Nexus, The Black Dog and Logan's, More Meetings...

[dens_extra_pups]

Nexus: *appears just as Hayden exits the bathroom wearing a towel*

H: *stumbletriplandsinheap* ...... *tired squinting* .... Oh ****.... Ow.... *curse* ...Too bright... *not up for more than 2-word sentences right now*

husky female voice: *laughs at him* Little overcharged, organic?

H: *grumblesquint, there is too much color for his brain* 'S "hungover." Git it right... *shifts towel so his nethers are covered*

Galvatron: *hoves into sight, looking vastly amused* It's the same thing. *snerk* Aren't you a bit cold?

H: Don't care...... Brain hurts... *tries to open eyes again, but fails* ow... Damn Nexus...

Galvatron: *will now laugh her incorporeal aft off at you, Hayden*

H: *grumbles and tries to stand, falls on the sign, and decides to lean there for a second* Take a picture, it'll last longer.

Galvatron: I think I'll take something else. *makes like grabbing his towel*

H: Wha-hey! *smacks at the femme, not expecting to hit nothing and stumbles backward to fall over again* *death grip on the towel*

Galvatron: *cackle!* You can't hit a ghost, stupid!

H: What? *squints at her* ..... *brain processing* ..... You're a ghost?

Galvatron: *fades to transparency and pokes her finger through his chest* >D

H: Ack! *growls and stands* This place is weirder than I thought! *stomps off indignantly toward the Black Dog* 'Wuz just here... Stupid bright.... Not even a button thing...

Galvatron: *blows a cold breeze up under his skirt* *woooooooo*

H: *shriek quickly turns into unintelligible angry sounds* Quit it!! *flails* So help me I'll...

Galvatron: You'll what? *laughs harder*

H: *twitch* I'll find a wrench and dismantle you piece by piece.

Galvatron: *nearly chokes on her laughter now* Dismantle what? I haven't had a body in over eighty years!

H: *growls, should've seen that one coming* I'll find a ghost-wrench then. They've gotta have one here. They've got everything! *holds head, as all this shouting isn't helping his headache*

Galvatron: *just continues laughing, but then perks and vanishes suddenly. A deep-voiced shout of surprise follows from over toward the East*

H: *glances toward the sound, curses the light again and decides to high-tail it before whatever it is comes this direction* ...Wait, Ghostbusters! That's it! *mumbles to self about how if Star Wars is real Ghostbusters is too*

Ratchet: *pauses and looks down at him* Ghostbusters?

H: *glances at the... feet, since that's as far up as he can look without being blinded, doesn't recognize them, and keeps going* They catch ghosts. I gotta call them. *snicker*

Ratchet: *shrinks down to his size* Not Cybertronian ghosts, sport. ...Are you alright?

H: *blinkblink* Nice trick. 'll be fine. Get some clothes and coffee... *now walking at a slower pace, if the mech wants to follow*

Ratchet: *falls into step with him* Party?

H: *snerk* Don't call me "Sport," you sound like my dad.

Ratchet: Well, I'm old enough... times a few million. *amiable grin*

H: *manages a tired grin* 'Name's Hayden. *extends a hand*

Ratchet: *hand is warm and firm, but seems lighter than it should be. His grip is firm and kindly* Call me Ratchet.

H: *stops, sudden alarm on his face, but manages to shake the hand. His is still clammy from the shower* You ah... always help strange organics?

Ratchet: *worried look for Hayden's expression* If I'm here when they need help. Why?

H: *totally ignoring his worry* Heh, they could be anybody, you know. *continues toward the bar*

Ratchet: I know. *gives the teen a mildly quizzical look, wondering his point*

H: Well... *thinks a bit before an answer hits him* What if Hitler 'ported in here? ..... *looks disappointed* Ah, I bet you have no idea who that is...

Ratchet: I do. *quietly* If he showed up naked and in pain I'd help him too.

H: *cocks an eyebrow, confusion and disappointment on his face* I just don't get you guys. *sigh*

Ratchet: To quote a song that came out sometime during my time on Earth... "Same God loves me, same God loves you. Same God loves Hitlerman, and those six million jews". I don't understand it either. I just do what I can on my time off to make the Multiverse a little brighter.

H: *listens to his words with what reverence a hungover 20-something can, but still shakes his head when he's done* *after a minute or so of walking* I'm fine, really. Not like I haven't been hung over before. *chuckles as they reach the Black Dog*

Ratchet: Hungover yeah, but what about naked in public? *slight grin, and then a wider one as a little yellow bot about a head and a half shorter than him joins them* Hey, Bumblebee. Did Cyclonus manage to convince her to go home?

Bumblebee: *chuckles* Nope. She's got him pinned down on a couch over by the fountain.

H: *grins* Now that one was not my fault. *blinks as the mech joins* .... Bee?

Bumblebee: Yeah? *leans around Ratchet to grin quizzically at Hayden*

H: *leans down to study him with still-squinty tired eyes* You're... so tiny... and blocky...

Bumblebee: *laughs* That's how all the Bumblebees of my tech look. Well, most of us're taller though. More like this. *grows up to normal G1 Bee height and grins before shrinking down again*

Ratchet: *arm around Bumblebee's neck and gives him a noogie*

Bumblebee: *laughs and flails*

H: Woah. *steps back as he grows, the laughs again* Still not big enough. *joins in the noogie*

Bumblebee: I was plenty big enough! *suddenly intangible and dancing away, his laughter still light and happy Bee laughter*

H: O.O *jerks hand back out of shock* I didn't know you guys could do that! *gives Ratch a WTF look*

Ratchet: *pauses and smacks self in forehead* Sorry, sport. I didn't realize you didn't know.

Bumblebee: *coming back, his expression apologetic*

H: *scratches back of head, but still in good spirits* This is like my third time here, man.

Ratchet: Yeah, but we don't exactly feel like living mechs.

H: *processing* .....What?

Ratchet: Bumble and I are free sparks. But we can still interact with the living world because we're Allspark messengers.

Bumblebee: *nod nod*

H: Wait, wait...... You're dead?

Ratchet: *nods* For a little over two thousand years. Bumblebee hasn't been as long.

H: Two thousand.... Holy... *plops down on a step behind him, then shoots back up as his skin contacts the relatively cold cement* DAAAh... Oh right.... Clothes...

Ratchet: *puts out a hand to steady him* Nemesis will have something for you when we get to the Black Dog. *Hayden might notice that there are gardens now where the mine field used to be*

H: *slips out from under the hand, still not appreciating all the paternal behavior, and continues on. It being his 3rd trip here he doesn't notice the change from ground to plants* I'm gonna owe someone money again... *sigh*

Ratchet: Actually, I think it's a free service. I've never seen her charge anyone for the stuff.

Bumblebee: *perks* Hey! Maybe Logan'll be there, and she can make you her hangover remedy!

Ratchet: *looks at his smaller friend with surprise, but then grins* That's a good idea, Bumble.

H: Free? Really? *scratches his head in contemplation* .... Wait, Logan's a girl?

Bumblebee: This one is. *grins* She's an Optimus' lady.

H: Wait, what? *chuckles at his own confusion*

Ratchet: The Logan we know decided she didn't care if the world thought she was a mary sue. She's married to an Optimus Prime of our tech.

H: O.o ...... BAHahahahahaha....!! *doubles over*

Bumblebee: *hides his optics* Hang onto your towel!

H: *not listening, as he's just had the image of his tech's Optimus making out... with anyone...* Nyergh...

Ratchet: *hasn't noticed Hayden's mirth or Bumblebee's distress* Hey, if she is there maybe we can get a few hands of poker in. *grins*

H: *hitches up his towel and continues walking, head now hurting more from the laughing, but he's not caring* Maybe that Requiem 'bot'll be there too. He's got cool stuff. Oh, or those kids, what was her name...

Ratchet: Requiem? No, I think he's off on a raid right now. *quizzical look* Which kids?

H: Aww. Well, there was a Starscream *snickers* And... I can't remember the girl's name. Had glowy earfins. *pantomimes with one hand*

Ratchet: ...Wheeljill?

Bumblebee: Girl 'Jacks don't hang out with Starscream.

Ratchet: ...True. Must be a Keepsake or an Eclipse.

H: No... *at Ratchet's 2nd suggestion* Yeah! Eclipse. That was it.

Ratchet: *chuckles and kicks a stone off into the dahlia patch they're passing* The only way to know is to look.

H: Well let's go. I don't remember it being that far. *continues walking*

Bumblebee: You were probably walkin' faster last time. *scoots ahead*

Ratchet: *looks up at the whales* I'm still glad those guys don't do random bathroom breaks.

H: ..... I'm glad it still hurts to look up, 'cause I don't wanna know.

Ratchet: *sympathetic grin* You haven't seen the flying whales yet?

H: O.o Maybe I blocked them out...

Ratchet: *pat pat*

H: =_= *keeps walking in silence until they reach the bar*

Ratchet: *will hover a bit to make sure Hayden doesn't wind up falling down the stairs on his way up them*

dark haired guy in black jeans and a black Superman T shirt: *suddenly in front of Hayden when he reaches the top* *frown* Hold on. *gone! Back! Offers a blue T-shirt and some jeans*

H: *manages to make his way up the stairs, stubbing his toe only once. Is a bit indimidated by the man, but takes the clothes thankfully* Thank you. Ah... Where can I put these on?

guy: There's a bathroom to the left when you face the bar. *lands and shows that though he looks and sounds young, he's well in the vicinity of seven foot tall*

Ratchet: Josh, how did you get here?

Josh: *grins* We live in this Nexus now. Mom and Zanoah are here today too.

Ratchet: *optics brighten* Think your mom's up to a game?

Josh: *mildly* Probably.

H: *thinks the man's behavior is strange, but continues on to the bathroom anyway. Emerges a minute later now clothed* Thanks man. I'm Hayden. *offers his hand*

Josh: *big hand gently shakes Hayden's* I'm Josh Kent.

H: *returns the shake tiredly* "Kent?" *glances at the shirt, then does a mental 'naaaah' and chuckles* You do realize the irony right?

Josh: *shakes his head, his mouth turning up at the corners in a rueful grin* Actually, I am Superman.

H: O.o ..... *listen closely to his head, and you'll hear crickets*

Josh: *rueful* *pats him on the shoulder* Hayden?

H: *mind blown. please try again later*

Josh: *sigh* I'm not the original. I'm just a partial clone. *looks to the side as a tall Native American woman with turquoise eyes offers him a beer stein* Oh. Here. This will help with your hangover. *takes it and offers it to Hayden*

H: What? Huh? *takes the stein* How did you know I had a... Nevermind. *takes a test sniff of the contents*

Josh: Ratchet told my mom. *bit of a chuckle* It's really gross, but it works best if you drink it fast. Brace yourself, though, it's got a kick.

H: Hmm... maybe I'd better sit down. *finds a table and sits, then tries to chug it all in one go*

Josh: *followed him as he walked over to the table under the mountain-like bonsai stand. Watches the chug attempt, his dark eyes full of youthful sympathy*

Zanoah: *isn't watching so she won't laugh*

H: *chugsputter cough* UGH! This stuff is *$%#ing disgusting! *wipes mouth with arm and grimaces, as he's still got half to go*

Josh: Can you make it to the end?

Bumblebee: *appears* You can do it, Hayden! *Bumblebee grin*

H: *half smile at Bumblebee's enthusiasm* Well, here goes nothing... *chugs the rest and burps* Oy... *hands the cup back to Josh*

Josh: *watches him and waits for the kick*

Bumblebee: *notices Josh watching and frowns a bit with concern. He's not seen Logan's remedy in action before*

H: *eyes snap open and he jerks, stares for a second, then shakes his head* Wow!

Josh: *grin* How do you feel now?

H: I feel... awesome! *grins too* Damn! Thanks!

Josh: *grin widens a bit* Mom made it. But you're welcome.

Zanoah: *turning back, her smile brightening her angular face* Do you want to come sit at our table? It's up on one of the bigger ones. You can watch our mother play poker against some others.

Bumblebee: *chuckle* Ratchet'll give her a run for her money.

H: Heh, well tell her thanks then. And sure, why not? *gets up to follow*

Josh: *walks beside Hayden as Zanoah sparkles slightly with turquoise and vanishes*

Bumblebee: Wow! Guardian Fae Changeling!

Josh: No, Zan's half. Mom's first husband was Guardian Fae.

Bumblebee: ...Wow. *falls into step on Hayden's other side as they head toward the big table*

H: *walks along with the guys* Eesh, this place really does have everything.

Rachel: *a 20-something cop with short curly red hair wanders around outside, eventually coming into view of the Black Dog. She looks visibly exhausted and lost*

Cyclonus: *standing on the porch and holding a snerking Galvatron at arm's length after she just tried to KISS HIM IN PUBLIC while visible* *notices the human and frowns down at her* Do you require assistance?

R: Ah... *not too comfortable with the idea of giant robots considering the only ones she's used to are Sentinels* No, no I'm all right. *no, she's really not* ...Do I smell booze?

Cyclonus: *looks around* 'Booze' is human high grade, right? Ah, yes, there's a bottle broken on the bench. *turns back to her as Galvatron fades away* You do not appear to be alright. Is this your first excursion to the Nexus?

R: I meant... in there. *points to the Black Dog. Sighs, willing to play along with this guy since she's too tired to do otherwise* Whatever this place is called... Yeah, I don't think I've been here before.

Cyclonus: *goes to one knee and offers his hands* *gruff and embarrassed kindliness* Let me take you to someone who can help you better than I can.

R: *ok, now this is a little weird... she steps back, hesitant* Like who...?

Cyclonus: My senior partner. He has more experience with humans that I. *gruffly* I will not harm you. Even if I wished to the Anti- Violence field would prevent it.

R: Anti-what? Huh... *contemplates for a second while brushing some hair from her face. Then she turns around* Look, I don't want any trouble ok? *starts to walk away* I just want.... *stops* ... Huh. I guess I don't wanna be alone right now.

Cyclonus: Human, I wasn't offering trouble. I was offering assistance.

R: *glances back at him before cautiously approaching again* Lemme guess, I'm supposed to hop up there? *there is a note of weary amusement in her voice*

Cyclonus: It would be easier than requiring you to follow me. *frowns at down at her*

R: *sighs again, a damsel in distress joke coming to mind* Fine. I suppose it can't get any worse at the moment... *steps on, stabilizing herself on his fingers*

Cyclonus: *cups hands carefully as he rises to his feet and turns to go inside. It's a short trip through the comfortable buzz of conversation, and then she's being set down next to a blond human guy, and a tiny dark haired woman with fierce eyes* Here, Ratchet. This one is lost.

Logan: *sniffs and stops peeking at the underside of her TF size cards* This' my job, Doc.

Ratchet: *looking at Rachel with good natured interest and concern* Alright, Logan.

asRatchet: *from where he's sitting by a female Optimus of his own construction* Game's on hold while I grab drinks. *gets up and goes*

Zanoah: *appears and looks at the newcomer, then glances at Hayden and changes to her wolf form*

R: *almost stumbles as she hops off, and glances around uncertainly at the company*

H: *starts at the sudden canine shift* GAH! Don't do that, you'll scare the new girl! *turns back to the cop with a "what can you do?" expression* This place is weird, just get used to it.

Zanoah: *cold nose in the Hayden hand. Seems to be laughing*

Josh: *back from going to get a package of breath mints. Offers it to Hayden even as he smiles at Rachel* Hi.

H: *jerks from the nose, greatly relieved at Josh's return. He takes a mint and pops it into his mouth*

Logan: *coming over to the redhead and looking at her with gruff sympathy as she smells the state of weariness the young woman's in*

Ratchet: *will just watch. And protect his hand*

R: *not amused by the blonde's comment, but distracted by the dark-haired woman. This is the 2nd time she's seen sympathy today and it's starting to bug her* Look, I don't need help right now, ok? I just want somewhere to sit for a while...

Logan: *snort* That's help, kid. *nods over toward the back of the table, where a human size table and chairs are sitting next to some TF size condiment bottles* Sit there then.

asRatchet: *back* I got the organics Coke, and the living among us some midgrade soother. *passes out drinks*

Logan: *snorts at her Coke*

R: *slight grimace at Logan's tone, but goes to sit down gratefully. When the mech returns she idly wonders if there's a Coke for her*

H: *grabs a soda for himself* Awesome, thanks!

asRatchet: *holds the last tall bottle of pop toward the redhead even as he leans over to kiss his mate. Look, Hayden, you just saw an Optimus being mushy!*

R: *oh hey look, a soda. The old guy's not that bad* Thanks.

H: *makes a O.o face and turns a human chair around to sit on it* I can't unsee that... *tries to put the thought from his mind and smiles at the new girl* I'm Hayden. Nice to see some human law here.

R: *curious eyebrow raise* Rachel.

asRatchet: *actually sticks his tongue out at Hayden before having a long pull at his drink and slipping an arm around Optimus' waist before picking up his cards again*

asOp: *apologetic look for Hayden, but she's really too sleepy to compute much right now*

Josh: *comes to settle in a chair at the table too as Zanoah changes shape again and heads for her own hand of cards* *mildly and amused* I'm law too.

H: *smug grin* Ah, but not human law. No offence.

R: *sips at the soda*

Josh: *brows lift* Then what kind of law do you think I am?

H: Well... You're a superhero. I mean, you follow our laws. *pause and playful smile* I hope. But you've got super-hearing and all that junk. You can do things and go places she can't 'cause she's on a payroll. *is now interested in the conversation, and exchanges looks with Josh*

Josh: *still mild, it's just how he is* When I lived on Earth I was on the Metropolis Police payroll. And having above average abilities doesn't mean that I could do things and go places that are illegal.

H: *is intrigued by the contradiction rather than annoyed at the argument* Really? Was that your secret identity or something? I mean, sometimes you just gotta catch a criminal right?

Josh: *turns back to him* Everyone was so used to seeing Superman, that I don't think anyone thought I had any other identity. Most people never realized that I wasn't the original.

H: Really? So... they were fine with having Superman with a team of humans?

R: Wait wait wait. *leans elbows onto the table and gestures toward Josh* You can't just keep talking and expect me to believe he's some kind of Superman.

Josh: I worked with Dark Claw, Robin and Wolverine... *turns attention to Rachel* Why not?

R: *eyes widen* Wolverine? The Wolverine?

H: *small smug smile* Remember when I said this place was weird?

Josh: *points toward his mother, who is chewing a toothpick as she considers her cards* That Wolverine.

R: O.o That's not Wolverine.

Josh: Yes, she is. In her reality Wolverine just had two complete chromosomes.

R: Wha...? *still not processing, stares at her drink*

H: *trying to be helpful* You should get used to that. The Nexus is a place between realities. You'll see different versions of people and real fictional people all over the place. Like Supes and Wolverine here.

Josh: *lifts one brow* Hayden, she's a mutant too.

H: o.o

R: *sits up in shock* What?! I-I am not! *Josh would be able to detect a slight rise in temperature in her wrists*

Josh: It's alright. You're safe here. I've got the X-gene too.

R: *mouth gapes open in confusion and disbelief, then she shoves herself up from the table* But what gives you the right to tell them?! *suddenly she's no longer acting tired*

Josh: *winces* I'm sorry. But it's safe. Hayden's reality hasn't got the X-gene, and the only people to have reached Earth yet are Cybertronians.

Logan: *looking over with a frown* What's goin' on over there?

R: I don't care if it's safe or not, you don't have the right to tell them!

H: o.o; ..... H-hey now....

Logan: .... Siddown.

R: *her response isn't outright angry, but it does smoulder with frustration* You don't know me either, so don't tell me to sit down. *spins around and holds her head* Damnit I don't need this right now...

H: *helplessly* H-he said he was sorry...

Logan: Cool yer pipes 'n git that stick outta where it don't belong. That kid may be super smart 'n bigger 'n a horse, but he's only nine years old.

H: *can't resist whispering to Josh* 9 years, really?

Josh: *silent nod, his dark eyes troubled and unhappy* I made that judgement on logic... looks like I messed up.

R: *growls in annoyance, trying to decide whether to stay or go*

Logan: *growls back*

asRatchet: Both of you knock it off! I'm trying to play cards here!

asOp: *awake!* o.0?

H: *ok, now he feels bad. He sighs and adresses Rachel* Look, the fact is we're all weird here. I haven't seen a single "normal" person yet. Hell, even I've got a giant alien robot nanny. So we're not gonna judge you on your DNA or whatever.

Ratchet: What he said. *0_0 and then a snerk as Bumblebee falls through the table*

R: *finally decides against leaving, since she doesn't know anyone else in this place. She turns and sits back down, slumped on her elbows on the table. Her body temp has returned to normal and she looks very tired again* I wish everyone was like that...

asRatchet: If wishes were ships then beggers would fly.

Logan: *growls at him and comes over to put a hand on Josh... Which makes her look even tinier*

R: You don't understand. *pokes at her Coke bottle*

H: Hey, you ok?

asRatchet: Don't understand what? *crabby* Being an automatic target because of your make or model?

R: *winces, as this hits a bit close to home* But I was doing so well until... a couple days ago...

asRatchet: Then you're ahead of me and Optimus. *scowls at her and looks at his cards*

H: *surprised* What? Who's prejudiced against you guys? ... Other than the 'Cons I mean.

asRatchet: Aren't those slaggers enough?

H: Yeah, but you don't have to live with them every day.

asRatchet: *sourly* Now. *frowns at the organics, and then flags the pretty white bayformer waitress over and orders a big bowl of spicy ramen and a platter of crackers, cheese, and pickles*

H: Well... *hopefully* Things can change. *turns to Rachel* So, what happened a couple days ago?

R: *wince*

H: ....If you wanna talk about it, I mean.

Archiva: *comes back and sets the bowl and platter on the human table, then adds bowls, plates, and needed cutlery*

Josh: *perks a bit and examines the food*

R: *sits up at the food, but doesn't look up*

H: Oh, I didn't know that was for us. Thanks! *sees Rachel still sulking and whispers to Josh again* Offer her some food.

Josh: *puzzled look* Well yeah. *fills up a bowl with the lovely soup, making sure to get plenty of noodles and bits of the chicken and hard boiled egg, then bows his head politely and offers the bowl to Rachel with both hands*

R: *puzzled but amused by the overly polite gesture* Thanks. *takes the bowl and grabs a fork*

H: *starts to fill his own bowl*

Josh: *bemused look at Hayden, but offers him chopsticks*

H: Thanks man. *takes them and digs in*

R: *picks at her food*

Josh: *starts to fill another bowl, and then notices his mother looking over. BLUSHES for not serving her first, but he hadn't realized she wanted some. Quickly finishes filling the bowl and brings it to her, then grins as she slugs him gently in the gut and comes back to get some for himself*

R: *small smile at the adorable*

Josh: *bows his head for a moment, and then sips the broth* Mmmm.

H: You said it. I don't know how, but this place has the most delicious food. *scarfs*

R: *snickers*

H: O.o What?

R: You remind me of someone I used to know.

Josh: *looks at Hayden, then at Rachel. Slurps noodles*

R: It's been a while since I've eaten with kids.

H: Ah-! *mouth hangs open*

Logan: *snorted and is now wiping soup from her nose on the sleeve of her plain cotton kimono*

Josh: *sympathy for Hayden without pausing noodle vanishment*

H: *indignant* I'll have you know, I'm in college.

Josh: *eyes going back and forth as he listens*

R: Uh-huh. And you still have a giant alien robot nanny?

H: *mouth hangs once more* .....Touche...

Josh: *grin*

Logan: *growls and folds, then comes over to sit with the younger people as she finishes her noodles* Somebody wanna pass the hot sauce?

H: *does so* Isn't this hot enough?

Logan: *as she adds sauce* I like a little spice on my food.

Josh: ^_^ *mom's funny*

H: So do I but this... *chugs soda* The heck is this anyway?

Logan: *frowns at him* Spicy chicken ramen?

R: You've never had ramen before?

H: *shakes head* I'm used to Mexican.

Josh: *boggles* Well, it's how the Japanese say chicken noodle soup.

Logan: *staring at Hayden* Yer a college kid, and you've never ate ramen?

H: Wait, this is the same as the cup stuff?

R: *chuckles* This is the real stuff. A friend of mine used to make it for us back at school. *smiles with fond memory*

Logan: *snerks and helps herself to more boiled egg*

Josh: *looks in his empty bowl, then into the big bowl. Perks and refills*

Logan: This's made from scratch, too. Even the noodles.

H: Really? How'd they make it so fast?

Logan: Noodles were in the fridge, so were the eggs 'n meat. *eats and enjoys*

R: *snickers and eats*

H: *pout*

Ratchet: And Hrafni's just awesome like that. *chuckles*

Logan: Hrafni? *cocks an eye at the ghost*

Ratchet: The cook.

H: I don't even know how you pronounce some of these names...

Logan: *turns her glance to Hayden* Call 'er Raven. That's what it means.

H: Oh. .... That works. *shrugs and continues eating heartily*

Logan: *finishes her bowl and burps, then sets the empty bowl down so she can reach for a plate and some of the goodies off the platter*

R: *still picking at her food*

H: Hey, you're not eating much... I can get you something else.

Josh: *looks up from his noodles, dark eyes going toward the redhead with concern*

Logan: She's thinkin', kid. Let 'er be. *noms a pickled garlic*

H: We're still here to help. ...Right, Josh? *gives him an encouraging look*

Josh: Well, yeah. *slurp*

Logan: *gives Hayden a whole head of pickled garlic*

H: *has a "buh?" expression on his face as he investigates it*

R: *sighs and sets her fork down* You wanted to know what's wrong?

Logan: Hit us. *eats pickled jalapeno* It's garlic, kid.

H: *perks attentively*

R: My partner hates me. My... Best friend hates me.

Logan: *frowns* Sez who?

R: Says the fact that he hasn't talked to me in two days.

Logan: I don't talk ta my friends for longer times than that.

R: Do you drive around in the same squad car with them? Every day?

H: .... Awkward...

Logan: *squinches her face slightly* Tell the rest'a the story.

R: *runs fingers through her hair* I did something really, really stupid.

Logan: *expression invites her to continue*

R: I tried to tell him, but he just had to go off and chase the guy...

H: Tell who now?

R: Chad, my partner.

Logan: 'N who was 'e chasin'?

Josh: *intent on the goodies at the bottom of his bowl*

R: Some petty robber. *sobers* A mutant.

Logan: Okay... *waits for more*

R: *sigh* Chad chased him into a building. Thought he was cornered. The kid let off a fireball and if I hadn't... Hadn't pushed him out of the way...

H: *watching with concern*

Logan: Yer fireproof.

R: *nods quietly*

H: So you saved him! That's good.

Logan: *quietly* Now 'er partner knows she's got the gene.

H: ....Oh.

R: When I heard that punk, thinking he'd gotten the best of us...that we couldn't stop him 'cause he was a "firemaster"... *dark chuckle* As if that little puff made him a master... I had to shut 'im up. Little punk-ass thought since he had powers he could hurt innocent people. Well, I stood up and showed him what a real "firemaster" could do. And damn did it feel good.

Logan: *facepalm* Yeah... that'll do it.

R: *grin fades, she groans and slumps down on the table* When I get worked up I can't stop myself... I'd been so good until then...

Logan: You got instinct? 'Re jes' the fire?

R: What? *looks up in confusion*

H: What do you mean, "instinct"?

Logan: *looks at him* Whaddya think I mean?

H: What, like an animal?

R: No, no, I don't have animal powers... But...

H: ...But?

Logan: Sometimes usin' yer stuff is hardwired inta yer brain.

R: Kinda yeah... *sighs* And afterwards I'm completely wiped...

Josh: *offers her a piece of lovely smelling blue coloured cheese*

R: *blinks and nibbles experimentally*

H: Well ah... You still saved his life. I'm sure he's grateful.

Logan: Don't count on it, kid.

H: Well hey, don't assume he automatically hates her now. *turns to Rachel* You said he was your best friend, right?

R: Was... Well, we'd been partnered since the academy. When we first met I was new in town, and... *small snicker* He was the only one who stayed at my house party.

Logan: Was the beer that bad?

R: *turning to Logan with an embarassed smile, grateful for the distraction* There wasn't any beer. And almost no pizza.

Logan: *wince*

R: *chuckles* I had a football and a boombox.

Logan: *amused sympathy as she slowly shakes her head*

R: Of course then he decides to entertain everyone by showing off his... *wince* "guitar skills"...

H: Oh no...

Josh: o.0

Bumblebee: Oh boy. *yes, he's there. No, you can't see him right now*

R: *about to continue, but distracted by the disembodied voice*

H: Aww come on, not more surprises...

Josh: It's just Bumblebee.

Bumblebee: Wha... Oops. *visible now*

Logan: *snerk*

H: *smiles and shakes his head* You gotta work on that, 'Bee...

R: *unsure of whether or not she should continue*

Bumblebee: ^_^;

Logan: Go on. *tosses a tiny, spicy pickle at Rachel*

R: o.o *catches the pickle* Well ah... Yeah, that went over real well. And right after everyone left the pizza arrived.

Josh: ... *snerk*

R: So he stayed to help me finish it off. *turns the pickle and gazes past it*

H: *starts to smile*

Josh: Okay, so you invite him to your house, and have only a football and a boombox when he gets there.

Bumblebee: And maybe 'Guitar Hero'.

R: *the question brings her out of her reverie* It wasn't just him, I invited like everyone I could find. *to Bumblebee* I wish I could afford Guitar Hero...

H: There's gotta be more than that one party, right?

Josh: Yes, but you only need to invite him to remind him why you're friends.

Bumblebee: Be right back. *vanishes, and then appears over by the table of a massive cobalt blue Bonecrusher knockoff*

R: Oh... Oh you mean now... *looks down, unsure*

H: .... *looks between Rachel and Josh before piping up* I think that could work, maybe. You'd have to convince him to come over somehow...

Bumblebee: *comes walking over and sets down boxes containing everything needed for 'Guitar Hero'. Including a very big TV* This might do the trick.

R: *O.O at the giant stack of electronics* You're just... giving this to me?

H: *also a little surprised*

Bumblebee: Sure. I wished for it for you. :D

H: "Wished"?

R: *slumps down in her chair, still flabbergasted*

Bumblebee: *nods, his hands resting on the TV box* Yeah. Scattor's a Guardian Fae Changeling, and he gives wishes.

H: *there are so many things wrong with that description...* O.o

R: But... You don't even know me...

Bumblebee: My boss's Boss does.

Logan: *reaches over and gives Hayden a light swat*

R: ...What? I don't understand...

H: Hey! *throws up his hands for defense just a little too late, so gives her a look*

Logan: *gives Hayden a cracker with a pickle on it* *and a smirk*

Bumblebee: My boss is Primus. Primus works for the Greatest Creator.

H: *pouts and goes back to finishing his ramen*

R: *gives a tired chuckle* So you're saying "we're all God's children"? *combs through her hair, holding her head* That's just crazy... *the statement is pointed at the situation in general rather than Bumblebee's implication*

Bumblebee: *grins* You're sitting in a multidimensional bar that caters to giant alien robots, where different versions of the same guy can cheat each other out at poker.

both Ratchets: Am not.

H: *fails and laughing and chokes on his ramen*

R: I...kinda thought this was a dream...

Bumblebee: *reaches over and very gently pinches Rachel's finger between two of his*

Rachel: Ow! *jerks back and almost attacks as a reaction*

Hayden: *has now stopped choking and watches with wide eyes*

Bumblebee: *gentle hand on Rachel's back* *softly* You're not dreaming.

R: *looks up at Bumblebee and a hundred emotions flash across her face. Then she slumps down on the table again, crying* It's really... *sob* I'm sorry. *sniffles and begins wiping her tears with both hands* I'm sorry, I get like this and it's totally dumb and I...

H: o.o *has no idea what to do now*

Josh: *yes, his eyes are glimmering in sympathy*

Bumblebee: *shrinks as he hops up on the table, then picks Rachel up and hugs her. Dead he might be, but he will always be Bumblebee*

R: *at first she tries to pull away, but then she curls up in the 'bot's arms, body wracked with sobbing and sniffling*

Bumblebee: *doesn't say anything. Just holds her and concentrates on staying solid and trying to make some sort of little hum inside him so that he can at least sound comforting*

R: *eventually the crying slows and she sits up, still wiping her eyes with her wet shirt cuffs* Well... now you've seen an... interesting side of me.

H: Hey, it happens to everybody. *supportive smile*

Josh: Even Mom cries.

Logan: *facepalm and snerk*

Bumblebee: *gentle back pat and offers Rachel a human size napkin from the holder*

R: *takes the napkin, now seeming even more tired if that's possible* Wolverine cries? *yes, she's snerking at you, Logan*

Logan: *shrug* *gruffly* I'm human, ain't I?

R: *chuckle* Some people wouldn't think so.

Logan: Yeah, well, they can kiss my can. *accepts a pitcher of green stuff from the pretty white bayformer waitress and pours some for everybody*

R: *chuckles and pats Bumblebee in thanks*

H: *helps distribute cups as Logan fills them* Hey, if you need help carrying all that stuff I'm sure Supes could help you out. *whaps him on the back and grins* Right?

Josh: *slight alarm* Don't hurt your hand.

Bumblebee: *happy grin*

H: *laughs at Josh*

R: *to Bumblebee* Um... What was your name...?

Bumblebee: I was Bumblebee. I still answer to it.

R: Sorry but... *snickers* That's got to be the silliest name ever. *still glad that he isn't annoyed with her forgetting his name*

Bumblebee: *shrug* Wait till you meet a few more Transformers. *crooks a thumb over his shoulder* Those guys are Ratchet.

R: I dunno, that name sounds kinda cool...

H: No, no, I've got one. Wheelie.

R: "Wheelie?" *contemplates*

Bumblebee: Wheelie's a nice guy. So's Sludge.

Ratchet: You haven't met the bayformer tech Wheelie, Bumble. He can curse to put Ironhide to shame.

Bumblebee: o.0

R: Yeah, that sounds like a cool name too.

H: And he humps girls' legs.

R: O.o

Bumblebee: ...No way.

H: Yes. *annoyed sigh* I don't know why Mikaela likes him so much...

R: ....How big is he?

Ratchet: *holds his fingers apart to show a space between one and a half and two foot*

asRatchet: Are you playin', or jawin'? *scowl*

Ratchet: *grins and resumes playing*

H: Yeah, he's a remote-controlled car.

R: Oh good. *relieved*

Bumblebee: *to Hayden* You've never met Wingnut, huh?

H: *cautious* ...Who?

Bumblebee: She's a Sewercon that lives here in the Nexus. About the height of a barbie doll, and usually drunk.

H: O.o

R: *snickersputtering in her drink*

Bumblebee: She got so drunk once she was making out with a vending machine.

R: *more tired giggling, but she's not stopping anytime soon*

H: ....How?

Bumblebee: You don't wanna know.

Josh: Hey, Rachel. You want to crash at our place for a little while?

R: No, haha. I-hehe-got work tomorrow. Hee. *takes a breath* Thanks though.

Josh: That's no problem. You can even sleep in, and then set a PINpoint to time jump you back to when you need to so that you can drop off your new stuff at your place.

R: o.o Really?

H: Heck yeah. Why do you think I'm still here? Recon'd be worried sick about me.

Bumblebee: *nodding* Or you can grab some winks under the bar, if you'd rather. Pooka's really sweet about sharing his bed.

R: Um... *looks uneasily around the bar* I think I'd rather be somewhere quieter, thanks. ^_^;

Josh: Well our place is quiet. *nods*

R: No, you really don't have to do this...

Logan: Look, kid. It's not like it's gonna give us any trouble, and you'll make that kid happy. Besides, nobody else wants ta sleep on that king size water bed.

R: *gazes at Josh for a second before smiling* Ok.

Josh: *grins, and it's a grin bright with happiness and relief* Great. Do you need anything else to eat? Dessert?

R: *small embarassed smile* No.

H: But you hardly ate anything.

R: Well... maybe some ice cream.

Bumblebee: :o ...Chocolate?

R: ....Chocolate mint?

Bumblebee: Well... I was thinkin' dark chocolate with almonds. But if you want chocolate mint, Nem probably has it.

Josh: *brightens* Is Aoife with Scattor?

Bumblebee: *big grin as he nods*

Logan: *even she looks interested*

R: *looks to Hayen, confused*

H: *shrug*

Josh: *suddenly gone from the table as a slight wind tugs at the napkins and the other humans' hair*

Logan: *grinning*

H: *looks around, where'd he go?*

Josh: *back, with a tray in his hands. Sets this on the table to reveal various things made from a chocolate so dark that it's a blackish cobalt blue. Gives the chocolate chunk cookies to Logan, then offers Rachel a plate of cheescake and a big bowl of ice cream scoops* Do you want to try it?

H: *whistles*

R: Well, if it's from Superman... *smiles and takes the bowl*

Josh: *grins* It's got a really slight bitter aftertaste, but only enough to make your palate seem clean. And the almond taste in it is natural. *offers ice cream and cheesecake to Hayden*

R: *sticks a spoonful into her mouth and closes eyes in bliss* Mmmm...

H: *takes plate and digs in*

Josh: *has two bowls of icecream. Watch him make them vanish*

Logan: *liking her cookie*

H: *nomming cheesecake*

R: *pauses in her ice cream bliss to look at Bumblebee* Hey, you want some?

Bumblebee: *shakes his head with a grin* I don't need to refuel anymore.

R: Oh?

H: *talking with mouth full of cheesecake* Oh yeah, you weren't here for that. He's dead. So's he. *points to Ratchet back at the poker table*

Bumblebee: But I'm not wandering or anything. Ratch and I are actually here on business. And as soon as she's done embarrassing Cyclonus we'll be going home. *grin*

R: Oh! *grins along with him*

H: Embarassing who now?

Bumblebee: Well, he was her second in command when they were alive. Though they bonded just before she died.

H: Wait... "she" wouldn't happen to be a big purple robot ghost, would she? *starting to sound annoyed*

Bumblebee: ...She'd really love you for callin' her big.

H: *grimace*

R: *finishes her ice cream*

Josh: Hey, guys? Rachel's tired, so we better take off, okay? It was nice meeting you, Hayden and Bumblebee.

Logan: *paying the tab and leaving a very big tip*

H: You too! I'll have to treat you guys sometime. Y'know, when I actually have my wallet.

R: *smiles and nods at everyone*

Bumblebee: And your pants? *chuckle*

H: *laughs heartily* Yes, pants help too.

Josh: *stands and puts out his arm for his mom, then offers Rachel the other arm* We'll PINpoint. And I'll have one ready for you when you wake up.

R: *squeezes Bumblebee's hand before getting up and cautiously taking Josh's arm* What's "PINpoint?"

Josh: *points to his watch* It's a teleportation device.

R: Oh. *is careful not to touch the watch*

H: *waves goodbye*

Josh: *presses the button. There's a slight jolt, and then Rachel will find herself in a very quiet hallway with deep carpet. Right next to her is a door, and Josh opens that door to show a small but comfortable living room* There's the guest suite. *slight grin as his mom wanders off* Have a good sleep, okay? If you need anything just yell.

R: Thanks. *a tired smile shows just how much she appreciates this* Ah... *looks at her uniform* This'll need washing. ...I'll just leave it outside the door.

Josh: *nods* There are clothes in the closet. They don't look like much, but when you put them on and tell them what you want they'll change.

R: o.o Holy crap you guys do have everything!

Josh: Well... Mom's last husband was Bruce Wayne. Have you ever heard of him?

R: ..... *brain broke, please try again later*

Josh: *worried* Rachel?

R: Ah- .... You're serious?

Josh: *Nods* He was my older sister Rose's dad.

R: *if she weren't so stubborn she'd be fainting right about now* I... think I'll go to bed...

Josh: *concerned, will help her inside unless she says no*

R: Goodnight. *closes the door before he can follow* *after a sec looks out the door again* And don't even think about spying on me with those x-ray eyes of yours.

Josh: *already halfway down the hall, he now turns and gives her a look of confused surprise, and then starts to blush as he tries to figure out how to answer her*

R: *oops expression when she sees he's down the hall and had no intention of spying* ... ...Right. *closes door*

Josh: *blinks, and then goes to find Rose so he can have a hug before he goes to his lab for the night*

((Written by random_xtras and ssjmihoshi))