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

Started October 31, 2021 by @LovelyRose

tune

Ari smiled a little at Honey's reaction, wrapping his arms around Honey and gently rubbing his back as the blond sobbed into his shoulder. He looked over at Lovey and Pretty, giving them another quick smile as he held the overwhelmed young man. Then he turned his attention back to Honey, still rubbing his back. To tell the truth, he hadn't quite been expecting this reaction, but it was endearing, to see how happy Honey was about being an uncle.

Rin was shivering a little bit when they got inside, and gave Ophia a sheepish smile. "It was nice when we got into town, and we were in a shop when it started raining. We, ah, didn't know it was like this until the shop was closing, and we couldn't stay there all night, and…" he trailed off, taking a deep breath and running a hand through their wet hair. "We were wondering if we could, uhm, stay the night again? I hate to bother you but it's a long walk back to the inn, and with this weather…"

Lovey still looked a little worried. Maybe this had been the wrong time to tell her brother. He'd already been so overwhelmed. As soon as she thought that, however, he straightened up and dried his eyes on his sleeve. Or, rather, he tried to. He was still very teary, though he was also smiling really hard. His dimples were showing.

"Sorry," he sniffled, then laughed, a little embarrassed. "I'm such a sap, I know. I just- wow, I really wasn't expecting that. You were right, though. It was good news. Very good news."

"And we have more of it," Lovey responded. She glanced adoringly at Pretty, who took her hand. "We've been looking at a couple of houses in the village, and, um, we got an update on one today. They say that if we want it, it'll be ours by the end of the month. It's mostly one story, but there's a loft, and we were wondering if you'd like to stay there."

A soft noise escaped Honey, and he shrunk slightly in on himself. "Oh. I- are you sure? I don't- you two- I don't want to impose on anything. And I know I'm kind of a mess, and- and I seem to attract trouble, and-"

Ophia let out a long, drawn-out sigh and put her hands on her hips. "Of course you can stay. What kind of doctor would I be if I sent you back out in that? That's not even to mention what Honey would say. He'd never forgive me." Her expression softened when she noticed that Rin was shivering. "Aw, okay, let's get you dry. Both of you. The fire's already going, so why don't you two cozy up over there while I get you some towels? And also a change of clothes. I don't have much, but I bought some stuff in case Honey ever wanted to stay over."

"Thank you very much," Arquis said. He took his and Rin's bags, set them by the fireplace, and waited for his lover to join him while Ophia went to find the clothes.

Ari kept his arms around Honey, still rubbing his back gently. He hoped that Honey would be willing to move in with his sister and her girlfriend; it would be so much better for the young man to no longer be in the inn. "If you moved in with them, you could find a job around the town." he said softly, not wanting to intrude but also wanting to encourage Honey to make the move. "Perhaps at a restaurant? Or you could see if Abrahen needed an assistant at his little ice cream shop."

"Thank you, Ophia. We can, ah, pay you back for encroaching upon your kindness." he followed his partner over to the fire, settling down beside him and rubbing his eyes a little. They were a bit tired, and chilled. They had been sick so recently, too…this weather wouldn't do well for their health.

Lovey gave Ari a very grateful smile before turning back to her brother. "He's right, you know. Even if Abrahen doesn't need an assistant, there are bound to be other jobs around town. I'm sure there will be something for you to do. Maybe you could even pick up a trade."

"I don't know," Honey mumbled softly. "It's real nice of you to offer, but I just don't know. I don't know if I'd be good at much else. I've tried other stuff before, and it didn't really work. I don't wanna be a drag, or, like, a financial drain."

Arquis looked worriedly at his partner. They didn't seem at his best, and it was making the nobleman concerned. Ophia returned with the pajamas, which she'd apparently warmed with a hairdryer, before heading off to her room to give them privacy. She said she had work to finish up and that they could call on her if necessary, but to otherwise use the guest room from the night before. Once her bedroom door was shut, Arquis scooted closed to his partner and placed his hands at the bottom of his wet shirt.

"Alright. Let us get these off of you." He kissed their cheek. "Your skin is freezing, my love."

Ari shook his head a little bit. "You could do art, even. Set up with a sketchpad and supplies and draw people. Or, ah…you're young and strong and there are plenty of places that will need help, even if it is only lifting boxes." he replied. "You don't need to be good at something to do it. But there are so many other things that you can do that aren't, ah, the things you have been doing."

Rin smirked faintly at the touch of Arquis's hands to his shirt. "Ah, darling, if I didn't know better I would think you're trying to strip me." he said with a laugh, taking off his clothes and changing into the fresh, dry, warm ones.

Hearing about art only made Honey remember the drawings he'd lost to Myr's fit. He looked crestfallen. Most of those had been pieces he'd been really proud of. He'd even had a drawing of Sugar as a puppy that he'd never get back. That one had taken over a day to get right, and he'd wanted to get it framed. Now he never would.

"I don't know. Maybe." The blond saw the pain in his sister's eyes, and he instinctively scrambled to protect her. "It's okay! Really. It's not your fault. I should be able to provide for myself, anyways. I'm a grown man. Young and strong, like our stranger here said. I should've saved up for myself, instead of spending money on… on…"

On everything that had been destroyed. A sharp thorn of sorrow pierced him, and he found himself unable to look at anyone. He felt like the crumpled up pieces of sketch paper that littered his bedroom carpet.

Arquis changed as well, though the process didn't do anything to diminish the rosy blush of his cheeks. Quietly, he murmured, "That would be an added benefit. But love, truly, I am worried for you. It was not long ago that you were ill. It would be a nightmare for your immune system if you were to catch cold again. Come here, let us get you closer to the fire."

"You spent money on things that mattered to you, and that's not something to be ashamed of." Ari said softly. "There's plenty of things you can do, Honey. And it doesn't make you weak if you accept Lovey's offer to move in with her and Pretty. You're allowed to let people help you, you know." he was still gently rubbing Honey's back.

"Not in Ophia's house it would not." he retorted, snuggling close to Arquis beside the fire. "And, ah, I'll be alright. 'm just a bit chilly." they hoped they would be alright, anyways. They didn't want to be sick again, not when that had been such a miserable experience the first time.

Honey shrugged. "It's not that I'm turning down help. I just shouldn't have to rely on someone else. I should have this all figured out by now. And I shouldn't screw up some kid's life all because I-"

Lovey and Pretty both made soft, shocked sounds of dismay, and it took him a moment to realize what he'd said. Oh. He hadn't really meant to reveal all that. But it was the truth. He didn't want to be a bad influence on their child. And he was so messed up that it would inevitably happen. They deserved a chance to live a happier life, and if that meant living without him and raising a child, then so be it.

Arquis laughed quietly, smoothing his partner's hair back. Then, he stood, lifting them and carrying him nearer to the fire. He gently deposited him beside it before going to get a blanket, which he arranged around their shoulders. It was a bit big. They looked adorable, all swaddled up, and he had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from making a comment.

"Well, there you are, my heart. That should be a bit warmer for you." While he was still standing, he figured he might as well fold their wet clothes. He did so carefully and arranged them by the fireplace as well. It was menial labor, but there was something comforting about the process.

Ari inhaled softly. "You aren't going to mess up your nibling's life." he replied firmly. "And you are going to move out of the inn and live in Lovey's loft." he kept his gaze on Honey. "Okay? You are going to let yourself be helped." he hoped he wasn't being overbearing; he didn't know Honey that well, but it seemed like the young man needed that push to go, to stop letting himself be dragged back into misery and work in the hotel.

Rin hummed slightly, glad to be by the warmth of the fire. "Mm. Thank you, darling." he said softly, reaching out to pull Arquis close so that their partner could sit with them. "You're always so kind to me."

Honey winced away from Ari, his heart plummeting into his stomach. Was it his imagination, or did he sound upset? He'd definitely sounded firm. But was that the result of frustration? Had the blond finally succeeded in pissing him off? Maybe so. Would the violence come next? Property destruction? Realistically, he knew that Ari wasn't like Myr, but he couldn't stop leaping to conclusions. It was so easy to assume the worst, after assuming the best had resulted in frequent abuse of his trust.

"Okay," he replied, holding his hands up as if in surrender. "Okay, yeah. I'll do that. I'll do whatever you guys want. Sorry."

Arquis let himself be pulled in, though not without protest. "Love, I am doing laundry," he responded, feigning exasperation. The false weariness melted away. He fondly cupped the side of their face. "I am glad that I can be kind to you. It is an honor, Rinlos."

Ari released Honey as soon as the blond pulled away, grimacing faintly. "No, it's not…Honey…" he knew he had messed this up somehow, knew that this response was a trauma one rather than a real one. And he didn't know what to do. He looked over at Lovey and Pretty helplessly, hoping they could step in and help. Hoping that Lovey would be able to calm her brother and help him, when Ari had so clearly failed.

Rin hummed faintly, snuggling close to Arquis's body. "Mhm. Love you, Arquis." he whispered, kissing Arquis's cheek. "I really do." he was still chilled, but the fresh clothes and the blanket, and being seated by the fire, all helped to warm him up.

Lovey took Sugar, moved over to her brother, and set the little dog on his lap. She spun in a circle and dug her tiny paws into his stomach. It was enough of a distraction to get him to lower his hands, and the pup seized her moment, launching herself at his face. He laughed loudly and squirmed as she tried to nibble at his nose.

"Sugar! Stop!" he giggled hysterically. The tension in the room broke. He managed to scoop up the dog and held her in the air. The two stared at each other for a moment, and she wiggled aggressively in his grip, her tail wagging at near light speed.

Lovey reached out and touched her brother's shoulder. She glanced at Ari. "He wasn't trying to force you to agree. He's just worried about you. We all are. We just want what's best for you, and we know that being here is really hard. And dangerous."

"I know," he sighed begrudgingly, finally setting Sugar down. He flopped an arm over his eyes. "I'm just real afraid, y'know? Afraid that it's done stuff to me that I can't really fix. And I don't want the kid to know that side of me, the one that's all bad and screwed up and shit."

Arquis laughed, though it was soft and fond, not harsh. He readjusted the blanket around the two of them and rubbed Rin's shoulderblades in circles, trying to heat him up further. He frowned when he realized that their hair was still very wet. Ophia had brought them a couple of towels with the pajamas. He took one and began to gently dry his hair, massaging their scalp.

"We cannot have you freezing because of wet hair," he teased, then responded to what they'd said with a quiet, "I love you as well, my dear."

Ari smiled a little at the sight of Honey and the dog, watching the blond. "Honey, you won't." he replied softly. "You won't mess the kid up. And you can be fixed, Honey." he said, folding his hands in his lap and letting out a soft breath. "You're going to be an amazing uncle, but the only way for that to happen is if you are out of here and getting help."

Rin smiled, leaning into that massage a little bit. "Mhm." he hummed. "Thank you, love." he closed their eyes, clearing their throat very softly.

Honey moved his wrist and peered up at Ari. Getting help sounded like such a strange concept. Professional help wasn't something he'd ever seriously considered. Therapists had been recommended to him in the past by Ophia and other doctors, but he just hadn't seen the purpose. Why get therapy if he wasn't able to escape the situation he was in? It'd be a waste to try and fix the effects of an issue if the issue was still ongoing, or so he'd always thought. Plus, there was the humiliation of exposing all of his problems, of saying everything that had happened to him aloud. What if they didn't believe him? Or worse, what if they thought he was the one in the wrong? He wasn't sure he could take it if they blamed him for everything.

"I don't know," he mumbled, hugging Sugar. "I wanna. Damnit, I wanna. But I just don't know."

"You don't have to decide right now." It was Pretty speaking, which surprised Honey a little. He looked over at her. "But know that you're welcome in our home. We both want you there."

"And the kid will, too. They're gonna love you, Honey," Lovey added, her hand instinctively coming to rest over her stomach.

Arquis set the towel by the fire and carefully lifted his lover into his lap. He wrapped himself around them like a second blanket, then began to nuzzle and kiss at their neck. They smelled like rain and purely Rin, which was an odd observation to make. He hummed curiously.

"Beloved. Dearest one. My heart. I do not wish to move you, but are you hungry or thirsty? You have not had that much to eat or drink. I hope your sickness is not returning.”

Ari gently nudged Honey's shoulder. "Therapy would help you. And…and Pretty is right. You don't have to respond now. But, ah, my recommendation is to go with them." he smiled softly, resting his hand on the young man's shoulder. "Go to a different place, escape the hotel." he just wanted to gently encourage Honey to go.

Rin hummed faintly. "I feel okay. Just a little bit chilled." he replied, leaning into Arquis and smiling. "And I'm not really hungry or thirsty right now. Thank you, darling."

Honey nodded tentatively, though he still didn't give a clear answer. In all honesty, he was too burnt out to make a decision right then and there. The evening had been both good and bad, and he desperately needed some quality rest. Pretty must've sensed this because she nudged her girlfriend's knee, prompting her to speak.

"Alright, Honey. You look kinda worn out. Where do you want to stay tonight? In here?"

"Oh, um, I don't know. I don't wanna disturb you guys, or, like," he actually grinned, and it was boyish and awkward, "be a third wheel."

"Alright. You really wouldn't be disturbing us, but I can tell that it'd bother you to stay. Ari, are you still willing to maybe let him sleep in your room?"

Arquis still seemed very worried. He fidgeted with his hands for a moment, unsure of what to do. Rin looked alright. But what if there was a fever hiding behind the chill of his skin? What would they do if he were to wake up terribly ill? Ophia would surely take care of them, but he didn't want to put her in that position. It'd be exhausting for her to constantly have to deal with patients at both home and work.

"Of course. My love, is there anything I can do to warm you?"

"Of course he can, if he should like to." he replied. "And, ah, only if you're comfortable with that, Honey." he looked over at the blond, giving him a soft smile. "If you do, we won't do anything, ah…nothing. Just sleep." he laughed faintly, mainly at his own stuttering and stumbling over the subject.

Rin shook his head a little bit. "Mm. No. 'm warming up just fine." he replied, giving Arquis another little smile, then snuggling closer to him. Between Arquis and the fire, the warmth was lovely and slowly sinking into his bones.

Honey tried to return Ari's smile, but his was faint and distant. That thing was happening again. The world was beginning to feel hazy, and his thoughts felt like heavy sludge. He blinked a couple of times. It felt like there was a disconnect between his mind and his body. He sluggishly pushed a blonde curl away from his eyes, which were staring at the ceiling.

"Just sleep," he echoed. "Okay. Yeah. Just sleep."

Arquis paused as if to consider something, then, without warning, lowered himself against the carpet. The sudden movement pulled Rin down on top of him and puffed up the blanket. It slowly settled over them. The nobleman laughed softly and kissed his lover on the forehead. Still no fever, or at least none that he could feel. He tugged him into his arms and caressed their back. Maybe if he kept it up, they'd feel less cold.

"You sound rather tired, my dear," he teased. They really did have a certain way of talking when sleepy. It was very endearing.

"So, ah, do you want to stay here, or come with me?" Ari asked, rubbing Honey's back gently. "Whichever you choose is fine with me." he yawned a little bit, shaking his head slightly and then looking over at Honey again. "You don't need to worry about anything, for now. Just where you're going to sleep."

Rin laughed faintly, snuggling close to Arquis and holding onto him. They yawned softly, closing their eyes. "Mmph. Just a little tired." he replied, humming for a moment and holding onto their lovre.

Honey glanced at Ari, still dazed and disoriented. His eyes looked far away. It was as if he was seeing through Ari to the bedpost behind him, or even further than that. The fog in his mind had spread through the rest of his body, turning leaden and pinning him to the comforter.

"With you," he muttered, though, his sister noted with a pang of concern, he didn't really seem like he knew what he was saying. He pushed himself up on his forearms—wincing slightly because of his still-sore wrist—and slid to the edge of the bed. Sugar whimpered. Her little tail had stopped wagging, and her head was cocked in concern. She licked his hand in an attempt to get his attention, but he just absentmindedly scratched between her ears.

"Yes, just a little. Of course." Arquis leaned in and stole a quick, sweet kiss, then lay flat on his back. Unless Rin was willing to get up, they might end up sleeping out in the living room. He supposed he didn't mind. The floor wasn't uncomfortable, and the fire was nice.

"Honey, are you alright?" Ari asked slowly, then winced a little. Of course Honey wasn't "alright". With everything that had just happened, he didn't expect the blond to be alright. But something was off, and Ari didn't know what it was or how he could help, only that something was wrong with Honey's behavior. "You seem…something's wrong."

Rin hummed for a moment, smiling a little and staying with Arquis on the floor. "Love you." they mumbled sleepily, not getting up or moving away. He liked Arquis's heat and he liked the heat from the fire, and they didn't want to move away from him.

(warning for blood and stuff! which seems weird considering the post you sent but I swear it'll make more sense when you read it aha)

Sugar wagged her tail once, almost as if in agreement with Ari's statement, and Honey blinked. He was exhausted. And numb. And he wanted… well. He wasn't entirely sure what he wanted, but he knew for a fact that he didn't have an answer to Ari's question.

"I'm okay," he finally said. "Let's just go."

Arquis returned the sentiment and kissed them on the spot right between his brows. The position they were in was incredibly comfortable. Just the two of them alone together, cozied up by a crackling hearth. And then, all of the sudden, they weren't alone. There was a loud, pounding knock on the door, like someone was trying to break it down. Then nobleman jolted. The knock came again but even louder, rivaling the roaring thunder outside. Even Ophia heard it from the other room. She came in and went to open the door. Slouched outside in the stormy night was a man whose face was cast entirely in shadow. There was a very dark stain spreading across his shirt, and he was gingerly cradling his right hand to his chest. A steady stream of pained wheezes poured from his mouth.

"I'm sorry, have we met?" Ophia asked, and then, after taking him in, "What happened? Here, you'd better come inside.”

Once he was in the living room, it was clear that his state was more dire than Arquis had previously expected. There were bruises blossoming along his jaw and cheeks, which were partially covered with a patchy beard. He also had a shallow cut on his temple. But worst of all was his hand. His ring and middle fingers were severed, and he'd only stemmed the blood flow with his shirt. Arquis made a gagging sound and looked away. The man glanced at him with agony-glazed eyes. When his gaze flickered to Rin, however, recognition flashed across his face. They'd met before. He'd been with Honey at the time, and they'd been arguing, and then Rin had come along with some story about dating.

It was Myr. As sweat-soaked, wind-battered, and bloodied as he was, it was still obviously him.

(lol alright!)

Ari nodded slowly. "Alright." he replied softly, standing up and holding his hand out to Honey to help him up. "Come on, then. We'll head to my room, and we will both get some sleep." he gave Honey a quick, soft smile. He could tell Honey was out of it, but he just wanted to help. He just wanted Honey to get some sleep and feel better about everything. Today had been going so well, too.

Rin looked up, and sucked a breath in through his teeth as he, too, recognized Myr. They took a deep breath and hurriedly got up. "Ophia, can…can I talk to you real quick?" he asked, casting quick, concerned glances at Myr. They didn't konw what had happened, but whatever it was…to be honest, and maybe it made them a bad person, but they were rather glad he had received a comeuppance. Myr deserved it, for everything he had put Honey through.

Honey took Ari's hand and stood. Sugar growled loudly. She jumped off the bed and sprinted in a circle around Ari's ankles, yipping ferociously. As a small dog, she really had to try her best to look intimidating. Pretty sighed, stood, and went to pick her up, but the pup barked in warning. The young lady backed off.

"Sorry," Honey mumbled softly. "Sugar, quit it. He's been here the whole time. He's not gonna hurt me."

Arquis and Ophia both looked at Rin, surprised. The latter tipped her head and asked, with a note of urgency in her voice, "Can it maybe wait? This is an emergency." She gestured for the nobleman to go to her room. "Hurry, go and grab one of my kits. Any of the ones by my bed will do. There should be two or three. Drop it off here and then go get a pot of water boiling, alright?"

"Of course," he responded, honestly glad to be away from the bloodied man. It wasn't that he had a super weak stomach. He'd seen his fair share of violence, but that didn't mean he liked it. He hurried away with one last worried glance at his lover.

Ophia gently guided Myr to sit on her couch. He was pale, and his arms were trembling, but his bloodshot eyes didn't leave Rin for a long moment. Finally, they snapped to the doctor.

"Girl. Sword. She just- she attacked me out of nowhere," he panted, half-crying. "Was sleeping, and she just broke in, and- and she- she dragged me outside, without warning, and then- then she just cut them off!"

Ari sighed faintly, looking down at the dog. "It's alright." he said softly. "I don't mind. Sugar, I'm not going to hurt your owner." he knew the dog couldn't understand him, but he said it anyway. He looked over at Honey again, giving him another quick smile. "We can, ah, head to my room, if you're alright with that?"

Rin hesitated for a long moment. "He abused Honey. For years. He doesn't deserve your help." he finally blurted, looking at Ophia rather than at Myr. "The woman he's talking about is, ah, probably Pretty or one of the other hotel workers, and I'm very sure that he deserved whatever she did to him." they took a deep breath, knowing this would piss Myr off. In the back of his head, he was readying himself to have to use his ability to stop Myr from hurting any of them.