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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[On the contrary, when his hair gets ruffled by the towel, Luke lets out what sounds like an amused noise and reaches up to grab Asch's hands while he works. It honestly feels nice - Luke must like things touching and playing with this hair.

And there was that word again... He said that almost every time he picked him up, didn't he? Luke hugs onto Asch's neck again and mulls over this while he's carried to the bed, and-]

Up... Up!

[And then he's down on the bed again, and he sits up a bit to watch Asch as he rummages for a shirt. After a few seconds though, Luke looks away to glance down at the bed he's on, and he bounces lightly on it. Each time he bounces up, he repeats the word "up" quietly, as if he isn't quite sure if that's right or not.]

[Jeez, everything about this kid is shocking Asch to near speechlessness. He's so...so well-behaved that it's becoming more and more difficult for Asch to, well, not find a valid reason to give him up. Other than "it's the replica". Plus, every time Luke hugged him around the neck, it...it felt strange, but not wholly unpleasant. Was Luke really that comfortable around him already? The idiot.

Mm, but at least he smelled good now. Asch leaned his face into Luke's hair absently, breathing in. Aah...much better! Now. Clothes! Asch turns over his shoulder every few seconds to make sure Luke didn't topple off the bed or anything as he bounced. After another few minutes, though, he finds a shirt and goes back to the tiny replica child.]

Luke, come here. You'll freeze if you stay like that.

[Reaaaching out to grab the little dreck and properly cloth him. Then food and bed. Yes. That is the plan.]

[Once Asch said his name, Luke looked up at him - he wasn't sure what else he was saying, but at least he knows that he's indicating to him. Hence why he's not so surprised when Asch grabs him and pulls him closer, though he closes his eyes and scrunches his face unpleasantly at the shirt being pulled over his head. He wasn't quite expecting that...

Once it's on, though, Luke stares down at what he's wearing. It's pretty long, definitely not as beaten up, dirty or tattered as what he was wearing originally, but it's big. The sleeves travel well past his hands, and the collar rests loosely on his shoulders, hanging down past his collar bones. Still, it's nice and comfy. He lifts up his hands and squints to try and see them through the sleeves, then lowers them a bit to stare up at Asch. Where did his hands go? 8( ]

[...Luke, we told you to stop that. That 'cute' thing that you do. 8| It really is becoming harder and harder for Asch to not get attached. He watches Luke stare at his hands and kneels down, putting his hand over where Luke's little one would be, holding it with a few fingers. See? It was still there, silly.

Once that was done, and Luke was dry and clothed, Asch picked him up again and took him towards the small kitchen of his new suite. He'd have to teach Luke how to walk sometime...i-if he didn't find Guy or someone else first! Yes.]

I bet you're hungry. Let's get some food. Just sit for a while, though, I've got to cook it.

[Broth would have to do, as it was really all that Asch had, save for some bread and a few veggies and milk. Just the bare essentials, and he didn't know what kinds of things Luke would and would not eat. Plus, he didn't want to use up everything he had. So onto the table Luke goes. Don't you dare move, either. B| ~~You might fall and get hurt.~~]

[What, you told us nothing. 8| And... ooh, there are his hands! Once Asch pointed them out, Luke blinked, then pulled the sleeves back enough to see them fully. Ah ha! They were just hiding. BUT LUKE HAS FOUND THEM, and he even holds them up with an "Aah!" to show Asch. Nothing can hide from Luke. Mwahaha.

And when Asch held him, Luke, once again, hugged him around the neck to hold on. It was an automatic thing to do at this point, but it was pleasant, too. Holding him like that made him feel... safe, in a way.

... Also, Asch, asking Luke to not move is like asking the sun to not shine. For a moment he stares at his surroundings, but soon enough, he starts to scoot towards the edge of it. Better notice him, Asch, or he'll crash right to the floor!]

[... ...Sh-Shut up, dreck. B| Pfft, and speaking of dreck, Asch cracks another smile at his little one when he shows him his hand, putting his palm against Luke's. So small...and so fragile. Asch's smile fell with a long sigh. This wasn't...supposed to happen. He was getting attached, and he knew it, and Luke was already seeking him for anything and everything he needed. This wasn't going to be easy on him. Their separation...

Asch feels his throat clench, and makes a face to the arms wrapping around his neck, and rubbed Luke's back slowly. He looked a little solemn when he actually went to prepare the food, letting the broth begin to boil. He looked through the cupboards for something, anything, else before something - instinct, perhaps - makes him look over his shoulder.

...And scoop the little replica up before he falls forward.]

I said not to move! [Not really yelling, but there was a definitely stern tone to his voice. Asch frowns, and sets Luke onto the floor instead. He can't fall, that way. He sighs, and ruffles Luke's hair again, briefly this time.] ...Just stay put, it'll be done soon.

[Unfortunately, Luke still can't understand a word Asch is saying, save for "stay". That word makes him purse his lips, though he doesn't seem as hesitant and unsure about it at last time. Now that Asch has ruffled his hair and made sure that Luke couldn't see him as a threat, the word has partially lost its terrifying meaning.

Still, it makes him stay in one place. For a full minute, until something else catches Luke's attention. With that, he starts to move away towards another room, where a lamp, of all things, sits there shining tantalizingly. Luke's curiosity just can't say no...!]

[Good, he's staying. Asch sighs, pushes his bangs back, and returns to the broth he was making. And it's none of that crummy canned kind. Oh, no, this is pure, boiled chicken broth and you better like it, little dreck. Asch of course adds some spices and a bit of flavoring to make it less bland, but it's still a relatively easy dish.

He'll save the cooked chicken for himself later, too. He'd worked up an appetite looking after Luke. The kid was a true chore. He had to keep his on him all the time! ...Like now. Hnnngh. B|

As Asch turns off the stove's heat, and readies a bowl, he notices Luke is gone and, and....ffff-! Where the hell could a kid that can't walk go?! He had to still be in the suite somewhere and--...THERE!]

Luke! Stop! [ahsjf--lamp. Asch hurries over and grabs the tiny replica before he can pull it down or something, hauling him up and under his arm. Mister, you are about to earn your first time out. He places Luke right on the table again, glaring at him. Here's a word to add to your vocabulary, dreck.] Bad.

[Luke was just about to reach the light when - WHOA WHOA WHOA, SUDDENLY PICKED UP and definitely not gently. The movement makes him let out a surprised sound before he's set on the table, being glared at and held there.

Wh-What did he do? Why was Asch acting like this? It wasn't nearly as terrifying as that scary man earlier, but... Luke still can't help but cringe away and pull his closes fists towards him. He definitely gets that something's wrong, probably something he did, but he can't really be sure.]

B-Ba...?

...Bad. You did something very bad.

[Asch is momentarily put off at Luke's fearful expression, but he keeps his face hard and stony. If Luke never knew right from wrong, bad from good, and wasn't punished for doing bad things, he'd turn out like that disgusting excuse for a snobby rich kid that Asch wanted to throw off a bridge. Of course he felt bad for making Luke upset, but he could have been really hurt! Asch glares down at Luke, and gives him a command - stay - as he prepares a bowl of the soup.

Hm, it'll take a moment to cool off, so...yup. Up again, little dreck. But this time, it's the corner for you. You're getting a time out until the soup cools off. Just about three or so minutes, but Asch is keeping watch the entire time.]

[Luke stares with wide eyes; "Bad"? He wasn't sure what that was supposed to mean, but from the way Asch was glaring and made him stay and - put him in the corner - then he can get an idea.

He'd done something bad. Was it trying to investigate the lamp? Not staying? That... That had to be it. Asch had told him to stay, and Luke didn't.

It might've taken some time for Luke to understand, but judging by the quiet sniffles from the corner, it's pretty clear that he at least did. And he didn't feel particularly good about it, either. Luke knew he was in trouble, all because he had disobeyed. And... he didn't like that at all.]

[Asch keeps a steady watch over Luke for about two minutes, then goes to check on and stir the broth he made. His mixing becomes slower once he hears the quiet sound of sniffling, and Asch can't help but sigh. Once he puts the bowl and spoon down at the table, Asch moves over to where Luke was and crouches down close to him. He opens his arms and scoops Luke back up into them, holding him gently and rubbing his back. There now, your punishment is over.]

Dinner's ready, Luke. ...Food. [He sets Luke down again, this time on a chair (with arms), and points to the bowl of broth.] Food.

[Nggh, he sounds so dumb and he knows it. Thank Yulia no one else could see this. He takes a spoonful, blows on it, and opens his mouth wide, hoping Luke will mimic.]

[Being held and having his back rubbed certainly helped - Luke knew he still did something wrong, but at least he was out of the corner and back with Asch, especially one who wasn't angry anymore. There were still tear tracks on his cheeks, and his eyes were still wet, but that was part from the guilt and part from the pain in his stomach. Luke wasn't sure what it was, only that it was unpleasant. Maybe it had to do with that nice smell in the air...

Once Asch held the spoonful of broth out for him and opened his mouth, Luke didn't quite get it at first. What was Asch doing? Opening his mouth like that... In confusion and possibly just to mimic him, he opens his own mouth wide, letting out a quiet "Ah?"]

Ah.

[Asch took the opportunity when Luke copied him, putting the spoon into his mouth and pulling it back, making sure to carefully tilt the spoon upwards as he went. While his one hand was busy, however, Asch took his other and brushed the remnants of Luke's tears away. He really wasn't a bad kid, just...a kid. A baby. Babies were curious.

If Luke takes the first spoonful, Asch will go for another, blowing on it before opening his own mouth. Again, if Luke copies him again, he'll give him a second spoonful of the warm broth he made. He had a few napkins on hand and ready, knowing this might get a bit messy.]

[The first spoonful surprises Luke more than anything, and if Asch hadn't had his hand on his face to wipe the tears away, he would've ducked his head to let the broth fall out. As it stands, though, he shuts his mouth and swallows, actions made out of surprise, and...

He widens his eyes and smacks his mouth, bringing a hand up to his chin. What... was that? Whatever it was, it was good.

But Luke still doesn't really realize that this is what he's supposed to do. So, for the first half of the broth, most of what Asch gives him dribbles out of his mouth, as Luke is unsure if he's really doing this right. Yet for the next half, Luke seems to slowly get it. Soon enough, he's eating correctly, save for a spill here and there. Asch doesn't even have to keep opening his mouth - Luke seems to be doing so before Asch can even get his spoon back to the bowl.]

[Pfft, what a little rappig. Asch was prepared for the mess, and wipes at Luke's face with mostly every spoonful. He really is just like a baby... It was astounding to see, to experience, to know this little person was the one who took everything from him...and now Asch was caring for him. Perhaps even growing somewhat attached to him. The bitterness and sting would always remain, but it...it was difficult to blame this child, who knew so little about the world.

Mentally thanking whatever god governed this psychotic place, Asch fed Luke with little hassle once he caught on, and even cracked a hint of a smile at his eagerness to eat. When the bowl was all gone, Asch chuckled quietly, then showed Luke the empty bowl.]

All gone. ...Nice work. [The latter comment was quiet, almost mumbled. Asch just couldn't bring himself to willingly congratulate the replica, no matter what the circumstance.] Bed time.

[And up you go again, little guy. Right to the second room you go.]

[Luke stares at the empty bowl with something akin to awe. Wasn't it full earlier? But it starts to dawn on him the reason for it - that's what he... ate, wasn't it? And it was going away... That's why it was gone!]

Aah...

[Aaand up he goes! And a hug you get, Asch. |D It's pretty much automatic at this point, and he leans over to rest his chin on his shoulder while he stares at everything over it, watching it go further away as they walk to the other room. Aww... He kind of wanted to play there longer.]

[Asch expects the hug this time, but even then it doesn't make him feel less awkward and somewhat surprised. It's not bad, just very unfamiliar to the redhead. He's never had someone hold onto him so frequently like that. It was kind of nice... He never really had anyone do such a thing. Nor did he ever really allow anyone to get so close to him like that.

He leaned his head into Luke's hair for a minute or two, drawing his hand over the kid's back in a slow and calming circle, trying to get him a little drowsy before he entered the dark room. On go the lights as Asch moves into the room, pulling back the blankets and putting the little replica onto the pillow and mattress, covering him up slowly and carefully. The bed should be big enough...yeah. Even if he rolls around or anything in his sleep, he shouldn't fall off or anything.]

...There. Now close your eyes and go to bed. [Nggh, how does he do this? He's never put a kid to sleep before.] ...S-Sleep. I'll be next door.

[Aand he's going to try and leave the room now. DOES HE SUCCEED?]

[What Asch did certainly made him drowsy... Enough to shut his eyes, lean his head against Asch's and not really notice the dark room. It's only when he's set on the bed and covered up that he stirs a little, watching Asch in confusion as he tucks him in and...

Starts to leave.

Starts to leave...?

Having not understood anything Asch said, Luke doesn't realize that he's not going to go very far. After all, when the scary man left, he never saw him again. He's thankful for that, but...

If Asch leaves, what if he doesn't come back?

Luke sits up in bed with wide, sad eyes and scoots forward a bit, trying to get around the blankets. He doesn't want him to leave! He's not going to see him again if he does!]

[Asch hears Luke moving and tries desperately not to turn around, not to go to him and reassure him, not to say a word and keep moving, but he can just feel the small child's eyes on his back, and knows the look that must be in them. He knows the look all too well.

Which is why, with a heavy sigh he turns and goes back to Luke, staying by the end of the bed and opening his arms to the little replica. Come on, Luke, If you want him there, you're going to have to work a little. You've got to learn how to walk soon. Consider this a kind of first step.

It also gives Asch a chance to think of what he can do to get the little kid to bed. He's not going to sleep with him, that'd only teach Luke that he can get what he wants by whining about it. This is perhaps the first, last, and (hopefully) only time Asch would give in to Luke's silent plea not to leave. But what could he do? He doesn't have any dolls or toys, and he couldn't leave Luke alone...

Nggh, he'd have to take him out if he went, and even if there was still a tiny bit of light out, it was late, and Luke needed to sleep. Damn little dreck! You're getting spoiled only this once!]

Come here...

[He... wasn't going to disappear! Good thing, too, since Luke looked like he was about to start crying. He still hasn't quite understood that just because something can't be seen doesn't mean it's gone.]

... Asch!

[Asch doesn't have to ask him to come to him; Once he's close enough, Luke scoots and crawls and does what he can to get close enough to throw his arms around him and hold him tight. Now that Luke has been with someone for this long... he doesn't particularly want to be alone.]

[Oh, Score, if he started to cry...Asch didn't know what he'd do. He wanted to think he'd get angry, but for now he can just breathe and wipe at the corners of Luke's eyes when he's close enough.

And holding him.

Nggh...this isn't good. This isn't good at all. Luke was already attached, and Asch knew he cared for the kid. But he also knew he wasn't fit to take care of the boy, either. What if he did get upset with him, and called him something derogatory like he was so accustom to? He wouldn't yell at a child, but this child was his replica. This child was the one who stole away everything. This child was the one responsible for the suffering he endured for seven years.

But this child also needed him, and Asch wasn't cruel enough to leave a child to suffer, not even his replica. He held Luke for a moment, stroking back his hair before picking him up securely into his arms, making a gruff sound at the pain from his old wounds. Ow, shit...forgot about those. Maybe he can pick up some gels to dull the pain while he's out as well.]

We're going for a walk.

[And now to get his boots back on to head out. Asch will make sure to curl a bit of his tabard around Luke as they walk. Even though it was warming up, it was still fairly cold for the season.]

[When they got outside, Luke brought himself a little closer to Asch, both for warmth and security. Snuggling down into the tabard might make it look like Asch is carrying a bundle with wild red hair peeking up at the top of it, and some passerbys might smile at the sight. Occasionally, Luke will lift his head up to look around at everything, only to duck down again. It was still cold, and Luke was pretty tired despite the little scare he had.

Everything was so new to him... He couldn't even think to himself except in feelings - how could he do anything else, when he knew no words? First in his mind, something that's lingered for a while now, is confusion. Everything was so new and different and changing, and... it was a lot for newborn like him to take in. And he couldn't learn everything himself.

He'd have to work on that later. Right now, he dozed lightly against Asch, though he'd open his eyes every few seconds to look around again. Where were they going, anyway?]

[Any and everyone who even glanced or giggled in Asch's direction were shot with his nastiest look. He doesn't want all this attention brought to him and Luke, so he immediately picked up the pace, even if his breath begins to come in shallow pants. Ugh, Asch hated being injured. It was really such an inconvenience... He needed to get some gels pretty soon, and a good night's sleep once Luke went to bed, too.

But until Asch got the little dreck some toys, he'd never get to bed on his own without crying. So it's off to the market they go! Asch has to juggle Luke just to open the door when he finally finds a building that looks large enough, and grunts with the effort. He's almost tempted to kick in the door, but obviously does not. Inside, Asch sighs with relief. The toys and dolls are close by. A short few seconds and Asch bows his head to whisper softly to the child in his arms, discreetly leaning his face into that mess of red hair.]

Hey...wake up. Pick out something.

[Prepare to be blinded by rows of toys and dolls upon waking, little dreck.]

[Asch's voice makes Luke lift up his head, accidentally brushing his cheek against Asch's. He doesn't pay that any mind, though, and instead, he blinks and looks back at what Asch is indicating to.

... Whoa. It's beautiful. It's...

... What is it?

Luke leans forward slightly to get a good look at the dolls and toys, though he stops himself when he feels his balance start to lose itself and moves back a bit to regain it. So many things... And they all looked so appealing, too! Save for the girlie toys. Luke can already tell that the color pink is not a color he enjoys.

There are many cheagle dolls, all of which earn a lineface from Luke. It seems that all Lukes, no matter how young, always start out with a dislike for stupidly cute things. Those get passed up, and he looks along the different rows of dolls...

But upon seeing one in particular (http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk28/catina95/Tales%20of%20Legendia/Giet2.jpg), Luke stares for a moment, then lets out a little noise and holds out both of his arms towards it. That one! That oooone!]