The Family [Finished]

[yamikuronue]

That's when she swoops in for a kiss.

[accalia]

Tony should have expected that, but he had been distracted, an of course Vic chose that moment to reenter the kitchen.

[yamikuronue]

Vic slides into the passenger seat, nodding to Tony that he can start driving again, everything's well. "He's pleased." he says, speaking of the boss, who had called him to a private meeting at the 16th street speakeasy upon hearing about the Captain.

[accalia]

"Not surprised." Tony says as they pull away from the curb "Did you tell him how it went down?"

[yamikuronue]

He shakes his head. "I kept it to yessir and nosir."

[accalia]

Tony rolls his eyes but doesn't comment beyond saying "smart, the less you say the less he has on you."

[yamikuronue]

Vic nods. "I got the job. I report tomorrow evening, after work."

[accalia]

"Working two jobs? When are you going to get sleep? I'm not going to let you slack off at the office to get your zees."

[yamikuronue]

"I won't. I can handle it," he says, stubbornly.

[accalia]

'Riiight." Tony says, clearly not buying it

[yamikuronue]

"You'll see," he replies, scowling.

[accalia]

"I'm sure i will." Tony says, he's not exactly happy about the situation, but as usual he's not trying to talk Vic out of it or forbid him from taking his own road.

[yamikuronue]

And so he does! For the first few days, Vic seems to handle it find. The blessings of youth are such that a few hours of sleep in the wee hours of the morning is just fine for him. But as day after day continues at such a grueling pace, he starts to slip up. He makes minor mistakes on forms. He seems sluggish to respond to questions in person. He starts drinking more and more coffee. Little tiny tells, but from someone so determined to impress people, they stick out as if he'd dipped his thumb in green paint.

Especially for his new friend Bear...

[accalia]

Bear had noticed Vic's new behavior pattern and... ambushes him at the start of a shift with a heavy hand on Vic's shoulder.

"Walk with me" is the command wearing the makeup of a polite request.

[yamikuronue]

Vic stifles a yawn and gets to his feet, plodding after Bear. The usual spring in his step is absent, but he takes care not to drag his feet or seem over-tired as best he can.