It had been nearly six months since Mehki had first joined the ranks of the Guardians, and within those six months, he had accomplished many things. While some of these accomplishments were nothing compared to that of a veteran Guardian, it bothered him not. He was getting somewhere, and that was more than he could say for some.
His mentors and himself had grown rather close over the months, learning the movements of one another and the tactics that they enjoyed the most. With the help of his mentors, he learned the way of the light and had grown into a powerful ally to have at their side. All three formed a bond that was unbreakable.
With experience came income, and with income came better gear. It hadn't taken him long at all to find an armor set that he enjoyed, not to mention a better ship so that he didn't end up getting himself killed in the one that Holliday had let him borrow. Even his weapons had earned themselves a fancy upgrade, but most of them stayed the same just for familiarity.
During the time he was being trained, many deaths had been avoided thanks to the careful eye of Jericho and the knowledge of Lanna. However, on this particular day, Jericho seemed to be distracted by something. This, unfortunately, cost Mehki his first life.
"Guardian down!" Khepri chirps, quickly gathering his Guardian's light to prevent it from being sapped by the darkness that surrounded them. "Keep these thrall off of me! I'm trying to pull a revive here!"
"Shit!" Jericho huffs, not having realized that he'd left his back to Mehki too long without providing him the proper covering fire. The Titan's gaze sweeps the field, finding a gaggle of thrall leaping and trying to swipe Khepri right out of the air. "Hey! Dickbags! Over here!" he shouts, stomping his feet to gather the attention of the blind creatures. "That's right! Come and get it!"
The gaggle of Thrall all turn their sightless faces toward the sounds and vibrations that the Titan was giving off, and with a screech, the lead Thrall sprints full force in his direction, bringing its gang with it. Lanna is quick to jump in, a single glowing orb flying forward with great precision and landing in the middle of the group.
"Boom!" She shouts with excitement, trotting up beside Jericho just as the grenade detonates.
Jericho watches as the Thrall are turned to ash from the solar grenade, but he only passes Lanna a worried glance before sprinting up to where Mehki's body lay. Multiple, jagged cuts run along the armor. Some running deep, whereas others barely cut through the hardened leather. It takes him only seconds to find the wound that had ended his life, a jagged tear in the throat section of his armor likely being the culprit.
"The Thrall are finished, you should have no interruptions bringing him back." The Titan huffs, already eager for the AI to bring the Warlock back.
With quick precision, Khepri begins to rebuild his Guardian. Having learned from the first time he had patched his Guardian up, on top of there only being a few wounds to fix, Mehki begins to stir within seconds. The first ragged gasp after a death is taken, and the Warlock is quick to jump to his feet, half expecting the fight to still be going.
"You're fine! Everything has been taken care of. I'm so sorry, I was covering Lanna for a split second and before I knew it you were being downed!" Jericho quickly takes a step forward and scoops Mehki's weapon off the ground. Giving it a good shake to rid it of dirt, he places it back into the Warlock's hands.
"It's fine man. Shit happens. Didn't exactly expect to witness my first death when crawling out of bed this morning, so forgive me if I'm a little shaken up." He murmurs, pulling his weapon close to his chest and giving it a few taps to make sure the barrel wasn't blocked with sand.
"Well, I think we've all had enough for today anyway," Lanna adds, walking into the group and giving Mehki a good pat on the back. "Make sure you have Khepri send your armor out for repairs. It's likely we'll need an air-tight seal on that by tomorrow morning. Osiris is planning to send us to Venus, and there is absolutely nothing worse than letting that sulfuric atmosphere touch bare skin. Not to mention that it makes you reek for weeks." She huffs lightly, letting her hand slide away from Mehki as she pushes between both him and Jericho.
Mehki finds such behavior weird, his gaze trailing after her. It wasn't like her to be suddenly so forceful, wedging herself between them like that. Even Jericho picks up on this strange behavior, but neither of the men says anything. Instead, they share a glance before moving to follow.
"So we're headed home?" Mehki asks cautiously, unsure if he should even bother opening his mouth at all.
"Yup," Lanna replies, not even skipping a beat nor turning to glance at the pair behind her.
"But it's so early. Usually we're out all day." Mehki murmurs, passing a confused glance to Jericho, who shrugs.
"I've got other things I need to do today, Mehki. I need to meditate on today's success, as well as try and figure out what exactly I'm doing with my life."
"Are things not well at home?"
"Please just stop talking. My personal life is none of your concern at the moment." Lanna hisses, her visor finally whipping around. If looks could kill, Mehki would be experiencing his second revive right about now.
"Sorry, Lanna." He stutters, his gaze shifting down to his feet for a moment.
There's a brief weight that rests upon his shoulder seconds later, his visor lifting to find that Jericho had rested his hand there in a comforting way. There's a brief interruption in the communication line, letting Mehki know that the Titan was attempting to contact him privately. Without too much hesitation, he switches the line over and waits.
"Don't take it personally kid. Her husband is an idiot, and she's going through a rough time. She has days like this, but she's still herself. Just give her some space and time. She'll fall back into her normal routine." Comes the man's voice, his tone easily relaxing the Warlock.
"It's hard not to, I feel like an idiot for asking those questions, but if something's happening I want to help. I only want to prove that I can help. I'm not a rookie anymore, I'm just like you two. I have fully mastered my light, yet she still treats me as though I was just brought back yesterday." Is Mehki's reply, head shaking in irritation.
"Don't let it get to you. I see you as an equal, you've done everything we've asked. After being with us for over six months, and only experiencing your first death today? I'd say you're no rookie, and you haven't been since you've gotten a handle on your light." Jericho gives Mehki's shoulder a squeeze and pulls him slightly so that they would both stop walking after Lanna. "Let's just get home, eat dinner and all that. Maybe throw on a movie and relax with some dessert."
"Thanks, Jericho. I try not to, but it's just always at the back of my mind. You're right though. Let's just get home. Maybe she'll be better tempered tomorrow."
By this time, Lanna had already departed. Her ship roars out of sight, headed for The Last City. Mehki cant help but wonder why she's so off, and why Jericho mentioned that her husband was an idiot. What had he done? If he hurt her, Mehki would personally end him himself.
The Warlock backpedals in thought, coming to the realization that he would have absolutely no issue harming a non-guardian. He worries for a moment, wondering why such a thought would come to mind. Perhaps it was the fact that Lanna was much like a motherly figure for him. Hurt her, and he would be unable to conceal his anger.
Hazel gaze darts to the side as Jericho's hand slides away from his shoulder. The Titan has his eyes to the sky, watching as their ships roar in from orbit to pick them up and return them to the Tower. Mehki's new ship shines quite happily in the light of the Sun, its new paint reflecting it back with a shimmer across the ground as it hovers close.
"See you in the Plaza," Jericho offers, visor tilting down to Mehki for but a moment before the Titan is whisked away and his ship heads in the direction of the Tower.
Mehki offers a small wave before heaving a heavy sigh as he watches Jericho's ship rip across the skies. His visor lifts up to inspect his ship briefly before his gaze turns out to the open lands around them. Behind him lay the ash and bone of the enemies they had cleared out today. He was thankful that it was over but regretful that he had let the Thrall surround him with such ease and take him out before he could even radio for help. Embarrassing was a word that he would use for the death, but not nearly as embarrassing as it could have been.
"Go ahead and pull me in, Khepri. Let's get home." His words roll off his lips with a sigh. The transmat into his ship was seamless and without error. Khepri having mastered the ability with him several months back, and thankfully never produced any major errors with transmatting him.
The ride home is unusually quiet, but Mehki doesn't seem to care too much. The silence allows for him to process the day's events without interruption. Almost a form of meditation, but very diluted from the sort that Lanna was speaking of. Hands lift up to casually remove his helmet, carefully leaning over the side of his seat to place it on the floor for Khepri to deal with later. Lips are pressed into a flat line as he runs over his thoughts. They'd cleared out a Hive brood, and easily put a stop to them producing more of their sick creation. Luckily the outer civilian camp had spotted them before it had become too late. Hopefully, they could live another day without fear.
"Approaching the Tower Plaza. Jericho awaits you near the elevator." Khepri chirps lightly, the Ghost's shell shifting around its central orb a few times before turning back to directing the ship. "Prep for transmat."
Boots connect with the concrete of the Plaza just seconds later, the tower quite literally bustling with life around this time of day. Mehki shifts his gaze around himself, lips remaining flat before his gaze reaches Jericho. A grin spreads across his lips as the Titan waves from his spot, a small laugh rumbling the Warlock's throat. Jericho could easily lift his mood any day, especially with that dorky wave he always offered.
Feet begin to carry the Warlock forward, hands running along the cuts in his armor while his eyes traced the jagged lines. He was very obviously not paying attention to where he was going, which proved to be a mistake on his end. A shoulder catches him, nearly spinning him around in place with its momentum. The perpetrator coming to a sudden halt and whipping around to face him.
"Watch where you're going, fucktard." Is hissed from the man, piercing blue gaze glaring hard.
"My apologies, Hunter." Is Mehki's reply, a small apologetic smile being offered.
"You think this is fucking funny? I just got this armor fixed up, if I find a single scratch on it I'm going to destroy your world in a one on one crucible match."
"I find nothing about the situation to be a laughing matter. I advise you to kindly watch your tone unless you want me to get my Titan friend involved." Mehki jerks his thumb over his shoulder to where Jericho stood, very obviously watching everything that was happening.
It's obvious that the Hunter begins to reconsider his options, that piercing gaze shifting from the Titan to where Mehki stood a few times.
"Whatever, fucking Warlock." Is spat back, the Hunter storming off in the direction of which he had been walking earlier.
Mehki merely shakes his head, using a hand to brush the spot of impact as if to dust himself of the Hunter's sudden aggression. With a better judgment, he actually watches where he is going, not really wanting to have another incident on his hands. As he approaches Jericho, he offers a defeated shrug.
"What did that Hunter want?" Jericho huffs, eyes still following the man through the Plaza.
"Oh nothing, we simply apologized and parted ways. I wasn't exactly watching where I was going." Mehki replies cooly, covering for the fact that the Hunter had actually threatened him. No need to have Jericho toss him over the railing and make a huge scene. He really just wanted to relax and unwind after their session.
"If you're sure." Is the Titan's response.
They wait for the elevator briefly, and when it arrives they wait for its passengers to depart before entering. The two stand side by side, Jericho very easily making Mehki look like a toothpick, but he didn't seem to mind. Not in the slightest.
"Cheer up, Kiki." Jericho offers with a small laugh, his shoulder lightly bumping into the Warlock.
"You did not just call me Kiki." The Warlock huffs, a small grin curling at the corner of his lips as he regains his composure and returns the nudge with one that was a bit more powerful. Jericho hardly budged.
"Oh, I did. I've been trying to think of something to call you without constantly having to use your full name. Kiki fits perfectly. Like a little cat."
"I'm going to strangle you while you sleep," Mehki replies, hazel gaze lifting up to the Titan as he turns to face him. There's a brief second that the Warlock actually sizes up the Titan, trying to decipher the best way to plot his harmless attack. "I am nothing like a cat."
"Cats can easily smother someone in their sleep. Just saying." Jericho takes note of Mehki's sudden movement, a brow quirking as he tries to process this form of challenge. "Plus, rub a cat the wrong way, and they'll bite."
"Maybe I can get away with strangling you in here." Mehki lifts his fist to his lips as if he's considering the option.
"Plus, it's kinda cute. Kiki." Another rumble of laughter leaves the Titan, but he's unprepared for what comes next, and quickly takes several steps back until his back is against the wall of the elevator.
"Maybe I bite anyways." Mehki matches each step back with one of his own as he approached the titan. There's a devilish smirk upon his lips and a laugh that threatens to escape at the sudden behavior of Jericho. This man could easily snap Mehki like a twig, yet here he is, backed into a wall with his tail tucked between his legs. "Maybe I'll start calling you Coco, hmm?"
"You wouldn't."
"I would."
"That's such a dog name!" Jericho complains with a huff.
"Oh, and Kiki isn't?"
"You're so stubborn."
"As are you, don't pretend like you aren't." Mehki offers with a chuckle, giving the Titan a push with both hands against his broad chest.
It takes only seconds for their position to be reverted, and with a startled gasp Mehki stares wide-eyed into the green gaze of Jericho, his hands still resting against the Titan's chest plate. The Titan lifts a hand to the bottom of Mehki's chin, tilting it up slightly toward his own. This causes for Mehki's breath to hitch in his throat. There isn't any hesitation from then on, the Titan pressing his lips against Mehki's without a second thought, leaving Mehki dumbfounded where he stood. With no reaction from the Warlock, the Titan pulls his lips away.
"I-... I'm so sorry. I don't know what I was thinking I-."
"Shut up." Mehki huffs, cutting him off. He then lets his hands slide up the chest plate to lock behind the Titan's neck. There's a small tug, and their lips clash once more. This time, Mehki is able to reciprocate the action, moving his lips in rhythm with Jericho's.
The kiss is short-lived, as the elevator begins to slow and the doors slide open to reveal another Guardian idly waiting for their ride. The two practically jump apart, the second the door begins to open, wide eyes darting to this newcomer while they reigned in their breathing. Jericho easily pulled it off, but Mehki could not help the fact of his cheeks lighting up like a Christmas tree.
The Guardian gives them both a curious glance and a small wave as he steps between the two. They then lean forward to hit the button to the floor the would be headed to before standing straight, arms crossed over their chest. No conversation what so ever.
Mehki passes a glance to Jericho shortly after, a shocked look of 'what the fuck just happened' clear on his face. He couldn't decide if he was humiliated that this Guardian almost witnessed that scene, or furious that they had been interrupted. He was just beginning to side with the latter when the door opened to their floor.
Jericho strolls out of the elevator casually, offering a friendly parting wave to the Guardian before passing a glance to Mehki. There's a brief pause before the Titan makes a small gesture as if to ask if Mehki would be joining him or not. Shaking his head slightly to clear it of the fog, he too steps out of the elevator and walks along just behind him.
"Are we going to just pretend that didn't happen?" Mehki asks once he's sure the elevator has moved on, but he gets no reply from Jericho.
Confusion settles in quickly before a brief bit of anger floods him. Jericho had been the one to start this all, and now he didn't want to acknowledge it? The Warlock picks up his pace with a huff, slipping between Jericho and the door he was attempting to unlock. a single hand lifts up to press against Jericho's breastplate as his hazel gaze bores into the man's emerald orbs.
"Please answer me." Is murmured lowly.
"No, we aren't going to pretend that didn't happen." Jericho finally huffs, one hand still on the doorknob whereas the other moves to plant against the door on the other side of Mehki. "How do you think the Vanguard will take it if they catch wind of us being together."
"Why should they care?" Mehki is confused at the sudden mention of the Vanguard, brows furrowing as his gaze shifts down the hall, but it lifts back up as Jericho begins to speak once more.
"Because I'm still technically your mentor. It would look bad for the both of us." Jericho sighs, his gaze shifting around them to ensure that no one was around before he leans in closer. "I mean we can keep it under wraps, at home only, and no one would know. At least until you're no longer under our mentorship, but it's risky."
"And how long is that supposed to go on?" The Warlock frowns, but he doesn't get the chance to earn a reply, at least not yet.
The door he had been leaning back against begins to give way, Jericho having unlocked it and pushed it open to get them inside and away from the prying eyes of his nosey neighbors. There is a brief moment of panic that flashes in Mehki's eyes, but Jericho steadies him to ensure that he doesn't fall backward and holds tight to the doorknob to prevent it from crashing into his wall and making a nice hole. Mehki can sense the Titans hesitation before he finally pulls away to move further into the house.
"As long as it takes. Lanna is the one who has the last say. If she doesn't see you fit to work alone, then you will forever be under our wing." Jericho mutters, passing a glance over his shoulder at the Warlock.
"With her attitude as of late, I doubt it will be anytime soon." Mehki sighs, watching as the Titan moves further into the home. There's a brief pause before he turns to shut the door and lock it behind him. "I guess in the meantime we can use the time to understand where we want this to go. Taking it slow as they like to call it. It would make more sense that way, and the feelings between us can further grow as we understand each other a little more."
"That's a great way to look at it, but you make it hard for me to behave at times." The Titan rumbles, leaning his bottom against the edge of the couch as he crosses his arms over his chest.
"What do you mean by that?"
"The way you carry yourself. How you act. You're a fearless individual, and that's rare coming from a Warlock. Typically your role is to support, but you have no issue getting right in the enemies face." Jericho begins, nodding his head with his words. "It takes a lot to get in the face of a Titan, friend or not, and more times than not you've been in my face when something has not gone to your liking. While usually that would irritate one, but I find it intriguing. You're intriguing."
"And that makes it hard for you to behave? I would think a Titan has a bit more self-control than that." Mehki offers a low chuckle.
"You don't understand."
"Then make me understand, and no I do not mean that sexually in anyway." The last part is added quickly, his cheeks flushing just slightly at the thought of how it could otherwise have been taken.
"Are you saying that you wouldn't want a sexual relationship?"
"You're changing the subject, and I never said that." Mehki huffs with an exasperated sigh.
Jericho merely shrugs, passing a glance to the Warlock and watching him carefully. He can't help but note the flush on Mehki's cheeks, and it tugs a brief grin on his face. He waits a few moments before replying, letting the words sink in a bit more.
"Ever since you came onto me that first night you stayed-"
"I did NOT come on to you!" Mehki huffs out defensively, puffing up like an angry cat from where he stood in the entry hall.
"Do not interrupt me. Anyways, since the first night, when you said those things. It made me think that maybe I did deserve more. You noticed right away how I carried myself, but it took me a short time to see how you carried yourself. Titan's are meant to be strong, the backbone of our Guardian army, but I feel as though I'm lacking that strength. When I'm with you, it feels as though that temporary weakness is gone. I got comfortable in your presence, and anytime you were not there I felt empty."
"Okay, now you're just being sappy." Mehki gives a small laugh to follow the words, finally shifting further into the house to lean against a wall opposite of Jericho. "I feel the same way, honestly. I'm just afraid of disappointing you."
"What do you mean by that?" The Titan inquires with curiosity.
"I've never been with a man before, I don't know what you expect of me."
"Oh. I assure you that's no issue. You yourself said that we should get to know each other a bit more. In time, all things come naturally." Jericho perks a brow, watching Mehki carefully. It was obvious that this conversation made him slightly uncomfortable. "It's not like I'm going to force you into my bed anytime soon. That's not all I'm searching for here."
"Well, I would hope not. Well at least not... right away or anything." Mehki lifts a single hand to cover the bottom half of his face as if to stop the embarrassing stream of words from continuing any further. This causes the Titan to laugh as he pushes away from the couch.
"I'm perfectly fine with small amounts of intimate interaction. A passing kiss, cuddling during a movie, the really cheesy shit you see in those romances. Just because we don't share a bed, doesn't mean we cant get to know each other better with the smaller things first. Come on, let's have a smoke before we get cleaned up. We can chat more out there." With that, Jericho moves toward the sliding glass door, lifting the latch and pulling it to the side.
Mehki wastes no time to follow, really feeling the need for the nicotine to perhaps calm his nerves. A cold breeze sweeps in to greet them, causing for the Warlock to shiver as it wraps up around the back of his neck. If only there was a port on his helmet where he could just casually smoke and keep the wind from whipping across his face.
Eyes trail to Jericho as he takes his usual spot in his chair, finding it amusing with their nightly rituals. A cigarette, a shower, a warm meal, and then bed. It made him feel like he was part of something bigger. Thoughts shatter as a cigarette is passed his way, to which he moves forward to grab it and take his own seat. Patiently he waits for the lighter, and once it is passed to him he takes a few tries to light his own.
"I'm looking forward to this 'getting to know you' deal. Even though we've been living together for the past six months." Mehki murmurs, words lifting from his lips in small clouds of smoke as he passes the lighter back to Jericho.
"As am I, it'll be nice to learn things about you without hearing it from your Ghost while you clean up every night." The Titan grins, taking the lighter back and tucking it into the pack of cigarettes.
"That's kinda creepy, but I do recall that Ghosts know more of their Guardians than they do themselves. So it makes sense. Eve should be grateful that I haven't pestered her much. Not that it hasn't crossed my mind, just trying to respect your boundaries with the whole 'strictly business' thing." Fingers quote around the saying as he bobs his head in a sassy fashion before his hand pulls the cigarette back to his lips for a drag.
"You and that strictly business bullshit." Jericho sighs, but can't help the laugh that follows soon after.
"Hey, you said it not me. Going on about how you wanted to keep things professional, then six months later you pin me in an elevator and kiss me." Mehki cant help the smirk that curls at the corner of his lips. That thought nearly brings him to blush again.
"I already told you, it's taken me a lot to wait this long. Just be glad I didn't keep you there when that Guardian showed up. I could have easily made it look like you and I were having a scuffle."
"That would have been a very awkward elevator ride."
"And it wasn't before I mentioned that?"
"Oh it was, but at least you weren't choking me out against the elevator wall."
The pair of them laugh at the comment a little longer than necessary, but neither of them really minds. They smoke their cigarettes down a bit more, both of them admiring the view of the Last City below them. To think that they were the ones to protect every soul within the walls, it was thrilling. Mehki had heard many of the stories of the battles fought for this city and is almost a bit envious that he had not been around to fight them.
"I'm thinking of eating before a shower," Mehki admits, gaze shifting to Jericho as he flicks the ash off the end of the tobacco roll. "I'll sleep better immediately after a shower."
"Not a bad idea. We can probably have pizza ordered in for us. There's a place that makes and sends them in fast."
"Works for me, nothing like a little grease after a hard worked day."
"Eve, be a doll and get us a large pepperoni pizza ordered? Be sure to tip." Jericho asks, watching the Ghost suddenly drop her cloaking. It's obvious that she and Khepri had heard everything between the two, considering how keenly her eye was focused on the Warlock. A swift, but gentle tap is given to her shell, spinning her slightly in the air to grab her attention away from the Warlock. "I'm the one speaking, not him." He perks a brow, waiting for her reply.
"Yes of course. I'll have it ordered right away." She pauses, her blue shell condensing around her central orb in excitement. "So you two are finally an item?"
And there it was. "Eve, please. You should know better than to eavesdrop." Jericho releases a sigh, lifting his cigarette to his lips to take a long drag. "We are keeping it off the record, and we are nothing official just yet. Baby steps, little Ghost, baby steps."
A subtle movement out of the corner of the Warlock's gaze catches his attention. Khepri is quick to join the party, optic honed directly onto his Guardian. Mehki merely perks a brow at the AI, as if questioning its intent.
"You heard him, he's not even two feet from me. Just because it did not leave my lips does not mean it is automatically incorrect."
"It would be so much more satisfying to hear it from you directly." Is the Ghost's humored response, his shell shifting with curiosity.
"You are such a brat, I figure a child would be more behaved than you," Mehki mumbles, lifting the cigarette back to his lips with a sigh.
By the time they had finished their cigarettes, the pizza had been picked up and delivered to their dining room table. This is noticed as soon as they re-enter the home, and they quickly get situated to eat. There was not much conversation to follow, mostly a lot of awkward silence and the occasional glance at one another.
During this time, Mehki mulls over the past twenty minutes. Replaying the scene in the elevator over and over like a broken record. Trying to piece together what had started the interaction, as well as pondering over what would have happened if that Guardian had not been there to interrupt them. He doesn't realize that he's lost in the thoughts until Jericho brings him back with a clear of his throat.
"You're blushing up a storm over there." The Titan murmurs, lifting a piece of crust to his lips and taking a nice bite out of it.
"Hmm?" The Warlock lets his gaze refocus on the Titan when the realization sets in. His face felt obnoxiously warm, and he realizes then that it was likely beet red. "Sorry, I can't help it." Is muttered moments later. Quickly he shoves the next piece of pizza into his mouth to occupy it and hopefully recirculate some of that surfaced blood back to where it belonged by exercising his jaw.
"What were you thinking about?" Jericho asks, politely using a closed fist to cover his mouth while he spoke so that the remnants of his meal were not visible as he spoke around them.
"What your intentions were, in the elevator." It takes him a moment to say the words, having to quickly chew his food and swallow it before he felt comfortable speaking. "What would have happened had that Guardian not stopped the elevator."
Jericho nearly chokes on his food, causing Mehki to pass him a concerned look. The Titan lifts a hand as if to say he's fine, and quickly takes a drink from his glass of water to help wash it down. There is a small sigh offered then, the glass being replaced on the table before he spoke.
"I don't even know what my intentions were. Instinct took over, which is why I was so shaken up after I pulled away. I thought I'd chased you away because you just stood there. As for the interruption, things may have gotten heated. I definitely wasn't expecting you to reciprocate my actions, and the shock when you did begged my brain to not stop. The fear of being caught is the only thing that saved that from happening."
"Yeah, that's what I figured, which is why my face may have been a little flushed. Just remember, baby steps."
"Baby steps." Jericho nods, tucking away the last piece of his crust into his mouth and chewing it thoughtfully. Once the piece is swallowed, he scoops his plate up and makes a grab for Mehki's. "Go ahead and hit the shower, I'll clean up the kitchen and get things prepped for tomorrow. Just be sure to swing back in before you head to bed."
"Uhm, alright. Thanks, Jericho."
"Anytime."
Hazel gaze watches the Titan as he moves into the kitchen, internal gears trying to process the reason that he would want him to stop back after his shower. There's a shrug given and he pushes himself away from the table and makes for his bedroom. He'd left everything just the way it was since the room was made available to him. Not a single decoration in place, but one couldn't blame him.
Hands pull out a few articles of clothing. Comfortable sweats, some clean undergarments, and a tank top. The perfect sleeping attire. Just glancing at his bed he can't help but wish he was already tucked into it, but he wouldn't dare crawl into bed coated in old blood and the stench of Hive.
Reluctantly, he heads for the bathroom, feet practically dragging as he moves. A small glance is passed down the hall as the sound of clattering dishes echoes back to him. He knew it to be Jericho, washing up after their meal and doesn't pay much more mind as he slips into the room and closes the door behind him. By now, he was able to afford his own toiletries, and so there would be no more using Jericho's old lover's items. It seemed to relieve a few tensions once that was done, to which Mehki was grateful.
"Khepri?" The Warlock turns just slightly, feeling the slight air disturbance that told him that his Ghost was near. "When you store my armor, can you have it sent out for the repairs it needs? Lanna mentioned that we'd be headed to Venus tomorrow, I'll be needing the rips mended."
"Sure, I'll let them know that it's important to have it finished by tomorrow." Khepri offers, lifting his cloaking to run his eye over the battered armor. If Mehki had not been a Guardian, he'd be dead, permanently. It was why the Traveler created him, to bring one back such as Mehki to fight the darkness without fear. After a brief look, the Ghost pulls the outer pieces of the armor away and leaves his Guardian to shower.
A soft sigh leaves the Warlock, hazel gaze shifting over himself in the mirror. A red stain coats part of his shoulder and chest, making it obvious that the wound that had killed him was just along the side of his neck. Hairs raise up on the back of his neck at the thought, and he tears his gaze away from his reflection so that he can wash it all away. He flips the water on with ease, pulling the small mechanism that would force the water through the shower head. The hiss that follows doesn't seem to bother him in the slightest. If anything, it's almost calming. Without another thought, he slips into the waters to scrub away the grime of his long day.
A hand moves across the condensation that had clung to the mirror, leaving trails of water to dribble across its surface. Eyes inspect himself once more, taking note that the red hue was no more. That seemed to bring him peace of mind, and a breath that he hadn't realized he had been holding leaves him. It doesn't take him long at all to dress himself, pulling each item on one at a time until he was fully clothed. A hand reaches out to then grasp his towel, which he rummages through his hair a few times to at least absorb some of the water within it before he turns to hang it back in its home.
With a final glance at himself, he finally pushes the door to the bathroom open. In doing so, it releases a cloud of steam into the cooler room. That surprised him slightly, but he pushes it to the back of his mind as he sets out in search of Jericho. A yawn leaves him as he walks, blurring his vision just enough that he doesn't see the Titan in front of him until a sturdy hand reaches out to stop him. With his yawn cut short from the sudden touch, he blinks his eyes a few times to clear away the small film of tears that coated them.
"Shit sorry, didn't see you." He apologizes, remaining firmly planted where he stood.
"That's alright. I figured you'd have run into me had I not stopped you." The Titan replies, giving Mehki's shoulder a very light squeeze before releasing it.
"That's likely." Mehki perks a brow, eyes shifting up to meet with the emerald gaze of the Titan. "So, what did you want to see me about before I head to bed?"
"I was wondering if you would be willing to share a few things with me, but you look extremely tired. The life of a Guardian is ever taxing on one's energy. Go ahead and go to sleep, I don't mind waiting a bit more."
"Hmm, no it's fine. I can stay up for a bit. Where would you like to settle?"
"Oh, uhm well the couch is fine I guess." It's obvious by the Titan's tone that he wasn't expecting this answer. "All jokes aside, I just want to better know you." He admits, already moving around the couch and plopping into a corner like an eager puppy.
"That's fine, so long as you're willing to answer a few of my questions as well. How about this. Three questions each, and then we continue this as another part of our nightly rituals." Mehki offers, sluggishly moving around the other end of the couch and plopping down.
"Nightly ritual?"
"Yeah, we tend to do the same thing each day we get home. Smoke, shower, eat and sleep. The mornings are similar, just shorter."
"Never looked at it that way, but sure. We can pick that up. So do you want to go first, or shall I?"
"You can go first."
"Alright. Let me think a moment." The Titan leans back momentarily, thinking for a good long moment before shifting in his seat. "Okay. What is your favorite color?"
"I'm definitely attracted to anything within the golden spectrum, however black is also appealing to me." Mehki watches as the Titan nods briefly.
"Mine are any lightly colored blues. Like a blue flame. Next, what is something you enjoy doing? A hobby of any kind?"
"Much like any Warlock, I tend to enjoy books of any kind. The more informative, the better. Aside from being a boring scholar, I do enjoy going out and exploring new things. A bit of curiosity left over from my first life."
"Interesting. I bounce around in the crucible from time to time, but I mostly enjoy the company of friends. Alright, and the last one is what is your favorite food?"
"Anything related to citrus. Oranges, lemons, limes. Something about their bitter taste really appeals to me. As for meals, a nice steak is always a go to, but I tend to enjoy meals with pasta. Spaghetti, Alfredo and the sort."
"Not bad choices, I like anything American made. Hamburgers, hot dogs the sort. I occasionally enjoy the fun of trying out new things though. Alright, your turn Kiki."
"I will strangle you."
"I might enjoy that."
"Please... no." A hand lifts to rub across his temple, but he can't hide the smile that stretches across his lips. "Let us focus on this so that we can both catch some sleep. First question for you, what is your favorite domesticated animal."
"That would probably be a dog. Dog's are man's best friends after all."
"A grand choice. I am more of a cat person myself, but it's to be expected. Where do you see yourself in the near future?"
"Hopefully not dead. Preferably in a more public relationship, and possibly in the top five of Lord Saladin's Titan's."
"Quite a hopeful future you have. I too hope to have two of those things, but I also wish to have more freedom to go and explore as I wish. No offense, but it isn't fun to constantly be drug along." Lips turn up with a half smile before he continues. "Lastly, how long have you been a Guardian?"
"Oh, that's a tough one." Jericho leans forward slightly, trying to recall just exactly how many years he had been in the field. "At least four or five years without a mentor following me at every turn."
"Interesting indeed, maybe I should stick to calling you grandpa." Mehki teases with a tired smile. "You already know how long I've been around, but I was merely curious about you."
"Call me grandpa and I'll show you just how old and feeble I am," Jericho warns with a small chuckle.
"That threat is useless by now, old man." Mehki tests his luck, already moving to stand from the couch and stretch slightly. "I'm going to go to bed now."
Emerald gaze follows the Warlock before his arm snakes out to grip him by the wrist. "Wait just a moment." Leaves the Titan's lips, and he quickly stands to move around the couch with ease. Three swift steps are taken to bring him directly in front of Mehki, and he bends just slightly to give the Warlock a quick kiss. "Baby steps. Goodnight, I'll see you in the morning."
Mehki is shocked by the sudden touch but obliges the Titan's request. He knows whats going to happen before the Titan even leans down, and is prepared with a small pucker of his lips to return the goodnight kiss.
"Good night, Jericho." Their gazes meet briefly, and a smile is offered as the Warlock shifts his direction to head into his room. The door is left partially cracked, having no real reason to close it, and within minutes he's curled up in his blankets. There's a soft sigh that leaves him as he recounts the day's events, these thoughts would more than likely keep him up for a little while longer.