#but i hope the starter is alright ! lemme know if you need me to change anything < 3

[purgatored]

STATUS : closed for @ludics ! LOCATION : inside benny's diner !

" YOU MUST BE REAL BUSY NOW, HUH ?" the question is blatantly rhetorical . cherry's brows raise with it as she looks at him . " without kina to cover for you or whatever ." a shrug . " that must fucking suck . i mean, a lot of things fucking suck right now ." cherry allows, her brow arching . " but that must fucking suck for you ." cherry moves to take a sip of her milkshake to punctuate the words, studying him almost curiously from where she sits at the diner's counter . she puts down her glass before adding a blunt, " although, it overall seems like a pretty shitty business to be busy in, i'm not going to lie to you ." if cherry was honest she mostly only started the conversation because they were the only two people in here, and well, cherry never did well with boredom . especially not now, with the doom and gloom of it all settling over the town like a heavy blanket . no, cherry needed distractions and a lot of them . she was pretty sure this conversation might give her at least ten minutes of that if nothing else . so cherry turns to face him then, the diner's counter digging into the small of her back as she almost boredly asks, " ... you like your job or what ?"

[lunaetis]

▸▸ [ @starspurn ( argenti ) || starter call. ]

─「エデン」─  " doesn't it get lonely, wandering alone in the cosmos ? " whenever the nameless had a chance to encounter him, he was almost always by himself. holding steadfast to his belief, to his path, yet having no companions on the same road to share your experience with. it must be quiet, no ?

[inu-jiru]

The Tiger And The Zebra

Chapter Three - Jasper’s First Sauna

“So...what am I supposed to do?”

“Just a moment.”

I rested my hand on a pedestal that sat in the center of the Extraction Chamber. A holographic screen popped up in front of me, displaying a number of options. I set the steam temperature to the maximum setting. I personally preferred something gentler on my “skin” but I believed that Jasper had a few thousand years worth of stress that she needed to get rid of. There was the option to apply a scent to the steam as a sort of aromatherapy. That made me curious.

“Is there any particular scent you’re fond of?” I asked over my shoulder.

“Not really.”

“Well…” I sighed. “Is there anything you wouldn’t mind smelling for the next hour?”

“Is this really important?” Jasper asked, annoyed. I turned to her, a hand on my hip. She was sitting on the bench behind me, her arms crossed.

“I just want to make things comfortable for you, Ms. Ultimate Quartz,” I explained, the faintest hint of impatience edging its way into my voice. “Look. I can pick for you, if that makes you happy.”

“You know what would make me happy?” Jasper began with a smirk.

“Don’t make me move it up to three hours,” I warned, turning back to the screen so that she wouldn’t see the grin that was threatening to form on my face. Stars above...Jasper really loved to push her luck with me, didn’t she? I had to admit, this constant back and forth of irritation and amusement was something I’d never had with a Quartz soldier. Not even my most rambunctious Amethyst had the audacity to be so vocal with me. It was different, and yet...I was enjoying it.

I decided to go with the scent of Earth pine. It, and other organic plant matter, had been taken from Earth prior to the Rebellion. It was something Homeworld did for all colonies; taking things with fine fragrances and using them for Gem relaxation. It was, perhaps, the only thing of worth that organic life had ever provided for us. With that, I confirmed the setting I’d chosen and turned to join Jasper on the bench. The vents activated at the same time, and with a hiss, the hot, scented steam began filling the room.

“Ahh,” I sighed. I could already smell the pine. I glanced at Jasper. “Things should heat up momentarily. Perhaps you’d like to change into something more comfortable?”

“...Like what?” said Jasper, cocking a brow.

“Well, usually, Gems like to change their physical modifiers into something like a bathing suit. Exposes more “skin”, so to speak. Makes the Extraction that much better, in my opinion.”

“Seems like a bit much…” The Quartz paused, looking down at the chest part of her uniform. Already, beads of liquid were beginning to form. “It’s doing it over my uniform, anyway.”

“True…” I admitted. “I think it’s more for the aesthetics. If you look like you're relaxed, then you’ll feel like you're relaxed.”

“I’ll pass,” Jasper said. Damn it.

“That’s fine,” I responded, hiding my disappointment. “I, on the other hand…” My physical modifiers began to glow as they shifted. My robe and sandals were replaced with a bathing suit, a solid dark-grey in color. Content, I leaned back against the wall, crossed my legs and closed my eyes. Droplets trickled down my exposed arms and legs. It felt nice, as if someone were caressing me with their fingers.

“You never answered my question,” I heard Jasper say. “What do I do?”

“Relax,” I said plainly.

“How? You’re just...sitting there.”

“Exactly. You have to sit still, don’t think about anything stressful, and let the extraction happen.”

“...That’s it?” I opened an eye, seeing Jasper staring at me in disbelief. “Come on; there has to be more to it. It can’t just be an hour of sitting here.”

“Well,” I began. “We could always pass the time by talking.” She groaned again.

“About what?” Jasper grunted. I shrugged.

“Anything, really. What’s on your mind, Jasper?” I paused. “And if you say “training”, I swear to White Diamond—“ Jasper let out a breathy chuckle.

“Earth’s on my mind,” the Quartz said. “And not just because of the mission. I keep remembering the War.”

“Unavoidable, I suppose,” I replied. I paused, gazing up towards the ceiling as glimpses of the war flashed in my mind. Funny how such old memories could still be so fresh. Looking back at Jasper, I continued wistfully. “It’s funny, really. The War was horrible for Homeworld and yet, there were some moments I remember quite fondly. Of course, those tales probably pale in comparison to what I’ve heard about you, the “Kindergarten Quartz That Could”.”

Another smirk graced Jasper’s features, as expected. Then again, I’d probably be the same if I’d emerged as perfectly as she did.

“Tell me,” I started, my own coy grin beginning to form. “Did you really shatter eighty traitors the day you emerged, or is that number...exaggerated?”

It took everything in me not to laugh at the look of offense on Jasper’s face. I could already hear her dry, arrogant retort in my head. Such a sensitive ego; I loved it.

““Exaggerated”,” she repeated slowly. “Good one. Sounds like something a Spinel would say.”

“A Spin—“ I couldn’t hold it back. I began laughing harder than I probably should have, bringing up a hand in front of my mouth. Her eyes burned into me.

“What’s so funny?” Jasper growled. It took me a moment to compose myself. I think I’d even started tearing up. Clearing my throat, I turned to the Quartz again.

“YOU, Jasper,” I answered bluntly. “You amuse me. And I mean no disrespect when I say that. Nor did I mean any offense with my earlier statement. It was a joke, to put it simply.”

“Mmph…”

“Alright, alright.” I held up my hands in defeat. “I’m genuinely curious, though. What was it like for you, that first day?” Jasper leaned back, finally looking as if she were actually trying to relax. Her arms were still folded, but it was a start.

“Well, for starters,” said Jasper. “It was actually eighty-three Gems. I kept count.” Of course she did. “Would’ve gotten more if my Agate hadn’t gotten to me.”

“Your Agate?” I asked.

“Yeah, Yellow Agate. She was assigned to the Beta Kindergarten, but I wasn’t exactly in the mood to take orders. I was ready to start fighting.”

“And she put you in line, hmm?”

“That’s putting it lightly…” Jasper chuckled, but I didn’t hear any humor in it. “She’s nothing like you. You even look at her the wrong way and...yeah.”

“Hmph.” It was my turn to be unimpressed. A lot of Agates were like that. It was how Agates were supposed to be, apparently. I couldn’t agree with that. Patience was a better tool for Quartzes, not blind rage and aggression. If that made me “flawed” in some way, then so be it. We were all flawed, really. Only the Diamonds were truly perfect. Jasper’s voice caught my attention.

“Anyway, I got my chance to take out more crystal Gems,” she continued. My jaw tightened at that name, but unlike with the Lazuli, I chose to let it go. “Kinda lost track of how many after a few hundred years, but I’d like to think I made a dent in Rose’s army, heh.”

“Very impressive. And you never got to meet Rose Quartz in battle?”

“Believe me, if I had, you probably wouldn’t be on this mission.”

“I don’t know…” I began teasingly. “I’ve heard she’s quite strong.”

“Not stronger than me,” the warrior Gem insisted. “Trust me.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” I chuckled. By now, the steam had dampened Jasper’s hair, making it cling to her body. It was alright, though I definitely preferred the untamed, gravity-defying nature her hair had when it was dry. Nevertheless, I did want to run my fingers through it...maybe move that one noticeable strand out of her face. My fingertips drummed against my thigh as I held myself back.

There was a moment’s pause as we sat there, dripping wet and surrounded by the ever-thickening steam. In that time, my mind began wandering back to my days during the war, the battles I fought alongside my Quartzes, the interrogations of captured traitors…the losses we faced...I began to frown, looking down at my hands. So many shards I’d held in my hands. Rose Quartz’s policy was to only dissipate the form of an enemy Gem, however, I knew from experience that such a rule was only talk. My hands became fists, a sudden bolt of hatred shooting through me. Rose Quartz, of all Gems, was the last person who should have been advocating for peaceful methods.

“Zebra Agate.”

I blinked. Jasper was...calling me? This was the first time she’d used my name. Glancing at her, I saw her giving me a look of...concern…? Her brow was furrowed, so I thought she might’ve been angry. Yet her eyes were...surprisingly soft. They held no aggression in them. My cheeks burned with humiliation; quickly, I turned to look at a wall.

“My apologies,” was all I could think to say.

“...Lemme guess,” Jasper said. Even her voice sounded somewhat understanding. “Bad memories, huh?”

“...I’m afraid so,” I whispered. I felt my eyes sting with tears, and my embarrassment deepened. Despite my efforts, I felt a tear trickle down my cheek. I wiped at it quickly. Clearing my throat, I forced myself to speak in a clearer voice. “Let’s just say that I might have some difficulty holding back on Rose Quartz myself.”

“Maybe we don’t have to.”

“Jasper…” I dared to face the Quartz again. “I have my orders.”

“We could just say it was an accident,” Jasper suggested. She looked...hopeful. “Y’know...she was being difficult...it was either her or us, that kind of thing.”

“I doubt Her Clarity would fall for that,” I sighed.

“But wouldn’t it be worth it? Letting out all that anger and just…” Jasper slammed her palm with her fist. “No point in holding yourself back. It’d feel much better to give Rose what she deserves.”

The offer was so tempting, especially with how Jasper described it. Yet, my loyalty to my Diamond and my fear of what my failure could’ve brought me held a tight grip on my Gem. At the same time, I didn’t want to outright decline.

“I’ll think about it,” was my final answer.

“Fair enough,” sighed Jasper. I gave her a smile.

“Thank you,” I said gently. “You’re surprisingly thoughtful. I didn’t think you had that in you.”

“I wouldn’t call it that...” Jasper grimaced. I chuckled again, a gentle warmth buzzing through me. Poor dear. Did she think I was calling her soft or something?

“Well, whatever you call it…” I paused, allowing myself to reach up and brushing aside the irritating strand of hair. Jasper’s eyes widened, her cheeks darkening in color. “I appreciate it.”

“Yeah…” The Quartz cleared her throat, tearing her gaze from mine. Oh...I was going to miss her when this mission was over.

[kxkatsuna]

@san-ban​ ♡ ′d

          Holy fuck. This was a whole new level of incompetence that Miho didn’t even realize she was capable of. As most people do when they see a cat-- Miho had decided to shove herself through a low set window, with the intention of reaching out to it, maybe even bring it inside. But before she knew it her waist was no longer moving forward... or back the way she came from. Miho was completely stuck. Lucky for her it was a little abandoned house, no one would see her embarrassing situation--- of course on the downside there was no one around to help get her out of the predicament. She could only hope that someone as daring and adventurous as herself would come along.

          “Maybe I had a few too many twinkies.” 

[akastarlords]

home sweet home

2/?

chapter two and it only took me a year! lmao i know, i am garbage made flesh. i’m sorry. but last year was wild. but i love this story and i refuse to give up on it. also i’m flying out to australia thursday!! i’ll be there for a good while so hopefully more updates will follow while i’m there! anyway, this chapter has been a long time coming. sorry again and i hope it’s alright!

Owen woke up that morning with a sense of dread. He couldn't quite place his finger on what it was, or even why. Especially after dreaming about red hair and blue eyes. 

But as the day dragged slowly into evening, Owen began to relax. Nothing unusual happened. It was like every single routine morning since she left. 

A loud bark echoed from the porch, followed by a car door slamming shut. Great, just some unannounced visitor.

Owen sighed, scooping up the motor piece he had been working on and strolled out from the work shed. "Hey, settle down!" He called over to the bloodhound dog. 

Blue continued to bark at the newcomer, until Owen came up and patted her head. "Ah, she's all bark and no bite. Ain't ya, girl?"

Blue huffed and dropped her head back down. "How can I help you?" Owen asked, not bothering to glance at the new comer's way. 

"Well, for starters." They replied and the dread Owen felt in the pit of his stomach reared its ugly head. The motor piece fell from his hands. "You can come down here and give me a divorce."

Now, usually, Owen like to consider himself decent with the quick quips and sly comebacks. But for his life, not even a single coherent thought could even form in his mind at the sight of Claire Dearing standing in the front yard. 

Her long red locks that use to tangle around his fingers with ease were cut into a short and neat bob. Somehow the freckles that use to scatter across her cheeks, the very same ones he loved to kiss one by one, seemed to have vanish. 

Owen stomped across the porch and down to his truck. Claire rolled her eyes skyward, as she followed. "Owen, enough's enough. We've dragged this on for too long. Let's finish this, I have a plane to catch and-"

"You're shittin' me, right?" Owen grunted, facing her. Claire's nose wrinkled at the expression. She never could understand it.

"No, Owen. I'm not 'shitting' you." She replied as calmly as she could, and dug into her purse. Owen jerked his head back as Claire whipped out a manila folder inches from his face. "It's easy. See? It's even got idiot proof tabs."

"Oh, well golly." Owen commented dryly. "After seven years, that's the first thing you got to say to me?"

Blue lifted her head and let out a bark. Claire gave the floppy bloodhound and hesitant look, before narrowing her eyes back on Owen. "What do you want me to say?"

Owen leaned against the bed of the truck, a mocking look of thought crossing his face. He even tapped his chin for good measure. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe 'Hey there, Owen. Remember me? Your wife'? That's a good one, or even 'Hi, Honey. Lookin' good. How's the family?"

Claire crossed her arms, lifting a brow. "You expect me to tell you that you look good?" She asked. She gave his appearance a one over. Sure, not much had changed about Owen. It's like he never took the time to properly scrub himself clean, or try to use a razor weekly. But even after seven years, it worked for him. Even better now.

It was that and the way he'd surprise her with the soft words he spoke and daring promises he made that charmed Claire right into his arms. Claire stood straight and fixed her shoulders. "Did the run out of soap at the general store since I left?"

"Do they laugh up North?" Owen countered.

Claire poked at his chest. "You knew exactly where I was. You just never-"

Blue howled loudly, drowning out their argument.

At once they both shouted.

"Charlie, shut up!"

"Blue, shut up!"

Claire froze, eyeing the sleepy looking dog on the porch. "Blue?" She asked. "Where's Charlie?"

Sighing, Owen shook his head. "She died. Ya weren't here." He slipped passed her, yanking the truck door open. Claire stared at Blue, her mouth opening and closing before she turned back to Owen.

"What are you doing?"

"Leavin'." Owen answered as a matter of fact. "You should recognize the gesture."

He certainly was getting his jabs in. But Claire wasn't about to back down without throwing in a few of her own. Blocking the door, Claire braced herself against the side with her body.

"I know it'll be a great feat for you, Owen. But can we try to keep this as civilized as possible?" Claire said, holding the folder to him. "Please just sign these so I can go home?"

Owen scoffed. "That's rich. What do you know from home? I bet your sister and dad don't even know you're back in town."

"That's my business." Claire retorted, settling the folder on his lap. The papers fell into a mess at the ground as Owen climbed across the seats of the truck and came out on the other side.

"Honey, they're the only family you got."

"Don't you 'honey' me, I- Owen!" Claire shouted after the man as he marched back into the house, slamming the door after him. Claire stumbled slightly in the mud as her heels sunk in, but still made an impressive B-line for the door. 

"Owen! Open up!" she demanded, slamming her hand on the thin window. Owen appeared as he lifted the blinds, giving her a thoroughly over and done with look. "Call your family. Maybe we'll talk!" He snapped, tugging the blinds back down. They shot right back up. Claire stood there, watching as her husband tried in vain, once, twice, three times to keep the blinds shut. After the fifth time they shot back up, Owen practically tore them from the hinges and shook them in Claire's direction.

"Ya finished?" Claire asked, not even flinching at the way her well softened and hidden drawl came back to her. Owen threw the blinds down and stormed away. 

"Divorce. Right." Owen grumbled. Pausing, he eyes caught a flash of Claire's hair as she rounded the house. The garage door. Sprinting, Owen practically lunged himself over the couch and barreled into the garage, snapped the lock shut just as Claire twisted the knob.

The red that crossed Claire's face nearly put her hair to shame. Owen grinned lazily and held up his hands. "Good seein' you again, Claire." 

He heard her aggravated squeal as she walked away. Finally, maybe now he could process Claire's sudden arrival in peace. He walked back into the house, only to find the front door wide open.

"Hey, genius." Claire called from the dining room. She lifted her hand to show off the dirty key between her fingers. "If you wanna lock someone out, make sure they don't know where the spare key is hidden."

Owen didn't reply to her and instead looked to Blue who remained outside, watching the whole ordeal curiously. "Some watchdog you are."

Blue yawned and circled around back into a nap with a tired huff. Owen finally looked back to Claire. "Also, funny thing about hiding things, it'd be nice if your wife told you were she was." he said, this time, his voice was much more quiet. Claire shook her head.

"I'm not your wife, Owen. I'm just..."

Neither of them spoke. The seconds that passed almost felt like grueling minutes. Claire lifted her head. "I'm just the first girl to climb in the back of your truck."

Owen felt his body slack. Claire felt like she swallowed an entire rock. 

"I don't even know that girl anymore." Claire added. Owen nodded slowly, setting the can down, yanking up the phone from the table. 

"Well, lemme be the first to remind ya." Owen muttered, going into the next room, shutting the door. Claire sighed and dropped onto the couch. It sunk instantly under her weight, Claire reached out for anything to pull her out.

The same God awful couch that Owen had since he was a teenage, with the same deep dip and still he hadn't replaced it. Claire flashed an annoyed glare to the closed door. She really was dumb to think anything could have changed. 

Especially Owen.

-

Ten minutes later, Owen strolled out of the room with a satisfied look. "So, big into fashion up North?" he asked casually. Claire grunted as she finally pulled herself free from the couch. 

"What kind of question is that?"

Owen shrugged slightly. "Just wanted to know if stripes are in." It was almost too perfectly timed, as soon as Owen asked his question a police siren rang out. Claire paled. "You called the sheriff?!" she dated to the window and pressed herself to the wall in a fruitless attempt to hide herself. "You know he hates me!"

"For a damn good reason." Owen agreed, nodding. Opening the door wide. "Cuthers!" He called out. 

A much younger and not as angry looking Sheriff Cuthers stepped through the door, a wide grin on his face. 

"Hell's bells!" He greeted in Claire's direction. "If it ain't devil-may-care Claire!" Claire looked into the familiar face of her old friend, and found a smile pulling the corners of her lips. "Lowery? You're the sheriff?"

Lowery nearly beamed with pride. "Someone had to take over that old bat I call my dad. Besides, gettin' to spend my days frisking pretty things like you-"

"Try to be a professional here, Lowery." Owen cut in.

Lowery nodded but continued. "Hot damn, we've missed you around here, Claire. 'Specially Owen."

"Lowery." Owen snapped, jabbing a thumb at Claire. "She's a crime suspect. Breaking in and entering."

Claire cut in before Lowery could even get a chance to speak. "I didn't break in and enter. I used a key." She explained. Lowery held up his hands. 

"Sorry, Claire. It's still not your house. I'm gonna have to escort ya out." 

"Use the handcuffs." Owen suggested. The look Claire gave him should have put Owen twenty feet under. 

Claire backed away and held up the folder that had Owen rolling his eyes. "Not till he signs these divorce papers. Then I'll go."

Lowery glanced at Owen. "I thought ya said that was all cleared up. You're still married?"

By the stiff silence he got from them both, Lowery took it as a reluctant yes and snorted. "Then this is still her house, Owen. I ain't needed around here." He laughed. "You know, there isn't a single childhood memory I have that you two ain't apart of."

He walked to the door. Owen followed. "I set you up with your wife, Lowery! You owe me one! C'mon...what about that steak shop lifting from the Winn-Dixie?"

"I returned everything!" Claire defended herself. Lowery waved a hand.

"The..." Owen tried again. "The vandalism at the stockyard? Totally her!" He accused. He held out his arms wide, blocking Claire from reaching Lowery

"Like I could tip a cow by myself!" Claire gave Owen a scratching gaze. Lowery snorted, stepping outside. Owen finally had to draw his final card. 

"Lowery, ain't there an outstanding warrant for whoever dumped your mama's tractor into the fishing pond?"

Claire gasped, and covered her mouth. It was too late. Lowery turned slowly back to them. Owen slipped away. "Should've stuck with breaking and entering, Claire."

-

Boy where the black and white background stripes of a mug shot a familiar sight. Claire turned slowly and faced the camera. The flashing lights blinded her for a second and she realizes how much she didn't miss it at all. Usually Owen would be on the bench waiting his turn or already in a cell waiting for their parent's bail. 

But this...

"Turn." The officer snapped. Claire faced away, her mind already at work.

This was war.

(tagging: @dinosaurswowenough )