{Fic} May 22: This is Just Routine {2} (Dead Zone, Johnny/OMC, Bruce/Johnny)
This is Just Routine (Part Two)
By Clarity Scifiroots
Disclaimers apply. (A lot of dialogue is taken directly quoted or mimicked from the episode script.) Title from Afterhours’ “There’s Many Ways.”
Fandom/Characters: Dead Zone - Johnny/Alex, unrequited Bruce/Johnny
Rating: FRT
SPOILERS: The entire episode of “Vanguard” specifically, all mythos leading up to it
Summary: Bruce gets a chance to talk with Alex while Johnny tries something stupid.
May!fic 22 of 31
for
7_deadly_sins "envy"
--- * ---
Part One
When Bruce came inside some time later, Johnny ignored him. After about fifteen minutes of that, Bruce gave up and returned to his apartment.
He stood in the kitchen staring blindly into the refrigerator. This place wasn't his home and hadn't been for a long while.
--- * ---
After blocking the men following Alex, Bruce and Johnny didn’t speak. In the silence Bruce clutched the steering wheel tightly and locked his gaze on the road.
He pulled into the dark parking lot of the Museum of Science & Nature. Johnny got out of the car before he even cut the engine. Bruce opened his door and glanced around. “Maybe he misunderstood you.”
Johnny’s expression tightened with anxiety and pain. “Or maybe he just didn’t trust me.”
Alex stepped out of the darkness, saving Bruce from making a pitiful attempt at consolation.
“It happened,” Alex said, his expression carefully blank although Bruce could see the surprise and wariness in his eyes. “I had the breakthrough. The beakers fell. Then Peck came in with Stillson. Just like you said.”
Bruce stuffed his hands in his jacket pockets and shifted uncomfortably. “Funny how that works, ain’t it?”
“I’m a man of science, but I can’t find a rational explanation for it...” Presumably Alex responded to Bruce but his eyes locked on Johnny.
“There’s no explanation.” Bruce fisted his hands in frustration. “It’s... cosmic.”
Alex glanced very briefly at Bruce. “You want to tell me what my local congressman’s got to do with it?”
“Greg Stillson can’t be allowed to exploit your work.” Johnny looked apologetic.
Alex sighed. “It’s going to be converted, isn’t it? Used in some kind of weapon.”
“Guess there’s a reason you’re the star pupil,” Bruce muttered sarcastically; no one actually paid attention to him, anyway. Why had Johnny called him along if he was going to be the third wheel?
“It’s always been at the back of my mind,” Alex explained in response to Johnny’s surprise. “I knew my research could be exploited. But there’s more... isn’t there?” Bruce glanced sidelong at his friend, knowing the man wouldn’t be able to avoid telling the truth. Alex swallowed visibly and his voice wavered slightly when he spoke. “When you touch me, what do you see?”
When Johnny refused to answer right away, Bruce said, “Tell him, John.” He deserves to know. Time to lay it out in the open, stop covering his intentions with unreadable masks...
“I see fire.” Johnny wore a haunted expression. “I see the end of the world.”
Bruce focused on Alex, watching as a variety of emotions sped across his face. He knew Alex couldn’t process it immediately and with so little detail. Honestly Bruce expected Johnny to be in more of a story-telling mode about it.
“What do you want me to do?” Alex asked, expression hardening.
Shaking his head, Bruce muttered, “’atta boy.” Jump out of the frying pan into the fire. Have you always inspired such blind leaps of faith, John?
Johnny thumped the roof of the car with his fist. “It’s too dangerous,” Johnny insisted.
Bruce wasn’t surprised to see Alex’s determination increase, his posture straightening as he argued, “I created this. My mind, my hands brought it to life. Somebody’s gotta be the vanguard against these bastards, right? Might as well be us, Teach.”
A look of astonishment passed over Johnny’s face, followed quickly by a much gentler emotion. Bruce turned away. The ground felt like it’d been pulled out from under him and he was freefalling. He felt nauseous to the point that he thought he might actually be sick. He had no business being here. Damnit. Why did you ask me? Did you want me to see this?
Johnny’s gasp instantly had him circling the car. “Talk to me, John,” he insisted, momentarily ignoring how Alex’s hand hovered close to Johnny’s elbow.
“I saw Stillson.” Johnny directed the statement at Bruce; this was their routine. “He was...” Johnny met his gaze, face pale. “He was the President of the United States.”
--- * ---
They relocated to an area behind the museum where long wooden buildings lined a gravel path. Bruce watched Johnny and Alex build a small fire. He looked through the trunk as an excuse to stay by the car. He thought it strange that they planned to stay out here; the mansion should be safe enough with all its security and familiarity of home territory. Glancing at the other men from the corner of his eye he added, John’s going to regret this in the morning; his knee wouldn’t hold up well in the current weather.
Eventually he couldn’t avoid them any longer. Bruce brought a blanket with him. Before he sat, he tossed the blanket at Johnny. “Keep yourself warm or you’ll regret not having that cane anymore.” The blonde frowned at him and slowly nodded.
Bruce sighed and settled back against the peeling paint of a nearby building. He stared at the fire. He couldn’t think of a thing to say and had the sense that the other men had similar trouble. Third wheel, his mind provided unhelpfully.
--- * ---
Bruce started awake at the feel of hand on his shoulder. Johnny squatted at his side, expression determined.
“What?” Bruce asked warily.
“I need your keys.”
Bruce looked down at himself and found the blanket draped over him. The sky showed signs of the rising sun. Damn, how long had he been asleep? He looked back at Johnny.
“What are you planning?”
Johnny’s hand squeezed his shoulder tighter. “I need to get Alex out of this. I’m going to make a deal.”
Fuck! “With Stillson?” Bruce hissed. “Have you lost your mind?”
“Quiet,” Johnny insisted, nodding his head at Alex’s sleeping form on the other side of the fire’s remains. Bruce recognized Johnny’s coat lying over the other man.
“I’m not letting him get caught up in this anymore. I’ll convince Stillson the work will be an embarrassing disaster that I don’t want Alex to suffer through.”
Bruce shook his head in disbelief. “It’s not going to work.”
“I don’t care what you think.” Johnny glared at him disapprovingly. “Would you give me your keys?”
Reluctantly Bruce fished his keys out of a pocket and handed them over. He kept his hand over Johnny’s. “I wish you wouldn’t do this. You know this could just make things worse?”
Johnny’s lips pressed together in a grim line. “I have to try,” he said. Bruce nodded and let him go. When he heard the car start he leaned back and closed his eyes. You’re an idiot. You better not get hurt.
--- * ---
Bruce had moved to sit only a couple feet from Alex and directly in the younger man’s line of sight. So he knew he was the first thing Alex registered when he woke up.
Alex blinked a few times and sat up quickly, Johnny’s coat sliding onto his lap. He eyed Bruce guardedly. “Ah, good morning to you, too.”
“What did he tell you?” Bruce asked.
“About...?” Alex raked his fingers through his hair. “He... really didn’t explain anything.” He looked down at the coat in his lap and ran his hand over the material. “He said something about making a deal.”
“It’s a deal with the devil,” Bruce said quietly. Alex’s head jerked up with a wide-eyed stare. “John can be an idiot that way.” Bruce sighed and ran a hand over his face; he found he couldn’t blame Alex no matter how much he’d like to. “He’s huge on the self sacrifices. And he’s particularly reckless when it comes to Stillson.”
Alex shifted so that he could lean against the building behind him. “What do you think he’s going to do?”
Chuckling, Bruce replied, “Who knows? Tell Stillson he’s gonna be president? Promise to help his campaign? Swear he’ll back off if they’ll keep away from you? Your guess is probably as good as mine.” He stared at Alex and took a good look at him for the first time.
Alex shifted again, most likely uncomfortable with Bruce’s stare.
Bruce looked away and leaned back. “You always had a crush on him?”
“What?” Alex straightened up defensively, expression suspicious.
“I know,” Bruce said gently. “I... Never mind, that doesn’t matter.” He offered a crooked smile. “Messed up as it is right now, maybe when you come out the other side of this you two will work things out.”
Alex shook his head slowly. “It’s just a thing,” he protested unconvincingly. “I mean, it was probably just part of...” he trailed off.
The disappointment and hurt on the man’s face made Bruce’s heart ache. “He didn’t use you like that.” Alex glanced at him. Bruce closed his eyes against the hopeful expression. This was killing him. “He should have told you from the beginning.”
“I probably wouldn’t have believed him,” Alex said.
“Maybe not...” Bruce opened his eyes. Alex stared at him thoughtfully. Shit. “Look, Alex, you’re important to him. He’s not just going to give you up and get you hurt.”
Alex didn’t say anything for a long time, and Bruce got the feeling that the other man had figured some things out for himself.
Finally Alex said, “How long have you known him?” Bruce remained silent. “Since after the coma, right? You were his physical therapist, I think Miss Bracknell said.” Bruce found he couldn’t look away from the scrutinizing gaze. “You’re the one always helping him. I bet you’re the only one who knows about these Stillson visions. So what’s it like to be a psychic’s best friend?”
Bruce clenched his jaw so tight he wasn’t sure he could open it again. Alex appeared calm but his words hadn’t been nearly as gentle, particularly the last.
“You worried?” Bruce managed, voice tense. “He either doesn’t know or doesn’t care. Either way, I’m not competition.” Alex glanced away guiltily. That’s what you were looking for.
“Hard to think that way,” Alex responded. He wouldn’t look at Bruce again. “I mean, it’s been like eleven years since I’ve talked to the guy and that was when I was just getting into college. I’ve got to seem like this kid-”
“You know that’s not true,” Bruce cut in, somewhat bitterly.
Alex looked back at him with a look of muted alarm. Bruce waved it off tiredly.
After another moment of hesitation, Alex continued; “My point is, we don’t really know each other. I mean, we’re different...” He looked down at his hands and shrugged. “But maybe that’s why this happened, why it seemed to actually be working.” He sighed. “I bet my parents would flip.”
“You’re twenty-eight,” Bruce said, mostly to remind himself. It wasn’t much of an age difference. Pretty normal, actually. Strange how he felt so much older than Alex.
Alex rolled his eyes, humor lightening his features. “Well, factor into the equation that he was my high school teacher. Although it probably helps that he was totally into Miss Bracknell back then.” Bruce smiled faintly.
A while later they stood up to stretch. Alex brushed off Johnny’s coat and a look of determination settled on his face. Bruce waited for the explanation.
“I’m going back,” Alex announced, meeting Bruce’s expectant stare. “I can destroy the hard drive and get rid of the samples. There’s nothing they’ll be able to do.”
“I don’t like it,” Bruce cautioned. “It may not be easy to do, but it’s too simple. These guys don’t give up quickly.” Alex refused to back down. With a sigh, Bruce said, “Then I’m coming with you.” Alex didn’t look convinced but nodded.
They walked to Alex’s bike and set Johnny’s coat next to one of the buildings. Alex offered Bruce his helmet, but it was refused. Alex got on first and revved the engine. Bruce hesitated a moment before climbing on behind. Feeling more than a little uncomfortable he wrapped his arms around Alex.
“Ready?” Alex asked, voice muffled by the barrier of his helmet.
“As I’ll ever be,” Bruce answered. Alex knocked back the kickstand and straightened up.
Out of the corner of his eye, Bruce saw a dark blur of motion. Before he could turn his head a blow to his side knocked him off balance. He fell off the bike; Alex stayed on.
“Get out of here!” Bruce shouted. He pulled himself to his feet just in time to block another punch from a dark-suited man. Shit. Did you seriously think you could make some “deal,” John?
He did pretty well against his opponent, getting in his own occasional jabs. He couldn’t hear Alex but wasn’t convinced that meant the guy had been smart enough, or lucky enough, to escape. The appearance of a second Men in Black type drove away any hope he had of escaping. The first man managed to trap his arms, the second closed in with gut punch that left Bruce gasping for breath. He barely saw the fist closing in on his head.
--- * ---
Notes:
I figure that Sarah will always be Miss Bracknell to Alex, even though she's married and to Walt...
There's now a soundtrack for this fic!
Part Three (finale)
By Clarity Scifiroots
Disclaimers apply. (A lot of dialogue is taken directly quoted or mimicked from the episode script.) Title from Afterhours’ “There’s Many Ways.”
Fandom/Characters: Dead Zone - Johnny/Alex, unrequited Bruce/Johnny
Rating: FRT
SPOILERS: The entire episode of “Vanguard” specifically, all mythos leading up to it
Summary: Bruce gets a chance to talk with Alex while Johnny tries something stupid.
May!fic 22 of 31
for
7_deadly_sins "envy"
--- * ---
Part One
When Bruce came inside some time later, Johnny ignored him. After about fifteen minutes of that, Bruce gave up and returned to his apartment.
He stood in the kitchen staring blindly into the refrigerator. This place wasn't his home and hadn't been for a long while.
--- * ---
After blocking the men following Alex, Bruce and Johnny didn’t speak. In the silence Bruce clutched the steering wheel tightly and locked his gaze on the road.
He pulled into the dark parking lot of the Museum of Science & Nature. Johnny got out of the car before he even cut the engine. Bruce opened his door and glanced around. “Maybe he misunderstood you.”
Johnny’s expression tightened with anxiety and pain. “Or maybe he just didn’t trust me.”
Alex stepped out of the darkness, saving Bruce from making a pitiful attempt at consolation.
“It happened,” Alex said, his expression carefully blank although Bruce could see the surprise and wariness in his eyes. “I had the breakthrough. The beakers fell. Then Peck came in with Stillson. Just like you said.”
Bruce stuffed his hands in his jacket pockets and shifted uncomfortably. “Funny how that works, ain’t it?”
“I’m a man of science, but I can’t find a rational explanation for it...” Presumably Alex responded to Bruce but his eyes locked on Johnny.
“There’s no explanation.” Bruce fisted his hands in frustration. “It’s... cosmic.”
Alex glanced very briefly at Bruce. “You want to tell me what my local congressman’s got to do with it?”
“Greg Stillson can’t be allowed to exploit your work.” Johnny looked apologetic.
Alex sighed. “It’s going to be converted, isn’t it? Used in some kind of weapon.”
“Guess there’s a reason you’re the star pupil,” Bruce muttered sarcastically; no one actually paid attention to him, anyway. Why had Johnny called him along if he was going to be the third wheel?
“It’s always been at the back of my mind,” Alex explained in response to Johnny’s surprise. “I knew my research could be exploited. But there’s more... isn’t there?” Bruce glanced sidelong at his friend, knowing the man wouldn’t be able to avoid telling the truth. Alex swallowed visibly and his voice wavered slightly when he spoke. “When you touch me, what do you see?”
When Johnny refused to answer right away, Bruce said, “Tell him, John.” He deserves to know. Time to lay it out in the open, stop covering his intentions with unreadable masks...
“I see fire.” Johnny wore a haunted expression. “I see the end of the world.”
Bruce focused on Alex, watching as a variety of emotions sped across his face. He knew Alex couldn’t process it immediately and with so little detail. Honestly Bruce expected Johnny to be in more of a story-telling mode about it.
“What do you want me to do?” Alex asked, expression hardening.
Shaking his head, Bruce muttered, “’atta boy.” Jump out of the frying pan into the fire. Have you always inspired such blind leaps of faith, John?
Johnny thumped the roof of the car with his fist. “It’s too dangerous,” Johnny insisted.
Bruce wasn’t surprised to see Alex’s determination increase, his posture straightening as he argued, “I created this. My mind, my hands brought it to life. Somebody’s gotta be the vanguard against these bastards, right? Might as well be us, Teach.”
A look of astonishment passed over Johnny’s face, followed quickly by a much gentler emotion. Bruce turned away. The ground felt like it’d been pulled out from under him and he was freefalling. He felt nauseous to the point that he thought he might actually be sick. He had no business being here. Damnit. Why did you ask me? Did you want me to see this?
Johnny’s gasp instantly had him circling the car. “Talk to me, John,” he insisted, momentarily ignoring how Alex’s hand hovered close to Johnny’s elbow.
“I saw Stillson.” Johnny directed the statement at Bruce; this was their routine. “He was...” Johnny met his gaze, face pale. “He was the President of the United States.”
--- * ---
They relocated to an area behind the museum where long wooden buildings lined a gravel path. Bruce watched Johnny and Alex build a small fire. He looked through the trunk as an excuse to stay by the car. He thought it strange that they planned to stay out here; the mansion should be safe enough with all its security and familiarity of home territory. Glancing at the other men from the corner of his eye he added, John’s going to regret this in the morning; his knee wouldn’t hold up well in the current weather.
Eventually he couldn’t avoid them any longer. Bruce brought a blanket with him. Before he sat, he tossed the blanket at Johnny. “Keep yourself warm or you’ll regret not having that cane anymore.” The blonde frowned at him and slowly nodded.
Bruce sighed and settled back against the peeling paint of a nearby building. He stared at the fire. He couldn’t think of a thing to say and had the sense that the other men had similar trouble. Third wheel, his mind provided unhelpfully.
--- * ---
Bruce started awake at the feel of hand on his shoulder. Johnny squatted at his side, expression determined.
“What?” Bruce asked warily.
“I need your keys.”
Bruce looked down at himself and found the blanket draped over him. The sky showed signs of the rising sun. Damn, how long had he been asleep? He looked back at Johnny.
“What are you planning?”
Johnny’s hand squeezed his shoulder tighter. “I need to get Alex out of this. I’m going to make a deal.”
Fuck! “With Stillson?” Bruce hissed. “Have you lost your mind?”
“Quiet,” Johnny insisted, nodding his head at Alex’s sleeping form on the other side of the fire’s remains. Bruce recognized Johnny’s coat lying over the other man.
“I’m not letting him get caught up in this anymore. I’ll convince Stillson the work will be an embarrassing disaster that I don’t want Alex to suffer through.”
Bruce shook his head in disbelief. “It’s not going to work.”
“I don’t care what you think.” Johnny glared at him disapprovingly. “Would you give me your keys?”
Reluctantly Bruce fished his keys out of a pocket and handed them over. He kept his hand over Johnny’s. “I wish you wouldn’t do this. You know this could just make things worse?”
Johnny’s lips pressed together in a grim line. “I have to try,” he said. Bruce nodded and let him go. When he heard the car start he leaned back and closed his eyes. You’re an idiot. You better not get hurt.
--- * ---
Bruce had moved to sit only a couple feet from Alex and directly in the younger man’s line of sight. So he knew he was the first thing Alex registered when he woke up.
Alex blinked a few times and sat up quickly, Johnny’s coat sliding onto his lap. He eyed Bruce guardedly. “Ah, good morning to you, too.”
“What did he tell you?” Bruce asked.
“About...?” Alex raked his fingers through his hair. “He... really didn’t explain anything.” He looked down at the coat in his lap and ran his hand over the material. “He said something about making a deal.”
“It’s a deal with the devil,” Bruce said quietly. Alex’s head jerked up with a wide-eyed stare. “John can be an idiot that way.” Bruce sighed and ran a hand over his face; he found he couldn’t blame Alex no matter how much he’d like to. “He’s huge on the self sacrifices. And he’s particularly reckless when it comes to Stillson.”
Alex shifted so that he could lean against the building behind him. “What do you think he’s going to do?”
Chuckling, Bruce replied, “Who knows? Tell Stillson he’s gonna be president? Promise to help his campaign? Swear he’ll back off if they’ll keep away from you? Your guess is probably as good as mine.” He stared at Alex and took a good look at him for the first time.
Alex shifted again, most likely uncomfortable with Bruce’s stare.
Bruce looked away and leaned back. “You always had a crush on him?”
“What?” Alex straightened up defensively, expression suspicious.
“I know,” Bruce said gently. “I... Never mind, that doesn’t matter.” He offered a crooked smile. “Messed up as it is right now, maybe when you come out the other side of this you two will work things out.”
Alex shook his head slowly. “It’s just a thing,” he protested unconvincingly. “I mean, it was probably just part of...” he trailed off.
The disappointment and hurt on the man’s face made Bruce’s heart ache. “He didn’t use you like that.” Alex glanced at him. Bruce closed his eyes against the hopeful expression. This was killing him. “He should have told you from the beginning.”
“I probably wouldn’t have believed him,” Alex said.
“Maybe not...” Bruce opened his eyes. Alex stared at him thoughtfully. Shit. “Look, Alex, you’re important to him. He’s not just going to give you up and get you hurt.”
Alex didn’t say anything for a long time, and Bruce got the feeling that the other man had figured some things out for himself.
Finally Alex said, “How long have you known him?” Bruce remained silent. “Since after the coma, right? You were his physical therapist, I think Miss Bracknell said.” Bruce found he couldn’t look away from the scrutinizing gaze. “You’re the one always helping him. I bet you’re the only one who knows about these Stillson visions. So what’s it like to be a psychic’s best friend?”
Bruce clenched his jaw so tight he wasn’t sure he could open it again. Alex appeared calm but his words hadn’t been nearly as gentle, particularly the last.
“You worried?” Bruce managed, voice tense. “He either doesn’t know or doesn’t care. Either way, I’m not competition.” Alex glanced away guiltily. That’s what you were looking for.
“Hard to think that way,” Alex responded. He wouldn’t look at Bruce again. “I mean, it’s been like eleven years since I’ve talked to the guy and that was when I was just getting into college. I’ve got to seem like this kid-”
“You know that’s not true,” Bruce cut in, somewhat bitterly.
Alex looked back at him with a look of muted alarm. Bruce waved it off tiredly.
After another moment of hesitation, Alex continued; “My point is, we don’t really know each other. I mean, we’re different...” He looked down at his hands and shrugged. “But maybe that’s why this happened, why it seemed to actually be working.” He sighed. “I bet my parents would flip.”
“You’re twenty-eight,” Bruce said, mostly to remind himself. It wasn’t much of an age difference. Pretty normal, actually. Strange how he felt so much older than Alex.
Alex rolled his eyes, humor lightening his features. “Well, factor into the equation that he was my high school teacher. Although it probably helps that he was totally into Miss Bracknell back then.” Bruce smiled faintly.
A while later they stood up to stretch. Alex brushed off Johnny’s coat and a look of determination settled on his face. Bruce waited for the explanation.
“I’m going back,” Alex announced, meeting Bruce’s expectant stare. “I can destroy the hard drive and get rid of the samples. There’s nothing they’ll be able to do.”
“I don’t like it,” Bruce cautioned. “It may not be easy to do, but it’s too simple. These guys don’t give up quickly.” Alex refused to back down. With a sigh, Bruce said, “Then I’m coming with you.” Alex didn’t look convinced but nodded.
They walked to Alex’s bike and set Johnny’s coat next to one of the buildings. Alex offered Bruce his helmet, but it was refused. Alex got on first and revved the engine. Bruce hesitated a moment before climbing on behind. Feeling more than a little uncomfortable he wrapped his arms around Alex.
“Ready?” Alex asked, voice muffled by the barrier of his helmet.
“As I’ll ever be,” Bruce answered. Alex knocked back the kickstand and straightened up.
Out of the corner of his eye, Bruce saw a dark blur of motion. Before he could turn his head a blow to his side knocked him off balance. He fell off the bike; Alex stayed on.
“Get out of here!” Bruce shouted. He pulled himself to his feet just in time to block another punch from a dark-suited man. Shit. Did you seriously think you could make some “deal,” John?
He did pretty well against his opponent, getting in his own occasional jabs. He couldn’t hear Alex but wasn’t convinced that meant the guy had been smart enough, or lucky enough, to escape. The appearance of a second Men in Black type drove away any hope he had of escaping. The first man managed to trap his arms, the second closed in with gut punch that left Bruce gasping for breath. He barely saw the fist closing in on his head.
--- * ---
Notes:
I figure that Sarah will always be Miss Bracknell to Alex, even though she's married and to Walt...
There's now a soundtrack for this fic!
Part Three (finale)