[For Kane]

[eaglesazer]

I'm not entirely sure if I'm prepared to be a teacher, but I am reasonably prepared to deal with whatever is happening at this school. It has Kane worried, and that's good enough for me to want to get involved.

But first I have to reassure my place with Kane at his home, since I can't exactly live on Adle-Eagle if I'm expected to be present and well-kept, on Earth daily.

I'm going to miss my ship.

But I think I missed Kane more.

I knock on his door. I'm not sure if he knows I intended to return today. I'm not even sure if he's home.

Comments

[beetlesazer]

I'm just settling down to dinner and some television, already dressed in my pajamas and settled in for the rest of the evening, when the knock comes at my door.

How curious, I don't really know many people, those I do are either abroad or in orbit. I set the television on mute and frown into my noodles, hoping they don't get cold, then head for the door.

"Ad!" A wide smile spreads over my face and shines in my eyes. I forget all rules of politeness, Japanese or those from Ad's homeworld, and greet him with as crushing a huge as I can manage. "I didn't know you'd be back so soon!"

[eaglesazer]

Typical rules of respect escape Kane, but that's to be expected. I'm used to it from him, and having just left the home of Gordo and Patora, I'm even more accustomed to the excessive physical affection. I manage to set down the bag I brought with me and pat him on the back.

"I did not like the idea of you spending so much time in such a dangerous environment without backup." I explain. "And Patora sent me away."

[beetlesazer]

"You know I am quite capable of acting on my own," I indulge myself for a moment longer, having missed Ad very much in his absence. "But I appreciate your presence just the same."

After a pause I remember my manners, and Ad's sense if propriety, and let him go, belatedly bowing. I grab his bag from the floor and stand aside, gesturing for him to enter.

"Come inside, come inside." I follow him in, shutting the door behind us and setting Ad's bag down on the table. "You have to tell me all about America and how Gordo and Patora are doing."

[eaglesazer]

I nod when he steps back and bows, moving to take my bag from him but not before he flits away and sets it down. I indulge myself in a fond smile as I follow him into the apartment and let him close the door behind me.

"America is very different from Japan." That's about the best I can do to explain it without standing here for hours elaborating. "And Patora is pregnant."

[beetlesazer]

I nod at his assessment of America. Typical Ad, brief and to the point. I'll have to ask him to elaborate of specific details at some point, but right now I'm sure he's tried.

"Patora is pregnant?" I'm pretty sure my eyes might be glowing from the smile that spreads over my face. Children, parenthood, it's one of those dreams I have that I've had to set aside for the sake of the duty of my work. "Oh that's wonderful. Remind me to give them a call when it's a better hour for them."

"Please, make yourself comfortable," I gesture at almost the entirety of my small apartment, the bedroom and bathroom the only other real rooms. I wander over to the kitchen nook and start fussing over food before I even ask Ad about it. "Are you hungry? I made ramen for myself and can easily fix some for you as well."

[eaglesazer]

I'm not surprised by his reaction to the news that Patora and Gordo are to be parents. They are particularly well suited to such pursuits and I wished them all the best before leaving, even if I will miss having Gordo's support.

But I'm here to support Kane. "I will surely remind you."

I look around the apartment, glad for Kane to have someplace of his own. He was always the type to prefer creature comforts and personalized surroundings, living on a ship had never suited him like it had done me. "Of course." I sit down at his table. "I have not eaten since leaving America, I would very much appreciate some ramen if you are not opposed."

[beetlesazer]

I set Ad's food cooking and move to the living room to retrieve mine, bringing it over to the table and setting it down at the opposite seat from Ad. I smile at him, trying not to stare openly at his face just yet.

It's just so good to see him. Japan, and Earth in general, could be so incredibly lonely. Almost cold.

"Did you enjoy America?" I ask as I quickly fix his ramen, serving it in a bowl and bringing it over to the table with a chopsticks.

I take a seat across from him and wait for him to start eating before finally digging into my food, now finally taking the opportunity to look him over as him while we eat.

[eaglesazer]

I fold my hands over the bowl Kane brings me before I begin to eat. I didn't forget all of my manners in America.

I look up between bites to catch him looking at me, but I don't point it out. I'm guilty of sneaking glances at him too. He looks well. It's all I can ask for.

"It is a very different country, but I did enjoy it. I miss having Gordo around, even if he did sleep most of the time."

I set my chopsticks down and look at him. "Have you heard from Takuto recently?"

[beetlesazer]

"Gordo was, and still is, a very good friend. I miss him too. About as much as I miss Ein and Zwein." Stop that, Kane, now is not the time to get all misty.

"Not recently, no," I say around a mouthful of noodles. I quickly cover my mouth and swallow. "Last I heard he was racing somewhere in Europe, but I haven't had much contact with him. Remy writes sometimes, postcards usually, but they're not very detailed."

[eaglesazer]

I pick up my chopsticks again, eating slowly and thoughtfully. "Why don't they visit more often?" It's not as if this country doesn't see it's fair share of strangeness and oddity, the occasional landing of an alien vessel is practically expected.

"I suppose that makes sense." I admit.

My bowl empty, I place the chopsticks over it and sit back, folding my hands on the table to wait for Kane to finish eating. "Tell me more about this school."

[beetlesazer]

"I think partially because they don't want to be seen as villains?" I suggest weakly, feeling nervous that I don't have a better explanation when they are, or at least were, my closest friends for so long.

I look down at the remnants of my noodles, sighing. "I also think they maybe just like being alone together, what with how they're the only two of their kind for light-years around."

I finish off my noodle, tipping the bowl back to drink the last of the broth with a happy little wistful sigh. I hum, then stand, taking mine and Ad's dishes back to the kitchen to do the dishes quickly.

"It actually seems pretty tame, and not just on the outside. I haven't experienced anything sinister yet, though there is a group of students that perked my interest. They seem to be opposing whatever dark forces are working there, though I need to do some more looking into things before I decide to reveal myself an ally."

[eaglesazer]

He misses them. I make a mental note to contact them soon and get the whole story. It's not in my nature to judge or make decisions unless I've heard both sides of any give problem.

"Very well." I let that topic drop, and stand to follow him to the kitchen while he washes the dishes, finding a towel (he is still very organized, which I appreciate) to dry them.

"That is where I come in. Better to have four eyes than two." I give him a small smile and a nod as I put the last of his dishes away, drying my hands then offering him a towel to do the same.

"I have brought you back a gift." I state my intention pointedly, so he is free to refuse it if he wishes.

[beetlesazer]

I smile fondly at him, he's always so practical, always so rational. I dry my hands on the offered towel and move to o about putting the dishes away.

He catches me a little off guard after that, and I turn quickly around from facing my cupboards. I blink, tilting my head curiously, then smile at him. "A gift?"

[eaglesazer]

I should have known that he would accept anything, even if it were entirely unsuited to him, with sweeping grace and a big smile. And then he would probably make use of the entirely inappropriate gift, whatever it so happened to be, simply so the giver of the gift would know their gift was appreciated.

It's one of the things I like the most about him.

I return to my bag to retrieve the gift in question, a long thin box containing a fairly simple braided leather bracelet. Something he can attach his own meaning to, that doesn't carry any striking implications the way so much personal decoration does.

"It's nothing special." I stress as I hand the box over.

[beetlesazer]

I take the box from him with a warm, private smile. It's one I haven't worn since the last time I saw him, and it feels good to smile like that again.

The gift is so touchingly Ad that I'm actually a little speechless at first. I hadn't realized just how much I missed him, his awkwardly stoic nature, his even voice, his calm presence.

"Oh Ad," My voice is soft as I attach the bracelet to my wrist, blinking a bit rapidly as I look up at him. "It's wonderful. Thank you."

[eaglesazer]

I take a step back when he opens the gift, slightly nervous. What if he doesn't like it? What if he puts it on but he obviously doesn't care for it?

Of course, he does like it. I think. He smiles a special smile that I've never seen him turn on anyone else, and he puts it on immediately, and then he looks up at me and his eyes are sort of shining. Like...

Oh, no, I don't want that, even if they are 'happy' tears.

I clear my throat, step closer to him, and spread my arms. "I am glad to be home."

[beetlesazer]

He says 'home' and I'm pretty much done for right there. I can't tell if he's talking about Japan, or my tiny apartment, or being with me, but considering we both lost our real homes, him calling here - whatever here is to him - home actually means the world to me. Maybe more.

I step in and give him a hug, sort of leaning into him and resting my cheek on his shoulder. I sniffle weakly, managing to hold tears back, at least keep them from falling. "I missed you so much."

[eaglesazer]

I know he is probably crying by now, even if he's not letting the tears fall, but I can pretend like he's not, and know that it's not because he's upset or frustrated, and that's all fine.

I let one arm curl around his waist, the other moves up to gently cup the back of his neck.

"And I, you." I tell him softly, tilting my head to let my cheek brush his hair. "Next time I will not wander so far, or for so long."

[beetlesazer]

I nod against his shoulder, drawing in a deep breath, though it sounds more like a miserably sniffle.

"You'd better not," I give a weak little laugh, then sigh, tightening the hug for a moment before pulling back a bit, just far enough so that I can look at his face. "Don't listen to me. You're free to wander as much as you like, just so long as you always come back, okay?"

[eaglesazer]

He squeezes me and I relent to squeezing him back. "Of course I will always come back." I release him slowly, cautious that he can hold fast if he so wishes.

"Enough of your tears." I tease him gently, moving my hand to rub beneath his eye. "Tell me more about this school. What drew you there?"

[beetlesazer]

I tilt my head into his hand, sort of nuzzling his palm for a brief moment before I finally compose myself. I reluctantly pull back completely, and move to sit back at the table.

"Ein and Zwein have been monitoring it for some time. They've detected a great deal of - how did they put it, cosmic? - activity going on there. Really dark stuff, apparently. Somehow it's being covered up, to the point where the authorities openly deny that they've been able to find anything through repeated investigations."

[eaglesazer]

I nod as he explains his interest in the school. Kane's always had a soft spot for, if not children, then at least younger Earthlings. I suspect it has something to do with the family he was forced to leave behind in the future.

"That doesn't sound very good, no." I agree. "How long have you personally been on the scene?"

[beetlesazer]

"A few days?" I sigh, resting my elbows on the table and folding my hands under my chin. "Not much has happened, besides a few people thinking I was someone they know."

"There's apparently a group of students that are opposing the dark forces," I chew my lip, a deep frown on my face. "They're so young, I'm deeply worried about their safety."

[eaglesazer]

I tilt my head at that little anecdote. "Nothing too dangerous there, I presume." I can't imagine there being anyone else like Kane on Earth.

I hate it when he frowns like that. He's supposed to be happy, and look carefree. I lean forward, reaching to put a hand on his shoulder. "You were awfully young, when you started fighting." I point out sensibly. "But, they will have help. I can start as soon as we can find a place for me."

[beetlesazer]

"But I was an adult. Maybe just barely, but still. And I had... I'd grown up knowing war. Even on my planet, we knew constant war." I sigh, reaching up to grip lightly at the hand he has resting on my shoulder. "They're just children..."

I look up at Ad, smiling weakly at him, the best smile I can manage right now. "It will be nice having you there. I always... I still have trouble feeling like I fit in here."

[eaglesazer]

"Earthlings are pretty resilient, though, even when they're young." I point out. "They may not be at war in the same way we were, but they still have a lot to deal with, especially the students at this school." I smile and pat his shoulder a few more times. "But I understand your worry. We'll take care of it, together."

His smile is sad and forced and I turn my hand over to grip his in hopes that it'll make that sad fake smile go away. "You have always fit in better than I ever could."

[beetlesazer]

I squeeze his hand, using my grip to bring it up and press it to my cheek. It's warm and solid and strong, just like I remember. It's comforting, knowing he hasn't changed in any of the important ways. Though I do hope he might understand Earth culture a little more now, having traveled so much.

"You've gotten better!" I say, unable to stop myself from cheering him on like always. "They aren't so hard to understand really, I just... I hate hiding everything. And I miss my family."

[eaglesazer]

He always has so much faith in me. I ruffle his hair affectionately, and fail spectacularly at trying to hide a yawn that instead feels like it's threatening to dislocate my jaw.

"It's still a very different world. And they have so much freedom to evolve. There are many conflicts on this world, but none so long-lasting as the ones we grew up knowing."

I pull him back into another firm hug, supportive. "I know."

[beetlesazer]

I fall into the hug, sighing weakly and closing my eyes for a moment. "I keep thinking, 'I hope my brothers and sisters are okay.' But then I remember that they're not even born yet. I'm not even born yet. And my head starts to hurt."

I open my eyes again and look up at him, concern obvious on my face, I'm sure. "You're tired. You should rest. I should be heading to bed soon anyway, class tomorrow."

[eaglesazer]

"It's best not to think of such things." I agree, patting his back as best I can, hoping it doesn't come off as too awkward. "But you can rest assured that for all we have done, they are most likely very happy, and very proud of you."

I smile weakly at this, nodding my head. "Of course. I..." I hesitate. I have been gone some time, I am thinking it's been long enough that perhaps certain rituals and ceremonies and customs should start again from the beginning.

But Kane has never gone in for all of my protocols of my home culture.

I step back, holding both of his hands in my own and ducking my head. "Where would you have me sleep?"

[beetlesazer]

He steps back and I give his hands a squeeze, tilting my head curiously at him until he speaks, and then I laugh softly, a bit timidly. It hasn't been all that long since they last shared space under one roof.

"I've only the one bed," my voice is light, and I hope he can at least see the teasing in my eyes, if not hear it in my words. "Unless of course you'd rather I set you up on the couch."

Like hell (pardon) is he sleeping on the couch.

[eaglesazer]

He is teasing me. Curse you, Kane.

I sigh, pulling back another step and bowing deeply. I restrain the impulse to drop to one knee, because he never took that particularly well.

"Would you allow me the honor of sharing your bed this evening?" Formal, yes, but it's all I know. And I feel attached to my home when I stay true to their customs.

[beetlesazer]

It use to get me all flustered, almost frustrated, that Ad insisted on all the courtship formalities from his homeworld. My planet was far more relaxed about things like affection and dating. But I've gathered that dating was never a casual thing in Biyodo society, that when people dated they were doing so with marriage in mind.

I can't say I mind that idea. Not at all. So I went along with it, mildly begrudgingly.

But now, after so long without seeing him, all I can feel is affection for his formality. For his politeness and the level of respect he shows me in keeping to his customs. It makes me wish Rady had similar customs.

Well, once we get to the wedding part, if we ever do, there will be plenty of cultural traditions. Most of which will either confuse Ad or make him blush.

I can't wait.

I give him a little bow and a fond smile. "Of course, Ad. As always."

[eaglesazer]

I smile at his response. It's the exact same response he's always given me. If I had come from any caste other than the warrior caste of Biyodo, after five times sharing a single bed, I would be allowed to stop asking unless a year passed without.

But I am still a warrior, at heart. So I must as him every night until we have reached the point of committing the first if several marriage ceremonies.

"Thank you." I take his hand and press my lips to his knuckles. "Shall we?"

[beetlesazer]

I give his hand a small squeeze, feeling a bit blushy over the kiss to my knuckles. I tug him closer - which is more me tugging myself closer to him, since I have always been the weaker of us - and lean into him slightly, pressing a kiss to his cheek, just under his eye.

"I'm so glad you're home." I whisper, then pull back, still feeling unnecessarily blushy. I let go of his hand to take one of his bags, then lead him toward my tiny bedroom.

[eaglesazer]

I lift one hand to brush my knuckles gently down his cheek. For all he thinks I'm too formal, he still blushes when I do something as simple as ask permission to sleep beside him.

I smile at the kiss, though, turning my head to return it. Just on his cheek, though. No further tonight.

"As am I." I grab my second bag, and follow him into the still familiar bedroom. It hasn't changed. And really, neither has he. He's still my sweet Kane.