#I adore trav and how he speaks about her

[butididntpourthewhiskeys]

https://x.com/_willcompton/status/1806424859246841922?t=KWhNBi8cDFjcu_aTkLChRg&s=19

the end couple seconds ijbol

What did he say in the end?

[haru-sen]

IAL: Mandalorians 2

Thanks, 3-D Render Anon, with your adorable voodoo dolls.  That was the serotonin I needed.

I should be working, but I’m posting this.  The Mando’a phrases and cultural dishes are from Wookieepedia.  I’ll post the actual translations in the fic, but I don’t have time right now.

You woke up in a tent, your entire body aching.  You were tucked under some blankets, a bedroll under your head.  Your sabers were still on your belt.  

“Query: are you done yet?” HK-53 asked, from overhead.  “Also, are you sure I can’t kill these Mandalorians?”  

“I am going to track down that pacifist module and shove it right up your accessory port,” you muttered.  “Just you wait-”

“Shock: Master, how could you threaten your loyal droid this way?  When did Master get so cruel?  I am very proud of you!”  

Laughing, you held your head for a moment. “What happened?”

“Recollection:  You collapsed. The blue-armored meatbag injected you with kolto, and carried you here.  The black-armored meatbag kept his gun on me, and I made sure neither of them did strange things to your person while you were inconveniently indisposed. It has been a little over a standardized hour since you lost consciousness.”  

You sat up slowly.  The sun was still up.  “Where are we?”

“The witch is alive.”  

You blinked, the black-armored Mandalorian standing in front of you.  He was not wearing his helmet. Tall, with dark skin and clawmark scars across his cheeks, he loomed over you.  He was well-groomed, his beard neatly trimmed, his black hair was immaculately styled.  How did he not have helmet hair?  

Blue scrambled over, also with his helmet off, also younger than you expected.  He was blonde, hair gelled and styled.  What the hell? Did Mandalorians discover the secret to preventing helmet hair?   He smiled at you, with eyes as blue as his armor, his cheeks flushed. “You’re recovering much faster than I expected. How are you feeling?”

“Like I drank Delta Squad under the table again…”  You said, rubbing your forehead.  You had overdone it back there.  Between the terentatek corruption, the Ataru form, and the subsequent wounds, you had pushed yourself too hard too quickly.  

“Jedi drink?” Blue raised a brow.  

“No, we just absorb dew through our pores,” you scowled.

“This Jedi witch is about to get dunked in a lake if she keeps giving me that attitude,” Skull said coolly.  

“Well, I am thirsty,” you said.  

To your surprise, Blue offered his canteen, looked thoughtful for a moment, took a drink, and then offered it again.  “It’s not poisoned.”  

“Disgust: Not poisoned, but definitely contaminated,” HK-53 said.

You hesitantly accepted the canteen, drinking down some of the metallic-tasting water. “Thanks.”  You wiped your mouth with the back of your hand. “What do I call you?”

“Reaper,” Skull said. “76.” He pointed at Blue.  “You?”

“Strike,” you said,  climbing to your feet.  The world wobbled, but did not tilt too far on its axis.   You looked around.  This encampment was small, but there was a cold firepit and vehicle tracks. They had not set this up in a couple hours.  They had been in this area for awhile.  

“Strike,” Reaper said, expression grim.  “I think we need to talk.”  

“No, I need to get to Nar Shaddaa,” you said.  

The men looked at each other.  “So do we.”  

“That’s what we need to talk about,” 76 said, crossing his arms.  

You stood there for a moment, a little intuitive nudge already sending your thoughts into overdrive. This was about to get even more complicated. “Because you really like casinos?  Right?” You asked, with a sigh.  

“Because we need to get one of those kids back,” Reaper said.  

“...Of course, you do,” you said, staring up at the sky.  You were glad someone had survived to hire mercs to rescue their kid. And you didn’t really care if the child chose to avoid training on Tython. But you did not need battle-happy Mandalorians ruining your operation.  “Which one?”

“Xenya Itera, human female.” Reaper held out a holo of a little girl with a tiny spherical droid floating over her outstretched hands.  She was dark skinned, her hair in several long tiny braids. She was smiling.  “You can rescue the others, but we are obligated to retrieve her.”  

“And if she doesn’t want to go with you?” You asked, crossing your arms.

“Then she doesn’t have to,” Reaper said with a shrug, surprisingly unbothered by the question.  

“Your bounty?”

“Not your problem,” Reaper said coolly.  “We just need to get the kid away from the Cartels. Simple enough.  Easier too if we go after them together.”  

...Two sensible, non-volatile suggestions from Mandalorian mercs in one day? Was the world coming to an end? ...Or was it a trap? There was a long history of bad blood between Jedi and the Mandalorian clans.  

“What clan?”  You asked suddenly.  

“Excuse me?” Reaper said.

“What clan are you?”

The men looked at you for a moment, like they hadn’t expected that question.  “Clan Ordo.”  

You nodded.  You didn’t have any standing grudges with Clan Ordo.  Hell, you hadn’t really ever dealt with them.  But they weren’t Clan Lok, Rook, Varad, or Viszla, so you were probably good for the moment.  “I can work with that.”

**

“You should be fine with Ordo,” Rogun said, over the comm-link.  “They were one of the clans that backed the Crusader’s Schism, several years back – wanted to side with the Republic instead of the Empire.  Whole thing got crushed by Mandalore the Vindicated, and Ordo was eventually welcomed back into the fold, with honor.  So they likely don’t have the grudge that Lok and Viszla do.  I can’t speak for the individuals though.”

“Good to know,” you said, sitting cross legged in the tent.  “And Talon?”

“...I guess you’re right, Strike.  There are no coincidences.  He’s been spotted on Nar Shaddaa, near the slave markets with an entourage.”  An entourage? Did that mean…?  Rogun gave a rough laugh.  “The Force moves in mysterious ways.”  

“No, the Force is a mean bitch with an axe to grind, usually in my face,” you scowled.  

Rogun guffawed, the lethorns on the side of his head shaking.  “You’re never going to make Master with that kind of talk.”  

You rolled your eyes upward, like that was the only thing keeping you from obtaining the rank of Master.  Ha!  “Just so you know, I got quizzed by the Council on our association.”  

“I’m sure you said nice things about me,” he said, his grin mean.

“I said, your sandwiches suck.”

Rogun scowled back at you.  “It was the best I could do during an active bombardment!”

You knew adult Chagrians often lost their sense of taste due to environmental factors, and maybe that was the reason the food had been awful, but it was rude to point that part out.  “Yeah, well, I talked you up a little too.  Made sure they knew that despite your questionable occupation, you’re a friend of the Republic.”

“Great, so when they come knocking at my door for favors or charitable handouts, I know who to blame.”  

“Just give them one of those sandwiches, that’ll send them on their way.”

Rogun squinted at you.  “It’s a good thing you’re useful, Strike.”

You laughed.  “Thanks, Rogun. Keep me updated on Lord Talon’s movements.  I’ll make you a delicious sandwich in gratitude.”

“Go kiss a sarlaac,” he scowled, and hung up.

“You certainly have a way with people,” Reaper said, hovering by the entrance.  

You had not noticed his approach. How much had he heard?  “That’s me, making friends wherever I go,” you said with a shrug.

Reaper gave a low chuckle.  “You and that mouthy droid.”  

You glanced around, realizing HK-53 had not been over your shoulder for your conversation with Rogun. You got up, a little concerned.

“Relax, he’s shooting bogstalkers with 76.  They were attacking the comms equipment.  I’ve already updated my people. I’m going to finish breaking down the camp, and then we can go.”  

You started to disassemble the tent, watching as HK and 76 sniped at the leathery reptilians that fluttered in the sky.  

“What are you flying?” Reaper asked, packing several weapons into crates.

“The usual – Rendili Defender-class light corvette.  It’ll get us where we need to go.”

“And you think your credentials will be enough to get us through Olaris?” He asked, because the Republic-held city wasn’t too friendly toward Mandalorians.  

“I can, but it might be easier if you leave off the helmets.  I know that’s culturally insensitive, but we’ll move faster if I don’t have to pull rank on a bunch of terrified soldiers and customs agents,”  You shrugged, bundling the tent tightly.

“Sensible,” was all Reaper said.  

**

“So what’s it like, traveling with a Jedi Knight?” 76 asked, lowering his rifle.

“Declaration: That is a broad question, meatbag.  Be more specific,” HK-53 said, rifle aimed at a ferrazid hound, the mutated creature already tearing apart a broke receiver.  

76 laughed.  “Do you get in a lot of fights?”

“Bragging: We get in so many fights.  The number of people who want to kill Master is very high. And it doesn’t seem to get lower, despite how many people we do kill. If I wasn’t so busy killing her enemies, I would want to fight her one day.”  HK-53 paused, its head twitching.

76 frowned.  “Why does she attract such enmity?  Just who are you killing?”

“Aggravation: Master has killed many things, usually enemies of the Republic, but she has also made many rules about what I am not allowed to kill.  It is unnecessarily complicated.  For example, Master generally prefers to let the enemy make the first move of aggression, to ensure that it is adhering to her archaic rules of “moral” combat.  Sometimes she even talks people out of fighting her.  Can you believe it?  She knows they’re her enemies and she lets them walk away! She should just kill them ahead of time, not spare them.  What is she thinking?” HK-53 gunned down the mutated hound-beast.  “But Master is a Jedi, and Jedi have to follow silly rules,” the droid muttered petulantly.  

“How did a...violent murder-happy droid like yourself end up with a Jedi then?” 76 asked.

HK-53 tilted its head, giving 76 a very skeptical look.  “Suspicion: Such flattery. Why are you asking so many questions, meatbag?”  

“I’m just curious about the people I’m traveling with,” 76 said, rubbing the back of his neck.  “It’s not every day I meet a Jedi Knight or such an...enthusiastic battle droid.  It leaves an impression.  There’s a story there.”

HK-53 stared at him, those eyes glowing.  “Satisfaction: We are impressive. You don’t need to know more.”  Turning back to the swamps, HK-53 surveyed the area. “Observation: Oh, it looks like Master and the other meatbag want us to return.”

76 just laughed awkwardly.

**

“Concern: Master, that meatbag was asking a lot of questions about us.”  HK-53 was secured to speeder on the seat behind you.  The Mandalorians were on the other. You were technically using their equipment, but you didn’t exactly trust a bunch of battle-happy maniacs in the driver’s seat.  That included your droid.

You zoomed over marshlands and fields, the Mandalorians riding parallel to you.  

“What kind of questions?”

To your surprise, HK-53 just replayed the recording of the conversation.  Normally, he was all too happy to summarize an interaction, and intersperse his own commentary, but he let it play out without interruption.

“Query: There is subtext that I do not understand, Master.  Is he probing for weakness?  What angle is he coming from?  What does he hope to learn?”

You sighed.  “It could be socially-motivated, but I’m sure he’s also trying to gather intel.  People often let a lot of things slip in friendly conversation.”  

“Query: What did he let slip?”

“Not a lot,” you said, thoughtfully. “But he’s trying to be diplomatic, and he seems to have a personal interest in Jedi.”

“Query: How can you tell?”

“The enthusiasm,” you said. “He’s not just asking for intelligence purposes.  He’s interested in the topic, and he wants to make a good impression on you.  I’m not exactly sure why – Mandalorian mercs aren’t really known for their diplomatic skills, but I think if we talk to him more, we’ll figure it out.”  

“Statement: These Mandalorians are not what I expected.  Normally, we just fight them, and it’s a little difficult, but it’s done.  This change in behavior is...disconcerting.”  

“Yeah, I know.  Nothing about this mission is what we expected,” you muttered.  

**

  “Clean, sturdy, and fast,” Reaper said, looking over your ship.  “Not bad.”  

“Spacious,” 76 said, with a nod.

Given the fact that it was just you and HK-53, the ship was almost too big.  “You guys can make yourselves comfortable in the crew quarters,” you said, gesturing to the rooms.  ���Let me know if you need anything.  I’m going to make some calls before we reach Nar Shaddaa.”

But first you needed to change into an intact top, and check your wounds.  Your robe was ruined, and there were three parallel gashes across your low back.  They nearly spanned the entire width of your back, and were each a couple inches wide, and thankfully not too deep.  But they would take a while to heal.  76 was right, you would scar.  Your healing skills just weren’t up good enough.  Still.  

The auto-navigation was engaged, cockpit locked.  You wouldn’t have to take the helm till you reached Nar Shaddaa.  You didn’t exactly trust the Mandalorians on your ship, but you could feel them settling down, sharing one of the two sleeping rooms - there were multiple berths on your ship, but they holed up in one together. And they were behaving. To your surprise, when you reached Olaris, the Mandalorians had tucked their helmets into their bags, and quietly followed you through the spaceport.  HK-53 attracted more attention with his running commentary, but boarding had gone smoothly.  

You put HK-53 outside the comm room and shut the door.  

You first called Master Amari, to give her the update for the Council.  Yes, you were going to Nar Shaddaa.  Also, Orgo the Hutt had a terentatek and had tried to feed you to it.  You did not have time to finish the beast – but you would return to take care of it, after you rescued the children.  You had picked up some Mandalorians – they were also tracking one of the children and on their best behavior.  

Master Amari had been interested to learn they were Clan Ordo, but seemed satisfied with your progress.  You did not mention Lord Talon.  

The next call was less staid.  

“A terentatek, Theron,” you snarled.  “How did you manage to leave out that detail?”

“I don’t keep an inventory of every crime lord’s dungeon!”

“It’s a goddamn terentatek, not a monkey lizard!  How did he even get one?”

“Did you try asking him?” The spy asked snidely.  He lounged on the comm unit, looking nothing like the sickly boy you’d met on Haashimut. “I was too busy trying not to die!”

“Sounds like a “you problem,” he shrugged.  “And stop whining, you didn’t die.”  He grinned at you.  

“No, thanks to you!”

“You didn’t invite me.  You could still invite me,” he said, leaning forward, his eyes bright and too eager.

“Pfft, since when did you care about a dozen potential padawans?” You asked, even though you knew the answer, just like you knew why you had not invited Theron along.  It would get too complicated for a variety of reasons.  “This is barely even Jedi business.  It’s a criminal venture that happens to have Imperial ties – not really relevant to the SIS or your career.”

“...I heard you saw the Grandmaster,” he said, suddenly subdued.  

And that was exactly why you had not invited him.  Theron was a shady son of a bitch on the best of days.  That said “bitch” happened to be Grandmaster Satele Shan was just another level of complicated. There were so many reasons the situation was screwed: she had given him up immediately, his father was “unknown,” and he didn’t have enough force sensitivity to blow out a candle.  His solution? He’d gotten some kind of high end cybernetic implant and gone off to play spymaster for the Republic, instead of working through his feelings.

But there was always an underlying layer of bitter regrets that accompanied his dealings with the Jedi Order.  

“Yes, she looks healthy,” you said, playing it off like it was not a big deal. “It was going to be a disciplinary hearing, but that changed, because I’m just a pawn in some greater philosophical argument.  Or maybe because they needed me to do a job,” you scowled.  “I still annoy her, don’t worry.”  

“Wanna wager which one of us is the greater disappointment?” Theron asked, his smile deceptively cheerful.  You knew better than to answer that question.  “Just kidding, Strike.  It’s obviously you.” He made finger guns.  “She hasn’t given me a second thought.”  

You shrugged, pretending like you didn’t hear the open wound in that statement. “I doubt it’s anything so important.  I just get a lot of lectures from the Council.  You can probably guess what they think about strong emotion and any activity that isn’t meditating in front of a fountain.”  You paused. “Look, do you want to be there when I report back to them?  Like as an SIS adjutant or something?”

Theron let out a harsh laugh. “Are you trying to get kicked out, Strike? You show up to a High Council meeting with the Grandmaster’s bastard offspring in tow?  How’s that going to look?”

“...You’re the one asking to come along,” you scowled.  “Make up your own mind, Theron.  I don’t offer to drag you into stupid Order business, you complain.  I do offer to bring you into stupid Order business, after you ask, and you decline and point out why it’s a dumb idea.  This is why you don’t have friends.”

“You’re one to talk, unable to make real connections because the Order stunted you for the first half of your life. Now here you are, running around with that psychotic defective HK unit, like it will replace what you lost on Corellia, chasing after Lord Talon like he’s the one you’re mad at, instead of-”  

The world narrowed to a single point.  Red light flashed across your field of vision.  

“You need to stop talking,” you said, your voice going cold.    

Theron blinked, his eyes widening.  “...Druk.  Strike, I didn’t mean-”

You cut the connection, the room blurring around you for a moment.  It took a couple seconds for your vision to adjust.  To realize how angry you were.  Sure, Theron was an asshole, but he’d only peeled back the scab on a still-festering wound.  You tilted your head back.

Breathe in.  Hold.  Breathe out.  Hold.  Repeat till the darkness recedes.  

Gradually, your control steadied.  But you sat with that cloud of anger, not letting it go, nor letting it take ascendance.  It was there, a pulsing reminder of your humanity.  

You were going to kill Lord Talon and maybe his apprentice.  Not because you hated him, though you did.  Not because it was the right thing to do, though it was.  You were going to kill him for personal reasons, and unlike the rest of the Order, you were not going to lie to yourself about it.  And if that brought you down, if that decision made you fall, well, you were prepared.  You had taken the appropriate precautions. There would be no Sith Lord Strike.  

There was a ping as you received an incoming message.  It was from Theron. It was only five words.  

I’m an ass.  I’m sorry.

You shook your head, not ready to respond just yet, and left the comm room.  

**

“Is that the best you can do?” 76 laughed, and then there was whumpf, before you heard a body hit the floor.  

You peeked into the bunks, to see the Mandalorians stripped down to their shorts, wrestling on the ground.  Both men were muscular, with noticeable scars from blasters, vibroblades, and even some teeth and clawmarks.  But the tattoos were interesting… Reaper had a full left sleeve, and 76 had some very colorful creatures etched on his back.  Was that a varactyl?  

“See something you like?” 76 asked, glancing over at you.

Reaper looked up at you, narrowing his eyes.  “Or are we being too loud?”

“I wasn’t sure what was going on, just making sure it wasn’t a murder,” you said.  “Carry on then.” You abruptly turned around, shoulders taut.  You would not stare.  And you certainly would not get caught staring.  

“Hey, you seem kind of stressed.  Do you want to spar or something?” 76 asked.  

“That’s not a good idea right now,” you said, tensing.

“Why, because you’re still weak from getting your ass handed to you by a Sithspawn freak?” Reaper asked, casually.  “Don’t worry, witch. I’ll go easy on you, if you ask me nicely.”  His grin was savage.  

You turned back to face him, feeling the anger pour off you in waves. “...Mandalorian, do you need someone to humble you that badly?” You asked, your voice low and harsh.  

Reaper laughed.  “You don’t scare me, witch.  Choose your weapons.  And if you need to hide behind your fancy light swords-”

“Practice blades will do,” you said.  “Come on then.”  

Reaper squinted at you.

“You don’t think I’m going to tear up this room, do you?  The sparring mats are on the lower decks,” you said, already heading down.  

**

You picked up two blades off the rack, choosing a full blade and a half-length blade.  The cargo hold was equipped for exercise, as you did not normally transport a lot of goods.  You stretched, ignoring the whispered conversation between the Mandalorians.  

“Oh good, the medbay is across the hall-” 76 said.

“Whose side are you on?” Reaper growled.  

“You’re out of armor, cyar’ika,” 76 murmured. “She’s a Jedi.  The outcome is obvious.”

“Hut’uun,” Reaper spat.  “Verd ori'shya beskar'gam.”

“Don’t be salty because I’m telling the truth, mir’osik.” 76 laughed.

Maybe you should have called HK down here.  He could have translated the Mando’a for you.  Except he’d be calling for real bloodsport instead of just sparring.  And you didn’t need that temptation right now.  

You took a few practice swings, reviewing your forms.  Niman would be the most sensible.  This was just a sparring match. It was an all-around style, and Reaper had a lot more muscle mass than you did.  You did not need to go all out. You swung the longer blade, feeling the air part in front of you.  

Reaper glowered at 76, then stalked over to the weapon rack.  

“Don’t worry, Mandalorian,” you said, your mouth curving in a mockery of a smile.  “I won’t use my witchcraft to beat you.  I’ll do it with my own two hands.”

“You don’t sound much like a Jedi right now,” Reaper said as he stepped on the mat, holding a single vibrosword.    

“What do I sound like then?” You asked, as you began to circle each other.  

“A real soldier,” Reaper said.  “Which is impossible, because everyone knows that the Jedi like to hide in their fancy temples praying for peace, while their soldiers die.”  

You just smiled, the insult gliding right by your ear.  You had made that argument too many times to be offended by it.  Especially when it was from a Mandalorian braggart trying to get under your skin.  But it said everything that this was how an outsider viewed your order.  

You spun your swords, the heavier one in your dominant hand, feeling just right.  The anger boiling under your skin seemed to evaporate.  It was just energy now, ready to power you through another fight.  Your mind slid back into its seat of balance.  

Reaper charged you, lunging forward, the blade cutting through the air in a horizontal arc.  You sidestepped, ninety degrees to the right, just out of his reach.  And while his blade was extended, you slipped around his guard, and dragged your short sword across his back, a thin line of blood appearing seconds later.

He whirled, swinging the sword at you.  You parried with your left hand, and glided forward, under his guard, so close you couldn’t swing your other blade.  Instead, you grinned up at him, and rammed the hilt into his stomach.  

Coughing, Reaper doubled over, glared at you, and then his leg snapped up.  You slid backward, but a half-second to slow.  He kicked you in the chest, and you had to catch yourself in a spin.  It was suddenly hard to breathe.  

He charged you again, blade raised overhead.  

You instinctively raised your swords to parry, catching his blade between both of yours.  You twisted, and the vibrosword flew out of his hands, and landed on the floor of the cargohold with a clatter.  

“Do you yield?” You asked, spinning your swords. “Or would you like a moment to go retrieve your weapon, Mandalorian?  That’s fine.  I’ll wait.”  You grinned. “Because I can do this all night long.”

Reaper stared at you, eyes dark, nostrils flared. He was bleeding, breathing hard, and sweat glistened on his velvety skin, but he didn’t look like he was done.  

“Maybe you’d like to try both of us then?” 76 asked, his eyes narrowed. He picked up Reaper’s sword and then a stave for himself.  He placed the sword in Reaper’s outstretched hand, and took up a stance beside his comrade.  “Tion'ad hukaat'kama?”

You tilted your head back, moving your head from side to side.  76 held the staff like he knew how to use it.   You closed your eyes, feeling the currents of the force flow through you, a picture of the field forming in your head.   They stood side by side, but they would attempt to box you in.  They both had excellent range, but 76 would have the advantage of reach.   You could see the range and motion of their attacks before they made them, and while it would be difficult, you were good at this. “What are you waiting for?  An invitation?”

76 lunged first, sweeping the staff at knee-height.  

You leapt over the attack, even as Reaper slid to your right swung the vibrosword in a downward arc.  Elbow bent, wrist pressed to your head, you blocked the strike.

76 struck again, thrusting the staff like a polearm.  

You jumped backward out of his range, disengaging from Reaper’s sword lock.  You spun around toward Reaper, blades outstretched.  

76 swung the staff around, blocking the area across Reaper’s torso.

You struck the staff with a clang, and had to swing your right blade to block Reaper’s counterattack.  You disengaged again, dancing to the side, putting Reaper between you and 76. He tried to swing his sword, but you parried the blow again, and whipped your other blade across his cheek with a little flourish.  

The skin split and instead of countering, he stared at you, with an intensity that made you hesitate.  

From behind Reaper,  76 thrust again, striking you in the side with the staff. You hissed, and kicked Reaper backward into 76.   The blonde man steadied his friend, and together they stayed on their feet.  

You touched your side, knowing that the area would need extra healing later.  But it wasn’t enough to bring you down now. Breathing hard, you took a deep breath and whirled toward them, blades spinning in your hands.  

Still leaning on 76, Reaper didn’t have a chance to take a strong defensive stance.  You caught his vibrosword between yours, and scissored them, sending his weapon flying once more.  You couldn’t quite kick him aside, so you circled around to 76.  You got close, too close for him to use the staff properly.  He could block your blows, but he didn’t have the space to maneuver.  Your blades slid off the staff, but still scraped against his chest, slicing a long gash through the pink skin, the tip of the short sword catching on a gold ring.  

“Haar'chak!” He yowled.  

“Ke'pare!” Reaper shouted.  “Wait!”  

You froze, having not noticed the little gold rings on his nipples. “Disengaging,” you said, dropping your vibrosword, and very carefully freeing the short blade from the piercing.  “Why the hell would you leave those in for a sparring match?” You asked, backing up.  

Wincing, 76 held a hand over the right nipple ring.  “I...forgot,” he mumbled.  

“Showoff,” Reaper said, shaking his head.  

“I’ll get the kolto,” you sighed, setting the blades back in the rack, before you went across the hall to the medbay.  You grabbed the first aid kit and headed back.  

76 sat in the middle of the mats, rubbing his chest sheepishly.  Reaper sat next to him, shaking his head.  

“Hold still,” you said, crouching down in front of him to examine the cuts on his chest.  You cleaned the wounds with a sanitizing wipe and then applied a layer of kolto over the cuts.  You glanced at the nipple.  It was pink and a lot more swollen than the other one, but still intact.  You hadn’t torn the piercing or cut anything off. It wasn't even bleeding. Squeezing a little more kolto onto your thumb, you rubbed it lightly against his nipple.

76 stiffened, inhaling sharply as you put the healing gel on him.  He was breathing hard now, chest and face flushed from the exertion. He watched you with hooded eyes, teeth clenched.  “Do you patch up all your conquests?”  

“No, normally there isn’t enough left to fix,” you said, meeting his gaze.  

He studied your face for a moment.  You could feel the heat pouring off him.  He leaned closer.  “So I’m one of the lucky ones?”

“Very, you almost lost that piercing and more.” You said, your mouth suddenly dry.

“It’s still sore, maybe you could put some more kolto on it,” he purred, a very knowing smile on his face.

“No, I think you deserve to suffer a little for your stupidity,” you said, backing up.  You glanced at Reaper.  “Do you need kolto?”

“Go on then,” Reaper said coolly, sitting up straight.  

You crouched back down in front of Reaper, keeping him partially between you and 76.  You worked quickly, your fingers lightly tracing the scar on his face.  He watched you sullenly, as you quickly applied the gel.  And then he turned around, silently giving you his back. His skin was hot under your fingertips, and you tried to seal the wound quickly, very conscious of 76’s hungry gaze. You slapped a bandage on it, and he turned back around, plucking the kolto out of your hands.

“Let’s see those ribs,” Reaper told you calmly.  “76 hit you pretty hard.”  

“I can take care of it myself,” you said.  

“No one’s going to pounce on you,” Reaper said.  “And even if they did, you could handle them.” He did not look at 76.  “Now don’t be stubborn and try going up that ladder with your ribs cracked. That’s just foolish.” There wasn’t any of the previous malice in his voice, just a gentle chiding that reminded you a little of Master Amari.  

Sighing, you unfastened your sash, and peeled back your robes, wincing as you touched your left side.  

His head tilted to the side, Reaper applied the healing gel to your bare skin, his warm hands gently massaging it into your left side.  You bit your lip, placing a hand near there as you tried to convince the bones to knit back together correctly.  

Between the kolto and the little bit of force healing you could manage, the pain began to subside.  

“Better?” Reaper asked, his palm still pressed to your side, close to your hand.  

“Yes,” you said, swallowing roughly.  “I should be good.”  

Reaper bowed his head.  “You won, Jedi.  I am...humbled by your prowess.” He nodded to you, giving you a slight smile.  “But I would like to try against you again later.  Perhaps barehanded next time.”  

You remembered seeing them rolling around on the ground, wrestling.  Your breath caught.  “You’re welcome to use the sparring mats,” you said, pulling away, closing your robes and tying off your sash.  “But I need to go meditate.”  

“Will you join us later?” Reaper asked.

“...We’ll see,” you said, glancing at 76, who lounged on his side, one hand cupping his sore pectoral.  

76 winked at you.  “Feel better?”  

You blinked, having already forgotten why you’d agreed to spar in the first place.  “Yes, thank you, but I really need to go meditate.”  

“I can think of some other things that would help you out,” 76 said, looking you up and down with a smile.

“I really should go,” you said, already halfway out the door.

**

“I need to go meditate?”  Really?  That was your best excuse?  It worked, but still…

Grumbling you, shut yourself in your quarters, limping to the fresher for a shower.   It was quick, and you changed into another clean robe – today had been hard on clothes – and then settled on your floor cushion, still feeling the force run through you.  

You did not contemplate the temple fountains, nor the forests of Tython, nor any Jedi object.  You stared out the window, into the void of space, the stars twinkling in the distance.  You fully expected flashes of red light, or even that dark haze that settled over your mind when you really got to thinking about the past.  

But the force continued to move through you in strong currents.  It was like sitting up to your shoulders in a warm ocean.  The world took on a soft gray glow, and you let yourself drift.

It was the most peaceful you had felt since Corellia.

**

“Knight Strike, are you occupied?” 76 asked over the intercom.  

You opened one eye, focus settling back into your body.  “Do you need something?”

“We took the liberty of making a meal, and thought you might be hungry,” he said.

You blinked. “Oh, I’ll be down in a minute.”  The offer took you by surprise.  HK-53 had said nothing about them moving around the ship. You rose, tightening your robe, and left your quarters.  

A warm savory scent hit you as you opened the door.  The entire deck smelled of rich spices and sauteed aromatics.  It was coming from the conference room – the one you used as a makeshift dining room back when… Back when there had been more people on your ship.  

The Mandalorians were inside and had set up hotplates and a kettle on the table.  Reaper was back in his polished black armor, sans helmet, stirring a pot. He did not look up when you came in.  He just lifted a battered spoon to his lips and tasted the stew or maybe it was a casserole?  If so, it was heavily sauced.    

76 stood over his own battered iron skillet, an amber colored cake within.  He cautiously poured some syrup over the cake.   Then he cracked open a bottle and poured an even more generous amount of dark liquor over it.  “It’s almost done!”  

“If you want to cook, I have a small kitchen setup in my quarters-” You paused, realizing that maybe you did not want them traipsing in and out of your bedroom.  

“Oh? Really? I would like to see that,” Reaper said, looking up and smiling at you, heat in his gaze.  He lifted the spoon from the pot, offering you a taste of the bright orange stew.  It had chunks of mystery meat, vegetables, and what looked like beans.  It smelled like fire, smoke, and peppers, clearing whatever spacedust might have been clogging your sinuses.  You hesitantly took a bite.  It was savory and hot. The layers of earthy and smoky spices blended well together and even though you were still chewing, you wanted another bite almost immediately.

Even if you had never tasted this dish before, there was something immediately comforting about it.  The meat was smoked.  The vegetables had likely been dried and reconstituted in the sauce.  The “beans” were actually some kind of grains, soft and fluffy with just the right amount of chewiness.  “That’s very good,” you said. “What is it?”  

“Tiingilar,” Reaper said, watching your face.  “It doesn’t burn too much, I hope.”  

“The seasoning is excellent.  I’m very fond of peppers,” you said, raising a brow.  Was he hoping that it was too much for you?  That seemed a possibility.  You had beaten him in combat, so he was going to compete with you in other ways.  Still, if it meant that he cooked a nice dinner, you wouldn’t take too much offense.    

Reaper just smiled at you.  “You are full of surprises.  The last non-Mandalorian I fed this to accused me of poisoning her.  It was...too hot for her delicate mouth.”  

“She wasn’t as well-traveled as Knight Strike,” 76 said, flipping his skillet and dumping the cake onto a battered metal plate.  “Uj'alayi. It’s a traditional dessert,” he told you, pulling out a combat knife and slicing it into six pieces.  “It can be made in our helmets.  Reaper insisted that I use a pan this time.” He winked. “But I think the helmet adds to the flavor.”

“Interesting,” you said, glancing at Reaper, who just chuckled.  “Should I get-”

“No need! We have tiingilar, uj’alayi, and behot tea.  Plenty of food to go around,”  76 said proudly.  He paused, gesturing to the table.  

“And I have a few extra bottles of kri’gee and narcolethe, if you’re interested,” Reaper said, a little too innocently. “Now I think he is trying to poison me,” you said, because you weren’t an idiot.  Those liquors were very potent.  

“I have some extra ne’tra gal,” 76 said, gesturing to the bottle he had.  “It’s a much nicer ale.”  

“It would go well with the uj’alayi,” Reaper said, setting a bowl of his spicy stew in front of you.  He poured you a mug of tea.  Then he began doling out portions for himself and 76.

76 put a slice of cake in front of you, along with the open bottle of ne’tra gal.

You took a sip of the sticky sweet ale.  It was more potent than you were expecting, but it was Mandalorian alcohol.  You then took a small bite of the dense cake.  It was rich and sticky, filled with dried fruit, nuts, and some kind of sweet syrup.  The syrup had carmelized a little on the outside of the cake, but the inside was almost too sweet, except for the ale that soaked in.   You washed it down with more of the ale.    

76 watched you eagerly.  “What do you think?”

“It’s rich,” you said.  “But the ne’tra gal does go well with it.”

“It was originally army rations – lots of calories for a march,” Reaper said.  “We thought you might enjoy some traditional Mandalorian food.”  

“That was very kind,” you said. “It’s delicious.”  

“Do Jedi have tasty traditional food?”  76 asked.

You sat with that for a moment. “...It’s actually kind of bland,” you sighed.  “Nutritious, but not fancy.  They don’t want us to be “distracted” by such things.”  Back in the day, Theron had smuggled you candies, snack foods, and even alcohol.  You felt a twinge of annoyance.  Back in the day, Theron hadn’t been such an asshole.  “I like trying new things though.  I had to sneak around in Coruscant – make it look like I was only stopping because I needed “sustenance.”  Not because the food stall smelled delicious.”

“We are not encouraged to be easily distracted by food,” Reaper said with a frown.  “But there is no harm in enjoying it.”  

“...Jedi aren’t supposed to “enjoy” things,” you muttered.  “Well, they can, just not…too much.”

“What counts as “too much?” 76 asked, taking a big bite of cake.  

You shrugged.  “That’s a philosopher’s debate.  But we’re meant to focus on denying most temptations.  Want and attachment lead to other negative emotions, which lead to hate, which leads to the Dark Side.  Let me summarize it for you: everything fun leads to the Dark Side.”  You rolled your eyes and took another swig of ale. “Depending on who catches you, that lecture can go on for hours.”

“Enjoying cake leads to becoming a Sith Lord?”  76 chuckled.  “I want to eat more.  Will that get me my own lightsaber?”  

You laughed.  

“Your Order has a real fear of this Dark Side,” Reaper said, sipping his tea.  “It seems a little convenient, like a method of control.”  

“The fear is legitimate, but the safeguards are controversial.”  You took another bite of his spicy stew.  “It’s complicated.”  

“So what happens when a Jedi goes to the Dark Side, becomes dar’jetii? Why is this so dreaded?  I have met the dar’jetii of the Empire.  Some are reasonable.  Many are not.  But they are not Jedi, and they are not so much more fearsome.”  Reaper’s brows furrowed.

“We’ve fought dar’jetii,” 76 said, chest puffed out.  “And we’ve won.  Didn’t get to keep the lightsaber though.  Captain got it.”  He gave you a rueful smile.  

“I assume dar’jetii means “Sith.”  And that’s part of the problem.”  You took another sip of tea, staring at the wall.  “There are two different understandings of the terms.  The political difference is that Jedi are force-sensitives who work for the Republic.  Sith work for the Empire.  It is an overly-simple explanation.” You held the mug between your hands, its warmth comforting.  

“That is how we understand it,” Reaper said.  

“Then you have the philosophical definitions.  There are two sides to the Force, Light and Dark.  The choices you make in life determine your alignment.  There are Imperial Sith, who are fair-minded and compassionate.  Even if they may not follow the Jedi Code, they are of the Light, though it would be unwise of them to advertise that.”

“And there are Jedi who are cruel and bloodthirsty, and they are of the Dark?”  Reaper asked.  “Your Order allows this?”

“No, they do not.  In fact, they are dismissed from the Order, and sometimes they are imprisoned.  Sometimes it is...worse.”  You did not look at them.  

“That seems like a tactical disadvantage,”  76 said.

“...It’s more than that.”  You switched back to the ne’tra gal. “Sometimes singular choices can swing a Light-side Jedi to the opposite end of the spectrum.  They go from honorable, kind, and patient to violent, cruel, and despotic in seconds.  Falling is a sudden kind of madness. Often they turn on their friends and allies, killing the people they swore to protect. Sometimes they recover who they were and regret what was done.  Sometimes they just become monsters.”  

“What causes it? I haven’t heard of Sith having such experiences often.” Reaper asked.  “Do they fear an inverse effect?”

You laughed, imagining that for a moment.  “No, I guess I haven’t heard of a Sith suddenly being filled with an uncontrollable sense of altruism.  At least, not to the same degree.  They may switch sides or work to seek redemption, but these are conscious choices.”

“So what makes Jedi so much easier to influence?” 76 asked.  

“Well, the Sith Code does encourage a certain amount of violence and backstabbing, but that’s the question, isn’t it?  The Jedi Order thinks if we, as individuals, keep our distance from the world, do not get attached to others, and live like ascetics, we can avoid falling.  If we just follow their rules, and live in our cloisters, we will be safe.”  The bitterness of your words surprised you.  

“Is there no middle ground?”

You took another bite of the stew.  “That’s also complicated. Allegedly, there is.”  You thought of the Gray Jedi. “But it is not an explanation accepted within our Order.  I have witnessed people falling.  It is...horrible to see someone you have known your entire life changing into the antithesis of themselves.”

“So if...attachment makes them fall, what brings them back?  Do you appeal to their honor?”  76 asked.

“Maybe,” you said, because you would give a lot to find the answer to that question.  “I think...reminding them what they found to be so important can help.”  You thought of Nomen Karr.  “But sometimes they are just in denial.  They think they are infallible, they think that excuses whatever actions they take, and that accumulation of corruption combined with their own hubris destroys them.”  You sighed.  

“What causes this madness?  The revelation of their own hypocrisies?” Reaper pressed.  

“Force users are...vessels.  The Force runs through us, it is like a constant stream of energy.  That energy can manifest in different ways.  Light Side users have certain powers, Dark Side users have others.  And then there are some abilities that are so rare, it’s hard to say where they come from.  Those are the extremely talented few: I have a friend who can heal broken minds.  But I have no idea how to do such things.  I am just a better-than-average fighter.” You smiled wryly.  “But one of my teachers has a theory.  Jedi spend so long keeping out the Dark, that sometimes, if we lower our guards, if we make an emotional choice toward the Dark, suddenly we have opened ourselves up to an outpouring from it.  Some of us do not know how to cope and that system shock is too much too quickly, and then we swing to the opposite side.”  

“So maybe you should do a few bad things, to keep your mind safe,” Reaper said with a shrug.  “Easy enough.”  

You laughed.  “...maybe.  Or maybe that slow acceptance of corruption just makes it easier to fall.  That’s a high-risk theory for me to try to prove.”  

“So what is an example of how a Jedi falls?” Reaper asked.

You sat there, knowing it wasn’t any of his business, and that you were drinking too much.  But it was not a secret.  And he wasn’t actually asking about your past. “Say you go into battle, and you really hate the person you are fighting.  You have thought long and hard about how they need to die.  You know that it is against everything that your Order has taught you, and you don’t care.  They might want him as a useful prisoner, but even if he surrenders, you are going to kill him.  Or perhaps, you are going to disobey orders – you will pursue him off the battlefield, even if it means leaving your comrades or charges behind.  There are many ways.  But I think it comes down to, you will look at your choices, you will know that what you choose is wrong, and you will do it anyway.”  

Reaper snorted.  “That doesn’t sound evil: foolish and undisciplined maybe.  But killing certain enemies is sensible.”

“But if it throws off your sense of self…”  76 rubbed his chin.  

“That is a problem we do not have to deal with,” Reaper said, brow furrowed.  “Perhaps the cost of sorcery is too high.  Or perhaps Jedi are weak-minded.  Their strictures are too rigid; the conditions they set are unreasonable.”  

“This fear of attachment and strong emotion,” 76 mused.  “How are they as parents?”  

“...Jedi are good caretakers, but not good parents.  Because Jedi are not supposed to marry or have kids, so we usually recruit externally,” you said, trying not to think of Theron.  

Both men blinked.  “What?!”

“We’re warrior monks,” you muttered.  “Or supposed to be.  There are exceptions, but in general, marriage and other romantic attachments are not encouraged.”  

76 and Reaper exchanged meaningful glances.  

You could feel the judgment.  You finished your ale, suddenly wishing for more.  

“So no sex?” 76 asked, his eyes wide.

“...We’re not supposed to,” you said, looking at the table, suddenly embarrassed.  

There was a long moment of silence.  

“But you don’t always do what you’re supposed to, do you?” Reaper asked, his voice warm and amused.  

You bit your lip.  “That’s really not your business.”  

Reaper gave a low laugh.  “I didn’t think so.”  He tilted his head to the side, resting his chin in the palm of his hand.  “There’s no shame in indulging or abstaining.  But something tells me that you’re not the type to shrink away from a challenge.”  

You crossed your arms, staring hard at him.  Did he need another lesson in humility? “What are you trying to say, Reaper?”

“I’m saying, if you choose to indulge, we’re both interested,” he said plainly, and took another bite of his tiingilar. “And if you don’t, we respect that too.”  

You nearly choked on air.  

“But we’re a package deal,” 76 said, his expression uncharacteristically somber.  

“...Wait, are you married?” You asked, because it was easier than processing what Reaper had just offered.

“Promised,” Reaper said, giving 76 an appreciative smile. “But this one has fought at my side for years, and that matters more than any words spoken.”  

76’s cheeks burned pink.  He gave Reaper a warm look.  “Traditionally, we can just say the vows whenever: in person, over comlink, through letters, and it’s done. But our clan wants to be there to witness it and throw a big party, which isn’t exactly traditional – they usually can wait till afterward.”

“But certain clan-members are insisting that they should attend,” Reaper said.

“And if we didn’t make the allowance our sisters and the Captain would never forgive us,” 76 said with a sigh.  “You don’t cross the Captain.”

“And our sisters are unreasonable and very good with their flamethrowers,” Reaper said.  

“Oh,” you said, like it all made perfect sense.  They were about to be married, but they wanted to invite you to their beds?  How did that make any sense?  You groped for words. “That’s lovely.”  

“You could come too,” 76 said.  “There will be plenty of food.”  

“...Uh…” You blinked, not sure how to process the proposition, the wedding invitation, and the entire situation.  

“76 and I take pride in performing well, be it fighting, cooking, or other recreational activities,” Reaper said smoothly.  “If you’re concerned, we’d be happy to give a demonstration.”  He leaned over, one arm around 76’s shoulder.

76 nodded happily. “You can think of it as exercise or stress relief.”

“Or you can just watch, if you like, we don’t mind,” Reaper purred, stroking 76’s hair.  Those thick metal gauntlets tightened into a fist, pulling 76 closer.   Reaper leaned over, pressing a hard kiss to 76’s neck.  

The blonde man moaned.

But Reaper was watching you, those dark eyes glittering.  

“...I should go meditate,” you said, abruptly standing up and retreating from the room.

[ichayalovesyou]

Broken Bow parts 1 & 2 (Live Reaction):

Ah, so we’re kicking off with smarting up Archer’s prejudice against Vulcans that I know from all my Vulcantology research he grows out of. Neat.

Oh shit Klingon on earth?? Look at those glorious locks! Who are these weird squishy bendy dudes?? Oh that shiz EXPLODED. I’ve got my yeehaw phaser rifle and I kills a Klingon- fuck is THAT how the war started?! Whether or not that’s stupid remains to be seen.

Wowwwww this theme song... is... a lot. Star Trek, bruh, since when??? No. Just... no. Oh hey it’s Archer & Trip a lil’ light fantastic! Ngl Trip’s actually cute. Oh wow they really don’t know Klingons. Oh hey Phlox is here! I get where Archer is coming from about the plug pulling thing, even if Klingon culture is very “HONOR!!” and stuff. Even then, wouldn’t it be detrimental even to a warrior race for them to die when they can be healed?

Vulcans just love acting like everyone else is stupid don’t they? Wow everyone is racist at like, everybody (aliens wise) this definetly has established itself as pre-Federation. Ope! More new characters! Baby ensign dude (Travis!) and British ship’s engineer(?) oh hey it’s Hoshi Sato!! Oh look they’re acknowledging that aliens speak more than one language on their workds finally!! Behold T’Pol! She doesn’t sound like I thought she would? (Idk what that means lol but yeh)

Ohhhh man Trip, Vulcans don’t do haaands my dude, didn’t you get debriefed? But also would it have killed her to explain? Communicate damnit! Give us a speech elderly white boy! Yeehaw warp engines!! Cool speech call back or really it’s Kirk (& Picard and prob Pike soon) Doing the callback to Cochrane!

Oooh shady time travel aliens are back!! Phlox is here! I always got good/fun vibes from him, like, a lil’ creepy but in an entertaining way! Travis is adorable and I love him already, space station boyyyyy. THREE, THREE WHAT?? Travis’s generation are called Boomers?? LOL it makes sense that we’d have a baby boom after planetary colonization became possible but that’s practically a derogatory term now 😂

Time for a dinner chock full of microaggressions! Yup I was right, wowwwwwww everyone is being secret awful (T’Pol not so secret awful) but yeah I can see where all that VHS racism stuff comes from. Lol, oooooo Hoshi & T’Pol having a lil’ cat fight, Archer is such a dad lol. Poor Sato is so fucking stressed it’s okay gf! The ship is just not working and you’re learning Klingon and there’s an invisible alien aboard its FINE!! OH SHIT THAT KLINGON GOT KIDNAPPED!!!!!

Oh so the engineer’s name is Reed okay, oh this is the one with the Suliban. Wow T’Pol is kind of a bitch! She is just belittlement after belittlement, she’s like Spock but WORSE. Like, I’m definitely starting to understand Archer’s resentment toward them is coming from, not that it’s right, but it is understandable. Especially Vulcans have been having this sort of attitude toward humans (and other species) this whole time. Both races clearly have a LOT to learn.

Oh so this Suliban dude is a GMO, I actually freaking love Phlox. Good job Trip tryna bridge the gap between T’Pol and Archer but ooof still too salty. Oh wow! We’re going to Rigel for the first time okay?! Neat! Oof our Klingon boy out here getting interrogated oh shit! It wouldn’t be an earth 2000s scifi without a skanky bar and funky alien strippers. Uh oh Trip is about to make a mistake, oh thank god T’Pol stopped him *big exhale* everything is so new to us! It’s so interesting!

Ew creepy lady why u kiss him??? Oh it’s the “alien woman has to do (explicit/romantic action) to do (thing)” trope 🙄. Oh so there’s time travel shit going on??? Okay!!! What?! Okay! Man the GMO Suliban can do some seriously freaky shit! Okay I love Travis & Reed they’re cool, Reed is suave and Trav is adorable! OOp ARCHER GOT SHOT THE LEG! Close call close call!! Oh ffs T’Pol don’t take command, everything you’ve shown us so far is that you think humans are shit, hey maybe she’ll surprise me.

Ugh this is about to be- aaaaand it’s unnecessarily sexualizong T’Pol 🙄🙄🙄🤮🤮🤮. Trip can you please not call T’Pol out and be racist in the same sentence, I’d rather you just do the former please. OH YAY! T’Pol did surprise me! Good job T’Pol (and Trip... kinda... I guess). “One good turn deserves another” good line, but “doesn’t sound very Vulcan” is proof Archer really doesn’t understand Vulcans! Or at least not what they aspire to. Ohhhh Kay NOW we’re working together! Good! Good!!

I wonder who creepy time lord dude is. Sato THANK YOU why, WHY don’t starships have seat belts?!?! Makes no goddamn sense. Oh I was wrong earlier! Reed’s a pilot and Tucker’s the engineer, okay! I wonder what happened between this episode and Discovery (being the next closest in the timeline) that makes us enemies with the Klingons? Travis out here teaching Tucker how to drive I’m sure this will end well. I’m low key starting to get Bones-Spock energy from T’Pol & Archer. FURST PISTOLS WITH A STUN SETTINH HELL YEAH!

Alright alright, T’Pol is growing on me, awww Archer is soft! “U okay?” I can vibe with that! Hell yeah! I kinda wish I knew Klingon so I knew what this dude wa saying (but I’ve already got my hands full with Vulkansu). Archer why in the fuck are you wandering around?! Do you want to get caught/not found!??! Stay put dummy! Aaaand there’s the BBEG, oh, and he’s Suliban! Oh good thing that laser pistol is set to stun (oh and he dodged). Oooh scary transporter lmao.

Uh oh, was it al for nothing are these dudes gonna kill him anyway? Oh, no! Good so they just cussed Archer out lmfao. Thus the saga begins! Abandon yo grudges and pride Archer my dude, vouch for T’Pol hell yeah! Alright! I hope these two become friends hell yeah hell yeah! Time to boldly go say hi and introduce yourself to all these new aliens! Heck yeah!!

God I’m sure there were plenty of annoying ass Trekkies who were like “iT’s nOt rEaL sTaR tReK” like, how?? Because the costumes look different and they’re exploring a new time period and themes?? 🙄🙄🙄 gimme a BREAK with that shit, honestly. So far it’s been pretty interesting! Every Star Trek is Star Trek!

[vannahfanfics]

Could I get a fluff alphabet for Cana from Fairy Tail, please?

Sorry for the wait! I’ve been bouncing between a lot of projects lately, hehe. Here’s your fluff alphabet, at long last!

Fluff Alphabet- Cana Alberona

A-   Activities: How do they spend their time with their s/o?

It’s no secret that Cana’s chief hobby is drinking. One of her favorite activities is to go bar-hopping or partying with her s/o to consume as much alcohol she can without dying. That being said, Cana’s not sloshed twenty-four-seven and knows that it’s important to do regular things with her s/o, too. Game nights with their buddies are her particular favorite, because it allows her the chance to showcase her competitive side. Never challenge Cana in strip poker, because it’s a guaranteed loss. When Cana desires private time with her partner, however, she likes to go for a walk around town and just window shop. It doesn’t always have to lead to purchasing things; she just likes the relaxing atmosphere and just perusing whatever’s new.

B-    Body: What does this character appreciate about their s/o? What part of their body are they most proud of, and in reverse, what body part are they ashamed of and how do they respond to their s/o gushing over it?

Cana adores her partner’s hair. She just likes to idly run her hands through it, play with it, weave little braids into the locks if they allow her to. Her favorite thing in the world is to have her partner lay their head on her lap so she can just go to town. As a result, she gives the best head-rubs ever.

Cana knows she has a bombshell body and really appreciates if her partner compliments her curves, whether with words or with touches! Girl just loves to have her partner’s hands on her body, LOL. However, Cana sometimes worries that her curves are her only defining feature. In particular, she doubts that her eyes or hair are really something to write home about, being just your generic brown. She’ll get a little bashful and flustered if her s/o makes a point to sing their praises. She’s mostly confident, so it won’t take long to boost her ego in this regard!

C-    Cuddles: Is this character a cuddler? What is their favorite way to cuddle?

Cana is very cuddly with her s/o. Her favorite way to cuddle is to just plunk herself in her s/o’s lap, LOL. They could be in the middle of a conversation and she’ll stroll right up and take a seat for some snuggling! She thinks it’s funny if her s/o gets flustered, and even funnier if they don’t miss a beat and keep right on with what they were doing. She loves cuddling period, though, so position really isn’t that big of a deal for her.

D-   Dreams: How do they picture their future with their s/o?

Cana may be a bit tomboyish, but she still dreams of wearing that white gown someday! She’d love to marry her partner with Gildarts to walk her down the aisle. Cana has no intention of leaving the guild, so she would continue on as a mage and would hope her partner would as well! Still, if she ever had to retire, she fantasizes about opening up a tavern.

E-    Equivalence: Is this character the dominant force in the relationship, are they passive, or is the relationship more or less even?

Cana is stubborn and hard-headed, so she is a bit of a dominant force. It really depends on her meek her partner is, though; if they are on the same wavelength, their relationship will be mostly even, but if they’re a bit shyer, Cana will definitely be wearing the pants in the relationship! Cana doesn’t do well with someone who is completely domineering; the woman values her freedom and right to speak her mind, so she isn’t going to tolerate someone too controlling!

F-    Fights: How does this character respond to arguments with their s/o? What would they fight about, and who would cave and apologize first?

Cana is not afraid to get into screaming matches with her partner, regardless of who is around. She’d never hit or slap her partner (unless they just said something so out of line it wasn’t even funny), but she may throw a chair at a wall. Cana can’t rationalize when she’s angry and will run an argument into the ground, so it would be best for her partner to leave for a while so she can simmer down. She’s stubborn and won’t make the move to apologize first, but when her partner comes to talk to her once she’s calm, she may begrudgingly apologize and compromise depending on the issue. Mostly, the fights would either concern Cana’s insatiable drinking habits or her recklessness in missions. She’s a bit self-destructive but won’t appreciate at first that her partner is trying to look out for her best interest. It will take some coaxing.

G-   Gratitude: How does this character show their s/o that they are grateful?

Kisses. Anytime Cana is grateful, she’s gonna kiss on her partner. Even if the feeling strikes her like a bolt from the blue, she’s going to saunter up to her none-the-wiser partner and plant one on them with no warning. It’s just her way of being appreciative.

H-   Honeymoon: If this character had a honeymoon with their s/o, where would they go?

Wine-tasting in a vineyard. What can I say, the girl loves her alcohol. She knows that she can’t get sloshed for her honeymoon, though, and will arrange for plenty of other romantic activities too- candlelit dinners, couple’s massages, horseback-riding through pastures. It would actually be a really fun trip!

I-      Insecurity: What is this character insecure about? How do they deal with their insecurities with their s/o?

Cana is still very insecure about her relationship with Gildarts. She just isn’t sure how to deal with his zeal to be a father after so many years of not having him around, even if he just didn’t know. Sometimes she has trouble processing those emotions and goes to her s/o for comfort and advice. She is very grateful that her s/o is open and honest with their opinion, and slowly but surely, she learns to deal with the conflict.

J-      Jealousy: Is this character the jealous type? How do they deal with being jealous?

Cana doesn’t get jealous. She knows she’s a catch and if her s/o is stupid enough to run around on her, then she’s just going to wipe the floor with them and toss them in the garbage where they belong. Cana wants to trust her partner and doesn’t police their friends or hangouts, and if they betray that trust, well- welcome to the shit list.

K-   Kiss: What does the character want their first kiss to be like with their s/o? How does it end up happening?

Cana doesn’t hyper-fixate too much on how this or that will go; she’ll let it develop organically, and whatever happens, happens. Most likely, Cana will be cruising a nice lovely buzz and decide that it’s high time she and her s/o kissed and will plant one on them without warning. Who needs romance? Just get it done!

L-    Love Confession: How does this character first profess their love to their s/o?

The first kiss might be a little spontaneous, but Cana at least has the sense to know that she shouldn’t be plastered professing her love for someone. When she really soul-searches and realizes that she is indeed in love with someone, she’s going to strive to find the opportune moment to lay all her cards on the table. She’ll plan a more romantic and sophisticated dinner at a fancy restaurant, ingest only a socially acceptable amount of wine, then reach out to take her partner’s hands and tell them just how she feels. She’s not shy about her feelings at all.

M-  Marriage: How does this character view marriage? What is their ideal wedding like?

Cana would love to get married! She’s like to have a barnyard wedding with a raucous reception afterwards. Out in the country with only her guildmates in attendance, in the fresh open air with the faint scent of fresh apples lingering on the breeze and everything dyed gold by the setting sun- what could be more romantic? Lucy actually turned her on to the idea, because at first she was totally intent on skipping the wedding bit and getting eloped. Dressing up in white and being walked down the aisle by Gildarts didn’t seem so bad after Lucy broke out all the wedding magazines…

N-   Nicknames: What does this character like to call their s/o?

Cana lives for the embarrassment of sappy nicknames. “Sugar Bear,” “Honeybun,” “Babycakes,” “Lovemuffin”- if it’s mortifying, she’s gonna say it. When she’s serious, though, she usually defers to “darling” or “honey.” But she isn’t serious very often. XD

O-   On Cloud Nine: What is this character like when they’re in love? Is it obvious to others, or are they good at hiding it?

As I mentioned, Cana is not shy about her feelings. The incubation period is exceptionally short, because if someone catches her eye, all she’ll need is a little liquid courage before she’s strutting over and flirting up a storm. When she’s in love in an actual relationship, she’s actually super adorable; she’ll just gaze lovingly at her s/o, hanging on to their every word even if it’s the most mundane conversation. She loves to be with her s/o and will accompany them very frequently.

P-    PDA: Does this character like PDA? If so, what kinds of things do they do in public to show off their s/o?

Cana is all about PDA! Holding hands, smooches, maybe even playful slaps to the behind- this girl ain’t shy by any definition of the word. She’s head-over-heels in love and doesn’t care who knows, and she’s going to act on whatever whim blooms in that pretty head of hers!

Q-   Quirks: What random traits or quirks does this character have that positively affect the relationship?

Cana’s a great dancer, and loves to do it, too. She dances while cooking, while showering, while walking- whatever! It’s just such a happy and bubbly sight to see it won’t fail to make her partner smile. They better watch out, though, because she’ll sweep them up in a tango or waltz with no hesitation!

R-    Romance: Is this character a hopeless romantic, or a bit on the low-key side? Are they cliché when it comes to romantic gestures, or can they get a little bit creative?

Cana traverses the middle-ground; she loves romantic gestures but isn’t an absolute sap for them. She is a mixture of cliché and creative gestures. After all, why try and fix what’s broken? That being said, sometimes she gets inspired to do something a little fun and new and will surprise her s/o with an interesting romantic scheme!

S-    Secrets: Are there any secrets they hide from their s/o? If so, how do they deal with it when those secrets finally come out?

Cana doesn’t have any secrets. She doesn’t believe in keeping secrets from the person she loves, and honestly doesn’t have any major secrets in her life she feels like her s/o would leave her over.

T-    Thrill: Does this character prefer routine in their relationship, or do they like to shake things up every once in a while?

If Cana is anything, it’s a thrill-seeker! Routine bores her; she prefers much more to live in the moment. Whenever a whim catches her fancy, she’s going to act on it! That means spontaneous dates or her jumping on her s/o to shower them in affections, but at least it keeps things interesting…

U-   Understanding: Is this character level-headed and empathetic toward their partner, or do they sometimes have trouble figuring them out, which leads to some butting heads?

Cana’s emotional intelligence is pretty above average, but in the beginning stages of the relationship, sometimes there are aspects of her partner she can’t understand. Cana gets frustrated over this, which can lead to some spatting. She tries to make an effort to understand her partner, though, and never lets the argument escalate to excessive levels. She is content to agree to disagree and simmer for a while.

V-   Value: How does this character value their relationship with their s/o? How does it hold in comparison to their goals, ambitions, etc.?

Cana holds her relationship in extremely high regard. Her goal is only really to be a good friend and supporting mage for Fairy Tail, so after a point, they end up on relatively equal terms.

W-  Wild Card: Any random fluff headcanon that does not fall within the other categories!

Cana gives massages that are to die for. Seriously, her hands work magic. If her s/o complains of any achy muscles, she’s immediately propping them up and getting to work on those sore spots. She’s actually got a pretty lucrative under-the-table massage business with most of the guild members as customers. If she wasn’t a mage, she’d make a killing as a masseuse!

X-   XOXO: How does this character show affection?

Cana shows her love almost exclusively through physical affection. Any sweet nothings or compliments are always accompanied by gentle caresses or hugs. She feels like touch just conveys the pure, raw emotion she’s experiencing the best.

Y-   Yearning: How does this character deal with time apart with their s/o?

Cana can deal well with separation to a degree. She knows that time apart is good for the relationship, and trusts her s/o. However, if it drags on for too long, Cana will get depressed. She’ll take to the bottle even more, and eventually, the guild will have to stage an intervention. Her girl friends will help her cope better with her partner’s absence.

Z-    Zeal: Is this character willing to great lengths for their relationship? If so, how far, and how long does it take to get to this point?

As I mentioned, Cana is very serious about her relationship. She is willing to sacrifice her life for her partner, but it does take her some time to work up to this point. She has to be deeply in love, so deeply in love that she cannot imagine life without her partner.

[msgabrieladias]

Save The Day || TABBY

WHO: Gabriela Dias & Travis Abrams

WHEN: August 26th

WHERE: Local Bar, Gabriela’s Off Campus Apartment 

DETAILS:  Gabriela picks up Travis from the bar and an interesting night ensues 

TRIGGERS/WARNINGS: Alcohol, Drinking 

Gabriela got up out of her bed when Travis told her that he wanted to be picked up. A soft smile grew on her lips just at the thought of knowing she was going to see him. It would be a lie if she said she didn't feel anything for him. Goodness for these last three years they have known each other he has had her blushing and swooning left and right. But letting him know that was a whole other story. It was just easier to be his friend and attempt to have flirty banter and hope maybe he meant what he said in return. She let out a sigh and nibbled on her bottom lip when she got to her car and headed to the bar. When she got out of her car she adjusted her shorts and hoodie she was wearing which she realized was actually Travis's from a couple times he stayed over before. A small smile spread on her lips as she walked in, when she saw Travis she walked up behind him and tapped softly on his shoulder, "Hey you."

Travis: placed his phone down and got one more beer before Vanessa had arrived. He would be lying to himself if he didn’t tell himself that he had a crush on the girl. It wasn’t something that he went around and told people. He would rather have a friendship with her then ruin anything. She was his go to and was always their for him when he needed her. As he was taking a sip he felt a light tap on his shoulder and smiled. “G’day, he smiled once again.

Gabriela felt her smile turn into a grin, letting her hand rub his shoulder softly. "There is that adorable accent I was looking forward to." She took a step closer to him so they could speak without having to listen over the other voices and music in the bar. "Are you ready to get some food and then get some sleep? My car is right outside." She said and let her other hand go and rest in the pocket of his hoodie that she was wearing.

Travis: “Stop laughing,” he mumbled with a small smile. Travis couldn’t help but smile when Gabby was around and honestly he just wished he knew how she did it. She was the one who could do that on the worst days but. Travis took the last gulp of his drink and stood next to the girl while placing his hands around her from the back. “You ready? I’m starving and well yeah?”

Gabriela couldn’t help but have her smile grow, “I’m sorry, I can’t help it. You are just too funny when you are drunk.” Watching his smile couldn’t help but make her stomach flutter with butterflies. But if she thought that made her heart skip a beat it sure did he placed his ha say around her. A happy hum escaped her lips without any thought and her cheeks quickly turned pink. “Mhm.” She said clearing her throat, before not being able to help but place her hands on top of his. Letting her fingers run along his skin, “I am very ready, Trav.” She instead took his hand and led him outside of the bar. Her cheeks still pink from the affection, “Did you have fun tonight.

Travis: “I am just excited football is starting and I have something to do on the weekends now that don’t involve working out,” he chuckled. Travis let his hands rub the girl’s shoulders and this was everything to him. Being this close to the girl and just being with her and only her. “I owe you for this. If you get drunk I’ll take you home and take you to get food because you didn’t have to do this at all. You’re amaizng though. Really amaizng.”

Gabriela looked over at him, “Well you know you can always come to my place too and watch it. Take advantage of the off campus apartment now that I have it.” Her eyes couldn’t help but flutter when he rubbed her shoulders. Her hands still rested on top of his, making her wonder if he felt the same little sparks that she did. “It’s fine I promise, besides I like spending time with you. Even though you have had a few drinks, makes things more amusing.” She turned towards him when they got to their car. Her cheeks turning a deeper red, “Really amazing, huh?”

Travis: “Super amazing,” he smiled and opened her door. “I know I can come to your place, but I feel like you would get super annoyed with me after a while. You’ve seen me drunk and you’ve picked me up a couple times, but I’m sure it would get annoying after a while. And off campus? I might have to move in with you so I can have have my own workouts and not annoy whatever roommate I have. How did you get so lucky,” he smiled.”

Gabriela ducked her head down for a moment her smile growing, “Thank you...” She said softly to him, before catching a glance at him before getting in the car. “Annoyed with you?” She shook her head once he got in the car, “I am pretty sure that is impossible. Like I said I really enjoy your company, more than you know.” She said with a growing smile. Gabriela started to drive towards her apartment which was luckily not that far away. “Yes, off campus. I am very lucky that’s for sure, my parents got it for me as a present and knew that it would be easier than paying for dorms.” She glanced over at him, “Move in, hug? Now I think it’s time for me to say you might get annoyed or sick of me. But I honestly wouldn’t mind it...you know especially if you really want to.” She said honestly thinking of how great it would be to be around him every day.

Travis: couldn’t help but smile whenever she spoke. There was something about her that he could not ignore. She was so beautiful and he couldn’t deny any feelings, but why would she ever fall for a guy like him? “As fun as that sounds though I don’t think I would show up to practice if I lived off campus. I’m already late because I enjoy my sleep way too much,” he chuckled and turned towards her with an even bigger smile. “I already told you I wouldn’t get annoyed though. I’ve told you this so many times, Gabby.”

Gabriela shook her head, “Or it could be the opposite, if you lived with me I could be your own personal alarm and make sure you get up. I can put the guest room to good use. My parents said they wanted it for when they visit but they aren’t going to be here all the time.” She explained her fingers tapping the wheel as she drove. She felt his eyes on her and she swore the blush on her cheeks was going to become permanent. “But that still doesn’t change the fact that you could. And I wouldn’t blame you, I am sure there are a lot of people who would love time with you too.” She said softly glancing over at him for a moment when they got to a red light.

Travis: “You are right, but do you want to wake up in the morning?” Travis chuckled and just shook his head at the girl. All the thoughts of living with Gabriela hit him and another smile formed. He would be able to see her everyday and in every single mood that she had. Her happy, sad, sick and he would have his best friend with him all the time. “You’re not lying but I wouldn’t mind being with one person all the time. Sometimes you just need that person.”

Gabriela felt her smile grow when she heard his laugh as she pulled up to whataburger and parked. When she did she glanced over at him. “I wake up early anyways to work out myself and also just for habit so it wouldn’t be any bother.” She said and searched his eyes at what he said, “That one person, huh?” She looked down at her hands and fiddled with them. “Yeah it is kind of great to have that one person you really want to spend your time with.” She looked up at him through her eyelashes, “Do you think you have met that kind of a person yet? Someone you could spend a lot of time with?”

Travis: “Oh yeah?” Travis couldn’t help but smile again at her. “I never took you as the type to wake up early and do workouts,” he teased and pushed her hair back. “Yeah, that one person. I want to make sure I find that one person though because I don’t want to put so much time into one person and then have them break my heart or whatever,” he sighed. “I mean I might have but I don’t know. School just started so maybe I’ll find that college sweetheart that people talk about so much.”

Gabriela nodded at him, “Well I do love my sleep too but I am a sucker for routine. Plus it is nice to stay healthy for performing, it takes a lot of energy to be performing and rehearsing.” She watched as he moved her hair that she didn’t even notice fell onto her face. “Any person who takes your time and breaks your heart would be crazy...to lose out on someone as amazing as you?” She shook her head and looked back down at her hands. “Anyone who can get you should for sure hold on tight and never let go.” A soft smile grew on her lips, “A college sweetheart huh? I like the sound of that. But until then at least we have each other right? I want to get as much time as I can until some inevitably steals you away.”

Travis: “See I love my sleep, but I also want to make sure I get a workout in or my day is off. It’s a hard life.” Travis let a jokingly sigh out and laughed as he did it. “Yeah, well some girls like a new thing and it’s fine with me because I really need to focus on my career and playing football. I wanna make sure that I am the best I can be. Make a good life for myself and whoever is in my life.” The boy nodded his head and just continued to smile and the girl when she spoke. “I’ll keep you around until someone steals you away from.”

Gabriela nodded as he said he wanted to focus on his career and himself, “I totally understand that, my career means the world to me too. And it isn’t often you can find someone to not only help with making you better but also understand your passion. It is like finding a needle in a haystack.” She shook her head softly, “But whoever keeps you around will be so, so lucky.” When she looked up and saw his smile hers grew. “Well if it makes you feel better I would never let anyone totally steal me away from you. You are pretty much stuck with me.” She said teasingly but also really meant it, she just hoped he could see it in her eyes. She moved to place her hand over his, “Now how about some food. Do you want to just order it and head back to my place or eat here?”

Travis: “I definitely can’t wait to graduate and hopefully play in the NFL. But you’re right. It’s hard to find someone who has such a passion for something andto understand how hard you have to work to reach that goal. It’s great to have a friend who understands that,” he smiled. “I would say the same for you. Anyone who has younin their life is gonna be only lucky guy. One really lucky guy,” he smiled. Travis couldn’t help but stare at her and even in his drunk state she was still the most beautiful girl he had ever seen in his life. From day one he had always had a crush on her. “I’ll be stuck with you for as long as you let me, but I’m starving so let’s get some food and head back to your place.”

Gabriela raised her eyebrow at him, “Hopefully? You know that is a guarantee. I don’t really understand sports but I know you are great at what you do.” She nodded softly when he said friend, worried that it meant that friend was all they needed. But she saw how his eyes lingered on her, and she couldn’t help but blush under his stare. Of course her mind wandered, but she always fell back to the point that he had a few drinks not that long ago. “I hope you are ready for forever then.” She said and poked his nose teasingly before getting out of the car. Not even noticing her shorts riding up until she adjusted them. “Then food it is, come on handsome. Let’s get our food, but you may need to help me pick since I can never narrow things down.” When she got out of her car she made her way over to his side. Not being able to help but hope that his affections from earlier would still be there. She still felt where his hands were resting on her shoulders from earlier.

Travis: “Not always, but I’m not gonna give up,” he smiled. “That’s why I moved to the states so I could play football down here and actually get noticed. I wouldn’t say living down here was bad though. I met a lot of people who I’m really thankful to have in my life,” he smiled. Travis let a chuckle out as she poked his nose and followed her out of the car. His arm wrapped around her shoulder as they walked to the entrance of the building. “You can never go wrong with chicken but I’m not gonna pick that if you don’t want that. I already know what I’m gonna get and I’m gonna hate myself so much for it.”

Gabriela smiled softly, “And I am awfully glad you moved here too, college would not be as wonderful without you.” And it was true, they had so many great memories and she knew she would never forget them. When he wrapped his arm around her shoulders she leaned into his touch. “That is true and I always end up loving it. You know me so well.” She said looking up at him with a smile when they made their way in the buildings

Gabriela rose her eyebrow. “Hate yourself? Not allowed when I am around. Maybe it just means it will help you more with your hangover. Just think of it that way.”

Travis: “You would have met someone. Not as cool as me, but somewhat cool,” he smiled and let his hand that was wrapped around her rub her shoulder up and down. “So true, but still. Whataburger isn’t the best food to eat, but this is why they are open all day. For people who can’t control their drinking,” he smiled. “Do you know what you want though or do I have to pick it out?”

Gabriela let out a giggle, “Of course, totally not as cool as you. And probably wouldn’t tell the best jokes and have an adorable accent.” She added on, her smile growing when he started to rub her shoulder. When they stopped in line she couldn’t help but rest her head against the spot between his chest and shoulder. “Well exactly and for that reason it isn’t too shabby.” She glanced at the menu and hummed softly. “No, no...I’ll get the chicken sandwich and a chocolate milkshake. I can never not get the milkshake.” She said and glanced up at him with a smile.

Travis: “I’m the coolest,” he smiled and looked down at her. His grin growing in size as she spoke about some of his features. “Well my jokes are pretty cool.” Travis continued to let his hand rest on her arm as they stood in line. His head rested on hers as they looked at the menu and he tried to decide what he wanted to eat. “I’ll probably get like three burgers. I’m so hungry.”

Gabriela let her hand move to rest on top of his, her fingers tracing small shapes. Unknowingly they probably looked like a couple but for some reason they always found a chance to be close to each other. She knew why she loved it but she always wondered how she got so lucky. “Pretty amazing, especially the hopeful smile you give after you tell them.” When his head rested on her she felt a smile grow on her lips. “Three burgers? How do you eat that much and stil always look amazing?” She let slip out but then quickly tried to cover her tracks. “But I am sure it will suck up all the alcohol and make you feel better in the morning. So it may all be worth it. And you could even save one for tomorrow too. But I am sure I could also show you my cooking talents too.”

Travis: knew that they were closer then a lot of people should be to their friends but he didn’t mind. He had a huge crush on her since they met but he never wanted to ruin what they had so he kind of just kept it a secret. It was more of a cautionary thing that he had to put between the both of them. His hand wrapped around her waist tighter as they walked up and a smile formed on his face as he looked at her and ordered. “Well I work out a lot,” he smiled after ordering their food to go and walked to a table. “I’m hoping I don’t feel like death.”

Gabriela felt like it was almost habit when she cuddled up against him when his arm moved to her waist and held her closer. Her eyes wandering up to meet his when she saw his smile, it was almost like in that instant she knew that he was feeling what she was. But instead she knew she had to shake it off, maybe he was just being nice or maybe the drinks he had made him feel different things. "Oh? Just that? Seems so simple. Are you sure you aren't some super human or god?" Gabriela said with a small smirk on her lips, her hand still lingering on his when they parted to sit down. "Well if you do, don't worry you can stay at my place for as long as you need."

Travis: “As fun as that sounds I gotta go back to my dorm eventually so coach doesn’t think I’m missing,” he smiled and and kept all eye focus on her. She had this weird effect on him and he was in love with everything about it. She made him feel a way he never felt and never wanted to leave. “I’ll stay over sometimes,” he chuckled and leaned against the table so he could get a better look at her as they sat there waiting for their food.

Gabriela let her smile grow when his eyes rested on her, "Well I don't think he will be looking for you on a Sunday. Seriously you can stay and rest if you want to then go back Sunday night. At least get some rest without all the ruckus. That and the king bed I have would be very comfortable and nice for recovering from a hangover." She said, partially just wanting to help him feel better but also because she would take any chance to spend time with him. When he leaned against the table she couldn't help but mimic his actions. Her hands brushing against his causing her stomach to flutter again. "Good, I am already looking forward to it. You are amazing company."

Travis: “A kind size bed is better then a twin size,” he laugh and leaned in closer just wanting to be in the same area. His heart feeling it was gonna jump out of his chest with how beautiful she was. “I might take you up on that though, but I can sleep on your couch,” he mumbled as he got closer to her. His bottom teeth resting on his lips. “But that’s up to you,” he mumbled moving closer until their number was called.

Gabriela felt her heart beating out of her chest when he kept on leaning closer to her, she stayed still as he moved closer to her. Her fingers moved to brush over his hands. Almost tempted to take them and pull him that little bit closer and close that distance between them. "I don't bite, I promise...but if you don't want to I understand..." Her eyes couldn't help but wander down to his lips for a moment, knowing he probably noticed it. "Up to me? Well I honestly wouldn't mind the company...the big bed is pretty lonely..." She said innocently suddenly letting any fear of flirting with him fly out the window. But that was quickly interupted when their number was called. Her hand moving to rest on top of his almost not wanting the moment to end.

Travis: let a sigh out as he heard their number be called and he pulled away as fast as he could to get. “Thanks,” he smiled before walking back to Gabby. “You ready?” Travis held his hand out and help d her up from her seat so they could head to her place and finally she at this food so he could pass out on her couch or floor.

Gabriela swore that moment just took her breath away, when he parted she took a moment to let a deep breath leave her lips. Having him that close...she could really get use to that. His voice snapped her back into reality, and then she looked back at him. "Yea...yeah. I'm ready." She said her voice shuddered slightly then she stood up and took his hand and led them back to her car. "Well good thing is that this place is close to the college and the apartments. You are so much closer to getting some food and rest." She squeezed his hand softly as she started the car.

Travis: “That’s all I want,” he smiled. “I’m hungry and ready to pretty much pass out until I have to go to class so try not to wake me up,” he chuckled at her and gently squeezed her hand right back with a smile on his face. “Put the office on and I’ll call it a night at this point. I don’t know why I drink.”

Gabriela nodded and started to make her way back to her apartment, "Don't worry I won't wake you up. If you wake up from anything it will be from the smell of me making you some late breakfast for lunch or whenever you want to wake up." She squeezed his hand back as she drove. "Well you can make sure to eat some food first and even take a shower if you want then you can focus on sleeping." Finally they made their way to her place and she let out a sigh as she parked. "And we're here."

Travis: “Mmm I do love breakfast and lunch,” he smiled and looked at her with a huge grin on his face. “And a shower sounds amaizng, but I don’t think I have any clothes at your house so I hope you don’t mind me shirtless and washing these clothes.” The boy grabbed the bag of food and just stared at her. “You ready to go inside?”

Gabriela nodded, "I know you do, that is why I plan on making it for you. Show off my cooking talent while I am at it." When she saw his big grin her smile grew. "Well you have this hoodie...but I may or may not let go of it easily. It is too comfy." She said and turned to face towards him. She raised her eyebrow though when he talked about being shirtless and nodded softly, "I don't think that would be a big deal...I mean I wouldn't complain." She added on softly her cheeks turning pick but she shook her head, "Yeah...yes. Inside sounds good to me.' Gabriela moved so she could get out of the dar and let out a sigh. When they were both out of the car she locked it and led him up to her apartment.

Travis: “Fine fine keep my hoodie, but just remember that’s the only one you are getting,” he laughed and grabbed her keys when they got up to her apartment. “You wanna Uhm get that set up and I’ll go take a shower real quick? I feel super gross.”

Gabriela grinned and couldn't help but jump and hug his arm. "Thank you!" She said with a sing songy voice, "You are just the best." Not being able to help but smile when she heard his laugh. She let him open up the door and let him go in first. "Of course, that sounds perfect to me. I will get the table all set up for us. When you go down that hallway at the end is my room and there is a bathroom there and also one next to the guest bathroom. So whichever you want to do." She said as she went to the table and sat the food down.

Travis: “So same place it’s always been,” he chuckled and took a fry from the bag before heading to the bathroom and shutting the door. He just was hoping that nothing was going to happen tonight. He didn’t want to ruin the friendship that they had over some little crush. She might not even be into him that way. Travis took his clothes off as he let the water run and jumped in the shower just hoping he could fall asleep faster and try to ignore the feelings he had.

Gabriela stuck her tongue out at him but quickly replaced it with a smile. "Haha, funny." She added as she watched him walk down the hallway. When she heard the door close she started to set things out for them. Getting them napkins and some water if they wanted it. She also grabbed Travis a gatorade and advil to help if a headache was starting to come on. When she was done she sat down at the table and started sipping on the milk shake and hummed happily.

Travis: let the water hit his body and he felt all his muscles relax as he stood in the shower. Being in Gabby’s place made him just want to have this everyday, but his friendship meant so much to him and he couldn’t lose her. About ten minutes later Travis stepped out of the shower with just a towel over his waist and he stepped out of the bathroom then back into the living room. “That food still better be hot,” he smiled and looked at Gabby.

Gabriela stood up after a couple minutes passed and realized that the food may be cooling down. So instead she sat the milkshake down and turned on the oven so she could at least keep the food warm. She leaned against the counter and drank more of her milkshake, off in her own dreamworld just thinking of how great she feels to have the chance to spend more time with Travis. She snapped back to reality when she heard his voice and saw him in just the towel, she tried not to let her eyes linger to long but she met his eyes. Taking a hopefully quiet deep voice and nodded, "The food yeah." She nodded towards the oven. "I put it in the oven to keep it warm. I had a feeling you would want it hot." Gabriela bent down to get the food out of the oven, closing the oven door behind. "All ready and warm." She said setting the food on the table. "Anything else you want to have with it?"

Travis: “I can’t eat cold food. I will cry,” he smiled and leaned against the counter. “Look at you being an adult. Making sure you keep daddy’s food warm,” he laughed. “Don’t call me daddy though. That’s a weird thing.” Travis opened the oven door and grabbed some oven mitts on before grabbing the food and taking a bite from his burger. “Jesus I was so freaking hungry,” he mumbled.

Gabriela raised her eyebrow at what he said, her arms crossing over her chest. "Mhm what can I say I can be a good girl on occasion." She added on to the teasing. Her smirk growing at what he said, "I don't know I might have to think you like it if you brought it up. I'll have to keep that on the list of things I have learned about you after you had some drinks." When he took the food out she grabbed her sandwich and took a bite of her food. Her eyes still not able to help but steal glances at him. "Well I am glad we got food then. Because if not you may have totally withered away."

Travis: “I would have died and I would have shriveled up to nothing.” A chuckle left his lips and he looked at her and just smiled at her eating. She was beautiful and she was everything he wanted and more. The whole package and he would do anything for her and to keep her in his life. “Yeah? Can you be a good girl. Well I still have some beer in your fridge we can drink a little more and learn some secrets about each other.”

Gabriela couldn't help but let out a chuckle herself, "Well we just can't have that can we? Not on my watch at least." She continued to eat her sandwich and when she looked up at him she met his eyes, feeling the blush on her cheeks again. "Hmm I might be able to, but I may need some convincing to continue being good." She said, not being able to help but really enjoy this banter. She sat the plate and the sandwich on the counter and took a step closer to him. "But learn secrets huh? Are you sure you want to drink some more for that? It won't make you too sick in the morning?"

Travis: “Nope. I will be fine,” he smiled and stepped closer to her. “We drink and we just talk. I’ll even let the accent come out,” he smirked. “I can also convince you to do so much with being good and vise verse, but I’m sure I’ll be fine in the morning. So what do you say?”

Gabriela nibbled on her bottom lip when he stepped closer to her, surprised he followed her lead and got closer to her. It did not help the seeds of curiosity that she was starting to plant in her mind. "Even the accent? Hmm...you know I can't say no to that." She said letting one of her hands rest on the counter and move closer to his. "Oh? Well I am curious what this convincing includes. Do I get to know?" She asked innocently, her eyes resting on his smirk before meeting his eyes again letting out a sigh. "Sure, sure. I don't see why not."

Travis: “Of course. Well once you get some drinks in you and I get a couple more in me,” he smirked. “We can get some drinks in us and we can just talk and learn about whatever we need to learn about. I don’t think we need to know much though since we’ll we have known each other for so long. So what do you say though? You wanna get a good buzz and do whatever.” Travis moved even closer to the girl and let his fingers trace her skin.

Gabriela just nodded at him, listening to his words and her eyes stealing glances at his bare chest and his smirk. "Well there can always be new things to learn right? There has to be some things we don't know about each other..." She rambled just getting lost in him and his eyes. "Sure...as long as you are sure this is what you want to do...I know you wanted to get some rest." Gabriela said even though she shuffled closer to him when she felt his fingers on her skin. Her eyes moving to watch the contact, her breath not being able to help but shudder softly.

Travis: “As long as I’m with you I don’t care what I do. You’re one of my best friends and mean the world to me.” Travis slowly moved away from the girl and walked over to her fridge to grab a couple of drinks from the fridge. “Here you go,” he said as he handed her the bottle.

Gabriela suddenly felt bashful when he said she meant the world to him, she ducked her head down for a moment as he moved away. "The world, huh? That is quite a lot for little ol' me." She said but honestly she wondered how much he meant the best friend part, with nights like these with him she couldn't help but wonder if there really was something more. But Gabriela was snapped back into reality when he spoke, "Oh yeah, thank you." She said grabbing the bottle opener for them so they can get everything opened up. And when she did she took a couple sips.

Travis: “The whole world,” he smiled. Travis wasn’t sure what they were or what any of this meant now. They were so close but still felt so far and he wasn’t going to embarrass himself if she didn’t feel the same way. “We buzz and we just talk. I might learn some new things about you I never knew. Maybe so leverage over you,” he chuckled as he started to drink.

Gabriela took a few more sips of her drink and tried to give herself at least a little buzz. She tapped the bottle with her nails as she took a step closer to him again. Partially curious if he would get closer to her again, and also because she would hope drinking a little would give her more confidence around him. "More leverage huh? So that is what this is about." She scrunched her nose up at him before a smile cracked on her lips, "Well tell me what do you want to know, Travikins." She asked innocently, knowing the reaction she would get from him each time she used that nickname.

Travis: “Travikins? I haven’t heard that in forever.” Another grin formed as he took another sip of his drink and continued to stare. “I would say yes, but nah. I just want to know more. We have been here for three years and well yeah.” His fingers trailed down her fingers as he took another sip and just smiled.

Gabriela hummed it response as she drank some more, when she was done she met her eyes again. "Mhm it has been a minute, but my goodness the grin that you give when I call you it is just as adorable." She let her hand rest on his arm and let her fingers run down to his elbow and moved back to the counter. "Know more...I think we can do that and why not. We might as well learn more if we are going to be stuck with each other forever, huh?" She said smiling when she felt his fingers on her skin. "Now is there anything you want to know in particular?"

Travis: “If we are gonna be stuck with each other forever we better start a pact. If we aren’t married my twenty seven then we marry each other. Is that a deal?” Travis continued to let his fingers run down her skin as she spoke. “Hmm I don’t know. I mean I know a lot, but when was your last kiss?” The boy adjusted his towel and grabbed two more drinks out of the fridge as his gaze focused on the girl.

Gabriela felt goosebumps grow across her skin where his fingers wandered. Another soft breath leaving her lips as her eyes moved between his eyes and his lips. She nodded, “Yeah, I really like the sound of that. Getting to see this handsome face everyday? That is totally a deal.” She said and had a burst of confidence when she let his fingers run along his jawline. A hum left her lips when he parted to get more drinks for them. Not even noticing that she drank through the bottle she had, “Uhm...well I have had kisses for theatre but my last actual kiss has probably been about a year ago...” She said because so far Travis is the only one she thinks of that way. “And you?”

Travis: “Yeah?” He smiles and leaned across the counter as he took a hand he gulp of his bottle. His mind was in a drunk state now and he probably wouldn’t remember much, but honestly he wasn’t sure if this was good or bad. In this time now everything seems like a good idea, but in the morning when he wakes up sober it may not be. “A year ago? I don’t believe that. You’re way too pretty to wait that long. Are you sure you’re not lying,” he smiled and his smirk grow bigger. “The beginning of the summer when I went home for a month. It wasn’t too special though.”

Gabriela smiled and looked down and their hands when he took hers. “Mhm. Now that I think of it I can’t think of anyone else who I could handle forever with.” She said honestly, not even realizing what kind of hints she was dropping. She took another drink in hopes her nerves would calm down. She shook her head, “Nope not lying...I just haven’t found anyone I want to spend my time with that way. You know if that makes any sense. It is hard when you kind of have your eyes set on someone in particular.” She said this and didn’t even realize how she made sure to meet his eyes. But she nodded softly kind of curious what the girl was like that he kissed, “Nothing too special, huh? Well that is a real pity. You deserve a lot more than just not too special.” She said and squeezed his hand softly.

Travis: kept his eyes on Vanessa and just smiled at her. He couldn’t believe what was going on and with drinks in his system it made it so much easier to talk to her. He didn’t get tounge tied around her like he would sober. “That’s crazy. You’re super pretty and I’m sure any guy would be lucky to have you on their arm and have all that time in the world with you.” With her looking right at him it causes him to take another chug on his drink and grab another one because of the nerves he was feeling. “It’s just gonna take time.”

Gabriela felt a blush creep onto her cheeks, “Your just saying that, because you are my best friend. You are pretty much required to.” She brought her hand back and started fiddling with her fingers. “Besides lucky or not they would never compare to the person I have my eyes on.” She watched as he chugged his drink when she locked eyes with him. “Well it just makes you wonder when the right time is...when will we get that chance to really be with that special person...” She said softly and she was honestly curious about it. But as she watched him get a drink she finished off most of the bottle that she had.

Travis: “Well yes and no. It is true though. Any guy who has you better treat you right though or I will murder them.” Travis watched as gabby played with her finger, knowing it was something she did when she was nervous about something. “Well that guy or girl is one lucky person and I want to get to know them before you guys start dating. Know if they are right for you.” Travis leaned against the counter and felt the alcohol hit his system even more as he got closer and closer to her. “The right time will be when you both know it’s ready. It’ll take time.”

Gabriela raised her eyebrow and couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “I know you would...but if things work out I don’t think you have to worry about how they will treat me. They are a really amazing person.” She said knowing she was looking right at the person she was talking about. “Well I think you know then pretty well if I am being honest.” She said her eyes moving to lock to his, not being able to help but wonder if he was catching on. She felt her buzz floating through her and her body relaxing. “Well how much time do you think it could take? Because it is getting really hard to wait and not just kiss this person...” she said softly as she leaned closer to him. Her eyes not being able to help but rest on his lips for a moment, probably lingering longer than they should have.

Travis: “Yeah? Well I don’t want them completely taking my best friend from me so I need a little bit of time. If things work out though I’ll be happy for you. You deserve all the happiness in the world and I hope you have it all.” Travis didn’t want to runin the closeness they had. “Do I? Well then if I know them I know they will treat you well though. I want you to have the greatest life you could have.” Travis moved closer and closer to her. He could feel his heart racing the closer he got to her face. “Well I’m gonna steal one before this guy does.” Travis leaned in and let his lips fall on hers softly.

Gabriela listened to him, shaking her head when she felt like he really thought there was someone else. Her heart felt slightly until he got close to her. “I don’t think you will have to worry about them taking me away from you. I don’t think it is even possible...I think if anything it could bring us closer.” She said honestly just hoping he would catch the hint. “I know I will...especially because I am holding you to that pact. Hopefully no one else snatches you up before then.” She said honestly not even wanting to hide it anymore. But knew they may not remember it tomorrow. When he kissed her she felt herself freeze for a moment, feeling the sparks and fireworks. But she quickly kissed him back, moving her lips against his. Her hand moving to rest on his neck, her fingers playing with his hair. To be honest she didn’t want this moment to end any time soon.

Travis: wasn’t sure what any of this meant. They both were drinking a little bit and they probably won’t remember or even talk about it the next day. The boy moved from across the counter to in front of her. His hands moving down to her waist and picking her up off of the floor so her legs were wrapped around him. His left hand was grasping her ass and his other hand was running up and down her spine as he carried her over into her room.

Gabriela let her eyes wander him when he came around the counter to her. A soft gasp leaving her lip when he picked her up, her legs wrapping around him almost immediately. Her lips moved so she could press kisses from the corner of his mouth to his jawline. A whimper fell from her lips when he grabbed her ass, causing her lips to move against him. She was overwhelmed with emotions and feeling and the buzz floating through her. She had no idea what this meant for them or what it was but all she knew was in that moment she just wanted to kiss him and be close to him. Her fingers still tangled in his hair when he led them to her room.

Travis: laid her on the bed as his lips stayed on hers. He wasn’t sure what this meant but he didn’t care right now. He just wanted to be with her and he always had. Even if they did nothing more then this he didn’t mind because this was all he wanted, well maybe more but again he didn’t care. Travis hovered over her body as his hands moved up and down her waist. His lips moving from her lips to her neck as he felt his heart beat out of his chest.

Gabriela slowly moved her lips back up to his before he laid her back on the bed. She didn’t know what this all meant but it didn’t change how much she was enjoying this. Gabriela let her hands run up his sides and feel the muscles she always gazed at. A light sigh left her lips when he started kissing her neck. Tilting her head for him to give him more room to work with. “Trav...” She muttered softly, as her fingers tangled in his hair to keep him close to her.

Travis: “Hmm,” he mumbled. His lips still traveling around her neck. He wasn’t sure what was gonna happen tonight or where this was gonna take them, but right now he didn’t care. He was with his best friend, the girl he loved the minute he met her. “What do you want me to do,” he mumbled.

Gabriela tugged softly on his hair, “You are going to drive me crazy in the best way, Travikins.” She said softly, small sighs and whimpers we’re leaving her lips. “I want...” She started to say when a soft moan fall from her lips when he found a spot that she didn’t even know she had. A spot that made her melt to even more of a puddle. Her hand on his shoulder squeezed softly, “You can leave a mark if you want...”

Travis: nodded and let his teeth sink into her neck. He wasn’t one to leave marks where people could see them but he didn’t care. Right now his mind was way too cloudy to even think about what they were doing. His body pressed into hers as a continued to let his teeth sink into her neck and a soft groan left his Lips

Gabriela felt another moan fall from her lips when she felt his teeth on he next. “Trav...” Now that they were in this position she didn’t know how she went so long without him. All she could do was hope that this wasn’t a one time thing. When he pressed his hips against her she moaned moving her leg to wrap around him.

Travis: let his body grind against hers, but with the towel it made it so much harder to even do anything. His hands pulled the towel up against his body so nothing else was showing. “Shit,” he mumbled. “That’s really gonna leave a mark,” he whispered into the crook of her neck and began leaving small kisses.”

Gabriela whimpered and let her eyes flutter when he grinder against her. Only making her wonder even more how they have gone so long without this. “It’s okay, Travikins...” she moved her finger under his chin so she could bring her lips to his once more. Taking a chance to leave a kiss and nibble on his lower lip. “I wanted you too... for a way to remember tonight...” she mumbled against his lips before taking her turn to start kissing his neck.

Travis: let his hand run up and down her spine as he felt her lips on his neck. His adrenaline kicking into over drive as each kiss was placed on the side of his neck. He could help himself anymore and had to do this. Travis slowly slid her pants down but as he was about to get them off he heard his phone go off and a sigh escaped his lips. “Fuck. I gotta get this. It might be someone asking if I got home,” he mumbled and got up from the bed.

Gabriela started to nibble on his skin and then leave a mark on his collarbone. Hoping he would enjoy the reminder too, just like how she knew she would. Even it was really going to leave a mark like he said. She lifted her hips and moved her legs so he could get her out of her shorts. And with that she pulled off the hoodie too, leaving her in a black lace bra and underwear. When the phone rang and he parted a whimper left her lips. “Do you have to?” She mumbled against his neck starting to leave another mark. But when he got out of the bed she moved to sit up a little. Watching as he walked out of the room, helping her suddenly realize how tired she was. Something that always happened after she drank.

Travis: “Hey, what’s up?” Travis sighed and shook his head as he heard his buddies in the back yelling. “Yeah no im food. I had someone pick me up, but I’m gonna have to pass on the practice in the morning. I actually wanna sleep but I’ll be there at night.” Travis was so close to being able to be with Vanessa and of course something had to ruin it again. “I’ll call you tomorrow,” he sighed.

Gabriela heard Travis sigh as he spoke to his friends, she moved so she could lay under the covers of her bed but still leaving enough open so her bra could be seen. She was fiddling with her hands and waited for him to come back. She couldn’t help but wonder if he was just as frustrated that their moment got interrupted. They were so close to going that extra step together and maybe that much closer to maybe crossing that line.

Travis: “I’ll explain tomorrow,” he mumbled and hung the phone up. “Sorry.” His voice was soft as he headed back to the bedroom and laid down in the bed next to her. “They didn’t know where I went and I don’t want to say they were worried. They wanted to know everything,” he laughed. “Do you just wanna watch tv and go to bed or at least try?”

Gabriela patted the spot next to her when she heard his voice, "It is okay...I promise." When he laid down next to her she couldn't help but scoot closer to him. Wondering if after their interaction if he would still want to be close to her still or if he had a snap back to reality and realized he didn't mean to have what happened, happened. "That is fair, they are your friends they should be worried about you." She nodded at what he said, "Yeah...yeah tv that would be wonderful." She glanced over at him and met his eyes, a soft smile on her lips. Letting her head rest on his shoulder then turned on the tv.

[kristie-rp]

2. Redeeming Qualities

Who: Travis Coyte, Tyler Coyte, Vincent “Vince” Patterson, Olympias Rodriquez, Pandora Rodriquez, mentions Ethan Rodriquez. What: Travis didn’t actually want a roommate. He signed that particular form just to spite his families racism.

“Your college paperwork is here,” is what Travis’ father sneers at him when the envelope arrives. Travis would prefer to go over to Oly’s place and fill them out alongside her with Ethan’s guidance, Pandora leaning over their shoulders and being generally disruptive, but they ensured Oly’s paperwork was in early and are on a ski trip to the Alps to visit their grandmother. Travis was invited, as he usually is, but his father had been in a mood so he’d missed the window to ask.

Instead, he sits at the cramped desk in his bedroom while Tyler jabs at the DS she’s stolen from where it was charging. She’s taken it off the charger and the battery is pretty tragic, so he’s not surprised when she makes her fuck this noise and closes it a little harder than he’d like.

He’s more surprised when she leans over his shoulder to peer at his paperwork. The completed forms are stacked neatly on the right, but directly in front of him is the housing application form. He has filled in the basics for what feels like the seven hundredth time – he’s pretty sure that by the time he finishes these papers, he’ll be able to do this accurately with his eyes closed – and is about to tick the box for a single room when Tyler speaks up:

“Gross, humans. In a shared space, yuck. Who wants to deal with that? They smell, and even if they didn’t, they’re just – gross. The sweat and the tears and the waste,” Travis rolls his eyes at that, but he doesn’t comment to point out they produce plenty of unpleasant byproducts themselves, demonic or otherwise. He can see her reflection in the window in front of him, and over the dull grey of overcast Port Lyndon, she’s gesticulating wildly. It’s amusing to watch. “God, I don’t get what you see in that little pet of yours. Is it because she comes with a spare?”

That wipes the amused smile from Travis’ face. “Shut up,” he snaps, because there is more to Oly than her twin, thanks very much – it is true that he prefers Oly by herself so much of the time, but he isn’t going to say that to his little sister; she doesn’t need more ammunition in continuing their fathers racist crusade. And then he ticks the box for a double instead, not letting himself picture a tiny room with everything present in twos.

So really, it’s Tyler’s fault he ends up stuck with Vince.

*-*

“You’re late,” is what he’s greeted by, and it startles him into dropping the box. While he’s crashing about in the doorway, Oly pushes past him with her own box full of his stuff, and dumps it unceremoniously on his bed.

(“If you wanted a roommate, you could’ve asked me,” she had said when she’d found out he’d be rooming with some guy called Vincent Patterson. She’d been incredibly offended, since he knew full well she was moving to a flat by herself paid for by her fathers’ money, and that there’d be plenty of room for a roommate. Travis had ended up having to explain that he’d mostly applied out of spite towards his sister, which had gone a long way to getting his favourite person to stop with the damn adorable angry pout.)

“Nine thirty fits between eight and ten arrival,” Oly retorts, and when Travis finishes recollecting his dropped stuff, he finds her with her hand son her hips. He doesn’t have to look at her face to know she’s raising a challenging brow. He bites his lip as he looks at her, taking in her form the same way he always does, and ignores the thrill of want that’s familiar, too, and when he looks up, he meets the eyes of someone who is doubtlessly incredibly human, just like Tyler feared.

This Vincent guy is paler than Travis and Oly, is his first realization, closer to white than Oly’s olive skin. Dark hair and warm, friendly eyes light up his face, and there is a smirk on his lips as he responds to Oly. “Barely. You’d think you don’t wanna join in on the icebreakers Jayden has planned.”

“Who’s Jayden?” Oly asks, opening a drawer to make sure it’s empty. She removes something from it and cracks open the box to start putting away whatever is in the box Travis packed. He doesn’t complain; she knows him better than his own family, and he trusts her to put everything where he’ll be able to find it later.

“RA,” says the guy who must be Vincent, shifting focus from Oly to Trav. “I take it your lovely self isn’t Travis? Will you be here to visit?”

Oly snorts, and ignores the flirting. Travis bristles, because he usually does, and he’s well aware of the fact that she’s letting him deal with it – she could discourage unwanted attention if she wanted. “I’ll be visiting Oly just as much, if not more, than she’s here, not that it’s any of your business, thanks.”

“Woah, mate,” says probably-Vincent, and even raises his hands in surrender. “No need to get defensive. If you don’t want me hitting on your girlfriend, just say so.”

Any hope of a good first impression and a positive start to their roomatedom evaporates with that sentence. “Olympias isn’t my girlfriend,” Travis mutters, refusing to look at either of them. Oly doesn’t know about his gigantic crush that may or may not involve him being hopelessly in love with her, and he gets the feeling Vincent is the sort to spot it and see it as a weakness to be taken advantage of. Better to avoid that, he thinks.

Still, when Oly leaves him and Vince half an hour later – she isn’t supposed to be there for Irileth Dorm’s icebreakers, and he’s pretty sure she and Pandora have plans, anyway – he’s fully aware of the look Vince gives him.

“Not your girlfriend, huh?”

“Shut up.”

*-*

“So if she isn’t your girlfriend, does that mean you’re awkward, oblivious, paranoid, or gay?” Vincent-don’t-call-me-Vincent-I’m-Vince asks thirty minutes later. The two of them are tangled parts of a much larger whole, an attempt at a human knot that Travis resents the implications of – he can smell at least one other non-human in the bunch, a sickly-sweet tang he thinks ties back to a small blonde woman – and also resents the reality of: he’d assumed the icebreakers wouldn’t place him close to his roommate very often, but the guy is persistent. “Because I’m perfectly happy to offer myself up for your experimentation if you aren’t sure about that last one.”

“Can we maybe not have this conversation right now,” Travis requests. His voice is slightly higher than normal, but he just heard some person he doesn’t know squeal in excitement and he’s willing to bet it was based on Vince’s comment. Ladies nowadays have weird fetishes – a fact he learned thanks to Pan’s curiosity and Oly’s rants.

“Well, why not? Is it because you’re repressed?”

“We’re in public,” he snaps, instead of the actual response, which is that they’re strangers and he does not want to talk about this. “Stuck in this stupid knot.”

“Oh, right, this thing,” Vince seems to realize, and Travis watches in horrified fascination is the guy moves three times, maneuvering around people he chats with easily, and undoes the entire knot easily. “So can we talk now?” he asks, still holding Travis’ left hand, which he’d grabbed earlier.

Travis drops the hand the second the RA calls an end to the activity and leaves to find water. It’s a handy cover, and he can lose the roommate in what he hopes will be an easily repeatable fashion.

*-*

“Why,” Travis asks the room. It’s empty, he thinks, or at least there’s no one he can see, but it’s a mess. It looks like Pandora came in here like a whirlwind and then got chased by Oly when she was in a mood to trash everything worse than usual, too. Except he’s fairly sure neither Oly nor Pan have been here, but he’s been avoiding his roommate since the fiasco of their introduction.

The door opens again behind him, not that it had closed, and he turns quickly to come face to face with the guy he’s been avoiding.

It has only been a month, and yet the change in Vincent – Vince – is readily apparent. For one thing, there are shadows sprawled dark and heavy under hazel eyes that have lost the spark Travis remembers from the first meeting. Vince is tan, but now he looks a kind of washed out, like a vampire victim. “Shit,” Vince mutters under his breath, and as Travis watches, he manages to both draw himself taller and pull in on himself in one motion. “Sorry for the mess. I’ll – it’ll be taken care of.”

Travis stares at him for a moment longer. “Did someone bite you?”

Vince blinks slowly, and the next thought Travis has is to wonder if he’s taken something stupid: meth or pot or something, maybe, he hears those are weird on humans. “No. Is that an offer? Are you secretly a vampire?”

Travis’ eyes narrow, and he shakes his head. “Like I’d tell you if I was. ‘Sides, you’re the one who looks like a corpse.”

The roommate deflates, and sighs heavily. Travis almost wants to reach out to keep him from falling. “Family shit – my sister’s AWOL, like usual, and my parents are being dicks about it, not that that’s new. And the clubs I’m in are crap. I’m bored, man.”

“We’re not talking about the not sleeping thing?” Travis asks after waiting for the guy to add it in.

Vince, to Travis’ displeasure, laughs. It’s actually kind of nice to hear, warm and cheerful. Travis isn’t impressed. “That’s just the insomnia. It isn’t new, man, don’t worry about it.”

Travis is horrifically overprotective of the people he meets. It’s always been true: he defends humanity to his father, although that often ends badly and Oly’s suspicions that his old man is a terrible father shoot up whenever he turns up bruised. He would move the earth to protect Oly and Pan, and Ethan, too, if he would allow it. He’ll even pick a fight to defend a stranger in the street. And like it or not, he knows Vince, and although he can’t help with his personal demons, he knows how to treat insomnia. It’s what caused their semester of Pan on the track team, forced by Oly to see if she was right about exercise being a decent treatment for insomniac tendencies.

“Oly and me are meeting some people for a game of soccer,” Travis says reluctantly. “You want in?”

Vince’s eyes absolutely light up at the offer, and the nod is the closest he’s been to the annoying dick Travis met on day one in – well, a month, so far as Travis knows.

He refuses to feel guilty for it, but at least he can fix it.

*-*

There’s a dance for the people who live on campus late first semester. Travis finds out about it when Oly texts him.

Oly: Pan just came in gloating that she got me a date with that weird roommate of yours. She’s planning on continuing to fake me to trick him. Wants me to come along on the night to ruin his life, apparently. Travis: what? Oly: Oh, she was playing me to fuck with you and broke into your dorm – she has a copy of the key, sorry about that. Vince came home first, thought she was me, flirted like he tried when we met, and asked her to the dance. So. That’s happening. Travis: the fuck Travis: they’re both nuts, they’re made for each other Oly: Travis. Travis: I’ll apologize to pan with chocolate later Oly: Right. Oly: Anyway, are you up for smuggling me in so I can pull the ‘how could you’ routine? We can get burgers after. My treat, since we’ll probably have to dress up. Dad probably has a suit that’ll fit you. Trav: sure, I’m in Trav: how bad could it be

*-*

Turns out that there is something worse than Vince (and this is after they have, begrudgingly – at least on Travis’ end – started to get along) is Vince in cahoots with Pan.

Pandora is convinced that Oly and Travis should be together, and she shows it with passive aggressive commentary and infuriating asides. She has Travis’ number and ninety per cent of the texts the sends him are romcom friends-to-lovers plots, or links to date ideas she knows Oly would enjoy. Travis doesn’t need any of them, because he’d hate-watched countless friends-to-lovers movies in the hopes of convincing himself that telling Oly the full truth wouldn’t go badly, and because he has all of the date ideas and then some more bookmarked for ‘one day’.

Vince catches on way too quickly to what Pan is playing at, and now Travis can’t study in their room without being subjected to commentary and ideas.

“I think Morgan has a thing for the twins,” Vince says one day over the top of one of his engineering textbooks. He’s on Travis’ bed, because his own bed is an unmade mess beneath their combined laundry that needs to be folded and put away, while Travis is at his desk hunched over a borrowed laptop and grumbling about how the thing isn’t designed for left-handed use, with its trackpad aligned to the right of the damn thing.

“At least she has taste,” Travis says. It’s probably incriminating, but he will refuses to imply that Oly doesn’t deserve the attention. “She might have a chance with Pan, but Oly’s straight.”

Vince snorts; Travis gets a sense of satisfaction when he chokes on it. “In that case, I have a friend who’d fall in love with Oly in about ten seconds,” Vince goes on conversationally once he’s finished choking on his idiocy. “He’d treat her like an absolute queen.”

Travis’ hand freezes on the trackpad, and after a long moment, he forces himself to go on with his homework. “Anyone I know?”

“Your attempt at nonchalance isn’t fooling anyone. You sure there isn’t something else you’d like to say?”

“Like what?”

“Like maybe begging me not to ruin your chances with the girl you’ve been in love with since you met her in, like, elementary school?”

Pan’s theories are bullshit, is how Travis would usually respond to that. He doesn’t this time. He’s suddenly exhausted, tired of being teased and bullied for what hasn’t been a stupid crush since, yes, elementary school, a week after he accidentally stole Pandora’s seat when he was starting at a new school. He remembers watching Oly tear apart some jerk who’d tried to pick on Pan, and thinking that’s who I want to marry one day, and not knowing what to do with that information. “You know what?” he says instead, and it spills out of him: “You’re right. You and Pandora are right. I’m in love with Oly, and it’s the worst thing in the fucking world, because she’s my best friend and she’s so human, you know? She’s so sporty and brave and smart and she’d have to be stupid to want me as anything but a friend, and I can’t even tell her, because either it’d ruin our friendship or she’d feel obligated to date me so it wouldn’t be weird, or so it wouldn’t be over. And it’s the best thing ever, too, because Oly’s enough to remind me of why I even like people. You know, people say our family are cursed because my dad’s a racist asshole? And I’ve never been like that, I begged to go to school and then she was there and it’s just – it sucks, okay? Because I’m in love with her, and it’s the most amazing feeling, but I can’t do anything about it because it’ll either ruin everything or it won’t, but either way something will change, and I don’t want it to.”

Vince is silent for a long while after that, and Travis is breathing hard. He unpacks what he said, and his warm face – flushed red – turns white. He’s just told Vince he’s not human. He’s been told all his life to keep the secret – not even Oly knows – and he’s just told a guy he doesn’t even like tolerating the biggest secrets of his life.

“Dude,” Vince says at last, and Travis tenses as the guy puts a hand on his arm. “It sounds like you could use a drink.” He sidesteps the entire episode of word vomit, skips the psychoanalysis and judgement in favour of cutting right to what Travis could actually benefit from, even if they aren’t quite old enough to drink yet.

And Travis – Travis thinks that maybe, maybe, Vince might have one or two redeeming qualities.