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Post by Erik on Sept 17, 2007 13:39:35 GMT -5
Like me. That is all.
"But it did comfort you?" *he asked gently.* "Julian, I do not deny that I have resorted to that kind of power for my own solace. But it is not sanctioned by this society, and therefore must be channeled differently; whether by evading detection or using that energy differently. But hush now, my son. Why so in need of comfort?"
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Post by Julian on Sept 17, 2007 13:43:18 GMT -5
*Julian's body went rigid.*
"I...I thought that I would no longer be able to receive solace from you. I...there seem to be things that were changing. I thought you would force me from your home."
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Post by Erik on Sept 17, 2007 13:47:18 GMT -5
*Erik leaned back to look down at Julian.*
"Whyever would you think that?" *he asked.* "Nothing has changed... between us. You speak of Christian."
*He sighed.*
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Post by Julian on Sept 17, 2007 13:52:42 GMT -5
*Julian straightened and turned his face away from Erik. He didn't want him to see the threatening tears.*
"It is your house. I have no right to speak of who you choose to keep here."
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Post by Erik on Sept 17, 2007 14:00:55 GMT -5
"Erik had a life before you came," *he said gently.* "Christian... as hard as it is to believe, he is part of that. As is Megan, and therefore her child. Erik has... responsibilities now. Perhaps he is not the type of man who should have them, but for now... we all have our burdens to bear."
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Post by Julian on Sept 17, 2007 14:03:48 GMT -5
*Julian took a few steps away, his back to Erik.*
"I...understand. I will burden you no further this evening. I will stay in this house until you think it safe for me to leave again unsupervised. And I will try to keep out from under foot."
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Post by Erik on Sept 17, 2007 14:06:19 GMT -5
*Erik reached for him, but stayed his hand from making contact.*
"Erik did not mean to include you among their number," *he said.* "Erik feels nothing but..." *He trailed off. He had thought that Julian, of all people, wholly belonged to him. He was learning this was not the case. And it made him sad.*
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Post by Julian on Sept 17, 2007 14:14:09 GMT -5
*Julian shut his eyes. He could almost feel Mother's touch, but no...it was just his wanting that made it so. He swallowed hard and glanced back to Erik, his cheeks freshly stained with tears.*
"Feels nothing but what?"
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Post by Erik on Sept 17, 2007 14:23:29 GMT -5
*Erik's heart lurched at the sight of Julian's tears. Did the boy care for him so much? Did Julian feel that ache, too, when he turned away?*
"Gratitude," *he said, surprising himself.* "For your very... existence."
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Post by Julian on Sept 17, 2007 14:29:23 GMT -5
*Julian swallowed and straightened properly. That should be enough. He could tell himself so much. He nodded in acceptance.*
"And I for you, Erik. For not only giving me this existence, but not turning me from you as so many would."
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Post by Erik on Sept 17, 2007 14:43:03 GMT -5
*Erik smiled.*
"It has never crossed Erik's mind. You are mine, Julian."
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Post by Julian on Sept 17, 2007 14:57:39 GMT -5
*The faintest hint of hope curled its way into Julian's lips. He nodded slowly.*
"Thank you...for many things. But also for your council. I will leave you in peace now. And clean myself up."
*He glanced down the dark path into the house.*
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Post by Erik on Sept 17, 2007 15:58:46 GMT -5
*Erik nodded.*
"Yes," *he said hesitantly.* "Whoever lives in Erik's house, they might be unduly disturbed by your current appearance; it is best not to excite peoples' suspicions more than absolutely necessary."
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Post by Julian on Sept 17, 2007 16:01:07 GMT -5
"Good night, Erik."
*Julian offered a sincere smile and made his way quietly to his room to clean up.*
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Post by Erik on Sept 17, 2007 16:07:06 GMT -5
*Erik looked after him for some moments. He did not know what troubled his son. Young--or perhaps the word was "new"--as he was, Erik worried for him. But he did not know what to do.*
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