PROMPT POST PART IV

[cabinpres_fic]

Please see the most recent MOD NOTE

(updated 6 June)

Welcome everybody. How you got here I have no idea but thank you for coming and welcome again, nonetheless . As you may have gathered this is a Fic Prompting Meme dedicated solely to the hilarious and oh-so-addictive BBC Radio 4 sitcom - Cabin Pressure. I'm aiming for this to be pretty anything goes - but in order for everything to run smoothly, there are a few guidelines. Don't worry - they're not too restrictive.

FILLING GUIDELINES

As you probably all know - our meme now has it's very own database created and maintained by the great Enigel. It both catalogues each and every prompt that we post and provides links to fills. You can find it here: Google Spreadsheet

We also have a Pinboard archive which has been put in place by the lovely oxfordtweed in the place of our late Delicious Archive. This Archive contains a list of all the prompts this meme has to offer - you can find it here: Pinboard Archive

This is a great step forward in making our meme just a little more organised (but not too organised of course. This is Cabin Pressure) which is always a good thing.

So in order to make things easier to archive - Please nest your fills.

This can be done by either posting each part as a reply to that part's immediate predecessor, OR by replying each time to Part I OR - well you get the idea :D

It makes it simpler for Enigel and myself to link fills in a clean and clear manner. Following these guildelines will be very much appreciated guys :D

REPROMPTING

Reprompting is allowed but please include the URL of the original prompt when you do so. It will make it infinitely more easy to Archive which would make both Enigel and I very happy :)

As for everything else

1. Be respectful to one another. Disagreements are fine, but not everything disagreeable is trolling. If you suspect someone of trolling, just ignore it. If you cannot respond to a comment without attacking or trolling someone else, keep it to yourself.


2. No bashing prompts. It might not be your cup of tea - but obviously someone wants it enough to go to the effort of requesting it. So just scroll past it.


3. Prompt away as much as you like guys - seriously, go wild - but please try to fill as well.

NEW - If your fill includes a major element that veers from the original prompt (crossovers, established universes, kinks, et cetera), please take a few moments to check with the OP that such additions are welcome. This has caused problems in the past and it only takes a few moments of your time.

4. Please no RPF. I'm not trying to oppress you RPF writers and enthusiasts, I would just really like to avoid any legal problems.


5. When you post a fill (or post a new part of a WIP) please go over to the Filled Prompts Post (if it is complete) or the WIP Post (if there are still more parts to come) and, following each post's guideline's, post a link to this fill or new part.

REALLY IMPORTANT ADDENDUM

According to numerous Child Safety laws it is illegal to provide pornographic material to minors. Seeing that the majority of the stuff we have here is rather adult in nature, this Meme is consequently an 18+ zone. Failing to comply to this rule could result in the Meme getting shut down. So if you're here and you're under 18 please back button now.

+ Please do not post anything regarding minors in a sexual situation. It really doesn't matter how tasteful or crass it is, there are laws that classify that sort of thing as child pornography and as such, I'm afraid we're going to have to go with the attitude that safe is better than sorry.

It really is VERY important that these rules are upheld as the consequences are severe.

Other than that - go crazy guys. Any problems please just message me and I'll try my best to work it out.



Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V | Part VI | Part VII | Part VIII | Prompt Index

Current Prompt Post | Current Chatter Post | WIP Post | Filled Prompts Post | Searching Post | Orphan Post | Page-a-Mod Post | FAQ | Beta/Concrit Post
cabin_pressure @ LJ | Cabin Pressure @ AO3 | IRC Chat @ irc.ecnet.org #FittonATC

Comments

Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[branwyn]

So, I've been venting a lot of my RL issues in the fics I've been writing lately, as I've discussed with some of you. I'm about to become homeless, there's no one I can turn to for help, I got beaten up recently...not to be a whinypuss, I'm just saying: i've about reached the limit of how much catharsis I can get out of my own writing. I need someone else to take over.

So: One of Martin's housemates is having a problem of some major kind. She's being stalked by a freaky ex, or she's anonymously attacked, or something--whump needs to be involved. She and Martin have been friendly, but not close, up to the point when he walks in on her having some kind of breakdown over said whump. Martin, once he gets over being flustered (because everything flusters him a bit) immediately takes on the role of The House Grown-Up: he gives her a hug, holds her hand while he talks her through the scary experience, and then--takes care of it. Somehow. And he calls in Douglas, who, because he has a strong paternal streak and a daughter of his own, is delighted to help--not because Martin NEEDS help, just because two heads (or four fists) are better than one (or two.)

Yes, I know. Ridiculous and self-indulgent, but Christ, it would make me feel better.

Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[(Anonymous)]

*gives you a hug* Sound like you have every reason to be in need of some comfort. I hope everything works out soon.

Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[(Anonymous)]

I'll also get in on the offering a big hug brigade - and while I can't make anything better, I might try and fill this if I find a spare moment. No promises, unfortunately, but if a little bunch of words can help, I am more than happy to offer to oblige. =)

Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[branwyn]

even these words help. :)

Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[(Anonymous)]

Noticed you around more regularly these days, hope life has improved for you, no need to respond, just letting you know someone in the world is thinking about you.

Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[(Anonymous)]

AUGH! I have so many WIPs already! ... Probably won't be for a while yet but I think I might have a go at this.

Until then, seconded! And please, someone else fill in the meantime because this prompt is just love. :D

Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[(Anonymous)]

Omg, I just realized how insensitive that sounded. I'm so sorry! I meant the Martin!whump was love, not yours.

I hope everything gets better for you soon. Sorry for being such a clot. I offer hugs and my tears as recompense. :'(

Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[branwyn]

oh, no, I didn't take it that way at all! I knew you meant the prompt, not me. :) And I'm glad someone actually likes the prompt--I hope whoever fills it gets something out of and isn't just taking pity on me. :)

Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[chess_ka]

I wish I could help you out in some way! *Hugs* I might give this a shot, I love competent!Martin. It's a lovely prompt :)

Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[(Anonymous)]

You don't deserve to be mistreated and I hope you're in a happier and safer situation real soon. I wish the real life equivalent of Douglas and/or Mycroft Holmes upon the villain in your life.

Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[branwyn]

what a lovely, shivery thought that is. :)

Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[(Anonymous)]

It's a lovely prompt and I wish I could be good enough to fill it. I promise to try and think of something.
And I really really hope that everything will get better soon for you. <3

Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[(Anonymous)]

I want you to know that your fic made me smile during some rough times. I'm so sorry that you're going through much worse. **hug**

Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[anon_e_moss]

Please accept this hug *hug* :-(

Thinking of you...

Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[(Anonymous)]

*hug* for real.

FILL: On Rusted Steed He Rode. Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[(Anonymous)]

(This is essentially comment-boxed, so no Brit-picking or betaing has been done. I really hope this is something like what you're looking for, and I hope things improve for you soon.)

WARNING: Aftermath of assault.



"Hello, you've reached Parkside Terrace?"

"H-hi, it's Brenda. I live there. Who's this?"

"Oh, Brenda, hello. I'm Martin."

"Martin?"

Martin sighed. "The pilot in the attic."

"Oh! Oh right. Um. I..."

"Where you looking for one of the others? Everyone's out, but I could write down- Are you alright? You sound like you're-"

"No. No. I just- Well. I need a ride home. They've offered to take me but I don't- Mum's in Strathclyde and I don't even want to call her, she'd- I don't know anyone except at the Terrace, and some of them don't even have a permit let alone a car and I just, I just want to go home."

"Okay. I've got a van, I can pick you up if you'd like?"

"Please."

"Where are you?"

"Fitton Police Station."

"Oh... You're not-"

"I'm fine, they needed a statement after- look. I just need a ride home and I don't want it to be in a bloody police car, alright?"

"But what hap-"

"I don't want to talk about it. Please Martin?"

"No, of course, all right. I'll be there in a few minutes."


-o-

Martin pulled up to the police station, hoping the traffic officers didn't bother to take to close a look at his van which was a rolling violation at the best of times.

Brenda had never seemed to him to be the sort that would end up in a police station for anything, but he didn't really know any of the students that well. Perhaps Brenda was the quiet type that turned into a complete rowdy when she went out to the clubs.

As Martin opened the van door, Brenda came out of the station, walking quickly, with a limp he hadn't noticed her having before. Martin didn't pay much notice to what the college students were wearing at any given time either, but the bagginess of the track pants and t-shirt she was wearing were giveaways that they weren't hers, and the huge sunglasses certainly weren't needed in the drizzly fall weather.

Martin suddenly felt ill for thinking Brenda had been arrested. He went around to the passenger side and held the door open for her.

"Thanks," she said, climbing in awkwardly.

"Don't mention it. I mean-" He tried to lower his voice, but it went squeaky. "Are you all right? Really?"

"Just, I can't." She took a breath and released it. "Please Martin, I just want to go home."

"Right. No, okay. I just- Right." Martin avoided slamming his thumb in the door. "Okay."

Something very bad had happened to Brenda. Nightmare scenarios flitted through Martin's head, and he wished he knew which was the most accurate. If he knew something about what had happened, maybe he'd be able to help, or know what to do. Looking in the windscreen as he crossed around the front of the van, seeing Brenda leaning her head against the door frame, face wan and blank under the sunglasses, he doubted knowing anything would help him know what to do.

She didn't want to talk about it, so she shouldn't have to. He was driving her home, and that was helping.

He got in behind the wheel.

"I- I hate to ask," Brenda said when he started the van.

"No, please, ask me anything. What- I mean. Yes?"

Brenda's mouth flattened slightly at Martin's babbling into what could have been a smile on a better day, before dropping back down as she burrowed into the collar of the over-large t-shirt. "Could we stop at a Boots? I need. There's some-" She swallowed. "I need something from there."

"Absolutely! Anything at all."

"It's more than- I don't have any... I can't pay. I need- god, I need to borrow some money from you."

Martin blinked. "I'm really not sure I have any. Not much. How much do you need?"

"Just seven pounds for- Eight. Eight pounds."

A prescription's worth, Martin's mind helpfully filled in, Brenda being past the age for free student prescriptions. "I've got that much, I'm sure. I had a removal to- I mean yes. I can borrow you eight pounds. Loan you. Eight pounds. Yes."

"It's so ridiculous. I've got money, it's just I can't get at it right now. My bank card was in my- Oh god, I can't remember if I called the bank." Her voice turned strained and reedy, and she buried her face in her hands.

"It's all right, really. Pay me back whenever you can, alright?"

Brenda turned her face to the window, shoulders shaking silently. She rubbed a hand over her eyes, pushing the sunglasses up. In the wing mirror, Martin caught a glimpse of a huge purpling bruise around her eye.

Beaten, robbed, and wearing borrowed clothes. He swallowed, not sure whether putting a hand on the girl's shoulder would be helpful or make things so much worse. He didn't know what to do.

He could drive.

"Boots it is, then." Martin put the van in gear and pulled out into traffic.

-o-

The van had barely stopped at Parkside Terrace before Brenda jumped out the passenger side and bolted for the front door, limping. She'd been far slower getting out to go in to Boots. Martin had wondered if offering to go in for her would be a good idea, except she was getting a prescription and probably wouldn't want him knowing which ones.

He kept pushing back the wish that he knew more with the knowledge that Brenda was the one who needed help right now. He only wished he knew what to do to help.

Martin got out of the van and was shocked to see Brenda still standing at the door of the building, sobbing. He ran over.

"They- They took my- my- keys!" She sobbed, clutching her forlorn little Boots bag. "I can't even get- get- into my- my- own bloody flat!"

"Brenda, I-" Martin dug out his keys and opened the building door, and when Brenda still stood sobbing, deciding to risk gently laying a hand on her elbow and drawing her into the building.

The door shut and locked behind them, and Martin shepherded the sobbing girl into the kitchen, pulling out a chair for her. She sat slowly, then lowered her head to the table and began sobbing.

Martin had never felt so helpless in his life.

"I, I'm just going- I need to make a phone call. Don't-" he waved a hand in the air. "It's going to- Um. I'll be right back."

Brenda continued sobbing, giving no indication she'd even heard Martin. He took the portable phone into the other room.

"Richardson residence."

"Douglas, I don't know what to do!"

"And yet you're not 30,000 feet in the air. There's a novelty."

"Douglas! This is serious, there's a girl sobbing in the kitchen!"

"Asked her out, did you?"

"Please. It's one of the students, I picked her up from the police station, I'm certain she was attacked last night, and robbed, and god knows what else because she's wearing- I don't know how to help, Douglas! What do I do?"

There was a pause on the other end. "Right. Have you got a kettle?"

"It's student housing, of course we've got a kettle!"

"Put the kettle on. Make tea."

"Tea, right."

"Good lord, Martin, you are really at a loss if you can't even think to make tea for a distraught person."

"Douglas! Please! I want to help. Tea is not going to fix what's wrong here."

"It can't hurt though. Give her a cup of tea with a great deal of sugar in it."

"Fine. Then what?"

"Sit with her. Let her talk, or not talk, whatever suits her. Let her have space to be alone if she wants it, and from the sounds of it, she probably will."

"She- They stole the keys to her room, and the building. She can't even get into her room, Douglas."

"Ah, well that requires a slightly different solution. Make that pot of tea, I'll be there momentarily. You'll want to let her know you have a fr- someone coming to help."

Martin half-smiled at Douglas's self-correction. "Thank you."

-o-

Martin made some tea, set some in front of Brenda, and then hovered, not sure whether to sit or not.

"Um. I, er. There's tea. I've got a someone. I mean he's coming over to help. I don't know how, but he always does. He's an ass but he's safe. I mean okay. I just- god I wish I knew what to do."

Brenda raised her head off the table and pulled off the sunglasses. Her face was red and the bruise around her right eye was livid and swelling, and was matched by a scrape on her forehead that had been hidden mostly by her fringe, and a matching scrape high on her right cheekbone. "I do't doh eider." She pulled the collar of the t-shirt over her face and rubbed at her dripping nose.

Martin grabbed the kitchen roll and thrust it at her, then jumped. "I, oh, I'm sorry, that was probably startling, I just- rather than the shirt-"

Brenda laughed, then winced. "It's fine, Martin, really. Thank you." She pulled off several squares of kitchen roll and set to shredding them.

Martin put a hand on the chair next to her, pulled it out, then after a pause long enough for her to tell him to sod off, sat down. They sat in silence for a while. Brenda sipped the tea and sighed.

"I was stupid," she said.

"What?"

"I took a shortcut past the alley, going home from the club and-" She took another sip of tea.

"You aren't stupid. Believe, me, I know stupid on a deeply personal level, and you are not stupid."

"I was though. It could have been worse. They got my bag, my keys, they beat me up, tore my... I was lucky. If someone hadn't come along before they-" She put the tea down. "I'd really like to take a shower. I need to take a shower, and wear my own clothes, and be safe in my room."

Martin laid his hand on hers. "We'll get you into your room, the landlord must have a spare key-"

"But that's it, though. I can't feel safe. They got my bag. It's got my address, my flat number and my keys."

Martin felt ill. "Oh god."

"They were going to- to- there's nothing stopping them from- from coming here, getting in and- and-"

"Yes there is," Martin said, sitting up straight.

"What?"

"There's me."

Brenda blinked, then began laughing.

"What?"

"I mean. No offense, Martin. I appreciate the offer, but you're about as much of a deterrent as my little sister, and about the same size."

Martin sniffed. "I know a few tricks. I once- um. I received a very personal demonstration from a person classified as a deadly weapon, so, I um.... Well, you're probably right actually."

Brenda smiled weakly at him. "It's okay. I know. And I do appreciate the thought."

Martin smiled back.

-o-

Douglas arrived shortly after. It turned out yet another thing Douglas Richardson was brilliant at was picking cheap locks. He got Brenda's flat door open for her.

"I've also brought this," he said, passing a small box with a dangling cord.

"What is it?"

"It's a travel alarm. I don't use it anymore, and I've just put fresh batteries in. You hang the box off the doorknob, attach this bit to the doorframe. If the door is opened in the night, the cord pulls out this little pin and the box screams to high heaven."

"Oh, that thing."

"Yes, that thing. After the Sao Paulo incident-"

"Yes."

Brenda smiled. "Thanks. That will help a lot. I've got a cricket bat I'll be sleeping with for the next while, I think."

"I think I've also got a more long term solution too," said Martin smugly.

"Oh really?"

"I've talked to the landlord. Your door and the main building door will be getting re-keyed in the morning. Seems he doesn't like the idea of the kind of people who commit assaults having keys to his building any more than you do."

Brenda said, "Oh."

Martin smacked himself in the forehead. "Oh god, I did that wrong didn't I? I didn't say much of anything to him, well, because I don't know much of anything, and of course you could have rung him yourself, but I just thought it might be one less person you'd need to go over it all with, and it seemed like something I could do to help, and-"

"Martin," said Douglas, putting a hand on his captain's shoulder.

"What? I-" he looked at Brenda, who was genuinely trying not to laugh as tears tracked down her face.

"You did well, Martin. Thank you." She opened her arms and hugged Martin. "You were the last person I expected to be answering the phone when I called, but I'm really glad it was you. You've been fantastic."

"I- Oh!" Martin wasn't sure what to do with his hands suddenly, until Douglas pushed at his elbow and tipped his head. Martin wrapped his arms around Brenda. "If there's something, anything more I can do to help..."

"Let me get your shirt wet?" Brenda said, voice thick.

"My what what?"

Brenda started to cry again, burying her face in Martin's shoulder. These weren't the despairing helpless sobs of before, but a release of tension as the girl clung to him.

Martin awkwardly rubbed circles on her back as she cried, mouthing 'Thank you' at Douglas, who tipped his invisible First Officer's cap to his Captain and left.


-o- -o-

Re: FILL: On Rusted Steed He Rode. Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[branwyn]

um. oh, my. that was. um. yes. that was rather um. perfect. rather incredibly lovely, actually, and I'm very touched and grateful and, um. yes.

*re-reads*

Re: FILL: On Rusted Steed He Rode. Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[(Anonymous)]

*hug*

I'm very glad. :)

DEANON AND REPOST Re: FILL: On Rusted Steed He Rode. Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up,

[caffienekitty]

Um. Hi!

I'm the one who wrote this story for you, and I've just tidied it up a little and reposted it today on my Livejournal.

I hope your RL situation has improved since you made the prompt. *hug*

Re: FILL: On Rusted Steed He Rode. Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[(Anonymous)]

Oh Martin, can't you see you're brilliant? And Douglas, your fr-- coming over to help. Loved the last lines. :)

MxDP

Re: FILL: On Rusted Steed He Rode. Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[(Anonymous)]

Thanks! I'm quite new to Cabin Pressure so I'm very glad this turned out all right!

Re: FILL: On Rusted Steed He Rode. Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[random_nexus]

Awwwww, Martin's a good chap. Douglas, you awesome dude.
Lovely work, Anonnynonny! *applauds*

Re: FILL: On Rusted Steed He Rode. Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[(Anonymous)]

Thank you! I'm quite pleased you liked it!

Re: FILL: On Rusted Steed He Rode. Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[(Anonymous)]

OMG! I fell asleep only yesterday craving something like this! And then I found it, perfect timing! :D

*humms in contentment*

Re: FILL: On Rusted Steed He Rode. Re: Martin as the House Grown-Up, with Douglas's assistance

[(Anonymous)]

Glad you found it!