lionturtle | ( back from the dead )

( back from the dead )

[ The deafening explosion of the building resonated throughout Aoi's entire body despite being some distance away from it. Disoriented, all he could do was stare after the smoke and fire in confusion and horror as thoughts of his partner, Ali, flash at the forefront of his mind. What could he do?! Go inside to see if he could find evidence that he was dead and leave? The chances of him surviving were so slim and yet Aoi held hope that he was still alive, if barely. He got up to his feet, preparing to head for the base they were supposed to infiltrate, but the sound of sirens made him hesitate. Sirens, gunfire, and enemies began to pour out of the sides of the shelters surrounding the building that had just exploded, meaning it would be difficult for Aoi to move past them without getting killed.

He should have stayed with Ali. He should have just stayed inside the base even if it meant Ali breaking his arm to make him listen. Aoi's power may have been used to its limit for that night, but he wasn't useless like Ali had said was. He wouldn't have gotten in his way like he said he would.. Even if he did end up breaking one of his limbs, he should have remained by his side and maybe they could have avoided this kind of catastrophe. Who knows?! Maybe it was Ali who caused the explosion, but --

The force of the base began to move out into the forest, where Aoi was currently taking cover. If he didn't leave soon, he'd be undoubtedly caught and apprehended, or worse. Aoi continued to crouch and inch as close towards the open space as much as he possibly could, eyes darting over the fire in hopes of catching a glimpse of a familiar form past the flames. They hadn't come to this country alone, but the rest of their speciality group had separated from them earlier on in the night to investigate rumours of another base. Calling for backup now of all times could prove disastrous, if they happened to be in a similar kind of predicament. He'd have to wait it out until morning, re-group and plan. Right now, all of his instincts were screaming at him to make a move, to risk the mission for his partner's sake. They had known each other only a little under a month and he didn't exactly hold Ali in high regard, but he was still his partner, his responsibility. The shock of the explosion was making it impossible for him to articulate the flood of emotion as grief or disappointment.

Regardless, he wouldn't make it out of this place alive on his own. He could easily re-trace his steps out of the forest and back to an open road, but he would still be in the middle of nowhere, in enemy territory.

The enemy-line began to breach the bush, forcing Aoi to think fast and make a move. He decided to move back and maybe circle the area in hopes of finding a gap in their defences. He wasn't leaving here until he knew for sure Ali was gone. ]

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[ there are probably worse people he could have gotten paired up with, but the thing is, Ali's not a partners type. he's in this for the mayhem, far be it from actually admitting this in the wrong presence, and that means he's in it for himself. he has no pretenses of his own skill (which is remarkable, if you have to ask) and when it comes to who's going to weigh him down, he calls it like he sees it. in this case, he didn't hesitate to tell Aoi to stay back and that was before he'd gotten a certain bright idea in mind. carrying other people is a waste of time and if he actually wants to live—rather, if Ali actually feels like valuing his life any—it's better that he doesn't get too closely involved in the real work.

Aoi is more useful to him when he listens and getting him off of his back feels great, so he doesn't second guess it. he'd gotten inside in secrecy, something he doesn't think he could have done with that pipsqueak at his side, but there are some unexpected complications that arise early on. for the record, he wasn't the one who had triggered that explosive, but the job he'd done apparently hadn't been as clean as he thought and the result doesn't give him time to be pissed off.

it's crude and a bit inefficient, though the shockwave is still massive from up close and considering he spends more time shooting down enemies in the midst of getting their bearings to apprehend him, it's a wonder that he survives mostly unscathed. he abandons the plan with only mild distaste so that he and Aoi can regroup, but he probably wouldn't be so heedless if he hadn't been knocked to damn near a concussion in the process of escaping. what a waste of time.

finding Aoi again in this mess is tricky, so he doesn't try outright. it'll get them both captured if he was stupid enough to stay put and he returns there, meaning Ali has to trust that he's making his way to safety and worry about his own hide. not that that's hard for him. swift among the brush, he's able to use the chaos to his advantage and he just nearly guns Aoi down when his form emerges as a shadow crossing the same path of boot beaten leaves. ]

Why are you still here?

[ he's slurring a little, so maybe he'd been shaken up by the explosion. but they don't have time to talk. they need to get out of here quick, so he doesn't wait for an answer before he takes off with the expectation that Aoi will follow. ]

[ The crunch of leaves beneath Ali's boots is what alerts Aoi to hide. He was actually quite light on his feet, so that gave him the advantage as he ducked behind a tree to avoid detection. If he played his cards right, he could maybe somehow take out the straggler and use their gear -- but then he actually manages to catch a glimpse of the person from around the tree, recognizing Ali despite the dark and the backlit shape of him. Without thinking, he emerges and tries to immediately grab for his hand, but then he falls on his ass when a gun is suddenly thrusted in his face. ]

Wh-why am I still here? I thought you were dead! [ He pushes up from off of the ground with a guttural noise of effort. He makes another grab for his arm, just to pull him over to safety within the thicker side of the bush. His voice is harsh with exhaustion and worry, tightened to a whisper. ] Are you okay?! How the hell did you come out alive?

[ close enough to see each other and the gun in his hand lowered, he follows Aoi's tug with a grin. there's blood trailing from his hairline that's hard to make out in the dark, hard to differentiate from the shadows falling over his face or from his hair, but all that worry seems wasted on his smug expression.

he whispers back impatiently, bending to rest his free hand on his knee. ]

Don't ask pointless questions. I'm here, aren't I?

[ from the look of it, this is the first chance he's had to catch his breath, and he's still flipping his gaze back and forth through the trees. they could hide out here temporarily, maybe, but the chance of ambush is still high. ]

[ That's right. He was here and it brought relief to Aoi, as well as the feeling of even more urgency. The surprise at discovering him alive only just started to dissipate as he tried to turn his attention at their task at hand. He couldn't see the blood slipping over his forehead, but he had an idea of how much damage his body must have taken from exertion alone. This man was crazy. And very lucky. ]

We have to get back to where we left all our stuff. We won't be able to get out of here until tomorrow, after things have settled down somewhat.

[ So they'd have to hide and keep awake until then. They had a vehicle they travelled in, but it was miles away, since they walked over here on foot as the safest means of travel. They'd taken only one pack-sack with them, completely unaware that they were going to barely come out of this alive. ]

You're alive, but are you okay? Can you keep walking? [ He didn't seem to be staggering too much when he showed up, but he can't imagine that explosion didn't leave him disoriented. ]

[ crazy and lucky? yeah, those both describe him pretty well, but he doesn't give a damn about the distinction. the reason he's still alive after this is the same reason he's alive at all. he's crazy, lucky and skilled. living through things like this just fuels his ego and so does having Aoi listen to what he tells him to do.

but as much as he doesn't like showing deference in return, he's right, so the instinctive urge to argue is nipped with a testy tsk through his teeth. ]

Of course I can. [ who does he think he's talking to?

given a few more seconds to clear his head, Ali slaps a hand to Aoi's shoulder and steps closer, peering around him towards the path (or lack of one) they'll have to take. ]

Let's go. [ there's the sound of the bullet loading into the firing chamber of his gun at his side. ] Stay behind me.

Right. [ As much as Aoi enjoys playing the leader, he's humble enough to know when to fall back and let others take control. As things were now, Ali was still at an advantage despite his injuries. Aoi was more of the brains than the brawn, and he hadn't had to navigate through a forest in the dark before. ]

Be careful. [ He can't help but nag a bit, since Ali has proven himself to be even more reckless than he was. The last thing they both need is for him to trip over a root that jut out from the ground.

That's more likely to happen to Aoi. ]

[ and it's probably that humbleness that's kept Ali from lashing out at him too hard, so Aoi is in luck, too. partners are only partners so long as they can stay out of his way and not get trampled when the action happens. they knew their mission was dangerous, knew they might die, but Ali never really believed that he wouldn't make it out of this. on the other hand, he won't go saving Aoi's skin if it's out of his very short range of convenience.

it isn't a lie to say he can go on, but he is admittedly out of sorts and physically, he's not in top shape. still, his eyes keep scanning the terrain as he leads Aoi onwards, his posture is smartly defensive and he'll be ready to act fast if he has to. he may be reckless, but he knows what he's doing.

they've made good ground when Ali suddenly stops, raises an arm in front of him to block Aoi's way and turns his face to give him a look that means don't make a sound. there are enemies passing through in the distance. ]

[ Aoi recognizes the sign immediately when the other man raises up his arm. He almost chokes on a sudden sound that tumbles out of his throat when he forces himself to a halt. He crouches low, trying to duck behind some shrubbery and stay concealed by the dark of the tight space. He waits for Ali's next signal, reaching into his coat for his gun. Ideally, he should have it out in front of him, but Aoi liked to have his hands free in dire situations, feeling safer without it. ]

[ if Aoi stays still and keeps quiet, Ali doesn't much care whether he's prepared or not. he's got this. after several long moments of tense silence, however, the danger seems to have passed. maybe normally, he'd be more inclined to start a fight but they've got numbers on them that can't be ignored.

it's another moment of silence before he feels assured that they're too far away to hear them. ]

Close call. You okay back there?

[ because he's going to keep going now. almost there. ]

[ Hissed: ] I'm fine! [ Stop treating him like a princess, even though he totally is one.

He follows him the rest of the way, feeling a bit paranoid at every noise that briefly passes the thick air between them. There aren't many animals out, but there's enough to make Aoi jump every now and then. ]

We're not going to get to sleep tonight.

[ that protest gets him a chuckle, so clearly Ali can't be feeling too bad. he's not nearly as paranoid anyway and though he pays close attention, he ends up smiling knowingly at Aoi's jumps more than he ends up actually worrying about being ambushed.

it's a relief once they get to their supplies even if they're not completely in the clear. he sighs and rubs his neck. ]

Guess not. Can't trust you not to fall asleep if we do it in shifts, now can I?

[ and in return, he probably can't trust Ali not to leave him for dead if there's a problem. ]

[ And that's exactly what Aoi has in mind: ] And I can't trust you not to leave me for dead if we get ambushed.

[ Of course, coming across their supplies, however few they've brought, is a welcome relief. Even if he can't sleep in the sleeping bag he brought, it will provide warmth for however long they have to remain out here in the cold. He slings his bag over his back, cradling the extra pack of weapons they had brought with them, as well. ] I'm starving. If we can find somewhere safe, we can finally eat.

Edited 2014-03-05 08:23 (UTC)

[ well, it's true. ]

You're seriously that worried about food at a time like this? I should feed you my fist.

[ he says that, but he doesn't sound mad. it sounds like he thinks it's funny. but he really does have more things to concern himself with than eating. as he grabs his things, the hand on his neck rises to his head. when it comes to getting messed up in battle, he's the last person to complain about it outright, but... ]

That explosion was really something.

Sorry, but I don't know where your fist has been. [ He says absently, free of any amusement that he would have had if he had the energy to laugh. ]

It sounded like it. I'm still trying to get my hearing back. [ He tries to reach up to mess up his hair when he notices his hand on his head. ] Is this seriously all that happened to you? I was expecting you to be missing an arm when I first saw you.

[ Honestly, he's happy to see he's okay. Aoi didn't like him much, so he was surprised by his own guilt when he thought the worst. But now that he was back, he couldn't help but feel grateful. ]

Come on, what do you think?

[ the way he says it makes it sound like it's obvious that he's totally fine, like he's incredulous that he's even asking, but his clarification is a bit better. ]

Have you ever been in something like that before? Even if you get lucky, the shockwave knocks you around. You'll definitely die like that if you hit your head too hard.

[ in contrast, he wouldn't have felt guilty if it was Aoi inside that base. he would have gone off on his own. but since it's not like that, he can benefit from how much of a softhearted fool he is instead. ]

[ No kidding. Aoi is so soft-hearted that he's actually trying to be affectionate the way he would with any other comrade narrowly escaping death. If only he knew what went on in Ali's mind. ]

I figured as much. But you're acting like it didn't even affect you.

Come on. [ He moves ahead, planning on following a direction that will lead them closer to the mountains. Somewhere high could be advantageous. ] You need rest soon.

[ then what? Ali's pretty sure that even if he knew, his behavior wouldn't live up to his expectations. that's why he doesn't take him very seriously.

shifting on his feet, he sighs and follows on after Aoi. ]

Yeah, yeah. What are you gonna do, carry me?

[ what he means is there's no point in acting like he's in pain. this shouldn't take too long assuming they make it to safety unhindered. ]

It's fine.

I probably could if I wasn't already lugging around extra weight. [ His words are heated and sharp, but the look he flashes is gentle. He actually is worried, especially because he won't know what to do if the dizzying effects of that explosion start to wear Ali down. ]

[ he knows he's worried. it would probably be more pitiable if he didn't understand why at all, but he easily does even if he wouldn't feel the same way. ]

Don't push your luck.

[ really, he's been in worse straits. Aoi shouldn't have any trouble relying on him let alone being sure that he'll pull his weight. what they need to focus on is getting out of here. Ali pushes ahead even though he has plenty of room to go around. ]

[ The push isn't exactly rough, but it's decisive and is enough to send Aoi stumbling with a hop. He tries not to gasp too loud when it happens, because he actually does have a lot of pride. ]

What's your problem? [ He hisses again, short of volume. He didn't know why Ali had to be so difficult, but he can't place if it's out of a place of fondness or annoyance because of his presence. ] You're impossible!

[ it really wasn't that rough. what's he getting so upset about? okay, okay, he knows.

it's not really fondness or annoyance that makes him act like this, though he tends to find it amusing when he throws a fit (just like this). it's more like he doesn't really care how he reacts because as far as he's concerned, he's an interloper. why not just do what he wants to? ]

Oh, calm down, why don't you? The sooner we find a place to rest, the sooner you get to stuff your face.

[ ...he's friendly enough now but if he acts like this at the wrong time, Ali will probably do something drastic. ]

The sooner the better... but we don't have much, do we? [ Aoi is dreading the thought of eating canned food, especially since he's not good with preparing fires himself. ]

Um... do you think we could find a cave up in this mountain? How likely is it?

Haha.

[ it was figurative, Aoi, gosh. fortunately for him, he's got a partner with enough survival experience for the both of them, should he actually choose to share his expertise. ]

It's possible. [ then again ] Can't say I know that much about caves.

[ Days after returning from their mission, having just narrowly escaped beneath the noses of the enemy, Aoi and Ali find themselves crashing at a nice resort hotel. It's not exactly inconspicuous, but Aoi had forked over the cash in spite of their budget, because he was still sore from having to sleep on the hard, cold ground of the great outdoors. He even paid for a massage, the spoiled brat he is.

Aoi had refused to pay for a separate room for Ali, though, but he told him to feel grateful because he didn't have to take him along with him in the first place. Really, he had felt obligated to since the guy had almost got killed in the midst of their assignment. Giving him a 5-star bed to sleep in for one night was the least he could do.

Whether Ali decides to stay in the hotel for the day is up to him. They had finished reconnaissance and were waiting on orders from the higher-ups, so they had leisure time to spare. Aoi will spend most of the day outside, soaking up some sun by the pool. ]

[ man, there are so many things Ali could say right now about this resort and he'd given Aoi his fair share of lip already... but he has to admit, this is the life. luxuries are a dime a dozen to him and when it comes to staying at a nice place where he'll be bored over staying in the midst of the action, he'd greatly prefer the latter. but even still, there are times when luxuries are worth appreciating—generally, when he can milk them off of others or take them as a reward for the work that he's done. this fits the bill nicely.

so, after a bit of griping about the shared room, he decided to enjoy himself and forget about it and proceeded to raid the bar. the sun is out and it's a nice day, so he even thinks that going to hang out with Aoi won't be so bad as long as he doesn't get nagged too hard.

he comes to join him beside the pool, offering him a drink with a lazy, but friendly smile. ]

How's it going?

[ Aoi had just woken up from a brief nap when Ali pops up with an offered drink. He rubs at his face, trying to keep himself from unattractively yawning before he actually reaches for the cup with both of his hands! Is it alcoholic? He won't know yet. ]

Definitely better. Where've you been?

[ of course it's alcoholic. and that part's not actually an attempt to be manipulative. it's just what he personally enjoys. he settles down next to him and tips back his own glass. ]

Around.

[ drinking. sleeping yesterday off. taking advantage of fancy room service. whatever. he doesn't feel the need to clarify. ]

How long do you think they're going to leave us hanging?

[ Taking a sip of the drink, Aoi initially makes a face, not having anticipated the bitter taste of alcohol in the drink. But he shrugs and proceeds to continue sipping at it without even questioning why Ali might have decided to go out of his way to get him a drink. After all, he kind of owed it to him! ]

Not for too long. Another day and they'll probably be contacting us again.

You're lucky you came out of all that mostly unscathed. Are you sure you don't need another day or two of rest?

[ it's not as bad as it seems... okay, so he was thinking that they might make use of their time together. but it's hardly like he was counting on it. Aoi's always seemed like such a prude. maybe a drink or two will lighten him up a bit. besides, he could use that sympathy angle to his advantage.

he chuckles a little at the face he makes, but then goes on amiably. ]

Come on, you say that like I have a choice. And even if I did, resting all day... sounds pretty boring to me. If I'm alive, I might as well live a little.

[ knocking back more of his drink, he nudges Aoi in the arm with his elbow. ]

And what about you? It does seem like you're enjoying your freedom.

Freedom? Come on, I did this for you. [ An obvious sarcastic joke. He swings his legs over to the side of the lounge chair, making room for Ali without indicating that the spot beside him was for him. Ali usually just took what he wanted, after all. ]

Your hearing might not be the same ever again. I bet there's still ringing in your ears. [ His legs stretch out in front of him, flip flops dropping from his feet as he reclines as much as he can without anything supporting his back. He takes another long sip from his drink, eyes daring from the pool to the hotel. ] I was about to head back. I fell asleep out here and I don't want to do that again.

[ He feels only a bit bad about abandoning the guy after he just got here, but he was seriously considering a nap, now. Plus, he was getting a bit of a burn on the bridge of his nose and shoulders. ]

How nice of you.

[ he knows that he's joking and all, but it's a more agreeable conversation than most they've had. bodes well. and it's true. Ali has no trouble taking what it is that he wants. for the moment, it's a seat beside Aoi, but he's smiling at him with just a bit more interest than usual, so maybe what else he wants will soon become clear.

talking about it would sound bad, not to mention he's not interested in chatting with Aoi like they're friends, but he'd already had quite a time trying to endear himself to a woman in the lobby who was having none of it. so maybe his partner's not his first choice, but he might also be a more viable option. he's just making the most of his relaxation and all that.

following Aoi's gaze back to the hotel, he looks between the building and him with a hand coming down to the recliner. ]

What? You're going back already? Is the sun making you tired?

[ but then, he's not really disappointed... ]

Ah, well, I'll go with you. I guess I could use a rest after all.

[ Aoi is just a pretty boy, Ali.

He does notice his unusually good mood, however, and thinks of it as nothing but him being calm in a luxurious environment. Most people would be in better moods, had they had the chance to relax in a place where people could service your whims.

He imagined Ali had been taking advantage of whatever he could.

Pressing the cold glass against his neck, he nods in response to Ali's question, finding it odd that he wasn't poking fun at him for once. He liked to undermine him whenever possible, so the lack of comment is a welcome change. ]

Sure. You can head up there first if you want. I'm going to go see if they have something for sunburns at the front desk.

Thanks for the drink. [ He raises it up and nods before tossing his head back to finish the rest of it. He makes another face.

So bitter. ]

[ pointing it out at all is almost making fun of him. close enough. but he'll save his teasing for later because it strikes him as the wrong time to say something that will put Aoi off tremendously. there are a lot of things he doesn't find the need to explain and his attitude is one of them.

that being said, he's getting back up just a minute after sitting down in the first place because for now, he's all kinds of agreeable. even if he's smiling a little wider at his reaction to the drink. without comment on it, it comes off more like he might be finding it endearing. figures, he thinks, that a pretty, rich boy like him wouldn't like bitter things.

returning the raise of his glass, he takes a few steps towards the hotel backwards. ]

I'll see you there then.

[ when he turns, the smile he keeps to himself is vaguely more sinister. but for what it's worth, he does what he says he's going to and heads up to the room. ]

[ Aoi nods once he's up and walking, hopping up to his feet himself with a crunch of ice between his teeth. He seems to be confused by Ali's new, refreshing attitude, but he doesn't seem to pay much mind to it, if the way he simply nods and walks off is any indication. He seriously figures that this might just be Ali when he's calm and not stressed over dangerous missions. Though, that was when he seemed happiest.

It takes a bit, but Aoi arrives at the room shortly after Ali stepped in, carrying a bottle of aloe vera in hand. He tosses it up idly, meeting eyes with the other man with bored interest. ] Hey.

Do you ever burn? [ Since he's got darker skin, maybe he doesn't have to worry about the sun as much. ]

[ it doesn't take him very long, so by the time Aoi arrives, Ali hasn't quite gotten to lounging on the bed like he'd planned. he's stripped off his shirt, left it in his path and is splashing some water in his face in the mirror. when the door opens, he looks over his shoulder and he grins when he gets another candid view of his sunburned face. ]

Nope. Your pasty ass isn't so lucky, huh?

[ turning back towards him, there's a remarkable change in atmosphere made up entirely of aggressive body language. his stance is stronger, his chest broader and he steps in on Aoi as if staking him out. an unashamed gaze travels steadily down his body and he reaches to yank the bottle out of his hand. ]

Why don't you let me help? Partner.

I'm not pasty. [ He throws him a look, though a part of it is humoured.

But the curve of his lips soon falls into a flat line once the other man turns and smiles in his direction. Aoi can't exactly articulate what's off about him, but something about his posture strikes him as deliberately set. He even takes note of his stride, eyes flickering to his feet to watch him make a beeline straight for him.

But he looks back up in time to catch Ali's eyes roaming down the length of his body. It's definitely unsettling, but it confuses him more than anything else. He doesn't even have enough time to gather his thoughts and logic before the other man is grabbing the bottle straight out of his hands. ]

Wh-what? [ He blinks rapidly as if to dispel the sudden shock freezing up his entire body. It was so uncharacteristic of the man that Aoi has half a mind to accuse him of being an imposter. ]

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( back from the dead )

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1/2

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( timeskip )

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HHAHAHHAA OMG

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