himbomb | IC INBOX

_{[ you know you wanna rub the baby bird's neck.......

Mark frowns at Rex's response but at least he is being honest with him. It really is a step in the right direction. He listens to what he has to say and thinks about Cecil for a moment— Nolan never really had too many positive things to say about him to Mark. Not really much about who he is and what he's doing but just how he has such a tight rope on things. It's probably one reason Nolan didn't want to work with them now that the truth has come to light.. Nolan was nervous Cecil would find out more about his scheme if he got too close to them. As Mark thinks about this, his thick brows pull together. Nolan's judgment and opinion on Cecil didn't matter anymore.

Hearing it from Rex, though.. Mark lets out an unsteady breath, knowing well his father was responsible for all of that. Mark doesn't even really notice how his hands move to settle on both of Rex's forearms. Oops.

Guilt once again seeps through him. ]}

I am so sorry. I still cannot believe my dad did all of that.. but now I'm realizing all of this is really effecting everyone.

_{[ Rex had said it before several times implying this isn't all about Mark even if he is effecting him the most; now the Guardians of the Globe have something else to worry about, Cecil does too, his mom, really all of Earth. Rex giving a specific example of how it's effecting him makes Mark feel a sting. ]}

It's not just me and my mom.. it's everyone. And I won't stand for it.

_{[ He pulls his hands away, back to himself and closes his eyes for a second, taking another easy breath. Notice how he's been doing that lately? ]}

If there's anything I can do to help you.. I feel responsible since it's my dad even though I know I shouldn't have to.

[Rex mouths off when it comes to just about everyone, but he and Cecil go way back. It is, in part, due to that surly old dude's graces that he is safe. Cecil is the one who gave him his new identity, new job, and a fresh start. He and his team are why Rex is still breathing, and despite some minor paranoia that lingers like an old memory, they are on good terms.]

You didn't kill 'em, Mark.

He did.

[Rex has noticed. The touch feels... Strangely comforting, but he does not speak about it.]

I just... I know I'm a fuck-up, but...

I'm trying! I... I just don't wanna die, y'know? Like this? As this asshole? Dude.

I know that there's a lot of stuff that we should be doin' right now, but I haven't had a vacation in-

[He pauses to ruminate on that thought.

As a kid, such things were unthinkable. Food wasn't even on the table every day. Then he was locked in a government facility, on the run, and now he is always on call. Rex and Eve had their fair share of trips to fun places, especially because she can fly, but those precious times were nearly always cut short.]

Honestly? Ever. Not that this is one, but...

It is nice to, like. Not to have my phone just constantly ringing, like all the time!

You won't die, Rex.

_{[ Mark has the urge to settle his hands back on Rex but he doesn't. ]}

You'll survive. You did for this long, right? So.. we'll get out of this together.

_{[ it's nice to hear someone is having a better time, though. Mark is eager to get back home but that's because he has a pressing doom on his shoulders. A responsibly. To settle things with his father before Viltrum takes over Earth, or whatever the fuck they do. Mark still didn't understand cause he had no connection to these people— just their blood in his veins.

He wiggles his butt so that it inches himself a little closer to Rex. ]}

Hey, I'm glad you're finding the optimistic sides to all of this. Someone between the two of us has to.

[But that is a connection that runs deep, isn't it?

Right down to the very genetic code from which Mark has sprouted into existence.]

Ohhhhhh no.

[Rex's eyes widen at that stunning realization.]

So I'm the one who's being the optimist in this situation? Me? Whoa-ho, dude.

We are so fucked!

_{[ Rex has been blessed by yet another Mark chuckle as he finds Rex's reaction comical, especially with the way his eyes grow. He pats Rex on the knee. ]}

No, we aren't, okay? Between the two of us, I think we'll be fine.

_{[ That's only cause Rex has been extremely helpful to him over the past few days. He doesn't want to say it, but it shows in his face which looks a lot happier. More sweet. ]}

Are you going to still have trouble sleeping? Should we do something to make us both tired?

_{[ He literally means like.. go for a walk or run but think what you want. ]}

[Rex's eyebrows rise nearly all the way to his hairline. It's late at night. They are two horny teenage boys. He is not at all thinking clearly. The two of them are barely clothed. Hold on, wait just a damn minute-]

Are you suggestin' that we, uh...

[Now it is his turn to do the single finger inserted into the hole-shaped hand...
A CURSED GESTURE????]

Edited 2021-09-16 04:09 (UTC)

_{[ A lot of things go over his head but Mark gets the innuendo just fine and his eyes equally grow.

Yeah, no. He’s squirming back from Rex now as he face heats. Not enough to really cause color to his cheeks but he certainly feels it. ]}

What?! No! I meant like for a run or a walk or some OTHER kind of exercise! Why would you think that? No, wait, don’t answer that!!

_{[ Oh. He’s all flustered now and he admits himself to lying vertical again, turning his back to Rex. ]}

… Yeah, no. That’s not what I meant. I just thought I’d suggest something since we both are having trouble right now!

Dude! You have got to be more careful about that sorta thing!

[Rex sounds exasperated.]

Do you know just how many people have come onto me out of left field? It's like, we're around a bunch of other morons, and then they go on and on about how they just want me to shut the fuck up, and then?! The door closes! And suddenly their no-good hand is on my fucking thigh! Bitch, what!

Uh.. I don’t know.

_{[ He also doesn’t know what that’s like? People pick on him, no proposition him. Mark shifts, trying to get more comfortable after having this embarrassing exchange. ]}

I mean, it doesn’t really make it right, but I guess it’s cause you’re handsome.

.. Like! They think you’re handsome. I don’t think I’ve really had anything like that happen to me.

_{[ Amber gave him her number so he at least had some warning there even if she was the instigator most of the time after they got together. ]}

What do you usually do in that situation?

Uhhh, swear?! I tell 'em to fuck off, that's what! It's crazy. I think people think, that, just 'cause I'm a hot guy? That I want them to manhandle my junk constantly. No! Also, that's a pretty stupid approach, seein' as I'm also-

[He waves both of his hands frantically, his palms facing outwards.]

A hot guy!

Well. I’m not touching your thigh or suggesting anything like that. I already explained myself so..

_{[ he makes this really cute grumbling noise and wiggles, again, trying to get comfortable and closes his eyes ]}

Guess I’ll just try to sleep again unless you have a different suggestion.

[That noise is cute. What the fuck? Why is it cute? Rex hates this.

He huffs and also wiggles, attempting to feel a little warmer beneath all of these dead animals.]

Wouldja even have the balls to make a move like that, though?

I feel like even if you wanted to bone somebody... You'd, like. Ask politely and shit. That is... If you didn't chicken out.

No, not exactly.

_{[ Oh ho. Surprising? ]}

Depends on the person and our level of communication and relationship at the time. Especially if I knew they really wanted to.. hm.

_{[ His voice sounds light and almost playful. ]}

I think I would have a hard time controlling myself.

_{[ O H. There’s a pause and Mark furrows his eyebrows, suddenly beginning to feel embarrassed about this now. Even so, he actually turns to face Rex. ]}

Dude, why are you asking? For someone who has really only gotten to know me over the past few days, you sure are loaded with a bunch of assumptions about me. Do you really think about them a lot?

_{[ More so, are you thinking about him a lot, Rex? To come up with these assumptions? ]}

I soooo did not need that information!

[And now it will live in his brain rent free forever and ever! Ugh.]

No! Nuh-uh. I don't think about you at all!

Not when we're off the field, man, Jeeeeeee-SUS!

[His number creeps up to a whopping 705. Wow, Rex. Why you lying, huh? Not only is he being forced to think about his bizarrely passionate distaste for the other boy and how that may seem suspicious in some regards, he's also being reminded that prior to this little train escapade, Invincible hardly considered Rex to be anything worth thinking about. Both of his nostrils flare flagrantly.]

Why're you so obsessed with me, god!

I’m obsessed with you? What?

_{[ That causes him to prop himself up on his elbow and regard Rex, his eyebrows still tight together. Is he missing something here? ]}

That’s another assumption too! Jesus! Okay, sure. I’ll bite. How am I obsessed with you? You know, since you know EVERYTHING about me.

Edited 2021-09-18 02:33 (UTC)

Hmph!

[Rex, not willing to throw in the gauntlet just yet, simply scrunches up his face and turns away from Mark. Also because he has been cornered...]

Well, everybody else seems to be!

Why do you care what I think? I'm not Eve! Or Robot! Or Kate, even! You're not tryin' to get in my pants! So why bother.

[rex... u are contradickting urself... directly]

Well, yeah. I’m not.

_{[ ???? ]}

I mean, can’t I try to get along and like you without trying to.. you know..

_{[ A beat. ]}

You’re not a bad person. I never thought that. I just don’t understand you sometimes.. and that’s okay. You’ve helped me, especially since we got here. So I know you have goodness in you.. which means I like being around you and being your.. friend?

Yeah, friend. You’ve made me laugh like friends do. And this? This whole sharing space thing? Friends totally do that.

_{[ He seems satisfied with that response and the smallest smile appears as he settles back down, but he keeps facing Rex this time. ]}

We are absolutely friends whether you like it or not.

[For at least thirteen of his eighteen years of life, Rex never had the privilege of having any friends at all. Even with the very few friendships he does have, which often are more tied to saving lives and just coexisting in the same vicinity for extended periods of time, moments of real emotional intimacy have been few and far between. On top of all of that, Rex is usually the one dictating the friendship.

And here comes this stupid head ass!!! Going around and saying that they're friends when he doesn't know a damn thing about him.]

I do not like this. Not one bit! You are such a goob.

You don't even know me! Not really.

[And if he did...

Rex is almost sure he'd lose his bid to get the fuck out of this place, which is Invincible himself. At least he can fly.]

I could secretly be an axe-murderer! Or, I dunno, one of those weirdoes who's really into feet. Hell! I could even be into chicken feet! Bokety-bok-bok.

A goob?

_{[ As Rex goes on, he does make a point, but.. Mark started off being really unsure of this guy until they got here and Rex has really been more of a positive person instead of a negative person, surprisingly enough. Did the change in atmosphere have that effect?

As Rex goes on, Mark follows, but he can't help but feel laughter bubble up inside of him at that last part. A honest to God clear laugh. Mark finally closes his eyes, letting his teeth be revealed by a lingering smile. ]}

Well, maybe don't be so nice to me when it counts, then! And that's fine. I'm getting to know you. It's been.. interesting, but not bad.

_{[ As his eyes stay closed, he adds on with a more playful tone: ]}

I'm not obsessed with you, though...
Just curious.

_{[ this is like............. definitely flirting and mark has no idea rip ]}

Would you rather I call you a boob? 'Cause you're one of those too! The unfun and totally not squishy kind.

[...It definitely is, but like a buffoon, Rex has blocked out the reality of that entire possibility. There's no way Invincible, his arch nemesis and object of all his insecurity-related envies, would ever feel that way about him. Not seriously!

Rex's anxiety, in part, is due to how natural and fun this all seems. Is this what he missed out on because his life royally sucked? Bonding?

He can't get too attached. Invincible is only latching onto him because they are both from home. He will soon find another kinder, more well-adjusted and less temperamental human being, and leave him in the dust just like everyone else.]

If you're so damn curious, fine! Go ahead and ask me shit. Shoot! Like your life motherfuckin' depends on it.

_{[ Where should he start? He knows he probably shouldn’t bring up the parents first thing cause it sounds like that was rough. Or how he met Eve.. yeah he shouldn’t bring up anything with Eve at all. What about just something that pertains to him?

His eyes open, but only halfway cause he’s gradually growing sleepy. ]}

What are some of your favorite activities? Or foods?

_{[ Yeah this is definitely something you ask when you’re on a date. ]}

Aaaaah.

[...That is weirdly intimate and it is making him feel a Thing. Several things actually. Most people could care less to ask what he likes. There's a pause, a definite lull in the conversation, because he is both stunned and uncertain.

Should he tell him the truth?]

Well, I've always had a thing for gymnastics, but I do a lotta that out in the field, soooo...

[look who is getting REALLY bashful now]

I like stand-up comedy specials, I guess? Or, anything funny that's either so bad it'll drive me into a fit of hysterics or... The stuff that, like, took a lotta work to write, obviously? The brainy-shit that makes you think a little bit.

[a-ah... //// this i s weird]

When it comes to food, I like it hot! You know- Spicaaaay? And with meat, oooh, and lots of it! I'm not so much of a fish guy, but bring on the lobster, baby! Oysters are good too, 'specially when you drown 'em in hot sauce.

Ooh! I also like to take a peek at all of the weird shit you happen to find at 7-Eleven. Sometimes I'll pop in around 2 AM and see what wackass sandos they've got hangin' out on the shelf. One time I found one that said it was ham but it looked more like somebody sliced off a piece of an ear and stuck it between some moldy pieces of bread. Wild!

[screams how does he do this normal socialization thing]

...What about you? So, I know you're into nerdy shit. Anything else?

_{[ It’s wordy and it’s a lot and Rex has a unique voice that isn’t at all anything melodic and soothing, but somehow, it easing Mark into relaxation and making him more tired. Maybe it’s something about the raspiness in his voice? And he’s not being terribly loud. Mark feels his eyes close again as Rex answers and he is getting even more comfortable, tucking one of his hands under his cheek. It’s obvious he is a still listening, though, cause some stuff Rex says gets a facial reaction— a quirk of a smile or raises brows.

He keeps his eyes closed again. ]}

I like comedy. Laughing is really nice.. and spicy food! Mom makes some of the best spicy dishes. I think you would like her cooking.

_{[ He shifts his body, seeming to wiggle a little closer to Rex but not touching him yet. He can feel a little warmer though. ]}

And did you buy that… sando… and try it?

_{[ He will answer more of this question but he’s gotta know the 2 am sandwich fate … ]}

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why did i laugh

idk but it made mark laugh too

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1/3

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why did i laugh at this 2

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