Bienvenue mes amis

I'm Nick LaVoie. Designated driver and all round nanny at 141 parties. At work I'm a demolitions expert and the guy you want to be stood next to if you take a bullet. Out of work I try to make sure Toad doesn't get his pretty teeth punched out. Don't ask me which job is hardest...

[ozoneofthe141-blog]

@rookofthe141 continued from [x]

Calling Chris a brother had always brought with it a certain kind of chaos. This wasn’t the first time Nick had dragged him back to bed and he was pretty sure that it wouldn’t be the last either. That hedonistic streak Chris possessed was always getting him into trouble, one way or the other and Nick generally took pride in the fact that he was the one who was able to pick up the pieces. 

Recently however, Chris had been drinking more frequently and in larger volumes. He said that he was fine when questioned, but anyone who knew him, really knew him at least could see through that lie in an instant. Archer was back, sure, but their relationship was hardly repaired. Chris was floundering, caught between wanting Jeff and being too terrified and frustrated all at once to actually tell him what he was feeling. Nick only knew himself thanks to Chris and his habit of drunkenly rambling on nights like these. 

That particular night, Chris had crawled into bed with a sleeping Nick and had then been completely confused when Nick threw him out of it. He’d mumbled something incomprehensible at which point Nick had been forced to haul his ass up from the floor and practically drag him back to the room he shared with Oli. 

He felt more than a little exposed standing their outside Chris’ bedroom door, stood in his pyjama pants and little else whilst his friend swayed beside him. At least the joke and smile Oli greeted him with helped put him at ease, even if the other man’s voice sounded almost weary with concern. There was a certain solidarity in the fact that Chris represented something important for both of them, a bond already existing between them even though they’d hardly crossed paths until now. 

“He likes to crawl in my bed and scare me half to death if that’s what you mean.” He laughed gently, guiding Chris by the arm and over to his bed. “If he tries the same with you I recommend spraying him with water, if nothing else it’ll sober him up.” 

[hoechlin]

Jai Courtney for Interview Magazine

[metalzerotruck]

They are coming to the end of their allotted time here, and still no agreement has been reached. For weeks, Truck and his men have sat through talk after talk, listening as their Earls debate the benefits and costs of a joint raid. Even for a patient man, it grows tiresome. Others of their party have found entertainment or companionship here–hospitality has not been lacking–but for Truck, anxiety about the alliance has made it difficult to think of such things.

Trust is a fragile thing when every man is thirsty for glory. That is why it is Truck who must test the sturdiness of this allegiance before an agreement is struck–because glory for him can only be won in battle, not in cunning politics, not in being a leader of villages or farms but in the fearless strength of arms. He can be trusted, and he knows how and whether to trust.

And that is why he will not approach the Earl. No one would call Chris deceitful, he thinks, nor cruel nor unwilling to meet the terms of an alliance. But the man talks like his words are wine to make Truck’s people unsteady, and he equivocates and goes backward and forward until they are unsure what terms, exactly, they are agreeing to. He has a charming way about him, Truck thinks with a smile, but he is not the one with whom the real alliance should be struck.

No, it’s the Earl’s steady right hand, his brother, whether in name or otherwise, who stands calmest at the negotiations and speaks in the evenest tones, whose words the Earl always attends and whose recommendations seem always to meet with approval. Nick is the one to whom Truck must appeal if they have any desire to make this alliance strong.

He finds him at the edge of the firelight, where a mixed group of Nick’s people and his own are drinking and carrying on as though they have been raiding together for many seasons. Truck stands beside Nick and watches the men with a smile.

“They act like friends already,” he observes quietly, for Nick’s hearing alone. “If only the Earls’ negotiations went so easily. Easier to make friends, I suppose, than to form alliances,” he adds with a shrug. “There is more at stake. Still, I would like to leave with the promise of a welcome return, if only so that these friendships may not be severed.”

[ozoneofthe141-blog]

“And yet alliances are easier to break than friendships, don’t you think?” Nick smiles, glancing up from the firelight with soft eyes and greeting his newest friend with a gracious nod. In his hands lie his large, two handed axe and a whetstone to sharpen its edge, the blade gleaming in the firelight. 

His life might be fated, known to the Wise One alone and yet Nick still marvels at how his life has turned and twisted before his eyes, taking him to places and new heights that he never thought to achieve. Years before his axe helped his closest of friends, his brother usurp an Earl, bringing them both more power than they’d dared to imagine. Now he is a warrior still, but suddenly a diplomat too, offering words of wisdom instead of speaking through violence alone. What troubles him the most is that he almost prefers it over the blood and glory that battle brings, even when every inch of him longs to be back raiding alongside his brothers and sisters, locked in the simplicity of battle rather than the complexities of politics. 

The Earl is slow to trust and although Nick understands it, it frustrates him now. They need ships for the summer’s raid, as well as men to sail with them. An alliance with an Earl of equal standing, one whose territories lie so close is something they strongly consider. 

Perhaps it is because he trusts this envoy more than he should, but Nick feels an affinity with the man. Truck appears to be a kindred spirit, a famous warrior, but also one who can command words as well as men. He has been patient, incredibly for as long as his men have remained within the village, although even Nick can see that patience beginning to wane. One man can only endure so much, it is true. 

“You’ve shown your good faith, it is true. And I believe... for whatever it is worth, that you should sail with us as allies.The Earl will come to believe it too... in time.”

[ozoneofthe141-blog]

Do you worry that Truck is too involved with War and the other MES kids?

“Sure I worry, when it comes to Truck I always will. He talks about me and my big heart, but the thing is, you’ve got to remember that Truck’s got a big heart too. Maybe even bigger than mine. There’s more than enough room in there for all the MES kids, which is great because if there’s one thing those kids need, its one hell of a lot of love. Love that Truck’s got it in him to give. Trouble is, they could break his heart so easily too, and that’s why I worry. 

That shouldn’t stop him from being involved with them though, don’t misunderstand me. Truck’s going to love those kids whether you tell him it’s right or wrong and he should love them too, in my opinion at least. The best I can do is support him and support them as well as I can I guess.”

[dan-feuerriegels-source]

Pacemaker checked & functioning perfectly. 5 years since last operation & only 50% battery used. This ain’t no Apple product 😝😂 #batterylife #CongenitalHeartBlock #Pacemaker

[meowarchived]

Interact with my muse!

👀: Have a staring contest with them.

👈: Poke them.

✍: Draw a picture of them.

👅: Make a funny face at them.

👻: Sneak up behind them and scare them.

💤: Fall asleep and use their shoulder as a pillow.

👑: Put a crown on their head.

💋: Give them a smooch.

💐: Give them a bouquet of flowers.

✨: Throw glitter at them.

💧: Splash water on them.

💥: Pop a blown-up paper bag next to them.

🧀: Tell them a cheesy joke. (heh)

🍽: Invite them to dinner.

🎟: Take them to the movies.

🎤: Sing them a song.

📱: Send them a text.

📸: Take a picture of them.

💡: Flick the lightswitch on and off in the room they’re in.

🛏:Climb into bed with them.

🎁: Give them a present.

🎉: Throw them a surprise party.

📖: Read them a story.

🖊: Draw on them while they’re sleeping.

[inboxideas]

What drew you to my OC?

There are tons out there, so tell me what you liked about mine.

submitted by anonymous

[ozoneofthe141-blog]

Do you think that things generally work out for the best, even if it doesn't seem like it at the time?

“I don’t see the point in thinking about things negatively, if that’s what you mean. 

Look… for me, life’s about counting your blessings and looking at the silver lining. I’m a realist, I know that not everything is life is destined to go the way you want it to and sure, I know that there are things a positive mental attitude just can’t fix. But I also know from experience that the night is darkest before the dawn. Life’s just too short to waste today worrying about what might happen tomorrow. I sure don’t want to go out like that, at any rate.”

[kiwimidnight]

[ozoneofthe141-blog]

mymadnesswon:

Apologies, we were…. Ah, we were – we were, we were just – we –

[ozoneofthe141-blog]

What do you think about Ames?

“Ames is my friend and I love him for it. He’s important to me because of who he is. He’s a good man, a very strong man, deeply intelligent and knowledgeable, independent although he needs his friends more than he likes to admit. He has the ability to see so much in people and yet so little in himself and I think that’s why he needs us, to show him his reflection and remind him that we care. Speaking with Ames just reminds me of home, even if he does insult my accent.”

[ozoneofthe141-blog]

What do you believe in?

“My friends, my family, Truck. I believe in the good in people, I believe that if we work hard enough we can leave this world a little bit better off than when we joined it. As for my actual faith, I believe in God, but not in the conventional way in which I was brought up. I believe that there’s a path for all of us and I believe that things happen for a reason.”

[ozoneofthe141-blog]

metalzerotruck:

[Sass: *does trick replies*

Me:

[I don’t know what flatters me more, the fact that I make you have this reaction in the first place or the fact that you think I am attractive enough to be Tom Ellis ;) But yes, I am throwing all the trick at you because I’m feeling a little low tonight and I need the joy and happiness (also I’m sorry for not playing much Nick recently)]

[ozoneofthe141-blog]

"Are you one of Chris's friends? Are you with the 141?"

“Ahhh, my reputation proceeds me, huh?” Nick laughed. “Yeah, I’m unlucky enough to be considered one of Chris’ best friends, the guy who always has to carry his drunk ass back to base.” He held out a hand, grinning at her kindly. “Nicolas LaVoie, but please, call me Nick. Combat medic in the 141. I take it you’re new around here?” 

[ozoneofthe141-blog]

askwar:

ozoneofthe141:

askwar:

War laughed. She had briefly met Chris but he struck her as the kind of guy Nick had just described. He seemed like the kind who lived to party. She smiled and shook his hand. “Yeah, I’m fairly new here. I’m War,” she introduced herself.

Nick looked at her curiously, his face more than a little unsure. “War… that’s your callsign, right? What’s your name? If… y’know, if it’s not rude for me to ask of course.”

“Uh…” She hesitated a moment before replying. “I don’t have one. It’s just War.” Her name was always embarrassing to explain. Connor at least had a normal name so nobody really questioned it but when she gave hers people figured she was lying or it was her callsign.

“Just War?” Nick wavered at that. As a rule, he never referred to anyone by their callsign outside of operations, it just felt... dehumanising. For Nick, Ozone was the man who killed and did all the things he was least proud of, whilst Nick was the man who cared for his friends and loved his boyfriend. 

“Forgive me, if I embarrassed you. That just... wasn’t what I was expecting.” He gave her a soft smile. “In any case, it’s nice to meet you. Are you settling into the base OK? Most of us are pretty approachable, so if you have any problems, just ask.”

[ozoneofthe141-blog]

metalzerotruck:

“You’re not wrong,” Truck answered, closing the door behind him. Normally, he might of let himself collapse on the bed next to Nick, but he was too keyed up. He folded his arms and leaned against the door, trying to figure out where to start.

“One of the MES kids needs you,” he finally said. “War. She’s all beat up…” he gestured to his face. “Can’t tell if anything’s broken, and she’d rather not go to the infirmary if she doesn’t have to. I told her you’d take a look. Nick, her CO did it.” Truck was still confused and angry–even as he was saying it, it didn’t make sense to him. “Apparently it’s his training MO–she says it’s how he keeps them in line.”

ozoneofthe141

Nick definitely didn’t like that look. Truck was usually so free and easy, but now he was wound up and anxious, everything about his body language closed up. It wasn’t like he was closed off towards Nick, rather that he was trying to control himself in the only way he knew how. 

“War...” Nick cut off mid sentence, listening to Truck’s words. His face twisted in disgust, his brain desperately trying to keep up with what he was saying. What was this? A return to the archaic days of corporal punishment. Nick’s blood was already starting to boil. War was young, he knew that, but that didn’t matter here. No one deserved to be treated like this, certainly not by a figure of authority. 

“Of course I’ll take a look.” He was already standing up, heading straight for his closet and grabbing the first aid kit that he kept inside. Usually he only used it to clean up the drunken injuries that Chris brought on himself some nights, never on something like this. “I’ll... be as sensitive as I can be. So long as its... relatively superficial.” He grimaced at even having to say the word. “She shouldn’t need the infirmary. But if there’s anything even the slightest bit off... I’ve got to call Lara. She’s the trained doctor, not me.” He stepped towards Truck, resting a hand on his shoulder and squeezing it tight. He looked at him for a moment, wishing there was something he could say to take the fire out of his eyes. Settling on saying nothing, he leaned forwards, pressing a gentle kiss to Truck’s lips. 

“Where is she?”

metalzerotruck

[ozoneofthe141-blog]

metalzerotruck:

“Making up for lost time,” Truck joked. He hated hearing about how Nick had to prepare himself for his leaving, though–Truck had been trying to focus more on the present, not think too hard about what might happen whenever the team got transferred. It was selfish of him, he realized, not to have thought about how Nick might be struggling to be ready for that day, thinking about it long before it happened. Hell, Nick had probably been thinking about possible goodbyes since Truck had first told him the whole truth about his dad, and knowing that just made everything so much worse.

But it also made being here, right now, so much more important. Truck leaned over, pausing just a breath away from Nick to smile at him before he kissed him, once lightly, then again, with a firmer touch. Just to remind them both that they were still together, and whatever happened in the future, they’d deal with it then. Truck pulled away with a warmer, less tense smile. He was never gonna get over being allowed to do that.

“I never meant to get so attached to everybody here, but I guess I never really fought it that hard, either. Just… I’m not made for shutting people out.” Truck shrugged. “Can’t say I regret it, either, but… this would all be a lot easier if I wasn’t such a friendly guy, you know?” He had to laugh. It was a mess he’d gotten himself into with the best of intentions, and if he didn’t see the humor in that, it would just make everything worse. 

The truth, though, was that this wasn’t about everybody. Not really. It was about his team, and it was about Nick, and he couldn’t pretend otherwise. Family on both sides, and he knew what he wanted to choose. “Let me ask you, what does it say about me if I make the right choice here–do the thing that’s right for the most people, but I do it for selfish reasons? What if I choose to stay just because I can’t stand the thought of leaving you?” 

The kiss might have been brief, but it was so full of emotion that Nick could barely stand it. It shook him sometimes, a sudden realisation that after it all they had finally grown into this, into the relationship that they now had. It hadn’t been so long ago that they’d been trying so hard to hide their emotions and yet now Truck was able to kiss him freely, able to show him just how much he felt for him free of care. It was a gift, something that Nick never wanted to take for granted, not really. 

“Getting attached to people is just who you are.” He laughed softly, pulling away from the kiss. It wasn’t a criticism, Truck’s willingness to see the good in people was something that Nick loved the most. “If you weren’t so friendly, then you just... wouldn’t be you. And believe me, a lot of people would have lost out on a lot of things if you stopped being you.” 

He heard Truck’s question and it hurt, hurt because it was so similar to the question Nick asked himself everyday. He didn’t want to be a soldier anymore, he hadn’t wanted to be for some time, ever since being a soldier had robbed him of his relationship with Adam. He told himself over and over that he was doing the right thing, staying with his friends, protecting them and that made it OK. But in truth he had more selfish reasons, the very real thought that Nick didn’t know who he was if he wasn’t a soldier anymore. Was he kidding himself? Was it just fear that held him here? The fear of not being there the day his friends might need him? Or the fear that there wasn’t a place for him in the civilian world anymore? 

“I think that being selfish... it’s human. I think that living your life the way others might want you to live it isn’t living at all. Truck... you’ve already devoted your life to service, handed everything you are over willingly to a job which tells you where you sleep, where you go, when you go. Choice isn’t always a luxury that we have, but you have to make the most of the small choices you are given.” 

He lifted Truck’s hand, closing his eyes and kissing his knuckles gently. He didn’t like this conversation, didn’t like how it had him feeling selfish for convincing Truck to do the one thing he wanted to do. But Nick also knew that if he didn’t fight for Truck now, then he’d never forgive himself. Truck was too important to simply not try.

“Let me put it this way... if I can. Have you spoken to Frost or Grinch about this? Have you asked your brothers what they want? Because this might not be the numbers game that you think it is. They love you, Truck and there’s a very real chance that they’d want this for you too, because they want to see you happy just as much as I do.” He shrugged, worrying his lip. “If you go with them, if you make them happy but you’re miserable as a result... don’t you think that that would just make them feel guilty? Don’t they deserve to be heard out too?”

[noble--truth-blog]

“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” - Buddha

l Home l Bio l Rules l

[ozoneofthe141-blog]

Are you a different person than you were when Adam knew you? How?

“I was younger, a little more idealistic and naive I guess. But in truth, the best thing about Adam was the fact that I could be myself with him. We were a good match, both pretty chilled out, both pretty optimistic and social. He was very understanding about my work, right up until the day I broke things off. 

Biggest change was the fact that I was 90% vegetarian back then. Adam’s a pretty keen Buddhist and a even keener cook, so that was three years where my body fat was the lowest it’s ever been.” He laughs softly.