[b]Buck Bradley - MEC - Farren/Dean/Robert/John/Victoria[/b]

Buck blushed.

Fortunately for him his beard did a good job of hiding his embarrassment.  The "hip bump" from Farren, no matter how small of a gesture, caused him to go sheepish.  "Darlin'," he teased back, "you never got to see that shed remember?  Aw, heck, maybe the company is better here." He wished he could think of more clever things to say.  He had to admit, the desire to put a smile on Farren's face just kept increasing the more time he spent with her.

John's order to accompany Victoria was met with a grin full of gritted teeth.  He didn't know if the man was trying to get under his skin or not with such a direct order, but Buck was willing to play nice.  For now.  He hoped a cooperative attitude would surprise John and maybe help smooth things over from last night, even if it wasn't a formal apology.  "Whatever you say, Bossman," he said in as cheerful a tone as he could manage.  "Don't let it be said that we're not willing to pull our weight."  He looked at Victoria, "After seeing her in action last night I'm sure Red here can protect me out there on the mean streets."  He grinned at the girl widely.

Buck listened to Farren's concerns about him not eating.  Despite wanting to play the tough guy, he had to admit he was starving.  "Would be nice to grab a bite to eat before heading out."  He listened to John's description of their routines and meal plans.  Sounded like they had a pretty good system going here.  He took a seat when the group sat at the table.  John laid out his series of questions and Buck listened as Farren gave her answers.  When she finished and looked at him he continued to cooperate.  "Well, originally I'm from up north.  Maine, originally, close to the Canadian border.  My job is actually what brought me down to these parts.  I am - was - a pro--wrestler.  We were scheduled to do a show down here just before the outbreak."  He paused trying to remember what else John had asked.  "Medical?  Fit as a fiddle besides losing weight from starving most of the time.  Been on my own out here for quite a while now.  No radio, no other way to get news.  Was with some people for a while, they had some military guys with them who were trying to set up a secure location, maybe turn the tide."  He paused, remembering.  "It didn't end well."  That was all he would say about that for now.  No use bringing up painful memories.  "Since then the only people I've run into weren't the sort to give news.  Not the sort I'd want to run with either."  He looked at Farren and smiled.  "'Till last night, anyways."