[center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/ff21766f-9d58-4625-b7b3-043b569575b1.jpg[/img][/center][center][/center][hr][center][color=CC99FF][b]Location[/b][/color]: D&D Dorm 
[color=CC99FF][b]Skills[/b][/color]: N/A[/center]
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Danni had been eagerly awaiting this evening since April was whisked away to C.A.G.E. All of the blankets were washed, all of the movies readily available, food ordered (he still hadn't quite gotten up the nerve to cook again), and he'd brought a new scent diffuser Maxie made him. Danni saw it online, a cute little dragon on a pile of gold and the scented smoke came out of the dragon's nose he just had to have it now that Amélie had hatched. 

[color=E948FC] “I know you ‘aven't gotten ta meet Princess much Amé, but you'll love 'er! She runs a little on t'e cold side so you can stay cuddled up wit’ me still.”[/color] Amélie had clawed her way up his leg and sat perched on his shoulder, front legs on his head and her tail wiped loosely around his neck. He'd probably regret letting this habit settle in as she grew but Amélie was so cute, how could he deny her? [color=E948FC]“But Princess is so nice and kind and funny, you’ll warm right up ta ‘er, so don’t be scared and jump off my like last time someone knocked. Ya nearly choked me out!”[/color] Danni laughed as he fluffed the pillows a little more and looked at the little nest her always makes for them critically. [color=E948FC]“Dee, do ya t'ink t'is looks right? It feels a little lopsided. Maybe I should move some… Wait a second, where's t'at blanket we got from Mamie Ellie a few years ago? T'at blue and grey like knitted one ya really like? Did I lose it? Did I leave it in t'e washin’ machine? Dee, I can't find it!”[/color]

April had been at CAGE for a week when she was finally allowed to go home - to go back to her boys. She was genuinely feeling a lot better, a lot more stable. Talking with Dr. Whitehall was helping a lot, as was taking her medicine and just being a lot more honest with herself. The lithium had caused her to have a slight tremor in her hands, but the doctors had told her that it was a common side effect when first starting on lithium, and to just keep a close eye on if it didn’t get better or started to get worse. Her actual meds were being kept in the nurse’s office at the school, where she was about to be on a first name basis with them - and where she would have to get bloodwork done twice a week to monitor her levels. 

But none of that was worrying her right now. She was finally home, back at Avengers Academy. April had thrown almost all of her things into two suitcases, told Mads she was going to be across the hall with Danni and Dori for at least a week, and then knocked on their door, her heart pumping with excitement. [color=42A9FF]“Hey! It’s me! Open up please! Danni! Dori! It’s April!”[/color]

Dorian was laying on his back in his bed as Danni finished setting things up. His phone in hand as he researched Jewish customs and traditions. Do's and Don'ts of Hanukkah. He didn't want to accidentally offend Percys family. This would be their first impression of him, and he'd already asked Percy if it was ok to wear the tiny hat they do. He hadn't realized it had a name to it. But, Percy had been so kind in trying to learn and understand Genoshian customs that he wanted to understand his Jewish ones. Dorian tilted his head back, now upside down on the edge of the bed as he stared at the pile of pillows. [Color=CC99FF]”Maybe anot’er two on t'e left? And t'e blankets at t’e top of t'e closet D. It ‘asn't moved since last we used it.”[/color] 

Dorian looked back at his phone, waiting for a text, picture, anything to let him know that April would be there soon. Sure they visited her a ton, but he still missed her terribly. It wasn't the same at C.A.G.E. It was stifling and he felt like they had no real freedom to be themselves. But here, at AA, in their dorm. They could be anything and everything with each other. There was a knock on the door and Dorian scrambled off the bed in a hurry screaming as he went to open the door. [color=CC99FF]”She's ‘ere, she's ‘ere! D!”[/color]

Danni screamed, Amélie screeched, there was a rush to the closet that had Amélie nearly choking him out as she tightened it to hold on, and he managed to snag the blanket down and slam it into its proper spot in the little nest they'd build to catch up on a week worth of cuddles. The pillows would have to wait until everyone was in and they'd added April's stuff as well.

[color=E948FC]“Well, why ‘aven't you opened t'e door yet? Come on!”[/color] Danni demanded, gently prying Amélie off his shoulders. There was a little spot he'd found just under her front right leg that if you ribbed, she'd boneless and do an adorable little grumble-growl combination while she dozed off. It made extracting her from curtains, couches, and everything else that she could get her claws in (RIP the 2037 fall Mishi blazer he'd gotten for his birthday) difficult since he’d discovered it. As expected, she let him shift her to his bed and she stayed curled up for a few moments. It was nearly evening playtime for her so he only had a few minutes before she was back up but for now, Danni waited until Dee opened the door and he threw himself at it shrieking [color=E948FC]“PRINCESS!!!!!!!![/color]

April threw her arms around Danni the moment he opened the door without a second thought. It hadn’t been that long since she had seen her boys - just a day, really, they had been [i]so[/i] good about visiting her and it had honestly made such a difference - but it hit different to be here with them, to be home. Everything she had been feeling before she left - the day that they’d taken her away - April had been contemplating ending it all. But how could she do that? How could she end it when she had the best things in the world right here? And if she were to be entirely honest with herself - not that she would ever tell a single soul this - this was part of the reason why she had broken up with her girlfriends. She just wanted to be with Danni and Dori. 

[color=42A9FF]”Danni!!!!!!!!!”[/color] April kissed him on the cheek. 

Between Dorian, Danni, Amélie, and now April screaming, Amour soon too began to scream. Not know what was going on but zooming in circles as she did so matching the energy in the room. Dorian quickly lifted up April and Danni in the hug, twirling in place before settling them back down. It was times like these it was useful to be a telekinetic. [Color=CC99FF]”I missed you so much! T'is dorms felt a little empty wit'out you ‘ere!”[/color]

Danni laughed as Dorian swung the little group around. Danni kissed April on the cheek too and the Dorian for good measure. Amélie hopped up at all the noise and soon was chasing after Amour. [color=E948FC] “Omg, seriously! Our little group is complete again! You can really get ta know Amélie now, we ‘ave all t'e movies ready so whatever ya wanna pick, I ordered food so that'll be ‘ere in a bit…”[/color] Danni curled the ends of April's hair around his finger. [color=E948FC] “And I t'ink it's time, Princess. I t'ink I’m finally doin’ your ‘air tonight. Gotta get it a bit more in shape, ya?”[/color] Danni was more so talking to himself as he dragged everyone inside and shit the door to keep Amour and Amélie from sprinting out. 

[color=E948FC]“Okay, okay, okay. So I got all t’e blankets and pillows set up. Did ya bring your stuff ta add? I can get it all fluffed up while you pick out what we’re doin’!”[/color] Danni offered. He opened the closet and waved at some of the empty space. [color=E948FC] “We also made some space for ya, so we don’t ‘ave ta trip over the stuff you brought!”[/color]

April made sure to give Dorian a kiss on the cheek too, giggling as she saw the little critters chasing around after each other. They were [i]so much[/i] cuter in person than in photographs - and they were already pretty adorable in the photos. She dragged her suitcases into the closet, with a little difficulty - the tremors in her hands weren’t helping - but it was nothing she couldn’t handle. Her blankets and favorite stuffed animals April added to the basis of the imminent cuddle pile. And at Danni’s mention of doing something with her hair, April paused for a moment, debating something, before settling on it. [color=42A9FF]”Hey Danni… Do you think you could do an undercut?”[/color] she asked. [color=42A9FF]”And hmm. Movie movie movie… What about [i]Legally Blonde[/i]? Dorian needs to practice his bend and snap anyways,”[/color] she teased, sticking her tongue out slightly at Dorian. 

[Color=CC99FF]”T'ats why it was lopsided!”[/color] Dorian exclaimed as he smacked his forehead. [Color=CC99FF]”We were missin’ Aprils plushies. Now it's perfect.”[/color] As they all got settled Dorian went over to the movies and began searching for April's pick. Talking to them all the while he searched. [Color=CC99FF]”Undercut? Why t'e big change? Not t'at I disagree, I t'ink you could rock it. Ah ha! Found it, Now to show you just ‘ow good my bend and snap is.”[/color]

[color=E948FC] “Hm… an undercut.”[/color] Danni mused, taking a step back to frame April's face. [color=E948FC]“Yeah, I should be able ta, no problem! We can watch t'e movie, catch up on snuggles, and t'en it's choppin’ time! And Dee, we all know you been slackin’ ever since you found out ya could just float everyt'in’ up ta you.”[/color] Danni teased, shifting April's additions to the pile around, sticking out his tongue as he considered, and turned and shoved them into just the right shapes. Once he was satisfied, he picked up Amélie and held her up for April. 

[color=E948FC]“Amélie, t'is is Princess. We love Princess lots so be nice ta ‘er! Princess, t'is is Amélie. She still teethin’ so she might get chompy. Just let me know if I don't catch it and I'll let ‘er chew on my ‘and for a bit!”[/color] Danni explained excitedly.

[color=42A9FF]”I dunno, do you guys ever, like, look at your face in the mirror and feel like someone else is looking back?”[/color] April asked, before giggling a bit as she gently took the dragon baby. [color=42A9FF]”Awww it’s okay baby girl you can bite me and I won’t tell your daddy, I promise!! Awww who is the cutest little thing??? You are!! Yes you are!!!”[/color] April then slowly took one hand off of Amelie, twirling a finger around and came in slowly to boop the dragon’s nose.

[Color=CC99FF]”Oh yeah! T'is one time I was gettin’ ready and I got so scared as I looked in t'e mirror but it was just my jacket behind me not anot'er person. Did you check to see if t'ere was a jacket?”[/color] Dorian asked, unsure as to what this had to do with anything. But after the past weeks he was willing to talk to April about anything and listen to every word. Maybe she had a fear of jackets?

[color=E948FC]“Princess, ‘ave you considered someone is spyin’ on you? Sounds like a secret camera behind a mirror kinda t'in’, you know. Maybe we need to check all t'e mirrors!”[/color] Danni exclaimed, and then quickly became distracted by how cute April and Amélie were together. [color=E948FC]“I know, isn't she just t'e best!”[/color] Danni beamed as Amélie tried to chomp April's finger, growling when she couldn't. He patted Amour on the head as she looked around for attention. 

[color=E948FC]“But yeah, we can get ya rockin’ an undercut. Maybe we can do a shoppin’ spree too, change out your wardrobe wit’ it ta somet'in’ a little more punk, a little more rock, a little more kick ass, ya know.”[/color] Danni flopped onto the nest and snuggled in, Amélie squirming in April’s arms to join. Amour did the same, popping in and fixing Dorian with puppy eyes. [color=E948FC] “Okay, cuddle time!!!! Come on, come! Cuddles were fine at C.A.G.E but noth’in’ beats a ‘omemade Kingston-Gray cuddle pile!”[/color]

April flopped down into the cuddle pile almost immediately, positioning herself so that way Amelie could still be in contact with Danni while being held by April. She tucked her head underneath Danni’s chin, and then patted the space next to her, wanting Dorian to come and join the squish fest. She couldn’t help a tiny burst of happiness in her chest as Danni called it the Kingston-Gray cuddle pile. [color=42A9FF]”I don’t think it’s a jacket - or like someone spying on me, although I wouldn’t be surprised if, like, August somehow was. It’s more like… like there’s a mismatch in how I think I should look and how I look? I dunno. It’s not a huge deal. An undercut would be nice too since it’s easy to hide it from my parents.”[/color] 

Dorian plopped himself right next to April, patting his leg so that Amour could come join, slipping into the space between his arms. [Color=CC99FF]”Maybe it's like t'e ot'er day! My powers were goin’ ‘aywire and makin’ my ‘air all frizzy regardless of ‘ow much frizz control i used. And so like I didn't look like I wanted to look and ended up changed my whole look. What a day.”[/color] He said as he began to scratch under Amour's chin. He wasn't sure how spot on he was or not, trying to wrap his head around what it was that April was saying. Maybe it was the medication? The tremors didn't go unnoticed but he'd looked up the medication on his phone and apparently that was normal. 

[color=E948FC] “Whelp, if it's an undercut t'at ‘helps, it's an undercut you'll get! And t'en you'll feel all set!”[/color] Danni cheered, wrapping an arm around April to pull her closer and then threw a leg over her and Dorian. [color=E948FC] “August… August… August… Oh, t'at's t'e dude who came.up and licked ya right?”[/color] Danni asked nonchalantly. He remembered t'at random guy swinging by and taking a whole, big lick of her. We'll, if fairs fair… 

Danni leaned over, looked at the offending spot, leaned in, and licked right over the same spot August did.

April froze for a moment - not necessarily tensing up or anything, but definitely surprised. She was used to cuddling with Danni, having him kiss her cheek - he even cut her hair for her pretty regularly. Physical closeness with him or Dorian had never really been an issue. She’d even changed quickly in their room before, not really minding if they saw anything. But licking her face? That was definitely something new. 

And then April giggled, shaking her head a bit. [color=42A9FF]”Were you jealous he licked me, Danni?”[/color] she asked, smiling. Maybe she should have been bothered by it or found it strange, but… It was just Danni. She didn’t have anything to be afraid of with him, she didn’t think he meant anything weird by it. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Groooossss. Don't start lickin’ me now.”[/color] Dorian said with a bit of a giggle as he used his sleeve to wipe away any spit from Aprils cheek that was too close to him. [Color=CC99FF]”I may ‘ave gotten cool wit’ a lot of t'ings but I draw t'e line at spit.”[/color]

[color=E948FC]“‘ey! I just t'ought if your new friend can do it, your best friends can do it too. And Dee, we know you don't like spit. It's why I always licked the best muffins Appa made. Just to make sure you don't steal it, like you steal t'e first cup of coffee every time!”[/color] Danni told him smugly. Amélie clawed her way up April a little more, staring intently at her hair. [color=E948FC]“‘ave I told you t'at if I want t'e first cup of coffee on any given day, I ‘ave ta get up at like 5 in t'e mornin’, brew it myself like a ‘eat’en, and only t'en my I enjoy my coffee if t'is guy doesn't go ghost and drop t'roigh t'e floor?”[/color]

[color=42A9FF]”What if it’s Percy’s spit, Dori? Is it still gross then?”[/color] April giggled. She didn’t notice the way the dragon was eyeing her hair like a snack. Instead, she took Dorian’s hand with her left, trying to give it a squeeze - but the tremors were making it difficult, so she settled on just poking him with her foot. [color=42A9FF]”Wait Danniiiiiii will you make me coffee in the mornings now?”[/color] she then asked, doing her best to give him puppy dog eyes. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Spit is spit. It's gross regardless who's mout’ it comes out of.”[/color] Dorian protested as he poked April back with his foot. [Color=CC99FF]”And t'ats a lie! You don't need to get up at 5 am, you just need to get good. Maybe if you woke up at a reasonable time you'd get first dibs on t'e coffee”[/color] He said as he stuck his tongue out.

[Color=E948FC] “Princess, love of my life, apple of my eye, let me tell you a little secret. We, you and me, ‘ave a really nifty machine called a Dorian t'at makes coffee for us. Fully automated, makes a delicious cup every time.”[/color] Danni teased Dorian. Amélie lunged, but Danni managed to stick his finger in her mouth and she looked at it cross-eyed and confused. Danni continued like this was normal. [color=E948FC]“I like t'at sleep! It's unnatural t'at you and Pops wake up before t'e sun ta do exercise and shit!”[/color] Danni entangled his fingers in April’s, giving her a comforting squeeze. 

April laughed some more, giving Danni a kiss on the cheek, before then wiggling around to do the same to Dorian. [color=42A9FF]”Gods I missed you both,”[/color] she said, doing her best to give a slight squeeze back. [color=42A9FF]”I missed you more than I missed my phone,”[/color] she teased. 

Dorian wanted to be upset at being called a machine, but…he did make a mean cup of coffee. They'd taken courses on all things coffee from how it's made, roasted, to grind textures and perfect pulls. Danni was good as well but Dorian wondered if he retained as much of the information as he had. [Color=CC99FF]”It's unnatural t'at you sleep so much.”[/color] He remarked before giving April a squeeze, accidentally squishing Amour who began to protest and then wriggled out from the pile and made her way over towards her own bed. 

[color=E948FC]“No Amour, don’t goooooo.”[/color] Danni sang and giggled as Amélie finally got his finger out of his mouth and curled up half on April's stomach, half on his legs. He'd pet her but one hand was too far away and the other occupied. [color=E948FC] “Soooooo, I t'ink it's tiiiiiime. Spill t'at tea, girlie. Beanie and Rocky over t'ere not doin’ it for ya anymore?”[/color]

[color=42A9FF]”Ugh…. Fine,”[/color] April sighed. [color=42A9FF]”I dunno, I did - I do - I did really like both of them. A lot. But, like, everything happened so quickly and - like I got the feeling they were probably doing things or wanted to do things that I just didn’t feel ready for - and then with the bipolar diagnosis and school it just… I don’t think I, like, could be the girlfriend that they would want me to be y’know?”[/color] She paused for a moment, her face turning a bit crimson. [color=42A9FF]”And don’t judge me for this, this is going to sound so, like, uncool of me… But when they took me to CAGE, you two were the only people I wanted to see… L-like this is really fucked up and terrible of me, but I didn’t think about them until later. And that’s not fair, so… So I ended things. I guess I don’t have to worry about coming out to my parents now, either, so yay?”[/color]

Dorian adjusted himself so that he was laying on his back now, looking up at the ceiling as he wondered if that's how he would feel if he had gotten locked up. Would he have thought of Percy? In truth he couldn't stop thinking about him, but his friends group was also incredibly impressed. Sometimes it felt difficult balancing Danni's needs and Percy's but Dorian thought he was doing fine. Hoped he was doing fine. [Color=CC99FF]”I mean…maybe you guys just rushed into it a bit too fast? And you ‘ave a lot goin’ on right now and t'at's fair.”[/color] It felt as though a wrench was being twisted inside his stomach, thinking about it now, about his conversation with Sabine. She must've felt so alone, to be left by April and then have him spring that on her…he'd need to check up on her later. 

[color=E948FC]“‘onestly, same t’ough. I’d t’ink ‘bout y’all and t’e rents first and foremost and of course, my baby Amélie.”[/color] Danni blew kisses at her. [color=E948FC]“And t'en I'd t'ink ‘bout Beanie and Mads and everyone. It's just… t'e trio is family, ya know, and family takes care of each ot'er first. You shouldn't ever feel bad for wantin’ us ta be wit’ ya ‘cause we wanna be wit’ ya too, ya know?”[/color] Danni kissed the top of April's head. Surrounded by his best… his family, Danni felt settled and satiated. The steady breathing of April, his leg entangled with Dorian's,  and the warmth of them heating up the their little fortress made him indescribably happy.

[color=E948FC]“At least, you're ‘ome now and t'ey ain't takin’ you away from us again.”[/color] Danni decided determinedly. [color=E948FC]“But ‘ey, at least you ‘ad fun while it lasted right? T'ats a good t'in’! You can remember t'is fondly in our old age, t'e summer flin’ of your teenage years! We'll make silly jokes about us as dumb teens while we sit on a rooftop somewhere, eatin’ lunch toget'er while we're keepin’ everyone safe from villains. T'ough, we should probably check on Beanie. She kinda laid into my t'e ot'er day. Like, real nice like but definitely told me off. Wonder if she was feelin’ like t'at ‘cause t'e break up.”[/color] 

April teared up a bit at Danni’s affirmation that they were family - and that this was home. She felt happier and safer with Danni and Dorian than she ever did back in DC, with her parents and her sister. If April could wave a magic wand and change anything about her life, she wouldn’t have to go entire summers without seeing them - she’d never have to go back to Washington. [color=42A9FF]”Y-yeah, they, um - they took it well when it happened, but, like, Sabine shared something kinda intense - like it’s not my place to say what it was - but… I don’t know if it would be weird if I talked to her - Leah seemed really confused about everything that was happening… which I g-guess is my fault because I didn’t tell anyone anything a-and… I’m guessing it might be my fault then if Sabine was mad at you.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]She was plenty mad at me too t'ough…t'at was fully my doin’. I was actually just t'inkin’ about it. ‘Ow lonely she must've felt at t'at moment.:[/color] Dorian was going to say more, wanted to, but he didn’t think it would help April. If anything she may blame herself more and have an episode. He didn't really know how this illness worked. He wanted, wanted to help. But every time he'd gone to research it his hands just froze over the keyboard. It was like the first time he took the “Am I Straight” quiz. Afraid that because he thought Luna Snow was objectively beautiful that it meant he was into her. The answer obviously being no, he just had good taste like all gays do.

[color=E948FC] “Silly goose, Beanie wasn't mad at because of you. Beanie was grumpy ‘cause apparently me tellin’ people what team I wanted made ‘er feel like I was brushin’ off everyone but you bot’. T'ough, she was real, real focused on Zelds? T'at was a big one in the convo.”[/color] Danni said thoughtfully. [color=E948FC] “‘onestly, Beanie just keeps bottlin’ stuff up and like, lockin’ ‘herself outta convos it seems. Like, she waited so long ta talk ta me about t'at, I can't imagine ‘ow long she ‘eld on ta whatever she told you, Princess. I wish she'd like, just jump into it. Like, you're upsetti? Lemme know about t'at spaghetti now. I told Leah once why she was makin’ ‘herself so small and I kinda t'ink it's like tx’at? I dunno why bot’ of t'em do It, holdin’ themselves back and keepin’ themselves away from all us but-”[/color] Danni gasped. 

[color=E948FC] “I burned down our ‘ouse!”[/color] Danni shouted, startling Amélie and coughing as she puffed out smoke in irritation. 

April turned so quickly as Danni said that that she almost hurt her neck in the process, her eyes wide and her hair falling into her face, giving her almost a manic look. [color=42A9FF]”Oh my god, Danni - I’m so sorry!! What happened? Wait, no, you don’t have to answer that - but are you okay? I mean clearly you’re alive and fine and everything but like… What can I do?”[/color] she asked him quickly, her brain going into crisis management mode as she threw both her arms around Danni, hugging him tightly, even as her hands shook. 

Dorian's eyes went wide. If he'd had a drink he would've spat it out on them. [Color=CC99FF]”I t'ought we weren't gonna talk about it! You said!”[/color]

[color=E948FC] “I am bad at ‘idin’ t'in’s, okay?! I And I told Maevy ‘bout it ‘cause I got upset and y’all know I ‘ate ‘idin’ t’in’s in t’e first place so once I broke t’e seal, I told Beanie ‘cause she got me cryin’ so t’at was fucked, and t’en I was like I can’t not tell Princess so surprised! I burned down t’e ‘ouse after a ‘horrible nightmare and tryin’ tag figure it out and t’en poof, ‘ouse gone! But it’s chill, Pa made it all back again, but ‘e couldn’t remake everyt’in’ and t’e stuff ‘e did make doesn’t feel like my stuff anymore. And ‘e did not remake all t’e stuff ‘e didn’t know ‘bout, like some of t’e notes we used ta pass in class, a journal I wrote in, aaaaaaaaaaa bunch of t’osw old Polaroids I kept so t’at’s great!”[/color] Danni ‘urried ta explain. [color=E948FC] “T’at’s kinda t’e problem wit’ t’e ‘allway t’e ot’er day! Just kinda froze up ‘cause I could ‘ear ‘Cadie reminding me t’at none if t’is is real and I'm still in t’e Framework!”[/color]

April bit her lip, listening to Danni’s explanation… and how he had told Sabine first. She shifted somewhat uncomfortably, a knot twisting in her stomach. But what right did she have to feel upset about them not telling her something? She’d hid so much from them. [color=42A9FF]”Oh! Um. I can - I can see if I still have some of my journals - I think I still have my journal from our elemental class as freshmen - a-and I can see what - what Polaroids I have too. But um maybe - maybe I stay here longer than just the week? So if - so if you have that nightmare again, I can just put things out… if that would help?”[/color]

Dorian chuckled a bit at the thought of April putting out Danni's nightmare fires. He didn't know how to help Danni with this issue, or even why he was having it. But two thoughts crossed his mind at this solution. [Color=CC99FF]”Woah woah woah. As much as I'd find it funny t'at you'd turn Danni's flamin’ wet dream into a real wet one, I'd rat'er not risk my beautiful computer and gamin’ set up. Please and t'ank you.”[/color]

Danni stared real hard at April. She did a… thing. A thing he didn't like. [color=E948FC] “You're only stayin’ a week? I t'ought you were movin’ in. Like we're lettin’ ya leave lol.”[/color] Danni laughed at Dorian's joke before flicking him off, holding it up while smiling lopsidedly at April. [color=E948FC] “And now you're gunna tell us w’at went t’rough t'at pretty little ‘ead just t'en. I saw t'at sad little frowny bitey t'in’ you do. We want everyt'in’ you got, includin’ when you're sad. Gotta let it out or it's gunna blow, I should know!”[/color]

She opened her mouth, about to insist that she was fine - old habits died hard. But… pretending was how she’d gotten sent to CAGE. Pretending was what had made things get so bad that she had almost committed suicide. And she knew that Danni and Dorian had been so nice about it all, not pressing her too much about it but… if the situations were reversed, how would she feel if they kept on hiding things? [color=42A9FF]”Um…. It’s…”[/color] she swallowed, trying to visualize the words in her head - that if she was just reading them off a script, it would be easier. [color=42A9FF]”It’s stupid - it really is but um…”[/color] she shut her eyes. Maybe that would help? [color=42A9FF]”… I wish you’d told me before Sabine… A-and I think it’s - I think - sorry, this is so stupid of me, but um, it’s like - I… I think of you guys as my actual family but I get scared that it doesn’t go both ways and that I’m just a friend that you kinda take pity on.”[/color] She kept her eyes tightly shut, refusing to open them to see their faces, and it was taking everything in her power to not burst into tears just then. 

[color=E948FC]“Princess, I didn't even wanna tell Beanie!! I wasn't ready!!! It just slipped out, I'm sorry! I didn't mean ta ‘ide it, I was just embarrassed and wasn't really ready ta t’ink about it but t'en we got really, really emotional and stuff and all t'e stuff wit’ t'e teams ‘ad me distracted. I'm sorry, you are family!”[/color] Danni started talking fast, desperate to reassure her. [color=E948FC] “You're already family ta us, you've basically been our sister since t'e end of freshman year! I am literally talkin’ ‘bout you all t'e time and I… Ya know, Beanie got good advice from Maevey. Comin’ in ‘andy again. It's okay if ya feel t'is way, but we love you so much and ya know I'm a bad liar. I just say ‘ow I'm feelin’ pretty much immediately. I love you!”[/color] Danni immediately smothered her in kisses before winding around her tightly, during his face in her shoulder. 

[color=E948FC] “I'm just kinda afraid now t'at… what happens if it you two I set on fire next time?”[/color]

Dorian wrapped himself on the other side of April, cocooning her into a D&D hug she couldn't escape from. [Color=CC99FF]”Lets set a few t'in's straight right now. One. We aren't, straight t'at is. Two. Not'in you ever say or feel is stupid ok? We value everyt'in’ t'at you ‘ave to say or feel and not'in’ will ever change t'at. Stab my ‘eart an ‘ope to die. T'irdly. We. Are. Family. Well may not be blood, but I told Maeve-y as much t'at my family is  asked on bonds and not blood. As far as I'm concerned I'm your brot'er.”[/color]

She couldn’t help it - she couldn’t stop the tears from flowing as Danni and Dorian affirmed that they were family - that they were her brothers. They weren’t sad tears though - more tears of relief, of releasing that fear, at least for a little while. She opened her eyes, finding herself surrounded by them, her face covered in the remnants of Danni’s kisses. [color=42A9FF]”S-sorry,”[/color] she apologized. [color=42A9FF]”I didn’t - I don’t - I don’t want to make this all about me, when you’re upset too,”[/color] she paused, biting her lip. [color=42A9FF]”I love you both so much. A-and Danni, you never have to worry about burning us, o-okay? It’s never gonna happen - I promise. Dori and I, we don’t burn easy. He can go ghost and my powers cancel yours out.”[/color]

Danni started sniffling, tears welling up as Amélie made little distressed noises and tried to wriggle her way under his arm. He could feel the sobs threatening but he kept himself together for once. [color=E948FC] “It's okay, I'll share the spotlight t'is time.”[/color] Danni joked shakily, kissing Amélie as he lifted his arm to let her up. [color=E948FC] “Look, we gotta be ‘ere for each ot'er and remember t'at none of us wanna hurt each ot'er and just trust t'at we'll listen ta everyth’In’ wit'out judgement. And I'll try, I promise.”[/color]

Dorian simply nodded, his face covered in April's hair. [Color=CC99FF]”We listen and we don't judge.”[/color]