(Untitled)

[coordinated_n]

A?

Are you home?

Please be home.

Comments

[antiqueatrocity]

Hn?

He glances up from yet another book, curled up on the couch with a warm cup of tea. Setting the book down immediately, he stands, tilting his head.

Of course--what's wrong?

[coordinated_n]

I had a fight with Mello.

[antiqueatrocity]

A flinches quietly, but is careful to keep it out of his tone.

I'm sorry.

Do you want to... to talk, or something?

[coordinated_n]

Could we sit?

[antiqueatrocity]

Of course.

...On the couch, or on the bed? Sort of sheepish--the couch is covered in books that can be cleared off in a heartbeat, if need be.

[coordinated_n]

Either.

[antiqueatrocity]

Okay.

He takes Near's hand, pulling him softly towards the bed, tilting his head in concern.

Couch is cluttered.

[coordinated_n]

That's fine.

I hate him now more than I ever did when we were in our world.

[antiqueatrocity]

O-oh.

The sudden admission is more than he'd expected. A isn't sure what Near wants, so he sidles a bit closer--close enough to where Near can feel his body heat, but not quite touching him yet.

I'm sorry--what did... he didn't hurt you, did he? A small edge to the last question.

[coordinated_n]

He said I couldn't bring people home with me.

*Leaning into A.*

[antiqueatrocity]

He blinks in surprise, before wrapping an arm around Near's shoulder.

Oh... I'm sorry.

You can do that? Bring... Now's not the time, so he shuts up and shakes his head.

[coordinated_n]

Not any more, I can't.

[antiqueatrocity]

Right--I'm so sorry. It's genuine.

He bites his lower lip.

If--if you don't mind me asking--why did he say that?

[coordinated_n]

He thinks it will make me weak. He's probably right. It would interfere with what he wants for our world, so... that's that.

[antiqueatrocity]

B-but...

He's not quite sure he understands, but nods anyway.

I... I guess. I'm still sorry. If there's anything I can do-

[coordinated_n]

I need a hot bath.