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

Started October 31, 2021 by @LovelyRose

tune

Honey beamed at them, giving him a quick squeeze on the shoulder. "You really think Ari would go for that? He'd probably think that I'm trying to get in his bed. Which, y'know. If that's what he's craving, then I'm not opposed, but he seems like he wants the whole date thing first. I wouldn't wanna make him uncomfortable."

Lovey had said that the snow was melting, which was a little disappointing. He couldn't imagine a better way to spend a cold night than cozying up with someone like Ari. That wasn't something that he'd done with many people before. They usually wanted him out when they were finished. Sugar was often the one he came to for comfort afterwards. He'd swaddle her in blankets like a baby and hug her to his chest while he cried. She was always so happy to see him, even when he was upset.

Rin smiled a little. "I mean, he'll want conversation. If you're not alright with conversation, then no. He won't be wanting sex." he shrugged his shoulders faintly, running a hand through his hair. "But, uh, I don't think he would mind you joining him." they gave Honey another soft little smile.

Honey nodded, though he suddenly look a bit nervous. He shifted from foot to foot and cleared his throat.

"I don't know how good I'll be at the whole talking thing." He said it as if he was telling a joke, but there was a tinge of something serious in his tone. "Especially not without you guys there to back me up. He makes me feel all, um, like, I don't know. All outta sorts. Not in a bad way. I'm just usually the one that's all calm and collected, right? Like, I don't got any problem flirting. I can play it cool. I know what I'm doing. But I stop knowing when I look at him. I forget everything I plan to say, which makes me say dumb stuff instead. Like yesterday, when I went on a whole tangent about how hot you were. Which, like, you totally are, and now I'm kinda jealous of dreamboat, but that's not something I should've said to him."

He was rambling again. When he realized it, he laughed awkwardly and rubbed the back of his head. "Aw, man. I'm doing it, aren't I? And he's not even here."

Rin laughed a little bit. "Oh, don't worry about that." he said softly. "He won't…he's not the kind of guy that's going to care that you aren't calm and collected all the time. To tell the truth, he'll probably find your awkwardness a bit endearing, so, I don't believe you have anything to truly worry about." he shrugged their shoulders, smiling over at Honey.

Honey went a very attractive shade of crimson when they said the word endearing. His shoulders tensed, but he was smiling, so it was clear that he wasn't upset. Just a little embarrassed. He laughed in a way that was particularly unlike himself—all high and uneven, not smooth like a purr—and clapped his hand over his mouth. More laughter burst from the cracks between his fingers.

"Not sure about that, but hey, maybe you're right." His brow creased as he suddenly recalled something Myr had said. "Do you really think I have a chance at, um… not marriage. But the dating thing. I've never dated anyone. I don't even know how. And I'm not saying that me and Ari are gonna date or anything, 'cause, like, that depends on him. If we did, though, then I'd be worried. Maybe Myr was right. Maybe I'm not cut out for that. I don't know if anyone would wanna date me after they knew what happened to me. I'm kinda like used goods, yeah? Secondhand, or, or thirdhand, or however many hands been on me. Y’know?”

Rin listened quietly, then shook their head a little bit. "If you and Ari were to date, it would be because he likes you and enjoys your company. He is not going to care about your past, not in the way you're worried about. I'm not saying he would not care, just that…he would not care about it in a negative way. He would care about it in the ways that matter and might affect the relationship, but it would not decide how he feels of you. Er, about you." they cleared their throat faintly. "I don't know if that makes sense."

Honey still looked a bit distressed, but he nodded. "Yeah, nah, that makes sense. I think. You're right, though. I should try and see him tonight. I'll bring him a gift." His eyes widened with alarm. "Does he like gifts? What should I get him? Flowers? He likes gardening, but I already got him a flower. I don't wanna be repetitive. Um, shit. Oh! Ice cream. It'll be something we have in common, and, like, an excuse to see him. Yeah, that's gotta be it! Ice cream!"

That was the last thing he said before he darted off down the hall. His golden hair shone in the lights above until he was out of eyesight, though his eager rambling could still be heard from around the corner.

Back at the room, Arquis had started to fall asleep. He wasn't sure what was taking Rin so long, but he wasn't all that worried. Someone surely would have gotten him if something bad had happened. Maybe he'd bumped into Ari, Lovey, or Honey. That tended to happen. The Cecilia Rouge was spacious for an inn, but it wasn't huge. There were only so many places one could go.

Rin laughed a little bit as he watched Honey dash away, then headed into the kitchen and collected some food. He got omelets, some other breakfast foods, and a teapot and a thermos of coffee, along with cups. All in all, it was rather a lot to carry, but he managed to fit it all onto a tray. It was not, perhaps, the most elegant set-up, but it functioned. Perhaps they and Arquis could spread it all out on the blankets like a picnic. He headed back to the bedroom, using his elbow to get the door open, and setting the tray down on one of the little tables. "I'm back, darling." he greeted, shooting a soft smile to their partner. "Sorry for taking so long. I ran into Honey and a…former client of his."

Arquis sat up slowly, yawned, and rubbed his eyes. He grinned when he saw everything that they'd carried on the tray, though that grin disappeared when he heard what he'd said. Worry drew his brows downwards and made his posture straighten.

"A client? Is Honey alright?" After a small, meaningful pause, he reached over and took their hands in his own. "And what about you, love? Are you alright? I imagine that it was frightening. The men that Honey has had as clients sound quite threatening."

He really wished he'd gone with them. So much for nothing bad happening. At the very least, he was glad that Rin didn't seem to be in emergency mode. That meant that he and Honey were likely unharmed. Nevertheless, his eyes scanned his partner, checking for injuries of any sort.

"It was fine. He was a dick, but it's…it's fine. He thinks Honey and I are together." he pressed a soft kiss to Arquis's cheek. "I…hope you don't object to that. I just thought it was the easiest way to give Honey a valid reason not to go with him. Not that Honey needs a "valid" reason! I just…it needed to be a reason that this guy might respect. Which he didn't want to. But, uh, I told Honey he could come over here tonight, or go to Ari. But he shouldn't be alone, whatever he chooses to do."

Arquis listened to their words with a solemn expression. Once he was finished, he nodded, then nodded once more. A sort of hushed sorrow fell over the room. He sighed and rubbed his thumb over his partner's palm.

"He sounds terrible. I am not upset at you at all, Rin. You are correct in that Honey should not need an excuse, but you did what you could to try and prevent this client from growing violent." He felt a surge of anger and wished that he had met this man himself. In his imagination, for just a dark sliver of a second, he imagined his ability activating. He pictured stealing the air from this stranger, driving him to his knees, watching his eyes bulge and fingernails tear as he scrabbled for a mercy he wouldn't receive. Then, he pushed the thought away. The man might be scum, but that didn't mean that Arquis should be the one to punish him.

"I hope he decides to stay with someone, whether it be us, Ari, or his sister. I do not want him to work the front desk tonight. It is too dangerous."

"Yeah. I think he's going to go visit Ari." he said, looking up at Arquis. "So it should be fine. I hope." he took a deep breath. "Now, let's, uhm, let's eat." they reached out to bring the tray over, setting it on the bed. "There's food, tea, and coffee." they tried to put aside the trouble with Honey; there was nothing they could do about it now, and they wanted to enjoy their time with Arquis.

Arquis instantly went for the coffee. Thankfully, it was plain and black. He wouldn't have any trouble with it. Steam curled upwards from the cup, greeting him with an earthy, rich aroma. Within it also was a hint of something unfamiliar, almost fruity. He lifted the mug to his lips and took a small sip. His first thought was that it was still very hot, and his second was that it was rather strong. Nobody could be tired with a cup of it in front of them.

"Thank you for bringing all of this," he told Rin. His voice was warm with gratitude. "You are so sweet, my love."

His cheeks went pink as he remembered what they'd talked about the previous evening. Marriage was a big commitment, but it felt more reasonable when he considered smaller moments like these. He would be thrilled to spend many more mornings together with his lover. He imagined a world where they could be lazy together and stay in bed for a few hours. Where they could indulge at night if they so pleased and wake up holding one another. Something like hope sparked in his chest.

Rin smiled softly. "You're welcome." they replied. He poured himself a cup of tea, adding in some cream and sugar and stirring it all in. "Please remember to eat something, too." their voice was gentle; he did not want to pressure Arquis, but he also needed Arquis to eat at least a little bit, especially after he had thrown up earlier.

Arquis frowned at his own reflection in the dark, smooth surface of the coffee. A ripple split the image as he tapped his thumb against it. Rin was right to remind him, but that didn't make him any happier to do what they'd said. Like earlier, a touch of nausea coiled in his stomach, though it was much less intense. He supposed that was because he didn't have much left inside him anymore. He'd purged it all. That thought shouldn't have made him feel content, yet it did. His body felt light.

And now he had to fill it up, weigh it down. He fought back a groan by sipping his drink. A chant began in his mind: he needed the calories. He needed the calories, or else he'd pass out. He needed the calories, or else he'd starve. He needed the calories, or else he wouldn't get to marry Rin. He needed the calories, or else he wouldn't see his sisters ever again. The chant went in loops, encouraging him to take a plate.

"An omelette. It is just an omelette," he said under his breath. He cut a bite with his fork and put it in his mouth. "Just one plate, then I can be done."

Rin watched him quietly, taking a breakfast roll and taking a bite. "You do not have to eat more than just one plate." they confirmed softly. They were so proud of their lover for doing this when it was so hard for him, and they fully intended to make sure that Arquis knew that. That Rin loved and valued him, and that he was so, so proud of him for being willing to try.

Arquis ate in slow, measured bites. He didn't savor the food; he barely even tasted it. There was no pleasure derived from the experience. His fork just kept scraping the plate, lifting to his mouth, then dipping down again. The tines of it were speckled with pepper, egg, and stray scraps of cheese. He wasn't sure why, but that made him feel sicker.

He needed the calories. He needed to live.

Once he was done with the plate, which took a humiliatingly long time, he set it to the side. His eyes had been closed for quite some time, as if he couldn't even handle the sight of the meal. He kept his coffee mug clenched in his right hand. The liquid inside, just the dregs, had gone cold. He wished he'd gotten another cup back when the first was still hot.

Rin kissed Arquis's cheek softly. "Thank you for doing that, darling. I know it was hard." they said softly, reaching over to gently squeeze Arquis's hand. "You're doing so, so well." he gave his partner a soft smile, having finished his own breakfast food already.

Arquis opened his eyes so that he could see them when he spoke, and he sighed. The praise was lovely, but he felt undeserving. He never should have let it get this bad. He moved all of the dishes that were on the bed to the side table and climbed into Rin's lap. At first, he sat so that their chest was pressed to his own, but then he rolled so that his back was against them instead. His thoughts were being unkind to him, telling him that his stomach was unattractive. He wouldn't want his lover to have to feel it.

"Here we are," the nobleman said softly. He took his partner's arms and wrapped them about himself. His upper half, not his stomach. "So, how would you like to spend the day, my love? Are you feeling well enough for a walk to the village?"

Rin hummed faintly, kissing Arquis's cheek. "I believe I am, yes." they confirmed softly, smiling a little bit as he looked at his lover. "If that is what you would like to do. That sounds enjoyable." Honey had hyped up the local village quite a lot earlier, and Rin wanted to see it for himself.

Arquis let out an appreciative hum and guided their jaw down so that he could kiss him on the mouth. It was soft and just a little heated, though nowhere near the level of the previous night. The nobleman tasted of salt and spice. By the time they were done, he was out of breath. His lips looked pink and a bit swollen. He smiled shyly up at them.

"I do hope that was alright." He tucked a strand of Rin's hair behind his left ear. "You are just adorable. Yes, I would love to spend the afternoon there with you, and yes, it sounds wonderful. Would you like to invite Ari?"

He did feel a bit bad that Rin hadn't gotten to spend much time with his closest friend. Ari had come all the way there, and they'd only shared a couple of hours together. He almost wondered if he should have suggested that the two go to the village by themselves.

Rin hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "We can invite Honey, too. That way Honey and Ari can be together while we're out and about." he said, a hint of mischief in his eyes as he spoke. They smiled and snuggled closer to Arquis, letting out a faint, soft little hum.

Arquis laughed and ran his hand along Rin's arm. "Oh, goodness, poor Honey. He is an absolute disaster around Ari. I mean, he is always such a flirt, but, well, he is just a mess around the man." He gave his partner's bicep a light squeeze, grinning brilliantly. "Do you think he would dress up if we told him in advance? As if he was courting Ari? That would be very fun to watch, indeed."

What the nobleman did not say is that he would very much like to dress up himself. He and Rin had not really been on a formal date. They'd had a lot of impromptu, sweet sessions, and they'd spent so much time together over the past few weeks. But he thought it'd be exciting to court them like a noble, treating him with proper manners and acting as a true gentleman.

"Mm. That does give me an idea," he started, sounding both excited and a bit nervous. "You could go fetch Ari, while I go inform Honey. And then we could all meet back here. How does that sound?"

Rin grinned. "That is an excellent idea." they agreed, smiling over at Arquis. They stretched, shifting a little bit. "I bet Honey will dress up to try and impress Ari." he added after a moment, laughing and smiling over at their partner. "It's…rather sweet, to be honest."

Arquis rolled off their lap and hopped to his feet, radiant with excitement. He leaned forward, kissed the backs of both of their hands, and ruffled his hair. His cheeks were flushed.

"It is sweet," he agreed. It was clear that he was fighting the urge to depart, his mission already unfolding within his head. He bounced from foot to foot as he waited to see if Rin would say more, but he ran out of patience after about a half second. The smile he was wearing blossomed as he opened the door handle. "Be back in a moment! Or a little longer. You might have to wait, or you might not. But I will be back, I promise! Love you!"

He made it to Honey's room in record time. The blond answered the door, at first baffled and then pleased when he saw his friend. The nobleman was panting. He stumbled into the blond's arms and shook him gently as he rapidly rattled off the details of his plan.

The young man's dimples showed as he steadied the noble. "Woah, now. Slow down there, dreamboat. Going too fast. What's all this about a date?"

Arquis started over. He took gasping breaths in between words as he explained everything again. This time, Honey reacted appropriately. His lips parted in shock, and he dragged Arquis over to the bed, shoving him down onto it.

"How long we got? You said, what, like, twenty minutes? That's barely any time!" He flung open his wardrobe, sending a high heel flying. It landed under his bed. He rummaged through, swearing at the top of his lungs, and emerged with several outfits pressed to his chest. Then, without wasting a moment, he tossed them at Arquis and hurried to his vanity. He flicked the lights of it on and spread out an array of products.

"Careful with your wrist!" the nobleman called, muffled from under the mountain of clothes.

"There's no time for that! C'mon, get over here!"