Like Me

Date/Timing: 5 January 2019, very early morning
Setting: Pietr's quarters, The Shed; Vaucluse, NSW, Australia
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Pietr gathers up the Pokémon cards and pictures, tiptoes into the bedroom, changes into pyjamas—flannel trousers, baggy tee—plops down on the bed, mobile in hand.
.
p_a_vos: <3!
honeyBEE: <3!
p_a_vos: We past the exam!
honeyBEE: !!!
honeyBEE: So wht's the new job?
honeyBEE: dandelion?
p_a_vos: easier 2 explain on vid
honeyBEE: Pietr ...
.
He chews his lip.
.
p_a_vos: Jaeger pilot
honeyBEE: ????
honeyBEE: Rly?
p_a_vos: Rly
p_a_vos: Talk @ 21 yr time?
honeyBEE: 2130?
p_a_vos: K!
honeyBEE: Dinnertime! g2g!
p_a_vos: luv u! <3!!!
honeyBEE: <3!
.
Pietr tucks the mobile under his pillow, runs a hand through his hair. He smooths away jagged, worried thoughts with deep breaths.
The doorbell flashes.
Pietr slides to his feet, pads across the suite, eases open the door.
Herc, on the steps, bobs his head. "Uh, Chuck with you?"
Pietr nods, mimes sleeping.
Max squeezes past Pietr's legs.
Herc grunts. "Was wondering where he got to."
Pietr gestures, 'wait', then ducks back inside and grabs his mobile. He steps outside, closes the door, types, and offers the screen to Herc.
- U ok w/ us? -
"Whad'ye mean?"
- Copilots -
"Don't see I have much choice."
Pietr raises an eyebrow.
"It's Command's call now."
- Yr his dad -
Herc rubs the back of his neck. "He's always wanted this."
Pietr sniffs and lowers his brow skeptically.
"Since his mum died."
Pietr acknowledges.
Herc squares himself up. "Why d'you want it, Vos?"
- Pietr -
He grins.
Herc nods.
- Bcuz I can do it -
Pietr hesitates, examining Herc's face. Types slowly,
- & I can help him -
Herc blinks.
Pietr taps the side of his head.
"Lotta noise in there, yea?"
Pietr nods.
- simple @ center tho -
- sadness fear love -
Pietr shrugs.
- like me @ his age -
Herc twists the ring he wears, flicks his eyes to Pietr's. "Ye have kids, ay?"
Pietr holds up two fingers.
A deep breath and Herc says, "Keep 'em away from this. Keep 'em safe."
Pietr sets his teeth.
- I will -
Herc slouches a little. "I'll let you get to sleep, then. Ye probably have to work early."
Pietr nods.
"'night, V—Pietr."
Pietr smiles, waves.
Herc trumps off down the hall.
Pietr yawns, sneaks back inside.
Max cocks an ear from his place against Chuck's feet.
Pietr grins, pads past, tucks himself into bed, and's instantly asleep.
Category:Ficlet
Category:Pietr
Category:Pietr (ficlet)
Category:Chuck H (mention)
Category:Griet
Category:Griet (ficlet)
Category:Conversations via SMS
Category:Herc
Category:Herc (ficlet)
Category:Max
Category:Max (ficlet)
Category:Angela (mention)
Category:Ficlets with comments
Category:Ficlets with tweaks