• Closed • A Happy Happenstance

[Aeodan]

21 Cylus 717

Numeral after numeral, letter after letter, Aeodan trudged through the daily tedium of cataloging the Linguistic scrolls at the University. Each one, though interesting in its own right, was a drab brownish colour that seemed to blur Aeodan's eyes, and he stuffed them into circular holes in the wall designed specifically to keep them dry and organized.

As he finished the last one, Aeodan dropped into a chair, a sigh escaping his lips. He did not mind translating or transcribing the works of the University, but the boredom that accompanied organizing them usually drove his mind to wander throughout the trial. Except this time, it wasn't. Aeodan's thoughts kept drifting back to his sister and the man she brought home. Duncan had been polite, and though Aeodan didn't like how his sister acted, ashamed and cloistered, he supposed he understood. And Duncan had, to his knowledge, done everything he could to make Aeodan more comfortable during what could only be described as uncomfortable.

Except Aeodan didn't feel embarrassment like others. Instead, he was curious as to the motives behind the two's interactions, watching them even when they weren't paying attention. Aeodan noticed how distant the two seemed, as if something had happened between them, but he felt it too impolite to ask. And now that Duncan was gone, Aeodan may never see him again. With a frown, the young man traced the silvery mark over his eye, which he often did when he was thinking about something intangible.

It was nearly a break before he noticed how famished he was. As he stood, he swooned, catching himself on the desk. His legs, weak as they were, weren't working to their fullest since he'd skipped breakfast. As quickly as he could, he trotted through the university gates, hoping to find lunch in Andaris. As he walked, his mind began to wander, finally, to things other than Edalene and Duncan. Not that it mattered, as he walked by Duncan and noticed him immediately. Taking it as a sign, Aeodan spun on his heel and jogged on aching legs to catch up to the man.

"Duncan! Hey, wait up... Duncan... It's me, Aeodan." He breathed heavily as he caught Duncan's wrist, barely applying any force to it. Just the touch to make Duncan notice who he was. "Eda's brother. Edalene. You had an overnight liason with her two trials ago..." He didn't realize Duncan probably recognized him. He had a tendency to ramble when uncomfortable.

[Duncan Oisin]

The morning had been slow and quiet for Duncan, much of his time thus far having been spent contract hunting, looking for mercenary jobs worth the time and effort. His efforts had been unsuccessful, and Duncan was beginning to feel that his time in Andaris had run it's course, or perhaps that it was time to find a new profession. What he would do, Duncan wasn't so sure. His life in Rynmere wasn't much to brag about; he had no family, no loved one's here. Such thoughts brought Edalene, and her sweet brother to mind, but Duncan stopped himself from thinking too much into it. He liked them, certainly, but he'd known them for a few day's at most, and was doing his best to not get overly attached. He walked slowly, without any aim or destination to be, simply wasting time and getting lost in his thoughts. A figure darted towards him from the side, and Duncan started in surprise, turning quickly, for a moment thinking he was about to be robbed or attacked.

A voice called out, and Duncan smiled, slow and pleasant as he turned, his gaze settling on the young man next to him, relieved to see him and not a pick pocket. "Aeodan." He greeted, his voice warm and quite obviously pleased to be seeing the younger man, his more gloomy emotions clearing almost immediatley. Aeodan was tall and slim, his handsome face marked by that strange silvery mark. "I remember, Aeo." The mercenary chuckled, turning fully to look the other man up and down. Duncan had no doubt that his attraction to the man was fairly obvious, he'd never been good at masking his feelings. He was however, far better composed than he had been for their first meeting, when the unexpected appearance of the younger man had surprised him into awkward babbling. "I was looking for somewhere to eat actually. Would you like to join me?" Duncan said suddenly, almost surprising himself with the suddenness of it, realizing a moment too late that he knew of few places where they could eat. What are you going to do, take Eda's brother to a bar!? He scolded himself.

[Aeodan]

Aeodan's grin was radiant as Duncan remembered him, giving the awkward boy less to worry about since he wouldn't have to explain everything that happened that day... Especially after Duncan had left. Instead, though, Aeodan smiled and nodded, falling into step with Duncan as they set out in search of food.

"So, Duncan... What's got you close to the university? Are you taking courses? Or... Looking for Edalene?" Aeodan chewed on his lip, nervous again in front of Duncan. For some reason, Aeodan hoped that Duncan was not looking for his sister, but he couldn't put a name to the emotion that dictated the desire. Instead, he just chewed on his lip.

"Or, more importantly, what shall we eat? Lowtown has fantastic dumplings, and I've heard there is a roasted pork restaurant that does magic with the meat. I love pork. If you couldn't tell from breakfast." He grinned, sheepish in Duncan's shadow.

Honestly, Aeodan didn't care what the two of them got to eat. He was just glad to have Duncan's company, and he was even more glad that his solitary lunch would not longer garner unwanted glances; now he had Duncan to shield him from those stares.

Shield me. It was strange that Aeodan though of Duncan as a protector... But he was so comfortable around the man. It was unusual that he connected with one of Eda's "friends", but he was glad he gravitated towards Duncan.

[Duncan Oisin]

Duncan took a step closer to the younger man as they began to walk again, unable to help himself. Aeodan was attractive, and had his own sense of charisma and charm. Duncan did find him odd, there was no denying that, but I didn't taint his positive opinion of Aeodan; after all, Duncan himself was strange too. As Aeodan spoke Duncan drifted closer, trying his best to keep casual as he did so, his arm brushing against Aeodan's as they moved. "I'm, uh, looking for work actually." He started, face twisting awkwardly as he spoke. He knew his answer was too vague, but wasn't sure if he wanted to admit to Aeodan his true profession. For a moment Duncan wrestled with a pang of reluctance; he'd been judge many time's before due to the work he undertook, and many people looked down on his for it, he didn't want Aeodan to as well. Or Edalene either, for that matter, as Duncan failed to recall telling her in the short time they'd known each other either.

Fuck it. He scolded himself suddenly, glancing at Aeodan from the corner of his eye, and becoming side tracked as his gaze snagged on Aeodan's plump lips, which he was worrying with his teeth. The short moment that he'd taken stretched longer than he'd of liked. What are you doing! He mentally slapped himself, eye's snapping back to the path ahead of them. Stop acting like a lovesick teenager! Finally Duncan cleared his throat, shooting Aeodan a sheepish smile. "I'm a mercenary. I've been searching for contracts to take up." He finally said, pure determination keeping his voice level, though there was little he could do to disguise his blush and flighty gaze. "To be honest, I hadn't even realized how close I was to the university, my search takes me all over the place." Duncan paused for a moment, thinking over what little he knew of Aeodan. "What is it that you do at the University?"

The conversation steered back towards food, and Duncan relaxed somewhat, ignoring the hungry growl his stomach let out at the mention. I do magic with meat too. He thought to himself, far more amused by the unfortunate phrasing than he should have been as a grown man. "How about the pork then?" He suggested, smiling wide while simultaneously attempting to cover up his silly chuckle. Pork did should like a delicious idea for lunch, but so did the dumplings after all. Duncan bumped shoulders with Aeodan and grinned broadly, going so far as to slip in a cheeky wink. "We could get dumplings some other time."

[Aeodan]

The younger of the two twins loved what he did. He loved researching for the University, and it was easy to tell from the light that leaped into his eyes. He smiled at Duncan at his interest in Aeodan's life. None of Eda's other gentlemen callers bothered to get to know him, and his interest in Duncan grew proportionately.

"Well, I work as an assistant researcher for the Anthropology department. Which isn't nearly as glamorous as it sounds either. Really, I just organize books or scrolls, and then sometimes copy the information into other books or scrolls. But I do get to do neat stuff like pop in on Edalene or examine fossils. Why, just the other day, the researcher I study under showed me a really great fossilization of an infant from pre-Originals time, they think. Perfectly preserved."

He smiled broadly, so excited by such an amusing find. His eyes shone as they walked, and his smile was infectious. He walked slower than Duncan. Though he was tall, his weak legs made it impossible for him to stride like the powerful mercenary. Instead, Aeodan rested a hand on his shoulder.

"Sorry, I hope you don't mind. I don't know if Eda told you, but I have some health issues..." He smiled still, though there was a sadness in his eyes. "So it is hard for me to walk sometimes. Is this okay?" He asked, his eyes large and doe-like.

"You made a great choice with the pork. We'll get the dumplings next time, for sure. They're so delicious. But the pork just hits the spot. It's so salty and good... And probably going to send both of us to an early grave." He chuckled. "If one of your contracts doesn't do that first. A mercenary, huh? That must be really exciting... What has been your favorite job?"

His hand tightened on Duncan's shoulder as the muscles in his thighs seized, causing him moderate pain. He stumbled but remained upright, a look of pain clouding his smiling face. He looked up at Duncan, both apologetic and grateful for the support.

[Duncan Oisin]

Duncan was more than happy to listen to Aeodan chat about his work, the younger mans pure enthusiasm going leaps and bounds to make up for Duncan's lack of education in the subject. He'd grown up in Etzos slums and brothels, with little chance to learn about fossilized babies, even if he'd wanted to. Duncan's eye's moved continuously between the path ahead of them and Aeodan's face, his expression light and pleased as they walked. Truthfully, the mercenary was much more interested in the past wars of Idalos, and the tactics utilized in them, but he'd much rather listen to Aeodan talk that change the subject, no matter what.

People passed them as they walked, and Duncan slowed his steps to match Aeodan, his eye's softening as he reached up to lay a hand on his shoulder. Duncan reached out instinctively, laying a hand along Aeodan's back, mouth opening to apologise for his swift steps. His words were stalled however, as his gaze drifted across the street before them, catching on a young, handsome man a short distance away. The strangers attention was fixed to Aeodan, his gaze heavy and so obvious that you'd have to be blind or as naive as a newborn lamb to mistake his intentions. Duncan's steps halted almost immediately, eye's hardening on the man, who seemed to be resolutely ignoring the fact that Aeodan had any company.

Aeodan, for his part, seemed oblivious, continuing on to talk about the food, before moving on to Duncan's work. Duncan frowned, not particularly fond of discussing it. "Eh, you know how it is" He said vaguely, shrugging. "Always after a better way of life. I doubt I'll even be in Rynmere for the next season." Duncan started, but his attention was still on Aeodan's admirer. Irritated and possessive, uncalled for jealousy flooded him, and he turned back to Aeodan, making an effort to clear his face, instead pining the man with an impish smile.

"Well then, Aeo, how about... this!" He said quickly, bending to pass a hand behind the slimmer man's knees, and with little warning, one hand still at his back, Duncan hefted him up, off his feet and into his arms. Holding him close, Duncan grinned down at him, eye's soft and playful, pleased to see he man drift off in his periphery. Duncan began moving again, Aeodan's weight slowing him somewhat as he placed his steps carefully. "How about it huh? Whenever you have trouble walking, you can call me, and I'll be your personal pack mule." He chuckled.

[Aeodan]

Life could be funny sometimes. One minute, you think your feet are planted firmly on the ground, and the next minute, your heart is in the clouds. Except for Aeodan, he didn't know what to make of that feeling. All of a sudden, Duncan had whisked him into his arm and started carrying him, and Aeodan didn't mind. In fact, a boyish giggle escaped his full lips, and his face broke out into one of the broadest smiles of his life.

"Whoa-oh! Careful! Don't drop me!" He giggled again, this time resting his head against Duncan's powerful shoulder. In truth, it was incredibly relieving for the pressure to be taken off his legs, and Duncan had no idea how good it felt. Aeodan had been standing the whole trial, so the ability to relax and allow his legs to do the same was very much appreciated. "You know, I thought you'd take offense to being my pack mule. What about trusty steed? Every Knight of Knowledge needs a trusty steed." He grinned widely, obviously teasing Duncan.

"You know, Duncan, I'm very glad Edalene met you. In fact, I'm very glad I met you. Because you've been very nice to me, and that doesn't happen very often. So thank you. I'd heard stories about mercenaries being these gruff, scarred ugly men with bad teeth and a drinking problem. But you're none of those things. In fact, you're a very handsome, very nice man with good teeth and a drinking problem." Child-like eyes met Duncan's, just a hint of teasing hiding in them. "I assume, I mean, since Edalene drinks a lot and most of the men she's... well... They all just tend to drink a lot. Sorry if I'm rambling, I'm just happy. I do this sometimes when I'm happy. Like, one time, Eda and I went to the sea and..." He trailed off for a second, content to look at Duncan's face as he carried him. "Just... Thank you. For being nice to me."

He laid his head against Duncan's shoulder again, this time turning to see where they were going. They weren't far from the restaurant, and Aeodan's stomach grumbled.

"I think I'm going to eat TWO portions. I'm ravenous." He smiled at Duncan again.

[Duncan Oisin]

"I'm not gonna drop you!" Duncan laughed, a silly grin finding its way across his face as Aeodan giggled and relaxed against him, resting his head on his shoulder. As Aeodan continued to speak Duncan's laugh grew louder. "Are you teasing me!?" He demanded playfully, plastering a look of disbelief over his face, though it was somewhat undone by his lopsided smile. "Maybe you should take your "trusty stead" more seriously, or I will drop you!"

Duncan fell silent as Aeodan continued on, listening closely as the younger man, his heart swelling with affection as he tried to keep up with the jumps from one thought to the next. It was far different to what Duncan was used to, and the mercenary wasn't quite sure what to say or do. After a long moment, Aeodan's words drew to a close, and he simply gazed up at Duncan, his expression soft and happy. "Well, you're welcome. It's easy to be nice to you, I really do like you a lot." He said slowly, a small thread of embarrassment twisting in his stomach. He pushed it aside and continued on, eye's darting between Aeodan's face and the path ahead of them. "I'm glad I met Edalene as well, otherwise I wouldn't have met you. There's something about you that just... fits, I guess. I feel like I've known you far longer than I really have..."

Duncan grinned, quietly pleased with the way things had turned out. He walked in silence for a long moment, arms gradually beginning to burn, though he alleviated it by carefully shifting Aeodan's weight around every now and again. He enjoyed to moment in silence for as long as he could, until the realisation dawned on him that he had no idea where they were going. "Hey, my valiant knight!" He said suddenly, steps slowing. "I need you to lead the way for your poor stead!" He chuckled, listening carefully as Aeodan called out directions and following them to the letter, finally arriving outside a modest eatery. "Well," He sighed, coming to a stop and carefully letting Aeodan's legs down, keeping a strong arm wound around his back until he was certain the younger man had his balance. "I suppose it's about time to put you down, huh? I hardly think the owners would appreciate me trying to carry you through that little door."

[Aeodan]

As Duncan carried him, Aeodan twisted his head to look at him. Watching the man speak enraptured the young boy, and Aeodan couldn't help but stare as they ventured along. It occurred to him that they may pass the restaurant, and though Aeodan was starving, he decided he wouldn't mind getting lost with Duncan. Very few things held the young Xyph's attention for very long, but Duncan was one of them. And something inside Aeodan twisted.

"You know, I don't think I mind if they get mad. I'm... I like you carrying me. It takes a lot of pressure off my legs. Though if I'm too heavy, I can get down."

Contrary to his words, though, he nuzzled his face into Duncan's chest. Breathing in the man's musk, Aeodan relaxed in his arms, unclenching muscles in his stomach he did not know he was clenching. Tightening his arms instead, Aeodan looked ahead.

"If they say something, you can just scare them away with your muscles." Aeodan giggled, the words slightly muffled by Duncan's chest. He nuzzled again, but eventually climbed from Duncan's arms. He knew the mercenary was right in assuming he shouldn't be carried into the restaurant, but Aeodan was so resistant to being put down. As his legs made contact with the road, they nearly buckled. He grasped Duncan's shoulder, harder than he meant to.

"Oh, I'm sorry! My legs..." He tried to explain, but his ears burned. He gazed up at Duncan, begging his forgiveness and also pleading with the man. After a few trills, though, the legs began to work again. Aeodan straightened up and frowned at Duncan.

"I'm really very sorry about that. Some trials are worse than others." He tried desperately to change the subject. "Shall we?" He grabbed Duncan's large, powerful hand and led him into the restaurant. Upon being seated, Aeodan smiled.

"Don't even glance at the menu. Trust me to order for us both." His excitement was evident in the gleam in his eyes.

[Duncan Oisin]

The large mercenary chuckled, his eye's foggy and soft as the younger man snuggled in to him, slowly unfolding himself. The last thing Duncan really wanted was to put the younger man down, and he really did make an enticing argument. Reluctantly, Duncan let him down, only to reach out quickly to steady him as Aeodan stumbled and flushed with embarrassment.

Duncan smiled, slow and fond. Unable to help himself, he wrapped an arm around Aeodan's narrow waist and pulled him closer, until they were pressed together from hip to shoulder. "You're fine darling." He murmured, his voice low and soft, full of fondness for the younger man. Reaching up, Duncan caught Aeodan's chin so that he could lean in and press a stubbly kiss to his smooth cheek. Smiling, Duncan didn't draw back, instead he remained close, leaning his forehead against Aeodan's temple for a long moment and waring with the urge to turn the man and lay claim to his mouth instead. Though he was far from a shy man, Duncan wasn't particularly fond of awkward situations, and so he finally drew back, his eyes lingering on Aeodan's for a long moment.

Sighing, Duncan stepped back, allowing Aeodan his space, though he kept an arm outstretch to rest gently on the other man's upper back, in case he were to loose his balance again. Once seated, Duncan pushed his menu away with a laugh and a wink, and waited for Aeodan to order for them, his eyes taking in his perfect, pale skin and waves of dark hair. Though he was hungry, Duncan would have been more than happy to sit and simply chat. "How long have you been at the university Aeo?" He asked, resting his elbows comfortably on the table top. "I used to know a professor there."