commanderforehead | continued from bakerstreet due to captcha

[Ryan attempts to project an aura of competence as Akmazian looks him over.

Look, so what if he passed with a C, he passed, that's what matters. He had other things going on that year and he's had to help break up enough brawls on Eos 10 while waiting for security to arrive that he feels he made up for where his grades might have been lacking. Ryan is determined to pull his own weight here even if this is more Akmazian's area of expertise.]

In case we get caught, because I can provide ID that gives me clearance? I can do that. That means sticking close to me though.

Huh? Oh, no. I mean - that's a pretty good idea, yeah, but not really what I meant.

[ though, uh. objectively, he has very few qualms with the idea of keeping near ryan. ]

You said that - thing. The artifact. It did some weird mind-control shit, right? To everyone else?

[And here Ryan was thinking about him holding the weapons in a sense of keeping Akmazian out of trouble, not because... Akmazian was worried about possibly hurting Ryan?]

It did. Held them in some kind of... thrall. I suppose. It was glowing when we - Jane and I - got there. I don't know if it was naturally doing that or if it had to be activated but that's a good point too. I don't suppose you have handcuffs in case I have to subdue you?

[It's mostly a joke. Please ignore that it kind of has an edge of what could be considered flirtation maybe.]

[ look, objectively, ryan is akmazian's best bet at ever actually getting his name cleared. at being a free man again. that's an excuse he's able to give himself, at least, when it comes to ensuring ryan's safety - because he typically wouldn't be caught dead without some sort of weapon to defend himself with. ]

-- heh. Nah. Just try not to shoot me in the face if you need to take me out, alright? If it comes to that, don't waste time trying to tie me up. [ he pauses, just before descending below deck, though: ] But I'll check into cuffs for later. You know. Just in case.

[They both have a perfectly logical list of enlightened self interest reasons to want to look out for each other.

That it also extends beyond those reasons, well.

There's a reason social network sites started listing 'it's complicated' as a relationship status.

Ryan gives a little breathless laugh, a mix of embarrassed and awkward, crossing his arms over his chest. He doesn't fire back a retort, either a positive or negative.

He kind of wishes he knew which direction that implied by not saying either.]

Make sure it's got a decent stun setting, I need a full med bay to grow your face back for you.

[ honestly?

akmazian figures that he doesn't actually have a snowball's chance in hell, here. he and ryan live two entirely different existences, no matter how many intersecting points they seem to have these days.

ryan is, fundamentally, a good man who does good things, consequences be damned. akmazian, on the other hand, does whatever it takes to survive. the good doctor will inevitably end up with someone just as good as he himself is, he's sure.

that doesn't mean he's not allowed to appreciate time in his company, though, right?

he re-emerges from below deck not long after, a black duffel bag flung over one shoulder. he flashes a smile ryan's way as he moves to drop himself back down into the pilot's seat, leaning in to check weather conditions, to prepare to descend to the surface of the planet and land. ]

We'll go over what I scrounged up when we're at the hotel. We got a story, by the way? Just a couple of buddies out sight-seeing?

[Ryan uses the meantime to re-pack the medical scanner, the information he'd pulled from his own bag. He takes the copilot chair once Akmazian is seated again as well, not fancying another embarrassing almost fall.]

I didn't give any real information when I checked before, in case you were busy and I had to come on my own. So a couple buddies out sight-seeing, I suppose, unless you have a better idea. Cloak and dagger isn't really my area even if I'm having to learn.

Probably better for you to stick to the doctorin', anyway. You're not gonna be sneakin' by anyone in those pants.

[ THIS IS ALL SAID SO INCREDIBLY CASUALLY, even as he starts the landing procedures. ]

[W O W. Who knew Ryan Dalias' face could turn that red?? Actually probably Akmazian considering how embarrassing their whole first meeting was even if Ryan was in angry and mostly desensitized at that stage. But hey, look, it's made a return trip!

And here he thought Akmazian didn't notice.

He's still torn on whether it's a good thing or a bad thing.

God, Ryan Dalias a mess.]

They're comfortable. Nice shirt by the way, was it cheaper without half the buttons?

[... Please ignore that he noticed the shirt.]

What? You like the shirt?

[ yeah, don't worry. akmazian is 100% aware of how red ryan's face is, and it's taking pretty much everything he has not to laugh out loud. "snappy zinger" ryan is always way more fun to deal with than "huffy offended" ryan, okay.

he glances over at him, eyebrows up, his expression the perfect picture of fake innocence. ]

Maybe we could go shoppin' together. Get some matching outfits, you know.

[Of course Akmazian would consider it a compliment. Ryan glares at him. You aren't fooling anyone, Alliance spy. Ryan might not know you but he knows you.]

What, like 'I went to Thetis Prime and all I got was this lousy t-shirt', or 'I'm with stupid'?

[ he just sort of shrugs one shoulder, affecting an air of uncertainty. ]

Not a clue. Guess we'll just have to see what they got.

[ but he falls briefly silent while he navigates the actual landing, finally beginning the shut-down procedure for the ship when things are settled. ]

Should be pretty close to one of the sites. Drop our stuff off and check it out?

Yeah.

[Now QUITE SELF-CONSCIOUS about his pants, Ryan stands once they've safely landed and fetches his bags, slinging them over his shoulder and checking the directions. If this is the worst it gets, he'll be thankful.]

One of the hotels is right on the way, we can see if they still have any availability.

[ the real question is whether the fact that akmazian deliberately tries to walk just a little bit behind him makes him more or less self-conscious. ]

Think they're serving dinner? [ he's starving... ]

[More. Definitely more. He tries to console himself with the idea that at least the pants ... do their job, so to speak. This is, somehow, Jane's fault.]

One can hope. It isn't that late local time...

[They still have lights on and people milling around in any case, though the hotel is a small one-floor deal. Akmazian is in luck, the dinner 'buffet' is still going on, from the smell of things. Looks like it's right next to the main lobby. Ryan heads up to the receptionist first, putting on his bedside-manner-voice-and-smile combo.]

Hi, I'm Ryan, I called earlier asking about availability. I don't suppose you still have any rooms?

[The receptionist happily tells him that they have two! One that faces the trail that heads to the historic ruins, another that faces towards the quaint town center.

Both with a single queen sized bed. She asks if that will be fine for Ryan and his (with a glance at Akmazian) husband? She's so terribly sincere.

Just.

Give Ryan.

A second here.

~~THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS.~~]

[ akmazian glances at ryan, his expression thoughtful and equally sincere, before he smiles winningly at the receptionist and drops his arm around the doctor's shoulders. he gives them a little squeeze, leaning in toward the desk. ]

Well, aren't you perceptive, darlin'.

[ honestly, he can't be blamed for milking this. ]

So close. Just recently engaged. Is it that obvious?

[The receptionist gives a pleased titter, the multicolor frills around her face giving little ripples along with the sound, and she tells Akmazian that she can always tell, clearly delighted at being right again.

Ryan just produces the credits he brought with in anticipation of needing a room.

Calm, even breaths.]

The one facing the trail please. My fiance is a hobby archaeologist. Are the ruins still open for visitation today or will we need to wait for tomorrow?

[She goes about booking their room and lets them know they ARE still open but only for another hour. In no time at all they're given their room key (an actual key, how old fashioned), several pamphlets with all the information on the ruins as well as one about local sights around town (Local color!) and a little laminated sheet of meal times, check in and check out times, and the rest.

Really, it's not so bad as far as hotels go. It's clean, there's no leaking pipes or anything, the food is probably well tasting enough if the total amount of caloric intake you need in a week every single meal... It's just very ... quaint and cozy. And you wouldn't lose money betting on how thin the walls were.

When they have everything, Ryan gives her another smile, grabbing Akmazian's arm to lead him towards where their room should be. Mayyyybe a little harder than necessary.]

Come on, dear.

[ akmazian drops the receptionist a playful, cheeky wink when she fills the two of them in. he does a pretty good job of pretending to be a slightly awed tourist, glancing around, smiling at some of the other folks staying in the hotel.

he resists when ryan starts to pull at his arm, pressing a lighthearted kiss against the side of his head. ]

You go get settled in, darlin'. I'll get some food and bring it to the room.

[ oh, he's eating this up. ]

[He cannot shove the medical scanner down Akmazian's throat. There are witnesses. If only Jane were here, she'd know a way to make it work in spite of that.]

Here I thought it was something else you were hungry for with your earlier comment... alright, just don't be too long, or I'm using all the hot water in the shower by myself.

[It's not quite as playful as Akmazian manages - Ryan's got good bedside manner, but as he said before he's not the spy. He hopefully covers for it by giving Akmazian a similar kiss on the cheek before grabbing his bag to take to the room too.

Jackass.]

[ akmazian makes a show of wincing at ryan's words, rubbing the back of his neck as the other man picks up his bag to take. ]

Aw, hon, I'll just be a few minutes...

[ he glances at the receptionist with a sort of 'what are you going to do' look on his face, before stage whispering: ] Don't worry. I'll butter him back up.

[ he'll be at the room in a few minutes, two heaping plates of food in hand. ]

[Congratulations, Akmazian. You now have one (1) receptionist totally in your corner. Go get 'em, tiger.

Back in the room Ryan's looked around it. Small, the bed, a little desk with a chair, and a bathroom and closet and that's basically it. Nice view out the window though.

Ryan really was considering taking a shower and using up all the hot water. He opens the door for Akmazian, takes one of the plates, and closes the door securely once Akmazian's inside.]

Thanks for grabbing me a plate, sweetie.

[ akmazian is grinning when he shuts the door behind him, leaning in when ryan takes the plate. he leans in close, basically getting up in his face to whisper: ]

Guess I could've just told her we were brothers, huh.

[ his shoulders are shaking with barely contained laughter. ]

[Ryan briefly freezes when Akamazian leans in close. What with the kiss on the cheek earlier, yes, he's wondering if Akamazian is actually going to go for it... does he pull away, does he wait for it, does he-

You complete jackass, Akamazian.]

No, this is totally fine. I can cry on cue if I need so I'll pass as a perfect grieving widow when they find your body tomorrow morning. No one will suspect a thing.

[He goes to eat at the desk and get some personal space back.]

Oh, shush up. It's a good cover, regardless.

[ and - honestly? he'd been tempted. he'd been so goddamn tempted, but he had the feeling that it would've made things this weekend so much worse. he was hoping to actually get to sleep in the bed instead of being stuck on the floor, after all.

so he takes a seat on the edge of it, as if claiming his spot. ]

We should go before it opens in the morning.

Now while it's open or after it closes? It'd be tresspassing, but we wouldn't have to worry about other tourists.

[Ryan did bring a criminal, sure, but he'd like to break as few laws as possible here. This food is going to sit like a brick in his stomach, Ryan didn't know it was possible to cook with this much grease.

And when they get back they're going to have to figure out sleeping arrangements. There's no real way for them to both take the bed and not hit a secure cuddling risk.]

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