[Video] 41

[maddest]

[Like so many others will this week, Break wakes up screaming. The PCD isn't pointed at the bed, so it doesn't capture anything but sound until he scrambles off of it, past the camera and towards the window, throwing it open to get fresh air.

This all hits a little close to home.]

Why-

[He asks, hoarsely, a few minutes later,]

-does the network insist on displaying our grief? The timing is too consistent to be accidental.

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[Offline]

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

[Break whistles, and bounces to do it, setting the cat down first.]

[Offline]

[al_truism]

[Al relaxes, puttering around the kitchen. There's no hurry, as burning with curiosity as he is. It's better to let Break come to him.]

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

How's Negi?

[al_truism]

He's doing much better, I think. I find myself continually amazed by how well he manages to handle things.

... what about you?

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

I'm going to be all right, once the week is up.

[al_truism]

[Al slowly looks up at him, utterly silent. Then he takes a deep, audible breath, trying to banish the vision that keeps creeping in- Break with bloody bandages over his face and eyes.]

Yeah. It's... a bad one.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

How little do you think we can get away with sleeping?

[al_truism]

Three or four hours a night would have us functioning, if not well.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

Maybe I'll reduce to that.

[al_truism]

With that much of a lack of sleep, cognition and reaction times are thrown in the river.

Be careful, all right?

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

I have Lucifer staying over, he'll make sure nothing eats me.

[al_truism]

That's... well, it'll do.

[He laughs a little.]

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

It will, won't it?

[al_truism]

If you could butter this bread on the outside-

[Al slides a plate closer, and goes quiet again.]

Would you be interested in having something to do?

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes, please.

[al_truism]

There is a police force forming.

[Al works a can open.]

When it formed, there was a suggestion that we appoint an ombudsman. Originally, I nominated someone from my world, Colonel Roy Mustang. Though he was given the position, he was recently hurt badly, and he stepped down from the position.

A man named John Mandrake announced he'd be taking over that job- as well as all other positions of power related to the force he didn't already have.

Though a couple of my friends trust him, I want to keep an eye on it, so I've volunteered to help him with the workload.

If you're interested, a need another set of eyes, so to speak.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't mind ombudsmaning, but-

[al_truism]

I know.

[Reassuringly.]

What I need is for you to watch him along with me. You may notice things that I miss, and I value your opinion. Naturally, I'll add you to the filter.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

-people don't trust me, nor should they.

[al_truism]

You've been doing a good job of distancing yourself, yes.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

For the best, I'm sure.

[al_truism]

But you're here now.

[Soft, thoughtful.]

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

Well, so I am.

[al_truism]

Mhm!

[He flips a sandwich over. The kitchen is starting to smell amazing.]

Tea should be finished, I think.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

[Break goes to pour.]

Cream and sugar?