icarusalsoflew | eudio

[ There are dark thoughts crossing his mind, quick and brutal. Institutions existed for a reason, yes, but they could also be troublesome and hardly trustworthy.

He knows what it's like, being monitored, being hunted. To hear of the experiences of those he cares about always gets him a little angry.

But now is not the time, and they are safe here. That's what matters, for now. So he'll remain quiet and attentive, keen on listening to everything that Bruce has - or needs - to say. ]

[Bruce appreciates that Hikaru is willing to listen. He's still not really used to talking about himself or his experiences, and sometimes it shows.]

I lost control on the Helicarrier --sort of a giant aircraft with cloaking capabilities-- and hurt a lot of people, under Loki's influence. But I didn't run away that time. I went to where I knew I was needed, to the team, even in my disoriented state. Losing control like that does a number on my sense of self. But I knew that I had to help people.

[This is how much he still cares, is what he's trying to say.]

From what I know about you and what I know about your team, I can say that you've been doing the best that you can at that.

[ He gives Bruce's shoulder's a squeeze. ]

Your heart's in the right place. That counts for something, right along with all of your effort.

[Bruce's smile widens when Hikaru squeezes his shoulders. The years he spent alone, on the run, and even the past couple of years in Manhattan, trying not to get too close to anyone, have made him crave this kind of affection in ways he doesn't even consciously realize.]

I'll take your word for it. [there's a pause] Not because I'm just saying that, but because you understand it, probably better than I do.

[He sighs, shifting a little against Hikaru, but only to get slightly more comfortable.] I almost feel like I could go back to sleep, but I'm not sure I want to try.

I just know what I know.

[ On that last bit, though... ]

Would you like me to stay and keep you company?

[ He had offered before. That has never changed. ]

I...if you're sure, I know it's late...

[He takes a deep breath, then glances up at him.] I want you to stay.

[Saying what he wants like that, requesting this kind of help from people directly is difficult for him, but he's making an effort.]

That's all I needed to hear.

[ For that, he's planting a quick kiss on Bruce's forehead right before he's straightening up. ]

Let me call Josh, okay? Or leave him a message.

[Hikaru might notice a light blush for that kiss, even as simple and quick as it was. He's nodding though, in response.] Please do, I wouldn't want him to worry about you. ...Will he be okay with this? You staying, I mean.

[As much as he wants him to be there, he would say no if he thought the idea would make Josh uncomfortable.]

Edited (a bracket escaped) 2015-08-12 10:51 (UTC)

[ Blinking back at Bruce a moment, and then smiling right as he's standing up. ]

Don't worry. He and I talked about this sort of thing. Besides, you're a friend to us both, and knowing him he'll be as worried about you as I am.

[Bruce gives him a small smile in return and nods, standing up himself.] All right. I'm going to go change, because I actually do own pajamas that I should probably use if I'm going to try to get a decent amount of sleep. Do you want to borrow some?

I'd like that, actually.

[ He's pleased at the fact that you offered. And here he was, all ready to rough it out with a blanket and no shirt...

Firing off that message to Josh now. ]

Would it be okay if I used your shower?

[He shakes his head.] I don't mind at all. There should be an extra towel in the closet by the bathroom. I'll be in my room, just shout if you need anything.

[And with that he takes another sip of his chai, and heads off to said room. He changes into a pair of light grey plaid pj pants and a dark purple t-shirt, setting aside some options for Hikaru, including an outfit for when he wakes up. Then he sprawls onto his bed with a book, thoroughly engrossed in it by the time Hikaru is done showering.]

[ The only reason why he takes long ("long" being a little under fifteen minutes) is because he was giving himself a once over after that shower, making sure that there weren't any visible wounds and that he had healed himself up properly. He wasn't sleeping with his usual company tonight, so.

Stepping out, then shaking his head in amusement when he sees what the other man's doing. He's totally at home with the fact that he's half-naked in another guy's apartment, but hey: Bruce isn't just any guy. They're friends. ]

Is this my cue to confiscate that book?

[ Teasing as he pads over. Fun fact: he's got a hell lot of ink on him. A Chinese dragon wrapped around his left arm, thorns, blades and roses on the right. His back's got a full Japanese montage of a lake at full moon, with a wolf resting among flowers beside it. There's a kitsune on his belly, also at rest among similar flowers. ]

No confiscation necessary, officer. [Have some light teasing in return, though he is setting his book aside and removing his glasses. Mostly because there is something far more interesting to study. His eyes follow Hikaru's tattoos, and he tries to tell himself that's the only reason he's looking him over.]

There's a few options for you on the chair over there, including something for tomorrow. I ah...I actually have an outfit of Josh's too, if you'd rather have that. I need to return it to him.

Thanks. I'll take care of giving them back to him tomorrow.

[ And after a quick glance he's picking something of Bruce's out, then heading back to the bathroom. There might be a split second of butt right before the door clicks shut.

Totally not deliberate, okay. He's just really comfortable with you. ]

[Bruce is grateful Hikaru is changing in the bathroom, because he's pretty sure even with only that split second view that his face is on fire. If he didn't have full control of himself, he might have hulked out from sheer embarrassment. Hopefully it won't be as obvious by the time his friend returns.

Bruce shifts to get under his light blankets, which is something he hasn't done in awhile, if the lack of wrinkles is any indication. It does feel nice to rest his head against his pillows, and his eyelids are drooping already.]

[ He doesn't take too long in there, and Bruce is getting another smile when Hikaru comes out. The younger professor sits right by the edge of the bed, toweling his hair dry. ]

Be with you in a second.

[ What he means to say is: he isn't leaving, everything was going to be okay, he can rest easy for tonight. ]

[Seeing Hikaru dressed in his clothes, toweling off his damp hair like that...he can't help but give him a warm, appreciative look. He doesn't quite fall asleep yet though, despite Hikaru's reassurance. There's still a lingering edge of anxiety in his mind; maybe this won't work, maybe Hikaru will even regret his offer, if he actually has to deal with his nightmares.]

[ He notices that immediately, but doesn't act on it until that towel is neatly folded and set to one side, and until he's about to lie down.

Ruffling your hair, Bruce, and beaming as if you're the younger one between them. ]

Good night.

[That gesture does make him relax, and he smiles as his eyes finally close.]

Good night, Hikaru. [It comes out as a sleepy mumble, and it's not long before he's fully asleep again. A calm, dreamless sleep that lasts for about eight hours, which might have something to do with the fact that he's pressed up against him as much as he can be, arm draped over him and holding him close.

Hope you wanted to sleep til noon, Hikaru.]

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