Chapter Text
“Firstly let me say, I'm impressed by your background. Niro really was hiding a treat from me, you'll do well in our cause Cain.”
Cecil praised from beside him, both quietly sat in the back of the sleek car, the windows were heavily tinted, making it difficult for Eirwen to see exactly where they were going so late at night. Street signs and road markers a blur or too faded to read, luckily the team could track him. Even if he didn't fully understand his location, they would.
“I'm happy to finally be part of the big picture, Niro sent me to smaller jobs when the operation was in danger. Meeting you was just part of the bucket list.”
“Ha, bucket list?”
The man chuckled as the car took a right and started to pick up speed.
“I like your enthusiasm Cain.. Now, before you're let inside I expect a certain standard from all my men, and women. Nothing outlandish, but ground rules everyone follows to maintain order.”
He looked over to Eirwen, waiting for him to give full acknowledgement.
“Firstly, my people follow a curfew. Seven am is roll call, eight pm is dinner. Unless you're following me on errands you're expected to be at each post, sharp. I like routine.”
Up at seven, done with the day at eight. He assumed everyone was assigned chores or tasks if they didn't ride with Cecil by the fourteen hour work day. He assumed that would also be explained, Cecil probably liked straight forward, routine, cleanliness, and respect. It felt easy enough, maybe getting into his inner circle would be easier than he thought.
“Second, nobody is allowed to leave the property unless they're with me, or I've given permission. I keep tabs on all my men. While you're on property you'll also be following the same tasks as everyone else, upkeep to the business isn't a one man job, the more you help the higher you climb. Once we arrive I'll go over what you'll be expected to do understood?”
“Chores? Like ‘round the house clean up?”
“Clean up, keeping yourself in shape; I like ensuring my men are in top physical health. If you have any disabilities I'd speak up now.”
“No sir.”
“Good.”
Cecil seemed satisfied with that, part of Eirwen was curious as to why health conditions were such a stress to the man. Though he guessed if any of his men were picked for Z40 development then health issues would cause a kink in his plans. It'd also be a safe assumption that hiding his medication would do him good, no telling what Cecil would do or feel if he knew.
“Does that mean the more work you do, there's a higher reward?"
Cecil said people would climb higher based on their work effort. A hierarchy in his ranks felt right on target for a man like him.
“Yes, my men start at the same level of respect and standards, given the same limitations. The more you prove to be of higher value, the longer of a leash I'll give. Those who show the most promise are allowed to come with me on errands or business trips, and have more- important work they attend to.”
He needed to climb, getting up close looks and info on Z40 would only be given to those who stood at the top, they'd see development, tests, he'd need a higher status if he wanted to help the team. They needed specifics on how it was made, doses, if it was narcan resistant requiring its own reversal drug.
“Lastly, my men are viewed as family, you've all earned your right to be under my roof, my care. Everyone is treated at the same level of given respect. There's no need for Sir's or anything like that, if you have a need or concern you come to me and it'll be dealt with, I want my people to be as comfortable as possible. Any threats, fights, or danger to you is my top concern following your happiness and health. The kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they don't take requests unless you have a dietary restriction. You'll be given your own room and bathroom, any extra clothes or gear you need I'll grant. If you have family you need to speak to I'll have burner phones brought, no romantic connections are to be made under my roof. I want everyone professional, but, not much is overall restricted to you or my men. Sound fair?”
It did, almost too much so.
It sounded too good to be what he was actually offering, tasks, curfews, and access to family? The only restrictions being leaving the property and disabilities, or romantic connections. It really did sound like a family, one.. Very large, illegally oriented family.
The car stopped, Eirwen just able to see the red light ahead of them and the fading lights from the city. They were about to leave town it seemed, into the dense woods where Niro vaguely described the house was settled in, the heaviness of being trapped in the car with the man was finally settling in. Game and rules in mind, it was still an important play he had to think through.
“Yes, almost too good. Niro described you as more; intense than family friendly.”
“Niro sees the business, not the home I've built it from. He isn't one for, seeing the softer side. He's focused on power, control, and striving for the next step. It's nice, a good business head.”
Cecil took stride in the base of his operation, it seemed like Eirwen's original glimpse at his egotistical side may need to be watered down, like Niro- he strived for the success, the power and fame that would shroud his name. But he took more pride than Niro in the basics of how he got this far, his men he viewed as family, his cook house he viewed as a home. It almost felt like he put Niro in the front lines of his operation, of the power and fear people took from it rather than himself.
But that begged the question, did he do it by accident? Did he let Niro take the reins seeing how dominant he was, let Niro spread the word? Or was it on purpose?
Did he let people fear Niro while he stood back, hiding what he was capable of to overpower what Niro had built once the man was gone?
“Remember the ground rules and you'll do fine, though.. I do have higher expectations of you. Stealing the spotlight at my opening and all. I don't have many men who've caught my attention quite like you, still, you'll need to earn your keep just like everyone else.”
A soft shift and more relaxed atmosphere settled in the backseat, Cecil preparing himself for the ride home.
“You'll do wonders for the cause if you're able to keep up.”
He hummed, the outside of the car slowly being clouded in black making Eirwen's sense of direction thrown off balance.
However, it sounded like the next play would be as tense as he thought; Cecil already had his guard down and favoritism high. Niro was right, Eirwen had caught his attention faster than he would've hoped.
~~~
It felt like an hour, maybe forty minutes they drove down a silent twisting road until the faint sounds of gravel stopped and the car halted, Eirwen tilting to peer out the front of the car to see two large gates opening for them. A man was posted outside waving them in, letting the car roll further into the property as they pulled up to the front of the place. He guessed most cars were parked to the side seeing how open it was, the house had two stories from the front, large front doors and windows shining dim lights through the tinted windows.
As they came to a stop the two men up front stepped out and Cecil followed, the trunk opening as Eirwen stepped outside. It was colder than he expected, being handed his duffle while Cecil handed his gun off.
“Youll be assigned a new one tomorrow after roll call, everyone has a carry on at all times.”
He nodded softly, following Cecil and one man to the entrance of the home while the third man drove the car out of view around the house. One door was pushed open, letting in warm orange light as the men stepped into a warmer, more welcoming temperature. The opening to the place was spacious, with little furniture or obstacles. Either side of the opening doors followed two staircases along the wall that went to the second story. The hallway in front of him leading straight to the back of the place.
“Ill let you explore tomorrow, Ill show you the hall you'll be staying in for now.”
Cecil gently tossed his hand for Eirwen to follow, nobody else was around the place so far, it was almost eleven at night. It made sense with the curfew. He was dragged to the staircase on the right, following step by step with Cecil as he began talking again.
“You'll need to clean your room, and maintain your weapon, chores include outdoor maintenance and repair, you'll need to help with deliveries and cataloging what comes in and out of the trucks and basement. We have monthly health checks, most men are assigned specific tasks, I'll find a place for you. Lastly you'll need to switch out on the security post, I have two other men working in it, your shifts will work in one day intervals surveying the house and grounds.”
Cecil wrapped up his sentence as they walked into the long hallway, almost ten, maybe a dozen other rooms lined it all before the end. He counted two cameras, one at the start and finish along with one on the stairs. His room was at the end, the last on the right wall. Most of the other rooms lights off.
“Each morning during roll call you'll wait outside your door until someone does headcount, be up and presentable by then. I'll have your uniform ready in a few days.”
“Uniform?”
“Dress shirt, a hip holster, slacks, and ear piece. Nothing fancy, but I like my men looking up to par. Any more questions?”
“No, not right now.”
“Good, I'll see you after roll call.”
Cecil turned and quietly made his way back down stairs, Eirwen turning to his door and reading the name plate over it's front.
012.
He turned to the room across from him, next to him, all had numbered name plates. Quietly pushing the door open and flicking on the lights, it was a nice size. Slightly bigger than what he had at base, to his immediate left was a desk and standing wardrobe, to his right a small book case, many of the reading materials about random topics or camera operation, things the rules related to. His bed was along the far left wall, made and untouched, a small wall was at the back corner where he guessed hid the bathroom. Taking a small breath in and closing the door he walked to the bed and set his bag down, he started unpacking while glancing around the room as nonchalantly as he could to look for cameras, the corners clear, the bases of the room. As he went to slip his boots off he looked to the book case, also clear. He didn't say anything, or look further.
He sorted his clothes into the wardrobe and his boots by his bed, his duffle was kept under the bed, its lining held his meds in zip lock bags. He'd need to be absolutely sure no cameras were watching before he took anything. Getting back up he inspected the bathroom, a sink on the left, the toilet hidden behind the glass square that encased the shower. No cameras. After a moment he stepped out and pulled a few books from the shelf to inspect while getting a closer look at the thing, still no cameras. Not even small boxed ones, ones disguised as books or picture frames..
Seriously? Nothing?
“Pretty bare.”
He uttered, not sure what the code or cue would be here for no cameras, putting back all but one of the books as he returned to his duffle and carefully shuffled it around, not pulling any of his baggies out just his sleep script, setting the pill on his tongue while pulling out his smokes, walking over to the window hidden beside the book case looking out over the woods outside before it was pulled open and he lit the stick, swallowing the pill as he sucked in, finding the most reclusive spot for now to take them until he was sure no one was watching him.
He could find more time tomorrow to look for cameras and map out the house itself, for now he focused on finishing a much earned cigarette and falling asleep in the quiet room to prepare and rest himself for tomorrow.
~~~
As light came in through the window across from Eirwen he sucked in a deep breath, the light looking red behind closed eyes, feeling coming to his arms and legs while his brain got to work and gave him his first calling task.
Wake up.
His eyes opened as a hand instinctively reached around to locate his phone and the time. The other rubbing sleep from his eyes while he sat up- 7:20 AM. He had time to shower and dress before roll call, wake himself up before his introduction to the new team. Stretching his arms up and pushing his chest forward as a large yawn rattled his chest, shuffling up and to the bathroom to let a shower heat up. Without Simon waking up was slightly more difficult, or it could've been stress, even still; normally Simon had him up and getting dressed relatively quick, up, alert, and ready. Without him it was taking longer, shuffling to the cool tile as two sets of ten push ups got his heart pumping and blood moving. Waiting till the bathroom was humid to slip from his clothes and wash up.
Not having to keep an ear out for the door was nice, though the underlying uncertainty of a camera somewhere in his room sort of outweighed that ease..
He dried off and changed into jeans and a tee, getting his boots laced on the floor by his bed where he took his anxiety script swiftly, roughly drying off his hair before getting deodorant on and checking the time- 7:57 AM. The towel was hung up to dry before he stepped outside of his room and waited just in front of his door, only two other men were out, both tall and had what he could see to be good physique. Quieting and peering over to look at Eirwen as more of them lined up. Only one room in the hall seemed empty, the room across from Eirwen, number 011. He took a moment to look over everyone else waiting in the hall, standing straight, arms folded behind their backs. Quickly fixing himself to match before a boy at the start of the hall caught his eye.
Room 002, he was slightly smaller than the other men here and kept staring at Eirwen in a way that made his stomach churn in unease. He had short black hair and matching eyes, he didn't know why the guy was so fixated on him. Quietly looking ahead at the blank door in front of him as a man came up the stairs and to the Hall.
“Roll call, everyone up?”
A communal “Yes Sir” came from the men, the one in charge looked up from his clip board and looked to check off each man before waving his hand up aimlessly.
“Dismissed.”
The group quietly walked past him, Eirwen moving from his door to follow before he was stopped.
“Cecil wants to see you before you attend breakfast. You know where he is?”
“No sir.”
“Alright, this way.”
Silently he was instructed to follow the man downstairs to the nearly glowing first story. The house; now illuminated in natural light, seemed much more light and open than it did last night. The sleek cream wall color and arched ceilings made the place almost feel as if it'd grown. Being brought to the left staircase and into its respective Hall.
There was less rooms on this side, he was counting five.. Maybe up wards of six to seven in total? No numbers or placks to show what they were, more spaced and louder than his Hall so he assumed at least one room was connected to the properties camera system and at least one belonged to just Cecil. Looking back to the man he was following as he stopped at the end of the hall and knocked on a door, no reply came and he pushed it open while waiting for Eirwen.
“Twelve.”
He said while Eirwen waited just inside the room before he left. Their names must've not been marked on the clipboard if he was being called by his room number.
“Good morning.”
He said softly with a small head bow. Cecil grinned and nodded.
“Good morning. You sleep well?”
“I did.”
The man nodded once again as he stood and opened a drawer to the desk in front of him.
Eirwen couldn't say this was his room, truly it was more of an office. Pin boards of territory layout, truck delivery times and numbers, calculations of some kind- hunting rifles mounted on the walls near taxidermy deer or antelope, the desk reminded him of Price's though Price's would've never been so organized.
Turning back to the man in question he was found to be holding a leather gun holster, handing it to Eirwen.
“Get that comfortable and follow me. I want to show you the grounds.”
The holster was sleek black, one strap going around his hips and the second smaller one around his upper thigh. The holster itself resting comfortably against his right hip, Cecil watching quietly as he waited for the man to finish.
“After you've been shown around I'll get your chores assigned and you can finish breakfast with the others, you'll need your glock first. You like your room? It's not much but..”
He trailed off waiting for a reply, starting small talk. He was probably trying to get to know Eirwen better, judge his character and get a feel for how he was responding to being here.
“It's fine. I don't need much, all I have is clothes and books.”
“Mhm. Speaking of breakfast, do you have any food restrictions? Allergies? You said you didn't have any disabilities but I need to know about any conditions you may have.”
The chances of there being a camera in his room just dwindled by about 80%. He didn't know about his pills, if there was a camera it wouldn't look like he had insomnia. This was good, very good.
“No sir, nothing.”
Cecil didn't respond, taking him up the hall and to the first room on its left, their current right. Walking in it became very obvious this was the artillery room, or at least one of them.
It was similar to the one back at base, organized racks and stands for adult rifles, hunting rifles, small machine guns, glocks, and boxes of ammunition.
“An artillery room? Each of these numbered, or do you only buy ghosts?”
The team couldn't see it, so he had to describe it or get Cecil to. By the looks of it most of these were American weapons. Enough in the small room alone to cover a small army of men.
“Our weapons man buys ghosts in bulk, harder to track and easier to dispose of if need be. We manufacture most of our bullets in the basement.”
Basement.
This place had a basement.
“Is that all that's in the basement?”
“Mm, earn your keep remember Cane? Only my most trusted men go down there with me, do the work and impress then I'll tell you.”
He nodded, his eyes taking in a better inventory of what was in the room while Cecil grabbed a glock off of its rack and walked back over so Eirwen could holster it in place.
“Follow me, Ill show you the grounds then bring you back inside. Breakfast will be over in an hour so remember well, I'm only doing this once.”
“Yes.. Will do.”
Not having to call an authority figure sir was odd. He'd need to work on that.
Cecil led him down the staircase and through the front doors, people were up and moving unlike last night, now it was obvious during the day this place was busy. People moving boxes or tracking others as they moved, what looked like house keepers worked diligently to keep the place clean while men and women came from outside and the basement or kitchen.
Outside was calmer, only a handful of people cleaning leaves or carrying away trash bags of them to keep the outside of the property tidy.
“Youll work on outdoor maintenance every morning after breakfast, you should be here from eight forty to ten, I'm setting up a camera radius around the property now that the feds are catching on to the operation so you'll be setting them up in the taped trees. The other men here will talk you through it.”
As they came around the side of the building and a few people came into view connecting or hiding wires, some up in the trees Cecil explained what Eirwen's outdoor chores would look like. Taking in the general area of all the fenced in trees, he wasn't sure how far the cameras stretched out..
“How far is the perimeter your setting up?”
“Mm, first row is twenty feet from the outer walls, the final row is two miles out. We may install a few in between but for now this is it.”
Good info for the team, Cecil had a camera room that connected to the inside of the home which wasn't just useful to the team but to Eirwen once he got the layout memorized. But now he could freely warn the team about the outside cameras they'd have to worry about and give daily updates while he was outside and out of earshot from the other people here.
“After breakfast I'll be out here?”
“Yes, if you choose to eat you'll be helping our doctors dispose and mark experiment failures or success from the basement, as well as taking inventory of any supplies they need for subject numbers.”
Eirwen nodded and followed him to the back of the property, it sounded like the basement is where his better experiments were being held and probably where the first successful ones would be made.. The back of the place all looked about the same, spread out men in groups of one to two working, a small shooting range in the back a ways off from the door back inside.
“If I choose to eat, is there an earlier chore?”
“Yes, before lunch if you choose to eat you'll also help Bennet and Matt with the truck. They switch out. The afternoon truck is mostly a restock on our food and medication, but occasionally weapons will be shipped in. Just switch out with Alex and she'll take up her switch out chore.”
Another soft nod, being brought back inside.
This back door led them straight into an intake like room, a small desk and a second artillery rack behind the women and her clipboard.
“If you use the shooting range or need a gun for whatever reason Vic here will help you, this is open to everyone at any time before lights out.”
Eirwen once again took inventory of the weapons in front of him while Cecil took in his body language. He'd meticulously watched every space he'd been brought to.
“This way.”
His hand waved and he brought them both down the small Hall out of the room and to the left, now in what looked- well it looked like the mix of a lounge area and a medical stock room.
“For any injuries you may get we have plenty of supplies, after ride alongs with me or during free time you're more than welcome to take a break here. That room over there is the gym, as I stated before I do want you in your best physical health so log at least seven hours a week.”
“Is that also off limits after dark?”
“Not always, if I see it necessary you can visit at night.”
The larger room had two couches a few chairs, metal racks held boxes of medical supplies or boxes, if he was right this was the room behind the right staircase. Close to his room and basement, and just a hall down from all of the outside work. Watching it all as he followed Cecil out and into the large open space of Downstairs again where things had settled down, less people moving back and fourth, just then seeing a door under the right stairs.
The basement.
He was taken to the left around the outer wall if the room they'd just been in to find the dining room. One long table laid across it where the other men he'd seen this morning were eating, a swing door to the kitchen on its far left wall and another door on the left under the left staircase with a “Parking” label on its front, probably the way into the garage.
“Thats all you need to see from inside, eat breakfast and then work on the camera's til shift switch. You need help ask one of my men, your chores are written down.”
Cecil looked at the men sitting at the table and cleared his throat to grab their attention.
“This is Cane Williams, he's staying with us in room twelve.”
“Hello Cane. “
They said in near unison like some AA group, soft nods or waves being tossed at him before they resumed breakfast. Cecil tarted back towards the stairs while Eirwen looked at the dining room table, it didn't seem like there was a seating chart, none of the men sat in any real order. Everyone was sat side by side, the only open seat at the very head of the table and one on the end side closest to him. Taking a gamble the heat seat was Cecil's he sat in the open seat in front of him.
No dish was laid out, but a plate, a cloth under it, and a few napkins with utensils next to it.
Did he miss breakfast? Everyone else was already eating.
“They'll bring it to you.”
The man next to him said, making him look down to realize it was the boy from room 02.
“You got in last night didn't you? Cecil shows everyone around their first day.”
His eyes darted around to see if anyone else was watching or talking to him, however they all seemed preoccupied with their own conversations.
“I don't bite. I'm Liam Murphy.”
A soft pang hit his chest before he nodded.
“Cane. Sorry, didn't think anyone would be sociable.”
The boy shrugged while looking him over, inch by inch nearly. Starting at his head and down to his chest and hands before looking to the kitchen door where a woman came out holding a plate and glass.
Eirwen shifted and thanked her softly as it was set down;
A rather good smelling meal, an omelette and hash browns with some sausage, a small side of fruits to go with and a glass of water.
It was an overall balanced meal, what he was half exacting for the men he was training to be tested on. Grabbing his fork while ignoring the boy and his glances.
“Hey Williams you on camera duty?”
A man called from across the table, looking up as he nodded, his head tilted off to the right.
“Thank God, we've been short staffed. Only nine guys out there and way too much property.”
“Thats Buck, ex marine. He'll probably boss you around.”
Liam spoke up, making the man roll his eyes.
Everyone seemed well acquainted and friendly, close knit like a team. Getting info on them would also be useful in the long run but right now he was more focused on the schedule and rank he'd need to burn into his brain.
~~~
The camera set up was easy enough, he helped his mom install a few security cameras at her new house a few years back. These weren't much different, better, but the wire connection and test runs were all straight forward, the latter he used to climb up into the tree just below him as he sat on a large branch and finished the last screw, hooking the power drill to the small belt loop of tools he'd been using. Looking down to Buck from breakfast who held a tablet, taping it a few times before the camera whirled to life and he held a thumbs up.
“All good, come down. We can still cram a few more in before shift.”
“Alright.”
He called, shifting to start climbing down the ladder again, his mind was preoccupied at the moment nearly making him miss the first two steps.
That kid.. Liam.
Maybe it was just his last name, the sound striking something in Eirwen he didn't wish for it to.
Maybe it was how similar the two looked now that he gave it thought. Short dark hair, tanned skin and black eyes..
He looked around for the next marked tree while Buck grabbed the ladder.
It didn't look like Cecil's guards followed these men around, he hadn't seen a single one while he'd been out here. It looked like Cecil wasn't lying when he said he trusted his men.
“Hey, do the guards normally follow us around? I haven't seen any.”
“Oh no, don’t call em that. Cecil likes to think of them as one of us, a worker. Only difference is they won't be experimented on, they have better privileges, been around longer I think.”
Eirwen nodded softly, helping Buck set the ladder up.
“So what do they do exactly?”
“.. Mostly follow boss man around, go with him on business trips.”
He'd hit something, something Buck didn't want to talk to him about. Guess the guards did do something after all..
Buck handed him the next camera and he ascended the steps, finding a roughly close height to the last while shifting to a branch. Once again pulling out long screws and one by one drilling them into the camera base and tree until it was sturdy at it's post.
“So, where'd you serve?”
Buck called up, Eirwen peering down at him while getting the wires hooked up.
“Army for a while, out in Virginia. Got moved around the country a bit.”
“Tours?”
“A few, overseas. Though I was younger.”
There was no question after, but Buck seemed satisfied.
“Cecil hire a lot of us?”
“Oh yeah.”
He chuckled from below. Eirwen nodded and scooted away from the camera as he holstered the drill and looked down to the man. It whirled and moved, another thumbs up. It looked like the morning shift of camera set up would last for another week or two, the men were only able to set up around seven before they had to quit for break or chore shift. Cecil didn't want them in the trees during mid sun it seemed, probably worried about heatstroke or something alike.
As ten rolled around Eirwen finished cleaning up and gathering the outside equipment against the side of the house he came inside with the other men, Buck wasn't much of a talker and the others didn't seem much more sociable to him just yet.
They came in through the back door and walked their way to the common room to cool off for a few minutes as the temperature outside rose.
It was revealed then that the room had a few packs of plastic water bottles towards the gym area, a few men grabbing one before finding a place to sit. Eirwen took a moment to actually look at what was in the room, there wasn't much he missed the first time, the water packs, some light food, and rags outside the gym room. No TVs or electronics. Though that wasn't surprising, it'd be too risky to keep things like that in the house with the feds on him.
~~~
“You doing okay? Look kinda out of it..?”
Gaz asked Simon over breakfast..
In the computer room.
“Yeah..”
“Hes okay you know, it's only been a day.”
“I.. I know.”
Sure he knew, he'd spent the most time in that small room listening to him, every part of what he did. Yet it didn't stomp his worry, or the overwhelming anxiety he was in danger. It wasn't like he'd magically gotten separation anxiety..
It was just- since Eirwen arrived there really hasn't been a time Simon was without him.
They slept a Hall down from one another, shared the same table for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the same gym and bed or shower. Since they'd gotten close they'd always been around one another, Simon could tell if something- anything was wrong in a moment's notice, could tell by the look on his face or body, the change in how he carried himself or his voice.
And he could help.
The same went for him, and at the end of every day they saw each other, they talked, showered, and then fell asleep in the same bed. Curled up and tangled around the other man.
Now it was just him. Now he woke up alone, ate alone, sparred alone, and fell asleep alone.
When he wasn't listening to Eirwen he didn't know what was happening to him, couldn't tell how he was feeling or what was being done around him, he couldn't make sure he was safe.
“Si I just.. I mean I get it, but staying in here like this all the time.. It's not good for you. It's gonna stress you out even more. You should.. Spent time with Jonny, or.. Maybe sleep in his room? Be around his smell? It might calm you down a little.”
The truth was if he was this bad after a day what would four more months of this do to him? The longer he stayed in Eirwen's room the less it'd smell like him, the more he was around the smell the more he'd miss him, and the longer he was away from it it'd generate the same result.
“I just.. I was never like this with Johnny. He could leave on a mission for a week and.. I 'd miss ‘im, but I would sleep. I know he's safe, I know someone's always listening but, I don't know.. I don't think he should've left, not now. Not with everything going on.”
“Mm.. I.. I'm sorry, I am. I don't know what this must be like for you, I just- I wish I could help..”
Gaz was a genuine person, he helped when he could, comforted when it was needed, gave advice to those who asked. It was hard on him not being able to do that for someone.
“It's alright.. It'll get better, I know it will. I just, have to wait it out.”
Gaz nodded softly and offered a small smile, Simon left out a deep breath and leaned back in the chair he'd brought while turning to watch the computer screen and its spiked lines converting audio on Eirwen's end. His plate remaining untouched as he tried ignoring the painful nagging in his chest.
~~~
The handle to the rooms door handle opened, Simon stepping in and taking a large deep breath in through his lungs. Savoring the thick smell as it swirled around, musk and sweat mostly, and his cologne.. The room still smelled like him.
Simon clicked the lights on and shut the door, the pain felt lesser now even with the brief exposure to Eirwen. A soft smile breaking as he looked around;
Eirwen's bed was in shambles.. The wooden boards holding the mattress broke in, the mattress touching the floor at its feet from their last night together here. Simon had stolen the checkered blanket after he left, however the sheets looked… stained. Pillows and thin base provided blankets thrown off it, the cuffs Simon had used dropped open buy the bed.
His smile grew, walking over and looking to his nightstand, opening the drawer and looking at the hand sewn balaclavas he'd made for Eirwen neatly stacked under the picture of them and Jensen. There was also no trace of his pills, or his smokes. His dog tags were inside. He'd had to leave them before he left. Simon gently picking them up and reading them over.
“Mph.. Monroe..”
He hummed, he always thought Eirwen had a pretty middle name.
And last name..
And first…
He set them down and looked up, finding Eirwen's wardrobe. Though as it opened he was disappointed to see most of his clothes had been cleared out before he left. Only a few shirts and one of his three pairs of sweats, though his favorite boxing wrap was in here, normally people could keep them in the gym but Eirwen was probably worried it'd get stolen..
“Smart bastard.”
He muttered, some of his shoes were here. He didn't realize Eirwen really had more than two pairs; he was always in his work boots he just assumed he had two of those. He grabbed a shirt and shut the closet doors, looking to his desk. More faint memories of their last night flashing, how Eirwen had him over it.
Soft shudders rain down his back as he sat in the taped together chair and set the shirt in his lap, opening the long and wide drawer to look at his collection of drawing materials. Pens in different shades and washed out shades in colored pencils that Kyle had gotten him. A few torn out pages with given up sketches or grocery lists on them, he had a few charcoal looking pencils and blenders for them. It was disorganized but Simon found it fitting for him. Always organized on the field but messy in the bedroom.
Then his attention turned to the sketchbook.
The pain in his chest had disappeared and he wasn't even sure when, opening to the first page and slowly flipping through them.
Everything was dated, most of the beginning pages looked rushed, old. They were from before his transfer. Mostly random things, guns or still scenes from a gym or mission debrief room, some were from missions, like cars by some trees or half finished buildings.
As they went on some pages only had scratch sketches, not dated or touched really. They were probably from a time when he was busy in work, he liked drawing.
Simon thought he compared it to journaling but more abstract. Instead of writing how he felt and why he drew what was in his mind, it was more time consuming, and he was a visual person. It was fun trying to think about what he was going through based on these small glimpses into his mind, flipping more until ones he recognized started showing up, drawings from here, when he transferred.
Drawings of the bases boxing rings, or his sparring wrap, his favorite gun and birds from outside. Some were of glasses most likely from when they went drinking at the bar in town, this page was from one of the first times. Two shot glasses, it looked like he was going to add more or maybe his hand but never did.
Flipping again and suddenly he was looking at the first drawing of him Eirwen did.
He shifted and huffed as his smile grew, picking up the book and getting back closer look as he saw more, slowly Simon seemed to be all he drew, or pieces of him. It always fascinated Simon how he was portrayed like this, how happy and beautiful Eirwen made him out to be in these drawings, even if it was just his mask, or his boots. More focus went into these then nearly everything else.
Then he flipped to the page where Simon took up both sides, the day he broke through the walls. Or the night.
A suddenly a paper fell and hit the foot under his feet, looking down before the book was set aside and he picked it up. A small folded slip of paper, tilting his head as he opened it.
-Simon, you're a snoop.
The first line mocked, making him roll his eyes and unfold until the full sheet was in front of him.
-I knew you'd come sniffing after I left, sorry I don't have a lot of clothes for you to take. If you want to be a perv you can take my towel.
-I'm sorry, about leaving. And about the fight. I know you don't agree with it, I'm realizing now I probably could've waited like you said and given us more time to talk, and I should've. However, as I can see now that your reading this I have left and you are missing me, and believe me I haven't left yet and I miss you too. Ill be thinking about you while I'm gone, try and find a good schedule and listen during the night. Ill probably get time to talk to you then, but don't live in that room. Ill be damned if I get back and you stink like some computer nerd, ill make you shower before I let you kiss me so be warned.
-I hope ill be back in one piece, I also hope you stay safe when I'm not there. I such at words and notes so my point is I love you and Im a jerk for leaving or something.
-so I love you, and I'm a jerk. And I love you
Simon scoffed softly, his smile was slowly replaced with a soft sneer. He wasn't angry, or resentful.
Eirwen knew he'd come to his room if he was lonely enough and go through his things. Knew he'd go through the whole book to find this note, something Simon could hold onto when he was gone.
He just- knew.
Dammit he missed Eirwen.
~~~
Lunch had ended a few hours ago, as dusk approached Eirwen waited with Liam, they were the only two on night truck hand off other then Cecil's man who went to the basement.
Currently it was just them, standing quietly a few feet apart waiting for the truck. Eirwen had his arms folded and Liam had his tucked in his pockets softly rocking on his feet.
“It's nice out tonight.”
The boy muttered while looking up.
He'd been the most chatty with Eirwen, he had been earlier at morning truck too.
“It is.”
“It's a lil colder where I'm from. What about you?”
He looked over, his rocking coming to a stop as Eirwen peered down.
“.. Warmer. All desert.”
Was sharing personal information okay?
To play it safe he used his base in Arizona as an answer.
“Oh, that's nice… It'll snow soon. You ever seen snow?”
“I have, a lot.. Don't miss it though, lots of bad memories.”
“Ah.. Well hopefully this winter is better.”
The conversation ended, left in a slightly heavy silence. Eirwen was watching the driveway and occasionally Liam who was almost always looking at him. It didn't sit right with him, how much attention Liam gave, maybe it was because of what Eirwen was here for. Or maybe it was the uncanny resemblance he held..
“You always talk this much?”
“To people I like.”
Eirwen went quite and almost sent a glair, Liam suddenly shaking his head.
“I- I mean people I want to know you know? Not that I like you- I mean I do just not like that. It's hard to.. Get comfortable here. Especially when you've come from, elsewhere.”
His nervous stuttering vanished almost as quick as the new more serious tone came, Eirwen stitching his brows together.
“Did Cecil put you up to talking to me? You were staring at me during roll call, then again at breakfast. Yet you wouldn't speak to me when other people were around.”
Did Cecil seriously get a guy to follow him around and get a read on him?
Shit.. Or was he being too paranoid? Was he putting himself accusing the guy like this?
“Keep your voice down!”
Liam hissed quietly.
“The cameras have audio.”
Eirwen peered up at the red glowing dot the camera above them shown down. Looking back to Liam.
“I'm getting a feel for you. I have a friend who's coming, I wanted to make sure it was you.”
Eirwen tilted his head softly, Liam watched, looking like he was about to say more before the lights from night truck broke onto them. Sighing as they both stood in wait.
Eirwen tried making sense of what the kid meant, why he was so off putting and odd. Shaking out his nerves as the truck parked and opened its back. A soft green glow coming from its back while Eirwen let Liam climb in, getting a look at its inventory.
Only about a quarter of the boxes held Z40, but it wasn't the same. It's green was off, too yellow, more closely resembling the boxes they found in the lab. The vials weren't marked and the boxes on the clipboard were only marked as “batch 235”. There was also boxes and buckets matching the trucks food logo slapped on the side, the inside however housed drugs that'd be used in Z40.
“Yellow glow.”
He uttered for Simon.
Liam handed Eirwen the boxes which he took inside and to the basement door, Cecil's guard then took it and brought it down.
It was the same process as the morning truck, but there was only one truck. Not three.
“Keep them coming.”
He called to the boy who was watching the inside of the glowing box before handing it off. The three of them repeating the process for close to an hour after nightfall, marking down, cataloging, marking off, and moving the truck's worth of supplies into the basement. It was near seven thirty as the last box was handed off and the basement door closed, Liam letting the truck driver leave while coming inside with a soft chill.
“Damn it's cold..”
Eirwen didn't reply, watching him shortly before walking into the lounge area to settle before lights out. Fourteen hours of almost constantly being on his feet for chores or work, and he still missed a free hour to log gym time.
Not exactly enthusiastic to see Liam following him, grabbing a water but not opening it.
“See you tomorrow, it'll just be us on trucks. Get some sleep, you look a little green.”
He tilted his head ever so faintly to the right, his hand brushing it before walking towards the stairs for bed. Eirwen almost jumping out of his seat after the boy.
You look a little green.
You look green..
Safe place.
He'd just told Eirwen Liam was safe.
How the hell did he know the friendly fire code?