Now it's his turn to take a shower, and of course since it's not in the afternoon or morning, the water is cold. When he traveled with the Followers in more remote and isolated parts of the west coast, cold and irritated water was the standard to expect. Now that's been spoiled and no longer travels with them, it's a discomfort that is nostalgic if that's even possible; it reminds him of a past life.
He may not travel to small towns or even tribes anymore, but that doesn't mean he's been staying put in Arroyo ever since he got married. It doesn't feel that long ago that Six took him on date nights to Klamath and Arcade would always end up falling asleep on the drive back. Then there's been the family trips to Gecko and Vault City. He remembers explaining about Poseidon Energy and the basics of nuclear energy to his son as Six would converse with Lenny and the locals. Vault City on the other hand, well, he remembers crossing his arms over his chest most of the time and making snide comments about the locals.
Maybe their next family trip should be to the Boneyard once tensions with the NCR have settled down. He would like to take his son to see the Followers' University and to the local museums. He wonders if the museum he went with Six all those years ago has changed.
He must have gotten lost in thought too long as the water runs out unexpectedly. He only notices after thirty or so seconds without feeling what pouring down upon him.
Modoc does that to him, it makes him reflect. Maybe because the pace of life is slower here, it being a smaller town. Or maybe there's a connection to Six here that's a comfort and reassurance. It could be he has a lot more free time here -- he goes with that.
He dries himself and puts on clothes that actually fit him this time. His hair is still damp as he uses a damp towel to clean his glasses. The only good thing about Vault City is that it gave him a good pair of new glasses. The only reason he would go there without any protest would be for them to visit Cait who lives in the outskirts surrounding Vault City.
He walks back to the house, and before he enters, he can hear the sound of Davin laughing and talking. He can make a few words out, something along brahmin tipping and midnight. He really hopes son his son isn't going to keep up that family tradition, at least not until he's a little older and taller than a brahmin.
He opens the door, smelling dinner. Davin cooks for them every night when they visit. Usually he ropes Six into helping him, but due to his absence, it's been him and his son who help out. Not that Arcade complains about it, he enjoys these stereotypical family moments that have long been overdue. He spent time with his mother and the other remnants, he considers them family, but even at an early age Arcade could feel the absence of his father.
"Is that you Pat?" Davin's yelling from the kitchen. Pat is Six's original name, but it seems to be a childhood nickname only people from his childhood call him these days. Arcade offered to start using the name Pat, but Six told him that he prefers Six and feels more connected to it.
Arcade closes the door before he responds. "No, it's me, Arcade."
"He was supposed to be here days ago." He can see the disappoint in Davin's voice before he even sees him. "He better make up for it by staying longer here and running the business side of things as I take Albert out to see the brahmin calves." Davin walks out of the kitchen to the living room, holding two plates of food.
The name Albert was suggested by his father-in-law, Six right away saying he's no good with names so he gave up that responsibility. Arcade had a few in mind, mostly obscure references to philosophers and economists. The name Albert is a good fit, and it references one of the greatest scientists of the Old World so Arcade has a soft spot for it.
Speaking of his son, he sees him behind Davin also holding plates and utensils. "Uncle Davin let me cook the steaks this time."
"Did he? He doesn't let me do that." His son puts the plates down and starts setting the table.
"That's because you burn or overcook them." Davin sets the steaks down on the center of the table as his son works around him.
"I would like to say in my defense that the last time that happened, I was distracted by your nephew." He remembers that time, Six getting a little too handsy and making too many bad puns.
"Excuses," Davin rubs the top of Albert's head, messing up his hair. "At least Albert here can make a good steak so I can die in peace."
"And here I was thinking you just wanted him to teach him how to tip a brahmin properly." Arcade shifts the conversation into his favor, both his son and Davin looking like they just got busted. "Oh, I heard you. I think most of Modoc heard you."
"About that..." Davin doesn't finish that line, going back into the kitchen with his son following him right after.
Arcade walks over the table, shaking his head. The table is only half set, and he decides to be merciful and finish setting the table so they can eat sooner.
When Davin and his son enter back into the room, they both look like they've shared a secret scheme -- it's written on both their faces.
"So, dinner? Or should I wait for you to discuss your plans on how you're going to sneak out at midnight further?" Arcade sits at the table, feeling a bit smug and rather hungry.
The conversation at dinner is mostly between his son and Davin. Arcade makes the occasionally commentary and praise when he feels it's needed. He catches himself staring at the empty chair at the table, feeling the absence of his husband is now more apparent than before.
They're mostly done with dinner, Arcade starting to talk a bit more now because he's well fed and appreciative of a home cooked meal. The sound of the front door opening and shutting draws his attention, so he turns his body to look that way.
His son doesn't do that, instead bolting towards the door and screaming the word dad. Not long after, he sees their assumptions are correct when Six is carrying their son and standing in front of him.
"So, who wants to hear a story about a two headed bear that ran far far away from Arroyo?" Six says, of course making a reference to the NCR.
Rainbow At Midnight 3/? (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)
He may not travel to small towns or even tribes anymore, but that doesn't mean he's been staying put in Arroyo ever since he got married. It doesn't feel that long ago that Six took him on date nights to Klamath and Arcade would always end up falling asleep on the drive back. Then there's been the family trips to Gecko and Vault City. He remembers explaining about Poseidon Energy and the basics of nuclear energy to his son as Six would converse with Lenny and the locals. Vault City on the other hand, well, he remembers crossing his arms over his chest most of the time and making snide comments about the locals.
Maybe their next family trip should be to the Boneyard once tensions with the NCR have settled down. He would like to take his son to see the Followers' University and to the local museums. He wonders if the museum he went with Six all those years ago has changed.
He must have gotten lost in thought too long as the water runs out unexpectedly. He only notices after thirty or so seconds without feeling what pouring down upon him.
Modoc does that to him, it makes him reflect. Maybe because the pace of life is slower here, it being a smaller town. Or maybe there's a connection to Six here that's a comfort and reassurance. It could be he has a lot more free time here -- he goes with that.
He dries himself and puts on clothes that actually fit him this time. His hair is still damp as he uses a damp towel to clean his glasses. The only good thing about Vault City is that it gave him a good pair of new glasses. The only reason he would go there without any protest would be for them to visit Cait who lives in the outskirts surrounding Vault City.
He walks back to the house, and before he enters, he can hear the sound of Davin laughing and talking. He can make a few words out, something along brahmin tipping and midnight. He really hopes son his son isn't going to keep up that family tradition, at least not until he's a little older and taller than a brahmin.
He opens the door, smelling dinner. Davin cooks for them every night when they visit. Usually he ropes Six into helping him, but due to his absence, it's been him and his son who help out. Not that Arcade complains about it, he enjoys these stereotypical family moments that have long been overdue. He spent time with his mother and the other remnants, he considers them family, but even at an early age Arcade could feel the absence of his father.
"Is that you Pat?" Davin's yelling from the kitchen. Pat is Six's original name, but it seems to be a childhood nickname only people from his childhood call him these days. Arcade offered to start using the name Pat, but Six told him that he prefers Six and feels more connected to it.
Arcade closes the door before he responds. "No, it's me, Arcade."
"He was supposed to be here days ago." He can see the disappoint in Davin's voice before he even sees him. "He better make up for it by staying longer here and running the business side of things as I take Albert out to see the brahmin calves." Davin walks out of the kitchen to the living room, holding two plates of food.
The name Albert was suggested by his father-in-law, Six right away saying he's no good with names so he gave up that responsibility. Arcade had a few in mind, mostly obscure references to philosophers and economists. The name Albert is a good fit, and it references one of the greatest scientists of the Old World so Arcade has a soft spot for it.
Speaking of his son, he sees him behind Davin also holding plates and utensils. "Uncle Davin let me cook the steaks this time."
"Did he? He doesn't let me do that." His son puts the plates down and starts setting the table.
"That's because you burn or overcook them." Davin sets the steaks down on the center of the table as his son works around him.
"I would like to say in my defense that the last time that happened, I was distracted by your nephew." He remembers that time, Six getting a little too handsy and making too many bad puns.
"Excuses," Davin rubs the top of Albert's head, messing up his hair. "At least Albert here can make a good steak so I can die in peace."
"And here I was thinking you just wanted him to teach him how to tip a brahmin properly." Arcade shifts the conversation into his favor, both his son and Davin looking like they just got busted. "Oh, I heard you. I think most of Modoc heard you."
"About that..." Davin doesn't finish that line, going back into the kitchen with his son following him right after.
Arcade walks over the table, shaking his head. The table is only half set, and he decides to be merciful and finish setting the table so they can eat sooner.
When Davin and his son enter back into the room, they both look like they've shared a secret scheme -- it's written on both their faces.
"So, dinner? Or should I wait for you to discuss your plans on how you're going to sneak out at midnight further?" Arcade sits at the table, feeling a bit smug and rather hungry.
The conversation at dinner is mostly between his son and Davin. Arcade makes the occasionally commentary and praise when he feels it's needed. He catches himself staring at the empty chair at the table, feeling the absence of his husband is now more apparent than before.
They're mostly done with dinner, Arcade starting to talk a bit more now because he's well fed and appreciative of a home cooked meal. The sound of the front door opening and shutting draws his attention, so he turns his body to look that way.
His son doesn't do that, instead bolting towards the door and screaming the word dad. Not long after, he sees their assumptions are correct when Six is carrying their son and standing in front of him.
"So, who wants to hear a story about a two headed bear that ran far far away from Arroyo?" Six says, of course making a reference to the NCR.