Calm Before the Storm

[notjustaface]

They're alive.

Some how, they're alive. They flew a fucking tank and they're alive in an abandoned cottage outside of Berlin.

The house crackles with their energy, but nobody's feeling it more than Murdock - clearly, he's about halfway off the rails.

"Boss, I'm gonna talk him down." Face offers, nodding to where Murdock was turning giddy circles around the living room, loudly describing the whole experience to BA again.

At first, the colonel doesn't respond, but then he nods slowly and says; "Keep his head on straight, we've got a big day tomorrow."

He nods quick acceptance - understanding the unspoken threat loud and clear, don't break him. "Come on, Murdock... time to get some shut eye." He claps his friend on the shoulder, the first honest to god close contact they've had in six months. "Let's get some rest."

Comments

[notthatcrazy]

"Shouldn't do that to yourself."

Everyone has their own ways of coping.

[notjustaface]

"There's a lot of things I should do..." he sighs against Murdock's ear, "hasn't stopped me yet."

It's easy to let a quiet moment fall between them, and he's nearly lulled to sleep after the high he's been riding since Hannibal snatched him when he murmurs; "Just glad we're all together."

[notthatcrazy]

"I know," he remarks. There's a lot of ways to take that statement.

"I'm really glad too."

The family unit is back together again.

[notjustaface]

As dysfunctional as they are, it fits right.

"I'm gonna kill the son-of-a-bitch that did this."

He means it too, as soon as Hannibal opened the stream of information, it had him biting at the bit. Someone was gonna pay.

[notthatcrazy]

"We'll get him."

He doesn't really have an opinion on the killing part - they're gonna need evidence to clear their names, at the very least - but the guy's gonna pay, no two ways about it.

[notjustaface]

"Damn right we will," he mutters, kissing him again almost triumphantly.

"And I'll be damned if anyone's gonna separate us again."

[notthatcrazy]

He returns the embrace with gusto, trailing fervent kisses down his neck.

"You promise?"

[notjustaface]

He lets out an audible groan when Murdock's lips catch his collar bone, mmm - he'd missed that too.

"Mmmhmm, promise." He groans; "Need this."

[notthatcrazy]

"Really promise?"

It's not that he doubts him, really... he's just very in need of reassurance at the moment.

"Don't tell me that unless you mean it."

[notjustaface]

Catching Murdock's eyes, he nods gently before stating it as firmly as he can, with utmost conviction. "I promise. I will do everything in my power to make sure we aren't apart unless we want to be."

[notthatcrazy]

The sincerity behind the words is unmistakable. It won't be easy, and they'll probably wind up inadvertently breaking each other's hearts at least once before all's said and done, but he means it.

"God, I love you..."

[notjustaface]

At least once. Reflexes are still... well, reflexes... and old habits die hard.

It takes a moment, and a hard swallow, but he manages a small; "I know." And then kisses him again before he can quietly say; "I love you too, man."

[notthatcrazy]

It's been so long since he wondered if he'd ever hear him say those words. This is, despite the circumstances, a very good thing.

"Should probably get some sleep."

[notjustaface]

He squeezes the hand tucked into his, then lets up to rest it against Murdock's elastic waistband - teasing at the soft fabric.

With an obvious lilt to his voice, he asks; "Probably... but we don't have to."

[notthatcrazy]

He rolls his eyes fondly.

"Do you ever not want to have sex?"

He's not exactly uninterested himself... but... tired.

[notjustaface]

His smile curls, toothy and wide. "Is that a trick question?"

Face lets his hand flatten against the familiar - if not somewhat softer - curve of his belly and murmurs; "I'll wait if you want."

[notthatcrazy]

"Nope." He grins back. "Might have a trick answer, though."

He sighs at the touch. "Soon. Promise."

[notjustaface]

"Pretty sure you don't have any other kind."

He kisses him again, though, and without concern. "I think I hold off a few more days before I ravish you." He laughs, nosing against him.

[notthatcrazy]

"I admire your willpower," he teases.

Hell, they've made it this far. That's something.

[notjustaface]

When it's worth waiting, willpower is moot. Besides, come morning the adrenaline rush of pure crazy will be on them again.

Assuming he can sleep through the night with the current of excitement in his veins.

"Patience can be a good thing."

[notthatcrazy]

"Mmmhmm. You're worth waiting for."

He yawns, stretching out like a cat against Face's side. The more contact the better, as far as he's concerned.

[notjustaface]

The thought is enough to make him flush warm - sure he's boasted the same thing but to actually have someone who genuinely cares about him mean it...

Well, he's still not used to that. Part of him might never be.

"Peanut butter & jelly, right? Always stick together."

[notthatcrazy]

Part of him loves that he can make Face blush, even if it's not for reasons anyone would expect.

"Like fleas on a dog. You'll never get rid of me."

... Slightly less romantic, that.

[notjustaface]

"Wine and caviar..." He brushes another kiss against Murdock's temple.

"More like beer and pizza."

He chuckles and adds; "I think I might be hungry."

[notthatcrazy]

"Ya think?"

He runs his hands down Face's spine, coming to rest on the curve of his lower back.

"I think I'd like being pizza."

Because clearly Face is the beer.