The past two weeks felt like they were from something out of a dream. Oh, Alphard remembered them, but in a detached sort of way. Logically he knew that everything that had been said and done, had been said and done by him. It just didn't feel like him. Time could do all sorts of things to a person, but never did he expect to become so bold. So self assured. So independent. Alphard liked to think of himself as such, but he knew in his heart that he wasn't. He could feel all his insecurities niggling in the back of his head. The boastful, confident attitude put forth to the world was to mask them. To mask the fear of disownment, of crimes against his person fueled by hate and ignorance, of being different and deviant in the eyes of his friends. He cowered to societal norms and he was ashamed of it. As much as he had come to accept himself and his life choices, he knew that the world never would and that hiding was essential. Where could he hide now that it had all come to light?
Since he had returned to this age, Alphard had pulled away. He used the journals to communicate, but feared contact with others. To be outed was never a good thing in his time. All the horrific stories he heard whispered in bars and behind doors fueled his paranoia despite Parvati's assurances. Parvati was the only person he had really seen. Parvati was one of the only people who could move him to set aside his own issues to aid anothers.
Slowly but surely, she had become family. She was easily becoming the person he was closest to in this village. They were equals and they remained on that level despite how much of their lives were revealed to the other. As much as he missed his sister, Parvati's constant acceptance and understanding had pushed her into the person he turned to. For as much as he longed for Walburga's acceptance and understanding, he feared all he would gain was either rejection or tolerance. He was hoping for the latter. He seemed to be receiving the latter. But it was still a barrier between them.
None of that mattered right now though. Parvati who asked for so little in return for her unwavering support and love, needed him. Padma was gone. Padma and Roger. Alphard couldn't imagine the heartbreak such a thing brought on. Well, he could, now that he had certain fuzzy memories, but it wasn't nearly as sharp and fresh as Parvati's. It was what had him turning up at her door so swiftly, bottle of booze in hand as he rapped steadily at the front door. "Ms. Patil." he said, affecting a voice of mock seriousness in hopes of making her smile. "I believe you called for one Knight in Shining Armor. This week's Witch Weekly claims that pressed suits are the new shining armor, so we're all set."