JUNE OPEN LOG

[sailmods]

[but, hey: you shouldn't be left out of the camping fun just because you didn't think to sign up, or you only got here yesterday, or actually you only got here today and you have no idea what's going on! because the camp can come to YOU!

meaning, shortly after seeing the others off, Friday returns to the atrium and begins setting up a few items she's brought from... somewhere, one assumes? a pup tent. two sleeping bags. a tent stove. s'mores accoutrements. there's a fake potted plant that she decided looked enough like a tree. all pushed together in the middle of the atrium.

at her spot behind the desk, she looks visibly pleased with herself. she's doing her best.]

Comments

[pineapplesalmon]

"She might; that would be lovely," César smiles softly at the idea, then looks over the atrium through the elevator glass. "Oh, wow. You've been busy!"

[businessorlibation]

"I needed to do something with my hands." Yes, he said that already, but maybe this time it'll be understood properly. "Besides, now there's space for just about as many people as might want to camp out. I don't even know how many of us are left on the ship."

[pineapplesalmon]

"Either way, it should be enough." César realizes he's missing something and looks at Johnny apologetically. "Ah, My brain can't parse the subtext in the 'I needed to do something with my hands'."

It's ESL or ADHD, he's not sure.

[businessorlibation]

"I needed to feel like I could accomplish something. Do something useful to someone, somewhere. I don't like being stuck on the ship, you know that, right? I'm not just trying to get out of the bad shit."

He's just...you know. Still beating himself up, but at least he did something kinda impressive.

[pineapplesalmon]

"Ah." He was overthinking it, and César's expression softens. "I know you don't like it. And being on the ship doesn't make you useless at all."

Ding. He steps out of the elevator. César takes a moment to simply survey everything, his shoulders relaxing with him hardly being conscious of it.

"I found purpose staying on the boat last time beyond just supporting you. I... left the cabin to do perimeter sweeps for people simply needing a human connection. Things like this. People simply being there."

César looks over to Johnny with pride. "This is a good you solution. Let's get into one of these forts and relax, because I need it."

[businessorlibation]

"I suggest the one along the portside wall, at the base of the stairs, here. I thought that space would best accommodate two grown adults, and because of how it's positioned by the air conditioning vent, it's comfortably cool--perfect for cuddles."

You know, just in case.

[pineapplesalmon]

Okay, that's a complete change of subject, but César will let it happen.

"I was wondering if you had picked one out already..." César teases slightly, heading in that direction. "Cuddles and a nap, perhaps?"

He's easy to please.

[businessorlibation]

"Cuddles and a nap sound perfect. Just what I need as well."

He trails after César with a quick glance over his shoulder, checking to see if anyone else has noticed the blanket fort city yet.

[pineapplesalmon]

César feels a momentary elation at Johnny admitting he needs it, too. Those admissions are almost always brief, blink and miss. Johnny prefers to self-soothe via taking care of others. César has accepted that, and it makes every time Johnny shows the slightest vulnerability feel like a carefully wrapped gift for César's heart. He knows if Johnny decides to care more for him this week than usual to keep some form of control, he'll accept it without question.

"Food, cuddles, and a nap. Can't think of a better way to start the afternoon." César lets his pleasure shine in his voice since Johnny can't see his face.

And indeed, that is exactly how they start their afternoon. César eats everything on his plate (Johnny knows how much he eats per sitting, too) and drinks a good portion of his water. He takes the hint when Johnny moves afterward and lays his head down on a perfectly placed lap. Johnny's hands are perfect.

Sufficiently lulled into a near sleep, César murmurs for Johnny to join him, and Johnny obliges. It isn't long before they both drift off after that. César's last thoughts revolve around how grateful he is that he's no longer alone.