Old muse, old account, new icons.

[last_lombax]

Uh...hey mun. Long time no see. So what brought this on? I mean, last time I checked, you weren't a huge fan of the last games. I mean, except Nexus. That doesn't matter right now. You're looking into throwing me out again? Why?

You got other guys. I was liking my retirement...again. I mean, playing Hologames and just chilling? It's not bad. A little lonely but not bad. How about you just think this over, alright? Can you really handle like, what? Five games? You're in four already. Calm down. I get you're getting more free time but what about what I want?

...

You stopped listening. Of course you did. You're worse than Qwark sometimes, I swear.

Comments

[double_edged]

Sometimes it's just not about getting what you want, is it?

1/2

[last_lombax]

{Excuse Ratchet Alister. He's just going to stare for a moment. A loooong moment.]

2/2

[last_lombax]

No. Of course not General.

...But...I mean...it isn't like I'm asking much, right? [Grins. Hoping he isn't about to get yelled at.]

[double_edged]

It's not like you to just laze around, Ratchet. Do you think the galaxy could go around changing itself?

[last_lombax]

It's just a vacation, General. Nothing permanent. Just a...break. That's not so bad. It isn't like the universe is going to be taken over because I take a break.

[double_edged]

Oh? I believe a certain Artemis Zogg would think differently.

[last_lombax]

How did you-?

[Ratchet goes quiet for a moment.]

Hey. That's Qwark's fault. Not mine. He stole the guy's job and drove him crazy. Not me.

[double_edged]

...

Do you remember?

[last_lombax]

Yeah. I remember. I'm...guessing you do too.

[double_edged]

...yes, I do. It took a long time, but.

I'm here, Ratchet. I'm home.

[last_lombax]

I'm glad General.

[Ratchet smiles.] It's really good to see you.

[double_edged]

...listen.

For how I'd acted back on that world, I...

I wish I could take it all back. How I treated you, others.

[last_lombax]

Look, it's in the past. We were trapped under the ocean. And it was crazy. I don't blame you. Alright?

[double_edged]

Things will be different from now on, I can assure you. This is my third and final chance.

[last_lombax]

[Ratchet nods slowly.]

Well...there's no way to know if we're going to a game anytime soon or not. Guess only time will tell.

[double_edged]

Can't we just... stay here, for the time being? In peace.

[last_lombax]

I don't see why not. You know, as long as the muns don't get any sudden ideas.

[double_edged]

Just... just stay here. With me.

[last_lombax]

I want to. Especially if we can find Clank too. And Talwyn. But again, you know the muns. They're not just going to let us have it that easy.

[double_edged]

Oh, I doubt I'll be going anywhere anytime soon. The Colonel will get fussy if I'm not there to guide him.

[Except not really.]

[last_lombax]

...Really? He never seemed the type...

[double_edged]

Heartbroken, even. Do you want to be responsible for that?

[last_lombax]

You...sure he's that sensitive?

[double_edged]

Of course! Don't you believe me?

[last_lombax]

Of...course I believe you.

[Though he is wondering if Alister is secretly switching which one of them would be heartbroken.]

[double_edged]

Good! Now that that's cleared up, how about a Kerchu roast?

[last_lombax]

Is that a good idea? I mean, the Kerchu are nasty. Won't we get an allergic reaction if we eat one?

[double_edged]

Ah, toughen up! You'll never make it in the Guard without a few sacrifices, right?

[last_lombax]

I guess so? But I mean...they're kinda intelligent life. It really okay to cook one up? We could always kick some Robot Pirate butt and still their food?

[double_edged]

But Kerchu put up more of a fight! Come on!

[last_lombax]

Sure. Let's get going. I could use the exercise.

[double_edged]

Alright, but you're explaining everything to the Colonel when we're back. No exceptions!

[last_lombax]

Huh? Why me? He's your...uh...friend.

[double_edged]

Why, you're younger and more capable, of course!

[last_lombax]

If I didn't know better, I'd say you're scared of him.

[double_edged]

Imagine someone who could light you on fire with poetry.

[last_lombax]

Does he read you a lot of poetry, General?

[double_edged]

Only when I don't do the dishes.

Or feed the cats.

Or anything else.

[last_lombax]

...Okay I got to ask.

Are you two...?

...You know?

[double_edged]

Are we... what?

[last_lombax]

You know... [Ratchet leans in a little and raises an eyebrow.]

[double_edged]

No, I don't. What's all this about?

[last_lombax]

Um...well...

[Ratchet can't believe he has to say it out loud...]

...Together?

[double_edged]

[Oh, well, why didn't you just say so?]

Is that something you need be inquiring about?

[Dodging the question? Has to be a yes!]

[last_lombax]

...I'll take that as a yes.

[double_edged]

Ratchet.

[last_lombax]

What? If you won't give me an answer, I have to assume.

[double_edged]

Look. Just... keep it between us for now. Alright?