[ 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. ]
[ Ah, there is the question. Rafa had not thought it would be long in the asking. He has wanted to reveal himself to William for some time, especially now that they are sharing a bed. There is more to this boy than what he presents. Rafa sees his more feral side when they make love together, sees the evidence of it in the few moments where William lets go.
He wants to see how the prince will react to his darker side. If it's as he suspects, then it will bring out the fierceness Rafa wants to cultivate most of all. ]
To enjoy. To taste. He will not remember much, but he will enjoy as well. I would like to show you.
[ He leans closer, his eyes dark and intent. ]
Will you let me? It may be frightening, but I would ask you to trust me. You will not come to harm while I am here.
[ He has always expected Rafa has other desires. The worlds of royalty are always finding new things to crave. His father takes girls to bed no matter the occasion, though he has never seen his mother do similar. She never lets it hurt her, however. This is the way of life. It does not bother William. If his friend wants to take another to bed, then he is rightfully allowed. It is only that Hagan has rules, and another soul makes it more dangerous. ]
You'll be careful?
[ Perhaps silence can be bought. He would never sell the other boy out. Not because he is King, but because he cares. He cannot say the same for others. ]
[ Some days he wishes he could have the same fire inside of him that Rafa possesses. He's so unafraid and William never seems to be anything but. One day, he hopes to be better. Until then he has trust.
He rises, a soft smile playing across his lips. ]
Now they'll think we have money. [ It isn't a bad thing, they don't seem drunk enough to be robbed and most of Hagan wouldn't lower themselves to such a petty crime anyway. It's just he never comes here and plays a role, but Rafa takes to being noticed. It's a clever ploy, to be obvious in ways to make him not later. William is less so, head down as he picks his way to the back stairs and up to the inn's rooms.
At least it is quieter, the only sound other than them a step creaking under his weight. ]
[ Ah, but William has never quite done this before. Rafa can see it in him; when he does this, he clings to secrecy. Perhaps he never makes his presence known at all, or when he does, he pretends to be a peasant.
Rafa doesn't subscribe to that. They need not know he is a prince, but he's happy for them to be intimidated by apparent wealth and command. Most peasants, he finds, respond well to that sort of thing. Just because he's not dressed as a king doesn't mean he's any less determined to get what he wants.
Speaking of which. ]
The will think they have money, and so they will leave us alone. And when we are done, they will ask few questions, since my gold will soften their curiosity. Silence is easily bought, and trust is easy to break. I prefer to rely on the coin than the honour of men.
[ Because most men, when you got right down to it, were not honourable at all. There's a reason Rafa has a fascination with those who are more innocent and good than most.
He moves towards the stairs. At one point, he catches the boy's eye, telling him in no uncertain terms that he's expected upstairs. When they get there, there are indeed two rooms. But Rafa goes to one of them, and now that prying eyes are elsewhere, he takes William's hand and tugs him to the same one. Inside, the furnishings are sparse, but comfortable and clean. Rafa touches William's hand. ]
You see? It will be suitable. And we can enjoy the boy together, here.
[ It's a curious question, and one that strangely enough does not seem to bother him. William doesn't necessarily follow the same rules as the masses do. He has never had to. Not because he is allowed what he wants, but because he has been denied it and is not the kind of person to do the same to others. ]
Both of us?
[ William finds his way to the bed, perching on the edge and looking up at Rafa with the bluest of wide eyes. ] Or is there something else? I know there is more to you than you let on, I'm not quite as ignorant as people would have you believe. [ There's an edge to his friend, he just hasn't figured it out yet. ]
[ Rafa considers that. He moves into the room, and goes at once to the window. He'd asked for the best rooms for two reasons; the first, so that the beds would be comfortable, and the second, because it was the room most likely to have curtains over the windows. In fact, it does not; it has only a kind of shade, which he's not convinced will block every inch of sunlight at dawn. He draws it down, all the same, and then turns his back to it. He fixes his eyes on William. ]
That and more. There is more, William.
Will.
[ He walks carefully back to his prince, and reaches to take his hand. ]
I want to show you. I want to trust you, and that is why I am bringing him here...but I do not want you to be afraid. I have no wish to harm you. I need you to remember that, if you can.
[ Despite his age, these are not revelations that Rafa is very used to. Most humans do not need to know, unless he intends on killing them afterwards. He's not going to do that with William. ]
[ There is something new brewing in his friend. He had thought it only a strange flirtation with danger, especially when he had brought the serving boy into it. But now he thinks differently. Rafa moves like a wary animal, half caged. William lets him take his hand, curling his fingers tightly through the other boy's, a need to reassure coursing through his veins. He is always so cold to the touch. Hagan does not suit him. ]
I could be frightened of you, Rafa. No matter what it is that you have to tell me, I will not betray you. [ He angles his face, taking in his lover's features, the worry at the corners of his eyes. ]
[ Rafa tilts his face up, searching William's eyes. He is such a sweet, kind boy. Rafa so badly wants to believe him, and yet he knows what it is he has to tell. ]
You think that now.
[ He moves his hands to William's shoulders, holding him tightly. ]
Remember it later. Please, Will. There are secrets I have kept from you, and I wish to do that no longer. I am not all that I seem.
[ He moves his hands, sliding them along William's arms until he can clasp his own hands. ]
Have you not wondered why it is that I am so cold? Or why I do not eat, and leave banquets untouched with only wine in my hand?
[ It's possible Rafa has been too subtle to let it be seen. He's good at pretending, good at playing with food and moving it around his plate so that it seems as though he's doing something with it. But he never does. He takes little in the first place, and then leaves it for the dogs. ]
[ The look he levels Rafa with is entirely trusting and wholly sweet, though there is a furrow between both of his brows. He cannot quite figure out why the mood has shifted the way it has done, he just knows that his friend is upset and that he would fix it if he could. ]
I thought perhaps you were just unused to our climate. I know that you are not from a place like this, and it can be a shock. [ And then, helplessly. ] Our food is no better.
[ He's paid enough attention, but there was never anything suspicious inside of him to guess at it being for a reason. ]
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no subject
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.
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
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?
no subject
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.
no subject
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?
no subject
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. ]
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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?
no subject
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.
no subject
He wants to see how the prince will react to his darker side. If it's as he suspects, then it will bring out the fierceness Rafa wants to cultivate most of all. ]
To enjoy. To taste. He will not remember much, but he will enjoy as well. I would like to show you.
[ He leans closer, his eyes dark and intent. ]
Will you let me? It may be frightening, but I would ask you to trust me. You will not come to harm while I am here.
no subject
You'll be careful?
[ Perhaps silence can be bought. He would never sell the other boy out. Not because he is King, but because he cares. He cannot say the same for others. ]
You know Hagan is a different place.
no subject
I do not fear them. If they should wish to stop me, let them try.
[ There's a side of him that would absolutely enjoy that. Rafa has never felt the need to apologise for what he is, and he won't start now.
Of course, enjoying the company of men in bed is the very least of what he'd have to apologise for. He rises, and lifts his voice a little. ]
Shall we retire, my friend? We have the best two rooms in the house.
[ And one will go entirely unused, if he has his way. ]
no subject
He rises, a soft smile playing across his lips. ]
Now they'll think we have money. [ It isn't a bad thing, they don't seem drunk enough to be robbed and most of Hagan wouldn't lower themselves to such a petty crime anyway. It's just he never comes here and plays a role, but Rafa takes to being noticed. It's a clever ploy, to be obvious in ways to make him not later. William is less so, head down as he picks his way to the back stairs and up to the inn's rooms.
At least it is quieter, the only sound other than them a step creaking under his weight. ]
no subject
Rafa doesn't subscribe to that. They need not know he is a prince, but he's happy for them to be intimidated by apparent wealth and command. Most peasants, he finds, respond well to that sort of thing. Just because he's not dressed as a king doesn't mean he's any less determined to get what he wants.
Speaking of which. ]
The will think they have money, and so they will leave us alone. And when we are done, they will ask few questions, since my gold will soften their curiosity. Silence is easily bought, and trust is easy to break. I prefer to rely on the coin than the honour of men.
[ Because most men, when you got right down to it, were not honourable at all. There's a reason Rafa has a fascination with those who are more innocent and good than most.
He moves towards the stairs. At one point, he catches the boy's eye, telling him in no uncertain terms that he's expected upstairs. When they get there, there are indeed two rooms. But Rafa goes to one of them, and now that prying eyes are elsewhere, he takes William's hand and tugs him to the same one. Inside, the furnishings are sparse, but comfortable and clean. Rafa touches William's hand. ]
You see? It will be suitable. And we can enjoy the boy together, here.
no subject
[ It's a curious question, and one that strangely enough does not seem to bother him. William doesn't necessarily follow the same rules as the masses do. He has never had to. Not because he is allowed what he wants, but because he has been denied it and is not the kind of person to do the same to others. ]
Both of us?
[ William finds his way to the bed, perching on the edge and looking up at Rafa with the bluest of wide eyes. ] Or is there something else? I know there is more to you than you let on, I'm not quite as ignorant as people would have you believe. [ There's an edge to his friend, he just hasn't figured it out yet. ]
no subject
That and more. There is more, William.
Will.
[ He walks carefully back to his prince, and reaches to take his hand. ]
I want to show you. I want to trust you, and that is why I am bringing him here...but I do not want you to be afraid. I have no wish to harm you. I need you to remember that, if you can.
[ Despite his age, these are not revelations that Rafa is very used to. Most humans do not need to know, unless he intends on killing them afterwards. He's not going to do that with William. ]
no subject
I could be frightened of you, Rafa. No matter what it is that you have to tell me, I will not betray you. [ He angles his face, taking in his lover's features, the worry at the corners of his eyes. ]
I trust you. And you can trust me.
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You think that now.
[ He moves his hands to William's shoulders, holding him tightly. ]
Remember it later. Please, Will. There are secrets I have kept from you, and I wish to do that no longer. I am not all that I seem.
[ He moves his hands, sliding them along William's arms until he can clasp his own hands. ]
Have you not wondered why it is that I am so cold? Or why I do not eat, and leave banquets untouched with only wine in my hand?
[ It's possible Rafa has been too subtle to let it be seen. He's good at pretending, good at playing with food and moving it around his plate so that it seems as though he's doing something with it. But he never does. He takes little in the first place, and then leaves it for the dogs. ]
no subject
I thought perhaps you were just unused to our climate. I know that you are not from a place like this, and it can be a shock. [ And then, helplessly. ] Our food is no better.
[ He's paid enough attention, but there was never anything suspicious inside of him to guess at it being for a reason. ]