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[compelledtoprotect]

This is Steve. Leave a message.

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[compelledtoprotect]

You're alright? Nothing broken?


[He'd gone a little crazy when both Shion and Suzaku had vanished, but there was only so much he could do when it looked like a hotel-inspired problem. So he'd tried to put it in the back of his mind and hoped they'd both come back soon and safe. Hearing from the kid was a huge relief and he tried not to make too big a deal of it.]

[swordofzero]

No. I'm fine. [Nothing broken, nothing that won't heal.] How are you? What happened while I was gone?

[compelledtoprotect]

Good. Good. I'm fine Suzaku. I'm always fine. But I was really worried about you. I thought maybe . . . I was just worried. But I'm glad you're ok.

[swordofzero]

[He is pretty sure it is a lie. Steve isn't always fine. Suzaku has seen him not fine before.]

I'm sorry I worried you. I was worried about you as well.

[compelledtoprotect]

[He lied to try and save people worry, but it was pretty hypocritical.]


Don't be sorry, it doesn't sound like it was your fault or that you even had the chance to say something. I'm not mad, honestly. I worried, but I'm not mad. I wish you didn't worry over me though. I heal Suzaku, I have stronger bones and powers and all that stuff. I'm always ok.


[No, no he wasn't.]

[swordofzero]

And I cannot die. But that does not stop you worrying over me.

[He knows Steve isn't always okay. And broken bones were only one of the hurts that could happen here.

Often the punishment to their minds was worse.]

[compelledtoprotect]

There'a a lot you can do to a man without killing him Suzaku, and I've seen most of it. I can't handle thinking of someone like you suffering any of that.

[swordofzero]

[What to even say to that? He knows the lengths of what can be suffered, with no relief of death but saying so would only make Steve feel worse.

So he lies. It comes so naturally that he should be concerned. But often it is necessary.]

It was nothing so bad. It was mostly just isolation, so I am glad to be back here.

[compelledtoprotect]

You're sure you're not hurt? You can come here if you are. I mean, you can come here whenever anyway, but especially if you're hurt. You're sure you don't need anything love?

[swordofzero]

Thank you. [Steve was always far too kind to him. He pauses, wondering whether he should make an excuse. But... He's not injured enough that Steve will be able to tell just from looking at him and he had been truthful about one part, it was the isolation that had been the worst.

And that was the part pushing for him to take up Steve's offer. The part of him that had led him to letting Steve know he had returned in the first place.]

It will be nice to see you.

[compelledtoprotect]

[Oh thank god he didn't have to argue!]


I'll start cooking now. There a favorite food I can be sure to have?

[swordofzero]

I don't really have a favourite food.

[Food was very much a means to an end. Not that he didn't like food, it was just something... Something.

Having preferences was really difficult.]

[compelledtoprotect]

We'll work on that then. Expect steak and potatoes.

[swordofzero]

[That sounds mildly threatening.

But steak and potatoes sounded good.]

Thank you. I'll be there soon.

[compelledtoprotect]

[he meant it in a good way. Steve would start making Suzaku all sorts of different things so he could start to have opinions on things. The kid might not find a favorite, but he'd probably find at least one thing he'd rather avoid. That was progress!]


Good. Come on in, the door won't be locked.

Action

[swordofzero]

Okay. Thank you.

[It doesn't take long, he knows the way to Steve's room well by now and he knocks politely on the door before stepping inside as instructed.]

Steve?

[compelledtoprotect]

In the kitchen! Come on in!


[The apartment was full of the scent of cooking meat and steaming vegetables. There were a tiny cake on the counter, something he'd bartered with the demons for to make sure there was a decent dessert. Main meals he was fairly good at, but the sweet things still mostly escaped him.]


Wash your hands and come help?

[swordofzero]

[He was used to Steve's flat by now, so he made his way to the kitchen with ease, surprised at how much was already prepared.

Maybe he shouldn't be surprised, it was Steve after all. He washed his hands silently and made his way over.]

What do you want me to do first?

[He does well with clear instructions, outside of that cooking is a mystery still.]

[compelledtoprotect]

Would you mind cutting the bread? And then set the table?


[He smiled over his shoulder at the kid, stirring something on the stove. It was gravy for the steak and potatoes, something he didn't make all the time.]

[swordofzero]

Of course. [He could do both and he found the bread and a knife with ease, he was used to Steve's home by now. It was still a strange feeling, but not a bad thing.]

Is it just us two? Or shall I set a place for Bucky as well.

[compelledtoprotect]

[Steve was humming softly as he finished up the meal and paused, looking thoughtful.]


I'm assuming it's just us, but it wouldn't hurt to set a place just in case. I'll make him a plate either way so it won't hurt having it sit on the table till I need it. That's really sweet that you thought of him Suzaku. I'll let him know.

[swordofzero]

He lives here. [So it was only natural he would eat here.

Suzaku always felt slightly awkward around Bucky, who was far too nice to him considering everything. But he nodded, not sure what to think about Bucky being told he had thought about him.

He was quiet as he set up the table, luckily he's eaten at Steve's before so knows how it is done here. Far less formal than any time he had to set a table before he came to hell.]

[compelledtoprotect]

Mmm.


[The sound Steve made was agreeable, but it was a little complicated. True, Bucky did officially live in the suite, but it wasn't quite that simple. Rarely did Steve make things simple.

He brought the food over to the set table and spread it around before gesturing Suzaku to sit with a grin.]


Have a seat Suzaku, then I'll serve.

[swordofzero]

[Ah it seemed he had trod on something complicated. He doesn't ask, just obeys and sits down as he lays the last pieces of cutlery down.

His posture is perfect as always, sitting rigid at the table, watching Steve as he begins to bring the food over.]

[compelledtoprotect]

[When he sat down and started to dish up the food, Steve smiled at the boy.]


You can relax you know. And you can ask questions if I don't explain something. Nothing's off limits, just so you know.