Chapter Text
[VENUS POV:]
*He eagerly placed down the winning card.*
*The Sun card. He was grinning ear to ear, the groans coming from the Earth, Mars, Pipsqueak and the other pipsqueak were music to his ears. If anything went wrong in these games, he'd always have a Sun card up his sleeve.*
"I WIN IDIOTS!!!!" *He practically cackled, his eyes wide alongside clenched fists.*
"We get it, Venus." *Pipsqueak 2 grumbled, accompanied by nods from the first Pipsqueak.*
"You CHEATED! Cheater!" *The Earth exclaimed, pointing a finger at the cocky planet, her eyes narrowing accusingly, her wings raised in alarm.*
"You're just jealous you LOST!!!" *Venus yelled, going up close to her face just to rub it in. She scowled at this, swatting him away.*
"Alright Venus, it's not that serious. Same for you, Earth." *Mars hummed, collecting everyone's cards into the pile and shuffling them, ready for the next game.*
"Since when were you our parent?" *She questioned, raising an eyebrow at Mars. Although Venus acted like he didn't care, he was also curious on why Mars was so responsible for taking care of them all, and much more mature than most of them, too.*
"Since always? I'm the oldest Rocky planet, you know." *He stated proudly, crossing his arms at the younger planets.*
"Well, I'm the youngest, and I'm still more mature than Venus." *The Earth retorted, trying to get a rise out of Venus.*
"The youngest and YOU STILL LOST!"
"You know what? I don't want to play anymore." *Pipsqueak grumbled, throwing his cards down and storming off. . . . Before coming back to take them with him.*
"Crybaby." *Venus smirked, watching as the first pipsqueak walked off. So sensitive, for what?*
"Yeah, me neither. Can we go, Earth?" *The other pipsqueak muttered, to which the Earth simply nodded helplessly.*
"Well, see you next time guys!" *She called back while she was being practically dragged away by the pipsqueak.*
" . . . So . . . " *Mars smiled awkwardly, clearly just as unsure as Venus on what to talk about.*
"Wanna talk about the Earth?" *Venus responded uncertainly.*
"Anything else we can talk about . . ?"
"Uh, no not really. She's like the only thing we have in common." *Venus grumbled. Despite his desire to change this, they still shared no interests with each other despite Solarcards, and their friendship with the Earth.*
"Well, I guess we're not playing anymore." *Venus scowled, stomping off towards his orbit, similarly to how the pipsqueaks had earlier.*
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*He slumped down in his orbit, groaning audibly. Great. Everyone's always so emotional. Ouh, I didn't win I quit! Ooooh, you'll never have life! Venus grumbled, throwing his arms down in frustration.*
*Beside him, something stirred.*
*It yawned just about as loudly as he groaned.*
*He looked down to his side, to find a small asteroid, looking up at him. Looking up at him so . . . lovingly.*
"Uhm." *Venus whispered under his breath, body stiffening suddenly.*
"Hi. Little . . . asteroid." *He mumbled, looking down at the little thing in front of him, unsure what to make of it. It smiled up at him, eyes twinkling before it started doing some . . . sign things with it's hands? It babbled towards him, giggling slightly at itself.*
*It tapped one hand on the side of it's head twice. This only made Venus' confusion grow. The asteroid seemed to be feeling the same, as it looked up at him expectantly. It made grabbing motions towards him, arms raised high. Wait a damn minute. He thought back to something in the past, where the Earth was rambling about her Earthlings.*
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"OH YEAH! They all speak different languages, too! Isn't that fantastic?!" *She grinned, asking a basically rhetorical question. Because, if anyone had said no, they probably would've got a long lecture about how great they are, or an asteroid to the face. He shuddered at the thought.*
"Wouldn't that just make it harder to communicate?" *Pipsqueak raised his hand to ask, like they were in some sort of Earthling classroom.*
"Well, yeah I guess. But it's based on their cultures! And if they can't speak it, they use their hands to speak as well! It's called sign language. Gosh, aren't my Earthlings just amazing?" *The Earth spoke way too quickly for her half-asleep audience to take in, sighing softly as soon she'd finished her rambling.*
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*Thank the stars he'd paid even a little bit of attention to the Earth's endless Earthling lectures. Which were basically about everything he didn't have. Guess I'm paying her a visit today. Venus grumbled, starting the trek towards Earth's orbit. He quickly realized he was being followed by the asteroid. It clung to his leg childishly, though, maybe it was a child. He wrinkled his nose, attempting to shake it off of his leg, but it clung tightly to him, giggling quietly to itself. He groaned, limping towards the Earth's orbit.*
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"Oh, hi Venus!" *The Earth turned to smile at Venus quickly, her wings fluttered as she left behind whatever conversation she was having with her moon.*
"I hope you're not here just to flex that you won, because we're really not in the mood right no-" *Pipsqueak 2 started, tone tense as if they'd been busy doing something more important.*
"No, it's not that. I need your help with something, Earth." *He hissed urgently under his breath, as if embarrassed to be having this conversation. The greyer of the two pipsqueaks cocked an eyebrow.*
[EARTH POV:]
"Hold on, is she using sign language?" *The Earth stopped for a second, questioning how on Earth in the universe that would've happened. It simply didn't make sense. Maybe she was born knowing it? She inhaled deeply, crouching down to the toddler's level before signing, to the best of her ability; 'I.' She pointed her finger directly at her own chest. 'Earth.' She use both of her open hands with her fingers spread apart to outline the shape of a globe. 'You?' Earth pointed her finger directly at the moon (?).*
*The little asteroid immediately started signing quickly to the Earth upon realizing they could understand eachother. She wasn't expecting such things to be used by another celestial body, seeing as she'd never taught anyone in the Solar System sign language besides Luna, just in case. At first, she made a sign the Earth recognized.*
*She crossed her index and middle fingers in a 'V' shape, with her palm facing forward, that was obviously V. Then, she curled her fingers in with her thumb tucked underneath across her palm, that's E. Shortly after, she tapped her index and middle fingers down over her thumb, N. She pointed her index and middle fingers straight up together side-by-side, U. At long last, she made a fist with her thumb resting across the front of her folded fingers, S.*
*Then, much to the Earth's surprise, she made another sign. She tapped the palm of her right arm on the right side of her head, twice in a row.*
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*Oh my Singularity. 'Venus. Mom.'*
"MAH MAH MAH MAH!!" *The asteroid squealed, smiling towards Venus. The Earth stifled a laugh behind her hand, glancing back up at Venus occasionally between her fit of giggles.*
"What? What's so funny? What is it saying?! IS IT ABOUT ME?!" *He yelled fury rising in his voice. The Earth wiped tears from her eyes.*
"She thinks you're her mom."
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"WHAT?!" *Venus practically exploded. The little asteroid moon flinched.*
"Hey, stop it! You're scaring her!" *The Earth scolded, the feathers on her wings stood up. She grabbed the moon as an attempt to rock the little one in her arms. Venus scoffed, glaring at the pair.*
"If you already love her soooo much, why don't YOU be her mom?! Because I AM NOT!!"
*The Earth sighed softly, wings relaxing as she looked down at the small child.*
"She's a sweetheart, I'll admit. But, she sees you as her mom, Venus. Not me. And, I already have over a nonillion earthlings as my children, if you include bacteria and all those plants, as well as 8 Quasi-Satellites! Which is what this little one is, if my theory is right." *She rambled, shortly after bouncing the moon in her arms and cooing at her gently.*
*Venus stared at the empty space in front of him, unmoving. She glanced down at him, noticing his want to change the topic.*
"You know what, it's not helping that we keep calling this little one 'she' and 'her'." *The Earth complained to no one in particular, placing the little one down so her hands were free to sign. 'Your. Name. What?' The Earth signed carefully, hands close to her body so Zoozve could see, focusing on getting the signs right rather than her speed. The moon responded quickly; 'She slid one index finger horizontally across the other, Z. Next, she curved her thumb and index finger on her right hand into a small circle, O. She repeated the 'O' shape. And, she did the same for the 'Z' shape. Then, she pointed her index and middle fingers upward in a 'V' shape, so, obviously V. And finally, she curled her fingers down with her thumb resting across the bottom, E.' Okay, what does that spell? She thought for a moment, respelling it out like the moon had done. Z-O-O-Z-V-E . . . Zoozve? She repeated the sign 'Zoozve', a lot faster now that she'd learnt it. The moon Zoozve nodded in response, smiling happily. She flailed her arms above her, panting through giggles.*
"So?" *Venus looked at her expectantly, all of a sudden interested in their conversation.*
"Her name's Zoozve! (Pronounced Zooz-vuh) Isn't that cute?!" *The Earth called back excitedly, signing the sentence as she said it, as an attempt to include Zoozve.*
[ZOOZVE POV:]
*I looked up to see what my Auntie was saying. I couldn't tell. I love my Auntie. She loves me. I wish Mama was the same. I sighed softly, watching Mama and Auntie's conversation, only understanding one side of it. Auntie was talking about my name, and how she would teach Mama how to talk with me, but I couldn't tell how Mama was responding. He looked mad, but he always did. I pouted, slumping further down onto the floor, watching the back and forth. . . . That wasn't me, was it?*
[EARTH POV:]
"That's a weird name." *Venus deadpanned, glaring at Zoozve. The Earth gasped, as if personally offended, before scolding Venus harshly.*
"Excuse me? Like your name is any better." *She scoffed, still signing. Though, maybe it would've been better if she didn't. She didn't like the idea of a child at this age hearing their rather aggressive argument and getting the wrong ideas.*
"You got a problem Earth?!" *He growled, tone low with fury. She rolled her eyes, turning her attention back to the little moon. 'Zoozve, wait. Mama.' She replicated Zoozve's signs from earlier. The moon nodded eagerly in response, dark eyes shining.*
"Look, Venus. Just take her in for a while, okay? She'll grow on you." *The Earth waved her hand dismissively, picking up Zoozve.*
"Hey! What are you-"
*She handed her to Venus, who's body tensed up, holding the moon far away from him. She facepalmed, gently pushing his hands that held Zoozve closer to him.*
"I'll make a deal with you, okay?" *The Earth looked down at Venus, eyes narrowing.*
[VENUS POV:]
"I'm listening." *He mumbled.*
"I'll give you my SolarCards collection, as long as you look after her, and let me teach you sign language, okay? I can babysit Zoozve until you at least know the basic signs, but after that?" *She glared at the planet below, extending one hand for him to shake and using the other to pull out her SolarCards Collection.*
*Venus thought for a second. One the one hand (literally), he'd have to take care of some asteroid moon, but on the other hand . . . he'd get the Earth's absolutely STACKED SolarCards collection!!! . . . He composed himself, before responding.*
"We've got a deal, Earth." *Venus quickly reached up from his position on the floor and used his free hand to take the Earth's. He was eager to claim his new collection and less eager to deal with a child, however, both were unable to let go until the promise was 'locked in'.*
*A flourish of light surrounding both of their wrists, leading back to their hands. It's the universe's way of 'sealing the deal', to use an Earthling term. Zoozve watched in awe, reaching up towards the light. However, it disappeared as quickly as it appeared, officially ealing binding Venus to Zoozve. She laughed it faded, leaning fowards in Venus' hand and almost falling forward before Venus caught her with his free hand. Her throat gurgled eagerly.*
"Well, we could start with the signs right now, if you'd like?" *The Earth released Venus' hand as soon as the light faded, as to not risk cooking any Earthlings that reside on that hand. She looked at him expectantly, raising an eyebrow and grinning. He simply shook his head sheepishly, looking away from the two. Earth's expression faltered.*
"Why, what's wrong?" *She questioned, tilting her head slightly, accompanied by confusion from Zoozve. Venus sighed softly, pinching the bridge of his nose.*
"I'm just . . . tired." *He grumbled, holding the little moon stiffly. The Earth nodded, her features softening in understanding.*
"We can try again tomorrow." *She hummed sweetly. Venus stared back at her.*
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"Be here tomorrow." *Earth added sternly as Venus turned to leave.*
Venus avoided her gaze, looking away and turning around to return to his orbit, moon in hand. Zoozve quickly took a liking to his hair.*
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*Zoozve giggled, pulling at Venus' long, curly hair. It reached to around his hips, meaning the little moon could climb through it like a jungle.* "Stop it, moon." *He hissed in pain, fishing Zoozve out of his hair. This moon. Why couldn't she just leave me alone? I mean, I never asked for a moon. No one can replace Neith. Especially not a . . . Uhm. She pouted, being held up from the overall straps. She signed 'Mama' again, to no response. Her eyes glittered as she began blinking rapidly.*
" . . . Oh. Wait, nonononoono—"
"WWWAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!" *She squealed, wriggling out of Venus' grasp. His eyes widened as Zoozve disappeared from his sight, hiding. Oh stars. STARS. This Solar System, for one, is much too chaotic for such a small moon like . . . what's her name again? Zoozve?*
"ZOOZVE! Wait! I-I didn't mean it!" *He called out frantically, receiving no response from the little moon. He cursed under his breath. This moon could be anywhere right now, he just hoped she hadn't gotten far.*
[MARS POV:]
*He sighed, sorting through his own deck of cards and the ones the others had left behind. Well, despite our best efforts to reconcile after the whole 'Moon Revolution' mess, we were still just four immature rocky planets. Well, except for me, of course. Mars looked out towards the asteroid belt. Jupiter and Saturn sat together, chatting sweetly with an audience they didn't know about. Their moons peeked out from behind Saturn's floor-length hair.*
*Beyond there stood the two ice giants, Uranus and Neptune. They seemed to be having what Earthlings called a 'Tea Party'. Though, it's not much of a party if no one's dancing. Their And, is that an . . . asteroid with a face on it? It's that lonely out there, huh? I could never imagine . . . *
*Phobos and Deimos screeched.*
*Mars whipped his head towards his kids as fast as he could, looking around frantically. The twins usually screamed, but that scream sounded more terrified than excited.*
"She's not one of us!!!!" *Deimos yelled as Mars finally caught sight of what seemed to be a moon of a similar radius to the pair.*
"She's not one of you? So, she's not a new moon?" *He tilted his head, trying to understand their horror. Sure, it was a moon they didn't recognize, but a moon nonetheless. The moon wore blue denim overalls that morphed into a jean skirt overtop a brown and white striped, short-sleeved t-shirt. Her hair was tied into two small pigtails atop her head and the other two pieces of hair tied lower down beside her face. She wore black 'Mary Janes', decorated with blue bows above her white, knee-length socks. Finally, at the top of her head was an ocean-blue bow. Her appearance seemed . . . scruffy to say the least. Yet, at the same time it was neat. MUCH neater than what he wore anyway. And, as much as he hated to say it, much neater than what his moons wore. He glanced down at his daughters, who were trying to scare the moon away by roaring, supposedly like the dinosaur and shark they were dressed as.*
*Mars sighed softly, slapping his palm against his face. He waved the pair over, who scurried to hide behind their dad.* "Okay, where did you come from, little moon?" *He crouched down to the moons level, who giggled in response, but said nothing. Mars raised an eyebrow, clearing his throat before trying again.*
"Do you . . . have a name?"
*In response, she began doing what Earthlings call 'Sign Language'. He remembered the Earth talking about this and trying to teach him some, but he didn't want to. Stars, that would've been useful right now. Mars looked around nervously, to find Venus yelling frantically, looking around almost desperately. Usually, he'd assume Venus was throwing a tantrum, but now? He looked more horrified than mad, a side of him he'd only seen a few times before. Mars shrugged, extending his hand for the moon to step on.*
*She looked around, stepping forward onto his hand with one foot, looking up at him for validation. Mars nodded supportively. The moon composed herself, deciding to go through with it, which she did rather reluctantly. She sat down on her knees within his palm, looking around.*
*Mars picked up his two daughters with his other hand, who squealed at the sudden increase in altitude. He walked towards Venus' orbit nervously, swallowing a hard lump in his throat.*
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[ZOOZVE POV:]
*I looked around where I was placed in Uncle Mars' hand. Across from me, on his other hand were two moons. The first girl had darker, brunette hair in two long plaits. On her head was a dinosaur skull. The second girl had lighter, creme hair that wasn't visible under the shark hoodie she wore.*
*They looked at me weirdly, though, I guess they don't know who I am.*
*I smiled at them, to which the larger of the two stepped in front of the smaller one defensively. I pouted, waving at them shyly before turning away to look at the stars instead.*
*It was a nice change of pace.*
[MARS POV:]
*Mars breathed in and out deeply once, before clearing his throat.*
"Hey, Venus?" *Mars said, his clear, confident voice contrasting his mood in the moment.*
*He did not respond.*
*Mars looked at the ground, composing himself before going to try agai-*
"MAH!! MAH!" *The moon cooed, reaching her arms up towards Venus. . . . What?*
*Venus span around quickly, almost stumbling over. He looked around frantically, before his eyes landed on the moon in Mars' hand.*
"ZOOZVE!" *He yelled, lunging forward and snatching the moon from his hand, causing Mars to lose his balance and fall backwards.*
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*Venus extended a hand towards him, helping him up.*
" . . . I-I'm sorry. I was just-"
"Worried about her?" *Mars tilted his head, smiling softly at Venus as he took Venus' hand and stood back up. Venus simply nodded, patting Zoozve on the head with a finger, which she giggled at.*
*Venus huffed, laying down on the ground and promptly shutting his eyes, exhaustion taking over. Mars chuckled sweetly, conjuring a blanket and throwing it over the hottest rocky planet. He smiled in his sleep.*
*Mars turned around, daughters in hand, and left Venus' orbit.*
"Come on, we're going home."
[ZOOZVE POV:]
*As Uncle Mars and Mama finished their conversation (that I didn't understand a word of), I curled up next to Mama, nuzzling into him as his chest rose and fell softly. I giggled, slowly signing 'Mama' once more. I tapped my hand against my head two times. This time, it felt right. I smiled softly, before falling into a peaceful slumber.*