Chapter Text
If you told Aura several months ago that star, the shy, clumsy, cry-baby mistake that people lie about liking would end up being teamed up with the.. handsome? Beefcake is a better word for Asrickus. The guy with a gentle touch and the kindest smile they’ve ever seen. The heartthrob that picked them up on their first mission?? Star would’ve said you were nuts. Their head was still spinning from the ride there and how.. close Asrickus was on the bike. Even as they were walking to the elevator to go see the rest of the team.
Aura fidgeted with their hands as they entered, Asrickus pushing a button before the doors closed and they descended down to a lower floor. A bit of an awkward silence fell between them before Asrickus spoke up, “..Do you have a place to stay?” He asked, glancing over at star, who was fixing their dress and startled at his voice. “Uhm.. No, not currently. I was thinking of getting an apartment nearby once we got here.” They replied, feeling Asrickus’ gaze resting on star. They didn’t look into his eyes, focused on wringing their hands and not commenting on their blush. “Hm. Well, for now you can stay with me and Romeo at our place. Just for the night so you can shower and.. stuff. No pressure.” He turned his head forward, towards the door with a warm smile.
Aura’s eyes widened and they whipped their head to look over to him. Was he being serious? He would do that for them..? “Oh- okay- uh would Romeo be okay with me staying over-?” Aura was making a fool of starself and they knew it. Even as Asrickus’ friendly as always smile shone over at them. Star knew what he thought of them. Their cheeks flushed in embarrassment, but Asrickus waved the mere thought of Romeo judging them away. “She won’t mind you staying for a day or two, she’s cool like that! Though you may have to borrow either me or Romeo’s clothes at some point. So I hope you don’t mind baggy clothing.” He chuckled. Aura simply nodded in response, still wringing star’s hands nervously, but slowly calming down.
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Soon enough, the elevator doors opened. Asrickus put a comforting hand on star’s shoulder, leading them out of the elevator. Aura glanced up at Asrickus with a bit of anxiety as they walked together into headquarters, though he was able to quickly calm them through a smile and a pat on the shoulder. Aura felt heat rise up their neck as they both walked out of the darkness and into the harsh white lights of the headquarters.
The headquarters in question, was way too bright. The lights hanging from the ceiling and the general feel of it all reminded star of a hospital. It made them sick. Desks upon desks filled the space as Aura saw people working, either hacking or scrolling through their phones. They walked through the headquarters, some corridors leading to either testing rooms or arenas for spies to spar. Star looked through the glass window, seeing two obviously tired spies trying to prove themselves to be stronger than the other. Aura knew that feeling. The need to be better than the rest, to be on top. To be useful. They shuddered, it reminding star of their time as a gadget designer.
They were snapped out of their thoughts by Asrickus asking them, “Will you be okay by yourself Aura? I need to give a mission report to Warren. I think Romeo and Tad are putting equipment away if you want to help.” Asrickus squeezed Aura’s shoulder as they walked more into the center of the headquarter’s floor. From what Aura had gathered, Warren was Asrickus, Romeo, and Tad’s manager and it seemed everyone was afraid of them. Everyone other than Asrickus, who Aura believed wasn’t afraid of anything. Aura simply nodded and started heading over to put their equipment away, before looking back at the roomAsrickus was walking into. He walked back and gave them a wave before disappearing into the room. Aura hid their face in their hands, trying to hide star’s flushed face.
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They glanced up at the plaque near the assumed door their equipment went. “Equipment drop of and collection.” Yep. This was the place. They opened the glass door and immediately was hit by the strong smell of whiskey. Star let out a few coughs, the fumes unexpected in this specific room. “Oh shit- oh my god Aura I’m so sorry-!” A voice squeaked from behind the collect and drop off desk. Aura wiped star’s tear-filled eyes and they glanced up to meet the voice. “So, how was your first mission in the field? It better than being the tech guy?” Vick asked as he leaned against the desk, eyeing Aura with his black eyes. His shaggy, faux looking orange hair was the first thing they noticed, and recognized from their friend. His large fox-like ears twitched and turned at every sound, working to figure out his surroundings at all times, ready for anything. His choice for clothing wasn’t.. stellar to say the least in Aura’s mind; A massive brown bomber jacket with a fluffy collar and baggy cargo pants. His fluffy tail swished back and forth as he waited for Aura’s answer.
“It was okay,” Aura replied, walking up to the counter and taking out their earpiece, “I was paired up with Asrickus and Romeo.” They shrugged, placing the earpiece on the counter. Vick raised an eyebrow at them. “So, you’re tellin me you were teamed up with the two biggest heartthrobs on the team?? The ones that everyone with a pulse crushed on?” Vick teased as Aura dropped off the remaining weapons on their person. Aura glanced down before leaning up and whispering something in Vick’s ear. A place. Vick nodded and smiled at them, waving as star left the room.
Aura shut the door behind them, boots thudding on the floor as they made their way to where they came in. Star’s mind went back to when they walked in, his comforting hand on their shoulder, the smile on his face, it all made their heart race. A familiar heat rose up their neck, making their cheeks red in a blush. Their hands went to immediately smack them. “Get it together Aura..” Star muttered to themselves. Suddenly the familiar elevator doors opened as Tad and Romeo got out. “Woah there Aura, you’re gonna give yourself a black eye!” Aura jumped at the sudden voice, glancing up to look at Tad. She was wearing their outfit from their mission. Meanwhile Romeo had changed into a sports bra and some sweatpants with green stars embroidered starting at her hip and going down to her ankle. Tad extended their hand, holding out a phone with a star keyring to Aura. Star took it gratefully and replied with a, “Thank you so much Tad-“ who in turn patted Aura’s head with a smile. “It’s all yours. I’m goin to go give a mission report to Warren, maybe say hi to Asrickus if he’s there. I’ll leave you two to it.” Tad turned, giving a peace sign to the two as she walked off.
“So, you’re bunking at mine tonight?” Romeo asked, leaned against a wall next to Aura as she looked star up and down with a soft and curious gaze. “Yeah.. I guess so. If that’s okay with you.” Romeo looked appalled. “Of course it’s okay! Cmon let’s head out. Asrickus will meet us at the apartment later.” She pushed off the wall, motioning for Aura to follow her. They followed, hot on her heels as the two walked to a garage. Romeo fished out a set of keys from her pocket and a car chirped to life. Romeo’s car. A black rolls Royce with tinted windows sat in a parking spot nearby. Romeo walked over, opening the door for Aura as they stepped in, sitting in the passenger’s seat. Romeo walked around the back of the car and got in the drivers seat and started the car. “Where is Asrickus anyway?” Aura asked as Romeo put the car in reverse. She put a hand on the back of their chair as she turned to look in the back window of the car. “Oh yeah,” she replied as she reversed out of the spot, “He’s at the store getting food. Should be back about an hour after we get back.” She drove out of the garage, turning the corner and onto the road as a song Aura didn’t recognize came on the radio..
“Comin out of my cage and I’ve been doin just fine
Gotta, gotta be down because I want it all.
It started out with a kiss, how did itrend up like this?
It was only a kiss, it was only a kiss.”
The melody was catchy. So catchy star started bobbing their head along to the song. They heard Romeo whisper a curse under her breath as they saw her punch a number into her phone. Ring.. ring.. ring.. Asrickus’ voice sounded from the device. Aura thought of every expression he made when he spoke, a small blush forming on their features. “Heyyy Ro! What’s up?” “Asrickus you FUCKING HIMBO!” Romeo replied, visibly annoyed with her friend. Asrickus groaned in response, the sound making stars cheeks redden further. “What’d I do this time..” “You left your phone connected to the car again.” Romeo put a hand to her face, running it down her features with a sigh. “Ohhh shit. What song was playing?” “MISTER FUCKING BRIGHTSIDE YOU SCOTTISH FUCK!”
This made Aura pause. They turned their head to Romeo, who was practically rubbing the bridge of her nose off. “Wait-“ Aura squeaked out, voice cracking a little as they finally spoke up. Romeo looked over at them with a worried look. “Somethin wrong Aurs?” She kept an eye on the road, but kept looking over to the person sitting next to her, her full attention on star. At least as much of it she could have on them without crashing. “Yeah.. I just didn’t know Asrickus was Scottish.” They managed, their gaze falling to their lap, embarrassed. “Yeah. He’s partially Scottish. Other part himbo.” She chuckled as that got an appalled gasp out of Asrickus. “H-HEY! I AM NOT.” He protested. Aura found themselves laughing along at his reaction, pausing when Asrickus suddenly asked them, “Hey Aura, would you want anything from Tesco’s?” Aura hesitated, thinking of something not for starself, but for Asrickus. “Uhm.. maybe some chocolate-?” Aura stuttered out nervously. “Alrighty! Do you have a favorite kind?” Asri’s warm voice sounded through the phone, the same tone they used when he invited them to his home. “No.. just any kind’ll do. Thanks Asri.”
Romeo said goodbye to Asrickus, parking and allowing Aura to follow her inside and into the elevator. A few floors passed before the doors opened. Romeo stepped out first, motioning for Aura to follow. She opened the door and looked back at Aura. “And he we are. This is the flat. Make yourself comfy Aurs.” Romeo said, immediately taking off her shoes and relaxing on a nearby chair. Aura nodded in response, stars adrenaline from the chase leaving their body all at once and a sense of exhaustion washed over them. They took off their shoes as they noticed the faint smell of vanilla lingering in the flat.
“I thought vanilla killed spiders-?” Aura questioned at the smell, glancing at Romeo’s spider-like features. “It does, just doesn’t affect me for some reason.” She shrugged, sinking deeper into the cushions with a sigh. “Huh.” Aura hummed in response, stars eye catching on a picture of Asrickus. His smile was nothing compared to the real thing, but seeing his hair braided made them wonder if star could help him in the future with that.. they thought about stars hands in his hair, him sitting in front of them. Him trusting star.. They shouldn’t think of that. There’s no way he would ever trust them. They’re coworkers after all. And that’s all they’ll ever be…
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The first thing Aura noticed when they wandered into the living room was the massive tv and matching blue velvet sofa taking up most of the space. It left enough room for a walkway into the kitchen, which looked normal enough save for a massive block of cookie dough on the counter. A little strange. Aura took a mental note of that. Maybe Asrickus liked cookies.. Anyway. A corner of the living room caught Aura’s eye relatively quickly. The large glass cage was hard to miss, and the large black eyes of a spider staring right back at them unnerved star. But they couldn’t stop looking at the yellow creature. It was so.. small compared to its eyes and it looked so fluffy. Like a spider shaped Pom Pom. Their attention soon shifted to Romeo, who had walked in with a new outfit on their person as well as in their hands.
“Got some clothes for ya.” Romeo popped into the room, a small smile on her face as she followed Aura’s line of sight, seeing the small spider in the glass. “Ah, I see you’ve met Popcorn.” She chuckled as it waved to her. She waved back as Aura questioned, “Uhm.. What are they?” Star pointed to the spider. “You’ve never seen a jumping spider before? Friendliest little guys.” Romeo chuckled, walking behind Aura and into the kitchen, leaving their clothes in front of Aura on the counter. “Well you should go change. I’ll make some tea for us and we can watch a movie before Asri gets home.” Aura nodded, taking the clothes that looked like a hoodie and a pair of shorts. “What do you take with your tea by the way?” Romeo asked, pouring water in the electric kettle. “Uhm one sugar and milk please.” Aura responded, their head turned to face Romeo from their spot in the doorway. Romeo nodded with a big smile, looking away to make the tea.
Aura found a bathroom nearby and changed into the, arguably more comfortable, clothes Romeo gave star. They wrapped their arms around Asrickus’ hoodie they were borrowing. “This is nice..” they muttered, imagining it being Asrickus hugging them instead of it just being a hoodie. This is weird. They’re being weird. STOP. They cleared their throat, letting go of the hoodie. Star looked up to the mirror to fix their hair, stil messed up from the wind. Aura took a breath, composing themselves before leaving the bathroom, turning off the lights and headed into the living room. Romeo, remote in hand turns and smiles at them. She had two mugs of tea on the coffee table in front of her, one spider man mug and another with the words “Moulin Rogue” on both sides.
“Hey! The shorts fit alright?” Romeo asked as Aura sat down next to her. She grabbed the Moulin Rogue mug and handed it to Aura carefully. “Careful. It’s hot as hell, so you should wait for it to cool. I’d prefer if you didn’t burn your tongue off Aurs.” Star nodded in response, blowing on it as Romeo turned on the tv. “So, what movie you wanna watch?” Romeo asked, scrolling past movie after movie and trying to find one both her and Asrickus liked to show them. “Hhhm. I don’t really have any in mind.. you can pick Romeo.” They replied before finally taking a sip of the tea. It was still hot, but it didn’t burn their tongue as much. “You like?” Romeo asked, placing her mug on the table to focus on finding a movie. “Yeah! It’s good.” Aura hummed, looking at the tv as Romeo scrolled past Hamilton, Kingsman: The secret service, and the live action Beauty and the Beast movie.
“So.. you and Asrickus huh?-“ Romeo got quickly cut off by the door opening and closing. “Hey Ro, you here?” Asrickus’ voice sounded from where they entered. “Yep! Living room.” Romeo called back. When Asrickus walked over Aura couldn’t help but give an amused smile. He had clearly been determined to bring it all back in one trip, 3 bags on one arm. He was also absolutely sopping wet, his long hair down and in his eyes, sticking to his forehead. “Did you get the stuff on the list?” Romeo asked, a smirk on her features as he pushed the wet hair out of their eyes. “Yep. I also gotttt..” he paused for a moment, digging into his pocket. “THIS LITTLE GUY!” He held out his hands, pulling out a small red squirrel-like creature. Aura didn’t recognize what exactly it was. The thing had a big red tail, green rabbit ears and an orangey yellow nose. It blinked before sitting in Asrickus’ palm, its tongue hanging slightly out of its mouth.
“I-Is that a starbunkle-?” Romeo asked as Aura awed at the creature, reaching out their hand to pet the head of the apparent starbunkle. The starbunkle sniffed Aura’s hand, its little nose twitching before rubbing its head against their hand. Aura looked up from the red… rabbit squirrel creature and saw Asrickus staring at star, an admiring smile on his face and a sparkle in his eye. God those eyes. Aura couldn’t look away from them. They hadn’t noticed how.. pretty his eyes were. And he was looking at them, not Romeo. Speaking of which, Romeo looked between the two with a questioning look. “Okay you two get a room.” She grumbled, causing them both to look away, Aura rubbing the back of their neck as their face flushed. “Anyway,” Romeo continued, “WHERE THE HELL’D YOU GET IT FROM?? I ask you to go to Tescos one time..” Asrickus ran his free hand down his face, embarrassed. “I know I know.. I found him right outside the Tescos. I couldn’t help but grab em.” He stroked the starbunkle’s head, it letting out a soft purr like noise in response. Romeo sighed, standing up from the couch.
“So Asri, does it have a name?” Romeo asked, a hand on her hip. “Yep! I named him in the car. Meet TPK!” Asrickus grinned, holding up the starbunkle from under its armpits like rafiki holding simba. Aura giggled. “Tpk-? Does it stand for something?” Romeo questioned, head tilted to figure out Asrickus’ reasoning for naming it that. “Yeah. Tropical FruitPunch Kaprisun!” Asrickus beamed, happy with his choice. He placed the little guy back into his arms and cradled it like a baby. It stared up at him with big eyes, its tail swishing over his arm.
Romeo grabbed the shopping from Asrickus, placing the bags on the kitchen counter. “Well, since you named it, you’re taking care of it.” Romeo called from the kitchen as Asrickus placed Tpk down on the comically larger sofa next to Aura. It in turn immediately walked over to them, pawing at their leg before climbing up on star’s lap. Asrickus sharply inhaled next to star, Aura looking up from their lap and giving him a concerned look. “You okay Asri-?” When they looked up, all Aura saw was the deep blue blush on his face. He in turn turned and walked away to.. presumably his room to change.
“Huh. Weird.” Aura stared after Asrickus for a while, but glanced back down at their lap, the starbunkle already starting to doze off. Star pet its head and it purred louder, the relaxing noise making Aura’s eyes droop. The world around them went dark as sleep soon overtook them..
A vision of a Starcore’s smile was all Aura dreamed of as star felt relief wash over them. After all, 2 missions had gone right this week.