[log] Two Lonely Guys Meetup in the Snow and Also Cry [closed]

[averytinyparticle]

Characters: Alfie and Quark
Location: Outside the convenience store and maybe also inside of it
Date: Daytime 276
Summary: Quark and Alfie run into each other on their way to stock up on food.
Warnings: lots of gross emotion

[Quark is tired. He hasn't slept since he woke up in the morgue, hasn't stopped moving. He traveled tirelessly through the tunnels until he found his way back into the residential area, and then kept on through the snow. He keeps his head down and his arms crossed around him, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other. The whole world is silent--he can't even hear the snow crunching underneath his small shoes. Sniffing, he wipes his eyes on his sleeve. He almost doesn't even notice when the shadow of another person crosses his vision. Abruptly, he stops, looking up at the culprit--at Alfie--with a dumbfounded expression on his face. Like he'd already forgotten there was anyone else that could be out here.]

Comments

[devoutish]

[Alfie, on the other hand, has done very little movement lately - this walk to the convenience store is his longest in days. He's not crying, but still, he too looks broken down and defeated - his shoulders slump, his face is drawn, and his pace is shuffling and unenthusiastic.

He stops when Quark does, taking a moment to process the sight of the boy in front of him; to take in the state that he's in. Then he moves forward, close enough to rest a hand on the top of Quark's head.]

[averytinyparticle]

[As Alfie approaches and puts a comforting hand atop his head, Quark takes in the situation. He hasn't stopped to check the Network for any new obituary postings...but Royce isn't here. That only means one thing. And Alfie's expression says it all. He barely even knows the man but it's just one more thing on top of everything that's happening, and he doesn't want Alfie to have to feel so horrible.

Quark opens his mouth to say something, anything. At least an I'm so sorry...but no sound comes out. And then before he knows what's happening he's crying, his body shaking from the force of his silent tears. He can't stand this. He can't keep pretending that he can.]

[devoutish]

[Alfie doesn't hesitate. As soon as Quark starts crying, he settles an arm around him and, if Quark will let him, pulls him in for a wordless hug.]

I have no appropriate icons right now rip me

[averytinyparticle]

[Quark doesn't want to feel so weak anymore, but it just feels so nice to have someone close to him like this. Someone who is also hurting. Someone who hasn't had the chance to hurt him yet. Instinctively, his small hands clutch onto Alfie's coat.

He doesn't care how cold it is. Pressing his face against the older man's chest and letting it all out is all that he can think about right now. With how silent the world is, there might not as well be anything else.]

[devoutish]

[Alfie rubs soothingly at Quark's back, but it's barely any time at all before he starts shivering - standing still out in the cold is rarely a good idea.]

Come on.

[Without really pulling away, he gently nudges Quark in the direction of the convenience store.]

[averytinyparticle]

[He doesn't really stop crying, but Quark responds easily to the nudge in the right direction. He stays close, but lets go of Alfie enough to turn around and walk with him, rubbing his face and trying to regain a bit of composure. He nods when he sees what direction they're going. Food, right--it's where he'd been planning on going anyway.

Maybe some snacks will help dry those tears.]

[devoutish]

[It's not a long walk, and Alfie keeps his arm tight around Quark the entire way there. Once they're inside, he drops his bag heavily onto the floor, giving his shoulders a rest from carrying it.]

Quark.

[His voice is weary and sad, but still solid.]

Come with me. Don't keep traveling on your own.

[averytinyparticle]

[Quark almost doesn't notice that Alfie's talking to him as he looks around, scanning the store from where they stopped. When he catches the man's mouth moving out of the corner of his eye, he quickly pulls a notepad and pen out of his pocket. One of the first things he did when he composed himself the day before was find it in the bottom of his pack. It just seems easier to write that way than constantly typing. He's better at using a pen anyway.]

Sorry can't hear. What?

[devoutish]

[Oh-- right. Death price. Of course he has one. And it's a doozy, because not being able to hear can be more than a little dangerous out in the snow (or anywhere else in Norfinbury, for that matter).

All the more reason for Quark not to be alone.

Taking the pen and pad, he scrawls:}

Travel with me. Shouldn't be on your own.

[averytinyparticle]

[Quark pauses. He knows there's no sense in arguing...and honestly, he doesn't want to be alone anymore. As much as he's tried to tell himself he's better off, he knows that he's just lying. He feels so, so lonely.]

Are you sure? I don't want to get in the way.

[devoutish]

[Frozen fingers means writing with the pen is a little fumbly and awkward, but he manages.]

Not in the way.

[averytinyparticle]

[Quark reads the simple message a couple of times--almost like he can't believe it. But then he smiles, wiping his eyes one more time, and nods. For good measure, he writes a response.]

okay

[And then, after an unsure hesitation.]

At least until mister Royce and miss Luna get back.

[Because they...they have to come back.]

[devoutish]

[Alfie just nods - no need to write that. Quark might also see him mutter a yeah.]

[averytinyparticle]

[Quark mouths a "yeah" back before putting down the rest of his things and stashing the notebook back in his pocket. He'll need both of his hands to stock up on food. And, of course, they need to leave with enough time to get to another building before lockdown, too.

He'll hurry to grab as much as he can carry, as much as he can fit into his hat and his pockets and the spaces left in his backpack before meeting Alfie back by their things.]

[devoutish]

[Alfie moves more slowly, practically dragging himself from shelf to shelf as he fills up the empty spots in his bags with food. He grabs things at random, seemingly not caring about what he picks up. When he gets back to Quark and the rest of their stuff, he gives the boy a questioning eyebrow-raise. Ready?]

[averytinyparticle]

[Quark nods. Ready. Still, he hesitates for a moment, stretching his arms or legs before hoisting his things back up onto his shoulders. He really hates carrying all this sometimes, but at least he's gotten used to it.]

[devoutish]

[Wordlessly, Alfie reaches for one of Quark's bags. It's a slow enough movement that it's clear he's not trying to snatch it and run - he's just trying to help carry.]