[He can't say that he'd hoped for more time before this talk, because that would imply he'd thought on it more than the decision to not have it, and then shut down any other thought around it.]
No. I'm the best chance of everyone making it back intact.
[ He can't argue it. Even if he wanted to, even if there were an argument to make, he can't cross the narrow boundary and take away what slim freedom Takeshi has not to be dictated to by Stephen's every whim.
He might just need space. Might need to be busy. Doubtless doesn't want the cocoon Stephen seeks to swaddle him in, quiet and privacy and safety above all things. ]
If you change your mind, tell me. Immediately.
[ The please is smothered before it can cross, but there's a moment of palpable absence where it would have been. ]
[He won't change his mind. But there's a cruelty in saying as much that he manages to recognise, and stop himself. What he offers instead has the implication in it, but a promise, too. A reply to the ache he can hear threaded under Stephen's words. Concession to his own, even if he won't acknowledge it further than that.]
[ Dual promise. It has to be kept now, by them both. Takeshi can't pull some hero's stunt and come back a corpse, Stephen can't turn and need taking down by whoever can handle whatever he becomes. They'll stay in one living piece, both them, for as long as it takes. They'd better. ]
Be safe.
[ Aiming for instruction, but its root is desperation all the same. He'll see him in a few days. ]
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no subject
No. I'm the best chance of everyone making it back intact.
no subject
He might just need space. Might need to be busy. Doubtless doesn't want the cocoon Stephen seeks to swaddle him in, quiet and privacy and safety above all things. ]
If you change your mind, tell me. Immediately.
[ The please is smothered before it can cross, but there's a moment of palpable absence where it would have been. ]
no subject
I'll see you in a few days.
no subject
[ Dual promise. It has to be kept now, by them both. Takeshi can't pull some hero's stunt and come back a corpse, Stephen can't turn and need taking down by whoever can handle whatever he becomes. They'll stay in one living piece, both them, for as long as it takes. They'd better. ]
Be safe.
[ Aiming for instruction, but its root is desperation all the same. He'll see him in a few days. ]