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[maddest]

[You rang?]

Comments

[maddest]

Al, don't say that unless you mean it.

[al_truism]

No, I-

[He looks up at him, right into Break's eyes.]

I've thought about it. A lot. And the reason I'm so scared is because I'm seeing my own failures over and over. When really, I'm the one who made the mistakes.

I can't forgive Lucifer. But-

What you're doing. What you've done with him... it's working. When all of this first started, I thought he didn't truly care about you. I thought that he believed you were a toy, that he'd toss you aside when things stopped being convenient for him.

... but I was wrong about that.

[maddest]

That... means a great deal to hear you say. I value your good opinion of me. More than I should, perhaps, but-

Being at odds with you, even as subtly as this, it hasn't been pleasant.

[al_truism]

Me too, Break.

I'm not saying that I don't... still have doubts about the situation. But it's a doubt born of fear, because I've failed. But you aren't me. I'm willing to accept the possibility that I'm wrong to be afraid. I'm willing to hope with all my heart that I am.

[Al slips his hand into Break's, warm and steady.]

I trust you to do what needs to be done. No matter what happens, no matter what decisions you make, or how everything turns out, this is unconditional. I will always care about you and believe in you.

[maddest]

Al, you could crack a heart of stone.

[His eyes are certainly closed tight.]

[al_truism]

[He leans his cheek against Break's shoulder and doesn't push him further.]

[maddest]

I really love you.

[al_truism]

[Al laughs, rubs his face against Break's shoulder to hide the threat of tears.]

You had to say it.

[maddest]

Yes, I did.

[al_truism]

... get on the bed.

[maddest]

I'm not an invalid.

[But he does settle down.]

[al_truism]

I can't read to you if you're standing up, silly.

[He huffs and settles down next to him, taking reading glasses out of his pocket.]

[maddest]

We can trade chapters. My eyes are fine.

[al_truism]

[Al straightens the glasses, blinking through them.]

... we might have to. These give me a headache.

[maddest]

That's no problem.

[al_truism]

Let me see how far I can get?

[He nuzzles his shoulder.]