(no subject)

[last_adam]

*Adam's by the lake. He doesn't seem to notice he's sitting in the snow, and if he notices, he doesn't care. He's halfheartedly skipping stones across the water, not waiting to see if they sink or skip. His cheeks are wet, and his arms are pulled up around his knees. Which could account for the bad luck in skipping.

Or maybe that's something else altogether.

There's some voice in the back of his head, saying it's been too long, it's too cold, he should go back, but it's too comfortable, sitting here like this.*

Comments

[last_adam]

*Adam shrugs, because he has an idea about what Thom wants.*

I'm sorry Aziraphael was so-





I'm sorry.

[the_lioness]

You've got nothing to be sorry for. Don't be ridiculous.

*She repeats his words back to him with a small smile and looks toward the lake.*

I suppose I made an even worse impression than I thought. Maybe-

Maybe it's because I'm not from Earth. Or that I'm a knight. Some people would find it noble. Others? Others see only the killing.

*She shrugs, trying not to let it get to her. And failing.*

[last_adam]

I don't think it was that. I think it was-



*There's a long silence.*

I don't know what it was. If he'd yelled, maybe.

[the_lioness]

Perhaps you should try talking to him alone. At the shop?

*She swallows.*

I could ask Tonks for advice. I don't think she'd yell at me. Much.

[last_adam]

*Adam nods, unsure himself. He knows he shouldn't let it get to him. He knew Aziraphael would be upset. But what he couldn't have prepared himself for was the-




cold.*

I guess.

[the_lioness]

It hurts.

*Blinking, she tries to get closer.*

[last_adam]

*Adam nods, biting his lip. Crying is okay, sometimes. When you're by yourself, out in the cold. But it hurts him to think of doing it here, now.*

[the_lioness]

*Alanna is nothing if not persistent. She worms her way into his lap and kisses him soothingly, pressing her cold nose against his neck.*

It's okay, Adam. It's just me, and I love you, and I'm sorry. We'll go to Olau soon, all right? Safe from all of this, at least for a while.

[last_adam]

*Adam closes his eyes, giving in as he pulls himself around her.*

He's-

he was-

[the_lioness]

*She simply strokes his hair and nods, not wanting to push him. He'll get it out eventually.*

[last_adam]

What if I've fucked it up for good this time?

[the_lioness]

*Alanna winces, wanting to blurt out that if it's fucked up, she's to blame.*

You didn't fuck it up. Well, we didn't handle things right, perhaps. But our intentions were good. And if it is fucked up? Then it's his loss, Adam. If he can't see how much he means and how important... *She trails off, squeezing her eyes shut.* I have to believe that time will help.

[last_adam]

And in the meantime?

[the_lioness]

In the meantime, you have me. And always will. *She scowls at the bar over his shoulder.* Just give it time.

[last_adam]

*Adam nods, and holds her tight.*

I am sorry.

[the_lioness]

*Shivering, she tucks the blanket around them and nods, holding on to him for dear life.*

As am I, Adam. As am I.