Who: Azelma and Éponine Thénardier, and Scootaloo. What: Drama unfolds because Scoot decides to be an emo, jealous butt. Where: The side of the house they stay in. When: A week after this log. Rating:R for swearing and adult topics. TW for reference to self harm and parental abuse. So basic Thénardier warning. Status: Complete!
It had been a week or so since they found out and she was already steadily getting better. She still didn’t quite trust Scoot, but she could see how him and Éponine acted around each other. And how he treated her. As of now she was alone in the room they had set up for her, her sister having gone out to get stuff to decorate it and make it hers. Which was rather nice. A simple and elegant style. Sure it was a pain to have to stay in another room entirely while the paint dried, but when she came back it was nice. And the bed was the same kind as her sister’s. Her request after all.
She was just about to fall back asleep when she heard a knock at the door and pushed herself up. She hated having to sleep on her side, but knew it was for the best. “Come in.”
It was only natural that Éponine would come in to check on her sister. It’d been an... interesting week so far, and she was honestly pretty surprised by the progress she’d started to make towards trusting Scoot - true, she definitely wasn’t there yet, but... it was coming together a little faster than she’d initially expected.
“I didn’t wake you, did I?”
“I was awake and about ready to fall asleep again.” It was warm in her room, and nice, and cozy. She liked the warm. She sat all the way up and scratched at her head and made an even bigger mess of her hair. She was always one to mess up her hair with even the slightest movement. “Did you need me for anything?”
It was one of those things that made her Azelma, though, so definitely not something that Éponine could bring herself to point out or complain about. “I just wanted to check on you... everything okay?”
“I guess? I’m a little thirsty but that’s my usual recently.” She sighed and pulled the blanket down and off so she could get some proper clothes on and not just a shirt. She really needed to get some proper maternity clothes that she picked out. And not the still slightly off baggier size that Scoot got her. He did well enough, but it wasn’t like with Éponine where he actually had hands on experience.
“I can get you something... and then maybe we could go out, find you maternity clothes that actually fit?” It made sense to offer that. Sure, baggier clothes had their advantages sometimes, but... things that fit properly tended to be that little bit better.
“Just you and I?” She could hope right? Maybe Scoot was out somewhere already. Azelma had spent most of the week with Gav while Éponine did school, so being able to spend some time with just her sister would be amazing.
It couldn’t hurt to have some time with just the two of them, right? Éponine’d been so busy with school that she’d barely had any time to spend just with her sister... “Just you and me. Should be nice, right?”
“I’d really like that.” Smiled and grabbed the best fitting pair of pants and went in search for a shirt to wear. “I missed you most of all... I hope you know that. I thought about you often and always feared the worst. And to see that you are here, happy and having your life together. That makes me feel so much better.”
“It wasn’t easy, getting out here...” Éponine’d moved around so much to begin with, always fearing being found. She really had Seiya and Haruka to thank for helping her find somewhere concrete, somewhere safe... the two of them might not’ve gotten along, but they’d done her a massive amount of good - as had Scoot, of course. “I’m just so glad you’re here... with you and Gav around, I feel... more like myself, I guess.”
“More of a family...” Azelma trailed off and slipped the shirt on over her head before tugging it down. It still fit a bit too tightly for her own preference, but soon any shirt she wore would show it off regardless of how loose. She grabbed her brush and started to go through it, wincing still. Damn her sensitive scalp.
They were a family, weren’t they? Sometime soon, Éponine would have to tell Gavroche about her continued pressing for guardianship, but... that could wait for now. It wasn’t like it was easy or anything.
She gently took the brush off Azelma, not wanting her sister in pain. “Let me? I still remember how...”
Azelma nodded and sat down in the chair at her desk to make things easier for her sister to brush through her hair. “Do you think I’m ready for this? To be a mother?” Bit her lip, having been worried about it since they actually got to see the baby.
She was allowed to be worried about these kinds of things, right?
She was definitely allowed to be worried. Éponine would’ve been, if she’d been in the same sort of situation... not that there was much risk of anything like that happening, of course. “I think you can do anything, Az. You’re capable of great things.”
“How can you believe that? After everything I said? I don’t know who I am.” Sighed and slumped down lower in the chair, trying not to focus on it too much. Wouldn’t do her much good after all.
“Sometimes, I still don’t know who I am... we just take life as it comes. Safest way to do it.” Sure, Éponine had made a fair bit of progress since moving out here, but there were always slips, always things that set her back - it was just something she’d come to accept. “I just believe in you. You’re my little sister... and I’ll always believe in you.”
“I love you, sis...” Azelma meant that with everything in her. Éponine was the only person who seemed to get her. Seemed to care at all. She sighed when her hair was done, brushed it behind her shoulders then stood to hug her as tight as she could.
Éponine couldn’t help but smile, returning the hug as best she could. “I love you too, Azelma. Always will... nothing could ever change that.”
Azelma pushed even closer and felt the baby kick, not realising that Éponine might be able to feel it too. “I’m glad for that. So come on. Let’s get going! Maybe we can get something to eat while we’re out?”
Éponine certainly was able to feel it, which was... a strange feeling, really. At least it proved the child was strong, she supposed. “Of course we can. There are so many nice places here... it’s kind of insane.”
“Awesome!” Tensed when the kid kicked again, this time at her bladder. “Ack. Give me a moment.” Ran for the bathroom rather flaily. Damn kid!
Clearly, the baby was already living up to her duties as a Thénardier! Hopefully, she wouldn’t be this much of a pain for Azelma for the rest of the pregnancy... Éponine was pretty sure her sister needed rest, so.
Hopefully, yeah. She came back and looked rather annoyed. “Using your bathroom, forgot that one isn’t quite fixed.” She ran there. When she came back Éponine was in the hall. Azelma held up a razor she found hidden behind the toilet and arched a brow. “... this isn’t yours. Right?”
“I haven’t hurt myself like that for... a couple of weeks now.” And Éponine wasn’t going to make excuses for it. She knew full well that it wasn’t a good thing to do. “If it’s not mine, then... Scoot?”
And guess who was coming up the stairs. Scoot saw it and slowly made his way back down the stairs as quietly as possible but cringed when Azelma called his name. He knows full well Éponine is not going to be pleased with him.
Éponine definitely wasn’t pleased. If she wasn’t allowed to do things like this, why did Scoot think he could get away with it? Things didn’t work that way. “Want to explain this?”
Scoot ducked his head down and tried to fake a smile. “No?” Gave an unsure face and turned around. Maybe she’ll forget it, maybe? A guy could hope.
A guy could, yes, but not when it came to things like this. Éponine certainly wasn’t letting it slip - she’d never forgive herself if she did. “Scoot. You can’t avoid this.”
“It’s fine. I’m fine. Can you guys just dro-” Scoot stopped when Azelma interrupted him and he made a face.
“No we’re not going to just drop it. You’re not going to treat my sister that way. You explain yourself or I’ll make you explain.” Glared and held set the razor on the table in the hall and folded her arms.
Scoot gave a look of shock. What?!
What, couldn’t a Thénardier stand up for themselves and their siblings? Éponine and Azelma had always been close, so it was only natural that she’d take her sister’s side in this... “You heard her. Explain.”
“It’s a stupid reason, one I really don’t want to get into around your sister, okay?”
“Anything you have to say you can say around me.”
“No I really can’t. There are things you don’t know.”
“Like what?” Azelma was allowed to sound testy, right? She didn’t know any better, he hadn’t told her who he was.
“Like something I don’t feel comfortable telling you yet, goddammit. Keep your nose out from where it doesn’t belong!” Scoot shouted before backing off because he saw a tinge of fear in her eyes. “I’m sorry... Just. Urgh.” Turned around and into their room and slammed the door, flopping onto the bed and screamed into the pillows.
Azelma willed the rise of her issues down as best she could and looked to Éponine. “What’s his problem?”
Well. That’d gone fantastically. Éponine wasn’t sure how much she could really say... she didn’t want to out him, much as she trusted Azelma, which rather limited things. “He has more problems than he lets on. Probably been avoiding seeing Astra.”
“Men...” Rubbed her temple, even though part if it really was her fault. “You go deal with him, I’ll go get a snack and watch something on the TV.” Azelma shook her head as she headed down the stairs.
“Take care of yourself, okay?” Yes, even when she was just staying in the house, Éponine worried about her sister. She was the same way with Gavroche, really, and probably would be with their brothers too. “Shout if you need anything. You’re still more important to me.”
With that, she let herself into their bedroom, shutting the door behind her and leaning against it. She wasn’t going near him, not whilst he was like this. “Still not going to explain?”
“It’s awkward and selfish and what the hell was her problem. Doesn’t she understand privacy at all? I haven’t pressured her for anything.” Yeah, he’s more than a little angry with all of this. Mostly because what he’s been having issues with is because of stress and a limit of time with Éponine since her sister came here. Sure, he can see why she needs the constant watch this early on but she was his girlfriend and he deserved at least some attention, right?
“Azelma wasn’t going to let you hide something like that from me. It’s really that simple.” Whilst Scoot did deserve attention, Éponine had always been more concerned about her siblings than her relationships with anyone else. It was a preservation instinct, mostly, an attempt to keep all of them as safe as possible.
“It’s not like you’ve paid much attention to anything regarding me so... figured it would go unnoticed. Considering how little time we’ve spent together. Just proves it.” Turned away from her and folded his arms in annoyance at the world and currently everyone in it. Part of him really did understand her care for her siblings, but the other parts were just getting frustrated over having to share her time with even more people.
Was he trying to guilt-trip her? Seriously? How could he honestly think he could get away with something like that? “Well, excuse me for wanting to make sure my pregnant sister settles in okay. She’s been through hell. Just like me, just like Gavroche.”
“Just go, somewhere. I really don’t care where right now. I’m going to deal with something, you go play nanny.” Rolled his eyes and pushed a pillow over his face.
That wasn’t exactly a mature way to deal with things, was it? Sure, Scoot was younger than Éponine, but that really wasn’t an excuse... “I’m not going anywhere until you’re more yourself.”
“Get the fuck out, okay? I don’t want to be around you right now.” That was entirely a lie, but he was upset. For her not spending time, for him feeling selfish because he knows the others need her attention more than he does. Add dysphoria into the mix and you have one very frazzled man.
Honestly, he could do whatever the hell he wanted. Éponine wasn’t going to even think of him... she had her sister to attend to, things to plan for, and that was what really mattered. She left the room, heading downstairs to Azelma.
She hadn’t expected to see her crying, of course, so she was right by her side, instinctively pulling her into her arms. “Hey... it’s okay.”
“I’m sorry I made you guys fight. I’m sorry. I really am. I’m sorry.” Held tight to her, honestly thinking the worst of it. Thinking she made them break up. Thinking it was her fault that her sister would be unhappy.
“Everybody fights sometimes, Az...” Éponine lightly rubbed at her back, trying to calm her at least a little. It wasn’t like she and Scoot were perfect, after all, especially considering his... issues. “It’s not your fault. It’s just between me and him, okay?”
“No. It is my fault. If I hadn’t of said things, gotten protective, you two wouldn’t be mad at each other.” Whimpered and pulled away to wipe her eyes off. “You’ve spent all your time with me... Have you spent any with him?”
“I’ve not really had the time... but that happens sometimes.” Honestly, Éponine had thought that he’d understand. He knew how important her siblings were to her... and he didn’t tend to complain when she didn’t have time because of school or other things like that. “It’s not your fault at all. Believe me.”
Just as Azelma was about to say something she noticed orange and leaned to the side to see him standing there rather awkwardly, head mostly down but he was obviously looking at them. “What do you want?”
Scoot bit his tongue to keep from going off again and just waited for Éponine to acknowledge him being in the room. When it took longer than his patience could handle he spoke. “Éponine... I’m sorry.” Dragged his bottom lip under his upper teeth before continuing. “I’ve been an asshole that’s being selfish for wanting your attention. I’ve never been good with sharing and not being able to have you constant attention makes me lonely. And rather scared that you’re drifting from me. That I’m going to lose you to your family. I understand they need you right now more than I do. And you need them more than you need me at this point in time. I’ll be here when you ever want me.” And yeah, he said your family. He never had one of his own, and even with Haruka he still feels rather outcast. It’s going to take more than a few months to get him anywhere even close to feeling included. He ran a hand down his shoulder a few times.
“Just wanted to say that. I’ll go back upstairs now.” Turned and lifted his leg for the first one. He’s not intentionally trying to make anyone feel guilty, being open with his thoughts and emotions is not his strong point and it’s a huge thing that he actually admitted feeling lonely or scared.
“Scoot... don’t go.” If he honestly thought that Éponine would let him walk away after saying all that, he had another thing coming. “You’re not going to lose me to my family. Not when I’m pretty sure that... well, they’ll be your family too, one day. Gavroche certainly likes you enough for it...”
Scoot shook his head, trying to pull back tears as much as possible. Not manly to cry in his opinion, dammit. He looked to Azelma who seemed really unsure what to do. The only thing he could think would be to tell her. He guesses she has a right to know. “I wave two different flags when I go to a pridefest. Yellow, pink, and blue. And blue, pink, and white.” Bit his lip to will down the nerves admitting that means. Hell, if he has to explain anything further than that he’ll explode.
“Oh...” Lifted her hands to cover her mouth. “I’m so sorry... I.”
“Don’t be. You not realising is actually a compliment.”
“Told you that you pass pretty well.” Honestly, Éponine hadn’t met a single person who’d thought otherwise. Scoot was a man, and a damned handsome one at that. “That’s part of why I can trust him so easily, Azelma. He’s... not your usual kind of man.”
“Does that mean you guys can’t do it?” She asked innocently as one can when asking that kind of question and got a bit embarrassed when Scoot just began laughing.
In a way, that innocence was kind of endearing! Éponine certainly wasn’t going to laugh, though. “We can. He might not be your usual kind of man, but we can do just about everything that a normal straight couple can...”
And, technically, they could do more, but that wasn’t something that she was going to go into. Not least because she didn’t want to cause Scoot any more dysphoria.
Azelma made a face at Scoot for laughing, then went quiet for a little while before her eyes lit up. She was always the one with the plan to compromise! Come up with a way for everyone to get fair things. “How about... Scoot come with us. You and I can spend time together shopping, and Scoot can help carry the bags since lifting things is not good for the baby. And he can help with the stuff he’s going to have to put together. And then, we can get lunch and. Then you guys can drop me off with all the baby stuff and I can unpack it all and set it in a safe place and you guys can go out and do something!”
Sure she was still a little peeved at Scoot, but she could understand how the wrong body could make issues and stuff. And she wanted her sister happy. “How does that sound?!”
“I like the idea of it but you don’t have to... I don’t want to ruin your time.” Scoot said and moved to sit across from them on the other couch adjacent to where they were.
“You won’t be! We’ll be making you carry all our bags! It’s what guys do in those movies right? And it’s funny watching them struggle, it’ll be funny with you too.”
“HEY!” Scoot pouted and gave her a face.
Éponine couldn’t help but laugh. Oh, God, these two... “You don’t complain when I make you carry my bags, Scoot. What’s so different about doing it for Azelma?”
True, Éponine didn’t tend to do it very often, but that was besides the point.
“It’s just there will be twice the bags! Because I know you go a little crazy in the candy shop.” Stuck his tongue at her and squinched up his nose. He could tease her, right?
He certainly could! Éponine stuck her tongue out in return, ever the bastion of maturity. “Mostly with stuff that you want. Deny it if you can!”
“I can to deny it. Because all the candy we use tends to get used in the bedroom.” He then stopped and blushed because Azelma had turned several shades of pink and had the most traumatised face on the planet.
“Eeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww I don’t wanna know!”
Oh God. Éponine had to bite her lip to keep from laughing again, aiming for some kind of maturity. “We’ll spare you the details, Az. Even if we get to up to some interesting stuff...”
Azelma flailed and covered her hands over her ears. “LALALA I CAN’T HEAR IT I DON’T WANNA KNOW!” She was still so much a kid sometimes, mostly from her upbringing. She shut her eyes tight too just in case.
Scoot on the other hand began laughing so hard he had to hold his stomach because it hurt and nearly fell off the couch twice.
“Okay, okay. No details at all!” God forbid she ever walked in on them. That’d be terrible.
That would be hilarious in Scoot’s own opinion.
Azelma uncovered her ears and looked at them. “You done?”
“We’re done.” Well, hopefully. Éponine couldn’t really make any promises when it came to Scoot.
“Promise, no more. Today. No promises for tomorrow!” He teased and she threw a pillow at him. “HEY! I don’t have any ammo!”
“It’s one pillow, Scoot. I’m sure you’ll survive.” Or, well, he should’ve been able to. Éponine’d hit him with pillows in the past and he’d been just fine.
“I was not expecting it!” Gave another man pout before throwing the pillow back at her. Two could play at this game, dammit.
Oh God. Éponine couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head. “I swear, this is why you fit in this family... insane and inexplicable pillow fights are kind of our thing.”