//hello darkness my old friend

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

[Otacon had managed to hit a stroke of good luck around here; things were nice, really nice. Even if he was in a bit of a weird place as far as relationships went, he was happy for the moment.]

[And then the lights went out as he was walking to the kitchen. Now Otacon wasn't exactly afraid of the dark, strictly speaking.]

I...Ivan? Liquid? A...anyone?

[He was afraid of what might have been in it.]

[For breakuliquid and eventually viscous_serpent]

Comments

[viscous-serpent.livejournal.com]

But I did show up. And you're safe. You're a little battered, but you're alive, at least. That's good, Otacon.

[He hugged him protectively.]

As if I could ignore that. People like that disgust me.

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

J...just call me Hal. And st-still...thanks.

[viscous-serpent.livejournal.com]

...Hal, then. [He rubbed his back soothingly.] You're welcome, Hal.

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

W-would you...mind walking back to my room with me? Unless you've got something else to do.

[viscous-serpent.livejournal.com]

Of course I wouldn't. I was about to suggest it.

[Fumbling into his pocket produces a lighter.]

It won't give much light, but it will do.

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

B...better than nothing. [He stood up shakily, picking up his shirt and labcoat.]

I h-hope Liquid doesn't find out about this...

[viscous-serpent.livejournal.com]

I won't tell him. As long as that fool doesn't either, it should be fine.

[Keeping a hand on his uninjured arm, he turns the burner off and leads him towards the door, flicking the lighter on to use as a guiding light.]

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

...geez, h-how am I gonna explain this mess to Ivan when the lights come back on?

[viscous-serpent.livejournal.com]

I don't know who that is, but I would advise you alert him to the situation beforehand. It will be less of a shock.

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

He's my--...really, I don't know, past d-dating him once or twice.

[He looked down at his hand and bandaged broken fingers.]

S-sorry, I guess that communication device will take a little longer now...

[viscous-serpent.livejournal.com]

...your partner? Boyfriend? Something like that?

[He gave him a slight smile, patting him on the shoulder.]

You're such a selfless person, Otacon. Don't worry. He won't mind the delay, I'm sure.

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

...sort of, I guess. K-kind of hard to describe.

Heh--I-I'm not all that selfless. I'm just sorry it's taken this long.

[viscous-serpent.livejournal.com]

...speaking of, your generator probably just saved his life.

[That was lucky. Very lucky.]

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

Wh--o-oh! Geez, do you think he'll be okay? I designed it to work alone on just solar energy, but if something goes wrong...

[viscous-serpent.livejournal.com]

He can survive for a short time if it goes down, but I will go find him once I have escorted you home, if that is alright. I would feel happier knowing he was being watched over.

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

Right, of c-course. I'd feel better knowing that too. If anything happens, just call me.

[viscous-serpent.livejournal.com]

...thank you, Hal.

[The man truly was kind, no matter what he thought. It was odd... how pure this one person was, compared to the rest. Naive... foolish at times... bitterness and sweetness wrapped up in one. He was lucky to know him.]

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

... [Otacon paused, usable hand resting on the door to his room.]

Th...thanks again. I really owe you for this. I m-might ask Ivan if I can stay with him until the lights come back on So if th-there's anything you need from me, just call.

[viscous-serpent.livejournal.com]

I will, Hal. Take care.

[He waits for the man to enter the room before leaving in search of Corpsidus.]

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

Same to you. Be careful.

[He walked in and shut the door, taking a deep breath and sighing. Time to find his extra pair of glasses...]