Election Day

[goodfight]

[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.

Comments

[doubletap]

[ There's a sound near to a growl, as much as a human could make, and it's only a beat later that Alex realizes it's coming from himself.

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.

[goodfight]

[It's...not the reaction he expected. Then again, Neil doesn't know what he expected. In a moment, they're locking lips in a violent rush. The next, he's down nearly flat on the ground, fists already clenching in the way of expectation, of waiting for an attack to counter.

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.]

[doubletap]

You don't get it!

[ 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!

[goodfight]

[Somehow, that's enough, and the complication shifts to frustration.]

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!

[doubletap]

[ Enjoy your control, dick. Because Alex has no problem relinquishing his.

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.

[goodfight]

[The force of another slams into him, knocking him flat on the ground, and Neil only allows it. Because he's far too disgusted to try and push the bastard away.

Instead, he just smiles. Like it's all a grand joke.]

To fuck, Mr. Geer? Or to beat to a pulp?

[doubletap]

Because I've ever hit you.

[ 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.

[goodfight]

[The smile vanishes. In its place is apathy.]

You did plenty. You can't keep your opinions about my family to yourself, for one.

[doubletap]

[ There it is.

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.

[goodfight]

[The ground meets his back once more, and the words leave his mouth before he can think twice about shutting it.]

I can't!

[He inhales sharply, as if trying to catch his breath.]

I can't get over it...

[doubletap]

[ The anger leaves him with the force of an exhale, leaving him empty and off-balance. There's a lack present, something that wants resolution in the form of blood and pain, but Alex is past temptation.

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?

[goodfight]

[It hurts saying the words out loud--heart and pride both. But it's only progress in the end to admit your faults, as he was once taught, and for a fleeting moment, Neil fiercely wishes it was James Park, not Alex Seattle Geer, who is standing before him, hearing this pathetically obvious confession.

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.

[doubletap]

Sure thing.

[ 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?

[goodfight]

[Alex speaks only the obvious.

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.

[doubletap]

[ If there had been a real response, a real reason for hesitation, Alex might have accepted it--at least thought about it. This, though....

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?

[goodfight]

[The other man reaches out and around, restraining Neil in the way that reminds the younger man of warm and unpleasantly soft things. He thinks to resist but only settles for nervously holding out his arms to his sides.

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.]

[doubletap]

[ Alex tilts his head, a small motion. Larger to notice is the way he settles close, touching fully. ]

It's less the where and more the who that I'm involved in.

[goodfight]

[They're pressed together in a manner that is impossible to ignore. Whereas another male might have found himself entirely flustered, Neil begins to recall the precise reasons why he brought Alex Seattle Geer to the craphole that is D.C.

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.