driftfleet | We Lost Our Doctor and All We Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt

APOLLOOO!!!

[Meanwhile, Clay has a pretty easy time finding his way around. Sure, it's a different ship, and the aesthetic is different, but the pathway is still pretty much the same as every other ship he's been on. He follows Apollo's voice and his own instincts, rounds the corner, and -

Smacks right into Apollo.

And okay, Clay's stronger than Apollo, but that still kind of hurt. The force of it makes him topple backwards, landing on his butt while he holds his chest, where most of the impact happened.]

Owwww...

CLA--GAH!

[To be fair Apollo's got one hard head, sorry buddy. ON THE PLUS SIDE, that sure is solid proof his bro is the real deal!! Apollo goes down, rubbing at his head, eyes briefly spinning. ]

Eurgh...I-I'm fine. . .(I feel like I just ran into a brick wall. . .)

[He sits up finally, frowning as he takes a moment to fix his hair. Then he spots Clay, and he's right back to being filled to the brim with panick and excitement. There he, there's Clay! He's real! THIS IS NOT A DREAM, THIS IS NOT A DRILL.................shit did he kill him by blunt force trauma??? Noooo--wait okay he's groaning, it's fine.]

Aaaah!! Clay!! CLAY, are you alright?!

[This is true, that large forehead smacked right into him and all! Apollo's words get him to raise his hand as if to calm someone down, even though he's still recovering a little from that impact.]

I-I'm fine! I'm fine...!

[Then he opens his eyes and really looks this time, and... there he is. It's Apollo. It's Apollo, his best friend, the one he's been missing dearly for what seems like an eternity. Clay ends up just staring, his hand moving up as if to reach out and touch him, only to hesitate as he lets it fall slightly. He almost can't believe it's real, that he's finally seeing him again. And Apollo, is he... is he okay with this? He contacted him, yes, but - did he really want to see him again? After his... fate back at home?

Well. He's here now, they're here now, and Clay can't take his eyes off Apollo as he starts to stand up, offering a hand to pull Apollo up as well.]

H... Hey.

. . .

[Internal screaming intensifies.

He can feel himself tearing up again, and he quickly wipes at his face, trying to play it off as rubbing at his forehead again. He can't really explain the sniffling, but oh well. He's quick to plaster on a smile again, and though that's Clay's hand right there reaching out, he gets to his feet on his own, brushing off his suit.]

.........hey! S-sorry about that.

Ah.

[What does he even say? He just stares, smile twitching, then fading to a look of pure awe. Then he just, laughs.]

I-it really is you. What the heck, this is something straight out of a comic book. . .!

[Wow, rude. Clay closes his hand, then brings it back to his side a bit awkwardly. Apollo's always been like that though, sometimes taking his hand and sometimes bouncing back up on his own. He crosses his arms at first, wanting desperately to touch him but unsure if he's allowed, but - but -

Apollo starts laughing, and Clay can't help it. He laughs too, because it's contagious, he swears. His hands dig into his sleeves, trying hard to not just let go and fling around Apollo instead.]

Guess that makes me a galactic superhero! And you - You're really here! I thought -

[Ah, screw it.

He loosens his hold on his sleeves and takes a step, only to throw his arms around Apollo in a tight bearhug. Not only that, but he lifts Apollo up and spins in a circle a few times, laughing all the while. He's here, he's really here! His best friend! He's missed him so much, but now he's here!]

[A superhero? Sure, why not! That makes just about as much sense as anything else. And of course he doesn't mean to offend he just--what if it all falls apart like everything else in his life? Finally accepting his bestie being here, maybe it's best he doesn't get too attached to the idea. He snorts lightly]

Aha, something like Super Captain Clay? I could see i--ACK!

[WELL THERE GOES HIS NOT GETTING ATTACHED TACTIC. It's not the least bit difficult to lift Apollo straight off his feet, and any front Apollo had left in him is pretty much destroyed. Wide eyed and only flailing just a little, all he can do is manage a small sputter]

C-clay--!! Yes, I'm here, I'm here!!

[He's here! He's really here!

When Clay stops, he's... still got Apollo up off his feet, sorry, while one arm holds him tight around the waist while the other holds the back of his head, and he ends up burying his face in Apollo's shoulder with a big, uncontrolled smile. He stays like that for a second before he finishes that thought:]

I thought I'd never see you again!

[Even before he learned of his death, he'd been out here for long that he just thought he'd never go back, that the last time he saw Apollo was back on Earth before the launch. It's been hard to try to accept that.]

[That moment when you've forgotten how buff your bro is. Apollo doesn't protest, momentarily stunned but the sudden contact and still processing it all. This is real and happening so fast, and--god, when was the last time he hugged someone? The last weeks have been an emotional roller coaster, and now he feels like he's plunging downhill.

But. . .in a good way. He blinks, once, twice, glancing at Clay's mess of hair, before he finally breaks into a grin. He gives a playful snort, finally remembering how to use his arms as he brings a hand up to ruffle that mop of a head.]

W-well that goes double for me! And jeeze, did I get lighter or did you get stronger?!

[The ruffling of his hair only makes him laugh, then finally lower Apollo to his feet, tighten that hug for a second, then loosen his hold as he takes a step back. Of course it goes double or Apollo, he's... well. The d-word hasn't quite settled well with Clay yet, but we know what he means.

He puts his hands on his hips, chest puffed out a bit with confidence as he points at himself with his thumb.]

Well, I have kept up all my astronaut training! I think I've gotten a lot stronger since last time I saw you!

I can imagine. The stuff you went through back home was intense, I can only imagine what being out here has done for you. Not that it makes much of a difference on my end. . .!

[Clay could run laps around Apollo and lift him one handed if he wanted, probably. Glad some things will never change!!

Feet firmly on the ground now, Apollo is starting to relax. He doesn't even cross his arms in his usual closed off gesture. One arm hangs limply, while the other raises to sheepishly rub at his head. He'd been so awkward since he'd arrive, but it's like Clay's ready to pick up where they left off, as if everything is normal again. It's strange, but. . .hell! It's a reunion, treat it like one. There isn't any reason he should be despairing right now.

. . .

Okay no, there are multiple reasons. But gosh dang it, he's gonna try to live for the moment!! He gives a light laugh.]

I think we can both say with confidence you're more than some astronaut right now. You look so dang proud!

Haha! That's because I am proud!

[And yes, Clay is confident and proud. But beneath it all is someone humble who just wants to do his best, discover the stars and live life to the fullest. So after that, the bravado breaks, but only because of something he just thought of, something that makes him excited as he puts his hands on Apollo's shoulders.]

I've got so much to tell you! Do you have a room yet? I mean, of course you do - Do you wanna go there? Or, you know, somewhere else? [Because it'd be kind of awkward telling him all this stuff right out in the hallway!]

Edited 2016-09-25 01:07 (UTC)

Haha, you look like a kid about ready to pop if you don't get a story out! [Just chilling and talking with his BFF? Like. . .like a normal person??? The concept seems so foreign to him now. He misses a beat as the nostalgia settles in, and he doesn't even flinch at the contact this time.]

--oh yeah, that'd probably be for the best. I'm sure everyone would appreciate us not shouting in the halls. It's this way, I think. [OVER THERE SOMEWHERE that the player has figured out, aw yeah. He moves to lead the way, gesturing for Clay to follow.]

[If Clay were a puppy, he'd be running all over Apollo's feet and wagging his tail like mad, whining with joy. But since he isn't, he just tries to contain his excitement as he follows, though he can't help the grin on his face. He still can't believe it, even though Apollo is right here walking in front of him. All this time, he's missed him so much. He couldn't skype(?) with him, couldn't call him, nothing. All he's got are the letters he's been writing... Which likely won't see the light of day, considering how embarrassing they are, looking back at them.

He crosses his arms, if only to stop himself from throwing an arm over Apollo's shoulder as he looks over the halls.]

I haven't been to this ship before. I'm usually on the SS Vanquish - did you know I'm the captain of that ship?

[Apollo's smiling to himself, despite everything. It's just like old times, and he can't help but feel a little giddy himself. There's so much he wanted to tell Clay too, all about Athena and Trucy and their ridiculous trials. Sure, he'll have to omit quite a bit, but swapping stories with his bro is more than worth it.

At the news that Clay is freaking captain, he throws a surprised glance over his shoulder.]

--eh?! Seriously, like Miss Nami? That. . .shouldn't surprise me at all, haha! But it's fitting! Should I say congratulations, or is it a little late for that?

You just showed up, so you can congratulate me all you want! It's, uh, still kind of weird for me, but having a crew like mine makes it worth it!

[Clay's always been a bit of a follower - he looked up to Apollo and even adopted some of his mannerisms and personality, he followed Starbuck's guidance, was faithful to Cosmos as his subordinate. Being in a leading position will never stop feeling weird, but his crewmates have made it clear over and over again that they like him as their captain, so he brushes off those weird feelings and just keeps going.]

And... you're welcome to be part of the crew, if that's something you want.

[Maybe not now; he's sure Apollo is still reeling from the fact that his best friend is actually alive. But man, it'd be great to have Apollo on his ship...!]

Edited 2016-09-25 02:09 (UTC)

In that case, congratulations! Lucky you, you won't be subjected to Eldoon's noodle cart in celebration.

[Because Clay just loves those bowls of salt, right.

God it feels good to joke so lightheartedly for once. But just as they reach the door of Apollo's dorm, he nearly freezes at the invite. Wait, is it really an invite? Well yeah, of course it is. It's just like Clay, opening up everything to Apollo like it's no big deal. Hell, he still hasn't gotten over Clay letting him crash for those rocky few months in the last year.

But this is different. Clay's dead, he's been in space for years. Apollo can't just invite himself into his life like that. No, it's not natural. Or right, Apollo thinks. He leans briefly against his door, before regaining composure, turning back to Clay with more of a strained grin.]

Haha, you don't think having a lawyer along would cramp your style? But. . .I'm really glad. I always knew you'd go places. You've always been a hard worker, it's no wonder you'd become a captain. You're the type of person people want to follow, someone you don't ever have to doubt. I bet they all trust you with their lives. [No strain in those words, at least. If only Clay knew how much drive he inspired in others, Apollo included.]

[Apollo probably can't see it, but the part about Eldoon's made him cringe. He's sure never going to forget that day, and not for any good reasons. The day Apollo made him eat a bowl of... liquid salt, because there's no way there were actually noodles in there.

Still, that cringe still turns into a smile, just because... it's nice, reminiscing with someone. He hasn't been able to do that since he's been here.

When Apollo stops, so does Clay, arms still crossed with his hands gripping into his sleeves a little. What Apollo says makes his cheeks heat up a bit with embarrassment, and he can't help rubbing the back of his neck even as he chuckles sheepishly. There are some compliments he can take with pride, that he can loudly proclaim that it's all true while probably standing on top of something. But ones like that? Sincere, from the heart, about Clay himself and not just his accomplishments? It makes him feel like his old self, shy and soft-hearted.]

Well... hah. Jeez, Pollo... You haven't even seen what I'm like as captain...

[But, well. His crew does like him a lot, and no one ever questioned him or anything, so what Apollo says does have merit. What doesn't, however, is that first part, and he moves his hand to give Apollo a shove on the shoulder.]

C-Come on, though, having a lawyer on board would be super stellar! Just think - You vanquish the prosecution with words alone! ... And evidence, but you know what I mean!

[Clay moves to lean against the wall, just like Apollo did with the door, fixing him with a more serious look.]

Besides, you're still my best friend. You'd never cramp my style, ever.

[Haven't seen what he's like as captain? Apollo opens his mouth to retort, but quickly snaps it shut again. Clay saved Starbuck's life! He was the only person the director trusted to carry out a secret mission! He literally went down with an exploding ship! That's not even counting all the times he's had Apollo's back, and helped him out when he was at his lowest. If that doesn't make a Leader, Apollo's not sure what does.

The shove grounds his thoughts again--and ow, jeeze, he makes a mental note that he is really wimpy right now, maybe due to the bombing. He snickers, giving Clay a flat, amused look.]

Don't use your ship to make puns, that's cheating! Besides, a lawyer can't measure up to star players in a real crew. I would like to meet them, though.

[Unlike Apollo, Clay's naturally been able to make new connections and friends. Sure, Apollo was especially fond of Starbuck and Aura, and they certainly liked him well enough, but in the end, they were brought together by Clay. Surely by now, Clay's made an entire new network of friends. His eyes dart to the floor briefly, then snap back up to meet Clay's. There's no sadness, just Apollo's usual semi-angry wannabe professional glare. Boy really needs a new default look.]

And you're mine, too. That said. . .it's been two years for you, right? That's a lot of time. I want to catch up, and pick up where we left off but.

Well, I can't just insert myself right back into your life like it's no big deal.

[Clay's never been good at reading subtle facial expressions, nor could he pick apart nervous tics like Apollo can. They're opposites that way, Clay not really adept at catching on to tones and inflections while Apollo was good at it. Apollo's neutral expression comes on and Clay can't read it. At least he's not intimidated by the glaring, never has been. But it's a little frustrating, not knowing what the other is thinking.

What he's saying, though... that makes Clay roll his eyes, then hang his head, visor hiding most of his face.]

You're right. You can't come back into my life like it's no big deal. [He lifts his head, a tired smile on his face.] Because you did, and it's a big deal. Astronomically big.

Do you know how much I missed you, man? [He sighs, broad shoulders dropping while he rubs at his upper arm.] I've been writing letters to you since I got here, even though I know they'd never reach you. It... makes me feel better. Makes it not hurt as much. Last time I wrote a letter? Just last week, a day before you got here. I must have... I don't know, a hundred now? All about what's going on here. It'd be like if Mars were taken out of the Milky Way system; sure, the system would find a way to work around it, but nothing would ever work the same way again.

[He looks at Apollo again, shoulders squaring once more.]

It might have been a year and a half for me, but that doesn't mean you're less important to me because of that, okay?

--!

[That's not what he expected at all, somehow. And Clay still managed to fit in a damn pun. His eyes are almost comically wide, blinking in surprise, just trying to picture the ridiculous image of Clay writing letters to no where. There's no postage in space, Clay!! A bout of silence as he matches Clay's stare, then he breaks it off, huffing slightly.]

You. . .you're a big dork you know that? All that paper wasted.

[Damnit, he's going to cry again, he can feel it. Suck it in, Justice!! He swipes his arm across his face to catch it before it gets too bad, and he slumps, sliding a bit down his door. Why does he even bother trying to argue with Clay; the guy's just too straight forward, honest.

Like Apollo just said. . .there's no reason to ever doubt him.]

Fine. Fine! If it were anyone else, I'd wonder if they were just trying to spare my feelings.

Still, best friend or not, you've got an entire crew to look after. I bet they're practically family now--it's just like me and the agency back home. Even if I'm here, your crew, your duties, they should always come first. Alright?

Alright, alright!

[Clay slides down his place on the wall too, drawing his knees up as he sits beside Apollo.]

You're right, the crew's the most important thing to me here. Heck, that's why I haven't moved in with - uh. [Wait. He hasn't even talked about Allen yet. Clay gives a sheepish little laugh as he swipes at the band-aid on his nose.] Why I haven't moved to any other ship! They're the best crew I could ask for!

[It's like back home with him, too. Apollo is and always will be his best friend, but his astronaut duties came first as well. He got extremely busy doing astronaut work in the last year of his - his life, so they couldn't meet in person as much. But still, he did his best to find time for Apollo, because he was also incredibly important to him.]

But that doesn't mean I can't find time for you, you know? If you decide to stay here, I mean.

[Woah son what the heck was that just now. He doesn't need his bracelet to catch it, and it's more than enough to distract him from his own insecurities. He shoots Clay a curious look, eyebrow raised.

It takes him a moment to process what Clay says afterwards--and once again, he's not surprised. Both of them lead busy, hectic lives, and a space opera is bit like some well deserved (but unwanted) downtime. Of course they could make time to hang out if they wanted. Apollo just doesn't want Clay to feel obligated to do so.

Not that Apollo will outright say that. Besides, now, all his mind is set on is figuring out what Clay's trying to brush aside.]

. . .mm. I'll think about it. Thanks, Clay.

But ah, wasn't there something you were itching to tell me? I'm taking a wild guess here, but it sounds like it involves someone else.

[And - oop. Caught. Clay lets out a sheepish laugh as he runs his hand through his hair, a blush creeping up on his cheeks.]

I can't get anything past you, huh?

[Apollo's good at doing this, and it doesn't help that Clay is a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad liar. Keeping secrets? Sure, he's great at that, it's one of the reasons Director Comsos picked him to be involved with the secret mission. But Allen was no secret, and Clay never wanted to treat it as such.]

Well, it's one of the things I want to tell you. [He looks at Apollo then, still blushing a little, but clearly looking pretty happy.] His name's Allen. He's my boyfriend.

. . .

[There is a long, loooong wide eye stare when Clay says that. Apollo's prety good at processing information, but it seems like this is taking a while to settle.]

You. . .

You have a BOYFRIEND? Aaaah--!

Wait, HOLD IT!

[Apollo's on his feet, and practically slams his door open. He then reaches down, eagerly tugging Clay inside.

The room's scarcely furnished, understandable since he hasn't been here that long. Clay's older, tattered jacketed is neatly folded on a corner of the bed, along with some papers. Apollo's already started taking notes on things.

BUT WHO CARES ABOUT THAT.

Apollo closes the door behind them, and looks to Clay with big, serious, inquisitive eyes. With the trainwreck of cases and mysteries, Athena settling into the firm, and Clay being so busy, he hasn't had a chance to gossip and talk about trivial stuff like this in ages. Sure, he and Prosecutor Gavin would hang on the rare occassion, but it was strictly business more often than not. But now, he has a chance to talk! Like a normal person! ABOUT CLAY'S LOVE LIFE OF ALL THINGS! This is true nostalgia, he feels like he's back in high school.

Grinning wide, Apollo backs off, arms crossed, eager for information.]

Okay, start from the top. I have to know how the Captain landed a new first mate!

We Lost Our Doctor and All We Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt

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