![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
[closed] prove to me i'm not gonna die alone
Who: the Fallout AU crew
Setting: the Commonwealth
Summary: ???????
Warnings: Fallout warnings, smut
Other: [original notes] [first post] [second post] [third post] [fourth post] [fifth post] [sixth post]
immediate:
- nathan finding out about e1, possible riley joining in on offering to sleep with him
- irene finding out about ferran's engagement and ~wedding~
- barbara initiating flirting with ferran
- ayo stuff
- riley still doesnt know about the deathclaws
future:
- return to brotherhood plot, do we want to deal with danse's reveal??
- shaun coming to the surface
- shaun's reveal about his cancer and who he wants to elect as his successor
- battle for bunker hill (RR + institute vs BoS), however tf we end up doing that
>shaun agrees that night to come to the surface >they do the run to bunker hill and it's fine >there's a bit of time before shaun's free so we can do the barbara flirting/irene being like WEDDING/ferran getting to be Center stuff, maybe riley doing ferran's song >shaun comes to the surface, all of that stuff, he tells them he's dying and who he wants to be his successor >come back to find nathan's missing >literal explosions
[image] [lyrics]
prove to me i’m not gonna die alone
put your arm around my collarbone,
and open the door
don’t lie to me if you’re putting the dog to sleep,
that pet you just couldn’t keep,
and couldn’t afford
well, prove to me i’m not gonna die alone.
unstitch that shit i’ve sewn
to close up the hole that tore through my skin
well, my trust in you is a dog with a broken leg,
tendons too torn to beg for you to let me back in
you said, “i can’t prove to you you’re not gonna die alone,
but trust me to take you home,
to clean up that blood all over your paws
you can’t keep running out,
kicking yourself off the bed,
kicking yourself in the head,
because you’re kicking me too”
Setting: the Commonwealth
Summary: ???????
Warnings: Fallout warnings, smut
Other: [original notes] [first post] [second post] [third post] [fourth post] [fifth post] [sixth post]
immediate:
- nathan finding out about e1, possible riley joining in on offering to sleep with him
- irene finding out about ferran's engagement and ~wedding~
- barbara initiating flirting with ferran
- ayo stuff
- riley still doesnt know about the deathclaws
future:
- return to brotherhood plot, do we want to deal with danse's reveal??
- shaun coming to the surface
- shaun's reveal about his cancer and who he wants to elect as his successor
- battle for bunker hill (RR + institute vs BoS), however tf we end up doing that
>shaun agrees that night to come to the surface >they do the run to bunker hill and it's fine >there's a bit of time before shaun's free so we can do the barbara flirting/irene being like WEDDING/ferran getting to be Center stuff, maybe riley doing ferran's song >shaun comes to the surface, all of that stuff, he tells them he's dying and who he wants to be his successor >come back to find nathan's missing >literal explosions
[image] [lyrics]
prove to me i’m not gonna die alone
put your arm around my collarbone,
and open the door
don’t lie to me if you’re putting the dog to sleep,
that pet you just couldn’t keep,
and couldn’t afford
well, prove to me i’m not gonna die alone.
unstitch that shit i’ve sewn
to close up the hole that tore through my skin
well, my trust in you is a dog with a broken leg,
tendons too torn to beg for you to let me back in
you said, “i can’t prove to you you’re not gonna die alone,
but trust me to take you home,
to clean up that blood all over your paws
you can’t keep running out,
kicking yourself off the bed,
kicking yourself in the head,
because you’re kicking me too”
Spectacle Island, mid-morning
They've spent the morning working together to make pizza -- almost the entire family. The only person missing is Shaun. It's so nice to just... do something completely domestic together, with almost everyone there, helping each other. Deacon kept stealing nibbles of ingredients, Barbara was happier than Riley's ever seen her (not that that says much, really), even Irene is laughing at everyone -- The kitchen is warm and busy and noisy and it's perfect. It's just... perfect.
Everyone dispersed for a little while the pizzas cooked. Barbara and Irene are preparing for a trip to the mainland -- Riley isn't entirely sure what Ferran asked them to do, but the four of them agreed that it'd be best if they had the house to themselves so they can... well. Uh. Watch those... movies. Zetta is out on the porch, working on putting back together the TV they scavenged before coming home and dismantled for easier transportation. Riley just rests in the living room with Ferran while Codsworth works on cleaning up the kitchen. He isn't sure where Deacon got off to.
Riley rests his head on Ferran's shoulder with a content sigh.] You know what we should get?
no subject
Merlot? [Ferran offers a hypothetical answer to Riley's question.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
continuation
Zetta isn't the praying sort, but she'd be willing to make an exception if it would guarantee their safety. If something happened to them today, neither Ferran nor Deacon would be able to deal.
But she tries to push the thought out of her head as Barbara rows the boat away with Irene seated in front of her. They have the house to themselves, and this is a rare opportunity. The most she can do is try to enjoy it.
Riley helps her move the fixed television into the living room.] Yeah, we're definitely doing this in here. I'm so not carrying this all the way upstairs.
no subject
A liiiiittle bit more to the left.
[He lazily points.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
a few days later, near County Crossing
I thought that was Riley, [E1 says, managing to still look shy even as she's sassing back. It's a marvel to Zetta how she manages to pull that off. Riley laughs.
They're on their way to meeting Deacon. The trip into the Institute to pick up E1 was fairly short; Nathan's moods doesn't seem to have improved any, and for once, they're able to get on their way fairly shortly after stopping to speak with him. They do get a sort-of answer from Shaun -- that he'll give them an answer about whether or not he'll come to the surface with them soon -- and it's all Zetta can do to push it out of her mind. If she lets herself dwell on it, she's never going to stop. And right now, she needs to be focused on making sure nothing ambushes them on their way to meet with Deacon out in some ruined buildings near County Crossing.
But they're almost there. So before long, they'll be safe enough.]
no subject
Y'all better explain fast what you're doin' trespassing on my land.
[His voice is a deep rasp.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
evening - national guard training yard, armory
You're fucking magical, [Zetta mutters to Deacon at some point.] You have no goddamn idea.
[By the time Deacon is satisfied with E1's lessons for the day and they subsequently clear out the ferals, it's time to bunk down. They set up in the armory, a smaller bunker set up in the back, incredibly secure with the turret (disabled by Zetta) on top, the laser tripwires (also disabled by Zetta, long enough for them to get past them, then re-enabled) inside, and a power armor maintenance area separated with a heavy duty metal wall and matching door, which features a lock controlled by a terminal. There's even a suit of power armor set up on the frame, which Zetta is currently dicking with while Riley works on preparing E1's first wasteland meal, aka their dinner.]
no subject
[Actually they're a pair that Riley got for him in Old World Boston. But Deacon likes a good story.
And hey, maybe the devil is on their side right now because damn this is the best on-the-road hide-out he's had in a long time. He'd be tempted to turn this place into a safehouse except that too much traffic in a place like this would get noticed.]
You did good today, E1. Real good.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
downtown Boston (in the neighborhood of Hubris Comics)
Zetta hated coming downtown Pre-War, and she hates it even more now. And if she's constantly on edge, she can only imagine how Deacon's doing. She's definitely going to need to treat him once they're done here.
In the distance, her ears catch a sound that doesn't make sense here. It's the mechanical wordless burbling robots make to communicate with each other. There shouldn't be any active robots out here, though, especially not any that do that. She turns her head, brow furrowed deeply, but she doesn't see anything, or hear anything else.]
no subject
What the hell? [He says quietly, looking to Zetta. He recognizes the sound of robots, but why are they here. Zetta knows machinery and stuff, so maybe she's got an answer.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
the next day
Later, when she wakes up again, it's because of the low voices outside their room. She shifts, deciding she's done with sleep. Tentatively, she tries curling her legs. They're stiff, and the movement makes her back ache, but fuck they move. When she shifts to her side and sits up, though, the soreness evolves into actual pain. All she can do is sit there for a moment, panting and waiting for it to pass.
Riley's been awake for a while, but reluctant to move. But now, after watching Zetta struggle just to sit on the edge of the bed, he speaks up.] If you let me get up first, I'll help.
Yeah, [she agrees grimly.]
no subject
[Because wow, everything hurts. He's never going to be able to look at a robot again. Except maybe Codsworth but only because Codsworth is a great cook.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
a few days later, breakfast at Homer Safehouse
She' currently marking modifications on a blueprint for a turret at the breakfast table, only idly picking at her food while she works.]
no subject
And when that happens, this safehouse is gonna have to go.
It's really a shame, after Zetta just enhanced their security, like, a billion. He drops down into the seat next to her.]
How's your back doing?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Homer safehouse, cont.
No.
Yes. [Gallant says simultaneously.
Perhaps. [Carrington says with them both.
Gallant has decided to keep Homer. Deacon doesn't like this decision.]
no subject
Wait, what? What decision? [Riley has absolutely no idea what's going on. He was upstairs when the debate started, and then Ferran happened to him.]
Whether or not to burn the safehouse, [Zetta informs him, voice flat.
Riley, predictably, looks shocked.] What? But -- Why?
Because we know where it is, and we're not supposed to touch safehouses or HQ with a ten foot pole.
[Riley still looks confused.] I still don't get it. We aren't endangering it. ... right?
[Zetta goes from pinching her nose to rubbing her forehead.] Riley, think about it. Who would just love to waltz in here and murder the agents and take the synths back?
Yeah, but -- It's not like we're going to tell anyone. And... wait. You don't think -- [And here it is. The look of realization on Riley's face as he finally sees how much Zetta... doesn't trust Shaun. Zetta doesn't look up at him. She knows it's happening, and she doesn't want to see it. She also doesn't want to hear his aghast,] Zetta --
[She needs a lot of alcohol, and soon.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
the next morning
There's something -- There's something she wants to talk to Deacon about. So before they leave, E1 sidles up to him nervously, reaching out to tug on his sleeve.]
no subject
Hey, E1, what's shaking?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
that day, Goodneighbor, Third Rail
Kent ends up completely enamored with Riley, as Zetta knew he would be. Riley looks embarrassed as he begins to cotton onto it himself, but when Kent turns his starstruck gaze to Zetta, that embarrassment turns into amusement as she struggles to stay neutral. Kent's doing a lot better than when she last saw him, which is a relief. He's still more jumpy than he used to be, but... He's recovering. At least he's making progress.
Once they've entered the Third Rail and ordered their drinks, Zetta claims them a table by dropping herself unceremoniously into one of the chairs. It's too early for Magnolia to be in yet; small mercies.]
Riley, we're serious. You should've ordered the whiskey.
It's okay. I kinda want to see what all the fuss is about, [he grins, having ordered a beer instead.]
no subject
[Deacon holds a whiskey glass in his hands, his eyes scanning the room behind his shades.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
continuation
Riley is sitting up on an elbow so he can see all of them better. He's running his fingers of his other hand through Ferran's hair, slow, soft, loving.]
I still love how much you love this part, [Riley tells Ferran, leaning in to kiss his temple.]
no subject
He has an image to maintain, however.]
I grow chilled easily. Cuddling keeps me warm. [He knows they can see right through it. It's not even a good lie. It's just the principle of the thing.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
the Institute
She's not looking forward to this. Lone is going to hit the roof if he hasn't already. There's a reason why they're finding him in Advanced Systems instead of waiting until they can catch him at home. Maybe if they do this when there are other people around, he'll be less likely to try to strangle them.]
no subject
He scowls and stomps up to them.]
Where the hell have you--?
[Is that a Silver Shroud costume? Nathan's thought is derailed as he stares at Ferran with a puzzled furrow between his brows.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
that evening, zay's rooms
Zay's rooms look the same as ever, namely, they're playing at being orderly. The floor in the living room is certainly clear, but the flat surfaces have random scatterings of assorted things -- empty bottles, various bits of tech scrap, so on and so forth. Zay isn't exactly what one would call a "neat freak." This is even more evident in the bedroom and bathroom, which is precisely why those doors are kept closed most of the time. Zay and Nathan frequently retreat to one or the other's rooms for drinks and generally unwinding away from the prying eyes of other, more rumormongering scientists. Zay isn't embarrassed by the state of his living quarters, but Nathan gripes at him about it every time he sees it, so it's best this way to keep the peace.
Zay helps himself to whiskey almost immediately.] What are you in the mood for? [he intones to Nathan, hospitality being what it is.]
no subject
Whiskey is fine.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
the Institute, next morning
Of course he does this when we have to wait to meet up with Deacon, [she bitches as they get dressed.] It's like he knew. [Because Shaun has finally given them an answer about whether or not he'll visit the surface with them. And he fucking said yes.] Goddamn Lone. Goddamn Shaun.
[At least Lone's mood should improve before they leave. Shaun also passed along the device he had made to nullify the nukes at Fort Strong. Christ. Every time they sit down with Shaun, it never goes the way Zetta expects. She doesn't like it very much.
She's still sulking when they arrive at Lone's quarters later. But when Riley knocks on the door, they're met with... silence. Not even sounds of Lone moving around inside.]
The fuck? [Zetta mutters after several long minutes of absolutely nothing.]
no subject
[Ferran reaches over Zetta to pound on the door. If Lone's done something idiotic like left without them...
The sound of hurried footsteps echoes down the hall. Seconds later Dr. Lone rushes towards them, his hair a mess, his eyes bloodshot, and his lab coat eschew.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
cambridge
We'll follow the roads north a bit, then start to cut east. Stick to the alleys or shadows of the buildings if you can. [She doesn't know how necessary it is to say that, but she'd rather cover her bases and treat Nathan like a moron than assume something only for it to bite them in the ass.
What Nathan doesn't know is that this path is going to take them past the Cambridge Campus Diner, which is where they'd planned to meet up with Deacon after they'd come back to the surface. Zetta doubts Deacon will immediately engage when he sees Nathan, and will instead hang back to try to figure out what the hell is going on. She has a plan for that, too.
The streets are quiet, but wasteland-quiet, not Institute-quiet. The office buildings creak in the wind, and debris crunches underfoot with each step they take. Zetta doesn't think twice about any of it, or about the differences in smells. She's well used to the transition by now.]
no subject
He doesn't know how Zetta and the others fight. He doesn't know what his role is with them.
So he just follows closely and tries not to jump at every noise.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Bunker Hill
Still, she's reluctant to let go of Deacon now that they're back in public. She hovers very near him, arms folded across her chest and hands tucked into her elbows to keep herself from doing something stupid.]
no subject
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
the Institute, late afternoon
But all of their concerns are very, very far away from Zay's mind. He's been particularly irritable today, to the point that Li got tired of his attitude and nearly ordered him to go the hell home. It's a good thing she never finally snapped and tried, because he would've fought it tooth and nail. Even as distractable as he's been, he needs his work right now. Without it, he wouldn't be able to hold on to even the shred of sanity he's been struggling to keep all day. He wouldn't know what to do with himself if he wasn't kept busy.
He's still in Advanced Systems by the time Nathan is returned to the bowels of the Institute. He's holed himself up in a corner to work on calculations with minimal distractions (as if his foul mood wasn't keeping everyone else away, anyway).]
no subject
Once he's scrubbed the wasteland from his person, Nathan goes to Advanced Systems and up to his preferred workstation by Zay.]
When you have a moment, I'd appreciate your input on my photon exciter blueprints.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
slocum joe's hq, concurrent with last thread
Once they've got everything situated -- a trap at the door, since it isn't immediately in view, small fire in a barrel in the corner -- Zetta pulls out the device Shaun gave her and hands it out to Deacon.]
We should probably cover this first. [Because talking about Shaun will otherwise entirely distract them.]
no subject
Totally. I'm thinking...velvet upholstery. Or maybe patent leather. I dunno, what do you think?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
casa del deacon
Riley has to wheedle Zetta into coming in for dinner; she almost stays out in the garage. But Riley wins her over by starting to sing at her, and she caves almost immediately. He'd never shut up and let her focus, and then she'd shove him into her chair and strip him and ride him, and then she'd never get any work done.]
Let it be known that Riley isn't the nice guy he pretends to be, [she declares as she strolls into the kitchen from the side door.] He plays fucking dirty when he wants to.
no subject
[Ferran sits at the table waiting for Zetta to arrive. Deacon's plate is already half-empty. He'd started eating immediately only to stop when he realized that Ferran and Irene weren't.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
la casa, later that night
Well, they're certainly in for a good night.
["They," because she should probably go back outside and get back to work now.]
no subject
There's no reason they have to be the only ones to have a good night.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...