Autoparty: Sitting Duck

[Nimbus Tsura]

When Skyblast wandered off to sulk and fell over, he didn't fall over because he as tipsy. In fact, Skyblast wasn't tipsy at all. He wasted an awful lot of fuel turning in a Beetle and then back to a jet, and he does not burn fuel in an efficient manner. Skyblast thought about going to get a drink, and he really should have, but he was too annoyed and jealous to notice just how bad off he was until it was too late.

Skyblast has passed out because he's out of fuel. Anyone relatively observant who tries to move him will notice this, given how his joints are stiffly locked. A little fuel forced down his throat or hook-up to a recharge berth, and he'll be back up with a killer tank-ache.

[Mirage]

It doesn't take Mirage long to reach the tiny jet, and he kneels down next to Skyblast's slumped form. He'd caught the display out of the corner of his optics earlier, but having already seen Bumblebee perform the same trick, it lacked the novelty to hold Mirage's attention. Checking on Skyblast is, of course, simply the right thing to do; no ulterior motives here, right? Right.

"Skyblast?" Mirage reaches out to shake the jet slightly. "Oh for...," Mirage's grumbling trails off as it registers that Skyblast appears to be in stasis lock or whatever the equivalent would be for his type.

There's a full glass sitting abandoned on a crate nearby, quite possibly a plot device that has been reassigned, and Mirage fetches it and carefully positions Skyblast in his arms so that the energon can be poured slowly down the jet's throat.

Provided enough fuel gets in Skyblast's systems to revive him, Mirage will smirk down at the artist and drawl "There was a time when passing out at a party made an individual fair game for all manner of ill use."

[Nimbus Tsura]

Skyblast's golden optics sputter to life, and he asks, groggy and disoriented, "Slingshot?" Wait, that's not right. Too tall. He revises, "Oracle?"

There are no wings. Where are the wings? Oh, this isn't one of his room mates at all! Those golden optics widen, metal slivers pulling back, and he apologizes profusely, "Oh, I'm so sorry," he pauses, "Mirage."

Skyblast is sincere in his contrition and absolutely mortified. There are very few things worse than waking up in someone's arms and calling him the wrong name. Skyblast just did it twice. He can't say he's seen much of Mirage - but that's probably how Mirage likes it, and it's no excuse for getting his name wrong.

Skyblast tries to figure out why exactly it is that Mirage happens to be holding him, and it's then that what Mirage is actually saying registers. He optics narrow, at odds with the smirk on his face, and he comments, "Archetype's every perihelion. Don't drink the punch, and don't punch the drinks. I like to think I'm a lot more useful, ill or not, awake, though."

[Mirage]

Mirage chuckles. He's in an excellent mood, topics of previous conversation aside. He got to properly dance, got some excellent information about Swerve and Xaaron which he gets to keep all to himself, has had perhaps just a tad too much energon, and has his arms around someone who doesn't seem to mind at all.

The night is looking up.

"Oh, I am sure you are much more useful when conscious. However, you seem to have overextended yourself. That tech must use fuel at a ridiculously fast rate. Do you need me to fetch more refreshment, or would you prefer to return to your berth for recharge?"

[Nimbus Tsura]

Slingshot totally didn't tell his room mate about that wonderful new friend he made who can't even fly and then failed to see how awesome being able to shift one's form is. Then, he flew off, and the girl went with him, the girl who couldn't see why a jet might want to spend some time as a car. For one thing, jets don't do tunnels very well.

So Skyblast certainly doesn't mind being in Mirage's arms at all. The attention is quite welcome after that utter snub and blow-off. In fact, he pays quite careful attention to Mirage. Those solid surfaces, unbroken and unsplintered, still throw him, especially close up, but he's seen aliens that make these strange Transformers look normal.

Skyblast excuses, perhaps just a tad defensively, "My base mode is a little fuel inefficient, you're really not supposed to do it that often in that short a period of time, and I was... distracted." It's one way to put it. The defensiveness clears, and he finishes mischievously, "But you've got my attention now. Can't we do both?"

[Mirage]

Mirage's optics narrow thoughtfully as he looks down at Skyblast. The jet is intriguing, largely due to his unique body styling. So many openings, so many easily reachable components. Also,while Mirage has never been one to swoon over those with wings, they do tend to have a certain grace and carriage unique to themselves.

Then there is the fact that Skyblast might have just propositioned Mirage. Oh yes, the evening is most definitely looking up.

He shifts his grip on Skyblast slightly, fingers running idly over the jets arm. "We can most certainly do both, if you like. Do your require assistance in standing? Unless, of course, you really want me to tote you off like a prize?." His tone is low and flirting; this is territory as familiar to the spy as the dance floor.

[Nimbus Tsura]

Skyblast is already running through his head what he's going to say when Mirage glares, slaps him, or just looks downright scandalised. Oh, he didn't mean it that way - cultural misunderstanding.

Such thought is for naught, because Mirage doesn't seem to be offended at all. Skyblast moves one of his hands to lightly grasp Mirage's and considers. Being carried certainly would be showy! However, better to find out now if he can actually stand, because if he can't do that much, any other exertions are going to be a bit optimistic.

Skyblast shifts a bit and tries to stand, commenting, "A hand up would be appreciated." Aside from the ache in his tanks, he mostly just feels stiff, not graceful as the twisting wind, the way he usually does.

[Mirage]

Mirage carefully helps Skyblast to his feet, and if perhaps Mirage touches the jet a bit more then needed, holds him a tad too close...he will claim it is concern and nothing more of course.

Once Skyblast is standing however, Mirage eyes him critically, then says, "Flirtations and desires aside, you might be best off with a just a refill and a rest. Draining one's reserves is seldom a pleasant experience. And I am not one to take advantage."

"Not," he continues, smirking, "that I would turn down a liaison were you up to it."

[Nimbus Tsura]

Skyblast doesn't mind the contact at all - he's not some jet shy of being touched for fear that the fingerprints will throw off his flying. That's what solvent showers are for.

Besides, this is really the first time anyone has shown an actual interest in him since he's arrived here. He's fought in combat at the side of a few. He's raced - poorly - with others. He's even captured a gardening machine with Oracle's help, but he's never really just interacted with someone who wanted to interact with him.

When Unicron's vision appeared in the sky, there was no one for him, and Slingshot - stupid Slingshot - even Slingshot had someone, that Skyfire. The others from his reality - Bumblebee, Jazz, and Evac - Bumblebee and Jazz are heroes, and Evac wasn't on his squad. He doesn't know them.

Then Mirage suggests that maybe Skyblast just needs a refill and a rest. His wings drop, metal sliding over metal, downcast as a downpour. So Mirage really isn't that interested after all. Well... that's fine, really. He's a car. Maybe he thinks jets are stuck up. Maybe he noticed Skyblast being a twit in public. Doesn't want to take advantage? Excuses, excuses! What if Skyblast wants to be taken advantage of?

It's fine. He'll just sack out on his recharge berth and hope he dreams of something that isn't this Allspark-forsaken planet and it's well-meaning, vague people.

Then Mirage, he of that insufferable smirk, holds out that carrot again. Skyblast's optics narrow as he heads toward the drink table, and he speaks perfectly bluntly, "If you're not interested and just saying that to be polite, it's fine, it really is. Some people can't get over my shortness. Some people won't go outside their preferred scanning group... er... build line, I guess, and how do they put it?" His voice turns rather bitter. "Oh, we're built half-naked and out of razorblades. I'm pretty much an alien in your optics." So how does Mirage look to Skyblast? Well... "You know, I'm not sure if we're even compatible."

His wings lift, and his expression brightens. "But if you're seriously interested, I think we have an imperative to find out, in the name of cultural exchange."

[Mirage]

Now see, this is what Mirage gets for trying to be considerate and not behave like an lech. Primus deliver him from oversensitive artists and their swiftly shifting moods. Not that said moods will keep Mirage from thoroughly molesting said moody-but-seemingly-willing artist.

Mirage keeps pace with Skyblast, patiently waiting for him to finish listing all the reasons why Mirage obviously isn't seriously interested. Then he...asks if Mirage is seriously interested. Obviously, Mirage's offer to join Skyblast in the his berth was not, well, obvious enough. Time for a little PDA.¹

He reaches over and gently grasps Skyblast's arm, urging him to stop or at least slow. Mirage draws the small jet in close, sliding one hand around to stroke Skyblast's wing, with the other tilting Skyblast's chin up. His gaze is heated as he looks down into the jets gold optics.

"Contrary to the beliefs of some, I do not offer myself up to all and sundry, though I suppose I've only myself to blame for that misconception. I like to touch and be touched.' Mirage traces the plane of Skyblast's cheek, "And you most definitely pique my interest, Skyblast. I could make similar arguments as to your possible lack of interest, but am arrogant enough to think myself worthy of your attention."

"If you wish someone to share your berth tonight than I am more than willing. I cannot make that anymore clear."

Mirage then makes to continue toward the drink table, attempting to tuck the artist against his side, one arm draped confidently around him.

---

¹ Public Display of Affection, in case there's someone who doesn't know the term. Petting of Skyblast done w/ permission.

[Nimbus Tsura]

Skyblast looks startled for a moment and then sighs quite happily, gazing back up at Mirage.

Skyblast again looks apologetic and replies, "I... hadn't heard that, actually," and it wouldn't bother him that much if Mirage did. At least Mirage has some reason to be interested in him, apparently. Skyblast doesn't have that much of an excuse. He's lonely and homesick, and Mirage is handy. "Sorry for going off that way. There's no excuse, really."

So he didn't totally deep six his chances with that rant, thank the Allspark. Skyblast quite eagerly tries to snuggle up to Mirage's side, considering the array of drinks left on the ravaged table, and he opines, "I think I'd tackle Starscream if only we could get in some synth or some of the other mixers." Skyblast reaches for a cup, pauses, and inquires, sounding a little worried, "What do you think of art?"

[Mirage]

"Art? I am no connoisseur, but I have a great appreciation for those that create, and I know what I find pleasing and what I do not. It saddened me greatly to see our great treasures, the accomplishments of our artists and architects lost, and their makers turned to making war instead."

This trip to the table does prompt Mirage to fill another cup, though he will be sipping it quite slowly. It is more for show than anything else. "I have heard you are quite accomplished, but have not had the pleasure of viewing your work since arriving. Have you found time since to placate your muse? A former acquaintance- she was a painter- often said she could not go a day with creating something, else she'd go mad."

He sips his drink, then nods, "Synth...would be nice. And I mentioned the lack of mixers to Kup earlier. I'm sure additives would be within Perceptor's abilities to concoct. But such would be a luxury, and perhaps not feasible in that event."

[Nimbus Tsura]

Skyblast is trying to have some sense of decorum with his drink, to enjoy the flavour, but he is being quick about it, and the ache in his tanks subsides as he drinks. Enlivened, his splintered pieces perk up, and the dullness about his movements vanishes, leaving a quicksilver creature, fluid and graceful. Skyblast has more flexibility in his little body than a whole amateur dancing troupe and more even than some professional dancers.

He refills his empty cup and smiles at Mirage, nodding appreciatively and seeming rather relieved. "Very good to hear." He isn't going to say that if Mirage had said, 'I hate art and think it is a waste of time' that it would have been a deal-breaker - but it would have been. Skyblast twists, trying to reach up a hand to place it on Mirage's shoulder. He asks, "You've heard of me? I guess it's your business to know." He shakes his head."I've gotten in a few things, here and there but not as often as I'd like." He smirks a little and suggests, "Perhaps by the daylight, I can sketch something for you?"

It's not breakfast, but art feeds the spark, not the structure, but speaking of - "A luxury, yes, and only justified if we nick it off the Decepticons in a supply raid. A shame, that."

[Mirage]

"That would be lovely," is Mirage's answer to Skyblast's offer. "I would like to watch you work, I think."

Most definitely, he would enjoy it, if Skyblast is as graceful in his movements when he paints as he appears now. The skypainter is looking much more lovely lively, now that he's no longer hungry, and Mirage wonders if that small body is a lithe and agile as it appears. "You are feeling better?" Mirage ask as he runs his fingers over the hand at his shoulder, turns his body into Skyblast's a bit more.

If not stopped, his hand will wander down Skyblast's arm, tracing the various breaks and lines, playing along the wing. It might seem a bit unseemly to some watching, but as he mentioned, Mirage likes to touch and be touched, and he has never been shy about the fact.

"Your specialty is skypainting, if I remember correctly. Do you not ever lament it's lack of permanence, or do you consider it a vital element of the work?"

[Nimbus Tsura]

As it so happens, Skyblast likes to be watched when he's working. Skyblast, it could be said, is glowing. He has has an audience, a little audience of one, that is clever enough to ask the right questions.

Eying the hand on his arm, he inquires flippantly, "I don't know - how am I feeling?" He grins. "The impermanence is critical! You can view a sky painting minutes, even hours, after it is complete, but I like to think of it as performance art, that watching the curves and lines come alive is as enjoyable as the final product. I might repeat some pieces in a routine, but it's never the same, especially considering how weather varies. Some people enjoy mass-production, but sky painting is a one of a kind art by its very nature."

He takes another cup, his third, and he finally seems to be entirely perked back up, under the combination of fuel and attention. Energon weapons are fantastic - they'll cut through anything, but he burns his own energy much more than other people do in making them, so that double scanning was unwise. He'll have to watch himself more closely in the future.