2 bros chillin at the O-W house, three feet apart cuz this whole situation is really fuckin weird but also they wanna be friends again

Tiago comes strolling down the street, hands in his pockets marveling at the normality of his current situation. *Sure is nice to be back. It’s so weird,some things are completely different and other things are just like I remember.* He reaches up his hand brushing at the spikes protruding from his head. *Yup, some things sure have changed. Mel was just how I remembered him though. I hope Epoch didn’t cause him too much trouble, he sounded like a real handful.*

He spots a pine cone and jogs up to it, kicking it lightly forward and chasing it kick again as he continues his approach to the OW house. *I have so much to tell him! Oh man he’ll be jealous of some of the things I got to do.* A wide smile spreads across his face, which turns to an annoyed frown when an errant kick sends his pine cone flying into the street. Luckily he realizes he’s not too far and he skips forward excited to see his friend.

*Well they all know I’m coming I think because we had that whole talk on chitter right, so like it’s fine… right?* He purses his lips in thought and then pulls out his phone to send Mel a message, [Hey I’m outside, can I just come in or will Maggie yeet me to north downtown?]

Mel is hanging halfway off his bed upside down, picking idly at a loose string on his comforter and waiting for Wingnut to finish analyzing Boon's pattern so he can figure out the best plan of attack to sneak downstairs and… stare at a different set of walls, probably. God, being grounded is *boring*.

His phone going off startles Mel so badly he falls off the bed and bangs his head on the floor. He rolls onto his feet and scrambles for his phone with one hand, rubbing the new sore spot with the other. He grins when he sees Tiago's text and mutters a quick, "Fuck yeah," under his breath before responding. [It's Fort fucking Knox in here, dude, and Boon is having WAY too much fun playing warden if you ask me. You should probably just teleport in.] He pauses, then adds, [Can you still teleport? That was something other-you did.]

Was that rude to ask? *Geez, Mel, you can't just ask someone if they can teleport.* He hastily adds, [It's cool if you can't. I can like make a bedsheet rope or something. Like a reverse prison break. It'd be awesome.]

He lets out a breath and turns his head to look at Wingnut, who with characteristic creepy prescience is already staring back at him. "I'm not nervous," he says. "It's just Tiago. That would be stupid." And then, when she continues staring at him silently, "Shut up."

[HE COULD TELEPORT!? Damn that’s not fair.] He looks up at the house again and frowns before taking several steps back to stand on the street. [It’s safe right, they don’t have like wards or anything?]

Tiago tucks the phone away and, deciding to not wait for an answer, crouch walks up to the house in his best approximation of sneaky. *Well it’s rune magic right? So if there are I should be able to see it I would think.* He pulls his phone back out once he reaches the wall. [hey nevermind which one is your window I don’t remember]

Looking up at the second floor he starts making his way over to the side of the house trying his best to keep quiet and out of sight. [I’m almost as good at sneaking around as you now! Had a lot of practice while I was away.] When he reaches the corner he rests on his heels to wait for Mel’s answer.

Mel snorts at Tiago's texts. [Yeah, it has one ward and its name is Maggie Oskarsdottir. That usually gets the job done. You would not BELIEVE how many swords she has hidden around the house.] He hastily adds, [You'll be fine tho.]

He (quietly, in case Boon is walking past the door and thinks he's trying to climb out) slides open the window and texts Tiago, [I'm around back. Just wait for the rope.] then quickly sets up stripping the bed and roughly tying the corners of the sheets together. It's not artful, and he's not sure it's *quite* long enough, but he's confident enough that it'll hold.

Without any better anchor options, he ties one end to a leg of his bed and tosses the whole armful out the window.

Tiago gulps as he reads the text and laughs nervously to himself. “I mean I mentioned I was coming right so it should be okay.” He gets up to move around to the back, *And yet I’m still sneaking around.* He scrambles under some windows and opens the back gate as quietly as possible before slipping through.

*Right, around back, that sounds familiar.* He spots a window being very carefully opened and slowly approaches to get in position. When the sheets come tumbling down the window he catches hold and tugs on it a few times to make sure it can take his weight. [Alright, coming up]

Some scuffling can probably be heard through the window along with several muttered curses. Before too long the prongs of the FutureSite poke up into view and shortly after Tiago’s face pops into frame, sweaty and red. He pulls himself in and sprawls on the floor. “Whew haven’t had to climb a rope in ages.” He glances over to Mel and grins. “Hey buddy, long time no see.”

Mel scrambles to help pull Tiago in through the window and plops down cross-legged on the floor next to him, laughing. "I bet it makes you miss all those extra arms, huh? I remember those being pretty good at climbing in and out of places you're not supposed to be."

He leans back on one arm and gestures around the room. Aside from the stripped bed, it's pretty unremarkable, if rather messy. "Welcome to maximum security, dude. Thanks for coming."

"Oh wow! The arms! It's been ages since I thought about those. They got damaged in the implosion and didn't last too long after that." He sits up and wipes some sweat from his forehead and looks around the room. "I'd make a joke about how you can live like this but you've seen my lab."

Tiago starts to pull up the blanket rope smiling to himself. "I missed this. I missed you dude, like holy shit man do you have any idea how much I have to fill you in on? Oh that's right!" He pulls off his backpack and reaches in to reveal a solitary toaster before holding it out to Mel. "So you're not as bored once I leave." He cackles before covering his mouth to stifle it.

Mel bites the inside of his cheek as Tiago chatters on. It still feels wrong to say he missed Tiago when, technically, he was here the whole time. But at the same time… he thinks about the way Tiago - Whiz? Should he count as another, separate Tiago, the way Epoch and Aeon are separate? But then from what he understands 'Whiz' doesn't exist anymore, and he immediately drops the subject - *Tiago Prime* smiled at him the night he told Mel about the FutureSite, and Epoch saying *You were my best friend*, and *yeah*, okay, he missed Tiago.

He blinks as Tiago turns around with a toaster in hand and bursts out laughing. "You're such a bitch," he says, still laughing, and impulsively grabs Tiago in a hug. "I really fucking missed you too, dude."

Surprised by the sudden hug Tiago takes a moment before returning it and squeezing Mel back. Thousands of thoughts cross his mind as he tries to process the emotions he’s feeling in the moment. All the fear and uncertainty of his time adrift floods back. He knows now that Epoch came in shortly after the implosion of the FutureSite+ but for all of his time away he was afraid that they had gotten hurt and that it had been his fault because he left them when he was needed. He lets out a sigh of relief and feels a tension he’d long grown accustomed to ease from his body.

Then he wrestles with the knowledge that he is both relieved that Mel doesn’t seem to prefer Epoch and ashamed at that feeling of relief. He pulls back and looks at Mel with a slight frown of consternation. “Was he really that bad? He was here for like 6 months but you still missed me?”

Mel flushes guiltily and bites hard on the inside of his cheek. "It's not - he - he was just…" He gestures helplessly. "... Different."

He flops down on the stripped bed and blows out a breath. "He was gone… a long time. I mean, it was hard to pin down how long, and he *said* two years, but he also said, like, eternity, and it… sure felt more like that one most of the time. He didn't remember a lot. Or, like, he remembered the facts, but didn't… care? Maybe that's not fair." He runs an agitated hand through his hair. "I don't know. Like, I don't wanna talk shit about him when he's not here, even though he probably wouldn't care." The corner of his lips quirk up despite himself at the thought, but it quickly fades back to a frown as he sighs. "I dunno. It just wasn't the same, between me and him."

Tiago chuckles quietly and takes a seat on the bed next to Mel. “If it makes you feel any better, I’m sort of glad.” He reaches up and fiddles with one of the spikes on his head. “Like I was maybe… hmm worried I guess that like you’d wish I was him or something.” His cheeks flush and he shakes his head. “Because you’re my best friend and like I get it if I’m not but if he was your best friend and now I’m me well uhh yeah.” He laughs and rubs the back of his neck. “I guess that’s kind of dumb right?”

"No! No, that's not - I mean -" Mel laughs awkwardly and runs a hand through his hair. "I actually kind of… felt the same way? With Epoch, I mean. Like, I thought maybe he just… wasn't interested in being friends anymore after all the crazy shit he got up to." He pauses. "Um. Well, he wasn't, really, but what I'm saying is, like - I get it. And you've got nothing to worry about. I'm really glad you're here, Tiago."

Tiago throws his arms around Mel pulling him once more into a hug. “That means so much to me. Like seriously dude, I love you, and I felt like before I maybe wasn’t as good of a friend as I should have been. And I really regretted that while I was lost. So I’m happy that I am back now and can do a better job at that.” He lets out a breath and releases Mel from the hug.

“With that said, I am about to tell you something that I’m going to ask you to please not over react about.” Again one of his hands moves up to wiggle one of the tines of the FutureSite encircling his head. “Can you promise you won’t like throw me out once I tell you?” He laughs awkwardly looking more unsure than Mel has likely ever seen him.

Mel frowns warily. "Yeah, dude, I'm not gonna throw you out. C'mon, what could possibly have to tell me that's so bad? If you're gonna tell me you met a version of me that was dating Mirror, I've already heard it, and I totally *didn't* overreact, thanks." He smiles in an attempt at levity.

“Wait what? Did Epoch say that?” Tiago laughs picturing what kind of bizarro world that would be. “No no it’s not anything to do with Mirror.” He pauses thinking for a moment. “Okay tangential but not really. After you left for the carnival that killed you I went out for a Valentine’s day dinner.” He pauses again and bites his lip before continuing. “With Cambria.”

"Wh - y - *the same day*?!" Mel splutters, then visibly reins himself in. He takes a deep breath in and out, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Okay. I'm not overreacting. Just. You're telling me you got back to this timeline and the *first thing you did* was go on a date? With *Cambria*?" He gestures helplessly. "Can I ask *why*?"

“Well no, the first thing I did was help you all save the day at that convention that went haywire, so you know perspective.” He chuckles hoping that Mel will join in. “Uh well so the why is because apparently she and Epoch had plans before he you know swapped with me and after what happened with Sam I didn’t want to let someone down again by saying I’d be there and then not.” Tiago blushes thinking back on the date. “And she’s really pretty, and funny and charming. I don’t really understand why you have it out for her if I’m being honest?”

"Wh - she was in the *Dark Magic Club* is what I have against her! She *took over* the Dark Magic Club! You were *on* the helicarrier, you *know* what they're responsible for, we almost *died* - okay. Okay." Mel takes another deep breath, reining himself in again. "Okay. I don't trust Cambria as far as I can throw her. But I *guess* I trust *you*, so if you want to… *date Cambria*," he makes a face, "then I won't bitch at you. Too much. But, like… be *careful*, would you? I don't want you to get hurt."

“Me? Get hurt? Psh when has that ever happened?” Tiago laughs and slaps Mel on the back. “Look I don't really know about her time in the Dark Magic Club, but in the times we’ve teamed up, and seeing her with Grace on our team The Best One’s trips the person I see is worth giving a chance. So I appreciate you willing to on my behalf. I mean she might surprise you.”

“Besides, I was the one that crashed the car and I think that’s what made everything go sideways on that mission.” He cringes and looks to Mel apologetically. “Sorry I yelled at you, that wasn’t your fault.”

"Okay, so crashing into the helicarrier didn't *help*, but I wouldn't say that was the end-all be-all of shit going wrong." Mel laughs. He elbows Tiago gently. "Don't worry about it, dude. We were all stressed out. Besides, I'm pretty sure you made it up to me when you got me onto Metatron after I got knocked the fuck out without dropping me into the bay."

Tiago laughs too and bats at Mel’s elbow to defend himself, his melancholy look melting away. “I’m pretty sure that was Hana but I’ll take it.” Tiago attempts to tackle Mel and give him a noogie. “So Melchior! What’s going on with you huh? Why’re you being so reckless now?” There’s a pause followed by a chuckle. “Well more dangerously reckless. You getting laid out like what I’ve been hearing about is definitely not what I remember.”

"Hey!" Mel squawks and raises both arms to fend Tiago off. "I don't know what you're talking about, dude. I've always been dangerously reckless." He laughs. "Seriously, everybody's been overreacting. It's just been some bad luck. I'm as invincible as ever, you don't need to worry about me." He gives Tiago a shit-eating grin.

“Yeah that’s true. I still remember that first time we met when you had Frankie throw you at the Zodiac Tree guardians with nothing but pluck and a wrench to your name.” Tiago smiles thinking back but it turns sad again shortly after. “Funny to think that that was just a year ago for you. Look I guess all I’m saying is that if you got hurt, like really hurt, it would suck and I’d be pissed. There would be like a vengeance pact and it would all be suitably dramatic. But that sounds exceedingly exhausting so like don’t.

"Yeah, and then she wouldn't stick to the plan to let me be bait like I told her to," Mel laughs. "Good times. God. It feels like a fuckin' lifetime ago for me, dude, I can't imagine how it is for you." He elbows Tiago. "As fun and heartwarming as it would be to watch you go on a whole revenge quest in my name, and don't get me wrong, it'd be *very* fun to watch, it's not necessary. If anything, I am *even more invincible* now."

Mel holds up one hand and frowns at it in concentration. After a moment, a shiny metal coating spreads across his hand and down his arm, stopping about halfway to his elbow. His face lights up in satisfaction and he grins at Tiago. "See? I don't have *just* a wrench anymore. I'll be fine."

“If I recall correctly we spent a lot of time bonding over destroying Bishop bots. Look all I’m saying is that there’s a way to help keep people safe that doesn’t involve you literally throwing yourself into danger.”  Tiago blushes and looks away. “Not trying to be dramatic or anything but if something happened to you I don’t know that I’d be able to stick around here.”

"Whoa, hey, Tiago." Mel takes Tiago's shoulder and pulls him around to face him. "Seriously, dude. Nothing's gonna happen to me. Like, sure, okay, sometimes shit goes bad. I can't pretend it doesn't 'cause you've *seen* it. I've gotten my shit wrecked before, and in all likelihood I'll get my shit wrecked in the future. It's part of the whole hero gig, and I've been trying to be better about the whole hero thing lately. *But*!" He holds up a finger. "I'm still here. And I'm not going anywhere. So you're stuck with me, got it?" He squeezes Tiago's shoulder, then pops up from the bed.

"By the way, you're *lucky* I have it in my heart to forgive you for comparing me to a *Rubicon*, you dick, because I have a belated birthday present for you."

Tiago still looks uncertain, but when Mel calls him a dick he can’t help but smile and stick his tongue out at him. “Yeah well prove to me you’re actually more durable than those tin cans and then we can talk.” He lets out an exaggerated groan and rolls his eyes theatrically. “And if I’m stuck with you I guess the least you could do is give me a present.” Unable to maintain a straight face he cracks, laughing as he follows Mel off the bed. “You really didn’t have to get me anything, you know that right?”

"Hey, I survived a drastically escalating fight in the Danger Room with *Melody*. If that's not enough for you, Danger Room's open."

Mel flaps a hand at Tiago as he drops flat on his stomach and starts rummaging around under his bed. "Blah, blah, yeah, whatever. You're just lucky Epoch didn't tell me it was his birthday until the *night of* or I'd have already given it to him."

He squirms backwards out from under the bed, something stuffed inside his hoodie. "Okay, so, um… I'm not sure if the frog thing is like, a universal Tiago trait, 'cause I don't *remember* you being super into frogs? But Epoch sure had a thing for 'em. So, I, uh…"

He pulls out from under his hoodie a mechanical frog. He offers it to Tiago with a tentative smile. "Happy birthday?"

Tiago reaches out tentatively to take the mechanical frog from Mel. He notes the slick design with plates meshed together to give it a seamless look. “For me? Are you sure?” Tiago looks between the frog and Mel. “I love him! I’m going to call him Froboto, I think.” The matte black coloring causes Frobot to blend in well in his hair as almost by instinct he raises the frog up and places him on his head leaving the purple eyes to glow through his curls.

He looks to where Wingnut is perched. “So we have matching robots now huh?” Tiago chuckles and nudges Mel. “Thanks, it’s been a weird weekend coming back and all like this so uhh yeah thanks for being here and so cool I guess.”

Mel goes slightly pink and runs a hand self consciously through his hair. "Listen, I have a brand. I can't make a robot in a different color scheme, or Ernest wins. Or something." He holds out a hand for Wingnut, who ignores him in favor of perching on Tiago's shoulder and preening his hair.

Mel snorts and shakes his head fondly at the sight of them, then wraps an arm around Tiago's shoulders. "Yeah, dude, you know I'm always gonna be there for you. And just at the moment I am *real* easy to locate, so if you ever need something, I'm there. And by there I mean here, in this room. Feel free to invade anytime. In fact, please do. I am *dying* in here." He grins and jostles Tiago.

Tiago smirks as Wingnut chooses to land on his shoulder instead of going to Mel. “Some very solid semi-villainous branding.” He sticks his tongue out and nearly bites it when Mel puts his arm around his shoulders. Feeling heat creep up his cheeks he looks pointedly at the window. “Yeah well maybe I shouldn’t so that this will actually feel like punishment for you.” He shoves Mel’s shoulder playfully while laughing. “Anyway I should probably get out of here, I feel like I’m pushing my luck.”

He pets Wingnut as he takes a seat on the windowsill in preparation of dropping to the ground. “Don’t do the crime yadda yadda as they say.”

"You're the *worst*." Mel laughs as he leans against the wall by the window and holds out a hand for Wingnut to hop to. "I'll see you around base as soon as they get sick of me here. I'm not trapped in here with them, etc etc."

He smiles and his whole face softens. "G'night, Tiago. Thanks for coming."

Tiago smiles brightly back to Mel, “Yeah of course! Good night dude.” He puts a hand on top of his head to hold Froboto and drops from the window. There’s a crashing sound followed by some cursing and rustling as he breaks into a run to try and avoid being caught.

Mel steps over and leans against the windowsill to watch him go, a small smile still on his face. He chuckles at the faint sounds of Tiago's escape, then jumps as Wingnut lightly pecks his temple.

He turns around and takes in the sight of his room, with the naked bed and pile of knotted sheets dumped at his feet. He hums. "Yeah, okay, kinda made a mess, huh?"

Wingnut pecks him again. Mel snorts and scoops up the pile of sheets to start cleaning up. "Well, it was worth it. He's like… *really* back, Wingnut."

Wingnut runs her break through his hair. Mel continues cleaning up. The smile stubbornly refuses to leave his face the whole time.