gunsforhire | LOG: Sunny Sky Lunches

Who: Florida (Native), OPEN
What: Florida has a little picnic for him and his friends
Where: Reid Gulch Park
When: Saturday, 3/12
Warnings:

The days when he doesn't have work or information to collect are so rare. Florida would have thought that taking less kill jobs would mean more time for himself, but between watching out for Tex's family, trying to be there for his girl, and everything going on with the team lately, getting out and about has been hard. So today, on his afternoon off, he decides there is only one right thing to do: enjoy the time.

He packs up a large picnic lunch, sends out messages to his teammates, Sigma, and dear little Wash from another world, and heads out to the park. With him he takes all sorts of foods, games like ring toss, a few toys for Rex, and a book for himself in case no one decides to show up. And once he arrives at the park he finds a nice sunny spot to lay out his gear, updating the messages with a gps marker in case people decide to join him.

That done he takes out Rex's frisbee and gives it a toss to watch the now full grown dog frolick off for his toy.

Today is going to be a good day, with or without company.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"He is," Florida smiles. "He's going to be so disappointed, but he misses his mommy, just like I do."

His smile wavers for a moment. He misses her so much.

Maine isn't sure how to respond, so he respectfully gives Florida a moment. Rex's tail slows its wagging just a little, as if he notices, too.

"Thanks," Florida says after he calms himself. He knows Maine doesn't need to know why. Respecting someone's need for a moment is a thing the big guy gets super well.

"So, I've got some exciting work I want your help on. The picnic is a minor bribe when it comes to you."

Nodding, Maine reaches over to clap him on the shoulder. Rex looks terribly interested.

"Bribe?" he asks.

"I've got an informant in town," Florida says, not even pausing for effect for the word use, "who has reported a minor slavery ring gearing up in the warehouse district..."

Maine snarls low in his throat. The dog looks up at him in shock. Not looking away from Florida, he absently pets it, trying to calm it down.

"Exactly," Florida says with a low tone. "I intend to tear it apart. I could use backup. I'm not as young and spry as I used to be. And children tend to find me... too intimidating after. They need someone big and warm and kind. I'll bring Rex along too."

"I'll come." He enjoys this type of job, perhaps more than he should.

"I'll get you the details as soon as I have them," Florida promises, the same predatory excitement in his own eyes.

"Good." He ruffles Rex's ears; the dog licks his hand. What is that supposed to mean?

"He likes you,or you have food on your hand," Florida grins. "Such an excited puppy."

Such a simple beast with such simple desires. "Good dog," he murmurs.

That's got Rex barking lightly in agreement.

"Praise is his thing," Florida smiles. Runs in the family.

Praise is a good motivator. Maine pats those ridiculous ears and picks up the frisbee that Rex has long since forgotten about.

The puppy is on his feet and bowing in excitement as his tail starts going wildly. Then he bounces up and barks as he twirls in circles. He wants to toy. Mostly he wants it thrown.

Maine sends the toy hurtling across the lawn. The dog gets so excited. It's...cuter than he expected.

"He could use a good arm around him sometimes," Florida observes as the dog goes running off.

"So much energy," Maine says. "Lots of work?" How many hours does Florida put into keeping that energy contained?

"Lots of work," he agrees. "But I love it. There's... a purpose when something like an animal loves you. Cares about you. Easier to keep going."

Tex is gone, and Rex helps.

Maine nods. He knows the feeling. When Lou stayed in Armonia, at least he'd had the kittens. Even leaving them with Sigma during work had been devastating.

"Unconditional love," he says. "Both ways."

"Unless he chews a slipper. Then there is a condition," Florida laughs. But the dog has stopped that.

That sound similar to the cats clawing the furniture. Thankfully they had trained out of that quickly enough.

"Fast learners."

"Good thing too," Florida smiles. "Praise and reprimand. We all function on that."

"We do."

At some level or another, depending on the person. Maine doesn't need as much praise as some people, he thinks.

Or, perhaps, Maine needs it more.

"Come on, eat up," Florida suggests, gesturing to the food before them. "Picnic time."

(no subject)

maine_makes_growly_noises - 2016-04-03 20:36 (UTC) - Expand