#mike's penance is paid in being heckled by kevin and also chat

[kariachi]

Quick Kevin & Mike ficlet, apropos of nothing. Just an image that’s been in my head for literal ages and finally decided to go down in some form.

~~

“Hello chat! Welcome back to Fright Night, where I suffer for your entertainment.” With a sharky grin Kevin snorted and leaned over Mike’s shoulder.

“You enjoy it,” he teased, laughing as he was shoved off with a scowl.

“Back up, I’m not replacing another console ‘cause of you.” Shaking his head, Kevin turned his grin to the camera.

“Someday we’ll break him, chat. How are you doing? Everybody alive? We sound okay? Great, awesome. I have destroyed one console of his. One.”

“He’s never living it down,” Mike cut in, elbowing Kevin, “and back up, do you know what it takes to find a PS5?” Shifting to the side, like he could physically block Kevin from coming anywhere near the electronics, he shook his head and muttered “Fucking impossible...”

“Me, or Sony?”

“Both.”

“I,” Kevin said to chat, “am not in my normal spot because of inclement weather. Lightning storm’s coming in and I’m probably gonna be sparking all night. This way I don’t fry anything mid-stream. It’s okay though, because I have you guys on my phone-” He held it up for the camera, the swiftly moving chat echoed on the screen. “-which should be able to take whatever I dish out.”

“Hopefully.”

“I have faith in my work.”

“That makes one of us.” Mike deftly dodged a swipe upside the head. “What game are you forcing on me this time?”

“One of our subscribers recommended Tormented Souls, and it got the all clear, so…”

“So I’m the tormented soul. Joy.” Kevin flashed him another grin.

“It felt very on brand. Thanks KnowledgeableCadaver for the recommendation. This game apparently has some serious gore and violence, along with some self-harm, so if those bother you, no worries, same as always we’re gonna put out a post when we finish so you know when you can come back safe.”

“It should only be three weeks,” Mike added, booting up the PS5 and making a nearly whining noise to see that yes, there was the game. “Kev’s going to be out of town after that, we’ve scheduled around it.”

“Yes, chat, I will bring you back a souvenir. You need to press X, Sparkles.” Elbowing him again, Mike hissed out an

“I know to work a console!” Kevin shook his head and shouldered him back.

“While he’s working up his nerve, here’s your reminder that this month’s charity is the Coalition for the Homeless, advocating for the rights to sufficient food, adequate housing, and a living wage for all. As always, we’re matching and doubling whatever you guys send our way. You all managed to get over three grand for Mutants of America last month, so let’s see if we can top it-”