Third Floor Common Room, Tuesday Afternoon

[noonedecidesmyfate]

It was rather hot outside and Belle's only class of the day had involved things being melted or set on fire or both. This called for iced tea in the common room rather than hot tea.

She had a book with her on the couch, a glass of tea beside her along with a package of cookies she'd found in a cupboard, and a mostly full pitcher remaining on the counter for anyone else in need of a cool, refreshing beverage.

It seemed like it would be a lovely afternoon to sit somewhere cool and read for a while.

[Open common room is open, of course!]

Comments

[apocalypsehow]

"...did you make it?" Or was it mysteriously present here.

[noonedecidesmyfate]

"Yes. I do know how to make tea, Five."

[apocalypsehow]

"Well, it's that or mysteriously appearing food that can't be trusted!" No, he was just paranoid about things.

Alcohol, on the other hand, that could mysteriously appear all the time.

[noonedecidesmyfate]

"I have a package of cookies as well," Belle said, holding them up. "If you'd like some."

She hadn't made those, obviously, but the package hadn't been opened yet.

[apocalypsehow]

"...I suppose I could." Did they have fiber in them? He needed that fiber.

[noonedecidesmyfate]

They had chocolate in them, Five. That was much more important than fiber when it came to snacks!

"Take as many as you like," Belle told him, handing over the package. "There were others in the cupboard."

[apocalypsehow]

"Thank you," Five said, taking the box to take a handful like the teenage boy he appeared to be.

[noonedecidesmyfate]

That was what cookies were for. Eating too many of!

"You're welcome. Are you staying?" There was room on the couch. Or in a chair.

[apocalypsehow]

"For now, I can." It was so hot out, of course he was.

[noonedecidesmyfate]

"Don't put yourself out," Belle told him with just a hint of an eyeroll.

She wanted the company, couldn't you tell?

[apocalypsehow]

"I won't," Five said, taking a seat on the couch. "Don't worry about that."

[noonedecidesmyfate]

"I didn't think you would," Belle told him. "Have you been spending much time with your family? Or are they just sending you odd gifts?"

[apocalypsehow]

"As much as I can stomach," Five replied. Because they did tend to want to kill each other after extended time in each other's company. "It's... nice."

[noonedecidesmyfate]

Wanting to kill each other was only reasonable considering the people involved.

"Nice? Really?" What a surprising word choice. I'm glad."

[apocalypsehow]

"They're my family, for good or for bad."

And usually for bad and giving him an ulcer.

[noonedecidesmyfate]

Maybe they should have sent over some heartburn medication instead of all that fiber.

"They are," Belle agreed. Of course, she'd only ever really met Five's dead alien dad and sort of his hot brother. She really had no idea what the rest were like. "I am glad you got them all back."

[apocalypsehow]

All equally dumb and infuriating, but he'd stab anyone who tried to take them from him again.

"Thank you," Five said with actual sincerity.

[noonedecidesmyfate]

To be fair, Five didn't really need an excuse to start stabbing people.

"You're quite welcome," Belle said, turning to face him.

That was the moment, of course, that Belle ceased being herself and became a small marsupial. One who was about to jump off the couch.

[apocalypsehow]

"Are you kidding me?!" See? See? See how this happened sometimes and it wasn't magic?

[noonedecidesmyfate]

Excuse you, this was definitely magic! There was zero science involved in turning girls into tiny fuzzy creatures who liked to jump off things.

If a sugar glider could say "wheee" Belle would be doing so when she leapt off the couch.

[apocalypsehow]

Which meant Five had to angrily teleport over to catch the creature before it could hit the ground. "Are you insane?"

[noonedecidesmyfate]

How could you be angry at this tiny furry face, Five? HOW?

Especially when tiny furry Belle decided now was a good time to stop jumping and start clinging.

[apocalypsehow]

Well. He was Five. So.

Five sighed heavily at the rodent that was now his to take care of until this wore off. "I'll get you back for this," he warned, holding onto her carefully.

[noonedecidesmyfate]

A rodent? How very dare.

Tiny fuzzy Belle just clung to his hand.

Wasn't this payment for when he'd been a cat, anyway?

[apocalypsehow]

...maybe. But that wasn't the important thing right now!

He sighed and huffed, opening up his breast pocket to fit her into. There, nice and safe and close. "If you fall out, I'll---I'll be very upset with you."