Years Old
Ex Cop with a mission
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Post by Brian O'Conner on Feb 25, 2011 14:11:26 GMT 2
Brian paid the cab driver and waited until he pulled away from the curb before his fingers tightly wrapped around the crutches that had become his steady companion over the past 10 weeks. He hated them with a passion but unfortunately couldn't toss them just yet. The damn knee took much longer to heal than he had hoped and was still stiff as a stick despite therapy sessions twice a week. It had cost him his job with the FBI and made working at the garage hard leaving the family with only Mia's income. Today he would push those thoughts aside. Jack was back and Brian happy. On his index and middle finger dangled his welcome home present-a sixpack of Corona. The stairs up to the door were a good workout. Finally he knocked and turned around to watch a few cars drive by while he waited for the door to be opened. Now that he knew Jack was back he was earger to talk to his brother and share a beer or two. Despite former differences the younger sibbling had become an essential part of his life and a good friend.
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28
Years Old
Taken by Piper Blair
Mitsubishi EVO X, AO
What's the point of being an outlaw when you've got responsibilities?
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Post by Jack O'Conner on Feb 25, 2011 19:33:50 GMT 2
"In here!" He called out from the garage, wiping his hands down on an old rag when he pulled his head out from under the Evo's hood. He hadn't cleaned the engine in quite a while, he simply hadn't had the time for it lately, and it showed. It wasn't just vanity when it came to the car though, a clean engine was usually a happy engine as long as people knew what they were doing.
He tossed the rag on one of the nearby shelves before he made his way outside, holding his hand up to shield his eyes from the bright sunlight. His brow furrowed. He didn't recognize the guy standing at his front door at first, not from where he was standing with the sun in his line of vision anyway. Crutches? Who the hell did he know with crutches? Better not be some charity thing..
"Damnit.." He muttered under his breath while he walked toward the house, clearly regretting he had made himself known. Now he had to respectfully decline whatever the man was here for, something he wasn't good at. Well.. the respectful part of the declining that was.
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Years Old
Ex Cop with a mission
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Post by Brian O'Conner on Feb 25, 2011 19:45:34 GMT 2
His greasemonkey brother came out of the garage with a puzzled look on his face. Okay the sun was in his eyes but didn't he recognize his own flesh and blood? He had that regretful expression on his teint features. "Hey man, I brought beer. What are you giving me that look for? Don't you like Corona?" He shook his head and stuck his tounge in his cheek.
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28
Years Old
Taken by Piper Blair
Mitsubishi EVO X, AO
What's the point of being an outlaw when you've got responsibilities?
1,673 POSTS & Offline
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Post by Jack O'Conner on Feb 25, 2011 20:08:14 GMT 2
Jack rubbed a hand over his face, chuckling slightly at himself when he was met with the all too familiar voice. How could he not have recognized his own brother? He guessed he still just needed to get used to seeing Brian with crutches for the time being, as much as it sucked..
"Sorry, man. Thought you were someone else." He mumbled, taking the six-pack from his brother before it could be dropped while he pointed a finger over his shoulder. "Wanna sit out back?"
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Years Old
Ex Cop with a mission
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Post by Brian O'Conner on Feb 25, 2011 20:30:21 GMT 2
"Sure." Brian nodded and hobbled his way back down the stairs. He followed Jack around the back and chuckled and slurred in his best southern drawl. "You though I was going to sell you a new vacuum cleaner, Miss Daisy, didn't you?" he found the two old wooden chairs in the back yard underneath a cherry tree just where he had left them. Quickly the crutches were dropped to the ground and he lowered himself onto the old rough wood and reached out for a beer. "So where have you been for the past three months?"
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28
Years Old
Taken by Piper Blair
Mitsubishi EVO X, AO
What's the point of being an outlaw when you've got responsibilities?
1,673 POSTS & Offline
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Post by Jack O'Conner on Feb 25, 2011 21:27:21 GMT 2
"Here. There. Everywhere.. Been dealing with a whole lot of shit and I'm not sure if I'm even close to done yet." He shrugged his own words off as if they were nothing, popped the cap off of his own beer and sat down next to his brother while he took a drink from the bottle. Pleading self defense had turned out to be easier said than done, but so far he could at least still say he was a free man for the most part. He wasn't allowed to leave the state for a while, but with that he could live. Anything was better than jail..
"So what brings you here, huh? Just so you know, if you are here selling vacuum cleaners, I'm kicking your ass off my lawn right now. Crutches or no crutches." He smirked briefly at his brother, leaning the already half empty bottle on his leg.
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Years Old
Ex Cop with a mission
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Post by Brian O'Conner on Feb 25, 2011 22:10:35 GMT 2
Jack's explanation was as unsatisfactory as usual. "Here and there, huh? Could you be any more vague?" He took a long drink of his bottle and frowned.
"What brings me here?" He knitted his brow and looked at his brother. "I have a great selection of cyclone vacuum cleaners...how about YOU bring me here?" He shook his head. "You're back after dissapearing for 2 months ...I care about you, beleive it or not." For a moment Brian just look at the house, took in the old paint, the curtains Faye had put up. Then he took another drink and leaned his face against the side of the cool bottle in his hand. The sun was damn hot today. His scanned Jack once more. "Nice souvenier you got up there...are all the screws still nice and tight?"
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28
Years Old
Taken by Piper Blair
Mitsubishi EVO X, AO
What's the point of being an outlaw when you've got responsibilities?
1,673 POSTS & Offline
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Post by Jack O'Conner on Feb 26, 2011 15:09:57 GMT 2
"Yeah, well, vague is all you're gonna get right now." He mumbled, taking another drink from his beer while he looked at anything but his brother. He didn't want the concern or worry. Why stir things up when he was almost sure there was no need for either anymore at this point? He was almost home free, his lawyer had already ensured him he'd most likely walk.
"Right. Me.." He nodded, smirking slightly. Like he was considered such awesome company by his brother. Hell, there had been plenty of times they'd wanted to rip eachother's head of their shoulders, but than he guessed that was what brothers did. Annoy the shit out of one another one moment and drink a beer together the next. Now that thought made him smirk wider. If he didn't have Brian's chain to yank from time to time..
"When have they ever been, bro." He chuckled, running his free hand through his hair in an mostly subconscious manner. He had hated it when it had been shaved off at the hospital, even more than the scar he would be, was, sporting. He wasn't vain, but.. ah hell, who was he kidding. He was.. just a little.
"I'm just glad I'm still breathing. That we're all still breathing." He mumbled before he drained the rest of the bottle and moved on to a second one. Sometimes he just wanted to drown it all out, the memories, images, even if beer wasn't a great help on that. Not one or two anyway.
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Years Old
Ex Cop with a mission
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Post by Brian O'Conner on Feb 26, 2011 19:24:08 GMT 2
Brian watched Jacks expression change from careless to worried...if that's what it was. He also watched him down the rest of the bottle while he was still on his second sip. "True, it's incredible that we got away with...well , you know a few bumps and scratches I guess." They all knew it was more than that but soon enough the hardest thing would be forgetting not healing. "What happened after I dropped you off?" He lifted his hands immedialtely. "You don't have to tell me. I'm sure you've told this story a hundred times before...but I'm curious." He looked around the backyard again remembering the many times he had tossed a stick for Buster here.
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28
Years Old
Taken by Piper Blair
Mitsubishi EVO X, AO
What's the point of being an outlaw when you've got responsibilities?
1,673 POSTS & Offline
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Post by Jack O'Conner on Feb 28, 2011 1:26:50 GMT 2
Jack rubbed a hand over his jawline before he shrugged. He'd rather not talk about it again. He still couldn't believe he hadn't seen it, still couldn't believe he hadn't gone with his gut instinct that something was off about that fucking fake doctor. Feeling guilt on top of everything else was such a pleasant thing..
"Obviously someone followed you.." He finally mumbled, slowly turning his eyes on to his brother. Was he accusing Brian now? He wasn't even sure himself, but in the end it didn't matter anymore. It had happened, it was an old story and they all still lived to see another day, right? He shrugged again, taking a sip from his second beer.
"Someone came in posing as a doctor, tried to slid my throat than knocked me out cold after I broke his nose.." He paused, taking yet another and significantly longer pull from the bottle. The next part was the part he hated the most. Not for what he had done, but for what he had feared could have happened if he hadn't come to.
"Guy had his hands on her throat, man.. I uh.. killed him.." He mumbled. He had obviously given the short version without elaborating on any of the details. He just didn't want to go any further than that and relive it all. Falling silent for a few minutes, he stared at the bottle leaning on his leg, his brow slightly furrowed. This shit was all becoming far too depressing, far too unlike him..
"Hey, wanna go to the races on Friday night?" He asked, finally breaking the heavy silence in a, maybe a little inappropriate, attempt to change the subject and probably his own glumness while he was at it.
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Years Old
Ex Cop with a mission
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Post by Brian O'Conner on Feb 28, 2011 14:27:36 GMT 2
When Jack started off saying that somebody must have followed him Brian was ready to tell him to shove it where the sun doesn't shine but held back until he heard the rest of the story. He got goosebumps when he heard how close of a call it was for both Jack and Faye. "I'm glad you were faster...sounds like there's no doubt about it being self defense." Only now did he notice the scar on Jacks neck. It was slightly hidden behind the colar of his shirt but visible when he moved. "Shit...you got lucky." Brian shook his head. "I know we have out differences but I'm glad you're alive. I would have missed you...a lot. And how's Faye?"
The subtle change of subject was quite welcome as the tone of their coversation had become quite heavy. Subconsciously Brian rubbed over the scar on his knee with the bottom of the beer bottle. The word 'races' always made his heart beat just a tad faster but today it made him scowl but he quickly got a grip on himself and smirked. "Yeah, sure. That's a good idea. Let's get back to the roots and maybe you can win ME a car this time...I'll cheer you on with my pink pompoms at the sideline."
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28
Years Old
Taken by Piper Blair
Mitsubishi EVO X, AO
What's the point of being an outlaw when you've got responsibilities?
1,673 POSTS & Offline
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Post by Jack O'Conner on Feb 28, 2011 15:33:59 GMT 2
"She's cooping, I guess." He shrugged, taking one last sip of his beer before he leaned his head back against the backrest of the wooden chair. He grinned widely at his brother's next words. Back to the roots. First time he had raced here in LA.. he'd lost and it hadn't been his own money either, but the rush it had given had been like nothing else.
"Pink pompoms.. I'll be holding you to that one." He nodded, laughing. "Although every claim of me being related to you will be denied to it's fullest, bro."
He set his beer bottle in the grass next to him before he stood up, his hand digging in his pocket. He pulled out the keys to the Evo moments later and dropped them in Brian's lap without any sign of hesitation. He had seen the sour look on his brother's face only seconds ago and it hadn't been hard to guess why Brian had been sporting it. It had been what? More than three months ago? Surely the intensive therapy had somewhat payed off by now.
"How about we reverse the roles between us for a change? See if you still got it?" He offered, raising a questioning brow. Whether he would regret this or not, he'd probably find out soon enough.
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Years Old
Ex Cop with a mission
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Post by Brian O'Conner on Feb 28, 2011 15:40:59 GMT 2
The key dropped in his lap and his heart stopped for a splitsecond while he had to keep his hand from automatically reaching for it. Instead he left it where it was and finished his beer with a few long gulps. Then he set it on the ground and raised a brow. "You like me this much? Or your car that little?" The keys were now twirled around his fingers. But then he shook his head. "Thanks, bro, appreciate it but I ain't got shit. I'll just wreck your pride and joy."
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28
Years Old
Taken by Piper Blair
Mitsubishi EVO X, AO
What's the point of being an outlaw when you've got responsibilities?
1,673 POSTS & Offline
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Post by Jack O'Conner on Feb 28, 2011 19:12:35 GMT 2
Jack closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose while he groaned at his brother's answer. He could feel a major headache coming up just by the vast amounts of self-pity Brian possessed and his brother clearly wasn't afraid of showing it either.
"Alright, well if you ain't got shit.." He opened his eyes again and held out an expecting hand for his keys. It was still Brian's choice, take it or leave it, but he wasn't going to go all soft on this bullshit attitude. Not anymore. Mia had said his brother knee would fully recover as long as he tried, and this was not trying.
"Maybe you really oughta stick with those pink pompoms, sis. Get yourself a nice little cheerleaders outfit too, huh?" He shook his head, swallowing whatever else he had on his tongue. It wasn't what he would call reverse psychology, but he figured he had gone far enough in making his point. Although he could take it a step or two further if he felt necessary.
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Years Old
Ex Cop with a mission
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Post by Brian O'Conner on Feb 28, 2011 21:12:35 GMT 2
"Give me a break, mom." brian snapped back. His brother knew nothing about how he felt or what his prospects were yet he felt the need to talk such bullshit. With a glare he grabbed another bottle and twisted the top off he muttered. "Last time I was there they told me that, if I don't make any quick progress, they'll just take all the bits and pieces out and replace them with a titanium knee joint. That might actually go really well with that dress you're talking about, asshole!" There it was again. That old brotherly brawl. He was still twirling the keys around though without even noticing it. "And here I was thinking they might have removed some of that smart assedness from your brain." Half the bottle was gone with the next angry gulp. At least his self pity was being channelled into anger against his brother now.
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28
Years Old
Taken by Piper Blair
Mitsubishi EVO X, AO
What's the point of being an outlaw when you've got responsibilities?
1,673 POSTS & Offline
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Post by Jack O'Conner on Feb 28, 2011 21:56:29 GMT 2
"Asshole? You're on your period now, too? Damn, you think that sitting on your ass all day long, stuffing your face, is gonna help you make any progress?" He snorted before he snatched the keys from Brian's fingers. The offer no longer stood as far as he was concerned. He was regretting even making it in the first place, but for far different reasons than he had expected.
"You know what? Do whatever the fuck you want, pity yourself, I don't care." He raised his hands, shooting a less than friendly, mocking smirk at his brother while he backed up a few steps and turned around. Really? They couldn't last a few seconds without breaking in to a fight? This time however, he choose to avoid it becoming physical for obvious reasons. He didn't want to get blamed later on for any extra damage done.
With a few colorful curses under his breath, he murdered a few flowers in cold blood with a kick while he made his way back to the garage and to what he was doing. At least the Evo didn't bitch back at him.
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Years Old
Ex Cop with a mission
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Post by Brian O'Conner on Feb 28, 2011 23:38:05 GMT 2
Before he could object and stated that he wasn't just sitting on his ass Jack curse at him angrily, stomped off beheading a patch of flowers and left him sitting there by himself. Brian stared at the bottle of beer in his hand. "That was quick." He stated to himself. It was to be expected that they'd headbutt sooner or later but that soon?
Why did his brother always have to push his buttons...or was he maybe even right this time? Was Brian's current state of mind justified or just self pitty or maybe a bit of both. Where along the way had he left his will to fight anybody or anything? "Ah fuck, Jack." With a huff he finished the beer and tossed it across the loan. He'd leave it to Jack to clean that up. Coming to terms with your own faults was never fun-especially when it was your little brother pushing your nose in the pile of shit that you left there. As if to test whether Jack was right Brian moved his foot up and down bending his knee until it started to hurt and just a little bit further. His fingers ran through his wavy uncut hair, which perfectly matched his unshaved face and then he suddenly stood up, left the damn crutches where they were and hobbled to the garage as well as he could. He found the younger O'Conner with his back towards him, still he reached out his hand and said. "Give me those keys."
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28
Years Old
Taken by Piper Blair
Mitsubishi EVO X, AO
What's the point of being an outlaw when you've got responsibilities?
1,673 POSTS & Offline
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Post by Jack O'Conner on Mar 1, 2011 0:57:28 GMT 2
Jack kept his back turned toward Brian for the time being, mainly to hide the change in his expression while he leaned on his hands and over the exposed engine. It amused him how all it took to get his brother off of his fat ass was a good old fashioned rubbing of the wrong way, 'O'Conner' style, but than again, he hadn't expected much different. Maybe he should have even done it sooner.
"Nah, you'll only hurt yourself, princess. And, more importantly, my ride." He shrugged nonchalantly while he kept his attention on the task he was performing, or was pretending to anyway. He had already been about done with everything before Brian had even appeared on his doorstep, but who cared, right? His smirk grew wider the longer he felt the eyes bore a hole in to his back until he finally pulled the hood down and turned around, finding no crutches. Good.
"Man, I've seen grannies with a new hip complain less than you!" He grinned, even if his brother might not appreciate his comment. The keys dangled in front of Brian's eyes a moment later before he tossed them up in the air for his brother to catch.
"Better not wreck my baby, bro." He clapped Brian on the shoulder when he made his way to the passengers side. Just one time, and one time only, he told himself.. and his car.
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Years Old
Ex Cop with a mission
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Post by Brian O'Conner on Mar 2, 2011 16:33:22 GMT 2
His middle finger twitched at Jacks comment but he kept his arm hanging at his side until the keys were in midair. Brian snatched them out of the air and limped to the passenger door. He wasn't used to actually use his foot to anything else but decoration anymore. Inside he shot a look at Jack and his expression eased up a bit. "Maybe now's a good time to tell you that my foot has become a little unsensitive." The engine roared loud a clear as he slowly pulled out of the garage. No matter how unsensitive his foot was he'd never loose the feel for fast cars. Driving purposely slow fro the first few minutes he was waiting for one of Jacks famous comments. He was itching to just slam his foot on the gas and fly.
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28
Years Old
Taken by Piper Blair
Mitsubishi EVO X, AO
What's the point of being an outlaw when you've got responsibilities?
1,673 POSTS & Offline
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Post by Jack O'Conner on Mar 2, 2011 21:28:08 GMT 2
Jack cringed, even if he did his best to keep the involuntary body movement to a minimum when the Evo roared out of the garage with more gas and clutch than was needed. This was going to be awesome, a great idea really, but he guessed he should cut his brother some slack. As long as the Evo remained in one piece it was all good.. Right?
His posture eased up when they hit the main road, but it didn't take long before his next gripe presented itself. The agonizingly slow pace, it was not what he was used to from neither himself nor Brian and more than definitely not what he had invited his brother behind the wheel for. This car was made for performance, speed. Not sightseeing at a place he knew like the back of his hand nor.. whatever the hell it was what Brian thought he was doing.
"Come on, what is this? You got a wooden peg for a leg now or are you just trying to bore me to death, bro. Floor it, man. No need to be shy around this baby."
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