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tampered2006-12-13 01:15 am
variant-669.livejournal.com) wrote in tampered2006-12-13 01:15 am
Log; Complete
When; After the Gala
Rating; PG-13 for some language
Characters; Jr.![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
red_dragon_666 & Gaignun variant_669
Summary; Gaignun winds up back in the City and a brotherly reunion ends in more sadness than joy.
Log;
After saying goodnight to both MOMO and Sakura, Rubedo had tried to sleep... After all, it was after one, Sakura was fast asleep, and the night had been fun and eventful. He should have had no trouble crashing.
Instead, though, he'd just collapsed on the couch with one of his books on quantum theories. With the lamp on to keep the light to a minimal, he laid back and read, thinking that maybe it would put him to sleep.
...But all it did was work him up more.
If Glinda's real, then would that mean that the book wasn't fiction? That can't be right. It was fiction. The guy who wrote it... There was no way he could have known about a completely different universe like that, especially in his time. That's beyond ancient.
The only possibility I can think up is that maybe he experienced a phenomenon like The City, and was able to somehow interact with people from another world. There are people here from the past...from thousands of years ago, in the same world as me. There are people here from other worlds.
But that would create a paradox, wouldn't it? If people from the past are experiencing the City, then how can they be recorded in history? There are a few big names here. And even if they go back to the same point in time they disappeared, then why is it that they didn't tell anyone?
Were their memories erased?
What if one of those historical figures was killed here and couldn't go back? Couldn't that cause a ripple effect? A space time paradox would definitely be unavoidable, then.
There's no record of that guy visiting other worlds, but then, this place shouldn't even exist, no matter what theories I can come up with to logically explain it... So then, what? He created storybook characters and they came to life here? Why just those ones, and not other ones?
Ahhh, crap, I don't get this at all.
----------------
Upon further contemplation, though Gaignun really had been enjoying the unbelievably lush plantlife, attempting to navigate his way out of a forest in the middle of the night was unpleasant. Not more than a moment ago he'd had to duck rather gracelessly to avoid being struck by a particularly nasty looking branch. Admiring the scenery could wait until morning; right now, the man's priority was getting out the brush.
All in all, this place did not seem entirely unfamiliar, and though he had a faint sinking feeling in his stomach, Gaignun pushed it aside. If he were indeed back in that strange City, then he would manage to find his way out once more-besides, even being back had it's advantages. Jr was there, and he'd managed to at least get a vague sort of grasp of the place the first time around. Still, though his senses argued that his location was certain, logic persisted that nothing was definite until he'd recieved a confirmation of some kind. A confirmation that could wait until he'd found a way out of-
He'd been sidestepping a small shrub of some kind when he felt it, and Gaignun came to an abrupt stop at the sensation. In its own way, that link had always provided comfort for him- and his feelings about it now were the same as they'd been as a child; though such things were not a topic for discussion.
Peering ahead he could see the forest's edge, and he resumed his cautious but steady pace. There was no doubting it now. He was back. Gaignun reached out towards the source of what was bound to result in a headache of one kind or another- You'll never be able to fall asleep if you keep that up.
-------------
The familiar voice in his head made him yell and fling the book away like it was on fire. It thumped to the floor, and he nervously glanced around. It had been months since Gaignun's disappearance, and in that time Rubedo had experienced, for the first time ever, complete solitude in his mind.
Him and Gaignun had been connected their whole lives, so while at first it had been jarring, he had gotten so used to it that now he wasn't even sure what to think.
But it did hit him after half a minute, and he jumped off the couch.
Gaignun?! Where the hell are you?! Are you really back?
----------
The voice would have made a lesser man wince, and though Gaignun could all but feel tomorrow's impending migrane, he merely shook his head. He supposed it was because he'd had time to adjust to Jr's behavior, but didn't bother wasting time thinking of such things. There had been many times his brother seemed far too energetic for his age; and though it occasionally grated his nerves, it was a quality he was also sometimes envious of.
Still, he had always been overexuberant, so in retrospect it would have been ridiculous to expect a calm exchange of greetings after the time that had passed- but it didn't matter. Besides, the reaction he'd gotten was fairly amusing in it's own right. Gaignun arched an eyebrow. Once out in the open he was able to get a better idea of his location, and instinct had already begun guiding him back towards the heart of the City. There is no need to shout you know. It was an affectionate tease, and one he knew would not go unnoticed. If nothing else, perhaps a bit of their old familiarity would ease both their minds. But yes, from the looks of it I'm back. I am approaching the fountain right now.
--------------
Rubedo was already pulling on his coat and boots, only half-lacing them before checking on Sakura one last time and running out the door.
Gaignun's tease just made him roll his eyes. The fountain's changed since you were last here! Ya like it? It happened when this place got new management. The new ones are just as crazy as the last, though.
Elevators were too slow. He found sliding down the banisters were actually faster, which he'd kind of picked up from Elena, damn the woman.
And careful, the new fountain has spray jets.
-----------------
New ones? Oh wonderful. More good news. He kept the thought to himself but unconsciously took a step away from the structure in front of him. The fountain was indeed lovely, but even something that sounded mild- like spray jets, could have alternate purposes. Besides, he was in no mood to tempt fate. It looked as though the City had experienced it's first snow, and the idea of getting wet in the middle of winter was far from inviting.
You don't need to rush, so take your time. I'm not going anywhere. He offered gently, though Gaignun doubted the words would hold any weight to his brother anyway. But he was tired and in no mood to argue or force the issue, and instead crossed his arms over his chest and enjoyed the view. There were far more unpleasant things to be stuck looking at after all, and he wasn't one to complain.
-------------------------
What the hell ever. It's winter out there and knowing you, you're in nothing but a suit.
Obviously that wasn't the only reason he was rushing, but damn he had missed Gaignun and there was no hiding it. He knew the feeling was mutual, anyway.
When he finally spotted him, Rubedo's jog turned into a dead run before he jumped and more or less tackled him into the snow with as big of a bear hug as his little body could manage. "You son of a bitch! Where have you been all this time?! Back home with the others?!"
Despite his oath, he was grinning, just plain happy to see his little brother.
-------------------------
The comment had a smile tugging at his lips and Gaignun allowed himself to enjoy the feeling of content that came with it. Back home, those moments were a rarity at best, and he counted them all the more precious when they occurred. Though the sound of approaching footfalls alerted him to his brother's presence, the sudden increase in fervor made him groan inwardly. Oh no- He stiffened slightly, bracing himself for the collision.
But landing flat on his back with wet snow seeping into the cloth of his jacket and shirt... suddenly wasn't so bad. A bit uncomfortable yes, but all the more tolerable because Rubedo was there-
albeit on top of him, but there nonetheless and Gaignun let out the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Long fingers reached up to run through unruly red hair and the hint of a chuckle left his lips. For a moment he considered chastising the other for his language, but it was quickly forgotten. He felt relieved, as if he was finally able to relax after all this time, and his head nodded slowly at the question. "On the Durandal- yes." Tempting as it would be to call the craft 'home,' it didn't seem an appropriate word after having returned without his smaller companion. It was the people who made a home, as he'd been told.
---------------------------
"Pffft. Taking over my baby while I've been gone? I bet juggling her and The Foundation's been loads of fun." You better be helping out Shion and the others with their missions, too.
Sitting back, Rubedo lightly socked Gaignun in the shoulder with a lopsided grin. "You better fill me in on everything I've been missing! What's been going on? How much time has passed there? Everyone's okay, right? And Mary and Shelley?"
--------------------------
Had he any less maturity he might have rolled his eyes at the insinuation that he'd been anything less than helpful to the group, but instead he just dismissed it- the same way he was dismissing the fact that his entire backside had now become numb. He brushed flakes of snow from his hair and looked up at the other to answer. Everyone has been fi-
But where the words had started, a jolt of pure panic remained- quickly diluting into mixture of worry, confusion, anger and concern. One look at his older brother's face had stopped the sentence completely and green eyes went wide with shock. His throat felt tight and the words wouldn't come; he jerked upright, hand darting out to clasp around a slender wrist as he pulled the smaller body closer to his own, struggling to make sense of his inner monologue. Rubedo what- What -happened to yo- Where is your other eye?!
-----------------------
What the--
One hand planted against the snow to keep him from completely falling back on top of Gaignun, and he would have attempted to yank his hand free, but Gaignun's shocked inquiry sobered him quite a bit.
...And made him feel awkward.
"Oh. Well I...guess I have some stuff to fill you in on, too..."
------------------------------
Under normal circumstances he would have composed himself. Under normal circumstances this was an amusing reunion with teasing commentary and not a heart that felt like it was suddenly racing out of control. Because under normal circumstances, his brother was not reckless enough to lose an eye and no doubt nearly get himself killed. Under normal circumstances his brother had...
a PULSE
Shock took on an entirely new level, one that he hadn't the presence of mind or the strength of will to mask. Rubedo didn't have a pulse. He didn't have an eye, he didn't have a pulse and he was somehow sitting on his lap- Some stuff to fill me in on?! What stuff Rubedo, what do you mean 'STUFF'?!
---------------------------------
Gaignun's thoughts were hurting his head, and that was when he did yank away to stagger up and rub at his forehead. Ah, shit! Keep it down! Look, there was this...this thing. It was harassing MOMO, and I... I kinda lost it, and I spent a couple days tracking it down.
His hand slipped down to touch the leather of his eye patch, and he sighed, looking at the semi-frozen fountain, speaking out loud once more. "It happened pretty quickly... It just pulled a move and...bam."
Just like he had thought back then, he thought now. No more eye. No more arm. No more time.
...MOMO somehow reattached my arm so that when I was revived, I could still use it, but the eye was a lost cause...
------------------------------------
Though he hesitated to move, he stood slowly, clumps of snow and droplets of water falling from his suit's jacket. The admission was like a weight and the earlier carefree joy of being reunited with his older brother along with the turbulent emotions that followed were obliterated completely- leaving absolute nothingness in it's wake. Or maybe not an underload of feeling, but an overload? He wasn't sure, he didn't want to be sure.
Gaignun had heard the stories before- that those who die in the City will never be able to leave and a numb emptiness settled in his chest. It was as if... all of Albedo's hopes had come true in the most frightening of ways. Rubedo would remain here with him, and he would never die. Neither would have to be alone again. It was something he hadn't felt since he was young, that sudden feeling that he was once again the odd one out. The unnecessary appendage. But through all of this he said nothing, instead watching the other in silence.
He didn't understand, and he acknowledged that on an intellectual level, the shock of it all had worn down his ability to process the situation in a calm and rational manner. The feeling itself was new, the rawness of it, and if he were to call it anything it felt closest to betrayal. Careless actions had taken his brother away.
"Hm." It was a disconnected sound, distant and failing in its attempts to sound like acceptance, but a noise of comprehension no less.
-----------------------------------------
Rubedo's gaze returned to Gaignun at that terse response, and he sighed, stepping over to grab his sleeve. "Don't...be like that. C'mon. Maybe your old apartment's still free or something, and we can talk more. You're gonna freeze if you stay out here."
Turning, he led the way back to one of the buildings, and bit his lower lip. He wondered how Gaignun would take the next bit of news. ...Sakura's here, too. I'm living with her.
--------------------------------------------
Sakura. Not MOMO, but Sakura.
Gaignun said nothing, and alternately let nothing pass between their link- not as much as a whisper. Perhaps it was a defensive maneuver, withdrawing- keeping his silences, but it was also familiar. He was not like his brother, he was not able to wear his heart on his sleeve, especially with the brazeness Rubedo did. Despite this, he let the other guide him, expression blank and following passively. If questioned he could call it exhaustion- though he doubted his brother would inquire.
If it hadn't been for the other's comment however, he would have forgotten the cold- body adjusting or perhaps just ignoring the numb tingling that had turned into a dull throb. His old apartment? It didn't matter.
Anything would do.
-------------------------------------------
Gaignun's silence said more than enough. Rubedo didn't need to ask, and he certainly wouldn't. They might have been close, but it wasn't always optional. And with some things, they had always sort of kept their distance. It probably wasn't exactly a healthy thing, but it was definitely a them thing.
His own mind was also locked up for a bit, while he mulled over things and led the way to building six. He couldn't remember Gaignun's exact room, but...he doubted putting him on the same floor would be good.
Bad enough he had to deal with Citrine. He didn't want to put Gaignun through that right now.
Deciding the elevator might be a better choice than the stairs right then, he tugged Gaignun inside, then hit the button for the fifth floor, idly leaning against his brother's arm as the doors shut.
--------------
Green eyes observed the passage of landmarks and buildings with vacant disinterest. He wasn't feeling nearly brave enough to investigate his own feelings about what had occured, and was certainly not willing to attempt to come to some conclusion while the reason for his turmoil was leaning against his arm.
Though he made no effort to reach out across their link, he could feel the distance instinctively.
While their connection had the ability to bring comfort and feelings of security and warmth- when it was closed, there was a safety of a different kind. The ability to have his own thoughts and sort through them accordingly.
He hated it- that was the issue. And he knew that, objectively. Gaignun recognized the feelings of abandonment and betrayal and hurt and fear the same way he had the first time he'd experienced them. He would deal with them the same way. After all, he'd grown. He couldn't ask his brother to cope with such a thing- to allow himself to react the way Albedo would have, as much as he wanted to. It would be a burden, and he had to be stronger than that, to protect him- isn't that what had pushed him along so far?
He kept his eyes trained on their reflections in the elevator's steel doors, body bumping against Jr's as their lift came to a stop and the doors opened. Gaignun tugged his arm away, pressing the 6th floor's button before he exited with a quiet and informal "Good night," and headed down the hall.
--------------
Rubedo had just been moving to step out with him when he saw him press the button, and his eyes widened.
"Hey!" But the doors were already closing. He could have just slipped through no problem, but what would be the point? Gaignun obviously wanted to be alone, in mind and body. Rubedo had a feeling that being stubborn this time would only make things worse.
So he sighed and slumped back against the wall as the silver doors finally shut all the way, and he folded his arms across his chest.
"I didn't get to tell you that I missed you..."
Rating; PG-13 for some language
Characters; Jr.
red_dragon_666 & Gaignun variant_669Summary; Gaignun winds up back in the City and a brotherly reunion ends in more sadness than joy.
Log;
After saying goodnight to both MOMO and Sakura, Rubedo had tried to sleep... After all, it was after one, Sakura was fast asleep, and the night had been fun and eventful. He should have had no trouble crashing.
Instead, though, he'd just collapsed on the couch with one of his books on quantum theories. With the lamp on to keep the light to a minimal, he laid back and read, thinking that maybe it would put him to sleep.
...But all it did was work him up more.
If Glinda's real, then would that mean that the book wasn't fiction? That can't be right. It was fiction. The guy who wrote it... There was no way he could have known about a completely different universe like that, especially in his time. That's beyond ancient.
The only possibility I can think up is that maybe he experienced a phenomenon like The City, and was able to somehow interact with people from another world. There are people here from the past...from thousands of years ago, in the same world as me. There are people here from other worlds.
But that would create a paradox, wouldn't it? If people from the past are experiencing the City, then how can they be recorded in history? There are a few big names here. And even if they go back to the same point in time they disappeared, then why is it that they didn't tell anyone?
Were their memories erased?
What if one of those historical figures was killed here and couldn't go back? Couldn't that cause a ripple effect? A space time paradox would definitely be unavoidable, then.
There's no record of that guy visiting other worlds, but then, this place shouldn't even exist, no matter what theories I can come up with to logically explain it... So then, what? He created storybook characters and they came to life here? Why just those ones, and not other ones?
Ahhh, crap, I don't get this at all.
----------------
Upon further contemplation, though Gaignun really had been enjoying the unbelievably lush plantlife, attempting to navigate his way out of a forest in the middle of the night was unpleasant. Not more than a moment ago he'd had to duck rather gracelessly to avoid being struck by a particularly nasty looking branch. Admiring the scenery could wait until morning; right now, the man's priority was getting out the brush.
All in all, this place did not seem entirely unfamiliar, and though he had a faint sinking feeling in his stomach, Gaignun pushed it aside. If he were indeed back in that strange City, then he would manage to find his way out once more-besides, even being back had it's advantages. Jr was there, and he'd managed to at least get a vague sort of grasp of the place the first time around. Still, though his senses argued that his location was certain, logic persisted that nothing was definite until he'd recieved a confirmation of some kind. A confirmation that could wait until he'd found a way out of-
He'd been sidestepping a small shrub of some kind when he felt it, and Gaignun came to an abrupt stop at the sensation. In its own way, that link had always provided comfort for him- and his feelings about it now were the same as they'd been as a child; though such things were not a topic for discussion.
Peering ahead he could see the forest's edge, and he resumed his cautious but steady pace. There was no doubting it now. He was back. Gaignun reached out towards the source of what was bound to result in a headache of one kind or another- You'll never be able to fall asleep if you keep that up.
-------------
The familiar voice in his head made him yell and fling the book away like it was on fire. It thumped to the floor, and he nervously glanced around. It had been months since Gaignun's disappearance, and in that time Rubedo had experienced, for the first time ever, complete solitude in his mind.
Him and Gaignun had been connected their whole lives, so while at first it had been jarring, he had gotten so used to it that now he wasn't even sure what to think.
But it did hit him after half a minute, and he jumped off the couch.
Gaignun?! Where the hell are you?! Are you really back?
----------
The voice would have made a lesser man wince, and though Gaignun could all but feel tomorrow's impending migrane, he merely shook his head. He supposed it was because he'd had time to adjust to Jr's behavior, but didn't bother wasting time thinking of such things. There had been many times his brother seemed far too energetic for his age; and though it occasionally grated his nerves, it was a quality he was also sometimes envious of.
Still, he had always been overexuberant, so in retrospect it would have been ridiculous to expect a calm exchange of greetings after the time that had passed- but it didn't matter. Besides, the reaction he'd gotten was fairly amusing in it's own right. Gaignun arched an eyebrow. Once out in the open he was able to get a better idea of his location, and instinct had already begun guiding him back towards the heart of the City. There is no need to shout you know. It was an affectionate tease, and one he knew would not go unnoticed. If nothing else, perhaps a bit of their old familiarity would ease both their minds. But yes, from the looks of it I'm back. I am approaching the fountain right now.
--------------
Rubedo was already pulling on his coat and boots, only half-lacing them before checking on Sakura one last time and running out the door.
Gaignun's tease just made him roll his eyes. The fountain's changed since you were last here! Ya like it? It happened when this place got new management. The new ones are just as crazy as the last, though.
Elevators were too slow. He found sliding down the banisters were actually faster, which he'd kind of picked up from Elena, damn the woman.
And careful, the new fountain has spray jets.
-----------------
New ones? Oh wonderful. More good news. He kept the thought to himself but unconsciously took a step away from the structure in front of him. The fountain was indeed lovely, but even something that sounded mild- like spray jets, could have alternate purposes. Besides, he was in no mood to tempt fate. It looked as though the City had experienced it's first snow, and the idea of getting wet in the middle of winter was far from inviting.
You don't need to rush, so take your time. I'm not going anywhere. He offered gently, though Gaignun doubted the words would hold any weight to his brother anyway. But he was tired and in no mood to argue or force the issue, and instead crossed his arms over his chest and enjoyed the view. There were far more unpleasant things to be stuck looking at after all, and he wasn't one to complain.
-------------------------
What the hell ever. It's winter out there and knowing you, you're in nothing but a suit.
Obviously that wasn't the only reason he was rushing, but damn he had missed Gaignun and there was no hiding it. He knew the feeling was mutual, anyway.
When he finally spotted him, Rubedo's jog turned into a dead run before he jumped and more or less tackled him into the snow with as big of a bear hug as his little body could manage. "You son of a bitch! Where have you been all this time?! Back home with the others?!"
Despite his oath, he was grinning, just plain happy to see his little brother.
-------------------------
The comment had a smile tugging at his lips and Gaignun allowed himself to enjoy the feeling of content that came with it. Back home, those moments were a rarity at best, and he counted them all the more precious when they occurred. Though the sound of approaching footfalls alerted him to his brother's presence, the sudden increase in fervor made him groan inwardly. Oh no- He stiffened slightly, bracing himself for the collision.
But landing flat on his back with wet snow seeping into the cloth of his jacket and shirt... suddenly wasn't so bad. A bit uncomfortable yes, but all the more tolerable because Rubedo was there-
albeit on top of him, but there nonetheless and Gaignun let out the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Long fingers reached up to run through unruly red hair and the hint of a chuckle left his lips. For a moment he considered chastising the other for his language, but it was quickly forgotten. He felt relieved, as if he was finally able to relax after all this time, and his head nodded slowly at the question. "On the Durandal- yes." Tempting as it would be to call the craft 'home,' it didn't seem an appropriate word after having returned without his smaller companion. It was the people who made a home, as he'd been told.
---------------------------
"Pffft. Taking over my baby while I've been gone? I bet juggling her and The Foundation's been loads of fun." You better be helping out Shion and the others with their missions, too.
Sitting back, Rubedo lightly socked Gaignun in the shoulder with a lopsided grin. "You better fill me in on everything I've been missing! What's been going on? How much time has passed there? Everyone's okay, right? And Mary and Shelley?"
--------------------------
Had he any less maturity he might have rolled his eyes at the insinuation that he'd been anything less than helpful to the group, but instead he just dismissed it- the same way he was dismissing the fact that his entire backside had now become numb. He brushed flakes of snow from his hair and looked up at the other to answer. Everyone has been fi-
But where the words had started, a jolt of pure panic remained- quickly diluting into mixture of worry, confusion, anger and concern. One look at his older brother's face had stopped the sentence completely and green eyes went wide with shock. His throat felt tight and the words wouldn't come; he jerked upright, hand darting out to clasp around a slender wrist as he pulled the smaller body closer to his own, struggling to make sense of his inner monologue. Rubedo what- What -happened to yo- Where is your other eye?!
-----------------------
What the--
One hand planted against the snow to keep him from completely falling back on top of Gaignun, and he would have attempted to yank his hand free, but Gaignun's shocked inquiry sobered him quite a bit.
...And made him feel awkward.
"Oh. Well I...guess I have some stuff to fill you in on, too..."
------------------------------
Under normal circumstances he would have composed himself. Under normal circumstances this was an amusing reunion with teasing commentary and not a heart that felt like it was suddenly racing out of control. Because under normal circumstances, his brother was not reckless enough to lose an eye and no doubt nearly get himself killed. Under normal circumstances his brother had...
a PULSE
Shock took on an entirely new level, one that he hadn't the presence of mind or the strength of will to mask. Rubedo didn't have a pulse. He didn't have an eye, he didn't have a pulse and he was somehow sitting on his lap- Some stuff to fill me in on?! What stuff Rubedo, what do you mean 'STUFF'?!
---------------------------------
Gaignun's thoughts were hurting his head, and that was when he did yank away to stagger up and rub at his forehead. Ah, shit! Keep it down! Look, there was this...this thing. It was harassing MOMO, and I... I kinda lost it, and I spent a couple days tracking it down.
His hand slipped down to touch the leather of his eye patch, and he sighed, looking at the semi-frozen fountain, speaking out loud once more. "It happened pretty quickly... It just pulled a move and...bam."
Just like he had thought back then, he thought now. No more eye. No more arm. No more time.
...MOMO somehow reattached my arm so that when I was revived, I could still use it, but the eye was a lost cause...
------------------------------------
Though he hesitated to move, he stood slowly, clumps of snow and droplets of water falling from his suit's jacket. The admission was like a weight and the earlier carefree joy of being reunited with his older brother along with the turbulent emotions that followed were obliterated completely- leaving absolute nothingness in it's wake. Or maybe not an underload of feeling, but an overload? He wasn't sure, he didn't want to be sure.
Gaignun had heard the stories before- that those who die in the City will never be able to leave and a numb emptiness settled in his chest. It was as if... all of Albedo's hopes had come true in the most frightening of ways. Rubedo would remain here with him, and he would never die. Neither would have to be alone again. It was something he hadn't felt since he was young, that sudden feeling that he was once again the odd one out. The unnecessary appendage. But through all of this he said nothing, instead watching the other in silence.
He didn't understand, and he acknowledged that on an intellectual level, the shock of it all had worn down his ability to process the situation in a calm and rational manner. The feeling itself was new, the rawness of it, and if he were to call it anything it felt closest to betrayal. Careless actions had taken his brother away.
"Hm." It was a disconnected sound, distant and failing in its attempts to sound like acceptance, but a noise of comprehension no less.
-----------------------------------------
Rubedo's gaze returned to Gaignun at that terse response, and he sighed, stepping over to grab his sleeve. "Don't...be like that. C'mon. Maybe your old apartment's still free or something, and we can talk more. You're gonna freeze if you stay out here."
Turning, he led the way back to one of the buildings, and bit his lower lip. He wondered how Gaignun would take the next bit of news. ...Sakura's here, too. I'm living with her.
--------------------------------------------
Sakura. Not MOMO, but Sakura.
Gaignun said nothing, and alternately let nothing pass between their link- not as much as a whisper. Perhaps it was a defensive maneuver, withdrawing- keeping his silences, but it was also familiar. He was not like his brother, he was not able to wear his heart on his sleeve, especially with the brazeness Rubedo did. Despite this, he let the other guide him, expression blank and following passively. If questioned he could call it exhaustion- though he doubted his brother would inquire.
If it hadn't been for the other's comment however, he would have forgotten the cold- body adjusting or perhaps just ignoring the numb tingling that had turned into a dull throb. His old apartment? It didn't matter.
Anything would do.
-------------------------------------------
Gaignun's silence said more than enough. Rubedo didn't need to ask, and he certainly wouldn't. They might have been close, but it wasn't always optional. And with some things, they had always sort of kept their distance. It probably wasn't exactly a healthy thing, but it was definitely a them thing.
His own mind was also locked up for a bit, while he mulled over things and led the way to building six. He couldn't remember Gaignun's exact room, but...he doubted putting him on the same floor would be good.
Bad enough he had to deal with Citrine. He didn't want to put Gaignun through that right now.
Deciding the elevator might be a better choice than the stairs right then, he tugged Gaignun inside, then hit the button for the fifth floor, idly leaning against his brother's arm as the doors shut.
--------------
Green eyes observed the passage of landmarks and buildings with vacant disinterest. He wasn't feeling nearly brave enough to investigate his own feelings about what had occured, and was certainly not willing to attempt to come to some conclusion while the reason for his turmoil was leaning against his arm.
Though he made no effort to reach out across their link, he could feel the distance instinctively.
While their connection had the ability to bring comfort and feelings of security and warmth- when it was closed, there was a safety of a different kind. The ability to have his own thoughts and sort through them accordingly.
He hated it- that was the issue. And he knew that, objectively. Gaignun recognized the feelings of abandonment and betrayal and hurt and fear the same way he had the first time he'd experienced them. He would deal with them the same way. After all, he'd grown. He couldn't ask his brother to cope with such a thing- to allow himself to react the way Albedo would have, as much as he wanted to. It would be a burden, and he had to be stronger than that, to protect him- isn't that what had pushed him along so far?
He kept his eyes trained on their reflections in the elevator's steel doors, body bumping against Jr's as their lift came to a stop and the doors opened. Gaignun tugged his arm away, pressing the 6th floor's button before he exited with a quiet and informal "Good night," and headed down the hall.
--------------
Rubedo had just been moving to step out with him when he saw him press the button, and his eyes widened.
"Hey!" But the doors were already closing. He could have just slipped through no problem, but what would be the point? Gaignun obviously wanted to be alone, in mind and body. Rubedo had a feeling that being stubborn this time would only make things worse.
So he sighed and slumped back against the wall as the silver doors finally shut all the way, and he folded his arms across his chest.
"I didn't get to tell you that I missed you..."