R1 DEADLAND

[lockdownmods]

[it’s strange, for the people who were already dead, the shift in scenery is sudden and complete. For those who have just arrived? It’s like you’re back where you left?

How strange.

But if you ever need her, you can always reach out to the guardian of this place.]

LOCATIONS
Note: locations lag a week behind the living counterparts

Comments

[donotlick]

It was great.

[ Hank sets a hand on Connor's, letting him feel how he felt, listening to it. It had been like experiencing Connor's feelings, but listening to them instead of just feeling them. He could feel the hope and the sadness, even the way it called back to the music Hank likes.

Or maybe he's just projecting, but he'd like to think otherwise. ]

I really... I liked it. I could tell it was yours.

[preconstruction]

[ it was definitely like that. it's nice to be touched, to be shown. he smiles a little bit. ]

I see.

[donotlick]

[ Draws his hand back to pat Connor's shoulder. It's too bad he can't play, or they could play together... ]

You're really something, Connor.

[preconstruction]

I'm learning, at least.

[donotlick]

Yeah, see? You're gonna keep learning, too.

[ Hank smiles, proud. ]

You're just gonna keep getting better and better.

[preconstruction]

It's nice that you have so much faith in me.

[donotlick]

I've seen what you can do, Connor.

[ The revolution. Everything here. Machines may have limits, but Connor doesn't. Hank knows that. ]

If the answer ain't "anything" then it's wrong.

[preconstruction]

I don't -- I don't know what to say.

[ he's so bad with compliments. he's been so starved for them for so long. ]

[donotlick]

It's alright. I'm shit at taking compliments, too.

[ Hank waves a hand, bumping his shoulder against Connor's. ]

Just say thanks and fumble your way into changing the subject. That's what I always do.

[preconstruction]

Alright. Thanks. I liked listening to you play earlier.

[ see what he did there :) ]

[donotlick]

[ Damn. The student becomes the master. ]

Well, uh... thanks. Haven't really played since college, so I'm surprised I even remember that much.

[preconstruction]

Why did you stop playing?

[donotlick]

Got busy. Police academy isn't really the kind of deal where you can take music breaks.

[ He shrugs. ]

Plus I kinda... I mean, people love a musician.

[ He used it to get dates..... ]

[preconstruction]

[ connor laughs ]

Is that what this was about?

1/2

[donotlick]

Wh-what? You mean like... with you?

[ Oh, fuck. That's not what this is!!! ]

No. No way! That isn't-- I'm not... fuck.

[donotlick]

[ Deep breaths, Hank. ]

That's not what this is. I just... I wanted to give you something nice. A chance to relax.

[ He sighs. ]

Music is good for that.

[preconstruction]

Wow, you got very flustered just now. I'll have to remember that.

[donotlick]

[ Hank elbows Connor in the side. Playfully. Maybe a little aggressively, but that's just because he's very deeply embarrassed right now. He just lights up like rudolph when he blushes. ]

Shut up, asshole. You know why.

[preconstruction]

[ it's okay he doesn't mind. it's cute?? how hank can be embarrassed. ]

Yes. I know why.

[donotlick]

[ Hank grumbles, deciding he's maybe had enough of having his emotions on display. He stands up and steps away from the piano. Oh, his face is still on fire, but he's not really feeling up to having Connor point out his unrequited feelings..... ]

So, there anything else here you can play? Did this help at all?

[preconstruction]

[ connor frowns. he's made hank upset he knows -- he can practically feel the tension between them. he doesn't stand or follow him, just looks down at the keys. ]

Yeah. It helped.

[donotlick]

[ Being reminded that you have a crush on someone who's Very Taken will do that to a guy, Connor. It's ok, you'll learn. Or maybe you'll figure out that poly thing. Who knows.

But ultimately Hank cares more about Connor's well-being than being teased about his one-sided crush so that eases the tension somewhat. At least on Hank's end. ]

I'm glad. Hopefully you can come here and relax one of these days. Maybe bring Han and show him that song you played for me.

[preconstruction]

[ connor is quiet for a long time. then he closes the cover to the piano keys and shakes his head. ]

It wouldn't be the same thing.

[donotlick]

[ Huh. Well. Now Connor's upset. Fuck. Hank should probably say something.

He really doesn't want to, but the silence is getting so awkward..... ]

Connor, look, I... I don't want to get between you and him. You know how I feel, and I know you're never gonna feel the same way, okay? I'm. I'm fine with that.

[ He sighs. ]

It's torture on me when you play along. You're kinda rubbing salt into my wounds here, you know?

[preconstruction]

[ connor stands to look at him. those words clearly hurt him, the guilt and pain written out on his face clear as day. ]

I'm sorry, I -- I would never want to hurt you like that.