[log] THE BLIND LEADING THE BLIND [closed]

[armoured]

Characters: Alphonse, Zach, and Church
Location Building 242 (day 153/154) and 241 (day 155)
Date: Day 153 (evening) and all of day 154, and morning of 155
Summary: Al meets up with Church and the two run into Zach
Warnings: Possible talk of death

[He got away again.

Al feels that failure as a wound that cuts far more deeply than any injury he's sustained. This is the third time that he's had the Joker in his grasp and lost him, the third time he's been injured and left behind. He gave chase at first, but he has no idea which direction the Joker even went, so he ends up just trudging through the snow trying not to let his injuries get the best of him.

He's almost glad when the police station seems empty at first glance. He doesn't want to meet up with anyone and see their concern when they see what happened, or hear their disappointment when they learn what happened. He's just so tired of failing everyone around him.

It's not the end. He'll pick himself up and force himself to keep moving, to find that core of determination the next day. But just for tonight he'll sit and wallow alone.]

Comments

[armoured]

I can't, I'm sorry.

[He would like to. He misses Steph very much and he quite likes what he's seen of Zach, but he has mistakes he needs to rectify.]

I have other obligations I have to fulfil, and it's best if I do them on my own. But I promise I'll get you back to Steph first, okay?

[majorlazer]

[Zach nods. He can't say he's not disappointed - he likes Al, and more importantly, he knows how much Steph cares about him. He's not going to stop Al from doing what he feels like he needs to. Zach's got stuff to do, too.]

Yeah, okay.

[He nods again, this time a little more forcefully.]

I get it. Just - I know it sounds fucked up considering I just - [He gestures to himself.] - but, you know. Stay safe?

[armoured]

I'll do my best, you can count on it.

[He might be trying to comfort Zach right now, but he means what he's saying as well.]

I know being here is dangerous, and I won't lie and say I'll never do dangerous things, but I know how to take care of myself, okay?

[majorlazer]

Better than us, that's for sure.

[Zach chuckles to himself as he says that, running a hand over his face. Fuck, he cannot believe it happened again. It cannot believe Steph came so close, too. Damnit.]

Just saying, if I let you leave and you get yourself into trouble, Steph will kick my ass. We're both under the threat of those boots.

[armoured]

Then I guess I better make extra certain to take care, huh?

[He's trying to keep up his end of the teasing, he really is, but his voice cracks just a little bit.]

You must be tired, huh?

[majorlazer]

[His chuckle's weak, but he gives Al a smile - at least, he hopes it's directed at Al, he might be staring at the wall right now, he's not quite sure yet about where to turn his head just because of the sound of a voice. It's disorienting.

He heaves a sigh at the question, shrugging a shoulder.]

I feel like I shouldn't be, considering I just slept more than I have in weeks. But yeah, yeah, I'm fucking exhausted.

[He's sorry for all the swearing, Al. So sorry.]

[armoured]

I think it's understandable. I know whenever Ed used to get hurt, he'd always be exhausted even when he just slept, it's natural. It's the body wanting to heal itself and get back to normal.

[He nudges on Zach's arm to try and get him to relax onto the lumpy sofa properly.]

Get some sleep, I'll be right here if you need anything.

[majorlazer]

[Zach smiles gently, ridiculously appreciative of the concern. It's so genuine, so clear in Al's voice, and it's - it's not something Zach is used to. He lies down when nudged, closing his eyes, even if it doesn't change anything.]