//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

[kuklakimou.livejournal.com]

[He was silent for a long moment before sitting up slowly.]

Come here?

[Ivan wants to hug you, Hal. ;_;]

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

...

[He walked over shakily, sitting on the edge of the bed.]

[kuklakimou.livejournal.com]

[Ivan slowly drew him into his arms, hugging him close.]

...whoever this Solidus is, I am grateful to him.

[Closing his eyes, he rubs his back soothingly with one hand.]

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

I was s-so scared, Ivan...I thought I was going to die, that he was g-going to force me to sleep with him, I w-was just so afraid...!

[Otacon buried his face in Raikov's shoulder, trembling again and forcing himself not to break down.]

[kuklakimou.livejournal.com]

That is horrible...

[He held him close, anger bubbling up inside at this man.]

Let it out if you want... it's alright. I won't judge you. I would want to cry too...

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

I don't...I don't want to be so p-pathetic.

[kuklakimou.livejournal.com]

You are not pathetic, Hal. It is normal to react like that after something like this.

[He paused, frowning.]

I have a tranquilizer pistol, if you want it. It might be of use.

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

...[A half-strangled sob left him at that, and he moved a little closer.]

I...I m-might want it, yeah...

[kuklakimou.livejournal.com]

[He cradled the man against him, holding him close protectively.]

I will teach you to use it, if you don't know how. It is alright... you're safe now. Just vent, if you need to.

[Ivan felt rather helpless. He wanted to help, wanted to make it all better for the man - but what could he do?]

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

I just...I d-don't want to be so helpless anymore. But I couldn't--I couldn't hurt someone if my life depended on it. Literally."

[kuklakimou.livejournal.com]

Nobody expects you to. It is good that you feel that way. But tranqs are harmless. Much, much kinder than normal weapons.

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

I know...s-sorry, I'm just scared. Th-that's all. I'll get over it.

[kuklakimou.livejournal.com]

Don't be sorry. It is alright... I just wish I could help.

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

If it's o-okay...I just need somewhere to stay until the lights come back on. I d-don't want to be alone. I won't get in the way or anything, I just...want to be around someone.

[kuklakimou.livejournal.com]

Sh... I do not mind. You may stay with me if you wish.

[He lightly runs a hand through Otacon's hair, running the thick strands between his gloved fingers.]

I would feel happier if you did, after all. I was worried.

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Ivan. [He closed his eyes at the touch, slowly relaxing.]

Sorry for worrying you like that.

[kuklakimou.livejournal.com]

There is no need for apologies. I enjoy your company.

[He was glad Otacon was relaxing, at least. That was comforting.]

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

S-same to you.

[kuklakimou.livejournal.com]

[A startled look flickered across his face and he smiled.]

Thank you, Hal. That means a lot to me.

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

I-it's just the truth. [He pulled back slightly, rubbing at his eyes for a moment--ow, that one still stung.]

Thanks, Ivan.

[kuklakimou.livejournal.com]

[He lightly caught the hand in his own, drawing it back.]

...it hurts?

[Leaning forward, he brushed his lips lightly over the closed eye, the barest of kisses.]

I hope you recover quickly. Seeing you injured is... oddly painful.

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

It'll probably just bruise a little, I'll be--

[He went oddly still as Ivan kissed him,heat rising to his face in a bright scarlet.]

--f-fine...

It's...a little weird for me too. I'm usually not on the battlefield, I've never run into someone like that personally.

[kuklakimou.livejournal.com]

I... have. My apologies... did I disturb you?

[He drew back, looking worried.]

I know people like him. They... concern me.

[otaku-mk-ii.livejournal.com]

No, I was just startled f-for a second. Kind of nice, actually...

I've never seen someone that terrifying. Not even my world's Liquid.

[kuklakimou.livejournal.com]

...that bad? [He hugged him a little tighter at that.] ...I should have been there to help. I'm sorry.