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]

"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.

[al_truism]

Al's eyes slowly widen, and he feels a wave of nausea.

"It's someone I know, isn't it?"

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Alphonse Elric, I will very rarely tell you something this directly, but you are to stop asking questions about him this instant."

He says, not leaving room for a shadow of doubt.

"I didn't bring this up to upset you further. I want you to know that your experience is valid, shared, and something that can be overcome."

[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."