Shut up, Toulouse

Berlioz Bonfamille Twenty One French Location: Paris, France Intermittent Explosive Disorder "Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured." - Mark Twain

[jaretthovvarth]

Why is he looking at her like that? Cinderella’s worry only intensifies, certain that there must be a dirty mark on her face, or something the matter with her dress - some sort of indicator that she doesn’t belong in this beautiful ballroom. A small smile that screams of her nerves flits across her features as she tentatively reaches up a hand to pet her hair, checking it’s not come down from the elaborate style. He really is terribly handsome…

The cough actually makes her jump, they’ve been standing in silence for so long, and her cheeks are immediately lit with twin spots of pink as she demurely averts her gaze. Dieu, you must stop this, you are being completely ridiculous! And he’s apologising to her. Why would he apologise? Nobody usually cares one jot about whether or not they’ve offended her. Seeking to put him at ease (in spite of her own discomfort), Cinderella gives her head a little shake. “It’s alright. My favourite number is two?”

"I… yes, I suppose I am," is her shy response. "I don’t often have time for parties." Or rather, she doesn’t ever. And she shouldn’t even be here now. Her thoughts rapidly turn back to her stepmother, about how she would punish her if she were discovered… the lattice of scars across her back would be added to, no doubt. Maybe one of her men would be sent.

But she can’t think about it now. Cinderella chose this, to have one night of freedom where she could pretend to be like the glamorous people in this house. She wonders if her own mother and father might have thrown parties like this, were they still alive. “Do you come here a lot?” She asks the young man, daring to sneak another glance at his striking features.

[the-real-grumpycat]

Without thinking, Berlioz reached a hand towards her hand as it tried to fix her hair, but he stopped just before he could touch her. "Your hair's perfect." He cringed inwardly at how ridiculously pathetic he must have sounded, but he lowered his hand and hoped she would do the same. If she accidentally messed up her hair, like most girls, she would probably run off to the bathroom to fix it and he would be stuck spending time with some other random girl. He really didn't want that. He didn't want to take his eyes off her for even a second.

Despite feeling like an idiot, Berlioz smiled as her cheeks turned a charming shade of pink. Had he caused that? He couldn't even think what he had done to cause such a reaction in her, but even he couldn't deny that it was quite adorable. He released a short laugh at her response and, with a quick tilt of his head he said, "Two is- Yeah, it's a good number."

"You don't? You're so lucky." Berlioz hated these parties and the fact that this one was specifically for him was, quite honestly, pissing him off. Especially due to the fact that it was specifically designed for him to find a wife. What century were they even living in? At the very least, he could take pleasure in the fact that he had messed with his mother's system by talking to this girl. He was supposed to be dancing with them in alphabetical order or something.

"Unfortunately." There was a bitter edge to his tone, but it was gone in an instant with a simple shoulder shrug. Holding out a hand for her, he introduced himself, "Berlioz Bonfamille." He knew she would recognise the name, but chances were that he would never see her again, so what harm could it do?

[jaretthovvarth]

Thankfully, Cinderella had not seen the way that the young man extracted himself from his mother’s company, otherwise she might have been more afraid of him than she already is. Although she had initially been adequately distracted by the romance of the dancing couples and the glamour of the setting, her old fears quickly made themselves known again.

There are a lot of people in this ballroom. Of course, there’s enough space that none of them would have to interact with each other if they so wished, but still they gather in clumps around the room- with a particularly worrying cluster of bachelors lined up and conferring against the far wall. Cinderella is quick to avert her gaze from them, worried about catching their attention.

With the thought of slipping unnoticed into the crowd foremost in her mind, Cinderella flinches at a sudden, masculine voice nearby- one that is apparently aimed at her. Her stomach flip-flops unpleasantly, immediately assuming that one of her stepmother’s men has caught her. But it’s not one of them, or at least, nobody she recognises. The man at her side is doubtless one of the most handsome she has ever seen. His eyes are startlingly blue.

"I- sorry?" She asks, unable to discern the meaning behind his words. Is she being stupid? Surely it’s something obvious and she’s just making a fool of herself, but… "I don’t understand… eight?"

[the-real-grumpycat]

It was now that he should have been adding those other words- the words that would explain exactly what he had meant when he had stated that eight was his favourite number. The girl before him would be looking a lot less confused if he would just open his mouth and talk some more, but he was completely silent; just standing there staring at her like an idiot. That was probably what she was thinking- that he was an idiot. Some foolish man who spoke ridiculous words then stared at her in awe. Was that what this was? Was he staring at her in awe?

Berlioz coughed once, his eyes shifting briefly to where his mother stood. She was watching her son carefully, but he hadn't looked her way long enough to figure out if the expression was good or bad. "Sorry." He finally found his voice and frankly he was quite shocked that the first word to leave his lips was an apology. He never apologised for anything and anyone who had known him longer than a few minutes would have known that. "I-... It doesn't matter." He was. He was a total idiot.

There was a part of him that was very ready to just turn and walk away, but it seemed that that part of him was not connected to his feet as they insisted on remaining glued in place at the girl's side. "You're new." Again the stupid words kept on coming and Berlioz had to do everything to not smack himself over the head. What was wrong with him!? "I mean, I've never seen you here before. Or at any of these events." That sounded a little bit better at least.

God, why was he even bothering? He hated these events and he had made a very strict plan before he had come down from his room; he would dance with them, he would pretend to listen to them, but he would not speak with them. Clearly that plan was falling apart and yet all Berlioz could think about was how much he wanted to be closer to her.

[jaretthovvarth]

Cinderella can’t believe she has actually done this. If her stepmother knew, if she found out somehow, there would be all hell to pay.

The Bonfamille family’s magnificent estate cuts an imposing figure against the moonlit sky, frowning down on the blonde-haired woman like it knows she shouldn’t be here. She shouldn’t. She should go home right now, make sure everything’s ready for breakfast tomorrow morning, and then get out of the way and hope Lady Tremaine will not return with any suitors this evening. But… 

She glances up at the building again, taking note of the lights that shine in each window, illuminating the silhouettes of men and women she could never hope to be as glamorous as. Isn’t this what she had always dreamed of though? To dance at one of these parties and be swept away by a distinguished gentleman like the ones in her books? Gustave had brought her this dress especially, a beautiful pearlescent ball gown that sweeps the gravel driveway with every step she takes. No, she must go inside. She owes this to herself.

Taking a quiet, calming breath, Cinderella ascends the front steps and shyly offers her forged invitation to one of the bouncers standing guard outside the front door. They barely look at it before they wave her inside, revealing the splendour of the ballroom in all its glory. “Mon dieu…” She whispers.

[the-real-grumpycat]

Berlioz sighed heavily as yet another woman stumbled over his toes. If he had cared about his appearance the sigh might have been due to how these women were ruining his shoes, but frankly, he was just entirely bored of this whole room. His mother had arranged the entire evening, rambling at length about how Berlioz was getting out of hand; he would find a nice, respectable girl and change his ways or he would be sent off to boarding school. Neither sounded too good to the young man, but having girls falling all over him was probably the better option, no matter how idiotic they were all being.

Girl number six twirled off in an apparent trance as girl number seven was led over to him. "Berlioz, this is-" His ears had shut off long before the night had even started, but this time, his attention actually had landed somewhere else. His blue eyes were locked on to a girl by the door and, quite honestly, Berlioz almost felt like he couldn't breathe.

"Mother, would you just shut up?" He snapped, tugging his arm rather aggressively from girl number seven's vice grip before pushing past his mother with no regard to how hard his shoulder had knocked hers.

He approached the girl by the door, noticing that she seemed to be too distracted by the room itself to even see that he was now standing at her side. "Always knew eight was my favourite number." A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he looked down at the blonde. He should have said more- saying more would have made his random sentence make sense, but he just couldn't make any more words leave his lips.

[riseofoswaldrp-deactivated20150]

Nicholas Hoult as Berlioz Bonfamille→ Intermittent Explosive Disorder→ Taken

D I S O R D E R (S)

What is Intermittent Explosive Disorder? A behavioral disorder characterized by extreme expressions of anger, often to the point of uncontrollable rage, that are disproportionate to the situation at hand.

P R E - A S Y L U M

It’s hard growing up in the public’s eye, especially for three young siblings under constant scrutiny. Their mother, a Parisian socialite known as “The Duchess,” always had her children around, exposing them to the bright lights of fame at a young age. It wasn’t until a kidnapping scheme gone wrong, however, that the children learned the darker side to living the high-life. Everything seemed to change for the siblings after their traumatic childhood experience. Once everything had settled back to relative normalcy, their mother carried on teaching them and bringing them up to be perfect and proper as though nothing had ever happened. But slowly their personalities began to change, manifesting differently for each of them as they grew older. Their mother’s teachings didn’t work, however, and the three siblings ended up at Rogue Vengeance.

A S Y L U M

Berlioz, already stubborn and hot-tempered, grew angrier and more confrontational. He instantly hated the asylum once he arrived. His sister was the first to arrive, their mother sending her here after she lost control of her; Berlioz was without a support system once she was gone. He and his brother had a falling out and they hardly ever talked, which made Berlioz become angry and alone. He couldn’t control his anger and he lashed out at everyone and everything. One moment he would be fine, but when something set him off, he flew off the handle. He was the next sibling to be sent here. He couldn’t find it in him to be happy, to care about anything anymore, and he became bitter and sarcastic. He wants to get out of the asylum and get better, but sometimes he allows the anger to get the best of him.

C O N N E C T I O N S

Asylum: Marie Bonfamille | Toulouse Bonfamille

Grimmsvale: Edgar Balthazar

[myoldbonyself]

Jack scratched his head nervously.

"I mainly just admire you for all the things I couldn’t do….. The first two or three times I met Cinderella, I’d accidentally scared the daylights out of her. We became friends past that and she WAS comfortable with me but I knew there was a discomfort in her I don’t think I’d ever ease. And you did. She was always so happy and serene with you.

And I remember finding Sally by the well, bloody and bruised and I wanted nothing more than justice for her since she’s a great friend of mine. But I knew I couldn’t fight. I’m as thin as a waif and I can’t fight.. Then I heard about how you jumped to her defense.

And I heard that you ended up in lockdown because something made you nervous about Cinderella’s safety and you wanted nothing more than to swoop in and save her. Heck, YOU’RE the one she opens up to with these things. You make her feel safe and happy.

And even NOW at the height of agitation, you’re still being as kind as you can be. I just…. admire you. From what I’ve heard and seen so far you’re a great guy. You’re TOUGH but you’re just as KIND as you are tough and that’s not a frequent mixture of traits.”

He paused and listened. He was tempted once again to offer to massage his head the way his dad would for him or his mo or how he’d do for them but knew that probably wasn’t at all what the boy wanted.

"Sorry for the rambling. Just had to answer you thoroughly." He explained rapidly. He half-smiled before adding, "Yeah, of course, I’ll go. Wish I COULD help with the headache….. feel better."

He turned and walked away, slow enough that he looked like he wasn’t escaping and could easily turn around if Berlioz needed or wanted anything else but fast enough that he wasn’t lingering. 

[the-real-grumpycat]

Berlioz listened to him speak, his brow furrowing as the list of reasons left the other boy's lips. He was pretty sure that he had never had so many nice things said about him in the one go in all of his life and, while he still wasn't convinced that he was a good guy, it was still nice to hear that someone thought so highly of him. It was unusual. "Um... thanks." he replied lamely, not really sure what else he could say in response. He didn't even know Jack well enough to return any compliments so what more could he really say? He offered him a rather genuine smile though, something he didn't normally do when he wasn't in Cinderella's presence.

"It's fine, really." he insisted. "It'll calm down in a day or two." He hoped. Usually the headaches didn't leave until he had had a full blown outburst, but Jack didn't need to know that. "See you later, Jack."

[jaretthovvarth]

"Of course I would. I came here to spend time with you, mon chéri, I can see fireworks any time." Well, maybe not any time, but that’s hardly important right now. If she had been that bothered about watching them, she would have just stayed in town.

Admittedly Cinderella would love it if Berlioz could move to one of the cottages, then she would be surrounded by people she knows she can trust. The only person missing would be Jack… she wonders when his doctor will let him out, so they can work at The Spot together like they had planned. “Well whatever you decide, we will have to do something special when you get out. Maybe I’ll cook… or we could go to the pictures- I haven’t been before, but Lottie tells me that sometimes she goes there with her boyfriends.” It feels strange, planning dates like a normal couple might, but it’ll be fun to have someone special to do new things with.

The food all smells amazing, she hadn’t eaten at the barbecue in Grimmsvale in anticipation of this evening. Cinderella takes a pair of paper plates from the table and releases Berlioz’s hand as she reaches for the pile of hot dog buns. This will be interesting, she’s actually never had a hot dog before. “Do you think the staff will mind us going back indoors with this?” She asks quietly, wary of Calhoun who is overseeing proceedings nearby.

[the-real-grumpycat]

"We can find a room with a good view of the sky. You're not missing the fireworks because of me." The girl hadn't even been to a ball when he had met her. If she hadn't seen fireworks either he wouldn't be able to live with himself knowing he took that experience away from her.

Berlioz smiled brightly at her as she talked about all the things they could do when he was finally out of the asylum and, though he remained doubtful that this day would ever come, she made him excited by the idea of being out there with her. "We'll do all of that and more. I promise. Hey, maybe I'll even cook for you." he grinned. It had been a while since he had cooked anything himself, but it wasn't something you just forgot. "So this Lottie... She has a multiple number of boyfriends? Please tell me that she's in no way influencing you? I think I would be far to jealous to share you with any other boyfriends." He was still smiling, hoping she would know that he was joking.

He takes one of the plates and starts piling food up on it. He hadn't eaten for hours and the smell of the food was causing his stomach to growl. If only his mother could see him now. She would be disgusted by the standards of food. Berlioz, however, was looking forward to eating as much as he could. "Nah... And if they do, I'll just blame you. You know, can't really blame a guy for doing something to please a beautiful girl." he winked at her, again hoping that she would catch that he was joking.

[myoldbonyself]

Jack paused and smiled a half…. well a quarter smile. “I actually have a very HIGH opinion of you.” He answered honestly.

Anyone who could make his jittery best friend, smile and blush so lovingly like that HAD to be great. And how he jumped to Sally’s defense. He was even very nice to Jack even at moments when he could tell he didn’t want to be nice to anyone. Berlioz was nicer than he’d probably given himself credit form.

"I’m not trying to hurry away from you. I’m glad you don’t hate me but I… can tell when I’m not wanted… especially since you seem so on edge, I’d just hate to agitate you further."

He paused. “Sorry if it seemed like I was trying to like… escape; I promise I wasn’t.” 

[the-real-grumpycat]

Berlioz raised an eyebrow at his response. No one had a high opinion of him. Except perhaps Cinderella, but even then Berlioz often wondered why she of all people liked him. "You do? Mind if I ask why?"

His headache pounded painfully again, reminding him of exactly how on edge he was. "You're not?" he asked, rubbing his eyes a little in an attempt to ease the pain. "Great. Yeah, no. I don't mean to be a dick, I just have this killer headache and usually what follows that isn't great. So... If you want to run off, it's cool. Probably smart actually.

[jaretthovvarth]

“Bien sûr,” Cinderella replies, honest as ever, but bashful about it. “Il n’y a personne je préfère passer ma soirée avec." She had told Snow before that she thought she might be in love, and it seems ever more likely that that is indeed the case as each day passes. Being apart from him for so much of her time is becoming unbearable.

Since his last what? There’s clearly more to this headache than Berlioz is willing to share, but Cinderella knows that pressing the issue will get her nowhere. As such, she’s content to just stew in her worry for now. She’ll try again later. “Maybe we shouldn’t stay out for the fireworks then… we could kidnap some food from the barbecue and watch them from inside where it’s quieter?”

"You are? That’s wonderful!" She says happily, giving his hand an encouraging squeeze. "You have been doing so well, I see no reason for them not to let you go." Though they have refused him before… regardless, Cinderella remains hopeful that this time things will work out. "I would love to have you close by, but of course you must do what makes you happy. If you think you would be better suited to an apartment, I can always come and visit. Ms De Vil often lends me her driver when she has no use for him."

[the-real-grumpycat]

"Bon." His smile fell into a more natural one, his hands still holding her close. "Il n'y a pas un que je préfère passer avec soit." Berlioz hadn't ever really considered any thoughts of love, but he knew that it was quite possible he was getting dangerously close. There wasn't one moment where he didn't want her by his side, but he just couldn't let himself think of how he truly felt. As most people knew, he wasn't really a fan of feelings.

"You-" He was going to ask if she really wouldn't mind doing that for him, but in his current state, was it really wise for him to put himself somewhere alone with her? Then again, the loud noises might push his headache over the edge and, well... Berlioz was always the first to admit that he was selfish. "You would really do that for me?" He finished, only feeling a little bad about it. He wouldn't hurt her. He couldn't hurt her.

His smile grew at her happiness, though he knew it would be short-lived. There was no way Frollo would let him leave, but again the hope she had was always enough to make him smile. "I hope you're right. I really don't want to spend anymore time here." he admitted, running a hand through his hair. "Hey... If me being close will make you happy, then I'll get a cottage. I don't mind at all." Berlioz took her hand and gave it a quick squeeze before leading her towards the barbecue so they could get food before going inside.

[myoldbonyself]

"No problem." Jack smiled and nodded.

Had the situation been any different he would have offered a shoulder or neck rub to calm and/or soothe the man but he knew better. He instead just offered a muttered ‘feel better’ and slowly backed away, not wanting to look like he couldn’t wait to get away or anything.

[the-real-grumpycat]

"Hey..." Berlioz called after him, not entirely sure what he was planning on saying. "Look... I don't know what your opinion of me is or... whatever, but... I don't hate you, okay? You don't have to hurry to get away from me or anything."

[myoldbonyself]

"Will do." Jack smiled then went off to get the water for him. 

As he was walking, he couldn’t help but notice Berlioz’s tone. He shook it off. He could handle Berlioz not liking him and being cordial. He at least got to stay uncut and unbruised that way. He looked in the huge bowl of ice and water and water bottles.

He just took one in case Berlioz wasn’t there when he went back. Then he could just keep it for himself and NOT feel or look stupid.

[the-real-grumpycat]

Berlioz attempted a smile as Jack went to get him water. If anything, the water might calm him down a little, but going by past experiences the only thing that could really calm him down was being left alone. He waited for the boy to return and took the bottle gratefully. "Thanks." he said with a nod, before taking a long drink.

[jaretthovvarth]

The sudden embrace prompts a little squeak from Cinderella, but it’s one of surprise rather than fear and she recovers quickly, slipping her slender arms around his shoulders and holding him close. She has never known Berlioz to behave like this before, and it does little to assuage her concerns that there’s something the matter. “I missed you too, matou,” She whispers back, slipping one of her hands into his dark hair and combing gently through the thick locks.

When he pulls away from her at last, Cinderella takes his face in her hands and stretches up onto her tiptoes to brush two soft kisses to each of his cheeks. “Monsieur Iwerks a invité d’anciens patients de retour à l’asile pour Independence Day. Donc nous pourrions passer avec les gens que nous aimons," She explains, a small smile returning to her face.

But the expression is short-lived. Cinderella can tell that there’s something wrong, even in the dark. She might even have thought he was crying, if she didn’t know any better. “Has something happened?” She asks tentatively, reaching for his hands.

[the-real-grumpycat]

Berlioz leaned against Cinderella's hand as she ran her hand through his hair. It wasn't fair that his doctor continuously refused to let him leave. Why couldn't the man realise that he was better with her near him? He smiled a little as she kissed his cheeks, but it barely reached his eyes. "Et vous êtes venu me trouver." How did he ever get so lucky? No wonder he wasn't ever allowed to leave. His life would just be too good and the world would never allow that to happen. 

He didn't like that his expression had caused her smile to fade. All he ever wanted was to see her smile. "Nothing." he shook his head. "That's-... It's been over a month since my last... I just have a headache. I'll be fine. It'll be fine." he insisted, not wanting her to worry about him.

"I'm going to apply to leave again soon." Though he knew he would never get out, he figured it couldn't hurt to change the subject. "I was going to see about getting an apartment, but... well, if you wanted me to be closer, I- I could get a cottage?"

[jaretthovvarth]

Although she had initially been quite wary of both the fireworks and the raucous party atmosphere that had been prevalent in town, Cinderella finds she’s actually having a lovely Fourth of July. When people are enjoying themselves, it’s less likely that she’s going to be end up on the receiving end of any aggression, so any event that inspires happiness in her peers is just fine by her. After enjoying a little of Am’s concert with Lottie, she had excused herself to take a taxi back to Rogue Vengeance with the intention of surprising Berlioz. She hopes he’ll be pleased to see her.

Having surrendered her new mobile phone at the front desk, she’s now wandering through the crowd gathered to watch the celebrations, searching for a mop of dark hair and piercing blue eyes among them. But where is he? Fifteen minutes of looking yields no results, and Cinderella is beginning to worry that Berlioz has found his way to lockdown again.

Crossing her fingers behind her back, she goes to check somewhere else, only to collide with the very person she had been seeking. At first she smiles, unbelievably happy to see him, but upon realising that he has yet to recognise her, and taking note of his distracted mannerisms, her brows draw together in concern. “Berlioz? Ça va bien?” She asks softly, gently placing her hand on his forearm.

[the-real-grumpycat]

"Cinderella?" It took him a mere second after first speaking to register that it was her who he had bumped into and, for the briefest moment, the pressure causing his headache eased off. The second her hand touched his arm he pulled her towards him and wrapped his arms around her. It hadn't been that long since he last saw her, but it was becoming apparent to him that the more time they spent together, the harder it was to be without her. "I missed you." he spoke into her shoulder, "I really, really missed you."

Berlioz was aware of how pathetic he probably looked, and it probably wasn't helping that he was holding back tears, but he didn't care. Crying really wasn't his thing, and he hardly ever did it, but if he ever did it was usually because of times like now, when he could feel himself ready to snap. All he could hope for was that he didn't snap while she was here. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if she saw him like that, or worse... if he hurt her.

Pulling back slightly to look at her, he hoped that it was dark enough that she couldn't see exactly how close to tears he was. "Que faites-vous ici?" Not that he isn't thrilled to see her, of course. He just hadn't expected her to be back so soon.

[insane-little-doll-deactivated2]

Sally had finally retrieved Mr. Bones from her room and ended up out with the fireworks flinching every time one of them went off. She kept glancing around for a place to run but there really wasn’t any. She stood up suddenly to see if she could find Hatter or even Tramp when someone ran into her, again. Today just wasn’t her day, she stumbled a bit and looked over. “Hello Berlioz.” She gave him a small smile, “It’s okay, my fault I got in your way.”

[the-real-grumpycat]

"Hey." He replied quickly, once he had realised who he had bumped into. Berlioz could only hope that she didn't take this as a sign that he was going to beat the shit out of her because, quite honestly, he couldn't handle another one of those conversations. "No, don't be silly. It was mine. Wasn't looking where I was going." The pressure in his head pounded harder, but he tried his best not to show it. "Happy 4th of July." he offered with a slightly strained smile.

[myoldbonyself]

"Not at all. I’m fine." Jack said with a smile. That faded to a more concerned expression upon seeing Berlioz’s demeanor. "Are YOU alright though? Should i get you a cold bottle of water?" He offered.

[the-real-grumpycat]

Realising it was Jack in no way lessened the aggression he could feel building up inside of him. He knew that the boy was a good friend of Cinderella's, but he just couldn't bring himself to like the guy. Berlioz had never been a jealous person, but whenever Cinderella would tell him that she had been talking to Jack, or anyone of the male gender for that matter, he could feel himself become irritated. Still... he tried to be nice. "I'm fine, I- I'm fine. Water would be great though."

[the-real-grumpycat]

No causing trouble, acting up, or getting into fights. These rules might be quite reasonable, in fact they were very reasonable, but Berlioz had never been good at not doing these things. Sure, for the past month or so he had managed to stay under the radar- he had to if he wanted any chance of being allowed to leave the asylum- but he had been becoming more and more restless. If his track record was anything to go by, Berlioz couldn't last much more than a month without having an outburst and if they headache he was currently suffering was anything to go by, he was struggling to keep it together. The noise surrounding him was all too much so he moved off to quieter area, hoping to not be disturbed. On his way to an open seat, he accidentally bumped his shoulder against someone and turned quickly. "Sorry! I- Sorry." That was new. He rarely apologised for anything.

[raincloudeeyore-blog]

"I’ve been here… almost two months?" Eeyore estimated. "I don’t really know. Time kinda loses all meaning here, don’t you think?" He sighed. "Anyway… what about you? I’ve seen you around before, so I know you’re not new."  

[the-real-grumpycat]

Berlioz raised his eyebrows a fraction. He had been here for two months and he hadn't ever seen him before? Usually he had at least seen people in passing. "Uh... five. Five months." he replied, suddenly feeling rather ashamed of himself. Most people had managed to get out of here by now and here he was stuck in the same violent loop. "My doctor hates me."

[toulousesanity]

Cafeteria Company || Open

[toulousesanity]

Toulouse focused down at his tray as he tried to hold back any telling emotions. Him and his brother may never have had a perfect relationship, but seeing him here in this strange place was very comforting. Toulouse may not be used to showing his affections openly, but he gave Berlioz a grateful smile when he was able to work through what Toulouse was trying to say.

Lockdown did not sound too bad to Toulouse, it actually was a place he would prefer to be instead of up around so many people. He flinched when Berlioz referred to their mother; still not being over his forced exit made it more difficult to think about her. “More than likely because she was running out of closet space,” Toulouse shook his head as he thought about their mother, “My anti-social behavior was bothering her way of life I’d imagined.”

[the-real-grumpycat]

Berlioz's brow furrowed a little when Toulouse smiled at him. Quite honestly, he couldn't remember the last time he had directed a genuine smile towards him and, strangely, he returned the smile. Maybe it was the insane amount of medication he was on, or maybe it was the fact that Cinderella really had made him a better person, but he didn't even feel the need to make that smile leave the boy's face.

When Toulouse flinched, he had to force himself not to roll his eyes. Berlioz had never had any time for their mother and whenever anyone seemed defensive of her he would normally retort with some sort of insult towards the woman. "Huh..." Could it be that maybe Toulouse wasn't so fond of their mother right now either? "Well, that's fucking stupid."