An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Title: Deeds of Gift [Chapter 11/20] Entitled Boogaloo Fandom: Jupiter Ascending Rating: T, eventual M Warnings: Canon-typical incestual vibes. Referenced and implied incest. Spoilers. Word Count: 47 236 and climbing Summary: (AU) Balem survives the events of the film, but is prevented from harvesting earth given the disastrous damages done to his main stockworks on Jupiter, and his own personal injury. Jupiter, cognizant of her age, realizes that to keep Earth out of Balem’s clutches, she’ll need to use RegenX-E. This request, however, is not one that Balem intends to grant lightly… Chapter Summary: New terms of engagement are proposed. Jupiter becomes acquainted with more intergalactic nobility. A late arrival joins the party.
Excerpt
“Listen,” she says. “Let’s start again. Set some ground rules, this time.” Balem frowns at her, frowns at her hand where it rests on his shoulder. She looks, too, as if she had forgotten it there. “Such as?” he asks. “No yelling. No weird touching.” She takes her hand off his shoulder. “More asking for permission.” “This was not a part of our initial negotiations.” “Well, maybe it should have been.” Jupiter beckons another drink their way. Balem’s expression is difficult to read, but she can see it when he begins to suspect her motives. “I meant it when I said I don’t want to fight. I’m tired of fighting. Aren’t you tired of fighting?” This time, Balem is the first to drink. “I will consider it.” “That’s all I’m asking.” And she swallows down another mouthful of amber warmth, though this time with less intent to escape her skin. There’s a lull in the conversation, after that, but no silence. This lounge area, while quieter than the hall, cannot quite escape the thunderous music. It is also, curiously, one of the more familiar experiences Jupiter has had since her departure from Earth. She wants to ask how far away they are, but Balem is first to break the silence between them. “The others will want to speak with you,” he says, as if it is a warning. Jupiter laughs. “That’ll be interesting.”
Link to Chapter One
