[He took the bandaging and lightly knocked 76 on the back of the neck with his knuckles as the younger man settled in to allow him to do some work. It was only fair after all that he had sat through and that he had allowed 76 to come here without shots being fired. So, the peace seemed like it would remain for the time being.]
So glad we remain at the tit-for-tat level of allowing basic human decency to happen between us.
[It was cutting a bit too close to the sensation of 'old times' even briefly, and he expected that both of them were aware of it and wary about it. There was too much history there.
No matter, not right now. He pressed the absorbent cotton pad up against 76's back to cover the worst of the wound. Then he nudged 76's arms up a touch so he could being to wrap the pad in place, keeping things snug. He was keenly aware of the sound of claws in facial hair, something he did when not wearing his mask.]
It won't hurt, you know. Maybe you'll work out some of this corruption.
[There was the light swat at Reaper's hand from the knuckle knocking, but there was no real weigh behind it. Aware of it of course, and the tit-for-tat worked; an easy excuse to not just think about the fact they were still willing to... well.
76 lifted his arms and sat as straight as he needed to in order to allow Reaper To have easier access and not cause his work to end up being too loose. Mindful of hand movements and just where the older man was. Keeping his eyes forward all the same.]
Maybe it'll make it that much worse, too.
[It was grumbled, but that was about as much as 76 could manage. Of course this close it could be noticed there was a slight pointing of his ears—]
Don't feel like chancing some random wandering in to a nightmare.
[So no, he wasn't complaining about it yet. If anything, he saw no reason to complain when the fact that they did better when working together was apparent. After all, his arm wouldn't have been sewn up and bandaged if not for 76, and the younger man wouldn't have an old festering wound heal if not for him. It was as close to working together as they would manage.
He worked the bandage to where it needed to be, wrapping it tighter at the top to prevent slipping. That done, he ran his hands over it from ribs down and then back to front to check for bulging or missed areas. In his own way, he was also checking for signs of pain in other areas while he was gently smoothing his hands over areas.]
What if... we slept next to each other?
[He knew what he was suggesting. If they did, it could equal good rest, an opportunity to have their revenge on each other, or it could mean entering one or the other's nightmare.]
[76 grunted, because- well, Reaper wasn't wrong. The asshole could always find something to complain about with little to no effort just for the hell of it, and he doubted that had ever changed even now.
Still, he was keeping as still as he could. 76 even had a hand rested on top of his head, just to help remember he needed to keep arms up and out of the way. Claws still idly fussing over his facial hair, picking out bits of dried blood and smoothing it down. Probably needed to trim the damn thing again soon. Only reason he had in the first place was because it was getting caught in his mask and that was irritating—
There was a bit of a hiss as hands moved over a place at his ribs, probably telling there was still bruising there. An ugly sort of yellow and purple on skin hidden under the blackened skin where corruption decorated along ribs on both sides. 76 had not been resting properly for them to heal, as if at every turn there was something preventing it.
His head tilted just enough he could look back at Reaper from the corner of an eye.]
That damned cornfield is the nicest thing my head has to offer.
[A warning? Perhaps, if only because he knew exactly what Reaper was offering.]
[He made note of the hiss that was made, pin-pointing it to be 76's ribs. He had punched that area enough to know that the ribs wouldn't be fully healed yet, especially with the way that 76 kept at things. No rest, no healing, no good. How long had it been since he'd punched Morrison in the face and carried the guy over his shoulder back to an infirmary bed? At least two decades now.
Still, he had made his assessment and patted 76 lightly on the shoulder to indicate that he was finished with the bandaging. He dropped the extra back into 76's lap and eased himself backwards and to the side so they would both be more comfortable with their positions.
He narrowed his eyes at the excess growth of 76's beard, but he wasn't certain it was worth the fight. He could suggest a wash of it, even if it could use a trim.]
You should wash your face... and trim your beard. You're a mess.
[He stroked his own goatee, which was neat and trimmed as it always was. That was just a habit for him, and sometimes he was able to forget how good 76 looked with facial hair.]
And? You think your nightmares are any worse than mine?
[Claws ruffled through white hair before he was scooping up that bandaging and rolling it back in to some order just so he could stuff it back in to his bag. Re-ordering things in to something surprisingly neat considering how he carried himself. 76 let himself be a mess, but his bags were always so neatly and meticulously organized. Even now.
He also reached for his compression shirt once everything seemed in order.]
Trimmed it this morning.
[In the woods. With his knife. It was still surprisingly well trimmed, but it was starting to look like it needed another soon enough to at least shape it a bit neater-] Also, we're in a loft. doubt you've got running water in here so.
[He raised an eyebrow, finding himself skeptical of the claim. If that beard had been trimmed, it was probably with a knife. Those never made clean cuts and longer hairs would be left behind. He should know, since that's how he made it through much of the war. Razers were a novelty one couldn't afford.
He was pulling his own compression shirt back on, careful of his bandaging and tugging it into place. He had to rearrange his hair so it didn't pull before he was hauling his trench coat back on over his shoulders.]
Is that so? You look like a wild animal tried to help.
[He shook his head, disapproving, but perhaps their moment of peace together was going to be over now that they had mutually assisted one another.]
If only there was some source of water that you could use... [He remarked dryly as he tossed a full canteen of water over to 76. That should allow some washing of that mess.]
Shoulder the burdens until it cripples you? You don't change, Morrison.
More like a dragon kept trying to preen me once it figured out what I was doing.
[It was muttered just under his breath, and at the very least 76 was careful as he pulled his own compression shirt back on, making sure none of the bandaging around his torso was wrinkled up or pushed down. At least the tight black fabric would help keep it in place as he moved.
Shoulders rolled a bit, picking at the fabric in places before smoothing it out slowly, a leg stretched out in front of him where he sat. Other was bent, knee nearly level with his chest.
Did catch the canteen, an eyebrow arching as he actually turned where he sat to look at Reaper-] What, you got a razor I can borrow now, too?
[Peace not as over as Reaper might think given that dry comment.]
Neither do you, Reyes. Why are you offering to shoulder any of it?
I saw that you had a dragon. That must have been something that came to you from the other place, right?
[He hadn't seen many, if any, dragons fluttering around after all. It seemed to be wholly attached to 76 as well, which was probably for the best. A dragon probably didn't talk back as much and likely just demanded things, both of which were boons when dealing with 76 these days.
He pushed himself back so that he could lean on the wall again, stretching out one leg in front of him and pulling the other up so that he could rest his sewn up arm on to keep it elevated. It stung thanks to the treatment, but he knew it would feel better in a few days. Better to have it dealt with and finished.]
Yeah but you have to come closer for it. And maybe let me fix the mess you made of your beard. Wash up first.
[He was tired, and he knew 76 was too. Maybe they wouldn't get peace when around each other.]
That would mean you have to talk about your problems, and we both know you aren't going to do that. You don't trust me with information.
[76 hummed, a confirmation that yes the dragon came from the place he'd been in before. The only dragons around here seemed to be those little noodle like ones that spiced up food- and the pony sized wyverns out in the cliffs. Did they count as dragons or were wyverns a different thing? Did it matter?
Even while just making noise for a moment, he actually opened that canteen and cupped a hand to pour water in to, leaning in a way he wouldn't get water anywhere but his face and beard. No drops soaking through his shirt an in to bandages, thanks. That'd just be itchy.
Still listened all the same, using claws to help scrub out blood and dirt-]
You don't trust me with it either, so neither of us can talk when it comes to that, Reyes.
[Slinging water off his hand, pushing himself to his feet with a noise that was both a little pained and tired. Took the few steps to drop that closed canteen on to Reaper's bag
before 76 was dropping himself. Both against the wall and, surprisingly, Reaper's uninjured shoulder was leaned against, head tilted more near the wall and only one leg stretched out in front of him; bent knee propped a bit against the wall.]
[Confirmation enough, and for now, he was willing to leave it be when it came to inquiring for more information. He knew when to push and when to withdraw his curiosity. This information wasn't so important to him to require a push, so he would save that for a subject that he considered prudent to know about.
While he didn't entirely relax, he was calm and at ease as 76 washed up using the water that he had. It should be enough for them to wash their faces and drink to satisfy any thirst. He didn't stare, but he was aware of everything that was going on within the loft and below. The wind gently rustled the leaves of the tree that blocked the window - and provided a protected escape.
And he felt 76. The microscopic aspects of himself remained, hidden but allowing him a unique awareness he could tap into if he chose. It would be useful in future.]
That's because you're reckless with intel these days. I can at least be prudent. [Secretive and shrewd more like.
He watched 76 come closer, and he raised an eyebrow when the younger man plunked down next to him, even going so far as to lean on him. That was unexpected. A part of him was suspicious, but another accepted this as them being tired and keeping compromises.]
I don't have problems. I'm perfect. [So much sarcasm.]
I gave out enough to at least keep some idiots from killing themselves.
[Which did damn well hint at the fact he was keeping much more to himself, only gave what he thought would be useful to others. There was also that tone that he knew exactly what Reaper had done with it.
They'd both been injured that day in the alley way, after all.
There was a flick of a finger at the back of Reaper's ear for his sarcasm.]
You're making my point for me. [He was still leaning against Reaper all the same hand fallen back to rest on his own thigh. 76 kept his head rested against the wall, however.]
I honestly don't remember the last time I slept, outside of some fifteen minute rest.
Aren't you a hero? I remember you being more pro-active than that. Then again, this place like all the others is full of idiots.
[Sometimes the best advice was no advice because they were going to head off and do whatever they wanted anyway. There was a distinct lack of command or governmental structure here to keep people in line. Those kinds of free-for-alls were dangerous but also interesting to watch unfold.
He twitched his head away from the ear flick, offering a soft growl that again had no heat to it. He swatted lightly at 76's raised knee in reply.]
Hardly. I handle myself just fine these days.
[But that required considerable compartmentalization and also the memories of Deerington which kept him off of snarling for revenge the whole time.
He hummed in agreement. Consistent sleep was hard to come by, especially with how little they had ability to control who went to what dream or nightmare so far. That came with practice and luck.]
You need more consistent sleep then. You'll burn yourself out.
[Well that was said with a tired finality to it. So much so he wasn't even really going to touch the other part, because he wasn't going to argue against it. Agreed more than not that this place was filled with far too many people was filled with those who'd take something head on despite any danger for whatever reason.
Idiotic.
His knee moved a bit with the swat before knocking against Reaper's leg with the foot lightly.]
Our definitions of 'just fine' are likely not as up to par as either of us think.
[He felt he was handling himself just fine after all, and there were enough that would argue against that. Reaper was no different, no matter his own definition of it.
A blackened and clawed hand lifted up a bit, fingers curling as joints cracked from the movement-]
You know better than to deny it. A soldier is still a hero in some circles.
[He shrugged his shoulders a bit because it wasn't worth arguing about. He was sore and tired at this point, and for once, he was actually comfortable with keeping some company despite the danger 76 technically posed to him. Death wasn't final to him, so he expected that he would do just fine even if the asshole decided to take him out while his guard was slightly down.
He snorted, a faint bit of amusement finding its way into the noise.]
Fair enough. We have less tolerance for bullshit unless we're the ones heaping it.
[Especially personal bullshit. They could throw it all around until their eyes were brown from it and still they'd put up a front. That's just the way they were, had been since the war and probably before then too.
His leg moved with the knock but that was it. He made no effort to reply back in return. He was watching that hand and then, on a whim, lifted his own blackened one - far less severe looking than 76 - and held it up as if to compare them.]
It's your worst character feature. You should try to sleep for two hours. I can keep watch if it would put you at ease?
I'm not the one most want me to be. What they expect and demand I be.
[That was the point behind it all, that so many people put up some image of him in their head and expected him to live up to them all. His responsibility to uphold those images until he broke, and then it was his responsibility to take all of the anger and disappointment because he was still only human.
Only one man.]
Do as we say, not as we do. Fuck up enough and run in to the ground because it's how it's always been.
[Stubborn, even past what most wanted to be the very end. How else could he have dragged himself out of an attempt to kill him with so many casualties that were deemed exposable? Swipe off the heads, the rest would scatter and whatever else.
Ha, they nearly matched. Let his fingers stretch and spread out a little, held up next to Reaper's like that.]
[76 had been a different man back then, though he supposed not everything changed right? Still self-sacrificing, still stubborn, still trying to hold things together. There was a bitterness and angry resigned manner about the man now, less willing to take bullshit. The apparent need for some manner of isolation was interesting as well.
Still, he didn't expect there would be the same expectations here, what with the lack of publicity and history around that. No need to tout a war hero around when no one knew about the war.]
Technically, we have more stamina and resilience than normal men. All that shit that was injected into us.
[Even if it meant they just pushed themselves further. His fingers flexed beside the hand next to his, examining the differences and similarities. His fingers looked a bit thinner, beyond his fingers there was pale skin.]
I would have thought one of us keeping watch would be preferential. You'll sleep if I sleep?
[Be surprised. But he didn't say that, just let out a breath as shoulders slumped a little. There would always be some image someone would get in their head, one he could manipulate to a point when no one knew who he was or used to be. An old man, someone that was just a number.
Keep the expectations low and keep as many at a distance as he could. Refused to let people close, yet some still managed it. He didn't want to be anything anymore.
Just some nameless and faceless entity.]
Take full advantage of it, too.
[There were raised ridged of skin along the backs of his hand and fingers, almost like scale-plates that looked burned; as if brushing fingers across them would cause them to crumble. Traces of blue and red through black, and no sign of lighter skin on his hands.]
Can't get to sleep if someone around me is awake. [Unless he was drugged or something, but that could go without saying.] Might.
[Sometimes it was easier to be nothing more than simple soldiers fighting a war. It was their own world, their own principles and the cares of people's opinion for their actions was a long, long distance away. There was no expectation, just hope for survival, that maybe they would come home from the many battles.
Reaper liked to think he had a small touch of that with Talon, brief and fake as it was. In the end, he intended to nest himself deeply for answers and then destroy everything. When he removed himself from this new dream, he told himself. His revenge had meaning still, years after being cast off course of it.
He intended for Jack and Ana to survive at least.]
And yet, you're still running on fumes, aren't you? Pushed to your very limits.
[He looked at their hands, tainted as they were by the sins of their actions. He shifted his in the air to trace fingers over those raised plates under skin. Soft but hard.]
You say that, but if you are exhausted enough, you will. [Stubborn asshole.] This place is safe enough, if that's what it will take for you to not be such a stubborn asshole.
[What his mindset had returned to, why he carried the number 76 on his back so glaringly; those who knew what it meant would know what was coming for them. The rest would only see a number, secretive and buried as the files of the project were these days, only those with the power to dig it up were all likely going to be on the other end of his own last mission.
He didn't expect to come back from it in the end, and perhaps it was the same part that didn't care. Clean up messes as he went, finding what he needed along the way.
There was nothing to return to.]
Can always push further.
[They were almost as if some sort of flexible armor, soft yet hard. 76 kept his hand where it was, letting Reaper examine. Why not, reason he'd taken his gloves off in the first place. Claws were still somewhat curved, but so very sharp.]
Sleep lighter than I used to.
[Which was already light, but given the fact he did sleep outside for so long- well.]
[The anonymity was not lost on him, same as what he went through to hide his own identity as Reaper. Yes, he was known by some in the high ups of Talon, but he made certain that his identity would be kept hidden in exchange for his skills and assistance when it came to bringing Talon to power. He sacrificed who he had to, including whatever was left of himself.
They each had their way of coping. They each had their way of righting the wrongs made against them.]
Can you? You're on the verge of collapse and corruption has spread through most of your body... I think you've pushed enough.
[His fingers drew over the plates, trying to understand them, and if they were the cause of the ice and lightning that often came from 76 when they were aggressive to each other. He lightly dragged his nails over them then he moved to turn it over so he could examine 76's palm.]
If you're tired enough and you're comfortable enough, you should sleep just fine.
[Enough was never enough, always further to go, drag himself if he had to. He could and usually would, but right now he wasn't moving was he. Remaining down and leaning somewhat against both Reaper and the wall. Hadn't he suffered worse before? Kept going while bleeding out and no one was there?
They felt calloused, warm as the rest of his skin. No sign that they were anything but the beginnings of some odd armoring, could even be because of the electricity he could use. Some strange attempt to protect corrupted skin from shock.
His palm was softer, skin still clinging and outlining bone along his fingers. Still blackened like the rest of his hand. More of those red and blue lines were visible, as if the color a little brighter there along the lines of his palm.]
Can sleep just about anywhere, doesn't mean it'd actually be restful.
[He shook his head. No wonder 76 wasn't sleeping. This sort of attitude was what managed to bury Jack Morrison under tons of rubble, and he was almost tired of it. Back then it was frustrating and now it was sort of amusing because of how ridiculous it was.
He passed his fingers over that palm before grasping it in his own. He could use that to pull 76 from the wall so he could urge and force the younger man down to the floor. If they were going to try this sleep thing, he wasn't going to wait much longer. Otherwise he might throttle 76 to sleep.]
Well shut up and lay down. Listening to you self-sacrifice is getting old.
What can I say? My old boss was a real asshole, picked it up from him.
[Dry as could be with that tone, as if part of all of it had been leading up to waiting for the moment to jab that back at Reaper. He did know when to actually stop and rest, but hell if it wasn't hard to convince himself at times- got him hunting down the bastard here, however.
The moment 76 felt himself being pulled? He was dragging Reaper down with him out of reflex, fingers twisting in the grasp. Did go down easily outside of the dragging hold he'd taken of the older man, at least.]
Having issues sleeping, and staying asleep, isn't self-sacrifice you shitlord.
That's a terrible thing to say about the President of the United States. He's your Commander in Chief.
[His tone was just as dry, though there was a definite scolding undertone to it because if 76 was going to make a shitty joke, he was going to dig deeper on principle. He didn't believe for a second that 76 would fight too hard, especially they the younger man could be convinced to lay down.
In order to get what he wanted, he allowed himself to be pulled down as well. He shifted to his side so that the stitched up arm wasn't pressing to the floor and pillowed his head on his arm. He made certain to shift to his to clamp across 76's chest.]
It is when you won't give yourself more than fifteen minutes.
[He shifted his coat to toss it across them both after turning it briefly to smoke. It was as close to a blanket as he was going to allow them for now.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
chiming
no subject
Date: 2021-12-01 07:52 pm (UTC)From:So glad we remain at the tit-for-tat level of allowing basic human decency to happen between us.
[It was cutting a bit too close to the sensation of 'old times' even briefly, and he expected that both of them were aware of it and wary about it. There was too much history there.
No matter, not right now. He pressed the absorbent cotton pad up against 76's back to cover the worst of the wound. Then he nudged 76's arms up a touch so he could being to wrap the pad in place, keeping things snug. He was keenly aware of the sound of claws in facial hair, something he did when not wearing his mask.]
It won't hurt, you know. Maybe you'll work out some of this corruption.
no subject
Date: 2021-12-01 11:51 pm (UTC)From:[There was the light swat at Reaper's hand from the knuckle knocking, but there was no real weigh behind it. Aware of it of course, and the tit-for-tat worked; an easy excuse to not just think about the fact they were still willing to... well.
76 lifted his arms and sat as straight as he needed to in order to allow Reaper To have easier access and not cause his work to end up being too loose. Mindful of hand movements and just where the older man was. Keeping his eyes forward all the same.]
Maybe it'll make it that much worse, too.
[It was grumbled, but that was about as much as 76 could manage. Of course this close it could be noticed there was a slight pointing of his ears—]
Don't feel like chancing some random wandering in to a nightmare.
no subject
Date: 2021-12-02 12:01 am (UTC)From:[So no, he wasn't complaining about it yet. If anything, he saw no reason to complain when the fact that they did better when working together was apparent. After all, his arm wouldn't have been sewn up and bandaged if not for 76, and the younger man wouldn't have an old festering wound heal if not for him. It was as close to working together as they would manage.
He worked the bandage to where it needed to be, wrapping it tighter at the top to prevent slipping. That done, he ran his hands over it from ribs down and then back to front to check for bulging or missed areas. In his own way, he was also checking for signs of pain in other areas while he was gently smoothing his hands over areas.]
What if... we slept next to each other?
[He knew what he was suggesting. If they did, it could equal good rest, an opportunity to have their revenge on each other, or it could mean entering one or the other's nightmare.]
There's always your bloody corn field, I guess.
no subject
Date: 2021-12-02 12:09 am (UTC)From:Still, he was keeping as still as he could. 76 even had a hand rested on top of his head, just to help remember he needed to keep arms up and out of the way. Claws still idly fussing over his facial hair, picking out bits of dried blood and smoothing it down. Probably needed to trim the damn thing again soon. Only reason he had in the first place was because it was getting caught in his mask and that was irritating—
There was a bit of a hiss as hands moved over a place at his ribs, probably telling there was still bruising there. An ugly sort of yellow and purple on skin hidden under the blackened skin where corruption decorated along ribs on both sides. 76 had not been resting properly for them to heal, as if at every turn there was something preventing it.
His head tilted just enough he could look back at Reaper from the corner of an eye.]
That damned cornfield is the nicest thing my head has to offer.
[A warning? Perhaps, if only because he knew exactly what Reaper was offering.]
no subject
Date: 2021-12-02 12:35 am (UTC)From:Still, he had made his assessment and patted 76 lightly on the shoulder to indicate that he was finished with the bandaging. He dropped the extra back into 76's lap and eased himself backwards and to the side so they would both be more comfortable with their positions.
He narrowed his eyes at the excess growth of 76's beard, but he wasn't certain it was worth the fight. He could suggest a wash of it, even if it could use a trim.]
You should wash your face... and trim your beard. You're a mess.
[He stroked his own goatee, which was neat and trimmed as it always was. That was just a habit for him, and sometimes he was able to forget how good 76 looked with facial hair.]
And? You think your nightmares are any worse than mine?
no subject
Date: 2021-12-02 12:55 am (UTC)From:He also reached for his compression shirt once everything seemed in order.]
Trimmed it this morning.
[In the woods. With his knife. It was still surprisingly well trimmed, but it was starting to look like it needed another soon enough to at least shape it a bit neater-] Also, we're in a loft. doubt you've got running water in here so.
[Sitting back then, letting out a slight huff.]
Rather keep the damn things to myself.
no subject
Date: 2021-12-02 01:29 am (UTC)From:He was pulling his own compression shirt back on, careful of his bandaging and tugging it into place. He had to rearrange his hair so it didn't pull before he was hauling his trench coat back on over his shoulders.]
Is that so? You look like a wild animal tried to help.
[He shook his head, disapproving, but perhaps their moment of peace together was going to be over now that they had mutually assisted one another.]
If only there was some source of water that you could use... [He remarked dryly as he tossed a full canteen of water over to 76. That should allow some washing of that mess.]
Shoulder the burdens until it cripples you? You don't change, Morrison.
no subject
Date: 2021-12-02 01:48 am (UTC)From:[It was muttered just under his breath, and at the very least 76 was careful as he pulled his own compression shirt back on, making sure none of the bandaging around his torso was wrinkled up or pushed down. At least the tight black fabric would help keep it in place as he moved.
Shoulders rolled a bit, picking at the fabric in places before smoothing it out slowly, a leg stretched out in front of him where he sat. Other was bent, knee nearly level with his chest.
Did catch the canteen, an eyebrow arching as he actually turned where he sat to look at Reaper-] What, you got a razor I can borrow now, too?
[Peace not as over as Reaper might think given that dry comment.]
Neither do you, Reyes. Why are you offering to shoulder any of it?
no subject
Date: 2021-12-02 02:27 am (UTC)From:[He hadn't seen many, if any, dragons fluttering around after all. It seemed to be wholly attached to 76 as well, which was probably for the best. A dragon probably didn't talk back as much and likely just demanded things, both of which were boons when dealing with 76 these days.
He pushed himself back so that he could lean on the wall again, stretching out one leg in front of him and pulling the other up so that he could rest his sewn up arm on to keep it elevated. It stung thanks to the treatment, but he knew it would feel better in a few days. Better to have it dealt with and finished.]
Yeah but you have to come closer for it. And maybe let me fix the mess you made of your beard. Wash up first.
[He was tired, and he knew 76 was too. Maybe they wouldn't get peace when around each other.]
That would mean you have to talk about your problems, and we both know you aren't going to do that. You don't trust me with information.
no subject
Date: 2021-12-02 02:36 am (UTC)From:Even while just making noise for a moment, he actually opened that canteen and cupped a hand to pour water in to, leaning in a way he wouldn't get water anywhere but his face and beard. No drops soaking through his shirt an in to bandages, thanks. That'd just be itchy.
Still listened all the same, using claws to help scrub out blood and dirt-]
You don't trust me with it either, so neither of us can talk when it comes to that, Reyes.
[Slinging water off his hand, pushing himself to his feet with a noise that was both a little pained and tired. Took the few steps to drop that closed canteen on to Reaper's bag
before 76 was dropping himself. Both against the wall and, surprisingly, Reaper's uninjured shoulder was leaned against, head tilted more near the wall and only one leg stretched out in front of him; bent knee propped a bit against the wall.]
Just as much of a kettle as I am a pot, asshole.
no subject
Date: 2021-12-02 03:46 am (UTC)From:While he didn't entirely relax, he was calm and at ease as 76 washed up using the water that he had. It should be enough for them to wash their faces and drink to satisfy any thirst. He didn't stare, but he was aware of everything that was going on within the loft and below. The wind gently rustled the leaves of the tree that blocked the window - and provided a protected escape.
And he felt 76. The microscopic aspects of himself remained, hidden but allowing him a unique awareness he could tap into if he chose. It would be useful in future.]
That's because you're reckless with intel these days. I can at least be prudent. [Secretive and shrewd more like.
He watched 76 come closer, and he raised an eyebrow when the younger man plunked down next to him, even going so far as to lean on him. That was unexpected. A part of him was suspicious, but another accepted this as them being tired and keeping compromises.]
I don't have problems. I'm perfect. [So much sarcasm.]
no subject
Date: 2021-12-02 03:55 am (UTC)From:[Which did damn well hint at the fact he was keeping much more to himself, only gave what he thought would be useful to others. There was also that tone that he knew exactly what Reaper had done with it.
They'd both been injured that day in the alley way, after all.
There was a flick of a finger at the back of Reaper's ear for his sarcasm.]
You're making my point for me. [He was still leaning against Reaper all the same hand fallen back to rest on his own thigh. 76 kept his head rested against the wall, however.]
I honestly don't remember the last time I slept, outside of some fifteen minute rest.
no subject
Date: 2021-12-02 05:49 am (UTC)From:[Sometimes the best advice was no advice because they were going to head off and do whatever they wanted anyway. There was a distinct lack of command or governmental structure here to keep people in line. Those kinds of free-for-alls were dangerous but also interesting to watch unfold.
He twitched his head away from the ear flick, offering a soft growl that again had no heat to it. He swatted lightly at 76's raised knee in reply.]
Hardly. I handle myself just fine these days.
[But that required considerable compartmentalization and also the memories of Deerington which kept him off of snarling for revenge the whole time.
He hummed in agreement. Consistent sleep was hard to come by, especially with how little they had ability to control who went to what dream or nightmare so far. That came with practice and luck.]
You need more consistent sleep then. You'll burn yourself out.
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Date: 2021-12-02 05:57 am (UTC)From:[Well that was said with a tired finality to it. So much so he wasn't even really going to touch the other part, because he wasn't going to argue against it. Agreed more than not that this place was filled with far too many people was filled with those who'd take something head on despite any danger for whatever reason.
Idiotic.
His knee moved a bit with the swat before knocking against Reaper's leg with the foot lightly.]
Our definitions of 'just fine' are likely not as up to par as either of us think.
[He felt he was handling himself just fine after all, and there were enough that would argue against that. Reaper was no different, no matter his own definition of it.
A blackened and clawed hand lifted up a bit, fingers curling as joints cracked from the movement-]
When do I not burn myself out?
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Date: 2021-12-02 06:11 am (UTC)From:[He shrugged his shoulders a bit because it wasn't worth arguing about. He was sore and tired at this point, and for once, he was actually comfortable with keeping some company despite the danger 76 technically posed to him. Death wasn't final to him, so he expected that he would do just fine even if the asshole decided to take him out while his guard was slightly down.
He snorted, a faint bit of amusement finding its way into the noise.]
Fair enough. We have less tolerance for bullshit unless we're the ones heaping it.
[Especially personal bullshit. They could throw it all around until their eyes were brown from it and still they'd put up a front. That's just the way they were, had been since the war and probably before then too.
His leg moved with the knock but that was it. He made no effort to reply back in return. He was watching that hand and then, on a whim, lifted his own blackened one - far less severe looking than 76 - and held it up as if to compare them.]
It's your worst character feature. You should try to sleep for two hours. I can keep watch if it would put you at ease?
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Date: 2021-12-02 06:27 am (UTC)From:[That was the point behind it all, that so many people put up some image of him in their head and expected him to live up to them all. His responsibility to uphold those images until he broke, and then it was his responsibility to take all of the anger and disappointment because he was still only human.
Only one man.]
Do as we say, not as we do. Fuck up enough and run in to the ground because it's how it's always been.
[Stubborn, even past what most wanted to be the very end. How else could he have dragged himself out of an attempt to kill him with so many casualties that were deemed exposable? Swipe off the heads, the rest would scatter and whatever else.
Ha, they nearly matched. Let his fingers stretch and spread out a little, held up next to Reaper's like that.]
If you think I need sleep, what about you.
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Date: 2021-12-02 06:37 am (UTC)From:[76 had been a different man back then, though he supposed not everything changed right? Still self-sacrificing, still stubborn, still trying to hold things together. There was a bitterness and angry resigned manner about the man now, less willing to take bullshit. The apparent need for some manner of isolation was interesting as well.
Still, he didn't expect there would be the same expectations here, what with the lack of publicity and history around that. No need to tout a war hero around when no one knew about the war.]
Technically, we have more stamina and resilience than normal men. All that shit that was injected into us.
[Even if it meant they just pushed themselves further. His fingers flexed beside the hand next to his, examining the differences and similarities. His fingers looked a bit thinner, beyond his fingers there was pale skin.]
I would have thought one of us keeping watch would be preferential. You'll sleep if I sleep?
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Date: 2021-12-02 06:48 am (UTC)From:Keep the expectations low and keep as many at a distance as he could. Refused to let people close, yet some still managed it. He didn't want to be anything anymore.
Just some nameless and faceless entity.]
Take full advantage of it, too.
[There were raised ridged of skin along the backs of his hand and fingers, almost like scale-plates that looked burned; as if brushing fingers across them would cause them to crumble. Traces of blue and red through black, and no sign of lighter skin on his hands.]
Can't get to sleep if someone around me is awake. [Unless he was drugged or something, but that could go without saying.] Might.
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Date: 2021-12-02 04:00 pm (UTC)From:Reaper liked to think he had a small touch of that with Talon, brief and fake as it was. In the end, he intended to nest himself deeply for answers and then destroy everything. When he removed himself from this new dream, he told himself. His revenge had meaning still, years after being cast off course of it.
He intended for Jack and Ana to survive at least.]
And yet, you're still running on fumes, aren't you? Pushed to your very limits.
[He looked at their hands, tainted as they were by the sins of their actions. He shifted his in the air to trace fingers over those raised plates under skin. Soft but hard.]
You say that, but if you are exhausted enough, you will. [Stubborn asshole.] This place is safe enough, if that's what it will take for you to not be such a stubborn asshole.
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Date: 2021-12-03 12:06 am (UTC)From:He didn't expect to come back from it in the end, and perhaps it was the same part that didn't care. Clean up messes as he went, finding what he needed along the way.
There was nothing to return to.]
Can always push further.
[They were almost as if some sort of flexible armor, soft yet hard. 76 kept his hand where it was, letting Reaper examine. Why not, reason he'd taken his gloves off in the first place. Claws were still somewhat curved, but so very sharp.]
Sleep lighter than I used to.
[Which was already light, but given the fact he did sleep outside for so long- well.]
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Date: 2021-12-03 01:48 am (UTC)From:They each had their way of coping. They each had their way of righting the wrongs made against them.]
Can you? You're on the verge of collapse and corruption has spread through most of your body... I think you've pushed enough.
[His fingers drew over the plates, trying to understand them, and if they were the cause of the ice and lightning that often came from 76 when they were aggressive to each other. He lightly dragged his nails over them then he moved to turn it over so he could examine 76's palm.]
If you're tired enough and you're comfortable enough, you should sleep just fine.
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Date: 2021-12-03 02:01 am (UTC)From:[Enough was never enough, always further to go, drag himself if he had to. He could and usually would, but right now he wasn't moving was he. Remaining down and leaning somewhat against both Reaper and the wall. Hadn't he suffered worse before? Kept going while bleeding out and no one was there?
They felt calloused, warm as the rest of his skin. No sign that they were anything but the beginnings of some odd armoring, could even be because of the electricity he could use. Some strange attempt to protect corrupted skin from shock.
His palm was softer, skin still clinging and outlining bone along his fingers. Still blackened like the rest of his hand. More of those red and blue lines were visible, as if the color a little brighter there along the lines of his palm.]
Can sleep just about anywhere, doesn't mean it'd actually be restful.
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Date: 2021-12-03 02:18 am (UTC)From:[He shook his head. No wonder 76 wasn't sleeping. This sort of attitude was what managed to bury Jack Morrison under tons of rubble, and he was almost tired of it. Back then it was frustrating and now it was sort of amusing because of how ridiculous it was.
He passed his fingers over that palm before grasping it in his own. He could use that to pull 76 from the wall so he could urge and force the younger man down to the floor. If they were going to try this sleep thing, he wasn't going to wait much longer. Otherwise he might throttle 76 to sleep.]
Well shut up and lay down. Listening to you self-sacrifice is getting old.
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Date: 2021-12-03 02:27 am (UTC)From:[Dry as could be with that tone, as if part of all of it had been leading up to waiting for the moment to jab that back at Reaper. He did know when to actually stop and rest, but hell if it wasn't hard to convince himself at times- got him hunting down the bastard here, however.
The moment 76 felt himself being pulled? He was dragging Reaper down with him out of reflex, fingers twisting in the grasp. Did go down easily outside of the dragging hold he'd taken of the older man, at least.]
Having issues sleeping, and staying asleep, isn't self-sacrifice you shitlord.
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Date: 2021-12-03 05:05 am (UTC)From:[His tone was just as dry, though there was a definite scolding undertone to it because if 76 was going to make a shitty joke, he was going to dig deeper on principle. He didn't believe for a second that 76 would fight too hard, especially they the younger man could be convinced to lay down.
In order to get what he wanted, he allowed himself to be pulled down as well. He shifted to his side so that the stitched up arm wasn't pressing to the floor and pillowed his head on his arm. He made certain to shift to his to clamp across 76's chest.]
It is when you won't give yourself more than fifteen minutes.
[He shifted his coat to toss it across them both after turning it briefly to smoke. It was as close to a blanket as he was going to allow them for now.]
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