. ex - imperator .

Pompey (survives!AU) Indie 'Zenless Zone Zero' RP Sideblog [mainblog: @honorcladrose ] - also has a HSR verse - muse & mun both 21+, open to NSFT - AU, crossover, & OC friendly [DON'T REBLOG MY RP POSTS IF YOU'RE NOT PART OF THEM.]

[abdicatedoverlord]

This is an independent roleplay (RP) blog for Pompey , a canon character in the video game Zenless Zone Zero, set in a survives!AU.

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[poohsources]

🐝  *  ―  𝑪𝑨𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑷𝑹𝑶𝑴𝑷𝑻𝑺. (  add " + " to reverse the action.  )

❛  do you want to tell me about your day?  ❜ ❛  here, you look like you're freezing.  ❜ ❛  i love you just the way you are, and i'm here to remind you of that whenever you need to hear it.  ❜ ❛  i promise i'll always be here if you need me.  ❜ ❛  i wish i could take away all your pain.  ❜ ❛  i'll stand by you, no matter what challenges may come our way.  ❜ ❛  i'm gonna make sure nothing bad will ever happen to you.  ❜ ❛  if you need a shoulder to lean on or someone to listen, i'm here.  ❜ ❛  if you need someone to talk to i'm always just one phone call away.  ❜ ❛  it's okay. i've got you. you're safe now.  ❜ ❛  it's okay to feel this way, we've all been there.  ❜ ❛  it's okay to lean on others for support occasionally.  ❜ ❛  just let me take care of you for a bit.  ❜ ❛  no matter what happens, you'll always have a place in my heart.  ❜ ❛  what do you need me to do to make you feel better?  ❜ ❛  you can always ask me for help if you need it.  ❜ ❛  you just relax and let me do the rest. you deserve a break.  ❜ ❛  you look like you could use a hug.  ❜ ❛  you're always taking care of me so no it's my turn to return the favor.  ❜ ❛  you're not alone in this. i'm here for you, no matter what.  ❜

[ blanket ] sender draping a blanket over receiver's shoulders [ breaths ] sender helping receiver to calm down by using breathing techniques [ compliment ] sender complimenting receiver to make them smile [ cry ] sender offering receiver a shoulder to cry on [ gift ] sender giving receiver a small gift [ hand ] sender holding receiver's hand while they're walking [ hug ] sender pulling receiver into a tight embrace [ injured ] sender helping an injured receiver with everyday tasks [ jokes ] sender trying to make receiver laugh [ kindness ] sender surprising receiver with random acts of kindness [ massage ] sender giving receiver a shoulder massage to tend to their sore muscles [ patterns ] sender drawing random patterns on receiver's skin [ pillow ] sender offering receiver to use them as a pillow [ scars ] sender gently tracing receiver's scars [ sick ] sender bringing a sick receiver whatever they need ( food / medicine / etc. ) [ steady ] sender wrapping an arm around receiver's waist to steady them [ support ] sender quietly sitting down next to receiver to let them know they're there [ touch ] sender letting receiver know they're there through simple touch [ warmth ] sender pulling receiver into their arms to share body heat [ wound ] sender cleaning / bandaging receiver's wound(s)

[poohsources]

🐝  *  ―  𝑷𝑰𝑵𝑰𝑵𝑮 / 𝒀𝑬𝑨𝑹𝑵𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑺𝑬𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑵𝑪𝑬 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑺.

❛  i can't stop thinking about you even when i try.  ❜ ❛  every time i see you, it's like my heart skips a beat.  ❜ ❛  i never realized how much i needed you until you weren't there.  ❜ ❛  do you ever feel like there's something missing ... like a piece of your heart is somewhere else?  ❜ ❛  i wish i had the courage to tell you how i feel.  ❜ ❛  if only you knew how much you truly mean to me.  ❜ ❛  do you ever wonder what it would be like if things were different between us?  ❜ ❛  sometimes i wonder if you ever think about me the way i think about you.  ❜ ❛  i had a lot of dreams about you recently.  ❜ ❛  somehow, you're always on my mind.  ❜ ❛  i think i've been in love with you since the day we met - scratch that, i know i've been in love with you since the day we met.  ❜ ❛  my biggest wish is to hold you close and never let you go.  ❜ ❛  all my life i've felt like a part of me was missing, but with you i've finally found it.  ❜ ❛  you deserve better than who i am right now, but i'm gonna keep trying to become someone you do deserve.  ❜ ❛  every time you smile at me, i get this flutter in my chest.  ❜ ❛  do you think i'll ever be worthy of your love?  ❜ ❛  i want to be the person to make you happy. the one person you can always come to with whatever you need.  ❜ ❛  will we ever get another chance together?  ❜ ❛  you were the best thing that's ever happened to me.  ❜ ❛  my biggest regret is ever letting you go.  ❜ ❛  i'm still in love with you ... and i honestly never stopped.  ❜ ❛  when i wake up in the morning, you're the first person i want to see.  ❜ ❛  every time i wake up, i check if you wrote me another message.  ❜ ❛  i wish i could be as important to you as you are to me.  ❜ ❛  it hurts when you don't talk to me like you used to.  ❜ ❛  i miss everything about you, your touch, your laugh, your smile. i wish i could have that back.  ❜ ❛  i want to fall asleep wrapped in your arms.  ❜ ❛  hold me closer; i always feel safer when you're with me.  ❜ ❛  there's so much i wish i was able to tell you.  ❜ ❛  i know things aren't easy right now, but i want to remain a fixture in your life. after all, you're one in mine.  ❜ ❛  i miss the way you always made me smile.  ❜ ❛  you're the reason i keep holding on.  ❜ ❛  maybe we're supposed so to remain a case of 'right person, wrong time' forever.  ❜ ❛  if only you knew how i feel about you.  ❜ ❛  i'm yearning to hold your hand in mine.  ❜ ❛  i think you are the one for me, and i hope one day i'll be the one for you, too.  ❜ ❛  do you think i'll ever become more than a friend to you?  ❜ ❛  my heart belongs to you, always and forever.  ❜ ❛  my first instinct is to protect you, no matter the cost.  ❜ ❛  i've been thinking about us a lot lately.  ❜

[abdicatedoverlord]

"Right," Pompey echoed, his smirk broadening once more. Shoi-Ming's awkwardness did make him wonder how often they had actually gone on a date, or even had the typical prelude of gauging interest. Best guess, it might be more than he thought but less frequent than his own experience.

Not a requirement, but definitely not a deal-breaker either.

"Don't worry; it's a cute look on you." Pompey answered Shoi-Ming's soft smile with a quick wink. "Though I get the feelin' everything is, if your outfit's anything to go by." Another once-over, slower and more blatantly appreciative.

Still, he didn't want to risk spooking them by coming on too strong too fast. "...I should probably get back to the garage, though. You got the whole day off, right? Could text or call me if you want - hell, swing by if you get bored enough. Got no appointments today."

[lovesfolly]

     Another nod was given quickly as the other agreed.      How often had anyone even showed some sort of interest in him? Maybe they had but he wasn't exactly the best at telling how people felt at any given point in time. Besides that, there was also the fact that his kind tended to feel things a bit more… intensely. So there really was no telling if anyone would ever meet that sort of passion. 

     Or if he'd only understand feelings if they did.

     “ I – y'think – ” He was quickly burying himself into the collar of his jacket, features turning a deeper pink as he tried to find the words he wanted to say in response. What could he say in response? “ Shouldn't I be sayin' that sort of tihng… about you? ” What with the way his clothes hugged his figure – who could blame Eros for staring?

     Another very quick nod this time.      “ Y-yeah, I do! If you wouldn't get too annoyed by me buggin' ya when y'should be workin', then – I mean I jus' might come t' see ya. ”

[abdicatedoverlord]

Almost wasn't fair how adorable Shoi-Ming could be, just from this first meeting of theirs. The way he tried to hide another blush because of one flirtation left Pompey wanting to ruffle that soft-looking hair. Maybe later.

Admittedly, Pompey was also caught a bit off-guard when Shoi-Ming did return the compliment, though he recovered to reply in time without losing his easy smirk. "Sweet of you to say. Like t' think I still clean up alright."

Just as welcome was the younger's immediate agreement to paying a visit. Pompey had never doubted Shoi-Ming's sincerity, but that didn't make the promptness any less flattering. "Long as you don't stick your fingers anywhere dangerous, you won't be buggin' me. Only got one long-term job to finish up, 'n it's just finishin' touches. And I'd like the company."

He'd enjoy it maybe more than he'd care to admit at a first meeting. For how busy the city could be, Pompey had almost forgotten how lonely it could feel too.

As if to stave off the thought, he gave in to his earlier urge and ruffled Shoi-Ming's hair a bit before turning to head for his garage. "Come by whenever you want."

[abdicatedoverlord]

That nod was a pleasant surprise - even if the blush along with it made Pompey wonder if he'd see steam coming out of Shoi-Ming's ears at any moment.

Somewhat baffling, though, was how quickly the agreement was followed by fumbling thoughts. They grew less and less complete by the minute, until Pompey was left trying to suss out cut-off descriptors and coming up empty.

But, 'if' he'd like that? He couldn't help another short laugh, with too much warmth to sound mean.

"Easy, Shoi-Ming. I'm the one who asked, right? I don't have a partner; so long as you don't either, nothin' weird about it." Pompey tucked his phone away properly, both hands on his hips again. "Besides, doesn't hafta be anything more than what you're comfortable with. I'm pretty flexible."

[lovesfolly]

     It hits the smaller almost like a freight train – but in a positive way, he supposes. Easy, I'm the one who asked, right? Yeah - yeah he had! 

     “ Right! We're two single - consentin' adults jus' - exchangin' information! ” 

     Though, there comes again those thoughts that he'd really rather not admit to. Pretty flexible, he says. Eros is quickly clearing his throat, as if that gets rid of the thing he doesn't want to focus on. A soft, nervous smile spreading back across his features.

     “ I promise I - 'm usually not this uh… flustered, ” He had a grip on his emotions most of the time, at the very least. Suppose Pompey just had something about him that made it a lot easier for the smaller to short-circuit.

[abdicatedoverlord]

"Right," Pompey echoed, his smirk broadening once more. Shoi-Ming's awkwardness did make him wonder how often they had actually gone on a date, or even had the typical prelude of gauging interest. Best guess, it might be more than he thought but less frequent than his own experience.

Not a requirement, but definitely not a deal-breaker either.

"Don't worry; it's a cute look on you." Pompey answered Shoi-Ming's soft smile with a quick wink. "Though I get the feelin' everything is, if your outfit's anything to go by." Another once-over, slower and more blatantly appreciative.

Still, he didn't want to risk spooking them by coming on too strong too fast. "...I should probably get back to the garage, though. You got the whole day off, right? Could text or call me if you want - hell, swing by if you get bored enough. Got no appointments today."

[abdicatedoverlord]

It looked like Shoi-Ming had something on his mind, at a glance anyway. Pompey knew what he'd like those thoughts to be, and could guess what they might be considering the other's persistent blush, but he couldn't say for certain.

Might fall to him to bring it up, then. Worst Shoi-Ming could do was say no, after all.

An understanding hum. "Alright." Once the number was named and saved, Pompey went to put his phone away in his pocket, but paused. "...Listen. There's no pressure for a 'yes', I just wanna say somethin'. I think it'd be nice if we could chat or meet up sometimes, outside of work. Would you want that?"

He hadn't often dealt with asking out someone as shy as Shoi-Ming. Even though he didn't think he was mistaken about those blushes and the earlier staring, finding someone just attractive and wanting to see each other more personally were two separate things.

[lovesfolly]

     He put his phone back into his own pocket, absently wringing his hands as he tried to look anywhere but Pompey. Or, that was the plan until he started speaking again. And immediately, he could feel his face heating up even further.

     His heart felt like it was in throat and he could only nod eagerly.

     Wait, was that too eager?      “ Y-yes! I mean – if that isn't too forward? It might be and that might be weird, I realize. I – don't wanna be too forward or steppin' on any toes or somethin' like that, I jus' – y'er so- and ‘m- and s’very- y'know-? ”

     How was he going to know? Who could make sense out of the rambles of a flustered dragon? Definitely not him! He tries rather quickly to fan at his face, trying to get the flush to die down. To stop feeling as warm as he did. “ If – you'd like that, too, I mean! ”

[abdicatedoverlord]

That nod was a pleasant surprise - even if the blush along with it made Pompey wonder if he'd see steam coming out of Shoi-Ming's ears at any moment.

Somewhat baffling, though, was how quickly the agreement was followed by fumbling thoughts. They grew less and less complete by the minute, until Pompey was left trying to suss out cut-off descriptors and coming up empty.

But, 'if' he'd like that? He couldn't help another short laugh, with too much warmth to sound mean.

"Easy, Shoi-Ming. I'm the one who asked, right? I don't have a partner; so long as you don't either, nothin' weird about it." Pompey tucked his phone away properly, both hands on his hips again. "Besides, doesn't hafta be anything more than what you're comfortable with. I'm pretty flexible."

[abdicatedoverlord]

A good reason to have a bangboo like that around, when changing a strong habit could be tough going, if or when the effort was made at all. Even more so with a habit like looking after other people first.

As Pompey set up a new entry with Shoi-Ming's name, he did wonder whether he was just imagining that little flustered glimpse in the other's expression. Even with the stare he'd caught earlier, it might be bad form to presume right outta the gate that Shoi-Ming was actually interested in him.

He asked for their number first, then gave his own.

While he saved the entry into his phone's contacts, Pompey voiced a question as it came to him. "You good with me savin' it under your real name, or you want it under your nickname instead?"

[lovesfolly]

     Really, there was a number of reasons that Li'l Boo was necessary for Eros' day to day. Not something he felt comfortable just dumping on a man who he'd just met, but all the same.

     Still, he couldn't even meet the other's gaze as they exchanged their phones and numbers. His free hand absently toying with a curl of pink hair as he tried to find words he wanted to ask. But then, wouldn't it be inappropriate to ask them to someone who'd just done you a service?

     To ask if there was a chance to see each other in a different setting.

     “ Oh – Shoi-Ming works jus' fine. Like I said s'been awhile since, well, since people have actually used m'name. ” He brushed his hair back, looking up at the other now. That question on the tip of his tongue but refusing to come as his face heated up further.

[abdicatedoverlord]

It looked like Shoi-Ming had something on his mind, at a glance anyway. Pompey knew what he'd like those thoughts to be, and could guess what they might be considering the other's persistent blush, but he couldn't say for certain.

Might fall to him to bring it up, then. Worst Shoi-Ming could do was say no, after all.

An understanding hum. "Alright." Once the number was named and saved, Pompey went to put his phone away in his pocket, but paused. "...Listen. There's no pressure for a 'yes', I just wanna say somethin'. I think it'd be nice if we could chat or meet up sometimes, outside of work. Would you want that?"

He hadn't often dealt with asking out someone as shy as Shoi-Ming. Even though he didn't think he was mistaken about those blushes and the earlier staring, finding someone just attractive and wanting to see each other more personally were two separate things.

[abdicatedoverlord]

The sudden scramble to pull on the coat once tied around Shoi-Ming's waist made Pompey wonder if the other just got cold that easily. Sure, a few other, more tantalizing explanations came to mind, but them getting cold was the best and safest bet. Kind of a shame, covering that cute outfit, but that was a thought to keep to himself. Any version of saying so aloud made him sound like a creep to his mind's ear.

Pompey instead listed off the total price for the fix, and pocketed the payment once it was given.

"Then your boss is right. Hard to give your best lookin' after people if you don't look after yourself too." A beat, and a quiet almost wry chuckle. "Easier said than done, though, huh?"

Tucking the rag away as well, Pompey pulled out his phone - a joint gift from Caesar and the proxy she'd ridden the last Tour with - to open his contacts list. "Could be good to get each other's numbers. Never know what might happen." His glance and lingering half-smile lent weight to the sentiment's double meaning.

[lovesfolly]

     Best not to linger on it too much, he thought. lest he find himself getting overwhelmed from how red he was bound to turn. Hands shoved into his pockets after he had given Pompey the payment over. His tail wrapped around one of his legs, showing his nerves.      He'd always been rather terrible in social situations, hadn't he? At least, ones that didn't involve the rest of the Belobog crew. 

     He always felt like he could do anything when they were around. Suppose he had to draw on some of that confidence now.

     “ Yeah – easier said than done f'er sure. S'always easier t' pay attention t' everyone else, y'know? Sometimes I don't realize th' signs in m'self. ” A sad truth, really. “ S'part of why I have Li'l Boo, actually. ”

     As the other took his phone out, that smile went straight to Eros' thudding heart. Was he looking too much into this? He had to be right?      But all the same, he'd pull his phone out with a nod. “ Right – y'never know what might happen at th' end of th' day. ”

[abdicatedoverlord]

A good reason to have a bangboo like that around, when changing a strong habit could be tough going, if or when the effort was made at all. Even more so with a habit like looking after other people first.

As Pompey set up a new entry with Shoi-Ming's name, he did wonder whether he was just imagining that little flustered glimpse in the other's expression. Even with the stare he'd caught earlier, it might be bad form to presume right outta the gate that Shoi-Ming was actually interested in him.

He asked for their number first, then gave his own.

While he saved the entry into his phone's contacts, Pompey voiced a question as it came to him. "You good with me savin' it under your real name, or you want it under your nickname instead?"

[abdicatedoverlord]

In truth, Pompey barely noticed Shoi-Ming's distraction, too preoccupied with ensuring the repairs and oil refill had gone well. He just figured the other was nervous about it as well; no reason to think otherwise, when that was the simplest answer to come to his mind. Besides, he wasn't that much of a peacock to assume from jump that Shoi-Ming's thoughts about him were sexual.

So, Pompey kept his attention mostly on the workings beneath the open hood. Looked fine, started smooth, no sparks or leaks, no unusual smells... He nodded his satisfaction and shut the hood, then fished a rag from his back pocket to clean off his hands.

"That, I won't argue with," Pompey smirked. Even if the fix had been, by Outer Ring standards, pretty damn basic. Still cute to see how sincere Shoi-Ming was about it. The price wouldn't be too high either; he had plenty of oil stocked and the wires were pretty easy to come by. "Could still take the rest o' the day off. They probably got you workin' hard enough on the clock as it is."

[lovesfolly]

     Really, he was glad that this distraction went unnoticed. Not that he knew the first one hadn't been, but it would be worse having to explain why he'd suddenly turned red. Especially given he'd more or less gone around with his coat tied around his waist.       That realization hit him a bit too quickly as he realized he'd been more or less parading around in front of Pompey in just cute white shorts and a cropped top. And how immediately he was scrambling to get his coat on and zipped up.

     Embarrassment about his body wasn't the issue, but – well, he didn't want to leave any sort of negative impression. Even if these were the sort of things he wore at a work site, so did Grace and Koleda! So it made it less weird, right? A lot less weird.

     “ Hah, well thank ya very much, but how much do I owe ya? ” The Draconid asks, head tilting gently as he holds up his wallet.      Definitely found a new favorite mechanic to go to. Not that he'd ever had one before, but all the same. He'd have plenty of reasons to come back to see Pompey. Even if – one of them was just to see him.      “ Eh, prob'ly. Li'l Bear – m'boss told me t' take th' whole day anyway. She says I work a bit too much half th' time anyway… holidays are uh – rare of m'own volition. ”

[abdicatedoverlord]

The sudden scramble to pull on the coat once tied around Shoi-Ming's waist made Pompey wonder if the other just got cold that easily. Sure, a few other, more tantalizing explanations came to mind, but them getting cold was the best and safest bet. Kind of a shame, covering that cute outfit, but that was a thought to keep to himself. Any version of saying so aloud made him sound like a creep to his mind's ear.

Pompey instead listed off the total price for the fix, and pocketed the payment once it was given.

"Then your boss is right. Hard to give your best lookin' after people if you don't look after yourself too." A beat, and a quiet almost wry chuckle. "Easier said than done, though, huh?"

Tucking the rag away as well, Pompey pulled out his phone - a joint gift from Caesar and the proxy she'd ridden the last Tour with - to open his contacts list. "Could be good to get each other's numbers. Never know what might happen." His glance and lingering half-smile lent weight to the sentiment's double meaning.

[abdicatedoverlord]

Bending to keep an eye on where the switch would come through, Pompey reached down to help guide it in and keep the new wires in place. He supposed he should've expected steady hands from a medic, but it was still a bit of a nice surprise. Maybe due to how flustered Shoi-Ming had been since that first instance of staring.

Well, regardless.

"Perfect, just like that. Gimme a sec to get these hooked up..." Pompey connected each wire in their proper place, double-checked them, attempted to gently wiggle the switch to ensure it wasn't loose, then straightened up again.

"Alright, it's in. Just the oil left." Crouching to retrieve a mostly-full can of oil from his toolbox, he took a fresh measurement with the dipstick to better eyeball how much he'd need to pour in. Another measurement after, and Pompey allowed himself a small, pleased smirk at the deep brown film now reaching perfectly to the dipstick's marking.

"Lemme just close this up, and you can give it a start." Screwing the oil reserve shut, for now he left the hood open - out of both superstition and practicality. Pompey stepped back, hands on his hips to watch Eros. Mentally, he ran through the checklist again, knowing he hadn't missed anything but still wanting to be sure.

[lovesfolly]

     It was, perhaps even worse to admit, but Eros found he really enjoyed being praised by Magnus Pompey. Hearing that voice saying those words. He wondered idly, only for a moment, what they'd sound like during the heat of passion. Perfect, just like that. 

     It is only you can give it a start that breaks him from this stupor.

     A quick shake of his head and a clearing of his throat.      As if he couldn't have possibly been thinking things that one shouldn't be thinking of on any given day of the week. Especially while they're working, oh he'd be kicking himself for this later!

     But all the same, he gives the key a turn and listens to the engine start up. The near forgotten purr of a well working engine. His ears perking up as he raised his free hand up in victory.      “ Oh, she's purrin' like a kitten! Magnus Pompey, y'er a miracle worker, I tell ya! Magic mechanical magician! ”

     Once satisfied, he would take the key back out and shut the door as he went to meet where the elder was standing. Giving a little clap before he was looking through his pockets for his wallet. And then, instead, he was calling Li'l Boo over to get it from the bag kept around the Bangboo's waist.      “ Y'really are a life saver, I mean – I called in t' work f'er this but y'had her fixed up in a jiff s' – amazin', really. ”

[abdicatedoverlord]

In truth, Pompey barely noticed Shoi-Ming's distraction, too preoccupied with ensuring the repairs and oil refill had gone well. He just figured the other was nervous about it as well; no reason to think otherwise, when that was the simplest answer to come to his mind. Besides, he wasn't that much of a peacock to assume from jump that Shoi-Ming's thoughts about him were sexual.

So, Pompey kept his attention mostly on the workings beneath the open hood. Looked fine, started smooth, no sparks or leaks, no unusual smells... He nodded his satisfaction and shut the hood, then fished a rag from his back pocket to clean off his hands.

"That, I won't argue with," Pompey smirked. Even if the fix had been, by Outer Ring standards, pretty damn basic. Still cute to see how sincere Shoi-Ming was about it. The price wouldn't be too high either; he had plenty of oil stocked and the wires were pretty easy to come by. "Could still take the rest o' the day off. They probably got you workin' hard enough on the clock as it is."

[abdicatedoverlord]

What Pompey found cuter, personally, was how eager and forthright Shoi-Ming seemed. He'd always found appeal in honesty, but its value had deepened further after everything with Lucius. He doubted the smaller medic would bother with lying, or that they wouldn't be an open book if they tried.

To Shoi-Ming's question, meanwhile, Pompey started his reassurance with a shrug. "Extra pair of hands would help. You'll do just as good puttin' it in as you did takin' it out." He handed over the ignition switch, then bent to set his half-finished lemonade beside his toolbox. "Keep it level, don't let the wires pull, and you'll be fine."

In the meantime, he crossed to stand ready beside the open hood. The way Pompey saw it, they could toast a job well done with what remained of their drinks afterward.

[lovesfolly]

     Really, he had sort of pegged Shoi-Ming exactly right. There was no way he could lie or hide things – even the fact that he had been staring prior. If it was brought up? He'd get embarrassed, but he'd at least admit to it. There was – something endearing about that, he was sure.

     As Pompey spoke, he'd give a little nod and get back into the car with the ignition switch. Trying to do as instructed and get it back in without the wires pulling. Keep it level, he'd said.        “ Alright, I think I got it? Hopefully that helps. ” Not like he thought he could mess this up when he'd done the opposite mere moments before. 

     At least this was something he could do to help and not just – stand there. It was nice to feel like he was at least lending a hand for the other.

[abdicatedoverlord]

Bending to keep an eye on where the switch would come through, Pompey reached down to help guide it in and keep the new wires in place. He supposed he should've expected steady hands from a medic, but it was still a bit of a nice surprise. Maybe due to how flustered Shoi-Ming had been since that first instance of staring.

Well, regardless.

"Perfect, just like that. Gimme a sec to get these hooked up..." Pompey connected each wire in their proper place, double-checked them, attempted to gently wiggle the switch to ensure it wasn't loose, then straightened up again.

"Alright, it's in. Just the oil left." Crouching to retrieve a mostly-full can of oil from his toolbox, he took a fresh measurement with the dipstick to better eyeball how much he'd need to pour in. Another measurement after, and Pompey allowed himself a small, pleased smirk at the deep brown film now reaching perfectly to the dipstick's marking.

"Lemme just close this up, and you can give it a start." Screwing the oil reserve shut, for now he left the hood open - out of both superstition and practicality. Pompey stepped back, hands on his hips to watch Eros. Mentally, he ran through the checklist again, knowing he hadn't missed anything but still wanting to be sure.

[abdicatedoverlord]

An acquiescing hum, a slight raise of eyebrows, and a tilting nod of his head were Pompey's answer to that first question. True, he'd done plenty of messier motor work; it was just more noticeable when left smudged on a customer's kindly-given glass.

With another swig of lemonade, Pompey watched the bangboo present Shoi-Ming with a stray coin. A faint but warm chortle slipped out. A curious little thing, wasn't it, rummaging around for coins on the ground after watching him at work. Seemed every bangboo had their own quirks.

Attention returning to Shoi-Ming, Pompey elected again to not comment on the way those purple eyes wandered over him. "Shouldn't be too much longer. Just finished replacing the wires on the switch itself. So we put it back in, make sure everything's hooked up, top off the oil. Then we test if it starts."

And if all went well, it might leave a window to get the other's number, for either personal or work reasons.

[lovesfolly]

     It isn't like he hasn't had the construction crew around his home before. After a long day of work - they could definitely get things messy. And it required a lot of cleanup after the fact, too. Not that Eros ever minded, but it was a situation that he knew at least could be dealt with.

     Finding shiny things and other baubles had always been a sort of pass time when they were apart for Li'l Boo. Something to be said, Eros supposed, about Bangboo really having their own personalities. And how cute he found it, too.

     “ Oh, alright. Tha's a lot less th'n I thought there'd be. Do y' need me t' help with that like y'did takin' it out or um – would it be easier f'er me t' stay out of th' way? ”      Even if for Eros that meant he'd just be standing off to the side with his bangboo. Maybe he should've been a bit more embarrassed about his wandering gaze?

     Probably, actually…

[abdicatedoverlord]

What Pompey found cuter, personally, was how eager and forthright Shoi-Ming seemed. He'd always found appeal in honesty, but its value had deepened further after everything with Lucius. He doubted the smaller medic would bother with lying, or that they wouldn't be an open book if they tried.

To Shoi-Ming's question, meanwhile, Pompey started his reassurance with a shrug. "Extra pair of hands would help. You'll do just as good puttin' it in as you did takin' it out." He handed over the ignition switch, then bent to set his half-finished lemonade beside his toolbox. "Keep it level, don't let the wires pull, and you'll be fine."

In the meantime, he crossed to stand ready beside the open hood. The way Pompey saw it, they could toast a job well done with what remained of their drinks afterward.

[abdicatedoverlord]

The way Shoi-Ming flustered and fumbled before hurrying inside was cute, he had to admit. Not something to do anything about on the clock, though. Maybe they could trade numbers or something after his work here wrapped up.

In the meantime, Pompey set his focus on finishing the ignition switch. It wasn't a long task, really, but the care one had to take did make it go slower. He noticed Shoi-Ming's bangboo approaching in his peripheral, and staring intently. Whether it was at him or at his work, so long as it didn't intervene Pompey had no problem. And sure enough, it just sat nearby, apparently content with whatever conclusion it came to about him.

He was just pushing the last new wire into place when Shoi-Ming came back.

Standing first with a slight groan and a roll of his shoulders, Pompey took the offered lemonade in his free hand. Still flustered, huh? He smirked, but his tone stayed easy and casual. "Sure is. Thanks." After a measured drink, he paused at noticing a dark smudge on the outside of his glass, and realized. "Hm. Sorry about the motor grease."

[lovesfolly]

     Once the other glass was taken, Eros reached his free hand out for Li'l Boo to take a hold of. Easing the gentle trembling of his hand as he took a sip of his own drink. Quiet for a moment as he gave a nod in response.

     “ Oh – don't worry ‘bout it, I c’n jus' clean it up later. Not like this sort of work isn't messy, right? ” Not that he was all too familiar, but he knew his own job could get that way.

     He bent down slightly when the Bangboo gestured and held something out for him. Laughing softly as he picked up the little coin it had apparently found on the ground beneath the car. Or near the toolbox. Who was to say. Always looking and scrounging around for things when he was without his owner it seemed. Focus everywhere but its tasks once it didn't have to think about them.

     “ Um, so how long do these sort of things take? Not t' rush ya, of course, ‘m jus’ curious since I've never had one of these replaced. ” Eros brushed part of his hair behind his ear, looking from Pompey to the car and back again. Those amethyst eyes running over him despite his best efforts not to – to keep from making his admiration anything but obvious. Seems he was failing at that.

[abdicatedoverlord]

An acquiescing hum, a slight raise of eyebrows, and a tilting nod of his head were Pompey's answer to that first question. True, he'd done plenty of messier motor work; it was just more noticeable when left smudged on a customer's kindly-given glass.

With another swig of lemonade, Pompey watched the bangboo present Shoi-Ming with a stray coin. A faint but warm chortle slipped out. A curious little thing, wasn't it, rummaging around for coins on the ground after watching him at work. Seemed every bangboo had their own quirks.

Attention returning to Shoi-Ming, Pompey elected again to not comment on the way those purple eyes wandered over him. "Shouldn't be too much longer. Just finished replacing the wires on the switch itself. So we put it back in, make sure everything's hooked up, top off the oil. Then we test if it starts."

And if all went well, it might leave a window to get the other's number, for either personal or work reasons.

[abdicatedoverlord]

At first, Pompey was too engrossed in replacing the wires to notice any wandering attention. But when all he heard from Shoi-Ming was a repetition of his own words, with the distance of distraction, he glanced up. Didn't seem like the other was watching what his hands were doing, staring a little too far down for that. So what—

Ohhh.

Pompey didn't really mind. He knew he was alright to look at, and some folks really had a thing for shows of competence. Where Shoi-Ming was particularly staring, though, made him wonder if his appeal might sour once the other saw Pompey's equipment differed from typical expectations. An idle curiosity, and not a question to ask someone after first meeting within the last hour for a job. A job he still had to finish.

Gaze lowering to the ignition switch again with a faint smirk beneath his beard, Pompey replied, "Wouldn't say no, sure. Long as it's not booze, whatever you can spare's fine."

[lovesfolly]

     If he knew the other had noticed him staring he would've been even more flustered. Worse, he would've just excused himself to stay inside until Pompey was done. It wasn't like him to just let eyes wander like that!      How embarrassing to think that he was letting those thoughts get themselves in his head again. Not like he could help it, but all the same.

     “ I mean, s' too early in th' day f'er that anyway – uh. I – ahem! I have lemonade, I'll go get that! ”

     An excuse to get himself out of whatever hole he was currently digging himself into. So he'd disappear into the home and leave only Pompey and Li'l Boo out with the car. The Bangboo looking up when Eros disappeared and then waddling over to the mechanic. Seeming as if it were examining him. After all, not just anyone could be trusted with its owner! But this one seemed…alright, at the very least. Not like he was up to anything nefarious. Not that the Bangboo would be able to tell that just from looking at him. But it was enough that it was content to just sit next to the toolbox.

     When Eros returned, he'd come over to one of two glasses out for the other. “ Here y'go. I mean – s'not much but…s' nice t' have. A drink – I mean. ”

[abdicatedoverlord]

The way Shoi-Ming flustered and fumbled before hurrying inside was cute, he had to admit. Not something to do anything about on the clock, though. Maybe they could trade numbers or something after his work here wrapped up.

In the meantime, Pompey set his focus on finishing the ignition switch. It wasn't a long task, really, but the care one had to take did make it go slower. He noticed Shoi-Ming's bangboo approaching in his peripheral, and staring intently. Whether it was at him or at his work, so long as it didn't intervene Pompey had no problem. And sure enough, it just sat nearby, apparently content with whatever conclusion it came to about him.

He was just pushing the last new wire into place when Shoi-Ming came back.

Standing first with a slight groan and a roll of his shoulders, Pompey took the offered lemonade in his free hand. Still flustered, huh? He smirked, but his tone stayed easy and casual. "Sure is. Thanks." After a measured drink, he paused at noticing a dark smudge on the outside of his glass, and realized. "Hm. Sorry about the motor grease."

[abdicatedoverlord]

Pompey shrugged at the mention of him 'doing most of the work'. Might be strictly true, sure, but there was the old adage of learning to walk before you run. It wasn't like he could do engine maintenance day one, either; might've started learning earlier than Shoi-Ming, but he'd started simple too with checking oil levels and tire pressure.

Seemed like the other's thoughts had wandered in a different direction, though. Something worth covering most of one's face about. Pompey couldn't puzzle out the reason - so for now, he didn't try. Still work to be done.

"When you described the problem, I figured this would be one o' the most likely causes. Besides, better to have it and not need it, if possible." Returning to his toolbox and settling onto one knee, Pompey pulled the new wire set to the top, but first started carefully removing the old ones. "If you're feelin' too hot, you can get a drink yourself while you wait. This'll take a little bit."

He didn't really think it was that warm a day outside, but Shoi-Ming did have more layers on than him.

[lovesfolly]

     Suppose when he'd started at Belobog Industries, he hadn't really known all the ins and outs either, but it didn't stop him from feeling a bit sheepish about it. And now he was their dedicated medical expert, so it had all come to work out! Still, given that they worked with machines day after day, he felt like he should've known at least a bit more of this.

     Though, even from behind his hands, he peeked through his fingers to watch the other. Amethyst eyes quietly running over the other's figure before he knelt down by the toolbox. Settling on one feature in particular as his tail started to wag.

     “ Right, better t' have and not need it… ” he repeated, not quite paying full attention. And then how immediately he straightened as the other mentioned being hot.       Straightening his posture and averting his gaze as he tried to clear his throat. Oh, he was no better than the men at the bar!       “ I might jus' do that –! Um, did ya want anythin' while ‘m headin’ in there? ”

     He really just hoped he hadn't noticed where the Draconid had been staring…

[abdicatedoverlord]

At first, Pompey was too engrossed in replacing the wires to notice any wandering attention. But when all he heard from Shoi-Ming was a repetition of his own words, with the distance of distraction, he glanced up. Didn't seem like the other was watching what his hands were doing, staring a little too far down for that. So what—

Ohhh.

Pompey didn't really mind. He knew he was alright to look at, and some folks really had a thing for shows of competence. Where Shoi-Ming was particularly staring, though, made him wonder if his appeal might sour once the other saw Pompey's equipment differed from typical expectations. An idle curiosity, and not a question to ask someone after first meeting within the last hour for a job. A job he still had to finish.

Gaze lowering to the ignition switch again with a faint smirk beneath his beard, Pompey replied, "Wouldn't say no, sure. Long as it's not booze, whatever you can spare's fine."

[abdicatedoverlord]

Just like he'd thought, that little pause said plenty about Shoi-Ming's nerves. Still, it was shorter than Pompey expected - so he was right about that bit of grit, too. At first, he monitored the switch's removal by feel, wires sliding past his fingertips. When they were out of reach, he straightened up to look past the hood and through the windshield. "Just like that. Make sure to pull it out straight as you can."

Pompey did approach and step around the driver's side door, though, for both further reassurance and just in case. Bent slightly and leaning a palm on the roof's edge, he watched the switch's safe removal. Good to see no wires got caught or overextended, and the casing itself looked fine considering the car's approximate age.

"Nicely done. Thanks." After taking the ignition switch from Shoi-Ming, Pompey stood and took a step back. No reason to crowd the other, especially when he still had work to do. "Yeah, it's just the wires. They've all got splits, see?" He pointed out a couple of them. "And some of the rubber's crumbling. Don't wanna risk too much heat, or a spark, gettin' somewhere it really shouldn't. But, they're pretty standard; should have the spares needed with me."

[lovesfolly]

     Car maintenance certainly felt like an entirely foreign world to him, even with the other's guidance and reassurances. At least he'd done it correctly, he thought. Even with a bit off assistance and Pompey standing over him for a moment. The ignition switch and its wires eventually came out with it. Easily handing it over as he stayed seated in the front seat, his tail wrapping over his lap as he looked from the item in question and back up at Pompey. “ Guess that wasn't too hard – I mean, y'ended up doin' most of the work, though. ”

     To be fair to himself – that was, at least, what he was paying for, right? He didn't know much about mechanics or how they priced things, either. So even being taught basic things felt quite nice. Hadn't he heard one of the other construction workers talking about how usually they didn't do that sort of thing? Maybe this one just happened to be kind.

     Yeah – kind and handsome. Wait, rewind that. Take it back.

     He brought his hands up to cover his face as he nodded. Trying to focus on the other's words rather than the growing fluster of his features. The attempt to hide that he'd even been thinking such a thing. Even if it was normal, it felt like the absolutely worst time to be having a thought like that. “ Y-yup! I see what you mean! ” he did not. “ Ah, that's great though! That you have those on hand, I mean! ”

[abdicatedoverlord]

Pompey shrugged at the mention of him 'doing most of the work'. Might be strictly true, sure, but there was the old adage of learning to walk before you run. It wasn't like he could do engine maintenance day one, either; might've started learning earlier than Shoi-Ming, but he'd started simple too with checking oil levels and tire pressure.

Seemed like the other's thoughts had wandered in a different direction, though. Something worth covering most of one's face about. Pompey couldn't puzzle out the reason - so for now, he didn't try. Still work to be done.

"When you described the problem, I figured this would be one o' the most likely causes. Besides, better to have it and not need it, if possible." Returning to his toolbox and settling onto one knee, Pompey pulled the new wire set to the top, but first started carefully removing the old ones. "If you're feelin' too hot, you can get a drink yourself while you wait. This'll take a little bit."

He didn't really think it was that warm a day outside, but Shoi-Ming did have more layers on than him.

[abdicatedoverlord]

It took a bit of finagling - dexterous as his fingers were, there was pretty limited space for them - but he managed to detach all the wires. Pompey felt it loosen afterwards, but it didn't slip away from his touch.

Straightening up, he assured, "Thanks. If it dropped, it could've caused extra damage to the wires or the mechanism. You can pull it out from there, 'less you want me to come do it."

An even simpler procedure than checking oil - the pulling out, anyway - but with how inexperienced Shoi-Ming seemed to be around car maintenance, he wouldn't begrudge any hesitation. Pompey had felt similar when doing his first maintenance, terrified that any unfamiliar motion or firm touch would break something. Still, there seemed to be an energy, even a grit of sorts, in Shoi-Ming's character that kept him wondering.

"It's easier to check the whole thing when it's out, make sure it's just old wires."

[lovesfolly]

     For a moment, he was more or less frozen as the other spoke. Pull it out? Like just do it? He was definitely worried about ruining it, but if he thought the Draconid could do it, he'd at least try.

     Darkened fingers took the switch careful and started to take it out alongside the wires that had once been connected. “ Uh – I jus' hope ‘m doin’ right. Like this? Y'wanna look at all th' wires that came with? ”

     He could follow directions if nothing else, he supposed. And while he was rather inept when it came to this sort of thing, he was nothing if not a quick learner. Just give him the time and the directions that needed to be followed. Occasionally he could surprise you with the information retained.      Only occasionally.

[abdicatedoverlord]

Just like he'd thought, that little pause said plenty about Shoi-Ming's nerves. Still, it was shorter than Pompey expected - so he was right about that bit of grit, too. At first, he monitored the switch's removal by feel, wires sliding past his fingertips. When they were out of reach, he straightened up to look past the hood and through the windshield. "Just like that. Make sure to pull it out straight as you can."

Pompey did approach and step around the driver's side door, though, for both further reassurance and just in case. Bent slightly and leaning a palm on the roof's edge, he watched the switch's safe removal. Good to see no wires got caught or overextended, and the casing itself looked fine considering the car's approximate age.

"Nicely done. Thanks." After taking the ignition switch from Shoi-Ming, Pompey stood and took a step back. No reason to crowd the other, especially when he still had work to do. "Yeah, it's just the wires. They've all got splits, see?" He pointed out a couple of them. "And some of the rubber's crumbling. Don't wanna risk too much heat, or a spark, gettin' somewhere it really shouldn't. But, they're pretty standard; should have the spares needed with me."