Entry tags:
[highways]
They're going to New Mexico.
It may not be in his time, or even his universe - he won't know until he gets there, and he checks a few details - but they're going to New Mexico.
He can hardly sleep, the night before. He feels...wired. It's almost like he's had a few cups of coffee and a few bowls of the chocolate cereal that Bar tends to tempt him with now and again. He's got his bags already packed (the duffel and a backpack that Kate probably stole from Bill's closet or something) and he's ready to go. He and Kate went to the store earlier to grab anything that they needed.
(Even if it feels a bit strange to be traveling back to New Mexico without a weapon on his person, he has to deal.)
He wants to be there, now. But they're not leaving until tomorrow. It'll come soon enough.
If only he could sleep.
But he can't. He glances over at the small bedside table and spots the iPod that Kate left on the table, earbuds coiled loosely beside it. After a moment's hesitation, he grabs it, settles the buds in his ears, and hits the 'MENU' part of the clickwheel.
She told him how to use it, and after a minute or two of fiddling with the technique (and the volume) he's listening to the music. Skipping what he doesn't like - but most everything gets a chance - he makes his way through the list on 'shuffle'.
(Blissfully unaware of anything going on down the hall.)
Before he falls asleep, he decides to ask Kate about two artists: Elton John and Billy Idol.
----
The next morning finally comes and after a shower (and a breakfast that doesn't involve the smoke detector) they're on their way to the airport in Columbia.
Of course, since Bill has a truck, it means that their bags are riding in the bed and the three of them are sitting up in the cab. Bill's driving, of course - which means that Kate is in the middle and Doc on the right side.
He's trying to focus on the other occupants of the truck.
But the road and all the other vehicles on it...they're just interesting.
"So how long 'till we're there?"
Are we there yet, Bill?
It may not be in his time, or even his universe - he won't know until he gets there, and he checks a few details - but they're going to New Mexico.
He can hardly sleep, the night before. He feels...wired. It's almost like he's had a few cups of coffee and a few bowls of the chocolate cereal that Bar tends to tempt him with now and again. He's got his bags already packed (the duffel and a backpack that Kate probably stole from Bill's closet or something) and he's ready to go. He and Kate went to the store earlier to grab anything that they needed.
(Even if it feels a bit strange to be traveling back to New Mexico without a weapon on his person, he has to deal.)
He wants to be there, now. But they're not leaving until tomorrow. It'll come soon enough.
If only he could sleep.
But he can't. He glances over at the small bedside table and spots the iPod that Kate left on the table, earbuds coiled loosely beside it. After a moment's hesitation, he grabs it, settles the buds in his ears, and hits the 'MENU' part of the clickwheel.
She told him how to use it, and after a minute or two of fiddling with the technique (and the volume) he's listening to the music. Skipping what he doesn't like - but most everything gets a chance - he makes his way through the list on 'shuffle'.
(Blissfully unaware of anything going on down the hall.)
Before he falls asleep, he decides to ask Kate about two artists: Elton John and Billy Idol.
----
The next morning finally comes and after a shower (and a breakfast that doesn't involve the smoke detector) they're on their way to the airport in Columbia.
Of course, since Bill has a truck, it means that their bags are riding in the bed and the three of them are sitting up in the cab. Bill's driving, of course - which means that Kate is in the middle and Doc on the right side.
He's trying to focus on the other occupants of the truck.
But the road and all the other vehicles on it...they're just interesting.
"So how long 'till we're there?"

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She has been luckier than he has, after all.
(Except when the Landlord trapped her while Bill was still in the hospital in August; she's still upset about that.)
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Grinning at Kate he bumps her lightly with his elbow.
"I'd appreciate it. I been doin' all right myself with avoidin' the crazy lately."
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I've had enough shit goin' on that no crazy is a damn good thing.
"And I just might. I was up pretty late last night, had a bit of trouble fallin' asleep," he says. But to ward off any concern, he explains. "Just nerves and bein' excited for today, nothin' bad."
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She has a nanosecond-long moment of panic at Doc's initial words -- but we were quiet ohgodmaybeheheardthephonefallandthought -- before she relaxes.
"Go ahead," she says, turning down the radio another notch. "We'll wake you up when we're close."
Half a beat and an inward facepalm.
"To the airport."
She clears her throat and glances at Bill, cheeks a little pink as she returns the nudge.
"I've noticed -- and no bleeding, either. You're on a roll."
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The moment passes and Bill is quite relieved that they got away with one.
Face flushed and grinning he nods to Kate.
"I been tryin'. Aside from the knock on the head yesterday mornin' I been stayin' away from bumps an' bruises, too."
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But there is something about being in the truck - maybe it's the engine noise or the tires against the concrete - that is making it hard to stay completely alert and focus. It's strange.
(But not unheard of.)
He doesn't fall asleep right away, but he does close his eyes and get comfortable.
"Still feel bad 'bout that smoke alarm contraption goin' off like it did."
The smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth might say otherwise.
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A half-smile is tugging at her lips, too, thanks to Doc's admission.
"But I am sorry about the smoke alarm."
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"Yeah, I can tell the two of you are just all sorts of broke up about it."
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He taps his chest with his fingertips.
"Really achin' for you, Bill."
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She's still smiling as she closes her eyes; she isn't sleepy, but the drive is lulling her a little.
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Resting his elbow on the window ledge he steers; checking on the distance they have to go and the time he nods in satisfaction that he'll get them there on time.
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As soon as the traffic pattern changes and they're off the highway, he'll wake up again out of instinct.
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She lifts her head and blinks hard behind her sunglasses, then gives Bill a sheepish smile.
"Hey -- sorry I left you all by yourself."
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There's no gun.
He blinks a few times and then lets his head lightly thud back against the window.
"Mornin'."
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Looking over he gives a light laugh.
"Mornin'."
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"Take it we're gettin' close?"
Doc yawns slightly, trying to calm his heart rate down a bit - it's not that bad, but it did jump at the sound of the click.
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"Almost there."
She inclines her head toward the windshield; the Columbia Metropolitan Airport is visible in the distance, complete with a commercial jet about to land.
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He slows down to try and read all the signs overhead so he can figure out which way they need to go while trying not to slow too much and hold up those behind him who already know what they're doing.
"I think... I might need to get over... can I... shit."
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"Christ it's just like bein' at the bar."
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She gives Doc a grin.
"Just wait till our layover in Dallas."
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"Christ is right. But, we're here."
He gives them a smile before opening his door and stepping down.
Figuring Kate will get down on Doc's side he moves to the back to start getting their bags.
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Doc hops out of the truck easily enough and holds the door with one hand, automatically offering Kate his hand to assist her from the vehicle.
He'll get his bag and backpack in a second (and Kate's bag if she won't fight him on it) once she's out of the truck.
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Turning, she grabs her tote from the seat and shoulders it, then rounds the vehicle to take her carry-on from Bill.
"Thanks."
Rising on her tiptoes, she brushes her lips against his cheek.
"Between you and Doc, I'm getting lazy."
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He looks over as Doc gets his own bags then looks back at Kate.
"Y'all got everything?"
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He has his backpack snug over his shoulders and his other bag in hand.
(Slowly, he's wandering towards Kate's bags, figuring that while Kate is distracted with saying goodbye to Bill he'll swoop in and grab the larger of her two to carry for her until they get to wherever it needs to be dropped off.)
He's a little nervous, but really excited.
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