[onceuponamusing]

There is no such thing as pure good or pure evil, least of all in people. In the best of us there are thoughts or deeds that are wicked, and in the worst of us, at least some virtue. An adversary is not one who does loathsome acts for their own sake. He always has a reason that to him is justification. My cat eats mice. Does that make him bad? I don’t think so, and the cat doesn’t think so, but I would bet the mice have a different opinion.

Wizard’s First Rule Ch. 10, Terry Goodkind (via onceuponamusing)

[punnybonessnas]

He did in fact give his mate a look of equal surprise and bemusement when he ignored all pretense and went right to the heart of the matter, wincing again in guilt when his accidental vice grip of his hand was so casually mentioned.

While the shoulder squeeze was a welcomed gesture, he rose a bit of a skeptical brow at his parent's apologetic response, surely he knew how that text would come across, especially when his anxiety was easy to spike even on a good day, and.. it had been in regard of a member of their little family unit.

Before he could voice this however, he was given a task and he automatically moved to oblige it, going back to the mini-fridge that he'd fetched the water bottles from, to instead pull a wrapped platter of finger foods, and the container that presumably held Arrow's as of yet uneaten lunch.

Removing the clear plastic to reveal the mini-charcuterie board of delights they could share, and setting it on the coffee table, taking the little container on a quick trip to the lounge microwave to heat up the contents, half-listening to his introduction of Starling.

Digging a plastic fork from a drawer, he stuck it into the now-steaming slab of meat and vegetable that was handed off to his parent in his armchair, a hand being placed to his hipbone with a slight twist of his mouth, and troubled symbols shifting in his sockets.

"Dad.. I believe you that it wasn't your intention, I know you'd never purposely.. freak me out. But your message was so vague.. and then Amatsu telling me you've been in meetings all morning.. you had to know what my overthinking brain was going to leap to.."

He could have let it go, because he truly was happy to be able to have this visit, and relieved that so far it seemed.. that it wasn't anything life-altering that he had to speak on, otherwise he wouldn't be speaking so casually on things.

But it was that informality that was slightly upsetting in itself, because he could have easily spiraled into a panic attack several times in the course of just a twenty minute trip to see him. Something that could have been avoided with just a bit more context in his message.

"I love you, and I'm just as happy to see you.. I am. But please.. keep my.. issues in clear mind next time?"

With that he took a slow and calming breath, moving to join his partner on the couch, facing his armchair so they could speak in casual comfort, reaching for a slice of cheese from the platter.

"So.. Starling being here really was just a coincidence then? Did.. anything he have to speak on, have to do with us..?"

[alilmusebundle]

Arrow nods his thanks to Percy for the food- that he had forgotten to heat up himself, so focused had he been on preparing the more necessary coffee- and then ends up straightening in his chair at the light scolding sent his way. The next nod he gives is slower, more solemn.

"I apologize for upsetting you. In the future, I will endeavor to slow down and make sure whatever I need to convey is more informative."

He could give an excuse or three, but that wouldn't be fair. By this point in their long life together, from healer and patient, to teacher and apprentice, to father and son, he should know- and do- better by Percy. Unfortunately, despite his best intentions, he wasn't without his flaws, and they did not excuse him. He had to take accountability.

Idly, he stirs his meal to help it cool off. The segue back onto Starling is accepted with a slow blink, eye-light settling into a neutral symbol.

"It was one of my meetings that pertained to why I asked you here, not Starling. He simply had opinions on what it could mean in regards to Noctis' future." He raises a hand with a soothing gesture.

"Anything he may want to do in regards to Noctis cannot take affect without mine, Eirlys, and Corey's approval. And, before anything, I would discuss whatever it may be with the two of you. Much like the empty-world destruction plan."

Allowing a Nightmare to actively destroy verses still felt- odd. The physical outlet it provided Noctis, however, seemed to be worth the plethora of extra security protocols that had to be implemented before he was allowed out of his safe haven.

Arrow takes a bite of vegetable to stall any pointed looks before he goes on.

"This meeting was with the coding team assigned to Noctis' verse of origin. I know it has been some time, and that-- not everyone is aware of this, so I will elaborate:

"When Corey and Starling originally.. acquired Noctis, the esteria only allowed it under a few conditions. One of them was that we help them figure out what happened in the first place. But, as Corey's Foresight is limited when it comes to god-code, we couldn't rely on them to solve that mystery.

"God-code does not want to be read. That does not mean it cannot be deciphered with a bit of effort." With this, he takes the package he was given from his inventory and floats it over to the coffee table, right before Rory's suddenly hungry gaze.

"The coding division- lead by Gidget- have been working together to write a program capable of decoding the god-code into something parsable by the average reader. I know that you've been working with your own program for sometime now, Rory, but they've assured me that this one should be far more streamlined. They were thankful for your frequent insight throughout development."

Arrow takes another bite, and does not mention how the lead coder had said that through gritted teeth. Oh, error-types and their grudges.

"The package contains a pre-programmed tablet for both of you, as well as two, ah, 'sticks', containing backup copies. They cautioned that... it gets hot quite fast? Something about using it sparingly? Ah, I'm sure there are instructions included."

"I don't pretend to understand how coding works, but, from what I understood, they first had to locate and copy down every single language that has ever existed within that verse before they could even begin testing their program, hence why it has taken this long."

"Noctis' base code within the verse was used to test the program to what it is now. They thought using what is essentially just his original name and role within the verse- already known quantities- would be helpful in.. debugging. But... it would seem that they found more information than was expected. Specifically... more names."

[askewprompts]

⋆⭒˚.⋆ 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬. — from the 1997 film script. adjust as necessary.

you think i'm afraid of you, you big fuck?

she's got a nice ass.

he used to beat the shit outta me in kindergarten.

how much money you got?

when i'm done with them, you're next.

don't you walk away from me.

hey, fuck you.

you got fired, huh?

i told you "no" yesterday!

i think i had a class with you.

do you have any thoughts of your own on the subject or were you just gonna plagiarize the whole book for me?

at least i won't be unoriginal.

my boy's wicked smart.

i've been sitting over there for forty-five minutes waiting for you to come talk to me.

maybe we could go out for coffee sometime?

maybe we could go somewhere and just eat a bunch of caramels?

fuck do you want?

do you find it hard to hide the fact that you're gay?

it's not how hard you look at things, it's the way you look at them.

you're in a safe place.

i have better ways to spend my time.

i don't need therapy!

trust is an important thing.

is there someplace we can talk?

you just want to use me and go?

i'm gonna experiment on you for my anatomy class, then go.

want to see my magic trick?

i didn't see you at the reunion.

how long has it been since we've seen each other?

i really don't date that much.

you were thinking you were gonna get a good night kiss.

i was kinda hopin' to get a "good night laid".

i'll take a kiss.

this kid's special. i've never seen anything like him.

let the healing begin!

i'm not here for a fuckin' book report.

you paint this?

i think you're one step away from cutting your ear off.

maybe you married the wrong woman.

if you ever disrespect my wife again, i will end you.

nobody could possibly understand you, right [name]?

keep fuckin' with me. watch what happens.

there's only so many times you can bang your friend's future wife.

i have been laid, you know.

i went on a date last week.

i teach this shit, i didn't say i knew how to do it.

you ever think about gettin' remarried?

my wife's dead.

you ever wonder what your life would be like if you never met [name]?

you'll have your bad times, which wake you up to the good stuff you weren't paying attention to.

there's nothing worse than regret.

you should've seen this girl, she lit up the room.

sorry fellas, i gotta go see about a girl.

why do we always stay here?

if you're not thinking with your wiener, you're acting on its behalf.

put some clothes on!

i've never seen him like this before, ever, with anyone, like how he is with you.

the least you can do is show me a little appreciation.

if you're not in love with me, you can say that.

you're afraid that i won't love you back.

did you ever think that maybe i could help you?

do i have a sign that says "save me" on my back?

i just want to be with you. i love you.

i want to hear that you don't love me.

i don't love you.

i just wanted to call before you left.

i love you, [name]. no take-backs.

do you have a soulmate?

some shows are worth the price of admission.

in twenty years, if you're livin' next door to me, i'll fuckin' kill you.

you got somethin' that none of us have.

fuck you, you owe it to me.

if you're angry at me for being successful, for being what you could have been —

you think i'm a failure!

i'm proud of who i am!

i don't blame you!

i won't see you make him feel like a failure too!

i can come back.

is that why me and [name] broke up?

it's not your fault.

don't fuck with me.

don't fuck with me, [name], not you.

fuckin' kid won't back down.

hey asshole. happy birthday.

so that's it? we're done?

i'll keep in touch.

i'll buy you a drink.

[alilmusebundle]

@thetraumazone from XXX

-

After the interruption, Roko settles back, clasps his hands behind his back in deference to Suri's status, and sighs. Quietly to himself, of course, so that the Prince did not hear. Not that the little monster was paying attention to him, but the rest of the workers in this section of the castle also had ears, and ample reason- a tempting reward- when reporting on misconduct. Disrespect towards those of higher status counted, even with the little goat.

Considering his status, such a report would go to the Regent. He would rather avoid proximity to that stretched-limb bastard, especially with his current undefined amount of power within the court. Who knew what level of punishment the prick was now allowed to dish out.

Suri is, as always, very informal. Thankfully, the royal always dictates the amount of formality the conversation is allowed. Unlike with many that try, however, Suri has always felt genuine, and the relaxing of his shoulders feels genuine in turn. He even permits himself a lazy bat at her poking finger, and a larger curve to his smile.

As soon as Aldric is- accurately- accused, the little Prince's cheeks almost seems to swell twice their size. It makes the baby curls around his cheeks poke out in a humorous manner. If he had somehow never seen it occur numerous times now, the general might be tempted to laugh.

As it is, Roko carefully does not.

To act familiar or otherwise casually engage with those of higher station is.. discouraged. Maintain a level of professionalism at all times. Uphold the rules of the court, and you maintain order.

"I haven't roped anyone!" Aldric objects, pointing one little claw at Roko. "Just look! No ropes! I'm innocent!! Now, find a staff and beat him up!!!"

...Don't laugh. Do not.

Roko lightly coughs, smoothly covering his mouth to hide the twitch of an amused smirk. When he lowers his hand, his mouth is back to a general bland smile that he knows Suri absolutely sees through, but suffices for the rest of the working weavers.

“I can't say I agreed to be 'beat up', my Prince." He says lightly. While Aldric sticks his tongue out at him, he angles his skull back to Suri. "He caught sight of me practicing the electrostaff, and I accidentally let slip your aptitude for it compared to mine."

Melee weapon's were not his specialty. Something he needed to continue working on, as his predecessor was known for formidable close combat abilities. There was only so often he could compensate lack of skills he was expected to possess with raw strength and fire enforced attacks on the battlefield.

Telling the prince of Suri's own specialty with the weapon had been his attempt to get the goat to go bother her rather than him. That had backfired drastically.

"He insisted we come find you, as he wanted to see 'cooler' moves... I suppose that changed into you fighting me, somewhere between here and there."

[thetraumazone]

WAIT. THAT HAD BEEN WHY SHE'D CALLED?!

If his soul could audibly scream, it surely would have. It certainly had started to pulse faster than normal. Thankfully his various layers kept the glow muted.

Not like he had physical company with him that would question it, but...still. "N-No it's okay! J-Just uh...Glad that it was...unwarranted concern."

He hadn't expected the reason that she'd called to be....because she'd missed him. Let alone that she'd apparently been tortured the entire time with all the media coverage over the tour. He'd just figured after the initial concern had abated, that she'd been struggling to sleep and had known that he'd be awake...

So for....weeks he's been a permanent space in her mind? And she'd missed him.

Stars the way that this monster unknowingly had him in a choke hold....

He'd stopped in his pacing some time ago, one hand rubbing at the back of his neck as he took a cursory glance at the shuttle expected time from his watch.

Not too much longer....

Not that it's arrival would impede any conversation. But it'd be nice if he could scoot from the station before the rest of the family arrived and potentially questioned why he was as pink as a Jewel-rose.

"Sorry that I unknowingly haunted every aspect of your day for.....weeks."

Oh the media, how he had such a love/hate relationship with them. He wasn't quite sure which side of the fence he was on this....exact situation. On the one hand...he might not have gotten this call.....on the other hand....the constant reminder of his absence.

He'd settle on tolerance regarding this one.

"I'd say lemme make it up to you, but....I'm not entirely sure how I'd make up for weeks worth of torment."

Not anything appropriate at the moment, anyway.

[alilmusebundle]

The warm tenor of Arche’s voice stutters and rises in pitch, and in response Kero looks away from the light of the docked comm as if evading the burn of his gaze.

If he were actually here... she probably wouldn't have managed to say anything at all.

Blinking embarrassed moisture from her sockets doesn’t do much for her sight; the rest of the room is so much darker in comparison, the smoke that had settled around her like a shroud slowly dispersing as the air unit’s set timer engaged and began filtering it. Normally at this point, she’d be fast asleep, lulled into dreams from relaxing release and the sheer relief of no aches and pains- even if that was only delayed until morning light.

( -oh, and what had come to mind as she took care of that persistent itch could be forgotten as a delusion of the night, just addled thoughts of fleeting fantasies slipping away like a pleasant dream- )

She certainly isn’t as sleepy as when this call first started. Sleep might even be completely impossible, at this point.

As Arche goes on to apologize for her torment, his choice of words slowly sinks in- then, it really clicks, the no doubt unintended but delightfully ironic pun within immediately hitting her funnybone.

A laugh escapes, so soft and quiet it she may have imagined doing it. Amusement fought with the lingering embarrassment of the confession, no doubt making her smile twitch as she tried- and failed- to suppress a smile.

“Sh-should have known you’d find a way to haunt me again, Spectral.”

Ah, ghosts and their haunting. Somewhat hysteric giggles burst from her from the ridiculous wordplay, tears squeezing from the corners of her sockets to trail down to the pillow. Once the bought of giggles dies down, she rubs at her face, smearing the tears away.

"I'm just glad you answered... getting to talk with you has helped.. lessen the 'torment', I promise." She admits somewhat breathlessly.

Still wiping at her face with one hand, she reaches out with the other, lightly cradling the docked comm, dizzily imaging it was his cheek she was clumsily tracing rather than the protective case. The vivid strength of it lights her cheekbones to new burning lights, and does nothing to stop her next impulsive words.

"It'll help more when I get to see you again. Then there'll be no reason to be missing you."

[alilmusebundle]

Hierarchy of Order/Truth (Heaven) in Esteria

Notes:

-the following is relations of the verse to the hierarchy of heaven's angels put forward by Pseudo-Dionysius, (yes this is what they call the author, no one knows who it actually was lol), in his book The Celestial Hierarchy.

-The word angel is replaced by beings bc it is easier for my brain. Yes, I am taking christian concepts and butchering them! This is for my own amusement, and is probably maybe likely to be tweaked <3

-hierarchy is moreso based on influence/relation to Hope, not necessarily the characters power levels

-special note: the almighty god/creation god is called 'Hope'; she escaped the reach of the primordial Chaos realm, (the abyss), crafted a sanctuary in Her ideal vision/Will/Truth, (creating the light [grove] & mortal realms via imposing Order), and guided others with a similar vision out of the abyss to help mold and protect it all

So: Hope is the pillar upon which existence itself stands. The other gods all work together to maintain it, and fight back against the encroaching madness of the abyss.

-

The Highest Choir/Structure (beings who deal with affairs of heaven (Order/Truth) itself with direct ties to Hope):

Seraphim- beings made of pure 'light' that carry out Hopes will/Truth; 'most closely reflect gods attributes'; beings that embody divine love'; embodies structure/direction

Cherubim- messengers of gods will who often act in gods stead; 'the angels of knowledge'/embody knowledge; know how to move [gods will] in desired direction

Ophanim/Thrones- oversee Hopes judgement, order, records; embody action, insuring [gods will] can move as desired

equivalent in Esteria:

Seraphim = Liberty, Monk, Scholar -between them, they embody the more abstract aspects of sentience in life, which I feel = the 'beings of pure light' part well enough -they are depicted as the ones that love humanity the most

Cherubim = Hemele OR possibly Nezuko -cherubim's are associated with the number 4 (they have 4 heads) and are messengers between gods; one of Hem's titles is The Great Messenger, and as primordial god of the 4 winds, would match nicely -Nezuko would match only bc she's The Mediator between the gods

Ophanim/Thrones = Igni (fire), Nen (water), Rashida (earth) - they are the primordial elements of physical life that constantly act to keep things [in the mortal realm] moving, like a constantly spinning wheel, which is what the Thrones LITERALLY ARE meant to reference -you could argue that Hemele and Nezuko could also be Thrones, and I would nod along in agreement. However, their roles/powers fit better elsewhere

The Middle Structure/Choir (powers that act as intermediaries between the first [highest] and third [lowest] structures & mortal realm)

Dominions -choir concerned with governance & conveying the will of higher choir; sudo leader of lower orders; stewards of structure

Virtues- caretakers of cosmic order within material world; associated with fate

Power- eliminate or restrain evil forces through combat or purification; can intervene with human affairs; tasked with protecting the 'crossroads' and 'borders' of the world [mainly between heaven and earth]; embody the concept of direct action

equivalent in Esteria:

Dominion = Nezuko -putting her here bc she is actively the mediator between The Children and the Grove -one of her titles is The Kiss of Slumber which seems like she is thought of as the worlds Death. Death being the emissary between choirs is fun to me

ok this is where I get weird with it: I consider the Esteria to be all three of the middle choir, with their roles being semi-fluid. That being said, the Dominion Esteria don't normally matter as much necessarily, as they are simply given that title bc they are the ones that can best interpret/speak with their respective Trees. Traditionally, this would be seen as eldest Estri of whichever Truth = Dominion

Once upon a time, this would have been Denpo, Yoru, and Dara. Currently, it would be Zuzen, Ataru, and... still Dara

Virtues = the Estri BEST at guidance/care taking & organization; Zuzen (organization/structure), occasionally Kazumi, (capable of organization but doesn't thrive with it), and Denpo (similar to Zumi; depression has basically made him no longer do it), Ataru (guidance/care taking; injuries have hindered his ability to help), and Dara (mostly in her own section of the grove)

Adepti that could also be considered Virtues: Botan, Chip, Tahela, Ami, Esau

Powers = the Estri best at fighting/purifying the abyss; Yoru (formerly was the primary defender), Denpo, Zura, Kazumi

Adepti that could also be considered Powers: Kosuke, Nasrin, Kassim

The Lowest/Third Structure/Choir (powerful beings concerned with the mortal realm, who often take up residence there)

Principalities - protect, guide, or govern nations or institutions

Archangels - carry out the orders of the principalities

guardian Angels - basic protectors of the mortal realm from lesser evils

equivalent in Esteria:

the Adepti = Principalities - as mortals that the Esteria accept into the Grove to teach them whichever respective tree's Truth, they are also the perfect emissaries between humanity and the gods - the Adepti can ascend/be promoted within the grove to Virtue and Power status - the Adepti can also decide to leave the Grove permanently, wherein they automatically become Leyrunners within the mortal realm

Leyrunners = Archangels - mainly former Adepti that roam the mortal realm, acting as missionaries and protectors in turn - Eteri, a former adeptis who decided she didn't like being stuck in place, is a prime example - can also refer to magicians, (aka elemental benders hell yeah), capable of manipulating the primordial powers of The Children who decide their life's truth is to help keep the leylines pure

Leyhounds & Faeries = guardians - Leyhounds are elemental creations born within the Grove that are able to 'branch' across the world to protect it from abyssal encroachment - Faeries (name pending) are the generalized term for creations made by The Children; they are stationary, rarely leaving their respective environments/territories, but WILL fight abyssal filth

[thetraumazone]

He was more than content to not be dragged into that cesspit. So a small appreciative nod is given in that regard, however as Roko turns on Rin and starts in on how irresponsible it had been to go jetting off, leaving Suri unattended....he feels the words start to fade from his ears as his mind wanders a little.

Trying to think back on what Rin had been trying to tell him before. Icarus...had veto'd making a decision at all in regard to his situation, and this was the first time that a Lord Regent had done such a thing.....like ever.

His fingers flex, and he feels them tighten a bit into fists at his side. Which meant that Icarus had a hell of a lot more power than he had let on.

That was....King level of power.

Which was a dangerous level of power, that meant more eyes, more enemies, more paranoia to have. Which meant possibly less time to see his cousin again. Less time for Anya to see him again.

Not that Icarus had ever been able to come onto the farm itself, but they had been able to do a few secret meetings together. And now....because of his risky move, that was in jeopardy....again.

He forces his arms to cross over his chest, close his eyes for a few moments and recenter himself despite the screaming pain from his abdomen. Blinking a bit as Roko unfastened the mask, it was hard....knowing this wasn't the same person that he'd fought so damn hard to pull from the field.

But some of the mannerisms were there, the memories were there. it was but it wasn't. It was something he'd gotten used to...but it was still difficult at times.

Particularly at the moment when he was already in a stressed mind set.

"Having a full, in depth picture would be nice, yeah." He lets out a small, slow breath. "Just uh....try to take it a little slow with me, yeah? It's uh...been a rough day already to put it lightly. Might have to end up in the cesspit anyway if Alfina can't make the trip out." he brings a hand up, biting the tip of his thumb for a moment.

"Not for injuries or anything, just routine inspection of how the Venriel is doing."

It wasn't a lie. Inspection was coming up, albeit a bit more far out than he was making it sound, but it wouldn't hurt to get it done early.

"I also appreciate the rush to come tell me what was going on, just don't feel like a very good Host at the moment, heh."

A more polite way of saying 'I would've liked to be more prepared.' It was hard not to glance in the direction of where he knew Anya was supposed to be, as concern tried to crawl up his back.

Thankfully any signs could easily been written off as a concern about the current situation, which there very much was a mass amount of concern.

"Rin...you were saying, before one of the damned birds threw a fit. Something about Icarus vetoing the voting process? I thought that was something he wasn't able to do, given his position."

Yes he was going to blame the wrecked barn on his beloved jackobi's. He could pin it on the fat bastard, he was unruly enough.

[myriad-ofmuses]

His figurative mask remained unchanged when his brother tore into him for leaving Suri unattended, though there was the slight raise of a brow when he cut himself off abruptly.. surely, he hadn't been about to say they could have gone together?

Hm.. maybe Kaine was making some headway with him after all?

It was easy enough to tamp down signs of his rising annoyance at the dressing down he'd received, but it was surely felt as a burn in the center of his chest.

Yes.. he did feel guilty for letting his impulses take him away from the meeting, from his duties to Suri. But - it's not as if she wasn't fully capable of defending herself from most threats. Though no longer in active duty herself, she was still a veteran solider in her own right, especially now that she had her prosthetic.. he pitied anyone that would even try.

Roko knew that as well as he did, so it was especially vexing for him to talk about her as if she were a helpless damsel without him there.

He managed not to stiffen when Roko's mask was removed, though the effort sent another sharp shock of pain up that leg, momentarily distracted by a different kind of shock when his ever-rigid sibling stressed the importance of him being told in person.

His eye cut back to Silas when he was addressed, then back to his brother. He wasn't about to admit that he hadn't heard the majority of the debriefing, since he'd warped out pretty much the moment Roko had said the report he'd been fretting over since its release - was deemed null and void.

It hadn't exactly been a conscious decision, just a knee-jerk reaction to get to his friend with the news as soon as possible. Like the snap of a stressed spring when it was coiled too taut.

"Now that he's arrived, I'll leave the details to our General, since he was the one tasked to your debrief."

Hands remained folded behind himself as he stood at relaxed attention, though subtly turned slightly to keep his gaze trained on the both of them more readily, having to angle when he had only one eyelight to work with.

[alilmusebundle]

"What Ryu means by that is, he left before he got to hear any of the details." Roko directs to Silas, voice unimpressed.

"The rush is... warranted. For a multitude of reasons: you are, in my opinion, an invaluable asset to monsterkind in both strength- through yourself and the venriel- and war strategy- thanks to your veteran experience- to such an extent I have you down as backup General in case anything were to happen to me."

"That, and," Roko pauses briefly, tapping a finger against his hip. "I wish to... my job when homebound is more akin to.. security detail. While I am.. very aware that you can take care of yourself, I would prefer to snip any threat on your person or property from the start, before anything can take root."

What happened in the royal court shouldn't lead to a civilian-soldier dragged into the crossfire. If nothing else, Roko could insure Silas's safety.

"If I could do the same for Suri, I would, but I am limited in how much support I can lend to individual reps. That is why they have shadows in the first place." He looks back at Rin imploringly, "I know she also is a capable veteran warrior- but the same can be said for many of the council currently running the court, and they are far more secure in their political positions than she is. Suri needs to be able to focus solely on her job, not the target on her back."

Maybe that would be better received than the frustrated dressing down he'd previously vented. It was- difficult to tell what his brother thought, when he refused to vent his own arguments, even out here where there were no witnesses to see him talk 'out of line'. But Roko was self-aware enough to realize how his words could be taken.

Despite how he was meant to be- an apathetic third party that existed to make the council members work in more complex, underhanded ways to undermine each others power and influence- Roko had formed attachments. He felt closer to Suri than he did anyone else, and the fact that he couldn't do a damn thing to openly help her dragged like a knife down his chest.

Alongside his next words, Roko lifts his arm, willing the catch along the brace to slide open. He extracts a copy of the voided the data chip containing the meetings full audio and transcript log he'd swiped from the transcriber before taking off for the farm.

"While I have a full transcript of the meeting, if you wish to read it- or listen to a recording- I can summarize: The Lord Regent showed that he has accumulated more influence than that rank should by vetoing everything that went on in that meeting. Currently, he is facing zero repercussions from her Highness, and I don't expect that to change. I suspect he's had this power for some time, and was forced to show his hand in order to protect your freedom."

"I'm going to make something clear right now: Until things calm down, you will not be going into the city again, for as long as I can manage. Any supplies that you will need for yourself or the birds will have to be delivery only, and I will be issuing higher tech for you to scan for malicious tampering. As for your inspection, Dr. Alfina can travel to you, she has-"

All words- and thoughts- leave Roko at the sight of the liquid slowly trickling down Silas's chestplate, a sight that he never thought possible anywhere outside of the worst battlefield. And so, in a few octaves higher than he normally speaks, he blurts out in pure, honest shock:

"Are you-- bleeding..?!"

[thetraumazone]

"Yeah? That'd be cool to see, I promise to not lie about true feelings regarding said potential albino frog." he snickers before he pauses at the tone shift.

His eyes widened at those mumbled words, and his jaw clenched for a moment. Unfolding from his hold of himself, he let his boots hit the pavement again as he leaned forward. Hands clasped together in thought as his leg bounced, heel clicking against the pavement, before pushing himself upright with a hum.

"Well, I'm not sorry that you called." He replies bluntly, Stretching as he forced himself up onto his feet fully. Folding his arms behind his back as he started to do what would appear to be very odd circling around said bench, thankfully hardly anyone was around tonight to question the behavior.

Movement was helpful when thinking, his knee-jerk reaction to that statement was agitation at the self-deprecation. But, previous experiences have taught him that immediately contradicting the thought....doesn't always help. He could sit and argue with her about it all night but that wasn't going to change her mind or make her feel better.

"I know that we were able to text off and on throughout the tour...but, it wasn't like our regular times, and it's definitely not the same as hearing your voice or seeing your face." It was times like these when he only slightly hated his own schedule, even though in the past, keeping himself busy had been the goal.

"I missed you."

Trying to push through the fluster that expressing that had caused in his chest, burning cheeks be damned. There was more that he was trying to get out.

"I got....excited to see that it was you, even though I was also..a little worried since usually I'm the one that's usually up late-----What I'm trying to get at is, I like having your company."

[alilmusebundle]

Oh, he didn't like her words. But, to be fair, she had lost half of her words in her head, the full thought cut in half at the worst possible moment.

Or perhaps the best. Even with her mind pleasantly addled, shell satiated and medically numbed, she still found a way to hold herself back.

Spec was always so careful with her, even when she said something he didn't like to hear. If she closes her sockets, she can imagine the stubborn jut of his jaw, the slight narrowing of eyes as he weighs each word, all of them primed to dive into the spaces between her ribs and curl up next to her fluttering soul.

"...oh."

Her oh so intelligent response is small and quiet. She feels warm and happy and embarrassed all at once, a ache similar to what had driven her to call him in the first place, now choking her words. What she should admit.

He had, after all, just told her the bare, honest truth. She should too.

"Spec..." Kero starts, voice soft, words timid in the face of his surety.

"We didn't get to talk much.. and that would have been fine- like one of our busier weeks- except... you... you were everywhere."

"The tour- there were live streams on every store and cafe; students and coworkers sharing clips of the performances, the interviews, all of them talking about their favorite songs or characters from the play. The only time I escaped it was when I was home, and even then, you were all over the web."

"I saw you, heard you even, all the time... and all I could think... was how much I really missed- actually hearing, you.."

Admitting to it now brought embarrassed moisture to her sockets, her words trailing off into a near whisper.

"T-thats... why I called... I-I didn't mean to worry you..."

[punnybonessnas]

The relative calm that his partner had been able to garner in him during their shared exchange in the lift, was absolutely thrown out the window the moment he registered Starling's presence in the office.

The loose grip on Rory's hand reflexively tightened when the anxiety spiked anew, halting his once-easy approach, and staring at his turned, hooded gold silhouette standing in front of his Dad as if the two had been in tense discussion before they walked through the door.

It was nothing against Starling as an individual, they weren't exactly personally close but he respected him as one of Arrow's good friends. Under any other circumstance he wouldn't stoke such panic in him, but considering the topic they'd come to discuss..

It was certainly alarming for their sector's Dream to be here, when they came in regard to their Nightmare-variant charge.

When his parent pointedly dismissed his company and Starling light-shifted out the window in his little avian form, the startled trance the artist had fallen into seemed to drop, and he snapped back into reality, wincing apologetically at his mate and re-loosening his fingers from their once-iron grip, mouthing an apology.

He followed when his Dad ushered them into lounge area, trying his best to shake off the lingering unease that Starling's presence had ignited in him. Maybe.. it had just been a coincidence?

Just because he'd been here before them, didn't necessarily mean that he'd been part.. of all those apparently strained meetings all morning, did it?

Though, there was a hard line between wishful thinking and naivety that he often walked. In this, it felt callow to assume otherwise.

It was fine.. just, put your focus elsewhere for now. And thanks to the head receptionist, he had the perfect self-distraction to start with.

"Mm.. I know we'd both appreciate some, but, Dad.. maybe some water would be wise first?"

He smiled a little sheepishly, regarding the other with a bit of a solemn nod, while he held out a water bottle he'd fetched from the little lounge mini-fridge.

"I'm sorry to say, I was recruited by Ama on the way up. It said you've been ignoring its reminders all morning. Dad.. heh, you need to practice what you preach to your patients. It's only fair."

[stringingfallacies]

If he hadn't been awake before, he was certainly awake now. The sharp hard squeeze to his hand had done wonders for that. And he held back a small hiss and wince that wanted to surface.

He'd managed to catch a brief glimpse at the 'overstaying visitor' and it became apart as to why Percy had immediately...freaked out again. If he'd had time to shoot the haloed bastard a glare, he would've. But it was barely a minute before he was dismissed and gone.

He remains quiet, giving a nod of acknowledgement when an apology is mouthed to him by his partner, and despite the stinging in his hand, continued onward to the much more relaxing looking area.

The golden buzz word kept being said over and over, it was starting to feel like a taunt at this point. Trying to not let his gaze reflect the desperation for caffeine, he took in a breath to speak again despite the grogginess that no doubt would still be clinging on.

"̲S̲o̲.̲.̲.̲.̲W̲h̲a̲t̲ ̲w̲a̲s̲ ̲a̲l̲l̲ ̲t̲h̲a̲t̲ ̲a̲b̲o̲u̲t̲?̲ ̲S̲'̲p̲r̲e̲t̲t̲y̲ ̲r̲a̲r̲e̲ ̲t̲h̲a̲t̲ ̲I̲ ̲s̲e̲e̲ ̲y̲o̲u̲ ̲t̲i̲c̲k̲e̲d̲ ̲o̲f̲f̲.̲.̲.̲.̲o̲r̲ ̲s̲l̲i̲g̲h̲t̲l̲y̲ ̲f̲r̲a̲n̲t̲i̲c̲ ̲r̲e̲a̲l̲l̲y̲ ̲f̲o̲r̲ ̲t̲h̲a̲t̲ ̲m̲a̲t̲t̲e̲r̲.̲"̲

He was probably getting shot a look by Perc for just stabbing the pink elephant in the room? Absolutely. Was this the last time it would happen? Most certainly not.

But that had not been Ataru. Which technically, would classify as the 'dream' linked to Noctis, if he had understood things correctly. Not that he suspected that one to be linked to their charge. There had been a different kind of....air about them, that much was made obvious.

But if it did have the off chance of having something to do with their goopy-brat....he'd like to know about it.

Especially since this whole meeting was admittedly, short notice, and he'd been dragged out of bed for it.

"̲N̲o̲t̲ ̲t̲h̲a̲t̲ ̲I̲'̲m̲ ̲e̲n̲t̲i̲t̲l̲e̲d̲ ̲t̲o̲ ̲a̲n̲y̲ ̲s̲o̲r̲t̲ ̲o̲f̲ ̲i̲n̲f̲o̲r̲m̲a̲t̲i̲o̲n̲ ̲n̲a̲t̲u̲r̲a̲l̲l̲y̲,̲ ̲b̲u̲t̲ ̲c̲a̲n̲'̲t̲ ̲h̲e̲l̲p̲ ̲b̲u̲t̲ ̲t̲a̲k̲e̲ ̲n̲o̲t̲e̲ ̲o̲f̲ ̲s̲o̲m̲e̲t̲h̲i̲n̲g̲ ̲t̲h̲a̲t̲ ̲m̲a̲d̲e̲ ̲P̲e̲r̲c̲y̲ ̲p̲r̲a̲c̲t̲i̲c̲a̲l̲l̲y̲ ̲p̲u̲t̲ ̲m̲e̲ ̲i̲n̲ ̲a̲ ̲c̲o̲m̲p̲r̲e̲s̲s̲i̲o̲n̲ ̲b̲r̲a̲c̲e̲.̲ ̲S̲o̲ ̲m̲a̲y̲b̲e̲ ̲j̲u̲s̲t̲ ̲a̲ ̲l̲i̲t̲t̲l̲e̲ ̲i̲n̲f̲o̲ ̲f̲o̲r̲ ̲h̲i̲s̲ ̲n̲e̲r̲v̲e̲s̲?̲ ̲a̲n̲d̲ ̲s̲o̲m̲e̲ ̲w̲a̲t̲e̲r̲ ̲f̲o̲r̲ ̲y̲o̲u̲.̲ ̲m̲i̲g̲h̲t̲ ̲w̲a̲n̲n̲a̲ ̲g̲r̲a̲b̲ ̲y̲o̲u̲r̲s̲e̲l̲f̲ ̲a̲ ̲s̲n̲a̲c̲k̲ ̲t̲o̲o̲,̲ ̲I̲'̲m̲ ̲g̲u̲e̲s̲s̲i̲n̲g̲ ̲y̲o̲u̲ ̲h̲a̲v̲e̲n̲'̲t̲ ̲e̲a̲t̲e̲n̲ ̲s̲i̲n̲c̲e̲ ̲t̲h̲i̲s̲ ̲m̲o̲r̲n̲i̲n̲g̲?̲"̲

Despite the gruffness and natural agitation in his voice, he was fairly relaxed. Tired, but still relaxed. Any potential freakouts, would be put on the back burner.

"̲A̲l̲s̲o̲.̲.̲.̲H̲e̲y̲,̲ ̲i̲t̲'̲s̲ ̲b̲e̲e̲n̲ ̲a̲ ̲b̲i̲t̲.̲ ̲H̲o̲p̲e̲f̲u̲l̲l̲y̲ ̲t̲h̲i̲n̲g̲s̲ ̲h̲a̲v̲e̲ ̲b̲e̲e̲n̲ ̲g̲o̲o̲d̲.̲.̲.̲d̲e̲s̲p̲i̲t̲e̲ ̲t̲h̲e̲ ̲s̲t̲r̲e̲s̲s̲o̲r̲s̲ ̲t̲h̲a̲t̲ ̲s̲e̲e̲m̲ ̲t̲o̲ ̲b̲e̲ ̲g̲o̲i̲n̲g̲ ̲o̲n̲?̲"̲

[alilmusebundle]

The offered water bottle is accepted on reflex, the faintly frantic energy fueled by not being prepared immediately dissipating.

Amatsu recruited..? Ah. The reminders. The spider was no doubt displeased its messages hadn't even been read.

With his phone on silent during his meetings for anything that wasn't dire emergency, any direct messages it had sent would not have pinged- and he had been so set on trying to use the sliver of time he had to rest to see his family, (even if it was tangentially work related), he had gone straight to texting his son. He hadn't the time to check whatever messages had been recorded on the office landline, either, thanks to Starling. Perhaps he could-

Hmm... no. Blaming his self-care shortcomings on his unlogged visitor may not be the best way to calm the spider.

Speaking of spiders: Rory's crackling voice is a pleasant surprise, despite the immediate demand for an explanation. Percy's mate wasn't always willing to make conversation. This must be a good day.

Arrow gives them both his approximation of a warm look. As his son is in arm reach, he clasps his shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"Thank you, both of you, for worrying about me. It is good to see you." He hadn't had the time to visit, as of late. "I apologize for the short notice- and any nerves the message, or my prior visitor, may have frayed. That.. wasn't my intention."

He looks back to the little bottle of water in his hand, huffs with a small aborted shake of his skull, then cracks it open to take an indulgent sip. That done, Arrow gestures back to the mini-fridge.

"I will drink more and eat, but I would rather not do it alone. There should be a meal for me and some finger food on that upper shelf, if you could Percy..?"

As Percy moves to grab snacks, Arrow, finally, shrugs his formal mantle off, allowing one of his pens to carry it to the coat rack, where it's haphazardly placed alongside his scarf and Shine's eclectic assortment of mismatched coats. As that happens, he moves back to the little kitchenette to take care of the coffee making. As he goes through the practiced motions, he answers Rory's prior question with an introductory explanation.

"That was Starling, the senior dream-outcode of the Guardian division. I wouldn't expect you to have seen him before. His aura can.. 'burn' outcodes with 'corrupt' code, so he tends to stay out of their way."

Arrow switches the machine on, then turns to the tiny sink. Pulling out his thermos, he dumps the dregs of coffee inside it and rinses it out so that he can pour the water into it instead, supplementary tap water filling what the little bottle didn't. With it mostly full, he grabs a green vial from the counter and pours some in for the extra energy before twisting the thermos shut.

With a sigh, (and creaking knees), he lowers himself into an armchair.

"After my meetings, I meant to prepare for your arrival. Instead, Starling let himself in.. and, in the ensuing discussion.. I lost track of time."

[myriad-ofmuses]

Her ears perked back in thought, steadily watching the reaction of the other when everything she'd said had processed, flecked pink eyelights a bit calculating.

But what she was measuring wasn't immediately apparent, her mouth scrunching a little, tail tip fluttering a bit in its curl at her side.

Finally, her quiet evaluation ended with a blink, moving to set her half-eaten bowl of casserole on the table, and grabbing her bottle of water instead, removing the cap and quickly draining it, bolstering herself for what had to come next.

Leaving the crinkled empty bottle on the couch, she subtly prowled closer to the distraught feline on the opposite side of the couch, small hand taking his paw to help relax the grip, not wanting him to hurt himself, even if his claws were filed down.

"I'm sorry Lux. I.. had to be sure it was really real, and not just something superficial. Too many people.. have tried to get close to him for.. self-serving reasons, I've done my best to protect him from that, because he wants to see the best in everyone."

Her ears drooped a bit, with a heavy sigh.

"As a result he's been hurt.. a lot. I honestly didn't think it was the case for you, but.. you know, it's been a long time since school. You could have changed. Not like we see other socially.. and online contact is hardly a reliable gauge for that sort of thing.

Anyway.. while I can't believe I'm about to help out a romantic rival, here's what you gotta do."

She ensured her expression was as equally lax and playful as she manage with that last remark, so he couldn't possibly misconstrue it as her being serious.

Scooting up closer, she shook her hands out of her sleevies to grasp hold of his shoulders, propped up on her knees so she could more easily meet his eye level with their height difference - even seated.

"Next time you're together, you take his shoulders like this, make him look directly at you, don't let anything else be a distraction. You say.. 'I love you.' plain and clear. Don't kiss him. You keep eye contact with him until he's processed it, then.. whatever happens from there, is all you."

She poked her tongue out a bit as she released his shoulders, her tail swaying behind her with a bit of a grin.

"Easy enough, right? If you really want him to realize where you're coming from, there's your cheat code, gamer.~"

[alilmusebundle]

He imagines facing Lucero the way Ness describes. He puts himself standing, looking down at unassuming eyes that crinkled ever so slightly when he really laughed, and saying three little words.

"I love you." Pollux repeats. Or, he tries. The words don't actually come out. Instead, his mouth just hands open wordlessly, not even a single sound escaping.

Three simple words. They should be easy to say- he's said them before, to family he used to have, childhood friends that moved on, and even, embarrassingly enough, to his favorite teacher upon graduation. It shouldn't be hard.

But this... this was different. A new meaning added to the phrase, beyond pure hearted appreciation for a life in his orbit, a layer of want and need and promise that he never imagined would ever happen to him, ever.

"Easy for you to say." Po says instead, then immediately wrinkles his nose at himself with a sigh. "Sorry. That came out wrong."

"You've had feelings for each other since like, school?" he guesses, one ear twisting backwards, "When the squad gamin' started an' you two were already acting really familiar, right off the bat, I kinda figured. An with Cal, you, like... got a feel for what- what love... feels like. What its like to exist in it, actively in the others orbit all the time.

You've clearly had a long time to simmer with those- those words, those meanings, in your head. I-- I, haven't."

"This is-- this is really new for me, Nezzle." Just admitting it is terrifying in its own right, makes his hands tremble and his soul thud in his ears. "One-off dates have always been my thing. Go do a fun activity then help whoever scratch their itch attachment-free, cause no one has to worry about me catching feelings after."

A small, somewhat hysterical laugh bursts out of him. He was so fucked.

"I've never just, wanted to exist in someones orbit like this before. Never. We only started hangin' out in the first place cause I texted the wrong work contact like an idiot, and he was kind enough to take pity on my fool self."

"You two… you have a natural layer of trust and love I could never compete with, no matter how hard I tried. If I say that to him, at this point, will it even sound... real? Legit?? When I've never even, like.. done this before?"

[stringingfallacies]

He closes his eyes for a brief moment from the kiss to his cheek, contented with himself. While it wasn't the way that he had observed Arrow doing when Percy had gotten himself into the beginnings of a potential spiral, it had done well enough.

At the mention of caffeine, he hangs his head in slight dismay "̲S̲h̲o̲u̲l̲d̲'̲v̲e̲ ̲h̲a̲d̲ ̲s̲o̲m̲e̲ ̲c̲o̲f̲f̲e̲e̲ ̲a̲n̲d̲ ̲g̲o̲t̲t̲e̲n̲ ̲y̲o̲u̲ ̲s̲o̲m̲e̲ ̲t̲e̲a̲ ̲b̲e̲f̲o̲r̲e̲ ̲w̲e̲ ̲l̲e̲f̲t̲.̲"̲he replies with a yawn following suit for extra emphasis.

He sticks his own tongues out in response to the more impish side of his partner coming back. Much preferred energy from him than being upset about the meeting.

Though at the sheepish request of silence, he feels his grin widen some, turning his head.

"̲O̲o̲o̲o̲h̲~̲?̲ ̲y̲o̲u̲ ̲d̲o̲n̲'̲t̲ ̲w̲a̲n̲t̲ ̲o̲u̲r̲ ̲a̲p̲p̲a̲r̲e̲n̲t̲,̲ ̲c̲h̲i̲l̲d̲.̲ ̲t̲o̲ ̲k̲n̲o̲w̲ ̲t̲h̲a̲t̲ ̲y̲o̲u̲ ̲g̲o̲t̲ ̲y̲o̲u̲r̲s̲e̲l̲f̲ ̲s̲o̲ ̲w̲o̲r̲k̲e̲d̲ ̲u̲p̲ ̲a̲b̲o̲u̲t̲ ̲h̲i̲m̲ ̲m̲o̲v̲i̲n̲g̲ ̲o̲u̲t̲?̲"̲ He snickers under his breath and brings their cojoined hands up to give Percy's a pat with his free hand.

"̲W̲a̲s̲n̲'̲t̲ ̲p̲l̲a̲n̲n̲i̲n̲g̲ ̲o̲n̲ ̲e̲v̲e̲n̲ ̲m̲e̲n̲t̲i̲o̲n̲i̲n̲g̲ ̲i̲t̲ ̲f̲r̲o̲m̲ ̲t̲h̲e̲ ̲b̲e̲g̲i̲n̲n̲i̲n̲g̲.̲ ̲S̲t̲i̲l̲l̲ ̲w̲o̲n̲'̲t̲.̲ ̲"̲When the lift finally came to a halt, and the doors opened. He made a gesture for the other to lead on instead this time.

"̲R̲e̲m̲i̲n̲d̲e̲r̲,̲ ̲y̲o̲u̲'̲r̲e̲ ̲s̲u̲p̲p̲o̲s̲e̲d̲ ̲t̲o̲ ̲n̲a̲g̲ ̲h̲i̲m̲ ̲a̲b̲o̲u̲t̲ ̲s̲e̲l̲f̲-̲c̲a̲r̲e̲.̲"̲

While Percy typically....had decent memory, with how much he'd gotten himself worked up earlier. He'd doubted that the request of the spider had solidified itself fully into his mind.

[punnybonessnas]

He narrowed his sockets a little playfully at Rory's equally teasing quip, but relaxed when he felt his free hand reassuringly patting the one still holding his, nodding in acknowledgement.

Before he knew it, which spoke volumes at how eclipsing his partner could be on his attention since this lift trip usually felt impossibly long - there was a notifying ding, and the doors slid open to his Dad's floor.

He turned to face the entrance hallway, then paused at the given reminder, taking a lingering moment to gently pull his mate by their joined hands, into a proper embrace, and affectionate skull nuzzle against his hood.

"Thank you."

Two simple words to encompass so much, but he knew it needed no elaboration. A good thing, since even in just this past twenty or so minutes, there was so much for it to embody.

Pulling away with a smile, he laced their fingers anew and finally walked off the lift and onto the floor, leading his partner along to the familiar door with his Dad's name and doctoral title in emboldened black lettering.

Taking the lead, he knocked politely and pushed open the door with a ready greeting and an easy smile. Even if he'd been anxious about the why, it was still always a treat to be able to visit his ever-busy parent.

"Hey Dad. Hope we aren't too early? You uh.. didn't specify a time, heh."

[alilmusebundle]

When the polite knock sounds on his door, the irritation within him spikes to frustration. It is not aimed at his little artist, but at the hooded figure standing before him, per the unfortunate fact of who they were and what Percy would immediately assume upon seeing him.

Starling's voice immediately cuts out, whatever pressing argument he was going to circle back on fizzling out at the clear wave of Arrows legitimate anger. Something that Arrow will, perhaps, feel the need to apologize to him for later, as the negative emotions within him could be very... pointed. As it is, Arrow turns in time with the greeting to give his son- and his sons mate, it would seem- a welcoming smile.

Being called Dad was still something that filled him with fierce, protective pride, joy, and sorrow. Each time, he felt how much lighter his battered shard of a soul felt with a faint sense of wonder.

"Percy, Rory, come in. Worry not, you're right on time."

It was true. They were just on time. When he sent Percy that message, it was with the knowledge of how prompt his son tended to be, with the caveat of Rory's unpredictable sense of timing. He had thought he would have the time to hang up his formal mantle and get the lounge area sorted. He had even meant to see if the crabby Jester would want to take a moment to come say hello.

That is, until a little dawn-bird had waylaid him.

Arrow turns back to Starling, eye-light shifting to a spiraling circle in a ruddy red hue, giving his friend a very pointed look. "My unexpected visitor simply overstayed their welcome. He will be leaving now."

Golden eye-lights lower to the floor in what is probably guilt. Starling reaches up, pulling his hood further down over his skull, that white and gold halo with one glimmering red star shimmering overtop it. Then, in a fizzle of golden light, he shifts into a tiny bird of pure light that flies straight for the giant 'window' situated behind Arrow's desk- and dissipates through it.

Without watching Starling leave, Arrow strides to the door to usher the couple to the small sitting area off to the side, away from his desk and the formal chairs placed before it.

"Please, sit. Coffee- hm. I meant to make a fresh pot beforehand..." Arrow huffs a sigh. If he hadn't let himself get caught up in their argument and lost track of time... "I'm afraid you caught me not as ready as I aught to have been."

[thetraumazone]

He nods in victory to himself at the relented defeat, beginning to idly rock himself back and forth on the bench, jumping a little when she came at him with more vigor than expected.

He'd opened his mouth to question on what the fuck a frog was, but she was falling into an explanation before his breath even left him. fingers pushing back reddish-orange locks.

However the croaking sound that she manages to make, that is apparently the sound this 'frog' makes is interesting. and he tilts his head with a contemplative expression.

"Well...can't say that I know what a frog looks like but the sound is very interesting...." he pauses eyes going wide for a second. "Wait---Did that sound come from you?!"

The confirming sound made him burst out into a laugh. "What the hell??...that's awesome!"

He lets himself lean back, pulling both knees up to his chest. "They're creepy though huh? Only thing I can argue with you there is, that it'd still be a rare thing. As well as, even if it's creepy there are people who think creepy things are cute." He retorts, head tilted up to the sky.

It was funny how despite being off work, she was still had bouts of teacher moments. Not that he ever minded, he hadn't been in school for a long time now....It was fun to hear about the shenanigans or things she found particularly interesting about a lesson she was making.

They didn't get talk on a call very often, mostly with how busy and or tired either one of them tended to be. And after this long of not hearing her voice, it was incredibly nice to be able to now.

It'd be nicer to be able to meet up again in person, maybe take Rio to the park again soon. That'd be a nice outing....it wasn't like he wasn't going to have plenty of time now that they were back.

[alilmusebundle]

The praise and that laugh wash over and through Kero, warm and light in turn. She lets herself enjoy the rare flash of pride that comes with it. Her vocalization skills were, after all, one of the few things she felt were uniquely hers.

It also made her feel a little bashful, just how enthusiastic and genuine Arche had been. A strange combination of emotions that had her turning shyly away from the comm, even though he couldn't see her.

"I could probably find a frog picture for you in the schools databanks," She offers softly. "Maybe even an albino one? Then we could both decide if there is such a thing as creepy-cute, next we talk."

Abruptly, her wide smile falters.

Next time they talked. When would that be? Arche would have a bunch of time off to decompress from his tour, but she didn't. When would be the next time they got to talk like this?

The reason she'd called him settles back onto her, like fog of smoke lifting from her addled skull, and her self-consciousness sharply rises with it. She'd bothered him when he'd literally just landed- and for what? Because she couldn't sleep?

Because she missed him.

"Sorry I called so late."

Her quiet voice reflects her guilt. She huffs a scornful laugh at herself as she once again curls up, dragging numb knees towards her ribcage. Still unable to look at the comm as she mumbles.

"There must be something wrong with me."

[myriad-ofmuses]

Faux fur bristled with a combination of worry and guilt when he wailed his dissension of her chosen verbiage - fair enough, she definitely could have done better about letting her current swirl of thoughts and feelings bleed into her words, but her chest was aching from the stress of yet another misinterpretation, at least, that was the initial takeaway.

When he actually managed to calm down and speak the frank facts, she blinked in shock, her own ears drooping as the painful flare of anger in her chest dissipated, leaving her feeling hollow, and cold.

Did she dare expound on things on her own end? Was it really her potential tangle to unfasten?

"I.. wasn't aware that you were dating, beforehand. I was.. led to believe that you were a scratch partner, and those outings were friendly in nature, not romantic."

Squishing down her casserole with her fork, she tried to piece it together in her own mind. It had been no secret that Lucero held a flame for her since their early school days, and while it had been reciprocal, she had buried herself in classes and only permitted the most shallow of connections just to maintain her needs.

Following their total desertion, she was terrified to ruin important relationships, and the only way she'd found to cope, was to more or less, spiritually exhaust herself.

When Cal and her sister stepped in, got a place that they could all share together, she gradually felt stable enough in her own.. special brand of mess to try and commit to her first, the monster she'd fallen with, and now shared a home with.

Throughout those shut-out years, she had always maintained some loose form of communication with Luci, even if it was just chatting on the undernet, or playing online co-op games together when her exhausting schedule allowed some down-time.

That spark between them was always present, but in person, they'd never gone further than their own closely platonic limit, cuddles, hand-holding, cooking/sharing meals, maybe a shared kiss once or twice, when emotions were high and the normal level of affection wasn't enough to soothe, but never, had the gene been allowed to muddy things.

It had been Cal to suggest it, wracked in guilt when he'd realized his truncated sexual urges had left her hurting yet again, that welcoming Luci into their bubble would complete something broken.

That old fear had reared its head again, especially at the potential of losing two of the most important people in her orbit, but knowing it could benefit all of them, she'd consented to trying.

And now.. here was an element of that choice she hadn't anticipated.

Pollux had clearly developed real feelings for Lucero in the midst of their own arrangement, the question was.. were they unrequited, or did Lucero just not realize?

"Po.. does Luce know how you really feel? Your talk..- were you honest that it went beyond just.. helping one another, or the enjoyment of one another's company?"

She paused, head dropping back against the couch a bit with drawn-out sigh, staring unblinkingly at the ceiling.

"I absolutely love him to death. But you can't -.. be vague. Social cues, insinuations of romanticism, or budding infatuation - anything with deeper intent and emotion than gene-fueled lust has to be very, very clear.."

She turned her head back to him while still leaned on the couch itself, ear twitching with a bemused smile.

"So, were you?"

[alilmusebundle]

Admitting to the core of his worries, getting it all out there- it was actually kinda relieving. Even if Luci had said he wasn't doing anything wrong, the guy wasn't always the best source. Talking with Nessi himself was-

'wasn't aware.. led to believe.. friendly in nature..'

Po freezes. His pulse pounds in his ears, muffling the rest of her words.

She didn't know. Everything... all the worrying, convincing himself that he was somehow messing everything up by not even thinking about the needs on the other side of the romantic entanglement cause holy, was it hard to remember that stuff when you weren't really involved with it-

-it didn't matter.

Luci- Lucero. Didn't...

Man, he didn't even want to think it to himself.

Had he not listened to him, spill his guts out? How he was the first monster to have brought out these deeper feelings inside him, and all Po really wanted to do hold him or listen to him laugh or see that giddy smile he only did when he wasn't Lucero-

Had Luci really not. Understood? When he'd asked if they could start dating for real?

"I... I thought I was. Pretty clear." Po inhaled, slow and deep. "Guess... guess not!"

Was this what if felt like to swallow glass? Or just drink straight acid? His insides just.... Fuck, he'd never felt- he didn't even have words for this. He just hurt.

He forces himself to sit up, for his arms to unlatch from his sides. One falls to his side, balling into a fist, blunted claws digging into his palm. The other raises, pushes his bangs out of his eyes with a wane version of his usual lopsided grin.

"Guess I'm just crash-landing into all sorts of assumptions!" Po forces a laugh. "An my Gran always said assuming made an ass out of you, heh."

He wasn't an actor, he was a prop-moving back up dancer. He had no idea how well he was masking it all.

[thetraumazone]

"Never said you were just a crazy bitch and if anyone says that, I'll rip their throat out." he lip curls up a bit in agitation.

"Yeah I know, her perfect lil son is part of why she can't fucking stand me."

He grumbles under his breath, eyes narrowing at the air in front of him before his gaze shifts to the side. He didn't know why he couldn't just....tolerate Von, be civil.

It was just something about him. Something about how he carried himself, or even spoke that just...pissed him off. If he knew how to turn it off, he would've by now.

Which is why making amends was going to be a huge pain in the ass. Something he wasn't even sure he could do.

The slew of what if's that are thrown his way overwhelm any thoughts he'd had previously, feeling his soul pick up in pace as he tried to follow along, tried to keep up and form answers but more if's kept being thrown at him.

"I don't........I...."

She'd said that there would be no atonement.....he hadn't asked for specifications, he'd been too scared out of his damn mind to actually really talk to her.

What did that fully mean.....he couldn't just....No concrete thoughts were coming through, and words weren't forming the right way.

It couldn't be dad. It had to not to be dad. it had to not be anyone of them.

HAD TO. HAD TO. HAD TO.

NO. NOT AN OPTION.

His jaw clenched and he felt his soul start to hammer harder in his chest and his vision blurred for a second. shell beginning to rattle from the intensity of him trying to recollect his breathing but rapid broken attempts of breaths were the only thing coming out.

Shaking hands couldn't even fully hold onto his sibling anymore, it was only because he'd rested his weight on her that he was even still upright.

Everything burned and he felt like his chest was going to explode.

What the fuck was happening?!

[alilmusebundle]

She'd thrown out her questions without a thought, scorn for the Font's the only thing on her mind.

"Juke?"

Which meant she'd done what she'd sworn in that fucking tree fucking months ago she wouldn't ever do: pushed him to a breaking point.

The rattling, the rapid breathing, becoming no better than a limp noodle, it was nothing Liv had ever seen before. Wait, no. Nothing she'd ever seen from him.

Ma. Ma had attacks like this before, but- fuck, she usually ran away when it'd happen, scared by it cause she was a fucking kid. Fuck fuck fuck!

No, that wasn't the only place she'd seen it. The goons- one of the lower level guys, after a particularly nasty shoot out. What had his friend done to help?? Something to do with breathing???

With all the panicked grace she could muster, she turns around face-to-face with her brother, catching him before he could just tip limply over into a hyperventilating ball on the ground. She keeps him propped up half bent between his own knees and grabs one of his hands, squeezing it hard.

"Juke? Jukesy-woo? Nappie-wapp?? You're okay, I promise- youse just gotta breathe with me, okay? Take a breath and then hold it for a few seconds, alright?"

"In," she shakes his hand an exaggerated three times, "out."

[stringingfallacies]

XX

@punnybonessnas @alilmusebundle

With sleep always came some distortion, where he couldn't always quite process things right away, more so than the average person would assume. An acknowledging groan was given in response from the gentle waking from his partner. Returning the bump that was given.

Until the words had fully sunk in anyway. Not all of them, but the three that were important. 'Arrow, Office, Noc.'

Sleepy gaze blinked hard a few times, before squinting at the phone that was face up. Part of him had debated on if he did in fact 'have the time'. which yes, he did. He just needed to remind himself that Arrow actually considered the fact that he might be out working, instead of taking it the way he'd recently heard that phrase, from a certain jackass.

He rolls onto his back, rubbing his sockets and taking a minute to stare up at the ceiling.

Percy was already more than likely a bundle of nerves. Which meant he needed to keep himself in check.

'Which means not a damn peep, out of you Cowboy.'

It wasn't always easy shutting Ace out, and the last time he'd done it, Percy hadn't been particuarly pleased with him for it. But this wasn't his business right now. He could have the update later.

He pushes himself up fully, readjusting the sleepy wrinkled mess that was his hoodie. sliding his glasses on to sit properly on his aperture. and pulling his hood up to cover a majority of the nasty scar. discarding his slippers for the sneakers off to the side of the bed.

"̲K̲a̲y̲,̲ ̲l̲e̲t̲'̲s̲ ̲g̲o̲ ̲t̲h̲e̲n̲.̲"̲

He carefully takes a hold of Percy's wrist, lifting his hand and tracing out a pattern for the portal to break through, could they have walked? Sure. Did he care about startling people on the sidewalk? No.

He had the common curtesy to portal outside the building, rather than directly into Arrow's office. Walking through the automatic doors, his free hand is shoved into his pocket as they approach the desk.

He has to clear his throat to make sure his voice carried loud enough to be properly heard by the receptionist over the thrum of busy bodies.

"₱&Ɽ ₣ØⱤ ₳ⱤⱤØ₩."

[alilmusebundle]

The main lobby of Monster and Human Resources was always busy, and the sidewalk outside it was no exception. Built wider to accommodate foot traffic simply passing by and landing space for air traffic, portal openings, and teleportation of all varieties, there was no need to worry about spooking anyone or even being in any ones way.

The receptionist at the desk specifically for the Guardian Outcode Division was hard at work, spider-like sprites walking along the wooden length to catch ink-stained cards as they popped into being before rushing them back to the far larger spider. Multiple arms- real and shadow- typed at different tiers of keyboards, adding the information provided from Guardians into Omega's databanks. A plaque upon the desk reads Mx. Amatsu (it/its).

At the sight of approaching movement, the spider monster looks up, then leans slightly forward to hear better. With a nod, it quickly looks through the visitor list to verify- simply for the sake of being thorough, as it very much recognized Percy, even with the new clothing- and sends the doctor the warning that guests were on their way. It quickly pulls up the code for the correct office lift, selecting Lift A before pressing the call button.

One shadow-arm grabs the flexible intercom mic, another pushes the on button. After a pleasant series of dings, it begins the warning message. Amatsu's voice is surprisingly gentle, even amplified.

"Incoming lift to Ink Division Offices.; please stand clear of Guardian Division landing stripes. I repeat. incoming lift to I.D.O.; please stand clear of landing stripes."

With the shear amount of Omega citizens capable of crafting portals and teleporting, more important rooms -such as the private offices of the higher ups- had to be specially jumbled and locked away within the constantly shuffling upper maze of the building. A very complicated series of code that only the most skilled could get around without explicit permissions written to allow them direct access.

(It fondly remembered the squawk of indignant rage the boss had let out when the Clown had wiggled his way in on his own.)

As the elevator descends from the scattering of stars and nebula that appeared to be the ceiling this day, a stacked tower of tiny soot-spiders waving tiny flags at anyone that gets to close to the landing zone, Asuma addresses Percy.

"He's had a lot of big meetings. Remind him to drink, and make sure he has ate. The Clown is not silly and bothersome enough right now to be helpful. And your dad is. Skilled, at ignoring my reminders."

[memestockpile]

moonlighting: pilot from the 1985 tv pilot. alter as needed.

is there something that you want from me?

you want to know what's going on? i'll tell you what's going on.

i do not work for free.

whatever the problem is, i'm sure it's just some mistake.

just call me a cab and i'll go get dressed.

tell me it gets better, say "it gets better."

hand me that wastebasket, i'm going to throw up.

let's not lose our heads. this is not the end of the world.

after all, you are [full name].

there are worse ways to make a living.

you're only saying that because i'm loaning you my car.

in the meantime, go home. pull yourself together.

i don't like being poor. poor doesn't become me.

you have a very pretty chin. try to keep it up.

no job is too big, no job is too small. we're here to please one and all.

my goodness, looking a little pale today, aren't we?

now, now, no reason to be shy. let's see a little confidence.

lesson one: imagine your entire audience is completely naked.

amscray, will you?

when i first found you you were nothing but a poor little urchin, out on the street, urchining.

you might've seen my pictures somewhere.

and if you don't mind me saying so, you are even more beautiful now here in my office, completely dressed, almost a decade later.

listen, bub. knock that high school locker room grin off your face or i'll knock it off for you.

god, i gotta tell you, i love you.

this isn't easy for me either.

you'd never guess what a cold bitch you are.

i'm gonna miss working for you. you were the most fun boss i ever had.

it's hell. my mind never really shuts down.

that's better than a ticket to bermuda.

i'm not supposed to tell.

what makes you think people are following you?

god had the right idea with lobster, don't you think? just a good, hard, tough, shell.

who's the geek with the phony tan?

if you don't leave this table this instant, i'll scream.

you're the most aggravating person.

the guy is obviously not from this planet.

forgive me, is this conversation making you nervous?

stop sneaking up on me.

excuse me, i have extraordinary credentials and experience.

small world, isn't it?

we would have made a terrific team.

you are one cold, icy broad. you got your nose so high in the air, it's snowing on your brain.

you need somebody like me around. i'm fun. when was the last time you had fun?

that's gotta hurt, falling on your nose like that.

i am entitled to one phone call, am i not?

nothing to it, kid.

i am not your partner.

i want you out of my life, do you hear me?

let's not say things we don't mean.

a man was murdered. he was stabbed to death right in front of me.

i was thinking about myself and how to maximize the situation for my own benefit.

here i go. this is me going. goodbye.

didn't wanna see you stranded out here in the middle of nowhere.

i love it when you beg.

i'd like to go into my own house, alone, and take about forty-five sleeping pills.

i just hate you.

what is so funny is that i almost believe you.

i couldn't have done it without you.

come on, what are you trying to do, bore me to death?

i'd like to take this opportunity to initiate a discussion about fried foods.

i swear, i gave it to the police! i swear it, i swear it!

if i return, it won't be to threaten you. it will be to kill you. have a pleasant evening.

i have never been so scared in my entire life.

this may be a good time for you and me to have a little chit-chat.

you better untie me.

here, i want you to drink this.

you maniac! you almost got us killed!

like i want a [receiver's hair color] ball of fluff following me.

didn't anyone ever teach you how to throw a real punch?

the muscles in your face look tight. looks like a charley horse in your cheek.

like it not, it's you and me, kid.

i'm really looking forward to working with you, kid.

i love sleepovers, don't you?

you want to call anybody and let them know you're okay?

i haven't heard the word "boyfriend" since the eighth grade.

that was very brave, what you did. stupid, but brave.

i am not hostle. i'm just exhausted and uncomfortable. and still a little scared.

what's it like being so pretty?

the plot thinnens.

you don't know much, do you?

why am i always the last to know these things?

you talk with your mouth full, don't signal when you turn, and you don't even have a plan.

how does someone like that get to be head of a detective agency?

i can't even walk and chew gum at the same time.

i know you. you used to be on television.

no flies on you.

if i ask you to do something, would you do it without asking why?

now, i don't want you to look, but there is a dead man in the back seat.

i've known you less than forty-eight hours, and in that time i have been driven from my home, watched a man die, and had a stiff in my car.

are you trying to get me drunk?

take a night to think. a good sleep on a nice firm sofa.

i just wanna get one dance with you, that's all.

my life is an open book. i'll discuss anything except me and the president.

you stole it from me, you rat.

i can't let you do that to our future.

what does the word "poopla" mean?

you're looking great, kid. i'm right behind you.

we're gonna sing a song now.

whatever you do, don't look down.

trust me, i won't let you fall.

don't be foolish, young man.

i'm a different guy. i've changed.

you don't play with people like that. you don't lie to people like that. and you don't put pressure on people like that.

i'm penciling you in for a lot of lunches, kiddo.

look nonchalant. [beat] nonchalanter.

nod your head once if you understand. [beat; receiver nods] beauty and brains.

if we live through this, i'd like to see you again.

do bears bear, do bees bee? this is going to work.

if i wasn't so happy, i'd feel terrible.

i don't have to do anything i don't want to.

you're gonna get a licking.

sitting in a car alone on a scary street is not my idea of f-u-n.

what's the point if you won't even let me try?

unbotton that button. people with attitude do a little advertising. one more. shake your 'do. girls with an attitude don't have a 'do like that. nuns and librarians don't have a 'do like that.

alright, professor henry higgins, can we go in now?

let's put a little motion in the ocean, kid.

what do you say you set me up with seven, maybe eight, tequilas? better yet, make it a baker's dozen.

you're starting to tick me off, pal.

what do you want it to look like: murder, suicide, mother nature?

we are in deep doo-doo.

it's not easy to tell someone you've discovered a hideous secret about their loved one.

hey, we're partners, right?

i played in piano bars for a while. played torch songs. tried to make ladies cry.

it's not the dying that's sad. it's the living.

anybody ever gives you a choice between dying slow and dying fast, i promise you, take the express.

we have a moral obligation. we made a promise.

a promise? you make that to mom about wearing itchy clothes in the cold.

we agree on a lot of things. you like meatballs on your spaghetti, right? me too. how about books? me, i read left to right. how about you? is that an amazing coincidence or what? you wanna get deep? let's talk about sex. who could have guessed, i like sex too. it's frightening how much we have in common.

you got it, buckaroo.

i wanna die. [beat] i don't mean that.

i consider myself a pretty fair judge of character. and it's my feeling that this man really will blow my head off.

i believe you, kid.

you're gonna blow his head off and i'm gonna blow your head off. they're gonna have a devil of a time figuring out whose brains are whose.

you gotta learn to relax and give a girl a chance.

dying is a funny deal. when you know it's coming, all you can think about is life.

i remember the face of every man i ever killed.

you're not my son, but i expect if i had one, he'd be just like you.

walk away from it, kid.

i got a great idea for a broadway show.

it'll never happen again in a million years.

[busyw0man]

⋆｡‧˚ʚ💋ɞ˚‧｡⋆   𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲   𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞

❝   i   can’t   believe   you   beat   me   at   rock,   paper,   scissors   three   times   in   a   row…   rematch.   ❞

❝   loser   has   to   buy   the   next   round   of   milkshakes,   deal?   ❞

❝   you   can’t   just   call   dibs   on   the   front   seat,   there   are   rules.   ❞

❝   if   you   eat   the   last   cookie,   i’m   never   forgiving   you.   ❞

❝   we   both   know   i’d   win   at   mini   golf,   don’t   even   try   me.   ❞

❝   why   does   it   feel   like   you’re   secretly   keeping   score   of   every   argument   we’ve   ever   had?   ❞

❝   i   will   trade   you   this   french   fry   for   literally   anything   on   your    plate.   ❞

❝   no,   you   can’t   just   make   up   rules   in   the   middle   of   the   game.   ❞

❝   this   was   supposed   to   be   a   study   session,   not   a   competition   to   see   who   gets   distracted   first.   ❞

❝   who   even   let   you   be   the   dj,   your   playlist   is   chaos.   ❞

❝   we’re   definitely   lost,   but   you   look   way   too   confident   holding   that   map.   ❞

❝   i   call   not   carrying   the   heavy   bag—i   carried   it   last   time.   ❞

❝   you’re   supposed   to   cheer   me   on,   not   laugh   when   i   miss.   ❞

❝   admit   it,   i   make   the   better   road   trip   partner.   ❞

❝   the   only   reason   you   won   was   because   i   went   easy   on   you.   ❞

❝   stop   pretending   like   you   didn’t   just   trip   over   your   own   feet.   ❞

❝   if   you   fall   asleep,   i’m   drawing   on   your   face.   ❞

❝   who   said   you   get   to   be   in   charge   of   the   remote?   ❞

❝   i   can’t   believe   you   stole   my   pen   and   then   had   the   audacity   to   lose   it.   ❞

❝   if   you   hum   that   song   one   more   time,   i   swear—   ❞

❝   why   are   you   acting   like   board   games   aren’t   a   full   contact    sport?   ❞

❝   tell   me   again   how   you   plan   on   winning   with   that   strategy.   ❞

❝   no   way,   you   can’t   just   leave   me   hanging   during   karaoke   night.   ❞

❝   who   gave   you   the   right   to   be   this   smug   about   winning   trivia?   ❞

❝   the   prize   doesn’t   matter,   i   just   need   to   beat   you.   ❞

❝   you’re   not   seriously   trying   to   race   me   to   the   car   right   now,   are   you?   ❞

❝   i’m   not   sharing   popcorn   with   you   if   you’re   going   to   eat   it   all.   ❞

❝   don’t   even   try   to   tell   me   you’re   not   cheating   at   this.   ❞

❝   we’re   supposed   to   be   teammates,   not   mortal   enemies.   ❞

❝   why   are   you   making   everything   into   a   competition?   ❞

❝   i   saw   that,   you   totally   peeked   at   my   cards.   ❞

❝   there   is   no   universe   where   you   beat   me   at   mario   kart.   ❞

❝   if   you   keep   making   that   face,   it’s   going   to   get   stuck   like   that.   ❞

❝   you   only   came   along   because   you   didn’t   trust   me   to   win   without   you.   ❞

❝   we   were   supposed   to   be   practicing,   not   trying   to   outdo   each   other.   ❞

❝   you   cannot   just   call   a   nap   a   ‘strategic   break.’   ❞

❝   fine,   but   if   we   get   in   trouble,   i’m   blaming   you.   ❞

❝   you   can’t   back   out   now,   you   already   said   yes.   ❞

❝   are   we   actually   competing,   or   are   you   just   trying   to   annoy   me?   ❞

❝   last   one   to   the   door   has   to   do   the   dishes.   ❞

❝   don’t   think   i   won’t   hold   this   over   your   head   forever.   ❞

❝   i   can’t   believe   you   talked   me   into   this.   ❞

❝   i   call   being   referee,   there’s   no   way   i’m   getting   dragged   into   this   again.   ❞

❝   no,   you’re   not   allowed   to   quit   halfway   through.   ❞

❝   why   do   i   feel   like   you’re   making   this   up   as   you   go?   ❞

❝   don’t   act   like   you’re   not   having   fun.   ❞

❝   you   only   won   because   i   let   you.   ❞

❝   we’re   supposed   to   be   on   the   same   team,   remember?   ❞

❝   don’t   worry,   i’ll   remind   you   who   the   champion   is.   ❞

❝   you’re   way   too   competitive   for   someone   who   just   lost.   ❞

❝   admit   it,   you   like   this   just   as   much   as   i   do.   ❞