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[al_truism]

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[thelightbringer]

Besides. [playing with the dirt again] I meant it when I said I want us all to work together. It's the best option for all of us.

[al_truism]

[Al gives him a slow, contemplating sort of look, stroking the kitten and putting aside the charcoal. His face has softened a little. He still can't help thinking the worst of Lucifer -- but he knows that he's come to truly care for Break.

... which means he's definitely not emotionless. And whenever Al's listened to him speak to Joshua, he's not without some form of pain, want, even a capacity for compassion.]

Do you say that because you want to get along, or- because it's easier?

[Of all things... he at least knows that Lucifer won't outright lie. He's misdirect, he'll weasel, but he won't lie.]

[thelightbringer]

There is nothing easy about this. Most of the city hates me, and you're all afraid of me on some level. It's fine. I get it. You should be. But I don't enjoy waiting out screaming fits to have a civil conversation.

But it's worth it in the long run. Not just for getting out, but for keeping certain folks happy enough to stick around with me.

[al_truism]

Other than the angels and Break, is there anyone you want to stick around with you?

[thelightbringer]

Yes. I'm sure it will be obvious who soon enough.

[al_truism]

[Al gives him a curious, somewhat suspicious look.]

[thelightbringer]

Well does it really matter?

[al_truism]

The more I'm able to understand, the better.

[Not 'know'. Understand.]

[thelightbringer]

How much do you really understand now?

[al_truism]

Not enough, but a little more than I used to.

[thelightbringer]

Then you understand I would do almost anything to save my older brother.

[al_truism]

Something we have in common, yes.

[thelightbringer]

The rest should be easy, then.

[al_truism]

Fair enough.

[thelightbringer]

No specific questions then?

[al_truism]

Not unless you want to give me specific answers.

[thelightbringer]

[He looks at the map, then shrugs a shoulder.]

I can do that, sure.

[al_truism]

I know you like Break, but- why do you listen to him?

[thelightbringer]

About what? [Chin on hand, leaving a dirty smudge on his cheek he doesn't notice.]

[al_truism]

About not hurting me, for instance. I know there are times when you probably would have liked to.

Or other people for that matter.

[thelightbringer]

Because.... [he trails off a moment, drawling the word out. Checking to see where Break is.] As annoyed as I get with you, and as much as I would love to crush a few people under my heel when I have a bad day at work, I don't have very many friends.

Actually, [a grin, as if it's a private joke between he and Al] I don't have any friends. Besides him. He's the only person who's ever insisted on being called that, and let's be honest, he doesn't need my protection anymore. So maybe I believe him more now than I did then. [His tone softens thoughtfully] ...things have changed.

Anyway, maybe if you'd spent enough time below the earth you'd realize sometimes it's better to play nice than to indulge a whim whenever you feel it.

[al_truism]

[Al listens thoughtfully, arm wrapped around his legs, cheek on his knees.]

Do you think he wouldn't be your friend anymore, if you did something like that now?

[thelightbringer]

[He looks at Al levelly for a few moments.] Do I strike you as the sort of person who puts his faith in the healing power of forgiveness?

[al_truism]

[Al looks back at his shoes.]

They say it's the most powerful grace.

[thelightbringer]

I couldn't tell you. I've never seen it do anything.

[Because no one, ever, has extended it to him besides Gabriel...and Gabriel just doesn't care. It's not the same thing.]