UNTITLED SMP
UNTITLED SMP
Characters present: Finch, Dan
Date: 9/15/23
Season: 3
[Finch bounds up to the shoreline, where Dan has begun pulling a boat out into the water.]
[19:14:05] <✦[rp] Finch> Hi dad!
[Dan raises his hand over his head, giving a wide wave.]
[19:14:11] <✦[rp] DAN> hey there kid!!!!
[Finch looks overjoyed to see Dan, they hold their fishing rod with excitement over their shoulder.]
[19:14:30] <✦[rp] Finch> Ready?
[Dan wobbles out of the shabby boat to pat Finch on the head.]
[19:14:40] <✦[rp] DAN> ready as rain
[19:14:45] <✦[rp] Finch> Woo!
[Finch goes to leap into the boat, and Dan makes sure he sits up front.]
[19:15:09] <✦[rp] DAN> i think its safest if i drive the boat :-)
[Finch shrugs and they climb into the back, letting Dan grab the oars.]
[19:15:17] <✦[rp] Finch> sure i guess
[19:15:26] <✦[rp] DAN> do you have a license
[Finch cocks their head to the side.]
[19:15:35] <✦[rp] Finch> there's licenses... for . boats?
[19:15:41] <✦[rp] DAN> of course
[19:15:44] <✦[rp] Finch> why?
[19:15:46] <✦[rp] DAN> licenses for everything these days
[Dan waves his fingers, his hands tightened on the oars as he begins to row them out.]
[19:15:54] <✦[rp] DAN> something something about safety something
[19:16:04] <✦[rp] Finch> for.. boats?
[19:16:08] <✦[rp] DAN> of course
[Finch wrinkles up their nose.]
[19:16:13] <✦[rp] Finch> what am I gonna do with it, drive off a cliff or something?
[Dan speaks sagely.]
[19:16:16] <✦[rp] DAN> theres an average of 35 boating accidents a year
[A few fat drops of rain begin to plop into the river around them. Dan lifts a hand up, resting the oars in his lap.]
[19:16:24] <✦[rp] DAN> oh! rain
[Dan chuckles.]
[19:16:30] <✦[rp] DAN> hey thats pretty perfect for fishin
[Finch scrunches down further into the boat.]
[19:16:46] <✦[rp] Finch> It usually doesn't rain here
[19:16:49] <✦[rp] Finch> but I'll take it.
[19:16:57] <✦[rp] DAN> rivers have that effect
[Finch flattens their ears.]
[19:17:07] <✦[rp] Finch> I think rivers shouldn't do that actually
[Dan lifts his elytra and uses it to shield over Finch’s head the best he can.]
[19:17:29] <✦[rp] DAN> heh, water has that weird effect
[Finch peers under the elytra at the sky with narrowed eyes.]
[19:17:44] <✦[rp] Finch> I think water should. stay on the ground. and not come down ever.
[They lift their ears slightly.]
[19:18:11] <✦[rp] Finch> anyways. uh. which way are we heading, dad?
[Dan continues to row, the rain drops absorbing into his skin where it hits him, and sprinkling on his clothes.]
[19:18:16] <✦[rp] DAN> hmm not sure
[19:18:32] <✦[rp] DAN> did you have a spot picked? or we can just , boat on out
[Finch shakes their head.]
[19:18:50] <✦[rp] Finch> no, i thought you would have one picked out
[19:19:07] <✦[rp] DAN> haven't gone fishing here yet surprisingly
[Dan turns back to Finch and smiles.]
[19:19:17] <✦[rp] DAN> we can just explore
[He turns back to face forward.]
[19:19:20] <✦[rp] DAN> im sure theres a good spot
[Finch perks up.]
[19:19:34] <✦[rp] Finch> Sounds fine to me! just. uh. do liscense things and don't drive us off a cliff
[19:19:42] <✦[rp] DAN> of course!
[Dan murmurs.]
[19:20:07] <✦[rp] DAN> i wonder if this basin opens into an ocean?
[He turns back slightly so that Finch can hear him.]
[19:20:14] <✦[rp] DAN> deep water fishin goes crazy
[19:20:21] <✦[rp] Finch> Possibly! maybe! I don't tend to boat out. anywhere actually
[Dan shakes his head.]
[19:20:35] <✦[rp] DAN> criminal
[The two sail for a few minutes, and the rain only seems to pelt down harder. Finch pulls themself closer to Dan.]
[19:20:50] <✦[rp] Finch> I'm not sure how anyone puts up with this actually
[Dan chuckles lightly. He shrugs.]
[19:21:08] <✦[rp] DAN> rain is alright
[19:21:11] <✦[rp] DAN> i've gotten more used to it
[19:21:34] <✦[rp] Finch> I don't think anything should ever fall from the sky, I think. Especially water. wet or cold. both are bad I think.
[19:22:15] <✦[rp] DAN> i think i was fun when i did it!
[Finch flicks their ears down at the rain, looking like they might want to try and fight it. Dan laughs to himself, and plops his cowboy hat onto Finch’s head to better shield them from the rain.]
[19:24:40] <✦[rp] DAN> here, this'll probably help
[Finch seems pleased by this.]
[19:24:53] <✦[rp] Finch> Thanks, dad!
[19:25:02] <✦[rp] DAN> hehe , of course kid
[Finch peers out at the bay around them.]
[19:25:31] <✦[rp] Finch> Is uh. this what you're looking for?
[Dan stops rowing after a while and lets out a huff.]
[19:25:49] <✦[rp] DAN> ehh i think this is as big as this area getsd
[He nods at where they’ve ended up.]
[19:26:01] <✦[rp] DAN> i think is a good spot as any for some fishin
[Finch pulls out their rod.]
[19:26:13] <✦[rp] Finch> Good enough with me!
[The two cast out their lines. They sit in silence for a while in the rain. Finch begins to grow restless.]
[19:26:35] <✦[rp] Finch> So uh dad. speaking of water
[Dan looks over at Finch.]
[19:26:50] <✦[rp] DAN> yea?
[19:27:01] <✦[rp] Finch> Did you ever uhh…
[They pause.]
[19:27:07] <✦[rp] Finch> Your floor.
[Dan clears his throat somewhat awkwardly.]
[19:27:15] <✦[rp] Finch> Did you ever fix it?
[19:27:29] <✦[rp] DAN> um not yet ^^
[Finch groans.]
[19:27:46] <✦[rp] Finch> what do you MEAN not yet
[19:27:54] <✦[rp] DAN> welll like
[19:28:03] <✦[rp] DAN> i've been a little distracted
[19:28:24] <✦[rp] Finch> not an excuse!!
[19:28:48] <✦[rp] DAN> haah yeah, fair
[Finch pouts.]
[19:28:51] <✦[rp] Finch> You dont know what might happen if you leave it there
[Dan voice trails off slightly.]
[19:29:19] <✦[rp] DAN> i mean it hasnt really done much..
[19:29:33] <✦[rp] Finch> yet! yet!
[19:29:22] <✦[rp] DAN> i think my fish like it
[19:29:53] <✦[rp] Finch> i really do not care what your fish like, and i think you shouldn't be eating fish that ate. that. stuff.
[Dan shakes his head.]
[19:30:01] <✦[rp] DAN> oh no i dont eat them!!
[19:30:04] <✦[rp] DAN> they just swim around
[Finch cocks their head, their eyes narrowing.]
[19:30:09] <✦[rp] Finch> Whats the point of having them
[19:30:14] <✦[rp] DAN> they're colorful
[Finch’s tail flicks slightly, and they lick their lips.]
[19:30:40] <✦[rp] Finch> that means they should taste colorful!
[They lower their ears again.]
[19:30:57] <✦[rp] Finch> you know, if they werent. uh. eating that. those. Things.
[Dan scratches the back of his head with his free hand.]
[19:31:01] <✦[rp] DAN> idk kid i havent had the best experiences eating tropical fish
[Finch flicks their rod.]
[19:31:12] <✦[rp] Finch> fish is fish
[19:31:26] <✦[rp] DAN> not all fish are created equal
[Finch bobs their head before sighing.]
[19:31:39] <✦[rp] Finch> thats true, pufferfish sure are... something
[Dan nods, a slight smile on his face.]
[19:31:48] <✦[rp] DAN> very much something
[Finch turns to look at Dan.]
[19:32:02] <✦[rp] Finch> I don't really like em, make me sick. Is that normal?
[He nods.]
[19:32:14] <✦[rp] DAN> i think so
[19:32:24] <✦[rp] DAN> havent heard many positive reports on them
[Finch nods, pleased.]
[19:32:54] <✦[rp] Finch> phew
[19:33:06] <✦[rp] Finch> anyways dad, if you haven't been fixing your floor, what have you been up to
[19:33:07] <✦[rp] Finch> anything fun?
[Dan scratches the top of his head.]
[19:33:21] <✦[rp] DAN> euhh
[19:33:23] <✦[rp] DAN> a little worrying
[19:33:29] <✦[rp] Finch> what
[19:33:36] <✦[rp] DAN> i'm trying to figure out my roof still
[19:33:53] <✦[rp] Finch> just. put something on it. i dont understand what the big fuss is about
[19:34:04] <✦[rp] DAN> roofs are so ...... complicated
[He sighs.]
[19:34:16] <✦[rp] DAN> and the general state of things has me worried
[Finch huffs.]
[19:34:23] <✦[rp] Finch> they're just upside down floors, dad
[Dan raises a finger.]
[19:34:39] <✦[rp] DAN> poointy upside down floors
[Finch considers this.]
[19:34:49] <✦[rp] Finch> mm. yeah I guess so too. but it's okay! you'll be fine! We will both be fine, okay?
[Dan repeats the last line, mostly to himself.]
[19:35:04] <✦[rp] DAN> we'll both be fine
[He raises his voice.]
[19:35:12] <✦[rp] DAN> im worried about the others too…
[Finch nods.]
[19:35:12] <✦[rp] Finch> mhm!
[Dan clears his throat, he leans over to see Finch’s bucket.]
[19:35:45] <✦[rp] DAN> catchin anything exciting?
[Finch gestures to it. There are a few swimming in the shallow water.]
[19:35:52] <✦[rp] Finch> uh. fish.
[19:36:13] <✦[rp] Finch> I caught a weird hook thing earlier, though i dunno what thats doing in the water
[Finch leans over, beginning to dig around the bottom of the boat.]
[19:36:17] <✦[rp] DAN> hmm
[19:36:26] <✦[rp] DAN> maybe it came from someone elses rod a while ago?
[Dan turns back to the water.]
[19:36:38] <✦[rp] DAN> theres usually debris of all kinds when you get in bigger areas of water
[Dan looks over the side of the boat hesitantly.]
[Finch finds the strange hook, and shows Dan a tripwire hook they pulled up out of the water.]
[19:37:04] <✦[rp] Finch> Weird old fishing rod piece!
[They narrow their eyes at it.]
[19:37:11] <✦[rp] Finch> maybe
[They shrug.]
[19:37:13] <✦[rp] Finch> i dunno
[19:37:17] <✦[rp] Finch> what do you think
[Dan smiles.]
[19:37:25] <✦[rp] DAN> super weird!
[19:37:27] <✦[rp] DAN> but cool
[19:37:30] <✦[rp] DAN> you're fishin good!
[Finch grins.]
[19:37:36] <✦[rp] Finch> I'm fishing good!
[The tip of Finch’s tail flicks from side to side, pleased. Next to them, Dan looks down. He considers his face as its reflected back to him on the surface of the water. The person looking back at him looks troubled. Like the face in the water looking back at him isn’t his own.]
[Almost at the same time: ]
[19:39:29] <✦[rp] Finch> hey dad what's the biggest fish you've ever caught?
[19:39:30] <✦[rp] DAN> Finch, are you sure you wanna try and bring the void back?
[The two questions settle over them.]
[Dan opens his mouth, and then closes it again. Finch furrows their brow. They’re confused, and concerned.]
[19:39:33] <✦[rp] Finch> i. uh.
[They nod.]
[19:39:41] <✦[rp] Finch> yes? of course! that's my friend
[They loosen their grip on their fishing pole.]
[19:40:05] <✦[rp] Finch> the uhm. last time I checked up on joco's hole, it wasnt really doing much. I should probably leave more things down there. It probably misses me.
[Dan is quiet for a moment before responding.]
[19:40:36] <✦[rp] DAN> i just, like, with everything thats going on..... seeing whats happening with everyone, and like all that stuff going on in malfaction.....
[He makes a motion with his hands, trying to describe the fucked up state of the server at that moment.]
[Finch snorts, shaking their head.]
[19:40:58] <✦[rp] Finch> We shouldn't worry about them! they're all probably dying anyways. Not our problem
[Dan opens his mouth. He looks at Finch with concern.]
[19:41:29] <✦[rp] DAN> Auhuh..... I think them dying is our problem
[19:41:38] <✦[rp] DAN> those are our friends,,, family…
[Finch replies, flippant.]
[19:42:23] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah and they live out in snow land where its cold all the time. I'm still fine! You're still fine! we can fix this before it ever gets to us. i hope.
[Dan swallows. He repeats Finch’s words slowly.]
[19:42:40] <✦[rp] DAN> i hope
[Finch continues good naturedly.]
[19:43:00] <✦[rp] Finch> Joco's working on it! I'm working on it! Please don't worry about us. Don't worry about me, please.
[Dan looks over at Finch.]
[19:43:08] <✦[rp] DAN> I just want you to be safe
[19:43:19] <✦[rp] DAN> i mean like, if something happens to one more person i love i dont think i could handle it
[He looks over at them, wearing his cowboy hat, too big for their head. It slips down their forehead every once and a while, but they move their paw to push it up without noticing every time it does. Dan’s voice trails off.]
[19:43:21] <✦[rp] DAN> to be honest
[Finch shrugs.]
[19:44:04] <✦[rp] Finch> Well, you'll have to handle it i think. plus!
[19:44:24] <✦[rp] Finch> if anyone in malfaction actually cared about avoiding that sculk stuff, they would've moved out a long time ago when I warned them
[19:44:55] <✦[rp] Finch> So I really think they're getting whats coming to them! I warned them! I warned them! They were all at the wedding.
[19:45:10] <✦[rp] DAN> it didnt seem that dangerous in the begining to be fair
[19:45:16] <✦[rp] DAN> it really spirialed.... quick...
[19:45:55] <✦[rp] Finch> Well I still told them! And they could've still left!
[19:45:59] <✦[rp] Finch> I just hope we'll be alright.
[19:46:15] <✦[rp] DAN> i hope everyone will be alright
[Finch finally turns to look at Dan, instead of staring out into the open water as they keep a careful eye on the bobber on the surface of the water.]
[19:46:39] <✦[rp] Finch> We should focus on making sure us two are alright first
[Dan chuckles, but the smile on his face doesn’t reach his eyes. It sounds empty. He turns back to look at the water in front of him.]
[19:47:02] <✦[rp] DAN> i think the both of us are safest here in corroded
[19:47:10] <✦[rp] DAN> this place feels the safest the more shit goes down
[Something underwater tugs on Finch’s line, and they snap back to attention, reeling it in.]
[19:47:21] <✦[rp] Finch> Mhm! Imagine what'd it be like if we lived anywhere else.
[19:47:36] <✦[rp] Finch> In wisteria with.. whatever Wizard said doc had going on. I don't project they'll all be fine much longer
[19:48:01] <✦[rp] Finch> and malfaction has.. that. thing. living there. unliving there? whatever wizard said he was doing.
[Dan finally turns back to look at Finch again.]
[19:48:08] <✦[rp] DAN> .... yeah
[Finch pulls in their catch, taking the fish off the hook just like Dan taught them. They drop it into their catch bucket, and smile up at Dan.]
[19:48:37] <✦[rp] Finch> You know what, if it came down to it, I'd be fine with just having you
[Dan puts a hand on Finch’s shoulder.]
[19:49:10] <✦[rp] DAN> it wont come down to that
[Dan leans down and pulls Finch into a hug, as tight as he can.]
[19:49:35] <✦[rp] DAN> i love you kid, and i love a lot of people here too. if i can do anything about it it wont just be us
[Finch hugs him back, their face in the crook of his shoulder.]
[19:49:22] <✦[rp] Finch> I sure hope not! ollie's useful for doing things!
[Dan’s body tenses at the sound of Ollie’s name. He lets go of Finch slightly, more or less holding them in his arms now. Dan thinks about Ollie, and something in his head makes a sound like a lightning strike. Like waves slamming against a cliffside in the middle of a storm. Like rain on a gravestone. He looks down at Finch. They grin up at him with their childlike intensity, all teeth. They’re still so young. He can’t mess this one up. He won’t. As much as he wants to tell them, he can’t. It would be too much. So he doesn’t.]
[19:51:03] <✦[rp] DAN> i hope ollie is okay
[Finch nods.]
[19:51:38] <✦[rp] Finch> Hope so too. I don't think they'll all be okay. considering doc's. whatever doc has happening to him. Having two prince's in two of the factions would be very very bad
[Dan laughs a bit.]
[19:51:53] <✦[rp] Finch> I'm just glad we don't have one.
[Dan nods.]
[19:51:53] <✦[rp] DAN> yeah thats true
[19:52:01] <✦[rp] DAN> he's enough trouble as it is
[Finch reaches over and pats Dan’s face.]
[19:51:05] <✦[rp] Finch> It'll all be okay, I think . Joco and cinder and I will be able to get the void back and it'll help us this time. We're friends. It'll listen to me. We'll be okay
[Dan smiles down at Finch. Maybe he won’t mess it up this time.]
[Finch wriggles out of his arms and back down into the boat.]
[19:52:15] <✦[rp] Finch> Speaking of please fix your floors someday. I don't want to have a prince here in corroded and lose you at the same time
[Dan makes a face at Finch, promising that he will with just an expression. The two of them return to fishing, the lapping of the water against the side of the boat being the only thing to break the silence.]
[19:53:04] <✦[rp] DAN> why does everyone have to be so spread out
[He casts out a line.]
[19:52:58] <✦[rp] DAN> im still just. worried. what about punk? and ceph too?
[Finch readjusts their cast.]
[19:53:11] <✦[rp] Finch> They both live in malfaction, yeah? dead I think
[19:53:20] <✦[rp] Finch> If they really wanted to live they would've moved out. Left town.
[Dan makes a strained noise in his throat he can’t control about that sentiment.]
[19:53:39] <✦[rp] DAN> they're definetly not dead.
[Quietly, more to himself.]
[19:54:04] <✦[rp] DAN> they cant be dead
[19:54:08] <✦[rp] Finch> I wouldn't put their chances of survival high, considering prince.
[Dan’s thoughts race. His vision flick down to his hands. He thinks of his regular letters to Punk. It’s been a while since he’s gotten one in return.]
[19:54:50] <✦[rp] DAN> aha.. i mean sure... prince is an issue but
[19:54:54] <✦[rp] Finch> We told them both at the wedding that that stuff was dangerous. if they really really believed us and cared they would've come home with us. but they didn't!
[19:55:52] <✦[rp] DAN> would the rest of the faction let them in at the time?
[19:56:01] <✦[rp] DAN> especially after everything that happened at the wedding.....
[Finch shrugs.]
[19:56:31] <✦[rp] Finch> Wizard's nice i think. We coulda convinced everyone. but they didn't even try! just went back home to their death trap of a faction!
[19:56:34] <✦[rp] DAN> but just. no ones dead. no ones dying
[19:57:00] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah they could be worse than dead! they could be doc
[Finch shudders.]
[19:57:11] <✦[rp] Finch> augh. faction full of princes. Horrible
[Dan groans.]
[19:57:13] <✦[rp] DAN> thats not a great thought
[19:57:18] <✦[rp] DAN> ugh
[19:57:28] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah that'd make it harder for us to leave
[Dan tries to remember the last time he got a letter from Punk. It dawns on him that it’s been at least a few weeks.]
[Finch nods to themself.]
[19:57:36] <✦[rp] Finch> when uh. if it gets here that is.
[19:57:43] <✦[rp] Finch> if. thats an if. we'll stop it before then
[19:57:48] <✦[rp] Finch> don't you worry, dad!
[Dan nods, he tightens his grip around the fishing pole.]
[19:57:53] <✦[rp] DAN> we'll stop it before then
[19:58:01] <✦[rp] DAN> we'll all be okay
[Finch looks over at Dan.]
[19:58:10] <✦[rp] Finch> we'll both be okay
[19:58:06] <✦[rp] DAN> and we'll fiind the egg tooo
[Finch’s ears flick underneath the hat.]
[19:58:20] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah right the egg i forgot about that
[Spoken with a heavy weight behind it: ]
[19:58:29] <✦[rp] DAN> i didnt
[19:58:29] <✦[rp] Finch> whatsit really matter anyways
[19:58:37] <✦[rp] DAN> i mean. i like the egg
[19:58:45] <✦[rp] DAN> i hope its not in bad hands or anything
[His voice tightens.]
[19:58:54] <✦[rp] DAN> god, what if prince really did do something with it?
[19:59:15] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah what if prince has it! doing. whatever he does to that egg. then eats it! without me! makes it inedible to me then eats it! Horrible!
[Dan groans, some bite to his voice.]
[19:59:24] <✦[rp] DAN> ufgh man.
[19:59:30] <✦[rp] DAN> no one better eat my fucking eggg....
[Finch looks away.]
[Dan flicks his vision over to Finch.]
[19:59:59] <✦[rp] DAN> you can have other eggs, finch
[20:00:14] <✦[rp] Finch> okay but that ones bigger. and has cooler looking colors. it must taste cooler
[Something tugs at the corner of Dan’s mouth.]
[20:00:18] <✦[rp] DAN> i'll make you a big omelte when we finish fishing
[Finch bounces slightly.]
[20:00:42] <✦[rp] Finch> okay! good with me
[Dan takes in a deep breath to try and calm his nerves, but it doesn’t do much. The two stand fishing in silence for a few beats, before Finch speaks up.]
[20:01:25] <✦[rp] Finch> so dad about earlier
[20:01:30] <✦[rp] Finch> what's the biggest fish you ever caught?
[20:01:49] <✦[rp] DAN> hm, i gotta think about that one
[Finch grins, almost salivating at the thought.]
[20:02:00] <✦[rp] Finch> ooo its probably soooo big.
[He taps his chin, thinking, before his face brightens with warmth.]
[20:04:40] <✦[rp] DAN> i caught a big sturgeon once. it was like, half as tall as me! thats pretty big!
[20:04:55] <✦[rp] Finch> dad whats a sturgeon....?
[20:05:22] <✦[rp] DAN> its a strange looking fish! long and kinda scaley
[Finch rolls their eyes at Dan.]
[20:05:30] <✦[rp] Finch> dad all fish have scales
[Dan chuckles.]
[20:05:46] <✦[rp] DAN> yeah but like, it has spikey scales
[Finch raises their brow.]
[20:06:09] <✦[rp] Finch> like. uh. puffer fish?
[They cock their head to the side.]
[20:06:15] <✦[rp] Finch> those are spikey
[He shakes his head.]
[20:06:16] <✦[rp] DAN> not that spiiny
[20:06:21] <✦[rp] DAN> its like plates of armor
[20:06:46] <✦[rp] Finch> Neat!
[20:06:49] <✦[rp] Finch> once dad i uh
[20:06:49] <✦[rp] DAN> yeah!
[Finch makes a wide motion with their hands.]
[20:06:54] <✦[rp] Finch> caught a fish thiiiiiiiiiiis big
[Dan smiles at Finch’s estimate.]
[20:07:17] <✦[rp] DAN> thats impressive, kid
[Their tail flicks with excitement.]
[20:07:36] <✦[rp] Finch> Yeah! It is
[20:07:46] <✦[rp] Finch> yours was also impressive. getting a sturgeon.
[Dan’s smile widens.]
[20:07:45] <✦[rp] DAN> you might catch a fish as big as me one day
[20:07:53] <✦[rp] Finch> Maybe!! would be fun!
[Finch reels in another catch.]
[20:08:31] <✦[rp] Finch> uhm
[20:08:39] <✦[rp] DAN> yeah?
[They think hard to find something to talk about.]
[20:09:02] <✦[rp] Finch> uh.
[20:09:30] <✦[rp] DAN> haha, yeah
[Dan cocks his head to the side.]
[20:09:51] <✦[rp] DAN> we could head back? if you want. i can cook that omlette
[20:10:05] <✦[rp] Finch> mmmm
[Finch looks up at Dan with wide eyes.]
[20:10:13] <✦[rp] Finch> can i just stay out here a little longer, with you? please?
[20:10:27] <✦[rp] DAN> of course, kid
[They’re quiet for a moment before they ask: ]
[20:10:44] <✦[rp] Finch> are you having fun?
[20:11:03] <✦[rp] DAN> yeah :-) always enjoy hanging out with you kid
[20:11:14] <✦[rp] Finch> same with you, dad
[20:11:29] <✦[rp] DAN> its good to do. stuff.. distracts from everything thats going on. i kinda need it
[Finch smiles.]
[20:12:10] <✦[rp] Finch> Yeah, its nice. Fishing is fun i think Hanging out with you is fun, dad
[Dan pushes his hat down on Finch’s head.]
[20:11:45] <✦[rp] DAN> you're a good kid
[Finch wrinkles their nose.]
[20:12:15] <✦[rp] Finch> thanks
[Finch hums to themself while fishing. Dan leans back in the boat and looks up at the sky. The clouds swirl around aimlessly.]
[20:15:16] <✦[rp] Finch> hey dad
[Dan cranes his neck to look up.]
[20:15:23] <✦[rp] DAN> yeah?
[20:15:46] <✦[rp] Finch> if uh. ollie ever gets uh.
[Finch gestures about.]
[20:15:46] <✦[rp] Finch> by that doc prince thing. I designate you in charge. You deserve it i think
[Dan laughs.]
[20:16:08] <✦[rp] DAN> i hope it doesnt come to that. but i'll try my best
[20:16:17] <✦[rp] Finch> You'd do great
[20:16:28] <✦[rp] DAN> would i?
[20:16:51] <✦[rp] DAN> caring about people is hard. its nice but its hard. i feel like being responsible for everyone is a bit like that
[20:17:44] <✦[rp] DAN> ollie does a lot...
[20:18:06] <✦[rp] Finch> you don't have to care about everybody to be a good admin, i think. you just need to keep yourself and your home safe. and your home is where other people live.
[20:18:58] <✦[rp] DAN> i guess not, but . its hard not to feel responsible for everyones safety
[20:19:36] <✦[rp] Finch> Sometimes things happen! ... like Oliver! and now Doc and the rest of malfaction
[20:19:52] <✦[rp] Finch> things happen.! It'll all just be fine if we live, you know. that's what matters here
[20:21:09] <✦[rp] Finch> besides. we don't need to worry about that right now
[Dan nods, but is a bit lost in thought.]
[20:21:13] <✦[rp] DAN> i wish there was more i could do. i want a lot of us to live. all of us would be nice.
[Finch leans back to look at Dan.]
[20:21:13] <✦[rp] Finch> we're fishing
[20:21:17] <✦[rp] Finch> please dont worry.
[Dan reaches up, plucking his hat off of Finch’s head.]
[20:21:30] <✦[rp] DAN> im trying. its tricky
[Dan puts it back on his own, leaning back and pushing down it to keep the sun off of his face.]
[20:21:30] <✦[rp] Finch> all of us would be nice. others are useful. but it'll be okay if they dont
[From under his hat, Dan rambles.]
[20:21:45] <✦[rp] DAN> all of us will get out of this
[20:21:53] <✦[rp] DAN> i mean, we did in the last world? so
[20:21:57] <✦[rp] DAN> we can do it again
[Finch sucks in air through their teeth, looking back at Dan.]
[20:22:21] <✦[rp] Finch> i don't think we uh. all made it out of the last one
[20:22:28] <✦[rp] Finch> that was a pretty significant thing that happened
[20:22:38] <✦[rp] Finch> not all of us making it, you know.
[Dan waves his hand.]
[20:22:42] <✦[rp] DAN> i mean yea, no All of Us. but most of us
[Finch nods. They smile to themself.]
[20:22:51] <✦[rp] Finch> but thats okay. once we get my friend back it wont do that again
[20:22:59] <✦[rp] DAN> please make sure it doesnt
[They reassure Dan.]
[20:23:00] <✦[rp] Finch> we're friends. we're friends, dad.
[20:23:15] <✦[rp] DAN> I... I believe you, kid
[Dan finally sits up. He pushes his hat up onto the top of his head. His voice is strained. He’s worried deeply for Finch.]
[20:23:17] <✦[rp] DAN> just please be safe
[They turn to look at Dan.]
[20:23:58] <✦[rp] Finch> I will! I will
[They pause as they see the look of his face. The color of the clouds.]
[20:24:02] <✦[rp] Finch> please don't worry about me
[20:24:08] <✦[rp] Finch> i'll be okay. we'll be okay
[They turn back to the water in front of him.]
[20:24:15] <✦[rp] Finch> lets enjoy fishing.
[Dan stands, and takes a deep breath again, it's shakier than before. He picks up his rod.]
[20:25:00] <✦[rp] Finch> please don't worry, dad
[Finch places a paw on Dan and pats. Dan smiles down at them.]
[20:25:34] <✦[rp] DAN> i just got so many people to worry about, i guess
[They ruffle the top of Finch’s head.]
[20:25:41] <✦[rp] DAN> im glad you're here.
[Finch closes their eyes and purrs with a smile.]
[20:26:02] <✦[rp] Finch> I'm also glad you're here dad, love you muches
[20:26:13] <✦[rp] DAN> love you muches too, kid
[Finch looks up at a Dan.]
[20:26:43] <✦[rp] Finch> Hey dad you know what'd sound realllly good?
[Dan looks down at Finch.]
[20:26:56] <✦[rp] DAN> whats that kid?
[20:27:05] <✦[rp] Finch> omlette.... AND fish.
[Dan chuckles, looking down at the catch in the bucket.]
[20:27:23] <✦[rp] DAN> well i think we caught enough fish to last a week
[Finch nods with excitement.]
[20:27:50] <✦[rp] Finch> Omlette! omlette!! omlette!!!
[20:28:01] <✦[rp] DAN> hehe
[He plops down into the center seat, shaking the boat slightly.]
[20:28:07] <✦[rp] DAN> alright, we can head back in
[20:28:12] <✦[rp] Finch> wooo!
[Dan grabs the oars and begins to row.]
[20:28:14] <✦[rp] DAN> i'll cook up some crazy fish omlettes
[Finch takes a seat. They prop an arm on the side of the boat, placing their paw under their chin.]
[20:28:18] <✦[rp] Finch> this trip was nice, dad
[20:28:21] <✦[rp] DAN> it was
[Finch smiles over at Dan. Dan reaches over to give Finch another head pat.]
[20:30:01] <✦[rp] Finch> I'm glad you had fun
[20:30:07] <✦[rp] Finch> it was nice hanging out with you, dad
[20:30:18] <✦[rp] DAN> you too, kid
[20:30:21] <✦[rp] DAN> we should fish more often
[Finch hums in agreement.]
[20:30:44] <✦[rp] Finch> Oh hey we're coming back up on home!
[They row up to shore.]
[20:31:01] <✦[rp] DAN> haha, i was worried i wouldnt remember the way honme
[Finch playfully punches Dan in the shoulder.]
[20:31:25] <✦[rp] Finch> pff. believe in yourself more. you're the coolest, dad. coolness can get you anything
[20:31:35] <✦[rp] DAN> coolness has gotten me pretty far
[Finch leaps out of the boat, their wings flitting as they reach the shore.]
[20:31:34] <✦[rp] Finch> anyways! we're back!
[Finch stands as the shore as Dan gets out and pulls the boat to shore.]
[20:31:46] <✦[rp] Finch> hey dad when uh. we go to get omlettes and fish
[20:31:50] <✦[rp] Finch> please fix your floor.
[20:31:55] <✦[rp] DAN> hah, yeah
[20:31:59] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah...
[20:32:00] <✦[rp] DAN> i should do that
[Finch perks up. They begin to pump their fists into the air.]
[20:32:09] <✦[rp] Finch> anyways! omlette! omlette! Omlette!
[Dan smiles with a certain warmth.]
[20:32:16] <✦[rp] DAN> yes yes, omlette time