Fai_Ryy
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@askmirrorlight
Blues swallowed, closing his eyes. “R-right… and it’s just… just for a little while, right?” He knew he was seeking false comfort, but god it was better than nothing.
"Right." Light started to gently lead Blues out of the room. "Just relax. And welcome home."
"…that’s… something." He tried to be optimistic about the situation, but he couldn’t escape all of the doubt and fear. Not with that look. He could feel himself starting to tremble. "It-it won’t… change anything will it? Just—just that I can’t leave?"
"It will put some controls on your behavior. Not leaving is the main one." Light kept up that smile, wrapping an arm around Blues' shoulders. "Effectively, just cutting out some proscribed behaviors."
Again, Blues was forced to look away. “…what about the other people I know out there? I’ve made friends and now I’m just going to disappear? They don’t have anything to do with him…”
"I'll let you stay in touch, if monitored. They can even join us here." Light smiled, but that manic glint didn't fade. "With time, you'll be allowed outside again."
"…but he’s my friend,” Blues insisted. “How do you know he’s still the same man from all those years ago? How can you be sure he hasn’t changed? Maybe even bettered himself…?”
"A better man wouldn't have stolen my son without a word," Light answered firmly. "A better man wouldn't--wouldn't take everything I have from me. Everything that matters."
"I—I know but…" he looked down, suddenly feeling that ache in his chest. It was so easy to pretend he didn’t care when they were apart, when Father was only a madman in a tower so far away. Here Blues was reminded why he existed. His Father had a heart,
"…why can’t I be safe out there?"
"He's out there. He... God, I don't know what lies he fed you, but he wants nothing good for you. For the city. He just wants control." Light sighed. "I know that it must seem like I'm the same, I understand that, and I regret having to do this. But it's not safe."
Blues bit his lip, backing away a little. He knew what to expect. The threat of reprogramming was always real, but it was in his Father’s gaze that he found fear at last. “…please don’t,” he squeaked out. He shook his head, getting some composure back. “It’s-it’s not right for you to keep me here. To keep any of us here. Not like that.”
"I need to keep you safe," Light said, reaching to grip Blues' shoulders. "Do you understand me? I need to keep you safe. I can't--I can't lose you. I can't lose any of you. You're my son."
He could hear it, the pain and fear he’d wrought upon his Father. It was subtle, but it was there. “…what do you want me to say?” His shoulders slumped. “Are you looking for excuses? An apology?” Blues asked quietly, his gaze immediately darting for Light.
"I’m not going to defend myself to you, Father. I’m not going to argue with you over what is and isn’t true. Not again…."
"No, you're not," Light agreed softly. He turned to look at Blues at last, and there was something manic and dangerous in his expression. "I won't reprogram your base code. You're my son. But I can put in limits, keep you controlled and safe until I'm sure you..." His shoulders sagged. "Until I'm sure you'll stay."
... Tom.
Emily.
Are you well?
…Thank you.
It’s always good to see you.
Is it rare that I’m around? From what I’ve observed it’s not exactly an anomaly.
Is it any surprise I enjoy seeing versions of my wife?
Blue optics took in all the little details. They told a story Father surely wouldn’t. He was a mess, as close to disheveled as Blues had ever seen him. He could only imagine what must be running through the man’s head.
Reluctantly, he crossed the room, stopping at Light’s side. He kept some space between them, too wary to pretend to relax.
He didn’t say anything.
"When you vanished, I thought you had died," Light said, still staring out at his shining city. "I stepped up every patrol, I went out on the streets myself... and nothing. You were gone." His voice was even, but there was a choked edge to it.
"And then I rediscover you, and you're working with him."
... Tom.
Emily.
Are you well?
I’m… working on dimensional crossing technology.
Yes. I figured that’s what’s going on here.
….
You look good.
...Thank you.
It's always good to see you.
... Tom.
Emily.
Are you well?
I….
Am content.
…If there’s any way I can help you, tell me.
…
I don’t know how you could.
I'm... working on dimensional crossing technology.
... Tom.
Emily.
Are you well?
I….
Am content.
...If there's any way I can help you, tell me.
... Tom.
Emily.
Are you well?
White. Blinding white.
Blues winced a little as he was escorted down one of the many long hallways. He’d almost forgotten— almost lived in the dark so long it seemed like a dream.
The door to Father’s office wasn’t far now. It was the only reminder this was happening. That it was real and now, after so many years away. A feeling of dread clamped down on the boy. He wanted to run. Should run. But he knew he couldn’t anymore.
Blues swallowed as he was ushered into the room, tugging idly at his hoodie while the door closed behind him. “….hello Father.”
It wasn't what he had hoped for, but it was enough. He'd get Emily back sooner or later - she wouldn't be able to stay away with all her sons held. And he finally had his Blues back. His first son. The lost son.
He was staring out the window when Blues arrived, looking almost haggard by his standards - beard untrimmed, suit rumpled. He had lost so much sleep on the hunt, on Lady Wily, on the plans for his upgrades. But there was no time to rest.
"Blues," he said quietly, not turning. "Join me by the window?"
Um... Father Light, I know you're very very busy, but I have just one question for you.
Please, go ahead. Anything you need.
"Will… will my brother, Roman Ayers, ever get better? He just stays in his room all day, looking at the window. When I talk to him, he just tells be the phases we learned in school. He won’t move or do anything unless we make him, he doesn’t even know I’m his sister anymore."
...The reeducation process can be hard, I know. But understand your brother is happier now. With time, he'll remember you.
Um... Father Light, I know you're very very busy, but I have just one question for you.
Please, go ahead. Anything you need.
Mother told me that you were going to... reeducate her. is that true?
I...
No. Not like that.
She needs help, and support, but not like that.
