[FIN] Homeward Bound

[BlackFireKitsune]

Abel aimed a wan, grateful smile over at Taavi before he left, then promptly shifted all his focus to his boyfriend. "Of course sweetheart," he murmured gently. Poor guy, that had to hurt like a b***h, especially with how pale it made him. Hopefully it'd pass quickly... Once assured he wasn't going to fall or anything, he let go long enough to pull out a second chair right up beside Zev's so he could sit beside him.

Before he could do much more than that, Joanna hastened out of the kitchen with a glass of water in one hand and a few pills in the other. "Here you go dear, you look like you could use some water and something to dull the pain."  

[TawnyAngel]

Zevran had always been a tactile person but it had never been for comfort before, if he was hurt or anxious he would instinctively draw away from others. Now though Abel's presence was reassuring and he was only too glad to lean against him when he pulled a chair around to sit close by. "Well that was-"

But then Joanna returned and Zevran stopped mid sentence to give her a bright smile that still looked glassy and mismatched against his pale face. "Ah, mystery pills, my favourite!" he joked as he accepted them. "Thank you," he added, and then swallowed them with a sip of water.  

[BlackFireKitsune]

It took Joanna perhaps a second or two longer to reply than normal. "They're not that exciting dear, I assure you," she said, giving Zev a gentle pat on his shoulder now that her hands were free. "Let me know if you need anything else though, alright? I'll just be cleaning up in the kitchen. And don't worry about cookies now; we can make them tomorrow instead."

Abel smiled up at his mom, though the expression was a tad strained with worry for his boyfriend. It hadn't reopened any wounds or anything, had it? Hopefully not. He really hoped not. "Thanks Mom," he said regardless, and reached out to wrap his arms around Zev's waist. The position afforded them a great deal of closeness, and Zevran would be able to lean into him easily whenever he was ready to do so, glass of water or no. He'd only said for a minute or two, but he was more than happy to sit there and hold him all evening if Zev wanted.  

[TawnyAngel]

Zevran considered saying 'too bad' but after Joanna's slight pause he decided that perhaps he'd best not. Instead he smiled up at her and said; "I didn't think they were, I was only jesting." Perhaps he needed to judge his jokes more carefully around Abel's family in future. "Cookies tomorrow then; that sounds perfect." Zevran smiled wryly and shook his head. "I don't think I shall be much use for anything else tonight." As he spoke he shifted a little to lean more comfortably against Abel but even that small movement made his chest flare with pain again. Could he go one day on this trip without nearly fainting? That would be fantastic.  

[BlackFireKitsune]

"I know, dear," she said, a soft and slightly sad smile on her face. Perhaps concerned was a better word. "That's a good idea. Rest tonight, cookies tomorrow." And then she returned to the kitchen to continue cleaning, and to perhaps give Zevran and Abel some time relatively alone without an audience.

Abel gave his boyfriend's waist a gentle squeeze. "Sorry sweetheart," he said softly, his heart still aching at the knowledge Zevran was undoubtedly in a great deal of pain. Could he have prevented it somehow? "When you're feeling up for it, we can go back upstairs and just sit for the rest of the evening. How's that sound?" It was still early yet, with dinner just barely finished, but he didn't particularly care to do much more than cuddle and spend time with his love. Especially after the kind of awful day they both had had, especially Zev.  

[TawnyAngel]

Zevran smiled wanly at Abel and reached down to cover one of his boyfriend's hands with his own. "Don't be, it's fine; it hurts but I don't think I am actually damaged. That said however I would like to go upstairs, it will take a while for this to settle down and..." He shrugged. "And I would rather not be down here for that. It feels safer upstairs." The pain wanted him to think about it and nothing else but he wouldn't give it the satisfaction of curling up and crying. Lying down was a very attractive idea though, preferably on his side.

After a moment, once he was sure Joanna was too far away to have even a remote chance of hearing him, Zevran added; "I think I need to alter my sense of humour around your family."  

[BlackFireKitsune]

Damaged? Zev always did choose somewhat telling or peculiar wording. But the knowledge that he probably wasn't bleeding relaxed him somewhat, and he leaned in to press a kiss to his boyfriend's brow. "Mmh, I understand. It's more private upstairs, too. We can go whenever you're ready." Which... would probably be a few minutes.

...ah. Abel smiled wryly at his love. "You might want to, at least a bit."  

[TawnyAngel]

Zevran closed his eyes as Abel kissed his forehead, and he squeezed his hand in return. "I would like to go now to tell the truth. This won't get better quickly and I can manage to walk up a flight of stairs, no point in staying here." He really wished he still had some of the potent painkillers he'd left the hospital with, but alas he was not so lucky. "Is there any chance we could bring a bottle of something potent up with us? Your mother meant well, but I think the pills she gave me will be about as much use on this as a jello saw."  

[BlackFireKitsune]

Abel's fingers splayed and loosely intertwined with his love's. "I don't blame you.. are you sure you'll be alright to go up now?" He'd been so pale at first, and honestly looked like he was ready to be sick. Was he alright enough now? ...would he admit it if he wasn't? Probably not. Of course not.

As for the other thing... The taller blond hummed thoughtfully a little, then kept his voice low when he spoke. "Possibly? I can see what I can grab from the fridge. Mom probably wouldn't approve though; drugs and alcohol never mix well."  

[TawnyAngel]

"I will be fine," said Zevran, who still looked extremely pale. "It isn't far and I will feel more comfortable up there." Abel's other comment made him chuckle and he shook his head. "Strong painkillers perhaps not but I would hardly be worried by the candy she gave me, and interesting drugs are almost always taken with alcohol in my experience. It hasn't killed me yet." Somehow though he doubted he would be getting the bottle of vodka or tequila he could do with right now.  

[BlackFireKitsune]

"Alright, if you're sure," he agreed somewhat reluctantly. He still didn't look fine, but... oh well. "I'll help you upstairs first, and then come down and see about grabbing a bottle of something? And," he squeezed his boyfriend's waist a little and smirked, "I'd hope not! I prefer you alive, after all. How could I flirt and make jokes with you if you weren't?" He almost wasn't. It wasn't that bad to joke about now, after time had passed, but the thought of his boyfriend dying still sent shivers down his spine. Unpleasant ones.  

[TawnyAngel]

Zevran's worn smile softened, it was still tired but his eyes were warm as he reached up to caress Abel's jaw with the backs of his fingers. "You're worried about me; don't be. It's only pain, I'm not really hurt. As for the other thing -" he smirked and chuckled softly, turned his hand to cup Abel's cheek. "- I prefer me alive too, thanks to you. My flirting and bad jokes are yours any time you wish, they are always gladly given."  

[BlackFireKitsune]

"Of course I'm worried about you. I love you," he pointed out with a smile, happily leaning into his boyfriend's touch. He also didn't want to see his boyfriend in pain, but given the circumstances that was probably a little unreasonable to wish for at the moment. "Mmh, good. You'd better. And I love your flirting and bad jokes, almost as much as I love you."  

[TawnyAngel]

"Ah, I am flattered." Zevran gently captured Abel's chin with his fingertips and leaned in to press a brief kiss to his lips. "And if you worry you may escort me, alright? I love you too." Saying that and hearing it from Abel always made his blood tingle and bubble like champagne. He didn't deserve this and yet here he was! Here they were. He didn't want that to change. How long might his life be now? Could all of it really be spent with Abel? One day he might be old, he had never considered that and he wasn't sure what to make of the possibility. He hoped he made something good.  

[BlackFireKitsune]

Abel returned the kiss gladly. How in the world did he get so lucky? "I will gladly escort you, sweetheart," he said, leaning in to press a soft, quick kiss to Zevran's nose before he stood up and pushed his chair back towards the table to make room. With that done, he held his hands out toward his love, ready to help him as much or as little as he needed. "That's what boyfriends are for, after all." Or one of the things, at least.