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Aster swept in past Zeke, already casting a critical gaze across the cabin. [color=00FCD8]“How in the world could anyone consider this anywhere near ready?”[/color] Aster grumbled irritably. Filth coated the floors, dust and spiders claimed every nook, cranny, and corner, and the mattresses and frames were 1940s antiques. He tapped one of the bunk bed frames with his foot and grimaced at the gunk on the toe of his shoe. 

[color=00FCD8]“This ought to be condemned. Next we'll find roaches and if we do, I [i]cannot[/i] be held accountable for what happens after. I'll need to commit war crimes to make.this place habitable.”[/color] Aster stormed across to the twins and nearly set his luggage down before he realized the state of the mattress. He felt his blood pressure rise and his hands trembled. Aster turned slowly and spoke very, very calmly. [color=00FCD8]“Zeke. These bags cost more than everybody here combined. Every mattress is coated in who knows what and there isn't any other furniture I can put these down on. And if I can't start cleaning this place in approximately the next three minutes, I will scream.”[/color]

Ezekiel glanced back, watching everyone else head to other parts of the camp. He had expected at least someone else to come with him and Aster, since they still had their bags. Zeke sighed, shifting the bags he still carried. It made sense Nancy left. He would have to get her to run him through the HAM radio later. Although Zeke was glad Demetri decided to go. If Nancy did have a seizure he couldn’t get her back from, Demi was the only one Zeke knew and trusted to radio in help for his sister. There was no way in hell he was letting anyone else stay by her side while she went through something like that.

Ezekiel looked over the space with indifference. It looked like any other summer camp to Zeke, but to Aster, it seemed to be one rung above hell. Zeke rolled his eyes while Aster started to list the complaints about the place. Zeke and his sister had survived worse. Aster would survive this.

[color=#EEE8AA]”And this concerns me how?”[/color] Zeke asked, tossing his and his sister’s bags onto one of the beds and rested his guitar case against the bed frame.

Aster whirled around, ready to tear into Zeke, and paused as he saw the offering. Aster gently placed his bags on top of Zeke and Nancy's, still not thrilled but it was far better than the filth of this place. He felt much more settled and eyed everything with a far more efficient look. [color=00FCD8]“Because nobody deserves this. Everyone deserves to live with some dignity. I guess not that they care about…’[/color] Aster popped his hip and flipped his wrist dramatically. [color=00FCD8]“Us [i]poofs[/i], but gods this is disgusting even for the straights. A delightfully refreshing pace at least. Didn't need to weave around Dobbs at all. Now, let's find those chemicals and I'll get these beds dealt with and this place perfect. I just need bleach. All the bleach. Did Dibbs say where chemicals were? Once I realized he was setting the stage for mass murder of the homophobic variety, I stopped listening.”[/color] 

Ezekiel stated at Aster's bags. He debated knocking them over, but figured Aster would have a panic attack or set the place on fire. Zeke settled for crossing his arms. He listened to Aster's diatribe, rolling his eyes after. 

[color=#EEE8AA]”Are you always this dramatic?”[/color] He fiddled with the bandana on his wrist before heading for the door. Dobbs wasn't homophobic…was he? [color=#EEE8AA]”I don't think he said, but I'd imagine they'd be up at the main building.”[/color]

[color=00FCD8]“How inconvenient.”[/color] Aster clicked his tongue in disapproval as he looked around. The beds could be moved so… he'd ensure he had plenty of space once he started cleaning. He turned to follow Zeke but paused. This was turning into a terrible day, worse than he'd imagined, and he definitely needed something to bolster his spirit. He opened one of his bags and plucked out a small silver compact with handpainted daffodils on the front. He snapped the back shut, carefully opened the compact, and sighed pleasantly as he stared into his own reflection. 

Aster could stare at himself for hours-it wouldn't be the first time-and never grow bored. Gazing upon art never grew dull. His eyes were bright and vibrant and expressive, he had cheekbones for days, and a little dimple that still popped up when he smiled just right. And with the flush of exertion the walk up painted pretty across his cheeks…

Aster knew he'd already inspired a few of these poor souls. 

Still, the threat of jail and the condition of their sleeping quarters kept him from sinking too deeply into his own eyes and he shut the contact carefully before slipping it into his pocket. [color=00FCD8]“Alright, let's see what we have to work with! Though, remind me to check for thread. If anyone's clothes tear, I'd like to have more than what my sewing kit has.”[/color] Aster breezed past Zeke in much better spirits. [color=00FCD8]“And we should probably talk about your boyfriend. Calling you an arcade machine is certainly a red flag.”[/color]

Zeke paused by the door when he didn’t hear Aster following along. Zeke was relatively independent, but he was [i]not[/i] lugging all the cleaning supplies back for this dude. He turned to get tell Aster to hustle up when he saw the guy staring into a compact mirror. Zeke had gifted one to his mother once after seeing all the women at the club using them. Zeke was half expecting Aster to kiss the mirror with the way he was gazing at himself. [color=#EEE8AA]”Do you read Greek poetry?”[/color] Zeke inquired. However, his train of thought was derailed with Aster’s next sentence.

[color=#EEE8AA]”He’s not…we’re not…”[/color] Zeke shut the door behind him, fiddling with the bandana again. [color=#EEE8AA]“I just found out he’s interested on the drive up.”[/color]

Aster scoffed, giving Zeke a pointed look. [color=00FCD8]“You just learned he was interested and you're already wearing that? Oh, sweetie. No wonder he objectified you.”[/color] Aster said sympathetically. [color=00FCD8] “You don't seem like the kind of boy who wants a whirlwind summer fling and then never see him again. I get [i]please-woo-me[/i], flowers and chocolates and music and easy affection, from you. And your… Well, he seems interested in easy. Stand up for yourself a bit. You're certainly worth more than that. Make him work for it. People forget about the easy, darling. People love the chase and when he catches you, he won't let go.”[/color]

Zeke rolled his eyes at Aster, ignoring the butterfly feeling he was getting in his stomach. [color=#EEE8AA]”Ya, sure. I don't think us “poofs” get that sort of thing. Especially when you're the bi kid at school and the closeted football players want a go. This,”[/color] he said, holding up his arm with the bandana. [color=#EEE8AA]”was at least given to me by someone who won't be afraid to be out about it.”[/color]

[color=00FCD8]“Settling is unattractive, Zeke. I know sharing a stage with me makes it difficult to truly shine, but you only get one life. If that's what you want, go get i-”[/color] Aster stepped back, hands clutching at invisible pearls. [color=00FCD8]“Closet cases? Oh sweetie, why did you do that to yourself? Just because someone is out and proud doesn't make them better than those fools. And while you can certainly settle for whatever you want, no one is going to advocate for you. If romance and love is worth experiencing for you, then it's worth suffering for. Don't settle for a little bit of [i]visability[/i].”[/color] Aster gestured for Zeke to follow and headed for the main building. 

[color=00FCD8]“Unless you want to be an arcade of course. But give yourself a fighting chance at least.”[/color]

Ezekiel shifted uncomfortably, looking anywhere but at Aster. His eyes settled on the main building, thinking about how he trusted Demetri to call out if there was an emergency with his sister, but did he trust him with more? Zeke rubbed the back of his neck, growing at Aster when he mentioned the arcade game thing again. Zeke really hadn't liked that statement earlier, either. 

He followed Aster silently, walking beside him. Zeke didn't think he was settling, but there also weren't a lot of options. Besides, Demi was flirting a lot with Zeke on the car ride up, and always came to the music shop where Zeke worked… could there be something more if Zeke asked for it? 

[color=#EEE8AA]”How would I go about doing that? Asking for what I want, not settling, or whatever…”[/color] They reached the main building and Zeke opened up the door, stepping back for Aster to go in first again. 

Aster stepped through without hesitating. [color=00FCD8]“You have some options. You've gotten past the dangerous part - he isn't going to humiliate or kill you because you're into him. Now you tell him about what you need and your expectations. One, escalate. Start giving little gifts, mini-dates, things like that. Actions speak louder than words they say.”[/color] Aster counted on his fingers as he spoke. [color=00FCD8]“Two, and my personal favorite, be direct and say it. Lay the expectations from the beginning so that it doesn't become a problem later on. If he's worth keeping, he'll step up to the plate.”[/color] 

Aster paused and looked around. Cleaning chemicals could be in the kitchen but… [color=00FCD8] “It's all about confidence, really. Know what you want, see the path there, walk it, and fuck what anyone says about it.”[/color]

Zeke let the door shut behind him. He could hear some of the others, but continued to listen to Aster. It wasn't horrible advice, but it wasn't great either. [color=#EEE8AA]”Ya huh. And what's the, “we're stuck at a summer camp for community service and can't leave” option?”[/color] He glanced around the room, looking for a janitorial closet or something.

[color=00FCD8]“Option 2, obviously. Have that conversation and if he shows his true colors, then you have all this time to enjoy your revenge.”[/color] Aster opened any door he could find, until one revealed a small janitorial closet. Aster stepped in and took stock, standing on tip toe to feel around the top shelf. [color=00FCD8] “Ugh, this is terrible. Who cleans without gloves?! Anyways, wouldn't some clarity into his motivations make this better? Otherwise, you'll worry yourself sick, let yourself be treated like a doormat, and no one wants that. Insecurity is unattractive.”[/color]

Zeke leaned against the doorframe, one hand extended above his head as he peered into the closet behind Aster. The cleaning supplies were rather minimal. No window cleaner, paper towel…cloths…

[color=#EEE8AA]”Well, I was fine without clarity. Until I talked to you.”[/color] Now, Aster filled Zeke's head with all sorts of thoughts and possibilities. Could he have his first real relationship with a guy? With Demi?