Alphonse, cane in hand, was gazing intently at the ceiling, appearing to listen for something, as Stan entered the room.
"What happened?" Stan asked in a gruff tone.
"Hmm? Oh, I'm not sure, but Karnus is back in the vents. I'm trying to pinpoint his location. So, please, quiet," Alphonse replied. He tapped a spot on the ceiling, and a faint skittering and thumping noise followed, resembling a frightened animal trapped inside.
"Hmm, odd. I thought Karnus had outgrown his fear of baths," Stan remarked, overhearing sniffling and a faint rendition of a 'Hadestown' song from a nearby vent.
"It's not that. I think he's been dumped by a girl and isn't handling it well. Although, if he doesn't come out soon, a bath will be inevitable," Alphonse replied, tapping the ceiling once more. This elicited more movement and a muffled protest, "Leave me alone! I'm in mourning!"
"Karnus, she isn't dead, she just broke up with you. There are other fish in the sea," Alphonse attempted to console, though he struggled to recall his own youthful heartaches. "God, was I like this? I never had this issue with Cadmus..."
Stan nodded, keeping to himself that Cadmus often confided in him rather than Alphonse, fearing Alphonse's overbearing nature. "Well, yeah. We are quite old, and perhaps a bit out of touch," he conceded, wrapping his arms around Alphonse from behind.
"True," Alphonse agreed, setting down his cane thoughtfully. "It's only logical for him to seek out somewhere dark and quiet. Poor boy. Karnus, can you hear me?" There was a lengthy silence before a muffled "Yeah" came from the vent.
"I'd appreciate it if you could make your way to your room. I'll ensure no one disturbs you, and I can teleport your dinner to you there, okay? If you feel like talking about it, just let me know. I'll be there in seconds," Alphonse offered, his voice carrying a blend of concern and understanding.
After another prolonged pause, a final, sad "Okay" echoed softly from above, followed by the sound of slow shuffling moving down the hallway.
Later that evening, following dinner, Alphonse's phone emitted a soft 'ding'. A text message appeared on the screen, simply reading, "I miss her." Reading this, Alphonse knew it was time to go and comfort his son.
@violeteyedkiller @passimtemere