chikaidestroyer | ∞ 83: A chronicle of life and death [action]

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∞ 83: A chronicle of life and death [action]

[What a wonderful afternoon. The sun is shining, the sky has cleared up, and the ground is drying after two days of rain. And Albert is around the village today, weaving through the streets and between houses and even to the edges of the forest.

Little do people know that Albert received a beautiful flower last night, and he happened to smell it. When he awoke up the morning, getting out of his room proved to be an ... arduous battle. And getting out the front door? Well, he had at least discovered what a doorknob was by then.

He has a vague, wondrous look on his face as he looks at swaying tree branches and flowers he would have otherwise ignored. His hair is in slight disarray, as if he had rolled out of bed and fought his way through a bedroom door. His clothes are in a similar state, and notably the same as the ones he had been wearing last night.

This isn't strange at all.

He will be wandering around for the entire afternoon. Attempts to talk to or capture the 6'1" strategist will be bizarre. ...And he won't be returned home until sunset or so.]

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[Caesar frowns a little. It wasn't really his comment that bothered him.]

So are you. You should have slept longer than I did!

I'm not tired. [His movements seem to say otherwise, though.] The sun hasn't even set yet. [Even though he says that, there's something tense in his tone.]

So? [Caesar decides to move into the room, closing the door behind him a bit roughly. He feels angry again, and there are so many things he wants to say but has no idea where to start.

...this is awkward.]

Uh... How are you feeling?

[He's quiet as he tries to think of how to answer. Thoughts had not been so difficult before; he could remember a time not so long ago when life was going by so fast that he didn't need to think. What does he say?

His answer his surprisingly honest. He would have to think too much to lie at this point.] I don't know what to do with myself.

Me, either! How useless, huh? [Caesar lets out a nervous laugh. He glances at Albert's desk as he walks past it - it feels like he's moving without thinking again, so seeing his brother's work doesn't quite register with him despite what Raine had told him earlier. When he finally moves to stand beside Albert, Caesar looks down, staring at his feet.] ...I really hate you, you know that?

[There is a heavy silence in the room following the change in tone. Albert looks up at Caesar, vaguely looking at his expression through his messy hair.]

No. You're just angry.

[It's insightful, perhaps. But it doesn't quite sound like something he would normally say.]

I'm scared. [He says it as if he's correcting him, but he wasn't wrong about what he said at all. And for once, Caesar wasn't so concerned with what Albert would say to his honesty - he had to let this out somehow.] If you do that again, I'll...

[...he still has absolutely no idea what he'd do.]

[When Caesar trails off, Albert watches him with an expectant look. But the seconds passing by feel far too long, and he speaks though he can't think of much to say.]

It won't happen again.

It better not. Because I... I need you, so don't you dare go and do something stupid like that again, okay?

[And Caesar's not stupid. He knows his words wouldn't change anything. But he couldn't help him. He feels just as useless as everyone always said.]

[Albert somewhat hazily acknowledges that Caesar is calling him stupid, and again it takes him a moment to think through what he wants to say. His mind feels peculiarly empty and full at the same time, filled with overwhelming feelings and thoughts that he just wants to throw away.]

...I'm not going anywhere you can't follow.

Edited 2010-06-18 11:02 (UTC)

Good. You better not leave me behind again, all right? Or... I won't forgive you. [You know. Again. But Caesar's tone is a bit more mellow now, because, as strange as it was, there was something comforting about his words. He grabs the sleeve of Albert's shirt and pauses, almost as if he's contemplating something. It doesn't take long for him to give in, though - it's a bit awkward, but he goes to give him a hug. He's shaking a little. He's been trying really hard not to cry this whole time.]

But... hey. I'm... I'm glad you're okay. I was really worried, I'll have you know!

[Albert tenses when he feels that hand gripping his sleeve, but he seems to relax when Caesar sinks down enough to hug him. He's slow to reciprocate, pressing a hand against Caesar's back.]

I wasn't in control. [It's the first thing that comes to mind.] If I was... It wouldn't have happened.

[Even considering the situation, Caesar's still kind of surprised by this. Of course, he's going to take advantage of it anyway. He hugs him a bit tighter before he ~~unwillingly~~ lets go.]

...I know. It's not your fault. [Even if he just blamed Albert for everything anyway. And that reminds him-] Oh, and, uh... I'm sorry.

[Albert drops his hand back to the chair, blinking once at Caesar's apology.]

Sorry? For what?

I couldn't do anything. I couldn't help you at all! [...] Oh. And that empty patch in your garden. Sorry about that, too.

[He's obviously more serious about that first part.]

There wasn't anything you could have done. Ginko was the only one who knew what to do. [He shakes his head.] It isn't your-- our job.

I know, but- [Hm. He wasn't sure how to say this.] Uh... Well, you're my brother. I should be able to help you.

With something in my head? [Albert numbly messages the area on his forehead where Ginko had removed the mushi.] That wouldn't have been wise, Caesar.

That's not what I meant! [He shrugs, shaking his head.] I guess it doesn't matter. You're fine now, and that's what matters, right? Right.

Yes. [He slowly pushes himself out of his seat, standing next to Caesar.] ...And you're still here.

[Caesar tilts his head. He's not quite sure what he means by that.] Of course I am. Where else would I be? The minute I leave, you'd probably start working again.

[At the comment about working, Albert looks down at the map and notes on his desk. He clenches a hand into a fist.] Not now. I can't work right now. [It takes him a moment to explain.] ...Concentrating is difficult.

I guess that's fine. You should probably take it easy for now. Besides, [He motions toward the things on the desk.] this is my problem, isn't it?

[He looks at the map for a long moment.] I ... suppose it is. [But he doesn't like it. Even if trying to focus on work, or trying to think at all, causes him to feel overwhelmed.]

Then you can just leave that to me. At least, until you feel up to it again. [Because he's not enthusiastic about this at all.] Still don't know what to do with yourself?