himbomb | IC INBOX

_{[ From here.

So, Mark is left to his own thoughts as Rex scurries off to drink? Get drunk? GET LAID? Whatever he's doing. The fire keeps him warm enough, along with the animal pelts that are on the singular cot. He's a little grossed out by them at first, but he bundles up in them and they keep him warm. It takes him awhile to sleep since his brain is bustling with a lot of thoughts. He thinks about everything with Nolan and how he's supposed to think of him now. Could he even consider him a parent? A dad? A person even? He seemed so vicious in the way he talked to Mark, but that was just it— that's how his species was. Obstinate and determined. Violent. It briefly sends a chill up Mark's spine and he rolls over, allowing a few more tears fall from his face. He's thinking about his mom and then finally, he selfishly thinks about his own issues— how Amber just recently left him right when he thought things were going well and he knew what he wanted.

But now? He really doesn't know what he wants anymore.

He rolls over again.

His eyes finally grow heavy enough to shut and stay shut and he ignores the way his injuries are still hurting over his body and the way his stomach feels empty but his heart feels heavy.

Daybreak happens quite suddenly, and without much of anything to block out the light, Mark is awake when it's early. He's not thinking clearly and he reaches over to text Rex, completely unaware the guy is in the tent with him. ]}

Hey. Message me back. I guess you stayed out late.

[Rex, who, based on whether or not he got lucky last night (although unfortunately the odds are looking to be in his favor 😒), either got back several or only one hour before. He's not as heavy as a sleeper as one would expect, especially when sleeping anywhere outside of HQ. Rex's true nature is that of a paranoid runaway- It's why he lays the douche facadee on so damn thick, most of the time. When his phone buzzes beneath whatever foul (dead) beast's carcass his head rests upon, he immediately shoots up from slumber, bumping his head against the roof of the tent.]

AH! Huh. Oh.

[He swallows nervously before actually... Looking at the device.]

Oh, fuck. Did he text me...? Oh my gawd! What if it's the wife? Oh shit! Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck fuck-

[But when he glances at the screen-]

Edited 2021-09-08 06:15 (UTC)

[Only to see that the message is from fucking Invincible of all people, who he definitely didn't fuck last night, under no circumstance-]

HUH?

W-wha....?! Why is h-

I'M IN THE FUCKING TENT YOU ASSHOLE!!!

I am-

[He dramatically rolls over to elbow Invincible in the fucking back-]

Right here! You don't need to text me! Shit! Haven't you ever heard of beauty sleep? Well I am god-damn beautiful. And that means that naptime is not just an extracurricular for me. It's required reading! Or, in this particular case? SLEEPING!

[says the dummy who stayed out too late bc he was thirsty...]

_{[ Sorry, okay? He slept very well and didn't even notice another very warm body in the middle of the night. Which? Speaking of? He has questions. It's not like he really minds that Rex decided to cozy on up next to him but the dude has the same app himself. Why didn't he just make his own camp set up instead of barging in on Mark's? Was he really that out of it?

He's already reacted to Rex by the same he's elbowing him because he's really loud and making a fuss about..?? A wife?? Uh. He waves it off for now as maybe Rex was having some sort of weird dream. Mark sits up quickly soon after. ]}

Dude! Chill out! Why are you in the tent? My tent? If you wanted silence so badly, why didn't you just set up your own? Were you really that drunk? Jesus.

_{[ He slides out, curving his arms around his body for a moment before he draws his attention back down at the device again. He wanted to explore that clothing app since his suit is pretty much tatters at this point. ]}

Is there ever a moment you don't make a big scene about stuff?

Uuuuh, FYI, Mr. Cloud Cuckoo Lander? We set up camp together. Which is why I assumed we were sharing a tent! Also, in case you fucking forgot because god knows where you put that useless brain of yours, I can't heat shit while I'm asleep! Because then it will just explode and we'll both die.

Also? It's cold and dead animals give off zero body heat, Fluffy!

[He grumbles at that dig.]

I can be chill. I can be soooOOOOOooo very chill! I'm the life of the party. Me! Mr. Coolguy... I'm as hot as I am cool! Just watch me.

[He folds his hands over his chest, attempting to lower his voice.]

See! I could keep my voice down if I wanted to...

_{[ Mark is, once again, tuning a lot of the nonsense out as he rakes his dark hair back once more, attempting to tidy it up after a night's sleep. Most of Rex's talking goes out the other ear but he does understand about the heating thing and he's going to acknowledge Rex is being more quiet. ]}

Yeah, that's better. That's great. Hey, I think you and I should go exploring together today. I'm feeling a lot better.

_{[ There are still plenty of visible bruises that decorate the teen's body, but anything serious is healed by now. Mark looks up from the device to Rex. ]}

Since you've gone further into town, did you see anything interesting?

[What Rex does care to observe is the fact that the other teen's injuries have not entirely healed as of yet. While they both have healing factors, considering the sheer amount of strength the goob packs in the flick of a single finger, Rex suspects that the the other hero should not only be able to take more punches, but also recover in a record breaking amount of time.

That question snaps him out of it. Now he really is quiet, sounding a little guilty.]

Huh? Oh.

No, not really. A couple of uggos sent some drinks over to me. Which is fan-fuckin'-tastic. I'm not gonna turn away free booze!

[not him leaving so many details out of this conversation SMH also thank fuck for his healing factor HIDING THE EVIDENCE]

The tavern didn't have much to eat. Not food-wise, anyway.

[R E X]

Are you sure you should be calling people you don't know uggos? That's kind of mean. That's also bad news about the food.. I guess we're left to our own devices to figure it out.

_{[ HE IS. SO STUPID. He doesn't even question what Rex might be implying. ]}

... Though, I've never been in a situation like this before. Mom always cooks for us.
_{[ MUST BE FRIGGEN NICE. also i bet debbie makes some hella korean food too ]}

I don't need to know anything about them to tell 'em that they aren't hot! I may be horny, but I've got some standards, y'know.

[Rex growls at the mention of a mother who cooks, or is, you know.

Emotionally present. Not negligent or mentally gone all the time.]

Awwww, so widdle super-baby doesn't know what it's like to really be hungry? Well, goo-goo gaga, geek bait.

[Rex hates having a mean case of the munchies, but he is well aware of the difference between that and starvation. Sure, he'll complain about the disgusting food, but at least it's available, and he won't be thrown in jail for simply trying to acquire necessities.]

You're in for a duh-hoo-zy.

[He means doozy. Doozie?]

Must. Be. Nice.

Edited 2021-09-08 19:47 (UTC)

...

_{[ So he's, again, mentally taking a note of this and we all know it takes a lot of brain power for Mark to piece together everything, but Rex has been dropping a lot of weird hints about his upbringing in an indirect way. He's interested in knowing more about it now, but doesn't feel close enough or comfortable enough to ask invasive questions.. LIKE REX DID YESTERDAY.. so he's just going to curl up his nose at that and grow annoyed. ]}

— Okay, well. I'm going to figure it out, then so I don't get anymore hungry.

_{[ He's going to exit the tent but keep talking. ]}

Sorry I've never been in a situation like this before. It's not my fault I don't know where to start with all of this. You can help by being less of a pain in my ass.

_{[ Finally, he'll go to the super suit and teeter with the app and boop. The supersuit turns into some better clothing. No more tatters and blood. It is, however, something fitted for the environment like everything else.

Mark sighs in some defeat and decides to get dressed. ]}

[At that, Rex promptly turns away, actually hurt.

It's so irritating. People who have always known comfort and shelter- They're so weak. Spouting shit and acting like they know what it's like to be running a constant marathon, only barely stepping onto and around the grubby hands of the grim reaper. Rex, a seasoned gymnast, has been walking a tightrope since the day he was born. And while he's stumbled, certainly, he's somehow always managed to regain his balance.

Many times with Eve's help.]

Would you rather I drop your ass, then?

'Cause I can go. I've been on the run before. I'll be just fine. I didn't get this fair by being a whining, sniveling wuss.

[He moves to put the top of the suit back on.

What a foolish thing, to assume that he could rely on anyone else. Especially someone who isn't even on the same team.]

You can sit and shit over aaaall of those stupid daddy issues by your goddamn self. Have fun.

_{[ On the medieval clothing goes and Mark thinks briefly this would have been nice to wear at the Ren Faire back home but NO he's going to actually listen attentively to what Rex is saying right now. ]}

I didn't say anything like that. Stop putting words in my mouth. You can talk to me without being rude to me. I've done nothing to you since we got here besides suggest we try to work with each other cause we're all we have right now that is from home.

No. I don't want my ass dropped because I want to work with you, but you have got to talk to me better. I'm tired of people belittling me for whatever damn reason they see fit, whether it's cause I'm "wimpy" or whatever insult the bullies want to use to describe me or the fact that I've never been out and roughing it. I'm setting up boundaries and even if you can't respect that, I'm still not going to leave you. I'm just asking that you try to be better about speaking to me, okay?

_{[ He's working on lacing up the boots now. Why the hell did this thing have so many laces? ]}

[...And here Rex feels it, the fiery flames of conflict, of cognitive dissonance, ripe within his brain.

It is so hard to be sitting here, face to face with his rival, the epitome of everything he has ever wanted to be. Someone strong, kind, and soft. Equipped with all the tools he's always secretly wished he could have.]

Fine.

[The response is snarled, nearly spat out.]

Would you stop dicking around with those?! I can tie 'em much faster.

[Oh! Look who is swatting Mark's hands away and kneeling to lace up those boots for him. ~~gay~~]

_{[ Mark has his shoulders tense for another mouthy comeback, but when Rex gives in, he feels himself relax considerably. He merely watches as Rex finishes up the laces and something about this is a little embarrassing but he isn't sure exactly what it is. ]}

Wh.. okay.

_{[ And he lets him do his thing and exhales slowly. ]}

Thank you. I mean, for listening. And..

_{[ He's now piecing together that Rex hasn't had the best childhood. ]}

I'm sorry that you've experienced roughing it like this. I.. honestly had no idea, Rex.

Nobody does.

[He's quiet.

An apology is an apology, and it's something Rex has rarely ever gotten. Even when he's deserved one.]

And I'd prefer to keep it that way.

[Rex stays firmly planted at Mark's feet. He does not give this information away for free, but being far from home and thrown unwillingly into yet another hostage situation is bringing up some awful memories.]

When you told me about your dad, I was like oooooh, brother. I guess I finally could... Relate.

To ya.

[Mark does not understand, and will not understand because Rex will never tell him, but his upbringing is something he'd rather take to his grave. Eve knows, by virtue of being the only person in Rex's life who has ever really loved him, but that is about it.]

But, aaah, my old man didn't have superpowers. He was just a super dick. If he came after me, I'd be the one to kill him, not the other way around.

[Even now, even after all these years and knowing he wouldn't do it, because killing his father wouldn't kill the monster that is Rex's misery, as the damage to his heart and psyche has already been done...]

So uh, reeeeee: the um, last part? Ch'yeah!

You're probably on you're own there. Sorry.

[Rex mumbles sheepishly.]

Still sucks, though.

Edited 2021-09-09 04:28 (UTC)

_{[ Mark is realizing he’s leaving out some important details about Nolan— like why he is a murderer and out to get the Guardians of the Globe. He’s a hostile alien— a vicious conquerer— and it’s in his blood to be determined and obstinate. Mark has felt violent tendencies ever since his powers kicked in and if someone grinds his gears the right way, he’s noticed he loses control of his strength and temper.

If Rex knew that Nolan is a conquerer and this kind of ultra violent behavior is planted in his genetics, maybe he would stop teasing him about being a baby or wuss or whatever insult he decides to use. Mark doesn’t feel like he should tell Rex that yet though.

Mark kneels also so he’s level with Rex so talking to him is less.. um.. awkward. ]}

I won’t tell anyone. Your secret is safe with me.

_{[ He nibbles on his own lower lip, wanting to say something nice but not wanting to overdo it. ]}

You’re strong. Um. Like in your own way.

_{[ USHSHDH such an awkward delivery maybe cause he had never thought of it before even if what he says is genuine but anyway. Mark stands up quickly and gives Rex some space. ]}

So uh. Food. Then exploring? Rexploring, rather?

_{[ BOOOOOO YOUR JOKES SUCK ]}

[...At the "strength" line, Rex scowls.]

Don't come onto me! You're bad at pick-up lines. And don't even get me started on the one-liners!

[Says him, the man who is always Starting shit...]

But yeah, sounds...

[He doesn't want to say "good" bc he is just rude...]

Oh, fuck it! Yeah, let's just do it.

Edited 2021-09-09 15:12 (UTC)

I wasn’t flirting with you.

_{[ Wait, or was I? Ugh. No? No. Not going to think about that right now with everything else. ]}

Hey, are you sure you wanna go around in clothing that draws a lot of attention? No offense, but you’re really bright for this place.

Since you’ve been into town, I guess I should ask if you saw any places that might have actual food before we try.. hunting? What is there to even hunt here?

_{[ yo he just wants a wendys ]}

[None taken. Rex likes being the center of attention. His ludicrous color scheme is meant to draw in the eyes of others, but also? Rex Sloan is one of the only people in human existence who could pull this particular look off.]

Wow. Didn't think you were the kind of guy who was ballsy enough to gut his own grub, but aaah! I'm down. I could use some protein! And, as you've probably guessed by now I can defnitely roast and toast it.

[Rex scrolls through the clothing app.]

Give me a sec. I know I should be blendin' in 'n all? But if I'm stuck wearing a tunic or some shit? I better be lookin' like a fuckin' BAMF.

I don’t really want to but we don’t have any other choice, right? Highly doubt there’s a Burger Mart here or anything.

Which.. thank God honestly.

_{[ Mark tips his head as Rex navigates the device. ]}

I don’t know if you want to play with that thing while you’re wearing it.. it doesn’t really give you a choice. You’re kind of stuck with whatever it changes your clothes into. What if it’s small or doesn’t fit right?

[Too late!

Rex's supersuit vanishes before their very eyes, morphing into something a lot more period appropriate. He pats down his own head, unused to not only walking around without the protection of the helmet and visor combination, but also surprised not to have either in his vicinity at all. What he immediately notes is that this outfit is a lot more intricate, with a heavier centerpiece and far more flammable sleeves. He'll have to be careful.]

...Oops.

Oh gawd, did I just get stuck in a pair of tights? Wait! Where's the river. I need to know how bad my butt looks.

_{[ Too late indeed. Before Mark knows it, Rex is is performing his own little magical medieval transformation right then and there and what he changes into? Not bad. Mark's eyes obviously show some curiosity as he blinks a few times and gives the other teen a brief but full body sweep. Was that.. leather on him? Mark doesn't know why but it looks really good on him. His eyes fixate quickly on Rex's face. He can't help but smile a little. ]}

Why are you assuming it looks.. bad?

Beeee-CAUSE!

[He actually sounds distressed, and is attempting to crawl out of the tent like he's Scooby Doo.]

I've got more thigh than ass, Invincible! It's all about the glutes right now! Get with the program, Goofy Goober!

[not rex racing to the river to see if he is still hot]

But..

_{[ He's just going to follow after him. ]}

It doesn't look bad. None of it does. You fit the environment now! I think it's an improvement.

_{[ is he lowkey dissing Rex's super suit?? um maybe but that is besides the point ]}

Have you ever been to a Ren Faire?

IC INBOX

action! but with a text cause he's a dummy

action; 1/?

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cw: spoilers for invincible, starvation, child abuse

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