Flower [1x1]

[ThatPinkThing]

Check's face lit up and he stamped one foot a couple times out of excitement. "Ruby, what the hell? Why so shy? I haven't seen you in ages, man, what's happening?" He came up to his old friend, looking down at him his big eyes. Chi's eye flitted between them.

"Uh, care to introduce me?" He asked, eyeing Ruby suspiciously. He wasn't sure how he felt about this guy, who was just kind of melting into the wall.

"Chi, this is Ruby, my friend from, like, my time." Check waved a hand dismissively, not wanting to get into details. "He was with me and Katie out there."

[Shark Shavings]

Ruby's face turned a bright pink now. "I-i-uh-" he stammered and choked on his words, changing his starting phrase several times before he finally managed to speak properly. "I didn't think you'd remember me," he replied, moving a hand over his chest as if his embarrassment actually affected his heart rate. He looked at Chi was one brown eye, the other still that tacky black eye that looked more unnatural than necessary. "Hello..' he greeted sheepishly.

[ThatPinkThing]

Chi's head moved back a bit in surprise as he noticed Ruby's odd eye. Perhaps this guy wasn't just a limp noodle after all. Chi nodded a greeting, unable to speak before Check did.

"How could I forget you? You were like, my best friend out there, man," Check said genuinely, gently and playfully punching Ruby's upper arm. "Like I said, what's goin' on? You okay?" Check's attention to detail had zeroed in on Ruby's hand covering his heart.

Chi's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Check's whole personality changed in an instant with this Ruby guy, what was up with that?

[Shark Shavings]

"Uh yeah, I'm fine... I just got discharged from the hospital." he replied calmly "It was just a minor surgery, on my heart.." he explained with a soft chuckle as he glanced away from Check for a moment, his cheeks a bright pink and showing no signs of fading. 'But I didn't think I was that important to you."

[ThatPinkThing]

Check shook his head, glad Ruby was looking down so he wouldn’t see that Check was blushing too. Chi, at last, put two and two together.

“Did you date or something? You two are like, really red.”

“Chi!” Check huffed, his voice cracking.

[Shark Shavings]

Ruby made an undignified noise and put his face in his hands. He wouldn't call what they did, dating. Sure that's pretty much what it was but it was more like two school children holding hands, giggling and saying they were gonna get married. Nothing serious, at least that's what Ruby thought. So he kept his face buried and his head down. God, why was he still so embarrassed in front of Check? Why was he still such a lovestruck mess?

[ThatPinkThing]

Chi grinned and shook Check by his shoulders. “You sly dog. I’ll leave you two alone then~” he teased, clearly pleased with himself for getting them both embarrassed.

Check didn’t notice until Chi was off a few paces that the littler gang member had snagged their trophy shot glass from his pocket, but he just sighed and looked back at Ruby. He stayed quiet for quite a while, unsure of where to start. “... Are you sure you’re okay?” He asked gently. “ ‘Minor’ and ‘heart surgery’ aren’t usually in the same sentence, Ru.”

[Shark Shavings]

Ruby looked up with a sigh, removing his hands and looking up at Check. His cheeks were burning but they weren't nearly as round and chubby as when they had first met. They were still rather squishy, however. "It was just to replace some parts. I don't know if I ever explained this but I have a completely artificial heart. Its been like that since I was a kid. So they need to replace the valves sometimes so they continue working properly." he paused and looked at Check, hoping he made sense. "So it's fairly minor for what could have happened."

[ThatPinkThing]

Check’s familiar puppy dog stare was fixed on Ruby’s chest, picturing his heart. “I forgot,” he said quietly, “but at least it’s minor.” He smiled softly, clearing his throat and looking around. “Where are you staying? Do you live nearby?” He asked curiously.

[Shark Shavings]

Ruby smiled and nodded. "I don't actually know where I am right now. I was overthinking things and I just wound up here." he chuckled nervously, fluffing up his blond curls by instinct. "But I live in a little studio apartment" he then gave his cross streets and looked up at Check. "I'm actually glad I ran into you though."