truth, lies, and in between

[createdequalist]

They're walking along, just idly exploring the corridors, and Noatak is almost pathetically glad for it. He'd missed his trust, his companionship. Missed him.

The room he chooses looks innocent enough, which, of course, doesn't mean anything. Still, he steps in--if there's any chance of getting back, then it has to be in a room.

And maybe he'll

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[createdequalist]

Noatak runs a finger over the rim of the teacup. "I never stopped thinking of you as my friend. But I feel like you should hate me...I almost wish you would."

...all right, they should have this conversation, probably. He'll just tell himself that.

Congratulations, you're treated to the sight of Noatak blushing. "I still believe the stories." He coughs, startled, and now seems like a wonderful time to walk to the other side of the table and not look at Lu Ten.

[isntbroken]

No fair, there's nothing to fidget with over here. "I did hate you. Sometimes I-" he presses a fist against his mouth, nails digging into his palm, because- "I don't want to say this-- I wish I still could."

Now would be a great time to walk over to this window over here and stare at it, fixedly, arms folded, trying to forget about the rest of the room and everything in it. It doesn't work. "I know I shouldn't forgive you. I don't. But I can't help how much I want to."

Lu Ten stares after him, mouth agape. "I cannot handle how cute that is." Of course he can't resist the urge to giggle.

[createdequalist]

He picks up the tea, then, warming his hands and staring at the still surface. "I want--I need you to forgive me. You're all I have left." He takes a sip of tea without thinking, needing to do something besides confess his deepest fears to Lu Ten. Surely he's allowed some secrets left?

"I always did depend on you too much."

All right, he has to smile at that. "Likewise."

[isntbroken]

He finally gets around to staring out the window, ignoring the reflection of his own bittersweet smile. "You're all I have left too. We're stranded, remember? But it's more than that. Always has been."

Lu Ten clears his throat. Manfully.

[createdequalist]

Lu Ten's heart is beating faster, now. Noatak looks at him, at his faint reflection in the window, and listens to that as much as his words.

"You were my only true friend, you know. Not just my Lieutenant."

And the spirits, this room didn't even have to drag that out of him.