#gustonash

[thespangleway]

Windy Island

Angelo: “Looks like bent selector forks.” Ivan: “Yeah, gears are a bit stripped too but it’s an easy fix.”

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Lenny: “-and I won.  He had to give me the title for his bike and everything...and they said he was the best.  Ha!  No one’s better than me, honey.  By the way, you look hot today.” Gusto: *not really listening* “Uh huh,” L: “Maybe you want to go for a ride on my bike sometime?” G: *sigh* “Give it a rest, Lenny.  I’m not interested.”

*door swings open*

G: *gasp* “Holy plumbob!!  It’s you!” *click of a lighter - inhale*

O’Shea: *exhale* “It’s me.  Now where’s Occhilupo?”

[thespangleway]

Gusto: “What did he want?” Angelo: “It’s...complicated.” Gusto: *sneer* “I don’t like him.  What he did, the way he was, in San Myshuno a year and a half ago; he’s manipulative and self-serving...then there’s what happened with Roseline last year in Oasis Springs.” Angelo: “Yeah...” *confused pause* “Wait, what happened with Roseline?”

*awkward hesitation*

Gusto: “Ah...did I say Roseline?  I didn’t mean...that is...” *swallow* “can you just forget I said that?” Angelo: “No.  I can’t forget you said that.  Gusto, tell me what happened!”

*buzz buzz*

Gusto: *under her breath* “Saved by the bell...thank goodness!” Angelo: “Holy hell!  Gusto, watch the shop. I have to go!”

[thespangleway]

*muffled intercom - ‘Dr. Wilson to the nurses station.’*

Angelo: “Gusto.” Gusto: “Oh, Angelo...what’s happening?  How’s Roseline?” Angelo: “They gave her something to slow the contractions and give the baby some more time but...they think it’s going to happen in the next 24 hours.” Gusto: “...oh...well, early labor isn’t so uncommon.  It’s going to be okay.” Angelo: *hoarse murmur* “I didn’t want this pregnancy...not at first, but” *voice breaks* Gusto: “Shhh...shhh, it’s going to be okay.”

[thespangleway]

Angelo: *sharply* “What?” Roseline: “I...I don’t know.  I think I’m having contractions, but it’s too earl- erg...oohhhh....” Angelo: “...stop!” Roseline: *voice tight with pain* “I...oohh...I can’t ‘stop’...and...ahhh...yelling about it won’t help!” Angelo: “Sorry, sorry...just breathe, breathe, Kid.” Roseline: *sob* “Angelo, what if...” Angelo: “Don’t even think it.  It’s going to be okay.”

Gusto: *yawn* “What’s all the yelling.” Angelo: “Gusto, start the car.  We’re going to the clinic.” Gusto: “WHAT!?”

[thespangleway]

(music)

*muffled intercom - phone ringing* Nurse: “-Mrs. Mitchell’s on the call button again...your turn...”

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Gusto: *hushed* “I’m sure everything will be fine.”

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Roseline: “Uhhhh...” *pant, pant* “...they’re coming less often.” Angelo: *murmured* “That’s good.  That, what was it...magnesium sulfate? It must be working.” Roseline: “It’s making me nauseous...”

Doctor: “Roseline, how are you feeling?” Roseline: “The contractions have slowed down but...have you reached Dr. Kahtri?” Doctor: “Not yet.  Try and stay lying back.  I know there’s still five weeks until your due date but it’s likely this baby will come early.  I’m going to give you a shot of corticosteroid which will help speed up lung development but there could be other complications with pre-term birth.” Angelo: “Complications?” Doctor: “Just try to rest, Roseline.  We’ll keep trying your doctor and get her here as soon as we can.”

Roseline: *whispered* “Something bad is going to happen...I can feel it...” Angelo: “Kid...”

[thespangleway]

Autumn BBQ (2 of 2)

[thespangleway]

More BBQ pics because they had such a lovely evening (1 of 2)

[thespangleway]

Tony: “Listen, Gusto has a few friends here in the city.  I’ll call around and we might find a lead, or we could go back to O’Shea.  I’m itching for an excuse to bust him in the face-” Angelo: “Wait...what the hell is this?  God damn it, Corleonesi, she’s just a kid!  You’re just a kid!  Couldn’t you be more careful?" Tony: “I never touched Gusto!” Angelo: “Then what’s this, huh?  If Gusto’s not pregnant where did this...”

*falls silent and goes pale*

Tony: “Looks like you’re the one who has a problem being careful.”

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Tiaowu: *whispering* “Gusto, this feels like a really bad idea.  She’s in there alone.  What if something happens?” Gusto: “I’ll just have to get in and out before anything can happen.  Remember, you knock on the front door in fifteen minutes so Roseline can grab the film out of his camera.  Now, boost me up to the window.”