Mad as a March Hare! ⋆˚꩜｡⋆

𖦹 Knave Lapin 2nd Year NRC Student ♢ ❤︎⁠ House Heartslabyul

[always-t1me-for-tea]

I have an excellent idea. Let's change the subject!

RULES

All asks are welcomed! However be mindful and respectful. Flirting/mild suggestive content is all okay!! However, please refrain from actually roleplaying anything sexual. It will all have to fade to black eventually!! Ex: nothing past taking their clothes off or making out!

No weird ships (like teacher x student.)

Asks regarding ships are welcomed and encouraged! And if you wanna do an RP with a character just ask or dm me!

Be nice /respectful to everyone, any mean behavior will be blocked <3

ENCOURAGED

Sending asks!! I will always eventually respond to an ask so don’t worry if I don’t reach you for a few days, I just happen to have a life!!

Ocs / Canon!

Remind me abt things!  Sometimes I don't see if someone has RP reposted or tagged me in a post !  I'm busy, have bad eyesight (and sometimes assume the tag or report symbol is the like one), so feel free if I haven't responded in a day or two, tag me again !!  Or message me !

Message me !!  I don't bite I swear, if you wanna message me feel free ! 

TAGS

tea time 🫖 - solo posts/asks

dear guests 🍪 - fellow RP blogs

forward march 🐇 - lore/facts

stars above 💫 - out of character

[always-t1me-for-tea]

Gross. Groggy. Exhausted. And possibly a *bit* delirious from fever. All of these things happened to describe Lewis after catching something from one of the guys in his flight class. The guy practically coughed his lung up onto him... Not only was it disgusting beforehand, but now - because it was affecting him physically - it was absolutely miserable as well. And he couldn't stand it.

He'd been forcing himself to go through the motions the last few days, attending classes, hosting "talks", and fulfilling the few dorm duties he actually cared about. This morning, though, he had barely made it halfway across his room before his body decided that it was going to become one with the floor and turn into jelly. So, to put it simply, he was not going to be attending his classes today.

It didn't help that his head felt like TV static, a low buzzing hum that rang in his ears on top of the headache he already had, and his nose was so stuffy he could've sworn he'd secretly been stung by a hundred bees, even if it didnt show that drastically. Really, staying in from classes was probably a blessing - even if it meant he was gonna be completely lonely until either he got better or until his roommate returned from some minor academic trip.

Ugh, and today was supposed to be his day to walk to class with a certain fellow dorm member of his and everything. How could he let the guy down today when he couldn't even muster the energy to stare at his phone for longer than five minutes!? This sucked, and Lewis silently manifested that the entire universe would understand just how much this situation was absolutely bullshit.

[Chat w/ 🐰Silly Rabbit]

🎩: hey man

🎩: sry... cant go 2 classes 2day.

🎩: 4get abt me thsi mornign </3

🎩: got sick from that guy in flgiht.

(🎩Lewis Hatterson, @night-raven-miscellany

✨️I hope. This is okay😭 i had very specific vibes in mind when causing Problems for the guy.)

Knave was anxiously waiting when he felt his phone ping and he perked up almost immediately, checking his phone. His eyes glanced over the messages before that dreadful feeling of worry settled over him. He carefully typed back.

[Chat w/ Lewis ♥️]

🐰: Don’t worry about it! Please just focus on yourself and get rest!

🐰: If you need anything at all, please let me know and I will come straight over!

He hums as he watches the messages deliver and is back to tapping his foot. He is worried even if it’s probably just a simple cold or fever or something.

[night-raven-miscellany]

🎩: promise? 🥺

🎩: bc im gonna be bored outf my mjnd...

🎩: and i wouldnt say no 2 a game or some company l8r...

🎩: only if u wanna though... dont skip ur classes 4 lil ol me 💔

Listen. Lewis could barely move - honestly, he needed to eat, but even that was proving to be a struggle, even with the fact that there were all kinds of small snacky items throughout his room... but being BORED (and a bit lonely, but he wouldn't say that out of worry that it would come off as guilt tripping)??? That was A MILLION TIMES WORSE!!!

🎩: gddjfg ffqdg

A sudden fit of coughs led to his phone falling directly onto his face, eliciting a soft groan once he could finally catch his breath. Ow.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

🐰: Lewis?!?

He stands up immediately.

… he can excuse this absence right?

Knave rummages through his room to find anything he can bring. Medicine firstly, some food in case Lewis hadn’t eaten breakfast yet and a card deck for him since he mentioned a game.

He carefully steps through the hallway, trying to remember which one is Lewis’s room

[always-t1me-for-tea]

Gross. Groggy. Exhausted. And possibly a *bit* delirious from fever. All of these things happened to describe Lewis after catching something from one of the guys in his flight class. The guy practically coughed his lung up onto him... Not only was it disgusting beforehand, but now - because it was affecting him physically - it was absolutely miserable as well. And he couldn't stand it.

He'd been forcing himself to go through the motions the last few days, attending classes, hosting "talks", and fulfilling the few dorm duties he actually cared about. This morning, though, he had barely made it halfway across his room before his body decided that it was going to become one with the floor and turn into jelly. So, to put it simply, he was not going to be attending his classes today.

It didn't help that his head felt like TV static, a low buzzing hum that rang in his ears on top of the headache he already had, and his nose was so stuffy he could've sworn he'd secretly been stung by a hundred bees, even if it didnt show that drastically. Really, staying in from classes was probably a blessing - even if it meant he was gonna be completely lonely until either he got better or until his roommate returned from some minor academic trip.

Ugh, and today was supposed to be his day to walk to class with a certain fellow dorm member of his and everything. How could he let the guy down today when he couldn't even muster the energy to stare at his phone for longer than five minutes!? This sucked, and Lewis silently manifested that the entire universe would understand just how much this situation was absolutely bullshit.

[Chat w/ 🐰Silly Rabbit]

🎩: hey man

🎩: sry... cant go 2 classes 2day.

🎩: 4get abt me thsi mornign </3

🎩: got sick from that guy in flgiht.

(🎩Lewis Hatterson, @night-raven-miscellany

✨️I hope. This is okay😭 i had very specific vibes in mind when causing Problems for the guy.)

Knave was anxiously waiting when he felt his phone ping and he perked up almost immediately, checking his phone. His eyes glanced over the messages before that dreadful feeling of worry settled over him. He carefully typed back.

[Chat w/ Lewis ♥️]

🐰: Don’t worry about it! Please just focus on yourself and get rest!

🐰: If you need anything at all, please let me know and I will come straight over!

He hums as he watches the messages deliver and is back to tapping his foot. He is worried even if it’s probably just a simple cold or fever or something.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

Lewis enjoyed it when people asked him to run errands. It was nice - being able to get off of campus and be free of too many of the nonsense rules and regulations of his own dorm. Plus, he got to choose where he went (for the most part), which meant he had a pretty good chunk of freedom in how he got to do things as well. All in all, a win-win situation!

Still, sometimes he did have specific places to go on his errands, and today, it seemed that specific location was a bookstore in Foothill Town. It was a scenic location, he thought, definitely had a nice, open vibe to it, too.

He hummed along to the music in his headphones as he entered the store, a man on a mission to find a specific book he'd been tasked with picking up. Of course... getting lost in some of the other books could probably be arranged for, once he at least picked up the order at the counter.

...

So that's EXACTLY what Lewis did. He grabbed the order, finished the payments, and found himself a cozy little spot in the fantasy section of the store while he looked around. Really, there was nothing that could possibly make the vibes better, save for maybe winning the lottery or having a test canceled or maybe even running into a friend while he was out.

(🎩Lewis, @night-raven-miscellany)

[Knave had a gentle expression on his face as he browsed through the bookstore, carrying some books already in a little basket.]

[He’d already found some of the ones he wanted but now he was looking for one in particular. He had been seemingly all too absorbed in looking for it because he bumped into somebody and…a bunch of their stuff tumbled down.]

“Ah— oh my! Sorry, so sorry! Let me help you!”

[He paused right when his hand ended up on top of the other persons and that’s when he really saw the person…wait a second.]

“Uh— Lewis…?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis laughed again, leaning back on his arms to watch Knave and the setting sun. The warm orange light seemed to make a perfect halo around the other boy, an ethereal glow that was... fitting, in Lewis's eyes.

Sevens, the others were going to tease him so bad for this, weren't they? How could he be so dense?!

He pulled his phone from his pocket, snagging another photo. A keepsake. He was by no means a pro at photography, but as long as the feeling was there...

He watched in silence for a few minutes more, savoring the moment and allowing himself to just be, something that he was used to only doing in the comfort of his own room or when he wasn't within the walls of the school.

And then, he stood up, leaving his phone and the other things he'd collected throughout the day on the ground. His deliveries could wait until tomorrow - it was getting too late to drop things off anyways, not that he minded it in the least.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave had been in his own world until he felt Lewis join him, looking over at him. He said nothing, only giving a small smile, his eyes only full of warmth when he looked at Lewis. This light made Lewis just as divine really.]

[And they stayed in that golden hour for a time they couldn’t tell how long. Simply relaxing in a comfortable silence they could feel in each other’s company. Silent except for the gentle waves and the occasional bird call or someone calling out to somebody.]

[At one point, Knave saw a couple. After that he reached for Lewis’s hand carefully, barely hesitating this time, intertwining their fingers.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis's breath caught in his throat for a moment. The meaning behind the gesture may have gone unspoken, but he had a good feeling that he knew what it meant. Even if a small voice in his head had to wonder if this was okay?

Well, obviously it was okay - such a thing wouldn’t have even happened if it wasn't. But... would it throw other people off? Probably not - he was the charming, playful guy that he was! No one would see anything different about it - if anything, he figured that most folks would just assume that this (...choosing to date someone, that is) was just something that inevitably would happen for him...

Plus... Knave was the kinda guy who... "got" Lewis, if that made sense. He really did feel more comfortable around the guy anyways which... didn't that mean that that was a good thing?

He took a deep breath as the water rushed over his ankles, the cool sensation serving to stabilize his nervous heart.

After ruminating for a few more moments, his reply was equally silent and equally clear as he wrapped his hand around Knave's.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Lewis’s hands were warm. So very warm and soft and comforting.]

[… at some point the silence cleared as another wave crashed on the shore, Knave tilted his head to look over at Lewis. When he looks at him, he admires everything. The way the breeze makes his hair look, the sunlight reflecting in his eyes, his lashes… Sevens, he can’t believe his eyes.]

[He softly speaks.]

“Mm, Lewis..?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Hm? What is it, Knave?"

The reply was equally soft as Lewis turned his head. For once, there was a truly calm air about him, not just casual. Not how he was with everyone else.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Even Knave could tell how much different the calm air about him was. He admits, just loud enough so that only Lewis can hear him.]

“I love you.”

[Love. Love. Love. He had to repeat it to himself and go over it a hundred times. Did he really just say this?? But when he looks at Lewis he decides, yes, maybe he does love that boy. With all of his heart.]

[Knave didn’t have much knowledge on love like this really, not personally but… he’s seen couples and he remembers, because he always does. Yes, he remembers the way Marcel just seemed less tense around Callum. The way Mara quieted down and just let herself be around Grace. The way Father seemed to laugh and joke more around Shirin, the baker.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis's eyes widened, and he was pretty certain his heart and lungs just gave up on him at that point with the way he stopped breathing.

Love.

That was a big word for him. Not in the literal sense, of course, but. Feelings wise. This kind of love was not something he felt he could deserve. This kind of love was reserved for storybook protagonists, damsels in distress, and people who tried... and he certainly didn't fit any of those criteria.

Unless, he could be someone who tried? Sevens, that was all he really ever wanted was to be someone who tried. Even if it never worked out.

He almost opened his mouth to make another self-deprecating comment, but knew it'd kill the vibe. Plus, it wasn't like he didn't feel at least somewhat the same! He wasn't sure he would word it so boldly, himself, but... the feelings were definitely there.

His face reddened considerably - for all he complained about his housewarden, he resembled him awfully close right now.

"I- uh," he stammered, at a complete and total loss for words. Any semblance of composure he may have regained before was immediately lost as his mouth opened and closed like a dying fish.

Sevens, he should just use his unique magic by himself and scream for nine years and then come back- wait but then hed be like nine years older when he came back and thatd be weird then and plus could he even hold the spell for nine years-

Instead, he awkwardly fumbled his hands, pulling Knave into a close, tight embrace. What was it people said? Actions speak louder than words?

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave was surprised at the sudden hug but he didn’t complain and instead wrapped his arms around Lewis tightly. He never wanted to let go, he’ll never let go.]

[His eyes got watery for some reason, he thinks it’s happy tears. When they pulled back, his arms stayed on Lewis’s shoulders and he softly laughed, still a little teary.]

“Have I rendered the ever charming Lewis speechless?That marriage comment wasn’t super far off now, was it? Hehe!”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Whoa now, I may be chill with a lot, but let's not rush now, kay?" Lewis murmured in return, the smile on his face small and bright. "Killing time was a serious crime in the past, yknow. And I'm sure speeding it along might count, too. So why not... I dunno... take it slow?"

He reached a hand up, gently wiping away a stray tear.

"And hey, why the need for tears? I mean, I was... totally a wreck earlier, sure, but I think this is supposed to be the happy part of the conversations... or something?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

“Of course, of course! I was trying to make a joke, haha…”

[He sniffles and wipes away a tear himself, smiling.]

“‘M just happy, Lewis… I’m just happy.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Alright, well I guess a little joke never killed me," He teased, giving a quiet, warm laugh. "I'm... glad, though. Even if this is... not something I'm used to at all, I feel the same."

He turned his head out towards the setting sun. Yeah, the others could totes wait until tomorrow.

Wait shit the others- how was he gonna tell them about this anyways!???!

"... so um... since I don't really know how to do this, though... do we wanna like... keep it down low when we get back? Or maybe tell our friends or something...?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave has no idea about any of this either so he pauses.]

“Err… that’s a great question. Maybe we can try to keep it down low for a while and when we’re ready, we can tell some people.”

[He tilts his head, sheepishly asking.]

“That sound good to you..?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"That... works perfectly, honestly," Lewis chuckled nervously. "I haven't even figured out how to explain this to myself just yet, let alone my friends..."

He smiled.

"And of course, can't have any secrets dropping too early. Who doesn't love a little bit of mischief and intrigue when it comes to these kinds of things right?"

It was a joke, of course, but Lewis knew that any "odd" behaviours from either of them would raise questions either way. So may as well embrace it, in his opinion.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[He laughs a little and nods, agreeing.]

“Yeah, yeah, hehe… me either honestly.”

[Knave asks, smiling softly. Sevens, he’s so happy he can’t stop smiling.]

“I’m guessing you wanna stay here a while longer..?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis nodded slightly.

"Mhm... wanna watch the sun set the rest of the way... maybe we could go back to the towels or something, though? I think it'd be kinda nice to sit together a bit longer before going back..."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

“That does sound nice… yeah, sure, let’s just chill for a while longer.”

[So Knave and Lewis do walk back to the towels, hand in hand. He’s looking at the sunset with his boyfriend. He never could’ve imagined that happening, heh.]

[always-t1me-for-tea]

Lewis enjoyed it when people asked him to run errands. It was nice - being able to get off of campus and be free of too many of the nonsense rules and regulations of his own dorm. Plus, he got to choose where he went (for the most part), which meant he had a pretty good chunk of freedom in how he got to do things as well. All in all, a win-win situation!

Still, sometimes he did have specific places to go on his errands, and today, it seemed that specific location was a bookstore in Foothill Town. It was a scenic location, he thought, definitely had a nice, open vibe to it, too.

He hummed along to the music in his headphones as he entered the store, a man on a mission to find a specific book he'd been tasked with picking up. Of course... getting lost in some of the other books could probably be arranged for, once he at least picked up the order at the counter.

...

So that's EXACTLY what Lewis did. He grabbed the order, finished the payments, and found himself a cozy little spot in the fantasy section of the store while he looked around. Really, there was nothing that could possibly make the vibes better, save for maybe winning the lottery or having a test canceled or maybe even running into a friend while he was out.

(🎩Lewis, @night-raven-miscellany)

[Knave had a gentle expression on his face as he browsed through the bookstore, carrying some books already in a little basket.]

[He’d already found some of the ones he wanted but now he was looking for one in particular. He had been seemingly all too absorbed in looking for it because he bumped into somebody and…a bunch of their stuff tumbled down.]

“Ah— oh my! Sorry, so sorry! Let me help you!”

[He paused right when his hand ended up on top of the other persons and that’s when he really saw the person…wait a second.]

“Uh— Lewis…?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis laughed again, leaning back on his arms to watch Knave and the setting sun. The warm orange light seemed to make a perfect halo around the other boy, an ethereal glow that was... fitting, in Lewis's eyes.

Sevens, the others were going to tease him so bad for this, weren't they? How could he be so dense?!

He pulled his phone from his pocket, snagging another photo. A keepsake. He was by no means a pro at photography, but as long as the feeling was there...

He watched in silence for a few minutes more, savoring the moment and allowing himself to just be, something that he was used to only doing in the comfort of his own room or when he wasn't within the walls of the school.

And then, he stood up, leaving his phone and the other things he'd collected throughout the day on the ground. His deliveries could wait until tomorrow - it was getting too late to drop things off anyways, not that he minded it in the least.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave had been in his own world until he felt Lewis join him, looking over at him. He said nothing, only giving a small smile, his eyes only full of warmth when he looked at Lewis. This light made Lewis just as divine really.]

[And they stayed in that golden hour for a time they couldn’t tell how long. Simply relaxing in a comfortable silence they could feel in each other’s company. Silent except for the gentle waves and the occasional bird call or someone calling out to somebody.]

[At one point, Knave saw a couple. After that he reached for Lewis’s hand carefully, barely hesitating this time, intertwining their fingers.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis's breath caught in his throat for a moment. The meaning behind the gesture may have gone unspoken, but he had a good feeling that he knew what it meant. Even if a small voice in his head had to wonder if this was okay?

Well, obviously it was okay - such a thing wouldn’t have even happened if it wasn't. But... would it throw other people off? Probably not - he was the charming, playful guy that he was! No one would see anything different about it - if anything, he figured that most folks would just assume that this (...choosing to date someone, that is) was just something that inevitably would happen for him...

Plus... Knave was the kinda guy who... "got" Lewis, if that made sense. He really did feel more comfortable around the guy anyways which... didn't that mean that that was a good thing?

He took a deep breath as the water rushed over his ankles, the cool sensation serving to stabilize his nervous heart.

After ruminating for a few more moments, his reply was equally silent and equally clear as he wrapped his hand around Knave's.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Lewis’s hands were warm. So very warm and soft and comforting.]

[… at some point the silence cleared as another wave crashed on the shore, Knave tilted his head to look over at Lewis. When he looks at him, he admires everything. The way the breeze makes his hair look, the sunlight reflecting in his eyes, his lashes… Sevens, he can’t believe his eyes.]

[He softly speaks.]

“Mm, Lewis..?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Hm? What is it, Knave?"

The reply was equally soft as Lewis turned his head. For once, there was a truly calm air about him, not just casual. Not how he was with everyone else.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Even Knave could tell how much different the calm air about him was. He admits, just loud enough so that only Lewis can hear him.]

“I love you.”

[Love. Love. Love. He had to repeat it to himself and go over it a hundred times. Did he really just say this?? But when he looks at Lewis he decides, yes, maybe he does love that boy. With all of his heart.]

[Knave didn’t have much knowledge on love like this really, not personally but… he’s seen couples and he remembers, because he always does. Yes, he remembers the way Marcel just seemed less tense around Callum. The way Mara quieted down and just let herself be around Grace. The way Father seemed to laugh and joke more around Shirin, the baker.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis's eyes widened, and he was pretty certain his heart and lungs just gave up on him at that point with the way he stopped breathing.

Love.

That was a big word for him. Not in the literal sense, of course, but. Feelings wise. This kind of love was not something he felt he could deserve. This kind of love was reserved for storybook protagonists, damsels in distress, and people who tried... and he certainly didn't fit any of those criteria.

Unless, he could be someone who tried? Sevens, that was all he really ever wanted was to be someone who tried. Even if it never worked out.

He almost opened his mouth to make another self-deprecating comment, but knew it'd kill the vibe. Plus, it wasn't like he didn't feel at least somewhat the same! He wasn't sure he would word it so boldly, himself, but... the feelings were definitely there.

His face reddened considerably - for all he complained about his housewarden, he resembled him awfully close right now.

"I- uh," he stammered, at a complete and total loss for words. Any semblance of composure he may have regained before was immediately lost as his mouth opened and closed like a dying fish.

Sevens, he should just use his unique magic by himself and scream for nine years and then come back- wait but then hed be like nine years older when he came back and thatd be weird then and plus could he even hold the spell for nine years-

Instead, he awkwardly fumbled his hands, pulling Knave into a close, tight embrace. What was it people said? Actions speak louder than words?

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave was surprised at the sudden hug but he didn’t complain and instead wrapped his arms around Lewis tightly. He never wanted to let go, he’ll never let go.]

[His eyes got watery for some reason, he thinks it’s happy tears. When they pulled back, his arms stayed on Lewis’s shoulders and he softly laughed, still a little teary.]

“Have I rendered the ever charming Lewis speechless?That marriage comment wasn’t super far off now, was it? Hehe!”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Whoa now, I may be chill with a lot, but let's not rush now, kay?" Lewis murmured in return, the smile on his face small and bright. "Killing time was a serious crime in the past, yknow. And I'm sure speeding it along might count, too. So why not... I dunno... take it slow?"

He reached a hand up, gently wiping away a stray tear.

"And hey, why the need for tears? I mean, I was... totally a wreck earlier, sure, but I think this is supposed to be the happy part of the conversations... or something?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

“Of course, of course! I was trying to make a joke, haha…”

[He sniffles and wipes away a tear himself, smiling.]

“‘M just happy, Lewis… I’m just happy.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Alright, well I guess a little joke never killed me," He teased, giving a quiet, warm laugh. "I'm... glad, though. Even if this is... not something I'm used to at all, I feel the same."

He turned his head out towards the setting sun. Yeah, the others could totes wait until tomorrow.

Wait shit the others- how was he gonna tell them about this anyways!???!

"... so um... since I don't really know how to do this, though... do we wanna like... keep it down low when we get back? Or maybe tell our friends or something...?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave has no idea about any of this either so he pauses.]

“Err… that’s a great question. Maybe we can try to keep it down low for a while and when we’re ready, we can tell some people.”

[He tilts his head, sheepishly asking.]

“That sound good to you..?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"That... works perfectly, honestly," Lewis chuckled nervously. "I haven't even figured out how to explain this to myself just yet, let alone my friends..."

He smiled.

"And of course, can't have any secrets dropping too early. Who doesn't love a little bit of mischief and intrigue when it comes to these kinds of things right?"

It was a joke, of course, but Lewis knew that any "odd" behaviours from either of them would raise questions either way. So may as well embrace it, in his opinion.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[He laughs a little and nods, agreeing.]

“Yeah, yeah, hehe… me either honestly.”

[Knave asks, smiling softly. Sevens, he’s so happy he can’t stop smiling.]

“I’m guessing you wanna stay here a while longer..?”

[always-t1me-for-tea]

Lewis enjoyed it when people asked him to run errands. It was nice - being able to get off of campus and be free of too many of the nonsense rules and regulations of his own dorm. Plus, he got to choose where he went (for the most part), which meant he had a pretty good chunk of freedom in how he got to do things as well. All in all, a win-win situation!

Still, sometimes he did have specific places to go on his errands, and today, it seemed that specific location was a bookstore in Foothill Town. It was a scenic location, he thought, definitely had a nice, open vibe to it, too.

He hummed along to the music in his headphones as he entered the store, a man on a mission to find a specific book he'd been tasked with picking up. Of course... getting lost in some of the other books could probably be arranged for, once he at least picked up the order at the counter.

...

So that's EXACTLY what Lewis did. He grabbed the order, finished the payments, and found himself a cozy little spot in the fantasy section of the store while he looked around. Really, there was nothing that could possibly make the vibes better, save for maybe winning the lottery or having a test canceled or maybe even running into a friend while he was out.

(🎩Lewis, @night-raven-miscellany)

[Knave had a gentle expression on his face as he browsed through the bookstore, carrying some books already in a little basket.]

[He’d already found some of the ones he wanted but now he was looking for one in particular. He had been seemingly all too absorbed in looking for it because he bumped into somebody and…a bunch of their stuff tumbled down.]

“Ah— oh my! Sorry, so sorry! Let me help you!”

[He paused right when his hand ended up on top of the other persons and that’s when he really saw the person…wait a second.]

“Uh— Lewis…?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis laughed again, leaning back on his arms to watch Knave and the setting sun. The warm orange light seemed to make a perfect halo around the other boy, an ethereal glow that was... fitting, in Lewis's eyes.

Sevens, the others were going to tease him so bad for this, weren't they? How could he be so dense?!

He pulled his phone from his pocket, snagging another photo. A keepsake. He was by no means a pro at photography, but as long as the feeling was there...

He watched in silence for a few minutes more, savoring the moment and allowing himself to just be, something that he was used to only doing in the comfort of his own room or when he wasn't within the walls of the school.

And then, he stood up, leaving his phone and the other things he'd collected throughout the day on the ground. His deliveries could wait until tomorrow - it was getting too late to drop things off anyways, not that he minded it in the least.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave had been in his own world until he felt Lewis join him, looking over at him. He said nothing, only giving a small smile, his eyes only full of warmth when he looked at Lewis. This light made Lewis just as divine really.]

[And they stayed in that golden hour for a time they couldn’t tell how long. Simply relaxing in a comfortable silence they could feel in each other’s company. Silent except for the gentle waves and the occasional bird call or someone calling out to somebody.]

[At one point, Knave saw a couple. After that he reached for Lewis’s hand carefully, barely hesitating this time, intertwining their fingers.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis's breath caught in his throat for a moment. The meaning behind the gesture may have gone unspoken, but he had a good feeling that he knew what it meant. Even if a small voice in his head had to wonder if this was okay?

Well, obviously it was okay - such a thing wouldn’t have even happened if it wasn't. But... would it throw other people off? Probably not - he was the charming, playful guy that he was! No one would see anything different about it - if anything, he figured that most folks would just assume that this (...choosing to date someone, that is) was just something that inevitably would happen for him...

Plus... Knave was the kinda guy who... "got" Lewis, if that made sense. He really did feel more comfortable around the guy anyways which... didn't that mean that that was a good thing?

He took a deep breath as the water rushed over his ankles, the cool sensation serving to stabilize his nervous heart.

After ruminating for a few more moments, his reply was equally silent and equally clear as he wrapped his hand around Knave's.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Lewis’s hands were warm. So very warm and soft and comforting.]

[… at some point the silence cleared as another wave crashed on the shore, Knave tilted his head to look over at Lewis. When he looks at him, he admires everything. The way the breeze makes his hair look, the sunlight reflecting in his eyes, his lashes… Sevens, he can’t believe his eyes.]

[He softly speaks.]

“Mm, Lewis..?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Hm? What is it, Knave?"

The reply was equally soft as Lewis turned his head. For once, there was a truly calm air about him, not just casual. Not how he was with everyone else.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Even Knave could tell how much different the calm air about him was. He admits, just loud enough so that only Lewis can hear him.]

“I love you.”

[Love. Love. Love. He had to repeat it to himself and go over it a hundred times. Did he really just say this?? But when he looks at Lewis he decides, yes, maybe he does love that boy. With all of his heart.]

[Knave didn’t have much knowledge on love like this really, not personally but… he’s seen couples and he remembers, because he always does. Yes, he remembers the way Marcel just seemed less tense around Callum. The way Mara quieted down and just let herself be around Grace. The way Father seemed to laugh and joke more around Shirin, the baker.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis's eyes widened, and he was pretty certain his heart and lungs just gave up on him at that point with the way he stopped breathing.

Love.

That was a big word for him. Not in the literal sense, of course, but. Feelings wise. This kind of love was not something he felt he could deserve. This kind of love was reserved for storybook protagonists, damsels in distress, and people who tried... and he certainly didn't fit any of those criteria.

Unless, he could be someone who tried? Sevens, that was all he really ever wanted was to be someone who tried. Even if it never worked out.

He almost opened his mouth to make another self-deprecating comment, but knew it'd kill the vibe. Plus, it wasn't like he didn't feel at least somewhat the same! He wasn't sure he would word it so boldly, himself, but... the feelings were definitely there.

His face reddened considerably - for all he complained about his housewarden, he resembled him awfully close right now.

"I- uh," he stammered, at a complete and total loss for words. Any semblance of composure he may have regained before was immediately lost as his mouth opened and closed like a dying fish.

Sevens, he should just use his unique magic by himself and scream for nine years and then come back- wait but then hed be like nine years older when he came back and thatd be weird then and plus could he even hold the spell for nine years-

Instead, he awkwardly fumbled his hands, pulling Knave into a close, tight embrace. What was it people said? Actions speak louder than words?

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave was surprised at the sudden hug but he didn’t complain and instead wrapped his arms around Lewis tightly. He never wanted to let go, he’ll never let go.]

[His eyes got watery for some reason, he thinks it’s happy tears. When they pulled back, his arms stayed on Lewis’s shoulders and he softly laughed, still a little teary.]

“Have I rendered the ever charming Lewis speechless?That marriage comment wasn’t super far off now, was it? Hehe!”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Whoa now, I may be chill with a lot, but let's not rush now, kay?" Lewis murmured in return, the smile on his face small and bright. "Killing time was a serious crime in the past, yknow. And I'm sure speeding it along might count, too. So why not... I dunno... take it slow?"

He reached a hand up, gently wiping away a stray tear.

"And hey, why the need for tears? I mean, I was... totally a wreck earlier, sure, but I think this is supposed to be the happy part of the conversations... or something?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

“Of course, of course! I was trying to make a joke, haha…”

[He sniffles and wipes away a tear himself, smiling.]

“‘M just happy, Lewis… I’m just happy.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Alright, well I guess a little joke never killed me," He teased, giving a quiet, warm laugh. "I'm... glad, though. Even if this is... not something I'm used to at all, I feel the same."

He turned his head out towards the setting sun. Yeah, the others could totes wait until tomorrow.

Wait shit the others- how was he gonna tell them about this anyways!???!

"... so um... since I don't really know how to do this, though... do we wanna like... keep it down low when we get back? Or maybe tell our friends or something...?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave has no idea about any of this either so he pauses.]

“Err… that’s a great question. Maybe we can try to keep it down low for a while and when we’re ready, we can tell some people.”

[He tilts his head, sheepishly asking.]

“That sound good to you..?”

[rpmemes-galore]

exhaustion … sentence starters

the exhausted

“I can’t sleep.”

“I can’t keep my eyes open.”

“Can you help me back to bed?”

“I’m okay. I’m not even that tired.”

“I don’t remember the last time I slept.”

“I can’t sleep, yet. There’s too much to do.” 

“I don’t want to sleep. I keep having nightmares.”

“I promise I’ll sleep in a bit, just let me finish this, first.”

“Can you help me lie down? I can’t move, I’m too tired.”

“I can’t even think straight anymore… maybe I need to sleep.”

“Of course I want to relax. But, we don’t all get what we want.”

“I’m so tired I can’t do anything, but I’m not tired enough to sleep…”

the concerned

“You keep yawning.”

“Go. Sleep. That’s not a request.”

“If you’re that tired, just take a nap.”

“You look like you haven’t slept in days.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were this tired?”

“Those are some bad bags under your eyes.”

“You don’t have to push so hard. It’s okay to rest.”

“You can barely keep your eyes open, go lie down.”

“I haven’t seen you sleeping in a long time, what’s up?”

“I just had to stop you from toppling over. You’re not okay.”

“With everything you’ve been through lately, of course you’re tired.”

“I heard you thrashing around last night. Nightmares? Is that why you’re so tired?”

“You know, you keep fretting over everyone else, but you won’t even take a second to relax, yourself.”

misc

(doze) : one muse falls asleep on the other’s shoulder

(tuck) : one muse finds the other passed out onto the bed, and tucks them in

(collapsed) : one muse finds the other passed out on the floor from exhaustion

(carry) : one muse finds the other after they’ve fallen asleep on a chair / couch, and carries them to bed 

(cover) : one muse finds the other asleep somewhere other than bed and covers them with a blanket / their jacket

(assist) : one muse finds the other so tired they’re having trouble standing and helps them walk somewhere to lie down

(comfort) : one muse has been having nightmares and unable to sleep, so asks the other to cuddle with them to help them drift off

[always-t1me-for-tea]

Lewis enjoyed it when people asked him to run errands. It was nice - being able to get off of campus and be free of too many of the nonsense rules and regulations of his own dorm. Plus, he got to choose where he went (for the most part), which meant he had a pretty good chunk of freedom in how he got to do things as well. All in all, a win-win situation!

Still, sometimes he did have specific places to go on his errands, and today, it seemed that specific location was a bookstore in Foothill Town. It was a scenic location, he thought, definitely had a nice, open vibe to it, too.

He hummed along to the music in his headphones as he entered the store, a man on a mission to find a specific book he'd been tasked with picking up. Of course... getting lost in some of the other books could probably be arranged for, once he at least picked up the order at the counter.

...

So that's EXACTLY what Lewis did. He grabbed the order, finished the payments, and found himself a cozy little spot in the fantasy section of the store while he looked around. Really, there was nothing that could possibly make the vibes better, save for maybe winning the lottery or having a test canceled or maybe even running into a friend while he was out.

(🎩Lewis, @night-raven-miscellany)

[Knave had a gentle expression on his face as he browsed through the bookstore, carrying some books already in a little basket.]

[He’d already found some of the ones he wanted but now he was looking for one in particular. He had been seemingly all too absorbed in looking for it because he bumped into somebody and…a bunch of their stuff tumbled down.]

“Ah— oh my! Sorry, so sorry! Let me help you!”

[He paused right when his hand ended up on top of the other persons and that’s when he really saw the person…wait a second.]

“Uh— Lewis…?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis laughed again, leaning back on his arms to watch Knave and the setting sun. The warm orange light seemed to make a perfect halo around the other boy, an ethereal glow that was... fitting, in Lewis's eyes.

Sevens, the others were going to tease him so bad for this, weren't they? How could he be so dense?!

He pulled his phone from his pocket, snagging another photo. A keepsake. He was by no means a pro at photography, but as long as the feeling was there...

He watched in silence for a few minutes more, savoring the moment and allowing himself to just be, something that he was used to only doing in the comfort of his own room or when he wasn't within the walls of the school.

And then, he stood up, leaving his phone and the other things he'd collected throughout the day on the ground. His deliveries could wait until tomorrow - it was getting too late to drop things off anyways, not that he minded it in the least.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave had been in his own world until he felt Lewis join him, looking over at him. He said nothing, only giving a small smile, his eyes only full of warmth when he looked at Lewis. This light made Lewis just as divine really.]

[And they stayed in that golden hour for a time they couldn’t tell how long. Simply relaxing in a comfortable silence they could feel in each other’s company. Silent except for the gentle waves and the occasional bird call or someone calling out to somebody.]

[At one point, Knave saw a couple. After that he reached for Lewis’s hand carefully, barely hesitating this time, intertwining their fingers.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis's breath caught in his throat for a moment. The meaning behind the gesture may have gone unspoken, but he had a good feeling that he knew what it meant. Even if a small voice in his head had to wonder if this was okay?

Well, obviously it was okay - such a thing wouldn’t have even happened if it wasn't. But... would it throw other people off? Probably not - he was the charming, playful guy that he was! No one would see anything different about it - if anything, he figured that most folks would just assume that this (...choosing to date someone, that is) was just something that inevitably would happen for him...

Plus... Knave was the kinda guy who... "got" Lewis, if that made sense. He really did feel more comfortable around the guy anyways which... didn't that mean that that was a good thing?

He took a deep breath as the water rushed over his ankles, the cool sensation serving to stabilize his nervous heart.

After ruminating for a few more moments, his reply was equally silent and equally clear as he wrapped his hand around Knave's.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Lewis’s hands were warm. So very warm and soft and comforting.]

[… at some point the silence cleared as another wave crashed on the shore, Knave tilted his head to look over at Lewis. When he looks at him, he admires everything. The way the breeze makes his hair look, the sunlight reflecting in his eyes, his lashes… Sevens, he can’t believe his eyes.]

[He softly speaks.]

“Mm, Lewis..?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Hm? What is it, Knave?"

The reply was equally soft as Lewis turned his head. For once, there was a truly calm air about him, not just casual. Not how he was with everyone else.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Even Knave could tell how much different the calm air about him was. He admits, just loud enough so that only Lewis can hear him.]

“I love you.”

[Love. Love. Love. He had to repeat it to himself and go over it a hundred times. Did he really just say this?? But when he looks at Lewis he decides, yes, maybe he does love that boy. With all of his heart.]

[Knave didn’t have much knowledge on love like this really, not personally but… he’s seen couples and he remembers, because he always does. Yes, he remembers the way Marcel just seemed less tense around Callum. The way Mara quieted down and just let herself be around Grace. The way Father seemed to laugh and joke more around Shirin, the baker.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis's eyes widened, and he was pretty certain his heart and lungs just gave up on him at that point with the way he stopped breathing.

Love.

That was a big word for him. Not in the literal sense, of course, but. Feelings wise. This kind of love was not something he felt he could deserve. This kind of love was reserved for storybook protagonists, damsels in distress, and people who tried... and he certainly didn't fit any of those criteria.

Unless, he could be someone who tried? Sevens, that was all he really ever wanted was to be someone who tried. Even if it never worked out.

He almost opened his mouth to make another self-deprecating comment, but knew it'd kill the vibe. Plus, it wasn't like he didn't feel at least somewhat the same! He wasn't sure he would word it so boldly, himself, but... the feelings were definitely there.

His face reddened considerably - for all he complained about his housewarden, he resembled him awfully close right now.

"I- uh," he stammered, at a complete and total loss for words. Any semblance of composure he may have regained before was immediately lost as his mouth opened and closed like a dying fish.

Sevens, he should just use his unique magic by himself and scream for nine years and then come back- wait but then hed be like nine years older when he came back and thatd be weird then and plus could he even hold the spell for nine years-

Instead, he awkwardly fumbled his hands, pulling Knave into a close, tight embrace. What was it people said? Actions speak louder than words?

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave was surprised at the sudden hug but he didn’t complain and instead wrapped his arms around Lewis tightly. He never wanted to let go, he’ll never let go.]

[His eyes got watery for some reason, he thinks it’s happy tears. When they pulled back, his arms stayed on Lewis’s shoulders and he softly laughed, still a little teary.]

“Have I rendered the ever charming Lewis speechless?That marriage comment wasn’t super far off now, was it? Hehe!”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Whoa now, I may be chill with a lot, but let's not rush now, kay?" Lewis murmured in return, the smile on his face small and bright. "Killing time was a serious crime in the past, yknow. And I'm sure speeding it along might count, too. So why not... I dunno... take it slow?"

He reached a hand up, gently wiping away a stray tear.

"And hey, why the need for tears? I mean, I was... totally a wreck earlier, sure, but I think this is supposed to be the happy part of the conversations... or something?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

“Of course, of course! I was trying to make a joke, haha…”

[He sniffles and wipes away a tear himself, smiling.]

“‘M just happy, Lewis… I’m just happy.”

[always-t1me-for-tea]

Lewis enjoyed it when people asked him to run errands. It was nice - being able to get off of campus and be free of too many of the nonsense rules and regulations of his own dorm. Plus, he got to choose where he went (for the most part), which meant he had a pretty good chunk of freedom in how he got to do things as well. All in all, a win-win situation!

Still, sometimes he did have specific places to go on his errands, and today, it seemed that specific location was a bookstore in Foothill Town. It was a scenic location, he thought, definitely had a nice, open vibe to it, too.

He hummed along to the music in his headphones as he entered the store, a man on a mission to find a specific book he'd been tasked with picking up. Of course... getting lost in some of the other books could probably be arranged for, once he at least picked up the order at the counter.

...

So that's EXACTLY what Lewis did. He grabbed the order, finished the payments, and found himself a cozy little spot in the fantasy section of the store while he looked around. Really, there was nothing that could possibly make the vibes better, save for maybe winning the lottery or having a test canceled or maybe even running into a friend while he was out.

(🎩Lewis, @night-raven-miscellany)

[Knave had a gentle expression on his face as he browsed through the bookstore, carrying some books already in a little basket.]

[He’d already found some of the ones he wanted but now he was looking for one in particular. He had been seemingly all too absorbed in looking for it because he bumped into somebody and…a bunch of their stuff tumbled down.]

“Ah— oh my! Sorry, so sorry! Let me help you!”

[He paused right when his hand ended up on top of the other persons and that’s when he really saw the person…wait a second.]

“Uh— Lewis…?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis laughed again, leaning back on his arms to watch Knave and the setting sun. The warm orange light seemed to make a perfect halo around the other boy, an ethereal glow that was... fitting, in Lewis's eyes.

Sevens, the others were going to tease him so bad for this, weren't they? How could he be so dense?!

He pulled his phone from his pocket, snagging another photo. A keepsake. He was by no means a pro at photography, but as long as the feeling was there...

He watched in silence for a few minutes more, savoring the moment and allowing himself to just be, something that he was used to only doing in the comfort of his own room or when he wasn't within the walls of the school.

And then, he stood up, leaving his phone and the other things he'd collected throughout the day on the ground. His deliveries could wait until tomorrow - it was getting too late to drop things off anyways, not that he minded it in the least.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave had been in his own world until he felt Lewis join him, looking over at him. He said nothing, only giving a small smile, his eyes only full of warmth when he looked at Lewis. This light made Lewis just as divine really.]

[And they stayed in that golden hour for a time they couldn’t tell how long. Simply relaxing in a comfortable silence they could feel in each other’s company. Silent except for the gentle waves and the occasional bird call or someone calling out to somebody.]

[At one point, Knave saw a couple. After that he reached for Lewis’s hand carefully, barely hesitating this time, intertwining their fingers.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis's breath caught in his throat for a moment. The meaning behind the gesture may have gone unspoken, but he had a good feeling that he knew what it meant. Even if a small voice in his head had to wonder if this was okay?

Well, obviously it was okay - such a thing wouldn’t have even happened if it wasn't. But... would it throw other people off? Probably not - he was the charming, playful guy that he was! No one would see anything different about it - if anything, he figured that most folks would just assume that this (...choosing to date someone, that is) was just something that inevitably would happen for him...

Plus... Knave was the kinda guy who... "got" Lewis, if that made sense. He really did feel more comfortable around the guy anyways which... didn't that mean that that was a good thing?

He took a deep breath as the water rushed over his ankles, the cool sensation serving to stabilize his nervous heart.

After ruminating for a few more moments, his reply was equally silent and equally clear as he wrapped his hand around Knave's.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Lewis’s hands were warm. So very warm and soft and comforting.]

[… at some point the silence cleared as another wave crashed on the shore, Knave tilted his head to look over at Lewis. When he looks at him, he admires everything. The way the breeze makes his hair look, the sunlight reflecting in his eyes, his lashes… Sevens, he can’t believe his eyes.]

[He softly speaks.]

“Mm, Lewis..?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Hm? What is it, Knave?"

The reply was equally soft as Lewis turned his head. For once, there was a truly calm air about him, not just casual. Not how he was with everyone else.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Even Knave could tell how much different the calm air about him was. He admits, just loud enough so that only Lewis can hear him.]

“I love you.”

[Love. Love. Love. He had to repeat it to himself and go over it a hundred times. Did he really just say this?? But when he looks at Lewis he decides, yes, maybe he does love that boy. With all of his heart.]

[Knave didn’t have much knowledge on love like this really, not personally but… he’s seen couples and he remembers, because he always does. Yes, he remembers the way Marcel just seemed less tense around Callum. The way Mara quieted down and just let herself be around Grace. The way Father seemed to laugh and joke more around Shirin, the baker.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis's eyes widened, and he was pretty certain his heart and lungs just gave up on him at that point with the way he stopped breathing.

Love.

That was a big word for him. Not in the literal sense, of course, but. Feelings wise. This kind of love was not something he felt he could deserve. This kind of love was reserved for storybook protagonists, damsels in distress, and people who tried... and he certainly didn't fit any of those criteria.

Unless, he could be someone who tried? Sevens, that was all he really ever wanted was to be someone who tried. Even if it never worked out.

He almost opened his mouth to make another self-deprecating comment, but knew it'd kill the vibe. Plus, it wasn't like he didn't feel at least somewhat the same! He wasn't sure he would word it so boldly, himself, but... the feelings were definitely there.

His face reddened considerably - for all he complained about his housewarden, he resembled him awfully close right now.

"I- uh," he stammered, at a complete and total loss for words. Any semblance of composure he may have regained before was immediately lost as his mouth opened and closed like a dying fish.

Sevens, he should just use his unique magic by himself and scream for nine years and then come back- wait but then hed be like nine years older when he came back and thatd be weird then and plus could he even hold the spell for nine years-

Instead, he awkwardly fumbled his hands, pulling Knave into a close, tight embrace. What was it people said? Actions speak louder than words?

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave was surprised at the sudden hug but he didn’t complain and instead wrapped his arms around Lewis tightly. He never wanted to let go, he’ll never let go.]

[His eyes got watery for some reason, he thinks it’s happy tears. When they pulled back, his arms stayed on Lewis’s shoulders and he softly laughed, still a little teary.]

“Have I rendered the ever charming Lewis speechless?That marriage comment wasn’t super far off now, was it? Hehe!”

[always-t1me-for-tea]

Lewis enjoyed it when people asked him to run errands. It was nice - being able to get off of campus and be free of too many of the nonsense rules and regulations of his own dorm. Plus, he got to choose where he went (for the most part), which meant he had a pretty good chunk of freedom in how he got to do things as well. All in all, a win-win situation!

Still, sometimes he did have specific places to go on his errands, and today, it seemed that specific location was a bookstore in Foothill Town. It was a scenic location, he thought, definitely had a nice, open vibe to it, too.

He hummed along to the music in his headphones as he entered the store, a man on a mission to find a specific book he'd been tasked with picking up. Of course... getting lost in some of the other books could probably be arranged for, once he at least picked up the order at the counter.

...

So that's EXACTLY what Lewis did. He grabbed the order, finished the payments, and found himself a cozy little spot in the fantasy section of the store while he looked around. Really, there was nothing that could possibly make the vibes better, save for maybe winning the lottery or having a test canceled or maybe even running into a friend while he was out.

(🎩Lewis, @night-raven-miscellany)

[Knave had a gentle expression on his face as he browsed through the bookstore, carrying some books already in a little basket.]

[He’d already found some of the ones he wanted but now he was looking for one in particular. He had been seemingly all too absorbed in looking for it because he bumped into somebody and…a bunch of their stuff tumbled down.]

“Ah— oh my! Sorry, so sorry! Let me help you!”

[He paused right when his hand ended up on top of the other persons and that’s when he really saw the person…wait a second.]

“Uh— Lewis…?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis laughed again, leaning back on his arms to watch Knave and the setting sun. The warm orange light seemed to make a perfect halo around the other boy, an ethereal glow that was... fitting, in Lewis's eyes.

Sevens, the others were going to tease him so bad for this, weren't they? How could he be so dense?!

He pulled his phone from his pocket, snagging another photo. A keepsake. He was by no means a pro at photography, but as long as the feeling was there...

He watched in silence for a few minutes more, savoring the moment and allowing himself to just be, something that he was used to only doing in the comfort of his own room or when he wasn't within the walls of the school.

And then, he stood up, leaving his phone and the other things he'd collected throughout the day on the ground. His deliveries could wait until tomorrow - it was getting too late to drop things off anyways, not that he minded it in the least.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave had been in his own world until he felt Lewis join him, looking over at him. He said nothing, only giving a small smile, his eyes only full of warmth when he looked at Lewis. This light made Lewis just as divine really.]

[And they stayed in that golden hour for a time they couldn’t tell how long. Simply relaxing in a comfortable silence they could feel in each other’s company. Silent except for the gentle waves and the occasional bird call or someone calling out to somebody.]

[At one point, Knave saw a couple. After that he reached for Lewis’s hand carefully, barely hesitating this time, intertwining their fingers.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis's breath caught in his throat for a moment. The meaning behind the gesture may have gone unspoken, but he had a good feeling that he knew what it meant. Even if a small voice in his head had to wonder if this was okay?

Well, obviously it was okay - such a thing wouldn’t have even happened if it wasn't. But... would it throw other people off? Probably not - he was the charming, playful guy that he was! No one would see anything different about it - if anything, he figured that most folks would just assume that this (...choosing to date someone, that is) was just something that inevitably would happen for him...

Plus... Knave was the kinda guy who... "got" Lewis, if that made sense. He really did feel more comfortable around the guy anyways which... didn't that mean that that was a good thing?

He took a deep breath as the water rushed over his ankles, the cool sensation serving to stabilize his nervous heart.

After ruminating for a few more moments, his reply was equally silent and equally clear as he wrapped his hand around Knave's.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Lewis’s hands were warm. So very warm and soft and comforting.]

[… at some point the silence cleared as another wave crashed on the shore, Knave tilted his head to look over at Lewis. When he looks at him, he admires everything. The way the breeze makes his hair look, the sunlight reflecting in his eyes, his lashes… Sevens, he can’t believe his eyes.]

[He softly speaks.]

“Mm, Lewis..?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Hm? What is it, Knave?"

The reply was equally soft as Lewis turned his head. For once, there was a truly calm air about him, not just casual. Not how he was with everyone else.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Even Knave could tell how much different the calm air about him was. He admits, just loud enough so that only Lewis can hear him.]

“I love you.”

[Love. Love. Love. He had to repeat it to himself and go over it a hundred times. Did he really just say this?? But when he looks at Lewis he decides, yes, maybe he does love that boy. With all of his heart.]

[Knave didn’t have much knowledge on love like this really, not personally but… he’s seen couples and he remembers, because he always does. Yes, he remembers the way Marcel just seemed less tense around Callum. The way Mara quieted down and just let herself be around Grace. The way Father seemed to laugh and joke more around Shirin, the baker.]

[always-t1me-for-tea]

Lewis enjoyed it when people asked him to run errands. It was nice - being able to get off of campus and be free of too many of the nonsense rules and regulations of his own dorm. Plus, he got to choose where he went (for the most part), which meant he had a pretty good chunk of freedom in how he got to do things as well. All in all, a win-win situation!

Still, sometimes he did have specific places to go on his errands, and today, it seemed that specific location was a bookstore in Foothill Town. It was a scenic location, he thought, definitely had a nice, open vibe to it, too.

He hummed along to the music in his headphones as he entered the store, a man on a mission to find a specific book he'd been tasked with picking up. Of course... getting lost in some of the other books could probably be arranged for, once he at least picked up the order at the counter.

...

So that's EXACTLY what Lewis did. He grabbed the order, finished the payments, and found himself a cozy little spot in the fantasy section of the store while he looked around. Really, there was nothing that could possibly make the vibes better, save for maybe winning the lottery or having a test canceled or maybe even running into a friend while he was out.

(🎩Lewis, @night-raven-miscellany)

[Knave had a gentle expression on his face as he browsed through the bookstore, carrying some books already in a little basket.]

[He’d already found some of the ones he wanted but now he was looking for one in particular. He had been seemingly all too absorbed in looking for it because he bumped into somebody and…a bunch of their stuff tumbled down.]

“Ah— oh my! Sorry, so sorry! Let me help you!”

[He paused right when his hand ended up on top of the other persons and that’s when he really saw the person…wait a second.]

“Uh— Lewis…?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis laughed again, leaning back on his arms to watch Knave and the setting sun. The warm orange light seemed to make a perfect halo around the other boy, an ethereal glow that was... fitting, in Lewis's eyes.

Sevens, the others were going to tease him so bad for this, weren't they? How could he be so dense?!

He pulled his phone from his pocket, snagging another photo. A keepsake. He was by no means a pro at photography, but as long as the feeling was there...

He watched in silence for a few minutes more, savoring the moment and allowing himself to just be, something that he was used to only doing in the comfort of his own room or when he wasn't within the walls of the school.

And then, he stood up, leaving his phone and the other things he'd collected throughout the day on the ground. His deliveries could wait until tomorrow - it was getting too late to drop things off anyways, not that he minded it in the least.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave had been in his own world until he felt Lewis join him, looking over at him. He said nothing, only giving a small smile, his eyes only full of warmth when he looked at Lewis. This light made Lewis just as divine really.]

[And they stayed in that golden hour for a time they couldn’t tell how long. Simply relaxing in a comfortable silence they could feel in each other’s company. Silent except for the gentle waves and the occasional bird call or someone calling out to somebody.]

[At one point, Knave saw a couple. After that he reached for Lewis’s hand carefully, barely hesitating this time, intertwining their fingers.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis's breath caught in his throat for a moment. The meaning behind the gesture may have gone unspoken, but he had a good feeling that he knew what it meant. Even if a small voice in his head had to wonder if this was okay?

Well, obviously it was okay - such a thing wouldn’t have even happened if it wasn't. But... would it throw other people off? Probably not - he was the charming, playful guy that he was! No one would see anything different about it - if anything, he figured that most folks would just assume that this (...choosing to date someone, that is) was just something that inevitably would happen for him...

Plus... Knave was the kinda guy who... "got" Lewis, if that made sense. He really did feel more comfortable around the guy anyways which... didn't that mean that that was a good thing?

He took a deep breath as the water rushed over his ankles, the cool sensation serving to stabilize his nervous heart.

After ruminating for a few more moments, his reply was equally silent and equally clear as he wrapped his hand around Knave's.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Lewis’s hands were warm. So very warm and soft and comforting.]

[… at some point the silence cleared as another wave crashed on the shore, Knave tilted his head to look over at Lewis. When he looks at him, he admires everything. The way the breeze makes his hair look, the sunlight reflecting in his eyes, his lashes… Sevens, he can’t believe his eyes.]

[He softly speaks.]

“Mm, Lewis..?”

[always-t1me-for-tea]

Lewis enjoyed it when people asked him to run errands. It was nice - being able to get off of campus and be free of too many of the nonsense rules and regulations of his own dorm. Plus, he got to choose where he went (for the most part), which meant he had a pretty good chunk of freedom in how he got to do things as well. All in all, a win-win situation!

Still, sometimes he did have specific places to go on his errands, and today, it seemed that specific location was a bookstore in Foothill Town. It was a scenic location, he thought, definitely had a nice, open vibe to it, too.

He hummed along to the music in his headphones as he entered the store, a man on a mission to find a specific book he'd been tasked with picking up. Of course... getting lost in some of the other books could probably be arranged for, once he at least picked up the order at the counter.

...

So that's EXACTLY what Lewis did. He grabbed the order, finished the payments, and found himself a cozy little spot in the fantasy section of the store while he looked around. Really, there was nothing that could possibly make the vibes better, save for maybe winning the lottery or having a test canceled or maybe even running into a friend while he was out.

(🎩Lewis, @night-raven-miscellany)

[Knave had a gentle expression on his face as he browsed through the bookstore, carrying some books already in a little basket.]

[He’d already found some of the ones he wanted but now he was looking for one in particular. He had been seemingly all too absorbed in looking for it because he bumped into somebody and…a bunch of their stuff tumbled down.]

“Ah— oh my! Sorry, so sorry! Let me help you!”

[He paused right when his hand ended up on top of the other persons and that’s when he really saw the person…wait a second.]

“Uh— Lewis…?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis laughed again, leaning back on his arms to watch Knave and the setting sun. The warm orange light seemed to make a perfect halo around the other boy, an ethereal glow that was... fitting, in Lewis's eyes.

Sevens, the others were going to tease him so bad for this, weren't they? How could he be so dense?!

He pulled his phone from his pocket, snagging another photo. A keepsake. He was by no means a pro at photography, but as long as the feeling was there...

He watched in silence for a few minutes more, savoring the moment and allowing himself to just be, something that he was used to only doing in the comfort of his own room or when he wasn't within the walls of the school.

And then, he stood up, leaving his phone and the other things he'd collected throughout the day on the ground. His deliveries could wait until tomorrow - it was getting too late to drop things off anyways, not that he minded it in the least.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave had been in his own world until he felt Lewis join him, looking over at him. He said nothing, only giving a small smile, his eyes only full of warmth when he looked at Lewis. This light made Lewis just as divine really.]

[And they stayed in that golden hour for a time they couldn’t tell how long. Simply relaxing in a comfortable silence they could feel in each other’s company. Silent except for the gentle waves and the occasional bird call or someone calling out to somebody.]

[At one point, Knave saw a couple. After that he reached for Lewis’s hand carefully, barely hesitating this time, intertwining their fingers.]

[always-t1me-for-tea]

Lewis enjoyed it when people asked him to run errands. It was nice - being able to get off of campus and be free of too many of the nonsense rules and regulations of his own dorm. Plus, he got to choose where he went (for the most part), which meant he had a pretty good chunk of freedom in how he got to do things as well. All in all, a win-win situation!

Still, sometimes he did have specific places to go on his errands, and today, it seemed that specific location was a bookstore in Foothill Town. It was a scenic location, he thought, definitely had a nice, open vibe to it, too.

He hummed along to the music in his headphones as he entered the store, a man on a mission to find a specific book he'd been tasked with picking up. Of course... getting lost in some of the other books could probably be arranged for, once he at least picked up the order at the counter.

...

So that's EXACTLY what Lewis did. He grabbed the order, finished the payments, and found himself a cozy little spot in the fantasy section of the store while he looked around. Really, there was nothing that could possibly make the vibes better, save for maybe winning the lottery or having a test canceled or maybe even running into a friend while he was out.

(🎩Lewis, @night-raven-miscellany)

[Knave had a gentle expression on his face as he browsed through the bookstore, carrying some books already in a little basket.]

[He’d already found some of the ones he wanted but now he was looking for one in particular. He had been seemingly all too absorbed in looking for it because he bumped into somebody and…a bunch of their stuff tumbled down.]

“Ah— oh my! Sorry, so sorry! Let me help you!”

[He paused right when his hand ended up on top of the other persons and that’s when he really saw the person…wait a second.]

“Uh— Lewis…?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Glad you agree, then," Lewis laughed, his smile illuminating the rest of his features with a warm glow, a rosy dusting of his cheeks that he swore was going to permanently settle on his face. "Y'know... if this keeps up, I might just have to ask-"

His thoughts were interrupted by the cafe staff calling his name. He cleared his throat and his posture straightened just a bit as he started to grab things.

Why was his heart suddenly pounding so hard? It was like breakcore drum solo had begun in his chest - clumsy and disorganized and quite possibly a heart attack now that he thought about it-

"Ah... um that's our stuff- if you want, I can finally tell you that story I promised earlier, yeah?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave had been staring at him with wide, attentive eyes, waiting when the staff interrupted. He had also been looking at Lewis, how illuminating he had been in that moment.]

“…sure, you can tell me the story now but I wanna hear what you were going to say too.”

[The two walk over to pick up their respective dishes and drinks then to their table.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis seemed to clam up, eyes wide as his gaze darted towards the ground.

"I-it was nothing too major... really, don't worry about it! Just think we should keep doin stuff like this as friends, y-yeah?"

Yeah, because telling someone that you may just have to start asking them to go out like this more often is absolutely nothing major. Excellent save, Lewis. Never seen it before.

He sat down at the table and whisks a deck of cards from who knows where, plucking the cards from their box and shuffling them in his hands while he hummed to himself.

"So uh- Lunatic Hatmaker, Mad Hatmaker, the Hatter, whatever you wanna call him, right? Right..."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave pouts jokingly, which is … surprisingly adorable. He looks like a little bunny.]

“Kay, yeah sure… don’t tell me the truth.”

[Though he huffs soon after, resting his head in one hand as he listened intently. Fondly smiling as he began to pick at his own dish.]

“But yes, I do agree. I would like to go out on more dates, as you ever so call it, with you.”

“Mhm, yes, I am listening.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Cute... really cute...

Lewis hated the fact that his face totally was betraying his cool and chill demeanor. What the fuck was WRONG WITH HIM TODAY!!!!!!!???? Maybe he should ask some of those ignihyde nerds in the board game club if they have any ideas, what, since his friends are USELESS!!!!!!!!!

"S-sure," he stammered, awkwardly picking at his own cake slice. It looked really tasty, at least - he did always have a preference for cherries and chocolate when it came to cakes and tarts. "Well... it all started back in the days of the rule of the Queen of Hearts..."

Lewis began to regale Knave with the same story he'd spent years idolizing and consuming every last iteration of. His hands moved with great energy as he spoke while his expressions shifted to suit the mood; his entire body had become an instrument in conveying this story.

And, as he spoke, he made sure to spare no details - the day the strange girl fell into Wonderland, her just so happening to stumble upon the Hatmaker and the Hare in the midst of the most grandiose tea party anyone had ever seen! The death of time, and the countless riddles posed to the girl. Everything was clear and in great detail - honestly, Lewis probably could've condensed some bits, but it was hard to stop him once he got into the flow of it all.

"They say that the girl, upon returning to her homeland in the Queendom, had to spread the great news of what she saw in that fanciful world. She traveled far and wide to tell others her tale, and those in Tepartie - that's my Hometown - grew particularly attached to her tales of the Hatter and the Hare. Every year now, an annual party is held for tea connoisseurs, hat enthusiasts, and puzzle aficionados alike to come together and revel in the merriment that once went down when the girl first fell. Those two also serve as the 'mascots' of sorts for practically everything we do."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave listens very intently. Reacting at all the details and right times. He hums, clearly interested as he finishes a bite of his treat.]

“Mm. That really was an interesting tale and you sure seem well-versed in it!”

[Knave comments, having already finished his dish. Goodness… he might’ve been a bit more hungry than he anticipated.]

“You sort of remind me of the Hatter himself. And I’ve been told I’m vaguely like a hare or a bunny or something similar.”

[He rests his chin on both hands as he cheerfully remarks.]

“So I suppose we’re sort of like the Hatter & The Hare, hm!”

[Oh Knave, buddy, you’ve got a little something on your face btw.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Well DUH," Lewis laughed, a wide grin creasing his features. "I told you it was like Lore 101! Every kid back home hears that story - it... just so happens that my aunt was also a big fan of the story so I heard it even more than most kids."

In having spoken so much, Lewis's cake was relatively untouched. His tea, on the other hand, had been putting in the effort to keep his vocal chords from frying and burning into a crisp during his story. A shame - the two really would've paired well if he had them together... oh well. It'd still be totally worth it!

"Me? Like the Hatter?" He asked, finally going after the chance to eat his dessert once again. "I guess I kinda try to emulate the guy to some degree - I've always admired the stories of him just being the life of the party, someone who, when they walk into the room, you know you're in for a good time..."

And apparently, it seemed like Lewis had never had an original thought in his life. Not surprising, though, because-

"As for you being the Hare... I can see it. You've got that kind of... cutesy charm that most rabbits and stuff have, right? Ah- speaking of, could you hold still for a sec, pretty please?"

Lewis pulled out his phone, snapping a quick picture of Knave, before putting it back and grabbing a napkin.

"You've got a little something on your cheek," He said, reaching across the table to wipe it off - obviously thinking nothing of the gesture. "It was kinda cute to look at, though, so I just had to snap a photo before I said anything... I hope thats okay!"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave stood there stunned for a moment before raising a hand to cover his clearly flushed face.]

“Oh… yes, that’s… fine.”

[He clears his throat and tries to speak normally again after THAT.]

“W-well you do fit that description. Every time I get to hang out with you, I know it’s going to be a good time so…”

[His mind seems to finally register something right then as he perks up, asking. He’s half teasing to hide the fact that he’s losing it internally, half genuinely surprised someone would think that of him.]

“Wait, cutesy charm? You think I’m cute?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis seemed confused by the reaction for a moment - of course Knave was cute. Saying that was basically like saying the sky was blue or that the Queen of Hearts was actually a little bit unhinged. Perfectly normal and natural to say and insanely obvious to anyone with eyes.

Then, he remembered that he was also a somewhat emotionally confused and certainly struggling teenage boy who has repressed a definitely healthy number of emotions over the years, and that calling another person "cute" was almost certainly not a normal thing to do. At least, not for a guy like him to do. Probably.

"A-ah?! Well- um..." Lewis tugged at the chain of his necklace with one hand, running another through his hair. "I mean... yknow... rabbits and hares and stuff ARE super cute, so yknow... it only stands to reason that anyone like that is objectively cute... right?"

Nice save, cringelord. Truly, the other fumblers in the audience should take lessons from you.

"Plus, like... you always have these big ol' sparkly eyes and... ugh nevermind I'm just digging my own grave here, aren't I? Sorry, maybe you should just forget I said anything if that was weird."

Ooh! A 2x combo! Really, I've never seen anyone fuck it up quite like this.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave, however, quickly shakes his head and clarifies.]

“No, no—! I don’t mind, it isn’t weird at all. I suppose I’m just not used to compliments…”

[He hides his blushing face with one hand as he admits with a small smile.]

“If it’s anything, you’re… also quite pretty.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis? Pretty? Absolutely not. He was supposed to be the homely one, the casual one. Pretty was for people that tried and succeeded, not for guys like him who had no real ambitions to speak of other than "whatever is the opposite of what people want". Lewis was the one in the duo (any duo, for that matter) who made people look better in comparison - more competent, more intelligent, more attractive...

"Me? Pretty? Nah..." Lewis said, shaking his head. The compliment was nice, sure, but not very fitting of him in his opinion. "But you're telling me you aren't getting the compliments of that caliber? Cause if anyone deserves em, you'd qualify."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Oh my god this is going to end in a compliment competition, isn’t it—]

[Knave was clearly flushed, still hiding his face.]

“I— thank you… but don’t just brush off my compliment! It’s true. You are pretty, take it from me.”

[Well it wasn’t like Lewis was going to take his word anyways.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis conceded. He wasn't about to start a verbal battle of compliments, after all.

Plus, it was nice to be acknowledged in that kinda way. Even if it really wasn't his style or something he strived towards being...

"Well, fine," he sighed, throwing his hands up in mock defeat. A crooked grin broke up the redness in his cheeks. "I guess if it's coming from you, I don't really have a choice, right? You wouldn't lie to me, after all!"

His voice was teasing, but his shoulders were still taut with an air of hesitance.

After a breath, though, he relaxed slightly, and started fiddling with the deck of cards he had brought out again. He had set them to the side while he ate, but now that he was no longer focused on that, it seemed as good a time as any to fiddle with the familiar cardstock.

"Not many guys- uh... anyone, for that matter says that to me so... pardon me for being a bit surprised," Lewis said, in an attempt to explain himself for something that really didn't require it. "But... I'll still take your word for it. Again, you've got good taste - so clearly your judgment must be pretty good too."

Agh - what, was ge having a fucking heart attack or something? His entire body must have been trying to learn some crazy new ninjutsu skills, with the way his chest ached and his stomach seemed to be tying itself into a knot. Was he getting sick with something? Because the alternative was something he was trying really really really hard to NOT consider for Reasons.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[But Knave just listened like he always does to Lewis. He huffs, softly smiling.]

“I’d never lie to you, especially not about something like that.”

[He chuckles a little, fondness clear.]

“I have good taste? Well, I thank you again.”

[However Knave seems a bit surprised, tilting his head.]

“But really? You don’t get compliments like that? I find that surprising.!”

[night-raven-miscellany]

The cards softly tapped against each other as Lewis brushed them in his hands, the sound a gentle white noise that soothed him.

"It's uh... not something I've ever really tried for - that's for all the more hard-working people to work towards, you know? I mean, put me next to a guy like... I dunno... James...? Or the Housewarden? Those are guys that try. I kinda pale in comparison to them, so I guess that's why it probably isn't as surprising to me..."

He set the cards down for a moment to pick at his cake again. A brief flash of awareness in his eyes earned an awkward cough.

"Sorry- I shouldn't be bringing the mood down like this. The day was super good so far and here I am being a total Debbie Downer, huh?" Lewis started, using his other hand to tug his hat down a bit. "Though, I can't deny I'm a little curious as to why you're surprised by something like that?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave’s eyes were considerably softer now, humming a response at the end. He answers with complete truth and genuineness.]

“Well… I suppose that I’ve just gotten so used to seeing you as this wonderful person who I feel amazing whenever I spend time with that it just surprises me to hear other people don’t see the same things I do.”

[He shakes his head, placing his hands on the table, clasped together.]

“No, don’t apologize. I basically asked.”

“…However I don’t see the point in comparing yourself to other people.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"You're probably one of the only ones that thinks like that," Lewis said, shaking his head. He was a bit slow to finish the last little bit of his cake, but as he watched it vanish, a small voice in his head was telling him to leave. Did he not wanna talk about things here? Or was he trying to avoid going into it too deep? "I just... there's been a lot of expectations on me in life and I try to move past em... but... it becomes a bit of a challenge when all the adults around you start talking about how much better their kid is than yours. When you start to notice the little things that makes everyone a lot more skilled or talented or whatever."

The cards were being flicked again, though Lewis's movements seemed to be a bit more hurried, now, as his eyes stared down at the table. The room started to feel like it was spinning, but only inside of his head. Suddenly, he was acutely aware of every single exit and entry point in the immediate vicinity.

Why? He was having fun! But thinking too hard about responsibility or family or any of that always made him nauseous. It wasn't even like they were that bad, either...

"Gah- sorry, here I go again- uh... why don't we talk about... geez, I dunno..." Ice blue irises darted around frantically as he sought some kind of change in topic. He wasn't SUPPOSED to be a downer or all deep like this. It wasn't in his image. "Um... you want something else to eat? I can go put in another order or-"

Fuck. He was already a total bundle of nerves for no real reason, and, what, was he already dropping walls? Such a thing would've arguably been good - the shareholders never liked complexity. Most people didn't like it. And yet... remaining so 'carefree' was probably the one single 'expectation' that Lewis held himself to. A simple character. One that was threatening to shatter over just a simple COMPLIMENT! Sevens, was he such a failure that he couldn't even take a compliment in stride - that just a simple emotional struggle was enough to break him?

"... sorry. Could we maybe... I dunno... step outside for a minute or something...? I... I think I just need a minute."

He wasn't mad by any means, and he sincerely hoped that Knave wasn't going to take it that way. He just... suddenly seemed to feel like he was being suffocated on top of the already constant feeling that he was going to pass out or something. It was probably fine, though.

Probably.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave nods. Even he could tell Lewis was not doing well, he organized their plates neatly and they left. The salty scent of the sea could be felt even from here, the soft breeze carrying it. You could vaguely hear the waves even. He hadn’t noticed how close they were.]

[Knave looks over at Lewis and hesitantly reaches over with a hand to take his. His tone is soft at first but then it turns sterner than Lewis had ever heard from him when he told him to stop fiddling with the carts. It’s oddly grounding.]

“Lewis… are you alright? Stop fiddling with the cards, you’ll cut yourself.”

“You panicked. What were you thinking about? Er- actually no. Don’t tell me. I don’t want you to feel like that.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis took a deep breath - shaky and unsteady, but deep nevertheless - and tried to calm himself down some other way. The deck was a grounding item for him... being told NOT to use it was a little frustrating, but he understood the concern.

At least he still had something to grasp onto. Knave's hand was warm, Lewis thought, and that was enough to distract him at least from most of the mess in his head.

"It's... nothin, really," He muttered, shaking his head. "I just got way too ahead of myself, I guess. Sorry to like... totes kill off the vibe, huh...?"

Sevens, he should just go home. This was embarrassing and stupid and a complete nothing burger of a thing!!! He probably looked like a total madman, losing himself outta nowhere, huh? He didn't like breaking character like this, it was too messy, too unlike him...

"I promise I'm having fun, though, really," he started. He still didn't want the other to think he was upset or that he was having a bad time. "I just... my brain is a total mess right now, I guess. Dunno what it is... but I guess everything's just a bit more sensitive now or something? It's, ah, it's kinda stupid..."

He had no reason to be so worked up - all that happened was someone thought positively of him! That was a good thing! Right? Lewis had been too busy playing second fiddle most of the time to really worry about people seeing him as anything deeper than the comedic one or the charismatic one or that guy that hangs around pomefiore a bit too much and sticks out like a sore thumb.

"I... I hope you're not too upset about that little dumb outburst, yeah? I.. I promise I can take a compliment, haha... really, I dunno what came over me there..."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

“N-no! Lewis, I’m not upset, why would I be upset. You panicked!”

[He reassures, trying to keep him steady. Knave grabs the other hand too.]

“I just want you to feel better, okay..?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis took another breath. In, then out. Slow and thoughtful. His shoulders relaxed just a hair, and he sighed.

"Kay..."

The world was at least in normal perspective again, so that much was nice. The sea air was cool and clear as it rushed through his systems, a comforting feeling that he really never did get to experience until coming to Sage Island.

"Thanks for understanding, though... it means more than you'd think, hah... you really are a good guy, Knave, you know?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave was about to refuse as he typically does, giving some excuse why he wasn’t a good guy.]

“Ah… well I really only-”

[But he pauses.]

“Of course. Do you want to go back to Night Raven or do you wanna stay out a bit longer..? I can also stay or leave depending on you.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"I think... I think I wanna stay out a bit more..." Lewis started. "I... I want you to stay, too."

Thunderous pounding rang in his ears. If it wasn't the anxiety, he had a sinking feeling he knew what it was instead.

...

James was so gonna hate him for calling later, huh? It was almost funny how much Lewis had teased him for...

Nah, that wasn't important right now.

"But... like... we don't have to do anything in particular. I... I said it before, I think, but it really is easier to be around you than most of the others... so I'd even be content to just sit here or maybe go out by the beach or something for just a little while longer."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave nods. Something about Lewis’s tone when he said he wanted him to stay made his heart flutter. He’s still holding Lewis’s hand. Why is he doing that. … he does not let go however. The sunlight seems shines on him as if it was made for him.]

“O-okay, I’ll stay then.”

[He repeats it cause he feels like he has to.]

“I’ll stay.”

“Mm, we can… go to the beach, I suppose?”

[The boy admits sheepishly.]

“I’ve never been actually…”

[night-raven-miscellany]

An overwhelming weight seemed to lift off of Lewis like a cloud of smoke from the last remains of a fire. His expression was one of relief as he gave a deep sigh.

"Good... that's... good," he started, "the beach would be really nice, actually. I myself never grew up near one so... the ones here on the Island are great. The one that isn't too far from us is... pretty quiet too, I've learned, so maybe we could take a break over there?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

“Is it really..? That might be nice for writing and drawing.”

[They both walk down to the beach, hand in hand. Hand in hand…]

[It’s true what Lewis said, the breeze is soft and the waves crash against the shore gently. It’s… calming.]

“Do you want to sit? I can rent a towel so we don’t get sand all over ourselves, if you’d like?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis was about to offer to cover any extra costs, an attempt to make up for something he had no reason to make up for.

"I... yeah. Maybe get a second one just in case...? I think it might be nice to sit down by the water."

He liked being near the water, he found. That was something he learned while still at RSA - only a few people noticed when he'd ditch classes in favor of something more interesting. The sound of the waves was like music to him, and the sand was warm when it stuck to his skin. A completely different environment from what he was used to, and yet one he felt right at home in.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

“Alrighty then, I’ll be back in just a second!”

[Knave runs over to the stand and rents out two towels like Lewis said, carrying them under his arms. However when he comes back, he stops. The breeze is softly blowing by and the sun is shining right on Lewis, as if it was made for him.]

[It made his heart skip a few beats and a warm flush tint his cheeks and ears.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis had found a pleasant spot to wait, where the waves weren't too forceful and the water reflected everything just right. It was also a bit away from where the few other people on the beach seemed to stay, so it gave a nice buffer zone as well.

He turned around, noticing Knave coming back and seeing the boy pause.

"Hey- you good? I hope this spot is alright - I figured it'd be nice and quiet with a good view..."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave stammers, nodding.]

“Uh- yeah, yeah!”

[He hurriedly places down the towels, smoothing them down so they both stay comfortable. Knave seems to be back to normal when he admires the area and the gently crashing waves.]

“This is a pretty nice spot, y’know, good choice!”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"I'm glad you like it," Lewis said, offering a small smile. "I... sometimes I much prefer being distanced from big groups rather than being plopped right in the middle, yknow? I actually never really liked being stuck in crowds... just got used to it after a while. Learned how to deal with it."

He sighed, leaning back against the towel.

"It's nice to be able to think... to hear the people around me, but also to watch things going on in the distance..."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave hummed and leaned back with him, speaking softly because he had a feeling Lewis didn’t just tell anyone this. If anyone at all.]

“I’d say I had no idea but.. that isn’t quite true. I dunno I just noticed you. The real you, one could say. How you seemed content just staying back sometimes rather than having to perform a role, because there really isn’t any other word for it, in front of people.”

[He huffed softly and turned his head to look at Lewis.]

“Isn’t that something?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

A soft laugh bubbled from Lewis's lips, and he shrugged.

"I guess so," He replied, staring out at the waves. They rushed over the sand in a white foam, before gently receding back into the ocean... It reminded him of a story he'd heard when visiting Ultramarine City with his family - a girl so deeply in love she was willing to give her own form up because she couldn't bring herself to harm the one she loved.

"It's not that I don't like having a 'role', though... more that... I like sitting away like this. Watching everyone go about their lives, wondering what sort of stories will unfold and what sort of tales will be told about them in the future. What I would say if I was asked to talk about them, or what others might say if I asked."

He sighed again, a weighty sound that, once it left him, seemed to evaporate into the air. He tossed his hat down beside him, allowing his hair to float freely in the breeze.

"But... I won't say it isn't tiring, either. I like being reliable... a guy everyone can count on. A guy who knows everyone. It was the one thing that my parents tried to impart on me that actually stuck, cause I liked the feeling it gave me. But it really is exhausting, much as I hate to admit it."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave watched as his the wind ran a hand through the other boy’s hair, shining beautifully in the soon to be setting sun. It made him fall in love all over again.]

[Love? Yes, he decided, that’s what it is. There’s no other word for the way he feels around Lewis, really. But that’s a discovery he can grapple with later.]

“I can only imagine. But I hope you know you never have to act any way you don’t want to around me, I know it’ll be hard… but if you need a break from all that, I’m here.”

[He repeats it because he feels like he should.]

“I’m here for you, Lewis.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis looked down, the shadow cast by his hair obscuring his expression. His hand tightened around the fabric of the towel, white knuckles refusing to let go.

He was quiet, pensively so, for a long while. He wasn't sure if being the "real" him was even possible anymore, he was so used to keeping up appearances. Even if he wasn't trying to be the perfect son, he still had his own facade to maintain.

Of course, his persona wasn't entirely false - it never was. He said it before, but he did love being the reliable sort. But it was the bottling things up and refusing to acknowledge them that really bothered him. Not saying a word when he's been wronged, not wanting to destroy the image of the "perfect" person. Not wanting to be seen as an actual person.

That was bad for business, after all, no matter what industry you worked in.

"I... can't make any promises," Lewis started, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "So please try not to expect too much from me. But thanks... Seriously. And... if you need it, the same goes for me. I dont like forcing people to pretend when they don't wanna... yeah?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

“Of course and besides, I think we’ve both tired of expections, no?”

[He softly laughs before sitting up, a new energy clear in his demeanor. It seemed they had almost swapped with Knave donning a sunny grin.]

“I’ll be at your side during all this, your highs, lows, the good days and the bad, of that I solemnly swear!”

[The boy begins to roll up his pants, speaking while he does so.]

“I’m gonna test the waters, if you’d like to follow, you’re free to do whatever you want.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Dude, you're making it sound like a marriage proposal," the response earned a soft laugh from Lewis as he looked back up. His gentle smile was subtle, but the way it reached his eyes could be felt even without seeing it. "At least ask me out, first, man."

He certainly could call things like this "dates" but like... they weren't really romantic in intention. He wouldn't even care if it WAS romantic and... oh Sevens wait a minute this really was what he thought it was wasn't it. Oh fuck.

As if coming to a vital realization about himself (and in a way, it probably was), Lewis sat back up fully, eyes widening. Ohhhhhhhhhh fuck fuck fuuuuuuuuck he was fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuucked Wasn't he?

"Well, don't let me stop you," He laughed, pulling his shoes off to stretch his legs and feel the sand beneath him. "I think I'll watch for a bit, enjoy the sights, and... then maybe I'll join, okay?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave watches the way he sits up before laughing a little, ignoring the fact he’s also quite flushed at that. Asking Lewis out? Haha, that’s … He brushes that off with a tease, nudging Lewis.]

“Heh, don’t give me ideas now!”

[Oh my Sevens, why did he say that—!!!]

“Of course! Like I said before, whatever you want!”

[The boy begins to walk down closer to where the waves crash, having pulled off his shoes. The sand was warm and the waves not too hot and not too cold. He hums, it’s quite relaxing and he lets the breeze pass by. The sun would be setting in a few minutes…]

[rpmemes-galore]

send me   ‘ grab ‘   for my muse to silently, frantically, grab at your muse’s hand during an intense emotional moment. 

send  ‘ grabbed ‘   for your muse to frantically grab at my muse’s hand

[always-t1me-for-tea]

Lewis enjoyed it when people asked him to run errands. It was nice - being able to get off of campus and be free of too many of the nonsense rules and regulations of his own dorm. Plus, he got to choose where he went (for the most part), which meant he had a pretty good chunk of freedom in how he got to do things as well. All in all, a win-win situation!

Still, sometimes he did have specific places to go on his errands, and today, it seemed that specific location was a bookstore in Foothill Town. It was a scenic location, he thought, definitely had a nice, open vibe to it, too.

He hummed along to the music in his headphones as he entered the store, a man on a mission to find a specific book he'd been tasked with picking up. Of course... getting lost in some of the other books could probably be arranged for, once he at least picked up the order at the counter.

...

So that's EXACTLY what Lewis did. He grabbed the order, finished the payments, and found himself a cozy little spot in the fantasy section of the store while he looked around. Really, there was nothing that could possibly make the vibes better, save for maybe winning the lottery or having a test canceled or maybe even running into a friend while he was out.

(🎩Lewis, @night-raven-miscellany)

[Knave had a gentle expression on his face as he browsed through the bookstore, carrying some books already in a little basket.]

[He’d already found some of the ones he wanted but now he was looking for one in particular. He had been seemingly all too absorbed in looking for it because he bumped into somebody and…a bunch of their stuff tumbled down.]

“Ah— oh my! Sorry, so sorry! Let me help you!”

[He paused right when his hand ended up on top of the other persons and that’s when he really saw the person…wait a second.]

“Uh— Lewis…?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Glad you agree, then," Lewis laughed, his smile illuminating the rest of his features with a warm glow, a rosy dusting of his cheeks that he swore was going to permanently settle on his face. "Y'know... if this keeps up, I might just have to ask-"

His thoughts were interrupted by the cafe staff calling his name. He cleared his throat and his posture straightened just a bit as he started to grab things.

Why was his heart suddenly pounding so hard? It was like breakcore drum solo had begun in his chest - clumsy and disorganized and quite possibly a heart attack now that he thought about it-

"Ah... um that's our stuff- if you want, I can finally tell you that story I promised earlier, yeah?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave had been staring at him with wide, attentive eyes, waiting when the staff interrupted. He had also been looking at Lewis, how illuminating he had been in that moment.]

“…sure, you can tell me the story now but I wanna hear what you were going to say too.”

[The two walk over to pick up their respective dishes and drinks then to their table.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis seemed to clam up, eyes wide as his gaze darted towards the ground.

"I-it was nothing too major... really, don't worry about it! Just think we should keep doin stuff like this as friends, y-yeah?"

Yeah, because telling someone that you may just have to start asking them to go out like this more often is absolutely nothing major. Excellent save, Lewis. Never seen it before.

He sat down at the table and whisks a deck of cards from who knows where, plucking the cards from their box and shuffling them in his hands while he hummed to himself.

"So uh- Lunatic Hatmaker, Mad Hatmaker, the Hatter, whatever you wanna call him, right? Right..."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave pouts jokingly, which is … surprisingly adorable. He looks like a little bunny.]

“Kay, yeah sure… don’t tell me the truth.”

[Though he huffs soon after, resting his head in one hand as he listened intently. Fondly smiling as he began to pick at his own dish.]

“But yes, I do agree. I would like to go out on more dates, as you ever so call it, with you.”

“Mhm, yes, I am listening.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Cute... really cute...

Lewis hated the fact that his face totally was betraying his cool and chill demeanor. What the fuck was WRONG WITH HIM TODAY!!!!!!!???? Maybe he should ask some of those ignihyde nerds in the board game club if they have any ideas, what, since his friends are USELESS!!!!!!!!!

"S-sure," he stammered, awkwardly picking at his own cake slice. It looked really tasty, at least - he did always have a preference for cherries and chocolate when it came to cakes and tarts. "Well... it all started back in the days of the rule of the Queen of Hearts..."

Lewis began to regale Knave with the same story he'd spent years idolizing and consuming every last iteration of. His hands moved with great energy as he spoke while his expressions shifted to suit the mood; his entire body had become an instrument in conveying this story.

And, as he spoke, he made sure to spare no details - the day the strange girl fell into Wonderland, her just so happening to stumble upon the Hatmaker and the Hare in the midst of the most grandiose tea party anyone had ever seen! The death of time, and the countless riddles posed to the girl. Everything was clear and in great detail - honestly, Lewis probably could've condensed some bits, but it was hard to stop him once he got into the flow of it all.

"They say that the girl, upon returning to her homeland in the Queendom, had to spread the great news of what she saw in that fanciful world. She traveled far and wide to tell others her tale, and those in Tepartie - that's my Hometown - grew particularly attached to her tales of the Hatter and the Hare. Every year now, an annual party is held for tea connoisseurs, hat enthusiasts, and puzzle aficionados alike to come together and revel in the merriment that once went down when the girl first fell. Those two also serve as the 'mascots' of sorts for practically everything we do."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave listens very intently. Reacting at all the details and right times. He hums, clearly interested as he finishes a bite of his treat.]

“Mm. That really was an interesting tale and you sure seem well-versed in it!”

[Knave comments, having already finished his dish. Goodness… he might’ve been a bit more hungry than he anticipated.]

“You sort of remind me of the Hatter himself. And I’ve been told I’m vaguely like a hare or a bunny or something similar.”

[He rests his chin on both hands as he cheerfully remarks.]

“So I suppose we’re sort of like the Hatter & The Hare, hm!”

[Oh Knave, buddy, you’ve got a little something on your face btw.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Well DUH," Lewis laughed, a wide grin creasing his features. "I told you it was like Lore 101! Every kid back home hears that story - it... just so happens that my aunt was also a big fan of the story so I heard it even more than most kids."

In having spoken so much, Lewis's cake was relatively untouched. His tea, on the other hand, had been putting in the effort to keep his vocal chords from frying and burning into a crisp during his story. A shame - the two really would've paired well if he had them together... oh well. It'd still be totally worth it!

"Me? Like the Hatter?" He asked, finally going after the chance to eat his dessert once again. "I guess I kinda try to emulate the guy to some degree - I've always admired the stories of him just being the life of the party, someone who, when they walk into the room, you know you're in for a good time..."

And apparently, it seemed like Lewis had never had an original thought in his life. Not surprising, though, because-

"As for you being the Hare... I can see it. You've got that kind of... cutesy charm that most rabbits and stuff have, right? Ah- speaking of, could you hold still for a sec, pretty please?"

Lewis pulled out his phone, snapping a quick picture of Knave, before putting it back and grabbing a napkin.

"You've got a little something on your cheek," He said, reaching across the table to wipe it off - obviously thinking nothing of the gesture. "It was kinda cute to look at, though, so I just had to snap a photo before I said anything... I hope thats okay!"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave stood there stunned for a moment before raising a hand to cover his clearly flushed face.]

“Oh… yes, that’s… fine.”

[He clears his throat and tries to speak normally again after THAT.]

“W-well you do fit that description. Every time I get to hang out with you, I know it’s going to be a good time so…”

[His mind seems to finally register something right then as he perks up, asking. He’s half teasing to hide the fact that he’s losing it internally, half genuinely surprised someone would think that of him.]

“Wait, cutesy charm? You think I’m cute?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis seemed confused by the reaction for a moment - of course Knave was cute. Saying that was basically like saying the sky was blue or that the Queen of Hearts was actually a little bit unhinged. Perfectly normal and natural to say and insanely obvious to anyone with eyes.

Then, he remembered that he was also a somewhat emotionally confused and certainly struggling teenage boy who has repressed a definitely healthy number of emotions over the years, and that calling another person "cute" was almost certainly not a normal thing to do. At least, not for a guy like him to do. Probably.

"A-ah?! Well- um..." Lewis tugged at the chain of his necklace with one hand, running another through his hair. "I mean... yknow... rabbits and hares and stuff ARE super cute, so yknow... it only stands to reason that anyone like that is objectively cute... right?"

Nice save, cringelord. Truly, the other fumblers in the audience should take lessons from you.

"Plus, like... you always have these big ol' sparkly eyes and... ugh nevermind I'm just digging my own grave here, aren't I? Sorry, maybe you should just forget I said anything if that was weird."

Ooh! A 2x combo! Really, I've never seen anyone fuck it up quite like this.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave, however, quickly shakes his head and clarifies.]

“No, no—! I don’t mind, it isn’t weird at all. I suppose I’m just not used to compliments…”

[He hides his blushing face with one hand as he admits with a small smile.]

“If it’s anything, you’re… also quite pretty.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis? Pretty? Absolutely not. He was supposed to be the homely one, the casual one. Pretty was for people that tried and succeeded, not for guys like him who had no real ambitions to speak of other than "whatever is the opposite of what people want". Lewis was the one in the duo (any duo, for that matter) who made people look better in comparison - more competent, more intelligent, more attractive...

"Me? Pretty? Nah..." Lewis said, shaking his head. The compliment was nice, sure, but not very fitting of him in his opinion. "But you're telling me you aren't getting the compliments of that caliber? Cause if anyone deserves em, you'd qualify."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Oh my god this is going to end in a compliment competition, isn’t it—]

[Knave was clearly flushed, still hiding his face.]

“I— thank you… but don’t just brush off my compliment! It’s true. You are pretty, take it from me.”

[Well it wasn’t like Lewis was going to take his word anyways.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis conceded. He wasn't about to start a verbal battle of compliments, after all.

Plus, it was nice to be acknowledged in that kinda way. Even if it really wasn't his style or something he strived towards being...

"Well, fine," he sighed, throwing his hands up in mock defeat. A crooked grin broke up the redness in his cheeks. "I guess if it's coming from you, I don't really have a choice, right? You wouldn't lie to me, after all!"

His voice was teasing, but his shoulders were still taut with an air of hesitance.

After a breath, though, he relaxed slightly, and started fiddling with the deck of cards he had brought out again. He had set them to the side while he ate, but now that he was no longer focused on that, it seemed as good a time as any to fiddle with the familiar cardstock.

"Not many guys- uh... anyone, for that matter says that to me so... pardon me for being a bit surprised," Lewis said, in an attempt to explain himself for something that really didn't require it. "But... I'll still take your word for it. Again, you've got good taste - so clearly your judgment must be pretty good too."

Agh - what, was ge having a fucking heart attack or something? His entire body must have been trying to learn some crazy new ninjutsu skills, with the way his chest ached and his stomach seemed to be tying itself into a knot. Was he getting sick with something? Because the alternative was something he was trying really really really hard to NOT consider for Reasons.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[But Knave just listened like he always does to Lewis. He huffs, softly smiling.]

“I’d never lie to you, especially not about something like that.”

[He chuckles a little, fondness clear.]

“I have good taste? Well, I thank you again.”

[However Knave seems a bit surprised, tilting his head.]

“But really? You don’t get compliments like that? I find that surprising.!”

[night-raven-miscellany]

The cards softly tapped against each other as Lewis brushed them in his hands, the sound a gentle white noise that soothed him.

"It's uh... not something I've ever really tried for - that's for all the more hard-working people to work towards, you know? I mean, put me next to a guy like... I dunno... James...? Or the Housewarden? Those are guys that try. I kinda pale in comparison to them, so I guess that's why it probably isn't as surprising to me..."

He set the cards down for a moment to pick at his cake again. A brief flash of awareness in his eyes earned an awkward cough.

"Sorry- I shouldn't be bringing the mood down like this. The day was super good so far and here I am being a total Debbie Downer, huh?" Lewis started, using his other hand to tug his hat down a bit. "Though, I can't deny I'm a little curious as to why you're surprised by something like that?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave’s eyes were considerably softer now, humming a response at the end. He answers with complete truth and genuineness.]

“Well… I suppose that I’ve just gotten so used to seeing you as this wonderful person who I feel amazing whenever I spend time with that it just surprises me to hear other people don’t see the same things I do.”

[He shakes his head, placing his hands on the table, clasped together.]

“No, don’t apologize. I basically asked.”

“…However I don’t see the point in comparing yourself to other people.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"You're probably one of the only ones that thinks like that," Lewis said, shaking his head. He was a bit slow to finish the last little bit of his cake, but as he watched it vanish, a small voice in his head was telling him to leave. Did he not wanna talk about things here? Or was he trying to avoid going into it too deep? "I just... there's been a lot of expectations on me in life and I try to move past em... but... it becomes a bit of a challenge when all the adults around you start talking about how much better their kid is than yours. When you start to notice the little things that makes everyone a lot more skilled or talented or whatever."

The cards were being flicked again, though Lewis's movements seemed to be a bit more hurried, now, as his eyes stared down at the table. The room started to feel like it was spinning, but only inside of his head. Suddenly, he was acutely aware of every single exit and entry point in the immediate vicinity.

Why? He was having fun! But thinking too hard about responsibility or family or any of that always made him nauseous. It wasn't even like they were that bad, either...

"Gah- sorry, here I go again- uh... why don't we talk about... geez, I dunno..." Ice blue irises darted around frantically as he sought some kind of change in topic. He wasn't SUPPOSED to be a downer or all deep like this. It wasn't in his image. "Um... you want something else to eat? I can go put in another order or-"

Fuck. He was already a total bundle of nerves for no real reason, and, what, was he already dropping walls? Such a thing would've arguably been good - the shareholders never liked complexity. Most people didn't like it. And yet... remaining so 'carefree' was probably the one single 'expectation' that Lewis held himself to. A simple character. One that was threatening to shatter over just a simple COMPLIMENT! Sevens, was he such a failure that he couldn't even take a compliment in stride - that just a simple emotional struggle was enough to break him?

"... sorry. Could we maybe... I dunno... step outside for a minute or something...? I... I think I just need a minute."

He wasn't mad by any means, and he sincerely hoped that Knave wasn't going to take it that way. He just... suddenly seemed to feel like he was being suffocated on top of the already constant feeling that he was going to pass out or something. It was probably fine, though.

Probably.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave nods. Even he could tell Lewis was not doing well, he organized their plates neatly and they left. The salty scent of the sea could be felt even from here, the soft breeze carrying it. You could vaguely hear the waves even. He hadn’t noticed how close they were.]

[Knave looks over at Lewis and hesitantly reaches over with a hand to take his. His tone is soft at first but then it turns sterner than Lewis had ever heard from him when he told him to stop fiddling with the carts. It’s oddly grounding.]

“Lewis… are you alright? Stop fiddling with the cards, you’ll cut yourself.”

“You panicked. What were you thinking about? Er- actually no. Don’t tell me. I don’t want you to feel like that.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis took a deep breath - shaky and unsteady, but deep nevertheless - and tried to calm himself down some other way. The deck was a grounding item for him... being told NOT to use it was a little frustrating, but he understood the concern.

At least he still had something to grasp onto. Knave's hand was warm, Lewis thought, and that was enough to distract him at least from most of the mess in his head.

"It's... nothin, really," He muttered, shaking his head. "I just got way too ahead of myself, I guess. Sorry to like... totes kill off the vibe, huh...?"

Sevens, he should just go home. This was embarrassing and stupid and a complete nothing burger of a thing!!! He probably looked like a total madman, losing himself outta nowhere, huh? He didn't like breaking character like this, it was too messy, too unlike him...

"I promise I'm having fun, though, really," he started. He still didn't want the other to think he was upset or that he was having a bad time. "I just... my brain is a total mess right now, I guess. Dunno what it is... but I guess everything's just a bit more sensitive now or something? It's, ah, it's kinda stupid..."

He had no reason to be so worked up - all that happened was someone thought positively of him! That was a good thing! Right? Lewis had been too busy playing second fiddle most of the time to really worry about people seeing him as anything deeper than the comedic one or the charismatic one or that guy that hangs around pomefiore a bit too much and sticks out like a sore thumb.

"I... I hope you're not too upset about that little dumb outburst, yeah? I.. I promise I can take a compliment, haha... really, I dunno what came over me there..."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

“N-no! Lewis, I’m not upset, why would I be upset. You panicked!”

[He reassures, trying to keep him steady. Knave grabs the other hand too.]

“I just want you to feel better, okay..?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis took another breath. In, then out. Slow and thoughtful. His shoulders relaxed just a hair, and he sighed.

"Kay..."

The world was at least in normal perspective again, so that much was nice. The sea air was cool and clear as it rushed through his systems, a comforting feeling that he really never did get to experience until coming to Sage Island.

"Thanks for understanding, though... it means more than you'd think, hah... you really are a good guy, Knave, you know?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave was about to refuse as he typically does, giving some excuse why he wasn’t a good guy.]

“Ah… well I really only-”

[But he pauses.]

“Of course. Do you want to go back to Night Raven or do you wanna stay out a bit longer..? I can also stay or leave depending on you.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"I think... I think I wanna stay out a bit more..." Lewis started. "I... I want you to stay, too."

Thunderous pounding rang in his ears. If it wasn't the anxiety, he had a sinking feeling he knew what it was instead.

...

James was so gonna hate him for calling later, huh? It was almost funny how much Lewis had teased him for...

Nah, that wasn't important right now.

"But... like... we don't have to do anything in particular. I... I said it before, I think, but it really is easier to be around you than most of the others... so I'd even be content to just sit here or maybe go out by the beach or something for just a little while longer."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave nods. Something about Lewis’s tone when he said he wanted him to stay made his heart flutter. He’s still holding Lewis’s hand. Why is he doing that. … he does not let go however. The sunlight seems shines on him as if it was made for him.]

“O-okay, I’ll stay then.”

[He repeats it cause he feels like he has to.]

“I’ll stay.”

“Mm, we can… go to the beach, I suppose?”

[The boy admits sheepishly.]

“I’ve never been actually…”

[night-raven-miscellany]

An overwhelming weight seemed to lift off of Lewis like a cloud of smoke from the last remains of a fire. His expression was one of relief as he gave a deep sigh.

"Good... that's... good," he started, "the beach would be really nice, actually. I myself never grew up near one so... the ones here on the Island are great. The one that isn't too far from us is... pretty quiet too, I've learned, so maybe we could take a break over there?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

“Is it really..? That might be nice for writing and drawing.”

[They both walk down to the beach, hand in hand. Hand in hand…]

[It’s true what Lewis said, the breeze is soft and the waves crash against the shore gently. It’s… calming.]

“Do you want to sit? I can rent a towel so we don’t get sand all over ourselves, if you’d like?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis was about to offer to cover any extra costs, an attempt to make up for something he had no reason to make up for.

"I... yeah. Maybe get a second one just in case...? I think it might be nice to sit down by the water."

He liked being near the water, he found. That was something he learned while still at RSA - only a few people noticed when he'd ditch classes in favor of something more interesting. The sound of the waves was like music to him, and the sand was warm when it stuck to his skin. A completely different environment from what he was used to, and yet one he felt right at home in.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

“Alrighty then, I’ll be back in just a second!”

[Knave runs over to the stand and rents out two towels like Lewis said, carrying them under his arms. However when he comes back, he stops. The breeze is softly blowing by and the sun is shining right on Lewis, as if it was made for him.]

[It made his heart skip a few beats and a warm flush tint his cheeks and ears.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis had found a pleasant spot to wait, where the waves weren't too forceful and the water reflected everything just right. It was also a bit away from where the few other people on the beach seemed to stay, so it gave a nice buffer zone as well.

He turned around, noticing Knave coming back and seeing the boy pause.

"Hey- you good? I hope this spot is alright - I figured it'd be nice and quiet with a good view..."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave stammers, nodding.]

“Uh- yeah, yeah!”

[He hurriedly places down the towels, smoothing them down so they both stay comfortable. Knave seems to be back to normal when he admires the area and the gently crashing waves.]

“This is a pretty nice spot, y’know, good choice!”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"I'm glad you like it," Lewis said, offering a small smile. "I... sometimes I much prefer being distanced from big groups rather than being plopped right in the middle, yknow? I actually never really liked being stuck in crowds... just got used to it after a while. Learned how to deal with it."

He sighed, leaning back against the towel.

"It's nice to be able to think... to hear the people around me, but also to watch things going on in the distance..."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave hummed and leaned back with him, speaking softly because he had a feeling Lewis didn’t just tell anyone this. If anyone at all.]

“I’d say I had no idea but.. that isn’t quite true. I dunno I just noticed you. The real you, one could say. How you seemed content just staying back sometimes rather than having to perform a role, because there really isn’t any other word for it, in front of people.”

[He huffed softly and turned his head to look at Lewis.]

“Isn’t that something?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

A soft laugh bubbled from Lewis's lips, and he shrugged.

"I guess so," He replied, staring out at the waves. They rushed over the sand in a white foam, before gently receding back into the ocean... It reminded him of a story he'd heard when visiting Ultramarine City with his family - a girl so deeply in love she was willing to give her own form up because she couldn't bring herself to harm the one she loved.

"It's not that I don't like having a 'role', though... more that... I like sitting away like this. Watching everyone go about their lives, wondering what sort of stories will unfold and what sort of tales will be told about them in the future. What I would say if I was asked to talk about them, or what others might say if I asked."

He sighed again, a weighty sound that, once it left him, seemed to evaporate into the air. He tossed his hat down beside him, allowing his hair to float freely in the breeze.

"But... I won't say it isn't tiring, either. I like being reliable... a guy everyone can count on. A guy who knows everyone. It was the one thing that my parents tried to impart on me that actually stuck, cause I liked the feeling it gave me. But it really is exhausting, much as I hate to admit it."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave watched as his the wind ran a hand through the other boy’s hair, shining beautifully in the soon to be setting sun. It made him fall in love all over again.]

[Love? Yes, he decided, that’s what it is. There’s no other word for the way he feels around Lewis, really. But that’s a discovery he can grapple with later.]

“I can only imagine. But I hope you know you never have to act any way you don’t want to around me, I know it’ll be hard… but if you need a break from all that, I’m here.”

[He repeats it because he feels like he should.]

“I’m here for you, Lewis.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis looked down, the shadow cast by his hair obscuring his expression. His hand tightened around the fabric of the towel, white knuckles refusing to let go.

He was quiet, pensively so, for a long while. He wasn't sure if being the "real" him was even possible anymore, he was so used to keeping up appearances. Even if he wasn't trying to be the perfect son, he still had his own facade to maintain.

Of course, his persona wasn't entirely false - it never was. He said it before, but he did love being the reliable sort. But it was the bottling things up and refusing to acknowledge them that really bothered him. Not saying a word when he's been wronged, not wanting to destroy the image of the "perfect" person. Not wanting to be seen as an actual person.

That was bad for business, after all, no matter what industry you worked in.

"I... can't make any promises," Lewis started, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "So please try not to expect too much from me. But thanks... Seriously. And... if you need it, the same goes for me. I dont like forcing people to pretend when they don't wanna... yeah?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

“Of course and besides, I think we’ve both tired of expections, no?”

[He softly laughs before sitting up, a new energy clear in his demeanor. It seemed they had almost swapped with Knave donning a sunny grin.]

“I’ll be at your side during all this, your highs, lows, the good days and the bad, of that I solemnly swear!”

[The boy begins to roll up his pants, speaking while he does so.]

“I’m gonna test the waters, if you’d like to follow, you’re free to do whatever you want.”

[always-t1me-for-tea]

Lewis enjoyed it when people asked him to run errands. It was nice - being able to get off of campus and be free of too many of the nonsense rules and regulations of his own dorm. Plus, he got to choose where he went (for the most part), which meant he had a pretty good chunk of freedom in how he got to do things as well. All in all, a win-win situation!

Still, sometimes he did have specific places to go on his errands, and today, it seemed that specific location was a bookstore in Foothill Town. It was a scenic location, he thought, definitely had a nice, open vibe to it, too.

He hummed along to the music in his headphones as he entered the store, a man on a mission to find a specific book he'd been tasked with picking up. Of course... getting lost in some of the other books could probably be arranged for, once he at least picked up the order at the counter.

...

So that's EXACTLY what Lewis did. He grabbed the order, finished the payments, and found himself a cozy little spot in the fantasy section of the store while he looked around. Really, there was nothing that could possibly make the vibes better, save for maybe winning the lottery or having a test canceled or maybe even running into a friend while he was out.

(🎩Lewis, @night-raven-miscellany)

[Knave had a gentle expression on his face as he browsed through the bookstore, carrying some books already in a little basket.]

[He’d already found some of the ones he wanted but now he was looking for one in particular. He had been seemingly all too absorbed in looking for it because he bumped into somebody and…a bunch of their stuff tumbled down.]

“Ah— oh my! Sorry, so sorry! Let me help you!”

[He paused right when his hand ended up on top of the other persons and that’s when he really saw the person…wait a second.]

“Uh— Lewis…?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Glad you agree, then," Lewis laughed, his smile illuminating the rest of his features with a warm glow, a rosy dusting of his cheeks that he swore was going to permanently settle on his face. "Y'know... if this keeps up, I might just have to ask-"

His thoughts were interrupted by the cafe staff calling his name. He cleared his throat and his posture straightened just a bit as he started to grab things.

Why was his heart suddenly pounding so hard? It was like breakcore drum solo had begun in his chest - clumsy and disorganized and quite possibly a heart attack now that he thought about it-

"Ah... um that's our stuff- if you want, I can finally tell you that story I promised earlier, yeah?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave had been staring at him with wide, attentive eyes, waiting when the staff interrupted. He had also been looking at Lewis, how illuminating he had been in that moment.]

“…sure, you can tell me the story now but I wanna hear what you were going to say too.”

[The two walk over to pick up their respective dishes and drinks then to their table.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis seemed to clam up, eyes wide as his gaze darted towards the ground.

"I-it was nothing too major... really, don't worry about it! Just think we should keep doin stuff like this as friends, y-yeah?"

Yeah, because telling someone that you may just have to start asking them to go out like this more often is absolutely nothing major. Excellent save, Lewis. Never seen it before.

He sat down at the table and whisks a deck of cards from who knows where, plucking the cards from their box and shuffling them in his hands while he hummed to himself.

"So uh- Lunatic Hatmaker, Mad Hatmaker, the Hatter, whatever you wanna call him, right? Right..."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave pouts jokingly, which is … surprisingly adorable. He looks like a little bunny.]

“Kay, yeah sure… don’t tell me the truth.”

[Though he huffs soon after, resting his head in one hand as he listened intently. Fondly smiling as he began to pick at his own dish.]

“But yes, I do agree. I would like to go out on more dates, as you ever so call it, with you.”

“Mhm, yes, I am listening.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Cute... really cute...

Lewis hated the fact that his face totally was betraying his cool and chill demeanor. What the fuck was WRONG WITH HIM TODAY!!!!!!!???? Maybe he should ask some of those ignihyde nerds in the board game club if they have any ideas, what, since his friends are USELESS!!!!!!!!!

"S-sure," he stammered, awkwardly picking at his own cake slice. It looked really tasty, at least - he did always have a preference for cherries and chocolate when it came to cakes and tarts. "Well... it all started back in the days of the rule of the Queen of Hearts..."

Lewis began to regale Knave with the same story he'd spent years idolizing and consuming every last iteration of. His hands moved with great energy as he spoke while his expressions shifted to suit the mood; his entire body had become an instrument in conveying this story.

And, as he spoke, he made sure to spare no details - the day the strange girl fell into Wonderland, her just so happening to stumble upon the Hatmaker and the Hare in the midst of the most grandiose tea party anyone had ever seen! The death of time, and the countless riddles posed to the girl. Everything was clear and in great detail - honestly, Lewis probably could've condensed some bits, but it was hard to stop him once he got into the flow of it all.

"They say that the girl, upon returning to her homeland in the Queendom, had to spread the great news of what she saw in that fanciful world. She traveled far and wide to tell others her tale, and those in Tepartie - that's my Hometown - grew particularly attached to her tales of the Hatter and the Hare. Every year now, an annual party is held for tea connoisseurs, hat enthusiasts, and puzzle aficionados alike to come together and revel in the merriment that once went down when the girl first fell. Those two also serve as the 'mascots' of sorts for practically everything we do."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave listens very intently. Reacting at all the details and right times. He hums, clearly interested as he finishes a bite of his treat.]

“Mm. That really was an interesting tale and you sure seem well-versed in it!”

[Knave comments, having already finished his dish. Goodness… he might’ve been a bit more hungry than he anticipated.]

“You sort of remind me of the Hatter himself. And I’ve been told I’m vaguely like a hare or a bunny or something similar.”

[He rests his chin on both hands as he cheerfully remarks.]

“So I suppose we’re sort of like the Hatter & The Hare, hm!”

[Oh Knave, buddy, you’ve got a little something on your face btw.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Well DUH," Lewis laughed, a wide grin creasing his features. "I told you it was like Lore 101! Every kid back home hears that story - it... just so happens that my aunt was also a big fan of the story so I heard it even more than most kids."

In having spoken so much, Lewis's cake was relatively untouched. His tea, on the other hand, had been putting in the effort to keep his vocal chords from frying and burning into a crisp during his story. A shame - the two really would've paired well if he had them together... oh well. It'd still be totally worth it!

"Me? Like the Hatter?" He asked, finally going after the chance to eat his dessert once again. "I guess I kinda try to emulate the guy to some degree - I've always admired the stories of him just being the life of the party, someone who, when they walk into the room, you know you're in for a good time..."

And apparently, it seemed like Lewis had never had an original thought in his life. Not surprising, though, because-

"As for you being the Hare... I can see it. You've got that kind of... cutesy charm that most rabbits and stuff have, right? Ah- speaking of, could you hold still for a sec, pretty please?"

Lewis pulled out his phone, snapping a quick picture of Knave, before putting it back and grabbing a napkin.

"You've got a little something on your cheek," He said, reaching across the table to wipe it off - obviously thinking nothing of the gesture. "It was kinda cute to look at, though, so I just had to snap a photo before I said anything... I hope thats okay!"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave stood there stunned for a moment before raising a hand to cover his clearly flushed face.]

“Oh… yes, that’s… fine.”

[He clears his throat and tries to speak normally again after THAT.]

“W-well you do fit that description. Every time I get to hang out with you, I know it’s going to be a good time so…”

[His mind seems to finally register something right then as he perks up, asking. He’s half teasing to hide the fact that he’s losing it internally, half genuinely surprised someone would think that of him.]

“Wait, cutesy charm? You think I’m cute?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis seemed confused by the reaction for a moment - of course Knave was cute. Saying that was basically like saying the sky was blue or that the Queen of Hearts was actually a little bit unhinged. Perfectly normal and natural to say and insanely obvious to anyone with eyes.

Then, he remembered that he was also a somewhat emotionally confused and certainly struggling teenage boy who has repressed a definitely healthy number of emotions over the years, and that calling another person "cute" was almost certainly not a normal thing to do. At least, not for a guy like him to do. Probably.

"A-ah?! Well- um..." Lewis tugged at the chain of his necklace with one hand, running another through his hair. "I mean... yknow... rabbits and hares and stuff ARE super cute, so yknow... it only stands to reason that anyone like that is objectively cute... right?"

Nice save, cringelord. Truly, the other fumblers in the audience should take lessons from you.

"Plus, like... you always have these big ol' sparkly eyes and... ugh nevermind I'm just digging my own grave here, aren't I? Sorry, maybe you should just forget I said anything if that was weird."

Ooh! A 2x combo! Really, I've never seen anyone fuck it up quite like this.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave, however, quickly shakes his head and clarifies.]

“No, no—! I don’t mind, it isn’t weird at all. I suppose I’m just not used to compliments…”

[He hides his blushing face with one hand as he admits with a small smile.]

“If it’s anything, you’re… also quite pretty.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis? Pretty? Absolutely not. He was supposed to be the homely one, the casual one. Pretty was for people that tried and succeeded, not for guys like him who had no real ambitions to speak of other than "whatever is the opposite of what people want". Lewis was the one in the duo (any duo, for that matter) who made people look better in comparison - more competent, more intelligent, more attractive...

"Me? Pretty? Nah..." Lewis said, shaking his head. The compliment was nice, sure, but not very fitting of him in his opinion. "But you're telling me you aren't getting the compliments of that caliber? Cause if anyone deserves em, you'd qualify."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Oh my god this is going to end in a compliment competition, isn’t it—]

[Knave was clearly flushed, still hiding his face.]

“I— thank you… but don’t just brush off my compliment! It’s true. You are pretty, take it from me.”

[Well it wasn’t like Lewis was going to take his word anyways.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis conceded. He wasn't about to start a verbal battle of compliments, after all.

Plus, it was nice to be acknowledged in that kinda way. Even if it really wasn't his style or something he strived towards being...

"Well, fine," he sighed, throwing his hands up in mock defeat. A crooked grin broke up the redness in his cheeks. "I guess if it's coming from you, I don't really have a choice, right? You wouldn't lie to me, after all!"

His voice was teasing, but his shoulders were still taut with an air of hesitance.

After a breath, though, he relaxed slightly, and started fiddling with the deck of cards he had brought out again. He had set them to the side while he ate, but now that he was no longer focused on that, it seemed as good a time as any to fiddle with the familiar cardstock.

"Not many guys- uh... anyone, for that matter says that to me so... pardon me for being a bit surprised," Lewis said, in an attempt to explain himself for something that really didn't require it. "But... I'll still take your word for it. Again, you've got good taste - so clearly your judgment must be pretty good too."

Agh - what, was ge having a fucking heart attack or something? His entire body must have been trying to learn some crazy new ninjutsu skills, with the way his chest ached and his stomach seemed to be tying itself into a knot. Was he getting sick with something? Because the alternative was something he was trying really really really hard to NOT consider for Reasons.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[But Knave just listened like he always does to Lewis. He huffs, softly smiling.]

“I’d never lie to you, especially not about something like that.”

[He chuckles a little, fondness clear.]

“I have good taste? Well, I thank you again.”

[However Knave seems a bit surprised, tilting his head.]

“But really? You don’t get compliments like that? I find that surprising.!”

[night-raven-miscellany]

The cards softly tapped against each other as Lewis brushed them in his hands, the sound a gentle white noise that soothed him.

"It's uh... not something I've ever really tried for - that's for all the more hard-working people to work towards, you know? I mean, put me next to a guy like... I dunno... James...? Or the Housewarden? Those are guys that try. I kinda pale in comparison to them, so I guess that's why it probably isn't as surprising to me..."

He set the cards down for a moment to pick at his cake again. A brief flash of awareness in his eyes earned an awkward cough.

"Sorry- I shouldn't be bringing the mood down like this. The day was super good so far and here I am being a total Debbie Downer, huh?" Lewis started, using his other hand to tug his hat down a bit. "Though, I can't deny I'm a little curious as to why you're surprised by something like that?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave’s eyes were considerably softer now, humming a response at the end. He answers with complete truth and genuineness.]

“Well… I suppose that I’ve just gotten so used to seeing you as this wonderful person who I feel amazing whenever I spend time with that it just surprises me to hear other people don’t see the same things I do.”

[He shakes his head, placing his hands on the table, clasped together.]

“No, don’t apologize. I basically asked.”

“…However I don’t see the point in comparing yourself to other people.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"You're probably one of the only ones that thinks like that," Lewis said, shaking his head. He was a bit slow to finish the last little bit of his cake, but as he watched it vanish, a small voice in his head was telling him to leave. Did he not wanna talk about things here? Or was he trying to avoid going into it too deep? "I just... there's been a lot of expectations on me in life and I try to move past em... but... it becomes a bit of a challenge when all the adults around you start talking about how much better their kid is than yours. When you start to notice the little things that makes everyone a lot more skilled or talented or whatever."

The cards were being flicked again, though Lewis's movements seemed to be a bit more hurried, now, as his eyes stared down at the table. The room started to feel like it was spinning, but only inside of his head. Suddenly, he was acutely aware of every single exit and entry point in the immediate vicinity.

Why? He was having fun! But thinking too hard about responsibility or family or any of that always made him nauseous. It wasn't even like they were that bad, either...

"Gah- sorry, here I go again- uh... why don't we talk about... geez, I dunno..." Ice blue irises darted around frantically as he sought some kind of change in topic. He wasn't SUPPOSED to be a downer or all deep like this. It wasn't in his image. "Um... you want something else to eat? I can go put in another order or-"

Fuck. He was already a total bundle of nerves for no real reason, and, what, was he already dropping walls? Such a thing would've arguably been good - the shareholders never liked complexity. Most people didn't like it. And yet... remaining so 'carefree' was probably the one single 'expectation' that Lewis held himself to. A simple character. One that was threatening to shatter over just a simple COMPLIMENT! Sevens, was he such a failure that he couldn't even take a compliment in stride - that just a simple emotional struggle was enough to break him?

"... sorry. Could we maybe... I dunno... step outside for a minute or something...? I... I think I just need a minute."

He wasn't mad by any means, and he sincerely hoped that Knave wasn't going to take it that way. He just... suddenly seemed to feel like he was being suffocated on top of the already constant feeling that he was going to pass out or something. It was probably fine, though.

Probably.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave nods. Even he could tell Lewis was not doing well, he organized their plates neatly and they left. The salty scent of the sea could be felt even from here, the soft breeze carrying it. You could vaguely hear the waves even. He hadn’t noticed how close they were.]

[Knave looks over at Lewis and hesitantly reaches over with a hand to take his. His tone is soft at first but then it turns sterner than Lewis had ever heard from him when he told him to stop fiddling with the carts. It’s oddly grounding.]

“Lewis… are you alright? Stop fiddling with the cards, you’ll cut yourself.”

“You panicked. What were you thinking about? Er- actually no. Don’t tell me. I don’t want you to feel like that.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis took a deep breath - shaky and unsteady, but deep nevertheless - and tried to calm himself down some other way. The deck was a grounding item for him... being told NOT to use it was a little frustrating, but he understood the concern.

At least he still had something to grasp onto. Knave's hand was warm, Lewis thought, and that was enough to distract him at least from most of the mess in his head.

"It's... nothin, really," He muttered, shaking his head. "I just got way too ahead of myself, I guess. Sorry to like... totes kill off the vibe, huh...?"

Sevens, he should just go home. This was embarrassing and stupid and a complete nothing burger of a thing!!! He probably looked like a total madman, losing himself outta nowhere, huh? He didn't like breaking character like this, it was too messy, too unlike him...

"I promise I'm having fun, though, really," he started. He still didn't want the other to think he was upset or that he was having a bad time. "I just... my brain is a total mess right now, I guess. Dunno what it is... but I guess everything's just a bit more sensitive now or something? It's, ah, it's kinda stupid..."

He had no reason to be so worked up - all that happened was someone thought positively of him! That was a good thing! Right? Lewis had been too busy playing second fiddle most of the time to really worry about people seeing him as anything deeper than the comedic one or the charismatic one or that guy that hangs around pomefiore a bit too much and sticks out like a sore thumb.

"I... I hope you're not too upset about that little dumb outburst, yeah? I.. I promise I can take a compliment, haha... really, I dunno what came over me there..."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

“N-no! Lewis, I’m not upset, why would I be upset. You panicked!”

[He reassures, trying to keep him steady. Knave grabs the other hand too.]

“I just want you to feel better, okay..?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis took another breath. In, then out. Slow and thoughtful. His shoulders relaxed just a hair, and he sighed.

"Kay..."

The world was at least in normal perspective again, so that much was nice. The sea air was cool and clear as it rushed through his systems, a comforting feeling that he really never did get to experience until coming to Sage Island.

"Thanks for understanding, though... it means more than you'd think, hah... you really are a good guy, Knave, you know?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave was about to refuse as he typically does, giving some excuse why he wasn’t a good guy.]

“Ah… well I really only-”

[But he pauses.]

“Of course. Do you want to go back to Night Raven or do you wanna stay out a bit longer..? I can also stay or leave depending on you.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"I think... I think I wanna stay out a bit more..." Lewis started. "I... I want you to stay, too."

Thunderous pounding rang in his ears. If it wasn't the anxiety, he had a sinking feeling he knew what it was instead.

...

James was so gonna hate him for calling later, huh? It was almost funny how much Lewis had teased him for...

Nah, that wasn't important right now.

"But... like... we don't have to do anything in particular. I... I said it before, I think, but it really is easier to be around you than most of the others... so I'd even be content to just sit here or maybe go out by the beach or something for just a little while longer."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave nods. Something about Lewis’s tone when he said he wanted him to stay made his heart flutter. He’s still holding Lewis’s hand. Why is he doing that. … he does not let go however. The sunlight seems shines on him as if it was made for him.]

“O-okay, I’ll stay then.”

[He repeats it cause he feels like he has to.]

“I’ll stay.”

“Mm, we can… go to the beach, I suppose?”

[The boy admits sheepishly.]

“I’ve never been actually…”

[night-raven-miscellany]

An overwhelming weight seemed to lift off of Lewis like a cloud of smoke from the last remains of a fire. His expression was one of relief as he gave a deep sigh.

"Good... that's... good," he started, "the beach would be really nice, actually. I myself never grew up near one so... the ones here on the Island are great. The one that isn't too far from us is... pretty quiet too, I've learned, so maybe we could take a break over there?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

“Is it really..? That might be nice for writing and drawing.”

[They both walk down to the beach, hand in hand. Hand in hand…]

[It’s true what Lewis said, the breeze is soft and the waves crash against the shore gently. It’s… calming.]

“Do you want to sit? I can rent a towel so we don’t get sand all over ourselves, if you’d like?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis was about to offer to cover any extra costs, an attempt to make up for something he had no reason to make up for.

"I... yeah. Maybe get a second one just in case...? I think it might be nice to sit down by the water."

He liked being near the water, he found. That was something he learned while still at RSA - only a few people noticed when he'd ditch classes in favor of something more interesting. The sound of the waves was like music to him, and the sand was warm when it stuck to his skin. A completely different environment from what he was used to, and yet one he felt right at home in.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

“Alrighty then, I’ll be back in just a second!”

[Knave runs over to the stand and rents out two towels like Lewis said, carrying them under his arms. However when he comes back, he stops. The breeze is softly blowing by and the sun is shining right on Lewis, as if it was made for him.]

[It made his heart skip a few beats and a warm flush tint his cheeks and ears.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis had found a pleasant spot to wait, where the waves weren't too forceful and the water reflected everything just right. It was also a bit away from where the few other people on the beach seemed to stay, so it gave a nice buffer zone as well.

He turned around, noticing Knave coming back and seeing the boy pause.

"Hey- you good? I hope this spot is alright - I figured it'd be nice and quiet with a good view..."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave stammers, nodding.]

“Uh- yeah, yeah!”

[He hurriedly places down the towels, smoothing them down so they both stay comfortable. Knave seems to be back to normal when he admires the area and the gently crashing waves.]

“This is a pretty nice spot, y’know, good choice!”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"I'm glad you like it," Lewis said, offering a small smile. "I... sometimes I much prefer being distanced from big groups rather than being plopped right in the middle, yknow? I actually never really liked being stuck in crowds... just got used to it after a while. Learned how to deal with it."

He sighed, leaning back against the towel.

"It's nice to be able to think... to hear the people around me, but also to watch things going on in the distance..."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave hummed and leaned back with him, speaking softly because he had a feeling Lewis didn’t just tell anyone this. If anyone at all.]

“I’d say I had no idea but.. that isn’t quite true. I dunno I just noticed you. The real you, one could say. How you seemed content just staying back sometimes rather than having to perform a role, because there really isn’t any other word for it, in front of people.”

[He huffed softly and turned his head to look at Lewis.]

“Isn’t that something?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

A soft laugh bubbled from Lewis's lips, and he shrugged.

"I guess so," He replied, staring out at the waves. They rushed over the sand in a white foam, before gently receding back into the ocean... It reminded him of a story he'd heard when visiting Ultramarine City with his family - a girl so deeply in love she was willing to give her own form up because she couldn't bring herself to harm the one she loved.

"It's not that I don't like having a 'role', though... more that... I like sitting away like this. Watching everyone go about their lives, wondering what sort of stories will unfold and what sort of tales will be told about them in the future. What I would say if I was asked to talk about them, or what others might say if I asked."

He sighed again, a weighty sound that, once it left him, seemed to evaporate into the air. He tossed his hat down beside him, allowing his hair to float freely in the breeze.

"But... I won't say it isn't tiring, either. I like being reliable... a guy everyone can count on. A guy who knows everyone. It was the one thing that my parents tried to impart on me that actually stuck, cause I liked the feeling it gave me. But it really is exhausting, much as I hate to admit it."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave watched as his the wind ran a hand through the other boy’s hair, shining beautifully in the soon to be setting sun. It made him fall in love all over again.]

[Love? Yes, he decided, that’s what it is. There’s no other word for the way he feels around Lewis, really. But that’s a discovery he can grapple with later.]

“I can only imagine. But I hope you know you never have to act any way you don’t want to around me, I know it’ll be hard… but if you need a break from all that, I’m here.”

[He repeats it because he feels like he should.]

“I’m here for you, Lewis.”

[always-t1me-for-tea]

Lewis enjoyed it when people asked him to run errands. It was nice - being able to get off of campus and be free of too many of the nonsense rules and regulations of his own dorm. Plus, he got to choose where he went (for the most part), which meant he had a pretty good chunk of freedom in how he got to do things as well. All in all, a win-win situation!

Still, sometimes he did have specific places to go on his errands, and today, it seemed that specific location was a bookstore in Foothill Town. It was a scenic location, he thought, definitely had a nice, open vibe to it, too.

He hummed along to the music in his headphones as he entered the store, a man on a mission to find a specific book he'd been tasked with picking up. Of course... getting lost in some of the other books could probably be arranged for, once he at least picked up the order at the counter.

...

So that's EXACTLY what Lewis did. He grabbed the order, finished the payments, and found himself a cozy little spot in the fantasy section of the store while he looked around. Really, there was nothing that could possibly make the vibes better, save for maybe winning the lottery or having a test canceled or maybe even running into a friend while he was out.

(🎩Lewis, @night-raven-miscellany)

[Knave had a gentle expression on his face as he browsed through the bookstore, carrying some books already in a little basket.]

[He’d already found some of the ones he wanted but now he was looking for one in particular. He had been seemingly all too absorbed in looking for it because he bumped into somebody and…a bunch of their stuff tumbled down.]

“Ah— oh my! Sorry, so sorry! Let me help you!”

[He paused right when his hand ended up on top of the other persons and that’s when he really saw the person…wait a second.]

“Uh— Lewis…?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Glad you agree, then," Lewis laughed, his smile illuminating the rest of his features with a warm glow, a rosy dusting of his cheeks that he swore was going to permanently settle on his face. "Y'know... if this keeps up, I might just have to ask-"

His thoughts were interrupted by the cafe staff calling his name. He cleared his throat and his posture straightened just a bit as he started to grab things.

Why was his heart suddenly pounding so hard? It was like breakcore drum solo had begun in his chest - clumsy and disorganized and quite possibly a heart attack now that he thought about it-

"Ah... um that's our stuff- if you want, I can finally tell you that story I promised earlier, yeah?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave had been staring at him with wide, attentive eyes, waiting when the staff interrupted. He had also been looking at Lewis, how illuminating he had been in that moment.]

“…sure, you can tell me the story now but I wanna hear what you were going to say too.”

[The two walk over to pick up their respective dishes and drinks then to their table.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis seemed to clam up, eyes wide as his gaze darted towards the ground.

"I-it was nothing too major... really, don't worry about it! Just think we should keep doin stuff like this as friends, y-yeah?"

Yeah, because telling someone that you may just have to start asking them to go out like this more often is absolutely nothing major. Excellent save, Lewis. Never seen it before.

He sat down at the table and whisks a deck of cards from who knows where, plucking the cards from their box and shuffling them in his hands while he hummed to himself.

"So uh- Lunatic Hatmaker, Mad Hatmaker, the Hatter, whatever you wanna call him, right? Right..."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave pouts jokingly, which is … surprisingly adorable. He looks like a little bunny.]

“Kay, yeah sure… don’t tell me the truth.”

[Though he huffs soon after, resting his head in one hand as he listened intently. Fondly smiling as he began to pick at his own dish.]

“But yes, I do agree. I would like to go out on more dates, as you ever so call it, with you.”

“Mhm, yes, I am listening.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Cute... really cute...

Lewis hated the fact that his face totally was betraying his cool and chill demeanor. What the fuck was WRONG WITH HIM TODAY!!!!!!!???? Maybe he should ask some of those ignihyde nerds in the board game club if they have any ideas, what, since his friends are USELESS!!!!!!!!!

"S-sure," he stammered, awkwardly picking at his own cake slice. It looked really tasty, at least - he did always have a preference for cherries and chocolate when it came to cakes and tarts. "Well... it all started back in the days of the rule of the Queen of Hearts..."

Lewis began to regale Knave with the same story he'd spent years idolizing and consuming every last iteration of. His hands moved with great energy as he spoke while his expressions shifted to suit the mood; his entire body had become an instrument in conveying this story.

And, as he spoke, he made sure to spare no details - the day the strange girl fell into Wonderland, her just so happening to stumble upon the Hatmaker and the Hare in the midst of the most grandiose tea party anyone had ever seen! The death of time, and the countless riddles posed to the girl. Everything was clear and in great detail - honestly, Lewis probably could've condensed some bits, but it was hard to stop him once he got into the flow of it all.

"They say that the girl, upon returning to her homeland in the Queendom, had to spread the great news of what she saw in that fanciful world. She traveled far and wide to tell others her tale, and those in Tepartie - that's my Hometown - grew particularly attached to her tales of the Hatter and the Hare. Every year now, an annual party is held for tea connoisseurs, hat enthusiasts, and puzzle aficionados alike to come together and revel in the merriment that once went down when the girl first fell. Those two also serve as the 'mascots' of sorts for practically everything we do."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave listens very intently. Reacting at all the details and right times. He hums, clearly interested as he finishes a bite of his treat.]

“Mm. That really was an interesting tale and you sure seem well-versed in it!”

[Knave comments, having already finished his dish. Goodness… he might’ve been a bit more hungry than he anticipated.]

“You sort of remind me of the Hatter himself. And I’ve been told I’m vaguely like a hare or a bunny or something similar.”

[He rests his chin on both hands as he cheerfully remarks.]

“So I suppose we’re sort of like the Hatter & The Hare, hm!”

[Oh Knave, buddy, you’ve got a little something on your face btw.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Well DUH," Lewis laughed, a wide grin creasing his features. "I told you it was like Lore 101! Every kid back home hears that story - it... just so happens that my aunt was also a big fan of the story so I heard it even more than most kids."

In having spoken so much, Lewis's cake was relatively untouched. His tea, on the other hand, had been putting in the effort to keep his vocal chords from frying and burning into a crisp during his story. A shame - the two really would've paired well if he had them together... oh well. It'd still be totally worth it!

"Me? Like the Hatter?" He asked, finally going after the chance to eat his dessert once again. "I guess I kinda try to emulate the guy to some degree - I've always admired the stories of him just being the life of the party, someone who, when they walk into the room, you know you're in for a good time..."

And apparently, it seemed like Lewis had never had an original thought in his life. Not surprising, though, because-

"As for you being the Hare... I can see it. You've got that kind of... cutesy charm that most rabbits and stuff have, right? Ah- speaking of, could you hold still for a sec, pretty please?"

Lewis pulled out his phone, snapping a quick picture of Knave, before putting it back and grabbing a napkin.

"You've got a little something on your cheek," He said, reaching across the table to wipe it off - obviously thinking nothing of the gesture. "It was kinda cute to look at, though, so I just had to snap a photo before I said anything... I hope thats okay!"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave stood there stunned for a moment before raising a hand to cover his clearly flushed face.]

“Oh… yes, that’s… fine.”

[He clears his throat and tries to speak normally again after THAT.]

“W-well you do fit that description. Every time I get to hang out with you, I know it’s going to be a good time so…”

[His mind seems to finally register something right then as he perks up, asking. He’s half teasing to hide the fact that he’s losing it internally, half genuinely surprised someone would think that of him.]

“Wait, cutesy charm? You think I’m cute?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis seemed confused by the reaction for a moment - of course Knave was cute. Saying that was basically like saying the sky was blue or that the Queen of Hearts was actually a little bit unhinged. Perfectly normal and natural to say and insanely obvious to anyone with eyes.

Then, he remembered that he was also a somewhat emotionally confused and certainly struggling teenage boy who has repressed a definitely healthy number of emotions over the years, and that calling another person "cute" was almost certainly not a normal thing to do. At least, not for a guy like him to do. Probably.

"A-ah?! Well- um..." Lewis tugged at the chain of his necklace with one hand, running another through his hair. "I mean... yknow... rabbits and hares and stuff ARE super cute, so yknow... it only stands to reason that anyone like that is objectively cute... right?"

Nice save, cringelord. Truly, the other fumblers in the audience should take lessons from you.

"Plus, like... you always have these big ol' sparkly eyes and... ugh nevermind I'm just digging my own grave here, aren't I? Sorry, maybe you should just forget I said anything if that was weird."

Ooh! A 2x combo! Really, I've never seen anyone fuck it up quite like this.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave, however, quickly shakes his head and clarifies.]

“No, no—! I don’t mind, it isn’t weird at all. I suppose I’m just not used to compliments…”

[He hides his blushing face with one hand as he admits with a small smile.]

“If it’s anything, you’re… also quite pretty.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis? Pretty? Absolutely not. He was supposed to be the homely one, the casual one. Pretty was for people that tried and succeeded, not for guys like him who had no real ambitions to speak of other than "whatever is the opposite of what people want". Lewis was the one in the duo (any duo, for that matter) who made people look better in comparison - more competent, more intelligent, more attractive...

"Me? Pretty? Nah..." Lewis said, shaking his head. The compliment was nice, sure, but not very fitting of him in his opinion. "But you're telling me you aren't getting the compliments of that caliber? Cause if anyone deserves em, you'd qualify."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Oh my god this is going to end in a compliment competition, isn’t it—]

[Knave was clearly flushed, still hiding his face.]

“I— thank you… but don’t just brush off my compliment! It’s true. You are pretty, take it from me.”

[Well it wasn’t like Lewis was going to take his word anyways.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis conceded. He wasn't about to start a verbal battle of compliments, after all.

Plus, it was nice to be acknowledged in that kinda way. Even if it really wasn't his style or something he strived towards being...

"Well, fine," he sighed, throwing his hands up in mock defeat. A crooked grin broke up the redness in his cheeks. "I guess if it's coming from you, I don't really have a choice, right? You wouldn't lie to me, after all!"

His voice was teasing, but his shoulders were still taut with an air of hesitance.

After a breath, though, he relaxed slightly, and started fiddling with the deck of cards he had brought out again. He had set them to the side while he ate, but now that he was no longer focused on that, it seemed as good a time as any to fiddle with the familiar cardstock.

"Not many guys- uh... anyone, for that matter says that to me so... pardon me for being a bit surprised," Lewis said, in an attempt to explain himself for something that really didn't require it. "But... I'll still take your word for it. Again, you've got good taste - so clearly your judgment must be pretty good too."

Agh - what, was ge having a fucking heart attack or something? His entire body must have been trying to learn some crazy new ninjutsu skills, with the way his chest ached and his stomach seemed to be tying itself into a knot. Was he getting sick with something? Because the alternative was something he was trying really really really hard to NOT consider for Reasons.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[But Knave just listened like he always does to Lewis. He huffs, softly smiling.]

“I’d never lie to you, especially not about something like that.”

[He chuckles a little, fondness clear.]

“I have good taste? Well, I thank you again.”

[However Knave seems a bit surprised, tilting his head.]

“But really? You don’t get compliments like that? I find that surprising.!”

[night-raven-miscellany]

The cards softly tapped against each other as Lewis brushed them in his hands, the sound a gentle white noise that soothed him.

"It's uh... not something I've ever really tried for - that's for all the more hard-working people to work towards, you know? I mean, put me next to a guy like... I dunno... James...? Or the Housewarden? Those are guys that try. I kinda pale in comparison to them, so I guess that's why it probably isn't as surprising to me..."

He set the cards down for a moment to pick at his cake again. A brief flash of awareness in his eyes earned an awkward cough.

"Sorry- I shouldn't be bringing the mood down like this. The day was super good so far and here I am being a total Debbie Downer, huh?" Lewis started, using his other hand to tug his hat down a bit. "Though, I can't deny I'm a little curious as to why you're surprised by something like that?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave’s eyes were considerably softer now, humming a response at the end. He answers with complete truth and genuineness.]

“Well… I suppose that I’ve just gotten so used to seeing you as this wonderful person who I feel amazing whenever I spend time with that it just surprises me to hear other people don’t see the same things I do.”

[He shakes his head, placing his hands on the table, clasped together.]

“No, don’t apologize. I basically asked.”

“…However I don’t see the point in comparing yourself to other people.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"You're probably one of the only ones that thinks like that," Lewis said, shaking his head. He was a bit slow to finish the last little bit of his cake, but as he watched it vanish, a small voice in his head was telling him to leave. Did he not wanna talk about things here? Or was he trying to avoid going into it too deep? "I just... there's been a lot of expectations on me in life and I try to move past em... but... it becomes a bit of a challenge when all the adults around you start talking about how much better their kid is than yours. When you start to notice the little things that makes everyone a lot more skilled or talented or whatever."

The cards were being flicked again, though Lewis's movements seemed to be a bit more hurried, now, as his eyes stared down at the table. The room started to feel like it was spinning, but only inside of his head. Suddenly, he was acutely aware of every single exit and entry point in the immediate vicinity.

Why? He was having fun! But thinking too hard about responsibility or family or any of that always made him nauseous. It wasn't even like they were that bad, either...

"Gah- sorry, here I go again- uh... why don't we talk about... geez, I dunno..." Ice blue irises darted around frantically as he sought some kind of change in topic. He wasn't SUPPOSED to be a downer or all deep like this. It wasn't in his image. "Um... you want something else to eat? I can go put in another order or-"

Fuck. He was already a total bundle of nerves for no real reason, and, what, was he already dropping walls? Such a thing would've arguably been good - the shareholders never liked complexity. Most people didn't like it. And yet... remaining so 'carefree' was probably the one single 'expectation' that Lewis held himself to. A simple character. One that was threatening to shatter over just a simple COMPLIMENT! Sevens, was he such a failure that he couldn't even take a compliment in stride - that just a simple emotional struggle was enough to break him?

"... sorry. Could we maybe... I dunno... step outside for a minute or something...? I... I think I just need a minute."

He wasn't mad by any means, and he sincerely hoped that Knave wasn't going to take it that way. He just... suddenly seemed to feel like he was being suffocated on top of the already constant feeling that he was going to pass out or something. It was probably fine, though.

Probably.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave nods. Even he could tell Lewis was not doing well, he organized their plates neatly and they left. The salty scent of the sea could be felt even from here, the soft breeze carrying it. You could vaguely hear the waves even. He hadn’t noticed how close they were.]

[Knave looks over at Lewis and hesitantly reaches over with a hand to take his. His tone is soft at first but then it turns sterner than Lewis had ever heard from him when he told him to stop fiddling with the carts. It’s oddly grounding.]

“Lewis… are you alright? Stop fiddling with the cards, you’ll cut yourself.”

“You panicked. What were you thinking about? Er- actually no. Don’t tell me. I don’t want you to feel like that.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis took a deep breath - shaky and unsteady, but deep nevertheless - and tried to calm himself down some other way. The deck was a grounding item for him... being told NOT to use it was a little frustrating, but he understood the concern.

At least he still had something to grasp onto. Knave's hand was warm, Lewis thought, and that was enough to distract him at least from most of the mess in his head.

"It's... nothin, really," He muttered, shaking his head. "I just got way too ahead of myself, I guess. Sorry to like... totes kill off the vibe, huh...?"

Sevens, he should just go home. This was embarrassing and stupid and a complete nothing burger of a thing!!! He probably looked like a total madman, losing himself outta nowhere, huh? He didn't like breaking character like this, it was too messy, too unlike him...

"I promise I'm having fun, though, really," he started. He still didn't want the other to think he was upset or that he was having a bad time. "I just... my brain is a total mess right now, I guess. Dunno what it is... but I guess everything's just a bit more sensitive now or something? It's, ah, it's kinda stupid..."

He had no reason to be so worked up - all that happened was someone thought positively of him! That was a good thing! Right? Lewis had been too busy playing second fiddle most of the time to really worry about people seeing him as anything deeper than the comedic one or the charismatic one or that guy that hangs around pomefiore a bit too much and sticks out like a sore thumb.

"I... I hope you're not too upset about that little dumb outburst, yeah? I.. I promise I can take a compliment, haha... really, I dunno what came over me there..."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

“N-no! Lewis, I’m not upset, why would I be upset. You panicked!”

[He reassures, trying to keep him steady. Knave grabs the other hand too.]

“I just want you to feel better, okay..?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis took another breath. In, then out. Slow and thoughtful. His shoulders relaxed just a hair, and he sighed.

"Kay..."

The world was at least in normal perspective again, so that much was nice. The sea air was cool and clear as it rushed through his systems, a comforting feeling that he really never did get to experience until coming to Sage Island.

"Thanks for understanding, though... it means more than you'd think, hah... you really are a good guy, Knave, you know?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave was about to refuse as he typically does, giving some excuse why he wasn’t a good guy.]

“Ah… well I really only-”

[But he pauses.]

“Of course. Do you want to go back to Night Raven or do you wanna stay out a bit longer..? I can also stay or leave depending on you.”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"I think... I think I wanna stay out a bit more..." Lewis started. "I... I want you to stay, too."

Thunderous pounding rang in his ears. If it wasn't the anxiety, he had a sinking feeling he knew what it was instead.

...

James was so gonna hate him for calling later, huh? It was almost funny how much Lewis had teased him for...

Nah, that wasn't important right now.

"But... like... we don't have to do anything in particular. I... I said it before, I think, but it really is easier to be around you than most of the others... so I'd even be content to just sit here or maybe go out by the beach or something for just a little while longer."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave nods. Something about Lewis’s tone when he said he wanted him to stay made his heart flutter. He’s still holding Lewis’s hand. Why is he doing that. … he does not let go however. The sunlight seems shines on him as if it was made for him.]

“O-okay, I’ll stay then.”

[He repeats it cause he feels like he has to.]

“I’ll stay.”

“Mm, we can… go to the beach, I suppose?”

[The boy admits sheepishly.]

“I’ve never been actually…”

[night-raven-miscellany]

An overwhelming weight seemed to lift off of Lewis like a cloud of smoke from the last remains of a fire. His expression was one of relief as he gave a deep sigh.

"Good... that's... good," he started, "the beach would be really nice, actually. I myself never grew up near one so... the ones here on the Island are great. The one that isn't too far from us is... pretty quiet too, I've learned, so maybe we could take a break over there?"

[always-t1me-for-tea]

“Is it really..? That might be nice for writing and drawing.”

[They both walk down to the beach, hand in hand. Hand in hand…]

[It’s true what Lewis said, the breeze is soft and the waves crash against the shore gently. It’s… calming.]

“Do you want to sit? I can rent a towel so we don’t get sand all over ourselves, if you’d like?”

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis was about to offer to cover any extra costs, an attempt to make up for something he had no reason to make up for.

"I... yeah. Maybe get a second one just in case...? I think it might be nice to sit down by the water."

He liked being near the water, he found. That was something he learned while still at RSA - only a few people noticed when he'd ditch classes in favor of something more interesting. The sound of the waves was like music to him, and the sand was warm when it stuck to his skin. A completely different environment from what he was used to, and yet one he felt right at home in.

[always-t1me-for-tea]

“Alrighty then, I’ll be back in just a second!”

[Knave runs over to the stand and rents out two towels like Lewis said, carrying them under his arms. However when he comes back, he stops. The breeze is softly blowing by and the sun is shining right on Lewis, as if it was made for him.]

[It made his heart skip a few beats and a warm flush tint his cheeks and ears.]

[night-raven-miscellany]

Lewis had found a pleasant spot to wait, where the waves weren't too forceful and the water reflected everything just right. It was also a bit away from where the few other people on the beach seemed to stay, so it gave a nice buffer zone as well.

He turned around, noticing Knave coming back and seeing the boy pause.

"Hey- you good? I hope this spot is alright - I figured it'd be nice and quiet with a good view..."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave stammers, nodding.]

“Uh- yeah, yeah!”

[He hurriedly places down the towels, smoothing them down so they both stay comfortable. Knave seems to be back to normal when he admires the area and the gently crashing waves.]

“This is a pretty nice spot, y’know, good choice!”

[night-raven-miscellany]

"I'm glad you like it," Lewis said, offering a small smile. "I... sometimes I much prefer being distanced from big groups rather than being plopped right in the middle, yknow? I actually never really liked being stuck in crowds... just got used to it after a while. Learned how to deal with it."

He sighed, leaning back against the towel.

"It's nice to be able to think... to hear the people around me, but also to watch things going on in the distance..."

[always-t1me-for-tea]

[Knave hummed and leaned back with him, speaking softly because he had a feeling Lewis didn’t just tell anyone this. If anyone at all.]

“I’d say I had no idea but.. that isn’t quite true. I dunno I just noticed you. The real you, one could say. How you seemed content just staying back sometimes rather than having to perform a role, because there really isn’t any other word for it, in front of people.”

[He huffed softly and turned his head to look at Lewis.]

“Isn’t that something?”