“they're counting on me to fix this.” Smth smth Clandestine :3 ~@brentolo3
hehehehe. why not shine a spotlight on your blorbo? ♡ (ʘ ꒳ ʘ✿)
"Brent, wait-"
Vernias, stumbling on his feet when the king continued his brisk walk, flapped his wings to float towards him. "Brent, you really think this is the time and place to worry about this? That was so long ago, and Nick needs our help more than ever right now." Almost offended that Brent hadn't given him attention or even replied in any manner, the angel huffed and sharply flew up with wings nearly slapping against the floor. He dropped down in front of Brent, straightening up with his arms crossed.
Pink eyes met with a dark gaze. A look so stormy and heavy that it would have given anyone a pause. A minute to reflect whether it is a wise idea to challenge the king.
Vernias was not one of those people.
Servants and other noble figures calmly walked their way around them, deliberately bowing their heads to prevent accusations of eavesdropping. When he reached down to take hold of Brent's hands, the king hadn't pulled away. Those fingers, scarred and powerful, slightly curled around the angel's own yet Vernias hadn't comment on it.
He continued, with his features softening in concern. "I know you're still bothered by what Sophist has done to me-"
There, he gasped when Brent tore away from his grasp, incredulity etched on his face. "Bothered? Vernias, he fucking hurt you. Tossed you around like you were some toy and you think I'm just inconvenienced by that? I know you're wanting to give him the benefit of the doubt, for some fucking reason, but that's out of line. He should know better!" He pointedly ignored Vernias's hardened gaze, a shadow looming over those pink eyes, as he walked around him.
"Besides, I know Nick needs help. It's not like I can't set my mind on different things. And now...because of your visit with Eevee..." He turned to face the angel. "...I have to answer to your people. About why I haven't given you protection or escorted with you to him."
Vernias blinked, surprised by this information. Taken aback, he can only stammer out, "Wh-What do you mean? I don't understand-"
"Of course you don't," came Brent's sharp retort, the words slicing deep in the pit of Vernias's stomach as though he had been attacked by a blade. "This is what I mean, Vernias. You can't keep yourself in the clouds -- sometimes literally -- and around us most of the time because you're ignorant of these things. You're still a leader to your own goddamn people! They're counting on not only you, but Nick and I to protect this land. You can't keep worrying us with this!"
The angel swallowed a thick lump threatening to clog his throat. His arms fell at his sides, wings bristling as he did when he scowled at the king. "Hey, it's not my fault that I gotta make sure you two bozos aren't neglecting yourselves! You especially, Brent." He stepped towards the king, unashamed with his own frustrations bleeding out. "You can't do shit if you aren't taking care of yourself and just...just thinking about for yourself for once! Cintir can't continue on if their king is losing himself by being optimal every single time."
A glove can be heard crinkling as Brent's fingers curled into a fist.
"Vernias-"
"No, Brent. Just listen! I can take care of myself, and if I have to actually pay attention for once, then so be it! I'll do that! If only you promise to not stress yourself out like this. I know what I was getting into when I visited Sophist. I know that Sophist is more than capable of hurting people. You think I just went there without knowing that? Why do you and Nick treat me like I'm...I'm naive or something?!"
Brent inhaled deeply. Something flickered in that dark gaze that it actually gave Vernias doubt. He hoped that it hadn't shown on his features. He really didn't like the way his best friend looked at him right then and there.
Vernias honestly believed that Brent was going to punch him.
Or worse...
Instead, the king lets out a heavy breath; a weight visibly seen upon his shoulders that it made the angel falter. Vernias reached up to place a hand on a shoulder. It's when Brent gave him such a heated look that he froze midway. He watched as Brent turned on his heel, his cape fluttering behind him in his swift movement when he walked down the corridor.
"They're counting on me to fix this. You're right about one thing, Vern." The angel's hand, still up to reach out towards the king, shook before slowly lowering. "You don't understand. If you want to make yourself useful, go check up on Nick. You two know each other more than anyone else."
Vernias watched him walk away with his jaw slack, Brent became smaller and smaller in his wide eyes.
