[Open post.] Little boy blue and the man on the moon

[justin_out]

Justin is a mess. Watching Vivien die hit him hard. And he's feeling guilty as well, because those twins needed a caregiver and he didn't step up to the plate. He wasn't being entirely selfish though; being an only child with no experience with babies, he had no idea what to do with them, and there were far more qualified people to care for the

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[belize_queen]

My my my, what has Belize walked into! Or rather, walked away from! All this caregiving he's designed to dispense, and he wasn't around. He'll feel bad about that, when he realizes.

Hopefully he can take care of Justin, maybe.

If he lets him.

If Justin will accept that he's real.

Belize looked for him - half-heartedly, at first, then more intensely. He spent more time than was normal in the common spaces. Somehow, they did not cross paths til now.

Roles swapping.

When he sees Justin...

"... hey."

It's more subdued than is normal. He's a bit afraid he'll run away again.

[justin_out]

Justin goes still, which is unusual considering he's most often in motion. But he quickly recovers and springs to his feet. "Quick, tell me where you live!" His hand as gone to his heart, as if its beating fast. "Once I realized -- well, I was foolish, wasn't I? I've looked and looked for you. I mean, once I realized you weren't a figment of my imagination. And I walked away from you like a --." He pauses to take a deep breath. "I actually considered knocking on every door in the place," he finally finishes, the confession a bit sheepish.

[belize_queen]

There are moments like this one that can never be forgotten.

Those are the moments in which the gap between expectation and occurrence are so wide, that one can hardly encompass the difference between perception and reality.

Sometimes, they are expressed with just a word. A smile.

Sometimes, one dances or startles in awe.

And sometimes, one freezes - as though being immobile might somehow stop time.

Belize remains immobile only a moment, then he reaches for Justin's hand, squeezing. "I'm real," he starts, before he goes on to give Justin excruciatingly detailed directions.

Just in case they lose each other again.

[justin_out]

Justin listens carefully and nods solemnly, committing Belize's directions to memory. He squeezes the other man's hand back tightly. "You're really beautiful, that's what you are," he whispers with a slight smile. And then he turns more serious, taking a deep breath.

"So, I've already made a horrible impression on you. Normally, I'm the life of the party, doll, honestly. But today? It's more of a pity party, so you probably want to kiss my cheek and bid me adieu for now." It's not what he wants, but its what he thinks is best. If he had his druthers, they'd go cuddle somewhere for the rest of the day, but the last thing he wants to do is turn the other bloke off with his angst.

[ofsandandstone]

Lystra's out in the main room, sitting on the couch, relaxing. Tyan's fast asleep on the cushion next to her.

She'd like some company.

[justin_out]

"I think there are a lot more babies in this Mansion than I realized," Justin comments, nodding to Tyan with a slight smile.

[ofsandandstone]

"You should see Vivien's twins," Lystra says, enthusiastically. "They're so cute."

[justin_out]

"I'd like to meet Daniel, very much," he admits softly. "I was fortunate enough to spend some time with Daisy earlier."

[invsbl_eyebrows]

And here's Tom! He's out in a common room somewhere, cutting shapes out of fabric. For making clothes, of course, though the typist has no idea what he's actually making.

[justin_out]

Justin smiles as soon as he spies Tom, and flops down nearby. "I have missed sewing with you!"

[invsbl_eyebrows]

Tom doesn't notice Justin approach, and the sudden appearance makes him jump.

"Crap!" he says, startled, and is instantly feeling like an idiot and blushing bright red. "Um, hi, Justin. I didn't see you."

[justin_out]

"Well, you were busy," Justin smiles. Tom is a good distraction from thinking about what's making him sad. "I'm going to sew some baby clothes," he announces.