I'M BRINGING MY CROWN . o . human AU

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

All in all, Rhine knew that he couldn't be too terribly displeased with how Quasar had chosen to conduct himself throughout life. Yes, it was undeniable that the boy was a massive troublemaker, but it was also true that he was smart. Too smart for his own good, the majority of the time. Rhinestone had always known that trying to discipline him too much would only backfire, and he didn't want to fuck Quasar up for the rest of his life. Even now, the lanky male was only just beginning to get a full grip on this whole parenting thing, and he still often felt like he was doing something wrong. He just wished that more of the books he had gotten had been helpful. Regardless, Rhine was shaken out of his worried parent stupor by the sound of Quasar's voice, namely directed at him. He jumped a little, even though he had known full well his son could see him. Upon hearing what Quasar had to say, Rhine couldn't help the soft snort that left him, and the faint shake of his head from side to side. He muttered, smiling softly, "I'm not sure that there's any real way that you can connect the phrases responsible and skipping school, Quasar." Despite his words, his tone wasn't scolding. More just... fondly amused.

Vaas was the next to speak among the trio of them, and Rhine couldn't help the way his heart sank when he heard the other's words. He had never been much of a partyer, or much of a drinker, so whenever either happened, he had a tendency to embarrass himself. He just hadn't been expecting anyone to remember him doing so. Ignoring the way that his heart sank down to his shoes with shame, he let out a cracking little laugh, muttering, "Oh. Yeah... that's why we've met." He ended a bit lamely, unsure of what to say after that. Was he supposed to say sorry? He supposed not, considering the amused look that Vaas had on his face. Besides, considering the fact that this had apparently happened multiple times, it was clear that the other hadn't started to go out of his way to avoid Rhine. That was a relief, especially considering melting into an embarrassed puddle on the floor was starting to look real appealing at the moment.

Trying to forcibly yank himself away from that subject, Rhine focused his attention on what Vaas said next, a faint frown pulling at his lips. He had little to no idea what was in that coffee, and he doubted that Quasar did either. He didn't think that Vaas was a bad guy, and certainly didn't think he'd put anything illicit in the mix, but it was still a mystery. An unfortunate mystery that would probably end with his son being thoroughly pranked – even if unintentionally. Raising an eyebrow at Vaas, Rhine recovered his dignity enough to speak, "I'm not so sure we should actively be encouraging him to turn over to the dark side. Just saying." Of course, this was Quasar that they were talking about. As good as the kid was at school, it would be relatively easy for him to take Vaas's words as a challenge – something that Rhine knew well.

NEVER OPENED MYSELF THIS WAY
LIFE IS OURS, WE LIVE IT OUR WAY

— Reggan