[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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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.]
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I care about you, Wilhelm. I like spending time with you.
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Glad you're not sick of me yet.
[He says it like it's a joke, but it isn't exactly.]
no subject
[ Rhy admonishes, with emphatic warmth, and presses a kiss to Wilhelm's hair. ]