York's Interdimension Basket of Washes

[notyourrookie]

York is done with this. Every Wash needs a comfy, happy and most of all, not horrifying and trauma-inducing space where they can feel safe. A place where the horrors that inevitably await them in their own universes cannot intrude.

And York will provide. Even if he has to drag them across universes to do so.

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[searchandrecovery]

"York, have you seen my--"

Wow. Okay. York wasn't kidding about the whole...loving environment thing. Wash is a little disgruntled that York is using his vintage Astro Boy blanket, but it looks like every blanket in the base is in this room, so Wash doesn't really have a leg to stand on.

"Um. What are we supposed to...do? Exactly? With that?"

[depthlesslock]

Brilliant! They're both here as planned. Step one: get them in the main room in the base is complete. Commence step two: get them in the nest.

'This is an intervention because you two have been way too down lately. So I made a nest.' He waves his hand to take in the vast expanse of blankets and cushions. 'And you're both going to get in it and stay there until you've at least t-sheered up a bit and preferably started getting on a bit better. In you go!' He ushers them both towards the construction.

[notyourrookie]

"A- nest?" What the fuck. Wash looks at York like he's crazy, and coming from him, that cannot be a good thing.

"You can't just put us into a nest, York," although it does look comfortable. "We're not... not birds or cats that you can bribe with cushions and blankets and... oh hey, is that fruit?"

[searchandrecovery]

York might not agree with the statement that the two Washes aren't cats, but that's besides the point. Wash is fixated on the fruit his other self pointed out.

"It is," he breathes. "Look--oranges. If this was Earth, they'd be in season right now."

He takes the teeniest step closer to the nest.

[depthlesslock]

'You're both definitely cats,' he counters. 'Both of you have admitted to being cats in disguise on separate occasions.'

They've noticed the fruit and both look enticed. He knew that would help. 'Yep. And it's fresh. Oh, and there's chocolate as well. Both of whit-sh you will get if you go in the nest.'

[notyourrookie]

"Oh my god," Wash agrees. Fresh oranges. He hasn't had any in years. Fruit was a treat even here and his mouth is watering thinking about it already.

"So this is what? A timeout? You're putting us in timeout?"

Timeout with chocolate and fresh fruit.

[searchandrecovery]

Chocolate? That's a low blow, York. Wash doesn't know anyone who could resist the promise of fresh fruit and chocolate, let alone the two Washes.

"Nah," Wash shakes his head. "Timeout is a punishment. I don't think this is meant to be a punishment." He looks back at York. "The chocolate better be for real, man."

[depthlesslock]

'Not a punishment, ' he confirms. 'A comfort zone, let's say. Safe space.' Because God knows there aren't many of those.

'The t-shocolate's for real. I'm many things, but a liar is very rarely one of one. You both deserve a treat, so this is that, and if you're both really, really good, I'll melt the t-shocolate and dip the fruit in it for you.' He knows how to tempt.

[notyourrookie]

He eyes York for a moment when he says that. The whole idea just seems pretty weird. But at the same time... chocolate and fruit. "You promise about the chocolate, right?"

He can't go back on that once he's said it.

[searchandrecovery]

There's only one way to find out if York's lying or not. Wash steps gingerly into the nest. Fuck, he didn't anticipate it being warm. He smiles despite himself.

He looks down, and sure enough, there are two boxes of chocolates. He looks back at the other Wash.

"He's not kidding."

[depthlesslock]

'I promise.' And he keep his promises.

There, Wash has confirmed it for him, and is also in the nest and smiling. Bingo. Two boxes to start them off, and he's got plenty more for when they run out or they're good enough for melted chocolate covered fruit.

'I#m a man of my word. Have I convinced you yet?'

[notyourrookie]

He stares at the other Wash for a moment, looks between him and York. Chocolate and fruit is a pretty good bribe. And York hasn't done anything cruel or deceptive since he got here. Can it really hurt?

He kicks off his boots and climbs slowly into the nest, looking entirely on edge. It is warm thought. And as promised, there are a couple of boxes of chocolates waiting for them.

"Okay."

[searchandrecovery]

Do not fuck this up, do not fuck this up, just keep your mouth shut, Wash tells himself. Every time he opens his mouth he makes things worse, and they've barely achieved comfort as it is. Wash opens the box and tentatively offers his double a raspberry-filled chocolate. A peace offering, of sorts.

[depthlesslock]

York beams. They're both in the nest now and, although they're still looking hesitant, are at least trying to get settled among the blankets and pillows.

Then Wash offers OWash a chocolate and York almost cheers. It's working!

[notyourrookie]

Could be a conspiracy. Could be a trap that they're both in on. He hates that that's his first thought, the flashfire of paranoia and fear. And he knows it's stupid here where no-one really cares what he does and no-one knows about Project Freelancer except what he himself has told them.

He takes the offered sweet and offers a small smile in return before he eats it. It's good, dark chocolate and sweet raspberry that melts on his tongue.

"Thanks."