four-blu-engies

[four-blu-engies]

"Never ever. ...Except for bathroom breaks." He started to laugh, then trailed off into a loving smile. "Never gonna get rid of me, hoss. Believe it." His lips brushed over the RED Engie's temple. "You're stuck with me."

It was as much a threat as a promise. No matter how many wrenches he threw, no matter how many times he was run off, Buck kept turning up like that cat in the song. Now that Dell had his heart, Buck was going nowhere.

Buck held Dell in his arms, concern on his face. He was having a hard time waking his lover up. He just hoped the man was foxing. "Wake up, Engie." Not wanting to panic him by invoking a Spy, he shook his shoulder uncertainly. "...Sentry down?"

His breathing was heavy and slow, his body hot to the touch. At first it didn’t seem like he would stir, but slowly his eyes flickered open.

He shouldn’t have taken food from the BLU workshop mini fridge. Whatever that dish with Mando’s name on it wasn’t meant for human consumption. Perhaps Johnny had made it for him.

Mind hazy he didn’t realize Buck was speaking to him at first, but eventually his eyes finally focused in on his lover as he turned his head and gave him a little smile

[four-blu-engies]

Buck just kissed that broad brow and smiled. "It's my job, Delbert. Keepin' fine machines in workin' order. Can't think of a better piece of art in motion than a wrench chuckin' love machine," he teased tenderly. His thumb traced lightly across Dell's forehead, feeling his temperature and making sure he wasn't overheating too much.

Holding his lover close, he caressed his arm softly. "I'm here if ya need me. Th' other three can cover for me, but you got nobody t' look after ya over here but me."

Buck held Dell in his arms, concern on his face. He was having a hard time waking his lover up. He just hoped the man was foxing. "Wake up, Engie." Not wanting to panic him by invoking a Spy, he shook his shoulder uncertainly. "...Sentry down?"

His breathing was heavy and slow, his body hot to the touch. At first it didn’t seem like he would stir, but slowly his eyes flickered open.

He shouldn’t have taken food from the BLU workshop mini fridge. Whatever that dish with Mando’s name on it wasn’t meant for human consumption. Perhaps Johnny had made it for him.

Mind hazy he didn’t realize Buck was speaking to him at first, but eventually his eyes finally focused in on his lover as he turned his head and gave him a little smile

[four-blu-engies]

Okay I've gotta ask just out of curiosity why are there four of you and do you guys fight over who answers what I'm super fascinated now

"Well, that's a good question," Buck mused, scratching the blonde stubble on his jaw. "Usually, people just ask for us directly. As t' why there's four, well, only because we ain't got five an' too many for three." He chuckled softly, then shrugged. "I mean, we all got different skills an' such, but any of us'll probably get th' job done."

[four-blu-engies]

Gus eyed the Spy suspiciously, and not just because he was talking to Alex. He smiled, his goggles winking with malice as he moved closer to stand beside his date.

"Is no problem. She h-h... has help with heavy lift. I have two hands." He held out his hands, palm out towards the Spy before closing them into tight fists. The gears in his Gunslinger could be heard even through the leather of his work glove. It almost seemed to be inviting the Frenchman to put his neck in that iron grasp.

"Vuoi una cioccolata calda?" he asked, offering Alex his arm.

Screwing up his courage, Gus smoothed down his hair and gave his mustache one last twist before marching to the kitchen. He felt naked without his hardhat and goggles, but he'd opted to go without them for the day. He wondered if she would recognize him without his usual accessories. Though, the mustache and tan lines would probably give it away... With a deep breath, he strode into the kitchen, chest puffed out, and kissed Alex on the cheek.

@four-blu-engies

*It was a surpise reguardless. The cook was rarely kissed by anyone without warning, afterall… Much less without some sort of good news to spread. And the sight waiting for her, when she turned to examine the presense, after all this time --was definitely different: Gus's face was laid entirely bare, leaving stripes paler than the inside of a seashell, looped accross the majority of his sun-baked skin. And at present, hair just as inky as the pushbroom decorating his upper lip, had been tidily raked into a quaft atop it all. *

*Ultimately, it certainly made an impression…Not unlike when you saw someone without their glasses for the first time. But it was the peck that really reinforced it , in this case….Afterall, she couldn't remember a time that she didn't kiss him first, honestly.*

" --G-Goodness!" * The brunette stammered, for once, in contrast--apparently caught for a loop at the boldness of…well…everything, so far.*

"...Ah, n-not that i'm complaining, or anything…But you certainly seem to be in a good mood, all of the sudden." *She was quick to reflect, likewise:*

^//^ "--So whatever did I miss, luv'??"

[four-blu-engies]

When Buck came back with his meaty fist full of popsicles, he sighed at the sight of his honey laid low. "Aw, damn..." Putting the frozen treats aside, he went to run a hand towel under cool water. Wringing most of the water out, he put the cloth across his lover's chest to help draw off some of the heat.

Buck unwrapped the first popsicle, broke off a small piece, and rubbed it against Dell's lips. "Here ya go, Delbert. Have yourself a bit of relief."

Buck held Dell in his arms, concern on his face. He was having a hard time waking his lover up. He just hoped the man was foxing. "Wake up, Engie." Not wanting to panic him by invoking a Spy, he shook his shoulder uncertainly. "...Sentry down?"

His breathing was heavy and slow, his body hot to the touch. At first it didn’t seem like he would stir, but slowly his eyes flickered open.

He shouldn’t have taken food from the BLU workshop mini fridge. Whatever that dish with Mando’s name on it wasn’t meant for human consumption. Perhaps Johnny had made it for him.

Mind hazy he didn’t realize Buck was speaking to him at first, but eventually his eyes finally focused in on his lover as he turned his head and gave him a little smile

[four-blu-engies]

"Yeah, a popsicle. Cool ya down, get some fluids in ya. Two birds, one stone. I got cherry, lemon, blue, lime, an' grape. I can grab a bunch an' be back in two shakes." He carefully placed a kiss between Dell's brows. "You feel up t' one?"

Buck held Dell in his arms, concern on his face. He was having a hard time waking his lover up. He just hoped the man was foxing. "Wake up, Engie." Not wanting to panic him by invoking a Spy, he shook his shoulder uncertainly. "...Sentry down?"

His breathing was heavy and slow, his body hot to the touch. At first it didn’t seem like he would stir, but slowly his eyes flickered open.

He shouldn’t have taken food from the BLU workshop mini fridge. Whatever that dish with Mando’s name on it wasn’t meant for human consumption. Perhaps Johnny had made it for him.

Mind hazy he didn’t realize Buck was speaking to him at first, but eventually his eyes finally focused in on his lover as he turned his head and gave him a little smile

[four-blu-engies]

Gus didn't take long to stow his gear. His spot was immaculately maintained and everything had its proper place. It didn't take long to put things away when he knew exactly where they belonged.

Returning, however, was tricky. He didn't know what to do anymore. Why was this so hard? He'd done all this before, once upon a time. It shouldn't seem so unfamiliar. Thinking of her adjusting the straps on her sun dress, the warmth of her leaning against him in the cold... Even the way she held his Gunslinger. He blushed fiercely and had to slap some sense into himself. "Basta, Agostino. Enough. She don't bite. Just... hold her hand..." he chided himself, marching back out to rejoin her.

Screwing up his courage, Gus smoothed down his hair and gave his mustache one last twist before marching to the kitchen. He felt naked without his hardhat and goggles, but he'd opted to go without them for the day. He wondered if she would recognize him without his usual accessories. Though, the mustache and tan lines would probably give it away... With a deep breath, he strode into the kitchen, chest puffed out, and kissed Alex on the cheek.

@four-blu-engies

*It was a surpise reguardless. The cook was rarely kissed by anyone without warning, afterall… Much less without some sort of good news to spread. And the sight waiting for her, when she turned to examine the presense, after all this time --was definitely different: Gus's face was laid entirely bare, leaving stripes paler than the inside of a seashell, looped accross the majority of his sun-baked skin. And at present, hair just as inky as the pushbroom decorating his upper lip, had been tidily raked into a quaft atop it all. *

*Ultimately, it certainly made an impression…Not unlike when you saw someone without their glasses for the first time. But it was the peck that really reinforced it , in this case….Afterall, she couldn't remember a time that she didn't kiss him first, honestly.*

" --G-Goodness!" * The brunette stammered, for once, in contrast--apparently caught for a loop at the boldness of…well…everything, so far.*

"...Ah, n-not that i'm complaining, or anything…But you certainly seem to be in a good mood, all of the sudden." *She was quick to reflect, likewise:*

^//^ "--So whatever did I miss, luv'??"

[four-blu-engies]

He was so red in the face that he was sure she could practically see steam rising from his head. The only thing protecting his eyes from bugging out of his head were his goggles. "Uh... R-r...right..." He shuffled past her mechanically, moving as stiffly as one of his machines.

Why was he so... jittery all of a sudden? He'd seen women before in more revealing clothing. For goodness' sake, he'd been to the Riviera. He'd seen topless beaches. Why did a sundress and bare shoulders make him percolate like a tea kettle on the boil? Slapping his cheek bracingly, he pulled himself together and began walking. "I... I drop this at the armory and... we go where you want." At this point, he was surely lost. May as well let her set the pace for wherever the evening went.

Screwing up his courage, Gus smoothed down his hair and gave his mustache one last twist before marching to the kitchen. He felt naked without his hardhat and goggles, but he'd opted to go without them for the day. He wondered if she would recognize him without his usual accessories. Though, the mustache and tan lines would probably give it away... With a deep breath, he strode into the kitchen, chest puffed out, and kissed Alex on the cheek.

@four-blu-engies

*It was a surpise reguardless. The cook was rarely kissed by anyone without warning, afterall… Much less without some sort of good news to spread. And the sight waiting for her, when she turned to examine the presense, after all this time --was definitely different: Gus's face was laid entirely bare, leaving stripes paler than the inside of a seashell, looped accross the majority of his sun-baked skin. And at present, hair just as inky as the pushbroom decorating his upper lip, had been tidily raked into a quaft atop it all. *

*Ultimately, it certainly made an impression…Not unlike when you saw someone without their glasses for the first time. But it was the peck that really reinforced it , in this case….Afterall, she couldn't remember a time that she didn't kiss him first, honestly.*

" --G-Goodness!" * The brunette stammered, for once, in contrast--apparently caught for a loop at the boldness of…well…everything, so far.*

"...Ah, n-not that i'm complaining, or anything…But you certainly seem to be in a good mood, all of the sudden." *She was quick to reflect, likewise:*

^//^ "--So whatever did I miss, luv'??"

[four-blu-engies]

Buck tenderly caressed Dell's face and smiled. "Yeah, well, you're th' only one I cared about thinkin' I was smart. When idiots underestimate me, it's easier t' knock 'em down a notch or seven. But, I'm glad somebody I care about knows who I really am." He held the ill Texan carefully, wishing he could smother him in kisses but knowing it would only cause him more discomfort. "Your opinion was th' only one that ever mattered."

They had always been rivals in school, more on Buck's side than Dell's it would seem, but Dell was the only person Buck ever thought was on his level. Knowing that his college frenemy was so angry on his behalf was touching. At least he knew for sure that Dell noticed him, even if he never took their feud seriously.

Chuckling softly, he checked Dell's temperature. "Well, looks like you're really hot-blooded now. Hopefully I can find a better way t' cool you off than a garden hose in the face." That might have been his solution back in their school boy days. Now, though, he would never be able to bring himself to do such a thing off the battlefield. "Are you up to a cool bath an' a popsicle?"

Buck held Dell in his arms, concern on his face. He was having a hard time waking his lover up. He just hoped the man was foxing. "Wake up, Engie." Not wanting to panic him by invoking a Spy, he shook his shoulder uncertainly. "...Sentry down?"

His breathing was heavy and slow, his body hot to the touch. At first it didn’t seem like he would stir, but slowly his eyes flickered open.

He shouldn’t have taken food from the BLU workshop mini fridge. Whatever that dish with Mando’s name on it wasn’t meant for human consumption. Perhaps Johnny had made it for him.

Mind hazy he didn’t realize Buck was speaking to him at first, but eventually his eyes finally focused in on his lover as he turned his head and gave him a little smile

[four-blu-engies]

Buck gently lifted Dell's head to check his pupils. "As much as I love ya, you look like hell. I don't care if I get sick. Gonna take care of you now an' worry about that later. Besides, I'm too dumb to get sick." He chuckled and rubbed the RED Engineer's back until the wave of nausea passed.

"C'mon, let's get ya more cozy an' hydrated." With exaggerated care, he helped Dell shift enough to have another drink of water. "I could probably rig up an IV if ya can't keep th' water down..."

Buck held Dell in his arms, concern on his face. He was having a hard time waking his lover up. He just hoped the man was foxing. "Wake up, Engie." Not wanting to panic him by invoking a Spy, he shook his shoulder uncertainly. "...Sentry down?"

His breathing was heavy and slow, his body hot to the touch. At first it didn’t seem like he would stir, but slowly his eyes flickered open.

He shouldn’t have taken food from the BLU workshop mini fridge. Whatever that dish with Mando’s name on it wasn’t meant for human consumption. Perhaps Johnny had made it for him.

Mind hazy he didn’t realize Buck was speaking to him at first, but eventually his eyes finally focused in on his lover as he turned his head and gave him a little smile

[four-blu-engies]

Gus nodded eagerly. "Yes, sou-ou-... sounds good!" He gestured for her to go ahead back inside where it was warm. He would stay out here and break down the Dispenser so she wouldn't catch a chill waiting for him. It would also give him a few minutes to clear his head.

Once she was inside, he would breathe a sigh of relief as he covered his Gunslinger back up. It wouldn't take more than a few seconds to shut down the Dispenser and put it away in the toolbox for later, but he milked it for a bit longer than necessary. That would give the blood time to leave his face and his heart a chance to slow down a few BPM.

Finally, hefting the toolbox over his shoulder, he followed Alex inside. "Lead d-...the way."

Screwing up his courage, Gus smoothed down his hair and gave his mustache one last twist before marching to the kitchen. He felt naked without his hardhat and goggles, but he'd opted to go without them for the day. He wondered if she would recognize him without his usual accessories. Though, the mustache and tan lines would probably give it away... With a deep breath, he strode into the kitchen, chest puffed out, and kissed Alex on the cheek.

@four-blu-engies

*It was a surpise reguardless. The cook was rarely kissed by anyone without warning, afterall… Much less without some sort of good news to spread. And the sight waiting for her, when she turned to examine the presense, after all this time --was definitely different: Gus's face was laid entirely bare, leaving stripes paler than the inside of a seashell, looped accross the majority of his sun-baked skin. And at present, hair just as inky as the pushbroom decorating his upper lip, had been tidily raked into a quaft atop it all. *

*Ultimately, it certainly made an impression…Not unlike when you saw someone without their glasses for the first time. But it was the peck that really reinforced it , in this case….Afterall, she couldn't remember a time that she didn't kiss him first, honestly.*

" --G-Goodness!" * The brunette stammered, for once, in contrast--apparently caught for a loop at the boldness of…well…everything, so far.*

"...Ah, n-not that i'm complaining, or anything…But you certainly seem to be in a good mood, all of the sudden." *She was quick to reflect, likewise:*

^//^ "--So whatever did I miss, luv'??"

[four-blu-engies]

He blushed a bit more brilliantly as she stretched across his lap. "Okay... If you want, we can go inside," he stammered, clearing his throat nervously. In spite of the chill, he could feel himself growing warmer and his one palm starting to dampen with sweat.

Suddenly, he needed very much for her to no longer be in his lap. "We can go... maybe have something ho-ot to drink?" he suggested, shifting slightly under her weight. Where could they go besides the kitchen? Somewhere with a bit of privacy without the temptation of getting himself into trouble here. Not that he thought Alex would mind. She might actually be keen to have the Engineer show that sort of interest at long last.

Screwing up his courage, Gus smoothed down his hair and gave his mustache one last twist before marching to the kitchen. He felt naked without his hardhat and goggles, but he'd opted to go without them for the day. He wondered if she would recognize him without his usual accessories. Though, the mustache and tan lines would probably give it away... With a deep breath, he strode into the kitchen, chest puffed out, and kissed Alex on the cheek.

@four-blu-engies

*It was a surpise reguardless. The cook was rarely kissed by anyone without warning, afterall… Much less without some sort of good news to spread. And the sight waiting for her, when she turned to examine the presense, after all this time --was definitely different: Gus's face was laid entirely bare, leaving stripes paler than the inside of a seashell, looped accross the majority of his sun-baked skin. And at present, hair just as inky as the pushbroom decorating his upper lip, had been tidily raked into a quaft atop it all. *

*Ultimately, it certainly made an impression…Not unlike when you saw someone without their glasses for the first time. But it was the peck that really reinforced it , in this case….Afterall, she couldn't remember a time that she didn't kiss him first, honestly.*

" --G-Goodness!" * The brunette stammered, for once, in contrast--apparently caught for a loop at the boldness of…well…everything, so far.*

"...Ah, n-not that i'm complaining, or anything…But you certainly seem to be in a good mood, all of the sudden." *She was quick to reflect, likewise:*

^//^ "--So whatever did I miss, luv'??"

[four-blu-engies]

He frowned as the snow came down, but he didn't seem particularly cold. Instead, he carefully extricated his arm from her grip and thumped the Dispenser/heater with his Gunslinger. It began to hum more energetically and suddenly it was much warmer. Checking the gauge, he compared it to his watch. "We have some more time," he said with a light shrug.

Suddenly, his ears turned red and he looked at Alex from the corner of his eye. "Unless, you... want to go inside?" Was she hinting at something? He wasn't exactly the quickest on the uptake, never had been. English made it a bit harder, but he was impervious to flirtation even in his native tongue.

Screwing up his courage, Gus smoothed down his hair and gave his mustache one last twist before marching to the kitchen. He felt naked without his hardhat and goggles, but he'd opted to go without them for the day. He wondered if she would recognize him without his usual accessories. Though, the mustache and tan lines would probably give it away... With a deep breath, he strode into the kitchen, chest puffed out, and kissed Alex on the cheek.

@four-blu-engies

*It was a surpise reguardless. The cook was rarely kissed by anyone without warning, afterall… Much less without some sort of good news to spread. And the sight waiting for her, when she turned to examine the presense, after all this time --was definitely different: Gus's face was laid entirely bare, leaving stripes paler than the inside of a seashell, looped accross the majority of his sun-baked skin. And at present, hair just as inky as the pushbroom decorating his upper lip, had been tidily raked into a quaft atop it all. *

*Ultimately, it certainly made an impression…Not unlike when you saw someone without their glasses for the first time. But it was the peck that really reinforced it , in this case….Afterall, she couldn't remember a time that she didn't kiss him first, honestly.*

" --G-Goodness!" * The brunette stammered, for once, in contrast--apparently caught for a loop at the boldness of…well…everything, so far.*

"...Ah, n-not that i'm complaining, or anything…But you certainly seem to be in a good mood, all of the sudden." *She was quick to reflect, likewise:*

^//^ "--So whatever did I miss, luv'??"

[four-blu-engies]

Brows furrowing in confusion, he tilted his head slightly to one side like a puppy hearing a strange noise. "Sensitive? I use for delicate work... I don't know sensitive. Explain?" he asked, not sure if he was thinking what she was implying. He rarely took the glove off except to use the Gunslinger on the field or to do maintenance on it. If he had to shower, he would cover it with a plastic bag like a shower cap or remove it completely.

But, surely she wasn't implying doing anything intimate with it? Having her rub it against her face already made him a little nervous. What if there was a sharp edge or burr he missed when maintaining it? She could hurt herself if she wasn't careful.

Screwing up his courage, Gus smoothed down his hair and gave his mustache one last twist before marching to the kitchen. He felt naked without his hardhat and goggles, but he'd opted to go without them for the day. He wondered if she would recognize him without his usual accessories. Though, the mustache and tan lines would probably give it away... With a deep breath, he strode into the kitchen, chest puffed out, and kissed Alex on the cheek.

@four-blu-engies

*It was a surpise reguardless. The cook was rarely kissed by anyone without warning, afterall… Much less without some sort of good news to spread. And the sight waiting for her, when she turned to examine the presense, after all this time --was definitely different: Gus's face was laid entirely bare, leaving stripes paler than the inside of a seashell, looped accross the majority of his sun-baked skin. And at present, hair just as inky as the pushbroom decorating his upper lip, had been tidily raked into a quaft atop it all. *

*Ultimately, it certainly made an impression…Not unlike when you saw someone without their glasses for the first time. But it was the peck that really reinforced it , in this case….Afterall, she couldn't remember a time that she didn't kiss him first, honestly.*

" --G-Goodness!" * The brunette stammered, for once, in contrast--apparently caught for a loop at the boldness of…well…everything, so far.*

"...Ah, n-not that i'm complaining, or anything…But you certainly seem to be in a good mood, all of the sudden." *She was quick to reflect, likewise:*

^//^ "--So whatever did I miss, luv'??"

[four-blu-engies]

Buck tenderly kissed Dell's temple, then waited for him to drink his fill of the water. "I can make some ginger tea if ya need it. Or I can run ya a cool bath."

He didn't mind looking after Dell. The man was as strong as a horse, but even he needed looking after sometimes. And he knew Dell would return the favor when he needed it. "Don't push yourself too hard. We'll get ya sorted soon enough. Just make sure ya rest up so ya can avenge th' whoopin' your team's gonna get tomorrow," he teased with a small grin.

Buck held Dell in his arms, concern on his face. He was having a hard time waking his lover up. He just hoped the man was foxing. "Wake up, Engie." Not wanting to panic him by invoking a Spy, he shook his shoulder uncertainly. "...Sentry down?"

His breathing was heavy and slow, his body hot to the touch. At first it didn’t seem like he would stir, but slowly his eyes flickered open.

He shouldn’t have taken food from the BLU workshop mini fridge. Whatever that dish with Mando’s name on it wasn’t meant for human consumption. Perhaps Johnny had made it for him.

Mind hazy he didn’t realize Buck was speaking to him at first, but eventually his eyes finally focused in on his lover as he turned his head and gave him a little smile

[four-blu-engies]

"Oh, I did not name it. It's standard equipment." He took his hand from hers gingerly and removed the glove. "Mando and Caroline, they don't have... Buck, his is custom. He make himself. This..." he added, flexing the bare metallic fingers, "company issue."

He also had one that he could swap in that looked like his organic hand, but he didn't use it often. He and Buck had come up with it on a long weekend without any other work and it performed as expected. But, he didn't like the time it took to switch them out, so he only wore it when he couldn't wear his gloves in public. Unless someone touched it, they would never know the difference between it and the real thing.

This one, though, was pretty much just a weapon that looked like a body part. "It's... work like a hand or sometimes I set to frappe and..." He mimed grabbing and twisting something violently. With a sheepish half-smile, he held the hand out to her carefully. "Be careful it don't pinch," he said, pointing to the exposed joints.

Screwing up his courage, Gus smoothed down his hair and gave his mustache one last twist before marching to the kitchen. He felt naked without his hardhat and goggles, but he'd opted to go without them for the day. He wondered if she would recognize him without his usual accessories. Though, the mustache and tan lines would probably give it away... With a deep breath, he strode into the kitchen, chest puffed out, and kissed Alex on the cheek.

@four-blu-engies

*It was a surpise reguardless. The cook was rarely kissed by anyone without warning, afterall… Much less without some sort of good news to spread. And the sight waiting for her, when she turned to examine the presense, after all this time --was definitely different: Gus's face was laid entirely bare, leaving stripes paler than the inside of a seashell, looped accross the majority of his sun-baked skin. And at present, hair just as inky as the pushbroom decorating his upper lip, had been tidily raked into a quaft atop it all. *

*Ultimately, it certainly made an impression…Not unlike when you saw someone without their glasses for the first time. But it was the peck that really reinforced it , in this case….Afterall, she couldn't remember a time that she didn't kiss him first, honestly.*

" --G-Goodness!" * The brunette stammered, for once, in contrast--apparently caught for a loop at the boldness of…well…everything, so far.*

"...Ah, n-not that i'm complaining, or anything…But you certainly seem to be in a good mood, all of the sudden." *She was quick to reflect, likewise:*

^//^ "--So whatever did I miss, luv'??"

[four-blu-engies]

"You like my Gunslinger?" He seemed surprised and nonplussed by that knowledge. "I... Have you seen?" He couldn't feel anything with it, but it made him feel strange to know someone enjoyed touching it for reasons other than scientific curiosity.

After a moment of waffling, he quirked the corner of his mouth slightly. "I could show... You saw everything else, I think..." He was still sore at Mando about embarrassing him in front of his teammates, but that wouldn't do a thing to stop the cheeky bastard's future antics.

Screwing up his courage, Gus smoothed down his hair and gave his mustache one last twist before marching to the kitchen. He felt naked without his hardhat and goggles, but he'd opted to go without them for the day. He wondered if she would recognize him without his usual accessories. Though, the mustache and tan lines would probably give it away... With a deep breath, he strode into the kitchen, chest puffed out, and kissed Alex on the cheek.

@four-blu-engies

*It was a surpise reguardless. The cook was rarely kissed by anyone without warning, afterall… Much less without some sort of good news to spread. And the sight waiting for her, when she turned to examine the presense, after all this time --was definitely different: Gus's face was laid entirely bare, leaving stripes paler than the inside of a seashell, looped accross the majority of his sun-baked skin. And at present, hair just as inky as the pushbroom decorating his upper lip, had been tidily raked into a quaft atop it all. *

*Ultimately, it certainly made an impression…Not unlike when you saw someone without their glasses for the first time. But it was the peck that really reinforced it , in this case….Afterall, she couldn't remember a time that she didn't kiss him first, honestly.*

" --G-Goodness!" * The brunette stammered, for once, in contrast--apparently caught for a loop at the boldness of…well…everything, so far.*

"...Ah, n-not that i'm complaining, or anything…But you certainly seem to be in a good mood, all of the sudden." *She was quick to reflect, likewise:*

^//^ "--So whatever did I miss, luv'??"