Aaron

[alcuin]

Alcuin left the WSS building in a daze. His vision even seemed a little blurry.

He started walking, quickly, not even sure where he was going, and then realized it was in the direction of home - and he stopped in his tracks. He couldn't. What would he say? What would he... oh, god.

He walked a bit farther, until he got to a bench, and sat down on it, dropping his head down between his knees. His heart was pounding out of his chest. He realized he was probably having a panic attack.

He shouldn't. He really shouldn't. But...

With shaking hands, he got his phone out of his coat and sent a text to Aaron: I need you, can you come get me? Please. And then shared his location from google maps.

As soon as he sent the text he felt even more panicked. Why had he done that?

Comments

[alcuin]

Alcuin nodded. "He was helpful," he said. "Though... I think he's conflicted about Hannibal as well. Hannibal has been good to him, as far as I know."

[quitollis]

"That seems to be his modus operandi," Aaron deadpanned.

[alcuin]

"... you're not making me feel less stupid," Alcuin said quietly.

[quitollis]

"You're not stupid. You've been groomed and abused," Aaron said.

[alcuin]

Alcuin winced. And he knew there was no point trying to convince Aaron that it was more complicated than that. And maybe Aaron was right.

He changed the subject.

"They were wealthy," he said. "My parents. My father was a military officer with family money, and my mother was a dancer. According to WSS records her father was fae, likely a nymph. I was an only child. There wasn't much information about me because I had private tutors rather than going to school."

[quitollis]

Aaron smiled a little. "That explains a few things, I suppose. Did it trigger any memories of them?"

[alcuin]

Alcuin shook his head, looking a little sad. "No. Though I thought I would continue doing research. Perhaps I can find where they lived, or find someone who knew them."

[quitollis]

"Perhaps Lecter did," Aaron suggested. "It all seems very... premeditated."

[alcuin]

So much for changing the subject. "I would imagine so, yes," said Alcuin.

[quitollis]

"Perhaps you can find something out," Aaron said. "Subtely."

[alcuin]

"I was thinking actually perhaps I could search his office," Alcuin said after a moment. "He keeps it locked but I know the passcode." He'd had many years to watch Hannibal enter it. And he'd never intended to use the information really, just seemed like a good idea to have.

[quitollis]

"That would be a good place to start," Aaron said. Then, gently. "Do you think you're ready to learn more?"

[alcuin]

"About my history, yes. The rest... well. I'm sure it will continue to be upsetting, but I can handle it." He hoped he could anyway.

He bit his lip and then said, "I wonder if Kersen would be willing to keep him out away for a night so I could snoop."

[quitollis]

"You could ask him," Aaron said. "But please be upfront on why. He should know what he's asked to do."

[alcuin]

"Of course," Alcuin said quickly. "And I know this is all upsetting for him as well. He and Hannibal were quite close."

[quitollis]

Aaron nodded. "But he's a good man and I'm sure, if he can, he'll help."

[alcuin]

Alcuin nodded, and looked down at his hands again.

"I feel awful I had to call you," he said quietly. "Drag you back into all this. It must seem like I'm playing with your emotions, even if it's not intentional. All this back and forth."

[quitollis]

"I don't mind," Aaron said. "At all. I'm glad you still trust me with this."

[alcuin]

"Well I frankly am appalled that you still trust me," Alcuin said with a wry little smile.

[quitollis]

Aaron chuckled a bit. "I think you know why that is," he said. Still love, it seemed, though he wouldn't say it aloud anymore.

[alcuin]

“Perhaps we’re both stupid,” Alcuin sighed.

[quitollis]

"Perhaps we are," Aaron echoed. "I'm afraid Kersen sees himself as second fiddle," he said suddenly.

[alcuin]

Alcuin looked a touch surprised just because the comment came out of nowhere but then said gently, “I suppose I can understand why he might feel that way.”

[quitollis]

"I understand it," Aaron admitted. "I don't feel it."

[alcuin]

Alcuin tilted his head. “Do you love him?”