[ He is more than pleased when Rafa confirms his interest, his steps taking him quickly past the threshold of the door and down the stairs. It is much darker in here than it was in the halls of the castle, and so he rests a hand on his elbow and hums. ]
Stay close. I don't want you to tumble to your death before we've even had our first glimpse of adventure.
[ William is as familiar with the stairway as he is with the rest of the castle. He has been exploring since a boy, after all. ]
[ To Rafa, it doesn't seem dark at all. The castle's halls, well lit with multiple candelabra, have a tendency to make his eyes hurt. Here he's comfortable, and as a result, remarkably sure-footed. He doesn't pull away from William, though. More than happy to be held, he keeps a light hand on the prince's arm, and takes care not to move too far ahead. ]
I will be fine. Come, lead on. This reminds me of my youth.
[ Which he says as if he's not young at all, even though he looks it. Keeping his voice low, he glances up at William. ]
I used to sneak out of my father's keep at night. It had to be done in secret, but I loved those evenings, running alone across the wall and dropping down into the city. I made friends, lovers and enemies, and none of them knew who I was.
[ It's dark enough that the flush of blood at the word lover is masked by the darkness of the narrow hallway. He takes the stairs carefully, his hand staying at rest on Rafa's elbow, curling into the fabric of his shirt as he finds a particularly crumbling step. ]
I find that surprising.
[ There is a smile to his voice. ] I would know you. [ There is a door resting snugly into the wall and William finds the handle, pushing it open to escape into the cool night air. The moon is bright in the sky and lights up ground and stone alike. ]
This way.
[ He pulls his cloak more firmly around him, taking a left towards the stone wall. ]
[ He makes a soft, sweet sound in response. ] I do not know. My father would have me believe that a divine right to the throne is in the eyes, in the way a man stands, the way his voice carries. But I have seen many men who were you to take the richness from, you could not tell them from one to the next. [ Glancing over, the moonlight glinting in his hair. ] But I would recognise you. There is none who look as you do.
[ Rafa is beautiful in the way that some dangerous things are. William could not look upon him and not have his breath stolen. So he would know. ]
And no, lord. There's a gap.
[ He tugs his newfound friend along eventually coming to where the wall looks worn and ivy-covered. William grins as he ducks closer. From a distance the illusion is of one piece. But there is a definite hole if you know where to look, and one that a stooped young man could fit through. ]
[ The way William speaks of royalty holds so much longing, and Rafa finds it bittersweet. For him, kingship was not something for which he was born, but for which he was raised. His looks had never had much to do with it.
He'd seen those eyes before, though, the eyes of a leader. Nikolai has them. William has them too, though they hold more fear in his case. ]
I have never believed in any god. Or in divine right, at all.
[ He touches William's hand. ]
But I believe a king holds strength in his eyes. You have it, William. You only need to see it.
[ The pronouncement about the wall is surprising. Rafa had been making towards it, fully intending to scramble up. It's with some chagrin that he realises this had never been the plan, and that his own assumption is a strange one. With a wry smile, he follows, and picks out the hole. ]
Ah, I see. Clever. Though, a security risk.
[ Smiling, he raises a brow at William. Without fear, he steps through, and holds out his hand. ]
[ His expression shifts, like the shape of the sun being freed from behind the confines of a cloud. He can only smile at his friend as they move, the sweetest of looks upon his face. ] You are far too kind a man, Rafa. But I will keep hold of that sentiment. I feel it will warm me when I need it.
[ And then he is shaking his head, a laugh caught in his chest as he lets Rafa pull him through. ]
Any man could cross the walls of the castle. It is the doors that remain barred. [ Outside the wall, the grass is thick and already coated in dew. William steps over the stones and rocks easily, leading Rafa not towards the gates themselves, but down towards the forest. It is something of a short cut, and one where they will be least discovered. ] I'm glad you decided to keep me company tonight. It would have been a bore without you.
[ Ah, so they're heading towards the forest. Something inside Rafa electrifies at that. Forests are full of promise, for him. He's killed so many faeries inside forests. And so many men. He's sparred with Delilah there, hunted with Nikolai.
And a forest was where he first met Shane.
Well. Met him again, in that form.
Regardless, it's the kind of place he associates with excitement. Pleased, he grips William's hand and all but dances towards it, so graceful are his movements. He's fast, and eager. ]
I could not have you bored. I like this. I like nights like this, full of promise.
[ They reach the trees, and the familiar scent of nature takes Rafa. He seems to grow inside it, both in comfort and in pleasure. It's obvious now, how little he likes being within a castle's stone walls. He looks at William, and thinks the same of him. ]
This air suits you. Where do we go from here? I want to see it all.
[ He moves close to William, hands moving up to slide against his lapels. He'll go everywhere with this boy tonight. He wants it all. ]
[ For William, the forest is just an easy route away from the castle. It doesn't hold the same kind of magic, because as far as he's aware magic does not exist. But still, he is happy beneath the dark leafy bows of the trees, pleased and amused by the other man's reaction. ]
I was not aware we were keeping you confined between our walls, Rafa.
[ He picks his steps very carefully, lacking in the grace of his friend. ]
You belong out here.
[ He reaches out, fingers curling in his sleeve to tug him along a narrow road further into the woods. ] The town lies this way. It's not far of a walk.
[ Freedom is its own aphrodisiac. Rafa turns, coming close to
William and moving his hands to his waist. Moonlight flickers between
treebranches, offsetting Rafa’s skin with silver light. For a moment he
looks like a statue, carved and solid and impossible, and then it passes,
and he’s a creature full of life again. He slides his arms around the other
boy, pulling him close. ]
I love nights like this. There’s much to enjoy in forests, but in cities,
too. Surrounded by people. I am a King, but I prefer to move. Who could
spend all their time inside when there is so much to see?
[ He slides back, catching William’s hand again, and tugging him
forward. The further they get from the castle, the more Rafa seems to
uncoil. There’s something predatory about his grace.
[ William's expression is sweet as Rafa draws close, his smile amused when there are hands at his waist. The only tick in his expression is when the light changes, but it's there and then gone, a trick of the imagination. Magic does not exist here, so the people of this Kingdom do not see it when it is right in front of them. ]
I do not venture much beyond the walls.
[ He is not a diplomat. He has not been sent further than the edges of his territory. And Hagan is cold and often inhospitable. But there are times where he cannot stomach the oppressive nature. That is how he knows where to go now.
There is laughter as he's tugged along, William only pausing occasionally to show the right direction. ] There is a tavern close by. We could stop for a drink if you'd like. [ It is a busy and dark place. And William is not often recognised. ]
[ There are times when there’s such innocence to William’s smile. It
belies the hunger beneath, and Rafa knows that, having glimpsed it in
stolen moments when their lips were together and their bodies sought a
different release.
It’s hard to decide which appeals more; the sweetness or the fire.
Both call out to different parts of Rafa.
And then, of course, there’s that offer. His smile is full of
laughter. ]
Yes. Oh, yes. A drink is exactly what I need.
[ He lets William lead him now. The small copse of nature is giving
way to stone streets and tall houses. Rafa is vaguely aware that Hagan is
cold, but only from how it affects William; he is, personally, always cold.
There is only one remedy for that. Thankfully, they’re about to seek
it.
Rafa wonders what – or who – they’ll find in this tavern. He wonders
how William will react to it, and then wonders at himself, for not
immediately deciding to hide it. Is it time for William to see? Can his
fire be teased that much? ]
[ William walks closely beside his friend, their arms brushing every other step. There is such joyous enthusiasm in him now that even the cold air that slices through the narrow street can do nothing to wipe the smile off his face. ]
Sometimes.
[ He twists a little, so he is walking backwards, shoulders and chest puffed out. He looks like a vision, confident and angelic and strong. ] Do not worry, I shall protect you. [ It is not uncommon for the men of this kingdom to wear weapons and so his hand falls to his side to finger the hilt of a blade there. ] Ah, here we are.
[ The wooden door is almost hidden between buildings but William clearly knows it. He lifts the latch and pushes in to the dark, warm and crowded main room. ] I'll get the ale if you find us a table.
[ Rafa's grin is wicked. He is far from worried about needing
protection. He, of course, does not carry any weapons. He could if he
wanted; he's well trained in a large variety of them, but the strongest
weapons he has are the ones that are part of him. For his part, he hopes
they see some action. It has, truly, been a long time since he's really
hunted.
They make their way inside, and William moves - thankfully - off to
the bar. Rafa moves around the inn until he finds the best table. The men
there don't seem impressed with his suggestion that they leave it. The
larger of them puts a hand on his shoulder, and moves as though to steer
him away. Rafa, who is as solid as marble when he wants to be, moves
nowhere at all. He simply reaches up, takes hold of the man's hand, and
crushes every bone in it without hesitation. He smiles while he does it,
and the act is so quick that the man doesn't have time to scream until it's
done.
Both of them vacate the premises after that, and Rafa slides
contentedly into their booth. He ignores the curious eyes resting on him,
and instead summons one of the waiting staff. ]
I would be obliged if you could send over the stable boy. We've left horses
outside which need particular care.
[ There are no horses, and the woman likely knows it, but no one
would be keen to deny Rafa after that little display. The boy is sent over
quickly enough, so that by the time William returns, he is already seated
beside Rafa in the booth, and Rafa's gentle arm is around him. Rafa looks
up, eyes warming with a smile aimed at William. ]
Jonathan here wished to keep us company. I could hardly refuse. Sit,
William. And thank you for the drink.
[ Rafa reaches for his, though it's not the drink he'd intended. His
arm is around that particular experience. ]
[ He hears the scream but does not get a close enough look at the commotion to realise the cause was his companion. It's unfortunate, he'd probably have enjoyed watching Rafa take men bigger than himself apart.
Still, when he arrives at the table his eyes are bright and lively, curiosity sent Jonathan's way. If his gaze lingers on Rafa's arm over the boy's shoulder, well, that's his business entirely. ]
I'm afraid I didn't get you a drink.
[ And he clearly isn't going to, either. Instead he's sitting down across from his friend, his hand wrapped around a tin mug. His next question is directed Rafa's way. ] So, what do you think?
[ The boy Rafa is beside, unfortunately enough, had not missed him taking apart bigger men than himself, and thus appears somewhat nervous in his presence. If Rafa notices, it clearly doesn't bother him, since his posture is as comfortable and relaxed as it could be. ]
That's all right. We can share.
[ His voice is honeyed, while he pushes his drink between himself and the boy, and the boy looks at him in quiet horror. Rafa returns his focus to William, and reaches to trace his finger gently over the back of William's hand. ]
I think it's perfect. Quiet, out of the way. Filled with people. I think they'll give us a room for the night, if we ask nicely.
[ Part of him wants to tell Rafa to be careful, to warn him. Hagan is not a kindly place, especially when it comes to this king's overtures, and many men would not care for his royal stature if it meant they could beat the sin from him. He has already attracted enough attention with his dark skin and his previous disagreement and it seems obvious. While his friend may not believe there is much threat, to William it is beyond palpable.
With effort, the young prince forces himself to relax. Any amount of tension could have even more curious looks drawn their way. ]
There is no asking nicely. There is just the weight of your coin. [ A small, amused smile. ] What are your thoughts on mice, by the way?
[ Rafa takes note of all of William's tension, and he smiles when it seems to ease. He knows that's not entirely real, though. William is struggling. Rafa decides to be calm for both of them, and leans back to take his drink in hand. He takes a sip as though it were wine, which the boy beside him scoffs at. Rafa responds by putting it into his hand, instead, and patting his shoulder. ]
I prefer men to mice. Though some men do a good impression of them. You should look less afraid.
[ This is to the boy, though he actually means it for William. And then his eyes slide back to him. ]
Did you not wish to stay the night here? We can go elsewhere, I do not mind. Just not home.
[ Not back to your palace, William. Tonight is for fun. ]
[ That is something William can agree with his friend on. His pale and narrow eyes are focused on the boy when he scoffs at Rafa, blonde eyebrows furrowed slightly. While he does not understand the need for more company, he has accepted it. The disrespect, however.
He catches Rafa's gaze and holds it for a second, then smiles. ]
Tonight will be full of them. Mice and men. But I will stay by your side regardless. [ Because he can't help himself. His enthusiasm for his friend is boundless. And it has been a long time since he allowed himself to shake off the castle's cobwebs. So he busies himself once more with his cup, curiosity lighting his face as he surveys the tavern. ]
[ There is much in that gaze. William finds himself once more enrapt with the young king, his blood stirring in his veins. He barely even acknowledges the serving boy's quick escape, instead he only smiles. ]
No. You wished to come, I would not deny you.
[ Besides, there is something to be said about the freedom to drink in good company. Hagan can be cold in its streets, the spaces too big. He doesn't want more between them. ]
I'm am just afraid it is not as exotic as you are used to.
You do not know what I am used to. I have seen places more austere than this. And I have not always been a King, William.
[ He leans back. Beneath the table, he moves his foot against William's, nudging it. ]
Once, I was nothing at all. Things work differently in my country. I wanted to see the truth of this place, what the towns were like. What the people were like. I dislike being closed behind stone walls.
[ His life has always sounded so different from William's, who was born in a castle and stayed in it. But it does very little to dissuade him from the man across the table. It would not matter if he were not a King, it is just through that fortune that they met. ]
I don't believe you could ever be nothing, Rafello.
[ There's a wealth of affection in his voice, steady and sure of itself before the topic turns to himself and his habit of staying within the walls. ]
[ Rafa smiles at the first sentiment. He wonders if William would notice him at all, if he could see the boy he'd been. He would not have looked like a prince, and William has never been anything but.
Rafa leans forward across the table, close enough to catch the scent of ale from William's breath. ]
Once, I felt that way as well. That there were walls, and I must stay within. A man showed me differently, one day. He was my first lover.
[ Idly, he touches William's hand. He's careful about this, not letting the touch linger too long in case they draw stairs. ]
We have the room, and the boy, for later. What else shall we see? Where do you go, when you come here alone?
[ He forgets that Rafa is not as afraid of things as he is. When reminded he cannot help the bolt of sharp panic, the way his heartbeat skips a motion just because. Still, he knows the other man would not willingly drag them straight into danger and he's being subtle. ]
I only come to watch people.
[ He likes to be anonymous and see the way people continue about their lives. ] They don't care who's watching here. They come to drink and talk and find each other. [ He glances away, to the room at large, but invariably his gaze comes back to Rafa. ]
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[ He is more than pleased when Rafa confirms his interest, his steps taking him quickly past the threshold of the door and down the stairs. It is much darker in here than it was in the halls of the castle, and so he rests a hand on his elbow and hums. ]
Stay close. I don't want you to tumble to your death before we've even had our first glimpse of adventure.
[ William is as familiar with the stairway as he is with the rest of the castle. He has been exploring since a boy, after all. ]
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I will be fine. Come, lead on. This reminds me of my youth.
[ Which he says as if he's not young at all, even though he looks it. Keeping his voice low, he glances up at William. ]
I used to sneak out of my father's keep at night. It had to be done in secret, but I loved those evenings, running alone across the wall and dropping down into the city. I made friends, lovers and enemies, and none of them knew who I was.
That was a happy time.
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I find that surprising.
[ There is a smile to his voice. ] I would know you. [ There is a door resting snugly into the wall and William finds the handle, pushing it open to escape into the cool night air. The moon is bright in the sky and lights up ground and stone alike. ]
This way.
[ He pulls his cloak more firmly around him, taking a left towards the stone wall. ]
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Would you? Would you know a prince when you saw one?
[ He slides his hand along William's arm, finally catching his hand instead. Rafa's fingers close around it. ]
But I was not a prince, then. In the dark, I was never that. Are we climbing that wall?
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[ Rafa is beautiful in the way that some dangerous things are. William could not look upon him and not have his breath stolen. So he would know. ]
And no, lord. There's a gap.
[ He tugs his newfound friend along eventually coming to where the wall looks worn and ivy-covered. William grins as he ducks closer. From a distance the illusion is of one piece. But there is a definite hole if you know where to look, and one that a stooped young man could fit through. ]
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He'd seen those eyes before, though, the eyes of a leader. Nikolai has them. William has them too, though they hold more fear in his case. ]
I have never believed in any god. Or in divine right, at all.
[ He touches William's hand. ]
But I believe a king holds strength in his eyes. You have it, William. You only need to see it.
[ The pronouncement about the wall is surprising. Rafa had been making towards it, fully intending to scramble up. It's with some chagrin that he realises this had never been the plan, and that his own assumption is a strange one. With a wry smile, he follows, and picks out the hole. ]
Ah, I see. Clever. Though, a security risk.
[ Smiling, he raises a brow at William. Without fear, he steps through, and holds out his hand. ]
Come, Will! Your city awaits.
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[ And then he is shaking his head, a laugh caught in his chest as he lets Rafa pull him through. ]
Any man could cross the walls of the castle. It is the doors that remain barred. [ Outside the wall, the grass is thick and already coated in dew. William steps over the stones and rocks easily, leading Rafa not towards the gates themselves, but down towards the forest. It is something of a short cut, and one where they will be least discovered. ] I'm glad you decided to keep me company tonight. It would have been a bore without you.
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And a forest was where he first met Shane.
Well. Met him again, in that form.
Regardless, it's the kind of place he associates with excitement. Pleased, he grips William's hand and all but dances towards it, so graceful are his movements. He's fast, and eager. ]
I could not have you bored. I like this. I like nights like this, full of promise.
[ They reach the trees, and the familiar scent of nature takes Rafa. He seems to grow inside it, both in comfort and in pleasure. It's obvious now, how little he likes being within a castle's stone walls. He looks at William, and thinks the same of him. ]
This air suits you. Where do we go from here? I want to see it all.
[ He moves close to William, hands moving up to slide against his lapels. He'll go everywhere with this boy tonight. He wants it all. ]
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I was not aware we were keeping you confined between our walls, Rafa.
[ He picks his steps very carefully, lacking in the grace of his friend. ]
You belong out here.
[ He reaches out, fingers curling in his sleeve to tug him along a narrow road further into the woods. ] The town lies this way. It's not far of a walk.
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[ Freedom is its own aphrodisiac. Rafa turns, coming close to William and moving his hands to his waist. Moonlight flickers between treebranches, offsetting Rafa’s skin with silver light. For a moment he looks like a statue, carved and solid and impossible, and then it passes, and he’s a creature full of life again. He slides his arms around the other boy, pulling him close. ]
I love nights like this. There’s much to enjoy in forests, but in cities, too. Surrounded by people. I am a King, but I prefer to move. Who could spend all their time inside when there is so much to see?
[ He slides back, catching William’s hand again, and tugging him forward. The further they get from the castle, the more Rafa seems to uncoil. There’s something predatory about his grace.
It’s been some time since he truly hunted. ]
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I do not venture much beyond the walls.
[ He is not a diplomat. He has not been sent further than the edges of his territory. And Hagan is cold and often inhospitable. But there are times where he cannot stomach the oppressive nature. That is how he knows where to go now.
There is laughter as he's tugged along, William only pausing occasionally to show the right direction. ] There is a tavern close by. We could stop for a drink if you'd like. [ It is a busy and dark place. And William is not often recognised. ]
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[ There are times when there’s such innocence to William’s smile. It belies the hunger beneath, and Rafa knows that, having glimpsed it in stolen moments when their lips were together and their bodies sought a different release.
It’s hard to decide which appeals more; the sweetness or the fire. Both call out to different parts of Rafa.
And then, of course, there’s that offer. His smile is full of laughter. ]
Yes. Oh, yes. A drink is exactly what I need.
[ He lets William lead him now. The small copse of nature is giving way to stone streets and tall houses. Rafa is vaguely aware that Hagan is cold, but only from how it affects William; he is, personally, always cold. There is only one remedy for that. Thankfully, they’re about to seek it.
Rafa wonders what – or who – they’ll find in this tavern. He wonders how William will react to it, and then wonders at himself, for not immediately deciding to hide it. Is it time for William to see? Can his fire be teased that much? ]
Is it a violent place, this tavern?
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Sometimes.
[ He twists a little, so he is walking backwards, shoulders and chest puffed out. He looks like a vision, confident and angelic and strong. ] Do not worry, I shall protect you. [ It is not uncommon for the men of this kingdom to wear weapons and so his hand falls to his side to finger the hilt of a blade there. ] Ah, here we are.
[ The wooden door is almost hidden between buildings but William clearly knows it. He lifts the latch and pushes in to the dark, warm and crowded main room. ] I'll get the ale if you find us a table.
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[ Rafa's grin is wicked. He is far from worried about needing protection. He, of course, does not carry any weapons. He could if he wanted; he's well trained in a large variety of them, but the strongest weapons he has are the ones that are part of him. For his part, he hopes they see some action. It has, truly, been a long time since he's really hunted.
They make their way inside, and William moves - thankfully - off to the bar. Rafa moves around the inn until he finds the best table. The men there don't seem impressed with his suggestion that they leave it. The larger of them puts a hand on his shoulder, and moves as though to steer him away. Rafa, who is as solid as marble when he wants to be, moves nowhere at all. He simply reaches up, takes hold of the man's hand, and crushes every bone in it without hesitation. He smiles while he does it, and the act is so quick that the man doesn't have time to scream until it's done.
Both of them vacate the premises after that, and Rafa slides contentedly into their booth. He ignores the curious eyes resting on him, and instead summons one of the waiting staff. ]
I would be obliged if you could send over the stable boy. We've left horses outside which need particular care.
[ There are no horses, and the woman likely knows it, but no one would be keen to deny Rafa after that little display. The boy is sent over quickly enough, so that by the time William returns, he is already seated beside Rafa in the booth, and Rafa's gentle arm is around him. Rafa looks up, eyes warming with a smile aimed at William. ]
Jonathan here wished to keep us company. I could hardly refuse. Sit, William. And thank you for the drink.
[ Rafa reaches for his, though it's not the drink he'd intended. His arm is around that particular experience. ]
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Still, when he arrives at the table his eyes are bright and lively, curiosity sent Jonathan's way. If his gaze lingers on Rafa's arm over the boy's shoulder, well, that's his business entirely. ]
I'm afraid I didn't get you a drink.
[ And he clearly isn't going to, either. Instead he's sitting down across from his friend, his hand wrapped around a tin mug. His next question is directed Rafa's way. ] So, what do you think?
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That's all right. We can share.
[ His voice is honeyed, while he pushes his drink between himself and the boy, and the boy looks at him in quiet horror. Rafa returns his focus to William, and reaches to trace his finger gently over the back of William's hand. ]
I think it's perfect. Quiet, out of the way. Filled with people. I think they'll give us a room for the night, if we ask nicely.
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With effort, the young prince forces himself to relax. Any amount of tension could have even more curious looks drawn their way. ]
There is no asking nicely. There is just the weight of your coin. [ A small, amused smile. ] What are your thoughts on mice, by the way?
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I prefer men to mice. Though some men do a good impression of them. You should look less afraid.
[ This is to the boy, though he actually means it for William. And then his eyes slide back to him. ]
Did you not wish to stay the night here? We can go elsewhere, I do not mind. Just not home.
[ Not back to your palace, William. Tonight is for fun. ]
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[ That is something William can agree with his friend on. His pale and narrow eyes are focused on the boy when he scoffs at Rafa, blonde eyebrows furrowed slightly. While he does not understand the need for more company, he has accepted it. The disrespect, however.
He catches Rafa's gaze and holds it for a second, then smiles. ]
Tonight will be full of them. Mice and men. But I will stay by your side regardless. [ Because he can't help himself. His enthusiasm for his friend is boundless. And it has been a long time since he allowed himself to shake off the castle's cobwebs. So he busies himself once more with his cup, curiosity lighting his face as he surveys the tavern. ]
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[ Rafa holds William's gaze, and smiles at it. His drink this time is longer, and then he taps the boy's shoulder. ]
Go and tell your master the I require the best room. And privacy, for my friend and I. He would be wise to abide by that.
[ The boy, who seems somewhat relieved to get away, rushes off. Then Rafa leans forward, across the table, towards William. ]
We do not have to stay here now. We could roam the city and return here when you are ready. I want...
[ He tilts his head, smiling. ]
...I want to make you happy, William. Discomfort is not something I seek, at least not from you.
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No. You wished to come, I would not deny you.
[ Besides, there is something to be said about the freedom to drink in good company. Hagan can be cold in its streets, the spaces too big. He doesn't want more between them. ]
I'm am just afraid it is not as exotic as you are used to.
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You do not know what I am used to. I have seen places more austere than this. And I have not always been a King, William.
[ He leans back. Beneath the table, he moves his foot against William's, nudging it. ]
Once, I was nothing at all. Things work differently in my country. I wanted to see the truth of this place, what the towns were like. What the people were like. I dislike being closed behind stone walls.
I do not know how you bear that all the time.
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I don't believe you could ever be nothing, Rafello.
[ There's a wealth of affection in his voice, steady and sure of itself before the topic turns to himself and his habit of staying within the walls. ]
It's all I've known to do.
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Rafa leans forward across the table, close enough to catch the scent of ale from William's breath. ]
Once, I felt that way as well. That there were walls, and I must stay within. A man showed me differently, one day. He was my first lover.
[ Idly, he touches William's hand. He's careful about this, not letting the touch linger too long in case they draw stairs. ]
We have the room, and the boy, for later. What else shall we see? Where do you go, when you come here alone?
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I only come to watch people.
[ He likes to be anonymous and see the way people continue about their lives. ] They don't care who's watching here. They come to drink and talk and find each other. [ He glances away, to the room at large, but invariably his gaze comes back to Rafa. ]
Why do you want the boy? You can tell me.
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