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Of Wolf and Man; Who let the dogs out, who, who, who?
Topic Started: Mar 12 2016, 06:14 PM (14,161 Views)
Gene Hunt
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*Being a werewolf isn't easy. And neither is being under the thumb of a werewolf hunter. Someone who knows your secret and is only just barely holding back from tracking you down and putting a silver bullet between your eyes for the one reason that you're more valuable to him alive than dead. At the moment, anyway. And it's not like the relationship isn't mutually beneficial in some way. Even though Gene despises taking the money, he has no choice. It's live and live well with all the information he needs or die and end up someone's throw rug.

It's been this way for years, between Warren and Gene. It's routine. And so far Gene's fairly sure Warren's the only one who knows. His colleagues don't. They only know that he's unavailable for evening drinks once a month because of "wife commitments", though none of them have been brave enough to point out that they haven't seen his missus in years. Sam definitely doesn't know. It'd blow his little mind,considering how he's already a little peculiar.

But of course, like he always does, here's Sam bloody Tyler - his best mate, his right hand, his deputy dog - putting all of this at risk. He doesn't know the specific nature of the danger he's putting them both in, how could he. And Warren would never DO anything about it, he knows that Warren needs Gene too much. Having a DCI at your beck and call is nothing to throw away just because of some uppity little twerp rocking the boat. Right?? *
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Gene Hunt
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*Tense and alert, Gene pushes himself up onto all four paws. His stance is that of an animal that's just heard a gunshot. As though he's caught in a fight-or-flight dilema. Though of course this is one pain he can't outrun.

His heart beating fast, Gene can't summon any response for Sam - he's already guessed correctly.*
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Sam Tyler
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*No reaction.... But that must be it. Sam feels like he's having a deja vu moment - Gene getting up, moving away from Sam... It's almost the exact same way it played out a month ago. And for a moment, Sam is back in that basement, blood on the floor, pain throbbed through his bad leg...

Before he knows it, Sam is up on his feet as well, although his stance is shaky as he backs up a couple of steps. Gene doesn't want him close for this, it's obvious. And it's not like there is anything Sam could do anyway...

However, he can't just do nothing. So Sam wills his voice to be strong as he says*

Right, alright... I'm here, yeah? I won't go anywhere - I'll be right there with you once you're back. You're not... You're not alone.

*Although Sam knows that isn't completely true... That pain? Gene will have to go through that all on his own, and there is nothing Sam will ever be able to do about that. The thought causes a sharp ache somewhere in his chest.*
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene swallows, throat tight. Sam's there. Sam's there for him. He's not alone.

That in itself is something he's eternally grateful for.

But time's running out. It's only a matter of minutes now. If Sam's going to leave the room he has to do it now. There isn't the same danger this time of the wolf taking over - it's a reversal of the process. So if Sam stays in the room he should be safe. But does Sam want to be in here? Should be really watch from behind the glass instead?

Gene growls worriedly, unable to let Sam know what he's thinking. And then after a pause, it happens.

Gene's knees snap, crunching back in on themselves with the sound of splitting bone. An involuntary ragged scream tears from his throat, hind legs completely collapsing.*
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Sam Tyler
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*Why is Gene growling? Sam can only guess that it's an instinctive reaction to what's about to--

Then, those snaps, loud as gun shots. Sam flinches back, and he can't help it as his hands shoot up to cover his ears as that animalistic scream rings out.

But Sam doesn't leave, and he doesn't look away. Even as shivers begin to run through his body, tense with anticipation of what's to come. He promised Gene he wouldn't leave him alone.*
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Gene Hunt
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*Aside from the pain, Gene can only feel one thing - Sam's wide eyes staring at him in horror. And he can't even apologise. Can't even tell him he can look away if he wants.

In his back, his shoulders rip. The bones separate and jut into different positions, worming their way back into their regular place. His top half hits the floor unsupported. And soon Gene can't even feel Sam there in the room. There's only pain. Pain and fear, the familiar terror that maybe this'll be the time it goes wrong. This'll be the time he doesn't transform fully.

A choked cry spills from Gene's mouth, his face half human half beast.*
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Sam Tyler
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*Jesus... This isn't the first time he sees it, but the process of the transformation wipes everything from Sam's mind, until there's just speechless horror at what he's witnessing. The creaking and cracking of Gene's bones, shifting visibly beneath his skin...

Sam can't help it, he sees the blood. He knows it isn't really there, but he sees it nonetheless - on the floor, and beginning to seep through the cuts down Gene's front and up his arms...

God, how he wishes he could do something, ease the pain at least a little... reassure Gene that he's there... but he can't find his voice, and he's unable to move. All he can do is stare with wide eyes, barely breathing and heart beating in his throat.*
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Gene Hunt
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*At last Gene's face begins to reform - the snout crunches back into his face, his eyes shrink and move together, closer to the bridge of his newly formed nose. The tail slowly clicks back into his body, bone by bone. His organs slide, organising under his retracting ribs.

A few minutes later, the last of Gene's structures settles into place and the last golden fur slips back underneath skin.

Gene is left lying on his front, splayed out limply and too dazed to move beyond his laboured breathing, his body exhausted from the ordeal.*
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Sam Tyler
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*Sam watches the entire horrifying process, unable to look away. Having to watch Gene's face break apart and reform is the worst part... And then, just like that, it's all over. In the absence of the harsh cracks, Gene's breathing sounds almost too loud. Sam is breathing hard as well, his hands slowly falling away from his ears.

For a moment, he just stands there, slightly hunched over, as though ready to back away and run.

Then he moves - forward, towards Gene. A few quick steps and he's kneeling next to his partner. Sam hesitates for just a splitsecond before putting his slightly shaking hand on Gene's shoulder, not daring to squeeze in case that causes Gene more pain.

His voice isn't quite steady as Sam speaks*

... G-Gene?... Can you hear me?
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Gene Hunt
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*Everything's a haze, just like it always is. Gene isn't even sure which way up he's facing, despite the way his cheek is pressed against the floor. Everything seems to be aching. Nothing sharp or stabbing, but the dull, stretching kind of pain you get for extending a limb too far. Growing pains.

Barely, he registers a hand on his shoulder.

.... Sam?

Gene grunts in reply, screwing up his face and attempting to push away from the ground to alleviate some of his discomfort.*
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Sam Tyler
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*A response... not a verbal one, but it's something. Sam's fingers twitch, affirming his grip that little bit. He can see Gene's scars... and none of them seem to have opened up. There's no blood, thank God.

Even though his heart is still beating hard with adrenaline and anxiety, Sam takes a breath, pulling himself together. Gene is naked, on the floor, trying to move... He'll want some privacy while he puts himself together, if his behaviour before the transformation is anything to go by.*

*hoping that Gene will hear him, Sam says* You stay there - I'll be back in just a mo...!

*He pushes himself up, quickly locating the blanket he had given Gene hours ago - it's not too far away, luckily.

Sam grabs both that and his bag before making his way back to Gene's side. He drapes the blanket over his partner, making sure he's covered properly.*

There y'go...

*Sam leans in then, his hand sliding up and stroking through Gene's hair. Is he even fully conscious...?*
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene feels Sam faffing about over him, his touch firming up, then the blanket draping over his back accompanied by a sense of relief Gene didn't even know he needed. Somehow after turning back it's always an unpleasant shock, realising he's completely starkers.

Gene's lips pout out of embarrassment. He hasn't even gotten up off the floor yet and he's already feeling that sense of shame. But then there's Sam's fingers, stroking through his hair... And just a little bit of tension eases from his shoulders.*

Mmph...taa....

*He tries again, pushing hard enough to roll himself partially onto his side (God he hopes the blanket's still on top of him).

Bleary, he looks at Sam, squinting like it's the first time he's seen him in a year.*

S'it over...?
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Sam Tyler
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*Ahh, there he is... Gene is coming back to them. Sam breathes a sigh of relief and smiles as Gene squints up at him, reaching out to readjust the blanket - just to make sure. Then his hand comes to rest against Gene's cheek.*

Yeah. The night's through.

*It's both odd and incredibly reassuring to hear Gene's voice again... to have him actually respond to what Sam is saying. It was only a few hours, but Sam had gotten used to leading a more one-sided conversation...

But god, he's so glad. That Gene is back, that he made it through both transformations... That it all worked out.

Keeping his voice low, Sam says*

If you need a few minutes, I can go make that brew I promised you. How's that sound?
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene blinks up at Sam, exhausted. A brew... A brew would be nice... He's starting to realise what's happened. He's transformed back, he's okay... And every time this happens, it takes a while for him to come back to himself. Tea can only help with that.

He nods, his cheek brushing against Sams palm. Still slightly out of breath, Gene whispers.*

Yeah... Yeah 's good.
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Sam Tyler
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*Further encouraged by Gene's response (although Sam can't help but worry over how weak his partner sounds - it's too similar to what it was like a month ago), Sam nods.*

Okay. Be back in a few minutes then.

*He gently brushes his thumb across Gene's cheek, before pulling back. He doesn't get up immediately, however; instead, he reaches into his bag, and after a bit of rummaging produces a bundle of clothes - socks, fresh underwear, track pants, and a warm jumper. After an ordeal like this, Sam figured Gene might appreciate a clean, comfortable set of clothes...

He places the bundle, neatly folded, close to Gene before pushing himself up to his feet. Gene will find it.

Finally, Sam leaves the room, even though it feels... wrong to leave Gene on his own. Those surges of protectiveness are back with a vengeance, and Sam would like nothing more than wrap Gene up in a blanket and lie down in bed with him, and simply sleep through the morning. Come to think of it, maybe that is what they'll do...

The image makes Sam smile to himself as he reaches the kitchenette, filling the kettle and setting it to boil. They've got everything they need here - tea bags, mugs, milk, sugar... all that's left for Sam to do is wait for the water to boil, and then to leave the tea to draw. And he forces himself to stay in the kitchen, fingers tapping against his crossed arms. Gene needs the time to put himself together, Sam tells himself. He's glad for a few moments on his own, surely. And Sam will be back with him in a minute... well, five minutes and 23 seconds to be exact...*
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene waits until he hears Sams footsteps leave the room before clumsily shoving himself upwards into a sitting position. He could have forced himself to do this while Sam was there, but however close they are, there's just something undignified about struggling to dress yourself. He's healed enough to be past that stage now. He doesn't want to go back, even though he knows Sam wouldn't think less of him.

Sheepishly, Gene pulls his underwear on, the socks, the joggers... And after just a few minutes he's leaning against the back wall with his head finally popping through the neck of the large soft jumper.

It's always a strange few hours after a transformation. He's dazed and scatty, his brain processing things slower as his body adjusts back after the trauma it went through. He's fairly sure he's not expected into work today... Unless he's mistaken. That's a luxury he's not used to. At least nobody'll be there to assume he's hung over after a night of rampant sex with someone who definitely isn't his wife this time.*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*After a few more minutes, Sam finally appears in the doorway of the studio again, closing the door behind him carefully before making his way over to Gene's side, a steaming mug in his hands. Sam's made sure to put an extra serving of sugar in the tea this time, if only to help Gene find back to himself at least a little.

He hands the mug over to Gene before sitting down next to him, pleased to note that Gene went with the clothes Sam prepared for him.

They're close, but Sam isn't sure how skittish Gene will be... Whether he prefers a bit of distance during the first few hours after the transformation or not... So he doesn't instigate contact, giving Gene space in case he needs it.

Quietly, he asks*

... Alright?
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene looks up as Sam enters again, his faculties returning slowly. He takes the mug gratefully, wholly unused to this kind of hospitality upon changing back.

It's going to be an hour or two before his skin stops feeling sensitive and wrong, but so far it's better than usual. Must be the lack of fear all night. Having spent one full moon in Sams company feeling safe and protected, Gene's starting to realise just how much of an impact that paranoia's had on him all these previous moons.

He looks across at Sam settled beside him, eyes still slightly glazed.*

As long as all my bits are in the right places. Haven't got an elbow coming out of my forehead have I?
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Sam returns Gene's gaze, noticing how his eyes don't seem quite right yet... as though he's just woken up from an anaesthetic. Well, it's to be expected... Sam doesn't know how much rest Gene ended up getting, although realistically speaking, it can't have been much. So on top of the traumatic change his body has had to go through twice, there's sleep deprivation...

Still, he's talking, even joking - that's good. It keeps the worry at bay.

Sam pointedly looks Gene up and down, before shaking his head, a quick smile showing on his face.*

Far as I can see, everything's where it should... be...

*The sentence trails off into a yawn, Sam remembering to cover his mouth only a couple of seconds later. Now that the tension of the night is seeping away, he's realising just how tired he feels. Those few hours he dozed off can't have been very restful...*
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene wastes no time in getting stuck into his tea, sipping it like it's the only thing keeping him going. The warmth, the energy it gives him - it's just what he needs.

And it looks like Sam needs something similar... If that yawn's anything to go by.*

.... You didn't sleep much either, did you.
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Gene clearly needed that tea... it's a joy to see how much he's relishing it. Despite his own creeping fatigue, Sam can't help but smile.

At Gene's question, Sam's expression turns weirdly guilty for a moment - he didn't mean to let Gene know how tired he's feeling... not when Gene just went through far worse than Sam could every imagine.

But he's caught out now, so he inclines his head.*

Mmh...few hours, I think.

*Sam glances over at Gene, a cheeky glint appearing in his eyes.*

Not your fault, though. You're very comfy.
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene does feel bad that Sam lost out on sleep because of him.... Though Sam made it very clear this was something he wanted to do. Gene probably couldn't have stopped him if he'd tried. And on a purely selfish note, having Sam there with him while he was changed really did help.

He snorts a little, sipping at his tea once more.*

Glad I could provide you with a nice big warm bed, then!
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Sam's smile widens, and he has to hold back a little laugh as he nods.*

You did. And you didn't even snore.

*He looks over at Gene, sobering up a little. He seems alright... not too dishevelled, although still exhausted...*

... I hope I didn't make things uncomfortable for you, though.

*Sam doesn't think he did, what with the wolf snuggling up to him the way it had... draping its tail over him... But he still isn't completely sure how much of Gene's consciousness is in that body.*
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Gene Hunt
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You kidding?

*tired, Gene takes another large sip and rests his head back against the wall as he swallows, eyes closed.*

Y'were a good blanket.
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*For a moment, Sam doesn't quite know what to say, his eyebrows rising in surprise.

That... was unexpectedly sweet. And it means Gene was glad to have him there, through the whole thing...

A slight blush creeping into his cheeks, Sam ducks his head a little.*

... that... that's good. I'm glad.
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene nods, eyes closed still.*

Mhhm.

*He's trying not to yawn. The hours after changing are always a bit strange... Like he's only half awake. He's clumsy and forgetful... It's not exactly the most dignified state to be in. Really he just wants to collapse into bed, but will his legs cooperate? Right now they feel like jelly.*
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Sam Tyler
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*Sam glances over at Gene again, unable to keep his eyes off him for more than just a few moments. And what he sees there makes his heart melt a little. Gene looks so drowsy... and no wonder. They should get going so that he can sleep in an actual bed...

Voice soft, Sam says*

... ready to go home?
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Gene Hunt
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*home. The one place he really wants to be right now, aside from in Sams arms. But his skin still tingles, part oversensitive part numb. He'd love to drop onto Sam right now, hug him close. But until his senses settle, he can't.*

Yeah... If my legs'll stop tremblin' like warm jelly...
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Oh... Gene really must be feeling weak, for him to actually admit it. Worry creases Sam's brow for a moment, before he remembers something.*

How about you have a bite to eat before we go then? I brought sandwiches...

*Of course Sam will help Gene out of the building, supporting him as much as he has to - but that won't help if Gene ends up getting faint because of low blood pressure or something...!*
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Gene Hunt
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*The moment Sam mentions food, Gene knows what he's about to say is going to shock him. But there's nothing he can do... Sometimes it's this way, sometimes not. But he's learned the hard way that eating when his stomach still feels strained isn't a good idea. And there's still the healing he's doing from Warren...

He sips at the tea once more, draining it dry before taking a deep breath and opening his eyes again.*

Mhhm... Maybe when we're back. Still feels a bit stirred up in there...
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*...

For one moment, Sam doesn't quite understand what Gene is trying to say. Then it hits him, and a bit of colour drains from his face.

... He should've known, really. It makes sense. But still, the thought of Gene's organs having just rearranged themselves, and Gene having felt - still feeling - it... It is shocking. *

... Shit. Of course... Sorry.

*With an apologetic grimace, Sam reaches over to take Gene's mug from him.*

Let me clean that up, and then we'll get you out of here. Alright?
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene passes the cup over, ignoring his statement. He shakes his head, mumbling in response.*

Don't apologise. Believe me, if I could I'd inhale the lot.

*and then, he processes what Sam said afterwards. Sounds like a good plan.*

Anyway, yeah. Let's get out of 'ere.
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Sam Tyler
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*Sam can't quite explain why, but Gene's murmur does put him at ease again, at least a little. At the same time, however, it just goes to show how exhausted his partner is now... It reminds Sam of how weak Gene was during those first days out of hospital.

Sam leans over and presses a quick, gentle kiss to the side of Gene's head.*

Be back in a jiffy, then.

*Sam gets up to his feet, mug in hand, and leaves the studio. Washing up and grabbing what's perishable from the fridge (just the milk at this point) doesn't take long, and so it's only a minute or two later that Sam returns. He zips up the bag and slings it over his shoulder before kneeling down next to Gene, extending his arm to loop it around Gene's back - that seems like the most logical course of action...*

Let's get you up...
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene sits with his eyes closed, quickly dropping into a light doze while Sam's in the kitchen. It's a good thing Sam's not too long - any longer and Genes be asleep!

Once Sam's arm scoops behind Genes back his eyes snap open. Oh... Time to go...

He grabs onto Sam's arm with one hand and pushes against the ground with the other. There's a wobble, a curse, but eventually he's up on his feet and using Sam to steady him*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Oh bloody hell... Gene is so weak right now... Sam's heart jumps into his throat as his partner wobbles, and he grabs on tighter, making sure to steady Gene as much as he can.*

Jesus...! Y-you alright?

*He hoists Gene up properly, allowing him to shift most of his weight onto Sam.*

Is this normal...?
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Gene Hunt
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*finally steady, Gene takes a moment to ground himself.*

...Yeah... Sometimes.

*though this seems worse than usual....*

.... Must be what Warren did.
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Sam Tyler
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*Warren... the name makes Sam's blood run cold. Even now, he's directly affecting their lives...*

... right.

*Tense now, Sam encourages Gene to take a step.*

Let's get you home as quickly as possible then. Bed's waiting for you.

*He's trying not to show it, but the worry coiling in the pit of his stomach is growing stronger. Gene can't even hold himself up properly... Sam won't be able to relax until he's sure that Gene is able to rest and recuperate... and until he gets up again and is back to normal...*
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Gene Hunt
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*Bed. God, how Gene wishes he were in it right now. But there's a short journey home...

He can make it.

Gene hangs onto Sam as they make their way to the car - the light outside hurts Gene's freshly reformed eyes, his limbs are wobbly and resonating with the after effects of being broken and forceably healed. It's a feeling he'll never get used to, no matter how many times it happens.

As they reach the car, Gene shifts his grip, hanging onto the car roof to let Sam deal with the keys.*


You gonna stay awake? Don't want you sending us into the canal or anything!
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Sam Tyler
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*Manouvering both Gene and making sure they leave the studio in an acceptable state for the rest of the month is a bit tricky, but Sam manages. By the time they reach the car, however, he's slightly out of breath, and fumbling with the keys to unlock the Cortina takes a bit longer than it normally would have.

Still, in response to Gene, Sam does his best to keep his voice chipper*

'Course. Don't worry.

*Because Sam is already worrying enough for the both of them - and that worry is keeping him alert.

He pulls the door on the passenger side open, guiding Gene to sit down.*

There you are...
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene holds himself up as Sam fumbles with the keys trying to let them both into the car. Poor Sam seems to be hurrying, worried and urgent. Gene didn't want him to end up like this. He's used to it, the bone numbing exhaustion after changing... But Sam isn't. He's not used to seeing how Gene is afterwards.

Usually there's around two and a half hours before Genes due at work. The drive back, having a shower, getting dressed, having a light breakfast and driving into work usually takes all that time up. But this time he doesn't have that pressure. He may be exhausted but he can relax when they're home. Thank God.

He slides into the seat, guided by Sam - and closes his eyes again, unable to hold his eyes open any longer.*
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Sam Tyler
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*Sam doesn't know whether to be relieved or worry even more when Gene closes his eyes as soon as he's sat down. He ends up squeezing his partner's shoulder before shutting the door as quietly as he can and making his way over to the driver's side. Slinging the bag onto the backseat, Sam gets into the car as well and starts up the engine, pulling away from the studio near immediately. He just wants to get home now - to make sure Gene is able to lie down properly and sleep this off...

God, hopefully it really is just the usual exhaustion... Hopefully it isn't something more worrying...

Sam remains silent during the drive, to allow Gene to rest. He drives carefully as usual, doing his best to take turns even gentler than he normally would.

And then, 20 minutes later and just as the sun peeks over the roofs of suburban Manchester, the Cortina pulls into Gene's driveway.

Sam kills the engine and glances over to Gene, like he did so many times during the drive.

Quietly, not wanting to startle him, Sam says*

Gene? Gene, we're home.
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene isn't quite sure where he is when he wakes up to Sam's soft prompting. Luckily he's pulled back to himself gently and doesn't wake in a panic, blinking up at Sam and then rubbing his hand over his eyes.*

...Home... Tha' was fast...!
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Sam Tyler
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*Despite his worry for Gene, Sam can't help but smile at the sound of his sleepy voice, and at how he rubs his eyes. He looks like a child right now... *

That's because you fell asleep.

*Sam pats Gene's shoulder lightly*

C'mon. Let's get you into a real bed.

*And Sam gets out of his side of the car, grabbing up the bag quickly before making his way over to Gene's side, just in case he needs support again.*
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Gene Hunt
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*a real bed.... God, yes please.

Not needing any further prompting, Gene pushes himself up and out of the car, steady in himself against the open door.*

You comin' for a good ol' snooze too?
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*It's good to see Gene levering himself up without Sam's help, but that doesn't mean he'll just stand by. Sam loops his arm around Gene's back, just to make sure he doesn't fall on his face as soon as he steps away from the car!*

... might as well. S'just gone 6...

*And he doesn't have to go back into work for another few days, so there's nowhere Sam has to be.

And right now, he wouldn't want to be anywhere other than by Gene's side anyway.

Slowly, he coaxes Gene away from the car, closing the door and locking it before they both make their way to the front door. Sam unlocks it quickly, and finally they're inside. Sam can't help a silent breath of relief as the door shuts behind them.*
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*The door shutting behind them seals away the last of Gene's worries that he didn't realise he was still feeling. They're back home. He made it through another transformation. Sam made it through with him. They're both okay for another whole month. He almost sags with relief.

Now that they're inside, Gene's able to let go of Sam's arm without feeling like he's about to topple over. If he can take the stairs slowly, he should be alright.*

Comin' straight up?
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*Sam senses how the tension leaves Gene's body as they're enveloped by the safety of the house - and he doesn't blame him. It does feel like they've just made it through something enormous, and now they're back inside their sanctuary.

In response to Gene's question, Sam nods. He can put away the contents of the bag after their snooze, surely...*

Yup.

*He joins Gene in his ascent up the stairs, placing a protective palm to the small of Gene's back. He looks a bit less unstable now, but still, better safe than sorry!*
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*Once in the bedroom, Gene immediately starts pulling off the clothes Sam gave him just a short while ago. He doesn't bother to hang them up (not exactly a fullmoon-only habit), dropping them on the floor one by one. And once he's down to his underwear, that's it. He's pulling the blanket back and dropping onto the mattress like a sack of spuds. He'll shower after a sleep. Right now he just needs to be horizontal. The world is spinning ever so slightly, and Gene just wants to block it all out. To fall asleep and wake up refreshed, like he can't usually. This is a luxury for him.

He doesn't bother to pull the blanket over himself, leaving it pushed back for Sam to get in after him.*
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*In contrast to Gene, Sam does take the time to fold his clothes and places them more or less neatly and stacking it all up at bottom of the bed. After that, however, there's nothing else holding him back. He gets into bed, pulling the blanket up to snugly cover them both before nuzzling up to Gene, wrapping an arm around him and pulling him close.

This isn't unlike how the spent the night, he drowsily reflects as he presses a kiss to Gene's head. It's a different kind of warmth enveloping them now, but the contact is just as intimate and wonderful. Feeling Gene's bare skin under his hands is almost like a novelty now.

Sam whispers*

... rest now.
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*Gene shifts closer as Sam drapes his arm around him, nesting his head down against Sams collarbones. Warm and protected, Gene grunts in response.

Rest. Yes, that's all he's going to do.

He takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. And then as his mind starts to fade to black, a mumbled sound escapes his lips.*

Mmhh.... Love... Y'eh...
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*Sam can't help but smile as Gene shifts closer - the sense of trust building up between them is almost overwhelming.

Sam settles down properly as well, exhaling contentedly... and then, at Gene's mumbled words, he stills. For a moment he isn't even sure whether he heard that right... but no, Gene said it. The magic words.

It makes him realise that, through everything that's happened, they'd had an unspoken understanding, hinted at before and silently sealed with that first kiss. And Sam knows Gene by now - knows that something like their relationship is hard for him to talk about.

So to get an admission like this from him...

Only a moment has passed, but it's felt like an eternity. Then, Sam's heart seems to expand with a wave of emotions he can't entirely name, but they make him press another kiss to Gene's forehead, and reply in a whisper (which means that Gene thankfully won't be able to hear the wobble in Sam's voice)*

...Love you too.

*This might be the only time they ever say these words to each other... and he's going to cherish that moment.*
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*Gene isn't even aware of having spoken those words out loud. He means them, and he thought them - he thinks them all the time. But when he wakes up he's not going to remember this properly - he's too exhausted. Too far gone.

He does register Sam's response, though. Those three words, they warm him. They push him just over the edge, and within seconds he's fast asleep, breathing deeply and slowly, breaths ghosting over Sams front*
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*And he's gone...

Sam nuzzles his nose into Gene's hair, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply. Bloody hell, what a night... And they'll be doing this every month from now on... Hopefully he'll be able to get used to it, to a certain point at least.

For now, though, Sam concentrates on the present, on the calming sound of Gene breathing, and the warmth of his body. It's that gentle backdrop that allows Sam to drift off as well, holding Gene in a protective embrace. Just for a few hours... They can allow themselves this reprieve.*
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*Gene sleeps for hours, his body regenerating the energy he's lost during the night. This is what he needs, every month this is what he's meant to do. Sleep it off. Not stumble into work all grumpy and sore. Thank god this month he's able to recuperate properly.

Once it starts to approach lunchtime Gene starts to stir, a soft mumble escaping his lips and his body twitching as he starts to take control of it again*
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*Sam doesn't sleep as soundly as Gene, since he's nowhere near as exhausted as his partner. He gets up a couple of times, once because he's hungry and then because he needs the bathroom; however, since there's nothing else to do and Sam doesn't want Gene to wake up on his own, he returns to bed every time.

Which is why, by the time Gene begins to stir, Sam is actually dozing again, arms wrapped around Gene protectively just like before. He doesn't yet realise that Gene is waking up having only just slipped away into a deeper slumber...*
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*as Gene slowly wakes up, he realises just where he is. In bed with Sam curled around him protectively. Though he's rested well, he can still feel the tug of sleep pulling at him. It's going to take a little more to let him recover fully. And Sam still feels like he's asleep...

Gene shuffles a bit, raising his arm and sliding it over and around Sam in turn.*
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*Sam does register this shift. He inhales deeply, then exhales with a little sigh as he's pulled back into awareness. There's something around him... extra weight covering him... For a little while, he thinks it's the wolf's tail, that they're still at the studio...

But then, blinking his eyes open, Sam realises - the night is over. It's day now... and they're in bed, together. And Gene's shifted...

Sam's eyes slide closed again, but he opens them once more a second later, trying to get a good look at Gene's face. Is he awake...?

Quietly, Sam says*

... Gene?
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Mmh?

*though he's awake, Gene can't fully summon the energy to speak properly, so he grunts instead. His hand on Sam's back brushes up and down a little, thumb stroking skin.*
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*Okay, those are mixed signals Sam is receiving... but he isn't complaining. The hand stroking his back so lightly feels good, sending a pleasant shiver down Sam's spine. He nuzzles a bit closer in return, a smile tugging at his lips.*

Hiya.
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*Gene grunts again, finally cracking an eye open to look at Sam, a soft flash of affection in his eyes.*

Alright, Gladys?
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*Oh, it's good to see Gene opening his eyes and looking more or less conscious...! Sam's smile widens.*

Mhm. You?
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*Gene's lips twitch into a smile and he closes his eyes again *

Bloody marvellous. Better than after any other sodding transformation, that's for sure.
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*Gene's words make a warmth bloom in Sam's chest that he can't quite name - and he thinks his cheeks are growing a little hotter as well. That's... He didn't realises he needed to hear this until now. That he really managed to make a difference for Gene...

Sam shifts until he's able to press a kiss to Gene's lips. Then he murmurs*

You 'ave no idea how happy I am to hear that.
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*Gene puckers his lips to return the kiss, his eyes doing the smiling for him.*

If it's half as happy as I am, I think I have a vague idea.

*Gene leans in a touch to press a kiss to Sams lips in return*

You managed to suck back that sleep I deprived you of?
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*Sam gives a little hum as he responds to Gene's kiss, drawing it out a little before he regretfully has to pull back for Gene to be able to speak.

He gives a little huff.*

Think so. You didn't deprive me of anything, though.

*Sam shifts again, bringing one hand up to stroke through Gene's hair, smoothing back a few lose strands - he already knows Gene likes that, no matter which body he inhabits...*

What's important... is that you made it through all that without major hiccups.
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*Gene gives a small nod, not wanting to disturb Sams hand brushing across his fringe. And as he feels Sam stroke his hair, Genes own hand mirrors it, stroking along Sams back.*

Not even a small belch.
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*Even through the fabric of Sam's vest, Gene's touch is welcome. It makes Sam's skin tingle faintly, and he smiles.*

Good.

*Sam's hand stills, merely resting in Gene's hair now. He wants to ask whether Gene is hungry, whether he wants to get up and start the day properly... but something is holding him back. Something to do with the hand stroking down the small of his back.*
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*Gene continues stroking up and down Sams back, absorbing the warmth and the peace settled between them.*

Mmmhh... What time 's' it?
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*Sam's eyes slide shut at the sensation of Gene's hand stroking over his back again and again, beginning to lull him into a comfortable haze. He gives a little grunt at Gene's words, blinking one eye open and twisting slightly, not wanting to disturb what Gene is doing.*

Erm..... noon... ish. I think.

*Sam settles back, wriggling slightly to get even more comfortable. This feeling... it's new. The urge to just stay in bed and do nothing, to draw out this moment... he can't remember the last time he felt that way.

He likes it.*
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*Gene makes a noise in acknowledgement. Noonish... It'll be lunch time soon then. He wasn't hungry before, but now he's starting to feel a bit more human. Having a good long sleep straight after transforming's done him the world of good.

He continues rubbing Sams back, his hand slowly making its way onto Sams side.*

S'pose you're gonna say we should get up soon, then...

*though Genes hand on Sams skin shows he really doesn't want to get up any time soon... *
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Hmm. Maybe.

*Sam cracks one eye open, glancing at Gene in a somewhat mischievous way*

Y'might be able to convince me otherwise.

*Gene's hand on his sensitive side makes Sam's nerves tingle, and not in an entirely unpleasant way. So far, it was always Sam who made any kind of physical advances, mostly to help Gene relax and put him at ease... Gene himself was too exhausted and busy healing, and Sam wouldn't have wanted him to overexert himself either way.

Now, though... There's something in Gene's motions that raises a faint sense of expectation within him.*
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*Gene can almost feel Sam responding to his touches - he might be imagining it, but it feels as though Sam wants this... He wants this to continue...

Gene feels his face flush a little, but carries on regardless, heart thumping just that little bit harder.*

Let's see, then...

*he brushes his fingers down to Sam's hip, his thumb caressing the skin just above Sams waistband*
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*... is Sam just imagining it, or is Gene's face flushing? He blinks his other eye open as well in surprise, taking in his partner's expression, tinged with nervousness and an adorable kind of concentration.

The sight distracts Sam enough that he almost doesn't feel how Gene's fingers begin brushing along the waistband of his shorts, hiking up the fabric of his vest.

He feels that it'll probably be easier for Gene if they keep talking, so Sam murmurs, hips canting towards his partner every so slightly*

... so, what's your proposal...?
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*Sam's talking does indeed help, reassuring Gene that he's on the right track with this - that he's not horribly misreading the moment. He's never done this before. With women, sure. But in that case he's had gender roles to fall back on. Expectations and a basic knowledge of what goes where. With Sam, it's entirely different. Scary and exciting at the same time.

Psyching himself up, Gene lets his fingers brush around to Sam's stomach and replies in sultry, low tones.*

My proposal... Is to get you to tap into your inner animal...
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*Gene's words bring a flash of an excited, if not to say aroused, smile to Sam's lips. His body responds to the light touch, arching ever so slightly and going with it. He can tell that Gene is still shy, but hopefully Sam will be able to help him along and reassure him further.*

Almost sounds like you're an expert on this.
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*Sam's responding just how Gene'd hoped - and it spurs him on. Gene ducks his head under Sam's just a little, his tongue lapping out to tease at the base of Sam's jaw before he presses his lips there and whispers.*

Who says I'm not?

*With his building courage, Gene dives his hand lower, his palm pressing against Sam's crotch and his fingers curling around the bulge there. Hoping to feel Sam's body respond, he squeezes.*
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*Gene's breath against Sam's jaw, the tongue lapping there, then the kiss... it's unexpectedly intense. Sam cranes his head back without realising that he's doing it, a small sigh escaping him as he begins to properly open himself up to Gene's ministrations. The hand at Gene's back grips a little harder at the warm sensation, as Sam's skin feels like it's starting to come alive, as he begins to lose himself in it... as Gene's hand goes further down, down... as...

The flashback happens without warning.

Suddenly, it's Warren's hands on Sam, the smell of his aftershave stinging in Sam's nostrils, ropes cutting into his skin, and he's going to-- he'll--

Sam recoils with a sharp gasp as his eyes snap open. His body jerks away, his hand holding Gene's wrist in a firm grip before he even realises what's going on. All he's aware of is tremors running through him - he doesn't even see Gene right there, in front of him, his wide eyes staring into nothingness.*
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*Gene's about to go further - to start trying to coax that telling hardness into Sam - to make him feel as good as he deserves to feel - to make him open up and lose himself in pleasure - -

But suddenly Sam stops. There's a hand around his wrist and Sam's body flinches away, a gasp from Sams mouth--!

Gene's eyes open wide, his hand letting go immediately. Shit! Shit, what did he do??*

Wha--! S-Sam, you... You okay? What--?
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*For one small moment, Gene's voice sounds like Warren's. Sam flinches again, the urge to back away completely, to hit out and run growing rapidly--

But the moment passes. Sam is left gasping, utterly disoriented. Belatedly he raises his head, staring at Gene like a deer caught in the headlights. His heart is racing, breaths coming out in quiet gasps as he holds onto Gene's wrist despite shivering. All colour drained from his face, Sam is left speechless.

Deep down, he knows exactly what just happened... But it all happened so fast, his mind is struggling to keep up as fear keeps pulsing through Sam.*
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*Sam doesn't even seem to really hear him.

Shit... Shit, he's ruined it.

Gene swallows, guilt and worry overtaking him. It must be Warren.*

Sam... S'me here, no one else.
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*Sam blinks, and finally his eyes focus again. He sees Gene in front of him, pale, worried...

... And slowly, his mind catches up.

Sam swallows hard as he slowly lets go of Gene's wrist. Other than that, though, he doesn't move - doesn't know what to do.

He.... Shit. Shit.

Sam's voice is thin and breaking as he stutters*

... U-uhm... I.....!

*He wants to explain - both to himself and to Gene - but he can't. Not when the adrenaline is still there, when he doesn't know what to do with himself. Everything is a swirl of confusion, memories of that horrible night and the last minute lingering and overlapping each other, of two vastly different touches that suddenly became one...

Sam's gaze drops and he curls in on himself slightly, still shivering. Finally, he whispers*

...... I-i know.
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*Gene hesitates, unsure of what to do. He stays completely still, afraid that any sudden moves might set Sam off again. Until slowly, he lets himself shift, moving his hands away from Sam and retreating slightly.*

.... Let's uh... Leave the foolin' around for another time then, yeah?
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*As the seconds tick by and Gene pulls back, Sam finally comes back to himself. Realises what exactly just happened.

It leaves him with an empty feeling in his chest. This... this wasn't supposed to happen. He was looking forward to this... he wanted Gene to touch him...! And now Gene is looking at him like he's a bomb that could go off at any moment...

... and Sam feels... faulty.

Suddenly, he can't bear to stay in bed anymore.

Sam sits up, throwing the duvet back and swinging his legs over the edge, mumbling as he goes*

... need a shower.

*He's out of the bedroom without sparing another glance for Gene, his cheeks burning hot with shame.*
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*Gene feels as though a whirlwind has suddenly burst through the room, speeding everything up. All of a sudden Sam's gone. And Gene feels like he knows exactly what's happened.

Shit. He moved too fast... He'd thought that with their other encounter before, that barrier was crossed. That they were good with this stuff now.

But Sam clearly has scars... Scars left by Warren. And Gene didn't consider that.

He drops down against the mattress, frustrated with himself. Dammit...

He'll have to let Sam shower, then he'll do the same... And after that he'll have to try and broach this with his partner... *
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*Sam stays in the shower for quite a while, letting the water run down his body - as if that'll clear away the memories he doesn't want. As though it'll provide him with a clean slate.

This is ridiculous - nothing really happened. He's spoken to true rape survivors who seemed less affected by what had happened to them than how he feels now. He feels like a coward compared to them - worse, like an impostor. He has no right to be like this... not with what happened to Gene...

... Gene, who'd been so gentle. It was the first time he made advances... and this happened. With a frustrated growl, Sam bangs his fist against the tiled wall, only to regret it a second later as pain shoots up his arm. At the same time, he welcomes the pain - it's something other than the shame and self-loathing.

How is he supposed to explain himself... And how is he supposed to get rid of this...?

Sam rubs his hand over his abdomen, knowing it won't do anything to rid him of the sensation of unwanted hands, stroking roughly over his skin....

Taking a frustrated breath, Sam turns off the water. About ten minutes later, he makes his way down to the kitchen, unable to face going to the bedroom again. Usually he's so good with words, knows exactly what to say... but now, Sam can't think of a single way to explain himself to Gene. The words just don't come.

So instead, almost scoffing at his stereotypical reaction, Sam puts on the kettle to make tea. He needs something to warm the icy feeling in his stomach...*
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*once Gene hears the shower stop and Sam step out, he freezes. Is this Sam coming back in...?

But no... Sam walks past the bedroom and down the stairs.

Not ready to talk yet, then....

With a grunt, Gene gets up and makes his way to the shower. Twenty minutes later, he's walking down the stairs and into the kitchen, eyes trained on Sam.

Warily, Gene sits down, towel around his shoulders and fringe hanging damp across his forehead.*

.... Alright?
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*Sam hears Gene moving about upstairs, hears the shower running... For a moment, he feels guilty, knowing that he'll have used up most of the hot water himself.

Then, when Sam hears Gene pad downstairs, it's his turn to freeze. What now...?

Sam can't help himself, he looks up as Gene enters the kitchen, hands clutching his half-empty tea mug. Strangely, seeing his partner all tousled and wet after that shower relieves some of the pressure that's settled on Sam's chest. He himself doesn't look much different, sat there in his vest and shorts, hair sticking up.

Sam's eyes follow Gene as he sits down, but then his gaze drops, his hands fidgeting around the mug.

Is he alright...? Gene seems to be genuinely worried... Not angry, not annoyed, just... Wary.

Sam remains silent for another couple of seconds, before nodding hesitantly. It takes him another few moments to find his voice, to say something he knows Gene needs to hear.*

... Wasn't your fault.

*This, at least, Sam knows without a doubt.*
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*Gene's practically holding his breath as he waits for Sam to reply further - and when he does get that reply he's not sure what to do with it. Objectively he knows that it wasn't his fault, but he was the one that triggered it. Sam was fine beforehand...

He sighs, dropping the towel onto the table in front of him*

No, but I clearly didn't help.
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*Sam exhales slowly, considering Gene's words. They're both weirdly relieving and unsettling - he doesn't want Gene to feel guilty, but at the same time, it feels good to know that... That he clearly cares enough to try and mend this. He still isn't repulsed, doesn't think of Sam any less for... For having let this happen... And for still being affected by it. And Sam appreciates that more than he could ever say.

Finally, he quietly says*

You couldn't 'ave known.

*he hesitates, before adding haltingly*

... I... Didn't know. That... That something like... that... would happen.
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*Gene pouts his lips and looks down at his hands on the table. That makes sense... That Sam would have been unaware as well.

But it's still worrying. What if it happens again? If Gene can summon the courage to try again.

Does Sam even want him to try again??*

... And now that y'do?
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*"Now that you do"...

What now, Gene is asking. What do they do now. What will Sam do.

There's a surge of longing, needing to touch Gene - and to be touched. Embraced. They were doing fine before... Affectionate, in their own ways... And Sam enjoyed making Gene feel good...

He wants to say that it's just a one-off thing, surely. It's not happened before, and now that he knows, they can take measures...

... But will it really help?

The doubt is there, now.

Sam's grip around his mug tightens, his gaze trained on it. He doesn't know what to say. He doesn't know what to do.

So, he finally says his thoughts out loud*

I... Don't know. I don't...

*Sam trails off, giving a small, helpless shrug.*
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*Jesus. Sam doesn't even know. How's Gene meant to know whether it's safe to try this sort of thing again if Sam himself isn't even sure what to do next?

Gene sits back in his chair, frustrated and worried.

He wants to show Sam how he feels. To make him feel as bloody awesome as Sam made him feel. But how?

He's going to be terrified to try anything unless he gets one thing clear.*

.... You want me to try again? Not here on the kitchen table, but... Later. Or is this a permanent no-go?
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*Sam looks up as Gene speaks, the extent of his conflicting emotions showing clearly in his troubled expression. But at that last question, Sam's eyes widen suddenly, and he shakes his head, the words tumbling out before he can really think about them*

No, no -- I want you...

*Sam catches himself, mouth clamping shut again. Why is it that now, of all times, he's unable to properly say what's on his mind?!*

... I...

*Sam takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, trying to gather his thoughts. His gaze drops again as he struggles for words, gritting them out.*

.... I don't want that... monster... controlling me...
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[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
*Gene nods, mouth twisted in thought. Okay, so Sam does want to try again... He's just going to have to be extremely careful.

And in any case... Warren never actually did the deed, right? So if Gene can get past the stage that Warren got to, maybe that'll break the link in Sam's mind connecting Warren and--

-- what Gene was just about to do.*

Oi, listen. That bastard doesn't control you.

*He stiffens, unsure whether he's about to cross a line with his next words. But he feels he needs to say them.*

You beat 'im, he didn't beat you. But you let 'im take this away from you and you'll be handing him a victory. Ruining lives is what he does. But I'm not gonna let 'im have yours.
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*At first, Sam can't bring himself to raise his head again, to caught up in the thought of Warren, despite everything they did, still having this grasp on their lives... He may be in prison, but what he did to both of them can't be erased...

... however, as Gene continues speaking, his words begin to resonate with something within Sam.

I'm not gonna let 'im have yours.

Sam looks up, his gaze locking on Gene, searching his face. And in this moment, he feels both overwhelmingly vulnerable... and desperately grateful for Gene's words, so much so that it squeezes his heart painfully.

For a moment, he's speechless, ringing with the emotions within him.*
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Gene Hunt
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*from the look on Genes face he thinks he might just have said the right thing. Thank God.

He stares back into Sams eyes, searching for anything positive - and he thinks he can see it. Gratitude.

They might be able to save this after all...

Gene raises his eyebrows expectantly, waiting for Sam to give him verbal confirmation that he's going to be alright. That he understands.*

Okay?
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Sam swallows, his gaze dropping... and he nods, closing his eyes.

Gene is there for him. He's not making fun of Sam... not telling him that he's making a huge fuss when nothing even happened. Especially in this day and age, this is something to be so grateful for...

He still feels terrible - stupidly fragile. But knowing that Gene is taking him seriously means more than he's able to express right now.*
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Gene Hunt
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*Okay... Okay, good. He got through to him.

That means that Gene can try again. The thought makes him anxious (what if it happens again?), but he's going to beat this. For both him and Sam.

So Gene nods in return as though that seals the deal. And hoping to restore some normality, he gestures over to the kettle.*

Good.

Now you gonna let me sit here tea-less forever? Might withdraw my offer of a retry if that's the case!
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Sam blinks his eyes open at Gene's nonchalant words, looking up at him with a slightly owlish expression. Being so caught up in his own drama, the sudden shift to more mundane topics leaves Sam disoriented.

However, he recovers after a couple of seconds, lips twitching into a quick smile.

He murmurs*

Can't 'ave the Guv be without tea now, can we.

*Sam pushes himself up and walks over to the cupboards, putting the kettle on before pulling out one of Gene's mugs and getting everything ready. He feels strangely self-conscious as he moves - he's only wearing his vest and boxers, and Gene is probably watching him...*
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene is watching - but he's trying not to let Sam feel it. He doesn't want Sam to feel awkward at all. He just wants things to be normal. For Sam to forget this ever happened. So he watches, hoping to see Sam stand a little taller. For his shoulders to lighten. For him to look like his usually chipper self.*

Exactly. Could do with some food, too. You fancy some toast?
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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Hmm.

*Sam finally turns around, leaning against the counter and crossing his arms in a subconsciously protective gesture as the water heats up. It's an effort, but with Gene keeping the atmosphere normal -
as if nothing ever happened - Sam is beginning to slowly unwind again without even quite realising.*

We've still got the sandwiches I made for last night. Wanna try one of 'em?
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