AN/... Sorry I haven't updated in ages, I've been really ill (Yup, I truly am a walking disaster). But hey, have another chapter! Please review ;). Enjoy!
Chapter 16 - Sweat, Tears, and a Whole Lotta Dog Slobber
Wheatley POV -
"I can't believe you!" Chell cried, frowning distastefully. "You can't just get a pet, and dogs are high maintenance! I mean, have you thought about the training, the feeding, the bathing, the walking, the attention, the vet care? Do you even have the right supplies to keep it alive?"
"What supplies?" I smiled confusedly, hugging Russell tightly.
"Where do I start? A food bowl, a water bowl, a lead, a collar, a bed, a dog brush, dog food, dog toys, dog shampoo, and you need to register it at the vets!"
I shook my head. That was a lot of things, I had already forgotten most of them.
"It's okay, I can go get them now."
"The shops will be closed, it's late Wheatley."
"But... If I get all the supplies... can we keep him?" I asked hopefully, although I expected a negative reply.
"Well, I don't know... A pet is something you have to agree on with everyone."
"Rick agreed!" I objected, looking up at Chell with hopeful eyes, like a child at a sweet shop.
"I'm sure he did, but Wheatley, he won't be looking after it. We're just not ready for a pet."
"Why not?" I demanded, feeling like a sulky toddler.
"Because... Because..." Chell gulped. There was definitely something she wasn't telling me. "Because I would prefer a..."
"A what?" I prompted, standing up and embracing Chell. "A cat? We can get a cat instead?"
"No, it's just..." She began, words fumbling, voice quivering slightly. God, something was definitely not right. A bolt of fear shot through me like a cold, hard bullet, as a small tear caught the light, glistening mournfully as it slid down Chell's lower eyelid.
"Wha... What? What's wrong?" I asked, desperation edging my voice, as I observed the tears. I hadn't encountered them very often, Chell was such a brave person, and it was rare to see her cry. If she's in tears, I know to be very, very concerned. Well, I wasn't so experienced with human emotions, so comforting others is difficult. But I had to try this time.
My arms slithered like a whisper under Chell's warm shoulders, curving until they met on her back. Her head rested against my chest, and I could feel another tear as it fell onto my shirt. Gulping, completely unsure of what to do, I just... Held her. The choking noises that escaped her throat sounded hurt, which in turn caused me a pain of its own, one nobody could ever understand.
"Ch... Chell?" I stammered, cutting into the icy silence. "What's wrong luv?"
Feeling her swallow against my top, she withdrew from leaning against me, standing till her back was completely straight. My brave, strong girl. Ex test subject. Hard as nails. Whatever it was, we would get through it. I hoped.
"It doesn't matter. I'm getting worked up for no reason," Chell whispered, but her eyes didn't meet mine, and her voice was strained, on the verge of cracking back into the tears.
"You never get worked up for nothing," I chuckled once, an odd sound in the situation. But it made me feel better. A little laughter could clear a lot of pessimism, for me, at least. Chell looked no more happy, although I guess she was the exception, being the upset one here.
"Look, I might not be the best at comforting people, or keeping out of trouble, or being quiet or downright listening sometimes, but I promise - no I swear - I will always listen to you. Especially right now. I'll er... I'll shut up too, so that'll make the whole talking thing a little easier. Unless... Unless you want me to talk," another nervous laugh caught the edge of my words, but I continued valiantly. "Okay, I'll be honest, I have no idea what I'm doing. But it doesn't matter. Something's up, and I'm NOT leaving you alone till you tell me. Might regret this, but I don't care. Now, please, tell me!"
Slowly, like a cat creeping up on its prey, my fingers edged closer to Chell's cheek, then tried to catch a glistening tear. it disappeared between my grip, leaving a strange, wet residue. Irrelevant as it were, I hoped those weren't made of water. I wiped it off anyway, just in case, and turned my attention back to Chell, who seemed to find the whole situation rather amusing. Unsure whether that was a good thing or not, I simply shifted my weight uncomfortably, and as always, waited for someone else to take the reins.
Chell inhaled deeply, before lacing her fingers with mine and holding my hand on her cheek.
"Honestly, it's nothi-" Chell began, but I interrupted immediately.
"Nonono! I want to listen, no matter how big or small this is. Although I'm pretty sure it's a very big thing."
"Well, I suppose, rather than a dog... I, I've been thinking about it and... Well I would prefer a family."
A shock washed through me. Family... She still wants a family even though I messed everything up last time. I opened my mouth as though to speak, but no sound escaped. A strangled sound left my throat, and then a sudden flood of words streamed out, as if my voice box just cleared a blockage and had to make up for lost time doubly fast.
"I-what? You want a... Me... But what about... I mean I-I-I..." Sighing, I shook my head, trying to shake off the stupid stutter. "I don't understand."
But I did understand. I knew what she meant, however the reasoning was unclear to me.
"We don't have to... I didn't think you'd want to..." Chell looked down. Maybe... Was this emotion pain? I couldn't be sure. When she was being tortured, that was pain. This doesn't look like that. Ugh, humans have too many different ways to hurt.
"No! Don't get me wrong luv, I'm... I'm kind of happy, but why? I shouldn't be trusted, even I know that," I struggled to explain, because it's not like Chell to waltz straight back into danger. Yeah, she'll face it, but only if she has to. Not like Rick's bravery, he'll try to find dangerous situations and beat the hell out of them, no, Chell lives on a whole different level of courage. So why was she putting herself in danger now, asking me for a family when last time I ruined everything? That was what I couldn't comprehend. And I definitely didn't want a replay of last time.
"Look luv, course I want to. I just... Shouldn't, is all. You'll get hurt again, we found that out the hard way last time. I'm... I'm a walking disaster zone. I don't understand why you want to try for a lost cause."
"Because it isn't a lost cause!" Chell replied, looking determined to prove her point. And when Chell is determined, there's no going back.
"Can't you see? I don't want to hurt you like that again!" I cried, feeling distress pulse through my heart as I remembered that day.
"Look," Chell began, taking a step closer to me. I stepped away, intimidated but mostly scared. This phased her slightly, but not for long. "Look. I wouldn't decide this if I didn't completely trust you. Besides, the past should stay exactly where it belongs, behind us. There really is no need for you to be afraid, but if you don't want to go through with this, I'm okay with that as well. I just don't want you bailing because you're scared for me, rather than yourself."
My brain whirred, absorbing what Chell just said, allowing it to slowly sink in. Of course, I realised she was probably correct, and smiled weakly, mentally exhausted from all this... Thinking. "I'm in."
"What?" Chell glanced up, surprised.
"I'm in," I repeated, louder, wondering if her response was because she didn't hear me first time around.
"No, I did hear you. I'm just... Surprised."
"Pleasantly surprised?" I questioned anxiously.
"Of course," Chell grinned, hugging me tightly. After a second of confusion, my arms wrapped around her, and I buried my face in her hair.
"Usually my surprises suck, so I'm sorry. There are no mashy spike plates involved though, so we're good."
Chell laughed, it was a sweet sound, one I wish I could listen to all day.
"Are you definitely sure?" she asked, looking directly into my eyes. Her gaze was hypnotic, I couldn't turn away.
"I am one hundred percent positive there are no mashy spike plates involved."
"No silly! I meant about the... Family."
I want a... A family. With you. S...sounds weird when I say it, doesn't it? Well, I mean it in a good, non-weird way," quickly, in a clumsy, uncoordinated fashion, I scooped Chell's hands up in my own, cupping them to my heart. It quickened in response to her warm touch, causing us both to smile.
"S-see! H-human! Living creatures have a natural instinct to settle down, right? Well... I choose you. I want to be with you until the end of time. I say that because I don't know the life span of a human... Which is bad because I am one. But... Well I'm rambling anyway. What I am trying - and failing - to say is: I love you. I'm there for you. To catch you when you fall. Although it's usually me doing the falling, cause I'm bloody clumsy. You... You get what I mean though... I hope." An awkward, lopsided grin shifted onto my face, and I winced, hoping my declaration of commitment was clear despite my rambling and stuttering and all around stupidity.
"I love you too," Chell smiled, standing on her tiptoes and pecking my cheek gently.
"So. Family. Me and you. In the future. Got it."
Chell nodded, still beaming, and left me to my own devices. Which was probably a bad idea.
A soft bark filled my ears, and I looked down at my tiny puppy mournfully. We can't have a dog and a family, at least that's what Chell implied. Plonking myself on the cold floor, I scooped up the sandy coloured dog with his unique patch covering one eye in a shade of nighttime black, looking at him thoughtfully. I couldn't bear to take him back to the pet shop, besides he's... What did Rick call it? He's stolen. Which is not good. I heard that there's this place some people leave animals when they can't look after them anymore, and they get taken to a new home. But Rick said if nobody wants them, they're taken to this room and... And killed. A gulp shook my throat, and Russell nudged me pleadingly, as if he possessed telepathic skills.
"Don't worry mate, I won't let anybody hurt you. It's nothing personal, I'm just not good enough to look after you. We'll find you someone good though, somebody better than me."
I smiled sadly as Russell licked my hand. An odd custom, but one of affection to dogs. It then occurred to me that I had to see this little guy, I had become weirdly attached. Well... That's what happens with... What do human's call them? Pets? At least, thats what I learnt when I got overly curious when I saw my first dog, and Rick had to do all the explaining. Suddenly, an idea sprung to mind, and whether it was a great one or not, I just HAD to go through with it. No really, I had to, my whole personality revolves around generating unworkable plans which I cannot help but think are genius at the time. Unworkable plans which sometimes actually succeed!
"What are you doing?" Chell called to me as I ran past her and charged down the stairs carrying a rather scared looking puppy.
"Sorting out the dog!" I replied, pulling on my shoes and unlocking the front door.
"What do you mean? Oh, just be careful with him, okay?" Chell warned, looking worried. I had heard before about some people who kill puppies, Chell told me it was because the owners couldn't handle them anymore. Maybe that's what Chell thought l was going to do.
"Don't worry, I won't drown him!" I yelled, earning one very pale, sick glance from Chell as I finally left the house. Maybe I should have said I wouldn't kill Russell in any way at all. Oh well.
Rick POV - Damn, I had a bad headache. Stupid human body. As I lay on my sofa, the TV a soft background buzz, I felt that same feeling I get all too often, loneliness. Cold, harsh, bitter loneliness. I'm the only one who escaped Aperture and managed to wind up alone. Sure, I got Chell, and Wheatley is my best pal, but I don't live with them. And I hate the feeling of intruding on them all the time, like I'm just an annoying bug which they can't quite reach to swat. Of course, even that annoying nerd Fact Core and that babbling space-obsessed scrap metal left me as soon as pink-eyes was done whinging over being a 'weak human whose shape is not one of a superior polygon or sphere', and wandered off without me. Not that I'd want to hang out with them. But constant company would be pretty neat.
Just as that thought crossed my scrambled brain, a rough knock spluttered against my wooden front door, and I stood up quickly, curious as to who it could be. Wheatley usually hangs out with Chell in the evening, and I couldn't imagine him giving up that time for, well me. However, opening the door confirmed that, strangely enough, Wheatley was here. He had obviously put his jacket on in a hurry, because it was inside out, and he had Russell tucked gently enough under one arm.
"Hello!" he grinned, all enthusiasm and glowing skin.
"Hey," I smiled back, standing aside for him to enter. "What's up?"
"I... Erm... Nothing, nothing's up, just a-visiting, you know? Got something to tell you, and then something to ask you, but it's all positive, absolutely nothing is wrong! Least, not yet, anyways. I suppose something could go wrong, like I could trip over and break my nose, or a meteor could hit the house, or a bolt of lightening could set the street on fire, that would be REALLY bad! Or maybe-"
"Yeah, I get the idea mate," I laughed hard, leaning against the wall.
"Sorry, sorry, I was rambling! I don't mean too, it just... Happens. Not sure why. Probably because... Oh, well actually I don't know. But- gah I'm at it again! Sorry! I'm stopping see, stopping. Stopped."
"Stopped," I sighed, repeating in a bemused fashion. "So, what did'ya wanna talk 'bout? Or ask me? Whatever."
"Oh, right, yeah!" He exclaimed, as if remembering an important bout of speech he previously missed out. Actually, knowing Wheatley, that probably did happen.
"Hm. It's a long story. I think." Wheatley told me, looking confused by his own statement.
"You must know if the story you're about to tell is long or not!" I shook my head, exasperated.
"Well, I dunno whether when I begin talking I'll compress it all in one big rush of speech or not. Or whether I'll start rambling, so it becomes insanely long. See, I just don't know these things!"
"You usually do a bit of both, so every story is extremely long and really difficult to make sense of, since you don't know how to express full stops in your speech."
"Eh? Full stops?" Wheatley asked, looking at me with eyes holding the same intelligence as a goldfish.
"Oh, it doesn't matter. Just get on with the story, does it have adventure?"
"I... Erm... I don't think so..."
"Hmph. Okay, go ahead Wheatz."
"Well," he began, rubbing temple thoughtfully. "I was trying to hide Russell from Chell, but that didn't really work out. See, the silly puppy barked, although I suppose I might have talked a little too loudly, and maybe acted slightly suspiciously, but, I think mostly it was down to the barking, which of course I did not do. So there you go, Chell discovered the puppy. Then she got a little peeved with me, which I didn't like very much, and she started asking me if I had any supplies to look after Russell, and I said 'what supplies', and she started listing all this stuff I've never even heard of before, I mean, like we're talking 'dog food' and a 'collar' and stuff. I thought dogs ate anything! Anyway, so I shook my head, and then she got a little more annoyed, and I kinda worried. But after her little rant, Chell sorta... Slowed down. She, she told me there was a reason, you know, why she didn't want the puppy, but she was reluctant to state the actual reason itself. Naturally I worried some more, so I stood up, and I think I might have just left Russell scampering around the floor, can't recall, but anyway, that's irrelevant. I... I hugged her I think, or something, and I encouraged her to tell me, and she did."
"What did she say?" I interrupted, getting rather hooked into the story, which probably wasn't a good idea, knowing Wheatley and his tendencies to leave major details out.
"I was getting to that!" He declared indignantly, giving me a shove.
"Okay, okay! Can't help it, this story sounds like the adventure is coming soon!"
"Not all stories have adventure," Wheatley pointed out. "Some have romance or comedy or, I dunno, horror or something."
"Is your story a horror story?" I snorted.
"No, course not but-"
"Well, adventure, comedy and romance makes a good mix, so carry on!"
Wheatley crossed his arms with frustration, and continued his story.
"Where was I? Oh yeah, so Chell told me the reason. She said it's because she'd rather a family than a dog! Can you believe it! She trusts me again! After what happened last time and all! So, I agreed! I mean, I dunno when this is gonna happen, but hopefully soon! S'gonna be good, s'gonna be great!"
"Wow," I intervened, shocked and in awe of Chell's valiant faith in Wheatley's parenting abilities. "That really is great!"
"I know!" He beamed, eyes brighter than ever.
"So... What question does all this link to that includes me?" I asked, suspicious.
"Ah, well, that's the thing. Chell wants a family instead of a puppy, so Russell sort of has to go. I was wondering, well hoping really, that you might take him in, so I can still see the little guy, you'll have a bit of company, and he won't have to one of those evil animal pounds where they kill dogs who cant get sold. It's a win-win situation, if I'm honest. Or rather, a win-win-win situation, since we'll all win, and there's three of us... I think. Yeah, three. Russell, you, me!" Wheatley grinned proudly at his mathematical breakthrough, and I rolled my eyes, smiling back. My eyes gleamed a brighter emerald than ever, anticipating the idea of my own puppy. That would be... Awesome. Adventurers sometimes need sidekicks, after all.
I stayed silent for a second though, letting his words sink in, like when you can't remember if a dream actually happened or not. Then my smile doubled in width, and I gave Wheatley a light punch on the shoulder. I'd seen guys do it on TV. Seemed legit.
"Yeah, Wheatley, I'd love to have Russ! It'll be fun! I mean, I'm gonna train him, and take him outside, and... And... Thank you."
"That's alright, but why'd you hit me?" Wheatley chuckled, elated with his own self-satisfaction. "I don't think I'd do such a good job of looking after the poor thing, anyways. I mean, I had no idea how to care for one, you seem to have a better knowledge, and if not, I'm sure you'll figure it out real quick, an adventure right?"
"Yup. An adventure," I agreed, lifting the sandy coloured puppy from the floor, and cradling him happily.
Chell POV - As more and more time passed, I began to increasingly stress about Wheatley's whereabouts. His call of 'I won't drown him', never installed much confidence, just made him sound like a psychotic murderer contemplating how many techniques of slaughtering existed. Which, for the record, I know Wheatley isn't. But still, he doesn't understand, and the welfare of that little puppy could easily be endangered by Wheatley's care. Or his concept of 'care', at least.
Wheatley did eventually return, opening the front door in such a way the moon illuminated his face like an angel. Although he could be far from that, I wasn't sure. What I did know was the puppy wasn't with him, so I worried.
"Wheatley," I breathed, standing from my perch on the steps and crossing the hallway towards him. He grinned down at me, pulling off his coat, which I realised was inside out, causing me to laugh despite my concern.
"What's so funny?" Wheatley demanded obstinately, crossing his arms in an offended manor.
"Your coat was inside out, is all," I told him truthfully, forcing the giggles to a stop.
"Oh. Well... I don't usually do that."
"I know. Where's the dog?"
"Dog?" He repeated in a moment of confusion, before realisation crossed his face. "Ohhhh, yeah, Russell! Gave him to Rick, he'll do a better job than me, and I'd quite like to take up on that offer you set earlier... You know. Well, I hope you do, I... I didn't mean that. Of course you remember, you're not brain damaged, I know that. See, I... I... Eyhm, I'm just digging myself into a bigger hole, aren't I?"
I sighed, nodding. Really, the brain damaged thing again? Thought we'd moved on from that. Although, well I suppose it would seem that way, what with my not speaking in Aperture. And, on a further note, after hearing my voice for the first time, Wheatley did congratulate me on not being brain damaged, so he obviously got so far as to figure that out. Wheatley's soft voice interrupted my inner-monologue, both of his large hands cupping my smaller ones, trapping them against his chest in an attempt to win my attention back again.
"I'm sorry, Chell. I didn't mean it."
"I know. It's alright," I smiled. I could feel his heart beat against my hands, as he kept them pinned there. It was strong, and kept up a slow beat that never faltered, never hesitated. Then, with no warning what-so-ever, he suddenly crushed his mouth against mine in a kiss, my hands lingering on his heart whilst his slid to my back. The beat remained, if a little faster, and I clung to it like a torch in the dark. Wheatley was my torch, my light, I needed him
Wheatley POV -
"It's getting late..." I murmured, looking into Chell's sleepy eyes and pulling away from her, despite the kiss being completely brilliant.
"Mmm..." She agreed, though leant towards me for another kiss. "No, really luv! You need to sleep," I pulled away for the second time, not trying to be mean, because, well if it wasn't for stupid human necessities I'd be happy to kiss her all night. But, Chell needed to sleep, and I didn't want her to get in trouble for sleep deprivation tomorrow. Although, the whole town loved Chell and hated me, so the blame would somehow veer back to me at any rate. Still, sleep's important. Sleep is useful.
"C'mon luv," I muttered, extending one warm hand for another. She took it, sighing, and we retreated upstairs, got into our pyjamas, and climbed into bed, exhausted. Chell curled up into a little ball, and I wrapped my arms around her, enveloping her in my body and emitting heat like a blazing fireplace. She fell asleep almost immediately, faster than usual, but I had no such luck. Something was bothering me, but I wasn't so sure what. I think, maybe, the whole I-so-messed-up-this-family-stuff-last-time thing. I mean, sure Chell was giving me a second chance, but what if I muck up again? What if she wasn't so forgiving? And who would blame her, I mean I... I... Well, there's no denying it, I pretty much killed our unborn child. Which was wrong, and the biggest accident of my life, next to turning evil back in That Place. Ugh, I must be the worst screw-up in the whole world. Or the best screw-up. Enough of a screw up to have no idea.
On the other hand, what if it didn't go wrong? What if everything went perfectly, and the world finally gave me the normal life I had been deprived of for so long? When have doubts ever stopped me before? I doubted I would survive turning on my flashlight, but I still tried it. And I'm still alive today, so it worked! If I never trust myself, I'll never achieve anything. Besides, Chell wants a family. Who am I to deny her that due to a silly fear? I'll just have to 'man up', as Rick calls it. Still, I couldn't help but worry. A lot.
Rick POV -
"Shit!" I yelped, as I found Russell chewing the charging wires for my video game controllers. So that was a charger, a CD, half a cushion, a shoe, and the corner of my bedroom door. And I had only had him for a few hours. Short work.
"What the hell is your problem?!" I yelled at the disobedient dog with his infinite nuclear-powered stomach. "You're like eight inches tall, how are you eating all of this? Worse thing is, I was absolutely fine until you gnawed something related to my game console, now I'm pissed! And I am, essentially, talking to a furry trash compactor, which is mad. You don't understand me, you're not intelligent, I dunno how people train animals. Wheatley has more brains than you, that's saying something!"
Russell's tail whipped under his body, although the reason behind it was unclear. A fear reaction, perhaps. Either way, I didn't appear to have the capacity to look after a pet, because everything was wrong. My legs collapsed underneath me, and I curled into a sphere against the wall, running my hands through my thick hair. Ignoring the sandy-coloured cannonball that clambered into my lap empathetically, I leant back, feeling the cold, hard plaster through my thin top. It sent a shiver through my spine, which I suddenly resented. It was a dark sensation, one that blackened my heart and choked my throat with strong yet wispy shadow hands. The worst kind, because as soon as you felt it, you couldn't help but accept the foreign emotion as a normal part of yourself.
Russell nudged me sympathetically, but I pushed him away angrily, fed up of this. Fed up of being me. Wheatley has an excuse to be a moron, he's an intelligence dampening sphere true and through. I don't, I used to be Rick before an Adventure Sphere, not designed by scientists or made from a collection of scrap metal and spare parts. So where's the human in me now? Because all humans know how to care for others, yet I can't figure out a dumb puppy. It doesn't make sense! Life really has it in for me!
Russell disappeared, scampering off to a different room, and I didn't have the energy to follow him, even though I knew he would probably chew another one of my possessions. I didn't care anymore, who am I to stop his canine instincts? I don't know how to train him anyway, so any attempts would be a big waste of time. Unfortunately, when I heard loud yelps and barks, I decided I probably should investigate what my puppy was doing. I found him, tail wagging excitedly, pawing a couple of large boxes, which I unceremoniously dumped in my empty dining room after they got forgotten when the last residents here moved out. Unlike Wheatley, I wasn't particularly curious, and never opened the cardboard crates. They had faded writing in black felt-tip scrawled on the outside, but I couldn't read it.
"You want me to look in the box, Russ?" I asked, kneeling beside him then slipping into a cross-legged position. Slowly, gently, as if handling an unexploded bomb, I slid my finger under the flap of the box, and lifted it to reveal the contents within...
"Is that it?" I muttered, wrinkling my nose at the now opened box. It was stuffed full of books. "I'm not much of a reader, to be honest."
Russell tugged on my hand with his little sharp teeth, and I pulled away in shock. "Ow! Okay, okay, I'll have a look!"
And so, I lifted the heavy pile of hardback books from the box, and let them drop onto the floor with a dusty thud.
"The history of horses... The horse racing guide... Horses and ponies... Jeez, these guys are obsessed! Maybe they were horse fanatics, what's that to me anyway?" I looked at the brown puppy-dog eyes staring up at me, but their magic didn't work.
"What?! I don't want your stupid horse books!"
What Russell did next, I will never forget. He held some form of intelligence I never knew existed in dogs. He pushed all the books on horses aside, revealing a battered book hidden right at the bottom, underneath some awful-looking book about horses mating. I lifted it slowly, inspecting the ripped cover, and apprehensively turned the first page. The inside was miraculously undamaged. The book was a care book, not about horses, but about dogs.
"Awh, you little brain box, Russ!" I cried, tucking the book under my arm and ditching the mess we'd made in the dining room. I never went in there anyway. The dog followed, looking more proud than a mum watching her kid getting first prize, and as I folded my legs underneath me and snuggled into the sofa, he jumped up onto my lap. For the first time, I didn't push him off. It was a nice feeling, to have a pet curled up on your lap, I decided. Making sure I didn't stir Russell, I snagged the book under my elbow and lifted it up, beginning to read. And as I read, the confusion became knowledge, the wonder became wisdom.
"You're gonna be a well looked after dog, Russ, this book covers everything! I'm gonna get dog supplies tomorrow, and then I can feed you proper dog food and train you up, and I'll walk you everyday!" Russell licked my chin, and I laughed happily. In a human world where smarts are hard to acquire, I was learning.