domesticity

[duke_of_illusions]

Al had stayed over last night... and hasn't quite left this morning, either. The day is stretching on, and Barma is still beautifully comfortable, now immersed in a book, as his fingers trail through Al's hair.

Comments

[al_truism]

Al obeys without questioning him, mostly because he's not entirely sure he could handle knowing.

He reaches up for him with both arms, wordlessly.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

Barma settles down into his arms. With Al leaning against Dodo, the duck shuffles down so he can half slump against him, sipping his tea.

"It's something that happened, and something I have recovered from."

[al_truism]

Al holds him, quiet and close, taking as much comfort from having the both of them there as Barma is.

He doesn't ask any further questions.

"... it's terrible," he whispers softly. "Everyone here seems to have gone through some form of it."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Al, most people in the real world have gone through it too. Where there are inequalities of gender, race, class, or any sort of structure, there will be exploitation."

[al_truism]

"That doesn't mean that it's a reality we should accept," Al whispers, blinking back tears.

"A person's body... it's theirs. It's the single physical possession that has the most value to them throughout their lives. My brother went through years of hell to make sure I could have a chance to have that."

Al shakes his head.

"To take away that choice..."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"We're trying."

He admits.

"But that's all we can do."

[al_truism]

"... if I had to hurt someone, I'm glad that there's one less person like him in the world," he whispers.

Soft, painful.

The death still horrifies him, but this makes it easier.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"That's how I feel."

He agrees, sipping his tea.

"I truly do."

[al_truism]

"I'll be okay," he whispers, promising the both of them.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Yes, you will."

He smiles.

[al_truism]

"But I need to not be alone for a while," he admits, softly.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"You can stay as long as you can stand my company."

He smiles up at him.

"I found a book that made me think of you. About the anatomy of kindness."

[al_truism]

"I think your patience will run out before mine will." He laughs, softly, and nuzzles him.

"Oh...? Tell me about it?" He settles down, cuddling against Rufus and Dodo with tea.

Life really can't get much better.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"I haven't read it. It's about the feeling."

He smiles.

"You can explain it to me."

[al_truism]

"A book you haven't read?"

Al gives him a fluttery, sweet kiss on the cheek.

"I'll do my best."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

He smiles up at him.

"Is there anything you'd like to know?"

[al_truism]

"Mostly how I managed to get lucky enough to be with someone like you."

Stealing away a kiss.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"That's sweet."

Barma smiles.

"I think it's me that has the luck."

[al_truism]

"Both of us, then."

He winks.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Good."

He smiles.

"And you don't look down on me for what I told you?"

[al_truism]

"Sweetheart-"

His voice breaks a little, and he draws him closer.

"Never. God, no. How could anyone?"

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Many people have very explicit views about these things."

Firm.

[al_truism]

Al pulls back to look at him, confused and pained by the thought.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"The important thing is to ignore them, in favour of finding your own support network."

[al_truism]

Al's frown lets him know what he thinks of that.

"Everyone has their own issues and secrets. There is no one without them. A support network goes both ways, besides. If we look for someone to take care of us all the time..."