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]

"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..."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Oh, of course you'll take care of them in return."

He insists, reading that in.

[al_truism]

Al nods, slowly.

"... I've only in the past few years realized that I truly needed one. Or even really how to be one."

He shakes his head. "I grew up ignoring all problems that didn't have an immediate and tangible solution."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"That sounds productive."

Smiling, indulgently.

[al_truism]

Al stops, shaking his head.

"... I think I misunderstood you. When you said 'the important thing is to ignore them', I thought you mean that was the opinion of the people you were talking about, directed toward those who have been hurt."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"-I assume you wouldn't be friends with the ones who would think such dreadful things."

He explains, cautiously.

"Ignore the opinions of the cruel, the gossip of strangers."

[al_truism]

"I wouldn't," he promises, feeling terrible for allowing Rufus even a moment of doubt.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Wonderful."

He agrees.

[al_truism]

"Rufus..." Al thumbs his cheek, gently.

"I will never think less of you. I will never see you anything but what you are. You are a strong, incredibly kind, very smart, and impossibly brave man." Al's fingers brush back into his hair.

"I refuse to listen to anyone who can't see that."

He brushes his hair behind his ear.

"Including Xerxes."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"I am not pitting you against him."

He tells him, looking up at him, affectionately.

[al_truism]

"I know you're not. But everything he says about you is based on someone that isn't you."

Al kisses his forehead.

"I listen to him, but I know what not to listen to."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"By that token, the things I say about him- had best be taken with a grain or two of salt."

That's all.

[al_truism]

Al nods, but doesn't push it any farther. He kisses him softly.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

Barma returns it, as Dodo melts away, pulling Al against his chest with a hum of pleasure.

[al_truism]

Al moves closer, nearly into his lap, keeps going. It's warm, but not pushing for anything.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"What are you comfortable with?"

Barma checks, softly.

"I can avoid pursuing a particular direction-"

[al_truism]

"Just don't tie me up right now."

Against his neck. "That's all."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Any words? Gestures?"

He isn't going to be remotely forceful, as it is. The kiss he gives him is timid, practically.

[al_truism]

Al is quiet, but he leans back into it.

"I'm safe with you."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"That's true."

He agrees.

"I'd like it if you'd take me."

[al_truism]

Al's eyes widen a little.

"... are you sure?"

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"In my own body."

Watching him.

"Just me."