sandwichbasket | OPEN POST/TFLN CONTINUATIONS

[ The blankets move. Which means that Theo is moving beneath them, though he can't tell much more. ]

Not even at the best of times, really.

[ It's fond. Fond and something of an odd thing to say about someone one has met not long ago, as most would find 'wow you're not good with people huh' to be a thinly veiled insult. It probably is somewhat invasive to stay, if the few things he has come to understand about the phenomenon are true and true across shard and source. But the tea is poured, now. And he is worried. ]

I won't stay long. Just until my tea is finished. And you need not speak, if it troubles you to. I would simply be certain that you are well.

[ Footsteps approaching. The soft noise of a cup being placed down carefully next to the bed. The footsteps move away, then the crumpling of fabric as he sits down at the table, blowing on his own tea. ]

The viis have never been forthcoming about the particulars of their kind, and never have I had reason to ask them to be so long as they are able to receive what they need from spagyrics. [ He shouldn't presume, but it's fine so long as he's vague. Right? Right? ] If this concerns- one of those particulars, they may be able to help you. They have the plants on hand to prepare traditional viis remedies. Though the Crystarium has never sheltered one of the menfolk of your kind before, so I do not know know effective they would be for you.

[ It is entirely invasive to stay, especially since Theo's more or less implied that it's better if he's left alone at the moment. Though he doesn't take the statement as insult. It... Is more or less true.

Besides. His focus is entirely on not reaching out to snatch up the wrist that is setting the tea down at the bedside table. All of Theo's willpower goes into it, enough that his fingers and ears twitch. Curse him for him close. For a moment, the Viera bites at the pillow, keeping himself in check. He only seems to relax when the Exarch has taken a seat, but even that is... Questionable. "Relax" perhaps isn't the best of terms for it. Less tense, maybe. ]

I've never tried.

[ Since he's always just dealt with it on his own after he had left. Not once has Theo bothered to share in these moments with another. He has no idea if it will hurt or help.

Still! That's really the only answer that the Exarch will receive. Theo knows that he really shouldn't do what he is about to but the allure of something to cool his blood is too great. Thus he shifts, pushing the blankets off of him. ~~Now there should be no question of whether or not the room is about to smell of Theo~~ There's no way to drink the tea under the blankets and keep things neat, so he's little choice.

Gone are the usual feathers and braiding in his hair and the Viera definitely looks ruffled. Unkempt. Tired. Additionally shirtless, but that should be expected. He's only reaching out for the tea and to partake of it. Anything to not feel that burning. ]

[ Ah. That certainly is a smell. It isn't bad so much as it is just very, very noticeable. He tries to be subtle about holding his cup under his nose while he inhales for a few breaths, to make the transition a little easier. ]

From a prison of cotton and wool, the great hero emerges.

[ He chuckles, sipping at his tea. Despite everything, it still feels correct to be here. Still feels right to be talking in the shadow of the tower, to be saying some nonsense to a Theo who isn't really in the mood to hear it. ]

You're certain that you don't want company? This all seems particularly miserable.

[ There's an ear twitch at the comment and a small frown pulls at Theo's lips. Ah yes. Telltale sign of irritation. The teasing... Oh how he had almost forgotten that the one across the room does so love to tease. That there had been a time where delight might have received from getting under the Viera's skin.

Too bad that might be desired by said Viera. In a different sense, of course. ]

The world is too loud.

[ Theo comments, huffing. Without that "prison of cotton and wool" everything is assaulting his ears again. He grunts, ears unable to stop their twitching at every little sound.

As does his fingers as he almost takes hold of the cup - the Exarch questioning the need for company. ]

I'd rather be miserable than a burden.

[ Because being clingy and a literal furnace is definitely a burden to some. He finally picks up his cup and huddles as far back on the bed as he can, blowing before taking a sip. ]

You think you might be a burden.

[ He says it softer than anything so far, setting down his cup. ]

My friend. I have asked you to fight terrible battles. Asked you to fight and bleed and risk life and loss that people with whom you do not share a star might live joyfully. I have asked you to pull two worlds from the jaws of damnation.

There is very little you could ask of me that might be burdunsome. There is very little at all that I would not do and do gladly, were it for you.

[ He sits there upon the bed, slowly taking sips of the tea. The initial heat from it steeping makes Theo uncomfortable. However the coolness of the mint itself is. Somewhat a relief. It will not last long but... At least it's there. Cool and crisp. ]

You have not asked anything of me that I've not already done. Not because it has been asked of me, but because I desire to do so.

[ Though no one should make such confessions. The Viera really has no willpower to deny or fight off the need for another's presence next to his own when statements like that are made. ]

You do not realize what it is you ask. I am mostly in control of my decision making processes. Making any offers will ensure you do not leave this room for at least several days. Minimum.

You may do this of your own will, but I have asked it of you nonetheless.

[ The sound of fur scratching against cloth. His ears are trying to shift against the his hood, even if the material of it is too thick for the movement to show from the outside. He wants to help. He wasn't lying when he said that there is close to nothing he would not do if it saw the Warrior safer and more comfortable.

He knows how all of this will end. And he has no desire to be mourned when it does. Every little thing he does now will make it more difficult then. Will make the betrayal cut deeper.

But he is weak, faced with Theo's distress. ]

I will finish my tea, then. And see to it that I am not needed for anything for a few days. [ That will make some people happy. The gods know Lyna has been suggesting, increasingly sternly, that he set aside his work for a few days for about the last year. ] And I shall make offers upon my return.

[ He knew a mystel boy once, a G'raha Tia. He would have never been so bold as this. ]

[ Theo, of course, has no clue what the Exarch's designs are. Hasn't the faintest idea why the Miqo'te would hide under all of those robes. Though the Viera has never pressed for answers either. As much as he'd like to have all of those answers, he understands that they are not his to give.

He's staring into his cup, thinking that his words have put the matter to rest. After all, who truly wants to be holed up in a room with an overly affectionate Viera for a couple of days? Aggressively affectionate at that. Though neither has come right out and said what is going on with Theo, it's clear that even the Exarch knows something of the nature of what ails him.

But then the other says something unexpected. Something that implies he will be staying. It's enough for Theo to look up and his ears perk up and forward. No, G'raha would never have been this bold, but apparently the Exarch is.

It makes Theo drop his head again, releasing a breathless laugh. ]

How unfair. I've not the willpower to turn you away.

I have found myself described as a villain of late. It seems only right that I act the part, does it not?

[ He drinks his tea slowly, thoughtfully, trying not to be too obvious about watching Theo as he tries to figure out what might be done to help him. More mint for tea. Earplugs, perhaps, as a last resort. Aloe, perhaps, to cool the skin. Or thin layers of cloth, dampened and frozen.

Eventually, he places the cup down. ]

I shan't be offended if you dismiss me, when I return. But I would ask you to do so only if you wish to. Put aside any notions of burdening me. Because in truth, I have never felt lighter than I have since your arrival

That description must only come from yourself. The entirety of the Crystarium does naught but sing your praise.

[ So says the Viera between sips of tea. The Exarch is hardly a villain and he'd be hard pressed to convince anyone of this. Poor thing has set himself up to fail on that account.

Fingers squeeze around the cup a bit tighter all the same. His "wishes" and "wants" are kind of all jumbled up right now. Therein lies the problem. Theo has been through this before - both with "company" and without. The instinctual drive and desires he is familiar with. They are nothing new. However they have never quite so aligned with his personal ones before. It isn't just what Theo is experiencing that craves the Exarch's company - it is also Theo himself and that is what is throwing him off. This is what is making it difficult for the Viera to maintain his usual status quo.

And now that the other has said he's willing to stay? There's no possible way that Theo can let go of the idea. ]

I suppose we'll see if you return. [ Slight hope that maybe the other will be preoccupied? ] Though Lyna might have suggested that you seem. Happier.

From our friends in Eulmore. They were all too clear about it, during my visit.

[ Or his glamour's visit, to be more truthful.

He speaks as he takes things out of his basket - not everything, because he'd packed it with things to bring to someone experiencing a chill, and the truth is the opposite, but some. Bags of biscuits, of dried apples and pixieberries for tea. The rest he'll put away before he returns, bring things better suited to the problem. ]

I thought I had been a little more subtle than that. [ He's by the door as he says it, pausing there to speak before he leaves. ] But then, if anyone would have taken note of it, it would have been she.

I would not take to heart what it is that they say.

[ Theo watches the other move about the room. Take things out of the basket and set them aside. It seems as though he is weighing what to keep here and what to take back with him. He wonders if the Exarch is overthinking things just a touch.

There's a click from cup meeting table that makes Theo wince. It's from none other than himself as he sets the now empty thing down and start to buckle down into the blankets once more. ]

'Tis not just she.

[ It had been quite the talk of the city in general. People have noticed. People have questions. However they respect their leader too much to inquire.

Right now though, Theo thinks that he can make due. He can already feel his body temperature lowering, if only temporary. Perhaps he can find some rest in the moments before the effects wear off. Either way, he will not be moving from this spot. ]

[ Of course he's overthinking things. It's what he does. ]

…significantly less subtle than I thought I had been, then.

[ He'll have to watch himself to keep gossip under control, he thinks, as he considers what will need to be seen to so that he can lock himself in a room with Theo for a few days. A thing that is entirely compatible with watching himself to avoid gossip. ]

I shall be back once I know if I can be spared for a few days. If I can, then I am at your disposal, entirely.

[ He closes the door behind him as softly as he can, and for a few bells Theo has peace. Slightly more peace than before, in fact. There's little that can be done about the constant assault of incidental sounds, but people seem to be avoiding walking the hallway outside his room unless they have to, and when they do they're quick and quiet about it.

In the absence of an unforeseen emergency, he can be spared for a few days. The people of the Crystarium govern themselves more often than not, he'd done all he could to make sure that outside of the task of operating the tower, he would never truly be needed. It was always meant to outlive him, after all. Most of its people are only too glad to see him taking a few days away from his work. Nobody brings up the suspiciously-timed absence of the latest guest.

He spends entirely too long paralysed by the question of whether or not to bring oil. Presumptuous. Wrong. It makes him feel as if he's hoping for-

-he it not hoping for Theo to be in such distress that he will have any use at all for a crystal-ruined body. He is hoping that this will be nothing more than continuing to sit for tea, waiting out the condition, giving what support he can. Which does not mean he is not thinking about Theo having use for a crystal-ruined body. But he has thought about a lot of ridiculous things.

(Oil. But tucked into a corner of the basket, covered by other things.)

His footsteps are so careful and the knock on the door so soft that Theo can probably hear his heartbeat more clearly than either, drumming in his chest as it is. ]

[ The Exarch can say that he is going to be more careful, that he will watch what he says and how he will present himself, yes. However will he be able to really keep that up? Will he be able to contain himself?

In the moments after the other departs, Theo does notice the difference. It is a fair bit quieter than it had been and he's not so far gone to not be able to put two and two together. The Viera is finally able to poke his head out of the blankets, even if he is holding onto that pillow rather tightly. He's able to find rest for a bell or so, but not much longer than that. Theo will wake to find that he's kicked off the blanket entirely, body temperature rising once more.

The Viera moves to the table, slowly as if on a cloud. There's always been food left here. Various fruits and the like. Theo is likely going to need something more substantial than that with heat burning away calories. Though for now it will do, Theo taking a moment to pick up something from the bowl and eating it. Yet he does pick up remnants of the Exarch's scent. And he hates his heightened senses for it. Especially when it takes him to the sink. Just lingering in the spaces that the Exarch had.

At least until he breaks himself away long enough to draw himself a glass of water. And that's when his ears twitch at the sound of the door. When he can hear that heartbeat. ]

Come in.

[ He does, quietly as before. ]

As it happens, I am all but entirely replicable. Half the city would rather I leave my post a few days. [ A chuckle. ] I shall try not to be too insulted by that.

[ He isn't insulted. He knows that they worry, good people all of them. That they're overjoyed he's spending time away from his work. That, no doubt, any gossip that's spreading about his newfound lightness of heart comes from a place of wanting him to be happy. They're kinder than he deserves, every last one of them.

He sets his basket down again, taking a facecloth from it. He soaks it in the sink, then wrings it out as best he can. Then, a simple ice spell. ]

So in the absence of some terrible disaster- [ Smiling, he holds the frozen cloth out to Theo. ] -I am yours.

[ Theo, of course, does not leave the sink. Rather he continues to drink from his glass of water as the Exarch moves about the room. He's unpacking some things from the basket - a full one, Theo notes - and the Viera wonders if there's enough to weather the next couple of days. The red mage is about to pour another for himself, his throat ridiculously dry, when the other man sees fit to enter his personal space. Theo can only stare, a bit transfixed on mismatched hands working the washcloth and then applying a bit of magic to it.

Now the impulse hits a bit hard and Theo a bit too tired to fight it off when the Exarch has made his stance on the matter perfectly clear. The Exarch is not going anywhere. So instead of just outright accepting the cloth, Theo drops his head upon that covered shoulder. This is actually better... ]

What terrible phrasing. Let's hope that you haven't made some horrible miscalculation here.

[ Terrible phrasing, Theo calls it, and he chooses not to comment. Not to say that no, the phrasing is perfectly accurate. It's the truth of the sentiment that's the problem. ]

Believe me, some days I do nothing but hope that I haven't made a terrible miscalculation. [ His voice drops to almost nothing, so quiet that it isn't really a voice, only breath shaped into words. ] But this? This I am certain of.

[ With his spoken hand, he lifts Theo's hair slightly. So that he can press the cold cloth to the back of his neck. If nothing else, bringing his body temperature down seems important for keeping him comfortable. ]

[ Terrible phrasing because of the way it makes Theo want to react to it. At least that is what it means for him. He, of course, has not the slightest clue about how the other may feel towards him which makes the Viera believe that he is taking advantage of the Exarch and his kindness. ~~Of a moment to be had with a friend he may never see again due to G'raha's situation~~

He breathes a sigh. ]

Apologies regarding my selfishness in the moment, but I am not thinking of much outside this room right now.

[ So the first thing that can be done is not thinking about the state of the First and whether or not the Exarch is placing further burdens on Theo and yada yada. Right now it's hard not to be a little put out by discussion like that when there's company present and the Warrior of Light is right there and able to catch traces of the Exarch's ~~G'raha's~~ scent.

He almost turns so that he can attempt to get at what he can of that neck, but then feels the cool cloth on his own. Theo startles, with a bit of a surprised sound tumbling from his lips. It's freezing against his heated skin. ]

Then... You are far more certain than me. I'm still making a valiant effort to contain myself, I'll have you know.

Then, if we are to speak of matters in this room only? I bear no doubts at all. Not a one.

[ It's not entirely true. He holds many of the same concerns as Theo - that he is taking advantage. He feels entirely torn between guilt and wanting. Torn again between the both of them and another kind of wanting, for all of this but not like this.

But he is sure. Certain. That he wants Theo to be comfortable. That he wants him to find comfort with him.

When Theo makes that noise of surprise, he laughs. He can't help it, even if he does need to apologise for suddenly freezing his burning skin. ]

Too cold? I apologise. [ And then softer again. Slower. He swallows while speaking more than once, unusually lost for words. ] If it helps, to say it plainly. I understand, I believe, what might entail. And none of it is- there is no part I would not do gladly in happier circumstances.

[ Therein lies part of the struggle. It is difficult for Theo to come up with anyone else that he would readily find comfort in these moments with. No one else - even out of his closest friends present - really bears any consideration at all. There hasn't really been someone on the forefront of his mind, but since coming to the First... ]

It's fine. Just a surprise more than anything else.

[ That and because his legs still feel a touch weak. Once he finds a moment of strength it will be meandering back to the bed. Hopefully with the other following behind.

Now the other admission would have caused the Viera to lift his head and look at the other in the eyes. Yet that's not possible at the moment so he breathes out a sigh. One hand moves to grip at those robes. The Exarch is not making it any "easier" but at the same time? All too easy. A... Mutual attraction. How. Odd. ]

As for what everything might entail... I suppose that, in part, also depends upon you. No matter how much my rational side might be compromised, I won't do anything that isn't welcomed.

[ So he does know what could potentially happen. So then Theo must also make it plain. Biological and instinctual drives are one component, yes. There's also willingness and compatibility. He won't force himself on anyone, though he might take certain reactions as invitations.

That being said, though he really just wants to hold onto the man next to him, the Viera pulls away. Yes... Back to the bed he goes, but he grip hasn't. Exactly. Released its hold. ]

I know.

[ That, he is certain about. That Theo would rend himself apart before doing harm to a friend. None of this secrecy would be needed, otherwise. ]

There is one thing. [ The big, obvious thing. He follows Theo to the bed ] I- am certain that you have noticed, by now. That I do not care much for the face the tower left me.

[ A careful choice of words. Not quite a lie - the tower has, save for the crystal cutting into his cheek, left his face as it was. And he has never really cared for it. ]

I will consider the mechanics of it as problems arise. But I ask that you allow me my vanity.

[ The statement doesn't come as a surprise, really. Theo had been expecting it, of course. The request for the Exarch's face not to be revealed. Theo gives a nod before finding himself slipping into blankets. Or, rather, sliding into them and then just shifting so they cover his shoulders. So only his face and ears are exposed. The urge to arrange the Exarch next to him the way that Theo would want it is strong, but he pushes it aside for now. That he would come over willingly is enough for the Viera.

For now. ]

I wouldn't think to ask. You hide your face from us for a reason and that reason is yours alone.

[ But by all means please join Theo so that he can move a bit more. Maybe to have that cool cloth on his head while he leans against the other? ]

Should that mean that you cast a blinding spell upon me, so be it.

If you would allow it, that probably would be less disconcerting than a vanishing one upon myself.

[ He perches at the edge of the bed, leaning forward to unfasten his sandals. He's not quite so desperate to help in any way that he can that he'll consider wearing shoes in bed. And he's aware now, constantly, of every tiny noise in what he always thought of as a silent act. The metal of the buckle clicking. The sound of the leather strap dragging against it as it pulls loose.

It wasn't until he realised he ought to be as quiet as possible that he started realising just how much noise even the smallest action makes ]

Thank you. You are good, to allow me my whims.

I wouldn't have suggested if if I wasn't agreeable. You are doing this for my sake.

[ It is true. Every little sound is making his ears twitch. It's too loud, of course. But that doesn't stop Theo from creeping closer. He has a bit of a plan, of course. But right now it's just to lean against the Exarch's side. ]

You needn't mention it. Truly.

[ Because he's about not to be "good." Because the aggression is about to come into play. ]

[ He has concerns about blinding Theo. Of course, Because he has concerns about just about everything. It's already clear that noise is difficult for him, would that grow worse without his sight? To say nothing of how tempting it might be to indulge, to pretend that he sees the face of someone he knew long ago and still chooses to do this.

But Theo leans against him, and he voices none of these concerns.

Instead, he leans into Theo in turn, pulling his feet up onto the bed and tucking them beneath him. ]

I am here.

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