week 6 trial aftermath; luke's room

[antietam]

[ So. All of that happened. And it was terrifying. The possession was bad enough because Adam thought, of course, they were dealing with demons. He wishes that was it. Now it's strange creatures who want people dead, one who's escaped and who knows how many more out there? What if there's one inside him?

Not to mention, he's a normal human. If one of them got him, he would be dead in a moment. That would be it for him, no amount of Luke's defense lessons would save him. So he's in survival mode now, hunched over and defensive. Do monsters even care that he's valued? He sees Luke start to leave and he knows that's his only protection so he follows without thinking.

Luke could be one of them. But he also knows what it's like to be possessed and not in control, and after the nightmares he's pretty sure that's Luke's greatest fear too. Adam is quiet as they go, not saying anything and staying behind him. His eyes glance around nervously like he's expecting an attack at any moment but they reach Luke's room soon enough and Adam doesn't even think to ask permission inside, he just goes.

It's only when the door shuts behind him that he looks at Luke, distraught and terrified. He doesn't know what to say. ]

Comments

[chiseler]

[...not an easy life, huh? He can both sympathize and respect that. He's silent for a moment as he takes that in, nodding in the end and not quite looking at him head-on.]

Pretty feasible goal, I'd say. [There's a very small grin though. Adam will be fine...it's just a matter of making sure he gets home.] I already told you. Play the game right, we'll get you back there. I'm not going to let anything happen to you as long as I can stop it. That includes being killed, doing the killing, or bodysnatching aliens. All right?

[antietam]

[ Adam has some mixed emotions about that. On the one hand, he wants to tell Luke he doesn't need him watching over him. On the other hand, he kind of does. Normally it wouldn't be something he'd accept, but this is a life or death situation and having someone on his side isn't the worst thing that could happen. Still, his eyebrows furrow like he's not too pleased with it. ]

And I'd do the same for you. Don't forget that. [ At least make it equal. He looks over at him now. ] If I killed someone, you'd help?

[chiseler]

[Sorry Adam you are officially now his adopted kid whether you like it or not. He recognizes the look as one he's worn on his face plenty of times before and all he can do is accept that.]

I know. [He'll still be the one to protect him in the end, but he has to trust that Adam won't let him down either. There's a sound that's close to a "maybe" at the question.] Depends on who it is, what the reasoning was and what you were doing. Out of the two of us, who's more likely to kill? [There's a slightly bitter smile.] Think about it that way.

[antietam]

[ Adam stores that information away for later. He really would prefer not to kill, but you never know. Still good to have someone on his side. ]

I don't know. You don't seem as bad as I first heard. [ He gives him a challenging smile. ] When it comes down to it, someone who kills a bad person is only doing good. [ A sneak peak at Adam Parrish's morality. ] If you did something like that, I wouldn't blame you.

[chiseler]

I'm not even gonna ask what you first heard. [He rolls his eyes instead.] So you mean if I killed somebody who was an alien or somebody who tried to kill me. And if it wasn't either of those? What then?

[antietam]

[ Adam takes a moment to think so he can give Luke an honest answer. ] I think you'd have a good reason for it. A reason I might do the same for. [ Are they similar?? Nah. ]

I think it's too late for me to hate you, if that's what you're asking.

[chiseler]

[He stares for a moment before he chuckles to himself.]

You followed me back to my room. I think I figured that part out, Parrish. [But he looks settled enough anyway.] I'm thinking about sneaking out to grab a tablet. Need anything while I'm out?

[antietam]

[ Adam scowls a little, embarrassed, but it's pretty obvious he's fond of Luke. He maintains that it's a terrible idea, but what can he do?

There's a flash of concern on his face when Luke mentions going out. ] Uh, no. Just take Backbiter and... If you're not back in fifteen minutes, I'm going to look for you. [ So there. ]

[chiseler]

[It's pretty up there in bad choices Adam Parrish has made. But he sighs to himself because...he doesn't really want to leave, but a tablet will be a good distraction for both of them and he's probably going to take care of something else first.]

You are staying here because I'll be back probably in no more than twenty. [He's up on his feet, moving to grab the kitchen knife he borrowed and handing it over.] Keep this. I'll be back soon. [And he'll give one quick look to the vent in the ceiling before jumping down the ladder to head out. Don't worry, he won't be gone for long.]