al_truism | (Old) IC Contact Post

... 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.]

_{[It takes him a short while to look around and connect the dots, but when he does... Well, certainly not what he was expecting.]}

Ah... My apologies.

[Al wilts a little, feeling self-conscious and gut-wrenchingly sad, and just shakes his head.]

Please don't worry about it, okay?

_{[There's a hum before Urahara flops down on the bed. Before quickly reaching out and tugging Al down with him to wrap him up in another strong hug. He doesn't say anything, and Al is free to pull away, but really... That dry spot doesn't need to stay dry.]}

[Al freezes for a moment because it's Negi's bed. Everything about it is familiar, and he just... hasn't been held like this in years.

He tries to swallow and can't, tries to breathe and can't. Sometimes it hits him like a punch to the gut, the reality of it.

It occurs to him that Urahara is holding him because Negi can't.

That's all it takes for him to muffle a tiny sob.]

_{[Long fingers brush through Al's hair before a warm hand soothingly rubs his back.]}

Let it out, Alphonse-san... Today's ending and tomorrow will be a new day, so let go and just be in the here and now.

It's supposed to get better.

[It's not. Years and it's not, never mind that the memories are so fresh he can taste them.]

Does it?

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