//. ARCHIVED. * I'M NOT A PART OF YOUR AGENDA .

    as soon as who he’s talking to becomes clear to him, a smile curls onto his own features. it’s true that had he anticipated finding anyone he knew in the library, alvaro would the most unlikely candidate. “i should have known.” he’ll murmur, his words to be taken in jest. lachlan was, after all, somewhat aware of the other boy’s interest in everything out of this world. he can’t say he blamed him for his intrigue, if he could be anywhere else -- he’s sure he’d choose a different planet. escaping planet earth seemed almost too desirable recently. “i guess i’m going to have to take a chance, choose a few that have pretty covers...though i suppose they always say not to judge a book on those.” he’ll tease, his fingers stroking across the books' spines. “or you can read your astronomy books to me. i always did find the spanish accent particularly delightful.” 

eyes widen and his smile brightens when her familiar voice hits his ears, quick to turn to face her, enveloping her in the hug of the century. he liked to cling on those he felt safest around and in recent years, the list had shortened quite significantly. “i thought i was never going to see you. this palace is too big.” he grumbles then, before pulling away; smile never wavering. “...and i don’t know, something to distract me from the horror that is this summit.” he’ll suggest playfully, raising a brow in her direction. in truth, he knew he shouldn’t speak of the event such a way. if the wrong people heard him, it’d surely cause wars -- at least that’s how it seemed to be described to him before he’d chosen to actually make an appearance. “how have you been?"

“don’t make me pout, leo. i’m already sad enough that i’ve had to come to this bleak excuse for a palace. being deprived necessary candy might be what kills me.” lockie teased back in response, always thankful for the other man’s playful nature. it’s what set him apart from most people, he never had a bad word to say about leo. he doubted he ever would. his beam grows to an astronomical level at what is said next, “yes! my man. i’m so happy for you.” he means it too. pearly whites on full display.  he didn’t think it was weird for a betrothed couple to genuinely like each other, he wished that was how it worked for all of them. however, he’d be the first to admit it couldn’t have happened to a better couple. “was it good? or is that a weird question to ask. regardless, i am proper -- proper impressed.” he waggles his brows then, since it was certainly his turn to tease him right back.

deep down inside, lachlan concerned himself with the possibility that xavier genuinely cared for nobody and nothing at all. the way he’d so expertly turned on him enough to convince him that the boy was lacking a soul. he’d succumb to his hatred for the younger prince so suddenly, he hadn’t had much room or time to understand the full extent and reasoning. all he knew was that xavier had gone out of his way to successfully ruin the one good thing in his life and for that, he’d never ever forgive him. the prince tried not to let anybody get under his skin, right now though, fire was running through his veins and frustration loomed over him like a dark cloud. “oh, you’re really trying it, huh? if there is one single slither of heart or soul in that frankly second-rate physique of yours. i will find it and i will use it against you.” 

he’s appreciative for the suggestions, at last now he has some grasp of what to look for. even if he’s expecting it to be like finding a needle in a haystack. “you know i’ve only heard of one of them and -- read neither, is that awful of me?” he’ll ask then, moving towards the section where he predicts shakespeare will be stored. “can you give me a hint of what to expect from both? will i have to have tissues at the ready or will i be embarrassing myself laughing in public?” he always prided himself on his ability to ask the important questions. maybe this was an -- exception.

“you know what i meant, smart ass.” he teased, relaxing into the hug he gives her shoulder a gentle squeeze. he pulls away and bites down on the smile that threatens to expose his amusement over her own playful response. “the princes? am i more likely going to receive a positive reaction from them, then? are you my way in, there?” he’ll ask then, before frowning at her final words. “same, same. was hoping i wouldn’t have to attend this shit show but apparently being a crown prince makes me distinct and very difficult to miss.” he’ll admit with a sigh, “now i’m just excited to get it over and done with.” 

“you’re right, most definitely. foiled me again.” he snorts, not entirely convinced he was even noble in the first place. he just cared about his sister. he’d care about her regardless of his title, of what was expected of him. granted, he was feeling like quite the failure of a older brother, but he was trying to work through that. be better, or -- something. if it wasn’t too late for that. “a very good choice. here comes the sun has always been a personal favourite of mine.” he’ll admit, his smile brightening up a little. 

“well, they do say opposites attract, don’t they? perhaps that’s true.” the prince shrugs his own shoulders. lockie had been doing his utmost not to care about romance or anything in regards to it, including other couples. he’d tell himself it was moronic, but there was a quiet, lost, hopeless romantic under all the cynic. his own smile falters as soon as the other does and he’s not entirely sure how he even feels about his own betrothal anymore. he’d been completely opposed to it, but now he just felt guilty that artem was lumbered with him. “it’s not fair to the youngest, the eighteen year olds...nineteen year olds. such a burden to wear at such a young age.” he’ll admit. “no chance at fun, not really. no chance at exploring or -- being able to find out who they are. it’s insane, really.”

“they certainly are. i think it’s what makes travelling back and forth more interesting. even if you’ve visited a place countless times. it’s never the same.” he’ll admit with ease, his smile bright as she introduced herself. “i think you’re company is good enough, alcohol consumed or not. it’s a pleasure to meet you, klarisza. i’m lachlan and very surprised we’ve never met properly, before.” 

he holds back a laugh at that, “isn’t nobility in the royal job description?” lachlan was fairly certain whoever was drudging up the secrets of the royals around him was in the building. however, that fact alone wasn’t enough to force him to hold himself back. he didn’t feel as though he had very much to lose at this point and if he focused on what he said to which royal and those little fixtures became a part of the redqueen’s nonsense then, he was sure to trim down the list of who it could be. “all you can do in life is try, sir. what about the beatles? i love the beatles. or the beach boys...anything from that era was pretty impressive, to be honest.”

finally, a royal he wished to share his time with. his smile blooms and brightens as he turns quickly to face his friend. “well look who it is, i was wondering when you’d make an appearance.” he speaks as though he isn’t the one who was tardy to the party. “i did, but apparently it was a request they could not follow through with. do they not know who i am?” he teased back, “alice and wonderland and jane eyre though, huh? you know i trust your opinion implicitly. about absolutely everything. how have you been, my sweetness?” 

“sorry to let you down, man. i guess your personality might be a smidgen of the reasoning too.” he assures him then, raising his hand to convey a tiny measurement between his thumb and index finger, teasing him further. laughter spilled from his own lips and whilst he was sure, absolutely certain that he didn’t deserve such lovely people in his life like the male in front of him. he’d do his utmost to keep their friendship on solid footing. he cocks a brow when he starts to explain everything. estelle was someone else he held in high regard, so it was no surprise how full and warm his heart felt at the prospect of the two of them getting on so well. “is that so? how super well are we talking, mr leo? are you treating miss estelle well?” it was nice to see two people happy with who they were matched with, made him feel a little bit better about it all -- albiet only a smidgen, but still.

he smiles, because he’s not remotely scared of the other boy. “the problem is, kennedy -- that whilst doing what you did ultimately destroyed my life. you’ve made it so i’m completely untouchable.” he’ll admit then, with a cock of his head. “i have nothing left to lose. can you say the same?” he’ll ask him then, brow peaking upwards as he takes a step closer. his voice is quiet but full of venom as his gaze bores into the other’s own. “don’t try me, xavier -- because i will win this time and you’ll wish you never even met me.” 

“i mean, what works works, right?” the prince asks with his own chuckle echoing the other man’s. “i haven’t read for pleasure for a long time, i’m trying to get back into it...whilst we’re stuck it in this regal prison, i thought i might as well -- you know? maybe we can start a book club.” he’ll suggest after that, fingers tapping at the books.