like living in a movie -- Rue && Nikki

[TARQUIN FINLEY ELLIS]

Quinn was standing there at the microwave, waiting for the popcorn to finish popping. Which of course had Lambert planted in front of him and staring up, also waiting to be fed some popcorn. Quinn quirked an eyebrow at the duck, as the microwave beeped, and took the popcorn out, moving to grab a bowl. The duck trailed behind him with a few sharp quacks, and Quinn poured the popcorn in a bowl, then tossed a piece to Lambert before throwing away the empty bag. Picking up the bowl, he made his way to the fridge and opened it up, looking in and grabbing a mountain dew. "Hey Nikki, what would you like to drink?" He called out to the mermaid, who was doing whatever girly things were done after a bath. Quinn had to be glad it didn't take much for him to be ready. Just drying off -- he didn't even need a towel for that, thanks to being a firetamer -- and putting some clothes on, running a comb through his hair. Done and done. Of course it was just boxers and pants while he was hanging around the house anyway.

He had taken a shower first, simply because he figured if he took a bath with Nikki -- and the bathtub was a good size for the mermaid's sake -- then they'd probably end up back in bed. But they were suppost to watch a movie, so Quinn decided to refrain from that idea. This time. After getting the response on what Nikki wanted to drink, he grabbed that and brought both drinks and popcorn to the living room area, tossing another piece of popcorn to Lambert who had fluffed up, flapping his wings in demand to be fed more. Setting the bowl down on the coffee table with the drinks, he picked the duck up to ensure Lambert did not try to get on the table to attack the popcorn. Holding the Duck with one arm, Quinn opened his mountain dew for a drink of it; completely relaxed. And, well, in a great mood.

Things had worked out really well for Quinn, which had been a bit of a surprise. He had thought things would end up falling apart after telling Nikki his darkest of secrets, but eventually it had smoothed out. There were moments where he thought about it and was still shocked that it was something the mermaid could overlook. Quinn had been mulling over having his friends and family meet Nikki at this point, though he was trying to brace himself for what they might say about it. Quinn's parents weren't going to be thrilled that he wasn't dating another firetamer, that was for sure. Not with Roman playing bachelor and Calan doing what he was doing. Not that Quinn cared much about any of these things. It was more that he did not want his parents saying anything to upset Nikki. Some days Quinn wasn't sure they needed to know at all, though he supposed that it could make more of a difference to Nikki on meeting them. It was something Quinn knew he'd have to bring up eventually. Maybe after the movie.

[RUBEN DANIEL CARRAWAY]

[/style][style=width:370px; height: 10px; font-family: Open Sans Condensed, sans-serif; font-size:14px; color: #f4f4f4; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: center; background-color: #1c1c1c; padding: 15px; ]NO ONE DOES IT BETTER

Ruben didn't know what the hell he was feeling right in that moment. Whether it was panic, or whether he was numb, it was all flying over his head. He just knew he needed someone to talk to, someone who wasn't a girl preferably, and well, he hadn't turned up to training in the last few days and that was very unlike him. Ruben never missed a session, and usually the martial arts helped him clear his head, but it seemed like that wasn't the case this time. He knew he'd make too many mistakes, because he simply had too much on his mind. He had turned his phone off, just so no one could reach him. Ruben wasn't usually so antisocial, but he had spent two nights 'taking his mind off things' with various girls. That was only because it was the only thing he knew. It was a comfort zone, because sex was mechanic and he wanted the pleasure to take away his thoughts. Nevermind that that was the reason for his crisis. He got a hunter pregnant. Now not only was there a fear of him being a father if she keeps it, but also he was sure he'd have all those hunters on his back. As much as he knew Annette wouldn't feed him to the wolves, it was a scary as hell thought.

Shoving a hand through his hair, Ruben made his way out of the apartment he shared with one other guy. It was good, since they could share the rent, and well, Spencer didn't mind the girls he brought home, and Rue didn't particularly care about the guys affairs either, so it was a win win. However, whenever he went out, he asked the male to look out for his cat just in case. If he was going somewhere, to leave some water and stuff. Ruben may not have much responsibility, but he knew how to look after Simba. So logically, it seemed like he should be able to take care of a kid. Hell no, it was completely different. If he really needed to, he could leave Simba at someone's house, and a kid was a full time deal. Ruben wasn't willing to let this change happen. It was frightening, and who would want him for a father anyway? Certainly not the baby in Annette's stomach. The thought made his stomach lurch, and he kept feeling more and more nauseous at the thought as he made his way to where Quinn lived. He really needed his best friend, and they hadn't hung out in a while anyway.

Ruben chose to walk it rather than take his motorcycle, he wasn't sure he would be able to keep it on the road. Some people might say that he was overreacting, but Ruben didn't think so. Because it was him, and he didn't plan on having kids ... ever. Never. With a small huff, he stuck his hands into his pockets, hoping that the cool air in his lungs would make him feel better. The blue hat he wore was keeping his ears warm, as he had put it on about half way down the road, and he was somewhat grateful because it was really cold. But the biting wind gave him some distraction at least. With a small huff, Ruben was almost at Quinn's apartment when he realised he didn't know if the male would be in. It really had been longer than he's though that they hadn't seen one another. It was a strange feeling anyway. Entering the building, he took the lift up to Quinn's floor, this like second nature now, since he'd be here loads of times.

When he finally got to the door, he moved to push down the handle, but of course, the door was locked. Which wasn't unusual, but he knocked on the door. Many times and loudly, his voice joining soon after. "Quinn, open the fucking door you asswipe." Really, Rue's insults were affectionate when aimed at Quinn, and yes he knew he had had a spare key but he'd left that at home. He waited patiently as the blond male opened the door, pushing past him into the apartment, not looking around as he stared at his friend with wide eyes. He was sure there was some fear in them, because Ruben felt frightened over his situation. "Hey." He said, an amused smirk on his own lips at the messed up situation. "I got into some shit, and I need your advice." He walked further into the apartment. "Annette is pregnant." He announced taking off his hat, and looked at Quinn. "It's mine." He said, completely seriously, before looking around. "Oh, hey, can I smell popcorn?" His heart beat a little slower, because he was starting to feel minisculey better.

thanks

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[NICOLE CAMERON CARTER]

nikki had been enjoying his time with tarquin since they got back together. sure, there had been some awkward questions - and very awkward conversations about incest - but that was past them now. now, they were happy. at last, the mermaid hoped that quinn was as happy as he was. he figured that the firetamer was happier; even though they'd bathed separately, nikki was pretty sure he knew the reason why. being so close together in a bathtub would probably have ruined their bit of time for a movie . . . not that he really would have minded that.

he'd taken a short pause of drying his hair when he heard quinn ask him what he wanted to drink. nikki stuck his head out the door, replying with a quick " root beer~ " and continued to dry his hair. even without doing much to it, it still managed to dry almost perfectly straight. there were a few waves here and there, but he liked them; they weren't annoy waves, but cute ones. ignoring the fact that he was wearing no make up and was only wearing one of quinn's huge t - shirts over his lil' undies, nikki left the bathroom and plopped onto the couch, smiling.

the mermaid pulled a pillow close to him, hugging it and resting his head on it, watching quinn. he jumped when he heard the banging on the door, the person on the other side yell at quinn to open up. nikki sat up, wondering who the hell it was that could curse at quinn like that so easily. " er . . . is it safe to open it to that guy? " he asked as quinn went to open the door. nikki just watched, confused, as a male entered the room and started talking to quinn. nikki bit his lip, having a strong feeling that he wasn't meant to be hearing any of this.

annette . . . ? nikki was trying to figure out why that name was so familiar when the stranger commented on smelling popcorn. he figured it was a good enough time as any to make his presence known to the strange male. still sitting on the couch, nikki lifted the bowl of popcorn up towards the newcomer. " quinn just made some popcorn. you can, uh, have some . . . if you want, " he said, trying to be as nice as possible. obviously the two were close - why else would this guy be spilling his secrets to quinn? - so he didn't want to get on this guy's bad side . . . but at the same time, nikki had been looking forward to some more alone time with quinn.

450ish words
sorry kinda lame and short </3

[TARQUIN FINLEY ELLIS]

Things were going a lot better for him after getting back together with Nikki. They'd dealt with the whole secrets thing, and now Quinn didn't have hidden things from the mermaid. Not that he figured it got any worse then what they'd had to talk about, of course. But the thing with Roman had been six years ago, and obviously not something Quinn ever cared to think about, let alone give any hint of repeating. Nikki was aware that Quinn would rather break Roman's nose then be near the guy. That wasn't a secret to anyone, though. The reason why had been kept to himself, but now Nikki knew the whole story on that, and it was a weight off Quinn's chest to have been able to confess it wholly to someone finally. And more then he could have actually hoped for that the mermaid still wanted him after knowing it. But it was the past.

Actual dating was something he liked to think he was getting better at -- though only with Nikki, of course -- yet there had been that slow easing back into it at first. Almost like it had started in the first place. It had progressed well since then, but Quinn didn't want to overdo it or anything. Which was why he had refrained from sharing a bath with Nikki. He did not want to seem pushy with sex, and it was hard enough keeping his hands off of the mermaid as it was. Cuddled close in a bathtub? It was clear to both of them where that would end up. And Quinn had promised some cozy movie watching today. He couldn't go back on that, it would be wrong of him. Quinn was trying hard not to do anything wrong this time around. So he made the popcorn, grabbed the drinks when Nikki had responded, and settled on the couch to wait for the mermaid to get finished hair drying and whatnot.

He'd set his drink back down when Nikki came in and plopped on the couch in one of his t-shirts. "Mmm, that's a sexy look.." He pointed out with an adoring -- half hungry -- smile curved over his lips. Yes indeed; there was something so very attractive about the mermaid wearing one of his shirts. Made him feel all warm inside. Probably on the outside a little, too. Had Quinn not been holding Lambert, he probably would have pulled Nikki closer for a quick -- or not so quick -- kiss. Either way, it was good that he was interrupted before any of that. His body jolted and tensed at the loud knocking. He hadn't been expecting that, though in such a daze; he sort of shoved the rest of the world aside for now. Quinn just sighed and gave a rueful shake of his head at the sound of his best friend's voice and the all too familiar insults.

Grinning in an amused way at Nikki's comment, Quinn gave a nod. "Give me a second, douchebag." He responded to Rue, setting the duck down while getting up and going to the door to open it. It had been awhile since he'd seen Ruben, but he figured his best friend had been busy or whatnot. Now had Quinn not been able to contact Rue via a text or anything else in a week, he'd have gone to Ruben's apartment to check up on the male. When he was pushed past and was stared at -- holy shit, was that fear in Rue's eyes? -- Quinn wasn't sure how to react. What in the world? Then the amused smirk that meant to cover up the other expression that Quinn was used to; and the words of getting into some shit and needing advice. Quinn had to lift an eyebrow. Him? Give advice? Not really his strong suit, though of course he'd help however he cou-- "What?" He was startled from his thoughts at the announcement.

Of course he knew what had been said, but it took a moment to process such a thing. Annette pregnant. Okay, so the thought of that being possible had never even crossed Quinn's mind. Not even when it had came to the situation he'd found himself in after that one night... He paled, feeling sick to his stomach for a moment. But it was Ruben's. "Oh thank god it's not mine." It was out before he had a chance to think about what he was saying. Or who he'd said it in front of. "Jesus, Rue. I'm here for you, but I have no advice for that kind of situation." The words were uneasy, and this time he'd been able to hold back the whole 'If it had been me, I'd have told her to make sure she wasn't by the end of the week' that was on the tip of his tongue. At the words of popcorn, and then Nikki's piping up offering some to Rue, Quinn swallowed and turned towards the mermaid. "Um. Nikki, this is my best friend Ruben. Rue, this is my girlfriend Nikki." Wow that was enough to make his mind spin a bit.

[RUBEN DANIEL CARRAWAY]

[/style][style=width:370px; height: 10px; font-family: Open Sans Condensed, sans-serif; font-size:14px; color: #f4f4f4; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: center; background-color: #1c1c1c; padding: 15px; ]NO ONE DOES IT BETTER

It was quite funny how Ruben and Quinn threw insults at each other all the time, and it didn't seem to matter, because that was a bigger sign of affection than cheese filled words would be. Ruben had never been one for anything sort of chick flick moments, which was why the way he spoke was usually crude and brash. It was quite something, when girls he was with expected candle-lit dinner and flowers, and the ones that didn't thought they could be the ones to 'turn him around' that they could be the ones to get him to 'love them' and 'date them'. Hell to the no, that shit was for movies, and he was going to enjoy his life. But it seemed that he had been enjoying life a little too much, simply because now he had a baby on the way. When he was inside the apartment, and spoke the wicked words, it seemed like Quinn was shocked ... and hell, he'd forgotten that the firetamer had slept with Annette. That thought was amusing, and it struck him for a moment that it could be anyone's ... but no, Annette said she knew, so ... Hell.

He took his hat off, and glared at the blond boy who showed his support through the relief that it wasn't his. "Fuck you dickwad, I'm having a mental breakdown and that's all you can say?" He snorted in a completely unreasonable way, though his voice didn't hold a harshness or a menace. The shifter growled softly, shoving his fingers in his hair and pulling at the strands in frustration. "She said she won't get rid of it. I said we'd be fucking horrible parents, but she doesn't wanna kill it." He huffed, his brown eyes a bit panicked. "Jesus Christ Quinn, I can't be a dad." He spoke, his words were a little too fast but that was understandable, but then his shoulders stiffened at the second voice that was not his and Quinn's. He turned in the direction, startled, seeing a blonde girl who was clearly wearing Quinn's shirt. So the guy got laid ... and that meant that Rue was interrupting. Well, they could deal.

He listened to Quinn's introduction. Girlfriend? Ruben gave him an accusing glance, before turning to the woman. "Nice to finally meet you Nikki, though I don't know why that douchebag over there delayed this meeting." He scoffed, eyeing the males shirt on the girl, and a wicked smirk settled on his face. "Though it's nice to know that he got some, I thought he was gonna still be a virgin all old shrivelled up." Ruben laughed at his own crude words, because crude was just the way he spoke. He didn't go for the usual gags, like handshakes or anything, just put his hand in the popcorn bowl offered and took some, putting the small things into his mouth and chewing. Looking around, he felt like the situation was somewhat awkward, but not something he was too bothered about.

"Sorry you had to hear about my fucked up problems, didn't realise anyone was here." He offered with a small shrug, before moving to sit on the edge of the sofa, his eyes looking around, and at the sight of a duck, Ruben's eyes widened, and he was up on his feet and moving to pick the thing up. "You got a duck!?" He looked amused as hell, and this was something Quinn was never going to live down. "Why the hell do you have a duck, Tarquin?" He used his best posh voice, just because he liked to make fun of situations to break tension, and plus he knew that the other male didn't like it when he called him that, which was why he did it to pay him back for the 'thank God comment. Ruben petted the duck who was making sounds like Ruben was killing it, so he put it down. "I need a drink." He looked to Quinn, making it an invite for them all to have a drink, but if they didn't want any ... well, he was always good to drink on his own.

thanks

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[NICOLE CAMERON CARTER]

nikki liked that he knew more about quinn now. with their little secret exchange, the mermaid felt safer about their relationship. after all, they both had revealed one of their biggest secrets, hadn't they? nikki's was that he was a boy, and though that didn't really seem like it should be a huge secret, it was. he didn't like people knowing because of how it was received when he first started dressing this way. he didn't want to be tormented and taunted by people because of the way he dressed; luckily, once quinn had calmed down, he had no problem with how nikki was. and for quinn, the mermaid knew it was a big deal to tell him about the whole roman thing. it kind of made nikki feel special to know about this, though he knew he really shouldn't. he just . . . couldn't help it.

quinn's sexy comment made nikki laugh lightly and did a little hair toss and a haughty body wiggle, obviously acting like one of those preppy girls on tv shows that get compliments all the time.. " haha, glad you like it~ " he replied with a grin. nikki loved that smile on quinn's lips; it meant things were going smoothly, that quinn wanted him, and usually meant something fun was going to happen soon. but, of course, there was the slight problem that of strange person at the door and demanding that quinn open up. nikki rolled his eyes and stuck his tongue out at quin because of that next little grin, followed by insults are the third male at the door. they must be pretty close. i mean, you don't usually insult people you barely know like this. at least, most people don't do that. then again, it was tarquin we're talking about here . . .

" oh thank god it's not mine. " nikki tensed a little when he heard that comment. so that was where he had heard the name before . . . quinn had probably said it at some point when they were coming clean. the mermaid would have been more upset if he hadn't known about this, or even if he knew he had no right to be mad at quinn for something that happened while they weren't together. he didn't want to be like one of those girls that would get super mad if their boyfriend even looked at a girl differently when they were technically not dating. it was always stupid in the movies, and he had no intention on letting himself live life like he was in one of those stupid films. nope, never.

the mermaid jumped a little when he heard his name. he quickly smiled and did a small little wave to ruben. " yeah, nice to meet you, too. and sometimes things just kinda happen that way, ya'know? " he replied, slightly awkward because, honestly, he wasn't used to being with friends that constantly insult each other. nikki figured it was a guy thing. nikki unconsciously pulled the bottom of the shirt farther down, making it go almost to his knees. he didn't want the shirt to somehow lift up and make it obvious that he wasn't technically a girlfriend; sure, he was wearing girl's underwear, but they would still show a bit of a bulge . . . and nikki had no idea how ruben would react to this, let alone how he'd be with quinn.

nikki shrugged and laughed a little. " it's okay. seems like you're dealing with a lot . . . i mean, i thought i had some drama going on, " he said softly, hoping it would sound like he knew what ruben was going through. it took him a moment to realize that what he had said kind of referred to the whole ordeal with quinn. nikki made up a little story in his head real quick, just in case ruben asked to hear about it. he highly doubted that would happen, but it never hurt to have a story thought up just in case. nikki raised an eyebrow as ruben got distracted by the duck. was it really that odd? he ate a few pieces of popcorn - one at a time - as the newcomer teased quinn about the duck. it was kinda cute, how these two were with each other. " you two are so funny, " he said quietly, mostly to himself, an airy laugh accompanying it.

746 words
:3

[TARQUIN FINLEY ELLIS]

There was something almost refreshing to being able to bat around insults with someone again, since he hadn't been hanging around with Ruben in awhile. Or Annette, for that matter; though dear lord, how could he deal with being around her now? After what had happened? He'd been avoiding her like the plague, honestly. Which left him short on sparring buddies, but considering everything, Quinn found it best not to be any kind of physically close to the female at this point. Of course now that he knew Annette was pregnant, he certainly wouldn't have prodded for a spar anyway. The circle of people he knew and the situations going on with them had gotten fucked up really quick, didn't they? It made him uncertain as to how to react to it all, so he was making this shit up as he went. Do his best to be a supportive friend to Rue and muddle on through it. He couldn't quite imagine Ruben's panic to the fullest extent, since there had only been that brief moment of freaked-out concern on if the baby could be his. But he'd dodged the bullet on that one, and yeah, Quinn was counting his lucky stars on that.

Calming down on the whole gender matter regarding Nikki had been reather easy after they'd gotten back together. The initial shock and the betrayal he'd felt that it had been withheld from him before was gone, and Quinn had understood why the mermaid had hidden it; Quinn's own reaction to it was proof enough why it was done. It made sense and so Quinn couldn't hold it against Nikki. He'd had his own secrets that could possibly change things, though now the mermaid was aware of these things and nothing was going too badly over that. To him, the relationship felt as if it was going smoothly, and Quinn was happy. He had stopped thinking much on the matter of gender, since it wasn't going to hold him back. Nikki was all the more interesting for all the resolve the mermaid had in the choice taken, the way that Nikki had decided to live. And Quinn was committed to the relationship, because why else would he tell anyone, ever, about what had happened with Roman? That was some dangerous stuff for anyone to have on him. It was why Quinn didn't tell the story. Ruben knew most of it, though not <i>who</i> it had been. The overview of the situation, mostly what had happened. It had been weird enough talking on it then, and so digging more into the story wasn't something Quinn looked forward to doing.

Had Ruben not started knocking and whatnot, the whole movie watching thing might not have worked out well anyway. Not with Nikki doing that little wiggle that seemed more like a tease then anything to him. He would have decided that so long as he played the movie, that was close enough... But it didn't work out that way. With a distressed best friend on the other side of his door, Quinn couldn't ignore everything but Nikki now. He probably should have explained the insulting thing to the mermaid beforehand, but then again, Quinn shouldn't have been postponing the introducing of Ruben and Nikki, either. Things had just been a little all over the place, and then it had been settling down and Quinn hadn't been thinking. At least... not about that kind of stuff. Plenty of other things, though. But sure, Quinn had no fear of insulting people for real if he felt there was a good enough reason, though in Quinn's case, that reason could be almost anything if he thought it might warrent a fight. Been months without getting arrested for that type of shit, which was quite a feat.

He watched Rue's glare, and at the words, he gave a sarcastic sort of half-shrug. "And you wouldn't say the same if you were in a similiar situation." He pointed out blandly; mostly just giving him shit about it, because that's just the way it was. Plus, Ruben would probably mess with him if it had been Quinn this was happening to. Though yeah, he was sure that aside from that, Rue'd be supportive too. However, Quinn hadn't thought it would ever come to this when dealing with Rue, simply because he thought his best friend was always so much more careful then this. It wasn't something Quinn expected he'd ever need to give advice on for coping, and well, he really had no advice to give here. Quinn's expression softened a little at the explaining of what was going on; understanding how Ruben would be feeling so panicked over it. Quinn would be freaking out too, and trying to get Annette to change her mind in any possible way he could. "Yeah I hear you. I'd do whatever I could to help, but this one's a bit above any help I can really give... And Annette can be stubborn as hell. Never really saw her as a mothering type, either. Hunter's all ass-backwards, isn't she?" Yeah, Quinn thought Annette was all kinds of strange.

Okay, so he deserved that accusing glance, and the insult too, sure. He really should have had the two meet sooner. Though he still had to bring Nikki to his parent's house too, eventually. Not really looking forward to that one, since Amery would probably get snippy over the whole 'not a firetamer' thing. That would be obnoxious, but Quinn wasn't going to stand down on this. He'd date who he wanted to date. At least Rue wouldn't get on his case over something stupid like species. The next words from Ruben got an annoyed sound, however. "Hey, don't pick on my ego in front of my girl, asswipe." He rolled his eyes at Rue. "I probably lost my virginity years before you had anyway, smartass. Forgive me for not being such a ho afterwards." The words were snarky, and he stuck out his tongue at Ruben. Quinn had other things to focus on besides sex in the years he'd been refraining, that's all. Okay, and he'd had a bunch of hangups over it that helped keep him from accepting any easy invitations for such a thing. He'd made a point to seem off-limits to most, but he'd realized he'd have to move on and deal eventually. So he had.

With that out of the way -- aside from Nikki and Ruben's words to each other -- he went for a drink of his mountain dew while looking at the two now on the couch. At least until Rue spotted Lambert, anyway. When Ruben picked the duck up and spoke, Quinn slanted his eyes away for a moment. Here it goes. And there it went. "Way to be a little bitch and pull out the actual name treatment." There was a little sneer on his face, but it was mostly in jest. "Some kid handed it to me in the park, and I set is aside. Then the damn thing hatched and wouldn't stop following me around. So I just kept it." He shrugs. Why not? It wouldn't leave him alone, and he hadn't wanted to kill a fluffy little duckling. It had been cute. Not that he was admitting it. Quinn found the squabbling from the duck until Rue put it down amusing, and then Nikki's words made him glance at the mermaid with a small smirk. Well, at least Nikki was being entertained. Could be worse. On Ruben's comment of needing a drink, Quinn scratched the back of his neck thoughtfully. "I think there's some jack and some vodka in the cupboards.. I don't really like drinking elsewhere, you know, after shit..." Not that Quinn usually had any mind to drink what he had in the apartment anyway, but company now and then wanted some. He glanced at them and waited.

[RUBEN DANIEL CARRAWAY]

[/style][style=width:370px; height: 10px; font-family: Open Sans Condensed, sans-serif; font-size:14px; color: #f4f4f4; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: center; background-color: #1c1c1c; padding: 15px; ]NO ONE DOES IT BETTER

Honestly, Rue could not argue with Quinn's words simply because he knew that he would be giving the guy shit if he knocked someone up, but the snort that the shifter gave was somewhat undignified. "You were always the more caring of us both." Ruben teased, an amused smirk on his lips for a moment, before sighing softly. At this point still not knowing the other person was in the room, he opened his big mouth. "I still can't believe you fucked her. She's like ... the last person I ever expected you to sleep with... ever." Ruben said with a snicker. Because if Quinn was a dick and poked fun at him when he was in a crisis, he'll be the best friend Quinn ever had and do it right back. Really, that was how their relationship worked a lot of the time. It was full of teasing, and swearing at one another, being rude but Ruben genuinely cared for his friend. That didn't mean he didn't like to tease. At Quinn's next words, Ruben shrugged a little. "She is. But she's only a hunter for that demon what's-his-name thing other than that she doesn't care." Which was kind of weird, because she is friends with all those big ass hunters, and a fear was raised in Rue. "She told her hunter friends about the baby, so now I gotta watch my ass." He sighed a little in frustration, taking off the blue hat he was wearing and ruffling his hair to stand back up as it always does.

Ruben was genuinely excited that Quinn was with someone. Where Ruben was with many girls time and time again, Quinn never had been, so it was nice to see his friend have someone around like that. He nodded at Nikki's words, but Quinn's words made his head whip to the male, with an amused snort. "Are you fucking kidding me? You talk shit about me in front of potential fucks all the time, doesn't matter if I don't wanna date them." He rolled his eyes before casting his eyes back on the girl. She was pretty, blonde, nice eyes and all, but the fact that she was with his friend instantly made him not want to hit on her, it was kind of a turn off, but not enough to turn off his flirtatious nature. He smiled brightly at Nikki. "Not sure how he scored someone so attractive, really, it's comforting." Ruben laughed a little, before rolling his eyes at Quinn. "There is no shame in taking what you want all the time. Plenty of fish who want this, so why the hell not." Ruben really didn't care that he was a whore. He was not ashamed of it. Sex was an act of pleasure that he would not deny himself, but he also did not want to limit himself to just one woman; why do that when he could have lots? It was funny how Rue has never actually had a girlfriend, it was always just a fuck or friends with benefits, like Annette and and Jaz and a few others were. He liked having go to girls, cause he was sure of the standards when he was not feeling up to hitting on someone, but still up for a good time.

The apology had actually been genuine, because he didn't want anybody to have to hear about his pathetic little life. So, when Nikki spoke that made him laugh. Ruben was glad he came there, he was feeling a ton better, and the couple could deal with a little imposing, he needed to be around people in that moment, and if Quinn was really unhappy about it, he wouldn't hesitate to throw him out. So, while he didn't Ruben would stay. "Drama you say. Poor Quinn, having to look after his girlfriend and friend." Ruben teased, not aware that the drama with Nikki included Quinn. He looked to the blonde on the couch and winked. "I propose we try to forget all drama for now. No mentioning that shit because my mind will seriously explode." Distraction was what Ruben needed, and so distraction was what he was going to get. He supposed he was lucky that martial arts for him had been a big thing before he ran away from home, that was the only thing that didn't piss him off about home really. His parents were dicks and would think that he was the biggest disappointment ever. If there was even a chance to go back, with the news that he knocked someone up he wouldn't even be allowed back in, he was sure. He missed his little brother and sister though, even if he barely spoke about them. He wasn't even sure if he mentioned to Quinn that he even had siblings. It never really came up. If his parents could see him now. Ruben didn't regret making these mistakes, because they were his own decision. Marriage would have been a mistake that his parents made, and he wouldn't stand for it.

Ash Rue held onto the duck, he raised it up to his face and peered at it, co close that his brown eyes were almost crossing as he listened to the story of how he got the duck. "And you felt bad for a little duck. I'd call you a pussy, but I feel you, it was kind of how it happened with me and Simba." Ruben grinned as the animal let out a noise. He was sure that the duck and his cat would be toxic in a room, so that was a suggestion he'd never make. Then the duck wasn't having it any more, and Rue placed it on the floor. He wanted to keep his eyes thank you very much. However, the comment from Nikki brought a grin to his face. "Quinn's true colours come out when he's with me, so watch out, cause you might not wanna be with him any more after I leave." Ruben joked, because it was honestly not that bad. There were insults thrown here and there that he was pretty sure Quinn wouldn't say to most people, whereas Rue himself spoke like this almost anyone. Politeness was a thing of the past. Ruben jumped up from where he was sitting at the mention of alcohol in the apartment, and really, he would not be picky. Moving to the kitchen, he opened the cupboard in which the drink was usually held and grabbed the first bottle from the front. "Looks like it's vodka then." He grinned, flashing his teeth as he got some shot glasses before he walked back to the sofas and plopped himself down next to Nikki. "We should play that lame ass drinking game where you say something you haven't done and if someone else has done it they drink." He shrugged because why not. He was kind of assuming at this point that they would be drinking with him. Crossing his legs, he used his hand to twist the bottle off the cap. He felt much more relaxed, and this would help him take his mind off things.

thanks

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[NICOLE CAMERON CARTER]

as resolved as nikki was to not get mad about quinn sleeping with someone - there were so many reasons to not be mad and only one for him to be mad - the boys' conversation sure wasn't helping. " i still can't believe you fucked her. she's like . . . the last person i ever expected you to sleep with . . . ever. " yeah. that really wasn't helping the mermaid maintain a level head. he bit the inside of his lip and focused on the positive facts. quinn was his. they were dating. annette was in the past. she was pregnant with another person's kid. there was no chance in hell that quinn and her would end up together, so no harm no foul, right? that was what the mermaid was keeping in his head. nothing bad happened from it. it was a one time thing, he wasn't right at the time, they were together now - everything was fine.

hearing that the girl both boys had slept with was a hunter, nikki just looked back and forth between them. even though she was only a hunter for some dude, the mermaid couldn't believe they'd felt safe enough to do that kind of thing. maybe it was because nikki had never met a nice (or niceish) hunter, or maybe it was because they'd destroyed his house, but nikki had an automatic distrust of hunters. apparently, there were good hunters . . . the mermaid made a mental note to ask quinn to maybe meet this annette person someday. if she was friends to both of these guys, and the mother of nikki's boyfriend's best friend's child (holy hell), she should be someone he knew, right? that sounded like a logical enough reason . . . much better than the i can show her he's mine now that he was previously thinking of.

" my girl " were about the only two words nikki had paid attention to at some point. that seemed to make everything better, make it all the more final. well, okay, he figured the sex made their relationship official and their everything, but hearing quinn call nikki his girl . . . it made the mermaid noticeably brighten. and then you tack on ruben calling him attractive, and you had a very happy and slightly embarrassed nikki on your hands. he laughed a bit at the shifter's comment, smiling brightly. " mm, it probably sounds super cheesy, but i think it's more surprising as to how i found someone so attractive and amazing, " he said, giving quinn a wink. he wasn't even sure if the firetamer had seen it, but hopefully the words got his point across. he was lucky to have tarquin and he knew it.

nikki semi - ignored the wink from ruben and nodded. " yes, yes, forget drama! what's happened happened, ya? and you should probably get that checked out, exploding isn't typically healthy, " he teased. hey, if the boys were being cruel to each other, that meant nikki could be a little mean, right? " simba . . . ? " he asked, in disbelief. it was such a cute name, especially for cats, that nikki couldn't believe this tough - guy - looking shifter had named an animal that. he laughed lightly and shifted on the couch slightly, starting to have his butt fall asleep. it was always the awkwardest when your butt fell asleep and then you had to walk; at least, for nikki, that was the case. it always looked like he'd had something shoved up his ass for hours . . . which, sometimes, actually was the case.

the mermaid rolled his eyes at ruben. " trust me, there's a very short list of things he can do to make me not want to be with him. and this is actually on the list of things that make me want to be with him more, " he said, making sure to make eye contact with quinn. nikki had meant that, truly. he quickly looked back to ruben, though, just in case the shifter was feeling a little awkward. nikki knew how awkward it was when you were alone with a couple . . . they could easily get distracted and be in their own little world. well, at least they weren't on the couch making out and completely ignoring ruben. well, there was still time left in the day . . .

when ruben sat back down next to him, nikki felt the couch shift as he bounced from the sudden weight. hearing the suggestion, nikki was a little wary . . . things could easily shift to where he might have to lie in order to keep his secret. it wouldn't be a first, so he figured it was worth a shot. " i'd be up for it! though i'll prolly end up losing. but, uh. yeah! what do you think, quinn~? " he asked, looking back to quinn, giving him the best puppy dog eyes he could muster at the moment. truth be told, nikki would have loved to have their movie date back, but he also wanted to get to know ruben. this was his boyfriend's best friend! he wanted to be able to be on good terms and not have it be awkward like, well, it just had been. then again, bursting in saying you got someone pregnant isn't exactly the best first impression you can make on your best friend's girlfriend.