Damien Flores

Indie OC, selective. 21+ interactions only. Please do not follow if you are uncomfortable with themes of substance use, abuse, and addiction. READ THE RULES BEFORE INTERACTING

[itworksifyouworkit]

[oscar-isaac-tooth-gap]

Love it whenever he just has the urge to hit that emote real quick.

[itworksifyouworkit]

Lock her in. Call her mom. You know what?? You know what? If he had to, for her own safety!

“Claire I’m serious I will..”

Not look terrified of the very very pregnant woman in front of him as if she were some sort of stampeding bull liable to be set off.

“—Call your mother.”

“Let’s see what she’d have to say about this?”

@heartbeattemple

[heartbeattemple]

You could hear a pin drop,

Claire in all her overdue twin pregnancy turned around slowly, jaw set as if she was on duty and had to deal with an unruly patient.

"...Vas a llamár a mi mamá?"

Voice steady and direct, she just needed to make sure she heard him correctly.

"Y decirle, que?" one slooow step forwards, having to lean an arm against every piece of furniture in the way or she would topple like a bowling pin.

[itworksifyouworkit]

Hands on his hips, it was like staring down a bull in the ring. Ready for the heavily pregnant woman to charge him.

“That you,” He continued steadily, somewhat. “Are not listening to what the doctor said is good for you.

That you even want to drive!” Insane was what it was, completely insane. But if he didn’t want this to go south he needed to change his tact.

Stepping forward himself he reached for her hands, seeing the way she needed to lean. “Baby.

Baby. I know you’re so strong, I know you could.. But, I- c’mon,” Inconvenient time for his brain to start stalling and he puffed out his lips in frustration, shook his head.

“Need you to stay here. And rest.

Where I can see you.” In case anything happened.

[heartbeattemple]

Damien's hands were lightly swatted away, and she took a deep breath through her nose and and ouuuuut through her mouth like she'd been taught to breathe and told numerous patients how to-

"Where you can see me? Well I'm hardly invisible, am I? Look at me.."

Gesturing at herself, the nurse looked a little helpless at the state of her.

"And and- There's things I got to do, like," her hand shot to the side towards nothing in particular, to direct his attention to something entirely else that needed to be done around their home.

"I can't just sit around and wait for them to get out." GOD they're taking forever!

Now, with that said. "Have you seen my car keys? I swear I put them over there..." last time they'd been in the fridge, so maybe that's where they were now.

[itworksifyouworkit]

He could see it, her mounting frustration, and the woman’s desperation to flee only growing clearer the more she talked. Restless, agitated.. afraid.

That was it, he was pretty sure.

“Claire, stop.”

He held up the keys, showing her he had them. “Mi amor, I need you to slow down.”

What was going on in her head? The place was unpacked, practically shining from top to bottom with every inch cleaned and ready for two newborns.

And with the days now past due..

It was all getting very real, huh? “You can’t drive.” He’s putting his foot down this time. “I’m sorry baby but it’s not gonna happen.

Why don’t you come for a walk with me instead, if you need to get out of here?”

[heartbeattemple]

The stern voice and the jingling of keys got her attention, and she tried to swipe at them, barely extending her arm before she was shut down by Damien's insistance.

Another long sigh left the inflated mother, lips pressing together as she fought, like really really fought to keep her emotions from flooding her eyes with tears.

"But..." quick breaths in and she's barely getting her words out through the soft whimpers and sniffles. "-itsnotevendone and we still have all of this to unpack!"

No, no it's not done and it's everything all over the place. Get your shit together, Claire.

A deep breath and she's back to arguing again.

"Why aren't they here yet,

it's like they know something I dont??"

[itworksifyouworkit]

Oh no… Claire please don’t

It was too late, and Damien exhaled softly. He hated seeing her cry, too sad too wrenching. And he reached for her, just as she’s back to arguing.

Only this time about their late babies.

Know something she did it?

“Ohh, now that’s silly. Baby.” Holding her face, trying to get her to crack a smile, to see his. “Baby, they’re just too comfy is all. That’s all they know.” He rubbed his hands up and down her arms.

It was impressive, amazing actually for a twin pregnancy to go so fully to term. And here Damien and the doctors had been worried all along that they’d come early.

“And we already unpacked so much, you know what? I don’t think they’re gonna judge you.. if maybe there’s still one or two boxes around. Huh?

That what you worried for?” He teased sweetly, giving her shoulders a gentle shake. “Cause if they give you a hard time about that, I got words for ‘em.”

Oh Claire.

This was hard. What was harder was, there was no way for him to make it lighter on her. She was the one carrying all of this, hardly able to breathe as normal let alone anything else.

“Sé que estás preocupada. Sé.

Me too it’s.. been a long wait.”

But it was going to be alright. It had to be.

[heartbeattemple]

Tears everywhere and Claire has no idea why she's being so frustrated over everything but, she looked into his eyes and knew everything would be okay.

And it did get a smile out of her, and she couldn't wait to see Damien with their little babies, whenever they were ready to come out.

Too comfy, huh?

"..yeah?"

Of course Damien worried. Just look at him. He had been looking a little more rougher lately, and having Theo at the clinic and progressing slower than anyone hoped.. Well it wasn't easy.

"Long.." sniffle and sigh. "Can you, make me a sandwich?

With the dressing and, raisins?"

[itworksifyouworkit]

Watching her carefully, a small smile broke across his own face when he saw her’s.

“yeah.”

A few small nods to show he was sincere. Worry, sometimes it felt like all he did was worry. As much as he tried to shield her from it with a show of confidence.. maybe it was better to let her know she wasn’t alone.

“Yeah, you got it.” Pulling her close as he could, though her stomach was enough to get in the way now, he pressed a long kiss to her forehead. “Only a little bit toasted, right?”

A squeeze of her shoulder and he walked over to the kitchen, the ingredients ready on hand for her pregnancy craving of choice.

“Go put your feet up. We can, uh- watch some dumb reality tv, turn off our brains for a while.” He suggested, spreading the homemade dressing over the bread.

[itworksifyouworkit]

Lock her in. Call her mom. You know what?? You know what? If he had to, for her own safety!

“Claire I’m serious I will..”

Not look terrified of the very very pregnant woman in front of him as if she were some sort of stampeding bull liable to be set off.

“—Call your mother.”

“Let’s see what she’d have to say about this?”

@heartbeattemple

[heartbeattemple]

You could hear a pin drop,

Claire in all her overdue twin pregnancy turned around slowly, jaw set as if she was on duty and had to deal with an unruly patient.

"...Vas a llamár a mi mamá?"

Voice steady and direct, she just needed to make sure she heard him correctly.

"Y decirle, que?" one slooow step forwards, having to lean an arm against every piece of furniture in the way or she would topple like a bowling pin.

[itworksifyouworkit]

Hands on his hips, it was like staring down a bull in the ring. Ready for the heavily pregnant woman to charge him.

“That you,” He continued steadily, somewhat. “Are not listening to what the doctor said is good for you.

That you even want to drive!” Insane was what it was, completely insane. But if he didn’t want this to go south he needed to change his tact.

Stepping forward himself he reached for her hands, seeing the way she needed to lean. “Baby.

Baby. I know you’re so strong, I know you could.. But, I- c’mon,” Inconvenient time for his brain to start stalling and he puffed out his lips in frustration, shook his head.

“Need you to stay here. And rest.

Where I can see you.” In case anything happened.

[heartbeattemple]

Damien's hands were lightly swatted away, and she took a deep breath through her nose and and ouuuuut through her mouth like she'd been taught to breathe and told numerous patients how to-

"Where you can see me? Well I'm hardly invisible, am I? Look at me.."

Gesturing at herself, the nurse looked a little helpless at the state of her.

"And and- There's things I got to do, like," her hand shot to the side towards nothing in particular, to direct his attention to something entirely else that needed to be done around their home.

"I can't just sit around and wait for them to get out." GOD they're taking forever!

Now, with that said. "Have you seen my car keys? I swear I put them over there..." last time they'd been in the fridge, so maybe that's where they were now.

[itworksifyouworkit]

He could see it, her mounting frustration, and the woman’s desperation to flee only growing clearer the more she talked. Restless, agitated.. afraid.

That was it, he was pretty sure.

“Claire, stop.”

He held up the keys, showing her he had them. “Mi amor, I need you to slow down.”

What was going on in her head? The place was unpacked, practically shining from top to bottom with every inch cleaned and ready for two newborns.

And with the days now past due..

It was all getting very real, huh? “You can’t drive.” He’s putting his foot down this time. “I’m sorry baby but it’s not gonna happen.

Why don’t you come for a walk with me instead, if you need to get out of here?”

[heartbeattemple]

The stern voice and the jingling of keys got her attention, and she tried to swipe at them, barely extending her arm before she was shut down by Damien's insistance.

Another long sigh left the inflated mother, lips pressing together as she fought, like really really fought to keep her emotions from flooding her eyes with tears.

"But..." quick breaths in and she's barely getting her words out through the soft whimpers and sniffles. "-itsnotevendone and we still have all of this to unpack!"

No, no it's not done and it's everything all over the place. Get your shit together, Claire.

A deep breath and she's back to arguing again.

"Why aren't they here yet,

it's like they know something I dont??"

[itworksifyouworkit]

Oh no… Claire please don’t

It was too late, and Damien exhaled softly. He hated seeing her cry, too sad too wrenching. And he reached for her, just as she’s back to arguing.

Only this time about their late babies.

Know something she did it?

“Ohh, now that’s silly. Baby.” Holding her face, trying to get her to crack a smile, to see his. “Baby, they’re just too comfy is all. That’s all they know.” He rubbed his hands up and down her arms.

It was impressive, amazing actually for a twin pregnancy to go so fully to term. And here Damien and the doctors had been worried all along that they’d come early.

“And we already unpacked so much, you know what? I don’t think they’re gonna judge you.. if maybe there’s still one or two boxes around. Huh?

That what you worried for?” He teased sweetly, giving her shoulders a gentle shake. “Cause if they give you a hard time about that, I got words for ‘em.”

Oh Claire.

This was hard. What was harder was, there was no way for him to make it lighter on her. She was the one carrying all of this, hardly able to breathe as normal let alone anything else.

“Sé que estás preocupada. Sé.

Me too it’s.. been a long wait.”

But it was going to be alright. It had to be.

[itworksifyouworkit]

Lock her in. Call her mom. You know what?? You know what? If he had to, for her own safety!

“Claire I’m serious I will..”

Not look terrified of the very very pregnant woman in front of him as if she were some sort of stampeding bull liable to be set off.

“—Call your mother.”

“Let’s see what she’d have to say about this?”

@heartbeattemple

[heartbeattemple]

You could hear a pin drop,

Claire in all her overdue twin pregnancy turned around slowly, jaw set as if she was on duty and had to deal with an unruly patient.

"...Vas a llamár a mi mamá?"

Voice steady and direct, she just needed to make sure she heard him correctly.

"Y decirle, que?" one slooow step forwards, having to lean an arm against every piece of furniture in the way or she would topple like a bowling pin.

[itworksifyouworkit]

Hands on his hips, it was like staring down a bull in the ring. Ready for the heavily pregnant woman to charge him.

“That you,” He continued steadily, somewhat. “Are not listening to what the doctor said is good for you.

That you even want to drive!” Insane was what it was, completely insane. But if he didn’t want this to go south he needed to change his tact.

Stepping forward himself he reached for her hands, seeing the way she needed to lean. “Baby.

Baby. I know you’re so strong, I know you could.. But, I- c’mon,” Inconvenient time for his brain to start stalling and he puffed out his lips in frustration, shook his head.

“Need you to stay here. And rest.

Where I can see you.” In case anything happened.

[heartbeattemple]

Damien's hands were lightly swatted away, and she took a deep breath through her nose and and ouuuuut through her mouth like she'd been taught to breathe and told numerous patients how to-

"Where you can see me? Well I'm hardly invisible, am I? Look at me.."

Gesturing at herself, the nurse looked a little helpless at the state of her.

"And and- There's things I got to do, like," her hand shot to the side towards nothing in particular, to direct his attention to something entirely else that needed to be done around their home.

"I can't just sit around and wait for them to get out." GOD they're taking forever!

Now, with that said. "Have you seen my car keys? I swear I put them over there..." last time they'd been in the fridge, so maybe that's where they were now.

[itworksifyouworkit]

He could see it, her mounting frustration, and the woman’s desperation to flee only growing clearer the more she talked. Restless, agitated.. afraid.

That was it, he was pretty sure.

“Claire, stop.”

He held up the keys, showing her he had them. “Mi amor, I need you to slow down.”

What was going on in her head? The place was unpacked, practically shining from top to bottom with every inch cleaned and ready for two newborns.

And with the days now past due..

It was all getting very real, huh? “You can’t drive.” He’s putting his foot down this time. “I’m sorry baby but it’s not gonna happen.

Why don’t you come for a walk with me instead, if you need to get out of here?”

[itworksifyouworkit]

Lock her in. Call her mom. You know what?? You know what? If he had to, for her own safety!

“Claire I’m serious I will..”

Not look terrified of the very very pregnant woman in front of him as if she were some sort of stampeding bull liable to be set off.

“—Call your mother.”

“Let’s see what she’d have to say about this?”

@heartbeattemple

[heartbeattemple]

You could hear a pin drop,

Claire in all her overdue twin pregnancy turned around slowly, jaw set as if she was on duty and had to deal with an unruly patient.

"...Vas a llamár a mi mamá?"

Voice steady and direct, she just needed to make sure she heard him correctly.

"Y decirle, que?" one slooow step forwards, having to lean an arm against every piece of furniture in the way or she would topple like a bowling pin.

[itworksifyouworkit]

Hands on his hips, it was like staring down a bull in the ring. Ready for the heavily pregnant woman to charge him.

“That you,” He continued steadily, somewhat. “Are not listening to what the doctor said is good for you.

That you even want to drive!” Insane was what it was, completely insane. But if he didn’t want this to go south he needed to change his tact.

Stepping forward himself he reached for her hands, seeing the way she needed to lean. “Baby.

Baby. I know you’re so strong, I know you could.. But, I- c’mon,” Inconvenient time for his brain to start stalling and he puffed out his lips in frustration, shook his head.

“Need you to stay here. And rest.

Where I can see you.” In case anything happened.

[itworksifyouworkit]

“So listen, Theo.” They had to talk and Damien was as going to have to make something very clear. He knew the boy, knew the insecure spot he was in, but hopefully this could help in some small part.

Make it clear what to expect.

“The babies are coming, any day now.” Poor Claire was overdue as it was. “…And I’m not going to be able to come in here every day, the way I’ve been.

They’re really gonna be needing my hands, uh- right there, on deck. pretty constantly.”

@theo-ry

[theo-ry]

ya lo ves

otra vez.

"all hands on deck.." he mumbled followed by the slight turn of his head to hide the way his smile didn't show any excitement for those new babies.

how could he be. Was Damien hoping for that? to see his dad was on his way to take care of his new family?

as well as therapy was going for him, he tried to apply any kind of understanding or forgiveness or acceptance to this,

but he just felt like being fucking annoyed.

look at this guy.

"well, enjoy it. as long as it lasts."

[itworksifyouworkit]

As long as it lasts..

Listen, he wasn’t accepting excitement from the kid. Not even really a vague sense of it. Was he’d come to respect was some of this bitterness, the anticipation of being left behind.

Well that wasn’t going to happen.

“I’m still going to be coming in here. As many days as week as possible, you understand?

And you’ll be able to call me. Anytime.”

[theo-ry]

Yeah right.

Seguro que si. That Damien would have the time, or energy, or chance to head out to see his long forgotten son.

"Sure, sure.." with a mumble, the boy wasn't going to apologize for not holding his breath this time, expecting his dad wouldn't.... lose track of his family.

Their first one.

"You try that, and.. I'll be here, counting the minutes and hours, and days, for you to give a shit about me again-

Claire all good with that? Or are you leaving her with two babies to look after?

[itworksifyouworkit]

Este niño..

“Theo, you’re my firstborn son.

She knows that. I know that. Nobody’s losing track, or a shit about you.” But he knew that just words wouldn’t cut it. He’d just have to keep proving it to him.

“I was thinking now and again, maybe you’d like me to bring them.

To meet you.

No pressure, but. Does that sound like something that could be alright?

They’ll be.. your little siblings.”

[theo-ry]

Firstborn in a line of others. Theo wasn't sure how much weight he could put on those words.

He almost laughed.

Was he serious?

"What— No.

No, I really don't.

What, made you think I wanted to? To take care of them while you're gone, or- Give you some peace of mind that I'm okay with this??"

God, he couldn't even imagine-

"We're not a big happy family! Not anymore. No matter how hard you try. Got it?"

[itworksifyouworkit]

To take care of.. and there the kid went, spinning this in several directions it wasn’t supposed to go.

“To meet them.” He repeated.

He listened to the boy’s tirade, half listened anyway. But Theo was trying to drive home a point, and Damien gave him a nod to show he understood.

“No matter how hard I try.

You don’t want to be a family. Is that it?”

Funny. How in conflict that was with, everything. Well Damien would have to keep coming around and trying.

[theo-ry]

Didn't want to be a family— The young man scoffed, abruptly shutting off and turning his attention to something else before he..

said something he'd regret.

Once upon a time, that was the only thing he had wanted. To be together, to be whole. Find that missing part, the one needed to make sure none of it shifted again, so it wouldn't collapse.

"What I want, doesn't matter." look at where he was. Look at where he was going, where he almost ended up.

And none of it seemed to... Matter.

"I mean- I don't want to, meet them. That's not me, that's you. Your family.

I have a sister already."

Speaking of, "You ask her the same thing?"

[itworksifyouworkit]

‘What I want, doesn’t matter.’

Damien pressed his lips together, saying nothing. Clearly it did matter. A great deal, or they wouldn’t even be sitting here- he wanted to add.

But he let the boy move on.

“Yeah, I asked her.” He’d been, really trying. Keeping up communications with everyone, now that they were being picked up again. Not to bounce in and out of their lives.

“It’s alright. If you don’t want to. Moreso.. this was to give you a heads up on what to expect.

And, that I’ll still be around.

Even if I can’t come as much.”

[theo-ry]

So Andrea knew. Bet she was over the moon. A huff left his lips, battling with the nagging feeling of... Of unfairness and frustration that no one else was against this.

Not even his mom?

"Well, great then. Thanks for the heads up.

Uh, good luck. Congrats. See you.. whenever." bitterly the words left his mouth, straining to keep himself from imploding, he just,

wanted to be left alone.

"I have.. a session I need to go to, so.." please just go.

[itworksifyouworkit]

Great.

Great great great..

By now the older man knew not to push, he just.. watched his son struggle taking it in. Okay.

“Alright, kid.”

So who knew when the next time he’d see him be. What day the twins would get here.. if it would be a while.

Or maybe he’d be able to come back tomorrow same as every day.

Maybe.

“See you soon.” He settled on, and rose to his feet to go.

[itworksifyouworkit]

“So listen, Theo.” They had to talk and Damien was as going to have to make something very clear. He knew the boy, knew the insecure spot he was in, but hopefully this could help in some small part.

Make it clear what to expect.

“The babies are coming, any day now.” Poor Claire was overdue as it was. “…And I’m not going to be able to come in here every day, the way I’ve been.

They’re really gonna be needing my hands, uh- right there, on deck. pretty constantly.”

@theo-ry

[theo-ry]

ya lo ves

otra vez.

"all hands on deck.." he mumbled followed by the slight turn of his head to hide the way his smile didn't show any excitement for those new babies.

how could he be. Was Damien hoping for that? to see his dad was on his way to take care of his new family?

as well as therapy was going for him, he tried to apply any kind of understanding or forgiveness or acceptance to this,

but he just felt like being fucking annoyed.

look at this guy.

"well, enjoy it. as long as it lasts."

[itworksifyouworkit]

As long as it lasts..

Listen, he wasn’t accepting excitement from the kid. Not even really a vague sense of it. Was he’d come to respect was some of this bitterness, the anticipation of being left behind.

Well that wasn’t going to happen.

“I’m still going to be coming in here. As many days as week as possible, you understand?

And you’ll be able to call me. Anytime.”

[theo-ry]

Yeah right.

Seguro que si. That Damien would have the time, or energy, or chance to head out to see his long forgotten son.

"Sure, sure.." with a mumble, the boy wasn't going to apologize for not holding his breath this time, expecting his dad wouldn't.... lose track of his family.

Their first one.

"You try that, and.. I'll be here, counting the minutes and hours, and days, for you to give a shit about me again-

Claire all good with that? Or are you leaving her with two babies to look after?

[itworksifyouworkit]

Este niño..

“Theo, you’re my firstborn son.

She knows that. I know that. Nobody’s losing track, or a shit about you.” But he knew that just words wouldn’t cut it. He’d just have to keep proving it to him.

“I was thinking now and again, maybe you’d like me to bring them.

To meet you.

No pressure, but. Does that sound like something that could be alright?

They’ll be.. your little siblings.”

[theo-ry]

Firstborn in a line of others. Theo wasn't sure how much weight he could put on those words.

He almost laughed.

Was he serious?

"What— No.

No, I really don't.

What, made you think I wanted to? To take care of them while you're gone, or- Give you some peace of mind that I'm okay with this??"

God, he couldn't even imagine-

"We're not a big happy family! Not anymore. No matter how hard you try. Got it?"

[itworksifyouworkit]

To take care of.. and there the kid went, spinning this in several directions it wasn’t supposed to go.

“To meet them.” He repeated.

He listened to the boy’s tirade, half listened anyway. But Theo was trying to drive home a point, and Damien gave him a nod to show he understood.

“No matter how hard I try.

You don’t want to be a family. Is that it?”

Funny. How in conflict that was with, everything. Well Damien would have to keep coming around and trying.

[theo-ry]

Didn't want to be a family— The young man scoffed, abruptly shutting off and turning his attention to something else before he..

said something he'd regret.

Once upon a time, that was the only thing he had wanted. To be together, to be whole. Find that missing part, the one needed to make sure none of it shifted again, so it wouldn't collapse.

"What I want, doesn't matter." look at where he was. Look at where he was going, where he almost ended up.

And none of it seemed to... Matter.

"I mean- I don't want to, meet them. That's not me, that's you. Your family.

I have a sister already."

Speaking of, "You ask her the same thing?"

[itworksifyouworkit]

‘What I want, doesn’t matter.’

Damien pressed his lips together, saying nothing. Clearly it did matter. A great deal, or they wouldn’t even be sitting here- he wanted to add.

But he let the boy move on.

“Yeah, I asked her.” He’d been, really trying. Keeping up communications with everyone, now that they were being picked up again. Not to bounce in and out of their lives.

“It’s alright. If you don’t want to. Moreso.. this was to give you a heads up on what to expect.

And, that I’ll still be around.

Even if I can’t come as much.”

[itworksifyouworkit]

“So listen, Theo.” They had to talk and Damien was as going to have to make something very clear. He knew the boy, knew the insecure spot he was in, but hopefully this could help in some small part.

Make it clear what to expect.

“The babies are coming, any day now.” Poor Claire was overdue as it was. “…And I’m not going to be able to come in here every day, the way I’ve been.

They’re really gonna be needing my hands, uh- right there, on deck. pretty constantly.”

@theo-ry

[theo-ry]

ya lo ves

otra vez.

"all hands on deck.." he mumbled followed by the slight turn of his head to hide the way his smile didn't show any excitement for those new babies.

how could he be. Was Damien hoping for that? to see his dad was on his way to take care of his new family?

as well as therapy was going for him, he tried to apply any kind of understanding or forgiveness or acceptance to this,

but he just felt like being fucking annoyed.

look at this guy.

"well, enjoy it. as long as it lasts."

[itworksifyouworkit]

As long as it lasts..

Listen, he wasn’t accepting excitement from the kid. Not even really a vague sense of it. Was he’d come to respect was some of this bitterness, the anticipation of being left behind.

Well that wasn’t going to happen.

“I’m still going to be coming in here. As many days as week as possible, you understand?

And you’ll be able to call me. Anytime.”

[theo-ry]

Yeah right.

Seguro que si. That Damien would have the time, or energy, or chance to head out to see his long forgotten son.

"Sure, sure.." with a mumble, the boy wasn't going to apologize for not holding his breath this time, expecting his dad wouldn't.... lose track of his family.

Their first one.

"You try that, and.. I'll be here, counting the minutes and hours, and days, for you to give a shit about me again-

Claire all good with that? Or are you leaving her with two babies to look after?

[itworksifyouworkit]

Este niño..

“Theo, you’re my firstborn son.

She knows that. I know that. Nobody’s losing track, or a shit about you.” But he knew that just words wouldn’t cut it. He’d just have to keep proving it to him.

“I was thinking now and again, maybe you’d like me to bring them.

To meet you.

No pressure, but. Does that sound like something that could be alright?

They’ll be.. your little siblings.”

[theo-ry]

Firstborn in a line of others. Theo wasn't sure how much weight he could put on those words.

He almost laughed.

Was he serious?

"What— No.

No, I really don't.

What, made you think I wanted to? To take care of them while you're gone, or- Give you some peace of mind that I'm okay with this??"

God, he couldn't even imagine-

"We're not a big happy family! Not anymore. No matter how hard you try. Got it?"

[itworksifyouworkit]

To take care of.. and there the kid went, spinning this in several directions it wasn’t supposed to go.

“To meet them.” He repeated.

He listened to the boy’s tirade, half listened anyway. But Theo was trying to drive home a point, and Damien gave him a nod to show he understood.

“No matter how hard I try.

You don’t want to be a family. Is that it?”

Funny. How in conflict that was with, everything. Well Damien would have to keep coming around and trying.

[itworksifyouworkit]

“So listen, Theo.” They had to talk and Damien was as going to have to make something very clear. He knew the boy, knew the insecure spot he was in, but hopefully this could help in some small part.

Make it clear what to expect.

“The babies are coming, any day now.” Poor Claire was overdue as it was. “…And I’m not going to be able to come in here every day, the way I’ve been.

They’re really gonna be needing my hands, uh- right there, on deck. pretty constantly.”

@theo-ry

[theo-ry]

ya lo ves

otra vez.

"all hands on deck.." he mumbled followed by the slight turn of his head to hide the way his smile didn't show any excitement for those new babies.

how could he be. Was Damien hoping for that? to see his dad was on his way to take care of his new family?

as well as therapy was going for him, he tried to apply any kind of understanding or forgiveness or acceptance to this,

but he just felt like being fucking annoyed.

look at this guy.

"well, enjoy it. as long as it lasts."

[itworksifyouworkit]

As long as it lasts..

Listen, he wasn’t accepting excitement from the kid. Not even really a vague sense of it. Was he’d come to respect was some of this bitterness, the anticipation of being left behind.

Well that wasn’t going to happen.

“I’m still going to be coming in here. As many days as week as possible, you understand?

And you’ll be able to call me. Anytime.”

[theo-ry]

Yeah right.

Seguro que si. That Damien would have the time, or energy, or chance to head out to see his long forgotten son.

"Sure, sure.." with a mumble, the boy wasn't going to apologize for not holding his breath this time, expecting his dad wouldn't.... lose track of his family.

Their first one.

"You try that, and.. I'll be here, counting the minutes and hours, and days, for you to give a shit about me again-

Claire all good with that? Or are you leaving her with two babies to look after?

[itworksifyouworkit]

Este niño..

“Theo, you’re my firstborn son.

She knows that. I know that. Nobody’s losing track, or a shit about you.” But he knew that just words wouldn’t cut it. He’d just have to keep proving it to him.

“I was thinking now and again, maybe you’d like me to bring them.

To meet you.

No pressure, but. Does that sound like something that could be alright?

They’ll be.. your little siblings.”

[itworksifyouworkit]

You looked disheveled.

You feeling alright?

“I’m still worried about Theo.

And I’m waiting for twin babies to come out of Claire any minute. Sure I’ve been more.. sheveled.”

[itworksifyouworkit]

“So listen, Theo.” They had to talk and Damien was as going to have to make something very clear. He knew the boy, knew the insecure spot he was in, but hopefully this could help in some small part.

Make it clear what to expect.

“The babies are coming, any day now.” Poor Claire was overdue as it was. “…And I’m not going to be able to come in here every day, the way I’ve been.

They’re really gonna be needing my hands, uh- right there, on deck. pretty constantly.”

@theo-ry

[theo-ry]

ya lo ves

otra vez.

"all hands on deck.." he mumbled followed by the slight turn of his head to hide the way his smile didn't show any excitement for those new babies.

how could he be. Was Damien hoping for that? to see his dad was on his way to take care of his new family?

as well as therapy was going for him, he tried to apply any kind of understanding or forgiveness or acceptance to this,

but he just felt like being fucking annoyed.

look at this guy.

"well, enjoy it. as long as it lasts."

[itworksifyouworkit]

As long as it lasts..

Listen, he wasn’t accepting excitement from the kid. Not even really a vague sense of it. Was he’d come to respect was some of this bitterness, the anticipation of being left behind.

Well that wasn’t going to happen.

“I’m still going to be coming in here. As many days as week as possible, you understand?

And you’ll be able to call me. Anytime.”

[itworksifyouworkit]

“So listen, Theo.” They had to talk and Damien was as going to have to make something very clear. He knew the boy, knew the insecure spot he was in, but hopefully this could help in some small part.

Make it clear what to expect.

“The babies are coming, any day now.” Poor Claire was overdue as it was. “…And I’m not going to be able to come in here every day, the way I’ve been.

They’re really gonna be needing my hands, uh- right there, on deck. pretty constantly.”

@theo-ry

[itworksifyouworkit]

Do you think Theo will actually get to go back home soon?

“Yeah, I think he will..”

Soon, how soon was soon? He wished they’d update him more, the father truly had not much idea of when..

“Soon.”

[itworksifyouworkit]

Lock her in. Call her mom. You know what?? You know what? If he had to, for her own safety!

“Claire I’m serious I will..”

Not look terrified of the very very pregnant woman in front of him as if she were some sort of stampeding bull liable to be set off.

“—Call your mother.”

“Let’s see what she’d have to say about this?”

@heartbeattemple

[itworksifyouworkit]

“Hey thermostat guy!

Tell it to turn back up. It’s cold.” Some of them were trying to get some sleep.

@theo-ry

[theo-ry]

ya wey..

"then ask for a blanket! Why you bugging me about it?"

[itworksifyouworkit]

“Not asking these guy for shit.”

But moreso, he just wanted to see for himself what he’d heard.

Damien had always had a knack for this stuff, but this guy could talk to tech?

“They won’t give me anything anyway.” They’d learned that the hard way. Last time the slippery young man had almost made it out completely.

“They said you talk to machines.” He crossed his arms, casually hiding the intense interest this caused. “They talk to you back?”

[theo-ry]

Oof, tough shit. The guy must be a slippery one. How come he hadn't seen him befo- Oh, right. Nevermind.

Sensing them behind, Theo turned around, ready to pick a fight.

"who's ask..ing?"

Wait. Did he know the other guy? Yeah, from somewhere. What the hell, they looked so familiar.

Kind faced. But really ingenious.

"what do you do? Ask questions?"

[itworksifyouworkit]

The boy turned around and Damien gave a squint. Guy actually looked familiar. Like, uncanny familiar. Resemblance..? Huh.

“…Primo?” Just a wild guess as good as any, there wasn’t any shortage of cousins running around.

“So what, like you not bored in here too.” He scoffed.

What did he do?

“I think of shit.” A glance over his shoulder, over at the doorway and up along the windows. “I’m an engineer.” Well, one day. What he was thinking of now was engineering a way out of here.

“So can you?” He demanded.

[theo-ry]

primo.. yeah, why not. They looked familial enough. Still, Theo treaded with caution.

The kid thought?

Well that's, sick. "An engineer, huh? My d-" interrupted by the other boy's question, Theo pushed his thoughts aside.

"yeah? But.. there's nothing in here for me to talk to. They took away my thermostat privileges." He missed talking to Kelvin.

"they have stuff for that, you know. the thinking." he slumped into a seat, on a completely different energy level than the other boy.

[itworksifyouworkit]

Took away his thermostat privileges? Bummer.

“So lame.”

He slumped back in another nearby chair, those his energy decidedly less laid back about it all. Still scanning, he groaned and rubbed his eyes.

“They cut me off tech too.

BOZOS.” He called down the hall to make sure he’d be heard. “Has to be some kind of violation of our rights. I’m entitled to a phone call!” Damien called out.

Then he whirled back to glance at the other boy at a new thought. This guy looked like he’d been here longer, maybe he’d know where he could find..

“There’s gotta be a pay-phone or something in here, right?”

[itworksifyouworkit]

“Hey thermostat guy!

Tell it to turn back up. It’s cold.” Some of them were trying to get some sleep.

@theo-ry

[theo-ry]

ya wey..

"then ask for a blanket! Why you bugging me about it?"

[itworksifyouworkit]

“Not asking these guy for shit.”

But moreso, he just wanted to see for himself what he’d heard.

Damien had always had a knack for this stuff, but this guy could talk to tech?

“They won’t give me anything anyway.” They’d learned that the hard way. Last time the slippery young man had almost made it out completely.

“They said you talk to machines.” He crossed his arms, casually hiding the intense interest this caused. “They talk to you back?”

[theo-ry]

Oof, tough shit. The guy must be a slippery one. How come he hadn't seen him befo- Oh, right. Nevermind.

Sensing them behind, Theo turned around, ready to pick a fight.

"who's ask..ing?"

Wait. Did he know the other guy? Yeah, from somewhere. What the hell, they looked so familiar.

Kind faced. But really ingenious.

"what do you do? Ask questions?"

[itworksifyouworkit]

The boy turned around and Damien gave a squint. Guy actually looked familiar. Like, uncanny familiar. Resemblance..? Huh.

“…Primo?” Just a wild guess as good as any, there wasn’t any shortage of cousins running around.

“So what, like you not bored in here too.” He scoffed.

What did he do?

“I think of shit.” A glance over his shoulder, over at the doorway and up along the windows. “I’m an engineer.” Well, one day. What he was thinking of now was engineering a way out of here.

“So can you?” He demanded.