#but thats a little silly. I was invited. its fine. still. the thought crossed my mind and filled me with a strange loneliness

[gophergal]

For unknown reasons, I've been hit with a deep and gnawing yearning, bordering on sadness. Its makes me want to press my head against someones chest and hear their heartbeat

[scarletenvy]

hey, can you write a drabble in which pearl and violet pretend to be together (non au if possible) ? thank you so much, it’s fine if you don’t have time to do it ❤️

Hi luv! I don’t know if this is what you were asking for, but here it is nonetheless. Hope you like it! Also I’ll definitely write all the requests I’m given, it just might take me some time xx.

Send me a request and I’ll write you a drabble!

It all starts the same all of their situations tend to start: with Violet’s insane plan and Pearl’s inability to say ‘no’ to anything she asks for.

“Hey, you know what, we should pretend to be together,” Violet says out of nowhere.

“Hmm?” Pearl drops his phone on his chest and turns to look at her.

He’s lying on the covers of a fully made hotel room bed and Violet is above him on her hands and knees, a mischievous spark in her eyes. Pearl knows that expression all too well, has seen it before — Violet has come up with yet another crazy idea, and there’s no stopping her.

“We should totally pretend we’re dating,” she repeats.

“Why?”

“For the shits and giggles,” she smirks and flops onto  bed. Pearl outstretches his arm and she accepts the invitation the gesture holds, rolls closer to him and buries her face in his sweater, sneaking her hand under it and stroking his lower stomach.

“But why?” Pearl says.

Violet lifts her face and looks at him through her lashes. Pearl has to look down awkwardly to meet her gaze, and he’s pretty sure she has a perfect view of the double chin this angle gives him.

“Because can you imagine everyone’s reaction? They will totally flip their shit if they think Pearlet are together. It’ll be so funny.”

That’s stupid. We’re not doing that, is what Pearl should have said.

“Thats awesome. Let’s do it,” is what he says instead.

*

The cab drops them off in front of their venue for tonight and Pearl climbs out after Violet. She holds her hand out for him to take, a mash of expectation and that same mischief from earlier burning in her eyes.

“Come on, gotta start acting,” she says when Pearl hesitates for few seconds. “Let’s go find the back entrance.”

Pearl places his palm in Violet’s and she gives his hand a little squeeze as if to reassure him before dragging him toward a member of staff she’s spotted smoking in the distance.

“Hi, excuse me, my boyfriend and I are here to perform tonight?” Violet says when they reach the guy.

He just turns his head to not blow smoke in her face and motions in general direction of the backdoor with a borderline bored expression and no words.

“Well he wasn’t excited about our being together,” Violet comments when the guy is out of earshot.

“Probably just didn’t know who we are,” Pearl says and Violet shrugs.

They are doing a show with Katya and Detox and a bunch of local girls whom Pearl doesn’t know. Katya calls him a slut and wraps her body around Violet in a way that resembles an attempt to dry hump her more than it resembles a embrace, and Detox punches Pearl’s bicep playfully and ruffles Violet’s hair, which earns him a low growl from her. All in all, it’s nice to see both of them again.

“We’re sharing a dressing room with the local queens,” Detox informs them as they walk down the corridor,

“Couldn’t they arrange one for just us?” Pearl moans. Not that he minds sharing, or thinks he’s any better than the local performers, but it’s probably gonna be all too crowded and loud and hectic and crazy.

“They could, but this Russian cunt insisted we share,” Detox says.

“Katya,” Violet cries out, bumping her shoulder against Katya’s. “Every time with you.”

And it really is. Katya is always the first one to approach the local girls, no matter where they are, always the first one to include them and make them feel a part of something special. Always the first one to fool around and joke with them and make them laugh, like genuinely laugh, not that nervous polite giggle they let out when Pearl says something, but an actual loud, real laughter. That’s how Katya is. Approachable. Likeable. Considerate. Crazy as fuck.

“I just thought it would have a nice BOTS vibe, you know? A lot of us in a tad too small dressing room,” Katya claps her hands excitedly and Detox sighs.

Violet slows down for a little, tugging Pearl with her and letting Detox and Katya wander ahead.

“This is ideal,” she whispers. “Gives us a chance to perform a little show of our own for a larger audience.”

Violet goes out of her way with her performance. She’s on Pearl’s skin every chance she gets, touching him everywhere and stroking and hugging him from behind, wrapping her arms around him and sliding her palms up and down on his chest. She wants to adjust his wig and fix his already perfect lipliner. She pleads him to corset her and pushes her ass into his crotch while he’s at it. She leans into him, whispers nonsense in his ear, and never once leaves his side or lets him out of her sight. It’s probably the best act she’s ever given. It’s so believable that Pearl himself almost thinks they’re actually together.

Yet no one bats a false lash at any of it.

Violet is getting frustrated at the lack of attention or reaction she was so looking forward to, Pearl can tell. He decides to try and step up his fake boyfriend game and pulls her in a hug only to wish he hadn’t, because as soon as Violet’s lips are on his ear, she tells him she wants him to tuck her.

“This is probably taking it too fucking far, Violet,” Pearl hisses at her when he’s got her dick in his hand.

“Shut up, I’m the one sacrificing everything here,” she hisses back. “Your tucks are the lousiest.”

The only reaction they get is a roll of tape thrown at Pearl’s head by Detox.

Their act is interrupted soon after as they are told it’s showtime, but Violet manages to peck a little kiss on Pearl’s lips before Katya drags her onstage.

“Do that trick where you pretend to eat her ass again and I’ll strangle you with my bare hands,” Pearl calls after them as an afterthought.

“Wouldn’t expect anything less,” Katya shouts over her shoulder.

*

“This sucks,” Violet whines. “Why is no one reacting to us? I hate everything.”

They’ve come outside for a little break between sets. Violet is leaning her upper body on the concrete wall, her hips pushed forward and one of her heels popped flat against the wall, and her fingers toying with the strap of Pearl’s bra. Pearl is smoking a cigarette, his free hand stroking Violet’s wrist gently as she keeps stretching the elastic absent-mindedly.

“C’mon, Vi, cheer up a bit,” he murmurs between drags.

“No. Everyone is stupid,” she says with a pout, stretching the strap to its limits and tugging further on, until Pearl has no other choice than to take a step closer.

“Come on, baby, break a smile for me,” Pearl pleads.

Violet shakes her head like a stubborn child and pulls Pearl even closer. He lets go of her wrist and presses his palm on the wall next to her head, parting his legs to fit Violet’s between them.

“No?” he breathes out.

Violet shakes her head again and cups the sides of Pearl’s neck, “No. I want attention.”

“How much of it do you want?” Pearl leans so close their hipbones are touching and their chests are almost pressed together. Violet moves her heel from the wall and slides it up the side of Pearl’s leg instead.

“All of it.”

“really?”

Pearl throws his cigarette away and grabs Violet’s waist. Her eyes are full of that familiar mischief again.

“Kiss me,” she says breathily.

If there is a thought of I probably should not crossing Pearl’s mind, it dies of loneliness before he can register it. He closes those few inches separating their lips and kisses Violet, and she kisses him back, slides her soft lips against his and moves her palms from his neck to his shoulders and sinks her nails into his skin.

The kiss never gets a proper chance to grow heated, because suddenly they’re interrupted by a loud gasp. Pearl jumps away from Violet like he’s been burnt and snaps his head in the direction of the sound. The backdoor is pushed open, one of the local girls halfway through it, and other one peeking over her shoulder, trying to see what’s going on.

The four of them stare at each other for few painfully long seconds, Pearl is sure he looks like a deer in headlights. The queen looks like she wants the ground to swallow her. The other girl looks both curious and frustrated her friend is still blocking her way. Violet looks victorious, mostly.

“Um,” the local girl says finally. “We’re just… Yeah… Sorry, bye.”

And then she’s slamming the door closed, pushing her friend back, and fleeing like someone would flee a crime scene.

“Oh my god,” Violet laughs. “That was amazing! Let’s go make out somewhere else. I wanna get caught again!”

She grabs Pearl’s hand and heads for the door, but Pearl pulls her back.

“Wait, Violet, did you do that on purpose?”

She turns to look at him in confusion, “What?”

“Did you ask me to kiss you because you heard them approach or something?” Pearl says.

“Yeah, I knew they were headed this way. Why else would I ask you to kiss me, silly?”

Pearl just shrugs and follows Violet inside. She rushes them to the dressing room and pushes him on the couch, climbing in his lap and placing her palms on his shoulders again as if to hold him in place.

“What now?” Pearl says.

“Now we wait, Pearly,” she grins.

They don’t have to wait for too long. Pearl is in the middle of counting tiles on the wall opposite them when Violet tenses in his arms like she’s heard something and smashes her lips into Pearl’s. She kisses him when the door opens, She kisses him when someone walks in. She keeps kissing him while someone moves around the room. Eventually Pearl has to push her away.

“Oh, don’t mind me,” Katya says. “I’m just here to grab Detox’s powder.”

“We were making out, Katya,” Violet says.

“And here I thought you were giving him CPR,” Katya’s tone is mock shocked.

“Why aren’t you reacting?” Violet says climbing off Pearl’s lap and sitting next to him, her leg bent under her and her arms crossed on her chest.

“How am I supposed to react to two lesbians exchanging spit?”

“Oh my god,” Violet says. “This prank sucks.”

“What prank?” Katya seems genuinely confused.

“We’re trying to make you believe we’re dating,” Pearl explains.

“Are you trying to tell me you aren’t?” Katya raises her brow.

“No?” Pearl says.

The door opens again then and Detox pushes his head in, “What’s taking so long?”

“The girlfriends are pretending they’re not dating,” Katya says.

“No, we’re pretending that we are,” Violet groans.

“You call us the girlfriends behind our backs?” Pearl chimes in.

“What the actual fuck is going on?” Detox slips into the room and closes the door behind himself.

“I walked in on the girlfriends going at it on the couch and now they’re claiming they’re not actually together,” Katya summarises quickly.

“Finally someone’s caught them. I’ve been dying to ask how fucking works between two bottoms,” Detox says.

“We’re not fucking,” Pearl says.

“Pearl would obviously top,” Violet says.

“What?” Pearl says. “I mean, yes, but what?”

“So are you together or not?” Katya asks.

“No,” Pearl and Violet say in unison.

“We just tried to prank you guys by pretending we are,” Violet explains again.

“That makes no sense. That’s like me pranking everyone by pretending to do a Russian character?” Katya says.

“No,” Detox chuckles. “That would actually be a fun prank, since you never do a Russian character.”

Katya laughs, “Touché.”

“I don’t get it,” Violet pouts. “I was all over Pearl tonight and no one reacted.”

“You were the literal same you always are with him,” Katya says.

“No, I was not.”

“Come on now,” Detox sighs. “You pair of bitchtits  are always all over each other. We genuinely thought you’ve been together since your season or something.”

“Well we’re not,” Pearl says.

“Nice,” Katya says. “Wanna go home with me tonight, then, Violet?”

“She doesn’t,” Pearl growls.

Detox motions between them and mouths something at Katya. It looks awfully lot like a They’re so into each other.

*

“I can’t believe they genuinely thought we’re fucking,” Pearl says into Violet’s hair when they’re riding a cab back to hotel later that night.

Violet lifts her head from where it was resting on Pearl’s chest and looks at him, a mischievous spark lighting up in her eyes.


“Hey, you know what…” she starts with a suggestive smirk.

[carmineclock]

> Once upon like a lifetime ago

Scratch 11/11/2018

And so a hush descends upon the city. A shared humbling sending all the dogs - and cats, back home to lick their wounds. You should feel glad for the quiet, it might mean you can finally get some sleep. But despite the wave of temporary peace, you feel unsettled. Theres something in the air. The smell of change, and you dont like it. Its partially your fault, of course. You should have crushed this particular seed of hate a long time ago. At first it seemed like the playings at a relationship, so you'd written it off. But things have progressed far beyond what you expected. How petty do you have to be to hold a grudge for so long. Ahem. Anyway, you have been preparing for the night with your favorite bow tie. The whole Nepeta, Fin, Trace 'thing' has been so volatile you'd really not wanted to go near it with a ten foot pole. As long as they did as their job. But now. You're pissed. A message was sent out to the three regarding Nepeta, inviting them into your office for a discussion. Despite your earlier invitations, this was more like a summons. So you set about preparing the tea, a glass for each of them, three chairs set meticulously in front of your desk for a nice friendly conversation. As an afterthought, you leave the door ajar, a little test to set the mood. That done, you wait.

Trace 11/11/2018

The summon was to be expected. Yet, you really hoped it would be long in coming. But no such luck. Well, fortunately a wheelchair seems to exist. That makes things much easier, even if the stairs are still... a challenge. But you all manage somehow and eventually you get Nepeta down to Scratch's office, where you just quietly push her inside.

Nepeta 11/11/2018

You had been expecting it too, yes. Or to put it more accurately: dreading it. Of course Scratch would eventually talk to you personally about this, you are not stupid. You are aware you only got off the hook so easily last time because of Snowman. Seems that you luck is running out. You are visibly nervous and uncomfortable on the way to his office, seeking out the hand of one your sharks at all times. But eventually you do reach the office and you are not foolish enough to face Scratch while holding hands like a silly little girls. You gulp and try to steel yourself for what's to come. Not like you have much of a choice.

Fin 11/11/2018

The first thing in your head is “i shouldn’t be here” and you really shouldn’t , for once you did nothing wrong but you are sort of worried about Nepeta and Trace because of course he will be worried about her so it’s a chain of people being worried for each other. ”It’s going to be fine, he will probably bark to you for the Droog shit, demand you to stop and be done with it” you shrug trying to diminish the importance of whatever will happen behind those doors. “I already got a bottle of wine waiting for us in the room after this if shit goes bad” You sigh loudly before stepping into the office.

Scratch 11/11/2018

You are sitting at your desk as they walk in, doing your best to look as calm and welcoming as possible. Tonight isnt just about punishment, its about improvement. Kicking someone while they're down rarely motivates, its about reshaping. Its what you'd hoped would happen under Snowman's tutelage. Not to say she did poorly, of course. She did her best. This is solely in the hands of the young troll, the potential she has that hopefully hasnt been thrown away. "Please, sit. You may move aside the chairs." For Nepetas wheelchair. As amusing a spectacle it would be to see Trace lift her and put her into the chair, or for Fin to try, better to just leave well enough alone. "I'm sure you know why you're here. Lets try not to draw this out with unnecessary drama, if it can be helped.  Who would like to start."

Trace 11/11/2018

As soon as he gives permission, you go to work and move some of the chairs aside so you can push Nepeta inbetween them. "Start with what exactly?" you ask as you take a seat yourself.  "How Droog can't leave his dirty fingers off her? First he kidnaps her for petty reasons, which - mind you - are mostly me, then back at the festival he can't help provoke her until someone finally makes him shut up, and not this." You gesture vaguely at Nepeta and the wheelchair. "A vicious backstabbing in a moment of mutual hardship and asssistance. He had a chance to end this and very much refused." Yeah, Nepeta can definitely speak for herself, but you know she's just as anxious about this as you, if not more. Plus, if Doc gets mad at anyone for talking back, you'd rather that one be yourself. "I know you're trying to tell us this needs to stop, but the thing is she never started any of this. So the question should rather be how you intend to keep this sadistic bastard away from us." Despite your words, your voice is fairly calm. Not much need to fake there, either, since the events have left you fairly tired and exhausted.

Nepeta 11/11/2018

It's a good thing that Trace is talking. You are not sure if you could, words were never your biggest talent. Where he has his way with them you usually prefer action... Which is exactly why you are here isn't it? You almost want to stop him, you raise your hand and open your mouth even, but nothing comes out. What do you even have to say? You just want this meeting to be over. "I'm...I'm sorry for all the trouble I have caused, Sir." It's not much. Your voice is far too quiet to really belong to you. You feel like a kid facing their mad parent, and in a way you are. Trace might be able to talk to Scratch like this but you? You are terrified of him.  And you know did wrong.

Fin 11/11/2018

You take a seat and cross your arms over your chest, your entire body is in a position of bitch i will fight everything you say so you rather leave the talk to Trace, he is the one with the big words in this relationship. “Yeah because knowing that leech he won’t stop sucking until she’s dead” you add. “and it’s not fair we have to stand here and watch.”

Scratch 11/11/2018

You listen quietly as each takes their turn to speak, studying them as you sip your tea. Always so defensive right away. You havent accused them of anything yet. "To start off with, check your tone, Three." You shoot him an icy look. " I havent told you anything yet. In fact I would say I've been almost lenient in regards to this quarrel you have. All three of you. I've stayed well and truly out of the way because it was absolutely going to end up a mess. And here we are. Let me ask. Is there a good reason to kidnap? You cant justify amoral things based on your own code of ethics and expect others to adhere to them. So thats how it started. Nepeta was made his victim and you blamed yourself so you got involved. I assume Five was made to be involved just for being connected to her. The question isnt, actually, how am I going to keep him away. Because the answer to it is too simple. I cant. I may be  a man of many talents, but Diamonds is outside my realm of influence. The question, similarly, is not what do I now do with a troublemakers and their grudges. The question that needs to be asked is actually, why did it ever get this far. Ah, see, now theres a far more interesting answer, dont you think?"

Trace 11/11/2018

"Why don't we invite him over so he can tell you? I thought I already explained as much. He's not letting off despite several warnings, and unfortunately the Crew's second-in-command isn't killed that easily, so here we are." You give Fin. Such. A look. What happened of acting like we're not out for blood. You sigh. "Fin is right. This isn't fair."

November 12, 2018

Nepeta 11/12/2018

It's funny, you aren't usually timid by any stretch of the imagination. But right now? Facing Scratch? You are not the fierce predator you want to be. You are reduced to nothing but a scared kitten under his cold stare. The fact that you are vulnerable physically and mentally right doesn't help one bit of course. Fin and Trace are so much louder than you but you do mumble an answer. "I..I lost my temper last time, sir. It won't happen again." The fact that you are apologizing despite the fact that you were already harshly punished by the loss of your legs doesn't even occur to you. You are just scared to get kicked out or worse.

Fin 11/12/2018

Trace’s look reminds of you the plan yourself set for the two. Damn. Well you can’t take those words back now, at least try to act like it’s not a big deal that you really think ain’t fair but you won’t do anything about it, so you look back at him and shrug then lean back on your table and nod at Nepeta's words. You really don't have much to add.

Scratch 11/12/2018

"I forget when the world was ever fair. I didnt realize we dealt in justice and fairness. Is it fair that a perfectly good warrior wastes her formative years on hate when she is brimming with potential? Is it fair that Diamonds started it and now  wont finish it, preferring to play with the shattered pieces of what remains?" The sentence ends sharply,with more heat than you wanted. You sense yourself getting worked up and ease it back a bit. "No, its not. And as much as it hurts, life goes on." You're speaking more directly to Nepeta now, though you're still facing Trace. "You've made your cases. I want a word alone with Ms. Leijon."

Trace 11/12/2018

You grimace some at his response. While it is nice and somewhat rare to hear a compliment like that from him, especially for your beloved girlfriend, it's.. kinda bittersweet, considering the situation. There's more things you want to say, more questions you got for him, especially about what options there are for her now. What plans he got, if any. But you realize these are things you may be able to ask either of them afterwards, so you nod quietly and raise from your seat. You give Nepeta a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder in passing, then leave the room, where you will wait right next to the door.

Nepeta 11/12/2018

Was that...A compliment? You certainly did not expect that at all. Scolding, a punishment, getting thrown on the streets, sure, but a compliment? You don't exactly know what to make of it. You gulp when he asks Fin and Trace to leave. You really don't want to be alone with Scratch, but it's not like you have a choices. Trace's gestures is appreciated but can't exactly ease the anxiety you are dealing with now.

Fin 11/12/2018

Really was that all?. This makes you even more worried for whatever he gotta tell her in private, was he just trying not to make it look like a big deal and will lash out to her when you two are gone or are you just being dramatic as always. You sigh and get up  but before you go you give a quick smooch to Nepeta’s cheek and a pat in the head then leave the room to join Trace outside. Time for the bouncy leg show as you wait.

Scratch 11/13/2018

The prey have gone, leaving only the preditors remaining. So you'd like to think, anyway. Once youre alone, the door closing sharply behind them, you stand. A slow movement, non aggresssive. Despite your distaste for cats, you know their behaviors. You move around your desk and take a seat in a vacated chair across from her. Eye level, face to face. "May I be frank, Ms. Leijon. I dont want this to come off as just another scolding. You've exceeded all expectations, and with the right guidence you could become something fierce. Thats what I wanted for you when Madam Snowman took you under her wing. And it makes me wonder why someone like you would want to waste so much energy on a grudge. Its clear you realize what you're doing is wrong, so why cant you move on. How much more are you going to let this revenge war take from you?" Its a genuine question. You hope your words come across as somewhat genuine. How you must look in her eyes to make her cower so.

Nepeta 11/13/2018

You don't think you've ever gotten this close to Scratch. It's a weird feeling, to have his attention all on you. Despite being a cat you feel more like a mouse. Trapped. At the mercy of a far bigger predator. It's funny, physically there's no question that you are stronger than him, perhaps even in your current state. Mentally though? And that's the kind of game you are playing here. With Scratch it always is, isn't it? You don't quite trust his words. You are used to far harsher words, not just from him. But to be told you have potential? That you are useful? You want to believe that's sincere. In a way you have to. It's hard to look him in the eyes though. "I know... I know this can't go on. I know this can't keep on escalating or it will destroy us..Me and Fin and Trace. I know that." You do. You had plenty of time to think about it in the past days. "But he wronged me. He hurt me, he used me to hurt them. And the he mocked me for my anger. Tried to play it off as some cute little game we play, tried to push me into some weird black situation." It's hard to hide your anger when you talk about him. Your face twists into and ugly scowl and your anxiety is almost forgotten. "I know it was wrong. I just wanted.. No I needed to show him that I'm not just his toy. I'm not going to play his shitty games anymore. I'm not going to just let him get away with it. I can't do that. I can't let him."

Scratch 11/13/2018

You listen in silence until she finishes. So much pain in her voice for someone so young. Diamonds is as much to blame as Nepeta is, of course. Such a waste of time and effort on a silly game. "I know. He wronged you, and the humiliation you felt being helpless at his hands was something you never want to feel again. And you tried to show him, and maybe sometimes you did, but he eggs you on. And you eat up his every words because your hate is blinding you. Of course you hate him. But let that push you to be better. Smarter. Look at your enemy and study their weaknesses. Look at your own limitations and strengths openly. Are you as strong as Diamonds now? No. But one day could you be?" You sit back in your chair, relaxed posture. Let her have a think on that. "As far as Droog is concerned, you are his toy. Because every little provokation gets a response. Something to stir the pot with. Is it fair that your honest emotion is used against you? No. But we learn. We grow. Every time you let that anger get the better of you,you give Droog everything he wants."

Nepeta 11/13/2018

That...all actually makes perfect sense. It's something to think about indeed. It's obvious you are doing just that by the way you  knit your brows and chew on your lips. "You are right Sir. And I've been trying. I've been trying so damn hard to ignore him. Even when I met him at the festival, I tried to keep it low but then...He just had to show off his damn trophies.  And I just lost it. I just..." You make a frustrated sound somewhere between a groan and a growl. "I want him dead. I want to be the one who ends him. That's my end goal, not...Not what has been happening lately. I know it's not the time to kill him yet. That's why I didn't, even when I could have. " You sigh. "I know I have to work on this. Channel my anger into something more useful. For myself, for them.  It's been... It's been hard."

Scratch 11/13/2018

You're getting there. Slowly, you're unraveling this complicated web of emotion and hate, and laying it before you in neat, workable strands. Its been a while since you deigned to work one on one with someone, after the whole Itchy thing you'd been working on for years went up in smoke. It was always going to be volatile at best. "I do understand, you know. How hard it is. Learning to adapt in any environment can be difficult, but trying to adjust yourself in the midst of those two acting like you're infallable and that nothing is wrong. Getting contrasting validation  for emotions you think you have no control over. And you're right. Nepeta, you cant control your emotions." Its a lesson you try to teach all your children. Not that she has suddenly joined those ranks, of course, but its worth her knowing. "You cant control your emotions, that is why they are emotions. They happen naturally, without warning or apology. You cant ignore Droog because to do so is to tell yourself that your emotions arent there, and we must never do that. We have to take agency over what we can control, which is our reaction to our emotions. Be honest with yourself. Accept that these emotions are there, and that you know theyre strong, and that they hurt, but that you can move forward even with the pain. Tell your heart that your brain hears and understands whats its going through."

You put a hand to your chest, where your heart would be, and sigh quietly. You cant bear to see youth wasted, thats the whole reason for this in the first place. Its why you take in kids and reshape them. They end up lost, otherwise. Like Nepeta. Hopefully its not too late for her. "Learn to control your reactions to your emotions, while still accepting theyre there and so powerful. Its okay to get angry, but if you let the anger consume you, you lose yourself. It becomes all you are, all you ever will be,  and I speak personally when I say that is not something I want to happen. More importantly, though, nothing will stick it to Droog more than seeing his 'little toy' stay cool under his pressures for an explosion."

Nepeta 11/13/2018

He just has to keep making sense doesn't he? You listen to everything he says, the feeling of guilt clearly written on your face. He's right and you know it. You feel ashamed that you have to be told all of this but he is right. It takes a you a moment to reply. "I will... I will work on it, sir. " You don't quite want to admit out loud to Scratch that you think he is right abut Fin and Trace's role in this too. It's true, you have been fueling each others rage instead of calming each other down. That's not what Moirails are supposed to do and it just now starts to dawn on you. "I can't let Droog ruin us like that, I know that. He doesn't deserve that privilege. And in time... We will get our revenge. Good things come those who wait yes? " You hope that is what he wants to hear. Both because you suddenly feel like you care much more about his opinion and because you want to avoid possible punishment. You won't ever not want Droog dead but you know the Felt are going to be the winning team in this war. You have to believe that after all. The alternative isn't something you even want to spend a thought on.

Scratch 11/13/2018

She has the right idea, anyway. All of this emotional nonsense only matters if the person involved is willing to put in the effort to change. Its not enough to just know what you have to do, its having the strength and willpower go through with it. No matter how difficult. Now if you were her teacher...well, it depends on the pupil as well. Some just refuse to be taught. "And while we're waiting, we can plan. I know what you must think of me, Ms. Leijon. I dont make myself very easy to like, and I apologize if my men gave you the wrong idea about me. I am here to support the Felt, which you are very much a part of. I want you to be the best you can be, and I know how to help you become that. If you'll allow me, I can start you down the path that will lead to your future. And if you decide that future holds a Diamonds-based revenge, then so be it." You put up a hand at the end of your sentence, a little sharply, but mostly for effect. You want her to take her time with this one. "Don't give me your answer now. Consider everything I've said. Consider how you are right now, and what you want to be in the future. If you cant picture it, ask yourself why. Take the next few days to really think about my proposition. I may not be able to offer you everything you want, but I can give you anything you need. If you dont want my help, you have to find a way to show me you're serious about becoming a better version of yourself."

This is the turning point. You've set the line out after successfully detangling the scenario. At this point you're almost more mad at Trace and Fin for their roles in this. A girl is traumatized by a kidnapping to the point she has to spend her life on payback to cope with the pain and fear she felt, and these two idiots are sitting there encouraging her instead of trying to calm her rage. "Until you have an answer, you're temporarily shelved. You may continue to live in the mansion because my philosophy is to generally take pity on the differently abled,plus you match the carpets, but I wont have you going out into the field where your actions represent and threaten my entire business. I will not continue waste any more medical equipment or personnel, or time on this. No flashy punishments, just a cut off. I'd say your own actions have punished you far more than I ever could. And if you do manage to find a way to fix whats been done, consider it a gift not to be wasted."

Nepeta 11/13/2018

You open your mouth to protest the whole shelving thing but...You can't really protest that at all can you? He's right about everything. You are useless right now in any event, so it's not even a big difference. But your need to be useful is just so damn high it barely slips anyways. You swallow the protests down and answer. "Yes, sir. I have...I have a lot to think about." Mostly about what you think of Scratch and your relationship with Fin and Trace. You never expected to get out of this talk with some sort of? Respect? For Scratch budding in your mind. Or that you would begin to question how stable your pale relationship is. It really is quite a lot to process.

Scratch 11/13/2018

Good. You hope she will think about it, and not let the opinions of those around her sway her choices. This all could have gone far worse, so you're glad for that. Maybe she'll listen. Maybe she wont. But the offer has been handed across the table, nothing left to do but wait. "Yes, you do. Now, as far as those two are concerned, you may tell them as little or as much as you wish to. Just make sure whatever you bring to me as your answer is because of your choices, not theirs." That said, you pat her twice on the head, smile, and stand. Back around the desk you go, taking your seat for the continuation of the trial. "Alright, gentleman, you can come back in." You call to your door, knowing full well that theyve been standing outside the entire time. With ears pressed to the wall, no doubt.

Trace 11/13/2018

You didn't listen in, at least not on purpose, and they've talked fairly quiet most of the time (which is as much unsettling as it is relieving). But you trust Nepeta to tell you all that is important. (Though, you also know well Scratch can play with someone's mind and you worry about all the subtle things he may try put into her head.) Anyway, you give Fin a nod and open the door again and walk up to right behind Nepeta, eyes on Doc. "Anything else?"

November 14, 2018

Fin 11/14/2018

You would usually be the kind to even bring the glass to not miss a word but not right now. You figured that Nepeta would bitch all about it later and the sound of your bouncy leg on the floor was enough to keep you entertained for the time beings. You go in and stand next to Nepeta hand on her shoulder.  Somehow it feels strange that the air is not filled with either fear or anger or any of the sort. Makes you regret not to have listened with more attention.

Scratch 11/14/2018

"Nepeta has been shelved. Until such a time as previously discussed between us, she will not partake in any field work. Along with that, until then, I am barring her from Felt resources in regards to any future problems with Droog or otherwise. And let me just say this plainly, as I'm sure you and I will be speaking privately soon, Trace. Shame on you. Shame on both of you. Choosing to care about your own emotions over whats best for you partner. And if you didnt know, or chose not to realize, then you're idiots. Dissmissed, all of you."