(no subject)

[devoutish]

[When the car radiator overheats for the third time in a week, Alfie takes it as a sign that it's finally time for more than just another quick tune-up.

They're in a deserted area, which is both good and bad. On the one hand, most of the dangerous gangs are still in urban areas, the way they had been before the world had gone to shit. Out here in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by miles and miles of fields with only the occasional small copse of trees, they're not likely to run into anyone at all, much less anyone dangerous. But on the other hand, if they do come across anyone, there won't be anywhere to run to or hide. Alfie, as always, has his pistol tucked into his coat pocket, and they have more weapons stashed away in the trunk. But they're a small group - no match for the bigger gangs with armored trucks and heavy artillery. If they meet one of those, they'll be slaughtered.

With his sleeves rolled up and the hood of the car open, he leans in with his tools, carefully tinkering away. He can't afford to make a mistake here - replacement parts are rare and precious. When he hears footsteps behind him, he doesn't dare look away from his work as he says sharply:]

Stay back. You don't want hot steam to the face.

Comments

[devoutish]

She's always felt like mine, just as much as--

[He clears his throat.]

[showhim]

She is. [ Gwen tells him gently. ] She thinks of you as family, and so do I. Royce does too, he just... has a hard time saying it.

[ Gwen holds out her hand to hold his, if he'll take it - it's a no pressure gesture, and she won't be offended if he doesn't. ] I know you love her as much as we do. I'm glad. She can use all the love she can get.

[devoutish]

[He's not really concerned about any lack of demonstrativeness from Royce. They're men. They're less open about things with each other, for the most part.

But Gwen is another story. He takes her hand and holds on.]

I don't want her growing up and thinking I see Rachel whenever I look at her face.

[Rachel had been just a year younger than Mercy - the only child of his youngest brother. Being so close in age, he'd always hoped they'd make fast friends with each other and grow up well together. And it's true that he can't help but see the dead girl in the living girl sometimes, but he doesn't want her to know it. She deserves to never feel like she's living in the shadow of the dead. She deserves to know that he really does love her for herself, and not just because she reminds him of somebody.]

[showhim]

[ Gwen smiles, small and pleased, and holds Alfie's hand tightly. It's as comforting as she feels like she can get, and it makes her feel better, as well.

As for what he says, well. Gwen shakes her head. ] You make it clear that she's a separate person. She'll be fine. And if she does think that, we can explain it to her.

She's a smart little girl, Alfie. Not that I want to give myself too much credit.

[devoutish]

When I am at my best, it's always with her.

[His best is never very good these days, but Mercy can at least make him smile. That's more than can be said for anything else - even Gwen, even Royce.]

[showhim]

[ She squeezes his hand. ] You do so well with her. It warms me up on the inside to see you and her smile.

Thank you, by the way.

[devoutish]

I should be thanking you.

[He looks over to the building, where Royce and Mercy still are.]

Yeah. I'm ready to go back.

[Letting go of Gwen, he stands, then offers her his hand again to help her up, if she wants it.]

[showhim]

We can thank each other. [ She concedes. Gwen does take his hand when he offers to help him up, and squeezes it one more time before letting go to brush herself off. ]

Do you want to sit with Mercy until she falls asleep tonight? [ Gwen asks, turning to lead the way. ]

[devoutish]

If Duster's willing to give her up.

[showhim]

I'm sure I can distract him.

[devoutish]

Mm.

[He goes quiet. When they reach the house, he gives Royce a nod, then settles down by the fire, reaching over to lightly tousle Mercy's hair.]

[showhim]

[ Royce returns that nod. Gwen settles down on Royce's other side, and rests her head on Royce's shoulder. Mercy gives Alfie a pleased little smile, and then squirms out of Royce's lap so she can sit in Alfie's instead.

Gwen loops Royce's arms with hers, and tugs at him a little, whispers in his ear. As usual, his expression softens when she's close.

Might work out on all sides, letting Royce and Gwen have some alone time and Alfie getting to hang out with Mercy. ]

[devoutish]

[He can't really smile back today, but he settles her on his lap all the same, leaning back against the wall.]

How was your dinner, little girl?

[showhim]

Good. [ She hums, getting cozy. ] I wish I had some ice cream, though...

[devoutish]

What flavor would you like? We'll pretend.

[showhim]

Strawberry! Or - well, actually, strawberries. I want anything strawberry. [ Huff. ] How are we gonna pretend? I don't know if I can pretend beans are strawberries.

[devoutish]

[Alfie resolves to keep a very close eye out for fields of free-growing strawberries.]

Not even if you try very, very hard?

[showhim]

[ Mercy wrinkles her nose up at him. ] I guess. S'gonna take lotsa imagination, though. Like lots.

[devoutish]

[He spoons up some beans, closes his eyes, and chews thoughtfully.]

They taste sweeter already.

[showhim]

Nuh uh! [ She says, giggling. ] You're just doing what Momma used to do when she wanted me to eat broccoli.

[devoutish]

Don't be too harsh on broccoli, eh? I'd love some broccoli today.

[showhim]

But it's gross! [ Bleh face. ] I'd rather eat dirt, Uncle Alfie.

[devoutish]

It makes you strong, so you can walk longer distances. I know that's important to you.

[showhim]

[ Huff. ] ... It does? I do wanna walk more...

[devoutish]

Yeah. Strawberry ice cream is a good treat, but broccoli and beans are what'll make you able to walk for miles.

[He settles her a little closer.]

Not tonight though, eh? Tonight you deserve some rest.