madimpossibledreamer

( exceeding expectations )

Inspired by session 5 of the cowboy bebop netflix

        Ta-bo is just kind of…lying over the couch when he returns.  It’s entirely possible that he and Saori managed to go out, bag themselves a bounty, and return before he did, but given his terrible luck today and the cans of beer on the table, he’s fairly certain he doesn’t have to ask.
        Instead, he just collapses on the opposite chair, groaning, and Ta-bo opens his eyes and glances over, bleary gaze sharpening as he stares at Masaharu with those eyes that pick out little details most of all when he doesn’t want him to do that.
        “Are you okay?” he asks hesitantly, and Masaharu sighs.  He doesn’t particularly want to answer.
        His partner is lazy and a big believer in the power of…what is it, inner xia?  But he gets to his feet easily enough and makes his way over, still graceful enough on his feet despite the slight hesitation in his steps that says he’s a little tipsy, maybe even drunk, but he holds it well.  “Never mind, don’t answer.  I don’t know why I asked when it was pretty obvious.  You hurt?  Anything I can do?”
        “I could use a beer,” he responds, even though technically he is kinda hurt, in some sense of the word.  He really doesn’t want to deal with it right now.
        “We kind of drank them all.  Saori drank me under the table, figuratively.”  At least he sounds apologetic.
        Kaito groans.  “I take it back.  I liked it better when the two of you weren’t getting along.”
        “Come on.  I don’t have many woos, but I can probably buy you at least one beer.”  Tak holds out a hand to pull Kaito up.  His hand is warm and strong, like his smile.

        It’s beat up and it’s definitely less cool than the motorcycle, but if she’s not mistaken Xander’s definitely tearing up at the sight.  He is such a dork.
        “Where—and how?”  And he’s definitely at a loss for words, too.  Note that one on the calendar.
        “I was practicing the telekinesis spell, except I somehow messed up because I somehow ended up with this and my old computer and I am not saying no to two computers because maybe that means that someone will stop hoarding our only computer to play games.”  Xander manages to look sheepish even if he’s still dancing in place. 
        “And, let me guess, you’re showing me this because you wanted a break from Giles lecturing you.”
        “Is it so bad I remember skater Xander with fondness?”  She’s still smiling, so she’s probably not that bothered.  “Stop giving me those puppy dog eyes.”
        He grins, unapologetically cheeky.  “Hey, if I go spiky, I could actually wag my tail.”
        She waves him on.  “Just go, and remember the style-not-getting-hurt thing.”
        “Ehh, the pavement has nothing on me,” Xander waves it off, and Willow rolls her eyes and gets up the moment the door closes to see if she can’t find at least a few bandaids.  It’s not likely he’ll need the bandages, and she definitely knows where those are.