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hedwigstalons · 4 years

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High Expectations - Ch7

You know those 1 minute doodles people do? Well this is pretty much the digital equivalent. As soon as I sat down I had a kid perched on each knee and a constant refrain of ‘Can I go on the magic drawing pad?’ which made doing anything just a little tricky. I would love to have half a day to sit down uninterrupted and get to grips with even the basics of digital drawing but that’s not going to happen any time soon. Instead you have to make do with what I could manage around two small humans (literally - I had one tucked into each arm).

More thanks to @willow-salix who has put up with my ramblings every step of the way.

Earlier parts: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six

AO3 chapter link

Chapter Seven

Gordon was awake long before Virgil the following day. He quietly flicked through the TV channels, the volume down low, until he heard his brother moving around in the bedroom. Experience had taught him not to disturb Virgil’s slumber unless he fancied being in close proximity to a grumpy bear.

As Virgil stumbled through his morning routine Gordon made himself useful fixing breakfast. He searched through cupboards and the fridge and was relieved to see that Virgil kept the apartment well stocked. Both brothers had a voracious appetite and a fast metabolism. By the time Virgil had finished his shower the eggs were in the pan and the coffee was brewing. When he emerged from his bedroom wearing yet another red checked shirt Gordon was just plating up.

“Hey, you can stay more often.” The appreciation was mumbled around a slice of toast from the large stack in the middle of the table. The portions were generous and the eggs were light and fluffy with just the right amount of seasoning. “When did you learn to cook?”

“Right around the time you and John moved out and me and Alan got shipped to the coast. Dad wasn’t often back in time for dinner.”

Virgil could sense there was a story to tell there but knew better than to press the issue, especially before he had had a second cup of coffee. During his own visit back home he had taken on the cooking without even thinking about it and hadn’t given a second thought as to who normally kept the household fed.

“I’ll cook tonight if you want” Gordon said, tucking into his own pile of eggs. “If you want pizza though you’ll have to ask Alan next time you’re back. That kid has a knack for dough. Just don’t touch his pasta, I’ve never known someone find simple boiling so hard.”

“Sounds great, you can show me what you can do. Maybe you’ll end up at catering college.”

Virgil’s joke fell flat as he sensed the shields rising up around Gordon. It seemed any mention of the future made his brother touchy as hell. He made a mental note to avoid all talk of future plans for the rest of Gordon’s stay, even if they were only made in jest. Unfortunately he still had his own work to do, troubled brother or not.

“So Gordon, I’ve got a lab slot today. I was going to take you in and show you around but perhaps engineering isn’t really your thing.”

Gordon shook his head gently.

“Hey, there’s a pool a couple of blocks over, it should be pretty quiet at the moment. How about you put yourself through your paces this morning then we can hang out in the afternoon once I’ve got back from campus.”

This sounded infinitely preferable to Gordon. The routine of swimming was ingrained now and he had thrown his kit into his bag as a matter of habit. The idea of watching Virgil doing…whatever it was Virgil did was not appealing, especially now knowing of his father’s ulterior motive for suggesting he spend time with one of his college based brothers.

With breakfast over and the dishes carefully washed the brothers departed and headed their separate ways; Gordon heading to the pool while Virgil made his way onto campus.

Just a few short minutes later Gordon was stood, bag in hand, outside the pool building. It was shut. A noticed taped to the door proclaimed the apologies of the management for unscheduled maintenance and the assertion that the facilities should be open again the following day.

Gordon dug out his phone and tried to call Virgil but the line connected straight through to voicemail. Virgil had warned him that there was a policy of no phones in the labs and workshops and it looked like he had already missed the opportunity to get hold of his sibling. He didn’t have a key to the apartment either. Apparently the spare set was with the letting agent, whoever that was, but even if he could find the right place there is no way they would just hand over the keys to him even if he did have the right surname. Instead of a morning burning off his frustrations in the water he was faced with the prospect of being stuck in a strange city, alone for the next few hours until Virgil resurfaced from his project.

He wandered back past the apartment and towards campus with the vague hope that he might bump into Virgil but deep down he knew that hope was futile. Shopping didn’t appeal and galleries and museums had never been his thing. He was destined for a boring morning.

His footsteps led him to a small square and he flopped down onto one of the hard, metal benches that lined the perimeter. He may as well wait here as anywhere. The wind was picking up and the enclosed space gave him some protection from the chill air that felt like it was blowing straight off the surrounding mountains. The clouds above looked dark and stormy and the day had turned unseasonably cold. The turbulent sky matched his mood. It felt like the entire world was conspiring to stop him from swimming.

The first rain drops soon began to fall. Heavy, penetrating globules of water that hit the ground with force before bouncing back up again several inches. Within seconds the drops had turned into a raging downpour; the sort of rain that obscures your vision and soaks everything in an instant. The drumming sound of rain hitting concrete and roof slates filled Gordon’s ears with white noise as though attempting to drown out his very thoughts. He sat there as the stinging rain beat against his body, turning the exposed skin of his cheeks a raw pink. In some perverse way the discomfort was enjoyable. A penance for being the sole aquatic element in a family that revolved around the sky and the stars.

A hand landed on Gordon’s shoulder and broke through his reverie. He spun round on the bench to be confronted by a young man in military uniform gesturing to the store front behind him. He didn’t have much choice but to follow as the man picked up his bag and dashed back to the cover of the building.

As the door slammed shut behind him the noise of the storm became muted. Two men were in the room, one sat behind a desk while Gordon’s assailant and bag thief was shaking water off his cap. Both looked to be about 25 and were in contrasting uniforms.

“So, were you aiming on hypothermia or just trying to drown yourself out there?” his attacker come rescuer asked.

Gordon just shook his head mutely. His hair was slicked down against his head and the action caused trickles of water to drip down his cheeks. He unzipped his kit bag, pulled out a towel, and scruffed his hair back to some semblance of dryness.

“I was meant to go swimming but the pool was closed.”

“And swimming in that downpour looked like a better idea than going home?”

“I’m just visiting. I’m locked out until my brother gets back from class.”

“So how long do you need to wait?”

Gordon looked at his watch. “He’ll probably be another couple of hours.”

“Well you can’t go back out in that, you’re already shivering.”

This was true. Stood there with his clothes plastered to his skin Gordon became uncomfortably aware of just how cold and wet his was. He tensed his core muscles in an attempt to still the shivers that made his body tremble.

The man behind the desk stood up and headed over to a coffee pot that was set up in the corner of the room. He called over his shoulder to his companion. “Kid’s not getting ill on my watch. I’ll make some coffee and you can take him upstairs and stick his clothes in the dryer.”

Gordon felt like he had little choice but to follow the man through a door at the back of the office and up a narrow set of stairs. They were right about one thing; he couldn’t sit out in the rain for hours.

The upstairs of the building was converted into a tiny flat and the two military personnel evidently lived up there, despite their conflicting services. There was a small living area with kitchenette built along one wall and a couple of extra doors that Gordon assumed led to a bathroom and bedrooms. Gordon soon found himself kitted out in a pair of dry sweatpants and a hoodie while his own sopping wet clothes were put through a drying cycle.

Back downstairs, with borrowed clothes and a hot coffee warming him through, Gordon began to take more notice of his surroundings and his temporary companions. Emblems of the World Security Patrol and its four component parts adorned the walls. Badges of the World Space Patrol, World Navy, World Army Air Force and Universal Secret Service all had their place.

With nothing else to do until his clothes had finished drying Gordon settled in to make the best of it. The two staff seemed personable enough. One wore the uniform of the World Army while the other was clad in the WASP insignia of World Aquanaut Security Patrol, the submarine service of the World Navy. The pair were good natured with a touch of friendly inter-service rivalry. Coming from a military family himself Gordon was well versed in the different factions although he was more familiar with the United States Air Force that the various world forces on display.

“What is this place?”

“Joint Services Recruitment Office” came the response. “The World Security Patrol has offices all over the place. Good engineers are like gold dust which is why this office is so close to the campus. The different services staff it on rotation, two at a time.”

“So how did the pair of you end up here?” Gordon asked.

“Random allocation for me” answered the World Army representative, who Gordon soon learned was called Daniels.

“I’d just got back from an extended submarine tour and my C.O. thought I could do with some sunshine. Not much of that today though; I stayed drier under water” laughed Green, the WASP who had pulled him in from the storm. “It’s not too bad though, except for the land snails.”

“Hey!” Daniels launched a promotional stress ball at Green. “Less of the land snail you jumped up sardine. Thank goodness I’ve only got to put up with you for another eight weeks.”

The two men evidently got on well together. The traded insults were laced with laughter. It was a far cry from the attitude his eldest brother displayed while in uniform. Maybe it was the lack of officers to keep them in check or maybe Scott just didn’t have a sense of humour any more that accounted for the difference; the pair in front of him certainly weren’t dour or serious.

“I can’t see Scott being happy getting sent to one of these places.”

“Scott?”

“Eldest brother. He’s Air Force. He’s not happy unless he breaks mach three at least twice a week.”

This description was greeted by a double eye roll, evidently WASP and World Army were prepared to unite against a common enemy.

“That’s flyboys for you. I guess this isn’t the brother who locked you out?”

“Nope, Virgil’s here doing his postgrad at the moment. Some sort of engineering project. I’m only here for a few days while Dad is out of town.”

“So you like to swim, huh? Think you can swim 200 meters in under three minutes?”

“Stop trying to recruit the kid, Green.”

“Hey! It’s my job at the moment, of course I’m going to have a try.”

A competitive glint appeared in Gordon’s eye.

“Think I can do it in under three minutes?” he mused, cocking his head as though seriously considering the question. “I know I can do it in one, forty-four point two.”

“Like hell you can. Jeez, that’s gotta be some kind of record.”

Gordon just smirked. Out of the pool and with clothes on he wasn’t particularly recognisable, his father’s policy of minimal contact with the media had seen to that. The pair in the recruiting office only knew his first name and had nothing to go on to connect him to the Olympics. He couldn’t help but feel a little bit boastful at the chance to show off his achievement.

“Yup. Butterfly. Set it out at the Games a few weeks back.”

“Wait? You’re Gordon Tracy?”

Gordon nodded.

“Bloody hell. The guys back at base aren’t gonna believe I had you in my recruiting office.”

Green was now actively goggling at him and even the more reserved Daniels was looking slightly thunderstruck.

“Told you to stop with the recruitment spiel. He’s got better things to do than mess about in your tin cans.”

“Those tin cans are highly specialised submarines I’ll have you know.”

The pair were back to the ribbing that seemed to characterise their working relationship. Gordon looked on enviously at the obvious camaraderie that existed despite their differing career paths. It showed a team spirit that he yearned for and the idea of locking himself away from his family at the bottom of the ocean was sounding pretty good at the moment.

Before his brain had fully caught up with his mouth he blurted out “So what would I have to do other than swim to get my hands on one of those subs?”

Gordon left the recruitment office a few hours later with more than just dry clothes. Stuffed in the bottom of his kit bag was a print out of the scores from the aptitude and reaction tests he had sat there which showed he more than met the standard required for WASP. On top of these Green had placed an application form which, if submitted alongside the test results, would earn Gordon an invitation to a selection week.

He had no real plans and sitting the tests had more been something to do to pass the time until Virgil was back. The military was Scott’s thing, not his, but Green had been animated and engaging in his description of the submarine service giving Gordon much food for thought. The picture he painted of service life was very different to the stories Scott brought home. Perhaps it was because WASP was a peacekeeping entity rather the aggressive environment of Scott’s fighter unit or perhaps it was the idea of exploring the oceans that appealed but something made him keep the forms.

Gordon shoved the whole idea to the back of his mind, burying it as deep as the paperwork that was hidden at the bottom of his kit bag.

xoxoxox

By the time Gordon made it back to the apartment Virgil was there to let him in.

“Good swim?” A mug of the ever-present coffee was placed in front of him before Virgil returned to the kitchen. Gordon picked up the mug and wandered over, leaning against the door frame to watch as his brother made a start on lunch.

“Pool was shut. Should be ok tomorrow though.”

“Shut? You found something else to do, right?” Virgil looked up from where he was buttering a stack of bread for sandwiches, feeling a gnawing guilt at his little brother being left alone in a strange city. The concern was clearly evident in his voice.

“It was fine. Even without a pool I’m perfectly capable of looking after myself for a few hours.”

“I know you are. Do you want tomatoes in with your ham? Or I’ve got mustard if you prefer.”

“Tomatoes please. You got any cheese?”

“Sure just grab the block out the fridge for me and I’ll add some in.”

The pair manoeuvred round each other in the small space, passing ingredients back and forth until a sizeable stack of sandwiches had been created. They carried them over to the table and settled down to eat.

“I’ve rearranged my lab slots so I don’t have to go back to campus for a few days” Virgil mumbled around a mouthful of bread. “I’ll still have to fit in some work here but it means you won’t be on your own so much.”

“You didn’t have to do that. I don’t need babysitting.”

“I didn’t do it because I think you need babysitting, I did it so we can actually spend some time together. Maybe watch some movies. You know, catch up a bit.”

Gordon looked for signs of an ulterior motive but instead saw only genuine honesty in Virgil’s expression. Now it was his turn to feel guilty for second guessing his brother’s intentions. Since when had he got so suspicious of everything? Probably since he found out this trip was yet another attempt by his father to mould him into the narrow ideals of what a good son should look like.

“Sorry. I guess I’m still a bit on edge. Even half a continent away I still feel like Dad is watching and keeping an eye on me.”

Virgil swallowed his mouthful, all too aware that Jeff was rather more than half a continent away. At that very moment he knew their father was somewhere in the South Pacific making sure the island that had been chosen as the future family home was just right before completing the purchase.

“So, this afternoon?”

“Films sound good, just none of that art house stuff.” After his soaking he didn’t fancy heading out anywhere again that day but he also wasn’t in the mood for some high-brow foreign language film or any of Virgil’s other niche preferences. “You sure you don’t need to do any more work today.”

“Maybe just half an hour or so to transfer my notes from the lab but I can always do that later.”

“How about you get that done while I clean up from lunch and fix us some snacks for the film. I think I spotted some corn kernels when I was looking for the salt earlier. Can’t have a film without popcorn.”

“If you’re sure? Kernels are in the top cupboard. I don’t have a popcorn maker here so you’ll have to use the stove, are you ok with that?”

Gordon’s only response was to roll his eyes; of course he would be fine making popcorn on the stove. He started to clear the plates.

Virgil, free of chores, headed over to his desk. He rummaged through his bag and dug out the smart moleskin notebook that he liked to use for rough notes, he found it easier to doodle down sketches on paper than on his tablet. Soon he was completely engrossed in transposing figures and observations into his main files and cross referencing against the work he had done previously.

He was snapped back to the present by the arrival of Gordon on his elbow with a cup of coffee. Once he was in the zone he could completely lose track of his surroundings, he had almost forgotten his brother was even there.

“We can save the films until tomorrow if you want to carry on.”

“No, it’s fine. Just give me a couple more minutes, I’m nearly done.”

Gordon picked up a file that was half covering a coaster to make space for the mug. One or two loose pages slipped free and made a bid for freedom. He carefully put down coffee then dived under the desk to retrieve the pages.

“Oh, sorry”, he took a look at the pages as he straightened up. “I didn’t realise your project was in aviation. That thing doesn’t look like it should be able to fly though, it’s like a bumble bee with those stupid stubby wings.”

Virgil flustered slightly and snatched the pages out of Gordon’s hand with a little more force than was strictly necessary, hurriedly stuffing them back in the folder before shutting the whole bundle away in a drawer.

“Um, it’s not. I mean, that’s not my project. That’s just something I’m working on for, um, after. Please, I’d uh, appreciate it if you didn’t tell Dad what you’ve seen.”

Gordon quirked an eyebrow in surprise. Whatever Virgil was working on it looked like their dad was unlikely to approve, or at least that’s how it came across from Virgil’s reaction. The last time he had seen Virgil acting so guilty was when he tried to deny eating Scott’s Easter chocolate while still having the remnants smeared as evidence across his face.

“Chill, Dad and I don’t exactly have a ‘chats over dinner’ type relationship. So what’s the big deal? I thought I was the only one not toeing the parental line about future plans. Is he pressuring you to go into the Air Force like him and Scott?”

“It’s nothing like that. And anyway, I’m a pacifist, remember? I think Dad knows me better than to suggest the military of all things”

“Well at least he knows what one of us likes. So, is this some PhD topic you’re thinking of? Cos if it’s to do with planes I’m sure Dad will be fine with it. Unless you’re thinking of setting up solo as a competitor to Tracy Aviation, now that would make him pissed.”

“Look, can you just drop it, please?”

Gordon was slightly taken aback by the abruptness, it normally took a lot to get their gentle giant riled up. It was almost impossible to have a fight with Virgil because it just wasn’t in his nature to be argumentative. That wasn’t to say that Virgil didn’t have strong opinions, it was just that he was normally so uncontroversial that it was hard to disagree with him. Perhaps he wasn’t the only one feeling the pressure to conform with their father’s ideals.

“I’m sorry. I promise I won’t tell Dad but, whatever it is you’re working on, don’t let him put you off. I’ll understand if you don’t want to talk about it but don’t let him dictate your life. No point both of us being miserable.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

Virgil felt guilty leaving Gordon with the wrong impression but it was easier to let him believe that Jeff disapproved of his future plans than try and explain away what was really on the cards. He made a mental note to take better care of the notes he had made. Of course it would all be much easier if the whole family knew what was going on but Jeff had been adamant; no sharing anything with anyone he hadn’t personally brought into the scheme, and that included younger brothers.

By mutual consent the brothers treated the future as a banned topic of conversation and by the time Gordon was due to return to Los Angeles he was in a much calmer frame of mind. A few days without the burden of responsibilities or parental scrutiny had soothed his soul and left him feeling lighter and more relaxed than he had for a long time.

Unfortunately all good things had to come to an end; he couldn’t hide out in Denver forever, tempting as it may be. As the plane headed back west Gordon found his mood sinking like the setting sun he was heading towards.

#thunderbirds #thunderbirds fanfiction #my art #high expectations #Gordon Tracy #Virgil Tracy #future plans #career choices #keeping secrets

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verdigrisprowl · 5 years

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Dec 24 Dancitron Movie Night - Gotham s2 e4-6

Primus showed up and made things snow. There was general consternation. Primus assured them that the snow wasn’t acidic.

Prowl only vaguely liked that the new police chief in the show was fighting corruption, but he was doing it so badly and introducing so many new bad aspects to the police that he couldn’t really support them.

Soundwave finally let Prowl help clean after the show.

Today NoodlesAtNight 7:31 pm ((A note - I don't know how many will be around tonight, we'll see what's what by 8)) SCProwl 7:31 pm ((k SpecsTheSpectralDragon 7:32 pm ((tbh I'm not sure how long I'll be around either)) ((it's kinda up in the air rn- the Family Obligations might call me away) NoodlesAtNight 7:32 pm ((perfectly understandable)) NoodlesAtNight 7:34 pm *For the moment, Soundwave will be poking around arranging things. He's got the usual array of snacks and drinks out, and is draped across his couch. That's right, he's doing all of this by feeler.* SCProwl 7:43 pm *arrives early for a change* NoodlesAtNight 7:43 pm [[Nothing to do at the police station?]] Angorumoa 7:44 pm [*bleps at the group then goes to let the doggo out*] NoodlesAtNight 7:44 pm ((blep! hi doggo)) SCProwl 7:45 pm I was able to finish my datawork a little earlier. We've finally gotten our system up and running. Angorumoa 7:46 pm [Oh geeze. SNOW OUTSIDE. Okay I may need to shovel it off the porch before I figure out who joins. A good two inches have built up. Maybe three.] Boomtank 7:46 pm ((HAH SCProwl 7:46 pm ((nice NoodlesAtNight 7:46 pm ((snooooow i'm so jealous. good luck))

*Soundwave tilts his helm.* [[Bevel making herself useful, is she?]] Angorumoa 7:47 pm [And YOU, aubade, wee need to see Bumblebee some monday] Boomtank 7:47 pm ((Like when I'm not recovering from mushing my car? Angorumoa 7:47 pm [Yes. THE ONE TIME YOU DON'T HAVE CAFFINE] Boomtank 7:47 pm ((yeah, that was....embarrassing Boomtank 7:48 pm ((hopefully it's still in theaters by the time I get my car fixed verdigrisprowl 7:48 pm *arrives* SCProwl 7:48 pm Well, she's prone to listening to music in at least one audial but she organizes data more efficiently than any police filing clerk I've ever seen. verdigrisprowl 7:49 pm *efficient data organization?* Who are we talking about? Boomtank 7:49 pm -And Blaster is just...going to drop into a seat- SCProwl 7:49 pm Bevel. NoodlesAtNight 7:49 pm [[You say that as though you disapprove.]] *He, obviously, does not.*

[[Ah. And your alternate has arrived.]] *Pings Prowl hello and nods to Blaster. Good evening, there.* verdigrisprowl 7:49 pm Ah. Really? Huh. Boomtank 7:50 pm -tired wave back. Hello.- SpecsTheSpectralDragon 7:50 pm *the dragon shows up- her cast is /finally/ off, praise the goddess! she's brought snacks for Soundwave, and she can put them where they belong!* Hello, Soundwave, everyone! NoodlesAtNight 7:50 pm [[Greetings, dragon. Ah - no medical equipment? Healed at last?]] SpecsTheSpectralDragon 7:52 pm All bones are back to where they belong! *the dragon extends her wing out fully to show off* I should try and be careful with it, but I'm cleared to fly short distances and everything! verdigrisprowl 7:52 pm *... where were the bones last time* NoodlesAtNight 7:52 pm *Soundwave dutifully admires the healed wing while fetching a hot drink for Blaster with a feeler. Poor mech always looks like he's about to perish on the spot.* Boomtank 7:53 pm -he's dealing with stubborn neutrals that think they know more than they actually do- NoodlesAtNight 7:54 pm *That's a good question. Somewhere else in the wing he supposes.* verdigrisprowl 7:54 pm *ain't that just how neutrals are.* Angorumoa 7:55 pm [doggo in and snow shovelled] NoodlesAtNight 7:56 pm ((yay! wb)) SpecsTheSpectralDragon 7:56 pm *they were broken in half, so trying to escape out the membrane. aka, not where they needed to be.* Boomtank 7:56 pm -Yep. If it would not be bad form, he'd call them out on it- Angorumoa 7:56 pm [Half tempted to go HEY LET IT SNOW ON CYBERTRON] Boomtank 7:56 pm -well, more than he already did today- ((SNOW)) verdigrisprowl 7:56 pm ((that'd be awful for the natural landscape)) Angorumoa 7:57 pm [shhhh it'd be fine SCProwl 7:57 pm *nods to alternate and finds her seat while she thinks how to word a reply to Soundwave's comment* I don't disapprove. It doesn't distract her from what she's doing and I also perform a number of tasks simultaneously. Mine just don't tend to result in outbursts of singing. NoodlesAtNight 7:57 pm ((soundwave will huddled indoors under 20 tarps and hiss at the windows)) Boomtank 7:58 pm -still going to take the drink and give Soundwave a tired smile- Thanks. Angorumoa 7:58 pm [He'll have to wear an ugly sweater] SpecsTheSpectralDragon 7:58 pm ((the dragon will show up with her rebreather and roll around outside the windows)) verdigrisprowl 7:58 pm ((oh no)) ((poor soundwave)) ((i guess)) ((he'll just)) Angorumoa 7:58 pm [Prowl gets one too] verdigrisprowl 7:58 pm ((have to cuddle with prowl)) ((for warmth)) SpecsTheSpectralDragon 7:58 pm ((ohohohoho)) Angorumoa 7:58 pm [Everyone gets ugly sweaters NoodlesAtNight 7:58 pm ((oh no how terrible. how will he ever stop laughing at the ugly sweater)) SCProwl 7:59 pm ((Prowl wouldn't mind a very mild acidic snowfall as she'd totally collect some to add to her acid collection Boomtank 7:59 pm ((Primus, don't do that. Angorumoa 7:59 pm [ouo [*going to do it* NoodlesAtNight 7:59 pm ((prowl just gobbling snow "thanks for the weaponry refill god" )) SpecsTheSpectralDragon 7:59 pm ((...oh, right. cybertronian precipitation is acidic)) Boomtank 7:59 pm ((do not SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:00 pm ((the dragon maybe... should not roll in that.)) Angorumoa 8:00 pm [*GUNNA DO IT* SCProwl 8:00 pm ((yeah that'd be bad Boomtank 8:00 pm ((and yes, unless we want dragon soup SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:00 pm ((no dragon soop for you)) Boomtank 8:00 pm ((BAD PRIMUS NoodlesAtNight 8:00 pm ((OKAY there is actually enough of a crowd tonight for us to progress thru s2 so i don't need to switch to an xmas cartoon. thankfully, because i have already watched so many aha)) Angorumoa 8:00 pm [christmassss] Boomtank 8:01 pm ((oh right, feck, that's tomorrow Angorumoa 8:01 pm *Totally debatable snow outside and ugly sweaters for everyone. Totally debatable whether reality or not.* SCProwl 8:01 pm ((tho explaining it ic would be funny "uh, it's the only signal I could get from earth aside from some very annoying speech by a very orange man Boomtank 8:01 pm ((HAH ((yes SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:02 pm ((boo, no orange man)) ((he's bad)) Boomtank 8:02 pm (('humans can come in that color?' NoodlesAtNight 8:02 pm ((we won't have the orange man here tonight. or any night. all right, warnings: GOTHAM S2 4-6 // Violence, blood, death, police militarization (trust me, it won't work out), poor depictions of mental illnesses, foul language. Alfred being a dick to Selina, Nice Guy Nygma, Butch's brainwashing, 'family' abuse, a loose eye, severed limbs, charred humans, prison comments I thhhink are in bad taste.)) ((but also more tabitha so like it evens out.)) verdigrisprowl 8:03 pm ((i choose to believe that all transformers continuities take place in universes where someone mildly more tolerable was elected SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:03 pm ((it's what we deserve)) Boomtank 8:03 pm ((yes Angorumoa 8:03 pm [I know noooothing about Gotham, so ey, all the confusion on my end. Also it may or may not be snowing outside with suddenly ugly sweaters on robots] SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:03 pm ((does the dragon get a sweater)) Angorumoa 8:03 pm [of course] SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:04 pm ((fuck yeah)) Boomtank 8:04 pm ((GDI PRIMUS Angorumoa 8:04 pm [with proper wing openings] SCProwl 8:04 pm ((TF timelines are the good timeline? verdigrisprowl 8:04 pm ((well, depending on the timeline, the decepticons MIGHT kill billions of people, so, yknow)) ((*weighing scales gesture*)) SCProwl 8:04 pm ((fair point SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:05 pm ((yeah but megatron does a hit and run on the orange man and kills him instantly so)) ((also soundwave steals all of jeff bezos' assets)) NoodlesAtNight 8:05 pm ((basically what you need to know is: bruce is a baby, he's trying to find out who killed his parents, penguin's a boss, and a new arrival in town is trying to get revenge for his family's erasure in history by installing himself in a position of power. nygma's slowly sliding into riddler land and there's something shady going down at wayne enterprises. there you go!)) SCProwl 8:05 pm ((that's why Soundwave's so rich Angorumoa 8:06 pm [Stuff! I may debatable mute and watch my= dog wtf are you doing out there] SCProwl 8:06 pm Oh, we're watching this again? Boomtank 8:06 pm ((ooooi NoodlesAtNight 8:06 pm ((soundwave just sells his rations of rare metals he doesn't like and makes his money that way)) [[Yes. The story continues.]] SCProwl 8:07 pm May I have a visual? Angorumoa 8:07 pm *distant nooting outside* verdigrisprowl 8:07 pm *pings video* NoodlesAtNight 8:07 pm [[Of course. One mom-- those blasted flobsters are back.]] verdigrisprowl 8:07 pm Got it. NoodlesAtNight 8:07 pm [[Ravage! Ravage, if you please.]] =On it.=- SCProwl 8:07 pm *accepts with a grateful ping* NoodlesAtNight 8:07 pm [[Ah, thank you.]] verdigrisprowl 8:08 pm *... leans on soundwave* Boomtank 8:08 pm -tucking legs under him at nooting- NoodlesAtNight 8:08 pm *Lean! Good. Comfortable.* SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:08 pm *the dragon clambers up onto the arm of the couch to hang out with Soundwave, if that's okay. she'd hunt flobsters, but...* SCProwl 8:08 pm I suppose that's one way to get attention. NoodlesAtNight 8:08 pm *She is absolutely welcome up there.* [[Do not worry. We will not allow any flobsters inside. Nobody will be electrocuted tonight.]] verdigrisprowl 8:08 pm *...... caaaaasually laces hands around Soundwave's arm.* NoodlesAtNight 8:09 pm *Caaaaaasually settles a hand on those hands. Ahh.* Angorumoa 8:09 pm *Ravage can get a nice lobster snack outdoors. And possibly get a ride on back inside cause Primus just strolls in like a god does.* NoodlesAtNight 8:09 pm [[He hopes someone doesn't have to pay for that chair.]] Boomtank 8:09 pm I'd appreciate them remaining outside verdigrisprowl 8:09 pm Taxpayers. SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:09 pm If they sneak in, I'll fight them. *flobsters would probably be quite a fight for a fox-sized dragon.* NoodlesAtNight 8:10 pm *Ravage will 100% ride on Primus. He likes to feel tall.* [[Oh, he likes this one.]] SCProwl 8:10 pm Agreed. SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:11 pm *Ravage is supremely valid* verdigrisprowl 8:12 pm ... I'm... skeptical of the long-term efficacy of this approach. Angorumoa 8:13 pm *Ravage can chill out up on his shoulders then. And get a scritch if he's feeling it while Primus may need to duck to actually get inside. For reasons he's a tad taller than usual. And just way late on, like, /everything/ else.* NoodlesAtNight 8:13 pm ((frick is it skipping/blanking)) verdigrisprowl 8:13 pm It's the correct thing to do but I don't think that's the correct way to achieve it. verdigrisprowl 8:14 pm ((it's fine here)) NoodlesAtNight 8:14 pm [[What are the flaws in his approach?]] *Curious.* verdigrisprowl 8:14 pm And I'm a /little/ bit skeptical of anyone who talks about bringing back respect for law and order. NoodlesAtNight 8:16 pm [[Elaborate?]] *That is not something he expected a cop to say. He'd like to know why - not that he disagrees.* verdigrisprowl 8:16 pm For one thing, he only fired a small fraction of the corrupt cops. The rest are now on their toes and ready to team up against someone who threatens their way of life. NoodlesAtNight 8:18 pm [[Covering for one another, or harming him? Both?]] verdigrisprowl 8:18 pm Both. Boomtank 8:18 pm -just going to curl up in the seat now, listening more to the room than the show- SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:18 pm And once again, Penguin showing off his weakness comes to bite him. NoodlesAtNight 8:19 pm [[He really should have sent her somewhere safe.]] verdigrisprowl 8:19 pm And in my experience, when I've met enforcers who talk about making the civilians respect them, they're USUALLY not talking about becoming more respectable. Oh look, he's already talking about murdering suspects. What a surprise. SCProwl 8:19 pm I changed my mind. NoodlesAtNight 8:19 pm [[And he no longer likes this human.]] SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:19 pm I'm not sure if safe is "far away" or "at his side at all times," really. Neither one seems to appeal. SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:20 pm *bares fangs* Bite his throat out. NoodlesAtNight 8:20 pm [[Far away. She can't be hurt if no one can locate her.]] [[For Primus' sake. War does not make a fantastic police officer.]] Angorumoa 8:21 pm *Primus put a warm blanket around Blaster's shoulders. Give him something to hold onto while he listened to the few mechs, and one dragon, gathered on the eve.* SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:21 pm War makes horrors and nightmares. NoodlesAtNight 8:22 pm [[...He apologizes for cursing.]] *To Primus.* [[Agreed, dragon.]] verdigrisprowl 8:22 pm His hard stance against corruption is the only thing going for him. Boomtank 8:22 pm -ooooh, blanket, don't mind as he hides in it now- Thanks SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:22 pm *the dragon looks over, sees Primus, and just about jumps out of her fur* ... verdigrisprowl 8:22 pm Wh—? *glances for who Soundwave's apologizing to.* Oh. Hi. verdigrisprowl 8:23 pm So. All angry, half of them out for revenge. Angorumoa 8:23 pm *Casual shrug to Soundwave. By far not the worse he's heard. Gives Blaster a little rub on the helm then looks over at the others.* Amusing that only now you realize I'm here. SCProwl 8:23 pm They should be addressing the rampant poverty in this city, not preparing a military squad to murder criminals. verdigrisprowl 8:24 pm You don't— Newbs don't join strike forces! NoodlesAtNight 8:24 pm [[He dreams himself a warlord. Hmph.]]

[[And he knew you were here. Ravage informed him. Thank you for your presence.]] SCProwl 8:24 pm Your officers. SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:24 pm *the dragon sniffs the air curiously. smells like Primus.* ...Hi. verdigrisprowl 8:24 pm "What do we have to l—"?! You have LIVES to lose! Theirs AND those of the people they're going to be pointing guns at! Angorumoa 8:25 pm Hello. You know it is snowing? NoodlesAtNight 8:25 pm [[It -- /what?/ ]] SCProwl 8:25 pm It's--what? SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:25 pm *that gets the dragon's interest* Snow?! SCProwl 8:25 pm No! Boomtank 8:25 pm -hums and settles- You tend to do that thing where you....what SCProwl 8:25 pm Do not go outside. SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:25 pm Is it acid snow? Can I play in it? NoodlesAtNight 8:25 pm *Twists to look through the doors.* [[...He'll pencil in a repaint.]] Angorumoa 8:25 pm No. Yes. NoodlesAtNight 8:25 pm [[No! Do not play in it!]] verdigrisprowl 8:25 pm *glances at the door before remembering his alternate and turning back to the screen.* Boomtank 8:26 pm Primus. Primus why? SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:26 pm *wait. Primus said yes. Soundwave said no. confusion.* NoodlesAtNight 8:26 pm *Already inching closer to Prowl.*

[[He's going to have to replace the doors again too.]] *Long-suffering vent. Oh well. At least Buzzsaw makes good use of the glass scraps.* Angorumoa 8:27 pm *Shrugs.* I had a bit... excess power that needed an outlet. It is only limited to about... thirty feet in a circle outside. Boomtank 8:27 pm Primus that was a bad idea. verdigrisprowl 8:27 pm Did it have to be a circle that's populated? SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:28 pm ...Docent! Don't hit a hatchling! verdigrisprowl 8:28 pm She murdered someone. NoodlesAtNight 8:28 pm [[Who was going to have them murdered first.]] SCProwl 8:28 pm *Prowl's vents stutter at the mention of Primus* Angorumoa 8:29 pm No one was around other than a flobster that Ravage ate. Not going to do any harm to the area. verdigrisprowl 8:29 pm ... She /murdered/ someone. SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:29 pm So he's going to sock a hatchling in the face? That doesn't teach her anything but not to trust him. verdigrisprowl 8:30 pm I don't think a punch is too harsh for a murderer. Angorumoa 8:30 pm [we lost a noodle] SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:30 pm ((oh shit soundwave's gone)) ((ANARCHY)) ((set the chat on fire)) NoodlesAtNight 8:30 pm ((trying to make my screen stop dying sorry)) Boomtank 8:30 pm Primus, what about this area? We're kinda in it? Aren't we? SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:30 pm ((valid)) SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:31 pm *guh. the riddling human disappoints her.* verdigrisprowl 8:31 pm And why spend that energy on snow instead of... making more energon? Angorumoa 8:31 pm I said thirty /feet/, not miles. It isn't a massive area. The dragon go roll around in the snow if she wishes to. Not going to cause harm to her nor the landscape. NoodlesAtNight 8:32 pm [[...If it isn't acidic, then very well.]] verdigrisprowl 8:32 pm That's gonna rust. SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:32 pm *excuse the dragon as she /zooms/ out the door. SNOW TIME.* NoodlesAtNight 8:33 pm [[We will scrub it in the morning. The dragon has been injured for weeks. He would see her enjoy herself.]] Angorumoa 8:33 pm You know energon in most cases is my /blood/? And no it wont. It is on a self recycling loop. Not actually touching the ground. verdigrisprowl 8:33 pm You know that energon is ALL our blood? NoodlesAtNight 8:34 pm ((i'm gonna restart computer, brb - scp has remote)) SCProwl 8:34 pm I'm going outside. If you don't mind, I'll keep the video connection, Captain? verdigrisprowl 8:34 pm Go ahead. It won't be disorienting? Boomtank 8:35 pm -finishes drink and kinda hides under the blanket now- SCProwl 8:35 pm Better than-- *remembers the last time she didn't fall into everyone's deluded belief that this person is Primus* --i'll be fine. I need air. verdigrisprowl 8:35 pm Very well. Angorumoa 8:35 pm *Chin stroke.* I do, Prowl. I also remember the time I was shedding energon as a naga... Those were very early and interesting days when the Grays were more active. SCProwl 8:36 pm *stands up and leaves* Angorumoa 8:36 pm [Those were very weird but fun days. M!A everywhere.] verdigrisprowl 8:37 pm A "naga"? SCProwl 8:38 pm *ducks out into the snow and immediately starts scanning what's already fallen for acidity* Angorumoa 8:38 pm A naga is a hybrid of a snake and a human, somewhat. From the chest up is the humanoid and the bottom is a long snake of varying description. [Unrelated: STUPIDCRICKETSINMYEARS] SCProwl 8:38 pm ((Zsasz~~~ SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:38 pm *the dragon is rolling around and kicking snow into the air* Angorumoa 8:38 pm [Tinnitus I think is goddamn horrible] verdigrisprowl 8:39 pm Sorry, snake and a "human"? You mean, from the chest up, it looks like, uh...... /us/? Boomtank 8:39 pm Grayfaces got to you too? Angorumoa 8:40 pm *The snow outside was just that, snow. 'Fluffy' frozen water that melted when it warmed. It melted faster while the dragon rolled about in it.*

Ah, yes. Sorry. It was one of the many hybrid designs that were going around. Less popular than the mer. verdigrisprowl 8:40 pm Well, there's one new rookie down. verdigrisprowl 8:41 pm *gives him a quick funny look for comparing the anatomy to aliens instead of, like, themselves; but then back to the movie.* SCProwl 8:41 pm *low acidity, then. so her paint won't get ruined then, that's fine. uses her hand to guide her to a good place to lean against the wall* You're missing the show. Angorumoa 8:42 pm *Shrug. They shared the bipedal shape with humans and certain other species that were like that. It was a common design that was semi-efficient. Having free front forelimbs was a very good thing for a species.* NoodlesAtNight 8:42 pm *Soundwave startles back to awareness. Had to reassure the minicon complex that the snow was expected and not dangerous.* Boomtank 8:42 pm -don't mind as he gets up to trot outside to see the snow, blanket trailing behind him- SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:43 pm *the dragon mrrps, looking over at Not-VerdigrisProwl Prowl* It's nice to see snow here. There's plenty of it at home, but... verdigrisprowl 8:43 pm She shouldn't be there. He's a mass of stitched-together red flags. NoodlesAtNight 8:43 pm [[No, she shouldn't. She should have left when she got up.]] NoodlesAtNight 8:44 pm *Somewhat worried now.* SCProwl 8:45 pm Is it acidic on your planet as well? *tenses slightly at Blaster walking back out, recognizing him by the sounds he's making* It's low-acidity, Blaster. Angorumoa 8:45 pm *Might end up transforming the snow into a proper resource at the end of the night since he had been putting his energy into it. It wouldn't just be a 'pretty' waste.* Boomtank 8:45 pm Oh. Nice. Hi. Sorry if I startled you. SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:46 pm It's not as acidic as normal Cybertronian rain. It's more or less the typical pH of pure water. verdigrisprowl 8:46 pm ... He could at least tell Gym why he's doing it. Maybe not who's got the hostage, but. SCProwl 8:46 pm It's fine. Water can be quite acidic to some species actually. NoodlesAtNight 8:47 pm *Notices most everyone has gone outside.*

*.........Settles up right proper against Prowl. Maybe a tiny shoulder nip. Not like anyone but Primus is watching anyway* verdigrisprowl 8:48 pm *if he weren't on camera duty, he'd return it as a kiss.* NoodlesAtNight 8:48 pm *The thought is appreciated*

[[...He can understand the Penguin's rage, in a way. He does not have a mother, but - well. He has others.]] Boomtank 8:49 pm -flops more than sits on ground- I mean, the dragon isn't in pain, so... Angorumoa 8:49 pm *Even then is only half paying attention. Prowl and Soundwave were cute. A good pair they made for helping each other and more. Don't mind his grin. Thinking to himself while keeping track of the outside conversation.* NoodlesAtNight 8:50 pm [[And Theo plays a dangerous game. Penguin /did/ erase all the competition in a year.]] SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:50 pm Right, it can be. I forget, sometimes. verdigrisprowl 8:51 pm *taps Soundwave's arm* Just so you're forewarned, if someone ever takes you hostage, I'm continuing with business as usual and taking it on faith that you can extract yourself. SCProwl 8:51 pm What's your planet like? It's organic, yes? SCProwl 8:52 pm *would appreciate alternate not kissing Soundwave if she knew about it* NoodlesAtNight 8:53 pm *Glances over.* [[He accepts this warning and the inherent compliment. Though he does hope that you will mind any messages he sends if - for some rare reason - he cannot get out on his own.]] *Pause.* [[Would you like him to react similarly, or...?]] SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:53 pm Yes, it is. It's rather different, really. It was very weird to see stars for the first time- I come from a pocket dimension, as they're called, so there's been only the one solar system for my entire life. It's a cold planet, so more snow than rain. But we make it work. We got to the moon! And built a space elevator and satellites to facilitate transit. SCProwl 8:55 pm A pocket dimension. Your universe has a reachable stopping point? Is that how you were able to access other universes? verdigrisprowl 8:55 pm Depends on what I have to do to get you out. I'm not interested in being blackmailed. NoodlesAtNight 8:56 pm [[Why would he blackmail you?]] verdigrisprowl 8:56 pm No, whoever has you hostage. Presumably, if you're being kept hostage and I'm being told and you can't get out, it's because they're trying to use you to get something out of me. SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:56 pm Ah... I mean, technically, it might? I haven't found it yet. What happened was that an alternate of the Soundwave hosting us was accidentally sent to my dimension- which was a very cruel thing to do, because there were defense systems emplaced that could well have killed him, and there's no energon there. SCProwl 8:56 pm *huffs in annoyance at Galavan's acting* Boomtank 8:57 pm -curious blink at the other Prowl- Something happen? NoodlesAtNight 8:57 pm [[Ah. Well, you needn't kill anyone. Should it come to that, his deployers would take care of that part.]] [[Preferably his captor.]] *Huff.* SCProwl 8:57 pm Galavan asked for Gordon to support his campaign for mayor. verdigrisprowl 8:58 pm Preferably. SpecsTheSpectralDragon 8:58 pm Galvan is going to reap what he sows. Boomtank 8:58 pm ....huh? Oh, the show. Yeah, that's kinda ranging in on stupid Angorumoa 8:59 pm *Small grin.* Guess I should stay hands off if something serious were to happen to either of you? Let you work out your own fates. *Shh. Small butting in.* NoodlesAtNight 8:59 pm *Glance over.* [[Well. He wouldn't say no to divine interference. He'd be a fool if he did.]] verdigrisprowl 9:00 pm Oh, well, if you're offering. Angorumoa 9:00 pm *Laughs.* SCProwl 9:00 pm It's interesting that so many of the universes that have found their way to others has been by accident or space bridge malfunctions. NoodlesAtNight 9:01 pm [[What can he say? We are on the pragmatic side.]] SCProwl 9:01 pm Blaster, how did you find your way into another universe the first time? NoodlesAtNight 9:02 pm [[Hm. Frenzy would like that one.]] Boomtank 9:02 pm ...stupidity. SCProwl 9:02 pm Intentional stupidity or accidental? verdigrisprowl 9:02 pm Mm. They kicked her friend. Serena's gonna kill them. Boomtank 9:02 pm Accidental Angorumoa 9:03 pm Even with the excuse of 'divine intervention,' not many would believe it. *Chuckles.* Casually nudging things to go the right way rather than just uplifting from danger. NoodlesAtNight 9:03 pm [[The napalm one, mind. Not the kicker.]]

[[And he would not complain if she did.]] Boomtank 9:04 pm I stumbled through a rift, and luckily found my way home...and then....had help developing a way to do so safely NoodlesAtNight 9:04 pm [[Many things are drastically changed by a casual nudge. He would not -- where does he find a warehouse like /that/?]] verdigrisprowl 9:04 pm Believe, shmelieve. Anyone who wants to improve the odds is welcome to. SpecsTheSpectralDragon 9:04 pm Ah, I said accidentally. He was intended to be bridged to a dead universe. My universe isn't dead. verdigrisprowl 9:04 pm ((this looks like it could be a location in borderlands.)) SCProwl 9:04 pm *Prowl knows where one used to be* NoodlesAtNight 9:04 pm ((i had so hoped you would think so too)) SpecsTheSpectralDragon 9:04 pm It was an attempted murder, I should have said. NoodlesAtNight 9:05 pm *Minor startle* verdigrisprowl 9:05 pm ((friendly home depot style supermarket with friendly speaker announcements full of weapons and explosives)) *snorts at the explosion.* NoodlesAtNight 9:06 pm *Lips draw back.* [[What are they /eating./ ]] verdigrisprowl 9:06 pm They called it fun dew. Angorumoa 9:06 pm *Grins then shakes his helm.* I am a god of favoritism, but such happens. Can't be there every moment for everyone. *Troublesome. Very much so. Anyway!

Rolls his shoulders.* Hmm. NoodlesAtNight 9:06 pm [[It doesn't look fun. It looks... melted.]] NoodlesAtNight 9:07 pm [[Which is why he so appreciates all the moments you have been. Thank you.]] NoodlesAtNight quietly hugs brigit)) 9:08 pm verdigrisprowl 9:08 pm Some melted things are good. Have you tried warm gallium? SpecsTheSpectralDragon 9:08 pm ((d'aw)) Angorumoa 9:09 pm *Dips his helm.* Things that feel so small, but had such a big impact to where we are now. Such as you being my temporary vassal of transference. SCProwl 9:09 pm I've never been told how Soundwave and Ratchet stumbled onto another universe. It happened while they were on Earth during the war. verdigrisprowl 9:10 pm Being what a what now? NoodlesAtNight 9:10 pm [[Not in a long time. Is it that good? The gallium.]]

*Soundwave looks over to Primus.* [[Whenever it is needed, sir. He will not mind.]] SpecsTheSpectralDragon 9:10 pm But they all got out okay, yes? The one I met... It would have been very bad if he hadn't been able to get help. Even though he only had the one deployer, his fuel supplies started low. I'm glad I could help him build the bridge, but I wish I knew what happened to him. He scrambled everything after he left, and I've never found him. NoodlesAtNight 9:10 pm *And because Soundwave can hear things through the bugs outside:* @SCP: [[Shockwave's fault. Another space bridge incident.]] SCProwl 9:11 pm *eugh eye* verdigrisprowl 9:12 pm I like it. Better in mixes, but I'll take it by itself in shots too. Angorumoa 9:12 pm Preferably I won't need to call on you for something so extreme again. SCProwl 9:12 pm *not even surprised Soundwave can hear the conversation outside* @SW: [[Of course it was.]] NoodlesAtNight 9:13 pm *Considers this.* [[He thinks there is some behind the bar. He will try it tonight after the others have left?]]

[[And preferably not - he'd like to think he does a better job of protecting you than that - but should it be necessary.]] [[Hm. At least she still cares about her own health. That will help her survive their mistreatement until she can get assistance.]] Angorumoa 9:14 pm And I may of used the wrong word, but, it was close. *Looks at Prowl beside Soundwave.* It isn't exactly a story many know of. It is... quite old. A reason Soundwave has, well... *Glances at the slender mech. Prowl does know about the shard?* NoodlesAtNight 9:14 pm [[...Though not as much as if she stopped burning things.]] *Soundwave nods. Yes he does.* verdigrisprowl 9:15 pm *without looking, reaches over to point toward Soundwave's chest questioningly.* NoodlesAtNight 9:16 pm ((i love edwige's hair)) SpecsTheSpectralDragon 9:16 pm ((it's so floofy)) Angorumoa 9:18 pm *Nods.* The short of the story, since there is no one beyond us listening, is that I owe Soundwave much. He acted as the conduit, close enough, for me to temporarily reside in all my essence and power into a globe of Cybertron. I was... nearly dead at that time. As you can see, I am very much alive with my power contained in a proper body.

*Chuckles.* Why I do believe Soundwave thought he was a /thief/ for a long while because a piece was left behind. Angorumoa 9:19 pm [story years old that my lazy ass never completed but is canon fhskdjf] verdigrisprowl 9:19 pm He certainly told ME he was a thief. SCProwl 9:19 pm The multiverse does have its benefits. Boomtank 9:20 pm -snorts- Benefits. Right. Angorumoa 9:20 pm *Looks at Soundwave in amusement.* Better to be thought of as a thief, hrm~? SpecsTheSpectralDragon 9:20 pm I like being able to see stars. They were terrifying at first... But I like them, now. verdigrisprowl 9:20 pm I'm beginning to get the impression he blames himself for a great many sins he never committed. NoodlesAtNight 9:21 pm *Vents. They're ganging up on him now.* SCProwl 9:21 pm When Bevel returned to Cybertron she brought everything she learned about other universes. Millions of different universes. Finding the Soundwave you helped would not be an easy task. NoodlesAtNight 9:21 pm [[He has committed enough of them.]] SpecsTheSpectralDragon 9:22 pm Goddess, no, I know that. And I'm not sure he intended to be found. If that's the case, I never will. verdigrisprowl 9:23 pm *clutches a little tighter to Soundwave* Angorumoa 9:23 pm *Walks over and around. Grinning, he leaned carefully on the back of it. Leans his helm down to give Soundwave a gentle connection. You know he teases out of love.* verdigrisprowl 9:23 pm *it's hard enough when Butch is on the screen when they AREN'T actively forcing him to do things he doesn't want to.* *or talking about his conditioning.* NoodlesAtNight 9:24 pm *Holds tight. It's all right. You're here and nobody will touch you.* @P: [[Ravage tells him things will get better soon.]] NoodlesAtNight 9:25 pm *Soundwave lifts a feeler to gently pat Primus on the helm. He knows. If he didn't know, he would have a very different reaction.* [[Don't stand there, put him out.]] verdigrisprowl 9:25 pm @S «Appreciated.» SpecsTheSpectralDragon 9:26 pm ((dying on fire does not a great cop make)) Angorumoa 9:26 pm *Hums. The air around them warming gently in an appreciative, safe, air.* Boomtank 9:27 pm ((ah fuck SCProwl 9:28 pm *yeah, that'll end well for Gordon* verdigrisprowl 9:29 pm I feel like there are probably less unpleasant ways to prove that the knife is sharp. NoodlesAtNight 9:29 pm [[Slice a paper. A cloth. Anything else.]] SCProwl 9:30 pm *shifts slightly to run one pede through the snow building up round her* Boomtank 9:30 pm -should maybe head inside? Or not? Hmn...- verdigrisprowl 9:32 pm ... Is... *squints at the back* Is he just. Strangling back there. SCProwl 9:32 pm *not the worst idea for a removed limb* NoodlesAtNight 9:32 pm [[He is.]] [[Or trying not to.]] NoodlesAtNight 9:33 pm [[That's an innovative way to go about it. Ratbat never mentioned it.]] verdigrisprowl 9:34 pm I also feel like there are easier ways to get councilmen's support that don't leave them able to say later on when they're feeling slightly safer that they were put on a stool with a noose. Gym's completely out of line. He SHOULD be reported and his strike team is right to call him out and report him. NoodlesAtNight 9:35 pm [[Oh, there are. A potential slip, he hopes.]]

[[And he hopes they do report him.]] NoodlesAtNight 9:36 pm *Bristle. He's pretty sure he knows what this is supposed to be. Does not approve.* [[Do not bother waiting. Burn the lot.]] verdigrisprowl 9:37 pm Don't burn the lot. There are imprisoned slaves inside the lot. NoodlesAtNight 9:37 pm [[Burn the lot after freeing them.]] verdigrisprowl 9:38 pm Maybe they shouldn't be showing their faces. NoodlesAtNight 9:38 pm [[Stop showing off and aim it lower-- oh, for Primus' sake. Wasted opportunity.]] NoodlesAtNight 9:39 pm ((capn barnes is so mad he broke netflix)) Boomtank 9:39 pm ((yup SCProwl 9:39 pm *well at least she can agree with Barnes about some things* verdigrisprowl 9:39 pm All right, the captain gets a point. Gym definitely deserves that note in his file. NoodlesAtNight 9:39 pm [[IT IS NOT WAR.]] verdigrisprowl 9:39 pm And immediately loses it for calling this a war. verdigrisprowl 9:40 pm There ARE gray areas. That doesn't make it acceptable to wander into the shadows just because you're mad and feel like taking it out on someone's chassis. NoodlesAtNight 9:41 pm *Hmm. A good move. Soundwave huffs at Bruce's tactic. He used to like that one himself.* Angorumoa 9:41 pm [*dying* mind if I drop an image here I think all of you could appreciate? or would it mess up the log, puff?] Boomtank 9:41 pm ..... -okay, inside he goes- verdigrisprowl 9:42 pm ((wouldn't mess up my log, just put the link in parentheses so that it actually saves.)) NoodlesAtNight 9:42 pm ((i'm interested in seeing)) [[Welcome back, Blaster. Enjoy the horrible, cold, wet, sticking snow?]] verdigrisprowl 9:42 pm ((parentheses or whatever else)) Angorumoa 9:42 pm [lesse if it works] [ https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/413443912884158464/526939670857252874/fa8.png?width=417&height=468 ] NoodlesAtNight snorts)) 9:42 pm Boomtank 9:43 pm ((hehe verdigrisprowl 9:43 pm ((yeup)) Boomtank 9:43 pm -shakes out blanket- Kinda? It was new, so there's that SCProwl 9:43 pm *admirable defense tactics from the newbuild* NoodlesAtNight 9:43 pm [[You've never encountered it before?]] SpecsTheSpectralDragon 9:43 pm *the dragon is going to roll in this snow for as long as it lasts* NoodlesAtNight 9:44 pm *He can see Harvey doesn't like the Strike Force either. Sensible human.* [[/Run./]] SCProwl 9:44 pm *will remain out here until the being claiming to be Primus leaves or the show is over, whichever happens first* verdigrisprowl 9:44 pm *at least they obey the rules.* NoodlesAtNight 9:44 pm [[Oh, what a move - impressive, that.]] Boomtank 9:45 pm Not really...I've never been to Earth long enough. NoodlesAtNight 9:45 pm [[Perhaps you should go sneak about a while. He is told this is a good time of year for horrific mounds of snow in different parts of the planet.]] SCProwl 9:45 pm *almost sorry to hear Blaster go back inside, but it's fine* NoodlesAtNight 9:45 pm [[It will also be a good time in another six months, but we are not six months from now.]] Angorumoa 9:46 pm *The snow will last until the movie night ends. Then it'll be turned into something else. Maybe mercury or another liquid for energy. Except if Prowl wants to take some. It'll keep snowing in a jar. /not-magic/* Boomtank 9:46 pm I'd...rather not. Boomtank 9:47 pm Snow is...new, yes, but I'd rather not deal with it again SpecsTheSpectralDragon 9:47 pm ((okay, I've got to sneak off. dragon is having snow party time. night all!)) Angorumoa 9:48 pm [night, have a good christmas!] NoodlesAtNight 9:48 pm ((fun fact: the character bridgit is, is traditionally a guy in the comics. recently they took her from the show and put her in as them. *wiggles* )) SCProwl 9:48 pm *she might take a small sample, it's rare the precipitation on Cybertron has so little acidity* Boomtank 9:48 pm ((g'night! NoodlesAtNight 9:48 pm ((night dragon!!)) [[Pity he didn't blow his hand off.]] SCProwl 9:48 pm ((Bridgit <3 verdigrisprowl 9:49 pm (("put her in as them"? what, like, changed the original dude's pronouns to they/them, or took out the dude and put in the girl instead, or?)) NoodlesAtNight 9:50 pm ((like she made her own appearance as that particular villain - there have been multiple with the name and she's the latest)) [[Not undeserved.]] verdigrisprowl 9:50 pm ((ah)) Boomtank 9:51 pm ............... -hiding in the blanket- NoodlesAtNight 9:51 pm *Carefully pulls it up higher over Blaster's head.* Angorumoa 9:51 pm [GOOD GOING] Boomtank 9:52 pm -muffled 'Thank you' from under it- Angorumoa 9:52 pm [*coughcough* speaking of bbq, boom, you did eat today right? NoodlesAtNight 9:52 pm ((oh my god)) verdigrisprowl 9:52 pm ((hey cro did YOU eat today)) NoodlesAtNight 9:52 pm ((i did! twice)) verdigrisprowl 9:53 pm ((good)) Boomtank 9:53 pm ((leftovers ((but yes I had at least one meal Angorumoa 9:53 pm [we're 50/50 or 30/70 adults capable verdigrisprowl 9:53 pm *squeezes a little tighter. are they going to help him? undo the brainwashing?* Boomtank 9:53 pm ((yup! NoodlesAtNight 9:54 pm *Pets the hand and nods.* verdigrisprowl 9:54 pm *is fine with him getting attacked strangled as long as it's going to set him free.* NoodlesAtNight 9:55 pm [[Fool. If he doesn't keep it, you will be out a valuable source of information. Learn to bend when it is important.]] NoodlesAtNight 9:56 pm [[Besides - imagine all she knows about the other jobs they pulled. She could give closure to many cases and identify many who hired them.]] Angorumoa 9:56 pm [Aaaaaaaaaaah! I don't visit my email or facebook vert often, but my friend, my "twin" as we joked in school, just got engaged.] NoodlesAtNight 9:56 pm ((congrats to them!!)) verdigrisprowl 9:58 pm ... That's a hell of a thing to say to an orphan. NoodlesAtNight 9:58 pm [[Yes. Rather insensitive.]] verdigrisprowl 9:58 pm ((look at bruce.)) ((he's six.)) NoodlesAtNight 9:59 pm [[...He wouldn't.]] verdigrisprowl 9:59 pm ... He might. Boomtank 10:00 pm -still hiding, and not thinking of changing it any time soon- SCProwl 10:00 pm *this is going to end badly and Prowl isn't looking forward to it* NoodlesAtNight 10:00 pm [[Oh, good, she went back.]] NoodlesAtNight 10:01 pm [[She does their jobs for them and they arrest her. Hmph.]] verdigrisprowl 10:02 pm She HAS committed several murders at this point. NoodlesAtNight 10:03 pm [[The world is better off for her having done so.]] *Pause.* [[...But he realizes that is illegal. Still. She did not deserve that.]] Boomtank 10:03 pm -very glad he's hiding, he heard that- verdigrisprowl 10:05 pm Mm? The world has several more murders in it. It's good that they were stopped. But. Boomtank 10:06 pm That's not going to help.... NoodlesAtNight 10:07 pm [[There, you see. You've lost her.]] verdigrisprowl 10:07 pm To be fair, she... pretty unambiguously set herself on fire. NoodlesAtNight 10:07 pm [[There were other ways to go to her.]] NoodlesAtNight 10:08 pm [[And she roasted the vehicle. The rest was an a-- oh no.]] NoodlesAtNight 10:09 pm *...Personally, he would be thankful to someone who saved him from a partner like that. But he can see how someone else would be disturbed by it.* verdigrisprowl 10:10 pm He's got a hand around her neck. I'd say he's exactly the man she thinks he is. NoodlesAtNight 10:11 pm *Shakes his head. Poor Kristen.* verdigrisprowl 10:11 pm Do CPR, you idiot. NoodlesAtNight 10:11 pm [[Will that help her? He thought it was for humans who had drowned.]] verdigrisprowl 10:11 pm You had her neck for, what, about ten seconds? It takes about, oh, thirty to actually kill one. It's not too late for CPR. It gets air moving again when the air's stopped. Works for drowning, strangulation, suffocation... NoodlesAtNight 10:12 pm [[Then he has killed her twice. She deserved better.]] NoodlesAtNight 10:13 pm [[...Hm.]] Boomtank 10:14 pm -is it over?- NoodlesAtNight 10:14 pm *It is indeed over. Soundwave gently taps Blaster on the arm through the blanket.* Boomtank 10:15 pm -peers out at Soundwave-....I really don't like fire... NoodlesAtNight 10:15 pm [[Oh? He did not know that. Would you prefer to be informed of large fires in the future?]] Boomtank 10:15 pm If that's not too much trouble... NoodlesAtNight 10:15 pm [[It is not.]] SCProwl 10:16 pm *ah it's over. pings Soundwave, Blaster, and her alternate goodnight and ends the video feed* Boomtank 10:16 pm Then, yes please. verdigrisprowl 10:16 pm *returns ping* Angorumoa 10:16 pm [*made self sad*] [*but happy for them* SCProwl 10:16 pm ((ngl but she sounds like she wants to fuck the grinch verdigrisprowl 10:17 pm ((she does)) Boomtank 10:17 pm -returns the ping- NoodlesAtNight 10:17 pm *Bobs head at SCProwl. Goodnight. Do not fall into any drifts on the way out.* Boomtank 10:17 pm ((juuuuust a lil verdigrisprowl 10:17 pm ((you're a mean one mr grinch as sung by that one lady in the jim carrey version)) verdigrisprowl 10:18 pm *ah, his eyes are his own again* SCProwl 10:18 pm ((accurate, puff NoodlesAtNight 10:18 pm ((why are you sad??? @primus-mun)) Angorumoa 10:18 pm [Cause I decided to stay on Facebook to remove some people, mostly ponies, and saw my old boyfriend.] Boomtank 10:19 pm ((ouch NoodlesAtNight 10:19 pm ((oof)) SCProwl 10:19 pm *definitely won't, though her tires do skid a little before she gets them fully beneath her and takes off back to Praxus* Angorumoa 10:19 pm [Yeah, I'm the one who broke it off too btw. So long ago... And seems he is now happily married. With by seeming to check on other things, appeas to have a babbeh Boomtank 10:19 pm ((holy shit Angorumoa 10:20 pm [I knew him, like, so flipping long ago. He looks exactly the same.] NoodlesAtNight 10:20 pm *Soundwave closes his optics and lets himself float off to the music. The dancing is nice, but he wants to picture something other than fleshlings dancing to that.* verdigrisprowl 10:21 pm *checks to ensure that no one is looking specifically in his direction at this exact moment in time.* Boomtank 10:21 pm -still, he got a blanket out of this, so he's good- verdigrisprowl 10:21 pm *coast clear for .5 seconds? smooch.* Angorumoa 10:21 pm [I'm happy for him to be a happy. He's a great guy. I just couldn't move onto things he wanted, so... whee I'm gunna faceplant on discord now] NoodlesAtNight 10:22 pm *Startle! ... Quick smooch back. Maybe a little biolight pulse.*

((i'm so sorry. i hope this sadness passes for you and that your year to come brings you things you want)) Angorumoa 10:22 pm *You know he's right there?* verdigrisprowl 10:23 pm *yeah but he wasn't looking AT them at that precise moment in time.* Angorumoa 10:23 pm [Sad pang, but as I said, I'm happy that he's happy with a wifu.] Boomtank 10:23 pm -going to dump the blanket over Primus' helm- NoodlesAtNight 10:23 pm *Please. Prowl accused you of being his dom once. That overrides any possible awkwardness over a small smooch.* verdigrisprowl 10:23 pm *it was a /metaphor/* *and a /good/ metaphor* Angorumoa 10:23 pm *Internal cackle. Has a blanket now. How dare.* Boomtank 10:25 pm -and then just...kinda drape on him.- Home now? NoodlesAtNight 10:25 pm @P: [[Been sitting on that?]] verdigrisprowl 10:25 pm @S «Since you bit my shoulder.» Angorumoa 10:25 pm Yeah, you have to get back home safely, Blaster. NoodlesAtNight 10:25 pm *Turn to stare.* [[Your patience is legendary.]]

*Glance to the others.* [[He can arrange a bridge, if safety is a concern.]] Boomtank 10:26 pm Hey. I'm not that bad.... verdigrisprowl 10:26 pm @S «It wasn't that long.» Angorumoa 10:26 pm *Chuckle.* Boomtank 10:27 pm It malfunctioned /once/ NoodlesAtNight 10:27 pm @P: [[You say that, and yet he remembers you staring at the ceiling like it had done something terrible to you and waiting to run upstairs with him the night he needed to speak to Primus. Tonight, he had no idea.]] Boomtank 10:28 pm ...okay, so that time nearly got me killed, but it was only once. verdigrisprowl 10:28 pm *AHEM* @S «... That delay was unanticipated.» Angorumoa 10:28 pm These are things you don't want your guard to know, Blaster. Boomtank 10:28 pm ................... Boomtank 10:29 pm please don't tell him Angorumoa 10:29 pm [nazis in the nutcracker] NoodlesAtNight 10:29 pm *Softy huffing.* ((wha?)) Angorumoa 10:29 pm [XD the nostalgiacritic reviewed a nutcracker, the most hated version with nazis in it Boomtank 10:30 pm ((ooooh Angorumoa 10:30 pm Go home in the safe bridge, Blaster. I'll avoid telling Har what you said. NoodlesAtNight 10:30 pm ((well i won't have that shown here and i don't care to think about such things tonight)) verdigrisprowl 10:30 pm ((agreed)) Angorumoa 10:30 pm [that whole movie was a big NOPEWTF] Boomtank 10:31 pm Fine, fine, I'm going. Angorumoa 10:31 pm [on good news, it is STILL SNOWING] Boomtank 10:31 pm ((FUCK NoodlesAtNight 10:31 pm ((god, good luck)) Boomtank 10:31 pm ((gonna need it Angorumoa 10:31 pm [put a noodle in a parka and THROW to enjoy the snow for a few seconds] NoodlesAtNight 10:31 pm ((last one and then public stream closes off)) NoodlesAtNight 10:32 pm @P: [[And what would you do if he found an excuse to delay tonight? Out of curiosity.]] verdigrisprowl 10:32 pm @S «I got my kiss in.» Boomtank 10:32 pm ((g'night and thanks for the stream! NoodlesAtNight 10:32 pm ((night! and thank you for comin)) NoodlesAtNight 10:33 pm @P: [[And that is all you want? Well. If you insist, but he confesses he /is/ disappointed.]] verdigrisprowl 10:34 pm @S «It's all I was waiting on. Anything else is a pleasant bonus.» NoodlesAtNight 10:35 pm @P: [[Ah. Fortunately for you, he is feeling generous.]] *Gonna take one of those hands around his arm, lift it up, and nibble the knuckles. What can he say? He's been in a biting mood since he thought about it earlier.* [[Do you know, it is rather convenient staying with this half mask. He thinks he'll keep it that way.]] verdigrisprowl 10:36 pm @S «Do I still get your optics to myself?» NoodlesAtNight 10:37 pm @P: [[Without question.]]

*Soundwave stretches.* [[But for the moment he should clean up.]] verdigrisprowl 10:37 pm Can I help? NoodlesAtNight 10:38 pm *.......Considers this. Prowl asks so often. And he's pretty sure he can trust Prowl's definition of clean more than the twins'.*

*Oh, why not.*

[[Yes, thank you. He would like that.]] verdigrisprowl 10:39 pm *a milestone! he gets to help clean.* Angorumoa 10:39 pm *Aren't they cute. Don't mind him, he was still there grinning like a bit of a youthful mech, as he pulls back. Dislodges the Ravage who may or may not of been there still.

There is thirty feet of constant snow he must see to and remove outside. Shift it into... something. Maybe a few barrels of mercury or another metal. Soundwave can figure out what it can be used for once Primus has cleaned up his own mess.* NoodlesAtNight 10:40 pm *Ravage was blissfully napping, as it happens. Emphasis on was, as he is now jolting awake with a confused /brrrm?/ and vacating Primus' shoulder. Some mattresses, honestly.* NoodlesAtNight 10:41 pm *Primus wouldn't happen to consider making it gallium, would he? Just a thought.* verdigrisprowl 10:41 pm *Too Much Gallium* NoodlesAtNight 10:42 pm *Rubbish. You're going to live at least another few million years. That's plenty spoiling time.* Angorumoa 10:42 pm *Sorry, Ravage. Out of apology, he'll turn a bit of the snow into a toy flobster he can destroy to his spark's content. That or torment the other minis with it. Good?

Gallium? Can do.* NoodlesAtNight 10:43 pm *Mmm, destruction. He'll take it.* Angorumoa 10:44 pm *A pounce-sized flobster toy that'll take time to completely wreck gets tossed in a minute after Primus went outside. It'll last a day or a week depending on Ravage's time spent.

The rest will end up in barrels outside the door. The twins can bring them on in later.* NoodlesAtNight 10:46 pm *Soundwave wobbles some gratitude in Primus' direction. One way or another, they'll make good use of that.*

*For now, he'll keep picking up furniture and moving it back where it goes.*

[[Hm. Perhaps he should enlist your help after business hours as well.]] *Humor ping.* verdigrisprowl 10:47 pm Do I get to stay over those nights if I do? *humor ping* NoodlesAtNight 10:47 pm *Stops mid-lift to look over at Prowl.* [[...Would you want to stay over those nights?]] Angorumoa 10:47 pm [nini you two, have a good christmas and/or general holiday-ness <3] verdigrisprowl 10:48 pm ((gnight)) NoodlesAtNight 10:48 pm ((goodnight! have a good day tomorrow and a good new year <3 <3 )) verdigrisprowl 10:50 pm *the snacks that he's seen being put up before, he's putting back where they belong; the rest he doesn't he's organizing neatly on the counter. But he pauses to consider Soundwave's question.* ... I don't dislike the schedule we already have. I—also don't dislike the idea of spending more time over, but—I am—concerned, about the possibility of spending too much time together. And either getting on each other's nerves or sacrificing other relationships. NoodlesAtNight 10:57 pm *Soundwave sets the item where it goes at last and eyes the puddles from the snow tracked in earlier. He'll fetch a mop. It's tiny - meant for one of the deployers to use - but he can hold it in the tendrils and he doesn't feel like going upstairs for the bigger one.*

[[He doesn't dislike the schedule or the idea either, if that is any comfort. And you do not get on his nerves.]] *Mop, mop, mop. Can't have rust inside the club.* [[But he does not wish to get on yours, or to cause you to sacrifice your other relationships either. That is why he asked whether or not you were serious about it.]] *Wrings mop into an empty cube. It's going to get washed and recycled anyway, so.* [[He will not take offense if you say no. Concerns must be controlled and balanced; he understands that.]] verdigrisprowl 11:00 pm And you don't get on mine. Nor do I predict with certainty that you would—but I don't know if that would change if we doubled the amount of social time we spent together. Anyway, it's not a "no"— a list of concerns IS my answer. NoodlesAtNight 11:03 pm ((rabbit what are you DOING tonight)) verdigrisprowl 11:03 pm ((gee prowl, why does rabbit let you have TWO soundwaves?)) NoodlesAtNight 11:03 pm ((LMAO)) NoodlesAtNight 11:08 pm [[He can assure you he would always keep at least two - perhaps three - nights to himself. He does require down time, and the deployers need time and attention of their own. One of the most understanding and cooperative mechs you may be when it comes to them, but he does not think you would care for getting caught up in their habit of piling on him to sleep.]] *More soft laughter.* NoodlesAtNight 11:09 pm [[Although Zori would probably manage to nap in your thigh compartment rather comfortably. He did say it was cozy.]] verdigrisprowl 11:09 pm ... Well, they ARE about a tenth the size of the Constructicons... *humor ping* verdigrisprowl 11:10 pm I'm glad my thigh compartment meets his approval, at any rate. NoodlesAtNight 11:10 pm *Pings back.* [[Very well. He'll tell Buzzsaw to come roost on your shoulder at once.]] verdigrisprowl 11:11 pm *huff* NoodlesAtNight 11:13 pm [[Not that you would be expected to spend all of the other nights here, of course. You have things to do with your time as well. He is simply saying that you aren't going to need to worry about being asked to stay every night, if that is any comfort of any kind.]] verdigrisprowl 11:14 pm I didn't expect you would, but I appreciate hearing it. NoodlesAtNight 11:14 pm *Nods.* NoodlesAtNight 11:18 pm *...He doesn't know what else to say so he'll just put the mop and cube away and park himself at the bar for a standing shot of something warm (but not boozy, naturally)*

[[Well. He has run that into the ground. Had you anything else on your mind?]] verdigrisprowl 11:19 pm No, you didn't. *he gets another smooch.* ... Would YOU like me to stay over more nights? verdigrisprowl 11:21 pm *... was the smooch too much. he's overthinking it now. don't mind him silently fretting over here.* NoodlesAtNight 11:25 pm *Soundwave's engines tell Prowl exactly how pleased he is with that there smooch. It's not too much at all.*

[[...He wouldn't mind one more, at least. These movie nights make a fine tradition, and one he is not inclined to change, but he--]] *How to phrase without being selfish? Is that a thing? Isn't everything to do with this sort of thing selfish by nature?* [[He also likes the idea of your being here for the night without first having to sit in and wait on a noisy crowd. It is more... hm. He does not want to say "personal." More focused?]] verdigrisprowl 11:26 pm Private? NoodlesAtNight 11:26 pm [[Ah. Thank you. Yes.]] verdigrisprowl 11:27 pm ... Hm. ... We could try it out and see if we like it? NoodlesAtNight 11:29 pm [[If that is all right with you, he would like that, yes.]] verdigrisprowl 11:31 pm All right. Then, let's try it. NoodlesAtNight 11:32 pm *Tiny bow.* [[Thank you. He appreciates your willingness to test it.]] verdigrisprowl 11:33 pm What nights work for you? NoodlesAtNight 11:35 pm [[The only one he has trouble clearing or scheduling around is Saturday.]] *Shakes the glass in Prowl's direction and sends a humor ping.* [[Do not tell his enemies.]]

[[Besides, that would just be another day for you to wait on his being done with a crowd, and it is even noisier than than these nights.]] verdigrisprowl 11:36 pm I take it you don't actually want me to help clean, then. *humor ping* How about the middle of the week? There tends to be less crime and I have less late nights. NoodlesAtNight 11:37 pm [[You can if you like, but we clean Sunday mornings.]] *Toothy smile.* [[Very bright for night time.]]

[[Ah, that will do. ... Why is there less crime?]] [[Have the criminals begun getting organized? He hasn't seen any signs of it--]] verdigrisprowl 11:38 pm People have more free time to get into trouble on weekends. verdigrisprowl 11:39 pm You don't have drunken dance club brawls on the nights dance clubs aren't open. NoodlesAtNight 11:39 pm *Plants Rumble and Frenzy's photos on his visor.* [[You'd think that, wouldn't you.]] verdigrisprowl 11:40 pm Okay, maybe YOU do. General "you." The average public "you." NoodlesAtNight 11:42 pm [[An acceptable point. He understands. The middle of the week is fine, thank you.]] NoodlesAtNight 11:43 pm [[And he will try to keep the local off-season drunken dance club brawls to a minimum.]] verdigrisprowl 11:44 pm It wouldn't be any wilder than my place, I'm sure. NoodlesAtNight 11:45 pm [[Primus forbid. To the Pit with the furniture; he wouldn't have any /walls/ left.]] NoodlesAtNight 11:46 pm [[But all of that will be another night. For now, there is a chain upstairs with your designation on it.]] *Drops the tiny glass in the sink with the cube.* [[Literally, in fact. He borrowed Buzzsaw's engraving pen. It amused him.]] verdigrisprowl 11:46 pm *REV* NoodlesAtNight 11:47 pm *Silent but obvious laughing.* [[Had he known that would be your reaction, he'd have tried it sooner. Well, then - would you like to be led to it, or will you be directing yourself?]] verdigrisprowl 11:49 pm ... Had I known that would be my reaction, I'd have suggested it sooner. *you learn something new every day.* I, uh... think I like the sound of being led. NoodlesAtNight 11:54 pm [[Good. He liked the sound of leading you.]]

*Soundwave is just gonna let a feeler slither out to wrap around Prowl's upper arms and chest. This mech is his now, thank you.*

[[Tight enough?]] verdigrisprowl 11:55 pm *REVVVV.* ... Yes. NoodlesAtNight 11:58 pm *Oh, this is going to be a /treat./*

[[Excellent. Step quickly and keep up. He won't be giving any excess slack.]] *Just enough space that neither of them smack into or kick the other while going upstairs. And now, time to head off with his dear amica trailing behind him.* verdigrisprowl 11:59 pm Yes, SIR. *and he shall obediently—and quickly—follow behind.*

#chat

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