[Homeplot 2009] Decompression

[forhawkeye]

See, what it all boils down to is simple: it’s been a very long twenty-four hours. Between the invasion and my own personal drama, it’s something of a relief to just relax, even if it’s only for a little while. There are still too many unanswered questions -- Why am I back? Why did they come with me? How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? -- but there’ll be time to answer them later.

There are about twenty different kinds of pizza lying around -- ranging from pepperoni and cheese to some ridiculously organic vegan thing -- and the amount of junk food piled on the kitchen counters could feed an entire college dorm for at least a semester. Despite all that, Felix insisted on making enough of his 'famous chicken cardarelli' for everyone. Admittedly, it’s sort of nice having some real food to balance out everything else.

And as for Alice, well, I sent Tommy to go get her some bunnies.

It’s not a party by any means, but that’s just about the last thing we need right now, anyway, especially for the people who got a crash course in war yesterday. Copious amounts of alcohol, maybe, but a party? Yeah, not so much.

"I'm federal agent Jack Bauer, and today is the longest day of my life," voice overs Kiefer Sutherland from the episode of 24 playing in the background.

"Yours and mine both, Kief," I mutter under my breath. "Yours and mine both."

Comments

[throw-it-off.livejournal.com]

Even Kate's concern was annoying him right now. It had little to do with her and more to do with the fact that once he'd finally found a little peace after the most insane day of his life, Nate had to deal with the same petty bullshit they served up in the Upper East Side. Only with super powers.

He bit back his sigh, but still looked annoyed and uncomfortable as he dropped his hand for Kate to see. He couldn't tell how bad it was, just that it hurt like hell.

[forhawkeye]

I roll my eyes, and just barely stop myself from pointing out that I never punched Vanessa -- and she'd actually been his girlfriend. Whatever Eli and I had, I can't say it really qualified as a relationship. But for all that the damage doesn't look good, I know it could've been a lot worse -- one of the many benefits of Eli being off MGH.

Not wanting to wound his pride too much -- that's probably what's suffered the most, judging by his attitude -- I take a step back and say, "You'll live."

Eli laughs quietly, and I turn around, all signs of concern gone from my face. "And you owe him an apology." His eyes widen, but I cut him off before he has time to protest, throwing my hands in the air. "Or at least, I don't know, some grudging respect."

Tommy's suddenly beside us, all smiles, and he claps Nate on the shoulder. "Dude, nice going." He leans in conspiratorially, and adds in a stage whisper loud enough for half the room to hear, "I think we all wanted to do that at some point."

[throw-it-off.livejournal.com]

Just then Nate could have cared less about an apology. What he wanted was an ice pack or alcohol. Or both. Still, having that white-haired guy back him up wasn't that bad at all. Nate cracked a grin -- on the side of his face Eli hadn't punched. "Thanks, man," he said, wanting to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all more than anything. That was enough. He wasn't going to hold his breath for an apology from Eli.