[ he sighs softly again as he listens, not because he's frustrated but because he's trying to understand. he closes his eyes a moment, contemplating his words carefully. ]
Should be and how we actually feel are often different things, Alfred, and there's no shame in it. It's very... human, innit? To feel a way other than we think we should.
[ he lets his fingers idle through the ends of alfred's hair, nails scraping briefly over his scalp. ]
You're allowed to be upset. Someone's been taken from you. Just because he was different from the one you're used to doesn't mean he's any less important. Like how just because you're not the Alfred he was used to, doesn't make you any less or more proper. We're all just--trying to carry on. Familiarity is important, even if it's a bit different from at home.
[ he opens his eyes again, voice low. ]
You can be happy for him going back home after you've had a good mourn over it. You don't have to feel guilty for that. Even if you should, it's not like it's anyone's business but yours how you feel about things. Be selfish for once.
no subject
Should be and how we actually feel are often different things, Alfred, and there's no shame in it. It's very... human, innit? To feel a way other than we think we should.
[ he lets his fingers idle through the ends of alfred's hair, nails scraping briefly over his scalp. ]
You're allowed to be upset. Someone's been taken from you. Just because he was different from the one you're used to doesn't mean he's any less important. Like how just because you're not the Alfred he was used to, doesn't make you any less or more proper. We're all just--trying to carry on. Familiarity is important, even if it's a bit different from at home.
[ he opens his eyes again, voice low. ]
You can be happy for him going back home after you've had a good mourn over it. You don't have to feel guilty for that. Even if you should, it's not like it's anyone's business but yours how you feel about things. Be selfish for once.