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.

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[al_truism]

"Relax a little," Al suggests, handing him the book with a smile. Ed would often have moments he withdrew, even if only into his mind.

He takes his time with a shower, unwinding.

When he comes back, hair braided and damp, he settles back down on the bed with a book quietly.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

Barma, who has been reading, holds an arm out to him silently.

[al_truism]

Al settles into him and breathes slowly, eyes shut until he starts dozing.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

Barma eventually sets the book down, and drifts off too.

Perfect.

[al_truism]

Barma will wake with Al apparently not there -- but there's the sound of laughter outside, on the balcony.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

He lies still, and listens with an indulgent smile.

[al_truism]

Al opens the door and leans inside.

"Rufus, it's snowing!"

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Coming."

He moves to get a robe- slipping one on and grabbing another for Al, coming out and tucking it around his shoulders.

[al_truism]

Probably for the best. Al's only wearing his pajamas and slippers, but he's fascinated by the snow. The fog and the lights for the hotel have it caught in utter shining silence as it swirls down forever.

"Isn't it beautiful?"

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"You respond so powerfully to weather. Sunshine. Grass."

Nipping his ear, and folding him in close.

[al_truism]

"It's because it's cold, or warm, or wet, or smells good, or the grass is soft-"

Al makes a soft sound, then shivers and leans into him.

"Ah, thanks. Shouldn't get sick."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"No, you shouldn't."

Still deeply amused.

[al_truism]

"I couldn't feel any of it for so long, but I'd watch people shivering or a cat stretching out in a patch of sun, and I'd imagine it for hours."

He stretches out his hands, into the icy crystals.

"What it must feel like."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Ice cubes and clothespegs," he promises, chin resting on top of Al's head.

[al_truism]

"Ice cubes?"

A little new.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Oh yes."

He grins.

[al_truism]

"I haven't tried those," he admits.

There's a lot of things he hasn't tried, which seems odd to him now.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Lovely."

He smiles, out at the snow.

"Wintertime has always been my favourite."

[al_truism]

"Yeah?"

Comfortable and warm, snuggling back into him.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"We'll find a sleigh one day."

He decides.

[al_truism]

"Such a romantic."

Grinning to himself.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"What did you do for Christmas at home?"

[al_truism]

"Nothing. We don't have the religion associated with Christmas. Instead we had Starsfall on the winter solstice. That time of year we always get tons of shooting stars. And I lived out in the country, so the whole town would turn off their lights just to watch."

Al beams.

"Legend has it that the lights were the souls of our loved ones who have passed on, come back to check on those they left behind. Children would make Catchers, painted glass balls to invite spirits into. To entice them to stay longer. That way they could bring their families luck."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Will you make me one?"

He asks, curiously.

"I'll get you a Christmas present."

[al_truism]

"I'd love that."

Warm and sweet.

"How do you celebrate?"