CoH Fic: "An Immodest Proposal"
I've had this one in the works for a LONG time. I wrote it, and was going to post it, around last October. That did not work. :P But, it's in time for Valentine's Day!
Title: "An Immodest Proposal"
Fandom: City of Heroes
Characters: Allerdyce Scheele, Chester Neutron, Kael
Word Count: 2,990
Warnings: None
“Hey, Ally.” Chester walked into the base's recreation room, smiling as he spotted the younger man. Allerdyce was sprawled across one of the sofas, taking up much more space than Chester thought such a short, slightly-built man should be able to occupy. “I've been looking for you.”
Allerdyce looked up from the television. He held the remote loosely in one hand, rapidly flipping through the channels with no real focus or determination. “Huh? What for? Whatever it was, I didn't do it. Unless I was supposed to, in which case, I totally did.”
Chester just laughed. “Nah, I wanted to talk to you about something.”
“It'd better not be to ask me to cover for you, if you've gotta patrol today,” Allerdyce warned. “I just got off patrol about 15 minutes ago. Pulled a double with an overnight, by the docks in Peregrine Island. Sphynx asked me to cover for her last night, as a favor.”
“Why're you still up, if you've been patrolling since yesterday evening?”
“You know how it is,” Allerdyce grunted, rolling his eyes. “You can't just go to bed after getting off patrol, not when your nerves are on edge and every sense is screaming at you to be on alert. Gotta settle down enough to sleep, or I'll have nightmares about chasing Malta operatives through bowls of butterscotch pudding while dressed as a Carnival Ring Mistress.”
“You speak like that's happened.”
Allerdyce snorted. “Let's just say long shifts mess me up something fierce and leave it at that, or we'll be here all day as I tell you about the crazy dreams I've had, after long stretches of patrolling.” He cracked a yawn, shifting and stretching, flipping through a few more channels, in the process.
“And what you eat, when you get off patrol, that probably doesn't help anything, either. I've seen the kind of garbage you shove in your face. 'Little Hero Snack Cakes', really?”
“Shut up! And c'mon, don't tell me you wanted to talk to me about my eating habits, Chess. I know you better than that. Besides, the Statesman Sponge Cakes are really good. You don't know what you're missing.”
“Ugh, no thanks. You know those things have more chemicals in them than anything else, don't you?”
“Pff, of course I do. I mean, they used to claim their cakes had occasionally given people super powers, until that one kid ate like 50 boxes of Luminary Lemon Loaves and Sister Psyche Strawberry Shortcakes, in the hopes he'd get powers, and only ended up in the E.R.” Allerdyce rolled his eyes. “Dunno why they'd even put that kind of advertising on the package in the first place, even if it could happen; that's just asking for trouble. Anyway, what's up?”
“Well.” Chester sat down on the coffee table, folding his wings behind him, being careful not to block Allerdyce's view of the television. “You and Lucy...how long have you been dating, now?”
“Huh. About two years now, I think,” grunted Allerdyce, looking pensive. “Wait. Yeah, that's right. We hit the two-year mark at the end of last October. We had our first date right before Halloween.” He chuckled, leaning his head back against the sofa and closing his eyes. “I'm kinda surprised she still wanted to go out with me, after that. I totally didn't know what I was doing, and took her out patrolling, for our first date.”
“Geez, Ally, seriously?! C'mon, how could you think that'd be cool?”
Allerdyce opened one eye and glared at Chester. “You knock it off, Chess. I told you I didn't know what I was doing, and you and Kael gave me a jumble of crap advice. It's a miracle I got through that first date without getting slapped.” He closed his eye again.
“Yeah, right,” snorted Chester. “I gave you great advice.” Allerdyce opened one eye and stared at him. “Okay, decent advice.” Allerdyce opened his other eye and stared at Chester, eyebrows raised. “All right, all right, so I had to do some fancy talking after that to convince Khia she shouldn't make me sleep on the couch for a week, as punishment for screwing with you.”
“Translation: You blamed Kael for the whole thing.”
Chester laughed. “Yeah, actually, you're right; I did. Okay, anyway, then let me ask you this: Do you love her?”
Allerdyce stared at Chester, a slight frown creasing his brow. “Huh? That's a weird question. But...yeah, I do.” He paused, getting a goofy grin on his face. “She's just awesome. I'm so lucky.”
“Mm.” Chester nodded, apparently satisfied with his answer. “Okay then. So...when are you gonna propose to her?”
“Huh?!” Allerdyce dropped the remote.
“You heard me,” Chester replied, grinning. “You've been together for two years now, and you love her. You should be talking about getting married.”
“What...why?!” Allerdyce sat up, running a hand through his hair. “I mean, I'm not that old...and we haven't been together that long...”
“How long is long enough?”
“I don't know!” Allerdyce threw up his hands, exasperated. “I mean, c'mon! You know what my family is like, I told you! Ma never married! It's not like I've been able to observe a lot of what a normal married couple looks like!”
“Dude, how many of the couples in our group are married?”
“That's different,” Allerdyce growled. “Most of those couples were already married, by the time I joined. I was never around when they were still dating.”
“Well okay, but didn't one of your older sisters get married?”
“Yeah...Kitty did. But that doesn't count, Chess; she eloped with her boyfriend right after graduating high school, and mostly that was so she could get away from Ma and being forced to care for her younger siblings. And Eva, my other sister who's married, they dated for like five years before he proposed, and she met him in college, after she moved away, too.” Allerdyce frowned, chewed his lower lip. “And even Kitty and Randall had dated all through high school, practically, before they eloped, but Kitty was so embarrassed about Ma and the rest of us, she only brought him home like once or twice, the whole time. They usually went to his house.”
“Wow. Right out of high school?” Chester frowned. “Isn't that at age 18, here?”
“17, for Kitty; she had one of those weird birthdays and got to start school younger than most kids. But she turned 18 about a week after she graduated, and by that time, they were in Wisconsin and had found a justice of the peace who was willing to marry them. Not that it mattered; she said that anyone over the age of 16 can get married, in Wisconsin.” He frowned. “How long did you know Khia, before you two got married?”
“Well, we knew each other for a while, but after we started dating? A couple of months.” He laughed at the expression on Allerdyce's face. “What can I say? Once we reached that point, we knew what we wanted and decided we didn't need to wait any longer.” He paused. “But this isn't about me, Ally; I wanna talk about you. Why're you so scared of the idea?”
“Scared of what idea?” asked a new voice, and Kael strode into the room.
“I'm trying to convince Ally to pop the question to Lucy.”
“Yeah! Go Ally!” crowed Kael. “Have you got a ring picked out and everything? Oh, and you've gotta have a plan. Even girls like Lucy like a romantic proposal.”
“I haven't even decided to do it!” Allerdyce moaned, flopping back on the couch. “Chess got it in his head that I'm ready for that.”
“Well, why not?” Chester said as Kael sat down next to him on the coffee table. “I mean, you're not 17, so, obviously you're old enough. So what's stopping you?”
“It's not that,” replied Allerdyce. “I mean...with Ma, we were always wanting for something, whether it was food or clothes that fit us right or whatever. And I swore I'd never put my own kids through that. I swore I'd never get married until I knew I could afford to support a family.”
Kael and Chester both stared at him. “Dude...” Kael said, “aren't you, like, rich?”
“Not to mention, do you really think we'd let you and your family suffer, if you were going through rough times?” added Chester. “We're more than just your friends, Ally; we're like family. We look out for each other. This isn't like your mom, trying to make it on her own with no one to turn to for help.” He frowned. “She didn't have anyone to turn to, right? What about her parents? Didn't they help out at all?”
Allerdyce snorted. “I never knew my grandparents. They kicked Ma out of the house after my oldest brother, Steven, was born, when Ma was 16. Ma said they told her she'd disgraced them by having a kid without getting married. So then she moved in with this guy she knew, and you'd think that's weird, 'cause why would a single guy agree to let a teen mom with an infant live in his house? Only then Ma had Kitty less than a year after she moved in, so...not so surprising after all.” He shrugged. “It all kinda went downhill from there. I mean, I was Kid number five, out of eight. By the time I came along, Ma hadn't spoken to her parents in nearly ten years. And really, what would they have said to her? 'Wow Nina, you're looking worse than ever. Have you been drinking? Of course you have. And another child? How many are you up to now? Five? Do you know who the father of this one is? No? Well, that's not surprising.'”
“Dude, has anyone ever told you your family was fucked up?” said Kael, staring at Allerdyce.
“Join the club. All of my siblings are in it, even my oldest brother, the drug addict in prison.”
“Yeah, but that's what we're trying to explain,” said Kael. “Your situation now isn't anything like what it was, when you were growing up, and your childhood was the exact opposite of normal. You can't assume it'll be like it was when you were a kid, 'cause your experiences are not typical.”
“Maybe...” said Allerdyce, not sounding fully convinced. “I mean, I don't know what 'rich' feels like. I've never been rich. But I do know what 'poor' feels like, and I don't want my kids ever having to know that feeling.”
“Well, don't you want to get married?” asked Chester.
“Not that there's anything wrong with not wanting to get married,” interjected Kael. “I mean, I can understand why. Especially when you're as young as you are. Nothing wrong with playing the field before settling down. You've gotta find what you like, right?”
“But there's nothing wrong with marrying young, either,” said Chester, glaring at Kael. “Not everyone wants to chase skirts and fool around before finding someone to settle down with.”
“Are you calling me a player?” snapped Kael, glaring at Chester.
“Dude, you've called yourself that; why are you getting mad at me for saying it?!”
“Guys, have we forgotten what my mom was like?! I'm not going to act like she did,” Allerdyce groaned. “I don't wanna end up at age 40 with multiple kids by different women, or a bunch of kids I'm not even aware exist.”
“He's got a point, Kael. Plus, let me tell you from personal experience...the sex is actually better when you've been with the girl for a long time, 'cause you know each other so well. You know what she likes, what she doesn't like, how to get her turned on, make her scream. It's amazing, I'm telling you.” Chester got a dreamy expression on his face, then chuckled and shook his head. “Right, Ally? I'm sure you know what I mean.”
Both older men looked at Allerdyce expectantly. Allerdyce blushed, looking away. “Actually, no. I wouldn't know.”
“Well, you two have slept together by now, haven't you?” asked Kael. Allerdyce blushed even deeper, and did not respond at all.
Chester and Kael looked at each other, then at Allerdyce. “You haven't slept with her yet?!” they announced, in unison.
“Geez, why don't you announce it to everyone in the building?!” seethed Allerdyce, flushing crimson. “Thanks a lot.”
“Well, sorry, but...I mean...c'mon! You've been together for two years!” Kael stared at him in disbelief.
Chester nodded. “I mean, I don't expect you to move as fast as Kael does, but I'm surprised you haven't made a move at all, by now.” He suddenly frowned, as if considering something. “Wait...you have had sex before, right?”
Allerdyce paused, then heaved a gusty sigh, shaking his head.
“What?!” Chester and Kael shouted, in unsion again.
“Dude...how is that...Oh man,oh man, we've gotta fix that,” groaned Kael. “Listen, I know some people, know a few girls who'd be willing, we can set something up...”
“Yeah. Great idea, man. I am totally on board with ruining everything with Lucy just because you think I should have lost my virginity by now, so you set me up for a one-night stand with some random girl. Sign me up for that. I'm sure she'd understand,” Allerdyce snapped sarcastically.
Chester clapped Kael on the back. “You're heart's in the right place, dude, but let's not make decisions for Ally like that.”
“Yeah, but it's not a bad thing for a guy to have a little experience. I'm just saying I can pull some strings, talk to some people, and--”
“You guys don't get it,” Allerdyce seethed. “D'you know what it's like, growing up in smalltown USA, and seeing all your classmates showing up for conferences and school events and stuff with two parents? And then you show up with just your mom, who may or may not be sober, and probably isn't, and looks like a total mess? And forget about your dad, 'cause you don't even know who your dad is, 'cause your mom can't be sure which guy it was who knocked her up, 'cause she'd slept with several different guys around the time she got knocked up, and most of 'em, she only did once or twice? And some, she didn't even know their names, or they just blew through town and she had no clue where they were or how to find them, once she realized she was pregnant? Or seeing her bring home a different guy every night, and having to listen to that, when you're trying to sleep?” He folded his arms across his chest, looking away and scowling. “I'm not gonna go down that path, myself. I will not. None of my siblings deserved that, I didn't deserve it, and no kid of mine would deserve it and I'm not taking the chance to make it happen.”
The three men were silent for several long moments. Allerdyce flopped back onto the couch, one arm draped across his forehead, staring at the ceiling. Chester finally broke the silence. “We do get it, Ally...we're your friends. Sorry we took it too far.”
“It's all right,” Allerdyce replied. “I'm sorry I flew off the handle. Guess it's still a sore spot.”
“Yeah, but it sounds like it's for a good reason,” commented Kael. “And I do get it; not everyone can be like me.”
“Thank the gods for that,” grinned Chester, elbowing Kael in the ribs. “So anyway...are you gonna do it? Propose to her, I mean.”
Allerdyce groaned again. “You haven't given up on that yet?”
“Of course not! I mean, if you're waiting for a push from someone to take that step, who better than us to do the pushing?” said Chester. “Plus, you know we wouldn't do it if we thought it was a bad idea. We know you love her, and anyone can tell she's crazy about you. If you were wondering if you should go for it, then I say you should.”
“And as much as I don't get why anyone would want to settle down with just one girl, I think you should do it, too,” grinned Kael.
“You two...” Alledyce sighed, then chuckled. “I'll think about--”
“Allerdyce, may I speak to you for a moment?” KinThalas stuck his head into the room, his expression neutral.
Allerdyce sat up abruptly, scrambling to pull himself together. “Uh...yes, yes sir...of course...”
Kin looked at him, then at Chester and Kael, both of whom were looking back and forth between their friend and their leader, but had made no sign of moving from their seats. Kin sighed. “I had hoped to speak to you in private. Could you meet me in my office, please?” He left the room without waiting for confirmation.
Kael heaved a gusty sigh after several long moments. “Whoo...what did you do?!”
“Cut it out, Kael,” said Chester, scowling. “I'm sure Ally's not in trouble. He doesn't do anything that would get him in trouble. Right?” Chester looked at Allerdyce expectantly.
“I dunno...I really don't,” Allerdyce sighed. “I'd better get this over with,” he grunted, standing up from the couch and shuffling out of the room.
~~~
And yes, I did come up with different 'snack cakes' for all the heroes:
Positron Pound Cake
Synapse Snickerdoodles
Sister Psyche Strawberry Shortcakes
Citadel Cinnamon Buns
Luminary Lemon Loaves
Manticore Mammoth Muffins
Numina Nut Rolls
Statesman Sponge Cakes
Back Alley Brawler Brownies
Ms. Liberty Apple Pie
Penny Yin Pinwheels
Mynx Marbled Madelines
Valkyrie Red Velvet Cakes
Aurora Borealis Butter Cookies
Swan Strudel
XD
Title: "An Immodest Proposal"
Fandom: City of Heroes
Characters: Allerdyce Scheele, Chester Neutron, Kael
Word Count: 2,990
Warnings: None
“Hey, Ally.” Chester walked into the base's recreation room, smiling as he spotted the younger man. Allerdyce was sprawled across one of the sofas, taking up much more space than Chester thought such a short, slightly-built man should be able to occupy. “I've been looking for you.”
Allerdyce looked up from the television. He held the remote loosely in one hand, rapidly flipping through the channels with no real focus or determination. “Huh? What for? Whatever it was, I didn't do it. Unless I was supposed to, in which case, I totally did.”
Chester just laughed. “Nah, I wanted to talk to you about something.”
“It'd better not be to ask me to cover for you, if you've gotta patrol today,” Allerdyce warned. “I just got off patrol about 15 minutes ago. Pulled a double with an overnight, by the docks in Peregrine Island. Sphynx asked me to cover for her last night, as a favor.”
“Why're you still up, if you've been patrolling since yesterday evening?”
“You know how it is,” Allerdyce grunted, rolling his eyes. “You can't just go to bed after getting off patrol, not when your nerves are on edge and every sense is screaming at you to be on alert. Gotta settle down enough to sleep, or I'll have nightmares about chasing Malta operatives through bowls of butterscotch pudding while dressed as a Carnival Ring Mistress.”
“You speak like that's happened.”
Allerdyce snorted. “Let's just say long shifts mess me up something fierce and leave it at that, or we'll be here all day as I tell you about the crazy dreams I've had, after long stretches of patrolling.” He cracked a yawn, shifting and stretching, flipping through a few more channels, in the process.
“And what you eat, when you get off patrol, that probably doesn't help anything, either. I've seen the kind of garbage you shove in your face. 'Little Hero Snack Cakes', really?”
“Shut up! And c'mon, don't tell me you wanted to talk to me about my eating habits, Chess. I know you better than that. Besides, the Statesman Sponge Cakes are really good. You don't know what you're missing.”
“Ugh, no thanks. You know those things have more chemicals in them than anything else, don't you?”
“Pff, of course I do. I mean, they used to claim their cakes had occasionally given people super powers, until that one kid ate like 50 boxes of Luminary Lemon Loaves and Sister Psyche Strawberry Shortcakes, in the hopes he'd get powers, and only ended up in the E.R.” Allerdyce rolled his eyes. “Dunno why they'd even put that kind of advertising on the package in the first place, even if it could happen; that's just asking for trouble. Anyway, what's up?”
“Well.” Chester sat down on the coffee table, folding his wings behind him, being careful not to block Allerdyce's view of the television. “You and Lucy...how long have you been dating, now?”
“Huh. About two years now, I think,” grunted Allerdyce, looking pensive. “Wait. Yeah, that's right. We hit the two-year mark at the end of last October. We had our first date right before Halloween.” He chuckled, leaning his head back against the sofa and closing his eyes. “I'm kinda surprised she still wanted to go out with me, after that. I totally didn't know what I was doing, and took her out patrolling, for our first date.”
“Geez, Ally, seriously?! C'mon, how could you think that'd be cool?”
Allerdyce opened one eye and glared at Chester. “You knock it off, Chess. I told you I didn't know what I was doing, and you and Kael gave me a jumble of crap advice. It's a miracle I got through that first date without getting slapped.” He closed his eye again.
“Yeah, right,” snorted Chester. “I gave you great advice.” Allerdyce opened one eye and stared at him. “Okay, decent advice.” Allerdyce opened his other eye and stared at Chester, eyebrows raised. “All right, all right, so I had to do some fancy talking after that to convince Khia she shouldn't make me sleep on the couch for a week, as punishment for screwing with you.”
“Translation: You blamed Kael for the whole thing.”
Chester laughed. “Yeah, actually, you're right; I did. Okay, anyway, then let me ask you this: Do you love her?”
Allerdyce stared at Chester, a slight frown creasing his brow. “Huh? That's a weird question. But...yeah, I do.” He paused, getting a goofy grin on his face. “She's just awesome. I'm so lucky.”
“Mm.” Chester nodded, apparently satisfied with his answer. “Okay then. So...when are you gonna propose to her?”
“Huh?!” Allerdyce dropped the remote.
“You heard me,” Chester replied, grinning. “You've been together for two years now, and you love her. You should be talking about getting married.”
“What...why?!” Allerdyce sat up, running a hand through his hair. “I mean, I'm not that old...and we haven't been together that long...”
“How long is long enough?”
“I don't know!” Allerdyce threw up his hands, exasperated. “I mean, c'mon! You know what my family is like, I told you! Ma never married! It's not like I've been able to observe a lot of what a normal married couple looks like!”
“Dude, how many of the couples in our group are married?”
“That's different,” Allerdyce growled. “Most of those couples were already married, by the time I joined. I was never around when they were still dating.”
“Well okay, but didn't one of your older sisters get married?”
“Yeah...Kitty did. But that doesn't count, Chess; she eloped with her boyfriend right after graduating high school, and mostly that was so she could get away from Ma and being forced to care for her younger siblings. And Eva, my other sister who's married, they dated for like five years before he proposed, and she met him in college, after she moved away, too.” Allerdyce frowned, chewed his lower lip. “And even Kitty and Randall had dated all through high school, practically, before they eloped, but Kitty was so embarrassed about Ma and the rest of us, she only brought him home like once or twice, the whole time. They usually went to his house.”
“Wow. Right out of high school?” Chester frowned. “Isn't that at age 18, here?”
“17, for Kitty; she had one of those weird birthdays and got to start school younger than most kids. But she turned 18 about a week after she graduated, and by that time, they were in Wisconsin and had found a justice of the peace who was willing to marry them. Not that it mattered; she said that anyone over the age of 16 can get married, in Wisconsin.” He frowned. “How long did you know Khia, before you two got married?”
“Well, we knew each other for a while, but after we started dating? A couple of months.” He laughed at the expression on Allerdyce's face. “What can I say? Once we reached that point, we knew what we wanted and decided we didn't need to wait any longer.” He paused. “But this isn't about me, Ally; I wanna talk about you. Why're you so scared of the idea?”
“Scared of what idea?” asked a new voice, and Kael strode into the room.
“I'm trying to convince Ally to pop the question to Lucy.”
“Yeah! Go Ally!” crowed Kael. “Have you got a ring picked out and everything? Oh, and you've gotta have a plan. Even girls like Lucy like a romantic proposal.”
“I haven't even decided to do it!” Allerdyce moaned, flopping back on the couch. “Chess got it in his head that I'm ready for that.”
“Well, why not?” Chester said as Kael sat down next to him on the coffee table. “I mean, you're not 17, so, obviously you're old enough. So what's stopping you?”
“It's not that,” replied Allerdyce. “I mean...with Ma, we were always wanting for something, whether it was food or clothes that fit us right or whatever. And I swore I'd never put my own kids through that. I swore I'd never get married until I knew I could afford to support a family.”
Kael and Chester both stared at him. “Dude...” Kael said, “aren't you, like, rich?”
“Not to mention, do you really think we'd let you and your family suffer, if you were going through rough times?” added Chester. “We're more than just your friends, Ally; we're like family. We look out for each other. This isn't like your mom, trying to make it on her own with no one to turn to for help.” He frowned. “She didn't have anyone to turn to, right? What about her parents? Didn't they help out at all?”
Allerdyce snorted. “I never knew my grandparents. They kicked Ma out of the house after my oldest brother, Steven, was born, when Ma was 16. Ma said they told her she'd disgraced them by having a kid without getting married. So then she moved in with this guy she knew, and you'd think that's weird, 'cause why would a single guy agree to let a teen mom with an infant live in his house? Only then Ma had Kitty less than a year after she moved in, so...not so surprising after all.” He shrugged. “It all kinda went downhill from there. I mean, I was Kid number five, out of eight. By the time I came along, Ma hadn't spoken to her parents in nearly ten years. And really, what would they have said to her? 'Wow Nina, you're looking worse than ever. Have you been drinking? Of course you have. And another child? How many are you up to now? Five? Do you know who the father of this one is? No? Well, that's not surprising.'”
“Dude, has anyone ever told you your family was fucked up?” said Kael, staring at Allerdyce.
“Join the club. All of my siblings are in it, even my oldest brother, the drug addict in prison.”
“Yeah, but that's what we're trying to explain,” said Kael. “Your situation now isn't anything like what it was, when you were growing up, and your childhood was the exact opposite of normal. You can't assume it'll be like it was when you were a kid, 'cause your experiences are not typical.”
“Maybe...” said Allerdyce, not sounding fully convinced. “I mean, I don't know what 'rich' feels like. I've never been rich. But I do know what 'poor' feels like, and I don't want my kids ever having to know that feeling.”
“Well, don't you want to get married?” asked Chester.
“Not that there's anything wrong with not wanting to get married,” interjected Kael. “I mean, I can understand why. Especially when you're as young as you are. Nothing wrong with playing the field before settling down. You've gotta find what you like, right?”
“But there's nothing wrong with marrying young, either,” said Chester, glaring at Kael. “Not everyone wants to chase skirts and fool around before finding someone to settle down with.”
“Are you calling me a player?” snapped Kael, glaring at Chester.
“Dude, you've called yourself that; why are you getting mad at me for saying it?!”
“Guys, have we forgotten what my mom was like?! I'm not going to act like she did,” Allerdyce groaned. “I don't wanna end up at age 40 with multiple kids by different women, or a bunch of kids I'm not even aware exist.”
“He's got a point, Kael. Plus, let me tell you from personal experience...the sex is actually better when you've been with the girl for a long time, 'cause you know each other so well. You know what she likes, what she doesn't like, how to get her turned on, make her scream. It's amazing, I'm telling you.” Chester got a dreamy expression on his face, then chuckled and shook his head. “Right, Ally? I'm sure you know what I mean.”
Both older men looked at Allerdyce expectantly. Allerdyce blushed, looking away. “Actually, no. I wouldn't know.”
“Well, you two have slept together by now, haven't you?” asked Kael. Allerdyce blushed even deeper, and did not respond at all.
Chester and Kael looked at each other, then at Allerdyce. “You haven't slept with her yet?!” they announced, in unison.
“Geez, why don't you announce it to everyone in the building?!” seethed Allerdyce, flushing crimson. “Thanks a lot.”
“Well, sorry, but...I mean...c'mon! You've been together for two years!” Kael stared at him in disbelief.
Chester nodded. “I mean, I don't expect you to move as fast as Kael does, but I'm surprised you haven't made a move at all, by now.” He suddenly frowned, as if considering something. “Wait...you have had sex before, right?”
Allerdyce paused, then heaved a gusty sigh, shaking his head.
“What?!” Chester and Kael shouted, in unsion again.
“Dude...how is that...Oh man,oh man, we've gotta fix that,” groaned Kael. “Listen, I know some people, know a few girls who'd be willing, we can set something up...”
“Yeah. Great idea, man. I am totally on board with ruining everything with Lucy just because you think I should have lost my virginity by now, so you set me up for a one-night stand with some random girl. Sign me up for that. I'm sure she'd understand,” Allerdyce snapped sarcastically.
Chester clapped Kael on the back. “You're heart's in the right place, dude, but let's not make decisions for Ally like that.”
“Yeah, but it's not a bad thing for a guy to have a little experience. I'm just saying I can pull some strings, talk to some people, and--”
“You guys don't get it,” Allerdyce seethed. “D'you know what it's like, growing up in smalltown USA, and seeing all your classmates showing up for conferences and school events and stuff with two parents? And then you show up with just your mom, who may or may not be sober, and probably isn't, and looks like a total mess? And forget about your dad, 'cause you don't even know who your dad is, 'cause your mom can't be sure which guy it was who knocked her up, 'cause she'd slept with several different guys around the time she got knocked up, and most of 'em, she only did once or twice? And some, she didn't even know their names, or they just blew through town and she had no clue where they were or how to find them, once she realized she was pregnant? Or seeing her bring home a different guy every night, and having to listen to that, when you're trying to sleep?” He folded his arms across his chest, looking away and scowling. “I'm not gonna go down that path, myself. I will not. None of my siblings deserved that, I didn't deserve it, and no kid of mine would deserve it and I'm not taking the chance to make it happen.”
The three men were silent for several long moments. Allerdyce flopped back onto the couch, one arm draped across his forehead, staring at the ceiling. Chester finally broke the silence. “We do get it, Ally...we're your friends. Sorry we took it too far.”
“It's all right,” Allerdyce replied. “I'm sorry I flew off the handle. Guess it's still a sore spot.”
“Yeah, but it sounds like it's for a good reason,” commented Kael. “And I do get it; not everyone can be like me.”
“Thank the gods for that,” grinned Chester, elbowing Kael in the ribs. “So anyway...are you gonna do it? Propose to her, I mean.”
Allerdyce groaned again. “You haven't given up on that yet?”
“Of course not! I mean, if you're waiting for a push from someone to take that step, who better than us to do the pushing?” said Chester. “Plus, you know we wouldn't do it if we thought it was a bad idea. We know you love her, and anyone can tell she's crazy about you. If you were wondering if you should go for it, then I say you should.”
“And as much as I don't get why anyone would want to settle down with just one girl, I think you should do it, too,” grinned Kael.
“You two...” Alledyce sighed, then chuckled. “I'll think about--”
“Allerdyce, may I speak to you for a moment?” KinThalas stuck his head into the room, his expression neutral.
Allerdyce sat up abruptly, scrambling to pull himself together. “Uh...yes, yes sir...of course...”
Kin looked at him, then at Chester and Kael, both of whom were looking back and forth between their friend and their leader, but had made no sign of moving from their seats. Kin sighed. “I had hoped to speak to you in private. Could you meet me in my office, please?” He left the room without waiting for confirmation.
Kael heaved a gusty sigh after several long moments. “Whoo...what did you do?!”
“Cut it out, Kael,” said Chester, scowling. “I'm sure Ally's not in trouble. He doesn't do anything that would get him in trouble. Right?” Chester looked at Allerdyce expectantly.
“I dunno...I really don't,” Allerdyce sighed. “I'd better get this over with,” he grunted, standing up from the couch and shuffling out of the room.
~~~
And yes, I did come up with different 'snack cakes' for all the heroes:
Positron Pound Cake
Synapse Snickerdoodles
Sister Psyche Strawberry Shortcakes
Citadel Cinnamon Buns
Luminary Lemon Loaves
Manticore Mammoth Muffins
Numina Nut Rolls
Statesman Sponge Cakes
Back Alley Brawler Brownies
Ms. Liberty Apple Pie
Penny Yin Pinwheels
Mynx Marbled Madelines
Valkyrie Red Velvet Cakes
Aurora Borealis Butter Cookies
Swan Strudel
XD