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robotdickThis merry little haunt wasn't familiar to Nick, but the address was correct, for what it was worth. There weren't many buildings with penthouses intact, but Hancock had told him to show up here, so here he was. Honestly, as he came up the stairs, Nick wasn't entirely certain what to expect.
Was it a stash house? No, Hancock and he had a tentative understanding about chems. Nick didn't comment and Hancock didn't do them right in front of him if he could help it. It was about the best the synth could hope for, and a fair improvement on their previous arrangement of: nothing.
Was it a new settlement? Bit of a stretch but Evaris did have ecclectic moods.
Maybe he...Nick came up blank. He didn't have a clue or a chance in hell of divining one, so he shouldn't waste the breath (figurative) trying to hash it out. He just stuffed his hands in his pockets, kept his revolver at the ready in case this locale wasn't secure yet, and trudged up more flights of stairs than he cared to count.
At the top he stepped out of the stairwell and through time. One second he was in the Commonwealth and the next he was standing on fine plush carpet in Boston, MA. This place was an absolute time warp, like walking into a photograph, and Nick was entirely thrown as he let the door behind him close and cautiously wandered in.
No turrets...so that was a start.
Cameras? Didn't spot one, didn't see any mics either but he was sure there were a few. This place had electricity and...was that hum an airconditioner?
"Where the hell am I?"
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Date: 2024-05-14 03:24 am (UTC)[ Hancock is mildly impressed with himself for stitching together a whole couple of sentences like that. He needs... what's that thing he had up North? Fire Belly? That. A Far Harbor specialty that equates to a Hot Toddy. The ghoul coughs from deep in his chest to try and soothe the rawness inside his throat but it's not happening.
Whilst Nick undresses, Hancock cups the luxuriously warm water in his hands and splashes it across his face. He repeats the motion several times, the textures, dips, and rivets of his skin unkind in relenting the last traces of clinging mess. Then he shakes his head back and forth, not unlike a dog throwing off water.
His attentions tip back to Nick when the synth's legs dip into the water. There's no sudden spiderwebs of electricity across the liquid's surface, and so far, everything looks good. Well, almost. ]
Hey, s'alright [since Nick had aimed to climb in behind him, Hancock doesn't have far to go. The shades of weightlessness lent to him by the water makes it easier for his aching body to turn, so he can carefully catch Nick's eyes whilst placing a steadying hand on his knee. ] Water, m'I right? Shit's insane. If you're good like this? I'm good too. You can get in behind, sit right there, or towel off your legs if ya'd rather.
Just want the pleasure of your company, that's all. Bonus points if ya can keep makin' sure my heads above the water [ John's smile is so tender and attentive, it's almost hard to believe the guy will knife a back-talker just as quick as look at him. Guy's a cinnamon roll covered in blood, but you're dating him, Nick. ]
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Date: 2024-05-14 03:41 am (UTC)It's not all that bad--just, a lot. Think I'll settle here for now.
[Nick hunches forward, bracing his arms on his knees, just because it seems a little less strange to chat with someone in a tub like this than with perfect posture. Hancock's wet hand on his knee is easier for his sensors to parse, less overwhelming and more familiar. The temperature gagues are having none of it, though, and insist on dancing back and forth at a fever pitch.]
Glad ya liked it. I, uh, sorta hacked your terminal for some of the logs, figured you wouldn't mind too much.
[Nick's not sure how he feels about hanging it in the actual office of the Mayor of Good Neighbor, but who is he to complain. It's Hancock's rap sheet.]
That was...pretty fun, I will admit. I get the appeal.
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Date: 2024-05-14 04:12 am (UTC)[ The ghoul's hand slides back into the water with a casual 'plunk'. Nick seems... okay, and definitely not the type of guy that needs babying. Hancock is very much about letting people make their own mistakes, pick their own poisons as much as pleasures. It's more his style to let Nick move at his own pace, opposed to active fussing or encouragement.
Sometimes it's important for folk to do things of their own volition. Maybe that seems silly, when it comes to deciding exactly how far into a bath one should climb... but making decisions is a defining act of Self. Nick needs those, just like Hancock does. ]
Yeah I noticed as much. Gotta love the attention to detail on this guy-- you just put your whole heart into it, huh? Got me over here feelin' all twitter-patted.
Also don't think it would'a been half as fun if it wasn't with you. So uh... thanks, I guess? For indulgin' me. You're a knock out lover Nick, and a damn good friend. How'd a ghoul get so lucky?
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Date: 2024-05-14 04:24 am (UTC)He huffs out a breath and, carefully, slides into the water behind Hancock. Neither of them are electrocuted but the wash of new readings has Nick stuttering for a few seconds. He can handle it and pulling Hancock into his lap and against his chest makes it easier.]
Keep all that in mind when I accidentally shock us both.
[Nick's not going to be able to stay in very long, not without a substantial risk of crashing, but he's going to enjoy a soft moment and wash himself off in the process.]
Gotta say, glad you agreed to go for a walk, get a drink.
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Date: 2024-05-14 05:02 am (UTC)You... could never do this before, huh? Take a soak in a bath, or get too wet, even... and you're here poppin' another cherry with me?
[ Nick had been the one to choose his place, but Hancock is still reasonably cautious about leaning back against him too quickly. He had not, would not forget what Nick had taken the care to explain, how differently he experiences sensation. He imagines just 'water' is plenty for the synth's sensors, without a handsy ghoul suddenly all over him.
He is feeling lazy and cuddly though, so sated and oxytocin-buzzed. So melt back against Nick's chest he will, albeit a touch tenderly. ]
Uh-huh, and look where that got me. Guess I'm in love with a dumbass. Pretty much tracks for me, I got awful taste. [ he can't keep the smile out of his sore voice. ]
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Date: 2024-05-14 05:40 am (UTC)Before, nope. Couldn't handle a light spritzing if it was aimed right. Even if it didn't short me, rust and corrosion are one hell of a thing...so yeah, guess I am.
Never really thought of it as a loss or anything, its amazing how clean a guy stays when he doesnt sweat, or consume food.
[One of these days he'd have to find a cherry of Hancock's to pop. There had to be one left lying around that Nick could take a stab at.]
not an ATOM bomb but....
Date: 2024-05-14 06:00 am (UTC)[ Once it seems as though Nick's alright with the position and no one is going to get shocked, Hancock lounges without that fine skin of caution, resting more of his weight against Nick's chest. A long sigh rolls out of him but the emptiness it leaves it peaceful, not starving. The ghoul tips his head back and lets it thump against Nick's shoulder. ]
Hey... lemme ask you somethin'... and it's cool if the answer is 'I dunno', alright? What we're doin'... steppin' out together so much... you find yourself thinkin' about puttin' a label to it? Ain't a requirement, but... guess I'm just curious how you're feelin'
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Date: 2024-05-14 02:34 pm (UTC)A few flags fly up behind Nick's eyes, a confirmation check, a hundred or so warnings, but he clears them all and lets his sensory network drop off while he's--in a bathtub filled with water. Great idea, you overgrown calculator, it's not like those were important for tracking leaks or anything. Nick shoves his own self-rebuke aside and runs back what Hancock just said. Now that he's got a clean feed, he can give it the attention it deserves--which is all of it, the whole kit and kaboodle.]
Funny, didn't figure I was being subtle about it, what with the movie nights and this whole deal. [He also got a dick installed which has one major purpose and it's making this work better.
But he shouldn't be glib, Hancock's never asked anything like this, not even out on Far Harbor. This is clearly something he's had rolling around in his head and it deserves all that processing Nick freed up. Nick's used to not giving whole answers when the sum totality of the information is...iffy? He debates it for a moment here, but leans toward open truthfulness more than he usually would.
He's frankly shocked that Hancock wants a label, it's not his usual m.o..]
I'm pretty pleased with this whole arrangement, but I will admit, my sensibilities run a little more formal than yours. Never chafed me to be lacking a label, not something I expected, but if you're here for that sort of thing?
Well: yeah, labeling it is something I can get behind. Seeing how I love you and all.
I did mention that, right? [Nick asks again, and now he's being a cheeky shit, leaning over to ask that covertly against where Hancock's ear used to be.] That I love you? I feel like I must have. Seeing how I love you, I'm sweet on you, besotted, and hell, maybe just a dash adoring?
WILL YOU RP-DATE ME-- sorry, sorry, getting caught up in the mood ROFL~
Date: 2024-05-14 05:37 pm (UTC)Didn't I already tell ya? Interest, but no expectations?
[ To say the ghoul 'wants' a label might be an overstatement, but he's thinking about if he needs or wants to put a name on it. The answer might still be 'nah' but it's worthy of note that the thought crossed his conscious focus at all. He's certainly not regretting dropping the question though, not with how Nick sticks to him like a shadow and pours all manner of saccharine sentiment against his once-an-ear. ]
Ya might have, once or twice? Never hurts to remind me...
[ For such a shameless pleasure-seeker, he still finds himself surprised to be feeling such unadulterated happiness. There's not a scrap of tension in him either, as much as the zealous railing and warm water contribute, it's more than that. He trusts Nick. To be reasonable. To be honest. And in ways that struggle to be defined. ]
Don't exactly chafe me either, not puttin' a name on it. But I'm... percolatin' the possibilities
[ He's getting far too comfortable like this, considering how quickly (and fairly) Nick might have to jump out of the water to avoid Unpleasantness. His familair penchant of vying for a few more seconds of bliss returns to him like a shadow at dusk, and the ghoul makes himself a little more comfortable, melted contentedly against Nick's chest.
It's the closet thing to a perfect moment of happiness that has ever existed since the end of the damn world. ]
I MEAN. WE'RE WHAT 500 TAGS DEEP? ARE WE NOT? LMAO
Date: 2024-05-14 06:50 pm (UTC)What're you thinkin?
[Nick flips through the labels he knows like a rolodex. He's not too fond of Boyfriend, but that's just him chafing against the implied youthfulness of that response.]
I'm pretty partial to Partner and Paramour, all things being equal. Though partner does make it sound like we're doing a sting operation.
On GOD If it's not 500 yet it will be >:D
Date: 2024-05-14 07:50 pm (UTC)[ Hancock's eyes sink shut and the weight of his head settles more heavily against Nick's shoulder. He sifts through his own mental schematics, beliefs, wants... but without any needy, cloying desperation. Nick doesn't make him feel 'afraid' in that way-- like he's signing up to owe the guy anything he doesn't want to give, or vice versa. ]
Guess it's like this: I don't usually dive into stickin' a label on just havin' fun. Can make folk... twitchy. Expectations and such, and it ain't even strictly necessary. But... I love ya, and I guess it's feelin' like I could put some kinda name to that.
[ He's going to blame the sheer physical exhaustion for the difficulty he's having sticking his words together. He doesn't feel nervous... but he is taking the time to be extremely careful with how he puts his thoughts into words. Without meaning to, while even trying to avoid it, the ghoul has made Emotional Investments. He'll be more worried about that-- later. In the moment, with Nick and warm water and such open unexpectant affections... he just can't worry about the possible inversion of this joy; the ache it would leave if something he took the care to define as important was lost.
High Stakes typically yield High Rewards, though. ]
Also, while we're hashin' this. Lay on me your thoughts about changin' up dance partners, would ya?
[ The ghoul turns his head, languidly nuzzling his face against the side of Nick's neck. A cannibalistic species' inclination to go for the jugular as never been so utterly tender. ]
IT SURE WILL. BD
Date: 2024-05-14 08:12 pm (UTC)Still, the idea of them calling each other Partner does actually tickle the synth a bit.
The next question should be one that shocks Nick, given his penchant for pearl clutching, but it doesn't. He knows how casual Hancock likes things and, even if they're at opposite ends of that spectrum, he can respect it. Nick's thoughts on the matter are probably not going to add to the comfort in here, but Hancock asked.]
I'm old fashioned, but it doesn't hurt that next to nobody wants to dance with an antique synth. [Said without general self-deprication, or at least without more than usual. Nick's spent the better part of a century in Diamond City--notable for it's high walls and unfriendly population. Dating wasn't ever high up on his list of priorities.]
So odds are, it'll never come up on my end, but I'd probably ask before diving in headfirst. As for your end, I'm not about to start dictating what you can get up to, that's a losing battle anyhow.
[But there is one caveat that Nick has to express. It takes him a second to formulate the words just right.]
You start uh...catching something serious, though, I'd like to know about it. Figure out how it can all fit together.
*/next week 1000+ tags in like whoops these things do happen LOL
Date: 2024-05-14 09:06 pm (UTC)[ Never Tempt The Odds. Hancock knows this, as a gambling man. He's not going to get content with the idea of hogging Nick all to himself forever. Forever is an extremely long time, for a Synth and a Ghoul. Hancock's not going to say he's not selfish-- he is. But that selfishness doesn't extend to controlling Nick's emotions. If someone else could help him feel a little more like a person and a little less like an appliance, than why would Hancock ever want to take that away?
The Synth's suggestion feels like a comfortable fit for the both of them. Like something he could give and ask for in equal measure; it's got the delicate distinction between a Boundary and a Contract; the agreement operates off respect, not ownership. ]
That is pretty damn reasonable of ya. You sure got alotta trust for me, huh? Guess we both got questionable taste... [ He spends a moment looking up at Nick with utter adoration. ]
But yeah-- that's plenty agreeable, so long as it's swingin' both ways. I tell you if I'm catchin' a serious love bug, you tell me, we'll work it out. Somethin' or someone makes you happy, I got no interest in takin' that away. But... guessin' I'm comin' to enjoy bein' spoiled by all your affection
So, we're... datin', I guess? You wanna call it that?
Oh no...what a horrible fate...however will we deal...with massively invested PSL romance....
Date: 2024-05-14 09:21 pm (UTC)I'd have said 'going steady', but dating works just fine.
[When Nick lowers his arm, it's resting on the edge of the tub, out of the water. This isn't a topic he generally acknowledges, not beyond trying his hardest to think of himself as a who and not a what. Hancock does make that progressively easier for him, but explaining why is a trick.
He gamely resists the urge to make a snarky comment about his being a legend, but he can't let the whole sentiment pass.]
You're really gettin under my skin with that, you know. [It's said fondly.] All the compliments and such.
When you're my age, it takes a long time for that sort of thing to sink in, so...thanks. For reminding me every now and again.
With Hyper-Fixating, Evidentially LOL */RP Joyfriend at your service*
Date: 2024-05-14 10:02 pm (UTC)[ His smile is lazy but jubilant as Nick agrees; to say he was holding his breath would be an overstatement, but he can't deny the rush of glee once they've met at a point of agreement. Dating, Going Steady, Stepping Out... His Partner, his Paramour, his friend-and-lover. The new settings on this reality are wild. ]
Good. I'm tryin'. Not to downplay your whole gig but in some way Nick, we're all approximations'a people. You're special, but it ain't cuz'a that. I'll remind ya anytime.
[ It's a small risk to sit up and twist, causing the water to ripple and whirl (Hancock doesn't realize those sensors got switched off) but he moves gradually. Bent at the waist he squares Nick with a look that clearly says 'What are you going to do about it?' and then lightly grazes their lips together like testing a brushstroke. He's still being careful not to overload Nick's mechanics but he had share the elation soaking his senses. ]
Ya feel me? [ He presses the Synth to affirm the understanding of his own personhood through pitch black eyes. His voice is going to give out if he keeps on like this-- Hancock does not care. This conversation is a million percent worth trashing his throat. ]
JOYFRIEND that is a good term. Nick's gonna have to get him some tea.
Date: 2024-05-14 10:10 pm (UTC)Yeah. [Metaphorically, he means.]
You done soaking? [Nick has no idea if ghouls can prune up but he doesn't imagine it's a comfortable experience if the answer is 'yes'.] Because I'm gettin jumpy about sittin here.
*/grins in enby LOL also wanna close the scene here?
Date: 2024-05-14 10:25 pm (UTC)[ Hancock is fairly certain he's seen a robe or two kicking around this place. How anything fabric had not been destroyed by moths is a mystery for the ages. ]
Got some candies from the Vaultie. Might pop 'em and lay on the bed a while. You... gunna be close by?
Yeah we can, this is a good spot.
Date: 2024-05-14 10:44 pm (UTC)Yeah, I can be.
[He had to clean up the scene of the interrogation, and do some laundry, but he could wait until Hancock eventually went to sleep.]
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Date: 2024-05-14 10:55 pm (UTC)[ As far as looking for a cherry to pop, no one else living has seen John Hancock, as is, puttering around their apartment in bare-feet. The ghoul is almost two inches shorter than anyone but Nick Valentine probably realizes. ]
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