otherways - upstairs - Michael and Stephen's room

[i_vanquish_evil]

Last year he didn't care, didn't want, didn't need... well, he needed it, but he wouldn't ask for it - the fireplace. This year, he didn't ask, but it was given anyway. And he quite likes it. The subtle smell of burning logs... smoldering coals by now... and the latent heat give the room a comfortable feel.

He sits on the bed, Stephen pulled close, held against him - awake or asleep, he refuses to let him go. So many years this man cared for him, cleaned his wounds, stayed by his side, prayed for him and while he - Michael - has a difficult time offering up prayer of any kind, the same is not true for offering up any part of him that is needed to care for Stephen. He would give his life if it meant Stephen could live, remain, continue. He still feels Stephen is a much better man than he; will probably always feel that way.

Michael... Gabriel... Lucifer loves Stephen... Carl... Raziel more than anything else in the world and refuses to leave him until he has regained his strength, though he can feel Nick's pain... he knows his friend needs him, but just now, Stephen needs him more.

Nick, however, is welcome to stop by if he'd like.

Comments

[eternal-boy.livejournal.com]

michael?

[i_vanquish_evil]

Michael blinks and looks around the room.

Nick? where are you, Nick?

[eternal-boy.livejournal.com]

room. recovering.

[i_vanquish_evil]

i'm sorry i couldn't help you... but Stephen...

[eternal-boy.livejournal.com]

i know

He understands.

[i_vanquish_evil]

It still hurts.

it probably doesn't help, but Graham... he didn't mean it... didn't mean to hurt anyone.... I don't fully understand, but I know he didn't want this...

And if he pulls Stephen a little closer, it's subconscious.

[eternal-boy.livejournal.com]

i know that too but it hurt. no grudge but still recovering

[i_vanquish_evil]

i know.

He sighs.

i'm more afraid of what Gwen might do... i can't let him hurt him...

[eternal-boy.livejournal.com]

...just as gwen could allow no one to hurt richard?

[i_vanquish_evil]

Michael takes a deep breath.

what would it solve, Nick? we don't need more pain here...

[eternal-boy.livejournal.com]

we didn't need it then either

[i_vanquish_evil]

i'm not saying he was justified in his actions... but revenge won't help anything

[eternal-boy.livejournal.com]

once again...

[i_vanquish_evil]

i could probably make a better argument if i understood his reasonings...


but i don't know what prompted his reaction...

[eternal-boy.livejournal.com]

jarod

[i_vanquish_evil]

oh...

That... that makes sense... that he understands... very well. Despite the fact that Jarod doesn't like him...

[eternal-boy.livejournal.com]

yes. it's a rather difficult web.

[i_vanquish_evil]

i know...

but we have to stop it somewhere or it'll just keep going...

[eternal-boy.livejournal.com]

i can't think as to where.

[i_vanquish_evil]

the pain and violence? if we don't make it stop, it will cycle on and there won't be anyone left. we've already done that...

[eternal-boy.livejournal.com]

can you stop someone doing what you would do given the chance? if the need arose?

[i_vanquish_evil]

can i stop someone from doing it...

...or would i want someone to stop me?

[eternal-boy.livejournal.com]

both. neither. whichever.

[i_vanquish_evil]

i could stop someone if i had to.

i made him stop last night. he would've done much worse had i not been there.

and yes... if i was about to tear someone apart for revenge, i would hope someone would stop me.

[eternal-boy.livejournal.com]

good to know

[i_vanquish_evil]

you don't agree?

[eternal-boy.livejournal.com]

i don't know much of anything anymore, I suppose

[i_vanquish_evil]

who's asking you to know?

nick... i still love him. he's important to me. to my life. he's willing to accept appropriate punishment for his actions, but he didn't mean to hurt richard and i don't see any reason why he should have to suffer gwen's wrath just because gwen wants revenge.

and i wouldn't let anyone else suffer another's wrath for revenge.

He sigh's heavily. Nick might even be able to hear it.

i've seen and felt my share... more than my share... if we can prevent it, i think we should make every effort.

we don't have enough cells to house the entire population of the bar

[eternal-boy.livejournal.com]

he intended to hurt richard before he changed. i know that. for another........michael, I'm tired. I'll speak to you soon enough.

[i_vanquish_evil]

what?

He only knows what Graham had told him. And Graham had said...

Nick...

But he already knows...

...goodnight, nick...

He lowers his head and curls around Stephen, maybe protectively, maybe sad...