[RL with Zechs] [Backdated to yesterday]

[tyki_tock]

Tyki leaned on Zechs without trying to hold back. He was exhausted, and part of him regretted not taking an x-potion in the apartment, or getting dressed. But he hadn't really wanted to take the time to go to the bedroom and find the potions

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[thricedeadwind]

Zechs hadn't said a single word to Tyki the entire elevator ride up to the roof. His expression was growing more and more blank, as he was gradually preparing himself for a blow which he felt certain was inevitable. Yet he solicitously carried most of the Noah's weight upon himself, and shielded the man as much as he could from the biting wind outside. From all of his actions, if it wasn't for his grave expression, it was obvious his care and depth of feelings for Tyki.

After helping him into the helicopter, he shut the door firmly behind them and made certain Tyki was securely fastened. His face was still almost expressionless, but for the slight tension across it. When they were both ready, he singled the pilot for takeoff, glad at least his Earth and Gaia appeared to be similar in certain ways.

With a great noise and rush, the primitive - in his view - metal machine lifted them airborne.

[tyki_tock]

Tyki couldn't help but look out the window to watch the world fall away. The sight made him even more miserable.

He reached out and touched the window, pressed his palm flat against it. It steamed the window, but that was all. It wouldn't go through.

But there were more important things to worry about, and he turned towards Zechs, studying him closely. "Well," he said softly, and it was probably hard to hear him over the thumping noise of the helicopter. "That was definitely one of the worst cock-ups I've ever been involved in."

[thricedeadwind]

Wondering at that melancholy expression - wouldn't Tyki love the novelty of flying this way? - Zechs didn't seem to pay much attention to their surroundings at all. As calm as he was trying to be, most of his attention was entirely riveted on his lover. That was why, though it was hard to hear his lover's voice, he managed to listen all the same. His expression tensed further, and he fought to clear it.

He had already proven just how weak he really was this evening. With the intent to be heard, and therefore at a louder volume than he would ordinarily favor in this mood, Zechs replied, "Indeed. It was due entirely to my own actions. I am sorry you had become involved."

Tyki said he couldn't stand by and watch this any further. And in many ways, he couldn't blame the man. Zechs was rather shamed with himself in this moment - as much as he still thought he was right. In a twisted sort of way, the more vulnerable and helpless he felt, the more ZERO felt necessary to him.

[tyki_tock]

Tyki sighed and rubbed his forehead, that smooth expanse of skin where there should be deep marks. "I was referring to Rufus' interruption," he said. "The timing couldn't have been worse."

He looked away and sighed again, trying to decide what to do. Should he admit he hadn't really been leaving? No, that wouldn't be productive. But there had been a certain rhythm, and now it had been lost. He had been leaving, and then Zechs had begged him to stay, and then they'd been interrupted.

So how did he wrest this whole train back onto its tracks again?

"Do you wish me to stay?" he asked, gazing out the window at the low clouds. They had left Midgar, headed west.

[thricedeadwind]

Hands folded in his lap, grasping each other painfully, Zechs stiffened at the question. He could have shot Rufus due to that interruption. It wasn't any hyperbole, what the man said to his lover. He thought himself stronger than the ZERO. He knew he wasn't strong enough for Tyki to leave him like this. But admitting such a weakness before a man he could hardly tolerate, except for on a professional level ... His lips tightened. And the Noah wasn't even looking at him.

"Yes," Zechs answered, willing himself to make himself heard over the helicopter's engine, rather than just replying softly. His voice was filled with a kind of desperate emotion, hard to shut out due to its volume. "More than anything."

As helpless as he felt - as unmanned as he felt now - he knew it'd be worse for him if Tyki grew tired and moved on. He knew he should feel sickened by how emotionally dependent he was now. But he couldn't debate the way his heart was once again in his throat, and the sensation of his stomach being lined with lead.