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teenytinystorage · 4 years

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A Poolside Chat

Summary: A relaxing dip in the pool to add to his wonderful birthday soon turns into a surprising and gay-panic-festered chat between Roman and Logan.

Word Count: 1,804

Warnings: Multiple food mentions

Pairings: Logince

Happy birthday Roman! Enjoy the Logince, y’all :)

—

As he shut the Imagination’s door behind him, Roman let out a satisfied exhale and fell back, shifting the grasses below him into a pool and landing upon a circular dragon-witch floatie.

He then transformed his usual outfit into a pair of bright red, gold-embroidered swim trunks and a pair of yellow sport sunglasses.

The sun blazed above, but this being the Imagination, the heat was nowhere near oppressive. A cool breeze was only a hand-wave away, and so was a glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade.

Peace enveloped him as he let himself drift upon the waters and reflect upon how his birthday had been going thus far.

He woke up to a birthday cupcake (red velvet, of course), and a burst of writer’s inspiration. Then Roman received his individual birth wishes from the other sides throughout the day, each giving him a gift.

They were all standard for each side: one Nightmare Before Christmas poster reluctantly given by Virgil (“No bugging me for any more posters after this, though.” “You got it, Sappy.”), a maroon pair of comfy floor-sticky socks from Patton, a free “no vibe checks for one day” pass from Remus, a pile of Thomas’s nostalgic Playbills from Janus, and a promise of a birthday cake later from Thomas (delivered, not homemade. Who knows how that’d turn out).

And now he sat at his very own pool, relaxing and drifting under the clear sky.

A lovely day indeed, but he soon found himself grappling with hurt as he realized who was missing from that gift list. Logan.

Roman hadn’t seen the nerd all day. No one even knew where he was, especially not Roman. He was looking forward to spending some time with Specs today. Seeing his clear, pristine face, hearing him ramble on about how uncanny having a cupcake for breakfast is, being near him, and maybe even getting to playfully elbow him to feel those cold, strong arms of his…

Roman felt a dopey grin line his cheeks, and although he hadn’t changed the temperature of the Imagination, some warmth coated his face and ears upon the thought.

But, alas, he hadn't seen Logan today. Roman decided that was, ultimately, okay. It meant fewer times for him to embarrass himself, after all.

He took another breath in of the air, coconut and citrus-scented, and dipped his hands into the water-- a door near him creaked open.

Roman didn’t mind it at first. Probably a side giving him a reminder of spaghetti dinner tonight, his favorite meal, or just to check on him.

It was only when the figure’s silhouette entered his shades’ vision did he feel the warmth from before burning him.

“Roman? Are you in here?” Logan called, wringing his hands as he strolled through the Imagination.

Roman secretly wished for his dragon-witch floatie to devour him in its plastic casing. It, sadly, didn’t. But his sunglasses vanished from his face. So that was something.

“Down here!” Roman waved, minimizing the lovesick smile he felt bubbling inside into a cheerful grin.

Logan’s gaze drifted down to him as he approached the outskirts of the pool.

Roman waved again, chuckling. One tick onto his “how many times can this lovesick dope humiliate himself today” list.

Logan crouched down next to the pool, his tie dangling down and nearly dipping into the water. “Greetings, Roman.”

“Hi!” Roman said with enthusiasm. He tried and failed to hide how overjoyed he was.

“It appears my daily attire is unfit for this setting, hm?” Logan noted, standing back up. “Here.”

He swiped his hair up with his hand and shifted from his usual polo and slacks to a pair of black swim shorts.

“There we go. Normally I’d wear a swim shirt as well, but since this is the Imagination, I can’t imagine that I’d be getting any sunburns.”

“I can’t imagine so either,” Roman agreed, forcing his drifting eyes to look back up into Logan’s rather than staring at his bare chest.

Gosh, did he have it bad.

Logan crouched down again and submerged his feet into the water, kicking them back and forth against the pool wall. “So Roman, how has your birthday been going so far?”

“Uh, good,” Roman nodded, leaning on his elbows atop his floatie. “Just the usual birthday routine, y’know? Gifts, desserts, fun, all that-- fun stuff.”

He barely avoided slapping himself.

“I’m quite glad to hear that,” Logan added, his hands moving behind his back. “You deserve to be having a good birthday today.”

“Oh, well, that means a lot, Specs. Thank you!”

“Of course,” Logan bit his bottom lip, glancing away.

Roman let out an awkward chuckle before taking notice of Logan’s hidden hands. He paddled himself over to the wall and floated a few inches in front of Logan. “Whatcha got behind your back there?”

“Ah, it’s…” Logan stopped. He took in a breath.

Roman leaned over, trying to sneak a peek. He couldn’t see what it was, though, so it couldn’t be anything big. “It’s?”

Logan ran one of his hands through his hair and took in another shaky breath. “A gift. For you.” He hesitated, closing an eye, before shoving out his hand and revealing the gift.

It was a red rose, roots still intact.

Logan flinched, looking back at Roman.

Roman dumbly stared at it. “A rose, hm? It’s quite pretty.”

“Yes. A red one, at that. Red. A symbolic color. Happy birthday,” Logan rambled, his arm pulling back a tad.

Roman paddled himself closer, somehow planning on accepting the rose and putting it… where? How would he even get it without falling off the floatie? He didn’t think it through at all, just like anything he did around Logan.

“Did I do this wrong?” Logan asked, curious. “I thought a single red rose signified romantic feelings between people.” He inspected the flower down-up, staring at its roots. “Is it the roots that threw you off? I had a sneaking suspicion that the roots were unnecessary, but I couldn't be sure.”

“Roh… romantic feelings?” Roman stammered, gaping at Logan.

“Yes. That’s right, isn’t it? The internet isn’t always a reliable source, however…” he reasoned, “I spent all day making sure this flower would imply the correct meanings… and maybe also just milling about nervously.”

If he felt warm before, Roman was smoldering now. Like all his cells were replaced with stoked coals. He was probably as red as his swim trunks, too.

“I… I…” Roman tried to sit up from his floatie, still barely comprehending the confession just spoken to him.

But his arm slipped, and he squeaked as his floatie tipped off-balance and caused him to plummet into the pool.

“Roman!” he heard Logan call before he met his aquatic fate.

The cool waters rushed over his burning skin, and he was quite thankful for that. But he found a chilly grip resting on his hand, and soon, another splash met the water.

His blurred vision faintly recognized Logan’s flushed, clear figure ahead of him. Logan’s hair floated above his head in a flowing tuft, and his eyes were shut behind his soaked glasses.

Roman was swimming with a real-life Poseidon.

He would’ve stayed to enjoy the view, but his eyes started to burn and his lungs were pleading for air. Roman breached the surface, bobbing on the water and taking in a long breath of air.

Logan rose out right after, a small coughing fit following.

“You okay?” Roman frowned.

Logan nodded, removing his glasses and taking in a breath as he waded in the waters.

Roman then realized Logan was one of those rarities who looked hot even without their glasses. Unfair! his mind cried as his body warmed once more.

“So, you like me?” Roman said, “Like, you like like me? For realsies?”

Logan nodded, “I do. Like like, you. Or love you, in clearer terms. Or am utterly and illogically infatuated with you, in my own terms.” He glanced over to the rose that lounged alone where he sat before.

Roman grinned like the lovesick fool he was.

“Well,” Roman turned, scratching his neck and looking at Logan through his eyelashes. “I like you too.”

Logan looked back at Roman, holding his glasses in his hands. His calloused, cynical expression softened into a calm, admiring one.

Before Roman could stop himself, he swam to Logan and gave him a peck on his exposed widow’s peak.

He then cupped Logan’s cheek and smiled wider. “I hope that suffices as a worthy reply to your rose.”

Logan glanced down, a small smile quirking his lips as he flipped his hair back-- then Roman could barely react to the new feeling of Logan’s lips on his.

The edges of Roman’s smile curled up before he melted into the moment, Logan’s tangy softness taking over all his senses. He released Logan's cheek and wrapped his arms around Logan’s shoulders to pull him closer. Logan followed, wrapping his arms around Roman's waist.

The kiss ended what seemed like years after as Logan pulled away, his eyes fluttering in that pleasing way only kisses could spur on.

Roman, despite still being above the water, wanted to submerge himself inside this moment forever.

“Hey there, kiddos,” a voice dripping with uncomfort echoed. “Uh, bad time for a five-minute supper warning, huh?”

Logan and Roman yelped at the interruption, separating and turning to face the awkwardly grinning Patton standing at the foot of the pool.

“Thank you for the warning, Pat!” Roman took all his remaining energy to act as normal as possible while still being drunk from the kiss. “We’ll be there soon.”

Patton nodded and quickly dismissed himself, sinking out.

Roman turned to Logan and broke out in laughter.

Logan joined in, and soon, both of them couldn’t stop laughing as they bobbed in the water.

Roman then lifted himself up onto the pool’s wall and sat on its tiles, spilling water everywhere around him. He raised his hand out to Logan and beamed.

“You coming, nerd?”

Logan put his glasses back on before he grabbed onto Roman’s hand.

“Sure am, prep.”

Roman tugged Logan out of the water and watched as Logan sat next to him, grasping the rose and offering it to him once more.

“I now accept your rose,” Roman cooed, taking it from Logan and taking a brief whiff before sending it off to his room.

Logan then summoned two towels, brandished with their respective logos, to dry off with. They both wrapped the towels across their shoulders and stood to make their way to dinner.

But before they left, Roman gave Logan a small smooch on the lips and grasped onto his hand again.

Logan’s lips turned upward with his own foolish, lovesick smile.

Two sugary desserts, a takeout spaghetti dinner, five gifts, a boyfriend, and three kisses? Roman tallied.

Best. Birthday. Ever.

—

#roman blowing out his breakfast cupcake’s candle: please... i want my Nerdy Boyfriend so bad #logan showing up at the pool later: so i heard you chose same-day shipping for that?#nsndhdhbd #happy birthday to roman!!#aaa this fic went through like... 3 drafts!!#hopefully third’s the charm and yall enjoy this :D #sanders sides #sanders sides fanfiction #roman sanders #logan sanders #logince #romantic logince #food mention tw #patton mention #virgil mention #janus mention #remus mention #(not for triggers!! just bc they show up for a lil and i wouldnt wanna clog the patton tag w/ logince. yknow?)

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olivereliott · 5 years

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Road Tested: Gear from Icon 1000, Shoei and Merlin

Looking good on your bike shouldn’t mean compromising safety. Join us as we check out Shoei’s new retro motocross helmet, a stylish pair of boots from Icon 1000, and gloves from Merlin.

Shoei EX-Zero Vintage motocross helmets are still hot property, with new models occasionally hitting the market. Today, we’re looking at Shoei’s entry in to the segment: the high-specced EX-Zero.

The EX-Zero is quite possibly the most modern ‘retro’ helmet on the market. Its design and styling is reminiscent of Shoei’s MX helmets in the 80s—models like the EX3 and Supra-X. So it’s a good-looking lid, with bags of attitude and smooth lines.

I love the classy little ducktail lip around the bottom of the front and back, and the six-vent design on the chin bar that’s lifted straight from its ancestors. It’s available in a few sweet color options too, with six flat colors and one graphic on offer.

Looks aside, it’s built just like Shoei’s more contemporary lids. Holding it side-by-side with my Shoei RYD, the EX-Zero has the same 5-layer composite ‘Advanced Integrated Matrix’ shell, and the same plush, removable interior. And just like the RYD, its cheek pads have tabs for quick removal (to assist first responders in removing your helmet safely if things go random).

The EX-Zero’s also very well made and neatly finished. The liner is capped off around the eye port, and along the bottom of the helmet, with strips of faux leather and faux nubuck—adding to the old school feel without compromising the practicality of the modern liner.

Everything feels premium, with no visible inconsistencies—from the paint to the wire mesh in the vents and the rubber edging, Except, of all things, the Shoei logo up top. It’s nothing more than a sticker, and on my helmet sits just skew enough to trigger my OCD.

Shoei has a reputation for helmets that fit great, and the EX-Zero lives up to it. There are no surprises in the size guide, and it feels cushy and comfortable straight out the box. There’s no official weight listed for the EX-Zero, but it’s light enough to be all-day comfy, and the liner does a solid job of keeping things breezy.

The eye port’s nice and spacious too—big enough to squeeze a in pair of the ubiquitous 100% Barstow goggles. But since this is a totally no-fuss design, there are a few caveats. That wide front opening and the chin bar vents let in enough air to keep you cool, but they’re always open. And while the EX-Zero isn’t as noisy as some other helmets in this style, it’s not exactly quiet either.

It is surprisingly aerodynamic though—even with the optional peak fitted. It’s a traditional three-snap arrangement, but it sits tight on the shell and does an excellent job of channeling air around it. Even at highway speeds I didn’t notice any rattling or head lifting.

The EX-Zero’s also packing a very stealthy feature—a drop down visor that, in theory, negates the need for goggles. It hides away inside the shell, and drops down by pulling on one of two small tabs, located on either side. (A spring-loaded mechanism with a lever on the outside of the shell would have ruined the EX-Zero’s simplistic approach.)

Both the visor and the mechanism are very well thought out. You can set it to ‘stop’ at three different heights, depending on your face’s proportions. The helmet ships with a clear visor, but I swapped mine out for a tinted one in a matter of minutes.

There is one fatal flaw with the system though—at anything over 40 mph, air starts to get around the visor. And at 50 mph, it’s pretty much useless. I found myself relying on it for quick around-town jaunts, but for longer rides a good set of goggles (and some ear plugs) are a must. If I had my way, I’d convince Shoei to ditch it altogether—which would hopefully knock the price down too.

At £359.99 (plus another £29.99 for the peak) the EX-Zero costs a fair chunk more than its direct competitor, the uber-popular Bell Moto 3. That said, I own both, and so far I’ve picked the EX-Zero every time—mainly because it’s so damn comfortable. [Buy]

Icon 1000 Varial Boot Whether it’s their gear or their outrageous custom bikes, Icon 1000 have always marched to the beat of their own drum. The new Varial boot embodies this ethos; mashing up different styles to create a boot that looks killer and keeps you protected.

The Varial is styled mostly like a casual boot, but with a few details that throw you. The sole has a strong sneaker vibe too it, and there’s a strap further up that’s not unlike those on vintage motocross boots. Icon 1000 have kept their branding extremely subtle, and loaded up on rad design elements—like the well padded and perforated tongue.

Made from full-grain leather, the Varial comes in either black or brown. I picked latter—partly because the specific leather used on the brown Varial is said to distress quicker, and I like my gear to look worn in. Be warned though: with no shifter pad built into the design, the area on top of my left boot got real messy, real quick. (I don’t mind it, but some people might.)

That leather’s also really supple, so the Varial doesn’t need to be broken in much. I picked my usual boot and sneaker size, and the sizing was spot on. It’s an easy boot to get on too—and that’s not something I can usually say about boots.

My Yeti-sized feet have high bridges, so any lace-up boot needs to be unlaced a bit before I can slip into it. Icon have very cleverly added an elasticated panel around the back of the ankle, along with a super-sturdy leather pull tab. Problem solved.

The lace system itself is a pretty straightforward affair, with metal hardware and barrel laces. That extra strap is a little fiddly to fasten down at first, but once in place it adds extra stability and holds the laces down a bit. (It’s a proper old school setup, with a small stud and three holes for basic adjustment.) There’s a ‘lace pouch’ built into the tongue too; it completely swallows loose ends, but tucking them in there’s a process.

As for protection, the Varial has reinforced material in the toe and heel, and D30 pads built into the ankles. It’s also about an inch higher than most ankle boots, making it feel just that little bit more secure. The footbed is reinforced and stiff enough for maximum stability on the bike, but with a little flex built in for when you’re off it.

At $175 it’s tough to beat the Varial’s style and protection combo. I’m pretty stoked on mine, and you can bet they’ll be in circulation for a long time. [More]

Merlin Boulder Glove British gear manufacturer Merlin are fast becoming known for making solid gear that doesn’t break the bank. Their stuff is among the best selling in our shop, so I figured I’d try out a pair of their gloves: the £79.99 Boulder.

The Boulder is an elegant cowhide glove with a very versatile style. Available in a black and brown combo with contrast stitching, it’s a short-cuff design that’ll look just as good on a cafe racer as it will a scrambler. It scores high on style; the contrasting leathers have been used well, and the stitching patterns vary in different areas of the glove.

On the practicality side, Merlin have included a Velcro closure, a pull tab to help get the glove on, and some extra material on the palm. Perforation on the palm and fingers add a measure of ventilation too. There’s not much protection up top though—just some light padding on the upper panel.

The only branding is Merlin’s phoenix logo embossed on the pull-tab, and their name printed on top. The former feels classy, but the latter looks like an afterthought, and could have been executed better. My only other gripe is minor: each glove has two tiny leather tabs with holes just inside the cuff, to attach the gloves to the packaging. They have no use once the packaging’s been ditched, and I’ll probably end up snipping them off.

Other than that—and one or two untidy seams that I only really picked up when I looked very, very closely—the Boulder appears well made. Unfortunately I haven’t ridden in mine much, but that’s on me. Merlin’s gloves run roughly a size small—and I picked my usual size instead of first consulting their size chart. (Measure your hand and go according to their chart, and you should be fine.)

Even so, I have managed to squeeze my hands into the gloves a few times. And other than the fact that they’re too tight, they have a great, pliable feel to them. Chances are I’ll pass them onto a friend, who will no doubt get many happy miles out of them. [Buy]

Location images by Devin Paisley

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