Tweak

InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "you get to burning"

Savannah Monroe (savannah_monroe) wrote in omega_reality,
@ 2012-12-30 14:39:00

Entry tags:

*complete, 2012 12, character: dominic vail, character: marty deeks, character: robert callen, character: savannah monroe, character: sean hanna, character: troy bolton, dead: jenna hanna, dead: mike renko

RP: Sunday dinner
Who: Savannah, Marty, Robert, Mike, Jenna, Dom, Sean, Troy, kids and dogs
Where: Robert's former house
When: Sunday, December 30, 2012
Summary: It's a strange dinner

The last time that they had met without Sam and G for dinner, it had been back at the ranch. It was May and they needed to celebrate a birthday. Before then, Sean was still trying to figure out things with Troy. In short, it was a rare occurrence and it was not something that Savannah wanted to get used to, even thought she knew they'd have to.

She tried to make the good food (especially after what she'd heard about cooking), picking everyone's favorites. Still despite everything, the atmosphere was very different.

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Savannah/Sean

savannah_monroe
2012-12-30 05:04 am UTC (link)

Savannah had seen the way Sean had reacted on that first day, which pretty much consisted of being with Troy. She couldn't blame him. After that, the random hugs had been a little more than usual, but she didn't mind at all.

Whether they liked it or not, he was her little brother and she would treat him like she would treat Charlotte. "Give me a hand with these plates," she said after they finished dinner. "Coffee will be out soon," she added to no one in particular, but then with only a table and eight chairs, it wasn't like anyone was going far.

She took some of the plates and walked to the kitchen. She had brought her coffee maker. It was already set and only had to start it while she washed the dished. "Come here and talk to me while I finish up. You can be nice and dry them," she said, smiling.

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Re: Savannah/Sean

sean_hanna
2012-12-30 05:24 am UTC (link)

Sean was just there, really. Watching everyone, but not his usual chatty self. He just didn't have the energy to put into feigning like everything was alright. Not that he was really drawing attention to how much things sucked, either. But, there was a big fucking hole in his world and he wasn't going to be 'okay' with it. He'd work through it and work his ass off. But, he wasn't going to be 'okay' for a long while.

So, he wasn't surprised when Savannah asked for help, carrying the plates into the kitchen after her.

"Oh, I can be, huh? Does it count as being nice when it's not your own idea?" he teased, already reaching for the towel to throw over his shoulder until she had something ready to dry. "But, I suppose I can keep you company and talk for a bit. Since I'm being nice and drying and all."

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Re: Savannah/Sean

savannah_monroe
2012-12-30 05:37 am UTC (link)

"Of course it counts. You could say no. Of course, I could start crying, and then my husband would be really upset and he is in charge, and he could make your life miserable. Wait. Come to think of it, I'm in charge of your unit. I can make your life miserable," she said with a grin, before reaching up and kissing his cheek, before going back to washing.

"Are you going to be okay with Tommy?" she asked. "We both know what he's going through, and I will speak to him, because we need to know what, how much, how long he's used, and then we get a better idea of how much longer he's going to deal with this. I can tell you that if I'm given a choice as unit leader, you two aren't going out until he's fine and your hand is better." And if she wasn't given a choice, she'd speak with Marty anyway.

"Of course, that doesn't mean that I'm not going to work your butt off. It's what Sam would want us to do, and you know how I said that I would try not to tell you what Sam thinks? Well, I don't want to start now and make you think something is wrong." She smile at him as she handed him a plate. "Oh feel free to stop me and speak up at any time, or I can simply keep going."

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Re: Savannah/Sean

sean_hanna
2012-12-30 06:04 am UTC (link)

Sean only barely stopped himself from pointing out things were already pretty miserable to begin with and just shook his head instead. "Marty and Derek both know the limits I'm under with my hand, still. One of the benefits of having one for a brother-in-law and one as a friend, even if I'm not always sure he realizes we've made him part of our group. But, my point is I trust that neither of them are going to push unless necessary. At the very least, they won't want to cause permanent impairment that could become a detriment to the survival of the group.

"But, yeah, I should be fine with Tommy. It won't be the first time. Pretty common for people at school to be on something to keep them awake for rehearsals, get them through concert finals. Even tried something once or twice myself, although if you ever tell Dad..." He didn't finish that thought. It was just an automatic statement, until he remembered Dad wasn't there. "But, yeah, that shouldn't be too much."

Taking the plate from her and wiping it off with the towel, he smiled. "I'm well aware that you can keep going."

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Re: Savannah/Sean

savannah_monroe
2012-12-30 06:18 am UTC (link)

Savannah closed the water and turned to stare at him. "I'm sorry, but I think we're having a different conversation here. They know about not causing a detriment to the group. Other people used. I'm hearing lots of things that are very nice to hear, but not exactly what I asked, and since I am going to be in charge of your unit, I think we should learn to communicate, since I will be relying on you to tell me when I'm wrong. You are my second after all."

She squeezed his arm. "Let's try this again. Are you going to be okay with this? Because you're as much my responsibility as the other two, and you might not be my partner, but you are my brother." She sighed before hugging him tight.

"I love you and I'm not going to tell Sam or he'd kick your ass." She pulled back and stared at Sean. "We will find them. You understand, right? I'm not telling you to make you feel better, but because it's what will happen. We're not abandoning them and they are strong enough to stay alive until we find them, which we will, because they need to watch their family grow."

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Re: Savannah/Sean

sean_hanna
2012-12-30 07:59 pm UTC (link)

"No, we are having the same conversation, just different parts," Sean replied with a tiny smile. "You asked if I'd be okay with it and I said it should be fine. Explaining about other people using was just that: further explanation as to why it should be fine. Same with the comment about Marty and Derek. You said 'if you had a say', I was just explaining why even if you don't, it should be fine."

Returning the hug just as tightly, he kissed her forehead as she pulled away. "He really, really would," he said, chuckling. "But, I promise it was only a bit of experimentation a long time ago."

Sean tossed the towel back over his shoulder, folding his arms as he leaned back against the counter. "I know we're going to get them back. There are too many stubborn, headstrong fighters in this family not to. Doesn't make it easier, but I know. You don't need to worry about me. I'll be fine. I've learned to deal. And I'm not the only one missing them, am I?"

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Re: Savannah/Sean

savannah_monroe
2012-12-30 08:09 pm UTC (link)

"You've been spending too much time with G," she said with a smile. "You're explaining why it's the same conversation. You are not really paying attention to the part where I said if you would be okay not if it would be fine. You're also not telling me if you are okay, but I'll let it go. For now. I got G to talk; I'm not going to let members of my unit avoid my questions like that."

Savannah laughed. "He really, really would, regardless of how long ago and how little you tried. It can be our secret, though."

She went back to the dishes, eyes darting between her chores and Sean. "Of course, I have to worry about you. We're family, it's what we do, we worry and carry for each other. I worry about everyone. That doesn't mean that you're weak or different or whatever you think. I speak to Marty all the time. I've spoken to Robert. If anyone is different, it's Jenna. I never know when what I say will be taken wrong, but at least I know we're talking now and I'll give her a few days, before talking to her as well." She passed him another plate. "So how's the hand? When do you think you'll have full range with no danger of hurting yourself again?"

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Re: Savannah/Sean

sean_hanna
2012-12-31 01:20 am UTC (link)

Sean laughed. "No, I think you're the one who's been spending too much time with G. You're asking for very precise words where most people would understand that 'it will be fine' is the same as 'yeah, I'm okay with Tommy'. I'm not avoiding your questions, Savannah. You asked if I'd be okay with Tommy. I will be. If what you're really asking is am I okay with everything else, do me a favor and don't ask. I do better when I don't have to talk about it. I practically bit Jen's head off the other night when she tried."

Shrugging, he pulled the towel off his shoulder and started drying as she washed. "Technically, I should be done with physical therapy and out of danger of reinjury in another three or four weeks. After that it's just about continuing to work to see how much of my range of motion I can get back. But, that's only important for playing. I should be fully field ready when I finish therapy, though."

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Re: Savannah/Sean

savannah_monroe
2012-12-31 02:10 am UTC (link)

"I wouldn't if I didn't know you have a way of putting others before yourself," she answered, "but that's enough for now, and I'm not asking you if you're all right. None of us are really okay," she said matter of fact.

Savannah nodded. "All right, we'll work slowly for the next month, and even after that, you know I've always been careful with your hands." She kept passing the last of the plates. All the pots had been cleaned at her house. She'd just brought plates and containers, and she planned to clean the containers at home. "Come on, we should bring coffee in there." She stopped in front of him. "You don't have to be okay right now. We don't have to talk about it, but there's a couch, a computer, a blanket and some popcorn. We can spend time together if you ever need it."

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Sean and Robert

sean_hanna
2012-12-30 05:18 am UTC (link)

Walking back out after helping Savannah, Sean found a seat next to Robert. After his dad and G, Robert always seemed to be the one Sean went to when he needed a more 'adult' perspective. Although, while he did have a question for Robert, he was really more just wanting to 'be there', to borrow Jenna's phrase from the other night. Robert wasn't going to be anymore talkative than Sean felt. But, they didn't have to talk about Dad or G. Sean could just be there for company for a little bit. Not make a big deal out of anything, just take care of his family quietly.

"Have you noticed that Harley's been following you since you got here?" he asked. It wasn't really what he'd intended to ask. But, he'd looked down and there was Harley, as close as the poor dog could get to being at Robert's feet. Sean knew Marty had sort of claimed responsibility for Harley, probably to keep him with Nova, since the two shepards were close. But, it seemed like Harley was taking what he could get of his time with the closest thing he had to G. It was strange to think of a dog in mourning, but Harley and G were pretty inseparable around home. It must be hard on Harley, too.

"Sorry, not really what I meant to say. Just observation that went straight to the vocal chords and out my mouth." Sean smiled where before there might have been a grin. "Any chance my favorite uncle has a minute to spare on my insecurities?"

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Re: Sean and Robert

r_callen
2012-12-30 05:25 am UTC (link)

Robert had fought having a family, resisted it with every fiber of his body. They weren't his family, but G's. He was just here for his brother. Except that his brother was gone, and he was still here. Of all of them, Savannah seemed to be the strongest. Whether it was because they weren't blood, because of personality, because of faith or just because she was weird, Robert didn't know, but he still planned to be here for his brother's adopted daughter whether she needed him or not.

There were others that seemed to need him. "No, I can't say I had noticed the dog," he said as Sean sat down. The twins were walking around, using said dog and Nova as toys just as much as they used their toys. Blaze crawled, but Liam was happy to sit on his lap.

Robert handed Sean the baby. "There you go. I can put up with you and you can do something constructive.," he said with a smiled, before squeezing Sean's shoulder. "Do you want to go for a walk? I'd say it's a nice day, but I'd be lying."

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Re: Sean and Robert

sean_hanna
2012-12-30 05:50 am UTC (link)

"Could just be me." Sean shrugged. He was probably just reading things into everything, letting his thoughts color what he saw.

Chuckling, he took Liam with a much warmer smile and a kiss to his cheek. "Like I could say no to these baby blues." He knew what Robert was doing. It was the same as when Sean would look after Liam while Robert and Troy were out. But, he appreciated it. Mostly because he'd also noticed the way Robert was even more hyper aware of Liam and keeping him closer than usual. "Yeah, a walk would be good. Rain's stopped for a bit at least."

That may or may not have been what Robert meant by a nice day, but Sean was going to go with it anyway.

It wasn't until they were out that he really said much more. And the first thing he did was give Robert a hug because someone other than Savannah should. Robert's brother was out there somewhere with Sean's dad. If it had been Jenna or Savannah out there, Sean would want a hug and it wasn't like they were going to talk about it.

"I don't really feel like joking my way into a conversation, so I'll just put it out there. I was kind of hoping you'd have some advice for being the senior partner. I've always been the junior partner. With G, with you, Savannah, Derek. And, I know Marty's already warned me about not trying to be G. But, I can't help feeling like I'm supposed to take his place with Merlyn and I'm not sure I know how to do this when I've always been the one that was the weaker link."

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Re: Sean and Robert

r_callen
2012-12-30 06:00 am UTC (link)

"Or maybe I don't pay attention to the dog." Robert had never been a dog person, or a cat person, or even a goldfish person. He was responsible for his men, but that was the extent of his responsibilities.

"My son is really gorgeous. I don't know how you could even try," he said as he walked after Sean.

Robert wasn't one to hug people. He hugged G a few times. Sean had been the other person he had hugged in the past (he didn't count Mike in this because that was different) and now he was holding him just a little longer than he should, because he knew how much Sam meant to Sean

"You don't have to joke. You don't have to do anything you don't feel like doing with me. You talk when you want. Don't talk when you want peace. It's all good." Robert sighed at the question. "He's right. You can't be him, just like you can't be Sam, or me, or Savannah. You need to find what works for you. It's not easy, and there will be some hiccups, but none of us knew how to do this. We learned on the job. You take it one day at a time, and you do look at him to see if you're doing well or not. You judge your actions by his, and when you have doubts, you talk to Savannah. She's likely to get to know that unit better than anyone else. If you don't feel comfortable with that, then talk to Deeks or me, but no mater what any of us tells you, you need to find your style.

"There is one thing I can tell you. Stop thinking of yourself as the weak link. You, Troy, even Savannah to some extent, you stopped being the weak link a long time ago. You've learned; you're powerful. You know what to do. Does it make you invincible? Of course not, but no one is. If they were, we'd have two more people at dinner," he pointed out.

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Re: Sean and Robert

sean_hanna
2012-12-30 06:33 am UTC (link)

"It's really hard not to think of some people as invincible," Sean replied softly. Even when you knew they weren't. Certain people were just supposed to be invincible.

"Savannah is likely to get to know every unit better than anyone else. Or try to." He thought over the rest of what Robert said while they walked a bit. This was why he liked Robert, why he tended to talk to him about things. He didn't feel like a kid when Robert talked, even when he was getting help. Robert never made him feel like the weak link. "You know what's funny about all this? I never wanted to be my dad, actively tried to be anything but. Now, I keep thinking about what they'd do, what they'd want me to do." He took a breath and let it out. "Find my style, huh? Well, nothing about this dimension's been easy this far. I suppose I can deal with a little more and figure it out as I go."

Still, not thinking of himself as a weak link wasn't going to be easy. Not when he was 'the baby' and his hand wasn't a hundred percent and he felt out of us depth with someone relying on him like this. It was totally different than when he'd been partnered with the others. "You know, except for the couple weeks or so paired with Derek, I don't think I've ever been partnered with someone not in the family?"

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Re: Sean and Robert

r_callen
2012-12-30 06:51 am UTC (link)

"I know, but this time, we'll just have to rescue their invincible asses. It's how life goes in this business." Robert patted Sean's back as they walked. "You know I was in Avignano. We were support team to a lot of SEALs/CIA missions. These guys were huge, made of steal, you know like your father, but we went in and got them out on occasion, because it's a team effort. This is the same."

Robert chuckled. "She already does, but this is different for her too. She learned with G just as much as you and unlike you, she's been trying to be G from the start. She talks about food and babies, but you can see it in her eyes," he said turning serious. "It's not just determination, but also ruthlessness. She will push you, possibly more than they did, because we all knew you didn't want to be this person, your dad knew and in a way he wanted to shield you. She wants G back and I don't think she'll be as nice as Sam. Sam barks, G bites, and she's just like him."

He shrugged. "Your dad tried to protect you in his own way, which means training you with the people he trusted. There's nothing wrong with that. You have the training, Sean. Believe in that."

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Re: Sean and Robert

sean_hanna
2012-12-31 01:07 am UTC (link)

"Do they let you in the SEALs if you aren't built like a tank like Dad?" Sean asked, laughing. "I get the whole teamwork thing, though. It's just...it's different when it's your dad. Dads are supposed to be invincible. Step-dads and older siblings, too." He knew better than to think Robert would talk. But, he left the opening just in case.

"She'd be scary if I didn't love her so much." He huffed softly. "She won't be the only one pushing, though. I just got my dad back, really back, in a way I didn't get to have him growing up. I'm not ready to give him up, just yet. I just..." Sean sighed. "I don't know. I don't think I have his bark, let alone anyone's bite, I guess. I'll be fine. I think I'm just having a moment."

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Re: Sean and Robert

r_callen
2012-12-31 02:19 am UTC (link)

"They let you try. I doubt you make it through," he said, chuckling, but then he stared at Sean with a serious expression in his face. "You watch enough servicemen died, you watch your mother die, and you know that no one is invincible. G isn't either. I trust in their training and how well they work with each other, and I hope that's enough for where they are."

Robert snorted. "She's scary regardless." And from what Sean was saying, Robert would have to keep an eye on these two, because there was such a thing like training too hard. He'd have to speak with Deeks as well, although husbands made for lousy COs.

He squeezed Sean's shoulders. "No one is giving up on them, but that doesn't mean that we turn into them. We do things our way and we find them." Closing up the distance, he hugged Sean, not letting go this time. "It's okay not to be fine. There's so much you're feeling. Slowly you'll learn to fuel all of that in your training instead of your music. We've all been gone through that and until you learn, you can talk to me." He pulled back a little, hands still on Sean's arms. "It's okay to be afraid for your dad, even when he is Sam, okay?"

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Re: Sean and Robert

sean_hanna
2012-12-31 03:33 am UTC (link)

Sean was out of words and he just hugged Robert back tightly, both for himself and Robert because it was hard enough having his dad missing; he couldn't imagine watching a parents die. And all the rest...well, it was what he needed to hear, even if the thought of putting all this emotion into training instead of his music felt like a little part of himself dying. But, if that was what it took to get Dad and G back, then that was what it took. When Robert pulled back, he nodded. "Okay. Thanks, Robert."

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General Discussion

r_callen
2012-12-30 07:46 pm UTC (link)

Coming back, Robert sat back down with Liam standing up and holding onto his legs. "While we're all here, there was something I wanted to bring up. I know we're keeping the kids in the office now, so things have to change."

"Actually," Dom said, "they don't bother me now that they don't cry every two hours. If we move the research in one of the bigger offices, you guys can set up there. I mean you'll have to deal with Sheldon's complaints, but we're good at tuning things out, which means you can still have the tapes on and I'm there for back up."

Robert looked at Deeks and shrugged. "Good enough for me as long as we don't bother with the research. We still have to create some kind of training for them that goes past languages. I know Savannah has been working with the twins and sometimes with the rest. We can create one training system to use consistently all five days. What do you guys think?"

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Re: General Discussion

savannah_monroe
2012-12-31 12:18 am UTC (link)

"Actually, I have a list of exercises," she said. "We talked about it with G. He didn't actually review them, but he knew that I was going to use them with the twins, but I'll be more than happy to share with everyone and we can use them during the day."

"Can you email it to us?" Dom asked.

"Sure, you'll have it tonight and we can start with training tomorrow," Savannah answered with a smile.

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Troy/Sean

t_bolton
2012-12-31 12:34 am UTC (link)

The first Sunday had been really strange, but then they were pranking Sean's family. After that, it was still weird, but Troy was getting used to it. Now, it was downright surreal. From a family dinner, it felt like a dinner for couples with children. It's not that he didn't like kids, because he did. He loved his cousins after all, but he had no interest in discussing what training toddlers should have.

He was glad when they were leaving. Even if they were sharing a house with crazy politicians, Margaret was fun and Mr. V was used to them. Besides, Troy wanted to spend time with Sean.

Troy put an arm around Sean and kissed him as they walked. "You've been quiet.

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Re: Troy/Sean

sean_hanna
2013-01-01 01:32 am UTC (link)

"Yeah, I know." Sean put his arm around Troy's shoulders to keep him close after the kiss. He knew he wasn't acting like himself. He just...couldn't. Ever since he'd come to this dimension, he'd been afraid of having his family, his dad in particular, taken away from him. And now that fear was a reality and he just couldn't find it in himself to put on his usual happy-go-lucky smile and face the world.

It just felt too difficult to be okay, even just on the outside. Not that Sean had ever really tried to hide his feelings very much. He wore his heart on his sleeve. That was what they all said.

"Not feeling like talking much, I guess."

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Re: Troy/Sean

t_bolton
2013-01-01 01:46 am UTC (link)

"It's all right, as long as you know that I'm here in case you want to," he said, with a smile.

"Did they give you all the speech about finding them?" With Sean's family, he wouldn't be surprised if they did. "I'm assuming that they did, so I'm not going to tell you the same thing, but you're the optimist of the family. Don't forget that."

He stopped and hugged his husband tight. "Come on, let's go. We get some time off and I want to spend it with my husband I love you, baby. Let's go home."

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