[ It sounds more accusatory than what he means. He still hasn't quite turned to look to see what sort of expression that Albert is making -- even though that is why he rushed him along so that he could see it.
His eyes close as he frowns -- disappointed in himself more than anything else. He lets out a single sigh, defeated, before he finally shifts so that he could look at him. ]
[It says something that Albert's reaction is to stare back at Moran in disbelief for several seconds, like he's going to say this is a joke, or there's a catch. But deep down he knows that won't happen, because Moran is Moran, a good man, a sound ally, a friend.
And right there in front of everyone in the whole neighborhood, Albert reaches up to hook a hand at the back of Moran's head and pull him down into a lengthy, rather spirited kiss.
It's the best he can do to start repaying him for this kindness. A little manna to go with his gratitude.]
Stupidly, that word comes into his head as Albert pulls him down into a kiss. His eyes widen a little as he wasn't expecting it. The affection that he feels in it, however, settles whatever nerves and doubts that he is having.
His arms wrapping around the man to pull him in close. He tilts his head so that he can deepen the excited kiss that he is given. Mouth opening a little, he wants to taste a little more.
Moran hates that there is a feeling of gratitude in Albert's response; he sends those emotions whether he likes them or not. There is a warm sense of happiness that he is able to do something for the man, since it has always felt that Albert did all things by himself. ]
[Good. Let Albert still have a few surprises left in him. He can feel Moran settling calmly into the kiss, their connection warming Albert from the inside out like a good drink.
He lets himself be wrapped up in those arms, tipping his head to accept more, the tiniest flare of desire slipping in as he runs his tongue lightly over Moran's lips.
If Moran wasn't here, Albert would have been at a loss. Without him, he'd likely be an entirely paranoid mess. Instead, he has someone who will watch his back, who will always be there to ground him and keep him from being alone. No matter what.
He breaks the kiss by a small distance, breath steady and calm.]
[ His tone is affectionate and quiet. The words that he's saying, even in jest, are really only just for Albert to hear. It doesn't bother him all that much that they are out in public, but what he has to say is something that is only meant for him. Let his actions be narrated however anyone would like, but what he says is something he only wants given to Albert. ]
What did I tell you? I'd always be at your side.
[ Of course, he isn't so crass as to bring home people to the manor. He'll keep his apartment for those sort of situations. But in any other, he'll live and stay with Albert. ]
[For the house. For staying. For being loyal. For everything. Albert knows Moran doesn't want to hear it, but he'll only say it once. The way they are right now, so close, he doesn't care if the whole world sees. This is his man, his sworn, devoted friend, and he'll let it be known.]
[ He swallows the words that would dismiss the gratitude. Instead, he just offers a small nod as he looks toward the mansion. ]
Let's go.
[ Letting out a sigh, he realizes there is a lot more shopping that he is going to have to do to make sure their home looks as they like. ]
We can figure out where everything goes and the like. [ A beat passes before he reaches to take Albert's hand; he looks away again as he starts to head to the mansion. He wishes that he could have walked into their manor this way as well, holding onto one of their hands and passing the entryway as equals. But he doesn't mind his situation; he would rather be the dog of the manor and make their dreams come true. ]
[It's going to be quite the effort to get the house in order, but Albert welcomes the challenge.
There's a moment's pause as Moran moves away, then an almost smug smile as the man takes his hand. They will walk side-by-side here, the equals as men that they always were, and he's more than a little glad of it.
The inside is remarkable, if completely different from what he's accustomed to back home. The architecture is different, the fixtures, the use of space... He imagines it's all just as modern and nice as his apartment, if not more so.]
[ Moran corrects but it is with a small smile. Three for the brothers and the remaining would be for Fred and himself. His chin drops a little as he looks away -- he knows in holding Albert's hand that Albert feels the tentative happiness that he feels just standing in the manor.
I didn't seek this out for myself. I only sought it out because it'd be for you. It really is a good thing that thoughts don't get transferred, as well, or he would have to leave and not show his face for countless months.
Being seen as a romantic, as a soft-hearted person, he would die. ]
We'll make sure it's comfortable for them. I don't want to hear Fred complain that I didn't do enough. [ Even if Fred would never complain about such things. ]
[ Moran doesn't finish his comment. He only thought of what would make others happy and feel more at ease should they arrive. And, he feels like the promise of William and Louis having a room and place would help ease any worries and concerns that might be quietly eating away at Albert.
He can live easily knowing that his connection to the manor is unbreakable. It is much like how he held onto the lives of his platoon. Even if he couldn't see them, couldn't hear them, and no longer at their side; he knew they were with him. The manor is more of a comfort while the lives of his men were more like a silent burden that he carried -- but if he didn't carry it, who would?
But Albert is a little different than him. Moran thinks having a room to fix and prepare would do him good. Having a physical space to see makes it easier to feel the connection and bond that he has.
He lets go of Albert's hand to start to walk forward, tucking his own hands into his pockets. ]
I don't mind noticing that you're here. So, don't worry too much about it.
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[ It sounds more accusatory than what he means. He still hasn't quite turned to look to see what sort of expression that Albert is making -- even though that is why he rushed him along so that he could see it.
His eyes close as he frowns -- disappointed in himself more than anything else. He lets out a single sigh, defeated, before he finally shifts so that he could look at him. ]
Yes?
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And right there in front of everyone in the whole neighborhood, Albert reaches up to hook a hand at the back of Moran's head and pull him down into a lengthy, rather spirited kiss.
It's the best he can do to start repaying him for this kindness. A little manna to go with his gratitude.]
no subject
Stupidly, that word comes into his head as Albert pulls him down into a kiss. His eyes widen a little as he wasn't expecting it. The affection that he feels in it, however, settles whatever nerves and doubts that he is having.
His arms wrapping around the man to pull him in close. He tilts his head so that he can deepen the excited kiss that he is given. Mouth opening a little, he wants to taste a little more.
Moran hates that there is a feeling of gratitude in Albert's response; he sends those emotions whether he likes them or not. There is a warm sense of happiness that he is able to do something for the man, since it has always felt that Albert did all things by himself. ]
no subject
He lets himself be wrapped up in those arms, tipping his head to accept more, the tiniest flare of desire slipping in as he runs his tongue lightly over Moran's lips.
If Moran wasn't here, Albert would have been at a loss. Without him, he'd likely be an entirely paranoid mess. Instead, he has someone who will watch his back, who will always be there to ground him and keep him from being alone. No matter what.
He breaks the kiss by a small distance, breath steady and calm.]
...You'll live here with me, won't you?
no subject
[ His tone is affectionate and quiet. The words that he's saying, even in jest, are really only just for Albert to hear. It doesn't bother him all that much that they are out in public, but what he has to say is something that is only meant for him. Let his actions be narrated however anyone would like, but what he says is something he only wants given to Albert. ]
What did I tell you? I'd always be at your side.
[ Of course, he isn't so crass as to bring home people to the manor. He'll keep his apartment for those sort of situations. But in any other, he'll live and stay with Albert. ]
You won't be alone while I am here.
no subject
[For the house. For staying. For being loyal. For everything. Albert knows Moran doesn't want to hear it, but he'll only say it once. The way they are right now, so close, he doesn't care if the whole world sees. This is his man, his sworn, devoted friend, and he'll let it be known.]
Shall we look inside? I doubt it's furnished.
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Let's go.
[ Letting out a sigh, he realizes there is a lot more shopping that he is going to have to do to make sure their home looks as they like. ]
We can figure out where everything goes and the like. [ A beat passes before he reaches to take Albert's hand; he looks away again as he starts to head to the mansion. He wishes that he could have walked into their manor this way as well, holding onto one of their hands and passing the entryway as equals. But he doesn't mind his situation; he would rather be the dog of the manor and make their dreams come true. ]
no subject
There's a moment's pause as Moran moves away, then an almost smug smile as the man takes his hand. They will walk side-by-side here, the equals as men that they always were, and he's more than a little glad of it.
The inside is remarkable, if completely different from what he's accustomed to back home. The architecture is different, the fixtures, the use of space... He imagines it's all just as modern and nice as his apartment, if not more so.]
Four bedrooms?
[He's not sure how the space is used...]
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[ Moran corrects but it is with a small smile. Three for the brothers and the remaining would be for Fred and himself. His chin drops a little as he looks away -- he knows in holding Albert's hand that Albert feels the tentative happiness that he feels just standing in the manor.
I didn't seek this out for myself. I only sought it out because it'd be for you. It really is a good thing that thoughts don't get transferred, as well, or he would have to leave and not show his face for countless months.
Being seen as a romantic, as a soft-hearted person, he would die. ]
We'll make sure it's comfortable for them. I don't want to hear Fred complain that I didn't do enough. [ Even if Fred would never complain about such things. ]
no subject
[The gentleness of the gesture doesn't escape Albert, but for once he won't call Moran out. He'll accept this gift generously.]
We'll see to it there's a greenhouse in the back, with roses, lilies... daffodils, irises...
[He's getting carried away, smiling faintly.]
Until then, it'll just be the two of us. You'll hardly notice I'm here.
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[ Moran doesn't finish his comment. He only thought of what would make others happy and feel more at ease should they arrive. And, he feels like the promise of William and Louis having a room and place would help ease any worries and concerns that might be quietly eating away at Albert.
He can live easily knowing that his connection to the manor is unbreakable. It is much like how he held onto the lives of his platoon. Even if he couldn't see them, couldn't hear them, and no longer at their side; he knew they were with him. The manor is more of a comfort while the lives of his men were more like a silent burden that he carried -- but if he didn't carry it, who would?
But Albert is a little different than him. Moran thinks having a room to fix and prepare would do him good. Having a physical space to see makes it easier to feel the connection and bond that he has.
He lets go of Albert's hand to start to walk forward, tucking his own hands into his pockets. ]
I don't mind noticing that you're here. So, don't worry too much about it.