01. Home

[silent_science]

The apartment isn't...really much of anything. It's nearly completely unfurnished, save for the mattress in the bedroom and the cardboard boxes that serve as Gordon's desk. The laptop sits there, closed, and sporting an orange Lambda Complex bumper sticker on the hood

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[alyx_vance]

And when the door opens Gordon will find he has a pair of arms wrapped around him, attached to the person suddenly up against his chest accompanied by a muffled 'Nnf' sound. Not rib-crushingly tight, but firm enough to say, 'this is certainly a hug, sure enough.'

"Thanks," she says as she disengages, albeit a little reluctantly, and follows him inside.

She's wearing her what she normally wears, the only difference a fresh layer of duct tape reinforcing her jacket's structural integrity.

She looks around at the apartment interior, which doesn't take long. How very Spartan. (In the minimalism sense, and not to suggest this his how tall armoured super-soldiers from the future furnish their quarters)

[silent_science]

The hug promotes a sudden surge of confusion in Gordon. It's fleeting and passes on with a simple exhale. He's still not used to affection of any sort. It's not to say he feels without, but that he is a Strange Man that does not know how to deal with it once it is given to him.

He nods in return to her spoken thanks and closes the door behind her once she enters. It's time to linger into the kitchen, where a CoffeeMate sits on the counter next to a sealed can of Folgers. He raises the hoddle to her as if to offer to make a fresh brew for her.

[alyx_vance]

Alyx doesn't particularly notice. Most of the time they've been in each other's company there's usually been something to be tense about.

"Mmm, I'd love some. Oh hey, lemme help with that..." She offers which may not be such a great idea. Anyone that might have had the chance to try a pot of the stuff the way she makes it would remark that yes, this certainly doesn't taste quite like the stuff they use to grease the generator turbines might taste, nor does it quite slide down your digestive tract like red-hot ball-bearings would, but they might not voice their opinion in so many words.

[silent_science]

In an effort that is less for coffee's sake and more to just be around another human being, Gordon will gladly let Alyx make the coffee. He'll even take a cup once it's done. Whether or not he drinks it will be an entirely different story.

Gordon takes up space against the end of the kitchen counter, arms folded over his chest to casually watch Alyx. It's good to see her again. And without the world trying to fall to pieces around them.