superchameleon: (011)
𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐞π₯π₯𝐒 ([personal profile] superchameleon) wrote in [community profile] piscesnebula2024-03-13 01:35 pm

I'll stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror [ peter + adam ]

it must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero
igodsend: (Amused)

[personal profile] igodsend 2024-03-16 03:52 am (UTC)(link)
          The immortal's wealth of properties, bank accounts, and alliances had been centuries in the making. Not long after Adam discovered his ability, he knew plans needed to be put into motion for the betterment of his future. And so he found himself befriending some of the most powerful families in the world where the reward for loyalty was well worth his time. In those allies, there were a few he entrusted with his secret who continued to help him out to this day. One of their tasks was to keep an eye on his properties, and in return, they could use them as vacation homes when empty. The arrangement worked out exceptionally well once he'd been locked up. Otherwise, there was no telling what condition the house would have been in.

          Adam gave a subtle nod at Peter's modest yet sufficient wishlist.
❝ I cannot think of a better plan. Italian it is. I'll order us a whole little buffet. βž Few activities in life never got old, even after centuries β€” eating delicious food was one of them. Although curious about the Vietnamese and Mediterranean, something told him to stick with a classic that most American restaurants were decent at mimicking nowadays. In a way, it was a curse to have been able to travel the world, tasting authentic dishes.

          The empath would find a whole closet full of clothes, yes. Just as he was about to answer Peter, he remarked about the flared jeans, pulling a genuinely amused grin from Adam's lips. When was the last time that had happened? He couldn't remember. With a playful tone, he returned,
❝ They are called Bell Bottoms, Peter. Don't judge me... The seventies were quite a wild time. βž

          Once he heard Peter's footsteps fade, Adam took out his phone. Luckily, guards could be bribed if one offered them enough money to smuggle things in. There had been security cameras, so he only used it for important business. He knew how to make calls, send texts, and Google (as the kids called it), but that was pretty much it. Hopefully, it was enough knowledge to order the buffet he had promised. Eventually, he found a place advertised as authentic. They weren't lying, as the guy who picked up had a thick Italian accent. Seeing as it was one of the many languages the immortal spoke, he proceeded to place the whole order in it.

          With delivery in about an hour, Adam had plenty of time to freshen up as well. But first, he searched the cabinets on a mighty quest.
❝ Now, where the bloody hell did I put them? βž he mumbled to himself, opening one door after another until finally—❝ Aha! βž He carefully lifted the bottle of wine as though it were an ancient artifact and placed it on the counter. Now, to find the corkscrew!

Several minutes later~

          Peter would find Adam lying on the couch in defeat, the bottle gripped in hand, and the cork secure despite the many human teeth marks on it.
igodsend: (Surprised)

[personal profile] igodsend 2024-03-22 08:40 am (UTC)(link)
          With how comfortable the couch was, Adam found himself beginning to doze off until he heard Peter's voice. ❝ I've searched the entirety of the kitchen. I haven't a clue what past me was thinking. βž When Peter disappeared, the immortal sat up to check the time. Luckily, the food would still be a bit. He'd go wash up as soon as this travesty was taken care of. Once Adam noticed what Peter had returned with, he simply stared for a moment. How had he not thought of that? Hmm, it would be blamed on the lack of freedom for thirty years, he decided. Yes, there were no wire hangers in his cell, so naturally, he'd forgotten about them.

          For a moment, he considered using a glass, but he had waited long enough for this moment as it was.
❝ Thank you, Peter. βž Adam took the wine and lifted it to take a long swig straight from the bottle. Once finished, he let out a sigh of contentment before focusing on Peter's question. ❝ Actually, I can. Though, the buzz wears off faster than a normal human. But yes, it always puzzled me why. Over the centuries, the more I thought about it, the only conclusion I can come to is that, I partook of alcohol so much so that when my ability manifested, it assumed liquid courage was a natural substance in my body. βž Tilting his head, he shuffled through memories better left forgotten. ❝ In fact, I got pretty well sloshed right before I discovered my power. And since I'm fairly certain it didn't manifest in that exact instance of my death, it must have been lying dormant for no telling how long, observing my drinking habits. βž

          After a few more gulps, Adam set the bottle down and nodded toward the clock on the wall.
❝ Dinner will arrive in about twenty minutes. Here... βž From his pocket, he took out enough money to pay the bill along with a decent tip and handed it over. ❝ I should be back beforehand, but if not, this should take care of it. βž After glancing at the bottle one last time, he made his way to prepare for the grand Italian feast that was on the way.

          Once in there, Adam had the same idea as Peterβ€”the shampoo and soap didn't look appealing at all. They could go shopping later, or tomorrow, he supposed. Still, the water felt amazing. For a few long moments, he stood motionless underneath it, thinking, plotting... perhaps even scheming. It was tough to concentrate when hungry, though. They would at least stay under the radar for a couple of weeks. Surely, the heat would have died down by then. In that time, he would need to secure Peter's full and undying loyalty if his grand plan had any chance of being seen to fruition. Of that, he knew for certain.

          After washing up the best he could, Adam wrapped a towel around his waist and made his way to the walk-in closet. Looking over the clothes, a smirk tugged at his lips. A few minutes later, he swaggered into the living room wearing the grooviest Bell Bottoms Peter would ever lay his eyes on, along with one of the loudest paisley print shirts he could find. With poker face on and not a word spoken, he waited for Peter's reaction when he noticed.
igodsend: (Playful)

[personal profile] igodsend 2024-03-27 09:15 am (UTC)(link)
          At Peter's comments, the ratings, Adam gave an exaggerated spin as he made his way over to the table. ❝ A zero? Oh, Peter, how you wound me, βž he said playfully, finally allowing a grin to spread across his lips. The empath's laugh was pleasant, but most importantly, it hinted the first part of Adam's plan might have been working β€” endearing himself to Peter. This was not only the easiest part but also the most fun.

          
❝ No worries; I certainly won't be going outside like this. βž Adam was accustomed to adapting to the times, and he would do so eventually once he found out what those adaptions should be β€” because, yes, Bob had been the only person who visited not in uniform β€” but for now, there were a few suits, jeans, and button-up shirts in the closet for when they went out. As far as he knew, those never went out of style. In order to spare Peter's eyes, he took off the colorful shirt and tossed it aside, revealing a black tank top underneath.

          Luckily, the restaurant had brought plastic utensils and extra plates, seeing as the ones in the cabinet probably had at least a layer of dust on them, if not worse. After fixing his first plate of the evening and pouring each of them a glass of wine, Adam took a seat as his attention returned to Peter.
❝ Wait, how do you know of such ancient subjects? Reruns while growing up? I must say, imagining Angela watching Starsky and Hutch amuses me greatly. βž

          Once Peter was situated, Adam lifted his glass.
❝ To freedom... and Italian food, which we'll be eating for at least a week now. βž To say Adam's eyes had been bigger than his stomach when he made the order was an understatement.
igodsend: (Confident)

[personal profile] igodsend 2024-04-05 11:23 pm (UTC)(link)
          A knowing smirk of amusement formed on Adam's lips as Peter continued. ❝ No, no, you're quite alright β€” Darth Vader is Luke's father... You see, before they banned women, and then anyone but the straightest of straight men from checking in on me, I talked my way into all sorts of treats such as movie night, fast food, chocolate, and most important of all, a phone. Hell, I even came close to escaping a few times. βž Eyes drifted down to his plate as a remorseful shake of his head was given.

          But that was the past, and it was time to look toward the future. There was no way in hell Adam was going back there. No way he would be kept from such lovely dishes ever again.
❝ It should have been illegal what they attempted to pass off as food in there, βž he agreed with a nod. It was tough maintaining his manners and eating at a normal pace with normal-sized bites, but he managed. It was essential to preserve the image of control at all times, especially with what he had planned for dear Peter.

          Though, Adam's eyes became half-lidded, and a soft, almost salacious sound escaped his throat as he savored the calamari and chicken fettuccini Alfredo a moment before Peter's question pulled him out of the trance. After taking a sip from his glass, he tilted his head as though he hadn't given much thought to their strategy yet.
❝ We'll have to kill two birds with one stone, I suppose β€” I'll teach you to control your powers while we wait them out... If I remember correctly, from my intel, their efforts will die down substantially after two weeks. During that time, I'm certain I can have you performing to perfection❞ His voice was velvety smooth, while the confident smile he gave was warm and sincere. And if he was wrong, well, at least he could regenerate.
igodsend: (Concerned)

[personal profile] igodsend 2024-04-11 06:19 am (UTC)(link)
          For a brief moment, Adam could have sworn he caught Peter's gaze fall slightly differently on him. But that was quickly dismissed, seeing as they were both attempting to make up for lost time regarding a decent meal. He'd never found pasta so alluring before in his almost four hundred years, to be honest.

          But the look Peter gave did push him to begin formulating his next move, as it were. It would take place tonight. Yes, the idea being considered could have been regarded as a bit cliche, but that was part of the fun. It was also subtle and innocent, so Peter wouldn't suspect a thing. For the moment, though, the immortal found he was genuinely enjoying himself. It wasn't just the food or wine but the company as well. Pun not intended.

          When Peter nonchalantly revealed his last teacher had thrown him off buildings, a breath of amusement escaped just as Adam was about to take a sip from his glass.
❝ They wot? βž It was a serious matter, but the alcohol delayed his expression from conforming to that fact. ❝ Sorry, but wouldn't that expedite the detonation process? βž Not to mention, who could possibly harm this puppy of a man in the first place?

          Then, an idea hit him. In case it was a telling look given earlier... Adam's face filled with concern, his deep blue eyes locked onto Peter's as he reached over to place his hand on top of his. Softly, he shook his head.
❝ I would never ever throw you off a building, or anything elseβ€”sorry, the wine isn't helping with words... βž The hint of a warm smile formed on his lips as he continued, ❝ Peter, what I'm trying to say is, I would never hurt you, alright? No matter how rubbish a student you are. We'll get this under control. I promise. βž That said, he gave his hand a comforting squeeze.
igodsend: (Default)

No worries, it happens :)

[personal profile] igodsend 2024-07-29 05:38 am (UTC)(link)
          Adam nodded as Peter explained further. ❝ Ah, that makes much more sense. βž Visions and dreams... So he'd also gotten a taste of Angela's ability. And her predictions always came true in one form or another from what he'd witnessed when around her all those years ago. Perhaps he'd pay her a little visit. Pay them all a visit to thank them for locking him up. Especially Kaito. Oh, how he'd savor Hiro's reaction whenβ€”

          ...The constant simmering rage Adam hid so well underneath the surface momentarily faded as Peter returned the warm gesture. Although a calculated move that received the intended result, it surprisingly brought sincerity to his grin, even if he wouldn't admit it to himself. They'd gotten to know each other somewhat over these past few weeks, and even though it had been through a wall, words and inflections could reveal almost as much as body language if one listened carefully enough. Peter was unlike most people the immortal had met in his lifetime, and he found it refreshing.

          Adam allowed the touch to linger a moment, his thumb absently brushing over Peter's skin as he continued.
❝ Well, you have nothing to worry about here, love. The nearest neighbor is at least a mile away, and I'm decently tough to hurt also. βž After a light squeeze, his hand returned to his glass to lift it for a sip.

          Usually, he would have poured himself a refill to chase the buzz, but instead, Adam set the bottle aside as all attention remained on Peter.
❝ Don't know about you, but I'm knackered, especially after such a feast. Best meal I've had in years β€” perhaps even a decade β€” all possible thanks to you. And in appreciation, you may take the king bed, if you wish. I don't mind sleeping on the couch. βž Something told him that Peter might object to that proposal.
igodsend: (Listening)

[personal profile] igodsend 2024-08-02 06:55 pm (UTC)(link)
          As it had been so long since Adam was first locked up, the exact memories of how he felt during those first few months had faded with the passage of time. Especially since he made no effort to remember them. Otherwise, he might have taken it into consideration regarding Peter. Humans, evolved or not, weren't meant to handle solitary confinement. It had been a harsh lesson to learn the hard way. And so, while he was attention-starved as well, he knew how to remain focused in order to manage the feeling. It was so very exhausting, though.

          At Peter's offer to share the bed, Adam tilted his head thoughtfully as though he hadn't expected the compromise.
❝ Hm, you do make excellent points. βž And honestly, he would love to finally sleep on a real bed after all this time. Following Peter's lead, he began helping, sorting the leftovers and stacking them in the fridge. ❝ Alright, we shall share... βž A playful expression washed over his face as he continued, ❝ But, I can't promise anything. I mean, I don't snore or sleepwalk, but I've been told I sometimes talk and occasionally steal covers in my sleep. So, if you wake up to a draft, feel free to take back what is rightfully yours. βž

          Once the food was secure, Adam began making his way to the hall, flicking off the lights as he went if Peter was following him. The moonlight gleamed strong enough through the windows to where he didn't bother turning on the bedroom light as he slipped off the ridiculous bellbottoms and threw them aside. He'd almost forgotten he was wearing them.
❝ Certainly hope those don't go missing or get set ablaze or some such, βž he said while giving Peter a faux look of suspicion.

          Lastly, he pulled off the tank top, leaving him in nothing but his boxers as he slid underneath the covers to get comfortable. The luxurious Egyptian cotton welcomed him, drawing a low hum of approval that held a hint of salaciousness from his throat. It had been so long since Adam felt such expensive fabric against his skin and such softness underneath him. Oh, how he'd missed it. Glancing over, his attention returned to Peter, and he playfully patted the space beside him.
❝ You're in for quite a treat β€” past me spent entirely too much money on this setup. βž
igodsend: (Thinking)

[personal profile] igodsend 2024-08-07 09:00 am (UTC)(link)
          Peter's delayed response was quickly overlooked, chalking it up to exhaustion from the events of a long day and overeating a grand meal. Adam felt the same way, so he couldn't blame him. But, the word yet caught his attention, reminding him just how powerful Peter could become in time. With enough abilities, he would be unstoppable... They would be unstoppable if Adam played his cards right, that was. The thought brought a genuine grin to his lips. ❝ Yes, truly a pity. βž

          As Peter got into bed, Adam made no attempt to hide the way his gaze wandered over newly bared skin in appreciation before returning to the empath's face and those puppy eyes of his. His personality, combined with his appearance, made this all the more easier. Although the immortal found all sorts of women attractive, it was rare to find men who were his type β€” pretty yet masculine with a loyal heart. Naivety was a plus, seeing as he could replace it with the wisdom and jadedness he'd learned over the centuries without having to go through a tedious trial-and-error learning stage. It was almost uncanny how Peter fit the bill.

          The question was unexpected, and usually, Adam would have shied away from answering or made up a story. But instead, he slowly nodded. Seeing as if anyone would understand, it would be Peter, he began,
❝ I didn't mention my ability to my first wife, and after twenty years of marriage, it became apparent that I wasn't aging. She didn't take it well at all. Called me a devil before leaving and died a few years later in a nunnery. She left scared and heartbroken. I failed her. βž Back then, being relatively young, he hadn't developed the skill to read people yet.

          By now, Adam was looking through Peter as the unpleasant memories returned.
❝ A couple, I faked my death to make a break for it or simply abandoned them, though I left plenty of money out of obligation. I had no idea what I wanted from life, and they paid for it. βž There was no denying those were selfish mistakes. But nowadays, he knew not to get himself into those sorts of situations to begin with. ❝ And lastly, one had drunk herself to death after accidentally seeing me regenerate. I should have paid more attention to the signs. Should have noticed how deeply the incident had affected her. So, I failed her as well. βž Eyes settling on Peter's, he observed his reactions and awaited any questions or comments he might have.
igodsend: (Confident)

[personal profile] igodsend 2024-08-11 05:53 am (UTC)(link)
          As predicted, Peter's reaction was thoughtful and sincere. And even though he only spoke three little words, there seemed to be genuine care behind them, something Adam hadn't had the pleasure of hearing in a long time. It was nice. ❝ Thank you, Peter. βž

          The immortal's expression softened as he watched him for a long moment, curious about the full effects his recounting of the past might have had on the empath. Sympathy was easily confirmed, and the gears seemed to be turning, but would he put two and two together and realize that, eventually, he would be all aloneβ€”that was unless he remained by Adam's side? Time would tell.

          The answer to the following question wasn't as cut and dry. Although Adam knew the angle he would shoot for and the perfectly laid out plan in his head, there still remained an unstable variable in more ways than one β€” Peter. Gaining his friendship seemed effortless, but what about his loyalty?

          
❝ Quite the opposite, actually. They disapproved of my plan to help others, curing people with my blood as I did your brother. Next thing I knew, I was being torn away from my wife β€” the one who incidentally was to blame for the bell bottoms and teaching me how to give Travolta a run for his money on the dance floor β€” and locked up, never to enjoy another disco ball again. βž There was an attempt to lighten the mood in order to show Peter he didn't mind talking about the past. At least, with him.

          As Adam got comfortable, adjusting his pillow and casually leaning over Peter to turn off the bedside lamp, possibly accidentally brushing bare skin against bare skin in the process, he continued,
❝ I suppose I should have seen it coming, as there was no profit to be made with my plan. So instead, they experimented on me, used my blood in their research of biological weapons... I do wonder if they're still up to such horrific schemes... βž he finished softly, his voice trailing off as if mostly speaking to himself, even though he was confident Peter would pick up the breadcrumb and run with it.
igodsend: (Default)

[personal profile] igodsend 2024-08-15 07:05 pm (UTC)(link)
          With anyone else, Adam might have allowed them to stew in the panic he'd just evoked β€” perhaps even relished witnessing it β€” but Peter had taken the bait like a good boy, and there wasn't any reason to make him suffer on the hook. He didn't deserve such torture.

          Having not laid back yet, Adam met his gaze and rested a hand on Peter's arm to gently rub in a comforting manner.
❝ No worries, love. I'm certain if they had wished to use the virus, they would have released it by now. You see, it was right before I was locked up three decades ago that they'd discovered it and began attempting to manipulate it into a weapon. My sources tried to keep an eye on it, but the trail went cold. I assumed they gave up. βž A slight shrug was given.

          After a moment of observing Peter's reaction, Adam sighed as though in defeat.
❝ I'll tell you what β€” after your training, after we're confident the search for our whereabouts has died down, we'll raid the warehouses to ensure they aren't holding onto anything dangerous, alright? With your extraordinary abilities, it should prove trivial. βž A deceptively warm smile crept across his lips at the thought.
igodsend: (Listening)

Sorry, been busy moving into my new house. Was more tiring than expected.

[personal profile] igodsend 2024-09-06 03:56 pm (UTC)(link)
          After a long moment, as if taking Peter's theory into consideration, Adam finally nodded thoughtfully. Seemed the empath was intent on making himself suffer, unfortunately. It served to reinforce the image Adam was gradually building of him, each reaction an intriguing puzzle piece.

          Giving Peter's arm a final pat, Adam laid back to look up at the ceiling as well, his fingers entwining to rest on his stomach. "All right. When an empath says they have a feeling, I suppose it's wise to listen. The question now is, what do you propose we do?" He knew what he wished to do to The Company, but suggesting outright gory revenge would make him appear too eager, of course. Not to mention, Peter probably wouldn't be on board with what he had in mind. At least, not yet, anyway.

          Looking over, Adam gave a sleepy yet thankful grin. "And since you've granted me my freedom, it's the least I can do to help you gain peace of mind. My knowledge of The Company is yours to wield as you please, Peter... Command me as you desire," he finished in a whisper, his words innocent yet deliberately chosen.
igodsend: (Default)

[personal profile] igodsend 2024-09-17 09:11 pm (UTC)(link)
          Having no recollection of the last time he'd been so full and comfortable, Adam's eyes were already fighting to stay open at the sound of Peter's soothing voice. Despite the empath's somewhat endearing naivete, he was confident he'd come up with an excellent plan of attack... And if not, Adam could easily help steer him in the proper direction. With his prowess and Peter's powers, The Company wouldn't know what hit them.

          
❝ Yes, in fact, I have a feeling I may oversleep. But if not, I'll be careful not to wake you. βž And he figured Peter would extend him the same courtesy of only awakening him if the house was on fire or some such. With that said, Adam stretched out to lay on his stomach, his head comfortable on the pillow, turned toward Peter to give a few final words of gratitude. ❝ Thank you again, for getting me out of there. It was a gift I won't be forgetting. βž

          Over the centuries, Adam had taught himself incredible control over his body. Lie detectors didn't work on him, and neither did torture. Complete authority over his heartbeat and breathing were parlor tricks by now as well... But those things depended on him being awake. While asleep, the most he could manage was lucid dreaming, but even that eluded him sometimes as dark thoughts took the form of nightmares. And so, as admitted earlier, during the night, he mumbled softly in his sleep. So quietly, it might not have awakened Peter, but if it did, he would hear parts of sentences.
❝ How could you... You monster... You'll be the first... βž

          When Peter woke up in the morning, he would find that he had somehow been promoted to the honorary position of Big Spoonβ„’. It seemed that in Adam's unconscious search to get comfortable and warm during the night, he'd hit the jackpot, nestled up cozy against the empath.
igodsend: (Surprised)

[personal profile] igodsend 2024-09-24 09:38 pm (UTC)(link)
          After the nightmare, which eventually transformed into a gore-filled revenge fantasy that Tarantino could have directed, Adam managed to drift off into a deep, peaceful slumber. It was unusual, being able to sleep so effortlessly beside someone he hadn't known very long. Someone who knew how to actually kill him, at that. Seemed his subconscious trusted Peter more than he would ever admit awake. After a hundred or so years, reading people had become second nature, so honestly, it wasn't too much of a surprise.

          The real surprise, he would soon discover.

          In the hazy state between wakefulness and dreamland, where the passing of time wasn't taken into consideration, the warmth of another's body against his wasn't an unusual occurrence, so no alarms were set off immediately. It had been six long years since Adam had shared such closeness with another. Having sorely missed the feeling, a hum bordering on a moan escaped his throat as an unknown hand ghosted along his side, pulling delicious chills along his skin.

          The question finally managed to pull Adam into the waking world fully. In a split second, the realization of the situation dawned on himβ€”he was the little spoon! The plot twist had not been planned... but he found himself making no effort to correct the situation. It was more than pleasant, and Peter didn't seem to mind; quite the opposite, in fact. Interesting...

          Adam's hand slid to pause on top of Peter's in a gesture of appreciation, and he looked to the side to answer.
❝ Apologies if our current predicament is my fault. It appears platonic bed-sharing is a skill I must work on... βž With that, he turned onto his back, yet remained just as close as he continued, ❝ Unless you'd care to remain like this a little longer as we plan our day? βž With soft eyes, he observed Peter's reaction to his words and how he was absently caressing the top of his hand.