downvoted | (no subject)

Jupiter does help me with some of that.

[Gently running his fingers over Ariel's cheek, fond.]

[ Juuuust... kind of watches. That. ]

He does...

[He flushes a bit at that, a relatively recent development that Tristan's probably already noticed some time ago. Growing up, and all that. He tilts his head up to look at Jupiter's face, then glances back to Tris.]

Why don't you give me something to do? I could help, couldn't I?

[It's probably a bold question, but when Jupiter's role is pointed out right in front of him, he can't help but feel a little useless.]

[It's not that he minds Ariel blushing when he does this, it makes him happy. But he won't pursue that, hasn't since it started. At least not at the moment.]

[But Ariel asking to help, it's new and alarming. Ariel doesn't need to be involved in politics.]

You keep us company don't you?

[Jupiter pauses for yet another comment, then decides not to pursue questioning about the flushing. God knows he doesn't want to be questioned about his. At the very least, he can cover it up for being thoughtful about Ariel's request.]

I think it'd be good for him.

I-- Ah...

[He's not sure what to say. His reflex is to back down immediately. If Tristan doesn't want him to do something, he probably shouldn't. He lives the way he does for his own good. But Jupiter's contradicting that, and he doesn't know how to respond.]

It's alright. I don't have to.

[He frowns, at both of them. This isn't what he wants but Ariel isn't a child, as sheltered and innocent as he's kept. If he begins to get restless... He leans back, looking out the window with a scowl.]

I'll think about it. There might be something.

[He can control that at least, direct Ariel's energy and keep him safe from bad influences without making him feel so confined.]

I can think of a few things if you can't.

[Tristan looks unhappy, and that's upsetting. He's never been anything but kind and caring and attentive, so for Ariel to have said something that makes him look so angry is clearly out of line. Tristan wants him to be safe and happy, and he wants Tristan to be happy in return. So he wilts, his smile becoming forced as he reaches for Tris's hand.]

No, it's really fine. Being here to support you is important too.

We can talk about it later.

[When he's more prepared with ideas for keeping Ariel out of trouble, out of anything shocking or unpleasant.]

[ Gives Ariel a gentle shoulder squeeze! ]

You're gonna be held to that.

We don't-- Okay?

[Honestly the idea of bothering Tristan long-term is more stressful than just being told no. But he doesn't argue, he just settled back against Jupiter and worries.]

It's fine. Let's just talk about something else right now.

You guys still haven't touched your cocoa.

Oh... That's right.

[He detaches himself from the both of them, going to get his mug. When he has it he sits down by the law table, keeping to himself for now.]

Thank you for making it.

[Tris sighs and gets up, going to fetch his own cocoa too, ruffling Jupiter's hair on the way.]

It smells good.

Of course it does. I made it.

That's very confident of you.

[He takes a sip, just watching them both fondly. They're his and they're safe and they're here and maybe he's frustrated with not being able to push his political agenda because of the storm, and maybe he's scared of Ariel's dreams (his memories) and maybe he is apprehensive about giving Ariel more to do--but just at this moment he's also very happy. It's nice.]

Confidence is good if it's warranted isn't it?