#jeetle

Round 1

thinking about them

“why do i have to be the one who’s getting dolled up?” septimus asks, sitting on the edge of the bed, his eyes closed.

“because you lost the bet, dingbat,” jenna says affectionately. 

“you’re the actual queen!” septimus protests.

“and you’re the prettiest out of the three of us,” beetle says gravely, looping an arm around his girlfriend and giving septimus a look. “besides, if she asks you to do it and you don’t, you’re at risk of prison.” 

“like i’m afraid of a holding cell,” septimus scoffs. “okay, do your worst.” 

-

jenna and beetle are very gentle, as gentle as can be. jenna combs out septimus’s hair, something she’s grown adept in from combing out various heap brothers’ hair over the years, mostly for fun. she braids a flower crown into his hair, taking care that he’s relaxing while she does this. beetle meanwhile, is carefully applying some sort of blush on septimus’s face, a task he is unexpectedly good at. jenna knows this - he’s fixed her make-up too many times for her to not know that when it comes to cosmetics, beetle’s art gallery level talented.

-

septimus opens his eyes after what feels like ages, ready to see something embarassing like clown make-up. instead, he sees himself with flowers in his hair and glitter on his face, his cheeks a little pinker than usual, his eyes lined with even maroon strokes and metallic copper shades on his cheekbones. everything about the makeover he was dreading is a clearly visible act of love. he suddenly wonders if this is what kids do at sleepovers with their best friends, and his heart aches with wonder and gratitude. 

“do you... like it?” jenna asks, hesitant.  beetle looks equally unsure, his hands covered in the same colours that line septimus’s face. 

septimus blinks. “this is absolutely lovely,” he says, his voice somehow softer than he’d known it could go. “thank you both so much.”