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[ hungover in the other room -- his eyes shut painfully as he drapes his arm over his face. he is conscious enough not to want to make any sort of sound as it would only make things difficult for albert.
moran considers that the only kindness that he will do given that the man took his drunk-ass home in the first place.
it doesn't stop him from grabbing his phone to send a message to albert's inbox. it also doesn't stop him from having the phone fall out of his hands and slap him in the face first. but because his companion wasn't in the room!! it will remain his secret. ]
BLOODY HELL
YOU'RE DOING THAT SHIT ACTING THIS EARLY IN THE MORNING
moran considers that the only kindness that he will do given that the man took his drunk-ass home in the first place.
it doesn't stop him from grabbing his phone to send a message to albert's inbox. it also doesn't stop him from having the phone fall out of his hands and slap him in the face first. but because his companion wasn't in the room!! it will remain his secret. ]
BLOODY HELL
YOU'RE DOING THAT SHIT ACTING THIS EARLY IN THE MORNING
[What's that Moran? You have a headache? You drank too much? You slept in? Poor thing!
There's definitely not a door "accidentally" slamming before Albert comes into the room, bearing a terribly amused expression.]
Why, good morning, Colonel. Nice to see your bright and cheery face.
There's definitely not a door "accidentally" slamming before Albert comes into the room, bearing a terribly amused expression.]
Why, good morning, Colonel. Nice to see your bright and cheery face.
[ ignis is a very polite man, and he also knows that albert has a soft spot for doing things the traditional way, even if nothing about their more adult activities can be termed 'traditional'.
anyway. ignis knows, and decides that he ought to surprise albert with it from time to time. so here he is, at his doorstep at an appropriate time in the mid-morning, holding a single, perfect rose, painstakingly chosen out of five flower shops. it is a vibrant, deep red the colour of heart-blood. and so he knocks, clad in a dark shirt and suspenders. ]
Albert?
anyway. ignis knows, and decides that he ought to surprise albert with it from time to time. so here he is, at his doorstep at an appropriate time in the mid-morning, holding a single, perfect rose, painstakingly chosen out of five flower shops. it is a vibrant, deep red the colour of heart-blood. and so he knocks, clad in a dark shirt and suspenders. ]
Albert?
[Albert has been busy arranging things for moving and purchasing furniture and the like, so he's been up for hours by the time the door is knocked on.
He isn't expecting company... but he drops everything and goes to the door anyway, dressed in a black and green subtly patterned shirt with the sleeves rolled up, his tie hanging loosely untied as he crunches numbers.
He doesn't expect to see Ignis on the other side, and his face lights up at the sight of him.]
Ignis! Good morning! To what do I owe the distinct pleasure?
He isn't expecting company... but he drops everything and goes to the door anyway, dressed in a black and green subtly patterned shirt with the sleeves rolled up, his tie hanging loosely untied as he crunches numbers.
He doesn't expect to see Ignis on the other side, and his face lights up at the sight of him.]
Ignis! Good morning! To what do I owe the distinct pleasure?
I got you something. When can you be ready to come see it?
[ it's a series of texts during the period ]
The roses in the gardens are blooming beautifully, I thought of you.
I felt you, are you all right?
What you're feeling seems intense, I hope you are fine.
I came by, but it seems you were occupied. I've left you a rose graft on your doorstep. Red, your favourite. This time there will be more blossoms instead of just the one.
The stars are lovely tonight. I do hope you get a chance to see them.
I've made bread pudding based on what you've described. It seems I've put my own spin on things. Would you like to try?
The roses in the gardens are blooming beautifully, I thought of you.
I felt you, are you all right?
What you're feeling seems intense, I hope you are fine.
I came by, but it seems you were occupied. I've left you a rose graft on your doorstep. Red, your favourite. This time there will be more blossoms instead of just the one.
The stars are lovely tonight. I do hope you get a chance to see them.
I've made bread pudding based on what you've described. It seems I've put my own spin on things. Would you like to try?
The kids were looking for you the other day. Said they haven't seen you around.
[ and when the kids at the underground notice when someone's missing it's usually pretty worrisome, with all the casual disappearances already happening here and there.
not that aranea's gonna say as much. ]
[ and when the kids at the underground notice when someone's missing it's usually pretty worrisome, with all the casual disappearances already happening here and there.
not that aranea's gonna say as much. ]
[Aranea. Dear woman that she is, even she's noticed he's been gone. He's so enchanted by her that he can hardly stand it, even now. The pain and anguish is fading slowly, so he'll indulge a response.]
Tell them I've been ill, if they ask.
Did you also miss me, or are you simply playing messenger today?
Tell them I've been ill, if they ask.
Did you also miss me, or are you simply playing messenger today?
[ william feels it, all of the emotions from albert's end of the connection, intense and brimming with guilt, with pain and confusion and love and hope, the entire breadth of it. it is true that they have much to address and talk about, but that has never been their way, no matter how much they love each other.
and love each other they do, with william having marked albert up the way only he can, a loving reminder of just who he belongs to. but that's not enough now, not with clues to the future laid out before them. there is only one way forward, a way that william wants to try to prevent nonetheless; at least, for albert.
so he waits for albert in his room, an open book resting over crossed thighs. ]
and love each other they do, with william having marked albert up the way only he can, a loving reminder of just who he belongs to. but that's not enough now, not with clues to the future laid out before them. there is only one way forward, a way that william wants to try to prevent nonetheless; at least, for albert.
so he waits for albert in his room, an open book resting over crossed thighs. ]
[Albert returns very late, exhausted but somehow a bit more content and confident than he felt when he left. His marks are covered with new ones, and the ones on his heart are the most firmly pressed in of all.
He said it. He honestly said it. It's out in the open now that he loves someone who isn't family, and he won't take it back. It heals him, makes him feel alive.
He doesn't expect to see William waiting in his room, so he offers him a gentle, adoring look of surprise when he returns.]
Will. Were you waiting long?
[As though William didn't just feel hours of an emotional roller coaster.]
He said it. He honestly said it. It's out in the open now that he loves someone who isn't family, and he won't take it back. It heals him, makes him feel alive.
He doesn't expect to see William waiting in his room, so he offers him a gentle, adoring look of surprise when he returns.]
Will. Were you waiting long?
[As though William didn't just feel hours of an emotional roller coaster.]
[ unlike a certain someone, he waits till morning, at a more reasonable hour.
(it's also because he knows that william would have gotten to albert first)
there's breakfast on the table, louis tending to a pot of tea brewing on the kitchen counter, and he looks up when he hears albert's footsteps, and louis greets his brother with a soft smile. ]
Good morning, Albert.
[ his eyes are still sharp, observant, but it doesn't take much effort to realise that albert is carrying himself just a little bit differently, and the rollercoaster of emotions he'd felt from their bond last night supports his theory.
so he brings tea over, setting a cup in front of albert. ]
You were out late last night.
[ it's soft. maybe a little bit concerned, but it's at least an opening - louis won't push too hard, but it's there for albert's taking if he needs one. ]
(it's also because he knows that william would have gotten to albert first)
there's breakfast on the table, louis tending to a pot of tea brewing on the kitchen counter, and he looks up when he hears albert's footsteps, and louis greets his brother with a soft smile. ]
Good morning, Albert.
[ his eyes are still sharp, observant, but it doesn't take much effort to realise that albert is carrying himself just a little bit differently, and the rollercoaster of emotions he'd felt from their bond last night supports his theory.
so he brings tea over, setting a cup in front of albert. ]
You were out late last night.
[ it's soft. maybe a little bit concerned, but it's at least an opening - louis won't push too hard, but it's there for albert's taking if he needs one. ]
[Albert is dressed as he normally would be to go out and work in the Ruby Underground already when he comes downstairs. It's still something he's becoming used to, not having to feed himself and entertain himself, just when he'd got the hang of things here. But it's good to see Louis' face first thing in the morning.
He doesn't actually see the question coming, perhaps because he was put at ease just seeing Louis there, and he freezes as soon as he sits.
He noticed, too. Louis, William... They both know he went somewhere, went to someone, and experienced an intense range of emotions. They might even have sensed more than that.]
...I was. I'm sorry if I worried you. I was visiting someone.
He doesn't actually see the question coming, perhaps because he was put at ease just seeing Louis there, and he freezes as soon as he sits.
He noticed, too. Louis, William... They both know he went somewhere, went to someone, and experienced an intense range of emotions. They might even have sensed more than that.]
...I was. I'm sorry if I worried you. I was visiting someone.
Hey, sweet pea.
[ Oh, look, Albert's unlocked a new nickname. Good for him. ]
You still in Primavera? Hope you didn't get into too much trouble. [ Which is to say, she hopes he's well and alive, and not dead in a ditch somewhere. ] Let me know how you're doing.
[ Oh, look, Albert's unlocked a new nickname. Good for him. ]
You still in Primavera? Hope you didn't get into too much trouble. [ Which is to say, she hopes he's well and alive, and not dead in a ditch somewhere. ] Let me know how you're doing.
I can feel everything that you're feeling right now.
[ A letter is delivered by a shady-looking gem, who looks to be one of the gems that live in the Underground that Aranea and Albert have helped a few times, to the manor addressed to Albert, and attached to it is a single red rose. ]
Albert,
If you get this letter, then my house has been repurposed because I was taken back to my world. Didn't want you to wonder why I'm suddenly not around, so here's a last letter for your eyes only. Don't cry your eyes out or anything — you'll be fine, and so will I. I will be back to a world that'll be enveloped in darkness soon enough, and will need my help.
And you'll be here, living. See, you're already fine :)
Don't feel guilty that we never had a chance to talk about me — there's nothing too special about a woman that made a lot of impulsive decisions only to regret many of them at the last possible second. Maybe you'll understand how it feels — Niflheim Empire was where I was born, and I love my home more than anything else in the world. What I love was left in shambles instead, because one man got greedy and decided he'd wanted to play god, so I stepped away from all that to spend the rest of my life atoning by helping others instead. If you were to speak to Gladio and Cor, and ask them about what I'd be up to when I get back, they'd tell you I spend plenty of time kicking ass, but mostly saving as many refugees as I could, and cleaning up after a disastrous war I helped kickstart.
What I'm trying to say is, if you want to atone for your sins, you can. You always can, even when you think you're too late to. I'm sorry I couldn't be there to see you do it. I would've always been there to support you.
This letter's getting a little too long, and there are a couple more secrets I've never shared, but maybe if I ever return, we can pick up where we left off. Next time, ask me about Biggs and Wedge, but also about Loqi and Sol.
And hey... I know you think I'm the bravest gal you've ever met, but I'm a scaredy-cat just like everyone else. I was afraid of telling you that I love you, so unfortunately, you'll just have to settle for this letter instead of hearing it from me.
I love you.
- AH.
Albert,
If you get this letter, then my house has been repurposed because I was taken back to my world. Didn't want you to wonder why I'm suddenly not around, so here's a last letter for your eyes only. Don't cry your eyes out or anything — you'll be fine, and so will I. I will be back to a world that'll be enveloped in darkness soon enough, and will need my help.
And you'll be here, living. See, you're already fine :)
Don't feel guilty that we never had a chance to talk about me — there's nothing too special about a woman that made a lot of impulsive decisions only to regret many of them at the last possible second. Maybe you'll understand how it feels — Niflheim Empire was where I was born, and I love my home more than anything else in the world. What I love was left in shambles instead, because one man got greedy and decided he'd wanted to play god, so I stepped away from all that to spend the rest of my life atoning by helping others instead. If you were to speak to Gladio and Cor, and ask them about what I'd be up to when I get back, they'd tell you I spend plenty of time kicking ass, but mostly saving as many refugees as I could, and cleaning up after a disastrous war I helped kickstart.
What I'm trying to say is, if you want to atone for your sins, you can. You always can, even when you think you're too late to. I'm sorry I couldn't be there to see you do it. I would've always been there to support you.
This letter's getting a little too long, and there are a couple more secrets I've never shared, but maybe if I ever return, we can pick up where we left off. Next time, ask me about Biggs and Wedge, but also about Loqi and Sol.
And hey... I know you think I'm the bravest gal you've ever met, but I'm a scaredy-cat just like everyone else. I was afraid of telling you that I love you, so unfortunately, you'll just have to settle for this letter instead of hearing it from me.
I love you.
- AH.
Edited (not me finding mistakes in a goodbye letter aldnfknf) 2021-05-13 18:26 (UTC)
[ cornering albert needs its own finesse.
moran sets the stage well -- he sits slumped in a living room chair; a wash cloth is thrown over his face to apparently help him deal with the hangover that he pretends to suffer. his breathing even and exhausted; he isn't really hiding that part, however, because he does feel a little tired.
he doesn't like browbeating or harassing the others about much of anything.
he believes in them and so, he believes if they need him, that they would know to reach out to him.
he already made the statement that wherever "james moriarty" happens to be that "sebastian moran" would be at "his" side.
his mouth opens to let out a loud huff. ]
You're doing it, again, Albert. You're hiding yourself away rather than relying on those that are around you. I don't claim to know what weight that you're carrying, but we're all here together because we agreed to carry it together. [ he takes the washcloth off his face. ] Isn't that right?
moran sets the stage well -- he sits slumped in a living room chair; a wash cloth is thrown over his face to apparently help him deal with the hangover that he pretends to suffer. his breathing even and exhausted; he isn't really hiding that part, however, because he does feel a little tired.
he doesn't like browbeating or harassing the others about much of anything.
he believes in them and so, he believes if they need him, that they would know to reach out to him.
he already made the statement that wherever "james moriarty" happens to be that "sebastian moran" would be at "his" side.
his mouth opens to let out a loud huff. ]
You're doing it, again, Albert. You're hiding yourself away rather than relying on those that are around you. I don't claim to know what weight that you're carrying, but we're all here together because we agreed to carry it together. [ he takes the washcloth off his face. ] Isn't that right?
[It's certainly an unexpected strategy... But it works, and Albert pauses on his way through the room. He'd been trying to be quiet, but... Mm. Confrontation. Delicious?]
Colonel Moran.
[He smiles faintly. Moran's right. He's often right about this kind of thing, and Albert hates that, but in this case... He's finally ready to talk about a number of topics. Moran's convenient, and a man of strong morals and convictions in very specific, relevant areas.]
I've had a bit of an emotionally challenging time lately, but... Actually, if you have time, I'd like to speak with you about it all.
Colonel Moran.
[He smiles faintly. Moran's right. He's often right about this kind of thing, and Albert hates that, but in this case... He's finally ready to talk about a number of topics. Moran's convenient, and a man of strong morals and convictions in very specific, relevant areas.]
I've had a bit of an emotionally challenging time lately, but... Actually, if you have time, I'd like to speak with you about it all.
[ if this is a dream, it feels far too real to be an actual dream, because the air is choking hot, streaked with red and black, a familiar, terrible oppressive kind of suffocation that all three of the moriarty brothers know too well.
the moriarty manor is on fire.
it's not the one that they have here in noctium, no, but it's easily recognisable as their manor back in london, not the childhood manor razed to the ground, but the one that they had built a life for themselves, their plans and goals going alight in a blaze of fire.
and louis stands in the middle of the flames, seemingly unaffected by the heat, the crumbling of the manor as it burns to ash around him.
what will you do, albert? ]
the moriarty manor is on fire.
it's not the one that they have here in noctium, no, but it's easily recognisable as their manor back in london, not the childhood manor razed to the ground, but the one that they had built a life for themselves, their plans and goals going alight in a blaze of fire.
and louis stands in the middle of the flames, seemingly unaffected by the heat, the crumbling of the manor as it burns to ash around him.
what will you do, albert? ]
[Albert doesn't know when he walked into this... But one moment he was in the greenhouse and the next he was surrounded by unrelenting heat, his vision distorting as his hands were licked by flames.
Now he stands here, thinking he's alone, his mind traveling back to his youth... But the building isn't the same. No, this isn't his childhood home. This isn't the manor in Noctium, either. It's their manor in London. He knows that after a moment, when he sees a shattered picture frame on the ground, the edges of the small portrait curling in the heat.
Turning around, he sees Louis, and his heart sinks.]
Louis?
Now he stands here, thinking he's alone, his mind traveling back to his youth... But the building isn't the same. No, this isn't his childhood home. This isn't the manor in Noctium, either. It's their manor in London. He knows that after a moment, when he sees a shattered picture frame on the ground, the edges of the small portrait curling in the heat.
Turning around, he sees Louis, and his heart sinks.]
Louis?
[ it's one of those nights that find them tangled in each other, wrapped up so completely in each other that nothing else matters. ignis loves these nights when he loses himself in albert's kisses, the taste of his skin, the sting of his nails down his shoulders and back.
his mouth is hot, greedy, eager as his head bobs shamelessly up and down, sucking his cock like he was born for it, lapping him up with two slick fingers buried in the tight, tight passage of his hole, lube half-open on the nightstand. he's fingering him inside, rubbing up those slick walls as he smiles, dark green eyes predatory in the darkness. cum inside his mouth, darling. he's missed the thick, sticky load on his tongue. ]
his mouth is hot, greedy, eager as his head bobs shamelessly up and down, sucking his cock like he was born for it, lapping him up with two slick fingers buried in the tight, tight passage of his hole, lube half-open on the nightstand. he's fingering him inside, rubbing up those slick walls as he smiles, dark green eyes predatory in the darkness. cum inside his mouth, darling. he's missed the thick, sticky load on his tongue. ]
[He loves him. He loves everything about Ignis, really and truly, from the lilt of his voice to the touch of his fingers and tongue. He's getting the latter right now, his fingers digging into Ignis' hair and scraping nails over the back of his neck and shoulders as his hips buck into the expert sucking.
This hotel room is too nice for how filthy they're being, he knows it, but he craves it, too. This plush wingback chair near the bed where he was sitting and reading has only about half of Albert properly on it now, his coat pushed down and his shirt open, his tie untied and hanging uselessly around his neck. There's no telling where Ignis threw his slacks when he pulled them off, just before he dug his fingers into Albert's hips as they kissed and pulled him to the edge of the chair. Doubtless Albert is a sight right now, legs spread wide as Ignis works like he's being paid to do this, loud, unrestrained moans coming from Albert's kiss-bruised lips.
It's heaven. Looking down into those sweet green eyes even in this dim light makes him feel utterly powerless and completely unstoppable at once. This is love unlike anything he's ever experienced, physically and emotionally. Ignis claimed him, claims him even now...]
Darling... you're a pretty little whore when you want me this badly.
[It's breathless and useless, but Albert is absolutely taken in by Ignis tonight.]
This hotel room is too nice for how filthy they're being, he knows it, but he craves it, too. This plush wingback chair near the bed where he was sitting and reading has only about half of Albert properly on it now, his coat pushed down and his shirt open, his tie untied and hanging uselessly around his neck. There's no telling where Ignis threw his slacks when he pulled them off, just before he dug his fingers into Albert's hips as they kissed and pulled him to the edge of the chair. Doubtless Albert is a sight right now, legs spread wide as Ignis works like he's being paid to do this, loud, unrestrained moans coming from Albert's kiss-bruised lips.
It's heaven. Looking down into those sweet green eyes even in this dim light makes him feel utterly powerless and completely unstoppable at once. This is love unlike anything he's ever experienced, physically and emotionally. Ignis claimed him, claims him even now...]
Darling... you're a pretty little whore when you want me this badly.
[It's breathless and useless, but Albert is absolutely taken in by Ignis tonight.]
[It's been over a month, and Mitsuki still can't believe Albert went ahead and got him the business permit for a bakery. It still feels like so much, but after picking the place and setting everything up and writing the menu and making everything...
It's been wonderful. It's something that's both nostalgic and entirely new - it's so much more work than working at the bakery bake home, but he's glad he paid enough attention to things that the business side of things isn't entirely overwhelming. Still, it's nice to wake up early, get things in the oven, and then spend the rest of the day making people happy. And with the fresh flowers Albert brings in every day, it's even better.
Speaking of Albert - the man has become something of the only real official taste tester for the bakery. He asks just about everyone he knows for their opinions, but since Albert is the financier, he gets the final say. Hence, tonight. It's long past closing, and Mitsuki has invited Albert over. The man has a copy of the keys, so Mitsuki isn't worried. He just keeps himself busy in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on a tray of macarons, waiting for the sound of the door.]
It's been wonderful. It's something that's both nostalgic and entirely new - it's so much more work than working at the bakery bake home, but he's glad he paid enough attention to things that the business side of things isn't entirely overwhelming. Still, it's nice to wake up early, get things in the oven, and then spend the rest of the day making people happy. And with the fresh flowers Albert brings in every day, it's even better.
Speaking of Albert - the man has become something of the only real official taste tester for the bakery. He asks just about everyone he knows for their opinions, but since Albert is the financier, he gets the final say. Hence, tonight. It's long past closing, and Mitsuki has invited Albert over. The man has a copy of the keys, so Mitsuki isn't worried. He just keeps himself busy in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on a tray of macarons, waiting for the sound of the door.]
[Albert feels he sees less of Mitsuki lately, and he wholly blames himself for it. That's why he's overjoyed and relieved when the busy idol turned patisserie still invites him to taste test the new items at the bakery. It's been two weeks since they spent any appreciable time together besides Albert's persistent morning greetings, as he's been terribly busy working his way into governmental affairs. It's taxing, but not as taxing as his old life, so he calls it mostly a win. Mostly. It only truly feels like one when precious time to see Mitsuki slides into his schedule.
He opens the door, its happy little chime bringing an already nostalgic smile to his face. This may have been given to Mitsuki as a gift, and it is most assuredly his domain, but something about it still rings of them. It's a special place, where he can stare unendingly at Mitsuki as he plans new recipes with boundless enthusiasm, or sit and enjoy freshly brewed tea and a little cake while Mitsuki does the day's accounting. This is like their little getaway, for Albert at least. Surely it's just business as usual for Mitsuki, but it's fine for certain things to be a little one-sided, after all.]
Mitsuki?
[He's not in the front of the shop, so he's surely in the kitchen already. It looks like Albert won't get the pleasure of watching him go through the whole process this time, but he knows it's his own fault for being kept so late by business of his own. Heading back to the kitchen, he can't help his expression shifting into the absolute fondest of smiles when he sees Mitsuki, apron on, sleeves rolled up, his hair just faintly tousled... The fondness lingers in silence for a beat as he stares in quiet awe at what this place has given him, at radiant sunshine even in the darkest of nights. He would do anything for Mitsuki, and he's come to accept that. He cherishes it, even.]
I'm sorry I've come so late. You have my most utterly sincere apologies. [He bows his head only far enough to look apologetic, but not enough that his gaze has to leave Mitsuki.] And these smell delightful! Goodness, my mouth is already watering just looking at them.
He opens the door, its happy little chime bringing an already nostalgic smile to his face. This may have been given to Mitsuki as a gift, and it is most assuredly his domain, but something about it still rings of them. It's a special place, where he can stare unendingly at Mitsuki as he plans new recipes with boundless enthusiasm, or sit and enjoy freshly brewed tea and a little cake while Mitsuki does the day's accounting. This is like their little getaway, for Albert at least. Surely it's just business as usual for Mitsuki, but it's fine for certain things to be a little one-sided, after all.]
Mitsuki?
[He's not in the front of the shop, so he's surely in the kitchen already. It looks like Albert won't get the pleasure of watching him go through the whole process this time, but he knows it's his own fault for being kept so late by business of his own. Heading back to the kitchen, he can't help his expression shifting into the absolute fondest of smiles when he sees Mitsuki, apron on, sleeves rolled up, his hair just faintly tousled... The fondness lingers in silence for a beat as he stares in quiet awe at what this place has given him, at radiant sunshine even in the darkest of nights. He would do anything for Mitsuki, and he's come to accept that. He cherishes it, even.]
I'm sorry I've come so late. You have my most utterly sincere apologies. [He bows his head only far enough to look apologetic, but not enough that his gaze has to leave Mitsuki.] And these smell delightful! Goodness, my mouth is already watering just looking at them.
[It’s been almost an entire month since Mitsuki saw Albert’s dream, since he learned the truth about the kind of man Albert used to be, and…
Mitsuki has been absolutely miserable.
He’s been trying to push on, to keep moving forward, focus on what’s ahead of him, but his thoughts keep coming back to Albert. Being in the bakery makes his heart hurt, being alone in his room makes him feel so lonely, and he just… Misses him so desperately. He can’t deny that the man he knew is so different from the monster Albert admitted to being, so…
Maybe he has changed? Mitsuki wants him to have changed, but more than anything… He wants to see Albert again.
The text arrives about two hours after the bakery’s closed for the day, with little fanfare.]
It’s Mitsuki. Can we talk?
Mitsuki has been absolutely miserable.
He’s been trying to push on, to keep moving forward, focus on what’s ahead of him, but his thoughts keep coming back to Albert. Being in the bakery makes his heart hurt, being alone in his room makes him feel so lonely, and he just… Misses him so desperately. He can’t deny that the man he knew is so different from the monster Albert admitted to being, so…
Maybe he has changed? Mitsuki wants him to have changed, but more than anything… He wants to see Albert again.
The text arrives about two hours after the bakery’s closed for the day, with little fanfare.]
It’s Mitsuki. Can we talk?
[Albert spends the month in misery, quietly carrying out his campaign and focusing on the public good rather than his personal anguish. He knows it was his fault, after all. That everything he did and everything he was led to this, and that he deserves it. Possibly worse.
Despite Mitsuki's initial assurances that he wasn't letting him go, Albert is genuinely surprised at the text. He's spent the last week or so writing the whole relationship off, wondering if he ought to put the orange silk ties and handkerchiefs and citrine cufflinks and his favorite pocketwatch into storage. It was foolish, after all, to think that someone as good and pure as Mitsuki could love or even tolerate a monster.
His hands shake as he sees the name pop up, then the message, and he excuses himself from late night wine and political conversation to go answer.]
Of course. Name a time and place, or give me ten minutes to find somewhere suitable for a phone call or text.
Despite Mitsuki's initial assurances that he wasn't letting him go, Albert is genuinely surprised at the text. He's spent the last week or so writing the whole relationship off, wondering if he ought to put the orange silk ties and handkerchiefs and citrine cufflinks and his favorite pocketwatch into storage. It was foolish, after all, to think that someone as good and pure as Mitsuki could love or even tolerate a monster.
His hands shake as he sees the name pop up, then the message, and he excuses himself from late night wine and political conversation to go answer.]
Of course. Name a time and place, or give me ten minutes to find somewhere suitable for a phone call or text.
[ william drops by albert's beautiful, large new office from time to time, especially when he's available; it's been a slow day in the ruby underground, and naturally, he finds himself craving his brother's company -- especially now that it's so close to evening time.
he checks his watch again, before politely making his way into albert's office, nodding warmly to albert's colleagues along the way. when he enters his office, he smiles briefly, closing the door behind him with care. ]
It's been awhile since you've come home before midnight, dearest brother.
he checks his watch again, before politely making his way into albert's office, nodding warmly to albert's colleagues along the way. when he enters his office, he smiles briefly, closing the door behind him with care. ]
It's been awhile since you've come home before midnight, dearest brother.
[Albert's buried (proverbially!) in papers at his grand desk, his assistants and colleagues knowing better than to disturb him this close to evening. If they're all lucky, he'll remember to tell them to go home; if they're unlucky, he'll forget the time entirely and ask for help at the eleventh hour.
But it's William who walks into his office, causing Albert's face first to break into a pristine, brilliant smile, but then to look apologetically at the clock.]
Oh. You had me believing it was that late already, Will. I've... missed dinner again, haven't I?
But it's William who walks into his office, causing Albert's face first to break into a pristine, brilliant smile, but then to look apologetically at the clock.]
Oh. You had me believing it was that late already, Will. I've... missed dinner again, haven't I?
[Where one might suspect a letter sent electronically, Erina is a lady and a gentlewoman. Unwilling to simply thank him with a such a note, she has instead sent along a note on white stationary bordered in black and sealed with a black wax seal. Erina's initials, EJ, are the only hint to the sender. Her handwriting is as expected; elegant and neatly spaced, with few flourishes.
The note itself is short. One needn't send him several pages. They are, after all, mere acquaintances.]
Sir,
Please forgive the lateness of this note.
Still it is with great humility that one thanks you for assisting with the unpleasantness from the other day. The item is quite useful and finds much use.
One hopes that this note finds you in good health. Perhaps another time you may come to tea.
Yours sincerely,
Lady E. Joestar
The note itself is short. One needn't send him several pages. They are, after all, mere acquaintances.]
Please forgive the lateness of this note.
Still it is with great humility that one thanks you for assisting with the unpleasantness from the other day. The item is quite useful and finds much use.
One hopes that this note finds you in good health. Perhaps another time you may come to tea.
Yours sincerely,
Lady E. Joestar
[Upon receiving the letter, Albert is hit with a wave of nostalgia, both fond and uncomfortable. It's a memory of home, as Erina has been since they met, but... god, if he's still the man he was back then, let him be struck dead on the spot.
Albert sends back a note promptly, sealed with the Moriarty seal in emerald green wax, written in the careful, neat script of someone who has to be clear and decisive in every action he takes.]
Lady Joestar,
Your note is heartily received and welcomed. To be frank, I have become accustomed to sending such notes and not receiving, so it is truly a delight.
Please know that I am at your service, should you need my assistance again. Let us hope it is much less my own fault the next time.
Tea sounds delightful. May I recommend the bakery Fonte Chocolat if you have any need for sweets to accompany your tea? Though do steer clear of the more adventurous items.
Fond wishes for your continued health.
Lord A.J. Moriarty
Albert sends back a note promptly, sealed with the Moriarty seal in emerald green wax, written in the careful, neat script of someone who has to be clear and decisive in every action he takes.]
Your note is heartily received and welcomed. To be frank, I have become accustomed to sending such notes and not receiving, so it is truly a delight.
Please know that I am at your service, should you need my assistance again. Let us hope it is much less my own fault the next time.
Tea sounds delightful. May I recommend the bakery Fonte Chocolat if you have any need for sweets to accompany your tea? Though do steer clear of the more adventurous items.
Fond wishes for your continued health.
Lord A.J. Moriarty
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