(Untitled)

[eureka_bell]

It's a proven scientific fact: jetpacks with windshields look dumb. So in the interests of not actually being crushed by the air resistance, or choking on any unsuspecting bugs, Steve programmed a top speed into his fairly early on in its trial runs. Thus it is that he does not enter the airspace of the Cooper household at a thousand miles an hour

Comments

[clockwork_son]

"...Stephen?"

Gabriel hurries over from the entryway of the earth bunker, radiating concern.

"What's wrong?"

TELL HIM SO HE CAN FIX IT WITH CUDDLES.

[eureka_bell]

Did no-one ever warn Gabriel not to surprise a guy who's paranoid about seeing someone who's basically your clone?

...That sentence was ugly and ungainly, but it explains the momentary flash of horror that's quickly overtaken by quite indescribable quantities of relief.

"Gabriel!"

You haven't been killed by a freaky other-you! This is wonderful. HAVE A STEVE.

[clockwork_son]

"Steve, what-- oof!"

Sudden glompings! Unexpected but welcome. He wraps his arms around the shorter man and snuggles for all he's worth, then releases him, pulling back a little to look him in the eye.

"C'mon." Hands on Stephen's shoulders. "What happened?"

[eureka_bell]

If he had to admit it, one specific scary event failed to really happen, but it's a rare veteran who won't tell you that a buildup of unreleased dread isn't just as bad. Only violin strings should feel this tense.

No point making a song and dance out of it. "Your double," he says, with a remarkable attempt at calmness. "I think it's the one you were warned about." ('Mistaken for' would be more accurate, but no need to bring that up now.)