[Both of Rhy's assumptions are correct. Wilhelm is in fact hiding out in his room, staring up at the canopy of his bed in place of mindlessly scrolling through the phone he doesn't have here. For someone else he might make up an excuse or decline to answer altogether, but for Rhy he perks up like a puppy. Rolling out of bed, he scrambles to straighten out his hair.]
Yeah, one second...!
[Promptly, he pulls open the door and welcomes Rhy with a smile. Although to be perceived is an embarrassing ordeal, he appreciates that Rhy has made a routine of checking on him. That he never questions his habits and moods; his company is unconditional.]
[ Ah, there he is. Rhy can hear the hurried movements inside, footsteps quickly moving for the door. He greets Wilhelm with his usual bright smile; it seems any glimpse of moodiness Wilhelm might've glimpsed from him on their trip was short-lived, and he wouldn't be blamed for assuming it was related to the trip or the negotiations.
Without really waiting to be invited, Rhy sort of starts moving to step into Wilhelm's room and let himself inside. ]
Hello! You weren't napping, were you? It's so dark in here!
[He needs no persuasion to step aside and let Rhy pass. It's good to see him in high spirits — not that it's a rare thing, but it's reassuring all the same to have some consistency to tether himself to. Like the tide that lifts all the boats floating on the water, Rhy's smile has the power to lift Wilhelm's mood.]
Um...not really.
[He fusses with his hair a bit more.]
Here, I can get us some light.
[There's a lantern sitting by his bed, which he lights. By match, not magic, which might seem a strange choice for someone who is supposed to possess the ability to spark fire in his hands.]
[ Rhy notices he goes for the match; it's a little odd, but he doesn't say anything. May Wilhelm likes doing things manually. It's not exactly an inconvenience.
He moves toward the cold hearth next. The castle is magically kept at a comfortable temperature, but it's always nicer with a fire's glow, especially in winter. Before lighting it, Rhy tugs open the curtains of the window as well, revealing views of moonlit white-blanketed spires and rooftops outside. New snow is falling slowly, lazily fluttering beyond the window, catching the faint silvery light. ]
[His eyes drift out the window, watching the purple snow gather in the darkness. The hour probably isn't as late as he thinks it is. The sun disappears fast this time of year. His attention soon returns to Rhy.]
Sure, whatever you want.
[Wilhelm comes to join him by the fireplace, which has been thoroughly neglected by him — if it has ever been put to use, it's Elrond's doing. He isn't sure where his roommate is, but he guesses the library. On his visits to Wilhelm's room, Rhy may have noticed a small collection of personal belongings by one of the other beds, suggesting another occupant. The elf, though, is a little elusive.]
So...any special reason you're visiting me?
[A teasing lilt underpins the question. His hands are folded behind his back to hide his fidgeting fingers.]
[ Rhy has met Elrond, who attended his little gathering for the newly Summoned, but though he's learned from Wilhelm who his new roommate is, Rhy hasn't actually seen the elf around here much. He may have asked leading questions of Wilhelm when he first found out though, wondering if he enjoys having a roommate, someone to talk to or just be nearby to spend time alone near. Rhy has of course offered similar companionship and sought it himself with Wilhelm over the past few months -- reading together in the library, or in the gardens, simply being in the same room, taking tea together in his and Kell's room on occasion.
He smiles when Wilhelm asks if there's a special reason, a teasing crooked little grin. ]
There is, in fact.
[ It isn't what Wilhelm is possibly hoping for... though judging by Rhy's look, he has an idea, and he's probably not against it.
He waits a beat, then reaches into his pocket. ]
I made you something, Just a little trinket.
[ He stretches out his arm toward Wilhelm and opens his fingers; atop his palm sits a small, cloth-wrapped bundle.
When Wilhelm takes it, he'll find a carved wooden frog, relatively simple in its design but meticulously sanded and detailed. Rhy's had a lot of anxious energy lately to work out, and a bit of extra time. He waits for Wilhelm's reaction with a small, expectant smile. ]
[Wilhelm prizes whatever attention Rhy wants to give him. He likes quiet moments spent wedged side by side as much as the bright, bubbly ones they've shared in taverns. Maybe even more so. His question could mean nothing in particular, or it could mean exactly what Rhy wants it to mean. Truthfully, he can't help the things his thoughts often bend toward in Rhy's presence.
The gift takes him by surprise. Taking the tiny bundle, he pulls it open to reveal the laboriously crafted frog inside. His eyes flick back to Rhy, and a smile curves his lips. Now he understands why he asked him what his favorite animal was a few weeks ago.]
You made this? [He sounds both impressed by Rhy's handiwork, and...affected by the thought he'd put into the gift. Fingers tracing the smooth planes of wood, he studies the frog.] It's awesome...!
[Carefully enclosing the carving in his hand, he loops his arms around Rhy to pull him into a hug. His voice softens to a murmur.]
[ Wilhelm's face is enough to convince him. He really likes it. Rhy can't help by smile, a surge of relief and warmth filling his chest at that reaction. It's exactly what he'd hoped for. ]
I'm glad you like it.
[ He hugs Wilhelm back, giving him a little squeeze and pressing his lips to the boy's temple. ]
I heard something about winter holidays and gift giving traditions... it isn't something I'm familiar with, but it seemed a good excuse as any.
[ And he'd been restless the week leading up to the Dimming, needing to occupy his nervous energy somehow. Carving a bunch of random little animals for the people he cares about was a fine way to vent that anxiety. ]
[Wilhelm smiles softly under the kiss nestled against his temple. When he's with Rhy, he catches himself waiting for little tokens of affection like this, counting and measuring them. His brain, a mess of defense mechanisms engineered on behalf of his heart, makes excuses for the importance he misplaces on these moments. It writes off any meaning in his own intentions — and certainly any meaning in Rhy's actions.
He's still in love with Simon. That's the truest thing he knows.
Withdrawing from the embrace, Wilhelm moves toward the fire to place the little wooden frog on the narrow mantle the stretches over the hearth. Already perched there is a glass snow globe encompassing a tranquil pond in a tiny wood.]
Now I feel bad that I didn't get you anything.
[And he does look sheepish, tucking his hair behind his ear.]
What? [ Rhy blinks. Listen, he doesn't know what Christmas is. ]
Oh, no, you don't have to feel bad at all! I was feeling restless and wanted to carve some things. I thought it'd be nice to carve something my friends would enjoy.
That's why I asked you what animals you like.
It's really nothing worth feeling guilty over. If it makes you feel better, we don't have such traditions in my world. I only heard about it here.
[Moving back toward him, he slips his fingers down Rhy's wrist, tracing his knuckles before taking his hand. His eyes fall to the link formed of their hands, then flutter up to him.]
Okay. [It's not hard to concede to those kind, warm eyes.] I just...really appreciate everything you've done for me.
[Not just the thoughtful gift, but everything else. Checking on him, making sure he's not slipping through the cracks. Making him laugh. Believing in him when Wilhelm sure the hell doesn't. Pulling him out of his depressive funks or sitting through them with him. Letting him indulge in...not feeling so lonely for a while.]
[ Rhy squeezes his hand back, his smile widening. Then, he pulls Wilhelm into an embrace, holding him for a few moments, just firmly enough to feel secure. ]
I care about you, Wilhelm. I like spending time with you.
[Settling into the embrace, he holds Rhy with the sort of covetousness reserved for things you know don't truly belong to you, and the sort of gratitude reserved for things you know not to take for granted. He buries his nose in Rhy's shoulder, breathes him in, and feels at peace for now.]
Glad you're not sick of me yet.
[He says it like it's a joke, but it isn't exactly.]
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no subject
Yeah, one second...!
[Promptly, he pulls open the door and welcomes Rhy with a smile. Although to be perceived is an embarrassing ordeal, he appreciates that Rhy has made a routine of checking on him. That he never questions his habits and moods; his company is unconditional.]
Hey, what's up?
no subject
Without really waiting to be invited, Rhy sort of starts moving to step into Wilhelm's room and let himself inside. ]
Hello! You weren't napping, were you? It's so dark in here!
no subject
Um...not really.
[He fusses with his hair a bit more.]
Here, I can get us some light.
[There's a lantern sitting by his bed, which he lights. By match, not magic, which might seem a strange choice for someone who is supposed to possess the ability to spark fire in his hands.]
no subject
He moves toward the cold hearth next. The castle is magically kept at a comfortable temperature, but it's always nicer with a fire's glow, especially in winter. Before lighting it, Rhy tugs open the curtains of the window as well, revealing views of moonlit white-blanketed spires and rooftops outside. New snow is falling slowly, lazily fluttering beyond the window, catching the faint silvery light. ]
There we go.
Let's like the fireplace too.
no subject
Sure, whatever you want.
[Wilhelm comes to join him by the fireplace, which has been thoroughly neglected by him — if it has ever been put to use, it's Elrond's doing. He isn't sure where his roommate is, but he guesses the library. On his visits to Wilhelm's room, Rhy may have noticed a small collection of personal belongings by one of the other beds, suggesting another occupant. The elf, though, is a little elusive.]
So...any special reason you're visiting me?
[A teasing lilt underpins the question. His hands are folded behind his back to hide his fidgeting fingers.]
no subject
He smiles when Wilhelm asks if there's a special reason, a teasing crooked little grin. ]
There is, in fact.
[ It isn't what Wilhelm is possibly hoping for... though judging by Rhy's look, he has an idea, and he's probably not against it.
He waits a beat, then reaches into his pocket. ]
I made you something, Just a little trinket.
[ He stretches out his arm toward Wilhelm and opens his fingers; atop his palm sits a small, cloth-wrapped bundle.
When Wilhelm takes it, he'll find a carved wooden frog, relatively simple in its design but meticulously sanded and detailed. Rhy's had a lot of anxious energy lately to work out, and a bit of extra time. He waits for Wilhelm's reaction with a small, expectant smile. ]
no subject
The gift takes him by surprise. Taking the tiny bundle, he pulls it open to reveal the laboriously crafted frog inside. His eyes flick back to Rhy, and a smile curves his lips. Now he understands why he asked him what his favorite animal was a few weeks ago.]
You made this? [He sounds both impressed by Rhy's handiwork, and...affected by the thought he'd put into the gift. Fingers tracing the smooth planes of wood, he studies the frog.] It's awesome...!
[Carefully enclosing the carving in his hand, he loops his arms around Rhy to pull him into a hug. His voice softens to a murmur.]
Thanks, Rhy.
no subject
I'm glad you like it.
[ He hugs Wilhelm back, giving him a little squeeze and pressing his lips to the boy's temple. ]
I heard something about winter holidays and gift giving traditions... it isn't something I'm familiar with, but it seemed a good excuse as any.
[ And he'd been restless the week leading up to the Dimming, needing to occupy his nervous energy somehow. Carving a bunch of random little animals for the people he cares about was a fine way to vent that anxiety. ]
no subject
He's still in love with Simon. That's the truest thing he knows.
Withdrawing from the embrace, Wilhelm moves toward the fire to place the little wooden frog on the narrow mantle the stretches over the hearth. Already perched there is a glass snow globe encompassing a tranquil pond in a tiny wood.]
Now I feel bad that I didn't get you anything.
[And he does look sheepish, tucking his hair behind his ear.]
no subject
Oh, no, you don't have to feel bad at all! I was feeling restless and wanted to carve some things. I thought it'd be nice to carve something my friends would enjoy.
That's why I asked you what animals you like.
It's really nothing worth feeling guilty over. If it makes you feel better, we don't have such traditions in my world. I only heard about it here.
no subject
Okay. [It's not hard to concede to those kind, warm eyes.] I just...really appreciate everything you've done for me.
[Not just the thoughtful gift, but everything else. Checking on him, making sure he's not slipping through the cracks. Making him laugh. Believing in him when Wilhelm sure the hell doesn't. Pulling him out of his depressive funks or sitting through them with him. Letting him indulge in...not feeling so lonely for a while.]
no subject
I care about you, Wilhelm. I like spending time with you.
no subject
Glad you're not sick of me yet.
[He says it like it's a joke, but it isn't exactly.]
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[ Rhy admonishes, with emphatic warmth, and presses a kiss to Wilhelm's hair. ]