Porrim treaded lightly on the lily pads. She was still half-sleep, dressed solely, and unfashionably, in a loose top and slit skirt. No heels and no makeup.
As much as she'd have liked to get dressed properly, the emotional Rose had made it clear she wouldn't get a chance to.
Not like the jadeblood had even planned on getting up at this ungogly hour. She had been asleep when a certain young human girl had run by her hive, crying like a wiggler whose lusus had just given them a righteous beat-down. She wouldn't have noticed the girl running by if said human hadn't of tripped and slammed her head against the door.
Of course, she had reluctantly gone to answer. She thought it was Cronus. That jackass was always flirting with her, calling her a "tease." He didn't take no for an answer.
The troll was rightly surprised at the sight that greeted her at the door. A young blond, pale human lay crumpled on her doorstep, bleeding and sobbing. She, of course, took the human, whom she believed was known as Rose, inside and patched her up. As she did so, the girl had blurted out all that had caused her sorrow and obvious heartbreak.
Porrim felt a bit of annoyance as she paused and pushed her un-brushed and unruly hair out of her face.
After that Rose had confessed to watching Kanaya run off toward the lake before taking off in a random direction herself. She had then insisted that the older Maryam go after her younger, alternate reality self.
So, here she was. At the lake. So unfashionably clothed. Hunting for her younger self.
The things I do for others, she sighed inwardly, turning her glow on. At least it wouldn't be hard to find Kanaya, who hadn't learned how to control her luminescence.
In fact, she spotted the unmistakable shine rather quickly. It was close by, too. What luck!
Thank Gog.
She hopped from a main-pad to a smaller one, eager to reunite human and troll and go back to bed. But what she saw next not only fully awakened her, but also stopped her in her tracks.
"What are you doing with my ancestor?!"
Kurloz, made visible by the girl's light, blinked up at her. Kanaya lay in his lap, fast asleep and cradled gently in the indigoblood's long and somewhat thick arms. Another, shadowed silhouette lurked behind the tattooed troll's shoulders, eyes a bright red and glaring at her.
But she ignored the second, obviously menacing presence, crossing her arms and baring her fangs. She tapped her foot, waiting. The mute troll rose, gently placing the young jadeblood on the lily pad. Then, without even another glance at Porrim, he left.
Infuriated and slightly baffled, she spun around and stalked swiftly after him.
"How dare you! Get back here and face me like the juggulator you're supposed to be!" Porrim hissed, barely managing to keep up with the taller, long-legged highblood.
He ignored her. Stubbornly, she followed him, temper rising with every step she took. How dare he ignore her?! How dare he shrug her off like every-fucking-one else on this forsaken dreambubble?! She was getting extremely tired of everyone else ignoring her. Sometimes she swore that Cronus was the only one who didn't actively shoo her away. But let's face it; nobody with fully working mental facilities wants Cronus around.
"Kurloz Markara!" She hissed, reaching for his shoulder. Man, this guy got on her nerves. All he did was stare at her or smile that infuriating smile and wave. Or, occasionally, come over and try to talk with her. Not that those conversations got anywhere. "For once, I want to talk–OOF!"
She slammed into him, not having time to react to his abrupt halt. She fell backwards and onto her butt, slightly jarring her tailbone. This didn't really improve her mood.
A growl started in her throat as she rubbed her sore butt. Oh, he's so getting it now, she thought viciously; just wait 'til I get up…
A hand dropped into her view. When she didn't take it immediately and just growled, Kurloz leaned over and pulled her up by her arm. Then he crossed his arms and looked at her with expectant, hooded, but bemused eyes.
She shoved her finger in his face without thanking him, startling him enough to make the highblood flinch. "Now, listen here, Makara, I don't care if you are a damned highblood. I want you to stay away from my alternate self. She's too young to have to deal with your creepy-ass self, whether you being nice or not! And if I catch you touching, 'talking,' or even lo–"
Once again, she was cut off. Man, she was getting so tired of people shutting her up.
This time, however, she didn't know if she minded being silenced.
Kurloz grabbed her shoulders and, pulling her close, kissed her. Or tried to. It seemed pretty hard to do with his lips sewed together. But he pressed his lips to hers, being rather gentle. She blushed a bright green, not sure what to do, but naturally relaxing. Something fiddled with her lip piercing. Her eyes widen as she felt his tongue brush her lips. Involuntarily, she moaned.
She twitched, hating herself for making that sound, however soft it was. This just wasn't her night.
Suddenly, he let go. Then he stepped back, smiled happily and caressed her cheek before walking away. She stared after him, her cheeks burning a bright green against her pale skin.
Someone came up to her. A familiar voice with an all too familiar face asked curiously.
"What just happened, Porrim? You seem to have been triggered by something. If you need consoling, I am available at the moment. Further more, why are you in your sleeping-wear? And why is Kurloz smiling and waving? Not that it is unusual, but he had some smeared jade lipstick on his mouth, so naturally I was curious. After all, I thought you made it perfectly clear that you were caliginous for the highblood, not flushed. Really, Porrim, you must tell me when you change your quadrant-opinions. Though, I must admit, he has been hinting red for you, but since you're such a strong-willed female, I'd have thought you'd keep your feelings straight this time. After all, you are known to be quite fickle when it comes to who you're flushed for…"
"Kankri, please!" She squealed in an undignified manner, covering face with her hands and interrupting him. "You're not even my moirail!"
"Porrim, that is beside the point. I have the right to worry about others. Anyway, don't change the subject. Seriously, though, what are you doing out and about that this time of night? As a rainbow-drinker and a jadeblood, you're supposed to be asleep right now…" He continued, not even noticing her interruption.
"Oh my Gog!" She gasped, looking up, her embarrassment gone. Without regard for the highly talkative troll in front of her, she spun around and took off.
"Did I say something triggering?"
"That asshole!" She swore, stomping her foot. She was cut off from the lake.
Not only had he made her forget about Kanaya, he cut her off from the lily pads. She could see him from where she stood, waving and smiling.
Raising a clenched fist, she gave him a slender birdie.
She swore she heard a "honk" in response.