//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]

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.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

I'll be fine either way.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

Of course. Everything will be alright in the end.

[He hopes.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Even if I don't have long, I just want to spend it with you, Sunny, and Emma. That would be enough for me.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

...

Maybe they'll come here soon.

[He doesn't want to lose James again, dammit... and he has no idea of time stopping in this place.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

...Hal? What's wrong?

[In the massive emotional clusterfuck, he totally forgot about that one detail.]

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

...I'm going to lose you again, that's... what's wrong...

[His arms tighten around James and he buries his face in his neck, not wanting to look at him right now.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Hal-...Hal, it's alright. [He ran a comforting hand along Otacon's shoulders, speaking softly.]

Did I...not tell you?

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

...tell me what?

[His voice is slightly muffled, but it sounds as though he's close to tears again.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

...It doesn't matter here. Time does not operate normally--I have all the time in the world as long as we're in this building.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

...

[!!!!]

...you're... serious?

[He lifts his head to look at James with startled eyes. It's almost more than he can dare to believe.]

I won't lose you... as long as we're here?

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

That's right, love.

[He brushed a hand against Otacon's face, smiling almost serenely.]

I swear it.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[There's tears pricking at his eyes and he turns his head a little to nuzzle into the hand.]

...Then we're staying here forever.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

I certainly intend to stay as long as I can.

[Liquid stroked his thumb lightly over the engineer's face, wrapping his other arm around his waist.]

Now that you're here, I have no reason to leave.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

Sunny and Emma will probably come here soon. Even if they don't, as long as time is frozen out there, they'll be alright... right?

[He presses a light kiss against Liquid's thumb, smiling.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Of course, Hal. You didn't even realize I'd been gone for so long, they won't either.

[He leaned close and kissed Otacon, pulling back after a moment with a small smile.]

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[Closing his eyes he relished the kiss, kissing him back contentedly. When Liquid drew back he returned the smile.]

No matter how strange this place is, I'm glad I came here if it means we can stay together. I was so afraid of losing you...

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

There's no need to be afraid, Hal. I'm here, and I won't leave you. I'll protect you just as I always have.