It wasn’t the volume that gave her pause, no. Or even the person on the other end of the voice. It was the pleading yet resolute tone that Tim came out with. The thread of argument all but vanishing by the end of the short name.
The begrudging acceptance of whatever had been said right before was unnerving. Had her feet glued to the old linoleum and hand suspended midair, hovering over the handle of the slightly cracked office door.
“Don’t, Lopez.” It wasn’t angry or even combative. Tim sounded absolutely exhausted, truly sick and tired of whatever they’d been hotly debating. With that sigh she knew all too well, the one that seemed to reach his toes, sucking every molecule of oxygen from him, he continued, “You know better than most, that is career-limiting.”
Career-limiting.
They could only be-
The air seemed to disappear into a vacuum, her chest tightening as the words ‘career-limiting’ weaved their little letters around her ribs and twisted. Cold sweat pricked her upper lip while her palms were pressed against a burning stovetop.
Career-limiting.
“…she could always,” Angela was saying, even if Lucy’s ears were ringing louder than a cathedral at noon in the Italian countryside.
A tsk left his lips before Lucy could manage a breath, “she’s too low. It’s not just limiting, it’s career-suicide.”
There wasn’t a single coherent thought in her mind, and fuck if that wasn’t the goddamn problem with her. She never delivered under pressure. She choked. It’s a miracle she wasn’t dead given her profession.
Well, she swallowed a derisive chuckle, it’s not like she had the best track record there.
Her heart begged her to move, to get out now, get out before she heard more she clearly wasn’t meant to. But that’s just the rub, isn’t it? This was the truth. This is how Tim actually felt about it all. Not that bullshit, I could never be disappointed in you nonsense.
Of course he was disappointed in her. Who wasn’t in her life?
Trick question- no one.
“…she’s just telling herself she wants this, Angela.” While Lucy’s world had been imploding inches away, the grenade of conversation had maintained life, “She thinks it’s what she’s supposed to do. What people expect of her. What people will be proud of her for.”
Angela cut in, “and you don’t?”
Every nerve fiber hung on his next words, her skin itched to get out of that same skin.
“I-“ he’d started firm, “I-, I don’t know,” and ended almost feebly. That exhaustion sound had creeped back in, “All I know is, she needs someone that isn’t me...”
What the fuck did that mean??? Lucy visibly repulsed from the door. Boot squeaking just enough the voices inside the office paused.
Shit shit shit.
She backed away faster than she would’ve thought capable of her cement-laden legs mere minutes ago. Angela and Tim’s voices had resumed but with each passing step they became more and more muffled. Till she couldn’t tell if it was their tense whispers or her own inner monologue playing them on a loop.
Career-limiting.
Too low.
Career-suicide.
Supposed to do.
Isn’t me.
Suddenly 17th felt less like a setback and more like a sentence.
Sentenced to spend the rest of her life chasing the perception of perfect in the wrong race.
Someone that isn’t me.
Through the kaleidoscope of tears she managed a quick text, visiting a friend tonight- don’t wait up.
And the phone was powered off before someone that isn’t me could even consider replying.
- - - - - - minific under cut, tw warning may include uhm Anger, fire, canon-compliant swearing, Japanese (which may or may not be accurate) written in romanji, feelings, hurt and comfort. You've been warned. Proceed. ------
Shredder had pushed Leo back, and Raph caught her.
“Foolish turtles…” Oroku Saki stood up from his throne, his chromium armour making mechanical hissing noises, revealing mechanical wings and a sharp whip-like tail.
“Woah!”
“ew.”
“what the sewer cakes…?”
Mikey, Raph, and Leo all exclaimed at the same time.
“Cool!” Donnie grinned excitedly, earning a glare from his siblings. He held his bō with both hands and laughed sheepishly at them.
“I’ll get him!” Mikey exclaimed, throwing seeds at Shredder, his markings glowed orange as the plants grew rapidly, becoming thorny tendrils that wrapped around Shredder. He struggled against them, Mikey focused on holding him and yelled at Donnie, “Donnie, do your thing!”
“wha- My powers could level the whole block! Oh wait!” Don clicked his fingers and his markings glowed purple, “Super strength!” he yelled while running at Shredder.
“Wait—” Leo started, interrupted by Donnie's yelp as Shredder broke free of the plants and caught Donnie mid-air. they’re thrown back and Raph feels his blood boil as anger flashed in his eyes, glaring at Shredder and spinning his sais in his hands. He doesn't notice the fire building up in his hands until he jumps up and descends on Shredder, flames rolling out of his sais and roaring through half of the penthouse as Raph roared with equal furiosity. In the same moment the glass around the building shatters, boiling water bursting out of the indoor water tank. The water pools at their feet as the flames fade and Raph and Shredder stumble away from each other. The armour is remarkably unscathed, even from Raph’s sais.
“Oh come on!” Donnie exclaims, getting up from where he had fallen earlier.
“We need to get out of here,” Leo said, pulling on Raph’s shoulder, snapping Raph out of his stupor.
Raph followed his siblings home on autopilot, his mind replaying and replaying and replaying the moment fire surged from his hands. His hands. Fire. The rage he felt actualised.
He hadn't even felt it.
Back home Raph just stood in the old subway entrance, scratching his fishnet gloves subconsciously.
“What happened, my children?”
Raph barely heard Splinter or his siblings as they explained what had occurred. Splinter dismissed Leo, Mikey, and Donnie and they went to nurse their wounds. Raph watched them go to the kitchen, jumping when Splinter’s hand rested on his shoulder. Raph looked up at him.
“What is on your mind?” Splinter asked softly.
“It—” Raph choked up, “it's just my powers!” He looked at Splinter and gesticulated, his palms up.
“hm?” Splinter hummed, encouraging Raph to continue.
“It's just, so…destructive. I want to think it's cool, I know how cool it is, I-” Raph stopped abruptly as his voice broke and his eyes misted, “ugh, what's wrong with me?!” he made a disgusted look and looked up, trying not to cry.
“Nothing is wrong with you Raphael,” Splinter said, “you are scared. That's normal, and important.” Splinter kneels to Raph's level. “You are so brave, my child.”
Raph sobbed and Splinter pulled him into a hug, letting Raph cry over his shoulder.
“And it's important to cry. Crying actually releases endorphins—”
“Did Donnie tell you that?” Raph said, cracking a smile despite the tears running down his face.
“Hm,” Splinter grumbled, and after a moment they parted and Raph wiped tears off his face, looking embarrassed at the ground.
“Remember what I told you when you were scared of the bugs, when you were younger?”
“Kore wa… uh” Raph scratched his head.
“Nanimo—” Splinter started, joined by Raph a moment later, “imi shinai.”
“But this isn't bugs. Or monsters under the bed. It's…” Raph gestured vaguely.
Splinter nodded, stroking his beard a few times before replying, “fear is an important reminder Raphael, your mind knows you're in danger, and you must tell your mind: ‘yes, I am in danger, but I am in control.’”
Raph sighed and nodded, “hai, sensei.”
Splinter stood up and rested his hand on Raph’s head momentarily.
“Now, go talk to your siblings.”
“But—”
“They know more about this magic than I do. Talk to them.”
Raph looked towards the kitchen, hearing Mikey’s excited cries. Raph smiled and wiped his tears, moving towards them.
------
I wasn't going to include the last part with splinter but my brother said it was important. so you can blame him for that.
My kids each picked a letter he picked i she picked c.
I wrote 2 short stories for your twins. ^-^ Tell them thank you! XD
I: Broken Glass
Adrien sat in his bedroom with Nino. They were studying for a test with Wayzz and Plagg flying around them. The two kwamis played chase around the two boys, causing them to become annoyed.
Adrien and Nino barely had a moment to catch Plagg before he knocked over a glass of soda onto the rug. “Plagg!” Adrien scolded the small cat as he stared at him with his hands on his hips.
“I’m sorry, kid.” Plagg tried to scoop up the glass that he had broken, but Adrien sighed and shook his head as he moved him out of the way.
“It’s fine, but your lack of self control is what got you in trouble centuries ago.” Adrien scolded the small kitty and Plagg gasped at him.
“Are we really bringing up that again?” Nino laughed as he watched his best friend argue with a tiny cat.
“Yeah. I’m still upset over the fact that you got rid of the dinosaurs.” Adrien shook his head. “I love dinosaurs and did as a kid. Just think… we could be seeing them in the zoos right now.”
Nino burst out laughing and Plagg tucked his tail between his legs and his ears folded down.
“I- I really didn’t mean to make them go. They were really amazing.” Plagg peered down at the ground.
“You know… I’m sure Bunnix could take us back to see them…” Nino raised an eyebrow and Adrien stared at him. “Just saying. The dudette has a way with time.”
“Yeah, but she doesn’t just poof out of no where.” Adrien rolled his eyes when suddenly a portal appeared in his bedroom.
“Did you guys call for a tour guide?” Bunnix stuck her head out of the portal with a warm smile.
“Really? I thought we weren’t supposed to use the Miraculouses for our own enjoyment.” Adrien raised an eyebrow and Bunnix yanked them all in.
They peered around them at all of the time holes until they reached the Jurassic one.
“Here we are.” Bunnix opened the portal and they all climbed through.
Dinosaurs walked around them and made the Earth move beneath their feet and some flew over their heads. Adrien and Nino peered up in awe as they took in all of the tropical plants and dinosaurs.
“This is crazy!” Adrien was in shock as he took it all in.
“Yeah Dude! Crazy awesome!” Nino adjusted his hat as he watched everything around them.
“It is pretty awesome, but I’m also happy being with friends.” Adrien laughed as they walked a bit further until they heard a loud roar.
Adrien jumped as a T-Rex came through the bushes and took off after them.
“RUN!” Bunnix pulled them back in the opposite direction and she opened up a portal. “JUMP THROUGH!”
Nino and Adrien jumped through the portal right as the T-Rex chomped down, barely missing them.
Bunnix laughed for a moment. “Imagine if that was on Earth now? You’d never go outside.”
“Yeah I- I’m good with the dinosaurs being there. I enjoy not worrying about being a snack.” Adrien laughed as he smiled at Plagg. “I’m sorry Plagg. I understand now.”
“It’s okay.” Plagg warmly smiled as Adrien pet him behind the ears.
“But you still need to be careful and not spill my drinks like a clumsy cat.” Adrien laughed and Plagg scoffed. “Hey…” Adrien’s laugh faded into a chuckle as he hugged Plagg. “I’m not mad at you anymore. You’re a good kitty.”
“I’m not a kitty. I’m a very scary cat.” Plagg glared at him out of annoyance and Adrien laughed.
“Sure.” Adrien rolled his eyes and opened his shirt for the little kwami. “Time to go home.”
Plagg zipped into his shirt and Wayzz flew under Nino’s hat.
C. A moment’s Respite (Chloe)
It had been a long time since Chloe had had a moment to just relax. She had been running around all week as Queen Bee and was really tired.
Chloe laid back on her beach chair as she took a sip from her glass of tea. Pollen flew over and settled down on her shoulder.
“This is nice. A moment to rest our wings.” Pollen sighed as Chloe passed her a glass of sweet tea.
Pollen took a sip from her glass and hummed a song. “This week has been really hard.”
“You have done so good, my Queen.” Pollen smiled as she focused on her drink.
“I don’t feel like I have.” Chloe sighed as she thought about the past week.
“What do you mean? You helped Ladybug and Chat Noir a lot. They couldn’t have done half the stuff they had without you.” Pollen set her glass down and zipped up to hug Chloe’s cheek in her tiny paws. She rubbed her cheek against the girls with a warm smile. “You are amazing in and out of the suit. Strong and stubborn, but deep down? You care about people. You just need to show it once in a while.”
“Thank you, Pollen.” Chloe raised her index finger and rubbed the little bug’s head. “I’m glad that I have you.”
“You have more than me, my Queen. You have the whole team!” Pollen flew in front of her with her arms out at her sides and excitement in her voice.
Chloe giggled and nodded with a warm smile. “I suppose you’re right, Pollen.”
For the minific ask: B'arzz and the green scarab, and your pick between D or N. n.n
Not only is this really, really late, but it’s also probably a lot longer than it should be. Also I couldn’t decide to go with D or N for the theme, so it ended up being a bit of both?
D: Subtle kindnesses/ N: The color green
“Whydo we not return to Mars, B'arzz O'oomm?”
Thescarab’s question made B'arzz blink in surprise. ‘Even with the Reachgone, the planet Earth is not as safe as it should be,’ he answeredthrough their private mind link. 'Our abilities can be put to gooduse in assisting the Justice League and defending Earth.’
B'arzzshifted to camouflage as a car passed by on the street below. Despitethe several months since the Reach had been defeated and subsequentlybanished from Earth, there were still many among the population whowere against the idea of both him and Jaime being allowed to stay. Infact, more and more seemed to be swayed by G. Gordon Godfrey’s wordsevery day, and more and more people wanted both beetles Blue andGreen to be removed as well.
B'arzzglanced behind as the car turned a corner and left his sight. Eventhough it was very late at night (or perhaps very early in themorning) and B'arzz was crouched on the roof of a small building, thegreen scarab armor was flashier than B'arzz would have liked, and nowwas not the time to be sporting anything related to Reach. B'arzzturned his attention back to the office building he and Superboy’steam were staking out.
“Ithas been five Earth months since the Reach were exiled, and evenlonger still since you were brought here, B'arzz O'oomm. Surely noone would object if you told them you wished to leave,”said the scarab.
'Ihave no pressing matters that need attending to,’ said B'arzz. 'Andafter all, staying on Earth makes it easier for the Green Lanterns tokeep an eye on us.’
“TheGreen Lanterns have had sufficient proof of this scarab’sindependence from the Reach. This scarab does not appreciate beingconstantly monitored.”
'Doit to ease their minds. They will eventually have more trust in us.’
“'Eventually’is an unsatisfactory estimate of time.”
B'arzzsighed, looking over the building again. Although he did understandthe reasoning for the lanterns’ caution, a part of him did agree withthe scarab: the proof of their loyalties should have been obvious bynow.
Achill breeze blew past him. It had been raining earlier, and now thetemperature was dropping drastically. The puddles on the pavementthat shimmered in the green of the traffic light were slowly turningsolid. If it continued this way, it would likely be dangerous on theroads in the morning.
'Headsup, team,’ said Superboy’s voice through the telepathic link. 'We’vegot two heading in on the north side.’
B'arzzbrought his attention back to the building, and saw that there wereindeed two figures making their way over. They were dressed in fullbody suits that covered them completely. The suits were black withwhat looked to be white smiles on the masks where the mouths were,and stripes that crossed in an X shape over their chests, the samepattern on each but alternating with the colors, one wearing morepurple and the other wearing more yellow. The two swiftly made theirway to the back of the building, beyond B'arzz’s view.
'WonderGirl, they’re headed towards you,’ said Superboy. 'Beast Boy, GreenBeetle, move in and block off that alleyway. I’ll come in from abovewith Sphere. Be ready when I give the word.’
—–
“Wellthatwas easier than expected,” said Wonder Girl, hands on her hips asshe looked down at the two men tied in her lasso. She looked over toSuperboy. “Why did we need to take care of this again?”
“Intergangis still having trouble getting back on their feet since they losttheir leaders; it’s in our best interest to keep them fromregrouping,” said Superboy.
“What’swrong, wonder brat?” one of the men asked.
“Arewe not good enough to for you to fight?” asked the other.
“Whatfight?” asked Wonder Girl. “You guys didn’t even last fiveminutes against us.”
“That’swhat you think, girl!” said the one wearing more yellow thanpurple. “But Rank and Riot’s criminal careers have only just begun!Trust me when I say that you will live to regret this night!”
“Rankand Riot?” asked Beast Boy. “Thoseare the names you’re gonna go with?”
“Isthere a problem with that?” asked the one wearing more purple thanyellow.
“It’sstupid,” said Beast Boy.
“You’restupid!”yelled the other man.
“Yeahokay,” said Wonder Girl, who looked back to Superboy. “So whatare we doing with these guys?”
“There’sa police station nearby,” said Superboy. “We’ll drop them offthere.”
“Isthat wise?” B'arzz asked. “Despite the little difficulty we hadin apprehending them, they do possess strength superior to an averagehuman. We may risk them running lose once more.”
“Yeah,cricket boy is right,” said Rank (or perhaps it was Riot). “We’renot to be underestimated; you should take this more seriously,kiddies.”
“I’llkeep that in mind,” Superboy answered as he looked back to B'arzz.“It’ll be fine; we’ll just need to make a call beforehand to makesure they have some inhibitor collars ready.”
“I’mnot into that,” said Riot (or maybe it was Rank).
“Willyou two be quiet already?” said Wonder Girl, exasperated.
“Indeed,”said B'arzz, his eyes suddenly glowing red. Rank and Riot went stifffor a moment as they stared at B'arzz, before they both slumped overin their restraints.
“Thisscarab would have done that earlier.”
“Theyare only unconscious, and should stay that way for a while,” B'arzzsaid to the team. “There should be plenty of time to get theinhibitor collars before they wake.”
“Soundsgood,” said Superboy, climbing on to Sphere. “Let’s go, team.”
WonderGirl hoisted Rank and Riot up, throwing them into the back seat ofthe super cycle before she jumped up and sat on the back edge.
B'arzzlooked back to the street as Beast Boy joined the others. Therainwater had fully solidified, and the roads were now covered insheets of ice. From the look of it, nothing had been done to preventit. The light at the intersection reflected off the ice, the normallyblack pavement now shining with green. It would definitely bedangerous by morning.
“Hey,Green!” called Beast Boy. “You coming?”
B'arzzlooked at him and shook his head. “My apologies,” he said. “Butthere is something I must attend to. I will meet you back atheadquarters.”
“Doingwhat?” Beast Boy asked. The question was an innocent one, and histone was not accusatory, unlike certain members of the team andleague who were monitoring him at every turn.
B'arzzopened his mouth to speak, but Superboy cut him off. “It’s fine,”he said. “Do what you need to and then get back.”
“Ofcourse,” said B'arzz, smiling. Superboy nodded in response, revvingthe super cycle and taking off, its sounds growing fainter as theyvanished into the dark sky.
—–
“Thereis no good in earning favor with this action when there is no one toobserve you doing it, B'arzz O'oomm,”said his scarab.
B'arzztsked. 'You have been too influenced by the Ambassador. Sometimespeople are willing to do things without the thought of personal gain.Or perhaps you feel that this is not a task worthy of our powers?’
B'arzzflew over the streets slowly, one arm stretched out as he used histelekinesis to break apart the ice that covered the majority of theroads, moving the pieces to the sides as he went past.
“Thatis not what this scarab meant.”
'Thenwhat did you mean?’
“Wehave gone above and beyond what was owed for our actions during theReach’s attempted invasion,”said the scarab. “Yougo too far for nothing in return.”
'Idon’t mind-’
“Pleasedo not try to lie to me, B'arzz O'oomm. You should know better thanthat.”
B'arzzhuffed. 'I realize that the situation is not ideal, but I wish tomake the best of it. I’ve told you; Mars is not in danger, and Earthhas use of our powers.’
“Doyou not miss the life you had before the Reach?”
B'arzzstopped. It had been some time since he had thought about his 'oldlife’, as it were. When he had been under the influence of the Reach,every other thought was dedicated to yearning for the life he hadonce had on Mars, but since his liberation, all of his time had beenconsumed by helping the team.
Thinkingon it now: yes, he did miss it. It had been a simple enough life,with his work as an 'archaeologist’, as the Earthlings would havecalled him. It was work that gave him little reward, as the majorityof the Martians cared little for the relics of the past, while therest only had a mild interest in his finds.
Andyet, it made him happy. It had given him a sense of purpose. Despitethe little influence he had in any aspect on his community, at timesalmost being a hermit while he dug in the caves, spending hours onend alone, he was happy to do it. And surely that was the mostimportant thing in life, was it not?
Thescarab stayed silent as he contemplated, then asked “areyou happy, B'arzz O'oomm?”The question sounded a bit harsher than the scarab had likelyintended, but it was to be expected; they were still learning, andteaching something like delicacy to one who had once been little morethan a machine was difficult.
B'arzzsighed. 'No,’ he said. 'I would be much happier if I could return toMars.’
“Andyou do not voice this because you fear the reaction of Earth’sheroes?”the scarab asked. “Youshould not feel this way; you saw tonight that there are those whotrust you. The Superboy, the Wonder Girl and the Beast Boy were notafraid to be around you or leave you to your own devices. The JaimeReyes and his scarab also understand the position we are in, as theyhave been under control of the Reach. Not everyone distrusts you.”
'TheGreen Lanterns would likely see it as suspicious,’ said B'arzz.'After going so long without mentioning it once, and then suddenlyrequesting to return home.’
B'arzzcould feel the irritation coming from the scarab when he mentionedthe lanterns. “TheGreen Lanterns have had sufficient proof of our loyalty. And surelyeven the Guy Gardner would understand the need to return to one’shome planet.”
'Ido not wish to cause unnecessary alarm, particularly when we have noidea what the Light is up to,’ said B'arzz. 'Until the situation onEarth is at a place that it is safe, I will not leave.’
“Thisplanet will never be truly 'safe’.”
'Thenwhen it is safe enough that I am not needed,’ B'arzz stated. He movedforward again, picking up where he left off with moving the ice fromthe road.
—–
Thescarab remained quiet for the rest of the time, leaving B'arzz toclear the rest of the roads in peace. If the temperature remained thesame or worsened, it was likely that the ice would solidify where hehad moved it. In that case, it could be a hazard for anyone who onlyneeded to cross the street.
'Perhapsthis was a mistake,’ B'arzz said, more to himself than the scarab.Maybe instead of just moving it, he should have gotten rid of the icealtogether. He mulled over what to do: perhaps he could use thescarab’s plasma cannon to destroy it. But then he might do damage tothe street and sidewalk below it, which would be difficult for humansto repair because of the cold weather. Maybe he should just gather itall, and simply move it to a place where people were not likely to bebothered by it. He began to fly higher, looking around for any sortof empty space that met that specification. Finding a place like thatmight be difficult; he’d likely need to travel a bit before-
“B'arzzO'oomm,”said the scarab. “Youhave done enough. Let us return.”
'ButI haven’t finished-’
“Itis enough,”said the scarab. “Yourdedication is admirable, but you have done more than enough to assistin this situation. We should leave now so that you may rest.”
'Thatwas not enough to wear me out, scarab,’ said B'arzz, scoffingslightly.
“Youwill wear yourself out if you do any more. What you have done isenough,” thescarab repeated. “Letit be.”
B'arzzlooked at the streets below him. With how high he was now, he hadn’trealized just how much he had done. There seemed to be more streetsthan he remembered clearing, and if he were to do any more, he mightvery well tire out, which would not do any good for him or the teamif there was any sort of emergency.
'Isuppose you’re right,’ B'arzz said finally. 'I should stop.’
Thescarab only hummed in agreement, and B'arzz flew higher, back towardsthe nearest Zeta-Tube.
'Thankyou, scarab,’ said B'arzz.
“Youare welcome, B'arzz O'oomm,”said the scarab. “Butthis scarab will admit that they still do not understand why youinsist on performing such actions.”
'Isee. And I assume you only stopped complaining because you wouldn’tbe able to change my mind?’ B'arzz asked, chuckling a bit.
“Inpart,”the scarab said. “Butit also seemed to make you happy.”
Itwas the second time the scarab surprised him that night. In a raremoment, B'arzz found himself not sure how to respond. But as he flewaway, he couldn’t keep himself from smiling.
TheReach fleets didn’t spend as much time in space as some may havethought. Although it varied from fleet to fleet, the majority of thetime the ships would be stationed on world. It was easier toget their test subjects on board that way (andeasier to hide the fleet, if necessary).
SoYalut found herself somewhat mesmerized by the sight of clear,unfiltered space when she passed by one of the hallway’s windows, herparticular fleet on route back to Reach Homeworld after their latestinvasion. It would be the same routine: after arriving on Homeworldand presenting the results they had made, the fleet would be granteda brief reprieve from duty, and then a new invasion would begin whenthey were sent to a planet that was determined to best suit thefleet’s strengths.
Butat this moment, there was little for to do other than keep an eye onthe test subjects, and that was more of a job for her technicians.Overall, her work was done, and so Yalut allowed herself a moment tostop. To breathe, and just take in the sight.
Thewhite specks of stars glimmered, some in groups, others far apart,surrounded by hues of pink, purple and blue cosmic dust thatclustered together, becoming thinner as they spread out, splotches ofcolor against a pure black backdrop. From the view from the window,space panned over slowly as the ship moved past, new designs andpatterns appearing from one end and vanishing at the other.
AlthoughYalut was largely neutral on something like space, after being stuckon a planet where the sky was a mass of red gas clouds and black ashthat got everywhere for months on end, the sight of the pure vastnessof space was a welcome change of pace.
Shehad only meant to stop for a few moments, but every time Yalutdecided it was time to move on, she found something new to admireabout the scene.
Yaluthad become more lost in the sight than she had realized, because whenshe finally became aware of the presence behind her, two blackarmored arms wrapped around her and pulled her back against a broadchest. She couldn’t help the small noise of surprise she made, briefpanic shifting into mild annoyance when she realized what was goingon. She didn’t need to bother looking up; there was only one personin the fleet with armor like that (or who would dare hold her likethat).
“DidI surprise you?” Dawur asked.
“Wouldn’tyour scarab be able to tell?” she replied, still annoyed with howhe had caught her off-guard.
“Actually,I was able to tell well enoughfrom your reaction.”
“Thenwhy do you need to ask?”
“Justwanted some verbal confirmation,” said Dawur, laughing a littlewhen Yalut tried to dig her elbow into his side (why she continued todo that, neither of them knew, as it always hurt her more than it didhim).
Yaluthuffed, leaning back against him when it was clear that he wasn’tgoing to let go. She still didn’t look up at him, bringing herattention back to the view outside the window.
“Whatare you looking at?” he asked.
“Nothing,”she said. “Just space.”
Dawurhummed, resting his chin on top of her head as he looked out thewindow as well. Theclusters of colored dust werebecoming more frequent, clumping up together and almost blocking outthe black of space behind them.Therewas more blue showing up now, and the clouds seemed to be drawndownwards, as if they were being pulledby something.
“Theremains of a dead star,” said Dawur.
“Howdo you know?” asked Yalut.
“Theway the clouds have been formed,” he answered. “Mostlikelya few thousand years ago the star exploded, and the debris has beenspreading through space ever since.”
Yaluthummed in thought, then turned her head to look back at him, lookingat him for the first time since he had arrived.
“Isthat something you knew, or something the scarab told you?” sheasked.
Dawur’seyes widened a little, and he opened his mouth to respond beforeshutting it, looking away from her. He then glanced behind him, hiseyes narrowing into a glare.
“I’mgoing to guess that it was the latter,” said Yalut.
I gotchu <3. Seth and Dean + One Missed Call. I made it kayfabe for simplicity.
Seth blinked his eyes open into darkness.
The curtains were drawn tight, the VCR in the standard hotel armoire unplugged to ensure that nothing would disturb his sleep, especially not a few glowing blue numbers.
Tiredly, he shifted onto his side, confused, before he caught the last buzz of his cell phone on the night stand. Who the fuck would be calling him now? They’d promised three solid days of rest before the next Pay Per View, and he’d threatened Joey and Jamie with death if they tried to fuck with his rest. He felt like he’d been hit by a truck, like he hadn’t slept for a century. Like nothing was right.
He reached blindly for his phone, not bothering to turn on the lamp as he pulled the phone into bed and unlocked the screen.
One missed call from Dean Ambrose.
Seth felt his pulse spike. He’d later attribute it to stress while knowing it was something else entirely. What the fuck? Why would Dean…had something happened?
It took his sleep-clumsy fingers a few tries to find the right buttons, but he eventually got to the “recent numbers” screen and, not thinking it through all the way, smashed his index finger against Dean’s phone number.
“Howdy,” Dean’s cheerful rasp answered.
“Dean? What the fuck is wrong with you?” Seth asked angrily.
“Me? Nothin,’” Dean slurred. “I’m prefect. I mean, perfect.”
“…Ambrose, are you drunk?” Seth groaned, turning his head to smash his face into the pillow. This was what he was sacrificing his sleep for. “Whatever, don’t call me again.”
“Hey,” Dean said, voice heavy, “Sorry, I know you like to sleep before a big game, right? Make sure you get all your beauty rest before I fuck up your face, okay? Sweet Dreams, Sethy.”
“Fuck you,” Seth muttered, ending the call and making sure to turn his phone completely off. Unless something was on fire, he didn’t fucking care.
Growling, he pulled another pillow to his chest and squeezed it tightly, crushing the down inside, but it wasn’t doing enough to satisfy his irritation. What the fuck gave him the right…who did he think he was…
Sighing, he pulling the pillow up to cover his face. How the fuck was he supposed to sleep now.
And he bet Dean fucking Ambrose knew exactly what he was doing.
