LIGHTS OUT!

A low chuckle - "You like that, don't you?" The sim tested in a CONFIDENT purr. "I've seen you work. When something's a challenge, it gets stuck between your gears," lifting a hand, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear before making a gentle tap of her temple, "and you can't stop thinking about it."

So if he was a challenge, she wouldn't stop thinking about him either. He liked that thought.

     "You know me too well now--" The little engineer pouted poorly at the simulacrum; the corners of her lips threatening to curl upwards with further amusement. "--It's underhanded..! Or--or weaponized! Whatever word makes you take pity on me."

     Natalie blinked a bit harshly at the tap against her temple, opening her eyes up again to spot Revenant's gaze traveling across her. It made her cheeks flush pink and her perk up in her seat on his lap, straightening her spine, eager for his attention and affection.

Wiring hummed, restless and warm, at the weight of the little engineer settling in his lap. He had said as much in his own way - in far fewer words, of course. The simulacrum's compliments were extremely rare to begin with, and even more rarely so GENEROUS.

     "Auuugh!" The engineer released an exaggerated, insincere, noise of complaint, even going as far as to throw her head back in mock annoyance. "You're sooooooo difficult!"

     "Just dance with me!" Natalie half demanded, half pleaded, as her head lifted itself upright once more, looking to the simulacrum. Despite her exasperation, her grin remained, perhaps not lending much conviction to her faux despair.

     They would not have made it this far as a pair if she did not find his stubborn nature somewhat charming and entertaining.

His hand moved from the leather of her harness to idly tidying the lay of her skirt, his other still wrapping one of her thighs as if to steady her there. Observed the SPIDERY WRIGGLE of her fingers. "Creepy crawler," Revenant affirmed. "But not in the vents." But he had been amidst the ceiling beams, off to one side where it had been dark and he would go unnoticed.

     Brilliant blues practically glimmered with enthusiastic amusement as Revenant played along, repeating back her teasing moniker. He was always so serious-- so gruff-- it pleased her greatly to see him--... Well, she wouldn't go as far as to say playful, but perhaps a bit tongue-in-cheek. It was nice.

     The simulacrum's more quiet, more earnest, answer prompted Natalie to seat herself properly back in his lap, rather than remaining in such close proximity. "I agree!" She said with a nod and grin, "You can really tell she's into it and giving it her all! The passion-- you can hear it! It's really remarkable."     

He wondered who she might have brought with her then. Wraith didn't seem the type... But maybe Natalie had managed to convince her just as she had managed to convince him.

     "You saw them?" The engineer parroted with some surprise. "Like... You attended in the crowd? Or crept around in the vents like a creepy crawler?"

Optics glowed with subdued warmth, pleased that she approved of the moniker even if it had only been made in teasing. He regarded the subtle shift in her features at his tug of the harness.

"I like this," Revenant answered. Adding quieter, "Convenient." WITHOUT ELABORATING.

     "I was hoping that you might. Like it, I mean." The engineer replied, her voice shy and coy. She was eager to play, to flirt, to have his attention-- but she could not help the battle with her bashfulness that would take place within her. Natalie wanted Revenant to want her, to adore her, to love her, to a near nauseating extent. It made her nervous.

But his agony was met with giggling. Revenant met her eyes with no such hint of amusement - dry humor on full display in the serious look he fixed her with. "I think you need to get your eyes checked, little spider," he chided. HE WAS NO MERE FLY.

     His oh-so serious look of his optics and wry response only made the engineer all the more amused and smug. Her lips curled further, impish in their delight. "I like that," She remarked with another soft round of giggles, "Little spider."

The slightest urging at his chest, and the simulacrum seemed to relax, sitting back from where he had leaned into the little engineer's space even though it put their kiss on PAUSE.

     His touch was electrifying in it's own right. It woke up nerves that Natalie barely felt, made her hyperaware of every brush of his fingertips, every beat of her heart. It was exhilarating-- tantalizing-- especially out here like this.

     Where everyone could know he was hers and she was his.

She seemed to answer her own question.

He leaned down into the invitation of Natalie's hand, met her lips with soft synthetic flesh and a pliable modded mouth. Started gently but couldn't seem to resist pressing CLOSER, kissing DEEPER. Like he'd been starved for her.

Still, the sim didn't altogether take over her space. Instead, guided by her hand at his cheek, he seemed to hold back just enough to leave the reins in her hands for how long she wanted this kiss to be, or exactly how much of him she wanted for the moment.

     When the kiss grew a bit more passionate, Natalie responded in kind, leaning in to be absorbed into the moment, into the embrace. She should be more concerned, she realized, given that they were out in public. But she knew Revenant would've picked a spot in the building with adequate privacy for the two of them.

     Plus, she had her dyed hair, piercings, and a darker look. Natalie thought most would not assume it was her, unless they did a double take at her scar.

She was teasing him. He hadn't meant that kind of need - but he wouldn't argue it, either. Didn't answer, instead glancing for what little was left of her drink, referencing it when he asked, "Good?"

The engineer's gaze was PLAYFUL. Reminded him of when she was trying very hard not to laugh at a joke. A smile seemed stuck to the corners of her lips, and his own gaze continued to linger there, watching her turn away as if to try and keep him from spotting it.

So captivated by her SMILE, Revenant didn't notice the reach of her hand until her warm palm smoothed over the bare metal at the edge of his thigh. As per usual, even dressed in pants, the metal and wiring there was left exposed.

He wasn't sure he remembered with any accuracy quite what GOOSEBUMPS felt like.

     "Very good," She answered a moment later as her head tilted back to him, "Thank you."

     Their gaze remained connected for a few seconds, seemingly drinking each other in, before Natalie noticed that the sim's optics were trained on a specific part of her face. Her mouth. The realization made her flush with a bit of embarrassment, but also perk up with undeniable intrigue.

ABSOLUTELY UNHINGED COMEDIC RELIEF

ASSORTED QUOTES FROM TUMBLR TEXTPOSTS, X (formerly known as twitter) POSTS, TIKTOK, MEMES, AND OTHER SOURCES AROUND THE INTERNET

CHANGE gendered words and in-universe phrases as needed.

SPECIFY muse for multimuses.

“   Currently considering becoming a bother and a nuisance, maybe even a menace or a rascal. ”

“   Hungry? Eat the government. ”

“   Yes, I wanna fuck after every argument. ”

“   Silence, you uneducated peanut! ”

“  They should invent a being alive that isn’t so difficult. ”

“   Women have to think I’m hot or none of this matters. ”

“   Due to personal reasons I will be named an enemy of the state. ”

“   Being overdressed is a myth made up by people who didn’t want you to have fun and be sexy. ”

“   What even are daddy issues? Just traumatize your father back. ”

“   I LOVE complaining! You can’t take that away from me! ”

“   I went to the silly goose convention and they all knew you. ”

“   I’m simultaneously ‘I’m tired of this grandpa’ and ‘that’s too damn bad!’ ”

“   The word ew coming out of a pretty girl’s mouth holds so much power … I think that it can tear apart nations. ”

“   Someone made fun of my shoes and the whole time I just thought of ways to push them out the window. ”

“   If you’re short, simply get taller. ”

“   I better think twice? Buddy I don’t even think once. ”

“   My off putting looks, awkward demeanor, and strange behavior have captivated you. ”

“   There’s something deeply, fundamentally wrong with you. Can we kiss? ”

“   You are a fool. When you walk, clown music plays. ”

“   I mean yeah he’s evil and all but what if I were his favorite? ”

“   I really do hate thinking. ”

“   In my defense, I simply do not vibe with the law. ”

“   I’ve done nothing wrong. Except all the atrocities. Besides that, I’m innocent. ”

“   Sorry I couldn’t hear you over my internal monologue. ”

“   Of course you have white hair and trauma. ”

“   So apparently the bad vibes I’ve been feeling are actually ‘severe psychological distress’. ”

“   Stop calling me a bad person just because I’m orchestrating your downfall! ”

“   The more lip gloss I collect the longer I live. ”

“   Sorry that I am obsessed with you in the unhealthiest way possible. As if it's my fault ”

“   The multiple failed assassination attempts against me have helped build both character and self esteem. ”

“   I could be your loser boyfriend. Do you ever think about that? ”

“   Accidentally went and got myself killed yesterday, but god wont let me die so I’m back ”

“   What do you mean napping isn't a good coping mechanism? What do you mean my problems are still here? ”

“   Academic validation is required for my sanity. ”

“   RIP to everyone killed by the gods for hubris but I’m different and better. Maybe even better than the gods. ”

“   Researching the stages of grief to see if I can get them finished in ten minutes tops. ”

“   My parents were like I’m gonna make a child that is so beyond help. ”

“   It’s not easy to admit when you’re wrong, and that’s why I won’t do it. ”

“   Why can’t this family ever have a funky good time? ”

“   How do I show people that I’m more than my unethical career choice? ”

“   I fucked my way into this mess, and I’ll fuck my way out. ”

“   You look so biteable today. ”

“   Why am I suffering? I have so many correct opinions and takes. ”

“   I AM HAUNTED BY A PAST THAT I CANNOT GO BACK TO! anyways ”

“   Challenging authority, angering gods. The family business. ”

“   Third base is me telling you about my father. ”

“   Hey girl. Plagued by terrifying visions? ”

“   Got caught giving a fuck. Embarrassing. ”

“   I didn’t ‘miss’ the red flags; I saw them and thought that they looked sexy. ”

“   Do my dark circles and deteriorating health make me look hot? ”

“   I get my news from the only reliable source, cryptic symbolism in my dreams. ”

“   Another day of being a bisexual disaster. ”

“   I’m going to let myself be a little unhinged today, as a treat. ”

“   Some of you act like murder is such a big deal. ”

“   You wanna hunt me for sport so bad that it makes you look stupid. ”

“   You’re not a girlboss unless you’ve killed someone. ”

“   It’s so weird how no one ever has correct opinions about things except for me. ”

“   Hello, my love — I mean, my rival ”

“   No one is calling me baby and it’s outrageous I can’t believe it. ”

“   No talking stage. Mutual obsession and you see god in my eyes or nothing. ”

“   I DON’T UNDERSTAND HOOKUP CULTURE DIE IN MY ARMS ”

“   Yes baby your emotional walls are high and impenetrable can we kiss now? ”

“   Affection is disgusting. Drown me in it. ”

“   I am gatekeeping my respect from you. ”

“   Well, well, well, if it isn’t the consequences of my own actions. ”

“   I am equal parts fuck around and find out and please don’t yell at me I’ll cry. ”

“   Short legs, big butt. I’m a corgi. ”

“   Fuck being the bigger person; I’m going to start biting people. ”

“   Well that wasn’t very slay of you! ”

“   May I please get a crumb of affection? ”

“   I crave power! Please don’t yell, though; I’m sensitive. ”

“   You call it a near death experience; I call it a vibe check from God. ”

“   Here are some scissors. Now cut it out. ”

“   Might commit a little tomfoolery, maybe even some shenanigans. ”

“   All these flavors, and you choose to be salty. ”

“   How can I live, laugh, love in these conditions? ”

“   What if I said ‘to be honest’ but then lied? ”

“   I'm financially at a stage where I understand why people do fraud. ”

“   Yes I may be evil and morally corrupt, but I’m also incredibly beautiful and I think that makes up for it honestly. ”

“   Debates are stupid. Why would I want to sit down and argue with someone blatantly dumber than me? ”

“   I forget but I do NOT forgive.. I'm just walking around hating bitches can't remember why ”

“   Ding dong your opinion is wrong! ”

“   I’m coming for your kneecaps. ”

“   You dropped your nose you fucking clown. ”

“   Are you a fire alarm? ‘Cause you are really fucking loud and annoying. ”

“   Call me an escalator, because I let people down. ”

“   I love me a good lesbian scandal! ”

“   If you can’t run away from your problems, you’re not running fast enough. ”

“   Everything I want to do is illegal. ”

“   Don’t make me hit your ankle with my Barbie scooter! ”

“   I tell gay jokes because I am a gay joke. ”

“   Fuck! I dropped my mental stability! ”

A soft scoff. It had been a little more than just a guess. He regarded her playful tone, the imploring FLUTTER of her lashes. "I'll think about it," the simulacrum answered, just airily enough to make it difficult to tell whether he was teasing or not. Optics fell over her little dress and the harness that hugged her silhouette, then lingered at her lips. "Might need a little convincing..."

Beyond the batting of her lashes and his least favorite pet name.

     The engineer giggled cheekily at the simulacrum's answer. His tone might be difficult to read, but his frequently downward gaze and touch gave him away-- and if not that, his request for something persuasive.

     "It's a need, is it?" Natalie asked before lifting the glass to her mouth yet again and downing majority of the drink. She leaned forward, just far enough to place the glass on the nearby surface, then returned to the sim's side.

     She looked to him, intrigued and endeared, but then glanced away with a timid smile. She was eager to play, though still a bit shy; unable to escape the victimization of a rapidly beating heart.

"Now?" The sim echoed a little distantly. Gaze visibly puzzled, searching - but then the arrival of Natalie's drink.

It didn't surprise him at all that she went for the CHERRIES first. He watched the delicate work of her teeth on the sweet, bright red fruit as it was slid from its pick. "Looked like the sweetest thing on the menu," Revenant said. "Figured that would be up your alley..." Though, there was another sweet specialty cocktail to try if she wanted another drink later.

     She didn't bother to elaborate on the question of now, choosing to instead focus on the cherries and her drink, using it as a suitable distraction.

     "You guessed correctly! You know me so well." She replied, playfully enthusiastic as she dropped the now empty pick on the nearby counter surface. Natalie then lifted the glass to her lips, taking a few sips. It was light and sweet, and with how greedy those sips became, it was clear she liked it.

     The engineer pulled the glass back from her mouth just in time for the simulacrum to reach for one of the chains dangling from her torso. Instead of addressing the touch, or the intense gaze, she simply smiled and stared up at him. There was a smitten quality to those baby blues, but also a mischievous one.

His gaze shifted to meet hers. "Both," Revenant answered, shameless. He was quite CURIOUS how the piercings would feel against his tongue. Wondered idly if he might be able to identify the metal by TASTE.

Listened to Natalie go on with her comical description of what might happen if her own electricity were to bite the hand that fed it. "Can't have that," the sim agreed. Adding, "Though... a little static might be cute." Making a harmless tap of the end of her nose with a single digit, and observing her hair then as if IMAGINING - or remembering - how her hair would lift up with enough static charge.

     Her grin split across her face impishly; amused, delighted, and slightly flustered, by the simulacrum's blunt answer and captivating gaze. He rarely seemed to falter, it was both reassuring and alluring.

     The steadily growing tension and heart rate was interrupted with a gentle tap of her nose. Natalie blinked as her body instinctually jerked it's head back from the touch, though relaxed with a round of shy, slightly skittish, giggles. The topic treaded depths yet to be explored. "You're funny," She remarked in a fond, though minorly evasive, tone, "Calling me cute now."

     Though the pair was quickly distracted by the approach of a MRVN, who offered Natalie her prepared drink. The engineer turned and reached for it, offering the bot a grateful nod and grin before it moved on. "Thank you!" She said before looking back to Revenant, "And thank you too. This looks perfect."

Optics flicked over the other Legend's features. "That so?" He drawled low and without expecting an answer. If anything his tone bordered something like a CHALLENGE.

The mess he would make of Natalie would be very different from the mess he'd make of security intervening in their fun.

The sim seemed to take her accusation of being greedy in stride, his grasp on her unperturbed. "Yes... I think so," he mused, gaze falling to where his thumb still toyed gently at the bit of metal in her cheek. "Might have to taste these two to be sure..." Eyeing her lips before his thumb relented in favor of tidying some strands of bright TURQUOISE hair.

"I'll make a bigger mess if somebody calls security on either of us," the simulacrum murmured, also half-teasing.

Only half.

He eyed the little engineer's settling next to him and her peering for the tablet. Reached to loosely cradle her face in his hand, tracing his thumb down one of the dark lines of her eye makeup, touch only GHOSTING. "Maybe it's for me," Revenant answered - obviously wholly teasing this time, though his tone didn't betray as much.

     "No! No, you most certainly will not." Wattson declared, her tone both playful and scolding. "The only mess you're allowed to make here is me. Hehe!"

     Her head tilted with the metal palm that rose to her face, looking up at the simulacrum with joyful, eager, interest. His attention always made her perk up, always made butterflies take flight within her gut. It was silly, really, how giddy she still felt whenever he looked her way, whenever he touched her.

     "Oh, it's for you? So greedy." Natalie continued to spiritedly tease, falling silent a moment later when she felt Revenant's digits shift across her visage. The piercings, despite being new, didn't hurt at all, thanks to the wonders of modern medicine.

He could have stood to miss it all. But it sounded like Natalie was going to enjoy herself anyway, despite her impatience. He regarded the bit of embarrassment in her answer, gave a short hum before his gaze fell to the flyer he'd taken.

"As long as you like what they play." The simulacrum began to neatly fold it, smoothing and straightening each crease with a glide of metal fingertips. Took his time until the paper flyer had been folded into a long and narrow PAPER PLANE. He readied it in his lifted hand, then sent it sailing over the rail and out over the crowd.