Night 46: Main Hallway, 1-West

[quickdrawbkiddo.livejournal.com]

[from here]

Beatrix had walked this path to the Sun Room so many times, she could do it in complete darkness. Which was exactly what she was doing. Knowing the way, there was little need for light as it would only draw creatures and other unwanted attention. Silently counting her steps, at the right number, the assassin headed left and down the hallway.

[to here]

Comments

[falseblack]

One side of Nigredo wished Klavier would express some displeasure over the night prior and the actions incurred against him. It was downright confusing, actually, that he had labeled the series of events as "fully warranted". Yes, David deserved them to a point, but this lack of control could not be attributed to Klavier himself. Nigredo had...forgotten that on purpose.

In contrast, the other side clung without effort to the words, to the relief rising in his chest. He blinked and then swallowed, fearing the effects as much as the emotion. "Okay," Nigredo managed. He would not dwell on it as requested.

"No, I'm not." He couldn't, if last night's clues gave any indication. "I wanted to check on my brothers." This was, of course, a complete lie. The child held no such intention.

[rocksthecourt]

The answer unexpectedly sent a pang of guilt through him, hitting his stomach hard and lingering there. Checking on his brothers. Something Klavier should be doing himself. Instead, he chose to act as a coward and avoid the man completely under the guise of respecting Kristoph's wishes. Kristoph who he could only rarely be around anymore back home but who he could see all he wanted here. No panes of glass, bars, handcuffs, security guards, search procedures, or paperwork involved whatsoever. It was the one single blessing this place had to offer. And this was how he utilized the luxury: by avoiding and dreading an encounter.

He could learn quite a bit from Nigredo. Here he was with two brothers, one bossy and brash, the other a bipolar psychopath who'd tried killing him at least once. Despite that, he still stayed by their side and checked up on them as though everything were normal. Klavier's "plight" was laughable in comparison. Ach, the boy put him to shame.

"Ah. I see," he said, smile softening to something gentle and understanding. Not guilt-ridden and ashamed. Hopefully. "That's probably a good idea. Things have been rather messy the last few days. Hopefully, they are both doing well." Albedo had been fine yesterday, attitude intact and everything. Rubedo, on the other hand, he hadn't seen since that horrible night in the Sun Room, blood soaked and unconscious. He'd been so focused on yesterday's predicament, he'd completely forgotten to check on the poor boy. "...Would you like an escort?"

[falseblack]

All or part of his response seemed to have an impact on Klavier. Nigredo could not be sure, but the man's former countenance shifted to that of another nature. One unexpectedly different. Off if you knew what to search for. Something pinged in the boy's empathy, and he peered up at Klavier, face written with concern.

He remembered again that the man had an older brother of his own. Why he thought of this, with no true evidence present, he didn't know. Wouldn't know. The man fortunately changed again before the answer could come to fruition, appearing less disheartened than the last. Nigredo could answer to that.

"They're alive." Being alive mattered the most.

But the sentiment was soon forgotten as a second rose to take its place. Klavier had to make that request, and Nigredo felt the urge creep closer to surface. For once, his face betrayed him, and quickly, the U.R.T.V. glanced away. "Not tonight." A pause. "I can't tonight."

[rocksthecourt]

Alive, hm? A shame that had become a declaration of reassurance. It was good to hear Rubedo had survived the ordeal from the other night, but he couldn't imagine how much damage the poor boy may have suffered. Even if he was alive, he likely wasn't well. Nigredo was most probably taking care of him. In which case, Klavier probably shouldn't be holding him up like this. At least, that's what he thought until the boy answered.

Had he simply refused the offer, Klavier would have just left it be. He could fully understand not wanting others around when dealing with brothers, and to be frank, the idea of being anywhere around Albedo made him far too uncomfortable for words. Needless to say, he wasn't up in arms to argue. Nigredo's reaction, on the other hand, was a different story.

He remained silent while watching Nigredo, purposely so. It was apparent something was very wrong. The boy was upset about something. Something involving his brothers or the act of visiting them with the man in tow. Had it concerned any other subject, Klavier wouldn't have hesitated in asking what the matter was. In remaining silent, however, he granted Nigredo a courtesy. And an option.

Klavier's expression was that of concern and voiced the obvious question without need for words. Saying nothing somewhat pushed for an explanation to fill the silence, but it also left the boy with the chance to switch subjects should this one be too uncomfortable to discuss with an outsider. Should the child choose not to answer, he wouldn't push for one. The elder man understood the plight well enough to offer this. Filial discomforts were best left private. He also trusted if it was something extraordinarily severe as opposed to just distressing, the boy would mention it.

[falseblack]

The silence was deafening in his ears--a far cry from his usual love of many things quiet. All because Nigredo had lied. Had no intention of being the concerned, dutiful little brother residing in Klavier's mind. Tonight, he would be selfish and would be entirely justified. A self-serving factor persisted in his brothers already, one more so than the other. One unexpectedly so...

Regardless, Nigredo smiled through his teeth, smiled to keep Klavier from asking. Because he was asking, even with his lips closed and lacking the intonations of an obvious question. "I have to go," stated Nigredo. He circled the area around the man, a few steps more from his original destination.

The sword remained pressed to his back. "We'll talk later, okay?" A please nearly followed, but the child remained obstinate for reasons unknown. He turned and ran down toward the hall.

[To here.]

[rocksthecourt]

Klavier reflected a semi-bright smile back at Nigredo. Oh yes, he was fully aware that smile had been offered solely for the sake of pretenses. However, it would work better if the elder acted as though oblivious to whatever may be upsetting the other and leave it be. Something was certainly wrong, but it involved something the child would rather not discuss with him. He had to respect that.

And so, he simply watched as Nigredo made a hasty retreat back toward the patient rooms, nodding slightly in agreement with the boy's words. It was only after the boy had disappeared into the shadows that Klavier allowed the smile to drop and let his true concern cross his features. He exhaled slightly then turned his attention back down the hall where he'd originally been headed. ...Nigredo would be fine. The patient rooms weren't a far trek from here, and once he'd gotten there, he and his brothers should be safe. From monsters anyway.

The thought caused him to frown slightly and glance back in the direction Nigredo had gone. But Klavier made no move to follow afterward. He only hesitated before walking off in the opposite direction.

[Just gotta get out... Just gotta get right outta here.]