abyssdressing | (no subject)

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[Today, Abyss DR, you'll find one small child plopped down in the middle of a pathway. He blinks and squints in the sudden sunlight, then turns his head away to try and block it out, not realizing that raising your hand to do so would accomplish the same thing. Once he dares to open his eyes again...

He looks confused, then scared. Of course, he's not sure what that uncomfortable feeling is that seizes his chest and makes the beating in it increase its speed, but he knows that it's unpleasant, and it makes him want to get away from whatever's causing it.

Where was he, anyway? This was bright with colors and shapes he's never seen before, not the dark, muted walls of the castle. He shouldn't be here, right? He was told to wait. Well... dropped to the floor and continuously pushed down every time he tried to follow that man until he got the message, anyway. But that message still rings clear - he needed to stay there. And he's not there anymore.

So, he's going to try to scoot and drag his way to a space between two buildings. It doesn't look as bright, so it's practically the same thing, right? Still... where was he?]

[[OOC: Hi everyone! Luke is as new as I am to this place, and not only that, but he's only about... oh, an hour or two old. Have fun with that!]]

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[Luke. Luke. Luke. He watched him form the words, and his own mouth moved as if he was trying to repeat it, though no sound came out. He's never tried talking before this, but the man looked like he was encouraging him.

And then he had placed his hand against his chest, squeezed his hand, was... gentle. Not like earlier, not like his first encounter with someone who had the same shape as him. What was he doing? What...

Wait, was he... telling him what- who he was? Something to call himself... His eyes widened just slightly, and he looked up at the man before he stared down at their hands. How had he done it...]

Uh... [Just that sound, the fact that he willingly did it, makes him pause for a few seconds and lift his free hand to brush his fingers over his throat - had he really done that? Was that the same noise this person was using? It was higher, but... He tried again, a little louder this time.] Ah... Ll-llloo... Lll-lu...

[How had he done it...]

Eh-heeh-keh... [There, that hard sound!] Ll-Lu... k-ke-ah? Lu-ka...

[Watching and listening with quiet interest and perhaps a slight sense of awe, Asch blinked when the tiny replica began sounding out the letters and syllables of his name. It was strange, to bear witness to such a thing - hearing a child say its first word. And this wasn't just a simple infant, but a replica. His replica. Asch didn't know whether to feel proud or...or something else.

Asch nodded when he got it right, giving the boy's hand another little squeeze. He repeated the name one more time, to enunciate and make sure Luke grasped the connection, then brought Luke's hand closer to his chest, and spoke again, very slowly but clearly.]

...Asch. Asch. My name...is Asch.

[Did... he get it right? By the squeeze of his hand, he... Luke can confirm that yes, it was right. And that's what he's known as: "Luke". It might take a few more tries for him to remember the name, but it already holds some weight for him, as it's his first word.

And then the man says something else: "Asch", and he's indicating to him. So... Luke is Luke, and this man is Asch. That's the second time he said "name", too... Is that what it means to be known as something?

Still, this new word seems a lot tougher, if only for the "sh" sound. Luke stares intently as Asch's mouth as he sounds out the word, and he frowns a little and grips Asch's hand, possibly for some form of comfort and support, as he tries it for himself.]

Ah... ah. [This is hard. "Luke" was easy enough, though the L and the K were kind of hard, but this? But he wants to get this right - this man is nice. If doing this means that he'll squeeze his hand again, then Luke will try hard to get it right.]

A-th... [No, that's not right. How did he do it?] A-ch... A-shh-sch?

[It was so strange, listening and watching this happen. Back then, when he was younger, and saw his replica being babied by his family and the maids, crying over a mere trip up, he thought it was disgusting; pathetic. Now, though, with the knowledge that Luke really couldn't function like a normal human...it was strangely inspiring to see him able to sound out words and do so well, even on his first few tries. Maybe he wasn't such a "stupid dreck" after all.

Sensing Luke's struggling, Asch gave Luke's hands another little squeeze, to encourage him, and he said his name again, sounding out each sound, like Luke was. He probably looked like an idiot, but right now he didn't mind. Luke had to know just who he was going with, after all. He nodded when Luke got it right, and repeated his name a final time.]

Asch.

[Hm, he had to bring Luke back, too. As warm as it was getting, it was still cold outside, and there was still snow. Plus, the little kid was horribly dressed... He should take him back and take proper care of him. ...He couldn't walk though, could he? Holding out his hands in a "come here" gesture, Asch took a careful few steps back. He'd have to carry him, yes, but he just wanted to judge how well Luke could do.]

Come here. ...Walk. Can you walk, rep--...Luke?

Asch...?

[He said his name, "Luke". What does he want him to do? He's holding his hands out, gesturing towards him... He wants him to go to him, doesn't he? But... Luke hasn't even tried standing on his feet. Rather, he did once, but as soon as his feet touched the ground that rough hand grabbed his wrist and...

Luke purses his lips and frowns at the memory, and he shifts in his place, and he can't help shivering slightly from the cold. Asch was standing on his legs... That's what they were used for, weren't they? Moving. But Luke wasn't at all confident in his abilities, nor did he want to try, so he looked down at his own legs as if he was uncertain, then reached his hands out to give one tentative scoot to Asch. That's okay, right? Should he... really be moving from here? He didn't feel safe anywhere, but at least there it looked somewhat like the dark place he was in before.

After he moved, Luke ducked his head a little and glanced around nervously, as if he was looking for that scary man to just burst out and push him down again.]

[Blinking in confusion at Luke's odd behavior, and reluctance to even try getting up, Asch took a slow and tiny step forward.]

I'm not going to hurt--

[Then it seemed to click. hiding in a dark place, reluctance to move, looking around suspiciously...Asch knew this. Asch remembered this. His lips pursed into a thin line at the memory, despite his efforts to remain emotionless and somewhat less intimidating. Van must've done to the replica what he did to him. Locked him up, told him to be still, all those terrible things Asch remembered. He looked back at Luke, and felt something gnaw inside him. Pity? Satisfaction? Asch didn't know, and promptly ignored it.]

...You can't stay here. If you won't walk, then you're going up. Come on.

[And up you go, little dreck! Asch takes a hold of Luke firmly under the arms, hefting him right up and over his shoulder. ...Not the best or kindest way to hold a small child, but it worked! He'll start taking Luke back to the inn after making sure he was all right up there and not going to move and fall. ...Or scream in his ear. Or pull his hair, or... Maybe he should just leave him here.]

[At first, Luke froze up, looked around wildly and made a few panicked and confused sounds as he left the ground - he left the ground, what was going on - and suddenly found himself on Asch's shoulder. He gripped his clothes and let out a couple of other sounds, ones that sounded dangerously close to crying...

But then they were moving. And Asch had a stable hold on him, and Luke had never been carried before this! He quiets down and stares at the spot as it grows further away, looks down at Asch's legs as they move, studying the motion and lightly kicking his own legs in response...

And then he starts to giggle. The gentle bouncing, the fact that he's so high up and even how he's balancing almost precariously on Asch's shoulder... It's just so much fun! Luke relaxes against Asch and just watches everything pass by, and though he stares at everything with the curious eyes of someone seeing them for the first time, he still laughs and giggles on occasion.]

[When Luke began to whine Asch increased his grip on him - lest he wriggle and fall - and braced for the loud sound of crying so close to his ears, his pace slowing, as if waiting for it any time now... Asch wasn't good with kids - he knew that very well. He had never liked the whiny ones, and the ones he could tolerate were all afraid of him. And when one cried...well, Asch had no idea how to deal with it.

He practically held his breath waiting for Luke to begin screaming, but the sound that reaches his ears is not the one he was expecting. ...Laughing. The replica was laughing. Wh-What the hell? Why was he laughing? Asch gave a curious glance to the little dreck on his shoulder, making sure he wouldn't fall with all the moving he was doing.]

Hey, settle down... You're going to fall if you keep moving like that!

[Asch frowned, shifting Luke a little bit so he was more secure. He increased his pace, rubbing at Luke's back and arms to keep him warm, and seemed happy when he got back to the inn where he stayed. He's...need another bed, though. Or maybe an upgrade to a suite. Asch couldn't keep using the inn's kitchen to cook, after all. And now that he had to take care of the kid...ugh.]

[Asch's voice as well as the shifting just made Luke laugh again, though he settled down and kept still, if only because the hold felt nice now. He stared up at the sky - it was a bright blue color, completely different from the dark castle walls. He wondered what it was called... but how to make that known?

Before he could figure it out, they were inside another place. This was warmer than any other place Luke had been to, and he relaxed even more in relief. He kept leaning against Asch, though he lifted his head to look around. Where were they now? This was different very different than the two places he was in before... This place isn't as bright as the cold place, but also not as dark as the scary place.

He looked up at Asch curiously after spending some time examining the room and whatever objects lay within it.]

Asch?

[ashjkchdjhw--little dreck, you better not be laughing at him or it's the corner for you! Asch was just about to upgrade to a suite, fishing under his tabard for his wallet, before Luke spoke. He stared at him for a moment (and pointedly ignored the "aww"-ings of some of the inn's female staff) then moved the tiny child from his shoulder to resting more on his hip instead. His chest still hurt from his injuries upon re-arrival to this world, and having Luke worming around there would only cause him discomfort.]

Yes? What's wrong? ...Are you afraid?

[More "aww"-ings from the corner got a trio of maids a stern glare, and they scuttled off quickly. Asch turned his attention back to Luke afterward. Was he scared of this new place? He was looking around like crazy just a second ago.]

[... Nope, he didn't understand a word of that. At the same time, he wants to try and convey what he's feeling to Asch, but... how? The only words he knew were "Luke", "Asch" and...

Luke holds onto Asch's clothes as he looks around again, as if he's not really sure what to pay attention to first. There's so many new things that he's never seen before, so many new things that he wants to touch so badly! To try and convey this, he looks up at Asch again and:]

Nn... na-name?

Name? What--

[...Oh. Oh, he understands now. Luke hadn't really been anywhere but at Choral Castle, where he was created. All these new things and places must have been very confusing to the little replica. Hm, that means Asch is going to not only going to play babysitter and caretaker for a little bit, but also mentor. Marvelous.]

This is an inn. ...Inn. It's a place where people stay and sleep when they're traveling. We're going to get a bigger room. [Yes. Right now. Asch digs out his wallet, pays for an upgraded suite - one with a kitchen - and takes his new room key once everything is all set.]

[... Oh dear, what was that big long sentence? Luke just stares up at him with wide eyes, as if he had no idea what he just said, then just holds onto his shirt and goes back to looking at everything. Well, that told him nothing. He might be pouting just a bit, though it's not like Asch can see it. It's just a little frustrating.]

[Wh-Why is the little dreck looking at him like that? Asch opens his mouth to try explaining again, but then Luke looks away and leaves him hanging. 8| Stupid little dreck.

Asch frowns, shifts Luke into his arms, then makes his way toward the elevator. Their new room would be on a higher floor, and he's not hauling a wriggly little kid all that way while he's still injured. ...Hm. Actually, maybe he can do something Luke will like. Pointing to the button to call the elevator, Asch says to Luke.]

...Push.

[And then he feigns pushing the button, though he merely taps it.] Push.

Edited 2011-03-04 01:08 (UTC)

[Oh hey, what's this now? Luke pays attention again, looking up at the buttons while Asch speaks and shows him the motion. Is that what that is...?

Luke looks down at one of his hands and makes that same motion in the air - "push"? Huh... With that, he reaches out to push the button!]

Puh... Puch!

[... Except that was really fun, so before Asch can react, he reaches out BOTH HANDS to suddenly push ALL THE BUTTONS]

Puch! Puch!

No, push. Push.

[Though Asch's stoic tutoring turned into mild panic the moment Luke pushed ALL THE BUTTONS. He jumped a little, pulling the little dreck away with a loud cry of "NO!", but it was too late. They'd have to wait for the elevator to make a stop.

Every. Single. Stop.

And their room was on the eleventh floor.]

Stupid little...!

[Though Luke was startled out of his playtime by the movement and the exclamation, the end result still had him giggle lightly and reach his hands towards the buttons again, even though he can't reach them. Look, they lit up! And it was fun, too!]

Puch- Pu-sha!

[Asch grimaced, and pulled Luke away from the buttons, scowling first at him, then at the wall of lit up buttons. He clenched his teeth together and shifted Luke into his arms. He'd have to make Luke and himself comfortable for the long wait.

Stupid little dreck. B|

And...yup, that was the door closing and the elevator lifting up and...stopping. And the doors opening again. To which Asch all but mashes the door-close button.]

Bed for you when we get up, you dr--...brat.

Edited 2011-03-06 03:41 (UTC)

[Asch was talking at him, but he doesn't care. Because OMG, the GROUND IS MOVING and the DOOR IS OPENING and there are LIGHTS and OMG.

Luke looks as if this is just like Christmas wrapped up in birthdays. Every time the door opens, he lets out a laugh and briefly hides his face against Asch's shoulder, only to peek out and giggle once the doors close again. And then squirm and laugh once again as the floors move - OMG this is just the best thing EVER.]

[THAT IS TOTALLY NOT CUTE. Especially not the little drecklet snuggling into his shoulder and giggling all happy like every time they stopped and went. Asch watched Luke squirm and laugh each time the elevator and doors moved, letting out a long sigh. At least Luke was happy, and not wailing in his ear or pulling his hair like Asch half expected. He'd much rather have a happy, laughing child than an unhappy screaming one.

But if they're going to be playing stop and go for the next ten floors, you are going to have to stand, little dreck. B| Asch's arms are getting tired, and his wounds are beginning to ache, too. Down you go, but he'll make sure he's there next to you as a thing to hold onto. Walking lessons would have to begin very soon.

At least there was no threat of Luke running off, though.]

[Luke's laughter faded once he realized he was being let down, and his grip on Asch's clothes tightened for an instant before he feels the floor under his feet. He liked it up there, man. D|

Instead of standing like Asch might've wanted him to, though, Luke plops right into a sitting position and holds onto Asch's leg. He still hasn't even tried standing and walking, after all, and he's more comfortable this way. He'd rather not try anything else until he has to.

Now that Luke is settled, he goes back to giggling and laughing with the moving ground and the doors opening and closing. And he himself doesn't even realize it, but he leans closer every time he laughs, so by the end of the ride, he's just about sitting on Asch's foot with both arms around his leg.]

[Too bad, this is your punishment for making Asch wait impatiently to get back to his room. B|

Asch stares down at Luke once he just...falls onto his rear there. He couldn't even stand? Yulia, Asch had a lot of work to do with the little guy, then. But first, they'd have to get to their room, so Asch could give Luke a bath and feed him. He must be hungry...considering Van even fed him anything. Asch clenched his jaw, recalling a very similar treatment himself.

When they finally reach their destination, Asch had almost forgotten Luke was attached to his leg, and very nearly tripped over him. He swore softly, frowned down at the little dreck as he quickly checked him over, then scooped him back up into his arms (with another twinge of pain), and was out into the hall again.

He balanced Luke on his uninjured side and turned the key into the locked to open the door. FINALLY! Asch kicked the door shut gently and dropped Luke onto his bed.]

Stay. ...Here. J-Just don't move.

[He has to remove some of his gear before he starts up your bath, little dreck. |D]

[Being up in Asch's arms again earned another peal of laughter from Luke, because he liked it very much up there, and he smiled on the way to the room, even while he looked around curiously. What an odd place... And what an odd barrier, and an odd thing that made a jingling noise, and then the barrier was gone. Huh... Luke's smile had faded as he absorbed all of this, seeing how the knob was turned and how Asch pushed - pushed! - the door open.

Once he was set on the bed, though, and Asch gave him that order...

That's exactly what the scary man had said to him, though it was much harsher than that. "Stay here". Luke didn't know the meaning of those words, still doesn't, really, but he does know that when he tried to move after that, he'd be pushed down so forcefully...

So, he cringes and lowers his head to look down at the sheets... and presses his hand against the fabric a little. It's soft... soft and bouncy! But what would Asch do if he moved...?]

[Asch blinked when Luke seemed to flinch at the tiny order he gave him, and - after removing his tabard and gloves - he tilted his head down and stared at the kid curiously. What was wrong? Asch...tried not to look as intimidating as he usually did, but the little dreck was still acting like Asch would bite off his head or something.

So. What...should he do? 8|;

Asch made a face, as if the next thing he'd do was something very vulgar and uncomfortable. Gently, hesitantly, he reached out his hand...and ruffled that mess of red hair. That should work, right? That should help him calm down, right? Just so long as he didn't start screaming.]

D-Don't make that face...

[Luke had flinched away when Asch reached out a hand, but he didn't push him like he thought he would. Instead, he... messed up his hair. But it felt nice. No one had ever done that before, certainly not that scary man, and Luke didn't realize a motion like that could feel so... fun!

So the tension starts to melt away, and he even smiles and giggles quietly. Is that all right?]

/HOLDS ;w;

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