[Once in his arms, Leo leans in to kiss Peter's cheek, his chin. Dangerously close to another kiss on the mouth but they are in transit, so he waits. Keeps one hand trailing down Peter's arm as he's set down and tries to tug Peter down with him.]
[Peter has no problem with being tugged. He trills lowly back, just wanting to express how happy he is. He reaches out to cup Leo's cheek in his hand.]
I know. [Just kissing his snout again.] The feeling is mutual, Leo, I just... want to give you everything. I wish I could.
[Safety, peace, freedom, a better future- it's everything Peter just wants to make sure Leo has.]
We deserve it, we deserve all of that. [Peter says with a soft laugh, just curling against Leo happily. He's comfortable, warm and at ease.
He'll deal with clean up tomorrow. For now, he's happy just like this. He settles in, intending to just sleep like a rock for as long as he can get away with.
[Unfortunately for Peter, the morning comes much more quickly than he'd like. His body wakes him up a little bit after his usual time. He groans quietly, well aware he probably needs to go to the bathroom real quick.
It shouldn't take too long. He untangles himself from Leo's hold. He presses a kiss against his husband's forehead, promising he'll be right back. The brunette jumps into some casual clothes quickly, trying to ignore the messy state of the room as he moves towards their bedroom doorway.
He ducks out into the hall, closing the door behind himself tightly. He realizes after a moment someone else is in the hallway as well. A man he recognizes as still relatively new to the colony. Carl Fitzberg. A pale stout man with scratchy facial hair who tended to keep to himself most of the time.
Peter half wonders if the man was here for Peter's 'office' hours and had been waiting a while.]
Oh, hello, Mr. Fitzberg! Sorry, I didn't see you there, I was just gonna run off and do something real quick.
[The man hangs back, shaking his head.]
No, no, you're fine. I just wanted a word if you have a moment.
[Peter internally twinges at the responsibility he needs to step up to, but outwardly smiles at the man.] Sure, what do you want to talk about? We'll need to do it in the hall, though, since Commander Hamato is sleeping right now.
[Leo does his best to keep a hand on Peter until doing so would require him to get out of bed. The sheets and blankets are warm and he isn't about to move come hell or high water unless someone's dying.
So he doesn't move when Peter gets up, or when the door closes.
Carl Fitzberg, on the other hand, looks from Peter to the door closed tight behind him, then back to Peter.]
Does he do that often? Sleep while you do the work?
[The question does a fair job of making Peter blink a little, his smile becoming more confused.]
No-? Mr. Fitzberg, my husband and I took a personal morning for ourselves. We both are usually up before the sun is.
It just seems like you're doing more of the grunt work than he is. [The man says simply enough, his tone plain and simple like he's talking about the weather or what was for dinner the night before.
Peter's brows pinch together. A little offense settling in his chest at the statement on the other man's part. He doesn't owe the other man information about himself or Leo. His own tone is polite but firm.] I'm sorry, but you're mistaken.
[The man shrugs in turn, hand settling loosely at his hip, thumb hooking into the belt loop of his jeans.] I'm just one to tell it like it is, Parker.
[Peter holds Carl's gaze, not thrilled where this conversation is going. He firmly reroutes the conversation best he can.] Well, you're very mistaken. Was there something you wanted to discuss?
[Fitzberg just watches Peter carefully. Noting the exhaustion, the last vestiges of bites or something just peeking out from under Peter's shirt collar.
Then his eyes are back to Peter's face. He starts walking away from the door a step or two, hoping Peter will follow.]
As a matter of fact, there was. Just - the distribution of authority around here. Between humans and youkai demons. Is that- Has it always ben like that?
They're yokai, not demons. [Peter says a little tersely. He glances back at his and Leo's room, wanting to duck back in again. He ends up trailing slightly after Fitzberg, but keeping his distance.
He really didn't want to have this kind of conversation today. Moving the conversation away from the door wouldn't be a bad idea given Leo is still sleeping in there.] There always has been a good balance of authority between everyone. We're all equal here.
Seems odd to me is all.
How exactly? We're all trying to survive this war together. [Peter questions back with a frown.]
With how much work humans are doing, feels like those yokukai demons are getting it easy.
Mr. Fitzberg, is this really what you want to talk about?
[Fitzberg keeps leading Peter further away, a turn into this alcove a little away. Alone, quiet so they can have this private talk. He's so concerned.]
It is, actually. I've only been here a week or two, but the things I'm seeing... [He shakes his head. Clearly concerned.] I just worry about human needs being drowned out by some of the, erm. Louder voices up high.
[Peter crosses his arms over his chest, trying to not outwardly yell at the man, but his patience is a little frayed.
He needs to be patient. What would May do? Its something he always asks himself.]
I can promise you, Mr. Fitzberg, I hear everyone out. People can and do come to me when they need something. [He always makes as much time as he can for anyone who needs someone to listen. It's one of the things people know about him.] Human needs are being met.
It doesn't seem that way, I've talked with a few people, they feel silenced.
Do they-? I'd be happy to talk with them and see what I can do.
[He's watching Commander Parker, closing himself off.... Already on the defensive. That youkai behind that door has got this man wrapped around his weird reptile finger. Can't even keep the man satisfied if the sullen looks earlier in the day mean anything.]
I was elected to come talk to you. See if something could be worked out or arranged.
[He eyes those marks again.]
Though... Seems you've got your own preferences, don't you?
[Peter almost asks just how Fitzberg was elected, when the next question throws him off base. Out of all the things Peter expected, it really wasn't that.
It had been a long time since he actually dealt with anyone behaving this way about yokai.]
Excuse me-? [He can't keep some of the offense out of his voice. Fitzberg's expression is neutral enough it makes Peter feel more irritated by the minute.]
You're with that- turtle of yours.
My husand, yes. [He forces himself to take a breath, brushing a hand across his shirt vaguely. Lingering bite marks from Leo a bit more visible without Peter being completely aware.
Peter would rather just sharply end the conversation, but he tries for something diplomatic.] Mr. Fitzberg, I think it might be a good idea if we talk later. You and the other people with concerns. I want to hear you out, but, we're both not communicating with each other very well.
Right now isn't the best time, and I feel like we're not getting off on the right foot here.
I think you're the one not hearing us, Commander Parker.
How much of that is Parker's willing choice... and how much is a demonic monster keeping him there in that place?
Fitzberg's hand at his hip shifts just slightly, folding behind his back now.]
Did he do that? [He nods to the marks.] Your... husband? Because, honestly, Commander Parker, if you can't look at the facts objectively, we may have to take matters to our own hands.
[It's a flash, his arm flexing for a moment and then a shot in the silence, hand holding the gun out in front of him.]
[The world tilts on its axis, and Peter's spider sense lights up under his skin. A loud warning that blares in the back of his mind.
He feels what is going to happen. The danger that he can't completely avoid. Every possibility unfolds immediately before him before disappearing again. There are choices he needs to make.
The look on his face isn't horrified, confused or scared, it's knowing.
Peter's body moves without him. The close proximity between the two of them in the narrow hallway means the shot hits his midsection, but he's faster than Fitzberg. He will prevent any other shots from happening.
He slams the man into the wall with enough strength to dent it. His hand presses tightly into Fitzberg's throat, holding him in place as he grabs the gun and breaks it in his other hand.]
[The man's eyes go big when Peter doesn't even seem fazed. His teeth grit and jaw grinds as he's slammed into the wall with a shout. But he watches that gun get broken, eyes wide.]
....You're not human either. You're one of 'em.
[His gaze turns angry, looking back at Peter's face.]
[Peter grits his teeth, tightening his grip on the man's throat. He is careful with his grip, even if he's desperate to just shake Fitzberg a little bit.
Being shot hurts. Fuck.]
You're not helping your case here.
[The quiet of the morning doesn't last long. Peter can hear movement in rooms nearby, he already knows they won't be alone for very long. Peter's voice is cool, calm, even as blood starts to stain the fabric of his clothes.]
If you're lucky, you'll be exiled to another colony. If you're not lucky, you're going to be living in the brig.
[The feet of more than a few people coming out of their rooms, voices calling out about having heard a gunshot. It'll take them another minute or two to get here.
But the threat- Fitzberg sneers at him.]
Should've known a colony run by demons only cares about demons.
[He knows everyone will show up and see their so kind and mild mannered Commander Parker holding this unarmed human against the wall threatening him. Maybe if he sticks this out a minute or two longer.]
[Peter blows out a breath. He looks more disappointed than anything else.
Peter knows the injury is serious, incredibly so, but he can't leave until he knows Fitzberg is taken care of.]
I'm not going to debate someone whose first instinct when confronted with something different is shooting someone. I'm more sad for you than anything else.
[He keeps a hold on Fitzberg, knowing the man can't go anywhere. He falls into ingrained habit of taking care of the base, even as he bleeds out. His voice is calm, steady, authoritative. Peter knows how to make it carry.] Shot fired, situation contained, but I need assistance!
[Fitzberg realizes what's happening and spits at him, aiming for his face.]
Talking was my first instinct. Shooting was when it was clear I wasn't gonna get through to a demon loving freak.
[But the footsteps and shouting start heading their direction, familiar feet padding down the hall and rounding the corner. Shouts of Peter's name before hands start reaching.]
[The spit hits his cheek, and Peter barely reacts. His grip tightens a little, to something far stronger than he should let it be. The instinct to protect Leo, their family, the yokai and the people here stronger than the fact he's hurt.
He's bleeding through his shirt at a fast enough rate, Peter knows he's not going to be standing for long. He should be applying pressure to it, but he feels rooted in place.
The familiar hands on him are enough to startle Peter, only then does he realize he's stuck to Fitzberg's throat. He takes some of the man's skin back with him without realizing it as he's pulled away.
He's folded into his husband's grasp, and an order comes out of him without much thought as he sees some soldiers come running around the corner, Donnie, and Mikey mixed in with them.]
Find out where he got that gun! What's left of it is on the floor!
[The man's pained yell at his skin coming off with Peter's fingers echo off the walls of the underground bunker. The brothers immediately push through the crowd to Peter, taking note of the situation. Metal limbs reach down and pick up the remnants of the gun to store away in Donnie's battle shell while Mikey tries to keep everyone a little away to give some space.
The crowd fully parts when Leo shows up, hastily thrown on pajama pants hanging off him and an expression of mixed exhaustion and worry for the worst pulling at his face. People are pulling Peter and some random guy apart, and Leo can see the moment it goes worse before the man yells in pain.
Leo wraps both arms around Peter, tucking him against his chest. But his husband is already (or still?) in commanding mode. So he'll match for now.]
Take him to the brig for now, get a medic for his neck. We'll ask him some questions after the immediate needs are seen to.
['Immediate need' here being peter you fucking got shot and Leo is looking at the blood dripping down the floor, pooled where Peter was standing for too long.]
[Peter can't help the twinge when he realizes he ripped skin off of Fitzberg, but doesn't last long. The stolen skin flutters to the hard concrete floor underfoot as Peter presses the butt of his palm against the entry wound. He isn't even sure if there was an exit wound, he hasn't had a chance to even look.
He can tell his body is already trying to heal over it. Peter has to resist his urge to take care of the problem now, knowing it will just make the situation worse.
He leans into his husband, forcing himself to keep his breathing even.]
We'll get this situation handled. You two go.
[Mikey interjects firmly, parting the crowd further so his brother and Peter can go.]
[Leo feels torn between taking over the situation as commander, and taking care of his husband.
Thankfully, Mikey understands and makes the decision for him. He looks at his little brother, then nods. Leo doesn't waste another second before picking Peter up in his arms bridal style and all but runs to the medbay.]
[Peter groans a little at the shift, gritting his teeth. It has been a few months, maybe a year, since he had been actually shot. A good record for his usual luck.
He keeps the butt of his palm pressed against the wound. Peter knows the blood loss is going to be worse than the actual wound. He's going to hit shock soon enough.]
I know, I'm going to be okay. You're here, it's going to be okay. [He's trying for reassuring, its not quite right.]
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I'd do anything for you. You know that, right?
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I know. [Just kissing his snout again.] The feeling is mutual, Leo, I just... want to give you everything. I wish I could.
[Safety, peace, freedom, a better future- it's everything Peter just wants to make sure Leo has.]
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[He moves to pull Peter against him, wrapping him up with the clean bits of blankets he can grab.]
We'll get everything we want.
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He'll deal with clean up tomorrow. For now, he's happy just like this. He settles in, intending to just sleep like a rock for as long as he can get away with.
No early morning sounds perfect right now.]
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It shouldn't take too long. He untangles himself from Leo's hold. He presses a kiss against his husband's forehead, promising he'll be right back. The brunette jumps into some casual clothes quickly, trying to ignore the messy state of the room as he moves towards their bedroom doorway.
He ducks out into the hall, closing the door behind himself tightly. He realizes after a moment someone else is in the hallway as well. A man he recognizes as still relatively new to the colony. Carl Fitzberg. A pale stout man with scratchy facial hair who tended to keep to himself most of the time.
Peter half wonders if the man was here for Peter's 'office' hours and had been waiting a while.]
Oh, hello, Mr. Fitzberg! Sorry, I didn't see you there, I was just gonna run off and do something real quick.
[The man hangs back, shaking his head.]
No, no, you're fine. I just wanted a word if you have a moment.
[Peter internally twinges at the responsibility he needs to step up to, but outwardly smiles at the man.] Sure, what do you want to talk about? We'll need to do it in the hall, though, since Commander Hamato is sleeping right now.
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So he doesn't move when Peter gets up, or when the door closes.
Carl Fitzberg, on the other hand, looks from Peter to the door closed tight behind him, then back to Peter.]
Does he do that often? Sleep while you do the work?
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No-? Mr. Fitzberg, my husband and I took a personal morning for ourselves. We both are usually up before the sun is.
It just seems like you're doing more of the grunt work than he is. [The man says simply enough, his tone plain and simple like he's talking about the weather or what was for dinner the night before.
Peter's brows pinch together. A little offense settling in his chest at the statement on the other man's part. He doesn't owe the other man information about himself or Leo. His own tone is polite but firm.] I'm sorry, but you're mistaken.
[The man shrugs in turn, hand settling loosely at his hip, thumb hooking into the belt loop of his jeans.] I'm just one to tell it like it is, Parker.
[Peter holds Carl's gaze, not thrilled where this conversation is going. He firmly reroutes the conversation best he can.] Well, you're very mistaken. Was there something you wanted to discuss?
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Then his eyes are back to Peter's face. He starts walking away from the door a step or two, hoping Peter will follow.]
As a matter of fact, there was. Just - the distribution of authority around here. Between humans and youkai demons. Is that- Has it always ben like that?
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He really didn't want to have this kind of conversation today. Moving the conversation away from the door wouldn't be a bad idea given Leo is still sleeping in there.] There always has been a good balance of authority between everyone. We're all equal here.
Seems odd to me is all.
How exactly? We're all trying to survive this war together. [Peter questions back with a frown.]
With how much work humans are doing, feels like those yokukai demons are getting it easy.
Mr. Fitzberg, is this really what you want to talk about?
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It is, actually. I've only been here a week or two, but the things I'm seeing... [He shakes his head. Clearly concerned.] I just worry about human needs being drowned out by some of the, erm. Louder voices up high.
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He needs to be patient. What would May do? Its something he always asks himself.]
I can promise you, Mr. Fitzberg, I hear everyone out. People can and do come to me when they need something. [He always makes as much time as he can for anyone who needs someone to listen. It's one of the things people know about him.] Human needs are being met.
It doesn't seem that way, I've talked with a few people, they feel silenced.
Do they-? I'd be happy to talk with them and see what I can do.
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I was elected to come talk to you. See if something could be worked out or arranged.
[He eyes those marks again.]
Though... Seems you've got your own preferences, don't you?
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It had been a long time since he actually dealt with anyone behaving this way about yokai.]
Excuse me-? [He can't keep some of the offense out of his voice. Fitzberg's expression is neutral enough it makes Peter feel more irritated by the minute.]
You're with that- turtle of yours.
My husand, yes. [He forces himself to take a breath, brushing a hand across his shirt vaguely. Lingering bite marks from Leo a bit more visible without Peter being completely aware.
Peter would rather just sharply end the conversation, but he tries for something diplomatic.] Mr. Fitzberg, I think it might be a good idea if we talk later. You and the other people with concerns. I want to hear you out, but, we're both not communicating with each other very well.
Right now isn't the best time, and I feel like we're not getting off on the right foot here.
I think you're the one not hearing us, Commander Parker.
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How much of that is Parker's willing choice... and how much is a demonic monster keeping him there in that place?
Fitzberg's hand at his hip shifts just slightly, folding behind his back now.]
Did he do that? [He nods to the marks.] Your... husband? Because, honestly, Commander Parker, if you can't look at the facts objectively, we may have to take matters to our own hands.
[It's a flash, his arm flexing for a moment and then a shot in the silence, hand holding the gun out in front of him.]
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He feels what is going to happen. The danger that he can't completely avoid. Every possibility unfolds immediately before him before disappearing again. There are choices he needs to make.
The look on his face isn't horrified, confused or scared, it's knowing.
Peter's body moves without him. The close proximity between the two of them in the narrow hallway means the shot hits his midsection, but he's faster than Fitzberg. He will prevent any other shots from happening.
He slams the man into the wall with enough strength to dent it. His hand presses tightly into Fitzberg's throat, holding him in place as he grabs the gun and breaks it in his other hand.]
Bad idea.
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....You're not human either. You're one of 'em.
[His gaze turns angry, looking back at Peter's face.]
Should've aimed higher.
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Being shot hurts. Fuck.]
You're not helping your case here.
[The quiet of the morning doesn't last long. Peter can hear movement in rooms nearby, he already knows they won't be alone for very long. Peter's voice is cool, calm, even as blood starts to stain the fabric of his clothes.]
If you're lucky, you'll be exiled to another colony. If you're not lucky, you're going to be living in the brig.
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But the threat- Fitzberg sneers at him.]
Should've known a colony run by demons only cares about demons.
[He knows everyone will show up and see their so kind and mild mannered Commander Parker holding this unarmed human against the wall threatening him. Maybe if he sticks this out a minute or two longer.]
Freak. Youkai demon fucker.
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Peter knows the injury is serious, incredibly so, but he can't leave until he knows Fitzberg is taken care of.]
I'm not going to debate someone whose first instinct when confronted with something different is shooting someone. I'm more sad for you than anything else.
[He keeps a hold on Fitzberg, knowing the man can't go anywhere. He falls into ingrained habit of taking care of the base, even as he bleeds out. His voice is calm, steady, authoritative. Peter knows how to make it carry.] Shot fired, situation contained, but I need assistance!
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Talking was my first instinct. Shooting was when it was clear I wasn't gonna get through to a demon loving freak.
[But the footsteps and shouting start heading their direction, familiar feet padding down the hall and rounding the corner. Shouts of Peter's name before hands start reaching.]
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He's bleeding through his shirt at a fast enough rate, Peter knows he's not going to be standing for long. He should be applying pressure to it, but he feels rooted in place.
The familiar hands on him are enough to startle Peter, only then does he realize he's stuck to Fitzberg's throat. He takes some of the man's skin back with him without realizing it as he's pulled away.
He's folded into his husband's grasp, and an order comes out of him without much thought as he sees some soldiers come running around the corner, Donnie, and Mikey mixed in with them.]
Find out where he got that gun! What's left of it is on the floor!
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The crowd fully parts when Leo shows up, hastily thrown on pajama pants hanging off him and an expression of mixed exhaustion and worry for the worst pulling at his face. People are pulling Peter and some random guy apart, and Leo can see the moment it goes worse before the man yells in pain.
Leo wraps both arms around Peter, tucking him against his chest. But his husband is already (or still?) in commanding mode. So he'll match for now.]
Take him to the brig for now, get a medic for his neck. We'll ask him some questions after the immediate needs are seen to.
['Immediate need' here being peter you fucking got shot and Leo is looking at the blood dripping down the floor, pooled where Peter was standing for too long.]
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He can tell his body is already trying to heal over it. Peter has to resist his urge to take care of the problem now, knowing it will just make the situation worse.
He leans into his husband, forcing himself to keep his breathing even.]
We'll get this situation handled. You two go.
[Mikey interjects firmly, parting the crowd further so his brother and Peter can go.]
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Thankfully, Mikey understands and makes the decision for him. He looks at his little brother, then nods. Leo doesn't waste another second before picking Peter up in his arms bridal style and all but runs to the medbay.]
You're fine- you're gonna be fine, I've got you.
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He keeps the butt of his palm pressed against the wound. Peter knows the blood loss is going to be worse than the actual wound. He's going to hit shock soon enough.]
I know, I'm going to be okay. You're here, it's going to be okay. [He's trying for reassuring, its not quite right.]
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