claws rut the jungle blood . Power discovery

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

Vaas's words were so soft and vulnerable, and honestly, that scared Rhinestone. He wasn't used to the tiger showing much emotion, beyond anger or some amused sense of sarcasm. In most cases, that was a relief to Rhine – the other's presence had a tendency to balance him out. He was such an emotional leader, driven by what he believed was best for his group, and what he believed that he should do. Meanwhile, Vaas's contemplative silence was often a boon, since it provided him with the ability to calm himself slightly. Rhinestone certainly didn't think of himself as an idiot, but he didn't have as much experience with leading as Vaas did. The ruddy feline had only taken over Palmclan a few months ago, and he had no idea how long the tiger before him had been leading the boardwalk group, but it certainly seemed as though it was a long time. It was good, having a more experienced and calm voice working alongside him – even if Vaas certainly did have his moments where he came unhinged. Now, however, to hear genuine fear in Vaas's voice... it was unnerving, and the leader almost wanted to retreat. Run away, and find somewhere that was familiar, and more safe. However, he stood his ground, unwilling to give in to that little horrified inner voice.

When Vaas rushed forward, Rhine took in a harsh gasp of breath, a mix of fear and surprise. He wasn't really expecting Vaas to hurt him – he trusted the other, after all – but he couldn't deny that the sudden movement startled him. He allowed himself to settle into the other's firm grip, his pale blue gaze briefly falling shut as he muttered, "Yeah... you did good, Vaas. We're your family now, right? Or at least... I like to think that we are." He pulled back just enough to smile lightly up at Vaas, his grin crooked and kindhearted. He honestly did think of Vaas as family, even if their relationship had grown more and more complicated over time. He knew that Quasar felt close to the other – that alone was obvious through how harsh and emotional he had just sounded – and he didn't want to do anything to wreck that relationship. So, it was just easier to be that with Vaas – family. Nothing specific, but something that showed just how much he cared for the other male.

Maybe, some day, he'd be able to tell Vaas how he truly felt. Or figure out how he truly felt, really, since it wasn't as easy as all the books made it seem. One day, he and Vaas might be able to just sit together and talk, without any kind of crazy nonsense making things so much harder. Rhinestone knew that it was a long-shot, especially considering how much Palmclan seemed to be going through as of late, but a man could hope.

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

— Reggan