008 ♐ Accidental video : Finally get this ball rolling

[musclebeast]

[The feed clicks on but it doesn't seem intentional, at least you'd hope it's not intentional because why the heck is Equius shirtless?]

[WELL, I will tell you why! Because he seems to be working on something, I mean, just look at all that glistening nice sheet metal he has piled up in this room. And there's just a huge pile of broken up robots and other machines on his other side. There seem to be a few bent pieces of metal near him as well, though they appear to be purposely bent so, in more rounded shapes. These shapes match the almost hive like hull Equius is walking towards. It's is a mostly rounded off looking cocoon shape, with a small opening that Equius could fit into if he wished to right now. Next to this strange device, is a long, horizontal tube, attached to a rather thick, intricate looking metal base. The tube and it's base are lifted off the ground enough that Equius can lay on his back and slide under it, which he does, after putting on some goggles and metal face mask, pulling on a rather thick looking leather chest guard, and starting up a soldering gun.]

[Soon after there some sparks seen from under the complex looking base of the tub. It is soon accompanied by some other metallic sounds, drilling, and an occasional curse word; something along the lines of "gosh darnit" or "goodness me". The computer seems to still be on, Equius might have accidentally activated the camera on it when he went to go check some digital blue prints. He doesn't notice, even as he slides back out from under the tube and inspects a small compartment on the side of the base, kneeling, and taking his mask and leather guard off.]

Dangit...

Comments

[implying]

[ Another command obeyed— right up until there's a tickle in his lungs, anyway. He ignores it as long as he can, but you just can't stave off coughs forever! So here they come, right at the end of his breath out, and that lifted hand rises to press against Equius's chest. A gesture of 'oh shit hang on gimme a sec' if there ever was one. ]

[musclebeast]

[The hand to his chest stops him and he just sits there, staring and waiting.]

[implying]

[ He tosses a guilty look at Equius, coughs just a few times more, and lets out a slow breath. ]

Sorry! Very sorry. That's... quite odd, is all. [ Another breath in, out. ] Right. Where were we?

[musclebeast]

Sit up, arm up, breath in and hold it.

[implying]

[ He nods, considers another airy apology— and then just follows the instructions. Faster and simpler that way, and they can be done with this vaguely humiliating business all the sooner. ]

[musclebeast]

[As humiliated as Vanadi is, Equius doesn't seem to be making a big deal about it at all. He's treating the situation very professionally and delicately and doesn't say anything at all. He assumes Vanadi is used to such treatment considering this is his body, but hey, what does Equius know?]

[After a few more sessions of air, breath out, breath in, and more air, Equius is finally done and inspects the now clean vent. He glances up.]

Does that feel any different?

[implying]

[ If he stopped to think about it, he'd appreciate Equius's neutral treatment of all this. But as it is, he's edging toward a good solid mope, and isn't quite looking at it in that light. He only nods at the question, ears drooping and eyes on the ground. ]

It feels fine. [ Wow, that wasn't nearly frilly enough. He takes a breath, tries again. ] You've done it, my dear. Thank you.

[musclebeast]

[For some reason the look on Vanadi's face makes his chest churn a little. It's looks a bit more broken than his leg.]

Is there something wrong? Did I approach this in an incorrect manner?

[implying]

[ Oh, shoot, Vanadi hadn't realized his low mood was that apparent. He brightens with an effort of will, casting a bright smile at Equius. ]

No! You've been perfectly charming about all of this. I couldn't ask for better.

[musclebeast]

[...You're lucky he is terribly bad with empathy.]

Okay. For your other side then? And then you can leave until I have successfully gotten what I need to fix your leg.

[implying]

Of course.

[ He shifts, but this time leans back enough that resting his weight back onto his hands frees the face of the vent there. A little more dignified than the arm in the air— even if this is the metal side, and he wouldn't feel the strain anyway. He waits patiently, this time determined to keep all discomforts and unhappiness to himself. ]

[musclebeast]

[It doesn't take as long this time since Vanadai and Equius both know what to do, and soon he's pulling back completely, putting the can and tube back into his sylladex.]

There.

[implying]

[ There, indeed. Vanadi wastes no time in hopping down from his seat and pulling his shirt quickly back on again. It goes with just a passing few coughs, and he looks more comfortable once he's half covered.

Man. He hasn't been that exposed since Venus's labs. ]

Again— thank you, my friend. Truly. It's considerably easier to breathe, now.

[musclebeast]

Good. Until next time then. I will be sure to be prompt.

[implying]

[ The pants are next, and in no time at all Vanadi is fully dressed again, all skin covered, except for the mask. The reintroduction to clothing does wonders for his self-regard, and even the smile looks closer to the usual smirk. ]

I appreciate it! You're gods-sent, I'm quite sure.

[ He steps nearer, one hand lightly against his chest, as he leans up to press a quick kiss just past the corner of Equius's mouth. It would have been a proper kiss, but he's still not sure about all those fumes he's been breathing out. It might be a poisonous kiss, so, better not to risk it. ]

Weird, so many Sollux kissing icons. Wonder why.

[musclebeast]

[Equius watches with a quiet stare, waiting for Vanadi to take his leave. He has to get to work again after all. And he's about to agree that yes he is "god sent" when Vanadi swoops in closer and catches him off guard, as he tends to easily do. And then-

what?!]

[Okay, just, okay just keep calm and be strong, Equius.]

[Which is very difficult for him because his heart's starting to flutter and he knows his face is betraying him with a thick flush of blue. He kind of stands there dumbfounded, a chill zipping down his spine.]

Uh-

well gosh that just makes no sense at all

[implying]

[ Well, that's not a negative reaction, at least. Not that Vanadi would be particularly bothered if it were. He's awfully good by now at just laughing those off and spinning out a few empty apologies. So he smiles, gives Equius's chest a pat, snatches up his mask, and starts for the door. ]

Until next time, my dear!

[ ...And, damn, he'd forgotten about the faulty leg again. What would have been a smooth saunter is turned into a hobble, but he still exits with relative grace, pulling the mask on as he goes. ]

:U

[musclebeast]

[He'll just...]

[Watch him leave.]

[....Watch.]