the swelling around his eyes has finally worn down ... or at least albus thinks they have as he makes his way out of his room finally. he hates how the order's forced him to stay put, and albus will realize that they have a plan to save his sister, but knowing he has to sit and do nothing has made his anxiety spiral. the last thing he wanted to do was bother anyone, especially not his brother, but he's finally hungry, so he's braving the rest of their safe house. he wanders, and he can feel everyone looking at him as he walks by. the unwanted attention and noticeable pitiful looks make his arms fold across his chest, wanting to disappear into the fabric of his jumper. the conversations pause as he walks by, and he has half a mind to just turn back around and disappear into his room before he sees a familiar stature. for a moment, al still considers turning around to return to his room, figuring that james has enough on his plate, but he finds himself walking to him still, and maybe he is just needing his big brother after all. "if these people keep looking at me," he starts quietly as soon as he sits next to james, "i might just lose my shit." / @valians














