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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[info-barma.livejournal.com]

His head bumps into Al's hand.

Barma smiles, and reaches down to show him how he likes to be scratched.

[al_truism]

Al strokes him gently, then follows Barma's fingers, finding the itchy places. The heaviness is gradually leaving his shoulders.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

The bird is almost twice Al's size- and contrives to look so sweetly stupid as it fluffs up, cock's it's head, and nearly tumbles over in pleasure.

[al_truism]

Al can't help but laugh, warm and fond, leaning in and spoiling him with soft, loving murmurs and all the petting he could ask for.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Dodo, you lump."

Barma murmurs, indulgently, going to put tea on and leaving Al to his pet.

[al_truism]

It's very calming, and so normal it's therapeutic. Al doesn't forget that Dodo is a chain, but by the time tea is done he's cuddled up to Dodo's side, finding places deep in the fluffy feathers to rub and gently scratch.

He's more relaxed than he's ever been since the attack.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Here, give him these."

He offers him the bowl of sugar cubes, stealing just enough to doctor their tea. The bird holds his beak open.

[al_truism]

Al beams back at him, then slips one into Dodo's beak, careful of his fingers.

"I didn't know birds could have sugar."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"They shouldn't."

He admits.

"But it takes more than that to kill a chain."

Dodo is painstakingly gentle, careful of Al.

[al_truism]

Al kisses his fingertips, and then touches them to Dodo's beak.

"You two seem an odd pair, but you work so well together."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"I hardly get to see him with other people. He hides- especially from Jack."

[al_truism]

"Really?"

Al leans into the giant chain. It seems that he's not only a cuddler when it comes to Rufus.

"Then I'm glad you're not shy with me, Dodo. You're very sweet."

He gives him another sugar cube, gentle.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

Al will find himself preened, in that case. It may be a little disconcerting, having a beak larger than his head ruffling through his hair, so Barma glances over to interfere if he needs to.

"Can you stay?"

[al_truism]

Al just laughs. It tickles a bit, and the tugs feel odd, but he knows Dodo won't hurt him.

"I really want to," he admits. More than anything, right now.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Good."

Breathing softly.

[al_truism]

"Are you all right?"

A touch of concern.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"It's just- a bit of a shock. I'm trying to think of ways to protect you. I know it's mostly irrational, but the idea of keeping you close for a little while is wildly relieving."

[al_truism]

"I'm going to be okay," Al tells him, soft and serious. He is. He knows that now.

"I'll heal from this. I got away before anything really happened."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Still."

Offering him the teacup.

[al_truism]

Al takes it with a grateful smile, settles.

"... I've had a lot of things happen to me before this, too. Some of them were worse."

He trails off, closed away a bit.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Yes,"

He agrees,

"But the violation of an attempted sexual assault is a distinct experience. I have had my wrist, ribs, and jaw broken by an aggressor, and if I were forced to relive either that or the rape, I'd personally choose the more violent assault."

[al_truism]

Al's eyes widen, suddenly alive with pain.

"... Rufus. ... I didn't know you'd..."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Shh."

Leaning down to give him a quick kiss.

"You needn't, Al. I'd rather you didn't. I want to control the amount of suffering he caused. Nothing would irritate him more than to know I can live unperturbed."

[al_truism]

Al doesn't say anything, but he tries his damndest to blink back the tears.

"Who-?"

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"No one. Some strange alternate, with no bearing on reality."

He promises him.