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overdramatic-queer-antagonist · 3 years

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Mick Mercury's Failed Attempt At Espionage

Summary: Mick Mercury was easily the most incompetent person Peter had ever met, and it infuriated him how long it took for them to be introduced. Notes: There is a severe lack of Mick Mercury in Season 3, and that will not stand, so I put him in.

Read it on Ao3

Fic:

"JJ! Hey! JJ! Hello? Can you hear me?"

Peter would not have made any connection to the aforementioned 'JJ,' and Juno Steel had he not been glowering at the petulant ex-detective when the unfamiliar man called out and seen how Juno had tensed at the voice.

The large man made a noise of annoyance, and oh God, he's walking towards Juno. Peter wasn't worried for the lady, he was wholly aware Juno knew how to handle himself, but Peter had yet to foresee an outcome of this conversation that didn't blow their cover.

"Juno Steel!" the man yelled as Juno continued to ignore him.

It was, unfortunately, very clear who he was addressing, and the woman Juno had been flirting with gave him a confused look. Peter would be lying if that didn't please him ever so slightly, but, as always, he filed that feeling away for later and went to save Juno's ass.

"Dear," Peter called out, attempting to get into the act of a doting husband, which had recently become much more difficult for him. Juno glanced at him appreciatively and went to stand at his side, where Peter promptly put an arm around his waist.

“You gave me a bit of a scare Mercury,” Juno said, looking at Peter for confirmation he wasn’t being dumb. Peter nodded ever so slightly as permission to continue. “Haven’t heard my maiden name in a while, no one’s called me that- well- since the wedding!” Juno forced a laugh that sounded more nervous than casual, but the woman he was talking with looked like she understood which- okay. That bothered Peter because that meant she was okay with flirting with a married man, but whatever, filed away.

“Wedding?” Mercury yelled. “JJ, You never told me anything about any wedding.”

“Listen, Mick, I know you're upset, but can we talk in private,” Juno’s eyes flickered to the woman he’d been speaking with, and Mick- Mick Mercury. What a fucking name- nodded. Juno led Mercury to a private corner of the ballroom, and Peter followed automatically. Mick gave Juno a look, but Juno returned it with one of his own, and Mick dropped whatever he was thinking. Peter couldn’t decide if it was frustrating or charming that they could hold a conversation without speaking. He settled on frustrating, simply because they were clearly close, and Juno had never thought to mention him. Granted, Peter wasn’t sure why that frustrated him, but it did. Another thing to file away.

The exact second they’d arrived at their designated corner, Mick spun on his feet. “Okay, what the hell, J? I always thought when you got married I’d at least get invited! I mean, obviously, I thought Benten or- hell, even Sasha would be man/maid of honor, but I thought I’d get an invite!” Juno tensed at the mention of Benzaiten, and Peter subconsciously put a hand on his lower back. Juno tensed more at this, but after a moment, relaxed. Mick continued on, oblivious. “And come on Juno, how long have you ever known this guy? We saw each other recently, and you didn’t even think to mention him?! I mean, I know we’ve grown apart since I almost got you killed by a serial killer lady, but come on, man!”

Juno gave Mick an incredulous look. “Okay, first of all, last time we saw each other, a robot made you try to kill me, not exactly the best time to bring it up. Second-”

“Second…” Peter interrupted before he, himself knew what he was doing. “We’ve known each other for three years. And my apologies for the lack of notice, Mick. See, I lead a very dangerous life, and my lady and I thought it safer to keep knowledge of my existence away from anyone who wasn’t trained in combat. And also Rita, but mainly because she tapped Juno’s comms and listened in on a very…”

“Oh my god!”

“Sorry, dear. I forgot how easily flustered you are.”

Mick gave Peter an appraising look for a second before deciding the answer was good enough for him and moving on. “So if you live such a dangerous life,” he lowered his voice to a -frankly terrible- whisper, “Then what are you doing here?”

Peter lowered his voice conspiratorially, “I really shouldn’t tell you this but, we’re on a secret mission. ‘Above Dark Matters’ secret. How about you?” This was a ridiculous cover, but he’d gotten away with stranger, besides, he was a little distracted by the woman Juno had been speaking to, looking their way, hungrily, no doubt at his companion. Peter’s grip around Juno tightened, and, to his surprise, Juno leaned into it.

“Really? Above Dark Matters? Juno, that’s great! Wow, Sasha must’ve flipped when you told her!”

“I didn’t Mercury, that’s what secret means. And I didn’t tell her about the mister either, and if you do, I’ll gut you like a fish.”

“My lips are sealed.”

“Good. Hey, my husband asked a good question, why are you here?”

“I thought it might be good to get off of Mars after the whole Newtown debacle, so I got a job at a catering company, and then I got fired for eating all of the cupcakes, so I decided to join the party, and they haven’t noticed yet.”

Juno snickered. "Glad to see you're back to normal."

"Yeah, me too. Being responsible was exhausting, even with the good habits some of it brought. Anyways, I'll get back to the party, let you two plan out your secret mission," Mick finished that statement walking backward and, when it was finished, promptly ran into a plant.

"What was that about?" Juno asked. "I mean, I get that you had to lie to him, but why... That?"

"Why did you leave me in that hotel room?" Peter asked. He'd meant it as a joke, at Juno's expense, of course, but it came off a bit more genuine than he would have liked.

Juno flinched, and for a moment, all Peter wanted to do was sweep him up in a hug, apologize for bringing it up and move on, but Peter was allowed to be angry. After what felt like an eternity but was probably 5 seconds tops, Juno spoke, "We need to talk about that eventually. You know. If we're gonna be working together."

"And we will, Dear Detective, but not right now. I believe the bidding is starting soon."

---

The bidding did not go as planned. While Peter would like to claim it was entirely the fault of his accomplice, he would be dishonest if he did so, and Peter Nureyev lied to many people, but not himself. Mostly.

Their new plan was as followed, Juno would continue to distract Ms. Zolotovna -the woman, who'd been eyeing him all night- and Peter would swipe it while nobody- not even the cameras- was looking. The first flaw of this plan came from one Mick Mercury, who was really starting to piss Peter off.

Mick had cornered him while he was making his rounds to destroy all the cameras.

"Hey! Uh... I never got your name, but Juno's husband!"

Peter turned around a little more aggressively than he meant to. "Yes?" He asked, already on his last nerve.

"I- uhh... listen, bud, this conversation is gonna be real awkward if you don't give me something to call you."

Peter quickly scanned his brain for a moniker he'd used with Juno, one that the lady may have mentioned to Mick in passing but not have gone into too much detail. There was only one with the chance of fitting the bill. "Rex. My name is Rex."

Mick's eyes lit up with recognition, and Peter immediately regretted his decision to use a name that had been plastered all over Hyperion to a native of the area. But there didn't seem to be any panic in Mick's eyes. Just... worry.

"Listen," Mick said, more serious than he had been all night. "I don't wanna give you some shovel talk. I'm sure you already got that from Rita." Peter had, which was strange considering Juno swore up and down that he never mentioned their past relationship. "But I just want you to know that, when all that went down, and you left, you really broke his heart. So just- be careful this time, okay? You and I both know he's more delicate than he lets on, and I can tell from the way you look at him that you love him, so just don't mess it up. Please?"

There was a definite moment where Peter stopped breathing until he remembered Juno and he were posing as newlyweds. He then forced his well-practiced laugh and asked, "Am I that obvious?"

"Yeah, like the way you were glaring at Ms. Zolotovna? You looked like you wanted to kill her! Oh! But you don't have to worry about that. Juno looked like he was just as close to killing her as you were, and I don't think he's ever cheated in his life. Well, there was that one time, in second grade when he-"

Mercury went on rambling for a while. He and Rita would get along swimmingly. Not that Peter was paying attention. No, he was far too busy staring into space. Apparently, Mick thought he was jealous of Ms. Zolotovna. Which, of course, couldn't be farther from the truth. He'd just been bothered that Juno would allow himself to become so distracted, that was all... Mostly.

Looking at him with Zolotovna felt wrong. Of course, it felt wrong, Peter tried to convince himself. Once upon a time, he had been in love with Juno. Even if those feelings had since dissipated it still made his stomach churn to think of Juno with anyone else. Maybe that wasn't healthy. Peter was starting to think maybe Juno was right about them needing to talk. But now was not the time nor the place for a heart. Just another thing for him to file away.

Right, Mercury was talking to him. God, Peter really needed to swipe that map so they could get out of there. "Well, Mick. I can assure you, I'd sooner die than hurt Juno. Will that be all?"

Mick seemed to have been interrupted mid-sentence, but he was friends with Juno, so Peter assumed he was used to it. "Oh! No, Juno wanted me to go get you for your-" he dropped his voice to a stage whisper "-secret-ay mission-ay."

Peter's brain stopped for a solid second. "Was that- was that meant to be Pig Latin?"

"No," Mick said, winking dramatically.

Peter followed Mick, a tad bit shaken by the implication that Mick Mercury didn't know what Pig Latin was in the slightest until the pair eventually reached Juno.

"Took you long enough, what? Were you stuck in a flowerpot?" The lady asked when they'd reached him.

Peter laughed, not entirely sure who the question was directed at. "Mick tells me you have a plan?"

"Not a plan, an observation. There's a camera trained on the map, one which you won't have time to dismantle before the dance begins in-" Juno looked at the grand clock in the center of the room "-4 minutes."

Peter grimaced in thought before eventually coming up with a solution. "Mick, when I give you a signal, try to get caught. Juno and I'll give you a lift back to Mars."

Peter was expecting some resistance from Mick, but he just nodded enthusiastically, "Okay, Rex. Uhh... I'm not really used to all this spy stuff. What's the signal?"

Peter only thought for a moment before coming up with an answer, "I'll trip on my heels."

Juno laughed, "Babe, that's a shit idea. What if you actually trip?"

Peter pointedly ignored the feeling in his chest when Juno called him 'babe' and instead responded, "I don't trip, dear."

Juno blushed and began to argue before being interrupted as the dance began. Peter silently held his hand out for Juno to take, and the lady barely hesitated before taking it.

Once they were far enough from Mick, Juno began to snicker softly to himself.

"What?"

"Feeling nostalgic, Rex?"

Peter laughed along with him. "What? It's the only name I could imagine you bringing up. Granted, I didn't expect it to stick with Mercury, but uh... I'm-"

"Don't. At least you had a reason. I was just scared."

"Of what?"

"Later, Nureyev," Juno whispered.

As they walked onto the dance floor, Peter could almost laugh with delight. Zolotovna hadn't been tracking his companion this entire night. She'd been tracking him. Maybe that said something about his self-confidence, maybe it said something about his affection for Juno, or maybe all it said was he would not make a very good detective. Either way, there would be a slight change in their normal routine.

"Juno, I do believe you'll have to be the one to swipe the map, someone seems to be watching me."

'Ugh! She's still doing it? That's messed up. Like our cover is as a married couple, and she has no problem making goo-goo eyes at you!"

Peter laughed, "Madam Dauphine, are you jealous?"

Juno gave him a smirk, "Of course not, Monsieur Dauphine. I know you have better taste than that."

"I must've if I married you."

Juno gave him a smile. Not the snarky one Peter'd been expecting. A soft smile, one full of admiration. Peter remembered this smile, right after they'd stopped Miasma, and Juno miraculously survived, bleeding from one eye and looking at Peter as if he'd been the one locking himself in a room about to explode.

"What's with that look?" Peter asked.

"Nothing," Juno said. "I just forgot how fun it is to work with you when you aren't pretending to be someone else."

Peter grinned at Juno as they separated. Him going to distract Zolotovna, Juno going to swipe a billion-dollar artifact.

---

Their plan had gone off without a hitch, Zolotovna was rambling on with some love confession, or the other, and Peter was pretending to listen, watching in awe as Juno gracefully swiped their prize from behind his glasses. Peter had come up with some logical reason to reject Zolotovna, guessing she wouldn't be all too satisfied with the excuse of "I'm happily married," something about organized crime. He doesn't remember. Even managed to get a little over a billion creds from her.

He then made his way over to Juno. Planning on waiting a few minutes to escape into the crowd before signaling Mercury. And as he made his way to Juno, a golden goddess, a perfect image of beauty and grace, with his dark brown skin and curly hair and the scars scattered across his skin. Peter did the unthinkable. He tripped. Too distracted by the image in front of him to notice his misstep. That is until Mercury started taunting the guards.

Then he, Juno, and Mercury were running across the yard to where Jet was waiting with the car. At some point, Peter's arm had ended up around Juno's waist, likely when he nearly fell over trying to throw his heels off and grabbed onto Peter for stability. They finally reached the car, and Juno threw open the door, the three of them clamoring in at top speed.

"Hello, Ransom, Juno. Who's this?" Jet asked in the same deadpan tone, as always.

"We'll tell you later, now fucking drive!" Juno rushed, a little breathless.

"Alright, then. Buckle your seatbelts."

"Go!"

---

When they got back to the ship, Buddy spent approximately 30 minutes rotating between tearing Peter and Juno to shreds for their performance and greeting Mick and asking if he was staying for dinner. She did, however, agree to bring Mick back to Mars before making their way to their next mission.

Later, Peter and Buddy had a much kinder conversation. One that brought up an emotion that Peter had not felt in a very long time. Familial love. He would try not to think too much of it, but an undeniable comfort had begun to settle into Peter's stomach.

There was another knock on the door after she left, and he already knew who it was. Finally, after nearly a year, it was later.

#the penumbra podcast #tpp #tpp season 3 #tpp fic #tpp nureyev #peter nureyev #tpp juno #juno steel #junoverse #tpp mick #mick mercury #jupeter

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solarianvoidthearoace · 3 years

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Excerpt#2 from my JuPeter Vampire!AU

CN/TW: disordered eating, blood mention, relationship negotiation, insecurity, Nureyev-typical self-consciousness, flirting & making out, mentions/preparations of drawing blood (scene stops before anyone bleeds), short fight out of concern

When Juno found him, it was in the kitchen with his second glass of… possibly cat or grey-squirrel. Some people at least tried keeping the local wildlife safe. Which, to Nureyev, felt like a decent thing and fair enough, given he had his share in decimating said wildlife.

“Everything okay?”, the detective sidled up to him, not just yet touching him. Nureyev closed his eyes,

“I suppose it is but I do kind of worry… are we moving too fast again? I mean”, he trailed off. When Juno reached out, Nureyev gave a short nod and pretty much sunk into his touch.

“I don’t think we are. Sure, we can go back a step if you want to, but besides spending time together, talking way too much and occasionally sharing a bed… it’s been five weeks and not once did we end up in a compromising position. I would say we’re doing good.” Nureyev smiled at that,

“Well, the one time you fell asleep on my lap might be counted as compromising placement.” Wrapping Nureyev in his arms, Juno shook his head,

“Nuh-uh, you also nodded off while reading and your face seemed pretty comfortable between my boobs, from the face you were making.”

Nureyev cleared his throat,

“Oh, I, ah, wasn’t aware that happened. But wasn’t the point to express we didn’t end up in too compromising positions, not to best each other about who made the more embarrassing display.”

“First of all, I wouldn’t call anything about you using me as a pillow embarrassing, adorable is one of the words I would use”, Juno slung his arms loosely around Nureyev’s shoulders,

“Second of all, I would very much like for you to kiss me now.”

Of course, Nureyev was all too happy to oblige his lady.

Setting his glass down, he pulled the detective close, wrapping one arm around his waist and smoothing over his cheek with the other hand, tilting the lady’s head to his liking.

“Oh, Juno”, instead of kissing him outright, Nureyev let their foreheads sink together and closed his eyes. Juno’s hand found his side and squeezed lightly,

“You know, I’m glad you started calling me by my name again. I like when you call me nicknames, don’t get that wrong, but it was pretty obvious you were evading my name. I’m sorry.” Before he could say more, Nureyev’s thumb found his bottom lip, dragging down on it and opening Juno’s mouth before he was kissing him. Juno couldn’t help but dig his fingers into any part of his partner he could reach, grasping at his shoulder on one side while pulling him closer by the waist on the other.

Nureyev parted their kiss just to rearrange his hands on Juno, grabbing the lady’s thighs and swiftly lifting him onto the kitchen table. They fell back into each other, with Juno mussing his hair and clinging to him.

When they parted because Juno had the dire need to come up for air and regain his bearings, Nureyev didn’t even try hiding the smug twinkle in his eyes.

“You know, I’m-”, Juno had to catch his breath,

“I’m somewhat surprised we haven’t fallen into bed with each other yet. With you kissing me like that and given we seem to end up in quite compromising positions despite our best efforts”, as if to prove his point, he hooked his legs behind Nureyev and pulled him in even closer. When Nureyev smirked, he didn’t try to hide his sharp teeth at all. Juno suppressed a groan, letting his forehead fall onto the man’s shoulder.

“I seem to recall we decided against it until further contemplation, seeing as we felt like there were better things to do in and with each other’s company”, his hand returned to Juno’s cheek,

“And I for once don’t need to sleep with you to worship you, my goddess.” It was a teasing murmur, it was meant to rile him up, he knew that. Still, Juno couldn’t help flushing and burrowing his face deeper in Nureyev’s neck,

“Damn it, I hate you. I’m glad Rita fell asleep, I wouldn’t ever live it down if she walked in on you calling me that.”

“I’m sure I could come up with something else intimate and to be murmured in private, if that would quell your embarrassment about this nickname”, Nureyev leaned down to kiss Juno’s neck,

“My goddess.” This time Juno really couldn’t help it.

He was already flushed, hot, pressed to his boyfriend. With said boyfriend nipping at his neck, pressing kisses there and letting him feel the occasional deliberately non-threatening drag of teeth across skin. Juno moaned aloud, letting his head tip back and digging his fingers into Nureyev’s back once again.

“You’re nasty, you know that?”, there was no heat behind the grumble but Juno also didn’t think he could have managed that if he wanted to, at that moment,

“I love you.”

“And I love you, Juno, my darling.”

After tea time they walked Rita back to town, with Juno hugging her one more time and her giving Nureyev a thumbs-up. The pair took care of some errands before hailing a coach to return to the manor before sundown. If Juno had noticed Nureyev didn’t stop by Captain Aurinko’s tavern, he didn’t mention it. It was a warm evening in early May and the two oft them were back to enjoying each other’s company. When they turned in for the night, Juno followed Nureyev to his room without prompting, hugging and holding him close from behind while Nureyev removed his make-up in the in suite washroom.

“You’re quite warm, darling. You didn’t overdo it with the alcohol, did you?” Instead of an answer, Juno shook his head where his face was pressed to Nureyev’s back. Chuckling softly, Nureyev placed one hand on Juno’s arms wrapped around him,

“I’m glad you’re here, to have met you again.” That did prompt Juno to lift his head, pushing up onto tiptoes to watch Nureyev’s face in the mirror,

“I’m thankful for this second chance at us, yea. Have I told you today how gorgeous you are?” Taking off his glasses to remove his eye make-up, Nureyev shook his head,

“Couldn’t you have made that compliment before I started looking like a mess taking off my make-up before bed?”

“Nope”, Juno took his glasses from him for safekeeping,

“‘Cause to me you’re gorgeous just the way you are and I’m the luckiest lady getting to see it. Getting to see you.”

When they finally fell into bed together, they couldn’t get close enough to one another. Nureyev was colder than usual, Juno noticed, but was quite thoroughly distracted with soft kisses and innocent touches.

It was another five weeks later, Juno got worried about Nureyev feeling so much colder than usual. In the literal sense of: the man’s temperature was even lower than he had gotten used to. It was barely a week into July when he got worried enough to confront him.

“Okay, spill! What’s up with you, Nureyev?”, Juno stood in front of Nureyev’s winged armchair, his arms crossed and trying at caging him in.

“Juno”, the questioning tone was underlaid with a soft warning to drop it,

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He didn’t even close his book, simply sighing and burrowing deeper into his chair. The detective huffed, clicked his tongue and shook his head. Slowly exhaling Juno let his arms sink, more wrapping around himself than crossing them properly,

“Nureyev, babe, I’m not blind. You literally look feverish! I know you can’t have fallen ill but you certainly look about ready to keel over. What is it?”, the initial reproach had died down to heartfelt worry while Juno had been talking,

“I’m worried, okay? My dearly beloved partner somehow got sick when that shouldn’t be even possible and I’m out of my depth.” He shrugged, the gesture somewhat stunted.

At that Nureyev did put down his book, hung his head and rubbed at his eyes behind his glasses. Placing the book aside entirely, he raised a knee up in front of his chest, his slipper kicked off, he hugged his leg to his chest. Curling in on himself like that, he looked at Juno,

“I… have been fasting”, he attempted a shrug,

“It seems my reserves of human blood ran dry. Captain Aurinko can’t get another shipment ‘til end of the current month and I must admit I have been, well, first rationing, then fasting the last weeks already”, his expression turned stony,

“Because surely I wouldn’t attack villagers, be the need for human blood as it may.”

Juno couldn’t help his shock showing on his face, when he attempted to answer, he was lost for what to say, is mouth hanging open for a moment. Pulling a face and inhaling deeply, he tried again,

“Nureyev… you could have asked me.” It baffled him he even had to point that out, because,

“Honey, I love you and I knew fully well what I was getting into this time around. I somewhat expected to… I don’t know, provide a bit of blood at some point. I can’t believe you would rather starve than -“ Nureyev interrupted him,

“Juno! I couldn’t possibly ask… more like talk you into that, I mean, Juno”, he looked rather distressed, which the sickly look he had given up to cover up these past days didn’t help with.

“Nureyev, honey, you didn’t even ask”, Juno’s tone was stern,

“I’m offering. We both know I have a thing for your teeth going from the very start, so you might as well put them to use”, Juno snorted, while Nureyev rolled his eyes at him,

“Especially since you need to. I’m fine with it, really.”

Nureyev still hesitated, shying away from the hand Juno offered for him to take. Righting his glasses, he shook his head.

“But only since you want to. Not like this, though”, he uncurled and stood, motioning for Juno to follow him. They made their way to the kitchen, where he indicated for Juno to wait.

When he came back, he was carrying one of his many knives as well as gauze, a wound pad and disinfectant. Before Juno could decide whether to look offended or questioning, Nureyev sighed,

“As I said, I have been fasting. That means I’m quite… I don’t want to say desperate. And I do not intend to endanger you in any way! Which means, I won’t bite you. I think you recall what happened in the Captain’s tavern the last time I was starved”, at that, Juno flinched.

Nureyev just sighed, solemnly,

“Exactly. Which isn’t as bad, since I have been drinking more animal blood to compensate, but it’s a fact I need human blood to not fall ill, as you put it. It’s your choice whether you trust me to be in the room with you but”, he turned to one of the cabinets, getting a glass bottle and a hopper for it,

“This bottle can contain half a liter. Even if you were to fill it, which I could never ask of you, it wouldn’t impact your health too much besides possibly making you sleepy for the rest of the day.” Nureyev stalled before withdrawing his hands from the kitchen table. Knife, medical equipment and bottle set up, he nodded once, turning towards the door without waiting for Juno’s answer to any of that.

A hand on his arm stopped him,

“Nureyev, you know I trust you. But of course I will remind you as often as you need, please stay.” Nureyev turned to look at him, nodded and stepped back towards the table.

“I would be more comfortable to keep my distance, as a precaution. I don’t think I need to leave, but I probably shouldn’t be too close either.” Juno offered him a sympathetic smile,

“You will help me bandage it, though. A lady can ask that much.” At that Nureyev snorted,

“Don’t tell me you’re still squeamish around blood, detective.” His grin showed off his teeth by pure habit.

#tpp jupeter #JuPeter fanfic #Juno Steel #peter nureyev #juno steel series #junoverse fanfic #vampire au #au fanfiction #vampire!Nureyev #jupeter #TPP fanfic #Juno Steel AU #vampire #juno x peter #peter ransom

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thiswasinevitableid · 3 years

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Furies (Mermay OT4)

Request from @angellioncosplay, fill is NSFW

The jagged edge of the harpoon slices into his tail.

Barclay knows he’s doomed but he thrashes and tries to dive all the same. He doesn’t know what the boar above wants, doesn’t care, he just wants to go home, he has to make it back to them, please, all he wants is to see them again.

A second barb pierces his side, blood clouds his vision.

In the darkness below, he thinks he sees two red lights racing closer. Then the harpooners tug, and the world snaps to black.

--------------------------------------

“Is he stable?” Duck whispers as Aubrey swims out of Barclay’s bedroom, shutting the door behind her.

“Yeah. I’m glad Indrid warned us when he did; if he’d lost much more blood, I’m not sure even my powers coulda helped.”

“And Joe and ‘Drid?”

“They’re gonna stay with him. I think they’re okay but, well” she sighs, shakes her head, “if that’d happened to Dani, I don’t think anything could make me leave her side.” She loops their arms together as they swim to the door, “do you wanna come stay with us? I know this is hard on them, but you had to, like, break a harpoon in half while one of your friends almost died.”

“Nah, oughta stay in case any of ‘em need somethin.”

“You want to keep Dr. Harris Bonkers for extra support?” She holds out her sea bunny.

Duck rubs it’s back, “I’ll be okay, but thanks for the offer Lady Flame. You get home safe now.”

“I will. Oh” She turns, swimming backwards as she adds, “if he needs any more healing between now and tomorrow, come get me right away!”

He promises he will, locks the house up for the night and floats into the kitchen to put it back in some kind of order. Indrid’s sketch pad and enchanted pen are still on the floor where he dropped them, Joseph’s book and Duck’s half-built model ship knocked sideways from the seer pushing away from the table in a flurry of silver and panic. And on the counter are the ingredients Barclay’d set out for dinner, the ones he was checking off when he realized he needed scallops and swam off with a promise to be right back.

Duck sighs, jumps when something whaps at the green-glass window.

“Jesus Winnie, thought you were in the bedroom.” He cracks the window enough to lift the octopus inside. See slowly slides off his arm, swimming across the floor to the pile of salvaged ship instruments Duck and Indrid found for her.

“Maybe this will keep her from stealing the silverware.” Barclay plucks a knife from the cephalopods tentacle.

Suddenly, he’s too heavy to swim. They almost lost him.

It’s simple, really. Duck is in love with Joe and Indrid. Joe and Indrid are in love with Barclay. But that doesn’t mean Duck doesn’t love the other mer; Barclay is one of his best friends, a sympathetic ear when things go south and the only one of the four of them capable of beating Joe at Ten Shells. Barclay also understands something about Duck that escapes many of their kind; that he can love Joe, curious and meticulous from his black hair to his dapper monochrome tail, and Indrid, strange and aloof until you gave him the right kind of stroke on his silver scales, with the same intensity. It just manifests in different ways.

Duck cracks the bedroom door open, finds the wounded mer on his back in their large, seaweed colored bed. Indrid and Joe are nestled on either side of him. Normally, they’d be an undignified, loving pile, but the bandages on his stomach and tail prevent it.

Indrid stirs, trilling in distress. His nightmares come and go, are most often the echos of horrible futures he was forced to watch over and over. Duck has a pretty good guess as the which one is playing in his mind tonight.

He wiggles down onto the bed, draping his arm over Indrid’s side and guiding his bony back and red fin against his chest. When Indrid registers his weight, the nervous twitches of his tail stop. Duck glances up, watches Barclay’s hand glide down the bed to hold Indrid’s own.

Someone almost took this from them. Almost ripped away pieces of the hearts of the mers he loves most in the world.

And he wants to know who.

------------------------------------------------------------------

“Dearest, how are you feeling?”

“Fine, totally fine.” Barclay tries to sit up as a demonstration, only for his whole body to convulse. He falls back against the bed, whimpering pathetically.

“Hmmm, I was afraid that would be the case. There were some timelines where you healed quickly, but it seems the monsters who attacked you did a great deal of damage.”

“No, no, it was just a twinge, if you give me a sec I can-”

“-You will stay in bed.” Indrid’s red gaze sharpens, “no mate of mine is going to re-open his wounds trying to make me breakfast.”

“Besides” Joseph looks up from setting all the med supplies they need in tidy stacks and lines, “it’s not like Duck or I can’t cook. You need to rest, big guy.” He swims over, strokes Barclays hair. Barclay leans into the feelings, trying to ignore the fear gnawing a new hole in his side.

In the three days since the attack, he hasn’t been alone. His boyfriends and friend take turns sitting with him, talking when he wants to and letting him sleep when he needs, bringing him food and changing his bandages without complaint.

It’s all wrong. That’s not their job. It shouldn’t be, that’s what they have him for. Some part of him wishes they’d been too late. Because he doesn’t want to face what’s coming.

------------------------------------------------

“Any luck?”

“Some. Juno says she saw an unfamiliar hull pass by about an hour before Barclay got attacked, but she wasn’t close enough to see any details.”

“Damn it.” Joseph slams the book one human weapons in frustration, then cringes at his outburst.

Duck swims to him, pulling him up from the chair into an embrace, “We’ll figure it out, slick. Nothin else, happen to know we got a real smart mer workin the case.” He winks, kisses Joseph on the cheek.

He snorts, then looks at the floor, “Some part of me is worried about what will happen if we do figure out who hurt him. I...I don’t believe in violence outside of dire circumstances, but they, they nearly killed him. I’d like to say my motive in seeking them out is to make sure they can’t hurt anyone else but, well, that’s secondary at best. What I want is to make them pay.”

“That makes two of us” Indrid slithers in the door, “he’s sound asleep, not to worry. I have narrowed down our potential culprits with my visions, but I too am afraid of what I may do if I locate the humans who dared harm him.”

“I get the feelin, but right now we’re mostly borrowin trouble. Let’s wait until we know a little more before decidin whether to track ‘em down.”

Joseph nods, opens his mouth to suggest one of them retrieve dinner from the fishmonger down the block, when there’s a crash from the kitchen.

“Damn, Winnie must’ve gotten into the cabinets again.”

Indrid blinks, then frowns, “No, that is not her doing.”

Rushing into the kitchen reveals Barclay trying to arrange food on the counter. His upper body can barely move, and his tail is unable to maintain direction due to the bandages.

“Don’t worry about, ow, me” Barclay smiles at them, but Joseph spots panic in his eyes, “th-thought I’d do some meal prep since you’re all gonna be busy this week.”

He’s about to point out that a)they’re all capable of feeding themselves even when busy and b)Barclay’s only been recovering for a week and a half and Aubrey explicitly told him it would be at least a month before he could move around without help.

Before he can make any points at all, Indrid draws himself up to his full height, frills of his ears fanned out and gestures to the bedroom, “You will do no such thing. You need your rest, dearest.”

“But-”

“That was an order, not a request.” It’s a tone that never fails to make Joseph’s spine turn to mush, and by the flash of pink in Barclay’s tail, he feels the same way. Then his whole tail drains of color and he nods.

“Right. Sorry. I, I didn’t mean to upset you guys.”

Indrid’s frills flatten and he swims swiftly towards the other mer, “Barclay, I’m not-”

“It’s okay. I caused enough trouble already.” He catches Indrid by the chin to kiss him, blows a second kiss Joseph’s way, then disappears into the bedroom.

As Indrid flicks his tail nervously, Duck clears his throat, “Know I joke about him not havin a selfish bone in his body, but this is startin to get ridiculous.”

The silver-scaled mer sighs, coiling his tail around Joseph’s own and opening his arms so Duck will come give him a hug. When the three of them are close together he murmurs, “ I saw this timeline, but I had so hoped it would not be the one we ended up in. I have mentioned before that the culture Barclay and I grew up in as deep water mers is very different than what you have on the reef. One component of that was the belief that a mer who could not carry his weight in his home would not be in said home for much longer. His mate or mates not only could, but were encouraged to, throw him out to make room for a more useful partner.”

The entirety of Joseph’s stomach crawls up his throat, “He really thinks we’d do that to him?”

“I suspect so.” Indrid rests his head on Duck’s shoulder, “Barclay is already prone to such fears, in that he prides himself on taking care of others. And it is a deeply ingrained message and practice, so much so that there are times I still fear you three may turn me away should my powers disappear.”

“‘Drid-”

The mer purrs reassuringly, “But then I remind myself that I am not down there. I am up here, with you who love me regardless of my strength. Seeing the future helps a great deal as well; I can peek and see there are no timelines where you turn me away. Hmm” his tail taps Sterns lower back, “I wonder, is there a way we can mimic that experience for Barclay? Help him see his future here?”

Joseph gets an idea and, for the first time all day, the sense that he’s getting somewhere, “I have a plan.”

----------------------------------------------------------------

Barclay isn’t sure if this is some cruel joke, or if his boyfriends genuinely believe they won’t grow tired of him needing to be cared for all the time. Regardless, he doesn’t know what to do when Joseph lays beside him, kissing his cheek and shoulder as he talks about how they should go see the Kelpie migration this fall, and how he’s heard about a human beach where they serve a swim-up meal to mers and humans alike, and wouldn’t it be nice for all four of them to visit and try the food?

He doesn’t know what to do when Indrid gently sits him upright and combs his hair, jumping from topic to topic between kisses to the back of his neck but always returning to what they should do for Joseph’s birthday, or Dani and Aubrey’s anniversary, or their own anniversary.

He doesn’t know what to do right now, Indrid sitting and drawing while Joseph finishes changing the bandages on his tail. The one on his side came off a few days ago, scar tissue forming a jagged tooth of pink and white in his skin.

Duck swims in, greeting them all at once, his usually friendly expression somber.

“Joe, ‘Drid, could I talk to you in the kitchen? It’ll only be a minute.”

His boyfriends nod, assuring him they’ll be back even as they swim away. He wishes he could believe it, but he can think of only one reason Duck would need to talk to them alone. With a sad little groan, he rolls onto his uninjured side and pities himself to sleep.

-----------------------------------------------------

“You’re sure that’s the one?”

“Positive. Minerva had a near miss with it this mornin, described the exact same thing Barclay did. Speakin of which, we know they’re down a few harpoons because the ones they sent after her she threw right back at them.”

“A fair response if ever there was one. Do we all agree on the plan?”

“Yep”

“Yes.”

“Good” A smile that could make a sea monster afraid, “then let us begin.”

----------------------------------------------------------------

Winthrop lounges on the deck of the Nemo as his guests and the hired guides mill around the edges of the boat. After that run-in with the mermaid earlier today, they’re on pins and needles, hoping to see and (finally) catch another.

Is poaching in a protected cove illegal? Only if you don’t have the money to pay the fine. Is it wrong to hunt the rare creatures that call this stretch of ocean home? Wrong is a deeply subjective concept.

Warmth leaves the deck as clouds swirl above the sun.

“I say, wasn’t it sunny a moment ago?”

“Yep. Could be again, provided y’all head to shore and never come back here.” A voice calls from the bow.

Everyone races forward, shouting in excitement when they discover the merman addressing them with an oddly calm expression.

“Don’t even think about tryin to spear me. You ain’t the only ones with weapons.”

A second mer surfaces, armed with a spear gun he clearly knows how to use.

“Joe’s a damn good shot.”

The other mer fixes them with a steely gaze, “This is your last warning. Leave this cove and never try to hunt here again.”

“Or what?”

The whole boar rocks as something massive bumps the underside. Screams draw his attention to the silver, serpentine shape gliding through the water. A red fin breaks the surface and then it’s gone.

Then the boat nearly capsizes as it rams the port side. In the darkening waves, the monster turns it’s head to look up at them. It’s red eye is the size of a steering wheel, but he forgets all about that when the creature rears up, jaws snapping, and narrowly misses dragging his wife off the boat between butcher-knife teeth.

“Our friend here is mighty angry with you” the first merman rubs the monster's fin as it swims by him, “in fact, he’s downright furious.”

“And it looks like he’s decided to build up some speed before hitting you this time. I don’t think your boat will survive that amount of force.”

“Alright, alright we’ll leave, we’ll go and never come back.”

A hissing screech from the monster.

“We swear!” He says, really meaning it this time.

The first merman points towards shore, “then get goin’.”

The boat speeds away, and Winthrop decides to never, ever look back.

-------------------------------------------

“That was fuckin incredible darlin’”

“Thank you” Indrid returns to his usual form, groggy but pleased, “you were both wonderful as well.”

“Never been happier that you’re so into workin out how human machines operate” Duck kisses Joseph hard, one of Indrid’s favorite sights in the whole of the sea.

“If you like how I handle a spear gun, you should see how I handle, um, other things.”

“I am” Indrid yawns, “in favor of that idea. But first, I believe I am due for a nap, and Barclay is due for an update.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------

“You did all that for me?” Barclay twists his fingers in the blanket beneath him, trying to sound pleasantly surprised instead of confused. From the look Joseph and Duck trade, he’s doing a shit job.

“Well, technically we also did it to keep the reef safe from hunters, and hopefully start a legend that will keep any like-minded poachers from coming within fifty miles of our home. Or our family. And yes, dearest, that includes you.” In the darkened bedroom, deep purple shimmers up Indrid’s tail. A signal to obey.

“I, I never said it didn’t.”

“Yes, but it has been on your mind for weeks.”

“I…”

“Barclay” Joseph settles beside him, taking his hand, “Indrid told us about what you two were taught about needing care or being helpless. I, we, none of us want you thinking that’s what will happen here. I promise.”

He doesn’t realize he’s crying, not until Indrid whispers “hush now, dear one” and carefully rests their tails together so that the wound is left untouched.

“I, I thought saying it would make it worse. Make you think I needed reassurance, which would just make it clear how useless I am. I, I know that sounds ridiculous.”

“It’s not ridiculous to feel vulnerable or scared after something traumatic.” Joseph traces his fingers up and down his arm and his scales ripple in reply.

“Nor to feel off-balance when you are unable to do what you usually do.”

“But you gotta tell us next time.” Duck rests next to Joseph, “we care about you, all three of us, but we can’t help if we don’t know what’s wrong.”

He flashes apologetic yellow, “You’re right. I’ll, I’m gonna try to be better about that. It’s just hard for me to let other mers take care of me sometimes.”

The purple returns to Indrid’s tail, and when he turns to look at Barclay his smile is no longer gentle and ethereal. It’s almost tangible enough to slice his chest and send everything he wants pouring onto the bed.

“It seems to me, my dear one, that you could use some practice in that area.”

“Yes” he murmurs, then yips when Indrid bites his throat, “I mean yes, sir.”

“Much better. After all, your convalescence has made such things difficult until now. And yes, Joseph, I will keep an eye on the futures to be certain no one is hurt. Speaking of which: Duck, please adjust so Barclay’s head is in your lap. You’ll need to hold his shoulders down should he try and disobey me.”

A shift of the bed and then his head rests on mottled green scales.

“Hey” He smiles up and Duck sends a crooked grin his way, setting more pink off in his tail. He may not want to fuck him, but Barclay’s not about to deny how handsome Duck can be.

This rumination distracts him from Indrid and Joseph’s conversation, so he’s pleasantly surprised when the black-tailed mer catches his lips in a kiss. It’s precise, down with calculated care that always makes him feel like the most interesting, important thing in the world.

“That’s it big guy, relax for us.”

“I’, I’m tryINGfuck, it’s, it’s kinda hard when Indrid is doing that.”

Indrid chuckles, continues teasing the scales in his upper tail, “Shall I stop?”

“No, please no-”

“Please what?” His slit opens at the steel in Indrid’s voice.

“Please sir.”

“Good boy. Ah, and here’s that lovely cock of yours. What shall I do with it, hmmm?”

“Anything you want sir.” He tries not to giggle as Joseph nibbles his ear.

“I was not asking you.” Indrid cocks his head at Duck.

“Huh” Duck toys with Barclays hair, “think I wanna see you suck it. Been too damn long since you had a dick in your mouth that wasn’t mine.”

Indrid licks his lips and then Barclay’s moans fill the bedroom as his boyfriend lovingly sucks the head of his cock.

“Is now the time to mention he sucked me off yesterday while you were at work?” Joseph smiles up at Duck, though his hand is busy teasing Barclay’s nipples.

Duck growls, “and you didn’t even give an encore where I could watch. Mighty rude of you. Both of you.”

“Don’t blame me” Indrid jerks Barclay off with one hand and fingers his slit with the other, “you know how needy our pet gets.”

“True. Guess I’ll have to put him in his place.” Duck looks down at Barclay, gaze soft in spite of his tone, “not tonight though. Tonight his job is to take care of you.”

“Speaking of which” Joseph turns his face into another kiss just as Indrid’s mouth envelopes his cock once again. He moans and whimpers between those perfect lips, a month of not even being able to touch himself meaning his body is already being dragged towards orgasm. His hand finds Joseph’s tail, petting it enticingly.

“If you AHnnnfuck, lay perpendicular babe, I can suck you off without hurting myself.”

Joseph glances at Indrid, who pulls off of Barclay’s cock and shakes his head, “Not tonight, dearest.”

He whimpers, tries to lift his head, use his tongue to tease Joseph’s retreating tail, only or Duck to hold him firmly in place.

“I know, sweet one, you do so love being inside our pet, whether with that talented tongue, those skillful hands, or this sinful thing.” He gives a final jerk, then uses his tail to guide Joseph into his former position, “And I would never deny you that pleasure. He’s such a good little pet after all.” He kisses Joseph posessively, then glides behind him and sets his hands on his waist, “which is why I am going to fuck him on you. I will control his movements, so as to avoid aggravating your injury.”

“And because you get off on it.” Duck adds.

“That too.”

“AHfuck!” Barclay’s whole tail lights up purple for an instant as Indrid shoves Joseph down onto his cock. He might submit to Indrid, but Joseph is the mer in the sea he most wants to claim, to fuck until he’s begging for more.

“Nghnshit, shit that’s so good big guy, fuck I missed this.”

“Ahem.”

“Thank you Indridoh, ohohohohfuck.” Joseph’s hands scrabble on Barclay’s tail as Indrid bounces him up and down. He looks so handsome like this, cock hard and slit swallowing Barclay to the hilt, dark hair loose and framing his head like a crown.

Barclay reaches for him, desperate for a touch, but Duck holds him down.

“Thank you, love, if he had moved just then he would have hurt himself.”

“Don’t care” Barclay growlwhines, “Joseph, babe, wanna touch you so bad.”

“You’ll get to, big guy, there’ll be plenty of chances after this.”

He growls, teeth clenched as the riptide of his orgasm pulls at him.

“It’s okay big fella, you can let go. We’ve got you.” Duck’s voice, as soothing as the hand he scritches down his scalp.

“Fuck” is all he gets out before Indrid pushes Joseph down and Barclay spurts up into him with moan.

“Better, big guy?” Joseph’s smile is as dazzling as ever.

“Uh huh.” His bones are mud, his eyes heavy, and he feels better than he has all month.

“Good. Come, let me look you over and hold you. Duck and Joseph will join us shortly.”

“But I thoughtAHfuck” is all he hears before the sound of Duck frantically fucking Joseph fills one half of the room, his boyfriends moan switching from charming to mouthwatering as Duck keeps fucking him after he’s cum.

Indrid builds them a nest on the other side of the bed, guides him into it to comb his hair and rub his aching shoulders, humming as he does. Eventually, Duck swims over to join them, Joseph more floating than swimming in his embrace.

“How do you feel, big guy?”

“Good. Really, really good.” He closes his eyes, safe in the knowledge that his home and family will still be his when he wakes up.

Then he opens them again.

“Wait, so what the fuck did you actually do to the guy who harpooned me?”

#OT4: Government Men and Their Cryptid Boyfriends #mermay fills #indruck #sternclay #inclay #agent stern/barclay/indrid cold/Duck newton #agent stern/duck newton

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teaspacebar · 4 years

Text

war of hearts part iv: disguises, panic, and yearning

summary: you go on an undercover mission and end up hiding in a small closet with a certain clone commander.

words: 1.5k+

beta:@ambereyesandwine

taglist (open): @morganas-pendragons @deathlessdays @obiorbenkenobi @painkiller80 @abovethyfold @the-lady-of-stars @my-own-oracle

masterlist

“I don’t know about this.”

“You look fine, Pip.”

You sent a playful glare to Salem in the mirror, before tugging once again at the dress you were wearing. It was a beautiful dress. It flowed in a way that made the gold color look like it was melting. And it was backless. You had never worn anything more revealing in your life.

“They could have sent anyone else,” you huffed, nerves getting to you.

“Do you want the practical answer or the nice one?”

“Both?”

Salem smirked, coming up behind you, “The practical answer, you’re not usually in big battles so you’re less likely to be recognized. You also blend in well with civilians, making you the optimal choice for this mission.”

“And the nice one?”

“You’re smart, clever, and pretty – they couldn’t have chosen any better.”

You squint at Salem’s reflection, turning around to lightly slap him in the chest, “Flattery doesn’t work on Jedi.” Salem gave a grunt and shrugged, but the smirk stayed on his lips as he turned away. In the past few months, Salem had become your confidant. You cared for all the boys in the Juno Squadron, but Salem understood you on a level that nobody else did. You could share your fears with him and not be judged. He said it never made you less of a Commander, or less of a person. Just how you believed that him being a clone never made him less of a man.

“You have the plan?”

You nodded, thanking him as you took the golden circlet from his hands so you could place it on your head. “I’m a neutral representative from a planet in the Mid Rim looking to see what the Republic and Separatist parties have to say. Master Kenobi is here with Senator Amidala as well as other senators to represent the Republic. We have word that someone working for the Separatists will attempt to assassinate some of the other neutral planet leaders and blame it on the Republic.”

“Cody, Maverick, and Zig are here as well, but we couldn’t get them in without being suspicious as you were only allowed one bodyguard.”

You blinked in surprise, “Cody’s here?”

“At the transport, but yes.” Salem held out a black fur jacket, which you slipped into. “If anything happens, you know the signal.”

You hum your affirmation, pulling the jacket around your chest. Salem was right, everything would be fine.

Salem was wrong, everything was not fine.

Screams enveloped the room as a body fell to the ground, one shot through the head. You swung around, looking for anyone you recognized. The room was large, and the panicking people made it harder to see. You just needed to find Salem, Obi-Wan, anyone.

A hand clasped around your wrist, a familiar feeling washing over you. “Cody?” The man didn’t respond, instead slipping your lightsaber into your hand. You met his eyes - the rest of his face hidden by cloth – and asked, “Where’s Obi-Wan?”

“He went after the bounty hunter!”

“Senator Amidala?”

“Salem got her.” His gaze swept over your form, “You alright?”

Before you could respond, you whipped around, igniting your saber. You blocked a shot that would have hit you, recognizing a man you had mingled with earlier in the evening. “I knew there was something off – you looked too innocent in that dress. You’re pretty, for a Jedi. Pity you didn’t take me up on my offer.” Guards came up behind the Separatist as he held his pistol again to fire.

“Let’s go!” You grabbed Cody’s forearm to push him in the direction of an exit. He obeyed, the two of you running out of the main room. “Where’s Zig?”

“Back entrance of the compound,” he responded as you continued down the hall.

“Right, so just on the other end,” you sighed. “Nothing’s ever easy, is it?”

“With you?” Cody pulled down the cloth covering his face, “Never.”

You nudged him in the side, hand brushing against his, “Been awhile since we’ve had a mission together.” He glanced over at you, and you noticed his gaze linger for a moment. “Seems like all the guards went to the main room.”

The clobber of footsteps made Cody shoot you a look, “You just had to say something.” He grabbed your hand, tugging you down the hall and through a door. It slid shut behind you, darkness hampering your vision. You reach out to balance yourself, almost tripping over whatever was underneath you. Hands settled over your own, helping you to find your footing.

Whatever closet you were in, it was small.

“Good?” Cody asked softly.

“I’m alright.” You inhaled sharply as the footsteps rushed past you. After it sounded like they were far enough away, you huffed, “We’re going to be here for a bit, aren’t we?” Cody didn’t respond, and you squinted as you tried to make out his face. “Everything okay?”

“That man, earlier. What did he mean when he said ‘offer’?”

You frowned at the memory, “He wanted me to become one of his wives. Said he treats the others well and that I wouldn’t want for anything. He provides resources to the Separatists.”

“I didn’t like how he looked at you.”

You blinked in surprise, “Like how?”

“Like he wanted to…eat you.” The distaste was almost palpable in his tone. You could feel it coming off his body in waves.

You found his hand, squeezing it gently, “If it’s any consolation, I didn’t like it either. I knew this dress was a bad idea. I look like a child wearing her mother’s clothes.” Your eyes had adjusted, and you could make out the expression of confusion on his face.

“It’s – you’re beautiful.” Warmth flooded your cheeks at his blatant words.

It wasn’t that Cody hadn’t made similar sentiments before, but he always seemed to convey more in body language than words. You had grown used to interpreting his emotions – when they weren’t loud enough to hear – through the nuances of how he held himself. When it was just the two of you, the weight on his shoulders was lifted. His shoulders relaxed and his lips curled into small smiles easier. You maintained a friendly distance though, only getting close when there was time for a hug. You knew that the rest of the boys wouldn’t care, but Cody put up walls – ever filling the Commander role he had been given.

“But it’s not very me, is it?”

Cody exhaled a laugh, careful not to disrupt the quiet space, “No.” Your stomach flipped as his brown eyes bore into yours. You gasped softly at the strong wave of emotions that came from him, your hands sliding up to grab his forearms. “Even so,” he trailed off, but you could hear the unspoken words – still beautiful.

The space between you lessened as you took a step toward him. You wanted to bask in his warm presence, his glowing soul calling to you. The urge to carve a hole into your heart and let him curl up in it overwhelmed you. This man was one that you admired, one that you trusted.

This man was the one that you loved.

The realization made your breath catch as the plethora of feelings that had been hidden in your chest poured through the cracks. Your gaze slid adoringly over his face, memorizing everything about this moment so you could have it forever.

“It should be alright to come out now,” Cody made a movement to open the door, but you caught his hand. He uttered your name softly as you raised his hand up to your lips, pressing a gentle kiss to his palm. The man froze, and you felt his surprise…and something else. His hand was now cupping your cheek, thumb brushing across your lips as he stared at you. Your chest felt like it was burning from within – the Force almost buzzing around you – like it was asking for you to quench its thirst.

Your free hand slid up his arm, over his shoulder, and to the nape of his neck. Cody’s nose brushed against yours, but he didn’t feel close enough. “Cody,” you breathed his name, a gentle plea.

“Can I –”

“Please,” you pulled him the smallest bit closer, and his lips pressed to yours.

It was like drinking sunshine. A tad clumsy – as neither of you had kissed anyone before – but the emotion from it more than made up for it. Cody had one hand on your cheek, the other gripping your waist. This is what you wanted. All the late-night walks and the gentle words lead to this. You broke away to take a breath, and you felt a tear slip down your cheek, only for a finger to come and brush it away.

Brown eyes met yours and you knew that no explanation was needed. “We should get going before they come back.” It was like Cody had to force the words out of his mouth. You felt the same – yearning to just hide in this small space – but you knew that you had already taken up enough time.

You gave one last kiss to his lips, thumb brushing over the scar on his brow, “Alright.” You readied your lightsaber in your hand, nodding once. Cody hit the panel on the side and the door slid open. “Last one to the transport has to buy a round at 79’s!” And with that, you took off down the hall.

#war of hearts #commander cody x reader #padawan!reader #swtcw #commander cody #star wars the clone wars

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twoidiotwriters1 · 3 years

Text

Pure Blood 30 (Sirius Black x F!Oc)

A/N: okay, this is the thing, the school is killing me and that's why it took me so long to upload chapter, but here we are. I may also be late for the next one, but this story continues.

Words: 2,081

Masterlist:

Chapter 29 // Chapter 31

"You screwed up,” says Juno leaning against my door frame.

I groan as I put more things in my suitcase.

“I've had enough of you.”

"I don't think so,” She smiles and walks up to my side. "It's never enough, little sister.”

I shiver, she reminds me of Isis a little, when she still lived in the house.

“You've always had that… talent, to get in trouble. Especially with Sirius. Our parents saw it as funny and innocent. They never punished you, I thought it was silly because you’re the youngest,” She didn't even bother to help me, she just stared at my suitcase. "But it's all over…” She claps once. "And now neither of our parents can stand you.”

"And that's why you smile like you've never done in your life?”

“Come on, it's not that bad, after all. What if your parents hate you? Sirius has been through it as well, now you’re the same,” She jokes.

I grit my teeth, putting my things in the suitcase and then turning and facing her.

"You can say what you want about me, I don't care, but don't you dare take it out on Sirius.”

"Oh, now you defend him? After what he did to you?" She raises an eyebrow.

"You are standing on very thin ice, Juno.”

"Please, little sister, stop this cheesy nonsense, it’s useless.”

“Not because you didn't have the courage to even speak to Remus, does it mean that we should all be cowards."

My words hurt her, but she recovers quickly and returns to her bitch face.

“It doesn't matter anymore, I don't need that school-kids nonsense. I deserve a good man. Mother has found me an excellent suitor.”

She expects some reaction from me, she wants me to ask her everything about it, but I go back to packing. I don't want to know anything about her commitment or someone else's. Never again. I'm sick of all that circus.

Juno sighs and like a little girl, she huffs and then leaves my room. I roll my eyes. I really need to go back to my true home.

***

My spirits haven't changed, not even while at the station. Somehow, thinking about my friends is not enough to be happy.

It's my last year, and after this, what's next?

My mother is the only one accompanying me to the platform this year, and says goodbye coldly, barely nodding. I get on the train and quickly enter a compartment with unknown people. Two girls from second grade with another boy from third grade, all three excited for their new year, they don't even bother about acknowledging my presence, which I appreciate.

I take the opportunity to get some sleep and prepare for what my new school year has in store.

Upon reaching a new wave of punishment, I take my time to reach the large dining room. Just when I get to the doors I feel a body crash against mine, but instead of falling, her arms go around my neck and she pulls me against her in a big hug. It takes me a few seconds to react, but I recognize my best friend's blonde hair and I circle her waist, feeling the warmth of her hug.

“Hi, Jenna”

"Never in my short life had I felt so much concern," She says when we part. "I'm already sounding like my mother and it's all because of you!”

I smile at her drama.

"Why weren't you on the train with us? I looked for you, but in the end Marlene said that maybe you wanted your space. Since when do you need to have space without me?” She puts her hands on her waist.

“I knew you would be upset, but your girlfriend is right. I just needed time…”

She looks at me worried.

"I'm fine now... I think. Can we have something for dinner?"

"Sure, let's go to the table, you've been alone for some time, now it's your turn to be with your best friend!”

“Okay,” I smile.

We both sat and ate dinner after the sorting ceremony.

"I find it very strange that you didn't even turn to the other table," says Jenna, pointing to the table behind me.

My body tenses.

“I-I… I just want to be with you," I stutter.

I don't understand very well why I don't want to hear from the others, I just don't want to face everything at once.

"Honey, bad excuse. Are you sure you’re alright?"

"I don't know, Jenna, everything that's happened is- it's too much and I don't want to deal with questions or more worried people…”

"Okay, relax. Anyway, the marauders are not there.”

"What?" I ask turning to see the table to realize that it’s true. "Where are they? They’re fine? Is it Remus? Is anyone hurt? Where’s Sirius?"

"Ok, that was my fault,” She sighs. "I shouldn't have said it so lightly…”

“Jenna!"

“Everyone's fine, P. Don’t panic, we’ll take you to them,” She says grabbing her things. "At least it lasted until I finished dinner…”

Jenna guides me through the hallways and I recognize the path.

"Why are we going to the infirmary?" I ask, my heart races.

"I told you they’re all fine, but maybe one of them needs a routine checkup…” She says with a grimace.

We arrive at the infirmary at the same time that James, Remus and Peter leave, almost colliding with us.

"Boys? What's going on?"

"Hello, Persephone,” says James.

"Is Sirius inside? What happened?" He frowns and looks at Remus for help.

"Didn't anyone tell you?" He asks. Remus shakes his head and takes my hand, pulling me away from the others.

"Just tell me, Remus,” I say on the verge of crying.

"Breathe and relax, Percy. I just found out that the letters we all tried to send you weren't read. This…” He scratches the back of his neck. “This is complicated, but I think Sirius has to explain it to you. Madame Pomfrey is changing the bandages…”

"Bandages?" I screech.

Before he could get into the infirmary, the door opens and Sirius comes out as he adjusts his sweater.

"Thank you, Madame Pomfrey!" He yells and shuts the door. "Remus, can you help me out–? Oh…” He stops when he sees me.

He has some bruises on his neck and a cut that seems to be healing. But that's not what surprises me the most. His damn smile is what breaks me.

"Hey, pretty lady,” He says, but I stretch out my arm to stop him. "What's going on?"

I frown.

"What's going on?" I repeat angry.

"We'd better go…” James says.

"I'm in trouble?" Sirius asks when everyone leaves, scratching the back of his neck.

I can't help but hit his shoulder and he complains.

“I barely get to school and I don't see you at the Gryffindor table, then they bring me to the infirmary because YOU are hurt and now that I'm in front of you, you just- you just smile!?”

My reaction makes him more nervous.

"Okay, I can explain everything, but first you have to relax–”

My hands clench into fists, I walk towards him causing him to recoil until he hits the wall.

“Tell me again to relax and I swear I'll leave another bruise on your eye, Sirius Orion Black!"

"I'm scared," He replies barely above a whisper.

***

"Did I tell you today how beautiful you are?" Sirius says as we sit on the bench in front of the gardens.

"You have ten seconds if you don't want to end up bald.”

"Beautiful inside and out,” He smiles like a little boy, but then sighs and shakes his head. “It's not simple and uh… already had a good time, sorry, maybe I forgot that you did not know…”

I feel a pressure on my chest, and the anger fades a bit. Maybe I was not in his thoughts during the holidays as I thought.

"You forgot?"

“It's not that I didn't think of you, of course I did! But, uh- this is harder than I thought…” He wipes his hands on his pants. “After Avery, when my mother took us home, everything was chaos, more than usual,” His expression makes me nervous. “She cursed, she blamed me for everything. My parents completely lost their minds. I tried to defend myself, but this time I had no other way out, Percy…”

"What happened?" I hold his hand.

“I ran away from home,” He looks down and focuses on our hands. “I took my things and ran away from that stupid mansion. My mother was quite clear in saying that I am no longer her son.”

“But…” he raises his head. "Where have you been all this time?"

His smile returns.

“With the Potters,” Sirius’ gaze softens. “They’ve always been there in every holiday that I’ve been able to share with James,” He gets closer to me. “They treat me as if I were their son, and when I left home, they didn’t hesitate to help me again.”

We were silent for a few minutes. I process everything. I know that Walburga is a woman of character, but I also know that family is something important to her, even though she has horrible parenting methods. She cares what others in her lineage say, as does my family. But is her heart so cold that she didn't care that her first child no longer with them?

“Are you safe? Didn't your parents try to do something?"

"I haven't heard from them since I left, not even from Regulus.”

I try to understand him, he was never happy in the Black mansion, a part of me wants to make him go back, but the other part stops me. The Potters, James has taken care of him, while I couldn't even leave my house. Sirius was hurt and I wasn't with him. My eyes water at the thought.

"I-" The lump in my throat won't let me speak. “They hurt you and I- I couldn't do anything to help you Sirius, I'm sorry…”

"Hey, no, no, no…” His hands cup my face. "It's not your fault, love. Don't cry!” His thumb wipes a tear. “We tried to tell you, but we never got a reply.”

"My family burned all my letters,” I wipe my nose with the sleeve of my sweater.

"I know, my uncle warned us,” He takes a lock of my hair and plays with it. "Everything went very fast. Euphemia, James's mother, helped me with my injuries. The Potters have helped me a lot and I’m sorry that I reacted like this when I left the infirmary, it's just that, I don't know, I think that by not having the pressure of the wedding or even my family, everything has calmed down. I'm sorry…” His arms go around my waist and he draws me to him in a hug.

I hide my face in his neck. Having him so close relaxes me and it is as if I finally breathe again.

"I missed you…” I whisper.

"Me too, Percy.”

I look at his beautiful grey eyes and I notice something different, a small flash, something that had not been there before.

“Alphard told me that you didn't go out at all, are you okay? Shit, sorry, surely you had hell at home and I was an idiot just thinking about my own things. I'm the worst boyfriend in the world. Say it, it's fine, I accept it.”

My eyes widen when I hear one word in particular.

"Boyfriend?"

"Uh, yeah? I am, aren’t I? I thought… you know, after everything that's happened… You don't want to? I don’t know how this works…”

I laugh at his rambling.

“I didn't think we had any labels, I just thought we were… together. But…” I smile feeling my cheeks blush. "Being my boyfriend doesn't sound so bad, does it?”

He laughs and leans down to bring his lips against mine in a tender kiss. He puts his hand on the back of my neck to deepen it. It feels so good to kiss him after so long…

"I don't want to ruin this moment, but…” He says when we part. "Do you want to talk about what happened at your house? You know you can tell me anything.”

I shake my head.

“I just want to be with you and our friends. I want peace."

“Agree."

Taglist

@treestarrrrrrrr @siriuslysirius1107 @thagreenmoon @madmaiden2890 @ren-ela @avipshamitra @auroraawrites @findzelda @lizlil @siriusmuch @chloe-geoghegan1 @reverse-hxlland @may-rapp @the-specific-oceans @eveft

@xkonpinkx

@bloodorangemoonlight

@littledeadgirlwalking

@yunloyal

#pure blood #Sirius Black #Sirius black x reader #james potter #Remus lupin #Harry Potter #Lily Evans #twoidiots writing

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alexandenigtscreations · 3 years

Link

Chapters: 4/? Fandom: The Penumbra Podcast Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Relationships: Peter Nureyev/Juno Steel Summary:

Juno Steel and Peter Nureyev make a good team. But when a bank job goes horribly wrong, the injured pair are forced to lay low and hope the Carte Blanche can make it back to them in time.

Part 4:

Somewhere in the distance and fog of his mind he registered a door swinging open. There was a loud clatter and shredding of metal that set his teeth on edge, scattering what little assemblance of thought he’d managed to collect.

Something- something wasn’t right.

Shrill beeping cut deep into his skull- Juno pressed a hand to his temple, opening his eye to stare up at the canvas.

Nureyev was out there- fighting.

Nureyev was out there fighting while Juno was cowering under a blanket like some god damned child- But no, ‘worse than a child’ , even as a kid he’d probably be out there right now, fists swinging to protect those important to him.

Damn, even dead Ramses O’Flaherty could still talk his ear off.

Stop it Steel. He shifted, groaning as stab of pain shot through his stomach-

He- oh- he didn’t feel good-

There were more sounds from outside, sparking metal and weighty clangs- accompanied by the the telltale hum of a blaster charging- Nureyev didn’t fight with a blaster, which meant-

No-

Juno forced himself into a sitting position, a sodden cloth sliding off his forehead. The world washed out in vertigo, the nausea once again clawing at his insides. Damn it-

He groaned, clutching at the couch arm for dear life.

It felt like an eternity for him to get his bearings- He needed to get to Nureyev, he needed to help . That little black box wouldn't mean a damned thing if something happened to his knight in stolen armor.

You’d just get in his way- a nasty part of himself hissed. You’re no good to anyone like you are now-

And god was he aware of that, couldn’t so much as sit up without feeling sick- he gritted his teeth cursing himself for getting hit in the first place.

Hell, hadn’t Nureyev proven time and time again how he didn’t need Juno? How could he fend for himself? He’d practically carried Juno the last leg to their pick up point, probably making his injury worse. .

The battle wages on in Juno's mind, to go or not to go- To go or not to go, To go- God, he's had hangovers that treat him more like a lady than this.

Or not to go- He hunched over, hugging himself tight-

To go - even the THEIA Soul hadn't done him this dirty-

Or not to go- admittedly he'd been heavily sedated in a hospital ward at the time and couldn't remember much of the whole thing-

Or not to go-

Juno was just about to let his aching body sink back into the cushions when he heard something that flooded him with fear.

Nureyev screamed-

The last time he’d heard the man scream was in Miasma’s compound. It was something that his nameless thief just didn’t do.

He was hurt-

He needed help-

Juno lurched to his feet, barely able to disentangle himself from the canvas and take up his blaster.

He heard Nureyev again, this time softer than before. It only served to spur Juno on.

Juno flung the door open. Propping himself up on the frame, he surveyed the scene. A handful of drones were closing in on where Nureyev was tangled in a series of bins. He was struggling to get upright and not getting very far-

Juno took aim and fired.

It was hard to aim true with his shaking arms. The shots never seemed to line up quite right and for a heart stopping moment, he thought he hit Nureyev. Terror bit deep into his chest as Juno watched the man fold in on himself, getting impossibly small.

Oh, no, no, no, please no-

The next thing he knew, the thief leaped up with a flourish. A flash of silver arced through the air, knocking something to the ground next to Juno’s feet.

A drone.

He- hadn’t noticed it- which seemed impossible, it was so close- He hadn't noticed it until Nureyev acted-

“Nice- shot-”. He gasped, feeling his face twisting into a grimace. The knife sensation reared its ugly head; cutting edges worrying away at his core. It was too much, too much! God. It drowned out all thought leaving only pain.

He let out a low whine and sagged against the door frame, feeling sicker than ever. Dimly aware of that musical baritone talking to him, saying his name and cool hands cupping his face-

He could scarcely make out the words over the rush of blood in his ears. But he wanted to. He’d do anything for that wonderful voice.

“uno- Juno-” Nureyev was saying “love, do you think you c-can stand for me?”

All Juno could do was let out an unhelpful groan. Long thin arms wound their way about him, attempting to pull him upright. But it hurt - it hurt so much. He folded over the pain, dropping even lower.

“I need you- to work w-with me- Detective-” Nureyev said through gritted teeth. That’s when he remembered the blaster shot.

Hell

He needed to help out- he needed to stand- He rearranged his leaden legs to gain leverage from the ground, pushing up underneath him and-

Something tore within. Like so many wet chords snapping- breaking apart. Juno cried out in agony.

“I know love- I know- but I need you to keep up the stride-”

Nureyev didn’t know- couldn’t . How would you know what it would be like? To come undone from the inside out- To have every step unravel you piece by piece.

How could you know something like that?

He wished to be belligerent, to argue back or something, but instead he just keened into Nureyev’s side, his body on fire.

“Just- a bit- more-” Juno’s stomach lurched as he was deposited back onto the cushions. Nureyev muttered something soothing in a language he couldn’t quite focus on, before messily transitioning back to Solar. “I’ll be back Love, I’ve s-strings to tie up.”

Strings to tie up- that seemed pleasant. Juno felt like his strings had been cut. He curled in on himself trying to bite back another pathetic sound. Trying to hold himself together even as his heart threatened to hammer him apart. Trying to breathe.

Just.

Breathe.

By the time Nureyev returned, Juno was feeling- not better- but certainly more stable. The thief, however, was limping worse than ever. His hair worked free of the careful styling, his complexion pallid and flushed under what remained of his foundation. He was shaking too. At least, Juno thought he was shaking, it was hard to tell through the mental fog.

“ ‘Reyev- ” he croaked.

Nureyev’s expression softened, “Juno- How are you feeling?”

“Like I ate nails fer’ breakfast- you?”

“Nails f-for breakfast? What an unusual culinary choice.”

Juno huffed in amusement immediately tensing around another throb of pain. They seemed to be getting more frequent. “Don’ make me laugh- naugh’ fair-”

“Apologies Detective.” Juno didn’t miss the way Nureyev peered out the window- Worried about being followed- the thought surfaced hazily.

“Is- are they tracking us?” Juno inquired.

“I’m not sure how they’d be track-” he trailed off, those bright eyes flashing in a shock of recognition. “Of course- Juno- that’s it!” Nureyev pressed an excited kiss into his knuckles before hobbling off to retrieve his coat, where it had been left to dry.

“Babe?” Juno asked, not following the frenzied search through all the rubbish packed in those bottomless pockets of his.

Nureyev made a triumphant noise, extracting a small bundle of cyan fletched darts, their noses buried in a cork. Juno wanted to ask, but found himself instead enjoying the flush of triumph on Nureyev’s face. It was an expression that was all Peter Nureyev without a hint of a mask, a smile pulled wide over those pointed teeth, eyes sparkling behind his glasses, hair tussled with strands framing his face.

“Do I wanna know?”

“If I told you they caught my eye- w-would you hold it against me?”

“You telling me you took ‘em because- they were shiny?” Juno chuckled, regretting the act instantly as the pain flared.

“I s-suppose that’s one interpretation-” he affirmed, freeing a dart and analyzing it. Looking for ways to disassemble the thing. The miniscule vial within was still full, which was something.

__________________________________________________________

Nureyev scrutinized the dart, turning it this way and that before gleaning an understanding of the shell’s mechanics. Sure enough, a simple twist was all it took to remove the fletching, revealing a small honing chip.

He let out a short, disappointed hum.

“I regret to inform you that your hunch was- correct.” He held the chip up for the Detective’s inspection.

“Ya-you jus’ don’ like surprises-”

“Don’t be absurd, surprises k-keep life interesting. However-” he glared at the offending chip over his glasses “T-today has already been more interesting than what w-would be comfortable.”

Juno rewarded him with a snort, his gentle hand came to rest on Nureyev’s back.

The touch was light, but sent an achy chill through him even as he chased the pressure. If he was being honest with himself, he wasn’t feeling well at all- and it was more than the pain in his leg. Juno’s fingers drifted up to his shoulder, his thumb tracing clumsy circles into the damp material of his shirt.

A trickle of sweat trailed down his brow accentuating the pounding in his temples. A few minutes rest- then he could deal with the microchips- somehow.

Perhaps he had said something out loud because Juno rasped “Rita-” Nureyev frowned, wondering why Juno would be bringing up his ex-secretary now. “She’ll know wha ta do-”

It snapped into place so fast it made his head spin. If he wasn’t so tired, he’d have kissed Juno on the spot. Still might.

Of course! Rita would surely be able to help them deal with the chips! Of course!

He settled in and made the call.

“Hiiiiii~ This is Rita’s Work Space Spectacular!” came her usual upbeat tone. Nureyev put her on speaker between the two of them, nothing subtle way Juno perked up.

“Rita- how god it is to hear from you-”

“Ohh! Mista Ransom! I thought you was gonna be the Captain! Checking in on the- well- never mind. But I heard you was held up somewhere safe till old Rita here can get back to you all but I’m so sorry Mista Ransom! I don’t know when the Carte Blanche will be able to circle back! I am trying my best, I really am but this is just like Delton: Age of Destruction! Where the bad guys weave a real dense net of radioactive algae to capture-”

“Rita-” Juno cut in.

“Princes Valkyrie of-”

“Rita!” he was louder now, raising himself up on an elbow with a pained hiss. “Rita- please- there's a- chip-”

“Not a Soul -” she gasped, sounding utterly terrified “Mista Steel! That took a hundred and ten percent of my energy last time, and a whole building collapsin’ on you! With everythin’ that’s going on right now I don’t know if I can-”

“N-not that Rita- we’re- ugh- ” Juno’s chest stuttered as another spasm passed through “We’re- alrigh-”

“Really Mista Steel? You don’t sound alright.” Rita’s concern mirrored Nureyev’s own. He almost envied her the luxury in indulging it instead of shoving it to a dark corner of his mind in favor of the more immediate threat. The only one he was qualified to handle.

“We have k-kept Vespa in the loop, she is aware of our situation. Juno is referring to t-the-” he trailed off pinching the bridge of his nose trying to think past the fog “the- locating- er- tracking chip. Half dozen of the things really- we require your assistance in d-dealing with them.”

“Oh! Tracking chips? Why didn’t you say something soona Mista Ransom! I can do that for you no problem! One Sec!”

Nureyev hummed appreciatively, smoothing back his slackening hair and plucking off residual crawlspace cobwebs.

“Just put the coms in front of the chips and let me see what’s what.”

“You c-can do that?” Not for the first time, Nureyev was left in awe by the resident hacker of the Carte Blanche.

“Little trick I picked up with Mista Steel!” he could practically see the large warm smile lighting her face from here. “Just gotta hack into the Universal Positioning System and tap into the uplink relay and-”

He left her to it, listening to her chirp away about anything and everything that came into her mind. He’d long held a suspicion that this display was an advanced system of a free association memory palace- rather like those remarkable drawing notes of hers. Something that seemed to be unique to Rita.

Nureyev leaned back and focused on breathing, threading his fingers with Juno’s and taking the opportunity to search the lady’s wrist for his pulse point. The Detective gave a violent full body shiver before he could locate the beat.

“Nur-” he puffed “cold-”

“Apologies.”

Juno hummed, pulling Nureyev’s arm closer to the heat of him. He was being drawn in, like a moth to a flame. A beautiful goddess by the name of Juno Steel. It was nice there, he could feel his heart through his shirt, where his arm rested against his chest. He drew nearer still, lulled by the rhythmic clacks of Rita’s fingers as they danced their way across the keys.

“Ah Ha! And there you have it! Those nasty drone demons can’t be following you any more, Mista Ransom!”

“Wait-that’s- that’s it?” Nureyev could scarce believe it.

“Yep! You’re all set! Rita took care of it for ya! Actually a lot easier than I thought it would be, which is good cuz it’s really buzzy at the moment!”

Nureyev gave her profuse thanks, a weight lifting from his chest.

“What was that Mista Ransom? Couldn’t quite understand ya there-”

“Oh- Just- t-thank you...Rita.”

“Sure thing Mista Ransom! If there’s anythin, and I mean anythin else that little ol’ Rita can help you with, don’t be afraid to give me a hollar! And, well, Just take care of yourself and Mista Steel okay? I know that ain't somethin I gotta ask with you but, you’re far away and I’m just worried sick about you two! Okay? And just in case, you should keep an eye on those little devices, just cuz I-” she cut off. Someone in the background seemed to be talking to her. “Oh, right away Captain A! Sorry Mista Ransom, I gotta go!”

“Understood, and thank you again-” but she was already gone.

Conversations with Rita usually left him mentally reeling and oddly touched in a way he couldn’t truly begin to unpack. This conversation was no different, adding to the mounting folder that was Rita in his mind.

He thought about filing this discussion away in future consideration too, but- that didn’t fit- perhaps it would be saved for an upcoming poetry session when they were once again safe aboard the Carte Blanche.

Yes- that would have to due.

And again- more evidence that something was happening on the ship-

He bit his lip, thinking- and trying his best to blot out worst case scenarios.

A hand searing with fevered heat, brushed the nape of his neck. “Babe- come under tha covers- ge-warm.”

Nureyev hummed, it sounded so inviting, and he was so cold.

“Perhaps-for a moment Love-”

#tpp #the penumbra podcast #jupeter #peter nureyev #rita redacted #juno steel #fic #fanfic #my writing #AlexandeNight #junoverse #blaster shot wound #poision #tw description of illness #etc #it's getting finished #slowly but surly!#:D

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mollymauk-teafleak · 3 years

Text

we can make it right

My wonderful girlfriend’s other anniversary present! We get two because she’s the best and most wonderful and deserves everything @spiky-lesbian

---------

Ben tries to help Juno find himself again after a tough few years.

tw: mentions of abusive relationships, its Juno post Diamond so I think you know what to expect

----------

“He’s not doing good, is he?”

Most of the time, Benzaiten found his boyfriend’s tendency to point out the obvious endearing and adorable. But sometimes, like now, it reminded him of things he’d rather not think about. It was hard enough to see the dark circles under his brother’s eyes and the way he’d pick listlessly at his food when he’d come down and eat with them at all, the hours he spent in bed but not sleeping, how he’d made no efforts towards finding himself another job. It was hard enough to lie to Rita every time she called to check up on him and ask how the lady she still insisted on calling Boss was doing.

It was hard enough knowing his brother was hurting badly and that he couldn’t do anything about it, without Mick pointing it out.

But it wasn’t his fault and Ben let go of the resentment quickly, setting down his glass and sighing, “No. He really isn’t.”

Mick reached across the table, over the remains of their dinner and took his hand. He rarely knew what to say at times like this but he knew Ben thought his touch, his quiet presence and his willingness to listen more than enough.

“I mean, I’m trying, babe,” Ben’s voice trembled, “God knows I’m trying but every time I talk to him, every time I try and get any kind of emotion out of him, it’s like he can’t hear me.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you…”

“No,” Ben shook his head quickly, wiping at the tears that sprung alarmingly quickly to his eyes with the hand not in Mick’s, “You didn’t. I mean, he’s been living here, what, a month? I can’t just keep hoping this will magically be enough and not talking about it. I need to do something but...”

“She hurt him bad, honey,” Mick said hesitantly, “He’s probably just scared to let anyone else in.”

Ben dropped his hand, looking across at his boyfriend, heartbreak in his eyes as he whispered, “Even me?”

Mick grimaced, “Well...I mean, not that it was his fault, but he was pushing us away for a long time before it fell apart. Remember how bad it got?”

The wine on his tongue suddenly turned sour as Ben grimaced. He did remember, better than he wanted to. He remembered how it had started small, with cancelled plans and standing him up for coffees he’d promised to have with his brother. There had always been apologies and excuses, the academy was just kicking his ass, he just had so much paperwork to do, he just needed a little time to find his feet and get his head above water. Ben had nodded and said he understood, all while privately wondering why Juno seemed to have time to go to all these parties and clubs, kinds he’d never expressed an interest in before, but didn’t have the time to see his own twin for lunch.

Whenever Ben would offer help, would express worry that maybe he was working too hard, that was when the conversation would turn terse. Juno didn’t need his help. Ben had his hands full with Ma, didn’t he? Ben had risen to those, he knew he had, never able to let Juno get away with smartass comments unchallenged. They’d stopped having conversations that didn’t end in shouting matches, even if they’d meekly apologise over their comms the next morning and promise to try again.

But eventually, it had blown up completely one night when he’d gone to Juno’s new place, unannounced and sick of being blown off all the time, intending to force his brother into a night off with him. Juno had gotten in his face and the words had slipped out, the words Ben had known were coming.

Ben had his chance to help. He’d had his chance to go with Juno and he’d chosen Sarah instead.

Blinded by furious, helpless tears, Ben hadn’t realised until later that there had been another person in Juno’s room.

It had spiralled quickly after that. Juno wouldn’t answer his calls any more, not even after he moved out of Ma’s house and in with Mick. He had to hear it from Sasha, from Rita, that Juno was falling apart. He’d had to watch his brother’s self destruction from the sidelines.

It wasn’t until the night of the wedding that didn’t happen that Ben found any hope. It didn’t give him any pleasure at all to watch them break his brother’s heart but at least it was over. That night, they’d drank, they’d let everything go in one mad, alcohol fuelled release of years worth of tension, they’d ridden at breakneck speed through the desert on the back of Mick’s bike, the wind had caught the hem of Juno’s wedding dress and billowed it out behind him as he’d laughed and cried and Ben remembered thinking how beautiful his brother looked.

He remembered thinking that he finally had his other half back.

But now there was only this. Juno haunting their spare room, jobless and withdrawing, heartbroken and depressed, walls around him a mile thick. Even if Ben could find a way through, would he want him to?

“Even if he was yelling at me and punching my teeth out again, it would be better than this,” Ben mumbled, feeling his lower lip tremble.

“But maybe that’s it,” Mick frowned as he tried to put the words together, “Jay did that when all you were trying to do was get him out of that awful relationship and help him. Even if he didn’t know it at the time, he knows it now. And...I mean, it wasn’t the guy’s fault, of course it wasn’t, but...it was kind of shitty?”

Ben sniffled, “So...what do you mean?”

“I mean I think he feels guilty,” Mick shrugged, “He wants to let you in and let you help but he knows how badly he fucked it up last time. He’s scared of getting hurt but I think he’s scared of hurting you too. So if you want to help him...maybe show him you forgive him first?”

Ben’s jaw fell open a little and he stared at his boyfriend in awe for a long moment before jumping to his feet, circling round their cramped dinner table and pulling him in by the face for a long, deep kiss.

“You, Bartholomew Mercury,” he declared once he’d pulled away, “are one of the smartest men on Mars.”

Instantly, his boyfriend’s ears turned scarlet and he was grinning madly as Ben kissed him one last time before hurrying up to the spare room Juno had taken when he’d moved in.

The door was shut of course but when Ben rapped on it, there was only a few seconds pause before he heard his brother answer, “Yeah?”

“Can I come in, Super Steel?”

“I told you, Ben, I’m not hungry,” the voice sounded heavy and tired, so unlike his brother used to, “I’ll get something later, promise.”

“It’s not that,” Ben answered, “I just want to talk to you. Can I come in?”

There was a longer pause this time but eventually the answer came, “Sure.”

Before they’d offered it to Juno while he got back on his feet, they’d just thrown all the junk they didn’t want to deal with into this room. Which mostly meant Ben’s dance clothes, all the costumes from shows he’d been in right from when they were in high school and he’d been sewing them himself. All that had been listlessly pushed to one side, even if it did take up the majority of the space still. Not that Juno had unpacked his tiny suitcase of stuff rescued from Diamond’s place yet.

As he’d expected, Juno was just stretched out on the camp bed, still in the sweatpants and oversized shirt of Mick’s he’d been wearing for way too long now. He’d made the effort to sit up but from the way his curls were flattened on one side and his eyes were dry and shadowed, he’d just been staring at the wall before Ben had knocked on the door. He was hollow cheeked and ashy skinned, still a slight tremor in his hands like he was perpetually cold though there was a perfectly good comforter kicked away onto the floor.

But Ben didn’t let any of the worry show on his face, he just smiled and took a seat at the foot of the rickety fold out bed, making it creak alarmingly.

“So?” Juno asked tiredly.

“I wanted to tell you about this thing that happened to me today,” Ben said brightly, folding his legs up under himself, “So we were warming up at the studio and we switch the music every so often, just so we don’t get bored, y’know?”

“Uh huh,” Juno intoned flatly, eyes fading, but Ben persisted.

“And this time it was one of those real old Earth classics like Ma used to love, some of that old school hip hop funk. Here, I’ll play it for you!”

“Ben, you don’t have to do that…” Juno started but it was too late.

Ben yanked his comms out of his pocket and tapped quickly, eventually a rhythmic piano opening pouring out of the speaker in the corner. Good as Hell by Lizzo, they’d played it a thousand times before and he saw the recognition on Juno’s face.

“And it reminded me of when you and me would be going out to some party in high school and we’d always wait so we could get ready together,” Ben raised his voice over the singer’s now.

Maybe he was just imagining it, maybe he was just seeing what he wanted to see, but Ben could have sworn there was a flicker of some expression in Juno’s eyes, a kind of softness. He pressed on excitedly.

“Remember? You’d do my make up real killer and I’d help you pick out something you could still dance in and do your hair...and we’d always end up dancing. Even if we were wearing something so ridiculous or we looked like clowns, I’d grab your hands and pull you up and you’d call me an asshole but we’d still be smiling. We’d put this song on because it was your favourite and we’d just spin around until we fell over or I’d show you how to jive and you wouldn’t even be half bad!”

A chuckle. An honest to god chuckle, even if it was rough and uncertain. Ben’s face split into a grin, he knew then that Juno was seeing the same things he was, the memories he was reanimating with his words and the music.

“I always looked forward to getting ready with you, way more than any party…remember how much fun we had, Juno?”

His brother sighed, face softening, “Yeah. I remember, Benten.”

Feeling more sure about this than he had about anything for a while, Ben stuck his hand out, reaching across the space between them, reaching for his twin. For a second, Juno looked uncertain, afraid, his eyes flickering to Ben’s anxiously. But when he saw them shining, crinkling at the corners like they always did when he smiled wide enough to ache, something in him opened up.

He found the strength from somewhere and reached out to take his brother’s hand.

It was awkward and hesitant at first, Juno stiffly swaying from one foot to the other, kind of on the beat. Ben just shrugged, not about to make him run before he could walk, happily bouncing around him like an excited puppy, popping his shoulders and kicking out with abandon. Slowly, surely, he heard Juno start to laugh and saw him shaking his head helplessly, felt him loosen up bit by bit. It was like whatever energy and brightness Ben had was flowing into Juno, warming up frozen joints and restarting a dormant heart.

By the time the bridge kicked in, with all it’s heavy drum beats, the two of them were mirroring each other, both stomping and clapping and grinning hard enough to shake the floor. Ben ran to the boxes of old costumes, ripping them open and pulling out feather boas, glitter vests, sequin headbands, throwing them at his brother. Juno cackled, pulling on everything he was given, yanking a few onto Ben as well until they were both equally as haphazardly bedazzled. They let the song play again and again, melting into itself in a loop they’d happily let go on forever, time not mattering one jot as the twins bounced and vogued and grinded their way around the tight space, laughing until their chests held the same ache.

And for the length of a sparkling piano line and thumping drum beat, everything was alright again.

Eventually, the back of Juno’s knees hit the camp bed and he fell onto it, panting raggedly and shaking his head in defeat, “God, Ben, I’m gonna pass out…”

Reluctant to have it end but recognising the moment was done, Ben turned the song off and sank down next to his brother, now pressed up against one another.

In the silence afterwards, Juno’s face settled a little back into place, the same sadness and tiredness edging into his expression. But this time he leaned against Benten, letting his head fall onto his brother’s shoulder, even if it meant he had to spit and sputter away a mouthful of purple synthetic feathers.

“Listen, Ben…” Juno sighed, sounding tired again but in a good, cleaner way, “I...I’m really glad you’re here.”

Ben smiled, finding Juno’s hand and squeezing it, “And I’m glad you’re here. So we’re even, Super Steel.”

That wasn’t the end of it, of course. Years of hurt and distance weren’t going to be fixed by a song and some memories. But the next time Juno felt himself sinking into a place he didn’t want to be, he reached out to Ben, knocking on his and Mick’s door in the middle of the night and not pulling away when Ben reached out and wrapped his arms around him.

He would be sad again. They’d get angry at each other again. They’d hurt each other sometimes.

But they both knew how to get back to each other.

#steel twins #benzaiten steel #benmick #juno steel #mick mercury #tw: abusive relationship #hurt/comfort #love me some good sibling relationships #please reblog and comment!!#its on ao3 too

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artificialqueens · 4 years

Text

Duality, Prologue (Crygi) - Metaluna

Fic summary:

Being 115 years old was something Gigi never planned on, let alone a 115 year old vampire. After nearly a century, she finally begins to settle down, never so content in her undead life. What happens when a group of mysterious strangers arrive into town and threaten everything Gigi has worked so hard for?

A/N: Hey, lovelies! If you follow my Tumblr, you would know that this fic is living in my mind rent free. A HUGE thank you go Juno for brainstorming with me, beta reading, and being so encouraging.

1927

“Georgiana! Eleanor! Are you ready yet?” their mother called from downstairs.

“Just a moment, Mother!” Nora called back. “Gigi, we’re going to be late to your own wedding celebration!”

“We will be on time,” Gigi murmured as her sister brushed her cornsilk hair as she sat at her vanity. “Besides, what are they going to do? Ask me to leave?”

Both girls laughed. “You’re so beautiful, Gigi. James is a very lucky man.”

“I’m nervous to be married,” Gigi admitted, shifting anxiously in the stool. “Sometimes I wonder if I love him.”

Eleanor gasped. “Georgiana Goode! You love your fiance, you’re going to marry him and become Georgiana Rossini, you’re going to have lots of little babies, and you’ll grow old together.”

“Do you think so?” Gigi nervously asked as she put a barrette in her delicate curls.

“I know so.” Nora gasped. “I almost forgot. I got you a gift!”

“You didn’t have to do that for me.”

“Oh, but I did. Close your eyes.”

Gigi did as instructed as she held her hands out. She felt her sister place a small box wrapped in brown paper with a small yellow bow on top.

“Open it.”

“Okay.” Gigi wanted to rip the box open in excitement, but instead took her time, delicately removing the bow and unwrapping the paper.

Inside the box was a silver chain with ornate detailing around a pearl.

“Oh, Nora, it’s beautiful!”

“Let me put it on you.”

Pulling her hair to the side, Gigi felt the cold silver touch her neck as she examined her appearance in the vanity’s mirror. “It looks even more beautiful around my neck. Thank you, dear sister.”

“Maybe this can be your ‘something new’ for your wedding?” Nora suggested.

Gigi smiled as she traced the detailing of the pendant. “I already planned on it.”

“Girls! We are going to be late!” their mother called.

“Coming!” they called in unison.

Nora wrapped Gigi in a hug as Gigi gazed at her reflection in the vanity mirror. “Yellow really is your color.”

Gigi grinned. “Let’s go. Mother’s going to murder us!”

Gigi was relieved when James suggested that they arrive at the party separately. She knew that it was going to be one of the last times with her family before she was a married woman. The party was to be at her fiance’s home, which was only a short car ride away. The entire time, Gigi and Nora were abuzz about the evening’s festivities.

Whenever Gigi went to her fiance’s home, she couldn’t help but feel out of place. She wasn’t quite sure what business James and his father were in. Anytime Gigi tried to bring it up, James quickly changed the subject, as did his father. Whatever business they were in allowed for a comfortable life and a house with so many rooms, Gigi couldn’t begin to count them.

The party was held in the gardens, which were expertly decorated by James’ mother. Lights were strung through the trees as a plethora of yellow flowers lined the pathway. An impressive spread of food was on display as a band played in the background. Gigi and Nora looked at each other, their faces full of wonderment.

“Wow,” Gigi exhaled. “It’s beautiful.”

“It is, isn’t it?” a familiar voice said. “Hello, my love.”

Gigi turned around to see James, who looked dapper in his well-tailored suit. The yellow tie he was wearing matched Gigi’s dress. Nora made sure that James knew what Gigi planned on wearing. Although Nora probably didn’t need to tell him, everyone knew Gigi’s favorite color was yellow.

“You look so handsome, darling.” Gigi tenderly stroked her fiance’s cheek.

“I have my own family to entertain, so enjoy the night, both of you. I will check in on you later.“

“Where did Mother and Father go?” Nora asked as she scanned the gardens.

Gigi shrugged, taking her sister’s hand. “Let’s go!”

The night was much more fun than Gigi could have ever imagined. She and her sister sat enjoying each other’s company until one of James’ cousins approached Nora.

“Eleanor,” he greeted.

Nora’s face flushed. “Hello, John.”

“Would you like to dance?” he held out a hand, which Nora nervously took.

“I’m going to go get something to drink. Don’t have too much fun,” Gigi teased.

Making her way to the refreshment table, Gigi was stunned by the sheer amount of food on the linen-clad table. Eyeing the various cakes, Gigi looked down at her figure and thought about every time James complimented her slender frame, and opted for a the lemonade in an ornate glass bowl.

As she reached for the ladle, she felt someone’s presence behind her. Taking a sip, she turned around and saw who was staring at her. It was a beautiful woman she’d never seen before. Gigi knew that James had a large family, so she figured the woman was one of his distant cousins.

“Hello,” Gigi smiled shyly.

“Congratulations, dear!” The woman spoke with an accent, which surprised Gigi, who had never met anyone who wasn’t from Chicago.

Something about the woman made Gigi nervous, no not nervous, intrigued. She tucked a strand of hair behind her hair as she said, “Are you one of James’ cousins?”

“Something like that. I’m Nicolette, but you may call me Nicky.”

“Okay, Nicky. I’m Gigi.”

“I know.” Nicky glanced at the banner that had her name on it.

“Oh,” Gigi said as she felt the blood rush to her face. “Of course. You have a very exotic accent. You aren’t from Chicago, are you?”

She shook her head. “I am from France originally.”

“I’ve never met anyone from France!” Gigi raised her voice excitedly before putting her hand over her mouth, suddenly remembering every time James told her ladies were supposed to be quiet in public. “That is so very interesting.”

It wasn’t just where Nicky was from Gigi found interesting. There was something about Nicky that intrigued Gigi greatly. She wasn’t sure what it was, it could have been the woman’s dress, which was much more fashion-forward than her own conservative frock. It might have been the woman’s accent, or the way she confidently held her body.

Everything about the woman was an enigma. Nicky was a stark contrast from the cookie cutter housewives-to-be from the Midwest. This was proved when the French woman took a cigarette from her purse and lit it.

Nicky offered one to Gigi, who said. “Oh, no. I was taught proper young ladies shouldn’t smoke.”

“I guess I’m not a ‘proper young lady’,” Nicky said as she took a drag.

“No! I mean… You are. Although, you aren’t young. Not that I am saying you’re old!” Gigi felt horrified. Whenever she was nervous, she rambled, oftentimes not thinking about her words. “I mean… I think it’s kind of neat.”

“Neat?”

Gigi nodded. “My fiance smokes and I think it looks very sophisticated.”

“You aren’t happy with him.” Nicky’s tone signified that she was not asking a question.

“Oh, don’t be silly. I love James with all of my heart.”

“Do you?” Nicky locked eyes with Gigi. No matter how hard Gigi tried, she couldn’t hold back the truth.

“I love him, but I do not think that I am in love with him. It’s a smart match. Our families joining together will expand his father’s business. James is going to give me a comfortable life, and I’m going to have babies, and raise a family, which is all I’ve ever wanted.” Gigi covered her mouth with her hands. “No, I didn’t mean it. I didn’t mean any of that. I’m not sure why I just said that.”

Nicky slowly exhaled, enveloping the air with a cloud of smoke. “What if I told you I could take you away and give you a new life?”

Gigi bit her lip. “Do you mean it?”

“Yes.”

“Can I bring my sister?”

“No. You would have to leave everything you know, and everyone in your current life.”

“I can’t leave Nora,” Gigi said as she looked at her sister who was gazing deeply into John’s eyes.

“It’s a shame,” Nicky said as she stomped out the cigarette butt under her stiletto. “I just thought I would offer a more fulfilling life.”

Fidgeting with her new necklace, she weighed the options in her head. As much as she wanted to have a family, she knew that she would never love James, at least not in the way that a wife should love her husband. Nora and Gigi were primarily raised by nannies growing up, so she wasn’t particularly close to her parents. The only person Gigi couldn’t imagine leaving behind was Nora, her sweet baby sister.

For her entire twenty-two years, Gigi did as she was told, and what was expected of her. She knew she would never lead a happy life, but rather one that looked perfect only on the outside.

“Can I have some time to think?” Gigi asked as she continued rubbing her necklace.

“Of course. I will be here all night.”

Once the song finished, Nora ran over to Gigi. “Gigi! Did you see us dancing? Oh, I really fancy him!”

“You look great together, Nora.” The sadness was evident in Gigi’s voice. She knew what she had to do.

“Are you okay, dear sister?” Nora’s blue eyes were full of concern.

Gigi nodded. “I’m just tired.”

“Well, wake up, we have the whole night!”

For the rest of the night, Gigi did her best to enjoy Nora’s company. Every time she looked at Nora, Gigi thought about how it was the last night she would have with her sweet sister. The night consisted of dancing, sneaking sweets, and talking about their futures.

“Gigi, you’re going to be such a good wife!” Nora exclaimed as she and Gigi sat at a table with a large floral centerpiece.

“You’re going to be a better wife than I ever will be. John is a smart match. I think you should talk to Mother and Father about the prospect of marriage.”

“Marriage? I’m only sixteen!”

“If you fancy him, you should think about your future. Think about the homemaker you will be, and of all the little babies you’re going to raise,” Gigi felt her voice crack. “You’re incredible, Nora. Please do not forget that.”

“Gigi, why are you talking like that?”

“My sweet sister. I just want you to know how important you are. Mother and Father care about you, even if it may not seem like it. Be wary of people’s true intentions, but be optimistic, and see the best in each day.” Gigi squeezed her sister’s hand.

“Georgiana, you are scaring me. Is everything okay? Are you having second thoughts about the marriage?”

“No.” Her voice cracked once more. “I just wanted to share the wisdom I’ve learned.”

Nora stared directly into her sister’s eyes, knowing exactly what Gigi was thinking. She and Gigi were far too close for there to be any secrets. The sisters knew each other better than they knew themselves.

“I have to powder my nose.” Gigi pulled Nora into a long hug as she tried to blink away any tears.

“Please keep in contact,” Nora whispered into her sister’s ear.

“I will try.”

“Where will you go?”

“I don’t know,” Gigi admitted.

“I love you dear, sister.”

“I love you too, Eleanor. Go find John. Dance with him, and have a wonderful evening.”

Nora nodded. “I will.”

When Gigi turned around, Nicky was standing in front of her, her eyes intense. “You’ve made your decision.”

“Yes,” was all Gigi could manage.

“Let’s go.”

“Where will we go?”

“I’ll explain later.”

With one last look, Gigi watched the life she once knew fade away. She saw James charming a group of women, while her father and future father-in-law were talking in the corner. James’ mother and her own mother were laughing as they sat at a table gossiping. And then she saw Nora, who was standing sadly by herself in the shadows. Tears formed as she and Nora locked eyes, as she smiled one last time at Gigi. By the time the French woman led Gigi to a nondescript car, Gigi couldn’t stop crying, and was unable to catch her breath.

After driving in silence for a few minutes, Gigi finally managed to ask, “Where are we going?”

“As I said, I will explain later.”

Unsatisfied with her answer, Gigi tried to calm her nerves by taking in the passing scenery. Just as she managed to steady her breathing, Nicky parked the car at an abandoned building.

“We’re here,” Nicky said as she opened the car door.

All Gigi could do was think about the mistake she made. She should have stayed at the party with her sister. Even if she didn’t love her fiance, she could have tried. It was as though she’d given up. She could have had a family, which is all she ever wanted. Here she was, about to enter an abandoned building with the distinct feeling that she was in danger.

The exterior of the building Nicky led Gigi into was old and decrepit, a stark contrast to the inside. The interior of the building was well-decorated with a dark color scheme. All of the windows were blacked out. To Gigi’s surprise, the apartment lacked a kitchen.

“This is… nice,” Gigi managed.

“Come sit,” Nicky instructed as she sat on a leather sofa. As much as Gigi didn’t want to, just as before, something had come over to her, and she had no choice but to obey.

Sitting across from Nicky, all Gigi could do was stare deeply into the woman’s gray eyes, heart fluttering quickly. Slowly, Nicky made her way closer to Gigi, resting her hand on top of Gigi’s which was shaking.

“Are you nervous?” Nicky asked as she gazed at Gigi.

“Yes,” Gigi whispered.

“Don’t be.”

At that moment, Gigi wasn’t entirely sure why she decided to go with Nicky. Part of her knew that it was because she truly was not happy with her life, and would never be. Another part of her knew the way she felt about women was wrong, and Gigi had an feeling Nicky understood in a way no one else ever would. Whenever James would kiss her, she felt nothing. None of the supposed fireworks that everyone had spoken so fondly about, but the priest always spoke about homosexuality condemning one to Hell, so she tried her hardest to push the vile thoughts out of her head.

Nicky tenderly caressed Gigi’s cheek and went in for a light kiss. When she and Gigi’s lips met, the feeling was unlike anything Gigi had ever experienced. The way Nora spoke about kissing boys suddenly made sense. Nicky’s kisses trailed down Gigi’s neck.The intense pleasure turned into a sudden pain. It took a moment for her to realize that Nicky had bit Gigi’s neck. Gigi wanted to scream as she felt the blood run down her neck, but failed to produce any sound. Nicky then bit her own wrist, drawing blood which she then held above Gigi’s mouth.

“Drink.” Blood was running down the corner of Nicky’s mouth.

Knowing she would die if she didn’t, Gigi did as instructed. Shortly thereafter, she felt her vision begin to slip.

Gigi sat straight up on the couch with a gasp. It was like when she was a little girl and had a nightmare. Slowly, she recalled the previous night’s events, hoping that it was all a nightmare. Immediately, she knew her hope was in vain as she looked around an apartment she didn’t recognize.

“Welcome back,” Nicky said, which caused Gigi to jump. She hadn’t realized the woman was sitting in the armchair across from the couch.

“Am I dead?”

“Undead.”

Gigi didn’t know how to process what Nicky had just said. Undead? What did that even mean? She reached to fidget with her necklace, which to her horror, was no longer around her neck. “Where’s my necklace?”

“I took it off while you transformed. Silver burns vampires, love.”

“Vampires?”

#rpdr fanfiction #gigi goode #nicky doll #crystal methyd #jaida essence hall #crygi #lesbian au #supernatural au #vampire au #metaluna #submission #duality #s12

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hemaris · 4 years

Note

Hello I love your penumbra art and I showed some to my friend who finally started listening to Juno Steel and she said that she's been enjoying penumbra fanart but keeps on seeing fantastic Peter designs and then having to ask where his pockets are. This is not at all a criticism I just needed to share the thought because now I'm wondering too

OKAY THAT IS A GREAT QUESTION so here’s a trio of highly unlikely options for your consideration (put into fic format by someone who has little to no experience writing fic and is, to be completely honest, miles outside of their comfort zone):

nureyev’s pockets contain a - for the lack of a better word - pocket dimension

“You’re full of shit, Steel,” Vespa says. “If you wanna brag about sticking your hands down the thief’s pants, go find someone else to do it to.”

And really, Juno has been at the business end of Vespa’s blade before, but twice in one morning is probably a new record. He bristles. “Okay, first of all, would it really kill you to not wave your knife at me every single time we’re in a room together? Can’t we have one conversation where this doesn’t happen?”

“You started it! You got your finger all up in my face!”

“Yeah, well, my finger doesn’t have a long and celebrated history of gutting people when-”

“Keep it civil, sweethearts,” Buddy says from the other side from their makeshift recreation room, where she and Jet are playing a game Juno has never heard of involving a set of oddly shaped dice, some old Uno cards, and, inexplicably, a pineapple. Vespa moves to sheathe the knife, but makes a whole show out of doing it without averting her icy stare for even a split second. Juno has to suppress the fleeting urge to do something petty and potentially life-threatening, like sticking out his tongue at her.

“Second of all,” he continues, his voice only slightly lowered, “you asked! You asked me about Ransom’s - about his pocket situation, I’m just telling you what I know. And for the record, I never said anything about anyone’s pants. Or where I’m sticking my hands. Or, you know, whatever. Shut up.”

Vespa still hasn’t broken eye contact. “No, Steel,” she says, “I asked you how the thief managed to get an entire cupboard worth of Ming dynasty porcelain off of Titan and onto our ship. What you’re telling me is that he has magical mega pockets that are bigger on the inside, which isn’t a thing.”

“That’s what I used to think about teleportation, and mind reading, but here we are.” The truth is that the porcelain thing is a mystery to Juno as well. He has asked Nureyev, of course, but all he got in response was a that’s for me to know and for you to figure out, isn’t it, detective, which is more than a little annoying. “All I’m saying is that it could be an option. Don’t rule it out just yet.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Vespa says. “Ask him to pull, I don’t know, a live rabbit out of his breast pocket, and maybe I’ll buy into it.”

Juno has to roll his eye at that, and immediatey realizes he’s lost their little staring match. Not that it matters - the odds were stacked against him from the get-go anyway, with Vespa having a whole extra eye to look pissed off with. “Fine, whatever. But just for the record - have you seen a rabbit lately? Because I can guarantee you those things won’t go down or come out of anyone’s pocket willingly, regardless of pocket size.”

It might be a trick of the light, but for a brief moment, he thinks he sees the corner of Vespa’s mouth quirk up just a little.

a strategy once used by juno himself: Just Put It In Your Mouth! it’s mother nature’s built-in pocket!

“Uh oh,” Nureyev says once Rita has successfully hacked the giant metal door to slam shut behind them and they’ve skidded to a halt. He tentatively presses a hand to his throat.

“What- are you-“ Juno wheezes from where he’s doubled over, "Are you okay? They didn’t hit you, right?”

Nureyev makes a dismissive fluttery motion with his free hand. “Nothing of the sort.”

Juno squints at him, giving him a once-over, and seems to sag with relief once he sees Nureyev is not actively bleeding. It’s a little bit endearing, Nureyev thinks. “Okay, whew, good,” he says. “So then - what’s the ‘uh oh’ for? We got the blueprints, we-”

“Let’s say,” Nureyev interrupts him, “hypothetically speaking, that there was some ancient and priceless treasure in the vault we took the blueprints from.”

“That’s not really a hypothetical,” Juno says. “There was enough old Earth monarchy junk in there to bedazzle the entire Carte Blanche with.”

"Right. And now let’s say, once again purely hypothetically,” Nureyev continues, “that someone with only the noblest of intentions noticed the Koh-I-Noor diamond among that treasure, and that that someone decided to free it from the monstrously tacky diadem contraption it was stuck onto, because it’s a waste for something like that to be gathering dust in a vault.”

“You know,” Juno says warily, “I’m not sure I like where this is going.”

“The problem is that this outfit, while very stealthy, does not provide a great amount of secure pocket space, so i had to improvise.”

“Oh no,” Juno says.

“So I put it in my mouth, but then the guards arrived and while we were running I-”

“Oh no,” Juno repeats, a little louder this time. “Ransom, you - did you eat the Koh-I-Noor?”

“I accidentally swallowed the Koh-I-Noor, there’s a difference-”

“You ate it. You- Ransom, who would even-”

“Who would even what, Juno” Nureyev interrupts him, “There’s this old saying, something about a pot and a kettle, I believe.”

Juno’s comms crackle to life. “RIGHT,” Rita chirps loudly, “I know the both of you are very busy talkin’ about who ate a conifer and why - and i’m not judgin’, mista Ransom, you eat your greens however you wanna! That’s what my mom told me that time I dipped my green beans in marshmallow fluff - which I wouldn’t recommend, by the way, at least not with the beans, it was a WHOLE mess. Maybe with some broccoli, though, or baby carrots, or - anyway, what I was gonna say is they’re about to crack this door open, so I’m just thinkin’, maybe now isn’t the best time for this conversation?”

“He didn’t eat a conifer, Rita, it’s - actually, don’t worry about it,” Juno says. “Let’s get moving. I’m sure Vespa can figure something out to make you hurl the thing up again. But for the record, Ransom, don’t expect me to ever let you hear the end of this.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Nureyev replies. Juno grins a little, crooked and pretty, and Nureyev’s stomach almost somersaults enough to throw the stupid diamond out.

and lastly - why use your own pockets when you can use someone else’s?

“Nureyev,” Juno says against his neck, “can I ask you something?”

They’ve folded themselves onto Nureyev’s cot, neither of them up for more than just lazing around. Nureyev has been trying to study some floor plans for the last twenty minutes, but if he’s being honest with himself, he has no idea what building, owned by what person, built on which planet in whatever system he’s been looking at. He’s mostly been lost in thought, only grounded by the weight and warmth of Juno pressed against his side. He had thought the lady asleep until now.

It’s a little ridiculous, the effect his own name being spoken by Juno Steel has on him. He’s fairly sure that with Juno this close, he should be able to feel the shiver it sends down his spine, pick up on the stutter in his pulse. It’s okay if he does, he tries to tell himself, it’s okay, it’s only Juno - but at the same time Juno is infinitely, immeasurably more than 'only Juno’ to him.

“Of course,” he replies. “Anything, anytime.”

Juno hums. “Earlier, when we got back from the media bigwig backstabbing competition-”

“It was an award show, dear Juno.”

“I said what I said. Anyway, when we got back, there was something in my pocket that I definitely didn’t put there myself.”

Oh.

“A flash drive,” Juno continues, “that had the name ’M. Valderrama’ engraved into it. And a crazy amount of plastic rhinestones glued to it, but that’s not the point. I didn’t wanna risk it containing a virus and blowing up the ship, so I didn’t plug it into anything. But I did do my research, so I know Mignon Valderrama was at the backstabbing- I mean, the award show, and is the acclaimed director of titles such as ’The Notebook Part 44: This Time They’re All Ancient Mercurians’, the entire ’Ultra Magma Tsunami’ franchise, and the upcoming-”

“The upcoming blockbuster ’Cerebral Cephalopods: Rise of the Mathematician Octopi’,” Nureyev finishes.

Juno shifts against him. "Yeah, that’s the one. Didn’t know you were a fan.”

“Oh, I’m not,” Nureyev replies airily.

“Still,” Juno says, propping himself up on an elbow. “I have to wonder. How and why did mx. Valderrama’s flash drive, rhinestones and all, end up in my pocket?”

“Hmm. Would you believe me if I told you mx. Valderrama tripped, and the drive flew out of their pocket and into yours?”

Juno shakes his head. “C'mon, Nureyev.”

And for a moment, he hesitates. It’s not the best of stories. There’s no real noble, for-the-greater-good, Robin Hood-esque reason for him stealing the drive. He didn’t do it for the challenge, either - Valderrama might as well have presented it to him on a silver platter. Sure, he could make something up, spin a tale, make it sound big and impressive and sensible. But despite the alarm bells going off in his mind, he also thinks it might not be so bad to tell the truth, to bare his throat to Juno just a little. Of course, his own voice echoes, anything, anytime.

He sighs. “I might not be a fan, but I believe your secretary is. She’s been talking about those Magma Tsunami movies for days. They are horrible, by the way - she made me sit through two of them and I can’t believe I’m never getting those four hours of my life back. Valderrama should be liable for damages to my psyche. The drive, as you probably guessed, contains what I’m pretty sure is the final cut for whatever that octopus movie is supposed to be, so I snatched it up for her. My dress didn’t have any pockets, so I slipped it into one of yours. I must have forgotten to slip it out again.”

Juno frowns. “Wait - Rita? Did she ask you to? Because at this point i’m pretty sure she could hack into the studio’s servers in a heartbeat, and rip the whole thing-”

“She didn’t ask,” Nureyev says. “It was kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing. But she wouldn’t have been able to get her hands on this by hacking. Valderrama is famously paranoid about leaks. All of their works-in-progress are stored on only a handful of physical drives until the day of release. One of the drives goes into a vault with a nightmarishly difficult analogue lock, one goes to the executive producer, and Valderrama keeps one of them on their person at all times. I saw my chance, so I took it.”

“Huh,” Juno says, “that's… that’s kind of sweet of you, actually.” He prods Nureyev in the chest with a finger. “And very illegal, and you shouldn’t do it again. But still. That's… yeah. That’s sweet. She’s gonna be over the moon.”

That’s what he’d been hoping for. He smiles, shrugging a little. “We’re space pirates, Juno. Most of what we do is illegal. We got into the award party illegally, and for illegal reasons. Valderramma will make their billions with or without that drive. It’s just-” he sighs again, raking a hand through his hair. “Rita is very important to you, which - which makes her very important to me. She’s been there for you all these years, and she’s never been anything but kind to me either. I’m not trying to buy her friendship or her appreciation, I suppose I just… think she deserves something nice, especially if that something is within arm’s reach anyway. Even if that something is a movie about hyperintelligent squids taking over Mars’ moons.” He lets his head fall back into the pillows. “I know that might sound a little foolish.”

Juno leans into him a little more, cupping Nureyev’s jaw in his warm hand, looking a little bit puzzled and a lot fond. “I’m pretty sure you already know that I love your particular brand of foolish,” he says after a second.

And before Nureyev has the chance to think about what that means for too long, Juno is kissing him, wiping any semblance of thought from his mind.

#the penumbra podcast #i have no excuse for this i literally just kinda slipped into a fugue state on the bus and wrote tgis #I'M... NOT A WRITER... and i'm already lowkey embarrassed but! whatever!

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gerrystamour · 3 years

Text

the bittersweet between my teeth, Chapter 5

Written by: GerryStAmour | Gift for: @northisnotup

PLEASE HEED THE FOLLOWING CONTENT WARNINGS:

Minor Character Death

Mortal Injury

Violence

Severe Blood Loss and Burns*

Torture (Explicit, but show accurate)

Sad Cliffhanger

*A quick not about the author’s knowledge re: blood loss, burns, etc: I really don’t know a lot, and ya girl got the squeams real bad trying to research that shit so I took extreme artistic license with it.

Chapter Five [Previous Chapter][First Chapter]

- - - - - Nureyev’s POV - - - - -

Nureyev crouched next to Juno in the sewers, just below the grate Rita had helped identify as having the least amount of security near it, while simultaneously being close enough to the vault they intended to hit.

They had met at Nureyev’s new,much less reputable, hotel that morning to go over the plan again; wait until the change in security rotations, loop the camera feeds for twenty minutes, hit the vault and get out. Even if an alarm got tripped, they would have a solid five minutes to get back out before anyone would be able to find them. It was straightforward and easy, the closest thing to a guarantee Nureyev had ever worked with.

Nureyev had arranged to have the room for two nights, just long enough to complete the job and meet with one of his contacts to have the weapons disposed of. He wouldn’t need the room any longer than that, and again, the job was in-and-out, like stealing candy from a baby.

Juno, however, was not impressed.

“We’re not stealing candy, Nureyev!” Juno had snapped back at the hotel, pushing Nureyev back with his hand on his chest. Nureyev had pouted a bit, the kiss he had been angling for rebuffed completely. “And our mark isn’t a baby. We’re stealing weapons from the mayor and a Piranha-faced goon!”

“Semantics, dear,” Nureyev had replied, smoothing his palms down the front of Juno’s turtleneck. “Believe me when I say we’ll be back here by dinner, time enough to celebrate a heist well-done, and then we’re off to the Cerberus Province to have the weapons destroyed.”

Nureyev had kissed him soundly at that, swallowing Juno’s indignant squawk and sighing when Juno opened for him and relaxed into the embrace. Then the beautiful detective made an annoyed sound and pulled away.

“Now you’re just asking for disaster to happen, Nureyev,” Juno grumbled, pushing away to grab his coat. “It’s arrogant. I don’t like it.”

“My goodness, my dear detective, I do love your commitment to complaining, but perhaps we could use some optimism?” Nureyev said with a fond smile and Juno sneered a bit.

“Sorry, Nureyev, I’ve got two settings and they’re both Insufferable Pessimist,” Juno deadpanned and Nureyev had laughed.

Now that they were there, however, Nureyev found himself hesitating.

The sewers were incredibly dry, all things considered, though Juno said it would likely not be the case when they left. There was some sort of timed system which would periodically fill and drain the sewers to keep the local rodents from settling in. It was something that annoyed Juno, but had very little to do with potentially having to wade out of the sewers chest deep in raw sewage.

“Rich idiots think they’re too good for rabbits,” Juno had grumbled after explaining, and if Nureyev thought there was no way to be even more in love with him, he had been wrong. Juno Steel took moral offense with the wealthy regardless of what they did, even if it was something as simple as keeping oversized, territorial rodents from dwelling in their waste.

“Glass,” Juno murmured, snapping Nureyev out of his thoughts. “What are we waiting for?”

“Apologies, dear,” Nureyev said with a shaky chuckle, checking his knives again and then quickly redoing the braid in his hair. Then he adjusted his glasses and looked at Juno. “Remember the plan?”

“Kinda,” Juno sighed, and Nureyev almost choked.

They had just gone over the plan as they walked, after going over the plan in the hotel room, and before that they had gone over it the day prior. They had come up with the plan together, and Juno only kinda knew it?

“Juno,” he scolded, calculating if he should risk this leg of the job alone, or back out entirely and return when Juno was better prepared.

“I’m joking, Glass,” Juno said with a laugh. “You always this tense before a job?”

“Only when I stand to lose more than I’m willing to,” Nureyev answered honestly, and Juno bit the inside of his cheek, clearly embarrassed by the sincerity. Hitting a button on his comms to loop the security feeds, Nureyev nodded. “Let’s go then.”

“I’ve got your back,” Juno agreed, waiting for Nureyev to climb up ahead of him.

Objectively, Nureyev knew that Juno was capable, and since half of the plan was comprised of Juno’s ideas, there was no reason to doubt that the detective was more than equipped to be there. But now that Nureyev was faced with the reality of Juno going into a situation that could end in his death, he found himself distracted with his anxiety.

Their way into the vault from there was simple as Nureyev checked each door on their way in, looking for any traps but there hadn’t been any. That was concerning to him, but he didn’t mention it to Juno. Doing so would only distract the detective, and he couldn’t have that. Nureyev glanced back at the private eye while he checked a doorway for traps, taking in the way he hung close to him, his eye scanning the hall while glancing at his own comms to double-check that the feeds were looping properly.

Nureyev couldn’t help the way his gaze lingered on the detective either, especially considering the fit of his black pants and black turtleneck. The thigh-holster for his blaster and black gloves were also something of a distraction if Nureyev let his gaze stray, so he kept his focus on moving forward.

“The vault should be just through here,” Nureyev whispered as he checked the next door for traps. Once he confirmed the door to be free of any sort of danger from that side, he carefully opened it and stepped inside.

The vault was a decently sized room with several shelves of various valuable items. Checking his watch, Nureyev hummed. “We’ve made excellent time, Juno!” he began as he turned to look at the detective. “So let’s grab the— Juno. Dear. Where, might I ask, is your glove?”

Juno jumped and looked sheepishly down at the bare hand holding his blaster. “The glove felt wrong on the trigger,” he explained briefly and Nureyev couldn’t help the eye-roll, or the sigh.

“You need to wear both of the gloves, Juno,” he scolded and Juno just shook his head.

“I’m not putting the glove back on,” he said resolutely. “I’ll only touch my blaster, okay?”

Nureyev huffed, annoyed by the sudden stubbornness over something silly. “We don’t have time to argue this. Let’s grab the weapons and go.”

Juno pointed out the cases and Nureyev was still surprised at how small they apparently were. Juno had told Nureyev just how compact the tyrannical leadership over Brahma had made their Guardian Angel System, but he hadn’t quite believed it until he saw it. They hardly needed two bags to carry them out, but they shared the load nonetheless.

Nureyev checked his watch again and decided that there was plenty of time for him to window shop. There were several shelves of blasters, knives, and jewellery to choose from, and Nureyev happily let his eyes— and sticky fingers— travel over the knives and one of the blasters.

Blasters were never Nureyev’s thing, but for the lady huffing impatiently behind him, however…

It was certainly prettier than the blaster sitting in Juno’s holster, he reasoned as he took it off the shelf and slipped it into his bag.

“Glass, c’mon. Let’s go,” Juno snapped, shifting uncomfortably as he waited.

Nureyev merely made a tutting noise as he continued to peruse the shelves of jewellery, pausing at a tray of bracelets. “Yes, yes, dear. In a moment,” he replied dismissively, absently waving at Juno over his shoulder.

“We don’t have time for this, Glass.

Nureyev smirked over his shoulder at the detective, allowing him to see him pocket a bracelet and it’s matching necklace. Juno let out an affronted noise and spluttered a bit.

“You do realize I could still arrest you, right?” Juno threatened. At that, Nureyev hummed thoughtfully before grinning toothily at the detective.

“Have I told you how much I love it when you get all morally outraged like that?” he asked with an eyebrow raised, his voice barely more than a purr. “It does a lot for me.”

Juno sucked in a shaky breath, nostrils flaring as he bit the inside of his cheek. Shaking his head sharply, he returned to glaring.

“Glass, this is not the time for that,” he said, though he sounded slightly breathless. When Nureyev’s watch chirped a five-minute warning, Juno turned to reach for the door, snapping, “Seriously, Glass, let’s go!”

Nureyev realized a moment too late that Juno’s hand was still bare, and no longer holding his blaster. Still, just as Juno grabbed the doorknob, Nureyev hissed, “Juno, wait—”

Juno gasped the moment his hand touched it, wrenching his hand back just as the lights turned red around them and alarms began to blare.

“Juno,” Nureyev scolded, but the detective was pointedly keeping his back to Nureyev as he inspected something on his palm.

“So…” Juno began slowly, obviously trying to keep his tone light. “I probably need a tetanus shot, and… we’re kinda… in trouble?”

Nureyev pinched the bridge of his nose just below his glasses, and let out a low sound. “Oh, are we?”

“Hey!” Juno said as he turned to glare. “Don’t act like this is only my fault.”

Nureyev scoffed at that and turned back to the trays of bracelets to grab something he had been eyeing before Juno’s blunder. “Who was it that went and opened the boobytrapped door with his bare hand, Juno dear?” he asked sourly, zipping up his bag and slinging it over his shoulders. “It certainly was not me.”

When he turned to face Juno, the detective was a glorious vision of indignance and bratty petulance. If Nureyev wasn’t so annoyed with him, he would have kissed the detective.

“It was supposed to be in-and-out, Glass!” Juno groaned. “None of this browsing! If you were planning to go shopping, you should’ve maybe told me?”

Nureyev only stared at him for a moment, making a sceptical noise in the back of his throat. “Juno,” he said flatly. “I am a thief.”

“Yeah, I know that Glass, but I figured—”

“And I told you to let me handle all the doors—”

“How was I supposed to know—”

“No, enough,” Nureyev said with a huff. “I’ll win this argument later—”

“What?! You’ll win— ?”

“ —and we need to get out of here, and fast,” he finished, checking the door one last time before opening it and hurrying into the hall, Juno following closely behind him.

As they hurried through the halls, they began to hear snatches of conversation from approaching thugs, shouting orders to find the intruders. The goons were getting closer, and Nureyev and Juno were running out of time.

“We’re not gonna make it, Glass,” Juno hissed, and Nureyev had nothing to say to that.

“Boss wants him taken straight to her!”

Juno cursed. “The goddamn Piranha!”

Nureyev glanced back at Juno and his heart stopped at the naked fear on his face. They couldn’t both make it out, and both of them getting caught was not an option. When it came down to choosing between the two of them, Nureyev knew what he should do.

When trouble arises, he disappears. That had been his way for as long as he could remember, and it had kept him alive.

He knew what he should do.

Nureyev grabbed Juno’s wrist and pulled him into a small alcove, swinging his bag off of his back and pushing it into Juno’s hands. “Take it,” he said firmly. “And give me your comms.”

Juno looked up at him, confused and absolutely beautiful, and Nureyev’s heart ached. “Nur— ?”

“Hush, love, give me your comms,” Nureyev insisted again, and Juno handed it over almost robotically. Nureyev smiled winningly at Juno as he punched in a set of coordinates. “This is my friend. He’ll help destroy the weapons—”

Juno made a sound, something that fell somewhere between a sceptical laugh and a sob. “N— Glass, don’t be stupid!” he hissed, and when Nureyev looked at him, he saw real anger in his expression. “She’ll kill you!”

“You don’t know that, love,” Nureyev replied with a shake of his head, pushing the comms back into his hands. Nureyev had very little confidence in his odds, but he wouldn’t tell Juno that. “I stand a better chance of talking my way out than you do.”

Juno shook his head and hissed, “I don’t like this, Glass. We can figure something else out, something that doesn’t involve playing right into that sociopath’s hands—”

“I’ll be fine, my love,” Nureyev said, pressing his fingers gently over Juno’s lips. “I’ll meet you at the hotel before you know it.”

Juno stared at him, his visible eye glassy with unshed tears, and when Nureyev moved to turn away, Juno grabbed the straps of the holster for his knives. There was a storm of emotions on the detective’s face, and Nureyev felt swept away by it; completely bowled over and left stranded out at sea.

Juno Steel was so handsome, and Peter Nureyev couldn’t remember how to breathe in the face of that.

“You better,” Juno finally said in a low voice before he pulled Nureyev down to capture his lips in something desperate and needy. Nureyev sighed and immediately deepened the kiss, opening for Juno’s tongue and cradling his face with one hand.

“Wait here for a few minutes, then get to the sewers,” Nureyev whispered quickly as he pulled away. “If I’m not back at the hotel by tomorrow morning, call my friend. Do not wait for me.”

Nureyev did not wait for Juno to respond before he left the alcove and darted back down the hall in the direction they had come.

There was a knife ready in his hand when he turned the next corner, and it found a home briefly in the side of a thug’s throat. Pulling it back out, he dodged the spray of blood and the meaty paw of another large thug, opening that one’s inner thigh with an efficient and deep slice of the knife in Nureyev’s other hand.

Thug number three was still barrelling forward and had not registered the veritable lake of blood that Nureyev had just formed in the hall and slipped, practically slitting his own throat as Nureyev slashed his blade through the air. There was a fourth goon coming at him, and Nureyev laughed at his approach, flipping the blade in his hand and throwing it.

The knife sunk home in the thug’s throat and he stumbled, choking wetly and stupidly reaching up to pull the blade out. Nureyev was hopeful for a moment that perhaps he could flee, catch up to Juno and they could run together.

Something hit the side of his head hard enough for his vision to white-out. He managed to stay standing, but he was thrown against the wall and dropped his other knife. When his vision returned, he saw that the hit had come from a baton in the hands of a thug who had arrived on the scene from behind him. There were two other men in the hall as well, and all three converged on him.

Nureyev was able to dodge the first few hits, but pinned as he was against the wall, one finally landed against his ribs and he lost his feet. Winded, he fell to his knees and through sheer luck, his hand found the blade he dropped. Nureyev slashed blindly, still gasping for breath, and he took a steel-toed boot to the stomach for his efforts.

He wheezed as he finished falling to the ground, and distantly he heard the sound of crackling electricity before every nerve in his body lit up in agony. Nureyev wasn’t even sure how long he’d been convulsing on the ground before he was able to register that there was some sort of pronged baton pressed into his side sending a vicious current through him.

Just as he was about to black out, the thug backed off and Nureyev immediately gagged, bringing up the meager breakfast he had eaten that morning. He felt like his entire body was on fire, every single cell vibrating and crackling, and his lungs burned as he sucked in air desperately. Nureyev could smell something burning, and after a few dazed moments he realized it was his own skin where the prongs had been held.

“Well, gentlemen,” Nureyev began, his voice hoarse as he tried to push himself up from the floor. “That was certainly exhilarating—”

The thug sneered cruelly and caught Nureyev with the baton again.

He blacked out that time, and when he came to, he was being dragged into a room somewhere in the vault and shackled to a chair.

Nureyev squinted around the room, realizing his glasses were missing, which didn’t surprise him too much. He didn’t miss when Piranha entered the room, however, and smiled blandly at her.

“Ah, the lady in charge!” he greeted, his tone sickeningly sweet. “Perhaps we can come to an understanding? Criminal to criminal?”

“Oh, I’m sure you’d like that, huh?” she said as she dismissed the goons. Piranha pulled out her comms then, hitting several buttons. “But I’m under strict orders to deal with you how I see fit.”

Nureyev felt his stomach drop, but kept the placid smile on his face. “I’m sure you wouldn’t want to anger your boss—”

“You don’t seem to get it, Pretty Boy, do you?” The Piranha said, give him a wide, cruel smile. Pulling another chair closer to Nureyev, she spun it and sat on it backwards. “I get paid whether you make it outta here alive or not, see. But I get paid double by both employers if you don’t.”

Nureyev dropped his smile. “Mr O’Flaherty—”

“ — Ain’t too impressed with betrayal, Glass,” she interrupted with a knowing sneer.

Nureyev kept his expression schooled to one of slight confusion. “I haven’t the faintest—”

“You’ve got guts, Pretty Boy, I’ll give you that,” she laughed. “O’Flaherty knows about your little fling with the P.I., see?”

Nureyev rolled his eyes, even as dread settled into his gut like ice. “What, getting my breakfast every morning from a licensed establishment is a fling, now?”

“You call this breakfast?” she asked, her voice absolutely delighted as she turned her comms toward Nureyev.

The ice in his gut turned sharp as he watched a slightly distorted video of him and Juno making out in the doorway of his hotel room. From the angle and the distortion, it was obvious that the camera had been set up in the peep-hole in the guestroom door across the hall.

“I’d say this looks more like a midnight snack! Oh, you should see my favourite part,” she said with a grin as she turned the comms back to herself to hit some more buttons. “About two and a half hours later…”

Nureyev knew what he would see before she even showed him, knew it would show Juno leaving his hotel room, dishevelled and very clearly illustrating what they had been doing in that room. What he didn’t expect was the way Juno smiled when he leaned back against the door, a smile that Nureyev had yet to be graced with by the lady himself. The Piranha paused the video on that frame and let out a mock-dreamy sigh.

“Look at that. How romantic. Just makes a girl wanna puke,” she cooed. “I’ll say, you must have very impressive stamina if all you did was play tonsil-hockey and bump pelvises, Pretty Boy.”

Nureyev schooled his features into something cockier, smirking wide and said, “I am quite an adept lover, I’ve been told.”

Piranha hummed, shutting off her comms and standing back up. “I’m sure. But we know your little toy is here, see? He tripped the alarms with his DNA.”

Nureyev barely resisted the urge to glare at her as she walked away, grinding his teeth.

She stopped at a table nearby, picking up the knives he had used earlier in the hallway and testing their balance. “O’Flaherty was shocked to see the lady P.I. with you, see?” she said with a laugh. “My people had seen you out with the pretty one.”

Nureyev twitched at her words, ready to snarl something in defense of his love, but beat back that urge. Showing her anything would give her an advantage, and he was lucky she hadn’t been looking at him when she said it at all.

“I can see it, though, goin’ for the matching set ‘n all— well, I mean…” she began, and looked over her shoulder with a knowing smile as she trailed off. “They were a matching set until I had my little playdate with the meddling P.I.”

Nureyev couldn’t keep his neutral expression, despite his years of training, and Piranha grinned. He couldn’t compartmentalize Juno Steel, and that was dangerous.

“But you didn’t actually score the set, did you? You aimed high and had to settle, huh?” she hummed, and Nureyev had to take a deep breath to keep from snapping. “The P.I. cleans up nice, though, even with the work I did—”

“Is there going to be a point to any of this?” Nureyev interrupted, internally cursing himself.

She moved so quickly, Nureyev almost didn’t see the knife in time and barely dodged it, earning himself a slash across his cheek that pulled a hiss from him but nothing more.

“Don’t interrupt me, Glass,” she growled, and Nureyev laughed. Piranha raised a lip in a sneer as she pulled out her blaster and pressed it directly between his eyes, which only made him laugh harder.

“I’m not seeing the joke, Pretty Boy,” she snarled and Nureyev just smirked.

“Oh, but I do,” he said, giving her a once-over and hissing when she pressed the blaster against his forehead so hard he had to tilt his head back.

“Should put a bolt through your empty skull right now,” she growled, and Nureyev rolled his eyes.

“Oh please, we’re both professionals here,” he said condescendingly. “Well, I am at least. Regardless, if you wanted me dead that quickly, I would have been killed out in the hall.”

“Shootin’ you like this would still accomplish my goals,” she said with a shrug.

“Those being?” he questioned.

The Piranha moved her blaster, pressing it beneath Nureyev’s chin and forcing him to look up at the ceiling. “The meddling P.I. didn’t stay outta things like he was told to, so he needs to be taught a lesson, see?” she explained. “O’Flaherty won’t let me kill him, or his brother, but I need to send a message somehow.”

“He’s not here anymore,” Nureyev said, desperately hoping for that to be true.

The Piranha cackled at that. “Then I’ll scatter your dismembered corpse all over his little cafe during the breakfast rush,” she said slowly, and Nureyev didn’t doubt for a moment that she was being completely serious with that threat. “But I’m thinkin’ he never left, and he’ll be coming through that door any moment, Glass. He’s predictably noble like that.”

“You would settle for killing me and letting him find my body?” Nureyev asked sceptically, because in the end that just didn’t seem like Piranha’s style.

“If I have to. But for now, I’m gonna have fun while I wait for our little lady, see?” she said, taking the tip of the blade and dragging it along the sharp line of his jaw and grinning at the blood the began to drip for the gash. Nureyev refused to give her the satisfaction of a reaction. “Then I’m gonna gut you while he watches.”

When Nureyev didn’t respond to the taunt, nor the wound she just opened on his face, she just grinned. “Let’s hope your P.I. doesn’t keep you waitin’ too long.”

Nureyev only hoped that Juno had listened and wouldn’t return for him.

- - - - - Juno’s POV - - - - -

Juno wasn’t sure how long he sat in that alcove, waiting for the sounds to subside. His thoughts were going a million miles a minute, trying to process what he had heard and line it up with what he was expected to do.

He knew the right thing to do was leave, go back to the hotel, and contact Nureyev’s “friend”. But every time Juno thought about leaving, he would just hear the crackle of electricity and the awful noise Nureyev made.

Shaking his head, Juno got ready to leave the alcove. He would trust Nureyev to figure out how to escape; if anyone could manage it, Nureyev could.

Juno almost made it back to the sewer grate, the trek slow-going as he had to assess the blindspots of the security cameras in real-time. Just before he reached the grate, he heard voices approaching in a hurry, and he had to quickly duck into another alcove. It was full of crates, which he used for cover to wait out the voices, holding his breath.

As the group passed, their radios crackled. “Keep an eye out for the detective.” It was the Piranha, and she knew Juno was there. Just below her voice, Juno could hear the quiet sounds of someone’s pained gasping and he knew it was Nureyev. “He’s still here somewhere.”

Just before the radio cut, he heard the beginnings of a stifled groan and felt his insides turn to lead as he realized several things all at once. One, the Piranha knew he and Nureyev were working together. Two, she was waiting for Juno. Three, she would torture Nureyev either until Juno showed up or she got bored and put a laser bolt through his head. Lastly, he knew that if he left, he would put Benten and Rita in immediate danger.

He knew the “right” thing to do.

They both knew the risks when they went into the job, and he knew if the roles were reversed, he would want Nureyev to get out and finish it. Juno could pick Benten and Rita up, maybe even Mick, and take them with him to dispose of the weapons. They could hide out in the Cerberus Province, or lay low in Olympus Mons for a while after, and come back when the heat had died down a bit.

Nureyev knew the risk. Nureyev told him to leave. Juno knew what he had to do.

Taking his blaster out of its holster at his thigh, Juno began sneaking back through the halls, away from the sewer grate.

Turning a corner, he found himself standing amongst four bodies and a lot of blood. Juno knew it was Nureyev’s handiwork and couldn’t help the little flutter of admiration at his skill, even if it was alarming. There was a substantial trail of bloody footprints and the mark of something large being dragged leading away from the scene. He carefully followed the tracks, staying out of the view of the cameras and keeping his ears peeled for any patrolling goons.

Juno finally arrived at an open doorway, and inside he could hear Nureyev talking. Relief flooded Juno as he carefully walked up, making sure not to make any sound to alert the Piranha to his presence.

As he stepped up to the open door, he peeked around the doorjamb in time to watch the Piranha pistol-whip Nureyev with her blaster. The hit seemed to catch him by surprise and he was thrown in his chair, leaning over the arm of it while the Piranha laughed. Juno’s gut clenched when Nureyev didn’t immediately sit back up, and it took everything in him to not jump in, blaster firing when she grabbed a fistful of Nureyev’s hair and hauled him back up.

There were several conflicting emotions roiling in Juno’s gut with the way Nureyev looked up at the Piranha. He was looking up at her, eyes sharp and bright, wearing the most dangerous smile Juno had ever seen on a person, his sharp fox’s teeth coated in blood.

Juno was mostly frustrated that Nureyev would taunt her with his grin like that so brazenly, but he couldn’t deny just how good Nureyev looked in his own element.

But Juno couldn’t ignore all of the open wounds on Nureyev’s cheeks, jaw, arms and chest. Not to mention the horrible burn on his stomach, likely from whatever was used to electrocute him.

The Piranha was losing her patience, that was obvious by the way she paced in front of Nureyev. “Lose the grin, Pretty Boy,” she snapped, and Nureyev snorted.

“People often smile at clowns,” Nureyev replied sweetly, and was rewarded with another hit, this one throwing Nureyev hard enough that his chair tipped over with a loud crash. Juno nearly rushed in, but when he looked down at the thief, he was looking right at him, shaking his head subtly.

Juno wasn’t sure what that meant, or what Nureyev was trying to say. Did he want Juno to wait? Or perhaps leave? Since Juno refused to do the latter, he buckled down to do the former.

The Piranha grabbed Nureyev by his hair again, as well as the arm of the chair, and dragged him back up with a loud screech of the chair’s legs against the tiles.

“You got quite the mouth on you, Glass,” she snarled, twisting the fist she had in his hair harder and shaking his head roughly.

When she released him, Nureyev made a humming noise while he obviously moved his tongue around in his mouth. He made a face after a bit and turned his head to the side to spit out a thick glob of blood and two teeth; a sharp incisor and an even sharper canine.

“Yes, I’ve been told it’s part of my charm,” Nureyev said eventually, somehow still managing to sound bored. Then he smirked. “I’m also quite talented in other respects as well.”

The Piranha sneered and lifted her blaster to Nureyev’s face.

It was set to a lethal charge, and her finger was poised on the trigger. “This is losing its appeal quickly,” she growled. “Maybe your little lady should find your corpse instead.”

Everything in Juno screamed, his heart stuttering to a halt with the muzzle of the Piranha’s blaster pressed viciously against Nureyev’s forehead. It forced him to crane his head back, leaving him with no way to even try to dodge it should she move to pull the trigger.

Juno couldn’t stay out of it.

Lifting his blaster, he shot a bolt to stun, the blast hitting her in the shoulder with enough force to knock her own blaster out of her hand. The Piranha didn’t go down, however, and without hesitation she ducked behind Nureyev and lifted one of Nureyev’s own knives to his throat.

Juno froze as she pressed the knife against Nureyev’s throat until a new trail of blood trickled down his neck. Nureyev hissed a bit and leaned back to ease some of the pressure.

“See, what’d I tell you, Glass?” she said with a loud laugh. “The former deadeye, here to save the thief. It’s like a fairytale.”

“I told you to leave,” Nureyev said sternly to Juno, ignoring the Piranha entirely.

“Yeah, well, you can thank me later,” Juno quipped, annoyed that Nureyev would scold him for saving his life. Then he turned his attention to the Piranha. “How the hell are you still standing, Piranha?

“Got me a nice vest here, see? Blaster-proof,” she replied and Juno could only see her eye around Nureyev’s head. “You’re gonna have to pack something a lot fatter than that bad boy for even a lethal charge to get through, P.I.”

Juno glared at that, the hand holding his blaster shaking a bit with his anger.

“Now, how ‘bout you lower that blaster and we talk like proper adults,” the Piranha said after a few moments.

When Juno didn’t immediately follow her request, she pulled up on the blade at Nureyev’s throat, forcing him to scramble up in his seat so he could tilt his head and throat to save himself from having his throat slit. Nureyev was standing as much as his shackled ankles and wrists would allow him, and the trail of blood down his throat ran a bit thicker.

“C’mon, P.I. He ain’t gonna be able to hold this position for too long,” the Piranha taunted, but Nureyev was shaking his head at him again, the movement subtle and only perceptible to Juno because he was watching the thief so closely.

Juno was torn. There was nothing to stop her from giving Nureyev a close shave if he dropped his blaster, but she was too protected where she currently crouched behind Nureyev. Juno may have attempted that shot when he had both eyes, but even with all his practice he didn’t quite trust his abilities. But she also had to have known that unless she had some form of back-up, she couldn’t kill Nureyev just yet or Juno would put her down.

Lowering his blaster, Juno barely restrained his sigh of relief when the Piranha allowed Nureyev to sit back down.

“I told you to leave, Juno,” Nureyev repeated, his voice strained with pain.

“Yeah, Glass, and you also said you could talk your way out of this,” Juno snapped.

“It doesn’t matter what—”

“Don’t, Glass. It does matter,” Juno interrupted. ‘You matter,’ was what he wanted to say, but he refused to give that sort of ammunition to the Piranha. “And what, I leave her and she tortures you until her goons pick me up and drag me back anyway? Or grab my brother? Rita?”

The Piranha laughed and leaned out around Nureyev to meet Juno’s eye. She was still too hidden behind Nureyev’s head, and Juno wouldn’t shoot until he was absolutely sure he wouldn’t hit Nureyev, too.

“The P.I. gets it, Pretty Boy. You ain’t got many friends, huh? That’s smart in our line of work,” she said. “We only have ourselves to look out for, so no one can have somethin’ sticky like leverage on us.”

Juno tried his best to ignore the Piranha, and just looked at Nureyev, meeting his gaze and searching for something. Instructions? Faith? A magic button they could press and return to that quiet moment in the hotel room two nights ago, just before Benten called and broke the spell between them?

Nureyev glanced down at the blaster hanging at Juno’s side lightning fast before glancing at the Piranha. Juno raised his eyebrow subtly and quietly switched his blaster to lethal charges.

“Are you payin’ attention, P.I.?” the Piranha barked at him, and Nureyev hissed in pain when she carved another jagged line across his chest.

“Cut it out, I’m paying attention!” Juno shouted, ready to yell again when she moved to carve yet another line into him.

She stopped, and he could tell by what he could see of her ugly face that she was grinning behind Nureyev’s head. Juno was shaking with rage and couldn’t do anything about it until she moved further into view. Her hand hung lazily over his shoulder now, the knife no longer cutting him, but still too close to his throat and chest for Juno’s comfort.

“Too bad stupid little private eyes don’t think like we do, huh Glass?” she said with mock concern. “They make all these messy little connections everywhere they go; keep family around, make friends. Did you know the little lady has a friend he’s known his whole life, Glass?”

Mention of Mick chilled Juno’s blood, but he didn’t let it distract him. He was watching for an opening and he would not miss it, his trigger finger ready.

The Piranha shifted around behind Nureyev, her face in full view as she made eye-contact with Juno, grinning broadly with her countless unsettlingly sharp teeth. His moment was coming, he just had to wait until she looked away so he could lift his blaster.

“And look at you, risking it all for a thief who wouldn’t even do the same for you,” she said, her voice full of mocking admiration.

“Juno, that’s not—” Nureyev began, but cried out when the Piranha carved another line on his chest, though this one crossed vertically through the other gashes.

“Shut it, Glass,” she snarled into his ear before smirking at Juno. “He’s using you, P.I. You can’t be stupid enough to think he actually cared about you, eh? Your own fiance dumped you, didn’t he?”

Juno felt like he was in free-fall, his stomach in his throat and his heart pounding in his ears. “What?” he hissed through his teeth and she laughed.

“I had you followed for months, P.I. A girl learns things, especially when her marks are so, so messy,” the Piranha bragged. “Remind me again how long he put up with you?”

He chanced a glance at Nureyev, and his gaze was waiting for him; steady, strong, supportive. Meeting the Piranha’s eyes again, Juno glared.

“Fuck you,” he bit out, and the Piranha laughed and pulled the knife up tight against Nureyev’s throat again. Nureyev scrambled to stand as much as he could to avoid having anything vital cut.

“Say it, Cyclops! So the whole class can hear,” she said around a maniacal laugh. “C’mon, P.I., I ditched most of my research on you when I got bored of you.”

“Fine! Fine,” Juno started, anger boiling in his gut as she didn’t take the knife away from Nureyev’s throat. “We were engaged for three years. Happy?”

The Piranha hummed and shook her head, dragging the blade slowly across Nureyev’s skin. “That didn’t answer the question, P.I.,” she replied, her tone almost sing-song.

“We knew each other from the police academy,” Juno finally said, feeling gutted by the forced confession. Saying it out loud in front of Nureyev felt like he was being dragged over hot coals. When she didn’t remove the knife, Juno shouted, “I gave you your answer, now knock it off!”

The Piranha eased off with the knife and Nureyev settled in the chair, panting a bit. Juno looked at his face again, and Nureyev was still meeting his gaze, steady and open, though there was a sadness there now. The pity smarted, but Juno figured they could hash that out later when they got out of there.

“So, give or take ten years?” she clarified with a low whistle. “See what I was saying about all those messy connections Glass? The little lady here has so many people just out there with all of his dirty little secrets!”

Juno looked back at the Piranha and fingered the trigger of his blaster, just waiting for her to look away from him. He just needed her to look away so he could lift his blaster before she could lift the knife.

“But you and I, Glass? We’re smarter than that. We don’t get close like that,” she said, looking at Nureyev from the corner of her eyes. “We’re smart enough to deal with people. Those messy connections. Ain’t we?”

The shift in her gaze was slight, but it would have to be enough. It was only a matter of time before she got bored of toying with them and finally finished her work. But Juno also knew it was a race to aim and shoot before she caught him and painted the walls with Nureyev’s blood.

It was risky— scratch that, it was stupid and dangerous. It was beyond reckless, and it wasn’t even a shot he would have been confident of when he had both of his eyes with her so close to Nureyev’s head.

When Juno looked at Nureyev again, however, Nureyev’s eyes were waiting for him. They were so open, so trusting and bright, and Juno felt a surge of confidence go through him. If they wanted to get out of there alive, he had to dispatch the Piranha, and Nureyev believed in him. Juno got him into that mess with his bonehead move in the vault, yet Nureyev still had faith in him.

The next handful of seconds played out in slow motion for Juno.

He lifted his arm as he looked back at the Piranha, aiming as her eyes flicked back to Juno. Nureyev let out a hiss, arching and straining away from the Piranha as Juno took aim, exposing more of her head and getting out of Juno’s way. She cackled as Juno pulled the trigger, not even moving her hand with the knife near Nureyev’s throat.

The charge hit her right between the eyes and Nureyev let out a small sound, flinching and slumping forward as the Piranha was knocked back, the knife in her hand clattering to the floor next to her where she fell.

Both of them were breathing hard in the sudden quiet, and Nureyev chuckled weakly, flinching with a small, pained sound.

“Fantastic shot, my love,” Nureyev said, and his smile was all wrong, shaky and missing two teeth as it was, but Juno would take it.

Juno hurried forward, making quick work of the shackles binding Nureyev to the chair. The thief hissed in pain as his wrists and ankles were released and blood rushed to his deadened fingertips and toes.

“Juno, you have to go without me—”

Juno doesn’t even think about it before he’s kissing Nureyev, silencing his protests with a desperate sound of his own. When he pulled back, Nureyev was smiling sadly, his mouth red and wet.

“Shut up, we’re getting you out of here,” Juno all but growled, stopping to pick Nureyev’s knife up off the ground where it lay by the Piranha’s hand. There was another knife on the ground under the chair, and Juno scooped it up as well.

“I’ll slow you down, Juno—” Nureyev began to argue, sounding breathless. When Juno looked at him as he came back around the chair, it was obvious he was in a great deal of pain.

Nureyev needed medical attention, and fast.

“I’m not leaving you behind, Glass, so drop it,” Juno snapped, grabbing Nureyev’s hands and hauling him out of the chair. Slinging Nureyev’s arm around his shoulders, Juno held him tightly around his waist.

In his other hand, he held his blaster, still set to kill.

They took their escape slowly, Nureyev limping along beside him, stumbling and breathing wetly. They were almost to the grate again when Nureyev stumbled, Juno barely catching him before he fell into view of the security cameras.

“Juno,” Nureyev said, his voice weak and shaky. When Juno looked at Nureyev again, he noticed how pale and clammy his face appeared, and he knew in his gut that something was very wrong. The thief smiled at him gently, teeth and lips bright red, and he added, “Leave me.”

Juno grit his teeth, ignoring the feeling and definitely ignoring Nureyev’s command. “Shut up, Glass.”

With some difficulty, they slipped through the grate. There was water in the sewers, about a foot deep and getting deeper, which wasn’t great given how many open wounds Nureyev had all over his body now.

Nureyev’s knees gave out suddenly, and he almost fell into the water before Juno caught him.

“Whoa, Glass, watch… it…” Juno trailed off, finally noticing just how wet and warm the arm he’d used to support Nureyev was, as well as that whole side of his torso. Touching the cloth of his turtleneck with his bare hand, he pulled it back to find it covered in blood.

“Nureyev, what… ?” Juno began weakly, before frantically searching Nureyev’s body.

None of the injuries he knew of should have caused that much blood loss. They were all just deep cuts, but nothing terribly bad. The worst injury Juno had clocked, other than the potential head injury and the knocked out teeth, was the electrical burn on his gut.

Juno didn’t find the wound so much as his finger nearly pressed into it as he felt along Nureyev’s ribs; it was a hole, situated perfectly between two ribs, and Juno could feel each heartbeat pump more blood out of it. His thoughts whirled around, trying to place when it could have happened and he nearly crumpled when he realized; Nureyev’s gasp, just before Juno shot the Piranha, her maniacal laughter, the two knives on the floor.

It was a deep, nasty wound that had been bleeding untreated for far too long. Nureyev would need treatment immediately.

“N-no,” he whispered, cursing himself. “Nureyev, I’m s-so sorry, I’m going to fix this, okay? I’m sorry—”

“Hush, my love. She got me just before you pulled the trigger,” he managed to say. “I didn’t know she had another knife. You couldn’t have known.”

“W-we can fix this,” Juno insisted again, looking around. He needed to wrap the wound, but there was nowhere for Nureyev to sit or lay down with the water rising as it was. “We have to get back up to the street.”

“I won’t make it—”

“Shut up,” Juno snapped, furious now. “We’re getting out here, both of us, and I’m fixing this.”

Juno hauled Nureyev with him through the sewers. When Nureyev’s stumbling got worse with the rising water levels, Juno managed to sling Nureyev over his shoulders.

“Oh, you’re so strong, Juno,” Nureyev said weakly, aiming for flirty, but it was weak and he sounded barely conscious.

When they finally reached the entrance to the sewers, Nureyev became too heavy to carry any further, and Juno was calling Rita on his comms before he'd even finished putting Nureyev down. Juno rolled the thief onto his uninjured side, and Nureyev’s eyes fluttered as he struggled to stay conscious, but his eyes managed to open again and meet Juno’s gaze as Rita answered.

“Heyya, Boss, what’s going—”

“Rita! I need you to pick Nu— me and Glass up at the sewer entrance you found for us!” he shouted, even though he knew he didn’t have to. Pulling his shirt off, he used one of Nureyev’s knives to cut it into strips. “We need to get Glass to a hospital—”

Nureyev coughed, shaking his head and wincing when Juno sat him up and began wrapping the strips of his shirt around the thief’s ribs.

“Love, I’m no— I can’t go to a hospital, just go without me,” Nureyev tried again, dropping his head onto Juno’s shoulder with a groan when Juno pulled the makeshift bandages tight.

“No! I’m not leaving you down here—” Juno began, but cut himself off with a sob.

“I’m not going to make it, my love,” Nureyev said, his head lolling back as Juno lowered him onto the ground again. Rita made a distressed noise, and Juno could hear Benten in the background asking something.

“Shut up!” Juno snapped, tears in his eyes as he rested one hand on Nureyev’s hip and used the other to cradle his cheek. “You're not dying, goddamn it. And even if you are, I’m not letting it happen in the fucking sewers!”

Rita sputtered, panic gripping her voice as she cried, “Die?! Who’s dyin’?! Is Mista Glass—”

Juno could hear Benten demanding the comms from Rita, and then suddenly he’s on the line. “Juno? Is that you? What the hell is going on?”

Hearing Benten’s voice broke the tight control Juno had managed to keep over himself. Everything came crashing down around Juno as his tears welled up and began to fall, and he didn’t know what to do. He had messed up so badly this time, with the vault, and then stalling on taking his shot, and not bothering to look for worse injuries. It was one thing to risk himself, but Nureyev?

Nureyev’s fingers tangled with Juno’s where they rested on his hip. Giving Juno a weak squeeze, and an even weaker smile, Nureyev struggled to suck in a breath. His breathing sounded wet and rattling, and his hand felt cold through the glove he wore.

“Juno!” Benten shouted, shaking Juno from his thoughts.

Leaning forward, Juno pressed his forehead to Nureyev’s and sobbed, “Ben, please.”

“We’re on our way, Juno,” Benten said without hesitation.

Juno sobbed again and added, “It’s Rex, he’s— it’s bad, Ben. I fucked up so badly.”

Benten shushed him gently. “We’ll figure things out, you just hang tight and stay on the line,” he said sternly.

“Okay,” Juno gasped, putting his comms down a short distance away, and he could hear Benten kicking people out of the cafe.

Holding back another sob, Juno moved to cradle Nureyev’s face in both of his hands, watching him closely. “Help is coming, Nureyev. Just hold on,” he begged quietly, quiet enough that his comms wouldn’t pick up his voice, tears running down his face. Nureyev was trying to stay awake, but his eyelids were fluttering quite a bit, and his breathing was slowing down.

“Nureyev, talk to me, you have to stay awake,” he whispered, hating how broken his voice sounded between them.

“N-not sure I… can, my love,” Nureyev said slowly with a wet chuckle, his eyes rolling back.

“Nureyev, no! Stay awake!” Juno begged, slapping his cheek a bit until he opened his eyes.

Meeting Juno’s eye hazily, Nureyev smiled a little bit and reached up to rest his hand on Juno’s where it cradled his face. “Ha-have to say, g-going out… in the arms of a b-beautiful lady is a n-nice surprise,” he said in a whisper, and Juno bit his cheek against another loud sob.

“Stop kidding around, Nureyev,” he pleaded, on the edge of hysterics. He pressed his lips to Nureyev’s, who tried to return the kiss, but was too weak. Releasing a desperate, mournful sound, Juno said, “You can’t die, Nureyev.”

“W-we all die someday, dear detective. I’m only h-happy I got to know you b-before I did,” Nureyev said with a sigh. “Juno Steel, you were the best thing to ever happen to me.”

“No, that’s not good enough for me. It’s not enough!” Juno bit out, pressing a hard kiss to Nureyev’s lips as he sobbed. He didn’t care how childish he sounded, didn’t care that he couldn’t just demand that someone not die because he loved him and wasn’t done yet.

And just like that, Juno knew with perfect clarity and without even a bit of doubt that he was in love with Peter Nureyev. Even though he’d only known him for a very short time, he knew. It was different from any other time he claimed he was in love, even with Diamond. The only other times he could say even compared were his love for Benten, Rita, and Mick. Nureyev was important, and Juno wasn’t sure what sort of life he could have if Nureyev wasn’t in it.

Even if the thief couldn’t stay, Juno needed him somewhere in the universe to make it all worth it.

But if Juno had to live in a galaxy without Peter Nureyev in it, he knew he couldn’t let him leave it without knowing.

Juno kissed Nureyev again, sobbing as the thief weakly responded. “Nureyev,” he whispered, their mouths still pressed together. “Nureyev, please hold on. I-I… I need you, I-I-I can’t— I love you, Nureyev.”

The thief sucked in a sharp breath at that, trying to open his eyes properly, and his mouth began to move, seemingly trying to speak. But Juno kissed him again, trying to get him to conserve some of his energy.

“I-I-I know it’s ridiculous, and we just met, but it’s true, Nureyev, just,” Juno paused to sob again, “Just hold on a bit longer, for me, please. I know how selfish that is to ask, and I know— I just got you, I can’t lose you.”

Nureyev nodded just a little bit, but Juno pulled back just in time to watch the thief lose consciousness.

“Nureyev! Wake up!” he shouted, slapping Nureyev’s face a few times, and his eyes did reopen, though they were unfocused.

“… Juno,” Benten’s voice came through the comms, reminding him very suddenly that he and Nureyev were not quite so alone. “We’re almost there, just hang tight and keep Rex awake if you can.”

Juno nodded, even though he knew Benten couldn’t see him. There was a lot Juno would have to deal with, especially if his brother had been paying enough attention to have overheard Nureyev’s name, but that was something for him to handle much later.

The next few times Nureyev drifted off again, Juno was successful in bringing him around until Nureyev finally stopped responding, his breathing ragged and his eyes rolling back.

Juno held his breath as he pressed his fingers to Nureyev’s throat, feeling his thready pulse. Shaking, Juno pressed his ear to Nureyev’s chest to listen to his heartbeat.

“I love you,” Juno whispered through his tears, and he could hear the sound of a car door slam just outside the entrance to the sewers. Sobbing again, Juno repeats, “I love you, Nureyev.”

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#the penumbra podcast #the penumbra fanfic #junoverse #juno steel #jupeter #gerry writes #full fic #bittersweet

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swan--writes · 4 years

Note

If you have time and feel so inclined, perhaps Beej introducing reader to the Maitlands and Deetz family?

For you, anything 🥰 I hope you enjoy it!

Words: 1,850

“Are you ready for this?”

“Yes.”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure, Beej.”

“Y’know, we don’t have to go today.” You frowned over at the media screen in your car. You were on the phone with your demon boyfriend, and you could practically hear him fidgeting. You weren’t sure why he hadn’t wanted you to summon him to your car so he could ride with you to the house, but you didn’t question him.

“Are you ready, Beej? ‘Cause we really don’t have to go today,” you teased. He growled gently, but you could feel some of his tension leaving him with the sound. “Don’t worry, honey, parents love me.”

“They’re not my parents,” Beetlejuice grumbled.

That much was true. From what Beetlejuice had told you about his parents, it was probably safer for everyone if you didn’t meet them. You had plenty of grievances to beat Juno over the head with. What was the worst she could do to you? Kill you? Please.

The Maitlands and the Deetzes, on the other hand, meant more to Beetlejuice than he could put into words – you knew it by the way he talked about them. How animated he was when he told you about the pranks he and Lydia pulled, the clever way they hid their antics from Charles and how Delia would sometimes help. Beetlejuice always softened when he talked about Adam and Barbara, the first real friends he had had in who knew how long.

When Beetlejuice told you that he wanted you to meet his patchwork family, you had barely been able to contain your excitement. You were never sure how your color-changing demon would respond to the strength of your emotions. Sometimes he jumped on the couch with you, sometimes he said nope and ducked out of the world of the living for a while. This time he just seemed nervous.

Now, with you on your way to the sleepy town where the Deetzes lived, and where the Maitlands had lived, his nervousness must have been vibrating just underneath his skin. You were beginning to feel paranoid. What if you should be worried? What if you weren’t ready for this?

What if they didn’t like you?

As quickly as the thoughts came, you shook them off. Beetlejuice didn’t need you questioning yourself now, you had promised you would meet these people. They were important, and you wanted to be a part of the family he had found. So you told him again not to worry and kept driving.

As is so often the case with drives like these – drives you wish would be just a little longer – you reached your destination remarkably quickly. You got out of the car and summoned Beetlejuice in the driveway. He appeared instantly, hovering a few inches from the ground. Nervous habit. Automatically, you took his hand and squeezed. There were things to say, reassurances to give, but you were silent. Hand in hand, you walked (floated) up the front steps. You knocked on the door.

“I, uh…” Beetlejuice cleared his throat. “I don’t usually call ahead.”

“I didn’t.”

“It’s probably fine.” You bit your lip and said nothing. The silence was just about to get awkward when the door finally opened. The second you saw her, you relaxed.

The woman who answered the door was just a little taller than you, with bright red hair, a purple dress, and a crystal around her neck. She was willowy and had what looked like a perpetual dreamy smile on her face.

You liked this one.

Without thinking, you smiled back at her. Beetlejuice cleared his throat. “Uh, Y/N, this is Delia.”

“Hi, it’s so nice to meet you,” you said.

“Y/N, it is so nice to meet you! I have been hearing so much about you, I feel like I already know you, and I can just tell we are going to be true spirit friends.” As she spoke, Delia swept you right over the threshold and into a hug. She was deceptively strong.

“Oh! I, um…” You tried to hug her back, but your arms were trapped in her embrace. She didn’t seem to mind. After a long moment, she let you go. “I can’t wait. Beej seems to think we have a lot in common.” You could hear Beetlejuice shifting awkwardly behind you.

Delia turned a knowing smile to the demon. “Aw, Mr. Juice.” You coughed to cover a laugh. Before she could say anything else, however, you heard someone thumping their way down the stairs.

“Beej! Sugar!” When you glanced back at him, you saw Beetlejuice’s face light up, his hair shifting into a bright green.

“Babes!” You had to spin to keep him from bumping into you as he rushed over to the stairs, sweeping a teenager dressed in black off of her feet. You laughed openly now, and though you couldn’t track their every movement, it looked like they were performing some elaborate full-body handshake. A fist-to-knee bump here, an elbow-to-left-foot nudge there. Moments later, the teenager was perched atop Beetlejuice’s shoulders and both of them were beaming at you.

The teenager waved, still giggling. “Hi. I’m Lydia,” she held out a hand for you to shake. Beetlejuice stepped forward so she could reach you, and you shook her hand.

“Oh, so you’re Lydia.” You smiled up at her. “I’m Y/N. I have so been looking forward to meeting you.”

“Ah, my dead husband told you the tragic tale of our stolen life together?”

Feigning melodrama, you raised your hand to your forehead and reeled backward. “Oh, all those lost years!”

“What a waste!” she returned.

“What sorrow!” you replied.

“What agony!” Beetlejuice added.

“It was so violent!” Delia joined. “And confusing…” You turned a fond smile to her, seeing no other choice but to humor her. How could you not? She was trying.

“Lydia! Have they arrived?” came a deep voice from further into the house, somewhere on the first floor.

Before anyone could respond, you heard more footsteps coming down the stairs and what you could only describe as a very nerdy voice, followed by what could have been the next Disney princess’s voice, if only its owner wasn’t dead. “They’re here?”

“Already? Adam, I thought you said another hour!”

Following Beetlejuice and Lydia, you and Delia had drifted farther into the living room. You could see a sliver of the kitchen around the form of a tall man in athleisurewear walking into the room. “Ah, you must be Y/N.” He stuck out his hand for you to shake in what you could see him trying not to make a stiff gesture. “I’m Charles Deetz.”

“They’re here, Dad,” said Lydia.

“We’re here, Dad!” echoed Beetlejuice. In the time it took you to blink, there were three small black and white striped snakes sitting in Charles’s outstretched hand. Lydia and your demon boyfriend laughed over his frightened yell. You could see Delia trying to suppress a chuckle. Trying to hide your own laugh, you bent down and picked up two of the snakes. The third managed to slip away from you, but Lydia hopped down from Beetlejuice’s shoulders and lifted it. She took the other two from you and walked away to put them outside. You shook Charles’s now reptile-free hand.

“It’s really nice to meet you, sir.”

“Please, call me Charles.” Your words had had the intended effect, however, and you noticed Charles puff out his chest ever-so slightly.

You nodded with a slight raise of your eyebrows. “Right.”

“Now Beetlejuice, was that really necessary?” came the nerdy voice again. Charles left your side to stand by Delia, draping an arm around her waist and letting her lean into him. You noted the pink tinge of your demon boyfriend’s hair before following his gaze to the stairs. Leaning on the banister was a man in a plaid shirt and glasses and, behind him, a blonde woman in a green dress. Definitely a would-be Disney princess and the guy who she realizes, in the end, should have been her love interest all along. You couldn’t help the fondness that crept into your expression.

“Maybe,” said Beetlejuice.

The man on the stairs shook his head and stepped down to the floor, walking over to you. “Hi, I’m Adam. It’s really nice to meet you, Y/N.” He shook your hand.

“It really is! We’ve been hearing so much about you.” Disney princess lady had followed him over to you and took your hand to shake the moment Adam let it go. “I’m Barbara.”

“It’s good to meet both of you,” you said with as much feeling as you could muster. “Beetlejuice has told me so many wonderful things about you.”

The ghosts before you turned in sync and cast a clearly loving glance at the demon across the living room. “Really?” they asked together. He ducked his head. Barbara laughed and Adam shook his head with his hands on his hips.

“Why Beetlejuice, I had no idea how much you cared,” Adam teased. Lydia was giving him a knowing smile with her arms folded.

“Aw, Beetlejuice, what did you say about us?” asked Delia, catching onto what the Maitlands had started.

Beetlejuice flapped his hand as if that would dispel the pink in his hair. “Alright, let’s all cool it with the B-word.” Both of the Maitlands covered their mouths.

You rolled your eyes playfully. “Sorry, hun.”

“Oh!” Delia suddenly shouted. “Y/N, since you’re here, you have to see what we have going on in the backyard.” She gave your arm a brief tug before fluttering off down a hallway. Charles gave you what might have been an apologetic smile if he wasn’t so obviously enamored with his wife before following her, and Lydia trudged after them.

“Yes, they’ve been working on it for weeks now,” Barbara agreed enthusiastically. She grabbed her husband’s arm and skipped off to follow the Deetzes, taking Adam with her. You glanced over at Beetlejuice. He stood watching the Maitlands and the Deetzes bustle off with his hands in his pockets, streaks of yellow and pink and dark green in his hair. He seemed almost to not want to look at you, and when his gaze did flicker to you he gave you a timid, questioning smile.

Tilting your head, you gave your demon boyfriend a fond smile. In the time it took you to walk over to him, you had taken a breath and sighed it out. Then you linked one of your arms with his and bumped his hip with yours.

“So, whadda ya think?” he asked. “Ready for the fam?”

“Hmmm…” You looked up in mock consideration. “…they are your family, aren’t they?” Still watching you nervously, he nodded. You softened. “Then I can’t wait to get to know them.” You felt the last of Beetlejuice’s tension leave him and watched as his hair returned fully to green. Shaking your head, you pulled him toward the hallway that the others had disappeared down. “C’mon, ya weirdo.” He walked with you to follow his family into the backyard.

“I’m your weirdo though.”

“Yeah, you are.”

Buy Me a Coffee?

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pvntherz · 4 years

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Love-struck Heartthrob

Summary: Catherine has a crush and despite being the “local heartthrob” her whole, she’s never experienced real love before.

A/N: this is just a lil somethin to break my writing funk since the last fic i remeber writing was the most recent part of the Hades and Persephone thingy (which i might add to/revamp) Anyways, stan Cathy with emotional stupidity.

Word count: 1245

💛💙💜

Love was a strange word and even stranger language. So strange in fact, Catherine Parr could never wrap her head around it. It was frustrating. All her life Catherine had a number of terrible names attached to her. "Playgirl", "heart throb", "vixen", "a tease", and most simply "a flirt". It simply wasn't fair to the poor girl. Years worth of ruined relationships and non stop name calling simply because she didn't like saying words she didn't understand.

This followed Catherine for years.

Hence being laid out in the middle of her bedroom (or the attic as anyone else would call it) floor surrounded by a mountain of books. Some closed, others filled to the brim with self made book marks, some even open and filled with annotations in a mix of messy scrawl and neat script. It was shocking to see-- Catherine had a strict "no books on the floor" policy and "no writing in old classical books" code as well-- However, in times of emotional distress, she had to let her own mistakes slide.

"Hey kid… wow are you okay?" Catalina peeked up through the attic entrance and flinched at the sight of her daughter's emotional drainage.

She entered the attic and maneuvered around the countless old classics littered on the floor. Catalina neatly stacked some unused notebooks and doodle pads and moved them to the side so she could sit down. "Come on, tell momma what's wrong." She pulled Catherine's head into her lap and gently ran her fingers through the dark brown curls.

"Niente è sbagliato." Catherine said softly and nuzzled into her mom's lap and tapped against her knee. "Just because I impulse bought a buncha books and I'm blasting my sad song playlist doesn't mean anything." She chuckled softly causing her mother to roll her eyes.

"Well that's what you said with Zoey, then again with that Ruby girl, also that Juno girl." Catalina raised her hand before her daughter could interject. "The first time." She sighed and shook her head. "So. Are you gonna tell me who's the girl and why you're so worked up about?"

Catherine shot up and turned towards her mother. "I- there is no girl! I may repeat a lot of things, but I meant it when I said I was done with all those little flings and heartbreaking shit! It's not the real me!" She huffed out and crossed her arms.

"Yeah I know, but no one mass buys a bunch of old classics such as 'Divine Comedy' and 'The Iliad' alongside books such as 'Jealousy' and 'Master your Emotions'." She squinted at Catherine's computer and chuckled. "How desperate do you have to be to go so far as to look at Apollo's love life?"

Catherine deflated and leaned against her mom. "I think..I get it now." She sighed softly. "Like this time feels different. I don't know what to do...what if I break her heart?"

"If you really do love her, you won't actually worry about that, dear." Catalina placed a gentle kiss on Catherine's forehead. "I know you may be feeling apprehensive about pursuing this person, considering your past relationships and all, but if you truly do love her, then I honestly don't see anything that's stopping you from pursuing her. I know you have a good heart and you're afraid to show it, but if you love her, I know that you'll trust her enough to let a little bit of your walls down around her. You care for her, and she cares for you too. So, nothing's stopping you, conejito. I just hope this girl makes you happy."

Catherine sniffled and wiped her eyes. "I just..I'm scared. She's just so nice and sweet a-and I really do love her. What if she hates me for having so many exes or like, I don't know, what if she isn't into nerds!" She nervously chewed on her knuckle only for her mom to pull her hand away. "Sorry…"

Catalina shook her head. "C'mon, you need to do something other than read a bunch of books and take notes." She stood and pulled Cathy up with her. "We're gonna make cookies." She chuckled as Catherine's face lit up. "See? Already feeling better."

They both climbed down the stairs and headed to the kitchen. Thankfully it was empty and clean. Catalina raised an eyebrow and looked at her daughter who nervously glanced away.

"Anyways, go and get the dry ingredients." Catalina pushed her daughter toward the cabinets and headed towards. She quickly grabbed two small bottles with 'AE' and 'VE' on them, eggs, sugar, brown sugar, chocolate chips, and butter. She placed everything onto the kitchen island and sighed, thankful she had not dropped anything. "If only I held you like that." She chuckled softly.

"What?!" Catherine turned around and furrowed her eyebrows. She placed the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon on the kitchen island and glared at her mother. "So you're directly responsible for my shitty love life? I'll be seeing you court." She giggled playfully, then pulled open the drawer in front of her and took out two wooden spoons and a sieve. "Here you can do the yucky- are those almonds?"

Catalina looked at the jar in her hand and back to her then nodded slowly. "Yeah, for the cookies. Hey don't make that face, they're good!" She rolled her eyes and put the jar to the side. "Fine no almonds, but we have to put something else in these cookies. No one likes plain cookies."

Catherine shrugged and began measuring out all of the ingredients. "Well, we can add marshmallows." She hummed softly while sifting the dry ingredients as her mother mixed in the wet ingredients. "I really hope these marshmallows don't catch fire in the span of 10 minutes." She snickered and slowly added both mixtures to one bowl and mixed them together.

Catalina shrugged and sprinkled some flour on the counter and dumped the cookie dough onto the counter. "Here roll it out and cut it up. My old lady arms can't roll that damn thing out." She handed the rolling pin and went to the sink.

Catherine shook her head and laughed as she began rolling down the mountain of cookie dough. She glanced out the side of her eye and smiled. "Oh, hey Kitty! Do you got any cookie shape requests?" Her cheeks heated up the longer she stared at the shorter girl.

Kitty smiled softly. "Oh yeah! Do you think you can make some little heart ones for me?" She looked up at the taller woman. Kitty had her usual twinkle in her eye. Granted, it only ever showed up when she did something she enjoyed, but Kitty enjoyed a lot of things. "Hey stay still." She stood up on her tiptoes and wiped a smudge of flour off of Catherine's cheek. "Well that's all, I'd love to help but I got homework to do!"

Catherine stood there in awe, watching the other girl walk away happily. She shook her head and turned around and squinted at her mother. "I don't wanna hear!" She blushed deeply and covered her ears before Catalina could start gushing. "Lalalala! I'm not listening, lalala!"

Catalina rolled her eyes and pulled her daughter into a hug. "You're such an idiot but you're my idiot." She kissed the top of her daughter's head and ruffled her dreadlocks. "Now it's time to get to cutting."

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daydreaming-jessi · 4 years

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I hope you’re ready for a story about death. Beware, this will mention suicide and some gross things like bones cracking. Y’all said you wanted to hear it so I decided to go ahead and post it! The story of how Juno met Beetlejuice’s father and how she came to become the demon she is when we see her. It’s a mix of a fanfic with a lil comic in between because i drew it before I wrote this lmao and I wanted to include it but there wasn’t really a great way to do that. It’s a long boy, so the story’s under the cut. Hopefully it works, I don’t wanna clog anyone’s dash ^^’

Once, in a time long before cable tv was even a pipe dream much less when it was considered to be on its deathbed, there was a city where all thought it would reign endlessly. In that city there was a woman, long tormented by those above her. She felt powerless, that her fate was never in her own hands. She chased off all men that tried to marry her and control her even further, cut herself off from others that tried to subdue her. She was jeered at and made a pariah. She despised it all. She cursed the gods for bringing her to a world where she held no autonomy, she pleaded for something to change, something to give. It seemed that she would receive no aid though.

One night, she felt it was all too much. Drunk on gluttonous amounts of wine, she decided there was no hope for her. She took a knife, and one last time, despaired. “If I hold no freedom in life, then I shall seek it in the underworld, gods be damned!” And sliced her throat open. Her blood soaked the ground.

When she awoke again, she found herself not in what is described as the underworld. Instead, it was an endless void, with few shadowy wisps wandering the inky, black scape.

There the woman wandered, her wound on her throat constantly aching, forever reminding her of her deeds, though most everything else of her life was long forgotten in the void. Far did she walk, for there was no time to keep, no exhaustion or desire to hold her back, as she searched for anything. It was not until the darkness became a misty white did she take pause, wondering if any of this was worthwhile.

Then, she heard a noise. A groan, the shuffle of something large moving, and she felt that something with an endless gaze was watching her.

“Hey, that something has a name thanks! Also, you make me sound creepy, I’m just looking at the lady that’s wandered onto my turf, narrator!”

The woman startled, it had been so long since she’d heard another speak in a tongue she understood.

“Why so serious, eh? I thought this was supposed to be a funny story! Like, I know this story has a suicide in it and stuff, but man is this a downer. Ever heard of dark comedy?”

“Who’s there?” The woman asked, her voice a croak from long disuse, the air hissing out of her throat.

“What, you can’t see me yet? Are you blind or something? Oh crap, wait are you blind? This will be awkward if you’re actually blind, shit,” the voice responded.

The woman squinted her eyes, seeing a towering mass in the mist, just out of sight, sending a chill of terror down her spine. “Are you a god? A beast? Here to finish me off finally?” The woman tried to hide her fear, standing behind a mask of pride.

“Ha, God! That’s a good one. Beast is probably closer. Here, lemme just, don’t wanna scare this one off…”

The mass twisted and the sound of bones cracking and bloody flesh squelching filled the air. The woman tripped backwards hastily, watching as the creature moved inhumanly. Finally, a man stepped forward, a man much bigger than her, both physically and seeming mentally, wearing clothes the woman had never seen before, strangely tailored to his body in a way she had couldn’t quite comprehend. His hair flared out wildly, seeming to be a sort of black with green tint that seemed to be… moving. His eyes were the most startling of all, a bright luminescent green that seemed to pierce into the woman’s very soul.

“How do ya do? Been a while since one of you newly dead’s wandered all the way out here. Usually it’s just me and my two buds,” the man grinned, revealing sharp teeth that belonged more to a predator than a man.

The woman swallowed thickly. “Buds?” She asked, trying to keep her body from shaking.

“Yeah, Tunk and Harley. They’re a riot,” the man said, jutting a thumb to two boulders that seemed to suddenly appear from the mist.

The woman blinked, taken aback by this man, thing, creature’s attitude.

“Speaking of, what about you? What’s yer handle?” The man was suddenly at the woman’s side, eyes darting over her in a quick one over. The woman startled away, gasping. His skin was almost translucent, and he reeked of sulfur.

She took a deep breath, composing herself, before the question hit her. Who was she? She almost crumbled to her feet upon realizing that she had no answer.

“Ah, jeez, they sent another fainter. Here, sit on Harley, she doesn’t mind the weight,” the man helped the unnamed woman onto the bigger of the two boulders.

The man plopped onto the other one in a most undignified state, picking at his sharp teeth with fingers that, upon a second look, were not human hands. It was as if his fingertips were frostbitten, but rather than fall off, they grew claws that belonged to a bear.

“What is this place?” The woman finally asked, desperate for some sort of answer to all this madness she’d been subjected to.

“Ah, there’s that thousand dollar question. You, my friend, are the lucky new inhabitant of the netherworld! Applause may be had now,” an uproarious applause filled the air, as streamers and balloons manifested as well, though how the unnamed woman knew what these things are was uncertain. The man crossed his legs, twice. With a third leg.

“Now, you may be wondering, Netherworld? But I thought the afterlife was ‘insert belief here’, and I’m here to tell you everything you knew was wrong! There’s no god, no cycle, no anything! It’s all one big ol’ void! Welcome, to the rest of your afterlife! Drifting around nowhere forever, until you finally dissolve into that nothing. Exciting isn’t it?” The man continued.

The woman’s head spun. Nothing? No gods? No underworld? No judgement? Only a void? It sounded so... chaotic. “But, but how could there be nothing? How could there be no gods? We-we came from something how could we dissolve into nothing?” She asked.

The man shrugged, still seeming quite chipper about the whole thing. “Don’t ask me. I just live here.”

“But, but… what about you? Aren’t you going to fade away as well?” The woman asked, desperate.

“Oh I can’t. I’m technically not dead! No I’m a shoggoth, and we just... Live here. Rents cheap, restaurants are alright, and just lookit all this space! Can’t complain, I guess.”

“But, but, how can you live? Why must I die? What is the difference between you and I? Dammit! Dammit all, it’s just as unfair in death as it is life! Damn everything, damn it all to oblivion with me!” The woman stood, rage filling her empty veins. All of the suffering, it was never ending. She would never find peace.

The man, the shoggoth, watched the woman with interested eyes. A plan was forming in his mind, a plan he’d long since been thinking. “It is unfair, isn’t it? Man everyone hates it! No point to doing anything, it’s all for naught. We’re all gonna waste away. Well, you are. I won’t. I’ll just be stuck here in the boring old Netherworld. Forever. Chatting with rocks and making mist puppets.” He demonstrated this skill with a beautiful puppet recreation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

The woman paused in her ranting, looking over to him. “There must be a way, there must be a way to change this.”

Hiding a smirk, the shoggoth stood. “Well… there could be. Might be. Possibly be. It all depends, I guess.”

“Enough of your riddles. What is it you have schemed, I can see for myself you know a way.”

The shoggoth blinked, caught off guard by the woman’s rushing through his theatrics. He quickly shook himself back to his plan.

“Alright, smart woman I see. So, I’m a shoggoth. A powerful, unstoppable beast. I can crush cities, move mountains, do whatever I want. But I’m trapped here. No shoggoth can leave the netherworld. And newly deads? They’re powerless wimpy lil things, but. If they were to have the power of a shoggoth, well, I always thought you lil air suckers are pretty unstoppable. No way could the netherworld hold you back if you had the right tools to get outta here. So! I think, maybe we should form a deal!” He held his hand out to the woman, trying to smile charmingly, emphasis on trying.

The woman stared at him flatly, unsure. “A… deal…” she said.

“Yes’m, a deal! Just one little itty bitty deal that combines my powers with your soul, giving you the power to do as you please, and giving me the ability to finally go where I please. All we have to do is share a name, giving us a connection.”

He could see that she was hesitant. It was time to put on the charm. Humans like nicknames, right?

Power filled the air. The woman, now Juno, felt her body tear itself apart molecule by molecule, and repiece itself back together. She wasn’t sure if she screamed or if it was the sound of the world around them bending to the shoggoth’s will.

After what felt like eternity, Juno opened her eyes. Abdul looked back worriedly. Upon seeing her moving, he breathed a breath of relief. “Oh good! I thought you were like, dead squared.”

“What... is this...?” Juno brought her hand to her face. Already her thoughts were filled to the brim, she knew the ins and outs of the netherworld, how to manipulate it, to control it. Energy hummed under her skin, the sensation of her slashed throat long in the past. Slowly, she moved her hand, the mist formed into a ball before her. Slowly, a smile filled her face.

“This is having control over your own soul. Looks like we’re not powerless anymore!” Abdul grinned, reaching a hand down. Juno took it and he helped her stand up, and she slowly moved forward, marveling at the way everything looked now. She understood what it all was, what Abdul was, what she was.

“So, partner! Ready to take the world by storm?” Abdul asked. Juno turned back to him, and for a single second Abdul felt a flicker of hesitance. Something was different. For one moment, Abdul saw something in Juno’s now red eyes, and for the first time ever he felt a shadow of fear.

But then Juno smiled coolly, looking normal once more. “A demon and a shoggoth together are unstoppable. It is time to bring order to the netherworld. A system. We cannot have souls wandering around so freely. What if they found shoggoths as well? We can’t have everyone have this power, lest one starts to take it away from others for themselves. Come, Abdul. Let’s get to work.”

Abdul watched as she started off, back to where the souls came into netherworld. “Hey, narrator... is this really a happy ending? I’m not so sure. I mean, Juno seems nice and all. Just, is this really what she should have?” he muttered.

I cannot answer.

Abdul sighed, unhappy at the lack of response, and started after Juno. “Probably just overthinking. I always overthink, y’know? Who cares. Soon I’ll be able to see earth. I’ll be able to see what the humans like about life so much. Hell yeah. Yeah! Wait up Juno!” He hurried after her, leaving Tunk and Harley in the mist.

#beetlejuice musical #beetlejuice broadway #beetlejuice the broadway musical #beetlejuice #fanfiction #fanfic #juno shoggoth #juno #shoggoth #digital comic #digital doodle #digital sketch #digit #jessi doodles #abdul shoggoth

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