[Video] [Originating from: Junk Pile] [Locked to: Drift]

[winged_knight]

[He's honestly not certain if their usual familiarity applies, so forgive him if he seems stiff and formal.]

Drift. Hello. Vector Prime informed that he slowed the progress of the disease. And as I understand it you are no longer contagious as well.

[There's obvious relief in his voice. You can't even imagine.]

I...regret that our earlier meeting was so strained. Perhaps we can try again?


((hopefully I've done this right..?))

Comments

[Video]

[sword_redemption]

[All this talk, no action, Wing. Tsk.]

I like to draw things out.

[Okay, perhaps teetering a bit more into cheesy than he would have liked, or crass innuendo, but he's new at this.]

Just let me know what you need. [Any lightness in the words is probably undercut by the almost aching earnestness of Drift's expression.]

[Video]

[winged_knight]

[Same could be said for you, Drift.]

I can be patient.

[He thinks he's playing it cool now.]

[But... OH.]

[All this sincerity admist the banter, he's just not expecting.]

[A small noise that he can't contain, something like a whimper.] _{. . . Just you.}

[Video]

[sword_redemption]

[Oh just give Drift an opening and you would be actioned all over the place, Wing. He's just not sure his advances are welcome.]

[And with the cheesiness of some of them, he may have a right to be concerned.]

I bet you can. [See? Like that. So cheesy it probably violates the Tyrest Accord.]

I...uh...[A squeak, like lighting a flame in pure oxygen.] _{I owe you everything.} [How could he not be Wing's?]

[Video]

[winged_knight]

[Oh, Wing likes action. ... What kind of opening exactly?]

It's worth it. [Oops, was he supposed to keep up the satire? Cuz that came out pretty sincere.]

[He shutters his optics for a moment.] _{But I don't want this, if it's only because you think you owe me.} [He looks up again, hopeful for better.]

[Video]

[sword_redemption]

[Something unambiguous. Maybe throwing Drift to the ground, straddling him and telling him you want to frag him till he can't move? That might work.]

[And then Drift twitches, because for a moment, all he hears is the first part. Because that's what he's been dreading. So for a long moment there's nothing but aching grief on his face.]

[But he forces himself to play over the rest, and cycles a deep vent.] _{It's not.}
[What he owes Wing is entirely separate--his protection, his loyalty. But this? What he wants here? Is almost selfish by comparison.]

[Video]

[winged_knight]

[That...could probably be arranged. Yes. Very definitely. Easily, in fact.]

[But probably best when you're less rusty.]

[There's a flash of deep concern at your apparent distress, and Wing is about to say something when you speak up. Then a heartfelt smile spreads across his face, his voice carrying the weight of sincerity.] Good. I am glad.

[He wants this, he needs it. But as equals.]

You should rest. There'll be much to do once you're well again.

[Video]

[sword_redemption]

[Everything is better with less rust. ]

I just...well, you don't know me. It's...I don't...you know...want to force things.

[Did that sound lame? That probably sounded lame. ]

I don't need rest. [ I need you. And a cluebat. ]

[Video]

[winged_knight]

[Washracks are a nice temporary measure.]

But I want to. Know you. [In every way possible.]

A cure is what you need. [Concern, tinged with longing. He wants to offer comfort, affection, intimacy...but there's fear that you'll refuse him given your current state.]

[Video]

[sword_redemption]

[But Drift isn't looking for 'temporary'.]

[wow even his meta is cheesy]

Me too. Uh. The other way. Know you. Not me. I, uh, I already know me.

[Aaaaaand he should really shut up.]

Vector Prime has stopped it. I can manage. At least it won't kill me. [It's a very, very tiny tick, but there!]

[Video]

[winged_knight]

[Wing isn't either. Not in your cure, or your place in his life.]

[but cute and sweet even so!]

You can Drift. I want you to.

[He has to grin. Because it really is endearing.]

Manage? [He hesitates, beyond tempted.] Are you sure? [The question begs more than just handling the plague.]

[And thinking about how close he'd come to losing Drift after finding him again, wasn't something Wing wanted to consider. A reminder about how swiftly things can be taken from us.]

[Video]

[sword_redemption]

[A nervous, sickly smile. Especially since, you know, uh still rusting.]

_{I don't know how to start}.

[He doesn't want to confess it: it's weakness, but if there's anyone who deserves to see him at his weakest, it's Wing.]

I'll be fine. Please...I don't deserve your worry. [He doesn't deserve Wing's pain, if he does happen to be wrong.]

[Video]

[winged_knight]

[A reassuring smile.]

You can start by letting me come keep you company.

[And maybe tolerating it when he wants to fuss over your health. It's just what he loves, helping people, and you.]

Doesn't matter if you deserve it or not. [He shrugs gently.] You'll have it none the less, it's...kind of a byproduct of caring.

: [Video]

[sword_redemption]

Wing. [He frowns. ] I'm gross.

[Seriously. He smells AWFUL and looks not much better. The last thing he wants you to do is be near him. For your sake.]

[Video]

[winged_knight]

[Well, he knew that part was coming. Wing doesn't seem dissuaded though.]

So I'll meet you at the washracks then?

[Video]

[sword_redemption]

Wing. [Oh he's so torn. Because nothing would feel better than a wash. And Wing. But.]

You're joking. [Obviously.]

[Video]

[winged_knight]

[A hearty laugh.] Of course I'm not!

Come on, I'll do your back for you. [Cuz it's gotta be itchy right?]

[Video]

[sword_redemption]

Wing. What if they're wrong? What if I'm contagious?

[He's vacillating so badly he's probably rocking on his feet.]

[Video]

[winged_knight]

You're not. I'd have symptoms by now.

[If that happens, he might have to come over there just to hold you still.]

[Video]

[sword_redemption]

[When has worry ever bowed to logic, though, Wing.]

_...please

[Video] --> [Action]

[winged_knight]

[Logic plus a distraction should do the trick though. Have a joyful grin.]

I'd be my pleasure. I'll be right there!

[And yeah he means that. He's fast when he wants to be.]

Mind giving me directions once inside Liege's?

[Video] --> [Action]

[sword_redemption]

[The smile is dazzling. There's really no other word for it: like looking directly into the sun.]

[By the time he recovers, Wing's on his way.]

I'll meet you outside.

[Action]

[winged_knight]

[It doesn't take him long, since the two temples are mostly adjacent and he has the benefit of taking the most direct route. And maybe he's a bit eager too.]

[He tries to curtail that speed as he reaches the temple's exterior, pulling up just enough to shift into robot mode and ending the landing at a jog.]

[That grin returns to his face as he sees you.] One washer mech, as requested!

[Action]

[sword_redemption]

[Drift is waiting slightly out of breath, trying not to show the fact that he obviously--obviously--ran here. He shouldn't be this eager. He's gross.]

[And Wing is here, really here and he's so beautiful and perfect and even brighter, somehow, than Drift remembered, that Drift stepped forward, one hand outstretched just to touch, to see if Wing was real. He can't even think of words. Just...Wing.]

[Action]

[winged_knight]

[It's so amazing to him, and such a relief, to see your face not tight with pain or worry. The rust, as horrid as it is, can do nothing to diminish that.]

[He reaches out, eager, taking your hand in both of his with a squeeze. There's a companionable moment where he's without words as well, just enjoying this, before he gives you soft nudge.]

Well, lead the way!

[Action]

[sword_redemption]

[The touch makes it real, somehow, that it's not some fever dream or hallucination and for a moment he clings onto those hands with force enough that it probably hurts.]

I just....[ Should probably stop talking.]

[He nods.] Yes. Right. The washracks. This way. [There's an awkward fumble as he turns, because he doesn't want to let go of Wing entirely, almost as if afraid the jet will melt into the air.]