Andres laughed, but it's dry and harsh. "What? You were counting?" he asked lips pulling back into a mocking grin as he shifted into gear. He didn't try to deescalate the situation that he hadn't started. At least in his mind. Even a little fuzzy, he didn't seem to want to back down, as years of bitterness and feelings of unfairness rose to the surface. Everything he had been willing to ignore and suppress for the chance of some kind of friendship with Onyx was rearing it's ugly head again. [break][break]

He thought he'd gotten over this in high school. [break][break]

Onyx gets in his face and Andres locked on, refusing to break eye contact. He's in a dangerous position, vulnerable to Onyx's wild tendencies. A good headbutt would rock his world right about now. [break][break]

Onyx's hands burn, too hot in this shitty bathroom. He felt his heartbeat spiking as the other man doesn't relent. There's a change in Onyx's voice that signals danger, but instead of panic there's only defiance. Uncaring recklessness. He's tired of this shit. After years and years of it, falling into the same patterns of when he was young again? Tailing and chasing after one guy he needed to stop thinking was so cool? It made him angry, frustrated. Even now when he wanted to forget, Onyx does shit like this. [break][break]

"Fuck you." the phrase is sharp, accompanied by a fist gripping Onyx's collar and yanking him closer. He lets their foreheads bang together as he hazel eyes glare back into deep blues. "Because that sounds like a personal fuckin' problem, you arrogant little prick." He's never done that before, never dreamed of it. Not to Onyx. But it's true. "If a greeting makes you so miserable, maybe look inward."

[break][break]

+ onyx straub [break][break]

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

He grabbed a handful of candy before leaning back on his side of the couch, casually dropping pieces of Onyx's loot over his chest, so they wouldn't get lost under his ass on the couch. He focused on the movie, tilting his head at the opening before looking back at Onyx. He seemed just as confused as his companion. "Bro...you're in jeans." he said, like it was obvious. [break][break]

"I mean- if you're comfy...then whatever." he added quickly, eyes flickering to the screen and back, multi tasking with his attention. "But like, if you want a crewneck or some joggers?" he shrugged at the guy trailing off as he watched the movie present them scenic shots of beautiful but slightly eerie, between the bushes angles of the group of guys. [break][break]

The pats the blanket, which he had draped over the back of the couch. "S'why I brought this out too." The thing is plush, and shaggy. Perhaps modeled after Furfrou, a pokemon Andres had an abundance of.

+ onyx straub [break][break]

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

This not how he wanted the conversation to go. He just wanted to help. Maybe he needed to stop getting involved. Every time he stuck his nose into Onyx's business he got hurt after all. When he pushed for his previous thought Andres froze, confused at the sudden switch up. He blinked, trying to be anything but a target- a deer in the headlights. [break][break]

He can't help but take a step back regardless. Old habits. Old senses. Old fears. [break][break]

"Jett? She-" It's so simple. He could just tell him. He'd be relieved right? But- He thought about their contentious relationship. The weird history between them. The way tension constantly simmered between every interaction they had no matter how desperately Andres wanted to ignore it. No matter how hard he tried to make it better, make it positive. [break][break]

But all this time he's the common denominator here. So he takes himself out of the equation as he tried to give Onyx a disarming smile. "She- she just wanted you to be happy." [break][break]

Quietly, he apologized for editing a dead friend's words. But surely this would make Onyx happier? Surely this would offer some sort of relief?

[break][break]

+ onyx straub [break][break]

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

In the haze of his night, Onyx seemed angry for not much more than it as Andres speaking. But alcohol gives him courage, and while maybe once upon a time he would've hung his head low and submitted to Onyx's emotion, he's older now. Drunker too. So he audaciously rolled his eyes at the count. "C'mon, don't exaggerate." he huffed when he finally looked back at the man. [break][break]

Despite his own annoyance with the guy currently killing his vibe, he can't help but feel just a little guilty. "Oh-....you were-" the gears turn ever so slowly and he lost the thought when the guy yells at him. Whatever good will that had been turning his mood evaporates as he felt hands on him. He smacked back onto the wall, gripping on the bar and beginning to glower at Onyx. His skin is hot, and this close he felt warm. But he also felt insulted, upset he'd been misunderstood. Again. [break][break]

"Yeah? Well what fuckin' else is new, Onyx?" He snapped back. He wondered if Onyx really was going to try to pin him. For partying? Trying to be nice to him? Fuck's sake, it's Halloween night why couldn't they just have a laugh about it?

[break][break]

+ onyx straub [break][break]

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Andres is an idiot. Or perhaps this is just behavior he's developed for more...flirtatious occasions. Perhaps he's been like this for so long, he doesn't know when he is or isn't doing this? Or maybe. Maybe Andres is just stupid. All those protein shakes had shrunk his brain a bit. There's a soft clinking as he grabbed a bottle and twisted the top off before bringing it over and leaning over the couch for Onyx to grab. "Well, guess I'm honored you're here then." he said with a laugh. [break][break]

His eyes are on the screen as he nodded along. "Don't think I've seen this one. Looks cool." he said, noncommittally. Horror wasn't his favorite genre after all. He was more of either a space info movie or romcom kind of guy. He moved to his room to grab a blanket, and swap itchy polyester for boxer briefs and a sweatshirt. He flicked off the lights as he moved back in. The ambience changed as the movie began playing, and he noted Chuchi curling up under the coffee table in the same way Churra curls up under the bed before a thunderstorm. [break][break]

Sliding onto the couch next to Onyx, he poked at his partner with his foot. Her fat form shaking slightly. "Oye, I left your snack on your bed for you. Nini chiquilla." he said, shooing off the Eevee. She poked her head out slowly, eyeing him before glancing at Onyx and huffing. Though, that's the only protest the normal type had before scurrying back into Andres' room, door slamming behind her. [break][break]

He reached out to grab his juice pouch, messing with the wrapper before speaking up again. "Hey, you're smaller than me so if you wanna borrow something more comfortable I can grab you something?" He stabs his Capri Sun successfully before taking a long sip, eyes on the tv screen.

+ onyx straub [break][break]

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Andres has no experience in loss of this magnitude. Even back then, he hadn't truly understood what Jett was going through- what any of the Straub's had been going through. There's no way of knowing what Jett had been thinking when he assured her they'd go visit a good bakery together. Or that he would show her his new team composition. Or how she would get through it all and walk with him again. He tried to be good company. But he didn't know, fragile in his own way. Maybe she'd spared him. [break][break]

He's ignorant, but even he can hear the strange double meaning in Onyx's words. The blonde did his best not to put words in her mouth. "I-...I don't think she would've felt good about it." he offered, eyebrows furrowing together as he tried to articulate what he knew, what she'd told him before. [break][break]

"Sh-She wanted-" but he doesn't finish telling him her request. The weight of his words drops and crushes whatever he was going to say into silence. He wanted to say 'me too', but he felt it was inconsequential. Onyx didn't care. [break][break]

"Have you visited her...recently?" Obviously not with the dome up, but before this.

[break][break]

+ onyx straub [break][break]

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Hazel eyes are just slightly pinned on Luka as she stumbles through their first item. When the clicking of heels turns from a solid rhythm to a more erratic noise, he's ready. Half turning to try to help, but Luka's chest instead makes solid contact with his back and the crowd laughs at the clumsy reindeer girl. Andres smiles, pushing through and steadying her, before they both disappear behind the curtain.
[break][break]

"Are you-" he began politely only for Luka to grab his arm. He cuts himself off as she asserts the need for a conversation. Oh- Fuck. He paled at the thought, preferring to continue avoiding this whole mess. Maybe push through the awkward air until things turned back to normal. Honestly, never ever talking about it was an options as well.
[break][break]

But she's determined. And she shows a conviction he's never witnessed before so he doesn't rebuff her. Even though he really wanted to. "Uhh- s-sure Luka-" he murmured back as she led him away from the other models. There were quite a few pairs, they wouldn't need them for a while. "What about?"

[break][break]

+ luka chêne & everyone else look away we trynna cyber here. [break][break]

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

He doesn't know what to expect of the situation, frowning in disappointment and mild annoyance, but still taking Onyx's hands when the bouncer helped pull him to his feet. He leans back, steadied by his companion but swaying slightly. "Uh- yeah?" he replied not sure why Onyx was mad at him for saying 'hi'. He'd already forgotten just how may times he'd done so. [break][break]

"I can't say 'Hi' when I see you?" he continued, eyes drooping slightly as he realized he'd irritated Onyx again. His specialty when it came to interactions with the guy. The yell made him flinch, confused frown hardening as a hand gripped the metal bar attached to the tile wall. [break][break]

"Nothing?? I've just been partying-" he said looking down at himself and then back at Onyx. "What's yours?" Though irritated, the barest lilt of concern can be heard in his words. "Not having a good time?"

[break][break]

+ onyx straub [break][break]

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

He's already reaching for the remote, switching over to Netflix and leaning over to drop it in Onyx's lap. "Sure, sure, but don't expect anybody to jump into your arms." he said with a snort. Chuchi peeked out under the coffee table eyeing the pair. Mainly anything to swipe unseen during the movie. [break][break]

Andres swallowed, moving the sucker to his other cheek as he stood up, moving the Rocket's shoes under the table and eyeing Chuchi as moutherd a firm 'NO'. "Tis the season or whatever, there's a bunch of new and old shit on." he commented offhand as he got up, already rifling through his pantry for movie popcorn and a bowl to hold it in. "Beer, soda, Capri Sun?" he called out as he looked over semi organized space in the fridge. He grabbed a Pacific Cooler pouch for himself for later, gently lobbing it towards the couch. It plopped on his seat and fell off. [break][break]

He was entirely too prepared to host. "Got any Halloween plans?"

[break][break]

+ onyx straub [break][break]

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

He followed Onyx's gaze, trying not to be too sudden to jump in. He seemed to be mulling through something. He listened, patient as Onyx ran through typical ghost myths. They couldn't be sure, but Andres always figures it was a mix. Both could be true. But what the Rocket said next left him cold. [break][break]

Andres can't begin to understand whatever Onyx is goign through. Shame? Regret? Grief? Definitly grief but...where was this coming from? He doesn't know him well enough to speak on it. But he can't leave him like this. His Furfrou is calm, head resting on his paws as he listened quietly. [break][break]

"Jett's dead." he assured him. "She'd never haunt you." he added. She'd been young and she had looked out for others. He'd visited her as much as he could, watching her deteriorate and trying to comfort her as he was now comforting her brother once again.

Her requests fading whispers in his dreams. Vague, buried deep in memory, but never forgotten. She'd asked something of him, but he didn't think he could do it. He'd failed so many times before. Why would now be any different? And yet- [break][break]

He stood there, trying to honor her last wish.

[break][break]

+ onyx straub [break][break]

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Of course there's other people, of course Andres doesn't care. All partyers involved are too high or too drunk or too both to care what anyone but they're doing. So when the first group scatters, Andres is still busy finding a tongue creeping into his mouth. When the next party bolts there's hands around his thighs, griping hard with anticipation. And then there's the sudden jerk as his date of 10 minutes breaks their kiss and whips his head around, angry he's been interrupted. [break][break]

Andres doesn't see the interloper at first, hands griping on a shitty velvet red vest. He barely has time to peek to the side of him before there's an aggressive protest, which, Andres does not appreciate all that much before its cut short. Someone far more sober issues an order. There's a moment of hesitation before Dracula drops him and he plops onto the toilet, half undressed. "Dude, seriously?" he groaned as the guy bolted past Onyx. [break][break]

He pulled down his shitty top, covering some of his chest and adjust the batty miniskirts, not really in a rush to get up. Hazel eyes squint in the darkness, staring up at a familiar face before recognition flashes. There's a brief hint of a smile before it turns to grimace. "Onyx, what the fuck?" he asked, whining more than anything as he reached for the wall to lean on as he stood up. "Trynna get my numbers up. Fletcher's beating me." There's a flash of tick marks as he lowered a side of his skirt to show off a hip. Gods, he's been drinking.

[break][break]

+ onyx straub [break][break]

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

"Yeah, I wasn't sure it'd fit me." In multiple ways. But it was cute enough, and the club they were goign to was sleazy enough. "Yeah, well, I guess that'd fine too." he said with a laugh, letting the blue blow pop settled into one of his cheeks while he leaned down to look at Chuchi as she devoured her treasure. [break][break]

She had avoided nipping at Onyx....for now. She watched him as she ate, tail wagging lazily behind her as he turned back to her trainer. "Well, I'm down for entertaining." he said, his tongue and lips already starting to turn blue. He seemed to have no issue sitting aorund half naked. Onyx was one of the bros after all. Then again, Andres never really cares to be topless in anyone's presence. Plus, its kind of a flex. Literally. There's a part of him that wanted to show off. To show Onyx just how much stronger he'd gotten. Not for vengeance but jsut...to seem competent. [break][break]

There's a part of his subconscious mind that believed in he showed off, maybe Onyx would think more of him. Want to be his actual friend and not just mooch off of it. Not that he minded if Onyx mooched. Not that he cared... "She'll be fine. She's like a roomba." he said with a laugh as the silver Eevee licked her paws. "She can have a little but...that's it for tonight." he warned, earning him a glare. "Hey, since you already brought the candy why not just want a movie? I'll order take over, we can stay in-" he began excitedly turning to his kitchen. "I've got drinks in the fridge." He seemed giddy, grinning at teh thought.


[break][break]

+ onyx straub [break][break]

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Andres didn't know how to perceive the instant 'No', but he takes it as a positive. He stood by Onyx, quiet and letting him talk. Something was on his mind and he wasn't sure how to ask about it or if he even had the right to. But the man hadn't pushed him away yet. "Uh...a little." he said wit ha shrug as he looked over at the Gastly floating around Onyx. [break][break]

"My family is superstitious...so we do things to stave off ghosts and bad energy..." he added gently. He lets silence hang in the air for a moment as his dog lays down at the men's feet. "Do you?" he asked after a while, kicking a small rock away as he hunt. There's a lot he doesn't know about Onyx. The guy left school a bit after their championship battle. He didn't get a chance to amend things. He doubted they'd wanted to do that though.

[break][break]

+ onyx straub [break][break]

[attr="class","pokeclass"]