al_truism | (Old) IC Contact Post

Traumatic events change who you are. Ciel was very like that, when he became the Earl it was a personality change to go along with it.

[Yes, he knew about that too.]

Alois has had things happen to him -- but that mentality just... suggests that he's had to do horrible things, too. To detach himself from it, he's become something that's not himself.

I saw.

_{['Saw' not 'know'. In age down events, in the Dreamscapes, in every calculated movement and word that fell from Ciel's lips. Even more so in those stolen moments of surprised outrage when he managed to steal back some of Ciel's stolen childhood.]}

But he doesn't have Ciel-san's strength. He's always been fiercely attached to others, and because of that, incredibly dependent on them. As Jim-san, it was Luca-san. As Alois-san... it seems to be this Claude. Hopefully we will have time to shift this dependency.

That sort of attachment can break a person harder than anything.

[He knew. Ed's 'death' had destroyed everything. Made it impossible to live until he found his brother.]

Luca is here, though -- I'd rather he be attached to Luca than anyone.

_{[A nod. Urahara, thankfully, has never had to experience that. What it would be like to lose Yoruichi, forever, permanently, he did not want to think about.]}

He is a rather... bright boy.

_{[And he does mean bright. There's no other way to describe the love that pours out from Luca.]}

[Al sensed it immediately, that pain, knew Urahara was thinking of someone. He reached out and set a hand on his, leaving in there. Sometimes you needed the warmth of another person.]

... he's love, made into something living.

[Smiling, he turns his hand over so that he can grip Al's gently. A thankful brush of the thumb and a light squeeze to repay the kindness.]

I couldn't have put it better myself.

... you're welcome to stay, if you'd rather not make the trip back. It's getting really dark.

Ah, if you don't mind terribly, I just might take you up on that offer.

_{[It's not the darkness that bothers him, or the trip back. Both are laughable when one considers the shinigami he is. Rather, it's the loneliness of returning to an empty house with a heavy heart. Too many people have come and gone lately, among them several allies and most recently, his 'daughter' from the family event.

He knows that Al knows that, and is grateful for the thoughtfulness.]}

My home's your home, Urahara.

[Soft, and with real warmth.]

... I'm glad you were there for him today. And every time, really. I mean, I never even properly thanked you for giving the boys a place to stay when I... left.

There's no need for you to do so. All we have here, all we really, truly have, is family. Family takes care of each other.

[He rather suddenly finds himself blinking back the threat of tears. He squeezes his hand.]

Thank you.

Ah, no, wait... [Fluttering of the fan as he fumbles through his pockets before pulling out a piece of cloth. His handkerchief is still drying, so Al will have to make do with this makeshift one.] Okay, ready~!

Edited 2012-10-15 06:21 (UTC)

[Al sputters and bursts out laughing, wiping at his eyes with his free hand.]

I-I'm not going to cry on you, don't worry-

Are you sure? [He pats one shoulder.] This spot is still dry, limited time only~!

[He breaks down into cracked laughter again, shaking his head and wiping his eyes.]

... we could both use a hug, though, at least.

_{[Chuckling, he circles around to Al's side of the table, arms open.]}

Now, now~ There was no need to be so coy if that's all you wanted!

[Al shook his head a little and reached up for him. Urahara gave very good, warm hugs.]

_{[One strong, warm hug coming right up as Urahara bends down to his level, resting his chin on top of Al's head.]}

[He smells like smoke and tea. Al stays where he is, breathing in slowly, mind wandering. They'll get through this. They're strong enough for this. It'll be difficult but they will handle it.

After some time, he pulls back enough to get up.]

Come on, I'll get fresh blankets for you.

_{[He gets an affectionate smile and another nod as Urahara gestures for him to lead the way before following behind him, pausing briefly outside the boys' room, head cocked, listening, sensing.]}

[Al doesn't falter in his step, but he looks back at him as he turns to the linen closet, getting out sheets before continuing down the hallway more. The room is a simple one, but cozy. Al starts to quickly change the sheets.]

... are they okay?

Sleeping.

_{[He lets a few tendrils of his reiatsu flow into the room to soothe away any restlessness brought on by bad dreams before following Al into the room.]}

Ah, I hope I haven't taken anyone's room.

Good.

[He gives a little smile and shakes his head, patting the blankets into place, making hospital corners.]

... no. This room's been... free for several months now.

_{[A curious little look.]}

It seems I stepped on something a little sensitive...

... people go home sometimes. It's a part of life out here, that's all.

[But if Urahara takes a look at the desk, the bookshelf -- this is Negi's old room.]

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