all my friends know the low rider (open)

[acuerdo]

CHARACTERS: Robbie Reyes and You
LOCATIONS: The Garage and Elsewhere in Town
WARNINGS: None at the moment but should that change, I will edit.
SUMMARY: An Open Catch All Log. Closed Starters in the Comments. If you would like a closed starter, or if you want to run something by me, as always, I'm available on plurk or discord (heatwave#1853)

[maybe you've seen the flyers up around town advertising the 19.95 cuddlebuck oil change special or heard the ecclectic mix of music from somewhere down the road. perhaps you need a new battery or maybe you're interested in some custom work — lights, exhaust, body work, or paint. whatever your reason for making your way to the garage today, you'll most likely find a shirtless robbie reyes with his head under the hood of some car. even though summer is quickly coming to a close, cadelle's warm weather hasn't let up, and the air conditioner is sadly out of commission.

maybe it's all that time spent with his roommate, but robbie's likely humming or quietly singing along as he's focused on diagnosing a problem. if he doesn't immediately notice your arrival, just give a shout. he'll be with you before long.

just... give him at minute to grab a rag and clean off his hands. no one wants a greasy handshake, right?]

Comments

closed for kim

[acuerdo]

[dating generally implies going out on dates, those special social interactions — dinner, movies, visits to the state fair, and so on — with a person that one likes which may or may not end in a goodnight kiss. despite his best intentions thus far, robbie is currently sitting at zero as far as well planned and executed dates are concerned. part of that may be just that he can't even recall the last time he'd been out on a date, but the other part, and perhaps the one that's more pertinent, is that he actually wants their first real date to be something special, something enjoyable.

the idea that a date at lucky lanes is supposed to be something other than high school dating fodder is laughable at best, but robbie didn't really get to do a whole lot of dating back then. he'd left school to help the family make ends meet, to ensure that at least one of the reyes brothers would amount to something more than a blue collar average joe working at the local auto body shop. so, while maybe bowling might not be what constitutes the height of romance, it's the kind of simple fun thing that he hasn't been able to do. if it makes her laugh as he prances around in uncomfortable shoes then all the better.

of course, he hasn't actually told her he has any of this planned. all that robbie's said thus far is that she should wear something comfortable and preferably with socks. at seven pm sharp, he swings by the barbie house, knocks twice on the door and patiently bounces on his heels until she answers. when he said comfortable, he really did mean comfortable, as evidenced by the soft grey pocket t-shirt and faded jeans that he's sporting. robbie smiles wide, hands tucked behind his back obscuring a small bouquet of wildflowers which had come highly recommended by the nice girl at the flower shop downtown.]

Hey there.

[recoined]

( for the majority of the afternoon, kimberly paces around the floor of her bedroom, tugging shirt after blouse after skirt after pant off the rack and onto her bed while she agonizes over what to wear. this shouldn't be this hard. it's just a date. it's just... one date, one evening, not even the first evening, nothing so earth-shatteringly agonizing as this.

but yet, there she had stood in the mirror, having tried on a mind-numbing number of possible combinations, her floor littered with discarded clothes and her brain completely scrambled. she hadn't even been able to remember what she'd liked and not liked anymore, just the sheer fact that nothing had been quite right.

it might have been easier had she known what exactly she was preparing for. what sort of activity required being comfortable? what sort of activity required socks? somehow, she doubted whatever it was would be too strenuous — if she'd needed to wear gym clothes, it was safe to assume that he would have said so. socks meant she'd be wearing regular shoes, so a dress that would look better with heels or flats was out. being comfortable meant shorter skirts were out of the question — too fussy, she'd have to spend her time being wary or adjusting the hem, nothing comfortable about that, even if she was comfortable in her own skin. and this was a date, so longer skirts and jeans just seemed to defeat the purpose. (you wanted a boy to look at you, didn't you? she'd seen clueless, okay. the first rule of thumb is show some skin. not too much, but some. enough.)

she's really only forced to settle on something — anything — by the quick knock on the door; sprinting across the hall leaves kimberly a little breathless as she opens the door to greet him. )

Hi, ( punctuated by a mirror of that wide, warm smile, impossible to resist, and a hand smoothing over the front of her skirt. in a literal lightbulb moment, she'd found it pooled at the bottom of her closet; a black skirt, not too short, not too long, just right. the holy grail of first date skirts. well. hopefully just right. ) Be honest — is this okay?

( because if it isn't, she can change. a few dozen times, if necessary, but she could. )

[acuerdo]

[if kimberly had a hard time figuring out what to wear, well, it definitely doesn't show. robbie looks her up and down appreciatively, bottom lip tucked between his teeth to stop him from essentially pouncing on her immediately in the doorway.

when he murmurs a soft request for her to turn around, the view just gets better and better. of course, kim still has this expectant look, a lingering uncertainty about whether or not he approves of her choice in date attire as if she can't quite tell that he's mentally debating just saying fuck it to this whole date thing and just dragging her inside for some quality time spent making out on her couch.

lucky for her, he's managing some modicum of self control as he nods in the affirmative.] You look good enough to eat.

[self control that doesn't extend to his choice of words apparently.] I got you something. That's still the thing to do before a first date, right?

[recoined]

( his nod earns a pointed exhale, relief evident in the exaggerated release of air kept pooled behind her lips, but it's his words that earn a real reaction. kimberly blushes, gaze dipping down towards the ground for a moment before she peers back up at him, still smiling. it's a strange reaction. she knows he finds her attractive — that, among anything else, is nearly indisputable — but there's something about the way he says it, soft and almost fond, that catches her off-guard.

and then, before she even has a chance to respond, he's handing her a bouquet and staring at her expectantly, as if she's going to be somehow displeased by the gesture. no, she's anything but, surprise evident in the gleam in her eyes as she lets her gaze linger on the flowers in her hands. they smell faintly of lavender and honeysuckle, and she can't resist the urge to bury her face in them, breathing in the fragrance with a giddy smile. )

I haven't really been on very many first dates, ( is her confession after a moment or two, as she steps forward to close the gap between them, brushing her lips against his cheek. ) But I think I'm supposed to say thank you. That's the thing to do when somebody buys you flowers, right?

[acuerdo]

[he'd been honestly nervous about her reaction to the flowers, moreso than anything else about tonight. they hadn't been his choice. he can't even think back to a time when he'd bought them before today. but she beams as she presses her face near the blooms, inhaling deeply and robbie knows that he'd made the right decision in trusting that recommendation. he'll be sure to stop by there again the next time he wants to illicit this response.]

I haven't either. [he sheepishly admits, ears reddening at the tips as she leans in to kiss him on the cheek.] You're welcome. Should we put those in some water before we go? I don't really... flowers aren't exactly something I know a lot about.

[recoined]

That's probably a good idea.

( luckily, there's a juice pitcher in one of the cabinets, a pretty clear bubbled glass piece that she'd contemplated filling with the assorted charcoal sticks and colored pencils she kept finding scattered around the house. it doesn't take but a moment for kimberly to fish it out and fill it with water from the tap; once the flowers are settled in place, blooms spilling out over the sides, she has to admit that this is a much better use for it. with the light filtering through the glass, it's a pretty centerpiece. )

So... ( the syllable's drawled out as she turns to face him, leaning up against the counter top, palms splayed over the edge. ) You brought me flowers, I said thank you... what else are we supposed to do on this date, hm?

[acuerdo]

[as she busies herself with trying to find a suitable receptacle for the bouquet, robbie is trying to remain cool. he watches her from the other side of the counter. but she's really beautiful in this light as she's carefully rearranging the blooms. he doesn't notice at first that she's finished or even talking to him until the syllable clicks at the end and her palms tap ever so lightly on the counter. robbie jumps with a start.]

Next, you and I are going to go on a little drive and then I'm gonna open the door for you and hopefully you'll have a good time.

[it's said in a rush as he makes his way around and offers his arm so they can head back outside and eventually on the road.]

Barcade time, Atari.

[smoak]

[ Felicity would insist that what she did this morning wouldn't be technically called "practicing." It was just a little warm up. A re-familiarization so to speak, so that she wouldn't have to remember the basics of playing an 8-bit version of pong on an actual arcade machine.

But yes, she did download a super modern version of pong on her phone and played a few rounds. There were a bunch of extra power ups and flashy graphics, but the basics were still there.

When she gets to the barcade to meet up with Robbie, she's both a mixture of nervous and excited. Not about the game, but about the fact that she'd met someone so quickly who actually liked gaming. She really wants Robbie to be cool, and not a creeper, because she can already start imagining them hanging out and playing video games in the future.

Shoot. She's being clingy isn't she? Note to self. Don't bring the fact that you want to be permanent video game friends out loud. ]

[acuerdo]

[in stark contrast to felicity's morning, robbie's had been spent stretching, flexing, and drinking entirely too much coffee. he honestly hasn't played pong in a few years, but felicity doesn't need to know that. the mechanics of it can't have changed, just move the paddle back and forth and don't let the other player score. it'll be like riding a bicycle he reminds himself.

by the time he arrives at the worm hole, he's sufficiently limbered up and ready to show his worth in a toe to toe with a stranger. he spots her waiting for him up front near the bar. robbie waves to get her attention and and then heads over.]

Hey. [he says as he flashes a brief smile at her.] You ready to rumble?

[smoak]

[ She spots him when he waves, and she smiles as he comes over. ]

Oh yeah. So ready.

[ Because Felicity Smoak definitely doesn't look like the type of girl who'd actually be at anything resembling a rumble. But she stretches her fingers out regardless, eyebrows rising in challenge. ]

I've been waiting for this rumble my entire new life here in Cadelle.

[acuerdo]

[felicity definitely doesn't look like the kind of girl who'd be involved in any kind of physical altercation, which makes her statement even more adorable than the thick frames that are perched on her nose. robbie has to fight not to chuckle at her raised eyebrows and outstretched fingers.

but that doesn't mean that he can't do a little teasing, eyes crinkling in the corners as a wide grin splits his face in two.]

So, you've been waiting for what? A week maybe?

[smoak]

Come on. [ She says, with her own slight grin on her face. ] It's been at least a month.

[ In a city that has literally zero crime. Or so she's heard.

If they start walking towards the pong machine, she'll follow. ]

And this whole time, I've only met one guy who can crack jokes about Cee Lo and video games. [ Which, is more impressive than it has any right to be, but Felicity appreciates different things compared to most people. ]

[acuerdo]

A month [he teases, pitch rising on the end in an uncharacteristically sing song manner, as if he's been here any longer. they practically came off the metaphorical boat together.

he heads toward the machine in question, a little more glitzy looking than what he remembers from his youth. he turns to regard her carefully, shrugging his shoulders in reply.]

I'm one of a kind. [in more ways than most could possibly imagine, he thinks. robbie pushes the start button at the top to begin a versus game. there's some bit about picking a level. how unusual.] I could say the same thing about you. I don't know many people who'd pick the internet over air conditioning. But I'm from LA so the idea of a sticky summer without cold air sounds disgusting.

Garage

[scrimshanding]

[There are probably better ways to bask in a certain nostalgia than to "creep around" the garage. But inspired by the skills fair, and moved to follow an impulse, Jax detoured from his original plan to go grocery shopping. He hadn't been in Cadelle for very long but already he could feel the restlessness growing.

He could barely remember a time in his life when he wasn't busily working hard. And he completely planned on taking advantage of his free time. For now, the smell of motor oil and the sound of a car being worked on warring with music was too much to ignore.

He took a moment to appreciate the vehicle. It hit him with a sense of missing his old job -- and missing Gideon. He knew in theory how things were supposed to work. (Hell, if Jax hadn't been convinced of it, he never would've agreed to leaving Grey without Firestorm) But he still --

Jax frowned as the music sunk into him beyond the beat of the song. He let out a snort as he shook his head. The gesture was a clearly amused one] Don't think I've heard that one lately. [He called out, finally announcing his presence -- that is if his footfall hadn't long given him away.]

[acuerdo]

[perhaps if the music hadn't been turned up loud, robbie might have heard the sounds of someone walking up. but as it was, he was busy with a socket wrench trying to pull a particularly stubborn spark plug from the car currently sitting in bay 2. he grabs a spare piece of pipe to slide onto the end of his wrench and using that added bit of leverage (and a grunt or two) he finally manages to loosen the plug. it's only just then that he hears the sound of someone calling out to him.

robbie turns around to find another young man standing before him, bemused look on his face. he runs a hand through his cropped hair and apologizes.]

I've got kind of a strange mix that plays here. [he wipes the remaining bits of grease off and onto his pant legs.] Uh sorry about that, man. You been waiting long?

[scrimshanding]

[A corner of his mouth quirks upward; although still slightly nonplussed, the amusement on his expression was increasingly apparent. He gave a short shrug of your shoulder.] A little. But whatever works, right? [The question full of friendly commiseration. He remembers the days when he adopted the Motown of some of the older mechanics he worked with. Mixing it with the blue-eyed soul that his mother enjoyed, when he felt guilty for missing dinner or something. The music changing to fit whatever was on his mind as he worked.] And nah, man. Don't even worry about it. I was just lookin' around. Getting a feel for the place.

[Even as he said this, his eyes wandered slightly before looking back toward the man before him with a crooked grin.] It's a nice set up you got here. [The enthusiasm, though slightly understated (slightly), was clear in the way Jax's eyes lit up in appreciation]

[acuerdo]

Anything to keep it from getting too quiet. Otherwise, I just end up filling the silence by thinking out loud. [it's an embarrassing admission to be sure, but no less true. robbie listens intently as jax mentions getting a feel for the place, nodding in understanding. it wasn't that long ago that robbie had that fresh-faced new resident look about him.] Yeah? Take it you're pretty new around here? I'm Robbie.

[he comments, sparing a slight smile for jax in turn as he notes his interest in the shop.] Thanks. It's honestly just an excuse for me to have a space to work on my own car, but I was a mechanic back home. Figured it was a safe bet here too.

[scrimshanding]

[ Jax looks thoughtful before he shrugs at the admission.

Okay. That was a little weird but Jax figures he might do the same if it wasn't for Gideon. Or Grey. Or a number of other people to talk his ideas through. ] Believe me, I've been around enough scientists and mechanics to know we've all got our quirks.

[ It wasn't a boast. Rather, the statement is said in amused understanding. Honestly, working with Grey or Ray, he's heard and seen weirder. ] And yeah, I am. Is it that obvious?

[ Jax holds out his hand as he introduces himself. ] Nice to meet you, Robbie. Jax.

No problem. It's as good a reason to open a garage as any. [ Probably one of the best ones, really. Jax shoots Robbie another smile because his thoughts had been pretty much the same. He might as well be bold on that part and go straight to the point. ] You wouldn't happen to be hiring, would you? I was a mechanic back home too and I was kinda hopin' to find a place where I could myself to good use.

[acuerdo]

[is it especially obvious? no, not really. but most people don't say that they're looking to get a feel for a place when they've been here for some time. not that robbie's been here for all that long, maybe a month at this point.] Nah. Just a guess.

[robbie takes the offered hand after one last wipe of his hand on his jeans and a murmured nice to meet you too.

there's nothing about jax that specifically screams mechanic either, but that news is very much welcome. he hadn't been looking for another pair of hands, but now that there was someone here looking for work, he couldn't very well say no.]

I wouldn't mind another person to turn a few wrenches. You just work on cars or do you work on bikes too?

▸ garage

[myownwoman]

[ it took a few weeks, but gaby finally finds the garage. she needs to make that money so she and natasha can buy their dance studio redux. she does not know who tupac or dr dre are (and she isn't quite sure she likes the music), but that doesn't stop her from moving inside, lingering by back of one of the cars before she notices the person working at the hood of the car.

she leans over, craning her neck to notice that that man sure is shirtless, before straightening up and clearing her throat. ]

Excuse me. [ maybe she should have worn pants to try to find a job in a garage but she only has a garbage pair of jeans and her coveralls so they wouldn't make a very good first impression. ]

[acuerdo]

[maybe it's not wise that he'd turned his music up super loud today, or maybe the choice of 90s west coast rap was a poor one. either way, robbie isn't as sharp as usual, doesn't hear gaby make her way into the garage. so when she does finally hear her call out to him —

banging his head against the hood of the car probably doesn't lend itself to great first impressions either. robbie rubs what already feels like one hell of a lump on his skull — oh well it should be gone by the following morning — and offers a greeting by way of nod, followed by a sheepish look because here's this put together woman who looks a bit like someone pulled her straight out of a bond flick — of the sean connery or roger moore era thank you very much — and here he is looking like a half naked grease smudged hooligan.]

Hey there.

[and to give himself something to do so that this isn't some kind of live action recreation of lady and the tramp, robbie wipes the smudges off his face and hands, grabbing his discarded henley off his tool cart. a hasty couple of tugs makes him decent but still feeling more than a little shabby standing near her.]

Are you here to chat with me about the quality of German engineering again? [because he hasn't forgotten the rather pleasant conversation they'd last had and is in fact happy to pick back up on that if that's why she's here.]

[myownwoman]

[ GABY WOULD UNDERSTAND A LADY AND THE TRAMP REFERENCE. (and also james bond, though admittedly from russia with love still hadn't be released yet.)

it's true though, she looks adorable, hair in a ponytail so bouncy that it would make a cheerleader weep in jealousy, sunglasses pushed back like a headband, cute little dress that is always a couple centimeters on the too short side because that's how gaby likes it.]

Don't you American boys love the Spyder? The Porsche 550. [ she shrugs, eyebrows lifting as her mouth slants into a half smirk. james dean did all the work for her though it's not her particular preference of german cars. her fingers drum against the car he was working on, moving closer gracefully now that she is definitely allowed inside, looking at home in a greasy, oil-stained garage. ] That's only half why I came.

[acuerdo]

[if ever there were awards given out for criminally short hemlines that make grown men want to weep tears of joy, gaby deserves at least a dozen of them. it's only the fact that she's filling the space between them with words that he can actually focus on something other than legs that seem entirely too long for such a compact frame.]

Some. Not all. Where I'm from there seems to be an obsession with cars that are more plastic than steel. [if he makes a grimace, please forgive him. robbie doesn't hate modern materials as much as he implies, but he definitely doesn't understand why anyone would want to drive something so... light.] So, if not just a chat about your favorite cars, how can I help you?

[myownwoman]

[ that's disgusting. gaby would be disgusted by cars in 2017. take a moment to imagine her seeing a pt cruiser. you're welcome. regardless, she looks... displeased. give her a classic racing car in french blue any day.

trying to push the thought of tupperware cars out of her mind, she breathes out a slow breath, picking up a wrench without thinking about it, twisting it between her fingers. ]

I'd like a job.

[ she gestures at him with the wrench, which she finally seems to realize she's holding, lopsided smile turning sheepish. ] I know I don't have much experience with your modern cars, but I was raised in a garage and I ran the one in Eudio.

[acuerdo]

[by the looks of things, gaby seems to share his sentiments about space age materials being used. score one for ms teller. it means that if she's really serious about this wanting a job bit that they'll get along well.]

Modern cars are surprisingly not that much more complicated. Yeah sure there's sensors and a computer which yell at you if you forget to twist your gas cap shut, but the basics are still pretty much the same.

[if she's run a shop before, she's no doubt had more time spent doing the one thing that he's okay with but kind of hates.]

I could definitely use another pair of hands around here, but how are you with inventory management and bookkeeping?