//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]

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.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[Hearing those words makes him much happier. At least in this place James can't die, right? So they'll be alright... or at least he hopes so. He hopes his 'curse' never comes into play here.]

I'll hold you to that, you know.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

I would expect nothing less.

You know, there are actually some very nice restaurants around here. [Smirk.] Perhaps I could interest you in a date sometime soon.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[His expression brightens a little. A date? An actual date date? That was something they'd never really had the chance to do, with being on the run all the time.]

That sounds great, James!

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

It would be my distinct honor.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

I would love to go on a date with you sometime.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Excellent.

...Oh, there is one more thing.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

...?

What is it, James?

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

Close your eyes for a moment. Call it a surprise of sorts.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

...?

[He looks confused but obediently shuts his eyes.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

[Hesitating a moment, Liquid slipped off the dogtags he wore even now--the one thing that had always been there, identifying him as a soldier. He didn't remember when exactly he'd first put them on, but they had never been taken off until that moment.]

[The blond stared at the small metal object in his hand for a moment--they had meant so much to him for so many years. His identity as Liquid Snake, condensed into a simple physical form.]

...here.

[He slipped them around Otacon's neck, pressing a kiss to his forehead.]

I don't need these anymore. I...would like you to hold onto them.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[!!!]

[He opened his eyes, looking at James in surprise. Lifting a hand, he touches the dogtags lightly. There's an amazed look on his face.]

James...

[Otacon knows exactly how special this moment is. After all this time, he's well aware of what the dogtags meant to James. There's something almost ritualistic in this.]

I'll take good care of them.

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

I know you will, love. That's why I'm giving them to you.

I don't need to be Liquid Snake any longer--wearing them doesn't feel quite right now.

[vestri-vires.livejournal.com]

[Before he thinks, he moves, embracing James tightly. He can't think of anything to say to this, so he simply hugs him close.]

[worlds-serpent.livejournal.com]

...!

[He wrapped his arms around Otacon's shoulders, looking confused]

Hal? What...