"Oh, what tangled webs we weave"...

[oftforgotten.livejournal.com]

[If there was one thing that could be said about him, it would be that Scott Dolph was a practical man.

He was dedicated, loyal, determined, difficult to phase - and essentially cheating on his wife. He had been for a long time, really. His little conversation with Snake had brought that fact back wholeheartedly. It was pitiful. He didn't even have the excuse that she wasn't here, since it had been happening beforehand. There was the Snake boy too, more recently, and that was even more confusing.

The worst part was that he didn't feel any guilt for it. The spark in their marriage was not gone, but they had settled into an idle routine once Helena had been born. He'd been told that she had killed herself after he died. That was a painful thought. In truth, their life together had been just shy of idyllic; doting parents, loving daughter... and yet he'd still found himself drawn to Adrian once he met him. It was something that was undeniable and hard to resist - but he had chosen not to try. Now, he realised, he had to think. He had to work things out properly.

That was what had drawn him to this peaceful spot. He was stood on the bow of a ship, of all things, that he had discovered a few days beforehand. It was docked, tethered to a port in a mostly-deserted room. The wind brought the smell of salt, the cool chill of the ocean. It was familiar. Calming. Scott Dolph stared out at the ocean and lost himself in his thoughts.]

Comments

OKAY here he is

[productofwar.livejournal.com]

[Oh look a ship BENCHPRESSES]

[Actually, Jack was also on the boat. He didn't see Dolph for a while, but once he did he hesitated before going over to him. After all, he had kinda... well been half convincing his boyfriend to go steady with him fff.]

...Something on your mind?

\\o//

[oftforgotten.livejournal.com]

[Dolph glanced around, taking the sight of the older Raiden in his stride. He faintly remembered this one, assuming it wasn't another, possibly crazy one. After a long moment, he nodded.]

Just trying to work some things out.

[productofwar.livejournal.com]

I know the feeling.

[He stands beside Dolph, hands in his pockets as he looks out over the ocean.]

It's too bad this place doesn't come with a room that can solve your problems for you, huh?

[oftforgotten.livejournal.com]

[Dolph cast his gaze out over the peaceful sea, looking distant.]

Oh, I don't know. Almost any problem that has to be solved is better for being solved the hard way. If you could just wish your problems fixed, it'd make life easier, but it wouldn't be worth it.

[productofwar.livejournal.com]

I suppose. At least when we do solve the problems ourselves, we learn from our mistakes and come out wiser.

[He leans against the side, looking down at the waves lapping against the side of the ship.]

But then there's always the chance we could hurt people we care about in the process.

[oftforgotten.livejournal.com]

You can't go through life without pain. Trying removes the point of it all.

[He glances over at Raiden.]

Sounds like you have something you regret.

[productofwar.livejournal.com]

Don't we all?

[He keeps his gaze on water.]

I guess I'm just... confused. I'd say relationship problems, but we aren't in a relationship. We're just friends... but it feels like it should be more, somehow.

[He rubs his forehead with a sigh.]

[cantdietwice.livejournal.com]

[Vamp is often drawn to the ocean. He feels at home in the water... and today this ship had caught his attention. Really, he isn't surprised to see Dolph there too, though he is a little hesitant to approach him thanks to some of the discussions he'd had lately.]

[Still, this may be the best place to speak with him about what's been on his mind.]

Scott?

[oftforgotten.livejournal.com]

Adrian?

[Dolph is actually surprised to hear that voice. He turns and glances over him, taking in the serious look on his face.]

Something on your mind?

[cantdietwice.livejournal.com]

Yes, actually.

[He leans against the ship's railing, staring out at the water. Hard to believe this is somehow all contained in a building.]

Though you appeared to be lost in thought when I arrived. Why don't you tell me what's on your mind first?

[oftforgotten.livejournal.com]

...

[Scott actually seems to be lost for words. It's a rarity, really.]

I've been thinking. About us.

[...goddamn, how does I words.]

[cantdietwice.livejournal.com]

...Oh?

[Looks like they're of like minds. But it seems easier to just let Scott talk for now so that he can contribute later.]

What about us?

[oftforgotten.livejournal.com]

Just trying to work things out. [He shakes his head to clear it.] It'll wait. What did you want to talk about?

[still-a-rookie.livejournal.com]

[Some time after Vamp and Dolph's talk, a certain young Snake finds his way to the ship. After spending a little while entertaining himself by exploring the various levels, he discovers Dolph at the bow.]

[He and Dolph had been sharing a bed since the three of them had become intimate, but Snake was still the littlest bit more reserved with him. He was never certain whether the marine saw him as someone who came along with Adrian or as someone he was genuinely interested in. Besides that, it felt like Dolph "belonged" to Adrian more than he "belonged" to Snake. Initiating anything with him felt like he was infringing on Vamp's territory.]

[Still, he was a good man and Snake is glad to see him. Casually, he joins Scott at the bow, leaning on the railing.]

Nice place.

[oftforgotten.livejournal.com]

Isn't it?

[Scott doesn't look at him. He hasn't left this place since that talk, too distracted by thoughts. He stays silent for a long moment before speaking.]

We need to talk.

[still-a-rookie.livejournal.com]

[Oh, even Snake could recognize that those words meant bad news. He sobers up immediately and stops leaning on the railing.]

What's up?

[oftforgotten.livejournal.com]

Adrian should probably tell you himself, but... [A sigh.] He's leaving us for Raiden.

[still-a-rookie.livejournal.com]

[It actually took Snake a moment to recognize the codename. He'd known Adrian was staying and sleeping with one of the Jacks he'd met, but he hadn't thought...]

No he hasn't.

[He spoke without thinking, an instant denial to what the words meant.]

[oftforgotten.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, saying that won't make it true. [He gives Snake a pitying look.] He's made his decision.

[razr-nanos.livejournal.com]

Scott~ [There's now a female Vamp hugging you, Dolph]

[oftforgotten.livejournal.com]

[Scott starts, surprised - before realizing it's her. He shouldn't be surprised by now, really, but the Vamps are very sneaky.]

Hey there. Now this is an unexpected pleasure.

[razr-nanos.livejournal.com]

It's been a bit too long.

[oftforgotten.livejournal.com]

I haven't seen you around for a while. Been busy?

[razr-nanos.livejournal.com]

Not too much. It's been overwhelming, but this is a fascinating place.

[oftforgotten.livejournal.com]

Heh. Glad it's good for you, at least.