[Nightlight]

[seeagreatergood]

So things got awkward and Auggie moved his stuff back out of the Stark household into Milliways.

And he's been totally fine with it. Honestly. It's been kind of a relief not to have to keep such a close eye on himself the last three or four days. Milliways is kind of anxiety-inducing, but less anxiety inducing than living in a house with those two young men.

Of course, he misses the easy camaraderie. But it's not like this is the first time he valued safety over friendship.

Comments

[seeagreatergood]

Auggie is rather proud of himself for not making any Chris Hansen jokes as he finds the chair and sits down.

[if_inconvenient]

Sherlock takes a seat on the bed, tucking his feet up under him and leaning back against the headboard.

"You are sexually interested in us," he says evenly.

[seeagreatergood]

Okay, well, it's out there now.

Flat: "I haven't been as discreet about it as I'd've liked."

[if_inconvenient]

"No amount of discretion could have prevented my noticing."

[seeagreatergood]

"Yeah."

[if_inconvenient]

"But I don't intend to bother you about it."

[seeagreatergood]

--Auggie lets out a laugh, incredulous and not very humorous.

"I really don't know what to do with that."

He puts down the cane and book and runs his hands through his hair.

"How do you feel about me being sexually interested in you?"

[if_inconvenient]

"Lest any doubt remain in your mind, I assure you I return it."

[seeagreatergood]

He breathes in.

When he breathes out, his shoulders slump visibly as the tension goes out of him. He leans forward, elbows on his knees, resting his head on his hands.

"I didn't want to assume." He lifts his head, looking toward Sherlock. "I would never assume."

[if_inconvenient]

"Well. Thank you," he murmurs. "I did think I was being quite obvious, but that is a kind thought and a good principle to follow. It remains, I suppose, to ask whether we are going to do anything about it."

[seeagreatergood]

"We shouldn't," immediately. "You're more than ten years younger than me, Sherlock, and don't give me any crap about actually being a hundred and fifty. It would be extremely inappropriate."

[if_inconvenient]

"Auggie, I'm more than ten years younger than Tony. It does not stop us. The man who just gave me this lovely beating is forty-five. These things do not trouble me the way they trouble you."

[seeagreatergood]

The man who--

Dammit, no, he is not getting distracted.

"Yeah, well, I'm still troubled."

[if_inconvenient]

"You have every right to be." He shrugs. "I cannot change your mind for you."

[seeagreatergood]

"Yeah, and if you tried, I might have to kick your ass."

It doesn't quite reach his usual level of sarcasm, but it's a step in the right direction (i.e. away from the pants-shitting fear that Sherlock would be accusing him of abusing their trust).

"Does Tony know, too?"

[if_inconvenient]

"He took you at your word when you said you were not interested and has not reevaluated the matter since."

[seeagreatergood]

He snorts.

"That kid."

That's the kind of trust that makes him worry about Tony.

[if_inconvenient]

"And he loves you," Sherlock says quietly. "We both do."

[seeagreatergood]

Ah, right, that other terrifying detail.

"I know."

Well, it was a good enough answer for Han Solo. (Being frozen in carbonite sounds kind of relaxing right about now.)

[if_inconvenient]

"I don't know how to convince you that you have nothing to be afraid of."

[seeagreatergood]

"Neither do I."

He sits back in his chair, rubbing his face.

"I told you I don't want you or Tony to get hurt. That goes double for getting hurt by me. And the chances that I'll eventually hurt you are pretty fucking high."

[if_inconvenient]

"Why?"

[seeagreatergood]

"Well, one, I've got kind of a track record, and two, because I will always put my work over you."

[if_inconvenient]

"Does it follow that we are necessarily doomed? I don't believe it does."

[seeagreatergood]

"Why not?"