e2 | UN: BOMBAF

If that's how you feel, don't get on my case for publicly voicing my opinion about you. You're the one acting out where anyone can read it.

I don't know what any of that means.

Where are you at?

[Oof. Well, that smarts.

Even if Rex remains sporting a smug, sassy grin on his end of the feed.]

don't worry

[The text message is dripping with sarcasm.]

i just said you were cute

[In a dopey, clueless, and pathetic way.

It's still endearing, however. And that is the most frustrating part.]

don'tcha think baby birds are cute? aren't they just soooooo goddamn uh-dorable?

cheep cheep cheep

🐣🐣🐣

_{[ Nope. It's not going to fluster him. ]}

You're avoiding my question.

and i just gave you a compliment

[He absolutely did not...]

why not take the fuckin win, dawg, shit

Edited 2021-09-29 01:41 (UTC)

That's *not* a compliment.
You're being condescending and I don't like it.

okay! so you're not into muscular motherfuckers

no six packs and nice tans for you, huh, baby bird

[STOP!!!!!! STOP IT]

alright!

i can take a hint

[He hopes that Mark will be repulsed. Rex bets this will get the hero to stop bothering him for now.]

_{[ ]}

I never said that either? What's with you and putting words in my mouth all the time?
I guess.. if it really is a compliment.. thanks?? But that doesn't mean I like being called something like that.

ohhh, really?

well, then! go ahead. what do you prefer be called?

enlighten (💡) me

You always call be Invincible and that's fine. But it would be cool if you called me Mark sometimes if you want.

That's considerate if you to ask.

in bed, too?

[Okay, now he's laughing. That's funny.

(poor mark)]

well, fuck me up the ass

[no nO]

so ur that kinda dude? woooooow

didn't know ya had it in you

_{[ HASTILY TYPING A MESSAGE... ]}

I don't know what you mean by "that kind of dude" but also.. remember what you said about your business being yours? That's my business being mine.

You're being especially mouthy today. Do I need to come over there and pop you a good one in the lip so you'll stop?

_{[ Somehow?? This is sounding playful. ]}

Edited 2021-09-29 02:13 (UTC)

[Rex does indeed feel a pang of something in his chest, missing the banter between himself and his fellow Guardians on a daily basis. Robot's monotone lack of humor, Duplikate's quick quips, Samson's chiding, and even Monster Girl's somewhat immature lingo, which isn't that hard for him to personally bounce off of. Shrink serves as a center, a grounding presence, kind and well-meaning.

He misses them.]

maybe

[He doubts Invincible would really give him a fat lip. The guy could bash his skull clean in if he wanted to.

Rex is on his workout grind, something he isn't all that fond of. But a strict routine will guarantee that his looks will not fade and he will lose the only thing he knows he's got going for him for sure, which is his appearance. If those fade, he's royally fucked.]

if you wanna know where i am so bad, then come find me

[It's a small train perimeter. At least, for someone who can fly.]

_{[ Mark groans. Everything about this guy is so, so difficult. But he’s seen him on the job. He’s dealt with him here in this weird train. Rex isn’t the bad person he puts out to be.

Still. It’s a chore befriending him. He doesn’t send a text message after that and does look for him— cause Rex was there when Mark was having a bad day.

He flies relatively high so he can cover a lot of terrain, eyes surveying the ground for any trace of the other teen. ]}

[Always a tempestuous piece of shit, Rex doesn't bother to seek Invincible out, nor does he ruminate on the ups and downs of their recent interactions. Things always seem to work out until they don't. They're too different, always at odds, the type of children who hail from completely different backgrounds. While every individual has had their own share of trials and tribulations, Rex is of the opinion that Mark's have begun only recently, at the ripe old age of seventeen, and his has been a knock-down drag-out dogfight from the very first day he can remember. None of this is the other teenager's fault in the slightest, but that is exactly the problem.

Eve, in a seemingly stereotypical act of peak White Womanhood, had a habit of dragging Rex to her early morning yoga classes on weekends they spent together. Only she could force him to wake up at an ungodly 6:30 AM on a Sunday, and while he had initially protested the idea of meditating in addition to the lack of any jumping or punching, his own training in gymnastics, weirdly bendy body, and natural inclination for show-ponying had made him a shoe-in for America's Next Top Circus Freak.

Mark will find him on the outskirts of town doing a handstand, his legs forming a perfect split midair. He has been holding this pose for quite some time now. Rex's eyes may be closed, but seeing as this town is plagued by monsters and its own variation on a body-snatching theme, his senses are still sharp.

He hears Mark approaching, not lifting a finger or moving a muscle.]

What.

_{[ Oh. There he is. And what an interesting sight? Mark is pretty certain he couldn't do anything like that with such perfection and ease, but he can't help but float off the ground and mimic the pose right next to Rex. He's cheating, though, allowing his flight ability to keep him mostly off of the ground. He gives Rex a sincere smile. His tone is mocking Rex's, though. He seems to be in a lot better mood than Rex right now. ]}

Hey. So, you stuck with me when I was having a bad day. I thought I'd do the same..

_{[ He's going to lighten up on his ability and try to hold this pose and-- oop. He's struggling. ]}

Woah.. how long have you been doing.. this?

_{[ His strength allows him to do it for a moment and his split isn't nearly as neat, but soon his feet touch the ground again. He's strong enough but his balance is shit. ]}

Phew!

Oh, fuck you.

[There is something whimsical about the two of them both facing each other while being upside down, as if they are suddenly right side up again. The redhead's dark green eyes unwillingly pop open as Mark continues to be a moronic imbecile in his vicinity, and he surveys the other wobbling a tad.

This would be funnier if the guy wasn't fucking flying! Rudeass...

Rex does manage to continue maintaining his balance, not that it's an easy task, per se, but it has been well-rehearsed.]

I dunno. Somethin' like fifteen, sixteen minutes now? I'm gunnin' for twenty.

[The worst part about all of this is that this isn't even the freakiest, most challenging pose he could have chosen. He simply does not wish to invoke the ire of the feathery townspeople by bending into impossible positions, lest they end up passing by.]

Why? Ugh, shoo, fly! Don't bother me.

_{[ Mark decides to sit himself down on the ground in cross cross style and let Rex do his thing, observing him from upside down. It's impressive. Rex has actually been impressing him a lot lately now that he's getting to know him better.

Mark does the curious little head tilt as if trying to see him right side up. ]}

That's amazing! That must really..

_{[ ..Are his eyes traveling to Rex's arms and lingering over his biceps? Absolutely. ]}

.. uh, tough!

_{[ He settles his gaze back on Rex's face. ]}

I don't think I will. I think I'll stay here. Do you want to talk more about what's going on? Like why you're having a bad day?

[If Rex were to live past the age of thirty-five, he'd have some serious forehead line action going on by then, considering the severe nature with which he furrows those thick eyebrows of his. It's as though the young man is almost always scowling or wrinkling his nose in condescension.

At the mention of legitimate emotional support and concern for his well-being, the lines disappear, although Rex perseveres with his posture and intimidating gaze, doing his best to count to sixty at least four more times in his mind. Just four more minutes, and then maybe he can kick this loser in the head.

But Rex Splode is no match for Invincible. He can not actually fight him nor lay a hand on him for fear of his own safety. Still, the idea is nice, a fantasy, and he will entertain it within his own consciousness for the time being.]

No.

_{[ Mark feels his lips draw into a tight line (as it often does when he's around Rex) before drawing together so he can make a pensive pop noise. ]}

Oooookay.

_{[ He allows an awkward silence to pass but he finally breaks his attention away from Rex to look at something else. Maybe the sky? Or the ground? Somewhere between that, then he opens his mouth to speak again, but not without taking in a sharp breath: ]}

You know, I just don't think it's fair? That you can support me when I need it but I can't support you when you need it. You may not want to admit it, but it's obvious you need it right now. None of this stuff is easy for anyone right now and that does include you.

It doesn't make you invalid or weak to let people help you.

Edited 2021-09-29 22:20 (UTC)

[Contrary to the pompous, overly masculine facade that Rex maintains on a daily basis, he will gladly accept help from most people, at nearly any time or place. In fact, it's to the point where he takes advantage of kindness whenever its offered to him, as the explosive fuckboy is an openly haughty and even manipulative slacker.

The specific crumb of gentleness in question, however, is from Invincible, a person from whom he does not wish to receive assistance.

Rex's gaze returns to the accursed ground, flickering over his knuckles. The bruises are healing rapidly, but the evidence that he's totaled something by hitting it over and over with his fists is ever-present. His emotions have always been so visceral, and yet hard to put into words. Rex knows that the simmer of rage within his cheeks means anger, and that watery eyes signify pain or sadness, and yet pinpointing why he feels the way he does is just so difficult. Especially when there is no scapegoat for it all.

He does manage to finally spit out something:]

I don't feel good.

[Then, realizing the situation that they're in, he is forced to clarify.]

I'm not sick or anything like that, it's just...

Everything sucks.

_{[ After feeling like this conversation is going to get nowhere and maybe he should leave Rex alone, Mark's bold eyebrows lift when Rex is actually honest with him. He doesn't feel well and everything sucks. A very direct answer and Mark is grateful for it.

He leans forward, expression twisting to something sympathetic as it often does. Never would he think this kind of expression of his would settle on the older teenager. ]}

Yeah. You're right. It does.

_{[ Mark isn't sure, but he feels like there might be a specific reason that everything sucks besides just the current situation they are in. His eyes flick to those beat up knuckles. Yeah, he's been expressing himself, it looks like. ]}

Can I do anything to make you feel better?

[Oh.

At that, Rex finally hops off his hands with one of his signature "hup"-type sound effects, crawling into a sitting position and crossing his legs.]

Aaaaah.

[He is thinking. Most people get so fed up with his unpleasant and outright hostile behavior that they don't bother asking why he's in such a bad mood. The other Guardians quietly provide Rex support in other ways when he's upset. Those gestures include offering him towels after a particularly hard workout, outstretching a hand to pull him up if he falls, or even cracking a particularly lewd joke that they know he'd appreciate. They tend to him gently, since the time and exposure has helped them understand, but all of them have learned that prying is not their place, and as a result don't question him too harshly.

But when was the last time someone listened or even offered to? He can't remember.

Even before his more than unfortunate misgivings, he and Eve had been on the rocks for a while.]

Could you shut up for a second and let me bitch to ya? Y'know, without the goody-two shoe back n' forth.

Mhm. Yeah, Totally doable. As much as you need.

_{[ Yeah, okay, sure. He's shutting up now. If that's all it takes to make Rex feel better, that's easy. His eyes fall once again to Rex's knuckles and he has an instinct where he wants to patch them up and make them feel better, but that's not what Rex is asking him, so he's going to resist that urge.

His eyes meet Rex's again now that they are sitting across from each other and both are upright. ]}

Well, okay then!

[Wow, that is a loud inhalation.

Get ready for a doozy of a whiny-ass super storytime, Mark.]

Sooooo, first of all? My beautiful, smart, and funny now ex-girlfriend dumped my stupid ass for smashin' our mutual teammate and friend! Now, not only does said teammate know eeeexactly what my dick looks and feels like, I also go toe-to-toe with her every damn day! And y'know what, when Samson or Robot have got their eyes on us, she usually doesn't fire at the crown jewels but the minute they're off peekin' in another direction or starin' into the sunset, she just goes all ham on me!

You know what it's like to get hit in the 'nads by the superhero equivalent of a regular ol' blackbelt? The girl might be tiny, but Kate's built like a brick house and is a martial arts champion. Also?! Since she can feel every single one of her clones die every time, it's like she doesn't even know the meaning of the word "pain!" She just blazes right on through it! And then kicks me in the cajones all over again.

Not fun! Let me tell ya.

[Rex crosses his arms.]

Right before we got sent out to deal with the Daft Punk reject and super scary giant space hairball, Samson and I got into a fight. Okay, so we like, always fight, but this one was par-tic-ularly nasty. I definitely said some things I shouldn't've said!

And now I don't even know if I'll ever see him again. Not in one piece! Monster Girl either! I know it may not seem like it, but... Like, I care about them, okay? My family's a fuckin' nightmare. So, when I say "fam" in a motherfuckin' group chat, the folks I'm talkin' about are the other Guardians! The ex-Teen Team! Those guys.

They're my real family.

[Here, Rex pulls his knees up to his chest.]

I wasn't strong enough to keep them safe. Or you! How the fuck am I supposed to be responsible for the whole planet, huh?

And, and, and! To make matters worse, now I'm in this shithole. Nobody here's got a sense of humor, so many of them are dumber than dirt, and none of them like me! Not that the last part is somethin' new, but I can't sleep, can't wax my mustache or my armpit hair, and I'm gettin' uglier by the second. And I hate bein' ugly! The hot boy summer even into the perilous Chicago winter bullshit is all I've got goin' for me.

[A pause. Finally.]

I also miss making out.

[Please don't say the next few words, no, have some decency, no-]

And titties.

[MR. SPLODE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]

Edited 2021-09-30 03:47 (UTC)

_{[ As Rex goes on, Mark's eyes are slowly getting wider and wider and he is realizing what happens when you allow the other teenager to talk. Mark doesn't have regrets for opening up this dam, and, for once, his eyes are also settled on Rex to show that he's fully listening to each word that falls out of Rex's mouth. He just breathes quietly and allows Rex to speak, making sure he doesn't interrupt him at all.

Once he's done, Mark allow a beat to make sure, then draws his conclusion: ]}

It sounds like you're homesick.

_{[ Homesick and horny, Mark thinks, but he doesn't feel comfortable finishing his thoughts aloud. Mark sighs, really feeling like he understands Rex to a degree. ]}

Yeah.. yeah.. I've spoken with a handful of people here, but I think I just keep embarrassing myself. I'm not the best at socializing, actually. I like the robot. He's cool.

_{[ Sure, he's no kid sold to the government and lacking a childhood around other people his age, but, he was never a popular kid at school or anyone with a lot of friends. ]}

... Aaaand I can totally agree with that last thing you, um, said. Also.

_{[ Nasty boys. ]}

I do think, Rex, things could be a lot worse.

_{[ Mark, how can you say that when it's just been a month's time since your dad went all wacky and shit? ]}

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im sorry 2 everyone that i have five icons of rex smiling defiantly rip

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