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It had been odd and difficult to adjust to living a decent life, but with the care from his friends, Monsoon had begun to heal. An unintended side effect of this was that he was now trapped under said friends, unable to get up. Sam and Raiden had recently started dating yet they reassured Monsoon he'd always have a place to stay there. It made him come face to face with the fact that caring wasn't a weakness. The hesitancy about accepting little details like this lessened over time. However, the unbearable warmth surrounding him now had not. His friends had him trapped on both sides. He couldn't see- his visor had been set aside- but he was certain of the smug expressions they both wore. A realization hit that being around them made him a lot… happier? A warm feeling, at the very least, one he hadn't felt in forever.
Out of the two of them, Raiden would be easier to wake up. Sam was knocked out everytime his head hit a pillow. Raiden was much more alert, and upon Monsoon's arm splitting, their eyes fluttered open and they flinched back.
"Christ, Mon. I was just getting comfortable. What time is it?"
<< You were comfortable for quite a long time. I can't tell you when it is now, though. >>
Monsoon pointed to where he assumed his protruding eyes were, and Raiden grabbed his hand.
"Right. Sorry." They turned over to their other side and grabbed his visor. "Do you need any help?" Monsoon let out a sigh before letting go of his hand and making a beckoning motion.
<< It's fine, Rai. I've been doing this for quite a while. >>
Raiden shrugged nonchalantly and handed over his visor. He watched intently as Monsoon connected to it. All three of them had been living together for almost two months, yet Raiden still enjoyed watching his morning habits. It was the only routine Monsoon had, and Raiden silently reveled in the normalcy of it all. Monsoon sat up and they rested a hand on his shoulder, waiting for him to adjust to the light.
<< 0732. I can get Sam up if you’ll take care of the food. >>
“Alright. Don’t take too long; you may have all day but neither of us do.” Monsoon lightly smacked Raiden upside the head while smirking.
<< I’m not the one who’s boyfriend sleeps like a log! >>
While Raiden was laughing and getting up, Sam had stirred and wrapped an arm around Monsoon’s waist. Monsoon reached a hand down and ruffled it through his messy hair. "You guys are having a party without me, hm?" He yawned loudly before sitting up and moving his arm away.
<< You shouldn't sleep so heavily if you don't wanna miss it. >>
“Oh, shut up. You're warm, good to sleep on." Sam looked up at Raiden and winked, which caused all three of them to start laughing. Monsoon slipped out of bed and left the room first, giving his friends some privacy. The feelings he felt were genuine, and the only ones who could know it were the people who he cared about. Days were drawn out and long, but it wasn’t so suffocating anymore. Not being alone made things easier, they gave him a meaning even when he felt he shouldn’t have one. He relied less on different addictions, and came to enjoy spending time with Sam and Raiden. It wasn’t that he didn’t still get high, or sleep around, or feel insatiably filled with desire at the sight of blood spilled. These things just became more controlled, more manageable.
Monsoon had started to tend to some plants, at Raiden’s request. Raiden had been wanting him to appreciate the smaller things, keep his mind occupied. They said it would be therapeutic for him. He hadn’t minded. Being surrounded by life with no ties to destruction had helped ease his mind. Now living outside of Denver, there was room to keep the new life. Monsoon pruned each plant with his hands, many of which were vegetables beginning to flower. Footsteps approached behind him as he started to water the plants.
<< Hello, Sam. Did Raiden kick you out of the kitchen? >>
"Hmm? How did you know? He said I would be too distracting."
<< It doesn't help with how touchy you two both are. >>
"Hey! Don't pretend you don't like it." Monsoon looked up with a smile and looked at Sam, who had started stroking through Monsoon's hair. "You really enjoy taking care of those guys, huh?"
<< It would be miserable if I didn't. It's tolerable, and it keeps my thoughts distracted. >>
"Good. That's very good. I'm glad for you." Monsoon leaned back and plopped onto the ground, laying down and digging his hands into the ground.
<< Thanks, daikou penh muoy chivit. >>
It had taken Monsoon a second to realize what slipped out, and upon realization, instantly went flushed. He hoped Sam wouldn't ask, but knew it was inevitable. "Haven't heard that one before. What's it mean?" Monsoon let out a soft grunt and sat back up.
<< It's, ah, another term for friend. >>
Sam picked up on his hesitation but didn't push it. Monsoon dusted off his hands and brushed out the dirt from his long hair. He stood up and walked with Sam into their kitchen. Raiden was making omelettes for both him and Sam, and they were humming while plating the omelettes. "You guys have perfect timing. I just finished making them." Sam walked over to Raiden and kissed him while ruffling his hair.
<< See? You're both so touchy. >>
Most of Monsoon's parts were dropped onto the floor. He was leaning over the counter, just a torso and a head. A wide smile grew on his face as Raiden chucked a spoon at him. He forced it away with his own magnetic field and laughed. Monsoon knew Raiden would have to leave for work soon, so he left them alone to eat.
Nothing lasts forever, but Monsoon was sure he wouldn't mind if this warm closeness did.