Time for some healin [Nikolai/Mihai]

[Deleted]

The match was over. His suit had taken quite a beating, with parts scattered about the ring and looking in need of repair. His hair was mussed from the sweat running down his face, which was still half covered by the mask. Scowling at his opponent, who was currently laying unconscious outside of his ruined mech suit. Yes he'd taken a beating, but he was still victorious, which was the only thing that mattered. He'd repair what needed to be done after...or maybe once everyone left, yeah that'd be better, best not to let anyone see the improvements that he might make. The referee walked to the side of the ring, holding his arm up. "The winner is...Nik! men, remove yourselves from the ring. Bring in the next challengers!"
With that Nikolai didn't bother listening to who was up next, all he cared about was getting out of the suit. It was feeling far too hot, which meant it was in need of a cool down. So, he maneuvered it until he had stomped his way out of the ring towards the empty room..or rest room for the pilots to take a break.

After an hour of removing himself from the suit he sat on one of the wooden benches, a damp cloth in hand as he wiped his face. Wincing a bit as a pain shot through his shoulder, which was probably going to have a big bruise tomorrow. Along with a few bruised ribs, he'd taken a couple punches that was felt even through the suit. Removing the mask, he dropped it beside him before removing his sweat stained shirt and examined himself. Well...a few bruised ribs, a punch to the stomach that's going to hurt for awhile...and it already hurts to breath. he thought annoyed, and groaned when he tried turning his waist a bit. Now that the 'fight high' was ebbing away, the pain he had was now setting in and..it hurt. But since there was no doctor on hand the Bulgarian would just have to deal with it himself, which was going to be a pain but better than asking for one of his possible opponents for help.

His ear twitched when the sound of a door clicked, meaning people were coming in to probably rest up like him. Sighing, annoyed at the quiet going to be interrupted he kept his head low. Letting his bangs obscure his eyes, the young mech pilot continued wetting his cloth with a bucket he'd grabbed and filled with water. Sure enough, he saw another pilot go towards the barrel of water left for a quick drink. One of the reasons he wanted to hide his face though...was mainly because he didn't want anyone from the Underground ring to recognize him when he wasn't in the ring. Mostly because he had already been arrested years before, and since everyone here was out for themselves he would bet anything that all of them would go and report him, and all to save their own arses. This was all his own thinking, he wasn't much for trusting people he fought or worked with. Nikolai's tension decreased once he saw the other pilot leave, and breathing a sigh of relief he looked up. Well, least he was alone for a bit...

[Mihai Roșu]

As strange as it might sound, he hadn't been to many mecha battles before. Outside of the smuggling world, he was remarkably unacquainted with the British underground, venturing into it only with other companions. Part of the difficulty came from the fact that he could rarely communicate with anyone, and writing his words with pen and paper seemed more trouble than it was worth. Hence, he usually had to go with someone who could talk for him, or simply had to wander around without interacting much with anyone. He'd done the latter a couple of times, and found it rather boring that he couldn't ask about things he thought were interesting, so he stopped making that a frequent habit after awhile. The mecha rings typically went un-visited too, but the reasons for that were different. They were difficult enough to get into, and he found that he had to spend a great deal of effort to find out the locations of the rings from reluctant members, and the process was repetitive especially since he never stayed in one place for long. Thus, if his friends didn't know, he was usually left in the dark with them.

The only reason he was here this time was through Nae's courteous invitation, which he had quickly and eagerly accepted. They'd had brief conversations about Nae's involvement in the fights before, but Mihai had never pressed on the subject, aware of the fact that Nae tended to be rather secretive about them. That was another reason he'd been, well, a bit flattered by the invitation. People didn't exactly invite others in to be spectators to their illegal activities unless there was a degree of trust, and he was quite delighted that Nae had deemed it appropriate to extend that to him. Though he had to admit, watching the match was a great deal more nerve-wracking when there was someone you actually knew inside that ring.

He usually didn't consider himself very transparent—at least, not when he didn't want to be. But the way he sat as the match wore on, his back ramrod straight and his hands clutched tightly together in his lap, and the expression that was probably too composed to be natural apparently gave him away. As he grabbed his bag and rushed off after it was over, he didn't miss the laughingly-delivered joke of the lady seated next to him. "Your boyfriend in that ring?" she called out, and he thought about how he'd have shouted something clever in return if he had been able to. Really, verbal people knew nothing of how lucky they were to be able to deliver witty comebacks that everyone was capable of understanding. Instead, he settled for rolling his eyes as he darted through the crowd towards the break room.

Nae had said he'd meet him there, though Mihai thought there really could have been an easier place for Nae to have sent him. To find their meeting point, he had to look around longer than he would have liked, trying to follow the scarce and inconsistent signs that were hastily taped onto the wall. Finally, he was guided to a door with another handwritten sign on it. 'BREAK ROOM' it read, and underneath it, 'pilots only.' That made him hesitate for a moment, and he bounced on the balls of his feet as he looked up and down the hallway. It didn't seem like anyone was around, so… He twisted the door knob and quickly ducked inside. The first thing he noticed was that the room was relatively empty, thank God. He would have hated to be shooed away to go wait outside. The second thing (or, rather, person) he noticed was the lone figure seated on one of the benches, black hair covering part of his face. Mihai wondered if that meant Nae hadn't yet realized that he was the newcomer.

Grinning a little, he took a few skipping steps over to Nae, dropping his bag to the ground before launching himself forward to wrap his arms around his friend's neck. Mihai granted him only enough reprieve to gather his bearings before leaning down and placing a chaste kiss to his lips, steadying himself by bending one leg at the knee and propping it on the bench for balance. When he pulled back, he was smiling broadly, and signed a Congratulations for Nae's victory.

@bulgarianlord: Hope this works, and let me know if you'd like anything (like relationship aspects) changed!

[Deleted]

Since Nikolai had his eyes closed he was unaware that someone had snuck into the Break Room. However, once the new occupant had begun closing in on him the Bulgarian's body stiffened. Readying itself for an attack, though once a familiar set of arms wrapped around him after said newcomer abruptly launched themselves at him. He felt slightly dizzied but grinned afterwords, steadying himself on the bench before smiling at the chaste kiss. Yep, it was his dear friend alright. Laughing he put his hands on the others waist. "Mihai! I'm glad you came." He smiled broadly at the 'Congratulations' and nodded. "Thanks~ I was hoping you were watching." He leaned back slightly so he could look the other in the eye better. Usually he didn't mind not having anyone there for him at his matches, but for some reason -that he wouldn't admit to- he had really wanted to have his best friend there. Well...he was calling them best friends anyway.
"So, what did you think of your first Mech battle?" He asked, slightly wrapping his arms around the others waist. Not tight enough to keep him trapped, but enough so he could lean back and not fall back. Usually Mihai never attended these, and Nikolai knew it could get loud and intense in the stands. So he was curious as to how the other had handled it, hell even he got annoyed at the crowds sometimes when he was a bystander and not in the ring. Though the Mech fighter doubted his friend would get rattled, the man may be silent but he was pretty tough.

However, just before he could wait for an answer the door to the Break Room banged open. Nikolai sighed annoyed, he hated when that happened. The new fighter looked all bruised, probably from a couple of blows he forgot to dodge. Must be new to the ring, he doesn't seem like one of the hardened pilots here. he thought. The new pilot gave the two of them an annoyed look. "Hey, isn't this for the pilots only? No guests, boyfriends or girlfriends!"
Nikolai scoffed. "Shove off, we won't take long" Sighing he let the other go before reaching behind him to grab his shirt under the bench. Slipping it over his head, wincing slightly from the bruise, he gave the other a grin. "Let's head out huh? I can probably patch myself up at home. This was also his subtle way of asking if Mihai wanted to tag along, besides the Bulgarian liked the others company. His evenings at home were usually dull when his friend wasn't there to talk with him..ahh, the down sides of their hectic schedules.

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@Mihai Rosu: No no, I thought your reply was awesome! Also, let me know if this post was okay. I kinda left it that they are really, really good friends but maybe they can be 'official' later. Let me know what you think!

[Mihai Roșu]

His answering smile delighted Mihai, but it was only natural that he would be smiling. He'd won his battle, after all, and had looked damn good doing it too. Feeling his hands on his waist, Mihai assumed that was his cue that it would be okay to to stay where he was, so without much hesitation, he accommodated himself on Nae's lap. Only my first in this city, he corrected in response to the question. That part was hardly unexpected, since he'd been here not more than once or twice before this, but he was quite familiar with the rings in the cities he frequented. And, of course, the big leagues. So many people knew about those that they might as well already be legal.

That didn't diminish his amusement at the question, however, so he responded to humor his friend. It was more exciting than usual, he asserted. I guess because it was you? You looked really cool. He delivered the last remark with a small smirk, a slight hint of what he really thought about it. He didn't put any effort into concealing the fact that he enjoyed watching people in action, after all; there was something titillating about it, and just watching Nae duke it out in the ring (even better, seeing him right now with bright, earnest eyes, skin still flushed from the exertion) made Mihai want to taste him a little. Or a lot. He certainly would have gone in for another, much less innocent kiss if they hadn't been interrupted.

He didn't bother to hide his own annoyed expression at the other pilot for butting into their conversation, but Nae duly expressed it for both of them. Well, he'd just have to wait until later then, Mihai told himself. First order of business was to clamber off of Nae to allow him to get dressed (a pity, really), and Mihai snatched up his own bag to wait. It was only then that he caught sight of the bruising just beneath his friend's ribcage, and for a moment, he pressed his fingers to his own lips in concern. He really should have taken note of that before tackling Nae (he had seen it, so it was more like it had failed to register in his brain thanks to his excitement).

He glanced back up at Nae when he spoke again, nodding his agreement to the suggestion. He never rejected an offer to stay over unless he had someplace inconvenient where he'd need to be, but for the next few days at least, he would be blessedly free until their next flight. Besides, he could probably help with the task of patching up. Where are you staying? he signed as he waited. He wasn't overly concerned about where, but he was thinking that the closer to the ring, the better, especially for the sake of Nae's wound. Though it didn't look too serious, it still seemed to be causing his friend pain, and for that, putting less stress on it couldn't go wrong.

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@bulgarianlord: Sounds perfect to me!

[Deleted]

Nikolai chuckled and nodded. This was one of the reasons he invited him, Mihai at least knew a thing or two about these battles, which made explaining everything..and showing off his skills much easier. Though many people in the city knew of them, it made the Bulgarian wonder why the whole event was still illegal.Come to think of it, if the Mech battles were legal he could probably get better parts. Instead of his shady sources. "Da," he replied in a light tone. "I meant how was your first mech battle in this city~" Were he was the champion he might add, which made any bruises and broken rib worth it.

At the response Nikolai grinned, trying to give off a seductive air. He was always up for people -well Mihai- stroking his ego, which was probably one of the reasons why he liked winning. The fighter didn't miss the look that was in the others eyes. It may have been one of the reasons he invited him, to show off his prowess in action as he overpowered the other strong contestants. The battles proved he was strong, standing over his opponent in victory, it excited him. Which he probably would have said 'forget injuries' and gone for the heated kiss, if it weren't for the interruption..Which he would later have to beat that man into the ground for it, because if there was one thing he hated it was being interrupted when he was trying to get some kind of intimate action! Then again he may have aggravated his injuries more, but even if he had a broken leg he was always up for some alone time with Mi.

Well there is always later...once we're at my place He told him self, trying to push aside his annoyance. A look of disappointment went across his face as Mi got off his lap, but the Pilot DID have to get up some time...As he stood a stab of pain went through his body, wincing and making a mental note to wrap his rib-cage to brace it. He smiled, "It's not far from here." he said, feeling happy to be bringing the other home -okay maybe he had originally been planning on taking to his home for a whole other reason. He shouldered his worn leather bag, "Come on. I'll lead the way there." He walked over to the door, waiting for Mi, mostly so he could walk side by side. For...direction reasons.

[Mihai Roșu]

This city he'd been to twice or thrice before, but it was one where none of his compatriots knew much of the Underground. As far as illicit business went, Illeborough wasn't exactly a hub for it, so mostly people shrugged off the location as not worth the big leagues. Mihai thought the city itself was fine though, perhaps a little quiet, and the last few times he'd come here he had spent wandering the streets and getting very lost on purpose. It had been a fine plan the first times, when the skies were cloudy but unweeping, but the last time he'd tried this a torrential rain had started up when he was at least an hour's walk away from the inn through twisting and veiny roads. He'd carried an umbrella with him since then, to ward off England's frankly bitchy weather, and it had the added bonus of concealing a knife in the handle.

He had unfortunately left this useful little instrument behind with Nae's sudden invitation, so it was a small reassurance to hear that their destination wasn't far. Because he wanted a roof over his head to stave off unpredictable weather, and because Nae was hurt–which was the more important issue, really. He wondered if there wasn't a medical wing of sorts in the ring, but if Nae was headed back to his place, he supposed not. It struck Mihai as strange (wouldn't it be natural to have some sort of infirmary where people were bound to get hurt?) but he'd ask about that later. Perhaps the Illeborough ring was just too small to offer those kinds of facilities.

He tore his eyes off the bruising on his friend's ribcage when he stood, and Mihai had the sudden realization that the other had taken his bag. Frowning, he followed Nae to the door and gestured at the belongings–offering to take them. He didn't consider himself an expert in medical care (though he was good at improvising when the situation called for it), but any uneducated slob could tell you that putting additional stress on your injuries would just make it worse. One day, he supposed he'd like to be spoiled, but until then, he was running illegal shipments to riots and protests and picketing, so whether or not Nae agreed to it, he slipped his arm through the leather strap and tugged it onto his shoulder. 'You can make it up to me, okay?' he offered in conciliation as he followed Nae out.

He contemplated the earlier question that had been posed as they made their way out, through throngs of cheering spectators. For the moment much more concerned with dodging flying fists and elbows–and fending off said body parts from hitting Nae's injuries–he didn't respond until they made it to open air and he could breathe a sigh of relief. Mech spectators were always a rowdy bunch, but he supposed he couldn't blame them. Especially for the working class, it was one small reprieve they had from the monotony of factory labor, and the combination of booze and a fight would lead to the same buzz of energy anywhere else.

'It's a bit smaller,' he finally answered as they passed through the cobbled streets. Since it was not his goal this time, he stuck close to Nae to avoid getting lost and made a very valiant effort not to cling. 'It feels like most people are regulars, like they know each other. It's like the atmosphere of being at a family dinner and watching your twice-removed cousins getting into a fistfight.' At least such was the impression he gathered, which confirmed his theory that Illeborough was too small for there to be many newcomers or travelers dropping by. He supposed that made Nae rather special, and the thought brought a little smile to his lips. He was special, in more ways than one, but there were more appropriate times and places to express that. Instead, he asked what he'd been wondering before. 'Isn't there anyone there to give you medical attention?'

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@bulgarianlord: Hoooolyshit I didn't realize it'd been so long, I'm so sorry orz Also threw in a random made-up name for the city