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

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"When I play, from the bottom, I feel a sort of- freedom from responsibility. There is no pressure to choose right from wrong when there are no choices to make."

[al_truism]

"... that may be a good bit of it," he admits.

After all, Al's wrong choices in life have resulted in a staggering amount of pain.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"It's common."

He agrees.

"A silence, where the voices of everyday responsibility might usually ring."

[al_truism]

"It's a place to belong. To be wanted."

Softly.

"It's a home."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"I'm very happy to give you that."

He promises.

[al_truism]

Al nods, shutting his eyes.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

Barma smiles, still stroking his jaw.

[al_truism]

"I haven't had one since I was young," he confesses. "By choice, but-"

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"My door is always open to you."

[al_truism]

"And mine to you," he promises.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

Barma smiles, then sits up.

"I'll shower first. Read as much as you'd like."

[al_truism]

Al nods and settles down, picking up the book that Barma was reading aloud to him earlier.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

He pads away and into the bathroom, closing the door gently. The moments of privacy are what keeps him sane.

[al_truism]

It goes for Al as well, though he's much more oriented with voices, faces and people.

He loses track of time, comfortably.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

Barma makes it back out in a short while, ringing out his hair.

"Your turn."

[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.