ph_logs | radio transmission [June Catch-All]

radio transmission [June Catch-All]

Who: John Rambo (

sunshinesally) & Arthur Morgan (

mistermorgan), John Rambo & YOU!
What: June catch-all for John Rambo, plus John finally gets together with the neighbors to socialize.
When:Throughout June
Where: Baker Ranch & all around Da Hollow
Warning(s): Canon typical warnings for the FIRST BLOOD/RAMBO franchise: action movie violence, mentions & possible remembered depictions of torture, death, PTSD, flashbacks, police brutality, incarceration, & outdated offensive language--will add more if they come up.

Covey Leader Calling Raven, Come In Raven! (Dinner Party, closed to Arthur and Sally)

John's tried to get to know his neighbors a little--at least he knows Sally, and received a heartening greeting when he dropped by one day to let her know he had the parcel next door. It's good to see her occasionally, and Gwen, too. Makes him miss Lou a little less.

She, of course, tells him they should all get together sometime--and when the bank approves his request for an expansion, he drops by to invite the pair over to celebrate.

They say yes, so he offers to host--nothing fancy, either, Morgan just doesn't seem the type. Plus he told them it was okay to bring Gwen, so he takes a few days to find what he needs after telling them it's a casual setup...and when they come over, he's set up a makeshift barbecue pit he's just getting some venison steaks going on, while Co is a couple yards away trying to peck at Sam the rooster, who just avoids her nonsense and patiently tries to preen her feathers into place..

When he spots them, he waves with a smile and crosses over to greet them.

"Back in my time 'n locale, nothin' beats a good ol' fashioned backyard barbecue." he explains. "We can eat inside where it's more comfortable, or hang around out here, but while things're cookin' I thought I could show you a few things happening around here if you want."

Company Leader To Identify Baker Team (Ranch, OTA)

Once John gets his ducks in a row, the upgrades for the ranch start pretty fast: namely, the acquisition of land.

He's happy to do the work himself, but some parts need more than one set of hands, and knows it'll go a little faster with help. There's no official call, but he hits up a few people and mentions to the servers at the Oak & Iron he's befriended that he's willing to feed and water anyone interested in helping out.

So there's no official work party, but if you hear that Baker Ranch is upgrading? The offer stands: drop by, put in an hour or two, and you'll go home with a full belly and maybe a few little gifts of jerky, pelts, or trinkets crafted from beads of wood and bone.

Lone Wolf To Wolf Den (Forest, OTA)

John does most of the border work solo--marking off the fence placement for his new land allotment, and doing some minor clearing to keep his game safe in the little preserve he's creating. In doing so, he snags a couple hares to add to his growing menagerie, and looks into the necessary approval to remove a tree just a bit past the buffer he's been approved to clear. The branches breach his property boundary, and he doesn't want to risk any larger birds hassling his rabbits and hares.

He does his usual hunting as well...and he keeps an eye out for the wolf he met a while ago.

It's not his dog. Never will be, wolves can't be tamed, but this one is so different--already half domesticated. He was a good hunting buddy, and he had such great temperament...

Yeah, John kind of wants to keep him. He takes his breaks during construction near the new boundary, a bowl of broth-soaked meat nearby to hopefully draw him out. He spends his evenings out there as well, considering maybe a little shrine to Serranai while scanning the brush every time there's a single sound.

He works, he waits...and he maybe sends a little prayer to Serranai, and occasionally Kora (she did say Korra would be available if John needed her), in hopes of seeing the wolf again.

Talk To Me, Johnny (Wildcard)

Choose Your Own Rambo!

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After that one run-in, if Laios were a wiser man, he would've called it good there. Not get in so deep that this could possibly hurt John down the line - something that breaks his heart to even consider.

He's not all that wise, however - not in the places that might've told him this wasn't a good idea. All he sees is a friend in need, and a friend who really benefited from having a good ol' companion animal time.

Thus, here he is, trotting along the boundary fence, when a smell reels him in faster than he was already moving. He doesn't rush to the meat right away, however; he catches eye of John first, however, and perks up.

Tail wagging and posture bright, he leans up, swaying his head as though he's making sure he's seeing who he thinks he is right, before letting out a bark. A verbal--- as verbal as one can be without words, of course--- greeting, and making sure he is able to draw closer.

John is starting to consider going back inside when he hears the rustle of footsteps. Looking up, he sees a wolf draw near, but doesn't get his hopes up.

It's the same coloring, but could be another...

Then he barks, and there's something about the way that tongue lolls out of his mouth that makes John sure--and he's way happier than he should be but he can't help it.

"Hey, boy!" he calls out getting to his feet from where he was sitting near the fence. He ventures forward a couple steps, then crouches and reaches back to pull the bowl of food forward to sit in front of him.

"Heyyyy, big man! You remember me? C'mon, have some. Made it for you special...c'mon, boy! It's okay, you remember me, right?..."

The invitation needs little further pressing before Laios rushes forward, bouncy and giddy in his movements, and he doesn't waste much time at all before he starts to dig into the food presented to him. (Everything tastes so much better as a wolf, who knew? If only he could capture some of these flavors on a human palette.)

It's only after he's eaten his fill does he grab the bowl with his teeth, the mere puddle of broth he hadn't eaten spilling out of the side, before he drags it back, bending forward in a play-bow. If some antics didn't let John know that he remembered very well who he was, he wasn't sure what would.

John relaxes, slowly, as the wolf comes over to eat--but when he's done and spills the dregs in pulling the bowl around with his teeth to greet John, he shuffles forward to reach out and give the wolf's scruff a good scratch.

"Yeah, I knew you'd remember." John laughs, something warm in his chest easing at the feel of that warm fur under his fingers again. "Thought I wasn't gonna see you anymore, big guy...yeah, you're a good boy, huh?"

His eyes burn a little, but there's (thank God) no sign of tears. Just a tightness in his throat and more of that warmth in his chest spreading through his limbs--and just for a second, the pain that's his constant companion doesn't feel quite so intense.

"I missed you." he admits softly, bending his head to drop a kiss between the wolf's ears. "Missed you a lot, buddy."

Play is put on the shelf for scratches, and the bowl is dropped. Instead, he opts to lean his neck up into the affections, his tail's rapid wagging slowing to content thumps on the ground. The kiss comes as a surprise, but he doesn't mind it; especially in this form, affection, no matter what type, is more delightful than Laios ever knew it could be.

Falling into his therapy dog role easily, he steps forward, with all his weight, pushing his dense body into John's legs. Weight and pressure helped these sorts of things, right? He feels like it does, and doesn't hesitate to give John that affection right back.

That weight, warmth, pressure--it not only overbalances John a little, causing him to flop back on his ass, but it does precisely that: it hits the core of that agony that's been stalking him for so long it's only ever background noise. The chill, the ache...

It's not a chill. It's not an ache--today, for some reason, for that one split second when he feels something else, he can feel it for what it is.

Pain. Physical, emotional, unbearable pain.

Scritches soon turn to burrowing, then wrapping his arms around that big pup's neck, pressing his face into that thick, soft fur...and before he can become fully aware of what's happening to him, what he's experiencing, he's trembling, clinging, and yes, weeping. The tears are silent, but the breaths are deep and shaking as hard as the rest of him as the warm pressure of that big animal body, the softness and musk of friendly dog fur, and the simple, uncomplicated feel of physical contact that isn't trying to hurt him tears open that empty hole inside of him and starts filling it up again.

It's just been so long since he's allowed it to be opened that it hurts. Yeah, it's as painful to be touched as it is to not be touched, but it's different. It's a needed bandage on a raw wound, antiseptic on an infection--and he wants to push the dog away but he makes himself hold on as long as it will let him because under the too much too warm feel of overstimulation...

...it just feels good to hold someone. Even if it is a stupid dog.

The embrace, tight and closer as it is, isn't something Laios was expecting whatsoever. It hadn't clicked for him how deep this ran for John - at least, not until now. There's always been a bit of it under the surface, and now that he can see this hurt, risen and open as it tries to mend, it's clear it was always there, just beneath the surface.

It leaves an ache in Laios' heart. No one should ever have had to deal with anything that would bring them all the way to this. He wishes he could tell John that he doesn't deserve to feel this way, that he won't always feel the pain like this...

But, alas. Being a wolf is what's helping, and there's some drawbacks to that.

Drawing a long, slow breath, and letting it out, Laios settles his head heavily on John's shoulder, allowing himself to become dense weight by letting himself go limp, to allow himself to be as easily held as possible. He closes his eyes, and lets out a sigh through his nose.

He's ready, willing, and perfectly content to let John hold onto him as long as he needs to.

"...sorry...'m sorry, I..."

Fuck, it's like he knows. The way he presses closer, sets his head on John's shoulder and leans further into him, warm and heavy and just so--easy. It makes the tears come faster and the heat more intense, and yet he just wants to stay here with this big gray wolf draped over his shoulder like he's got nowhere else in the world to be but here hanging on John while John hangs on him.

He doesn't deserve it. Not even a dog, not any of it, he can't he can't he can't--

Sniffing, John finally does shift away a little, gathering the dog's half limp head between his hands. He feels...he feels, and it's fucking everywhere. That ache--the pain in his bones is open and raw, but even though he's just leaning back a little for less contact, the pain isn't accompanied by that constant chill.

"Sorry--got you wet." he sniffs, eyes still streaming as he tries to wipe away some of the moisture on the wolf's ruff, then curses softly and tries to wipe at his eyes so they'll stop--so he'll just fucking stop.

He blinks away a fresh wave of tears, meeting the dog's gaze with a shaky smile.

"Just...been a long time since I had a hug." he admits, rubbing between his ears. "You're a good boy, dealing with my shit. You're a good dog...think you earned some extra treats, don't you? Got some bits 'n pieces I dried out that are great for chewing yourself silly, how's that sound?..."

Grrraoooauuuughhh.

The sound trails off with a high-pitched yawn, curled tongue and all, before, out of sheer instinct, he's compelled to give John the best dog kiss he has to offer. His tail thumps behind him, and he's looking entirely pleased with himself, and especially content with the ear rubs.

He's just doing what he feels Rambo needs--- deserves, even, after all he's been through--- and doesn't feel like he's dealing with anything. Magic use runs a stomach empty quick, though - he's never going to turn down some dried, chewy snacks.

Rambo's going to have to start getting up to convince him to get up, though - instead, he's taking the cheeky route, and lifting his snout up high enough to very gently gnaw on one of Rambo's hands, never fully pressing his teeth down, but giving him a very doe-eyed "I'm very innocent and cute" look as he does.

John can’t help but laugh a little as the wolf mouths at his fingers—the pup has to be part domestic, being able to control his bite like that to play.

“You goof.” He snickers fondly, scratching his head again. “My friend, Laios, would love you. He’s a sweetheart just like you…”

He trails off, expression growing warmer as he scratches one furry shoulder packed with solid muscle, thinking of the day he first met the guy when he brought John food.

“Built like you, too. All muscle.” He sighs, vaguely wistful. “Just my fucking luck he’s good looking, got a good heart—and I’m a fucking disease.”

Better off with a dog. Especially if he can convince the big lug to stay…

John shifts to get to his feet, patting his leg and whistling for the dog.

“C’mon bud! Let’s go find your treats! Gonna have to figure out a name for you…”

It's strange, to hear that he'd like himself, but it's hard not to relish in the compliments, unknowingly shared. His tail swings eagerly, and at first, the wistfulness goes fully over his head.

That is, of course, until the next parts.

It's a good thing John started ahead, because Laios' head involuntarily tilts. Were he not all fluff, his face would've been red as ever. Even in his wolf chest, though, his heart races.

He's what?

Laios almost forgets to follow along, and has to nearly stumble into a run to match pace, barreling right up to the point of meeting John's heel, where he paces himself more closely. It's hard to focus on being a Good Dog when you've now got so many things to turn over in your head.

Including, but not limited to, one of your dearest friends thinking he's a disease. What an odd mix of incredibly-exhilarating and heartbreaking things to hear, all at once.

John laughs as the wolf nearly plows into his legs in his eagerness to keep pace, and can't help but pause to lean over and give his ribs a good, enthusiastic scratch before leading him on towards the house. When they reach the house, John starts to hesitate because Co is on the porch...

...but she is dead silent as she boldly scampers off the stoop and towards the pair of them, stopping dead in front of the wolf. She looks up and...just...waits.

BUK BUKBUKBUKBUKBUK BAAAAAAAK!

The impatient flap of her wings is just like the kind of posturing she does when she's not greeted quickly enough by anyone she knows. Vampire in the chicken coop? She won't go near, but put an actual predator in front of her and she's demanding affection?

"You been sneaking around when I couldn't see?" He asks the wolf with a snicker. "Makin' friends with Co here? C'mon, baby, he's not your adoring public--"

BUKBUKBUKBUKBUK! BAAK! BAAAAAAK BUK BUK BUK BUKBUKBUKBUKBUKBUK!

"Christ, Co!" John grunts as he tries to pick her up and she wrests out of his arms with a mighty flap of her wings, again landing in front of the wolf demanding her due.

WORSHIP HER, LAIOS. SHE KNOWS IT'S YOU, GIVE HER PRAISE AND YOU SHALL LIVE BY HER MERCY.

As much as his current face can, Laios looks shocked, standing further upright at the demands, tail wagging low and slow behind him. How does she know? Animal intuition? Does he smell the same? How is that as cool as it is??

She's definitely going to blow his cover, though.

At first, he bends down, right to her level, in an almost play-bow, letting out a loud WUFF and hopping up. When she isn't convinced, he lowers back down, looking her right in her little eyes.

Seems like he can't get out of this one without paying up those affections.

Clumsily, he steps as close to her as he can. He plops down into a sitting position. He sticks out just a bit of his tongue.

And, with no grace whatsoever, he leans down, licking the top of her head.

A wise choice, furry Laios. Co stumbles just barely under the careful but still forceful affections, but she scoots closer and rewards him with a few quiet, contented clucks and trying to preen his chest.

John just sinks to a crouch beside the pair, staring in confusion for a few silent moments before flashing them both a puzzled smile.

“Now I’ve seen everything.” He snickers, scratching Co’s back, then the wolf’s head. “This is absolutely fucking insane—you really are a good boy. Isn’t he, Co?”

BUK BUK! Co agrees. Yes, Laios, she approves of you—and now that you are furry and smaller, she is going to boss you around more aggressively and put you to work. Dad has been recently upset, she can tell, there were tears—go fix it.

Which translates to scuffing around Laios to peck his arm so he’ll go over to John and do something else to make him smile.

Arroooughouuuu.

Laios throws his head back in a silly, warbling howl of agreement, and had just lowered his head back down when there's that peck. Laios lets out a deep, offended huff, but he doesn't look all that bothered about it. It's easy to pick up on what she wants, after all; it's a even better thing he was already planning to do something!

He's limited to what he can do in this shape, so after a moment, he scurries away from Co, off to the side, to give himself room. He play-bows, pauses for a moment... and spins so quickly, something that delighted him every time his dogs from home did it.

And, after a short few seconds, he stops, and gives John an intense look.

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radio transmission [June Catch-All]

Lone Wolf to Wolf Den

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CW: touch starvation, catharsis

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