[ ...Drake doesn't think he's that bad, either. He's trying. And in Kyna's defense, very attractive. He isn't stupid enough to say any of these things. Just gets the last of Ephemera's armor off and sits at his hip, shrugging. ]
[ They've known each other a week, Drake thinks to himself. It can't be that serious. And Washington had left out some key details... he wonders if that'll change anything between them. ]
It's done. Not the best introduction, but a first impression isn't always everything. [ His mouth quirks a little. ] You threatened to shoot me the first time we met. Look where we are, huh?
[ He reaches out and pushes Ephemera's bangs out of his face, looking vaguely worried. Probably, there's nothing he can do and Ephemera's just gotta sleep it off. But Drake doesn't really want to leave him. ]
[Ephemera hesitates. Drake has already done so much for him. Came over in the middle of the night because of a nightmare. Stepped in between Ephemera and Washington with no guarantee it would end well. He's dealt with a lot of shit. A lot of it - probably too much - was because of stuff Ephemera did.
[Ephemera feels his shoulders drop. The relief is sudden and heavy. It shouldn't mean this much. He's used to being alone. Working out his shit on his own.
Only now, he's had Drake acting as a focus point. They've held hands. Held each other in the aftermath more than once.
The thought of losing that hurts more than it has any right to.
Ephemera nods just once and lies down on his side. Hesitantly, he offers out a hand to Drake.
It'll be all right if they just. Hold each other. Won't it?]
His boots are already off so when Ephemera reaches out Drake just goes, takes his hand and lies down facing him, close enough to share the same pillow. Not that he has to, there's a dozen of them in the bed, but. He does it anyway, staying close so that Ephemera can press their foreheads together again, if he wants.
It doesn't have to be a big deal. Right? They can just get some more sleep, since last night's sucked. ]
[Ephemera shifts a little, so he can touch his forehead to Drake's. Close his eyes and just listen to him breathe. The closeness feels like everything and unlike before, he's not afraid. It's safe. They're both okay and he can close his eyes like this and just here Drake breathing.
It's okay.
Quietly, he takes Drake's hand. Links their fingers together.]
[ Doomed. He's doomed. Their fingers tangle and Drake gives a little squeeze, meant to be encouraging. He shoves his other hand under the pillow so it doesn't wander, doesn't wind up in Ephemera's hair or on his cheek. ]
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Yeah. I stand by it. She has shitty taste.
[Because Washington, of all people.]
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Maybe it won't last.
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He. Cares about her.
[It hurts to admit that. But he's supposed to be honest now.]
I shouldn't have said that to her.
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It's done. Not the best introduction, but a first impression isn't always everything.
[ His mouth quirks a little. ] You threatened to shoot me the first time we met. Look where we are, huh?
Fix it by doing better next time.
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Yeah.
[Do better next time. It's fair. Ephemera knows that.]
I will.
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[ He reaches out and pushes Ephemera's bangs out of his face, looking vaguely worried. Probably, there's nothing he can do and Ephemera's just gotta sleep it off. But Drake doesn't really want to leave him. ]
...can I get you anything?
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I'll be all right. Promise.
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[ He was only leaving to get his gear so they could spar, after all. He doesn't actually have to go anywhere. ]
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But he's here.]
Can you?
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[ He reels his hand back in, considers whether he should go back to the couch or just claim the other side of the bed. ]
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Only now, he's had Drake acting as a focus point. They've held hands. Held each other in the aftermath more than once.
The thought of losing that hurts more than it has any right to.
Ephemera nods just once and lies down on his side. Hesitantly, he offers out a hand to Drake.
It'll be all right if they just. Hold each other. Won't it?]
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His boots are already off so when Ephemera reaches out Drake just goes, takes his hand and lies down facing him, close enough to share the same pillow. Not that he has to, there's a dozen of them in the bed, but. He does it anyway, staying close so that Ephemera can press their foreheads together again, if he wants.
It doesn't have to be a big deal. Right? They can just get some more sleep, since last night's sucked. ]
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It's okay.
Quietly, he takes Drake's hand. Links their fingers together.]
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Get some rest. I'm not going anywhere.
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[Ephemera shifts a little, eyes closed. He trusts Drake completely. It's okay to let his guard down. Just for a little while.
And he sleeps.]