Grey didn't know why Caine Wise infuriated them.

Perhaps it was because of his casual belittling of every little thing that Jupiter did. She was young, so young, and she was trying to take the Verse on her fragile shoulders. He was dear to the Apini Brood, and it hurt her to be treated as the woman she had been in a different life by someone that was loved by her loved ones. Or the ignorant way in which he did so, but Grey thinks that they will forever, ever, dislike the lycantant splice as a result. A bad impression was hard to shake, and they think that they are very reluctant to change their mind over this man. They are old, and the folly of youth tired them endlessly, and Caine Wise was all the folly of a young creature that had been hurt, and like many kicked dogs, pun not intended, they tended to lash out at what they perceived to be the foot that did it.

They didn't really blame them.

But it did nonetheless frustrated them to no end.

He was young.

But they were not, and as old as they were they had found little patience in themselves since Jupiter had come into their life. Their years of passivity had turned into action. Seeing fear and wariness turn into inaction frustrated them, especially since…. It had ruled them for so much of their life. They should empathize with the lycantant splice, but honestly, they instead loathed to see someone so like them.

But tonight, watching him experience a night that was so commonplace to them all, watching him watch Jupiter as she fell asleep, exhausted and

"Mister Wise," they spoke and tried very hard not to intone his name with an insult, or at least, something that would translate clearly.

"Um, Keeper?" his voice was drowsy, and he was gleefully eating the last remains of a Twix bar, and there were honey crisp crumbs in his beard.

He has never called me by name. As if my people kind does not warrant us to grant us one.

Grey suppressed a hiss.

"I will walk you back to your rooms."

The wary youngling, for everything on this ship, was devastatingly young to Grey who would soon reach their hundred thousand years, jumped from the soft chairs Kiza had designed, brows furrowed, and followed behind them. Wings tucked, broad shoulders tense, and jaw working as they glided quietly through the hallways. Grey moved quickly and brought the Splice back to their rooms.

"Are you satisfied with what you have witnessed tonight?" they asked, strolling casually into his private space.

Caine stared at them, eyes growing wide, and Grey stared at him assessing.

"I-"

"You have finally seen the truth of Jupiter. Or at least you understand there is more to her than being an Entitled Queen."

The youngling's jaw worked, and he bared his teeth for a fraction of a second.

"I already have discussed this with, Her Majesty."

"Yes. I have gathered that much for your inclusion in our family night. But I am discussing this with you, not Jupiter. She is too forgiving," they flung back, fists clenching.

Caine Wise frowned.

"I don't see how-"

"She is under my care. She is my responsibility. And you are tasked with protecting her. I will not allow someone half-heartedly do this."

"I would protect her regardless of my understanding of what she is. We already have come to a truce of sorts, and look, I get that Keepers need something to tend to"

Grey hissed. A high, shrill sound of incredulity laced with disbelief.

"My role is not that of a fucking shepherd," they volleyed, "Do not be so stupid as to think that my species dictates who I am."

Not anymore. Not since Jupiter.

"I-"

"Stop speaking! Start listening! And for your information, Ill-bred Splice, I have a damn name. Use it you ignorant young foolish-"

Grey felt a hand, careful and gentle, touch their shoulder. They knew without turning that it was Stinger, knew it by the strength of his fingers, the broad span of them, and their warmth. They realized that their chest was heaving, and with a start that they were crying. Black liquid seeped, thick and viscous.

"Grey," said Stinger, soft and understanding, "I got this. Watch Jupiter for the night with Kiza."

Grey trembled.

"I cannot stand your oldest youngling," they said simply, "I am sorry, Stinger."

That warm hand squeezed.

"That's alright, Grey, he can be a pain in the ass. Wise, report to the nest," he grinned, all teeth, "We got training. Now."