he saw them from a distance when he robbed people who left. people whom he seethed at, hating the way they were so free with their own sexuality when eden had him bury his own for their propaganda machine. he had finally recovered and with great reluctance, he accompanied alex here.
now that he was standing in front of it, dolph was . . . afraid. so he crossed his arms to look intimidating instead. ]
What? [ A bushy eyebrow rises up his forehead in deadpan humor. ] Too much?
[ says the gay bear stopped in front of beaming LED rainbows that bathe the entire corner in its homoerotic primary colors. This time Alex has a shirt on; he's not trolling for company tonight. But he doesn't take another step toward the club. In fact, he returns to his boy, broad back blocking the harsh lights spilling garishly from the building and covering Dolph in his protective shadow. ]
We don't have to, babe. But I know I can get us a free round here.
[ the shadow helps and he seems to settle. he lays a hand on alex's back instinctively, as if to center himself. it should be fine. he's weathered worse. he's done worse. this is nothing.
and yet it was everything. what if they see him for the fraud he is? he's never — ]
[ He smiles—the chip in his front tooth now obvious—although perhaps for a different reason than what Dolph might be imagining. Alex doesn't keep him in suspense. ]
Friend of mine's a co-owner. My crew, his crew, we put a lot of money into his club. Wanted a place of our own. Street racing scene isn't exactly supportive.
[ Then again, what testosterone-laden sport is? His grin softens then, a big hand nudging Dolph's chin up for a better look. ]
They'll really like you, too, once they get to know you.
[ the once militaristic face of eden. known all through mega city. his story was a success, a proud demonstration of eden's kindness and sympathy. gutter trash, polished up for the media.
[ He steers clear of a public demonstration of his affection, but the fingers under Dolph's chin stroke gently to keep him in the moment here. With Alex. ]
They will. You'd be amazed what a hot glare can do to a horny man, and you've got a fantastic one.
[ His words remain light, playful even, in the hopes that Dolph will bite. It's sad to see a man, who could tear through an entire line of riot police like butter, afraid of a few handsy, glittered-up twinks. ]
Come on, love. [ His hand falls away from Dolph's face and finds his cybernetic hand. He holds the cold alloy in his own flesh and bone. ] I won't let 'em bite.
[ he doesn't feel much in his metal arm. there isn't much sensation there, but he pictures it for a moment, the warmth traveling upward. he breathes it out. ]
[ He ushers them both in, and the incessant, albeit muffled, thump of house music hits them the moment they step through the door. There's a "coat check" first, though they care more about a patron's age and if they are police or raging homophobes.
"Hey, Taylor!" the bouncer is delighted to see him, doesn't bother asking for identification. "Haven't seen you here in—uh..." It's as far as the man gets before he sees who Alex is with. ]
Yeah, been a crazy couple of months. [ He doesn't miss a beat in the halted conversation. If the guy doesn't want to pick up his jaw from the floor, that's on him. Alex is here to show Dolph a good time and standing here isn't progressing that mission any further. ]
You going to let us in, man?
[ "Um, there's the... no weapons policy, so..." It's clear he's got no clue how to resolve this contradiction, or bring it up diplomatically. ]
[ It's a good thing Alex has a poker face; otherwise, his boy's response would have had him choking on his own spit. Instead he grins, one massive arm flung around Dolph's shoulders in an act of support. And more importantly cohesion. They're together in this, even if it means getting turned away and heading home.
It won't, though. ]
Yeah, it has a safety mode. Tell you what, I'll let Mac know, and if he throws us out, he throws us out.
[ "Mac's not here t—" But Alex is already pulling the double doors open. If they thought the bass was bad out here, it's absolutely skull rattling inside the club proper. ]
Thanks, Bryce. You're always looking out for the community!
[ He doesn't let his arm drop from Dolph. For many reasons—Protection, possession, maybe even to disguise what he could of the man's arm to keep the stare's down. For Dolph's sake. ]
Okay, that one was on me. [ He's got to lean in and shout to be heard over the music. ] I've never had to think twice about policies.
[ dolph shakes his head. it's already forgotten and he's certainly not holding it against alex. honestly, alex hadn't even realized there would be a policy like that. he's never gone in these places. he's always hovered outside, simmering. jealous.
now that he's in, it's a cacophony of sound and people. more than that, everyone seems so . . . happy. with dancing, with the drinks, with the company. like a celebration. his breath catches for a moment and dolph feels like he can't breath.
Some nights are quieter than others. Depends on the theme. Fetish nights are wild.
[ Which is why he steered clear for Dolph's first toe dip. Although, they'll work up to it, god fucking willing. Dolph in a black latex cat suit is high on his wishlist. ]
This is a normal Friday night, I'd say. [ He catches a quick look at Dolph. ] You doing okay?
Yeah, I just — [ and he pauses, which is unnaturally so, but he's trying to be more honest. more . . . himself. whatever that may be. ] — I don't know what to do.
[ He brings them into the throng of men milling about the bar at least four deep, either waiting for drinks or too busy catching a cute face to get the fuck out of the way. Usually their immense height is an advantage in this, but tonight it's a flashing sign for everyone to look up at them—and then catch sight of one Captain Laserhawk.
"Holy shit—"
"You see who that is?!"
"Is...? No way."
"Dude, I fucking told you I saw him walk in!"
So many gaping mouths and wide eyes. Alex holds onto Dolph a little tighter as they reach the bar. Hopefully his buddy is working tonight to get at least two drinks out of him. ]
[ to his credit, dolph doesn't give a sign that he's noticed all the attention. he's still a commanding figure as he strides forward, the green in his visor glinting off the club lights. a part of him itches to take alex's hand but it feels like a weakness. too much, too soon.
he lets his gaze flit over to alex. settle there like an axis he's orbiting. ]
Sometimes I go for a "cock sucker," or "sex on my face." Maybe a "slippery nipple" if I'm feeling into a little whipped cream.
[ He's never had any of these, but he knows their names from years in a gay bar. His attention settles on Dolph beside him, almost in challenge in spite of the soft smile. ]
[ Dolph takes him by surprise, and he barks out loud with a laugh. Close as they are, Alex leans in until his nose is pressed against the metal of his boy's refurbished ear. ]
Atta boy. [ His growl is oh-so pleased by his answer. When push comes to shove, Dolph always steps up to the plate. It's enough to stomach how gross this shot is about to be. But it is going to be gross. With grim resignation, he waits his turn to flag down the handful of bartenders running between one another with practiced grace.
It's then that a kid, couldn't be older than twenty-one, approaches Dolph with a look of awe and enough alcohol in his system to consider braving a dangerous and federally wanted man's personal space.
"Hi. Captain Laserhawk—uhm..." Apparently that's as far as the boyishly handsome blond had come up with before putting his plan into action. But after some fumbling for words, he continues.
"Is it okay if I... Can I ask for, like, an autograph? I've watched your show since I was a kid!" And then he's babbling like a fanboy. Alex no longer watches with a concerned eye. Instead he leaves Dolph to the threat of his fans and orders two "cock suckers" as quietly as he can. ]
[ dolph looks a bit perturbed. he's signed plenty of autographs, of course. he was an elite military leader. there were scores of appearances and autographs. once, his name was as prolific as rayman's and just as famous. now it feels distant, like another life entirely, even if it had been just a few short months ago that he broke free.
he eyes the kid surreptitiously before shrugging. ]
Sure.
[ it doesn't hurt to do this. which is strange. once, everything hurt. every moment under eden's command was forcing him down on his knees. now . . . he can do things of his own volition. with a deft hand, he signs it laserhawk and hands it back awkwardly. ]
[ "Ah—holy shit! That's... awesome. Thank you!" As he wanders off to his friends outside the crowded ring of onlookers, an exuberant "Fuck me!" rings out in exclamation. This only encourages another drunk man to brave Dolph's resting bitch face.
"Wait, can... Can you sign me one? I don't have..." In his inebriated state, he takes stock of what he has on him—a mesh shirt, tight polyester pants, and little else. But inspiration comes to him.
"Just sign my chest! Can you sign my chest?" he asks, tugging down the hem of his shirt to give Dolph room. It's for the best that Alex waits for his boy to finish before throwing back the shot; otherwise, it'd be all over him from a choked cough. ]
[ dolph looks a bit frazzled this time. he knew this was a thing, he wasn't sheltered but this kind of reaction wasn't what he was expecting. with a jolt, he realized he expected a fight. ugliness. he expected to be hated or used. someone clawing at him for a favor or to show off his implants. asking for his kill count in a derisive way.
the moment passes and he quietly signs his chest before turning back to alex, shoulders hunched as he tries to process all of that. ]
Did you know that would happen?
[ it's not accusatory. dolph doesn't think alex meant anything bad by it. ]
Honestly, I didn't expect anyone to have the balls to come up and ask.
[ He slides one of the shot glasses toward Dolph filled with a sickly sweet combination of butterscotch schnapps, Irish cream, and Southern Comfort. ]
But, you are Captain Laserhawk, declaring yourself gay by being here. That means something, babe. It means something for a younger generation—and I know [ He holds up a hand to stop what might be an objection already forming in the young man's mind. ] that is not responsibility you should bear, or need to consider.
But I'm so proud of you. [ That's when he lifts his shot. ] Now, let's open our throats to a cock sucker.
[ proud of him? all he did was sign on a few things. is that really so meaningful? but they were all smiling. they seemed happy enough. dolph hopes it counts. in this hellscape world of theirs . . . being happy should count. you shouldn't have to be afraid of it.
like dolph was. he takes a sip of his drink before making a face. too sweet. but perhaps he should have expected it from a cocksucker. ]
You should be taking credit, you know. You're the one who got me in here.
[ Yeah, way too sweet. Alex breaks out in a grimace when he places the empty shot glass back on the counter. They'll need to wash away that taste with a real drink. He grabs the bartender's attention and orders two domestic beers. ]
I led you to the door. You stepped through it. A[ s soon as the bartender uncaps their bottles and sets them on the counter, Alex is already pouring it down his throat to cleanse himself. ] Ohhh, fuck, that's much better.
[ dolph just watches him, a small smile playing on his lips. he could watch him forever like this. a part of him will always feel a bit envious, with the ease people can just gravitate to each other. his own life had been such a riotous mess that dolph is still untangling what personhood should be.
with alex, it's easier. if he could just orbit him forever, he's sure he'll find his answer. ]
[ His smile may be small, but it is immense in Alex's blue eyes. Hell, he forgets his next words when staring at the young man. There's a slight line of foamy creme across Dolph's upper lip he is very tempted to wipe clean with his tongue.
Instead he offers Dolph his beer. They both have their own, but Alex is willing to share. He's a great guy like that. And Dolph is a special one. ]
[ He gets the words out between kisses, pleasantly surprised by Dolph's forwardness. A little PDA wasn't on his list for tonight; clipped words, sure; stiff posture, check; likely a lot of resting bitch face. But here his man is, rewriting his expectations. Alex's own fault for underestimating him.
Once they've pulled away, Alex leaves one last kiss on the bridge of his nose. ]
Come on. There's a better view of everything upstairs.
[ It's more like a loft, but it's a perfect position for Dolph to observe away from the crush of bodies on the dance floor and around the bar. With his beer in hand, he offers his other to Dolph to hold onto through the throng of clubbers. ]
[ oh. have they done this before? everything has been so tentative, exploratory. dolph rarely initiated, except in moments of brazen unearned confidence, hoping he wouldn't stumble.
as if he's afraid the offer will vanish, dolph inches his hand towards alex's before letting his fingers wrap around it. ]
Show me.
[ show me everything. show me the world. show me you. let me show myself. ]
Secundo! Get on the news feeds already— [ The man had no chance resisting Alex when he put his heftier weight into a shove down the hall of their safe house. ] Grims'll be calling in soon. That's our priority.
[ The blood stain that's been soaking through his undershirt is decidedly not. The tone of his voice brooks no more argument in Secundo's mind, hesitant though he is to listen to a man with a gunshot(s?) wound. Adrenaline still coursing through his body, any pain has yet to hit him. He will damn well wave off anyone until their bungled target is unequivocally cleaned of their presence.
Grims will be a terror once she returns from it. Alex would have stayed to help her, only this entire outcome is because of him. They didn't have the luxury of delaying their plan to shut down a new parts factory for Eden military personnel; it was coming online in less than 72 hours. Erasing the operating systems for the machinery had failed. Secundo was unable to breach their firewall. So Alex pushed, and he led them into the factory itself, and he walked the thin line between bravery and stupidity until he stepped over it.
An explosion was a hell of a calling card when stealth was the name of the game. According to Grims at least. But what's the point of dismantling Eden if they don't even know to be scared, and they should be. They should be terrified of what they have amassed in loyalty, in dedication, and in weaponry.
That's when his eyes move to Dolph, who has yet to leave his side, in spite of all Alex has done to remind each and every teammate of their goal. He'll rest when he is dead, not a minute before. Not when complications to the cause surface because of his own shortcomings. ]
[ dolph hadn't been for this plan. he never voiced that. he rarely does, when it comes to these missions. no matter how comfortable he gets, there's always a sickly pit in his stomach when they come too close to eden, too close to get away.
he eyes the slowly growing stain on alex's side, worried. even if worried feels like too small a word for the growing panic in his heart. he can't lose alex. he can't. ]
[ A hand rests on top of Dolph's shoulder and squeezes. Comforting, or pressuring for silence. ]
Soon, babe.
[ But it's clear he's not interested in following the other man's train of thought. Alex is still amped up to eleven, caught in "work mode" and burning through energy that had no outlet any longer. He would drop soon, and hard, but not yet. He needs the all clear from Grims. ]
[ dolph subsides for a moment, frowning. his gaze is trained on that wound. he's seen enough wounds on the battlefield to know this isn't a matter of soon. it's a matter of now. jaw clenched, dolph comes to a decision, shrugging off alex's shoulder, even if it comes with the tiniest pinprick of distress. ]
[ The stare he levels at Dolph is hard. His teeth grind together from the pressure of his clenched jaw, almost like Alex is chewing on the words themselves. In a way, he is. His pride is already bleeding out on the floor along with everything else; why Dolph decides to add insult to injury is none too kind. The kid never openly contradicts him, or challenges him.
But Alex doesn't have it in him any longer to press that stupidity any further. The color has left his face, and there's a heaviness in his body that wasn't there just a minute prior. With a deep breath out his nose, he caves. The worry in that beautiful face is just too difficult to fight. ]
[ the relief that floods dolph is welcome as he immediately wraps his arms around alex to keep him steady and gently pull him away from the monitors. thankfully, there is a small cot nearby that they can use and dolph carefully manoeuvres alex onto it. ]
I'm not the stubborn one.
[ this part feels more methodical, like old training kicking in. every soldier needs a little bit of medical expertise, though dolph would never consider himself as one. it's just a matter of accessing old subroutines in his head and following through. dolph peels away the shirt with a wince as he starts to clean the wound. he extends his metal hand to alex, the one he's least comfortable with. ]
[ Alex chuckles and immediately regrets it when he's set down on the cot and it pulls at the tear below his underarm. Finally seeing it—blood caked in his chest hair and pumping out from the entry wound Dolph keeps wiping away—the pain flares up in throbs. Every breath burns, and his sight wavers at the corners from the drop in his blood pressure. ]
C'mon. Give me a little credit.
[ It might sound convincing if Alex's wasn't holding his head up with his only good arm while his vision recovered. The cold of Dolph's arm makes his clammy body shiver, but he doesn't push away. ]
[ dolph seemingly admits that with a loose shrug, his attention elsewhere. this was so close. it was so close and the possibility of it makes his insides ache in fear. his movements are thorough as he efficiently cleans, while keeping an eye on alex, finally placing a large bandage on it. ]
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( pre-canon, at prism )
he saw them from a distance when he robbed people who left. people whom he seethed at, hating the way they were so free with their own sexuality when eden had him bury his own for their propaganda machine. he had finally recovered and with great reluctance, he accompanied alex here.
now that he was standing in front of it, dolph was . . . afraid. so he crossed his arms to look intimidating instead. ]
Really?
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[ says the gay bear stopped in front of beaming LED rainbows that bathe the entire corner in its homoerotic primary colors. This time Alex has a shirt on; he's not trolling for company tonight. But he doesn't take another step toward the club. In fact, he returns to his boy, broad back blocking the harsh lights spilling garishly from the building and covering Dolph in his protective shadow. ]
We don't have to, babe. But I know I can get us a free round here.
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and yet it was everything. what if they see him for the fraud he is? he's never — ]
They must really like you.
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Friend of mine's a co-owner. My crew, his crew, we put a lot of money into his club. Wanted a place of our own. Street racing scene isn't exactly supportive.
[ Then again, what testosterone-laden sport is? His grin softens then, a big hand nudging Dolph's chin up for a better look. ]
They'll really like you, too, once they get to know you.
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[ the once militaristic face of eden. known all through mega city. his story was a success, a proud demonstration of eden's kindness and sympathy. gutter trash, polished up for the media.
now he's just dolph. "captain" feels like a joke.
he does amend his words, in a smaller voice. ]
Except you.
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They will. You'd be amazed what a hot glare can do to a horny man, and you've got a fantastic one.
[ His words remain light, playful even, in the hopes that Dolph will bite. It's sad to see a man, who could tear through an entire line of riot police like butter, afraid of a few handsy, glittered-up twinks. ]
Come on, love. [ His hand falls away from Dolph's face and finds his cybernetic hand. He holds the cold alloy in his own flesh and bone. ] I won't let 'em bite.
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Fine. Let's get this over with.
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[ He ushers them both in, and the incessant, albeit muffled, thump of house music hits them the moment they step through the door. There's a "coat check" first, though they care more about a patron's age and if they are police or raging homophobes.
"Hey, Taylor!" the bouncer is delighted to see him, doesn't bother asking for identification. "Haven't seen you here in—uh..." It's as far as the man gets before he sees who Alex is with. ]
Yeah, been a crazy couple of months. [ He doesn't miss a beat in the halted conversation. If the guy doesn't want to pick up his jaw from the floor, that's on him. Alex is here to show Dolph a good time and standing here isn't progressing that mission any further. ]
You going to let us in, man?
[ "Um, there's the... no weapons policy, so..." It's clear he's got no clue how to resolve this contradiction, or bring it up diplomatically. ]
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I'll keep it in off mode.
[ there is no off mode, but what was dolph going to do? he can't exactly tear off his own arm. ]
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It won't, though. ]
Yeah, it has a safety mode. Tell you what, I'll let Mac know, and if he throws us out, he throws us out.
[ "Mac's not here t—" But Alex is already pulling the double doors open. If they thought the bass was bad out here, it's absolutely skull rattling inside the club proper. ]
Thanks, Bryce. You're always looking out for the community!
[ He doesn't let his arm drop from Dolph. For many reasons—Protection, possession, maybe even to disguise what he could of the man's arm to keep the stare's down. For Dolph's sake. ]
Okay, that one was on me. [ He's got to lean in and shout to be heard over the music. ] I've never had to think twice about policies.
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now that he's in, it's a cacophony of sound and people. more than that, everyone seems so . . . happy. with dancing, with the drinks, with the company. like a celebration. his breath catches for a moment and dolph feels like he can't breath.
or perhaps he's breathing for the first time. ]
It's fine.
Is it . . . always like this?
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[ Which is why he steered clear for Dolph's first toe dip. Although, they'll work up to it, god fucking willing. Dolph in a black latex cat suit is high on his wishlist. ]
This is a normal Friday night, I'd say. [ He catches a quick look at Dolph. ] You doing okay?
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[ Alex knows the ins and outs of the club. ]
Let's get some liquid courage.
[ He brings them into the throng of men milling about the bar at least four deep, either waiting for drinks or too busy catching a cute face to get the fuck out of the way. Usually their immense height is an advantage in this, but tonight it's a flashing sign for everyone to look up at them—and then catch sight of one Captain Laserhawk.
"Holy shit—"
"You see who that is?!"
"Is...? No way."
"Dude, I fucking told you I saw him walk in!"
So many gaping mouths and wide eyes. Alex holds onto Dolph a little tighter as they reach the bar. Hopefully his buddy is working tonight to get at least two drinks out of him. ]
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he lets his gaze flit over to alex. settle there like an axis he's orbiting. ]
What do you usually go for?
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Sometimes I go for a "cock sucker," or "sex on my face." Maybe a "slippery nipple" if I'm feeling into a little whipped cream.
[ He's never had any of these, but he knows their names from years in a gay bar. His attention settles on Dolph beside him, almost in challenge in spite of the soft smile. ]
Any of those sound good?
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[ dolph takes in the drinks for a moment. ]
I'm not against cock sucker.
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Atta boy. [ His growl is oh-so pleased by his answer. When push comes to shove, Dolph always steps up to the plate. It's enough to stomach how gross this shot is about to be. But it is going to be gross. With grim resignation, he waits his turn to flag down the handful of bartenders running between one another with practiced grace.
It's then that a kid, couldn't be older than twenty-one, approaches Dolph with a look of awe and enough alcohol in his system to consider braving a dangerous and federally wanted man's personal space.
"Hi. Captain Laserhawk—uhm..." Apparently that's as far as the boyishly handsome blond had come up with before putting his plan into action. But after some fumbling for words, he continues.
"Is it okay if I... Can I ask for, like, an autograph? I've watched your show since I was a kid!" And then he's babbling like a fanboy. Alex no longer watches with a concerned eye. Instead he leaves Dolph to the threat of his fans and orders two "cock suckers" as quietly as he can. ]
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he eyes the kid surreptitiously before shrugging. ]
Sure.
[ it doesn't hurt to do this. which is strange. once, everything hurt. every moment under eden's command was forcing him down on his knees. now . . . he can do things of his own volition. with a deft hand, he signs it laserhawk and hands it back awkwardly. ]
Here you go.
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"Wait, can... Can you sign me one? I don't have..." In his inebriated state, he takes stock of what he has on him—a mesh shirt, tight polyester pants, and little else. But inspiration comes to him.
"Just sign my chest! Can you sign my chest?" he asks, tugging down the hem of his shirt to give Dolph room. It's for the best that Alex waits for his boy to finish before throwing back the shot; otherwise, it'd be all over him from a choked cough. ]
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the moment passes and he quietly signs his chest before turning back to alex, shoulders hunched as he tries to process all of that. ]
Did you know that would happen?
[ it's not accusatory. dolph doesn't think alex meant anything bad by it. ]
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[ He slides one of the shot glasses toward Dolph filled with a sickly sweet combination of butterscotch schnapps, Irish cream, and Southern Comfort. ]
But, you are Captain Laserhawk, declaring yourself gay by being here. That means something, babe. It means something for a younger generation—and I know [ He holds up a hand to stop what might be an objection already forming in the young man's mind. ] that is not responsibility you should bear, or need to consider.
But I'm so proud of you. [ That's when he lifts his shot. ] Now, let's open our throats to a cock sucker.
[ Ugh, he played himself. ]
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like dolph was. he takes a sip of his drink before making a face. too sweet. but perhaps he should have expected it from a cocksucker. ]
You should be taking credit, you know. You're the one who got me in here.
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I led you to the door. You stepped through it. A[ s soon as the bartender uncaps their bottles and sets them on the counter, Alex is already pouring it down his throat to cleanse himself. ] Ohhh, fuck, that's much better.
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with alex, it's easier. if he could just orbit him forever, he's sure he'll find his answer. ]
Is it?
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Instead he offers Dolph his beer. They both have their own, but Alex is willing to share. He's a great guy like that. And Dolph is a special one. ]
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No manners.
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[ but he takes pity of him, leaning over to press his lips against alex's, the taste of beer and the lingering sense of sweetness. ]
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[ He gets the words out between kisses, pleasantly surprised by Dolph's forwardness. A little PDA wasn't on his list for tonight; clipped words, sure; stiff posture, check; likely a lot of resting bitch face. But here his man is, rewriting his expectations. Alex's own fault for underestimating him.
Once they've pulled away, Alex leaves one last kiss on the bridge of his nose. ]
Come on. There's a better view of everything upstairs.
[ It's more like a loft, but it's a perfect position for Dolph to observe away from the crush of bodies on the dance floor and around the bar. With his beer in hand, he offers his other to Dolph to hold onto through the throng of clubbers. ]
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as if he's afraid the offer will vanish, dolph inches his hand towards alex's before letting his fingers wrap around it. ]
Show me.
[ show me everything. show me the world. show me you. let me show myself. ]
(hurt/comfort)
[ The blood stain that's been soaking through his undershirt is decidedly not. The tone of his voice brooks no more argument in Secundo's mind, hesitant though he is to listen to a man with a gunshot(s?) wound. Adrenaline still coursing through his body, any pain has yet to hit him. He will damn well wave off anyone until their bungled target is unequivocally cleaned of their presence.
Grims will be a terror once she returns from it. Alex would have stayed to help her, only this entire outcome is because of him. They didn't have the luxury of delaying their plan to shut down a new parts factory for Eden military personnel; it was coming online in less than 72 hours. Erasing the operating systems for the machinery had failed. Secundo was unable to breach their firewall. So Alex pushed, and he led them into the factory itself, and he walked the thin line between bravery and stupidity until he stepped over it.
An explosion was a hell of a calling card when stealth was the name of the game. According to Grims at least. But what's the point of dismantling Eden if they don't even know to be scared, and they should be. They should be terrified of what they have amassed in loyalty, in dedication, and in weaponry.
That's when his eyes move to Dolph, who has yet to leave his side, in spite of all Alex has done to remind each and every teammate of their goal. He'll rest when he is dead, not a minute before. Not when complications to the cause surface because of his own shortcomings. ]
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he eyes the slowly growing stain on alex's side, worried. even if worried feels like too small a word for the growing panic in his heart. he can't lose alex. he can't. ]
Alex. We need to treat it.
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Soon, babe.
[ But it's clear he's not interested in following the other man's train of thought. Alex is still amped up to eleven, caught in "work mode" and burning through energy that had no outlet any longer. He would drop soon, and hard, but not yet. He needs the all clear from Grims. ]
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Alex. You won't be able to handle it.
[ he adds a pleading note. ]
Please.
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But Alex doesn't have it in him any longer to press that stupidity any further. The color has left his face, and there's a heaviness in his body that wasn't there just a minute prior. With a deep breath out his nose, he caves. The worry in that beautiful face is just too difficult to fight. ]
So stubborn.
no subject
I'm not the stubborn one.
[ this part feels more methodical, like old training kicking in. every soldier needs a little bit of medical expertise, though dolph would never consider himself as one. it's just a matter of accessing old subroutines in his head and following through. dolph peels away the shirt with a wince as he starts to clean the wound. he extends his metal hand to alex, the one he's least comfortable with. ]
Hold onto this if you need to. It'll hurt.
no subject
[ Alex chuckles and immediately regrets it when he's set down on the cot and it pulls at the tear below his underarm. Finally seeing it—blood caked in his chest hair and pumping out from the entry wound Dolph keeps wiping away—the pain flares up in throbs. Every breath burns, and his sight wavers at the corners from the drop in his blood pressure. ]
C'mon. Give me a little credit.
[ It might sound convincing if Alex's wasn't holding his head up with his only good arm while his vision recovered. The cold of Dolph's arm makes his clammy body shiver, but he doesn't push away. ]
no subject
You could have died.
[ his voice shakes at the end. it was so close. ]