[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.
[A Felix must be as Felix-y as possible, Constantin. Please accept him as he is, which means please allow him to raise a brow at this teacup—ridiculous!—before he sets it back down on the table. He is... charmed. Secretly. Not so secretly? Whatever, don't @ him; this moment is all about giving Constantin a knowing sort of look, because Constantin is known (and Felix is, mmm, soft). Attached to cats, hmm... and offering to make tea...
It's a thought that is, you know. Soft and warm and welcome, despite everything. The world at large is unpleasant; this, at least, is Calm, and so, after a quiet hum:]
I can think of worse ways to start the day.
[Yes, please make him tea, even if it's... less than perfect???]
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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!
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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...]
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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?
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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.]
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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.]
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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.]
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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.]
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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.]
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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.]
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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.]
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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.]
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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.
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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!!]
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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?]
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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.
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It's a thought that is, you know. Soft and warm and welcome, despite everything. The world at large is unpleasant; this, at least, is Calm, and so, after a quiet hum:]
I can think of worse ways to start the day.
[Yes, please make him tea, even if it's... less than perfect???]