Tris && Talon || The Great Hall
Tris & Syx Ā || Caitlin š¦
He has his cauldron set up on the table, simmering as he stirs it slowly, half a dozen bottles of ingredients and the bare bones of his potions essay laid out next to him; and when he's joined by another person, he looks up at smiles at the familiar face.Ā
You can sit. I promise there's no risk of anything exploding.
Talon & Icarus | Ren
He grins down at Tris and his gently simmering cauldron, sliding into the seat beside him.
I'm holding you to that. It would be a terrible shame if anything happened to this Ā Arithmancy homework.Ā
Ā He grabs a small sheaf of parchment and his quill - a plain, black feather, though it is slightly iridescent in the right light - and ink from his messenger bag, laying them down on the table beside his friend.
Tris & Syx Ā || Caitlin š¦
Oh don't tempt me, Firadel. I'll remember how jealous I am of you and your aptitude for Arithmancy and start going out of my way to ruin my potion on purpose. I could even make it caustic.Ā
He regards his array of ingredients a little doubtfully, before glancing back over at Talon.Ā
Probably. I could definitely make it smell really awful.Ā
He drops a handful of pale blue powder into the cauldron; but the smell remains inoffensive, and he starts to stir it again.Ā
It looks like you continue to survive me dragging you out to the woods with me. Maybe I'll have to rope you into with coming with me again the next time I go plant hunting. I'll make a Herbologist of you yet.
Talon & Icarus | Ren
His grin widens as Tris threatens the life of his homework, even as he mocks a shocked gasp, and he leans protectively over the messily scribbled numbers and figures.Ā
You wound me, Karenin. You and your callous nature, threatening my innocent homework. You wound me.Ā
Ā He watches as Tris adds the powder, knowing full well the smell thankfully won't get any worse.Ā
I like our little excursions to the woods. Maybe I'm already a great herbologist and I'm just pretending to still be shit at it so I can keep tagging along.
Tris & Syx Ā || Caitlin š¦
He bites back a laugh, and jostles Talon's shoulder with his gentlyĀ
Ā Oh, well if you're wounded then you and your homework have my apologies.Ā
He scribbles down a couple more notes, adds a couple more things into the cauldron; and then glances over at Talon, smile spreading across his face.Ā
So you're saying if I tell you that you can tag along regardless of how well you're doing in Herbology, you'll suddenly be a lot more helpful and I can stop worrying you're going to grab a death cap and accidentally poison yourself. That's what I'm hearing.
Talon & Icarus | Ren
I accept your apologies, thanks.Ā
He returns the light bumping of the shoulder, looking almost insufferably proud of himself, as he adds a few notes to his own homework.Ā
Hm? Is that so?Ā
The rogueish grin on his face softens, just a little, into something more genuine.Ā
Well. I mean. That makes me feel better, either way. But, alas, I will just have to keep bringing nothing but my charm and good looks on our excursions, because I am still dogshit at Herbology and still can hardly tell a wild garlic plant from a daisy.
Tris & Syx Ā || Caitlin š¦
The charm and the good looks do make it a lot easier to forgive your being so abysmal at Herbology, it's true.Ā
He punctuates the teasing with a grin; and then his own expression turns into something softer, and he regards Talon curiouslyĀ
Are you going home for the holidays, or will I be able to keep borrowing you for wilderness excursions over Christmas?
Talon & Icarus | Ren
He snorts out a laugh, giving Tris another playful shove; but when Tris mentions going home for the holidays he goes very still and very quiet, like a bird frozen before flight, for just a second, before it seems to pass and he shakes his head.Ā
I ... no. No, I'm not going home.Ā
Well, he's not if he can help it, anyway.Ā
So, yeah, if you're staying, more fun in the woods for us, eh?
Tris & Syx Ā || Caitlin š¦
He catches the way Talon freezes, and hesitates for a moment before reaching to touch him, wrapping fingers gently around one of his wrists and squeezing in attempted comfort.Ā
Well, I won't pretend not to be pleased about that. I alternate my winter breaks between my godmother and my aunt, and this year is Cecelia's, so even if she wasn't somewhere in South America right now we wouldn't be celebrating Christmas.Ā
He hums, and for a moment rests a decent amount of his weight against Talon's shoulder, trying to ground him the way having Artemis in his arms does for Tris on his bad days.Ā
Fun in the woods in the snow, at that. Besides, when classes stop for the holidays we can even head down into one of the villages.
Talon & Icarus | Ren
He almost - almost - startles when Tris' fingers close around his wrist, letting out a brief, sharp exhale through his nose; but Tris' hands are warm and gentle, and he allows himself to relax into the touch.Ā
Damn, I wouldn't mind being in South America over the winter. But, I suppose I'll settle for staying here.Ā
Ā He glances sidelong at Tris, a smirk on his face that still just misses his eyes, before Tris settles against him, a solid, reassuring weight; and Talon feels a little of the tension fall from him, his shoulders relaxing where they'd been locked tight.Ā
Wait, fuck, never mind, I forgot about snow. Yep, I'm for sure staying here. Besides, I bet South America doesn't have as good Firewhiskey as they do down in the villages, so ...Ā
And South America wouldn't have Tris, either, and that just wouldn't do at all.
Tris & Syx Ā || Caitlin š¦
He grins back at him, a little relieved, as Talon starts to relax again.
I wouldn't be too jealous. She'll be spending most of her time hiking through jungle; fun as it is to start, the humidity and the hard work don't make for a particularly relaxing holiday.Ā
His grin widens, creasing the corners of his eyes.Ā
No firewhiskey, and none of that really good hot chocolate they start making in the kitchens once half the student body has gone home. Freythorn is definitely the best place to be.
Talon & Icarus | Ren
He ducks his head as Tris grins back at him, hoping his long hair hides the blush creeping into his cheeks.Ā
Yeah, y'know, you're right. Sounds like a lot of effort just to be warm over winter.Ā
His eyebrows raise when Tris mentions the hot chocolate.Ā
Wait, you guys have been having secret hot chocolate? I should've stayed over the holidays last year, goddamnit. Gonna have to try some of that this year.
Tris & Syx Ā || Caitlin š¦
He volunteers more information about Cecelia readily, latching onto the topic as a safe one that'd keep Talon present.Ā
Last year it was Siberia; I got a bunch of photographs from the other people on her research team of her wrapped up in like, six scarves. She looked like a marshmallow.Ā
He laughs softly at Talon's indignance, adopting a smug smileĀ
Mmm, the perks of being an overachiever and staying at school to study. It's an Arietal perk too, I think, since those of us who stick around during the holidays tend to spend all our time in the kitchens, but I don't mind sharing it. In the spirit of inter-house unity, and all that.
Talon & Icarus | Ren
He laughs again at the idea, briefly imagining Tris bundled up like a marshmallow and feeling a flood of fondness.Ā
God, I can imagine. What is it they were researching up there? I don't mind the cold so much, but if you gave me the choice I'd probably still take South America.Ā
Ā He fake-huffs as Tris brags about the hot chocolate, crossing his arms indignantly.Ā
Ā Mmm, yeah, now you've told me you kinda have no choice but to share. Can't dangle that in front of me and then keep it all to yourself, I don't think I'd ever forgive you.
Tris & Syx Ā || Caitlin š¦
Tris answers eagerly, more than happy to talk about the woman who raised him.Ā
Cecelia's an expert in Ancient Runes; has written a couple of books, in fact. She's almost always off somewhere in the wild tracking down ruins, recording what she finds and making sure it's all safe and protected from any unsuspecting Narcana who might wander through a curse if they get curious. I used to travel with her, when I was a kid, really loved most of it; but I don't think running back and forth across the globe is what I want to do with my whole life.Ā
Tris props his chin in one hand and smiles back at Talon.Ā
What, never? Over a rescinded offer of hot chocolate? Ouch. I guess I have to share, then. I can't imagine having you mad at me.
Talon & Icarus | Ren
Talon listens with genuine fascination as Tris explains Cecelia's work, leaning forward on his elbows, his homework long forgotten.Ā
Oh, shit, that's ... really cool, actually. You guys must've seen a lot, travelling so much.Ā
Ā He cocks his head a little when Tris mentions it's not something he wants to do forever, surprised.Ā
Huh, really? Not someone with itchy feet? I get that. I'd love to try exploring some, after Freythorn, but ... maybe not always. Would have to settle eventually, I think.Ā
He smirks, reaching out to gently ruffle Tris' hair.Ā
Mhm. My feelings are fragile and not to be tampered with, don'tcha know. You'll definitely have to share.
Tris & Syx Ā || Caitlin š¦
His smile softens with fondness, and for a moment his gaze is distant, focused inward as he thinks about Cecelia.Ā
She's the most interesting person I know, and the only thing resembling a parent I've known in fifteen years. I was hard work, to start, but she got through it.Ā
He comes back to the present, snapping out of his introspection, and goes pink with embarrassment, before smiling sheepishly at Talon.Ā
But yes. Yeah. Never a dull moment.Ā
He chews on the inside of his lip and shrugsĀ
Cecelia is my home, has been my home for almost as long as I can remember, but I'd love something...static. Fixed. I half think of it as something I've picked up off Artemis; she's most comfortable in a place that smells like her, somewhere familiar. That's...that's what I want. Long term.Ā
Tris leans into the touch a little, like a cat, can't help himself, but immediately goes pink across his cheeks when he realises what he's doing, and ducks his head.Ā
Well, I suppose I can do that for you. For the sake of your oh so delicate feelings.
Talon & Icarus | Ren
He watches Tris steadily as he speaks, seeing clearly the fondness he has for his guardian.Ā
She sounds awesome. The more you tell me about her the more I want to meet her, honestly. But ... yeah, I get that.Ā
He fidgets a little in his seat, glancing up to one of the windows.Ā
I've ... never really known a place I could call home, exactly. I'd like to, someday.Ā
He pauses a moment, then grins, looking back at Tris.Ā
A home with all of the hot chocolate and Firewhiskey, and a bunch of cats, and a spare bed so you could stay whenever you wanted. ... If you wanted.
Tris & Syx Ā || Caitlin š¦
Ā Well, she might turn up unexpectedly and demand I trek down to have lunch with her. I'm sure she wouldn't mind if I was to drag you along with me.Ā
He almost reaches for Talon again, but instead he settles more firmly against Talon's side, and with a tap of his wand against his cauldron sets his finished potion to start decanting into the glass vials lined up beside it. The offer has him going bright red and flustered even as he stares back at Talon.Ā
I- yeah! Yes, of-of course I want...when- yeah. Absolutely.Ā
Ā He feels like an idiot, blushing and tripping over his words, and he ducks his head, embarrassed; but not before a warm smile spreads across his face.
Talon & Icarus | Ren
Oh, fuck yeah. Lunch and getting to meet the famous Cecelia? That'd be the best.Ā
Ā Warmth floods Talon's chest as Tris settles in closer to him, and he vaguely considers getting back to his Arithmancy work, but then Tris stutters and stumbles and blushes and smiles bright, and he decides pretty firmly he does not care about numbers at all right now. Future Talon can deal with that. He shifts ever so slightly, just enough to close any remaining space between them, and lets a soft, genuine smile of his own bloom across his face.Ā
Well, good, because I won't be dishing out Firewhiskey and hot chocolate to just anyone who swings by, hm?
Tris & Syx Ā || Caitlin š¦
Ā She'll be happy to have a captive audience to her stories. I've heard all the really good ones, including the real, accurate versions from the other researchers who were with her.Ā
He can easily imagine Cecelia and Talon getting on famously, and it conjures a smile across his face; but what has him really grinning is imagining him meeting Yanli, if Cecelia decides to bring her mother with her to visit. He doesn't know quite how Talon would react to five feet of overprotective Chinese adopted grandmother, but he's reasonably sure it would be extremely funny. He gets a hold of himself enough to respond to Talon's words, clawing his way back to teasing instead of a flustered mess.Ā
Well if I get special privileges then I'll have to visit all the time.Ā
His smile softens, something a little more honest than he intended creeping into his voice.Ā
You'll get sick and tired of me, Talon.
Talon & Icarus | Ren
Ha, I can imagine. I bet there's some wild stuff in there.Ā
He, too, enjoys the thought of actually putting a face to the name of someone Tris speaks so highly of.Ā
I bet she has some amazing stories about you.Ā
His teasing tone drops, though, at the last thing Tris says, and he figures it's his turn to offer a little comfort, his touch feather-light on the back of Tris' wrist - not quite brave enough to take hold, but letting his fingertips settle there.Ā
Sick and tired of you? Impossible. Besides, who else is gonna keep me from planting death-caps in the yard?
Tris & Syx Ā || Caitlin š¦
Tris winces at the mention of childhood storiesĀ
Oh yes. She's overflowing with stories about the trials of taking care of a grumpy thirteen year old me while wading through thick Chinese jungle.Ā
He can already see her in his mind, getting ready to relay her favourite story, the one featuring one of her more distractingly pretty fellow researchers and the crisis thirteen year old Tris had had over his first real crush on someone; and maybe, actually, Talon and Cecelia should never meet. Maybe for the sake of Tris' sanity they should stay far, far away from each other. The touch has his smile becoming a little more real, and he let's out a breath; before widening his eyes in mock horrorĀ
You're planning to keep a garden? Shit. I suppose I have no choice. You might actually die if you're left to your own devices with plants.
Talon & Icarus | Ren
Talon doesn't miss the brief wince, and his grin widens in response.Ā
Oh, perfect. I bet you were an absolute delight. That's one hundred percent the first thing I'm going to ask her about.Ā
Ā He searches Tris' face a moment, and sees the grimace become a more genuine smile - and lets that embolden him a little, gently closing his fingers around Tris' wrist, laughing softly as Tris teases him.Ā
Ā Mhm, exactly. You'll just have to come over a bunch, make sure I'm not actively being strangled by vines because I thought they were a nice ivy, or something.
Tris & Syx Ā || Caitlin š¦
He rolls his eyes, and sticks his tongue out at Talon.Ā
I was awful even before I started talking again. Classic example of a teenager.Ā
He pulls a face at him at the second part, before laughing under his breath. They can definitely never meet. Definitely. The grip makes Tris relax more, and he lets out noise of mock distressĀ
Please never touch any plants that move of their own volition. Especially not vines. I do not want to see you devoured by a plant
Talon & Icarus | Ren
Talon returns the gesture, his grin all mischief, but then cocks his head a little, locking that nugget about Tris away to maybe ask about later, when the time feels more right.Ā
Uh-huh. I was a fuckin' bastard of a teen too, don't worry.Ā
His thumb traces idle circles over the ridge of Tris' wrist, almost without thinking.Ā
All the more reason for you to visit all the time. To babysit. Because I'm sure that's been your dream since you were a bastard teen, to one day babysit a dumb fuck who keeps almost getting eaten by vines.
Tris & Syx Ā || Caitlin š¦
Tris huffs, laughs softly; and turns his wrist in Talon's grip, just enough for his fingertips to brush Talon's palm.Ā
He is, he can admit to himself, too much of a coward to actually hold Talon's hand, but the step itself feels significant regardless.Ā
Again, the honesty comes pouring out without his intention, but it's less sad than previous.Ā
Doesn't sound so bad to me, when you put it that way. I suppose it depends on the dumb fuck in question, and how fond I am of them.
Talon & Icarus | Ren
Talon goes very, very still as Tris' fingertips brush up against his hand, the laughter dying from his lips before it really has a chance at life; and his gaze flicks up to Tris' face, looking for all the world like a rabbit caught in headlights. He swallows, not sure he remembers how to breathe, suddenly.Ā
Oh.Ā
It's more an exhale than a word; but the briefest flicker of a smile, honest and almost surprisingly sweet, tugs at the corners of Talon's mouth, and he slowly slides his fingers into the spaces between Tris', his hold feather-light to allow Tris room to pull away, in case he might have misread something. He opens his mouth to speak, to make a joke and break the tension, but decides instead just to let the moment sit, something bright and hopeful in his eyes as he carefully watches Tris for any sign of discomfort.
Tris & Syx Ā || Caitlin š¦
There's...probably very little else that could make every thought in Tris head come to a screeching halt quite the way Talon holding his hand does; and he stares back at him, something surprised and unspeakably soft pulling at the corners of his eyes.Ā
After a moment, he closes his fingers around the back of Talon's hand in return, and squeezes very gently before letting out a breath, and smiling back at him, helpless to how the expression splits his face and has him nearly shutting his eyes all the way.Ā
Oh.Ā
He echoes, and runs his thumb over the side of Talon's hand.Ā
Hey. Does this mean you'll let me copy your Arithmancy homework?
Talon & Icarus | Ren
Talon's breath catches as Tris' hand closes around his, his eyes going a little wide for a second; but then it all spills out of him in a rush of laughter when Tris asks about the Arithmancy homework, and he ducks his head to let his long hair hide his equally wide, bright smile, and the blush that spills into his cheeks.Ā
Fuckin' - of course you can, you fuckin' dork.Ā
Ā He peeks up at Tris once more, almost shyly, before returning the gentle squeeze of his hand.
Tris & Syx Ā || Caitlin š¦
Oh I'm the dork, huh?Ā
He teases, a little giddy at making Talon go that excellent shade of pink.
It becomes a little more tricky to clear up his potions homework with only the one hand, but like hell is Tris letting go of Talon's hand until he really has to, so he deposits his vials decanted potion and the bottles of ingredients into the now empty cauldron one handed, along with the scroll of notes for his essay; and then turns back to face Talon properly.Ā
So um. I mean. I'm going to the Gala with Esma. Most- mostly to stop him from trying to fight anyone more than six inches taller than him, really, but also because when he's not threatening to hex people he's actually a lot of fun.
Talon & Icarus | Ren
Yep. You sure are.Ā
He watches with fondness as Tris clears up without letting go of his hand, and goes to ask if Tris, like, maybe needs both hands - but he, too, is kind of glad Tris isn't letting go, and so decides to keep his mouth shut, for now. He nods, though, when Tris tells him he's going to the Gala with Esma, and smiles a little sheepishly.Ā
Oh, yeah, no worries. I already, uh, asked Cassius as well, so. No worries there. Just as friends, obviously, and mostly because Cass is sweet and will fully come and raid the buffet table with me.
Tris & Syx Ā || Caitlin š¦
He smiles at the mental image of Talon and Cass raiding the buffet table, and hums in understanding; before deciding to be brave.Ā
Well I. That is, I thought maybe, if you wanted to practice for the dancing part of the evening, we could practice together? I've had some lessons. I don't have any remarkable skill at raiding buffet tables, but I. The other stuff. I could help with that, if you wanted.
Talon & Icarus | Ren
Talon quirks a brow at Tris' offer, a playful spark in his eye.Ā
Y'know, I like the sound of that. God knows I need the practice, or poor Cass is gonna have sore feet.
Tris & Syx Ā || Caitlin š¦
Well then for the sake of my fellow Arietal I'm going to have to insist we practice at least once before the Gala.












