AU week

[runningred]

{from here}

Jay's room hasn't changed much. Even if it is a little tidier than usual. Blame it on the fact he hasn't been around much lately. Workbenches, gear lockers, couches, TV, bed. The bar has kindly added a private gym with some serious equipment in a room off to one side.

He reaches under a bench and clears out a couple of cardboard boxes for Rocky to play in. He finds a small greenish ovaloid hiding under one. "I thought you lot had grown out of camping in here?" He blows on the thing and it lights up, glittering like a giggle in lights. "Make yourself useful and keep an eye on the cat please? His name is Rocky."

The thing squeaks a sound almost like Rocky and buzzes over to investigate the cat.

Jay chuckles and unpacks the picnic, looking for his corkscrew. "That's a Hive Drone. In fact, that's one of the juveniles - George. He'll keep Rocky company." He gestures to the couch, "Make yourself at home."

Comments

[runningred]

"I don't." Jay answers softly. "I'm sorry you had to go through that but I'm impressed more than anything else. Impressed by how well you're done since."

[i_am_your_host]

He utters a weak chuckle at that.

"I'm impressed that I wake up every day."

He shakes his head and rubs an eye, as he sags in Jay's arms, leaning his head against his shoulder.

"But thank you."

[runningred]

Jay rubs his arm, holding him close. "Sometimes making it thought the day is a success. I understand. You will have missed my latest disaster which I won't bore you with but... do I understand how hard it can be to keep fighting."

[i_am_your_host]

He knits his brows faintly and tips his head back a little.

"Disaster? I'm sure you won't bore me. But you don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. I'm not a big fan of the whole 'I tell you mine, you tell me yours' deal. As long as you're all right now."

[runningred]

"I'm alright now. But I wasn't okay for a while there. People- friends here helped." He leaves it at that.

[i_am_your_host]

He shifts and turns a little to better slide an arm around Jay's middle.

"Oh, darling, I'm so sorry I wasn't here to help see you through it," he says ruefully, before kissing the corner of his mouth.

[runningred]

"You were in spirit, darling." Jay returns the kiss softly, stroking his back.

[i_am_your_host]

"I certainly hope so," he sighs, giving him a warm, affectionate squeeze.

"I thought of you often throughout the years, when my door never opened. I thought of everyone. It's hard to believe that so much time has passed."

[runningred]

"Have you seen Eric since you've been back?" He asks softly.

[i_am_your_host]

Emcee knits his brow, looking a little more sad than he intends to.

"I saw him just once, about a year ago-- by my time at least. I'm not sure how much time passed in the bar. But it was different, talking to him again. I felt different. I knew what he wanted, what he always wants, but-- all I could think of was the pain involved. And I don't think he quite knew how to take that. Or my being older. So we parted ways, and-- I don't think he wanted to see me anymore. It's for the best, really."

[runningred]

"Shit, sorry darling." Jay tightens his arm around Emcee's waist.

[i_am_your_host]

He shrugs.

"It is what it is. I don't blame him. And I don't dwell on it. But if you do see him some time, tell him I said hello."

[runningred]

Jay shakes his head and give Emcee a little squeeze. It makes him furious but he can't do anything about it.

He covers his anger by helping himself to a bite from the plate. "Well, I'm glad to see you." Even if Eric is a dick.

[i_am_your_host]

"I know," he says softly, his smile faint but sincere, as he rubs the back of Jay's neck. He felt the twinge of indignation on his behalf, and it's sweet of him to feel that way.

Still, Emcee bears no ill will toward Eric. Life is too short for that.

"Come to bed with me?"

[runningred]

"Gladly." Jay smiles, giving Emcee a little hug before getting up. He packs the last of the nibbles away so Rocky doesn't make himself sick eating all the cheese.

[i_am_your_host]

Emcee gets up as well, sets his folded glasses on the bedside table, and settles down on the mattress with an inadvertent yawn. Wine goes to his head much quicker these days, and if he's not in party-throwing mode he succumbs to the only other alternative. Sleep.

He yawns again as he stretches out.

"Oof. Forgive me, darling, but that was very good wine."

And he'd had quite a bit of it.

[runningred]

"Only the best for you." Jay smiles, getting ready for bed himself. "There's a spare toothbrush by the sink for you. Do you want something to sleep in?"

[i_am_your_host]

He shrugs as he gets up and makes his way to the bathroom.

"It doesn't matter," he says, keeping the door open.

"Unless you have a pair of shorts or pajamas or something."

[runningred]

"I'm pretty sure I can find something that'll fit you." He calls back, fishing a pair of shorts that should stay on Emcee's narrow hips.

He turns down the bed and sprawls, waiting for Emcee to join him.

[i_am_your_host]

After a while, Emcee emerges from the bathroom having brushed his teeth and washed his face and pulled himself together. Like he always does.

He can't help a smile because oh he's definitely missed seeing Jay sprawled out on a bed.

He changes out of his jeans into the shorts. They're a bit loose, but he's not concerned, as he lays down beside Jay and bodily rolls over into his sprawl.

[runningred]

Jay huffs and laugh as Emcee lands against him. "Hello you." He steals a slow, soft kiss.

[i_am_your_host]

He smiles against Jay's lips.

"Hallo yourself," he murmurs, as he settles in beside him.

"I've missed this. I've missed you."

A pause.

"Except now you make me feel like a dirty old man," he adds with a smirk.

[runningred]

Jay chuckles and kisses him again, settling with his arms loose around Emcee and the blankets pulled up. "How about I promise not to call you Daddy?"

[i_am_your_host]

He barks a short laugh. "That's a good deal," he says, giving his arm a squeeze.

"And I promise not to call you my boytoy. You always meant more to me than that. I hope you know that, darling, don't you?"

[runningred]

"I know, love. Always have. Even when you were in a headspace to say it."

Jay chuckles and nuzzles Emcee's throat. "Doesn't mean I'm not happy to be your toyboy."