closed thread for purgatio

[putrefaction]

[So he might have given someone a gift. Not just any gift, of course. He gave the gift of "expression", and boy, did he pick the apropos time. That someone would likely resort to extremes in the face of limitations, excuse the pun.

Such as killing the recipient for the accompanying words. Nigel supposes he should care, but honestly, it's rather well-deserved. And not in the way one would think.

The man smirks, pleased, and twirls his headset (used for his speech recognition software, aptly named Dragon).]

"You're the best worst brother I've ever had." Yes. Did my good deed for the day.

Comments

[putrefaction]

[Nigel dodges a hefty bullet, and all is right in the world for Albedo agreed to go outside. The man drops his hand and pushes back the chair to stand.]

Outside, then.

[The Kane household's backyard is of modest size and thanks to someone's efforts, pretty well-kept. It holds a small shed to one side, but it is the garden on the other that Nigel strides to.]

I know I'm severely lacking in masculinity, but don't laugh, alright? I worked hard for this.

[purgatio]

[ Albedo smirks a bit at that, and follows passively. ]

I've never thought you to be lacking.

[ --And I should know, is the unsaid, obviously stated. ]

--But this is yours?

[ The garden, the collection of greenery and colored flora. It spoke of time--"I worked hard for this"--and effort, and it is more than Albedo could claim of anything really.

It crossed his mind before, in fragments, and did so again now-- The thought that he envied these two, to near a violent level, for the pair to be able to live as they were, with no interruptions or games placing themselves in the way.

To find life, and to live it, in whatever way is seen best.

Sorrow presses at him deeply--he turns his face away. A small voice gives truthfully: ]

...It's pretty.

[putrefaction]

[Ignoring the potential perversity in Albedo's remark, Nigel lapses into silence. He finally reaches down to touch rosemary.]

No.

[More another's memento, a method in linear memory. To remember in ways he longs for. He pulls away to drop a hand on Albedo's head.

The boy is sad, and from link and intuition both, Nigredo understands. But it is not the thing to touch on.]

It's a penance, to be honest.

[purgatio]

[ The glance away comes opposite now, and a stark violet gaze fixes on Nigel. ]

Penance...

[ Is the repeat, and there are no emotions attached. Albedo watches, and eventually... ]

...You're a fool, you know.

[putrefaction]

I'm a person filled with regrets and hapless attempts at reconciliation.

[Nigel smiles evenly.]

Of course, I'm a fool.

[purgatio]

[ To that, Nigel gets a small brother coming over to hold him around the waist, pressing his face into him. ]

...Here, at least, they aren't hapless.

[putrefaction]

[...It's adorable. So much so that he can cry.

But Nigel does not. Instead, he pats his brother's shoulder.]

You think? Some might say I've been wasting my time.

[purgatio]

[ Albedo hands fist around the cloth at Nigel's back, and he holds himself to the other more fiercely. ]

You're not. You haven't been. You play too much into regrets, little brother, but there's nothing worthless in your acts.

[putrefaction]

[He settles his hand at the child's back.]

...I'm glad to hear that.

[purgatio]

[ He gives a soft sound of appreciation, and leans into Nigel. ]

It's the truth.

[putrefaction]

[A chuckle. He can't help the sound.]

You are one for truths, I'm learning.

[purgatio]

Just now?

[ There's an amused sort of feigned disbelief. ]

My, my, how dense you are.