(no subject)

[figjam_boom]

Who: Derrick and Owen
When: A week or so? After Axel and Owen broke up
Where: From Digger's to the movies and back


Derrick was admittedly greasy, his hands covered in motor oil, and his shirt almost black with it all. But he'd been spending the entire Sunday outside underneath the truck, or under the hood, and moving between them as he worked on the vehicle. He had a smear of grease on his cheek from where he'd wiped at an itch, and now he was trying to carefully get to the kitchen. "Please tell me he has Dawn dish soap?" He asked, pleading.

Owen was found sitting at the kitchen counter, munching on his bowl of cereal. He'd gotten home from work maybe an hour before had and taken a shower. He'd reeked of popcorn for the better part of the day thanks to being suckered into working the snack stand. So he was still damp and in just a pair of pajama pants and t-shirt when he looked up at Derrick. One eyebrow went up and he pointed to the sink. Behind the faucet was a large bottle of apple scented Dawn soap.

"Thank god." He breathed, grabbing the bottle as he pulled the T-shirt off and tossed it into the garbage. He was still greasy as hell, put that remedied the nastiest part as he stood in front of the sink and started to directly apply the dish soap on his skin. "Cuts grease on dishes? Cuts grease on Reapers!" He joked, scrubbing the skin with his fingernails and smiled over at Owen. "I saw you come home earlier. But I was under the truck and was busy getting a chest full of oil." He snorted in amusement.

Owen laughed lightly at the sight. The laughing stopped him from giving a small groan of appreciation when the shirt came off. Besides, it was pretty funny to see Derrick covered in oil. "You look like an octopus tried to make you it's bitch and succeeded," he commented as he took another spoonful of his cereal, crunch crunching away at it.

He had turned on the water and was using it and the sprayer to wash off. "Yep, it was an epic fight! But in the end? I escaped. I also changed the oil." He added with a laugh. "Even the best mechanics get nasty by the end of the job." He took one of the little towels that... to be honest he never saw the point in? They just seemed to be in kitchens all over the world, with delusions of towelhood when they were just really overcompensating wash-clothes. He used it to scrub up all the mess he could, drying his skin. He leaned with his back to the counter. "So, what are your plans for today?" He asked.

He was very pointedly not watching Derrick spray himself with the hose or dry himself off. It was like having a front row seat to one of your wet fantasies from your teen years and knowing that your dad is in the house somewhere and that you really shouldn't have a hard on in the kitchen while eating cereal. It'll give you complexes. So he was staring very attentively at his cereal bowl and munching, swallowing his mouthful of cereal before responding. "Nothing much. Already out of work and I didn't have anything planned for the night."

"If I could borrow one of your shirts, maybe some pants? I say we go ahead and go do something. Digger wants me to go out there and 'live'. But I'm so behind the times? I'm not even sure I remember how to. I mean, last time I was doing the social thing? Rock around the Clock was a hit on the radio." He chuckled. "You went to diners and Sock Hops." He grinned. "How about you help me out here, and show me around? What do people in Keystone do for fun?" He asked, giving him a smile.

He smirked a bit. "You're showing your age, Derrick," he smiled as he finished his cereal and rinsed the bowl out, setting it in the sink. He gestured for Derrick to follow him into the living room. When there he pulled a couple of pairs of jeans out, tossing one to Derrick and then digging another shirt out. Standing back up, he handed that shirt to the other man and smiled. "We still go to diners, they're just a bit more expensive than they were back in the day."

He laughed. "I'm an old man, Owen." He explained. He took the shirt and slipped it on easily, and then went ahead and dropped trou. Modesty? Why? What was the point? He pulled the jeans on over his long legs and fastened them up. "Well, I have the money for it." He assured. "I'll pay. There's just me, so I pretty much save everything I've gotten. That's how Nicki afforded her new house. She mooched while saving her money. I've just been living in a small apartment. So yeah, I can afford a nice meal for us." He smiled. "Gotta be better than Raman."

He smiled at him and then yelped a bit, turning his head away. His cheeks turn bright red and he was trying not to look. Modesty, she apparently didn't mean anything to Derrick. So with his back to Derrick, he dropped his pajama pants, with his boxers on underneath, and pulled his pants up over them.

Derrick watched him dressing, smiling slightly. Nice ass. He raised his brows, but did not comment. Instead he waited for Owen to turn back around. "Is there a place in particular you recommend?" He asked. "We could take in a movie as well, if you want." He offered. "It's been a while for that too." He paused and tried to remember the last time he'd been to the theatre. "Hmmm..." He frowned. "I think the last time I went? Bewitched was on at the theatre." He nodded to himself. "And before that? Pet Semetary." He smiled. Huge gaps between going. No reason in going alone. "Of course the reason I saw Bewitched was because I had a reap sitting in the front row. But the movie was slightly amusing." He said brightly.

Owen laughed lightly. That was a hell of a long time between his movie visits. He'd have to remedy that. "I have a place I go to where there's tons of flavors for soda and shakes." He smiles and pulls his jacket on, getting his shoes and sitting down to pull them on. "After that we'll head to the theaters and see what's playing that catches your interest."

He bent down and rummaged in the pockets of the pants he just took off, and put his wallet in his borrowed jeans, and then held out the key, dangling it for Owen. "Wanna drive?" He asked. "The bike is on the other side of the tow truck." The little key chain had an old battered Harley emblem on it. And the bike that was on the other side of the tow truck? Shielded from view. An old 1975 Ironhead Sportster that he'd babied and kept in good condition.

Owen looked at the key and grinned wickedly. Taking the keys with a snatch he made his way out to the driveway and just stared at the bike. "I think.....I'm in love with your bike....Yup," he walked to it and ran a hand over it. "Definitely in love with it."

"My bike." He was amused as he came up behind him grinning. "That's okay, because I'm in love with it too." He admitted. "Have been since the day I bought it. Back in the seventies. You live long enough? All your crap becomes vintage. Though? I did get rid of the bell bottoms and platform shoes. Because... just... no." He made 'horrified' face. "I still wonder what we were thinking back then. I must have inhaled too much pot from others." He continued to joke. "But, youuuuu get to drive her. I'll sit behind." He smiled. A show of trust.

He looked the bike over a few more times before looking at Derrick. He smiled brightly at him before mounting the bike and starting her up. Letting out a soft groan, he grinned as he ran a hand over the handlebars of the bike. "This is definitely a sweet ride," he looked over his shoulder at Derrick ", we go?"

Derrick laughed and nodded, swinging his leg over and sitting behind Owen. It had been a while since he had sat behind someone like this, but he hadn't forgotten either. He lightly settled his hands on Owen's waist, to ensure his balance, and then once properly seated, reluctantly released his waist. He was going to behave damn it. He was. Even if he was adorably cute. He rubbed his face. What was it about him and red-heads? True it had been a few decades, but Rex had been a red-head as well. Well, until he eventually grayed and lost his hair. But to Derrick? He had never stopped being lovable. And now? Now he was looking at Owen's shoulders and wondering how they would feel under his hands. No, bad bad Derrick. Naughty. You're being a friend. You're not going to... what... what were we saying? Oh god look at his neck. NO STOP looking at his neck. He just got out of a bad break up. You're going to be a good friend. Have some fun. Do some guy stuff... male bonding... bonding... bondage... ARGH STOP IT! He rubbed his forehead and smiled at Owen. "Ready to go!"

He smiled over his shoulder and kicked the bike off. This was the same and yet entirely different from riding his own bike. His was new, this one was vintage and well loved. He'd always wanted a bike like this when he was younger. Still did really. He only blushed a little at Derrick's hands on his hips but that was gone as they took off down the road. They made pretty good time getting across the city, though Owen did take the long way to the diner to enjoy the bike.

Derrick had spent the entire trip staring at Owen and giving himself a pep talk. Talking about all the ways that the man needed a friend, and not someone lusting over him. He also spent a good portion of his time damning Digger for telling him that he needed to reconnect to humans, talk to them, get to know them. Because now? Now he 'noticed' people more. And he was noticing the hell out of Owen. He glared down at his crotch. Don't you DARE wake up right now. He told it. You've not really tried to work for over a decade! Don't start now! Or, at least wait till I'm alone! It was only once they stopped that he smiled again. Friend friend friend friend... whimper. So much for the calm cool collected elder who was above it all. In the end? He was just a man. An old man, but just a man. He smiled at Owen and waited for him to get things parked.

He parked the bike and took a moment to take a deep breath, turning the bike off and climbing off. He turned to Derrick and beamed at him, holding the keys out to him, looking thoroughly windswept. "That....was an amazing ride. Thank you, really," he laughed happily and led the way into the diner.

"You're... very very welcome." Oh, tossed hair, slightly messy... gorgeous. Why is this man not on the cover of magazines? Oh, wait, yeah, dangerous. Can't be known 'that' well. Might bring down the wrath of assholes from the future or something. Well, humanities loss, my gain! He smiled laughing as he walked behind him. Oh, I like it when he leads. I like what I see when he leads. "So, basically is this like the old soda places? Chocolate, vanilla, cherry, strawberry added to the sodas? You know, like soda jerks?" He asked.

"Pretty much, but think of like....40 more flavors than that," Owen grinned at the waitress and they were seated right away. He took a menu out and opened it to the back where there was a whole spread in the menu dedicated to the flavors of soda and milkshake. "My personal favorites are the passion fruit soda and the cotton candy milkshake. Plus, things here are cheaper than most other places, but no doubt still more expensive than what you're used to."

He nodded as he looked at the prices. "Definitely. Shall I tell you the stories of the prices in 'my day'." He laughed. "Nah, but I don't complain nearly as much about the prices as your dad. You'd think the rise in prices was just designed to irritate him." He chuckled. "I think. I'll try that cotton candy milkshake. Since you like it." He added. "I'll take it as a recommendation. Really though? I do get paid pretty well." He admitted. "Mostly because of the kind of crap we sometimes come up against when repoing someone's car. Lot better paid than when I started out. When I was about your age? I made a dollar a day. Seven dollars a week." He nodded with a small smile. "I got fed by the cook, which was usually uh... think slop... and when we were near enough to the bunkhouse? I got to have a bunk. All in all? I'mmmmmm kinda liking this time period." He winked with a grin.

Owen laughed a bit and nodded. Hearing that, he was definitely more appreciative of the time period for conveniences like that. When the waitress came back over and they had the drinks ordered, he looked at the menu and tried to decide what he wanted. "I can't imagine living on that. How'd you do it," he asked before adding ", you're better off eating the shake right out of the tin instead of putting it in the glass....it'd be a mess."

"Ahhh, I'll keep that in mind." He said. He would defer to Owen's wisdom in this. Here he was the novice! "Well, there wasn't a lot of regular bills, to be honest. I mean, no rent, no house payment, no cable, no power, no water bill, no sewer bill... no sewers." Here he pinched his nose and made a face, crossing his eyes and sticking his tongue out. "No car payments, no insurance payments, no telephones, cellphones, internet, or a variety of other stuff. Most people couldn't even read. An radio? Forget about it." He shook his head. "Even still though? A dollar was a bit rough. Cause you do have certain supplies you have to cover. Tools, feed for the horses, equipment you need, food for yourself if you're in town, clothing, boots, and if you're the type that wants a whore that night? Well..." He shrugged. "Not that I ever took one. Don't tell your father, cause I like to keep him guessing? But I wasn't into skirt chasing." He smirked a little. "If you know what I mean?" He raised his brows. "Anyway, one trip into town? You could blow easily a month's wages between gambling, whoring, and drinking in one night."

Owen listened and nodded along after he picked out what he'd wanted. "That's seriously rough, though that's still pretty true for things these days. It's still entirely possible to spend a month's wages on gambling, hookers and drinking," he laughed ", not that I'd know from personal experience." He shrugged a bit ", there was just that time I got really depressed and took a week's paycheck and drank it away." The waitress came back with their drinks and to take their order. "A triple cheese burger with a small order of fries, please," he grinned at her again.

He nodded. "I think that's why we're not allowed to drink, fuck around, or harm people." He said after a moment. "Because this job? It's... difficult sometimes. Double edged sword. There are times when we might connect to someone, only to lose them and they don't care about 'conflict of interest'. You'll still have to reap them or watch them be reaped. I heard a rumor that there used to be some pretty alcoholic reapers in the past. You drink, you lose your sense, become a bit useless really." He fell quiet. "The newer reapers think it is to punish them, I think it is to try to save us from ourselves." He paused. "I bet you had one hell of a hangover though." He said, smiling at him faintly. "I'm glad you're not still doing that as well. People that do that all the time? They flame out of existence so much faster. I'd like to see you be here for a long long time."

He smiled sadly and nodded. "I can imagine that it's a bit more dangerous in that line of work. I generally don't drink, even though I'm legal now. I never know when my construction job will call me up and I'd be a bit useless if I were plastered. At the time though....Dad had just died and I'd been abandoned by my so called team. It was...not a good time. But all is well now......sort of," he shrugged, not really wanting to talk about the break up. He'd give it another few days before trying to even talk to Axel again. Maybe they could save their friendship at least.

"It's going to be well." He said, knowing that somewhere in his mind was the break up. "And tonight? Right now, we're having a nice meal, getting to know each other, and we're going to see a movie. This is good. This is... normal." He grinned. "It's been so long! But, well..." He tilted his head to the side and asked. "Tell me a bit about yourself? Some more. I feel like I've been talking too much about myself. I want to get to know you. Your favorite sports, teams, colors, hobbies, past times, movies, music?" He named off. "Tell me about Owen. Because I want to know all about you." He said honestly.

Owen smiled at Derrick. It was nice having people to go to when he needed the support. "Thanks for all of this, Derrick, really," he took a sip of his drink. There was nothing quite like a passion fruit soda. Definitely a taste that not everyone would handle. He blushed a bit and laughed at all the questions. "Well...I don't really have any favorite sports teams, but I'm a fan of soccer. Dad was so happy to hear that I liked "real" football," he laughed. "My favorite color is blue and I like to build things. When I was little I had a whole collection of models airplanes and cars. It's why I keep the job for construction," he shrugged a bit and grinned over his drink at Derrick ", if you're as out of touch as you claim to be, I could tell you my favorite band and movie and you wouldn't even know what I was talking about," he laughed.

"No, but I could look it up, later." He smiled. "And then sit there in the office and try to get videos and stuff to play." He admitted. "Of course, can't let Nicki try to help. You know, she threw a printer through the window once." He nodded slowly. "Mechanical things are often out to get her. But, yeah, even though I won't know? I could learn. It's worth learning about right?" He asked raising his brows.

He laughed and smiled a bit shyly ", yeah, I guess it would be. If you really wanna know, my favorite movie is called Tadpole. It's independant so it'll probably be hard to find. I had to buy it offline. My favorite band is the Smashing Pumpkins but my favorite song is called "Sunday Morning" by the K-Os," he smiled over his soda again ", I could write it down for you if you wanted. Or after the movie we could go back to the house and give a listen," he suggested slowly.

He nodded. "I would like that." He said. "If you don't mind, that is." He said as he worked on his milkshake, careful to do as he was told about not trying to pour it. "I'd love to hear it." He was trying not to be pushy or come on too strong either. But, also be honest. "I would like to spend time with you, as well as learn new things. If you don't mind, that is." He repeated himself. "I like you." Let him take that as he may. Friendship or more. It could be taken either way. But also, either way? He offered friendship at the base of it.

Owen was smiling and blushing at that. He really wasn't that big of a flirt, more of a gentleman in that way. Or a dork as some of the guys in high school had liked to call him. "The feeling is mutual. And I'd like you to come over and listen to the cds," he grinned at him lightly. Sitting back as their food arrived, Owen held his soda out. "You want to try it?"

He smiled and nodded. "Then that's what we'll do." He said, and he took the drink and gave it a slightly suspicious look, but was also smiling. "Well, I saw you drinking out of it, so I know it is safe. If Digger handed to me? I'd have to worry a moment." He laughed but then he took a tentative sip. He was trying to figure out how he felt about it. It was weird. Very weird. It wasn't horrible. It was just odd. He took another sip. It was unusual. Unusual wasn't bad either. It was just out of the ordinary, and he'd never tasted it before. He sipped some more. Then he turned to the side. "Oh I'm sorry... is this yours?" He joked. "Its different. Not bad. I can see why you like it." He nodded. "I'll have to come back here again sometime and experiment!"

He watched the other man with an amused grin. He apparently couldn't decide what to think of the soda. Not many people could when they chose an exotic flavor. The look on their face was enough to make him smile. "Yeah, but if you want it I can get another one, I'm sure. But yeah, that's one of my favorites," he grinned and dug into his hamburger and fries.

He nodded. "I have my germs all over it now. Not to mention I've sucked half of it down. I'll get you a new one." He was already flagging down the waitress. He was grinning as he ordered Owen another one. "I remember now, I always got thirsty after a milkshake. Not sure why." He shook his head grinning again as he took another sip. "It's so weird. It's like... fizzy fruit juice in a way." He chuckled.

"Yeah, I get the soda when I get a milkshake too. It's like a dessert that you need to chase down with something. Besides, I like the cherry bomb and green apple too," he smiled as the soda was ordered for him. He laughed and nodded ", I think I could handle your germs tough. They can't be half as bad as taking care of dad when he's sick."

"Yes, exactly. It's... dessert." He nodded. "When we first come back? We have no immunity system. We're pure in body. It's why Koan insisted that your dad get his vaccination shots." He explained. "Because we can still get sick, and we can still get hurt, and we still feel pain. We just heal rather fast compared to Short-Timers. Not as fast as you and your family members? But fast."

Owen nodded. It made sense. The bodies that Derrick and his father had were real bodies. It was just as if they had a meta healing power. "I...don't heal as fast as the rest of my family. Or at least I don't think so....I know they can heal their wounds in minutes or hours depending on the severity but mine only take maybe half the time that a normal human's do....might be shorter now that my speed is picking up more, though."

He nodded. "Your dad is pretty sure you're going to get faster. Your metabolism is already picking up. He keeps track of how much you eat, and the frequency. He's got a chart. Shh, don't tell him I told you. He keeps it at work. He's also got one for Jenni as well. He says it is related to your health."

He makes a face and laughs. "If I didn't know the man loves us I'd swear we were his speedy little science experiments," he laughs and shakes his head. "I have been getting hungrier more often....it's why moving in with dad is probably a good thing. Money I'd spend on rent will be spent on feeding my ass."

"Nah, the experiment thing is your grandfather and great-grandfather." Derrick shook his head with a vague look of disgust. "Digger's told me a bit about that. He's just trying to chart how much you're going to need and plan for it. Like, you ever work in a store? You keep track of inventory? And then you keep track of what the customers are buying and how frequently and what is going on on that day. Seriously, some stores keep track of the weather even. Then they figure out how much they have to order and hopefully, if they do it right? They got enough for the customers without having overstock that'll go 'bad'. He's talking about buying a deep freezer, to store things. It's a good plan. And yeah, moving in? Good idea. The economy is shit right now."

He nods. "Yeah, I get what you mean. I'm going to have to talk to him about that. He shouldn't be buying all Jenni and my food even if he does feel responsible. We're big kids, we can at least help pay for the groceries, especially since we'll probably go through half the contents of an entire grocery store," he smirks and finishes his meal. "You think we can get a couple of drinks to take home with us?"

"He feels guilt." He said bluntly. "He missed so many 'birthdays, Christmases, Easters' and other holidays. So he's trying to overcompensate." He shrugged a shoulder. "But yeah, pitch in, and balance your budgets and at some point you're all going to be living comfortably there without any struggle at all. Making ends meet, as they put it." He grinned. "Skipping the movie out and just going back home?" He asked. "Watch dvds and listen to music? Cause I'm all right with that too." He admitted. "But yeah, lets get some to go home with!" And some different ones to experiment with taste on too!

Owen sighs a bit. "He shouldn't feel guilty. He did what he could for me, the best thing he could do at the time and there was nothing he could do about Jenni. Definitely have to talk to him about that," he finished his soda and grinned a bit ", I was actually thinking we could drop all the sodas off at the house and then go to the movies. I can't pass up the chance to take as many sodas home as possible," he grins sheepishly.

"It's fine." He assured. "I don't mind at all." He smiled. "After all? You're driving. I'm just riding." He chuckled. "But, at least he cares. There's a lot of parents out there that just don't give a damn." He shook his head. "But he does care. And yeah let's see... they probably don't come in cans. They're probably going to come in cups?" He asked.

"Yeah, they come in cups. We'll have to ask for them without ice though. It'll all melt before we get home from the movies," he smiles and flags the waitress down. "Could I get a passion fruit soda and a cherry bomb. Both to go and no ice please," he asked and smiled, pulling his wallet out.

"No no no no no..." Derrick said waving his finger. "Nuh uh. I'm getting this, remember? I'm the one with the bank account I've not really touched in decades." He pointed out. "Gimme the bill." He told the waitress. "Don't make me sit on you." He told Owen with a snort.

Owen blushed a bit. He could honestly say that he wouldn't mind Derrick sitting on him. Dammit! Stop thinking those thoughts! "Alright. Just thought I could help with the extras. Do I get to at least help with the snacks at the movies," he asked with a sweet smile.

He squinted and thought about it. "I dunnoooooo..." He said. "Part of me says let you, and part of me says, noooooooooo... because I asked you out. I mean, uh..." He tripped over the words a little bit. "I mean, I... asked you to... uh. Well, I asked you out." How could he phrase it otherwise? "I should be the one paying." He took a deep breath and held it. "Uhhhh..." He gave him a weak smile.

He smiled and laughed lightly at the whole thing. So that did make this the date that Owen thought it might be. At this point it might be considered a man-date, but still. "Okay. I think I can let you have this then. Wouldn't want to hurt your gentlemanliness....er..whatever I was going for there," he laughed lightly.

Laughing, he finished paying the bill and then taking the drinks in their carriers. He would hold it while Owen was going to be driving. "We used to have our own brand of... I dunno. Chivalry? Honor? Ethics? I dunno. Not quite knights. But we just had our own way of doing things, I guess I still cling to some of them, and adjust them for the new age." He reasoned. He paused and then said. "Rex and I used to take turns." He added. "Depended on who got paid that week." He grinned.

Owen smirked at the other man. He stood up and took the keys to the bike again and led the way out. Taking a deep breath he smiled as they walked over to the bike. "Who's Rex? You think you can carry those while we ride?"

"I can carry them." He assured straddling the bike. He opened his mouth, closed it then finally said what he wanted to say. "Rex was my partner of forty years. He passed away at the age of sixty-five from stomach cancer, in the year 1959." He cleared his throat and looked up. "He was my last relationship. I'm not mourning him, you understand. I mourned and moved on, sort of. But I had stopped interacting directly with most humans. Stopped connecting, as your dad put it. Guess I was scared to, or was rather, hurt at first, mourning. And then I was scared. And then I didn't care. At least, till recently." He admitted quietly.

He frowned a bit and nodded. "Sorry to bring it up. I guess in your line of work, with how long you live, you're open to that kind of thing happening. I can't imagine having to watch someone you love grow old while you stay young," he climbed into the bike and waited until Derrick was settled before starting it up and making their way back to his father's house.

He held the cups carefully and climbed on the back of the bike. "It's okay. I mean? It's not like I want to forget him forever. He's got a special place in my heart and memory. But, I dunno... maybe I'm being naive and foolish, but I want to believe your dad. That there can be an end for us. That we can eventually earn our way, and pass on to an Ideal. And that we don't have to be alone? We do feel alone, quite often. We get depressed, we're still... people. Even if he's wrong, and I and Nicki are doomed to do this forever until Vanquished or sent back to Hell... I think I want some new good memories." He said quietly. He was very lonely, now that he realized it. They hadn't been living. Merely 'existing'.

Owen had been listening to him on their drive. He'd just not been able to respond with the wind. So when he parked and got off the bike in front of Digger's house, he turned around and smiled gently at the other man as he pulled his keys to the house out. "I hope in the end that you find your peace. Until then....maybe I can help you make a few more happy memories," he asked with a shy smile before turning and heading to the door, unlocking it and letting them in.

"We've got a good start." He admitted quietly, careful with the drinks. "I mean, hey... I've had my very first cotton candy milkshake, and my first passion-fruit-soda." He laughed quietly. "And next is the movies, and then there's going to be music later..." He paused. "I think you might be very very good for me." He admitted.

He smiled as he led Derrick into the kitchen and opened the fridge for him to put the drinks away. There was still a definite red tint to his cheeks, though his smiled faltered a bit ", I'm glad I'm good for someone. I can't seem to do anything right lately on that front, I'm afraid."

He frowned and then gently put a hand on Owen's shoulder after putting the drinks in the fridge. "That's not true." He said. "Mistakes were made on all sides. And, there are people that really love you, care for you, and count on you. And you do right by them. It's been a pleasure to be around you." He told him in complete honesty. "You... have this little 'spark' inside of you. It smolders." He smiled a half smile as he tried to explain it. "Sweetness too. So sweet, and nice, and yet if someone crossed you? You'd hand their ass to them. You can handle yourself, and you can carry yourself well. It's just that you have the most gentle softest touch with those around you, feelings wise. You try to take care of them, protect them, be a buffer between them and the harsh realities. You're still young, but you're a good man, Owen. It's just, this is a rough spot in the road. It does smooth out." He promised. "It does."

For a moment, all Owen could do was stare at the other man. Then after a few moments a silence, a small shy smile spread across his face and he he looked down at the floor. He was pretty sure that no one had ever said any of that to him, let alone all at once like that. "I know it's a rough spot. It's just...it hurts....and it bothers me, the whole thing does. But....there's nothing I can do for it except to wait a while and then try to save the friendship, right? But thank you....it means a lot to hear that," he looked at his watch ", the movie starts in half an hour, we should get going." He smiles over at Derrick.

"If you can salvage the friendship? Then do so." He nodded. "But if he's resistant? Don't... don't feel bad. It's on him. Not on you. I personally think he's over-reacted." He admitted quietly. "But the hurt does get better." He smiled and then nodded. "Yep, we better get going. Do you like lots of butter? Or are you pretty sick of the idea of popcorn?" He asked with a small chuckle.

Owen sighed and nodded. There was something in him that knew that they could at least save the friendship. He knew Axel still cared. A lot, if the picture he'd found with Digby in place of the piano meant anything. Axel had moved out of the apartment, but then, so was Owen. Only fair they'd move on. He smiled at Derrick. "I love lots of butter but I was thinking more....a couple boxes of Sour Patch Kids and some soda," he laughs.

"That works for me too." He said, climbing on the back of the bike again. "Now, this is the part we get screwed with no lube. The prices of snacks at the theatre." He laughed. "And you know it is true. I also know it isn't your fault for it. You dad said that there was no call to call him a 'thief' so long as the prices were that high for popcorn and a soda." He grinned.

He laughs a bit. "Yeah, I've bitched to the management about it too but they just looked at me and told me to get back to work. Apparently you don't rate any managerial respect when you work the snack stand," he snorted and shrugged as he mounted the bike again after locking the house back up and starting the bike up. It really was a sweet ride and he enjoyed every minute of it as they drove to the theater.

Chuckling he says, "Yeah that is probably why your dad goes for the 'deep pocketed coat' route. Did you know he has a long coat that he can slip two sodas in just one pocket? Though, he assures me he's stopped shoplifting too." For a moment he forgot himself and lightly put his hands on Owen's waist, and then takes them off again as he remembers. Behave, Derrick. Beeeehave.

Owen laughs and shakes his head. That definitely sounds like his dad. He was in no way surprised. After a few sharp turns, he parked the bike and ran a hand over the handlebars. He also tried very hard not to pout about when Derrick had taken his hands off his hips. Getting off the bike, he grinned at the other man. "I'm in no way surprised that he does that."

Laughing he nodded. "Oh it drives Koan insane sometimes. He wanted to give Piper a care basket when he got sick. So he was trying to make one up, but it was taking him fucking forever to pick stuff out. Finally, Koan says 'fuck it' and makes up the basket himself and then delivers it, because otherwise Digger would have spent the next two days looking for bargains." He grinned. He hurried up to the window paying for the tickets on the off chance that Owen was going to try to be sneaky and offer to pay again. Besides, he wanted to get inside and get to the snack bar before the line got even longer. He grinned at him. "Do you sit in the front, middle or back?" He asked.

"Oh I imagine it," he laughs and shakes his head. "He waited until the day after Easter to get everyone their easter bunnies and candy. I still keep the little bunny with me. It's soothing," he blushes and then laughs when Derrick rushes forward to pay for the tickets. Walking in after him and up to the stand, he ignores the smirks he gets from his coworkers. "I like sitting in the back. I tend to not like having people sitting behind me. It's easier to throw things at their heads when they talk during the movie if they're in front of you.

"Good idea." He said. "I sat in back during both Bewitched and Pet Semetery." He admitted. I tend to like the corners, but that is because I'm usually trying to 'blend in' or hide. But I'm also open to sitting in the middle of the back row. I know some like it there for the 'balance of sound'." He intoned because he'd heard that one before too. "Okay, well, let's see... We could get the number two... looks like the most reasonable since you get a drink and the refills, and the popcorn as well as the candy." It was also called the 'Couple's combo' because you got TWO drinks, one tub of popcorn and two candies.

Owen blushed at his coworkers and then smiled at Derrick. "Works for me, least I get my Sour Patch Kids," he laughed as he grabbed the boxes. "We can sit in the corner. I just like sitting with my back against the wall," he offered as he took his drink and candy and headed to the theater.

He paid for things and followed Owen into the correct theatre. Handing off their little slips of paper to the guy waiting at the door of the movie. He wasn't really sure what the movie was about, but he was following Owen and it didn't matter to him what the movie was. He was getting to spend time with the man and well, the movie might be good too!

Owen found a couple of seats in the corner and claimed them for him and Derrick. He sat down and smiled up at the other man. He didn't know what movie Derrick had bought tickets to, just went to the right number theater. "So what movie are we seeing? I wasn't paying attention."

Derrick bit his lip and then looked embarrassed. "Fast and Furious Four." He admitted. Covering his eyes with a hand and then peeking out at Owen.

Owen burst out laughing and shook his head. "Oh man...the first one was so bad and I didn't even bother to see the other two," he took a sip of his popcorn.

"I wasn't too sure you'd want to see the Hannah Montana movie." He gave a weak laugh. "I... I don't think I could face myself in the morning if I took you to a Hannah Montana movie tonight."

He laughed and shook his head. "I....dont think I'd be able to forgive you for bringing me to the Hannah Montana movie. I think we can both handle this. At least it has cars. Probably a shitty storyline but yeah, much better than that."

"Yeah, there's gay, and then there's very fucking gay." He snorted quietly. "Ideally? Would have taken you to something with explosions, plot, and more explosions and fast cars." He grinned. "Come on? I like explosions myself." He chuckled. He leaned back and then startled. THE CHAIR MOVED WITH HIM! He sat up, and looked at it in shock... it was recliner like? Whoa. He knew he probably looked a bit comical right now, but he hadn't expected the thing to... move!

"Well this'll guarantee us some fast cars and explosions, but still," he laughs and leans back as well. "Yeah, they recline. The arms also lift up," he picked his soda up and lifted the arm between them and pushed it back, grinning before pushing it back down. "Very convenient," he laughs.

He gingerly lay back into the seat. "Last time I came to one of these, you had a little seat that flipped up and the chair in front of you was against your knees!" He admitted. "I'm starting to sound like the old geezer I am again." He snorted. "Wait, that moves out of the way between us?" He squinted at the armrest. It was getting dark now, so his eyes hadn't adjusted yet to be sure.

"Well this theater just upgraded from that....it's the most advanced in the city," he shrugs a bit. Then he laughed quietly and reached out, grabbing Derrick's hand, his own eyes adjusting quickly to the lighting, and placed it on the arm rest and lifted it up. "Yup, they lift up."

He held his breath a moment. He liked him grabbing his hand. His eyes were starting to adjust and he looked up at Owen, a small smile on his lips. Previews for other movies were starting to play, gearing up for the movie itself. For a moment, and without realizing it, he squeezed Owen's hand. He found himself kind of frozen in place, looking Owen in the eye, holding on to his hand. There was a faint voice in the back of his head reminding him 'behave'. But he couldn't really hear it over the sound of his heartbeat in his ears.

Owen smiled at him in the dark. He squeezed the hand back and left the arm of the seat up. the boxes of candy were sitting in his lap, so he settled his soda in his free hand. He made no attempt to look away from Derrick, biting his lip and smiling shyly.

Biting his own lip, he leaned in to whisper. "I've been trying to behave. But you make it hard to behave. You're adorable." He admitted. "I think I'm in trouble. Because, I don't think I can backtrack. And I don't know if you're ready for more than friends. But for you, I will behave." He promised. "Because I do want to be your friend as well."

He blushed again and smiled, eyes closing at the feel of Derrick's breath on his cheek. He...didn't think he was ready for something, not just yet....but that didn't mean that when he was ready, this guy wouldn't be the one he'd try with. "I...really know what you mean. I meant what I said the other night about you being rugged. It's very attractive. But I think we could start things with friendship," he smiled shyly at him ", but....I'll let you know when I'm ready." With that, he leaned in and kissed Derrick lightly, hand stroking Derrick's.

Derrick closed his eyes at the feel and smiled. Pleased. "Thank you." He opened his eyes and then very carefully raised Owen's hand to his lips and kissed the palm of his hand. "Thank you." He breathed. On the screen they were doing their typical macho shit with the cars, but Derrick wasn't paying too much attention, in particular. He was happy, and he made himself comfortable beside Owen. Happy Memory, engaged! He smiled. "Thank you." He whispered a third time, smiling at him and gave his hand another squeeze. He'd behave, Owen was worth it.

The more the movie wore on, the more Owen smiled happily. He was leaning lightly against Derrick's side, the arm of the seat still up and the seats comfortable enough as they reclined. He wasn't even really paying any attention to the movie at all at this point, just enjoying his company and eating his snacks.

He slowly ate his popcorn, smiling, sipping his drink on occasion but very careful not to move his arm. He liked Owen right where he was. He didn't want to encourage him to move. Stay riiiiight there. If anyone asked him what happened in the movie? All he could have said was 'there were cars and they went fast!'

As the movie came to an end, Owen yawned a bit and squirmed. What he didn't do was move from his comfy spot. He tilted his head up to smile at Derrick. "Well that was....quite possibly the most pointless movie ever......we have to do this again," he grinned. "You still up for listening to the music?"

He looked down at him and smirked. "I have no idea what so fucking ever what we just watched." He laughed. "And yeah, we do." He agreed. "And yeah, I am." He smiled. "I want to hear the music you like." He told him. "If you are still up for it, that is."

He smiled and sat up reluctantly, stretching a bit and finishing his soda. Standing up, he smiled and held his hand out, one and a half boxes of candy in his jacket pocket. "Of course I am. We have to have something to get rid of the images of whatever it is just happened on that screen," he smiled.

Looking at the hand for only a second, he took it and stood up. Smiling. "I don't think that chair wanted to let me go. Think anyone would notice if we stole it?" He joked with a laugh. "You know, in a week or two? At random a scene from the movie will float up in my memory and I will go... 'where the hell did that come from'." He laughed. Throwing away what remained of his popcorn and the empty cup.

He laughed and followed Derrick out, throwing the cup out and buttoning his jacket pocket so his candy doesn't fly out. "And I'll start laughing and shaking my head. Plus, I think they might notice if one of their chairs went missing. They are brand new after all," he laughs and munches on a Sour Patch Kid.

Derrick climbed into position as before on the back of the motorcycle. Smiling. Because yeah, Owen got to feel the love of the bike for the entire 'date'. "Aw, darn." He said with a smirk. "Well, guess I'll just have to help Digger steal that couch from his friend." He joked.

"He will love you for that. He keeps planning different ways to steal Roy's couch and I swear they get zanier every time," he laughs as he climbs onto the bike and settles in, smiling over his shoulder before he started it up and took off for home.

"The man can be quite nutty." He agreed. He settled his hands on his waist, then remembered took them off, and then just... lightly put his fingertips back on again. Keeping them rather high up, to try to keep it from being inappropriate. "But I rather he be like that. I'm glad you didn't have to be around him when he first became alive again. The first few days were very very rocky. They always are though."

Owen concentrates on driving while he listens. Once they're pulled up into Digger's driveway, he turns and smiles at Derrick a bit sadly. "I wish I had been there. He....he's been there for me when I needed him most." He gave a shrug and handed the keys back to Derrick ", lets go get our sodas and then have some quality music time."

"It can be very difficult the first few days." Very confusing,trying to deal with an insane, violent, drug addict that is hallucinating and having night terrors and doesn't believe you're real. Lashing out, fighting, biting, with no idea who you are. He followed him into the house, putting the keys back in his pocket. "I don't think he would have wanted you to go through that. He felt better waiting to see you all when he was more stable." It tended to be traumatic. "He's so happy to have you here." He told him. "He's loves having you here. I think this is what he wants most." He smiled. He followed Owen around.

"I guess, I just wish I could be there for him more often," he sighed and went to the kitchen, pulling the two sodas out of the fridge. He poured them into glasses and handed the red one to Derrick. "It's called a cherry bomb. Just cherry soda," he smiles and then leads the way into the living room where the stereo and his cd collection were.

He took the drink and followed him into the living room. "I liked cherry soda. I'm sure I'll like this. I bet it has a stronger cherry taste than normal." He reasoned from the color and the name. He sat down and watched Owen with his CD collection.

Owen smiled at him and dug through the things he had spread over the living room for his laptop. After finding it, he plugged it in and sat down. "What are the odds that dad starts remodeling soon just so he can get his living room back," he asked with a smirk to Derrick, leaving a space next to him open.

"Pretty good." He laughed. "He likes his couch for some reason." He smiled. He sat down beside him and looked around. "He said something about starting to build a room for you downstairs." He admitted. "Have you been down there? It's a pretty big space. Dry too."

"Yeah, I was down there the other day. He told me about the room. It's why quite a bit of my stuff is here already. We're going to work on it together," he smiled and pulled up his music. "It's so much easier this way," he said as he kicked his feet up and turned the music on.

"Easier to listen to it online you mean? Or on the computer itself?" He asked for clarification. He leaned closer to look at the screen while it played.

"On the computer. I've got a pretty good audio system, plus I have all of my music on it so I don't have to keep getting up and switching cds," he nodded. Turning the computer towards Derrick, he narrowed the playlist to just the Smashing Pumpkins music.

"Okay, well yeah that would be easier." He said. "Now, these ipod things, they somehow hook up to computers right? And then you move the music from the computer to the ipod?" He asked listening to the music. He smiled. "String instruments." He commented hearing them in one of the songs. "And I can hear the guitar." Some of the more current music the guitar was more a 'scream' than anything.

Owen laughed lightly. "Yeah, this band is more...they're mellow. I mean they have really fast hard rock songs but the majority of the songs you can pick the instruments out," he smiled and leaned back, sipping his soda. "I'll have to show you how to work my iPod. They're really handy if you get caught someplace with nothing to do. They're small, some even just a little bigger than my thumb nail. Mine's a video iPod, so I've got a few movies on it too."

"That sounds useful at work." He admitted. "Sometimes, we'll pair up? Especially if it is someone likely to be pissed off that we're 'stealing' their car? So we'll spend time driving around which is kind of boring when you're just the one riding shotgun." He nodded. "Not to mention the times when were in the shop just sitting around." He sighed and then admitted. "I throw erasers at your dad's head. And we throw pencils into the ceiling."

He laughed at that. Yeah, sounded like they needed something to pass the time other than something that'd probably get them hurt or into a brawl. "Yeah, I'll have to get dad an iPod for some holiday coming up. That way at least he's out of everyone's hair when he has nothing to do," he grinned over at him. "You...I'm sure you could afford your own but I can supply you with as much music as you wanted if you like."

"Yeah I can." He said. "I should invest in more electronics anyway." He nodded. "All I have is the television really, and without cable. Which is why Nicki was here for so long. Cable. Then Hettie and Hermie ran her off." He snickered at that. Speaking of which, the two rats in question were peeking at him over the edge of the arm rest, their little whiskers twitching. "Hey you two. Going to run from me again?" He asked, holding out his hand for a sniff. They ducked down and then peeked up again. Suspicious. "Animals don't usually like us. They can smell death on us." He explained. "That and our 'less than human' smell. But for some reason they like Digger just fine. Might be because I'm so much older. But? That's the closest those two have ever come over to me." He scratched his chin and made a hm noise. Hermie crept up to the top of the couch, about two feet away, staring at him. "Make that the closest." He corrected himself. "I think they must be getting braver." Or, he was getting... 'better'.

Owen smiled and nodded. Then he looked up at the two rats that were peeking at Derrick. He smiled at them. "I think they're getting used to it. Or used to you, maybe," he shrugged and set the laptop onto the coffee table, turning towards Derrick and holding his hand out to the rats on the other side of him.

The rats ran a few steps one way and then the other as though trying to figure out how to circumvent Derrick without running near him. "It's okay, I'm not going to reap you little guys." Derrick smiled a little. "That's not my job." Though there were animal reapers as well. But it wasn't his job to do that kind of thing. He leaned further toward Owen to let them have more room to get to Owen's hand. Eventually, Hermie climbed into Owen's hand and made little like 'licks' on his palm.

Owen grins lightly, leaning against Derrick and cradling Hermie close to his chest. "You're alright, girl, he's not going to hurt you," he said as he beckoned Hettie to come to him and started stroking Hermie's little head. "I know you two are smart enough to know what we're saying to you," he grinned over at Derrick ", whenever I'm at Piper's and happen to fall asleep? I always wake up with his rat Gio sitting on my head. I'm waiting for these two to decide that that's their favorite seat."

Hettie was concerned for Hermie and after a moment joined her friend. "Okay, well... you two? I'm the reaper of manslaughter." He explained to the little rats. "It's true I do general reaps, but for the most part? My job is the manslaughter cases. I reap the one that was killed, and I reap the one that did the killing. And sometimes? The reaps are decades apart. So it doesn't happen at the same time. There was one I had to wait about fifty-seven years before I could reap the one that committed the original manslaughter. So it's okay. I'm not going to come after you with a tiny little scythe." He mimicked swinging a tiny little one at an imaginary tiny creature. "So you're perfectly safe with me." Hettie and Hermie started licking and inspecting Owen and his clothing. Or more to the point, Hettie was trying to climb into his shirt. Which caused Derrick to start to laugh, covering his mouth.

He was hoping they were listening to him like he was, but he wasn't so sure. Then he became very sure that they were indeed, NOT listening to him when Hettie tried to get into his shirt. He twitched a bit and pulled the rat back out of his clothes ", uh, yeah, no. You get out of there. Only humans, or reasonable facsimiles or what-have-you get to get into there," he laughed and scritched behind Hettie's ears and then under Hermie's chin.

Hettie made sniffling noises at Owen, and then started to wash herself. Hermie raced down to sit in Owen's lap and was sniffling around. Running back and forth over his legs to his waist and then back to his knee. Then it was trying to get UP the shirt from the other end. Derrick just started laughing in more amusement, grinning so much it almost hurt. "Oh god, rats are crazy! Or, they have good taste, I'm not sure which." He laughed. "Maybe both. Have any food secreted on your person?" He asked. Hettie was making tooth grinding noises. Which was what rats did when they were happy. It was their 'purr'.

He laughed and squirmed a bit at the rat going nuts on his lap. Then he remembered. "They don't really like me! It's the Sour Patch Kids they want," he laughs and pulls the two boxes out of his jacket pocket and tosses them onto the coffee table. "Lets see if they still have the same appreciation for me when it's just me they smell and not tooth rotting goodness," he smiled and scritched Hettie's head. He'd pet Hermie but he couldn't catch her.

Hettie sniffed his ear, sticking her nose inside of it while Hermie ran along the edge of his knees, trying to figure out how to jump from his knees to the table. She stood up on her hind legs and twitched her whiskers in frustration, not wanting to jump that far. She ran up and down a few times and then look at him like 'Well? GET IT FOR ME!' But Hettie stayed on Owen's shoulder, going ahead and getting scritches and also sniffing his ear. But even she kept looking 'longingly' at the box. "I think they like you? But they love your candy more." Derrick offered his opinion laughing. Hermie sat in the middle of Owen's lap and put her little paws on his stomach like 'we need to talk'. She turned and looked at the box. 'See that box.' she turned back to him and looked up at him again. 'I want that box.' She once more put her little paws on his stomach. 'You, are going to give me that box.' Hettie made little grinding noises and a few squeaks, and then licked Owen's face. Derrick was laughing so hard he was nearly falling off the couch. "I think she's trying to tell you something."

He smiled at the rat that was frantically trying to get the point across to him. "I know, she's trying to get me to give her some. I shouldn't be eating it so I'm sure they shouldn't either. Could you get me some crackers," he asked and then laughed at the lick to his cheek, reaching up and petting Hettie ", you're good rats. But the candy is bad for you, me and probably the environment, so Derrick's gonna get you some good snacks."

Giggling, Derrick found his feet and stood up. "Yeah I can't see where candy would be good for them. And I know damn well Digger feeds them these special little..." He showed the size with his fingers. "Pellet things? Which are made to be nutritional. Though, I guess they are probably about as tasty as cardboard." He was still chuckling as he went into the kitchen and opened the cabinet. He'd been there enough he knew approximately where everything was. He brought back a few Ritz crackers with him. Unsalted. He handed them to Owen, to feed to them. The music was still playing, and he was relaxed and enjoying himself. Highly entertained by the rats that were using Owen to their own ends. "Ornery little suckers." He grinned. "Digger looooooves rodents. I've always liked puppies myself." He admitted. "Cats too. But cats don't like us very much either. But dogs? Dogs don't care. They come right up to us, lick us, snuffle us, bring us stuff to throw. They don't care. They just want someone to love on them." Hermie and Hettie both sat now in Owen's lap, looking up at him while they sat on their bottoms, balanced on their hind legs.

He smiled after Derrick and looked to the rats and whispered while Derrick couldn't hear ", can't you two be nice to him? I like him." He smiles at Derrick when he comes back in and takes the Ritz ", thanks," he takes a couple of crackers out of the package and holds one out to each of the rats, smiling at them ", here you go girls."

Derrick sat down again and was turned slightly toward Owen, watching the rats eating the crackers. Chomp chomp chomp... they were LOUD. But Hermie went over for a moment onto Derrick's leg, stood there a moment, and then went back to Owen again. Derrick raised his brows. "Okay, that was weird." He chuckled. "But hey, I'll take it." The girls were also leaving crumbs all over, but they were obviously enjoying their snack. Soon, they hold it in their mouths and skips across Derrick's lap, up onto the arm rest and then disappeared down the other side. "Off to other adventures. Probably going to sneak off and rummage through your stuff." He smiled as he turned back to look at him. He paused as the song changed. "I like that one a lot. Mark it for later when I get one of those ipod thingies."

He smiled lightly when the two of them show that they're willing to touch Derrick at least. He sets the crackers down on the table, closed for ratty safety, and made a new playlist for the songs Derrick wanted. He dragged the song over and smiled up at him. "These are just the songs from one band. We'll have to take the time to go through the rest of them," he grins.

Leaning back, he placed his ankle over his knee, getting more comfortable and slightly leaned into Owen. "Well, I can't complain about it. I like to spend time with you." He nodded. "So not much of a hardship here!" He thought about it and said. "When I do go to buy the ipod thing? Will you come with me? Give me your advice?"

Owen grinned at him and nodded. "Yeah, I'll come with you. There's tons of options out there to choose from so I'd imagine you'd be confused," he smiled and leaned over the side of the couch, cracker crumbs tumbling off his legs as he sat back up, holding his iPod and the cord. Plugging it in, he showed it to Derrick. "I saved for two years to buy this thing. It's got 80 gigs of memory. Ridiculously large amount, because I've got so much music and quite a few movies on my computer."

"Ooookay... how much is in a gig?" He asked, because he just honestly wasn't sure. "How many songs fit on a gig?" He asked hoping that would give him some comparisons. "And can you separate the music into different groups? That way you don't have something like, oh... Louis Armstrong and then the next moment you have Smashing Pumpkins?" He asked. "Cause that would be kind of a mental jolt."

He laughed lighting and pointed to the different playlists on his iTunes. "You can transfer the folders onto the iPod, so you can have songs seperated into playlists, like, say, "modern rock" and "jazz"," he scratches the back of his head ", and about a gig holds about....depending on the size of the song itself, can hold from 200 to 300 songs. A friend of mine in high school had a two gig iPod with 600 songs on it."

"Good good..." He nodded. "I should get a computer as well." He pondered. "Iiiii think I'll need help with that as well." He admitted, wrinkling his nose and smiling. "I'm completely hopeless, aren't I?" He asked.

Owen laughed and leaned back against the couch, grinning over at him. "Completely. Thankfully I'm here to help you now," he wriggles his eyebrows ", we'll be getting you completely set up and I will take it as my personal mission to make sure that you know how everything works." He nods and grabs his sour patch kids, pulling one out and offering it to Derrick.

Laughing he took it and looked at it for a second before trying it. And boy was it sour. He made a face while smiling, puckering his lips despite his attempt not to. But he wasn't really complaining either. It turned sweet enough and it was a wonderful mix of sweet and sour. He finished swallowing it and chuckled. "I am very thankful to have you here." He agreed. "I'm joining the twentieth century... a bit more help and I might even join the twenty-first before we're midway through with it." He joked.

He grinned and popped one of the candies into his own mouth. He stretched his arms above his head and pulled his legs up to cross them indian style. "I think with a bit of effort on my part I can get you into the twenty first century. First though, we need to get you a computer," he laughs.

"Well, if anyone can do it, you can." He assured. And he watched him sitting on the couch, his legs crossed, arms above his head and he was just a... picture. And he was enjoying that picture, a LOT! Too much. Friends. Remember? He... he didn't want to go. But, it was getting late. And he was starting to have inappropriate thoughts. Again. "I should..." Figure out how to gracefully leave so I can go bang my head off the wall at home for being an idiot in general. God, but men never completely matured no matter how old they got to be. And he felt young with this man. Made him feel period. "Uhhh..." When in doubt? Honest is best? Right? "I should be getting home because I'm having inappropriate thoughts about you." He nodded.

Owen stared at him and moment. Then his cheeks slowly colored and a cheeky grin slid it's way onto his face. He laughed lightly and nodded, standing up and holding a hand out to Derrick. "I'll walk you out to your bike. Wanna say goodbye to it, too," he smirked.

"Welllll, at least you never have to wonder what I'm thinking. I'll almost always spill it." He chuckled ruefully, scratching the back of his head before taking Owen's hand. Oh that was so not helping with the inappropriate thoughts. Do male friends hold out their hand for other male friends? Ohhhhhh... it didn't matter. This was going to torment him in his dreams, but for once it would at least be the 'good' kind of torment. He didn't know whether to strangle Digger or thank him. "My bike will miss you too." He assured with a laugh.

Owen led him out to the garage and then the drive way. All the while with a goofy grin on his face. When they stopped next to the bike, Owen ran a hand over it and smiled ", really is a nice ride. You take excellent care of it." He turned his head to smile at Derrick. "Thanks for....everything, today. And you don't have to worry, you're not alone in your thoughts," he blushed.

Derrick looked down, smiling and kind of shy, then back up. "When you're ready? I'll be here. I'll be here even when you're not ready, I mean, but... what I mean? Is that there is no pressure. I'm here either way. I'm here." He promised. He put his hand up and just gently touched his jaw, but didn't do anything more than that, and let his hand slowly fall away. "You're worth waiting for." He said quietly. "I'll... I'll probably see you tomorrow." He admitted with a small laugh. He climbed onto the bike and started it.

Owen gave him a shy smile in return. He leaned his jaw into the hand, reaching up and stroking a hand over the hand on his jaw. "I....will definitely let you know. I'll be here until then and for tomorrow," he smiled at him and stood back as he started the bike.

One last reluctant bye and he was going down the road. But there was tomorrow, and tomorrow and tomorrow...