//eyes on me

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

[After a room had turned Liquid into a perfectly healthy version of himself that actually looked forty-two rather than death warmed over, his mood had improved considerably. Add that to the fact that he had finally reconciled with his Otacon, and things were definitely looking up for him.]

There should be one around here somewhere.

[So now they were walking through the halls in search of a kitchen--some calm and quiet time between the two of them was long overdue.]

[Locked to vestri_vires]

Comments

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

There are so many rooms in this place. How on earth do you manage to get around without getting lost?

[He looks thoughtful, wishing he still had his computer with him.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Practice and a flawless sense of direction.

[Translation: 'I still get lost.']

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[He hides a smile behind his hand, his eyes dancing with amusement.]

I see~. I shouldn't have expected any less, hm?

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Naturally. I'm still bloody amazing after all these years, aren't I?

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

But of course. You'll never change that much, James. You'll always be "bloody amazing".

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Ah, you flatter me. Knew I kept you around for some reason. [He smirked.] Aside from being smart and looking good.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

Hah, now I know why I'm kept around. Just to swell your ego!

[He smiles to show he's joking.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

My ego hardly needs it.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

You have a right to be proud. You're an incredible person.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

...tch.

[He reached over and took Otacon's hand, smiling.]

So kind of you, Hal.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[He squeezes James's hand slightly in his own, smiling back.]

Telling the truth isn't kindness, James.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Kinder words than I hear from any other.

[He opened a door with his free hand--oh good, this one was actually a kitchen.]

Heh, found it.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

Well, they're idiots, then.

So there's a few of these, huh? That's probably a good thing if there's a lot of people here.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

One on each floor, I think. I'm reasonably sure that's the case, at least.

[He walked in, lightly tugging Otacon along behind him.]

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[Hal hardly needed to be pulled in, but he doesn't protest. It's good just to be here with James like this, after so long.]

So what was it you wanted again? Coffee?

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

I was thinking of making tea or coffee, yes. What would you like, anything?

[That was the funnything about Otacon--no matter what world, he'd probably always have a super solder wrapped around his finger.]

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

Oh, tea's fine with me. No need to go to any trouble.

[And yet Otacon would still constantly wonder why that super soldier bothered hanging around a loser like himself.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

If you insist.

[The fact that he was a hot scientist factored into it just a bit.]

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

I'm fine, James.

[He sits down on one of the chairs, looking thoughtful.]

How do you know if the kitchens are safe?

[Otacon is very glad he's a hot scientist if it keeps James with him.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Well, I'm still standing. So I'm not too concerned.

[It was a lot more than that. The hot scientist bit was just one hell of a perk.]

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[He laughs softly.]

Why am I not surprised to hear that?

[Otacon is also glad for that, too. <3]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

When you've survived as much as I have, just having something not kill or maim you is enough to let it pass as relatively harmless.

[He laughed, working on making two cups of tea.]

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

...I see.

[His mood takes a downturn at that. James really has been through a lot...]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

...It was a joke, Hal. Don't be so miserable.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry.

[Getting up, he approaches James, slipping his arms around his waist from behind and resting his head on James' shoulder.]

All that's in the past, right? So I shouldn't let it get to me.