"New Students" (Klapollo AU)

Sunflower Wedding

   Athena sat on a stool, looking outside. Her mom was sitting behind her, trying to brush through her hair so she could braid it. Aura was also in the room, making small adjustments to the ruffles of Athena's summer dress while occasionally checking the time. Not much time had passed, and they still had plenty before they had to be out in the space center yard.

   Athena fidgeted again as Metis hit another snarl in her hair. She knew her mom didn't mean to, but it still hurt. "You're alright my little princess," her mom cooed in her ear as she slowly worked out the knot that had formed itself in Athena's hair.

   It smelled very heavily of apple-scented detangling spray by the time Metis got through with brushing. She began trying to braid her daughter's hair. "Mommy, it hurts," Athena whined.

   "I know, sweetheart... I'm sorry. You'll be okay," Metis reassured her.

   Athena frowned in the mirror when it was done. "What happened to my bangs?" She rubbed the top of her head, causing a few hairs to already get out of place. "Why does it feel weird?" She reached for her mother's hand, pouting.

   Metis sighed and sat next to her, beginning to undo the braid to try fixing it better. "Your hair doesn't normally part that way, my sunflower." It was back to brushing for a little bit.

   Aura was starting to get impatient. She'd already straightened the dress over five times, and Metis had been struggling to meet her daughter's demands for her hair. She lightly pushed Metis's hand out of the way after yet another 'failed' attempt at a braid. "I got this. You go check on What's-his-face and make sure he hasn't done anything stupid."

   Her partner whispered a faint, "Thank you," before passing by to go check on their boss and Solomon. She wasn't entirely sure which one Aura meant, but it was safe to assume both.

   Aura cracked her knuckles. "Alright, princess. Let Miss Aura show you how it's done."

   Athena's hair was done in just a few minutes, with a nice, golden flare on her usual ribbon as well. The small princess was giggling with delight. "See? Was that so hard? Now let's go get you dressed and join your mom." Aura pushed her towards the small dress and helped her into it.

   They made their way out of the room where Metis was already waiting for them. She took her daughter's hand. "Just a few more minutes, sunflower. Mr. Starbuck is still taking out a few more chairs."

   Athena looked up at her. "I thought we already had all the chairs we needed."

   Aura squinted. "So did I."

   "Well, Simon got back earlier than we thought he would."

   "Already knew that."

   "And the one child that's been visiting the space center came again with just his dad instead of both parents today." Aura blinked at her partner. "The taller boy. He said he wanted to help and brought some normal food according to Solomon."

   Aura huffed. "Don't know how the kid even knew about this, but at least the little sh- squirt has food that isn't just desserts. As much as we all love Willow's baking, she really doesn't cut down in the sweet department unless she has to. I'm not dealing with your daughter's sugar rushes tonight, Metis."

   Athena punched her in the arm. "I'm not that bad!"

   Aura pushed her hand away. "Sure you aren't. You still need to work on your punches a bit more."

   "Her punches?" Athena nodded. "Aura," Metis said, her face dropping.

   "No, don't you dare take that tone with me," Aura snarled, pointing an accusatory finger at her.