#Hancock is like ‘you’re a parent though and I’m not good with kids. should you really settle for me?’ and she’s like

[thirsty-4-ghouls]

“Hancock is bad with kids” “Hancock is bad with Shaun” no, well, maybe, but where I was getting at was, the objectively funniest dynamic there that I can think of is that Hancock does, indeed, not know what to do around kids BUT Shaun is super curious because of that and will not leave him alone. Hancock will be looking at sole like “I can’t handle this, i don’t know what to do, get your kid” and Shaun is just like “why do you dress like that? Do you still get sunburnt? Do you like lazer rifles? I like lazer rifles.” Like a cat that sees the person ignoring them and goes up to them for attention. And the funniest response from sole is something like “the sunburn question is rude, Shaun” and then they continue doing whatever they were before saying that.

[fallout-drabbles-n-stuff]

What does Shaun think of his parent’s romantic partner/companion?

((I'm just gonna say this is like first impression stuff))

Cait:

•Ehhh..he doesn't really know how to feel..tbh.

•He'll probably hide behind you the first time you introduce them.

Curie:

•He. Loves. Her.

Danse:

•This may come as a huge shock, but he thinks Danse is funny. Like, his first impression is "wow, this big metal dude sure is awkward"

•Thankfully, Shaun holds himself together and doesn't laugh when Danse stutters out an explanation of what his "role" is with the his mom/dad.

Deacon:

•Another maybe shocker..Shaun doesn't approve of him very much at first

•Deacon isn't exactly the best at being "open", Shaun picks up in that instantly.

Gage:

•Gage tries, he really does for you, but he just can't help but scare Shaun.

•Nonetheless, all it takes is for Shaun to take one good look at his tattoos, his gun, and his nifty armour and he is intrigued.

•All he'll breaks loose after that.

Hancock:

•NO

•I advise you to prepare Shaun. Mind you, he is no bigot..but he has never even heard of a ghoul. Now, the two do them are going to get along just fine..but shaun's first thing is to ask Hancock "Who burned you?"

•It's a good thing Hancock can joke around.

Macready:

•Shaun really likes Mac. It's like an instant "you're cool"

•Duncan is definite plus! Those two get along really well..just beware. Two troublesome kids isn't good.

Maxson:

•Shaun is bewildered upon their first meeting. The three of you flying off from the blast sight, both you and Arthur covered in power armour grease, laser rifle burns, and other stuff..so let's not not consider that the first time they really meet.

•Well, back at the Prydwen it isn't exactly less crazy. In his eyes, Arthur is like some sort of hero, just like you were. A very serious, intimidating, hero that he has caught kissing his mom/dad.

•It'll take some time.

Nick:

•Woah. Fortunately, Shaun has been exposed to quite a few synths like Nick- so it isn't like Hancock where he is completely horrified.

•Considering his calm, soothing demeanor, Nick quickly puts whatever strange anxiousness Shaun may have at ease and gets to talk to the kid.

•Shaun is a little confused as to why you're um..involved..with a gen 2 synth though..

Old Longfellow:

•GRANDPA

•Just kidding..

•Shaun is a little intimidated at first. I mean, come on, there's this big dude that smells of whisky and has a look colder than ice..not too mention he's almost always grumpy.

•Don't worry, they'll warm up to each other in due time.

Piper:

•Is kind of disconcerted whenever he finds out who piper is..not because he should be calling her "step-ma" or anything but..he kind of has a thing for Nat.

•Nonetheless, he won't take it out on poor Piper. Instead she digs a hole for herself by being too caught up with writing columns...but he doesn't hate her. He just might play the occasional prank on her to get her attention is all.

Preston:

•With a personality like Preston's, Shaun's approval is pretty much a guarantee.

•All it takes is one night where Preston formally sits down with the kiddo, a nice campfire alight in front of them, and just talks to him. Not as a "hey, I'm sorry but I'm the dude that's screwing your mom/dad" kind of talk, but more so a "hey, I'm interested in getting to know more about you." Kind of thing.

•Shaun respects him.

Sturges:

•Sturges is calm, charming, and quite frankly decently likable. Plus he has a liking towards tinkering? Sign Shaun up.

•He likes him a lot actually. Sturges and him seem to take to each other seamlessly. In addition to this, Sturges isn't like any of the other companions where he is usually putting himself into some form of danger- so as somber as it is, he subconsciously is free of the fear of losing him.

•in any other words..they get close.

X6-88:

•This is shaun's bestie. No matter what X6 tries to say.

•A little weirded out when he realizes the type of relationship you and X6 have..but..he guesses that it's alright. At least he knows the dude.

[commonwealthoccurences]

Companions React: Sole’s Worn A Binder Too Long (Part Two)

CW: Injury

Gage:

“Christ, Sole. What happened while we were out there?” Gage muttered, more to himself, as he carried them to safety.

They grumbled something in return, probably equally as bitter considering that’s the way they talked to each other, and tightened their grip on Gage’s arm in warning. It was difficult for them to move their torso, fighting with the urge to collapse. He tried to find the words to let them know it was okay, they would be fine, but that just wasn’t how he functioned. Wordlessly, he moved forward to a safe area and let them collapse onto the nearest seat. “What the hell’s going on?” He asked, hands placed on either side of the chair.

“Binder.” They mumbled, sucking in breaths as deeply as their aching body allowed.

Gage narrowed his eyes as he thought. Realization struck him soon after and he cursed, turning away from them and straightening up. “Are you fuckin’ kidding me? You’re wearing a binder? How long.” He demanded.

“Whole...time.” 

His hands shook despite his determination to keep them still. Sure, he was concerned, but he also couldn’t believe how reckless they were being. What the hell were they doing, treating themself like this, when they were Overboss? What was he supposed to do when they collapsed and left themself defenseless? He took a moment to slow his racing thoughts before he turned to face them again. “I’m sawing it off, if you’ll let me, and then you’re resting until this shit’s fixed. We don’t need you running your body into the ground and collapsing.”

Sole didn’t bother to respond, merely shifting their arms with a wince to give him access to the garment. He carefully unbuttoned their shirt and tucked it around them before beginning to saw away at the binder with a knife. Once the material snapped apart, Sole inhaled deeply and coughed, groaning at the pain it caused. “I’ll get ice, wait here.” Gage began walking out the door but paused. “Take better care of yourself, Boss.”

Hancock:

“We’re almost there, Sunshine, and you can get a break. Don’t worry.” 

It wasn’t easy hauling a whole person and their weighed down backpack across Sanctuary, but they eventually made it to Sole’s door without incident, other than Hancock’s foot catching on the uneven road. He carefully lowered them onto the couch and lifted their legs onto the fabric so they didn’t have to move, then hefted their backpack off his shoulder and onto the ground next to them.

He had taken a guess as to what was going on, but didn’t exactly want to have that conversation in the middle of the wasteland when they could be ambushed at any point. Before he could think better of it, they were struggling to breathe and he’d instantly regretted not saying anything. He knew they trusted him, so what was holding him back, he didn’t know, but it was too late at that point. “Sole, we need to talk about your binder.” He rubbed a finger across his upper lip in contemplation.

Sole turned their head to look at him, slightly surprised. “What?”

“You know you shouldn’t be wearing it through all of our missions. And look, I get it. But it’s gonna get you killed.”

They sighed and closed their eyes, eyebrows furrowed in response to the sharp pain in their ribs. “I know.”

Maybe it was time to let it lie. Hancock moved to stand over them. “I’m gonna have to cut it off, okay? But after we’ll get the doc and some ice and it’ll start feelin’ better in no time.”

MacCready:

Mac’s lips were pressed together in deliberation, contemplating what could’ve gone wrong while they were out and about. Of course, they’d gone all over hell and Earth during their work; it could be anything, especially if Sole didn’t know either. His thoughts wandered back to Duncan as he hauled Sole through Sanctuary. What if they had something similar to what Duncan had? Undetectable, incurable. He heaved in a sharp breath as he shoved the door to their house open and helped them inside as carefully as he could.

Once they were inside he lowered them to the floor. It’d probably be best to get their back completely straight since they had been clutching their ribcage earlier. They groaned in protest as they had to straighten their back once they were lowered, but breathed a slight sigh of relief once they were settled onto the floor. “What’s going on, Sole? I need to know so I can help.”

Mac lowered himself to sit next to them, prepared to start examining them with what little medical knowledge; “bones showing or massive gash” were generally decent “not good” guidelines medically. “My binder… off.” They got out, teeth gritted.

“You’re… when did you put it on?” He asked in disbelief.

“Before we left.”

Mac was left speechless, surprised they hadn’t managed to break a rib and puncture their own lung. With a deep breath to suppress his protective rant, he instead reached for his pocket knife. “I’m gonna have to cut it off. It’s gonna be way too painful if I pull it over your head.” Sole looked at him in slight alarm. “I’ll cover you, don’t worry.”

They relaxed at that and let their head rest against the floor again, staring up at the ceiling. Mac pulled off his jacket and draped it over most of them before lifting the side of their shirt and finding the bottom of their binder. Carefully, he slid the blade under the fabric and began sawing away.

As soon as the binder released its tension he watched Sole relax and take in a calmer breath. He leaned back on his heels and tucked away his pocket knife. “Better?”

“Better.”

Elder Maxson (by comment request):

It wasn’t easy for Danse to get Sole back onto the Prydwen, considering every shift of their weight seemed to cause them pain, but he did what he had to, and it wasn’t the first time he’d returned with an injured soldier. Medical staff met them at the flight pad and immediately helped him move Sole onto a stretcher. He took his leave once they began carting them towards the medical bay.

It was in one of the many halls of the Prydwen, on their way to the medical room, that Elder Maxson caught sight of Sole. He stepped forward, away from the conversation he’d been having, and caught up with the stretcher rather quickly. “Brief me.” He asked, jaw set tensley. 

“Bruised ribs, it looks like. They wore a binder during combat and it didn’t end too well. We’re going to double check for fractures but under initial examination it appears to be severe bruising.”

Maxson sighed. Sole was one of the Brotherhood’s smartest assets, and yet their stubbornness could get them into tough situations, he knew this. He just never thought they’d let themself get hurt like this. He knew better than to chastise them, though. Maxson followed the stretcher into the medical bay and leaned against the wall, waiting for the doctors to finish their work and take leave.

About thirty minutes later, they’d been settled into the medical wing with ice packs cushioned against their ribcage, a Stimpak injected into their arm, and painkillers starting to take effect. Once the doctors left Maxson pushed himself off the wall and moved to sit next to their bed. “Soldier.” He greeted, waiting for them to turn to look at him.

“Ah, am I going to get lectured?” They asked, smiling slightly despite the situation.

“It wouldn’t help, would it?”

“No. But you can try, if you feel like it.”

“I should reprimand you for speaking to me that way.”

“Ah, I’m all ears, Elder.”

He scoffed and shook his head; he should’ve known better. With a sigh he leaned forward against their bed. “How bad is it?”

“Mandatory two weeks off. Lucky me. I’ve learned my lesson, trust me.”

“Good. Take care of yourself.”

“For the benefit of the Brotherhood?”

“For your own benefit, Soldier.”

Nick:

Nick was no stranger to the way Sole refused to take proper care of themself. They were always too busy, too involved with everyone else to even think about themself, or so they explained. He tried his best to remind them to eat, to drink, to take a few minutes to just breathe before they headed out on another mission to save the world. Yet there were times he couldn’t keep up with them, and this was one of those times.

It was quite easy for him to lift them and carry them through the streets of Sanctuary, making sure to place as little pressure as possible on their ribs for fear of making the situation worse. He’d gotten an inkling of what was going on when they’d started having trouble breathing and clutched at their ribcage like it might shatter if they didn’t.

Nick carried them through the doorway to their house and lowered them onto the couch, easing their weight slowly onto the fabric so as not to disturb the fragility of their body. They still grimaced as they settled and he muttered a quiet apology. “So we’re cutting that off, right?” He asked.

Sole looked up at him, confused until they connected the dots. He smiled as reassuring as he could while still maintaining the disappointed parent appearance. “This ain’t my first rodeo. I’ve been around long enough to pick up on some things.”

They gave him an obligatory chuckle, though instantly regretted it when their bruised ribs cried out in protest. He placed a gentle hand on their arm before moving away to find the knife they often left on their table. Once located, he returned to their side and crouched beside the couch. “Just a warning, I have to lift your shirt to cut it off.”

Sole nodded their assent and he began moving the fabric. Once he spotted their binder he worked the knife safely underneath and started cutting away. It was easy to spot when exactly the binder’s material snapped apart, as Sole’s eyebrows knitted together, then swiftly relaxed. “Better?”

“Better. Thanks, Nick.”

“Don’t mention it. You can thank me by taking better care of yourself.”

Piper:

Piper didn’t panic often, but she reserved the right to panic once Sole started struggling to breathe, clutching at their ribcage for seemingly no reason. There was no visible wound; she had trouble understanding what the hell had happened while they were out. Maybe it was exhaustion? Regardless, she carted them through Sanctuary towards the nearest building, awkwardly prying the door open and stepping inside.

Sole had managed to keep their feet underneath them enough to help her move them into the house, though she rushed out apologies when she nearly dropped them onto the couch and they flinched. They leaned back against the couch, breaths coming short, as she rubbed at her bicep, thinking hard. “Do you remember getting hurt? Did you fall when I wasn’t looking? Sole?”

Sole shook their head. “Binder.”

“You… Sole!” Her tone was indignant but panicked on their behalf. “You know what those things can do!”

Piper sighed. Of course, they weren’t wearing it for no reason. She fought back to go full parent-mode on them and instead thought of her next course of action. “Alright. We need to get it off and then I’ll run and get a doctor, okay? But I need to lift your shirt to do that, is that okay?”

Sole hesitated slightly, but nodded. Noted. Piper crossed the room to get a knife she knew always stayed in the end table drawer. She moved slowly as she knelt next to the couch and began moving the bottom of their shirt aside. It was easy going from there, and the binder snapped apart after a bit of working with the knife. She quickly placed their shirt back where it had been resting. “Thank you.” Sole’s voice was soft, exhausted from their battle to breathe.

“Of course, Sole. I’ll get you some water before I go get the doc.”

She brushed some hair away from their forehead before heading to their kitchen. Thank God for the running water they’d managed to get installed. Piper pulled a clean glass from a shelf above the sink and filled it with water, minding the temperature, and returned to Sole. She helped them guide their hand to the glass and watched as they struggled to move their arms up, wincing every time they shifted even a breath. “Do you need help?”

“Please.” Their tone was frustrated.

Piper took the glass from their hand and held it in front of their mouth, tipping it slowly as they drank. When they sat back she set it down on the end table and grabbed a blanket, settling it over their lap. “Sit tight, I’ll be right back.”

Preston:

Preston prided himself on how well he maintained a calm, prepared image, in spite of whether or not he was internally screaming, unsure of what steps to take. There were some situations, however, that crumbled that facade and made him panic externally, and this was one of them. Sole struggling to breathe, unable to walk on their own due to the lightheadedness from their lack of oxygen, and them pressing their hand against a wound he didn’t even realize existed.

He kept them on their feet and continuously moved straight to the medical clinic, aware it was a bit far from the entrance, but panicked enough that he saw no other option. This was the General, and a good friend at that, and there was simply no possibility they could die. It wasn’t easy, but as soon as he made it into the clinic with them and hit the emergency bell near the door as hard as he could, he felt slightly relieved.

The doctor emerged rather quickly from the back of the clinic, snapping on gloves and chewing around a mouthful of food. Obviously they’d caught him on a lunch break. “Sorry Doc, but I’m not quite sure what’s going on. Struggling to breathe and something’s wrong with their ribs.” He rushed out, moving them onto a cot, mumbling soft apologies as he lowered them onto their back.

The doctor moved to their side quickly, understanding the gravity of the situation. He unceremoniously began cutting open the side of their shirt, leaving Preston to leap forward and cover their chest so they wouldn’t panic as discomfort flooded their expression. It seemed the doctor was ignoring his actions and simply declared, “They’re wearing a binder. It may have bruised their ribs, depending on what you two have been up to in the wasteland. We need to cut it off.”

Preston turned to look at Sole, eyes wide. Shit. He knew how much damage binders could do, especially if someone was moving around in them for a while. There was nothing he could say to them that they didn’t already know, and he instead held their shirt over their chest with one hand and used the other to grab their hand to comfort them. The doc made quick work of the binder and left to grab ice, leaving Sole to try to catch their breath now that they were free from the restricting garment. “We’ll get you another one in no time. I’m sure Sturges can make something that detects movement and expands. We’ll figure it out.”

X6-88:

X6-88 monitored Sole’s health as long as they were in sight. At the first sign of them becoming worn out and struggling to breathe, he stopped them. “Mx., I believe we need to examine you for injuries. Your breathing has become restricted within the last hour and it’s getting worse.” His tone was even, calm.

Sole looked up at him in confusion, attempting to balance the latest scrap they’d picked up in their backpack as he watched disapprovingly. “Uh. Okay. I’m not injured, though, thanks X6.” They returned to their task, swearing at a toaster that refused to make room for the telephone they’d picked up.

“Yes you are. Frankly, I wasn’t asking. It’s my job to monitor your health, and you’re getting worse as you continue to travel. Are you aware of any injury that occured?” 

Sole sighed and dropped the phone into their bag, giving up on making things fit ideally. “It’s just a binder, X6. Don’t worry about it.”

“It’s becoming detrimental to your health. I believe a binder is a tool meant to make you feel better. If you continue to travel like this, you will eventually do permanent damage to your ribcage and will no longer be able to wear the garment.”

They chewed at their lip, contemplating whether or not this was a battle they could win. X6-88 was determined when he wanted to be, and he was under orders to keep them safe, no matter what. They supposed that this counted, though a little shortness of breath wasn’t exactly new to them when it came to wearing binders. “Alright, fine. Let’s find somewhere safe where I can get it off.” They threw their hands up, defeated.

X6 appeared simultaneously relieved and smug as they continued to walk.

[alice-went-away]

Fallout Secret Santa

Dear @bagheera-is-back,  this year has been quiet different from what everybody had in mind. But we all found a way to get through it. I hope you got through it well and that you took the last few weeks in stride. I also hope your family is fine as well and you had good and merry holidays. I am your gift giver for the Fallout Secret Santa and wrote you two little stories to hopefully make you smile. I wish you a very happy 2021

MacCready: She loves to sing. Sometimes to external music, sometimes to music in her head. It doesn’t matter because she can’t sing in tune for the life of her. The only partial saving grace was maturity, which helped lower her voice so at least it was decently pleasant off-tune and not an ear drum rupturing kid screech. The day her son was born was probably one of the happiest days of her life. She sang to him in the womb and she would continue to sing to him, till he gets old enough to roll his eyes and groan at her. Thinking about it, even that wouldn’t stop her. And then – the bombs dropped. Her family got stored away in freezing pots and on top of all that she had to watch her husband get killed and her son getting taken away. The next she remembers is waking up in freezing cold and seeing all her neighbor’s dead – frozen in time. 

That’s the day she stops singing. 

She finds Codsworth and is more than happy to have a familiar face around. Preston becomes her right-hand man, and the Minuteman are getting stronger and stronger with every passing day. After weeks of repairing settlements and fortifying them up she finally has time to think about how she’s going to find Virgil. She can’t ask the brotherhood, plainly put because they’re pricks. She would ask Mick, but if she’s being honest, she’s a little worried about his circuits and she doesn’t want to risk anything with one of her closest friends. She can’t take Hancock because he was already too long gone from Goodneighbor. As much as she loves Curie, she probably isn’t ready for the whole Wasteland yet. Her thoughts drift from one friend to another till they finally stop at the one person she already worked with but isn’t sure if he even counts as a friend. Robert Macready. The man who doesn’t share but is a hell of a good shot. It could work. It has to work. Goodneighbor is the exact same as it always is when she’s visiting. He’s sitting in the same chair he already sat in as they met for the first time. “Haven’t seen you in a long time.” Of course, he would know it was her as soon as she entered. “Hey Mac”. Finally, he turns around to look at her. “What brings you into this most welcoming town this time around? Hancock got another job for you?” “Actually, I’m here to ask you something and nothing is obligating you to say yes” she looks everywhere but at him. He raises his eyebrow “Well traveling with you is fun, as long as you’re not sending me to farm, again I should be able to survive it.” A smile grows on her face “No, no farming this time. But we need to go into the glowing sea”. He nearly chokes “The *cough* the glowing sea? WHY?”. Sighing she explains everything she found out about the institute, the runaway doctor, her son, and the way to get inside the institute. He listens, but she can clearly see he can’t follow everything. She pulls out a map and shows him the exact way she wants to follow. “I’ll follow you. I will do everything in my power to help you get the information you need. But I have a request to make,” he looks up to see her already staring at him and nodding “we’ll be passing right by a building called MedTek. I want to search it for something important that I need.” She’s nodding again. What will he need from the building? Since he already turned around and grabbed his rifle, she’s guessing this conversation is over and she’ll have to wait for another moment to question him. Two days later they are on the road together. Some hours get buy without either of them uttering a word while other times they jump from topic to topic and can’t seem to stop talking. She still doesn’t know what Mac needs from MedTek but they’re nearly there, so she’ll find out. They arrive and the building looms abandoned but not completely destroyed. What they didn’t expect was the swarm of feral ghouls that awaited them after nearly every door. Finally, they arrived inside the last room. Macready has been mumbling something that sounds like please this whole time. She closes the door just incase some more ghouls decided to wake up and visit them. “Macready please. What are we looking for?” He looks over to her. “I’m sorry I guess I haven’t been very fair to you. I’m looking for a cure. A cure to a fairly unknown disease. But - - - but my son is sick. And I don’t know how long he still has. MedTek is known for the fact that they have experimented with diseases and they must have found a lot of cures.” He stares at her with a slight panic in his eyes. She nods and begins searching. They will have a of other time to talk, right now calming him down by showing him she will be at his side is more important. They find the cure. They check if the cure is actually for the disease that sounds closest to what Duncan has and they get the hell out of that building. Macready seems to not be able to actually grasps what’s happening. “What if we take a retour to Goodneighbor, send the cure off, restock, sleep and then make our way into the hell that is the glowing sea?”. He smiles and nods, that’s enough confirmation she needs. 

There’s a smile on her face. She helped his son already, her son is gonna be saved soon. 

On their way back to Goodneighbor, Macready cleans his throat and looks at her. “You should really sing more.” Shocked she stares at him. “You were humming and quietly singing to yourself nearly this whole time back.” She chuckles “I’m sorry, I guess this adventure reminds me of something” she just smiles at his confused face and keeps on walking. 

Maybe she’ll find her voice again.

Hancock: He’s fairly sure he has never seen anything more beautiful in his life. The last few weeks went by in a haze, partially because he was busy running Goodneighbor and saving the world with the general of the minutemen herself. Maybe it also was a side effect of the jet he consumed whenever a mission went exceptionally well. After the biggest rush was over, he took up the invitation of staying in Sanctuary for a few days to lay low. He knew damn well he could take a break. It wasn’t unusual to hear sounds in the night, turrets were humming, animals making sounds, Codsworth humming through town and the occasional reparations done by Sturges or whoever is still up and can’t get some shut eye. It also wasn’t unusual that he was the one up all night because the left-over drugs were keeping his body running or just his mind doesn’t want to shut up. What was unusual though was waking up to see the whole settlement lit up by hundreds probably thousands of small little lights. He guessed it was around five or six in the morning because the sun wasn’t up yet, and he also seemed to be the only one walking around just yet. Sitting down on one of the watch towers as he liked to call them gives him a beautiful view of the whole settlement. He has never seen something more beautiful. “I didn’t expect you to be awake already”, to his right the general herself takes place. “More like, I’m still awake and decided to take a morning stroll.” He winks at her. A smile spreads on her face. “Morning stroll, of course honey.” She bumps her shoulder into his and then lays her head on his shoulder. “Guess how many lamps that are?” “Probably around 100” he says curiously and tries to count the lamps he can see. On his shoulder it feels like she’s nodding before she says, “Exactly 439, if you count the ones at the front gate too.” He nods impressed and takes another drag of his cigarette. “They’re beautiful, but I gotta ask: What did you put them up for?” She breathily laughs “It’s Christmas.” He looks at her curiously. He heard the word before, and Deacon had talked about it a few times, but he does not really have a clue what Christmas is supposed to be. She sees his curious stare “Christmas was always my favorite holiday as a child. The whole family was coming together, there was way too much food to eat, your grandparents would tell stories of their childhood and your parents would force you to learn a poem to perform in front of your family.” He chuckles “Sounds like a fun time.” She nods eagerly “Hell yes, as a child getting presents from everybody in your family was the best thing ever, but as you grow older you start to appreciate other things within Christmas time. How the lights give you warmth, the smell of your home calms you down no matter how stressful your day was and how many memories old songs could unlock.” – she sighs and cuddles closer to him – “But sadly that traditions don’t seem to have survived 200 years in the apocalypse. So, I hung up lights. Sadly, there seem to be no Christmas songs that survived. I asked Travis and Magnolia and no chance. Nothing there.” He puffs the smoke along to her telling her story and enjoys her presence. “We can write our own Christmas songs. Make them up so they fit into our time.” He smiles as she jumps up excited. “Hell yes, I’m gonna ask Piper for inspiration.” she speaks in his direction before she is already gone.

Leaning back, he relaxes, takes the last drag of his cigarette and smiles. Looking over the settlement and the fading back of the general a thought crosses his mind, maybe he has seen something this beautiful in his life already. 

[encounterthepast]

If you enjoy this please follow @RussInCheshire on twitter for his regular threads on UK politics.

As it’s the weekend, let’s start #TheWeekInTory with a frivolous and jolly story about our own govt deliberately starving hundreds of thousands of children...

1. In May, Boris Johnson promised “nobody will go hungry as a result of Coronavirus”

2. He then denied school meals to the 600,000 poorest children

3. So Marcus Rashford ran a campaign to get the govt to feed children, which - just think about that: he had to *campaign* for it

4. Then Boris Johnson congratulated Rashford on his campaign to overturn the cruel policies of, erm, Boris Johnson

5. And then 3 days later, Boris Johnson refused to feed those kids during school holidays

6. So this week Labour organised a parliamentary vote about it

7. And 322 Tories voted against feeding hungry children

8. Vicky Ford, the Children’s Minister (who you’ll be surprised to hear neither looks nor sounds like a ludicrous Dickensian villain) went ahead and voted against feeding children

9. Tory MP Jo Gideon voted against feeding children. Jo Gideon, in case you didn't think things could get any more unbelievable, is also the chair of "Feeding Britain", a charity that campaigns to end food poverty and hunger in the UK.

10. Tory MP Paul Scully waved away the grumbling parents of kids with grumbling tummies, and said “children have been going hungry under Labour for years”, seemingly forgetting Tories have been in power for a decade

11. Tory MP Ben Bradley, who once had to apologise for suggesting sterilising the poor, said feeding children will simply “increase their dependency”. On food. Yeah, wean the little bastards off it. It’ll do them good in the end, which will be around 3 agonising weeks.

12. At this point, pause to consider that MPs get their food and drink subsidised. A £31 meal in a parliamentary restaurant costs MPs £3.45. In 2018 this subsidy cost the taxpayer £4.4m. I can’t find any record of Tories like Ben Bradley voting against this.

13. Pressing on: Ben Bradley also said “Some parents prioritise other things ahead of their kids. Small minority, yes... but some do”. Yes, and a small minority of Tory MPs have been arrested for rape. Should we send them all to prison?

14. Also, Mark Francois voted (by proxy) to keep kids hungry. Not related to the previous item. Why would you think that?

15. Tory MP Nicky Morgan said the govt voted to starve 600,000 children cos a Labour MP called a Tory MP scum. And that’s not a scummy thing to do at all.

16. Tory MP David Simmonds said Marcus Rashford’s experience of poverty in secondary school “took place entirely under a Labour government”. Rashford was 11 when Tories came into power, making David Simmonds are rare example of an ad hominem attack on yourself

17. Simmonds then said Labour’s parliamentary vote was “all about currying favour with wealth and power and celebrity status”. He might be right – the govt managed to unify Gary Linaker and Nigel Farage in condemnation of their denial of food to kids

18. Brandan Clark-Smith (who voted to starve kids) demanded “more action to tackle the real causes of child poverty”

19. So at once, the govt cut minimum wage for furloughed people. They now get 2/3 of the money the govt says is the absolute minimum it is possible to survive on

20. And then it was revealed that low-paid workers who have to isolate due to Covid can claim £500. Yay!

21. But if they’re told to isolate by the govt’s contact tracing app, they can’t claim anything. Un-yay.

22. Long story short: the govt cannot spend £120m feeding children. But it can spend £522 on the Eat Out Scheme, which its own report said contributed “negligible amounts” to the hospitality economy, and Boris Johnson admitted drove up infection rates – especially in the North

23. Those infection rates caused the govt to move Manchester into Tier 3

24. So the Mayor of Manchester asked for a £90m support package (1/6th of the money the govt spent causing the problem in the first place)

25. The govt said no, £60m

26. The Mayor said, how about £65m?

27. The govt said no, £60m

28. The Mayor said ok, fine, we’ll take the £60m

29. And then govt offered Manchester £22m, and then went to the press and said the Mayor was "being unreasonable"

30. The negotiations were led by Robert Jenrick, who recently set up a fund for the poorest 101 towns, then awarded his town £25m even though it is the 270th poorest, and therefore not even eligible

31. £25m is £237 per person

32. Manchester gets £7.85 per person

33. Robert Jenrick gave Manchester (2.8 million people) £22m

34. Robert Jenrick gave Richard Desmond (1 person) £45m

35. The talks broke down when the govt wouldn’t spend an extra £5m

36. The govt plans to spend £7m vitally rebranding "Highways England" to "National Highways"

37. Manchester Young Conservatives tweeted “Boris has lied about helping us in the North. It’s time for him to go". Don't look - they deleted it. Suspect somebody had a word.

38. Meanwhile the govt said Manchester will get the £60m after all, and chaos continue to reign supreme

39. But that £60m is brief reprieve for the Tories of Manchester, as a govt report said Tory seats in the North of England (the so-called "Red Wall" seats) can expect to lose at least 4000 jobs *each* as a result of Brexit, even if we do get a deal. More if we don't.

40. The govt rushed to begin its first airport Coronavirus testing, a mere 211 days after mandatory airport testing was begun in South Korea

41. South Korea has had 8 deaths per million

42. The UK has had 665 deaths per million

43. More airport news, as the govt finally accepted Brexit will cause “up to 8-hour delays at passport checks” and asked the EU to allow UK citizens to queue at EU-only lanes. Like we did when we were in the EU. But we aren’t now. So tough.

44. A senior diplomat said, “Having grown up in Brussels, Boris Johnson values the ability to travel freely to the continent”. You’d think Boris Johnson would foresee this problem when he led the campaign to stop that freedom.

45. The independent reviewer of Terrorism Legislation said the UK ���will be increasingly unable to cope” after Brexit, as we lose access to EU data-sharing agreements

46. And a No-Deal end to UK/EU scientific collaboration will leave London with a £3bn annual deficit

47. In the space of 38 days, the govt announced the £100bn "Operation Moonshot" to solve Covid; then cancelled it; and then re-launched it again after it was found they’d accidentally continued to pay over 200 private consultants up to £7000 a day to work on it.

48. So this week, Boris Johnson said Moonshot would continue, but it’s goals “would take time”, which is the literal opposite of what he said it would do when it first announced it, and makes the entire thing absolutely pointless

49. And now it’s been admitted that Operation Moonshot would be quietly folded into the existing £12bn Test and Trace programme, and the £100bn has vanished. Apart from the bits the Serco consultants took for doing… nothing.

50. But Boris Johnson said the Test and Trace programme was “helping a bit”, and “a bit” is the least you’d expect if you’d spent £12bn

51. And then the £12bn Test and Trace programme fell to its lowest success rate so far, identifying only 60% of at-risk people

52. Local councils, with no additional funding, are tracing 98% of cases

53. A quick sweep though other epic successes you may have missed (or deliberately blocked out): Equalities minister Kemi Badenoch declared that it should be illegal to teach about inequality

54. The Cabinet Secretary said the report into “vicious and orchestrated” bullying by Home Secretary and Dementor Priti Patel “may never see the light of day”, cos if you have a report that vindicates you, you definitely sit on it as long as possible

55. And the appeals court unanimously overturned Priti Patel’s policy of removing people from the UK without giving them access to legal process or justice because – and I’m paraphrasing the judges here – what the fuck, Patel? What the actual fuck?

56. Undeterred, she announced plans to make rough-sleeping “grounds for removal of permission to be in the UK” and "denial of legal aid". So if you’re too poor to have a home, you must pay for a lawyer or she’ll shove you in the sea

57. After an unnamed Tory MP said it “looks bad to be handing top jobs to your friend and old boss”, Charles Moore, Boris Johnson’s friend and old boss, withdrew as next BBC chair.

58. The new favourite is Richard Sharp, the - yep - friend and old boss of Rishi Sunak

59. You’ll be amazed to hear this: Richard Sharp is a major donor to the Tory party. These little coincidences keep on happening

60. The govt decided to prevent EU citizens from having physical proof of their right to live in their own home

61. Grant Shapps threatened to “seize control of Transport for London” to save it from financial ruin at the hands of Sadiq Khan, who – the bastard - achieved a mere 71% reduction in the debts caused by his noble predecessor, Boris Johnson

62. Matt Hancock, facts at his fingertips, told MPs from Yorkshire their constituents could go on holiday abroad

63. But not in the UK

64. And then that they CAN go on holiday in the UK

65. But can't leave Yorkshire

66. He then said “I'll get back to you” about the details

67. A cross-party report found “the UK’s foreign policy is adrift”, that it lacks “clarity, confidence and vision” and that Britain is “absent from the world stage”. All of which is very soothing, as we move into the govt's proclaimed goal of a post-Brexit Global Britain.

68. And we can all relax: the govt is finally supporting culture in the UK, specifically the Nevill Holt Opera, which performs private operas, and is owned by Boris Johnson’s friend (and - jaw on floor! - Tory donor) David Ross, who is worth £700m so really needs the money.

69. The Nevill Holt Opera only functions in the summer, so thank god it has been prioritised with £85,000 to “maintain operations” in October.

And now, in honour of the opera, the fat lady can sing, cos I’m off to drink myself into oblivion. Join me.

We live in interesting times.

[potatocrab]

Salvation is a Last Minute Business (18/18)

Chapter 18/Epilogue: We Could Go Places

Madelyn finally earns her happy ending.

“With my brains and your looks, we could go places.” - Frank Chambers as played by John Garfield (The Postman Always Rings Twice, 1946)

That’s all she wrote! Thank you to anyone to joined me on this wonderful journey! 😭

[read on Ao3] | [series masterpost]

June 22nd, 1958

“You’re late.”

Madelyn laughed at the sound of Nick’s voice, calling out to her the moment she arrived at the agency that morning, the bell above the front door indicating her presence. Her amusement persisted as she walked through the lobby, observing the care packages that filled the space. Even Ellie’s desk was covered with boxes and flower bouquets—more than what had been present the previous evening, or the day before that. There were more gifts scattered throughout the room, all sent in congratulations after news of Valentine Detective Agency’s success spread across Boston. Taking down Eddie Winter was one thing but solving a decade-old missing persons case and exposing a government conspiracy was another. Nobody expected the ragtag detective and his lawyer broad to take expose the Institute—not that anybody knew the university were hiding such abhorrent secrets in the first place.

She leaned against the doorway of Nick’s office, surprised by the lack of clutter that typically covered his desk. The stacks of case files and reports had been boxed away, leaving the room the cleanest she’d seen in years. Well, except for the small sprinkling of cigarette ash on the oak wood that he’d failed to hide—hell would freeze over before Nick Valentine gave up that habit. All that remained on his desk, aside from the usual decorations, was a single newspaper and a bottle of Irish whiskey, two perfectly poured glasses on standby. A Sunday tradition. 

Madelyn grinned. “I think I’m right on time.”

“I wonder if Grace Kelly received this many flowers when she won best actress,” she joked, walking over to take her usual seat in the armchair to the left.

Nick chuckled, rounding the desk to join her with the two glasses in hand, the bottle and newspaper tucked under his arm. “I’ll let you know when I start feeling like a Princess.”

“You should see Piper’s office,” he added, passing her one whiskey-filled glass and the weekend edition of Publick Occurrences before sitting down. “Gal’s been flooded with offers from all over the state, including the Bugle, to run their editorial departments.”

“She’ll never take them,” Madelyn contended. “She has enough resources and connections to finally fund a full staff. Maybe finally move into a bigger office and give us the space back so we can do the same.”

Even though Nick smiled at the idea, he reeled in his excitement. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

Madelyn feigned innocence, shrugging as she hid her grin behind a generous gulp of whiskey.

He glanced at her curiously, smiling against the rim of his cup as he also took a drink. He expertly diverted the conversation. “So, where were you this morning?”

She considered lying just for the fun of it, but decided the truth was just as shocking. “Church.”

“Madelyn Hardy, once again attending Sunday mass,” Nick replied, shaking his head in humorous disbelief. “I thought I’d never see the day.”

Neither did she. Madelyn was sure she had lost her faith the day her husband died, buried it along with Nate to be forgotten. His death, and her survival was more than guilt—it was sin. And then, one New Year’s Eve party later, everything changed. She’d been tested over the last several months, and despite the grief and the loss, she was also at peace. Nate was at peace. Somewhere along the way, she’d found salvation.

“You could say I’m a changed woman.”

Nick considered her words in comfortable silence, the two slowly drinking their whiskey while exchanging soft, lingering smiles. It was reminiscent of the ‘good-ol-days’, but calmer. He said what she was already thinking. “I’ve changed too. We all have.”

Madelyn contemplated asking if he had any regrets, or if everything they had done was for the best when he silently gestured towards the newspaper draped across her lap. She glanced down, smirking at Piper’s headline. Reunited!

“She’s finally learned to reel it in,” she jested, looking over the picture of Shaun Pearlman—now eleven years old—standing with his parents, Nathan and Nora.

“After such headlines as The Boogeyman Banished, and The Synthetic Truth,” Nick’s laughter was at the expense of their dearest reporter friend. “The article speaks for itself. It’ll take some adjusting, but the kid will be alright.”

Madelyn studied the family portrait again, focusing on their smiling, overjoyed faces. “It isn’t everyday that somebody gets a happy ending.”

“They’ve earned it,” Nick remarked, just the slightest hint of sorrow passing through his light green eyes. Jenny—the heartache would never go away. He remained silent, but his smirk slowly returned, encouraging her to continue reading through the newspaper.

Inside, there was a picture of Hancock—John McDonough—formally announcing his plans to run for mayor in the 1959 election. He had already been working with the interim mayor after his brother’s death, ensuring that any lingering Institute corruption was snuffed out. His platform hadn’t changed much—of the people, for the people—and judging by the large outpouring of support, a lot of Bostonians dug what he was offering.

“Are you going to vote for him?” Madelyn teased, chuckling when Nick grumbled a sigh and rolled his eyes without an answer.

There was another article about Preston Garvey and his Minutemen, reclaiming their post in Quincy now that the Gunners had been successfully chased out of town. MacCready had found a place in their ranks, grinning like the sun was shining out of his ass in the group picture that accompanied the article. It was a good fit for the former mercenary, even if Preston was a little weary about accepting him at first. The network of neighborhood watchmen were supported by the newly reformed Boston Police, Sergeant Danny Sullivan himself promising to oversee their continued partnership.

Correction—Deputy Chief Danny Sullivan—earning quite the promotion after the fall of the Institute exposed and removed more corrupted individuals from power. He was running his own campaign, recruiting the best and brightest minds to fill the ranks throughout Boston’s precincts with the promise that integrity and stability were there to stay.

“Still have a long way to go,” Nick commented, his distrust of the system would linger too. “But it’s a start.”

Madelyn nodded in agreement, flicking her eyes to another one of Piper’s headlines—Mr. Danse Goes to Washington.

“He’s not going to be happy when he finds out about this,” she laughed.

“The Lieutenant will get over being compared to Jimmy Stewart,” Nick replied. “The man’s a war hero, isn’t he?”

Her laughter continued as she read over the article, trying not to imagine Lieutenant Danse in a comedic movie from the past, and instead as the dignified officer he was. The headline was tongue in cheek but accurate—he’d gone to Washington, D.C. to testify on capitol hill about what occurred at Fort Hagen between the Institute and the United States military. He’d also promised Nick and Madelyn that he’d watch over the federal investigation closely, ensuring another cover-up didn’t take place.

“Here,” Nick spoke, standing to snag a second, unseen Publick Occurrences from his desk. “Special edition. Hot off the presses, as Piper would say.”

Madelyn exchanged copies with him, setting down her glass so she could examine the front headline closely. Valentine and Hardy—The Unstoppables.

“So are you the Silver Shroud or The Inspector?” she giggled, covering her mouth.

“Ha, ha, Mistress of Mystery,” he retorted sarcastically, sitting back down across from her.

There was a picture of them standing in front of the office building, the neon light of the agency sign burning brilliantly behind them. The longer she stared at it, the larger her smile became, warmth radiating through her body. She’d never felt more proud or honored to be a part of something important. She felt at home.  

“This is going to give you more exposure than you’ve ever had,” she remarked, tapping the paper with her fingers. “There’s going to be people lining out the door asking for your help!”

“Our help,” Nick corrected with a small smile, leaning forward in his chair. “That is, if you’re still up to the task of being my partner.”

“Of course Nick,” Madelyn answered immediately, unable to stop from grinning. “You’d be hard pressed to find a woman as willing as I am to put up with your brand of bullshit.”

He laughed, louder and heartier than she’d heard him sound in a long time. “Has anyone ever told you how charming you are?”

Madelyn tilted her head to the side. “Funny you should mention that.”

The laughter settled into quiet mirth as Nick looked into his empty glass with a sigh. “I need a vacation first.”

“Really?”

“Really,” he echoed. “Starting with a proper meal. Care to join me?”

Any other time and Madelyn would’ve said yes. She frowned as she shook her head. “I have a date.”

“That’s nothing to pout about,” Nick smirked. The detective—her partner—regarded her with a warm smile. “I can forgive you this one time.”

The warmth had settled in her heart, and she wondered if she was glowing as she smiled at him, the happiest she’d felt in years. Nick reached over to gently clasp her hand, squeezing her fingers as he spoke. “It’s a good look, Madelyn.”

She stood up, leaning over the small distance to place a soft kiss to his cheek. “Thanks, Nick.”

“Sure, sure,” he watched her as she left, lingering only for a moment in the doorway. “See you later, doll.”  

Madelyn sat in the vinyl blue booth of the Slocum’s Joe, gazing out the window and watching as people passed by on the sidewalk. Cambridge wasn’t nearly as busy since the Institute’s downfall, but hundreds of people still called considered the Boston neighborhood their home—including her. She’d made occasional trips to her apartment in the last few weeks but had only recently started living in D7 again now that she was sure it was safe. Codsworth and Dogmeat were more than pleased to have her home, the Mister Handy unit suffering a bout of anxiety after being separated from his mistress—even if it shouldn’t have been possible with his programing. Even now, the robot had difficulty letting her out of his sight, and she laughed when she noticed Codsworth across the street, hovering about as he walked Dogmeat, a leash tied to one of his metal arms.

“What’s so funny?”

She glanced up to find Deacon setting down two cups of coffee before sliding into the booth across from her. Two sugars and a little bit of cream for her, straight black for him. He wasn’t in his usual suit, swapped out for something far more casual and befitting for summer, black wig left forgotten on her bedside table. Of course, he’d never leave without securing his sunglasses—his eyes were only for her to see.

Madelyn titled her head, gesturing out the window as she took a slow sip. “It seems I’m always destined to have somebody stalking me.”

“I take offense to that,” he held a hand over his chest, feigning attack from her teasing words. “To imply that I stalked you.”

Madelyn struggled to contain her giggling behind her cup. “Hmm, and what would you call it?”

“Careful observation from afar,” he said, brows furrowing for a moment as he inspected the contents of his coffee before taking a careful taste—always with the suspicion. You can’t trust everyone, even the barista at their regular coffeehouse, it seemed.  

“What would you call it now?”

Deacon smirked at her flirtatious question. “An up-close and personal liaison.”

Madelyn smiled, her heart racing in excitement as it usually did when they danced around this subject. There still hadn’t been much of a discussion—or a confession—since their infiltration of the Institute. No clear conversation about what their relationship meant. It didn’t stop them from acting like lovers, a constant stop-and-go ever since the evening she got shot, pausing when they needed to focus on the case instead of romance. Now that there were no more distractions, what she desperately yearned for was full steam ahead. She darted her eyes back out the window, forcing her mind to stop before she spiraled into anxiety and doubt. She was happy—right?

Deacon’s hand reached over the table to cover hers. “Do you want to go to D.C.?”

She glanced back to his face, momentarily surprised by his question. Any joke she thought about making—that everybody was going south—fell away. “With you?”

His expression faltered. “No, with Drummer Boy,” he said sarcastically.  

“I dunno,” she nervously laughed, humor the only defense mechanism she could rely on. “Robby makes for a pretty good date when you aren’t—”

“Charmer,” he groaned, fingers tightening around hers, even though a smile dared to pull at his lips.

“Is this one of your business trips?” she persisted. “Or would this be for pleasure?”

“Why can’t it be both?” he responded, and it sounded witty enough, except all traces of humor had disappeared. “Can’t you tell when a guy is trying to be serious?”

Madelyn swallowed, and released a shaky breath. “What is it?”

Deacon didn’t say anything, and she was afraid she’d scared him off with her teasing. Minutes passed before he finally reached up and removed the darkened shades from his face, placing them on the table next to their forgotten coffee cups. Blue eyes locked on blue, but still, he remained silent.

“What do you want?” she prompted, slowly turning her hand over to lace their fingers. “Deacon?”

She’d seen that emotion in his eyes before—just last week—when he tried to tell her something important, and she denied him the opportunity. This time, she wasn’t afraid.

“I want…”

“Je t’aime,” she answered, filling the silence when he trailed off. His eyes widened, the shock quickly subsiding as a bright smile pulled at his lips. Madelyn knew it was a simple saying, but still translated. “I love you.”

“I—”

Not everyday that Deacon was at a loss for words. He suddenly moved, slipping out from his side of the booth and swiftly sliding in to join her. Madelyn turned to meet him, laughing as the butterflies swarmed her stomach like she was experiencing this—love—again, all for the first time. He leaned in close so only she could hear.

“Je t’aime,” he repeated with an ever-growing smile. “I love you too.”

There was nothing left to say, so he kissed her instead. Madelyn smiled against his lips, sighing when his arms wrapped around her in a warm embrace. Deacon was still grinning when they parted, eyes shining with an emotion she wanted to keep there forever. He pulled her close, and she rested her head against his shoulder, switching her gaze back outside.

The sun was shining, and she was happy.

[chibikinesis]

Can I get some trivia regarding Theo and Wes? :D What brought them together, etc? (I love both of them sm)

Okay, this got stuuuuuupid long, and either I’m sorry, or you’re welcome depending on how much meat you wanted on the bone? 😂 I’ll put everything after the first few paragraphs under a read more because this wound up being like a 2 and a half page google doc asdfasdf

And it’s 2AM so some of this might be a little incoherent too so bear with me lmao

~

Wes has been close friends with Theo's younger sister for most of their lives. But even back then, after Zoey was born, she and Theo's parents often put her needs first. Their father moreso, and it didn't stop Theo from growing pretty attached to his mother. From a fairly young age, though, he started to sort of shut himself off to people because of it. He never got quite the amount of emotional development and support that he deserved from his father especially. When he was young, for a short stint, he used to be resentful towards Zoey for this reason, but realized fairly quickly that it wasn't actually her fault. He comes to adore his younger sister.

He never really got to know Wes until they were a bit older. Until then, he was always that weird orange-haired boy that Zoey hung around with. If he wasn't hanging out with Zoey in their quarters, he was picking Zoey up from the ginger kid's family's quarters. He never disliked Wes, but he never really engaged with him. He never really engaged with many of the other kids in the vault, though, if we're being honest. He was never really properly socialized. He mostly just interacted with his family, and even then, it was mostly just he and Zoey and their mother.

Wes was always curious about him, even as a kid. Theo was a little shy of a couple years older than he and Zoey, but he carried himself like he was older. Most of the vault residents assumed he was stuck up or thought he was too good to spend time with the other kids, but Wes never got that impression. But Wes wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed; not always the best judge of character, either, but his gut told him Theo was just misunderstood. He's seen the way he treated Zoey all those years, and conversely, he'd heard her gush about her big brother so much. He had to be a good guy, deep down. Didn't he?

During their high school years, they start to see a bit more of one another; mostly in phys ed. Without much to do in the vault, this is where Theo's channelled a lot of his energy into. He's a stand out athlete amongst the kids, and in turn offers counsel to a lot of the students who aren't doing so well. Weenie Wes is one of these students 😂 They're still not close at this time, but Wes comes to admire him during this time. Not even in a full-fledged crush, but in a hey, this dude is really cool and is a good role model way. But he also can't deny that Theo's easy on the eyes.

But those who already assume Theo is a holier-than-thou sort of guy resent him even more when he becomes a 'star athlete's. And sometimes these troublemakers pick on Zoey just to get under his skin. Theo, being a known protective big bro has had more than one tussle with such idiots. But one of these tussles comes shortly after Theo and Zoey's mother starts showing signs of her sickness. She's the only parent Theo's ever been close to, and it's taking quite a toll on him. They catch him off guard, and he winds up with a bloodied nose before someone calls out nearby and they flee.

He's surprised to see that ginger in this seedy wing of the vault, much less rushing to his aid. Wes makes sure he's sitting upright against one of the walls and offers him a handkerchief before taking a seat near him on the floor to wait it out with him and make sure he's alright. They have their first real chat here. What really draws Theo in is the simple question of "Are you okay?" He laughs. He's sitting in a questionable wing of the vault with his kid sisters friend who just indirectly saved his ass, and a bloody nose. He laughs bitterly, spouting some cynical, half hearted reply.

It's when Wes reiterates, "No, are you… okay-okay? You seem off today." And it's maybe the first time in Theo's life that anyone aside from his immediate family took the time to honestly, truthfully ask him that. And he's not sure why, but he opens the flood gates for Wes. They spend hours in that wing talking, bonding especially over questionable parenting. When the conversation winds down, Theo feels like a weight had been lifted off him. He admires how warm and kind Wes is, and how even in spite of his upbringing, he looked for the good in everything and everyone. He also admires the freckles splayed across the slope of his nose, and the way it crinkles when he smiles, and the warmth in his brown eyes peering out from behind orange fringe as he turns to meet his gaze. Oh shit. His stomach flops a bit at the small realization; his preference was something he was already aware of, but this drove it home somehow.

"It's getting kinda late. We probably should head back. I'll walk with you." Wes beams. Theo barely knows this guy, but this feels like a role reversal to him somehow. Given the circumstances, though, he's not about to object. He enjoys the company on the trip back, and even more so the surprised look on Zoey's face when Wes drops her older brother off at their quarters. Maybe even more than the bloody nose. Theo thanks Wes, and they exchange "see you around"s.

Over the next couple of years, they grow very close. Theo's learned a few things about being more warm and open, and he's even started making a few more friends because of it. He's doing better than he ever has, and he's happy. And their respective crushes have only amplified over time. There's even some light flirting here and there, but neither one is brave enough to make a move. They're worried about what the other residents might thinks or say - what their families might say.

But as Theo and Zoey's mother's health deteriorates and the inevitable closes in, Theo grows more distant, and sort of reverts to his old ways. Wes tries his best to be understanding, but he ultimately feels alienated and hurt. After she passes away, Theo's father's mental health takes a downturn (it had always been bad prior, but after Shelley's death he just kind of snaps). He takes most of this out on Theo (verbally and physically), who recoils back into his old ways and breaks off most of his new friendships because he's so scared his father will if he doesn't. Wes is on the receiving end of what's probably the nastiest severance, and it breaks both of their hearts. But Theo's father has been much more vocal about his homophobia since Shelley's passing, and Theo's terrified he might try to hurt Wes if he ever catches onto what was going on between them.

So he does his best to bear it and wait it out. If Theo's his target, Theo supposes at least his father isn't hurting Zoey or anyone else he cares about. He endures this for about two years before his father goes into cardiac arrest one day and is unable to be saved. By this point, Theo's only confidant is Zoey. He opens up and tells her everything - about Wes and his feelings, and the abuse their father had put him through and why he dealt with it in silence for so long.

By this time, it's only about a year until reclamation day. Theo wants to get a fresh start out in the wasteland once the door opens - put this place and all the bad memories behind him, and to be a better person. But even after months outside and on his own, he still finds himself unable to let go of Wes. But now he has little hope of ever seeing him again. He kicks himself for not trying to rebuild just that one burned bridge. He knows full and we'll he may never see Wes again, or that if he does, it might be in the one way he would never want to see him.

And he continues to kick himself, and to miss that sweet, stupid red head with every fiber of his being - until a fateful day at Fire Base Hancock - which is located right down the hill from Wes's C.A.M.P.

[vaultgirl2077]

The rain drops bounced off the floor beneath Maya's feet and made an almost romantic accompaniment to Ella and the Ink Spots booming from her Pip-boy. It was still a few hours until they'd hit HQ yet, it was already getting dark and Fixer needed to rest up from the mission anyway, so it made sense to stop and rest when they reached the old ironworks and saw the bonfire outside.

It was Deacon's turn to set up the camp so Maya took out her signature cigarette and perched close to the blazing inferno. Even though the rain got heavier with each passing moment, the flames showed no sign of defeat, almost spiteful in their hungry dance to survive. 

A glance behind her shoulder and through the painful smoke and embers beating at her eyes, Maya could see what remained of the kindling in the form of bones, no way to tell if they were animal or human as any indication of what they once were had burned away a long time before their arrival. Maya hugged her knees to her chest and tried not to be miserable when she should have been happy. They had secured another safe house, ensured the safety of at least six synths and stopped further agent casualties.

But there was no Courser there.

This was the third mission they'd been on since getting back from the Glowing Sea and there had been nothing. No matter how much good she did, it was bittersweet and she was getting impatient.

Maya took a long drag of her smoke and glanced up with a smile as MacCready walked by. The young mercenary stopped a few inches in front of her, stretching his arms widely.

"So, you impressed yet? I told you I was a damn good shot." He said smugly, leaning down and plucking the cigarette from Maya's lips so he could smoke it himself.

Maya raised an eyebrow and patted the ground next to her before turning her radio down to a low hum.

"I don't know, haven't really noticed." She replied with a smirk as he took his seat, half falling in the process.

"Oh come on." He scoffed "You've got skills...I'm sure you know talent when you see it."

Maya rolled her eyes but the grin stayed glued to her face "I suppose you're alright."

"There you go. That wasn't so hard to admit, was it?"

Mac nudged her playfully and handed her the cigarette back. Maya scowled before flicking it away, there was hardly a drag left and she knew he did it on purpose.

“I’m completely self-taught, you know. Picked up a sniper rifle when I was ten and never looked back. Always thought it was smarter to hit my targets at long range. I mean, why take changes, right? Besides, I had to come up with every trick in the book to survive the Capital Wasteland.” He looked up at the sky and the hints of a sad smile traced his lips.

“I’m sure your parents were thrilled about your hobby. What were you doing in the Capital Wasteland?” Maya adjusted herself on the ground and pulled out her pack of cigarettes, handing him one along with the lighter.

“Never knew my parents. Lived in a place called Little Lamplight with a bunch of other kids. Left there when I was sixteen. We kind of had a policy there... no adults. When you were sixteen, you packed up and left…” He glanced over to his companions clearly troubled face and snickered. “I know it sounds crazy, but having adults around was something we couldn't trust.”

Maya was silent for a few moments, catching herself just before it got awkward. “How could a bunch of kids survive without help?”

“Everyone pulled their own weight. Just like a colony you'd find anywhere, we all had our designated jobs and we watched each other's backs. Can you believe I was actually the mayor for a while? Me? Crazy, I know.”

Maya couldn’t help but grin at the thought of a baby MacCready commanding a small army of children, it seemed so different from the loner he was these days. “Pretty brave, a bunch of kids living alone like that.”

“I don't know. Looking back on the whole thing, I think we were just lucky.” He replied with a shrug, the smile fading as his brow knitted tighter. “Anyway, when I hit sixteen, I ended up wandering the Capital Wasteland for a while. I took the odd job here and there, but things were pretty hot with the Brotherhood of Steel running the show. So I hitched a ride with a caravan and made my way north until I ended up here. Made a pretty decent name for myself before I heard that the Gunners needed some sharpshooters. Biggest mistake of my life.” His face darkened. “They were animals. Killed anything that moved if it got in their way. I went with it for a while, because the caps were good. But, I dunno, I guess it started to catch up with me... so I quit.” Mac stood up and stretched his arms once more, avoiding looking at Maya, who had quickly jumped up to join him. “Which pretty much brings us to now. So there you have it, my whole life in a nutshell.”

Maya tilted her head slightly, trying to get a better look at his expression in shadows of the flames. He looked somewhat sad, vulnerable almost and Maya felt her heart pang at the sight. Without much thought, she reached out for his hand and squeezed it. “Thanks for sharing that with me…Sounds like the road can be a lonely place...until you meet someone to share it with.”

As soon as the words had left her lips, she felt her cheeks start to burn. She let his hand go and hastily tidied up her hair and adjusted her goggles, hoping he hadn’t picked up on it.

“I...well, I never thought of it that way.” Mac said, bright blue eyes noticeably wider. “Maybe that's why I feel so comfortable telling you all of this.” Maya stayed quiet, too internally horrified that she’d said something so inappropriate to even look at him.

It was undeniable that there was an attraction between them. The way her heart raced and face flushed right now just reminded her of the first night they met in the Third Rail. She’d often thought about what would have happened between her and Mac if she hadn’t been meeting Hancock that night. Ever since then he’d kept a respectable distance in that area. Granted, up until the last few weeks when he’d found out that she was a Railroad agent he thought she was fucking Deacon, but she was grateful for it none the less. 

In fact it made her like him more than she’d care to admit.

“Look, I know I tend to be a pain in the ass... I mean, I know I tend to be arrogant and I come off like I want to be alone.” Mac continued awkwardly, trying just as hard not to look at her too. “Nothing could be further from the truth. Being alone scares the heck out of me... Now that we've been travelling together for a while, I'm beginning to realise how much I missed having someone I could depend on. I just wanted you to know that I'm going to do everything I can to see that it stays this way.” Mac dropped the butt of his cigarette and extinguished it with his boot. “Well, that's all I had to say. Hope you got something out of all that... I know I did.”

Simultaneously they both dared to glance at the other, their eyes meeting for the briefest of moments before Mac turned and left, leaving a pleasantly perplexed Maya in his wake.

[the-zodiacs-written-in-the-stars]

Chapter 20: Sander & Sonia

Sebastian heaved a sigh as he sat in a circle with his beloved and her best friend. So it turned out that Joss Parker was Gemini and apparently, that was how Angel had gotten into this mess – she had received a pearl-necklace from Sonia Gold during a photo-shoot and got to activate it when Joss and Angel got involved in an... attack, at Liddell's Sweets. Which was quite peculiar.

“I received the bookmark from Sander”, noted Sander, his arms crossed.

“How... Why would...”, started Joss and shook his head in confusion. “No, no. That's impossible. Why would Sander and Sonia have... two of the pearls? And hand them out like that? I can't...”

“You, what, can't believe your crush would be involved with space-aliens trapped in marbles like they're Pokémon?”, drawled Sebastian dryly, looking over at Angel. “Can't imagine what that must be like, at all. Look. Whatever is going on, this can't be a coincident.”

Joss sighed and tilted his head to avoid looking at them. It wasn't that Sebastian didn't feel for him, really. Joss was one of Sebastian's very few friends. And he knew just how long Joss had been fostering that crush on Sander. The idea that Sander may be involved in something shady – because honestly, why would they have those gems, for so long, and then hand them out like this?

“I will talk to them tomorrow”, declared Joss seriously. “But none of that now.”

“Okay and what would you request now...?”, asked Sebastian suspiciously.

“We're complete, as complete as it can get so it's time for you two to meet the rest of the team.”

“What does as complete as it can get mean, Joss?”, asked Sebastian warily.

“One gem, the Libra, is... in the hands of the enemy”, sighed Joss. “Now come.”

“Where are we going?”, wanted Sebastian to know.

“Where the majority of our team lives”, replied Joss.

~*~

 Jamie was laying on his back, staring up at the ceiling. The room was so nice and so large. He loved living here. The entire mansion – oh, the kitchen was a dream, he may actually be in love with it. The pool and all the other ridiculous rooms were nice too. But the kitchen? It made his knees weak.

“I just still can't believe they're Cancer and Sagittarius”, muttered Jamie.

He had known that for a few short weeks now, but knowing it and actually accepting it...? They had gone on missions together now too. Jamie had come to rely on them in battle and he was living with them; the pub was still being renovated, it had been burned down and damaged too much for an easy fix and Jamie couldn't put into words just how grateful he was that not just him but also Ally and Andy had found a place to live here. The thought of Ally and Andy being homeless again had hurt Jamie even more so than the loss of his life's savings and pride and joy.

“Why not?”, asked Leo confused, pawing the pillow next to Jamie.

“They were... supposed to be safe”, whispered Jamie. “A safe crush. A billionaire and his fiance. Not in a billion years would anything come of it, would I be more than... the cook in their favorite diner. Now... Now I'm living with them, fighting alongside them... growing close to them.”

“Isn't that better?”, asked Leo, seemingly even more confused now. “Now you can have them!”

“No”, grunted Jamie and rolled his eyes. “And now it's an even worse idea than ever, because I rely on their generosity to live here and... we fight together, the literal fate of the world... rests on our shoulders, I have no use for any romantic distractions, Leo. It'd only mess with the team and the team is already fragile enough as it is because we're too many and too different in personality.”

Leo hummed, though he seemed no less confused than before. Well, human emotions were kind of complex and weird, it figured that Leo didn't quite have a grasp for it. Heaving a sigh, Jamie got off the bed and got changed for the day. Not that he had a whole lot to do. The bar was still being renovated, the kids were going to school, Matt and Mike went to work... Jamie was mostly alone during the day. He liked to clean up, read in the library, cook – lots of cooking. Jamie didn't do too well just sitting around with no actual work to do. He was a doer.

“He—ey there. Figured you'd be going out of your mind by now. I let myself in.”

“You shouldn't break into other people's houses, Babs”, sighed Jamie fondly.

Babs shrugged where she was sprawled out in the sitting room. “Eh. I'm sure they don't mind.”

“What are you doing here?”, sighed Jamie as he continued his way toward the kitchen.

Babs got up to follow him into the kitchen. She sat down at the table, watching how Jamie got everything out to bake bread. He loved fresh, warm bread. It just... It made everything a little better.

“We need a game plan”, stated Babs. “I mean, it's all fun and games, running around, collecting little marbles when we actually manage to beat one of the symbiotes. But it's hardly a plan.”

“We're already gathering all the intel we can. Without an in with the... enemy... how are we supposed to catch a break? There is nothing to plan”, argued Jamie pointedly.

“Sure. Sure”, agreed Babs. “But, you know... there's gotta be something.”

“If you just came here to bitch and moan because you're bored... go study.”

“Ouch. Why would you hurt me like that”, huffed Babs offended.

“At least come and help me”, sighed Jamie, a small amused smile on his lips.

 ~*~

 Canceling date-night was definitely not something Lizzy wanted to do. Rick deserved better. Alas, it was inevitable. Apparently, they were having an impromptu meeting with the team now, over at the di Girasole villa. She peppered Rick's face with kisses and left him some tarts that she bought specifically for him on her way back from work. That should appease him.

“Okay, I'd love for us to wrap this up quickly so I can get back to my boyfriend, because we had plans. As in, a reservation at my favorite restaurant. And I'm hungry. Don't make me hangry.”

“Right, so... let's make this quick”, agreed Mike as he side-eyed her. “I've seen her hangry.”

“It is not pretty”, agreed Jessie. “So, Angel, Basty, welcome to the team, good to have you, bye?”

No one looked impressed by that and Basty cleared his throat. “The thing we need to talk about is that Angel and I received our jewels differently than you guys did.”

“What. They didn't just pop up in your pockets?”, drawled Babs. “Bizarre.”

“Please refrain from unnecessary comments, cousin”, requested Basty unimpressed. “No, they didn't just show up at random. I was handed this bookmark, specifically. By Sander Hancock.”

“Doesn't ring a bell”, noted Mike, face scrunched up.

“He's the CEO of Gold Standard”, supplied Matt.

“And the other one, this pearl-necklace here, I got from Sonia Gold herself”, supplied Angel.

“...Okay that's suspicious”, agreed Matt with a serious look on his face. “For them to have not one but two of the gems... and hand them out to someone capable of using them, at that.”

“What do we do with that?”, asked Mel, eyebrows furrowed. “We can assume they're on our side, since they chose... well. And not an enemy. But...”

“I think not all of us should go and confront them”, offered Basty.

“No kidding. I'm not to keen on revealing my secret superhero identity to my boss”, agreed Lizzy. “And it'd be seriously risky to just entrust her with that...”

“Angel, me and Joss are going alone”, stated Basty. “To confront them.”

“As good a plan as we could get”, shrugged Jessie. “But... be careful.”

“Also, while we're all together like this. I do think we should... plan ahead more”, threw Jamie in. “Ever since we became one team, thinks had been... more chaotic.”

“Agreed. I propose we go back to the... teams we fought in before. At least for minor missions.”

“Matt's got a point. Maybe we should. Less stepping on each other's toes”, agreed Tanya.

“We got each other's contacts. We can call for backup if something more serious is attacking, but generally, one or two of them... we can take care of in a smaller group”, agreed Mel.

“Gre—eat. So it's decided, we're done, I can go and still make date-night?”, asked Lizzy.

While speaking, she had already gotten up and grabbed her coat. Whistling once, she summoned Jessie to her side – still living with Rick and Lizzy, Jessie did rely on her as a ride. Before anyone could start another history lesson and rehashing of everything they knew – both Mel and Tanya seemed to really love doing that and considering that they now had two shiny newbies to catch up on, this meeting may just take another four hours. No, thanks.

“How are you holding up, Liz?”, asked Jessie softly as they got in the car.

“Peachy. Real fine. So good”, muttered Lizzy.

“C'mon. I know this is exhausting. Babs, Jamie and I have the current advantage of being out of work so we can patrol the city during day-time. But you're juggling your new superhero identity, your very time-consuming job, your boyfriend – and your friends. I know Nox and Alina are worrying about you. So did Joss, well, until he learned the truth and joined our merry band of... whatevers. It's okay to run on fumes, Liz.”

“It's not. I'm fine”, muttered Lizzy dismissively. “I'm an expert at shouldering a lot.”

“...I... know you're strong, Liz. You're like the strongest non-Jamie person I know”, whispered Jessie gently, reaching out for her best friend. “The thing is you don't have to be strong at all times.”

Lizzy smiled, just a little bit, and shook her head. “I just... I just need a vacation, you know? No work, no world-dominating aliens, just Rick and me, going home to New Orleans, visiting my parents – eating my dad's cooking again.”

“Sounds like a good plan”, hummed Jessie, voice soft. “Send me a post-card then, mh?”

 ~*~

 They had decided to do this the next day, since their meeting ran late. It gave Joss another couple hours to brace herself. Still, even as she brushed her hair in the morning, looking into the mirror, she didn't feel ready for this. Sonia was... she was more than just a friend. She was Joss' idol, when Joss had had no one else, Sonia had been there. She had been a guiding force like the older sister Joss never had. And in the face of having lost her family – well, not literally but sometimes this felt worse than if her parents had died – she had found solitude and warmth at Sonia's home.

The thought that Sonia could be scheming in any capacity, be involved with all of this in anything but a stellar way... the thought broke Joss' heart. She took a deep breath and braced herself for the meeting to come. All day during work, she had already avoided Sonia and Sander.

The ringing of her doorbell alerted her that it was time. Taking a deep breath, Joss left, being greeted by Angel and Basty at the car. They exchanged a look and drove in silence, until they reached the villa. It loomed in the distance, even minutes before they reached it.

It was a beautiful, modern building. Strange architecture, white structure with many windows. The villa stood at a cliff overseeing the ocean. The view was beautiful, Joss knew that. She sighed.

“I'm sure this is going to be fine”, whispered Angel, reaching out to take Joss' hand. “They... chose us. So... their intentions must be good, right? They... must.”

Joss hummed, hoping those words to be true. They reached the gate and, once they identified themselves, they were led in. The drive up to the house seemed to stretch forever, but when they did park the car, Sonia and Sander were already standing in the driveway. They looked so... regal, at all times. Sonia was like a queen, her suits like uniforms.

“Joss, my dear. And you bring... friends”, noted Sonia slowly.

One perfect eyebrow was raised at them. Sander rolled his eyes fondly but offered them a welcoming smile and opened the door to welcome the three in.

“Are we making up for book-club...? But without Melanie?”, inquired Sander.

“We're here to talk about your... gifts”, stated Joss in a monotone voice.

“Ah, that's a conversation best held over a glass of wine.”

Sonia casually led them toward the balcony, getting the wine on the way. Joss didn't quite feel like drinking wine. Alcohol clouded the mind. She wanted and needed to stay sharp on this one.

“No games, please. You know what they were. And you know why you gave them to Sebastian and Angelique, specifically”, stated Joss, eyes sharp as she stared at her old friend.

The smile on Sonia's lips was playful as she sipped on her wine. Basty and Angel were sitting slightly uncomfortable, shifting and focusing on their wine for now. Joss appreciated that they let her lead this conversation for now. It was the look on Sander's face that wrecked her though; so open and genuine and... friendly. Oh, she knew why she had fallen for him...

“Fair enough, my dear”, agreed Sonia after a moment. “Phoenix, sweetie, come out.”

She twirled the bracelet on her wrist. Golden, like all her jewelry, but with a salmon-colored round jewel in the center. A warm glow emitted from the jewel, just like Joss had seen countless times by now from her own and from those of the others. And just like she was used to, a creature was summoned. A bird, soft pink in color, warm, with a golden glow to the feathers. At Joss' skeptical look, Sonia offered her wrist so Joss could take a closer look at the bracelet.

“I wouldn't know what animal to associate with Libra, so... is this it?”, inquired Basty fascinated.

“No, it is not. Libra is a dog. And this isn't the symbol of Libra either. A dot within a circle, that's... that's the symbol of the sun?”, observed Joss confused. “What is the meaning of this?”

“This is Phoenix. She is not a Zodiac. She's a constellation, but one of three very special ones, linked with... celestial bodies”, replied Sonia. “Phoenix is the guardian of the sun.”

“Lepus”, called Sander out.

There was a brooch attached to Sander's suit-jacket, one that Joss had noticed quite a couple weeks ago but never really gave much thought to. The brooch, a silver crescent-moon with a brown jewel sat at the tip, started glowing. Angel made the most delighted sound and immediately lunged forward to pet the bunny. A dark-brown bunny with a lighter fluff around his neck and mighty wings growing from its back. Silver dotted its fur in star-patterns.

“Oh, you are simply gorgeous”, cooed Angel excitedly.

“This is Lepus, he is linked to the moon”, explained Sander.

“But... and correct me if I'm wrong, the constellations are the enemy?”, asked Basty.

“That's a very black and white way of looking at it”, chided Sonia unimpressed. “Not all constellations side with Serpentarius. Especially not Phoenix, Lepus and Lupus.”

“I'll bite: Why's that?”, asked Joss slowly.

She was startled when their companions decided to join them after all, the glowing mix of blue, green and pink was obnoxious to the eye, but when the fish, capricorn and owl all bowed down to the phoenix and the bunny, Joss officially did not know what to make of this anymore.

“Because we're their bosses”, replied Phoenix, her voice silky and serious. “The three guardians are the supervisors of the Zodiacs. We landed here first. We attracted them. That is why they all landed in the same place; because we were there. Those that had not been picked up, Sonia took.”

“We spent months searching for someone fit, not just the birth-date but also the duty”, explained Sonia. “The irony, I did want to give one to you, Joss.”

“Why... didn't you seek us out earlier?”, asked Joss, not entirely convinced.

“We are not supposed to intervene. Not that early. They're supposed to form, without intervention”, stated Lepus, nose twitching in that admittedly adorable bunny-way. “However, having lost Libra has forced our hand. And Serpentarius seems to grow impatient.”

“Can you... tell us what they're planning?”, asked Angel hopefully.

“That is not...”, started Phoenix and shook herself, spreading her impressive wings. “Serpentarius had been bonded with a human... and it's the human's motivation that is driving them. We don't know the human, so we can't tell. Serpentarius' gain in this is to take over this planet; the human vessel however... without knowing all pieces, we can't know the full picture.”

“So, how do we find that out?”, inquired Basty. “Is there a way...?”

“So far, it seemed that Serpentarius' intend was to unite you. To mock and provoke. Those small attacks seemed intended to lure you out. Now that you are complete...”, mused Lepus.

“Except we're not”, noted Joss. “We're missing Libra.”

“Libra is Carroll Lewis”, stated Sonia like she was reading them the weather.

“Wait. Wait, that... the billionaire?”, squeaked Angel. “The scary redhead?”

“The scary redhead”, confirmed Sonia, gritting her teeth. “I saw the jewel on her during a meeting the other week. I tried taking it from her, but... that didn't work. She is too clever to just let it be stolen, she knows how valuable it truly is.”

“Okay... a billionaire with high-end security is... not necessarily the ideal enemy”, grunted Basty.

“There's more of you than her and you now know where she is. You have the element of surprise.”

“Sander, that is a horrible idea”, chided Sonia seriously. “She's going to have multiple unattached constellations there and surely people to use them on. Even the element of surprise won't be a guarantee for a win. They're going to risk too much with a direct confrontation; they're not ready for that. You've seen the news. Not even half the team are properly trained.”

“That is a fair assessment, but with every passing day, more people get hurt, things get destroyed, Serpentarius has more time to plan”, argued Sander seriously.

Joss leaned back and stared at the glass of wine in consideration now. Both Sander and Sonia made good points there. Attacking with the element of surprise may be their best bet to get the gem from Libra, however they really were not exactly... well-trained. Despite Joss' best efforts.

“We definitely need to regroup and form a plan of attack. And put more training hours in”, stated Joss seriously. “You two in particular. You haven't had any training.”

“Oh no. No, no, I don't... I will not do any fighting”, grunted Basty, shaking his head. “Books are my weapon. Not whatever this is going to be; physical fights. No. Not happening.”

“I told you not to pick this one”, sighed Sonia disappointed.

“He would be better suited for Gemini than fun-loving Capricorn, but he is still an asset”, argued Sander with a strict frown. “Every team needs its brains.”

Sonia rolled her eyes at him and refilled her glass. Reluctantly, Joss took her glass after all.

“The constellations, they can bond just like our companions? I thought they could only... take over”, whispered Joss, eyes on Lepus and Phoenix. “All, or just the three of you...?”

“Oh, all. Just like your companions, they too can change your physical form. It all depends on how we manifest, what our intention is”, explained Phoenix.

All Joss could do was nod and take a slow drink from her wine. Sonia was talking to Angel now, while Basty seemed rather fascinated by the five talking animals, asking them a ton of questions. It gave Joss the chance to lean back, for just a moment, to concentrate.

“How... are you doing, Joss? I apologize for keeping this from you, though we were not sure you were one of the chosen ones. We could have supported you, had we known.”

Looking up, she saw Sander sitting down next to her, a concerned expression on his face. She shook her head. What was she supposed to say to that? For months, she had fought alone. Now she had this... team. Now she learned she could have been working together with her crush for so long. Her phone in her pocket buzzed and when she checked to see if it was important, the message blinking on her screen was from Savitri – long shift, tired. Thinking of you. It made her smile, very gently.

“I'm doing fine. And I have all the support I need”, whispered Joss softly.

Read here on AO3!

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[fallout4holmes]

Journal 28

As we made our way south from Oberland, we came upon a family being harassed by a small band of Gunners. Strong, ever keen on a potential opponent to fight, observed, “These humans use tough armor.”

“They’re called Gunners,” I said as I hurried forward, “and they need to be stopped.”

Strong charged ahead, “Strong smash puny human gunners!”

“Only fight the humans with armor!” I shouted after him.

Sure enough, the sight of a super mutant charging them was enough to draw the attention of the Gunners away from the family, who sensibly hid as well as they could behind some rocks near a tree.

“I’ll give ‘em this,” Hancock growled, “fightin’ Gunners is rarely dull.”

At some point I was aware of the family’s parents firing pipe pistols from behind the rocks. I don’t think they did much, but the additional weapons fire was welcome nonetheless. Unfortunately, after the last Gunner fell a shot came aimed for Strong.

“Stop!” I shouted as Strong made a sound that was more annoyed than pained.

Strong marched over to the family and pulled the father out from behind the rock, throwing him to the ground. Dogmeat barked, his hackles raised.

“Strong!” I commanded as Dogmeat hurried over to the mother and daughter, “Enough!”

Strong shrugged, and considered the dead Gunners scattered around. “Gunners good fighters,” he said.

Hancock scoffed, “All firepower, no finesse. Not a lot of folks make me question Goodneighbor’s open door policy. But Gunners…” he saw Dogmeat sitting in front of the girl clinging to her mother, “don’t worry, kid. No more shootin’s gonna happen right now.”

The father was understandably confused. “You… you aren’t going to hurt us?”

“No,” I said, helping him back to his feet. “You won’t be harmed by me, or either of my companions.”

Strong disagreed. “Not kill? Human weak. Should kill.”

Hancock stepped forward, “No one’s killin’ these people, big guy.”

“Ghoul not human. Human should kill the weak. Weak deserve to die.”

“Ghoul gonna get real annoyed real quick if you don’t lay off, Strong.”

I sighed, exasperated, “You came wanting to find kindness, didn’t you?”

Strong was taken aback. “Was that kindness? Like milk of human kindness?”

“Yes.”

“Bah,” Strong frowned, “Human too nice to other humans. Should be hard with humans. Teach them to be strong. Should not be weak. Life is hard! Humans should learn to be tough. That human weak.”

“And how are the weak to become strong if they aren’t given help?”

“That not help. Not enough killing.”

I turned to the father, “Ignore him. Are you wounded?”

“We’ll be fine.”

I frowned. He was scavenger, that much was apparent by the state of his hands, and judging by the now depleted packs he and his family wore they had either recently been ousted from their former home or the pickings were slim enough that they were on the search for a new place to try to make a living. A delighted squeal came from the little girl as Dogmeat licked her face. Hancock meandered over and gave Dogmeat a scratch as he sat down near the girl. She looked up at him wide eyed a moment, but when Dogmeat’s tail started wagging and he begged for further petting, she soon forgot about her fear of the strangely dressed and clearly dangerous ghoul. Her mother, sensing he wasn’t a threat to her family, relaxed as well.

Now if I could only get the father to see reason.

“We haven’t been properly introduced. My name is Holmes, over there is Mayor Hancock, and the super mutant is called Strong. You’re injured, though minorly, and you are doing an admirable job hiding it. Here,” I handed him a few stimpaks, “We can spare these.”

“Holmes!” Hancock called over, “The kid says she’s hungry, and mom says they need to wait and make the food last longer!”

“Plenty of meat now,” Strong huffed as he kicked a corpse, earning him a firm, solid ‘No’ from both Hancock and myself.

I turned to the father apologetically, “I’m afraid we can’t donate much, but… Strong, do you still have those eggs?”

“Hm? Radscorpion eggs. Have one. Ate rest.”

I sighed, “Of course you did. Hand it over, please.”

The father weakly protested, “You don’t have to -”

“Nonsense.” I retrieved a few strips of jerky and a mutfruit from my pack and handed them over with the egg. “There. Not quite bacon and eggs, but at least it’s a meal.”

He was bewildered, but grateful. “Thank you so much.”

“I’m only sorry it’s not more. To the north you’ll find Oberland Station, an established settlement with a few Minutemen. They can help get you supplied for a further journey, or you can make a new home there. It’s a bit cramped, you’ll have to build some more shelters -”

“That sounds great, sir. Thank you.”

“Good luck.”

“Hey, kid,” Hancock said as he stood, “c’mere.” She followed him to one of the fallen Gunners. Hancock pulled a shotgun from the Gunners hand and handed it to her, “Here. It’ll kick your shoulder like a radstag, but you won’t miss anything that gets close to you. Take care.”

We continued south as the family headed north. After perhaps a mile, Strong spoke.

“Strong see what human did. Human did good thing.”

I turned to him, shocked. “What?”

“Humans help humans. Strong like. Super mutants help super mutants.”

I looked at Hancock, who shrugged with a look of comical confusion. “Super mutants…  help other super mutants?” I asked.

Strong nodded once, “Share with brothers.”

“Strong, that was kindness.”

“Human give milk of kindness? Strong confused. Show Strong more.”

I sighed as Hancock snickered. “I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunity to do so.”

[shikkearu]

Irreplaceable Part 15: I miss spending Christmas with you

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- "How do you think we should spend our Christmas now that were married?" - "Does it need to change somehow?"

He looked slight bit thoughtful as he laid on the sofa his hands behind his head and one leg over the other waving in the air. Until now both of them had spend their Christmases separate. Now it felt odd to do so. Or for him at least. He wanted to start making his own family traditions without forgetting the old ones.

- "I know it's always a bit of a rush at Morias." He paused. "Ah never mind." - "What?" - "You know I want to spend Christmas with father so he wouldn't be lonely even if this one guy comes to visit now and then. But maybe there's enough space for two," he chuckled and corrected himself, "Three more people." - "You, your father and...?" She didn't quite get it. - "Ah well, you know." He blushed slightly and turned to his side facing the back of the sofa.

And it hit her. She snorted. How blissful those moments were when he kept pause from reminding her.

- "I don't want a kid yet." - "I know, but one day." - "Might take long." - "I'll be patient."

And she snorted again.

----

- "Yeah, we really wished you could come. You know with Zoro and all that's... Oh you can't? Do you- It's important. I understand. Maybe next year? Yeah. I love you too." - "So he won't come?" Perona asked from the sofa as she was hushing their baby, who was having a tummy-ache. - "Yeah, but there's always next year." He smiled and she sighed. - "You said that last year." - "But next year for sure." - "Have you considered that he might not want to?"

He looked at her betrayed. Of course his father wanted to. He just wasn't able to.

- "Sorry. Next year for sure. Whole family." She looked down at the baby still whining his sickness. - "Next year." He nodded determined.

----

When Perona had made Mihawk stop by the super-market and they had stuffed his car with toys, necessities and food, he couldn't understand why. She had told him there would be others, but surely not that many. But when they were there, he understood. There was a huge hustle. People went and came. Some stayed long and some only an hour. Some brought groceries with them and some were given. There were young people, old people, rich people, poor people. All sorts of people with different backgrounds, but they all shared one thing in common:

A huge gratitude towards Gekko Moria.

Perona told Mihawk that in the town they lived in there had been a factory and Morias family had been part of the owners. Nearly all of the townsfolk worked in the factory or they depended on it indirectly. But when the economy went down, the factory was closed. Moria had been well off and he could have lived with relative ease for the rest of his days, but he couldn't forget the townsfolk who had lost their main source of livelihood. So he started to work for the good of the people. He felt it was so rewarding, that he studied as a social worker. Many of the people would have gone under if not for his help. When asked if her parents had worked in the factory Perona had changed the subject quickly. She didn't like to speak of her biological family.

In the end Morias savings had been used leaving him and Perona scraping by. But he still kept helping others and those who now had it well for them helped him with donations so he wouldn't have to use his meager salary on that.

Perhaps because of his background Moria had disliked Mihawk, a person with all that money that comes from exploitation or so he said of every lawyer. And Moria had secretly been jealous to Mihawk for having the luxury of witnessing the first years of his sons life, something he did not get to do with Perona. But now-a-days with Zoro around he had got to enjoy being a grandfather and gotten to know Mihawk. He even liked him now.

- "It'll be lonely here without him, but at least we have Mihawk in our family now." Moria had said joyfully when he welcomed them to his house.

The worn out house was now packed with groceries and items of all sort most of which would be gone by Christmas Eve. During Christmas Day it would be a lot less hectic because most of the people would be home with their families. But some stayed because Moria was considered part of their family.

They had one small room reserved just for them. It was not where they usually stayed but everywhere else was packed full or reserved to other. The three of them barely fit there together and Mihawk could just barely fit Zoros new crib inside. He could see now Morias reluctance to get one for Zoro. He was anxious having to share the same house with so many people he didn't know, but Perona seemed excited. Going around doing things and talking to the people she had learned through the years helped her deal with the crushing loneliness her late husband had left her with. There were some who gave her their condolences and she was dealing with them amazing. But mostly being busy kept her from thinking about the past.

Mihawk did not have such luck. He could not find the solace with taking care of Zoro because Moria nearly never let him out of his arms or it was Perona holding him calming him down when the amount of people became unbearable. He offered to help just to be denied outright since he was a guest and there was too many people already doing their part. Mihawk started having small panic attacks in the crammed spaces packed with strangers and items. Soon he spend most of his time wondering the surrounding woods and fields. But he couldn't be out all day because it was so cold and his thoughts went to the Christmas days he had spent with his son.

----

- "When can we eat the gingerbread house?" He looked at the tiny little house they had built together. It was covered with his favourite candies and had a small ginger bread snowman outside. - "Not before the Epiphany." Mihawk stated as he was cleaning the sticky sugary mess they had made of the table. - "When's that?" - "January 6th." - "That's going to take ages!" - "You'll get plenty of gingerbread during holidays." - "I wanna eat it now!"

Mihawk chuckled at the boys eagerness.

- "Don't laugh at me, father!" - "I cannot help it. You're adorable." - "I'm not! Shut up." The boy blushed and rushed off.

----

Small boy rushed onto his fathers lap and gave him a huge hug.

- "You think Mother will come this year?" His voice a sad whisper. - "I don't think so." The boy looked miserable hearing the answer he had feared. Mihawk sighed. - "Have you finished your homework?" A small nod. - "Do you want to go Christmas shopping then? I wasn't supposed to tell you, but your mother sent you a gift. Want to go get her one?" - "Yeah!" The boys face lit up. "I'll make a card for her too."

Mihawk smiled gently, but inside he was miserable. This was not what he had wanted for him.

----

- "Look, look! A battle robot! Mother got me a battle robot." - "That's amazing. You've wanted one for a long time." - "Mmm." He tried different buttons and the robot made noises and flashed lights. "So cool." - "Did grandmother send you something?" - "This sweater and socks. Are we gonna go meet her?"

Hancocks parents wanted to be part of their grandchild's life, but they lived in another country. So any visits were rare. During Christmas it was impossible because Hancock had denied any visits because she would be there. But Mihawk had already booked tickets for winter break though he had not told his son yet.

- "I think we should. Want to call her?" - "Yes, please."

----

- "I think I want to start spending Christmas with Perona"

It was only natural since they were married, but still he felt hurt.

- "This year?" - "Yes... but I want you there too."

His son did sound sincere, but Mihawk felt he'd still bother them. So he lied.

- "I'm on a business trip then." - "Really? Wow when did you get to know?" - "It's really a last minute thing. I thought you'd want to spend your time with her and they needed someone to go on such short notice." - "That sucks. Were going to spend the Christmas at Peronas fathers place. It would have been a real family Christmas. I've heard there's a lot of people."

Mihawk felt a little bit relief not having to spend Christmas with strangers, but he felt bad for lying to his son. But most of all he dreaded he'd be a bother to all of them.

----

- "I really don't get it. You're fine with random social events and meetings as long as they're work related and suddenly you can't spend the Christmas with your son and his wife's family because you feel you would be a bother. I think they're more bothered with you not going." Shanks looked at him raising his brow and slightly squinting his eyes in disapproval. - "No one asked your opinion." Mihawk took a sip of his wine. They were at Makino's for their usual meet up before Christmas. - "Then why are you here with me Hawky? Ugh. I've got my own family to go to..." He rubbed his temples before his face cleared up. "Hey come with me. Mom would be happy to see you." - "Aren't I a bit old to come over?" - "What? You don't need to be a kid to visit your friends stupid. And Mom sometimes wonders how you're doing. Like she seriously gets really worried at times. It would be better than brooding at home. And they're not strangers so it's cool." - "Fine, since you insist."

Mihawk brooded but he felt slightly happier not to be by himself all Christmas. The last time he had been was years ago, when his father died.

----

Christmas Eve eventually came and that morning Mihawk couldn't get up. His body hurt, his head hurt, everything hurt. He was stressed out, but he didn't complain, just staid in bed a bit longer than usual. Perona came up to him holding a plate full of rice porridge with cinnamon and sugar on top.

- "I hope you get the almond. For luck." She had smiled slight bit sad. "I'm sorry you're not liking it here. Just a few more hours and most of the people should be gone."

Mihawk was silent and felt bad. Finally he forced himself up and and ate some of the porridge even if he wasn't that hungry. But it was good and warm and he got an almond. And a second. A third. He looked at Perona.

- "We actually put full package of almonds because the kids will be sad if they don't get one and this way everyone gets that extra bit of luck they need."

Mihawk appreciated the gesture. It was a beautiful idea, but he still felt miserable.

- "There's just so many people crowding this house. And the walks do not bring me much joy because it's been cold and I can't stop thinking about him."

It was hard for him to admit feeling so bad, but he needed some comfort and Perona would do her best to help. She thought for a moment and asked:

- "Do you need pain killers?"

He nodded and a moment later she came back with a couple of pills and a warm glass of glogg. He was feeling slightly better and dressed up ready to face another stressful day. She was waiting outside the room with Zoro dressed up in his new fluffy winter gear.

- "Moria can handle things here by himself for a couple of hours. Lets go on a walk together. Just us three. I'll show you around. I haven't done that yet have I?" - "We haven't spend a lot of time here. That one time we were longer, we worried over Zoro." - "Then it's high time don't you think?" - "And Moria really won't mind you going?" - "He's used to me running away at the most inconvenient times. I actually did this same thing with your son. The way we have Christmas can be really stressful when you're not used to it."

So while Moria was preoccupied the three snuck outside. They put Zoro in his stroller and when they had walked more into town, where there was pedestrian walks, they let him walk with them. They weren't in a rush and he would get anxious spending long times on the stroller.

- "Sometimes I wish he wasn't this active." Perona laughed, but there was sadness in her voice.

Mihawk pat her shoulder as a sign of compassion. Time was supposed to move and children to grow. No matter who got left behind.

- "Birbie." Zoro pointed at a crow sitting on a fence.

There was something macabre about the town. Many houses were abandoned and signs invited you into an empty shop. Everywhere they went they could see the factory pipes looming in the distance, a constant reminder of what had been.

- "The amount of people visiting us grows smaller each year. We do get new visitors sometimes, but mostly people just want to get away from this place. I feel bad for saying this, but I kind of like the atmosphere of a dying town." She chuckled lightly.

They walked a little bit towards the center of the town. Perona pointed to an old building done in the sixties. One could see decorations in the windows. - "That's the school I went to. It has elementary and upper-school together. After that you had to move out to continue studying."

She pointed to another building with windows covered with cardboard and a "for rent" -sign. - "I went to ballee there."

They were back on the road to Moria. Zoro had worn himself out and was napping in the stroller. There had been a place Perona had not mentioned in her tour and he was curious.

- "Is the house of your parents somewhere out of town like Morias?" - "It got burnt down. I don't really like to talk about them." She had a plank look on her face.

Mihawk understood. They were similar in that way, neither of them liked to talk about their parents though her reasons were different from his.

- "Moria is my one and only true dad." She huffed. - "I've heard you call him Dad just once." - "Calling him first name just kinda stuck. He was the social worker in charge of me. He was moving me from foster parent to the next. I always ran away or they just didn't like me." - "Didn't you start being fostered by Moria when you were four?" He found it hard to believe someone younger would be able to run away. - "I entered the system at four, but I kept running to Moria all the time. He had no choice but to take me under. Even then they would have rather have me go somewhere else. But I chose Moria."

She looked smug. She was the winner in a hard situation. The one who came top.

- "The last one was when I was nearly six. They moved me to another town completely, but I had learnt to read. So I stole some money, packed my bag and took the buss back here. The driver almost called the cops on me, but I was able to fool him in the end. You couldn't believe the look on Morias face when he saw me on the door steps." - "Didn't he ever get angry?" - "Not really. He lectured me on the dangers of going by myself and then called the fosters." - "Why did you keep returning?" - "Because Moria was the first person I could remember. And I spent all the waiting time between fosters with him. It was so nice to be there." - "First person?" Odd, shouldn't it had been her parents? - "Or actually an onion. The time in the 'Room of tubes' is a bit fussy." - "Room of tubes?" He was curious. - "Oh, I'm rambling. Forget it. It's not important."

He felt that it was and wanted to know more, but they were back at Morias. He was waiting for them and looked angry. He glared at Perona and she looked extremely uncomfortable.

- "I turn my back and you sneak off! On Christmas Eve!" - "Aah well, Mihawk." - "You're the one in blame here young lady. I need your help in the kitchen and you still decide it's better to sneak off than actually tell me you're going for a walk." - "Horo horo horo." Her laughter was nervous, but Mihawks face had lit up. - "Can I help?" - "Eh? But you're a guest." - "Let him. He needs to do something. All the huzzle is dissorienting when you don't have anything to do." - "Alright, but you're still in trouble, young lady!"

When going inside Mihawk could see that same smug look Perona had earlier. She had known this was going to happen. She was the one who had won. And he was grateful to her.

[fallout-drabbles-n-stuff]

Companions and their mental health statuses?

(Wrote this while listening to a Spotify playlist named "going absolutely fucking apeshit" anyway- I'm gonna split this up by what I think character wise...and then my experiences with these seggsy bitches in game bc boy, it's been wild)

Cait:

•Sufferer of severe trauma throughout her life.

•Shit just gets worse

•Fights for her life and has a strong love for psycho before a special someone convinced her she is worthy of being loved

•Trust issues out the wazoo..for sadly, good reasons.

•Maybe not the worst on the list, but definitely up there.

In game experience...

•GOD DAMN FALLOUT VERSION OF LYDIA- like seriously? Gtfo the doorway! I'm getting blown up!

•Hates everyone and everything except sole and breaking the law.

Curie:

•Actually not all that bad...except for secret abandonment issues.

•Usually masks it by burying herself in research.

•As far as these poor bastards go, she's probably one of the most mentally stable- which is scary.

In game experience.....

•Sweet Frenchie with asshole pets.

(I don't travel with her often 🥲)

Danse:

Pre-Blind Betrayal-

•Confirmed sufferer of PTSD

•Blames himself for the death of several team members.

•Evidence points towards un-talked about alcoholism.

•Seems to be attracted to power armour..

•Not very good but not the worst on this list..

Post-Blind Betrayal-

•Same as above but add on identity crisis times a thousand and two.

•Will literally kill himself (or let you kill him) if you don’t convince him otherwise.

In game experience....

•Fucking goes apeshit, pre or post BB

•Completely unaware of his surroundings unless it has to do with vertibirds flying over head, then it's time for guerrilla warfare. "Fate has decreed that you must die!"- he speaks, drawing a laser rifle.

•Has been caught on multiple instances doing drugs out of the drug vending machine in Nuka World despite clearly being against them.

Deacon:

•Probably one of the more mentally fucked.

•Lost his wife in front of his own eyes in a notably terrible way.

•Escapes his deep seeded pain through his elaborate schemes, justifying it by telling himself it helps his organization.

•Still feels like shit every waking minute.

•Cant really allow himself to get close to anyone because of his experiences.

In game experiences...

•Asshole

•Jumpscare king, mainly because I didn't know he changed outfits THAT often.

•Doesn't like physical affection???  Shit that actually makes sense..

•Stalker.

Gage:

•He's pretty "meh" on the sanity scale. He's ruthless, but he's entirely stable besides his attachment issues.

•Trusts too easy and hates himself for it...also tries to make himself not be that way and for the most part, it works!

•Problematic raider.

In game experience...

•Makes stupid comments at inappropriate times as though he wishes for the enemies to murder us

•Thinks that walking through walls is entirely possible and gets stuck every time I run with him

Hancock:

•The actual worst on this fine list of mentally messed up individuals.

•Self worth is just nonexistent despite being a pretty all around decent guy

•Uses drugs to cover up terrible trauma to the point of putting himself in the greatest danger just short of dying

•Oh yeah, doesn't mind death actually.

•Doesn't feel worthy of anything deep down.

in game experience...

•Shoots sole for stealing shit in the third rail

•Unhinged

•Sits for hours

Macready:

•Lost his wife in a horrific way

•Only has his son, who he is convinced is going to die sooner than later because of something he can't control

•Willing to do everything if it means caps to send to his sick child

•Doesn't really have a place to call his "home"

•Reckless and unforgiving

In game experience...

•Being nice? How dare you speak such ill language.

•Kleptomaniac

Maxson:

•Does as good as a boy his age with all of the responsibility possibly could.

•Just imagine- your dad died when you were super young. Your mother shipped your ass away. The people you loved like family died all around you. Now you're stuck in foreign land and have no fucking idea where to begin, only that you have to mobilize these fuckers you're in charge of and remain a good leader...

•Still not good enough? Okay, pile on insomnia, alcoholism, and the thought that you have no one alive that truly loves you as more than just the "elder". Oh, but you eventually got to spit out some kids somehow because you're the last of the great "Maxson" line...

•Also not exactly on the "stable" side..

In game experience...

•Stares intently down the Prydwen command deck with his hands behind his back..for hours.

•Never wants to chat :(

•Long winded and short sighted, bad combo..

Nick:

•Has to deal with not only demons that technically aren't even his, but after "reunions"- Kellogg's fucked up self haunts him. He keeps it to himself and suffers silently.

•Deals with the pain of knowing there will never be a place where is truly just himself. He's a man trapped inside of a metal cage..and yet he's not even really "that" man, is he?

•One could easily understand how he has some issues too.

In game experience...

•Cigarettes? Yes.

•Oh, Youre in a fight? Seems like a good time to tighten the bolts in my hand right about now...

•Wields a flamer like a champ.

Piper:

•Surprisingly..has the most sound mental state out of all.

•Is a little obsessive tho

•Has had to adapt to the role of sibling and parent to her younger sister, which isn't easy for anyone.

•Often delves into her work, sort of like curie, to avoid dealing with the pain of her parents no longer being there for her or nat.

In game experience..

•Hey kid, want some Nuka-Cola?

•Mayor McDonough shall die, even if it means execution by the hands of everyone else in Diamond City.

Preston:

•Has canonically admitted to considering suicide.

•Is holding onto the last threads of hope he has with a fucking death grip.

•Definitely not of the best mental state

In game experience...

•Doesn't know how to properly use furniture.

•Can hear sole coming from a mile away and is already getting the map out for the next settlement

X6-88:

•Emotions? Is that a snack?

•Seriously though, he has been "reset" so many times that sometimes-he doesn't even realize it- he doesn't even know what "he" is. Every aspect of who he is..it should be gone, he's a machine and he knows it...why does he still feel like a person?

•Short story, he hates life. He hates being held captive and being used like a damn hound to hunt down those who were smart enough to run- those of which he envied and didn't even realize he did. Hey, he's just a machine though- it's his job and he knows better than to revolt.

•Violence is the freedom he feel he has. He can kill and track in any way he wants, so long as it is successful and what the Institute deem appropriate. It's horrible, but he doesn't realize it- and at this point he doesn't care. The death of another and the way they die by his hand is just his way of expressing who he is deep down.

In game experience...

•Oi, you don't like the institue? FUCK YOU

[atombombbagel]

Meeting Sole’s Ghoulified Parents.

Sole was walking around their old home, the home they shared with their parents when they were younger, before they went off and married Nate. What Sole wasn’t expected was to find their mother and father, still living in the home. They were ghouls, but they were alive. Sole told them about Nate and Shaun but that they’d found someone else and they were happy.

“Well dear, I want to meet them,” Sole’s mother had said, and Sole could never say no to their mother.

Cait: Cait stayed quiet as Sole reunited with their parents, feeling as though she didn’t really belong there. She thought back to her parents and a little sadness washed over her when she saw how loving and kind Sole’s parents were. She didn’t know what to do when Sole’s mother looked over at her, smiling with open arms as she brought Sole and Cait into a hug. Cait got along well with Sole’s mother and to her it was like having the parents she never had, she was grateful they accepted her for who she was.

Curie: Curie was delighted that Sole had found her parents and she was even more excited to meet them in person.

“It is wonderful to meet you both,” Curie being the lovely soul that she is, pulled them both in for a hug. Sole’s mother was delighted that they wanted to settle down with someone as wonderful as Curie was. And she would share her vast knowledge of science and medical research with Sole’s father who was interested in such things.

Danse: Although they were both ghouls, a species which Danse usually despised, for Sole he was accepting of them. He got along with them surprisingly well, listening to Sole’s dad talk about the war, he couldn’t get enough of those stories, asking questions like a small child would. He would help Sole’s mom, fixing things around the house when they failed to work and tinkering with things. He’d talk about them a lot to Sole, always asking how they were and if they could go over and see them.

Deacon: When Sole told Deacon that they’d found their parents, ghouls but alive he was shocked. But, he was even more shocked when Sole told him they wanted him to meet them. He was sceptical about it as he didn’t want them to become targets just because they associated with him. He agreed when Sole gave him puppy dog eyes. He’d never admit it, but he was nervous, he wanted Sole’s parents to like him, so he did what he does best, he used his sense of humour and cracked up so many bad dad jokes. He ended up starting a dad joke war with Sole’s dad, leaving Sole and their mother rolling their eyes at the two of them.  

Hancock: Meeting Sole’s parents wasn’t on the top of Hancock’s to do list, for one he was a bit older than Sole, two he was a ghoul, and three, he had a rather strong relationship with chems. Basically, he was a parent’s worst nightmare. Then he met Sole’s parents, only to realise he’d met them before, when helping them escape Diamond City. Sole’s dad thanked Hancock for the help all those years ago and they instantly welcomed him to the family. Hancock behaved whilst around Sole’s parents, boasting about all the things Sole had done to them, leaving Sole a blushing mess.  

MacCready: MacCready wasn’t good around people, he’d only just leaned to open up to Sole and when they’d suggested he meet their parents he tried to get out of it. He didn’t think they’d like him, him being an ex-mercenary with a bloody past but Sole reassured him that they’d love him because he’d changed.

He was a gentleman, greeting Sole’s dad with a firm handshake and leaning over and pecking Sole’s mom on the cheek. He clutched onto Sole’s hand tightly making Sole laugh.

“He’s a little nervous,” Sole joked and MacCready smiled, laughing anxiously as he looked at Sole’s father. He hoped his reputation hadn’t preceded him, because he didn’t want to lose Sole because their parent didn’t like him all because of the past he truly regretted.

“I’ve heard you’re one hell of a sniper,” Sole’s dad said, nodding to the sniper on MacCready’s back, “I was wondering if you could teach me, I’ve never got the hang of it,” MacCready cracked a big smile, pulling the sniper off his back. He was honoured to teach him.

Piper: “You’re the one who writes that lovely paper,” Sole’s mother said, as she pulled Piper into a brief hug. Piper nodded, blushing profusely, she hadn’t realised how far her papers actually went, “I’m glad to see Sole has found a good one, for once,”

“Mooomm,” Sole whined, making their mother shake their head and Piper to laugh lightly, smiling at an embarrassed Sole.

“Don’t embarrass the kid,” Sole’s father said, hugging Sole’s shoulders lightly, “They can’t help it,” he chuckled along with his wife and Piper. Leaving Sole to put their head in their hands.

“Oh my god, you’re so embarrassing,”

Preston: “It’s wonderful to meet you Preston, we’ve heard a lot about the Minutemen, you should be proud,” Sole’s dad said, shaking his hand. When Sole had told Preston about their parents he was overjoyed to meet them.

“I couldn’t do it alone, this one, they brought us to victory. You should be proud,” Preston said, smiling widely at Sole who looked down blushing.

“We are,” Sole’s mother said, “And you bagged yourself a decent fella,” Sole’s mother winked making Sole go wide-eyed.

“Yea, I did,” Sole finally said, squeezing Preston’s hand. Preston made sure that they visited Sole’s parents a lot because they got on like a house on fire.

[boarix]

Fallout OC Interview!

Thank you so much for creating this and tagging me @robobrainmurdermysterytheatre you are a peach!

Rules:

1) Choose an OC

2) Answer questions as that OC

3) Tag 5 people to do the same

I’ll tag @nuclearmu5hroom @pistachiozombie @red-flare-art @free-hugs-for-ghouls @juliannahandart no obligation, only if ya wanna

1)      What is your name? Well, most everyone calls me Wraith… or I guess I should say I have everyone call me Wraith. My parents named me after my dad, Philip and my mom’s middle name Lynn, so Philippa Lynn Wolf. When I married Nate, I changed my last name to his; Keita-Johnson. So all together; Philippa Lynn Keita-Johnson. First fuck-nut who calls me Pippa will wish they’re dead.  

2)      How old are you? *sighs* Creeping up on two hundred forty…  

3)      What do you look like? You know what a brown kiwi bird is?

4)      Where are you from? Where do you live now? My parents were from the Midwest Commonwealth. The mitten. *laughs* We moved around a lot… spent a few years in the Columbia ‘wealth… Now I live just north of Boston, in a Minutemen settlement called Sanctuary.

5)      What was your childhood like? It wasn’t bad, honestly. I had a really good relationship with both my parents and my… adopted? Yeah, let’s say adopted, brother named Bartholomew.

6)      What groups are you friendly with? Are you allied with any factions? I’m the general of the Minutemen and a former Heavy Agent with the Railroad.

7)      Tell me about your best friend. *sucks in air over teeth* Welp… is it possible to be best friends with someone when you don’t know their real name? …I…we… next question, please.

8)      Do you have a family? Tell me about them! I have a habit of picking up strays so yeah, my family is pretty big. *laughs* I’ve got like, a dozen brothers and sisters from other mothers and misters, a grandson, a bunch of four-legged kids… BIG family!

9)      What about a partner or partners? MacCready and Hancock are my boyfriends. It didn’t seem right to make them pick each other or me, ya know? *attempts to waggle eyebrows suggestively*

10)   Who are your enemies, and why? Anyone who would hurt innocent people. ‘People’ includes ghouls and synths, by the way. You know what? People are anyone who is just trying to live their lives! *stands up and starts gesticulating excitedly* So, if you’re a super mutant, or a, I don’t fucking know, an intelligent deathclaw and you’re just trying to make it in this ridiculously dangerous… oh… sorry. Umm… I don’t like shitty, mean mother-fuckers. So, yeah…  

11)   Have you ever heard of The Brotherhood of Steel? What do you think about them? I love Danse. I kinda stole-adopted him. *laughs* The rest… They have the capacity to do great good for folks. They… ultimately fail to see that people are what they should be saving technology for not from. Their definition of ‘people’ needs work too.

12)   What about The Enclave? Maybe Mac mentioned them but I really don’t know…

13)   How do feel about Super Mutants? I love Strong! He’s my big green monster! As for the others… I feel sorry for them. Honestly. That being said I cannot allow them to hurt anyone.

14)   What’s the craziest fight you’ve ever been in? Oh damn… that’s hard to say. I have this bad habit of going full berserker when I fight… I don’t remember stuff and will start throwing shit… and people… and pieces of people… Just recently I fought a woman who was possessed by an alien artifact. She had telekinetic powers and was floating and had a bunch of crap flying all around her like a shield, ya know? Anyway, I threw some beds at her. It was unreal. Sad too.

15)   Have you ever fought a Deathclaw? *rolls eyes* Who hasn’t, amiright? I don’t really like to though; they are just animals after all.

16)   Do you like fighting? I like Judo and Jiu Jitsu. I like practicing the martial arts. I like target shooting with Mac. I don’t ever like to hurt anyone or anything but I’m not so naïve as to believe that I can save others without hurting others. Does that make sense?

17)   What’s your weapon of choice? Judo chop! Knives are fun too. I’ve never been great with guns but Mac has helped me a lot.

18)   How do you survive? Your wits, your charm, your skills, brute force, some combination? (a.k.a. what’s your S.P.E.C.I.A.L?) My strength is… well let’s just say it’s higher than… it’s high. Outside of that, when I took the test to enter the Marines my base S.P.E.C.I.A.L, starting at Perception,  was four, four, three, six, seven and my luck was one *groans*. Having low luck and charisma kinda bites but I can usually think my way out of stuff. If that doesn’t work I’ll just lose my shit and start throwing furniture. *sighs*

19)   Have you ever been in a vault? What do you think about them? I’m the sole survivor of vault one eleven. Vault-Tec is madness. Pure and simple.

20)   How do you beat all the radiation around here? Has it affected you? I had run-ins with Vault-Tec even before the War. I think they had their evil eye on me as soon as I joined the military. After the car accident that killed my parents, they ‘helped’ with my hospital stay. I’m also pretty fucking sure they messed around with my genes. My augmented strength and rad resistance, not to mention my longevity, are the results of their mad-scientist bullshit. I’m ghoulish. I can withstand quite a bit more rads than the average human and I even heal a small amount from them.  

21)   What’s your favorite wasteland critter? I wish mole rats weren’t so interested in biting my face off… they’re kinda cute, ya know?

22)   What’s your least favorite wasteland critter? Bloodworms. Gross.

23)   How do you feel about robots? You know I love Codsworth! KL-E-O, P.A.M and Ada are good friends. Well, as much as P.A.M is anyone’s friend. Robots are people too.  

24)   How many caps do you have on you right now? Zero. They make too much noise and slow me down. Mac always carries them for me. I trust him.

25)   Nuka Cola or Sunset Sarsaparilla? Nuka Cola! Quantums up!

26)   Do you do chems? Not recreationally. I don’t have a problem with recreational use, so long as it doesn’t interfere with whatever it is I’m trying to accomplish, you feel me? *tries to mimic Hancock’s voice: fails miserably*

27)   Do you ever think about the Pre-War world? Not as much as I used to. I’ve made so many friends, reconnected with some old and fallen in love… I’m trying to live in the present as much as possible. Gotta keep moving forward.

28)   What’s your deepest regret? What would you do differently? Father and Maxson. I…  I couldn’t get through to them… *sniffles* next question, please.

29)   What’s your biggest achievement? Or what do you hope to achieve? I’m proud of the Minutemen settlements. I’m happy to have been a part of their comeback story. I hope to expand and make safe trade routes and farming possible for as far as we can safely and efficiently reach. For those who would have us of course; not interested in any tyrannical bullshit.

30)   What do you want for the future? For yourself? Your friends? The world? I want what anyone wants. Peace and love, friends and neighbors. Peace and love.

[caddyxjellyby]

Alcott Readathon 2018: An Old-Fashioned Girl (1869)

Alcott’s third or fourth depending on how you count Good Wives novel, featuring cane-shaking, a menage a trois, and America’s favorite fighting Frenchman. Polly Arrives Fanny tells Tom to pick up Polly from the station. Tom says "She'll think you cared more about your frizzles than your friends, and she'll be about right, too." Fanny says "If I was the President, I'd make a law to shut up all boys till they were grown; for they certainly are the most provoking toads in the world." I wonder what Tom means by wearing a thingumbob? A veil maybe? The naughty boy tells Polly the hack-driver is tipsy so he won’t have to sit with her. It boggles my mind that a fourteen year old would refer to herself as a “little girl.” I suppose back them children didn’t have to bend over backwards to be taken seriously. That is, if you refer to yourself as a little girl people won’t take you seriously. But if they just do it as a given you don’t bend over backwards to earn it. Polly sings for Madam Shaw, the grandmother, and they talk about how they were brought up properly unlike the Shaw siblings. Madam Shaw doesn’t approve of children calling their father Papa. What the fuck. I bet “the old man” would make her spontaneously combust. The girls see a vulgar play; Polly doesn’t understand half the jokes, and the girls on stage are dressed as jockeys, which I think means wearing trousers. Scandalous. Madam Shaw praises her innocence.

New Fashions

Apparently eyeglasses were trendy in 1869. Polly follows Fanny to school, where the girls gossip about Carrie who ran away with an Italian music teacher.

Fanny: "I like to read about such things; but it's so inconvenient to have it happen right here, because it makes it harder for us. I wish you could have heard my papa go on. He threatened to send a maid to school with me every day, as they do in New York, to be sure I come all right. Did you ever?"

Belle: "That's because it came out that Carrie used to forge excuses in her mamma's name, and go promenading with her Oreste, when they thought her safe at school. Oh, wasn't she a sly minx?"

Trix: "I think a little fun is all right; and there's no need of making a talk, if, now and then, some one does run off like Carrie. Boys do as they like; and I don't see why girls need to be kept so dreadfully close. I'd like to see anybody watching and guarding me!" GO TRIX KEEPING GIRLS THE SLIGHTEST BIT “CLOSER’ THAN BOYS IS PSYCHOLOGICALLY HARMFUL AND DISRESPECTFUL. ...I have a lot of feels about gender and child-rearing, okay? Okay. The constant ads for the Blockers movie keep bringing it to mind. (Kathryn Newton, the most recent Amy March, is in it.) The Bostonians gush over some exciting novels; Polly doesn’t know them. Polly: "My mother says a real gentleman is as polite to a little girl as to a woman; so I like Mr. Sydney best, because he was kind to me." I want that embroidered. “Polly was not a model girl by any means” Sure, Louisa. The kids say ain’t a lot. Creosote sent my mind straight to Discworld. Polly’s Troubles Polly wished the children would be kinder to grandma; but it was not for her to tell them so, although it troubled her a good deal, and she could only try to make up for it by being as dutiful and affectionate as if their grandma was her own. Awww. The fact that they name their sleds is adorable. Me, I’ve never been a person to name inanimate objects, other than occasionally referring to something as the precious. Fan reads Lady Audley’s Secret. "I shouldn't think you'd make him laugh, when he's always making you cwy," observed Maud, who had just come in. Good one, Maud. Little Things Polly is a perfect child who can do no wrong, except spend some money on bronze boots instead of presents for her family. We learn that she has a dead brother named Jimmy. They studied Latin together so she helps Tom with his. Tom falls off his new velocipede and hits his head. Polly holds it while a doctor gives him stitches. Scrapes AFTER being unusually good, children are apt to turn short round and refresh themselves by acting like Sancho. For a week after Tom's mishap, the young folks were quite angelic, so much so that grandma said she was afraid "something was going to happen to them." I kind of loathe this line of thinking? If you want children to be good, don’t insult them by not trusting them. Polly, if you’ve never had to lie to your parents then you know you have good parents, and not everybody is like you. A boy sends Fanny flowers and that’s unacceptable. “I'll send you to school in a Canadian convent,” says Mr. Shaw. Oh boy. Tom dresses up in Fanny’s outfit, then they and Maud look at Polly’s journal, which is full of sketches of the family and friends, and Polly’s thoughts on Fan. If she would be as she was when I first knew her, I should love her just the same; but she isn't kind to me; and though she is always talking about politeness, I don't think it is polite to treat company as she does me. She thinks I am odd and countrified, and I dare say I am; but I shouldn't laugh at a girl's clothes because she was poor, or keep her out of the way because she didn't do just as other girls do here. I see her make fun of me, and I can't feel as I did; and I'd go home, only it would seem ungrateful to Mr. Shaw and grandma, and I do love them dearly." Grandma Tom was reposing on the sofa with his boots in the air, absorbed in one of those delightful books in which boys are cast away on desert islands, where every known fruit, vegetable and flower is in its prime all the year round; or, lost in boundless forests, where the young heroes have thrilling adventures, kill impossible beasts, and, when the author's invention gives out, suddenly find their way home, laden with tiger skins, tame buffaloes and other pleasing trophies of their prowess. The Shaw kids find Polly up in Grandma’s room, listening to her stories. They’re like you never told us that story and Grandma’s like you never asked. "At eight o'clock on the appointed evening, several of us professed great weariness, and went to our room, leaving the rest sewing virtuously with Miss Cotton, who read Hannah More's Sacred Dramas aloud, in a way that fitted the listeners for bed as well as a dose of opium would have done.”Surprisingly snarky Grandma. "Wait for your turn, Tommy. Now, Polly, dear, what will you have?" said grandma, looking, so lively and happy, that it was very evident "reminiscing" did her good. "Let mine come last, and tell one for Tom next," said Polly, looking round, and beckoning him nearer. Oh come on now Polly. Tom wants to shoot cats? Okay. Polly asks about a glove; Grandma tells the story of Lafayette kissing the glove with his picture on it and then kissing her on the cheek to avoid that. Grandma’s Aunt was married to John Hancock, just like Abigail Alcott’s grand-aunt was married to him in real life. Also she thinks leg o’mutton sleeves are beautiful and becoming. Let’s not hold it against her. Colonel May, that’s LMA’s grandfather. Next we go even further back in history - Grandma produces a letter “written by Anne Boleyn before her marriage to Henry VIII, and now in the possession of a celebrated antiquarian.” How she acquired this letter is not explained, and it does seem to be the original letter and not a copy. Good-by [sic] We get it, Louisa, you think fancy clothes are sinful. They hold a going-away party for Polly, inviting some girls to keep Maud out of the way and Tom’s school-friends, Rumple, Sherry, and Spider. Polly and Tom open the redowa; he’s bad at keeping time to the music, like me. She doesn’t know how to dance the German so she plays with the little girls in the library. Aww, they snuck presents for her family in Polly’s trunk. Six Years Afterward "WHAT do you think Polly is going to do this winter?" exclaimed Fanny, looking up from the letter she had been eagerly reading. She’s returning to Boston to teach music. Mr. Shaw respects her for being independent. Tom says she’s pretty in a moment of foreshadowing. Madam Shaw has died. "Where did you learn so much worldly wisdom, Polly?" asked Mr. Shaw, as his wife fell back in her chair, and took out her salts, as if this discovery had been too much for her. "I learnt it here, sir," answered Polly, laughing. "I used to think patronage and things of that sort very disagreeable and not worth having, but I've got wiser, and to a certain extent I'm glad to use whatever advantages I have in my power, if they can be honestly got." What is this, the Shaws doing something good for once? Holy hell! “You must come and see my pets, Maud, for my cat and bird live together as happily as brother and sister," said Polly, turning to Maud, who devoured every word she said. "That's not saying much for them," muttered Tom, feeling that Polly ought to address more of her conversation to him. Geez, Tom, entitled much? Tom is engaged to Trix. Polly keeps bees at her country home. It must be so nice to be able to clean without the paranoia that you’re going to get mocked for doing it wrong. All hail living alone! Lessons Polly finds her drudgery a bit harder than she expected but her pupils love her. She found Fanny enduring torment under the hands of the hair-dresser, who was doing his best to spoil her hair, and distort her head with a mass of curls, braids, frizzles, and puffs; for though I discreetly refrain from any particular description, still, judging from the present fashions, I think one may venture to predict that six years hence they would be something frightful. The problem with writing books set in the future. Polly comes home one day to find her landlady, Miss Mills, sewing a dress for Jane, who also lives in the boarding-house and tried to kill herself because she couldn’t find work that paid enough for the rent. Polly goes to visit Jane. Brothers and Sisters Polly’s brother Will visits her every Sunday and they’re BFFs. Tom hates being called Carrots; I want an Anne of Green Gables crossover. Maud informs him that Polly thinks he’s handsomer than Mr. Sydney. "Don't make such a noise, my head aches dreadfully," said Fanny, fretfully. "Girls' heads always do ache," answered Tom, subsiding from a roar into a chuckle. Um, fuck you Tom. He suspects Trix of wearing makeup because she won’t let him kiss her cheek, only “an unsatisfactory peck at her lips.” That’s less satisfying than the cheek? Whatever you say, Tom. Fanny confirms it. He doesn’t approve. Will arrives to take Maud to Polly’s; LMA gets a dig in: “They were very good friends, but led entirely different lives, Will being a "dig," and Tom a "bird," or, in plain English, one was a hard student, and the other a jolly young gentleman. Tom had rather patronized Will, who didn't like it, and showed that he didn't by refusing to borrow money of him, or accept any of his invitations to join the clubs and societies to which Tom belonged. So Shaw let Milton alone, and he got on very well in his own way, doggedly sticking to his books, and resisting all temptations but those of certain libraries, athletic games, and such inexpensive pleasures as were within his means; for this benighted youth had not yet discovered that college nowadays is a place in which to "sky-lark," not to study.” We'll see more of that when we get to Jo’s Boys. Polly talks better than other girls who are coquettes. Seriously. Jesus Christ. Maud has “a talent for betraying trifles which people preferred should not be mentioned in public” and “a queer way of going on with her own thoughts, and suddenly coming out with whatever lay uppermost, regardless of time, place, or company.” Huh. Needles and Tongues Fanny’s sewing circle meets at the Shaw house. Polly listens to them gossip. “Another divulged the awful fact that Carrie P.' s wedding presents were half of them hired for the occasion.” That’s pretty funny. Polly and Trix butt heads over giving charity. “[Trix] felt the same antagonism toward Polly, that Polly did toward her; and, being less generous, took satisfaction in plaguing her. Polly did not know that the secret of this was the fact that Tom often held her up as a model for his fiance to follow, which caused that young lady to dislike her more than ever.” I am not entirely unsympathetic to Trix. Polly tells them about Jane and they’re very moved and resolve to hire her for sewing. Forbidden Fruit Polly, Fanny, and Tom go to the opera. Polly buys new gloves for the occasion and their dog chews them up and she’s like serves me right for buying something I didn’t need. Her new bonnet survives, though, and Tom mentions how becoming it is. "Dress that girl up, and she'd be a raving, tearing beauty," he whispers to Maud, and Polly overhears. A bit of sarcastic fourth wall breaking: I deeply regret being obliged to shock the eyes and ears of such of my readers as have a prejudice in favor of pure English by expressions like the above, but, having rashly undertaken to write a little story about Young America, for Young America, I feel bound to depict my honored patrons as faithfully as my limited powers permit. Otherwise, I must expect the crushing criticism, "Well, I dare say it's all very prim and proper, but it isn't a bit like us," and never hope to arrive at the distinction of finding the covers of "An Old-Fashioned Girl" the dirtiest in the library. Polly wears her hair down, holy shit. Maud comments on what a lovely bride she would be, Tom refers to her as “Mrs. Sydney,” and Fan goes to the carriage “in an usually lofty manner.” Love triangle ahoy. And who should appear at the opera but Arthur Sydney? Polly, on her reaction to heartbreak: "That's not my way either," she said decidedly. "I'd try to outlive it, and if I could n't, I'd try to be the better for it. Disappointment needn't make a woman a fool." Sounds like Rosamund. We are reminded that French novels are evil, and Polly calls Tom a modern Beau Brummel. The Sunny Side Fanny and Tom discuss Polly/Sydney. Tom thinks being a fine lady wouldn’t suit her; Fanny disagrees. Tom realizes his sister likes Sydney and says nothing about it. Polly introduces Fanny to her friends Becky and Bess, two artists who live together. Becky is sculpting “the coming woman” and needs to put a symbol in her hands. Fanny suggests a queen’s sceptre, Polly a man’s helping hand, and Bess a child. Becky turns those down. Kate, an accidentally successful author, suggests a ballot-box. They have a lunch of sardines, oranges, crackers, and cheese, on mismatched plates which one 1860s reviewer found too unfeminine to be realistic. We learn that "Bess is to be married in the spring, and Becky is to live with her." Kate wants to put Polly in a book. Very funny.

Nipped in the Bud Polly inner monologues about how she can’t love Arthur Sydney as a wife should, so she ought to tell him before he proposes. Particularly since he and Fan would suit each other. She changes her route home so as to avoid meeting him, then he sees her coming home from Fanny’s one day and they talk. He says that Fanny hasn’t improved with her years and Polly defends her friend. “She puts on that dashing air before people to hide her real self. But I know her better; and I assure you that she does improve; she tries to mend her faults, though she won't own it, and will surprise you someday, by the amount of heart and sense and goodness she has got." Breakers Ahead Tom gets expelled for knocking down the Chapel watchmen. At least he didn’t need that degree for a job. And Mr. Shaw’s business has failed, and Tom has acquired a significant amount of debt. Oh no. Polly comforts him and then Fanny, who doesn’t actually need much comforting, being glad for the distraction from her unrequited love. Indian cake . . . is that cornbread? A Dress Parade The big house was given up as soon as possible and the little house taken; being made comfortable with the furniture Madam left there when she went to live with her son. The old-fashioned things had been let with the house, and now seemed almost like a gift from Grandma, doubly precious in these troublous times. At the auction, several persons tried to show the family that, though they had lost their fortune, friends still remained, for one bid in Fanny's piano, and sent it to her; another secured certain luxurious articles for Mrs. Shaw's comfort; and a third saved such of Mr. Shaw's books as he valued most, for he had kept his word and given up everything, with the most punctilious integrity. Maud enjoys herself learning to housewife. Polly gives Fanny advice on freshening her wardrobe, such as turning her grey suit. Fanny used to give Maud her old dresses for tableaux. Polly’s story is based on real life. From LMA’s ”Recollections of My Childhood”: People wondered at our frolics, but enjoyed them; and droll stories are still told of the adventures of those days. Mr. Emerson and Margaret Fuller were visiting my parents one afternoon; and the conversation having turned to the ever-interesting subject of education, Miss Fuller said,-- "Well, Mr. Alcott, you have been able to carry out your methods in your own family, and I should like to see your model children." She did in a few moments,--for as the guests stood on the doorsteps a wild uproar approached, and round the corner of the house came a wheelbarrow holding baby May arrayed as a queen; I was the horse, bitted and bridled, and driven by my elder sister Anna, while Lizzie played dog and barked as loud as her gentle voice permitted. All were shouting, and wild with fun, which, however, came to a sudden end as we espied the stately group before us, for my foot tripped, and down we all went in a laughing heap, while my mother put a climax to the joke by saying with a dramatic wave of the hand,-- "Here are the model children, Miss Fuller!" Playing Grandmother Tom has a harder time than his sisters. He’s too bad at business to help his father so he hangs out with Mrs. Shaw. "I'd cut away to Australia if it wasn't for mother; anything, anywhere to get out of the way of people who know me. I never can right myself here, with all the fellows watching, and laying wagers whether I sink or swim. Hang Greek and Latin! wish I'd learned a trade, and had something to fall back upon. Haven't a blessed thing now, but decent French and my fists.” Oh my gosh I think Tom’s a millennial. Polly teaches Maud how to make raisin cake for Tom’s birthday. He receives two letters: one from Trix dumping him, and one from Arthur Sydney saying that’s he’s paid Tom’s debts. Tom, unwilling to owe him, decides to go West, young man, like Polly’s brother Ned. The Woman Who Did Not Dare POLLY wrote enthusiastically, Ned answered satisfactorily, and after much corresponding, talking, and planning, it was decided that Tom should go West. Never mind what the business was; it suffices to say that it was a good beginning for a young man like Tom, who, having been born and bred in the most conservative class of the most conceited city in New England, needed just the healthy, hearty, social influences of the West to widen his views and make a man of him. Polly goes home for the summer, Maud to the shore with Belle, and Fan stays home. I’m pretty sure Polly lives in Concord. Does she know the Marches? She returns to Boston in the fall and Fanny says have you been sick? No, it’s love. Polly gives vague answers and Fan replies that she thinks Sydney is starting to like her. She shows Polly a photo Tom sent and Polly’s face makes her go Aha. Winter passes, and in May Fan and Sydney get engaged. Tom’s Success "Come, Philander, let us be a marching, Every one his true love a searching," would be the most appropriate motto for this chapter, because, intimidated by the threats, denunciations, and complaints showered upon me in consequence of taking the liberty to end a certain story as I liked, I now yield to the amiable desire of giving satisfaction, and, at the risk of outraging all the unities, intend to pair off everybody I can lay my hands on. Tom comes home and tells Polly he loves her. "Now, Tom, how could I know you loved me when you went away and never said a word?" she began, in a tenderly reproachful tone, thinking of the hard year she had spent. "And how could I have the courage to say a word, when I had nothing on the face of the earth to offer you but my worthless self?" answered Tom, warmly. "That was all I wanted!" whispered Polly, in a tone which caused him to feel that the race of angels was not entirely extinct. I suppose if I liked Tom more the romance might work for me but I don’t and it doesn’t. Neither pairing seems to happen naturally, the narrative forces them together. Will marries Jane and Maud remains a spinster, “[keeping] house for her father in the most delightful manner.” The End and I’m glad of it! Next is Little Men.

[strawberry-boogie]

(feature image by Shayan Asgharnia)

I first came in contact with Los Angeles based superhero Sama'an Ashrawi a few months back. I was at my 9-5 when he hit me up via email to talk about the Afrofuturistic web series that he was co-producing for DUST. He had found a piece I’d done on Missy Elliott’s love for spacey visuals and we soon started chatting about media, art, and futuristic Black life.

I figured out pretty quickly that Ashrawi was way more dope than I could’ve ever imagined. He’s met Herbie Hancock, Ladybug Mecca, Thundercat, and countless other legendary creative pillars. Since we’ve been in touch, he’s shared great stories about his life with me and I’m grateful that someone with his experience is that open. I mentioned that I wanted to interview him and he quickly and graciously accepted. So, without further ado, here is my chat with Sama'an Ashrawi, Trill Gladiator.

⭐️

Who are you?

My name is Sama’an, my friends often refer to me as “dad” because:

a) I like to make sure everyone stays hydrated when we go out dancing

b) my dance moves are pretty stiff (almost nailed a Milly Rock last weekend, but I’m not quite there yet), and

c) because I am very much into puns.

I also get called “William Miller” a lot because my hair and career have a lot of similarities to the kid from the movie Almost Famous. This clip = me. From a young age, I’ve been able to gain the trust of, and land interviews with, really big names. I was 20 when I interviewed Raekwon for the first time, 21 when I interviewed Kendrick Lamar and Damian Marley.

What sparked your interest in Afrofuturism?

The short answer is: a combination of things in my upbringing.

The long answer is:

Since I was a teenager, I was into the music of Hendrix and George Clinton and watched plenty of Star Trek thanks to my parents; they met in college as political activists and over the years have introduced me to their many friends who were veterans of various liberation movements. My parents and their friends taught me intersectionality before I was introduced to that term in college.

Though I can’t be sure if it happened on Twitter or in the classroom, I discovered the music of Sun Ra and Fela Kuti and the idea of Afrofuturism as I pursued a minor in African Diaspora Studies. The Af Am classes I took were hugely important in shaping my understanding of the uniqueness of the psychology of the African American experience, but I think it was my parents’ homegrown education that gave me the foundation to be aware of and open to those ideas.

(shot by Sarah Jasmine Montgomery)

College changed my life. It’s where I paid my dues. It’s where I met so many of the people who would open doors for me and help me set my sails. Many of them I still work with to this day. But I think the two most important things I did in college were: becoming a producer at, and eventually entertainment director of, Texas Student TV (our student-run TV station) & minoring in Africa & African Diaspora Studies.

I think when people try to downplay the history of racism in this country, pointing them to Sun Ra is a great rebuttal because it’s like… things were really so bad that Sun Ra wanted to take black people to a whole new planet. That Sun Ra’s escapism was so heavy and yet he could still present it in such a beautiful amd melodic way still blows my mind. In general, I think art that comes from marginalized communities has the ability to cut through the static in a way that is unparalleled— more than a speech ever could.

Have you learned anything in the last week?

Hmmmm what have I learned in the last week? I learn so much from my friends every day, you’re making me want to start a journal dedicated to the things my friends teach me. Some wisdom that my big brother Gary Clark Jr just imparted to me is: when you’re collaborating with someone, it’s like a dance; if you’re moving at two different speeds, you’re gonna trip each other up. So if you feel like you’re moving faster than the other person, pump your brakes.

(shot by Marco Torres)

How did you meet Bun B?

I just had the treat of witnessing him tell this story last time I was in Houston. It’s way more cinematic when he tells it, but, we met almost exactly 7 years ago, in July of 2010. It was the summer after my sophomore year at The University of Texas and I had just been handed the reins to produce the hip-hop show at our school’s student-run TV station, Texas Student TV. The show had formerly been called ATX Most Wanted, but our entertainment director at the time, the now Emmy-winning Tabitha Lipkin, said she wanted me to come up with a new name.

I had driven to Houston from Austin to cover Trae Day— underground legend Trae Tha Truth’s city holiday and its corresponding concert. (PS Trae gave me a lot of my first looks, and for that I am forever grateful—later, when I became entertainment director at the TV station, I would get his videos and cartoon sketches played on the station. PPS I may or may not have a cameo in this music video, I’ll let you find it though)

At any rate, Lupe Fiasco happened to be at Trae’s concert and so I went right up to him and introduced myself; my sister was with me and she got a great, sweaty picture of us together that I need to dig up. (As the years have gone by, Lupe has been a sort of enigmatic mentor figure, appearing a few times a year to give me encouragement or advice, and whenever I’ve needed to do an interview, he’s always said yes.)

Anyway, at Trae Day I also met a rapper named Troublesum; she and I struck up a conversation and she asked, “Are you going to Bun B’s album listening session tonight?”

I was like, “I had no idea that was even a thing.”

So she gave me the deets and a few hours later we met back up there. This was Bun’sTrill O.G. album which has the distinction of being the last album given 5 mics by The Source. Troublesum introduced me to one of Bun’s managers, Bone, I gave him my spiel and asked if I could interview Bun. He said, “Once we’re done listening to the album, I got you.”

You’ve gotta know that growing up in Texas, Bun is looked at as a Greek God, mythical and omnipotent. I thought it would take me years to meet the man, let alone interview him. Here I was, just a few months into my “career”, and I was in a studio sitting next to Lupe Fiasco and Young Buck (lol) waiting to interview Bun.

The new name for the show I had come up with was simple and to the point, “Longhorn Hip Hop”; Our school mascot is the Longhorns, so it made sense. I told myself, okay, if it sounds good coming out of Bun’s mouth, it’s gonna stick (Bun would tell me I should say “pause” here, but this isn’t his interview so I’m not gonna say it!) So we did the interview, it went well, and Bun said something like, “Shoutout to Longhorn Hip Hop; Hook ‘em Horns, baby,” and I was like, “Yup, that’s it.”

Then I ended up at a lot of events over the next few months that Bun also was at and built up a good rapport with the people around him; I think understandably Bun is wary of letting new people into his circle, so he kept his distance from me at first to see if I was a genuine person. But the way Bun likes to tell it is that the breakthrough moment was when I showed up to his bodyguard Truck’s birthday party the next year, that was what made him initiate me into the Trill Gladiators. When Bun tells the story he always emphasizes the fact that, “Sama’an came allll the way to the HOOD” haha but for me it was more about supporting the people who supported me. And to this day, Bone, Truck, and Bun, among others, have always been there for me.

Do you feel lit? You’re pretty poppin in my opinion, but how do you feel about yourself?

Haha you know, I’m not sure I’ve ever used the term “lit” un-ironically mainly because I’m not sure it’s for me to say. I think I’ve done a lot of cool stuff, can’t deny that, but I’ve still got a lot of growing to do. One person who inspires me a great deal is Hannibal Buress; I look at how long he grinded it out before he caught his big breaks and it motivates me to keep going.

How do I feel about myself? Truthfully, maybe this says a lot about me, but I never take selfies. Is that weird? Like if you follow me on snapchat, you’ll rarely if ever see me post selfie pics/videos. What does that say about me? Idk.

What’s the most important part of your creative process?

Movement. Going for a walk, or a drive to a far away place, or playing basketball. Something about taking in new surroundings helps me get my ideas out, especially if I’ve got writer’s block.  

Write three sentences. One for the past you, one for the current you, and one for super duper grown up you.

Past – Maybe don’t tweet so much.  

Present – Sometimes growth is stressful and crying is okay.

Super Duper Grown Up – Please tell me I grow up to be a late night talk show host.

That’s all folks! Thanks for reading~

-Brooklyn White