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Entry tags:
Election Day
[Once upon a time, blah, blah, blah, and thus, the Lone Wanderer brings a stray named the Courier from the not-so-radioactive Mojave Wasteland back into the highly radioactive Capital Wasteland.
It has proven to be the worst idea in the history of all ideas. A wanderer and his dog could go into a town and the town would live their silly lives without a care. Two wanderers, a dog, and an eyebot are, to say the least, a walking disaster. Neil really should have kept the tour restricted to Megaton. Neil, however, has been keeping his mouth shut on the matter because a part of him finds the venture very entertaining.
And so the duo are now on their way to the Republic of Dave, a settlement to the north of Washington, D.C. At nineteen, Neil had set foot in the place once and once only. Then, after speaking with its "citizens", he hightailed it out of there as soon as he got what he came for. The place is the headquarters of a cult in the guise of a democracy, the leader has as big of an ego as Eden, and Neil doesn't know why they're going back there.
He says as much to Alex.]
I still don't know why I'm going back there.
[A pointed look to the older man.]
And taking you with me.
It has proven to be the worst idea in the history of all ideas. A wanderer and his dog could go into a town and the town would live their silly lives without a care. Two wanderers, a dog, and an eyebot are, to say the least, a walking disaster. Neil really should have kept the tour restricted to Megaton. Neil, however, has been keeping his mouth shut on the matter because a part of him finds the venture very entertaining.
And so the duo are now on their way to the Republic of Dave, a settlement to the north of Washington, D.C. At nineteen, Neil had set foot in the place once and once only. Then, after speaking with its "citizens", he hightailed it out of there as soon as he got what he came for. The place is the headquarters of a cult in the guise of a democracy, the leader has as big of an ego as Eden, and Neil doesn't know why they're going back there.
He says as much to Alex.]
I still don't know why I'm going back there.
[A pointed look to the older man.]
And taking you with me.
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[ He grimaces. ]
Using my "powers" as you so quaintly put it once you were in the picture. It's weird to you, but it's right to me. You're it. You're why I've come all this way to this godforsaken place.
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And here I assumed you were looking for something else. Not some Vault-raised hooligan with father issues.
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[ He raises a hand; shakes off the incredulity. ]
I wasn't looking for anyone, Wanderer. I was fine in my murderous apathy.
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[A sigh.]
And now you're not fine? You want me with you, is that it?
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Wasn't looking for anything. I was fine with how things were. I don't have a lot of wants, if you haven't noticed.
[ Actual wants, not just whining for non-irradiated food. ]
And I'm still fine.
[ He says, looking at Neil. ]
I'll be fine. I work like that. I continue. But I don't really want to. I'd rather be with you.
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[There is another breath, another sigh.]
You're fine. You will be fine. I know that. That's why I think I'm just a Fancy of the Hour. I might be wrong-- Hell, my bullshit is sometimes worse than Fucking President Dave of the Fucking Republic of Fucking Dave, but I can't help it.
[He throws up his hands.]
I don't get this, okay? I don't do relationships.
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But by that time, he's already twisted a hand in the collar of Neil's shirt, closed the small distance with a violent rush, and pressed their lips together in an act more aggression than affection.
It's not romantic. It's not sweet. It's pure and simple need and instinct, wrapped in a package of frustration and confusion.
As soon as he realizes it, he's stopped, pushed Neil away and down, and is fighting the urge to do damage in some way. To release everything through some simple glorious violent act. ]
I don't do relationships. I don't do fucking boytoys of the hour. I don't waste my damn time out in nowhere for no goddamn reason. I have better things to do. I have a fucking job, more than one, if you already forgot. But I'm here, you angst-ridden spoiled brat.
And if you keep treating me like I'm taking this lightly, I won't be.
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But Neil does nothing of the kind. He only listens in silence as Alex rants, until he finishes and silence fills the air between them.
Finally, the younger man straightens, a complicated emotion on his face.]
I'm sorry, Alex. I never should have brought you here.
[Because it was a selfish decision. Because honestly, after everything, Neil was only chasing memories, and he had to bring another into that mess.]
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[ If he was standing he would pace, but if he gets up, he will... do something, and it's better that he's still. Alex settles for yelling in Neil's face. ]
You didn't bring me here, kid! I chose every damn step!
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Then you chose wrong, old man!
[If he could shake Alex without losing control, he would-- Right now, he's not going to touch him.]
You followed me for nothing! Absolutely nothing!
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He shoves Neil's shoulder, as hard as a strike, to knock him back to the ground and pin him there. The careless persona is gone. Alex's eyes show a coldness present. ]
Get with the program. You're what I wanted.
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Instead, he just smiles. Like it's all a grand joke.]
To fuck, Mr. Geer? Or to beat to a pulp?
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[ He's exasperated, infuriated, and he cannot figure out-- The damn right words to say. Isn't that supposed to be funny?! ]
Because I've ever did something you didn't enjoy.
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You did plenty. You can't keep your opinions about my family to yourself, for one.
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He pushes off of him, moves to stand. ]
Get over it.
[ The words are a snarl, inconspicuous against his cold eyes. ]
You were fine in the Mojave, but the second you step a foot here, you're back in your memories. Wake up! You can't keep living your life with ghosts.
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I can't!
[He inhales sharply, as if trying to catch his breath.]
I can't get over it...
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What the kid said is obvious. He sure as hell knows it.
Alex turns away--shoves a hand against his scalp roughly as he breathes out. There's so much shit to say. So much truth to throw in Neil's face or so much bs to call down to make things worse. But Alex breathes. Again, again, this kid just makes him feel old. ]
...What do you want to do then?
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But that's hardly the case. Neil only has what he's been given: Alex Seattle Geer and nothing else.
His stomach threatens to empty its contents, but Neil manages to keep everything down. Instead, he clears his throat.]
I want to get out of here. Out of D.C.
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[ It's easy; simple. The response. It's everything that Alex is and all the trimmings. He rubs a hand over his mouth before he half-turns back, an eyebrow raised. ]
You going it alone?
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Or what would be the case back in 2277. Things are no longer simple, and Neil is hesitating on an answer he would have gladly given back when he was nineteen.
He moves to stand, each motion an exercise in awkwardness. It isn't until he is on steady ground that he manages a response.]
I have to... I have to figure that out.
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Alex swings back around, comes close to slide his arms around a narrow back. He smiles down, small, more strained than his usual fare. ]
What are you figuring out?
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His eyes rest on the other's smile as he mumbles.]
Figuring out where I'm going.
[Because that would answer if he would once again fall to the role of the Lone Wanderer.]
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It's less the where and more the who that I'm involved in.
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Therefore, he falls to a strange kind of calm.]
...It's either I have peace, quiet, and loneliness without you, or your company drives me bananas. That's the choice I'm trying to make.