Feliks looked at his wound, seeing that it was already scabbed over, no longer in danger of reopening. Not that it was the previous day either - following Toris' orders to rest for a little while gave his body all the time it needed to work on the wound. The only reason Feliks had even agreed to stay in the first place was to make sure he restored his energy, but it was obvious to him he was fine to go back to his kingdom now. However, some part of him was hesitant, almost reluctant to leave. He chalked it up to keeping his promise to the human to stay four days, but a small part of him knew it was much more than that.
It had only been three days since meeting Toris, but in that time, the human had managed to completely peak Feliks' interest. His natural curiosity, his willingness to listen, all these things that weren't typical from other humans completely enthralled Feliks. He knew he probably should be acting more cautious, but it was hard not to tell the human about his world, especially because he found very quickly he trusted Toris completely.
And he had doubted it at first too, the complete faith he had in the human, because he was sure it was what other faeries felt toward humans as well, until they were betrayed. However, something deep in his consciousness told him Toris was different, and he would remain completely harmless, never developing intentions to deceive Feliks. He didn't know if it was some sort of small ability, or if it was just intuition. Either way, he found he had nothing to lose by becoming closer with the human.
As Feliks gazed out over the forest from the high branches of a tree, he contemplated staying a little while longer, just to get to know the human more. He had already told Elizabeta he was fine, so it wasn't as though he was worrying anyone by being gone too long. And it wasn't as though he was missing anything by being away for some time.
But he knew that wasn't where the issue lied. The amount of knights searching for him had increased, and it was only a matter of time before they discovered his location. It wasn't as though that was a problem though - Feliks knew he could easily defeat them. No, the issue was with Toris - by remaining with the human, Feliks had put him in danger by getting him involved. He knew too much about Feliks, and if the king found out about his involvement, there was no way he would simply let it go. Even if the king took Feliks, Toris would still be punished.
Feliks frowned, guilt gnawing at his stomach. If only he had realized sooner how desperately the king wanted him, he would have left that first night. Now, the situation had complicated, both with his own feelings and the external situation, and he didn't know what to do. He figured it would be best to leave Toris, because that way, he wouldn't have any information to give the king in the off chance he was questioned. However, Feliks wasn't oblivious - he noticed Toris was enjoying his presence, and his leaving would definitely hurt the human despite ensuring his safety.
The more selfish part of Feliks wanted to stay with the human just a little while longer, building the trust he had with him. Then, maybe after a week or two, he could come and go from the kingdom as he pleased to visit Toris. It would be risky because he would have to avoid all the knights, but it would be worth it as long as they were careful.
He let out a small sigh, looking back toward the direction of the village to see Toris walking toward their place. And as he neared, Feliks could see from the stiffness in his shoulders how tense the human was. He seemed extremely nervous, and once again, guilt churned in Feliks' stomach. Of course Toris was nervous, and it was Feliks' fault for making him feel that way. He wouldn't feel as though he were in danger if Feliks didn't put him in that position.
The blonde remained in the tree for a few more moments, coming to a decision. He didn't know what he was feeling for Toris, whether it was a developing friendship, or whether he would develop other feelings. Regardless, if he wanted to keep him safe, Feliks knew he had to leave, even if it did hurt Toris.
Finally making up his mind, Feliks began descending down the tree. He wanted to get to the house before Toris so he didn't worry the human with his absence. And then, he would have the talk with him.
~~()~~
Toris opened the door to find Feliks seated at the table, the sight of the faery calming his nerves ever so slightly. The entire day, he had been completely anxious, what with all the knights patrolling about. His mind was consumed with Feliks, afraid the knights would find the house while Toris was gone and would take Feliks away. It terrified him, and he hurried as quickly as he could to finish his deliveries. But, if anything, his nerves only increased on the walk back because there were quite a few knights patrolling out toward the woods. It was too close for comfort, and it was only a matter of time before they found the house. If only Toris could figure out when they would find it, and he could have Feliks hide somewhere else.
But then again, he thought, his stomach suddenly queasy, tomorrow would be the fourth day, meaning the faery would be leaving. Toris knew it was for the best considering he was in danger here, but at the same time, he didn't want to say goodbye to the blond just yet. And he knew Feliks had other friends in his kingdom and a life to return to, but a small part of Toris had hoped that maybe, just maybe, Feliks could stay just a little longer.
"Hi Feliks," Toris greeted, trying to keep the stress from his voice. "How was your day?"
The faery looked up at Toris, and there was something in his eyes that made Toris' stomach drop for at least the tenth time that day.
"Toris, I need to talk to you," Feliks said, and from the neutral expression he formed on his face, Toris knew he was trying to hide what he was feeling.
The brunette sat down at the table across from Feliks and nodded, nerves bubbling inside. "What's going on?" he asked, although truthfully, he didn't want to hear the answer.
Feliks was silent for several moments, staring down at the table before managing to make eye contact with Toris. He took a small breath before speaking.
"I need to leave," he said simply, and before Toris could even process the feeling of his heart sinking to the bottom of his chest, the faery continued. "I've already put you in enough danger by staying here, and I don't want you to get hurt because I'm being selfish. So, I'm leaving today so you can be safe."
Toris stared at him, allowing his mind to process the words he had just been told. Feliks was going to leave today? But, it seemed so...soon. No, Toris wasn't ready, and it was clear from Feliks' eyes that he didn't really want to leave. So why was he saying this?
"No," Toris said, surprised by the word leaving his lips. Feliks' head snapped up in surprise as well as he looked at Toris with a frown. The faery looked as though he was about to speak, but Toris cut him off before he could.
"If you want to leave because you want to go back home and be with your friends, or if it's because your life is in danger, I would be okay with that," Toris started in a firm voice. "I understand that you have another life, and if you want to go back to that, I wouldn't stop you. But if you're doing this to protect me, then I won't let you go just yet. I can make my own decisions, and if staying with you puts me in danger, then that's the choice I'm making."
Toris stopped, keeping a hard gaze on Feliks. Surprise was evident on Feliks' face, and part of Toris was glad he had been so straightforward. He wasn't sure how the faery felt toward him, but in spite of that, he wanted Feliks to understand he enjoyed being around him on the off chance the feeling was reciprocated.
After several beats of silence, Feliks' expression suddenly turned angry. "Toris, I don't think you understand the extent of the situation you're in," he responded, his voice becoming more heated. "If the king finds out you were involved with me, you'll be tortured and killed, even if you give him information. And I'm not about to let you risk that."
Toris kept his face blank, although on the inside he was a bit torn. Would the king really do something like that? It was hard for him to think that since he had grown up only knowing the generosity of the king.
"How would he find out?" Toris asked, trying to keep his voice calm. "If they find this house, it doesn't belong to anyone, so they can't trace it back to me. And it's not like I'm missing work or doing anything suspicious."
"How about if they see you with me?" Feliks snapped, his eyes narrowed in frustration. "They'll come here eventually, and what if we're both here at the same time? Have you thought about that?"
Taken aback by his tone, Toris didn't respond immediately, suddenly unsure of how to proceed. Everything Feliks was saying was true, Toris knew. But despite all that, he didn't care - call it blind hope, but he really thought if they were careful, no one would find out. And if they did and came for Toris, he was almost positive there would be some way the two of them could escape. There was no way he couldn't get out of the situation if it happened.
But over all that, it was still his curiosity for the faery that trumped everything. Toris was beginning to realize his own safety wasn't as important anymore, but rather Feliks was becoming more to him than he ever should have. Toris knew he was acting recklessly, but he didn't care. He didn't want to lose Feliks just yet, but how to convince him to stay?
"Feliks," he started, keeping his voice soft in hopes it would get the other to calm down, "I know it probably sounds stupid, but I've only just started to get to know you, and I don't want you to leave just yet. And I know you're in the same position too. I know it's risky, but can you at least consider staying another week, and we can see what happens from there?"
Feliks eyes were still ablaze, but Toris could see the fire begin to slowly die down. He glared at Toris in a silence that stretched on for what felt like ages, until at long last, he opened his mouth to speak.
"Nothing I say will convince you to change your mind, right?" the faery said, his voice once again concealing his emotion.
Toris nodded before a sudden thought occurred to him. "Besides, it's not like I'm the only one in danger. You're in a worse position than I am, so I don't know if you should be lecturing me on my safety."
Feliks raised a brow. "You're the one convincing me to stay," he stated, "so I don't know if that's exactly helping your argument."
Toris felt a twinge of nervousness, suddenly afraid he just gave Feliks another reason to leave. However, the slightest bit of amusement made its way onto Feliks face, indicating he wasn't entirely being serious. Relief flooded Toris - he was almost positive he had convinced the faery to remain a little while longer.
The two were silent again as Toris waited for Feliks - he looked as though he were thinking, and he didn't want to interrupt.
Finally, the blonde sighed before turning his cool gaze back to Toris. "Fine," he relented, sounding both relieved and reluctant at the same time. "But only another week. And if things die down a bit, then I will consider coming and going from the kingdom. But only if there is no risk of you getting caught, understood?"
Toris felt as though his heart was about to leap out of his chest, and he held back a grin. "Of course, I understand."
Feliks stared at him for a moment longer before letting out another sigh. "Humans," he muttered in mock annoyance. "Now I see why we're warned to stay away from you."