Jupiter eases her mother's arm from around her torso. Presses a fleeting kiss to her mother's temple, and tiptoes her out of her room. She remembers to close the door. She is both thankful and not that her mother is a heavy sleeper. Thankful, because it makes it very easy to sneak out. And I will probably be doing this a lot. Not thankful, but because it makes her guilt almost too much.
"Jupiter," a high voice, and Jupiter swings her head up to see Grey perched casually upside down on the ceiling, disguised as Venus. Their projected hair comically hanging in wild tangles.
"You know, it would be more alarming for someone to see you like that, then to see your real form."
A chirping sound, almost like a giggle and a sigh in the same breath. The Venus face flickers out of view, and Grey is baring their teeth at her. It isn't a violent gesture, Jupiter knows, but a clumsy mimicry of a human smile in a very inhuman face. She returns the gesture.
"We have Splices living next door."
Fear twists in Jupiter's stomach.
"So we do. And I think they knew what the bee thing was, too."
A trilling, shrill whistle. Obviously in fear, or maybe the uncertainty of how weird the whole thing had been.
"What was that?"
"Bees always know Royalty. It's in their genetic code. I am a Queen, after all."
Grey gave a snort. Grey actually snorted.
"It was terrifying."
"I'm sorry for scaring you."
"It's alright Jupiter, you are forgiven."
Jupiter sighed slightly.
"I think we need to go great the neighbors before they do anything dangerous."
Grey looked at her, wide black eyes steady.
"Whatever must be done, it will be done, Jupiter."
Jupiter swallowed uneasily.
"I... I really don't want to hurt anyone."
A soothing hum came from Grey's throat. They dropped on the carpet, easily, without making much of a sound. They pressed their large hands-on Jupiter's face.
"And we will try not to. But we cannot deny that it is a possibility."
Something cool and dark traveled down Jupiter's spine.
"You aren't my bodyguard. You are not a weapon."
"I am not. But I do not wish for anyone to hurt my friend, or myself."
"Promise?"
Grey gave her a sweet trill, and another clumsily smile.
"Promise. Now let's go greet our neighbors properly."
