he doesn’t notice it at first - maybe while observing enemy camps from afar, he’ll wonder what you’re doing at the same moment, maybe in writing a report he’ll wonder if he should write you a letter.

Observing a fight, he would find himself trying to imagine how your skills would help, while crossing markets would make him think of souvenirs that’ll make you smile

slowly, thoughts of you slipping into his thoughts would grow in frequency until you’re all that he can think of, by then, Cale knows he’s been away for far too long

at that point he’ll find a way to visit you, whether it is to return home to ‘collect’ a forgotten item, or to find Alberu to discuss top secret information that can’t be shared through video recording devices

one way or another, he’ll find a way to return to Roan and somehow, you’ll always be the first one he’ll find

and if he held you closer during those days (and maybe invited you to join the latter half of his quest) well.. that’s a story for another time

Choi Han

lately there’s been a rising singer that caught the public’s attention, yours included

he’s endeared by your enthusiasm and listens attentively to your gushing, even if he understands little about music nor have any talent for it himself

perhaps at times, he’d feel a little out of place, seeing your love for their art but being unable to replicate even a small percentage of it made him feel somewhat.. disappointed

aside from holding a sword, he’s basically average in everything else (that not being his fault, as he’s not had time nor rest to explore or develop hobbies)

and every time you go to watch one of their performances to return utterly rejuvenated, Choi Han feels a little more worried

he’s not afraid per se that you’ll leave him for the singer, but perhaps he’d harboured envy for a skill that doesn’t involve spilling blood

he’d wondered if he’s even able to bring such brightness to your smile the same way listening to the singer’s voice does (in fact there were many times)

eventually, one night as you headed out to attend yet another performance you found yourself held back by the softest grip on your sleeve

looking back to find Choi Han looking lost “Please stay.”

surprised by the vulnerable mumble you agreed

you eventually got him to talk about his confusion and feelings and talked it out with him

you cared little if he knew nothing but the way of the sword. being with him brought you unlimited joy, more than attending your favorite singers’ live performances

you fell in love with Choi Han and that’s not going to change

you spent the rest of the night cuddling each other, wrapped in the comforts of each other’s warmth

Alberu Crossman

to be fair, they were your childhood friend, your bosom buddy whom you haven’t seen since you’ve moved to live in the capital

so he can’t blame you for your excitement and glee and was incredibly understanding when you spent most of your time with them

he’d gladly listen to you gush about your adventures and recount how your day with said friend had been

he’d easily befriend them too

but then he begins to notice you’re spending less and less time around him to be with them

and when every conversation starts and ends with their name on your lips

perhaps some intervention was necessary

It comes out casually in the middle of tea. “I wonder now, do you talk about me in front of them as much as you talk about them in front of me?”

…

“Alberu are you jealous?”

and he’ll admit it easily as jealousy is just another emotion anyone living would experience in their lifetime- won’t you take pity on him and spare him more time?

Alberu’s patient and a gentleman even now and his simple confession made you painfully aware of how you’ve neglected him the past week

you quickly made sure to make up to him, reorganising your schedule to spend it with him (success!)

to be honest, it’s alright to enjoy your time around your best friend as he’s not one who wishes to monopolise how you spend your time