aftercare

[duke_of_illusions]

Barma wakes up an hour or so later, yawning.

Reaching to check on Al right away.

Comments

whoops so late

[duke_of_illusions]

"Bouillabaisse?"

Smiling.

"That takes a very long time to do well. Fragrant saffron, a good stock, five kinds of fish at least-"

<3

[al_truism]

"Where will we catch them?"

Because it takes fresh fish to make a very, very good meal.

[duke_of_illusions]

"The pond outside, or that aquarium if we're feeling dreadful."

Smiling.

[al_truism]

"The pond. Unless the fishes in the aquarium are tastier than they're supposed to be."

Al moves in close, gives him a soft little kiss.

[duke_of_illusions]

"No, but I have fond memories of that aquarium. That's where both Jacks had me, under the blue light."

[al_truism]

"Really?"

Al lifts an eyebrow, obviously imagining.

[duke_of_illusions]

"Mmhm. First time I've nearly ruined a sexual act by coming thirty seconds in since I was your age."

Laughing.

[al_truism]

"From what you've told me, it would have been very difficult not too," he murmurs, giving him a rare, almost lascivious look.

And then he breaks it with a smile, laughing- "I've NEVER done that, thank you."

[duke_of_illusions]

"Really? Then you're missing out."

Nuzzling at his shoulder.

"I'll make it happen, one day."

[al_truism]

"Consider it a challenge."

Al beams and stretches out, finally relaxing a little.

[duke_of_illusions]

"Have a little more of that soup."

Still fretting.

[al_truism]

"Yes, sir."

He lifts the saucer to his lips and sips at it. Probably improper, but he doesn't know better.

[duke_of_illusions]

Barma smiles, and reaches up to push a hand through Al's hair.

"Good work."

[al_truism]

"... I love it when you do that."

Al leans into it, nuzzling his fingers.

[duke_of_illusions]

"Petting you?"

Laughing.

[al_truism]

"That too. But touching my hair. I love that."

His eyes flutter closed.

[duke_of_illusions]

"You have such pretty hair."

Fingers scratching at his scalp.

[al_truism]

"Not in comparison."

Al gives him an admiring look.

"And Jack's... oh, Jack's is incredible."

[duke_of_illusions]

"Yours reminds me of his."

Earnest, kissing his bottom lip.

[al_truism]

Al smiles for him, suddenly unsteady.

"I've adopted a little one."

[duke_of_illusions]

"A little Jack?"

Curious.

[al_truism]

"No, just- a little one. Though he's certainly something like Jack."

Al laughs and shakes his head.

"I found him in the city when it was colder. He was lost, asking for his big brother. He looked like he'd been on the street before he showed up there."

[duke_of_illusions]

Barma barely restrains himself from making a joke about his turning out to be a mass murderer.

"How old?"

[al_truism]

"He's just turned eight."

Terrifyingly, Barma would be exactly right.

[duke_of_illusions]

...Al has a type.

"You're no doubt wonderful with him."