Alphinaud; Catch-all

[misstrust]

Comments

[arcsplainist]

[ Yep. Seems like this guy is doing much of the same, getting some pacing out of his system, until—oh, hi. Alphinaud pauses in his tracks. ]

... 'Twould be preferable if I could enjoy it, I confess, but I could still do with some fresh air.

[misstrust]

I think we all could, to be honest. So even if it's doing little to clear your head, at least it's refreshing.

[arcsplainist]

Aye.

[ He leaves it at that, briefly, then: ]

I do worry what will become of us all, going forward. This is no small tragedy to recover from.

[misstrust]

I wouldn't worry too much about that now. I'm sure we'll have more answers tomorrow, and learn exactly how they'll want us to proceed.

... For tonight, perhaps just breathe.

[arcsplainist]

[ As if taking her suggestion to heart, Alphinaud exhales deeply. ]

Yes... Yes, you are right. Pray forgive me—it would seem I am more a bundle of nerves than I had thought.

[misstrust]

Nothing I think you need to apologize for... [ And she smiles, reassuringly. ]

A lot happened.

[arcsplainist]

[ He nods. ]

Then I hope, in spite of everything, you will be well, too.

[misstrust]

I'll do my best. At this time, I think I need to be the support the younger ones will need.

[arcsplainist]

[ ... Is she calling him a "younger one"......... ]

'Tis all we can do, but do remember above all else, to take care of yourself, as well.

[misstrust]

... Well, now I just want to hug you again.

[arcsplainist]

[ wait ]

Is—is that truly what you want?

[misstrust]

Absolutely.

[ Look, these urges are still here. ]

[arcsplainist]

[ ... ... ....... ]

A- ahem. If it will help, Miss Dorothy, then far be it from me to turn you down.

[misstrust]

[ ... He's so earnestly cute. ]

You're always such a gentleman, aren't you?

[ But okay, if she has his approval, then of course she's going in for the hug. ]

[arcsplainist]

—Oh, erm.. 'tis kind of you to say.

[ But it's hug time, and in spite of how hesitant he is to indulge in any sort of physical affectiony things, Alphinaud leans into it a bit like he might've needed that. ]

[misstrust]

[ She thought he might have.

Not that Dorothy is going to say that, instead keeping her thoughts to herself as she holds him close.

They'll get through this. Hopefully with most of them intact. ]

[arcsplainist]

[ One can only hope.

Eventually, the hug comes to an end, and Alphinaud pulls back. ]

There we go. I realize it isn't much, but I can only hope it has done something to make your evening a little better.

[misstrust]

You've much approved my mood! Thank you, Alphinaud.

[arcsplainist]

[ Aw.. Well, there is that, at least. ]

Of course. Should you need aught else, you need only ask.

[misstrust]

And the same goes for you. Don't forget that, all right?

[ He's so small and all. ]

[arcsplainist]

[ HE WON'T BE TINY FOREVER ]

Aye; duly noted, even, though you needn't worry of me overmuch. There are others who are in much more need of your kindness, I would wager.

[misstrust]

And I'm sure they're being seen to, though I'll be sure to check in on them.