(no subject)

[prideofcontrol.livejournal.com]

[ the door slides open quietly under his push, greeting him with the sight of the mansion interior bathed in a golden yellow light -- a welcoming atmosphere. smiles, allowing himself to feel mildly impressed that the decorations were not as atrocious or in excess as the (semi-)disastrous party-meeting in their shared past. the first goal of his evening long-since decided, he gives alyssa a kiss to the forehead, brianna a silent look to communicate his intention & a final murmur of departure to his little brothers before he gently detaches himself from them -- but not for long, he hopes, for they are who he wishes to be around the most tonight -- in search of a certain boy-turned-man (mentally, at least).

is rather glad that there seems to be a distinct lack of them running around, making his search very short & effortless. gives anna a small bow & a polite (but well-meant) smile. ]

Good evening.

Comments

[prideofchange.livejournal.com]

But I guess I can live with it.

[prideofcontrol.livejournal.com]

Baby brother's finally approved? I may be able to sleep well tonight.

[prideofchange.livejournal.com]

You'd better be, or else I'd have to scold you again.

[prideofcontrol.livejournal.com]

Or perhaps I could flee.

1/2

[prideofchange.livejournal.com]

...

[ imagining albert running, please hold. ]

[prideofchange.livejournal.com]

[ just. starts laughing & doesn't seem to stop. ]

[prideofcontrol.livejournal.com]

[ waits for a moment for the laughter to settle a tad before speaking again, expression controlled despite his own amusement. ]

My point proven.

[prideofchange.livejournal.com]

[ shrugs, snickering a tad despite pulling himself back together again. ]

Yeah, you're right, I guess.

[prideofcontrol.livejournal.com]

[ chuckles, raising a hand again to run his hand lightly through nathan's hair gently. ]

[prideofchange.livejournal.com]

[ smiles wider and stays still, as if that would be an encouraging gesture in itself. goes quiet, however, sedated by the touch; eyes look around the room again, falling upon everyone and staying there for a moment to observe. a thought strikes him when he goes back to alyssa, though his gaze soon lingers on brianna instead.

hesitates before speaking again. ]

Uh. Albert?

[prideofcontrol.livejournal.com]

[ hands still in their movement at the call of his name, drawing the rest of his attention back to nathan. ]

Yes?

[prideofchange.livejournal.com]

[ thinks about how to phrase this, eyes going towards the ceiling. looks at the decorations for a bit in silence, up until he shakes his head. offers a small smile and look of apology, shrugging his shoulders. ]

Naw, nevermind.

1/2

[prideofcontrol.livejournal.com]

[ blinks once, staring quietly down at nathan -- ]

[prideofcontrol.livejournal.com]

[ before he bends down, lips touching the top of his baby brother's head. no specific words, just a single meaning. ]

Share at a later time, should the fancy strike you.

[prideofchange.livejournal.com]

[ closes his eyes, content at the touch; voice takes on a proud tone, in the end. ]

I just might, then.

[prideofcontrol.livejournal.com]

[ laughs quietly, the barest of rumblings, but genuine in sound. ]

Hm. Then I will hold onto my expectations.

[prideofchange.livejournal.com]

[ rolls his eyes, even if there's a tiny touch of a smile on his lips. settles back a little bit, deciding to people watch for now, too content in his current position to reply. ]

[prideofcontrol.livejournal.com]

[ & leans back, his hand still in place as he also watches the members of the unfolding party, feeling warmed despite only a singular point of connection between himself & his baby brother -- gives the head another pet. draws in a silent breath, having decided on something & speaks quietly. ]

. . . Nathan.

[prideofchange.livejournal.com]

[ raises his eyebrows when he hears his name, only turning to look up at him when he snaps out of his daze. ]

Huh? What's up?

[prideofcontrol.livejournal.com]

[ many words come to mind -- i love you, i've missed you, please forgive me -- but none are words he can truly speak (can escape from where he hides & guards them), is swallowed by his self-control. instead, he opts for repetition, drawing his face closer to nathan's hair, speaking quietly into the hair. ]

Thank you.

1/2

[prideofchange.livejournal.com]

...

[prideofchange.livejournal.com]

[ opts to nudge him a little this time with his shoulder, almost as if he were searching to lean into him instead. shifts a bit to be able to look albert in the eye, voice a little soft and understanding, accepting what he said with his smile rather than his words. ]

No need for thanks, alright?

[prideofcontrol.livejournal.com]

Mm.

[ & nods, knowing there are no words suitable enough for this moment. simply draws in a little closer, close enough to be touching in a half-hug with his hand still resting on nathan's head with his own bowed. eyes slip closed in contentment, enjoying the moment -- a scenario he could not fathom, not even in the depths of his mind -- to the fullest. ]