New York and the Nexus. Various Places. Wallace and (Gromit) Rachel Adventures, Part 1.

[ssjmihoshi]

Wallace: His car rounded the corner, nearly taking out a bike messenger before pulling into the curb. The left front tire bounced on the cement before riding up, setting the car at an odd angle, half elevated. The door flew open - nearly taking out the same bike messenger - and he hit the ground at an awkward jog, cursing wildly under his breath. He got to the curb before he had to turn back to the car and breathe. He couldn't just walk off.
    Wallace put his head down on the roof of the sad little Toyota, once again stuffed tight with his things. He'd barely gotten his leg on that morning before the threats had started - the manager of the crappy little hotel he'd found had been in while Wallace was out. He'd found the butane. He'd found a lot of things. At least Wallace had been smart enough to hide his duffel before checking in. At least he'd been smart enough to notice which cameras were on, and when to hide his face. At least he wasn't being bailed out of jail again. At least Rachel hadn't had to arrest him less than a week after he came to town.
    He strangled the scream of frustration and kicked a tire, then sat on the curb. Time to think. Time for another plan. His hands were shaking, he realized with a start. Calm down, old man.

messenger: ...Man, you look like @#$#@@. *foot down and propping bike as she frowns at the old guy that just woke her up from a pleasant brain blank*

Wallace: *he curses* Sorry.

messenger: No harm, no foul. Life crappin' out on ya? *one brow does a perfect Spock under her graffitied pot helmet*

Wallace: *he puts his head in his hands and sighs* Yep.

messenger: *sympathy in her skinny young face, and then she glances around before jamming a hand in her pocket* So just dump it for an hour or two.

Wallace: *he doesn't quite raise his head, but he manages to fix her with a withering look* Yeah, life doesn't work like that, kiddo.

messenger: *rogue grin* It totally does. And don't look at me like that. I ain't talkin' dope.

Wallace: You'll understand when you're older.

messenger: *leans elbows on her bike handlebars* Dude, I got turfed outta the house when I was twelve years old, because my eyes decided to change colour and glow. The guy I ran into that offered to help wanted payment. It took me seven years to get out of that @#$#@$@. Then one day I fell outta the world and actually found somebody, someplace else, that really did want to help.

Wallace: *he looks up at her as though he's noticing her for the first time* ...Mutant, huh? *he waves his hand as though to cut off any defensiveness that comment brings* S'cool. Lissen, I'm glad you're life's workin' out now, okay? An' thanks for asking about me. But I'll be fine. Now gedoutta here, yer gonna be late.

messenger: Yup, and no I ain't. I'm on break. *hand to pocket and takes something out, and then tosses the small thing toward him* Press the green button, have a drink, #@$#@$@# and whine at the bartender. It'll help. *kicks off and pedals away*


A short while later...

Wallace: He parked around the corner and punched down his shame at having to hide. The car was still stuffed full of his things, still carrying most of his life on its rickety wheels. He'd stuffed the most dangerous things into a locker at a local community center downtown, hoping in his heart that no one would check it. It was under a fake name, he reasoned. Should be fine. Nevermind how dangerous that was. Nevermind how he felt naked without a gun in the car.
    He hopped out of the car and down the block, pulled his phone out of his jacket and dialed Rachel's number. Another dinner, another good night. She hadn't asked how long he was staying. Or where he was staying. At least there was that.
The phone rang.

Rachel: //Hey, Wallace! What's up?// *still excited, not used to hearing from him so many times in a row*

Wallace: *grimaces, but manages to talk as though nothing in the world is wrong* Nothin', nothin' new. We still on?

Rachel: //Sure, come on over!//

Wallace: Right. Ah, see you soon. *disconnects and stuffs his phone back in a pocket, then jogs around the corner and up the stairs, taking the flights of the apartment complex with the half-sideways gait of a man with one working knee. On her floor he gives himself a few seconds to catch his breath before knocking*

Rachel: *muffled grumbling from beyond the door, but it opens to reveal a cheerful redhead* I didn't realize you were so close! Come in. *steps aside to allow him to do so*

Wallace: Er, yeah, sorry. *slips in, searching for an excuse* I forgot to call before I left, an'... you got a cat?

cat: *on couch* *massive white moggy tom with a black dot on his head looks at the new guy with impassive blue eyes, then shuts those eyes and plays like going to sleep* *yup. Snubbed you*

Rachel: *sighs and runs a hand through her hair* He's not mine. Little Freeloader usually stays with Isobell upstairs but... *chuckles* He won't leave. *pleady eyes asking for assistance*

Wallace: Have you tried picking it up?

Rachel: -_-

Wallace: *eyebrow* Is that a no?

Rachel: He clung so hard he nearly ripped the fabric off my couch.

Wallace: Ah. Then you have a cat.

Freeloader: *snuggles down more comfortably without opening his eyes*

Rachel: But I don't have a litter box, and I'll be damned if I'm going to leave the window open for him to leave and have some thief break in here while I'm gone. *sighs again, looking at the furry lout*

Wallace: How much do you like that couch? Y'could take the cushion off and stick it outside until he leaves.

Rachel: *pondering pout* I guess I could. Ok. *opens the window and marches forcefully over to the cat* *stares at him with arms akimbo*

Freeloader: *ignorin' U*

Wallace: *watches*

Rachel: Alright, you little fluffball, you're gettin' out! *pounces on the cushion and attempts to squish said fluffball like taco meat while carting it to the fire escape*

Freeloader: *squirts out the back of the taco and goes back to the couch. Jumps up and catloafs where the cushion used to be. Shuts eyes*

Wallace: *snickers*

Rachel: Auugh! *throws cushion onto the floor and STARES at that cat some more*

Freeloader: *ignorin' U*

Wallace: Cat whisperer you are not.

Rachel: *puts a hand to her head, chuckling from the ridiculousness of it all* I'm so sorry, Wallace.

Wallace: What? *grins* Why? It'll probably leave. Eventually.

Freeloader: *issa couch cushion*

Rachel: *snerk* Yeah, but not before we want to go to dinner.

Wallace: Hmm. Y'got a water bottle?

Rachel: *looks up* Somewhere, why?

Wallace: Apply water. *indicates cat* To cat.

Rachel: *blink blink* ... *facepalms, disappears into kitchen*

Wallace: *makes zero moves towards the cat*

Freeloader: *SLEEP*

Rachel: *reemerges with a cup full of water, sprinkles some on cat*

Freeloader: *SLEEP*

Rachel: Yeaaah, he's been in my shower before.

Wallace: Ah.

Rachel: *sets the cup on the side table, thinking some more* Maybe some ice...

Freeloader: *stretches neck up and helps himself to a drink from the cup. Then licks his whiskers and goes back to sleep*

Wallace: *Legitimately impressed* Huhn.

Rachel: *sighs* I'll just get Isobell to check up on him later. *goes to close the window*

Wallace: *shrug* It'll take care of itself, probably.

Rachel: I just don't want him POOING on my carpet. *pointed look at Freeloader*

Freeloader: *sleep*

Wallace: *grin* Sorry, kid.

Rachel: *rolls her eyes and snags her purse* Anyway, where did you want to eat? *exits room, reenters room, puts on shoes*

Wallace: Eh, y'know me. Simple an' close enough to walk to. Not a lotta stairs.

Rachel: *thinks, holding the door open* Deli?

Wallace: Can do. *gives the cat the 'I'm watching you' gesture and goes out*

Rachel: Lemme just go upstairs and ask Isobell... *locking door*

Wallace: There's a sort of sideways shift in the world, hardly enough to make anyone stumble more than seeing a shadow in the corner of your eye. The light changes. The temperature changes. The sounds of the building fade abruptly into the din of conversation high above their heads. Wallace's expression fails to change as he tilts his head up to take in the forest of planed wood around him.
    "Rachel." He tapped her between the shoulder blades with one knuckle, as calmly as if he were noticing an interesting passerby.

brawny dark-haired guy: *calls from atop a nearby table* Hey! Rachel! There's room here!

Rachel: *completely oblivious as she turns the key in the lock, temperature change lost on her natural heating. At the tap she wonders if maybe Isobell had come down already, knowing her pet's penchant for annoying the redhead, but then she hears Josh's voice and freezes* No... *turns around very slowly*

Josh: *is seven foot tall and built like a wrestler, but looks all squeaky clean in his stripped button down shirt as he waves to the redhead*

Wallace: *his voice flat* Rachel.

Rachel: *taking in the scene in utter shock and disbelief. Once she snaps out of it though her thoughts immediately turn to Wallace* Wallace. *wide-eyed, grabs him by the shoulders* Don't freak out!

Josh: *grin fading as he watches. Quick glance to the big metal guy who is sharing this relatively smallish table*

Wallace: *he flinches at her touch, surprised, his eyes blank and questioning* What? *the corner of his mouth twitches* What.

Rachel: *definitely not taking her own advice* Don't freak out! I know where we are, it'ssafe,Icangetushome,pleasepleasedon'tfreakout!

metal guy: *quietly to his friend* She's totally freaking out, dude.

Josh: Shhh. *worried look for Rachel*

Wallace: *puts a hand on her arm* Whoa, kid, deep breaths, ok? In an' out, alright? *he throws a hurried glance over his shoulder, doubletakes, and gives the room at large a reproachful stare* ...Is this a bar?

Rachel: Um... *looking around, holding her hair back* Yeaahahaaa... I've been here before... *oh boy, here it comes*

Wallace: Well. ...At least we don't have to drive anywhere for dinner.

Josh: *jumps down and walks over, but doesn't come right up to them*

Rachel: *now chuckling out loud at Wallace* I didn't think you'd be taking this so well! *tears in smiling eyes*

Wallace: *squeezes her arm* Kid, you ok? *glances at Josh* Uh, give us a minute.

Josh: *silent nod, though the concern is clear in his eyes*

Rachel: *waves at the boy* Hey Josh. *turns back to Wallace, or rather the ground in front of him, as she tries to spit the words out* Well, we're in... um...

bot: *helpfully* The Nexus.

Josh: Shhh, Lugnutz.

Wallace: Wait, Star Trek what? *shakes his head* Forget it - Kid, it's ok. It's ok, right?

Rachel: *relaxing slightly* Yeah, we can get home easily enough it's just... *sighs, glancing up at him* I never... *mushy things, not computing* It kidnapped me before. And now you. You don't deserve that. *looking away*

Josh: *quiet frown. Glances at the table and then turns to go back to it*

Wallace: *he bends down to look at her face* Hey, neither do you, kiddo. *he smiles stiffly* Listen, my life stopped makin' sense pretty early on, ok? You say we're ok here, I'm not worried. No one's shootin' at me yet, you know? Better than some days.

Lugnutz: Nobody's gonna shoot ya here, dude. Nem'd smelt 'em.

Rachel: *tries to smile back, which turns into a chuckle at the bot's statement* There's ah... actually some nice people here. Josh bein' one of 'em. *points to the table*

Josh: *pauses and looks over his shoulder from where he's hovering in mid-air*

Wallace: *glances up at the guy... and stares at the space under his feet* ...Well okay then. *he squeezes her arm again* Hi, uh, Josh.

Josh: *drops back to the floor and quirks a slight grin that lights his face and shows its youth* Hi.

Rachel: *snerks, patting Wallace's shoulder* Ah, somebody once told me everyone's weird here, and you should get used to it. ... I've come to find out that's true. *points to the robot at the table*

Lugnutz: Hey, lady, who're you callin' weird? *quizzical surprise, but isn't worked up over it. Seems nothing today is harshing Lugnutz's mellow*

Josh: *scolding look for his friend* That's Lugnutz, Rachel. You kinda met him before.

Wallace: ...Hi. *blank stare*

Rachel: Yeah, I remember... *including the fact that she insulted him... and she still doesn't feel all that great about him being here. Awkward...*

Josh: *quirks a brow at Wallace* Okay. Short version. This is a nexus between realities. Anybody from any time, any place, and any where can come here. And so can anybody from any version of any reality, even the ones that are fictional in your reality. I'm Superman, he's an ex Decepticon. Any, uh, questions?

Wallace: *grin* S'just livin' in the Nexus, I think I get that part. *he leans out, his smile taking over his face as his anxiety drains completely* Wait, Transformer? Seriously? *back to Rachel* I used to watch that show. S'... no, wait, how'd we get here?

Rachel: *blindsided by all the exposition* Wait, what's a "Transformer"?

Wallace: Robots in disguise.

Lugnutz: Yeah.

Rachel: What.

Josh: Why don't you come sit down and have something to eat while all this gets explained? *shy grin*

Wallace: Ah, fast version. They're robots. They fight, and sometimes there's zombies and stuff. It was on before you were born. My dad liked it.

Lugnutz: That was just the one series, dude.

Rachel: Wow, are we really having a "before your time" conversation? *laughs, groping for a chair*

Josh: *gentle hand on Rachel's arm* Want me to bring you up? The table's kind of high.

Wallace: Well hey, if you wanna be technical I was watching reruns when I was a kid, too. It was awesome. Whole reason I got into sci-fi. *notices Josh again* Oh, uh, right. ...Superman. *sarcastic grin* Well I guess you're pretty cool too.

Josh: *looks over* I'm not the original. I'm just the half Wolverine clone.

Rachel: *has a vision of herself in Superman's arms... and then adds in some Wolverine and nononothiswillnotdo* Ah... is-is there a ladder?

Wallace: I always wanted to meet half of you.

Josh: *slight grin* Yeah, most people do. They're usually not too keen on the other half, though. Or the fact that where my mom came from Wolverine didn't have any Y chromosomes.

Lugnutz: Ladder? Are you kiddin'? *buries face in a tankard that looks large even for him*

Wallace: *grin* I never said which half it was. But we got a girl Wolverine where we're from, too. It's just, y'know, in addition to the burly one.

Rachel: *glances up at the 9' table* ...Might as well. *backs up a few paces, then sprints forward to vault up a table leg and catch the tabletop. Hangs for a second before easily hefting herself over*

Josh: X23. *nods, and then winces and looks up*

Lugnutz: Dude, you're sittin' in Joshie's poutine.

Wallace: Nice, kid! *looks back at Josh* I can't do that. Wanna help a guy out?

Rachel: *looks down... Proceeds to lean over and let her head thunk on the table, combined blush from the fantasy and embarrassment entirely too much to hide anymore*

Josh: *arm out to Wallace* Uh, yeah. Rachel, it's okay.

Lugnutz: *drinking. Sees nothing*

Wallace: You'll still respect me in the morning, right? *takes his arm* Oh, an' watch the left leg.

Rachel: I hate my life right now...

Josh: *absently* Don't worry, I saw it. And the other things too. *brings both of them up to the table top and then lets Wallace go as his face puckers with sympathy*

Wallace: *frowns* Other... did you X-ray vision me? Dinner first, kid... *notices Rachel* Aw, Matchstick... *offers her a hand*

Rachel: *takes Wallace's hand, not looking up* My butt has... *looks down* ...something on it.

Josh: I'll get something to fix it. *holds up a hand to call waitstaff*

Wallace: *takes off his coat and hands it to her with a smile* I thought you were cool.

Rachel: *augh feels worse! Doesn't even reach for the coat*

pretty white bayformer femme: *comes over, her blue optics peering down from her lofty height* Oh oh.

Josh: Can I get a wish, and a handheld menu, Archiva?

Archiva: Sure thing. *sympathetic look for Rachel, and absolutely no awareness of Lugnutz's wide grin, then turns and heads for the bar*

Josh: It's okay, Rachel. I've done dumber.

Lugnutz: *snorts* And how. *drink*

Wallace: *he doesn't force the coat issue, instead folding it over one arm*

Rachel: *stands up* Wait, you're going to use a wish for this? What kind of overkill is that?

Josh: *as Archiva returns and hands him a human size datapad and a tiny glowing point of light* It's not overkill. These wishes are just toys. *offers her the light*

Wallace: I'm missing something.

Rachel: I think me too. ...Toys?

Josh: Yeah, they can't really do a lot. Other than make those fuzzy little Hoojibs fat. *still holding out the wish on his big palm*

Wallace: Yeah I'm missing something.

Rachel: And apparently get me a big-screen... *reaches for the light dubiously*

Josh: *pauses for a moment and gives Lugnutz a warning look, then hands the little light over* Yeah. That wasn't one of these.

Lugnutz: *expression of utter innocence, and then folds into a motorcycle*

Rachel: It wasn't? *turns the light over in her hand, as if it'll reveal anything*

Josh: No. Bumblebee and Scattor worked on that one together. *helpfully* Do you know how to use it?

Lugnutz: *scruffy looking kinda hippy biker dude rezzes into sight on the table and looks around with a grin as he adjusts his shades*

Rachel: *just now noticed Lugnutz turtling and feels a little bad* Ah... no.

Wallace: *stares at Lugnutz* ...That was awesome.

hLugnutz: *cheesy grin* I know, huh? *then gives Rachel a curious glance* You hold it 'n wish. Easypeasy.

Rachel: *just now notices the new guy* Is that you? *blinks*

hLugnutz: *looks at her over his shades* Depends. Who's you?

Josh: Knock it off, Lugnutz.

Wallace: *idly, mostly to himself as he glances around* Can I get a beer in here?

white bayformer waitress: *stops on her way past again and looks at him* What sort would you like?

Wallace: *deadpan* The beer kind.

waitress: *activates the menu in the middle of the table without touching it* We have over forty kinds of basic, American type beer.

hLugnutz: Ugh, American beer? Why bother, dude?

Rachel: *snerks at Wallace's lack of sophistication* Just never seen a robot with an extra... guy. *looks at the light, glances around subversively, then whispers into it*

Wallace: Uhn... *picks one he recognizes, then glances at Lugnutz* It's just beer.

hLugnutz: *glances at the cobalt blue sparkles surrounding Rachel, and then looks back at Wallace* American beer is bad tasting Kool-ade.

Wallace: Then it's a good thing you're not drinking it, isn't it?

Rachel: *blinks as the sparkles fade* Well that was... fantastical. *at least her bottom's clean now* There's plenty of good American beers, by the way. *to the waitress* Blue Moon, please. With an orange.

hLugnutz: I like real beer, not flavored water. *looks at the waitress* Can I have one of those Newfie beers? Black Horse.

Josh: *facepalming with embarrassment at his friend* I'll have one of Mr. Fangor's mango beers please, Archiva.

Rachel: *memory clicks* Wait, Fangor? Dude, change my order to that! Ah... please.

Wallace: *chuckles* Is this, like, a thing for you?

Rachel: You have to try it, it's delicious. Alien guy makes it himself.

Josh: They have his blueberry black cherry one too, Rachel.

Wallace: Yeah, maybe sometime.

Rachel: *eyes widen and she wibbles slightly, not sure which to pick...*

Archiva: *helpfully* Have you had the blueberry cherry one yet? *friendly smile for Rachel*

Wallace: How will you ever decide?

Rachel: Can I get one to take home, and a mango one now?

Archiva: Of course you can.

Josh: I'll have the blueberry one, and then she can taste mine. *grin*

hLugnutz: Dude... *wrinkles nose* Not to harsh your mellow or anything, but you put ice cream in your beer.

Wallace: You've got a beer problem. Just drink the beer. Let other people drink the beer.

Rachel: Ice cream in beer? O.o .... Eh, I'd try it.

Archiva: Alright. *smiles* Anything else?

Josh: Another four dollars' worth of poutine.

Archiva: Okay.

hLugnutz: And some of those spicy bread stick things. *looks at the others to see if they want solid foods*

Wallace: Can I just get a sandwich? Like a ham sandwich? It's not going to be space-ham?

Rachel: Might be dino-ham. *reaches for menu*

Archiva: Yes. All our animal based ham is dinosaur meat.

Wallace: So... what you're saying is I'm going to drink a beer with Superman and a Transformer... and eat a dinosaur?

Rachel: *chuckles as she snags the menu from Wallace* I'm surprised you're taking it so well, actually.

hLugnutz: Yeah well, the process cheese they use here? Bantha milk, dude.

Archiva: What would you like on your sandwich? And what sort of bread?

Wallace: Taking it well? Matchstick, this is awesome. *turns to Archiva* Surprise me.

Rachel: *half-heartedly looking at the menu* I was so worried about you finding out about this place...

Josh: *points out pizza list to Rachel*

Archiva: I do need to know if you like tomato or not. *apologetically* We've had some violent reactions to them.

Wallace: Tomatoes are fine, thanks. *back to Rachel* Seriously? *his brow furrows* Why?

Rachel: *to Josh* Thanks, but I had pizza a few days ago. *to Wallace, sighing* Well, it was more... *turns to Archiva, feeling bad they're wasting her time* Just bring me a cheesesteak and a salad with ranch, thanks.

Archiva: Just tell me what you'd like for your salad.

hLugnutz: Not the broccoli, not the broccoli! *meeps as Josh smacks him upside the head, then laughs*

Rachel: A regular Earth salad.

Josh: Lettuce, tomato, radish, sunflower seeds. *glances to Rachel* Right?

Rachel: Yeah, that sounds fine. *hands over the menu*

Archiva: *sets down their beers and then goes off to get the rest*

Wallace: *watches Rachel quietly, then cracks open his beer*

Rachel: *sighs again, rubbing her wrists* Um... I didn't want SWORD to find out I'd been here, and then have to explain to you why I hid it...

Wallace: Ohhh. *shrug* S'no big deal. *he smiles and taps her on the arm* Really, I promise. Secret's safe with me. We did worse when I was really in the service.

hLugnutz: *giving the two humans a quizzical look as he tips his beer up and takes a long swig. Then thoughtfully puts the bottle cap into his mouth and chews on it*

Josh: *stirring his beer float slightly and grinning widely*

Rachel: *small chuckle* Really?

Wallace: *wink and a grin* Hell yeah. We had this teleporter thing, right? Used it to go bar hopping. No one had to drive.

hLugnutz: Drunk teleporting. Heavy. *chomp chomp on the bottle cap*

Josh: *offers his drink to Rachel, his grin almost childlike hopeful as his dark eyes sparkle at the prospect of sharing with a friend*

Rachel: *laughing now* What?! So like five guys just come walking out of the bathroom for no reason? *takes Josh's float and looks around for a spoon*

Wallace: Yyyyep. More an' more drunk as the night drags on. All over the world. End of the night you forget where you are, what language yer supposed t'be speaking. Had a couple settings for off world, too. I swear, I had a beer with some kinda horse guy one time. Kept askin' me if I knew Johnny Storm.

Josh: *offers colourful glass spoon straw to Rachel*

hLugnutz: Try doin' it out on the outer rim. *another swig of beer* After awhile it kinda gets like Russian roulette.

mental voice: -Rachel, is that you?-

Rachel: *laughing some more, stopping only to eat ice cream and beer* Mmmmm- *cough* Wha- *covers her mouth quickly*

Wallace: You got a drinking problem?

hLugnutz: Drinkin' problem? *looks at Rachel with some concern*

Josh: *looks over edge of table* Hi, Elfangor!

Rachel: *coughing some more, shoving the float back to Josh so she doesn't contaminate it* Surprised..... s'all...

Wallace: *to Lugnutz* S'a joke. Never seen Airplane! huh?

hLugnutz: I'm kinda behind on my twenty somethin' century Earth movies. You ever hit any bars out on the galactic rim? Any galaxy.

Elfangor: *waves* -Sorry, Rachel. Josh and Lugnutz can't hear me. Do you mind if I come up?-

Rachel: *finally composes herself and looks over the edge to see... a blue centaur thing?* Oh uh... *but they're calling him the same name* Yeah, come on up!

Wallace: *leans over to look at the new guy, then deadpans back at Rachel* Not that kind of horse guy.

hLugnutz: *points to a passing Celtic fairy with the body of a woman and the hooves and head of a horse* That kind?

Elfangor: *blurs into hawk form and flies up onto the table, then pulls on a wing feather before blurring back to his natural form* *tilts a stalk eye toward Wallace* -Horse guy?-

Josh: *quickly moving out of the way as Archiva sets a round table and several chairs on the larger table that they're standing on* Whoops. Thanks!

Wallace: *he starts to answer Lugnutz, but suddenly chokes on his beer with a facial twitch. He turns slowly towards Elfangor* Oh, hi psychic.

Rachel: *chuckles* You can hear him too? *to Al* I thought you were stuck in human form, Al.

Elfangor: *to Wallace, dryly* -Drinking problem?- *stalk eyes turn toward Rachel* -Did you? No. I have two natural forms. I was wearing the other one when you met me last.-

Wallace: *his face breaks into a grin* Ok, you're funny. You can stay. *to Rachel* He's why you choked too?

Elfangor: *snorts at Wallace's comment, then looks at what the man is holding* -Hmm. I see beer.-

Josh: Guys, we can sit down now, and look what Archiva brought! *holds up something meaty smelling* Crispy ham rind!

hLugnutz: What? Oh I'm so down on that. *hurries over to sit*

Rachel: *snerks at Wallace* Yes, he's why I choked. *wipes her face with the back of her hand and moves toward the table* Can I have some more of that float, Josh? It's really good.

Wallace: *to Elfangor* Yes you do. An' I see blue horse guy. *he grins and holds out his hand* Wallace Amos. Nice t'meet you.

Elfangor: *has a strong grip despite the delicate look of his seven fingered hand* -Elfangor-Sirinial-Shamtul. You're a friend of Rachel's?- *upper eyes give a quizzical tilt*

Josh: *offering up his drink over at the table*

hLugnutz: *crunching crispy dino rind and beaming* This isn't ham rind, Joshie. It's the packaged dino-chicken rind!

Rachel: *snags another spoonful before sitting down* Mmm... *to the holoform* You eat?

Wallace: *to Elfangor, seemingly ignoring the quizzical look* Yeah, we go back a ways. You?

hLugnutz: *eyes widen behind his shades as he gapes comically at Rachel* I do?

Josh: *pokes him and then uses a set of green chopsticks to have a big helping of his poutine* Yeah. He's got the holoform rigged to transport it back to his main body.

Elfangor: -I met her during one of her first visits to the Nexus, as she was trying to find Josh's house. Mind if I join you?- *one stalk eye swivels to see if he can see a waiter*

Rachel: *sarcastic pout as she picks up her mango beer* Why do you guys have to be so complicated?

hLugnutz: Hey, you squishy peeps are a lot more complicated than us. *munch noms*

Wallace: Yeah, sure, join away. *he sits down at the table, stretching his left leg out underneath it. He rubs his knee idly*

Rachel: *arguing for the fun of it now* Yeah, but we don't have another body to keep track of.

hLugnutz: Hey, I put this on so I fit in, can you dig it? *grin*

Elfangor: -I guess I'd better try 'fitting in' too.- *blurs again, and when he's finished shifting it's a short, hairy guy with black hair that goes up into two points at the side. Absently cracks his knuckles as he settles into the last chair at the table, then lifts a finger as Archiva goes past*

Wallace: *deadpan* Oh ok that works too.

Rachel: I didn't think hippies cared about "fitting in"? Or have you given up "sticking it to the man"? *snerk*

hLugnutz: *woeful* I hear I'm old enough to be the man. Don't believe it, chica.

Josh: *face palm*

Rachel: *chuckles, glancing off into space* There's always an older Man...

Wallace: *eyebrow* Was that a dig?

Josh: He's just smarting from being the adult we needed to go see a scary movie. *then gives Wallace a quizzical look*

Rachel: *blinks at Wallace* No! I mean, yeah, your department is above me I guess but... um... *shuts up before she says something stupid*

hLugnutz: *curious look for Wallace* Are you old or something, man?

Wallace: *grin* That, uh, that was a joke. *looks at Lugnutz* Yyyep.

Rachel: *apologetic smile for Wallace* Hey, nothing wrong with that...

hLugnutz: *opens mouth*

Josh: *stuffs some of hLugnutz's food in it*

hLugnutz: Mrrph! 0.0

Al: *chuckling as he twists the top off his non twist top beer*

Wallace: M'I missing something? *grin at Rachel* Seriously. Joke. I make jokes about being old. S'not a thing. Joke.

Rachel: *shuts up again, hand-combing her hair in embarrassment*

Josh: *to Wallace* No. You're good. *grins and goes after his new installation of lunch*

Al: So what brings you two to the Nexus today?

Wallace: I 'unno. Just kinda showed up I guess. Kiddo?

Rachel: *blinks* You think I ever know why I'm here?

Josh: *grin* Because you need some unwinding time?

hLugnutz: Or, like, cheap eats. *noms*

waitress: *still quietly and unobtrusively bringing over everyone's orders one by one* *is remarkable stealthy for a big white Transformer lady*

Wallace: *casts his gaze guiltily off to on side, then covers it with a shrug* Dunno. *flashes a toothless smile at the Waitress and accepts his sandwich*

Rachel: *oh right, that... Fortunately before she can mope too much her salad and cheesesteak arrive* Oh, thanks. *takes a big wiff of steaming meat* Mmmmm...

hLugnutz: *breaks bread stick in half and watches cheese string* So, you guys want to meet a guy Wolverine? Because I can make it happen.

Al: *amused look for the holoform*

Wallace: *looks up from his sandwich, mouth full*

Rachel: *you can't see that teeeny tiny blush! Salad nomming time!* That's random.

Josh: No it's not. Uncle Logan's standing down by the feet of his chair giving him a dirty look because he still owes him money.

Wallace: *swallows* ...You owe Wolverine money?

Josh: *as Lugnutz looks down and grins* More than one.

Rachel: *blinks* You do live life on the edge, don't you?

hLugnutz: *shrugs* Hey, you know... Ack. Wolvie, owwwww! *flinches as his main body transforms back to root mode and clutches its leg*

Wallace: *slowly looks at Rachel* Never owe Wolverine money.

Rachel: *silently shakes head in agreement*

Wolverine: My wife said ta do that.

Lugnutz: Ruhamah's mean! Talk about harshin' a guy's mellow. Here's your stupid cash. *drops it*

Wolverine: *snerk* Thanks, bub. Lemme know next time ya need a loan.

Lugnutz: *rubs his leg and pouts*

Josh and Al: *very intent on their drinks and not smirking. Nope, not smirking at all*

Wallace: Uh. ...Hi.

Rachel: *eats cheesesteak, trying to avoid staring*

Josh: He's gone. *watches the short man walk away*

Al: You two really want to meet a Wolverine?

Josh: Rachel's met Mom and Aunt Logan.

Wallace: Nah, it's cool.

Rachel: *laughs* Yeah, I've seen plenty of Wolverines.

Al: Aw, I know one that would make this party more lively.

Josh: *side glance* Sir James? You want to invite Grandpa Wolvie? *incredulous look. Looks so much like a kid now*

Al: *grins and drinks beer*

Josh: He'd flirt with Rachel!

Wallace: *eats his sandwich - he's not touching that one*

Rachel: o.o ..... *salad!*

Al: He's old, Josh. He flirts with everyone.

Josh: Hmmph.

Wallace: That could get awkward. *sandwich* ...Or hilarious.

Rachel: Probably awkward... *salad!*

Josh: *boots Al under the table*

Al: *growls. Yes he does*

Josh: o.o >.< XD *sputter of laughter*

Al: You're as bad as Ax. *beer!*

Wallace: I dunno, I could put 'hit on Wolverine' up there with 'hit on Superman'. Y'know, die happy.

Rachel: Y'know, I'm sure we could find you a lady Supes in here someplace...

Al: *pauses in the act of telling Wallace not to hit on this superman because he's a kid and his mother is Wolverine* ... *chuckles* How about a Bat?

Wallace: Wow no. Unless you wanna call Old Man Wolverine back here and we can double date?

Al: I don't think she dates.

Rachel: *snickering so hard she's nearly choking on her cheesesteak*

Josh: He's talking about a Wust Fee woman we know.

hLugnutz: That lady is harsh. *resumes sulking and eating*

Wallace: *grin* Can we not set me up with superheroes?

Rachel: *lighter snickering* You first.

Josh: She's not a super hero. Noelle's a clerk at the Quick Stop at the mall.

Wallace: Are you serious? *is he blushing?* What? No.

Rachel: *blinking at Josh, oblivious of Wallace* Quick Stop...? Why?

Josh: *nods to Wallace and then lifts brows at Rachel* Why what?

Rachel: She's got all the cool powers! *thinks* I dunno, clerk just seems... boring.

Josh: *slight smile* She still needs to eat and pay rent.

Wallace: *relieved no one is immediately talking to him*

Rachel: Yeah, but... I dunno, I've had those jobs before. *but understands wanting to be normal. Shuts up*

Josh: She's not that bad, Lugnutz. She and my mom are friends.

Lugnutz: Joshy, you just proved my point. *drinks*

Wallace: *nurses his beer, listening*

Rachel: *raises an eyebrow as she pushes the empty salad plate to the edge of the table* I'm friends with his mom. What does that make me?

hLugnutz: 0_0 *glances toward the door* Oh hey, there's Scott. Gotta go to work. Laterz! *vanishes as his main body just gets up and jumps off his chair*

Josh: *shakes head slightly* Be careful, okay? Those guys aren't pushovers.

Lugnutz: Neither am I. :D *waves to the others*

Wallace: *wave*

Rachel: *snickers and smiles after the retreating bot* Did I finally zing 'im?

Josh: *chuckles, though it sounds just a bit sad* I think he's just uncomfortable with the idea of insulting girls your age.

Al: *quirks a brow, and then snorts and drinks deeply of his drink. Looks amused*

Wallace: *eyebrow*

Rachel: *smirks* Sounds like he's in one of those phases... *digs into her cheesesteak*

Al: You mean realizing that all the girls think he's a great friend and never think anything else?

Josh: *reproachful look for the older man*

Wallace: *not touching this one - my goodness this beer is distracting isn't it?*

Rachel: *visibly miffed at Al's statement, but knows she'd never find the guy attractive* Hey... ah... I bet there are tons of robo-ladies for 'im...

Al: *shrugs*

Josh: *frowns at him and then perks and looks at Rachel* They sell the blue cake here by the whole cake and the package now.

Wallace: *yeah ok he's in* Y'know, if I had a dollar for every dude who told himself he was a 'nice guy'... yeah. Not t'bad mouth your friend.

Rachel: *jumps on the cake topic* Wait, you mean... that cake?

Josh: *while giving Wallace a quizzical look* Yup. Aoife's blue chocolate one.

Wallace: *shrugs and goes back to his beer and his people watching*

Rachel: *wistful look, cheesesteak halfway to her mouth*

Josh: *grins* So you can bring some home.

Al: They have some of my chocolate beer here, too.

Josh: 6_6

Rachel: *snaps out of it* Wait... chocolate beer?

Al: Yup. *slight grin*

Rachel: I'm... *thinks* Not sure how I feel about that.

Wallace: *grin* That's my girl.

Rachel: *blinks at Wallace*

Josh: It's the first beer I've seen that Mom wouldn't drink.

Al: Your mother hates chocolate.

Josh: Still. It's beer.

Wallace: *grin* Don't mind me. After the mango thing I was worried.

Rachel: *raises an eyebrow at the older human* What, that I'd become pretentious?

Wallace: I wouldn't go that far. *chinscratch* But you do eat weird things on your pizza...

Al: *tunes back into that conversation* *brows lift* What kind of weird things?

Josh: *frowns at his empty platter, and then looks toward the bar and lifts a finger*

Nemesis: *nods and bellows an order for another number six*

Rachel: *rolls eyes bemusedly* Hey, I didn't make you eat the artichokes, did I?

Wallace: *solemnly shakes his head* I would never forgive you.

Al: *thoughtful look now. Asks the passing masked and cloaked waiter for a big bowl of marinated artichoke hearts*

Rachel: Good, then you do forgive me for the jalapenos. *buries smirk in cheesesteak*

Wallace: Well, I forgave myself for the curry. It's only fair.

white waitress: *sets down a new platter of poutine for Josh, and then sets the big bowl of marinated chokes on the table too before taking Josh's empty plate and walking away*

Josh: *fork in the chokes!*

Wallace: *looks at the artichokes, fighting down the grin* ...Whoever ordered that is funny.

Rachel: *forces a smile at the curry reminder. Wonders if his foot still smells of it, like he said last night* *smirks at his reaction to the artichokes*

Al: I did. *gets one onto his fork and puts it on the edge of an unused side plate* Hmm. I should get a corned meatplant sandwich and put this on it.

Wallace: Well then you're funny.

Al: *snorts good-naturedly, and then orders the sandwich on rye bread*

Josh: These aren't fancy sauerkraut, you know.

Al: *shrug* *nom*

Rachel: Still good though. Now I wanna make Jerusalem Chicken...

Wallace: I don't know what that is. Is this that 'food snob' you were worried about comin' out?

Al: *watching Rachel with interest as he waits for her reply*

Josh: *eating, brb*

Rachel: *chuckles in embarrassment, resisting holding her head* It's a delicious baked chicken artichoke dish.

Wallace: This is the kinda thing I look at and balk, isn't it?

Al: I think my wife would want that recipe. *takes his sammich as it's handed to him, and then fills it with marinated 'chokes*

Rachel: Is there a way I can send it to you later?

Al: Has your cellphone got the Nexus upgrade?

Rachel: No. *hoping he won't ask why*

Al: Ah. Hmm. *pulls a paper notepad out of his hip pocket and flips past plans for wooden toys to an empty page*

Rachel: *stops him now* I don't remember it off the top of my head.

Al: Well crud. *humorous expression*

Josh: *activates the holo screen on his wrist computer and does a search for the recipe, then sends the screen over in front of Rachel so that she can look at the selections*

Al: *bemused blinking at the holo screen*

Rachel: Oh! I should've thought of the internet. *pokes through the different recipes*

Al: *very quietly but without mockery* Nerd.

Josh: *thrrpt* *eat moar!*

Wallace: It's cool dude, I don't have a nice phone either.

Al: *tucks away his notebook, and then pulls out a plain flip phone* It does the job. *slight frown for the device as he recalls what he used to use back on his original home world*

Wallace: Exactly.

Josh: *grins and tilts his wrist computer toward the older men* Mine's got 60 gigs of RAM, and full voice recognition.

Al: *gives the boy a mild Look*

Rachel: Aha! *moves the screen to Al* This is it, from what I can remember.

Wallace: *leans over to look at the recipe*

Al: *leans over to look, and then he's busy typing the URL into his phone's memory so that he can give it to his wife when he gets home* Yes. This is the kind of thing she likes to cook.

Rachel: I'll make it for you if you want sometime, Wallace.

Wallace: *perk* Ok.

Josh: ...Uncle Al?

Al: *busy typing* Hrrn?

Josh: Did you drop that phone in a blender?

Al: *pauses to look at all the big black scuffs and gouges on the yellow rugged phone* ...No.

Rachel: *snerks* Looks like he's been busy.

Wallace: *grins and pulls out his brick of a phone, scuffed, burned, but largely undamaged* You want I should give you the website?

Al: It lives in a hammerspace pocket with some of my tools.

Josh: Website? *interested look at Wallace's phone* That one would be easy to add a teleporter to.

Rachel: *perks up at the mention of a teleporter. Wonders what Wallace will say... kinda wants him to decline*

Wallace: I'll live without it, thanks.

Rachel: *silent relief*

Josh: Okay. *checks on Al's progress*

Al: *finishes typing in the url, then checks for calls and starts deleting* My younger brother needs to stop studying new ways to be annoying.

Josh: >.o

Wallace: *grin*

Rachel: *chuckles*

Josh: *glances sideways slightly as he consults his inner clock* I guess I should be getting home. Everybody's away, and I'll need to feed Chuck.

Wallace: *sips his beer* Ooh, pets. *sideeyes Rachel* Y'think this place has a solution to yer cat problem?

Rachel: *sits back in her chair* I dunno, maybe. I see a lot of pets here.

Josh: *quizzical look* Cat problem?

Al: *also looks up, frowning slightly with interest*

Wallace: *grins at Rachel, waiting for her to explain her new lodger*

Rachel: *groans and rubs her forehead, smiling slightly at the silliness of it* There's this giant white cat that won't leave my apartment... Except in the middle of the night when he scratches up my door.

Al: Whose cat is it? *frown deepens just slightly as he absently stuffs his phone back into his pocket*

Wallace: *shrug* S'quite a way to get a pet, I think.

Rachel: He doesn't belong to anybody, but I think Isobell upstairs might be partial to 'im. *sideways thinking glance* I was going to ask her about him, but got 'ported here before I could.

Al: A stray, then.

Wallace: From what I understand, this is how cats happen. *sip*

Rachel: *nods to Al* Pretty much. I don't know what to do about him.

Josh: Well, if he's really causing trouble, I guess the only thing you can do is call your local Animal Control.

Al: *blinks at Josh. Say whutnow?*

Wallace: Like... no one I've ever met has bought a cat. Cats just happen to people. *perks up* Or, yeah, Animal Control. The surest way to keep cats from happening.

Rachel: *sighs* I dunno, that seems a little harsh...

Al: Well, you could also get your own pet to chase it off.

Josh: She hasn't got time for pets, Uncle Al.

Wallace: *pats Rachel on the shoulder* I'm sorry. A cat has happened to you.

Rachel: *long sigh*

Josh: *pat pat Rachel. Then try to draw attention away from her* So where do you live, Wallace?

Wallace: *there's a flash of some other emotion there, but it dies* I'm staying in New York for awhile. *goes back to his beer*

Rachel: *oblivious to anything wrong* Yeah, but isn't SWORD based in DC or something? No wait, you told me you lived in New Jersey.

Al: *frowning at Wallace as his quick nose tells him that the man might be lying*

Josh: *watching body language while seeming not to be* On business?

Wallace: *to Rachel* I never worked for the nice part. *eyebrow* Can you see me in a suit? *to Josh* No, business doesn't tell me where to go. I'm visitin' the kid.

Rachel: *holds back a snicker-fit as she remembers the image of cleaned-up Date Wallace from last night*

Al: *hmmm* So where do you normally live, Wallace? *looks into his beer bottle and then has another drink*

Wallace: *grin* Why do you care? If you're hitting on me, there are smoother lines. *to Rachel* Yeah, it's that stupid lookin'.

Al: *looks down at the floor* Whiteout, this guy wants to be hit on.

big burly armoured blonde: *looks up with a scowl on her face* I'm squishy! How the slag am I supposed to hit on anybody??

Al: *points* He's squishy too.

Whiteout: *pauses, and quite visibly thinks this over, then scrambles up Lugnutz's abandoned chair and walks right up to Wallace* *deep frown as she studies him*

Wallace: Um. *looks at Al, mildly terrified* What?

Whiteout: *sudden dirty rotten grin of meanness, and then she grabs poor Wallace and plants a snog on him*

Josh: Ack! *hands out for rescue!*

Rachel: *stands straight up from her chair* Hey!

Wallace: MMRPH- *plants the heels of his hands on her shoulders and shoves himself back* WHATWHATWHATWHOAWHAT?

Rachel: *snarls in a surge of protectiveness and steps in front of Wallace* You better step back!

Whiteout: *had been grinning at the man's reaction, but now she's got a dark scowl on her boyish face as Josh grabs her by one arm and holds her* *snarl* You step back! I didn't see you kissing him.

Al: *facepalm. Oops...*

Wallace: *he's gone beet red* WHAT?

Rachel: *blushes too, which intensifies the heat she's now forgotten to control* Wha- I... He's my DAD, you ****!

Whiteout: Then what's your problem? It's not like I was hurting him! *lifts the arm that Josh isn't holding, but then blinks at it as it stays an arm instead of becoming a cannon*

Josh: Cut it out, Whiteout.

Wallace: *glance at Rachel* WHAT?

Rachel: *shakes a flaming fist at her* Take your sexually-harassing a** out of here bef- *brain grinds to a halt upon hearing Wallace* Uh... *curses self*

Al and Josh: *just looking at Rachel with their eyebrows raised*

Whiteout: *growls at Rachel and tries to jerk free of Josh, but the dark-haired boy's grip is unbreakable* He said he wanted to be hit on!

Josh: Shhhh, Whiteout. *still looking at Rachel*

Wallace: *seeing Rachel on fire starts something* Matchstick, calm down!

Rachel: *grits teeth* Not until she leaves! *has an annoyed glance for Al too. She'll get to him later*

Wallace: Rachel, it's ok. Um. *to Whiteout* Uh, hi. Uh... don't do that. *worst. scolding. ever.* *to Al* Don't tell people to kiss me. *back to Whiteout* Um. You're very pretty. But seriously. Don't listen to that guy.

Al: *just looks back at Rachel*

Whiteout: I don't have to leave, fleshbag! And he said it's okay. *stop. Head gears roll. Looks at Wallace* Really? Lemme do it again. >D

Josh: Whiteout...

Rachel: *flames grow bigger as she steps up again* NO.

Wallace: Rachel, kid, possibly flammable tables. It's ok. I'm ok. *Processes Whiteout's comment* WHOAWAITNO. No means no! *throws up his hands*

Josh: *tenses just slightly as he prepares to remove the obstreperous LOLed Destron*

Whiteout: *distracted and looking at Wallace quizzically* Why do you smell like a cheap hotel?

Rachel: *was not expecting that* Wait, what? *blinks at Wallace*

Wallace: Because I sleep in a cheap hotel? ...Wait, don't smell me!

Whiteout: *scowls at Rachel* Why do you make your dad live in a cheap hotel?

Josh: o.0

Rachel: *groans* He's not my dad... exactly. *growls, turning back to the point at hand* Don't change the subject!

Wallace: No one makes me sleep in a hotel!

Whiteout: *finger jabs at Rachel* I can smell you have a good place.

Josh: Whiteout, come on. You're embarrassing people.

Whiteout: *ignores him!*

Rachel: Why do you care where we live? Josh, get her outta here before I singe her nosy face off! *and she is indeed holding herself back to the best of her ability*

Wallace: I sleep there because I don't want to loaf around on my, er, the kid's couch, ok? I talked about this. With her. No one's making me do stuff. And seriously stop smelling people!

Josh: Excuse me. *flies off before Whiteout can say anything else*

Rachel: What is WITH people here?! Raahh! *begins pacing around the large table as far as she can get from the rest*

Wallace: *arms still up, still blushing* Holy ****. What the **** just happened?

Al: *quietly, so Rachel won't hear* Sorry. The joke went a little further than I thought it would. *more quietly* And now I'm nosy, though I'm not hitting on you. Do you actually have somewhere to live?

Rachel: *pacing until she doesn't feel like punching anyone anymore* *and trying to calm her fire before she burns her clothes off*

Wallace: Kid, you ok? Cuz I'm ok. *his gaze flickers to her flaming hands* *he quietly pulls a lighter from his inside pocket, and starts flicking it on and off as he slowly relaxes* *back to Al* Seriously, not something you need to know, guy.

Al: *gets to his feet, leaving the money for his order and tip* *quietly* You should tell the girl. Women have a way of finding things out. *nods to Wallace, and then turns and jumps off the table*

Rachel: *puts out a hand, not looking at Wallace* Just... gimme a minute.

Wallace: *awkwardly waits* ... *awkwardly waits* So how about them Mets?

Josh: *returns and lands on the big table, then sneezes into the crook of his arm. Is surrounded by a cloud of cinnamon scent* Sorry, guys. *sneeze!*

Wallace: S'ok. *he watches Rachel, concerned* *the lighter clicks in his hand*

Josh: *sneezes again, his gaze also going toward Rachel* *quietly* Rachel? Do you want to go home?

Rachel: Actually... no. *looks herself over* My clothes don't seem to be burning here. I think it's for the best. *calming down very slowly, but enough to make a joke*

Wallace: *grin* Ok. You want another beer?

Josh: *tentative grin at Rachel, but then starts as her phone rings through some random Nexus quirk*

Rachel: *small groan* No, I think that's a bad idea. *glances at her purse, takes a couple deep breaths and shakes the fire off her hands before getting the phone* Nana? .....Oh no.

Wallace: Hokay. *clickclickclick*

Josh: *looking at Rachel and NOT listening in* o.0

Rachel: *hits the answer key and puts it to her ear* Nana? What's up?

Nana: //Are you anywhere near a store, Rae-Rae?//

Wallace: *still looking a little hot under the collar* Um, I think I could use a beer. *flags down their waitress*

Josh: I'll get it. *gone in another poof of cinnamon, and then back and offering a Bud*

Rachel: *well this seems normal enough. Slowly calming down* I could get to one. *turns away from the men to ease their tension*

Wallace: Thanks.

Nana: //One of the kids drank all the milk. I need a gallon. Can you do it?//

Rachel: *small happy sigh* Yeah sure, what kind?

Wallace: *he drinks his beer and slowly stops playing with his lighter*

Nana: //Well, not skim. That's no good for anybody. And not soy. Juan can't take that stuff.//

Josh: *don't mind him. He's now a silent series of kerchoos and funny faces*

Rachel: *look, an actual laugh!* Ok. I'll be by later.

Nana: //Okay, Rae-Rae. Love you!// *click*

Rachel: *slides the phone back into her purse* Well that was thankfully normal. *one more contented sigh, then she waffles about what to do next. Doesn't want to force Wallace to leave but if he wants to she's all for it*

Josh: *more sneezing* *then* Somebody needs something? *okay, he was listening to the Rachel side of the convo*

Wallace: *watching Rachel* You wanna go home, kiddo?

Rachel: *tries to shrug it off* Nana Anna--the old biddy of my apartment-- *adds for Josh* needs some milk. It's cool. If you want to stay a little longer...

Josh: *big grin* Blue milk?

Wallace: *casts a glance in the direction Whiteout went and grins sheepishly* It's been kinda an exciting night.

Rachel: *small laugh* Think I should stick with regular milk. You never know what somebody's allergic to. Thanks though.

Josh: Okay! *does another goneandback, then offers the jug* Cow, right? *gives his cute kid grin*

Wallace: *grins at Josh* Heh. Super-Delivery-Man.

Rachel: *blinks and rolls her eyes while smiling and grabbing the jug* Thanks.

Josh: *more grin. And then offers a hug as he sobers* Sorry about the hassle. I strongly suspect that Uncle Al expected Whiteout to tell him to go hang himself.

Wallace: *shrugs, starting to blush again* Uh, yeah, I don't think that went how he expected it to.

Rachel: *ruffles her hair with embarrassment* Yeah, the Nexus folks can be weird like that sometimes...

Josh: This is Whiteout's first LOL, and she's just a grunt. Not a lot of IQ. *looks at the jug of milk and thinks he'll go get one after he says 'bye to Rachel and Wallace*

Wallace: ...LOL?

Rachel: *looks like she might recognize the term* Have I heard that before...?

Josh: It's what we call any random, unexplainable, and often should-be-impossible happening. Most fade after a week, though LOL babies are permanent. *brow quirk*

Wallace: *deadpan* Kissing me is a random, unexplainable event.

Rachel: B-babies?

Josh: Those don't happen very often anymore. The fountain's been rerouted, and the couch has learned that the world's not so scary and stopped gassing people.

Wallace: Literally everything you just said was terrifying.

Rachel: *blink* ... *nod in agreement*

Josh: *gone and back again. Offers each of them a hardcover pocket size book* Here. This will help.

Wallace: *looks at Rachel* So we're never going to trust furniture here, is what I'm hearing.

Rachel: Yeaaah... See why I don't like this place?

Josh: *offers books* She's actually a Transformer. These pocket encyclopedias will tell you what to watch out for. But there's nothing in the Dog that can LOL you unless you buy one on purpose.

Wallace: *takes the book, looking numb* A Transformer kissed me.

Rachel: *also takes a book, patting Wallace on the shoulder* A giant robot. *holds back snickering thinking of the Logan who married a semi*

Josh: *eyes twinkle just a bit as he nods to Wallace* One of the local Warlady's adopted daughters kissed you.

Wallace: So, let me get this straight. I met Superman and Wolverine, I ate a dinosaur, had a beer with a giant robot and then a Transformer kissed me.

Josh: Lugnutz is a Transformer too.

Rachel: *rolls eyes again, stuffing the book into her purse for later* Sounds like a normal Nexus day to me. I saw even more weird stuff that week I lived here...

Wallace: *looks at his beer suspiciously* How many of these have I had? *back to Rachel* Wait, you lived here?

Rachel: *winces, realizing her slip-up* Ah, yeaaah... Just to get away from stuff for a while.

Wallace: *smiles* S'cool, I get that. *he gets up* So, this has been pretty cool, but... yeah. *waves the book* Now it's getting weird.

Josh: *big hand is a gentle pat pat on Rachel's shoulder* *one wonders where the kid got that when his mother and butler DON'T do it*

Rachel: *smiles at Josh, then turns to Wallace* Josh'll have to take us home. I don't have a teleporter.

Josh: Just say the word. *cheery grin*

Wallace: *drinks his beer and gets up, still with half a bottle left*

Rachel: *grabs her extra beer and gives the place one last look-over before turning to Wallace* Ready?

Wallace: Yep.

Josh: *sticks out his elbows while poking at his watch*

Rachel: *takes an arm like she's done this a million times*

Wallace: ...Off to see the wizard. *takes an arm*

Josh: I don't think Gandalf's here today. *brings them to Rachel's apartment*

Freeloader: *oh. Interesting.*

Rachel: *stares at the cat* You better not have ruined anything...

Wallace: *closes his eyes to stave off teleportation sickness and drinks his beer*

Freeloader: *rolls onto his side and looks cute. And look! All those little things that sit on your desk, Rachel? They're all lined up on the floor in front of the couch*

Rachel: *smouldering stare*

Wallace: And now he's happening to your living room.

Josh: Happening? *looks from the people to the cat, who is looking as smug as only a large older tomcat can look*

Rachel: *goes to put beer and milk in the fridge* Remember I told you about the cat who won't leave?

Wallace: Cats happen to people. *sip*

Josh: Yeah. That's what Mom says every time she wonders how she got stuck with Pru. *shakes his head* He thinks he tidied the place up for you.

Rachel: *groans*

Wallace: *sips his beer*

Josh: *sympathetic hug offer for Rachel* I should get going.

Rachel: *that look says she'll be fine. And she's a bit embarrassed about hugging anyone in front of Wallace* See you around, Josh. *smiles in thanks*

Wallace: Night, Josh. Uh, nice to meet you.

Josh: *hand on Rachel's shoulder instead of the hug, and then grins at Wallace and takes his hand back before vanishing with a swish and a slight flash*

Freeloader: *thoughtful look* Mrrr.

Rachel: *walks to the couch to loom over the cat* See that? If you're not gone, I'll make you disappear, just like that.

Freeloader: *holds onto couch with claws*

Wallace: *snickers at the cat, then sobers* Uh, kid... about earlier.

Rachel: *instantly softens, running a hand through her hair again* I'm really sorry. Some people in the Nexus don't get personal boundaries...

Wallace: Yeah I get that. But you were, uh... really mad. Uh, you know, on fire mad. *he waffles for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand* So, uh, you ok?

Rachel: *blink* Oh... oh. Well, it's hard seeing you getting assaulted like that, 'ya know?

Wallace: *honestly surprised* Assaulted? Uh, yeah, I guess. I mean, you put it that way... *he curses and shakes his head - he honestly hadn't applied that term to it* But, uh, you know... I'm a big boy now, I can look after myself, right? *smiles* Uh... thanks, though. I just, you know, when you said I was your dad...

Rachel: *he is older than her, she hadn't thought to let him fight his own battles, but it makes sense* I guess I'm used to standing up for people. *and then he brings up the Dad thing, and she's blushing and turning away* Oh... Um... *embarrassed laugh* Well... my memories are still messed up sometimes...

Wallace: *very softly* Yeah, I know. ...I worry about you. And, um, I mean, it's ok. It doesn't, uh... it doesn't bother me. I kinda... um... *he abruptly buries himself in drinking his beer*

Rachel: *trailing off* It's just that one... *ok, subject change time!* Anyway, sorry you had to get pulled into that. I hate that the Nexus just takes people randomly without their permission...

Wallace: *forces it out, still staring at his feet* I kinda think of you that way sometimes, too.

Rachel: And it just chucks you into a crazy unfamiliar place with all these-hmm? *blink* Ah... *really? This is quite possibly the best thing she's heard all year. And now she's all warm and fuzzy inside, in the good way*

Wallace: *he goes red, still not looking up. He takes her silence as dislike* Uh... yeah. That's weird. Um. Sorry.

Rachel: *quick, overcompensate!* No, no, no! That's cool! Ah... *ok, she has no idea what to say...* Um... I-I'd better get this milk to Nana. It was nice seeing you again!

Wallace: Right, yeah. Uh, out. Right. Um, goodnight, Rachel. *he goes for the door*

Freeloader: *will hop down and just follow you, Wallace*

Rachel: *great, now she blew it. What to do, what to do...* Oh! Ah, Wallace?

Wallace: *turns back, still having trouble with that whole eye contact thing* Yeah? *he doesn't notice the cat*

Freeloader: *collides with Wallace leg* Mrrp...

Rachel: It just occurred to me, *snickers at the cat but oh that is not the right reaction, stop that...* Aha, that... That the Nexus usually abducts me when I'm having a bad day. But I can't think of anything that was bad about today. ... *glances at the cat* Not really.

Wallace: Ahh. *he looks away, clearly remembering something* Maybe it just wanted to screw around with you? *oh look beer, you're a distraction!*

Freeloader: *rubs cheek on Wallace. My old fart*

Rachel: *small laugh* Yeah, I knew it was a dumb train of thought. I'll never get that place. *smiles now that that's out of the way* Anyway, if you ever need anything let me know. I'll talk to you later!

Wallace: *he glares at the floor for a second* Ahh... ****. Maybe it was for me. ...Kid, I'm homeless. *he sounds fed up, more with himself than anything else*

Freeloader: *stares up at him. My old fart has a sad? Will massage his leg! With claws...*

Rachel: *surprised at the curse, and at his admission* ...Homeless...? *doesn't know what to say*

Wallace: *he rattles off the bullet points* Landlady was starting to get wise to my, eh, hobbies. I got out of dodge. I don't live in Jersey anymore.

Freeloader: *thinks this metal leg is wonderful. Will hug it now and chew on a pant leg*

Rachel: That's... that's horrible- Get off there, you! *rushes over to shoo Freeloader*

Freeloader: *ack! Scats!*

Wallace: *having failed to notice the cat bothering his prosthetic* Gnahh...! *steps back, then goes back to Rachel* It's not that bad. I just thought you outta know. That's why they were giving me trouble earlier.

Rachel: *sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose* I'm sorry. They're... overly-zealous with their charity sometimes. But why didn't you tell me earlier? You could've stayed here!

Wallace: *grimaces* Because, you know, you've got enough to deal with. *looks at the cat and makes the lame joke* And a cat just happened to you.

Freeloader: *sitting and pretending he knows nothing about anything at all*

Rachel: *smirk* He was following you out a second ago... *serious again* No really, I always have time to help you out. I'll... I'll see if there's any space in the building for you.

Wallace: Ah, kid, that's not why I told you... I just wanted you to know. I don't wanna, I dunno, get in your way around here. You've got a good thing going... *he trails off*

tap: *sounds at the door*

Rachel: You know you're never in my way... *blinks at the tap*

Wallace: *looks at the door, letting it shut him up*

cuddly little kid from 310: Miss Rae-Rae, are you home?

Rachel: *opens the door* Hey, Lou! What's up? *smiles at the cute little Latin kid*

Lou: *big happy grin and bright black eyes shining as the little one goes for a hug* You are home! Did you get Nana's milk? I'll bring it to her if you did.

Wallace: *steps back*

Rachel: *ruffles the kid's hair* Yeah, I just got it. It's in the fridge. *steps back to let the kid by*

Lou: *more happy hug and chatter as they turn toward the fridge, but then Wallace is noticed* Oh hi! *scoots past, but accidentally boots the older man in the ankle that won't feel it* *faceplant!*

Wallace: *stumbles back a step* Whoa, uh, you ok?

Rachel: *burst of maternal concern* Oh, Lou! *but doesn't instantly help her...him? up because she knows the kid will do it themself* Be careful.

Lou: *a moment more of silence, and then the little one is laughing heartily as they scramble to their feet* Look! My wiggly tooth! *shows it in one skinny little hand, and then turns and heads for the fridge, still laughing*

Wallace: *snickers* Nice, kid. *he smiles at Rachel* Well, uh, that's the first time someone got hurt that way on me.

Rachel: What about an adult?

Lou: *stops to set the milk on the floor and give Rachel another hug on the way back. Then looks at Wallace with cheery but earnest concern* I'm sorry for kickin' you, Mister!

Wallace: *laughs* What do you think I get up to?! *back to the kid - must not make dirty jokes near a child* S'ok, kid, I can't feel it in that one. *he kneels down and rolls up his pantleg a little bit so Lou can see his metal ankle* See?

Rachel: *hugs Lou warmly and lets the kid look at the leg*

Lou: *pauses, already hunkered by the milk, to gape at Wallace's ankle* Whoa. That's just as neat as Miss Rae-Rae's way to light the gas. Did you get that when you were born? Or did you have to wait till you grew up?

Wallace: Heh... uh, I had to wait. *smiles at Rachel* It is pretty cool when she does that, yeah.

Lou: Sick! *big happy grin, but then totes the milk up and heads for the door* I better hurry up. Nana needs this for supper. Are you gonna come eat, Miss Rae-Rae's friend? *chatting away as Rachel sees her or him to the door*

Rachel: We already had dinner, but maybe some other time. Say hi to her for me!

Lou: Okay! And don't worry. I'll be careful on the stairs. We don't want the milk all broken. Then everybody'd be sad 'n hungry. *out the door and heading down the hall. Chatting away*

Freeloader: Mrrp. *scratches ear. Kids, hmmph*

Wallace: *gets back up, mostly using his good leg* Cute kid. *he pauses* Um... I'm gonna go.

Rachel: She is, isn't she? Or is it a he? ...I can never tell. *catches Wallace before he can go* Hey, I meant that, you know. Do you have a bed tonight? Are you still at that hotel? *gets the distinct feeling she's rambling, so trails off quietly*

Wallace: Yeah, I... *rolls his eyes, again he seems angry at himself* No. I got kicked out. ...Hobbies, again. *he seems more ashamed that he's in this position than anything*

Rachel: *sighs, understanding not wanting illegal activities in your building but still...* Well, most of the people are "weird" here, so they'll probably understand. For now you can sleep on my couch.

Wallace: *frowns* I wouldn't bring that stuff to your door, kid. And I'll get my own stupid ass out of this, I promise. You don't have to clean up after me. I'm not gonna be that guy.

Rachel: *scoffs* I'm not cleaning up your messes. But I wanna look out for you. *starts, and almost stops, but manages to grab his shoulder warmly* You're practically my dad, remember?

Wallace: *he hesitates, then puts his hand on hers* Yeah. Ok. So, uh, I guess what we're saying is I'm gonna be around for awhile. That ok? *he smiles, a rare vulnerability creeping in around the edges*

Rachel: *smiles with him, a wave of warmth pervading her features* Of course.

Freeloader: *oh hey. Loves going on. Rubs on both sets of ankles*

Wallace: *he smiles, but can't hold her gaze for long. He squeezes her hand and lets go, then glares at the cat* Stop happening to me.


((Written by random_xtras, ssjmihoshi, and firra.))