forum The Strangers in the Palace (Closed)(Fantasy)

Started October 31, 2021 by @LovelyRose

tune

"That's for me to know and for you to not find out until I inevitably tell you in the future," Honey joked, then stared in shock at his present. "Oh. Wow. You really did get me something. Wow. Okay."

He delicately opened the gift bag, as if he was expecting something to jump out or explode. When nothing happened, he curiously peered in. His expression changed instantly. He let out a soft, startled breath and picked up the box. There was a very faint pause before he lifted the lid. The music began to drift out into the shop. Even Abrahen halted what he was doing to glance over.

After the song finished, Honey very gently closed the lid. He didn't move or speak. His head was down, so it was hard to see his reaction. A long moment passed before he finally looked up. Genuine tears glistened in his eyes, though he was also smiling. He laughed softly.

"Oh, stranger," he breathed. His own voice surprised him. He'd never heard himself like this before. He sounded so happy. The thought crossed his mind that this was how he'd talk if he was still Henri. That was bittersweet. "This is probably the nicest thing anyone's ever gotten me. Thank you."

Arquis slowed and lifted his head. "I am feeling alright now, beloved, but I can stop if you would like. I do not wish to push."

Truth be told, eating really had helped him replenish some of his strength. He didn't feel as weak or jittery anymore. Any last traces of panic had resided. All he truly felt was an urge to be sweet on his partner. They had been so good to him. He would be more than happy to repay the favor, and he did feel quite up to the task. If he did start to feel woozy or as if he needed a break, then he would let him know. But that was only if Rin was alright to continue. If not, then he'd stop.

Ari smiled as he watched Honey opening the present, grinning at the young man's response. "I'm glad you like it." he said. "Lovey said you might like a music box, so…" he trailed off, glad that this had obviously hit home as something that Honey would enjoy. "I wasn't sure what colors you liked best, so I picked the red one." he took a bite of his ice crema, still smiling a little bit.

Rin smiled a little bit. "If you are sure that you are up to it, darling, then you may continue. I would, ah, like it if you did. But I don't want you to exhaust yourself." he replied, running a hand through Arquis's hair.

Honey nodded and, as if he were handling a priceless artifact, delicately set the box back in the bag. He'd love to stare at it forever, but he'd never forgive himself if he spilled melting ice cream on the lid. He used a napkin to dab at and dry his eyes. His mascara was running just a little, and it came off on the cloth. Once he'd cleaned himself up, he set the napkin aside, though his attention was still very much captured by the bag holding the box. He didn't respond to Ari for a while longer.

"Yeah, you were both right. You about the red, her about the music box thing. I've always liked them. When I was a kid, I never really had the money to buy, like, a good instrument or take lessons, and I couldn't afford concerts. I can't really sing or anything, either. Don't got the voice for it. The only music I could find back then was in, um, things like this. Small outdoor performances, old music boxes on sale, wind chimes, and stuff like that."

Arquis smiled, pleased, and ran his thumb along their jawline. "I am up to it. You are very sweet for checking in. If it will set you at ease, I promise to inform you if I begin to feel poorly. But as for right now…" He leaned in and began to mouth over his throat again. This time, he very lightly traced their collarbones with his fingertips.

Ari watched him, a soft smile still dancing around his lips. "I'm glad." he said in a soft, gentle tone. "That you like it, I mean." he didn't know how to respond to Honey's words about not being able to afford an instrument; money was one of the things Ari hadn't really had to worry about. He cleared his throat faintly. "And, ah, I'm sorry you couldn't get an instrument or lessons." he said.

Rin hummed very softly, tipping his head a little. "Alright, darling." he replied. He reached over to run his fingers through Arquis's hair, smiling a little bit.

Honey grinned and patted Ari's hand. "Aw, don't be sorry, stranger. I wouldn't have been any good at it. Can you imagine me playing the cello? I'd be awful. Probably break the, uh, stick thing." His smile grew, and he leaned forward as if he was going to put his head on his shoulder. Instead, he stole a spoonful of his ice cream. He laughed. "You're got good taste all around! Though I guess you didn't technically choose this flavor."

Arquis kissed a trail up to their mouth after he spoke, then nipped at his lip. His love for them was obvious in every movement he made, in every short gasp of breath he took. He ran his fingertips from his collarbones down to their sides. Slowly, he pulled them closer against himself, increasing the depth of the kiss.

"You are," he purred, breaking away for just a moment, "the best partner anyone could ask for. Just lovely."

Ari nodded a little, then laughed when Honey stole some of his ice cream. "Ah, thanks." he said slowly, laughing softly. "Though you are right. I did not, technically, choose this flavor. It's delicious, though." he smiled, soft and happy as he looked at Honey. Honey was a lovely young man, and Ari was glad that they had had this time together.

Rin let out a soft, faint sound, swallowing softly. "I, uhm." he smiled a little, running his hands through Arquis's hair again. "Thank you, darling."

Honey agreed and went back to eating his own ice cream. There wasn't much left, but he didn't want it to melt. The sparkler had gone out a while ago. He removed it, put it on the table, and then finished what was left in the bowl. Abrahen came over to take the bowl away, and the blond glanced out the window of the shop. Night was still rather far off, but it was starting to shift into late afternoon. The sky had begun to go dusky blue, and the clouds, which forewarned of more rain to come, looked faintly orange from reflected sunlight. The street outside was painted with it as well, all golden with dark shadows.

"Hey, stranger," he said to Ari, "did my sister say anything about ice cream? 'Cause we could bring her back some, but that means we'd have to go straight from here to there." He kind of wanted to stay out as long as possible and prolong their date, but there were ways they could continue it at the inn. "If she didn't, then we can go wherever you wanna go."

Arquis slowly shook his head. "No, my love. Thank you. For everything that you are and all that you have done."

His hand slid from their side up his chest, then tangled in their hair. He kissed him on the lips again before tilting their head just a little further back. Their neck was easy to access. He took advantage of this by leaving him another love bite, this time close to the base of his throat. Once he was done, he kissed at the skin around it.

Ari finished up his own ice cream after a bit, a soft smile tugging at his mouth. "I don't believe that she did, but we could bring her some back if you like." he replied, shrugging his shoulders as he set his bowl aside. He looked out the windows, watching the colors of the sky. It was lovely out, and he would love to stay out for a while longer.

Rin hummed faintly. "Mm, if you say so." he replied, snuggling closer to Arquis and letting out a faint sound at the love bite. "Ah, darling~" their voice was soft and a bit breathy, and they reached out to hold onto him.

Honey stood, hummed thoughtfully, and stretched. "Yeah, maybe. I don't know. She might be busy or something. Don't wanna just barge in, but then again, she'd probably appreciate it."

The blond hadn't seen much of his sister lately. Sure, he'd seen her the previous day and that morning, and they'd spent some time over the past few days talking about what he'd revealed. But she'd also been out a lot. Whenever he'd asked, she'd claimed that she'd just been doing normal tasks. Helping dry the towels for the spa, picking up some orders of champagne, watering the flowers out front, and walking Sugar. One time, though, he thought he saw her going to the village with someone else, but she'd later lied and said she'd stayed in with a headache. Whatever she was up to, he wasn't angry. He just wanted to know if she was safe. There had been a couple of questionable men and women in the past that had hurt her feelings. He hoped she wasn't sneaking out to see one of them.

"She's been kinda weird lately. Lovey, I mean," he clarified. "I don't know. I guess you don't really know her, so you wouldn't notice if she was acting strange when you talked to her. Maybe I'm making it up."

The right side of his face was caught in sunlight. It made his skin look like pale gold. His curls seemed to glow as well, and his eyes more amber than brown.

"Sorry. This is all probably weird stuff to talk about on a date." He grinned and walked over, settling his forearms on Ari's shoulders and playfully pinching his cheek.

"I do say so, indeed," Arquis breathed against the hollow of his throat. He very gently squeezed their hip, then paused. "Well, my love, it seems we have a couple of ways to spend the day. We could stay in," he dropped a light, sweet kiss to his jaw, hoping that the subtext would come across, "until nightfall, and then go dancing in the village. Or we could go in a bit, once I have recovered. I am alright with whatever option you choose."

"Mayve. And, ah, I don't know if she's acting weird. Like you said, I don't really know her well enough to be able to tell that sort of thing." he shrugged his shoulders. "And it's…" he trailed off, a bit startled by the pinch, but not really minding it either. "I don't mind." he finally said, giving Honey a quick, soft, sweet little smile.

Rin hummed, considering the question. "Well, do you still wish to look at dresses?" he asked, raising his eyebrows and running a hand through Arquis's hair, carding his fingers through their lover's hair with a soft, gentle touch. "Because if you do, we should go sooner rather than later."

Honey shifted and rested his chin on the top of their head. He was basically leaning on him now. If Ari was to stand, he'd probably topple to the floor. His center of balance was not very secure.

"Yeah. That's 'cause you have inhuman levels of patience, stranger. Anyone else would be tired of my shit by now." He grinned. "So, what's it gonna be? What've you decided? Go back with some ice cream, or stay out?"

Arquis sighed, dropping his head against their chest. It was almost comical how clearly he was pouting. He really was fine with any option that they would've chosen, but, well. Staying in with him was so lovely, especially when it involved kissing, cuddling, and perhaps even some other activities. At least their hand in his hair felt nice.

"I had forgotten about that," he mumbled. "In all of the chaos, I suppose it slipped my mind. What do you think, love? I will still leave it up to you. I am well enough to do anything you desire."

(sorry for the wait!)

Ari stayed still, reaching up to rest their hands on Honey's arms. "I think we should stay out." he replied. "Unless you really want to bring ice cream back for Lovey." he smiled up at the blond, not at all minding this position that they were both in. Honey's body was warm and solid against his back and head, and he really didn't mind it.

Rin hummed faintly. "I only want to do it if you do." he replied, smiling softly. "So, is that something that you would want to do, or would you prefer to skip it for now?"

(you're good!!)

Honey lifted his head when Ari smiled up at him, and he reached to cup his chin. He traced his thumb along his jaw. And then, with bated breath, he touched it to his lower lip. It was such a light brush that it could've been read as an accident. He pulled his hand away and casually draped it over Ari's stomach instead.

"She'll probably be fine without it. I, uh, think there's something else I want you to see. Here, I mean. In the village. If you're ready to go soon. Or not. There's no, like, time limit."

Arquis groaned. He both loved and hated it when Rin left choices up to him. For so long, he hadn't really had the option to make his own choices. Minor ones, certainly, like picking flower arrangements or deciding what gloves to wear. But he'd never been able to truly decide his schedule or his fate. It had been hammered into him since a young age. He'd been like a trapped bird for so long that freedom felt overwhelming, and sometimes he kind of found himself longing for the familiarity of his old cage.

"I do not know. I suppose we should go on ahead and do it. Who knows how much time we will have here. Any moment, we could receive a letter calling for my return."

A tiny burst of panic flared inside him at the thought of it, and he decided to change the subject. There was only so much of that topic that he could tolerate in one day. He wasn't going to faint again, that was for sure.

"Besides, it would be nice to pretend," he said, voice now soft, "that we really are shopping for a dress. A wedding dress. Even if that is not the path we go down, it is a wonderful fantasy."

Ari blinked, inhaling softly when Honey's thumb brushed against his lip. "I…alright. Let's go, then." he replied slowly, taking a deep breath. He almost wanted to kiss Honey at some point…but maybe that was too much. Maybe that wasn't something that Honey would be alright with. He wasn't sure.

Rin nodded slightly. "Of course." he said softly. "We can do that, darling." he replied, kissing his lover's cheek and running his hands trough Arquis's hair again. "Shall we get ready to go, then?"

Honey laughed, hooked his arms under Ari's, and basically lifted the other man to his feet. It was easy to forget sometimes just how strong he was, but his biceps were well-shaped and his shoulders firm. He set Ari down once they were both fully standing, though he kept his arm curled around the young man's right side. His brown eyes swept over his date's face. They were very close. So close that he could see the individual curls in his hair. So close that they could kiss, and it would take less than a heartbeat.

"Right," he said, clearing his throat. "Yes, you're right. Off we go."

Abrahen gave him a friendly wave as he scooped his gift off the table and led Ari out the door. He walked with him down a crowded street and then turned into a smaller path. Two roads later, and they were standing by a fountain. Pretty, water-polished pieces of glass that resembled sapphires and turquoise sat in the rippling water of the bottom basin. There was no stone carving on top; this was one of the smaller fountains of the village, meant for quiet contemplation rather than gathering drinking water or charming visitors. Nobody was around. They'd all be in one of the more lively town plazas at this point of the afternoon. Honey sat by the lowest basin and gestured for Ari to sit beside him.

Arquis shifted but didn't stand. "I suppose," he said reluctantly. He was hoping—but not really expecting—for Rin to maybe carry him to the door. His legs were fine, he was just feeling a bit clingy still.

Ari was quiet as they headed out the door, walking with Honey until they both sat down at the fountain. He looked at Honey, giving him another soft, sweet, happy smile. "This is a lovely little fountain." he remarked, turning to study it. And it was; it wasn't flashy or showy, just a pretty little thing tucked away in a quiet place.

Rin stood, and bent to pick up Arquis. "Do you want to change before we go, darling, or are you going to wear these clothes while we're out and about?" he didn't care which Arquis chose to do, he simply wanted to know beforehand which one it was.

Honey nodded, interlacing his fingers with Ari's and sighing contently. "Yeah, it's nice and quiet. I used to come out here when I couldn't sleep. I'd just sit and watch the stars. It's way too early to see 'em, but, y'know. Still peaceful or whatever."

There was an ebb in his speaking where he just listened to the bubbling of the water. Then, he looked at Ari. His gaze was gentle.

"Y'know, stranger, there's nobody around. Nobody to judge us or anything." That was all he said. He wasn't going to try and suggest that Ari do anything in specific. The ball was in his court. He could make the first move, if he wanted.

In that moment, Honey looked stunning. The light had caught him in such a way that his eyes looked golden as his namesake, and his hair was beaded with tiny water droplets from the fountain's misty spray. There was a soft curl of a smile on his painted lips that made him seem sweet.

Arquis smiled and nuzzled against his partner's cheek. He was incredibly pleased, though he did hope he didn't weigh too much—he didn't want to be a burden to carry. They'd already done so much for him.

"Oh, um, I believe these will do. Unless they are not flattering?" He felt a spike of insecurity and glanced down at his clothes. They were a bit rumpled. There was a chance he looked a mess. He smoothed the wrinkles out of his shirt with his fingertips and hummed worriedly.

Ari smiled a little at the comment, tipping his head for a moment as he took in Honey's appearance, gaze moving from Honey's hair to his eyes, and then down to his mouth. His eyes lingered there for a long moment, and then he looked away, clearing his throat. He didn't want to overstep a boundary, and he knew Honey was a bit fragile. That he had been through a lot of trauma recently. Ari didn't want to do anyhting that would make the blond uncomfortable.

Rin hummed faintly, and shook his head a little. "No, those are fine, darling." he replied, carrying Arquis to the door and then shifting in order to set Arquis on his feet. "I just wanted to make sure whether or not you wanted to change before we go." he gave Arquis another soft, sweet smile.

"Ari," Honey murmured. He moved closer, his exposed shoulders brushing the cool, damp stone of the fountain. That long look Ari had given him had confirmed that the feeling was mutual. But if that was the case, then why was he holding back? Maybe he was trying to be polite. That was all well and good, but the blond didn't want him to feel like he had to walk on eggshells around him. If there was something they both wanted, then they should go for it. They could address problems as they occurred, but they shouldn't avoid doing things just because there could potentially be an issue.

"Ari," he repeated, gently squeezing his hand. "What was it we kept saying the other day? You can look at me, if you want."

Arquis bit his lip when they set him down. He moved to hug them, pressing him somewhat up against the door. Rin could still very much move if he so desired.

"Sorry if I am a lot to handle right now," the noble exhaled, screwing his eyes shut. "I… I am just vulnerable, and you… my love, you make everything better."

Ari's gaze moved back to Honey, and he cleared his throat softly. "Ah. The problem, Honey, is that if I look for too long, I find myself wanting to…well, to do a little more than that, and I do not want to do anything you would be uncomfortable with." he replied, smiling a little bit as he looked over at the blond man.

Rin smiled softly, reaching up to put his arms over Arquis's shoulders, resting them there. "Darling, it's alright." they replied softly, running a hand through their lover's hair. "I don't mind taking care of you when you need to be taken care of."

Honey grinned, though it wasn't suave. His cheeks were wonderfully pink. How odd it was that he could be made to blush by such an innocent remark.

"Who says that I'd be uncomfortable with it?" he asked. There was no way that had come out as nonchalant as he'd intended it to. He was sure he'd stuttered. "Maybe you should try it. Whatever it is you're talking about. I, for one, have no clue. Not even a single hint. But yeah. I don't know. Maybe give it a shot, y'know, and see what I think? Or not. Do what you want."

"I am not used to being taken care of," Arquis whispered in response. It was a sentiment he'd expressed before in the past, but the honesty of it still hurt.

Nobody had really looked after him in a long time. He was always the one to comfort Marsiquia after nightmares or to take the brunt of Quirisa's rage. He'd thought Muria didn't care much for him at all, but he had been wrong. Apparently, she loathed him so much that she wanted him dead. Even Aurisi, who had on rare occasions been legitimately kind to him in life, was never truly there for him. He'd withered as a result of their lack of love. So much so, in fact, that he was starved for touch. But maybe he deserved that because of his actions, or maybe it was an inherent fault in his person. After all, Quirisa and Marsiquia looked after one another, and Carsui cared for the latter. What had been so wrong with Arquis that he didn't deserve their affection? He'd thought it was his appearance, but it didn't seem to be that. Maybe he was just wrong. And the only reason Rin hadn’t recognized it was because they hadn’t been around him long enough.

"My mind is not on my side right now," he mumbled, huddling closer to Rin. "Perhaps we should go. It might be a good distraction?"

Ari laughed softly at the way Honey stuttered and stammered his way through his sentences. "I see." he replied. He reached up and gently cupped Honey's cheek with one hand, running his thumb over Honey's cheekbone, touch light and soft. He smiled over at the other man, working up his own courage to actually follow through with what he had been hinting at. Finally, he leaned forward and brushed his mouth to Honey's, the contact feather-light and quick, as Ari pulled away again almost as fast as he had come forward.

Rin kissed Arquis's cheek softly, nodding a little. "I know. And yes, we can go now." he gently pushed Arquis back a little so that he could get out from the doorway, and then opened the door. "Come on, love." he took Arquis's hand, lacing their fingers together, and gently squeezed. "You're going to be alright, I promise."

Honey initially chased his mouth when he pulled away, then leaned back with a slight frown. "Ari. Stranger. Handsome. That was, like, two seconds. Maybe even one." The gears finally clicked in his head, and his jaw actually dropped. Ari had kissed him. "Oh. Well, damn. You really just did that. Can you do it again? Yes? No? Maybe? But for longer. If you wanna, of course. Don't gotta. Did you know you taste good? Like, uh, cherries. I'm gonna stop talking. Maybe you can make me stop? With another kiss? Hopefully?"

Arquis nodded quietly and entered out into the hall. The further they went, the blacker his thoughts became. Why in the world was he going to try on dresses? Did he think he'd look good in them? What if the store owner kicked him out? Or mocked him? And then there was the matter of size. What if none of the dresses fit? Would Rin see him differently? He imagined himself struggling into gown after gown, picturing a shop attendant watching him struggle for enjoyment. He'd never had good experiences with tailors. Every time he'd gone—or rather, they'd come to him—he ended up feeling like he'd gone for a medical inspection. And failed.

"Rin," he said shakily, right before they reached the front door. "My heart, I…”

Ari laughed again at the way Honey kept babbling, finding it actually rather endearing. "Alright, Honey." he replied softly, and moved in for another kiss, letting this one last a bit longer. His hand was still resting gently on Honey's cheek, though Honey could have easily pulled away from him if the blond had wanted to. Ari didn't want him to feel trapped or cornered.

Rin looked at Arquis as soon as his partner began to speak, gaze softening. "Darling, what's wrong?" they asked. They reached up to cup Arquis's cheeks in his hands, raising his eyebrows a little. "Do you feel ill again?" he searched Arquis's face, trying to figure out what was wrong.

Honey was talented at a handful of things, and kissing was one of them. His entire body had a subtle way of moving when he kissed. He was also quite vocal. A low purr started deep in his throat, and he felt it resonate all throughout him. He caressed a hand through Ari's curls and slid it down to the nape of his neck. It then moved even lower, this time drifting to that spot in between his shoulderblades. That was as far as it went. He wasn't going to break his trust.

"Well," he murmured when he finally moved away. His lipstick was so smudged that it was practically ruined. He wiped the rest of it off on his wrist and shot Ari a grin. "That was good, handsome. Real good."

Arquis's expression just crumpled. There was something devastatingly final about it, like watching the last candle on a birthday cake being blown out. He turned his face towards his lover's left palm so that they couldn't see him.

"I feel so badly," he whispered, and that was it. That was all he could get out. Any more, and he'd start bawling in the lobby, right in front of Divinity.