notafuckingnut | [027] looking back on the track, gonna do things my way

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[027] looking back on the track, gonna do things my way

[Well this guy here doesn't look at all like Richie; he's cool, calm, and collected, for one, practically jovial. A guy who's completely in control of whatever situation he finds himself in. Even this one. He grins, easy and charming, like a fox in the henhouse; say hello to the more together of the Gecko brothers, Barge.]

Well I have to hand it to you folks, you're handling this whole "prison in space" thing pretty well considering it's pretty much a glorified fucking death trap. But far be it for me to judge your life choices, right? Those of you who made the choice, anyway; that's your business, and quite frankly I don't care.

But hey, I'm here now, so I might as well make the best of it, right?

So let's start off with the easy stuff. My name's Seth, and I'm not part of your regular crew; looks like I'm here for my brother Richie, for whatever that's worth.

[Which, let's be real here, probably isn't worth much.

He hesitates, purses his lips like he's considering adding something else, but doesn't in the end, just shrugs, laces his fingers behind his head, and waits.]

...Also, if somebody could point me in the direction of the drinking establishment here I'd be in your debt.

[A/N: Richie is, obviously, affected, and has been replaced for the duration with his brother Seth. I'm pulling Seth from somewhere during the ride to Mexico, so consequently he's not really aware of Richie's death aside from what he could glean from the Network. It's safe to assume he's mostly caught up on what he's been up to before he posted though.]

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[Gidget. The Seth before called her that too. It's either unsettling or comforting, and she doesn't bother to figure out which.]

Because you're relationship with him is nothing short of unhealthy. But hey, maybe that's just the way he presented it, right? I picked up on hints of abuse, to say the least. Course, we both know how much he enjoys twisting words and turning a good story.

[He pinches the bridge of his nose; he did not come here to deal with the fallout of his brother's typical bullshit. He counts to ten. Breathe. Cool. Calm. Collected. Smile for the camera, although it's too tight; almost patronizing. Almost.]

I wouldn't put it exactly that way. It's more like...creative interpretation. It's like walking into a dark room and trying to guess what's in it; sometimes you're right, sometimes you're not, and as long as you've got somebody who knows the room reasonably well you don't stub your toe on every fucking thing in there.

[A pause. For effect, or to collect his thoughts, though probably a bit of both. He sucks in a breath through his teeth before speaking again, almost like a complete subject change.

Fine. They're having this conversation, and he guesses maybe it's the reason he's here anyway.]

You got any siblings, Claire? Brothers, sisters? Little fluffy dogs you call your children?

[She wants to glare at you, Seth. But she keeps it on audio. And waits.]

Younger half-brothers, yes. Three of them.

Three? Wow. Big family. Good. You like them? You feel responsible for them, being the older one? You try to look out for them?

[Snorts. She sees what you're doing now. But she'll wait for it.] Yeah, when I can. Not that I'm much older than Lyle, nor does he listen.

[See, this is where he differs from his brother. He may not have too many morals, but he sticks to the ones he has and is relatively okay at faking the rest when he has to. He knows how to talk the talk, how to work a crowd.]

Yeah, well that's not always one of those things you can guarantee. But you do your best, right?

[A commiserating smile. Like you're on the same team, really.]

Right. [All the skeptical looks, have them.]

So there you go. Same thing I'm doing. Working with what I've got, and I'd appreciate if you didn't jump down my throat when you don't know the situation.

[Another tight smile, too bright, too sharp, and it never quite reaches his eyes.]

[Her face is void of all emotion. Except for maybe malice.]

We done here?

[Because she still disagrees and he sure isn't budging.]

[So much for smoothing over.]

If you wanna be, princess.

Listen. I'm serious. I am sorry. Can't say it wouldn't have happened if I'd been around, but I sure as hell would've tried to prevent it. That ain't really my style; I'm not that much of a bastard.

[Hesitation, and for a moment an uncomfortable look passes across his face before it's replaced with just seriousness.]

For what it's worth, he never used to be that bad.

[Her faces darkens at the pet name, but she makes no comment.

And as badly as she wanted to stop engaging in conversation with the monster's brother, she was tempted into knowing more on what he meant. After a beat, she asks in a heavily skeptical and distrusting voice:] How so?

[Honestly it's easier if he doesn't address her by name; he might call her Kate by accident -- same situation, after all, only Claire's what happens if he doesn't keep an eye out -- and that would just be a bad idea for everybody.]

Exactly how it sounds; I thought it was pretty clear. What happened to you? That's a new thing. Couldn't tell you how new, but a few years back it wasn't his game; tried it once but it didn't go well. Kinda thought he was scared off of it.

[Then again, it's been eight years. What does he know about what his brother's into these days, really?]

[Claire is silence and brooding and lineface.]

Gee. Feel so honored. So, what now? What do I do from here? I want nothing to do with that nightmare ever.again.

Hey, I'm just saying, take it how you want it, I don't give a shit. Never said it was worth much. But honestly? Fuck if I know.

[Be glad you're still breathing?]

Ignore him, maybe. Which, let's be real here, living in a place like this chances are you knew that to begin with.

[Blinks.] And, and living here makes ignoring hard, given the vast amount of space we have.

[Sighs, rolls eyes.] So, yeah, right, thanks I guess?

You'll figure it out.

[Because it's either find a way or deal with the aftermath, and that's really about the best advice he can give her anyway.]

Take it how you want it, you want to thank me that's your deal.

[She just nods and cuts the feed.]

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