Roger nodded, thinking carefully about Juniper's plans. Astrid removed her over-sized jacket and handed it to Roger, watching closely as Roger's mechanical parts seemingly disappear as he puts on the jacket.
"Still looks good on you." She mutters as Roger smirks slightly, nodding.
Juniper grinned, moving to grab her bag. “Now, shall we head out?” She asked softly, tilting her head and looking between the siblings. “You two are wonderful siblings.” She noted.
(Aargggh i'm super inconsistent so sorry a lot's been going on )
The two nodded and followed Juniper. As soon as Roger's eyes hit the outside, a wave of anxiety hit him. Though, he wasn't sure exactly what he was feeling, still getting used to emotions, he nearly tripped on air as his stomach tightened. He clenched his fists, knowing he was taught to translate any emotion as anger, he resisted the urges. Astrid gazed lovingly at the sky, trying to find a way to calm herself down as she prepares for anything that might come her way, though she knew she could never be prepared for everything.
(Youre ok! I’ll be patient)
Juniper seemed nearly emotionless as she walked but she felt like she was going to pass out. She was absolutely terrified. She couldn’t have Roger caught. Or Astrid! She could t ruin more of Astrid’s family! Which was why she was taking them to an ex-surgeon.
Stephan worked wonders with his hands.
Astrid inhaled all the stress into her lungs before exhaling them slowly from her mouth. A thought suddenly occurred to her and she approached Juniper's side.
"Do you know what you're doing after this?" She inquired, eyes still encaptured by the scene in front of her.
juniper looked to her. "What do you mean?" She asked, somewhat confused. After they visited Stephan? Or after as in when she had to leave. She did plan on returning to the outside lands, knowing fully that she couldn't stick around with this girl and her brother. She couldn't stay. She couldn't risk anymore attachments.
"I mean," Astrid's shoulders tensed up at the thought of Juniper's back, walking through the door and the sinking feeling that Astrid might never see Juniper again; or at least, never see her human again.
"Are you going to leave us?"
Several months after Roger left Astrid, she watched the door silently in hopes of his return. She ignored Jesse's loss of hope and pretended not to hear him telling her that Roger won't come back; she knew there was no way he would leave her like that. But, even though Roger returned, Juniper wasn't sure she could handle such an emotional toll again.
Juniper looked down at her feet and didn’t answer for a long time. She shrugged her response, sighing loudly as she climbed up a building’s fire escape. “I… I can’t stay.” She finally said. “As much as I’ve enjoyed it here with you, I’m not meant to find a family who loves me. I’m not meant to stay around…” she sighed sadly. “I hope you understand that I can’t be around you. I’m too dangerous. Jesse was right about me and I don’t want it to get you hurt.”
(I did it! I made a post finally! I'm capable of fighting through writer's block!!!!! i hope i can keep fighting through lol)
Astrid and Roger followed Juniper as she spoke. Astrid disagreed with everything Juniper said, but she couldn't find the words to refute her. Roger gazed at Astrid, knowing he didn't have enough information to reason with Juniper. As Juniper finished, Astrid inhaled.
"We are your family. I know we've only known each other for a few days, but…" Astrid's eyes fell as she lost words. "I don't know, I just…I care about you."
She locked her eyes on the ground, unable to look anywhere near Juniper or Roger as the words fell off her tongue.
(Haha! Same here. But you’re all good. You can take as long as you need.)
Juniper stopped walking, bringing a hand up to wipe her face. She quickly kept going, not wanting Astrid to see that she was crying over those words. How silly of her. “I can’t ruin your family…” she murmured, hugging herself.
June fell silent for a long time, her eyes drifting down to the ground. She shivered as she thought over her options. “I-I want to stay… but I don’t want to hurt you guys….”
(Distant screaming)
The air was silent, as if waiting in anticipation for the next response. Roger searched his mind for something to say, but when it comes down to it, he only knew to act; he'd been training to act first for years. He approached Juniper, his footsteps heavy along with his heart. He holds out his arms and embraces Juniper in a hug.
"You can't hurt us. I won't let that happen."
(Hi Aloe! How are you?)
Juniper bit her lip and hesitantly hugged him back, the tears she had tried so hard to hold in streaming down her face. She nearly collapsed right there. She missed contact. She missed someone caring for her. It had been so long since she last had someone comforting her and now she had Roger and Astrid here.
“I’m sorry!! I-I can’t… I-I just…” she gasped for air, wiping off her face. “I haven’t had anyone for so long…”
( AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA i got a job and i've been wildly busy but OWO i have a break today and then have 2 go back to working tomorrow!!!!!! it's a bit demanding but i'm taking that as a challenge!)
Astrid's eyes flickered near Juniper, her hand shaking gently as she forced herself to step closer.
"Out of everyone we've interacted with in this town, you're the kindest, smartest, and steadfast one we've met."
She fidgets, trying to come up with proper words.
"I know you'd never hurt us."
(Eeeyyy it’s okay fam! I’m glad you’re doing good and working hard!! BUT remember to take good breaks and sleep well!! Also remember to eat and don’t overwork yourself okey!? We love y’all so much.)
Juniper pulled her into the hug, burying her face between the two and sobbing softly. “You’re both more than I could ever have asked for… thank you….. thank you…..” she bawled, finally starting to calm down.
It took her a moment before she had regained her composure, wiping her face off and sniffling as she released them. “Thank you…. I can’t get over how perfect you both were for me in this moment…. I needed someone to care…”
(AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA thank u i love u 2 babe)
Astrid sniffed as she stood away, watching Roger trying to process the mixture of emotions his expression revealed. She inhaled, fidgeting her fingers.
"Okay, we should continue heading to your friend. I've never been outside at night and I wouldn't like to find out what it's like."
She chimed, trying to hide how tight her throat is.
(UwU)
Astrid’s fidgeting and words brought Juniper back to reality. She nodded, tensing as a creature howled somewhere off in the distance. The light was fading much too fast for her liking.
“Right, right… follow me.” She murmured, biting her lip and starting forwards once again, choosing the rooftop way instead of down below.
(I'm crying ur quick responses that are still good responses never fail to impress me)
Astrid and Roger lean forward to follow Juniper, the tension in the rush starting to rise. They knew they might have to stay the night away from home, but they hoped they could find a better form of shelter. Roger had never fought the creatures before; he only ever fought humans. He tries his best to shake off the memories, his eyes glazing over as he follows Astrid and Juniper.
(Really? I didn’t know I responded so quick XD personally i don’t think I’m that good but I’m flattered! AND BOI I LOVE YOUR RESPONSES AND CHARACTERS TOO! THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL!)
Juniper suddenly stopped, looking down at a boarded up hole underneath them. “Alright, we’re here. We should be safe with Stephan for the night. I’m not risking an attack. Roger will be dizzy when he wakes up. It’s just how the anesthesia works.”
And with that, she opened up the boarded hole and climbed down into a dimly lit room. “Come,”
(I SWEAR I'M ALIVE JUST ETERNALLY SCREAMING but frfr i'm so sorry i've been so inactive ever since I got a job I've really been struggling to find the time and energy to be productive :') )
Roger and Astrid exchanged concerned looks, but as Juniper climbed through the hole without hesitation, the two confused siblings did the same. Roger studied the room, eyes still adjusting to the lack of light, but Astrid could only watch Juniper, as if knowing that Juniper was there made Astrid feel safe.
(Oh no! You’re alright! Take as much time as you need Aloe. Work is more important but I’m glad you’re not dead I got worried.)
“Yo Stephan, I need some help.” She huffed, looking around as she folded her arms. The room was silent and dark. The windows around were boarded up.
It was a rather large space, completely trashed with a ripped sofa in the corner facing a destroyed television. A counter separated a dirty kitchen area from the main living space, complete with a rotting fridge and a rather dish-filled sink.
Juniper stopped at a mattress that laid against the counter, staring at the half-made bed. “He’s home…” She murmured, freezing when an arm snaked around her waist and a pair of cold lips met her neck.
“Mm, hello Juniper~ it’s nice to see you again, you’re still so small~.” Purred the male voice. His breath reeked of alcohol. He was tall and obviously drunk by the way he was hunched over and swaying slightly. Juniper scowled and pushed his face away.
“Ugh, get off me Atlas you ass! You reek! Where’s Stephan?” She growled, huffing as the male only tried to lean in for more kisses.
“Aww don’t be so cold, Junie… I’ve missed you~ Stephan’s out and won’t be back until dinner. Why don’t you stay? I want my girlfriend around more often.” Atlas slurred, grinning seductively.
“We’re not dating and have never been dating, Atlas you pervert.” Juniper managed to push him off of her. She grabbed a lantern and turned it on, revealing Atlas’s long, lanky figure. His hair was dyed a bloody red, his lips and nose pierced. All along his shirtless body were tattoos, many depicting snakes and roses or some sort of flower. All were colorful and stood out against his skin.
“Junie… I wanna date you though, we can’t seriously be just friends.” He whined, lifting a bottle of heavy alcohol to his lips. He froze when he noticed the two newcomers. “Who’s this Junie?”
(Sorry it’s long ^^’)
( 1. You're so sweet thank u it really makes me feel better that u don't mind lmao
2 . HOW THE FUCK DO YOU WRITE SO WELL AND SO FAST I'M S H A K I NG
3 . I'm gonna get some ice cream then I'll respond LMAO )
(1. I care fam!! A lot! I’m glad you’re safe!
(2. I DONT KNOW I JUST WRITE I DONT THINK IM THAT GOOD FAM
(3. Okkeeeyyy have fun!)
( GURL YOU HAVE A GIFT FOR WRITING DONT EVER THINK OTHERWISE )
Astrid winced as she watched Juniper grow uncomfortable with the stranger forcing himself on her. Roger stiffened as well, but kept silent in fear of making enemies with the only people that could help him. As the man, presumably named Atlas, noticed the two siblings, Roger puffed his chest out so as to appear taller.
"I'm Roger, and this is my sister, Astrid. And who are you?" He uttered, and unless Astrid was mistaken, she was pretty sure Roger lowered his voice pitch.
(AAHH THANK YOU BUT SO DO YOU!!!!! ASTRID IS SUCH A GOOD CHARAVTER AND I FREAKING LOVE THE STORYLINE YOUVE PROVIDED)
Atlas smirked as he watched Roger, pulling an angry Juniper into his side and holding her there by her waist. “Junie’s love interest~ Names Atlas. Me and Junie go waaay back, to when she and I were kids. Stephan’s her cousin see? And I am his friend” Juniper gasped and bit her lip, shaking her head.
“Atlas shut up!” She didn’t want the two new friends to know she and Stephan were related. Stephan was the only one who refused to leave Juniper and go up with the rest of the family. But they had fought… and thus her relationship with him wasn’t the best…
Atlas hummed and kissed Juniper’s cheek. “Oh hush Junie~! You’re always so cold. You and I were supposed to be lovers~” He cooed. She gagged and squirmed out of his hole, stumbling over to Astrid and Roger, covering her nose and mouth with her sleeve.
“God you reek! What have you been drinking?!” She asked, scowling.
“Just beer sweetie.”
(AAAAAAWWW THANK YOU!!! I ACTUALLY RECENTLY CREATED ANOTHER CHARACTER IN THIS STORYLINE THAT I WAS THINKING ABOUT ADDING TO THIS ROLEPLAY FOR SHITS AND GIGGLES BUT I'M TRYNA FIND A SMOOTH AND LOGICAL WAY TO IMPLEMENT HIM LMAO)
"Cousins?"
Roger's eyebrows shot up, quickly losing his fake intimidating demeanor. Roger turned to Juniper as she stumbled to his side. He wasn't sure he could trust anything that came out of this guy's mouth, especially with how aggressively he's trying to force a fact that Juniper loathes.
"Is that true?" Roger whispered to Juniper.
Unknowingly, Astrid stepped over to Juniper, as if to stand in the way between Atlas and Juniper.