video | a finer world, part 2

[solarcharged]

[ Does this guy ever broadcast to the network from ground level?? APPARENTLY NOT because here's Apollo with yet another video message from somewhere dizzyingly high, this time sat on top of a brightly lit neon encrusted building in the heart of Jeopardy. Over his shoulder the sun sets over the desert in a picture perfect background landscape of bright pinks and oranges, but Apollo looks pensive despite the dreamy setting. He's been keeping an eye out for the so-called ghosts, you see, and maybe remembering a few ghosts of his own in the process. ]

An old friend once told me that saving the world is no good if we leave it the way we found it. She said 'saving the day shouldn't be the same as preserving the status quo'. Because what's the point in saving the world if you make no effort to change it? To make it better than it was?

That's why I joined her team, back home. I wanted to save the world and change it for the better. None of us could have done it alone but as a group... [ He trails off, turning a little wistful. ] As a group we were formidable.

But I know most of the teams currently operating here - [ you know who you are ] - are all pretty much Registered-only affairs. And that's fine if you're the Registering type...

[ Apollo's expression turns grim. Or as grim as you can look when surrounded by neon pink signage. ]

Personally? I've got no intention of swearing my loyalty to the government just because they want tame superheroes. But I still want to make a difference and if being a so-called vigilante is what it takes, then... I guess we'll see what happens next.

So consider this an open call. Is there anyone else out there who's Unsettled and wants to do their bit to save the world?

[ And yeah, maybe change it a little bit too. He hopes you're happy, Jenny Sparks. ]

Comments

[heliophilic]

How kind of you.

[M sways his hips as he heads back over to the wall and leans up against it, arms crossed.]

But then you'd accuse me of "reverse cheating" or something.

[solarcharged]

[ Walking like that should be illegal, Apollo thinks to himself. And while Midnighter has his back turned Apollo takes a few long moments to watch him as he walks, biting at his lip in silent (if guilty) appreciation. It was barely a few minutes ago that M was hugging him. Apollo's glad - pleased, even - that he decided to stick around after all.

Belatedly, Apollo realises that M has said something. He shakes his head again in amusement and turns his attention to the table. ]

'Reverse cheating'? More like helping to preserve my dignity and pride.

[ He finally picks an angle - an awkward one, unfortunately. An angle that involves him having to sprawl inelegantly over the pool table to take his shot. He winces as the wood creaks ominously beneath him. He isn't going to have much dignity or pride left if he breaks the pool table, but oh well! ]

[heliophilic]

[Splaying yourself on a pool table like that should be illegal, M can't help but think as he shamelessly watches Apollo take his next shot. A part of him knows that he shouldn't be, but... how could anyone blame him?]

You have pride to spare.

[solarcharged]

[ Apollo, bent over the table, throws M a sharp look of (entirely fake) disgruntled offence at that assessment. ]

Rude.

[ He makes the shot and manages to pot another of his balls, thankfully. Apollo straightens up again and points at M with his cue as he adds: ]

I liked you better when you were murderous and sympathetic.

[heliophilic]

[M shifts his position to try to make him seem more aloof. Yeah, he's one of those.]

Instead of murderous and rude?

[solarcharged]

That's your default, yes.

[ It's catty but Apollo's joking, he promises. There's a faintly smug smirk on his face as he leans over to take aim at the next ball...

Which misses the pocket by a mile and is probably karma. ]

Shit.

[heliophilic]

If I really was rude, this is where I'd taunt you for such a terrible shot.

[solarcharged]

[ Apollo gives him a pointed look. ]

You mean you didn't just do that?

[ Still, he relinquishes the table with a gesture. ]

Go on, do your best. Or your worst, considering your last shot...

[ He knows you threw it, M!!! ]

[heliophilic]

I would never--!

[M does his best to look horrified.]

I'm trying to be sporting and have fun. Is there a problem with that?

[solarcharged]

[ Apollo rolls his eyes, fondly so. ]

Now who's protesting too much? [ He folds his arms and rests a hip on the table, nodding at it with a grin. ] Shut up and beat me, genius.

[heliophilic]

["But then you'd leave" M wants to say, but decides maybe that's not exactly appropriate.

He instead hip checks Apollo gently as he approaches, looking at all of his options.]

So much for having a good time.

[solarcharged]

[ Apollo grins - especially at that brief touch as M passes. ]

I am having a good time, [ He protests softly and watches him as he studies the table. ] I know when I'm outclassed, that's all.

[ Because maybe he likes being beaten by Midnighter. Maybe that's what he wants. ]

[heliophilic]

And I'm trying to even up the score, but you keep going around calling it reverse cheating.

Name pending.

[He finally takes his shot and misses by a mile.]

Oopsie.

[solarcharged]

[ Apollo rolls his eyes. AGAIN. With the same grin in place. ]

Okay, I take it back. You do need to hand your Midnighter card in. [ He points at the incriminating ball. ] That one wasn't even subtle.

[heliophilic]

Let me go get my wallet.

[Except he doesn't move.]

[solarcharged]

[ After throwing M a look of mock despair, Apollo turns his attentions back to the pool table. He shakes his head with a laugh. ]

You haven't even left me any easy ones! Your reverse cheating - name pending - isn't even working...

[heliophilic]

[M looks over the table before shrugging and walking away, knocking into the corner of the table as he does.

The balls shift slightly on the table, setting up Apollo for an easy shot.]

Sorry.

[solarcharged]

How clumsy of you.

[ Still shaking his head, Apollo leans over the pool table to take the new shot that has now been nudged in to life. He pauses, concentrating, then easily snipes the pocket. ]

Don't throw the game entirely, will you? I think that's worse than me actually losing...

[heliophilic]

You keep changing your mind as to what you want me to do. I can't keep up.

[solarcharged]

I don't need to win, I just need to feel like I'm putting up a valiant fight...

[ He surveys the tablet for his next shot - it's a trickier one, one that Apollo realises is going to take some fancy angles off the edge of the table. He frowns, mulling over his next move despite the fact he has a sneaking suspicion Midnighter probably knows exactly what angle he needs to take. ]

Is there anything in the pool rule book about phoning a friend?

[heliophilic]

[M looks over the table and does indeed see the best shot to take.]

Wait, now you want help? Sheesh, I'm getting whiplash.

[solarcharged]

[ Apollo shakes his head with a suppressed sigh, hiding the smile on his lips with a look of reproach. ]

Don't make me ask.

[heliophilic]

[Fine, fine...]

But only because you didn't ask so nicely.

[M comes back to the table and gives it a once over, then, without thinking, leans up behind the older man, his body pressed up against his as he dictates Apollo's form using his own body.

This is bad, he can't help but think over and over again as he does nothing to stop it.]

[solarcharged]

[ Well, this is definitely happening.

Apollo holds his breath as M sidles closer against him - a stupidly human reaction, considering Apollo doesn't technically need to breath. But he holds his breath all the same, enjoying the heat and weight of the body at his back, letting Midnighter move him as he sees fit. Shifting his weight from foot to foot, pliant and obedient.

Except... except he turns a little, to smile over his shoulder at the man against his back as he lets Midnighter move him into just the right angle. ]

Like that?

[heliophilic]

[M shudders as Apollo turns around, and he finally takes a step back.]

Try it and see.