Rip It Off Like A Bandaid (Blake/GM?)

[Bailey Oleander]

The early morning air was still cool against her skin as Bailey made her way towards the still barren part of what used to be 64. As agreed, she and Blake were headed to a part of the territory that wasn’t exposed to travelers or other traffic, the machinery from the day before still safely contained, but portable. She wasn’t even sure what she would be able to do, if her destructive rampage would just turn more objects and targets to suffer a similar fate, or if she could siphon off the excess energy somehow. She was hoping for the latter, but the bundle of nerves that was her stomach and tension knotting in her shoulders suggested she expected otherwise.


It was strange to see part of Aurora so bare. It wasn’t part of the destruction Blake had taken part of, but she had expected him to, and to maybe go beyond the territory’s boundary. And now he was accompanying her here, to help her.


The irony wasn’t lost on her. It left her pensive, lips pressing inward as the small blonde remained unusually quiet as she and Blake neared their destination.

[Blake Oleander]

Blake, as usual, was leading the way forward quietly as Virgil rested on his shoulder. They were heading to a large field far from any of the current settlements, somewhere he was sure they would not be putting people at risk.

[Bailey Oleander]

As usual, Bailey would follow along, sighing softly as they left the settlements and city behind. Her gaze went over the world around them, noting the empty expanse of field in the distance. Jackal rested on her shoulder with a ponderous expression but otherwise utterly still.

The silence would continue as she internalized her fussing and worry.

[Blake Oleander]

Blake was comfortable with the silence himself, and if Bailey wasn't going to speak up he'd lead them all the way there in silence. Just listening to the sounds of the environment around them. Home.

[Bailey Oleander]

They continue in silence as Bailey internalizes her worries some more. It is super effective! At this point, she saw no reason to ask how far they have to go, knowing Blake will stop them eventually when they do reach it. Instead, she would try to force herself to relax, taking in the sights and sounds of a part of the territory she didn't normally see. It was so quiet and peaceful compared to the city; even her own home was so small by comparison, and more compact.

She took a deep breath, used to a dozen questions coming to mind, but they all caught in her throat along with her stomach. She was actually going to do this. She couldn't deny the sense of anticipation that came with it, building with every step. Like a part of her was finally going to get a chance to breathe. The thought brought out a muffled, nervous sound from her as she tried to contain it, covering it with a sound that was more like a cough instead.

Otherwise, they make it there in relative silence!

[Blake Oleander]

Blake's eyes shifted to the side upon hearing the sounds Bailey made as he slowed his pace before stopping and turning to face her.

"You okay?"

He assumed she was nervous. But from what Virgil said this was the best way to deal with the situation they had. And the safest, for her and for everyone.

"It's going to be fine."

[Bailey Oleander]

"Yeah," she agreed weakly as she ran her hand through her hair. She knew it was the best chance they had for this, for her to learn control and let out the excess energy without hurting anyone back home, but at the end of the day, it was the exact opposite of what her instincts told her to do. To observe, not confront. But she could only do that so much and stand in place while that same energy built up.

"I'm just nervous. This is the exact opposite of what I expected to be doing with it." She took a deep breath, taking strength in his confidence, even if she didn't feel it as Blake did.

"But running won't do me any good, either."

[Blake Oleander]

"We'll face it together."

[Bailey Oleander]

And just like that, his vote of confidence was given. Preparations made as best they could, accepting what came and facing it head on. The simplistic view that drove her nuts from the first time she met him, and yet part of her wished she could have that same simplicity, that same confidence. To have the thoughts there, but still and quiet for once.

Just once.

"You're right." She offered him a small smile, feeling her spirits boost somewhat,though the thoughts gnawed at her still. She took another deep breath and stepped towards Blake, wondering if it would be enough to hurt him this time. It hadn't hurt Mathew, however, and she'd seen Blake take down mechs and more.

"We never did ask how it would affect the baby," she added softly. She'd assumed it would be safe with her, her own power channeling back into her body with her bloodline. Maybe even the child's.

[Blake Oleander]

"It's part of you. I don't think taking it off will change it more than letting it continue to build."

[Bailey Oleander]

"Yeah." Her expression softened as she nodded. "That's pretty much what I thought." She looked over the area they stood in, shifting her weight to the other foot.

"How much farther do we have?"

[Blake Oleander]

"This is good enough I think."

[Bailey Oleander]

"Okay." Bailey would nod and take a couple steps back, leaving the container with Blake for now so there was something durable between it and her. A faint breeze shifted her hair into her face as she raised a hand to her face. Part of her wanted more time while the other part wanted to rip it off and be done; the latter was winning.

"Ready when you are."

[Blake Oleander]

"Ready."

[Bailey Oleander]

She took a deep breath and nodded, slowly removing it at first, trying to get a sense of what it felt like. Then, after another second, Bailey did the smart thing and just pulled it off in a rapid motion, wincing beneath the mask as as she did so.