[Video]// backdated to the fridge liminal

[neverfeltthatway]

I have the list of Travelers who have vanished. [Armin's face is serious, yet at the same time almost studiously blank - devoid of expression or emotion, much more so than usual.]

Tim, Phedre, Istas, Leonardo, Joscelin, Sansa, Ezio, Asa, Vilari, and Robin. [Even as controlled as he is, he can't help the slight tremble, and the tightening around the eyes when he mentions Sansa.]

...I'm sorry.

Comments

Private, psychic protection ii

[neverfeltthatway]

[Armin draws in a shuddering breath as the unexpected sensation envelops him. He doesn't respond aloud, and cuts off his side of the conversation before anyone can see him break down and start crying - although what Alcuin saw before that happened made what he was doing far more obvious than he'd like it to be.]

Action

[willyousee]

It takes some effort and a little trial and error, but Alcuin manages to track Armin down with Psychic Detection and silently settles beside his friend to take Armin in his arms and hold him close. They have both lost. Badly.

Action forever

[neverfeltthatway]

Though his cheeks were mostly dry when Alcuin came in, he can't help the tears leaking onto his cheek when Alcuin hold him. After a moment, he turns so that he can return the embrace, enfolding Alcuin tightly.

"...I'm so sorry, Alcuin," he whispers.

Re: Action forever

[willyousee]

Alcuin shakes his head, and adjusts to hold Armin comfortably against his chest. There is loss enough for them both here. "I am sorry as well," he finally whispers in return. "You did not deserve this." Gentle fingers stroke through golden hair.

[neverfeltthatway]

Armin shivers at the fingers in his hair, not letting his grip loosen. He trembles a little, conflicted by how Alcuin seems to care only for him, for all that his own loss is greater still. But then, that's very Alcuin.

"None of us deserve this. Nobody does. But that hardly matters."

[willyousee]

"No," Alcuin whispers. It doesn't matter. It never has. "Still... I wish she had stayed. For both your sakes."

[neverfeltthatway]

"I wish they all had stayed. I wish..." But it doesn't matter what he wishes, either, and it seems foolish to dwell on that now.

[willyousee]

"I know," Alcuin murmurs, combing his fingers through Armin's hair. "I know, bright one. We will just have to stay together."

[neverfeltthatway]

He turns his head, burying his face against Alcuin's shoulder. The embrace tightens, just a little.

[willyousee]

"I am here," Alcuin breathes, pressing his cheek to Armin's temple. "I'll not leave you. Breathe, and let it come. I'll stay right here. I am not going anywhere. Let it come."