AN: Hope you enjoy reading~!

Chapter 21:

The fireplace in the tearoom was lit and burning brightly, the fire bathing the room in a romantic orange glow as well as a comforting warmth. The Christmas tree stood tall in the corner, where a box of decorations sat close by. Beckoning Flavio to at the very least have a look, if not try his hand at placing a decoration or two upon the green leafy branches. Just to test things out.

Of course, there was a right way and a wrong way to decorate a Christmas tree. But Hana reassured him that she had no interest in that 'restrictive nonsense.' The best kind of anything, in her mind, was anything that came from the heart. And as long as Flavio enjoyed the process, she was certain that tree was sure to be beautiful.

There was no doubt that the tree was going to be an unorganised mess, but Flavio was going to give it his best shot.

Flavio carefully hooked a delicately crafted bauble upon a branch. "I have no idea what I'm doing."

Behind him, with his arms around his waist and his chin upon his shoulder, Fafnir kissed him quickly on the cheek. "It's fine. Everything you do is beautiful."

"You're bias."

"So?"

Flavio simply laughed.

Yeah, the tree was going to be an unorganised mess, but it was going to be his. And to Flavio, that was all that mattered. Ever since he was a child, he had always wanted his own Christmas tree. And now he had one. So, no matter what, he was going to enjoy it.

"We're back!"

Flavio turned his face toward Fafnir and gave him a small smile. He knew they had to part slightly for now. They could not exactly be as affectionate as they wanted out in public. Not in front of Arianna. It would be too cruel, not with her heart still recovering from being broken.

So, with a chaste kiss, Fafnir unfurled his arms around his waist and took a half step back. But he made sure not to wander too far from him.

"Welcome back!" Flavio called back.

He expected four figures to step into the tearoom, prompted by his voice. Yet, only Arianna stepped inside. Her posture was elegant and purposeful, not relaxed or comfortable.

Had…something happened?

Arianna turned her gaze toward Fafnir and gave him a polite smile. "Excuse me, Sir Fafnir. Do you mind if I have a minute to speak with Sir Flavio in private, please."

A talk, huh? That meant it was about Regina.

Fafnir realised that, too, and did not appear happy. But he nodded his head nevertheless. "Alright," he relented and turned to Flavio, resting his hand on the small of his back. "I'll be outside the room if you need me."

"Sure." Flavio gave him a small smile, a sign that he appreciated his attentiveness.

Fafnir's fingers trailed along his back, purposely lingering, before he stepped away from him and walked past Arianna to step out of the room. As he closed the door behind him, Arianna stepped forward to sit herself down on the couch, while Flavio lingered by the Christmas tree for a moment.

"Did you tell her?" he asked.

Arianna idly straightened her skirt, her hands fidgety. "I did."

"I see." It was likely that the chat did not go well. "Regina hates me, doesn't she?"

"No, of course not!" Arianna immediately proclaimed. However, she sighed and looked down at the floor at her feet, her hands once more uncharacteristically fidgeting with the hem of her skirt once more. "Dame Regina did not take the news well."

So, she did hate him. Or at least blame him for what happened to the restaurant. Arianna was just too nice to say so. Treating him delicately because of their current situation.

Flavio idly rolled a Christmas bauble between his hands as he moved to sit down in the chair closest to the fireplace. He…could not exactly blame Regina for feeling that way. It was her dream, after all. And it was taken away from her, by the hands of someone else, because of someone else.

Because of him.

"Sir Flavio, you really are quite beloved around High Lagaard," Arianna said suddenly.

"Huh?"

Arianna gave him a small smile. "Yes. Apparently, Dame Regina had overheard quite a few medics referring to the restaurant as yours. And she had to remind them that it actually belongs to her. Yet, the gossip remained focused on what you will do now."

Flavio winced.

Yikes. No matter who you were, that was sure to rankle the feathers of anyone. Especially when they were still recovering in hospital.

That certainly gave Regina a good reason to hate him. Or at the very least be incredibly angry at him. And to learn that he was the reason for the fire? That would only fuel her hatred.

"The gossip made Dame Regina realise a few things."

That she loathed his very existence?

"In truth, she's envious of you."

Flavio's mouth dropped open in surprise. "E-envious?"

Arianna nodded as she idly brushed down her skirt once more. "You have a very warm and sincere personality, Sir Flavio. People are naturally drawn to you, even those who are most wary. With a single smile or conversation, you are able to put others at ease. Help them lower their guards and to become comfortable."

Did he really do that? He had no idea.

The smile on Arianna's lips took on a more sad, sympathetic feel. "Dame Regina, however, has the opposite effect on people. She knows she does, but that does not mean it does not hurt when people put up their guard and turn away from her. Her hurt comes out in stoicism and sometimes anger. And…when she saw just how well you were able to draw in people, draw in customers, she grew…"

"Jealous?"

Arianna nodded her head slowly, her gaze toward the fireplace.

Jealous…Flavio could hardly believe it. Someone was jealous of him? Someone of power, privilege and status was jealous? Of him?

"So… That is why she constantly had me out on the floor and front of house, while also doing errands. It was partially because she was playing matchmaker for you and Fafnir, but to also use me as the face of the restaurant."

Silently, Arianna nodded her head again.

The words of what Mandelson had said to him came rushing back. "She was planning on using me to make her business successful?"

Arianna closed her eyes and slowly nodded her head. "…Yes, it appears so."

Flavio released a slow breath. A feeling of betrayal like a punch to the chest. Yet, it…did not hurt as much as it probably should have.

Was it because…he had expected it? Subconsciously knew? All that hard work and not an ounce of thanks. He…never wanted any, true. But he never got any, nevertheless. To be nothing more than to be a means to an end was painful, regardless of the reason.

Hah. Mandelson was right about a few things, after all. Bertrand, too. The reveal certainly explained a few things, that was for sure.

"I…see." Flavio pushed himself to his feet, his fingers gripped tightly around the Christmas decoration in his hand. "I truly was just a servant in her eyes, I guess."

"I-it's not like that," Arianna immediately protested. For Regina's sake. Attempting to lessen to blow of betrayal.

"It's alright," Flavio said as he turned toward the Christmas tree, idly placing the Christmas decoration upon one of the branches. "At least I know for certain now."

It…was a bit of a relief, in a way. No more wondering, no more guessing. He knew the truth. As harsh as it was, he knew it. And it was for the best.

Regina's dedication fell into single-mindedness and she wanted to succeed, to prove her family wrong, no matter what. The pressure from her family did little to help, only pour fuel on her desire. If only they were more supportive like her grandfather, rather than disruptive and negative. Though, she was a stubborn woman, which was fortunate as one had to be to be a business owner.

It was...easy for dedication to tumble in obsession, wasn't it? The drive, the need to see the goal through, no matter what. For the world revolved around it. The world, for that time, depended on it. It was easy to lose sight of the big picture.

Was that how it went? Flavio could only speculate.

To hold such...passion for a cause.

The only thing Flavio ever threw all his worth at was...

Flavio picked up another decoration and set about tying it to the tree in a position he hoped was fitting. "What will she do now?"

"Dame Regina is not sure yet," Arianna admitted, a conversation the two no doubt had quite a few times. "She's still in recovery."

"Ah, well, we recovered Auspice's recipes from the ruins of the restaurant today."

"Oh, you returned?"

"Briefly." That reminded him, he really needed to do laundry tomorrow. "We just wanted to see. The recipes and the Grimoire stones."

"Oh, I see." Arianna sounded relieved. "Dame Regina will be happy to learn of the recipes."

Flavio gazed out the window when he heard the gentle tapping of snow against the glass. "Will you visit her again tomorrow?"

"She had requested that we return." He heard Arianna shift in her seat. "You…won't visit?"

Flavio gazed out at the darkening sky for a quiet moment. "She doesn't want to see me, does she?"

It was a rhetorical question, however, as he already knew the answer. Regina just learnt the devastating truth of what happened to her restaurant. Of course, the dedicated chef did not want to see the cause of it.

There was a long paused from Arianna, indicating that he was likely right. "…She feels guilty of her treatment of you."

And he felt guilty about what happened to the restaurant. They could not avoid each other forever, he knew that. But…their eventual meeting would be awkward. So, like a stubborn coward, he was going to postpone it for a little bit longer.

Flavio sighed as he bent down and picked up another ornament from the decoration box. He leaned against the back of a nearby chair and gaze down at the handcrafted bauble in his hand. A hand painted wintery setting, of a candy shop made from gingerbread. Cute and festive.

Everyone dreamt of opening their own little shop, didn't they? To make a living for themselves in a quaint little town that they love, for a home that they could call their own. To have a love of their own, to return home to, to make home with. To have people know your name on the street. To say 'good morning!' when you passed them by.

Hah.

He did not really get it.

He was not like Fafnir, or Arianna, or the others. There was nothing particularly special about him. An orphan. A skinny little brat that not even his parents wanted. He was not used to being the centre of attention. To receiving special treatment.

Yet, there he was. Centre of attention. People calling him Mr Flavio out on the street, in the bar. Without realising it, he had found a little bit of that dream for himself.

But…he had also gained negative attention, too. Ire, obsession, and jealousy. Of several people. Not because of something he did, but for simply being himself.

That was the hardest thing for Flavio to accept. If he had done something wrong, if he had hurt the feelings of someone or had made them angry in some way, then he could understand why they were acting the way they were. Why they appeared resentful, obsessed, or irritated with him.

But he had not done a single thing wrong. Not that he could recall. He simply…existed.

Flavio sighed and dropped his arm to his side, unconsciously dropping the bauble in his hand to the floor with a soft thud.

"Sir Flavio?" Arianna questioned, concern abundant in her voice.

"Sorry," Flavio automatically replied. "I'm just…so tired."

Arianna was heard taking to her feet. "Of course. You should get some rest."

"Yeah."

The door to the tearoom noisily opened and closed, and footsteps moved quietly over the carpet. A mere moment later, a pair of strong arms folded around Flavio, and he listlessly fell against Fafnir's chest, his head instinctively nuzzling under his chin, seeking both comfort and warmth.

"Did you overhear that?" he asked softly.

"I did."

That was not even remotely surprising. "Don't get mad. She's hurting."

"You're the one who is hurting the most right now," Fafnir protectively retorted.

Was he?

"What you said back at the bar," Flavio began carefully. "Do you think someone with a grudge against the Dubois family could be responsible. I mean, maybe someone had tried to bring down the restaurant out of spite but-"

"Became obsessed with you in the process and are just using you as an excuse?" Fafnir finished for him, and Flavio nodded his head once. Fafnir sighed, idly rubbing a hand along Flavio's arm to comfort him. "It's possible."

There were too many possibilities. Far too many. And he hated that.

If only they could at least lay eyes on the one causing them the most trouble; Flavio's undisputed stalker.

Flavio turned toward Fafnir and pressed himself against him, pushing himself further into his arms. "I never wanted any of this to happen."

"Of course, you didn't." Fafnir tightened his arms around him, dragging him impossibly closer. "Flavio, you did not start this battle, but I promise you; I will do whatever it takes to finish it and keep you safe. No matter what it takes."

Flavio knew that. He truly did.

He was just afraid what that could mean for Fafnir. And for the others.

… … … … …

The night had been largely silent. Flavio was able to sleep peacefully resting in Fafnir's protective arms, under his ever-watchful gaze. He still felt guilty that Fafnir had to be the one to remain on high alert, constantly troubling himself over him. But Fafnir would not have it any other way. And in truth, there was no one on this entire planet that could make Flavio feel as safe and as protected than Fafnir.

Flavio was the first to wake up that morning, so just laid in bed, silently watching Fafnir as he slept. With his back against the wall and securely wrapped up in Fafnir's arms, he could not move without waking the other man up, anyway. So, to ensure that Fafnir got some sound sleep, he laid still, idly toying with a strand of Fafnir's hair.

The morning air felt as cold as ever. Maybe even more so, which should not be a surprise as they were drawing ever closer to Christmas. Which reminded him, he still needed to find Fafnir a Christmas present. They had not had the time to go shopping for…obvious reasons.

Flavio resisted the urge to sigh.

He truly hated his current…situation. How his mind would promptly throw him back into reality, no matter how hard he tried to think of something else. Something far more pleasant, even just for a moment. He did not want to think about it. He truly didn't. But his brain was a jerk, and just had to remind him to look over at his door.

Something could be there, after all.

Flavio tried to ignore the urge, but it proved too strong, so he carefully raised his head from the pillow and looked over Fafnir's sleeping frame. Thankfully, there was nothing blocking the sunlight under his door, and there was no note or envelop shoved under, either.

Ok, good.

As Flavio moved to lay back down, Fafnir began to stir from his sleep. He grumbled something incoherent under his breath as he tightened his arms around Flavio, dragging him closer to him and nuzzling his face into the curve of his neck.

Flavio had to chuckle to himself as he raked his fingers through Fafnir's hair. "I don't want to get up either, but it's morning. And Hana might start clanging those pots and pans of hers for breakfast, soon."

Fafnir grumbled again but finally pulled himself awake. He yawned loudly as he continued to hold Flavio close before he unexpectedly rolled onto his back, taking Flavio with him. Flavio yelped at the sudden jostling, at being moved so easily, but did not protest when Fafnir settled him on his chest, their two bodies pressed against one another's.

"You're still too light and thin," Fafnir said.

Flavio gave him a disgruntled look. Really? First thing in the morning? Talk about rude!

"What should we do today?" he went on to ask.

Well, for one thing, Flavio was not going to the burnt remains of the restaurant again, nor was he going to the hospital. He just could not deal with either today. Just…not today.

"Oh, actually, I want to do some laundry today," Flavio said, idly trailing a finger along Fafnir's collarbone. "You know, to get rid of that smell of smoke. I can't stand it a moment longer."

"Get Hana to do it," Fafnir said as he trailed his fingers down his spine.

Nope. He was going to do the laundry today, no matter what. He needed to do something constructive. Something useful. For Fafnir and the others. He was used to Fafnir's protectiveness. But he was not used to being the subject of protection. That was two very different things.

Flavio poked him on the nose. "Now, don't be like that. I'll give me something to do. Arianna and Chloe are returning to the hospital and there's nothing more we can do at the restaurant, nor the bar. It's not like we can go into the labyrinth."

"Workaholic."

"Hush, or I'll use too much starch for your underwear."

Fafnir's hand trailed up his back to his neck before entangling his fingers within Flavio's hair. A slight, gentle tug was all the prompting Flavio needed to lower his head and to close his eyes, his lips instinctively seeking out Fafnir's. A kiss so sweet and meaningful, causing a trill of excitement for the unknown, of possibly more to come, to race down Flavio's spine. Yet, it also promised him domesticity. Safety and security.

Of things he wanted and desired. Needed and hoped for.

A loud and consistent metal clanging not far outside their door caused Flavio and Fafnir to spring apart; Fafnir all but throwing Flavio onto the bed as he leapt up to his feet, his body pulled into a battle stance.

"Breakfast time, dearies!"

There they were. The dreaded pots and pans.

They better get up. Hana was not known to be the type to start kicking in doors, but there was a first time for everything.

Flavio flopped onto the bed and rubbed his hands over his face while Fafnir mumbled some rather colourful unpleasantries under his voice. But ever dutiful, they two of them set about slipping on a change of warm clothes and got ready for the day.

As Fafnir got dressed, Flavio idly picked up the clothes that needed to be washed. Clothes that needed to be rid of the smell of smoke and soot. He picked up his coat from yesterday and as he idly folded it to add to the pile, he felt a solid object in one of the pockets.

Oh, the Grimoire from yesterday!

He immediately fished around for the stone and pulled out the perfect Grimoire. One that could be classed as a perfect refresh stone. It was a very useful stone. Highly sought after, but it was gifted to him, wanting nothing in return.

Flavio placed it in the pocket of his new coat. He hoped he did not need it, but it was always handy to have such a stone close by.

"Alright, you can do laundry," Fafnir said. But gave him a piercing look. "After breakfast."

"Y-yeah, of course! It wasn't like I was planning on doing it now!"

Fafnir narrowed his eyes.

Flavio flushed and nudged the basket of clothes aside with his foot. "A-anyway, let's see if the others are awake. I think I hear something."

Flavio quickly fished out the key for his room and headed over to his door. He unlocked the latch, and with Fafnir right behind him, he opened the door.

It was pure habit that had his gaze down toward the floor in search for any flowers or other gifts. When he found none, he looked up, toward the now two nooks within the wooden door. Thankfully, there was nothing to be found there, either.

With a small sigh of relief, Flavio stepped out into the hallway with Fafnir. As the other walked toward Bertrand's room, Flavio closed the door to his room and carefully locked it. He tested the handle a few times to ensure that it was indeed locked before he slipped the key into his coat pocket.

The murmuring of voices in the foyer downstairs drew Flavio's attention and he ventured forward a few steps, just to have a quick glance. The voices did not seem panicky or loud, so it was just curiosity more than anything.

"Ah, good morning, Mr Flavio!"

Flavio walked further down the stairs and looked toward the foyer where a guild of five stood. He recognised them to be former customers of the restaurant, frequent ones at that. Only when he was working, from what he understood, though. They were a polite, friendly bunch. Good ol', hearty explorers who he found incredibly easy to talk. He really enjoyed their visits and looked forward to them stopping by. He thought they would stop after what happened to the restaurant.

He had not realised they stayed at the inn, too. Good to know!

"Oh, good morning," Flavio returned with a smile as he leaned forward and rested his elbows on the railings of the stairs. "Heading into the labyrinth?"

"For a couple of hours," the oldest, a war magus, and the presumed leader of the group returned.

"We were also wondering what you will do now, with the restaurant," a young gunner unexpectedly piped up. "Will you rebuild?"

Flavio was taken slightly aback at the question. But he soon recalled his conversation with Arianna yesterday and he flushed lightly and scratched his cheek lightly. "Oh, well, that's…not exactly my decision to make. After all, it's not my restaurant."

A survivalist elbowed the gunner in the ribs subtly. "I told you," they said, their tone hushed.

The gunner immediately flushed. "Oh, s-sorry. It's just you appear to be the one running it."

Flavio gave a short laugh to ease the clearly younger explorer's embarrassment. "It's alright. An easy mistake to make. I was just…the face of it, I suppose."

"You should open your own," a young troubadour suddenly announced, catching Flavio off guard.

"Huh?"

"Yeah!" The gunner perked up again. "Your own café. Selling coffee and tea and stuff. I think you'll do really well!"

The thought had crossed his mind once or twice. But that happened with everyone, right? Dreaming about it and actually going through with it was two different things, as Regina had found out for herself. It was not as easy as just setting up shop and expecting customers to come.

Though, he did seem to have a bit of following from his work at the restaurant…

"You think so?" Flavio asked.

"Yeah, absolutely!" was the gunner's verbal response, but his guildmates seemed to agree with him in their own ways; with simple nods or small noises of agreement.

In truth, he would not mind having his own little café, but after what happened with the restaurant, would that be too spiteful?

…No, Flavio couldn't.

"Ok, that's enough," the leader of the group snared their gunner by the scruff of their neck and began to lead everyone toward the entrance. "Mr Flavio obviously has a lot on his mind right now. Let's leave him alone."

"Ugh, fine!" gunner whined.

Flavio smiled and waved them goodbye. "Take care and be careful. And come back safe!"

"We will!"

Hah. What a sweet guild. He was glad to have bumped into them at the inn. It was good to see them again.

"You're not trying to do Hana's job now, are you, kid?"

Flavio rolled his eyes at Bertrand's teasing and pushed away from the stair railing to look up at the blond-haired protector. "I was just seeing off a guild I used to speak to at the restaurant."

Unexpectedly, Hrothgar appeared next to Bertrand and smiled warmly at him. Flavio did not realise that he had a room close to him. Oh, he was probably speaking with Bertrand about something in his room. Probably.

"It seems that you are becoming a recognisable figure around High Lagaard, Flavio," Hrothgar said. His tone was light, yet there was a hint of teasing, too.

Flavio flushed lightly. "A-anyway, let's go get some breakfast!"