The Evening Chill [Alec]

What started off as a normal day ended up turning into the worse case of an acid trip Alec had ever been on in his life. First, the strange stars and the sky going wonky. Then strange creatures running amok. Then the ministerpulling out some weird trick to stop it all and some dude on another island trying to start a war. Then the whole headache and talking dog dream. It was nuts and this time he didn’t even have to try something to get the effects of a high or a fall from one. Stuff just happened.

Alec groaned as he struggled to open his eyes. As he did this his mind would struggle to catch up with things.

He remembered being with Patsy when those guards came out at the tower, but feeling quite sick unexpectedly he had decided to get the hell out of dodge before things could get worse. He couldn’t exactly remember how he got back home, the headache he had was so splitting it sought to drive him mad. Somehow blind, stumbling, and in a strange daze he had made it from the tower back to his home. He wasn’t sure, but he could’ve sworn something deep within him had been re-awaken…and in turn acted on its own to protect him. That something was familiar, but why it was so he couldn’t remember…or rather didn’t want to remember. His head was a throbbing mess and about time he reached safety, he was so out of it that all he could do was collapse on..Wait what he lying on or rather in?

A slight struggle again and finally his eyes opened. Blinking sleepily he gave his eyes a moment to focus, but of course without his glasses there was only so much focusing he could really do. Squinting to clear up the blur, he figured that somewhere along the line he had either lost his glasses or taken them off. In either case, they weren’t on his face which was probably a good thing considering where his mind had taken him.

He was in the bathtub, a place he hadn’t used as a resting or hiding place since he was very young. A bit baffled at this occurrence, things only got stranger as he struggled to get out of his uncomfortable “bed”. For one when he tumbled out of the tub, he ended up at the feet of some form of animal? Wait. Wait. He did not have animals living nor stuffed in the bathroom, so what the hell was this?

His eyes narrowed to focus on the black fur of the paws before traveling upwards to take in the sight of a white fox like creature. As his eyes met those icy blue ones, Alec at first simply stared blankly at the creature until slowly recognition sunk in. This creature….the last time he had seen it was a few years back when it had aided him in getting away from his birth place. After that day, he had thought the creature had settled into a deep slumber, but now it was back. Was it because of what had occurred? Or had it just decided to come out to say hi?

It was indeed strange to see his shadow after so many years, but going with it, Alec would give it a light smirk as he pushed himself to his feet.

“Hey you. Long time no see. What’s up?” he asked his tone light and playful despite the situation. In response to his words the shadow gave out a happy bark as it wagged its tail happily. Shaking his head more amused than disturbed, Alec would pet the creature on the head before making a beeline for the sink where he knew another pair of glasses was located. It took a moment to find the right drawer, but eventually Alec was armed once again with clear vision.

As he was pushing his glasses back on, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. Outside of looking like he was recovering for too much partying (sure felt like it), he didn’t look to bad. Though he would notice two obvious things with a light rise of his eyebrow. Huh…so now his hair and eye color decided to change too? Heh! Well, wasn’t that nice? What was next? Him turning into an alien or something?

Shaking his head amused, he would look down into the white bowl of the sink as he thought for a moment on what to do. Sure, he could’ve done a lot of things in the situation - freak out, despair, rage…yeah those were all applicable here; however, Alec didn’t see the need to do that. Considering how the shit hit the fan all of a sudden, he found being alive a huge plus given the situation. So why ruin such a blessing with foul moods and moping? Sure, the changes were alarming to a degree, but he could manage. It wasn’t harming him and his shadow was like seeing an old friend again, so no issue there. What was an issue was the sudden silence from outside.

He remembered vaguely the minister casting some shield around the island, but the details of it eluded him…probably because he had been knocked out during that time. Hmph. What a time to get knocked out. He had missed something probably vital in that time span, but oh well. It was what it was, wasn’t it? Besides it was not like things were totally lost. He could always do some investigating to figure out what was going on. In fact….

Alec would turn away push away from the sink as he head towards the bathroom exit.

“Come on pup. We’re going outside,” he would say, clearly not listening to the warning to stay inside. Maybe he had missed that too or maybe he simply didn’t care about that warning since he wanted to go out to see the world for himself anyway. Sure, Patsy might get mad with him later, but then again maybe not. After all, she seemed focused on doing her own thing, so he would focus on doing whatever it was he was suppose to be doing.


One minute of careful observation from the safety of his house’s doorway allowed Alec the moment he needed to gauge just how safe it was to go outside. With no random creatures in sight and everyone pretty much locked up inside, Alec stepped out into the ruined streets of the city. Outside of a few people scrambling to get back inside, it seemed like he was the only one actually coming out on the streets.

It was an odd scene to be sure, but one he simply put in the back of his mind as he began to walk with his shadow at his side. At first he had intended to investigate, but the more he walked along the mostly quiet streets, the more he began to admire the beauty of the city and place investigating on a back burner. Sure, he didn’t forget this was a danger zone or anything like that it was just that now with no people getting in the way, he could actually observe the true majesty of the place. So with leisurely steps he would continue to take in the city not really paying much attention or really caring as to where he was going at the moment. His walk would lead him to the park eventually and it was at this park, he was distracted from his observations.

Hm?

There on a bench with a white cat on his lap was a strange guy. Now, a normal person would probably avoid the guy based on his looks, but Alec? Nope, he didn’t care about looks at all. All he cared about was that there was someone else out here after all this chaos, so maybe if said person was friendly they could chat a bit or something. Whatever would happen, Alec would go with the flow on this one as he decided to approach the guy to test the waters. The conversation would begin like this:

“Well, well decided to take a walk too?” he would ask and then pausing, he gave the other a friendly smile as he rubbed the back of his head. “Heh. Sorry if disturbed ya. But you see, I didn’t think to find someone else out here after all that has happened.”

Alec would finish his words friendly and open despite the rather odd situation they were in.

Alec’s eyebrows would rise with light curiosity as he heard the man’s words.

“Oh, you make a walk sound like a bad thing,” he would say the smile and friendly nature never leaving him. The comment was a light poke because to be honest, he had days he didn’t want to walk home or do anything himself. Sometimes, it was much easier to do something else or find a convenient place to crash than make the effort to go to the familiar. A bad thing? Maybe, but it had never harmed him before, so he supposed it was alright in the end, but his mind was going off the path, wasn’t it?

Light hearted pokes aside, he would become slightly more serious with his next question. “You don’t live around here do ya?” he would ask as he observed the other for a moment. While he didn’t know every living person on this island, he had a good memory for remembering details and if he and this one had met before, he was sure he wouldn’t forget him. Even passing in the streets someone like this guy wouldn’t be forgotten so easily. He just had some details that kind of made him unique in comparison to the average Joe.

“Oh good,” Alec would say in relief before taking the words as an invite of a sort. One that was saying it was okay to continue to be there. “Well then if you don’t mind, I am gonna sit right here, k?” he said indicating the end of the bench closest to himself before actually moving to sit. Depending on where the man was on the bench would determine how Alec approached this situation.

If the guy was dead center, then he would hesitate to see if he moved before sitting. If he didn’t move well then, Alec would remain standing for a while longer not wanting to invade the guy’s space like that just yet. They didn’t know each other and while it might be okay for him to be the space invader to a friend, a stranger might not appreciate it. Sure he could test the waters, but why do that right off the bat. Ruined the fun of getting to chat with folk, you know?

If the guy was just sitting on the opposite end of the bench, then Alec would settle on the bench easily as Chrystill moved to lay at his feet. Sitting or standing was kind of irrelevant at this point since either way Alec would remain relaxed and open towards the other. The guy seemed cool enough, so he didn’t think he had to worry and so wouldn’t unless something happened to change his mind.

“Mmm. You can go toe-to-toe with those creatures, then?” Alec would ask with a slight tilt of his head quite curious what gave the other such confidence in the situation…though he had a hunch that this one wasn’t quite normal. It wasn’t just the looks about him that made Alec feel this way. No…there was something else about the man that pulled at strings in his memories. Memories of darkness…Could this one be…? Hmph. Alec would push that thought on a back burner for now.

“Hm? Me? Well, I guess you can say I am not a good listener. As soon as I heard the sound out here die down, I had to come out. Probably not smart, but hey can’t check out things if you stay cooped up inside now, can you?” he would say with a grin. Besides he needed fresh air after the crash he had. Needed to clear out his head.

In any case, violet eyes looked around the area from behind his red rimmed glass his playful nature settling a bit at the calmness of it all. “Have to be honest though, it is kind of weird seeing these places so empty. Still the quiet is kind of nice even if the circumstances to get it, aren’t great,” he would finish as he wondered how long San Marlaus would stay like this --Locked down and at a supposed peace. Were they really safe?

Alec would take in his answer easily enough as his eyes narrowed slightly with a smirk.

“Maybe just a little,” Alec said as he raised his left hand using his index and thumb to emphasis the amount he spoke of. The space was barely visible as he grinned at the other playfully enough; however, the play would die down when he heard the rest of what was said and nodded. “Reasons, huh? I see,” he would say as he folded his arms observing the other for a bit. He was tempted to ask about said reason, but being respectful of personal space for now, he would decide against it. Even if the guy’s tone suggested he was unbothered by the question, Alec always had rules he played when dealing with strangers.

He would let out a light whistle as he heard where the other came from.

“Penecia, huh? That is quite the trek. Did you walk all the way here then or were you able to catch a train before they went down?” Alec asked curious about the other just because that was honestly how he was. As long as a person wasn’t pushing him away or he wasn’t stepping on toes, the young man had a habit of chatting with complete strangers. Sometimes the meetings were nice and at others it was not. Even so, he still took any chance given to at least speak with someone because he felt that even if it was just a moment, that one meeting could actually do something for a person the long run. Too optimistic? Maybe, but he preferred that over always thinking badly of people or being so cautious one couldn’t speak. Sure, there were risks, but then again risks was just part of life, weren’t they?

Wandering thoughts aside, Alec would give the other an appreciative nod before easily settling onto the bench, his behavior remained relaxed as he slouched slightly on the bench as Chrystill settled at his feet. He seemed to not have a care in the world at this point, but was that really true? Or was the relaxed air a front for caution? A hard thing to answer and something that Alec’s behavior would not lend a hand to. He was going to do as he wanted and the other involved could do what they wanted with their perceptions of him. Opinions, while important in some cases, did not make him anything more or less than what he was. He was himself and that was the end of the story.

When the other gave the amused smile, Alec didn’t even flinch at the fangs as he watched the other with lopsided smirk. He was quite amused at this one’s confidence and while he didn’t say it out loud, the smile was kind of cute and made the whole ordeal that much more pleasing to deal with.

“My, my and here I thought I actually had something to worry about with all the trouble they were causing earlier,” he would say his tone and attitude playful as he looked over at the other from the corner of his eye. Sure, he played, but just because he did so did not mean he was unaware or underesitmating those creatures that had come. No, he was sure there was something worse within that group and that by some miracle for the moment they were being spared whatever wrath said worseness had in store for them. Even so, he never liked to be a downer in situations. He perferred to simply adapt. In any case, he would become more serious with his next statement as he looked at the other fully.

“Still, I must say I am impressed you can talk that way. You have something at your back that gives you such confidence?” A casual question that pried a bit at the other that had Alec’s full attention at the point. The white haired young man would let some time pass to allow for an answer before he was chuckling at what the other said.

“I think you’re the first to see the move as bold. Most of the time people see me as reckless; however, I get your point and you don’t have to worry too much about me. I don’t travel alone and if I do get cornered, well I have my own ways of getting out of it. I've kind of been digging myself into holes for a while now, so I can get myself out of them most of the time. Also I don’t see a reason to stop what I do even with killer demons all around. Don’t get me wrong, I am not out here being lose and all, but I honestly cannot live bound up only knowing what a radio or some person on TV is telling me. I find it better to live and learn than hide out and wait for someone else to do all the learning for ya. You feel me?” Alec would ask as he gave the other a light frown not sure he was making sense or not.

He didn’t understand why he felt like he needed to expand upon his view of things, but he just did. After all this was one topic he felt a bit strongly about. He was not going to be a cagebird again. Ever. Even if the world fell to ruin, he would still walk the earth and face it. He would survive...like he always did.

Meow.

The sound of the cat drew Alec’s attention away from his grimmer thoughts as he looked over at it with a small smile, he would look up at the other about to change the subject, but stopped himself as he observed the look on the other’s face. He was smiling yes, but….

Alec would give a light hum as he looked up at the strange colored sky beyond the barrier. “That is a hard peace to come by, but then again it's that sort of happy ending that keeps me going,” Alec would say his tone serious for once as he became silent for a moment lost in thought; however, he would look back at the other, the smile returning slightly as he was asked the question.

“A pet? Nah. She's more like a friend rather than a pet,” he said as he reached down and patted the creature on the head as she looked up at the pair. She would fold her ears back enjoying the attention for the moment. “You won't find any like her around here or else where. She is one of a kind and while it may seem strange to say it, she is kind of a piece of myself in a way. Her name is Chrystill and I am Alec by the way. Kind of forgot to introduce myself earlier. What’s your name?” he would say his words vague in one spot for a reason. If this guy knew what he was talking about, then he’d catch the meaning underneath it all; however, if he was just somewhat normal person, then this would probably only mean that himself and the animal had a good relationship with each other. “Is the cat yours?”

The question was simple enough as Alec became quiet petting his friend for a bit more as he fell into a silence, lisitening for answers and to the world around them. He would allow time to pass for any answers or conversations started before he would lean back in on the bench and fold his hands behind his head looking up at the sky.

“Neh...Tell me something. Why are you sad? Is something bothering you?”

The question was a soft and seemingly out of the blue one, but it was a sign Alec had taken note of the sadness underneath the smile from earlier. Sure, it might not be any of his business, but if he could at least levitate some of the burden, then he would try even if the other was a stranger. And why would he do that? Well the answer was simple, he simply cared about others and knew from experience that being left alone with the shit in life was the one of the worse fates in life...

However, Alec also understood that he could not force this upon anyone. Nah, it was up to the other if he wanted to accept that offer or not.

Well, well. This guy could actually take a poke or two. What a welcome change up from people who took his light-hearted nature as mockery or sarcasm. He honestly didn’t understand why some got so uptight over little things. Wasn’t the blood pressure and stress levels already high in the world? Why add onto it by blowing fire at nothing? It was a strange response from most he encountered in the past. He couldn’t figure out if he just had bad luck with people or if he was actually doing something that warrant the anger. So he was always left a bit confused since the other problem was that people blew up, but never had the curtsy to tell you what you did to make them go off. One can’t exactly learn from that sort of behavior and yet the world seemed to believe one could; however, this guy went with the flow making it easy for Alec to breathe and remain relaxed around him. Good. No unnecessary drama. He already had his fill of that in life.

In any case, the easy smile would remain as Alec closed his eyes with a nod.

“Heh. To think we’d have that common,” he would say in easy tones being able to relate to the situation due to the fact that he too lived alone in life. He could understand the freedom that such a life gave, but at the same time understood well the burdens it could leave sometimes too. Thus why he preferred to get out and interact with others rather than stay locked up. It made the burden easier to bare and it stopped him from going insane from being stuck inside so long. In any case, unless there was a reason to draw out the subject, Alec would leave that particular conversation with his comment for the time being.

Violet eyes would reopen and shift towards the other as he spoke of his walk here.

“Oh wow. You actually managed to get here before the barrier came down. Well, that is cool. At least someone from the outside is here. So…how was it looking on your end?” he would asked with a raised eyebrow. Sure, Alec could’ve pulled at various points from what he heard, but instead of aiming for the trivial, he aimed to stay on topic. Besides, he was curious what happened at the other islands. After all, he was stuck in here for the moment and while he was eager to see the outside world, he much rather know what he was facing than wander outside blind. This guy seemed to be a possible outlet for such information, so he would poke a little to see what he knew….like any normal person in this situation should be doing.

However, he guess people didn’t like to take up arms or figure things out when others were telling them to sit back and let them take care of the problem...at least on this front. Speaking of arms…what about the people trapped outside? Were they flocking to that guy that was asking them to take a stand?

Hmph. Another problem for another day, he supposed. Right now he would focus on the other with him.

“Only one? Man, wish we had been that lucky. It was looking like the end of the world for a moment there,” Alec said as he looked around the park. While it was empty now, there were still remains of the chaos that had once resided here. It hadn’t been a pretty sight, but despite all that somehow they managed to hang on and survive for the moment. He wasn’t sure what would happen if a second attack happened, but for now the young man was glad for the calm.

“Hm? What do you mean by that?” Alec asked a bit confused. Was this guy saying that he had some secret weapon at his back or was he saying he literally just fought nail and tooth to survive? The wording was vague and confusing, thus the question. Outside of wanting some clarification, Alec wouldn’t pry too much into the wording. Sure, this guy could be something special considering his looks and what not, but at the same time Alec did not see the need to start throwing theories or judgments around based on a few vague words that could mean anything. That sort of thinking got one nowhere these days.

To the next set of words, Alec would give a light sort of amusement.

“Finally someone who actually gets where I am coming from. It is a pain in the butt always getting chewed out or frowned at just because I am out of the box. Still understanding or not, I don’t hate them for the judgment. I just think most don’t want to take the chance with the unknown. It is safer with the familiar, right?” he would say with the faintest of grins.

People were a strange affair for the young man who was viewed as a fool by the majority simply because he had a different approach on life than others. He had gone through so many moments of people trying to stuff him in the box, but in the end failing, they would become unnecessarily naggy or rude. He didn’t understand why everyone wanted him to “blend in” all the time. It wasn’t like he was killing or hurting anyone, so what was the big deal?

It was a sore subject in his life, so having someone actually acknowledge and accept that aspect of him without any flack? That….that was a breath of fresh air. This stranger didn’t realize just how much of a difference that made for the young man.

When the subject changed Alec would give a light sigh as he leaned forward resting arms on his legs as he thought about that.

“Well, let’s see here. The only clear thing I can remember was that a friend of mine and some others were trying to get into the tower around here to speak with the minister about this stuff going on. I would’ve gone with her, but my body decided it didn’t want to take any more of the world, so I had to pull out of that one. I just hope that my friend is alright. Seemed security was coming out of no where to defend the place though....” Alec would raise a hand to take off his glasses making the world a blur once more. His free hand would reach up to rub his eyes. While he didn’t say it out loud he was a bit concerned about Patsy and that group. Did they make it in the tower? Or had something else happened…? He wanted to believe they were okay, but…

As grim thoughts started to crop up, Alec would shake his head to clear it before squinting his eyes to look up at the other.

“How about you?” he would ask doing his best to keep his concern hidden underneath a light smile; however, the observant would be able to see through that front easily enough. Still he didn’t want to burden another with his own problems, so he opted to move forward rather than linger in worry. He'd have plenty of time to do that when he was alone.

From there, Alec would fall silent only speaking a bit when they were focusing on peace; however, the vague answer given left much to be desired and perhaps other people would’ve latched onto this and even attacked it; however, Alec would do no such thing. He was fine with the vagueness seeing it as an unspoken opinion that was not necessarily one to dig into unless the other wanted to go further with the topic. From the answer though, the other seemed to want it leave it there for the moment, so respecting that Alec would not go poking and prodding where none was needed.

Staying in his own thoughts for the moment, the man would give the other an amused smirk as he heard the answer given in regards to the whole friend bit. While it still proved nothing as far as what the guy knew, he found it interesting how this one chose not to barrage in on his business and instead just leave the topic in vagueness for the moment. Heh. So this one didn’t jump all over every bit information given either? Nice, very nice. Personal space was a nice plus considering how pushy or invasive others could be in such situations. And would you look at that? He was giving due respect to his companion. Now how could one hate on such manners?

“The pleasure is all ours,” Alec said as he tucked away the name for the time being. His words may have been spoken in a laid back manner; however, they rang true all the same. He was appreciating this change up in the usual company he came across in the world.  Sure, it made some spots difficult and silences came left and right; however, he much rather that over constantly explaining things or even worse being left to wonder if others even listened to him as they imposed their own views upon him, but never stopped to consider his.

Sure the behavior of the other could be seen as closed off, but for Alec it felt more like acceptance rather than trying to push someone away. Going with the flow so to speak. He liked that quality about this one and it only made him curious to know more about him rather than have the bitter after taste of knowing too much right off the bat. One step at a time right?

"A stray, huh? Pretty friendly for a stray. Is your cat this nice too?" Alec asked looking down at the cat that looked back at him with the cutest face he'd seen to date. He was tempted to pet it, but resisted the urge he moved his eyes away from that furball a few moments later. Meanwhile, Chrystill would remain quietly watching the scene and area around them.

A moment of silence would fall between them before Alec would take a step into an unknown and rather tricky territory with his next question. Bracing himself for the worse if he did indeed step on a landmine, he would place his glasses back on and meet the puzzled expression with a calm even one as for a moment he left himself exposed. While his facial expression bared nothing, his eyes easily spoke out to the ones that could read people. Without words, he was telling the other he wasn’t trying to pry and if he wanted him to back off then he would, but still the door was open if he wanted to talk. He honestly just wanted to help even if they were strangers.
When the other asked his question, the features on Alec’s face became softer as he gave the other a small smile of his own. A smile of simply knowing.


Respecting the other’s wish to not know an answer, Alec would remain quite keeping an expression of sympathy rather than out right worry on his face. This guy kind of reminded him of himself in some regards. They both seemed to try to smile even when something was eating them alive. He wondered if this one too suffered the same fate of the world buying that smile and never stopping to ask what was wrong or even offer a hand in troubling times.

Whether he did or not, Alec understood the need to have some form of outlet for the pain that was held within. Keeping it bottled up never ended well. Being one who kind of lived on the bottle up path he could detect these small details on someone even when they were trying to hide the emotions because in the end, he knew how to look behind the smile for truth due to the fact he used the same technique to hide his own troubles. In any case, he would give the guy his space to think and when the other spoke he would listen.

“I see... Well, I may not be the best fit for this deal, but if you want to try talking it out, I am all ears for you guy. It might help to get rid of some of the weight off your chest,” Alec said as he watched the other with a gaze that held no lies. Maybe he was about to get chewed out or maybe he was getting into something that was too deep for his own good, but he’d face the consequences when they decided to rear their heads.

For now, he was simple going to be there for someone that seemed to be hurting….

“Mhmm,” Alec would hum, his mood still relatively good in the situation. When he heard the comment about age, he would look over at the other with a small smirk of amusement on his face.

“Oho? And how old are you? And from there how old do you think I am?” he would respond back, more amused than anything that such a thought had been brought up. It made him curious why the other was pondering age in the first place. Did it seem out of place for him to be on his own based on his looks? Or was the man digging at something else? Maybe the question was a wandering curiosity of his own that he wanted answered. Regardless of why it had been asked or even it was meant to be added onto, the fact remained that the man had tossed a peculiar bait out there that Alec couldn’t help but nibble at. Besides, it wasn’t like the man had thrown up a wall to stop such a response, so Alec went with it and waited to see how it played out.

Following that conversation, Alec would chuckle a while later as the other somewhat mistranslated his word choice. “Eh? Cool wasn’t for the walk itself, but more like a way of saying I am glad you made here safe without all the words,” Alec would tell the other with a sheepish grin before he was becoming serious again.

His arms would cross as he let out a light "tsk" at the news of the outside situation.

“Hmph. All heading to one spot, huh? Well that is never good news,” he would grumble as he looked off to the side pondering which island they may be heading to…and yet having a feeling he might already know. They would more likely head to the place where the most people were right?….And if people outside were scared would they not go to the guy calling for a the rally? And would the demons or what not follow? “What a pain in the ass…” Alec muttered unintentionally voicing his annoyance with the situation. Sure, he was no master of supernatural things or some experienced warrior; however, he knew how it felt to be the one that had no power trying to survive in a world out to get ya. He had felt that way two years ago and now this…Lovely.

In any case, he would shake his head as he pushed those thoughts on the back burner. No use bothering with them now, especially when he had no plan as to what to do about the problem in the first place. He’d need to think that one out during the calm period to move forward or at least be somewhat prepared when the storm rolled in. It was a lot to consider and to be honest it was giving him a headache. Not a good thing considering he was still recovering from the effects of his crash.

“Mm. Well, if you don’t feel like then don’t do it. To be honest, I am voting for a nice meal before nap time,” Alec would say his tone light-hearted once more. It appeared this one either didn’t care about the situation and was mocking it or he had a peculiar way of dealing with stress in a fashion that did not involve over thinking, whining, or grasping at straws when there was literally nothing to go on. Sure, this calm would probably end; however, he wouldn’t be wasting time on the trivial when he could use the time instead to rest and prepare. Regardless of why Alec acted the way he did, one thing was for certain: he wasn’t one to push subjects any further than the other chatting with him wanted it to go. The guy already said he was stressed, so why add onto it? Isn’t stressing out people how arguments and what not started in the first place? Not the big ones that came with simply knowing a person or disagreement, but rather the petty ones that liked to leave annoying stings after they were done. Ya-Nope. He wasn’t down for that on a good day let alone on a day when all hell decided to break loose.

Anyway, Alec would tilt his head at the other as he heard a huff come from him and then following that words. As Alec took the words in as he frowned lightly.

“I thankfully didn’t have to encounter those creatures head on, but now that you say that, I recall something odd in the damages to this place. While a lot of this is minor, there are some places that look like a different form of war had taken over it. The one I recall seeing damaged quite a bit was the church. Not sure if it was targeted for what it stood for or if it was targeted because the creature was after something inside. It’s kind of strange, but that is the case. Also when the barrier went up, the demons here scattered, so I am not sure if they too are going to where all the others are going…” he would trail off not really wanting to tread that path any further. The more he pondered the end result, the more worried he became about what would happen if his hunch was true. How many lives would be destroyed because of that…?

Unable to hide his nerves, he would bite at left thumb nail absentmindedly for a moment before becoming distracted by the end of the world comment.

“Hmph,” he would let the small amused sound out as he let his hand drop to his lap. “I honestly don’t want to find out…and yet I have a feeling this time around I won’t be able to hide out. Guess I am really going to have to fight this round…” he would say not really liking that idea. Yes, two years ago things got really bad and for a moment it did appear to be a bleak end; however, he was one of the few that was able to breathe easy once the storm had passed. He didn’t have to go into the storm, but now?

“…”

Alec was quite as he stared at some undefined spot ahead as his left finger tapped nervously against his leg. Yeah, he admitted he was scared of the possibilities before them each looking grimmer than the last, but at the same time he wasn’t going to run either and thankfully, he had a distraction to keep him from going too far in the deep end of that ugly pool too…even if it still lurked in the back of his mind.

The distraction came in the form of a response to his earlier inquiry about the man’s rather confusing words. He had begun to explain, but then trailed off causing Alec to give him a perplex look as there was a brief moment of silence between the pair. A stretch of time that maybe Alec would’ve question if not only a second before hand, another voice came out of the other.

Alec’s eyes would widen in shock, his jaw dropping slightly in surprise as he witnessed the conversation. This was the last thing, he had expected. This guy….he was--

“H-Huh?” Alec blinked a bit disoriented from the curve ball thrown as he sat on other end of the bench frozen for a bit as he mind whirled. To think there was actually another here. Where did this one come from then? Chrystill’s bark would finally unfreeze him. The fox like creature was wagging her tail as she sat up looking over at Sharaku. She was responding to the other side of the man before him. Seemed she was happy to find another being in her position. Interesting…

Alec would shake his head to recompose himself as he looked the man up and down observing him a new light before he was…grinning? Yes, grinning.

“Well, hello there and who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?” Alec would say his tones as open and a friendly as if he was simply talking to another person. He would be silent for a bit to let the other speak if he wished. When that was done, violet eyes would move to meet golden ones. “I must admit I was expecting something quite different out the explanation, but it is nice to at least know we are perfectly square now,” Alec said as he looked at the other with high amusement dancing within in his eyes. It seemed the reveal had caused a barrier between them to be lifted slightly as Alec surprisingly settled back into his spot. He wasn’t running or panicking about this. And to be frank he didn’t find it odd either, but why this was the man would not say as he let actions speak for him. He would test just how perceptive this one was. After all, it did not take a rocket scientist to put two and two together right?

Anyway…

“You know, if the world understood that, I think we’d get along so much better,” Alec would with a light laugh as he looked at the other with an approving gaze. “I have nothing against change, but that whole change according to so-so or this rule thing? Forget it. I’d happily join you on the no box for life boat. Sure, the path is harder, but the reward is so much nicer in my opinion,” he would say his mood seemingly much better than earlier when it was becoming gloomy.

However, things took a slight shift when the tower was brought up.

“Memories?” Alec repeated as he gave the other a quizzical look for a few seconds before he was looking away from the other as he heard his next set of words. “You really think that?” Alec asked as he contemplated what was said. Sure, there were others there with Patsy, but… he had to wonder even with power and knowledge of the past would they still be okay? It was a question, he hoped would be answered with a solid yes in time. In any case...

“Thanks for the thought though.” He would look back at the other with a small smile and a nod of appreciation. While he was still concerned, he did appreciate the guy’s effort in the given situation. It was a nice gesture and kind of help levitate some the pressure the thoughts left him with.

However, the small moment would past as the other actually began to show signs of displeasure. To his words, Alec face would crumple into a small frown.

“Yeah…” Alec said his tones quiet as he ponder the situation at hand. It was indeed similar to what happened last time, but on a much more escalated scale. While he did not fight last time, it was still cringe worthy to think that the islands were getting a repeat of the same bad wash from last time, but why?
Alec would ponder this for a moment before he was smiling again. “But hey even if things are bad, I think we’ll be alright if we can actually pull together and figure this thing out before it blows,” Alec said trying his best to put some faith in humans and their ability to over come troubles and survive once more. Trying to see the silver lining in the ever darkening clouds. In any case, he was trying to ease the gloom here, but how well the other took that? Well that was yet to be seen.

In any case, the conversations from there were light and flowed at their own pace giving a nice break between small silences here and there. When the subject shifted to cats, Alec would grin at the other as he spoke of his cat being a devil.

“Heh. Then I guess I wasn’t too wrong in being cautious of them,” Alec would say as his eyes studied the cat for a few moments before looking away as he gave a light nod at the others words. “No joke. They certainly carry a lot of perks that humans don’t,” Alec would say his tone light hearted despite the truth of the matter. Animals just accepted you for who you were and while sometimes they could be a pain in the neck….literally, at least they didn’t carry the stressful drama of humans. So yes they were nice…if one could really handle the loneliness that came with that sort of life style….

As if following his train of thoughts on the subject of human drama, the conversation decided to take a turn down an alley that even Alec wasn’t fully expecting to go down. The shift in subject matter was heavy, but something Alec took nonetheless as he listened to the other.

He would give the other a soft smile as he made a joke of the situation. “Well even therapist need a break from the job. So this one is on me,” he would respond to the other easily bouncing off the air the other was giving off. Under normal circumstances, Alec knew how to deal with these sort of situations. He had a card to adapt to the situation handed to him; however, this guy was a bit different than the usual cards he was dealt. He couldn’t predict this one and most certainly had no cards ready for what was thrown out..and maybe it was this out of placeness this guy caused that made Alec want to stay and genuinely help him out even if he had knew nothing about the guy. Or maybe it was some other factor completely. Whatever the reason was, Alec would stay where he was and hear out the other.

“Mmm. People have the tendency to do that when you care too much about them or seem too nice. They just run about doing their own thing, pretending to make you happy before hoping off to the next shiny thing, It makes for a miserable existence for those of us that are left behind. I had thought I was the only one with such terrible luck in the world, but here you are. The same boat with a different paint job….” Alec would say as he stared ahead for a moment in quiet thought. It was kind of odd finding someone similar to himself in the world….and yet at the same time kind of nice. Even if this meeting was just a one time thing, at least the weight of the world felt lighter knowing at least someone was like himself out there. At least this is how it made him feel. He couldn't speak for the other.

A light snort would come from Alec as he turned his head and looked up over his glasses at the other.

“It might weird you out considering we just met, but…I can’t exactly let you fall by yourself now that you’ve told me that. Call it selfish or simply a twisted love for pain, but…I can’t help worrying about other people’s well being, stranger or not. I rather see someone happy than sad. The same applies to you too...” He would trail off as he rubbed the back of his head. He was not sure if he was making sense to the other or not at this point…

Alec’s amused air would remain after he had asked his question about age. While it was unsure why he found such a small question amusing, it could be said that the guy simply liked the idea of small game in this chat. Sure, he couldn’t draw this one out like some of his more elaborate plays, but the small opening was there. The only thing that could truly ruin this was if the other party decided he did not wish to play. Thankfully even after some thought the dark haired man next to him decided to answer his question to which the white haired young man raised his eyebrows slightly, his grin shifting to an admiring smirk.

“Oho. Good eye. You’re the first almost hit the nail almost directly on the head. Most say that I look way younger than that,” he would say with an amused chuckle before becoming serious once more. “I am 22 to be exact,” the young man would say not exactly trying to add onto anything, but rather giving the age out due to the fact the man had told his. It was fair trade. Simple as that.

In any case, the conversation would move from age to the topic of word play. At the guy’s blink and apology, Alec would wave his hand in the air dismissing the topic. “Nah. You’re good. I’ll just work on being less lazy in my word choice,” he would say with a playful wink as he reflected on the situation a bit. Maybe he had simply hung around the kids of this day too long and in turn had caught onto their lingo seeing it as the norm. You kind of forgot just how many ways one could translate a word when everyone around you seemed to translate the various meanings more or less accurately depending on the context of the conversation. Ah well. If it happened again, Alec was more than happy to untangle any confusion he caused if it was necessary. If it wasn’t necessary, he would simply roll with the ball as he always did.

Things would pass on easily enough; however, the subject would take a turn for the darker subjects a few moments later as the current situation was brought front and center. While Alec heard the others first statement he didn’t respond right away since he had been pondering the what ifs of the demons heading to one place. It wasn’t until he was asked a direct question that Alec would look over at the man next to him, his nervous biting of his nail ending at that point.

“Well, yes. Although worried is an understatement to how I actually feel,” he said as he glanced at the other before taking a breath and letting it out slowly to calm himself once more. “Regardless, I’ll simply have to do what I gotta do in the situation, so it’ll be alright in the end.” Alec would give the other a light smile as he tried his best think positive and move the worry away from himself. Sure this stuff was nerve-wrecking, but then again wasn’t all new games with unknown variables the same way? Just like before he’d simply have to adapt and to be honest…he didn’t want the guy next to him worrying about him. He was sure the guy had other problems on his mind just from what he had heard. Why burden him with another?

When the other gave a laugh at the lap comment, Alec felt himself relax a bit more as the situation seemed to pull itself out the dark hole a bit further. At the other’s words, he would nod. “Mhm. A good sleep can help ya think better. Speaking of which,” he would pause as he looked over at the other with a serious expression. “You said you lived on the other island, so do you have a place here to stay? I ask because if you don’t, I do have a spare room back home I can lend ya. Now don’t flip out about that or anything, I honestly lend out the spare rooms to people if they need them is all,” he said as he left the offer on the table.

Yeah, his open door policy could take people for a loop and even make some think that he was stupid for allowing complete strangers into his home rent free; however, Alec didn’t mind the risk associated with the deal. Sure, he had a few knuckle heads that had pushed their luck in the past, but on the other hand said knuckle heads didn’t come back for second rounds either. In a nutshell, he knew how to handle the risk should they rear their ugly heads. In any case, the offer was there since he didn’t see an issue with this stranger. His instincts weren’t telling him he was trouble, so why no offer? Now, how the other reacted to that was yet to be seen, so…yeah. Well whatever happened there would happen. Where were we? Oh yes…demons.

“That is a bit unnerving when put that way, well at least said power got rid of the problem, so I can only hope whatever own said power will still fight for the people rather than against them…” the young man would reply in a contemplative tone before falling silent for a bit; however, his silence would end as he let out a snort to the last comment.

“Yeah that isn’t happening unless…someone has some serious fire power that can wipe masses out,” Alec said the words a half-hearted joke thanks to the grim reality of it all. He honestly couldn’t poke too much at that one when there was a very real possibility that someone could do such a thing. After all the minister showed the power to repel the creatures, so what was stopping her or someone else revealing that they could suddenly blast all those creatures away? It wasn’t a happy thought, but it came and went anyway as the conversation continued.

“As much as would like to take the easy route out of this, I simply cannot. I am not good with having things go all out control like this. I could barely handle the last event without going mad from simply being unable to do much to even attempt to face it. As for luck, well I am not sure if I can trust it as much when this sort of thing is in play,” he said rubbing the back of his head as with a sheepish grin. Unlike regular games, he didn’t have control of the variables this round and that made the game that much more perplexing and tricky. It was stressful, but at the same time Alec loved it. Loved it even more when he saw that he could potentially do something this round to counter it…. Anyway…

“Don’t know, but I am not going to let my mind focus on that too much either. If something does rear its ugly head, I’ll simply adapt to it and face it if necessary. Until then, I think I’ll just have to sharpen skills at this game of cat and mouse. Do what I can to live and help others. It’s the least I can do…” he would say as he looked off to the side thinking. Yeah…he did not like the situation, but he figured that unlike last time where he had no choice, but to hide out this round he would simply have to put on his big boy pants and buck up to it. Love it or not, dying, moping, and waiting to be destroyed was not part of the objective for this new game…

In any case, Alec would tilt his head at the slight smirk he got from the other as he reacted to the sound of two voices coming from the other. It was a disorienting event that took a moment for him to recover from properly; however, as he struggled to regain composure Chrystill would react to the voice heard as she wagged her tails.

When the other reached out to her, the fox crouched down slightly to sniff at the outstretched hand and then seeming to be pleased with whatever she smelt there, she would lift her head so that it was right within the man’s hand. She was allowing him to pet her? Now that was interesting. The last time that had happened was when his brother was still alive. Outside of his siblings and himself, the shadow didn’t allow anyone to touch her. Huh. Guess the guy really was a similar case to him after all.

This somewhat confirmation of facts allowed the white haired male to relax as he felt no need to hide at least that aspect of himself from the other any longer. They were in the same boat and thus he let a bit of his natural self come out as the conversation unfolded.

To the response from both the shadow and the man, Alec would give a chuckle of amusement at the whole ordeal. “Well then it is a pleasure to meet you,” he would say to the shadow before his eyes moved to lock on Sharaku’s, his amusement still high.

“Circles, huh? Alright I can handle that,” he said keeping the subject just as vague as the other did. He wasn’t sure if the other got his square comment or not, but he figured if he could play with words like that then maybe he did. Honestly it was up in the air as far as interpretations went. They both had decided to remain vague playing off what was heard rather than actual facts. A futile and maybe frustrating process for some, but for Alec, he kind of like the game of vagueness they played. It kept him on his toes and also gave him something to poke at a later time. For now, he was okay with not knowing everything and as long as the other party was cool with that too, he didn’t see the need to pry further at the moment.

Quite content, he would clasp his hands behind his head as he continued to relax on the bench as he let out a faint hum to the first set of words. Yeah, the world wasn’t kind and to be honest some had it worse than others, but even still they had to make the best of it right? As for that second set of words, Alec would look over at Sharaku with a smirk.

“You say that as if I wasn’t already insane myself,” he would poke back playfully. “ ’Sides, it would take quite a bit to do what you are saying. I am actually more tolerant the world thinks I am.” Even if he did like to play with the world that he had been barred from in his younger years, the young man had seen a lot and done much in his brief time on earth and in turn had met many that had drug him across the coals so many times that he was becoming quite numb to the shinanigins most pulled. Honestly, the only way this guy would drive him crazy was if he could top all the drama of his past…an impossible feat considering there was a huge amount that in his past; however, that was not a subject for now.

“Is that so,” Alec would say as he tried to remember the events from the past two years. He couldn’t recall the tower being a hot spot…but then again when you’re more worried about others and saving your own skin those sort of things did not necessarily come to mind, so who knew. “Heh. Kind of ironic that after two years, it becomes a hot spot again,” Alec would say to the other kind of amused that things seemed to roll back on each other like that. So now that the tower was a hot spot once more, did that mean something big would go down there?

Well, Sharaku didn’t seem to think so,

“Well, even so. I am more concerned about people than monsters to be honest, so speaking from no-experience I can’t help, but worry if the folk there won’t tilt the scale in some fashion by approaching the tower like that. Can’t speak for the monsters, but trained humans in large quantities is nothing to scoff at,” Alec said wondering just where his friend was now. Did she get caught or did she actually accomplish what she was aiming to do? Hmmm…a mystery he wouldn’t unlock for the time being.

“Well, if you say so,” Alec would say in response to the guy brushing off the thank you from before. Sure, many things weren’t needed, but out of habit and deep appreciation, the boy had the habit of being polite and expressing thanks when he saw it was the right choice in the situation. His approach to the guy’s encouragement was no different. Still it wasn’t an issue he was about to make an argument out of, so he let it be as nodded with a light frown.

“I would hope folk have wizened up since then even with the peace in play,” Alec said trying to remain hopeful despite the bleak outlook. Still even with hope there, the tone of his voice suggested he wasn’t aiming that hope too high. He understood better than most gave him credit for that these sort of things always had a way of doing their own thing and unfolding in ways that were less than pleasurable. While he did have some faith in humans, he wasn’t going to throw all his eggs in that one basket. Yeah…great stuff. You know what else is great? Cats!

Alec consider the cat sitting on the guy’s lap for a while as he rubbed his chin thought as the white fluff ball began to doze in its spot. It seemed innocent enough.

“I dunno. Never really had cats in the house, so I honestly don’t have anything to go on there. At least that one seems sweet,” Alec would say before he was closing his eyes as he let out a light snort to the comment about human. “Well, humans will be humans and while I will admit they get on my nerves, I don’t think I could live without them. Would make playing a game or two more boring ya know?” Alec would say as he looked over at the other with one eye. A playful smirk was on his face making it hard to tell if he was joking or not. Regardless his attitude seemed to suggest the words weren’t to be taken too seriously.

However, the playful air would end as Alec’s looked over at the guy as he mentioned quitting. He understood that the guy was probably mentally exhausted from all that happened; however, how exhausted he was didn’t sink in until that statement was made. Violet eyes would observe the other carefully for a while before he spoke.

“And yet if given the choice, would you actually do it?” Alec asked as the wind blew in the area tossing his hair over his now serious eyes and glasses. As much as he would love to tell the guy to just do it, he knew better than to careless trample on that sort of ground…especially when it seemed this one was already involved in this stuff pretty deeply. The seriousness wouldn’t end there as the subject turned to being with others. “Perhaps you’re lucky then. At least you don’t have to carry around that sort of pain,” Alec would say as he gave the other a smile that did not reach his eyes. He knew quite well just how heavy loneliness truly was thanks to being around others and watching each time as they left him in some fashion. The events had left a deep hole within him that he couldn’t quite heal…and probably never would at this rate. Maybe he was cursed to be alone or something.

He would stay quiet for a moment before forcing away the glum thoughts and focusing on the other. When he asked his question, Alec blinked as he looked over at the other with a unreadable expression for a few seconds. He was honestly thrown off by that one, but then recovering he would as he looked up at the sky for a moment.

“Well, I dunno yet considering I don’t know you well enough to have the solution at the ready; however,” he would look back at the other. “I am a willing to figure it out…if you let me that is,” Alec said to the other, giving a hint that even though they were strangers he was interest to know more about the guy and see if could really lift that burden of sadness on him. And why did he do that? Well, he kind of liked the challenged posed there….and he was curious to know what hid under the exterior the man presented to the world.

“You used experience to guess, huh? Well, I must say that is something new,” Alec would say, reflecting on the usual guesses. Most people assumed by looks alone that you were this age or that age and then when you busted their bubble and told the truth, they’d give you all sorts of funny faces of disbelief or in some case looks of horror. He wasn’t quite sure why age among other things was one of those topics that caused such reactions, but it was apparently something that wasn’t supposed to be touch, especially with the ladies. It was one of those baffling mysteries of the world for sure, but one he simply rolled with rather than go all deep into it.

Alec would let out a laugh to the set of words that he heard.

“Oh. I haven’t done enough of that already?” he asked playfully as he looked at the other quite amused by his pokes and strange word play. There was an entertaining quality to it all that he did not get from normal people and maybe that was why he felt it was okay to poke back here and there. He wasn’t trying to go overboard with the play like some would if given such an opportunity, but rather he simply played off of what the guy fed him. Granted, he’d stop immediately if the other made it apparent this sort of game annoyed him, but for now Alec saw no signs of this, so maybe he had finally found a good sport for this sort of play.

In any case, his happy air would shift slightly to something more moody when the subject of fear came into play. As that conversation continued on Alec had done his best to play off and hide his nerves, but it seemed the other was a bit more perceptive than he at first assumed. “Heh…” Alec would let out the nervous laugh debating on simply pushing the feeling aside, but then sighing he lost the will to ignore the feeling anymore. “I honestly don’t know. This stuff that is happening is familiar yet kind of new at the same time. Sure, I can plan, but at the end of the day I am just another person fighting for their lives. The only different is that I could potentially do more harm than good in this situation…and it is that reality that rubs me the wrong way. Guess you can say its kind of like being afraid of your own potential. Ironic since I typically don’t question myself, but all this…? It really makes me if in order to survive if I won’t do something I’d regret…” Alec would say leaving the subject there for now. There as a reason for his hesitation that was tied somewhere in the darkness that was his past; however, the young man did not open up on this front with the man and if the other wanted to know more he would have to poke a bit.

After all, Alec would not share personal things with just anyone for multiple reasons. Still the other could give it a whirl if he wanted to. It wasn’t like Alec had shut the door on that completely.

Anyway…

“Man you got some endurance then. Me without sleep is probably just as bad as fighting any monster. I can be a complete beast if I don’t get my zzz…though I wonder with all this mess if I’ll get any good sleep now that I have a reason to be paranoid again,” Alec would say with a light sigh before looking over at the other as he spoke about his sleeping arrangements.

“Well that sucks, but if you really want to stay outside then I won’t stop ya. You just better be something findable in the morning otherwise, I’d be pissed to see my entertainment of the day gone,” he would say his words a light poke though he did have true sincerity under it. Sure the streets were safe now, but who knew when or if something else would get in and while the guy probably had nothing to worry about, it would sure leave him feeling pretty miserable if he knew the guy was hurt or something simply because he did not try harder to get him to go inside. Heh, the beast of a caring heart. In any case, he would respect the other’s wishes and not push the matter further; however, if the guy did need a place to stay then the offer was there should he need it.

“Yeah. Even so I am glad we were lucky this time,” Alec would say with a light frown as he thought about that for a moment. On one hand, it was nice knowing that someone could get rid of said problem, but on the other, Sharaku’s point was valid too. It was true that whatever happened at the church could’ve been for something much more malicious than simply getting rid of a demon. Just as it was also true that said wielder of power could be evil. Even so, Alec chose to think positive rather than negative on the situation. In any case, his words would not be an open door to for arguments. He had his way of looking at things and Sharaku had his own way of seeing the world. Sure the shades they saw in were like night and day, but that was okay. Alec respected the differences of opinions and so did not make a huge fuss just because the other decided to point out less pleasant things in the situation. No. He simply faced them head on rather than try to avoid them with unnecessary banter. Besides it wasn’t like the guy had struck one of his nerves yet, so why flare up?

At the other’s chuckle, Alec would find his smile returning as the other spoke about fighting the masses of demons that had come. “I have no idea if we can count them all,” Alec would begin in thoughtful tones as he thought about the numbers for a second. Then shaking his head, he would continue as he looked up at the other with a grin. “That would be a bold move, but I am glad you’re not the reckless type or the I wanna be hero type either. Don’t me wrong, I would like my peace back; however, I think I’ve lost one too many friends that rushed out to take those roles without thinking. Most of the time…they didn’t come back and the ones that did were never the same. So what a relief I don’t have to worry about that with yet another person. Now I can just worry about my own insanity,” he said to the other his smile never leaving as his mind drifted to the friends that had gone out to fight the problems of the world alone. Heading out onto warzones with no back up, seeking only glory or a thrill…It never ended well. Hell, even on a smaller scale he could use his own experience to back that fact up. How many times had he been burned for doing reckless things? One too many times, no? The only thing different between him and the careless was the fact that he actually learned from his mistakes and did not seek to repeat them. He did not seek out death and the last thing he wanted to do was go out as some glorified hero. Nope. He was fine living as long as he could and in turn hopefully dying peacefully of old age.

“Maybe so, but I am afraid my chance for oblivion died the moment I was brought into this world. I was never given a choice for that sort of life and so don’t even know how not to be involved in stuff. Even back then when this shit happened the first time, I worked my butt off to keep myself and others safe. I had to keep up the hope for the hopeless, but it is heavy burden. Even more so when you know that the hope you give could crumble at any moment. Heh,” he would give the other a sad smile. “I was always good pretending for others, but I could never see the world in shades of bright colors and rainbows. That happens when innocence is stolen too soon.”

So he had opened up to the guy a bit; however, he would not fill in any gaps left in the wake of his words unless poked further. Speaking of which…

“Well, yeah. I can actually. I am not as powerful as you; however, if push comes to shove I have my own ways of lashing out,” he would say the answer seeming as simple as the question. While he wasn’t sure why this relevant to the other, he didn’t exactly see a problem with stating a fact. Besides unless he was poked on the matter, he wasn’t going to elaborate on what he meant.

That topic aside, it seemed that Chrystill was having a good time as she enjoyed the petting as she swished her tail in contentment. She would tilt her head a bit to allow him to pet her under her chin before settling once more on the ground when the petting ended. This time around she chose to lay in the space between them, a sign she was okay with this meeting.

Speaking of good signs, it also seemed the other that resided within the man was polite enough and while Alec was uncertain why Sharaku warned the shadow not to show off, he couldn’t help but smiling in amusement at the whole situation; however, he would only give a nod in turn to the comment fromt he shadow not really speaking until after the circle comment.

“Oh and what is it that you are hoping your circles will bring you?” Alec would ask as he leaned back on the bench and closed his eyes. The question while seemingly out of place was his way of opening the door to a different form of chat if the other wanted to explore that particular aspect that they both may have in common; however, just as before he would leave the words' interpretation up to the other.

“Oh stop that. You’ll make me blush with such sweet words,” Alec would say as he stuck his tongue out at the other, his play perhaps odd, but a tell-tale sign he was comfortable with the other nonetheless. “Mmm. Is that so? Well if you are using that to scare me off, you’re gonna have to try harder than that,” Alec would say with a smirk that suggested that despite the playful air he was indeed taking heed of the warning. It’s just he wasn’t worried about the other driving him over the edge just yet...and if things went well maybe he wouldn’t have to worry about that aspect coming true.

Alec would simply stay quiet about the tower of the past since the other didn’t really say much on the subject; however, when he mentioned the situations, the young man would open an eye and look over at him. “Different…How so? Even if I didn’t fight last round this seems like the same stuff as before just the paint was changed to something more chaotic,” he would say calmly as he reclosed his eyes and listen for the moment.

He wouldn’t make a sound until the other made his comment about people banding together. When he heard it he would open his eyes and look back at the other. “Yeah people do that. Thus why I prefer to go forward and figure this out…alone if I have to. I don’t know about you, but having a demon swarm come through town is enough of a sign for me that we are probably doomed if we sit around too long. Still gotta have a plan to go forward you know? Can’t exactly help anyone if I end up dead. As for others moving along once it is all done…well that is the story of my life as it is. I suppose I’ll just get the fact I’ll be forgotten again once it is all over….” Yeah…that was getting kind of gloomy wasn’t it? But it was the truth...Even so he wouldn’t push it further as he did his best to focus on the more happier topic of animals for a few seconds.

“Mmm. Not sure about the domestic kind considering I’ve only grown up around one, but I’ve had enough encounters with felines to know they have the tendency to want to use me as a scratching post rather than befriend me. Not sure what on earth I am doing wrong there,” he would say as he rubbed the back of his head with a chuckle; however, that smile would become a grin as he nodded at the last part. “Mhmm. Lucky indeed. Makes the job so much easier when hunting for fun,” he would say to the other leaving the other to do what he liked with those words. He wasn’t going to lie. He liked screwing around with the world and in turn people. After all they did the same to him, so why not give them what they gave right back? Was it really wrong?

“Hm? What sort of quitting were you considering?” Alec would ask his words cautious and hesitant just in case he was treading on water he should not be messing with. Sure the guy wore a grin, but it was something about the grin and the way he spoke that made Alec want to know more. The words were a bit too vague at the moment to get a grasp on the true meaning, so he had poked the subject letting the other know it was alright to let whatever he was holding back out. Seemed like he was truly keeping his word on hearing the guy out no matter the topic….Besides it didn’t look like the subject was going to veer away from the gloom anyway.

“So…are you saying you’re drowning too?” Alec would say as he bit his lip a bit in thought. He honestly didn’t have any words to soften that problem. Unlike most that would try to give you false hope, when you found that another was similar to yourself, it was hard to pull them upward when you too were down. In these cases, he found it better to swim next to the one suffering than try and boost them up. Sure, this could make him seem more uncaring in some eyes or even cruel for not making an effort, but honestly, you couldn’t save someone drowning that easily. Words…were just that in the end. Words. Hopefully this one would understand his lack of pep talk…and if not he was prepared for the earful or rebel if he had offended the other….

Well that gloom aside, things seemed to be getting a bit better as the other managed a half-smile as he responded to the words given. To his words, Alec would return the smile with a small one of his own.

“Even so, you’ve let me in now, so I’ll do my best to figure out the solution,” he said in gentle tones as he gave the other a light nod. Sure, he may have been setting himself up for failure here, but at the same time he was not one to turn back on his words.