taking back the night

Good Morning | Samtina

Sun, 20 May 2012 14:34:41 -0400

Sam jumps away, wiping his mouth and looking over at the alarm clocke finally remembered to plug in. The harsh light of the numbers have him blinking and squinting, but Sam can make out the 6:30 P.M. just fine. He shakes his head, not remembering the last time he overslept. Thank Luke it’s a day off for him today. The last thing he remembers was trying to race Mike somewhere which turned into a powers contest. It doesn’t help that he spend all of last night mapping out downtown New York, trying to become more familiar with the streets. It would make sense, the passing out after lunch, but Sam hates the feeling of a day lost, especially with not much to do at night anymore. He considers heading down to that bar where he walked Santana too but decides against it. He doesn’t want to seem like a stalker, or something worse.

Forgetting himself for a minute, Sam walks out to the kitchen in nothing but his boxer briefs, heading straight to the fridge. He pulls the door open, yawning briefly as he tries to rub the sleep out of his his eyes. Pulling out the orange juice, non-pulp, he unscrews the lid, considering drinking straight out of the carton. Grumbling at the manners drilled into his head, he turns to reach for a cup when he sees Tina out of the corner of his eye. Sam blinks, flushing bright red to the tips of his ear. It’s only instinct that keeps him from dropping the OJ, which he sets on the counter as he crosses his arms self-consciously over his chest.

“I, uh, sorry, didn’t mean too… I forgot,” he offers lamely, the blush intensifying.

It’s been a somewhat odd day for Tina, what with Sam being absent all morning, and offering only the most cursory and not all that understandable explanation for his absence when he returned and disappeared immediately into his bedroom. She’s found that they’ve fallen into an easy rhythm living together, but there are still some times when things are slightly awkward and Tina is all too awkwardly aware that she’s a guest; the times when she doesn’t know what to do with herself when he’s not around, or scenes like the one she just walks into in the kitchen. Sam has evidently forgotten that he doesn’t live alone, and Tina has forgotten that he might not yet be used to it, and so has let down her guard about the potential risk of such encounters, evidently a little too soon.

She can’t help her eyes skating over his body briefly, even as she warns herself to refrain from checking him out; even though she’s been living with him for barely a week, they’ve already established a sort of sibling-esque relationship, the sort that makes her feel slightly odd and almost icky for her inability to resist casting an appraising look at Sam’s near naked, but right there and really rather impressive, body. Tina’s not sure who’s more embarrassed out of the two of them, but is certain she needs to defuse the situation somehow.

She decides to stare at some point just above Sam’s head while he stammers his way through an apology and she nods and mumbles something back at him about it being fine, his kitchen and everything, and no, she’s the one that’s sorry— it’s really not awkward unless they let it be, right? Tina is determined not to let it be. She leans against the counter and tries to project an air of nonchalance, as though walking in on her barely clothed male roommate is something she does every day, while hoping it does become something she does every day, and trying really hard not to glance at his body again, because, while she in no way sees Sam in that way at all, well, he is evidently extremely physically fit and it’s hard not to sneak another glance at his abs. “You’re awake, then,” she manages, still nodding manically at the absolute casualness and lack of awkwardness in the situation. “Busy couple of days?”

experiment-blaine: Homeless people are surprisingly nice. They’re pretty cool about sharing park...

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:55:10 -0400

experiment-blaine:

Homeless people are surprisingly nice. They’re pretty cool about sharing park benches and trash can fires. Plus, they tell awesome stories.

That’s… well, evidently it’s not that awful, but still, do you not have anywhere to go? Aren’t there shelters if you need them? I mean, it’s great you’re getting by, but sleeping on the street isn’t really the safest thing…

She was a tasty one...

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:50:39 -0400

venomous—smythe:

I like to think I am. At least I know exactly were she is, so I know just where to send the flowers. And no apologies necessary, I know I sounded a bit like a sexist pig. Not your fault. Well, that must be a very pressing need to visit if you’re coming all the way here - I admire that sort of get up and go spirit. You’ll love it - just avoid dark alleys.

Well, still. You’ve proved me wrong. You seem like an actually pretty nice guy, Sebastian. And it was, um, a pretty spur of the moment thing, but it’s what I want to do, so. And ha, thank you, but it’s what needed doing, so I might as well do it with that kind of attitude. And thanks for the advice, but I can handle myself, don’t you worry.

So many followers

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:47:40 -0400

kurtsicle:

You don’t give yourself enough credit, Tina.

I don’t think you’re creepy. …I won’t lie, there was a little bit of vindication when they labeled me a success. But it’s not like I’ve never been judged before, and it’s not like I’m still judged. You just can’t let people tell you no, because then they’re the ones in control.

I like to be in control of my own life.

I— well, thank you.

And that’s actually a really good view of it. But still, I still think you’re… well, pretty amazing for turning it around to that attitude when there are so many people who’ll insistently tell you no. And I really admire you for that, Kurt.

She was a tasty one...

Mon, 14 May 2012 17:09:02 -0400

venomous—smythe:

No, I suppose there isn’t. I’ll simply have to send her some flowers without explanation, then, to assuage my guilt. Really? Must be a very good friend, if you’re traveling all the way from San Francisco to New York to visit with them! You’ll love the city - it’s pretty much the center of the universe.

Well… that’s a sweet thing to do. Maybe I misjudged you at first; I’m sorry, Sebastian, you seem like you really are a gentleman. And, well, I wouldn’t say that— we, um, haven’t known each other very long— but it was someone I really wanted to visit, so, and there was nothing pressing to do at home. And yes, so I’m always told— I suppose I’ll see it for myself now.

So many followers

Mon, 14 May 2012 17:06:28 -0400

kurtsicle:

Of course it’s an honor! Are you joking me?

Shut up, no. It… you’re the original success! I.. it’s. It’s really a pleasure to meet you.

Well, um, I… thank you. But really, I was more of a trial run than anything. You, you always interested me— oh God, that sounds creepy, I don’t mean it like that— because of how you defied everyone’s expectations by being a success. I don’t mean it like— I mean it as a compliment. You proved everyone who judged you wrong. Like, well, heroes are always supposed to be doing. But yes. It’s lovely to meet you, too.

She was a tasty one...

Sun, 13 May 2012 17:17:51 -0400

venomous—smythe:

Lovely to meet you as well - and not to worry, I’ll apologize to the lady in question when I see her again. So, are you a fellow New Yorker, Ms. Cohen-Chang?

Well then. Um. I doubt there’s much point in telling her you talked about her like that just to apologise, if she doesn’t already know. But. Yes. And no, I’m not, I’m from San Francisco, though actually I’m just travelling to NYC for the first time today, to stay with a friend.

So many followers

Sun, 13 May 2012 14:16:16 -0400

kurtsicle:

OH! You are? It’s an honor to meet you, Tina.

I’m Kurt Hummel.

I— is it? Really?

Wait, you’re—? Well then, the honour’s all mine, really.

She was a tasty one...

Sun, 13 May 2012 13:51:36 -0400

venomous—smythe:

Sebastian Smythe - pleasure’s all mine, I’m sure. And I suppose you’re right - my apologies, Ms. Cohen-Chang.

Well. Yes. Alright, then. It’s fairly undeniable that we got off on the wrong foot, but nice to meet you, I suppose. Apology… accepted? Not that it’s me you need to apologise to. But yes.

She was a tasty one...

Sun, 13 May 2012 13:30:42 -0400

venomous—smythe:

Have we been introduced? And I’ll have you know I have the utmost respect for them - I wouldn’t be here without them.

I don’t think so. Tina Cohen-Chang. And if you have so much respect for women— which I doubt from that ridiculous argument—, maybe don’t talk about them like meat.

She was a tasty one...

Sun, 13 May 2012 11:49:00 -0400

venomous—smythe:

Talk about women with a little respect.

I always thought uprooting yourself was supposed to be harder than this

Sun, 13 May 2012 11:46:00 -0400

But so far, it’s been surprisingly… well, I feel like I’ve just been prepared for this for a while, you know? San Francisco’s my home, and always will be, but I never really expected to stay there forever. There’s only so much to do, and only so much I can do, for there, and if there are bigger things that need my attention elsewhere, it’s my duty to go do whatever I can to help.

And, well, I feel silly talking about the Greater Good and all that, but that’s what this is, really, isn’t it?

My train leaves for NYC in half an hour. I have no idea how long I’ll be there for, but that’s kind of liberating. I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing, and that’s what matters.

So many followers

Sat, 12 May 2012 21:06:47 -0400

samandshield:

~~Does she really? Oh man, I’d pay to see that.~~

~~It wouldn’t be a trouble at all. I’ll send you my phone number so you can text me when you’re in town. A lady shouldn’t be stuck carrying any luggage through a crowded subway.~~

Hey, it’s not funny when she just pops up, throws razor edged things at your face, and starts shouting about “you think this is hard? Try splicing genes, THAT’S hard!” Last time she congratulated me on living so long, because she wouldn’t have expected it of me. I’m still not sure how to take that.

~~If you’re sure… well, thank you. And I’ll be fine, I’m pretty sure ladies don’t tend to beat up criminals in alleyways while dressed as a bat, I can manage a subway. But thanks.~~

So many followers

Sat, 12 May 2012 20:30:55 -0400

samandshield:

She stuck her hand out for a goodbye handshake and I’m pretty sure she tried to break my fingers. Laser beams Tina, I’m telling ya. Maybe that’s her superpowers: intimidating presence and mean nicknames.

You apologize too much. Woah, never thought I’d say that to another person besides myself. I have no idea about Rach’s living situation, but I’m staying at my uncle’s flat right now and there’s a spare bedroom. It isn’t huge, but it used to be his old office and there’s a fold out couch in there. You’d basically have your own bathroom, unless Mike moves in too.

She likes to make her presence known to me by throwing things at me to test my reflexes. Often my Batarangs. I have no idea how she gets hold of them. I’d rather not know. And I’d rather never find out about the laser beams. Well, if so, she’s elevated them to a higher level than any of us could ever hope for. I just hope she isn’t hiding any others.

Yeah, I know, sorr— wait, no! Ah, it’s a vice. And really? Thank you, that’s so kind of you. I wouldn’t be imposing? That sounds great. Thank you, again. I’ll take the first train in the morning down.

So many followers

Sat, 12 May 2012 19:37:23 -0400

samandshield:

I thought lasers were going to shoot out of her eyes and maybe her head would spin around a few times. And she had G.I. Joe kungfu grip. She did stop calling me guppy lips after that though, so maybe it’s a test?

~~Crime waits for no man. Or, well, woman. I’d rather be fully prepared than have any villains catch us off guard. And for as long as we’re needed, I guess.~~

Oh, God, I’ll never sleep again with that mental image. I didn’t think she could get any more terrifying. And I really hope you haven’t actually found that out from experience. Hmmm, maybe, though. You’ve got to be slightly awed by her penchant of calling the people she’s helped create to defend the city by insulting nicknames, though. Well, I mean, I’m sure people do, but to our faces. It’s quite impressive.

Yeah… I suppose. You’re right. I’ll be on the next train down. Is there anywhere I can stay? I don’t exactly have a lot of money… enough to rent a room for a couple of months if needs be, but if we’re needed longer than that, I, well. Sorry to ask.

Photo

Sat, 12 May 2012 19:27:15 -0400

villainartieabrams started following you

Sat, 12 May 2012 19:24:20 -0400

Hello, there. I’m Tina. Tina Cohen-Chang. It’s nice to meet you.

And who might you be?

So many followers

Sat, 12 May 2012 19:22:22 -0400

speedster-mikey:

I don’t think we’ve met yet, Tina. I’m Mike. Mike Chang.

We haven’t met, no. Hi!

Mike Chang as in, that Mike Chang? Sam mentioned you. Also I’ve seen your file.

Which is not a great introduction and is actually kind of creepy and I should stop telling people that and… I’m sorry. I. Um. Yes. Nice to meet you?

So many followers

Sat, 12 May 2012 19:20:13 -0400

samandshield:

~~I’m still convinced she’s a cyborg. We have that technology now, right?~~

~~You don’t have to thank me for saying the truth Tina. Well, as of right now everyone I have a file on is permanently living in New York except you and Mike. So it’s kind of a here and now thing.~~

We… probably, and that is a disturbingly plausible thought. Dear God, I’ll never be able to look at her the same way again without wondering that now. Not that I’ve ever managed to actually look her in the eye, though, too scared.

~~Here and now as in… right now? As soon as possible? How long for?~~

So many followers

Sat, 12 May 2012 08:07:20 -0400

samandshield:

~~She’s more scary than any bank robber or super-villain I’ve ever had to face before. And if that’s the worst thing someone has against me, I’d say I’m doing a pretty decent job so far.~~

Well, if we were basing anything on “super powers” I wouldn’t be in the group either. If I was forming an elite team, you’d be part of it. You’re much more epic than you think you are, Tina Cohen-Chang. I know New York is far away, but do you think it’s a possibility?

~~She’s the ideal training, or something. Once you’ve faced her down, nothing else seems anywhere near as intimidating, so we can do anything.~~

Well, yeah, but you’re like the leader guy. But, well, thanks. Hopefully I won’t disappoint you. It’s absolutely possible, yeah, there’s nothing here I can’t drop if needs be. How soon would it be a possibility?