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 Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2018 8:06 pm
Since running into Cavansite, Evan had been particularly cautious about going out. He’d been staying inside, reluctant even to tend to his food truck duties—even when he was in the back, away from everyone.
Michel struggled to get Evan out, and it seemed like the only way he’d been able to convince him to leave was when he was someone else.
They were taking it easy; Evan had seemed too jumpy to leave alone and he doubted sparring would be good for him.
So, they were practicing jumping.
Evan had never had a fear of heights, but Michel had been trying to teach him that it was all right to use the terrain to make an escape or get the upper hand in battle. They’d scaled a few buildings, putzed around, watched the stars.
The first few jumps they made were easy—crates to crates, small gaps.
Even a few buildings. They were practicing jumping a few in a row when Malus made his first mistake; Michel was traveling a few good yards in front of him and was already halfway across the next building when Malus was leaping to join him.
He was on the edge of one building when he felt a sudden surge of power—a Squire—from somewhere nearby. It wasn’t a threatening sensation, but it was a surprising one, and it happened so quickly and unexpectedly that he tripped over himself.
He couldn’t catch himself; Malus let out a startled yelp and both tried to backstep onto the roof he’d just been standing on as well as tried to grab out for the edge of the roof he’d been jumping towards.
It was a mess; the only thing that happened was that he fell down—right on top of whoever had been powering up.
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Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2018 5:41 pm
Caelian hadn’t been planning on going out…maybe not ever again…though she seemed to keep saying that. Perhaps she was just lying to herself and that was how she managed to get through her days though…
Though she really hadn’t intended on talking to anyone when she was out today, so when she felt the other two auras on top of her…and then one that literally fell on top of her, she wasn’t quite sure what to do and let out a frightened yelp, crumpling to the ground.
Still, she had tried to make sure the person falling on her wasn’t hurt too much and twisted before hitting the ground, making sure nothing of the purple clad figure smashed too hard.
“Ah! Are you okay? Why…why did you jump?”
Her mind went to the girl she had talked down from jumping and worry caught in her throat, her arms going around the figure…the…senshi? The male. Caelian gave a gentle squeeze and then tried to pull away, swallowing. “Are you all right? You startled me…”
She hoped it wasn’t another case of depression…though…there was another knight. She still felt that aura too, glancing around, she tried to locate the source.
Had this boy been pushed?
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Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2018 6:02 pm
Malus didn’t remember screaming as he fell, or crying out when pain erupted, but his throat was strangely sore. Nothing hurt so bad that he was blacking out or crying; he’d be sore but whoever he’d landed on had done a good job of taking care of him.
Her arms were still around him and he was pale as he jerked his attention back up to the rooftops he’d fallen from.
“I’m sorry,” he rapsed quickly, looking back at Caelian. “I—I was training, with my friend. I was trying to get better at jumping like he does. I got startled and I lost my footing, I’m so sorry.”
He tried to untangle himself from her when she relaxed her grip on him.
“Are you okay?” he said quickly, concern plastered across his face.
Above them, a flash of purple appeared; Michel wasn’t wasting any time and had vaultd himself from the rooftop. He kicked of the wall of the alleyway twice to soften his landing, but grunted when his feet finally hit the ground. He was at Malus’ side almost instantly, trying to pull him up.
“Are you okay?” he asked, mostly to Malus but also to the woman on the ground. Malus had only half stood on wobbly legs before Michel directed his gaze to her and extended a hand.
For a moment, he faltered, either because of the cut of her dress or because he was always a little sheepish around other knights—even if he liked to pretend like he wasn’t.
He was always afraid they’d see through his façade.
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Posted: Tue May 01, 2018 7:56 am
The squire flashed a smile, she could tell that there would be some pretty bruises that would come from this incident, but at least the boy seemed all right.
“Don’t you worry about it. I’m fine. I’m fine. I shouldn’t have been so reckless with my powering up, I didn’t mean to startle you, you’re okay, aren’t you?” Caelian’s voice was soft and reassuring, and though her eyes strayed to the other knight who was holding a hand out, she glanced back towards Malus.
Slowly she took the offered hand and made her way to her feet. “I’m okay, thank you. So…you were jumping, hm? Jumping is such a fun part of these…powers.” After taking a moment to make sure she could stand unaided, Caelian let the hand drop and smiled. “I do like this color thing we have going here. I’m Caelian, Squire of Venus…and it’s nice to meet to both of you, even if that meant I had to be assaulted in order to happen.”
She allowed herself a grin now, glancing again to Malus. “But you are okay, aren’t you? I tried to break your fall as best as I could…”
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Posted: Tue May 01, 2018 8:11 am
Malus was nodding even without giving himself any time to assess if damage had been done. He seemed more embarrassed and concerned for Caelian. The Knight next to him grunted and seemed to realize that his Senshi friend was just saying what he knew everyone wanted to hear and circled him, giving him a quick pat down as if he could feel out any injuries.
Malus seemed either too jostled or too used to this behavior to protest so he simply stood still while Michel investigated.
“I’m Malus,” he replied when Michel finally nodded, apparently content that he really did seem fine. “Senshi of glass. But I’m a little more durable than that, I promise. It was just a bad way to meet,” he chanced a quick smile and held out a hand to cement their introductions. “Thank you for looking out for me. I don’t know if I had ever met a knight that looks like you.” He glanced up to the Saturn knight next to him.
Admittedly, Michel was pleased that Malus has managed to act so socially normal but he didn’t let much show. Instead, he shook his head to answer Malus’ question. He he couldn’t think of a single Venus knight between the two of them. Which wasn’t saying much considering he couldn’t remember is he’d met any before purifying. He was reluctant to say much in case he did somehow know this one and she managed to recognize him so he offered a noncommittal wave and introduced simply, “Michel.”
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Posted: Tue May 01, 2018 8:29 am
Caelian blinked rapidly when the knight began to pat down the senshi, and after a moment she looked away, a little embarrassed. When the action was finally over and Malus introduced himself, she nodded, smiling. “You’ve…never met a Venus knight before? I know…I know there were a handful of us a few years ago…but you know how things can change…I really haven’t been in touch with any of my team in a long time…”
The thought made her sad for a moment and she wondered why she was even out here again. It seemed like a pretty stupid idea if she really thought about it.
“But, that’s what happens when you find out that your daughter is a senshi and is out running around saving the city when she’s supposed to be in bed, right? You just…give up.”
The Squire swallowed and shook her head. “Wow. Look at me going on, It was lovely to meet the both of you, Malus, I’m so very glad that you’re okay. You…you two keep taking care of each other okay? You’re lucky to have someone to patrol with who takes such good care of you, you know.”
Forcing a smile, Caelian took a small step away from the two males, feeling suddenly and horribly lonely. She would give anything to have someone to patrol with…someone to take care of and someone who wanted to take care of her in return.
This was stupid.
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Posted: Tue May 01, 2018 8:42 am
Malus faltered for a moment; Caelian was walking away and Michel wasn’t trying to stop her but Malus knew the expression on her face. His mind jerked and before he could even think about it, he blurted, “Your daughter is a Senshi?”
He didn’t know what he was doing, but he moved away from Michel’s side and hurried to Caelian’s side.
“Is she adopted? You don’t look old enough to have a kid who is sneaking out at night. And you’re a Knight? How is she a Senshi? I mean, if you have a minute or two to talk. I don’t want to keep you if you’re busy but,” he offered a small, uncertain smile. “If you don’t have anything better to do, maybe we could tag along with you for a little bit?” He glanced back at Michel who looked dually amuse an unimpressed, but never one to deter Malus from trying to find some sense of normal human interaction, he nodded.
Malus’ spirits lifted just a bit; he rubbed at an elbow not just because it was already sore but because he was a little nervous that he was making a fool of himself or overstepping boundaries.
But, she had said give up. And she looked like she still might.
Malus knew, in the grand scheme of things, that he was no one important. But, if he could help, he would.
Or, at the very least, he could try.
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Posted: Tue May 01, 2018 10:56 am
“Is she…no, I had her when I was pretty young. She’s seventeen. She’ll be eighteen in January…though I appreciate the compliment, Malus.” Caelian forced a smile at his suggestion, and even though she really just wanted to go home and get all cozy with a nice bottle of wine…or perhaps something stronger, she nodded. “All right. You can tag along with me, but I didn’t really have any plans, honestly. I was just…seeing if anyone needed any help, and I suppose I was in the right and wrong place, because I guess I caused you to fall, but I’m glad I was able to make it so you didn’t get too badly hurt.”
She blinked though, a little confused at the question. “What do you mean…how is she a senshi? Honestly, she still has never told me that she’s a senshi so I’m not completely sure how that came to be, but her boyfriend outed her to me a few years ago and things have just been…a little off since then. He’s a senshi too, and a great kid but.”
Caelian shrugged, glancing away. “I’m not a knight yet, still just a squire, but again, I appreciate the compliment.” Finally she turned back towards Malus and flashed a small smile. “What do you want to talk about? You’ve…you’ve both really never met a Venus knight before…that really…”
She was still half hoping that they were joking. That they had seen some of her fellow knights. Perhaps Esquiline or Aventine...though she knew that Aventine was at least happy. They still texted sometimes. But…she hadn’t heard from Esquiline or Palatine in a very long time.
How stupid was it that she hadn’t realized how much she missed her friends until this moment…?
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Posted: Tue May 01, 2018 11:22 am
”I don’t usually go out alone,” Malus explained. “I have a really hard time meeting new people. But I’m trying to get better. Michel’s been helping me. But he doesn’t get along well with others.”
Michel grunted and then shrugged. It was true enough. Knights always made him nervous these days; he may have been a higher rank than Caelian but he didn’t feel like he had much experience at all.
Malus crosses his arms over his chest and asked, “Are there more?”
He could tell there were more; Caelian’s face said enough, though. He didn’t know enough about her or any Knight in general but he found himself continuing, in a desire to soothe her somewhat, “I’ll have to pay more attention to who else is out. Truthfully, not so long ago I hated being a Senshi. I was really upset. So I was really bad for a while. But I’m trying really hard because I think I understand things a little better. I’m still not good at it but,” he shrugged. “If I didn’t have friends to help me I don’t know if I could do it. But I want to be strong enough to protect myself. And help people. And youma.”
His thoughts seemed tangled for a moment and he had to force himself to focus. “It’s all still pretty confusing. But I’ve met some really amazing people and they make me want to be better.”
Malus seemed almost embarrassed to admit so much in front of Michel but the Knight simply lingered a few steps behind them and kept his gaze on the horizon, always on the lookout. If he was paying attention, he was doing a good job of hiding it.
Without any jabs or looks from Michel, Malus smiled up at Caelian. “If I start bothering you, you can let me know. I’m apologizing in advance. I know I’m socially awkward. But since my food truck got started I’ve been getting a little better.” He hesitated and, suddenly seeming a little worried and doubtful, mumbled, “I think.”
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Posted: Wed May 02, 2018 8:32 am
“I can understand that. It can be very difficult to patrol alone, but, yes. There were more of us. At least three others that I knew well…but…” She shrugged. “Things happen, I understand that and people can’t always remain as close as they once were…”
Caelian glanced over at Malus and gave a small smile. “I’m glad you’ve stuck with it though. I know how difficult it is to force yourself to go out on patrol, but I’m proud of you. It takes a lot of courage to bring yourself to do something that you’d really rather avoid.”
She reached over and rubbed his shoulder for a moment, glancing back to Michel, smiling slightly. “And, it seems like you’ve found yourself some amazing people, even from just the two of you, that’s pretty clear to see. You’re not a bother, Malus. It’s nice to talk to someone new. It’s…been a while.”
Pausing, Caelian blinked. “You…have a food truck? What sort of things do you make? I’ve never eaten at one of those before…is it any good?” She scratched her nose for a moment and shrugged. “I know it’s the hip new thing, but to be honest, I’ve never really gotten past the fact that…it’s in a truck. Like, I know they’re super fancy and all, but I just picture greasy mechanics cooking the food and I haven’t been able to bring myself to ever actually go to one…”
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Posted: Wed May 02, 2018 8:50 am
Malus’ gaze shot up to her again. “It’s good,” he insisted, though it almost seemed more out of pride than logic. He seemed intent to clarify though and explained, “I can’t afford a real kitchen. My food truck only exists because I have a really wealthy uhm, friend,” he faltered for only a split second and while Tobias was definitely more than a friend, Malus was honestly too concerned about how anyone might perceive him for dating a guy. His own parents hadn’t taken any of that well, why would anyone else from that generation?
He continued, “But it’s everything to me. It’s like a little kitchen set up in the back of the truck, I don’t do any of the driving. And I keep everything clean. All day, I cook and clean. It’s like…I mean, it’s like grilling outside, maybe? If you needed to compare it to anything? But it’s still got walls around it, so no bugs or animals flying into the food. I make mac and cheese, though. It’s my favorite.”
He seemed more passionate talking about food; his face lit up and any concern he’d had, any awkwardness, seemed to just melt away. “It’s called uhm, it’s called Snack’n’Cheese. If we swap phone numbers or something—if you’re comfortable with that—we can work something out? I’ll cook something for you so you can try it. And I promise I’m not some greasy mechanic. I wouldn’t say it’s super fancy, but…it’s what I could afford, and it’s what got me out in the world. I was really messed up for a while, I couldn’t even go outside. But I love cooking. I would love to have a restaurant one day? But that’s way too expensive, and a lot more pressure. With the food truck, I just make a post on my Facebook for where I’m going to be, for how long, and people show up. So I can set my own hours and do my own thing. But it’s clean, and safe. And good,” he promised, but still sounded hopeful that she would at least give it a chance.
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Posted: Wed May 02, 2018 9:44 am
She hadn’t thought about that…about not being able to afford a real restaurant, but she supposed it made sense. Finally Caelian nodded, seeming thoughtful now. “Then, we’ll have to set up a time where I can come and try it. I do love a good plate of Mac and cheese…and that name is too adorable.” Grinning now, the squire nodded. “I’d love to try it out one day. Honestly.”
Her eyes strayed back to Michel who she was pretty sure must be this wealthy ‘friend’ of Malus’. Why else would he be keeping such a close eye on him. Clearly he had to be the senshi’s boyfriend.
“What is your Facebook? You should give me your number and the link to the website so I can look you up. Perhaps I can shove my daughter out to try it too, and her boyfriend. I’m sure they would like a nice place to go on a date sometime.”
Cealian went quiet for a moment, continuing their walk towards who even knew where. “…where do you and your uh…boyfriend go for dates? Are there any fun places in the city that you two can recommend either for a single mom like me or my hip and cool daughter?” She looked between the two, feeling at least a little hopeful.
“…Unless I’ve read things wrong and you two aren’t dating…in which case I’ll just stop talking.”
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Posted: Wed May 02, 2018 10:34 am
Malus suddenly looked mortified, and even Michel’s head snapped back to the two of them. He’d been paying more attention than he’d been letting on, but even now they both seemed like they’d been caught red-handed.
“No,” Malus blurted first, before Michel could say anything, but his mind was suddenly racing and he couldn’t quite get a grip on what he actually wanted to say so he just said anything that popped into his mind as quickly as it did so. “We aren’t dating anymore. Or—no, I mean, we haven’t been for like—for ever. But I live with him, and his girlfriend. Because he’s dating a girl! But we’re friends. And I mean I don’t even know if he and I were ever actually dating, to be honest, it was more like friends with b—”
Michel interrupted him, “Malus and I are friends, and I look after him because he’s a mess on his own. We are not dating. I have a wonderful girlfriend, and I can give you a list of suggestions for nice places to go. I’ve got a lot of friends in high places if you’re interested in the club scene. Or I can tell you which places make the best drinks. And I know a few really good live shows, so if you’re looking for something to take your kid to there are some that work for all crowds. Or I can tell you the best place to pick up guys if you’ve got a night where you’re feeling extra wild.”
Malus’ entire face and ears were red; he looked absolutely miserable in that split second before he buried his face in his gloved hands.
Michel picked up the face so he could walk closer to them; he had one hand on Malus’ back to ensure him to keep walking. It was a quiet reassurance and Michel couldn’t help but crack a grin at Caelian.
He seemed like he was used to looking after Malus and something more social awakened in him when Malus clammed up. With Malus’ face in his hands still, Michel took the opportunity to mouth to Caelian, ‘He’s fine.’
Malus picked his head up, almost as if Michel being there was enough to remind him he was fine, even if he hadn’t heard what Michel mouthed. He lowered his hands from his face and seemed like he was trying to will himself back to normal. “Yeah, that’s what I meant to say, sorry. I am dating, though. A nice person,” he confessed, with the guilt of someone who was used to keeping those things secret. He avoided saying it was a guy because his mind told him that wasn’t something he should announce to any mother, even if it wasn’t his own. He could lie enough not to mention Tobias by name or sex, but not enough to claim he was dating a girl.
Malus kept his gaze deliberately away from Caelian, as if he were afraid of her response. “But I never do anything exciting, I like to stay home and go to quiet places, so he’s got better suggestions. But I’ll get you that link and my phone number so we can work something out if you still want to try the food truck.”
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Posted: Thu May 03, 2018 4:56 pm
Caelian blinked rapidly and after they both had stopped talking…blabbering, honestly, she began to laugh. “You two are utterly precious. I’m so glad I got to run into you.” She paused, still chuckling slightly. “Well, perhaps I’m not so glad that you fell on me, but I’m happy that we have had the chance to meet. I…I’ve been lonely lately.” Shrugging, the Squire sighed.
She nodded at the mouthed reassurance from Michel and reached out, touching Malus’ shoulder again. “There’s nothing wrong with dating a guy, if that’s what you’re afraid of, me judging you. Of course I still want to try the food truck if you promise you won’t be in some car jumpsuit with grease all over you, because I mean it, that will be a breaking point for me, I couldn’t do it, no matter how sweet you are. That’s just…my nightmare, I think. You know that one show with the man with the frosted hair who just goes and…eats everything? Whenever he goes to one of the dive places that look like they could just be crawling with vermin…oh it’s terrible.”
Cealian squeezed his shoulder and laughed, softly, looking to Michel. “I want your number too. I want to know about these fantastic places for meeting men. I need a good man in my life…I thought I had one…but I guess I was wrong.”
Another look of pain crossed her face and she sighed, doing her very best not to think of Robert Banks.
It just wasn’t worth it.
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Posted: Thu May 03, 2018 5:18 pm
Michel winked out of habit. “Just don’t go telling my girlfriend I’m still giving out my number.” He paused and looked at Malus. “You either.”
Malus simply huffed in response and found himself almost instinctively leaning closer to Caelian as he made a face at the taller male. Truthfully, he was only quiet for as long as he’d been because he was still mulling over her words. He didn’t want to be ashamed of who he was or who he was with—and honestly, there was nothing embarrassing about Tobias at all.
It was just himself that he always doubted.
People probably wouldn’t judge Tobias for whatever his preference was, but Malus just couldn’t help but hear his parent’s voices echo in his mind. He shrugged when she mentioned dating anyone and tried to focus on the food truck. “No jumpsuits, no grease. I have a nice apron and my truck’s passed every inspection, and it would pass all the restaurant inspections, too. Well, most of them. We don’t have a bathroom in the truck, but honestly, why would you want one. That would be completely unsanitary, especially so close to the food.” His nose wrinkled but he shook his head to tear away from that thought, too. “But I won’t let you down, and neither will my food. So when we finish patrolling, I’ll make sure you have all that information, I promise.”
Michel seemed content with this too, and pat Michel’s back reassuringly before letting his hand fall to his side again.
They both seemed more relaxed; for the most part, awkwardness had slipped away. A smile lingered on both of their faces and, despite splitting conversation time, they both seemed more invested in Caelian and getting to know her better.
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