I feel things are intensifying now! Next chapter things will get a little spicy... This one is more angsty/fluffy kind of drabble. Enjoy nonetheless!

By the time Frey made her way to Porco's kitchen, she walked in to see Doug sitting with Kiel, Dylas, Leon, Vishnal and Arthur. He was already hungrily scarfing a beloved rice dish, and there was no more room left at the guy's table. Hope that had welled up inside her of a quiet date with Doug, where he would explain last night's 'adventures' and everything would be worked out, vanished. She still held the bitterness of that fact within herself, but knew she was too much of a coward to admit how she felt for fear of how he would react.

*GRRR!*

"Oh-hoh! Someone is hungry! Marevelous heelllooo Frey!"

Porco winked at her, rushing out to serve her. She blushed at her growling stomach, and allowed herself to be led to the table against the wall by the eccentric chef. Frey noticed it was a two-seater, at which she felt all the more shame and embarrassment that Doug was practically ignoring her.

"Thanks, Porcoline. Hey Doug!"

She called out, motioning for him to join her. He waved a hand at her, but was too engrossed in conversation. Frey sighed and looked at the expectant Porcoline.

"I will have… a glass of wine and…"

"Hawhee oohhh, AND a hearty, healthy dish to soak up that alcohol no less, you naughty girl!"

"Heheh, y-yeah just some dumplings."

"Coming right up!" Porco sang, plodding away humming a happy tune.

Damn, how is he always so upbeat?

Frey glanced across to the guy's table once more. Doug and Dylas appeared to be arguing, as per usual, but Dylas looked anxious to salvage my dish from the jaws of the manic chef. I didn't even notice another absence from the table, nor did anyone else, until the voice made me look up into the empty seat across from me.

"Good afternoon princess! How are you feeling today?"

"Hey Vishnal!" Damn, how was EVERYONE in this town so upbeat?

Yeah, a bit better… Clorica had to help me out this morning with some harvesting though!"

A dark look briefly passed across the butler's face before it crumpled into a wan smile, lavender eyes deep with emotion.

"Yes…. Princess… we have been worried."

Frey was almost tired of hearing this, as it was something she was well aware of, but it still made her feel warm inside.

"Hey. I-I know I was strange with you last night… I-it's just…" He sighed, "I was expecting Doug to be there. T-that's why there was so much food, for... for the both of you…"

He fidgeted, looking annoyed at that last sentence.

"I-I… didn't expect to see you there alone. It was late after all. I j-just noticed your light happened to be on… a-and I wanted to make sure you were being looked after. No-Not that I am saying Doug doesn't look after you!"

He blushed, eyes widening at his utterance, eyes scanning your face for a sign of offense.

"I appreciate you looking out for me, I suppose you always have, b-but… you have never been quite so vocal about it! And besides… I don't get to thank you enough as it is!"

Frey gave a tired smile to Vishnal, suddenly aware of how much her head and her body ached. Suddenly aware of how much she wanted to say that he stopped worrying and 'looking after' her a while ago...

"Here you go," Dylas put down the plate with an indifferent smirk, "that Doug…" he growled, pacing back to the guys' table to settle some score with the dwarf. The aroma of the dumplings was amazing, and Frey suddenly realized how hungry she was.

"Take your time!" Porco called out at them.

Frey blushed and glanced briefly over at Doug. He seemed to be looking around the restaurant, and frowned slightly when he caught her eye. Vishnal noticed, and began to sweat.

"Princess, perhaps I should take my leave," he went to stand, but something about the silent plea in Frey's eyes made him waver.

"Please…" she whispered, so silently she was sure he could not have heard anything.

"Hey hey, what's going on!" Doug beamed at the pair, suddenly fidgeting at the side of the table. Dylas was glaring in there direction.

"Sorry I couldn't save you a seat Frey!"

Frey bite into a dumpling, nodding.

"Dash okai," she said between chews. Both boys looked embarrassed and awkward.

"W-well, thanks for meeting me on my lunch break anyways Frey…" Doug leaned down and brushed his lips against her cheek.

"I will be home a bit later than usual again; I have somewhere to go, alright?"

He called as he ran out the door. Frey sighed, and took a gulp of the wine.

Perhaps too big of a gulp. She shuddered, it was bitter.

"Princess… Doug didn't seem to mind me dining with you…"

Frey's head snapped up to meet his sheepish expression.

"Of course not! I don't understand Vishnal! You have served me for years. Much longer than I have been…" she still blushed every time she said it, "dating Doug… and besides, you live in the castle too. He knows we are close!"

"R-really?" Vishnal gave a relieved grin.

"Of course! Hey Porcoline, bring over another glass of wine!"

Frey could do nothing at smile at the butler's shocked expression.

Late afternoon, after a 'couple' more glasses of wine…

"It was really weird being in your room for a purpose other than cleaning!"

"It had been a while since you checked up on me! I miss your wake-up calls! It's hard getting out of bed otherwise!"
You both giggled for no reason, as you tipsily walked through Selphia Square. For some reason, your drunken minds had taken you the long, scenic way home via Melody Street.

"Why don't you come in now?"

Frey's mind raced for an excuse as to why he should, but she couldn't come up with anything. Honestly, she just didn't want to be alone knowing Doug was out who knows where again… and she had really enjoyed Vishnal's company last time. Even if it lead to her smelling like a curried orange.

He hiccupped, straining to look professional.

"Sure, is there something that needs straightening out?"

Ever dutiful.

"Vishnal, I hope I didn't keep you from your chores today," Frey kicked at a pebble on the ground, changing the subject.

"No," he sounded sad, "but to be honest, there has been a lot less work to do after Ventuswill…"

Both of them were silent, looking down at the cobblestones.

"…Mr. Volkanon has now said that we are to serve you. You requested my company at lunch, and I was not going to refuse my Princess. My tasks are to fulfil your needs!"

Frey arched her eyebrow slightly. She did feel a rush of sadness at the mention of Venti, but she had departed many years ago, and Frey still felt her mischievous nature in the wind. Almost as soon as she had that thought, a gust blew at them, making her minty hair blow gently across her shoulder, and the hem of her skirt rustled. She was watching, probably amused. It almost distracted her from Vishnal's slip.

His Princess...

"I see…so did you not want to have lunch with me today? Did you only do as you were 'commanded' by me?"

Something in her tone was defensive. She had started to feel as if the blue-haired castle dweller had feelings a little different than dutiful devotion. And she was surprised at her own disappointment at the prospect it had just been all in her head, spun out of being ignored by the man who supposedly loved her.

"Prin…" Vishnal stopped himself, and suddenly grasped her hand.

"Frey. This is not true. How can you say this? I sought you out the other night, remember?"

Both hearts were pounding as they stayed in this position, Frey very aware of the strong yet gentle fingers entwined with her own.

"And it would be my honour to come with you to your room."

Frey looked up at the burning fire in his eyes, and silently led him inside, making sure to use the entrance that lead straight to her bedchambers. Perhaps... it was not all in my head...