One For the Road! (Maybe Three...)

[Icon Lord Leon Corbin]

Yesterday was alright. The ride did take his mind off things for a short time, but was ultimately unsuccessful. Maybe someone to take to the road with would help more. Traffic was a bit more of an arse, but this meant less attention on them, which was always a welcome break. Along the way, several vehicles turn off the road, freeing the riders up to roam a bit more. The peaceful (to them) growling of the engines had to end eventually, however, as they finally pull over, killing the engines just down from a small cafe. The first to his kick stand was the blonde bearded male who then removes his helmet to reveal himself as the man infamously known as Vicious, the second, the Extreme Scotsman, the Dread King with his much darker facial hair.

Icon Corbin: Fucking starving!

The pair, Icon Lord Corbin and non-Lord Jericho Cross head off towards the repository of foodstuffs, in search of sustenance. Helmets under their arms, the dark, leather clad duo head for the doors and make their way inside.

Jericho: Rolls and bacon?

Icon Corbin: Man, I can smell that shit from here. Come on...

Leon takes the lead, guided by his nose and the aroma of bacon.

Jericho: Plenty seats available. How many you getting, by the way?

Icon Corbin: Three...and a coffee.

Jericho: Great idea.

It's not long before they both get themselves served and occupying a table in the corner, nice and secluded. Leon takes a seat against the wall and once he places everything down on the table, he lays his helmet on the chair beside him. He barely gets his jacket and gloves off before he's taking chunks out of his sandwich.

Jericho: Bikes and bacon. Today's a good day.

As he finishes his musing, he has a bite, nodding in approval of delicious bits of dead pig. And yet another reason why Leon had the moniker "The Carnivore". He takes a few more mouthfuls before deciding on actually chewing and swallowing.

Icon Corbin: Definitely one of the better since being over here, ay?

Jericho: It's been... interesting so far. Always is when we get over here.

Icon Corbin: Well, there was this one time me and Jon Kellar had to escape in drag...What's been interesting for you?

Cross smirks at the awkward, but amusing mental image, trying not to laugh.

Jericho: Drag? I have to hear this.

Icon Corbin: You might remember? Long story short, the Hong Kong crowd were unhappy with us and the only way out of our hotel was in disguise. I put on his makeup, he even shaved his legs. It was great. Such a rush, man...

Shaking his head, Jericho stifles a laugh so he can take another bite of bread and bacon. Leon takes another bite, eyeing the former champion.

Icon Corbin: I like the way you tried to avoid my question, mate.

Jericho: Wait a minute, you can't dangle a story like that in front of me and not expect me to ask.

Icon Corbin: Okay. It's over now. So what's interesting this time around for you?

Jericho: Well, I had a laugh at the con, did a little training and got stuck in a lift. Within days of each other. It's been eventful, so far.

Icon Corbin: Enough that you seem distracted on the road? Your head's elsewhere. Sure it's just the Clan Bastard situation?

Jericho: Well, that was my fault. I guess there is more to it. It's distracting as fuck, right enough.

Icon Corbin: Wanna tell me what's going on with you?

Looking behind him, the most hated man in Joshua Samson's eyes makes sure no one is watching, be it with organic eyes or electric ones.

Jericho: Well, you know I've always had a thing for Munin?

Leon's brows rise briefly. You'd be forgiven for thinking he was surprised but he just grabs his mug and has a sip before he sets it back down again.

Icon Corbin: I saw the way you two were fraternising at the convention. Are you two...?

Jericho: No, we're not. But I can't stop thinking about her, not for lack of trying either. It's driving me mental. And that at the con was just me being me. Admit it, that was funny.

Icon Corbin: Don't kid a kidder, Jerry. You nearly crashed your bike several times. You got it bad. Is it just a crush or something more? She feel the same way?

Jericho: Bad? A kick in the bollocks is bad, mate. But this? I can't tell her because she's just out of a relationship that went south and then I get stuck in a lift with her for fuckin' ever? Your head would explode, how do you think I feel? I have to keep my mouth shut when I'm the guy who'll say shit no one else will.

He takes a sip of coffee, like he needed caffeine.

Jericho: It's like trying to keep a fucking cat in a bath.

Icon Corbin: Starting to make more sense now. How does she feel though? Or how do you think she feels? She given you any signs?

Taking another bite, he shrugs. He may as well have been asked what blue smells like through a telescope.

Jericho: Hard to say, given what she's been through. She has a lot on her mind, so she's a bit jittery lately. She randomly complimented my arms when she was looking for rice chips.

Icon Corbin: But what happened? Why now, Jerry? How and why did these feelings come about? We've all hung out a million times by now and until now, I've never seen anything before, and trust me, I don't miss a beat in that area. So, what do you plan to do about it?

One last bite and he's on to his second sandwich.

Jericho: I think now, because I'm more stable. Dealing with all that shit means I can think about other stuff. As for why, I don't know. I've always felt something, I just never went with it. Seeing what Alex did and how angry I felt watching it was a factor, though. I suppose it made me realise how much she means to me.

He pauses to think for a second, wondering why he was going on about this.

Jericho: As for plans, I think we've had enough of my planning. Things tend to go better when I just do something.

Icon Corbin: But you're afraid. Afraid to ruin a great friendship in case it's not reciprocated. Afraid in case she's on the rebound. Afraid that it might look as if you're taking advantage of her while she's still emotionally vulnerable. I know she's hurt by Alex but that will pass soon enough. Fact is, they were an unnatural pairing. Everything about him is unnatural and it could never have worked between them. It might seem a bit weird in a sense as you've been friends for so long but...You'd definitely be the right Cross for her.

He pauses to take more coffee to wash the grease of the bacon down before he continues.

Icon Corbin: You should know that the girls have been talking and even though Evalyn won't tell me, I'm guessing Ninny is at least aware of what's happening with you if not more. But I'll tell you now. Evalyn is very protective and I don't think Munin could take another emotional hit so, and it's probably not worth me saying, but no foul play, mate. They will rip a bollock off to compare notes with.

He didn't mean to but he tore a piece of bacon away from the sandwich and slipped it in his mouth. Jericho shakes his head.

Jericho: I wouldn't do anything to hurt Munin. Me even being here should prove that. I got an earlier flight to help protect her from the consequences of my decisions. I'm trying to swing the odds her way so she can leave Heatwave on her own feet.

Icon Corbin: I know you wouldn't. You're not inherently a bad man, just dangerous. There's a difference. A difference between you and Alex and something he truly does not understand.

One corner of his mouth curls upwards as he slowly nods, quickly finishing off number one.

Jericho: He will.

Icon Corbin: I'm sure you have bad things in store for that fuck but I'm afraid you will all have to wait your turn. Still, he doesn't have the ability to understand.

Jericho: I did say I'd let Munin fire back, but I can't promise he'd be unblemished when she reaches him. Suppose I'll just need to keep an eye out.

Icon Corbin: That aside though, what will you do about your woman situation? Heatwave isn't for a while and you can't avoid her. You should probably talk to her. Be upfront. She'll respect you more for it.

Jericho: I probably will before I have an aneurysm. Probably after training.

Icon Corbin: Good. Chances are she needs some clarification and clarity.

Taking a good bite on number two, Jericho nods his agreement, being sure to swallow the food before talking.

Jericho: Aye. I'll just deal with whatever comes of it. Speaking of dealing with things, I know how to take out Clan Mayhem.

Icon Corbin: I'm sure you do but hey, we don't really know who is listening so...

He looks around. Who really was going to listen in to their conversation considering the place was half empty with just a few people who likely didn't even speak English anyway. Still, he knew better than to trust that.

Icon Corbin: We can discuss that one in private. Suffice it to say that you will have my full support.

Jericho: Good to know. Let's finish these works of art, the road beckons.

Icon Corbin: Race ya!

Cross raises an eyebrow.

Jericho: Have you ever actually beaten me yet?

Icon Corbin: Well, I am already ahead and I am still hungry...

Jericho: Oh, you meant eating. That makes more sense. Heh!

Icon Corbin: Of course. I wouldn't race you on the bike. I'm not sure I can trust you out there with your current frame of mind, ay?

Jericho: Yer arse! Like you could beat me on a bike normally. This'd be your best chance, mate.

He smirks, waiting to see if his little taunt gets a bite, while he takes one out of his roll. Leon cracks a smirk...with a bit ketchup at the side before he licks it away.

Icon Corbin: I happily concede, my friend. I prefer to take my time, baby boy...

He winks. His retort gets a laugh out of his longtime friend.

Jericho: Well played.

Leon just chuckles, taking the lead in polishing off sandwich two and getting right onto number three. Jericho isn't very far behind.

Jericho: So, let me get this straight; you think I ought to just go for it.

Icon Corbin: I do. I don't know what conversations you've had or what sparks have been flying but try to think back and build on those. Find the parts that aren't what friends say or do and take it from there. Just don't bottle it and then kick yourself later because you've missed your chance. You deserve some happiness and so does she and she won't find it anywhere else.

Jericho: You're right. I'm waiting because I assume it's better for her. She should decide that.

Icon Corbin: I know it's hard though. You're a tough bastard but there are some things you can't just beat your way through and dominate. This is new territory.

Jericho: True. It's a change from the usual. At least if it goes tits up, I won't wake up in a hospital, for once. That's a plus.

Icon Corbin: Well, that depends...

A little light humour couldn't hurt. Nor could the fact he really had been listening but took the opportunity of Jericho talking to finish his food and wash it down quickly with the rest of his coffee. He slams his mug down with a satisfied and maybe slightly smart arse look on his face...for all of a few seconds before his stomach growls back at him.

Icon Corbin: Ah...man...

Jericho gets onto number three and takes a few bites of it, covering his mouth so as not to laugh at his friend's move backfiring on him.

Jericho: Eejit.

Icon Corbin: I shouldn't have drunk that coffee so fast...Hang on...Just gimme a few minutes before we have to go back out. Just a few minutes okay? Balls...

Jericho: Aye, go for it.

Leon leans back, exhaling and probably stopping the urge to regurgitate but does a good job as the colour seems to return to his cheeks soon enough.

Jericho: Close one there.

Icon Corbin: I've been saying that all morning with your riding. Speaking of which. You finished yet?

Taking the last bite, he finishes number three and drinks the last mouthful of coffee in his mug, his pacing having a better result on his stomach.

Jericho: Am now. Ready?

Icon Corbin: When you are.

Standing, albeit slowly at first, Leon lifts his jacket and slips back into it before grabbing his helmet. Jericho tucks his under his arm and leads on as the two head back out to the open(ish) road.