It is nothing like what you’ve read- Jade kisses like an overenthusiastic puppy, which when combined with your complete lack of experience, does nothing but make your teeth clack together painfully(and how could they not, when she has those choppers); . You feel your face flushing hot with shame as Jade pulls back, giggling and rubbing her mouth. She’s going to laugh at you and walk away, this was stupid, this was so stupid, past you is a moron and- ”Try again?” She asks.
That… was not what you were expecting.
Your name is Karkat Vantas and your first kiss with Jade Harley is nothing to write home about.
The ones after that, though, are exponentially better.
((This is actually more Gamzee meeting Crii, since Crii’s too young to remember the first time she met Gamzee))
They keep telling you that you’re too old to be in the nursery- but you don’t like the kids your own age, and it’s always the last place anyone looks to find you.
Besides, you could hear the crying down the hall. Looking down at the little girl lying in the crib, staring up at you with big, bright purple eyes shining with tears, you just smile because you know, and you wiggle over the bar and plop down inside with her. “Hey there l’il sis,” You whisper, patting her cheek gently; she sniffles and flails her arms a little, and you grin, cuddlin’ up to her like she’s your worn out stuffed goat, “S’all right, I gotcha.”
It’s how the nurses find you the next morning, both sleeping peacefully, and for every morning for years after.
You aren’t sure how it happened, it doesn’t make any logical sense; he didn’t even do anything, just shouted at everyone to go and fucking find you for Gods’ sakes. You groan and look up from the wiring around your fingers as you feel someone- and you can guess who from the whistling noise from between the genetic monstrosities he calls teeth. “Emm tee-“
"That’th Weyrleader Captor to you.” He sniggers into your ear. You sigh.
Maybe it’s not too late to run away to a different Weyr.
Technically, you’re not even supposed to be allowed near a dragon egg until you’re at least 13. So that’s the official age for anyone raised and trained in a Weyr, with a few exceptions for strong mages or sneaky brats.
But, considering Jade Impressed on Bec when she was like four living out in the wilds with her grandpa, you can basically Impress on your dragon the moment you meet them, no matter the age.
You hear their voices before you see them, and sense their magic long before then; two of your own blessed Children, your darkness running in their veins. It’s not often you get visitors to your Forum, and you recognize the voice of one easily; the youngling, the one with potential, the one you Called to you. He doesn’t hesitate as he steps into your shrine, though his companion does- she’s clearly uneasy about being in your domain; you wonder if it because she is as Sensitive as Gamzee and can feel where the fabric of the mortal plane and the Other is weak as it is here, or if it’s merely because of the teachings instilled into her by the other members of her clan.
You watch, silent as the shadows, as she leaves you an offering, and you hear her prayer for guidance.
In response to your will, the Obscured Crescent bubbles and ripples, drawing the girl’s gaze. His, however, immediately sweeps the Forum, as if mortal gaze could find your form where it is hidden; fury contorts his features as he pulls her back, away from the Oracle and its temptations.
Temptations he was not strong enough to resist. You think he may resent you for that.
When they’re gone, you sweep through the Forum, collecting the offering left for you. You always need new chess pieces; some of your siblings can be sore losers, and you don’t think you’ve ever finished a game without your board being flipped and the pieces breaking.
You hope this one lasts longer than the rest; you think you’re going to like her.
if you're still taking prompts: Cronus learning that he has another daughter.
You didn’t like visiting the Ashfall Wastes; as a Water user, it was too hot, too dry, and frankly, Dirk Strider is a pain in your ass; there is one good thing, though, and that’s a chance to catch up with an, heh, old flame.
You knew Atmora ran the Weyr’s nursery and daycare, so you’re not surprised when a little girl who can’t be more than six opens the door.
What really gets you is seeing the shape of your eyes sitting in face that you see every day in the mirror and in Eridan and Vriska staring up at you curiously; smiling, you kneel down to her level, “Wvell hello there,” you say, your accent warbling slightly in your surprise, “Wvhat’s your name, swveetheart?”
wow this took me way too long to finish up here have some dysfunctional family time featuring the Makaras
There's very little ceremony around their departure; the most acknowledgment Criina noticed were the longing, jealous looks of the other apprentices as she and Gamzee lashed their bags onto Amethyst and Miracle's saddles. Still, Criina felt eyes on her as she worked, and she glanced up to see Gamzee grinning at her. “What?”
“Haven't seen you this motherfucking excited since your first Circus.” He chuckled as Criina tightened one of the straps on her gear.
“I've only been waiting nearly six years for this. Can't imagine why I'd be excited.” Criina said, rolling her eyes. “Besides, aren't you excited? Karkat's going to be there, right?”
Gamzee's grin widened. “Fuck yeah I'm excited! Been too fucking long since I laid orbs on my best bro.” Gamzee had been giving Criina regular reports on Karkat Vantas since she was fourteen; son of the Plague Weyrleader, Karkat had been at Gamzee's Presentation despite not being eligible to be presented himself. From what she'd heard of Karkat- loud, cranky, and constantly angry at the world in general- she wasn't sure how he and Gamzee had managed to become friends, much less the “best bros' Gamzee constantly declared them to be. But, every week like clockwork, Gamzee had a letter waiting for him from the other boy, and Criina couldn't deny it was about the happiest she'd ever seen him when he was reading it.
“He's getting Presented this year too, right?”
“Yep. Can't fucking wait for you two to meet.”
“I dunno, Goddess knows what you've been telling him about me.” Criina joked, then let out an 'eep' as Gamzee picked her up in a hug; it was hard to forget how deceptively strong Gamzee's lanky limbs were.
“Aw, only good things, l'il sis, promise.” He laughed, kissing the top of her head.
“Yeah, I'm sure. Put me down you huge fucking dork.” Criina said, headbutting him lightly. Gamzee chuckled and set her back on her feet just as the Keep doors opened.
“Looks like you motherfuckers are all ready to go.” A deep bass rumbled behind them. Criina turned to see Kurloz Makara striding across the room toward them.
“You fucking change your mind about coming?” Gamzee asked casually, but the underlying tone of 'aw hell no' came through clear as a bell.
Kurloz scoffed, smirking. “Can't a motherfucker come to see you two little shits off?” Gamzee grumbled and shrugged, crossing his arms and leaning back against Miracle's side. Kurloz smirked, turning to Criina. “You pay a visit to the Crescent?” Criina nodded, looking a little offended and mostly confused that he was asking. “Good. Didn't want you fucking leaving this up there as tribute.” He said, reaching into his pocket and tossing what he pulled out to Criina.
Criina squeaked and fumbled for a moment before looking at what she had in her hands, eyes widening. A small, flat stone sat in her palms, the mark of the Shadowbinder glowing purple in the center. She'd seen this before- a Runestone token, given to Riders after their Presentations. “For luck. Just keep it hidden so those uptight motherfuckers don't have a bitch fit.” Nodding, Criina slipped the chain over her head, tucking the Runestone beneath her flight gear. Kurloz nodded in approval, then turned to Gamzee. “Try not to fucking embarrass me, kid.” He smirked.
“You're so fucking worried about ti why don't you just fucking go?” Gamzee snapped back.
The Weyrleader raised an eyebrow at the outburst, then laughed, tossing his head back a bit. “Nah. That's what I got you for, ain't it motherfucker?” He asked, reaching over and roughly mussing Gamzee's hair. The younger Makara jerked back out of his father's laugh, gaining another laugh before Kurloz turned and walked toward the door. “You fuckers better get going if you don't wanna miss anything.” He called over his shoulder as he walked out the doors.
“The fuck does he get off?” Gamzee growled, running a hand through his hair.
“He's the Weyrleader. That's where he gets off.” Criina pointed out. “Plus, you are kind of a shit.”
Gamzee paused, then chuckled a little. “Yeah, but not like it's ever been his problem, right? C'mon, let's get outta here before he decides to come back.” He said, walking over and picking Criina up by the waist to stick her in Amethyst's saddle.
“Hoooly shit no put me down I can do it myself.” Crii shrieked, wriggling until he did so, grinning again. Tugging her jacket back down, she grinned at him, reaching up to snap his goggles down over his eyes. “Let's go.”
