dark is the new black

[imperious]

ooc; okay, so I figured the easiest way for me to do this was to set up the post and then set up two different threads: one for canon-alignment shifted Peony, one for AUDark!Peony, so...yes. :|b

Comments

let's alternate this universe

[imperiator.livejournal.com]

[Peony appears on the Plane, a rappig in his arms. He looks like he'd been cuddling the rappig warmly, but as soon as he realizes he's on the Plane and thinks no one else is around, his expression turns colder and he drops the rappig. He starts walking away from the rappig, who scrambles to get up and chase after him.]

[clinical]

[What. What. What the hell is this.]

You'll break Aslan's heart that way, Your Majesty.

[imperiator.livejournal.com]

It's a shame it's not his neck, right?

[Peony laughs, and then squats down to pick up the rappig and pet him]

He knows I'm just kidding, don't you?

[the rappig squeals in reply, and then burrows it's head into Peony's shoulder as Peony pets him]

[clinical]

[Jade's mouth opens in surprise, even with Peony's follow-up comment. He tries to think of a reply and he fails completely.]

[Jade Curtiss has actually been shocked into speechlessness.]

[imperiator.livejournal.com]

Don't keep your mouth open like that. You're going to make me look bad by association.

[Peony squints at Jade before putting the rappig down - not dropping - and walks over to Jade looking almost concerned. His voice drops lower in case anyone might be listening]

Everything all right?

[clinical]

I'm fine. [Jade knows that he wants to ask something along the lines of 'What's wrong with you?' but he is having difficulty finding the exact way to put it.] Your Majesty. It... is not like you to treat Aslan like that.

[Sure, he was grumpy enough when he wasn't feeling well, and he insulted the intelligence of the Cute Jade with trolltastic vengeance. But this is very different, and it's unsettling Jade.]

[imperiator.livejournal.com]

[Peony looks more amused than anything else] Oh? I didn't realize you cared so much.

[he picks up Aslan, holding him out to Jade] Why don't you show me how I usually treat Aslan?

[clinical]

[For a moment, Jade is just annoyed.] I would prefer that the inane displays of affection remain Your Majesty's domain, thank you.

[imperiator.livejournal.com]

[Peony drops the rappig when Jade doesn't accept it, and instead slings an arm around Jade's shoulder and tousles his hair]

Don't be jealous. I have enough affection for all my pets. Even you.

[clinical]

[Jade straightens his glasses, not bothering with a valiant effort to get his hair straightened.] How flattering.

[Something wasn't right about that, though. Jade just can't shake the sense that something is really wrong.]

[imperiator.livejournal.com]

You should be flattered. It takes a lot to be the Emperor's favourite pet monster.

[Aslan squeals in distress and nudges Peony's leg, looking to be picked up again. Peony laughs, tightening his grip around Jade's shoulder.]

See how jealous you make Aslan.

[clinical]

[Jade has good instincts as a soldier and a scientist, but he was programmed a long time ago to trust Peony and to question himself. Even with that, he finds himself shrugging himself out of his Emperor's gripping and stepping away so he can face him.]

If you'll excuse me, Your Majesty. I'm sure we both have urgent work to attend to.

[But Jade never really learned to lie to Peony, and in the way he holds himself, every line and angle tells how disturbed he feels.]

[imperiator.livejournal.com]

[the smile falls from Peony's face, and he looks genuinely concerned. He steps close to Jade, talking in a hushed voice so only Jade can hear]

Maybe it would be better if we found somewhere more private, then you can tell me what the hell is bothering you.

[explains]

[What was that? Guy steps out of the library to raise a hand in greeting.]

I think you forgot someone, sir.

[imperiator.livejournal.com]

Huh?

[Peony turns around, and then smiles a politician's smile before turning around and scooping up Aslan]

I could never forget my Aslan. He's just so squirmy sometimes he must've slipped. Poor, stupid thing.

[Peony pets Aslan and coos at him in a comforting way.]

[explains]

[Stupid? Guy actually mouths the word, surprised. He steps closer, looking at Peony in surprise.]

Are you alright?

[imperiator.livejournal.com]

[he laughs at Guy's reaction]

I should be asking you that. You didn't fall and hit your head or something, did you? Keep that up, and I'll have to start calling this guy Gailardia instead.

[explains]

[Maybe he was just imagining it.]

I think that'd be more than enough confusion for everyone. I'm fine.

[imperiator.livejournal.com]

That reminds me, I've been thinking of proposing an increase in our budget for technological development, but I still need someone to oversee the project. I figure out of all the candidates, there's probably only one who really stands out.

[he smiles earnestly at Guy]

What do you say? Are you up for it?

[explains]

[Peony has just told Guy that every day is Christmas. His face lights up in childish excitement, he honestly wasn't expecting this.]

Seriously?! I mean, really, Your Majesty? Of course. I would be honored!

[Really he's almost bouncing.]

[imperiator.livejournal.com]

[Peony laughs, because Guy is sort of adorable]

I knew you were the right one for the job. Hell, with you in charge, I'm sure even Sheridan will be scrambling to keep up with us.

[explains]

[You are clearly the best Emperor Peony. Not that he realizes you are not, in fact, his Emperor. Seriously he wants to hug Peony but contents himself with just looking SUPER EXCITED.]

I had no idea you were considering something like this. What did you have in mind for project?

[imperiator.livejournal.com]

What are you looking at me for? You're the one in charge of this thing. Throw out a proposal and we'll see how quickly I can get it approved.

[explains]

[Robots and airships and cars and new ways of lighting and long range radio and more efficient data storage devices...]

Most of theoretical research is tied up in a new energy source. I think mechanically we can help with that--and when a source is found, we'll need to develop engines and means of storing and conducting that energy.

[imperiator.livejournal.com]

[Peony claps Guy on the back]

There you go, we have our first project!