//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]

[He wants to grab him, shake him, yell at him that he's wrong, that he's wonderful, he's perfect, or at least as close as this flawed world can produce... but he can't. All he can do is hold him close and whisper into his ear.]

Yes... you are.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

[He smiled faintly at that, running a hand through Otacon's hair affectionately.]

Such kind words as always...nice to hear even if they aren't true.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[He closes his eyes again at the hand, shaking slightly against James.]

They are true. You're perfect.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

...Don't be so upset, my love. I'm as far from perfect as one can get.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

...

I will never, ever accept that. You are perfect to me.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Hal...

[He put one hand under Otacon's chin, guiding him to look up and pulling him into a slow, gentle kiss.]

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[Hal looks startled at the unexpected kiss, but he's pleased by it. James' lips are soft and warm against his own and he kisses him back gently.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

[He broke it off after a moment, smiling sincerely. It had been far, far too long since he'd done that.]

I love you. You mean absolutely everything to me, Hal.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[He smiles back, just as sincerely. It has been far too long. He's missed that as well.]

I love you too, James. You're the most important person in my life.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Heh...I'll consider that a distinct honor.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

Heh... There's nobody like you, James.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Of course not.

[Such a nice smile his Otacon had. Liquid pressed a light kiss to the engineer's head, smiling just a little himself.]

I'm brilliant, remember?

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[That's better. He smiles a little more at that.]

Of course you are.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

[Liquid didn't speak again for a moment or two, thinking over this situation--it had been strange, being stuck here. And 'strange' was putting it very lightly.]

I...was homesick not long ago, you know. Can you imagine that? It's never happened before--I never really thought I had a home to miss. I didn't even understand what I was feeling.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[The idea of James being homesick is almost laughable, but he thinks he understands at least a little.]

You do have a home. It's with us. It doesn't matter where we live, or what we're doing... we can make our home wherever we are as long as we're together. That's what homesickness is... when you miss what's familiar, what's comforting.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

...yes, you're right.

I've...never had something like that before.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

Well, you do now! Better get used to it.

[He gives James a smile.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

[He was silent for amoment or two...]

[...then started laughing.]

Y...yes, I think I should.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

Hm? What's so funny?

[He grins at the man, pleased to see him so happy.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Nothing, Hal. I...suppose I'm just happy.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

Really? It's good to see you happy.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

It's a bit of a strange feeling now, to be honest.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[He smiles more, cuddling into James without thinking about it.]

I'm not surprised it feels strange... but it feels good, right?

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

...yes, it is.

Hal, I'm...sorry I was so foolish, leaving for Arlington without saying anything.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

...It's alright. I was really, really worried about you, but... it's over now, right?