#thread 02

He hadn't been expecting anyone. It had been a long day, long enough that he'd requested that the servants, who'd been all too attentive since they'd arrived at Redcliffe Castle, to suspend service to his room for the time being. He didn't need maids loitering and staring after all this.

Bent over the wash stand, he'd cleaned up as best he could from the porcelain bowl, using magic to replace and warm water to clean up with, until of course, there was a knock.

He was sorely tempted to ignore it completely; he'd said no service. He didn't need his bed turned down, or a midnight snack, or whatever other little luxury these nobles often demanded. But muffled through the door, he heard Serra's quiet call, something so unanticipated that he didn't even bother to fully dry before he unlocked and opened the door. He couldn't imagine what couldn't wait till morning... until he saw the soft and silky robe wrapped around her, its neckline bowed out to reveal her collarbone, and hints of much more, besides.

Patroclus left Deidameia’s room the moment that he could and made his way back to his and Achilles’. Lycomedes had roomed them together, since as far as everyone else knew, he and Achilles were husband and wife. It was nice that they could still share a bed, he had grown so used to sleeping by his side. Ever since they were children they spent the night’s together and on the rare evening when they were apart, Patroclus could hardly sleep, his thoughts would be nothing but Achilles.

But tonight, he wished he had his own room. The shame of what he’d done cut through him like a knife. He had to tell Achilles. He would not lie to him, Achilles had never lied to him and he knew he owed the same honesty. But still he felt the guilt in his stomach settle in like rocks had been placed there. He walked about the halls, taking slow steps, until finally he was outside of their door and he opened it. 

Joly and Enjolras's relationship went how many did, much to Joly's surprise. They got together, regained memories from their previous lives, and were in love. They moved in together after dating a year and stayed with each other for two more after that when whatever it was that satisfied them both seemed to just shrink and shrink until it was gone. They broke up mutually when they realized they fell out of love.

It could have been a nasty ordeal but instead they remained friends. Joly would text him throughout the days and every now and again they'd spend some time with just the two of them at Enjolras's apartment where Joly used to live. Oddly, whatever the missing ingredient was when they broke up seemed to reappear now when they couldn't keep their hands off each other or when Joly couldn't stop walking through his days and thinking, "I have to tell Enjolras about that later." Neither chose to bring it up, at the time ending things seemed like the right decision and besides, whatever they had now was working. They were close, they slept together, they kept each other company when needed.

And Joly was seeing someone new. He was a doctor too so neither of them had a lot of time for each other with their schedules always conflicting but Joly was okay with that and so was he. They both decided an open relationship was best. He had his own drawer in Joly's apartment and where Joly used to think he had to tell Enjolras about his day, he had started instead to tell Francis. The last couple evenings he was busy with him and work but today he made plans to invite Enjolras over and give him some attention too. Joly was happy. He liked Francis and he liked Enjolras, whatever they were doing worked for him so far. He never really had to feel lonely and although he and Enjolras broke up, it was nice that they could still spend time like this, cuddling.

"So," Joly said, turning over onto his stomach and moving to leave a kiss at the corner of Enjolras's mouth, "tell me about your week. I've been rambling and I haven't seen you much lately."

❃┅;; Small feet tapped along the pavement while she walked down Tsunagari Street looking for food. It was early morning on a weekend and the streets were mostly empty. Most people would be sleeping in to catch up on the sleepless nights of the weeks. Fae having been used to waking up early was usually the first one up of her Kiznaiver group. It didn’t bother her, in fact it saved her from the embarrassment of her inability to cook something as simple as breakfast.

Fae approached a small street vendor she had heard was cheap and tasty. Without reading the menu she greeted the vendor. She made light and slightly awkward conversation with the man before finally glancing over the menu to pick what she’d like. Her stomach twisted into a knot and she muted her gasp upon realizing this was a sweet vendor. Her offered what felt like every sweet a child could muster up from their sugary imagination. Shit... She thought to herself. Thinking it was too late to back out, Fae swallowed hard and order a few items and a sweet tea. Smiling, she waved at the man and walked away tears now forming in the corner of her eyes. She hated sweets.

Parking herself at an empty table she placed her food and drink on the table and groaned. The things she did to be polite. She scarfed down the first item, a Japanese sponge cake soaked in a sugary sauce, which was quickly followed by regret. She sipped the tea and forced herself to swallow. Fae gripped her stomach and groaned feeling both nauseated and dizzy. 

“You know, I’d rather just not eat...” 

Adrian: Adrian had went back to his room to respond to the letters but he couldn’t get his mind off the servant girl. He called his personal squire to the room asking him to fetch her and for her to bring some wine.

Lucia: Lucia spent a little while among the other women in the kitchen, preparing for the next meal as normally as she could, but she found it hard to do so with their new cold attitudes. It was almost a relief when the prince’s squire came to get her. Lucia washed her hands before fetching a bottle of what she deemed to be good wine. Quickly, she forged through the hallways to the prince’s chambers, knocking on the door again, waiting for permission to enter.

Adrian: "Come in," he called setting his quill to one side. He loosened his shirt and smiled as the girl entered. "Thank you," he said.

Lucia: Lucia entered the room quickly, shutting the door behind her. She curtsied before him then set down the bottle of wine at his desk, standing in front of him with her fingers playing with each other. “Of course, Sir.”

Adrian: Adrian pulled a chair to his table, “Sit.” He said. He wondered how the news had gone down in the kitchen so he poured two glasses holding one to her. “Drink, and tell me. How are the other servants?”

Lucia: Lucia sat down at his word, taking the glass in her hand with care. She examined the contents of the glass with care. She had never had wine before. “They are cold and distant, more so than usual. They usually don’t have much care for me, but they hold scorn now.” She looked at the glass again, frowning at the foreign drink, unsure of whether she should drink it or not.

Adrian: Adrian took a sip from his wine and eyed her curiously. “It’s not poison I can assure you,” he joked. But he wondered if she had ever tasted wine before. “It’s beautiful, I promise.”

Lucia: Lucia looked at him and nodded, glancing at her glass again. She raised it to her mouth and took a cautious sip, letting a small amount of liquid slip past her red lips. Her eyes grew bigger at the revelation that she found the taste quite pleasant. “It’s delightful,” she admitted, looking at him. “Thank you.”

Adrian: Adruan smiled glad she liked it. “I’m sorry the girls are scornful of you I did try to let them know it was because if you’re great service. I don’t want people to think you are like them,” he said. It was true she was the first girl to help him all the rest had jumped into bed with him with one flirtatious comment from him.

Lucia: "I think that is why they were so frustrated, Sir. To them, the idea that I could have been of more use to you through actual service is an insult. They had given you themselves, after all." She shrugged. "I try not to sleep with men until I feel I do not have a choice but to obey."

Adrian: "But they wanted me too, Lucia. Don’t let fool you as I never sleep with a woman who doesn’t consent." He added in defense but he understood what she meant. Her words filled him with sadness hating to think she was ever forced by a man. "I am sorry. I wish I could have been their to help you no man should force a woman, they romance her and make love to her." He said showing her his softer side. "When you do find a man deserving of it do enjoy it also. Don’t be too reserved."

 Lucia: "Of course, Sir, I didn’t mean to imply that you wouldn’t," she assured him. Lucia smiled at him and nodded at his words, almost amused by his naivety. "I’m a servant girl, Sir, it’s my job to serve to my very best, whether I want to or not. But thank you for your words, they are greatly appreciated." A blush settled across her cheeks at the direction their conversation was taking. "Of course, thank you," she mumbled, embarrassed.

Adrian: "Well now you’re my servant girl and no one else can ask for you. If they do you come to me and I’ll speak with them." Adrian said, not wanting her to go through that again.

Lucia: "You have done a lot for me today. More than I could ever ask or hope for. Thank you so much, Sir," she replied, gratitude surging through her voice. She felt odd, sitting and speaking freely in front of the prince, but she stayed. "Is there any way I could be of assistance to you?"

Adrian: Adrian felt good for changing her life in someway by just doing the smallest of things he takes for granted. “You stood up to me and held your own, I liked that. You’re a strong woman,” he commented. Adrian poured himself some more and topped her glass. “I want you to join me for dinner at the Royal table, serve me with my family so the court knows that you’re mine. Doea that sound okay?”

Lucia: "Thank you. I’m sorry if I sounded rude at first. I am… cautious, at best." Lucia’s mouth opened slightly at his proposal as she pondered it. It could mean security for herself, but it could also mean danger. But after all he had done for her, saying no was the last thing on her mind. "Yes, of course, Sir. Won’t your family mind at the suddenness?"

Adrian: "Don’t ever apologise that’s why you’re here right now you stood up to me." Adrian explained. He then shrugged, "My Father will respect that I’m making choices for a future. You’ll be my first perosnal servant."

Lucia: Lucia nodded, listening to him speak. “As far as jobs go, what exactly does this entail?” As far as she knew, she hadn’t conversed with the personal servants of any of the royals. She really had no idea what to expect.

Adrian: "Not much more than you do already but we need to get you better clothes," he commented.

Lucia: Lucia looked down at her dress and ran her hands over the fabric. “I’m sorry, I didn’t have much when I first came to the castle,” she explained, looking up at him.

Adrian: Adrian moved his eyes over her endeared by the poor fabric. She still looked better than most girls in the court. “Don’t worry,” he called his personal squire and sent him to fetch a dress fit for a personal servant in court. “You’ll fight in you respect yourself which is a lot more than can be said for most people in that place.”

Lucia: She nodded with a smile. “Happiness isn’t easy to find, is it? I don’t think you can find it at all if you can’t respect yourself. Where can you find happiness if you can’t find it in yourself? My mother always told me that the only thing that could stop me from being happy is myself because I’m the foundation for my happiness.” Her smile grew until she was grinning. “She was very intelligent, even gave me some education. Taught me everything I know.”

Adrian: Adrian smiled as she talked her Mum sounded like a amazing woman. “I’ll do my best to find them, I promise.” He assured her.

Lucia: "That means a lot," she responded, her grin dropping for a small, genuine smile. "Thank you so much. Really."

Adrian: "I’m in a good mood a beautiful woman woke me today. How could I not be?" He said with a smirk.

Lucia: Lucia flushed pink, a blush settling on her cheeks at the compliment. “Thank you, Your Highness,” she replied with modesty.

Adrian: Adrian smiled and finished his wine. He looked at the letters and sighed. “I don’t want to reply to Antonia.”

Lucia: Lucia glanced at the letters as he sighed, feeling sympathy for him. She can’t imagine what it must be like to have to wed a woman he held no feeling for. “You do not like her, Sir?” she asked gently.

Adrian: Adrian shrugged, “Not really she’s not warm. I respect her but I at least want a wife who cares and has a good heart. I could grow to love her.” He clenched his jaw and dipped his quill in the ink. “I’ll write to her as if I’m writing to the girl I do like.”

Lucia: "You are in love?" she asked, her eyes wide. Pity flooded through her at the idea of having to abandon love and the possibility of love for a loveless marriage bound only by duty. She reached out and touched her fingers to his hand. "I’m very sorry that you’re in this situation."

Adrian: Adrian was surprised by her touch at first thinking how bold it was but smiled placing upon hers and squeezing. “I have led a fulfilled and privileged life it’s time I made sacrife for the people in my Kingdom.” He then let out a laugh, “And no I’m not in love but a girl as made me feel something new which could be the beginnings of love?” He said almost questioning his own theory as he had never been in love before.

Lucia: Lucia returned his smile, nodding at his words. “It is a brave step to take. You know that, right?” Not many would so readily make that sacrifice. Lucia shrugged at him, her smile slightly sad. “That is unfortunate. She would have been a lucky girl, I think.” As a male, he had the option to take women on as mistresses. But his attitude made her sincerely doubt that he would do that.

Adrian: "I know part of me is still screaming at myself but it’s what is needed." Adrian looked at her longingly wondering if their lives were different would they have been good together. She really was beautiful and he had never been able to talk to someone as easy as it was with her. "Can you write? I’ll narrate?" He asked.

Lucia: "Perhaps you can fall in love with her and fall out of love before you must get married," she suggested. "There is a chance for closure if you do that." She looked at him curiously as she caught his gaze. "Of course," she replied. Lucia pulled her closer to the table and to him. She took the quill and the paper from him gently, neatly addressing the letter to Antonia. Lucia looked at him, waiting for him to start narrating.

Adrian: Adrian noticed how close she was and he let his eyes run over her profile taking her in. “Dearest Antonia, I write to you with happy news. For I have longed for your proposal of a partnership ever since I saw how beautiful you were as the morning sun light caressed the contours of your sweet face. I too agree that our unity would bring peace to our Kingdom’s but I also hope it can bring us a future of love and happiness. Forever yours, Prince Adrian.” He looked at her the whole time he spoke almost as if imagining it was to her. ” Too much?”

Lucia: As he started speaking, Lucia turned to the paper, her hand moving across the crisp sheet quickly. She wrote elegantly, a small smile on her face as she listened to him speak. Lucia shook her head as she finished writing, looking to him. “If she has half a heart, she would be charmed by this. The girl you are captivated by would have been a lucky had she had the privilege of knowing your love, I think,” she complimented, placing the quill down.

Adrian: Adrian chuckled softly. “If she hasn’t realised yet I don’t know if she ever will.” He signed the letter and pouted. “It’s official now and I’m a good Catholic no mistresses for me.”

Lucia: Lucia glanced at him, wondering who had captured his attention. “Maybe you should tell her then,” she suggested, a smile playing at her lips. “I didn’t think you’d be one to take a mistress,” she said.

Adrian: "It’s too soon to tell her maybe in time," he said fingers crossed something happened to the letter for Antonia.

Lucia: "Well, I hope for your sake that it all works out," she answered, running her free hand through her hair. A few strands fell to her cheek as she pulled her hand away.

Adrian: Adrian let his eyes move over her not realising how dark and soft her hair looked. Lost in the moment he reached over to softly tuck the loose strands behind her ear his fingertips caressing her soft as he did.

Lucia: Lucia looked at him with wide eyes as he moved to touch her. Surprise struck her when he tucked her hair behind her ear and she cocked her head slightly, leaning into his touch with great caution.

Adrian: "Don’t hide your face. It’s beautiful," he said softly smiling at hers brown eyes on hers.

Lucia: "Thank you," she murmured shyly, smiling genuinely at him at his words. She glanced at him, folding her hands on her lap

Adrian: Adrian moved back, “How’s your wine?” He asked changing the subject.

Lucia: "It’s very good," she replied, transitioning easily. "But it makes me feel a little dizzy so I stopped drinking it."

Adrian: He smiled, “Yes it does that. But you’ll get a tolerance.” Adrian walked to his bed and lay down. “Would it be bad if I burned that letter?”

Lucia: Lucia laughed, watching him as he lay down. She stood up, uncertain of whether it was proper for her to be sitting down when he was not. “If you truly do not want to do it, Sir, maybe it’s not the best option,” she commented, standing in her spot.

Adrian: Adrian patted the side of his bed. “You do realise you can be comfortable and relax round me? We just have to keep up appearances of position in front of others.” He said. “But maybe you’re right…I could talk with her first before declaring love.” He added.

{❀}—; The moment she lifted her head from her pillow, Futaba was looking forward to wandering the city. Sight seeing sounded fun. With tangled hair, Futaba walked to the washroom and brushed it out until remembering she didn't want to come across as someone trying to look cute. If she tried too hard to look nice, people would eventually leave you all alone. Putting the brush down she shook her head and teased her hair just enough so it looked a little messy. Without even remembering to eat breakfast, out the door she was.

{❀}—; Once she had wondered deeper into town she realized she had forgotten to eat. Her stomach made a loud grumbling noise. It was embarrassing to have had such a sound come from her, but she didn't really mind. After all if she was going to be with other people as long as no one was ever jealous of her, they could stay friends. If she acted unappealing there was no way anyone would be jealous of her. Nodding the girl walked into a café. Sunflower Café read the sign. "Ah.. What a cute name." she said to herself then walked into the building. 

{❀}—; Futaba blinked a few times. The place was packed. Most of the tables were full or already had a few people sitting. It was very homey here, cute even. The brunette ordered her food, a tray filled with several pastries far more than a girl her size would usually eat. Once she went looking for a seat she realized a fair amount of the mostly empty tables consisted of males. No... Where was she suppose to sit? Spotting a table near the back with a lone girl she hurried over there. Getting closer she noticed the red scarf around her neck. Her head tilted to once side. "Aren't you hot wearing that..?" She asked.

Sometimes, strange ideas can result from having nothing to do during your free time. But really this idea wasn't strange at all, considering Ichiro Tsukuda was the one who thought of it. Basically, this was it: there aren't many people in the city at the moment, correct?  So, what if he went out and made the best first impression possible on everyone he saw?

This is what he planned to do; he was going to walk around, find a new face, and use the best pick-up lines he knew. What better way is there to introduce yourself than with pick-up lines? Trick question. There is no better way than to introduce yourself with pick-up lines. With that thought, Ichiro spent the next fifteen minutes wandering around Caelum, searching for someone new and-- oh, who was this? A tall boy with black hair, minding his own business? Hm. This could either go really well or terribly wrong. Though, not exactly caring, Ichiro approached the boy and cleared his throat loud enough to grab his attention.