It's Like Having Been Born Again. Pt 7
Author chick's notes: Kinda sorta short here. Clutch is in for a surprise and …=) you'll see. Some language, but then you'll see why when you read. I can't help it! Honest!
It's Like Having Been Born Again. Pt 7
The man watched as Clutch hunched over the STUN swearing at the lack of quality workmanship used in making the vehicle. He'd arrived earlier and was stunned to see a Joe presumed dead, doing what he was known for. He suppressed a laugh as he made his way over and was grateful for the facemask the COBRA uniforms were designed with. He knew there was no way he'd be able to keep a straight face when he spoke to the mechanic.
Clutch had gotten used to the blue uniformed soldiers that he saw all over the bunker, but he was still a little unnerved when he saw one approaching, a duffle bag slung over his shoulder and his gun held in plain view. He tucked a wrench nearby where he could grab it and defend himself if need be as the soldier approached. Clutch wasn't expecting what he heard though as the soldier steeped up to him.
"Now y'all ain't gonna knock my block off fer being all sneaky on ya, are ya buddy?" The soldier drawled, eternally grateful for the facemask that hid his grin as he spoke. Clutch's jaw dropped he knew that voice!
"Thunder you god damned sneaking sonovabitch!" Clutch laughed as Thunder removed his disguise. "I could a killed you, you stupid bastard!" The two shared a laugh as Thunder tossed the helmet aside on a workbench. "Jesus. When was the last time you saw a barber?" Clutch asked as Thunder reached back to straighten out the ponytail that had gotten messed up in the helmet.
Thunder raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Look who's callin' the kettle black. When's the last time y'all shaved?" He retorted, smirk still firmly in place.
They looked at each other for a moment before either spoke up again. "So what are you doing here? Dressed like one of them snakes I might add?" Clutch asked.
"The Baroness called me in, something about rebuilding the team." Thunder replied. "And as for the monkey suit…" He started waving a hand down the front of the uniform as he did so. "It was the only way I could get here without being suspicious." He finished explaining. Thunder smiled for a moment then the expression changed. "I thought you was dead man." Thunder said, a hint of pain in his voice as he spoke.
Clutch sighed and told Thunder it was a long story. "Well tell ya what. You tell me all about it while I go change then let the Baroness know I'm here. These things itch like a mother fucker." Thunder said in disgust as he pulled at his shirt. The two began heading towards the living quarters when another voice spoke up.
"While you're at it, you can tell me too dude." Another soldier said. Pulling his disguise off and smiling. "Thunder you need a fucking haircut." Rock-n-Roll laughed as the two men gaped at him, disguised, like Thunder as a COBRA soldier.
"Holy shit! When the hell did you get here?" Thunder exclaimed, clapping his hand on the large gunner's back.
"About two minutes ago, just in time to see you nearly get knocked by the grease monkey." Rock-n-Roll laughed as he looked over to Clutch. "I've got a feeling that this is gonna be some story dude." He said wistfully, like the others he too thought that Clutch was dead.
"That's one way of putting it." Clutch said as he led the two to his quarters. The three made themselves comfortable in Clutch's room. They were currently in the master suite talking while Thunder and Rock-n-Roll changed out of their disguises. "And that's it. Now we're here." Clutch finished up telling his story as Thunder let out a slow whistle.
"Damn. An' LJ and them went back?" Thunder asked, referring to the other Joes who had seen for themselves the nightmare Clutch had volunteered to stay in.
"Yup. Her, Flint, Footloose, Airtight, and Barbeque. Barely made it too." Clutch replied. Rock-n-Roll furrowed his brow before speaking up.
"So then, the Clutch, Grunt, and Steeler we know, are dead?" He asked. Clutch closed his eyes and nodded. "Jesus." He added as he thought of his comrades wasting away on the Proving Grounds.
They talked some more as Cover Girl returned. She closed the front door and could hear the men laughing in what sounded like the bedroom. She was tired from her trip to San Francisco and ran a hand through her auburn hair as she made her way towards the room. She peeked in to make sure the coast was clear, before announcing herself to them.
"Thunder you still dress like shit." She teased as she kicked her shoes off and went over to hug the newcomers.
Thunder looked down at his tattered jeans and black t-shirt as she stepped up to him. "What's wrong with Metallica?" He asked, gesturing to the design on the shirt before grabbing her into a massive bear hug.
"They're loud." She teased as she made her way over to Rock-n-Roll.
"That's why they're so cool." He said as he took his turn hugging the former model.
They talked for a few more minutes before Rock-n-Roll looked between her and Clutch. "Sooo, um?" He stammered, trying to figure out the best way to ask.
Cover Girl caught on and answered for him. "Yeah he knows." She said smiling fondly at Clutch who grinned from where he was seated on the bed.
"And?" Thunder asked, then laughed at her 'shut up' as she flopped down on the bed next to Clutch.
"Well boys, not that I don't mind seeing you here, but I'm dead tired, I barely slept in San Fran." She said as she yawned suddenly.
"Frisco? What the hell were you doing there?" Thunder asked.
"Nabbed me some weapons dealers." She winked before turning to Clutch. "And NO! They aren't going to jump each other at every chance!" She said when she saw his face darken a little. "Don't believe me, ask Robbie! He saw for himself." She added.
"Trip and Sci-Fi are here?" Rock-n-Roll asked excitedly. "Bitchin!"
Cover Girl pointed in the general direction as she explained where they were setting up house. "'Cross the hall and one door over." She mumbled. Rock-n-Roll and Thunder left to greet their teammates as Clutch stayed behind to talk to Cover Girl.
"How'd it go?" Clutch asked as Cover Girl got up to take a shower.
"Great. No hiccups at all." She explained, as she got undressed. She saw him turn his head to the side and smirked. "Don't even tell me you're going to be shy all of a sudden." She teased tossing her bra at him then laughing when he blushed. Clutch took the silky item off his head where it landed and got up to grab her.
"No." He said holding her close. "I was just trying to be a gentleman was all." He finished explaining himself. Cover Girl snorted and wriggled her way out of his arms.
"My ass pal." She said as she headed towards the bathroom.
Clutch could hear the shower turn on and the door sliding back as she stepped in. "Damn!" He swore when he realized how her nudity had affected him. "Well I am all grimed up from that piece of crap downstairs." He smirked as he too stripped and made his way into the shower to join her. They would join everyone in the Control Room later, much later. They remained blissfully unaware meanwhile that events were unfolding that would change things dramatically as they sank into bed together, still damp from their shared shower.
To Be Continued… Dun Dun DUN! =) Mwhahahahaha.
