Douglas Baker

[georgiarays]

Business First // Ray & Baker

[georgiarays]

“You were my guest Doug. What kinda host would I have been if I made ya sleep on the floor?”

“Well, I’ll smooth it all over with some whisky then,” he jokes, knowing that Charlie can never turn down good whisky. Ray feels like Doug will feel more comfortable if they invite more people next time. There won’t be any weird pressure, or awkward tension, not with Captain Powell around. Ray’s sure they can make up some excuse worth drinking to, too. They honestly don’t talk about military matters with him, which is just fine, but he never really knows what’s going on in the barracks. Except for Charlie’s ridiculous prank wars.

“It sounds like a plan. I’m sure it won’t be easy gettin’ everyone on the same schedule, so don’t be a stranger ‘til then, you hear me?” Ray asks, trying to keep his voice light like he didn’t miss Baker for the time he was gone. It felt awful, not being able to see him, and there’s no way in the world Ray’s gonna jeopardize their friendship just because Doug’s lips happened to feel incredibly soft.

[sgt-douglasbaker]

That's right, Charlie would be fine if whiskey was offered. She never was that mad, but Ray's overdue from another night of torment with the dynamic duo infiltrating. He thinks that will be a good idea. He hasn't told Charlie anything yet, either, and even if he does he doesn't think she will instigate. She's mischievious, but she's a good friend before that.

"It'll take time, but it can be done with enough persistence, right?" It'll be accomplished! Somehow, someway, if Baker brings it up he's sure Charlie will find a way to swing it, even if her stacks of paperwork are doomed to grow. He still hasn't really asked her too much of why, yet. "Sorry about being away for so long, I got a little busy." Which is a total, blatant lie. He just hopes Ray can't read him, because while Baker was busy before he always made time for stopping by to say 'Hello' even if just for a couple of minutes at a time.

He looks around the bar, but it's only Tuesday. The day before ration card hand outs, so he can't suspect it'll get too busy. "You don't mind me hanging out for a bit, do ya? Or should I head out?" Baker hopes it's okay. Ray never seems to mind if he is busy anyway.

[georgiarays]

Business First // Ray & Baker

[georgiarays]

“Aw, you were fine. You’re just lucky you’re so cute or I would have left ya to sleep on the floor,” Ray waves Douglas’s concern off, although when he calls Ray his best friend, his entire face lights up. Ray’s not used to having a best friend, not really. It’s always been him and his family, with enough people in his life that he knew but wasn’t necessarily close to. Ray didn’t mind it. His friend network was large enough that he always knew where the next party was, and he was never really left wanting. 

A best friend though, someone he could just enjoy a comfortable silence around and share personal, private things with? He’s never really had a person like that in his life, and now he has two, with Baker and Charlie. He’s making more friends in this world, real friends that he can rely on, than he did in the old one, and Ray thinks it’s a damn shame it took the end of the world to get him to fully commit people. What’s done is done, though, and all he can really do is move on.

“We should do it again sometime. Invite Sam and Charlie and anyone else y’all normally drink with. Business has been treatin’ me mighty nice, and I can afford to lose some of my back stock.” Hell, the fact that he even has a back stock is nothing short of a miracle, and Ray has enough whisky that even Charlie herself couldn’t run him out of business.

[sgt-douglasbaker]

As per usual the blush is there staining his cheeks at the word 'cute', and Baker kind of thinks he wants to hang out here until close again. Just to talk and hang out. It's normal and okay, and he needs more of it. If he's back in his bunk his mind might attack itself again. It's funny how being in the presence best friend who he terrifyingly thinks is probably the best kisser he's ever made out with keeps the little bit of panic in Baker's chest at bay.

"I coulda slept on the floor, though." Or even shared. By that point he was so sad and tired that if they'd slept next to one another he knows he wouldn't have done anything stupid again. Ray doesn't seem to mind it, though, so he won't press it further.

His brows arch at the suggestion, and Baker nods. "Yeah, they'll come with." And it sounds a little rushed when he adds that, he is clumsy with his words again, but he shrugs it off. "Miss Charlie was upset with me when I told her about it." There's the smile again, to let Ray know he's mostly kidding about Charlie being down about it. She gave him the most serious disappointed look for the lack of invite, and really, how dare he? Team Double Trouble was split up for the night.

"I'm sure they'd like that. I was happy that you were trapped behind there. It'll be a fun to get everyone together. Maybe even Julia would come stop by." But of course Baker will offer Ray some form of payment. Back stock is good to keep, and having a surplus stowed away keeps him safe from running short down the line. He would feel much too guilty take anything else for free. He's taken too much so far.

[georgiarays]

Business First // Ray & Baker

[georgiarays]

“It’s from the personal stash, Doug. No rations required.” Maybe Ray’s trying a little too hard to force things back to normal. It’s not like he’s completely unphased by what happened, but it hasn’t been the first time. Ray’s had make out buddies before, and friends with benefits. It’s usually his preferred method of intimacy, mostly from the lack of commitment and emotional bonds. That’s what makes a relationship messy, he thinks, and if Doug was a little less straight he wouldn’t mind bending him over the counter in between their hang outs and friendly conversation.

Slowly but surely, Douglas is relaxing, and it makes it easier for Ray to put up the unaffected front. The whisky helps a little with that, and Ray’s fingers play with the engraving as they speak. He’s ridiculously happy for finding it, and it’ll be mentioned in his prayers that night. Ray remained faithful, and the flask showed up. It’s all he can ask for, really.

“I tried t’get ya to drink it like four times, but you weren’t havin’ any of it. Never pegged you to be so stubborn when you drank” This is good, nice and easy. He can ignore the nice way that Baker’s lips slid over his, and the intoxicating way his hips jutted forward. They can stay just friends, no problem. Ray won’t develop a crush on a straight boy. That’s just a road to heartache he really doesn’t want to journey down. “It wasn’t the worst hangover I’ve had, that’s for dang sure, but the Place didn’t get opened up until three in the afternoon,” Ray answers with a small laugh. 

[sgt-douglasbaker]

The more Baker watches Ray play with the flask in his hands the more guilty he feels about holding it hostage. It's important to him, and at least he has it back now. It could have vanished entirely so maybe it was a good thing he inexplainably had it in his possession. He was going to hope Ray wasn't going crazy looking for it, but he seems to ecstatic for him to have just treat it like a lost pair of cheap drug-store sunglasses.

He laughs again, loud and clear, and the way all the self-created tension starts to dissipate is such a relief. His light eyes are lit up happily as he remembers that part of the night, the part after the thought-consuming kissing and touching. "Hey, I didn't want it. I don't think I was as stubborn as Miss Charlie is, though." Can't be, couldn't ever be. She did drink her water, though...

To think though that Ray held off on opening for that long meant he had to feel something, but it probably was nothing in comparison to Baker's headache and how sunlight made him feel blinded and disoriented. Well, his bed was more of his own best friend that morning than ever. "It was fun, and you took care of me even if I was a stubborn pain." He does let the memory of Ray holding him to his feet play in his own head, how he guided him to the back room and got him to bed which still doesn't make sense because he could've slept on the floor and Ray should've taken the bed for having him over that night.

Finally, he takes a sip of the whiskey, and it's all familiar burning. It's okay, they're normal and alright now, and all that's left is the memory. Baker has to work on keeping himself from blowing such a tiny thing out of proportion, that's all. He does have to say it, still, just to let Ray know and hear it from his own mouth. "What would a guy do without his best friend." 

[georgiarays]

Business First // Ray & Baker

[georgiarays]

“Good afternoon, handsome,” Ray says when he gets to eye level. Baker usually calls out a greeting, but this time he doesn’t. Ray wonders if things are going to be weird. It’s no mystery why he’s kept away. Before their drunken make out Baker was stopping in to see him once, twice a week. When that changed to a lack of sunshine, Ray tried to keep his hopes up. He knew Doug would come see him again when he had had enough time away, and apparently that time is now.

Ray’s eyes go big and bright at the flask. The tension drops right out of his shoulders when Baker sets it on the counter. He’s being all awkward and fidgety, and Ray does his best to just ignore the jitters. They’ll get right back to where they were before.

“Thank the stars, Doug. I was beginnin’ to think that I had throw it away or something equally terrible. Thank you.” Ray could just lean over and kiss him - that’s an expression of course, he wouldn’t actually lean over and kiss him again - at how happy and giddy he feels at having the flask back in his hand. He reaches for a tumbler, filling it up with some ice, before emptying most of what’s left in the flask into it. That gets slide over to Baker, and Ray puts his lip’s to the flask’s opening, taking the last shot in a straight gulp. It burns pleasantly on the way down, and he gingerly sets the flask back behind the bar, somewhere he can see at almost all times.

“Comon now, take a seat. Good whisky is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.”

[sgt-douglasbaker]

Baker stands there, fighting the urge to take another step away. It's hard to not want to stay when Ray doesn't look at or talk to him differently. "Sorry 'bout that." His blue eyes focus on the flask more than Ray's face until he gets to work. Regardless though, he makes himself stay put as he prepares a drink he didn't order. His stomach twists a little.

"I didn't bring any cards with me," he tries to politely decline the offer, but somehow he thinks it won't matter. So, Baker fidgets and then takes a seat on the stool closest to him and eyes that stupid flask that made him come back so soon. It was rewarding to see the relief on Ray's face, most definitely, so it's not all that bad. If he can just over himself himself Baker's sure he won't feel so off for too much longer.

But, man, is he lucky. He feels all sorts of awkward and strange, yet here is Ray, his best friend, no different than the last day he saw him. "I really don't remember how I left with that, when I found it I felt awful." He has the glass of whiskey there in between his hands but he's not feeling too much on drinking right now. There's no fear of losing himself or anything, it's just one glass, but the smell and taste is all too familiar. Still, he's gotta stop dwelling!

He smiles, now, genuine and real, and he does care when he asks, "How was that hangover from the other night?" If he had one, that is. Baker wouldn't be surprised because Ray drank more than him at such a quick pace, and Baker's head was throbbing the next day. "I shoulda drank all of that water you gave me, I regretted not the next morning that's for sure." And Baker chuckles a little bit. He was lucky to find that glass of water and bottle of painkillers set bedside, and it was such a sweet gesture. It was a shame Ray wasn't there the next morning for him to thank, but it made it easier to just slip out.

[georgiarays]

Business First // Ray & Baker

Over the week, Ray’s devolved from calm but steady searching to something much more frantic. It has to be here, it just has to but it’s not and he’s about ready to pull his hair out. Just the night before, he had a dream that his great granddaddy rose from the grave just to scold him for losing the dang thing. Jesse says he hasn’t seen it, which Ray believes since it was in the damn bar. He remembers seeing it on the bar, right up until he woke up the next morning. It’s possible it got kicked over somewhere, but Ray would ave found it by now.

He tries to keep it out of his mind as he serves people, giving them the friendly, laid back Ray. It’s a chore and a half when his nerves are frayed, but he does a really good job of keeping his work face up. He’s giving under the bar another search over when he hears the door open to his bar and the footsteps approach. Ray’s on his hands and knees, seeing if maybe he did kick it somewhere, when he lets out a soft sigh and gets to his feet. Business first, after all. It is his motto.

[sgt-douglasbaker]

It took a whole hell of a lot of courage to make his way to Ray's, but Baker is still standing outside. Maybe he's making more of a big deal than he needs to, but he's awkwardly shuffling from foot to foot while debating with himself. He told Charlie he would go with her, but then wouldn't it be too obvious because it's too normal. Oh, God, Baker hates his overactive mind. Whatever, he's here now, and it's about time he returned what wasn't his.

He presses in through the entrance, and well, fuck, he wants to turn around and run. No! If he acts awkward then it will be awkward, and he'll just not breathe a word of what happened. It's fine. They're best buddies. Baker will get over it the moment Ray starts talking to him, and he doubts he even cares much. He's good like that.

Baker doesn't see Ray behind the bar right away, but he cautiously walks up and glances around the bar to see if he's cleaning anything up outside of it. He could be in the backroom too, but he's not about to wander back there. Sure, he slept there that one night, but this is still an establishment. It's rude to walk around just because you're friends with the owner. Luckily though, Baker doesn't have to search much because Ray stands back up, and instantly he smiles as if he didn't have a worry. He stands there and hesitates, doesn’t take a seat either, but still is smiling like normal. 

Okay, cool, this is easy. It's as if he never felt worried. "Hey, I, uh, realized I took something of yours the other night. Been meaning to bring it back." He pulls it out from his pocket and holds it out to Ray feeling and looking entirely bashful. Whether that’s from his mistake or what went on between them he can’t decide. "I don't know how I got a hold of it, but I took care of it while I had it. I didn't drink any of what's left in it. Sorry about taking so long." And wow, he feels mostly alright... and guilty now that it's hitting him that he's waited so long to return something that wasn't his.

[sgt-douglasbaker]

Lost and Found || Charlie & Baker

[majorpowell-blog]

“I’m done anyways. It’s fine.”

Charlie looks Baker over trying to get a feel for what is going on. Charlie reaches over and playfully pushes his shoulder. “I’m kidding.” Then she pulls a completely serious face on in seconds. “But don’t do it again.” She holds it for a bit before dropping it into a honest smile where Baker could easily tell she is just having fun pulling his leg.

For a second Charlie feels like Baker is lying to her. Like he is trying to keep something from her. But why would he do that? He knows he can talk to her about anything. Hell she was talking to him about Daniel, kinda, the other day and if she can tell him that he sure as hell can tell her anything. 

She doesn’t push it though. Just a long drawn out “okay” that comes out sounding like more of a question then a comment. “I planned on stopping by to see him tonight after all this paperwork I will need a drink. Are you sure you don’t want to come with me? It will be on me this time?”

Charlie still feels like she is missing some piece of the puzzle but if Baker isn’t saying something there has to be a reason for it. And while she doesn’t want to push she still raise and eye brow and makes one comment. “If something is up and you wanna talk you can ya know?”

[sgt-douglasbaker]

"I can't think about doing it again, we are too much of a dynamic duo for me to repeat the solo act." And wow, okay, Charlie is at least making him laugh. She's an awesome best friend, and he should feel okay talking to her about it. Maybe later, or maybe now? It's not like she'll judge, Baker just has his own mind to fight with.

When she offers he go with her, then Baker feels a light bulb switch on. Okay! That sounds like a perfect plan. He remembers most of everything that night despite how drunk he was, he doesn't doubt Ray does either, but with Charlie there it'll prevent it from being talked about (hopefully) and she can break any awkward tension. "If I go with you, I can pay and I'll listen to any of your rambling about drunk kisses." But, that doesn't distract.

He shrugs, and that probably gives away that something is on his mind. And God damn Ray for being such an awesome kisser. Ugh, he should be worried about bigger things other than his other best friend and a sudden sexuality crisis. It's practically the end of the world, and Baker's too stressed that he went mouth to mouth with another dude. Charlie's offer to talk is there, though, and he is glad she isn't making him. It's always easier when your comfortable. "Probably later. I'm still... confused about it. But now, a little about you... more paperwork? Am I going to lose my best friend to pens and papers and scribbly stuff?"

[sgt-douglasbaker]

Lost and Found || Charlie & Baker

[majorpowell-blog]

“Ugh you are lucky you got here now. I swear these papers were about to come alive and swallow me whole.”

Charlie does an over dramatic face and pushes the paperwork over and tries to ignore it. It is finished and if there are a few mistakes she can worry about that later. Now she has her best friend here and Charlie doesn’t want to divide her attention between work and him.

She gives a nods and tries to not grin like an idiot at Baker. “Sadly I will have about this much if not more from now on.” She wants to tell him the news that Daniel told her just a few days ago but isn’t sure if she is suppose to yet or not. She feels like she might explode from not telling Baker something but luckily he speaks again and she can distract herself with his favor from wanting to spill the beans.

“A favor?” Charlie tilts her head slightly and tries to get a good read on Baker. Something is up, she can tell that but she isn’t quiet sure what it is. “I can do favors.” Charlie hears the word flask and instantly pulls on an Im so offended face. “My two favorite men drinking together and I was no invited. I am hurt Baker. I’m not so sure I can do you a favor now.”

Then she can tell Baker is serious about this and Charlie drops the look quickly. “What you not telling me Baker?”

[sgt-douglasbaker]

When Charlie pushes the paperwork over, he shakes his head. "No! I don't want you to fall behind!" Besides, being half distracted might help him. Sounds like it doesn't matter though, and Baker figures she must've been doing this for a while now. She probably is looking for a reason to break. He hears what she says about the amount of her paperwork remaining consistent if not increasing, which is curious, but he just gives her a look of sympathy. He's definitely not jealous of having to scribble away with a pen like this, and poor poor Daniel probably has mountains to go through all the time.

"Aha, yeah... sorry about that. I should've invited you, I didn't think," he chuckles and looks just as guilty as he feels. To think if he didn't forget to mention it, maybe Baker wouldn't have done something stupid to bring all this awkward tension that's building up inside of him and threatening to explode.

Charlie, though, acts like a mind reader, which if the idea of telepathy wasn't complete sci-fi bullshit Baker would accuse her of being one. She knows something's up, just not what exactly, and here it's going to go downhill. She's his best friend, she's going to pry not out of nosiness, but to make sure everything's okay. Still, Baker will insist otherwise. "Nothing! I just don't exactly have time to go bother him, and it's not like I can call him to let him know I have it so he doesn't worry. I just don't want him to wait much longer."

[sgt-douglasbaker]

Lost and Found || Charlie & Baker

[majorpowell-blog]

It’s a large stack of paper work and Charlie groans at it like it will magically make it smaller. She wants this promotion and job more then anything, but did it have to come with so much paper work? Actual doing and productive work Charlie can handle. Charlie has that down pat and enjoys that. But every time she sits down for the hours of mindless paperwork, she feels like she could be doing something much more important.

Regardless, Charlie pushes through it. She finishes the paperwork surprisingly quickly with out her side notes and doodles to get in the way. Then she grabs out a few different stacks of paper. One she does quickly fill with doodles and side comments with notes saying see page blank so that Daniel will know exactly what she is talking about. The other pages she starts notes and comments on her men. Making list after list she still would trust Sam the most with the wall but with out Daniel’s thought, which she knows will play into it, she thinks she has an idea of the top two other men she would like to see in the position.

The knock on the door draws Charlie’s attention and she doesn’t get up. “It’s open.” It always in and she wishes people would just walk in. The only time the door is locked is if she is asleep or not there. Charlie pulls the real paper work to the top of the pile and starts looking through it again for any mistakes when the door opens.

Charlie turns, seeing Baker enter the room and a huge smile crosses her face. “And where have you been? I feel like it has been forever.” It hadn’t been. Not even a day at most but still if Charlie doesn’t see Baker every day something feels wrong with out having her best friend there.

“Come on sit down. How you been?”

[sgt-douglasbaker]

Her voice is heard on the other side and that is enough for Baker to turn the door knob and push his way through. He greets Charlie like he usually does, happily smiling and radiating all things positive. There are stucks upon stacks of paperwork for Charlie to get through, and now Baker feels bad for interrupting her in her work process. He'll be quick.

"Time drags when my partner is crime becomes too busy with paperwork, yanno?" He knows she has to get it done so he only half means it. Even before the apocalypse work comes way before fun, and there's still always time for fun with Charlie.

He sits down and feels the flask in his pocket from where he places his hand. A reminder of why he's there. Baker thinks of things that happened aside from that night with Ray. Boring patrols, sitting on watch, sleeping in his own bed everyday since, the occassional morning jog to temporarily clear his head. "Things have been good. Looks like work caught up with you, huh?" He feels bad mentioning her lack of prioritizing with paperwork when he talked to Daniel, it's never a big deal he thinks. It just bites her in the ass later when she has so much to go through.

"I won't bother you for long since you got a lotta work to get done, but I wanna ask a favor of you." He feels nervous about it, but Charlie probably won't mind. He hates asking, though, but this is for good reasoning. He feels awkward and confused still, but it's not fair to hold this item hostage because of his feelings. She goes to Ray's a lot, she can return it. "I accidentally stole Ray's flask from him and haven't been able to return it. I was wondering if you were going to see him anytime soon?"

[brigadiergeneralcox]

Bars and Wings // Daniel & Baker

[brigadiergeneralcox]

Daniel finishes his notes. Baker’s tone is a little too light for his liking. He understands the need to keep a smile on your face in the end of the world, but this is one on one, and Daniel isn’t fully convinced that Baker’s ready for the position. He wanted a more critical answer, and it wasn’t presented. That’s alright.

After he finishes his last line, Daniel sets his pen down and get to his feet. He offers Douglas his hand and a smile. These little interviews aren’t easy on anyone, and Daniel appreciates Douglas’s easy going personal. It makes little things like this go much faster.

“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today, soldier. If there’s someone waiting out there, please send them in.”

[sgt-douglasbaker]

Baker's up on his feet as quickly as Daniel is, and he takes his hand in a firm handshakes. His nerves are there, buzzing beneath his skin and making him feel jittery but hey, he did it! He breezed through some, got stuck thinking on others, but it's all done and over with and Baker can go on with his day. He doesn't know what it means for him, but he'll find that out later.

"Thank you, sir," Baker smiles, and does as requested. On his way out he directs the next one in line up for Daniel to speak to. Baker can't say he's confident about all he's said and done, but he's not in trouble which is always the best thing.

[sgt-douglasbaker]

Lost and Found || Charlie & Baker

Baker doesn't know how he got ahold of it, but he has it and it's not his. The mostly empty flask in passed from hand to hand, turned over and examined several different times, and he thinks he's been sitting here for twenty minutes just looking it over. It's not like he hasn't done this everyday at some point, he knows every detail of it now because of it. It just brings back some very fuzzy memories from that night, most great and one in particular very alarming.

Ray's his best friend, right on up there with Charlie. He is also completely aware that Ray is pretty much the best kisser in the entire universe, better than any of the girls he dated back in high school, but he tries not to think about it. When he thinks about it, things become a tangled mess of thoughts.

He remembers waking up in the back room of the bar, Ray was no where to be found. Thank God because Baker wasn't about to face him then, and he still isn't ready to now. He left in the too-bright early sun, make his way back where he could lay back down for a couple of hours in his own bed. The flask was somehow mixed up with his things, and he hasn't figured out how he just knows he needs to bring it back.

Or, just someone needs to, and that's why he thinks maybe Charlie can help him out. He stows it away, carefully hidden because there's still some of that aphrodisiac whiskey in there, and gets to his feet to look for her. She's his best friend, gets into messes like this, but also has to have gotten good getting out of them. Then, he wonders silently about what could be going on with Daniel and her. He hasn't heard anything since that night on watch with Charlie.

The first place Baker decides to check in her room because he doesn't want to really talk about anything that she will more than likely pry from him in the bunks or mess hall. It's too public, and he's way too confused. So, he gets there and knocks on Charlies door, waits patiently and nervously all at once. It's just a simple favor, maybe she won't try to ask him why he won't bring it back himself. Hopefully not.

[brigadiergeneralcox]

Bars and Wings // Daniel & Baker

[brigadiergeneralcox]

Daniel’s not surprised that for every negative Baker lists, there are already four compliments on the tip of his tongue. Daniel expected it, but he still scribbles down a couple of notes, keeping his face a blank canvas. He didn’t ask for positives, just the negatives, and although Baker did give him areas of improvement, it took him awhile to just get to the point. He does, however, agree with Baker’s assessment. Sam can be a little too attached to blame, as he saw in their interview earlier, and Charlotte treats paperwork like a coloring book.

When Daniel thinks of a Sergeant, it’s someone who speaks little and gets what needs to be done, done. But Baker is well liked, a strong suggestion from his commanding officers, and Daniel needs to take that into account as well. The main question is not if people like him, but if they will follow him into war, no questions asked. That’s a much more difficult question to answer. It takes him a minute to write down his thoughts, running off into the margins with the detail he’s adding to it.

“In your own words Specialist, why have you held the same rank for,” Daniel looks down, checking his paperwork. “Over four years before the outbreak. What held you back from promotion, and what will be your biggest challenge if you were to receive a promotion, tomorrow?”

[sgt-douglasbaker]

This one's easier to answer because Baker's been told word for word why he's been a Specialist since he we 22 years old. Which, he never took too personally. If someone was better suited for the rank promotion then that was how it was. The ones who made the decision were paid the big bucks for a reason.

"I was considered to be too much of a pushover. Too friendly, too soft and too laidback." And it very well was right then, but Baker thinks his demeanor has improved while on duty. He's the same kind of friendly dope he was when he was twenty-two, eighteen- throughout all of childhood except for his toddler years. The final question does have him stuck because Baker's mind is going off on different reasons on why it was asked.

"You said it yourself, I've been in the same rank for four years. I think my biggest challenge would be getting used to not being the same rank I've been all this time," Baker laughs a little bit. It's just an easy way to answer the question because he wouldn't know the challenge until it was presented to him. He's very much an in-the-moment type of guy, and very hands on. He takes care of and focuses on what he has right now, not what may or may not be a possibility.

[lilytiger-lwdrp-blog]

Too Drunk to Dream || Baker & Lilianna

[lilytiger-lwdrp-blog]

He’s standing above Lily one second and then the next, he’s easily carrying her along in his arms, her weight not a bother to the stranger. Regardless that it slightly irks her that she does not get to have her piggy back, Lilianna keeps her mouth shut for the personal taxi lift. Anything beats walking these days.

The queasiness in her stomach soon settles and the warmth of the males body and the Georgia humidity has her eyes drooping. Lilianna struggles to stay alert and listen to the guy as she yawns in lieu. Her mind takes another moment to process his words, then a smile breaks out on her lips. “My name is Lily.” A second yawn escapes her. “And what a small world, huh?” A small world indeed thanks to the infection.

Green eyes then glance over from his face to the path they were taking, the zone becoming more familiar. She whips a hand out, pointing at the dorm building she resides. “Over there, second floor!” Lily tugs on his collar, smiling up at her gentleman like an excited twelve year old.

“Thanks, uh…?” She drawls the last word, her brain attempting to rack up a memory of him introducing his self. Nothing seems to pop up in her idheibrated mind, so she just flushes shyly and drops her gaze from his face, embarrass for the umpteenth time that night.

[sgt-douglasbaker]

"The world becomes small, sometimes, but it makes room for new things." He smiles half-heartedly not wanting to think of the destruction of things left behind by Mother Nature. She's a cruel one, but Baker is happy with the friendships that are as strong as family bonds because of it. Charlie, Sam, Ray, and so many others. "Miss Lily... it's not safe to wander around drunk. You have to be careful."

He stays mostly quiet while he walks, if she wants to doze off he'll wake her up when he gets to the dorms. Curfew is approaching, and he doesn't wanna do anything to make her squirm and try to stagger off. Drunks are unpredictable. He does laugh a little when she is suddenly alert, looks to where she points and heads that way. He'll make sure she gets to her door before he leaves.

"Douglas. That's my name, but I'm afraid you'll just forget it by the morning, Miss Lily." He smiles and hoists himself up the stairs easily. She really weighs next to nothing, not like he's used to lifting. "What door?" He asks and waits for her to answer, then brings her to where she lives and carefully places her down. He waits though to make sure she goes inside first, and that this is the right apartment before he departs, though Baker really hopes it is.

[brigadiergeneralcox]

Bars and Wings // Daniel & Baker

[brigadiergeneralcox]

More and more of Sam Donovan. At first, Daniel thought the old prestige of her name was swinging back full circle, but it’s too many people for it to just be smoke and mirrors. Daniel’s always enjoyed talking with Sam. She’s smart and sensible, with a level head on her shoulders. He just didn’t expect the influx of positive feedback to be as strong as it is.

Daniel nods and copies down Baker’s praise. It’s some of the same he’s been hearing all week, but it doesn’t make it any easier for him. Normally, rising through the ranks is just part of the job. If you put the time and effort in, and know when and when not to speak your mind, you play the game, get your pay raise, and go home happy. Now, there is no pay raise, and all that’s really to offer is more responsibility for the rebuilding or demise of mankind. That job has to be put in very careful hands, and it’s up to Daniel to pick the leaders of the human race. It’s not an easy process. He’s not surprised by Baker’s enthusiasm, but he has a feeling that Baker won’t like the follow up questions at all.

“What would you say is Captain Powell and Lieutenant Donovan’s biggest flaws as commanding officers and/or areas they need to improve on?”

[sgt-douglasbaker]

Baker should have figured where this was going to go but he was so focused on what possible questions Daniel could have asked him about himself that he didn't stop to think that this review can easily be more than about him. Not at all egocentric in any way at all, he's fine not talking about himself, but he also wishes he didn't have to think about anyone else. There is no awkward shrugging or contemplative looks, he keeps his expression straight. It's troubling to critique the people who respect because you want to and not out of obligation. No matter, he can point out the little things he's noticed but never would personally put any importance on.

"Captain Powell could us some work on the punctuality in getting her paperwork. Personally it's not something I would consider a flaw, but if we're really being nitpicky about it then her professionalism in her appearance with her uniform and how she speaks." It's hard to not sound a little defensive about the things Baker doesn't consider a major priority, harder than it is to refrain from calling her 'Miss Charlie', but he doesn't waste time to stand up for her. "But those are so tiny in comparison the what she is capable of. She takes care of her men and is very personable. I felt like I was home here working underneath her faster than I did anywhere else, and with the state of things today I have to say that makes a world of a difference to someone."

Speaking of Sam will be a little easier, though, mostly because the friendship he has with Charlie provokes the slightly defensive sounding tone in his voice. It's still very difficult to think of Sam's flaws and areas of improvement, but Baker knows he has to. "There is so little to critique of Lieutenant Donovan as well. She's focused on every aspect of her job and that leaves little room for mistakes. Very detail-oriented, and he makes sure everything is done by the book. A stickler to some, but that's what the rule breakers like to say when they can't get away with things. It's more of a characteristic thing, but if she could learn not to shoulder the blame all on her own all the time and take responsibility for just her faults it'll just be better."

It's said, Baker smiles at the end of it, and now he waits for the next question, whatever it may be that Daniel will throw at him.

[georgiarays]

Dirt Sweat And Booze // Ray & Baker

[georgiarays]

“If I wouldn’t make it there, you wouldn’t either,” Ray argues, knowing that it’s got to be close to curfew, and he’s got getting in trouble for being drunk. They can stay here, in the bar. That’s what the back room is for after all. Doug grabs his hands, and he’s still incredibly warm to the touch as the subject is dropped. Ray swallows hard before he puts his arm back on Doug’s waist, this time with them side-by-side. It’s much safer that way, for both of them.

“Guess it’s a good thing I ain’t going anywhere then,” Ray responds easily as he helps carry Baker to the bed. Even though he’s had more alcohol, it looks like Doug is less steady on his feet. Ray goes back out to shut the lights off, and grab the water and some tylenol he keeps in the back. It sits on the table, so if Doug wakes up and needs it, or if Ray needs it and doesn’t want to leave, it’s there waiting for him. Ray camps out on the floor, knowing it’ll be better for his back than if he tries to sleep in one of the chairs. 

“G’night cowboy,” Ray says as he looks over at Doug, who has passed right out, trying to keep the smile from his face as he drifts asleep. There will be consequences in the morning, but for right now, everything feels pretty okay.

[sgt-douglasbaker]

______________________

[georgiarays]

Dirt Sweat And Booze // Ray & Baker

[georgiarays]

This could be really awkward. Ray can feel it, with the shifting of Baker’s face through a cycle of emotions really quickly. Doug’s straight but he made a move on Ray and things could just get awkward. Ray could play it off easy, or he could be a dick about it. The choice is very, very obvious.

“S’fine cowboy, don’t sweat about it,” Ray answers, trying to brush away the awkwardness. Doug looks like a small puppy and  Ray hates seeing his look troubled, even if he is adorable in his drunken state. He wants to enjoy the rest of his buzz for as long as he has it. The rest of the water in his glass is finished off, and Ray sets it down cautiously. Ray walks around the bar, knowing that Baker’s probably gonna need help getting around. He’s almost fallen twice already, and Ray doesn’t want him to take a spill and wake up with a head-splitting headache or a shiner from the edge of a corner.

“Lemme help you out alright? Yer my best friend Doug, s’all in the past okay?” Ray holds out his hand, hoping that he’ll take it. He can forget a drunken make out easy. Friends are way too precious a commodity for Ray to try to push Baker out of his life for getting a little frisky while drunk.

[sgt-douglasbaker]

How can he not, though? Baker is straight, he kissed his best guy friend, teeth and tongues and all. It's a war with himself he'll deal with tomorrow, but right now he's worried about Ray. He sighs heavily, dramatically, like this is the worst thing that has ever happened and not the apocalypse outside of the QZ walls. Well, then, all happy buzz is gone. He's ruining the night.

"Maybe we should get Miss Charlie to bring me back." He mumbles as Ray comes around. She could talk to him, and even though Ray's very forgiving Baker feels awkward. It can easily be all him, but he's worrying so uncharacteristically. Miss Charlie is safe and comfortable, and more importantly he doesn't want to kiss her.

Baker takes Ray's hand and gets to his feet, legs like jelly and wobbling until he uses Ray as his support. "You're my bes' friend' too, Ray." He hums and tries to stand on his own to no avail. But his grip is tight, and he doesn't take a spill. This time, Baker manages a lazy smile, and despite the close proximity he can fight off the urge to look at Ray's pretty mouth again. "You're the best, yanno? I wouldn' wanna lose ya."

[georgiarays]

Dirt Sweat And Booze // Ray & Baker

[georgiarays]

“Sleep time soon, I think,” Ray says with a rub at the back of his head. He can feel a headache starting to settle in already at the base of his skull, and he knows water will be the only thing that saves him from the inevitable hangover. He’s coming down from his buzz pretty fast, probably because of the sobering strength of Baker’s unexpected kiss and all of the adrenaline that’s still buzzing through his system.

“You’ll sleep here, s’you don’t get in trouble. Charlie’s told me ‘bout what happens if you show up to the barracks drunk. There’s a bed in the back room,” Ray flips his thumb towards the back until he realizes he’s pointing towards the wrong way. He flips it over with a small laugh, double checking over his shoulder to make sure he has it right this time. Yeah, good, over there.

“It’s pretty damn comfy if I do say so myself,” Ray says after taking another gulp of water, eyeing Baker’s to make sure he’s drinking it. It doesn’t look like he is. “Drink your water handsome, you’ll thank me in the mornin’.”

[sgt-douglasbaker]

He doesn't want sleep time, either. Bed and water are at the bottom of his priority list. His bottom lip pokes out into a pout at his stares at his glass of water. The glass is cold under his fingertips, wet from condensation and Ray spilling water over the edges, but it doesn't make him feel like drinking any despite the threat of inevitable cotton mouth in the morning.

It's a sweet offer for Ray to give up the bed in the back room to him. The gesture is ignored though when Ray is being too darn cute and his laugh brings Baker from his pout. He shrugs because he's not thinking about sleeping now even if his eyes and head both feel heavy. He takes a sip of water the moment Ray tells him to, a very small sip. Then, Baker looks up at Ray again with suddenly sad blue eyes.

"M'sorry, Ray, 'dunno what happened before." Baker really hopes what he unexpectedly did wasn't going to make things awkward. He's not understanding of why he did it yet, thoughts hardly coherent in his own head, but he thinks it's the reason the bar is between them again. He slumps in a defeated looking way, "Maybe it is time for bed."

[georgiarays]

Dirt Sweat And Booze // Ray & Baker

[georgiarays]

The couple feet between the cooler and the bar might as well be the Grand Canyon. Doug’s just as fuzzy as Ray is, and when he mentions not being able to handle another one, Ray nods along in agreement. He’s right there, right under the black out drunk threshold, and he really doesn’t feel like waking up, covered in his own vomit with a throbbing headache. That’s when he remembers! Water!

“Water, we need water,” Ray mumbles out, nodding to himself until he realizes it makes his head feel like a fishbowl sloshing around in a go kart.

But Doug is still staring at his lips and it’s mighty distracting. Ray has to walk right past him to get to the other side of the bar, and when he’s right there, side by side with Doug with that blinding smile on his face, it takes all of Ray’s practically non-existent self control to keep walking right on past him to where the bar opens up. Ray scoops some ice into a cup after a minute or two of nearly dropping the glass, and he puts them on the counter with a proud smile. 

“Drink up. Don’t chug it though.” Half of the water winds up in the glass, which is more than he expected, and when they’re nearly full, Ray grabs for the one closest to him, splashing himself as he realizes how incredibly thirsty he is. He paces himself, because chugging it will definitely make him lose his dinner.

[sgt-douglasbaker]

Baker let's out a breath of air, a heavy exhale as he furrows his brows. Well, no, just because he said he shouldn't have another beer doesn't mean he wants water. Water's kinda totally not what he wants right now. Ray's on his way to go get some, though, and Baker can protest, but he can't find his voice to. Ray says they need it, he's probably right, anyway. He can't fight Ray if he's right.

He turns on the stool to face the bar like he does on normal nights, and watches Ray get to work. Even as drunk as he is he still he can appreciate it. There's a bit of a lack of finesse, Ray almost drops a glass, but nothing breaks. There's ice shoved into it, and he's got this proud grin on his face that finally has Baker's smile back. Well, how can he say no to that?

"Thank you, Ray." He reaches for the glass left behind and slides it close to him, but doesn't make a move to drink it at all. He's still not feeling water, it's tasteless and doesn't do anything. It can save him from a nasty hangover tomorrow which he's guarenteed to have. Oh, everyone back in the bunks are gonna see him cuddled up under his blankets and hiding from any ounce of sunlight. "Wha' time is it anyway?" Hopefully not time to go, he still wants to hang around.