75 Godiva Street, Monday morning

[vdistinctive]

Eliot didn't sleep nearly as much as Parker and Hardison did, so he was pretty used to being up before they were, getting coffee ready and sorting through his fridge for what to make for breakfast. He'd've been perfectly happy to stay in bed and just stare at his partners and make sure they were still there, but whatever the aliens had been using

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[spin_kick_snap]

Kathy had 100% needed Val last night. Flick hadn't been in the room at all and spending a night in a completely empty room would have been unbearable. She probably would have ended up crashing on a common room or hitting up one of her friends with a single, just to have someone else there. But Val was the best of all possible companions--she hadn't complained when Kathy had cried, just given her puppy kisses until her tears dried. She'd also been warm and happy to cuddle, just pleased to be with a familiar person and given all the pets and attention she could handle

[vdistinctive]

Eliot looked up, and his heart rate leaped when he saw Kathy silhouetted in the doorway. Jesus, this kid was going to be the death of him.

He didn't do more than stiffen momentarily as an outward sign -- he was far too used to these sorts of moments -- and headed over to open the door. "Hey." He smiled and gestured for Kathy to come in. Val was already bounding into the kitchen to sniff at absolutely everything. "You doing alright?"

[spin_kick_snap]

"Hi," Kathy said, giving him another small smile and following Val in. "I hope you don't mind that I didn't bring her over right away last night. Once I got back to my dorm, I was pretty much done in."

She thought about giving Eliot a bright smile and assuring him she was fine, but she was pretty sure he'd see right through that. So instead she skipped around the question and hoped he wouldn't notice--or that her non-answer was answer enough.

How did you say, I dunno, I died but it's hardly been the first time or Well, it wasn't really real, so I feel stupid for letting it bother me?

#JustFandomQuestions

[vdistinctive]

"I figured," Eliot said, crouching down to give the puppy a thorough welcoming rub-down. "Val was probably just as happy with whatever familiar face she could get." And having a puppy around to interrupt what he and the others had gotten up to last night could have been . . . awkward. "You want something to drink? I could get some tea going."

Not whisky. Eliot would not be facilitating that again.

And yeah, he noticed her lack of answer. And was willing to respect her dodge for the moment.

[age_of_the_geek]

Hearing voices in the kitchen, Hardison made sure to put boxers on before padding out of the bedroom. It might be Eliot talking to himself, or Val, or a random vampire who'd crashed in his attic for all he knew. "Hey," he said, coming out to press a kiss to the back of Eliot's neck. "Whatcha makin'?"

[vdistinctive]

Mmmm. Eliot could absolutely get used to that kind of morning greeting. He leaned back a little against Hardison's chest. "Hashbrowns, bacon, french toast, maybe some sausages. . . ." Everything, Hardison. He was making everything. "And maybe some fruit to balance it all out."

[age_of_the_geek]

"Yeah, well, what are you and Parker s'posed to eat?" he teased, wrapping his arms around Eliot's waist. He debated tucking Eliot's head under his chin, but decided he didn't want to turn this into an argument quite yet. "I was gonna throw a hissy when I woke up an' saw you'd abandoned the bed, but smellin' all this means you're forgiven."

Also, he'd noticed the comms and smiled, understanding perfectly.

[vdistinctive]

Trying to tuck Eliot's head under his chin would get Hardison grumpily and very gently headbutted. No one wanted that first thing.

"Well, you know. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't make sure everyone kept their strength up?" He held up his hand before Hardison could respond. "Don't get excited. I'm just tryin' it out."