(Untitled)

[ledbythewind]

Who: ledbythewind and raizanshou
What: A confrontation that has been a long time coming.
When: The night of April 29th
Where: House 28
Summary: Richard comes home rather less than sober as a result of trying to drown his sorrows after that last experiment. Asbel... is less than pleased.
Rating: No higher than PG

Comments

[raizanshou]

[Asbel had actually fallen asleep in the living room at the time. He was concerned about Richard... It was unusual for the man to be gone so late, especially since he should be careful due to his wounds.

But when Richard starts fumbling with the door, it disturbs Asbel from his slumber, and he groggily stirs awake.]

[ledbythewind]

[The mere fact that Richard is having trouble with the door is unusual in and of itself-- and yes, that thump may have been him giving it a light boot out of annoyance. At last he manages to defeat the doorknob, however, and slips in as quietly as he can, not even realizing that Asbel is there on the couch. He just wants to get back to his room before anyone asks any questions about where he's been and why he was out so late.]

[raizanshou]

[Okay, that is way too much noise being made by whoever is there, so Asbel sits up from his position to look in the direction of the noise.

Wait, is that-?]

...Richard...?

[ledbythewind]

[... oh crap, busted. Richard isn't so drunk that he doesn't realize this is not the best situation to be caught in, so he quickly pastes a smile on his face and tries to act as if nothing is odd about this.]

Asbel. I didn't realize you were still up.

[raizanshou]

[Standing up now from the couch.]

I became worried when you didn't come home, so I decided to stay up for you. I guess I must've nodded off...

[ledbythewind]

[Now Richard looks somewhat guilty.]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you worry. I should have told you I was going to be out.

[raizanshou]

[He shakes his head, walking towards Richard.]

No... It's alright. At least you made it home safely. [Something smells odd, though.]

[ledbythewind]

[That "something" should be clearly evident as alcohol when Asbel draws closer to Richard, and the way he's wobbling slightly should make it even clearer just where he's been.]

Still playing father even after the experiment?

[raizanshou]

Huh? What do you mean, Rich-- [And now he recognizes that smell.]

...Have you been out drinking?

[ledbythewind]

And if I have? Are you going to scold me? I'm an adult now, Asbel. This isn't seven years ago.

[His tone is decidedly... less friendly now.]

[raizanshou]

Ahh... No, of course not. [Your tone is not appreciated, mister. But Asbel won't say anything for now.]

It's just... if you wanted to go for a drink, we could've gone together.

[ledbythewind]

... I wanted to be alone.

[raizanshou]

...Ah, right. Of course you did. There's nothing wrong with that, I guess...

[ledbythewind]

[Richard is quiet for a moment, gaze fixed on the floor while he debates something. Now that he's made his decision, he might as well tell Asbel about it, right? Right. The alcohol also makes it a lot easier than it would be otherwise.]

Do you remember how you said you would support me no matter what path I chose?

[raizanshou]

[He remains quiet for a moment. He gets the feeling this conversation is about to get serious and may go in a direction he won't like.]

...Yeah, I do.

[ledbythewind]

[Richard takes a deep breath, then exhales slowly, still not looking at Asbel.]

When we return to our world... I'm going to abdicate the throne.