//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

[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?

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

That's right. I...won't do something so stupid again.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

I'm glad. I kept imagining the worst things over and over... I was so afraid, James.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

...

[He pulled Otacon a little closer, hugging him tightly.]

There's nothing to be afraid of. I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere for a while.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

I thought I'd lost you forever...

[He takes comfort in the tight embrace, trying to swallow the lump that seemed to have stuck in his throat.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Just...don't think about it. We were both idiots, and it's over now.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

...I'll try, but it's not that easy.

[Still, he's grateful that he hasn't screwed everything up.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

I know, love. I know.

But we're here now, and we're together. Isn't that all that matters?

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

Yes. You're right, none of it matters now.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Of course I'm right, I'm Liquid Snake. [Smirk.]