Can we get more of the blonde twins from Thresh's past?
Gwyn watched as Arrin ate - from across the room of course, he wouldn’t stand by him and...do that. He was a little nervous to be the one preparing the inn’s meals that day - but had started to calm after all of those meals had been met with compliments. At least, until Arrin had come in from working in the rain and fields looking for a hot meal. He was eager to hear that Arrin liked it, and equally - or moreso - afraid to hear that he was displeased. He knew that he shouldn’t be any more invested than any other client, but...well...he was.
After a little while - some time that would seem natural - he walked over, adjusting the apron he wore and offering Arrin a smile - receiving one in return that made his heart do that quick little beat that it always did.
“Everything alright?” He asked, casually - the same tone he would ask for anyone, “Anything else we can get you?”
Arrin’s smile stayed - a big and warm grin that sat so naturally on his face, “It’s great, Gwyn - did you make this?” he asked, gesturing with his fork to his mostly devoured plate of food, “I haven’t seen your father around today.”
Gwyn nodded - trying to keep the gesture from being too eager, “Y-yes - yes I did. Father is a little under the weather today so I’m taking care of things here with Alva while he rests.”
“Ah,” Arrin’s smile gave way a little to a look of concern, brows knitted lightly, “Well, I’m sorry to hear that he’s sick - give him my best wishes. But...” the smile regained its previous brightness, “At least we’ve all had the opportunity to taste what you can do when you’re running the kitchen yourself.”
Gwyn was trying not to show quite how happy he was - but was certain he was failing from the way the smile felt on his lips, “I’m glad you liked it! I was a little nervous about running the kitchen, but...I’m very glad things have turned out well.”
Arrin gave a small waving gesture of his hand, “No need to be nervous at all. You obviously know what you’re doing - the inn will be in good hands when your father stops working the kitchens.” He flashed the smile again - a playful edge to it now, “Better be careful with this though, I might have to take you home and have you cook just for me.”
His heart leapt. It should not have, but it did. That was the sort of teasing that a man might say to a woman he was flirting with, not to another man - but he couldn’t help but be pleased to hear it, couldn’t help the litle bit of warmth in his cheek or the somewhat nervous smile on his lips. He offered a laugh in return to the playful jest.
“Oh, I’ll be careful.” He said in return - not sure what to say, but instantly certain he should have said something more clever.
“I um-” he smiled, “I’ll be nearby if you do need anything. Just call.”
Arrin nodded, a smile that seemed too knowing on his lips, “I most certainly will.”
Gwyn headed back towards the kitchens, trying to keep the smile off his lips now that he was no longer in conversation, but unable to do so - unable to push it away. He made it back to the kitchen and immediately went to cleaning since there were no other meals to make quite yet.
After a few minutes, he glanced up towards Arrin’s table again - and saw him smiling and chatting with Alva as she refilled his cup of ale. She was giggling at something he said, her hip cocked a little and her eyes bright. He looked down again, back to his dishes.
@thelanternwretch