saltyadam | IC CONTACT

[He'll feel the wave of warm affection immediately-- at the thoughtfulness, at him coming home.]

You know where to find me.

[And that's why he regrets nothing about this. That feeling, right there.]

[True to his word, he'll be there soon, fresh tea - magic honey included - in hand. He'd taken a bit of said honey on his own while this was brewing. Enough to ward off a good bit of the aches.]

Bedroom?

[As soon as he sensed Takashi arriving at home he was closing up his book and heading towards the door. He exited the bedroom exactly as Takashi asked.

He made a line directly towards his husband. Pressed a kiss to his cheek.]

Welcome back.

Hey.

[His free hand loops around Adam's waist, pulling him in. Leaning against him. Nope, one cheek smooch will not do it - you must pay the hug toll. Thankfully, metal hands are useful for cradling hot tea in when you want to sink into someone's touch.]

How're you feeling? First time we get the aches, it seems like. [Here's your medicated tea, husband.]

[Another wave of affection, soft and pleased, even as he makes a face.

Even as he leans into it.]

I've had worse.

[He takes the tea, taking a grateful sip. Tea always soothes him, but the honey helps.]

You? And you're not allowed to say fine.

Yeah, so have I. [But if he'd not allowed to say it, then...]

[He uses their position to head to the couch with him. Before either of them flop where they stand.]

Tired. Hands hurt. [They hurt the most out of anything.] I don't think it's as bad as some people are getting it.

[He plops down on the couch besides Takashi, making a thoughtful sound. Placing his tea on the coffee table he gently takes one of Takashi's hands in his, turning it over. Inspecting it.]

Just sore? Tingling? Varian had plants growing out of his hands.

[He inhales a little sharply, when Adam turns his hand over. Grimacing. But the honey is slowly doing its work, dulling the pain, if not the weariness.]

Sore... tense. [If he hadn't gotten that report from Moira back in the dream... it'd be like Before.] No vines.

You?

[This was another one of the benefits of their bond. Even when they were together like this in person it was easier to be honest and open. It felt more natural. Getting this kind of information from Takashi used to be like pulling teeth unless it was something serious.

He gives him an apologetic smile, twining their fingers together loosely.]

Nothing major. I'm glad yours isn't worse. Me without my gardening shears.

No carrots? Or spoons?

[Yeah he is not ever going to let that go. Not even a little bit.]

[Body heat is nice. It's comforting and helpful, right now. He can even close his eyes, leaning into it.]

I'd almost rather take the vines over this, honestly.

A good soldier uses whatever he has available to him when attacked.

[He sniffs. So there.]

It'll pass. Things like that tend to, here.

[He leans back into him, temporarily content. Adam smiles]

You called me. Did you need something or were you just lonely?

It was a carrot...

[So there.]

[He chews at his lip. Yeah, the reason he's here. Besides being close and comfortable.]

Yeah - I didn't want to go off without telling you. There's an exploration to the ruins coming up. Mako's going, so I won't be alone. [There will be a lot of people going, actually, but Mako's probably the most trustworthy in Adam's mind.]

It was that or the paper bag.

[Adam goes rigid.]

What kind of expedition?

[Because as much as he trusted Mako, he also associated him with the same hot-headed 'must save people at the cost of myself' energy that Takashi had.]

[He squeezes their joined hands.]

Just looking. Exploring. That's all I signed up for.

[And now Mako also has a vested interest in getting home in one piece - plus he shouldn't be aching like Shiro is, this month.]

From what we can tell, the trouble in town doesn't reach out that far. It's protected... by deer.

[A couple of deep breaths later, Adam nods and forces himself to relax.]

Alright. Don't go and do anything too--

[Reckless, using yourself as a human shield, always risking yourself like you aren't valuable and important--]

-- you, okay?

[Another squeeze. Steadying, solid. I'm right here.]

I'm not planning on it.

[That's the truth. The absolute truth of it.]

That's - why I wanted to tell you. Before I went. Do better, right?

[He exhales, leans in again. Closes his eyes.

Nods.]

Thank you. For telling me. It's better than just hearing that you've gotten hurt.

[Thank you]

[He leans in too, and wraps an arm around him.]

I know it's not perfect. But... you know I can't resist an exploration. And I'm going to be careful.

[Much as he can be.]