#pappy patrick

Generation Kill, PappyRudy, T, 2k

It'll be night already in Iraq, wherever they are. Wherever Rudy is. Pappy's tried to fight the 'what-ifs' every time they'd crept up on him (which seemed like all the time), but in this moment, he lets them in. He wonders if everyone is fine, if they got through the next shithole town or went around it. He thinks about the damage to his (no, not his anymore, their) vehicle, if they've tried to fix anything or even had the time to do so. He hopes Rudy doesn't have to go through the rest of the invasion with a bullet hole through the windshield, though he knows the other man would find some bullshit excuse or karmic lesson for why it's a good reminder of fleeting mortality or some other West Coast preachy thing. Pappy wonders if his blood still stains the floorboards of the Humvee. The imagery of it, of Rudy having to clean it off himself, grips something fragile and fluttering in his chest, tightening up around his throat and not letting go. --- For the 2026 @au-roulette prompt, medical/hospital

Fun fact: they are the only ship to win two polls with the same percentage, 58.8% in rounds 2 & 3!

Arguably the ultimate soulmate ship. Another pairing that showcases the relationship between a team leader and his driver, this ship has had no steals so far, but has nonetheless coasted along on popularity alone.

The semifinals will be 3 polls lasting until February 7th. Only 1 ship from each poll bracket will advance. All points will continue to carry into the next round.