Day 56: Bus 1

[tightsofmight]

Previously, on Peter Parker's Sucky Life:

Pain, pain, fourth wall bulldozing, fire and pain, and teeny useless swords.

Yeah, so Peter wasn't feeling so hot today. It was a marked improvement on waking up after getting shanked by Grell, but this was in no way a good morning. They had all made it through the basement trials and got their dinky rewards, but man did they pay a hefty price for it. All of them. (Scott and the others had to fight robot raptors? What the hell...) Peter rose from his bed oh so delicately and with much wincing, thanking whoever it was that carried them back to bed every night for putting him belly down on his mattress.

His back, oh god. Peter seethed and hissed and grunted in pain. It felt like it was scabbing over, and the bandages yanked at the tender skin with every minute muscle spasm, every move he made. Cripes. Better his back than his arms or legs, but still. It was going to make things so difficult if they got stuck in Doyleton all over again.

Brainy was so thoroughly wrapped in his blankets on the other side of the room that Peter couldn't make heads or tails of his current state. But he'd stayed in the whole night, right? He should be fine.

Sometimes he just needed extra convincing of that. Considering the guy's track record and all.

From the sounds of it, this Aguilar guy wasn't changing too much of the routine. Being field trip day, Peter had wondered how the new man in charge would handle it (or how General Lieutenant Burger would, apparently). If he planned on letting them out at all. The announcement squashed that theory, and so did the orderly tromping in with a second-hand change of clothes. The burly man passed him the goods without so much as a word, stomping right back outside to wait behind the door. Guess they weren't going in military gear.

...Orderly? Peter pushed the door open again after performing the hastiest change of clothes he could manage in his state, peering at the man. That guy was in an army uniform yesterday. He remembered him. His buzz cut was uneven and he had a pointy old mole on the back of his neck.

"Uh. Are you going incognito?"

He was suddenly on the end of such a pointed look Peter could swear he was talking to Nick Fury. If Nick Fury was white and still had both eyes. "...Right. Okay. Lead the way, hombre."

So undercover it was. The people of Doyleton didn't know this was a military operation. Briefly, he wondered what the advantages of revealing that to the townsfolk could be, but then he remembered how they'd all up and morphed into the living dead at sundown. Put to rest any usefulness they might have had. They were just puppets, the same as the rest of the creepy crawlies in this hellhole.

Though that did beg the question as to why you would have to hide your secrets from puppets in the first place.

He was bequeathed with the usual paper bag lunch and packet of coupons, though he was still surprised to find himself a $15 gift card in the mix. Intercom Dude wasn't kidding about that?

He had money?

...What would he even do with money in Doyleton? What was fifteen dollars and worth buying that wasn't a gourmet burger? Peter boggled at the card as he clambered onto the bus. He'd never gone through the town with any inclination to window shop, so he couldn't even say what was available. He might actually have to look around. Even something simple might be a big help.

The orderly-formerly-known-as-Private-Dwight followed him on tucked a pillow into his seat for him. "Sit down. And don't do anything stupid. You'll heal a lot faster if you don't agitate it."

Peter fidgeted, but quietly settled into the pillow. This was kind of awkward. "Um. Thank you. I deeply appreciate your concern." The man nodded, and was gone.

Peter was the only one on the bus so far. The emptiness was kind of creeping him out.

[Reserved for Harvey Dent. WHY AM I TOP POSTING EVERYTHING YOU JERKS.]

Comments

[brb-burgers.livejournal.com]

"You're the one teaching me manners, it's only right to answer a question, isn't it?" though maybe his, ah, lack of propriety was rubbing off on England given his attire. Temptation visited him again to say something, to acknowledge with his mouth but it was evident enough that something was bugging England and he had a pretty good idea what. He got an answer, though, so he'd humor him, sitting back and bending his ankle over his knee.

A brief moment of the (rather loud) sound of crumpling his bag would blank out speech between them as England got onto him for air quoting, conveniently pretending like he hadn't heard that fool comment. He did smirk over at him, daring him to repeat himself while he slid the crumpled bag into the back of the seat in front of him. "Alright, I've been gone a few days. Good news for you is that I'm gonna get to the bottom of this ASAP."

Torture was a niggling concern in the middle of his gut, actually... the crying from whoever he and Izaya had stumbled across before he woke up confirmed that suspicion in his mind. "They're not mine, I'd know about this." whether that was a relief or a reason for concern he wasn't entirely sure. "And it's always been a military operation s'far as I'm concerned. Once we get folks out of here we are going to have a goddamn party in the supreme court." Probably wouldn't need to go that far.

"You ain't just gonna sit back and take this military take over and stuff, right? So what makes you think I will? Torturin' people is wrong, no where near heroic." his arms settled behind his head as he waited for the bus to get going. "...What's this place we're going to like, o knowledged one?"

[teabastard.livejournal.com]

England had to restrain himself to keep from growling as America insisted on crumpling the bag between his hands, far more than was necessary. The brat was doing it on purpose! Irritating little... He schooled his expression back into a blank mask and raised an eyebrow at him. Did he really believe that he was just going to walk in and rescue everyone, like the hero he claimed to be? Oh no. England did not have his confidence. "If that's what you believe, go ahead. And when you want to talk about things in an intelligent manner, I'm sure the rest of us will be waiting for you to come to your senses."

"It wasn't a military operation last week," England said firmly. "Just two days ago it was a hospital, an asylum. None of this military rubbish. They were trying to convince us that we were delusional." The military was rather new and he wasn't certain which one he liked less. neither of them were pleasant.

He sighed softly and pinched the bridge of his nose at the typically gung-ho reaction. "I don't think that the people running this place actually care about courts and potential legal consequences. I don't think that this is really your America." He stared out of the window instead of looking at the idiot. "Knowledged isn't a word and it's a rather boring small town. You'll probably adore it."

[brb-burgers.livejournal.com]

"You're a real spoilsport," his eyes moved once up and down over England as he went on. He was perfectly in command of his senses, despite what this institute might think. "Alright, I'll humor you. Who do you think they belong to then? And if this isn't my America than whose is it?" That there didn't make any sense. There was only one USA that he knew of and if there was another one, that suggested he had been transported to another universe. Or something. But he didn't remember going through and wormholes.

There was little that could be done about their situation as of yet and it seemed that the nights were far better times for gathering intel. He'd want to scout around the doctor's offices next time he could, get some answers on his own since England was being stuffy, ornery and grumpy. "Small town, huh? I like small towns. Why do you always have to find everything to be such a pain?" he kicked lightly at England's leg closest to him-- careful of his strength so he didn't really bruise him.

"If you lightened up I'm sure you'd enjoy it, too!"

[teabastard.livejournal.com]

"Spoilsport?" England said scornfully. "Well, you act like a child so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that you talk like one as well." Honestly, he'd done his best to teach America how to speak properly, and this was the outcome! At least Canada had learned better in some things.

He sighed, looking back out of the window and digging through his own breakfast pack for something. "I think that this is another America, a different world. I've spoken to a lot of people here and that's the general consensus. Or do you really want to believe that your government would subject you to a place like this?" It was a horrible thought, enough that it might make him think for a while.

He glared when America knocked his leg, scowling darkly at him. So childish. "Forgive me for not finding captivity and being treated like a child by the staff here to be a thrilling and enjoyable experience."

[brb-burgers.livejournal.com]

"And if I acted like you we'd all be bored and stuffy and old men." Excuse him for not being the ideal colony-turned-nation. He really didn't care, he had his own things going on and it was obvious from his current world-perspective that things were going America's way and England was just a sour old fart. Or a sore loser.

Well, fine, it made for an interesting conspiracy theory anyway, what England was talking about. So he'd humor him, give him at least something to bounce off of. "So, hypothetically, let's say you're right and it's not my America. It would only be logical I'd try to think of ways to win it back, right? My people have that second amendment thing for more than just because it's cool to own guns." But then he actually thought about what England had said later and it made the smile fade just a bit, glancing inward. Worse had been done to nations before... but his government wouldn't do that, they'd always been nice in the past. A few instances notwithstanding.

"... Y'know, thinking it's all horrible and hideous and torture and stuff makes it worse on you. Smile a little, live a little, I know you're been through worse-- you always come out more scowly each time?"

[teabastard.livejournal.com]

"Better than children who would destroy the world just to prove who's dick is bigger," England replied coarsely, because if America was going to act like a child, then England wasn't going to waste his time acting like a gentleman when dealing with him. Of course they had to take America from the most obnoxious point in history. At least it wasn't the 50's he supposed. He could do without the height of Cold War paranoia.

"You don't even know that they have a Second Ammendment here, or a constitution for that matter. For all we know, it's a fascist dictatorship and there's another version of you out there laughing his head off at us being here." It was a horrible thought, there being two Americas. It was probably a little ridiculous too, taking things to their logical extremes, but if that was what it would take to get through to him, then so be it. He just wished America would think a little but when had that ever happened?

"I'm a realist," he said flatly. "We're as good as human here, it seems, it takes forever for us to heal so I'd rather avoid being tortured if at all possible. This is just a game designed to fuck with our heads."

[brb-burgers.livejournal.com]

"If it's got you thinking you're anything less than a nation I'd say it's working on you." he muttered finally, keeping uncharacteristically quiet while England went on and on. Sure, some of what he said struck home but it was all very conspiracy theory. This place was different, sure, but that didn't mean they were suddenly in another universe. He'd reserve his judgments for later, after he'd gotten into the docs offices tonight.

They weren't going to break him, this was only reinforcement that whatever these people were up to they were breaking even stronger spirits than he'd anticipated and he wasn't going to be one of them. As fun as it was annoying England it did lose some of its charm when it suddenly got more serious. "And I'm not trying to prove my dick is bigger than anyone else's, I'm proving I'm the better candidate to protect the world with. Why would I wanna destroy it?"

How far away was this small town anyway? He wanted to get out and stretch his legs instead of sitting here. It was slightly unnerving thinking that England was this way now but it only strengthened his resolve to set right this wrong. Things needed to be less damn serious anyway so he thought what he could do to break this tension. England sure did know how to pick at his buttons, sometimes. He leaned over with a grin, whispering in England's ear that he really liked his shirt. "So glad you're gonna let Doyleton know, too~"

[teabastard.livejournal.com]

He gave America a sharp look at that, eyes narrowing. "I have to look at things objectively. When I know that injuries here are taking much longer to heal than they should, when I cannot feel any connection to my country or people, then yes, I assume that something has gone very wrong. All we are is our people and our land. Without them, what the hell we?" Nothing, that was what.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yes, mutually assured destruction is truly the best way to protect the world. Never thinking about the rest of us who have to suffer as well." Children with weapons which could destroy the world. Only the knowledge that the Cold War ended made this conversation any better.

And then America was pressed up against him, lips against his ear and he snarled at the worlds. "Fuck off. They gave me this shirt and the only reason I haven't torn it to shreds is that they didn't give me another."

[brb-burgers.livejournal.com]

"Yeah, the knowledge is out there, so anyone can make 'em... if I ain't got 'em to tell people chill the fuck out, who would you rather have 'em?" Seriously, England always thought he was a child, he was just jealous he didn't get it first. His bosses had a good long discussion about what was best to be done and he was relatively confident they'd made the right decision. "If you're in my position you'd see it different."

At least he had a heroic image and ideals and all that to maintain. If England thought about it instead of worrying or griping about it he'd be able to think it could be much worse.

"Ahuh, sure. You go ahead an' tell yourself that. If I were in your shoes-- or your shirt, heh, I'd go around shirtless if it bothered me that much."

[teabastard.livejournal.com]

"Eight," England said abruptly. "it's 2008 and eight of us have nuclear weapons. Me, you, France, Russia and China, as well as India, Pakistan and North Korea. I'm only worried about one of those Nations having them so far." The others were generally sane nowadays, and two of them were part of the Commonwealth at least. "When I'm from, it isn't as much of an issue anymore. You and Russia have been talking quite civilly and reducing your stockpiles." And why couldn't America be from then? It would be much more convenient.

He closed his eyes and didn't even bother looking at America when he replied to the shirt comment. "Oddly enough, I don't really feel like wandering around in the snow shirtless. I'm not a masochist." Not in such a stupid way, anyway.

[brb-burgers.livejournal.com]

Being civil at all with Russia just seemed completely out of the realm of reality that maybe, just maybe, America thought, England wasn't here in error. His lips quirked to one side, not in a smirk but in something thoughtful and doubting, looking England over with a highly critical, disbelieving expression. Tongue in cheek he looked forward again, quietly contemplative and trying to look out through the windshield far ahead. Perhaps if he paid attention to his surroundings he could pinpoint where they were. Once he got out of the bus there was a chance he could run off and find someone to explain this nonsense.

Or get him out of here, at least.

"Yeah, I haven't seen Russia for a while but he didn't seem too happy to see me." It had been true, the few exchanges they'd had on the bulletin were less than civil-- bordering on outright rude, in fact. "That makes your argument a little less than believable. So sorry I'm not the well-behaved little co-- child you wanted me to be." it was laced with sarcasm but ugh, he had to keep in mind a lot of people could be listening here and if anyone caught wind they were speaking so literally they might really think they're nuts.

[teabastard.livejournal.com]

Silence? Would miracles never cease? England took advantage of the lapse in conversation to eat some more of his breakfast. He didn't want to waste food that was actually not slop. He doubted that they'd let him have tea any time soon either. At least no-one was getting coffee either. That would have been intolerable.

He paused for a moment thoughtfully. It had worked on Prussia after all, and he wasn't feeling too charitable towards America...

"He's from a similar time as you," England replied blandly. "But in 2008 he's calmed down a lot. Ever since you became Communist and all."

He was going to get punched again wasn't he?

tl;dr srs buznesss it'll get funnier later xD lol sorry

[brb-burgers.livejournal.com]

Now the silence was much louder, America tensing up considerably as he looked over-- slowly-- and England. Taking stock of things, England was from another time, Canada was from another time, there were folks here all brought together in this strange combination of medical institute and terror institution. The more he considered the information he had the more he was confused. But he knew himself far better than England did and he knew for a fact he would never become communist.

"Heh, maybe you are nuts, Arthur." but it was clear that he was sort of shaken by that sort of a statement. Shaken but unwilling to believe it because he smiled, something almost vicious because he was violently rejecting any doubts he might have. Then, in an effort to desperately change the subject, he snagged England and got him in a neckhold, noogying him hard. Maybe a little harder than necessary but it was clear to him that England was probably crazy or telling him the truth and he hoped for neither.

"Alright so how, when and what happened?" oh, he would challenge him, too. He'd want to know what brought about his capitalist downfall. No way in Hell was he ever going to subject his people to that anti-american sentiment. If he could prevent it.

Re: tl;dr srs buznesss it'll get funnier later xD lol sorry

[teabastard.livejournal.com]

England looked back, utterly impassive, letting America take in his serious expression while inside he was trying to stifle laughter. He simply raised an eyebrow at America, letting him draw his own conclusions about how serious he was being about the situation. In fact, he could hear the slight tremor to America's voice. The lad was really shaken wasn't he? He always had been paranoid in that regard. He could remember a few of the films from the height of the Cold War.

"Am I reall- argh!" he yelped when Americ grabbed him, rubbing his fist into his hair and he was behaving like a child!

"Huge economic crash," he said sourly. "Mass unemployment, poverty, all that. Tends to make people see things differently, even Americans."

[brb-burgers.livejournal.com]

"I smell bullshit." he was doing too well to fall. The sky was the limi-- no, not even the sky was the limit, the sky and beyond, because he'd been there and done that. Brought the moon rocks back. Eventually he released him and smiled-- some of the bravado an obvious affront to hide behind whatever misgivings he had. England wouldn't see him weak like that.

Still, he seemed a little less at ease and more anxious to get back home. At this rate. Maybe this could be the reason of the collapse of his-- oh. That clicked in his head and if England were watching he'd see it, too. "Anyone succeeded in escaping from these outings that you heard about?" Perhaps it would become a new obsession, one to replace what he'd been focused on the decade prior. Or currently, even, because as far as Cold War went, this was a different arena entirely.

And he wasn't about to sit back and let his country collapse. And why was England still so smug looking even after the treatment he'd gotten? Somehow he did always come up with the last laugh. Kind of irritating in its own way but right now they'd do better working together than against one another.

For now.

[teabastard.livejournal.com]

England shrugged a shoulder dismissively once America released him, and set about straightening his clothing after America's ridiculous display of idiocy. "Think what you want," he replied coolly. The point was that America wasn't certain whether or not England was telling the truth. He might find out soon enough, but for now, England savoured having just that slight edge over America.

"Mmm, no-one as far as I know. I would think that most patients would be continually speaking of anyone who had escaped." It would be one bright spot in a sea of darkness, for a certain value of bright.

[brb-burgers.livejournal.com]

"Yeah, well, I'm about to try," because truth be told he did have work to get back to and his country would miss him if he were gone for too long. He shuddered to think about the realization of what might happen if he were gone for too long. It was not a slow sort of connection to make but once it was made he definitely had an edge to his behavior.

Never one to be still for too long he did find it necessary to fidget around. Even now as they sat next to each other, America was more inclined to the aisle than he was England. He did, however still take a great deal or snerking pleasure to look at England's shirt and roll his eyes. "You know, Flag code section 8d. reads, The flag should never be used as wearing apparel. So I think I should be pissed at you for breaking the law, but I'll let it slide this time."

[teabastard.livejournal.com]

"Have fun with that," England said sourly. In truth, he was rather looking forward to seeing America try. It would be entertaining to see how well he fared against the orderlies and the sedatives they kept being threatened with. It might actually give him a better idea of how powerful they were. It took an awful lot to knock out and incapacitate a Nation. Call it an experiement. America was sacrificing himself in the name of science.

The attention paid to his shirt made him scowl. "I hardly chose this stupid thing," he growled. "Blame the nurses who think it's absolutely hysterical. to have me wearing this thing."

[brb-burgers.livejournal.com]

All manner of curiosity in regards to sedatives and orderlies being used had yet to be tested but there wasn't an ounce of unsureness in him that he wouldn't be able to escape, fully confident in his abilities as a world-power-- a super power like super heroes had in comic books and movies. America's own attire was something of a mystery to him-- a nice one, however. Similar to what he'd expect to wear in the fall or early spring-time. A hooded shirt with jeans and sneakers-- hardly as odd as what England was being forced into.

"Why's it funny to them?" he had to wonder, did the people in this institute know what they were? Briefly he considered the idea and then narrowed his eyes toward the front of the bus. There could be the fact that England sounded English (It wasn't that strange, given who/what he was), but that the stuffy docs and military types had found humor in it...

Maybe they were incredibly bored. Or incredibly patriotic? "And it's not stupid, it's mine. But how many stars are on it?" He had to grin at the thought-- if England was from the future perhaps he'd see another star with the other fifty. Wouldn't be too far a stretch of the imagination!