IC Inbox

[noblerise]

If contacting his personal number or via Libra:

"You have reached Jusis Albarea. I'm busy. Leave a message."

If contacting his work number:

"You have reached the office of Jusis Albarea, Esquire. I'm not available at this time, so please leave your name, number, and a brief message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you."

Black Order Inbox and Class VII Group Chat for reference.

Comments

[noblerise]

[That causes Jusis to pause. He looks slightly surprised, but the blond's expression soon changes to one of subtle gratitude. Jusis takes the flower with great care from Fugo.]

Thank you, Fugo. This is a thoughtful gift. I'll be sure to take good care of it.

[Even if it doesn't work, he'll still treasure it. Just like he does any gifts given to him by the kid.]

[infezione]

[He smiles a bit as Jusis takes it. He really hopes it works. Jusis should have nice things.

Of course, handing over that flower is far from the only thing he wanted to do with this conversation, but... it's a little hard to articulate the words now that he's actually having the conversation.

(Though "conversation" a strong word for it at the moment.)

Fugo's quiet for a few moments more... before he--carefully, mind--goes to hug Jusis. As he does, he's not even thinking about it as he murmurs--]

Don't scare me like that again, Dad...

[... Damn it. Excuse him, he's just going to quietly die of embarrassment on the spot.

This is something he wanted to talk about, but he was hoping to broach the subject a bit more gracefully than that...]

[noblerise]

[Jusis is again surprised by the hug, but not nearly as much as by being called Dad. He's still for a half second before he hugs Fugo back tightly.]

I'm sorry, Patrizio. I promise, I'm going to try much harder to not do that to you again.

[The nature of their work means he can't guarantee it, but damn it he's going to try. Jusis doesn't want to leave Patrizio alone and neither does he want to make his son grieve.]

[infezione]

[He relaxes a bit, once Jusis hugs him back. God, he didn't even realize he was tense.

... He's not going to be pulling back for a bit.]

That's all I can ask, really... Thank you. [...] Um. Is it okay if I keep calling you "Dad"? I can try to keep it to just when we're at home, if you'd rather.

[... Partially for the sake of at least looking professional, and partially so the higher-ups don't have that potential (further) ammo to use against both of them.]

[noblerise]

[It's a wise course of action that Jusis can agree with. Still, being called 'Dad' does make him happy, even if he's still a little scared that he'll be like his own father to Patrizio. Yet, instead of having that fear hold him back, Jusis will use it as an example of what not to do.]

I'd be honored if you did. Let's keep it to those we trust for now, as well as private.

[He hesitates a little.]

Is it alright if I call you Patrizio? I realize I hadn't asked.

[infezione]

[He nods. Private, and around those they trust. That's definitely the best course of action for now.

He smiles a little at the question and nods.]

It's more than alright. I'd like it if you did.