The Strangers in the Palace (Closed)(Fantasy)

(ah yeah I agree with rin getting sick then! cause I think it’d create an interesting parallel, and it’d be less stressful for you to write ari’s introduction with rin really ill—when would they start getting symptoms, maybe that night or the next day? ooh and maybe they wouldn’t be especially noticeable cause he’d already be feeling bad about the whole honey situation?)

“Mm. Not that kind of ill, my love,” Arquis murmured and nuzzled into their chest. “But thank you for being so considerate.”

“Think he means the lose his lunch kind of ill,” Honey supplied helpfully. Arquis lifted his head to give him a look, and the blonde grinned. For the first time all day, he looked boyish. He wasn’t a mature, confident man with enough charm to flatter a whole bar. He looked young, barely surpassing the cusp of adulthood. It made Arquis’s heart ache.

Sugar wormed out of Rin’s reach back to her owner’s side. He let her tackle him again, sending him sprawling onto his side. His laughter was bright and contagious as she nibbled harmlessly at his nose. She showered him in licks before turning to bark at Rin. Arquis shivered and clung onto his partner for reassurance.

(alright perfect! yeah maybe they start showing symptoms that night but they don't say anything about it bc they wanna focus on Honey, but then at some point they're just,,, undeniably sick. Like. coughing and feverish and stuff?)

"Alright, darling." he replied softly, continuing to hold Arquis. He rubbed his lover's back softly, clicking his tongue at Sugar when she barked at them. "Hush, Sugar." he told the dog, reaching out to gently tap her nose. "You're scaring my partner, naughty thing." he was still smiling, just a little bit, as he watched the little dog.

(ooh yeah like maybe they lose their voice eventually too and start having fever dreams at some point?? also question would they go back to their room for this to happen or stay with honey, cause staying with honey would give rin more reason to cover it up)

Honey scooped up Sugar and carried her over to a small crate in the corner. It was covered with a heated blanket of some kind. The little dog whined as he set her inside, but he slotted a treat through the bars and she gave a content yip. He poked another one inside before returning to the bed.

“I wanna take a bath,” he said awkwardly, grabbing one of the drawstrings on his sweatpants and giving it a yank. To even them out, he grabbed the other string and tugged it, too. “Pretty sure I don’t smell too great, and I… I don’t feel clean. Um. Yeah. So, I’m gonna do that, I think, and then… I don’t know.”

Arquis raised a brow. Honey seemed lost in thought, just as he had been earlier. He was dazed and unsteady on his feet. It wasn’t quite as bad or obvious as it had been beforehand, but the signs were the same. His gaze stuck on one point. His motions were absent, lacking clarity or purpose. His lips were slightly parted, like he was halfway through either drawing in a breath or letting one out.

(oh yeah for sure! mm idk, I was thinking maybe they stay with Honey tonight and hten the next night they're back in their room, and by then it's gotten pretty bad? what do you think?)

Rin watched Honey, getting up from his seat and coming over to the young man. "You feeling alright?" they asked, not touching him but carefully checking over him to see if they could figure out what was wrong. Something seemed off, and they wanted to help, though they weren't quite sure what to do in order to do so.

(yeah I like that!!)

Honey startled. He gave a slow nod, then gestured with his chin towards the bathroom. “Yeah, I’m just gonna… like I said, just gonna…”

Without saying another word, he walked into his bathroom. It was like watching a ghost in action. His steps had a glide to them that was somehow both heavy and light. He left the door open as he turned on the faucet, only realizing it wasn’t closed when he began to peel off his shirt. He stumbled back through it, eyes wandering aimlessly, and finally went to his wardrobe. Out of it came an oversized sweater and flannel pajama pants that looked well worn. He exited the bedroom once more, this time remembering to close and lock the door.

Arquis stood and took his partner into his arms. As worried as he was for Honey—the blonde locking himself in the bathroom was likely a safety precaution, he knew, but it was still concerning—he also had to take care of Rin. They’d had an exhausting morning. It was, according to a clock on Honey’s vanity, about three in the afternoon, and they hadn’t had a break since the two of them had found Honey in their room. Rin had to be emotionally exhausted, especially given the subject matter of the situation.

“How are you doing, my dear?” he asked softly, kissing them on the nape of their neck.

(perfect!)

Rin watched Honey quietly until the door was closed and locked, then turned to lean into Arquis, a soft breath escaping his lips. "I'm tired." they admitted softly. "And…and this is a lot." it had brought back so many memories and emotions that they hadn't been prepared to deal with, and they hadn't had the space or time to really cope with them, either, since they hadn't wanted to make Honey feel guilty for it when it wasn't Honey's fault. He wrapped his arms around Arquis, leaning his cheek on Arquis's shoulder.

Arquis hummed and wrapped an arm around their stomach. He knew they had a soft spot for touch, and he was more than happy to provide. As gently as possible, he guided him over to the bed once more. Sugar yipped at them as they passed. It took all of Arquis’s focus not to jump at the sound. They’d already spent enough time on his phobia. He sat, positioning himself so that Rin was in his lap, and encircled them in his arms.

“I know. I know, my love. You have done so well, but perhaps now is a good time to, ah, catch your breath.” He planted a light kiss on his temple. “Is there anything that you need to talk about? I am here to listen.”

He was rather tired as well, though he knew it was a different sort of exhaustion. His came from external worry and anger and sympathy. Rin, on the other hand, had experienced so much of what Honey had gone through. The age, the violent man, the manipulation. He couldn’t even begin to imagine what sort of trauma had resurfaced for them throughout the conversation. Part of him wished that they had stepped out to take care of himself, but he knew that Rin’s empathy had really encouraged Honey to open up.

Rin moved easily, letting out a slightly shaky breath as they got settled on Arquis's lap. They leaned against him. "I don't…I don't know. It's just…there was so much, and I…" he pressed closer to their partner. "I didn't want to make Honey feel guilty but it's hard." sometimes, it had been all they could do to keep from crying, both at what had happened to Honey and from the memories. Their breath shook again, and he swallowed softly to try and keep himself from crying. "It's so h-hard, and Lysander did…did so much of the same things, and I'm just…I…" his voice was trembling and he was trying so hard to pull themself together.

“Oh, love,” Arquis murmured. He cupped their chin and ran his thumb along his jaw, then tipped their head so that he could press soft kisses all along his forehead. One of his hands stroked soothingly up to his chest and down back to their stomach.

“You are so incredibly strong, Rin. One of the strongest people I have ever met. And while your strength is admirable, I am truly sorry that it was birthed from such cruelty. You were completely undeserving of what that monster did to you.” He stopped to let his words sink in, making sure Rin heard them. They had echoed the same sentiment to Honey earlier, but he needed to make sure that they received them as well.

Arquis was growing quite concerned. It seemed as if Rin had prioritized Honey’s well-being over his own, listening to his story while suffering through memories of his own. He hoped that this did not become a trend. Rin deserved to take care of themself in the same way that he took care of the blonde. He deserved that same effort and tenderness.

“You do not always have to be so strong, my dear,” he reminded them gently. If they needed to cry, he hoped that he would. Bottling one’s emotions only led to ruin.

Rin's breath hitched, and he eventually did start to cry, hushed and quiet, his face pressed to Arquis's shoulder. "'m s-sorry." he whispered, clinging to Arquis. His shoulders trembled and hitched faintly with each quiet sob that left his mouth. "I'm just…it's a lot, Arquis."

Arquis hugged them tightly. He could feel his every sob shake his body like it was their own. It was devastating and necessary, he knew. This had probably been coming for a long time. Their perseverance was impressive indeed, albeit heartbreaking.

“I know. But that is alright, my dear. Everything is alright. You are safe and loved, and you do not need to apologize for what you are feeling. Not now, not ever.” He gently cupped the back of his neck, then pushed his fingers into their hair. In a gentle, repetitive fashion, he began to brush it back, pausing only to kiss the top of his head.

Rin was trembling still, crying into Arquis's shoulder. The gentle touches did help to soothe them, though they were still crying. They had had to bottle it for so long that day, not wanting to break down in front of Honey, not wanting to make the young man feel bad about it when it wasn't Honey's fault, and now it was all coming out at once. Their breath came out in soft, shuddering gasps.

Arquis let them cry into his shoulder. He continued with the soft touches and whispered praise. When their sobbing would grow intense, he would gently remind him to breathe by encouraging them to sync with him: in and out, in and out. A bad panic attack would likely consume what energy they had left, leaving them drained and vulnerable. Crying would do the same, of course, but with fewer long lasting, potentially serious physical consequences. One was negative; the other was generally positive. One was out of intense fear; the other was out of the healthy need to express emotions.

The door eventually clicked open. Honey stepped out in a cloud of steam. The sweater he had on was practically a tent due to its size, while his pants seemed to fit rather well. When he spotted Rin, he froze.

“All good?” he asked, fumbling over the words.

By the time Honey was done, Rin's tears had mostly faded away, and he was just cuddled up with Arquis. When Honey spoke, they winced faintly. "Sorry, sorry." he said. "I'm j-just…a lot of memories, and I…" he fumbled for a moment, then shook his head a little bit, not able to bring himself to look at Honey. They just hoped Honey woulnd't think it was his fault.

Honey fidgeted with the neckline of his sweater, his eyes darting between Rin and Arquis. He looked incredibly guilty. It didn’t help at all that they wouldn’t look his way. The things that he had feared had actually happened. He hurt people, good people, because he had told the truth. They were suffering because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut. The effort he’d put into trying to protect them had been for nothing. Like always, he’d screwed up. And he wasn’t even sure how to fix it. Arquis was already providing Rin with physical comfort. He wasn’t sure what else to do, other than get out of their way.

“Shit. I’m real sorry.” His hand clenched the loose fabric of one of his pant pockets, and he shook his head. They probably wouldn’t want to hear from him. He’d only be a reminder of what had happened to them. Nervously, quietly, he sank down next to Sugar’s cage, bunched his knees to his chest, and wrapped them in his arms.

Arquis kissed Rin on the corner of his mouth. “Do you need some space? We can return to our room. I am certain that Lovey would switch with us.”

"It's okay." Rin said, eyes darting over to Honey for a moment. "I don't…I chose to help, Honey. I knew it would…I knew it would hurt." their voice was quiet. "It's not your fault." it really wasn't, and they hoped Honey understood that. Rin did not blame him for any of it. Not the tears, not the pain, none of it.

Honey shook his head again, this time with more force. Tiny water droplets showered the cage and the wall. He hunched even further into himself as Sugar whined beside him. She scratched the side of the cage in an effort to get to him and bring him peace of mind, but he didn’t let her out.

“I knew-” he cut himself off, choked up. His voice was hoarse. “I knew that you’d- I knew that you were like me. You told me. And I should’ve stopped. Shouldn’t have made you go through that again. Even if you were willing, I should’ve just- I- I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“You are a bit too selfless, my love.” Arquis nuzzled into Rin’s shoulder, then kissed his cheek. Then, to both of them, he said, “I do not believe either of you are at fault. It is a complicated situation. You both did the best that you could.”

Rin shook his head faintly at Honey's words. "You needed to talk about it, and I was willing to listen, even though it hurt. You aren't at fault." they said softly, rubbing their eyes with the heel of their hand, wiping away the last of his tears. "Please don't blame yourself for it."

Arquis gently kissed his partner, pressing one under each eye. They were no longer crying, but that did not mean that he should stop lavishing him with affection.

Honey didn’t say anything. It was very clear, however, that he very much intended to blame himself for their distress. He lifted his hand to anxiously nibble at the nail of his thumb. When he realized that he was doing it, he withdrew his finger, staring at it like it’d offended him. He’d apparently bitten some nail polish. He dropped his hand and looked over to Sugar. Arquis noticed that his eyes were red and puffy as well. Had he been crying in the bath? Imagining it—him curled up in the soapy water, sobbing silently so as to not gain unwanted attention—was devastating.

The blonde’s gaze eventually made its way back to Rin and Arquis. When he saw that they were holding one another, his expression changed. He looked heartbroken. And lonely. So, so lonely. It didn’t help that he was huddled by himself on the floor.

Rin let the silence continue for a while, staying close to Arquis. He hated that Honey looked so heartbroken and lonely, but there wasn't much they could really do about it. "Do you want us to leave?" they asked after a long, silent moment. "We can send Lovey to sit with you for a while." they looked tired, eyes puffy and red and still leaning their head against Arquis.

Honey shrugged, but it was so weak that he barely moved at all. Gone was the intense loneliness. Replacing it was, well, nothing. He looked hollowed out; his eyes were devoid of feeling. There was nothing going on behind them. No deductions, no calculations. Nothing. For a terrifying moment, Arquis thought he was dead. He was barely breathing. But then he did that small, almost imperceptible shrug again.

The answer he finally gave wasn’t much of an answer at all. “I guess.”

That was a bad sign. There was an awful, chilling sensation building within Arquis. He felt that if they were to leave that room right then and there, even if just for a bit, they would never see Honey again. Such a concept was likely nothing, he assured himself, but an irrational fear. Yet he still knew that something was off.

“Honey, perhaps you should come sit on the bed for a bit.” He couldn’t keep the worry from bleeding into his tone. It made his voice higher than usual.

Sugar started to whimper. Honey didn’t even glance her way. That was another red flag. She began to cry louder, but he didn’t so much as flinch.

The young man stood, though it took far too long. He was moving as if time had slowed, or as if he was encased in metal. His eyes were still blank. It was honestly terrifying. He trudged over. He sat on the bed, crossing one leg over the other. He didn’t speak.

Rin watched, shifting off of Arquis in order to be able to wrap an arm around Honey's shoulders, touch gentle enough that Honey could pull away easily if he wanted to. "Honey, you can talk to us." They said softly. "Whatever you need to talk about, whatever you want to say. We aren't going to judge you or hat you for it, I promise." His face was still a bit blotchy from his own crying session, but right now their focus was on Honey again.

Honey didn’t say anything, but his eyes did raise to meet their gaze. His were still empty. After a moment, he very, very slowly lowered himself so that his forehead was against their chest. His left arm wrapped around that middle space between their lungs and hips.

“You’re warm,” he muttered. The words had a stumbling, sluggish quality to them, as if he hadn’t meant to say them.

Arquis hid a smile behind his hand. “Oh dear.”

Honey didn’t seem to hear what he’d said. He just looked up at Rin again, blinking sleepily, waiting for their response.

Rin blinked down at Honey, unsure, for a long moment, of how best to respond. "I…thanks?" they said slowly, raising their eyebrows a little bit and continuing to hold onto Honey. They didn't mind holding him, and just hoped he fell asleep if that was what he needed.

Honey nodded, though his forehead was still against them so his hair brushed against their shirt.

“So warm,” he mumbled. With the hand that wasn’t around them, he tugged one of his blankets over him. It was dark blue, softer than silk, and had a pattern of tiny stars on it. He pulled it around himself and then frowned. Rin was still upright. He poked them with a hand until they were propped against a mountain of pillows, yawned, and let his head rest on their stomach.

“Don’t mind?” It took Arquis a moment to realize that this remark was addressed to both him and Rin.

“If they do not then I do not. Though I do imagine that you might be more comfortable, Honey, if you were to sleep, ah, not on a person.” Arquis smiled at his partner. “Here, I will switch Sugar’s heated blanket with a regular one, and you will be very warm.”

He did exactly as he’d promised. Honey rolled over so that he was on the right side of the bed, while Arquis and Rin were on the left. Arquis tucked him in with the heated blanket after getting permission, feeling almost parental.

Rin blinked, letting themself be shifted around by Honey and their partner until they were cuddled together with their partner. He snuggled close to Arquis, sighing tiredly. "Hi." they breathed, shaking his head faintly and leaching off of Arquis's body heat. They still felt tired, and actually a little achy.

“Hello, my love,” Arquis murmured. He carefully removed one of his gloves and ran his fingers through their hair. “You sound quite tired as well. Perhaps you should rest a little. I can stay up for a bit.”

He took one of the many blankets from Honey’s bed and pulled it towards himself. It was off white and both incredibly smooth and stretchy. With a dramatic flourish, he spread it so that it covered both him and Rin, then shifted closer to his partner. He carded his hand through their hair once more before cupping his cheek. Suddenly, he frowned.

“Mm, Honey was right. You are a touch warm. It could very well be the heating, however.” He tilted their chin to look in his eyes. “Feeling alright, my dear?”

Rin hummed faintly, eyes half open. "I'm fine." he replied softly, snuggling close with the blanket draped around them. They actually felt, maybe, a bit chilled, but they didn't say anything. It was probably just all the stress and emotions from the day weighing on him. That was it. It likely wasn't anything more, just his body reacting to all the stress.

Arquis nodded hesitantly. On the one hand, he trusted them to know their body and limits, but on the other he knew how stressful the day had been. He kissed their forehead and lingered for just a moment. If he did have some sort of fever, it wasn’t all that high. It was likely just the heating and the warmth of the bed. That would explain the slight flush of their face as well. Arquis was just being overly anxious. It had been a very long day, and now he was looking for issues everywhere. Rin was alright.

He checked the clock on Honey’s vanity. Late afternoon had bled into evening, and evening was already bleeding into night. The time had flown by. He was secretly quite pleased that they weren’t going to be eating dinner, though it did worry him a tad that Rin hadn’t mentioned it. They hadn’t had lunch or eaten much for breakfast, either. But he was also exhausted. That tended to throw off the appetite. Tomorrow morning, Arquis assured himself, they would likely be hungry again.

With an incredible amount of gentleness, he arranged moved himself around them so that their back was to his stomach. He slipped his arms around them and gave him a kiss just below the ear.

“Rest if you so desire, love. I will be here when you wake. As will Honey. And Sugar.”

Rin leaned back into Arquis, letting out a slow, quiet sigh. "Thank you, darling." to be honest, they weren't feeling very hungry, despite not having eaten much. It was easy, though, to just dismiss it as another symptom of stress, another little thing thrown off by the stress and emotions the day had brought to them. So they said nothing of it, just closed their eyes in order to drift off to sleep.