Carve your name into my arm; instead of stressed I lie here charmed

[near_your_enemy]

Ages pass. People come and go like they always do.

N is older, his hair longer, the curls brushing against his shoulders. He was gangly- though always hunched over, so it was hard to tell- and thinner

Comments

[coordinated_n]

Near is older, too. Near is also less sentimental than he used to be, and very busy with work, so they don't see each other as often as they might have imagined, when they left together.

But, cases end, and to N's home he goes, like always.

He watches him from the doorway.

[near_your_enemy]

He glances up at the (familiar, too familiar) face and hides a smile, crunching on another animal cracker.

"That one took awhile."

[coordinated_n]

"You were right. It was the mother in law."

He leans against the door frame, not bothering to pretend he isn't bone deep tired.

[near_your_enemy]

"Told you."

N takes another bite, not acting overly happy to see him.