Can't Get Any Worse (Fringe, PG-13)
Title: Can't Get Any Worse
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Most of S3 including "6B" and a hint of "Subject 13"
Characters/Pairings: Peter, Olivia, AltLiv, Lincoln,Walter, Peter/Olivia, AltLiv/Lincoln, a tinsy hint of AltLiv/Peter if you squint.
Summary: He didn't think this situation could be more awkward.
Warnings: None.
Disclaimer: I don't own them, you know this.
Peter , at one time, thought that the most awkward situation he had ever been in or would ever be in, was when Walter walked in on him and Olivia in bed once. He thought ‘How can there be a situation more awkward than your adoptive father walking in on you, naked, in bed, with your girlfriend? There is none.’. So he believed, at least at one time, he had endured the single most awkward situation he ever would, and gotten it over with. Well, he was wrong. So, so , so wrong. That was not the most awkward situation he had or ever will be in. The one he was in at the present topped that by about the size of the Chrysler building, and he wasn’t even naked.
Because really, what could get more awkward than sitting in your own living room with your girlfriend, the alternate version (and the mother of your first kid whom she had felt obliged to inform him, she named Charlie after the Charlie they had lost in this universe. He was touched, and, Olivia, his Olivia was as well) of his girlfriend, and her boss ( Peter had a sneaking suspicion that they were more than just commanding officer and agent.)? Nothing. Nothing could be this awkward.
Not unless Walter, who was in the kitchen preparing some food, starting singing…
“ I want to love ya but your hover craft motha is hovering above ya…” came the sound of his father’s voice from the kitchen. Peter groaned and his left hand went to his forehead. He heard Olivia chuckling to his left, and the embarrassment deepened.
“Hey, at least he’s not singing that song ‘Long List of Lovers’.” she offered. When she saw his face flush a deeper red in embarrassment, she couldn’t help but pat him lovingly on the back. “I’m just teasing you.” she smiled at his little glare .
“So…” AltLiv said, patting her lap, nervous and anxious, trying not to feel as uncomfortable as she did. “ Um… you guys said that you almost have that device ready right? The one to take me, Lincoln, and Charlie...uh…Agent Francis, back home?” Olivia nodded. “Cool. Good. Great. I uh…left little Charlie with Peter’s mother before I left. I don’t know how she feels about babysitting for almost two weeks.” This earned a nervous chuckle from both Olivias.
“Are you sure you are all ok to travel? Your wounds have healed up properly?” Olivia inquired.
“Ah, yes. We’re good to go.” Lincoln replied, smiling at her. Olivia smiled back. She’d always thought Lincoln was a nice person. She knew he was.
“Good. So…” Olivia sighed. Shit, what were they supposed to talk about? Everything else, the important stuff, Peter and AltLiv’s child, the balances of the universes and how to maintain the balance, the emotional issues… all dealt with already. Peter had sat back against the couch next to her, his head tilted back, staring at the ceiling, as a chorus of “Lollipop” came from the kitchen. “ Uh…so, how about you two? Anything …you know…happen in the last year and a half?” This time, it was AltLiv and Lincoln’s faces who turned crimson from embarrassment.
“Well uh…Lincoln’s been kind enough to help me with er…little Charlie. He’s been great. He’s always good with kids it seems. At least…lately he has been.” she smiled at Lincoln and he returned the sentiment with a sweet, loving smile that made Olivia’s heart smile. Good. They had some sense knocked into them after all.
“So, Peter,” Lincoln began, a sudden smirk forming on his lips. Both Olivias knew that look well. Someone was about to be publicly teased. Both Olivias looked at each other and raised an eyebrow. “You two doing well then? You and Olivia?” Peter’s head shot up at this, and he met the eyes of the speaker warily.
“Yeah, I’d say we’re doing pretty good, wouldn’t you Livia?” he turned his eyes to his girlfriend, who was sporting an amused expression.
“We’re doing great.” she confirmed. “ Actually…” she smiled, knowing Peter was going to try and stop her from saying what she was about to “ about a week or so ago, we discussed taking a rather big step in our relationship. I am going to be m…” Sure enough, Peter hugged her close to him, looping his left arm around her waist and pulling her closer, a fake smile on his face. “Something wrong babe?” she asked, a look of false innocence replacing her grin.
“No, nothing wrong, just wanted to have you closer.” Peter said. The smile was fooling no one.
“Ah, alright. Anyway, as I was saying, I am actually gonna move in as soon as everything has calmed down.” She got the words out before Peter could react again, and the look on his face was priceless.
“That’s wonderful!” Lincoln’s smirk had returned. Obviously he was rather enjoying watching the man who impregnated the woman he loved, squirm. It was a tad malicious, yes, but very him. And honestly, in hindsight, who could blame him? He was sitting across from a man who slept with the woman he loved, got her pregnant, and he wasn’t even in love with her. He was in love with the other her. And Lincoln had to admit, Peter and this other Olivia looked good together. They fit. They made sense. He wanted to hate the man sitting across from him, but Lincoln couldn’t find it in himself to do so. He supposed he could see why both Olivias had feelings for him. He was, after all, a charmer, and had a good heart, he was strong. Just like him. He respected that. “I’m happy for you guys. Congratulations.”
“Thank you Captain Lee.” Olivia responded.
“Lincoln.” he corrected. “It’ll always be Lincoln.” They smiled at each other fondly. Imposter or not, Lincoln considered her to be as much of his friend as his own Olivia.
“Thank you Lincoln.” By then Walter had entered the living room carrying a tray with drinks on it. Olivia stood up to help him but he shooed her away.
“No no dear, sit, sit. I got this handled.” Walter beamed happily at the site in front of him, as only Walter could. He set the drinks on the table between the couches and started to head back for the kitchen when AltLiv spoke up.
“Dr. Bishop?” she began, her voice nervous.
“Yes dear?” was his reply. AltLiv calmed down a bit.
“I…I just want to say again how sorry I am for…”
“Don’t be ridiculous dear girl, it wasn’t your fault. You were just following the other me’s orders. You would have been harmed if you had not, am I correct?” she nodded “Well then, as far as I am concerned, you have nothing to apologize for.” he turned again, and walked into the kitchen, leaving AltLiv speechless.
“Yeah, he has that affect sometimes.” Olivia offered, smiling at her alternate self. “So, Peter, how would you feel about telling them how we met?”
“Oh honey, you tell the story so much better then I do.” His fake smile masking his growing uncomfortable-ness made her shake her head and roll her eyes.
“Well, I had this boyfriend, my partner, John, who had been exposed to this toxin that was in a bomb. He was dying, and the only way to save him was to find Dr. Bishop. But he was in Saint Claire’s at the time, and the only way to get in was if a family member escorted you. Immediate family only might I add. I found out where Peter was, and I went to go ask for his help…” Peter laughed at that, earning a pinch in his side from his girlfriend. “Shut it, I’m telling the story. You had your chance. Anyway, I found him in Iraq, trying to make a business deal. Judging from his rather lengthy criminal record, I had this feeling of foreboding that he was going to be a pain in the ass ,and I was right. Peter, don’t give me that look, you were.” AltLiv and Lincoln chuckled. “Anyway, I persuaded him to come back by saying the FBI had a file on him with all his information, and that if he didn’t come with me, I’d call some people that wanted to know of his whereabouts. That got him. So he came back with me to Boston , and I guess you could say the rest is history.”
“That’s not how you first met.” Walter said absentmindedly as he set a plate of sandwiches on the table. He left the room just as fast.
“What? What do you mean Walter?” Peter asked, turning around to call after his father.
“Oh…uh… nothing son! Nothing! You know me, always saying such random, ludicrous things. Just ignore me.” Walter called back hastily. Peter and Olivia looked at each other with curious expressions.
“ I wonder what he meant by that.” Olivia thought out loud.
“Dunno.” Peter wondered as well. Silence fell across the room as the two couples looked awkwardly at each other. Sure, teasing Peter had broken the ice…somewhat…but there was still the rather obvious feeling of ‘Dear God, how do I deal with this situation and when can I leave?’. Not that they could be blamed for that. There was no way this could get more awkward right?
“Olivia dear! I believe your delicates have finished in the drier! Should I remove them for you and put them in Peter’s room?” Walter called from the laundry room.
Never mind.
It could get way more awkward.
The End .
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Most of S3 including "6B" and a hint of "Subject 13"
Characters/Pairings: Peter, Olivia, AltLiv, Lincoln,Walter, Peter/Olivia, AltLiv/Lincoln, a tinsy hint of AltLiv/Peter if you squint.
Summary: He didn't think this situation could be more awkward.
Warnings: None.
Disclaimer: I don't own them, you know this.
Peter , at one time, thought that the most awkward situation he had ever been in or would ever be in, was when Walter walked in on him and Olivia in bed once. He thought ‘How can there be a situation more awkward than your adoptive father walking in on you, naked, in bed, with your girlfriend? There is none.’. So he believed, at least at one time, he had endured the single most awkward situation he ever would, and gotten it over with. Well, he was wrong. So, so , so wrong. That was not the most awkward situation he had or ever will be in. The one he was in at the present topped that by about the size of the Chrysler building, and he wasn’t even naked.
Because really, what could get more awkward than sitting in your own living room with your girlfriend, the alternate version (and the mother of your first kid whom she had felt obliged to inform him, she named Charlie after the Charlie they had lost in this universe. He was touched, and, Olivia, his Olivia was as well) of his girlfriend, and her boss ( Peter had a sneaking suspicion that they were more than just commanding officer and agent.)? Nothing. Nothing could be this awkward.
Not unless Walter, who was in the kitchen preparing some food, starting singing…
“ I want to love ya but your hover craft motha is hovering above ya…” came the sound of his father’s voice from the kitchen. Peter groaned and his left hand went to his forehead. He heard Olivia chuckling to his left, and the embarrassment deepened.
“Hey, at least he’s not singing that song ‘Long List of Lovers’.” she offered. When she saw his face flush a deeper red in embarrassment, she couldn’t help but pat him lovingly on the back. “I’m just teasing you.” she smiled at his little glare .
“So…” AltLiv said, patting her lap, nervous and anxious, trying not to feel as uncomfortable as she did. “ Um… you guys said that you almost have that device ready right? The one to take me, Lincoln, and Charlie...uh…Agent Francis, back home?” Olivia nodded. “Cool. Good. Great. I uh…left little Charlie with Peter’s mother before I left. I don’t know how she feels about babysitting for almost two weeks.” This earned a nervous chuckle from both Olivias.
“Are you sure you are all ok to travel? Your wounds have healed up properly?” Olivia inquired.
“Ah, yes. We’re good to go.” Lincoln replied, smiling at her. Olivia smiled back. She’d always thought Lincoln was a nice person. She knew he was.
“Good. So…” Olivia sighed. Shit, what were they supposed to talk about? Everything else, the important stuff, Peter and AltLiv’s child, the balances of the universes and how to maintain the balance, the emotional issues… all dealt with already. Peter had sat back against the couch next to her, his head tilted back, staring at the ceiling, as a chorus of “Lollipop” came from the kitchen. “ Uh…so, how about you two? Anything …you know…happen in the last year and a half?” This time, it was AltLiv and Lincoln’s faces who turned crimson from embarrassment.
“Well uh…Lincoln’s been kind enough to help me with er…little Charlie. He’s been great. He’s always good with kids it seems. At least…lately he has been.” she smiled at Lincoln and he returned the sentiment with a sweet, loving smile that made Olivia’s heart smile. Good. They had some sense knocked into them after all.
“So, Peter,” Lincoln began, a sudden smirk forming on his lips. Both Olivias knew that look well. Someone was about to be publicly teased. Both Olivias looked at each other and raised an eyebrow. “You two doing well then? You and Olivia?” Peter’s head shot up at this, and he met the eyes of the speaker warily.
“Yeah, I’d say we’re doing pretty good, wouldn’t you Livia?” he turned his eyes to his girlfriend, who was sporting an amused expression.
“We’re doing great.” she confirmed. “ Actually…” she smiled, knowing Peter was going to try and stop her from saying what she was about to “ about a week or so ago, we discussed taking a rather big step in our relationship. I am going to be m…” Sure enough, Peter hugged her close to him, looping his left arm around her waist and pulling her closer, a fake smile on his face. “Something wrong babe?” she asked, a look of false innocence replacing her grin.
“No, nothing wrong, just wanted to have you closer.” Peter said. The smile was fooling no one.
“Ah, alright. Anyway, as I was saying, I am actually gonna move in as soon as everything has calmed down.” She got the words out before Peter could react again, and the look on his face was priceless.
“That’s wonderful!” Lincoln’s smirk had returned. Obviously he was rather enjoying watching the man who impregnated the woman he loved, squirm. It was a tad malicious, yes, but very him. And honestly, in hindsight, who could blame him? He was sitting across from a man who slept with the woman he loved, got her pregnant, and he wasn’t even in love with her. He was in love with the other her. And Lincoln had to admit, Peter and this other Olivia looked good together. They fit. They made sense. He wanted to hate the man sitting across from him, but Lincoln couldn’t find it in himself to do so. He supposed he could see why both Olivias had feelings for him. He was, after all, a charmer, and had a good heart, he was strong. Just like him. He respected that. “I’m happy for you guys. Congratulations.”
“Thank you Captain Lee.” Olivia responded.
“Lincoln.” he corrected. “It’ll always be Lincoln.” They smiled at each other fondly. Imposter or not, Lincoln considered her to be as much of his friend as his own Olivia.
“Thank you Lincoln.” By then Walter had entered the living room carrying a tray with drinks on it. Olivia stood up to help him but he shooed her away.
“No no dear, sit, sit. I got this handled.” Walter beamed happily at the site in front of him, as only Walter could. He set the drinks on the table between the couches and started to head back for the kitchen when AltLiv spoke up.
“Dr. Bishop?” she began, her voice nervous.
“Yes dear?” was his reply. AltLiv calmed down a bit.
“I…I just want to say again how sorry I am for…”
“Don’t be ridiculous dear girl, it wasn’t your fault. You were just following the other me’s orders. You would have been harmed if you had not, am I correct?” she nodded “Well then, as far as I am concerned, you have nothing to apologize for.” he turned again, and walked into the kitchen, leaving AltLiv speechless.
“Yeah, he has that affect sometimes.” Olivia offered, smiling at her alternate self. “So, Peter, how would you feel about telling them how we met?”
“Oh honey, you tell the story so much better then I do.” His fake smile masking his growing uncomfortable-ness made her shake her head and roll her eyes.
“Well, I had this boyfriend, my partner, John, who had been exposed to this toxin that was in a bomb. He was dying, and the only way to save him was to find Dr. Bishop. But he was in Saint Claire’s at the time, and the only way to get in was if a family member escorted you. Immediate family only might I add. I found out where Peter was, and I went to go ask for his help…” Peter laughed at that, earning a pinch in his side from his girlfriend. “Shut it, I’m telling the story. You had your chance. Anyway, I found him in Iraq, trying to make a business deal. Judging from his rather lengthy criminal record, I had this feeling of foreboding that he was going to be a pain in the ass ,and I was right. Peter, don’t give me that look, you were.” AltLiv and Lincoln chuckled. “Anyway, I persuaded him to come back by saying the FBI had a file on him with all his information, and that if he didn’t come with me, I’d call some people that wanted to know of his whereabouts. That got him. So he came back with me to Boston , and I guess you could say the rest is history.”
“That’s not how you first met.” Walter said absentmindedly as he set a plate of sandwiches on the table. He left the room just as fast.
“What? What do you mean Walter?” Peter asked, turning around to call after his father.
“Oh…uh… nothing son! Nothing! You know me, always saying such random, ludicrous things. Just ignore me.” Walter called back hastily. Peter and Olivia looked at each other with curious expressions.
“ I wonder what he meant by that.” Olivia thought out loud.
“Dunno.” Peter wondered as well. Silence fell across the room as the two couples looked awkwardly at each other. Sure, teasing Peter had broken the ice…somewhat…but there was still the rather obvious feeling of ‘Dear God, how do I deal with this situation and when can I leave?’. Not that they could be blamed for that. There was no way this could get more awkward right?
“Olivia dear! I believe your delicates have finished in the drier! Should I remove them for you and put them in Peter’s room?” Walter called from the laundry room.
Never mind.
It could get way more awkward.
The End .