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Trying to contact Sailor Castor was far less rewarding than Colin had hoped. For whatever reason(s), the older Senshi didn't respond to his texts and when he tried to actually call and speak with him...he was schlepped off to voice-mail almost immediately. He'd left two messages before the voice-mailbox was full and he could leave no more. It was worrisome, but maybe there were good reasons for the brunette being incommunicado for so long? Whatever the reason(s), he found no information as to why Björn (and others) had suddenly become Mauvians. Even poor Derpraline had no idea why there were suddenly "more friends to play with!" but she knew that it wasn't exactly the best thing to happen. Colin had given the adorable kitten a pretty little hair-bow that he'd seen in the store, as well as some waffles when he'd gone to see her, but other than as a social call, his visit was largely unrewarding.

Hiding a large cat in the dorms wasn't the easiest thing he'd ever done, but it was easier than hiding their relationship (which was actually kind of a sad thing, when he thought about it - which he didn't like doing, because it made him feel bad. There was absolutely no reason to hide his being with Björn save that Hillworth had rules against it; if anything, Colin was proud to call Björn his friend and lover). At any rate, he was getting into the swing of things, having his boyfriend as a cat when one morning the alarm went off and he found himself unable to get up as usual due to a very large, very well muscled arm thrown across his waist.

Waking up to find a very human, very naked Björn weighing him down caused a bubble of joy not unlike the one that he'd felt when he'd finally connected with his boyfriend-turned-cat in the first place. Björn, grumbling something in a language clearly not English, woke enough to shoot the alarm a dirty look before reaching out to turn it off. Colin reached for him, wanting to reassure himself that the flesh pressing him into the bed was, in fact, really there and not just another fond dream. Under his seeking fingertips, Björn's skin was very much real: very warm and very alive, the muscles moving and shifting under the skin in just the way he remembered. Björn made a low sound of appreciation, his sleep-soggy brain not quite realizing that there was any reason that this morning was any different from the ones before it; the disconnect continued for a few more moments as his boyfriend blinked sleepily at him, face pressed to his neck. Colin watched, interested in seeing Björn's eyes when he finally realized that those were hands - not paws - and that Colin's eager hands fell upon taut skin instead of fur. What happened next was no one's business but theirs; a re-familiarization of face and form, shapes and how they fit together.

Later they would talk of what had happened, how Björn had survived the time before Colin had found him and how the dancer had sought after his lover with the same determination he gave to his dancing. Sharing their individual experiences over the first "real" meal that Björn had gotten since his magical transformation into a large fur-covered feline. Colin spoke of how he'd been unable to get information from any of the meager sources he had at his disposal - how it didn't seem that anyone had answers about the "how(s)" or the "why(s)" of the Mauvian Ordeal. It was not the first time that he'd wanted information but been unable to get it, nor would it be the last...what it was was yet another sign of how unorganized the "White Moon" or "Order" faction could be. He was not happy about it and would have probably been very upset, save that he had his friend and lover back; there would need to be a great deal of stress, problems or other unfortunate business to affect his mood negatively for the next week or so.

As he had been "missing" for some time, now that he was "back" Björn wanted to give his mother a call; Colin knew that he wanted to make sure that his mother was okay and that she hadn't been worried. He'd done his best to keep people from realizing that his "room-mate" wasn't around, but Björn wasn't the only one missing and people had most likely noticed that at least something had been up.

Or not. Colin could have sworn that sometimes the citizens of Destiny City ignored anything they couldn't immediately explain...or they just pretended that everything was A-O.K. even when it was most assuredly not.

While Björn was busy, he sat at his laptop, working on an e-mail reply to his booking agent in regards to another screen-test. While Colin didn't do a lot of music videos, television or movies, he did enough to require having a proper agent; more than enough to have a nest-egg set aside for when he got out of high school and thought about college or whatever else he wanted to do. He was probably one of the few kids that had not only a bank account, but a savings account and IRA too (that wasn't part of the "trust fund" group). His mom wanted him to go to college, of course, but he wasn't so sure that was in his stars. But he'd keep working as long as someone wanted him and he was interested in the project; most dancers didn't end up doing the academic track anyway. There were phenomenal dance schools in Europe, places where a dancer could get polished and perfected if they were willing to give it their all.

College? No. But one of those schools? Yeah, he'd thought about it quite a bit. The down-side would be leaving his friends and family. And Björn. Leaving Björn would probably be the hardest part; harder than leaving his "duties" as Sailor Aegir even (he was pretty sure he could fight "evil" wherever he physically was, but being without Björn's touch, his quick smile and beautiful eyes? Without being able to touch and kiss and love the big blond wasn't something Colin ever wanted to think about (ahh, young love!) -- especially not now, after he'd been caring for his boyfriend, the cat.

'Did I ever feel like that about Adrian?' Fingers paused over his keyboard, the dancer thought back to the days when he'd been wholly in an older man's thrall. When the celebrated actor, Adrian Grey had kept him as sort of a pet, sort of a toy that he ******** and abused without any care for the damage he was doing. They'd met when he'd been working as a dancer in the chorus line and the prima-donna had broken her damned ankle. Adrian had insisted they not stop filming, so they'd looked for a replacement about her size...and thirteen year-old Colin had fit the bill. Dressed in drag, he'd been happy to dance with the actor! Hell, at that time Colin had even had a bit of a crush on him, idolized him! It was that "crush" and that dance that signaled the beginning of the end of whatever innocence was left to Colin Hargrove; afterward Grey invited him to his personal trailer "just to go over some choreography" (since Grey didn't dance much and had no idea what he was doing). Colin, being gullible and star-struck, went without any hesitation and soon found himself in a situation that was far, far over his head.

"No." He said aloud, leaning back and staring up at the ceiling, "I didn't." Thinking about Adrian Grey made his throat go dry, gave him a knot in his stomach that just wouldn't go away. Thinking about Björn could cause similar reactions, but for far different reasons; good reasons! If his throat went dry, it was because he couldn't believe such a warm, caring - and gorgeous - person wanted him. If his stomach started misbehaving due to Björn, it wasn't knots causing it - it was likely to be nervous butterflies. They were entirely different people with similarly determined attitudes towards their "work". Usually when there was a screen test that would suit him, Colin got excited and agreed to attend straight away. But the current project was one he knew he couldn't work on: Adrian Grey would be in it.

With a sigh, Colin sat straight in his chair again - rejecting a job with Grey in it was never easy. His agent always wanted the exposure for him, but there was just no way in hell he wanted to put himself near that man again if he could help it. Idly, he wondered if he could feed the actor to a youma...or make a request to a member of the Negaverse to rip out Grey's star-seed...and if wanting to do so made him a bad person or just a hurt one.

Wouldn't that just have been some poetic justice? With a short laugh the dancer's fingers flew over the keys, quickly typing up some BS about how he had too much work or whatever to take on such a large project but that he appreciated always being thought of. "Blah blah blah...thanks, Colin....there, sent." He stretched his arms above his head and then looked around the room thoughtfully before deciding to go and get a shower before Björn came back.

[Colin and Obsidian]
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He was laying on a blanket in the grass with a large wicker hamper near-by, the noon-day sun warming his skin as he lounged in the park, thinking. So much had happened, recently that had further pushed and pulled at his already uncertain allegiance to the "White Moon". He'd gotten an opportunity to talk to a member of the "Dark Mirror Court" by the name of Sailor Navi. Navi had been quite nice to him and had even supplied quite a bit of information that he'd not really understood or known before then. She'd explained that he - and all senshi, for that matter - were basically aliens to the Earth and that the White Moon wanted to take over or something like that.

Definitely not the message he'd gotten from Castor the one time they'd met. Later, he'd poked about the phone that Derpraline had given him when he became Sailor Aegir and discovered a "gift" from someone that called herself "Eternal Sailor Kallichore". He had gone through and read everything posted - some of which he found didn't jive with what he knew, but then Colin had to admit that he didn't have a very broad basis for comparison...whereas this Eternal Senshi probably did. He might have believed it all save for the fact that shortly after, he bumped into a Negaverser called Obsidian.

Obsidian had been inherently creepy, with eyes that told a story he'd been almost certain would give him incredible nightmares. If he hadn't been sort of trying to put Colin at ease, he might have felt even more afraid, since the meeting with Obsidian had not been in fuku. It had been civilian-to-General....definitely not the best situation to be in, when facing one of those people supposedly serving innate evil. Colin had been told about how the White Moon really was evil, how they'd fought just because the Princess wanted a piece of a** (or something to that nature, which did actually jive with what he'd been told/read previously...though not in so many words). Obsidian didn't believe in love, Colin didn't want to argue with him; what good would it have done?

Besides, it wasn't as though he were going to tell this guy that much about his personal life, let alone his love life, christ! Colin could be gullible, but he wasn't a complete and utter idiot!

And then, days later, he had the fortune to feel another scout lurking around the area he'd been patrolling; something that led to him having a pleasant conversation with a good looking guy that just so happened to be another member of the Unfortunate Fuku Club (for men). Sailor Thraen had been smart enough to be wary of him, but also open enough to accept his figurative hand when it was offered.

Thraen was new, but he'd read most of Kallichore's Primer - which was a really great start. Unfortunately he hadn't yet been taught his "magic" or what it did...and he confessed that he had no idea how to go about fighting as a 'sailor scout'. Aegir, having some experience in these areas, immediately offered to help him; how could he not? Being a nice guy was just something that came fairly naturally to him..helping another "comrade-in-arms" was an opportunity that he just couldn't pass up.

They had made plans to meet up an then, after a few more pleasantries, Colin had headed back home to his boyfriend - to the life he lead without magic. Being a Senshi wasn't the only thing in his life; if he were wholly honest, it wasn't even the most important part of his life, though he could well imagine Sailor Castor wanting to smack him in the head for it. But he had Björn and he had dance...and the whole 'senshi' business was extremely confusing! He's an Earthian, he's an Alien...he's born on Earth but from a planet called "Aegir"...a planet he'd probably still be on if not for whatever happened between the White Moon Princess, her Prince and the Negaverse.

Colin turned onto his side, lashes laying lightly against his cheek; the sun felt wonderful upon his skin but there was still a coldness within due to the track of his thoughts. All he wanted was to protect the planet he loved for the people that he loved...so far, it seemed as though the Negaverse - seemingly staffed with Earthlings that wanted to protect it - was the best option...but then, what did that mean for him? For Björn? Would he end up one of those "Corrupted Senshi" from the Primer?

If it meant that he could take care of his loves, Colin was prepared to do just about anything. Including joining the Negaverse and living with - what had she written? Oh yes, holes in his head and chest that showed his star-seed.

Sailor Navi had suggested he think about it...think about what she'd told him, what he knew - she was right. He would continue weighing what he knew with what he was being told and in the meantime he would do his best to protect the ones he cared about. As well as try to find more people to talk to about it - be they DMC, Order or Negaverse based. Colin needed to know more, dammit!

As a large shadow blocked the sun and a familiarly accented voice broke through his reverie, Colin's eyes fluttered open and he smiled. "Björn~" He said, his heart already making it's "mind" up for him; protecting this person, this child born of Earth, was more important to him than almost anything else.

"I was just thinking about you..." The afternoon sun lit the pair with golden light as they sprawled across the blanket and nibbled food that came from a hamper half-hidden behind the dancer.

[Aegir and Thraen]

Getting ready for the holiday break was never fun; so much packing and cleaning to do, so many phone calls back and forth between family and friends trying to make sure that plans went through and meetings happened on time and of course, finals and last-minute projects for various classes that had to be completed too. He didn't like that part of the holidays at all, but what guy did? Except for really weird ones, most guys - hell, most people, tended to avoid as much of the fuss and bluster as possible; preferring that things went off without a hitch. Unlike that Sean guy down the hall that wanted to become some sort of...organizational specialist or something whenever he graduated and moved on to college (did colleges even exist for that sort of thing?) It was pretty strange...knowing just how much that guy thrived on the minutia of organization, the details involved in plots, plans and machinations and the chaos of trying to manage hundreds of tiny details all at once. Colin could only shake his head and wonder. It really wasn't his thing, so it was a damned good thing that this was the second-to-last night before they broke for the holidays.

Luckily, he wasn't alone in his preference for less stress in his life, nor in his need to get ready for the Christmas Break. Björn too was working on packing and cleaning, so he had some company that didn't suck! At least, not unless he asked, nicely. Eh hem. While he just had to pack to go home for the holidays, poor Björn also had to pack and get ready for a Strongman competition that he'd be participating in. Colin hoped that his boyfriend would have fun at the event, no matter what his standing should come out to be. Naturally Colin had wanted to be there, to cheer Björn on...but the Swede had been upset thinking that Colin would miss one of his auditions just to watch him throw tires around (or something to that effect) and so he would not be there this time. Next time, however, he wanted to be there for sure!

Not only was he pleased to have his boyfriend's company as he packed and readied for the Christmas break, he was pleased to note that Björn was having some difficulty keeping his mind to task. It was Colin's fault, of course, because he was wearing a pair of his short-shorts - usually reserved for dance practice - and that meant that each time he moved, bent over or crossed into the big blond's field of vision...he was being utterly distracting. It was just as he had intended when he'd picked those particular shorts to wear that morning. Gratifying as hell, really - Björn was having a hard time keeping his hands to himself and Colin was quite happy to go along with being 'man-handled' in the pursuit of affection, physical or otherwise. He'd always been a touchy-feely sort of guy, even with his friends, so it was no wonder he went to such lengths to spend time within the warm embrace of Björn's strong arms...especially since they'd be apart for a bit before he picked Björn up and brought him home with him for Christmas.

Calling the time they'd be spending away from Hillworth for Christmas and the New Year a "break" was really a misnomer; both youths were going to be very busy during that time. Not only did Björn have his Strongman's competition and Colin have dance recitals, performances and auditions (pre-planned and any that might pop-up during that time) but there were also various events that involved people in their families. Colin's little sister, Miriam, had Christmas concerts for voice and instrument that he (at least) would be expected to attend - and god only knew what else might pop up. He couldn't remember every little thing he was supposed to do, but that was okay! Like most people, he put them into a digital calendar that was synced with his phone. Phones, rather. Even the special phone that Derpraline had given him when he awoke as a Senshi was synced with his main profile and 'working' calendar/date book. It was quite convenient, though he couldn't really use it for anything but "Senshi" business.

With a yelp he landed in Björn's lap; the Swede had given in to the temptation presented by his slender boyfriend and was now wrapping his arms around Colin's waist, beard tickling Colin's neck as kisses were placed upon sensitive skin. "We're never going to finish at this rate..." He murmured, reaching back with one hand to pull Björn's head closer to his own for an over-the-shoulder kiss. After, his boyfriend chuckled and quipped that they would both finish many times, if he had his way, but that the packing and cleaning may not be so lucky. Suggestive and seductive, Björn's voice gusted warmly against his ear, causing the dancer to shiver pleasantly within his embrace. Colin's reply was three parts naughty, one part invitation and held within in all the promise any red-blooded male could desire in his chosen partner. He just couldn't help himself when it came to being physical with his lover; they spent nearly every night in each other's arms and the thought of sleeping without his favorite "teddy bear" for even a few days made him feel like pouting. And crawling into Björn's lap to demand attention.

Since he was already there, Colin worked on the second part: getting the attention that he wanted for as long as Björn was willing to give it (this time). His lover was a fundamentally good guy; if there was a project in the works, he would undoubtedly work to complete it...and while he might be willing to take a break here or there, he would invariably return to the task at hand until it was done. Not to say that Colin's work ethic was bad - he too worked hard to finish any task put to him, but he was more likely to be distracted from it than the other boy was. Especially when and where young mister Guilderson was concerned. One could say that Colin had a weakness for the young man...and visa versa. The two lovers "indulged" in the pleasure of each other's company (read: made out) for a good five minutes before Björn reluctantly pulled away, arms loosening from around the dancer's lithe body. With a roughened voice, the Swede reminded Colin that they had work to be doing and that they should get back to doing it before they completely forgot and their entire holiday break thrown off schedule. He could only sigh and agree with Björn, giving the bigger boy one last quick kiss before slipping out of his lap and off those broad, muscular thighs.

"As much as I'd rather stay in your lap, I know you're right." Colin straightened his clothes and went back to work; Björn rejoined him after another moment or so - it was apparent that he was just as reluctant as himself. But the sooner they finished doing it, the sooner they could do other things...like get some dinner or go to a movie (if they wanted)...or work out together. Cuddle together? Something. Whatever it was, it'd be the next-to-last night they had to do it before the Christmas Break and Colin wasn't about to spend more time than he needed cleaning if he could help it! Especially since he had some very special plans to finalize; Björn was going to be spending a few nights at home with him...in his bedroom...and Colin wanted to make sure that everything was perfect. Which reminded him, "Oh, if you wanna do some laundry at my place, be sure to pack it separately and I'll take it with me. That way you don't have to drag everything with you while you're at the competition." Björn thanked him for the offer and they spent the rest of the evening working companionably to randomized music playing on Colin's laptop.

[Colin and Björn]

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