[ He knew he'd never be over it fully, but he was at least living more these days. ]
That's the thing, she's apparently had the bomb in her most of the time I've known her. And that's been a few years. Apparently, they just grab prisoners at random who they don't think will be missed but have skills they can use.
[ Gary looks back to Sheila, the person he had a crush on for so long. Sure, he'd long gotten over that, she was family at this point. It made it easier to admit the truth of it. ]
I like her, like a lot. [ It was a little embarrassing to admit, but he knew how he felt when he told her she should take a vacation months ago. He didn't seem as upset, just more worried.] I have to find a way to stop this.
[Sheila listens silently, just watching Gary out of the corner of her eye, smoking and thinking, categorizing the tone and cadence of his voice.]
That's apparent, too. I know. We'll find a way. Maybe for those others, too, that they have. The crocodile guy-- ....eh. But for Quinzel, and you? Of course.
[ If Sheila had already handed him a cigarettes he'd be lighting up. If not he still waited for his lighter back.]
I'm kinda obvious with it, huh?
[ He always wore his heart on his sleeve. Even when their ripped off.]
We'll need Billy, too, right? I know where Billy's mom's house is, Monarch had me tail him home one night in case Venture visited. I can get him soon as we need him. This means a lot to me, Sheila. Thanks, man.
[ He took it as soon as it was handed over. That first hit of nicotine always made him question why he quit. He'd never go back to more than one now and then though.]
Yeah?
[ Gary didn't expect that answer, arching a brow.]
If you say she's scary, I don't want to piss her off. I might totally have an idea though that might get him to help. Unless you have an idea?
[ At least he'd always have someone to smoke with when the need arose. Even if Monarch was sure to catch them one day. They could deal then. ]
Well, remember that old Rusty Venture Alarm clock I had? The one that I left in the storage unit after the fire in Malice? I happen to know that Billy's been looking for one. Fictel won't sell hers, and honestly, I'll never use it again. My phone keeps better time. I can offer him that.
[ After taking another drag off the cigarette and letting out the smoke, he shook his head and added. ]
Dude, I'll be so nice to his mom. You already know that. [ Gary wasn't denying the Boy Scout bit though, they both knew it was true. ]
[ Gary managed one of his grins when she said she hadn't thought of it. A chuckle escaping around his cigarette before lifted it away to ash off the edge of the porch. ]
Not in as good of condition as it used to be. It got some smoke damage from the fire, but you already know most of the stuff in my room survived. It's been there a year it must have aired out. I still have my model paints too, so I can fix the damage.
[ Those D&D miniatures and buildable figures helped with painting skills.
It could cause some issues if Horace recognized him, or Pete thought he was there to hurt them. Showing up without her or Malcolm seemed a good idea in his head to show he was not a threat. ]
Oh yeah, it's fine, it's not like one of my favorites or anything. Or a gift from anyone who matters anymore. It's totally cool. Though, since that means going back to Colorado to get it, do you need anything from the storage unit?
[ He'd probably bring all of his stuff that hadn't fit in his suitcase when they left back with him, but if he was going out there, might as well ask. ]
[there have been many, many times she's walked by his open door to the sight of him hunched over something or other, fiddling with the minute details. Sheila's been there, done that, as well. but with science, or different weapons or the infamous wings.]
Oh, all that stuff...I haven't seen so much of it.
[so much old crap...]
I don't think so? That I've thought about. I try not to think about it, actually.
[ Oh without a doubt. His door was only really shut when he was asleep, doing a podcast, or just moody and wanted people to leave him alone. Any of those geeky little projects could be witnessed with ease. Her science was so much more useful. Half the reason Gary came to her with this. ]
Yeah... I guess I should ask the Monarch too. If not, I might make a weekend out of just emptying the unit out and bring back what I want so you guys can stop paying for it.
[ He knew enough of the financials from that bank trip. Even if they were fine between Dean's check and Sheila's job, he worried about hemorrhaging unneeded funds. ]
That's cool, I just wanted to ask. [ He added before taking another drag off his cigarette.]
Oh, I know. [ he grinned when he said it, expecting Malcolm to say the same thing but at least he would have asked. He waved a hand off to the thanks. ]
We're family, dude, not even a thing. [ He'd do a lot for them even before they'd had that last talk about being family. ]
By the way, [ He rubbed at the back of his head again, speaking around the cigarette. ] You think he'd get mad if I let her stay here a few days? Maybe once the bombs out, of course.
[ He never quite knew how much freedom he really had in the house, not that it mattered before he'd found himself another crush.]
[ It was certainly a change, that was for sure, but he enjoyed it. There was something nice about the dynamic they'd all grown into since leaving Malice. ]
Are you sure about that? Monarch seems to think she'll distract me, and I don't want him getting pissed if I brought her over. [ Removing the cigarette a moment, he added. ] I don't know, it just didn't seem like I was allowed? I don't know if that's the right word, but it fits.
Before this last trip to Trenton, I hadn't seen her since the start of the Morpho mess. [ So, at least a few months. ]
Like I've never distracted him? [a raised brow] And you live here too. You may not have put a bunch of money into it, but its also your home. You can bring guests.
[a pause, and then she frowns at him, shoving him gently]
That's like, totally different! You're his wife. [ Gary's little awkward smile was becoming a bright one again.] Thanks, Sheila! I feel better having asked you. If he gets mad, you'll have my back, right?
[ Look, he had to ask. ]
Hey! [ He called back when she shoved him, as if she could hurt him. ] I totally tried! She was out of the country, and in prison again, I have the post cards upstairs! I would never do that, you know me better than that.
[ To be fair, on the cocoon around all the other henches before 24's death, he absolutely might have. But even that might was a stretch. ] And it's Garrett Thomas [ He corrected, not that he ever used his full first name, ever.] Where did you even get Ashlyn?
If he gets mad he's sleeping on the couch. And I'm his wife, but I'm his friend too. [he'd better not forget it
Sheila sighs because these MEN...these men of hers are so...so much. they're a lot-- she loves them, but oh, they irritate her] You could have written her a letter then!
Garret Thomas, I knew that. I think Ashlyn would have been cute, though.
Ouch, yeah maybe don't do that to him on my account.
[ Granted, he really wanted Monarch to like Harley. It was the first time he was flutter patted with someone who wasn't taken and seemed to return his feelings. Boy's first real love.
He looked over again at her with almost light offense.]
I tried that too! I can prove it too, I have the return to sender letters upstairs, I haven't tossed them yet. Felt wrong too. But most of her post cards had no return address, and no one told me until we spoke last that her apartment building was blown up.
[ Another drag from the cigarette as he shook his head amused. ]
You wanted me to be even more picked on as a kid, didn't you? [ A teasing tone. ] Garrett was bad enough, and only my mom calls me that, and only when I've seriously fucked up.
[ That's how he knew he was in deep trouble as a kid.]
Gotham's something else for sure. Did you really think I would ghost someone, dude?
[ Gary didn't sound offended, he had a feeling she didn't really think he'd do that to anyone, much less someone he liked in any capacity.
Looking over to her, he shook his head, still amused. ]
It's terrible, but I'll tell her that when I call next. And you SO know I was terrified every time it happened. I tried to go out my bedroom window once when I heard her yell my full name... I didn't quite fit. [ That was all he figured he needed to say.]
No, but I know you can be a bit hesitant sometimes. And right now you have the internet or Malcolm for advice...
[she lets that linger because. well, you know]
I think moms are just like that too-- even sneaking out. That's why you either make a tape recording of your voice that'll answer-- or sneak out another way.
I can, but she knows where we live, and we've been friends for a long time. I'd never ghost a friend. Even more, a girlfriend.
[ Not wanting her to think he'd take the worst advices, he decided to admit what he hadn't shared yet. He knew Harley was way too hot and cool for him, but he planned to be happy while it lasted. ]
Also, I so totally haven't told him anything about it since he got upset last time.
[ He nodded, and scratched the back of his head. ] Ehh... Mom always opened the door even before I disappeared. She always knew when I was up to no good. We're cool now though, just can't live together. You get that, right?
[ Ashing off the side of the porch again. He wasn't naive, and Gary and Paul had gotten a few things approved by the Monarch by easing him into the idea. This was just different, but the same concept. ]
They SO do. [ Sheila always knows too, but he wasn't about to say it. ] Kind of the same, I keep going back just to remember I don't really belong anymore. This is where I belong, you know? Either way, I so appreciate your help, Sheila. I'll get the clock later, but maybe go talk to Billy first to see if he's even willing.
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[ He knew he'd never be over it fully, but he was at least living more these days. ]
That's the thing, she's apparently had the bomb in her most of the time I've known her. And that's been a few years. Apparently, they just grab prisoners at random who they don't think will be missed but have skills they can use.
[ Gary looks back to Sheila, the person he had a crush on for so long. Sure, he'd long gotten over that, she was family at this point. It made it easier to admit the truth of it. ]
I like her, like a lot. [ It was a little embarrassing to admit, but he knew how he felt when he told her she should take a vacation months ago. He didn't seem as upset, just more worried.] I have to find a way to stop this.
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That's apparent, too. I know. We'll find a way. Maybe for those others, too, that they have. The crocodile guy-- ....eh. But for Quinzel, and you? Of course.
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I'm kinda obvious with it, huh?
[ He always wore his heart on his sleeve. Even when their ripped off.]
We'll need Billy, too, right? I know where Billy's mom's house is, Monarch had me tail him home one night in case Venture visited. I can get him soon as we need him. This means a lot to me, Sheila. Thanks, man.
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We will. But...we might want to refrain from kidnapping him.
[Sheila knows where his thoughts were going, there]
His mom is a scary one. That's where he and White are staying.
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Yeah?
[ Gary didn't expect that answer, arching a brow.]
If you say she's scary, I don't want to piss her off. I might totally have an idea though that might get him to help. Unless you have an idea?
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Let's hear your idea. With your boyscout demeanor, she might just roll Billy out to you.
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Well, remember that old Rusty Venture Alarm clock I had? The one that I left in the storage unit after the fire in Malice? I happen to know that Billy's been looking for one. Fictel won't sell hers, and honestly, I'll never use it again. My phone keeps better time. I can offer him that.
[ After taking another drag off the cigarette and letting out the smoke, he shook his head and added. ]
Dude, I'll be so nice to his mom. You already know that. [ Gary wasn't denying the Boy Scout bit though, they both knew it was true. ]
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[she knows Gary is a real sweetheart, she isn't worried about that. just anyone coming after her boy, or seeing any interaction as coming for him.]
You're sure you're fine letting the clock go?
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Not in as good of condition as it used to be. It got some smoke damage from the fire, but you already know most of the stuff in my room survived. It's been there a year it must have aired out. I still have my model paints too, so I can fix the damage.
[ Those D&D miniatures and buildable figures helped with painting skills.
It could cause some issues if Horace recognized him, or Pete thought he was there to hurt them. Showing up without her or Malcolm seemed a good idea in his head to show he was not a threat. ]
Oh yeah, it's fine, it's not like one of my favorites or anything. Or a gift from anyone who matters anymore. It's totally cool. Though, since that means going back to Colorado to get it, do you need anything from the storage unit?
[ He'd probably bring all of his stuff that hadn't fit in his suitcase when they left back with him, but if he was going out there, might as well ask. ]
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[there have been many, many times she's walked by his open door to the sight of him hunched over something or other, fiddling with the minute details. Sheila's been there, done that, as well. but with science, or different weapons or the infamous wings.]
Oh, all that stuff...I haven't seen so much of it.
[so much old crap...]
I don't think so? That I've thought about. I try not to think about it, actually.
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Yeah... I guess I should ask the Monarch too. If not, I might make a weekend out of just emptying the unit out and bring back what I want so you guys can stop paying for it.
[ He knew enough of the financials from that bank trip. Even if they were fine between Dean's check and Sheila's job, he worried about hemorrhaging unneeded funds. ]
That's cool, I just wanted to ask. [ He added before taking another drag off his cigarette.]
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[she says it fondly. he's so-- he's so.]
Thanks, 21.
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We're family, dude, not even a thing. [ He'd do a lot for them even before they'd had that last talk about being family. ]
By the way, [ He rubbed at the back of his head again, speaking around the cigarette. ] You think he'd get mad if I let her stay here a few days? Maybe once the bombs out, of course.
[ He never quite knew how much freedom he really had in the house, not that it mattered before he'd found himself another crush.]
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Of course she can stay, Gary! She's more than welcome. I don't know why you don't bring her around anyway...
[they'll both be nosy, that's why]
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Are you sure about that? Monarch seems to think she'll distract me, and I don't want him getting pissed if I brought her over. [ Removing the cigarette a moment, he added. ] I don't know, it just didn't seem like I was allowed? I don't know if that's the right word, but it fits.
Before this last trip to Trenton, I hadn't seen her since the start of the Morpho mess. [ So, at least a few months. ]
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[a pause, and then she frowns at him, shoving him gently]
Gary Ashlyn Fischer! I hope you texted that girl.
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[ Look, he had to ask. ]
Hey! [ He called back when she shoved him, as if she could hurt him. ] I totally tried! She was out of the country, and in prison again, I have the post cards upstairs! I would never do that, you know me better than that.
[ To be fair, on the cocoon around all the other henches before 24's death, he absolutely might have. But even that might was a stretch. ] And it's Garrett Thomas [ He corrected, not that he ever used his full first name, ever.] Where did you even get Ashlyn?
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Sheila sighs because these MEN...these men of hers are so...so much. they're a lot-- she loves them, but oh, they irritate her] You could have written her a letter then!
Garret Thomas, I knew that. I think Ashlyn would have been cute, though.
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[ Granted, he really wanted Monarch to like Harley. It was the first time he was flutter patted with someone who wasn't taken and seemed to return his feelings. Boy's first real love.
He looked over again at her with almost light offense.]
I tried that too! I can prove it too, I have the return to sender letters upstairs, I haven't tossed them yet. Felt wrong too. But most of her post cards had no return address, and no one told me until we spoke last that her apartment building was blown up.
[ Another drag from the cigarette as he shook his head amused. ]
You wanted me to be even more picked on as a kid, didn't you? [ A teasing tone. ] Garrett was bad enough, and only my mom calls me that, and only when I've seriously fucked up.
[ That's how he knew he was in deep trouble as a kid.]
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[Sheila tries not to sigh-- this is like every other weird romance? relationship? friendship not exactly platonic? in this line of work.]
Garrett is rather cute, your mom has good taste. I bet you feel real fear, true Godly fear when she calls you that.
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Gotham's something else for sure. Did you really think I would ghost someone, dude?
[ Gary didn't sound offended, he had a feeling she didn't really think he'd do that to anyone, much less someone he liked in any capacity.
Looking over to her, he shook his head, still amused. ]
It's terrible, but I'll tell her that when I call next. And you SO know I was terrified every time it happened. I tried to go out my bedroom window once when I heard her yell my full name... I didn't quite fit. [ That was all he figured he needed to say.]
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[she lets that linger because. well, you know]
I think moms are just like that too-- even sneaking out. That's why you either make a tape recording of your voice that'll answer-- or sneak out another way.
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[ Not wanting her to think he'd take the worst advices, he decided to admit what he hadn't shared yet. He knew Harley was way too hot and cool for him, but he planned to be happy while it lasted. ]
Also, I so totally haven't told him anything about it since he got upset last time.
[ He nodded, and scratched the back of his head. ] Ehh... Mom always opened the door even before I disappeared. She always knew when I was up to no good. We're cool now though, just can't live together. You get that, right?
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[she knows he isn't completely naive! just...not experienced. not to say she knows everything either.]
Moms are like that too, I think. They always know. Mmm, I get it. I moved out pretty early when I was young because we just couldn't deal with it.
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[ Ashing off the side of the porch again. He wasn't naive, and Gary and Paul had gotten a few things approved by the Monarch by easing him into the idea. This was just different, but the same concept. ]
They SO do. [ Sheila always knows too, but he wasn't about to say it. ] Kind of the same, I keep going back just to remember I don't really belong anymore. This is where I belong, you know? Either way, I so appreciate your help, Sheila. I'll get the clock later, but maybe go talk to Billy first to see if he's even willing.
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