#'nicky wire is my dad' is a long-running joke

[fleetsummers]

with @zackastor | the daybreakers : setting traps

fleet summers: I know this sounds so so spoiled for me to say, but I can't believe this pre-empted our hunting trip. -he shoulders his bag better as they walk- Reasonably, of course, I understand. But I intend to whine about it.

Zack Astor: Alright. Just whine quietly. -Zack keeps his eyes fixed on their surroundings, only casting a quick glance at Fleet over his shoulder. He seems cautious- See it as practice.

fleet summers: I don't need any practice whining, I'm incredibly good at -- oh. You mean practice for hunting. Gotcha. -he does lower his volume, though, and tunes in to what Zack's doing, where he's looking, following his lead- Do you think we'll run into them out here?

Zack Astor: -Zack leads the way easily, walking in front of Fleet- It's possible. We're gonna set up traps on their patrol routes. he shoots another glance back You scared, kid?

fleet summers: I mean, a little? I'm not used to this kind of stuff. But that's why I'm with you, and anyhow, if we're liable to be attacked, I should get used to the idea. I can handle defense. -he hops a bit closer to Zack as they walk- I probably won't ever be some big fighter, but I at least want to, y'know. Not endanger other people by being incompetent or thoughtless.

Zack Astor: -Zack's gaze lingers on Fleet for a moment- Good. -he finally nods as they make their way towards a footpath- You'll manage. Not like we're looking for a fight in the first place.

fleet summers: Noo-ooo-ooo, we're not. -he hustles a little more to keep up with Zack's long legs, giving him a sidelong glance- Though there's lots of people in town who think you're always spoiling for a fight.

Zack Astor: Do they now? -Zack doesn't seem surprised or like he's really asking, though he doesn't appear disinterested- People confuse me with Nicki. Happens all the damn time. -He surveys the footpath with narrowed eyes, watching for any signs of approaching Daybreakers- You've ever been in a proper fight? Not with biters.

fleet summers: -snickers at the joke, saying in a warm, entertained hum- I can see that. You two are easy to get mixed up. Must be the similarity in wardrobe. -he frowns at Zack's question, buttoning in his lower lip for a moment before answering- A few. Scuffles here and there, nothing major, although I got jumped and beaten up once when I was in college. Some rugby players took offense to the way I talked to them.

Zack Astor: -he casts another glance at Fleet, letting his gaze linger on the other man- They beat you up, huh? -He says, without any judgement or sneer in his voice- Did you punch them back? 

fleet summers: I was minding my own business studying on the bleachers and they started making comments about what I probably wanted to happen to me, since I was in view of all these big rugged sports guys, and I mentioned that they were displacing what they wanted from their dads onto me, which was ... stupid, in hindsight. -he gives a soft snort, shaking his head- They dragged me under the bleachers and did their best to make me regret it. I tried to defend myself but it wasn't too much use.

Zack Astor: -His eyes narrow. For a moment, he doesn't say anything in response, though something in his features seems to almost soften- What did you do after?

fleet summers: Felt real pissed, mostly -- they broke my jaw and it was wired shut for a few weeks. Look, here ... -he lifts his chin, using his fingertips to separate places in his beard on each side of his face to show little scars- I hated that. And then I learned kickboxing. -lifts his eyebrows with a slight shrug, eyes widening for a minute- Not like that would help me much if five rugby guys decided to jump me again, but at least I'd be able to get some good hits in before they ground me up.

Zack Astor: -After Fleet's hand drops, Zack reaches out himself. Using his fingertips to part the surprisingly soft beard hair and get another look at the tiny little scars peppering Fleet's face, barely noticeable if you didn't know what you were looking for- If five guys jumped you now, they'd end up regretting it. -His hand disappears as quickly as it came and he turns his full attention back onto the path- We're gonna set up some tripwires here. Between the trees here, where it's shady and they're not gonna see them.

fleet summers: -Fleet stills when Zack touches him, letting the other man inspect what he's looking for, holding still even after Zack moves away- They would. They'd regret it plenty. -he takes a deep breath to collect himself and listen, attentive- What're they gonna trip? I'm not even sure what half of these supplies we brought are. The Redwood arsenal didn't have any landmines in stock, did it? -he laughs lightly, then pauses- Wait, it didn't, did it?

Zack Astor: Wish it did. Would make this whole fucking shit a lot easier. -Zack drops what he is carrying - a wooden board with nails hammered into it and a bag containing various items. He rummages around and pulls out wire from the bag- You know what a mace trap is?

fleet summers: I don't but can I make an educated guess? -he doesn't wait for Zack to answer, continuing as he points at the board- That thing is like a medieval mace weapon. So we're gonna rig that into a tree, and then when somebody trips the wire, that's gonna come swinging down and slam into whoever it is and perforate them. -he claps his hands lightly to demonstrate- Am I anywhere in the neighbourhood?

Zack Astor: -he looks up from unfurling the wire- Smart boy. It's a simple trap, but it doesn't need a lot of resources and does it's job. Pretty damn good at it, too. -he stands up, working out the perfect spot to rig the board before getting to work- You're gonna secure the wire at ground level. Nice and tight.

fleet summers: -is pleased that he got it right, but doesn't dwell on it at the moment, obeying Zack's orders and setting about tying off the wires to their pegs- Where did you learn this? These kinds of traps are useful now, obviously, but I've never seen anything like this outside of ... well, movies and stuff. Cartoons. -looks up at Zack, watching him for a while- You always seem like you know what you're doing, Zack.

Zack Astor: Yeah, I'm pretty damn good at getting shit done. -he doesn't turn to look at Fleet as he speaks, tying up the board with quick, seemingly practiced movements. He takes a few seconds before he speaks up again- My tours. Sometimes when you don't have the resources, like we don't right now, you make due. And nails to the face are always pretty damn effective. -Zack pats the board, now tied up securely, and now finally turns to look at Fleet and his work- Looks good. We're gonna set a couple of these.

fleet summers: Okay. Now that I know what we're doing it'll go fast. -Fleet doesn't do too much talking as they continue, engrossed in the work and watching the way that Zack does the tree rig part, taking note of the steps- What kinds of places were you stationed, to have to do all this makeshift kind of thing? You seem like you really thrived in the army. I didn't think that was the kind of thing somebody who grew up with money would gravitate to. I mean, there's always exceptions, people who come from military families and all that ...

Zack Astor: -His eyes narrow at Fleet for a moment, as if considering, before he picks up their supplies to scout out another spot- All over the world. Shit going haywire and improvisation tends to be a part of war. -he starts walking again, still keeping careful watch of their surroundings; he speaks again after a few moments- I did thrive. I was pretty damn good at what I did. Still am. I was different from my family. Guess I was just a special guy. -he shrugs, scoffing softly. He doesn't sound bitter- I was better at surviving than them.

fleet summers: Since I'm the only one left of my family I guess that's me, too. Better at surviving. Maybe it's just the Reznik side that has what it takes for the post-apocalyptic world. -he moves closer to Zack, very quickly squeezing the taller man's elbow and pressing his cheek to Zack's shoulder before lightly stepping away again- I'm glad you made it, and I met you. In some weird way you help me feel more grounded, without my proper family. You deal with things the way I do. It's a relief. -he considers, then amends with a smile- ...I don't get in the fights like you, though.

Zack Astor: Guess we both are. -He notices Fleet coming closer. He initially doesn't react much to the contact, or the words for that matter. He doesn't pull away though. Just stares straight ahead as he keeps walking. Just offering a small huff- Yeah. Good thing that you don't. -he quickly clasps Fleet on the shoulder wordlessly, before moving ahead- Let's finish setting up the mace traps before it gets dark.

fleet summers: -they continue their work, getting another couple of traps set up before Fleet gets distracted by a thicket of wild rosebushes- Oh, Zack -- do we have time for this? There's so many rosehips and the ones we have in town are picked bare and we've barely got a couple of handfuls, look how many there are here! They'd be so good for keeping us through the winter, especially since it's hard to get citrus anymore. We need the Vitamin C, we really do.

Zack Astor: -he casts a glance at the rosebush, then towards Fleet- Fucking hell. Right now? -he mutters, but he seems to consider for a moment. His jaw muscles work as he thinks- Fine. Just hurry. The patrol is gonna pass through soon. I ain't getting caught just for some fucking Vitamin C.- he casts a weary glance around, checking both for patrols and potential trap spots, and finding neither, he sinks down onto his knees and begins plucking off rosehips and stuffing them into his bag-

fleet summers: -quietly thrilled, but also he doesn't want to waste any time so he slings his now-empty supply bag to his front- It's worth it, I promise. If we get a good batch in it'll help if we aren't able to go out foraging for any reason. In case the Daybreakers come knocking. -he starts working fast, too, diving into the bushes despite the thorns to get at the thickest distribution of rosehips- If you think it's getting dangerous we'll go, I won't argue. I know you ... I know you have a history with them.

Zack Astor: -he doesn't still for one second, though there is a visible twitch in his jaw muscles at the mention of it- What do you know? -his voice is sharper and more gruff now, a certain tension about him now that the patrol is likely closing in- Did you talk to Nicki?

fleet summers: No, I  didn't talk to Nicki. That's just been what people are saying, especially since you're kind of the crux of the tasks and things. -he only glances over for a minute-

Zack Astor: -he doesn't say much in response initially, seemingly focused on tugging the fruit off of the bush. The thorns leaving tiny cuts on his hands as he pushes deep into the branches- Well, you're damn right not to argue. They'd have a fucking field day with you. -he pulls a handful of fruit out from the depths, plopping them down into his bag- Let's fucking hope they don't come knocking.

fleet summers: -Fleet turns those extremely brief but extremely, distressingly evocative statements over in his head a few times before saying anything- I want us to be safe. I want to help Redwood, and setting traps with you does that but rosehips, they're more my area when it comes to helping. Us being safe is more important than that, though. -he redoubles his efforts, stripping the fruit from the bushes in a fast flurry- I don't know anything. Maybe I should know. If you'd tell me. 

Zack Astor: -Zack tugs out another handful of the red fruit, tossing then inside his bag- Good. Keep that up. -he responds, not specifying whether he means Fleet's general efforts to help or his his picking pace. Then, Fleet says something that makes Zack pause in his work for just a moment, casting a sharp, piercing glance over at Fleet, bearing down on the other man's profile- ... -his jaw muscles work, before he gets up, shouldering his bag- That's enough. The patrols gonna be here any minute. And we're gonna be long gone by then.

fleet summers: -yanks his last handful off, easing out from the thick of the bushes, lower and thicker than where Zack is due to his being smaller and able to get in deeper- Yes, Zack. I'm ready to go. -he ties up his bag as he hops to catch up with Zack, the other man already on the move and taking in their surroundings; Fleet waits until Zack seems satisfied with his surveillance before he says, looking over at him- I mean it. If the Daybreakers are dangerous in the way that I've heard scavenger groups can be, you can tell me. Whatever it is that you know about them. I don't believe in flinching away from danger like that, especially because ... -his voice softens, going more gentle though still serious- Especially because I'm not the one in direct danger. Not like you are. I know you've gone through these kinds of things so people like me won't have to.

Zack Astor: -He doesn't meet Fleet's gaze, focused straight ahead as they make their way back deeper into the forest. It takes a moment before he responds- Alright. -after a few seconds, he finally turns to cast a quick glance at Fleet, as if considering, measuring. His gaze isn't hard or hostile, though it seems mostly undefined and slightly wary- I haven't gone through anything for anyone. It's shit that happened. There wasn't a higher purpose to it. -he runs a hand through his hair- Just like you didn't fucked up by some rugby players for some higher purpose. Shit fucking happens.

fleet summers: No, that isn't true. Shit happened because I'm queer and they didn't like that. I don't believe in higher purposes but it did affect me because I'm me, and it changed me. Just like the Daybreakers changed you, and whatever else you've been through changed you. -he reaches out, holding Zack's hand that he'd run through his hair, his own hand locked on Zack's wrist; both dotted with red from the thorns- Every little thing changes us and now, with everything, we're changing together. That's why I want to know. I want to know you.

Zack Astor: Zack seems to stiffen just a little, though he doesn't pull away. Fleet's hands are small and almost delicate in comparison to his own, but similarly red and scratched up, covered in tiny red cuts. Fleet's palms feel soft against his skin as the other man holds his wrist. Zack doesn't turn his gaze downward, instead meeting Fleet's doe-eyed gaze- Okay. -he says, measuredly, as if working out how to handle this. Slowly, the stiffness in his shoulders seems to relax just enough- Alright. Maybe. Think you can live with that? Or are you gonna die of curiosity and go dig it up yourself? -he let's his wrist remain in Fleet's grasp as he speaks, not pulling away-

fleet summers: I can. I can be patient, for a time. -he rubs his thumb against Zack's inner wrist, turning his hand so it slips into Zack's, his fingers curling down into Zack's palm- I would ask other people if I thought it would be useful, but I already know what people say about you. I don't think anybody's account would tell me much. I wanna hear it from you, so, yes, alright maybe. 

Zack Astor: -Zack watches as their fingers ever so slightly interlock, curling into each other- Good.  -he considers Fleet for a few heartbeats longer before he pulls his hand away, pushing them into his pockets- Let's get back to town.

#with: zack #c: zack006 #plot:daybreakers #homophobia cw

[somecunttookmyurl]

gonna need you to elaborate on those 'famous people you've met' tags, queen. like what. what is your life.

god sorry this has probably been here all day but i’ve been belting out chicago songs all morning (the musical not the band) @scimmymunkeh can verify that my life, especially from like 2009-2014 (before i moved to scotland) was like. so weird.

in my misspent youth i travelled around the UK and europe seeing The Horrors just like. so many times. they were cheap enough to follow around on tour and i like travelling so that’s what i did. and i’m sufficiently not weird (lmao, i know right) as a person that i got to know them decently well (mostly rhys, tbf) so a some of it happened from that. side note - this actually gained me an honest to god real life stalker from tumblr who also lived in london and would like... see me out at the weekend and then send me anons about what i was doing? very weird time. anyway.

alex turner & miles kane - would go to cave club (a night ran primarily by rhys monthly) sometimes and because i am, again, not A Weirdo i’d be chilling with them. mostly miles, bc alex is pretty shy actually. but for some reason i truly do not know like don’t ask i have no idea every time miles and i got drunk we’d make plans to... buy... a pig? and raise it together? i think we were going to call it penny or peggy or something idk. quite what our plans were for co-parenting a FUCKING PIG in LONDON when we didn’t even live together were but. we really wanted to get a pig for some reason. technically i’ve also met alexa chung (this was WAY BACK when she was still dating alex) but she was deeply sus of any woman in his vicinity so just. left that one alone.

peaches geldof - was dating/later married a guy called thomas who was in a band called S.C.U.M. that rhys’ little brother was in. due to them being around all the time (also they were good listen to them) thomas and i knew each other. we weren’t friends or anything - mostly i was pals with sammy seven - but knew each other to talk to each other. something peaches apparently had a massive problem with because every time she saw me she’d shoot daggers at me across the room like oh my GOD i cannot express enough that i’m not interested in tom. chill. anyway she’s dead now.

i forgot about bobby gilespie (primal scream) and lou hayter (new young pony club) who also used to hang out at the cave.

adam ant - the first time i met him was at a 60s night. like literally an event called ‘le beat bespoke’. he was just... there? for some reason? i dunno. had a drink and a smoke with him. nice man. LITERALLY 2 weeks later on my actual 20th birthday i was at a night called ‘stay beautiful’ which was a heavily-manics-inspired regular event ran by music journalist simon price... adam ant turned up and did a ranom guerilla performance. which??? anyway he recognised me and we hung out for a bit again. he was VERY manic and off his meds at the time (adam ant is bipolar). invited me back to his hotel, nudge nudge wink, but uh. did not do that. as funny as “i boned adam ant once” would be as a story in my life............... no. dude’s old enough to be my dad. haven’t seen him since, just weird that it happened twice so close together in a city of 9 million people.

damon albarn - there was a very bizarre period of maybe 3-4 months where every time i went out i bumped into damon. like literally. every event i attended he was there. again, city of 9 million people, and we lived on opposite sides of it. permanently drunk, and asked me for a lighter every single time he saw me even though (at the time) i wasn’t smoking. at one point i bumped into him at waterloo train station like “okay that’s it i have to leave the city. i can never go outside again. this is getting fucking weird”. haven’t seen him since, either. on a related note i’ve met paul simeon as well.

richard oakes (suede) - saw suede a bunch of times and as one of the few people who love and appreciate richard oakes i always spoke to him and he was really excited about it and would remember the smallest details. had a backstage pass to a show in paris once. richard also has a side project called artmagic that i’ve seen and no matter how many years pass, he still recognises me and will run over like an excited puppy. met his parents twice, who are lovely people.

simon gilbert (suede) - similar but less dramatic, but will add fans on personal facebook if he’s seen you often enough bc he’s a lovely guy.

obviously i’ve also hung out with the rest of suede but didn’t interact with them as much. it’s mostly me x richard brotp 4eva.

sean patrick flanery (actor, boondock saints/mongolian death worm) - i made a joke about his hair being stuck in the 90s on twitter once and he’s followed me ever since which is at this point LITERALLY YEARS i really don’t understand.

#i'm not counting all the people i've met in a purely fan-creator setting #because that's a lot of people #however nicky wire knows me by name #'nicky wire is my dad' is a long-running joke #met all of pulp as well like #and i've met hozier #oh i've gotten WASTED with david keenan but he isn't that famous (yet) #he should be though go listen to david keenan #OH I FORGOT i've been at the same party as aidan gillen in dublin