[ he bumps felix's knee with his own lightly beneath the table as he does indeed go back to his doughnut as commanded. it's reminiscent of those sweet buns they had back at the monastery that felix hates, except these are a little more dense than he's used to. it's still an experience though, like with everything else they've had since they got here; he thinks the hot pockets are still a winner, even if felix keeps pretending that he hates them. ]
Are you sure you're not gonna have at least one bite of this?
[Felix wrinkles his nose at him in response, a clear no to the second question, at least (because he's purposely tuning the first one out)—but hey, here's a sudden, uncomfortably invasive thought: Sylvain popping a piece of pastry into his mouth. Sylvain's thumb once again lingering on his lips, catching on his—
Hmm! Hmm, hmm, hmm. Felix shifts in his seat yet again, thinking about how perfectly ironic—and perfectly stupid—it would be for him to die of, like, heatstroke on Sylvain's kind-of-sort-of birthday. Life is cruel.]
You wanted it. [And Felix provided, but the point still stands. Kind of.] Don't blame me when you get sick.
[A beat—and then please enjoy Felix bumping his leg against yours, Sylvain. Returning the friendly favor.]
[ he's thinking about it, actually. feeding that piece of doughnut to felix like he did with that berry when felix first woke up, wondering if he'd let him get away with it a second time. maybe he's pushing his luck but felix still hasn't actually said no, even bumps his leg back in return, and it's suddenly difficult to ignore the way heat drips down his spine to pool low in his stomach.
i wanted you, he thinks, taking the last piece and swallowing it down along with the rest of whatever he wants to say. always a coward; some things just never change. ]
[Sylvain is going to regret going on the merry-go-round: confirmed. And Felix is going to fuss at him while grudgingly patting him on the back, but anyway! Anyway. Sir.]
You follow me, and you don't ask questions.
[The Look he gives Sylvain over the top of his cup is intended to remind him that they did, in fact, go over this very important point not too long ago—but there's no real heat to be found there. Why would there be? It's a fine morning, despite—because of?—a few incredibly minor things, so. After a second's silence, wherein Felix considers not saying anything more at all:]
We have to ride a— [His brow furrows as he thinks. He's generally avoided vehicles, trusting them even less than he trusts horses, but what was it—ah, yes.] A "bus." It stops at the corner.
[The corner outside the coffee shop, which Felix helpfully points to as he twists about in his seat, looking out the window. He's done... a surprising amount of research, for this trip? And of course it's good for him; like, if he's going to live in this wacky world, he can't avoid major parts of it, but! Well. Sylvain knows how he is, surely. This is just another Thing Felix has done for Sylvain, so while Sylvain may very well be accustomed with Deerington's public transportation system, Felix looks, mmm. Somewhat pleased with himself, if Sylvain fuckin' squints.]
[ listen, he wasn't sure if there was anything after this, okay. this was also already a lot more than he was expecting—felix buying him these things and humoring him, letting him sit close and going along with it. he almost feels like he's getting spoiled, really.
he'll even get to ride the bus, look at that. and sylvain is pleased about that, of course, because while he's seen the vehicles of this world and know the basics of their purpose and how they operate, he still has yet to actually ride one. sylvain is far from qualified as he is to drive any sort of car, but it doesn't make him any less excited to be in one.
more importantly, it's also a testament to how much time felix had put into planning this—is it a date? like, sylvain isn't completely positive because he doesn't want to assume, but it definitely sort of feels like one. and really, he doesn't need to dig very deep to find that yes, he'd like it to be one, actually, and that's... well, that's telling in and of itself, isn't it?
whew. ]
You're really not going to tell me where we're going, aren't you? [ don't get him wrong, he's excited. and felix looking pleased with himself is very endearing and completely justified, not to mention also making him feel so soft it's kind of disgusting. that's been happening a little more than he'd like lately and sylvain isn't sure what to make of that. ] Alright. Lead on, then. I'll be right behind you.
[It isn't like Felix buys anything else in this place, aside from, like, beef jerky and hot pockets. He is unintentionally frugal—so it's good, in a way, to spend this money he hasn't earned on things that actually matter. Sylvain's coffee, for one; their bus fare, for another, after they make their way to the corner and loiter there for a good twenty minutes. Listen: clambering into the bus for the first time is An Experience? As is finding two seats, which they manage to do just before the doors close and the whole thing lurches forward. Excellent.
And while Felix isn't fond of the buses many stops-and-starts, he has to admit that it's... nice, watching the world zip by them. Nerve-racking, yes, but nice. Sylvain chatters away beside him, pointing out this or that, but Felix keeps his eyes on the stops—and occasionally checks his phone, where he painstakingly typed a few very important notes. Missing their opportunity to get off this thing would be... the worst...
...But they don't miss it. The bus comes to the stop Felix is expecting, and Felix stands, unthinkingly grabbing hold of Sylvain's wrist as a group of children elbows past him. They're just eager to get back out into the world, you see, because as Felix steps back onto blessedly solid ground, pulling Sylvain along behind him—well! Well. Look at that. The Faerghus Lads are staring at the local amusement park.
Or, well. Sylvain is probably staring at the amusement park; Felix is glancing between it and Sylvain's face, trying to decide if he's made a tactical error here. Screams can be heard from that roller coaster in the distance? Music drifts back their way? There's the smell of fried things, carrying the promise of more sugar, should Sylvain want it—and Felix thinks about how he just so happened to overhear people excitedly talking about this place's reopening for the summer. A thing that comes to life in "June," huh? It seemed... fitting.]
[ good to know felix only needs beef jerky and hot pockets to survive. it's not as if sylvain is any better with his dollar romance novel and silly sunglasses purchases; he's been justifying it as "research" but they both know the real answer. anyway, the bus ride is great, and sylvain spends most of it taking it all in, marveling at the technology even if he can't see that much from where he's sitting. but most of all it's nice? just to sit back and enjoy the sights while they're ferried to their destination, wherever it is. it's like riding in a giant metal carriage of sorts, except louder and without horses. the only drawback for sylvain, it seems.
thankfully, felix knows where he's going, and sylvain looks down when he grabs his wrist, feeling a lurch in his heart just as he's pulled along off the bus. felix hasn't let go of his wrist as they come to a stop in front of the amusement park, and sylvain slides his hand up unthinkingly to hold his hand instead. the screams from the roller coaster sure is something, and he finds himself grinning as he watches the kids from the bus run in, breathes in the smell of cotton candy and funnel cake, takes in all the bright lights from the rides and the games. neither of them have been to this kind of place before and the prospect of having something else to themselves, something else to call their own makes him so... happy. he isn't thinking about anything else—not of the stuffy parties his parents had forced him to in the past before he'd left for the academy, not of the piles of presents he'd never wanted; not the permanent glare miklan had fixed him with as he watched from the sidelines, when sylvain learned what jealousy and rage looked like side by side.
he isn't thinking of any of that. he thinks of threading his fingers through felix's, thinks of trying every single ride and game and disgustingly sweet treat they come across, the face felix would undoubtedly make when sylvain cajoles him into taking another bite. he thinks of how felix had thought of bringing him here at all to begin with, and as sylvain looks back at him to see that expectant look on his face, he wonders how he could have known that this was exactly what he'd wanted: a new memory for them to share, one untouched by the war and everything else they'd been through ]
Come on.
[ and so he does just that, lacing their fingers together, giving felix's hand a squeeze as he smiles and tugs him along to the first thing that catches his attention: the merry go round. ]
[Felix has seen so many of Sylvain's smiles throughout the years? Has most of them memorized, honestly, and so it's relatively easy for him to tell when Sylvain is being fake and when Sylvain is being genuine. Oh, sure, he misses the occasional cue, but Felix undoubtedly knows Sylvain better than most.
So when Sylvain smiles back at him, squeezing his hand (when did he grab it and why didn't Felix notice) as he does so, the only thought in Felix's mind is: Ah. That's it! Just that, because Felix immediately knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that Sylvain is... pleased. Happy. Sylvain very much likes this place Felix has taken him to, and suddenly all of the work leading up to this moment—the research—feels more than worth it. Anything to keep that expression on Sylvain's face...
And what can Felix do, then, other than allow Sylvain to tug him right along? Sylvain's fingers between his feel, mmm, strange, to be sure, but not unpleasantly so; it's more like it's a Thing Felix is oddly aware of as they weave through the groups of people milling about, even as Felix eyes the many wild things around them. Rides and booths and games and—well! Well. It's almost enough to send his head spinning, but Sylvain, as ever, keeps him grounded—and leads him to what might just be one of the tamer-looking options in the general area. To say that Felix is secretly grateful would be... an understatement.
But boy? Boy.]
Horses, [Felix half-grumbles, half-sighs as they step into line, making sure to keep his eyes on the merry-go-round lest he feel tempted to look down at their still-joined hands.] Of course you drag me here. How predictable.
[Sylvain "Horse Boy" Gautier strikes again! God damn.]
[ that gets a laugh out of him, bright and carefree and unrestrained, because of course felix has to make a comment about his horse girl tendencies. he takes one (1) horse home and this is what he has to deal with for the rest of his days. ]
What's wrong with horses? [ he leans down, resting his forearms against the railing surrounding the outside of the merry go round as he watches the people on it bob and spin along to the music. and since he's yet to let go of felix's hand, it means felix is tugged closer to his side, his hand held between both of sylvain's. ] These aren't real ones, anyway. Besides, I haven't visited Whitney since I left her with Mercie after that whole orc thing.
[ does he miss his horse? listen, maybe so. more importantly, the ride is like, the tamest one there is here and he just thinks it's better to work their way up to tackling the roller coaster, okay. nevermind the fact that they're the only two actual adults in this line that's mostly made up of children. ]
me keeping track of that icon like https://tinyurl.com/y7lysdm4
[There are so many children in this line, and half of them keep turning around to stare at Felix and Sylvain. Or, well. It feels like they keep turning around to stare at Felix, and thus Felix, like, shoots the nearest one a scowl before deciding that maybe it's better to glance down at their hands. His hand, held securely between Sylvain's. It's.
...Hmm. Well. Felix thinks of orcs, instead, fingers flexing against Sylvain's as Felix works out how he feels about this. It's far more difficult than it has any right to be.]
And why haven't you? The horse isn't Mercedes' responsibility. [Another flex of his fingers.] And the beast likes you.
[Goddess knows why. And no, he's not answering that question about what he, personally, has against horses, because... well, damn! He doesn't trust them! That's that.]
[ they're staring at both of them, probably felix more than sylvain because every time sylvain catches one of them looking he meets them with a friendly smile. he hasn't seen this many children in one place in a long time? like, the monastery didn't count because everyone was basically (at least from what they knew) around the same age, or at least within the same age bracket. and then after that was the war and, well. the war isn't a place for children.
it's funny, how they were born and bred for it instead. ]
She's not, [ he says around a chuckle, tightens his fingers briefly around the flex of felix's. ] I didn't know where else to put her, and I figured Mercie could use the company.
[ deerington doesn't have stables?? who knew. and he's at least fed and watered her, even if he hasn't actually taken her out for a ride like he should. it might've been better to leave her with annette, honestly, but that's a can of worms they haven't really opened just yet. ]
She'd like you too, if you weren't scowling at her the whole time, you know.
[Please know that Felix is going to reach out to Mercedes and confirm that Sylvain has not, in fact, abandoned his equine child on her doorstep before running for the hills, because that would be? So rude? And Mercedes doesn't deserve that, The End.
For now, however, Felix settles for a quiet, doubtful little hum, even though he knows damn well that Mercedes is probably pampering that horse. Loving its horsey company. Yes, Mercedes is a saint—and Sylvain is a fool, hence the flat look Felix offers him when he suggests that the horse's indifference to him can be traced to his face.]
Sylvain, [he says, in what he thinks is a surprisingly patient voice.] I am not smiling at a horse.
[Never mind the fact that Felix rarely smiles as it is. It's the principle of the matter! Horses don't give a shit about the expressions humans wear, Felix is sure of it—and yet let it be known that Felix is still considering this, on some level, as the merry-go-round comes to a stop, its current occupants exit, and the line drags them both through the gate and onto the rotating platform. Horses recognizing human expressions is, like... a subject of one of Annette's silly songs...
...As is this ride, actually. Felix pauses by a very weird horse, glaring at it for a moment before looking back at Sylvain.]
Are we really going to—
[Well! You know! Clamber atop one of these fake horses and/or chickens, which Felix is still eyeing with open suspicion.]
[ they can just take whitney and mercedes up to visit annette, a blue lions reunion, and maybe sylvain can persuade annie to let him take whitney out for a spin or two and they can pretend alternate timelines and stuff don't exist. a fun time for everyone! but yes, mercedes is indeed spoiling whitney, sylvain is certain that she loves mercie more than she does him, which is, really as it should be. ]
Fine, but you could smile at me instead.
[ how about that, huh?? anyway, sylvain is the one who smiles and talks to his horses lovingly while feeding them, so like, maybe it's a little biased. whatever. the point is that he knows felix is thinking about it as they're ushered onto the platform, but not without the attendant giving them a surprised look when they walk past him. because they are, without a doubt, the only two adults on this ride.
anyway. ]
Yes, Felix. [ sylvain swings a leg over the horse's saddle, and his feet still touch the floor because he's tall as fuck. he looks completely at ease in spite of it, leaning forward to brace his elbows on the little handlebars attached to the horse's bridle while trying not to laugh at felix's expression. but, oh—his expression shifts, his smile curving into something a little less decent as he waves a hand to the chicken, tone dropping in pitch. there's still children around, okay, but let it be known sylvain will never pass up the opportunity to tease felix: ] Don't tell me you're too embarrassed to ride the cock.
sylvain needs to take responsibility for his child
[Felix is standing right beside this chicken; it makes sense, then, that the kids running about ignore it, because a) who wants to ride a chicken and b) some weirdo has clearly claimed it, anyway. And really, it isn't as though Felix is paying attention to them. The only thing he's paying attention to is the long line of Sylvain's thigh as Sylvain stretches his legs out in front of him, because there is something, mmm, patently unfair about it. Felix knows damn well that his feet are going to hang, so what if he just stands here the entire time, hmm? What if.
Or: Felix is distracted, and thus Felix is caught entirely off guard when Sylvain lowers his voice to say that. A beat, as Felix processes what is being implied here, and then—oh. Oh.]
That's not— [AAAH. Felix glances to the side, seeing if anyone—any CHILD—is there before he hisses:] Sylvain!
[Goddess, please, have mercy. Saints, please preserve him. He is going to kill Sylvain on his kind-of-sort-of birthday—but just as he takes a step toward Sylvain, the man running this ride calls out to him. You! Yes, you! This thing ain't movin' until you sit!
...So.
................So.
The exit is on the opposite side of the attraction, and the weight of, like, twenty pairs of (small) eyes suddenly settles atop his shoulders. He is well and truly stuck, it seems—and thus he does, in fact, climb on top of the cock, refusing to look at Sylvain as he does so. He isn't even going to look back at Sylvain when the music kicks in and the ride suddenly, somehow, starts; he merely reaches forward, arms settling woodenly (ahaha) around the beast's neck as they go 'round and 'round.
But at least Sylvain gets a very nice view of the back of Felix's neck? Which is, of course, bright fuckin' red.]
[ challenge: how many times can he get felix to say sylvain! for the duration of this date, let's go. anyway, sylvain is aware of the very real threat of felix killing him, sort of birthday or no, but does he care? no. is it completely worth it? yes. and so sylvain faces death as he always does with that same lazy, cavalier smile, except this is felix, so it's tinged with more fondness and affection than he would normally allow. a secret that's really not so secret anymore, but he's unfortunately saved by the ride attendant, only to be treated to the sight of felix getting on the cock.
felix doesn't even have to look back to know that sylvain is looking at him, the widest grin on his face and trying not to laugh too loudly when the ride starts. the novelty of the ride doesn't even distract him from admiring the pretty flush on felix's nape and the tops of his ears, and sylvain reaches into his pocket to pull out his phone, turning down the volume before snapping a picture of felix. it's right when the seats have risen marginally up on the pole, felix's feet dangling off the ground and it's honestly the cutest thing ever. 10/10 best birthday present by far.
the ride comes to a stop after the fourth rotation and getting off the platform is kind of weird in that it's thrown off his equilibrium a bit, but he manages, taking a second to lean against the railing as he waits for felix. ]
So, [ there's that same knowing smile that felix likely hates, and he has the audacity to wink as he lowers his voice again when felix gets closer. ] How was the cock?
[Felix knows—knows—that Sylvain is smiling at him; he feels it in his very bones, thank you, which is why he stubbornly remains facing forward until the ride comes to a complete and total stop. It works out for him, in a way. Without Sylvain to focus on, he's free to wonder how this thing works... free to listen to the nearby children laugh, because hey, he doesn't dislike children...
But all good(ish) things must come to an end—and for Felix, that means carefully sliding off this cock? Wobbling on his own two legs, just for a moment, before following the crowd of kids toward the exit, because of course Sylvain is already waiting for him, the dastard. Felix graces him with a scowl as he approaches.
And of course Sylvain graces him with that.
There are several things Felix could do, in theory? Several ways to respond, but Felix settles for the simplest course of action: brushing right past Sylvain without a word. Heading out into this wide, wide world without his best friend, because his face is red enough as it is and Sylvain does not deserve the satisfaction. Time to go look at... carnival games, it seems...]
[ listen, there's a lot of things he could have said instead? like, he could have totally commented on felix's unsteadiness after sliding off the cock, but he didn't because he is capable of self-restraint from time to time. it also means that felix turning around and leaving him behind is completely justified and kind of expected, really. ]
... Felix? Wait, he's really leaving me behind, isn't he? Damn— Hey, Felix! Come on, I was joking! It was a joke!
[ he was so cute with how red he was blushing, how could he not tease him a little more?? truly, to keep it in would be crime. anyway, he catches up to felix without difficulty and slings an arm around his shoulders as he apologizes, because he really didn't mean to drive him off, okay. ]
Here, let me make it up to you. [ he scans the row of games they have set up, most of them boasting prizes of stuffed animals and the like, things he knows felix wouldn't really care for. there is, however, a booth that has scripts for prizes instead, ones that can be redeemed at the food stalls afterwards. ] Since I made you try that drink earlier, I'll get you one of those hot dog things, okay?
[Sylvain has longer legs, it's true, but Felix could easily outpace him if he so chooses? Felix could cut to the side, or duck around a corner—but no, no. Felix hears Sylvain calling out to him, and while Felix doesn't slow down, Felix doesn't speed up. Let it be known that Felix Hugo Fraldarius allows himself to be caught.
But as Sylvain's arm settles atop his shoulders, as heavy as ever, Felix makes sure to shoot him a flat look. He's not mad; his face is now more pink than red, so, like, things are looking up! And yet this just how it has to be.]
I don't want it. [What is it? Sounds gross as hell—but as Felix casts a quick glance over at said games, which are of the "throw a dart at this wall of balloons" variety:] Not that it matters. You have terrible aim.
[And Sylvain doesn't have anything to make up for, really? The day Sylvain stops teasing Felix is the day the world ends, and Felix has (grudgingly) accepted this—but like hell he's going to say it.]
[ felix has always been faster than him, and sylvain isn't so stupid to think that he got lucky this time. he remembers the days when they were kids and all they did was play hide and seek and tag, chasing each other all over the gardens of the fraldarius estate while dimitri and ingrid vied for glenn's attention. felix was always just out of his reach whenever sylvain thought he finally caught him, darting around him before he could get his hands on that fluffy coat he always wore. and though he'd hit his growth spurt just before arriving at the academy, felix was still quick and lithe and limber like he always was. he's dependable like that, cute blush and all. ]
Yes, you do. [ like he's completely, one hundred percent positive. ] It's like those hot pockets you're so fond of, except it's sausage in a bun.
[ bread and meat, felix's two main food groups. anyway, the jab to his aim gets a small huff, too fond and amused for it to be anything serious as he steers felix in the direction of those games. ]
Oh, ye of little faith. [ the ensuing wink he flashes felix is as sly as his grin. ] My aim's good when it counts.
[You like one (1) type of hot pocket and you're just The Hot Pocket Guy™, huh? Felix sees how it is—and yet Felix is also, mmm, mildly intrigued by that explanation, because he is fond of both that one (1) type of hot pocket and, you know. Sausages. Meat is meat is meat, even if you have no idea where said meat comes from.
But while Felix is, in fact, coming around to this idea... oh, Sylvain. Sylvain, Sylvain, Sylvain.]
I've seen you with a bow. [Felix lifts his chin a bit, letting that sink in before he turns to the sleepy looking person manning the booth.] There's a reason I don't take you hunting.
[And that reason is Sylvain has probably preferred to do anything but silently traipse about the woods for hours at a time, but shh. Time for Felix to hand over more money in return for some darts, which he places on the counter in front of Sylvain. Five darts!]
Five tries. [And is that a hint of a smirk, there? A clear challenge as Felix crosses his arms? Oh, you know it.] More than enough to see how good you are.
[ felix is The Hot Pocket Guy™ just like sylvain is The Horse Boy™, okay, that's just how it is. and sylvain knows that felix is intrigued because he knows how much felix likes his meat, which is like, just as much, if not more than ingrid does. ]
So you were watching me when I was training with Ashe. [ back when their professor had thought it might be good for him to train with bows as he was working through his cavalier class. and really, it wasn't a complete disaster, but he just never had the patience for it. it wasn't as compatible with his self-destructive tendencies at the time; it's harder to be reckless and impulsive when he actually has to pay attention to his aim. ] I thought the reason why you don't take me is because I talk too much.
[ and like, he'd much rather sleep in instead, but whatever. anyway, felix grabs the darts before sylvain can think about paying and well, now he's done it. the challenge is set and he can't back down now, can he? not when felix is smirking at him like that. ]
Five? That's generous of you.
[ throwing darts at balloons is different from firing arrows at enemy soldiers and fellow countrymen; less complicated and less permanent, less consequences in the aftermath for him to carry. he thinks back to that warm summer afternoon at the training grounds, ashe showing him the proper stance, his palms pressing carefully on his arms and shoulders to keep them level. don't be too tense—relax your grip as you pull back, let the momentum flow through your shoulder to your arm and to your fingers. smooth, easy. even if war makes it infinitely harder.
now, he breathes in slowly, the dart held carefully between his thumb and index finger. he takes his time because he can, because yeah, maybe he's doing this to impress felix even if he doesn't really need to. it's not that deep, even if the nostalgia hits that soft part in his chest that he hasn't done a very good job of protecting lately.
the dart leaves his grip in a fluid roll of his shoulder and pops the balloon to the right of the one in the center, the one he'd been going for at first. but he'll take it, anyway. ]
[Generous, indeed—except that it absolutely isn't, hence Felix's small shrug as he angles himself toward Sylvain, propping his hip against the booth in the process.]
Obviously, [he says, tone artfully unconcerned.] I'm always nice to you.
[That earlier line from the coffee shop, its sardonic edge somewhat softened by the way Felix's eyes find Sylvain's arm? The way he absently traces it from wrist to shoulder, presumably taking in Sylvain's stance even when he knows damn well there's no reason to appreciate the way the muscles of Sylvain's shoulder bunch as he pulls his arm back. It reminds Felix of watching Sylvain's bare back before he disappeared into the bathroom, and that's—
—well. The pop of a balloon bursting off to the side pulls Felix back to his senses, and he turns his head just far enough to see the dart stuck in the board. Not bad, really? Even when the person running the booth informs them Sylvain has scored all of one (1) point, which elicits a quiet hum from Felix as he glances back Sylvain's way.]
Beginner's luck.
[He doesn't even believe in luck; he's just being a little shit, because this is what best friends do—and because fuck you, Gautier, this is what you for cracking jokes about The Cock.]
[ it's not bad, but it's not good, either. he tilts a wry smile at felix when the staff congratulates him on his single point; the perfectionist in sylvain bristles just a little, but it's tempered by that quiet hum from felix, the appraising look sylvain had caught when felix thought he wasn't looking. felix doesn't believe in luck and neither does sylvain, and so he sees it for what it is: felix being his bratty self again, needling and negging him in the same way sylvain teases him mercilessly. does he deserve it? probably. does he have regrets at all about cracking jokes about The Cock? no. is he going to continue to do so throughout this not-date? absolutely.
but okay, he has four left. the second turns out to be a bust, he misjudges the trajectory and the dart buries itself into the frame of the cork board the balloons are affixed to. there's a furrow between his brows now as he runs the tip of his thumb along his lower lip, a habit he'd picked up during their academy days whenever he had to puzzle through a particularly complicated magic formula. the third one goes better, popping the balloon above the one in the center to earn him two points; the fourth hits the one to the left.
he rolls the final dart between his thumb and index finger, head cocked gently to one side as his other thumb returns to its previous spot, the blunt nail trailing along the swell of his lower lip. all of his attention is on the balloon in the center now as he shifts his weight, changes his stance just slightly before throwing the last dart, finally meeting its home in the center balloon. the attendant gives him his final score in the blandest tone, sliding his winnings across the booth towards him. ]
So, [ he tucks the scripts into his back pocket, settling his hand on felix's shoulder as he points to the hot dog stand further down. ] Wanna try it?
i can keep making this thread as thirsty as i please
[It's dangerous, watching Sylvain. Distracting. Felix isn't even the one who needs to concentrate, but Sylvain brings his thumb to his lip for a second time and Felix snaps his attention back to that wall of balloons, feeling something tighten within him for no particular reason. He knows that simple gesture; he's seen it many a time before, be it in the middle of class or in the middle of a war council meeting, and yet there's something so... well, there's just something about it, these days. Something that makes Felix wonder what Sylvain's lip would feel like beneath his thumb.
Which is, you know. Patently ridiculous, hence the way Felix presses his own lips together as he waits for Sylvain's final throw. It's no surprise that he nails it; Sylvain has made a habit of coming through at the perfect time, a thing that frequently frustrates Felix—but that he's fine with, in this context. There was nothing on the line but money Felix never uses.
...Still, though. Still. Some not-so-small part of Felix is annoying relieved when they finally turn to walk away from the booth, Sylvain's hand settling atop his shoulder like it belongs there. And maybe it does, in a way? He certainly doesn't shrug it away, even when he finds himself turning his head to glance down at it, eyes drawn to that thumb.]
It's your victory, [he says, somewhat curtly, before his eyes flick back up to Sylvain's face.] Shouldn't you decide?
[They're heading right to it, anyway—and listen? Listen. Maybe the smell wafting their way as they near it is pretty good. Maybe it is. That doesn't mean that Felix is going to say as much, even as he eyes the hotdog-carrying people around them with obvious interest. Sausage in a bun... yeehaw...]
I suppose I should be grateful it isn't something sweet.
I mean, yeah. [ he gives felix's shoulder a light squeeze as they make their way to the stand, brushing the pad of his thumb along the curve of it. ] But maybe I want you to enjoy it, too.
[ like okay, yes, he has a habit of pushing things onto felix sometimes just for fun, but let it be known that if felix really doesn't want it, he'd stop immediately. and that's the thing, isn't it? how felix has never really stopped him, despite all his griping and complaining. in the end, he indulges sylvain anyway, and that's always been dangerous, but it's become even more so lately. he tries not to think about it too much, because he knows deep down what the answer is, and it's both equally terrifying and everything he's ever wanted.
but anyway, hot dogs. he glances down at felix as he eyes the people around them eating their own hot dogs, a knowing smile curving his lips. and he could make another awful joke here too, about his preference for salty things, but he will be the mature adult he is this time and refrain. mostly because he really does want felix to try it, okay. ]
Goddess forbid I feed you more than one sweet thing within the same day. [ he says drily as he steps up to the counter, ordering two hot dogs and sliding the scripts over. ] Absolute torture, and I'm awful for subjecting you to it.
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[ he bumps felix's knee with his own lightly beneath the table as he does indeed go back to his doughnut as commanded. it's reminiscent of those sweet buns they had back at the monastery that felix hates, except these are a little more dense than he's used to. it's still an experience though, like with everything else they've had since they got here; he thinks the hot pockets are still a winner, even if felix keeps pretending that he hates them. ]
Are you sure you're not gonna have at least one bite of this?
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Hmm! Hmm, hmm, hmm. Felix shifts in his seat yet again, thinking about how perfectly ironic—and perfectly stupid—it would be for him to die of, like, heatstroke on Sylvain's kind-of-sort-of birthday. Life is cruel.]
You wanted it. [And Felix provided, but the point still stands. Kind of.] Don't blame me when you get sick.
[A beat—and then please enjoy Felix bumping his leg against yours, Sylvain. Returning the friendly favor.]
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[ he's thinking about it, actually. feeding that piece of doughnut to felix like he did with that berry when felix first woke up, wondering if he'd let him get away with it a second time. maybe he's pushing his luck but felix still hasn't actually said no, even bumps his leg back in return, and it's suddenly difficult to ignore the way heat drips down his spine to pool low in his stomach.
i wanted you, he thinks, taking the last piece and swallowing it down along with the rest of whatever he wants to say. always a coward; some things just never change. ]
So, what's next after this?
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You follow me, and you don't ask questions.
[The Look he gives Sylvain over the top of his cup is intended to remind him that they did, in fact, go over this very important point not too long ago—but there's no real heat to be found there. Why would there be? It's a fine morning, despite—because of?—a few incredibly minor things, so. After a second's silence, wherein Felix considers not saying anything more at all:]
We have to ride a— [His brow furrows as he thinks. He's generally avoided vehicles, trusting them even less than he trusts horses, but what was it—ah, yes.] A "bus." It stops at the corner.
[The corner outside the coffee shop, which Felix helpfully points to as he twists about in his seat, looking out the window. He's done... a surprising amount of research, for this trip? And of course it's good for him; like, if he's going to live in this wacky world, he can't avoid major parts of it, but! Well. Sylvain knows how he is, surely. This is just another Thing Felix has done for Sylvain, so while Sylvain may very well be accustomed with Deerington's public transportation system, Felix looks, mmm. Somewhat pleased with himself, if Sylvain fuckin' squints.]
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he'll even get to ride the bus, look at that. and sylvain is pleased about that, of course, because while he's seen the vehicles of this world and know the basics of their purpose and how they operate, he still has yet to actually ride one. sylvain is far from qualified as he is to drive any sort of car, but it doesn't make him any less excited to be in one.
more importantly, it's also a testament to how much time felix had put into planning this—is it a date? like, sylvain isn't completely positive because he doesn't want to assume, but it definitely sort of feels like one. and really, he doesn't need to dig very deep to find that yes, he'd like it to be one, actually, and that's... well, that's telling in and of itself, isn't it?
whew. ]
You're really not going to tell me where we're going, aren't you? [ don't get him wrong, he's excited. and felix looking pleased with himself is very endearing and completely justified, not to mention also making him feel so soft it's kind of disgusting. that's been happening a little more than he'd like lately and sylvain isn't sure what to make of that. ] Alright. Lead on, then. I'll be right behind you.
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And while Felix isn't fond of the buses many stops-and-starts, he has to admit that it's... nice, watching the world zip by them. Nerve-racking, yes, but nice. Sylvain chatters away beside him, pointing out this or that, but Felix keeps his eyes on the stops—and occasionally checks his phone, where he painstakingly typed a few very important notes. Missing their opportunity to get off this thing would be... the worst...
...But they don't miss it. The bus comes to the stop Felix is expecting, and Felix stands, unthinkingly grabbing hold of Sylvain's wrist as a group of children elbows past him. They're just eager to get back out into the world, you see, because as Felix steps back onto blessedly solid ground, pulling Sylvain along behind him—well! Well. Look at that. The Faerghus Lads are staring at the local amusement park.
Or, well. Sylvain is probably staring at the amusement park; Felix is glancing between it and Sylvain's face, trying to decide if he's made a tactical error here. Screams can be heard from that roller coaster in the distance? Music drifts back their way? There's the smell of fried things, carrying the promise of more sugar, should Sylvain want it—and Felix thinks about how he just so happened to overhear people excitedly talking about this place's reopening for the summer. A thing that comes to life in "June," huh? It seemed... fitting.]
Well?
[Well? Throw him a bone, please, he's dying.]
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thankfully, felix knows where he's going, and sylvain looks down when he grabs his wrist, feeling a lurch in his heart just as he's pulled along off the bus. felix hasn't let go of his wrist as they come to a stop in front of the amusement park, and sylvain slides his hand up unthinkingly to hold his hand instead. the screams from the roller coaster sure is something, and he finds himself grinning as he watches the kids from the bus run in, breathes in the smell of cotton candy and funnel cake, takes in all the bright lights from the rides and the games. neither of them have been to this kind of place before and the prospect of having something else to themselves, something else to call their own makes him so... happy. he isn't thinking about anything else—not of the stuffy parties his parents had forced him to in the past before he'd left for the academy, not of the piles of presents he'd never wanted; not the permanent glare miklan had fixed him with as he watched from the sidelines, when sylvain learned what jealousy and rage looked like side by side.
he isn't thinking of any of that. he thinks of threading his fingers through felix's, thinks of trying every single ride and game and disgustingly sweet treat they come across, the face felix would undoubtedly make when sylvain cajoles him into taking another bite. he thinks of how felix had thought of bringing him here at all to begin with, and as sylvain looks back at him to see that expectant look on his face, he wonders how he could have known that this was exactly what he'd wanted: a new memory for them to share, one untouched by the war and everything else they'd been through ]
Come on.
[ and so he does just that, lacing their fingers together, giving felix's hand a squeeze as he smiles and tugs him along to the first thing that catches his attention: the merry go round. ]
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So when Sylvain smiles back at him, squeezing his hand (when did he grab it and why didn't Felix notice) as he does so, the only thought in Felix's mind is: Ah. That's it! Just that, because Felix immediately knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that Sylvain is... pleased. Happy. Sylvain very much likes this place Felix has taken him to, and suddenly all of the work leading up to this moment—the research—feels more than worth it. Anything to keep that expression on Sylvain's face...
And what can Felix do, then, other than allow Sylvain to tug him right along? Sylvain's fingers between his feel, mmm, strange, to be sure, but not unpleasantly so; it's more like it's a Thing Felix is oddly aware of as they weave through the groups of people milling about, even as Felix eyes the many wild things around them. Rides and booths and games and—well! Well. It's almost enough to send his head spinning, but Sylvain, as ever, keeps him grounded—and leads him to what might just be one of the tamer-looking options in the general area. To say that Felix is secretly grateful would be... an understatement.
But boy? Boy.]
Horses, [Felix half-grumbles, half-sighs as they step into line, making sure to keep his eyes on the merry-go-round lest he feel tempted to look down at their still-joined hands.] Of course you drag me here. How predictable.
[Sylvain "Horse Boy" Gautier strikes again! God damn.]
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What's wrong with horses? [ he leans down, resting his forearms against the railing surrounding the outside of the merry go round as he watches the people on it bob and spin along to the music. and since he's yet to let go of felix's hand, it means felix is tugged closer to his side, his hand held between both of sylvain's. ] These aren't real ones, anyway. Besides, I haven't visited Whitney since I left her with Mercie after that whole orc thing.
[ does he miss his horse? listen, maybe so. more importantly, the ride is like, the tamest one there is here and he just thinks it's better to work their way up to tackling the roller coaster, okay. nevermind the fact that they're the only two actual adults in this line that's mostly made up of children. ]
me keeping track of that icon like https://tinyurl.com/y7lysdm4
...Hmm. Well. Felix thinks of orcs, instead, fingers flexing against Sylvain's as Felix works out how he feels about this. It's far more difficult than it has any right to be.]
And why haven't you? The horse isn't Mercedes' responsibility. [Another flex of his fingers.] And the beast likes you.
[Goddess knows why. And no, he's not answering that question about what he, personally, has against horses, because... well, damn! He doesn't trust them! That's that.]
sTOP
it's funny, how they were born and bred for it instead. ]
She's not, [ he says around a chuckle, tightens his fingers briefly around the flex of felix's. ] I didn't know where else to put her, and I figured Mercie could use the company.
[ deerington doesn't have stables?? who knew. and he's at least fed and watered her, even if he hasn't actually taken her out for a ride like he should. it might've been better to leave her with annette, honestly, but that's a can of worms they haven't really opened just yet. ]
She'd like you too, if you weren't scowling at her the whole time, you know.
je refuse
For now, however, Felix settles for a quiet, doubtful little hum, even though he knows damn well that Mercedes is probably pampering that horse. Loving its horsey company. Yes, Mercedes is a saint—and Sylvain is a fool, hence the flat look Felix offers him when he suggests that the horse's indifference to him can be traced to his face.]
Sylvain, [he says, in what he thinks is a surprisingly patient voice.] I am not smiling at a horse.
[Never mind the fact that Felix rarely smiles as it is. It's the principle of the matter! Horses don't give a shit about the expressions humans wear, Felix is sure of it—and yet let it be known that Felix is still considering this, on some level, as the merry-go-round comes to a stop, its current occupants exit, and the line drags them both through the gate and onto the rotating platform. Horses recognizing human expressions is, like... a subject of one of Annette's silly songs...
...As is this ride, actually. Felix pauses by a very weird horse, glaring at it for a moment before looking back at Sylvain.]
Are we really going to—
[Well! You know! Clamber atop one of these fake horses and/or chickens, which Felix is still eyeing with open suspicion.]
"equine child" i hate this
Fine, but you could smile at me instead.
[ how about that, huh?? anyway, sylvain is the one who smiles and talks to his horses lovingly while feeding them, so like, maybe it's a little biased. whatever. the point is that he knows felix is thinking about it as they're ushered onto the platform, but not without the attendant giving them a surprised look when they walk past him. because they are, without a doubt, the only two adults on this ride.
anyway. ]
Yes, Felix. [ sylvain swings a leg over the horse's saddle, and his feet still touch the floor because he's tall as fuck. he looks completely at ease in spite of it, leaning forward to brace his elbows on the little handlebars attached to the horse's bridle while trying not to laugh at felix's expression. but, oh—his expression shifts, his smile curving into something a little less decent as he waves a hand to the chicken, tone dropping in pitch. there's still children around, okay, but let it be known sylvain will never pass up the opportunity to tease felix: ] Don't tell me you're too embarrassed to ride the cock.
sylvain needs to take responsibility for his child
Or: Felix is distracted, and thus Felix is caught entirely off guard when Sylvain lowers his voice to say that. A beat, as Felix processes what is being implied here, and then—oh. Oh.]
That's not— [AAAH. Felix glances to the side, seeing if anyone—any CHILD—is there before he hisses:] Sylvain!
[Goddess, please, have mercy. Saints, please preserve him. He is going to kill Sylvain on his kind-of-sort-of birthday—but just as he takes a step toward Sylvain, the man running this ride calls out to him. You! Yes, you! This thing ain't movin' until you sit!
...So.
................So.
The exit is on the opposite side of the attraction, and the weight of, like, twenty pairs of (small) eyes suddenly settles atop his shoulders. He is well and truly stuck, it seems—and thus he does, in fact, climb on top of the cock, refusing to look at Sylvain as he does so. He isn't even going to look back at Sylvain when the music kicks in and the ride suddenly, somehow, starts; he merely reaches forward, arms settling woodenly (ahaha) around the beast's neck as they go 'round and 'round.
But at least Sylvain gets a very nice view of the back of Felix's neck? Which is, of course, bright fuckin' red.]
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felix doesn't even have to look back to know that sylvain is looking at him, the widest grin on his face and trying not to laugh too loudly when the ride starts. the novelty of the ride doesn't even distract him from admiring the pretty flush on felix's nape and the tops of his ears, and sylvain reaches into his pocket to pull out his phone, turning down the volume before snapping a picture of felix. it's right when the seats have risen marginally up on the pole, felix's feet dangling off the ground and it's honestly the cutest thing ever. 10/10 best birthday present by far.
the ride comes to a stop after the fourth rotation and getting off the platform is kind of weird in that it's thrown off his equilibrium a bit, but he manages, taking a second to lean against the railing as he waits for felix. ]
So, [ there's that same knowing smile that felix likely hates, and he has the audacity to wink as he lowers his voice again when felix gets closer. ] How was the cock?
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But all good(ish) things must come to an end—and for Felix, that means carefully sliding off this cock? Wobbling on his own two legs, just for a moment, before following the crowd of kids toward the exit, because of course Sylvain is already waiting for him, the dastard. Felix graces him with a scowl as he approaches.
And of course Sylvain graces him with that.
There are several things Felix could do, in theory? Several ways to respond, but Felix settles for the simplest course of action: brushing right past Sylvain without a word. Heading out into this wide, wide world without his best friend, because his face is red enough as it is and Sylvain does not deserve the satisfaction. Time to go look at... carnival games, it seems...]
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... Felix? Wait, he's really leaving me behind, isn't he? Damn— Hey, Felix! Come on, I was joking! It was a joke!
[ he was so cute with how red he was blushing, how could he not tease him a little more?? truly, to keep it in would be crime. anyway, he catches up to felix without difficulty and slings an arm around his shoulders as he apologizes, because he really didn't mean to drive him off, okay. ]
Here, let me make it up to you. [ he scans the row of games they have set up, most of them boasting prizes of stuffed animals and the like, things he knows felix wouldn't really care for. there is, however, a booth that has scripts for prizes instead, ones that can be redeemed at the food stalls afterwards. ] Since I made you try that drink earlier, I'll get you one of those hot dog things, okay?
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But as Sylvain's arm settles atop his shoulders, as heavy as ever, Felix makes sure to shoot him a flat look. He's not mad; his face is now more pink than red, so, like, things are looking up! And yet this just how it has to be.]
I don't want it. [What is it? Sounds gross as hell—but as Felix casts a quick glance over at said games, which are of the "throw a dart at this wall of balloons" variety:] Not that it matters. You have terrible aim.
[And Sylvain doesn't have anything to make up for, really? The day Sylvain stops teasing Felix is the day the world ends, and Felix has (grudgingly) accepted this—but like hell he's going to say it.]
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Yes, you do. [ like he's completely, one hundred percent positive. ] It's like those hot pockets you're so fond of, except it's sausage in a bun.
[ bread and meat, felix's two main food groups. anyway, the jab to his aim gets a small huff, too fond and amused for it to be anything serious as he steers felix in the direction of those games. ]
Oh, ye of little faith. [ the ensuing wink he flashes felix is as sly as his grin. ] My aim's good when it counts.
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But while Felix is, in fact, coming around to this idea... oh, Sylvain. Sylvain, Sylvain, Sylvain.]
I've seen you with a bow. [Felix lifts his chin a bit, letting that sink in before he turns to the sleepy looking person manning the booth.] There's a reason I don't take you hunting.
[And that reason is Sylvain has probably preferred to do anything but silently traipse about the woods for hours at a time, but shh. Time for Felix to hand over more money in return for some darts, which he places on the counter in front of Sylvain. Five darts!]
Five tries. [And is that a hint of a smirk, there? A clear challenge as Felix crosses his arms? Oh, you know it.] More than enough to see how good you are.
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So you were watching me when I was training with Ashe. [ back when their professor had thought it might be good for him to train with bows as he was working through his cavalier class. and really, it wasn't a complete disaster, but he just never had the patience for it. it wasn't as compatible with his self-destructive tendencies at the time; it's harder to be reckless and impulsive when he actually has to pay attention to his aim. ] I thought the reason why you don't take me is because I talk too much.
[ and like, he'd much rather sleep in instead, but whatever. anyway, felix grabs the darts before sylvain can think about paying and well, now he's done it. the challenge is set and he can't back down now, can he? not when felix is smirking at him like that. ]
Five? That's generous of you.
[ throwing darts at balloons is different from firing arrows at enemy soldiers and fellow countrymen; less complicated and less permanent, less consequences in the aftermath for him to carry. he thinks back to that warm summer afternoon at the training grounds, ashe showing him the proper stance, his palms pressing carefully on his arms and shoulders to keep them level. don't be too tense—relax your grip as you pull back, let the momentum flow through your shoulder to your arm and to your fingers. smooth, easy. even if war makes it infinitely harder.
now, he breathes in slowly, the dart held carefully between his thumb and index finger. he takes his time because he can, because yeah, maybe he's doing this to impress felix even if he doesn't really need to. it's not that deep, even if the nostalgia hits that soft part in his chest that he hasn't done a very good job of protecting lately.
the dart leaves his grip in a fluid roll of his shoulder and pops the balloon to the right of the one in the center, the one he'd been going for at first. but he'll take it, anyway. ]
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Obviously, [he says, tone artfully unconcerned.] I'm always nice to you.
[That earlier line from the coffee shop, its sardonic edge somewhat softened by the way Felix's eyes find Sylvain's arm? The way he absently traces it from wrist to shoulder, presumably taking in Sylvain's stance even when he knows damn well there's no reason to appreciate the way the muscles of Sylvain's shoulder bunch as he pulls his arm back. It reminds Felix of watching Sylvain's bare back before he disappeared into the bathroom, and that's—
—well. The pop of a balloon bursting off to the side pulls Felix back to his senses, and he turns his head just far enough to see the dart stuck in the board. Not bad, really? Even when the person running the booth informs them Sylvain has scored all of one (1) point, which elicits a quiet hum from Felix as he glances back Sylvain's way.]
Beginner's luck.
[He doesn't even believe in luck; he's just being a little shit, because this is what best friends do—and because fuck you, Gautier, this is what you for cracking jokes about The Cock.]
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but okay, he has four left. the second turns out to be a bust, he misjudges the trajectory and the dart buries itself into the frame of the cork board the balloons are affixed to. there's a furrow between his brows now as he runs the tip of his thumb along his lower lip, a habit he'd picked up during their academy days whenever he had to puzzle through a particularly complicated magic formula. the third one goes better, popping the balloon above the one in the center to earn him two points; the fourth hits the one to the left.
he rolls the final dart between his thumb and index finger, head cocked gently to one side as his other thumb returns to its previous spot, the blunt nail trailing along the swell of his lower lip. all of his attention is on the balloon in the center now as he shifts his weight, changes his stance just slightly before throwing the last dart, finally meeting its home in the center balloon. the attendant gives him his final score in the blandest tone, sliding his winnings across the booth towards him. ]
So, [ he tucks the scripts into his back pocket, settling his hand on felix's shoulder as he points to the hot dog stand further down. ] Wanna try it?
i can keep making this thread as thirsty as i please
Which is, you know. Patently ridiculous, hence the way Felix presses his own lips together as he waits for Sylvain's final throw. It's no surprise that he nails it; Sylvain has made a habit of coming through at the perfect time, a thing that frequently frustrates Felix—but that he's fine with, in this context. There was nothing on the line but money Felix never uses.
...Still, though. Still. Some not-so-small part of Felix is annoying relieved when they finally turn to walk away from the booth, Sylvain's hand settling atop his shoulder like it belongs there. And maybe it does, in a way? He certainly doesn't shrug it away, even when he finds himself turning his head to glance down at it, eyes drawn to that thumb.]
It's your victory, [he says, somewhat curtly, before his eyes flick back up to Sylvain's face.] Shouldn't you decide?
[They're heading right to it, anyway—and listen? Listen. Maybe the smell wafting their way as they near it is pretty good. Maybe it is. That doesn't mean that Felix is going to say as much, even as he eyes the hotdog-carrying people around them with obvious interest. Sausage in a bun... yeehaw...]
I suppose I should be grateful it isn't something sweet.
it's what we deserve
[ like okay, yes, he has a habit of pushing things onto felix sometimes just for fun, but let it be known that if felix really doesn't want it, he'd stop immediately. and that's the thing, isn't it? how felix has never really stopped him, despite all his griping and complaining. in the end, he indulges sylvain anyway, and that's always been dangerous, but it's become even more so lately. he tries not to think about it too much, because he knows deep down what the answer is, and it's both equally terrifying and everything he's ever wanted.
but anyway, hot dogs. he glances down at felix as he eyes the people around them eating their own hot dogs, a knowing smile curving his lips. and he could make another awful joke here too, about his preference for salty things, but he will be the mature adult he is this time and refrain. mostly because he really does want felix to try it, okay. ]
Goddess forbid I feed you more than one sweet thing within the same day. [ he says drily as he steps up to the counter, ordering two hot dogs and sliding the scripts over. ] Absolute torture, and I'm awful for subjecting you to it.
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