Night 48: M-A Block Hallway

[replicatedorder.livejournal.com]

[from here]

The thing about Asch was that he wouldn't have done the same in return. It was made obvious time and time again that he didn't need Luke's help in this place; if he needed it, he would have accepted the offer the first time. That didn't keep Luke from being worried. He thought that maybe if he found Asch and explained the situation, he would understand. Then again, it was possible that Asch saw Luke as some pathetic replica who really couldn't make any decisions for himself. Really, it probably looked like he had a shaky resolve. One moment he wanted to save everyone, and the next, it was as if Master Van had talked him into something again.

Even so, he remembered how Asch lashed out at him for possibly dying, too. It was surprising to see that Asch cared about such a thing. Hadn't he wanted Luke dead all along? If that was a lie, if Asch cared about something else, then maybe Luke needed to go to him. After ditching him against his will last night, he couldn't help but feel as if he needed to make it up to him in some way. He felt a little bad making Asch wait for him, and it was possible that the original of the pair just wanted to avoid him. It could have been a one-chance-and-that's-it mentality.

But even so, Luke refused to give up.

Some part of him realized that Guy probably didn't want to spend his evening doing this, either. Even through the medium of the notes, he remembered how Guy acted when Luke said he'd be spending the evening with Asch. It was just a good thing that Guy managed to get something done, even if Luke's accomplishments of the evening were very much in the negatives range. He was glad his best friend would stick by him when he did go to look for Asch, though. It couldn't be easy for Guy. The history between Guy's family and Luke's was bloody, and he couldn't imagine that it would be easy for Guy to ever disconnect that with the actual Duke's son. Luke's father had destroyed everything that was precious to Guy; Luke realized that the only reason things were different with him was because he was a replica. In some ways, it wasn't fair, but in many others, he understood.

Still, he wanted to get there quickly, before Guy would be burdened with having to speak to Asch. Plus, the idea of getting there before Asch dangerously descended into the dark hallways of the institute urged him to move quickly. He wouldn't let Asch get away. He would corner him and make him talk to him.

Luke's fingers wrapped tightly around the items he held as he continued on, shoes hitting the floor as he moved to round the corner quickly. It was a little surprising that the hallway he hit was currently empty, but maybe that was just a sign that he was making good time. Either way, he didn't hesitate in moving on. Wondering over how empty it was would give Asch a chance to get away. He wouldn't let him do that.

[to here]

Comments

[purgatio]

[from here]

He knew where he twin laid; he knew it well, after all, half-curled behind him as he slept. And even if not, a heartbeat spoke true and he followed it faithfully, misplaced sword in hand, to a group hall. He paused in the door, a question still present. And what would he do, once he was faced with his twin? How could he blame him for everything? How could he fault him, when Albedo had only expected as much? Rubedo... would not stay. It tore something delicate, ripped fiercely, and he pressed a hand to his chest.

Caught here, a glance upward glimpsed a disappearing trail; another familiar, another well-known, even. The youngest's puppy was so carefree in his wanderings. Where was the pet going, so unaware of his surroundings? Did he have a right to be so unweighted, after all that had transpired? Klavier could no more look after a twelve-year old than his own self, and this was only and ever fact. If one wanted to look for blame, for a center of hostility, Albedo should look no further. The man had disappointed him in every way, abandoned his twin after Nigredo had had faith in him, and still allowed the youngest to come to harm under his own watch. Let alone, their first meeting, so outlandish and incomprehensible. Let alone the night prior, and the man's overreactions. No, if Albedo wanted fuel, wanted an outlet for his silent seething anger, he would not look to a heartbeat beating betrayal in the slow time of one asleep. Only heartbreak rested there; only a lack of satisfaction. He would not be able... to find a relief there. The thought came as sorrow, and he understood without a word. That things were only continuing to change. It was not something comforting, not a reassurance--that something so beloved held neither an outlet for comfort or for rage. It dropped like lead into his stomach, seeped up to poison his veins. Mouth thinning into a line, he closed his eyes; breathed.

When he opened them, his gaze was blank, and without a moment more, he stepped forward.

[to here]