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Philip had no idea how he ended up in this situation.
One moment he was helping Argalia babysit and the next he's running off with both him and the baby. What a shitty way to spend a Friday.
"Are... You sure this is a good idea? To take a baby, I mean." A few eyes were looking over at the two men and baby. Philip shyly covered his face in realization. Argalia simply grinned that same face as he always did.
Philip is taking a train he never took before. Argalia took a window seat, "I don't see the problem here, Philip dear~ Angelica left him in my care. And I'm doing a good job, no?" Little Angelo coos in Argalia's arms, watching the newly colorful blooms of trees and old buildings passing by.
"You had him until 3."
"And make him miss all the fun of today? No. There'd be nothing to forgive if I did such a sin."
Argalia had always been a little aggravated since Roland married his sister. He's surprisingly good at hiding it, but it was clear to everyone who knew him personally of what he thought. There was one particular thing that eventually came out of this, however.
That was the baby.
How Roland could be convinced that Argalia was fit to take care of his little son, let alone be anywhere near him, only the prescripts will know. And Argalia had been around that kid like a mother cat.
Frankly, Philip is surprised at how easily his friend was able to keep the little guy quiet.
"Fine. But do I really have to carry the baby bag?"
"But of course. It suits you."
Philip sighs. He readjusts his glasses as he continues to observe the blue madman and his sister's bundle of joy.
"Look at that. That's a river. It's blue, just like yours truly..." He talks to the baby in a different tone, pointing out to the passing river outside. Indeed, the day was good out. So much had happened a few months ago, Philip just wanted to forget about it, not talk about it. What was there to talk about? Was he really going to talk about how a magical library took the people he cared about? How could he ever bring up the fact he met and befriended the Blue Reverberation?
"That's gold, just like Uncle Philip."
"Uncle...?!" Eyes on him again. He seems to only ambush his own image without even meaning to.
"Relax. You and I have spent the most time together ever since what happened... Well, aside from Pluto. I think you need a memorable title for the little warrior to remember you by."
"But you're the uncle, here."
"And you've always been helping me... You've been just as involved with him and I am. Not by as much, but you know."
Philip's face flushes, "Right."
"We should be getting to our destination soon enough. Why don't you help me think of people to match colors with?"
There was something about Argalia that prevented Philip from denying any of his usual free time to go with him.
Was it because of what happened in that library? Was it because he's weird? Was it because he was the only person who gave him the time of day? The only person who genuinely enjoyed being in Philip's presence and didn't see him as a troubled kid?
"I'm glad we didn't miss this show. Tickets for these are expensive."
"Why a show specifically?"
"I've never been to one before."
Oh. Well.
"Me neither."
"It's a puppet show," Argalia comforted the fussy baby, "no offense to you-know-who, but I miiiight've stolen these tickets."
"Oh my god..." Of course. How or why did Philip think of it any different? "alright, but you know we should head home after this soon as we can."
"Yes, yes, you've told me time and time again..."
Once settled in their spots, the curtains moved, their show was about to start.
Philip couldn't help but feel comforted with the feeling of Argalia leaning against him as the three watched.
Philip checks his phone. It's 7 PM.
"We should start heading back home. Your sister is going to get you for this."
Argalia didn't seem fazed by this outcome, "Perhaps. And I won't have little Angelo for a while," Said baby was snoozing away in his uncle's arms, wrapped in a new lavender blanket, "but I think it was time well-spent."
"Why is that?"
The sun was setting, gold upon the darkening blue sky shines white vibrant hues of rose and purple, "I've got to spend it with my favorite abominations~" Argalia chuckles, "really, I just... Always wanted my own baby to take care of in some way."
"Really?"
The man nodded, "In some strange little way, you can guess. To take care of and... Talk to... Teach them silly words, so I'll never be alone again."
"But you're not alone? You've got Angelica, Pluto... Elieen, Greta, uh, Oswald... Me, I only had my master and seonbae, I see them every day, and yet..."
There was an awkward silence.
"Have you ever felt alone, even when you're surrounded by people? What I did back then... I found you. And you found me. We are vastly different, and yet our similarities are undeniable..." Pause, "either way, we aren't so alone anymore, are we? Our loneliness have both left us, even if we part, there'll always be a piece of ourselves in each other-"
Face flushed, a pounding in his chest was enough to beat in his ears, his lips tremble, "I-I think I like you."
Pause again. Argalia stopped in his tracks causing Philip to quickly regret what he's said, only to dismiss the feeling once he saw the mischievous look on the other's face.
"Even our likeness is similar... My Philip~"
Let's just say, they almost missed their train ride home.