Next time she asks tell her I'll visit when you stop knocking me up with your potent gunk.
[ she's less doom and gloom now at least.
It's hard to admit they're her friends too. But again, Aloy is in her ear being kind. ]
If it's a girl Alanas going to be jealous you know. But it would be something to have another pair of smart aleck red heads running around. You know how I feel about those.
[ It's as fond as someone like Zero is willing to sound. ]
[To see Zero suggest Alana might be envious gives her pause. She frowns, contemplative.]
You think so? I imagined she might like it. Someone else her age being around. Someone to talk to. I would've loved that at her age. Hmm. Maybe this one'll take after you in the looks department. You never know.
Beta and I were a different situation. We met in adulthood, and they aren't clones of a 21st century super genius who saved the world. Will they have issues? With us as parents? There's no doubt. But different issues.
I bet they'll love each other.
[Famous last words.]
Aren't there enough redheads around here for you? Besides, Alana takes after me physically, and you've seen data of me as a kid... there's Beta, Elisabet too. I'd like to know what you were like back then.
Your guess is as good as mine. Didn't even see my own face in a mirror until I was 12 probably Weird to think about now.
[ her own childhood feels like a distant bad dream most days. It creeps up on her sometimes when Alana tries her patience or falls ill, but more than anything else Zero is grateful she is able to live the way she does. ]
You're gonna' give Alana a complex that's bigger than yours and Beta's combined. You know that right?
C'mon. I never wanted to kill Beta. Throttle her a little, maybe. But no killing.
And that's... I can't imagine. Rost and I were on the outskirts, but I never - ah. It's not fair. I wish you could've grown up here. Dangerous, still. But even outcasts had each other.
[Aloy has learned a great deal about Zero, in painful and slow passes, like stitching a puncture wound back together. Each word like the prick of a needle through skin and sinew. Every story a wretched, horrible thing. So Aloy asks very little of her past as time goes on. She's inferred a lot from the bits and pieces she's gleaned — she was a Seeker, was she not? Even still, even now. She had been putting together mysteries since she was a child. She had enlisted help, however. She's been having GAIA compile information on what Beta told her was a theory called parallel universes — the idea that a world existed alongside their own. Infinite worlds, infinite possibilities. Varl's taken interest in it too, though he had admitted some trepidation. It's so vast, Aloy. How can you piece it together?
She felt the same way sometimes, she'd told him, as they stared up at the vast span of stars wheeling overhead. Each one another universe.]
Maybe she'll be perfectly ordinary. Like a painter, or a builder. You never know.
you think Rost wouldve let that happened? He'd probably tell you to put that thing back where you found it or something.
[ the thought is sweet though. It's reminiscent of her own feelings - to be able to go back somehow and offer Aloy the maternal affection she was never given. ]
She's already using words I don't know. And her heads giant I would know. It tore me down to my asshole. Not a bad thing though to take after you. You'll just have to accept that she's always going to see you as a s a goal post.
[ Zero is alone often enough to know she already does. ]
[ She believes that, though she's not sure how he would have felt about whatever influence she would have had on Aloy.
They were both problem children after all. ]
there's probably footage laying around inside GAIA the aftermath of 13 hours of labor and that 10 pound baby. Go look at it and answer that question yourself. Things are already better for her. She has two parents and one of them brings her back shiny shit whenever she wants.
Who's to say Alana inherited my skull? Could be yours. And I know, I know. I don't want her to be bound to any legacy — mine or Elisabet's. She should be able to be her own person. I know it isn't realistic. But I can't help but hope it anyway.
my head isn't as big as yours. And Whether she is or isn't it's not up to you But right now the only thing she's worried about is whether you'll bring her back something pretty she can show off She likes to gloat Think she gets that from you too
didn't agree to the second one, that one just happened. Maybe I have a thing for braggarts with giant heads Be glad you don't actually have a dick or else we'd probably have even more
It's the same thing twice. Don't I get a freebie? What have you been up to? How's the day been? Update me. I need something to do while I'm dodging noblemen and drunken Oseram. Which is all of them, if you were wondering.
so how many times have you been hit on today by a guy wearing more makeup than you? My guess is a safe 12 No freebies Better use your last strike wisely. It's the same as ever here.
[ Whether Aloy was there or not, Zero's own style of parenting my was not structured but highly attentive and intuitive.
She woke and slept based on Alana's schedule and needs, adapting with her phases. Children were only consistent in bursts. ]
She's been getting up earlier these last few weeks. It's kind of kicking my ass. Promised her we'd commune with civilization today. Probably gonna' stay there tonight so we don't have to make the trip back in the dark.
[ because paranoia was an ever present part of zeros existence especially now as a mother. ]
guess I should be glad she's not a weird little freak but sometimes I wish she wanted to be around people just a little bit less
You're always such a tough grader. What if I bribe you? Bring you something back? I'll be home in a week or so. If she wants to get up early, I'll take her with me on errands. You can sleep in. Tell everyone I said hello. Beta's been keeping me updated on her APOLLO outreach with the Nora - she's making headway. Thank goodness for Teersa.
I thought she'd take more after us, but maybe it's a good sign that she doesn't in that respect.
Cheating huh? I thought you were supposed to be a good apple. Pretty fucking presumptuous to think I'd be compromised so easily You say that.. but I don't know how much you'll get done with her around She's got this new thing now where she bolts the first chance she gets
Yeah in a decade the Nora might not pee themselves when they see a flashing blue light.
[ Zero's optimism is of course, ever-flowing. ]
Well, spending the first few years of being alive in Meridian probably helped Made her a show off and a talker like everyone else in that damn city Already thinks she's a cosmopolitan
It's strategizing. Not cheating if it's strategy. And I know - that's why it's got to be a good bribe. Something you really, really want.
She's always been one to wander. I, ah, have a lot of experience from all the times I had her while you were resting up when she was smaller. You're talking to a machine hunter and expert baby finder. I can handle it.
And hey, give them some credit. A lot of them are taking to the heated outside baths. We'll modernize them yet, you'll see. Meridian's not so bad... blowhard nobles aside. They're coming around.
good thing you never went to school, you'd be a pain in the ass of whatever teacher didn't give you full marks. And nice try, but there's only two things I want and neither of them you can give me from all the way over there.
Expert huh? Just how much experience DO you have losing my goddamn baby?
They can thank me for that. Beta told me you building that thing when I said I'd have Alana was called a "push present" back in the day.
Actually I guess they should thank her then instead.
You saying something nice about people in Meridian? Are you drunk without me Because I'm going to be really fucking pissed if you are ://////
[ Sometimes, she uses emoji (though all variations of something monotone and facetious). Now that she no longer sends exclusively voice messages, she's been working on tone indicators (for Beta's sake). ]
Didn't know it was such an ordeal for you Well I wouldn't want to tire you out, maybe I should figure out some other way to handle it. If I can't you can't it's half YOUR fault I can't
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ she's less doom and gloom now at least.
It's hard to admit they're her friends too. But again, Aloy is in her ear being kind. ]
If it's a girl Alanas going to be jealous you know.
But it would be something to have another pair of smart aleck red heads running around.
You know how I feel about those.
[ It's as fond as someone like Zero is willing to sound. ]
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[To see Zero suggest Alana might be envious gives her pause. She frowns, contemplative.]
You think so? I imagined she might like it. Someone else her age being around. Someone to talk to. I would've loved that at her age.
Hmm. Maybe this one'll take after you in the looks department. You never know.
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[ if she was there she would be doing her best impression of it. It was cute. So naturally zero has to give her shit for it. ]
hey
Question
Did you hit your head and forget the last decade
You remember what you and Beta were like? Cause I do.
[ somehow always caught in the cross fire of their unspoken spats. ]
well I sure as hell hope not. I like red.
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[She had, much to her chagrin.]
Beta and I were a different situation. We met in adulthood, and they aren't clones of a 21st century super genius who saved the world. Will they have issues? With us as parents? There's no doubt. But different issues.
I bet they'll love each other.
[Famous last words.]
Aren't there enough redheads around here for you? Besides, Alana takes after me physically, and you've seen data of me as a kid... there's Beta, Elisabet too. I'd like to know what you were like back then.
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They will.
[ she admits. ]
but they're going to kill each other first.
[ Because all sisters want to kill each other. ]
Your guess is as good as mine.
Didn't even see my own face in a mirror until I was
12 probably
Weird to think about now.
[ her own childhood feels like a distant bad dream most days. It creeps up on her sometimes when Alana tries her patience or falls ill, but more than anything else Zero is grateful she is able to live the way she does. ]
You're gonna' give Alana a complex that's bigger than yours and Beta's combined. You know that right?
[ Again, teasing. But also- ]
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And that's... I can't imagine. Rost and I were on the outskirts, but I never - ah. It's not fair. I wish you could've grown up here. Dangerous, still. But even outcasts had each other.
[Aloy has learned a great deal about Zero, in painful and slow passes, like stitching a puncture wound back together. Each word like the prick of a needle through skin and sinew. Every story a wretched, horrible thing. So Aloy asks very little of her past as time goes on. She's inferred a lot from the bits and pieces she's gleaned — she was a Seeker, was she not? Even still, even now. She had been putting together mysteries since she was a child. She had enlisted help, however. She's been having GAIA compile information on what Beta told her was a theory called parallel universes — the idea that a world existed alongside their own. Infinite worlds, infinite possibilities. Varl's taken interest in it too, though he had admitted some trepidation. It's so vast, Aloy. How can you piece it together?
She felt the same way sometimes, she'd told him, as they stared up at the vast span of stars wheeling overhead. Each one another universe.]
Maybe she'll be perfectly ordinary. Like a painter, or a builder. You never know.
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[ the thought is sweet though. It's reminiscent of her own feelings - to be able to go back somehow and offer Aloy the maternal affection she was never given. ]
She's already using words I don't know.
And her heads giant
I would know. It tore me down to my asshole.
Not a bad thing though to take after you.
You'll just have to accept that she's always going to see you as a s a goal post.
[ Zero is alone often enough to know she already does. ]
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[It was still rare that she discussed Rost openly — the grief was less raw now, but always there.]
Is my head that big...
I'd rather that she didn't take after me, honestly. It's not an easy life. I want things to be better for her.
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They were both problem children after all. ]
there's probably footage laying around inside GAIA
the aftermath of 13 hours of labor and that 10 pound baby.
Go look at it and answer that question yourself.
Things are already better for her. She has two parents and one of them brings her back shiny shit whenever she wants.
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And I know, I know. I don't want her to be bound to any legacy — mine or Elisabet's. She should be able to be her own person.
I know it isn't realistic. But I can't help but hope it anyway.
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And Whether she is or isn't it's not up to you
But right now the only thing she's worried about is whether you'll bring her back something pretty she can show off
She likes to gloat
Think she gets that from you too
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[She's poking fun. Mostly.]
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Maybe I have a thing for braggarts with giant heads
Be glad you don't actually have a dick or else we'd probably have even more
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More? - Ah, yeah, point taken. We aren't used to those kinds of
restrictions.
I miss you, by the way.
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You already said that but I'm counting it as your second strike anyway
You only get 3 remember
But yeah, I guess I miss you too.
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What have you been up to? How's the day been? Update me. I need something to do while I'm dodging noblemen and drunken Oseram.
Which is all of them, if you were wondering.
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My guess is a safe 12
No freebies
Better use your last strike wisely.
It's the same as ever here.
[ Whether Aloy was there or not, Zero's own style of parenting my was not structured but highly attentive and intuitive.
She woke and slept based on Alana's schedule and needs, adapting with her phases. Children were only consistent in bursts. ]
She's been getting up earlier these last few weeks.
It's kind of kicking my ass.
Promised her we'd commune with civilization today. Probably gonna' stay there tonight so we don't have to make the trip back in the dark.
[ because paranoia was an ever present part of zeros existence especially now as a mother. ]
guess I should be glad she's not a weird little freak
but sometimes I wish she wanted to be around people just a little bit less
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I'll be home in a week or so. If she wants to get up early, I'll take her with me on errands. You can sleep in.
Tell everyone I said hello. Beta's been keeping me updated on her APOLLO outreach with the Nora - she's making headway. Thank goodness for Teersa.
I thought she'd take more after us, but maybe it's a good sign that she doesn't in that respect.
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Pretty fucking presumptuous to think I'd be compromised so easily
You say that.. but I don't know how much you'll get done with her around
She's got this new thing now where she bolts the first chance she gets
Yeah in a decade the Nora might not pee themselves when they see a flashing blue light.
[ Zero's optimism is of course, ever-flowing. ]
Well, spending the first few years of being alive in Meridian probably helped
Made her a show off and a talker like everyone else in that damn city
Already thinks she's a cosmopolitan
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And I know - that's why it's got to be a good bribe. Something you really, really want.
She's always been one to wander. I, ah, have a lot of experience from all the times I had her while you were resting up when she was smaller. You're talking to a machine hunter and expert baby finder. I can handle it.
And hey, give them some credit. A lot of them are taking to the heated outside baths. We'll modernize them yet, you'll see.
Meridian's not so bad... blowhard nobles aside. They're coming around.
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And nice try, but there's only two things I want and neither of them you can give me from all the way over there.
Expert huh? Just how much experience DO you have losing my goddamn baby?
They can thank me for that. Beta told me you building that thing when I said I'd have Alana was called a "push present" back in the day.
Actually I guess they should thank her then instead.
You saying something nice about people in Meridian? Are you drunk without me
Because I'm going to be really fucking pissed if you are ://////
[ Sometimes, she uses emoji (though all variations of something monotone and facetious). Now that she no longer sends exclusively voice messages, she's been working on tone indicators (for Beta's sake). ]
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And humor me. Maybe I can figure something out from over here. I'm creative.
Brought her back every time without a scratch, didn't I? Don't worry so much. :)
I'm not having fun without you. Erend just proposed a drinking contest, loudly, so I'm going to make my escape before he realizes I'm gone.
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Tit pic.
It's been two weeks
This isn't your first dog and pony show
You know how I get when I'm like this.
[ knocked up. ]
The spank bank is empty.
Tell Erend if you even have a drop of booze I'll kill him
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[It's insincere griping, because she had enjoyed it. Already she brightens at the request (demand).]
You've got it, boss.
I can't drink? Not even one?
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Well I wouldn't want to tire you out, maybe I should figure out some other way to handle it.
If I can't you can't
it's half YOUR fault I can't
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