minutes in which you two kissed and licked lazily around your bonding marks, just enjoying the post bliss of the mating.

Special -> pinned post or under the tag Veras 500 follower special

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it!

Please leave some feedback and don’t forget to reblog ❤️

[taekooktimeline]

February 19, 2021

BTS go on vlive. Taekook don’t have any significant interactions, but everything seems just fine between them all. This is included due to what we consider to be unfounded concerns that followed it’s broadcast, saying there was a gloomy atmosphere and tension between Tae and Kook. 

When they introduce themselves, “V” uses the alphabet to be witty. Members giggle.

(Timestamp 1:23)

Hobi recalls a funny episode in which Jk had trouble singing a line of the song “Telepathy”. The youngest jogs his memory and determines it was Tae who ended up successfully recording and claiming those lines. He turns to point at him and make eye contact, getting a chuckle in response.

(Timestamp 7:13)

Members - mostly Jimin - tease Tae by giving him various titles only to have him hand them over. They kept the joke rolling after the first misunderstandment, cheerful laughs filling the room.

(Timestamp 8:15)

Tae dramatically accepts the worldwide handsome title, then breaks into a big smile when they all turn the previous incident into a running gag. He hurries to pass it over to Jk when asked, clearly enjoying the game. 

Jk’s “what if” -

Yoongi chimes in -

Jimin makes their wishes come true -

Smiles -

(Timestamp 9:22)

Jimin once again announces the title in a grandiloquent way to a happy Tae that knows what’s coming.

Tae complies and makes a show out of it.  Everyone is having a good time.

Smiles -

Jk laughs out loud at the whole situation.

(Timestamp 10:05)

Members try singing Tae’s complex part in Telepathy. The aforementioned sings the loudest and the longest, which brings a soft smile to Jk, and possibly Yoongi, although the rapper was already smiley.

(Timestamp 10:53)

The joke ends very eloquently. No hard feelings whatsoever.

Jimin refuses -

(Timestamp 11:00)

Jk, being an attentive person, turns around when Tae opens a message.

(Timestamp 11:20)

Members read the prompter while discussing popular fan questions during vlives. Jk’s expression goes from this -

to this grumpy face -

He does NOT like the topic that’s coming up next.

Tae reads the prompter out loud:

They proceed to debate, with most of them choosing “5-year-old Jk”, reasoning they miss cute Jungkook. Tae says:

The youngest isn’t too thrilled about it.  He doesn’t like being the centre of this discussion, also trying to interject when Yoongi chose five, hard-working Jungkook’s.

Tae massages his shoulder - a soothing action - but agrees with the majority, which isn’t what he wanted to hear. Jimin follows up to help soothe him, since Jk isn’t thrilled with this topic. 

Jin says:

Tae adds cute Jk is gone:

Tae compensates it by complimenting Jk’s current, manly looks. He didn’t become just a man, but “a real man” according to Tae. He’s implying that both sides of him have their own appeal, even if there’s certain nostalgia about the past - which is natural.

Jk hints at him being bothered by people wanting to preserve his cute image (fans included). For a long time, his specific role in the group required him to come off as a cute, boyish maknae, with staff preventing him from developing noticeable muscles, as stated by him in 2015. “Cuteness” in relation to his public image is a sensitive topic for him since there could be a level of insecurity around it - of being less liked once that cuteness is gone - or simply some frustration since he prefers a manlier image.

(Timestamp 16:36)

Joon takes the hint and immediately asks Jk what he himself prefers. Instead, Tae turns the tables and moves the focus to other members, prompting him to choose.

Still pouty -

Jk becomes chirpy again. They are now talking about 5 Jimins being chaotic together, and Jk avoiding work by blaming his other clones - steering away from the previous, sensitive topic.

They remember games from their childhood and attempt to carry them out. Tae shouts “Can you do this?”. Members turn to look at him, with Yoongi, Hobi and Jungkook giving it a try.

(Timestamp 20:04)

Tae reenacts how they used to call in the past. Jk smiles at his play.

(Timestamp 20:40)

Yoongi gives details of how much his mouth was bleeding after his tooth removal, and in that moment Tae coughs out strawberry juice. They get a kick out of it’s similitude with blood.

Tae wipes his drool on Jin’s clothes, which makes him complain -

Tae classifies it as strawberry extract, making members smile, Jk included.

Jin repeats his cry with drool being present within the offense, and Jk turns to reiterate that it’s “extract” - backing Tae up.

Yoongi asks Tae why he suddenly laughed, but he denies laughing. Jk softly asks if he choked and Tae confirms.

(Timestamp 23:25)

The drool vs extract argument resurfaces.

Jk cutely repeats “extract” 3 times.

(Timestamp 26:53)

Jin, Hobi and Tae are suffering due to the uncomfortable seats.

Jk inspects Hobi’s seat and then goes on to feel Tae’s seat once he stands up.

(Timestamp 31:10)

They bring up the drawing that Jk made of Hobi for his birthday last night. Tae is surprised and keeps asking “what?” -

They tell him to look at twitter, which is the place where Jimin says he found out about it.

He reaches for his phone.

Jimin opens twitter himself and shows Tae, who exclaims in awe.

He then is determined to get Jk to draw him for his birthday, squeezing his shoulder and saying: “Seriously, draw me one”.

Flashback: this reminds us of the time around debut days when Tae marveled over the portrait that Jk drew of him, most probably upon request, despite their busy schedules. 

Nov, 2013 interview (credits to @closetdekv):

They all team up to pressure Jk into drawing them. Jk off-handedly says he can do it & Tae makes a promise in his name.

Jk finds a way to make it more exciting.

(Timestamp 33:20)

Ending -

(Timestamp 40:55)

Raw link: https://www.vlive.tv/post/1-21427550 

[ssidesblog]

frame the halves and call them brothers

remus centric, 2,935 wc, ao3

remus meets janus, who proceeds to psychoanalyze him (and virgil is exhausted)

Remus did not wake up early. Or rather, he didn’t like waking up early, not usually. But that morning, Remus woke up with an excited buzz despite the fact he was awake before 8am on a Saturday. He rushed to get dressed, slipping on a flannel that was two sizes too big and had rips in the wrong places, a pair of black pants (the ones Patton loved to describe as his church pants since they were so ‘holey’), and his pair of blue ladder laced Doc Martens. Looking at himself in the mirror he couldn’t help but grin. Contrary to popular belief, Remus took a great deal of pride in his appearance, and to him, looking like the definition of the word ‘punk’ made him very content and happy. 

His mom sat at the kitchen table, already in her uniform for one of her jobs. Remus walked over to her and bent down to plant a kiss on her cheek. 

“Good morning, sweetheart.” She greeted him. 

“Morning.” He replied with a smile that showed off his chipped tooth. 

“You’re extra excitable this morning.” She commented and stood from her seat. 

“What can I say, I love facing the consequences of my actions.” Remus said, opening a granola bar and following his mom to the front door. She rolled her eyes with a chuckle and grabbed her keys from the hook by the door.  The ride to the school was quiet. Remus knew she was still pissed at him, even more so at Virgil and was not excited for him to be around the kid who beat him up. They pulled up to the school and just as Remus opened the door to leave she spoke. 

“Please behave yourself, mijo.”  She sounded exhausted and looked the part as well. Remus’s stomach knotted when he realized just how tired her whole existence was. He nodded, not trusting himself to talk, and left the car. He watched her pull away with a sort of sadness. He quickly shook away whatever he was feeling and entered the high school. He walked into the gym where Mr. Young was waiting along with a few other students. Remus noted he didn’t see Virgil, meaning he was early to something for once. He sat down on the bleachers and shortly after Virgil walked in with someone Remus vaguely recognized from a few of his classes. The two walked over to Remus. 

“I just don’t understand how you can be stupid enough to also get detention.” Virgil said to the kid next to him. 

“I don’t think it’s fair,” The other person spoke, “Writing on the bathroom stalls shouldn’t result in this kind of punishment.” 

“You wrote ‘fuck 12’, Janus, what the hell did you think would happen?” Virgil asked incredulously. 

“Well I didn’t think I would get caught.” The kid, Janus, replied in a grumble. 

“You making fun of me for being a wannabe punk when your boyfriend acts like that is kinda fucked up, Hot Topic.” Remus said, inserting himself into the conversation. Virgil gagged while the other kid made a face of pure disgust.

“Never say that ever again, we’re brothers.” Virgil said. 

“Oh, fuck, sorry I couldn’t really tell,” Remus said looking from one to the other, “I’m guessing you’re step brothers or something?” 

“Actually, we’re twins, I just happened to get all the melanin,” Janus stated and then gestured to the left side of his face where splotches of pale skin stood in a contrast to the rest of his dark complexion, “Virge did have some kind of influence though.” 

 Remus nodded in understanding and Virgil looked at him with a scrutinizing gaze. 

“Please tell me you don’t actually believe that.” Virgil spoke in a desperate tone. Remus laughed a little too hard. 

“I know I’m dumb but I’m not stupid.” Remus said. Virgil put his head in his hands and mumbled something Remus interpreted as ‘I want to go home’. He lifted his head and looked from Janus to Remus. He leaned closer to Remus and lowered his voice. 

“My brother kinda hates you for punching me.” 

“It’s ok,” Remus spoke in a similar hushed tone, “My brother hates me for punching you, too.” Virgil raised his eyebrow but didn’t question any further, to which Remus was thankful. Roman wasn’t a fun topic to talk about unless Remus was making fun of him and right now, even thinking about him was making him upset. 

“Ok, kids,” Mr. Young addressed the less than 10 people in the room, “Each of you will be cleaning up the campus. We have proctors all around campus so don’t do anything that will get you into even more trouble. Come grab a trash bag and gloves and hop to it.” He gestured to the pile of garbage bags and boxes of gloves. Each of the kids shuffled over and grabbed their supplies. 

Once they were outside, Remus, Virgil, and Janus stuck together and picked up the same area in relative silence. Remus bent down to pick up a half eaten sandwich when he noticed Janus’s shoes; blue ladder laced Doc Martens. He grinned and fully stood up. 

“You killed a cop, too?” Remus practically shouted the question and gained the attention of the two boys, along with a few bewildered looks from surrounding students. 

“Excuse me?!” Virgil asked, his voice going up an octave or two. Janus looked down at Remus’s boots and then his own, a knowing look on his face. 

“Seeing as how this little shit,” Janus nodded in the direction of Virgil, “Beat the fuck out of you, I seriously doubt you killed a cop.” Remus barked out a laugh. 

“Half-pint has some moves you wouldn’t believe.” Remus pointed to his tooth and Janus moved closer to get a better look. 

“The little raccoon did that?” He asked with amusement in his voice. Remus nodded. 

“He pulled my head back and smashed my face into the ground,” Remus recounted the moment with a sense of nostalgia in his voice, “My mouth just so happened to be open.” 

“You don’t sound angry about it.” 

“Because I’m not,” The grin in his voice was evident, “I’ve always wanted to get into a fight and now I have a way of remembering it.” Janus gave a small smile and Remus counted that as a win. 

“Is your nose ok?” Virgil asked. 

“It’s fine, kid, no need to feel guilty.” Remus reassured him. It was feeling a whole lot better than the day before, the bruising made it look a lot worse than it felt. 

“I still can’t believe you did that, bub.” Janus spoke with pride as he ruffled Virgil’s hair, “I raised you well.” 

“You’re barley even a year older than me shut the fuck up.” Virgil’s voice didn’t actually hold any malice. 

“Oh, you’re older than us?” Remus asked, adding, “I could have sworn I’ve seen you in some of my classes.” 

“Oh, no me and you are the same age,” Janus said with a shit eating grin on his face, “V here skipped a grade so he’s a little baby.” Janus had turned on his baby voice and squished Virgil’s face. 

“Get the fuck away from me.” Virgil said and swatted his hands away. 

“Awww, little piss baby.” Remus cooed. 

“I hate both of you so much.” Virgil said, giving each of them a pointed look. 

“You know you love me.” Janus said and wrapped his arms around his younger brother, swaying a little from side to side. Virgil mumbled something into his shirt that made Janus chuckle. Remus watched them and felt a little part of his chest ache. 

“You’re not so bad, Remus.” Janus said, letting go of Virgil. 

“I’m all sorts of bad, but I appreciate it.” Remus said. 

They finished cleaning with a lot more talking and joking around. Remus felt happy having people to interact with who were brand new to his life. It was like a breath of fresh air. Once they were dismissed, Remus walked to the front of the school with the two brothers. 

“Do you wanna go over to the gas station?” Janus asked him. 

“I don’t have any money on me.” Remus said, shifting on his feet. 

“Don’t worry about it, V can buy you a slushie.” Janus said, already walking in the direction of the nearby 7/11. 

“Why do I have to buy it?” 

“You’re the one who beat the shit out of him, it’s the least you can do.” Janus said and winked to Remus. He snorted. Janus looked over at him and squinted, searching for something in his face. 

“I’m flattered, really, but it’s awfully rude to stare.” Remus said. 

“You look familiar.” Janus mumbled. Then his face lit up, “You do theatre, right?” Remus groaned. 

“No, that’s my brother.” He couldn’t help the disgust evident in his voice. 

“Oh, are you two twins?” He asked. 

“Sadly, yes.” Remus responded. 

“You don’t seem very fond of him.” Remus bit the inside of his cheek. 

“We just have a complicated history.” He said. Virgil and Janus both raised an eyebrow and maybe Janus’s joke about them being twins wasn’t too far off. 

“Aren’t twins supposed to be, like, super close and shit?” Virgil asked. 

“Virgil.” Janus said his name like a warning. 

“No, it’s fine, Roman and I are just,” Remus paused to think of a way to describe their dichotomy, “different. He’s the golden boy and I’m clearly not.” Remus said and gestured to himself. 

“Comparison creates a divide and causes nothing but harm.” Janus told him. 

“That’s the thing,” Remus was starting to get angry, “I was never the one to start comparing. It was our dad who always favored Roman. Roman who does nothing for himself; he people pleases and has no sense of an actual identity. But because he can follow the rules he’s the good twin.” Remus hit the crosswalk button harder than necessary. 

“You seem a lot more interesting.” Virgil said 

“Agreed.” Remus gritted through his teeth. 

“So then, why are you jealous of him?” Janus asked. Remus turned to him. 

“I’m not jealous of him.” 

“Yes you are.” He stated

“Janus likes to psychoanalyze everyone.” Virgil informed Remus. The crosswalk flashed the little picture of the man walking and the three boys imitated the motion.

 Remus thought about what Janus said as the two boys started a conversation of their own. Was he jealous of Roman? There was no way. Roman was self absorbed and egotistical, but only on surface level. He and Roman may not get along too well but they knew each other like the back of their hand. Remus knew how insecure Roman was, always scared of losing his good image, letting himself hide away parts of himself to look less weird. Remus was happier, Remus was unabashedly himself. So, why was he jealous of Roman?

“You ok, Rem?” Virgil asked, successfully gaining his attention. 

“Oh, uh, yeah I’m fine.” Remus responded. Virgil nodded and followed Janus inside the 7/11. Remus walked in after him. 

“What flavor do you want?” Virgil asked, grabbing a cup and a lid. 

“Mix the blue and the Coke.” Virgil made an audible noise of disgust but complied. He wandered over to the chip aisle and Remus went to the back where Janus looked at the cold drinks. 

“You never answered my question.” Janus spoke, not taking his eyes away from the energy drinks in front of him. 

“I don’t really have an answer for you, I don’t know why I am. If you asked my therapist it probably has something to do with my dad.” 

“That’s what all therapists say.” Janus opened the case and crouched down, picking up two cans of Monster. 

“I mean, they aren’t wrong, dads are just like that.” Remus accepted one of the cans. 

“I wouldn’t know, I grew up with two moms.” 

“That’s why you’re so put together, no trauma of having a father.” Remus said. Janus laughed and Remus decided it was one of the prettiest sounds he’d ever heard. 

“Why do you need a Monster if you also have a slushie?” Virgil asked, exasperated. 

“Extra energy.” He replied, handing him the drink. Virgil rolled his eyes and went up to the counter. 

“I don’t think Roman is as boring as you think.” Janus said. 

“You know him?” Remus asked. 

“I’ve spoken with him a few times, he’s very active in theatre and so am I.”

“So you knew I wasn’t him?” Remus asked. 

“He’s interesting in his own way,” Janus avoided Remus’s question, “I think you need to give him a chance.” 

“Easy for you to say, you and Virgil seem like perfect siblings.” Remus knew he sounded bratty but he couldn’t bring himself to care. 

“When I first met him, I absolutely hated him,” Janus started, “I was 11 and suddenly I had a younger brother. I was in a new home and the only familiar part of my life was my mom and even then she had split her time between me and Virgil. I didn’t want anything to do with him. I thought he was weird and too quiet. Poor kid just had anxiety and me and my mom moving in did nothing to help. I had to give him a chance and once I did, we found we were similar in our own ways, but more importantly, we were different. Now, I can’t imagine a life where he isn’t my brother.” Remus looked at Janus in awe. 

“Give Roman a chance, he may be completely different than you but what’s so bad about that?” Janus gave him a smile that on anyone else would look disingenuous but with him it was the most open expression Remus had ever seen on anyone. Remus could only nod. 

“Is J getting all philosophical on you?” Virgil joined Remus’s side as Janus went to pay, “I keep telling him not to do that to people. He’s so weird.” There was a smile on his face as he spoke, as if just the mention of his brother made him happy. 

“You’re one to talk.” Remus knocked Virgil’s shoulder with his own. 

“I know the kid who brought a worm into class, claiming it to be his pet is not lecturing me about being weird right now.” Virgil said and Remus laughed. 

“I forgot about that, I miss that little guy.”  Virgil rolled his eyes with a certain fondness in his expression. He handed Remus his drinks as Janus joined the two. They walked back to the front of the school to wait for Virgil and Janus’s mom. 

“It was nice meeting you, Remus, we should hang out again.” Janus said as a way of goodbye. Virgil waved and off the two boys were. Remus stood up and started his walk to his house. He didn’t live too far away and was at his house in less than 20 minutes. He entered the house and found Roman sitting in the living room, watching something on TV. 

“Didn’t detention get out like, an hour and a half ago?” Roman asked and eyed the slushie and can of Monster in his hand, a sort of sadness in his eyes. 

“I went to 7/11 with Emo and Janus.” He said and walked over to him. 

“You know Janus?” Roman asked in surprise. 

“I met him today, those two are actually brothers.” Remus laughed at Roman’s disbelieving expression. “I know, it’s a small world.” He handed Roman the Monster. He took it hesitantly. 

“I’m glad you had fun.” He said and opened the drink. They were quiet for a few minutes, Remus joining him on the couch and half paying attention to what Roman had put on the TV (it was Hannah Montana; he only watched that when he needed a distraction). 

“Why were you so mad when I got into that fight?” Remus finally asked. Roman chewed on his lip in thought before finally responding, voice soft. 

“Because I didn’t want you to get hurt. And I didn’t want you doing something you would regret and beat yourself up about later.” Remus felt a pang in his heart. 

“You saying you actually care about me?” Remus meant for it to come out as a joke, but the way his voice cracked and went quieter just made it sound pathetic. 

“Of course I care about you, you’re my brother.” 

Remus took in a deep breath and sipped from his drink. 

“I’m sorry.” He said after a pause. 

“Dude, are you ok?” Roman’s voice was filled with worry. Remus managed a breathy laugh. 

“Yeah, I am. Thank you for the concern, Ro,” Remus smiled at him, “It means a lot.” Remus kept his voice low so it wouldn’t crack, so it wouldn’t push pressure on his throat, so he wouldn’t cry. Roman nodded and turned back towards the TV. 

Remus knew it was going to be hard. Roman had always been this ideal his dad set for him, more of an idea than a person. And Remus thought, maybe, he’d always hold some kind of resentment towards him. But Janus was right. Roman was different in almost every way, but he was still himself. In the same way Remus was himself. Eventually, he would come to accept that, but for now, Remus was content watching Hannah Montana on their couch, on the verge of tears, Roman’s head somewhere else entirely. They were a collective mess of trauma but at the end of the day they were still brothers and Remus couldn’t imagine it any other way. 

[fire-bear]

Familiar Voices

(Working title, from that song that goes “All around me are familiar faces”, etc.)

So, I’ve been doing the AFTG Bingo 2020, as you may have noticed and, since I had a few hours since I posted my last one, I decided to start work on another square. I’m not going to finish it tonight so I decided to just post the part that I’ve got done now and relax before I go to bed (or I won’t sleep well, as per usual). Anyways, I was going to attempt another line, but since I knew I wouldn’t finish, I went with the Musicians AU.

(I’ve put some under the cut cause this is a rather long post, but I wanted to show off the first part, so.)

The summary would be something like:

Neil was happy with his new name, new life, new friends, new home. He still had a lot of pop culture and movies and music to catch up on. Which is probably why all of his friends are excited when the popular rock band that Neil has never heard of - The Monsters - have come to town.

                                      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“There’s a rockstar in town,” Matt told Neil, three months after Neil had finally felt settled in his new life. 

“Okay,” said Neil, placidly. He pulled out a paper cup. “What do you want today?”

“A mocha,” said Matt, distractedly. He was scrolling through his phone, even as he was bent almost double to lean against the counter. 

“Cake?” Neil asked, knowing that Matt liked to have something at this point in the day.

“Hm, yeah. I should be healthy so, like, the carrot cake?”

“Sure,” said Neil, grinning cheekily at Matt when he looked up with a pout.

“Aren’t you interested?” Matt demanded, waving his phone at Neil.

“Nope.”

“Neil!” Matt whined. 

“You know I’m not a big music fan,” Neil pointed out, already starting to work the coffee machine. The clanging and hissing filled the air of The Foxhole, the little coffee shop that Neil now worked in. 

He loved working there. Aside from the delicious smells that bloomed from the kitchen, the shop itself was cosy. There were two types of tables. Some were low for the comfy couches and armchairs. Others were attached to the thin pillars that were dotted around the place, tall stools available for the customers. The walls were painted white with little fox pawprints dotted across it. Napkins with foxes printed on them were available at the tables and every table also had fox salt and pepper shakers. A giant fox looked down on Neil from above the machines, nosing at the menu that was done in orange writing. 

It was home and Neil treasured it.

At the moment, since it was an hour till closing, there were very little people in. Anyone that wasn’t Matt were taking their coffees to go, on their way to back shifts and night shifts. Only a few people were actually sitting in, most of which were students. There was also a couple who were on a blind date, blushing at each other and stuttering through flustered conversation. That meant that Matt could block the counter without annoying anyone.

“I can let you listen to some right now,” Matt said, quickly tapping away at his phone.

Neil glanced towards the students and the date. “I don’t think doing that here is a good idea, Matt,” he said, nodding to them. “Maybe another time.”

Instead of backing off like Neil had hoped, Matt pointed his phone at Neil. “Tonight. After work. Come by my place. We’ll get pizza and we’ll listen to The Monsters’ albums and watch movies. Right?”

Rolling his eyes at the coffee machine as he poured Matt’s mocha, Neil sighed. “Okay, fine. If you want me to listen to them that much, then yes.”

“Great!” Matt exclaimed. “I’ll go pick up Dan and see if the girls want to join in!”

Shaking his head with a fond smile, Neil set down the cup and the bag with the carrot cake. “Okay,” he said. “Now, get lost so I can shut up shop.”

“You’ve got an hour!” Matt protested, pouting. “How mean!”

Neil laughed and swatted at him with the cloth he used to wipe down the counter when he had nothing else to do. Grinning, Matt scooped up his purpose, left more than enough money - a tip for Neil was included, as usual - and left with a wave over his shoulder. Shaking his head, he returned to his work which was mainly cleaning at this late stage. He also stocked up things like the cups and sugar. Half an hour later, he retied his orange apron and began to move around the room, wiping down every table and chair. The blind date decided to move on. Frantic students checked the time and cleared out, too.

He was utterly alone when there were only fifteen minutes left of the coffee shop’s opening hours and the door opened.

Having already wiped everywhere down, he was back behind the counter. He hid a sigh as he looked up, watching the lone man enter and look around. Compared to the cosy, sunny atmosphere of the coffee shop, the man was a black hole. Black combat boots; black skinny jeans with a rip at one thigh and a rip on the opposite knee, a chain hanging from his left hip; black tank top with jagged edges and a deep v-neck; black armbands; a black, dangly earring shaped like a tooth. His hair was the only light colour on him, the blond in it pale enough to reflect the light and make it golden. The man sauntered closer, gazing around as he moved, and his hazel eyes landed on Neil.

“Hi,” said Neil, forcing a customer service smile. “What can I get you?”

“A mocha,” the man said in a deep, rumbling voice. “Extra chocolate, extra cream.”

Neil resisted commenting on his choice. “Sure thing,” he said, pulling a to-go cup off the freshly stacked pile.

“No,” said the man, stopping Neil in his tracks. “To sit in.”

Turning back to him, Neil gave him a baffled look. “Sir. We’re open for less than fifteen minutes now. Wouldn’t it be best to-?”

“No,” the man repeated. He turned away from Neil, heading for one of the many, many tables that Neil had already wiped down. “I’ll sit in.” He stopped and turned back to Neil before he decided where to sit. “And bring me cake.”

Looking him over again, Neil realised what his mistake had been. Though this man had ragged looking clothes, they were clearly designed to be like that. The material of his clothes were good, likely to last, and probably expensive. Neil was interacting with some rich asshole who shouldn’t have been allowed to walk around on his own. Dan would kill him, though, if he didn’t at least try to be nice to him, so Neil smiled a little wider, trying to shake the fact that he probably looked like his father from his mind.

“Of course, sir.” His voice was tight. He was probably going to be told off, at the very least. “Which kind?” Gesturing at the display - something he would have normally been packing away at this very moment - Neil forcefully returned the to-go cup to its pile. Once this man left, he’d have to wash the dishes - again.

“Chocolate. With ice cream.”

“We don’t have ice cream. Sorry. Sir.” Neil was ridiculously pleased that he could actually refuse the man something and focussed on making his awful drink, hiding his amusement.

Behind him, the man sighed. “Whatever.”

Neil rolled his eyes but didn’t respond. Instead, he made the man’s drink, pulled out the cake, got everything ready on a tray with cutlery and napkins, and took the arrangement over to the man. Without looking at him, Neil unloaded the tray and straightened, holding the tray against his chest. It provided him with a shield against the man’s intense gaze, though Neil couldn’t understand why he would want to look at him. He wasn’t particularly interesting, even after he had bit the bullet and returned his eyes and hair to their original colours. 

“Anything else, sir?” he asked, for something to say.

“No.” The man sounded dismissive, but he didn’t take his gaze off Neil’s face. And hair. And eyes. Neil blinked at him for a moment, trying to work out what he wanted or what he was doing. Then he gave up.

“Do you want me to take your money now, or…?”

For a moment, the man stared at him. Then he dug his hands into his pockets, searching, searching, searching. He pulled out a phone. “Google Pay?”

“Uh…” Neil pointed at the sign by the till. The one that read: Google and Apple Pay functions currently not working. We are working to get this fixed. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

The man stilled, staring at it. Then he looked down at his coffee and cake. Finally, he looked up at Neil. “I’ll need to make a call.”

“What do you mean?” Neil snapped, losing his patience. The man raised an eyebrow. “The shop’s about to close. I’m not going to wait for you.”

“If I call now,” the man explained, “my cousin will get here in roughly ten minutes.”

“Sure,” said Neil, sarcastically.

[annoyinglyjovialbird]

Voltron: Next Generation

Nuclear Decisions: I

Word Count: 2881

Keith glared at the window. Shadows moved across the window, but they didn't stay for long. The lights were glaringly bright, the bed had been bolted down, and the door can't be opened from the inside of the observation room. 

He was a prisoner on the ship that found him.

"I still think we should eject him out into space," Caleb said, arms crossed. Liz nodded her head in agreement, but the other three teens ignored the pair. The team was in the transport bay, mostly standing around watching Kova work on the training bot they brought on ages ago. 

Caleb was leaning on a wall, Liz stood on two feet next to him. Cake was at the base of the limp bot with arms outstretched. Allie looked between Cake and the mouth of the mecha, hanging from a swing.

Muffled noises came from inside the mecha's chest, along with a couple of bangs. 

"'If we did that, we'd be grounded for life'," Allie relayed, looking down at Cake. "The flashlight died again and she can't use the crescent wrench."

"What size does she need?" Muffled noises came from the inside again. 

"'If I knew what size, I'd tell you'," Allie stared at the mouth, repeating what she heard. "She sounds mad."

"When doesn't she?" Caleb retorted, leading to louder sounds from the mecha's stomach, including some bangs. 

"I am not repeating that," Allie said, leaning away from the mouth. The team was all dressed in their paladin armor, save for the helmets, in case of accidental launch. They also didn't want Kova to feel left out. 

"What's going on here?" Shiro asked, walking into the transport bay. Cake, Liz, and Caleb briefly stiffened, then relaxed as his words sunk in. 

"'Impromptu meeting'," Allie stared at the mouth. "Yes, I heard you. No, I didn't repeat anything you said to Caleb. Including that one, yes."

"Uh, Allie?" Shiro stared at the Blue Paladin on the swing. She turned to look at him with big eyes. "Who are you talking to?" 

"Kova." Everyone else in the room said at the same time. 

"And she's?"

"In there." Caleb thrust a thumb at the mecha's stomach. A thud from the inside confirmed Caleb's word. Shiro stared at the mecha with confused surprise. "She thinks we're being tracked, so she's trying to find the tracker."

"In the stomach."

"Yeah."

"'I already checked the perimeter of the ship and the outside of the mecha.'" Allie began to relay. "'I wouldn't put it past Yorak to put a tracker inside the machine.'" Allie was half-inside the mecha's sharp-toothed mouth, barely on the swing holding her. 

"That, uh," Shiro stammered. Poor man. He's still trying to comprehend his daughter inside the bot's stomach. "If there was a tracker, wouldn't it be in the head?" Kova's thudding stopped, then furiously pounded on the cavernous inner body. They thuds traveled to the other side of the bot, where its spine would be, and it slowly climbed upward towards the head. The muffled sounds of Kova's voice became less muffled as she passed the mouth to enter the head. 

"...so much time wasted! 'Wouldn't it be in the head?' Of COURSE, it would be in the head! That infuriating sack of..." Her voice became muffled again as she fully entered the head. 

"Can you still hear her, Al?" Liz asked, staring at the young girl inside the mouth. Allie scooted herself further inside the mouth, further falling from the swing. Cake retook his outstretched stance, bending his knees. 

"Just enough to know I'm not repeating anything she is currently saying." Allie crawled out of the mouth, regaining her original seat on the swing. "Bring me down, please." Cake nodded his head and got to it. Caleb walked over to help Cake and Liz took Cake's original position under Allie. Shiro watched as the boys untied a long rope from the Blue Lion's leg and carefully released it until Allie was safe on the ground then let go entirely. Caleb got busy winding the rope, and Cake dismantled the swing. 

"Why are you coming down? Isn't Kova going to need to get down?" Shiro asked. 

"She'll be coming out from the top. There's a hatch." Allie stared at the Colonel. Like clockwork, an old-school hatch opened from the top of the head. Kova's hair had become messy, revealing her pronged bangs. She climbed onto the head and jumped off. Shiro lunged forward, but Kova floated safely to the ground. She figured out how to use her jetpack. When did that happen? Brushing her bangs back with her fingers, Kova held a metallic box the size of her hand. On one side of the box, a purple V with a curved tail was engraved. 

"I found it. Now, I can mess with it." Kova turned to walk away. 

"Oh, no you don't." Shiro grabbed her collar, pulling her back. "Why is Keith in the observation room and why is Caleb saying he should be ejected?"

"I told him we'd be grounded if we did that!" Kova protested while Caleb stared with big eyes. 

"Kova!" 

"Keith deliberately hurt Kova to veto our decision." Caleb stepped in, getting Shiro's attention. He wasn't letting go of Kova, though. "I don't agree with it, but I was outvoted. He should've accepted that instead of taking control."

"He didn't hurt me." Kova pointed out, pouting. "I hurt me. I pulled a muscle when I directed the Coeus into the wormhole. I had to take full control over the steering so Kenny could focus on the barrier and wormhole jump."

"You have a bruise."

"I landed on the step hard."

"He pushed you down the stairs?" Caleb was furious, storming out. Shiro's robotic arm followed Caleb, grabbing his collar and pulled him back. 

"Both of you to the bridge to talk to Pops and Cyrus." Caleb and Kova grumbled compliance and stalked off. Caleb tried running to the observation room, but Shiro's arm stopped him, tripping him. "You're free to do as you wish, but stay away from the observation room. Alright?"

"Yes, Colonel." The three teens replied dutifully, watching as the Colonel walked away. They looked at each other and smiled evilly. At least, Liz and Cake did. Allie stared at them confused. 

The pair entered the bridge, sighing and laughing. The screen was up, projecting an empty office. Barely audible grunts and a chair squeaking on the tile floor was the only indication there was anyone there at all. With small yelps and grunts, Cyrus appeared on screen, holding onto the surface of the table. The poor dark-haired boy seemed to be panting. The sound filled the space. Cyrus looked up, dark eyes sparkling as he saw the pair of teens on screen. 

"Kova! Kova! Kova!" He yelled, jumping up and down. "Caleb! Caleb! Caleb!" His foot might've slipped from the chair he was standing on, nearly sending him crashing to the floor. The teens let out their own version of a warning to the young boy, lunging forward. "I'm okay! I'm okay!" The young boy held up his hands, completely outstretched. 

"Be careful, Cy," Caleb said, leaning into his chair. 

"Yeah, you don't wanna get hurt." Kova continued, resting her arms on the railing around her console. 

"I'm fine!" Cyrus repeated, waving off his siblings' concerns. "Oh, guess what?" He turned to stare at the camera with sparkling eyes. 

"Chicken butt." The older pair responded, earning them a look of annoyance. 

"The kids at school are mean!" Cy crossed his arms angrily, pouting. Caleb smiled, while Kova tilted her head. 

"How mean are they?" 

"Super mean!" Cyrus made a large arm gesture, almost toppling the chair again. "They don't believe me!"

"What do you mean, Cy?" 

"I told them that my big sister and brother are Voltron!" Caleb snickered while Kova's concerned look softened. 

"Oh?"

"Yeah!" Cyrus got lost in his little world, explaining the day like he used to do with his sibling's face to face. "They're so mean!" He ended his long tangent, pouting and crossing his arms over his chest. 

"Aww, Cy," Kova started, staring at her little brother. 

"Those kids are so mean!" Caleb spoke over Kova, agreeing with Cy. 

"Caleb, they don't believe him." 

"Who would lie about their family being part of Voltron?" 

"Um, your ex." Caleb's eyes widened, turning to stare directly at Kova. 

"She was not my ex!" Caleb pointed out, cheeks turning red. "We weren't even dating!"

"Really?" Kova tucked her hand under her chin. "I seem to recall you thinking she was really pretty, and that—"

"Nonono, stop that!" Caleb jumped out of his chair. "Stop talking or I throw you off the ship!"

"You can try!" Kova stood up, planting herself on the ground. Cyrus looked on with excitement as Caleb tried to beat Kova up. Even Cy knew Kova always won. Something off-screen caught Cyrus's attention, while Kova straddled Caleb's back, pinning his hands. 

"Hey, uh, Kova?" Cyrus said, trying to get her attention. His voice was drowned out by Kova's gloating and Caleb's protesting. "Kova!" He yelled a little louder. Cy glanced off-screen, staring at someone and smiling sheepishly. "Kova!" He all but screamed directly into the microphone. The noise jarred Kova enough for Caleb to jump out from underneath her, but he was distracted, too. 

Curtis stared at the teens with a gaping mouth and wide eyes. The teens bore similar mortified expressions. Cyrus, for his credit, had begun to look between his papa and his siblings, wondering which one was going to pop first. 

Short answer? Curtis.

“Kyla Hannah Kogane, what do you think you’re doing?” Curtis sputtered, turning purple. I’m sure he’d be red if he were lighter. He also busted out the real name, too. “Is your hair green? Caleb, what the quiznack did you do?” As Curtis continued his wrath, Kova and Caleb hid behind Kova’s console, holding each other tightly. “What in Allura’s name is going on up there? What is your father letting you do?” Curtis’s voice became louder and much clearer as he continued his rant. “When you’re back on Earth, the three of you are grounded! You hear me? G-R-O-U-N-DED!” Thank Allura the bridge had soundproof walls. “No hugs for Takashi! No boyfriend for Kyla! No human interaction for Caleb!” 

"That's not fair!" Caleb shot up from his hiding spot. Kova tried desperately to hold him down, but it was too late. Curtis had seen him. 

"Oh, it is fair!" Curtis shot back, holding the microphone in his hand. At some point, Cyrus disappeared off-camera and was replaced by a shouting Curtis. "Why is Kyla's hair green, Caleb?" 

"It was a prank!" 

"A prank?" Kova silently shouted, getting Caleb's attention for a brief moment. 

"Caleb [middle name] Shirogane." Uh oh. "When you get back to Earth, you are grounded for two weeks." Curtis was now scary calm, staring into Caleb's eyes to drive his point home. 

"I'm human." Caleb placed an open hand on his chest, using the other to lean on the railing. "I need social interaction to live."

"I never said you couldn't have social interaction. I said human interaction."

"It's the same thing." Caleb stared at Curtis confused. Kova stood up in a huff. 

"Peaches is mine!" Caleb stared at Kova standing beside him, then her words sank in. 

"Peaches doesn't even like me!" 

"Too. Bad." 

The teens and Curtis would continue arguing back and forth for a solid few minutes without interruption. 

Down in the med bay, Shiro hid behind a wall. Two drones and a person wearing Fire armor were trying to break into Keith's room, watching him carefully. There was no way Shiro could take three enemies at the same time. 

Pfft. Who am I kidding? It's Shiro the hero! 

Shiro remembered that one of the teens had left their Garrison-issued weapons on the counter on the other side of the wall. If he could get to it without getting too much attention from the bots, he could potentially hold the Fire member hostage. 

Shiro's robotic arm slid along the floor, barely an inch from the ground. It thudded into the counter, getting a glance from the Fire soldier. Shiro held his breath for a few minutes before continuing his hunt. At least his arm found the counter. It slowly crawled along the counter wall, creeping upwards towards the countertop. The forearm piece collided with the edge, making another noise. The Fire soldier brandished his weapon, wildly looking for the source of the noise in the spacious med bay. In his fear, he didn't seem to notice Shiro's arm laying flat on the counter top. With heavy breaths, he returned to his work, banging on the door. Like that will work. 

Shiro's arm creeped forward, only a few inches at a time. Metallic fingers wrapped themselves around the grip and slowly floated directly upwards so the gun was floating above the countertop. Shiro himself creeped around the edge of the corner of the wall, inching itself closer to the Fire soldier. 

"Put your hands up." Shiro ordered, pointing the barrel at the back of the soldier's head. The soldier, to his credit, did it immediately. "Step away from the door." Shiro kept the weapon aimed at the soldier's head as the soldier stepped away from the door. Shiro pushed the soldier back, further and further until he was inside the other observation room. Quickly, Shiro shot down the drones and closed the second observation room door. 

"W-wait!" The soldier cried. He still wore his helmet, making his words hard to make out. "I can explain!" Shiro ignored him, opening the first observation room door. Keith glared at Shiro until he noticed the weapon in his hand. "Please! I'm on your side!" 

"Who's that?" Keith asked, standing from his bed. Shiro led him out to the room next door, where the soldier was now furiously banging on the window. 

"My name is Darrar, and I must speak with the half-Galra!" 

"Why?" Shiro asked, voice rough. "What do you want with them?" Darrar paused his banging as Shiro responded. Darrar then pulled off his helmet, revealing his features. Specifically, his pointed ears and bright red Altean markings. His skin, however, was lilac in color, matching his violet hair. From a side pouch on his suit, Darrar pulled out a screen, showing it to the men. It was barely visible to the men, but it wasn't unreadable. 

'MISSION: RECRUITS'

'TARGET: HALF-GALRA HUMANS'

Shiro and Keith looked at the top of the screen, completely baffled as they turned to each other. This was bad.

On the bridge, Caleb sat pouting outside the bridge door while Kova talked with Pops. Caleb couldn't stand him anymore. 

"So," Curtis started, much calmer than he was before. "You're staying in space." 

"That's the plan." Kova nodded. Curtis leaned over a chair, putting hands over his mouth. 

"With Voltron."

"Uh huh." Kova nodded again. 

"Remind me why you don't wanna come back to Earth?" 

"The council." 

"Ah." Curtis tucked his hand under his chin. "Right. They wouldn't meet you, much less interact with the rest of the team."

"Have you told the council?" Kova sounded worried. Who could blame her? If the council knew, they would either demand the Coeus return to Earth or they would send an under-trained fleet after them. Thankfully, Curtis shook his head. Kova sighed in relief. 

"Anything interesting happen lately?" Curtis asked. Kova's eyes widened. Does she tell him about the kidnapping, Yorak and Vhix's true identities, Keith's reawakening, and the discovery of Pidge's still active navigation system? 

"I'm gonna let you ask Dad about that." Smart choice, Kova. Shiro's already on 'No hugs.' Imagine what would come next. Out of the corner of her eye, Kova saw a truly scary sight. 

Yellow and Blue were flying around the functional MFE fighter jet, narrowly missing its shots. 

"Uh, Pops, I gotta go!" Kova said urgently, grabbing her helmet from the floor. She had left it under her console before her journey into the mecha's stomach. 

"Uh, Kova, I'm not—"

"I gotta go!" Kova yelled again, running out the door. She jumped over Caleb, proceeded to slam her shoulder into the wall, and continued running.

"Guess that's that," Caleb said, stretching his arms as he stood. Caleb stared at Curtis with a half-smile. "Talk to you at the next team meeting."

"Yeah," Curtis smiled back. "See ya." 

"Bye." 

The screen turned dark and the audio cut out. Cyrus was playing pattycake with a dark haired teen on the floor of the conference room. Arthur had kicked his stomach bug a few days after the launch, but the past few months were hard on him. Without a team, he couldn't fully participate in any classes. He started getting flack from the other students about being the seventh wheel, so Curtis took him as an assistant. More like a babysitter since Cy's classes had been cut short due to a water issue in his school building. Curtis walked around the playing boys and sat at Takashi's desk, opened up a screen, and began to write out a script. 

It's nothing too interesting. Just a reference sheet for the things Takashi let slip while they were in space, starting with the accidental launch and Kova's hair.

[db4fit]

April Highlighted Member of the Month- Thomas Reed

Name- Thomas Reed Hometown- Bear, DE Occupation- I am a contracted employee at DuPont (it's like a temp but long term). I also work at Go Ape on the weekends as an instructor and shift manager. Gym member (how long)- I think it's been almost six and a half months now. I started in early/mid September. Sports (growing up/now)- Growing up I played a lot of sports. Like basketball, soccer, baseball as a kid. I competitively ran cross country my sophomore year of high school and went to states. I swam competitively my senior year of high school and went to states. I played lacrosse all four years of high school. In college I was going to play lacrosse still, but I had to stop practicing early on in my first semester because I was starting to fail classes. So then I played rec sports and pick-up games with friends mainly and I played club ultimate frisbee for 2 years my junior and senior year. Hobbies- I rock climb over at the Delaware Rock Gym. I also enjoy reading when I have the time. I write every so often too, my main writing at the moment is planning out an RPG game for my friends and I to play. Favorite Holiday- Christmas. But the reason I like it is not just because the positive message it is supposed to represent. I really like the classic Christmas music because it's mostly  crooners. Favorite Movie- Empire Strikes Back Favorite Song- If I HAVE to pick just one, it is called “Stupid Deep” by Jon Bellion. It's one of those songs that I heard at a time in my life where I needed to hear it. And then every time I've gone back and listened to it I've found new meaning to it every time. It is also a very unique musical style that takes influences from pop music but isn't quite pop music. If you could have a super hero power- I would like to have the ability to look at a person and read their mind. I studied psychology and we were taught how to get people to talk to us and how to read through their answers and watch body language. But sometimes when I am talking to people I wish I could just cut out the middleman and read their mind. If you could play a professional sport- I would want to play professional lacrosse. It's a sport that I have loved every aspect of since I started playing in high school. I've even coached it at my high school for a year too. But it isn't the most popular professional sport and I like that. I don't necessarily like the idea of being rich and famous, even if I had to fight tooth and nail to get it, it's just not my style. But lacrosse is a very physically involved and intricately technical sport that is not popular enough with the public for me to be a superstar athlete. Also it's just a great sport. Favorite Kids show growing up? Scooby doo, Where are you! Most proud moment at the gym? I mean, the whole open really. But specifically 19.6. Watching my whole team come together (which was a feat by itself) and then crush an insane workout was something awesome to be apart of. The support from my teammates pushing each other to go for that extra rep because we know it can be done, then jumping in when we knew someone needed a break, and finally being able to figure out how to do a wall ball. It really helped to solidify our friendships and boost our chemistry as a team and was a very exciting thing to be apart of.

Fitness Goals Long Term & Life Goals: 2019 Fitness Goals- I want to start getting back into running, and my aim is to be able to run an average time 10k by the end of the year. Other than that I want to work on learning some skills like the double under, muscle up, handstand everything, and improving the others that I have started to get down. I am also looking to increase my weight and improve my technique on all the bar lifts. What are your thoughts about the open now that it's over? I love it and I hate it. It's a great way to test limits, more so than a gym workout because there is that extra level of competitiveness and all the support from everyone. I also like how it brings us closer as a community as well. But man it also forces me to realize how much work I still have to do. Double unders, muscle ups, handstand everything. seeing those announcements and realizing I couldn't rx workouts was the worst because I have made a lot of progress since I joined but I was forced to realize that it wasn't quite enough yet. What motivates you at the gym?  The other people around me are my motivation. Sometimes it is as simple as seeing someone and thinking “they are my fitness goals” and other times it's the quick words of support in the middle of a WOD from whoever is next to me that give me that boost to finish strong. I also have a couple of people in the gym that I feel competitive with, even if I don't say it, and that helps me to push myself and strive to always be better. Something/Someone that Inspired(s) you at the gym- When I first started Chelsea was one of the main people that inspired me at the gym. Since my first day she was a role model and mentor for me. Always friendly when I would come in and always supportive, even during my worst WODs. Since then I have quickly become part of the awesome community we have and I am inspired every week by everyone who is a part of it. Everyone comes in and works hard even on their worst days. And other come and help pick them up, sometimes literally, when it is needed. It is such a great thing to be a part of. Favorite (specific) wod we have ever done- that would be 19.2. I scaled because I didn't have double unders, but I made it so much farther than I thought I would. It helped me to break through what I thought my limits were and then find new ones. I know I was out of time and only three reps short of completion but I didn't think I would even make it to the last round. Everyone in the gym was was super supportive, even Casey who was still workout out right next to me was yelling at me, and my judge Lissy was definitely more excited than I was as I got those last few reps in. Least favorite wod: 19.1. Freaking wall balls man. If I could have hit the dang wall I would have been at least a round farther than I ended up on. And then, just a few days later, during 19.6 I hit every single wall balls I attempted. It is so frustrating. But I'm going to do it again, and maybe again, to see what happens. One thing most people don’t know about you- I am a musician. I've played instruments since I was six years old. I played all the way through college. And I hope to play again sometime after I figure my life and my schedule out a little bit more because I miss it. What is a guilty pleasure you have? I people watch a lot, which isn't that bad, but I also like to figure out what people's quirks are. Everyone has quirks but sometimes there are ones that are more subtle. Usually it ends up that someone does something kind of odd like rock back and forth on their feet from heel to toe when they are talking to someone (don't worry, nobody at our gym does this it's just an example). But then I'll want and see if it's with a specific person or not or if they do it during different situations, or even when they aren't talking to people. People are just so interesting and fun to figure out. Somewhere you would love to travel to? Kalalau beach in Hawaii. I went to the island of Kauai my senior year of college for a winter session class. I love that island. We backpacked for three weeks without any technology with us except a sat phone for emergencies. But when we got to Kalalau beach it was an experience. There was an positive energy about that place that wouldn't really let you feel tired or angry or anxious. And also on the trip my friends and I did a lot of emotional healing there too which makes it even more of a special place to me. Favorite Beverage: water. Except that's kind of cliche I guess. I do enjoy a good gin or tequila. I usually take it straight, no chaser. Something that is silly you can’t live without- A pair of headphones. I use them for everything: work, working out, avoiding awkward interactions, tuning the world out, and really just diving into a good song. Favorite Gym memory- Watching people get their first muscle ups during 19.4. Name a pet peeve of yours- At the gym or in general? At the gym, taking over someone’s equipment or workout space even though they're setting up their stuff or they're already set up. In general, chewing with your mouth open. It's not just unbecoming to look at, the sound is awful. Design the perfect wod-

Bench press

12 (maybe 15?) Squat cleans (115/idk what for women)

20 V-Ups

100 singles

10 (15?) Hand-release push-ups

5 strict pull-ups

What would you tell someone that is thinking of joining our gym?

There are two things that makes joining a gym hard for me. Every now and then you have days where you don't want to go or you make excuses to not go, especially if you're joining a new gym. But on those days, you've probably got so much going on in your head that you need to get to the gym to just take a break from yourself for a bit. The other thing that I find hard is talking to people. I am shy and awkward when I am in new groups of people so it feels weird trying to join a community of people. My advice is to not think about trying to join a community, just try to meet one person. Go in and find me or someone else to introduce yourself to and we will all be happy to show you around, walk you through things, and answer all the questions we can. And then by the end of the first day, you're already starting to become part of the community.

[ronyxfic]

Educating the Victim - Act V, Chapter VII

Pairing: Lapis/Jasper, Lapis/Peridot, Jasper/Peridot, Lapis/Jasper/Peridotk

Rating: Teens and up

Warnings/Tags: manipulation and threats.

Read it on AO3!

Educating the Victim Masterpost

(Previous chapter) (Next chapter)

CHAPTER 7: Intrigue

The most mysterious out of the four women who now regularly met for Bridge club was certainly the one sitting opposite Marigold.

Her face was often partially hidden. She wore a blue headscarf – always blue; different shades of blue, light blue, sky blue, royal blue. Patterned, sometimes. But never a colour other than blue.

She spoke with eloquence, and never too much. She never drank alcohol.

“Isn’t it against your religion to gamble with money, Azure?” Claire had asked her on one occasion.

Azure Almas had shrugged.

“This sort of money is not something I’ll lose sleep over,” she said calmly.

Marigold Diamond, whose own earnings as a trainee teacher were rather limited, could only stare at Azure.

It would be many, many months until Marigold found the courage to talk to Azure directly.

--

Rose Quartz was doing most of the preparations for the careers fair, so Marigold Diamond didn't concern herself with it too much.

Except for one thing.

It was Friday afternoon, and Marigold knew that most normal people would have left their offices by now.

Azure wasn't most normal people.

Marigold still had the phone number memorised. Still felt her heart beating loudly whenever she did this. She hadn't talked to Azure in almost precisely a year. This, and only this, was what she had left from back then.

There was a reason for that.

Marigold sighed, then reached out for the telephone. Put in the number. Muscle memory, even now.

The familiar tone echoed in her ears as she was being connected.

Azure had finished a mountain of paperwork as a crunch for the weekend. She found her old mobile ringing (at work, she carried three) and with a quick glance at the date, knew exactly the culprit. Marigold Diamond had always been an odd one. She often thought that if they spoke more, they'd possibly be friends.

Though, ever since she'd grown to be such a successful principal, Azure had reserved a little respect for her.

"Good evening, Marigold. How can I help?" Her voice was cool, smooth. Years of conversations meant she'd learnt that with Marigold, one simply had to take dominance from her. Fight it, tooth and nail, and Marigold would either grow enraged at insubordination or bend down a little to her resolve.

Azure silently prayed today she'd have opportunity for the latter.

Her blood rushed in her ears. Memories plagueing her mind.

"Azure, how good to hear your voice. How have you been?" A conversation with Azure was almost like a fight, a dance, a perfectly rehearsed choreography. Marigold felt her heart beating loudly.

"Successful as usual, my dear," Azure purred, "I've just appointed a new CEO and might be taking some leave next year. We should most certainly meet. Now. Again, how may I help you?"

"A new CEO, you say?" Marigold said smoothly. "Well, I do hope he or she is up to the task! Could anyone ever truly replace you?" Thinking of one of Azure's employees would be running the company felt a little strange to her. It was Azure's company, her accomplishment. Nobody else would be quite the same.

"Oh, she's spectacular. Reminds me of you, ravishing, powerful… ruthless." Azure smirked a little. "You'll meet her at the careers fair. I am, as it's pretty obvious, quite taken by her."

"Still playing your old games, then, I see?" Marigold said. "So who is she? Do I know her?"

"Oh, you may! She used to go to your school. Said she had a lot of fun with her sister there." She tapped a pen on her desk. "The name Aurora sound familiar at all?"

Oh.

Aurora had mentioned that her sister worked in a games company. Marigold had never asked about the details.

"I've heard of her," she said smoothly. "You're still going after the young ones, then."

It's not like I'm any better.

She allowed the thought for half a second, then viciously pushed it aside.

"What can I say?" Azure wasn't about to let anyone make her feel ashamed. Her voice grew a little more husky. Challenging. "I can't help enjoying the taste of fresh berries. Unlike you, it seems. Still got any of your usual brew around?"

"I quit," Marigold said. "For good this time." Being drunk would be really nice sometimes. Most of the time. Marigold saw it as a personal challenge. And she never lost a challenge.

"Oh, my, back with the church programme, I see. How's that going, dear?"

"I was never not with the church programme. Pay attention, will you?" Her religion was a sore point. Marigold hated and admired Azure for the way her religion just seemed to come naturally to her, while Marigold herself struggled so much.

"Now, now, Miss Diamond. Let's not get all agitated. It's been a while since I've seen you. You know people nowadays, enjoying new things. I didn't want to presume." Azure could feel Marigold's anger bubbling away and secretly loved it. "How long have you been sober for?"

"Since before Christmas." All Marigold had were flashes of memory. Unanswered texts to Aurora. Coldness staring her in the face every time she left her office. Marigold still had no clear answer as to what had driven Aurora away.

"Oh! Any prompting to that?" Azure’s tone was sweet, comforting. Genuinely curious. But still more powerful. She needed to get Mari to bend over, or the fair would be hell.

"Not that it's any of your business, but I had medical concerns." A flat out lie; one that nobody would be able to pick up on. Except perhaps Azure.

Oh, and Azure could tell right away. Yes. This would be a way to get Marigold to bend down to submission. If she felt like lying, Azure could play her. "Oh, that's so terrible! I'm very sorry to hear it - you should've let me know, I would have visited you to wish you well. Oh, I could get you with my private medical team, I'm sure they wouldn't mind if I chipped in. Quite expensive, this whole self preservation business, isn't it?"

"I have enough to provide for myself, thank you." The last thing Marigold wanted was Azure's pity. Azure pitied the people she saw as beneath her.

"The offer will always be on the table. And with your liver, I really wouldn't be surprised, my dear."

A trap. One Marigold knew to avoid. "Hence why I quit."

"Mm. I see. That's fair. Forgive me for caring about you, you know I still do." Not a lie. Azure’s tone was warmer. "So. Careers fair. I am still invited, right?"

Marigold's heart did a little flip-flop when Azure said she still cared about her.

"Yes, that's why I called. I was going to give you the exact dates and the arrangement so you can prepare."

"Oh yes, of course. Always good at that, aren't you?" She gave Marigold a little praise and fetched her other phone to find the calendar app. "Go on then, tell me."

"It's in March, just before Easter." It always was. "The sixteenth. It goes on the entire day, starting at nine. You can set up from eight."

"As usual, then." Azure smiled. "I have you down. Is there anything else?"

"Hmm. Heard anything from Roxy lately?" Azure wouldn't have. Marigold hadn't. Roxy had vanished years ago.

"Nothing whatsoever." Azure frowned. "None on your end, then?"

"Not for years." Marigold showed no emotion. "Has she ever done this before?" Azure had known Roxy longer than Marigold.

Azure gritted her teeth, losing herself a little in the sudden upset. "No. She never did this before."

"Calm down, Azure, she might still come back." Unlikely by this point. Roxy could be dead for all they knew. But getting upset wouldn't solve anything.

"I'm fine." Not this again. Marigold knew she needed time when it came to losing people. "I just miss her."

"I see. I can hang up if you need some time alone." It was almost taunting.

Azure nearly gasped. The indignity. "No, no. I'll be alright."

"If you're sure." Marigold sighed. "I miss her too, you know."

"Sure," Azure said. They'd all been there at one point. Closer.

Azure hid her eye bags under her hands before realising no one was watching. "I'll be calling you about things for the fair."

"Good. I'll speak to you soon, Azure." A pang of regret was pushed aside. Marigold knew that associating with Azure more again would be dangerous. She kept it to a comfortable once a year, even though a very large part of her wanted that life back.

But, like with the alcohol, she needed to stay strong.

Azure hung up. She cast her expression down and sighed. This wasn't good. Marigold couldn't see her be sad at all; if she did, it would make interactions… difficult.

The line clicked, and Marigold let out a deep breath. It almost sounded like a sigh.

Her heart was still beating fast. It would only be a few weeks until she would see Azure again.

--

This time, Lapis had asked Jasper before bringing Peridot home. Jasper, clearly remembering what happened last time Peridot had visited, had easily agreed.

So here they were on their way again.

"How was your day, Peri?" Lapis asked her companion.

"Oh! It was alright. Everyone's getting kind of excited about that careers fair - they're actually starting to care about their grades, too!"

"That's good!" Lapis had heard who would be at the fair - yet again. "I'll be taking that day off. They don't particularly need me at the fair and there aren't any lessons."

"Oh!" Peridot gave a little frown. "You don't do an English stall?"

"They'll have people from outside coming in. Publishers, writers, the lot. They don't need me. What am I even gonna tell them - how to fuck up your life so bad that you have to become a teacher because it's literally the only thing you can do?" She shrugged. "Oh, here we are," she then said, getting out her keys to unlock the door.

Peridot gave her a look, but couldn't quite summon the words to respond with. She only placed her hand on Lapis' back and quietly mumbled, "Being a teacher ain't so bad. I got you guys."

Lapis didn't show her surprise. It was rare that Peridot initiated touch, but this wasn't the first time it had happened. Their lunches together seemed to have made Peridot trust Lapis.

Instead, she just smiled. "I'm glad you see it that way. Are you looking forward to seeing Malachite again? She's missed you!"

"Oh, most certainly! I'd love to touch her again. She's just so cool! I asked my mom if we could get one and she only said yeah to guppies." Peridot then took out her phone and showed a tank with two little freshwater fish. "That one is Clod. And the other one is Robonoid. I most certainly did not name them."

"Aww. Cute! But Malachite's better." Lapis opened the door carefully. "A-ha!" Malachite had betrayed herself, and Lapis quickly caught her before she could run outside. "Little bugger," she said fondly. "Come in, come in."

She was still holding Malachite and was about to close the door when she suddenly remembered something. "Oh, damn."

Peridot eagerly bounced in, looking at the lizard with wide eyed curiosity. "The big, pretty girl is here. Hello!"

"Yes. Can you hold her?" Lapis didn't wait for an answer before thrusting Malachite at Peridot. "Jasper?" she called.

"Yeah?" came the reply from the living room.

"Ah, good, you're here. Um." She turned to Peridot. "Awkward situation. I forgot my laptop at school, and I kind of really need it do do work over the weekend. So I need to go back."

Peridot gave a sad look to Malachite. "That's not good. I can come with you if you want?"

Lapis considered it for only a moment, but then sighed. "No, it's okay, I'll probably get there faster by myself. No offense." She hesitated, then grabbed Peridot's wrist and pulled her into the living room.

"Jasper," she said, "I've gotta go back to the school to get my laptop. You be nice to Peri, yeah? Don't hurt her. You'll regret it."

Jasper nodded. She was very calm. "I won't, Lapis. Come back soon."

Peridot seemed oddly alright about the arrangement. "That's okay! Now I get to hang out with two cute girls. Isn't that right, Malachite?"

Jasper raised an eyebrow at Peridot.

"But the other cute girl is just leaving," she pointed out, looking at Lapis.

Lapis rolled her eyes. "Don't get up to anything silly while I'm gone." And then the door fell shut behind her and Jasper was alone with Peridot.

"You can set her down," Jasper said, nodding towards Malachite. "She doesn't like being held for too long."

Peridot blinked, "Oh! I didn't know that. Sorry, you go and run now!" She watched Malachite scamper under the table and gave Jasper a bright beam. "Wow, thanks! I wouldn't have wanted her to be upset."

"That's alright." Jasper was watching Peridot closely. Lapis wasn't here. What... exactly did Lapis expect them to do?

"Do you, um. Want something to drink?" she offered clumsily.

"Oh, sure!" Peridot nodded as she tore her gaze from the lizard and looked at Jasper. "I don't mind! I'll have whatever you're having."

"Okay then!" That was simple. Jasper got up and opened the fridge to pull out two beers. "This okay?" she asked, holding it out for Peridot.

Peridot cocked her head. She didn't really drink. At all. Ever. "Uh. Haven't had that one before, but sure! I trust you!"

Jasper cocked her head. Had Peridot really never had beer before? Oh well - there was no real reason not to let her try it. At the very least, it would be funny. Jasper opened hers. "Cheers," she said before taking a large gulp.

Peridot seemed delighted at Jasper's new kindness and took a sip before her face knitted into a deep frown. She looked at the bottle. Then at Jasper. Then at the bottle. Then at Jasper's half empty bottle.

Jasper watched.

"Don't you like it?" she asked when Peridot frowned. "It's okay, I can get you something else."

"It's... the worst thing I've ever had. Why would you consume this... odd... bread flavored carbonate?" Peridot slid it back. "I'm in awe of your talent. And iron stomach."

Jasper gave a deep rumble of a chuckle and picked up Peridot's beer. "It's an acquired taste," she admitted. "We have some juice as well, if you'd like."

"That seems much more pleasurable." Peridot gave a tiny nod, utterly unaware of any innuendo.

Jasper narrowed her eyes.

Peridot didn't seem to mean anything of it.

Jasper gave an odd little smile. "You know, sometimes I can actually see why Lapis likes you so much."

Peridot tilted her head. "Oh yeah, she said she did. I like her a lot, too. Ever since you had that word with her, she's been very kind. It's so nice of you guys to have me back again."

Jasper opened the fridge.

"Hmm, we have... orange juice, apple juice... coke. Tap water, I guess." She cast a look at Peridot.

Endearing, she was.

"What kind of apple juice?" She peeped over. "Are the apples on the carton green? Because that's the only kind of apple juice I like. "

Indeed, they were. Jasper took the carton out and got a glass for Peridot.

"You have a thing about colours, eh?" she asked matter-of-factly when she passed the glass to Peridot.

"Colours. Textures. Smells." Peridot shrugged. "That's human, isn't it?"

"It's normal to have preferences," Jasper said. "But people don't tend to colour-code their food." She sat down, next to Peridot this time rather than on the other sofa. "But hey, people are different. Nothing wrong with different." She should know; after all, she was different from the norm in so many ways.

Peridot looked at her with wide eyes. "You think... it's okay?"

"Being different?" Jasper laughed. "Have you seen me? I'd have to hate myself if I didn't think it was okay. Not that I don't."

"But you're... just fine! You're not like me. I'm... You wouldn't get it." Peridot sighed, but then offered Jasper a smile. "Thanks, though. You're really kind, too, Jasper!"

Jasper sighed. It stung.

But yeah. She wouldn't get it.

"I try." She didn't look at Peridot.

Peridot's foot accidentally brushed against Jasper's as she sipped. "I don't think someone like you would need to try hard to be nice. You seem like a good person."

Jasper jumped at the sudden contact.

She dug her hands into her hair.

Not now. Fuck. Not now.

Lapis wasn't here. Lapis wasn't here.

"Y- yeah." She didn't even really register what Peridot had said.

Peridot noticed right away and furrowed her brow. "Oh, I'm sorry! I don't like some touches, either. I can get you some water! That helps me with sensory overload."

"O- oh. Sure." Jasper had trimmed her nails only a few days ago; she regretted it now. She had to work so much harder to feel pain. Pain grounded her. Calmed her.

Her breathing was harsh, laboured. Heart beating loudly. Not now, please, not now.

"Oh. Oh, here. Come with me. I don't want to just leave you here. Unless you can't move." Peridot did something Lapis seldom did. Her voice was quiet. Calm. Sensitive. Smooth and cool enough to be level. She outstretched her hand.

Jasper's body expected Lapis.

Instead, she got soft words. No touches.

And - it didn't get worse.

Jasper closed her eyes. Tried to breathe. Loosened her fingers a little.

Peridot gave a tiny smile. "See. It's okay. Everything's okay. Nothing to be scared of, alright? Would you like me to sit back down?"

Yes. Yes. The panic subsided. Jasper found that she could breathe.

She nodded.

Peridot gently sat beside her. Her size meant that she barely moved the couch. "Is there... anything I can do to help you, Jasper? I would like to help."

Peridot. It was Peridot. Lapis wasn't here.

Jasper breathed.

"I'll... be fine," she said softly. Miraculously.

"May I touch you?"

"That... would actually be appreciated," Jasper said.

Lapis had never asked.

Peridot softly curled her arms around her. "That frightened me. A lot. Are you sure you're going to be alright?" She smelt of apples and mint. It must've been her shampoo.

"Yeah. Sorry. It kind of... happens all the time." Jasper let her hands drop. Opened her eyes. No blood. No pain. "How... how did you do that?"

Peridot gave a little titter. "Whaddaya mean?"

Jasper narrowed her eyes. Did she... really not realise what she'd just done?

"It's almost impossible to get me out of an attack this quickly," she said. "I didn't even hurt myself. Lapis can't do it and she knows me better than anyone."

"I get it a lot. It's just about giving your head some time to realise that everything's alright. She doesn't do that?"

"She... has her ways. Lets me ride it out." Jasper shook her head quickly, almost like a shiver. "I... uh. Sorry you had to see that."

She looked at Peridot, who was still hugging her.

Cautiously, she hugged back.

Peridot smiled into the hug, as if she'd barely received contact in a while. "It's okay. Like I said. I get it. You even caught me during one."

"Really?" Jasper tried to think. Huh. "In... the bathroom that one time?"

"Yeah. Lapis called me 'special'. I... don't have a lot of good connotations with that word."

"Oh." That was... absolutely understandable. "You should tell her. Or I could, I don't mind. She doesn't want to hurt you, you know."

"She hasn't, since you spoke to her. Like I said, I like her a lot now!" Peridot then shrugged. "But I appreciate it, too. You're pretty cool, yanno."

Jasper huffed. "You just don't know me well enough." She was sure if anyone was to ask Lapis, the last word Lapis would use to describe her would be 'cool'.

"But you're actually in a relationship and you have things in check. It's a lot cooler than living with your mom or still being a... well, Virgin for anything. "

A smile. "Lapis told me you'd never kissed someone. Guess that's actually true, then?"

Peridot looked down, shameful. "I've been told anime makes it look much more exciting than it actually is."

Jasper laughed.

She couldn't help it. Peridot was so cute.

Okay, no, she could definitely see why Lapis liked her so much.

And because her brain was still slightly messy from her panic attack and because Peridot had still not stopped hugging her and Jasper had stopped having any kind of filter for what was appropriate or not, she asked, "Do you wanna find out?"

The blink was almost childlike. "Well, duh!"

"Okay."

She was probably going too far.

She didn't care.

Gentle fingers tilted Peridot's chin up at her. Jasper leaned in. Hesitated, just so Peridot could pull away if she wanted to.

Peridot's eyes widened. Oh. She hadn't expected Jasper to offer one at all. It had been entirely hypothetical. But she didn't pull away. She let herself taste Jasper.

Even if Jasper wasn't green.

A soft smile.

Jasper kissed Peridot gently, briefly, then pulled away.

Peridot's face was bright red.

"So that's that, then." She licked her lips and looked up into Jasper's cat-like eyes. "Wow. Thanks."

Jasper chuckled.

"You're welcome."

She looked up when she heard the door being unlocked.

Peridot suddenly snapped back into reality. "You're... in a relationship. That was cheating."

Jasper shrugged.

Lapis let the door fall shut behind her. "Jasper? Peridot? You both still alive?"

Peridot's face turned into the deepest blush and she attempted to scramble away from Jasper's arms.

"Hey, it's okay." Jasper loosened her arms, but gave Peridot the option to stay anyway.

Lapis came into the living room and saw them, still suspiciously close.

She narrowed her eyes.

"What... have you two been up to?" she asked.

Jasper flashed her a smile. "Well, I didn't hurt her," she said.

"Lapis, oh my stars, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry I shouldn't have done that!" But Peridot didn't leave those arms. She couldn't.

"Done... what?"

Lapis looked at Peridot. Then at Jasper.

"Jasper, what did you do?" A flash of threat in her eyes. Jasper would recognise it. Peridot wouldn't.

Jasper tensed up.

"Uh," she said. "Cuddle?"

Peridot was an awful liar. "Yep. We did. Absolutely nothing. That was. Uh. Something cosmically new for me. Nope."

Lapis saw through her immediately, and the guilty look on Jasper's face was confirmation enough.

"I can explain," Jasper said quickly.

Lapis stared her down.

"Okay then," she said. "Explain."

Jasper swallowed nervously.

"I had a panic attack," she said. "Peridot got me out of it. It was... it was crazy. I didn't even hurt myself. I -"

She saw Lapis's face and fell silent.

"Liar," Lapis said.

"It's true. Okay. We kissed but it was only because I told Jasper that I didn't know what it was like and she asked me if I wanted to know what it was like and I was like... yeah, of course I do but then we started doing it and wow your girlfriend kisses really good, nice catch, but the rest of it is true!"

"No, no," Lapis said. "She lied about having a panic attack. You're not even bleeding, Jasper. You should know better than to lie to me."

"No, I-"

There was no point. Jasper sighed and looked down.

"I... I helped her, though." Peridot's voice began to warble. It was as if she was internalising Lapis' anger at Jasper.

Lapis's gaze was fixed on Jasper. A million thoughts running through her head at lightning speed.

"She did, Lapis," Jasper said softly. "If you don't believe me, can you at least believe her?"

"You..." Lapis stopped, scoffed. "You manipulated her into lying to me."

Jasper laughed out loud despite the tension. Just from the sheer absurdity of Lapis's accusation. "You know I'm shit at manipulating. Peri is shit at lying. That's the stupidest thing you've ever said. And here I thought you were smart."

Lapis's eyes narrowed.

"Peridot," she said, eyes still on Jasper. "Can you give us a moment alone?"

Peridot gave a firm squeeze to Jasper and then sighed. "Sure. Lemme know when it's okay to come back."

Jasper avoided Lapis's eyes until Peridot was gone.

"Sorry," she mumbled.

Lapis sniffed, her face projected a scowl terrifying enough to shake an ocean backwards. "Go into the bedroom."

For a long moment, Jasper thought about resisting. Challenging Lapis.

But she remembered too well what had happened last time she'd angered Lapis. Better not make it worse.

Without a word, she got up and did as Lapis said.

Lapis gripped the set of keys in her pocket, her knuckles white and fist shaking. As she followed her into the bedroom she said only one, cold word. "Strip."

"Lapis..."

Resistance, Jasper knew, was futile. Reluctantly, she took off her top.

Lapis cold only glare with disgust. "Shut up." She grabbed the chains at the bed. They wouldn't hold Jasper down forever. But they'd teach her a lesson. "I thought we agreed. Your terms. You were mine and I was yours. Are you so dense you forgot your own agreement?"

Jasper looked down. Hair fell into her eyes. "I had a panic attack," she said softly. "She was there. She calmed me down. You... you know how I get after panic attacks."

"That's bullshit. If you'd had a panic attack, it wouldn't be possible for me to communicate with you right now. You turn fucking crazy."

Jasper looked up. Met Lapis's eyes.

The chains held her back. Jasper knew she could break out of them if she wanted to. She struggled.

"She calmed me down," she said. "She caught me right as it was coming and calmed me down. She's better at it than you!"

Lapis only managed to catch herself an inch away from Jasper's face before she'd made contact. "Don't you ever say that again," she hissed. She then backed out. "Stay here. Don't make noise or I'll be back to gag you. I need to deal with my guest."

Jasper hissed, but stayed silent. Struggled. Lapis had about five minutes before Jasper would be out.

Lapis knew this. She closed the door behind her. "Peridot?"

Peridot was hiding in the bathroom. Hands under a cold tap as she counted her breaths. She heard Lapis and found herself not yet ready to move. "I'm here!"

The bathroom. "Are you okay?"

"Just cooling off! Be right... I'll be right there." Her voice dropped off lamely as she dried her hands.

"Alright. I'll be in the living room."

She sighed heavily. Decided to check on Jasper, quickly. Said nothing as she tightened the chains. She needed more time.

When she finally took a seat on the sofa in the living room, Malachite scampered up to her. Lapis picked her up.

"Looks like you're just about the only one I can depend on around here, hm?"

Malachite stuck out her tongue.

Peridot soon returned, looking tearful. Her face was pale. "Lapis. I'm so, so sorry. I honestly never meant it to happen. I barely knew what was going on. I'm sorry. I hope you can forgive me for that."

Lapis looked up. Her expression softened.

She put Malachite down. "Come here," she said. "It's not your fault, and I'm not angry at you. Jasper violated an agreement we had. I don't blame you."

Peridot seemed taken aback by the calm. She smiled at it and eagerly bounced over. "You really don't? Oh, that's so good. I was so worried you'd hate me and was getting ready to pack my bags and move my mom to like Japan or something so that I can teach physics there instead of facing you."

Lapis laughed. "No, no," she said. "Can you tell me what happened, though?" Just so she knew just how much she needed to punish Jasper.

"She asked me if I wanted to kiss and I misunderstood. I just thought it was hypothetical. She seemed to be a little off, too. I got so worried."

"She didn't actually have a panic attack, right?" Lapis asked. There was no way.

"I don't know. I guess so? No one would just pretend... would they?"

Lapis frowned. "It doesn't make sense," she said. "She didn't even like you that much."

"We cuddled, though. And she was really nice to me. Gave me a beer, too. It wasn't very nice."

None of it made sense. None of it.

"I'm really sorry, Peridot," Lapis said. "This must all be so weird for you."

"I liked it!" Peridot gave a smile. "It felt nice. But I'm sorry if it hurt you. Where is Jasper, anyway?"

"Timeout," Lapis said without missing a beat. "She should be back here in, ah... two minutes? Give or take."

"Oh. I guess that's... wait, why did you punish her? It's my fault, too. You should be angry at me!"

"She broke the rules. Not you."

"Oh." Peridot frowned. "I suppose. I'm still sorry."

Lapis shrugged. "Apology accepted, I guess. I'm gonna get Jasper. Be right back."

She got up and made her way to the bedroom.

Peridot watched her leave and picked Malachite up. The second she was sure Lapis had left, she pressed her lips at its scaly forehead. So. That was kissing.

Jasper had almost gotten out of her shackles.

Lapis didn't help her, just watched as she struggled.

"Can you tell me what the fuck is going on in your primitive brain?" she challenged. "First you hate Peridot, then you manipulate her into kissing you by faking a panic attack? What the fuck, Jasper?"

Jasper avoided Lapis's eyes. "I didn't fake anything," she said. "Or manipulate - she's - she's cute, is all."

Lapis rolled her eyes. "Fine, whatever. But you'll pay for this later. You can come back through now."

Jasper managed to get out of the chains. She rubbed her wrists.

"Was that really necessary?" she complained.

"Shut up."

Lapis didn't wait for her before returning to the living room.

Peridot looked up from the iguana. "Hello, again. I'm still in total admiration of this small beauty."

"As you should be." Lapis smiled warmly. "Well, now that Jasper's made all of this sufficiently awkward, should we actually... do something? You wanted to learn how to cook, right?"

Jasper shuffled into the room after Lapis, looking suitably chastised. She wouldn't meet Peridot's eyes.

"Yes! I'd love to learn." Peridot beamed. "Oh, hey again, Jasper. Back from doin' time?" She attempted at a faux cool finger gun.

Jasper looked like she'd been slapped.

"Yeah, I'm... gonna go back to the bedroom," she said. "Bye."

"Oh." Peridot frowned. "See you around!"

"Come back, Jasper," Lapis said, oddly gentle. "This isn't something you should run away from."

Jasper's eyes flashed. She reached out and grabbed Lapis's arm in a crushing grip.

"And what do you know!" she snapped. "You're thinking I manipulated her! You don't even believe me when I tell you I had a panic attack!"

"Jasper," Lapis said, her voice carefully controlled, but laced with fear. "Let go of me. Now."

Jasper didn't loosen her grip.

"Guys. Please, stop it!" Peridot had finally had enough. "Who cares if she did or didn't? She's okay. That's all that matters."

Jasper froze. Lapis turned to Peridot.

Jasper's hands fell to her side, limp.

"Sorry," she muttered.

"So," Lapis said to Peridot without reacting to Jasper's words, "what do you suggest we do to fix this?"

"I... I guess..." Peridot swallowed. "Let's take it methodically. The issue is that we kissed, yeah?"

"Yes," said Jasper.

Lapis shot her a look.

"It's a bit more complicated than that," she said.

"Then maybe elaborate?" Peridot suggested, kindly. "So we're all on the same page."

"We kind of... had an argument a few weeks ago," Lapis said. "And came to an agreement. Jasper, you remember what it is, don't you? Why don't you tell her."

Jasper sighed heavily.

"I'm all yours," she said. "You're all mine."

"And do tell, who was it that wanted that sort of rule in the first place?" Lapis said.

Jasper swallowed.

"I did."

Peridot thought for a moment before turning to Jasper. "Why did you kiss me? Just because I wondered what it was like?"

Jasper didn't like finding herself under such scrutiny. She looked away.

"Answer her," Lapis said.

Jasper let out a heavy breath.

"I don't know. I wanted to."

"Despite the contradiction... Hm..." Peridot went back into thinking. "Thank you for being honest. Lapis. How do you want to move on?"

With Peridot guiding the conversation, Jasper found that her breathing remained even. Anger didn't bubble up quite as quickly. She didn't want to hurt Lapis quite as much.

Lapis noticed as well. A quick look from Peridot to Jasper, then back to Peridot.

She considered Peridot's question.

"I'm willing to let it slide," she said. "Under one condition."

"And that is....?"

"I get to kiss you too." A devilish grin.

A little more cautiously, she added, "If you're okay with that, of course."

Peridot spluttered a surprised cough. That was the last thing she'd expected. "What?" After... all this? "I mean, sure, I'd be okay with that, but... what?"

Jasper looked up.

Lapis shot her a glance.

"She violated the agreement," she told Peridot. "So I get to do the same. Isn't that right, Jasper?"

"Y...yeah." Jasper nodded hesitantly. "It's only fair."

"If it'll fix things." Peridot looked nervous. "Golly. No kisses for twenty six years and then boom! Two people in one day. Nice one for Peridot."

"It's kind of how we do things," Jasper said.

"Yeah," Lapis agreed. "Remember how I told you this wasn't exactly a normal relationship? But anyway. Jasper?"

Jasper pouted. "I don't get to watch?"

A stern look from Lapis, and she gave in and left.

"I don't mind if she watches." Peridot shrugged in good humour and then flushed. "This is all kinda new to me."

"You might not, but I do," Lapis said. She crossed the room and sat down next to Peridot. "It's okay," she said. "We don't have to do anything if you don't want to."

Peridot nodded. "I'd like to kiss three pretty people." Her voice turned into a whisper. "Don't tell anyone but I gave your little Malachite a smooch, too."

Lapis laughed. "Malachite isn't a people, though. Even if I treat her like she is." And with that, she curled her arms around Peridot and leaned in to kiss her.

This was much different. Lapis wasn't as soft. Her lips weren't as plump but Peridot found herself actually kissing back and actually... enjoying the feeling. Before she knew it, she had a soft hand on Lapis' waist.

Lapis smiled at that. Pulled Peridot closer and deepened the kiss. Her heart was beating loudly. This wasn't Peridot's first kiss like Lapis had hoped, but it was still amazing.

Peridot blushed as she allowed Lapis more in her mouth and grew confident enough to touch her hair. She'd wanted to touch it for a while.

Aside from green, she was also very partial to blue.

Lapis reciprocated, ruffling Peridot's hair fondly before drawing back, breaking the kiss. She kept close to Peridot, though, still touching her.

"How was that?" she asked softly.

"I liked it. I liked it a lot. Thank you." Peridot gently touched Lapis' cheek before withdrawing.

Lapis smiled.

"Jasper?" she called.

Jasper poked her head in.

"You can come in," Lapis said. Jasper did, then stood by the door, looking sheepish.

"I want to make a new rule," Lapis told her.

"Rules are good!" Peridot nodded. "As long as they're sensible."

"What's your rule?" Jasper asked.

Lapis grinned smugly.

"We both can kiss Peridot anytime we want, as long as she wants it too," she said.

Peridot audibly gulped. "Oh. Oh. I wouldn't mind that."

"Yeah," Jasper said. "I'd be okay with that too."

"It's a deal, then!" Lapis said and, on impulse, kissed Peridot again. Because she could.

Peridot was taken aback once more. She didn't touch Lapis again, not with Jasper there. But she closed her eyes. This felt good.

Jasper watched and found, oddly, that she didn't quite know who she was feeling jealous of.

She marveled at the situation, though.

Lapis broke the kiss with Peridot and then grinned at Jasper. Got up, put her arms around Jasper's neck and kissed her too.

This was great.

Peridot found that... she liked to watch. She liked to see them happy. She felt satisfied with helping them resolve before things got ugly.

"So," she said when they broke off. "Dinner?"

Lapis laughed softly. Even Jasper was smiling.

"Yeah," she said. "Let's make dinner."

> Act V, Chapter VIII

[sleeptight-frostbite]

⊰ continued from here ⊱

    It had only been a few months since their last meeting, but to a spirit left dreary after years of crippling isolation, it felt like much longer. Albeit he realized that the Guardians had far busier schedules than his own, and his last intent was to disturb them. However, Tooth had never once seemed displeased to see him,  even when he turned up completely unannounced ━ which is exactly what he had done today.

     “ Oh, heh, no. Nothings wrong. ” The sprite answered, impish smirk upturning the crooks of gelid lips as he relinquished his hold on the fairy. 

     “ Just wanted to swing by and say hi. ”