((OOC: three-person scene (Wellington, Matt, Diego)))
((So Matt and I hit the showers again... this time Diego joins us. Previous shower scene found here.))
Wellington: *Yawns as he walks into the showering area, strawberry shampoo in one hand and a towel around his waist. It's later in the evening, a time of day he figured out that he was less likely to have company in the room. He looks around, squinting at the partitions and benches; everything is blurry as usual, but there's no sound and no movement, so he's satisfied that he's alone. He turns on one of the showers and sits down on a bench, waiting for the water to warm up.*
Matt: *Steps through the door and gives a quick sweep of the area before he grins and adjusts the towel around his waist. It was just a precaution really. Not like he actually was scared of Diego. Taking a few more steps in, he raises a hand and gives a small wave to Wellington, still grinning.* Hey dude. Didn't think you'd be here too.
Wellington: *Stiffens when Matt announces himself, and looks over his shoulder at him.* ...YOU'RE here? I thought you showered in the morning. *Bites at the inside of his lip, suddenly reminded of their first shower room encounter, and subsequent painful meetings. His skin prickles at the thought. Being near Matt in a vulnerable place like this set his nerves on edge.*
Matt: Well, obviously I am here. And, well, I just felt like the need to switch up my schedule a little. Keep things from getting to stale, you know? *Takes a quick few strides to a stall and turns on the shower, taking a few steps back while he waits for it to heat up. Glances over his shoulder to Wellington.* I thought you took showers in the morning too, dude?
Wellington: *shakes his head* I... prefer showering in the evening now. Things are a lot... quieter. Usually. *crosses his arms and stares at the shower, wishing the water didn't take so long to heat up*
Matt: Really? *Pauses before he gives a small nod, looking back to the stall.* Maybe I should be taking them in the evening now too.
Wellington: .... *Bites his teeth together a little harder, thinking maybe he should just skip the shower and go back to his cell; but he can almost feel the grime of the day's activities on the surface of his skin, and he won't be able to sleep knowing he hasn't showered it off.*
Diego: *a whistled tune echoes from just past the door to the showers - a low, slow rendition of Fragrance of Dark Coffee*
Matt: *Turns quickly to the door and frowns a little at sound of the whistling, crossing his arms over his chest. He has a feeling he knows exactly who it is.*
Wellington: *Has heard guards whistling to themselves plenty of times and doesn't find anything suspicious about the noise, crossing his legs and pondering if it's time to shave them again.*
Diego: *rounds the corner - stark naked, visorless, carrying a shampoo bottle in one hand and a bar of soap and washcloth in the other* *takes careful, measured steps - looked in before, so he can tell which stall Matt and Welly are in by listening*
Diego: *looks over and grins beneath his empty sockets* Evenin', Scar. Evenin', Curls.
Matt: *His eyes widen suddenly before he cringes and turns to the side, keeping Diego in his sights without having to actually look at him. He is more surprised by seeing Diego's empty eyesockets than seeing the man actually there. When he speaks, his voice has a lower tone than usual.* Hey, dude.
Wellington: *turns to look at him, just raises an eyebrow contemptuously* You again? Tch... are you following us in an extra-creepy fashion today or are you actually here to shower? The sweat and coffee smell you could stand to lose once in awhile. *can't see that Diego has no eyes from that distance*
Diego: Just here for a cleaning, Curls, same as you. *turns back to his path, counting out the steps in his head before arriving at the shower stall directly across from Matt's. Still humming the tune, sets his shampoo, soap, and cloth on the floor before turning on the water - all the way to hot*
Matt: *As Diego enters the stall, he relaxes a little, turning around to check the temperature in his own stall. What was he worried about? Hadn't Diego proven to just be full of empty threats before? Adjusting the heat to a more suitable temperature, he takes off the towel at his waist and throws it up on top of the stall wall. He steps into the stall and under the water, running a hand through his hair, slicking it back.*
Wellington: ... *picks up his shampoo bottle and squeezes a generous amount of it into his palm, then lathers the fruity-scented stuff into his hair; relieved that both men are leaving him alone*
Diego: *waits until the water is hot - hot enough to redden his skin, billowing steam, and stands under it for a few seconds* Ahhhh. *hums a bit louder, reaching outside of his stall, grabbing his shampoo, and placing it by his feet so the water runs over it*
Matt: *Still feeling a bit uneasy, he grabs for his shampoo and quickly lathers it in his hair. He still wants to finish this shower as quickly as possible.*
Wellington: *follows suit, removing his own towel and gets into his own shower, flinching with annoyance at realizing it's still colder than he likes it, and busies himself adjusting the temperature knobs*
Diego: *waits another moment, soaking in the heat, before turning and leaving the bottle under the running water. Takes all the steps necessary to reach Matt's shower while he is turned away, placing both hands on either side of the stall and leaning in* Scar.
Wellington: *finally gets the temperature he wants and lets the water fall against his face, massaging his scalp with his fingertips, unaware of Matt's predicament*
Matt: *Hears the voice behind him (inwardly cursing that he wasn't paying attention) and quickly turns around. He takes a step backwards.* Shit! What are you doing?!
Diego: *takes a step in, running his hands along the inside of the stall, leading with his face - water running out of the sockets of his eyes* Didn't I say I'd show you, Scar? Thunderheads.
Matt: *Is silent as he takes a final step backwards, his bare back against the cold wall now. Even though Diego's empty sockets are sending chills up his spine, he can't bring himself to look away.*
Diego: *takes his right hand off the wall and reaches out with it, one finger extended - it brushes against the bridge of Matt's nose* What was it you said, Scar? *his tone shifts radically, rising in volume, becoming a booming mirror of Matt's* Yep. I was right! I really don't care!
Matt: *Leaning his head back against the wall and away from Diego's hand as he shifts a little, moving to the side. He wonders if he can slip under Diego's arm and escape quickly enough to not get caught by the larger man.* I...I was just saying that, dude.
Diego: *that touch allowed him to gauge where Matt's standing, and even his posture - so he steps in, placing his hands on his hips as he stands close to Matt, just close enough that he "looks" down at him* Really, Scar? I believed you.
Wellington: *Finishes rinsing the suds out of his hair and opens his eyes; pausing, then frowning when he realizes he sees two blurry human figures in Matt's stall instead of one. Walks out of his stall without turning the water off and puts his towel back on, stepping to the middle of the room.* .... *puts a hand on his hip* What are you two doing?
Matt: *Opens his mouth to respond to Diego but pauses as he hears Wellington's voice over the noise of the shower. He moves to peer over Diego's shoulder before pressing against the wall again. He does not want to say anything with Diego this close to him.*
Wellington: ..... *stares flatly* Do you two need time alone? If you could wait, I'm almost done here. *flicks a dripping lock of hair out of his face*
Diego: *still in Matt's tones* Nothing, dude! Just...having a little chat. *much lower, in his own voice* Isn't that right, Scar? This is an educational experience. *reaches up, suddenly, putting a hand around his neck and locking his fingers - not choking, but gripping*
Matt: *Lets out a loud cry as Diego's hand closes around his throat. His hands are instantly at the other's hands, trying to pull it off of him.*
Wellington: *startled by the shout, stares in surprise, taking a couple steps closer to try to see what's going on, then freezes once he sees Diego's hand on Matt's neck* ...!!
Diego: *his fingers lock tighter, and as soon as Matt's hands are on his wrist his free hand plows hard into Matt's stomach*
Matt: *Lurching forward, he makes a choked sound as the hand on his neck restricts his breathing. It takes him only a moment to recover before he begins to dig one hand's nails into the hand at his throat. His other hand reaches for Diego's face.*
Wellington: *Stares in shock... he wants to run somewhere safe in case Diego turns on him next, but he's frozen to the spot and can't seem to get his legs to move. He settles for yelling at Diego.* What... what do you think you're doing?!
Diego: *actually kind of shocked that the first punch didn't take - as soon as Matt's hands leave his wrist without the man crumpling, though, he knows he's reaching for his face - so he rears back and swings underhanded with his whole torso, sinking his fist into Matt's gut*
Matt: *Squeezing his eyes shut as the punch connects, he lets out the same choked noise before his arms fall to his side, very limp.*
Wellington: *watches in alarm as Matt slumps* Matt! .... *Grits his teeth and stares sharply at Diego, perturbed by his violence. He hates Diego for flaunting his power, and lets his anger towards the man surmount, since it pushes down the growing fear. He doesn't care so much that it's Matt being hit, but hates how threatened he feels by Diego's show of force.*
Diego: *lets go of Matt, gripping him under the arms and lowering him to the floor, gently, his back propped against the side of the stall* Easy, Scar, easy, I've got you.
Matt: *Twitches a little as he is lowered down and finally let go, his hand coming up to his own throat protectively before he looks up to Diego.* ...
Wellington: *tenses so much his arms shake* ...Hey! Why did you do that?? Are you trying to show off? ...I've had it with you and your stalking and scare tactics! You're just another stupid brute who thinks he can impress everyone with a little muscle! I'm tired of dealing with your classless type!! Back off and leave us alone!!!
Diego: *doesn't look up* Curls, I can't understand your shrieking from that far away, you'll have to come closer. *stoops in front of Matt, "looking" him in the face - at this point he shows no expression except maybe a twinge of concern* Scar, can we talk? As men?
Wellington: ................. *doesn't move, only continues glaring angrily at the scene*
Matt: *Narrows his eyes at Diego, wanting to lash out again, but really doesn't think he stands much of a chance in this condition. His eyes flicker over to Wellington before he glares back at Diego. Despite how upset he is, he keeps his voice in a somewhat neutral tone.* Can we get out of this stall first? Or are you gonna pin me here while you talk?
Diego: No, Engarde, I'm not going to pin you. Or hit you. *lets himself fall backwards, so he's sitting across from Matt, insofar as that's possible with the size of the stall* I just want to talk. Can we talk for a minute? Dropping all the bullshit.
Matt: *His hand finally drops from his throat and he nods.* Fine. Bullshit has been dropped.
Wellington: *looks a little less angry and a little more perplexed, relaxing his muscles marginally as he continues watching the two*
Diego: Scar, I didn't like doing that. I like nothing less than using force to prove a point. *raises one finger* Do you know why you and I are in prison?
Matt: *Raises an eyebrow, a little confused as to where this is going.* To, what? Learn our lesson so we can live with other people on the outside again?
Wellington: *looks away from both of them at that comment, tightening his fists a bit*
Diego: *allows himself a sardonic grin* Well, that's what they say rehabilitation is, but no. I mean what put us here. We are here because of the kind of thing that goes on between you and Curls - the aggressor/victim dynamic being perpetrated until it escalates into real violence. We agree there?
Matt: ...*Pauses for a moment before he nods again. He grins a little at the thought.* I suppose that would be right.
Diego: Right. Now, the difference beween there and here is simple. Outside, it gets you put in here. In here...it gets you killed. Right?
Matt: ...Killed? I don't see anyone dying, dude.
Diego: *grins wide* Pretend that I had wanted to kill you just now, Scar, because of your mouth.
Matt: Okay...*Looks a little to the side, not liking to stare Diego in the face without his visor.*
Diego: *looks up to where he heard Wellington last* Curls, get over here, you need to hear this.
Wellington: *brushes damp hair out of his eyes* ...No. I'm not going near a wild beast like you. I can hear you fine from here, not that I care to listen to your frilly nonsense.
Diego: *reaches outside of the stall and snaps his fingers - there is a scraping sound as a thermos of coffee slides across the floor of the shower and hits the back of his hand* *picks up the thermos, removes the lid, and throws it at Wellington so it lands upside down on his head*
Diego: *whoever slid it to him is naturally already out of sight*
Wellington: ............................................................................... Gghhhh... YOU... how dare you!! Now I have to wash my hair again!!! If it stains somehow, you're going to regret it!!! *Hurls the thermos towards a wall as hard as he can, then rubs coffee off his face with his hands. He looks up at hot dark drops dripping off his bangs, suddenly depressed by it. He wants to be clean again, immediately. That desire is larger than the one to just turn and leave the room. With obvious reluctance, he walks over to the other two and sits under the running water, as far from Diego as he can, which situates him fairly close to Matt. He tries to ignore how naked the other two are, and keeps his own towel on even though it's getting soaked.*
Matt: *Glances to Wellington, both glad to have something else to look at besides Diego's creepy face but also feeling a bit put off with him there. He doesn't like showing any weakness in front of the smaller man and at the moment, he feels very vulnerable. He's certain his throat probably still has red marks from Diego's hand.* ...*This is probably the most quiet Matt has been in a long time.*
Diego: *is made more aware by the sound of Wellington's footsteps than anything else - and immediately regrets throwing the coffee, as he could use some at the moment* Good. Now, as I was saying. Scar, imagine if I had been White just now. Or Gant. How far do you think that would have gone?
Matt: ...White's a pushover and Damon's got nothing against me.
Diego: ...*grimaces* Imagine, then, that I had wanted to kill you, instead of scare you. Imagine I was secretly good friends with Curls and grew weary of seeing my little compadre battered.
Matt: *Smirks a little.* Well, I've been nothing but civil to Welly lately so the situation never would have happened.
Wellington: *narrows his eyes at Diego-- for a moment.... then his eyes widen as he realizes something is wrong with Diego's face*
Diego: *reaches outside the stall and snaps his fingers again, a few seconds later holding another thermos, which he sips from, keeping his thumb over the opening otherwise so water doesn't run in* Scar. Work with me. If I wanted to kill you because you have a big mouth, what do you think would have just happened?
Matt: *Pauses as his smirk fades.* I'd be dead? Is that what you want me to say?
Wellington: *looks away from Diego's face, disgusted and a little pale; the sight almost makes him ill*
Diego: *doesn't know to even respond to Wellington* Yes, Scar. You'd be dead. Ugly thought, isn't it? That's the Thunderhead I was talking about: recognizing that your behavior can get you killed. *takes a long sip, and smirks* Bitter, but true.
Matt: *Continues to look in Wellington's general direction.* Okay...So what? You expect me to sit out and play good boy while you try to get my girl upset? Don't you have better things to do than pick on girls, dude?
Wellington: *holds up a hand to his mouth and keeps looking to the side* Really, find something else to occupy your free time than throwing your muscle around and harassing people over things you have nothing to do with. Don't you have a book to read or something? I'm sure they come in braille.
Diego: *"looks" at Wellington as he continues talking* This isn't about you and me, Scar. If I wanted to hurt you, it'd be out of a hidden vendetta for something you don't understand. I'll be honest; I'm just scared for the two of you, and intervening this way is the only method I have for communicating.
Diego: This behavior, the endless repetition of provoking another person? It got me this. *turns his torso and points to the huge scab on his left side, under his ribs, where Gant stabbed him*
Matt: *Looks a little over to Diego and frowns at the sight of the scab.* Ew... *Sighs a little before he straightens up and looks Diego in the face...a little under his eyesockets.* I've been keeping my mouth shut. Your entry seemed like it was aimed to provoke us so I responded, okay? I've been keeping away from Redd, been friendly to Damon, and civil to Welly. What else do you want me to do?
Diego: *grimaces* ...I went too far, there, Scar. I was provoking you. I apologize. And yeah, it's been better. On a certain level I've been aiming to solve the problem so hard that I didn't really notice when it went away. *pops the cap off of the thermos and slams back the whole thing, faster than should be possible, and sets it empty on the ground*
Diego: I've had my say to the both of you. There are people here who will kill you, given any excuse. That's it. After this conversation, we can wash our hands of each other: I will leave you be. That sound fair to the both of you?
Wellington: Nothing would make me happier than to not have to look at you anymore. *puts his chin on his palm and looks to the side with exasperation*
Matt: *Glares a little at Wellington before he gives a small nod in Diego's direction.* It's cool, dude. I really don't have any problems with you. *Smirks.* Even if you can't stay out of other people's business.
Diego: *sighs, tossing the thermos outside of the stall and rising, offering his hands to the two men in front of him, regardless of their proximity to one another, offering to help them stand up* Good enough for me.
Wellington: *moves away from the shower and Matt and wipes water off his face, not really satisfied that the coffee was completely washed out of his hair but eager to leave*
Matt: *Is still for a moment before he reaches out and takes a firm hold of Diego's hand, pulling himself up.* Thanks.
Diego: *under his breath, just at a level where Matt can hear* Meet me in the yard tomorrow, I'll show you a couple of moves to get out of a situation like that. *claps Matt on the shoulder and walks back to his own stall with the same measured, careful steps, immediately obscured by the thick steam*
Wellington: *is still sitting down near the water, and crosses his arms* ..........
Matt: *Looks down to Wellington and tilts his head, silently.* ... *Mimics Diego's earlier gesture and holds out a hand to help Wellington up.*
Wellington: *Hesitates for a long moment, then grabs Matt's forearm and pulls himself up, holding his sopping wet towel around his waist with his other hand. He catches himself staring at the red marks on Matt's neck, then glances away.*
Matt: *After Wellington stands, he lets his hand drop to the side. He just stares at the other man, waiting for him to move so he can finally finish his shower.*
Wellington: *sighs and runs the bleached part of his hair through his fingers* Does coffee stain hair?
Matt: *Leans a little closer and inspects the bleached hair. He shakes his head.* Should be fine. Maybe wash it through once more just to be sure.
Wellington: Really? I know that stuff stains teeth, that's why I don't drink it.
Matt: *Nods a little, running a hand through his own hair before squints a little at other's hair.* Same here. Really bad breath too. *Frowns a little before he gestures for Wellington to move out of the stall.* Here, I can't see well enough with all the steam in here. We can see it better out there, dude.
Wellington: *steps out of the stall, squinting at his surroundings and trying to figure out where he left his shampoo*
Matt: *Follows him out of the stall, not bothering to turn it off. Leaning closer to Wellington again, he stares for a few moments before shaking his head.* Nope. Looks good. You think it didn't stick cause your hair was already wet?
Wellington: *stops fiddling with his hair and eyes Matt doubtfully* I hope so. Keeping my hair looking the way it does isn't easy; I'd rather not have to deal with recoloring it again. ...Did you see where I put my shampoo?
Matt: I can't imagine how hard it is to get some bleach in this place... *Looks around and spots the strawberry shampoo, pointing it out.* There it is. *Glances behind him, seeing the steam still building up from Diego's stall.*
Wellington: I still have a bottle of it in my room. I have enough left for a few more months. I'm sure I'll be able to obtain another bottle by then, anyways. It's not so hard. *walks in the direction Matt pointed until he sees it, then picks it up, then squeezes some into his hand and begins lathering it in*
Matt: *Shrugs and glances back to his stall before walking back into it. Standing still at first, he finally reaches to grab his soap and finish his shower.*
Wellington: *Yawns as he walks into the showering area, strawberry shampoo in one hand and a towel around his waist. It's later in the evening, a time of day he figured out that he was less likely to have company in the room. He looks around, squinting at the partitions and benches; everything is blurry as usual, but there's no sound and no movement, so he's satisfied that he's alone. He turns on one of the showers and sits down on a bench, waiting for the water to warm up.*
Matt: *Steps through the door and gives a quick sweep of the area before he grins and adjusts the towel around his waist. It was just a precaution really. Not like he actually was scared of Diego. Taking a few more steps in, he raises a hand and gives a small wave to Wellington, still grinning.* Hey dude. Didn't think you'd be here too.
Wellington: *Stiffens when Matt announces himself, and looks over his shoulder at him.* ...YOU'RE here? I thought you showered in the morning. *Bites at the inside of his lip, suddenly reminded of their first shower room encounter, and subsequent painful meetings. His skin prickles at the thought. Being near Matt in a vulnerable place like this set his nerves on edge.*
Matt: Well, obviously I am here. And, well, I just felt like the need to switch up my schedule a little. Keep things from getting to stale, you know? *Takes a quick few strides to a stall and turns on the shower, taking a few steps back while he waits for it to heat up. Glances over his shoulder to Wellington.* I thought you took showers in the morning too, dude?
Wellington: *shakes his head* I... prefer showering in the evening now. Things are a lot... quieter. Usually. *crosses his arms and stares at the shower, wishing the water didn't take so long to heat up*
Matt: Really? *Pauses before he gives a small nod, looking back to the stall.* Maybe I should be taking them in the evening now too.
Wellington: .... *Bites his teeth together a little harder, thinking maybe he should just skip the shower and go back to his cell; but he can almost feel the grime of the day's activities on the surface of his skin, and he won't be able to sleep knowing he hasn't showered it off.*
Diego: *a whistled tune echoes from just past the door to the showers - a low, slow rendition of Fragrance of Dark Coffee*
Matt: *Turns quickly to the door and frowns a little at sound of the whistling, crossing his arms over his chest. He has a feeling he knows exactly who it is.*
Wellington: *Has heard guards whistling to themselves plenty of times and doesn't find anything suspicious about the noise, crossing his legs and pondering if it's time to shave them again.*
Diego: *rounds the corner - stark naked, visorless, carrying a shampoo bottle in one hand and a bar of soap and washcloth in the other* *takes careful, measured steps - looked in before, so he can tell which stall Matt and Welly are in by listening*
Diego: *looks over and grins beneath his empty sockets* Evenin', Scar. Evenin', Curls.
Matt: *His eyes widen suddenly before he cringes and turns to the side, keeping Diego in his sights without having to actually look at him. He is more surprised by seeing Diego's empty eyesockets than seeing the man actually there. When he speaks, his voice has a lower tone than usual.* Hey, dude.
Wellington: *turns to look at him, just raises an eyebrow contemptuously* You again? Tch... are you following us in an extra-creepy fashion today or are you actually here to shower? The sweat and coffee smell you could stand to lose once in awhile. *can't see that Diego has no eyes from that distance*
Diego: Just here for a cleaning, Curls, same as you. *turns back to his path, counting out the steps in his head before arriving at the shower stall directly across from Matt's. Still humming the tune, sets his shampoo, soap, and cloth on the floor before turning on the water - all the way to hot*
Matt: *As Diego enters the stall, he relaxes a little, turning around to check the temperature in his own stall. What was he worried about? Hadn't Diego proven to just be full of empty threats before? Adjusting the heat to a more suitable temperature, he takes off the towel at his waist and throws it up on top of the stall wall. He steps into the stall and under the water, running a hand through his hair, slicking it back.*
Wellington: ... *picks up his shampoo bottle and squeezes a generous amount of it into his palm, then lathers the fruity-scented stuff into his hair; relieved that both men are leaving him alone*
Diego: *waits until the water is hot - hot enough to redden his skin, billowing steam, and stands under it for a few seconds* Ahhhh. *hums a bit louder, reaching outside of his stall, grabbing his shampoo, and placing it by his feet so the water runs over it*
Matt: *Still feeling a bit uneasy, he grabs for his shampoo and quickly lathers it in his hair. He still wants to finish this shower as quickly as possible.*
Wellington: *follows suit, removing his own towel and gets into his own shower, flinching with annoyance at realizing it's still colder than he likes it, and busies himself adjusting the temperature knobs*
Diego: *waits another moment, soaking in the heat, before turning and leaving the bottle under the running water. Takes all the steps necessary to reach Matt's shower while he is turned away, placing both hands on either side of the stall and leaning in* Scar.
Wellington: *finally gets the temperature he wants and lets the water fall against his face, massaging his scalp with his fingertips, unaware of Matt's predicament*
Matt: *Hears the voice behind him (inwardly cursing that he wasn't paying attention) and quickly turns around. He takes a step backwards.* Shit! What are you doing?!
Diego: *takes a step in, running his hands along the inside of the stall, leading with his face - water running out of the sockets of his eyes* Didn't I say I'd show you, Scar? Thunderheads.
Matt: *Is silent as he takes a final step backwards, his bare back against the cold wall now. Even though Diego's empty sockets are sending chills up his spine, he can't bring himself to look away.*
Diego: *takes his right hand off the wall and reaches out with it, one finger extended - it brushes against the bridge of Matt's nose* What was it you said, Scar? *his tone shifts radically, rising in volume, becoming a booming mirror of Matt's* Yep. I was right! I really don't care!
Matt: *Leaning his head back against the wall and away from Diego's hand as he shifts a little, moving to the side. He wonders if he can slip under Diego's arm and escape quickly enough to not get caught by the larger man.* I...I was just saying that, dude.
Diego: *that touch allowed him to gauge where Matt's standing, and even his posture - so he steps in, placing his hands on his hips as he stands close to Matt, just close enough that he "looks" down at him* Really, Scar? I believed you.
Wellington: *Finishes rinsing the suds out of his hair and opens his eyes; pausing, then frowning when he realizes he sees two blurry human figures in Matt's stall instead of one. Walks out of his stall without turning the water off and puts his towel back on, stepping to the middle of the room.* .... *puts a hand on his hip* What are you two doing?
Matt: *Opens his mouth to respond to Diego but pauses as he hears Wellington's voice over the noise of the shower. He moves to peer over Diego's shoulder before pressing against the wall again. He does not want to say anything with Diego this close to him.*
Wellington: ..... *stares flatly* Do you two need time alone? If you could wait, I'm almost done here. *flicks a dripping lock of hair out of his face*
Diego: *still in Matt's tones* Nothing, dude! Just...having a little chat. *much lower, in his own voice* Isn't that right, Scar? This is an educational experience. *reaches up, suddenly, putting a hand around his neck and locking his fingers - not choking, but gripping*
Matt: *Lets out a loud cry as Diego's hand closes around his throat. His hands are instantly at the other's hands, trying to pull it off of him.*
Wellington: *startled by the shout, stares in surprise, taking a couple steps closer to try to see what's going on, then freezes once he sees Diego's hand on Matt's neck* ...!!
Diego: *his fingers lock tighter, and as soon as Matt's hands are on his wrist his free hand plows hard into Matt's stomach*
Matt: *Lurching forward, he makes a choked sound as the hand on his neck restricts his breathing. It takes him only a moment to recover before he begins to dig one hand's nails into the hand at his throat. His other hand reaches for Diego's face.*
Wellington: *Stares in shock... he wants to run somewhere safe in case Diego turns on him next, but he's frozen to the spot and can't seem to get his legs to move. He settles for yelling at Diego.* What... what do you think you're doing?!
Diego: *actually kind of shocked that the first punch didn't take - as soon as Matt's hands leave his wrist without the man crumpling, though, he knows he's reaching for his face - so he rears back and swings underhanded with his whole torso, sinking his fist into Matt's gut*
Matt: *Squeezing his eyes shut as the punch connects, he lets out the same choked noise before his arms fall to his side, very limp.*
Wellington: *watches in alarm as Matt slumps* Matt! .... *Grits his teeth and stares sharply at Diego, perturbed by his violence. He hates Diego for flaunting his power, and lets his anger towards the man surmount, since it pushes down the growing fear. He doesn't care so much that it's Matt being hit, but hates how threatened he feels by Diego's show of force.*
Diego: *lets go of Matt, gripping him under the arms and lowering him to the floor, gently, his back propped against the side of the stall* Easy, Scar, easy, I've got you.
Matt: *Twitches a little as he is lowered down and finally let go, his hand coming up to his own throat protectively before he looks up to Diego.* ...
Wellington: *tenses so much his arms shake* ...Hey! Why did you do that?? Are you trying to show off? ...I've had it with you and your stalking and scare tactics! You're just another stupid brute who thinks he can impress everyone with a little muscle! I'm tired of dealing with your classless type!! Back off and leave us alone!!!
Diego: *doesn't look up* Curls, I can't understand your shrieking from that far away, you'll have to come closer. *stoops in front of Matt, "looking" him in the face - at this point he shows no expression except maybe a twinge of concern* Scar, can we talk? As men?
Wellington: ................. *doesn't move, only continues glaring angrily at the scene*
Matt: *Narrows his eyes at Diego, wanting to lash out again, but really doesn't think he stands much of a chance in this condition. His eyes flicker over to Wellington before he glares back at Diego. Despite how upset he is, he keeps his voice in a somewhat neutral tone.* Can we get out of this stall first? Or are you gonna pin me here while you talk?
Diego: No, Engarde, I'm not going to pin you. Or hit you. *lets himself fall backwards, so he's sitting across from Matt, insofar as that's possible with the size of the stall* I just want to talk. Can we talk for a minute? Dropping all the bullshit.
Matt: *His hand finally drops from his throat and he nods.* Fine. Bullshit has been dropped.
Wellington: *looks a little less angry and a little more perplexed, relaxing his muscles marginally as he continues watching the two*
Diego: Scar, I didn't like doing that. I like nothing less than using force to prove a point. *raises one finger* Do you know why you and I are in prison?
Matt: *Raises an eyebrow, a little confused as to where this is going.* To, what? Learn our lesson so we can live with other people on the outside again?
Wellington: *looks away from both of them at that comment, tightening his fists a bit*
Diego: *allows himself a sardonic grin* Well, that's what they say rehabilitation is, but no. I mean what put us here. We are here because of the kind of thing that goes on between you and Curls - the aggressor/victim dynamic being perpetrated until it escalates into real violence. We agree there?
Matt: ...*Pauses for a moment before he nods again. He grins a little at the thought.* I suppose that would be right.
Diego: Right. Now, the difference beween there and here is simple. Outside, it gets you put in here. In here...it gets you killed. Right?
Matt: ...Killed? I don't see anyone dying, dude.
Diego: *grins wide* Pretend that I had wanted to kill you just now, Scar, because of your mouth.
Matt: Okay...*Looks a little to the side, not liking to stare Diego in the face without his visor.*
Diego: *looks up to where he heard Wellington last* Curls, get over here, you need to hear this.
Wellington: *brushes damp hair out of his eyes* ...No. I'm not going near a wild beast like you. I can hear you fine from here, not that I care to listen to your frilly nonsense.
Diego: *reaches outside of the stall and snaps his fingers - there is a scraping sound as a thermos of coffee slides across the floor of the shower and hits the back of his hand* *picks up the thermos, removes the lid, and throws it at Wellington so it lands upside down on his head*
Diego: *whoever slid it to him is naturally already out of sight*
Wellington: ............................................................................... Gghhhh... YOU... how dare you!! Now I have to wash my hair again!!! If it stains somehow, you're going to regret it!!! *Hurls the thermos towards a wall as hard as he can, then rubs coffee off his face with his hands. He looks up at hot dark drops dripping off his bangs, suddenly depressed by it. He wants to be clean again, immediately. That desire is larger than the one to just turn and leave the room. With obvious reluctance, he walks over to the other two and sits under the running water, as far from Diego as he can, which situates him fairly close to Matt. He tries to ignore how naked the other two are, and keeps his own towel on even though it's getting soaked.*
Matt: *Glances to Wellington, both glad to have something else to look at besides Diego's creepy face but also feeling a bit put off with him there. He doesn't like showing any weakness in front of the smaller man and at the moment, he feels very vulnerable. He's certain his throat probably still has red marks from Diego's hand.* ...*This is probably the most quiet Matt has been in a long time.*
Diego: *is made more aware by the sound of Wellington's footsteps than anything else - and immediately regrets throwing the coffee, as he could use some at the moment* Good. Now, as I was saying. Scar, imagine if I had been White just now. Or Gant. How far do you think that would have gone?
Matt: ...White's a pushover and Damon's got nothing against me.
Diego: ...*grimaces* Imagine, then, that I had wanted to kill you, instead of scare you. Imagine I was secretly good friends with Curls and grew weary of seeing my little compadre battered.
Matt: *Smirks a little.* Well, I've been nothing but civil to Welly lately so the situation never would have happened.
Wellington: *narrows his eyes at Diego-- for a moment.... then his eyes widen as he realizes something is wrong with Diego's face*
Diego: *reaches outside the stall and snaps his fingers again, a few seconds later holding another thermos, which he sips from, keeping his thumb over the opening otherwise so water doesn't run in* Scar. Work with me. If I wanted to kill you because you have a big mouth, what do you think would have just happened?
Matt: *Pauses as his smirk fades.* I'd be dead? Is that what you want me to say?
Wellington: *looks away from Diego's face, disgusted and a little pale; the sight almost makes him ill*
Diego: *doesn't know to even respond to Wellington* Yes, Scar. You'd be dead. Ugly thought, isn't it? That's the Thunderhead I was talking about: recognizing that your behavior can get you killed. *takes a long sip, and smirks* Bitter, but true.
Matt: *Continues to look in Wellington's general direction.* Okay...So what? You expect me to sit out and play good boy while you try to get my girl upset? Don't you have better things to do than pick on girls, dude?
Wellington: *holds up a hand to his mouth and keeps looking to the side* Really, find something else to occupy your free time than throwing your muscle around and harassing people over things you have nothing to do with. Don't you have a book to read or something? I'm sure they come in braille.
Diego: *"looks" at Wellington as he continues talking* This isn't about you and me, Scar. If I wanted to hurt you, it'd be out of a hidden vendetta for something you don't understand. I'll be honest; I'm just scared for the two of you, and intervening this way is the only method I have for communicating.
Diego: This behavior, the endless repetition of provoking another person? It got me this. *turns his torso and points to the huge scab on his left side, under his ribs, where Gant stabbed him*
Matt: *Looks a little over to Diego and frowns at the sight of the scab.* Ew... *Sighs a little before he straightens up and looks Diego in the face...a little under his eyesockets.* I've been keeping my mouth shut. Your entry seemed like it was aimed to provoke us so I responded, okay? I've been keeping away from Redd, been friendly to Damon, and civil to Welly. What else do you want me to do?
Diego: *grimaces* ...I went too far, there, Scar. I was provoking you. I apologize. And yeah, it's been better. On a certain level I've been aiming to solve the problem so hard that I didn't really notice when it went away. *pops the cap off of the thermos and slams back the whole thing, faster than should be possible, and sets it empty on the ground*
Diego: I've had my say to the both of you. There are people here who will kill you, given any excuse. That's it. After this conversation, we can wash our hands of each other: I will leave you be. That sound fair to the both of you?
Wellington: Nothing would make me happier than to not have to look at you anymore. *puts his chin on his palm and looks to the side with exasperation*
Matt: *Glares a little at Wellington before he gives a small nod in Diego's direction.* It's cool, dude. I really don't have any problems with you. *Smirks.* Even if you can't stay out of other people's business.
Diego: *sighs, tossing the thermos outside of the stall and rising, offering his hands to the two men in front of him, regardless of their proximity to one another, offering to help them stand up* Good enough for me.
Wellington: *moves away from the shower and Matt and wipes water off his face, not really satisfied that the coffee was completely washed out of his hair but eager to leave*
Matt: *Is still for a moment before he reaches out and takes a firm hold of Diego's hand, pulling himself up.* Thanks.
Diego: *under his breath, just at a level where Matt can hear* Meet me in the yard tomorrow, I'll show you a couple of moves to get out of a situation like that. *claps Matt on the shoulder and walks back to his own stall with the same measured, careful steps, immediately obscured by the thick steam*
Wellington: *is still sitting down near the water, and crosses his arms* ..........
Matt: *Looks down to Wellington and tilts his head, silently.* ... *Mimics Diego's earlier gesture and holds out a hand to help Wellington up.*
Wellington: *Hesitates for a long moment, then grabs Matt's forearm and pulls himself up, holding his sopping wet towel around his waist with his other hand. He catches himself staring at the red marks on Matt's neck, then glances away.*
Matt: *After Wellington stands, he lets his hand drop to the side. He just stares at the other man, waiting for him to move so he can finally finish his shower.*
Wellington: *sighs and runs the bleached part of his hair through his fingers* Does coffee stain hair?
Matt: *Leans a little closer and inspects the bleached hair. He shakes his head.* Should be fine. Maybe wash it through once more just to be sure.
Wellington: Really? I know that stuff stains teeth, that's why I don't drink it.
Matt: *Nods a little, running a hand through his own hair before squints a little at other's hair.* Same here. Really bad breath too. *Frowns a little before he gestures for Wellington to move out of the stall.* Here, I can't see well enough with all the steam in here. We can see it better out there, dude.
Wellington: *steps out of the stall, squinting at his surroundings and trying to figure out where he left his shampoo*
Matt: *Follows him out of the stall, not bothering to turn it off. Leaning closer to Wellington again, he stares for a few moments before shaking his head.* Nope. Looks good. You think it didn't stick cause your hair was already wet?
Wellington: *stops fiddling with his hair and eyes Matt doubtfully* I hope so. Keeping my hair looking the way it does isn't easy; I'd rather not have to deal with recoloring it again. ...Did you see where I put my shampoo?
Matt: I can't imagine how hard it is to get some bleach in this place... *Looks around and spots the strawberry shampoo, pointing it out.* There it is. *Glances behind him, seeing the steam still building up from Diego's stall.*
Wellington: I still have a bottle of it in my room. I have enough left for a few more months. I'm sure I'll be able to obtain another bottle by then, anyways. It's not so hard. *walks in the direction Matt pointed until he sees it, then picks it up, then squeezes some into his hand and begins lathering it in*
Matt: *Shrugs and glances back to his stall before walking back into it. Standing still at first, he finally reaches to grab his soap and finish his shower.*