bart4

Sigurd, you get home from your classes late today, the sun having set about an hour ago, and come in to find the house very quiet indeed. The upstairs is dark and in fact the only lights in the place are coming from the kitchen, where it looks like someone left the light over the sink on, and your study. Since from that study is coming the clacking of keys it's a good bet Squall has borrowed your computer to be able to write up his reports. No point in getting his own computer as that's all he ever does on the damn things anyway. And yes, there in your office, sitting at your desk, cup of half finished coffee nearby is Squall. He's frowning at the screen (like duh) and clickity-clackities at the keys as he attempts to string together enough sentences in enough right ways that Cid will leave him alone for once. It never works, but hope springs eternal. Dressed in only a pair of jeans and a battered t-shirt that has long since lost it's sleeves and is so worn as to be transparent, the teen hunched over that thing and works. Mao has been crying at him pittifully for half an hour now, but as he refuses to give her what is her due, the little princess hears you come in and dashes out to make her complaints known to you. NO one will pppaaaaay any attention to me!! =^;.;^=

Sigurd, your little brother is no where in sight at the moment but at least he's finally home. He's been gone for the last two days, hanging out largely with Jesse. There was the day in the village of undead and then some celbration *cough* time after that. Though he never said he was gonna be gone -that- long, he did tell you Jesse had something planned for him, just never said what it was. Just kinda waved over his shoulder while he ran out the door and told you right about the same time as that, both whips with him. Hey, he was with Jesse, can't be anything that'll be too much trouble, right? >.>;; (Maybe you shouldn't answer that...) But, tonight, he's apparently home, in his room, and totally passed out. That's why Mao can't get any attention from him, either, at the moment. Even though she attempted to jump up on his bed and knead on his back, the most he did was shift to get her to quit digging her claws into the scars on his back, not even waking up in the process. Poor, attention starved kitty cat. No wonder she's running to Sigurd and meowing at the top of her lungs.

It's been a long day as it was, and perhaps now it will become longer -- but that isn't the thoughts as Sigurd comes back home. Instead, there is a want to relax and a bath -- it doesn't help that the man is carrying a stack of letters. Or rather... notes. Don't ask. Just. Don't. Ask. He plans good and well to get rid of them, having no way of doing so as he was leaving, but for right now he wants to get rid of the pressure building behind his eyes. Hearing the clack of keyboard keys, the instructor pauses once entering the foyer, before continuing within the house. Today he's simply dressed in a business suit; cream and ivory are the colors, as a delegation from Dollet came by. Something happened there, and they wanted to know if a few of SeeDs best could drop by. The usual deal, but this time Sigurd had to sit in on it. Occasionally he does, for his empathy is an edge... but it doesn't mean he likes it. Thin glasses, more for style than any need to be used, as push back onto the top of his head, even as he enters the study to find Squall at a unlikely place -- well, only once in a blue moon. Mao is greeted, where her trying to gain attention from elsewhere was in vain, and it is walking up to Squall, cat in arms. A happy little Princess, now. =^*.*^= "At work again, I see," is commented softly, even as his empathy reaches -- and finally finds -- his brother. "Bart's home... and out. I guess Jesse decided to go on one of his sprees," is noted, as he glances over the report idly.

Looking up as Sigurd comes in, Squall's thoughts turn from the report to that cream colored suit. Yum! *.* Okay, moment over. Giving the cat something of a sour look the young man none the less says, "You look good." For you do. Okay.. *.* Honest. He's done now. Really. c.c; (*.* just to sneak it in) Don't worry, he'll be serious in a second. The report isn't anything truly interesting. The young man went on a mission a couple of days ago and spent his well trained time watching the grass grow. Yep, SeeDs lead such exciting lives. "There's a problem with Bart." He says calmly, pale blue-gray meeting richly colored blue, as he turns in that chair to be able to face you better. "I don't know how it happened, but somehow Bart has Badb.. Irvine's old GF. She's currently junctioning to him and has him passed out in his room." Other than that he doesn't know what Jesse and Bart were doing, and honestly doesn't care. "Jesse carried Bart back to the house, tossed him over the back wall, and then left soon after. He was drunk. I haven't been able to find out much, but Bart seems surprised by her. I called Irvine about her and he says what Bart is going through happened to him so we shouldn't be too worried." Can he dive for cover now?

Lucidity comes and goes. Squall's already been made privvy to this, seeing as Bart has gotten up a couple of times to take care of certain bodily functions and has actually eaten something, too. Badb knows her conditioning lasts for upwards of a week, depending and she's not about to starve, dehydrate, or poison her host in the process. So, the prince gets up when she gives him a break, though it's always a tenuous thing, and though the whole world doesn't spin and flip like a broken TV screen, it's still very surreal and exceptionally confusing. He forgets things, like he forgot who Squall was a few times and still doesn't recall Mao's name. Other times, hell... he forgets who -he- is. All part of the process. But, as Sigurd gets home and starts talking to Squall, the other pair of Fatima blue eyes to be found in the house flutter open and Bart rolls over, sitting up as he attempts to get a hold of his bearings long enough to just make it to the bathroom. Never take such simple things for granted, man. They sure do suck when you don't have them anymore and right now he's just trying to remember -where- the bathroom -is-. But, that comes to him quickly enough and he pads out of bed, headed in that direction.

Sigurd doesn't like the suit too much -- really isn't his taste. Well, not for work. A night out, maybe, but certainly not moving through Balamb's Halls. Not with the result he got, at any rate. -_- Results he plans on getting rid of as soon as he's able to. Enough to make his head swim, it was, but at least things will get better now that he's home. Mao certainly thinks so, being scritched under the chin, even as Sigurd shrugs to the compliment. "Glad you think so." Wishes he didn't hear everyone else's opinion of the suit, but well, what can you do? Obviously not much, though he pauses ever so slightly when Squall mentions that something's wrong with his brother. "Nani? But he was with Jess...." The very name makes the older man pause, before he can get it out. Still, he doesn't say anything in the time being, settling Mao back on the floor, much to her dismay. Still, cat ears perk, before she wanders off to find her other 'pet', he who lavishes attention, before his other brother just... curses. A nice and long fluid string that would make a sailor curse, before he moves away from Squall. Sorry... but he's suddenly worried to death, and the light touch sent to his brother is enough to send him reeling. He only staggers a couple of steps, but he only gets to the door just to see Bart moving toward the bathroom. "Aniki? Are you alright?" Few things in the world get him worried... the two people... and well, cat... in the house are part of that small equation. A glance back, expression somewhat strained, is given to Squall, before he comments, "How...? I thought Irvine lost his guardian somewhere in Dollet...?" Figures.

And Squall? He blinks as the cursing begins, never before having heard Sigurd go off in that manner, and then he simply facepalms. Shoulder slump, face drops into palm, and there he remains for a time. The roan head lifts as Sigurd addresses him with that question. Sighing out a long breath, Squall leans back into the chair, draping an arm over the back of the thing. There shrugs a little before replying. "Irvine wouldn't talk about it. Said he lost her somewhere in Galbadia and then she hid in someone else's body, but that's all. Avoided any more questions and then hung up on me." Jerk. The teen threads both hands together after this, resting the combination on the top of the chair, even as one arm hangs over it. From there he rests his cheek on his hands, and while he doesn't have a clue, he looks damn adorable that way. "All I know is that Jesse threw Bart over the garden wall, killed some of my flowers, and then ditched me when I tried to get Bart inside and to bed. I wanted to ask around town and see if anything weird had gone on, but I didn't feel I should leave Bart. He doesn't know where the hell, or who the hell, he is from moment to moment." Yeah, and he's frowning again, growling out some of the words in a dual rumble. "It's suppose to make Bart immune to the confuse spell or some such shit." Now you know as much as Squall. Thanks for listening. Here's a copy of our home game. n.n

Only halfway there, Bart pauses and blinks repeatedly at Sigurd as if trying to get the picture to come into focus. When it does, he just blurts out, "Hai, I'm fine... who are you?" Yes, he really doesn't recall his own brother at the moment. And he's not fine at all, just seemed like the decent thing to answer with when someone you don't recognize asks how you are. And when Sigurd turns his head to talk to Squall briefly, the boy just continues on the way to the bathroom. Gotta relieve himself, you know. x.x Of course, he's not really long in there, but he's not sure about coming back out again right away, peering out rather than just padding back out again to get to his room. He doesn't know what's going on in the least at the moment and still wonders about this new stranger who's suddenly in the house. How many are going to show up now? He has to take a moment to ponder Squall's voice. After about five minutes of thinking, he then remembers that's Squall. At least he's starting to peice it altogether again. n.nV Just don't go and ask him to say the name of the cat, for he doesn't even remember her gender at the moment, let alone her name.

There's a pause at the explanation, even as Sigurd gives a faint sigh over it all. "Jesse probably was drunk. And probably has no idea on what to do with a guardian force." He still /is/ going to talk to his former commander, though. If for no more than to find out where the hell they went. The response from Bart, however, is heartrenching -- sure, he knows his brother is under Badb's influence, but the idea of Bart not knowing him is a hard thing to swallow. A hand brushes at his face absently, a moment of calm inwardly prayed for, before he finally comments, "I'm Sigurd... you brother." You know... the person you tried to tackle as a baby. u.u; Even then... rambuncious tot. However, the concequences of this worry him a bit more than a then teen falling over at his brother's antics. "But Irvine did say it would fade, didn't he?" The confusion, that is. There's a glance over to Squall, and for a moment a faint, if frayed smile comes at the teen settled in respose. It's brief, however, even as he comments, "The last thing I wanted was for Bart to have a guardian choose him. Him go into the Fire Cave....." 'Maybe'. Even the very look suggests he might not have allowed it... at least, if he had his way. But Sigurd continues a breath afterward, before Bart escapes the bathroom, "But if Badb's gotten a hold of him... she might not let go. And we all know about the memory loss, now." The man keeps a journal now, just because of it.

"He didn't go into the fire cave." Squall says just before he stands from his seat and pads over to the doorway on bare feet to peer around his husband at the blonde. "He's been like this since getting back. Irvine says it might last a few days." truth be told Squall doesn't sound too worried about it all either. Sure Irvine got off the phone really fast about the losing part of it, but didn't seem at all worried about someone having Badb. From what the teen has seen of his gunman friend he isn't too worried either. Badb was a pain in the ass, but certainly wasn't evil. The only thing that worries Squall is how Bart is going to take having a GF once he gets out of all of this nastiness. Since Sigurd is so worried he doesn't mention his concern about possession. "Just let him sleep, Sigurd. He'll remember you later." Is said with quiet assurance and no signs of doubt. After all Bart has remembered him and then forgotten him several times tonight. "He's under the effects of a Confuse spell. No one knows anything while that's going on." There is a gentle nudge from behind the taller man as the teen attempts to get him out into the hall. "Go upstairs, take a shower, and get out of the suit. Bart isn't going to self combust in the meantime." One hopes.

Brother?!? @_@ Bart comes back out of the bathroom, looking rather dishelved, hair totally mussed and flattened against his forhead, freed from the usual braid. He's still wearing the pants he had on earlier, for Squall pulled him out of everything else before making sure he was tucked in and since then, he hasn't thought to do anything to change or shower or anything other than what Badb allows when she gives him a break. He doesn't even realize he's wandering around with those scars fully revealed, something that normally he would be mortified to realize. Hell, he doesn't even remember having scars. "My brother?" he asks with a touch of confused awe to his voice. Surely he wouldn't forget something like that, right? Well, that's how he's looking at it, because he really can't remember for the moment and then has to grasp onto who he is again, and who Squall is. Oh yes, he's Bart and that's Squall. Though in all honesty, he doesn't remember what relation he has to Squall anymore. This is really not much fun.

But, whatever Sigurd says, he just sort of nods, as if he understood, while the vacant look in those Fatima blue eyes says quite the opposite and he wanders back toward his room, though he passes right by it and just starts walking out the front door. Gotta love confuse spells.
"I know he didn't, but...." It worries him what Bart is going to think once having something like that in his head. The teen has already given him odd looks over it -- chances are, if he had a choice, he wouldn't take such a junction himself. Still, Squall's nonchalance over the matter does help, even though he keeps his empathy tightly cloistered. "I've used a confuse spell too many times with Cerebrus. I know what it does, but...." Days? As if it weren't hard watching his brother when he did have his full mental capabilities. Actually, it's those capabilities that made him so hard to watch. Tangent there, but the fact still remains. Nudged, Sigurd moves out into the hallway, only to murmur, "And here, I thought the day couldn't get any worse...." His voice quiets just a little as Bart returns from the bathroom. A want to help is stilled... that is, before the teen starts to move to the front door. "Just go and take a shower, huh?" is commented, though with no malice is given -- in fact, there is even a smile, though it doesn't last long. Instead, he nudging his brother in the right direction, even as he shoos Mao out of the way. The cat knows something is amiss at least, for all of her worshippers to be in the same room like this. =^o.o^= Still, it doesn't stop the cat from mewling at Squall, the only person unoccupied. Pet me! =^;.;^=

Sorry, cat, no can do. The teen snorts at Sigurd's lame attempt at chiding and gives the older man something of a firm push. And no, not with any real strength. Putting Sigurd through a wall rather defeats the purpose of wanting to grow old with the man. Yeah, I know.. just what is Squall thinking? 9.9 He waits for Sigurd to get Bart turned around, and then takes over getting the blonde back to his room and into bed. "Bedrooms this way." he says in his normal dull voice, not really giving Bart any choice in the matter. Once in the room the teen does look down at the prince and says. "Badb... this really blows. There are ways to remove GFs from people, so you fuck with him more than you already are, or you make this shit last, and I'll make sure you never get to junction anyone ever again. You jerk around my husband's heart again, and I don't care what it takes to remove you. Get the confuse over with now." Protective? gee, are we talking about the same young man here? 9.9 Not waiting for a reply, Squall turns around and pads quietly from the room, shutting the door behind him. However, he was utterly and totally serious on the matter.

At Sigurd's nudge, there's a pause, a perplexed look at his brother and then Bart just says, "Oh," and starts back into his own room again, with Squall's help. As Badb returns, there's a little bit of a breeze, that doesn't seem to come from anywhere, lifting matted, sungold locks around in a manner that's just not normal for a breeze to do. Guess who's hooooome. Of course she hears that protective rant from the other teen and the locks of hair seem aggitated for a moment or two, and then just largely stop altogether. Bart winces, as if there was a bit of ranting going on in his head at the moment. When Badb rants, she really really -rants-, after all. "She says it'll be done when it's done," he rasps, and then crawls into bed, curling in on himself in a fetal position, back to Squall at that point. In a moment, he relaxes, hair being tossed around and then settled around him with almost loving precision, as if she watched over him as she slept and tried in little ways to do what she could for him. For all that she may be difficult to please, Badb does take an active interest in the welfare of her chosen, it's largely why Irvine and she got along, she was a mother to him. He'll be asleep for a little bit, now. Unless Badb decides to let him go for a bit.

Even though having little interaction with this until it's over is probably a good thing... there are times Sigurd just doesn't do good things for himself, unless nudged otherwise. No thoughts would have come to talking to Badb, though Sigurd watches the retreating pair with a bit of a sigh. Shoulders slump, if only briefly before the man trudges upstairs -- by the time Squall gets up there he's running water for himself -- hang a shower. He planned on a bath when he got home, and it isn't going to change now. There is a bit of soberness to the actions, brought on by the sights downstairs... he merely didn't expect it. How could he? His brother hasn't gone near the fire cave... yet the man should know that guardian forces don't reside just there. A deep sigh escapes as the man eventually crawls in the tub, hands rubbing at his temples. Just... oi. x.x; Of all the things to come home to... first bloody walls, now a brother that doesn't remember who he is.... maybe he should stay at home from now on.

Settled just at the edge of the tub for the moment, the man has at least the coherency to hang up a part of that suit, only resting in cream pants and socks for the moment. Watching the water fill within the tub, his gaze is rather vacant, that is, until Squall wonders why he wore the suit. "Dollet Embassy.... asking about Galbadia." He lets that sink in, before his head leans back, allowing the long braid that had been pulled to one shoulder slide off. "Cid wanted me to 'listen' in... didn't help I had to teach my classes in that today." Yeah, sure his other outfit is a bit more, ah... revealing, but it's everyday wear, now. Everyone is used to it. It was quiet the change. The water gets to where he wants it, before he strips, curling into the tub with a bit of apprhension, before sliding in completely. Those hands on his shoulders bring out a soft growl, before he comments, "Maybe she'll calm once she's done testing him." He is trying to see the best part in this whole situation, but he's finding it harder by the moment. It wasn't something his brother asked for. After a moment, the instructor notes, "I just hope he's not going to be upset. I don't think this is something he would have gone through, knowing the consequences."

Since the only thing the three can do now is wait.. Squall doesn't speaking about it any more. He's got far too many dead horses up there in his head to bother attempting to express them all right here and now. Not liking what has happened to Bart is just added to the list. "Oh." About the Dollet people. A part of the teen is damn glad it wasn't him, and another part wonders how he got lucky and didn't have to go. c.c; Cid almost always liked to drag him around these days. Still don't know why. (Clue? Sorry, don't deal with those well.) That Sigurd growls gets the massage to stop, and Squall to lean forward and make sure he's not trying to do something the other just doesn't want. If Siggy doesn't mind it will continue. n.n "I don't know much of anything. Just figured all we could do now is wait. Bart's stuck with her now. Unless you know some means of removing someone's GF." Well, there are ways, but the higher ups in Garden try not to let people know that. Sometimes you have to remove a GF from someone who's been cast out.

Restless, restless, restless. Can't sleep. "I don't want to sleep anymore, Badb. Mother, father... Maison? Wait... I don't remember." Badb's finding that this one has a lot of things in his head that she never had to deal with when she was junctioned to Irvine. Bart gets up again, and this time he's a lot more lucid than he was the last. Or is he? Dreams inspire odd things at times. So, while you two upstairs are talking, you might hear the sound of feet on the floor downstairs, or maybe not, for the prince isn't trying to be silent, but neither is he being overly loud. He's headed for the back door, and that's probably what gives him away, the sound of it creaking open and then closing again. Not slammed, but *thud* anyway. Chasing ghosts, as it were, and listening to the voices whispering in his head. (Not Badb's mind you, she's even wondering what the hell he's up to.) Now, he usually is trouble to watch anyway, but this is probably going to be a trying night for the both of you. Just be glad the boy largely avoids intoxicating substances outside his little romps with Jesse. If Maison thinks he's a handful, wouldn't he just loooooove to have charge over the Young Master now. (No, actually, he wouldn't.)

It comes from junctioning those who have had sorrid pasts -- it isn't to say that Irvine did not, but then the cowboy did not have to deal with the death of a nation's leaders, with the world of one innocent being turned upside down, never to return to the normalcy that let him toddle down grand hallways, nor to see the brunt of the people he loved more, and cared for him in the same fashion. One of those remains upstairs, curled back into Squall's touch, lips pulling into a slight smirk at the singular comment to the Dollet delegation. "If you're wondering why Cid didn't have you there, I implictly asked for him to not to drag you into it. We wouldn't both be needed there for such things, and after a bit, he agreed." A grin at that, even as Sigurd takes in the question fully, a brow rising in wondering just how his lover knew of this. Then again, this is the same man that picked the lock to his room back then. "There are ways. The simplest is best, though. Bart can cast her out. Permanently. Unjunctioning is just a small factor in totally removing a guardian... though, I have heard that one can be sucked out." Like that odd lamp Cid has.... the man almost has to wonder just /why/ the Headmaster knew to go to the Shumi over such matters anyhow... but he was hardly thinking about it at the time. Or really thinking. Eyes shutting for just a moment, there's a blink, before Sigurd glances to the floor with a frown. "She's really putting him through something, though." What, he doesn't know -- no telepath here. But the emotions say it all. "We should probably check on him."

"You are such a bully now." Squall teases about the whole badgering Cid thing, but don't think he doesn't approve. Oh no, he approves a great deal that his husband is putting his foot down with the headmaster. About time. "I would have done it to give you the rest though. You have to know that." And in that thing alone Squall would have rather he had to sit through that meeting. After all, he doesn't have to teach and then do this stuff on top of everything else. Before he can say anything more though there is the sound of the back door. Sure Sigurd says you should check on Bart, but Sigurd doesn't honestly know how bad it's been the last ten hours or so. "Shit!" Eyes widen briefly before the teen scrambles out of the bathroom and to the window. Ignoring the stairs he slides up the pane and leans out, looking for Bart. Should that blonde head be spotted, Squall bypasses having to use stairs and doors and just jumps out of the window to land on a bare space in his garden. Who cares if he's barefoot? Yes, even with as worried as he is about Bart, he isn't hurting his flowers. No way!

Lucky for you, Squall, Bart is not headed anywhere near your flowers, just to the back gate. And on top of it, he's running, too. So yeah, Squall does see that blonde head out the window, meaning he gets to leap down if that's the way he wants to do it. Bart, on the other hand, is stuck in his own train of thought and it's nothing lucid in the slightest. In his mind's eye, he sees through the eyes of a child barely a year old, where screams echo with shrill desperation and there's shouting and confusion and the scent of fresh blood and burnt flesh in the distance. Seeing things that aren't there, hearing voices out of thin air and generally enjoying (/sarcasm) plenty of hallucinations. Luckily his coordination isn't that great, or he'd be a real pain in the ass to catch up to. Especially since he's moving a hellova lot faster than a normal person should be. Gotta love speed juctions. He hits the gate first, taking a second or two to get his bearings to try sliding it open. That should give Squall time to reach him. Hard to get things open when your fingers aren't wanting to obey you.

Sigurd is indeed a bully... at least where it is becoming important. Yes, Squall seems to be Cid's chosen, for some odd reason.... but he doesn't have to take advantage of it every single moment of the day. It simply isn't fair... for either of them. So, instead, he decided to sit through a boring meeting that wasn't even close to what the Headmaster should have been worrying about. "Hmm, I know. But you'd just gotten back from a mission. The worse I have to deal with angsty students and 'love notes'." A snort at that, but the reasons for Sigurd being there was moot. But at least the instructor was tactful in saying such. Unlike now, once the shutting of the back door brings a curse from squall, and the teen.... simply jumps out of the window. So much for a simple life, huh? Sigurd takes a bit more time -- most likely by the time he gets downstairs, hopefully Squall has caught up to his brother. While he isn't exactly the most modest creature in the world, he did take the time to put something on -- while not exactly dry, he did manage to find a pair of sweatpants. "Bart??! Squall!" The neighbors are going to love this, for sure. </sarcasm>

Knowing that he's going to have a hard time catching up with Bart if the blonde gets outside of the gate, and an impossible time with Badb junctioning the teen, Squall leaps for Bart. Yes, his action is really very simply.. he's trying to tackle you, boy. It's now or never, and if Bart should get away the Golden Boy has no chance in hell of keeping up with him. Squall isn't known for being a faster runner after all. u.u Not even on the best of days and hell nipping at his heels. Just not one of his strengths sadly enough. At least Bart is trying for the gate. If he had tried to climb the rose bushes the SeeD would have not been at all nice. Then again some people wouldn't think that tackling another person in this manner is nice. Ah well. Should he manage to tackle Bart, Squall seeks to knock the blonde down to the ground and get a good grip on that long hair. It might be playing dirty, but there is a lot of the golden stuff, and if he can get a handful, Bart isn't going to be inclined towards going anywhere.

Sigurd, you should have known that the moment your baby brother came back into your life, any ideas of a simple life (and any semblence of peace and quiet, for that matter) went right out the window. n.- Kinda like Squall just did. But, anyway, fumbling with the gate, Bart gets it open just in time to be tackled to the ground by Squall with a cry of surprise. Grabbing for his hair really wasn't necessary, Badb doesn't grant strength junctions, just speed and a bit of luck. Unfortunately, this wasn't one of those lucky moments. (Or maybe it was, it woulda been very very difficult to catch the prince if he actually got out that gate.) Since that sungold hair isn't in a braid, Squall can easily grab a handful of it and Bart is immediately inclined not to struggle. Getting your hair pulled -hurts- after all and after he feels the strain on it and gasps some small protest for it, he's largely still, his heartrate still heavily elevated and his chest heaving with all of his current efforts. Well, you got him, Squall, and even reeled him in already.

Well, yes. There is that, but Sigurd really wouldn't have his life any other way. Well, okay, there is thoughts of moving back to Aveh, but that's a long way from now, right? Right. He's still got a lot of work to do here, changes to make... just as well something like that will wait. The cry of surprise from his brother comes as soon as the elder man comes out of the door, looking around, trying to spy the pair before his gaze falls upon the gate. Ow. He hasn't seen that since a few days ago in Garden. Of course, it was a pair of girls, fighting over something or other... enough to cause his empathy a brief bout of pain, but regardless, it still looks painful. Maybe he feels that way due to the long hair that curls down his own back. Regardless, coming toward the pair, Sigurd kneels, taking in his brother's state, before glancing up at Squall. "He's near hysterical...." He has no clue what Badb is putting him through... or the fact that her confusion has brought out something else entirely. "Aniki... aniki??!" The words are given in a forced hiss, unwilling to sit out here and yell in the middle of the night. "Aniki... it's okay... nothing's coming here, alright?" One hand upon Bart's shoulder, his other is used to tilt the teen's face so he can see him. Something's got him spooked... he just doesn't know what it is.

Sorry, but Squall has been trained most of his life to kill people. That does include a bunch of dirty tricks, one of which Bart got used on him tonight. He'll apologize later.. maybe. Now, even with holding that hair the teen doesn't pull it if he doesn't have to, and the moment Bart goes still he holds there. No, you aren't going anywhere, your highness. As Sigurd comes over and starts to address Bart, Squall leaves off with the golden hair and instead sits and holds Bart's legs. This way Sigurd can talk to him, Bart doesn't get his hair pulled, but no one can go anywhere. Ain't lettin' you out in this condition. No way. "He's under the effects of a Confuse, Sigurd! I've told you that more than once now." Geez! -.- Sure, sure, don't listen to him. The neighbors are getting a show, ain't they? (Sorry for the small pose. Dinner...)

With Squall sitting on him and Sigurd reaches for his face to make him look up, Bart is most definitely hysterical. The language he uses switches entirely to the Sairou dialect, as if he'd forgotten the Balambese he'd picked up on arriving here. "They're coming, I can hear them screaming. Don't you hear them? They're going to kill my father, let me up!" The panic in the boy's eyes doesn't fade in the slightest. And right about then is when he starts trying to wriggle out from under Squall somehow, turning his head sharply to get free from any kind of grip that Sigurd might have on his chin. Shouldn't have let go of that blonde mane just yet. Not that he can really go anywhere if the golden boy doesn't want him to. He is pinned down rather nicely. Eventually, seeing as there really isn't much of a chance of him getting up again, he just collapses, "You're with them, aren't you... they'll kill everyone... Mother, Father, Aniki, everyone..." and with a very small, quiet voice, he adds, "If so... just kill me, too." Q.Q

There's only a slight glance at Squall at those words -- he knows... gods, does he -- but it doesn't take away that first response. But it is within those brief moments afterwards, as his brother switches to their native dialect that the instructor becomes privy to what is going on in his brother's mind. Breath caught, the blood underneath tanned skin drains away -- he should have known. But then, Bart was only a baby... just past his first year. That breath is finally shuttered out, even as Bart tries to pull away... sorry aniki. It's only then that Sigurd seeks to trap the teen himself... in an embrace. By the time he does Bart has given up to his 'captors', one speaks in his native tounge... rather than the foreign dialect he was learned to use later. "Iie... aniki... it's over... it's over. No one's going to hurt you... not anymore." Sure, there's the big likelyhood that Bart won't understand it at all, but half-cradling the teen, a pained expression is turned to Squall, language switching over fluently... though with just as much sorrow. "He's remembering in the massacre. I think Badb's confusion is working a bit too well...." To put it mildly.

Squall can only watch and frown at the two of you since he doesn't know the language you are speaking at all. He once asked to learn it, but those lessons haven't happened as of yet. It leaves it totally out of the loop while Bart raves, and Sigurd gathers his brother into his arms. As that hold becomes complete the roan haired teen slides off Bart's legs and allows him free. Maybe that will help in calming the prince down. Shifting back, and yet remaining close, Squall crouches down there besides the two of you. With Madeen looking through his eyes at the moment, the young man looks rather feral, even though he isn't aware of it. There is a suggestion of the lion around him, mane dark, and eyes shifting between tawny and storm colored. He doesn't do anything more than wait however, and then nod when Sigurd explains. Shit. Remembering that can't be good at all. x.x Now he's doubtly glad he made sure Bart didn't get out into the city alone.

Bart never meant to disclude Squall from this, but he's not exactly in his right mind at the moment and he was born in Sairou, thusly learning that language first. As if you two hadn't figured this out already. When Sigurd pulls him into that embrace, there is initially a weak struggle, but he does give up as mentioned earlier and slumps against his brother. Badb never really had anything like this before. Irvine didn't have such traumatic memories crawling around in his skull from very early ages. So, she's largely at a loss for this rather dramatic moment. As such, for the moment she decides to back off, unjunctioning with a rustle of feathers that makes the teen shudder against his brother, a gust of wind that doesn't appear to affect anyone or anything else lifting his hair briefly before letting it settle around his shoulders again. It takes a moment for lucidity to set in and then, the memories that had been quietly tucked away at the back of his mind slowly giving way to the present. Bart blinks repeatedly before asking, "Aniki? Squall?" Though Balamb is largely tropical and usually warm, he feels cold and can't help but shiver.

Sigurd takes that brief struggle in stride -- but he isn't letting go. Forget it. Considering his take on the events that night, he can't even imagine what it must have looked like through the eyes of a child. All that screaming, the smell of death... horrible. It's only when Bart slumps that Sigurd gives a sigh of relief, though a second is paused when he takes a look at Squall. A good look, at that, even as his gaze eventually dips away from that feral image. "Just don't leave me again." It is whispered while his brother suffers that delusion, though Badb's parting is only noted faintly by Ra, but not his host. It isn't as if the instructor didn't take the time to notice -- at this point and time, he doesn't care. He just wants to make sure Bart doesn't escape out into Balamb proper suffering this, and it is only when the teen shivers that the older man leans back, taking a good glance over his brother's countance. "Hai, hai.... we're here. And it's good to see you are too...." A joke, if mild, is given, even as his fingers lift to push back tangled hair. Can you feel it, Squall? Through that tentitive link, the relief and joy that's swelling within him, even though only a slight smile gives that away?

Yeah he can feel it, and there is quite a bit of relief of his own as that hair ruffles. Squall knows what it means. Bart says their names (Mostly), and with that the teen knows the other is more or less lucid at the moment. Because of this he reaches over and gently nudges Sigurd. "Let's get him inside. You can cuddle him on the couch." This said Squall rises to his feet, and holds doors for the two of you as you go back inside. He locks the door after him. >.> <.< And then makes sure to lock the front door too. It won't stop Bart, but it might slow him down enough to stop again. Oy. >.<+ Not knowing what else to do, Squall leaves Sigurd to comfort his little brother and goes into the kitchen to warm some coffee. There is some sitting on the stove from when he was having it before. Not the best thing to give Bart, but it will be warm at least. Nuking a cup to make it warm, but not hot, Squall brings the mug in and looms over the back of the couch to offer it. Best he can really do on short notice.

Those words, 'Just don't leave me again.' do leave an imprint on the prince, though subconciously at best, for his thinking is still muddled at the moment. He relaxes finally, not at all minding being this close to his brother, even turning in a little to cling to him like a drowning man would to a life preserver. "I'm sorry," is all he can think to say. He actually has no idea what he did, but he must have done something because he obviously upset both his brother and Squall. That and he's on the ground in the backyard being clung to by Sigurd. So yes, he must have done -something- that requires penance of some sort. Getting Bart inside requires supporting him, as he's still a bit drunken-like on his feet, but he's not raving or panicky anymore, just sort of drained looking. His body is really going through the loops with all these strange emotional upheavels. At least he's not trying to hurt himself... yet. (Pray he gets to sleep through that part of it.) There is a weariness in his eyes, but he doesn't want to sleep, not yet. He'd rather be comforted by his brother, who used to hold him when he was just a baby. So many lost years.
"Thank you," he says somewhat hoarsely as the cup is held there, and he does drink some of it, not caring what it is or what it tastes like. It's warm. *.* It's good. (Caffeine! Woo hoo!)

The instructor is nudged, even though the older man only gives a soft snort at Squall's jibe. It's only at Bart's apology does he speak, voice somewhat gruff and hoarse all at once. "Don't be," is given simply, even as he gets to his feet, helping his brother up as well. It's a slow procession back to the couch, and once there, he does good on comforting his younger sibling. He hasn't held Bart like this since he was old enough to find squirming out to go play was fun. Years ago... another world away. Funny how one can find comfort in the past. It only lasts until Squall brings that cup of coffee, though a hand does remain on Bart's shoulder. He's here... and he's going to remain herem for as long as he's able. However, Squall isn't forgotten in this; as soon as the teen is in range, he's pulled down to sit at Sigurd's other side, head tilting just enough to brush against the other's temple. Hey. It's about as demonstrative as he's going to get in front of anyone, including kin, but it's enough. Still, he has to pause, before glancing back at his brother, words smooth, if only stilted in volume. "Feeling a little better?" At least better than what Bart had just gone through moments ago.

Um.. you do realize that Squall leaned over the back of the couch to offer that coffee, right? c.c After making sure Bart isn't going to spill it, the teen suddenly finds himself grabbed and pulled over the back of the couch. There is a startled squack from him as he flops there in a rather humorous manner, legs still over the back of the thing, holding himself up with his arms. "Asking me to sit down might have been nice." He grumbles in a growling kind of way before turning himself about so that legs can slide forward to join the rest of him on that seat, and he can wriggle about to sit properly. As soon as that's done he gets nuzzled, and while he's frowning during it, the teen isn't truly upset. He got a nuzzle after all. So it brings him to grump, sigh, and then rest against Sigurd's back to play leaning post for the older man. Now Sigurd is in the middle of a cuddle. You poor, suffering fool. 9.9 Now all we need is the cat shedding on us and everything will be complete. No, he doesn't say it, but he certainly thinks it, resting his cheet against Sigurd's shoulder and just sitting there a while. What a day. @.@ The only reason he isn't worn to the bone is because of his GFs endurance ability.

There's a chuckle emitted from Bart's throat as Squall is pulled over the couch to be grabbed into the family snuggle moment. Eyes half-lidding, the prince turns slightly to slouch back a bit, resting what's left of the mug in his lap so his hands won't shake so much and threaten to spill it. Caused enough trouble for today, or so he gathers, no need to add coffee stains on the couch to the list. "Mmmm, hai. Much better," he replies to Sigurd, though he still isn't quite sure what happened. Oh well, whatever it was, it's over now and that's what counts, right? Right. Now, if it really -were- over. It's about then that he realizes he's half dressed and slouches further to keep his back pressed against the couch cushion, eyes glancing over toward you two while you have your snuggle/nuzzle moment together. No, no, got nothing to do with anything sexual about realizing his shirt is off. It's just the scars, dun worry. Of course, there's also the temptation to get a shower while he's still lucid, though he thinks better of it in a moment. Badb has no rhyme or reason about when she comes and goes, last thing he needs is to go back under her influence then. >.>;; "I should get back to bed," he eventually says, without really making any motions to get up yet.

"You might have said no," is teased, even though Sigurd gives Squall just enough time to adjust to sitting upright. It's only then he gets that nuzzle, before he turns his attention to Bart. Oh yes, horrible, caught between two people he'd give his life for without question. Yes, it's a bad and horrible thing that, indeed. Ahem. As for Mao, she's nicely shedding on the sheets in Bart's room, so that moment will have to wait, even as the instructor takes in his brother's discomfort for the moment. Eh.... ah. Yes, there is... that, isn't there. And what good would it do to say he saw the scars already? Not much. He knows how Bart got them, and making such things known now wouldn't do him a bit of good. He knows good and well scars are something you have to come to grips with, before others can see them. Not that his brother seemed ashamed of them... at least not in gaining that latticework across his back. Instead, he nudges Squall, musing, "So should we. Besides, Badb might not be done, yet." It's the only time he'll say anything on the matter, to at least let his brother know he recognizes what he's going through... but leaves it at that. To bed, Squall.... there's a good reason of leaving before Bart does.

Squall snorts about the saying no part. Grump. One thing the teen hasn't done is comment about those scars, and he doesn't plan on it. Already having seen them a few times now, he has had enough of his own that it's no big deal to him. Also, he more than understands the need to hide something you are ashamed of, as he went through something of that himself thanks to the demoncross that was carved into his chest. The best way he knows of putting Bart at ease about the things is to never make an issue of them. Sometimes avoiding an issue is the best thing you can do about it. There is a frown though as Bart suggests going to bed, and Sigurd prompts the two of them to head upstairs. Remember what happened the last time you did that? u.u Pulling away from Sigurd, Squall looks to his husband. "I don't know about that." his voice is a little growly. "Badb almost refuses to make sure he's okay while she does this. I don't think we should leave him alone." And no, he doesn't like you bird-chick. :P Nawh!

Well, it's easy to assume Squall's seen them by now, if he hasn't had a shirt on this long. So, now it's just a matter of dealing with the fact that you both know. However, coping with them isn't something he's ready to do just yet. Not after years of believing they were something to be ashamed of. Everyone else made an issue out of them, so he's not expecting it to be different here, though slowly he's learning otherwise. "I'll be ok," he assures, though really that's not something he can do, since he certainly has no control over Badb at this time. "Unless you wanna tie me to the bed so I won't go wandering." He pauses after that and gives both his brother and brother in law a look that clearly states he's kidding about that idea. However, he's not getting up till you two are gone, or at least not looking at him, self conciousness and all that rot.

"I'm beginning to think even Badb is learning her limits." Especially since she fled Bart and took away the confused effect, once her Chosen tossed something at her that she didn't quite expect. "I think she's going to let him rest... for now. Still, I'll keep my empathy open." And well, if something happens then, he'll be the second to know. Why second? Because Mao'll be the first, and probably crying a fit because The Person Who Keeps Her Warm will be loopy. =^;.;^= That simply isn't fun, and though the comment about tying to the bed does bring a smirk, he shakes his head. There would be a comment on that he doesn't do such things with relatives, but Squall's a might too close for him to say that right now without concequences. 9.9 "We're going to have to, Squall. Unless you're thinking of sleeping down here for the night." Well, you as in 'they' -- Squall should know good and well by now that he won't be down here alone. "We can get the pillows and such while Bart goes to bed?" Next thing to put on the buying list -- a hideaway bed. Most likely with the stuff that happens in this house, it'll be put to good use. "Then we can get futon out." Not the best thing to sleep on... but it's better than nothing, under the circumstances.

Again the teen doesn't have much to say about any of Badb learning, or whether or not she's going to allow the poor blonde to actually rest. Instead all he does is stand from the couch and take the mug that Bart has tucked between his legs. This is carried off to the kitchen and set in the sink. "I'd feel better getting the futon." Is there is one thing Squall does NOT like it's feeling that he's not doing everything he can for someone he cares about. While Bart isn't his favorite of people, the prince is none the less special to Sigurd; and Squall would do anything to make sure that Sigurd remained happy. Sometimes you just have to know what your priorities are. So that reply simply said, the young man leaves Bart there to huddle on the couch as he pads upstairs to change into some sweats and then grab the blankets and pillows from the bed. He just assumed Sigurd means to sleep down there as well, for it's pretty much the way the two have always been. If Sigurd gets the futon pad, Squall will get the sheets on it, and the blankets spread out and everything. Bed in ten minutes. n.n Yes, Bart, he really does plan to sleep down here to make sure you don't get into any trouble.

Well, the feeling is mutual there, Squall, but Sigurd loves you dearly, so Bart will just cope since the last thing he wants is an unhappy aniki. But, the second Squall is up, Bart makes a leap off the couch to head for his room, just like that. He moves a hellova lot faster than he usually does. Well, in all honesty, he moves faster than could really be considered normal. But, you two should be used to that junction from having seen her grant it to Irvine. *fwoosh* Ok, not quite that fast, but still. Of course, there's a hasty, "G'night, aniki," tossed over his shoulder and then the sound of Bart falling once before getting into his room. Note to self: Don't run like that while your legs aren't willing to quite support you through all of it. The door is shut, too, for the boy figures that if he opens it in the night, you two will hear it or something. Then he sees that Mao has been waiting for him on his bed and the door ends up opening a crack in case the cat wants out during the night. After that? Bed. Even if he's not that physically exhausted, mentally he's dog tired.
Now, to get through the night without wandering. n.nb

"Then I'll get it." Simply given, Sigurd watches as Squall moves away to take that cup to the sink. "I'll set it up as soon as Bart... heads to bed...?" Piku?? o.o; The movement was enough to ruffle that heavy braid, even as the instructor tosses a look over his shoulder at the good night. "G'night to you, too..." There's a faint snort at it, even as the man finally pushes away from the couch. Wandering to where the futon is stored, he pulls it out, only to pause and sigh quietly. Nothing in particular, really, just a sound that escapes before he gives a soft grunt and gets the futon out of closet. Another finally gets it toward the couch -- it's far enough out of the way from Bart's immediate vision, should he come back out of the room, but well enough that the pair can see if the teen wanders out. Once done, he realizes he doesn't have to get anything to get ready. Just... sleep. "And here, I was thinking the worse I had to deal with today were those stack of letters left by my students....." A lot more than that once he got home, that's for sure. He isn't complaining though, not really -- it's more of the whole event has scared him half to death. Once Squall comes back with the sheets, he helps in making the thing, before crawling within it. Mentally and physically, he'll be out like a light soon enough.