#with: david

[isaacapatow]

with @davxdalexander | the training yard

It wasn't often that Ike approached David about anything in town, really -- not that he avoided the guy, they just didn't have too much in common. They weren't shoot-the-shit pals.

So when he found David doing target practice or some damn hero thing or the other, Ike was pretty sure the other man would know that this would be a conversation about something specific. And that was good; it would give him a minute or two to gird up his loins as he saw Ike approaching. Just so long as he didn't also get defensive right off the bat. This was gonna be a delicate enough situation as it was.

"Hey, man," Ike said, and glanced around for a moment. No sign of the girl Meg's presence; that was good. Finding David here teaching her to fight would've added a layer of complication. "I need to float something past you, about the Daybreakers."

[zackastor]

starter for: @davxdalexander

location: creek inside Redwood's forest

Zack didn't dislike David. The man was a capable enough hunter, even if he was as emotive as a brick wall. It was just that Zack thought that he was better. No shame in admitting that, was it? Didn't mean that Zack couldn't still go on a hunting trip with the guy.

They had trailed pretty far out into the forest. Seemed like the animals were pretty good at hiding today - few tracks, not much they could really trail. When they reached the creek, the sun was already pretty high on the horizon. "Well, damn. We've been out here for a few hours already. And nothing to show for it. Well, better get off your ass bud." He clapped David on the shoulder with what probably looked like a cordial grin, before turning to face the creek.

His expression got more serious when he saw the deer, just a few feet off in the underbrush on the other side. Thing had to be deaf, if it hadn't heard Zack talking, but by the looks of it it wasn't gonna run away. "Well, I'll be damned." Zack muttered, dropping his voice to a low murmur, before casting a glance at David. "Think ya can catch it, buddy?"

[vallaurent]

starter for: @davxdalexander

location: David's house

Some things were different when coming back from the ranch. Maybe that was a given, considering what had happened there, but it still caught Val off guard in ways she hadn't expected. Like the restlessness. As if something had taken ahold of her, driving her around and only getting worse when she wasn't doing anything. It was easy enough to keep busy during the day, even with things slowing and settling. The nights were the worst.

And that was why she was here. It wasn't quite night yet, rather late evening when she knocked on David's door. Nestled in the rather big jacket she'd grabbed from the supermarket a while back, she blew out white clouds of smoke until the door opened. "Hey." Val gave him a smile. "Hope I ain't botherin' ya. Or knocked ya out of bed. Literally."

She chuckled at her own joke, which was a probably a lot funnier due to lack of sleep. "Mind havin' me for a while? I brought some cookies and grape juice, since ya don't drink wine. They're oatmeal-raisin, though. The chocolate chip one's been decimated."

[thiefcam-blog]

                   If you look at the center of the universe, there is coolness there. A void.      In the end, the universe does not care about us. Time does not care about us.                         That is why we have to take care of each other.

@sellthebody-sloan

[isaacapatow]

* * #COMMUNITY CENTRE CONVO WITH @ermanodelgcdo, @salemcampbell, @ijemmaokafor, @davxdalexander

ermano. -let's out a sigh, arms folded. news of what happened weighed deep in his soul.- I know we're all trying to wrap our heads around the news. I'm sorry we have to deal with this; I figured the quicker we can put things together, the quicker we can all return to mourning. Losing Tristan and Gin -clears his throat- puts a massive hole in the community; may their souls rest in peace. It also leaves two roles needing to be filled which is why I called everyone here. I believe it's only necessary to move Jemma to Gin's position with how much time she's spent as an apprentice. As for the Council position, I personally vote David as a candidate.

David Alexander -while stoically remaining silent about all of this, David is wrapping his head around everything that happened. So much so that he hasn't really grasped why he was asked here. Losing two friends was dredging up feelings he was not all that keen on reliving. He silently listens to Ermano and when he mentions David he sits up a bit straighter as everything clicks- Wait, what?

ike -has been standing against a bookcase, rocking on his heels and staring down at the ground mostly, but his head jerks up at Ermano's declaration- Yeah, what?

Salem Campbell -sits on his seat, looking like he hasn't slept in at least two days, and mutters- Jesus... -rubs his eyes for a moment before answering- I agree with you on Jemma. She's more than capable of taking Ginny's position. -eyes wander over to David- And David's shown himself as a capable head hunter too. So, that's a yes from me there, too.

ermano. -nods to Salem- I can vouch he's more than capable. We've served together once upon a time overseas. He has a great head on his shoulders and I know he has the community's best interest at heart.

ike Okay, so -- another military man, and one who just happens to be one of your cronies from back in the day, ooh-rah?

David Alexander Ooh-ra is Marines

ike Do I look like I fucking care if you were Marines or Army or Sergeant Pepper?

ermano. Isaac, please.

Salem Campbell Ike- -takes a deep breath- Do you have a different suggestion? Someone you think fits better?

ermano. -stares at isaac-

ike -rearranges himself, saying icily- Not off the top of my head, no. I've been in goddamn mourning like the rest of you. But you don't think people are gonna see this and have concerns?

Salem Campbell Genuinely Ike, I don't think they will. But people having concerns isn't enough reason to not get the best person for the job. The worst thing that's going to happen is that people are worried and that we'll prove them wrong as a council.

Ijemma Okafor -despondent- This is the triage phase. Let David do it. If he fucks it up, we’ll fix it then.

ermano. I'm with Jemma. Trial run. If David isn't up to par, we'll branch out. But as of right now, I think getting this done as soon as possible is best so we can focus on other things.

Salem Campbell Agreed. I think that would be the best, too.

David Alexander -sarcasm- I appreciate the vote in confidence from y'all. -Looks to Ike- Losing friends is hard and I ain't trying to replace anyone. Hell, I didn't even know why I was invited here. But y'all are a man down and need help, so if I can help, I will.

ike -matching his sarcasm but louder- Oh, well ain't that just great! Pitch in and we can all raise the barn together because we're a man down! Maybe we can all field strip our rifles together later. Sorry, Jem, you're not invited to that one, boys only.

Ijemma Okafor -glaring at her best friend like she can’t stand him- Fuck you right now, Ike. I get that you don’t know which direction to be pissed, but this ain’t it.

ike -glares back at her, mouth pressed shut tight and jaw working, but backs down-

ermano. -shocked at isaac's silence-

David Alexander -mutters softly so only Ermano can hear him - So there is an off switch

Salem Campbell -let's out a soft breath- Alright. I think we got it then. Jemma will take up Ginny's position as council advisor. David will be a council member for the time being, unless there are issues. Can we agree on that? -especially looks at Ike with a gentle but imploring gaze-

ermano. -whispers to david- I might radio her whenever I need him to shut up now. I'm good with it

ike -blinks at Salem, then rubs a hand over his face, pushing away from the bookcase and edging towards the door- Triage. Trial run. Fine.

David Alexander -pointedly looking at Ermano- What the Hell did you just volunteer me for?

ermano. -stands and faces David- Welcome to the Council.

=== /// much later that night

Salem Campbell -stands in the kitchen, currently deciding what to brew himself to make it through the night; notices Ike coming in- Hey there. Just back from outside?

Ike -grunts in response, going to one of the cupboards; he opens it and just stands there, looking at everything in it before taking down a jar of peanut butter and holding it-

Salem Campbell -looks at him for a moment- Alright. -considers the peanut butter too, before opening a cupboard- Want some hot cocoa? We even got tiny marshmallows.

ike Hohhhwhuh? -shakes himself out of his stupor, like he's just noticed the jar in his hand- Do we really? I'm... -swallows painfully, laying his fingers against his jaw- I swallowed a bunch of blood and sand. Kind of a shitshow happening in my throat right now. -a bit more plaintively- I'm hungry. 

Salem Campbell Sound like one hell of a rough raid. -begins to pull out the supplies, warming milk on the stove as well as pulling out two mugs- No leftovers from this evening, unfortunately, but if you want I can cook something up. Been hungry myself.

ike -wags the jar at him- About all I can manage. -his jaw's a bit swollen, too, from where Cass clocked him, but he doesn't mention it- But don't let me stop you. -rustles in a drawer for a spoon, then rudely starts eating straight out of the jar- Didn't you have dinner?

Salem Campbell -raises an eyebrow then lets out a soft chuckle- Alright. If you can manage it later, I'll put the leftovers in the fridge. -finishes up making the hot cocoa (not forgetting marshmallows) before pushing the mug towards Ike- Nope. Not much time for it, with everything going on. -shrugs- You didn't have it either. Did the walker that punched you in the jaw keep you that busy?

ike -collects his mug but doesn't sit down, retreating back to standing up against the counter again like a wary fox- Everything going on. Yeah. -sucks on the spoon for a bit, gaze flicking up to Salem at the question- I was gonna say Silvy. For the Council.

Salem Campbell I didn't poison it, don't worry. -casts a pitying glance at the communal jar of peanut butter before turning his gaze back to Ike- Silvy, huh. -thinks about it for a moment- I can see why. You can still bring it up with the council, discuss it. I know... -sighs- I know we're sometimes not fair to you. But what you say usually has a point. So if you wanna bring up Silvy as a potential member, you got my support.

ike Yeah, well. -pokes around in the jar- Maybe every good admin group needs a dickhead thorn in its side. For a while. -eyes Salem at the promise of support- Why would YOU want her in the council? I don't need anyone agreeing with me just because they think I resemble a dog they kicked one time.

Salem Campbell Hey. I would never kick a dog. -acts serious for a second before taking a sip from his mug- I support you in bringing her up as a candidate. She's capable and keeps a cool head in high stress situations. And it's important to have different perspectives on the council, so someone from security would be good. -shrugs slightly- I wanna consider all your perspectives, even if they come from a dickhead thorn.

ike -chews this over for a while, and then says, like it's a challenge- Or I was thinking maybe Renee. Since she's the town doctor and not somebody military.  Not the same approach from two people on the Council that way.

Salem Campbell Renee? -considers it for a moment- Can't say I know her too well. But she doesn't seem like the leader type. And honestly, with the stress the medics already have, we can't really afford to put 'em elsewhere. You can still bring her up, though, I'm not gonna stop you.

ike -nods, satisfied by this- Fine. -samples the hot chocolate, then socks down half of it- God, that feels good. -gets a spoonful of peanut butter and stirs it into the last third of his drink- You can cook for me anytime, Salem. Bet you'd look cute in an apron.

Salem Campbell -considers saying something about the peanut butter, but then thinks that this is probably better than eating it straight from the jar; smiles when Ike mentions that the cocoa feels good- I do actually look cute in an apron, thank you very much. -shakes his head, chuckling- Though that's probably not something you'd wanna see. I can make you some mean chili though, if you ever want it. Old family recipe.

ike -slurps down the peanut chocolate slurry, sticking his finger in the mug after to scrape out a blob of unmelted peanut butter to suck off- Easy there, Salem. I'm not the kinda guy who needs dinner before a date. You don't wanna come off desperate. -chortles to himself, abandoning the mug and the open jar with the spoon still stuck in it, waving over his shoulder as he trudges towards the door- I'll remember what you promised, buckaroo. Just you keep that in mind.

Salem Campbell -rolls his eyes slightly, still amused- Yeah, next time I'll just skip the chili and go straight to first base. Or is that too slow for you? -grabs the mug from the counter to wash it (and considers what to do with the poor peanut butter jar- Don't threaten me with a good time, Isaac. I wouldn't have offered it if I didn't want to cook something for you.

ike -pauses momentarily at the door to slant a look over his shoulder at Salem, already cleaning up, but ultimately doesn't say anything before he leaves-

[thiefcam-blog]

sms to @sellthebody-sloan II

[isaacapatow]

with @davxdalexander & @mayrarcjas  | the daybreakers : david talks about ermano, and ike and mayra close something and consider an opening

ike apatow We got word that Ares was injured. They're gonna be bringing him back to Redwood as soon as he's stable enough to travel. -they're ranging among the junk in the yard, finding salvage that can be repurposed to repair and fortify things in town- The radio system we set up isn't reliable but at least they got that much through. We should start training damn carrier pigeons, man.

David Alexander Ares? Shit. -it seemed just about everyone was getting hurt- How bad is he?

ike apatow They couldn't give too much detail but from what I gather he's down for the count and they're worried his wounds might fester if he stays. Makes sense. Everyone who's there is there to be a target, after all, but targets with a chance of getting out of it alive. -Ike scowls down at the ground for a moment after saying that, his forehead in a pained crease-

David Alexander Well, that's good they can bring him back. Hopefully it ain't anything too bad. -David knows that Ike has a special spot for all of his raiders and he notices the look in his face- Zack won't let anything happen to them. As much of a pain in the ass he is, he's not that kind of guy. But I'm sure you know that.

ike apatow Yeah, no -- it's not that. He's gonna do what he can. It's ... -Ike stops looking around entirely, looking at David instead- They could all be dead a month from now. Or worse, captured. You were a prisoner with the Daybreakers, I mean not for long but long enough to see what it was like.

David Alexander -David waits for Ike to give him his attention and let him spill rather than pry. He crosses his arms and sighs as he nods along- It wasn't long, but yeah. I was glad we were gone as quick as we were. I don't want to think about what would happen if the others are taken.

ike apatow But we have to. That's our job, to think about that.

David Alexander -David nodded- Yeah. I know. But we're not gonna let that happen to them. -it wasn't a question - it was a matter of fact-

ike apatow -Ike stares at him flatly for a moment, then turns back to searching- I don't know how you do it.

David Alexander -his brow raises slightly as he follows Ike- Do what?

ike apatow Never bother thinking anything deeper than what you've been told to think.

David Alexander -David breaths out amusement under his breath- It's not that. It's a success mentality. Used it on missions and it never failed.

ike apatow -Ike snorts, although his interest is piqued by this- Positive thinking, seriously? That's what Uncle Sam taught you when you were in his gang?

David Alexander No, Uncle Sam taught me patience with stupiditiy. Ermano taught me positive thinking.

ike apatow Now I know you're fuckin' with me. Ermano has positive thoughts about trousers that can be let out in the ass and that's about it.

David Alexander -David smirked and shrugged- Am I? Or maybe that's just how close 'Mano and I are.

ike apatow All right, well -- whatever. You and Ermano can have had all the positive thinking personal hand-holding retreats you want, it doesn't mean it's gonna help anything.

David Alexander Might not, but it doesn't hurt either.

ike apatow You sure you didn't learn this from Mayra? That sounds more likely.

David Alexander -David shook his head- No, I learned this from being a leader to a bunch of guys who were terrified about going into war zones.

ike apatow See now -- if you were my CO and I was shit terrified to go get potentially blowed up and you told me to just think nice thoughts and assume success, I'd gank you in the night and go AWOL. -Ike smirks, leaning back at the hips as he jabs a finger at David- And that's why I'm not suited for the military.

David Alexander You'd be surprised how many guys did that. -he laughed under his breath- Yeah, I could see that. Ain't nothing wrong with it.

ike apatow So. Speaking of Mayra, what's up with you and Mayra?

David Alexander Uhhhh. -he rubs the back of his neck awkwardly- I'm just helpin' her out. She asked for some self defense lessons and she came to check up on me with the whole 'Mano incident.

ike apatow Noooooooooo, tell the truth. She made you smile. -Ike jams his fingertips on either side of his mouth, giving a dimply twinkly exaggerated smile and twisting his fingers- I had to hear the girls squealing about it, so now I get to bother you about it.

David Alexander I do know how to smile, y'know. She ain't the only one. -he shakes his head but is amsued nonetheless- We shared a single kiss. Just one.

ike apatow What's stopping you from more?

David Alexander I want to talk with her about things. Gauge her comfort level and everything.

ike apatow Things? What things? Am I a thing? Tell me if I'm a thing because I'm pretty fuckin sure I'm a thing.

David Alexander I don't know if you're a thing. That is more a Mayra answer than me. You might want to talk to her.

ike apatow Don't tell me to talk to her, I've talked to her more than you have and that's a fuckin fact. -he boots over a piece of a wheel well, crouching down to look at it but still talking- She's in love with me. She claims she's in love with me. Did she mention that?

David Alexander -David crossed his arms and stared at him with a brow raised- Not really, no.

ike apatow -Ike hoots, breaking apart some gears from a shaft and inspecting them- Well, now you know. She was probably never even gonna tell you.

David Alexander -David shrugs- Maybe. Maybe not. I don't know. For all I know it was just a kiss and nothing more. Hence why I wanted to talk to her first.

ike apatow What's Ermano say about it?

David Alexander Being happy for me and go for it because we're all on borrowed time.

ike apatow Huh, interesting. He normally has a lot to say about Mayra being slutty, even though she's barely slept with anybody.

Mayra Rojas -she had left sol’s home, dropping off a few items when she had overheard her name being said, by an all too familiar voice. looking through the junkyard fence, mayra saw david and ike talking. crouching, she continued to listen to the conversation, unseen-

David Alexander Honestly, I think Ermano's near brush with death has changed his mind on a few things. I also know he's been trying to get me a girl since as long as I have known him.

ike apatow Even one he thinks is a stone whore?

David Alexander A stone whore? -he raises his brow questioningly- I'm not exactly the most virtuous guy either, y'know.

ike apatow Oh, yeah -- Ermano won't care how many places you dipped your wick, this is entirely one-way judgy traffic,

David Alexander Like I said - Ermano said he was happy for me, even if there's nothing there. And he told me to go for it, but I don't know if there even is anything there.

ike apatow -standing back up, Ike looks at David for a while, then walks ahead a bit- All right. Well, I can handle the rest myself, if you want.

David Alexander -David shook his head as he follows along- Appreciate it but idle hands and all that. Besides, -he reaches down and picks up something Ike walked past- You missed some.

ike apatow Sure. Knock yourself out.

Mayra Rojas -mayra finally stepped out into view, looking over to the men- What’s the matter, Ike? Annoyed David didn’t give in to your instigation? Let me guess, you were the one who brought me up? Real nice. -she crossed her arms, sending a glare toward ike-

ike apatow What instigation? If he knew what one was, that would've been called a conversation.

David Alexander -David looked up as Mayra approached and he felt like he was missing something here- Were you eavesdropping?

Mayra Rojas I was leaving Sol’s and heard my name. A little hard not to when that happens. -her attention was only on david- Don’t listen to him when it has anything to do with me. It’s all false. Well, one thing is right. -she looks to ike with a pointed stare- I don’t love him.

ike apatow -cups his hand to his ear- Say that again? I wanna hear it in front of a witness.

Mayra Rojas Bite me. -she rolls her eyes-

ike apatow -he drops his hand, giving her a dark, serious stare- No. Say it again. I think I deserve that much and David does too.

Mayra Rojas You’re such an insufferable cockroach. -her arms fell to her side- You were right, I don’t love you. -there was so much more she wanted to say, but mayra chose to put a cork in it to not confuse david more than he already looked-

ike apatow Great. Now I'm gonna continue on, and you two can do whatever. -he starts to head off to the other side of the junkyard-

Mayra Rojas -she watches ike as he moves to the over side of the junkyard, frustration growing- Give me a sec and then I’ll answer any questions you might have -she says to david before following ike- Hey, what the hell was that? Why bother bringing me up to someone else when we haven’t even seen each other since before snow fall?

ike apatow -keeps walking, not turning around- That's what us lying cockroaches do.

Mayra Rojas Bullshit. -she catches up to him, and rounds to stop in front of him- Stop! That’s not fair. I’m moving on and trying to find what I need with someone else and this is what you do? I didn’t run to Jemma when I found out about you two. Why try to hinder my happiness?

ike apatow What would you even run to Jemma for?

Mayra Rojas My point.

ike apatow That isn't a point.

Mayra Rojas Yes, it is. You just refuse to see it. Hell, anything I say you refuse to even acknowledge it.

ike apatow That's rich coming from the girl who's refused to listen to a single thing I've said, even if it's about me.

Mayra Rojas -she lets out a sigh, but stays firm- You’re right. I didn’t want to hear you, and I’ll own up to that.

ike apatow -he looks at her directly instead of around at other things, mouth twisted to the side- All I said to him is that Ermano thinks you're a slut, and that you think you're in love with me. The first one's true, that's what Ermano thinks, and the second one has apparently changed, so... -Ike shrugs- So that's that. I'm not a fucking liar and I never have been, but thanks for assuming I would. 

Mayra Rojas -mayra rolled her eyes, two fingers reaching her temples to give them a few rolls- Jesus fucking Crickets, we’re never going to be able to have a decent conversation again, are we? Fuck, I didn’t know you moved to Gin’s place ‘til Lucien told me. Once upon a time, that’s something we would’ve talked about before it happened, and now? I feel like I’m looking at the shell of someone I used to know and I don’t like it.

ike apatow -he shrugs, shoulders slumping a little- I don't like it either. But I don't think there's any way back for us. You can't even talk to me without rolling your eyes and calling me names.

Mayra Rojas Maybe say something not ‘roll my eyes worthy’ -her words were a joke but she could see how they could’ve been taken serious- That was a joke, by the way. -moving a piece of hair behind her ear, mayra looked up at ike- I’m sorry. I’ll try to stifle my defense mechanism around you.

ike apatow -he can't help sounding a little mournful, looking down at her- I don't know why you even feel like you have to be defensive around me. I'm not trying to attack you, Mayra.

Mayra Rojas -she shrugs- Sometimes it feels like it.

ike apatow You know if I ask you to give me examples you wouldn't be able to come up with any. You know that, right.

Mayra Rojas Don't you think I already know it's all in my head?

ike apatow Uh, not really, since you act on it as if it's fact.

Mayra Rojas That's what mental illness is, Ike. I'm sure you can understand that better than most. -she wasn't insinuating ike had one, but to work with addicts ... to be an addict was classified as a mental illness in the old world- I've been seeing Theo. And while he's not a psychiatrist, he certainly presents some affirming information on personality disorders. The highs ... the lows ....

ike apatow Okay, okay. I don't require you to tell me what your diagnosis is, that's your business -- all I want is for you to stop treating me like a cartoon villain out to get you. I do know what mental illness is like, yeah, and rule one is that it's not an excuse for treating other people like shit.

Mayra Rojas I'm not making an excuse.

ike apatow Oh-kay. Congratulations on seeking help, then.

Mayra Rojas -mayra lets out a slow breath, her eyes slightly narrowing at him- How about this? And it might sound corny, but, whenever you're free, stop by for tea and we'll catch up. Maybe do just ten minutes and see how it goes for another tea date, as friends. Just a suggestion, think it over. -she puts a gentle hand on his arm- I do miss you, by the way. You were like one of my best friends ... that I fucked. -she snorts-

ike apatow How about you invite me for tea. I think that would work better than me calling the shots on anything between us. -he raises his eyebrows hopefully, resting his hand over hers on his arm-

Mayra Rojas -a small smile forms- Ike, will you please meet me for tea at my place, tonight? As long as you're not too busy.

ike apatow Yes I will. -he answers without hesitation, then sighs, cupping his other hand to the back of her head and pressing a short kiss to her hair before letting go- I'll see you later, kid. Now go tend to that basset hound of yours.

Mayra Rojas -she briefly folds into him and smiles at his comment. with a shake from her head, mayra walks back toward david, her hands shoved deep in her coat pockets- Hey, sorry about that. You need help?

David Alexander -when Mayra had ran off to do whatever it was with Ike, David had busied himself to avoid watching or listening. It was obviously a private conversation and one he felt like he didn't need to get into the middle of. He only looked up from the broken clock that he was taking apart when he heard Mayra- Just grabbing a couple more parts to pass on for projects. Everything good between you two?

Mayra Rojas -she gave a single-sided shrug- Time will tell, honestly. But - um. I want you to know that there's nothing romantic going on there. In case you were wondering.

David Alexander -David looked over to where Ike had disappeared before back at Mayra- I wasn't, but that's good to know. -he offers her a gentle smile as he finally pulls apart the clock and pulls out the gears- So....just how long were you spying on us?

Mayra Rojas Not long, truthfully. Probably the last minute or so before I stepped out. -she playfully narrowed her eyes at him- Why? Did you finally confess your undying love for Ermano?

David Alexander -David chuckles and shakes his head - Oh, no. Nothing that dramatic. But I did tell him that 'Mano has a crush on him.

Mayra Rojas I knew it -mayra playfully put a finger in the air- That's why he acts like he has a stick up his ass whenever Ike is around, huh?

David Alexander Oh yeah. He just doesn't want Ike to know it. He likes to play hard to get.

Mayra Rojas -she snorted at his joke- Figures.