attorneyatlol | [RL: Tuesday Night || Apartment || Phoenix; Zelos]

[knocks on the door]

[hugs his pillow tighter for a second then grudgingly gets up, throwing it aside]

Er, coming. Hang on!

[...goes back to retrieve it takes it with him to open the door]

[can't say he's overly surprised that Phoenix is still hugging his pillow]

[smile] Hey.

[smiles slightly and opens the door wider, stepping aside] Hey. Uh, sorry about the mess.

[pile o' shoes near the door, empty glasses laying around--yep, it's a bachelor pad]

[eyeing the place as he walks in] It's not a problem~.

[just sort of stands near the doorway, deciding to let Phoenix take the reigns]

[closes the door and stands near the doorway, too, completely lost as he tries to remind himself why the hell this was a good idea]

[chews his lip] Sooo... Do you want something to drink? Water? Soda? ...Beer?

[oh, but it iiiiis]

[smile again!] No thanks, I'm good.

[he's getting the feeling he may have to make the first move, which he very well might if Phoenix doesn't do something soon~]

Oh. Okay then.

[scratches his head, hugging the pillow tighter]

Um, so...

[shrugs uselessly--it's not like he's never hugged his friends, but not on the whim of an urgent need. This is pretty damn awkward]

[rolls his eyes in a jokingly put upon way - it looks like he's going to have to make the first move after all~]

[wraps his arms around the Phoenix/pillow combo from the side]

[tenses for juuust a second, then immediately relaxes with deep, contented sigh 'cause lskdfjsl that feels nice~]

[leans into the hug a little-- okay, lot]

...This is really stupid, isn't it.

[didn't miss that tensing, but is kind of relieved that it was just momentary]

Hey, if it makes you feel better, then no~.

[smiles a little easier and sort of maneuvers one hand away from the pillow and rests it lightly around Zelos' waist]

Thanks.

[after a few moments of awwww--]

Do you... Do you wannna do something? I mean, as nice as it is hugging it out in the hallway, it's a little- well... [sheepish grin] Awkward. Just standing here. You know..?

[sigh~ Zelos has been pretty good about hiding that he's affected so far, but who knows how much longer that's going to keep up? but oh, reciprocation, slight as it was, feels nice~]

[raises an eyebrow] Okay. You wanting to move somewhere else?

[shrugs and pulls away a little, raising an eyebrow at his tiny apartment--not exactly a lot of places to go]

We could see what's on TV.

((OOC: lakfjlas i know wtf.

NOOO WHAT IS THIS SLEEP. E-mail me when you're leaving?))

[masking disappointment at Phoenix pulling away, what]

[slightly grudgingly stops the hug, now opting to cross his arms. still smiling though, because that's what he does!] Fine with me~.

[frowns at the loss of contact and compensates by hugging the pillow again. ...sigh~ he's never felt more childish in his life]

[makes his way back to the couch and settles down, pillow in lap. the TV's already on, muted, so he grabs the remote, turns on the sound, and absentmindedly flips through channels]

You sure you don't want anything to drink?

((OOC: SLEEP. SCHOOL. TOMORROW. You speak a foreign language I do not understand.))

[he sees you frowning there, Phoenix, and isn't much happier than you are about it]

[watches Phoenix settle into the couch, and follows, sitting down next to him] I'm fine~.

[maybe he didn't want anything to drink, but like hell he's going to settle for this lack of contact, and nonchalantly puts an arm around Phoenix's shoulders to prove that point]

[saw that coming... wasactuallysecretlyhopingforit]

[stops on a channel that looks mildly interesting--the Secret Life of Ants, anyone? ...anyone?]

[leans against Zelos just a little and offers the remote]

You wanna try?

((OOC: ...no fair.))

[yeah, he figured as much...he aims to please~]

[smiles as Phoenix leans in, closing his eyes just for a moment, before redirecting his attention to the screen. to see ants.]

[looks vaguely flabbergasted at the remote offering] ...okay. [flips through channels, trying to look like he cares what's on]

[finally stops on some movie that, admittedly, only caught his interest because their swords reminded him of his laser blade, and shoots Phoenix a curious smile]

[nods his approval, although Zelos could have left it on the ant documentary and he wouldn't have cared... it was nice just sitting there, relaxed and quiet and close]

[...though, the swords were marginally more appealing than ants, he supposed]

[okay then, something's on the TV and Phoenix seems fine with it, so he sets the remote off to the side, deeming it currently unnecessary]

[it's really a shame that Zelos has no idea what Star Wars is~]

[rubs Phoenix's shoulder a bit] You feeling a little better now? [what, he's a concerned friend!]

[nods slowly (damn, why does he feel like putty all of a sudden?)]

Yeah, I think so. But this is still a little... er... [can't think of a word to describe it and shrugs instead, casting Zelos an apologetic look]

[fidgets with the pillow; his hands are a little twitchy, but he doesn't know what else to do with them]

[reassuring smile, still rubbing his shoulder] A little...?

[siiiigh. he's enjoying himself, but he'd really like more reciprocation]

...Strange? [sheepish smile] Not in a bad way, just. Different. Definitely different...

[halfheartedly turns his attention back to the TV; it's taken him longer than it should have to recognize the movie, but even he wasn't so far removed from pop culture not to recognize Darth Vader - Maya would be proud]

[...readjusts his position on the couch in a subtle attempt to scoot closer--as subtle as Phoenix can be, anyway]

Hmm~. Is it really? [Zelos is pretty used to physical contact, and really doesn't see what's so out of the ordinary here~]

[not subtle enough, dear Phoenix~]

[smiles as Phoenix shifts, and reaches a hand up to play with a spike of hair] Are these natural? [he can't help it, he's always wanted to ask!]

Phoenix raised an eyebrow in question, honestly wondering how this could be perceived as anything other than strange. He was seriously considering asking if Zelos ever cuddled up on a couch with Lloyd, but decided against it. He didn't want to know.

He couldn't argue that it was nice, though. Especially with Zelos touching his hair. "Not according to the laws of gravity," He grinned. "But they do tend to go that way on their own."

He was struck with the sudden urge to know what Zelos' hair felt like, but kept a firm grip on the pillow instead, though he wasn't sure how long he'd be able to keep that up. Focusing on the movie as well as he could (which wasn't very well at all), he sighed and leaned back into the touch, hoping to encourage more.

((OOC: yay random style change~))

Had Phoenix decided to ask his question, Zelos most likely would have explained that no, he had not, but he wouldn't be opposed to the idea. They were friends, right? Was it really such a big deal? His slightly confused look would have to suffice as a response.

He chuckled slightly at Phoenix's statement concerning his hair. "And what, you just give them a little extra help?" Maybe if he hadn't known that Lloyd's hair was natural spiky and tended to stand up on its own, he might have been a tad more disbelieving. But as it was, he really couldn't say he was surprised.

Zelos couldn't help but smile some when Phoenix leaned into his touch, and he took it as invitation to bury his fingers deeper into his hair.

Phoenix would have found the answer peculiar, and if he were in a more attentive state of mind, he may have explained that, on his world, grown men didn't typically do this without being closer than friends. But he was in no frame of mind to argue that point and such a question was never posed, rendering this whole paragraph obsolete.

"Little bit of hairspray. Doesn't take much, really." His eyes slid shut as Zelos' fingers grazed his scalp. "That's...hmm." There truthfully weren't any words to describe how unbelievably good it felt. He'd always liked having his hair touched--a guilty pleasure, if he did say so himself--but it had been a long time, and it had never felt so remarkably gratifying.

Eyelids slitted just enough to see his intended goal, he tentatively relinquished his death grip on the pillow and gently grasped a lock of hair hanging freely on Zelos' shoulder, rolling the strands between his fingers. Unsurprisingly, they were incredibly soft. "Your hair's... nice."

Zelos continued to smile at Phoenix's reaction, somewhat amused. Then again, he was in complete agreement that having someone play with your hair was a wonderful feeling, and subsequently wondered if it was too far-fetched to want the same in return.

He didn't have to wonder for too long.

Pleased wasn't quite the right word, but could settle for it as an accurate enough description. The ever so slight pull on the strands were a start, at least. "It doesn't have that gravity defying power that yours does, but I like it well enough~." His fingers massaged Phoenix' scalp a bit more as he spoke.

“Hmm,” was the only response he seemed able to express, his eyelids sliding shut again. He was afraid he was going to fall asleep at this rate, not that it wouldn’t have been welcome after the... demanding day he’d had, but the mere thought of giving this up so soon sent his skin prickling in protest.

He adjusted his position again in an effort to wake himself up as well as afford himself a better angle, now facing Zelos a bit more than the TV. Although he sill had his uncertainties about the whole situation, it seemed those inhibitions were drifting further away from the forefront of his mind as he combed his fingers through Zelos’ hair with little more than a second thought.

Zelos had to wonder if Phoenix was going to fall asleep. Not that he would have particularly minded, he supposed, as he was more than sure that the attorney was exhausted (if his...hunches about how Phoenix had spent the day were to be trusted).

If Phoenix truly was tired, he was apparently trying to prevent himself from succumbing, and Zelos was more than okay with that as well. He moved his arm slightly to accommodate for Phoenix's shift in position, running his fingers from the scalp out to the tip of the spikes, and repeating the motion.

He sighed softly has Phoenix touched his hair, the pleasant pull growing as Phoenix's fingers grew less tentative.

Phoenix continued to run his fingers through Zelos’ hair, fascinated with the way the strands slid between his fingers; it felt infinitely better than clutching his pillow and, as Zelos continued his efforts on the defense attorney’s own hair, Phoenix vaguely wondered why he’d had any doubts about this whole thing in the first place. “I guess this isn’t so bad,” he sighed, a small smile playing at his lips. “Thanks. For doing this, I mean.”

Zelos, as much as he enjoyed the sensations accompanying Phoenix's actions, was just as interested in watching Phoenix execute them. The look on his face appeared to be bordering on captivation, and Zelos managed to slightly stifle an amused grin, before wondering if he managed to keep similar emotions concerning Phoenix's hair more in check.

At Phoenix's words of gratitude, he leaned his head back slightly, eyes closing momentarily. "Hmm," was all he managed for a moment, before returning his head to its previous position. "Like I said, as long as you're feeling better~." Although Zelos was fairly sure that he was still under the virus' influence, it had waned as the day had gone on, and he had no pressing urges to contend with, currently. However, that certainly didn't take away from the fact that he was quite comfortable and content in the present situation.

Phoenix’s smile grew wider. “Yeah, I think I am.”

It seemed his other arm was moving of its own accord, and by the time realization dawned on him, he had no idea where he'd intended it to go. He hovered uncertainly for a moment before he finally settled on draping it loosely around Zelos' waist, an act which gave him a moment's pause. It occurred to him that he had no idea what Zelos’ boundaries were. "Hey…" The word was drawn out sluggishly. Damn, he was getting tired. "You’ll let me know if I do anything, you know… uncomfortable, right?"

Zelos raised an eyebrow in response. People had been latching on to him with or without his permission for years, to the point where even he wasn't sure where his boundaries were anymore. He somehow doubted that Phoenix, of all people, would be the one to really test his limits, however deeply buried they were.

He was fairly sure that wherever they were, it was much farther along than a hesitant arm around his waist.

Zelos finally turned to look at Phoenix, a familiar, carefree smile on his face. "As long as you'll give me the same courtesy~." Honestly, he wasn't even sure how much longer Phoenix would be able to stay awake, and as long as he wasn't crossing any lines at the moment, he wasn't anticipating any real problems.

Phoenix chuckled softly. “Sounds good to me.” His arm, having tensed in the midst of his hesitation, relaxed again and even dared to draw Zelos slightly closer as his other hand resumed its careful attention to Zelos’ hair.

He tried to turn his concentration back to the movie, but it just wasn’t holding his interest. Not only was he more involved with the hair between his fingers or the warm body next to him, it was simply becoming more and more difficult to keep his eyes focused or even hold his head up straight. He sighed.

After a brief moment of consideration, he leaned his head against Zelos’ shoulder just enough to offer support… though with each breath he took, he felt himself leaning a little heavier.

((OOC: No suck!! I liked it a lot! SO THERE!))

Zelos was almost surprised when Phoenix drew him a bit closer, but not quite enough to warrant a visible reaction.

Phoenix beginning to succumb to his sleepiness and leaning against him, however, was enough to garner an almost affectionate smile. This was despite the fact that Phoenix was laying on some of his hair and, as such, pulling it a bit. Reaching around his head with his free arm, Zelos gently pulled it out of the way.

He chuckled as he felt Phoenix leaning more heavily into him. "Tired, are we?" Zelos wasn't going to really try to keep him awake if Phoenix was so tired, but he figured he may as well give it a shot.

“Hmm?” After a moment of focusing, he snickered. “I had an exciting day.” It seemed his head had slid into an uncomfortable position without his notice, and he repositioned himself with a yawn.

((OOC: Hope the shortness is okay. STRIVE FOR QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY. That's one of my rules.))

Another chuckle. "I'm sure." He wasn't expecting Phoenix to maintain consciousness much longer, and said no more, instead refocusing his attention on Phoenix's hair.

Staying awake was an uphill battle at this point. Every time Phoenix opened his eyes, his head had slid just a bit further than the last, and he found the movie making less and less sense even when he bothered paying attention. It occurred to him to say something, perhaps ask Zelos if he’d like to leave, but Phoenix was afraid if that if he stirred now, he would be wide awake and alone, in much the same position he had been before his friend arrived.

As his eyes drifted closed for the last time, he hoped Zelos didn’t mind being a pillow.

((OOOC: HE'S ASLEEP NOW, IN CASE YOU COULDN'T TELL))

Zelos heard Phoenix's breathing changing to that of sleep, slow and rhythmic. "Hey," he said, his voice soft but not quite a whisper, shaking Phoenix's shoulder slightly. Receiving no response, he rolled his eyes and smiled again.

He reached for the remote, turning off the TV. After all, there was no point in wasting energy when he and Phoenix weren't even paying attention to it. He had payed a minuscule amount of attention to it initially, but had ignored it entirely since the fight scene had ended.

And he sat there, perfectly content to just watch Phoenix sleep.

Edited 2008-02-06 15:17 (UTC)

Although the TV hadn’t been very loud to begin with, once its droning was cut off, the abrupt lack of sound registered in Phoenix’s ears. He slowly cracked an eye open, brow furrowed. “Wha... s’over?”

((OOC: lfjslj btw, that last pose was too cute and- and- and... iloveyournewzelosicons and iwanttomakephoenixiconstomatchsomeofthem *lovesmatchingicons*))

Edited 2008-02-06 18:59 (UTC)

Zelos hadn't expected that turning the TV off would actually wake Phoenix up, when he had seemed so very tired...even though he wasn't sure how "awake" Phoenix truly was. The somewhat incoherent reply wasn't exactly proof of full consciousness.

"More or less," he replied, wondering if he could coerce Phoenix into going back to sleep. He apparently needed it. Zelos made no sign of planning to move, instead simply once again starting to stroke Phoenix's hair.

“Hmm… stupid ending…” The fingers in his hair roused him enough to realize his own were lying limp (and asleep) against the back of the couch, and he flexed them in an unsuccessful attempt to return feeling before resuming his efforts in combing them through Zelos’ hair. “Sorry,” he said, though a few seconds later, his hand had stilled again.

To be fair, as far as he knew, the movie was still going on, but he didn't see how that would really be relevant at this point.

Especially considering Phoenix seemed to have fallen asleep again.

Pity. Zelos was going to ask what the mumbled apology had been for, but the question had died on his lips as Phoenix's hand had once again gone limp against his hair.

He smiled, shaking his head slightly. Back to being the pillow, then.

By all rights and means, he probably should have left some time ago.

Phoenix had been sleeping for...how long had it been now? He wasn't quite sure, but it had to have been hours. Phoenix had shifted surprisingly little (Zelos wasn't quite sure why he had expected different), and was still seemingly content, leaning against Zelos' shoulder fast asleep.

Truthfully, the only thing that had kept Zelos from moving was not knowing if he was going to wake Phoenix up or not. He certainly hadn't expected the reaction upon turning the movie off.

But he couldn't really afford to wait around until Phoenix woke up...he was due in Sybak the next morning to see how their research was progressing. More importantly, if he had to take a guess, he didn't think Phoenix would handle his inadvertently having "slept over" well...and Zelos thought it would probably be a little nicer to save him that awkwardness.

That thought won out as he carefully moved over, settling Phoenix down on the couch. He didn't stir, and Zelos smiled, slightly relieved.

Although he didn't like the idea of the door's deadbolt being left unlocked, there was at least a lock on the doorknob itself, and that was better than nothing. As he moved to the door, he cast one last look back toward Phoenix, still sound asleep. He smiled again, shaking his head slightly.

And with that, he let himself out, locking the doorknob's lock behind him.

The next morning, Phoenix awoke with a start when his alarm promptly went off at 7:00am. After a few moments of disorientation (it wasn’t the first time he had fallen asleep without unfolding the bed, but it wasn’t something he made a habit of), he resisted the urge to throw the alarm at the wall, instead fumbling for the button that would turn the damned thing off. Of course, he managed to hit the one that switched the deafening buzz to the harsh static of music in between stations, sadly just as deafening. He cringed.

Patience wearing thin, he finally opted to slam all the buttons with his hand, which fortunately seemed to do the trick. Foe vanquished, his hand dropped to the floor and he sighed into his pillow, debating whether or not he should get up or sleep in a few extra minutes.

As his mind and body leaned heavily in the direction of sleep, his thoughts wandered in the direction of the previous night, and he suddenly found himself wide awake, sitting up, and looking around.

Nobody else seemed to be in the apartment. To be sure, he stood and slowly crept to the bathroom, finding—much to his relief—no one there, either.

When he returned to the living room, he sank into the couch and ran a hand over his face, a flurry of emotions battling for dominance. On one hand, he was angry at the idea of, once again, serving as a plaything for the gods’ amusement. Not only that, he was ashamed and extremely embarrassed about his behavior within the last twenty-four hours. How was he going to explain himself to everyone? And Maya… Oh, God, Maya…

He shuddered.

… On the other hand…

He looked up at the ceiling and sighed.

On the other hand, it hadn’t been all that bad. In fact, it had been kind of nice. He couldn’t remember the last time someone held him or ran their fingers through his hair or even when he’d last been that physically close to someone, a fact that left him with a momentary pang of... he wasn’t sure what. Heaving another sigh, he stretched out on his back and tried to relax.

As nice as it had been, he was glad Zelos hadn’t decided to stay the night. It was strange enough thinking about it now; having to face him would have been another matter entirely, and probably indescribably awkward. Phoenix could only hope Zelos wouldn’t mention it to anyone. He didn’t relish the idea of having to fumble through an explanation.

After several moments of idle thought, his body finally came to the conclusion that more sleep was needed and, being the dutiful individual he was, he complied, rolling into a more comfortable position on his side. Sleep quickly overcame him, but even in his last few moments of consciousness, his mind continued to play the events from the night before and he vaguely recalled tugging his pillow from under his head and holding it close to his chest.

He went into work an hour and a half late that morning, but he was smiling.

[RL: Tuesday Night || Apartment || Phoenix; Zelos] - IT CAN BE CUDDLE TIEM NAO?

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