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[color=808080][color=995749]#995749[/color] [color=2e2c2c].....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c].....[/color] brutus [color=2e2c2c].....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c].....[/color] [url=https://i.ibb.co/27y2d0CW/28b8a42a5fbbbde84c44de44d6b50eaf.jpg][color=808080]outfit[/color][/url] [color=2e2c2c]...............[/color] [color=796e9c]#796e9c[/color] [color=2e2c2c].....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c].....[/color] alloy [color=2e2c2c].....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c].....[/color] [url=https://imgur.com/CbmkoWr][color=808080]outfit[/color][/url] [color=2e2c2c]...............[/color] [color=375a87]#375a87[/color] [color=2e2c2c].....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c].....[/color] nightinggale [color=2e2c2c].....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c].....[/color] [url=https://imgur.com/nmvqlk4][color=808080]outfit[/color][/url] [color=2e2c2c]...............[/color] descendant tower[/color]
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[indent][indent][indent][indent][justify][color=808080][color=a8f9ff][i]"Think I’ll get a drink… and go for a swim,"[/i][/color] 

June had met Imogen’s gaze before it slid away, nodding once at the half-request. She’d turned, ready to follow the blonde but—

[color=d6d6d6]"Ms Wayne, I believe we have an appointment before you set off to your more carnal activities."[/color] Alfred’s voice carried to her, and Luke watched with amusement as the woman’s face flushed ever so slightly, her embarrassment flashing across her features. The older man smiled at her, and gestured toward the elevator. He’d never been able to picture a Wayne following someone else's instructions so easily, it was an interesting thing to witness. Thomas had always been rather stubborn too, though Luke remembered enjoying his stubbornness quite a lot before he’d gotten involved with Imogen. Either way, it made sense that his younger sister would be similar. 

Of course, he’d only had a second to process that train of thought before he was being, quite literally, swept off of his feet. A faint wheeze escaped Luke, even by super-human standards Magni was [i]strong[/i] and he hadn’t been expecting the sudden hug. He grinned at the other man once he was released, attempting to smooth his shirt as his eyes slid to Tobias. It had been years since he’d seen any of them, having left before the academy shut down and unable to maintain contact. Lucian often felt bitter over the circumstances that had torn his academy days to shreds, and he could only hope it wasn’t a feeling that was echoed in his comrades of old.

They’d both changed over the years, muscles filling out, tattoo’s adorning their bodies, and there were scars he was certain had never graced the other man's body before that were now there. Luke’s smile widened, and he pat Magni on the back thunderously to make up for the hug. [color=995749]"I’ll be there, old friend."[/color] Blue eyes connected with grey, and Luke’s smile turned into something a little more smooth. [color=995749]"I have to move my car first, but I’m sure you’d enjoy it if you came along, Tobias."[/color]

He let his eyes drag down the other man's body, lingering on his biceps, before meeting his gaze again. [color=995749]"Was one of those cars yours?"[/color] He could go up to his penthouse later, after some leisure time at the pool. 

A small, nearly unperceivable, smile crossed Tobias’s lips as he watched Luke get lifted right off the ground. He held up his hands in surrender before it was his turn being swept up in an Asgardian hug. He didn’t think he could avoid whimpering if the giant squeezed his shoulder too hard. Although seeing old friends helped brighten his mood and lighten a bit of the burden he had been carrying for the past couple weeks. There was a small, optimistic part of himself that grew a bit more hopeful knowing both of them were there to help. While he would have continued the search alone until death took him one way or another, having old friends at his side helped share the load. 

Tobias rubbed the back of his neck, letting out an awkward laugh. Pool water and bullet holes didn’t really mix. He also couldn’t recall ever having partaken in swimming when he attended the academy. But he was always more focused on training, sparring, or spending the rest of his time in the gym. He looked between both men, then conceded with a sigh. [color=796e9c]"I guess one night without responsibilities couldn’t hurt."[/color] His smile grew slightly.

As he stood up, he looked over at Luke, noticing how the man’s eyes lingered on Tobias’s biceps before meeting his gaze. He cleared his throat as he stood up straight. [color=796e9c]"Yeah. It’s the jeep,"[/color] he replied, pointing vaguely in the direction of where his car was parked.

There was something immensely satisfying about how Tobias straightened up beneath his scrutiny, but Luke kept his face a little more neutral as the thought crossed his mind. They’d only ever been friends back at the academy, he’d been too wrapped up in Thomas and then Imogen, but he felt like a blind man who was seeing the sun for the first time. It was unlikely someone who fronted such a stern attitude would be open to a few nights of reckless passion, but that wouldn’t stop Luke’s mind from wandering in that direction. [color=995749]"Let’s walk together then, I’ll probably just swim in my boxers."[/color] 

His grin was cocky and confident in a way it had never been when they were younger, Lucian knew the appeal his body had now and wasn’t scared of letting others know how he felt about it. He’d worked on staying in shape, it was only fair that his dedication was rewarded on occasion. [color=995749]"We could stop by your room first, though. If you need to change."[/color] Both of his hands slid into his pockets, posture relaxed and open, even as his eyes smoldered in their reevaluation of what he thought about going up to Tobias’s room together. [color=995749]"It’ll be nice to…catch up."[/color] 

Tobias wasn’t going to argue. They were both going the same way so it didn’t really make sense to say no and then walk awkwardly together anyway. Luke was an old friend, after all. Even if the both of them looked like strangers compared to their younger selves. Back in his days at the academy he had no ink, less muscles, and, surprisingly, a bigger chip on his shoulder. It was hard for people to get close to him back then, not much easier now but old acquaintances had a step up compared to fresh faces. 

[color=796e9c]"I don’t think I actually [i]own[/i] swimming trunks,"[/color] Tobias confessed with a weak laugh as he walked ahead of Luke and held the door open for him. [color=796e9c]"’Suppose there isn’t much of a difference between them and boxers anyway,"[/color] he added with a shrug. The motion sent a flair of pain through his shoulder, but he masked it with a slightly clenching of his jaw. 

Luke slid past Tobias, the faintest hints of musk, metal, and something not quite antiseptic invading his senses. The man paused halfway through the door, head tilting ever so slightly as his eyes lingered across the other man’s shoulders, then his chest. He caught the slightest clench of his jaw, but Lucian passed by without comment after a moment. [color=995749]"Easier access with boxers,"[/color] he said, perfectly casual despite the small grin that was set on his face. 

Tobias initially took a step forward to follow, Luke’s words taking a moment to sink in. When it hit him, he paused and eyes went a little wide. While he wasn’t a sexually liberal man, Tobias didn’t live under a rock either and caught onto the innuendo. He cleared his throat and tucked his hands into the pockets of his jeans opting to pretend like he didn’t hear him rather than find something to fill the silence.

As they walked toward their parked cars, he realized he honestly couldn’t remember what he was wearing under his clothes. Tobias hooked his thumb in the waistband of his jeans and tugged them away from his hips. He looked down and realized that in his rush to make it to the airport in time, and how uncomfortable getting dressed was, he seemed to have foregone putting on underwear. He laughed to himself as he pulled his hand away. [color=796e9c]"Guess I [i]will[/i] need to change."[/color]

Slowly, Luke’s grin widened into something that was more goofy than cocky. He stepped closer to Tobias, every movement slow and confident. The tip of his pointer finger ghosted along the hem of his jeans, the touch was feather light and gone as soon as it was there. He pulled back, humming to himself. His voice was alluring, a soft timber that hinted at a pleasant singing voice. [color=995749]"I have an extra pair of swim trunks you can borrow, there’s the changing area by the pool."[/color] No point in adding temptation by following the other man up to his room, Luke was trying not to be [i]too[/i] shameless. 

Tobias inhaled sharply, sucking in his stomach as the tip of Luke’s finger hovered dangerously close to the tattooed skin of his abdomen. A faint tinge of pink flooded his cheeks as the man pulled away, humming like he hadn’t been dangerously close… [i]What is he doing?[/i] Well, Tobias knew what he was doing but he wasn’t entirely sure why, or how to react. A blind person could see—[i]shit, fuck[/i], he caught the thought as if he said it out loud in front of Myla—what he meant was, Luke was hot, he was aware of that and apparently so was Luke. But he was a little confused at the sudden interest. Tobias didn’t really know how to react or what to say. [i]No thanks? He was flattered but casual wasn’t really his thing?[/i] He opted for an awkward silence and feigned ignorance.

[color=796e9c]"Sure. If you don’t mind,"[/color] he replied with a smile toward the blond as he stepped up to his black Jeep Wrangler. Tobias opened the door and slipped into the driver’s seat. After shutting himself in a temporary moment of privacy, he rang his hands along the steering wheel and sighed. [color=796e9c]"Fuck."[/color] He didn’t bother with his seatbelt, just started the engine and eased the car around the roundabout. 

Last time he attended the academy Tobias didn’t have a car, so entering the garage was all new for him. He had spent some time down there with a couple of his friends as they did whatever to their fancy super cars, but that was about it. He parked in one of the farthest corners, far from other vehicles and isolated, as he often lived his life. After hopping back out, he walked around to the back and opened the hatch trunk. Without thinking, he grabbed his backpack in his right hand and threw it over his shoulder. As the weight hit his back, Tobias’s knees buckled and his left hand braced himself against the car. 

[color=796e9c]"Son of a bitch,"[/color] he muttered under his breath to himself as he dropped his bag on the ground and flexed his hand. Tobias took a second to compose himself and calm his breathing. His nostrils flared as he leaned over, this time picking up the bag by the top handle with his left hand. He scooped up his helmet in the other hand by slipping his fingers through the eye holes, then slammed the trunk shut with an overly aggressive shove of his hip. 

That reaction was exactly what he’d been hoping for, it was subtle but there nonetheless. The hesitation, the confusion, the surprise. It gave Luke a thrill down his spine, he knew he was drastically different compared to how he had been at the academy. He’d never been this confident, so eager to slide a finger between someone’s jeans and ghost across the skin he found there. He’d aged like a fine wine, the traits he’d had when he first met Tobias had been accentuated by the passage of time to become something infinitely more palatable.

A small part of Luke was worried his old friends would see how much he’d changed and view him differently, but it was still him, beneath it all. He was still shy, in his own ways. The confidence came from becoming stronger. More importantly ranked, from seeing her father’s pride in his progress. He still felt deliriously proud of the subtle reaction he’d pulled from Tobias as he slid into the red leather driver seat of his vehicle. The 2026 Ferrari F80 wasn’t technically on the market yet, but there were perks to being the son of a hero like Captain America. The engine roared to life before settling into a soft purr, and he followed behind Tobias into the parking garage. 

Lucian parked a little away from the others, close enough that he could see the other man when he got out of his Jeep. He’d put in park moments before he saw Tobias nearby collapse, and he was out of his car and by the other man’s side before the action fully registered for him. [color=995749]"Why do you look like someone shot you?"[/color] His voice was sharp with concern, and Luke took Tobias’s bag before he could say otherwise, his free hand hovering uncertainly over the man’s shoulder. 

Tobias sighed and jaw clenched when Luke pulled his bag from him. He rubbed his eyes with his right hand, trying to find some other answer. But if they were about to get into the pool, there really was no feasible way he could hide it. [color=796e9c]"Funny you should say that."[/color] His lips pulled into a tight smile as he tugged down the collar of his t-shirt revealing the angry bullet wound in his right shoulder. Before Luke could try to keep his bag hostage, Tobias opened his hand, willing the metal of the backpack’s zippers and buckles to come toward him until it slipped gently from the man’s grasp.

[color=796e9c]"I’m [i]fine,[/i]"[/color] he said with a stubborn finality as he slid the bag onto his good shoulder. [color=796e9c]"I accidentally bumped it. No big deal."[/color] Tobias flashed a brief and not very convincing smile before he walked past Luke and headed for the elevators. The last thing he wanted was a big deal to be made about it. Nearly two weeks had passed and it was doing better… Mostly. It wasn’t infected, there just weren’t stitches either. So it would take more time. Nothing he wasn’t used to.

Luke let the bag go, but his lips tugged down into his own stubborn frown. It didn’t look fine, it looked like shit actually. There were a few ways he could go about this, though the idea of throwing the other man over his shoulder was tempting, they were surrounded by a lot of metal. He sighed, falling into step beside Tobias. [color=995749]"You should get it checked out before we go to the pool,"[/color] his voice was casual, calm, a little [i]too[/i] innocent. [color=995749]"I know you won’t though, I guess I’ll just have to mention it to Alfred later. Knowing him, he’ll show up to your room first thing in the morning. Bright and early, around five? It sounds like the perfect time to get stitches, doesn’t it?"[/color]

Luke paused by his Ferrari, pulling out his own bag and slinging it over his shoulder before catching up to Tobias. A grin tugged his lips upwards, mischievous and coy. [color=995749]"You couldn’t turn him away either, could you? You’re too polite for that, I personally would rather get it done in the evening than that early. But hey, you’ll have fun I’m sure."[/color] Because there was no way he wasn’t going to tell Alfred or Phil, it would be in his best interest to get it taken care of tonight. [color=995749]"I could always give you the stitches instead, if you’d rather I show up that early."[/color] Now that was an even better idea, catching Tobias half awake, seeing what he slept in, stitching him up in his bed…Luke had nothing but good ideas.

Tobias stopped dead in his tracts letting out an exasperated sigh. His face was deadpan, eyes half lidded, annoyance palpable. [color=796e9c]"Fine. Fine… [i]Fine,[/i]"[/color] he huffed like a grumpy old man as he trudged the rest of the way toward the elevator. Once inside he hit the button for level 2… Maybe a little harder than was necessary and leaned back against the wall. He had forgotten how concerned people at the academy were about each other’s well being. It was annoying… In a considerate and borderline suffocating kind of way. Tobias appreciated it, in his own frustrated and broody kind of way, not that he’d say anything. It did hurt [i]a lot[/i], but anyone who knew him knew he’d rather bleed to death in silence than have people fuss over him. 

When the elevator reached the infirmary, Tobias shuffled inside without a word. He tossed his bag and helmet in an empty chair next to one of the hospital beds. Then he crossed his arms in front of his torso and tried to pull his shirt off. He was able to get it up to his shoulders, then couldn’t move his right arm higher. [color=796e9c]"Fuck,"[/color] he cussed under his breath. Then he tried reaching his left hand behind his head and grabbed a fist full of fabric, but got stuck in a similar predicament. [color=796e9c]"Motherfucker,"[/color] he grunted, then punched his good hand into the hospital bed. 

It was easier said than done to ask for help. With the way Luke had been looking at him suggestively, Tobias felt like he was opening the door for ill intent but he also didn’t know if he had much of a choice either. He clenched his jaw and nostrils flared as he turned toward the blond man. He couldn’t bring himself to look him in the eye as he asked, [color=796e9c]"Can I have help… [i]please?[/i]"[/color]

Luke looked reminiscent of a kid in a candy shop for a moment, his entire face lighting up at the prospect of being able to undress Tobias. He stepped forward indulgently, pleased with the fact that he’d even said please, fingers brushing the hem of his shirt, and—

The thin curtain that had separated the bed Tobias chose and the bed beside it jerked open. There, to one man’s horror and another’s amusement, stood Alfred. Juniper Wayne was perched on the bed beside him, looking her own brand of sullen and grumpy. The sheer white button up she’d been wearing during the meeting was folded neatly beside her, specks of red staining the tank top she wore. There was a long gash in one of her arms, sewn up now, but it looked too clean. Almost as if someone had surgically done it, a straight, red line that looked like it hurt a great deal. Luke’s eyebrows rose, not having expected the two of them to be in the infirmary. 

[color=d6d6d6]"Gentlemen, what brings you here, are you well?"[/color] Alfred’s voice was polite, if a little guarded when he stepped toward them, effectively cutting off his view of June. The slightest wave of interest pinged inside Luke at the gesture, an unsolved mystery at his fingertips. 

[color=995749]"I was about to strip Tobias,"[/color] he said brightly, and a bit bluntly. Alfred flattered, an expression of open surprise crossing the elders face, and then Luke went on to soothe both men before either could interrupt. [color=995749]"He got shot, needs stitches and probably antibiotics."[/color]

He seemed all too happy to rat out Tobias, mostly because he wasn’t going to get lectured by Alfred on appropriate places to strip his fellow teammates…not tonight, at least. Without any more fanfare, Luke caught the other man’s shirt in his hands and tugged it up. 

June made a sound of intense interest behind Alfred, and she leaned around the man to get a better look at Tobias, but her question wasn’t what he’d expected at all. [color=375a87]"Was that a hollow point or a fullmetal jacket you got shot with?"[/color] Luke…shouldn’t have been surprised. While he was busy appreciating Tobias’s physique and tattoos, she was interested in his injury. Fucking Wayne’s. 

Tobias felt like a deer in headlights when their numbers doubled with the opening of a curtain. He didn’t know what was worse, other people knowing he was shot or that Luke just casually mentioned stripping him in front of Alfred and June. Probably the latter. He sighed and took a step toward the male, wanting his pathetic need of assistance to be over as quickly as possible. Once Luke had his shirt up to the point where he could no longer lift his arm, he bent over and slid out. As much as he hated to admit it, that was significantly easier than all the other times he had been dressing himself over the past couple weeks. 

[color=796e9c]"Thanks,"[/color] he muttered under his breath, meeting his gaze briefly before laying back on the bed with a wince and a groan.

With his weight on the bed, the computer whirred to life. The lights overhead flipped on and a robotic arm extended from the side of the table, placing a sensor on Tobias’s wrist. A soft beep that mirrored his heart beat echoed throughout the room as the machine took his vitals. Then there was a blinking red light that stretched into a bar and slowly scanned him from head to toe. [color=d6d6d6]"Lehnsherr, Tobias. Gunshot wound to the right shoulder, anterior and posterior. No residual debris. Recommended treatment: removal of decayed tissue, sterilization, and stitches. Do you comply?"[/color]

[color=796e9c]"Yes,"[/color] he replied, draping his left arm across his eyes to block out the bright lights. 

[color=d6d6d6]"Beginning with local anesthesia."[/color]

The robotic arms stuck him with three needles in and around his wound with no warning. Tobias clenched his left hand and gritted his teeth, but didn’t make a sound. Once he was adequately numbed and the arms had begun working on his front facing wound he turned his head to face June. [color=796e9c]"No clue. I didn’t keep samples. If it was a fullmetal jacket I wouldn’t be lying here,"[/color] he replied with a weak laugh. There was no attitude or hostility in his voice, but he found the question entertaining nonetheless. [color=796e9c]"Carbon fiber or something… I’m not sure."[/color]

[color=375a87]"My brother got shot by a fullmetal jacket before, it didn’t kill him but he wished it had for awhile."[/color] The woman winced in sympathy as the robotic arms got to work, cringing away from it some. [color=375a87]"I hate those stupid things."[/color] June muttered, glancing with a vaguely guilty expression at Alfred. 

[color=d6d6d6]"You dislike any form of medical attention, Ms Wayne."[/color] He reminded her primly, and Luke watched with amusement as she rolled her eyes in lieu of response. There was an air of close fondness between the two of them, the woman seemed infinitely more relaxed with Alfred there.

[color=995749]"What about you? What happened to your arm?"[/color] Luke sat down in one of the chairs by Tobias’s bed, crossing his ankles and leaning back some. He’d been shot before, sewn up himself in the field, seen a doctor, it was all the same really. Luke couldn’t understand disliking getting help when you were injured, it didn’t make sense to him, but Wayne’s were always particular about simple things. 

[color=375a87]"Training accident,"[/color] she said smoothly, and though there was no hint in her expression or tone that would give away that it was a lie, something in his gut told him that it wasn’t the entire truth. Luke leaned forward, eyes bright with interest.

[color=995749]"Oh? What kind of accident?"[/color] He watched as her jaw tightened by a fraction, the gesture reminiscent of how Tobias had acted when he was pretending not to be in pain. 

[color=375a87]"The kind that hurts."[/color] June said tensely, and then before he could ask anything further she turned toward Tobias, effectively shutting the door on that line of questioning. [color=375a87]"I’ve heard tampons can stop the bleeding in a pinch, I’ve never put it into practice myself, but if you can’t get stitches and aren’t scared to carry a few around…"[/color] She shrugged, swinging her legs off the bed and slipping her feet back into her heels. [color=375a87]"Thomas mentioned it, a long time ago."[/color]

[color=796e9c]"I’ll keep that in mind,"[/color] Tobias replied as he turned his head to look at June. He winced for a second when the robot slipped the needle through flesh that wasn’t full numb, but he was pretty well practiced at remaining still no matter the pain. He couldn’t recall if he had any of Helena’s old hygiene products in his bag, but since either types were highly absorbent he figured he’d leave them there regardless.

There was an edge to her tone, like she was in pain but pushing it down. Luke leaned back again, trying not to feel too disgruntled that his line of questioning was so expertly avoided. [color=995749]"I’m sorry about your brother,"[/color] he offered, glancing at Alfred who had busied himself with putting away and discarding the supplies he’d used to stitch up Juniper. [color=995749]"I didn’t believe it at first, when I heard he’d gone missing too."[/color]

He watched as she went very, very still. Luke regretted mentioning it, it felt like he’d stepped on a landmine. Did he double down, or try to abort the initial action. Alfred paused beside June, holding out a small white pill for her. She sighed softly, the tension bleeding from her frame as she accepted it. It seemed the topic of her brother was as sensitive and raw as Tobias’s bullet wound. 

[color=375a87]"Thank you,"[/color] she said, not looking at Luke but instead refocusing on his temporary companion. [color=375a87]"Can I ask how you got shot? It’s okay, if you’d rather not tell me. I sort of figured you could…stop the bullets?"[/color] Her cheeks flushed, and she picked up her blouse, fiddling with the thin fabric for a moment. [color=375a87]"If it was carbon fiber, it makes sense, but…I don’t know, isn’t it strange that they knew not to use normal bullets?"[/color]

June looked at Alfred when she said this, and the older gentleman paused on his way out. He looked back very steadily at her, and to Luke it looked like the two of them had a conversation without even speaking. [color=d6d6d6]"Don’t mix alcohol with that, Ms Wayne."[/color] He said, nodding at the two men before departing. June waited, quite politely, until the door shut behind him before she snorted and tossed the little pill back, not needing any water apparently. Luke had the sneaking suspicion that she would, in fact, be mixing liquor with that medication. 

Tobias shifted his attention to the drop tile ceiling above him. [color=796e9c]"It was a week before the message you guys sent out. They came for my niece."[/color] He shrugged then immediately winced as it made the robotic arm slip and stab the tender flesh inside his wound. His face was stoic, emotionless, as he refused to meet anyone’s gaze. [color=796e9c]"Uh… I don’t know how they knew I was with her. But they were prepared. No ounce of metal on them. They could have had me too… But they didn’t want me. I think they’re scared of what my father would do."[/color]

He spared June a sideways glance. [color=796e9c]"Helena is powerful… Hopefully she can help."[/color] Tobias’s voice was quiet and a little pained like he didn’t fully believe it, but he hoped that he was right. Hope was the only thing that got him up in the morning anymore. As everyday passed he found it harder to find a reason to keep fighting.

[color=375a87]"I’m sorry,"[/color] June’s voice was soft and tentative. She didn’t look at either of the men, focusing instead on her discarded shirt. It was clear to Luke from her tone alone that she understood more than what Tobias had said aloud, the pain of losing someone the way they had could be shared without vocal sentiment. Lucian shifted uncomfortably, unlike many of the others he hadn’t suffered through any personal disappearances, he couldn’t relate to what either of them were feeling and it made him feel oddly inadequate. [color=375a87]"I hope…"[/color] The woman trailed off, her gaze growing cold and distant. She seemed to emotionally fold in on herself, whatever she’d been about to say drifting off temporarily. [color=375a87]"I hope she’s okay."[/color] June finally said. 

To Luke, it sounded wrong. Not ingenuine, she meant what she said, but it was clear that there was more she left unsaid. He wondered, for a very brief moment, how dark Wayne's thoughts were when it came to the missing and what state they may be in when they were recovered. 

[color=796e9c]"Thank you,"[/color] he replied quietly. [color=796e9c]"I hope your family is too."[/color] There wasn’t much else Tobias could say. No amount of words would ease the pain, but there was a faint comfort in knowing they weren’t alone in their grief, no matter how locked away they kept it like him and June.

[color=d6d6d6]"Lehnsherr, Tobias, please flip over for your posterior stitches,"[/color] the robot’s voice cut through the silence like a rusty blade. He sighed and struggled a bit, but eventually managed to flip onto his stomach. Once he was settled the machine continued to stitch him up.

[color=995749]"Will you be joining us at the pool?"[/color] He was trying desperately to steer the conversation into a brighter topic. She gave him a strange look, her eyes sliding down to her stitches, and then to where the robotic arms were still working on Tobias. [color=995749]"You both just have to keep your stitches dry, you’ll be fine."[/color] Luke added, reading the expression on her face accurately. 

[color=375a87]"I’ll join for a bit,"[/color] she conceded, throwing a hostile look at the robotic arm above her bed. [color=375a87]"If I rip my stitches, Alfred is going to make me use that [i]thing[/i] so I’ll have to be extra careful."[/color] She seemed to have some sort of ongoing feud with the infirmary’s system, it was more than a little amusing. Luke was proud of himself, he managed to convince not just one insanely attractive person to accompany him, but [i]two.[/i] Though, he had a sinking suspicion it was less because they both found him hot and more so because they were both pushovers. In any case, he hoped having more people around would make it less awkward for Imogen. 

[color=796e9c]"You can sit with me on the edge of the pool [i]wishing[/i] we could swim."[/color] He actually managed a sarcastic comment, it was dry and deadpan, but a tiny grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. As the machine finished up his final stitch, the anesthesia must have worn off or maybe didn’t quite reach there, because he felt all of it. His hands reflexively grabbed the edge of the table, knuckles growing white from his tight grip. [color=796e9c]"[i]Son of a bitch.[/i]"[/color] He growled through the final stretch with a scrunched and pained expression.

[color=d6d6d6]"Lehnsherr, Tobias. First aid complete."[/color]

The computer barely finished her sentence before he was up and off the table. Tobias snatched his shirt from wherever Luke had discarded it and shoved it in his bag. There was no point in putting it on if they were going to the pool. Robo-doc’s shaky hand left him a [i]bit[/i] sore, so he honestly couldn’t be bothered fucking with his shoulder to get dressed. He glared over the male with an annoyed squint. [color=796e9c]"Next time [i]you[/i] can get stitches from the Terminator."[/color]

Luke grinned at the other man, eyes sliding with an air of appreciation across his exposed chest. [color=995749]"Next time,"[/color] he said slowly, gaze flickering back up to connect with Tobias’s eyes. There was a glint of his eyes that hadn’t been there before, and he seemed unashamed of the fact that June was sitting right behind them. [color=995749]"I can give you the stitches myself, I’m certain it’ll [i]feel[/i] better if it’s not a robot."[/color] His smile broadened, turned to something a little more suggestive, and he looked from Tobias to June so he could wink at the woman. Everyone was an equal opportunity in his books. 

In response, Juniper all but flung herself off the bed and toward the door, sending a sharp look at Tobias. [color=375a87]"So, sitting by the edge of the pool? Let’s go."[/color] Her voice was a little high pitched, a blush crawling up her cheeks. He’d flustered her, how adorable. Luke glanced toward Tobias, hoping to see a similar reaction but knew he’d likely be disappointed, doubly so when June made sure to put Tobias between herself and Luke when they entered the hallway. 

Tobias didn’t know if he was relieved or offended that Luke didn’t seem to discriminate when it came to his advances. He chose to be relieved as he threw his bag on his [i]good[/i] shoulder and scooped up his helmet. While he wasn’t entirely sure if he was thrilled about being closer to Luke’s lecherous gaze, if it made June more comfortable then he could remain there awkwardly avoiding eye contact… Although he knew the man’s gaze was anywhere [i]but[/i] Tobias’s eyes.

Since they were only going down one floor, Tobias didn’t really see the bother in taking the elevator. He moved over to the stairwell entrance and held open the door for both June and Luke. They made their way downstairs and as they turned down the hallway that led to the pool, Imogen came sauntering in through the doors. She was dripping wet and missing half of her clothing. The only thing she had on was her lacey and half transparent corset, and a thin white thong. She held an empty martini glass in one hand and an empty beer pitcher in the other. While she smiled and waved two fingers at them all, Tobias averted his gaze to try and be more respectful. 

[color=a8f9ff]"Water feels great,"[/color] she all but sang to them as she strolled by. [color=a8f9ff]"Watch your step,"[/color] she warned them, pointing behind her toward the water trail that followed her. 

June snorted, rolling her eyes at Imogen. She wasn’t actually surprised, but she was curious what had the other woman in such a good mood. Though, when she saw that Magni was in the pool it made more sense. The thong made sense too, actually. A sly grin stretched across her face, and she wiggled her eyebrows at the blonde as they passed. Luke watched the entire exchange with raised eyebrows, his eyes tracking after Imogen’s very exposed ass as she sauntered away, before he refocused on the pool as a whole. 

Tobias side stepped the water and went through the doors first so he could hold them open for everyone once again. His gaze drifted over to Magni, thankful for a familiar face that [i]wasn’t[/i] trying to get him naked. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he nodded his head.

June hesitated, trying to let Luke pass first, but one of his hands curled over her shoulder and urged her onwards. The woman cringed at the contact, but he pretended not to notice. Honestly, did she have an aversion to hot men? Between her and Tobias, he was going to develop a complex. She slipped out from under his hand, picking up the pace ever so slightly so she could beeline to the side of the pool. Luke grinned despite it all, headed toward the lounge chairs and pulled a spare pair of boxers from his bag, lobbing them at Tobias with a small shout of warning, before he started to strip out of his suit. 

Tobias turned around barely in time to catch the boxers clumsily in his good hand. He looked down at them and then tossed them back. [color=796e9c]"If I’m gonna wear boxers, I’d rather wear my own."[/color] He flashed his best attempt at a thankful smile before chucking his bag and helmet on an empty lounge chair. It took him a second to sift through the mound of clothes that were definitely [i]not[/i] folded inside and dug out a pair of black basketball shorts. He kicked off his shoes and then made his way over to the changing area. As he slipped inside and started to close the curtain he spared June a quick pleading glance in hopes she’d intercept Luke if he tried to attack him while he changed. 

Lucian caught them, trying to appear casual as he caught the boxers and stuffed them back into his bag. It was a little disappointing, he’d have loved to see Tobias in his clothes…though, maybe he’d need help changing—he’d just taken a step toward the changing room when Juniper stepped in front of him. Her face was puckered some, like she’d bitten into a lemon, but she looked determined. Luke tilted his head ever so slightly, eyes sliding down her body at a leisure pace. [color=995749]"I don’t imagine you’ve got a bathing suit beneath that."[/color]

[color=375a87]"Uh,"[/color] she had a split second of looking like a deer caught in headlights, and then her stance widened ever so slightly and she crossed her arms across her chest. It was amusing, and he got a little too much enjoyment from watching how he affected her. [color=375a87]"No, I figured I’d just do what Imogen did. It’s not much different from a bikini, anyways."[/color] 

He smirked down at her, and got to watch how flustered the simple action made her. She threw a flighty look over her shoulder toward the changing area, and it clicked for Luke why she’d suddenly intercepted him when it was clear she didn’t particularly care for him. His smile dropped, brows furrowing ever so slightly. Had she and Tobias met before? The protectiveness didn’t make sense to him. 

Something about how Luke was acting made Tobias feel equally uncomfortable with leaving June out there alone with him as well. There was Magni, but the Asgardian hadn’t been getting eye fucked for the past fifteen minutes either. He did his best to get dressed as quickly as he could and slipped out from behind the curtain just as he got his shorts up over anything [i]revealing[/i]. He didn’t run over or anything but he didn’t take his sweet time either. As he rejoined them, Tobias slipped between both of them but kept his gaze on Luke. He gave the man a light, almost friendly tap on the shoulder. There was even a faint smile crossing his lips as he spoke. [color=796e9c]"If she wants to fuck you I’m sure she’ll let you know. But until then, give her some space."[/color]

Luke laughed, missing the soft sigh of relief from June, and rose both his hands up in surrender. He backed off some, spotting a losing battle when he saw one. He could be misreading the situation, but it seemed like the two of them were closer than he’d initially guessed. A shame, really, but there were other fish in the ocean and at the end of the day Luke wasn’t there to fuck anyone…well, it was a fun bonus of being surrounded by consenting individuals, but only if they were consenting. [color=995749]"Just being friendly,"[/color] he said smoothly, tossing his removed shirt onto the pile of his bag and clothes, before he turned and stepped casually into the pool. He’d catch up with Magni instead, and leave the two of them to their…flirting. 

[color=375a87]"Thanks,"[/color] he heard June whisper as he waded fully into the water, the rest of their conversation filtering out by the sound of water.
[/color][/justify][/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent]

[center][sup][img]https://i.imgur.com/9qIY4OK.jpeg[/img]
[color=808080][b]interactions[/b] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c]....[/color] imogen [color=2e2c2c]...............[/color] [b]mentions[/b] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c]....[/color] magni [color=2e2c2c]...............[/color] [b]collabs[/b] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c]....[/color] [@Sleepy Tani][/color]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/9qIY4OK.jpeg[/img][/sup][/center]