//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]

...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.]

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[He laughs.] Of course, of course. You're almost never wrong.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Almost, hm?

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

You said it yourself. Both of us screwed up. Other than that, you've a perfect record.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Fair enough, I suppose.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[Remembering his tea, he picks it up again, lifting it to his lips despite the fact that it's cold.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

...

[Liquid took a breath and sighed, smiling faintly as he lit a cigarette.]

[...Maybe he secretly wanted a lecture after all this time. He'd never tell.]