dear_mun | *snuffles about for people*

[ Of all things to get out of his meditation today this is not what he was expecting. ]

I... you... whut...?

[ He can be more articulate. With, uh, preparation and stuff. Also when not encountering special people who should be dead, go figure.]

[Give him a minute. He's not sure if he recognizes that mech anymore. There's something familiar, but is it though?]

Yes?

[Don't worry, he's still awful kind and patient. Hasn't changed a bit, this one.]

[ It's been...way too long. Long enough for a lot of the surrounding memories have degraded in detail. But he'll never forget that face. ]

Gasket. Right? I'm not seeing things...am I?

[ Either Gasket's alive again or Drift's having another near death experience. As near death experiences go though, he votes for old dead friends over horrible future calamities any day. The pressure of prophecy versus social awkwardness; at least he has more practice at the latter!]

[For him, it hasn't been near as long. Give him a hot minute and he'll hazard a good guess. It's not like he had many friends, or really anyone who'd know his face.]

That's right. I'm here... Drift? [He can't seriously be...] That has to be you.

[ It's the finials, they always give him away. ]

Yeah. Yeah, that's right. [ He beams, cautiously, because he really hopes he's not seeing things. It, uh, wouldn't be the first time. ] So you're here too. That's... [ basically amazing OKAY? ] great. Just great. How do you feel?

[No, this isn't a hallucination. He's past that part of his life already and he knows he's definitely real.]

I feel good, Drift. For the first time in... I don't know how long, I feel good. What about you? [He'll step closer. He can do that, can't he?] You look great! You look like a million credits, you really do.

[ There might be some poking soon, just to make sure. And maybe, you know. hugs. To be extra sure?

Now there's some serious beaming. Don't worry Gasket, it's still Drift, just with 70% less scowl. (He's still working on the other 30%, shhhh!)]

If anyone deserves it you do. [ Unlike what actually happened. Yeah, not thinking about that now, not with how the other mech steps closer. He reaches out for an arm, finials growing hot at the compliment. ] You've never looked better yourself.

[ BUT OOPS here comes the awkward, part one. Like how Drift even explains being totally loaded now? ] Can I buy you a drink? Or ten?

[ BECAUSE HE CAN DO THAT NOW. ]

[Watch him care. Watch him care so much. Seriously. And if there are hugs, hopefully Drift is prepared for that to come back at him.]

I don't deny that, but don't sell yourself short, Drift. Whatever you did after I... left. You and the others. [He's not proud of that either, even if it was just an accident. He'll just reach back and get a hand on that mech's elbow, if he can.] Look at you now, you must've done something amazing.

[He grins at that offer.] Yeah? You can do that here? I might have a few credits on me. I think I can return the favor. Where do you want to go?

[ Just you wait Gasket. Just you wait. ]

Depends on them--the muns--and where they put you. But around here? Anything's game really. I bet there's a place just around the corner. [ This would be an awesome time for his mun to totally embarrass him and NOT have a bar/cafe/energon tea shop appear out of nowhere, but you know, he has faith that she won't. ] It's on me, seriously.

Because, er, yeah. Did some things that were amazing I guess. And amazingly stupid... [ Starting with bailing on the rest of crew after losing Gasket. Stupid would also be breaking contact right now so they can go check around that corner, something Drift isn't quite ready to do yet. So maybe there's a tug on that arm; hugging attempt, go! ]

[A little cafe would be nice, just somewhere they can sit quietly in a corner and talk and catch up ~~and maybe snuggle~~.]

If you insist. I'd like to hear all about it, if you're comfortable telling me. Feels like it's been so long since I last saw you. [Getting that arm tugged on? Okay! He goes where it leads and once he realizes he's not going to get led to the energon place, but to somewhere better, he steps in, arms open for snugs, with such a warm smile. This wasn't really a thing before, not for him at least, but he would have loved it then, too.]

[ Drift's not saying no to any of those things, nope!

The hug though...it's nice. More than nice. Fraggin' brilliant you might even say. Drift's had just enough of them in his life to know that having more is very, very welcome. It's kind of like making up for lost time, back when he was dumb enough to let this slip by.

He pulls away with reluctance, but there's a grin on his face and a cavalier laugh to go with it. ]

Ah-ha, well... You could say things got worse before they got better. [ Can he leave it at that? No, probably not. And though he's come to terms with that part of his past there's something different about telling this mech, who was the first, one of the only, to ever care. ] We can catch up over energon?

[He'll relish that contact while he can, one hand holding the mech close while the other rubs over his back in little circles.]

[When Drift pulled away, Gasket had to stop and stare at him, mouth agape.]

Drift, you... You're laughing! [Forgive him a stunned moment. He hasn't ever heard the mech like this before, and it's simply amazing.]

[ Drift's learned that, too many times over perhaps, to cherish what he has, when he has it. Too often has that lack been a source of great regret in the past.

And was that gusty thing a laugh? For certain it was, though he can do even better these days. Just you wait, Gasket. ] Heh-eh, well. I'm not in that dark place anymore. Thankfully.

[ And of the two people he dearly wishes to say that to, one of them is right here. He's blessed! ]

[He'll wait for it, yes he will. He'll wait until he dies again just to hear that laugh. It's a temptation and a half to drag the mech back into a hug again, but they'll get to it over energon cubes, whenever the case may be. At the very least, he wants one last hug before they part ways, if they do.]

I am glad to see it, Drift. And now that I'm here for you again, I'll do what should be done to keep you out of it. Count on that.

[ No more dying again! Drift couldn't handle it the first time. And there's time, he hopes, for more closeness, but it doesn't stop him from giving Gasket's arms a good squeeze. ]

Hey I hope you don't blame yourself for anything bad that happened? [ If anything, that blame lies with Drift. Or those Security Forces. He gives a soft jerk of his helm, drawing Gasket forward. ] C'mon, I'll get you that drink.

[He grins all the more at that squeeze to his arm and steps a bit closer while he lets the swordsmech guide him along.]

I don't want to lie to you, Drift. I do blame myself. If I could've done anything differently back then, I don't know that I would have. [Truly, he was sure he wouldn't have done it another way. Had there really been any other choice left to him? Any path he would've taken could have led them down worse roads. It was only a matter of time before they were all found and caught anyway and he knew it. Some of them may have fought, some may have gone quietly. Drift would have gone down fighting. Gasket, ever hopeful and passive fool that he was, would have gone quietly. Was that really any better than what they had now?]

[He gave Drift's arm a squeeze back and went with him, trying not to think on it.]

I can't get over how great you look, Drift. I wish I could tell you just how much it means to me that even one of us got out of that hell hole.

[ He grins warmly, looking Gasket's way. ] You're gonna swell my ego if you keep talking like that. [ ~~YES DO it's not like he has sky high self esteem or anything.~~ ]

[ It's kind of nice being around someone so willing to be close, to share space without...STUFF coming between them. It makes him think of Rodimus, but that held a host of other troubles he's still not dealt with.

Right, that's not here and now. Drift's been on his own for a while and it's nice to not be for once. So he's good with walking near, letting their EM fields brush close.] It wouldn't have been like you to not help that mech, I know. But I don't blame you for that, or the rest of what happened. That's on those security mechs and me, for, uh, sort of...dispatching them all.

[ COOOOUGH. Hey look, the door! He opens it and gestures. ] After you...

[That gets a brighter grin back and he can't help himself. He steps a tad closer and nudges his shoulder in against Drift's.] Not a bad thing, in my opinion. You're wonderful like this.

[Well, yeah, that happened. It would've happened one day.] Don't worry about it. That was then.

[And then to that door and through that door and inside of the place, he's thrilled with it right off. He hasn't forgotten what Drift said, but being in here makes him a little nervous, despite its charm. The last time he was in one of these, he'd been thrown out when he realized he couldn't pay, and in no kind way either. Not that that was a problem here, but he'd rather not spoil the mood between them.]

Thank you, Drift.

[They didn't have a lot of things to smile about, before, but Gasket always found something. That, Drift would never forget, even if he rarely returned them back then. It takes him back a little, to the good parts, when Gasket smiles at him like that.

Oooh but you know, the compliments are new. He's feeling a little warm through the finials right now, ducking his helm slightly as Gasket enters.] Trying to do my best. Just...took a while to figure out what that should be.

[Like a few million years, oops? AHEM. Yes. He gestures to the cafe menu, waving off the look from the mech behind the counter.] Order anything you like.

[The look from the mech on the other side of the counter gave him pause, even when Drift shooed him away, and he felt a twinge of guilt on top of everything.]

Are you sure this is okay, Drift? You spent so long building yourself back up again, I don't want to be the one to bring you down. I can wait outside, no problem.

[And he would. He'd seen the little tables out front. Hell, he'd wait around the corner if he had to. He'd only ever wanted what was the absolute best for his group, and Drift was no exception.]

[ He watches the little exchange with disbelief, the source of Gasket's discomfort becoming all too obvious. ]

What? N-no! No. It's fine. More than fine! Seriously don't even talk like that, we're no different. [ He kinda wants to take 'class divide' and shove it up that mech's aft vent system right now, not gonna lie. ] Besides... [ Yup that totally is his hand subconsciously rubbing the spot on his chestplate where a brand used to be. ] I'm not exactly climbing any social ladders these days...

[ He raps his fist on the counter, optics flickering with the hint of color shift. ] Hey can we get some service here? Please?

[Gasket smiles again, more certain this time, and selects just the basic grade energon. Nothing fancy. He's not sure his tank could handle it anyway.]

Well, perhaps at one time. I'll agree with you in part on that much. You just look like you've done far too well for yourself.

[That patting on the table gets a chuckle from him and he'll shake his head just a bit.] What would you choose anyway? I'm curious.

[Basic is a good place to start. Drift himself orders some energon tea, extra hot, (more soothing that way) and a plate of energon goodies, (because he can, hush). When the new mech behind the counter asks for payment with a touch more sass than he likes, Drift just wordlessly slides his gold card across the counter with one defiant finger, the other hand casually drapped on a sword hilt. He doesn't flaunt it often, but the message is clear: anyone who takes exception to them being here can SHUT IT.]

I've never wanted to be like them. Affluence and corruption seemed to go hand in hand back then. I just want to make a difference, and have the resources to do that. Take care of those who matter.

[He flashes Gasket a shy smile. Guess who counts!]

[That warm energon sounds like a great idea, actually. He's not used to warm anything, or cold energon, for that matter. Anything more or less than the temperature of the environment is unusual and sometimes a treat for him, but he won't say anything about it now, despite the gold card that Drift presents for the payment. He's already made his order. And besides, the unspoken exchange between Drift and the waiter has him a little on the alert, though he manages to hang onto his smile this time. Play it cool, just be calm.]

It looks like you've been able to do that. Primus knows I haven't seen anything like that in... [He pauses and grins with a shake of his head.] I'm so happy for you, Drift.

Not as much as I'd like... [ He'd rather not remember the Overlord incident and others he couldn't save, like Wing.] But I'm trying. Every little bit every day helps right?

[ Drift would be more than happy to share what he ordered, he's just glad he can, period. And there can always be a second round. He tucks the gold card away and gestures to the main area where there's tables scattered about and several deep booths lining two walls, more than half of them empty. ] Shall we find a place to sit while we wait?

[He nodded, reached out to rest a hand on Drift's shoulder.] That's all anyone can ask of you. You're doing so well.

[With that, he looks around and spots one of the empty booths along one wall, near to a window but not close enough that anyone looking in could see the two of them together. If they were getting this kind of reception for him just being seen with Drift, he didn't want to know what might happen if passersby could see them and think the worst without explanation.]

What about that one?

Heh. Well... People have asked for more, and I've given more, but that's sort of what rough times are about.

[ The hand on his shoulder is reassuring though, and he doesn't walk out of range of it as they make their way to the booth. Drift likes the location but for slightly different reasons that involve, ahem, privacy and not the kind that quite worries about them being seen together. ]

What about you though? Without being constrained to the gutters, what would you like to do with yourself?

[If his spark swells any further in his pride over this mech, it might burst.] You've always had that to you, Drift. I'm glad you haven't lost it over the years.

[But for himself...] I don't know anymore. There was a time when I worked at one of the launch sites for our interstellar ships, but after so long out of work, fighting to keep you and everyone and myself alive, I don't know what I would do now. I wouldn't even know where to begin.

[ No, NO! No bursting sparks please. He had too many of those in his life Primus help him. ]

Yeah, I-- [ Okay Drift's turn to get bashful because it's not often he gets these kinds of compliments. Even more seldom that he feels deserving. ] I sort of forgot..the right way to do it..for a while there.

But that's better now! And so are you! And we have today, at least. Whatever you decide I'm here for you for however long you need. It's about time I got to return the favor.

[He doesn't want his spark to burst either. That would be terrible and awful and no good for anyone. Though what Drift says next gives him a small fright that he hides well enough. He might not see Drift again after this. They may part ways and he may never see his friend again.]

[He knew it might be a possibility, but having it said aloud made it seem that much more real, and Gasket realized he didn't want any part of it. It wouldn't be any favor to either of them if he tried to prevent it. Drift had his own life, his own way to run, and Gasket should be long dead. It was hard enough to hold on, but harder still to let go, and he would have to anyway.]

[His smile waned a little before he caught it.]

I'm glad to spend any time with you at all. You never owed me anything, Drift. I did what I thought was right. But being here with you now, it's more than I could have hoped for. I do want to ask you one question though. Are you very familar with this place?

Couldn't doing what's right come with a little reward?

[Drift would like to think that's true at any rate. He offers a hopeful smile, reaching for Gasket's hand. He'd also like to think there'd be something more, something beyond today, but the truth is he never knows what tomorrow will bring in this odd place. He only knows that he's had enough wandering, enough exile, enough loneliness. He needs to make a difference, and if it's not in the big wide world, then it's going to be at this small table.]

I don't know a lot, I confess. It's like anywhere and nowhere all at once. Even this place could be gone tomorrow, or it could be an amusement park. It all depends on them. The muns.

[That smile turns a shade into the sorrowful for a moment, then back to joy when he looks up at Drift again.]

I think, in your case, it may have. But even if all of this is gone tomorrow, I'd like to think I can do more with this life now. I've met my mun once. She'd like me to keep going and do what I can, what I want. I just never imagined it would bring me back to you. What is yours like? Does she wish for your happiness?

[ If he could wipe that sorrow away, he would. But Drift imagines Gasket felt quite the same way, during the grim times of the gutters when the crew was still together.

His own smile flickers with a thread of the grimness. ] Someday. I have much to atone for. [ He doesn't want to bring things down though, even of there's bound to be talk of all that eventually. ]

That's the spirit though! It may not be what we're used to, but it's new opportunity, right? And the muns, I think, must care about us if they choose to be our benefactors, yes? I know mine often wishes I were...happier.

[ Confession time: not as happy as he lets on, oops? ]

[Happier... That'd be an awesome start. It should be more than a cube of good energon, but he'll settle for that. He hasn't had anything like it in ages, it seems.]

That's a good enough start for me, that they want us to be happy, and we want us to be happy. So what should we do about that, hm?

[ You have to start somewhere, right? ]

Granted I'd be happy just, doing something meaningful you know? But until she finds me a new home, I can enjoy this. Which is, well, meaningful in other ways...

[ He gets a look that borders on shy. He's gearing up to say something else, something bigger, when the cheery waitstaff arrives at their table with drink orders, setting them all down along with the little plate of energon goodies. She's a great deal nicer than the guy at the counter, and Drift manages to beam his appreciation at her after a flustered moment of switching drinks. ]

[Indeed. He won't say that doesn't worry him about where he'll end up next, but if he's just here, just wandering this place forever, he might be able to handle that. It'll be just like home, but at least no one's actively hunting him down yet.]

I should say so. Maybe I can find a place here and be happy. I'm not familiar with it, but it doesn't seem too bad right off.

[He notices that look, but he's never seen Drift with it before and it confuses him. And he won't get a chance to ask about it before they're given their drinks, and it's good to see someone with a little more kindness toward them. He could live with a lot more of that, for sure.]

That was nice.

snuffles about for people

SUPER LATE but omg hi

hiiii :3

for real I should check dm more often

me too @__@

oh god what an awful week x_x;;

I know those feels CLING

clings to!

SUCH CLING

So much cling!

allll de cling ever!

facehuggerclings!

omg such faishugger!

notifs, why you suck so bad?!

cause AAAASSSSSSSSS

so much ass!

many much ass! don't even know how much ass!

uncountable amounts of ass!

ass like you wouldn't believe!

/shakes it?

throttles it!

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*snuffles about for people*

SUPER LATE but omg hi

hiiii :3

for real I should check dm more often

me too @__@

oh god what an awful week x_x;;

I know those feels *CLING*

*clings to!*

*SUCH CLING*

*So much cling!*

*allll de cling ever!*

*facehuggerclings!*

*omg such faishugger!*

notifs, why you suck so bad?!

cause AAAASSSSSSSSS

so much ass!

many much ass! don't even know how much ass!

uncountable amounts of ass!

ass like you wouldn't believe!

/shakes it?

*throttles it!*

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snuffles about for people

I know those feels CLING

clings to!

SUCH CLING

So much cling!

allll de cling ever!

facehuggerclings!

omg such faishugger!

throttles it!