one foot in front of the other

[duke_of_illusions]

It helps a great deal, having someone to care for, having something to focus on. He wakes up the next morning aching, but with a bit better of an idea of what to do with his day than he has in the months since his partner vanished.

He makes breakfast, and brings it to Liam's room. Knocks on the door.

"It's me."

Comments

[easilyflustered]

Liam says nothing for a long time. Even thought Barma's tone is gentle, his words sting. They're true, after all.

But would he change his taste, if he could? He wasn't sure.

He finally decides not to vocally acknowledge what Barma said.

"It's better to have a little time than none, isn't it?"

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Undoubtedly."

He says.

"I will search for more news. And perhaps a version to visit you in your sickbed."

[easilyflustered]

It isn't clear whether that worked. Liam's intent was to ease Barma's sorrow. He's too exhausted--emotionally and otherwise--to determine the outcome or try again. And it isn't his place anyway.

He is mostly able to repress the slight flinch at the second part of Barma's offer. He's not entirely certain he can handle a Xerxes who isn't his own right now. But instead he only murmurs,

"Thank you, sir."

If nothing else, he can at least serve Lord Barma by not adding to his burden.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Whatever would be best."

He informs him, seriously.

"All that matters is getting you better. Perhaps- you'd like to meet the children?"

[easilyflustered]

Liam nods. That is his number one priority--healing. After that, he'll have to figure out what to do.

Frankly, he hopes that he somehow gets out of here before that point.

"It may be best for them to know who I am, at least. I won't be much help with them at the moment, though."

He doubts either of them are acquainted with a version of him, in their worlds.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"You will be able to help socialize them."

He argues.

"Probably teaching them social niceties better than I could."

lmfao it's like they're talking about socializing angry cats or something

[easilyflustered]

Liam blinks at him, surprised.

"Me?"

He's not sure about that, but he asks anyway.

"What kind of social nicities?"

this stuff doesn't come naturally to Barma

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Please and thank you. Behaviour other people consider menacing or unsettling."

The things he gets wrong.

"How to let someone know they are of importance. Not-belittling people."

That's because he practically IS a bad-tempered cat. That's why he and Break hate each other~~

[easilyflustered]

Liam stares at him for a moment, wondering he's just imagining that those words are directed at him. For some reason, the idea flusters him.

"I-I can try."

and again, sorry

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"The things I'm ill-equipped to handle."

He explains, simply.

"Jack was managing. I-"

Re: and again, sorry

[easilyflustered]

Liam nods.

"I'll do my best."

He hesitates before adding softly.

"You don't have to manage it all on your own."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"-taking care of me again, Liam?"

But he smiles.

[easilyflustered]

Liam gives him a well-practiced faux scowl.

"Someone has to."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Thank you."

He murmurs.

"Drink your tea."

[easilyflustered]

Liam picks it up from where he set it on the bedside table and sips at it, relaxing slightly.

"Perhaps, in addition to meeting the children, I should meet this Gilbertine?"

She'll get him a gun, he's sure, if she's anything like her male counterpart.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"That can be arranged."

He nods.

"She is- impressive."

[easilyflustered]

Liam raises an eyebrow.

"You said 'troublesome' before."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Both of those things."

He agrees.

[easilyflustered]

"One does not normally think 'impressive' when it comes to Gilbert," he murmurs, a bit amused.

He savors his tea, relaxing. The painkillers are kicking in, and he's feeling better than he did when he woke.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"She has lived through rather more than him."

He explains.

[easilyflustered]

He frowns a bit over that, but he nods and doesn't ask for clarification.

In part because he's just realized something rather embarrassing.

"Sir... I, er, need to use the facilities."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"All right."

He moves to set the teacup aside.

[easilyflustered]

Liam grimaces in embarrassment, and lets him take it. He carefully moves his legs over the side of the bed.

It's probably a good thing that he has to go now, rather than when he was in too much pain to move easily or later when he's without help.

"I'm sorry."

It's not dignifying at all.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Don't be. I anticipated this."

He moves to support him, standing at his good side and putting an arm about him to lift.

"Tell me about your world, Liam?"

[easilyflustered]

Liam nods, able to stand better with the help. He's still embarrassed, but he concentrates on answering.

"I don't know whether it is different from yours. I work for Pandora, and am a part of your household. The struggle right now is that the Baskervilles are destroying the Sealing Stones that contain the--"

He realizes that might not be the best thing to point out, pieces of Jack's body being used to seal them, so he finds another way to word it.

"That keep Glen Baskerville's soul contained. It's a race to stop them from destroying all of them, resurrecting Glen, and potentially causing another Tragedy."