felix

——Ring's POV——

[BLACK]

It was our first birthday since the tension between Nica and I loosened.

And mustering up my courage, I suggested we hold a birthday party together for just the two of us: something I had always wanted to do.

[PALACE - LOUNGE - DAY]

(The day's finally come…!)

Thanks to Nica, who had pleasantly agreed to the idea,

we were able to throw this party for two, despite it being before our actual birthday.

Nica: Whoa, there's food left and right here. What's going on?

Ring: Dari prepared them, saying food is essential for a party.

Nica: Ohh, well, he really went all in then.

There was so much food lined up on the lounge's table it would make one question "isn't this enough already,"

and in the center of it all was a large cake with both our names written on it.

(He said it was a surprise for the day of, but…this is incredible.)

Grateful for Dari's thoughtfulness, I sat down on the sofa.

Then I took a nearby glass and filled it with juice, my eyes meeting with Nica's.

Nica: Well then…

Ring & Nica: Prost.

Our glasses clinked when they tapped each other, signaling the start of a fun party to come.

Nica: I didn't think you'd come up saying you wanted to hold a party, all things considered.

Ring: …Well, to be honest, I always wanted to do this. We almost never celebrated together ever since leaving Haus, you know?

Nica: Ahh, true…was just going through a lot then.

As we ate, we reminisced on memories from the past.

That said, there were only a handful of times I spent our birthdays with Nica since leaving Haus.

(At some point, Nica started to avoid celebrating his own birthday.)

So, to both me and Nica, today was the first time in a long time where we were spending time together, as siblings.

Nica: Oh, right, we were gonna exchange presents too, weren't we.

Nica set down his fork before handing me a paper bag.

Nica: Here, for you.

Ring: ! Thanks, can I open it?

Nica: Mhm, go right ahead.

When I opened the bag, inside was a new gardening set.

From a new trowel to a potted plant, my eyes sparkled at all the gardening goods I took out from the bag.

But the moment I found seeds for orange roses, I looked up at Nica.

Ring: …Orange roses…in the language of flowers…

Nica: Language of flowers? I just bought it because it seemed to suit you the most, that's all.

Or so he said, but Nica gave a soft smile.

(…I'm sure he got it for me, knowing its meaning.)

I realized as soon as I saw that smile, and filled with happiness, I held the seeds close.

Ring: Thank you, I'll take care of them.

Ring: I'll show them to you right when they bloom, so wait for them.

[BLACK]

When I said this, Nica gave me his usual smile.

——Nica's POV——

[PALACE - LOUNGE - DAY]

When I saw the way my brother held the orange rose seeds, seemingly biting back a smile, I came to a realization.

(…He figured me out.)

Having figured out their meaning in the language of flowers, Ring broke out into a happy smile over and over, holding the seeds close.

I couldn't help but nearly feel second-hand embarrassment and his childish gestures—

Nica: So, you were the one who wanted to exchange presents. Did you get something too?

—so wanting to change the subject, I made a show of teasing him, which brought Ring back to reality.

Ring: I do, of course! I do…it's just…

But for some reason, he handed me a paper bag with trembling hands…

(Wait, what? He looks extremely nervous.)

I opened the bag, thinking what in the world could be inside, and—

Nica: Huh? (O_O)

Inside was a scarf that matched the color of our hair.

But, that wasn't where the problem lied—

Nica: Is it just me, or is this a bit frayed?

As I looked at the misshapened scarf, frayed areas here and there, Ring raised his voice, his face flushing.

Ring: I-it's a handwoven scarf…! (｡>\\<)

Nica: ……Handwoven!?!? Σ(°ロ°)

It didn't occur to me this was handmade by him, so I ended up letting out the loudest voice today.

Nica: Wait, sorry, but why handwoven!?

Ring: Uhm, I was looking around when I saw this written in a magazine…

Ring pulled out a magazine then, from god knows where, and opened it to the page where a handwoven scarf was written.

Nica: …Hold up, wait a minute, it says here that these are recommended things to gift to your lover!

Ring: Wha— ah…you're right!! (O_O)

But writen on there wasn't "presents to gift your sibling," but rather "recommended presents to gift your lover."

Nica: Ahahahaha!! Oh my god— that's so funny…!

I couldn't help but laugh while holding my stomach at my brother's outlandish misunderstanding.

Ring's lips trembled, his face flushed red, and unable to bear it any longer he looked down, seeming down.

Ring: …You would always gift me with presents I wanted.

Ring: But no matter how much I thought about what you wanted, nothing would come to mind…

Ring: So I thought, if it's something handmade it could convey my gratitude to you.

(Shit, I went too far.) (O_O)

I wrapped the scarf around my neck before gently patting Ring's shoulders.

Nica: Sorry, sorry. I really am happy about the present. I'll treasure it.

Nica: It's not so bad celebrating like this, just us two. Not that we know if it's actually our birthday though.

I sported a light tone, and Ring opened his mouth with a resolved air.

Ring: Um…I want to do this again next year!

Nica: Huh?

Ring: Ever since we joined Vogel, we barely got to celebrate together like this, and it was lonely for me.

Ring: So, I want to make up for that from now on.

Ring: I want to celebrate my only family's birthday!

I blinked at Ring's earnesty, but—

Nica: …If we exchange presents every year, won't it just be a cycle that goes on forever?

Ring: …!

As always, there seemed to be some sort of loophole to my brother's words, causing me to laugh.

(But, well, it should be fine.)

After all, to Ring I was his Bruderherz.

Nica: Then I've got to grant my brother's wish.

I put out my pinky finger, the corner of my lips lifting.

Nica: I'll celebrate with you, until you grow tired of me.

Ring smiled happily in response, linking his pinky with mine.

Ring: Right, it's a promise!

We exchanged a promise with our pinkies.

[BLACK]

And I felt that our "bond" had, once more, become a bit stronger.

Fin

To celebrate Nica’s birthday, which was just around the corner, I secretly booked tickets for a sightseeing cruise.

(I wonder if Nica will be happy…?)

For Nica, ships have always been a symbol of freedom.

When he was little, he longed for ships that could cross the sea and carry him endlessly into the distance.

Back then, he made up his mind that one day, he and Ring would set sail together.

Even now that he’s grown, Nica still keeps that dream tucked away in the deepest part of his heart.

Only… that dream is no longer meant for two, but for three.

Whenever he has free time, he carefully dusts the model ship in a bottle in his room.

And whenever he has business near the harbor, he always makes sure to spend a moment simply standing there, watching the ships.

I understood better than anyone that ships were something truly special to him.

(Going somewhere far away might still be difficult for now, but…)

He works so hard every single day, so I wanted him to at least taste a little of that freedom on the sea.

So I splurged and booked us tickets for a tour where you can watch the stars from the sea.

(We’ll board in the evening, look at the stars together, and in the morning watch the sun rise from the middle of the sea…)

(And there’s a luxurious dinner on board that Nica would definitely love… I can’t wait.)

What kind of expression will he make when I hand him the tickets?

With my heart light and restless with excitement, I made my way to Nica’s room.

Darius: Oh? Looks like the person who’s going to nurse him back to health has arrived.

Kate: Darius!

I came face to face with Darius just as he stepped out of the room, but…

(Did he just say… nursing?)

Tilting my head in confusion, I looked at him, and he quietly pointed back toward the door.

Darius: Nica’s come down with a fever.

Kate: …What!?

Darius: He’s been busy lately. Seems like the fatigue finally caught up with him.

Darius: It’s something that’s happened now and then since he was a kid. Usually, if he rests for a day, he’ll be fine.

I was still reeling from the sudden turn of events when Darius smiled gently at me.

Darius: He told me to keep quiet about it… said he didn’t want to pass it on to you. But someone has to look after him, right?

Darius: Apparently he doesn’t want me playing nurse, and Ring’s away on a mission, so…

With that, he gave my shoulder a light pat.

Darius: I’ll leave the rest to you.

Without sparing Darius another glance as he walked off, I hurriedly opened the door.

Nica was lying limply on the bed. He looked exhausted, but he forced his eyes open.

Nica: What is it, Dari…? You forgot someth—

The moment our eyes met, he made a bitter face and raked a hand through his hair.

Nica: …Damn that Dari. He just couldn’t keep his mouth shut.

Kate: …You were planning to keep it from me, weren’t you, Nica?

When I fixed him with a slightly stern look, he let out a resigned sigh.

Nica: ’Cause you’d definitely worry.

Kate: Of course I would.

I slipped the tickets behind my back and stepped closer to the bed.

When I placed my hand against his forehead, I was startled. It was hotter than I had expected.

(He’s literally burning up…)

Maybe my hand felt cool against his skin, because his expression softened just a little.

Nica: I figured it’d be gone in a day anyway, so I didn’t think I had to tell you.

Kate: I know you don’t like being worried over. But I hate the thought of not being able to stay by your side when you’re the one suffering.

Kate: Lean on me more. We’re lovers, aren’t we?

Nica: Precisely because we’re lovers, I wanted to look cool in front of you. You really don’t get a man’s pride, Kate.

His voice was weaker than usual as he spoke, and he tightened his grip around the hand I had resting on his forehead.

Kate: I’m not leaving your side until you’re better.

When I said that, he smiled softly, looking a little happy.

Nica: Then I’ll have to try my best to get better fast.

(He has to be well again by tomorrow… by his birthday.)

I tightened my grip around his hand, silently pouring that wish into it.

And so, I began to nurse Nica back to health.

[masterlist] [chapter 2]

tags: @malleus-draconias-rose @aceuuuuu