lionhearted.

“You must be the first person I know of who’s wanted to see me more, rather than less, Mr. Plantagenet.” 

Not a sentiment Hassani heard often during his business deals, seeing as his services are something most would hope to use sparingly. It struck him as peculiar that the young Plantagenet would call upon him to begin with, but everyone had their secrets he supposed. He himself had somewhat of a secret fondness for Richard, as he was quite fond of his father. He wouldn’t ever dream of denying a request for a meeting with him, but he was certainly a bit apprehensive if not curious at what he could possibly ask of a man such as himself.

“Regardless. Let us begin our business. This dangerous favor you would like, what are the terms? Who are those involved, and how soon would you like the job done? I trust your word enough so we can discuss payment at a later juncture.”

“Is that so? That must be pretty sad, huh... I mean, you’re not like most people, but your company can be quite nice sometimes.” The point? Completely missed. Just flew right over his head, but that’s fine. It’s still a compliment regardless, which is never a bad thing. Richard walks around his desk before leaning against it - yes, business. “Hm? Oh, I don’t mind paying you right now. Actually, it’d make things much easier, I suppose.” Because it’s a wise idea to just trust a hitman like that, huh? Well, it’s not like Hassani hadn’t been working for their family for years anyways... --

“Right! So. In exactly,” he looks at his wristwatch. Dramatics are important! “two hours, this very rare limited item will go on sale. It has been announced only five of them exist in the whole world - one of them right here, in Spirale. I do suppose it’s a bit of a cheating method to hire a hitman of all people to obtain this item for me, but... Well, I really want it, so it can’t be helped, right?

“That is indeed true, although such instances aren’t uncommon to become known for the trouble they bring to many parties. Infidelity is almost inevitably dooming any closest to the situation to heartache and suffering when some means spills out the ugly truth. Sir Gawain would not take such a selfish risk that might bring shame to not himself alone but others, and mar the Round Table from a lack of control”. Is that bitterness in her tone? 100%!

“—Absolutely not. He is very much like an idol to me for all he has shown himself to be, and it would only cause further complication if any such relationship were to occur instead". Then she grows red when what she intends to follow up with pieces itself together before transferring itself from brain to mouth. “I haven’t engaged in that sort of relationship before. Is there an expectation for someone to as they reach adulthood? Maybe I’m slow and running out of time”.

“You’re correct once more, but you see, history already knows the Knights of the Round Table as corrupt and filthy. Take it from someone who has admired them all his life. But again, what they do or not in their spare time with their wives or the wives of others doesn’t really change their efficiency in battle, and their reliability, so I can’t see the issue.” Mostly because this one is also a cheater, but shhhh.

“Definitely not. He has more self-respect than someone who might broadcast their most intimate activities. He has an image to uphold, it would do far more harm to him as a whole than the bragging rights someone might feel from revealing such private information for the sake of street cred or to bolster an image of maturity”.

“At least he isn’t engaging intimately with somebody’s wife”.

The speed with which they travelled could never be matched by human; it was only a matter of time before they were upon the target. Saber’s eyes remained ahead, unblinking for as long as they would allow against such high winds. How fortuitous that she had been able to cross ways with the fellow who raced with her into the perimeters of Yesteryear’s decayed territory. When last they had registered the girl’s location, she had been heading deeper, with the distance between them vastly lessened. And hopes were there that the two of them may arrive before any apparent deadline imposed by the virus.

“Sir Richard, if I may,” she spoke against the gusts, removing her sights from the route ahead for the first time to meet his form. “As we cannot determine her condition, might I suggest you approach her initially? you may be able to ease any concern. I fear appearing immediately might only worsen the panic which has driven her to these lengths. If possible, it would be ideal to end this without causing even further distress”.

@chivalour

It’s an unspeakable honor, that his one idol the King of Knights has sought his aid. Through all of his excitement, all the blessings to Avalon under his breath, Richard the Lionheart swears an oath time and time again not to let her down. This is about her copy, one which the king couldn’t help but be quite disappointed on himself for never meeting ( even if he, or his copy, never had the choice ), and that she trusts him with her other self is more than Richard could ever imagine.

“Are you sure? Oh, I’m not at all against your idea, really! I’m just honored.” A bit too much. She wants him to approach her other self first? A stranger in armor would certainly not be quite the best sight, let alone one who harbors so much admiration for a girl who is but isn’t the one he has looked up to all his life, but... Well, some of his friends would wager he’s a good match for a young girl.

@chivalour: Subversion I

Hassani quietly slinked his way through an empty building. He was accustomed to late night meetings, most of his shady business was best conducted in the dead of night. Even if the building was mostly empty, he still wanted to ensure no one knew of his presence here, so the utmost caution was required as he navigated through. The first time meetings were normally somewhat awkward, but his client in this case was an old-time acquaintance.

He had arrived to the designated meeting location, a board room at the top floor of the Fibonacci ward. Stepping forward, he saw only his prospective employer in a dimly lit room. 

“It has been quite some time, Mr. Plantagenet. What would you ask of one of Hell’s Angels?”

His family has more history than he would like to be associated with at times. There is certainly no soul in Spirale who has not heard of the murder of the Plantagenet’s oldest son, just few years ago. It had been then that his dearest father decided to sacrifice far too much in order to hire hitmen, assassins, anyone who would avenge such loss. Richard himself might not care for any of it, might not want to be part of it, but as the heir, and now the owner, it’s something that undoubtedly possesses a connection to him.

He would call Hassani an old friend, if anything. The feeling hardly reciprocated, of course, completely one sided. 

“Hm? I heard something about this being appropriated to bring back. Well, I’m always willing to show off my King Arthur collection!”

To be frightened about his life is fine, Richard thinks. He would be too, if he had been born under those conditions. Just like he was, him but not quite, and the more he looks at this man - a perfect copy, like looking at a mirror given life -, the more he realizes there’s a strange feeling lingering deep in his chest. Something he may have felt once, maybe twice. Mixed with anger, the king might not remember it well, and this might be the first time he feels it by itself.

Envy.

So rare, so new, so there - at every glance at his counterpart ( so visibly nervous, not to the public but to him, because he knows himself well ), because Richard the Lionheart couldn’t help but find it ironic, that this version of his has obtained the life he has wanted deep in secret and he doesn’t even realize it.

Because this Richard - Richard Plantagenet, a name he so rarely uses - hasn’t lived half of what Richard the Lionheart has. Because he has been under pressure, yes, has surprisingly had the same amount of siblings, yes, has even had quite the unique family, yes, but leading a company surely isn’t the same as reigning over a country back in the 12th century. He would never understand how freeing his own life is, and how jealous his kingly self didn’t want to admit being.

“So?”, he starts, the copy who isn’t fidgeting in secret, looking out at the strangely empty street. It’s quiet, and calm, but only here, for the pair knows this peace is only an illusion. “Now that one of us is free from responsibilities, what are you doing to do? I guess it’s weird such a question is coming from me, but even though we think the same, it’s not like I had all those opportunities. I can’t help but be curious, truly.”

It’s like being reincarnated, he thought, but it’s something he has done in the past years away from Snowfield, away from his not-Master. And it’s still not the same.

“Hmmm, I wonder? Guess it’s like starting from scratch. Not something you’re used to either, I bet.” His copy smirks, and he’s right. King Richard has never been given such luxury. Would never be. “Finding a job is probably going to be the first thing in my mind. Which sounds ironic, considering my background, but otherwise I wouldn’t be able to truly enjoy all the cool things I haven’t seen. ... Well, that, and I’ll likely still have to support Robin’s endeavors, so it’s not like I have a choice, right?”

It’s like speaking with a younger, less knightly version of himself. He finds it ironic, too, almost too perfectly aligned, and hardly a coincidence, that they have ended up loving the same person, too. Almost as though it’s meant to be.

Almost.

“I take it you’re not worried he won’t make it, then?”

The young heir smiles, and it breaks when he attempts to speak, reminding the old king that there’s a virus in his body making him act up. Richard - both - is good at remaining calm, but he has never been invincible. 

“You don’t have to be,” he completes over his copy, words delivered with the certainty of a man who has seen the future, who would know it first hand. But it’s hardly that. It’s trust that motivates his words. “If yours if anything like mine, he wouldn’t leave you like that. He has made it painstakingly clear to me, so I’d rather assume it applies to you as well.”

“Besides, this is a life we Servants wouldn’t even be allowed to have. Not an opportunity we’d miss, hm?” Low, then, and if the other Richard hasn’t heard it, then perhaps it would be for the better. 

“Very well,” up, and phone out of his pocket. Spirale GO, is the app that he should use, right? Despite the weirdness of it, there’s a strange comfort in knowing a version of him would have a chance to a normal life. Modern, and freeing, and without anyone to tell him what he should and shouldn’t do. Envy, jealousy. Not feelings Servants like him should bear. And even then, there’s no regrets. Towards his life, towards his existence as a shadow of his former self.

Because otherwise Richard wouldn’t have what he does now. Something he had never thought he’d come to obtain.

“Truth be told, it’s quite a shame you’ve never met half the people I have. I mean, no Sir William to knock you out of your horse and embarrass you in front of a crowd? I’m rather impressed I have not grown to become a spoiled kid like my younger brother.” A jest, of course, and that his human self smiles at his words is reassuring. “When you’re in the other side, make sure you try to make more friends. Not that I had many myself, but they have always been helpful. Even now. And make sure you take good care of him. One version of us makes enough mistakes.

Live on, Richard Plantagenet. Your life is an unique one.”

@chivalour

hime_chan0 has come online.

hime_chan0 [ Today at 9:40 PM ]

idk what to draw? is this what an art block is?! people are telling me to go outside for inspiration wwwwwwwww what a joke so i’m just gonna ask here what do you guys want to see? it can be fanart i was thinking that goblin slayer anime got kind of popular and the blonde with the sword? what’s her name?? huge bongos. should i draw her?

hime_chan0 [ Today at 9:42 PM ]

@everyone !!! answer me!!! I SEE YOU ONLINE!! (; ･`д･´)

Couer_de_Lion@01 [ Today at 9:50 PM ]

Oh

Hime-chan good evening!!!!  （＾∀＾）

Guess who had been ready to leave work. Not him, now. Wow, boss is doing extra hours? Maybe he has had a change of heart! Nope. He just couldn’t miss the opportunity to talk to one of his favorite artists!

Couer_de_Lion@01 [ Today at 9:52 PM ]

You watched the goblin slayer anime?? It’s super good!!!!!

You can tell they poured a lot of love and attention to the soundtrack  (´∀｀)♡ Definitely one of my favorites now!

Hmmm how about you try something new? 

What is it the one thing you’ve never drawn? It’s good exercise and I figure it’s enough of a challenge to fight off the art block!!!!

RICHARD PLANTAGENET. 28 YEARS OLD. CEO AT DAY, NERD ALSO AT DAY (BUT IN HIDDEN).

Grew up as a sheltered upper class in the top levels of Fibonacci, as the third son of five of the founders of a high-class, millionaire company. 

His eldest brother died of a rare disease at an early age, and his second eldest brother was assassinated mysteriously. Richard, then, has come to inherent the company when he didn’t wish for it at all.

His father then died of old age, and his mother is travelling the world.

We don’t talk about his younger brothers.

He’s very socially awkward due to his upbringing, but solely because he’s too straight-forward and honest. Honestly he just sounds weird whenever he opens his mouth.

In all fairness, he fucking sucks at leading a company - a lot of people believe he’s going to bring it to bankruptcy. They’re really not wrong. Richard doesn’t pay much attention to it, and when he makes decisions for it, a lot of them are questionable.

As if it couldn’t get worse, he doesn’t spend as much time in the company either. Often he manages to sneak out, of course disguised, and spends time learning more about the world. He has fallen in love with the arts, and he’s still as much of a fanboy... just not towards Arthur Pendragon. His new idol is probably some Spirale historical figure of old.

When he is at work, he frequents online chatrooms and forums. His alias is Coeur_de_Lion@01. Nobody really knows who he is.

 He was ambushed by Robin at some point during his escapades, who was trying to steal from him except Richard just willingly tried to give him money. They’ve become closer and closer as time passed, and are now dating. 

Richard is sort of his sugar daddy, when you think about it.

     Fit the sleeve, extend the arm – step after step. Even as intoxicated as he was, Robin attempted to continue with his nagging style that took over even the smallest thing, hands fussing with their transition from towel to dress. The yukata designs were simple and pleasing, and no one really looked out of place in the sturdy fabric that made up its design: not even the two Englishmen who’d come here to ride out the rest of the year with just each others immediate company.  

    It looked – great, really. Loose and lightly fitted against the skin.

     And when fingers slipped warm and pressed wantingly at his skin, Robin fidgeted and bit lightly at his lower lip. Here, now? Or later? He moved a hand to touch the fold of Richard’s gently, and… – ah. Thank god it was within the confines of their own rented room. Robin returned the tilted kiss albeit a little sloppily, his heart scrambling to keep up. He was pretty damn easy to lead along like this, wasn’t he?

     “Ah… last year?” Think, think. There’d been the lights. The balcony. The thief smirked lightly as his own fingertips snagged and pulled at hands under loose fabric. “Mmh, well… I gotta admit. I don’t remember all the details too well. But whatever memories we make in the next few hours are just as important as whatever happened before, right? It’s what you make of the moment. Everything we’ve said and done up ‘till now… – and whatever happens as everything counts down.” His gaze was soft, but red to each ear. “… are you gonna be able to behave? What if some – ah… what if the staff come to check on our room, huh?”

Doesn’t remember, huh. That’s fine. It means that little secret would be his forever. He’d come to tell Robin one day, yes, but for now he’d only smirk devilishly and shoo that topic away. Memories are important, whether they remember it in full or not. The fact they’ve lived through them is enough. That’s why... -- “Hm? Now, do my ears deceive me or has Robin Hood just asked me to behave? Bold, I didn’t think you’d have it in you.” He jokes openly, albeit surprised at the words. “Many people have tried that before. Getting me to behave, that is. Which means, who knows? It is pretty hard to contain my hands when you look like this. Should I close my eyes, perhaps?”

A partial joke, because it’s true such a sight is rare. Richard is a man focused on the now, on what he wants to do, and what lengths he would go to obtain it. It just so happens what he wishes for at the moment is...

      Ah, there it was. The marriage jokes from a noble who’d surely spent a good chunk of his life being proposed to in a variety of ways despite obligation. Still, there was a warmth to his cheeks that wasn’t born of the cold, and Robin exhaled soft puffs into the cold evening air. He’d almost forgotten about that silly trinket, the one with no interesting story to tell. 

    “Sure you’d wanna marry a guy like me? I’m not exactly what you’d call marriage material. No land to call my own, no prospective business. Just some sellsword without a real name… and a handsome face, but… ”

      A ring that’d alert him to any change, huh? How intimate, and thoughtful, and Robin Hood scrambled for things to say that weren’t just him trying to brush off how much he really appreciated it in all his shyness. How much he wanted to know each and every detail and tuck a ringed finger behind a lock of Richard’s hair. 

      Augh. He couldn’t tuck that stupid smile of his away. Richard the Lionheart had a real way of sweeping you off your feet in all that steadfast persistence and obsession. Even now, Robin could still understand why another faceless had so readily consented to being part of his spiritual arsenal. 

     He closed around the ring, and his other around Richard’s hand. “Seriously, you… – even if my hand ends up all ugly and swollen at some point, you know I’m gonna hold onto this for dear life, right?”

>>> days later…

     Though a popular spot, Richard had still managed to make a few calls and swing things in their favor in order to snag a decent room at one of the fanciest hotels in Cotes. Robin wasn’t one to linger in this area often, but there was one thing about it he definitely appreciated: the ability to drink while in the open bath. But when it was due time for them to exit he still obliged with a slight hum, one hand holding neatly onto towel and one onto glass.

There’s truly a lot of things to appreciate about the Japanese. Their music, their art, but then it extends to their culture, too, when from time to time Richard visits the Cotes Ward and learns what he could about it. The traditional hotel he had found for both offered quite a bit of curious entertainment ( the hot bath is spectacular ), but when Robin is done helping him with his own yukata, he couldn’t help but make a mental note to be thankful for those, too. Maybe the next time he saw Ayaka he’d vaguely thank her for it. 

He may not drink nearly as much as his lover ( he is a royal, after all, somethings he does in moderation ), but some things he’d only do in this state.

     Ugh, that adorable smile. Great. Perfect. Nevermind. Everything up until this point was worth it. He’d freeze-framed that look in his mind and hopefully it lasted for a good long while. Thank you, Christmas. Thank you, baby Jesus.

     “Jotted it down… ? Yeah, I’ve got it. C’mon. Do you…  – do you think I would’ve remembered all that if I hadn’t? As if. Also, yeah… you can look at it all you want later. Just don’t try to sing it to me. At least not tonight. Give some time for my poor heart to recover, at least.” Breathe, Robin Hood. You did it and it was over. He went to love with no duty or pity and even he could learn new things, apparently. That pretty much proved the sort of effort he was willing to go through. Robin put a hand on his hip, the smallest of snowflakes flitting neatly from the air onto his jacket. “Hahah… close my eyes? Uh, no. Believe me. I didn’t think for even a moment that you’d skip out on showering me with some gift on a day like this. I know you. …well, since you did it for me… I don’t mind one bit. Bring it on, then.”

Truth be told, even someone like Richard the Lionheart gets nervous at times like these. There’s something about the locale, and the holidays, and the fact he was loved and cherished that influenced his heart to beat and beat faster and faster and he had to go and breathe all that air out. Compared to the prior year, his gift is much more humble. Something small, and unique, and the king is gentle when he wraps the necklace around Robin’s neck. The real gift lies right at the end of it, a special ring crafted for them. It’s embed with magecraft as well, its red glint giving it away.

“Part of me wanted to put it on your finger, and ask your hand in marriage,” Richard snickers, low and personal almost, as if he had just recited a child’s impossible dream. “If it were under other circumstances, maybe I would have. But it’s my fault your old necklace broke, and I wanted to replace it with something new. It didn’t look right, seeing you without it.”