bakerstreet | THE BAR FIGHT MEME

❰ he's not so likely to start a bar fight, but he'll waste no time in finishing one, especially for a friend. ❱

[Out for a drink among mortals. Cross canon, OC, and AU welcome.]

[Long time, no see!! Care for the two of these guys to meet up again? Can't see them in a bar fight against each other, since they're friends, but perhaps on the same side against somebody else? Perhaps the Mortal Kombat realm has bars for the fighters and someone couldn't wait for the tournament?]

['Eeeeey! I would love to have these two meet up again! Heh, I think I can swing that. XD Let me know if you want edits.]

Shang Tsung's island, being a place between realms, was the perfect location for the Mortal Kombat tournament. As it was, his island had many amenities, and of course he would not deny the chance for impromptu fighting by having a bar for combatants to get drunk at.

For the time being, Earthrealm was being afforded a round of rest while Outworld attempted to conquer another realm, but that didn't mean Raiden was off the hook. Earthrealmers sometimes worked for other realms, and as its protector he still had to be present to make sure nothing happened which might impact the realm itself.

There were plenty of realms present as he walked into the dark, seedy place. He was not a fan of it, but Tarkatans and Lin Kuei were present in large numbers and in various levels of intoxication. There was bound to be trouble and so he ignored the glares from both sides of the room and approached an open seat at the bar.

Runs with it!

It had been more than a decade in Minoru's time since he'd seen his old friend. Granted, time and place were odd things to a dimension-hopping Snake Sage, and he'd long begun to suspect his time at Ryuuchi Cave had a side effect of slowing the aging process. He didn't look that much older, and he certainly didn't behave it.

(Of course, who knew how much time had passed for Raiden! Hopefully, Minoru would still be remembered. And hopefully, that recognition might forgive the name dropping of one of Shang Tsung's trusted protectors this close to a tournament!)

"Hey, Syzoth was right! You did make it all the way out here!" Minoru smiled as he spun around on the stool next to Raiden. What followed was a hearty wave and friendly hello!

Minoru had been far from Raiden's mind once he was back in his own realm, but he was far from being forgotten. Hearing Reptile's true name used earns a quick turn of Raiden's head toward the voice but the instant he recognizes its owner there's a warm flash of lightning in his eyes. Minoru may wave, but Raiden is reaching out for a warm handshake.

"Minoru, it is good to see you!" Surprising, absolutely, but there are very few faces around here Raiden can call friends and he's thankful to find even one in this place. Still he wonders, and worries, what reason would bring him to Shang Tsung's island.

"It has been many years, I hope you have been well." Behind them, there are glares from the less pleasant company in this place. Expressions of friendliness are uncommon, and also highly unusual from the typically dour Thunder god.

When Raiden stretched out his hand, Minoru immediately took it, even pulling the god into a friendly embrace. (Which likely earned even more strange looks from the usual patrons.)

"I've been doing a lot of training. And traveling." He replied with the same old smile. Those two things did seem to always go hand in hand. There were, after all, infinite worlds with near-infinite possibilities. "It's not often I run into the same folks twice."

Minoru never knew what his next adventure would entail when he leapt into a portal in Ryuuchi Cave. Here, he'd come across the last Saurian relatively quickly. Reptile might have originally been dispatched to remove the strange intruder from the island, but Minoru's reptilian Sage Mode provided common ground. They'd been training in secret for a couple of weeks now, learning from each other, all while preparations for a big tournament were being made.

"What brings you out here anyway? Are you fighting in that tournament everyone's talking about?"

Raiden's a bit awkward in the embrace, but he doesn't mind it and is ignoring any looks from the other patrons, which should tell them they need to mind their own business. They go back to exchanging glares around the room while Raiden focuses on Minoru.

"It seem you have been keeping busy." He doesn't smile but his tone does it for him as he sits with Minoru at the bar. Raiden doesn't order but the bartender brings him a hot bottle of sake and a cup anyway, clearly he's known around here.

"Shang Tsung has had the sense to keep his people from challenging me for quite some time, so I doubt it. As it is, I am only here to keep an eye on the Earthrealmers in case any of them start trouble. I do not need another inter-realm incident."

"Only plants grow when they're standing still." He smirked. As if he was even capapble of it. No, some things certainly hadn't changed in all those years.

When the bartender looked his way, Minoru just shrugged. He wasn't much of a drinker, nor did he have any or this realm's currency on him. He waited until the gruff-looking man had gone about his business before continuing in a more hushed tone.

"Shang Tsung... Pretty sure he's the one who tried to have me killed." He laughed a little.

Either Reptile wasn't as loyal as people accused him of being or the sorcerer was sufficiently intrigued to see what he would do. One way or another, Minoru was alive and well.

"You think there's going to be trouble?"

While Raiden's been served, he doesn't seem to be in a hurry to drink. His expression turns grim when Minoru mentions Shang Tsung made any attempt on his life. His eyes flicker angrily, but there's only so much he can do while on Shang's island. If he gets too involved, Earthrealm as a whole will have to scramble to get fighters for this particular tournament.

"There is always trouble. Since the beginning of the tournament, not a single one has gone without incident. More often than not," he snorts, turning to his sake and pouring it into his cup, "it's an Earthrealmer causing trouble. Or Tarkatans. Considering we have a clan of each present here tonight, I would be surprised if they remain so amiable toward each other."

Granted, he's using that word very loosely, there are a lot of very unpleasant glares and gestures being made between the two groups. Some higher ranks are doing what they can to keep their clan members in line, but their efforts aren't out of respect for the other side of the room. No one wants to be the one responsible for a brawl before the tournament, but there's clearly bad blood here.

The scary thought is that Minoru was completely unfazed by the whole thing. Not all of the places he appeared in could be as amicable as the U.S.S. Enterprise. Sometimes, he wasn't given the warmest of welcomes and, well, that was that.

Praiseworthy comments about Syzoth's speed, tongue strength and acidic venom could wait, though. He looked around again, noticing the stark divide between two sides of the bar.

"What happened between them to cause that much distrust?"

Always the optimist, maybe there was something he could do to ease the tension or help them heal some of that bad blood.

"The Lin Kuei are an Earthrealm clan. They occasionally work for Shang Tsung when he pays their Grand Master well enough." He nods at the blue-clad human ninjas on one side, and then the sharp-toothed humanoids on the other.

"The Tarkatans are from Outworld and their Emperor, whom Shang Tsung serves, has been trying to invade Earthrealm for a few thousand years. The Lin Kuei's effectiveness has had a hand in their fall from the Emperor's favor, which may spell the end of the Tarkatans." There's an eerie off-handedness to the way Raiden explains that muddled political situation, having seen it happening over thousands of years. Privately he hopes it exacerbates the infighting among Shao Kahn's armies, which would be in Earthrealm's favor.

Minoru just scratched his head, trying to make sense of it all. The complex political arena was his brother Isamu's forte, not his.

"Wait... So they've been on the same side... until just recently?"

Because if the Tarakarans were serving this Emperor, and the Lin Kuei are working for someone who works for this Emperor, then wouldn't both sides be fighting against Earthrealm? But one of the clans is actually from there. Should they have ever been on the same side? And if this Emperor could throw one group away so easily, why were any of them on that side to begin with? Talk about complicated!

"Why are they on any side at all?"

There was some growling from the Tarkatans behind them, and a few barked insults from the Lin Kuei but little aside from words were being exchanged and they settled into low murmurs as Raiden took a reserved sip of his sake.

"When Shao Kahn turned his ambitions toward Earthrealm, the Grand Master at the time decided to throw his lot in with Outworld to ensure their survival. However, he knew better than to volunteer and so he offered their services to the Emperor at a price. Some of the Lin Kuei have recently started to disagree with this decision." He looks into his cup and then tips back the rest of the contents before continuing.

"Earthrealm fights in the tournament to prevent the invasion by Outworld. In the beginning the odds were against us, but in recent times Earthrealm has grown stronger. Victory at the side of the Emperor no longer secures their survival if Earthrealm does eventually fall. He is known for being vindictive, and Earthrealm has long been a thorn in Shao Kahn's side."

There's a mischievous flicker of Raiden's eyes, knowing that he was the grand orchestrator of Earthrealm's continued success in keeping Outworld at bay. As they sit there, the temperature of the room seems drop suddenly, and Raiden's eyes turn wary, sliding over to glance at the Lin Kuei. They aren't moving, but there is frost growing on their mugs and glasses. In turn, the Tarkatans go still, a few of them extending their arm blades. Tensions are high as the room starts to go quite, it's clear the posturing is on the verge of turning into something more.

"Then neither have true cause to fight. Not now. Not anymore. If they truly ever did. Do they not realize this?" Minoru whispered.

The calculated movements behind them only answered his question. A tournament was one thing. A match with rules and honor was a place to settle disputes. This was violence for the sake of violence, orders being carried out, war continuing because neither side knew how to stop it.

Minoru was as fast as Raiden would remember. He bounced off the stool, leaving it spinning in place as he landed between the two sides, arms outstretched.

He actually hoped to stop the brawl before it started.

Raiden raises an eyebrow, but he knows Shao Kahn cultivates this sort of in-fighting in his followers and supporters to maintain his power over them. He's about to mention as much when Minoru moves with that striking speed of a poised viper. Raiden has his full powers back, but it's still no less impressive to witness.

Personally he's inclined to wait for the first punch to be thrown. If the Tarkatans make the first move then he has fodder to reproach Shang Tsung for failure to control his people. Now that his friend his placed himself between the two factions though, the dynamics change immediately. Both Lin Kuei and Tarkatan rise, turning their ire at each other toward Minoru instead.

Raiden sighs, rising calmly and walking up alongside Minoru and giving a withering glare to both parties, lighting flickering within his hat.

"Need I remind those present, that fighting before the tournament is expressly forbidden?" His voice has an almost thunderous roll to it as he hopes his support of Minoru's attempts at peace don't wind up inciting the impending brawl.

A leader manipulating their people and controlling them through violence and fear is wrong. War is wrong. Senseless death over conflicts that need no longer exist is wrong. If there was the chance that one person, of either realm, could turn away with even a sliver of an idea in their mind that there might be a bond beyond hatred, Minoru would risk his own life to spark it.

Raiden's presence was a welcomed one. But even if he chose not to stand beside him, this was what a Sage did. It was what Minoru dedicated his life to doing. And so, even as he drew looks of ire and contempt, he stood firm, one arm outstretched on either side.

"Aren't you both here, in this one place, for the same reasons?"

He didn't know for sure, but he could guess. This was a bar. In most worlds, people only came to a bar for a few basic things. Nourishment. Camaraderie. Escaping something that was too painful to deal with at the time. Why would that be any different here?

"You are not as different from each other as you believe to be. You do not need to fight. Not now. And not here."

Outworld is not known for its benign leadership, nor its peacefulness. Minoru makes a good and logical argument, Raiden standing next to him though his hands are at his sides. Knowing how much both groups dislike the Thunder god, he's not expecting his presence to keep the impending fight at bay.

"We are not slaves to the Emperor!" One of the Lin Kuei snaps back, earning a reproachful glare from Raiden.

"At least we don't betray our kind!" Comes the sharp Tarkatan reply. It's an ages-old exchange that Raiden's heard many times before. The brim of his hat lowers in frustration.

"Consider the fact that, until the tournament is over, you both serve the same Master. The trouble you cause will be addressed by him." Neither Shang Tsung nor Shao Kahn had much capacity for mercy in the face of foolishness.

"Then this is an Outworld matter! Stay out of it!"

"It's a matter of choice." Minoru insisted. "Your choice. Not Outworld. Not Earthrealm. Not anyone's but your own."

The names and places sounded alien on his tongue, having come from neither one of these places, but he spoke them with confidence.

"You can choose to lift your glasses, not your weapons."

Still, as he spoke, his body was relaxed. His chakra was swirling inside him. He was prepared to move, and move quickly, if need be.

And indeed they would have to move. There's a frustrated growl from the Tarkatan who raises an arm, pointing the blade at Raiden and Minoru. Raiden puts a hand out, palm facing the Tarkatan as that blade sends a ball of sparks at them. It hits a barrier that flickers with Raiden's blue lightning as he fully faces the Tarkatan side of the room.

"This is not the place for a formal challenge." His voice is low, hoping that the Tarkatan will back down instead of doing something foolish. While Raiden's back is to the Lin Kuei, a couple of the ice ninja are turning frosty, clearly intending harm to someone while Raiden's back is turned. It seems they are not entirely here for an amiable drink among friends tonight.

No, it appeared this confrontation was not going to be avoided after all...

Minoru stepped to match Raiden, keeping a watchful eye on the Lin Kuei so his friend would not have his back turned to danger.

One of the ice ninjas attacked, as expected, with a ball of ice, intending to freeze both of them in place. However, Minoru met it with a well-timed breath of fire. The ice splashed harmlessly to the ground as water, with no damage done. It was a surprise to both sides.

"What you do next is your choice..." He warned again, still hoping they would stand down.

Raiden hears the ice attack, followed immediately by the warm sensation of Minoru's fire. The tell-tale splash of water behind him says much and he wishes he could take his attention off the Tarkatans long enough to see the surprise from the Lin Kuei. Though, with the looks from the Tarkatans, he has an idea.

There's a lot of quiet bristling from both sides while Raiden remains calmly with his hands at his sides. He doesn't want a fight when it comes down to it, and hopes that Minoru's words make the right impression.

The tension in the room could be cut with a knife, and every growl or snarl could be the trigger that sets off the powder keg, or extinguishes it.

When a group of Lin Kuei rose to their feet, Minoru stepped slightly to the left. Not enough to leave Raiden's back exposed, just enough to convey to the ninja clan that he wasn't going to just let them through.

A few tense moments passed. Just when it looked like things were going to settle down, a few quick nods between assassins sealed the entire group's fate.

One of the ninja on the periphery of the conflict fired an ice blast at one of the Tarkatans, luring Minoru into deflecting with his fire. More ice blasts followed, hitting the Snake Sage to freeze him in place.

"That's what you get for interfering with outworld!"

Multiple Lin Kuei leapt up, to not only take Minoru out but also their rivals across the bar.

The Tarkatans retaliate when the ninjas aim their attacks, but their motions are not defensive ones. Raiden raises a small barrier to stop their sparking attacks, silently cursing the rules from allowing him to interfere more directly. This was not an attack on Earthrealm, as the Tarkatans had said, and it limited what he was allowed to do.

Raiden hears the crackle of ice near him and looks over just as Minoru freezes over. That earns a snarl from the Thunder god aimed at the Lin Kuei. He leaves the ninjas and Tarkatans to fight it out, but he's not letting them near Minoru. He rounds on them with lightning flickering around his fists as he keeps them from coming near his friend.

As the skirmish grew, the ice around Minoru's face started to crack as a fist shot through it. He'd used his snakelike substitution jutsu many times in his life, but using it in ice like this was actually a first!

Hands gripped around the ice and he pulled himself out of his body like a snake shedding its skin. And he opted to do so in Sage Mode as well, as the reptilian form provided more protection than his own skin.

"Okay, that wasn't pleasant." Minoru quipped back to Raiden, shaking off the cold.

A handful of fighters noticed the change and started to back off. "Another one of Shang Tsung's Saurians?"

Raiden is on the defense, just working to keep the skirmish away from Minoru and himself for the time being, seeing that the Tarkatans and Ninja are so very determined to fight with each other.

The cracking of ice distracts him though and he looks over to see Minoru in his Sage Mode, it's quite honestly a relief.

"It never is." He's been on the receiving end of that ice attack more than his share. A Tarkatan attack skims Raiden and he gives a low snarl, but the fighter is lowering his blades and backing away from the sight of the emerging Minoru.

"History attests that Saurians were of Earthrealm." He corrects, hoping perhaps that if the Lin Kuei believe they're attacking another Earthrealmer, they might avoid that fight to keep Raiden from intervening.

"Get out of the way!" One of the Lin Kuei shouted. That one, at least, was troubled by the idea - at least enough to be hesitant about attacking Raiden's new companion again. But others of his clan were not as eager to stop the fight. Some of them didn't care who got hurt as long as they took out their foes on the other side of the tavern.

In his Sage Mode, Minoru perceived the attacks faster than before, and dodged more fluidly. Those he couldn't dodge, he melted.

"Stop this! All of you!"

His words were definitely falling on deaf ears.

"History shows they will not listen to either of us, my friend." Raiden scowls, blocking another Tarkatan attack.

"And seeing as the Lin Kuei are under the employ of Shang Tsung, I can do little to keep them in order." He turns, only to get hit by an ice attack himself. He gives a pained snarl as he freezes in place, but within the ice his lightning flickers lively and it creaks from his straining against it.

He, too, was relieved that his friend escaped the ice attack.

"What should we do?" He asked, hanging from the ceiling where he'd just avoided a mix of additional attacks. He had a feeling that even summoning a giant snake wouldn't dissuade this feud, and might end up with his summon injured or people dead.

At least, so far, no one had hit their foe with anything substantial. They were too distracted by Raiden and Minoru.

Raiden disappears in a flicker of lightning, appearing outside of a swarm of fighters who look around before realizing he's behind them. It's enough to persuade them to fight each other rather than Raiden, but others are not so wise.

"This is Shang Tsung's territory. He's never cared for the well-being of any of his warriors. Skirmishes like this simply weed out the weak." He pushes back an attack and then reaches up on the air. A bolt of lighting appears in his grasp and the light fades to reveal his staff. He hits the ground hard with the endcap and the sound is like metallic thunder.

"You all risk violating the rules of combat! Who will answer to Shao Kahn for this?" His voice booms with that same storm-like pealing.

"How about the Saurian that poked his scaly nose where it didn't belong?!" One of the Lin Kuei shouted.

Minoru dropped from the ceiling just moments before an ice blast shot a hole through the roof. When he rolled to his feet he caught a glimpse of both the night sky and a furious bartender hopping over the counter.

Things were going from bad to worse, but not here. Not in this tavern.

"Get out! All of you!" He shouted. If they destroyed each other, it was no skin off of the bartender's back. But if they wrecked the place, he was the one left footing the bill for the destruction. And he'd finally had enough. "Get the hell out of my tavern and don't come back!!"

Both sides stood there, startled for a moment. It seemed that they might actually listen to someone...

"You heard me! Get out! All of you! Take it out into the street!"

There was a moment of silence. A few (from both sides) started making their way to the door. Minoru dared to breathe a cautious sigh of relief. And then, all hell broke loose again.

"You mean the one who tried to prevent the fight?" That gets a few Lin Kuei to bare their teeth, knowing it would curry Shao Kahn's favor. Raiden looks over as he hears an ice-blast sent upward and looks through the hole in the roof with a frustrated sigh.

"This is untenable." At which point the bartender yells for everyone to get out. Raiden watches with cautiously narrowed eyes as a few seem to actually listen, but then the rest it seems are not so wise. It's a gamble what he's about to do, it skirts the extent of his authority on Shang's island, but this fight has gone on for too long.

"Enough!" He reaches a hand out, pulling on his godly essence and sending a cascade of lighting away from Minoru, straight into a group of fighters with little care which side he hits. "In Shang Tsung's absence you force me to act! GET OUT."

Those words leave an acrid taste in his mouth, he was stepping in for Shang Tsung and he wasn't pleased about it in the least. His entire form is flickering with wisps of angry lightning as he swings that metal staff at a few who still charge at him. When it hits though, they disappear as they're transported out into the street. Not far, but no longer inside. Away from Earthrealm, it's a draining effort and he hopes enough of them leave of their own accord before he tires.

Minoru's jaw dropped as the lightning hit. At first, he feared his friend would have taken them all out, just like that. But when he saw them reappear outside, he was simply impressed. His own teleportation abilities were a one way, one man ticket to Ryuuchi Cave, and nothing else!

"Woah..."

Luck, it seemed, was on their side. A few did start to leave on their own accord, backing away from the angry god as quickly as possible. A few more followed. The bartender yelled again, and most of the Lin Kuei cleared out. The rabble rousing, at least for now, seemed to subside.

"That... worked?" Minoru wasn't sure whether to consider that a victory. He didn't have any money to pay the outstanding tabs, but he'd offer to help repair the roof once the dust finally settled. "I think."

Raiden takes a deep breath, setting the end of the staff down on the floor and leaning on it slightly. He narrows his eyes at the backs of those filing out the door. Whatever they did on the streets was their own business at this point, but a few of them would have painful reminders of their willingness to charge him while he had his staff in hand.

"For now. I expect I will be hearing from Shang Tsung about my interference." Raiden looks around to take stock of the damages, and they're not insignificant. That hole in the roof is bad enough.

Still in his Sage Mode, Minoru walked up next to Raiden. While it had been a long time since they sparred, he didn't remember his friend getting even remotely worn out.

"You'll have to teach me some of those new tricks." He grinned. "Though that one... I guess it takes a lot of natural energy?"

It was concern without outright stating it, given the atmosphere of violence. The last thing Minoru wanted to do was give either side a reason to come back for a cheap shot.

Raiden looks over at Minoru when he walks up alongside him, the lightning flickering about him subduing to little more than wisps in his hat. The warm glow of his eyes betrays his friendly amusement at the inquiry.

"I don't usually move so many in such quick succession, especially away from home." He appreciates the concern, reaching out and setting a warm hand on Minoru's shoulder. He might feel the gentle prickle of electricity from Raiden, but it's nothing harmful. Like being in a charged storm, but no lightning striking.

"It is a natural ability in those like myself, to be able to move ourselves and others using the essence of our element. With your strength and knowledge, I do not doubt we could work out your own way of doing so."

Minoru could move himself short distnaces with a substitution jutsu, but it was nothing like some of his clan. Moving other people, though, that was definitely new. Something his brother Isamu would instantly try to copy the next time Minoru went home.

"That'd be great." He smiled, glad to feel the trickle of energy still there. "For a moment, I was wondering if I'd have to try my healing jutsu on you again."

The last attempt he made was years ago, and it did nothing. But he'd been working with the technique since then, and while he still couldn't send purely natural energy through the snakes' fangs, he had mastered summoning serpents that could.

"I am still grateful you were willing to try so many years ago, my friend." He gives a gentle squeeze to Minoru's shoulder and then removes his hand. "Thankfully we are close enough to Earthrealm here, that I am already recovered from the efforts. If you are around after the tournament, perhaps I can give you a tour of my realm. I have no doubt you would find the natural energies there invigorating."

Minoru smiled, and then dropped out of Sage Mode. Those abilities weren't needed at the moment.

"I'd love to."

When you had no firm destination, you were always free to embrace the journey. Really, the only thing Minoru had to do here was help heal fighters during the tournament. That, and repair a roof. Training with Syzoth was just a bonus.

[are you forseeing another thread here? This one is wrapping up nicely, but I'd be happy to play another one!]

"Good. After events have concluded we will meet up again. I can bring us both there." His head turns as one of Shang Tsung's regular lackeys, dressed in red, comes swiftly into the room and puts a fist across his chest, giving a quick bow to Raiden and Minoru.

"Lord Raiden -"

"Shang Tsung demands my explanation, I presume." There was a silent nod from the lackey and Raiden sighed. "Very well. I will see you again soon, Minoru."

He offers a pleasant, yet formal bow to the Sage in departure.

[I would love to have another thread. It doesn't have to be here but I would love to have these two in shenanigans again in the future!]

Minoru bowed in return, and then turned to the bartender.

"Sorry for the trouble. The least I can do is give you a hand with the roof..."

[that would be cool. If you see any memes that would make sense, or if you have a place you like to throw random threads, let me know!]

[This is not his fault. Probably. Open to cross-canon/medium as well as canon. Don't spill his drink!]

[Who knew there was a planet that was just full of belligerent punks? According to Coran, who'd safely stayed on the Castle ship during the evening out, their edge of town had some of the roughest men around always ready to show their skill to the first outsider who asked. They had a fighting arena used almost daily and the drinking scene started early in the evening and continued until the sun went up. And of course Lance and Keith found them almost instantly when they'd headed out to check out the city. A night of shots and mingling with some of the nicer citizens had ended up in a fight of two. Then ten, then the entire damn bar.

Keith had managed to get out, but Lance? Completely drunk off his ass and going strong. There was something about the alcohol they served that seemed to add an additional shot of blind confidence in a syrup of sweet, sweet stupidity. The red paladin had managed to call for reinforcements, but as Hunk came to help him back him back to the castle, it left their strong leader to play rescue.

Lance hadn't been much of a fighter--in terms of fists. Tactical strategy, fighting Galra, arguing until the sun comes up? Lance's fields. But fist fights against giant aliens twelve feet tall and stronger than Hunk? Not. Even. Lance is already sporting a bloody nose and rough knuckles, but the intoxicated genius he is, he's still trying to keep up the good fight. He drops under one of the tables as a heavy, loud fist bangs on the surface above, though he struggles to push himself out from there.

Good luck, Shiro.]

[For once, Shiro had stayed in during shore leave. And he'd stayed in specifically because of Coran's assessment of the locals. Shiro wasn't stupid. He knew how he looked. It was bad enough that he was build like a brawler and the nose scar only added to that impression but if even the hint of the fact he had once been the Champion leaked out -

let's just say that Shiro understood that human nature didn't just necessarily apply to humans and there was always someone who felt like they had something to prove. Kind of like the old black and white movies about the world-weary gunslinger coming to town and some new kid deciding there was a cheap way to make a reputation for himself there. So - no. Shiro decided to give this shore leave a pass, no matter how much he would have enjoyed the chance to stretch his legs and had settled in for a quiet evening with a child's Altean alphabet learning program on his tablet and a cup of what they tried to pass off as hot tea.

It had lasted just long enough for him to learn to hate the sound of playful computer laughter and correction and he was almost relieved when the com sounded and he was called on.

Almost.

Because after he helped Hunk lever a very woosy Keith into the transport to head for home, he'd turned around to look in the arch where the now missing doors of the bar had once been and he's sworn, no exaggeration, he'd watched everyone, including someone's grandmother, taking swings at each other and wielding various pieces of broken furniture.

If this was a common occurrence, he wondered how the barkeep stayed in business. Probably just rifled the pockets of everyone that was unconscious at the end.

Still, one of Shiro's teammates was in there and so, with an exhale that settled his shoulders, Shiro pulled on his helmet and strode inside.]

Lance! [Short and sharp and completely without mercy for being ignored. He didn't expect to be heard but it was always worth a shot to try at least once before the mass of aliens noticed him and decided to share their enthusiasm.]

Edited 2016-12-10 09:17 (UTC)

[The first 'opponent' who's decided to challenge him is beefy and Lance is sure the guy's hands are larger than his head. Those fists pound on the table in the hopes of luring him out, but the noise got another guy to punch him for knocking over his drink. Lance tries to keep an eye on him while planning his escape, but the most he can tell is through rapid native tongue and shouting.

There's so much shouting, and it feels almost stuck in an echo chamber and it makes it even harder to think. The man in front of him steps back, and that's where Lance makes a break for it. Crawling from under the tables, he forces his limbs to cooperate as he moves past two more, over one KO'ed woman, and shifts forward.

There's a downside, he realizes as he ducks his way back in--he's definitely moving further from the door.]

Quiznak--

[His hand presses against something warm and all Lance hears is "That was my foot!" before he feels a grip on his own ankle. The world spins out of control as he loses grip on the table, and he's yanked far too easily from under the table. Another alien holds him up, looking completely wasted but far too angry, and shakes him, demanding an apology. Lance, however... finally spots Shiro.

And he waves. Hi, Shiro!

The one holding Lance up shakes him again, and it just serves to make the young paladin dizzy. "This one yours?"

Which gets the attention of the first opponent. After quite shoving the guy who punched him behind him, he behind him, he looks at Lance, then, instead, begins advancing on Shiro. "You must pay for what he's done!"]

Oh shit, Shiro! Run!

[There are moments in life when it almost feels like a movie. Everything just slots into place and a rare, perfectly cinematic moment pops open and then vanishes. This - is kind of like that. Except in a bad b-movie where its only a matter of time before the tentacle monsters show up and someone, somewhere, is going to end up covered in comedy vomit. Because as Shiro's head swings around a cell on the ceiling flares and, perfectly, illuminates an upside down Lance and an alien the size of a small mountain.

All they'd need was synthesizer music and it would have been perfect.

Shiro resists the urge to face palm as Lance waves at him.

And he's just stepping in to wade over and claim his paladin when another mountain detaches itself from the writing mass of mountains and starts his way. There's something in there about payment and Shiro is raising his hands, fingers spread to show he's both not here for a fight and pretty willing to pay for whatever his teammate has damaged -

when the mountain scoops up one of the only remaining chairs and swings it at him.

Ah. That kind of payment. He'd had a bad feeling money wasn't really going to help.

But Shiro's been in the Arena. The elite Galra Arena and he's owned it. Mountain or not, its going to be a hot day on Kerberos before he goes down to a backwater alien in a bar fight. His duck under the swing of the chair is so smooth that it should be warning enough that whatever's coming next isn't going to be kind. Shiro doesn't activate his Galra hand. These are civilians and on a planet they're hoping to keep friendly. But he does bring it up, using the momentum from his duck to carry, picturing his hand already somewhere behind the mountain's head and the blow is enough to stagger the brute back three steps and leave him swaying.

Which draws attention and Shiro has just enough time to exhale a sigh before he's suddenly the center of the bar room's clientele and more fists and legs than common sense. He's not visible for a good few minutes - but the hard bar of wood that comes flying out of the fight is because it unerringly nails the alien holding Lance's ankle between the eyes with enough force to leave a dent.]

[The view from Lance's new angle makes everything feel a little surreal, but he seems to be enjoying this more than he should. The blood from his nose rushes almost uncomfortably with the change of gravity, though the flow of the liquid dripping down the side of his cheek lessens. He ignores it, focused on watching Shiro take down the one who'd come after him with a chair. Lance's eyes widen, in complete awe over Shiro's swift movements.

Dropping his hands down--or rather, what seemed the best at 'tossing them up', he cheers loudly. The one holding him doesn't seemed pleased and shakes him more, swinging him to slam against the wall.]

Ey, don't be mad you're losin'!

[The guy just swings him back again, and Lance quickly covers his head to absorb the blow. He gets a bit of yelling in response, in a language he can't quite understand, but it seems to be directed at him. Lance only gives a grin before he watches the chair break through the air, and he lands right on the ground as the alien's arm loses grip. It doesn't take more than a second before he staggers and falls along right next to the teen.

There's a gasp, and the entire bar begins to hush, all eyes shifting from the one who'd fallen to Shiro. Lance does his best to look up, though both hands hold his head as he notices the weird silence.

...and then a few seconds later, they all start cheering. Shiro's done something, but Lance isn't sure what.]

[He's got one alien, recently unconscious, by the front collar of his shirt and is just about to sweep it around and into another when -

everyone stops. Shiro does too. Things get very quiet, very quickly and he doesn't think that's a good sign, already turning his head to spot Lance and plot out the fastest route to the other paladin and then out an exit if he has to make one with his hand.

And then the cheering starts.

Shiro's head snaps back around and for a second -

for a second he smells the tang of cold metal. Old blood and bile. Sweat and fear. Hears the pulsing hunger of a crowd of nightmares in the cheer. Tastes revulsion and rage in the back of his throat.

But - no. No, there's only alcohol and sweat and too many bodies and dirt and dusty wood smell in the air and the cheering isn't from above, its from around him. The first person that slaps his shoulder almost loses their hand because he only stops his nerves from reacting in the split second before it but the next hearty slap is a bit more expected and then they just keep coming, rocking him slightly but easily obvious that they're not to hurt. He doesn't quite get what he's done yet but its obviously something and he gently lowers the body he was holding to the ground before straightening. The attention makes him uncomfortable, for a lot of reasons and so he turns his head, trying to see through the suddenly friendly mass around him that seems to be in the process of arguing over who's going to buy him a drink for his teammate. He's not able to move through the tight packed crowd at the moment but - ]

Lance -

[They're... definitely cheering Shiro on. It takes Lance a few seconds longer to get off the ground, head throbbing a little from the wall, but he moves just in time to watch a hoard of people swarm in to continue congratulating him. Whoever had Lance was apparently a bigshot from the bar, or at least that was all Lance could guess.

Lance looks up when he hears Shiro, then forces himself to his feet. He staggers, bringing a hand to his face to wipe away some of the blood. He's sure he looks like a mess, but he grins, bright and cheery as if he wasn't just involved in a fight, and takes a few stumbling steps forward. Someone behind him gives him a push and he just hears laughing, but he ignores it in favor of shooing the others.]

Ladies and gentlefolk, c'mon now, give the winner some space! [There's a hiccup.] We've come a long way to see you guys, don't crowd the man! Now, s'cuuuuse me, lemme... lemme get over!

[That at least gets a handful to shift back, but Lance still has to wiggle through a crowd before reaching in front of Shiro. He props an elbow on the table to his side and leans against it, looking smug--not realizing that the table is on its last leg.]

Heeeeyyyy, fancy seein' you here--eeeeeek!

[And it snaps, table going down, and Lance stumbles down with it. The last drink on the table goes flying, which sparks up the yelling again.]

[The sooner they get out of the crowd the better. While Shiro understands that whatever's happened is a good thing and has turned in their favor, something in the back of his mind is rising bile and memories he'd rather not remember of the attention of cheering crowds and adulation after a fight. The front of his head recognizes an opportunity to win locals to their side of the fight against Zarkon - but his gut is screaming at him to get out before this reality shatters and he realizes he's back in the Arena and everything else has been a hallucination.

He's both too relieved to see Lance when the younger paladin finally gets through and alarmed at the condition his face is in. The slurred talk though - ahh, that's why Lance is still so relaxed. He's going to feel that once the alcohol wears off.

And then the table gives and the drink goes flying and the yelling starts and -

shit.

Shiro reaches out first to catch Lance's arm to keep him from just face planting into the ground and he raises his other hand and his voice, a wordless sound that demands attention, something that's half Arena Champion and half instructor at the Garrison. It works as the crowd goes silent and waiting again. Shiro tries his best to smile and make it looked relaxed and easy. And he says what he assumes are magic words in any culture in the entire universe.

The princess can take it out of his non-existent paycheck.]

Drinks are on me!

[The crowd is roaring with excitement and cheering, some yelling, but mostly just noise. There's more pounding on the table and people screaming for the barkeeps, but the chaos seems more jovial and lively. Shiro, you've officially saved yourself from another fight.

For a short while, at least.

Lance just continues looking around, a little surprised at the movements, and also that his face hasn't met the ground again. That's when he notices Shiro's grip on him, and as he manages to place his feet back on solid ground, he turns back up and just gives him another bold grin. He reaches one hand out to pat Shiro's shoulder, then grimaces as the glove leaves a smear of blood and alcohol on the material.]

Shiiiiiro, I need t'wash my hands! 'n my face, 'n... prob'ly jus' me. But then we can do more shots!

[Tonight isn't quite the night that Lance learns his limits on space alcohol, at least not voluntarily. He and Keith had been there for a while; he's long since lost track of how many drinks have entered his system but with all inhibitions out the window, he's just waiting for round two.]

[Maybe he should be offended or something but Shiro just feels relief when the attention turns from him to the alcohol and the bar keeps. As far as he knows all anyone recognizes him as is the Black Paladin. He doesn't mind being the Black Paladin. But the second his helmet comes off its possible someone might recognize the Champion instead. That's -

that's not something Shiro wants. For a lot of reasons.

Instead he focuses his attention on Lance and - wow. The princess is not going to be happy if she sees him this way. Frankly, Shiro's pretty sure Hunk isn't going to be happy if he sees Lance this way.]

Don't think so, buddy. It's time to back. [So, so many reasons not to be here any longer than necessary. Shiro shifts his grip on Lance, careful not to let go and shifts to get his shoulders under one of his arms.] You've had your quota of shots for the night.

Nuh-uuuhhhh. Jus two more!

[Lance just sees Shiro's arrival as a new opportunity and a new buddy, especially since the bar is riled up with his presence. It works for him, and seeing as he's feeling far too alive despite a slight ringing in his ears, he wants to keep going. Drinking in space has always brought for some fun adventures, despite how they end up. (And usually with a rescue.) As he tries to hold up his hand, he stumbles and his other hand grips at Shiro to keep his balanced. It makes him laugh.] I can... if I'm sitting. Makes up for whackin' my head so hard. C'mon, Shiroooo, let's get a table!

[But his slight pull on Shiro proves ineffective as he realizes he isn't really doing much at all. He brings a hand up to his face, but even by touching the blood he can't focus his eyes on it enough to notice anything.] Should... go wash it off first. C'mon, c'mon, bathroom's uh... somewhere.

Oh - we're going all right.

[Because Shiro is already feeling the beginning crawl of something nasty from the Arena that wants to slither up from the swamp his memory's become and he's not about to stay here so that it can. The fight, the cheering, the attention and - even if all of those weren't ticking off some pretty bad things inside him, Lance looks like a walking disaster and the statement that there's head trauma involved isn't going to help with his argument to stay. Shiro's to the point he'll toss the kid over his shoulder and carry him out of Lance doesn't get his feet moving in the right direction post-haste and he's even willing to risk vomit for it.

Which says something about how determined Shiro is to exit immediately. He'll give Lance one more shot to do it under his own power, trying to use the kid's momentum and confusion to turn him and head him for the door -

but they're both about two hot ticks away from Shiro letting his instinct take over and pull the most controlled retreat in history.]

But whyyyy?!

[Lance is nothing but a slew of disjointed protests and a lack of coordination while Shiro leads him to the exit. He wants to return to where he'd been an hour or so earlier, in that back side corner, already drinking but in good spirits and chatting his way into more free alcohol from schmoozing up one of the locals. But that's what probably got him this mess. Maybe. He can't quite remember.

His feet barely cooperate as he stumbles to follow Shiro, trying to pick them up the ground enough to walk semi-normally. It doesn't fully work, but he tries nonetheless, trying to wiggle from Shiro's grip.]

Yer noooo fun. I'un wanna leave yet!

[He attempts to resist by not moving his feet, but he stumbles again over trying to resist and just steps forward, actually clutching his other arm around Shiro's side] Shiirooo!!

[Lance is tall. Out of all the paladins, he's probably the closest to Shiro's height. But he's also lean and even with all their training, he's light compared. So when he stumbles and tries to dig in his heels and just ends up stumbling some more -

Shiro simply reaches one arm down, hooks it around Lance's waist, and lifts.

It lifts Lance right off his feet. And Shiro is almost to the door. Shiro's doing his best but his chest feels tight and the back of his head is starting to tighten as well. Which means there's something worming its way up that really wants him to remember or relive or simply have the horrible feeling of remembering without remembering and here is not the time or place for it. His voice is a mutter.]

You're half a tick away from just being tucked up under my arm, Lance. Move your boots, cadet.

[The moment his feet leave the ground, Lance yelps a little, though he's quick to realize it's Shiro lifting him and not him just stumbling. His protests die off pretty quickly, but it's Shiro's words that drive it home. The downside about being so twiggy is that he's easy to lift, and no matter how much he eats or trains, he's still all lean muscle at best.

So of course he's no match for Shiro. And he knows Shiro will hold true to his threat--the man could probably throw him, quite literally, out the door. His gaze turns down as his feet touch the floor, and he cooperates.]

Yessir. [He frowns, feeling almost like a scolded child, but does his best to walk along as Shiro leads him out. He's quiet for the next few seconds. And then...

A sniffle.] But I wanted moooore...

[Lance is still a kid. An older kid but still a kid all the same. His body won't start filling out bulk, with the body type he has, until he's in his twenties. In the meantime, its mostly upward when it comes to growth, though his shoulders say he'll grow into that the older he gets. Right now though - no, he's no match for Shiro and while Shiro would never throw him, he had been getting awfully close to dragging.

Because he needs to get out of the confines of that bar and all that rowdy noise and -

the inhale he sucks in the second they clear the building and are out in the open again sounds a little like someone drowning and trying not to be obvious about it. Even his helmet feels claustrophobic but he refuses to take it off where he might be recognized. The small ground plane is still waiting not that far away and Shiro's glad there aren't any locals around it. Just a little bit more and he's in the clear.

He does hear the sniffle. And he even feels the stab of guilt for it. But even if he wasn't riding the hard edge of a break he still wouldn't let Lance stay. He digs deep and goes for humor, hoping it will serve as a distraction.]

That better not be the beginning of a Little Mermaid song.

[Lance catches the inhale and turns to glance at Shiro--or tries, really. Coordination is completely shot, along with his focus, so the most he has is his distant thoughts wondering if maybe Shiro held his breath in there. But it feels nice outside, and as Lance drops his head against Shiro's as they walk, and even though he's miserable that he's outside, he's okay with the nice breeze.

Except he still wants to drink. He was having fun in there, and walking--or doing his best moving his feet in the direction of walking, he's sure, he thinks--back to the ship is not fun.

But, singing?

Lance sniffles again. And he does just that.]

I'unna be where the... people are... Wanna be--no, um. Wanna see them dancin'! [There's a hiccup.] Walkin' around on those, whadda'um... feeeeeeet! [With the hand not around Shiro's arm, he lifts it and flops it around pathetically.] Flippin' fins, y'don't get far, legs, you need 'em for jumpin', and daaaancin'! And stroooooollin' on the uh... streeeeet--

[Sorry, Shiro. Lance isn't even quiet about it. But he trips again, and grabs for Shiro again to catch his balance.]

[That -

is not at all what he intended when he brought it up.

If he'd been focused, paying attention to the situation, maybe but -

when Lance bursts into sudden song, Shiro almost drops him.

...

and it jars him right out of the creeping feeling of memories better forgotten.

He doesn't drop Lance but after the first surprise jerk he does readjust his hold on him before he keeps going.

Lance may have a nice singing voice - but maudlin drunk singing is definitely not the way to showcase it if he does. The fact that he's seriously butchering a Little Mermaid song somehow makes the whole situation even more surreal.

- all right. And funny.

Shiro knows he shouldn't laugh. He shouldn't laugh because it might hurt Lance's feelings, which are already hurt because he's being dragged away from his fun. And he shouldn't laugh because there's probably going to be the edge of relieved hysteria to it and that's never a good sign. So he chokes it down but - Lance flapping his hand doesn't really help and its a relief when they get to the vehicle and Shiro can bodily pick Lance up without opening the door and just deposit him inside. As he reaches for the harness to strap his teammate in place, he mutters:]

What I wouldn't do for a recording of this.

[Lance doesn't miss a beat even with their combined stumbling. He doesn't even notice Shiro almost lose his grip, thinking it's more him losing his own footing than anything else. Because it keeps happening. His feet don't agree with him, especially not as he tries to focus on singing too.

It's a good thing Lance knows this song by heart and in two languages already. Makes it easier to keep going.

There's a pause as he feels himself dropped into the seat, and he stares, a little surprised they made it this distance in that amount of time. As Shiro moves in to strap him into the seat, Lance brings both hands up to his shoulders, dropping them down. And he looks serious..

But then--

He lifts a hand up.]

Up where they waaaalk, up where they ruuuunnn, I wanna stay away in thaaa suuuunnnn!!

Wond'rin' free, Lance wants to beeee...

Part of yooooouuurrr woooorrrlllddd!!!

[And he nods, like he's just told Shiro a very quiet, serious secret, and not belting out drunken song lyrics at him. He decides he's good, taking a deep breath, and then tries to stand back up.]

[Shiro's eyes go wide when Lance claps his hands on his shoulder and he freezes, still feeling - a little disembodied really. Because - this has to be one of the strangest nights of his life and, given his abduction by aliens, he thinks that should count for a lot. And he's got the feeling that Lance is either going to announce the need to puke -

or deliver some kind of deep Earth changing revelation and Shiro's honestly not sure he'd ready for that currently.

Except - oh thank God -

and what a bizarre thing to feel relief over -

Lance bursts into song again.

Somebody really needs to come be the adult here. Because Shiro's done.

The desire to laugh wells up again and it really is edged with hysteria this time so Shiro swallows it down hard.

Lance wants to be, huh?

Tomorrow he's going to enjoy reminding Lance of this moment. Tomorrow.]

Nope. [His hand comes down firm on Lance's shoulder as the song finishes and Lance tries to get back up. He's got more than enough strength to hold the other paladin down but he doesn't apply it yet. Instead he uses his other hand to reach around and finish latching down the harness.] We've got people waiting for us back at the Castle. Hunk already took Keith. Now I'm taking you. Karaoke night can continue there.

[He whines as he's pushed back, but Shiro manages to strap him in completely before Lance realizes what's happening. He pulls against the harness, frowning when he realizes he's completely trapped, and, without seeing where the harness connects, he's sure it's forever. Reaching over to grab Shiro's hand, he just pouts at him.]

Hunk took Keith?! He, he left me?!

[He isn't sure on the explanation of why, but he really doesn't care. His breath hitches, eyes wide, and they grow watery immediately.] Can't b'liiiieeeve him! My bestest best friend! Just... just ditched me!

[There's another sniffle. Then those dreaded things--the start of tears.]

Shiro, let's stay out here. I'm upseeeet! I'm not gonna be part of Hunk's world no more, oooonly Shiro's.

[oh.

oh God.

oh God, no.

He's not ready for this. Shiro's really not ready for this. Lance grabs his head and the tears well up and - Shiro feels a small swell of panic inside his own chest. He's not -

he's not emotionally stable himself right now thanks to the bar and if Lance's singing has somehow managed to snap him out of an impending flashback the damage from it is still there. He can't -

Except his paladin needs him.

Even if only in a soppy, drunken, illogical way and Shiro can't ignore that. So he sits on the edge of the door, balancing as he pulls Lance's head against his shoulder with one hand, trying not to mash anything that's already mashed on the teen's face.]

Hunk had to go back. You were in a fight and he might have gotten hurt. That's what I'm for. You - trust me, [it was a low mutter, for himself not Lance's ears.] You really don't want to be part of my world, kiddo.

[Light he scrubbed his hands over the back of Lance's head. Spoke in a more normal tone.] Come one, buddy. I need to get you back to base before you start feeling what's been done to your face.

[Lance sways into Shiro's hold, forehead resting against Shiro's shoulder as he just whines. His tears aren't even normally upset, as they've taken on an edge of misery and hysteria of his own. He's on some sort of emotional high that's riding with the high level of alcohol in his system, and waning from the adrenaline of the fight, he just feels like whining. He's used to Hunk's pats on the back and logic to get him to stop being illogical.

But Shiro? He gives hugs. Lance lets out another pathetic whine.]

Tha's 'cause Shiro's the best. Best best best...

[But when Shiro mentions his face, Lance sits up, eyes wide as he looks at Shiro.] Huh? Wh'appened? It's just my nose...

[He doesn't even know that. But he touches his nose again, then looks at his gloves, which are already a mess, and his expression takes on a tone of surprise. He glances back at Shiro. And then makes another startling revelation:]

He punched me... Shiiiiirooo, I gotta punch him back! I gotta--gonna go back inside. [He tries to pull the harness off... by just tugging at the straps. It's not very effective.]

[Good thing its not very effective but watching Lance struggle at it does lighten Shiro's mood a little. There's something about someone that's all arms and legs at this point of their life flailing that just - well, it's probably not the kind of thing he's supposed to find a mix of funny and endearing as an adult but it's helping. He plants a hand firmly in the center of Lance's chest, not needing to apply pressure to keep him in place thanks to the harness.]

Not today, Lance. He's not conscious right now away. We already took care of that, remember?

[And, hopefully Lance will need to deal with trying to remember because Shiro needs a bit of time as he strands up and walks over to the other side of the craft, slipping into the drivers seat and pulling the door shut. And then, and only then, does he finally reach up and take his helmet off, pulling in a deep breath as he does.]

[Lance halts in his wiggling movements when he sees Shiro's hand, and he stares at it for a moment before looking back at Shiro. He's amazed--Shiro stopped him from getting up really fast, with just a touch. Nevermind the actual harnesses, but this is just a magical move to him. He listens quietly, but doesn't seem quite like he can believe it.

So they already beat up the guy... Lance doesn't remember punching anyone. But he also doesn't quite remember the entire sequence of events leading to himself getting punched, so he's sure there's some story out there. He just mulls on it while Shiro lets himself into the craft next to him, but finds himself facing it with a small whine.]

Shiiiiiroooo... I wanna go baaaack.

['We' is probably pretty generous of Shiro in his story but currently, he thinks that's fine. His heart rate is finally starting to come back down and the longer he's out of the bar and away from a cheering crowd the more the rising worms in the back of his memory quiet down. Lance is helping ground him in his own way, even if its simply by being... Lance.

A Lance that's currently pretty unhappy with the situation and Shiro is kind of glad there isn't a rear view or side mirrors on this thing because if Lance could see how bad his face looks it would be even worse. He starts the craft and turns it, heading back for the Castle. And he stays quiet for a long moment before simply, quietly, asking:]

Why?

[And Shiro is still leading them forward. Lance lets out a whine, leaning back in his seat as they drift forward. The idea of returning to the castle means his eventful evening returns to somewhat normalcy that they've found on their journey.

Lance just wanted another evening out. He's been having fun with them, even though his many trips have started getting him into more trouble than what they're worth. But he finds he can't pout as hard as he wants to--his face feels a little stiff. That's weird... Shiro's question surprises him though, and he thinks about it for a moment. He's just making up justification now.]

Castle's gonna be booooring. Coran's gonna make me clean.

[His hands grip at the harness again, but then his face turns a little pale and he reaches a hand out to pat Shiro's arm as his stomach lurches uncomfortably.] S-stop, stop! [He's getting a little nauseous from wiggling around so much.]

[Shiro's about to comment that he's pretty sure Coran's not going to make Lance clean. Not with a face like that and still mostly drunk. That sounds like a recipe for disaster. But before he can get it out, Lance is wiggling more dramatically than he had been before and -

Right. He doesn't have to tell Shiro twice. The pod pulls over to the side of what passes for a road here and Shiro triggers the door on Lance's side open in almost the same motion, reaching over to press a hand to the kid's back and guide him into a lean that will take him over the side of the door's lip.]

Keep it outside the car if you can -

[Lance's stomach lurches again when Shiro moves the pod to the side, and he manages to clamp a hand over his mouth to avoid letting anything spill out. Shiro barely gets him situated before he leans over, immediately expelling a mouthful of barely-digested alcohol and bile. He keeps one hand gripped on the side of the pod to steady himself, though he he seems all but steady as he does his best to avoid getting sick all over the side of the pod.

It takes Lance a few long minutes before he manages to pull back, and he merely leans on the side of the door, trying to catch his breath. He hadn't quite regretted his evening out until this moment. There's a soft groan.]

Quiznak... I drank a lot.

[Shiro has to fight down his own sympathy gag as Lance empties his stomach on the side of the road. Apparently his time with the Galra got him better at it though because its not as much of a struggle as it used to be when he was at the Garrison. Probably - hopefully - something to do with food being important and necessary to keep down.

He hopes.

But he keeps his hand on Lance's back, more for moral support, and - wow. That - is a lot coming out. Which is probably a good thing. He's not sure what alien alcohol does to the human body, though nothing too detrimental or Coran would have warned them off it before the ship had even landed but - its probably better to get as much of it out of Lance's body as possible.

He still feels bad for the kid and his hand shifts from simple support to a rub once Lance is groaning.

He's worried about Lance's drinking. Not just because the kid tends to get in trouble when he is, though there is that. But he worries that Lance is using it to escape or hide and that the more it happens, the more he's going to turn that direction. Lance, all of his team, have plenty of reasons to want to escape and hide sometimes. They're teenagers that had been ripped from their homes and everything they know about normality and their lives and they're fighting a war, just five of them, seven if you count the Alteans, against an empire that literally spans the entire universe.

No one in their right mind would agree to something like that.

But his team had to, because there was no other option, because none of them are the kind that can stand aside and not take action against something like that. And - its got to eat at them. He knows it does. His hand keeps rubbing soothing circles and he turns off the pod's power, letting it settle gently down.]

Yeah. You did. [The pods all come with small survival gear packs and Shiro fishes this one's out with his other hand, digging around in the small bag until he finds something that's probably not supposed to be used that way but hands it over to Lance like a handkerchief or small towel.] Here. Be careful with your nose.

[This is the part of 'drunk' that Lance doesn't like. The part that comes with emotional lows and pity, on top of just being overly disoriented to where he can't do much. He likes the fun atmosphere of the space raves and the cute people he meets at bars, but this?

This feels like the pits. But if there's anyone outside of Hunk to sit with moping with the taste of acidic regret still lingering in his mouth, it's Shiro, especially because the older Paladin's presence is comforting. Adrenaline waning, he just mumbles pitifully, soaking in the backrub. It's keeping him calm, and it feels like his stomach is settling at least a bit more. Tomorrow will probably be a day full of many regrets, but at least he can prolong thinking about that too. Lance mopes at the cloth, but he takes it anyway, bringing it to his face--

Or rather, whapping himself in the nose with it. He whimpers, but manages to move the cloth to hold his nose and leans back, grimacing as he tries to settle back. And his stomach rolls, which has him moving right back to lean against the door. Gonna take him a few more minutes.]

Don't let 'Lura see me til my face is pretty again, okay? Gotta... wash it first. And... and... [And he leans forward and retches again. Give him another minute.]

[Shiro hums an agreeing sound, hand right back on Lance's back rubbing circles as the poor kid leans back out the door so his stomach can make a few more attempts at seeing if there's anything left it can get rid of. No, he doesn't intend to get Allura involved in this. She's a compassionate woman but when it comes to the paladins she can been a little... black and white on things. And frankly Shiro doesn't know her well enough yet to be able to tell if this is one of those compassionate situations or whether she'd be recommending a round with the Gladiator for Lance instead. So, for now, he's just not going to risk finding out.

Coran though, he has an idea that letting Coran help would be a good idea. Once they get back to the castle.

When they get back to the castle he thinks, wincing in sympathy as Lance retches again.]

[It takes Lance another moment, but it isn't as productive so much as it's just noise. Residual nausea, the other worst of the night. He takes a few deep breaths and just grumbles, moving himself back slowly. He's definitely going to feel this in the morning, as he can already feel a forming headache. Leaning back into the pod, he wipes his mouth off with the back of his hand and moves the cloth back to his nose, another hand moving to his head.

Even with all of that and he still feels all out of sorts. Still way too much space alcohol in his system, and he's reached the next stage of Drunken Misery: regret.]

I hope I'm done, I wanna be done. [And then, a whine.] Shiiiiiroooo, can I take this off and lie in the back? [He isn't even sure if the pod has backseats, he didn't really get a good look at the pod. But he'd like to, it'd be much nicer.] This planet's meeeean, it hurt my face. B-but not your face, yooour face is perfect.

[Shiro's eyebrow arches at the commentary on his own face, not at all sure that the massive scar across his nose counts as perfect but not really thinking that now is the time or place to point that out. Instead he goes with priorities.]

There's no backseat. I don't think the seats even tip back. Why don't we leave the windshield [for lack of a better word to call the dissolving protective front panel] down so you can at least get some fresh air. We'll take it slow. You can lay down once we're back at the castle. You'll feel better once you're not upright.

[And he waits for the answer. Because, while he's very sure he could just start driving again without Lance's okay or no... there's that whole vomit thing and he's not in any rush to take more of a risk with it ending up inside the cab with them than he has to.]

[No backseat, no leaning the seat back... Which just means sucking it up and dealing with it. Well, going slow will probably help, especially since the route is... well. As scenic as this place can make it. Lance doesn't reply just yet, setting a hand down on his stomach to try and gauge if he's still nauseous enough to keep going or not. But he's feeling mostly settled, so he drops his hand and just goes back to fiddling with the harness.]

I'm good now. Fresh air 'n just go slow, aaaaand I'm good!

[Lance sends Shiro a smile, bright and pleasant given his current state, and he nods.]

Let's go back! An' we'll come back t'morrow! I wanna sing. Can I sing? It's a good distrack... astrack...shun... It works, okay?

[Not for the fist time, Shiro really wishes he had his camera.

Because Lance's face is utterly horrifying when he's trying to smile around the mess of it that dried blood, booze and snot has made of it.

And he's pretty sure that if he recorded it he could put Lance off ever drinking again.

Instead he just reaches over and, very gently, ruffled Lance's hair. Poor kid is going to feel this so bad in the morning.

Then he puts down the screen so its just fresh air and eases back onto the 'road', pointing the pod back toward the castle. He shakes his head though, frowning, more to himself than at Lance.]

I don't think me making a second appearance would be a good idea. [Absent his hand drifts up to the scar over his nose - and then he glances over at Lance since the pod practically drives itself and raises his eyebrows.] You want to sing now?

[The ruffling has Lance grinning a bit more, but the gesture pacifies him into sitting back in his seat as they move forward. He dabs at his nose with the cloth, though he smiles when he realizes the bleeding has mostly stopped. It's just... messy. But he waves a hand at Shiro, dismissing that concern with ease.]

Naaahh, they liked ya. Liked ya a lot.

[Of course, he isn't thinking of a potential fight do-over that could happen tomorrow, or anything outside of the blast. Not to mention how much he might not want that tomorrow once tomorrow actually comes. He's already starting to feel the growing buds of a headache, but he's determined to ignore them.

So, instead of answering directly, he responds... in song.]

LET IT GOOOOOO, LET IT GOOOOO! Can't hold it back anymoooore! Let it gooooo! Let it goooo!! Turn awaaaayyy and slam tha doooorrr!! [And with the slam, he reaches over to grab Shiro's shoulder. He's getting into it.]

[Shiro thinks keeping them all out of town, possibly for good, but definitely for a few days, might be a good call. If fighting is the national past time - and he's just earned accolades for his skill at it -

it doesn't seem to him that that's something the town needs a chance to test out on anyone else. And he knows he certainly doesn't want to show up for a rematch.

It's - hard not to kill someone by accident when you've got a hand made of Galra metal...

But before that thought can carry though -

oh God.

...

It's going to be a long ride home.

But Shiro's lips still twitch up a little at their edges as he asks:]

Know any old school songs? Like Oliver and Company?

[There are too many things that could end badly with heading back out to the same area, but Lance is thinking of absolutely none of them. The fact that Shiro doesn't seem to complain to him singing is already a relief for him, and he continues to belt out to his drunken heart's content.

But the request catches him by surprise, and he suddenly turns in his seat--and has to grab the harness to keep his eyes from getting too dizzy, he could nearly feel his brain shift out of place from that--at the mere prospect of Shiro singing along.]

Sure do! Now you gotta join me!

[He reaches over to pat Shiro's arm, not minding if his own muscle control has him more or less flailing at the older one.]

Why should I worryyyyy!! Why should Iiiii caaaareeeee!!

[Even if he's bound to regret how he wakes up tomorrow, he's going to enjoy this night as long as he can.]

[Lance is bound to regret this when he wakes up tomorrow. Shiro would like to think it's something he's going to learn from and not do again but... so far past experience doesn't say so.

It doesn't mean he still doesn't feel a bit bad for Lance.

And still worry about about the possibility that the drinking is to escape.

None of which he's going to be able to deal with at the moment however and Lance... Lance actually looks excited to sing Disney songs. Shiro's eyes slide sideways when the younger paladin takes his suggestion, a little surprised Lance knows that one - and a little not surprised as well.

He's not going to remember this in the morning.

Coughing once, Shiro throws it in.]

I may not have a dime
but I've got street savoir faire.

SHIRO SINGING THIS SONG, AAHHHH

You're great I STG

;)b Lmao, your Lance brings out the best in him. Or... something. Good thing no one would ever believe Lance even if he did remember this.

He'll remember it like a fever dream in his hungover state. I imagine it'll end up something like this:

Lance: Shiro, did we have a strange duet of Disney songs?
Shiro: -gulp- You drank way too much last night
Lance: (；′⌒`)
Shiro: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[he was just trying to live his life and not Be in some shit for the first time in the entire week. Not gonna be possible, clearly. Was it a fight over a girl? A guy? A tab? Maybe all of those things and a 20 dollar turtle but what matters is Badou has crammed himself beneath Tatsuyuki's table for shelter.]

MAN, FUCK THIS! GET A RELATIONSHIP COUNSELOR ALREADY!

[ITS NOT HIS FAULT!

..Okay, it is. He couldn't resist.]

Edited 2016-12-09 21:18 (UTC)

[ Getting a drink at the local bar when they went planetside was nothing new. It was pretty much habit. Or at least finding some place they can get some booze and then take them back to the ship.

It also wasn't that out of the ordinary to piss a few people off. Usually they were better about avoiding them, tho.

Tonight was not one of those times. Jim spots them, first. He's in the middle of raising his glass to his mouth as he does. With reflexes he's had to make quick over the years, he drops his drink and grabs Peter by the collar of his jacket. He pulls them both down, and the table with them. They just miss the blasts that whiz over their heads.

He's already getting his own gun out, snapping a round into it, ]

So much for that drink.

[So much for that drink because that drink that had been in Peter's hand is now all over his jacket and, goddamn it, Jim, but you owe him another one.

... Yes, that's the thought foremost in his mind as he fumbles to figure out what the hell just happened and... huh, someone's shooting at them, that's fun.]

What did you do?

[Because it's always Jim's fault. He's pulling a gun with one hand and attempting to wipe liquor off his collar with the other.] Who's shooting at us?

[Eventually, he'll get off his back on the floor but right now, lamenting that drink and blaming Jim. In that order.]

[ Even during a firefight, Jim has to stop and argue, ]

What? What did I do? How do you know it wasn't something you did?

[ Seriously, Peter. You're just as guilty half the time, if not more. Either way, he pushes himself up enough to shoot around the table, aiming for a few heads. He then ducks back behind the table and shoves Peter's shoulder. ]

Go that way. I'll go the other, fuck em' up on either side.

[ Right now, they were too easy a target. ]

[He shoves right back at Jim even as he rolls to his knees. He's finally got a weapon in hand and he's stopped fussing at his jacket. Hey, Jim had the initial reponse under control. Peter could afford to putz around a bit.

Only a bit, because guns were actually blazing now.]

You noticed them first. [So that totally means it's your fault. Follow his logic here.

He shifts, tenses. For all the shit he's giving Jim and for all the nonchalance he's shown, he's ready to move. Jim could likely see it in the way he moves, the tense lines of his body.] On your count.

You're welcome, by the way.

[ He's pretty sure he saved Peter from getting a blast to the head but he also knows he does it all without needing to be asked, without needing to be thanked. He's just giving shit right back.

But when it comes down to it, once he can tell Peter is ready, ]

1...2... now!

[ He jumps out one way, knowing Peter will go the other way. Some of the blaster fire follows him and he keeps low, feeling wood and glass blow past the back of his head. He stops halfway, keeping down and, just like he thought, they keep shooting past him. He uses that to his advantage. Stands up and fires at the two shooting his way. Gets on in the neck, the other in his shoulder before ducking back down. ]

Edited 2016-12-10 03:54 (UTC)

[He waves a hand. Yeah, yeah, thanks. Whatever. (No, really. He's grateful that he wasn't shot in the back of the head. That would definitely put a damper on his day.)

He's a ravager; he knows how to shoot back at least. He moves quickly, stays low, and does his own shooting. He's mostly laying down some covering fire, because he's pretty sure that--

--yep, there it is. Jim stands up in the middle of all this and takes a couple shots. He sighs but he can't say much. He'd do the same. In fact... he does.

Nearly gets his head shot off but thankfully he's a faster shot than that guy drawing a bead on him. And then he drops just in time to avoid a new flurry of shots coming from the even more guys coming in the door.]

Uh, Jim! There's more.

[ talk shit get hit. ]

[Can change this as needed. Just first thing I thought of where his "pirate" friends also get to laugh at him. Also Castus is pretty scummy when Nasir isn't around to reform him, my apologies.]

Even a well off ~~pirate~~ businessman like Castus needed to take time off from working hard ~~stealing shit~~ to relax. Fortunately for Castus, he had a habit quite a bit at this bar. Unfortunately for him, he'd taken notice of another of the regulars and hadn't yet managed to care about whether or not that regular was attached.

Also unfortunately for him, his friends were loud people, especially Heracleo.

"Where is that man you keep talking about? I wanted to see him, buy him a drink, and maybe more for you."

Castus brushed off the hand on his arm. "I can charm Nasir on my own."

"If you fail to part those pretty lips, come to me and we'll find you someone with better."

Castus stood. Perhaps going home would be best-- in case he did run into Nasir with Heracleo talking shit. Not that it stopped him from adding his own. "I'll have far more than his lips."

He bumped into someone he really should have recognized earlier.

( Can take any hit and return it with interest. )

[paladin would probably not start a fight unless fights needed to get started youknowwhatimean?

also can help with the aftermath/healing!]

THE BAR FIGHT MEME

qrow branwen || rwby

LEONARD SNART ( ❄ CAPTAIN COLD ) | DCTV | OTA

Iori Yagami | King of Fighters | ota

Osomatsu Matsuno | Osomatsu-san | ota

Nekomaru Nidai | Dangan Ronpa

Helena Bertinelli || Arrow

gladio amicitia | ffxv

Klaus Von Reinherz | Kekkai Sensen

Raiden / Mortal Kombat - OTA

6/8?

6/8!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Holidays ate my time, sorry!

As they do for us all.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Big Boss || MGS: PW || ota

Arthur "A.C." Curry / Aquaman | Smallville (DCTV)

Scott McCall | Teen Wolf

Shiro | Voltron: LD

6 /throws troublemaker at

lmao! dang it, Lance! You and your sweet, sweet stupidity!

He does his best! All for you!

origami. Lance could still do his best but with something like origami. Right?

but this is even better!! less papercuts too~

I think papercuts would be kind at this point -also nice Lance, doing the upside down wave for Shiro

Except they'll get all sting-y and stuff. Let's just go with punching! ~waves again~

okay probably last tag for the weekend

/o/ I HOPE IT WAS FUN!!

had a blast! Thanks :Db

8D Good!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject