IC contact for wethelost

[devoutish]

Solomons & Melborn
1108 Sweet Cream Street

[Feel free to use this space for letter/package deliveries as well as visits/knocks on the front door!]

Comments

[bywolves]

Because nothing is ever just because you said or did something, it's because I did something to make you do something in return. So we're both in the wrong. You never start it.

That's why I get angry with you, sometimes, and yet you still do it.

[devoutish]

I didn't mean that you started anything, Royce.

[bywolves]

Then what. What did you mean?

[devoutish]

I meant just what I said. I don't think either of us have done much wrong tonight.

[bywolves]

Would you mind explaining yourself better so that I don't need to drag every bit of this out of you inch by agonizing inch? I'm tired, Alfie.

[ He doesn't mean to get snippy, he's just - frustrated, and it's simmering. ]

[devoutish]

I honestly don't know what needs to be explained, Royce. I think we both conducted ourselves well enough tonight; how can I explain that more?

[bywolves]

If we didn't do anything wrong, then why did we have a fight? I don't - understand what you're talking about -- gods, never mind. Never mind.

[devoutish]

We had a fight, but we explained our thoughts and feelings as well as we could-- despite considerable difficulty and embarrassment and all. We worked it out. I'm proud of us, mate. I'm proud of the both of us.

[bywolves]

[ He's not so sure that anything got resolved, is the thing, and so he's confused and unsure on that front. But he's too exhausted to keep trying, so he just shuts off his emotion sharing for now and just hums, low. Okay. ]

[devoutish]

[Alfie's shoulders drop into a slump, but he stays where he is, swaying a little as he holds on.]

[bywolves]

[ He stays quiet for a while, just trying to think. Sort through it. And eventually he pulls away, and turns to climb up onto the rock again. This time, though, he turns back to reach for Alfie, to pull him up. Please come sit up here with him. ]

[devoutish]

Can't believe you like sitting on rocks.

[Alfie grumbles, but not really seriously; he follows him up easily enough. Once he's settled uncomfortably next to him, scooted up close again, he says:]

Please tell me what you're thinking?

[bywolves]

[ It's better than getting sand in his pants, honestly. Royce is quiet for just a few moments, staring out at the waves. The sound is comforting. ]

When we argue, you act like a businessman starting a negotiation. Do you know that?

[devoutish]

Yeah, you said that before. I suppose I don't know how else to argue.

[bywolves]

It makes you sound dismissive and condescending. I know that, and yet. Every time we argue, it makes me angry. Every time.

And a while ago, when you told me to sort it out, I decided I was going to bite that anger back and try to respond to you like I didn't feel like I was being talked down to, and it worked, for a while. But tonight, I let myself get angry.

[devoutish]

When I told you to sort what out?

[bywolves]

Myself. My feelings. My -- I don't know, the reflex to assume every conversation is going to end badly.

[devoutish]

Oh. Yeah. Yeah, I was angry when I said that. Yes.

[He still thinks he right about it, but he definitely hadn't phrased it very nicely.]

But-- Royce.

[bywolves]

[ He glances at Alfie, expression questioning. ]

[devoutish]

[His eyes flick downward for a second, but then he meets Royce's gaze.]

I have never looked down on you. Not for one moment.

[bywolves]

I know. [ Royce says, watching him. ] I know that. I know that you think of me as your equal, Alfie.

[devoutish]

I do.

[He leans their foreheads together, closing his eyes.]

Is it-- does it help to hear me say how much I respect you, or would it help more to feel it?

[bywolves]

I know how much you do, Alfie, it's not about that. If you want to show me, I won't say no.

[devoutish]

[Hey, he won't turn down that opportunity. Have some feelings of stark admiration, Royce - for his accomplishments, his mind, his physical strength, and also for some more minor things like his wit, too. Alfie really appreciates how well they bounce off each other when they're goofing off - not to mention when they're teaming up against someone like House.]

[bywolves]

[ It feels - nice. It's a boost, and he takes it, but he won't turn on his emotions in return, not right now. Not yet. He rubs at his chest, swallowing hard - rubs at where, if Alfie was paying particular attention, that ball of negativity was lurking. ]

I know. [ Royce says, quietly. ] I knew all of this. But - thank you.