[Felix, Constantin is going to be a chunk too, if he keeps getting all of this forbidden bread? Not really because he's a bunch of twigs held together with rubber bands, but a-ha... Indeed, it's the gestures. He pours both cups of tea with the slightest of smiles - for bread and for the implications of Felix sticking around to eat with him. Because he really could have left Constantin up here, let him sleep through dinner entirely, but here they are— back to the routine, new as it may be.
It's nice in a way he hasn't felt in... ages? Ever? For someone to choose to be around him without obligation is novel, and coupled with the fond feeling that permeates nearly every interaction he has with Felix anyway— Well, he's grateful for the company for plenty of reasons, none of which he's going to say out loud. Great!
He stirs his stew almost suspiciously, waiting for rabbit bones or something to float up to the surface. Hmm... Well, while he's halfway distracted by that,]
I know you didn't, but I think you'll like it all the same.
[He better, because just remembering what's sitting in the little chest on the floor makes Constantin's heart beat double time for a second or two, and ah, it's going to be like that but worse when he actually opens the thing— As always, Constantin is twelve.]
Eat your stew— and tell me about something else! Did you catch this rabbit?
[There are... several ways Felix could—and typically would—respond to that, really. "We'll see," or, "I'm not fond of surprises," or a simple hum—but no, no. Felix is rude, yes, but not needlessly so; like, the thought of Constantin bringing something back for him and him alone makes him feel somewhat awkward, and yet it would be a lie to say he isn't, mmm, strangely pleased by it? Not by the gift itself. Constantin could pull out a sword forged by Zoltan himself and Felix would be... thrilled, naturally, but as Felix reaches for his teacup, he knows that Constantin could pull out the cheapest dagger and it wouldn't change the very core of what he's feeling. Oh, sure, he'd give Constantin shit for it, but when was the last time someone kept him in mind for no reason other than they could...
Just, you know. Something to consider as Felix brings his cup to his lips, does his best not to look at Constantin even as he forces himself to tune back in. Something, something—ah! A question!]
Mm? [Wait, what? He blinks at Constantin over the rim of his cup, replaying that question in his mind before he hurriedly swallows his (very hot, actually) mouthful of tea. Don't mind him.] No. It was Tyran's kill.
[Credit where credit is due, but oh, right. Constantin rode out the day they arrived, didn't he? Damn.]
One of the mercenaries I... am familiar with. They arrived the day you left.
[Constantin is this close to abandoning dinner entirely to go grab his mystery gift, the anticipation that he created himself is absolutely killing him— but he won't! He'll sit here and dutifully eat bread and tiny spoonfuls of rabbit broth, and watch Felix drink tea in the worst way possible. Ah- pay attention, bud.
Pay attention and explain these mercenaries immediately, as Constantin instantly leans forward with interest. Hello! What!]
I missed them by mere hours? [NO.....] Are they still here? Will you introduce me?
[They must be very impressive and talented, he's already sure... When does he get to meet them! It's very possible that he wobbled uselessly past at least one of them earlier today, but that's an acceptable loss.]
hello, my name is elia and we will PRETEND i didn't fuck up my own timeline
[Sorry, Connie, but he's catching Feelings? He is now an incurable dumbass. Anyway: Wow, look at this excitement for such a small, ragtag group of mercenaries! Not that Constantin knows there are only, like, five of them, but now it's Felix's turn to raise his eyebrows. They're an okay group; Felix feels both fond of and responsible for them, despite the fact that hell will freeze over before he openly admits it, and they're currently carousing about downstairs...
...Maybe it's selfish to keep that fact to himself? Maybe it is, but as Felix reaches for his spoon:]
Perhaps. If you can bear it in whatever state you're in tomorrow.
[Teasin'. It makes this spoonful of stew taste so much better, but don't worry, he's a noble boy; he's not about to talk with his mouth full. Give him a second to think.]
They protect this village, and a larger one a day's ride away. They'll remain here for a week. [Maybe a few extra days, if all is calm and he's still here, but shh.] We have beasts to hunt.
[And sparring to do. Spend an evening watching ya... friend take down some opponents, Connie.]
[Would Constantin abandon their private dinner to go have a drink with Felix's mercenaries, if he knew? No, not at all. He might want to, say, have a friendly nightcap with them later, or two friendly nightcaps... but for the moment he believes that they are Elsewhere, too busy being important and impressive to come here and meet him, and so Felix is spared that much of his fawning.
In fact, the teasing makes him blush, since he is obviously, overtly Known. He goes pink to his ears and looks down at his bowl hastily, clearing his throat, haha— he's just in such a state, see... Well, he certainly is now, thanks a lot.]
Right— [ahem!!!] I'm sure I'll be in top form tomorrow, to meet your people!
[Help, his face is burning... Is this how Felix feels whenever he has an emotion? Ha. Constantin clears his throat again and only then does he feel like he can look back at Felix's face without truly shaming himself... the ordeal. He is still somewhat flushed.]
What sort of beasts? I have been all over the countryside these past few days, and no one warned me of any beasts...
[So he was clearly close to death the whole time, he assumes, because beasts are Real and they are Out There.]
[He'd expected a bit of indignant huffing and puffing, at best, but—ah? Ah. Felix, hypocrite that he is, watches the color rise in Constantin's face and feels, mmm, equal parts amused and... fond. Look at this loser! Look at this person who, for whatever reason, Felix is able to relax around, to enjoy being around.
Hmm. He enjoys his handiwork for a few more seconds before focusing on his stew, humming quietly as he does so. Yes, yes, top form. He's so sure, but he's done enough teasing for the time being; better to give Constantin some time to compose himself before he looks back up at him, and if that hint of a smirk is back, well, you know... it's not for any particular reason...]
Because we've driven them away.
[We've. Please don't @ him for this open acknowledgement of teamwork; just let him lean forward, because this is a topic he's, ah, very interested in.]
Stags, bears. Giant boars. [Clear distaste there, but he brings his free hand up to the table, taps a finger from one imaginary point to another.] The beasts were attacking both villages, but I've hunted the strongest of them. The mercenaries track what beasts remain and kill what they can.
[And for the monsters they can't, they call the Beastslayer. LOVE this cheesy fuckin' title.]
[Do not look at his red-faced shame... Damn his traitor feelings for doing this to him... Felix's smirk nearly makes it worse, but Constantin manages to hold it together to listen to this cool story about killing all the biggest monsters. Very thrilling... he leans forward with interest in turn, without even realizing it, he is sooo impressed. A truly cool guy, this Beastslayer...
Like, has he gotten this story out of the townspeople before this point, now that they've been here over a week? Oh, for sure. But it's so much better to hear Felix tell it, half because Constantin simply likes to hear him talk about the things that excite him, watch his expression light up just that much— and half because Constantin is a glutton for sick action stories. Such adventure! The beasties!!]
They must be a sight to behold! I've never actually seen someone hunt a wild beast...
[Ahem. He can't hint any louder than this. Ah, but also,]
When I learn to use the bow, how many beasts do you think I could take down?
[This is a self-burn, the answer is zero, save a rabbit for him and appreciate that he's saying when and not if. He'll pencil it into his suddenly busy schedule.]
[It all about the thrill of the hunt, baybee... and the knowledge that he's protecting those who have no way of protecting themselves, but! That's an awfully chivalrous way to look at things, so nah; better to focus on the way Constantin leans in, listening intently, because even though Felix isn't out for praise, it's? Good? To see Constantin so enthused about this particular thing? Not that Felix cares what people think...
Or: Felix is only human. Maybe one day he'll drag back something he's hunted and leave it on Constantin's doorstep, a la Liam the Cat, and pretend like he doesn't care about whatever praise (or disgust) he's offered? Maybe? For now, though, he gives Constantin an assessing sort of look. Hmm... he could be brutal, or...]
Don't get carried away, [is all that he says, leaning back in his chair.] Don't you have other matters to attend to? Perhaps you'll be called away again in the middle of a hunt.
[Consider... telling him what you disappeared to do these past few days!]
[Ah, his hopes of a thrilling hunt, dashed so coldly on the rocks... So cruel. Or not, because that's a subtle critique of his nonexistent bow skills if he's ever heard one— and deserved! So he sighs and leans his elbow on the table, so very woebegone about his legendary beast kill that will never be.
But just for a second, before he switches gears to take this Hint. Ah, yes!!]
Other matters have become increasingly more likely since I left, now that you mention it! [Pause for suspense.] You see, the long and short of it is, as of now... I am the matron of the orphanage up in the hills.
[This part actually takes priority over the part where he fought a demon in a church, but he'll get there. For now, consider his many children.]
[Is there a jackalope in Fellden? Please let Connie manage to shoot a jackalope... and then cry about it, probably. It's fine. But what is this, Connie... a matron...
..Orphans. Damn. It clearly takes Felix by surprise, as well, as evidenced by the way his brow furrows as he, ah, attempts to put two and two together here. He wasn't sure what sort of business he expected the other man to handle for the Priestess? Some... matter of diplomacy, given what he knows about Constantin's background, but taking over an orphanage out of the blue is truly wild.]
Ah. [Very eloquent.] That is... understandable.
[But as he processes the news, it's... good? Further evidence that the Priestess keeps this corner of her territory in mind—and Constantin doesn't look, like, upset about it, so:]
[Children are the future... It's pre-diplomacy... No, it was demons and sad little kids, and they each broke his heart individually in the past couple days, but thinking of them- and the orphanage itself now, while sitting here telling Felix about it, Constantin is... satisfied. Most definitely pleased with himself, but something in the past few days has shifted a priority or two in him; tomorrow, in the tavern, he might open this story with the thrills! The danger! The breakneck ride out to see such disastrous happenings for himself!
But right now he's pleased with himself for the way those children look at him with gratitude in their big, watery eyes, and it makes him chuckle fondly to hear Felix say as much.]
Am I so obvious? [yes. he's soft for needy kids.] They're very sweet, the children. Very adorable.
[It's definitely not the same kind of warmth he feels around Felix, god no, but it's a warmth all the same. It feels good to be... needed? Relied on. Let's not dwell on anything too soft.]
They were having trouble and I was able to lend a hand, and the next thing I knew, the groundskeeper is handing me the keys to the place! So— I accepted it!
[Taking charge of one child is quite the responsibility, Felix thinks, but more than one? An entire orphanage? There could be three children or there could be twenty, and it would still be... well. Felix doesn't dislike children, just like Felix doesn't dislike cats—and there's something, mmm, admirable about Constantin accepting this sort of position. Maybe the reality of it hasn't set in yet; maybe Constantin's, ah, outlook will change in the coming weeks or months, but while Felix is a pessimist, he's spent enough time around Constantin to believe that he'll do his best. Give it his all. And if Constantin enjoys wrangling children...]
Then I suppose I should congratulate you. [Hmm.] For your new responsibility. I imagine you have many things to do.
[Like, genuinely. Those kids... surely have it bad enough; it's good that someone is there to keep their interests in mind, but, well? You know? Felix pauses for the briefest of moments, eyeing Constantin as he idly toys with his spoon.]
But you came back.
[A statement, but isn't it a sort of unspoken question, as well? In charge of all those kids, but he still rode back to this village. Not that Felix doesn't doubt someone capable is watching them, but still... why...]
[He has so much to do and he'll be exhausted for weeks until he's done; the repairs to the building alone are already a headache to think about and he hasn't even tried to find anyone to do them... whew! It's so much! But an orphanage and handful of children (and Ragnar, bless him) are only one building and one small group; he can handle an entire city, and so— he'll be fine!
Probably! He has a good feeling about it, evidenced by the grateful smile he gives Felix for the congratulations. Aww, bud...]
I do— and I did. [Both very true... His miscellaneous things are here? Even with the note that he left, he couldn't just up and disappear for weeks on end, or however long it takes to fix up the orphanage? He has... business to settle!
...But. Okay.]
I can hardly sleep at a desk every night, even if it is mine.
[......okay.]
Well, I came back to see you. You didn't think I would vanish completely and leave you to wonder, did you?
[It would be simple to send someone to collect his belongings for him? To instruct them to deliver the mysterious gift to Felix as way of a not-at-all-necessary apology. There are ways to avoid coming back to this particular village, and Felix can't help but to think of them because he is, well... Felix.
But do they matter, when Constantin looks him in the eye and tells him that he is the reason for Constantin's return? No. And that's not, like, particularly shocking news to anyone with half a brain, but Felix abandons his spoon in favor of his tea cup, using this as an excuse to, ah, not look up for a moment. This is their friendship! Their very, very... warm friendship. He swirls the tea about in his cup and tries not to feel stupidly pleased that someone—Constantin—enjoys his company to such a degree. He's far from charming, he knows; he doesn't care to be, and yet...]
You could have sent a message, [is what he says, simply, before raising the cup to his lips.] Another letter.
[But he didn't!! He came back, anyway, and now it's once again Felix's turn to flush a pale pink.]
It's... good. To see you.
[Please fill the silence that's sure to follow this, Constantin, because ya boy is drinking his tea and floundering.]
[Thank god it's Felix's turn to studiously pretend to be distracted by the meal; Constantin is endeared, which isn't surprising either, but while Felix fusses with his cup Constantin allows himself this moment of just looking at him with open fondness. He's come back for Felix, after all; he might as well look at him like he is the most charming man in the world.
Or: that's cute, and he's living for it. He hums and shrugs, like Felix has a point - he could have sent another Dearest Felix message, but was he ever actually going to when coming back was an option? Not even a little.]
I wanted to tell you about the orphanage, [he says into the flustered silence; it's obviously not the only reason he's back, but it's still true. He's proud of this thing he's done and delighted by the many rowdy children, and since he, ah... cares for Felix very much, it only makes sense that he'd want to share that. With him. Not in a letter.
It's still kind of a Gesture, huh.]
And I believe you still owe me a lesson with the bow. [Know that he could continue this list, but instead he'll end it early with:] And I missed that face you make when I complain about the squirrels.
[Or his face... all the time!! But read between the lines, buddy.]
[Oh, Felix... is? Kind of? It takes a great deal of willpower not to take sip after sip of tea as Constantin continues on with his impromptu list, and by the time he reaches the end of it—whew! Whew. Coming back was a Gesture in its own right, but the given reasons are... stupidly endearing, honestly. It all really boils down to the fact that, for whatever reason, Constantin wants to spend time with him, wants to share things with him...
And it's not that Felix is, mmm, amazed that someone would like poor, pitiful him. He's generally quite happy with himself, thanks; he likes the person he's become, but there's something to be said about Constantin not needing to spend any more time with him than is absolutely necessary. They're not both, say, front-line fighters. They occupy two very different spheres, but here they are, anyway.
...Here they are. Felix feels... good about it.]
So that's the reason you complain, [he says, knowing full well it's not... but still giving Constantin the weakest of Looks, anyway.] Then I'll be sure to suggest squirrel for tomorrow's dinner— and leave you to eat alone.
[Bam. Look at him trying to gain the upper hand again via teasing, as though he's still not a lil pink. Vibe check: awkward, but still... warm and comfortable??? Whew, lads.]
[Wow, what a brat... Constantin changes his mind, Felix is dumb and bad and he'll be leaving in the morning. Or, well— he laughs, actually, because of course Felix won't leave him to eat alone. That's the crux of their Routine! So this particular teasing sinks into him with that same warmth, the ironically pleasant feeling it brings to think about how Felix knows him well enough by now to tease him like this. He gets personalized attitude... so sweet.]
And yet your serving of bread will find its way to me anyway, I suspect. [#Known] I'll write my objections down for you.
[When will he get to enjoy the simple pleasure of some goddamn chicken broth again... Never mind. Squirrel dinner is fake.]
How early a start will you be getting tomorrow? I may just have the morning free.
[Then he'll spend all afternoon doing paperwork of his own making for the orphanage, but listen, let him watch morning training? He's feeling it.]
[Maybe he just doesn't like bread, Constantin! Or maybe he's soft and definitely known. Damn. This call-out should probably be a bit more uncomfortable than it actually is; like, he doesn't enjoy people pointing out the nice things that may or may not do, but here's the thing: Constantin firing back at him is enjoyable. Sitting across from one another like this, poking (pointed) fun—Felix feels happier now than he's felt in days.
So accept this fond snort, Constantin, before Felix lifts a shoulder in lazy sort of shrug. Tomorrow will be the day he keeps his bread to himself... except not really. They've settled into their routine; he isn't eager to risk losing any part of it.]
Dawn. [Hmm, well. Let him glance over to the room's window, considering Stuff and Things.] Or sometime soon after. The others prefer sleeping in.
[Lazy, lazy, lazy, Felix thinks, because think of all that valuable time they're wasting! But he keeps that to himself, choosing instead to study Constantin for a moment. The man who was passed out on the bed for who knows how long today...]
Will you be awake?
[Should he wake Constantin if he's still snoring? He might.]
[Will he be awake, ha, he will be dead asleep dreaming of bread and Felix nudging him awake again at dawn-or-soon-after will spoil it entirely. Will it be worth it, then, to tag along purely to watch Felix swing a sword around... and also meet his precious band of mercenaries, but mostly the first thing? Hmm! ...Yes?
Constantin shrugs, figuring that he will be tired whether he is up at dawn or noon, so why not!]
I give you my word just this once that I will not object if you wake me whenever you plan to head out.
[He'll do his best... He'll make some tea at dawn with his adorable new teapot! Which he can no longer resist, so allow him to abandon his half-eaten meal for a moment to stand. He's doing this now, he must.]
Let me show you what I have for you, [he says as he is already turning to cross the room and grab that little chest. He brings it back to set on a corner of the table, opening it to reveal... the adorable new tea set, yes, there are cats everywhere here, but the point is the four different bags of various tea blends, which he thumbs through before lifting out the correct one to hold out to Felix.
Here you are, weirdo, your brand name Almyran Pine Needle Tea (tm). The things he does for this man. Please say something ASAP before his heart bursts.]
[No objections, huh? Thank you, Constantin, for giving Felix plenty of ammo for the morning, because if that lift of a brow is any indication, he doesn't buy it at all. He'll stay quiet about it for now, though... bide his time as he watches Constantin hurry over to grab whatever he's brought. Ah. Right. The gift. Nice-ish, in theory; awkward-ish, in practice. People always expect a specific reaction...
And he doesn't know what to expect, which makes it all the worse. Like, he does his best not to make it obvious, but that somewhat uncomfortable feeling grows and grows as Constantin plops his chest on the table, rummages through it, offers him... a bag? A bag. Hmm. His eyes flick back down to the (frankly wild) tea set before he reaches out to accept it, his brain working overtime to connect these dots. It's not— surely it can't be—
But it is, because as he cautiously unties the drawstring, the sharp, clean scent that drifts up is unmistakable. Oh, shit? Oh shit, it's—]
Almyran Pine.
[Spoken surprisingly softly as his eyes widen, as he pries open the bag just enough to peek down at its contents. That sure is his favorite blend of tea! Damn! Such a small thing, and yet Felix, who tells himself that he isn't sentimental enough to miss anything about his home, experiences a sudden pang of... something. Nostalgia, perhaps. A vague longing for...
...Well! Best to focus on the tea in his hands—and the person who found it for him, which elicits another emotion entirely. He remembers their kitchen conversation? Constantin telling him he'd keep an eye out for that particular brand of tea, and you know, he'd thought of it as... a gesture. A kind thought, but not something that Constantin would—could—actually follow through with.
And yet here he sits, cradling a bag of his impossible-to-find tea blend in his hands—because Constantin listened to him once, made a note of one thing he said. Felix glances up at Constantin, expression uncharacteristically open as he searches the other man's face for... everything and nothing. He doesn't know.]
How did you— [Wait, wait, wait. He shifts his attention back down to the tea, not so shellshocked as to be completely stupid.] ...You asked for it. Your blessing.
[That's how it has to be, right? And that adds an entirely new layer to this, one that he, ah, isn't entirely sure how to process. It's... good? It's... nice? It's... certainly unfamiliar? Aha. Give him a second. Say something stupid as he slowly, unknowingly smiles down at this bag of pine needles.]
[What if Constantin's heart burst... anyway! Because he feels like it might, just from these few seconds of watching Felix boggle at this bag of tea. Here's the thing: Constantin does not give many gifts at all. He can't remember the last time he stood by, all but vibrating with anticipation and delight while he watched someone open something he picked out especially for them. A few years ago, perhaps? It's rare. So this thing here, with Felix and the very strong-smelling tea, wow, is something special beyond the basics; beyond listening to Felix talk about this weird tea more than once and spending his whole blessing on it just for this moment of seeing the look on his face.
Don't get him wrong, though— the look is absolutely worth it. Felix's whole face journey is truly a sight to behold, and Constantin sinks back into his chair while Felix looks, hmm, amazed? Is "amazed" giving himself too much credit, he wonders...
But ah, Felix looks up at him and Constantin smiles at him briefly, a somewhat uncertain expression while he parses this whole reaction. Good gift? Too much? Let a guy know.]
Yes, I— yes. Broadly, [by which he means, with a little nod toward the chest,] The cats were a surprise!
[And he hasn't even seen them frolic around! An even better surprise, for later, when he actually allows Felix to put pine needles in hot water and drink the cursed result. It's well worth it, if it gets him to smile like that... Constantin reaches for one of the other bags in the chest just to have something to fiddle with, only barely pretending to be looking down at it instead of glancing repeatedly at Felix. This guy and his dumb, handsome face... whew.
Now what, though? "I thought it would make you happy"? That's true, but doesn't it sound a little... hmm... a little too don't-worry-about-me, even if Constantin's motives for making him happy have nothing at all to do with worrying? Maybe. So,]
[Their brief discussion about tea at, like, three in the morning was the discussion that stuck? The discussion that Felix is once again thinking about as takes one last, long look at the tea before pulling the drawstring closed. People have been kind to him, yes, but people taking the time to listen to him is... rarer than it should be, perhaps; like, he certainly didn't expect Constantin to truly take note of what is, in his opinion, such a trivial thing. His favorite tea! Tea. It just isn't important.
Damn, though. If it doesn't feel important right here, right now.]
Yes, [is the simple truth he settles for here, as he continues reaching for, stumbling with, his words.] I— it's not what I expected.
[By which he means he didn't expect anything at all, but as he places the bag atop the table—hmm. Well. He eyes it for another moment, just Because, before he focuses back on Constantin. There it is again—that warmth blooming in his chest, a strangely soft sensation that sends color back into his cheeks for the nth time tonight. So this is how it goes, apparently. Goddess help him, but how is he supposed to maintain his Very Cool Rep? Even the small smile won't disappear... it can't...
Hmm, yes, let him bring a newly freed hand up to coolly and casually cover the lower half of his face as he looks off to the side. Like he's thinking, or considering this very difficult question that's been asked of him. That's it.]
But I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. You continue to be... perplexing. [And there is something unmistakably fond about the way he says that, so please, grant him an extra second to huff out an almost amused breath before he adds:] ...Thank you.
[Ah, and it's almost instantaneous, the warm relief that spreads through him when Felix says that wonderfully simple truth. Yes, he likes it; yes, Constantin awards himself a thousand points for this, half for the color in Felix's cheeks and half for his surprisingly persistent smile, ah— It's so nice, to see him pleased and know that he, Constantin, had a hand in it... He Did This... damn.
It makes him smile properly now, leaning his elbows on the table and canting his head to the side, eyebrow raised. Oh? Perplexing? What a silly thing to say like that, he thinks, even as his own face feels a little warmer than it should be, too. It's fine! This is just how this meal is going! It's good.]
You're very welcome!
[Please enjoy it! They're having tea right now, but will he insist on making more tea later, to get some mileage out of his cat teapot? Yes. He makes a face briefly, like he has more to say but he's not sure— but, you know? Why not.]
You are a man well worth perplexing, so...
[Soooo! So. He shrugs and looks away, at the chest, plucking one of those kitty cups out of it and holding it out. Behold this visual subject change:] Take a look at this!
[Yes! Perplexing! Constantin remains the most perplexing person Felix has met in this world, but that isn't a bad thing; it's just, mmm, new for someone to catch him off guard like this time and time again. He doesn't understand why Constantin does half the things that he does.
But every time Constantin smiles at him, like he is at this very moment, Felix can't help but to think that Constantin is... a good thing. A very good thing, really, and very good things just don't happen to him. It's not self-pity; it's fact! It's the Faerghus way! So this man going out of his way to be kind, all because he views Felix as someone worth perplexing (haha)...
Perhaps it would be best to end whatever this is now. Perhaps it would be easier, given why they're here and what they need to do, but Constantin holds out that cup and Felix pulls his hand away from his face just to reach out and take it from him. To get a better look, you see, and if their fingers brush? If Felix feels a spark from that oh-so brief contact? Ah, well.]
Hm. [A thoughtful noise as he turns the cup this way and that way, taking in the, um, unusual pattern. So many nobles he knows would be horrified by it; that makes it excellent, in his opinion, but as he glances back at Constantin:] It's quite the set. I wasn't aware that you liked cats enough to ask for such a thing.
[Do you just like one cat in particular, Constantin? The same cat who's probably curled up on the bed, now that he's eaten his share of bread crumbs?]
[Thanks for letting him get away with saying that really dumb thing just now, he really appreciates that. He appreciates Felix's fingers brushing against his, too, in a very different way, and— and what kind of comment is that... Was it not just established that he spent his whole blessing on Felix...
Clearly, the gods have some opinions!! Just kidding, he asked for cats because he thought Felix would like them. Did he totally nail this? Yes. He can feel it.]
I— Yes. So much. I'm very attached to cats.
[Gaze... He'll take this bullet, he supposes. Taking this one for the team.]
I'll make us some tea in the morning, if you can spare the extra minutes.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
It's nice in a way he hasn't felt in... ages? Ever? For someone to choose to be around him without obligation is novel, and coupled with the fond feeling that permeates nearly every interaction he has with Felix anyway— Well, he's grateful for the company for plenty of reasons, none of which he's going to say out loud. Great!
He stirs his stew almost suspiciously, waiting for rabbit bones or something to float up to the surface. Hmm... Well, while he's halfway distracted by that,]
I know you didn't, but I think you'll like it all the same.
[He better, because just remembering what's sitting in the little chest on the floor makes Constantin's heart beat double time for a second or two, and ah, it's going to be like that but worse when he actually opens the thing— As always, Constantin is twelve.]
Eat your stew— and tell me about something else! Did you catch this rabbit?
no subject
Just, you know. Something to consider as Felix brings his cup to his lips, does his best not to look at Constantin even as he forces himself to tune back in. Something, something—ah! A question!]
Mm? [Wait, what? He blinks at Constantin over the rim of his cup, replaying that question in his mind before he hurriedly swallows his (very hot, actually) mouthful of tea. Don't mind him.] No. It was Tyran's kill.
[Credit where credit is due, but oh, right. Constantin rode out the day they arrived, didn't he? Damn.]
One of the mercenaries I... am familiar with. They arrived the day you left.
no subject
Pay attention and explain these mercenaries immediately, as Constantin instantly leans forward with interest. Hello! What!]
I missed them by mere hours? [NO.....] Are they still here? Will you introduce me?
[They must be very impressive and talented, he's already sure... When does he get to meet them! It's very possible that he wobbled uselessly past at least one of them earlier today, but that's an acceptable loss.]
hello, my name is elia and we will PRETEND i didn't fuck up my own timeline
...Maybe it's selfish to keep that fact to himself? Maybe it is, but as Felix reaches for his spoon:]
Perhaps. If you can bear it in whatever state you're in tomorrow.
[Teasin'. It makes this spoonful of stew taste so much better, but don't worry, he's a noble boy; he's not about to talk with his mouth full. Give him a second to think.]
They protect this village, and a larger one a day's ride away. They'll remain here for a week. [Maybe a few extra days, if all is calm and he's still here, but shh.] We have beasts to hunt.
[And sparring to do. Spend an evening watching ya... friend take down some opponents, Connie.]
i won't judge u
In fact, the teasing makes him blush, since he is obviously, overtly Known. He goes pink to his ears and looks down at his bowl hastily, clearing his throat, haha— he's just in such a state, see... Well, he certainly is now, thanks a lot.]
Right— [ahem!!!] I'm sure I'll be in top form tomorrow, to meet your people!
[Help, his face is burning... Is this how Felix feels whenever he has an emotion? Ha. Constantin clears his throat again and only then does he feel like he can look back at Felix's face without truly shaming himself... the ordeal. He is still somewhat flushed.]
What sort of beasts? I have been all over the countryside these past few days, and no one warned me of any beasts...
[So he was clearly close to death the whole time, he assumes, because beasts are Real and they are Out There.]
i feel the judgment
Hmm. He enjoys his handiwork for a few more seconds before focusing on his stew, humming quietly as he does so. Yes, yes, top form. He's so sure, but he's done enough teasing for the time being; better to give Constantin some time to compose himself before he looks back up at him, and if that hint of a smirk is back, well, you know... it's not for any particular reason...]
Because we've driven them away.
[We've. Please don't @ him for this open acknowledgement of teamwork; just let him lean forward, because this is a topic he's, ah, very interested in.]
Stags, bears. Giant boars. [Clear distaste there, but he brings his free hand up to the table, taps a finger from one imaginary point to another.] The beasts were attacking both villages, but I've hunted the strongest of them. The mercenaries track what beasts remain and kill what they can.
[And for the monsters they can't, they call the Beastslayer. LOVE this cheesy fuckin' title.]
it's all in your head
Like, has he gotten this story out of the townspeople before this point, now that they've been here over a week? Oh, for sure. But it's so much better to hear Felix tell it, half because Constantin simply likes to hear him talk about the things that excite him, watch his expression light up just that much— and half because Constantin is a glutton for sick action stories. Such adventure! The beasties!!]
They must be a sight to behold! I've never actually seen someone hunt a wild beast...
[Ahem. He can't hint any louder than this. Ah, but also,]
When I learn to use the bow, how many beasts do you think I could take down?
[This is a self-burn, the answer is zero, save a rabbit for him and appreciate that he's saying when and not if. He'll pencil it into his suddenly busy schedule.]
no subject
Or: Felix is only human. Maybe one day he'll drag back something he's hunted and leave it on Constantin's doorstep, a la Liam the Cat, and pretend like he doesn't care about whatever praise (or disgust) he's offered? Maybe? For now, though, he gives Constantin an assessing sort of look. Hmm... he could be brutal, or...]
Don't get carried away, [is all that he says, leaning back in his chair.] Don't you have other matters to attend to? Perhaps you'll be called away again in the middle of a hunt.
[Consider... telling him what you disappeared to do these past few days!]
no subject
But just for a second, before he switches gears to take this Hint. Ah, yes!!]
Other matters have become increasingly more likely since I left, now that you mention it! [Pause for suspense.] You see, the long and short of it is, as of now... I am the matron of the orphanage up in the hills.
[This part actually takes priority over the part where he fought a demon in a church, but he'll get there. For now, consider his many children.]
I have to say it took me by surprise!
no subject
..Orphans. Damn. It clearly takes Felix by surprise, as well, as evidenced by the way his brow furrows as he, ah, attempts to put two and two together here. He wasn't sure what sort of business he expected the other man to handle for the Priestess? Some... matter of diplomacy, given what he knows about Constantin's background, but taking over an orphanage out of the blue is truly wild.]
Ah. [Very eloquent.] That is... understandable.
[But as he processes the news, it's... good? Further evidence that the Priestess keeps this corner of her territory in mind—and Constantin doesn't look, like, upset about it, so:]
You seem pleased.
no subject
But right now he's pleased with himself for the way those children look at him with gratitude in their big, watery eyes, and it makes him chuckle fondly to hear Felix say as much.]
Am I so obvious? [yes. he's soft for needy kids.] They're very sweet, the children. Very adorable.
[It's definitely not the same kind of warmth he feels around Felix, god no, but it's a warmth all the same. It feels good to be... needed? Relied on. Let's not dwell on anything too soft.]
They were having trouble and I was able to lend a hand, and the next thing I knew, the groundskeeper is handing me the keys to the place! So— I accepted it!
no subject
Then I suppose I should congratulate you. [Hmm.] For your new responsibility. I imagine you have many things to do.
[Like, genuinely. Those kids... surely have it bad enough; it's good that someone is there to keep their interests in mind, but, well? You know? Felix pauses for the briefest of moments, eyeing Constantin as he idly toys with his spoon.]
But you came back.
[A statement, but isn't it a sort of unspoken question, as well? In charge of all those kids, but he still rode back to this village. Not that Felix doesn't doubt someone capable is watching them, but still... why...]
no subject
Probably! He has a good feeling about it, evidenced by the grateful smile he gives Felix for the congratulations. Aww, bud...]
I do— and I did. [Both very true... His miscellaneous things are here? Even with the note that he left, he couldn't just up and disappear for weeks on end, or however long it takes to fix up the orphanage? He has... business to settle!
...But. Okay.]
I can hardly sleep at a desk every night, even if it is mine.
[......okay.]
Well, I came back to see you. You didn't think I would vanish completely and leave you to wonder, did you?
no subject
But do they matter, when Constantin looks him in the eye and tells him that he is the reason for Constantin's return? No. And that's not, like, particularly shocking news to anyone with half a brain, but Felix abandons his spoon in favor of his tea cup, using this as an excuse to, ah, not look up for a moment. This is their friendship! Their very, very... warm friendship. He swirls the tea about in his cup and tries not to feel stupidly pleased that someone—Constantin—enjoys his company to such a degree. He's far from charming, he knows; he doesn't care to be, and yet...]
You could have sent a message, [is what he says, simply, before raising the cup to his lips.] Another letter.
[But he didn't!! He came back, anyway, and now it's once again Felix's turn to flush a pale pink.]
It's... good. To see you.
[Please fill the silence that's sure to follow this, Constantin, because ya boy is drinking his tea and floundering.]
no subject
Or: that's cute, and he's living for it. He hums and shrugs, like Felix has a point - he could have sent another Dearest Felix message, but was he ever actually going to when coming back was an option? Not even a little.]
I wanted to tell you about the orphanage, [he says into the flustered silence; it's obviously not the only reason he's back, but it's still true. He's proud of this thing he's done and delighted by the many rowdy children, and since he, ah... cares for Felix very much, it only makes sense that he'd want to share that. With him. Not in a letter.
It's still kind of a Gesture, huh.]
And I believe you still owe me a lesson with the bow. [Know that he could continue this list, but instead he'll end it early with:] And I missed that face you make when I complain about the squirrels.
[Or his face... all the time!! But read between the lines, buddy.]
no subject
And it's not that Felix is, mmm, amazed that someone would like poor, pitiful him. He's generally quite happy with himself, thanks; he likes the person he's become, but there's something to be said about Constantin not needing to spend any more time with him than is absolutely necessary. They're not both, say, front-line fighters. They occupy two very different spheres, but here they are, anyway.
...Here they are. Felix feels... good about it.]
So that's the reason you complain, [he says, knowing full well it's not... but still giving Constantin the weakest of Looks, anyway.] Then I'll be sure to suggest squirrel for tomorrow's dinner— and leave you to eat alone.
[Bam. Look at him trying to gain the upper hand again via teasing, as though he's still not a lil pink. Vibe check: awkward, but still... warm and comfortable??? Whew, lads.]
no subject
And yet your serving of bread will find its way to me anyway, I suspect. [#Known] I'll write my objections down for you.
[When will he get to enjoy the simple pleasure of some goddamn chicken broth again... Never mind. Squirrel dinner is fake.]
How early a start will you be getting tomorrow? I may just have the morning free.
[Then he'll spend all afternoon doing paperwork of his own making for the orphanage, but listen, let him watch morning training? He's feeling it.]
no subject
So accept this fond snort, Constantin, before Felix lifts a shoulder in lazy sort of shrug. Tomorrow will be the day he keeps his bread to himself... except not really. They've settled into their routine; he isn't eager to risk losing any part of it.]
Dawn. [Hmm, well. Let him glance over to the room's window, considering Stuff and Things.] Or sometime soon after. The others prefer sleeping in.
[Lazy, lazy, lazy, Felix thinks, because think of all that valuable time they're wasting! But he keeps that to himself, choosing instead to study Constantin for a moment. The man who was passed out on the bed for who knows how long today...]
Will you be awake?
[Should he wake Constantin if he's still snoring? He might.]
no subject
Constantin shrugs, figuring that he will be tired whether he is up at dawn or noon, so why not!]
I give you my word just this once that I will not object if you wake me whenever you plan to head out.
[He'll do his best... He'll make some tea at dawn with his adorable new teapot! Which he can no longer resist, so allow him to abandon his half-eaten meal for a moment to stand. He's doing this now, he must.]
Let me show you what I have for you, [he says as he is already turning to cross the room and grab that little chest. He brings it back to set on a corner of the table, opening it to reveal... the adorable new tea set, yes, there are cats everywhere here, but the point is the four different bags of various tea blends, which he thumbs through before lifting out the correct one to hold out to Felix.
Here you are, weirdo, your brand name Almyran Pine Needle Tea (tm). The things he does for this man. Please say something ASAP before his heart bursts.]
no subject
And he doesn't know what to expect, which makes it all the worse. Like, he does his best not to make it obvious, but that somewhat uncomfortable feeling grows and grows as Constantin plops his chest on the table, rummages through it, offers him... a bag? A bag. Hmm. His eyes flick back down to the (frankly wild) tea set before he reaches out to accept it, his brain working overtime to connect these dots. It's not— surely it can't be—
But it is, because as he cautiously unties the drawstring, the sharp, clean scent that drifts up is unmistakable. Oh, shit? Oh shit, it's—]
Almyran Pine.
[Spoken surprisingly softly as his eyes widen, as he pries open the bag just enough to peek down at its contents. That sure is his favorite blend of tea! Damn! Such a small thing, and yet Felix, who tells himself that he isn't sentimental enough to miss anything about his home, experiences a sudden pang of... something. Nostalgia, perhaps. A vague longing for...
...Well! Best to focus on the tea in his hands—and the person who found it for him, which elicits another emotion entirely. He remembers their kitchen conversation? Constantin telling him he'd keep an eye out for that particular brand of tea, and you know, he'd thought of it as... a gesture. A kind thought, but not something that Constantin would—could—actually follow through with.
And yet here he sits, cradling a bag of his impossible-to-find tea blend in his hands—because Constantin listened to him once, made a note of one thing he said. Felix glances up at Constantin, expression uncharacteristically open as he searches the other man's face for... everything and nothing. He doesn't know.]
How did you— [Wait, wait, wait. He shifts his attention back down to the tea, not so shellshocked as to be completely stupid.] ...You asked for it. Your blessing.
[That's how it has to be, right? And that adds an entirely new layer to this, one that he, ah, isn't entirely sure how to process. It's... good? It's... nice? It's... certainly unfamiliar? Aha. Give him a second. Say something stupid as he slowly, unknowingly smiles down at this bag of pine needles.]
no subject
Don't get him wrong, though— the look is absolutely worth it. Felix's whole face journey is truly a sight to behold, and Constantin sinks back into his chair while Felix looks, hmm, amazed? Is "amazed" giving himself too much credit, he wonders...
But ah, Felix looks up at him and Constantin smiles at him briefly, a somewhat uncertain expression while he parses this whole reaction. Good gift? Too much? Let a guy know.]
Yes, I— yes. Broadly, [by which he means, with a little nod toward the chest,] The cats were a surprise!
[And he hasn't even seen them frolic around! An even better surprise, for later, when he actually allows Felix to put pine needles in hot water and drink the cursed result. It's well worth it, if it gets him to smile like that... Constantin reaches for one of the other bags in the chest just to have something to fiddle with, only barely pretending to be looking down at it instead of glancing repeatedly at Felix. This guy and his dumb, handsome face... whew.
Now what, though? "I thought it would make you happy"? That's true, but doesn't it sound a little... hmm... a little too don't-worry-about-me, even if Constantin's motives for making him happy have nothing at all to do with worrying? Maybe. So,]
Do you like it?
[Say it, pine needle fan... saaaay it.]
no subject
Damn, though. If it doesn't feel important right here, right now.]
Yes, [is the simple truth he settles for here, as he continues reaching for, stumbling with, his words.] I— it's not what I expected.
[By which he means he didn't expect anything at all, but as he places the bag atop the table—hmm. Well. He eyes it for another moment, just Because, before he focuses back on Constantin. There it is again—that warmth blooming in his chest, a strangely soft sensation that sends color back into his cheeks for the nth time tonight. So this is how it goes, apparently. Goddess help him, but how is he supposed to maintain his Very Cool Rep? Even the small smile won't disappear... it can't...
Hmm, yes, let him bring a newly freed hand up to coolly and casually cover the lower half of his face as he looks off to the side. Like he's thinking, or considering this very difficult question that's been asked of him. That's it.]
But I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. You continue to be... perplexing. [And there is something unmistakably fond about the way he says that, so please, grant him an extra second to huff out an almost amused breath before he adds:] ...Thank you.
no subject
It makes him smile properly now, leaning his elbows on the table and canting his head to the side, eyebrow raised. Oh? Perplexing? What a silly thing to say like that, he thinks, even as his own face feels a little warmer than it should be, too. It's fine! This is just how this meal is going! It's good.]
You're very welcome!
[Please enjoy it! They're having tea right now, but will he insist on making more tea later, to get some mileage out of his cat teapot? Yes. He makes a face briefly, like he has more to say but he's not sure— but, you know? Why not.]
You are a man well worth perplexing, so...
[Soooo! So. He shrugs and looks away, at the chest, plucking one of those kitty cups out of it and holding it out. Behold this visual subject change:] Take a look at this!
[Cute, right!!]
no subject
But every time Constantin smiles at him, like he is at this very moment, Felix can't help but to think that Constantin is... a good thing. A very good thing, really, and very good things just don't happen to him. It's not self-pity; it's fact! It's the Faerghus way! So this man going out of his way to be kind, all because he views Felix as someone worth perplexing (haha)...
Perhaps it would be best to end whatever this is now. Perhaps it would be easier, given why they're here and what they need to do, but Constantin holds out that cup and Felix pulls his hand away from his face just to reach out and take it from him. To get a better look, you see, and if their fingers brush? If Felix feels a spark from that oh-so brief contact? Ah, well.]
Hm. [A thoughtful noise as he turns the cup this way and that way, taking in the, um, unusual pattern. So many nobles he knows would be horrified by it; that makes it excellent, in his opinion, but as he glances back at Constantin:] It's quite the set. I wasn't aware that you liked cats enough to ask for such a thing.
[Do you just like one cat in particular, Constantin? The same cat who's probably curled up on the bed, now that he's eaten his share of bread crumbs?]
no subject
Clearly, the gods have some opinions!! Just kidding, he asked for cats because he thought Felix would like them. Did he totally nail this? Yes. He can feel it.]
I— Yes. So much. I'm very attached to cats.
[Gaze... He'll take this bullet, he supposes. Taking this one for the team.]
I'll make us some tea in the morning, if you can spare the extra minutes.
(no subject)