jikan_network | video | un: flowercrown

(( He heaves a fake, dramatic sigh. ))

I can't even question your taste because you tolerate me.

For me I just me you but you seem pretty great. I can see why I'd more than tolerate you, honestly.

[He could even see himself seriously crushing on someone like this.]

(( Oh. What a sweet thing to say. He should expect it by now, and yet it still makes him swoon a little. He knows Riley's telling the truth, too, so he doesn't have to ask. Emotion plays over his face, something tearing at him: whether or not to tell Riley on their first meeting the whole truth of their future. But it seems unfair to. What if it changes the choices Riley would make if he knew what was in store? ))

I hope we can be very good friends again.

[There's something that's bothering Will. But Riley doesn't get the sense that it's anything bad. Maybe...something personal? He doesn't know but he does follow his instincts like he always does and reaches out to take one of Will's hands to give it a squeeze.]

I'm okay with already saying we're friends if that's okay with you.

I'm more than okay with that.

(( He turns his hand over in Riley's and curls his fingers around it. Perhaps more affectionate of a gesture than one might see between just friends, but it feels like the right thing to do to acknowledge this progress. ))

[Will's a naturally affectionate person like himself. He can tell with how he turns his hand over so he can hold his hand. That warms Riley's heart so much. His mafia family has been amazing but getting this kind of affection outside of them right now after everything he's recently been through? It feels amazing.

He smiles so warmly at his new...old...new/old friend.]

Then we're definitely already friends. I don't want to miss out on that when you make me feel so good.

(( It's not a surprise. They became friends very quickly in LA, too. It's more... a relief. Initially, Riley didn't know Will was Fae. He worried when that fact came to light that he's broken Riley's trust and swore he'd work to earn it back. But here? Well, he thinks he made it clear what he is and Riley still chose to meet him, to befriend him. That? That feels good.

He doesn't let got of Riley's hand, but he does look away from him to eye all the other pastries on the table. ))

Is that a vanilla scone?

[There's a lot about Will that tells Riley that he's got a big heart. He's kind, he's good with animals, he cares about the needs of kids... More than that there's some reason for him not getting along with the Fae and that's got to be part of it given how heartless they are. But he can ask about that later.

For now he's so content to hold the hand of his really cute new friend and look over at the scone. To which he gives a little grin.]

Bite into it. There's a surprise inside.

[A nice chocolatey one!]

(( To passersby, it like look a date. But to them, they're just a pair of affectionate friends. Well, that's not wholly true. Riley's lived in Will's heart for some time, but the time thing makes that a little harder to broach. Will's content to wait as long as it takes.

A curious brow quirks up and Will snatches up the scone with his free hand. Since the center is a surprise, he doesn't tear the pastry in half, but instead takes a bite directly from it. Riley wouldn't have suggested it if he minded sharing like that. ))

Oh! It's chocolate!

Yeah! I thought it was vanilla too when I first tried it then I bit into it and found the melted chocolate inside!

[It's why he had to have it be one of the pastries he brought over to share. So it delights him that Will likes his little surprise for him.]

I like candies like that too. Where you suddenly find a really gooey inside.

I know.

(( He couldn't help grinning playfully. He even gave Riley a little wink. ))

I'm very fond of vanilla things. All vanilla things.

Right! You would know that about me already!

[He doesn't find that creepy though. Why would he? Will knows him in his future and Riley's figured out they're close. Of course Will would know how he loves gooey centered candies.]

So you love vanilla things. I bet you like lots of creams then. Those usually tend to be vanilla.

Oh, yes! (( He nods his head enthusiastically. )) Eclairs, creampuffs, even cream-filled donuts are among my favorites! Not that I would say no to chocolate, either!

Well I won't say no to anything sweet either! [He finds himself giggling then goes to take a bite of the scone next. So delicious!]

I'm going to remember that though. So I can surprise you with stuff like that!

That's very kind.

(( It's just that kind of thoughtfulness that made it so easily to fall for Riley in their world. He has such a big heart and so much love to give. And just so much life in him despite all the horrors he's been through. It's hard not to love him. ))

Can I ask how long you've been here?

Well time works weird here. So it's November now and I arrived in September. All here time.

[It's so much easier just to reference time here than work around all the different time differences and such.]

Actually last month was my birthday. But...I didn't celebrate it. I got so used to not celebrating it because I was on the run and trying to pretend I was okay on the phone with my parents. Plus the people I lived with until a couple days go...I didn't know if they'd really understand birthdays because of cultural differences.

[He looks pained at mentioning that last part even as he smiles to try to hide the fact.]

(( He knows when Riley's birthday is and he's not surprised he didn't celebrate it. It wasn't something he did much of while he was running. That pained look, however... Concern melts over Will's features and he gently squeezes Riley's hand. There's something dark that flashes in Will's eyes; a fear that perhaps the Fae had harmed those near to him again. ))

Did something happen?

I...

[He hesitates only because it doesn't seem fair to dump this on someone he just met. But then he reminds himself that for Will they haven't just met and he already knows so much more about him.]

I was dating these two guys. Well, we were all dating each other. Then I found out last month that one glass of wine and I'm completely wasted. I guess that's a Fae thing?

[He's sure Will can confirm or deny that for him. Something he's grateful for.]

One of them got really mad at me even though it wasn't my fault. He started really trying to control my life because he said I couldn't be trusted. A couple days ago it was getting really bad and he finally just ended things with me. I'm pretty sure I'm still dating the other guy but I haven't talked to him since all that happened either.

[He lets out a little laugh and has a sip of his milkshake.]

They told you about kizuna bonds right? Well, I got to find out how it feels when someone breaks one with you the other day.

(( Will listens, watching with compassion warming his dark eyes. He nods when asked about the alcohol tolerance, or lack thereof. He'd spoken with Xie, who called himself Riley's boyfriend and the man gave him no reason to think that relationship had ended. It's something that complicated Will's feelings, but hearing that Riley is... er, was in a polyamorous relationship is something of a relief. Still, Will's focus is on Riley and his pain right now. He can go feel relieved for himself later!

Without a word, he pulls his hand free from Riley's. He slips gracefully from his seat and walks around the table to wrap his arms around Riley. They had talked about the kizuna bonds and he could only think of comforting someone he cared for in this moment. ))

I'm so sorry.

[Looking up when the hand is pulled free, he watches Will walk around to him and then embrace him. The warm comfort is something that is so easy for him to lean into so he does. Closing his eyes, he lets himself melt into it and even wraps his arms around the other too.]

Thanks. I live with good people right now though. Kinn adopted me as his little brother and his cousins, Vegas and Pete, have made me their cousin by extension. They took me in and even went and got my stuff for me.

(( Whatever Riley needs, Will is willing to give him. Comfort, support, even just a friend to listen to him. Anything. His hold is tight and strong but filled with warmth. He isn't trying to protect Riley from the world -- he doesn't need that! -- but he wants to support him and be a source of strength in hard times. For a moment he just holds on, savoring the familiar sensation of Riley in his arms. He finally rubs his hands along Riley's back and pulls away a little, still keeping his hands just above Riley's elbows. ))

I'm so glad you have such good friends.

[It's really amazing how he feels better after that hug. Will has this whole thing about him. Like he just understands what Riley needs the most and is willing to give that to him without question. This really has to be someone so special to him in his life in the future. It's just a gut feeling for now but he's always followed his gut so he's not going to stop now.]

I think that they'll really like you. Since you're not a threat to me, obviously. They'll probably be cautious at first just because I told them that the Fae are hunting me.

(( He's not sure what possessed him -- feelings, that what! -- but Will reaches up to stroke Riley's hair and very earnestly says: ))

I could never purposefully hurt you.

[He knows those words are true as he gazes up at Will. He knows they're true because the Fae aren't capable of saying something that direct and lying about it. Really they both know this so well yet he still feels compelled to give his response. It's just...a need.]

I believe you.

(( He's silent a moment longer, then he laughs softly, breaking whatever spell came over him. ))

I would hope so!

(( Riley should know by now that Fae can't lie. ))

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