(Distant screaming)
The air was silent, as if waiting in anticipation for the next response. Roger searched his mind for something to say, but when it comes down to it, he only knew to act; he'd been training to act first for years. He approached Juniper, his footsteps heavy along with his heart. He holds out his arms and embraces Juniper in a hug.
"You can't hurt us. I won't let that happen."
(Hi Aloe! How are you?)
Juniper bit her lip and hesitantly hugged him back, the tears she had tried so hard to hold in streaming down her face. She nearly collapsed right there. She missed contact. She missed someone caring for her. It had been so long since she last had someone comforting her and now she had Roger and Astrid here.
“I’m sorry!! I-I can’t… I-I just…” she gasped for air, wiping off her face. “I haven’t had anyone for so long…”
( AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA i got a job and i've been wildly busy but OWO i have a break today and then have 2 go back to working tomorrow!!!!!! it's a bit demanding but i'm taking that as a challenge!)
Astrid's eyes flickered near Juniper, her hand shaking gently as she forced herself to step closer.
"Out of everyone we've interacted with in this town, you're the kindest, smartest, and steadfast one we've met."
She fidgets, trying to come up with proper words.
"I know you'd never hurt us."
(Eeeyyy it’s okay fam! I’m glad you’re doing good and working hard!! BUT remember to take good breaks and sleep well!! Also remember to eat and don’t overwork yourself okey!? We love y’all so much.)
Juniper pulled her into the hug, burying her face between the two and sobbing softly. “You’re both more than I could ever have asked for… thank you….. thank you…..” she bawled, finally starting to calm down.
It took her a moment before she had regained her composure, wiping her face off and sniffling as she released them. “Thank you…. I can’t get over how perfect you both were for me in this moment…. I needed someone to care…”
(AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA thank u i love u 2 babe)
Astrid sniffed as she stood away, watching Roger trying to process the mixture of emotions his expression revealed. She inhaled, fidgeting her fingers.
"Okay, we should continue heading to your friend. I've never been outside at night and I wouldn't like to find out what it's like."
She chimed, trying to hide how tight her throat is.
(UwU)
Astrid’s fidgeting and words brought Juniper back to reality. She nodded, tensing as a creature howled somewhere off in the distance. The light was fading much too fast for her liking.
“Right, right… follow me.” She murmured, biting her lip and starting forwards once again, choosing the rooftop way instead of down below.
(I'm crying ur quick responses that are still good responses never fail to impress me)
Astrid and Roger lean forward to follow Juniper, the tension in the rush starting to rise. They knew they might have to stay the night away from home, but they hoped they could find a better form of shelter. Roger had never fought the creatures before; he only ever fought humans. He tries his best to shake off the memories, his eyes glazing over as he follows Astrid and Juniper.
(Really? I didn’t know I responded so quick XD personally i don’t think I’m that good but I’m flattered! AND BOI I LOVE YOUR RESPONSES AND CHARACTERS TOO! THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL!)
Juniper suddenly stopped, looking down at a boarded up hole underneath them. “Alright, we’re here. We should be safe with Stephan for the night. I’m not risking an attack. Roger will be dizzy when he wakes up. It’s just how the anesthesia works.”
And with that, she opened up the boarded hole and climbed down into a dimly lit room. “Come,”
(I SWEAR I'M ALIVE JUST ETERNALLY SCREAMING but frfr i'm so sorry i've been so inactive ever since I got a job I've really been struggling to find the time and energy to be productive :') )
Roger and Astrid exchanged concerned looks, but as Juniper climbed through the hole without hesitation, the two confused siblings did the same. Roger studied the room, eyes still adjusting to the lack of light, but Astrid could only watch Juniper, as if knowing that Juniper was there made Astrid feel safe.
(Oh no! You’re alright! Take as much time as you need Aloe. Work is more important but I’m glad you’re not dead I got worried.)
“Yo Stephan, I need some help.” She huffed, looking around as she folded her arms. The room was silent and dark. The windows around were boarded up.
It was a rather large space, completely trashed with a ripped sofa in the corner facing a destroyed television. A counter separated a dirty kitchen area from the main living space, complete with a rotting fridge and a rather dish-filled sink.
Juniper stopped at a mattress that laid against the counter, staring at the half-made bed. “He’s home…” She murmured, freezing when an arm snaked around her waist and a pair of cold lips met her neck.
“Mm, hello Juniper~ it’s nice to see you again, you’re still so small~.” Purred the male voice. His breath reeked of alcohol. He was tall and obviously drunk by the way he was hunched over and swaying slightly. Juniper scowled and pushed his face away.
“Ugh, get off me Atlas you ass! You reek! Where’s Stephan?” She growled, huffing as the male only tried to lean in for more kisses.
“Aww don’t be so cold, Junie… I’ve missed you~ Stephan’s out and won’t be back until dinner. Why don’t you stay? I want my girlfriend around more often.” Atlas slurred, grinning seductively.
“We’re not dating and have never been dating, Atlas you pervert.” Juniper managed to push him off of her. She grabbed a lantern and turned it on, revealing Atlas’s long, lanky figure. His hair was dyed a bloody red, his lips and nose pierced. All along his shirtless body were tattoos, many depicting snakes and roses or some sort of flower. All were colorful and stood out against his skin.
“Junie… I wanna date you though, we can’t seriously be just friends.” He whined, lifting a bottle of heavy alcohol to his lips. He froze when he noticed the two newcomers. “Who’s this Junie?”
(Sorry it’s long ^^’)
( 1. You're so sweet thank u it really makes me feel better that u don't mind lmao
2 . HOW THE FUCK DO YOU WRITE SO WELL AND SO FAST I'M S H A K I NG
3 . I'm gonna get some ice cream then I'll respond LMAO )
(1. I care fam!! A lot! I’m glad you’re safe!
(2. I DONT KNOW I JUST WRITE I DONT THINK IM THAT GOOD FAM
(3. Okkeeeyyy have fun!)
( GURL YOU HAVE A GIFT FOR WRITING DONT EVER THINK OTHERWISE )
Astrid winced as she watched Juniper grow uncomfortable with the stranger forcing himself on her. Roger stiffened as well, but kept silent in fear of making enemies with the only people that could help him. As the man, presumably named Atlas, noticed the two siblings, Roger puffed his chest out so as to appear taller.
"I'm Roger, and this is my sister, Astrid. And who are you?" He uttered, and unless Astrid was mistaken, she was pretty sure Roger lowered his voice pitch.
(AAHH THANK YOU BUT SO DO YOU!!!!! ASTRID IS SUCH A GOOD CHARAVTER AND I FREAKING LOVE THE STORYLINE YOUVE PROVIDED)
Atlas smirked as he watched Roger, pulling an angry Juniper into his side and holding her there by her waist. “Junie’s love interest~ Names Atlas. Me and Junie go waaay back, to when she and I were kids. Stephan’s her cousin see? And I am his friend” Juniper gasped and bit her lip, shaking her head.
“Atlas shut up!” She didn’t want the two new friends to know she and Stephan were related. Stephan was the only one who refused to leave Juniper and go up with the rest of the family. But they had fought… and thus her relationship with him wasn’t the best…
Atlas hummed and kissed Juniper’s cheek. “Oh hush Junie~! You’re always so cold. You and I were supposed to be lovers~” He cooed. She gagged and squirmed out of his hole, stumbling over to Astrid and Roger, covering her nose and mouth with her sleeve.
“God you reek! What have you been drinking?!” She asked, scowling.
“Just beer sweetie.”
(AAAAAAWWW THANK YOU!!! I ACTUALLY RECENTLY CREATED ANOTHER CHARACTER IN THIS STORYLINE THAT I WAS THINKING ABOUT ADDING TO THIS ROLEPLAY FOR SHITS AND GIGGLES BUT I'M TRYNA FIND A SMOOTH AND LOGICAL WAY TO IMPLEMENT HIM LMAO)
"Cousins?"
Roger's eyebrows shot up, quickly losing his fake intimidating demeanor. Roger turned to Juniper as she stumbled to his side. He wasn't sure he could trust anything that came out of this guy's mouth, especially with how aggressively he's trying to force a fact that Juniper loathes.
"Is that true?" Roger whispered to Juniper.
Unknowingly, Astrid stepped over to Juniper, as if to stand in the way between Atlas and Juniper.
(DO IIIT FAM I’d love to see another character!!!)
Juniper growled softly, looking away. “It is. But I can hardly stand the guy… he’s too distant.” She murmured, stepping a little closer to Astrid. “That was a fact you guys didn’t need to know. We’re as good as strangers.”
Atlas cackled, flopping down onto the couch and downing the rest of his bottle. “Whatcha need the great ‘Doctor’ Stephan for anyways?” He asked with a grown, throwing the bottle at a pile of broken glass in the corner.
“Roger needs a chip removed. And Stephan is the only one I trust to do it right.” She explained.
(I'LL TRY MY BEST AHAH HE'S PRETTY COMPLEX AND I'VE NEVER WRITTEN HIM OTHER THAN EXCERPTS)
Roger furrowed a brow at this strange kid. Something about it seemed familiar to him, but he couldn't quite place it. Roger's eyes began to glaze over; exiled memories forcing their way through the barriers that Roger put up as he starts to lose balance. When Roger hears Juniper say his name, he snaps out of it. Luckily, Astrid hadn't noticed.
(OH THATS OK FAMM LOVE YOU.)
“Oh…” Atlas sat up and frowned. “Chip eh?” His eyes wandered over Roger, narrowing softly. “Ain’t he that ruthless one that’s with the government?” He asked quietly, glaring.
“No. He’s not. He’s a perfectly fine and normal human being. Don’t call him ruthless. He’s loving.” Juniper said sharply.
“What? You in love with him? Is that why you won’t date me?” He asked back, his voice just as harsh and as sharp.
“No! He’s Astrid’s brother!”
( AHH I LOVE YOU TOO also on a completely unrelated note i know you've described Juniper's appearance but do u think u could give me a full run-down of what she looks like? i'm definitely not thinking about drawing her or anything hahahahahahhah whattttt psshhshshshshs)
Roger's eyes fell to the ground as Atlas spoke the relentless words against him. He didn't want to object to the name-calling, because he didn't feel as if Atlas was completely incorrect. Surprisingly enough, Astrid spoke up.
"The only ruthless one here is you."
She forced out, her eyes unable to make eye contact, thus hindering her attempt at intimidation. Roger turned to Astrid in shock, not expecting her to make such a defiant move, but appreciated his sister for standing up for him.
(WAIT SERIOUSLY!? YOU’D DRAW HER?! Heck yessss!!! It’ll take a little bit but I’ll Get a good description up when I can!! I’m at a game right now but I’m still gunna reply to the rp XD)
Atlas stood, growling suddenly. He looked a little angry. “Shut up. You don’t know anything about me….” he turned to juniper next. “You’re helping one of them now?!” He spat. The sound of a door opening drew his attention away from Juniper and the other two. He glared at the Kid who stood there. He was shorter than Atlas, but a lot heavier built than the other. His nearly black hair was long and pulled up in a bun. His eyes were a darker brown than the sky outside and his face more scarred than Juniper’s. He froze when he saw her.
“Junie?! You’re back!? How have you been! What’s going on?” He asked, hurrying over to her and holding her face, turning it this way and that. “Oh thank God~ you’re alright!” He murmured, hugging her close. She froze up.
“Stephan… please let go. I have a friend who is in desperate need of your help.” He froze for a moment.
(Damn u straight up wildin girl ALSO OKAY !! i might procrastinate it a lot but yes i really want 2 draw her lmaO)
Roger couldn't help but smile for Astrid, knowing how much courage that took for her to even say something in the moment. He noticed she had been quiet the whole time and the fact that she finally mustered up the courage to stand up for him really made Roger proud. As Stephan walked in and examined Juniper closely, Astrid seemed back to her usual, nervous self. Roger lifted a meek hand and waved as Juniper explained the situation.
(Ahahaha thanks man also, I’m so honored that anyone would even think about drawing my character T^T thanks faaammmm)
It took all but a moment for Stephan to freeze and relax. It was strange to watch his expression but eventually he walked over to Roger and held his hand out. “Stephan, I’m willing to help. Juniper knows who to trust.” He murmured.
Juniper was stuck with Atlas who had grabbed her arm and was now whispering in her ear. She had a scowl on her face but it soon softened.
(AAAAWWWW OFC I'D LOVE TO DRAW JUNIPER SHE'S AMAZING also this might be my last post for the night before i log off haha so goodnight!! )
"I should hope so." Roger utters as he shakes Stephan's hand. "I still can't promise that I know who to trust, so don't make me regret my decisions."
Astrid wasn't sure how she felt about what Roger just claimed. She thought Roger already knew he could trust her? What did they put Roger through that would warp his sense of reality so much that he couldn't even trust his own sister? What is pushing Roger along right now?
(Night fam!!!! Love ya!!! Be safe!!!)
Stephan nodded softly. “What is it you need?” He asked gently, lowering his hand slowly. “I can guarantee a safe and clean procedure and I also can get you some anesthetic to help…”
Juniper eventually gasped and shoved Atlas away, glaring. “Pervert.” She growled.
(GoOD MORNING AAAAAAAAAAAAA)
Roger stuttered slightly.
"Uh, I-I need…a chip removed?" He still wasn't completely sure how it all worked, but the way Juniper spoke with certainty helped Roger. Astrid eyed Atlas, hoping he would calm down and stop harassing Juniper, but her focus shifted back to Stephan and Roger.
(Ahaha good morning well I guess it’s afternoon now xD)
The two in the back began to bicker, Juniper complaining about Atlas’s sense of personal space and Atlas just defending himself with a smirk and a snicker. Stephan suddenly turned and glared at the two. “Shut up!” He growled. They both immediately shut their mouths, looking a little sheepish. Stephan turned back.
“Oh. Where is it? I’ve done a few chip removals in my time, you should be fine.” He joked with a wink. He was probably as old as Roger, maybe a little older. “I can’t promise you’ll be healed in less than a week, however… be careful on your head, don’t rip the stitches after they are put in, got it? Now here, come sit on the couch, I’ll Go get my tools.” He murmured, biting his lip.
Roger took an uncomfortable seat on the couch as he placed his hands just above his knees, trying not to appear nervous, but failing miserably. Astrid sat next to him and placed a hand on his shoulder, not sure how to comfort him otherwise, as she looks at the floor.
The other male left the room, leaving an awkward silence as Xio struggled to get Atlas off of her. The kid was really bugging her but he always had when he was drunk.
Stephan returned with a large box, opening it to reveal an assortment Of medical supply’s. “Are you allergic to anything?”
Roger furrowed a brow, shaking his head lightly.
"I don't think s-"
"Citrus."
Astrid's voice broke through Roger's. She was staring at the floor, almost intently, with a look of absolute certainty.
"He can't eat citrus, it hurts his tongue."
Roger blinks, realizing theres still parts of his memory he hadn't recovered.
“Citrus won’t be a problem here.” He assured, pulling out a needle filled with something. “This is just an anesthetic to relax you. You’ll be out for a small moment of time. May I use it on you?” He asked gently, holding out his hand for Roger’s arm.
Juniper soon joined the other’s, biting her lip as she slid closer to Astrid. “It’s going to be okay. Stephan is trustworthy.”