atomicwrangler | Atomic Wrangler Kink Meme, Part I

Characters: Arcade, Arcade's son, M!Courier, and mentions of other Modoc locals
Relationship: Gen, M/M
Rating: G
Summary: Arcade spends some time with his son and an in-law in Modoc.
Notes: This can be read alone, but it connects to another story I've done called Never Say Navarro.

There was a time where Arcade thought he could never get used to the smell of brahmin and everything that comes along with these animals. Yet here is, not wearing power armor or a Followers lab coat. He's wearing old clothes he's borrowing from his uncle-in-law, who happens to be at least a good five inches shorter than him. The pants cut off a few inches above his ankle, and it's bothered him since this morning. Yet that's a minor thing to worry about, considering he once worried about far more things.

Arcade has been spending a few weeks in June in Modoc for almost ten years now. The town is a bit quieter in June and the temperature is not too cold or too hot. There's still enough traders to keep supplies and commerce going, but only the regular caravaneers and occasionally a special trip come through town. Arcade thinks that's a good thing, though, as these traders seem to have more respect for the locals and their rules versus complete outside strangers.

Most traders and local shops do open during the night even if it's the slower season. The members of the Slag community only come out at night, especially during the summer. He's interacted with a few of them when he's sold them brahmin jerky or said exchanged some small talk or general greetings. Over the years he's gotten to know a number of the locals by name, mostly due to Davin encouraging him to get to know them. Once in a while he'll go to Rose's Bed and Breakfast with Johnny so they can catch up with each other. It seems like the locals know him better than he knows them. Once again, most likely due to Davin wanting him to feel like Modoc is home for him.

The sun start to set in less than an hour, which means he should probably staring off into the distance waiting for his husband to join them. He was supposed to be here a few days ago, but it seems the negotiations with the NCR are proving more of a challenge than what he was told. Arcade knew it'd be difficult, especially since he's heard stories from the Followers where NCR would hire mercenaries to bother towns in order for towns to ask the NCR in help -- a perfect set up.

As he walks out to where the younger brahmin are, he sees a small plush toy on the ground. He instantly recognizes it, picking it up from the ground. It's a little hand made brahmin toy, and he doesn't even need to put his nose close to it to tell the toy has been around brahmin manure. He rather not touch it, but the duty of fatherhood calls, and he puts the manure smelling toy brahmin into hi left pants pocket.

When he finally reaches the young brahmin pen, he fixes his glasses and smiles before he can even get a good and clear view. He can hear the sounds of his son laughing and screaming with joy. His son is riding a brahmin calf, trying to get calf to move. Instead, the calf whines and tries to shake his son off.

He stops at the fence of the pen, taking out of his pocket the toy he picked up earlier. "Guess what I found on the way here?" He dangles the toy, which seems to grab the attention of his son rather than his presence alone.

He watches as his son's eyes widen, surprised at what Arcade has presented him. He gets off the calf's back running towards him. Before he can grab the toy, though, Arcade raises in the air higher, dangling it.

"So do you know where I found it?" Arcade doesn't worry as much as he used to about how to be a father. He still worries, but he found it came a lot more naturally than he anticipated. He knows his worries stem beyond just the normal parental anxiety, but from his own father passing when he was so young.

His son doesn't look at his face, instead looking down at the ground. "I found it while walking here. I'm hoping the both of you will clean yourselves up before we have dinner tonight." He lowers the toy to a reachable distance, his son grabbing it and mumbling something.

"What was that?" The question is softer than his previous tone, as he's curious and concerned about what his son just said.

"Thank you for finding Bess." The words make him smile. He runs one of his hands through his son's hair, not minding it smells like a brahmin on a hot day.

ohhhh my heart! this is so cute and sweet, i love it! all the little details of the scene are so good, too. thank you for writing this

No problem! I love writing this sort of scenario and Arcade being a dad in general. Thanks for the comment.

this is a delight, i love all the little world building details. and i've always liked the idea of arcade being nervous about being a dad because of his own father's death, but then taking to it surprisingly well :3

I'm so glad someone like the world building details because I love doing that to flesh out things. I totally picture him being nervous as well but eventually letting it come naturally for him.

*bites fist & screams into it* I LOVE IT. SO CUTE. WONDERFUL

kiddo is So Adorable. the world building you've touched on is So Good. and this line specifically -- "Arcade has been spending a few weeks in June in Modoc for almost ten years now." -- I just had to stop and shake my head. never stop being yourself, Arcade.

It seems what I aimed for has been accomplished. Thank you for your commentary as it means a lot.

I use every excuse I can to shove Fallout 2 stuff in things.

This has made my whole day.

I hope you continue to like it, and thank you. I'm happy to hear such a thing.

Unlike Arroyo, Modoc's plumbing system is just functional enough. Jonny told him when he was young, there was only a single well and a few outhouses that the community shared. Luckily, it's gotten much better than that, but that's not saying much. Apparently what kicked started the plumbing system here was someone throwing an explosive in one of the outhouses.

He walks towards the house, glancing at the water pump. There he sees his son pumping water into a bucket, loudly groaning, almost bouncing up and down to get enough momentum in order for the pump to work. The sight is funny and cute, so he laughs. Yet he feels a little guilty about laughing. He ponders on whether to go help him or just watch in amusement.

Arcade is about to go help him when a voice passes inside his head. It's his father-in-law's voice, and he remembers a time where his son was struggling to kill a small baby gecko. Arcade wanted to go rush in and help, but his father-in-law stopped him. Of course Arcade reacted negatively, but eventually the rational was explained. Parenting isn't just about helping and holding hands, but teaching through letting them explore the world on their own. Arcade is pretty sure that's part of a developmental psychology theory. He agrees in the end, quite anxious until he sees his son finally kill the gecko, looking quite proud of himself.

He will admit he shares some commonality with his father-in-law, as the two of them never had their own father around, only their mothers. In Arcade's case, everyone talked about his father and his legacy. In his father-in-law's case, no one spoke of him ever and no one really asked questions.

All this reflecting has kept him busy, and he sees his son has pumped plenty of water into the bucket, now wobbling as he walks towards the shower area. There is a surge of pride, and instead of smile now, there's a smirk.

Arcade goes inside the house, smelling brahmin being cooked. At least one of the benefits of the in-laws owning a slaughter house is eating meat every day in a variety of different preparations; his son enjoys meatballs, he enjoys steaks, and his husband enjoys burgers. He doesn't interrupt Davin while he's cooking, just briefly going inside his room to pick up the clothes he brought with him that actually fit him properly. After all, they'd be inside by them and won't have a lingering smell to them.

Even without Six here, there's still a strong familial feeling to this place. Every year he gets asked, well, more like begged, by Davin to convince Six to move to Modoc, take over the slaughterhouse, and Arcade to become the local doctor. Originally the doctor who worked here was from the Followers and Arroyo, Emily Ortal, but a few years ago she moved back to Arroyo due to personal reasons. Now there only is an old Vault City doctor who goes between here and Klamath.

As he starts leaving his room to exit the house, he can hear footsteps, wet and fast ones to be exact. In the hallway, he sees his soon run quickly past him, leaving a trail of wet footprints and small droplets of water on the floor; he's clearly forgotten to bring his towel and clothing again. This is evident by the lack of clothing and quick paced running.

"You're going to slip and fall if you run like that." He says louder than usual down the hall so he can be heard, his son almost to his room. He hears the door slam, sighing. "Or make someone slipping, that too, hopefully not me." He mutters that last part to himself, having a feeling his son ignored the first part of what he said already.

Arcade drops one of his towels on the floor, using his feet to try and dry the slippery floor as he goes down the hall towards the front door. The last thing he needs is Davin slipping on water and having to be taken to Arroyo or Vault City for medical treatment. Then Davin would insist Six be the only one to run the slaughterhouse while he's gone. Which obviously means they'd spend more time in Modoc or Arcade and their son would be in Arroyo without him.

Arcade goes to pick up the used and wet towel from the floor, also spotting the infamous Bess plush toy once again. The toy is soaking wet, sitting in its own puddle. For something his soon his attached to, he seems to lose Bess frequently. Once again, picking up lost toys is another fatherly duty he's gotten used to.

Outside near the house he hangs the wet towel and Bess right next to it. Bess is still dripping water even after Arcade squeezes out most of the water. Hopefully it'll be dry enough by tomorrow and not smell too terribly.

this is so charming and sweet, but with a very introspective and mature sort of feel to it. the mix of practical details of fatherhood and married life, along with the cute moments of him around his son, are just really heartwarming and lovely to read

"what kicked started the plumbing system here was someone throwing an explosive in one of the outhouses"

also, i don't know why, but i think that's the single most new vegas line i've ever seen in a fic, lmao

thank you! and actually it's very new vegas-y because it actually is part of a quest in fallout 2 where you blow up an outhouse and the whole section of the town is covered in poop/waste/who knows what.

As someone who grew up with an irl equivalent of a Bess, the line "For something his soon his attached to, he seems to lose Bess frequently," rang so true. This is super super lovely.

this fic is so warm and down to earth, i love it. also emily ortal is one of my favorite minor npcs, it's nice to see her mentioned!

Ahhhh! This is so sweet and lovely. I love dad!Arcade and the little details make my heart burst with happiness.

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.

Original requester here: This is lovely and perfect. I have such a soft spot for Arcade and I just wanted to see him be happy, to walk with an ending that didn't feel like such a downer. There so much thought you've put into this, even in the little details -- I laughed at the comment about hoping Albert waits til he's taller than a brahmin to try tipping one <3

this fic continues to be one of my favorites, i love the way you've written these family relationships, the banter is so natural and sweet.

Six puts Albert to sleep, and Arcade catches a glimpse of his husband telling a very fictionalized version of the time they went to the old Sunset Sarsaparilla factory. He remembers the events quite differently, but maybe it's a good thing Six focuses on different points and doesn't tell the story as Arcade recalls it; the latter half isn't a very good bedtime story.

Once night fully sets in Modoc, it becomes almost pitch. Rose's has a few lights to signal it's still open for drinks and foods, but the other buildings are family run and close at nightfall unless it's the busy season. Right now it's not the busy season, and so Arcade uses a light that's far too dim for his eyesight to read properly without straining his eyes. He's not sure whether to blame the light, his glasses, or his age. He rather blame the first two.

The floor creaks when Six enters the bedroom, and the door is shut carefully so the sound doesn't echo throughout the entire house. Six doesn't look tired, but Arcade knows he probably is. It must have been mentally exhausting to deal the with NCR bureaucracy for hours on end. Six told a very condensed and simplified version at the dinner table, but Arcade knows it's more complicated than that.

Arcade closes the book and puts it back on the nightstand. "He should have fallen asleep quickly." He let Six tuck their son into bed, knowing it's a good alone time for the both of them.

"He did. He spent most of the time out with the brahmin, didn't he? I used to do that as a kid, so I've been told. Was a total pain in the ass." Six runs a hand through his hair, and his body posture relaxed, starting to show signs of fatigue.

"He spent most of the day with the calves, helping to feed them with your uncle." Arcade has more questions about what transpired before Six arrived in Modoc, though. "I thought your mother would be coming, honestly."

"What? Hoping she'd babysit so we could sneak away on a romantic rendezvous?" He knows he's being teased, and he shows that with an exaggerated groan. "Or not." Six picks up that reaction and goes back to being a bit more serious. "She wanted to, but the old man wasn't up for it. He was in a bad mood after the negotiations with the NCR." Before he could make a comment on that, he's asked a question. "You remember Colonel Hsu? He was there, probably the one person that didn't want to rip my head off and take it back to Shady Sands."

"I remember him enough." It's been so many years, but they did spend over a week around McCarran. "So, how did things go? If your father was in a bad mood, did it go poorly? The last time they met, no one wanted to compromise."

"They sort of admitted to sending mercenaries to harass Arroyo, but not directly. They agreed to not press annexation for a time, but who knows how long that'll last." Six rattles off the brief summary as he removes his clothing, his back facing Arcade. "Dad's pissed. He just wants to take my Highwayman and drive off, visiting places before he kicks the bucket -- his words, not mine."

Then there's a shift in the atmosphere and the tone of the conversation as Six turns to face him, again. "It got me thinking, you know? That I want him to have this place and Arroyo. I want him to have it more than I want it. I don't think of myself taking over Arroyo for me, but for him. So he can have it." Arcade knows who that him is referring to, obviously their son.

"I think that's called fatherhood." Six laughs at Arcade's joke, and the mood doesn't feel as heavy.

"No shit, huh. Here I was thinking it was me trying to get out of being a responsible adult." These days they both that's a joke, but when they first met, Arcade would have taken that seriously as evidenced by Six's past behavior.

How much have they both changed since that day in the fall of 2281? With Six, it makes sense. He was an amnesiac with only fragments of his past he could string together at the time. On the other hand, Arcade had too much of the past that it weighed on him. It's easier to compare the differences between the past and present of others, but when it comes to oneself, it becomes so much more convilutated. Or maybe it's simply he doesn't have the energy or time to self-reflect as much as he used to.

His own fatigue from the day hits him all at once. He wakes up earlier while in Modoc, so it makes sense he'd fall asleep earlier. Or once again, it's him trying not to think of his age creeping up on him. He's not that old, and he's not some two century year old corpse being kept alive by inhumane science.

Falling asleep is easier this night than the previous ones. If asked, Arcade would say it's because the brahmin were louder than tonight, but that's outward deflection of an embarrassing confession. He is that sappy and feels more relaxed and at home with his husband and son under one roof with him.

There was a time he spent most of his time alone in a tent in the Mormon Fort where he would use the excuse of his research to avoid people. Now look at him. He used to wonder if he could have ever had a childhood similar to this, but maybe finally getting the chance to experience it as a father makes up for it all.

Atomic Wrangler Kink Meme, Part I

Rainbow At Midnight 1/? (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)

Re: Rainbow At Midnight 1/? (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)

Re: Rainbow At Midnight 1/? (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)

Re: Rainbow At Midnight 1/? (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)

Re: Rainbow At Midnight 1/? (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)

Re: Rainbow At Midnight 1/? (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)

Rainbow At Midnight 1/? (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)

Re: Rainbow At Midnight 1/? (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)

Rainbow At Midnight 1/? (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)

Rainbow At Midnight 2/? (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)

Re: Rainbow At Midnight 2/? (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)

Re: Rainbow At Midnight 2/? (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)

Re: Rainbow At Midnight 2/? (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)

Re: Rainbow At Midnight 2/? (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)

Re: Rainbow At Midnight 1/? (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)

Rainbow At Midnight 3/? (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)

Re: Rainbow At Midnight 3/? (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)

Re: Rainbow At Midnight 3/? (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)

Rainbow At Midnight 4/4 (Gen + M!Courier/Arcade)