[ while luke gets how some dudes can be insecure over their masculinity (the military sure was An Experience), it's not much of an issue these days. a bad habit as a teenager (back when he was ready to fight anything that breathed at him wrong), but his grandmother worked that out of him quick (as did playing tea party and dress up with two preteen girls). now, it takes a wealth of provoking to get Luke puffing up with machismo, but that's never been an issue with this friend. camp had it's ridiculous days, some he'd climbed on ian's back and demanded being carried through the camp before (hi-ho silver, away, to the weed patch, hyah), so lingering, affection filled hugs are fairly base level. besides, this is basically reuniting with family.

an unmasked nose-wrinkling at the word 'great', but luke shrugs, giving ian's bearded cheek an affectionate (only slightly patronizing) pat. ]

I wouldn't call alien egg rebirth great, but seeing your furry yeti face does give enough warm-fuzzies to boost it from Completely Fucked.

[ the unease catches back up at the same time the realization hits Ian, Luke's shoulders slumping, curling in, new worry lines forming on his brow as the nonchalant smirk fades. he coughs, clearing the tightness in his throat, and glances aside. if ian's this thrilled just to see luke, then... ]

So, my kids? [ the more vulnerable his questions get, the less words they contain. ] Cara's not glued to your ass, so guessing that's a no.

[ Cara being one of the twins, the one that's had a precious (obnoxious) little adolescent crush on Ian for as long as they've known him. Lana, the youngest and sweetest, of course imprinted on Christian. Sorry, Ian, you got the less cute barnacle. ]