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[duke_of_illusions]

It's an early evening, back in the club. Barma has sent Al on his own, to make friends, to try something new.

Dodo is a breath away.

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[duke_of_illusions]

"Well, it has to be."

He reasons, sensibly.

[al_truism]

"Part of the appeal of everything is the aftercare," he admits, softly.

[duke_of_illusions]

"I look forward to those moments almost most of all."

Agreeing, with a smile.

"Upsy daisy."

[al_truism]

Al moves where he's bidden, staying close and clingy and still sore.

[duke_of_illusions]

"Bedtime."

He agrees, scooping him up.

[al_truism]

"Gerard didn't stay, after..." he mumbled, a little sad. He snuggles into Barma's shoulder.

[duke_of_illusions]

"He cuddled for a few minutes, but he lives in that world- and can't get into the hotel. We decided your bed would be better for you."

Reminding him.

[al_truism]

"It's a world?" he seems mesmerized by the thought, distracted.

[duke_of_illusions]

"Think about how far we've gone into it."

He reminds him.

"The club itself is the place where the hotel connects, but they aren't cardboard cutouts. You can sense that."

[al_truism]

"I can, but- I guess I always thought they were just people like us, stuck in the Hotel too. That they'd just come together."

[duke_of_illusions]

"Oh, no, I found it fully formed."

Shaking his head.

[al_truism]

"Are there any others from the Hotel in there?"

[duke_of_illusions]

"Nathalie and River. I'm not quite sure about the rest."

Shrugging.

[al_truism]

"... at least they're probably strong enough to handle this place."

[duke_of_illusions]

"Alone? Perhaps not. But together?"

He isn't worried.

[al_truism]

"As long as they're together."

He bites his lip. "I don't know that I could have done this without you."

Barma, in specific.