AN: Hope you enjoy reading!
Chapter 18:
Flavio leaned against the wall next to his door and watched as Fafnir proceeded to move his belonging from his room into Flavio's, moving quickly so not to alert his numerous stalkers of his presence.
It was done. He had done it. Flavio finally told Fafnir everything.
He…was not entirely sure how he felt. Simultaneously relieved and guilty.
It also made his situation very real. It was undeniable. He could no longer brush it off, pretend he was just being paranoid. It was real. No matter how much he did not want it to be, no matter how much he wished it was not the case, he could not deny that he was in a very precarious situation. Three very strange individuals, one of which proven themselves to be violent and dangerous, have made him the target of their attention.
Flavio released a sigh and leaned his head back to rest against the wall. He had no idea what the future would bring for him, for them. And he hated that. He hated not knowing what kind of trouble, what kind of danger he was dragging everyone into.
"Um, Sir Flavio?"
Arianna's voice pulled Flavio from his musings. He looked to his left and pushed away from the wall to stand in the hallway when he realised that Arianna stood by him, her posture unexpectedly anxious.
"I should apologise," she began as she wrung her hands nervously in front of her. "I had selfishly tried to keep Sir Fafnir's attention to myself. Wh-when, all this time…"
Flavio shook his head. "Arianna, don't be silly. You didn't know. No one did."
Another reason why Flavio was reluctant to tell everyone what he had been enduring on his own; the unfair guilt when they realised they had been oblivious to it all. He…did not mean to cause them that pain. He truly didn't. He just did not believe it would escalate the way it did.
No one truly did, he supposed.
"Arianna." Flavio shifted on his feet, hesitating. He should not continue with what he wanted to ask. It was not the time. "You…have feelings for Fafnir, don't you?"
Arianna did not answer right away, yet she did not turn away either, her expression softening in a truly sad, yet accepting gaze. "I do. But Sir Fafnir does not return those feelings. Does he?"
Flavio could not lie to her. Not about something so important. "…I'm sorry, Arianna. He cares for you as he would a sister. That is as far as his feelings go."
"I see." Arianna lowered her head to gaze down at the floor. Her voice somehow managed to remain level, calm. In spite how her heart must be breaking in her chest. "Thank you, for being honest with me, Sir Flavio."
A regal and upstanding princess, through and through.
"You really are a sweet girl, Arianna. Fafnir doesn't want to break your heart, but he also doesn't want to give you false hope. That's why he may have appeared distant as of late."
Arianna shook her head, her eyes downcast. "No, I understand. Sir Fafnir is far too free-willed. He could never truly live in my rigid world."
That was true. Fafnir was simply not built for a world of excessive rules and demands. Not anymore.
He still felt sorry for the young princess. To suffer her first heartbreak. No one wanted to endure that kind of pain.
"I'm sorry."
"No. It's ok." Arianna finally raised her head and, despite it all, managed to present him a small, well-practiced smile. Her eyes had a telling sheen to them. One that of unshed tears.
Flavio did not point it out, however. He could only smile with sincere sympathy, as that was all he could offer her.
Quietly, Arianna walked past him and made her way back to her room.
Flavio sighed. Poor thing. No one wanted to break the heart of a young lady. The truth was painful but lies were devastating. To lie to Arianna, to give her false hope, would only hurt her more.
He hoped she would be all right.
As the door to Arianna's room closed, the one to Bertrand's opened. The blond-haired protector stepped out and made his way over to him. "Hey, Kid. It alright if I inform Hrothgar? He knows the locals better than we do. And Wulfgar might be useful for us."
Flavio hesitated, unwilling to pull anyone else into his troubles. But Bertrand had raised a few good points. And it was likely that protective Hrothgar would get himself involved one way or another.
Best to inform him of everything from the beginning, he supposed.
"Alright," Flavio relented. "But no one else, ok?"
He carried enough guilt.
"Sure, kid."
Bertrand had obviously grown soft on him. No sigh of exasperation. No griping about how much less trouble he could have caused if he simply been more open. Instead, the old man simply nodded his head in understanding.
He guessed gaining a stalker or two did that to a man.
But Flavio could not put that down to Bertrand suddenly learning the truth of what he had endured for the past week.
"Um…"
"Something else, kid?"
Flavio glanced into his room, where Fafnir was at present, before he turned his attention back to Bertrand. "How much of…that conversation did you overhear?" he asked quietly.
Bertrand immediately knew what, and who, he was referring to. "Enough."
Flavio did not know whether to wince or sigh. "I thought so."
"He's clearly an asshole," Bertrand said as he roughly folded his arms across his chest. "Unfortunately, his words did have a kernel of truth to them."
Sincerity, too. That made it all the more difficult to simply brush his words aside and ignore him.
"Yeah," Flavio sighed. "I hate that, too."
"But I'm glad you're choosing not to listen to him."
Flavio pouted. "I'm rather indignant that you thought I would."
Bertrand gave him a small smile and patted his shoulder as he walked past him. "I'm going to go in search of Hrothgar. I assume Fafnir is going to be watching you like a hawk from here on out."
Oh, no doubt about that.
Flavio watched until Bertrand was out of sight before he turned and walked into his room, where Fafnir was setting his things down, and closed the door. He instinctively locked it and leaned against it, releasing a sigh.
"Arianna knows," he revealed.
"Yeah, I heard," Fafnir returned, obvious guilt in his voice. "I feel like a cad. Sorry you had to do that."
Flavio shook his head and pushed away from the door. After the trouble and guilt he caused, it was his just punishment, he supposed. "It's for the best."
At least there was no longer any chance of misunderstandings.
With another shake of his head, Flavio set about helping Fafnir to move himself in. They did not possess many belongings, just a few pieces of clothing and personal items. Their bulkier explorer gear had been stored out the back of the restaurant, which had been left largely untouched, according to Hrothgar.
As Fafnir placed his clothes in an empty drawer in the cabinet next to the door, Flavio idly began to tidy up. And was hit by that stagnant scent of ashes.
Ah, right. He really needed to do the laundry. He could still smell the smoke from the other (last?) night. Besides, he could use the distraction. Not to mention it was his explorer gear. He needed that back into top shape.
"Man, it's been over a week since we've been in the labyrinth, hasn't it?" Flavio realised.
Fafnir pushed the drawer shut. "It's best we deal with this situation before we return."
"I suppose." But he would like a sense of normalcy again.
Fafnir stepped behind Flavio and slipped his arms around his waist and rested his chin on his shoulder. "Everything will be ok, Flavio. I'll make sure of it."
It was always amazing how Fafnir's touch and presence had an immediate effect on him. Flavio sunk back against him and rested his hands on his arms, his fingers idly trailing over the bright blue mark that marred the back of Fafnir's right hand.
With a small sigh, he turned his head ever-so slightly to the side to nuzzle his cheek against Fafnir's. "I know."
He really should have told him soon. That guilt would last for quite some time.
Flavio trailed his hand along Fafnir's arm as he moved himself in Fafnir's arms. Not to push him away, of course not. But to simply turn himself around. To rest his hands on his chest, and to face him.
He had wanted to say something to him. But those words were lost when his gaze locked with Fafnir's. In those eyes, a short but significant conversation was shared between them. It was a form of communication on a very basic level. There was no way Flavio could deny the purpose in the heated depths of Fafnir's eyes.
Fafnir was going to kiss him.
And Flavio was not going to stop him.
Flavio felt Fafnir's hands as they slid around him, to rest on his back, to pull him closer still. And he watched, mesmerised as Fafnir's lips moved to meet his. His awareness of Fafnir was something that was both startling, but exciting. He felt every tiny movement that he made, from the way one arm encircled his waist and the other slid up his back to rest between his shoulder blades.
Fafnir's presence overrode his senses. From the way he touched him to his very aroma. Everything about him was so…him.
Flavio felt Fafnir's heated breath as the lightest of caresses, before his lips covered his in a kiss that was both gentle and heated, slow but urgent.
This moment had been inevitable between them, Flavio realised that. He had known it subconsciously. Hoped for it. Maybe even dreamed of it. But never truly believed it would happen. Not to him. Not to someone like him.
But it was happening to him. It was real.
As Fafnir's lips moved against his, Flavio clung to him and returned the kiss with all the emotion he could muster, as an unaccustomed warmth spread through him. Fafnir felt his response, the way his arms wound around his neck, his body moulding effortlessly against his.
Everything just felt so…right.
All too soon, Fafnir pulled back, and Flavio uttered a small gasp as his eyes fluttered open. They kept their arms around each other, neither having any desire to move.
"I've wanted to do that for ages," Fafnir admitted.
"Y-yeah." Flavio's features were flushed, and he felt a little lightheaded. But he leaned forward slightly. "Do it again."
The corner of Fafnir's mouth twitched into a half smile. "Heh. As you wish."
Fafnir then kissed him again. One of many more that night.
… … … … …
Comfort and warmth. It was amazing just how important those two things were for one's peace of mind.
Flavio found both when he awoke in Fafnir's arms.
The dim lighting of the room did little to hide the sight of Fafnir's sleeping face just inches away from his. Flavio carefully wiggled a hand from the blankets to gently trail his fingertips over Fafnir's cheek, to both remind himself that Fafnir was indeed very real and to awaken the other from his slumber.
Last night almost felt like a dream.
Fafnir's nose wrinkled in mild annoyance at being awoken, but his eyes soon fluttered open. And his gaze immediately settled upon Flavio.
Without a word, Fafnir placed his hand on the small of Flavio's back and pulled him closer, just so he could press his lips against him in a good morning kiss. Naturally, Flavio kissed back, his heart skipping a beat at the knowledge that such wonderful activities were to become a daily occurrence from here on out.
Unfortunately, as much as they both wanted to, they could not stay locked in his room forever. And, well, lip locked forever, either.
With a small sigh, Flavio pulled back, his hands still framing Fafnir's face. "We better get up."
"Yeah."
It took quite a bit of effort on both their parts to detach themselves from each other and to slip out from the warm blankets into the cool morning air. But since they were both adults, and the fact that they were actually quite hungry, they managed to do so, and quickly got change.
As they stepped out into the hallway, Fafnir instinctively looking up and down for any danger while Flavio turned to lock the door, the doors to their teammates' doors each opened one by one.
Their timing was either miraculous or the others had been waiting for the door of Flavio's room to open before they made their own appearances.
"So, what's the plan for the morning?" Bertrand asked.
"I would like to take Dame Chloe to visit Dame Regina," Arianna requested before Fafnir could issue any orders of his own. "I feel that she may need to…know the truth before someone untoward informs her."
Flavio was unable to stop himself from wincing. That was a very real possibility. His stalker was obviously very twisted. Who was to say he would not send Regina a note, gloating that the fire that took her restaurant, possibly her dream, was an act of malicious arson?
Still, she was not going to be happy.
"I hope you break the news to her gently."
"Of course," Arianna immediately returned. "I will explain everything in full, I promise, Sir Flavio."
Flavio tried to smile, but only managed a small one. One that was, no doubt, tinged with guilt. "Thank you."
"Bertrand and I will quickly check the premises," Fafnir stated. "Unfortunately, I hadn't had the chance to inform Hana of the room change last night. Can you do that for me?"
Oh, that was definitely strategic on his part.
Flavio nodded his head nevertheless. "Sure, I can do that."
With all that settled, everyone turned and headed down the stairs to the foyer of the inn. as they did so, they bypassed an elderly veteran explorer as he trudged up the stairs, one hand on the railing as the other rubbed the small of his back. As Flavio passed him, he heard him mumbling something about his back. Something akin to the complaints that Bertrand often made.
Flavio could not help but give the older man a quick second glance.
Hmm? The guy looked familiar. Well, he appeared to be a guest at the inn, so he likely bumped into him on the stairs before at some point. He may even had seen his face at the restaurant.
It was just his paranoia that made him give every face he walked past a second glance.
In the foyer of the inn, they parted ways. Fafnir promised that his surveillance of the inn would be done in haste, and he would return soon. Nothing had happened in the broad light of morning before, so Flavio felt reassured that he was safe. Especially with Fafnir on the prowl.
He still felt uneasy as he went in search of the dedicated inn-keeper. "Hana?"
A moment later, Hana appeared from the back office. "Oh, good morning, dearie!"
"Good morning," Flavio immediately returned with a smile, always finding the older woman's motherly enthusiasm a delight. "You sound extra cheerful this morning."
"Oh, yes!" Hana all but flounced from behind the counter, which was quite the sight. "We finally have our Christmas trees. They came early this morning."
"Christmas trees?"
"Come, come!" Hana ushered him toward the tearoom.
Inside the room, in the corner next to the fireplace sat a tall tree. The very tip just a few inches from the ceiling. It was what Flavio imagined a typical Christmas tree to be. A blue spruce, if he was not mistaken. He had only seen them in books, so he could only guess. It certainly brought a beautifully fresh scent to the room.
"We have another in the dining hall. I'd like to have another in the foyer. Can never have too many, oh-hohoho!"
"It's a beauty, alright."
Hana turned to him and rested a hand on her stomach. "I imagine you're quite adept at decorating."
"Oh no, I've never decorated one," Flavio revealed. "We've never really had the chance to celebrate Christmas. I was kinda looking forward to it this year. I had heard High Lagaard really celebrates it."
"Oh, then you are to be in for a treat!" Hana smiled broadly, excited for him. "Now that the Duchess' birthday has been dealt with, we can finally start with our Christmas celebrations. Remind me to get the Chrissie decorations later."
Hana then paused and turned to gaze at the tree across the room for a silent moment. She then turned back to him. "You know what, dearie? You can have this one."
Flavio's mouth dropped open in surprise. "What? I couldn't-"
"Nonsense!" Hana cut him off. "After everything you've been through, a nice bit of calm normalcy would be nice."
Hana had no idea how much he needed that. But maybe she did. Her motherly instinct was powerful, after all.
"Thank you. I really appreciate it."
High Lagaard was feeling more and more like home to him.
"Oh, I almost forgot. I need to talk to you about a slight room change."
Hana tilted her head to the side. "Oh? Something wrong?"
"Oh no, nothing is wrong." How should he put it? "It's just…well, for…certain health reasons, Fafnir has moved into my room. With me. For a while."
Far from confused, Hana was immediately supportive. "Oh, good! I had noticed that you haven't been looking your usual best lately, sweetie. You've definitely been overworking yourself, haven't you? And you've lost weight! Not that you could afford to! Good thing Fafnir is taking care of you now!"
Flavio flushed. "Y-yeah…"
"Flavio?"
Flavio turned and stepped out of the tearoom. "Here!"
Fafnir stood in the foyer with Bertrand. They were certainly efficient with their surveillance. "There you are," he said as the two approached. "Morning, Hana."
"Morning, dearies. Just in time for breakfast!" Hana announced as she headed toward the dining hall. "Time to bring back those pounds Flavio lost!"
With an arched eyebrow, Fafnir watched the dedicated inn-keeper until she was out of sight before he turned his attention toward Flavio. "Hm?"
Flavio scratched his cheek. "I'll, ah, explain later."
"Hello? Is there a Mr Flavio here?"
A new voice radiating from the foyer caught everyone by surprise, Flavio especially since it was his name that was mentioned. There stood a man, dressed in plain clothing. And in his hands were a vase of white lilies.
When Flavio laid eyes on the flowers, he felt the instinct to hide in the tearoom. Nothing good ever came with a vase of flowers. But with both Fafnir and Bertrand on either side of him, both sporting protective stares, he moved forward.
"Ah, that's me."
The man, one he had never seen before, regarded him with little interest, so Flavio discerned that the guy was simply just a courier. "Here, these are for you."
Flavio retrieved the flowers with a hidden grimace. "Thanks."
"There's a card, also."
Of course, there was.
But instead of a white piece of cardboard folded in half, he was handed a red envelop with a red wax seal on the back. His name was written with an elegant scrawl in black ink on the front. In a handwriting that was unfamiliar. Unlike that of the notes and letters that Flavio had received previously, he was sure of it.
"Have a good day," the courier said simply as he turned on his heel and left.
Fafnir was immediately by Flavio's side and took the flowers from him. "Are they from…?"
"They're an official courier, if I recall right," Bertrand said, as he looked in the direction the guy left in.
Flavio held the red envelop in both of his hands. "I have never received flowers through an official courier. They were always just placed at my door."
That did not mean the guy did not decide to change his methods.
He spent a moment to study the red envelop. The wax seal on the back was unrecognisable to him. It, however, did tell him that it belonged to a prominent family. There was only one family of the gentry that he knew of, the Dubois.
There was no way the Dubois family would send him, him out of the entire guild, flowers.
Flavio drew in a deep breath. Only one way to find out.
He turned the envelop over and broke the seal. A single piece of cardboard laid inside. And on, written in the same elegant scrawl, in the same black ink were a few lines.
'I truly am sorry for what had happened to the restaurant. Despite my feelings toward the Dubois family, you did not deserve to endure such tragedy.'
At the bottom was a name.
Flavio sighed. "They're from Mandelson."
He hoped that it was not the beginning of a fresh new wave of flowers. Flavio did not need two 'secret admirers'.
Bertrand sighed and crossed his arms. "Yeah, not surprised the news of the fire have reached the ears of the aristocracy."
"Is his writing the same as the others?" Fafnir asked, a scowl on his face.
"No, it's absolutely different," Flavio immediately replied. "I'm fairly certain that Mandelson is not the stalker responsible for…you know."
No. Whoever had been harassing him, sending him the flowers, standing outside his door at night, was someone completely different. Someone else. What he could not say, however, was that they were completely unrelated to Mandelson.
"Let's just…let's just place these flowers in the tearoom for now."
