everyone's a critic

[tucsondammit]

Is it too late for me to volunteer elsewhere, boss? My shack in the middle of nowhere is starting to look downright pleasant compared to this.

Comments

[wasbrave]

You missed your chance to opt out. But there's probably a few middle of nowhere places you could go, would that help?

[tucsondammit]

Well, you see, I've become a huge fan of opting out lately, around the time I started working for a crazy nightkin without pay. I think there's another word for that... Ah, hell, it's not important, right?

[wasbrave]

Not very. The bad news is, you're not likely to get paid this time either.

[tucsondammit]

Is there good news involved with this, or are you just trying to make me feel better?

[wasbrave]

Could be both. The good news really depends on where you're going.

[tucsondammit]

Does back to sleep count? Old men like me need their rest, you know.

[wasbrave]

Absolutely. Don't let me keep you up or anything. Nothing terrible ever happens to sleeping people, obviously.

[tucsondammit]

[aw man right in the guilt.]

Nothing you won't find out about tomorrow, anyway.

[wasbrave]

That's true. I'm not really keen on hearing them chat about it though.

[tucsondammit]

Not if you're dead. I've heard it does a number on your eardrums. Among other things, of course, and mine aren't exactly in mint condition, anyway.

[wasbrave]

Some things just go in old age, I'm told.

[tucsondammit]

Oh, good. I was afraid losing half my eyesight, hearing, and a couple of those funny bones in my spine, not to mention my knees and skin, was because I was cursed by a shaman. Although I'm pretty sure we can blame some of this on our friend radiation.

[wasbrave]

You're the one who brought up your age, remember?

[tucsondammit]

Oh, no, my deep dark secret's been revealed by my own carelessness. Some secret, huh.

[wasbrave]

On the other hand, nobody will feel the need to try and force it out of you.

[tucsondammit]

You've got a real knack for reassuring people, I can tell.

[wasbrave]

It's my greatest asset.

[tucsondammit]

Have you considered going into counseling?

[wasbrave]

Well, I'm only sixteen. Maybe later. And when I'm not in a war zone.

[tucsondammit]

Are you kidding? War zones must be great for business.

[wasbrave]

Probably, but I can't shoot people while counselling others at the same time.

[tucsondammit]

Eh, so you treat one of them like a night job instead. At least you'd get to set your own hours.

[justnumbers]

...I didn't think that was possible, all things considered.

[Especially since the Legion keeps ambushing her every time she wanders too far out of Vegas.]

wow i'm sorry

[tucsondammit]

That's almost inspiring coming from you, boss! Considering what you think about things like self-preservation, restraint, remembering names, planning, asking for directions...

shh no apologies I'm just happy to see a Raul

[justnumbers]

Sometimes you have to double-check things, Raul. My memory's never been the most steady thing ever.

[Or her attention span. Still, the Courier smiles at him in apology.]

:')

[tucsondammit]

At least your aim tends to be slightly more reliable. Sometimes. It's okay, you can tell me, you fire past us on purpose, don't you?

:D

[justnumbers]

I'm not a dead-eye. Even the best shot has bad days. [And if you'd just stop running in front of her every time a radscorpion shows up, that'd be great.]

[tucsondammit]

My bad days have gone up since my cataracts took over, I'll tell you that much.

[quixotically]

Are you really having that bad of a time?

[A little bit teasing, a little bit genuine concern. If things are hard for him, she wants to know so she can try to help. :C]

[tucsondammit]

Have you seen what I gotta put up with, boss? It's enough that I'd start losing my hair any minute now, if I had much if any [besides the moustache] to begin with.

[quixotically]

I didn't think it'd be that bad. Maybe not terribly interesting, but that just means that nothing's immediately trying to eat you, right?

[tucsondammit]

Oh, sure, but that doesn't mean nothing's gonna turn up eventually and try to get a bite in.

[quixotically]

You're being a worrywort again. [She reaches out and pokes him, right in the cheek.] I know for a fact Joshua's there with you. Can't be anything so scary he can't handle it, right?

[tucsondammit]

Unless you consider hanging around a vengeance obsessed mummy part of the problem, boss. Then again, I'm a zombie, so who'm I to judge?

[quixotically]

Oh, he won't hurt you. [Elle straightens the lapels of his jacket.] It's not like you're Caesar. Though, I guess, you're bald enough to look the part.

[tucsondammit]

Do you think that means I can get some nice coins with my face printed on them, boss?

[quixotically]

[She snorts, and then her surprise turns into proper laughter.] Why not? We can make a whole commemorative coin set for next Independence Day.

[tucsondammit]

I'm sure all the kids would love them, too. Gather round for miles to get their hands on some spooky holiday spare change.

[quixotically]

It'll be all the rage. Before you know it, everyone'll know your name, aaaaaall across the wasteland. All hail Raul the vaquero!

[tucsondammit]

Just make sure nobody tries to pass off some kind of fancy salute. I'd never remember it, anyway.