She turned, feeling what she figured was Aarus' aura heading toward her and smiled, phone in hand, ready to extend an invitation to go see her homeworld. She wondered if he was like it, she certainly did … statues of the past Rhea’s aside. Those were a bit weird.
---
Aaru was feeling off even after the talk that he had with Yatora and Xander concerning what to do about his feelings with Moon. He still didn't know how he should deal with it all but right now he was going to help Rhea with a patrol so she wasn't alone. Mu would usually go with her but since she is beached whale status she cant really do much beyond ask for carnival foods in the middle of the night according to poor Palm. He chuckled, thinking back to when he was out vibing with Moon and she had asked for some of the craziest cravings. He almost stopped mid run to frown.
He was doing it again and he needed to stop if he wanted to be able to focus on the chibi that he was on his way to. He could sense Rhea’s aura nearby and continued to run in her direction, landing softly before her. “Hey lil cheeb~” He didn't mean anything by the name, but that was the nickname he had for her.
---
“You're an a*****e, you know that right,” she said before she gave him a smile and a hug. She gave a twirl. “At least I got an upgrade though, I'm a whole super senshi now … er well a chibi super senshi, but super nonetheless.”
Her outfit was still ridiculous in that laugh out loud, but also its so fluffy you want to die sort of way, but she was use to it at this point and the larger than life ruffles.
“Its been pretty quiet tonight, so do you want to visit my moon with me. Everything is made of pink marble and you can see Saturn in the sky.”
---
“Of course~ Born and raised.” He returned the hug, smiling just a little. He did chuckle, giving her the thumbs up, “Congrats!” He looked her outfit over, “It's still pretty cute when you think about it. Compared to mine which would be all doom and gloom.” he gestured to his knight outfit, doing a twirl for her as well. “Hopefully I get a cape or something when I move up to the next level.” At least he would be able to keep his a** warm. “Sure. I doubt the youma are gonna miss us too much~” The fact that Rhea was a Saturn moon pleased him and worried him at the same time, he was sure his ancestor mentioned something about Rheans in her journal, which is never good when information about anything was put in there.
---
Rhea grinned and grabbed Aarus hand, pulling her phone out and looking at the saturn night, “Fair warning … there is a lot of pink marble everywhere …also statues of past me in a bunch of the house.”
She concentrated and pressed the home button on her phone to whisk them away to Rhea. When they landed she stretched in the soft daylight, “Welcome to Rhea,” she said and turned to point out Saturn that could be seen from the moon.
“Aaru is somewhere there … What does Rhea look like from down there? Can you see it?”
She tilted her head curiously.
---
Pink? He could deal with pink.
Aaru took a nice deep breath when they were transported, blinking twice at his surroundings. Rhea was not kidding with the pink comment, good lord. He took a closer look around, admiring all the architecture. “Beautiful. This is all made of pink marble?” This was amazing! Compared to all the death and decay on Aaru this was paradise. He looked to where she pointed to saturn, chuckling. “I'm pretty sure Aaru is definitely on Saturn somewhere.” He tilted his head in thought, “Maybe…Never thought to look. But next time I'm up there I can definitely start.”
---
Rhea nodded, “yes as far as I can tell. It reminds me of ancient Rome but with a more 17th and 18th century vibe as far as the people's style. Everything is very grandiose. Bright, happy and celebratory and Rheas love the theater.”
She turned and pointed to a small column in front of one of the houses, atop which was carved the comedy and tragedy mask. “You'll see those everywhere.”
She grinned, “Come, I'll show you the city. They got so much there, with shops and a library and school and more. I'll show you the theater colosseums last.”
She started to lead the way, “so what's up? Talk to Ryan yet?
----
“I wonder how long it took them to make this?” Granted they had pink marble back on Earth, but nothing of this quality if that made any sense. Ancient Rome indeed. “Think I could bring a camera and take some pictures next time? Just the architecture.” He would love to add the pink marble to his materials folder back at work. He could sharpen the picture a little and work on making material just like this. He was sure he had some clients that would love the aesthetic. He kind of wanted it for Livvies room or even Lyonna’s since she was into the whole pink vibe.
He took a look at the columns with the masks, noting that for later as well. Maybe he could find something similar on Earth? “Sure~” He followed Rhea, taking in the sights and stopping in his tracks when she asked about his husband. “Ummmmn yeah. I don't know….We’ve talked, but that's it.” He gave her a lopsided smile, “Not really my main focus at the moment.” He had a whole a** breakdown that he was still reeling from. Never again thank you.
---
Rhea thought about the question but shrugged, “Probably a long time. I'm betting there were a lot of apprenticeships for it or made it was taught in one of the schools. Not sure if they had higher education.” She gave air quotes to the higher education part. What they viewed as that probably differed vastly from Rheans.
As they walked, Rhea admired the scenery, but gave Aaru a look and shook her head. “Soooo basically unresolved. That sucks, but shoot I'd kill for some love life drama. For a love life period. Mu is a little overprotective … I swear she thinks scarring of guys is a personal sport.”
---
Aaru had to laugh at that one, “You know she’s only like that because she cares. But I know I would be pretty annoyed if I had an older cousin/sibling/ or anyone that was acting like a c**k block.” To be honest, if he had one of his older siblings around when he was younger he probably wouldn’t have grown up so wild. “Your cousin likes beating the s**t out of negaversers for sport so I wouldn't be surprised if scaring off guys is on the list somewhere.” He tapped his chin, “Maybe I could help? Do you have someone in mind already or just looking to play the field?” He knew what life was like at that age, hell, that was when he just started being friends/courting Ryan if he remembered correctly.
---
“Oh it’s very annoying,” she said, “and it's not like I'm just out there trying to jump into bed with someone. I have two older brothers and even they are as gunho as my cousin.” She loved her cousin really and truly, but Rhea felt she could handle herself.
“That she does and it's a pretty good thing too, it will keep her from getting into too much trouble. She got me out of some tight spots when I was still a kid. This negaverser in purple is a real piece of work.”
She paused and shook her head at the someone specific comment, “um no, no one in particular … I guess playing the field then,” she said with a smile, “but how can you help. She all mama bear because she pregnant so shes been a bit much of late.”
---
Purple negaverser?
There was only one purple negaverser that he knew of and it made his eye twitch. “YOU ran into that b*****d too?” He shook his head, “I'm sorry Rhea, no one should've had to run into that piece of s**t at any age.” He could just imagine the trauma that would’ve caused a kid, that one was particularly sadistic. “I could see if I could get Cass to keep her distracted. Just if you find someone, wait before posting on social media or anything like that.” Hopefully Cass would agree that it was time for Rhea to be on her own and to finally be able to adult.
Mu could only be a mama bear for so long and her little cousin is not a little girl anymore. “Not unresolved just…It's not something I can handle emotionally…The Ryan thing. Maybe later? Unless you want to deal with a grown a** man having a mental breakdown?” He chuckled sadly at that last bit.
---
Rhea raised a brow at his response and shook her, “blonde hair with a big wrench and a crazed expression,” she asked to confirm. It seemed the guy got into it with Aaru too and Rhea promised herself she would stir clear of her. He may not be able to corrupt her, but she was certain he'd still try to kill her.
“That might work, but if it doesn't I'm phoning in a favor.” Honestly her cousin wouldn't have to ease up in a couple months when she had 4 under 5 years old. Rhea, didn't really want to endure until May, was it?
Rhea shrugged as they entered the circular city, heading to the left towards where she knew there was a grand library. “It's okay, I mean I'm the senshi of laughter. I think it kind of my job to cheer people up. I'm all ear,” she said making her way through the rodes trying to remember where the library was exactly.
---
Dmitry smiled and shook his head, “True, but later I promise.” He laughed then, “What favor would you be phoning in?” He was genuinely curious.
---
“Hey look, come this way… watch your step. This part of the library has books on the architecture, I think they're study books … but you know I can read Rhean.”
She laughed plopping down into a chair and nodded before giving a smile. “Why an alibi and place to crash of course. I'll have been at yours babysitting or something.” She shrugged, this was all hypothetical anyway, she still had to find more free time.
“Want to stay here for a bit or keep going?”
---
Ahh so he would be a scapegoat?
Aaru couldn't help the chuckle that came from him at the thought of covering for a twenty year old. Mercy really needed to let up at this point, Rhea was fully capable of making her own decisions. “So if Mercy wants to call and speak to you? What do I tell her? You're on the shitter?” Granted he knew Mercy probably wouldn't call since she was too pregnant and had two boys to look after. Cass was back at the Uni teaching so this was the perfect time for Rhea to do what she wanted. He plopped down on the chair next to her, relaxing. “I'm good to stay here for a bit. I'm old and all that, I can't walk as much as I used to. But anyway, if Mercy decides she wants to call me I got your back. Just make sure it's me and not Ry, he doesn't know anything and will let it slip because of that. I'll tell him when I get home tonight.”
---
“As if she’d ask that … I mean I have a cell phone. She’d just call me, plus she wouldnt care if I was on the shitter, that a you thing.” She grinned at him, but honestly she definitely talked to her cousin before while she was on the toilet and in the shower. Its not like they were facetime.
Rhea nodded, but rolled her eyes at him, “dude are you even 30 yet … old nothing. Uncle David is getting old … you are a spring chicken … but I know, no telling Ryan, Ai, Yatora, Uncle David or Auntie Ciora because they hit the normal starseed jackpot.”
She grabbed one of the architecture books and handed it to Aaru before heading off to explore the library a bit more. They wouldn't be able to read the books, but most had pictures and diagrams.
“I’ll be back in ten minutes then we're going to head to the theater, it's so worth seeing. There are four and they are huge like the roman coliseums,” he voice trailed as she walked away leaving Aaru to chill for a few minutes.
---
Dmitry knew Rhea was smarter than that but chuckled anyway. “Yeah yeah I know I'm not even 30 yet. You trying kickboxing for…..Almost twenty something years combined with this night life s**t then come back to me youngin.” He took the book and sat back, relaxing. Sure he couldn't read, but he could see pictures, which amazed him really. He started speaking unknowingly out loud, “Me and Ry are working it out. I still feel weird about it all because what I did and what happened is not okay. How the ******** did I manage to cheat emotionally without even knowing it?” he winced, sighing.
“The sad part is, I still want Moon even after admitting to everything with Ry and trying to work past it.” He shrugged sadly, “I mean what kind of a*****e am I to just do something like that you know?”
---
Rhea chuckled, calling out, “yeah yeah yeah … might not have been kickboxing forever, but I’ve been doing this nightlife s**t since I was nine … you're not old.” She came back after a few minutes with a few worn looking books. It was odd how some were in better shape than others. Some were so well preserved. She sat looking through them while they rested looking up only when Aaru started talking.
“You know I dont think we can really control our hearts, it's what you do with the knowledge that defines you.”
She looked confused momentarily and frowned, “I dont think that sort of thing goes away overnight, but I mean I've only had little crushes all my life.”
She reached over and closed his book, “you're not an a*****e, Aaru. You're a good husband and you two love each other so much.”
Standing she motioned for him to follow, “come on, let's get out of this dusty old library. I bet the colosseum will cheer you up Mr. Architect.”
---
Aaru did not understand just how Rhea was so insightful and wise, but it helped to have someone that didn't see him in a negative light [Granted no one has done this, just him], maybe he would get over this one day with time. But all he can remember is the admission, the breakdown, and he supposed now he was in the conclusion. He got up and proceeded to follow Rhea to where the colosseum would be, taking in all the sights.
---
Rhea led the way following the signs that lead to the comedy colosseum that was the closest one to the library. She grinned as they entered, “welcome Aaru to the southeast comedy colosseum … one of what I assume is Rhea’s main attractions, along with the other three. There are 2 for comedy performances and 2 for tragedies. I don’t really get that because Rhea’s senshi is laughter, but I suppose I’ll figure it out someday.”
“So you know I dont think Ive ever heard how you and Ryan got together? Was it love at first sight? You guys are so different, but you love each other so much.”
---
Aaru was caught up by the architecture of the colosseum, touching the things that interested him the most while memorizing all the detail for later. He didn't understand the comedy and tragedy but supposed that it was there for a reason. You can't have one without the other, maybe it was like a yin/yang type of situation? The question about how he and Ryan met caught him off guard. It was so long ago, but he does remember quite clearly, and love at first sight was far from what he would call the beginning of their relationship.
“No…Nononono, it was as far from love as you could get. In fact, I used to think Ryan hated my guts during that time.” He chuckled softly while he reminisced, “I do remember pursuing him quite heavily. It was strange. I did try to keep myself away but it was like I couldn't help myself.” It was very much exactly like how he felt about Moon, unable to pull himself away or push her out of his mind. “Ryan was like a leech on my consciousness. Id see him in the halls at college, outside by one of the trees, snapping pictures of students.” He almost ran his hand through his hair but remembered the bun, “Just everywhere. I didn't know how to process this feeling so I admit I was mean to him alot, and did some things I would cringe at today.”
Or things that he wishes he could’ve done better.
“But eventually, feelings were recognized for what they were and well here we are today.”
---
Rhea gave a shocked expression when he said Ryan hated him, surprised at first, but then not really. Ryan was a character and could be a little uppity at times. Rhea was sometimes surprised Ryan wasnt a stay at home dad, but he was uber paranoid the first like 20 times she watched his kids.
She headed up onto the stage and shook her head, “so youve always been on the receiving and of Ry’s famous glare … I cant imagine it being worse … er scratch that yes I can.”
“You were mean to Ryan …,” she gasped, “like mean mean or annoying mean?” She said realizing it was probably annoying mean if Aaru had been cringey. She grinned taking a bow and striking a pose.
---
Aaru snickered, “Yeah, on more than one occasion. I'm still on the receiving end of that glare sometimes.” Especially when he wants to get frisky and Ryan is in the middle of a deep sleep. There was one time where he thought his purple eyes were glowing. Needless to say he did not get laid that night, the look his other half gave him was practically murderous with a bit of unhinged ... .It sent shivers up his spine. “I wasn't bullying him or anything, just didn't know what personal space meant and how to respect it.” If he were honest, if he hadn't been in Ryan’s space all the time he wasn't sure if they would have gotten together. At least not right away. “So yeah, cringey.” He watched as Rhea made her way to the stage, wondering what she was planing.
---
“Yes, lolz I've seen it,” she said, “like …” She imitated Ryan’s famous glare before she started laughing.
“I think you guys switched places these days because Ryan isn't constantly hugging and plopping down in your lap on the couch.” She grinned imitating Ryan hanging all over him adoringly even though there was no one else there.
“I can see it though,” she said because Ryan was serious about his work and they had photos he’d taken all over their house.
She pretended to take pictures before turning to glare at Dmitry. “Would you give me some space? I am trying to work. I dont have time for your nonsense.” Obviously she had no way to know if Ryan had been like this years back, she met him when she was 13 and they were already engaged by then.
She pushed an arm out pretending to push someone away, “seriously … too close.” She glared again. “No wait right there, that's a good picture.” She pretended to do a photoshoot with the invisible Dmitry.
“Were you like an overeager puppy or did you get frustrated,” she asked?”
---
That imitation was spot on when it came to his husband.
Which got the brooding man to laugh just a bit. “Both really. I'm not sure how Ryan managed to put up with me.” that smile turned upside down very quickly, “I'm not sure how hes able to deal with me at all really.” he shrugged, looking up at the stars. He was trying not to be a debbie downer, but everytime he even thought about something like this , he just deflates. Really, Ryan was taking all of this so smoothly when he was expecting him to just lash out, hit him, something, anything and instead all he got was…..Acceptance. For some odd reason he thought there should've been more…Why wasn't he being punished?
He just didn't understand.
---
She smirked when Aaru answered his question, but frowned at melancholy words. Undeterred she switched gears pretending to be Dmitry following Ryan around trying to get a look at his pictures, being in his personal bubble and acting out Ryan getting annoyed and pushing him away. Of course she had no idea how their relationship actually went but eventually she acted out Ryan exasperatedly giving in and turned with her back to Aaru to act out a make out scene trying to to laugh because it felt ridiculous and she never made out with anyone, still she wanted to make Aaru feel better. Ryan and Dmitry were there when her 13 year old self was new and unsure about muay thai and they were fun just the best to her.
She spun across the stage shouting, “FAST FORWARD,” and started acting out how she saw them. Ryan in muay thai, putting a finger to shush she and Mercy before purposely kicking Dmitry in the butt. Splat, she fell flat on the stage. Ryan running up the beach with Dmitry swim shorts, he stole in the water, and teasing him for a few minutes before going to give them back. Ryan talking through all the movies ever about lighting and effect, etcetera etcetera. Rhea still didn't know how Dmitry could just sit there without telling him to shut up …. Though she’d seen him just pick him up and carry him off several times, which she acted out and then acted out herself looking at the with a raised brow and looking around at the invisible other like so we just gonna ignore that.
Rhea was have a blast acting out Ryan’s sneak attacks on Dmitrys hair and trying to escape the man. She realized when it came to his husband Ryan was probably kind of annoying, but she didn't think Dmitry minded.
---
Dmitry turned from looking at the sky to what Rhea was doing, eyebrows going from confusion to mirth. She didn't know it but she was acting out Ryan to an exact T. Most of his antics would be considered annoying to others but for Dmitry personally, it was something he cherished about his other half. If Ryan wasn't trying to annoy him at all times of the day, he would be worried that something was wrong. However, watching his new friend dance and spin around the stage caused his eyes to twinkle. Little by little his mood started to lighten as he watched, going from a small chuckle, to a normal laugh. It was when she mimicked one of the many times he’s carried Ryan away that he just couldn't help himself anymore. He bent over laughing then, clutching his stomach while he tried to wipe the tears from his eyes.
That was the best impression of them that he has ever seen.
The squire sat down on the ground to try and catch his breath while still laughing. The tears were still coming but he wasn't sure if they were related to the laughter he experienced or something else entirely. Either way, Rhea managed to get him to feel loads better than what he did when they first arrived on her planet. This meant that whatever she needed he would make sure to help her out with 100%. He didn't know how badly he needed this until now.
“Thanks kid.” While he knew Rhea was a whole grown a** adult, she would always just be a kid to him even when she was out there doing her whole grown a** woman thing.
---
Rhea couldn’t help, but to smile as slowly though her little impromptu performance he seemed to lighten up. Eventually he was laughing so hard, Rhea couldn't help, but to beam. She had never been classically funny, but she felt close to her sphere and more like it made since cheering her friend up.
Suddenly it was like a dam broke and Rhea felt different, stronger, more connected. “Aaru do you feel that,” she said before going silent and seemingly staring around in awe at nothing. It was probably very odd to watch as a vision overtook her with Aaru being unable to see what she could.
It lasted for a few minutes and Rhea found herself laughing as she watched whatever she was seeing. Eventually she turned to Aaru, “I think I just completed a ceremony by accident. Aaru, I'm a full senshi now.”
Rhea was ecstatic, jumping up and down cheering, finally. “Oh my god, I have to tell Mercy!! Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
---
Aaru did feel the change in Rhea’s signature, he couldn't pinpoint what it meant until she suddenly just stopped out of nowhere with a far off look on her face. She then told him about a ceremony that she completed by accident? What ceremony? Oh! Ohhhhhh! He got up and clapped, grinning at the now full fledged senshi before him. “Well, I'm glad I could help.” He snorted at the fact that she said Mercy and not Mu Arae, granted they were the only ones on her planet so it was fine. “That you do, maybe it might help your situation as well~” He knew part of the reason why Mercy was so protective was due to a certain purple people eater that they all collectively hated.
He pulled Rhea into a hug, “Ready to head back? Id take you to my wonder but it's far from ready.” One day when he could finally get renovations set and perhaps see what can be done about his ancestor. Till then he was pretty selective about who he allowed on his wonder.
---
Rhea grinned happily and took a little bow, really really happy. She hugged Aaru back tightly when he hugged her and nodded. She couldn't believe she finally did it accidentally. She realized maybe it would have happened sooner had she spent more time on her planet, but what was done was done. She resolved to spend more time here though, her world was truly something.
She pulled out her phone and looked to Aaru, “they believed laughter is the best medicine … I now know that’s what is carved up there on the stage arch. "Laughter is the best medicine for a long and happy life. He who laughs lasts!"
She grinned, “Guess its kind of true, back home we go then.”
Viva Viola
