Ghostpeake discussion

description tba

Darius hesitated, before knocking quietly on the door to his son's room. "Aubrey? Are you in here?" He called. He was more than a little anxious about sending him on this trip, so he couldn't imagine the stress it put on Aubrey.

Aubrey wiped his cheeks quickly and took a deep breath, opening the door and plastering on a smile as to not worry his father.
“Yeah, I’m here. I just got done packing. I’m a little nervous.” He sat down on the edge of his bed, raking his hands down his thighs. He was much more than a little nervous. He was terrified.

Darius put a hand on his shoulder with a reassuring smile, sitting down next to him. "I get that. I was terrified the first time I went on a trip like this." He laughed a little at the memory. "Turns out the ride there was the hardest part, just because it was long. You'll do great."

Aubrey swallowed, nodding and crushing his hands between his thighs. He was never one to lose his cool, especially around other people. He would do great. He excelled at everything he ever started. It’s just how he was. However, did desk was a mess and so was the rest of his room. The only time it ever got cleaned was when he allowed the maids.

Darius patted his shoulder, leaning against him. "It'll be alright. You'll be back home before you know it, and maybe you'll have made a few new friends." He looked around the room, eye landing on the desk. "What did you pack?" He asked.

“Er… everything? That I could? I don’t know. Clothes, a med kit, uh…. Hygiene stuff.. hair products.. that’s about it. And mother’s ring, but I’m wearing it now.” He flexed his hand, watching the gem glitter in the hazy light.

Darius nodded slowly, watching the ring. His eyes flicked back to Aubrey with a gentle smile. "Sounds good. I'd suggest a few books for the road, maybe - there's not much else to do in the carriages except sleep, and even then the path is usually bumpy as hell the further south you go. I should get those re-paved. Make travel easier, you know?" Something else was clearly bothering him, but he didn't say what.

“Is everything… alright, Father?” Aubrey asked, clasping his hands together. There were bags under his wary eyes, signalling that he hadn’t slept in ages. He used to be the perfect prince, a heartthrob and a charmer. But now he was… he didn’t even know. It took so much for him to come out of his room now.

"Oh! No, I'm..." He trailed off, not sure what to say. He wasn't fine. Darius turned and hugged his son tight. "Promise me you'll stay safe. Okay? I know it's been hard the past few years, but we'll get through it." It hurt, seeing his son like this, but he was worried if he told Aubrey that, he'd end up faking it and only hurting himself more.

(UGGGGHGHGNFKCODO THEM)

Aubrey hugged back. Tightly. He squeezed his eyes shut against the onset of tears, whimpering in his father’s arms.
“I will. I promise.” He whispers, feeling like a child. He wished he could bring her back. But what would he say to her? I’m sorry wouldn’t suffice.

Darius nodded silently, not letting go. If something happened, he would never forgive himself. He couldn't lose Aubery too. "I love you. I always will, no matter what. Remember that, alright?" He wished he knew how to help, what to say.

(crying over them lmao)

Aubrey just nodded. He was too choked up to speak. Until the carriage driver came to tell him they were ready. Aubrey slowly detached from his father, and nodded once more.
“I love you too, Father.” He hums, and gathers his bags to go.

Darius let the silence fill the room. He seemed almost reluctant to let Aubrey go, but he had to. He picked up two of the bags to help, giving him a comforting smile. "You'll do great out there. Don't worry," He said.

Aubrey nodded, tears welling up in his eyes again. He spun around before Darius could see, and went down the stairs as quickly as he could. He loaded his bags into the carriage, and audibly winced as he climbed inside.