[ alois watches luca colour off-screen for a few unanswered moments. he doesn't really want to be away from him, but luca could probably do with a break from walking around all over for a bit longer. keeping him safe isn't really a stress (or, it shouldn't be, but will always be in spite of the reality of things) when alois can order claude (and will) to keep guard over him. when his gaze averts to the edge of the table, he still says nothing for a minute longer. even the thought of leaving luca for a small amount of time makes alois want to burst into tears.
some time away feels like ten minutes, fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, more of neglect, of being the worst possible brother, of giving luca more and more and more incentive to leave him.
why did they have to appear so close together?
he shuts his eyes tight, braces himself, then asks: ] Where are you?
[ he hopes the whites of his eyes haven't turned pink, but to keep himself from rubbing his shirt sleeves against lashes, he grips the seat of his chair and watches luca add disfigured ears to a bear. ]