Plan [27] : [hungry, tired and alone] [action post]

[nowarstowin]

[It takes a lot of energy for Caesar to get out of bed -- he'd come home after the ... incident at the clinic, and gone straight to bed. He has no idea how long he's been sleeping, only that his throat is dry as Caleria and he feels like hell and he's still rather tired, overwhelmed by the events of the last few weeks finally catching up with him

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[kudaran314]

[It's been two long weeks. Aya has a big black hole in middle, remembering only pain and then nothing, until he woke up in the forest again, half blind and momentarily incoherent. It's a small blessing there was no-one around at that time, it could have lead into more bodies.

He's in the kitchen when Caesar comes in, making tea. Last night he said nothing when the strategist crawled back from his foolish expedition to see Itsuki. He fell asleep on the couch while trying to arrange his thoughts, now his neck his hurting like hell.

Not as much as Caesar seems to be hurting right now, though. Aya frowns as he observes Caesar inching towards the kitchen. The kettle is forgotten to the counter, unfilled, as he walks to the smaller redhead.] Hey, need a hand there? {he asks softly.]

[nowarstowin]

[Caesar stiffens at the sound of Aya's voice, startled by the older man's presence. Despite the gentle concern in that low tone, he can't help the wash of anger he feels in response, accompanied by the memory of that last swirl of helplessness and despair he'd felt just before those feelings had been brutally snuffed out, buried under a reflexive, icy calm. Somewhere in there is a sense of relief so intense it nearly staggers him.

For a moment, he doesn't trust himself to speak, leaning a bit more heavily against the wall for support as he takes deep, calming breaths as he studies the floor. He can't bring himself to face Aya, not yet, not with his mind in so much turmoil.]

I was wondering when you'd show yourself.

[Due to the dryness of his throat and his overall grogginess, it sounds a lot more rough and growly than he means it.]

[kudaran314]

[There's little hesitance in Aya's voice or movements when he reaches for Caesar, shifting close to him to wrap and arm around his middle.]Here, lean on me, [he says quietly.]

[He's silent for a brief moment, thinking perhaps. There's no emotional turmoil as far as he's concerned. He has missed Caesar, and that's all, really. He is a bit angry of the strategist's decision to go see Itsuki last night, but it's a matter for different times.]

I've been here, [he says softly, if a little stubbornly.] You've been busy.

[nowarstowin]

[Caesar's too tired to protest -- not that he particularly wants to. Aya is safe and familiar and Caesar is grateful for his presence, no matter how angry he is. He makes a small noise as he turns into that half embrace, burying his face against Aya's shirtfront, a very definite tremble in the arms that curl around Aya's waist. For the moment, despite the hurt and anger, he's simply relieved that Aya is alive and well again.]

I thought as much. [He's mumbling the words against Aya's chest, not being completely clear but he doesn't really care.] Sena came back with your sword; I cleaned it and put it away. Some time later, it was gone.

Why did you stay away so long?

[kudaran314]

[Lifting an arm over Caesar's shoulder to his back, creating a loose circle of arms around the willowy frame, Aya lets his chin tilt down, nose burying into messy, crimson locks for a moment, cheek sliding against high temple. There is little to say that would describe the way this felt, the little touches say everything.]

Thanks. [He mutters beside Caesar's ear, smiling a bit.] For taking care of him.

[He frowns a bit at Caesar's question, wanting to just shrug it off.] Practicalities. What would you have done if I had been here yesterday?

[1/2]

[nowarstowin]

[Caesar simply holds tighter; if he were stronger, it might have hurt.] He was in shock. Even if I didn't know who he was ... I couldn't have left him out there.

[His fingers clench into the fabric of Aya's shirt.] I wouldn't have worried so much. So much was happening, I--

[2/2]

[nowarstowin]

[At this point, he looks up to finally face Aya for the first time in weeks. This is wrong. There's a strange look in Aya's visible eye, the other covered by a length of dark fabric, and immediately his hand is drawn towards that side of Aya's face, gently sliding up his neck, pausing at the jawline. When he speaks again, his voice is small, a little afraid. Green eyes question violet curiously.] Ran ...?

[kudaran314]

[The instant reaction is to flinch, jump a little; blind side is obviously a weak spot for the assassin. The expression in Aya's eyes turns first a little surprised, then sad, a frown appearing, lacking any malice that could be poured into the gesture. He turns his head, hiding the injured eye by giving Caesar a vision of his cheek, and a glimmer of violet from the corner of his eye.]

Hn...

[nowarstowin]

[Caesar's jaw tightens a little at the flinch, but he keeps it resting there, loosely cupped along Aya's jaw even when Aya turns away. He's pretty sure he knows what the assassin is hiding, and the thought breaks his heart. The look he returns this time is sad, sympathetic even though there's a hint of steel behind that. He leans up on his toes, moving his other arm to curl around Aya's neck, drawing him in as close as Aya will let him.]

[kudaran314]

[Aya has no objections to be reeled in. His arms sliding down to loop around Caesar's waist, he returns the embrace warmly. It's not that he's worried about Caesar, or the situation even. It's his nature and long training that repulses the idea of not seeing, being weak.]

[nowarstowin]

[Caesar's grateful for that. He presses his face against Aya's neck, breathing in deeply, fingers slowly stirring to life to rub gentle circles against Aya's cheek -- almost like soothing a frightened animal. After a moment, he lifts his head just enough to press a kiss to the underside of Aya's chin.] You fool.

[kudaran314]

[Tilting his face against Caesar's, Aya snorts softly. He could return the sentiment fully, but shall keep his mouth for now. First things first, which means giving a little, gentle kiss on Caesar's temple.] I was making tea...

[nowarstowin]

[Caesar doesn't want to go anywhere. Aya feels warm and good and he thinks it's about time he got the opportunity to make up for weeks of not having Aya around. To that effect, he doesn't let Aya go at all.] So you were.

[kudaran314]

[Aya snorts softly. Obviously his task is now postponed. Not that he minds that much. He tightens his hold around Caesar's waist, pulling him close and inhales his warm scent slowly.]

[nowarstowin]

[Caesar would probably just go to sleep there if he could. But he can't, and he's still pretty tired, and is momentarily torn between finding a place to rest and holding on until he falls over. Reluctantly, he lets common sense override more personal desires, and pulls away to look up at Aya again. It's hard not to stare at the left side of his face, but Caesar does a pretty good job of it.]

I need to ... sit down a minute. Still a little out of it, it seems.

[kudaran314]

Yes. [Aya says softly, his voice colored with amusement.]

Why don't you sit down for a while, [he says softly while hauling Caesar towards the kitchen table with arms still wrapped around him, taking careful backward steps. ] I'll make you some breakfast.