//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 just might be going beet red now.]

T-that's not true at all!

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

[And it's kind of adorable.]

Would I lie to you, Hal?

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

O-of course not! Not ever!

[...he's quite sure of that.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Well, then. I would never lie to you and yet I said that. Ergo, it must be true.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

...b-b-but!

[...that's dirty pool.]

...

I'll let you have that one.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

[No, that's logic~]

Of course you will, because I'm right.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[Cheaters logic.]

...Heh. You're definitely good at getting me to agree with you.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

[Liquid fights dirty, remember? <3]

I spent years in espionage. I'm a master at getting people to follow my line of thought and believe what I want them to believe.

Of course, in your case I'm simply being honest.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[And we love him for it. <3]

Don't say that! [He's going scarlet again.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

[Damn right.]

Why? Not used to flattery?

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

Of course I'm not!

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Perhaps you should be. I only give praise where it's deserved, and you deserve it.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[He lifts his gaze slowly, looking into James' eyes. His cheeks are still burning.]

...Thank you, James.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Hm? For what?

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

For saying that.

[Even though he feels certain it's not true, the fact that James thinks it is gives him a good feeling.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

That's not something you ever need to thank me for, Hal.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

...?

[He looks confused.]

What do you mean, James?

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

I'm telling you the truth, that's all. Nothing more.

...besides, it's nothing worth gratitude.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[He doesn't believe that, but he smiles.]

If it bothers you to have me thank you, then I won't.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

It doesn't bother me, it's just unnecessary.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

...then I won't do it.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Fine.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[He gives him a slight smile.]

How are you feeling?

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Fantastic, even if it'll only last three days.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[He smiles.] I'm glad you're feeling alright, even for a little while.