fissionmailed | So.. I guess we should have that talk..

*staring at Otacon in disbelief- disbelief, surprise, and something else unidentifiable*

I've been-

I-

*sighs*

...That's what I want too.

[Just stands there. He doesn't turn or look at them.]

Then... we have a problem.

Well, then- [pushes up his glasses] -obviously, we need a solution..

*still seems a little off-balance from Otacon taking such a quick stand*

But-

*takes a deep breath, steadying himself*

Otacon, I've been trying to make him forget you since the day we met here. Regardless of knowing how much you mean to him- how much he means to you. I'm the one intruding, and so I'm the one who's going to step out.

So there's no problem.

No, Jack.

There is still a problem. Because what makes me happy...

[turns back around and crosses his arms.]

...is both of you happy.

[takes all this in, and sighs. He pulls off his glasses, and rubs his forehead]

We're.. not getting anywhere, not really..

*crosses his arms, then turns to Otacon*

There's one way to solve this easily.

*an unreadable look on his face* I already said it. I'm stepping out. I'm leaving David to you.

...

[Shakes his head.]

That isn't how it works and you know it.

[He heads for the door. This really is getting no where. He can only take so much.]

[takes a step towards him] Walking away isn't going to solve anything either, Dave.

But I don't-

[sighs] I don't know. All I know is that I want you to be happy, but, barring polygamy- I don't know how this would work.

*shifts a little on his heels, voice growing harsher in frustration*

Is there a reason no one is listening to me?

Your solution won't make you happy, Jack. It won't make me happy either.

[Blunt Snake is blunt.]

But it's the only solution that's going to work.

*uncrosses his arms*

Look. When it comes right down to it... I can't compete. *starts counting on his fingers* He's the one you've been carrying the torch for. He's from your time, approximately. He can have sex with you.

And... *hesitates a moment, glancing over at Otacon* I want you to be happy too, you know.

[covers his face and lets out a long sigh.]

[It takes a great force of will not to blurt out a couple things.]

[Even stronger force to not do something foolish.]

[He goes back to where he was sitting and puts his head in his hands.]

[He mumbles something into his hands.]

But Raiden- Jack. This isn't a competition! And I know what you're saying, but.. it's not something that's just going to be solved by one of us going away.

[He obviously doesn't know what's running through Snake's head, so he sits down next to him and rubs his back]

Take it easy. It's just.. a complicated thing, that's all.

*turns his back, unable to keep a neutral face anymore* *squeezes his eyes closed, trying to breathe normally*

*unable to keep his voice from shaking* Well- there's nothing else to do. I can't think of anything else. I'm sick of trying.

[Snake is officially tired of talking and reasoning and... talking.]

[He pats Otacon's knee once before getting up.]

Stop trying.

[He grabs Raiden's shoulders and turns him back around. Like it or not, Snake moves in to kiss him deeply. It seems like the only rational thing to do.]

*staggers a little, but doesn't move away* *in fact, kisses him back almost desperately, reaching up to grasp his face in metal fingers*

[Takes this as a good time to bow out gracefully, such as it is]

[Slowly stands, trying not to draw attention to himself, and heads for the door]

[He really really wants to continue this kiss but he senses movement.]

[He reluctantly pulls away from it to turn his head.]

Hal. You don't need to leave.

[He reaches out a hand to him.]

[Takes his hand, but doesn't move closer]

I don't need to, Dave.

I have to.

Go ahead, Dave. [Motions towards Jack] Don't leave him waiting any more for you.

I'll be fine.
[He's smiling, but it's probably the biggest lie he's ever told anyone, especially himself]

[Pulls his hand slowly away, and turns, leaving]

*stares after him, then looks down to the floor, a pensive look on his face*

...David. I-

I need to ask you something.

[Snake does not seem willing to let go of Otacon's hand. If he really wants to leave, he'll really have to pull his hand away.]

[He gives Otacon a look that says he knows he lying. But he doesn't do anything else to stop him...not right now anyway.]

[His attention is back on Raiden shortly after. His expression changes into a faintly frightened look.]

Jack..?

[He leans in closer to him.] What is it...?

*hesitates suddenly, glancing after Otacon, then looks back up at him, setting the part of helmet that mocks a jaw hard*

You want to be with us both. Right?

...yeah.

[frowns slightly]

Doubt I'll get it that way though.

[He glances downward and contemplates giving up on relationships again. That worked out great last time.]

*looks down too, for a moment, as though he can't believe he's saying this*

Does that mean you're willing to share, too?

[Dense Snake has caught some of the confused. He think he knows what's being suggested but he has no idea for sure.]

Uh... that is the implication, yes.

*crosses his arms*

That's the implication, yes. *looks more than a little tense* But is that the truth? Are you willing to share Otacon? Or me?

[Snake does have to pause for a second to think about that.]

[He runs a few scenarios through his head. The likely ones he would be sharing with.]

[There's an intake of breath then he nods.]

Yes. I would.

*one sharp nod*

*lifts a hand and lays it briefly against Snake's chest*

I'm not going to make you a promise. But... give me some time. With him.

[He nods slowly, glancing down to his hand on his chest. He brings his own hand up over it and squeezes.. regardless if he can feel it or not.]

Alright...

[He slowly steps away. He glances between them for a second then moves to the door.] You... know where to find me.

[For his part, Otacon had been sitting outside the door on the ground. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed]

jeez.. what a mess, huh?

[He hadn't heard any of the conversation between Jack and David, and he didn't want to pry, but- well, no matter what, Hal was always going to be his friend. Their friend.]

?

[Looks up] Huh...?

So.. I guess we should have that talk..

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