"Eeeeeeeh! You know the drill. You yap and yap and yap until the fuuuuck-in' beepity boop. And who knows? If your voice doesn't annoy the shit out of me, I miiiight just call ya back!"
[ Mark makes a slight yelp when he feels himself being squeezed, a light pink surfacing to his face but he makes no indication to leave Rex's side or avoid the hand that is touching him. ]
... Are you just wanting me to go first so you can see what happens?
[ which is like.. valid. Mark won't judge him if he says yes. ]
[Yes, Mark. That is absolutely what he is doing. Now is the time for Rex to whine and actually act much like a normal boy his age. He groans, that big mouth of his hanging open in dismay.]
Why is it that you choose now of all times to not be dumb! Now! When it's of major [*not major, he's being dramatic] inconvenience to me!
[Oh no, his hand is definitely doing some more weird gropey things (within the pocket still)-]
Wait, wait, wait. Is all of the blood actually rushin' to your head right now? Oh ho ho, man!
[ Oh, yep. Feeling one of those hands grab around certainly does make him think of some embarrassing things Rex’s hand was doing back a few cars down. His blush deepens, his free hand reaching to hold Rex at his forearm as if gesturing him to halt. The prospect of doing something sexy has always been appealing to him— but Mark is realizing it’s especially in his interests now that he’s done the do with someone whom he can call his partner. ]
S-So, uh..
[ just kinds awkwardly giving that arm a light squeeze. ]
Let me just.. I guess.. see if I can figure, uh, something out in this car? For us? But also, like.. you’re being really touchy, dude.
[Rex, for all his infidelity, has only had the experience of being in one relationship, which had begun when Eve and Rex were around the ages of thirteen and fourteen. Rex had all of zero other friends, excluding Kate and Robot, so the rush of having a number one who was beautiful and big-hearted and broken in her own way was the perfect storm for a particularly riotous hormonal cocktail. Molotov style.
But she had let him touch her. She leaned against him at all those school bonfires where teenagers engaged in their petty bickering, not even twenty four hours after putting out fires and doing their best to keep people from being burned alive. It's not as though Rex was completely desensitized to violence, because there were later events that stuck with him, painfully staining the recesses of his mind, but had long grown accustomed to it. Eve was sensitive and caring, and he was there for her in every regard, for a time.
Lately, however? He had only been present physically. Only half-listening, often angry, and mostly around to get his rocks off.]
...Sorry. I just-
[Mark seemed to enjoy the attention. Shit, shit, shit, he didn't even ask-]
Nobody else is around, and I didn't... You weren't saying anything, so I-I-
I think the problem here is the fact I might like it, uh, a little too much? I mean, if you'd rather us.. noooooot figure out this car right away? Huh. This doesn't really seem like a very sexy car though. I don't mind you touching or holding me. Not at all.
[ Cue Mark wrinkling his nose, squinting and surveying the area. It doesn't even look like there's a television nearby to watch these things on. There might have to be a little more exploring before he sees that yet.
Mark's more of the opposite, though. He doesn't really know all of the stuff he's into.. he's still in his exploration era.
His gaze settles back on Rex, a little meek smile on his face. ]
But we're going to have to figure it out eventually, right? And maybe the next car will be a sexy car. With like, I dunno.. maybe another spa car!
[ His free hand reaches out to take ahold of Rex's that left his, um, ass, swaying both of their hands lightly. ]
[Rex idly watches their fingers intertwine, noting the difference in their respective skin tones whilst they weave their own weird little hand tapestry. Mark's hands aren't as small as Eve's, and the undertones in his skin are different, but the gesture does help to calm Rex down.]
Oh.
So you're just horny? Well then, say that!
[So, he catastrophized for nothing.]
Ugh, I dunno. That sounds a little too optimistic to me. My bet's on torture!
[For the next car, he means.
Once again, Rex is embarrassed by the tender tingles he's experiencing as a result of Mark's sweet words and innocent turn of phrase. They're almost the same age, and yet Rex both feels like a blushing schoolgirl and this week's To Catch a Predator feature all at the same time.]
Nothing's tried to attack us in this one yet. So, there's a good chance that the next car's gonna be worse. Well, whatever! If there's torture, maybe there'll be somethin' sexy about it. You ever try steppin' into some PVC? That shit's mad uncomfortable, especially on the 'nads.
Uhhh. [ There's some nervous laughter that bubbles up and out of him. He gives their hands a little squeeze. ]
I think I'm just excited to spend time with you again. [ which is??? basically??? being horny. Mark, you can just say you are eager to fuck him again. ]
I don't think I have.. I've never really thought about it. But it sounds really uncomfortable.. I know that's some people's costume of choice back home and I never understood that.
[ With that, Mark surveys the area again and begins to tug Rex along with him lightly by the hand. ]
Surely there's a TV to watch all of these tapes on somewhere around here, right?
[ So as he looks around, he'll continue a conversation: ]
[He allows Mark to tug him forward, secretly enjoying the act of being dragged around. Rex may have a pre-prepared set of complaints up his sleeve for whenever he is forced to accompany a loved one on an errand, but truth be told, he loves it. Being asked to go places means he's important, especially if the excursion is one on one.]
The answer can also be both!
[Rex tilts his head upwards, """searching""" for a television set, although it's clear he's trying to delay any personal tape-watching however possible.]
Mmmmm... Yeah! Sure. I'm into it, but less so being in it and moreso... Doing someone in it? I'm a sucker for punishment, what can I say?
You looking vaguely uncomfortable while tryin' to rid yourself of a BDSM-inspired wedgie? Aaaah, yeah! It would be hilarious.
[Mark's affectionate gesture is welcomed, and soon his face will be cupped by both of Rex's hands as the latter leans in for a kiss.]
Hehe. The bendy fabric would probably get all folded up in your butt.
[It is only when he draws back that Rex catches sight of his own tape, or what appears to be his own tape, unless there are any other passengers on board who could also be R. Sloan. It's possible, seeing as there are hundreds if not a thousand others on his train, but then, wouldn't there be duplicates? A sea of R. Sloans, with one of his tapes being amongst them.
There's just one. Hopefully someone else ganked his first.
Rex freezes in place, not breaking through Mark's hold.]
C'mon. It would kinda be sexy too? I think? I hope? Am I sexy? Oh.
[ That's certainly his face being grabbed and he hitches a breath, anticipating a kiss. Of course, he relishes it for however brief it is, feeling his own lips chase after Rex's when he draws back. That frozen expression grabs his attention, though, his smile beginning to fade. ]
[Rex's lips part, hanging open, and he does his best to force the words he knows he should speak out from his mouth. That Mark is sexy, at least to him, when he's right at the precipice of pleasure and shame. It's at that threshold, the place where Mark can't bear to contain himself and relinquishes his mild-mannered and wholesome sensibilities to explore the less savory desires that lie beneath, when Rex finds him most attractive- In bed at least.
No sounds comes forth from Rex's vocal cords, however-]
[And his mouth shuts tightly, lips worming into a thin line. To the vast majority of individuals that have the misfortune of getting to know him, Rex is a unlikeable and seemingly pompous asshole. His nearly houndlike desire to rip others to shreds with his incessant smart-talking, whether it be superhero colleagues or superiors alike, is detectable from the minute he makes miserable eye contact. But a victim, he is not.
Or at the very least, he wouldn't seem like it.
What would Mark, a son born to the most powerful being who has ever walked the Earth or soared through its skies, think of a child who was an experiment? Someone so ordinary, so unlucky, that he had been roped in to do a grown man's dirty work as a minor? And then, when given his one chance, his one ticket to real joy, he'd thrown it all away?]
I think I see mine? My tape, I mean.
[Rex continues onwards, begrudgingly, finally stepping away from Mark as he takes the tape off the shelf.]
Well.
[Rex has a bad feeling about this. Maybe it will ruin what they have. All the progress they've made.
But what if that's okay? He doesn't deserve it anyway. Perhaps this will be a reminder.]
[ Oh. That was a worrisome moment of time, but Mark gradually gives him space. He's honestly proud of Rex for going forward and getting his own tape even though he seemed reluctant about it and figures it's probably best he find his own tape as well.
But first, Mark settles his hand on Rex's shoulder and offers a reassuring smile. ]
Don't worry, man. If anything bad happens I'll do my best to protect you, okay?
[ With that, he trails away from Rex and zips off to find his own, returning back to Rex's side in a matter of moments. ]
Guess now all we have to do is find a--
[ Now that they both have their tapes, one of the shelved walls start to part down the middle, splitting and revealing a screen behind them. Mark purses his lips. ]
[The appearance of the screen ignites the primal instinct of fight or flight, and it's surprising, all things considered, that he resists the urge to nuke it and the tape entirely. He could if he wanted to, of that fact he's certainly sure, but what if anger of that explosive variety traps him here, on this stupid thing, forever? He inhales and exhales, gritting his teeth, Mark's words of comfort not doing much to quell an anxiety that seems innate. Rex isn't sure that he wants to confront his past, or for god's sake his future, at present, but what he does crave is empathy. Empathy and an ounce of respect.
And yet every time he's attempted to recount his harrowing sob story, in bits and pieces and paltry sums, the revelations always backfired. Either he never received the sympathy he desired, or it had made him feel weak, inadequate, lesser than.
Eve had been the only person who received that information in a way that made him feel valuable. Mark is sweet but he's a goddamn idiot, he's not smart enough to trust with a secret-]
God damn it!
[Rex can feel his fingers smarting. Whatever he's feeling right now, if he doesn't fix in a split-second, the tape will in fact combust. So he shoves it roughly into the old-school VCR, and suddenly they are transported to a dilapidated building that smells of tar and rotting wood. The place is freezing cold.
For Rex, it is familiar. This was his childhood "home."]
[ Mark was anxious to see what would happen when they popped the tapes in, but he hadn't expected.. whatever just happened. ]
Whoa..! What the hell?
[ Instantly, he's on high alert and he is able to give a quick glance at the number on his hand just to see. It's still there, so that tells Mark they're probably still on the train.
But.. how? ]
Dude, are you seeing this.. or is it just me?
[ You never know. The train has done some really weird things before. ]
[Rex's eyes dart from side to side. In his survey of this old dump, which are the exact words he'd use to describe this place, his eyes gloss over the floors, treading carefully. Great, so dear old mom and dad decided to shoot up somewhere else today, or at the very least, they disposed of their needles elsewhere.
He fails to give Mark any context- This may be his old house, but provided that they don't run into his folks, the other hero doesn't need to know that. The train, however, never makes anything easy.]
Shut up, shut up.
[His feet move with purpose, treading lightly, ever so lightly, that despite moving across creaky floorboards you wouldn't ever know that Rex was there. This is a side of Rex that Mark has probably never seen before, an expert in silent navigation, the kind of person who can get in and get out of maximum security without ever being traced.]
Stay quiet and don't say jack shit.
[His brow furrow as he hears three voices- They are so muffled, it's hard to make them out. Rex collapses against a wall without creating any noise from the impact, listening in.]
[ Um. This is certainly odd? It's true, he had never seen Rex this.. jittery. The fact that Rex doesn't seem absolutely surprised and clueless like Mark does make him think that Rex is familiar with the place. Because of that, Mark allows himself to fall behind Rex and instead of walking, he favors drifting just above the ground and floating carefully behind him. His lips part to ask Rex a question but the second he shifts against a wall-- it takes Mark a moment-- he follows suite next to him.
He speaks again, but this time his voice is hushed in a whisper. ]
[He mutters, closing his eyes and leaning against the wall. This train has thrown a bunch of psychological bullshit their way, and it makes Rex nervous. In some ways, the physical trials, the fights with ruthless beasts and new, vicious creatures, feel a lot less challenging than the teamwork with various strangers. The latter involves trust without doubt, sans careful evaluation, and Rex has been wronged horribly to the point of near death that he just can't shake his core instinct to be wary. Is any of this nonsense going to make him a better hero, or is it just all a fucking waste of time?]
We have to be careful. Have you learned nothing, I...!
[A young man walks through the doorway and into the space they're in, sporting shoulder-length, unwashed hair that's parted down the middle, sporting a familiar scowl. He says nothing, the bruising under his eyes and over the bridge of his nose fresh, seemingly worsening by the minute, as the voice of an older man shrieks in the background:
"So, you finally managed to steal somethin' worthwhile, and you end up usin' it on your goddamn face? That ugly mug of yours is worth less than this cut of meat, boy. Whatever! We'll make it work, this shit's still good."]
Oh, fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck, fuck!
[Rex backs away from his younger self, who walks right past him and Mark, acting as though they aren't there.]
Shit.
He can't see us. Or, I guess, I can't see me.
[The boy sinks into a couch with ripped cushions and exposed springs, looking angry until there's the sound of another door closing, followed by some chatter and the muffled sounds of a woman's voice. Only after this does his face fall, preteen features losing all their sharp-edged bitterness, giving way to tears.
Rex pivots on his heel, watching this pathetic display of emotions, apparently experiencing nothing but irritation.]
Uuuh-'kay, what exactly is the meaning of this? I know what this is! This was the day I broke my nose and it's been crooked as shit ever since. Uh, hello! Doesn't this bullshit chooch think I'd remember, y'know! The pain of havin' to deal with this trashfire fiasco unmedicated?
[His voice adopts a mocking tone.]
Oooooh, okay! Wow. A deviated septum, what a meaningful memory! Yeah, yeah, yeah, I've been messed up way more times than this. And way worse, too! My teeth are still all on the inside of my mouth. So some grocery store owner socked me in the nose for snatchin' a cut of prime rib. Big deal!
[ Mark cannot help but look at Rex with larger eyes as he responds so hastily. Surely there was something going on here that Rex knew about. That's when the miniature version of Rex walks by and Mark cannot help but state the obvious: ]
Hey..! Hey, that's you! It has to be.
[ Although his voice is hushed, he's expressive and curious sounding. It had to be Rex.. just look at that busted nose, red hair and green eyes. Mark is watching intently, frowning, especially when the younger Rex starts crying. His lips part to say something to Rex, but then the older teen starts spilling out words. Mark glances back at the younger figure on the couch before settling his gaze on Rex. It sounded like Rex remembered this happenstance well-- it must be a vision of one of his memories. ]
.. I'm so sorry, Rex. Um. I'm not sure why the train is showing us something like this, but.. Did it.. ever get better for you? Also.. are those your parents that were talking to you just now?
[Rex's nostrils flare the second he barks a retort back at Mark, both fists balling up at either side of his weighted musculature. Old habits die hard, and for a good minute and a half, Rex allows his kneejerk tendencies to consume him. Of course the younger boy wouldn't understand. It wasn't the pain of the injury that had made him shed those tears, not entirely- It was the fact that even though he had gotten hurt, his father had been more concerned about the quality of the meat than his own son. A dead animal was somehow more valuable than a living, breathing child.]
...Better? You're askin' me if shit got better?
[The worn imagery of Rex's childhood home fades, giving way to the kind of riotous sound that sears through the air and pierces through one's ear canals. Said noise is accompanied by smoke, debris, and an undeniably hot temperature.
Rex appears unphased by it all.
The dust clears to reveal a kiss between two very young teenagers, one about the size and shape of a smaller Rex, and the other a redheaded girl, un-mistakeably clad in a familiar pink color scheme.]
[ Look. He's not sure. Sometimes superheroes had like.. butlers and stuff? Mark lifts his hands in defense but he holds his ground, understanding that this was a very sensitive subject for Rex, and by the looks of it, it seems like there was a lot of repressed anguish over his childhood. Rex had made some statements in the past; about not attending high school.
He silently nods in affirmation when Rex asks that rhetorical question that he probably shouldn't answer but he is distracted when the scenery changes. Mark is startled and simply holds his breath as the next scene plays out exhaling once he recognizes Eve's silhouette (because of course he would really fast..)
Oh man. The image gets clearer. ]
That's Eve!
[ WHAT IS THIS GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST SHIT??? His eyes survey the scene. What was going on? This was a lot it looked like. It seems like they were.. together, of course, and that whole subject is an awkward topic in and of itself, but, the rest of what is happening around them is a great topic changer. ]
[It takes nearly every fragment of his cybergenetically engineered being to keep Rex from blowing up any further. What should ground him is his newfound affection for Mark, but instead, several other factors seem to take the wheel here. Even if he attempted to slap Invincible across the face, it'd do next to nothing. Between the explosive hothead's terrible luck and their vast difference in power, Rex would be most likely to merely injure his own hand.]
Can't you see we're making out?!
[The words are all spat out.]
D'ooooh, god! You might as well have popped out of your mom's baby hole without any eyes attached! Hrrrrgh.
[Rex shuts his own pair of peepers tightly, forcing them closed with such a fervor that for a split-second, he feels as though his eyeballs may have actually been shoved backwards and into his thick skull, past the cavities of the sockets.
This should be a pleasant memory of his first kiss with his first love, but because of his own self destructive buffoonery, it's been tainted. Seeing his parents and having his living situation exposed to someone like Mark, a well-meaning but clueless idiot, has already stirred a ripe storm of emotion inside him. Rex breathes in and out, crouching over and covering his face with his hands, hoping that if he stays like this and counts to ten, perhaps the unwanted picture show will finally cease to exist.]
Fuck! Why are we so loud?!
Who told tweeny-boppers that they had to make sooooomany mouth noises when they're sticking their tongues down each other's throats? I'd rather do time than listen to any of this bullshit! Just cuff me and throw me in jail.
'S not like life hasn't already fucked me up the butt! What's another couple of unadulterated prison buttfucks, hah? Why I oughta...
[ Mark was mostly talking about the debris and everything else around the spectacle, but, okay, fine. He allows Rex to be angry at him, but his expression draws stern as he takes a gander back at.. everything that was going on here. Was it jealousy? Maybe a little bit, but Mark couldn't decipher if he was jealous because of Rex or if he was jealous because of Eve.
Quickly, he pushes those feelings aside because it didn't matter. Not right now. Especially not right now when he and Rex were in an established relationship after Rex had sabotaged his relationship with Eve. Even more so, Mark's feelings didn't matter now that Rex was seeming to have a break down.. with proper reason too. Mark also exhales. It was time for him to look away from all of this cause, yeah, it seemed pretty invasive to watch. The whole occurrence was just very unfair for everyone involved, but especially Rex who seemed to have this memory either repressed back into his mind or maybe.. it was something he thought about too often. ]
... It's alright, Rex. Uh.
[ Oh my god he feels SO AWKWARD being here. ]
Are you still.. not over Eve? Do we need to talk about something?
[ THIS IS AWKWARD TO ASK NOW, ESPECIALLY AS HIS CURRENT BOYFRIEND, BUT YOU KNOW.. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[A winded sigh passes through him, and yet poor Mark will feel a singular cheek being squeezed.]
Fine, fine! You go first.
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... Are you just wanting me to go first so you can see what happens?
[ which is like.. valid. Mark won't judge him if he says yes. ]
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Why is it that you choose now of all times to not be dumb! Now! When it's of major [*not major, he's being dramatic] inconvenience to me!
[Oh no, his hand is definitely doing some more weird gropey things (within the pocket still)-]
Wait, wait, wait. Is all of the blood actually rushin' to your head right now? Oh ho ho, man!
I must not be doin' somethin right.
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S-So, uh..
[ just kinds awkwardly giving that arm a light squeeze. ]
Let me just.. I guess.. see if I can figure, uh, something out in this car? For us? But also, like.. you’re being really touchy, dude.
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But she had let him touch her. She leaned against him at all those school bonfires where teenagers engaged in their petty bickering, not even twenty four hours after putting out fires and doing their best to keep people from being burned alive. It's not as though Rex was completely desensitized to violence, because there were later events that stuck with him, painfully staining the recesses of his mind, but had long grown accustomed to it. Eve was sensitive and caring, and he was there for her in every regard, for a time.
Lately, however? He had only been present physically. Only half-listening, often angry, and mostly around to get his rocks off.]
...Sorry. I just-
[Mark seemed to enjoy the attention. Shit, shit, shit, he didn't even ask-]
Nobody else is around, and I didn't... You weren't saying anything, so I-I-
[Rex withdraws his hand in haste.]
Are you not into that shit?
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[ Cue Mark wrinkling his nose, squinting and surveying the area. It doesn't even look like there's a television nearby to watch these things on. There might have to be a little more exploring before he sees that yet.
Mark's more of the opposite, though. He doesn't really know all of the stuff he's into.. he's still in his exploration era.
His gaze settles back on Rex, a little meek smile on his face. ]
But we're going to have to figure it out eventually, right? And maybe the next car will be a sexy car. With like, I dunno.. maybe another spa car!
[ His free hand reaches out to take ahold of Rex's that left his, um, ass, swaying both of their hands lightly. ]
So maybe it's best we solve this first.
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Oh.
So you're just horny? Well then, say that!
[So, he catastrophized for nothing.]
Ugh, I dunno. That sounds a little too optimistic to me. My bet's on torture!
[For the next car, he means.
Once again, Rex is embarrassed by the tender tingles he's experiencing as a result of Mark's sweet words and innocent turn of phrase. They're almost the same age, and yet Rex both feels like a blushing schoolgirl and this week's To Catch a Predator feature all at the same time.]
Nothing's tried to attack us in this one yet. So, there's a good chance that the next car's gonna be worse. Well, whatever! If there's torture, maybe there'll be somethin' sexy about it. You ever try steppin' into some PVC? That shit's mad uncomfortable, especially on the 'nads.
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[ There's some nervous laughter that bubbles up and out of him. He gives their hands a little squeeze. ]
I think I'm just excited to spend time with you again.
[ which is??? basically??? being horny. Mark, you can just say you are eager to fuck him again. ]
I don't think I have.. I've never really thought about it. But it sounds really uncomfortable.. I know that's some people's costume of choice back home and I never understood that.
[ With that, Mark surveys the area again and begins to tug Rex along with him lightly by the hand. ]
Surely there's a TV to watch all of these tapes on somewhere around here, right?
[ So as he looks around, he'll continue a conversation: ]
Is like.. PVC something you're into, then?
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[He allows Mark to tug him forward, secretly enjoying the act of being dragged around. Rex may have a pre-prepared set of complaints up his sleeve for whenever he is forced to accompany a loved one on an errand, but truth be told, he loves it. Being asked to go places means he's important, especially if the excursion is one on one.]
The answer can also be both!
[Rex tilts his head upwards, """searching""" for a television set, although it's clear he's trying to delay any personal tape-watching however possible.]
Mmmmm... Yeah! Sure. I'm into it, but less so being in it and moreso... Doing someone in it? I'm a sucker for punishment, what can I say?
[why tf is he saying this so casually]
So long as it's not the capital kind.
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[ Mark pulls Rex closer to his side by the hand until Mark has his arm around him, enjoying the sudden warmth Rex gives off. ]
It's definitely both.
[ Should Rex look over and gander at his boyfriend, there's a certain kind of honesty in his eyes that reveal he's telling the truth. ]
I don't know.. maybe I'll wear something like that for you sometime. Is that something you'd like?
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[Mark's affectionate gesture is welcomed, and soon his face will be cupped by both of Rex's hands as the latter leans in for a kiss.]
Hehe. The bendy fabric would probably get all folded up in your butt.
[It is only when he draws back that Rex catches sight of his own tape, or what appears to be his own tape, unless there are any other passengers on board who could also be R. Sloan. It's possible, seeing as there are hundreds if not a thousand others on his train, but then, wouldn't there be duplicates? A sea of R. Sloans, with one of his tapes being amongst them.
There's just one. Hopefully someone else ganked his first.
Rex freezes in place, not breaking through Mark's hold.]
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[ That's certainly his face being grabbed and he hitches a breath, anticipating a kiss. Of course, he relishes it for however brief it is, feeling his own lips chase after Rex's when he draws back. That frozen expression grabs his attention, though, his smile beginning to fade. ]
... Everything okay?
1/2 this is gay invincible incels dont look
No sounds comes forth from Rex's vocal cords, however-]
2/2
Or at the very least, he wouldn't seem like it.
What would Mark, a son born to the most powerful being who has ever walked the Earth or soared through its skies, think of a child who was an experiment? Someone so ordinary, so unlucky, that he had been roped in to do a grown man's dirty work as a minor? And then, when given his one chance, his one ticket to real joy, he'd thrown it all away?]
I think I see mine? My tape, I mean.
[Rex continues onwards, begrudgingly, finally stepping away from Mark as he takes the tape off the shelf.]
Well.
[Rex has a bad feeling about this. Maybe it will ruin what they have. All the progress they've made.
But what if that's okay? He doesn't deserve it anyway. Perhaps this will be a reminder.]
Let's hope things don't get too personal.
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But first, Mark settles his hand on Rex's shoulder and offers a reassuring smile. ]
Don't worry, man. If anything bad happens I'll do my best to protect you, okay?
[ With that, he trails away from Rex and zips off to find his own, returning back to Rex's side in a matter of moments. ]
Guess now all we have to do is find a--
[ Now that they both have their tapes, one of the shelved walls start to part down the middle, splitting and revealing a screen behind them. Mark purses his lips. ]
Woah.
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And yet every time he's attempted to recount his harrowing sob story, in bits and pieces and paltry sums, the revelations always backfired. Either he never received the sympathy he desired, or it had made him feel weak, inadequate, lesser than.
Eve had been the only person who received that information in a way that made him feel valuable. Mark is sweet but he's a goddamn idiot, he's not smart enough to trust with a secret-]
God damn it!
[Rex can feel his fingers smarting. Whatever he's feeling right now, if he doesn't fix in a split-second, the tape will in fact combust. So he shoves it roughly into the old-school VCR, and suddenly they are transported to a dilapidated building that smells of tar and rotting wood. The place is freezing cold.
For Rex, it is familiar. This was his childhood "home."]
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Whoa..! What the hell?
[ Instantly, he's on high alert and he is able to give a quick glance at the number on his hand just to see. It's still there, so that tells Mark they're probably still on the train.
But.. how? ]
Dude, are you seeing this.. or is it just me?
[ You never know. The train has done some really weird things before. ]
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[Rex's eyes dart from side to side. In his survey of this old dump, which are the exact words he'd use to describe this place, his eyes gloss over the floors, treading carefully. Great, so dear old mom and dad decided to shoot up somewhere else today, or at the very least, they disposed of their needles elsewhere.
He fails to give Mark any context- This may be his old house, but provided that they don't run into his folks, the other hero doesn't need to know that. The train, however, never makes anything easy.]
Shut up, shut up.
[His feet move with purpose, treading lightly, ever so lightly, that despite moving across creaky floorboards you wouldn't ever know that Rex was there. This is a side of Rex that Mark has probably never seen before, an expert in silent navigation, the kind of person who can get in and get out of maximum security without ever being traced.]
Stay quiet and don't say jack shit.
[His brow furrow as he hears three voices- They are so muffled, it's hard to make them out. Rex collapses against a wall without creating any noise from the impact, listening in.]
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He speaks again, but this time his voice is hushed in a whisper. ]
.. What are we doing?
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[He mutters, closing his eyes and leaning against the wall. This train has thrown a bunch of psychological bullshit their way, and it makes Rex nervous. In some ways, the physical trials, the fights with ruthless beasts and new, vicious creatures, feel a lot less challenging than the teamwork with various strangers. The latter involves trust without doubt, sans careful evaluation, and Rex has been wronged horribly to the point of near death that he just can't shake his core instinct to be wary. Is any of this nonsense going to make him a better hero, or is it just all a fucking waste of time?]
We have to be careful. Have you learned nothing, I...!
[A young man walks through the doorway and into the space they're in, sporting shoulder-length, unwashed hair that's parted down the middle, sporting a familiar scowl. He says nothing, the bruising under his eyes and over the bridge of his nose fresh, seemingly worsening by the minute, as the voice of an older man shrieks in the background:
"So, you finally managed to steal somethin' worthwhile, and you end up usin' it on your goddamn face? That ugly mug of yours is worth less than this cut of meat, boy. Whatever! We'll make it work, this shit's still good."]
Oh, fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck, fuck!
[Rex backs away from his younger self, who walks right past him and Mark, acting as though they aren't there.]
Shit.
He can't see us. Or, I guess, I can't see me.
[The boy sinks into a couch with ripped cushions and exposed springs, looking angry until there's the sound of another door closing, followed by some chatter and the muffled sounds of a woman's voice. Only after this does his face fall, preteen features losing all their sharp-edged bitterness, giving way to tears.
Rex pivots on his heel, watching this pathetic display of emotions, apparently experiencing nothing but irritation.]
Uuuh-'kay, what exactly is the meaning of this? I know what this is! This was the day I broke my nose and it's been crooked as shit ever since. Uh, hello! Doesn't this bullshit chooch think I'd remember, y'know! The pain of havin' to deal with this trashfire fiasco unmedicated?
[His voice adopts a mocking tone.]
Oooooh, okay! Wow. A deviated septum, what a meaningful memory! Yeah, yeah, yeah, I've been messed up way more times than this. And way worse, too! My teeth are still all on the inside of my mouth. So some grocery store owner socked me in the nose for snatchin' a cut of prime rib. Big deal!
Can we go home now?
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Hey..! Hey, that's you! It has to be.
[ Although his voice is hushed, he's expressive and curious sounding. It had to be Rex.. just look at that busted nose, red hair and green eyes. Mark is watching intently, frowning, especially when the younger Rex starts crying. His lips part to say something to Rex, but then the older teen starts spilling out words. Mark glances back at the younger figure on the couch before settling his gaze on Rex. It sounded like Rex remembered this happenstance well-- it must be a vision of one of his memories. ]
.. I'm so sorry, Rex. Um. I'm not sure why the train is showing us something like this, but..
Did it.. ever get better for you? Also.. are those your parents that were talking to you just now?
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[Rex's nostrils flare the second he barks a retort back at Mark, both fists balling up at either side of his weighted musculature. Old habits die hard, and for a good minute and a half, Rex allows his kneejerk tendencies to consume him. Of course the younger boy wouldn't understand. It wasn't the pain of the injury that had made him shed those tears, not entirely- It was the fact that even though he had gotten hurt, his father had been more concerned about the quality of the meat than his own son. A dead animal was somehow more valuable than a living, breathing child.]
...Better? You're askin' me if shit got better?
[The worn imagery of Rex's childhood home fades, giving way to the kind of riotous sound that sears through the air and pierces through one's ear canals. Said noise is accompanied by smoke, debris, and an undeniably hot temperature.
Rex appears unphased by it all.
The dust clears to reveal a kiss between two very young teenagers, one about the size and shape of a smaller Rex, and the other a redheaded girl, un-mistakeably clad in a familiar pink color scheme.]
For a time.
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He silently nods in affirmation when Rex asks that rhetorical question that he probably shouldn't answer but he is distracted when the scenery changes. Mark is startled and simply holds his breath as the next scene plays out exhaling once he recognizes Eve's silhouette (because of course he would really fast..)
Oh man. The image gets clearer. ]
That's Eve!
[ WHAT IS THIS GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST SHIT??? His eyes survey the scene. What was going on? This was a lot it looked like. It seems like they were.. together, of course, and that whole subject is an awkward topic in and of itself, but, the rest of what is happening around them is a great topic changer. ]
What is happening here, Rex?
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[It takes nearly every fragment of his cybergenetically engineered being to keep Rex from blowing up any further. What should ground him is his newfound affection for Mark, but instead, several other factors seem to take the wheel here. Even if he attempted to slap Invincible across the face, it'd do next to nothing. Between the explosive hothead's terrible luck and their vast difference in power, Rex would be most likely to merely injure his own hand.]
Can't you see we're making out?!
[The words are all spat out.]
D'ooooh, god! You might as well have popped out of your mom's baby hole without any eyes attached! Hrrrrgh.
[Rex shuts his own pair of peepers tightly, forcing them closed with such a fervor that for a split-second, he feels as though his eyeballs may have actually been shoved backwards and into his thick skull, past the cavities of the sockets.
This should be a pleasant memory of his first kiss with his first love, but because of his own self destructive buffoonery, it's been tainted. Seeing his parents and having his living situation exposed to someone like Mark, a well-meaning but clueless idiot, has already stirred a ripe storm of emotion inside him. Rex breathes in and out, crouching over and covering his face with his hands, hoping that if he stays like this and counts to ten, perhaps the unwanted picture show will finally cease to exist.]
Fuck! Why are we so loud?!
Who told tweeny-boppers that they had to make sooooo many mouth noises when they're sticking their tongues down each other's throats? I'd rather do time than listen to any of this bullshit! Just cuff me and throw me in jail.
'S not like life hasn't already fucked me up the butt! What's another couple of unadulterated prison buttfucks, hah? Why I oughta...
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Quickly, he pushes those feelings aside because it didn't matter. Not right now. Especially not right now when he and Rex were in an established relationship after Rex had sabotaged his relationship with Eve. Even more so, Mark's feelings didn't matter now that Rex was seeming to have a break down.. with proper reason too. Mark also exhales. It was time for him to look away from all of this cause, yeah, it seemed pretty invasive to watch. The whole occurrence was just very unfair for everyone involved, but especially Rex who seemed to have this memory either repressed back into his mind or maybe.. it was something he thought about too often. ]
... It's alright, Rex. Uh.
[ Oh my god he feels SO AWKWARD being here. ]
Are you still.. not over Eve? Do we need to talk about something?
[ THIS IS AWKWARD TO ASK NOW, ESPECIALLY AS HIS CURRENT BOYFRIEND, BUT YOU KNOW.. ]
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i had to find my zen in order to respond to this.. REX.. HONEY...
i'm so sorry now u kno what it is like 2 be me.