//loving heart lost in the dark

[otaku_mk_ii]

[Otacon didn't sleep well. That much had been true since college, back in the days when he had far less to worry about and a little less to hate himself for. When he worked, the engineer forgot about eating and sleeping altogether until he was finished; overall, he got by reasonably well as an insomniac

Comments

[kuklakimou]

[The flickering light from under the door caught his attention as he slept, making him stir and awaken. He frowned lightly, awkwardly sitting up. Ivan had chosen to sleep on the couch earlier, rather than his chair, hoping it would ease the strain on his back. It had worked, but only a little - he was still in considerable pain. He fumbled blindly in his bag for his painkillers, downing a couple and waiting a moment before carefully struggling to his feet.

Ivan could walk at least short distances without his chair, thankfully. It was agony, every step sending bolts of pain through him, but he could do it. He regularly tried it when he was alone, biting back groans and cries of agony. Each time, he found he could manage a little further. A little more.

Slowly, painfully, he headed to Otacon's door, ignoring the chair, and knocked.]

May I come in?

[otaku_mk_ii]

H-huh? [His shoulders went rigid for a moment, startled at the voice.]

Oh...y-yeah, of course.

[kuklakimou]

[He opens the door slowly, using the door frame as support and trying not to show that he's in pain.]

Trouble sleeping, Hal?

[otaku_mk_ii]

Uh...yeah. S-sorry if I woke you up, I don't usually sleep much.

...you should sit down. I really don't want you pushing yourself.

[kuklakimou]

If I keep "pushing myself" I may regain the use of my legs in the future. Besides, my legs need exercise.

[He doesn't mention that he might make it worse by overdoing it. Instead, he awkwardly crosses the room to sit beside Otacon.]

It is fine. I was simply concerned.

[otaku_mk_ii]

Still, I'd hate to see you hurt yourself.

[He sighed, setting the laptop aside.]

I'm okay. You d-don't need to worry about me.

[KEYWORDS]

[kuklakimou]

Regardless, I worry. Are you in pain?

[He glanced over at the laptop but didn't comment.]

[otaku_mk_ii]

...a-a little, but I'll be okay.

[kuklakimou]

I have painkillers, if you need them.

[otaku_mk_ii]

N-no, I'm alright.

[kuklakimou]

Are you sure? I am worried about you.

[otaku_mk_ii]

Please--you d-don't have to be. I'm fine.

[kuklakimou]

...alright. If you are sure.

[He looked thoughtful.]

Hal. That Liquid. Have you know him long?

[otaku_mk_ii]

Just for a while since I've been here, that's all. Wh-why?

[kuklakimou]

He seems... fond of you. That's all. I was simply curious.

[otaku_mk_ii]

...I think he's in love with me. But I mean...n-not just me. With Otacon--any of us, probably. I d-don't understand why, honestly.