IC Inbox

[armoured]

This is the IC inbox for Alphonse Elric at Snowblind.

Network name: @LELRIC

This is the place to contact Al over the Network. Contact by voice, text, or video is all perfectly acceptable, and there is no need to plot with me prior to posting in this inbox.

Comments

[armoured]

I won't let him hurt anyone here, I won't let anyone hurt get hurt any more.

[Whoops, that might have sounded a bit more vehement than necessary, bursting out in fire and passion. Whether the danger comes from Angel's father, the monsters, or anyone else, Al is through letting people get hurt on his watch.

It even makes him sound ever so slightly more grown up, just because of the level of conviction buried in there amongst the pain that's made him need to promise this. Her request for him to sleep goes unheeded now that some cracks are forming in his calm.]

I'm tired of everyone having to be worried and scared all the time, I'm sick of seeing people I care about get hurt or-- or die. Whether it's him or anyone else, I'll fight to protect every last person here so nobody gets hurt any more.

[phaseshifter]

That's... a really admirable thought.

[ The smile's a little warmer now, at least. Albeit still pretty sad. Al, you dear sweet innocent child. :C ]

I hope you succeed. This place is in desperate need of a hero. Maybe it's you.

[armoured]

[He's not innocent any more, that's the problem. He's seen so much death, both home and here, that he can't handle seeing any more. He knows it's an impossible promise logically, but he has to try.]

There are a lot of heroes here.

[Snowhell is the land of hero complex.]

I'm sorry, you just wanted directions to food and I-- sorry.

[phaseshifter]

No, no! I wanted to help! And if listening helps, I'm happy to do it. I understand.

[ She completely fails to resist the urge to briefly hug her tablet, because she is a fucking dork. Hopefully Al can tell what she's doing, or it's going to look like she's just really eager to show him her glowy chest tattoo. ]

You get to a point where you just can't let terrible things keep happening to people, no matter what it costs you. I get it. Don't be sorry.

[armoured]

[It takes him a second or two of the bizarre new camera angle before he realises what she's doing, and it's so absurd and thoughtful that it actually loosens one of the knots of grief a little.

He even chuckles, it's weak and quiet, but it's genuine.]

Thanks.

[For understanding, for being so sweet. He should probably clarify further, or say something that isn't a dumb one word response, but he can't find the words right now.]

[phaseshifter]

No, that's - you're welcome. And I'm sorry for getting mad. Before.

[ She's not totally sorry. BUT SHE IS KINDA. Pls don't get chopped up into scrap metal, friendo. ]

[armoured]

I guess we're both just a little wound up at the moment.

[Her because of mysterious Dad issues, and him because of corpse Ed issues.]

[phaseshifter]

Yes. Are you not getting enough sleep...?

[ Growing boys need their eight hours, ok. AT LEAST! ]

[armoured]

It's not that, it's--

[He pauses, reluctant to open that wound again when it's still so fresh. But it's not exactly a secret with his post about it yesterday, so...]

--my brother died yesterday.

[phaseshifter]

Oh.

Oh, I'm sorry - I'm sorry. That I was such an a-- a. Such a jerk. You don't have to talk about it, I - I'm so sorry.

[armoured]

No, it wasn't your fault, you didn't know.

[He didn't mean to make her feel guilty.]

You... you actually made me feel a bit better.

[phaseshifter]

I did?

Are you saying you want me to be a big old jerk at you more often?

[ TEASING IS FUN. ]

[armoured]

Yeah, I guess I am.

[He manages a bit more lightness in his voice, and it's very nearly genuine.]

I have to go, we're about to move-- but... but thanks.

[phaseshifter]

Like I said, you're welcome. Let me know if you need to talk.