Tristan Karenin

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  Arithmancy homework. 

 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  || Caitlin 🦊

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. 

He regards his array of ingredients a little doubtfully, before glancing back over at Talon. 

Probably. I could definitely make it smell really awful. 

He drops a handful of pale blue powder into the cauldron; but the smell remains inoffensive, and he starts to stir it again. 

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. 

You wound me, Karenin. You and your callous nature, threatening my innocent homework. You wound me. 

 He watches as Tris adds the powder, knowing full well the smell thankfully won't get any worse. 

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  || Caitlin 🦊

He bites back a laugh, and jostles Talon's shoulder with his gently 

 Oh, well if you're wounded then you and your homework have my apologies. 

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. 

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. 

He returns the light bumping of the shoulder, looking almost insufferably proud of himself, as he adds a few notes to his own homework. 

Hm? Is that so? 

The rogueish grin on his face softens, just a little, into something more genuine. 

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  || Caitlin 🦊

The charm and the good looks do make it a lot easier to forgive your being so abysmal at Herbology, it's true. 

He punctuates the teasing with a grin; and then his own expression turns into something softer, and he regards Talon curiously 

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. 

I ... no. No, I'm not going home. 

Well, he's not if he can help it, anyway. 

So, yeah, if you're staying, more fun in the woods for us, eh?

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Damn, I wouldn't mind being in South America over the winter. But, I suppose I'll settle for staying here. 

 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. 

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 ... 

And South America wouldn't have Tris, either, and that just wouldn't do at all.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

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. 

His grin widens, creasing the corners of his eyes. 

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. 

Yeah, y'know, you're right. Sounds like a lot of effort just to be warm over winter. 

His eyebrows raise when Tris mentions the hot chocolate. 

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  || Caitlin 🦊

He volunteers more information about Cecelia readily, latching onto the topic as a safe one that'd keep Talon present. 

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. 

He laughs softly at Talon's indignance, adopting a smug smile 

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. 

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. 

 He fake-huffs as Tris brags about the hot chocolate, crossing his arms indignantly. 

 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  || Caitlin 🦊

Tris answers eagerly, more than happy to talk about the woman who raised him. 

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. 

Tris props his chin in one hand and smiles back at Talon. 

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. 

Oh, shit, that's ... really cool, actually. You guys must've seen a lot, travelling so much. 

 He cocks his head a little when Tris mentions it's not something he wants to do forever, surprised. 

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. 

He smirks, reaching out to gently ruffle Tris' hair. 

Mhm. My feelings are fragile and not to be tampered with, don'tcha know. You'll definitely have to share.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

His smile softens with fondness, and for a moment his gaze is distant, focused inward as he thinks about Cecelia. 

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. 

He comes back to the present, snapping out of his introspection, and goes pink with embarrassment, before smiling sheepishly at Talon. 

But yes. Yeah. Never a dull moment. 

He chews on the inside of his lip and shrugs 

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. 

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. 

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. 

She sounds awesome. The more you tell me about her the more I want to meet her, honestly. But ... yeah, I get that. 

He fidgets a little in his seat, glancing up to one of the windows. 

I've ... never really known a place I could call home, exactly. I'd like to, someday. 

He pauses a moment, then grins, looking back at Tris. 

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  || Caitlin 🦊

 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. 

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. 

I- yeah! Yes, of-of course I want...when- yeah. Absolutely. 

 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. 

 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. 

Well, good, because I won't be dishing out Firewhiskey and hot chocolate to just anyone who swings by, hm?

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

 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. 

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. 

Well if I get special privileges then I'll have to visit all the time. 

His smile softens, something a little more honest than he intended creeping into his voice. 

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. 

He, too, enjoys the thought of actually putting a face to the name of someone Tris speaks so highly of. 

I bet she has some amazing stories about you. 

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. 

Sick and tired of you? Impossible. Besides, who else is gonna keep me from planting death-caps in the yard?

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

Tris winces at the mention of childhood stories 

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. 

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 horror 

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. 

Oh, perfect. I bet you were an absolute delight. That's one hundred percent the first thing I'm going to ask her about. 

 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. 

 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  || Caitlin 🦊

He rolls his eyes, and sticks his tongue out at Talon. 

I was awful even before I started talking again. Classic example of a teenager. 

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 distress 

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. 

Uh-huh. I was a fuckin' bastard of a teen too, don't worry. 

His thumb traces idle circles over the ridge of Tris' wrist, almost without thinking. 

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  || Caitlin 🦊

Tris huffs, laughs softly; and turns his wrist in Talon's grip, just enough for his fingertips to brush Talon's palm. 

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. 

Again, the honesty comes pouring out without his intention, but it's less sad than previous. 

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. 

Oh. 

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  || Caitlin 🦊

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. 

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. 

Oh. 

He echoes, and runs his thumb over the side of Talon's hand. 

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. 

Fuckin' - of course you can, you fuckin' dork. 

 He peeks up at Tris once more, almost shyly, before returning the gentle squeeze of his hand.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

Oh I'm the dork, huh? 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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  || Caitlin 🦊

He smiles at the mental image of Talon and Cass raiding the buffet table, and hums in understanding; before deciding to be brave. 

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. 

Y'know, I like the sound of that. God knows I need the practice, or poor Cass is gonna have sore feet.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

Talon & Icarus | Ren

Talon glances up from his empty plate, dragged from his thoughts from the sound of someone saying his name; and blinks a few times in surprise when he sees the sweet, pretty boy from his Herbology class addressing him, the one who seems to know just about all there is to know about nurturing plants. Talon feels his stomach drop a little; the favour the other boy is about to ask might be pertaining to Talon's own black thumb. He's sure - Tris? Right? - is about to ask something like, 'hey, could you stop being so fucking bad at plants and quit making the rest of us clean up after you, you colossal dumb fuck?' But he straightens up in his seat and offers what he hopes is a friendly smile, and replies, 

"Yeah, that's me. Tris, yeah? What's up?"

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

He'd forgotten, somehow, in the midst of all his nerves about taking initiative and making friends, that Talon was attractive - and worse than that, before his wickedly dark sense of humour kicked in, he was nice, and well that was just awful - and he caught his tongue between his teeth for a moment to try and focus on why he'd approached him in the first place. 

"Yes! Yeah, that's- Tris, is me. Um. I was going to go looking for some of the herbs we talked about in our last herbology class - the medical ones, mostly - and I was hoping you would come with me? I know you struggle with Herbology a bit, and I've been strongly advised against wandering off into the woods by myself any more," The nurse who'd patched up his hands last time had been both exasperated and very firm, "so I figured if we go together then I could help with anything you have questions about? And you could get some practical studying in. Hands-on practice, and all that. Nothing I'm looking for is dangerous. But uh. You'd be doing me a favour by sparing me the wrath of Freythorn's medical staff if I injure myself at all." 

A sheepish, somewhat embarrassed smile crept across his face.

Talon & Icarus | Ren

Oh, okay, so Tris is just entirely adorable when he gets flustered, too. Mhm. Excellent at the one class they share to the point of Talon being surprised he's even looking at him, let alone talking to him, and pretty as hell, and he gets to be this fucking cute at the same time? Entirely unacceptable, Talon thinks; and his thoughts almost deafen him to what Tris is actually asking of him as he nods along a little dumbly, a little too caught in the afternoon sun catching on his blonde curls and thinking about how soft they are, how much he'd maybe like to let his hand drift through them some time - Wait, fuck, snap out of it, dipshit, he thinks, realising belatedly that Tris' words are hanging in the silence, awaiting Talon's response. 

 "... did we talk about herbs in ... in ... Herbology?" Talon says, realising mid-way through the sentence that he's already fucked it, his cheeks flushing with embarassment. 

"Uh. Yeah. No, of course we did. Fuckin'... listen, I mean, if you can save my grade in Herbology then I'm pretty sure you can do anything, so, yeah, that sounds -" And then he realises Tris has asked Talon to spend, like, alone time with him; and immediately has to fight his brain to not short-circuit entirely, because, what? Really? Tris wants to spend time with him? 

"... that sounds great," he manages eventually, a little sheepish in the face of what a total jackass he probably just made of himself.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

There's a teasing retort on his tongue for a moment, something about being surprised, too, that they'd talked about herbs in Herbology; but he swallowed it, instead just ducking his head in both a nod and an attempt to hide his widening smile. 

"Good. Great. Thank you, Talon. I'll- I'm going to grab my scarf, and stuff. Just because it's cold." He blinked, mortified - 'just because it's cold', what the fuck - before clearing his throat and nodding. 

"I'll meet you out front in like, half an hour? Um. Bring your gloves from Herbology, just in case? I'll see you in a bit." 

To say that he ran away would be overstating things; but he certainly walked briskly, cheeks bright pink as he left to gather his things.

Talon & Icarus | Ren

Oh, come on, he has a smile that lights up the goddamn room, too? Talon's fucked. He's done for. He can already see Bandit not giving a fuck about his lament later tonight, but when has Bandit ever been interested in doing anything except being a perfect little nuisance, anyway. 

"Half an hour," Talon affirms, nodding. "Got it. I'll see you then." 

He definitely lets his gaze linger a little too long as Tris hurries out of the dining room, still a little dazed from ... all of that, good God - but eventually he manages to collect himself, and heads back to the Draquorum common room to grab his scarf and gloves, smiling to himself all the way. 

 The half an hour seems to crawl by; Talon doesn't want to get there too early and look too eager, but ... well, he is eager. And it is cold, Tris wasn't lying. He decides his best bet is to maybe wait in the entrance hall where it's at least a little warmer, and even makes a half-hearted attempt to hide behind one of the tall pillars, just in case Tris spots him here first and thinks ... well, what? That he's not supposed to be here, or something? Fuck's sake. He blows into his hands to try and warm them a little, the cold nipping at his ringed fingers, and lets his silver eyes dart towards the corridor that leads off to Arietal's common room, anxiously awaiting the sight of the other boy.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

Tris had never been more relieved for the undetectable extension charm on the front pocket of his backpack than when he'd tried to evict Artemis from the main pocket and had her categorically refuse, and by the time he was stepping into the entrance hall he had everything he needed stored in the front, scarf wrapped around his neck snuggly, and had his ridiculous, terrible cat still purring contentedly against his spine. 

Well. He supposed the support was welcome; and she had a nose for the poisonous plants, so perhaps she could make herself useful. He hesitated for a moment on the threshold of the entrance hall, searching the room for Talon; and relaxed a little when he saw him, mustering another smile and stepping up to join him. 

"Shall we? I think we might be walking for a little while before we find what I'm looking for."

Talon & Icarus | Ren

Talon, too, visibly relaxes upon seeing Tris arrive, and his heart does an awkward little skip upon seeing him bundled up in the thick scarf where Talon's hangs a little more loosely around his neck; and before he can stop himself, he can feel a dumb, delighted smile spreading across his face, ducking his head a little to try and mask it as Tris makes his way towards him. 

"Sure, let's get going," he says, hoisting his messenger bag up a little higher on his shoulder before pushing his hands into the pockets of his robes in an attempt to keep the cold from getting to them any more than it already has. 

"Lead the way. What is it exactly you're looking for, anyway?"

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

"Stocking up on Feverfew and any wild garlic we come across. Goldenseal, if we can find it. Valerian as well. There are a couple of flowers we talked about in class that I want to try and get my hands on, and some fungi, but mostly just...keeping an eye out for anything that looks special, or interesting." 

Tris started the walk away from Freythorn, headed for the trees and where he knew, at least, there was garlic to be found; and then offered Talon a brief, slightly teasing grin. 

 "If you spot something interesting and name it before I do, I'll write your next Herbology essay for you."

Talon & Icarus | Ren

"Oh, will you, now?" Talon grins, following Tris down towards the treeline. 

"Alright, then. It's a deal. Though, I'm pretty sure the professor's gonna notice the slight jump in quality." He smirks a little, pushing some loose hair out of his face; there's a cold breeze in the air that keeps making his white forelock fall in his eyes, and it tires him quickly enough that he gathers it up into a loose bun as they walk. 

"Unless you, y'know, fancy a break from being good at Herbology for a while. I hear it's exhausting, being good at stuff." He lets his gaze wander across to the leafy plants that line the border of the forest, racking his brain for names other than just "that green one"; it's not like he'd actually put Tris through doing his homework, but he can't resist the challenge, either way.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

"Well I'd try to get one or two things wrong, just to keep them from figuring it out," he offered, grinning back at Talon; before he paused, and dropped to crouch beside a crop of herbs, pulling on his Herbology gloves and setting his backpack carefully on the ground beside him before he went about carefully gathering some of the leaves into a jar. 

"Oh it's terrible trouble, being good at Herbology. A curse of genetics, unfortunately; I wouldn't know how to take a break." He screwed the lid shut; and then shook the jar to jostle the leaves inside in Talon's direction. 

"Feverfew, as the name implies, treats fevers. It's good for migraines and arthritis too. Most of the other medical plants have all the helpful bits in their roots, but with Feverfew it's the leaves." Artemis mrowed from inside Tris' backpack as if in agreement.

Talon & Icarus | Ren

"Oh, of course," Talon agrees, "though I think one or two is ... probably generous." 

 He watches with genuine interest, though, as Tris crouches, admiring the deftness and surety with which he picks the leaves off of the stem and the care he takes with it. His thoughts drift, for a moment, to whether he's so careful with his hands in all things, and immediately feels his cheeks warming, silently cursing his idiot brain for the timing of such mental images. 

"A curse of genetics, huh? Fuck, I feel that," Talon agrees, thankful for the talking point to distract him. 

"Though, hey, at least Herbology is a useful curse. I'm just cursed with all these incredible social graces," he deadpans, "for all the fuckin' good they do." 

He nods along as Tris explains the properties of the Feverfew, almost missing the muffled meow from Tris' bag; but as it registers, he blinks in confusion, then glances at the bag. 

"Wait, hold up. Have you had a cat in there this whole time or am I finally actually losing my shit?"

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

He laughs softly, and tilts his head as Talon talks.

 "Well for what it's worth, I think your social skills are pretty good. Better than your Herbology, at least," he teases. 

"My mother was a herbologist; I remember our whole house smelling like flowers when I was little." 

He blinks at the question, before flushing in mild mortification, and flips open the top flap of his bag to reveal the mass of dark grey fluff within. 

"She likes to sleep in my bag. She, um. Protested when I tried to get her out this morning, and it's honestly easier just to carry her around with me rather than try and scoop her out and then suffer her being a goblin as revenge for being denied her favourite nap spot."

Talon & Icarus | Ren

Talon hisses out a laugh at Tris' teasing, offering him his best rogueish grin for it. 

"Well, thank god for that. Imagine if they were worse, I'd be a fuckin' pariah." 

He softens as Tris mentions his mother, though, sensing the fondness in his voice. 

"Hey, well, I bet she's proud of you, huh? Carrying on the family business like you are." He pauses a moment, internally debating whether he wants to offer anything about his own mother in return; but is immediately distracted when the fluffy grey head appears from out of Tris' backpack, and Talon maybe falls immediately in love. 

"Oh, look at you," he beams, even as the cat appears to fix him with a look that suggests she would take great pleasure in spilling his guts on the ground. 

"Oh my god, you have a perfect cat. If I could get Bandit to sleep in my bag, that'd be the fuckin' dream. How did I not know you had a perfect cat? What's her name?"

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

Tris' smile faded, a little, at Talon's words about his mother, and the one that replaced it was a little brittle, and sad where it pulled at the corners of his eyes. 

"I like to think she would have been, yes." 

Talon's immediate reaction to Artemis had a grin spreading across Tris' face, and he tucked a hand into the bag just enough to scritch his fingers through the thickest part of her fur around her neck. 

"Ah, well, she's blind as a bat, so the bag's the safest place for her. But she is pretty perfect, yes. Her name's Artemis. Bandit is your cat?"

Talon & Icarus | Ren

The easy smile that had so far rested on Talon's face drops, somewhat, when Tris' expression falters; and with a sinking feeling he realises that Tris had been using the past tense to speak of her. He opens his mouth to say something, feeling a sudden urge to apologise, to reach out with Oh, God, I shouldn't have said anything, I know what it's like, I'm didn't mean to hurt you - but instead he just nods, and gently bumps his shoulder against Tris' in a gesture that he hopes lets the understanding come across. A brief ache flashes through his chest, thinking of his own mother and how much he misses her, how she hopes she's proud of him, too. 

"Artemis, that's a great name," he replies, letting his attention be drawn back to the angry stormcloud in Tris' backpack. "And yeah, Bandit's my boy. He'll probably be up in the dorms right now, pestering everything that fuckin' moves."

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

Tris bumped Talon back, and offered him an easier smile in an attempt to reassure him that it was alright. 

"My godmother, Cecelia, doesn't get plants at all. She is proud, or tries very hard to be, but if she looks too hard at a potted plant it starts to wilt." 

The information made him laugh, and he nodded, humming in understanding. 

"Of course. He's got to remind everyone who's in charge. Art, unfortunately, has grown self assured and lazy in her old age, so she doesn't even bother trying any more. She's a pampered lap cat through and through."

Talon & Icarus | Ren

A small amount of relief ebbs through Talon when Tris' expression warms up again, and a less-small amount of fondness blossoms along with it, and he ducks his head as he hisses out a laugh when Tris tells him about his godmother. 

"She and I would get along then, huh? Bonding over our black thumbs and -" how much we like you, he almost says, but bites it back, suddenly a little self-conscious. "... And, uh. Probably plenty of other stuff, what with my sparkling personality." 

He nods at hearing Artemis is a pampered lap cat, reaching out to lightly scritch the top of her head. 

"Kindred spirits, you and I," he tells her, sincerely. "Who needs anything more than sleep and pets, huh? Not me."

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

"You'd be thick as thieves from the start, I'm almost certain. The only thing that could endear you to her more is a passion for ancient runes." 

It was a nice image, the thought of Talon and Cecelia meeting and getting on; and he rolled his eyes at Talon a little, bumping into him with a little more force. 

"I can't see anything wrong with your personality. I wouldn't have asked you to come with me today if I thought you were a dick; or, well. More of a dick than is fun to be around." 

He grinned, and went about storing the jar in the front pocket of his bag; before his smile softened, eyes shifting between Talon and where his cat was rumbling like a little engine in glee at the scritches. 

"If you needed any more proof, she is notoriously picky about who gets to touch her."

Talon & Icarus | Ren

Talon grins as Tris nudges him harder, though it's a little sheepish as Tris tells him off. 

"Alright, alright. I appreciate it, though," he says, "seriously. And hey, I could get into ancient runes. Almost took it over Arithmancy but, y'know, gotta follow your strengths, or whatever." 

 He brightens, though, when Tris mentions that Artemis is picky about who pets her, and dares to gently tickle under her chin. 

"Cats always seem to like me more than people do," he says, only half-joking. "And, y'know, likewise."

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

"Mmm, you better. Don't let the Peryton fool you, I can stop being nice whenever I want." 

 He shot Talon a curious look, before moving to stand again, holding his bag in both arms this time so that Talon still had access to Artemis. 

"If it makes you feel any better about your Herbology grade, I'm awful at Arithmancy. I wanted to take Alchemy as one of my electives originally, but it requires at least a passing aptitude for magical maths, so I had to pick something else." 

There was something brave on his tongue for a moment, something like 'I'm pretty sure I like you more than my cat does'; but he bit his tongue to hold it back, and tried for something a little less pathetic. 

"Maybe you've been talking to the wrong people. I find that cats tend to be excellent judges of character. Besides which, I won't fault your tastes if you prefer our tiny fluffy overlords to other people. Other people can be...a lot."

Talon & Icarus | Ren

"Oh, I see," Talon purrs, "consider me warned." 

He definitely doesn't make enough effort to keep the borderline-flirt out of his voice, and is worried he might have crossed a line almost immediately, wondering if he ought to rescue it with something like and I'm not always a jerk, don't let the Wyrm fool you; but, considering that Tris has already categorically decided he's not so bad, he figures better not to keep digging. 

"Y'know, that does make me feel better," he says. "Wouldn't be fair on the rest of us if you were so good at everything, now, would it?" The words are light and teasing, with no malice or bite to them, even if he does come dangerously close to saying something like especially with how pretty you are, too. 

"But, yeah, they're hard-asses about having good Arithmancy scores for Alchemy. But, hey, as long as I'm good at something. Can't coast by on looks alone, after all." 

He grins as Artemis bumps her forehead against his knuckles, and happily obliges her with more tickles behind her ears. 

"No, you're right, they are," he agrees. "Never really trusted anyone who doesn't like cats, and especially anyone Bandit won't look at. But, yeah, other people are just ... difficult, I guess. At least, the people I grew up around were." 

It's a little daring of Talon to nudge at that particular sore spot of his past, and he's looking firmly at Artemis as he says so. 

"Anyway. Plants. What else were we looking for, again?"

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

A blush flooded Tris' cheeks at the purring, and he turned his head away in a too-slow attempt to conceal it, catching at the corner of his lip with his teeth as he fought the smile spreading across his face. 

"Well, good." 

A little voice in the back of his head lamented how predictable he was; but he elected to ignore it. There was nothing wrong with being predictable, and even less wrong with being flustered by the flirtations of a cute boy. 

He hummed in agreement, regarding Talon with amusement pulling at the corners of his eyes. 

 "Everyone has to find their forte. I guess you get to choose between that being Arithmancy or," he looked Talon up and down and made a sweeping gesture at all of him, "the rest of it." 

Tris watched Talon with Artemis, and something in his chest twinged with sympathy at his last words, at the resolute way he focused on Tris' cat as he spoke them; and he hesitated for a moment before replying softly. 

"I suppose it's one of the advantages of being an adult; you get to pick and choose who is and isn't worth your time, now." 

He readily accepts the change in subject, and starts to continue down the path. 

"Valerian, wild garlic, and goldenseal. The last one is the rarest, but I've found some along this path before, so we should find some."

Talon & Icarus | Ren

"Oh, absolutely, I am making my forte being completely irresistible," Talon agrees, some of his tension evaporating at Tris' teasing. "Who needs grades?" 

He nods, though, at Tris' next statement, chancing a glance back at the blonde, silver eyes searching his face; for what, he's not entirely sure, but something about Tris' steady gaze makes something he hadn't realised was fidgeting in his chest seem to settle. 

 "Yeah," he says, eventually, the word more an exhale than anything. "Seems like I struck gold for that today." 

 Even Talon is surprised at how easily the teasing tone gives way to something more sincere, and before he can linger too long on it he gives Artemis one last scritch on the chin for good measure and follows Tris as he continues on. 

"Alright, I think I know at least how to spot the wild garlic," he says, scanning the foliage that runs along the path for the white flowers he thinks should alert him to it. "The other stuff I will leave in your capable hands, I think."

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

"There are worst talents to hone," he offered, laughter trapped in his voice, "and I don't imagine you'll struggle terribly with a goal like that." 

Was that too much? Was that too close to agreeing he's already a degree of irresistable? he thinks, dragging his bottom lip through his teeth; before Talon's words catch him off guard, and he blinks, surprised; and then beams back at him. 

"The feeling's mutual, there." 

He surprised himself, let alone Talon, when he’d offered to teach him how to dance for the Gala - the basics, of course, because he doubted anyone was intending to break out into a Viennese Waltz in the middle of the floor - but as the decided day had crept closer he’d found the knot of tension in his stomach unwinding.

Talon was his friend. He was teaching his friend the basic steps to a waltz, the same as he would have taught any of his other friends if they’d asked. Tris himself had a couple years of lessons under his belt, courtesy of the alternating summers he’d spent with his Aunt Katerina, and he’d even considered offering for Esma, so they could practice together before attending the Gala as friends.

He was a little embarrassed to admit that he’d changed his mind on that particular offer, after thinking about it more. Esma was a good friend, and usually fun to be around; but he was also five feet and a single inch of barely contained energy, and even clumsier than Tris could be. Better that his feet were spared; he didn’t know how much dancing he and Esma were likely to do, anyway.

Talon, on the other hand, was likely to get offers left and right throughout the course of the evening; and Tris ignored how it made his chest go tight and uncomfortable to think too hard on Talon dancing with other people, and moved over to the piano, checking the spell that would let it play a simple enough rolling melody for them to practice to.

Talon’s just your friend, he reminded himself sternly; and almost jumped out of his skin when a voice greeted him from the doorway.

“I feel like I should say again that I’ve not done anything like this in years. I apologise in advance for any tripping or foot-stepping that may occur.”

Tris shot Talon a brief, teasing scowl for how he’d startled him, before it slipped in favour of a smile and he turned fully to face the other boy.

He looked nervous, silver-grey eyes guarded the way they always got whenever he came close to talking about anything to do with his past; and Tris half wished he’d extricated Artemis from the nest she’d made of his spare school robes and brought her with him.

She’d have been a distraction, of course, but a good one. One that would have put Talon at ease in a way Tris struggled to himself, socially awkward as he was.

“Well I promise not to tell anyone you end up dancing with about how terrible you were before you let me teach you. Can’t let your reputation of being irresistible be tarnished so soon after you’ve decided to make it your defining feature.”

The teasing had Talon huffing at him in protest, but it also had most of the tension melting from his shoulders, and he moved the rest of the way into the room, setting his satchel down on one of the stacks of chairs; and Tris set the piano to playing, a simple, rolling one two three, one two three that would help them to keep time as they practiced.

He closed a little more of the distance between them, rolling his sleeves up to his elbows.

“You’ve had some lessons,” he prompted, and Talon nodded, eyes flicking between Tris’ face and the newly exposed skin of Tris’ wrists and forearms.

“Uh, yeah. I mean, when I was a kid, I think the lessons stopped when I was like twelve. I don’t remember a lot.” He shrugged a shoulder, and the walls were slower to rise, the tiny glimpse into his past more easily given than previous ones; and Tris committed the fact to his memory, another puzzle piece to add to the picture of Talon he had thus far, and closed the rest of the distance between them before he could fully retreat behind the eyes again.

“Do you remember how you’re supposed to hold another person?” Tris held out his hands, and Talon immediately flushed bright pink, suddenly unable to look Tris in the face; and Tris caught his bottom lip between his teeth in an attempt to suppress the endeared, amused grin threatening to spread across his face at how easily flustered the other boy was.

Tris couldn’t really talk, equally easy to reduce to blushing and hiding his face when flirted with, especially when the culprit was the boy now stood before him; but Tris hadn’t cultivated something of a reputation for being charming and confident, praise rolling off him like water off a duck, a sharp tongued flirtation and offhand self deprecating comment always ready on his tongue.

Talon’s movement was a stutter-stop, his hands lifting, before he took a gentle, uncertain hold of Tris’; and the shorter boy smiled up at him, trying to make sure his expression conveyed as much fondness as amusement, before carefully leading Talon’s left hand to rest against his back, high enough that the join of his thumb and first finger cradled the base of Tris’ shoulder blade.

The brunette looked like he’d stopped breathing, a little, eyes wide; and Tris felt his own breath catch in his throat, before he resolved to shatter the moment threatening to stop them in their tracks, and stuck his tongue out at Talon.

Talon blinked hard, startled; and then offered Tris a mock scowl, before sticking his tongue out at him in return, and then cracking a warm, broad grin that pulled at the corners of his eyes.

For a moment, even as Tris’ nerves faded with the broken tension, he felt a little like he’d made a misstep; like he should have let the moment stretch out, let whatever had started to happen finish by itself. It might have been good; could have been great, if he’d let the tension linger, let Talon’s mind work through it-

Or it could have gone terribly, and Talon could have spooked, or Tris could have spooked, and things would have been awkward and difficult in a way things hadn’t been with Talon so far. In a way so many of Tris’ attempts at social interaction were, and he was still riding the high of how easy it was to talk to Talon, he didn’t want to ruin everything so soon by being...

He swallowed and centred himself, pulling his mind out of the spiral it was threatening to get trapped in, and focussed on the boy in front of him.

“So, for anything very formal, you hold the other person like this, so long as you’re the taller, and the one leading. I don’t imagine there’s going to be a lot of very formal dancing, so,” and he moved Talon’s palm down his back to rest instead at the dip of his spine, in line with his waist, stifling a shiver at the drag of warmth through his shirt, “like this will probably be more appropriate.”

Talon nodded, the gesture a little rushed, while his hold on Tris’ hand tightened.

“Right,” he said, voice curiously rough; and it was only when Tris set his free hand on Talon’s shoulder, completing the position, that he really noticed how little space there was between them.

They weren’t quite chest to chest, but Tris could still feel Talon’s body heat through the inch of space, and those startling eyes of his were very close now, close enough that Tris could better pick out the silver flecks amongst the grey that made them so bright and remarkable, could better see the long spill of his eyelashes, could even see how the white streak of his hair was consistent all the way to the root, and it made questions flood his mind, how did that happen, was it natural or magical, would he tell me if I asked, would it make him shut down again, could I bring him back out of it if it did-

And he took a breath, and focused again.

“Do you remember the basic steps of a waltz?” He asked, patient and encouraging, smile spread across his face; and after a moment Talon nodded, and they started to move.

It became quickly apparent that Talon did, instinctually at least, know what he was doing. They moved easily around the room, turning in wide circles with Talon’s hand pressed firmly against Tris’ spine as he led him; and for a moment, Talon even took them in a series of sharp little circles that had Tris’ vision swimming, and giggles bursting out of him as he clutched at Talon’s shoulder so he wouldn’t pitch over due to the dizziness.

“Okay, asshole, so you remember some of your lessons,” he laughed, tugging reproachfully on a lock of Talon’s hair with the hand on his shoulder; and Talon’s voice took on that low, rumbling purr that indicated he was going out of his way to flirt.

“Oh, you’ve seen nothing yet, Karenin.”

It was all the warning he got before Talon spun him out by the hand he had a hold of, and Tris laughed, surprised and something close to delighted before Talon reeling him back in; and then they were chest to chest, Tris’ hands resting on Talon’s shoulders while the older boy had an arm wrapped tightly around his waist, holding him close while they still rocked from side to side, a vague mimicry of continued dancing.

Tris stopped breathing, was barely conscious of it as he stared up at Talon and swayed with him, keenly aware of how he could practically feel the thud of Talon’s heartbeat where they were pressed together; and there was something weighted about the way Talon looked back at him, about the hyper focus of his gaze while he held Tris flush against him.

There was something brave in those eyes for a moment, something that looked like he was about to take a leap, and he opened his mouth, fingers fisting in the loose fabric of Tris’ shirt over his hip-

And Tris watched that bravery flicker and die, before Talon offered him a soft, warm smile and loosened his hold on him.

“So what’s the verdict? Should I be walking into the Gala with a warning sign hanging around my neck?”

The frustration that flooded Tris’ chest was immediate, left an acrid taste on the back of his tongue; and he stifled it before it showed on his face, forcing the feeling down.

It wasn’t fair. He couldn’t be annoyed with Talon for not taking a leap of faith, for not trying when he wasn’t certain how it would end, when Tris himself had been doing the same, pulling back before he crossed the line between being friends and...more. He didn’t even know for sure that that was what Talon had been about to do, that he hadn’t completely imagined that look on his face, hadn’t misunderstood what he’d seen in his eyes; and even if he had been right, it still wasn’t fair to expect Talon to make the first move.

He didn’t even know how he’d react if Talon did. He’d never done this shit before.

Tris took half a step back, enough to be out of Talon’s arms, and pretended not to see the way Talon made an aborted move to reach for him when he was gone.

“I think everyone can breathe a sigh of relief. I’ll make sure there are still ice packs on hand just in case, though.” He heard the strain in his own voice, saw the flash of concern in Talon’s eyes; and he moved back over to the piano, stopping the spell and pulling his sleeves back down, seeking the comfort of having his hands half covered with wool.

He took a breath, and then turned back to look at him; and focused on the fondness that welled up in him when he found Talon watching him closely, looking like he was uncertain whether he should be concerned or hurt by Tris’ forced distance.

Tris cocked his head, eyes going soft, and willed himself to stop being so unfair and ridiculous, instead falling back on the ease of teasing the other boy.

“You’ll save one dance for me, right? It’s only fair, after I offered to practice with you and risked having you stomp all over my poor feet.” Please don’t look so worried. It’s stupid. I’m just being stupid.

Talon was quiet for a long moment that seemed to stretch out between them, before he replied softly.

“You can have as many dances as you want,” he promised, that familiar roguish grin pulling at the corner of his mouth even as his eyes remained soft, and careful.

Tris bit his tongue, bit back the what if I want all of them? and instead stepped back over to Talon, bumping their shoulders together when he was close enough.

“And steal you away from your adoring public? I could never.” The smile he shot Talon finally felt right, finally sat right on his face; and he saw the relief in Talon’s face, leaned against him a moment in a silent apology for worrying him. “Maybe I’ll monopolise you for two or three. Stage a rescue if all the attention gets overwhelming.”

Talon scowled down at him, and Tris grinned back at him, before reaching to wrap his fingers around Talon’s and squeeze gently for a moment.

The taller boy tangled their fingers together in response, squeezed back as he looked down at him; and Tris pulled a face at him, before smiling and stepping away, toward the door.

“Try not to get in trouble between now and the next time I see you, Firadel. I know your whole house has a reputation to live up to, and all, but I’m a little invested in you keeping your nose at least relatively clean.” 

It earned him a particularly long suffering look, before Talon smiled back at him, and then offered him a dorky little two fingered salute.

You’re wonderful, Tris thought helplessly, heart caught in his throat, studying the broad, charming grin spread across Talon’s face. You’re funny, and clever, and so, so nice to me, and I have no fucking idea what to do about it. 

Esma Driscoll | Colette

Esma gave his friend a calm smile. He turned his head, eyes locked on the path. Esma's mood swings could be scary and possibly deadly, but there was no way he'd EVER hurt his friends while upset "Meh, at least its over."

Tris Karenin || Caitlin 🦊

"That's one way of looking at it," he offered dryly, before chuckling softly. "You had Mildred yelling though. Mildred. That's almost impressive." He knocked his shoulder gently against Esma's, returning his smile.

Esma Driscoll | Colette

*He toppled over, as if he was hollow, words could simply not describe his expression. He blinked, before laughing uncontrollably from his spot on the ground * "Really?"

Tris Karenin || Caitlin 🦊

"What the hell, are you made of paper?" His own giggles poured out of him, and for a moment he attempted to tug Esma back to his feet; before he gave up, and dropped to sit beside his laughing friend instead, grinning down at him. "Does this always happen? People attempt a friendly bump of the shoulders and all of a sudden you're a giggling heap on the floor? Because honestly if it is a regular thing then I love it and you should expect to be bumped into at least once a week."

Esma Driscoll | Colette

Esma snorted, covering his mouth to suppress his laughter "As long as you don't bump into me while going down stairs, sending me toppling down them, I'd look forward to daily shoulder bumps."

Tris Karenin || Caitlin 🦊

"Well I promise not to do it intentionally, but there's no accounting for my clumsiness and your apparently having all the sturdiness of a house of cards." He grinned at Esma as he spoke, before hesitating a moment, fiddling with a loose thread in the knee of his trousers, before speaking again, carefully. "Can I ask you a favour?"

Esma Driscoll | Colette

Esma raised a brow, giving him a questioning look "Go for it."

Tris Karenin || Caitlin 🦊

"...I wanted to ask if you wanted to go to the Yule Gala together, as friends. Obviously you might already be going with someone? But I just...thought it could be nice, to have someone to go with who we know we'll get along with. And, you know. We'd probably have a decent amount of fun," he concluded, grinning sheepishly.

Esma Driscoll | Colette

Esma smiled "Let's see, I'm flattered you think I might be going with someone, most defiantly am not. I wasn't planning on going at all, fancy clothes and things like that aren't my jam. Buttttt, I'd hate to leave ya hanging, so sure, I'd love to!"

Tris Karenin || Caitlin 🦊

A grin spread across Tris' face, and he ducked his head, a little embarrassed. "Hmm, my hero, saving me from going stag. I'm sure you'll look great in fancy clothes; and if you see anyone cute, I can talk you up and go on and on about how lucky I am you took pity on me and decided to be my platonic date." He grins at him; and then pretends to think for a moment, tilting his head and frowning. "Or well, you know. So long as I don't call dibs first."

Esma Driscoll | Colette

Esma giggled, raising a brow once more "Is that so? Pretty bold aren't cha." Esma got up, turning his head over his shoulder as he walked away "Best of luck then."

Tris Karenin || Caitlin 🦊