you can never break the chain.

[purification]

[ AWKKKKKWAAAARRRR-- Hi.

...Hi. >///>; ]

So I was told, uh. To babysit you.

Comments

[purification]

[ ...Have a smile of sad and self-loathing. ]

...I think about you a lot.

[atrabilis]

[Ah. Nigredo understands what is not being said.]

Why? You have had no contact with me...as I am.

[purification]

[ This is more truthful than most. For a reason unknown, Alan can be himself with this child. ]

Because you're what I was missing.

[atrabilis]

[It is not something he can understand. It is something he knows.

Regardless, it comes as sad.]

A missing piece? Is that what I am to you?

[purification]

An essential piece.

[ He moves to speak further, then only shrugs, smiling helplessly. ]

What I need.

[atrabilis]

[Nigredo is speechless. That this man would claim as much.

Finally, he cants his head in concern.]

Not many would tell someone they are what they need.

[purification]

I guess I'm more blatant than most. I can't categorize myself as "normal," after all.

[ The look to Nigredo turns deeper, more serious. Slightly alluring. ]

It doesn't make it any less true.

[atrabilis]

[Perhaps, but it evokes a melancholy Nigredo has not felt in awhile. His gaze falls to the wayside.

He remains silent.]

[purification]

[ And that is that. Alan's hand reaches out to the child's head, dropping onto dark strands. ]

[atrabilis]

[Nigredo would allow it--for a beat, at least.

Then he plays at the polite host.]

Would you like a drink?

[purification]

[ There's a breath of something able to be confused as laughter, then the man reaches out to tug the child into a hug. ]

[atrabilis]

[...All he did was offer a drink, and now he's being hugged.]

Alan?

[purification]

I know I seem crazy to you, but promise me something.

[ Not to stay as he was, because Alan loved Nigel. And not to adjust his behavior, because Alan loved Nigredo as well. ]

Never be alone, if you have the option otherwise. Don't force yourself into solitude.

[ Not when Alan knew Nigredo had someone there for him. ]

[atrabilis]

[He's surrounded by crazy--Nigredo is tempted to say. Tempted, but it is not worth destroying this man's words.

He knows why Alan is asking for this.]

I... I promise.