A/N: We haven't been posting often, but here we are, another collaboration with VanillaJ...
Laughter rang through the tavern, and drunken voices rose in inebriated songs. There was a group of knights in the corner, red capes and armor - most likely coming from a patrol. The only other knights in the building were sitting at a different table in normal attire - or at least, Gwaine was.
Leon sat across from Gwaine. The older knight was focused on his ale. He was just here for the drink, and the atmosphere. It was a cheery scene, and a good get-away from everyday life. He stared at the table before himself, yawning and trying his best to hide it.
"Stay up past your bed time?" Gwaine gave a trademark grin before taking a swig of mead.
Leon looked up through annoyed eyes. "No. I don't have curfew. Aren't you late for your jestering job?" Leon cringed. Jestering? That didn't even sound like a word
"I'll have to talk to the king about that, there have been quite a few auditions already." Gwaine winked.
Leon stared at him. "You'd be more suited for that."
Gwaine laughed heartily and clapped him on the shoulder, even as he tossed a lock of hair out of his eye with the nod of his head, and moments later turned to the woman passing their table, "I'm going to buy mead for my friend here."
"I can purchase my own, thank you very much!" Leon blurted, thumping his half-empty pint on the table, sending its contents flying in small droplets.
"-And another for myself," Gwaine added before she could leave. She looked hesitantly between the two, as they seemed to have two completely different ideas. Gwaine tried for a charming smile - the woman blushed and left hastily to get the drinks.
"You don't know how to mind your own business, do you?" Leon asked with a sigh. He ran a hand through his hair.
"My business is the business of knowing other's business."
Leon huffed. He wouldn't laugh. "You are not funny." Maybe stating it aloud would make it true.
"Guess I have to settle for hilarious." Gwaine leaned back and took another gulp of the burning liquid.
Leon snorted in the midst of a drink. He looked over the rim of his mug. "No."
"Do you enjoy being dull?" Gwaine teased with a grin.
"I am not dull."
"Do you prefer boring, then?"
"You're boring. You just think you're funny. Now let me drink, would you?" Leon huffed and took a swig of mead.
"You should go home - you may miss much needed beauty sleep." Gwaine smirked.
"You need beauty sleep!" Leon retorted rather lamely.
Gwaine sniffed and tossed his hair out of his face again, not bothering to hide the grin slowly spreading across his face.
Finally, Leon cracked a smile, and a small laugh made its way into the world, though he'd never admit to it.