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It had started off just like any of Spiders interactions with other Guardians. He did his best to avoid going into the bar, or even being seen by the other Guardians. But of course, as always, Spider wished to show off his 'Favorite Guardian'. In reality Exo knew the other just wanted him to no longer hide himself away whenever they had visitors, especially other Guardians. No matter how much the larger Eliksni claimed that it wasn't the case.
Taking a deep invent, even though he didn't need to seeing as he is an Exo, he walks inside of the bar. Steeling himself as he calmly walks up to the trio standing in front of Spider. Ignoring the odd looks from them as he fully faced Spider, head tilted at the slightest angle as an inquiry for why he was called. He already knew why, but its best he acts dimwitted in front of them. That was the one thing he was good at, making others think he was weak or incompetent. Best not to show your true skill set unless dubbed necessary.
"Ah, Exo. My favorite Guardian!" Spider called towards him as his smaller frame walked closer, his voice gravely and deep. "I am so glad you were available to come speak with our guests."
Exo hid a smile, containing the laughter and joy he wished to spill out at the others theatrics. Though that feeling quickly diminished when one of the trio in the room spoke up, clearly angered and annoyed. A grunt escaped said Guardian, gaining the attention of the rest of the group. "Exo? Really? You won't even speak up for yourself and make him adress you by your own name?! That is simply pathetic." The much larger exo spat, a snarl clear as day splayed across his face. Well, as clear as any exo could create.
"Phantom, please- Lets not start this rig-" The Guardian, Phantom, cut off his friend before they could even finish their thoughts. "I don't want to stand here, being forced to stay in the same room as this Eliksni's pet and I won't be quiet about it either. If he wishes to pat himself on the back with his extra arms for 'taming' a weak-willed Guardian then he can do it in front of someone else."
Exo simply looked at him, ignoring the others harshness thrown towards him. It was.. A rather common occurrence around other Guardians, not something he has yet to hear. Though the way Phantom had spoken about Spider did make his anger boil up slightly, however having patience is the key to ignoring the way others negatively perceive you and your relations.
"Now, Guardian, you are a guest within our space. I believe it would be in your best interest not to insult the people of our domain. And especially not someone who has willingly chose to work-"
"Willingly chose to work?! Are you insane?? What kind of drugs have they hooked you up to in order to believe someone, especially a Guardian, would willingly let themselves become your little slave toy?! HAH." Phantom crowed, his fireteam trying their best to keep the other in check. Normally he wouldn't speak to a higher authority like this, however after the Crow incident and the way this Exo clearly was being forced into silence he couldn't hold his anger any longer.
And that was when Exo snapped, his patience no longer standing when Phantom chose to insult Spider.
"Watch yourself, Guardian." Exo all but growled out, chest puffed slightly in anger as he straightened his back and bore his optics into the others.
All were shocked into silence, except for Spider. He was visibly beeming with pride, though he quickly stomped it down. He did not wish to ruin this moment of his Exo defending him. Though he did wish he would do the same for himself. However it was still a shock, he had never spoken up before. Not once.
"You will not speak to him that way, nor will you insult his integrity. Exo is not simply my species, it is also my name. I was never able to recall my name, nor had I ever given myself one. Spider was generous enough to willingly think of one for me, though he was never able to fulfill that offer. Others decided to begin adressing me as 'Spiders Exo', and that is how it stayed. I simply went along with it, it was a name others could adress me by. Then Spider requested he could call me Exo, and that is all. I now wear the name with pride, and you dare to insult it? This place is hope for these people, and you wish to degrade it with words and insolence? Then you are no longer welcome here, I do not wish to ever see nor even hear of you anywhere near this peaceful home."
It was clearly visible how angry Phantom had become, his aura speaking volumes where he did not. "What did you just say to me, you metallic fuck toy?! Just because he lets you into his room at night does not mean he cares about you or anyone else here! What has he brainwashed you with?!"
That was it, that was all it took. "Our private life is no business of yours, nor anyone who we do not involve it with." And within the next moment a fight broke out.
Phantom had charged him, enraged. He swung his fist. On any other person, he probably would've connected the punch. However, Exo was not a stranger to fights. Nor was he a stranger to someone fighting with rage, moves sloppy as the only thing they could focus on was their anger.
Within moments from the first swing, Exo had Phantom pinned against a wall. He held him there with one hand, leaning against him slightly as he turned towards the rest of the room. He didn't let his guard down, nor did he loosen his grip. "Does anyone else wish to express their... Disdain over the fact that I am of sound body and will to make my own choices? In question, specifically whom I devote my time to and whom I sleep next to at night."
He shot a short glare at Phantom when he mentioned that, his anger roaring for a moment before dying down. Turning towards Spider as he spoke, voice softening slightly when directed at the larger Eliksni. "I deeply apologize for this Guardians actions as well as my own. I had promised peacefullness, yet in the end I was unable to keep that."
Spider straighted himself in his chair slightly, the look behind his mask beeming with pride for his Exo. "No need to apologize, Exo. You were simply defending me as well as yourself. Something I greatly appreciate." He nodded towards him before looking towards the rest of Phantoms team, bottom set of arms resting over his torso and they connected together. "If you wish to take your friend elsewhere to calm down then you may return to speak with me again. For now, I believe it best if we let the tension in the room settle." He spoke with firm authority, gesturing at the group with the small ghost within his hand.