“That’s wonderful!” Neo happily exclaimed, setting his aged, huge hands onto the table. “You must be bursting with pride.”
Cameron put on a dorky grin. “You know I am. Cormac’s really intelligent. His teacher said he’s excited to teach him.”
Neo nodded. “It’s good to hear you two have recovered.”
Braith was still listening though he promised himself he wouldn't. Neo certainly had a warmth about him that spread into the world he interacted with. He actually cared about this man and his family. Braith frowned thinking of back home where the ruler was seen so infrequently that no one really knew his face. All they had to go off of were to cold faced statues that were built around the square.
Looking up at Neo again, Braith smiled. His day wasn't the best so far but he had a feeling deep in his gut that this was where he was supposed to be. It can only get better right?
Cameron nodded hastily. “Of course we have. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t.”
“It was a very rough time, though, Cameron. I meant it when I told you to take a break. Take one from everything, even the military.”
Cameron shrugged and leaned back. “I know you did. But I’m fine.”
Braith finished his meal, extremely satisfied. He was full to bursting, but hadn't wanted to waste a single bite. No where did that waiter go…? He glanced around trying to find him so he could pay. He tried to keep his eyes from landing on the King again, but failed miserably. With an annoyed huff at his schoolgirl crush, he made to stand, dropping what was probably more than necessary to pay for the food on the table.
Neo sighed softly and shook his head at the man sitting across from him.
“You’re making plenty of money already, yet you insist on working yourself. It’s unhealthy, Cameron.”
Cameron shrugged a bit and glanced around, catching Braith and grinning.
“Hey! Are you ready to pay?” He rose carefully out of the booth, messing up his hair.
"Um."
Dammit. Noticed again.
Braith tossed his curls with a hand again, making the halo of fluff more pronounced. "Yes. Indeed. Yes. The food was incredible." He said with a smile, handing Cameron the amount he was going to leave on the table. "I would hope to return."
Cameron smiled and nodded, taking the money and counting it. “You have an extra twenty here.” He looked up and handed Braith back a twenty.
“I hope you do return! It’s been a pleasure cooking for you.”
(Hey Lai! Are ya still here?)
Braith took the twenty back graciously. He'd kind of had been hoping the kind gentleman would not notice. He turned to Neo and gave him another deep bow. "I hope to see you again sometime, your Majesty. Somehow I know I will enjoy my new life here."
Cameron bustled off, humming happily, counting the money over again.
Neo smiled a handsome, charming smile and bowed his head in thanks.
“I hope to see you again too. Ah, may I get your name?” He glanced up, his eyes glimmering playfully.
Braith pulled himself to his full height with a sunny smile, "I'm Braith. Braith Namikaze."
He held his hand out to Neo for a handshake. He didn't know if it was improper to do this, but he had already committed to the action.
Neo smiled and rose to his feet, towering over little Braith. “Hey, nice to meet you! People usually call me King Whembrooke, but you can call me what my friends call me: Neo!” He took Braith’s hand in a powerful handshake.
Braith almost melted at the feeling of Neo's hand against his, but he kept himself together as he murmured the King's name back to him as they shook. What a day. He thought to himself in a daze.
Neo smiled and slipped his hand into his neat black pants. “So, what were your plans for the day?” He would like to show this new person around. What would be so bad about it? M would yell at him? Psh. Laughable.
(Psh. Sassy hairflip)
Braith could barely contain his grin. He shook his hair back out of his face, embers fluttering though the air as he did so. "Actually, I've just been wandering around since I arrived this morning. I haven't even thought about making a plan on what to see."
Chanting in the backround Pish, pish master Thomas!//
Neo put on a loopy grin, shifting his weight onto another foot. “Really? Well, if you’d like, I can show you around. I’ve really got nothing fun to do today. Nor important…”
Braith smiled, the tips of his ears turning pink, "I would really love that. Who can say no to a tour of the city from the King, himself?"
He tilted his head at Neo, his large eyes inquiring. "Although, are you sure you have nothing important to do?"
Neo chuckled and slipped his hands into his pockets. “I assure you. There is not much I have to do. The people will be glad to see me on the streets today anyway.” He smiled.
Braith took a step the the side and gestured in front of him in a wide sweep. "Well then, lead the way, you majesty." He gave the King a grateful smile, one that made little flames dance in the pupils of his eyes. He either looked positively mad or quite mischievous.
Neo chuckled and turned to him. “Actually, I’d prefer it if youwent first.” He swept out a long arm in the fashion which Braith had in his swish.
Braith's lips quirked into a wider grin before he took a hesitant step forward. He wasn't sure if it was proper that he should walk in front of the King, but he figured if he was going to go out in any way, looking at Neo may just be the most satisfying way. He used his rather lanky step to make his way out of the restaurant and out onto the street. Looking about, he wondered what the King would show him first.
Neo hummed happily, sticking his hands into his pockets and easily following Braith’s long stride. He inhaled deeply when they made it outside, half-closing his eyes as sunlight shone down on his face and sinking into his hair.
Braith tried and failed miserably not to stare at the King as he stepped outside. It wasn't that he was incredibly handsome, because he was, but it was more that he seemed to be apart of the very world around him. The sun seemed to shine a bit brighter and land perfectly onto Neo, as if the sunshine caressed him in joy. When he inhaled, the air around them seemed to surge full of life and swirled cheerfully around them. Neo was the personification of the very world they lived in. More than a King…. a God.
Braith gaped… he was smitten as hell.
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