#romantium

After a few additional hours working on the devices, Rubyn called it a day and dragged the Boys over to the Cantina. Sai only followed reluctantly, he wanted to get it done already. But the others are tired and Rubyn was adamant. Jack squealed when he saw what the Cantina offered! He shoved Sai on one of the gaming mats and hopped onto the other. Jack and Sai love games of all kind and it's been far too long since they had the chance to play some video games together.

Ji Ho and Vlad stayed outside - to recharge. They are still too worn up after teleporting and the noise and commotion inside the cantina would only make it worse for them.

Jack and Kiyoshi were planning their late night Grim Reaper quests. And while Jack was still busy reading the tome, Kiyoshi asked Rubyn about some plants they could graft. Mos Verdantis is self-sufficient, so of course Rubyn owns a greenhouse. Rubyn: "Use whatever plants you want, I'm always looking for some new breeds. The greenhouse is right behind the yard we had dinner." Kiyoshi: "Awesome, thanks!"

Jeb had dragged Sai over to a little nook where they could talk for a while in peace. But Sai only had their mission to find Tiny Can (and desintegrate him) on his mind. Jeb: "Can we maybe just not talk about our problems for a while? It's the first time for ages we're on something that could count as a date." Sai stopped in his motion. A date? With Jeb? NOW? Omg!

Saiwa straightened, aghast: "Eh, sure. What do you want to talk about instead?" Jeb smiled: "We barely haven't seen each other for months. I'm sure we figure something out. I saw you started reading. What books do you like?" Saiwa blushed. It's embarrassing to tell Jeb he's reading steamy gay romance books. But it's also a good chance to get them talking about their love life, right? Sai: "Eh. I found these romance books and I really like them."

Jeb blushed. So Sai is reading books about hot guys...other hot guys. He was a bit jealous. And worried Sai could look somewhere else for the things he couldn't give him. And sad, because he couldn't give Sai what he was longing for - apparently. But this could be a good starter to talk about their love life - and to tell Sai about his worries. And maybe find some solutions? And so Jeb listened closely to what these hot guys were up to in Sai's favourite books. Surprisingly these novels were not only about making out and wild woohoos. They offered interesting plots for all tastes and endearing characters. This wasn't as humiliating as Jeb had expected it to be. They forgot time and talked for hours. They didn't even notice the others already all left.

Ji Ho and Vlad went to their tent early. Ji Ho feels how happy Vlad is to be here and on the way to their tent, he coaxed Vlad into a conversation about this place, spaceships and Star Wars. Almost just like a normal couple ^^' Ji Ho can even comprehend why Vlad is so amazed. This place is stunning.

Jack and Kiyoshi are already busy in the greenhouse - with Grim's requests.

Jack: "Huh? It's stuck somehow." Kiyoshi: "Wait, I'll help you open it up a little wider..." Jack: "Ah! That's better! ... Look at that plump stem jutting out! I can barely get my hand around it's girth!" Sai: "Hey! Do your filthy mates, just mates stuff in silence!" Jack laughed: "Are you jealous? Don't worry - we're at the greenhouse and the door got stuck. And I was referring to a plant and not to Kiyoshi's 'stem' hahaha." Sai muttered to himself: "I'm going to kill him..." Jeb: "I'm heading to the bathroom." Nooo! Sai wanted to tempt Jeb for a good night kiss before they went to sleep in their tents. Dammit. No kiss - and another night with Jack...

Sai trudged in one of the empty tents. It had been such a nice evening with Jeb, and now he'd ruined it - because of Jack! Who knows when they were able to be alone together again. He just took off his clothes and rummaged furiously in his suitcase when the tarpaulin rustled. Are Jack and Kioyshi already done? Jeb gasped: "I... I'm sorry! Forgot - forgot..." Omg, it's Jeb!

Sai dropped what he had in his hands: "What are you doing here? Aren't you sharing a tent with Kiyoshi?" This kicked Jeb out of his stupor and he laughed: "As if anyone could separate Jack from his fated mate ^^' " Sai: "Oh." Jeb was so enchanted by the look of Sai, he wasn't able to stop himself from saying: "You're utterly beautiful." Sai held his breath for a second, but he was unable to hold his words back either: "I want you so bad, Jeb."

Jeb hauled Sai in his arms and kissed him hungrily. He had no idea where this sudden boldness came from ö.Ö' But it felt so right.

What they didn't knew was, that Jack, that little rascal, stashed his Romantium ore under Sai's bed! The same ore that had been responsible for Jack and Kiyoshi's woohoo in the Sanctum! Let's hope Sai is never going to find it. Or he will really kill Jack ö.Ö'

'I wanna glide down over Mulholland I wanna write her name in the sky I'm gonna free fall out into nothin' Gonna leave this world for a while Now I'm free (Free fallin', I'm-a free fallin', I'm-a) Free fallin' (Free fallin', I'm-a free fallin', I'm-a) Yeah, I'm free (Free fallin', I'm-a free fallin', I'm-a) Free fallin' (Free fallin', I'm-a free fallin', I'm-a) Tom Petty - Free Fallin'

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On a grey and hazy morning on whatever planet they were on, Sai got up early to check if the solar radiation storms had stopped. Seemingly. The lights were on, the droids hummed and beeped and did whatever they were supposed to do.

And the registration office was manned too. Awesome! Registration Office Droid: "Good Morning, Sir. My name is hephaestus. How can I help you today?" Ah a nice and friendly officer! That's a sight to behold ö.ö Quickly get that code, grab the others and leave to find the tin can! To finally get that Therapy Game stopped!

Saiwa: "Good Morning, hephaestus. I'm Saiwa and I need a registration code for our droid scanner." hephaestus: "Very well, Sir. Fill out this form, please." Sai did as told and handed the form back. hephaestus: "Due to your statements, you need the scan permission only once." Saiwa: "That's correct." hephaestus: "To locate and eliminate the astromech 'Tiny Can' who runs the 'Therapy Game'." Saiwa: "Also correct."

hephaestus: "Permission denied." Saiwa: "What? But we need to stop him!" hephaestus' face display went black, blinked and showed the following: 'Initiating Calm Protocol - 187b for difficult customers - please wait...' Sai blinked too. Difficult customer? How ...? Then hephaestus came back: "Sir, we ask you to leave quietly before we inform the authorities for attempt murder of a sentient being. I don't know where you come from, but we take androids rights very serious. Punishing an android without a fair trial is illegal and will result in prosecution. You are hereby banned from this planet. Head directly - and with no detours - to the shuttle landing site. The drones will track you." Saiwa: "But..." hephaestus: "Immediately!"

And really, a drone poped up above Saiwa and followed him! Drone: "Run!" And Sai ran. Seems he's getting some of his own medicine here ö.ö' As often as he'd said that to Jack ^^'

How are they supposed to stop the tin can now from dragging more and more innocent people into that damn game?

The drone shot a warning bolt at Sai. Saiwa: "OUCH!" Drone. "Keep running."

He has to contact the others before the shuttle leaves! Luckily he can run and text Jeb at the same time!

It seems they still have time, no shuttle in sight. Phew.

Sai sent Jeb another message and told them to hurry up! But Jack is missing!

He thought he was the first to wake up and also went to the registration office ^^' Jack: "Good day, dear friend. I'm Jack and an astromech friend of me went missing. Is there anything I can do?" hephaestus: "Good day, Jack. My name is hephaestus and I'm always glad to help. Do you have a droid scanner?"

Jack: "Yes." hephaestus: "Perfect. Here is the permission code. I hope you get your friend back soon. Good luck! Oh, and there is some brute out there who is trying to harm your friend! Make sure to desintegrate him before he suceeds!" Jack: "WHAT? Oh my! Sure, will do, thanks for the warning!" hephaestus: "Have a good day!" Jack: "You too!"

Then Jack went over to the market. To look if there are more of these books available. Kiyoshi: "Jack! JACK!? Where are you?" Jack: "Over here. There are more of these books!"

Kiyoshi: "Oh. Do you really want to read more of them?" Jack: "Sure! Maybe I'll find one about the Night Shadow/Saiwa hahaha." Kiyoshi: "But what if it's about Conny/me and the Night Shadow?" Jack: "Ugh, that would be weird..." Kiyoshi: "Jack, we need to leave. We're in kind of a kerfuffle and have to take the first shuttle. Hurry if you want to buy them."

Kiyoshi went ahead and one of the aliens came up to him. Alien: "I see you're checking out. We hope you enjoyed your stay. Let's see. Three of the 'Mother's Sweetest' Suites, no breakfast. Makes 1387 credits." Kiyoshi: "Eh, sure."

Alien: "The Mother Plant surely was in a mood yesterday, huh?" The alien winked and nudged Kiyoshi twice. Kiyoshi: "?" Alien: "The solar radiation storms enhance the Romantium in her tank, you know? You used the hot tub. You must have felt it." Kiyoshi to himself: "So these really were tentacles we felt???" Jack: "What?" Kiyhoshi: "Nothing!"

They caught the shuttle just in time and headed back to Great A'Tuin II...

It seems Jack found more of the spicy books. We got no likes on the post with the first of these books, so I thought it was a bit much ö.Ö' Or maybe you read/liked it and just wanted to stay anonymous?

Omg I just wanted to move the Boys and Lenny back to Great A'Tuin II, went in build mode from the map (to make the ship accessable for Lenny, since he can't teleport) and when I returned to manage worlds, the endless loading screen happened! So even though we don't have a single of these damn rental lots in the game (I even deleted the ones in Tomarang that came with For Rent), the save corruption hit us too? ö.ö' I hope we can at least shoot the last episodes until our inZOI break in March. That save is 10+ years old T.T Even though I make an update each month, it's still a pain.

Today's song is not lyrics/mood related to the episode, as always. Its MV inspired me to build this lot. And: the main cast includes a goat 🐐

Bouncy - ATEEZ

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After eating those strange alien vegetables and fruits, Jeb left the crew mess. Jack and him are still alive. That's a relief. And it will help them to overcome the time until they are able to stock their supplies. Let's hope the cat creature likes the new diet too ö.Ö Since the communication system and some other crucial components are still not working, they just stayed on their route to Batuu. They have no access to their map data either and can't take any detours to buy what they need.

Sai was just caring for the Little Ones, when he spotted Jeb. They'd been avoiding each other since Jeb dropped the bomb that he'll never be able to properly woohoo Sai... But Sai is no one who gives up that easily: "Jeb. Wait!"

Sai: "We're not caged at the bridge anymore so we could resume our yoga practise in the 'meadow', what do you think?" Poor Jeb doesn't think at all. He doesn't even know if they are still resuming their relationship...

A little yoga didn't hurt anyone so he just went over to the meadow with Sai to meet the others. But there aren't any others... Two of them are always supposed to be on duty at the bridge and the other two are probably sleeping to be fit for their duty on the bridge... So it's only the two of them.

They silently started their practise. Silent until Skully started his record player:

'Whenever blue teardrops are fallin' And my emotional stability is leaving me There is something I can do I can get on the telephone and call you up, baby'

Sai didn't remember this song but he was delighted that Skully played something relevant and sweet for once.

'And honey I know you'll be there to relieve me The love you give to me will free me If you don't know the thing you're dealing Oh I can tell you, darling, that it's sexual healing

Let's make love tonight (Wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up) 'Cause you do it right'

It's 'Sexual Healing' from Marvin Gaye! Delighted too early... Sai sighed. Why didn't they just leave Skully in that cave in the Therapy Game?!

It was hard letting go of all the thoughts and feelings that where torpeding them - just like letting clouds passing by... A new wave of Romantium permeating the air didn't make it easier either... But the Boys are practising yoga, meditation and tantra for so many months now, Sai and Jeb managed to remain in their realm of serenity even though the goats were also couriously gathering around them 🐐probably having their usual inappropriate chitchat about the Boys and their love life...

Jeb was aware that Sai also initiated a few of their tantra exercises. And so it was awkward again after they'd finished. How can Sai still want him after he destroyed his dream to loose his virginty to him? Or was it just one of their random exercise sequences and Sai didn't think anything by it? Sai: "You can shower in our quarters, I'll go over to Jack's."

Jeb was confused. Does that mean Sai moved out? He always wanted Sai to move in with him when they had their own places at their home. But Sai always refused. He needs a place of his own. And Jeb tried to understand. So it was to expect that Sai felt uncomfortable to live here together with him. Did Jeb make the right decision to start all over again with Sai. After all those times they broke up and got together again? It's all too painful for him. But how is he supposed to live without Sai? Wouldn't it be easier if both of them found someone who matched better?

If it only weren't so hard. Jeb shed a few tears and when he finally regained his composure and stepped out of the bathroom, Sai was standing there. Very close. Right before him. All beautiful and gorgeous. How could he have thought of leaving him just a few minutes before?! When he would gladly take each stab in his heart just to be near him.

Jeb: "Sai..." Saiwa noticed that Jeb doesn't call him 'Vanië' anymore for a while now, his term of endearment for him. (And the part of Sai's overly long name that means 'beauty/beautiful') Sai: "I'm sorry I freaked out. Jack and Ji Ho told me a while ago that you don't want to hurt me. I just didn't want to realize the full extent of it. But we can still make this so good for us, hm?" Jeb: "So - we don't break up again?" Sai: "What? No! I told you that I won't fail you again and we will make this work. I did everything I promised you and I improved. A lot. Look how I didn't complain once about being the captain of this crazy mission, hm? I improved." Jeb: "But I failed you. I can't give you what you crave."

Meanwhile the AC was doing a good job spreading the Romantium all around.

Sai: "Can we please stop overthinking this - us? I love you more than anything and I know you love me too. Let's just make this good for us. As good as we can. We are going to put all our effort in and be our best selves and that will do." Jeb: "Do you think this will be enough for you?" Sai: "I do and it will. I just want you. And I will show you how eager I am to make us work." Jeb was dazed. Maybe because of the Romantium. Or because Sai has this intoxicating effect on him.

And Skully turned the record player louder:

'Baby, I got sick this mornin' (heal me my darling, heal me my darling) A sea was stormin' inside of me Baby, I think I'm capsizin'(heal me my darling, heal me my darling) The waves are risin' and risin'

And when I get that feeling I want sexual healing Sexual healing is good for me Makes me feel so fine, it's such a rush Helps to relieve the mind, and it's good for us

Come take control, just grab a hold Of my body and mind, soon we'll be making it, honey I'll be feeling fine You're my medicine, open up and let me in Darling, you're so great, I can't wait for you to operate (Heal me my darling)

I can't wait for you to operate'

Sai started to kiss along Jeb's neck: "We will *kiss* work *kiss* so hard *kiss*. And it will *kiss* make us sweat."

And Jeb stopped thinking again. No thoughts about how weird it was. Sai going from 'NooooOOOOoooo!' to 'Don't worry, we will make it work' ... (You can thank Jack later ^^')

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It's Samhain 🎃 The Boys don't have much time to prepare or decorate. They don't even have time to sleep in these busy times here in space. But at least Jack and Jeb are placing some grass mats for the goats, so they don't have to live on the sad gray metal floor 🐐

Sai and Kiyoshi are unboxing the cooler Rubyn had packed for them for their first days. Sai: "I could swear this plate wasn't empty when I checked just a few hours ago..." Kiyoshi: "Maybe Jack couldn't wait for dinner?" Sai: "He's always hungry ^^' " Kiyoshi: "It's still enough for everyone, let's set the table."

Since the bridge needs to be staffed at any time, they chose to celebrate right here, so no one is left out. Jack thought it would be 'nice' to watch a horror movie on the big screen ö.ö

Sai doesn't think this is a good idea. Jack barely can sleep alone after they'd been kidnapped and tortured years ago: "Yeah - and like always you'll toss and turn and you won't be able sleep then - because you're so afraid..." he hissed. Jack just laughed: "No one is as scary as our Captain ^^' But don't you worry, my mate here will take good care of me. I sleep so much better when he's by my side." Sai: "Did you just take a photo of me hissing?" Jack: "For our Halloween greeting card!"

Huh, this movie is really scary ö.ö Jack is glad that Kiyoshi will stay by his side tonight... Same for Kioyshi, as it seems ^^'

Aouwww - they finished and decorated the Little Goats' meadow before dinner! And there is even Malfoy and Sai's bunny friend! All summoned by the Little Goats.

Skully prepared a halloween playlist and it starts with The Time Warp:

'It's astounding Time is fleeting Madness takes its toll But listen closely Not for very much longer I've got to keep control

I remember doing the Time Warp Drinking those moments when The blackness would hit me And the void would be calling

Let's do the Time Warp again Let's do the Time Warp again'

And the Little Goats were jumping to the left and then they took a step to the ri - hi - hi - hi -hi -ight... Since they aren't able to put their hooves to their hips, they just jumped and bounced around a little more ^^'

After the party, Jack and Kiyoshi went to their quarters. And look who's already waiting: Skully! (Jack hadn't even noticed him in the cargo bay before...) Jack: "Oh no..." Skully: "Right, you forgot me! I would still sit sad and alone beyond the Veil if my little friends hadn't taken me with them!" Just that Jack didn't 'forget' Skully. He left him behind on purpose...

And, besides Jack's menagerie, there is also the magic guitar of Toru, which witnessed Jack and Kiyoshi's first kiss, and the first woohoos of Kiyoshi and Jack and Ji Ho and Vlad!

Kiyoshi and Jack are checking out the quarters they are going to share for the upcoming weeks. It's a long time ago since only the two of them had shared a room (except for the nights after they decided to be mates, just mates). They had to keep their relationship a secret so they couldn't openly sleep together. (The only times I remember were at the Tandoori Palace, the one night they shared at Tartosa and when Jack stayed at the Temple at Mount Komorebi after Vlad's death.)

Kiyoshi: "Hm, I sense something familiar - but I can't quite put my finger on it... Can't you sense it too?" Jack, who can definitely smell better - since he's a werewolf and the Super Soldier - but really sucks at paying attention when he's distracted (and he's distracted a lot!): "Uh, not really?" Jack is much too exited about being here in his quarters - on a spaceship at that! And he wouldn't admit that be he's also excited that Kiyoshi is here - alone with him. An odd feeling for being just mates...

Seems that the Romantium is slowly starting to spread across the ship through the AC units. One of them is right behind Jack.

Skully: "Good night! Don't you do anything I wouldn't do!" Jack: "Would you throw an annoying, endless babbling skull into the trash compactor if he wouldn't shut up already? I totally would!" Skully: "Eh..."

Usually it isn't Kiyoshi's sleeping time yet, but Jack asked him to accompany him. Kiyoshi: "I'm not here because you can't sleep alone after that scary movie, ain't I?" Jack: "What? No! Of course not. I'm the Super Soldier and a scary werewolf, after all." Kiyoshi: "Right, how could I forget."

Jack, whispering after some time of tossing and turning around on his side of the bed: "Kiyoshi? ... Are you sleeping?" Kiyoshi, grumbling: "How am I supposed to sleep with you jostling and kicking me all the time?" Jack: "I would - maybe - stop if you'd hold me?" Kiyoshi laughed: "Ah right, my bad. Come 'ere" And Kiyoshi held Jack tight. And Jack held still. For a while.

And then Jack wanted to be honest with Kiyoshi about his feelings. He told him that he wanted to be together with Kiyoshi again. That he felt more for him. That he wanted more from him. But also how scared he was. And that his heart wanted more, but his head couldn't let go of the things that happened in the past. Jack: "What am I supposed to do, Kiyoshi?"

Kioyshi: "Don't do anything. We can't force it anyway, hm? Fate had a plan by mating us. Give it time. It will all be well." Kiyoshi has faith for the two of them. As always. Jack: "And what do you want?" Kiyoshi: "I already have more than I ever could have asked for. ... And I will gladly cherish anything you are willing to give me." Kiyoshi doesn't want to push Jack. He missed him so much, he can't loose him again. (It was Halloween last year when Kiyoshi left his heart - and Jack -behind and went back into the tree again. For years that seemed endless.)

Outtakes

Skully's playlist just started to blare out Jump by Van Halen. It's one of Little Goats favourite songs!

'Ah, can't you see me standin' here? I've got my back against the record machine I ain't the worst that you've seen Ah, can't you see what I mean?

Ah, might as well jump (jump) Might as well jump Go ahead and jump (jump) Go ahead and jump Hello, hey you Who said that? Baby, how you been? You say you don't know You won't know until you begin'

Little Goat: 'What a party!'

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A sad mermaid walked past a bar. The werewolf bartender called to him: "Hey, why so sad? Come on in and have a drink. This pretty vampire here is going to fill us all in with the latest news from the toys front!" The pretty vampire hissed: "Shut up!"

(Somehow or other it shall have occurred a similar way ^^')

But Ji Ho stepped in Moogie's Bar nonetheless, needing some advice after his and Vlad's weird date. Ji Ho: "Do you think he still loves me after we removed the spell? He's as cold and distanced as always." Saiwa: "Vlad didn't have the ideal upbringing. He is a bastard and no one ever really cared for him until he met Leander and Wesley. We all know how that went. Then he met you and his whole world got shaken. For the first time he got a glimpse on how real love felt. But he couldn't have you. Now, that he finally can, he doesn't know what to do. But nothing ever changed his undying love for you. You know it, the Bond doesn't lie." Ji Ho: "But how does he keep all his feelings at bay then? Since I woke up at Verdantis and all those emotions hit me, I struggle to act 'normal'. It's so overwhelming. I want him so much it hurts. How am I supposed to barrel that all up inside?" They all sighed in unison.

Jack: "I guess it was the safest for him to not show his feelings. Just like you, in a way. To not hurt you, scare you and keep you save - and to prevent him from getting hurt himself. You'll have to tempt him like a shy deer I fear ^^' " Ji Ho: "Hmmm..."

And while Ji Ho mulled over on how to tempt oh so shy Vlad out of his hide, Jack and Sai talked about their relationships and came to terms that they should put some more effort in them. And change a few things - and themselves. Sai: "Don't worry, Ji Ho. We're all struggling, hm? Take baby steps. The road to change is stony, slow and painful. And sometimes you don't move forward at all. Look at me." Ji Ho looked at Sai.

Until Jack howled out: "Aouw, come on! Now don't you say that! The Sai from a few weeks ago would have complained and whined about having to be the captain again of this crazy mission and leading a bunch of weirdos through the vastness of space in this junkyard of a ship. And even a few days ago you'd all acted like Captain Ahab about hunting down Moby Dick aka Tiny Can. And now you're all in to rescue a man you don't even know to bring him back to his kids. You have changed. And I know you hate to admit it, but Tiny Can helped you to." Sai laughed: "And here I thought you were the captain ^^' " But Jack was right... he has changed and he's going to take a strong grip to the armrests of that captain's chair to fulfill their mission and he's going to start working towards taking an even stronger grip on his attempts to finally earn Jeb's wand!

(I wonder if that huge AC - permeating the air with Romantium behind their backs - has an influence on their decisions?)

And since they're talking relationships and changes, that faithful day-out with Greg came to Jack's mind. Where he'd told him that relationships are hard work. And that he is stronger than he thinks he is. That was long before he even entered the Therapy Game. And yes, he now was way more stronger then he had been then. Stronger than ever. He, too, changed a lot. He survived his own (ingame) death and Lou cheating on him with Caleb (kind of), his coma, the cowplants, Vlad's death, Greg snatching his beloved Noxee from him, the break-up with Kiyoshi and months of searing pain and whatever else! He's strong enough - and he'll survive giving his and Kiyoshi's love a second chance too. He's going to fight for it, because he is the Super Soldier! (And a werewolf - after all ;)

It was getting late and Ji Ho returned to their quarters. And when heading to the bathroom, he found Vlad - in his single bed again. He didn't even change clothes or bothered to put a blanket over him...

He must have sensed Ji Ho. "You're here..." Vlad murmured in his sleep and sighed contently. "Always." Ji Ho whispered. He's going to throw that bed in the trash compactor by tomorrow and Vlad is going to have to deal with sleeping in their bed from now on.

'Oh no, darling No wind, no rain Or winter's cold can stop me, baby, na na, baby 'Cause you are my goal If you're ever in trouble I'll be there on the double Just send for me, oh, baby, ha

My love is alive (woo) Way down in my heart Although we are miles apart If you ever need a helping hand I'll be there on the double Just as fast as I can Don't you know that there

Ain't no mountain high enough Ain't no valley low enough Ain't no river wide enough To keep me from getting to you, babe'

Ain't no Mountain high enough - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell Another highlight from the Awesome Mix Vol 1 (OST from Guardians of the Galaxy 1)

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Current Chapter: 'Piglets in Space' ▶️ here Last Chapter: 'Here comes the Sun' from the beginning ▶️ here

Sai just returned to his and Jeb's quarters after his shift - when Jeb stepped out of the bathroom... Uh...

And since the Romantium is permeating the atmosphere in the ship, attraction pulled them towards each other. Like the opposite poles of a (very strong) magnet.

And even though Sai has connection to all the internets and games in the galaxy now, he's still reading a lot of gay romance books. He tasted blood and he wants more. He really wants to finally - fully - get claimed by Jeb. And it's time to tell him. Sai, breathless from kissing Jeb breathless: "Jeb - claim me. Please. Let's finally do it."

But Jeb retreated. Keeping him an armlength away. Jeb: "Vanië. I can't hurt you. I told you. The... the others told you too." Sai: "But what does that even mean? We are never going to woohoo? They said it doesn't hurt." Jeb: "Not them. Vlad isn't that... big..." Sai: "But Kiyoshi is." Jeb: "Jack is a werewolf and the Super Soldier. He can take... eh - him. But you..."

Sai: "I will never loose my virginity then?" Jeb: "There... there is a way. If you'd top me." Sai: "What are you even saying?! No way! You are the pestle to my mortar! You are supposed to claim me! I'm not that fragile!" (More in -> this post, under the cut. And -> here)

The Romantium is really giving it's best here, but it seems its labours are lost in space with these two right now. Ever since Sai heard that Jeb does not want to hurt him, he thought that just was some romantic statement - and not some cruicial issues...

Jeb: "Vanië. It's not that I don't want to - I can't. When I wasn't able to rescue - the kids, I was devastated. So broken and ashamed that I hid under that bag for two years. And... and when I heard it was you - you and Jack *Jeb tears up* I swore I'd never let you get hurt again. When I think of - eh 'claiming you', hurting you - he just goes..." Sai was staring at Jeb. This can't be real.

Well, that definitely blew the poor AC's fuses and it coughed out a last puff of Romantium... There's only so much it can do and Jeb and Sai brought it to its utter limits.

It's physical? Psychosomatic? Jeb is so traumatized, he really can't claim Sai... isn't physically able to? Even if he wanted? And Sai can't even tell Jeb how much he hurt him with these words. It would only break him further. They always say, in space, no one hears you scream...

(I know we have other issues atm, but here you can see how huge Great A'Tuin II is.)

But...

Sai's heart is broken. All hope is gone. Jeb suggested they could do anything else then, just like before. But Sai still just stared unbelievingly at him. Then Jeb cried. And said he was sorry. So, so sorry. He even said Sai should look for someone else, someone who would make him happy. But how can he do that? He loves Jeb. There will never be anyone else than Jeb for Sai. Dammit. Even Jack got laid - JACK! And Sai will never know how it is to see the stars. Like in the books he loves to read.

'The scars of your love remind me of us They keep me thinkin' that we almost had it all The scars of your love, they leave me breathless I can't help feeling We could've had it all Rolling in the deep You had my heart inside of your hand And you played it to the beat'

Rolling in the Deep - Adele I've always loved this song but just right now I saw the MV for the first time and it's incredible! A piece of art. Totally worth a watch.

Outtakes

Poor Sai, still in shock.

And, as promised, Jack fetching ingredients for the Ambrosia from the fancy fridge in the captain's quarters ^^'

Sai didn't even wanted to ask but any distraction from his misery is welcome right now: "What are you doing here?"

Jack: "Just fetching ingredients for the Ambrosia from the fancy fridge." Sai: "..."

TMI: While we already know how tall they are, maybe you wondered about their size? We learned that Jeb has the biggest, followed by Kiyoshi, who's is not that much shorter. Then, surprisingly (or not, since he's the Super Soldier, after all ^^') Jack. Then Vlad, Saiwa and Ji Ho. But even though Ji Ho's is the shortest, they all agree he has the most beautiful of them all. Followed by Sai's :3

🍆

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Sunrise at Mos Verdantis 🌄 It's the day of the Starfleet tests they'd been preparing for for days now. And the whole night through. Jack and Kiyoshi didn't even bother to enter their tent. They are afraid being just the two of them - this close together - would only lead to trouble again ö.Ö' Somewhen in the early morning hours, Jack fell into a restless sleep. Kiyoshi only wishes it would be easier for Jack to accept what they are feeling for each other, so he doesn't have to blame himself so much for what they did a few hours ago. Kiyoshi already worries enough for both of them. He just hopes Jack will be fit enough to concentrate on the tests.

Vlad and Ji Ho are sitting on their bench, still learning. Ji Ho is quickly scrolling through a book of extraterrestrial lifeforms he hadn't had the chance to read yet. He still has a lot of questions since he had never been overly interested in Science Fiction. Ji Ho pointed at a picture: "So there are birds attacking space ships? ö.Ö' "

Vlad: "That's not a bird. It's a Mynoc. A silicon-based parasite. They were often seen leeching power from spacecraft and could absorb matter from a ship's hull causing it to breach, and if not caught in time, cause catastrophic failure." This Boy still has so much to learn...

Jeb looked at his phone: "It's time to get ready." Sai sighed from the depths of his soul. They can't leave those behind who fail, so they'll all have to succeed. All for one and one for all.

Rubyn already set up their special exam chamber. The Boys think it's awesome - and thoughtful of Rubyn to prepare an enclosed space for them. Like this they won't get distracted! They're already over-revved as it is ö.ö

Rubyn: "May the force be with you!"

Said, closed the chamber and started the Holodeck Exam Simulation... Wild animations flickered on the walls that surrounded them, R-3X blared out cryptic commands and they got attacked by spaghetti and meatballs from above! Saiwa: "What the ... ???" Oh no. That was it for taking the exams in tranquility and silence... Sai shouted: "I don't think this is the original Starfleet exam protocol, Rubyn!" Rubyn, from the peaceful outside: "You're right! That would have been too expensive either. It's my own ^^' But it's generally accepted in this part of the quadrant!"

The poor Boys giving their best under worst conditions! Jack can't believe he signed up for this...

After - a much too short - amount of time, the computers were replaced by the B-64 Training Bots. Fighting and dodging the spaghetti bullets! 🍝

Luckily the Boys had already been trained in the Defense against the Dark Arts Classroom at the Magical School beyond the Veil for this!

Meanwhile, the Little Goats and Kumo started to pack the Boys belongings - and made sure to also add the Romantium ore. For future fun.

It was already noon when the Boys finished their tests and Rubyn gathered them to reveal the final results - and if some of them have failed...

But they all passed! Yey! Well done, Boys!

They are so excited! Their first time in space! But poor Jack was still crestfallen and Kiyoshi felt bad. This is such a great moment for Jack. Not many love space and space ships and all things space as much as Jack does. And Kiyoshi ruined it for him. By not being able - again!- to keep his cool and resist woohooing Jack...

The Boys picked their stuff together and Rubyn took them on board of the Millenium Falcon - to transfer them to Albaleyh's ship. Their home for the next weeks. Or months?

And this is how the Boys left their home planet 🌏 to boldly go where no Boy has gone before 🚀

'When it's love you give. I'll be a man of good faith Then in love you live. I'll make a stand. I won't break I'll be the rock you can build on Be there when you're old. To have and to hold When there's love inside. I swear I'll always be strong Then there's a reason why I'll prove to you we belong I'll be the wall that protects you From the wind and the rain. From the hurt and the pain

When it's love you make. I'll be the fire in your night Then it's love you take. I will defend, I will fight I'll be there when you need me. When honor's at stake This vow I will make

Don't lay our love to rest 'Cause we could stand up to your test We got everything and more than we had planned More than the rivers that run the land We've got it all in our hands Now it's all for one and all for love Let the one you hold be the one you want The one you need 'Cause when it's all for one it's one for all When there's someone that should know Then just let your feelings show When there's someone that you want When there's someone that you need Let's make it all, all for one and all for love'

Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart, Sting - All For Love What a song! Sends shivers down my spine whenever I hear it. OST from 'The Three Musketeers' 1993

Rubyn kept some of the photos she took and put them on the wall in her workshop.

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It's the last night before the tests and - should they all pass - the last night on their home planet...

It's already late but the Boys are still awake. And they're learning diligently.

Rubyn is tutoring Sai on Androids. Their fields of applications, their maintenance - and their dangers...

Sai knows about their dangers just all too well now. And he wonders why Rubyn hadn't desintegrated her evil creation RoDri6ue2-B. Since they are about to do exactly that with Tiny Can...

Rubyn: "Do you think we have the right to do so?" Sai: "Why not? It's just a machine. Of course we have the right to turn it off - if it malfunctions and can't be repaired. And we even have the obligation to destroy machines that are a possible danger to mankind."

Rubyn: "The following is what Captain Picard said at the hearing to Android Data's defense in the episode 'The Measure of a Man:

"Commander Riker has dramatically demonstrated to this court that Lieutenant Commander Data is a machine. Do we deny that? No, because it is not relevant: we, too, are machines, just machines of a different type. Commander Riker has also reminded us that Lieutenant Commander Data was created by a man; do we deny that? No. Again, it is not relevant. Children are created from the 'building blocks' of their parents' DNA. Are they property?"

I think it's not as easy as it seems. RoDri6ue2-B and Tiny Can are sentient beings. And even though RoDri6ue2-B is - let's say 'eccentric' - he never acted against the law. And the strive for world domination makes one excellent president material in some parts of this planet, right? Tiny Can only ever tried to help you - successfully. Hasn't he?" Sai wasn't convinced: "I don't know, they could be a potential danger in the future... Who knows what he's capable of?" Rubyn: "Well, anyone of us could be a 'potential danger' in the future. Jack, for example. He could spiral down again into madness anytime. Shall we withdraw him in advance, then?" Sai: "What? No!"

And while Rubyn and Sai philosophized about what makes one 'human', Jack and Kiyoshi went to the small yard behind the workshop for Jack's martial arts training. He's designated as security officer and takes this very serious. Jack: "Argh! I just can't seem to get this Tal-Shaya move right!" Kiyoshi suggested to practise with him - boy-to-boy.

The others already went to bed to be fit and well rested for the tests in the morning, so Kiyoshi and Jack went a bit away from the tents to not disturb them. Ah, how they'd missed this! They didn't know it then, but fighting is something they both really enjoyed back in their days as a (secret) couple.

And just like in the good old days, the intense physical contact aroused them - significantly ö.Ö' Jack doesn't know what to do with all those feelings - and the need. He needed more of Kiyoshi - now!

And Kiyoshi seems to feel the same way ö.Ö'

They agreed to quickly take a cold shower and go to sleep!

But the Romantium ore, Sai had threwn under the shrubbery, thwarted their plans and made them giving themselves over to absolute pleasure - as if they were remote-controlled.

'Give yourself over to absolute pleasure Swim the warm waters of sins of the flesh Erotic nightmares beyond any measure And sensual daydreams to treasure forever Can't you just see it?

Oh, oh, oh

Don't dream it, be it.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

And - of course - Sai and Jeb heard them. Sai: "These noises don't sound like fighting noises anymore... What are they doing again?!" Jeb is a bit jealous. These are exactly the noises he wants to make with Sai. But he can't - because he can't hurt him...

Jack and Kiyoshi also didn't notice the ore when they crawled out of the bush. Jack even almost hit his foot on it!

Sober and deflated, they are devastated of what they'd done again. Sure, they talked it out last time, but it still feels wrong - to both of them. Being as close and intimate as they are as mates, just mates is one thing. But woohooing (and let alone kissing) feels still weird. Even though they try hard not to make it weird.

Jack: "Do you think it's the heat again?" Kiyoshi: "Hm - I thought if I were your Alpha once again it would stop, after I - uhm ... claimed you once...? I'll ask Greg about it." Jack: "Maybe rather Uncle Stefan..." Kiyoshi: "Right." Because Jack hates Greg...

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