PERORIN !

" mhn —so she still hasn't come back, hasn't she. " his own more of a mutter to himself than an actual inquiry for the other, gaze downturned to folders to place around in orderly manner even if they weren't exactly a lot, hum as a chirp vibrating aghast soft pale lips —immortal phoenix himself not sure if that's a good sign or not, even in dearest father's accounts charlotte linlin remained as elusive as she was voracious for power in her arrogance and hypocrisy, rarely able to truly keep herself in the downlow for too long.

at least, he could only hope perospero would get a little break from such a ever so suffocating presence —it would be good for tottoland's people ; it would be good for him, too.

ever so gently he would turn towards much larger figure once he was done and everything seemed properly settled, steps light as he'd reach for the backdoor leading to his own living quarters and open it with a firm push —sure the other would be quick to follow into that cozy space former first commander hoped had gotten a little bit more familiar, a little safer even for one certain minister of candy. " i'm glad you could cut yourself some time to come and visit —get yourself comfortable. do you want some tea, or coffee ? "

it's a bitter sweet feeling. to be rid of his mother's ever suffocating presence , to be able to think for himself , act without having to fear the repercussions. it's the first time in his life he really feels he can finally be himself ― but who exactly is he if not charlotte's eldest ? it's all so unclear to him ; what to say , how to behave. he's always been at his mother's side , serving as her ever dutiful son , putting whatever desires he felt aside in order to provide for his family. & it's not that he misses her , because he doesn't. but without mama , perospero feels that he is no one.

when marco speaks again it manages to snap the candy man out of his thoughts , quickly skittering to join him through the door , ducking down once more. ❛ coffee , if it isn't too much trouble. ❜ he answers with a soft laugh , an exhaustion clear in the way his shoulders sag.

" ah, perospero, welcome back. " his greeting was laced in amiability in response to immediate eagerness barely stifled away, familiar notes of salted caramel and slightly burnt toffee already telling to heightened phoenix senses of a very special one's arrival —medical folders still collected within his hands when perospero's massive frame appeared within doorframe of his small yet homely clinic, eyes of brightflame azure observing oh so carefully each quip and vibrato of a nervousness that perhaps will never stop lingering alongside their titles. " it's okay, i've had my own issues going on ever since i returned from wano, so my head has been all over the place, i'm not going to lie. "

and things could only go further south if his own observation haki and instincts were to be trusted —something he preferred not to dwell in when fellow first son was there with him.

" come in. i'll finish fixing up a few things in the clinic and i'll be back, i hope you don't mind waiting. "

he does have to dip a bit in order to get through the door , but the small home opens up once passing through the threshold , allowing for him to stand back up to his full height. the eldest charlotte still has to get used to being inside the other's home ― an anxious feeling in his chest , perhaps visible upon scarred features. back in tottoland he has power , control ; the inhabitants know him & what he is capable of. but here ? he's only a visitor.

he peers up with one eye as blood trickles from the other; he doesn't bother to swipe it away. ❛ what do you want? have you — gara come to have a laugh? ❜