Wanting Some Fresh Air (Richard)

[Rowan/Evan Thompson]

Evan smiled.

"Thank you. I don't know what you and Loki see in me. Most of the time I feel like my heart's in pieces. That I'm just a broken shell. The few moments of happiness I got were just that moments. And deceitful. Each time I thought this is my chance to happy only to have my happiness shatter over and over. I'm tired of trying to fight for my happiness. I eventually just gave up. I thought the universe was just sending me a sign. I'm not meant to be happy. But then I met you and Loki and now I'm just not so sure." said Evan,.

He sighed looking at the ground. So many times he'd given into depression. He'd even tried to kill himself once. He'd cut his wrist but he'd been found in time an taken to a hospital. They wanted to admit him for psychiatric treatment but he'd escaped the hospital using his powers. He didn't even notice the sleeves on his shirt rising up revealing the very visible scars on his wrists. He smiled at him.

"I guess he wasn't. I trusted him and he let me down. I know my father was powerful but we could have made it work. Even left for Earth together if we had to." said Evan.

He paused seeing him getting a bit anger as he flinched out of habit. It was a long time since he'd trained with Laufey but reliving those memories recently had brought them all to the surface. He knew Richard wouldn't hurt him but the fear was still there.

"Sorry. No one's been that mad around me since my fa... Laufey." said Evan.

He smiled as he was trying to relax as he heard him speak.

"You're the first of these "good people" I've met. Maybe they aren't as many as you think. Everyone's used me, or hurt me, or both. That's why I'm so afraid to get close to people. You. Loki. I don't want to be abandoned again. I don't want to be alone again." said Evan.

He paused smiling at him. Despite their different viewpoints it was nice to hear Richard stand up for him. To tell him he did deserve happiness.

"Thank you for trying to cheer me up. For caring about me." said Evan.

Evan grinned as Richard said he wouldn't stop rubbing his shoulders as Evan moaned again blushing as he did so.

"Sorry. No one's ever done that for me. It's like you've got magic touch or something." said Evan.

Then Richard pinched him.

"Ouch. Okay I believe you. It's not a dream." said Evan.

He chuckled along with Richard.

"I've only known you for a short time but it feels much longer than that. I feel less lonely and sad with you around. I've laughed more today than I have in years. But I don't want to use you as a crutch either. Or force you to stay my friend out of pity or you feel like it's your duty to help me. If one day you get bored with me or get tired of trying to make me feel better I don't want you to stay. I'd rather have no friends than someone who stays because they feel they have to." said Evan.

He chuckled at his words.

"Golden Age. Not bad." said Evan.

He chuckled as he suggested other flavors.

"Loki Mint Chocolate Chip? I don't know. Just putting loki's name in front wouldn't make it a new flavor. Would it?" said Evan.

He chuckled.

"Well if making ice cream is what you want go for it." said Evan, teasing him.

Evan smiled at him.

"I do trust you. And that scares me. Because even after all this time and all the times I've been hurt I still trust blindly. I'm so eager to have love and happiness I open myself up to more pain because I trusted the wrong people. But I feel you're not like that. You're different. You're a good person." said Evan.

He sighed as he shook his head. Richard was still trying to convince him there was happiness inside him. He wasn't so sure. He chuckled as they agreed about no pranks.

"Well maybe we could prank one of the others for fun. I think it'd be fun to prank that Dr. Doom fellow or one of the others. So many people here look too serious. Maybe we could implicate each other start a prank war or something." said Evan.

Evan smiled at him.

"Thanks. It will take awhile to get the new quarters prepared. I just hope the guards agree to my wishes and don't harm the slaves." said Evan.

Evan nodded getting up reluctantly even though he probably could stay there all day getting his shoulders massaged.

"So where should we head to first? See if there's another fountain? I probably won't run though. I wouldn't want to fall into another fountain." said Evan.

They walked away as Evan didn't notice he'd grabbed Richard's hand as they began walking. Only when he felt a reassuring squeeze did he realize what he'd done. He blushed embarrassed but at the same time not wanting to move his hand so he didn't. They just kept walking through the garden together admiring its beauty.

[Richard Hughes(Avatar)]

"Well maybe it's time your heart allowed itself to glue right back up. If you saw what I saw, I'd think you'd feel better" Richard responded softly, looking evan up and down, almost as if he couldn't stop looking at evan. Which seemed a bit odd, considering the two were supposed to be friends. Right? As Evan continued to talk negatively about himself, Richard's eyes widened before a very sad look came across his features. What he saw was not good. It was noticeable scars around Evan's wrists. So Evan was not only suffering self-esteem issues, but also depression. Richard couldn't help himself with his reaction. His uncle had clinical depression, due to the deaths of his sister in law and brother being a bit too much for him to take it caused his uncle to cut himself around the arms, not to kill himself but enough to scar. It wasn't until he knew about Richard's existence that he stopped. It was why his uncle didn't like the fact richard wanted to go to the city. Richard took evan's arm as Evan spoke, his tone upset "Oh god evan. Did you try to kill yourself? Was it really THAT bad? I knew it was bad but... Did you really want to not live anymore? I'm so sorry. It's just that, things like this make me really wonder if we just tried to be good to the good people, maybe less lives would be lost"

"That's not a good friend evan. People make promises but it takes a strong person to actually keep them. Trust is something you shouldn't throw away. It doesn't help your father was a goddamned tyrant" Richard sighed sadly, distraught over all this sad information. He knew the sadness was bad but his own problems tried to force him to be optimistic, like casey was, and he was optimistic but stuff like this caused it to be mild rather than obvious, even though he was trying to be still.

Seeing evan's reaction towards his anger caused Richard to think that if Evan wasn't so abused, would have he reacted the way he did? The question went unanswered and the other man softly responded "My bad. I have a temper problem. But I'm not angry at you just so you know. I'm angry that assholes like laufey and that so-called friend exist. Sometimes I wish I had more powers that could make people like that disappear" He sighed softly. He didn't know what to do now. He felt so bad for evan. He just didn't know why but evan and he were so close even though they just met. It was like... A sign. A sign from above.

He smiled again as Evan thanked him, but focused on rubbing evan's muscles. He blushed more as Evan said he had the magic touch and he smiled, deciding not to joke anymore about his straight past and simply take the compliments. He did it some more before finally letting go and grinned as Evan said ouch, that caused richard to giggle. "Told you" Richard teased as Evan confirmed it wasn't a dream. He then frowned softly as Evan said that while he loved Richard's company, he didn't want to treat Richard like a crutch. That he didn't want to force Richard into this. That he'd rather have him leave than have him feel forced to stay. "Evan. Don't you dare. I would never get tired of someone as sweet and selfless as you. That's crazy talk. Don't make me do stuff like that because I won't. I would never fake something because of getting the benefits, I'm your friend because of all of the stuff you give me. Your chats are filled with complex things that I like to talk and combat with. I'm not going anywhere, and I'll prove it to you starting now"


He then beamed as Evan took along with his jokes about ice-cream and praised some of his ideas. "It could because we said so, come on, nobody's gonna give a shit. And I'm so hilarious and intelligent, they won't bother to correct me" He teased, winking to evan to show that "Maybe I will! I'll be rich!" Richard said, laughing as he rubbed his hands together.

"I AM not like that. I can at least say that. I'm not one to abandon people or abuse them. I don't even fight people unless they fight me. Or mess with people I know, trust, or care about. I know you're scared but I promise I won't use your trust for anything other than being your friend" Richard said, a honest, soft smile coming on his features again. He looked the other man with a raised eyebrow as he heard the suggestion of a prank war "Oh NOW you want pranks because now you realized, finally, that people take things way too seriously?!" He laughed, implying he was kidding "But yeah. I'd kill to get Dr. Doom, he's such a asshole it's crazy. Don't tell him I said that though"

"Me too. Those slaves are so mistreated. I'd step up myself but I'm not high-class or a royal, so I don't know what could happen. I don't want to get in trouble accidentally. Hopefully they'll understand you're in charge. But it's still fantastic that you've got the slaves back. It's nice to see you stand up for the little guy and use your royal statures for this" Richard said, smiling, patting Evan's arm in pride. He was honestly impressed. Good deeds were things Richard was VERY fond of.

"No. No fountains for you, Mr. Slip and Fall. We're going to go anywhere YOU want to go. I don't care where honestly. Just so long as you keep chit-chatting with me" Richard said getting up at the same time and walked with Evan around the garden. Then he felt someone grab his hand and he turned to see it was Evan. He smiled softly, blushing out of habit and squeezed his hand and he saw that Evan seemed to not be aware he did it, as seen with his reaction. But he hoped Evan didn't move his hand, he liked the feel of Evan's hand against his. He was very pleased to see that he didn't. Richard got slightly closer to Evan as they walked around the garden "Good lord this place is gorgeous. Man I like in so much awe of how pretty this place is"

[Rowan/Evan Thompson]

Evan paused at Richard's words and grinned.

"Maybe you're right." said Evan.

He blushed seeing Richard looking at him. If he didn't know better he'd have thought Richard was interested. He paused as Richard saw his scars and grabbed his arm.

"Yes. It was. My last boyfriend was possessive. He wanted no one else to be in my life. When he got drunk he'd hurt me especially if he was angry. And yet I thought I loved him. Then one day I found him cheating on me. He sai he wanted us to have a threeway. I said no and he lost it. He attacked me but this time I fought back. He said I wasn't worth his company or the trouble anymore. He dumped me. They got dressed and left me all alone in that apartment. I couldn't take it anymore. I took a razor and..."

He paused wiping fresh tears from his face.

"A neighbor came to check on me and found me like that. He called 9-1-1 and I was taken to the hospital. They saved me. Tried to put me in some clinic but I was in so much pain. I knew they couldn't help me. I escaped and returned to my home. Fearing people might come after me I packed up my things and left the apartment to start over somewhere else. I moved to New York and then saw the alien attack and well you know the rest." said Evan.

He paused at Richard's words and nodded.

"I know. I guess I've just never had a good friend before. Until I met you." said Evan.

Evan relaxed a little as he apologized. Evan blushed feeling embarrassed as he sighed.

"It's not your fault. I still can't handle someone getting angry around me." said Evan.

Evan grinned as Richard teased him confirming it wasn't a dream.

"Guess I had to be sure. You're just too good to be true. I'm glad you're not a dream. You're a lot like the friends I used to dream up. Ones I had in my dreams. My dreams were sometimes the happiest times I have. And sadly I don't remember much of my dreams as I wished I could." said Evan.

Evan looked shocked and grinned as Richard's determination to not leave him. to stay.

"I'm sorry. I didn't meant offend you. I'm just not used to people caring about me. At least not wanting something in return or trying to hurt me. You really are perfect." said Evan.

Evan chuckled at Richard's jokes.

"When you're right you're right. You certainly are hilarious and intelligent. Maybe opening an ice cream business could be more fun than I thought." said Evan.

Evan paused as the topic shifted back to him and he nodded.

"I know you're not like that. You're the kindest, funniest, and most generous person I've ever met. You're the best friend I've dreamed of. Literally. I'm sorry for trying to push you away. I figured it'd be easier to push you away now then for me to get too close and for you to leave like others have. But I know you wouldn't do that." said Evan.

Evan chuckled as the topic shifted back to pranks.

"What can I say? I'm not that observant. Things have to spelled out to me sometimes. Although we should probably not prank my brother. He's got enough on his plate. But I do think Dr. Doom deserves a pranking." said Evan.

Evan grinned as Richard agreed about the slaves.

"I wouldn't mind some help. There isn't anyone here I'd trust more than you. Well besides my brother. And I know you don't want the slaves hurt. Together we could make sure the slaves do their job and are safe. If it was up to me I'd release them back to Earth but then again Earth isn't exactly how they remember it these days. So they might be safer here." said Evan.

Evan chuckled at Richard's words and pouted.

"But what if I wanted to go back into the fountain?" teased Evan.

He chuckled and grinned.

"Then let's just walk around the gardens some more and talk. I'm still not completely dry anyway." said Evan.

Evan paused feeling Richard squeeze the hand back and he looked at Richard and smiled. He squeezed back in return. Richard was like his rock. The praise had been like music to his ears from Richard. Loki was his brother so of course he had to say the right things. But Richard was different. Someone who hadn't known him at first and treated him with respect and with friendship.

"Not as gorgeous as you." he thought.

"Yeah. This is place is great." said Evan.

[Richard Hughes(Avatar)]

Richard grinned as evan started taking his advice before things once again took a depressing turn. Turned out evan had a very bad relationship previously, that was abusive and filled with possession and lies. Evan loved him apparently but it turned out the boyfriend only wanted sex and when evan set boundaries, the boyfriend left in a violent rage. It caused evan to commit suicide that failed and a neighbor called the hospital and that the hospital wanted to save him but evan was too scared and ran off. Leading to now. Richard couldn't help it. Tears formed and went all over his face, as if he was shot a million times in the chest. Richard growled but then started crying, he couldn't help himself "My god. I had no idea how bad it was" He wiped his tears "Nobody should be treated that way. Nobody. That's not right. That's just sick. Sick, sick, fucking sick!" He wiped more tears and saw his anger coming to rush back, he looked at the scars and couldn't help but rub his fingers softly against them "Evan. I know it seems like a good option but you have so much to live for. I... I don't think you should ever try to hurt yourself. NOTHING is worth hurting yourself over. Especially not some punk-ass whore. If I ever see you razor your wrists, I'm not going to stand it. Don't ever hurt yourself, you hear me?" His tone was hurt but it sounded like some sort of begging. And richard didn't know why.

Richard blushed slightly as he was told by evan that he was the first good friend Evan ever had. He couldn't help but ask "Who's this asshole that abandoned you? 'Cause I wanna make sure I know the guys name once I punch his face" He really meant it too. He wouldn't take his friend being abused the way he was now that he knew how serious evan's depression was. He then responded about his anger "No evan. It's not ok. I shouldn't be so upset. It's just... I can't stand people like laufey or that punk-ass you dated"

"Maybe dreams are just a pathway to something that'll happen in real life?" Richard suggested, surprisingly calm with what he said. Wow, where'd he get so deep? Well he was somewhat deep before but not like metaphorical deep. He shrugged at what he said, not sure if evan would agree with him. He then responded "It's ok evan. I understand. It's hard to believe sometimes but I really do mean it. I'm not going anywhere. I'm not bullshitting. You're my friend" Richard responded softly, being extremely sincere in both tone and expression. He looked into evan's eyes and saw a lot of good things. Kindness for one, some sort of concern and something that richard was unsure to describe. He didn't know why but something was going on between them and the most confusing part was that richard had no regrets and actually enjoyed it.

"See? That's what I'm saying! It could be fun! Ice cream is awesome" Richard teased some more. He then grinned in a friendly manner as Evan talked more about him and he began to blush, feeling evan's sincerity "Stop it evan. You're making me blush. And it's ok, it's hard to befriend others so pushing me away isn't offensive to me. I've done it to people before but you're different" He then giggled about pranking doom "I don't mind NOT doing it to your brother. I don't see any reason to. It's doom I wanna try on, it's worth the risk!" He giggled some more

"Sure! I can help in anyway you need me to. Nobody deserves abuse. I'll make sure things run smooth while you're busy or something" Richard said in agreement. He then chuckled, teasing back as evan teased him "Do you really wanna get a cold? Then I'd suggest not to do it" He laughed then as evan changed his mind and responded to keep walking in the gardens and chat "Sure. That's fine by me" He then smiled as evan continued to squeeze his hand in return. Evan was like a soothing companion for richard. He never felt so happy. It wasn't even for the fact he now had a friend, it was the fact that he actually felt naturally able to talk about anything with a certain someone. Evan was nice, generous and humble. A companion much more different than the rest. He then heard evan's thoughts again and hummed as he heard it. Am I really that gorgeous to him? Well he's pretty damn good looking himself but I wish I can say that. Damnit, would I kill to learn that other physic's power to talk thoughts However he just responded again, it came quicker than he wanted it to "It's great but not as great as having you around"

[Rowan/Evan Thompson]

Evan sighed listening to him.

"I'm better than I was back then but not by much. I'm trying to do better. The sad thing is my greatest fear is to be alone and yet being alone would be better. Because when you're alone no one can hurt you." said Evan.

Evan paused as Richard spoke and he nodded.

"I know that now. I'm not going to do that again." said Evan.

Evan paused as Richard was very protective and listened to his stories. He was now in tears but they were happy tears.

"Thank you for caring. For really caring about me. I forgot what that feels like. It's nice." said Evan.

Evan raised an eyebrow when Richard talked about his dreams.

"So you're an expert on dreams now?" teased Evan.

Evan smiled as Richard reassured him he wasn't going anywhere. Evan hugged him tightly hearing that. He grinned as the topi shifted to ice cream.

"You know now I'm in the mood for ice cream. Perhaps we should get some later. Running a shop with you sounds fun. Doing anything with you sounds fun really." said Evan.

Evan grinned seeing he made Richard blush which just made him more attractive.

"Alright. I'll stop. For now." said Evan.

He chuckled in such a better mood thanks to Richard. He nodded at Richard's words. He knew he could depend on Richard. He was skeptical but he felt like Richard wouldn't let him down. Evan smirked as Richard agreed with his pranking ideas.

"So what should we do for the good doctor? Any ideas? Or maybe we should prank some of the others first?" asked Evan.

Evan smiled as Richard agreed to help take care of the slaves.

"Thanks. Depending on how many are left I might need the help." said Evan.

He chuckled at him.

"Cold doesn't bother me that much. Frost giant remember?" said Evan

Evan smiled as Richard agreed to keep walking. He smiled as they kept walking. He paused hearing Evan's words and blushed.

"Thank you." said Evan.

He grinned turning to Richard with pleading eyes.

"Could you get me some ice cream please? Maybe a bit of food. I'm starving. While I'm not dripping anymore I really don't want to walk through the whole place soaked like this. I'm sure you could get a servant or two to help you. If that's ok. We could make it an outdoor picnic if you like." said Evan.

(ooc: couldn't resist making an outdoor picnic for the pair. xd)

[Richard Hughes(Avatar)]

"I believe that. I was different years ago too. I'm trying to improve myself. Heh, it's funny. We both wish to be better than we once were. I guess everyone has their demons" Richard said sadly. His smile was weak and slightly forced, yet he couldn't help but want to appear happy for Evan's sake. He felt so terrible for his new friend. How can one so kind be suffer so much in his life? A lot of people apparently could deal with anything thrown at them. "I believe you. I just want you to promise me that you won't I guess. I just don't want to see you hurt" He then smiled softly as Evan thanked him for caring "Hey. It's not a problem. I do care. That's what friends are for"

"No silly. I was just being hypothetical" Richard teased back. He then beamed at the topic of ice cream "Ooooh. That sounds great. We should totally get some now" Richard laughed a bit "Great now I'm hungry for ice cream" He then laughed a little more after saying that. He then was slightly relieved when evan said he would stop complimenting him, anymore and Richard would probably blush like a red beet. He then responded about pranking "The doc has a helmet right? What if he lost it, and by that I mean we stole it?" He giggled, feeling like a young boy again.

"Last I checked there were quite a few. Most of them guys surprisingly" Richard responded, curiosity in his tone. He then smirked at Evan's joke about being a frost giant "Oh yeah right, well I still think you shouldn't try it" He then walked more with Evan who then suggested they get ice cream and settle for a picnic. "Oh that sounds fun. Let me go find somebody. Just stay right there. Give me a second" He guided Evan to a bench then went over to some passing female servants who nodded at Richard's request to get food and ice cream. After a while, Richard came back without the servants, carrying a picnic basket and a blanket.

"The girls said we better eat it quick, the ice cream might melt. But the silverwear and plates are in here don't worry. Where do you think we should sit?" Richard asked politely

[Rowan/Evan Thompson]

Evan shrugged.

"I can't believe you were ever that different. The past is always different when you reflect on it. You might not have been as bad as you think." said Evan.

He nodded sadly.

"I guess everyone does." said Evan.

Evan sighed.

"I won't do that. I guess I have something to live for now. You. And my brother." said Evan.

Evan nodded as Richard said that's what friends are for.

"I wouldn't really know. I guess I've never really had a real friend before I met you." said Evan.

Evan chuckled as Richard said he was being hypothetical about dreams. Evan grinned.

"Yeah. I'd love some ice cream." said Evan.

Evan smiled as the topic shifted to pranking.

"Yeah. I'm sure he does. Then again it could be more fun to steal it and return it with someone else. Like as soon as he puts it on he gets soaked or it's charmed to fill with someone like whip cream." said Evan.

Evan nodded.

"I see. I need to hurry before too many of them are taken. Not everyone here would be as kind as us." said Evan.

He grinned at him.

"Well as long as I had someone to warm me up." said Evan.

He paused realizing his slip and blushed.

"I mean something to warm me up. You know like hot cocoa." said Evan.

Evan grinned as Richard left getting food and ice cream for a picnic an returned with a grin.

"Sounds lovely. Well I'm not sure if there's many benches. Maybe we should back to the fountain. I mean I'm not exactyl sure if there are Asgardian ants or bugs in general. And well bugs tend to be around gardens." said Evan.

He took the ice cream from a cup that was served to him and grinned.

"I'll eat this first so it won't melt. Then I'll eat the food."said Evan.

He began licking it glad to find chocolate ice cream. His favorite.

[Richard Hughes(Avatar)]

"Oh I was. I wasn't a asshole but I definitely am much different from back then" Richard reassured, grinning slightly. He was flattered with Evan but continued anyway "Yeah. It's the way it is. Whether good or bad, you still have flaws in the end" He then shrugged. He then smiled as Evan assured that he wouldn't cut himself anymore for he had to live for richard and loki. He couldn't help but feel both good and terrible about it but he said nothing.

"Well apparently not because if you don't know friends are supposed to care, then you didn't have good friends" Richard said bitterly. He then became softer as Evan said he'd like ice cream and continued the conversation about pranking. He laughed as Evan suggested filling Doctor Doom's mask in whipped cream. "We should totally do that! It'd be like so fun! I'd laugh my ass off!" He laughed some more, enjoying himself far more now.

"Most likely not. If you need help with anything about this, you let me know ok? Anything at all, maybe even a talking down to with your brother?" Richard grinned, teasingly. He then listened as Evan made a evident slip about warming up. He immediately fell for Evan's trap, deliberately ignoring the slip and going into the hot cocoa "Oooh! Cocoa! Yeah! Love that too!" He then nodded as Evan suggested going back to the fountain. He chuckled "Sure. Just don't get trapped in there again!" He laughed a little and quickly responded "Sorry couldn't resist"

"Me too. Good idea. Let's dig in" Richard said, finding mint chocolate chip(his own personal favorite) in a cup. He saw Evan eat his chocolate ice cream and remembered that flavor was also Casey's favorite. He shook his head forgetting about that and responded "Mmm. Yum"

[Rowan/Evan Thompson]

Evan nodded.

"I suppose we all change over time. Maybe it would have taken longer but I feel like we would have been friends." said Evan.

Evan grinned.

"I suppose we do. Some of us more than others." said Evan.

Evan shrugged at that.

"I guess I didn't." said Evan.

Evan grinned as he heard Richard laugh at Evan's pramk suggestion.

"Now we just have to get enough whipped cream and sneak in when he's taking a shower or something and fill his mask with it. Shame we can't put it on a delay so when he puts it on then it's covered with whipped cream." said Evan.

Evan grinned as Richard spoke again.

"I will. You'll be the first to know if I need help." said Evan.

He blinked just realizing how honest he'd been in that statement.

"Wow. It's not just a crush on this guy. I actually trust him. I know I shouldn't. Everyone's played with my heart and my body before. Why should be be any different? And yet just looking at him and hearing him talk just makes me want to believe him." thought Evan.

Evan grinned as they talked about hot cocoa.

"Mmm. I love hot cocoa. Especially with marshmallows." said Evan.

Evan chuckled.

"I wasn't trapped. I just got soaked. There's a difference." said Evan.

Evan grinned seeing Richard digging into his own cup as Evan looked at it curiously. He paused with a grin scooping some out of Richard's bowl with his spoon and slipping the spoon of ice cream into his mouth before Richard could react. He moaned in delight at the taste.

"This is delicious. I think I've found another favorite." said Evan.

Richard Hughes(Avatar)

[Richard Hughes(Avatar)]

(OCC: All this talk of pranking Doctor Doom makes me so tempted for the both of us to have a later thread(Where the two either are dating or before they are dating) to have them prank doom. Or we could do it here. Or not at all. XD)

"I'm definitely thinking so. Past me would've liked you a lot. Hell present me likes you a lot" Richard beamed as Evan somewhat defended his past self. It was nice to have someone think kindly or friendly about him. Even if Evan clearly had a crush on him. Richard wasn't going to be rude and confront him on that. Especially not now.

Richard shrugged and nodded at Evan's statement about flaws. He didn't know what else to say about that. He then listened as Evan agreed with his statement about bad friends and Richard replied softly "But thankfully that'll change. I know for a fact I'm here. I'll definitely be here for you if you need anything. And with time more people will come for you too. So me and other people will have your back at anytime" He shrugged at that, trying to make Evan not feel so alone in the world. Richard cared for his friend a lot. More than he honestly thought he did.

"Dude. Name the date and I'll find as much whipped cream as we have. We so need to do it!" Richard giggled like crazy about the prank. He felt free. Like a child again. This was much more fun than was allowed. Richard was actually happy. He then beamed with pride as Evan confirmed that if he needed help, Richard would be the first on the list to ask it from. "Good. You can count on me to always say yes" He said honestly and with confidence.

"And candy canes too" Richard said calmly, his eyes closed as he hummed happily at the thought. He did like hot cocoa, and even though it was a slip change, Richard took it in with utmost sincerity. "Let's blame the toes then since you tripped to get there to begin with. Alright, twinkle-toes. Just watch out for banana peels" Richard teased as Evan defended himself "Okay. I'm done. I had my fun. Enough, Richard" He slapped his own hand as to punish himself.

"Hey! No touchie!" Richard said playfully as Evan stole a taste of Mint Chocolate Chip. He laughed "So that's how you wanna play huh?" Richard teased before quickly stealing a spoonful of chocolate and obnoxiously taking it. He ate it and responded "You may have a new favorite but I stole some chocolate!" He then began laughing happily

[Rowan/Evan Thompson]

(ooc: definitely. of course doom won't be able to do anything back. xd)

Evan grinned at him.

"I wish I had. We could have helped each other out. You lost two people close to you right after the other. You needed a friend back then. But don't forget that you have one now." said Evan.

He leaned forward and hugged Richard inhaling his scent in the process.

"He even smells wonderful. Why do I have to fall for the nice straight guys or the sadistic interested guys." thought Evan.

A flash of being slapped across the face and Jack's cruel laugh had Evan shuddering as he clung to Richard tightly. He realized what he was doing and blushed.

"Sorry. Didn't mean to be so grabby." said Evan.

He nodded as Richard said he'd be there for him too.

"Good. Now neither of us have to be alone anymore." said Evan.

Evan giggled as Richard told him to name the place.

"Well I'd do it now but I'm still too wet to do anything. I mean he'd probably hear me coming a mile away. But perhaps another day." said Evan.

Evan looked at him confused. He'd leda sheltered life especially around holidays. He had no ideas what candy or presents were. He

"What are candy canes?" asked Evan.

He paused looking at him in confusion.

"Banana peels? Are you trying to say I'm a monkey?" asked Evan.

Evan grinned as Richard tried to pull his ice cream away.

"But it's so good." said Evan.

He pouted as Richard took some and Evan giggled.

"We're stealing food from each other like little kids. I'm glad my brother didn' t see this. He'd probably ground us." said Evan.

Evan grinned at him. He definitely had a favorite. He probably would be trying a lot more mint choclate chip now that he knew Richard liked it. And the ice cream was delicious. He wanted to try more things and his exes had kept his focus mostly on them or hurt him.

"Then I'll just have to steal some more." said Evan.

He grinned scooping up some mint chocolate chip away from Evan and ate it. But leaving some on his lips. He then realized he'd missed some and started licking them unaware how suggestive it might look.

(ooc: couldn't resist evan unintentionally teasing richard before they got together. xd)

Richard Hughes(Avatar)

[Richard Hughes(Avatar)]

(OCC: Then let's do like the day after "Not Just a Ordinary Day" or we can do it here. Whatever you want)

"I definitely know that and certainly won't forget that. You're one of the best friends I ever had, Evan. Really" Richard hugged back, joy spreading through him. The more he was with Evan, the more he liked him. He was really enjoying himself. Suddenly Evan got a bit clingy, shuddering as if a bad memory came onto him. When Evan apologized, Richard smiled softly "Hey hey, no worries. It's okay" He was tempted to ask what was wrong but he didn't really want to embarrass evan.

"Aw come on! I can do it and you can take a picture with my camera or something! It'll be quick and easy!" Richard begged, his eyes wide with mischief and delight. He then explained with a smile "Candy canes are a type of candy shaped like a cane which is this thing that old people kind of use. It tastes mostly like peppermint but there are kinds that have different flavors. And no, I'm kidding, banana peels are supposed to be slippery so we'll try not to have you trip" Richard's face beamed with a hint of amusement as he explained the banana peel. He found Evan's questions adorable.

"Stop it!" Richard laughed, pretending to whine "You have your own, silly!" He laughed some more. He then rolled his eyes "Loki's not the boss of me... at least not in this instant. I'm totally a mature adult!" As he said this he stole yet another scoop of chocolate from Evan's ice cream. He enjoyed it and then continued to eat his own. That is until Evan took another scoop and then... proceeded to lick off some from his lips. Richard found himself stare a bit, his heart pounding and founding himself thinking very suggestive thoughts about where those lips should've been. Before Evan could notice he then suggested "How about instead of stealing, we share?"

[Rowan/Evan Thompson]

Evan grinned at him.

"We only met today. And you say we're best friends. The last time I had a best friend was...." He trailed off remembering Arion abandoning him. Friends didn't abandon you or use you.

"I guess I've never really had one." said Evan.

He smiled enjoying hugging Richard.

"Why couldn't more people be like him? I've always felt so alone before. Everyone abandoning me, using me, or hurting me. But he just wants to be my friend. I've never felt so safe before. Except with my brother. No one's liked me for me before." thought Evan.

He let go reluctantly making sure to treasure this moment. Something he would look back on and remember.

"But we wouldn't be doing it together. And I want to prank him if possible." said Evan.

He listened as he explained about candy canes.

"They sound cool." said Evan.

He nodded as Richard explained about the peels.

"I see." said Evan.

Evan grinned.

"But mine's chocolate." said Evan.

He chuckled as Richard stole some chocolate from him.

"Right. Mature adult." said Evan.

He was unaware of how he was affecting Richard as he finishing licking his lips but still left some on his lips and right above it.

"I'd like that." said Evan.

[Richard Hughes(Avatar)]

"Well the friends I did have were rare and in between. And when I did have them, they didn't really connect the same way you do" Richard kindly replied, smiling. He meant it to. Richard was a good person and all but he had a tendency to be blunt to the point of rubbing people the wrong way. Even when he didn't have his powers. He was also a bit hot-headed, that was a reason to a lack of friends too. He frowned in sympathy as Evan claimed he didn't have friends.

As he kept hugging Evan, he once again was forced to hear his thoughts. Richard was tempted to say something but it would automatically cause awkwardness. He held Evan also, appreciating the moment in his own way. He then nodded "Fine. You do it and I take the picture. It'll be hilarious either way" He chuckled at the mere thought of it. The child in him squealing in delight. As the two continued to talk about candy and tease about their ice cream, Evan had some ice cream still on his lips. Richard struggled to compose himself and responded "You, um, you um got some stuff left on your lips" He felt a strange urge which he knew precisely. He composed it still. Refusing to give himself away.

[Rowan/Evan Thompson]

Evan smiled at him.

"You really mean that?" asked Evan, trying not to sound unsure.

Evan let go of him and grinned at the mention of a prank.

Evan smirked.

"We could do it together. But a photograph would be nice." said Evan.

Evan looked as Richard said he had some stuff on his lips.

"Really?" asked Evan.

He grabbed a napkin trying to clean himself but just spread it further across his lips and face.

"Guess I need some water. Although I'm not going back to that fountain. I'd not have an diving encoure." said Evan.

He chuckled at his own joke.

[Richard Hughes(Avatar)]

(OCC: I think we should do the prank thread around when they start dating. So like after "Not Just A Ordinary Day". I can make it soon)

"Of course I do!" Richard insisted "I feel closer to you than anybody I've ever been friends with" Richard was sincere and meant every word. Evan felt like a true friend and a true person to be around. It felt closer than a friend but Richard wasn't too sure why, so saying good friend was a definite thing to stick with for now. He then nodded at the prank idea "Ok we do it together! Then we take the picture!" He laughed, excited with the idea.

He then stopped laughing as Evan noticed the ice cream on his lips. Then failed to get it off, and spread it further. It was as if fate was testing him. Richard because of his restraint couldn't really laugh at Evan's joke. He replied "I'll, um, I'll get it" He got a napkin and gently wiped Evan's face, as if touching a porcelain doll. He stared at the lips for a little while before snapping out of it and joking "You're a messy eater"

[Rowan/Evan Thompson]

(ooc: sounds good.)

Evan grinned.

"I wish I'd met you sooner but I'm glad I know you know." said Evan.

Evan chuckled.

"Maybe set off a few pranks once and awhile. People need to laugh and be on their toes at the same time." said Evan.

Evan paused as Richard got a napkin and wiped his face.

"Well ice cream can get pretty messy." said Evan.

Richard Hughes(Avatar)