forward-dated to the day after
this thread
He feels sick. Bile rises in his throat every few minutes like clockwork, and his limbs are faintly trembling. The more he lets himself think about the fact that he shouldn't be here, that he's betraying the only direction he'd ever really had in life, the worse he feels. Delight has gone on a small trip out of the territory — what a time to choose, he thinks, wondering if it's intentional. It hurts a little either way, even though it shouldn't.
He feels distinctly alone, so he takes to gathering herbs with a vengeance. There's something wonderfully mind-numbing about it. He can forget that everyone he loves would rather be anywhere but with him. Seabreeze's approach is both unexpected and unwelcome, the latter feeling only lasting a few beats; he can't bring himself to resent her gentle presence, not for long.
Sure,
He tells her, voice thick and uneven, and swallows. Thanks.
He returns to his work in silence, feeling like an ass for not making conversation but not trusting himself to say anything.
They work in silence for a little while, and during that time he manages to relax a little. So when she finally presents him with a question, he doesn't completely want to turn tail and run. Oh, um,
He's really that obvious, isn't he? I'm just — I haven't seen my brother in a few days. I'm worried.
When he puts it that way, this whole crisis seems a little silly — but he can't shake the feeling, no matter how hard he tries to rationalize it. More worried than I should be, probably,
He admits. But — I'm sure it'll be fine.
He tries to believe it.
Are you settling in alright?
He can't help but ask, ever a compulsive subject-changer. But he does want to know; it's his job to make the Sanctuary a welcoming place, even if he shirks this duty most of the time.
He shrugs. Most of our members don't really leave often, no. I do — and I don't mind if anyone does. It's just... not really normal for him. At least since he's been here,
Maybe Zamael rediscovered his wanderlust? The thought helps a little. Not as much as he wants it to.
He doesn't miss the way she pauses over what to call her sister — she did mean sister literally, right? Weird. Anyway. I'm glad you're settling in well. I'm uh, sorry to hear about the kids...
He's not sure what to do about that, really. It's definitely Queenie's influence.
They've lost their mother recently — she left without a word. And honestly, she was... not a great mother,
He grimaces slightly. Oh, this feels like gossiping. It's not, though, right? They're... probably better off with Delight anyway, really, but I'm sure the loss is affecting them. Maybe with some time, being around other kids and mothers will help.