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Darius and Alador had both had a long, stressful day out of the house, so it was not all that surprising when, on the way back to their home, Alador confided that he felt a shutdown building.
By the time they arrived home, the shutdown had already begun.
Alador couldn't speak or really communicate at all, and had to be gently guided into the house, where he immediately curled up on the ground. Darius gave him some basic reassurances before leaving the room, promising that he'd be right back and was just leaving to get Alador some comforting items.
Darius never came back, though, and Alador was left to get through his shutdown alone.
When it finally ended, Alador found himself extremely upset. Why would Darius tell him he'd be back only to never return? Was he mad at him? Had Alador done something wrong and this was his punishment? Was Alador too much? Did Darius not love him anymore?
Mixed in with these anxieties was anger. He was mad at Darius. It's shitty to tell someone you'll come back and then dip, especially when they're already in a state of distress.
Alador ended up crying himself to sleep on their living room floor.
When he woke up, he was still on the ground in the same state he'd fallen asleep in. He sat up and groaned in discomfort, sore from falling asleep in such an uncomfortable position.
He was just starting to get to his feet when Darius walked into the room.
Darius seemed confused for a moment, but then something in his head clicked and his eyes blew wide with realization. He opened his mouth to say something, but Alador beat him to it.
"You know, I can deal with them alone, but I'd rather you not lie about staying with me when you won't" he said bitterly. At least Odalia was honest about it, he thought, but he knew he'd regret saying it, so he didn't.
"I'm sorry" Darius replied. He almost seemed annoyed. "I was there at first" he continued. Is he really trying to defend himself right now? "I was just really tired and fell asleep"
"Yeah, I'm sure you were having a really hard time" Alador said, glaring at the taller man.
"Alador, I didn't-"
"I don't have time for this" Alador cut him off, going to the front door. "I have stuff to do"
With that, he was gone.
He returned about two hours later, his anger cooled off and exhaustion in its place. He hadn't known he would be alone during his shutdown, otherwise he would've done what he could to prep before it fully took hold. Because he hadn't had that luxury, it had been far more draining, leaving him feeling like a husk all these hours later.
"Hey" Darius said in a low voice, standing up from the couch. It was clear he'd been crying. "I'm so sorry" he apologized earnestly, cautiously standing in front of the engineer. "I'm sorry I left you alone and I'm sorry for how I acted this morning" he continued. "There's no excuse"
"I forgive you" Alador said, his voice sounding a million miles away. Darius frowned.
"You never had proper recovery" he realized. Alador halfheartedly nodded in confirmation. "Sit down" the taller of the two men instructed, guiding the other to the couch. "I'll get your recovery things and come right back"
And, this time, he did.