tushanshu_logs | calm before the

Entry tags:

calm before the - wait, what? [open]

Characters: Brandon Sharpe and ~open~
Location: All over the place during the Storm System This is forward-dated a little to accommodate various timelines whoops!
Situation: Brandon is giving that Big Damn Hero thing a try. He's about ten shades of not sure if want.
Warnings/Rating: Brandon's attitude.
Notes: Not really anything. Fly at, have fun. PM me if you wanna hash out something a little more structured.

[So, maybe storms aren't the usual superhero fare, but Brandon wouldn't exactly be up for facing anything more threatening than the Condiment King (whoops, DC crossover) on a bad day at the moment. Between missing his team, the dead bodies on the altar, losing his shit for a week and all the really hard conversations he's had with Steph? He's sort of feeling the aster.

But when you're somebody that controls lightning, a little bad weather really can't get you down.

So maybe his suit's soaked and chafing in all the wrong places, but Brandon is out and about, helping people get to safety (still sort of weird) and diverting lightning strikes when he's in the area (less weird) and generally trying not to live up to Pym's expectations.

For which you can totally thank Stephanie Brown.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[On one hand, Tommy is really hot and Brandon has spent the better part of two days admiring what wet spandex did to his ass.

On the other hand, he's dating Steph, and more than that, actually cares about her. So when Steph steps up to support him, he gives her a grateful little smile and lets her take (some) of his weight, hand falling away from Tommy's shoulder.

Also don't think he didn't see the way you were eyeballing his girl, Shepherd. Brandon spends the next few seconds awkwardly wondering if he should go and get her a blanket or something, but... Steph's not exactly shy. If it bothered her, she'd have done it already.]

We're fine. Scout's honour. Just exhausted. Been out two days straight.

[Short sentences are easier when you can barely keep your eyes open, right? Brandon sort of curls into Steph, fingers catching in the fabric of the sweatshirt at her hip as he leans his head against her shoulder.

Maybe he's being a little possessive, but at least it's not in a RAWR ALPHA MALE sort of way. It's more in a 'hi girlfriend I'm exhausted' sort of way.]

Tommy, you want a change of clothes or something?

Eyes on my face, Tommy. [It's a gentle reminder, with a hint of amusement, that at least shows she's at least paying some attention to her current state of undress. His comment about not having done anything gets mostly ignored, partly out of guilt, since the thought did cross her mind, but then - if Tommy had hurt Brandon, he probably wouldn't be bringing him home.

With Brandon happy to let her help, Steph puts her own arm around his waist and rests her other hand on his chest, just in case he's at risk of toppling over. It's pretty much only Tommy's presence and Brandon's ego that stops her from just picking him up in a princess carry and taking him to bed.]

I'm glad you're both okay. [Yes, both of them, even if her primary concern is pretty obvious right now. She doesn't miss how he curls against her, but chalks it up to exhaustion.] Let's get you off your feet before you end up on the floor.

[That was specific to Brandon, and she's going to gently nudge him in the direction of the couch so she can sit him down. Tommy can answer Brandon's question in his own time, though if he does want to go get clothes, she might ask him to bring her a pair of pants]

[He can't help but smile at Steph's comment about her face, and shoots her this 'I have no idea what you are talking about' look before snorting and helping to slide Brandon off him onto Steph. He then pushed his goggles up off his face so he could rub at his eyes, red rings around them where the goggles once sat and his cheeks flushed pink as evidence of how long they had actually been out in the storm.

Glad to have the weight off him, Tommy moved away a little so he could watch the pair of them, stretching out his shoulder that Brandon had been leaning against. He's just starting to realise how serious the pair of them are. In fact, being here is sort of making him feel awkward--like being around Eli and Kate when they were being sickeningly flirty, or being around Teddy and Billy.

So when Brandon offers clothes, Tommy shrugs, still standing a little way off.]

Nah, I'm good. I think I'm just gonna run back to my place. [Kate's probably waiting for him anyway, and it meant he could shower and relax without having to go back out in the rain. Even if he was almost running on empty and his limbs ached and felt numb from the cold.]

Edited 2012-10-02 13:05 (UTC)

[Brandon goes willingly enough to the couch and pretty much drops on it wherever Steph puts him. He does not want to move to this spot unless the Skrulls invade again.

But he does reach for her hand and tangle their fingers together, a silent 'thank-you'. Normally he'd tug her down against him, but he's still sort of soaking wet and she looks like she stripped down to try and get dry.]

Dude. Storm's almost over, if you wait like an hour it'll be blue skies out there. Go have a shower or something. If I have to explain to your brother why you're dead on your feet when I could have said 'hey, sleep on my couch for a couple hours' I will straight up electrocute you.

[so there. But it's obviously not a threat, not the way it was before. He glances at Steph and just the act of doing so is enough to make him smile a little. It's tired, but definitely genuine. He's happy to see her. Happy that she's not hurt, and that she's here.]

[Steph watches the exchange with interest, waiting beside Brandon on the couch and happy to have his hand in hers. She'd have killed him if he got himself hurt out there.

It's clear Tommy and Brandon have at least sorted out some of their differences, and she can't help but be happy for it; she does like them both and as much as she's not sure where she stands with Tommy right now - it's good that they're not at each other's throats. That they're looking out for each other.]

There will be no electrocuting of anyone. [Thank you very much. The scolding tone is entirely put on, and she smiles at Brandon before looking back to Tommy.] But you should stay, Tommy. Once you're both dry I'll make you something to eat, and you can head home when it's stopped raining.

[Because speedster metabolism, and because it's a way to look after people she cares about.]

[Yeah, Tommy isn't sure when they stopped being at each other's throats to this. He's not even sure what this is other than awkward--but that's just the situation right now. He crosses his arms over his chest, leaving a puddle on the floor. A shower sounded amazing, but he wasn't sure if it was worth staying around and seeing these two get all mushy. He'd rather vomit.

The prospect of eating however, is a lot more tempting, and Tommy heaves a sigh and starts to peel the top half of his uniform down, trying to get it to stop clinging damply to his body.]

Ugh, fine. But if you two start making out I'm throwing stuff at you.

[with a little maneuvering, he pulls his uniform down a little more and gets it over his shoulders and around his chest. God that felt so much better already. It's pretty obvious that he doesn't care who's looking at him.]

Y'got a towel or something I can use?

Honestly, Steph, I'd kill for a cup of coffee more than actual food.

[Since. You know. He's still kind of running on all the lightning strikes he's fended off. It's hard to feel actually hungry when there's that much energy bouncing around under your skin.

And then--

Oh god this isn't happening.

Okay. It's fine. He's seen Reptil mostly naked before and he's way more built than Tommy nevermind the fact that Tommy's totally his type and ugh this is.

Ugh.]

Closet outside the bathroom.

[It is a damn good thing he's an actor.]

Coffee, then. But you should eat something. [Don't make her fuss at you like a mother hen, Brandon.

She gives his hand a squeeze before letting it go, planning to head into kitchen to acquire that coffee while Tommy makes up his mind about staying, but then he comes out with that line, and really. What is she supposed to do except stop in her tracks to make a smart comment.]

I think it's a little early in our relationship for voyeurism, you don't have to worry.

[And then he's -

Taking his shirt off, right. Steph just shoots him a flat look; if he's trying to show off, no one is impressed (except Brandon).]

Can you bring a couple here while you're at it?

[For once, he's not actually showing off. Just wanting to get out of the soaking wet suit thats clinging to his skin and actually warm up, so he does little but raise an eyebrow at Steph's look. He's too tired to really retort.]

Dude, I hear enough of it at home. This is a no PDA zone. [Well. Not that tired.

He doesn't even run to the bathroom, and actually walks out and rifles around in the closet before coming back moments later, tossing two towels at Steph. In the interim he's gotten his uniform down onto his waist but he wastes no time in heading back into the shower to go actually warm up.]

If there's food going, I'd seriously be up for that when I'm back.

[Brandon catches one of the towels. The other one smacks him in the face, which earns Tommy a bit of a scowl, though it's half-hearted.

God, the thought of Tommy using his shower.

Nope, nope, nope.

As soon as Tommy's out of sight he starts towelling off his hair.]

Rough couple of days, huh? You make it through okay?

[There's obvious concern in his tone. He should have checked on her while everything was going on, but he was so focused on all the hero work it just... didn't happen.]

[By the time Tommy's back with towels, Steph has returned with a refill for her own cup, and a new one for Brandon, both of which she sets on the coffee table before taking a seat next to him.]

I had an adventure.

[Her smile is rueful, a little tired around the edges as she sort of just - plucks at the shoulder of his costume. Wet spandex. She remembers that pain, and is glad her newer costumes are mostly water tight.]

You've been busy. [It's not a question, Steph can put two and two together and she's clearly proud of him] I hope you were careful out there, I don't want to have to give a lecture or anything.

[Natural disasters aren't the sort of problem she usually deals with (you can't punch a storm) so it makes her a little more nervous than if Brandon had just been out zapping criminals]

Yeah? Tell me about it?

[Now that Tommy's out of the room Brandon doesn't have a problem standing so he can strip down to just his boxer briefs, which are-- yep those are soaked too thank god they're not white is all he's saying okay. Black is so much less see-through.

Ugh he hates the feeling of all-over-wetness that comes from being entombed in your own soaked clothing for hours at a time.

He pads into his bedroom for some clean (dry) clothing as he talks, the question coming a little bit louder for the distance. He tugs on a pair of pants (no shirt) and then brings a change of clothes out for Tommy as well as Steph. Well, really just sweatpants in her case. He's the biggest out of all of them so it's not like anyone else will have trouble getting into his clothes. The Tommy-bundle he leaves folded outside the bathroom door, the other pair of pants he brings out and holds out in an offer to her.]

I was careful. I only got struck by lightning once.

[bit of a grin. he obviously doesn't consider it that serious.]

Edited (wow what happened there, reading comprehension.) 2012-10-02 18:20 (UTC)

We thought it'd be a good idea to go scouting for somewhere to do some bike racing. [She leans back against the back of the couch and blows out a puff of air, and pitches her voice to carry so he can hear her while he's in the bedroom] Car broke down, and the next thing we know the storm's rolling in. Luckily we were in one of the abandoned villages, and we managed to find somewhere to wait it out but - remind me never to do that again.

[With him back in front of her, Steph makes sure to look appropriately contrite about the fact she got herself into such a situation. She also accepts the pants gratefully, and sort of gets up and puts them on at the same time, in a feat of Bat skill. As soon as she's standing, she wraps her arms around Brandon's shoulders in a proper hug, maybe a little tighter than necessary after tha lightning comment.]

How did you manage to get struck by lightning? [the implication in her voice is that he must have done it on purpose, since she's at least 90% sure with his powers, it's impossible for him to get accidentally struck.]

You and who else?

[He hugs her back. It's... a nice form of physical contact. Easy. No pressure.]

... Don't tell him, but I was saving Tommy's ass.

[... but he doesn't have a problem looking like a hero in front of his girlfriend, okok. It's an ego thing.]

Asami and Cass. Everyone's fine, it was just, you know, wet and windy.

[Hugs are nice, but Steph pulls back a little so that he can see her confused expression]

Why aren't we telling him?

[She can understand not wanting to brag about something, but it seems more like Brandon is trying to keep it from Tommy and she's not sure why 'I don't like that guy' is a reason not to tell him you saved his life.]

I know the feeling.

[Man, does he ever. And then he just... shifts slightly under her scrutiny.]

It's a guy thing. He doesn't need to know. I don't want him feeling like he owes me anything, okay? I'd have done it for anyone.

[Brandon kind of has Issues about being indebted to people.]

[That scrutiny lasts a moment longer, then she shifts a little to frame his face in her hands, so she can kiss him lightly]

I don't know what you were talking about when you said you weren't a superhero.

[It's said lightly, but between the fact he's apparently spent the last couple days saving people, and then doing that for Tommy and not wanting him to feel indebted for it.

Yeah, she's pretty sure he's a superhero.]

[He stiffens a little in surprise -- at her words, not at the kiss. He won't lie and say he isn't doing this for the recognition, but... Steph's recognition is different somehow. It means more.

It makes him feel like trying. Like the fact that he's tired and sore and aching all over is a good thing instead of just a massive pain in the ass.

This isn't perfect. It doesn't feel right. She's still-- and he just can't push that thought out of his head long enough to matter. He wants to tell her. Two words. Well. Two and a half.

'I'm gay.'

No big deal, right?

Instead, he just tucks his hands into her hair and kisses her back.]

[It's kind of hard to smile and kiss someone at the same time, so Steph manages to keep the smile off her face for a little while.

She's still kind of peripherally aware of Tommy in the suite, and that he did threaten to throw something at them if they got caught making out, so she pulls away after a moment, presses a kiss to Brandon's forehead and smooths her hands across his shoulders.]

So, what does it feel like to get hit by lightning?

[She's curious.

She's also not sure how to deal with the sudden tightness in her chest at - all this. Feelings are the real kissing disease.]

[He presses his forehead to hers and laughs a little.]

It hurts like hell. Afterwards I couldn't decide if I wanted to throw up or leap a tall building in a single bound.

Sounds intense. [He can probably feel her frown slightly in concern.]

I'm glad you're alright. Is there any chance I can get you to promise to never do that again?

Yeah. It was... yeah.

[Unpleasant, sure, but he doesn't want pity for it.]

Hey, if it needs to be done...

[... Maybe he'd be smarter about it next time, though. He kisses her again, gently.]

I'm banning any extreme weather activity.

[So that he doens't have to do it again, because this is something that's within her power.

Reluctantly, and after one last quick kiss, she extricates herself from his arms with a wry smile]

Let's not find out if Tommy'll make good on his threat of throwing stuff at us. [she's pretty sure he wouldn't, but still] Are you sure you're not hungry?

I'm right there with you on that one, yeesh.

[He groans and rolls one of his shoulders, rubbing at the join with the opposite hand.]

I should probably try and eat something, yeah. It just doesn't sound like the best idea ever right now, but... you know, intellectually it's smart. I haven't had much for a couple days.

As opposed to something being intellectually stupid. [Sorry, she can't help teasing.]

I'll make a noodle soup, you can just have the broth and pick at whatever you want to eat.

[She reaches out to lightly drum her fingers against his shoulder, before turning to walk to the kitchen.]

And I'll give you a massage later, you look like you need one.

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