Perhaps you have a sort of affinity for Berserker class Servants.
[ Is that how it works? (Not really.) Maybe it's a joke.
Waver doesn't sit immediately, hovering awkwardly. He's about to ask Flat if he wants something to drink, but the question Flat poses instead distracts him.
The way he asks it makes Waver's cheeks grow hot. ]
He can shapeshift. Into a dragon.
[ Waver corrects him instead of answering the question forthright. But with a sigh, he adds: ]
Haha, a whole dragon?! [ flat grins at the mention of it, clapping his hands together. ] Jack could turn into a demon with their Noble Phantasm—but they could also turn into animals and policemen and even people that already exist. So I kept them as a wristwatch. [ because that’s the logical thing to do. ] It would’ve been cool to have them as dragon, but that’s probably out of the question now.
[ especially with them missing half their saint graph. flat shrugs—it’s just how things are now.
and while a hint of loneliness flashes in flat’s eyes as he talks about his own servant, that disappears as soon as waver mentions having lived with berserker. ]
Oh? Tell me more! What was that like?
[ he sits down, looking up at waver, waiting for more details. to hear stories from his to-be professor, flat would like nothing more than that. ]
[ Waver blinks. A... wristwatch? Practical, he supposes. Probably not much fun for Jack (or maybe it is; what does he know?).
It seems they really have veered entirely away from the subject of what happened. Waver supposes that's for the best, since he has no idea what else to say, though he still can't help but feel uncomfortable. He keeps glancing at the bandages, worried, and remains standing near the couch for now. ]
Oh... you know. Brooding.
[ It's not exactly that he was always brooding, just that he gives off that sort of air. Waver shrugs, waving a hand toward the adjoined kitchen. ]
I can put on some tea.
[ A moment of hesitation. He's not keen on embarrassing questions, but there's still that nagging feeling that he owes Flat. And that Flat is considering Berserker to Bond with, so maybe the questions are a good thing. ]
[ flat grins, leaning against the couch. the mental image of waver and berserker living together is something that’s kind of comical to him, and he wonders if he could get details. did they share beds? fight over bathroom rights?
it’s these questions and more that pique flat’s curiosity, wishing to get answered, so it’s obvious that he nods when offered tea and the promise of a longer story. ]
I’d love to hear more! [ he stands up, following waver to the kitchen. ]
[ Waver busies himself in the kitchen, putting on the kettle, getting out a couple of mugs. He doesn't have nicer teacups or saucers, but it's fine. Doubtful that Flat expects anything fancy. Waver had mostly invited him in because he felt awkward standing in the doorway, and worse sending Flat away. ]
Are you hungry?
[ He can put out some snacks too. Rider usually buys random stuff to try. Waver is really not used to having people over, but the least he can offer is tea and some crackers or something.
Back to Berserker, though: ]
Technically, he'd probably say he didn't live there, but he spent a lot of time around. Mostly staying with Diarmuid. They're, ah, involved. It was a bit awkward...
[ More awkward than he's willing to share, and it's no fault of Diarmuid's. Waver quickly moves on. ]
In any case, it's not like we were in such close quarters all the time together or anything. I had my own room. Diarmuid and Berserker were in the other one. Same building as this, actually. First floor.
[ waver's right-- flat doesn't expect anything fancy. living a decade in the clock tower has basically made him all but entirely forget about what it was like to live as a child of the aristocratic escardos family. he's a simple student, and he prefers the simplicity of this place over anything fancy. ]
Sure, why not? Let me help to get you something too.
[ not that he'll wait for waver to give a yes or no-- he'll open a cabinet, looking for something for the both of them. ]
Yeah, Berserker told me they're lovers. It was probably super weird, huh? Is it like a love triangle sort of thing? Or is it like...'here's my boyfriend and here's my boyfriend's boyfriend' kind of thing instead?
[ is he teasing waver? perhaps, perhaps not.
no, from the way that his smile curls, he is most definitely teasing waver. ]
Ah, right, bonds. [ he says this dismissively, like it was something that he had completely forgotten about-- he had, actually. ] Not really. I'm just curious 'cause he's my friend, you know? And so are you. Isn't that good enough?
[ Hello?? It's rude to root around other people's cabinets???
It's not like Waver has anything secret in the pantry, but it's definitely awkward having Flat decide to just help himself and phrasing it like he's getting something for Waver in his own home. ]
It's okay. I'll get it. Don't worry about--
Wait, what?
[ Waver was just going to go nudge Flat out of the way and/or 'help' him find something for them to split, but in his shock, he ends up slamming the cabinet with a loud bang right in Flat's face, as if shutting the door to that line of questioning as hard as he can. ]
No! There's no love triangle! Stop spouting ridiculous nonsense about people's love lives!
[ flat's initial reaction is definitely one of surprise, as the door is slammed right in front of his face. but seeing waver's reaction, watching him get so flustered and defensive over a teasing comment...well, he can't help but laugh.
it hurts a bit, laughing so loudly, but who cares? he's enjoying himself, even if it is at waver's expense. no no, seeing him like this was the true treat of this. ]
I'm sorry, I'm sorry! It's just so much fun to watch you get all embarrassed and stuff-- I can see why Miss Reines really likes it. [ he giggles again, clearly trying to hold back. ] But I guess it's only natural that you'd be as cute now if you're still cute when you're older.
[ oh good thing Flat's enjoying this then because he gets treated to watching Waver look like he's short-circuiting. ]
I-it's not fun!
[ not for Waver anyway... it's probably a lot of fun for Flat! it's still weird for Waver that Flat knows people in his future and he can't even imagine those relationships, so that coupled with Flat teasing him about something else he's insecure about -- his odd relationship with Berserker -- just makes for a very confusing and awkward combination. ]
Stop laughing!
[ ...cute? how is he even supposed to react to that? (by blushing furiously, that's how; he's too pale to hide it)
Waver crowds Flat away from the cabinet, still holding it firmly shut, as if that's somehow going to help. The kettle starts whistling, making his ears perk up automatically at the noise. ]
You really must be feeling better if you have the energy to make fun of me. Go sit down.
[ waver’s reaction seems to have the opposite effect on flat, as he continues holding back laughter. ]
I’m not making fun of you. It’s praise!
[ and he doesn’t seem to be lying about it either. even if waver finds it embarrassing, flat truly does think of this as praising the person he cares about.
so that’s why he retreats when asked—well, ordered to—although still stifling his laughter. it’s only when he’s sitting down that he calms down, taking a seat back in the couch. he’ll wait for waver, but he can’t help but look around the place, turning around as much as he can without wincing (which is not much, actually). he’s definitely curious, especially now that he has the chance to see how a younger waver velvet lives. ]
[ he's still... blushing... please don't look at him.
At least Flat has the decency to retreat and let Waver breathe a moment. Now he's thinking about Berserker and his dick how to explain-- except it's none of Flat's business and he doesn't need to explain anything! he's an adult!!
and he's... very embarrassed. especially recalling, fuzzy as the memories are, some of the other stuff he's pretty sure he got up to during the whole mist incident. goddd.
--oh, right. kettle. it's still screeching.
Waver quickly goes to take it off the stove and pour the tea, grabs some biscuits out of the cupboard and practically throws them onto the coffee table. At least he's more gentle with the hot mugs.
In the meantime, while Flat waits, he'll be able to get a good long look at Waver's living room and adjoined kitchen. The apartment is small, but in a cozy way, not a cramped one. It's tidy, though clearly lived-in, most of the furniture having come with the place. There isn't much yet in the way of personal decoration, but the bookshelf is already stuffed full.
Waver slides Flat's mug toward him and sits down on the opposite side of the couch with a huff. ]
[ flat finds the place wonderful, so homely and so like waver to stuff a place with books before thinking of any other sort of decoration.
idly, before waver returns with the mugs, he wonders if iskandar lives here too. he must, right? he has no doubt that waver wouldn’t let him go once he had a chance to see him again—even he understands this.
once waver returns and sets the mugs down, flat takes his. the warmth on his hands is comforting—so is waver’s presence. ]
[ Waver looks up from his cup, less sulky now, though still slightly flushed. There's a hint of worry this time, rather than just indignation. His ears swivel, facing forward with full attention toward Flat. ]
Just go to the Coven. They have healers. If you need--
[ Oh, goddammit. Is Flat on about his love life again? Waver frowns slightly, but the question isn't completely inappropriate this time so at least that's an improvement. ]
He does, yes. [ of course. ] He's at work.
[ Waver shifts a bit uncomfortably, fiddling with his mug, turning it around in his hands and staring down at the tea inside. ]
...lucky he came in time.
[ he looks back up. no, Flat doesn't get to change the subject. ]
If you can't afford a proper healer, I'll pay for it.
because he’s not interested in himself. perhaps waver is, but to flat that is already water under the bridge. he almost died, but survived. perhaps if waver had meant to do what he did, it’d be a different subject, but that was not the case.
he shrugs off the comment, and pushes on. ]
You’re so lucky, you know? Seeing him is like his biggest dream, but look at you! You did it before even turning 25! I never imagined he’d be so huge either. Is that your type?
[ Waver's jaw tightens, his shoulders tense as he leans back with the mug in his lap. His fingers curl around either side, hard. ]
Of course I know.
[ He snaps, but it's not the same shallow anger from before. His eyes and voice are steady, and absolutely serious. He even ignores the question about his 'type.' ]
Do you really think I don't understand how lucky I am? How impossible this situation is?
I assure you, I'm not making light of it.
[ Imagining living the rest of his life trying to follow Iskandar without him there, never being able to reach him, preserving his memory and his dream and hoping to be together again one day... Waver had been ready to accept a life like that. Some version of him is living it.
And so of course this opportunity, having his King here with him to be by his side, being able to live together, to be with him, is not something Waver takes for granted. ]
Trust me. I understand very well how unbelievably, incredibly, ridiculously lucky I am, every single day.
[ flat doesn’t really understand what would make waver so angry about it, but from the small, soft, smile on his face, it’s obvious that—at least this time—he doesn’t want to poke fun at waver. after all he, like others in the el melloi classroom, have noticed how haunted by the past their professor is.
so he apologizes, perhaps with even more emotion behind it than when he apologized for what happened a few days ago. upsetting waver was not his intention, nor would he ever want it to be.
he brings the mug to his lips taking a sip of the tea before setting it down. ]
I just think it’s pretty amazing, you know? Even if you say that it’s impossible, it still happened, right? I guess it just makes me kinda happy to see that at least one version of Waver Velvet made their dream come true.
[ Waver's eyes are sharp on his face for a few more seconds, as though he's trying to figure out if Flat is messing with him or making fun of him again, trying to gauge his sincerity. The other matters have been frustrating or flustering, and of course he was upset about what happened between them recently...
But this is different. This is the one point that matters to him more than anything.
Waver sighs, looking down into his tea. One hand drifts away from the mug and settles over his chest-- over the pendant hidden beneath his shirt, its fine chain visible around his neck. ]
It is amazing. And impossible. And it still happened, yes.
[ And yet, here he is. Here they all are. It's what makes this situation even more complicated than it already is, what makes the changes and challenges of this place worthwhile, and something he'd never change even though it's been difficult for him. He gets to be with his King here, no matter how uncomfortable the circumstances are. ]
This isn't how I imagined it going, but...
I am happy.
[ Apology accepted. ]
...I know I don't really know you. From, er, the future, I guess. But you supported his -- my -- dream, didn't you? That means something to me.
[ What that 'something' is... well, that's actually complicated, but not in an all-bad way. He appreciates it. Somehow, hearing that Flat is happy for him is a small source of happiness in itself. Flat's still mostly a stranger, but past his teasing and ridiculousness, Waver can believe he really does give a shit about him. That's been kind of a novel thing, these last few months. It feels... reassuring. ]
[ now it's flat's turn to look rather bewildered, looking at waver like he's suddenly growing a second head. to hear praise from waver--any waver--is enough to leave him in shock. he might as well have been told that he had won the lottery or something similar.
[ flat laughs awkwardly, the grip on his mug tight. it's an anchor right now, keeping him tethered to the conversation. his heart is beating fast, mind racing with thoughts that he can't really comprehend at the moment. ]
Really, you don't need to thank me for anything. All I'll do is give you headaches and stomachaches.
[ he shakes his head. ]
If anything, you--well, he--has done much more for me than anybody else.
[ flat tilts his head. being pushed away like this doesn't hurt flat as much as it probably should--he takes it all with a neutral expression.
he takes a sip of his tea before setting it down. ]
I don't think of you as my friend just because you'll become the Professor. If that were the case, I wouldn't consider you my friend at all, but, well, my Professor.
[ he chuckles a little. that'd be pretty funny, no? the idea of a 20 or so year old waver teaching him. ]
But you have to stop beating yourself up so much you know? You don't need to be a Professor or a Lord or tall-- you two are both Waver Velvet, no matter how much you wanna deny it. Really, I think you're the only one that's confused here.
[ Somehow, it seems to surprise Waver that Flat thinks of him as a friend. It makes his chest feel... funny.
He flushes. It's not his fault he's not tall! ]
I- I'm not...
[ Why does Flat keep saying embarrassing things? Waver buries his face in his mug again, using it as an excuse to take a moment as he tries to navigate between his confusion, frustration, worry, and the weirdly fluttery feeling he's trying to place. Happiness, maybe. Tentatively. That Flat doesn't blame him, or that he doesn't expect Waver to be someone else.
This is definitely a bizarre situation, and it's always going to be that way, but it seems Flat is willing to think of him as his own person even if the reason he cares has to do with someone Waver isn't (yet). The whole thing is convoluted, but somehow it's still a relief to hear.
Waver was expecting him to be upset. ]
I just needed to make sure you understand. I'm not willing to pretend to be someone I'm not.
[ flat's expression lights up like a thousand light bulbs turning on at the same time. from the excitement he even stands up a little too fast for his barely healed wounds to agree with, and he can't help but wince. ]
Ow, ow... [ he sits down, but doesn't seem deterred in his excitement in the least. ]
Being friends will be great, you know? I'll make sure you won't regret it in the least!
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[ Is that how it works? (Not really.) Maybe it's a joke.
Waver doesn't sit immediately, hovering awkwardly. He's about to ask Flat if he wants something to drink, but the question Flat poses instead distracts him.
The way he asks it makes Waver's cheeks grow hot. ]
He can shapeshift. Into a dragon.
[ Waver corrects him instead of answering the question forthright. But with a sigh, he adds: ]
We were flatmates. Sort of.
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[ especially with them missing half their saint graph. flat shrugs—it’s just how things are now.
and while a hint of loneliness flashes in flat’s eyes as he talks about his own servant, that disappears as soon as waver mentions having lived with berserker. ]
Oh? Tell me more! What was that like?
[ he sits down, looking up at waver, waiting for more details. to hear stories from his to-be professor, flat would like nothing more than that. ]
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It seems they really have veered entirely away from the subject of what happened. Waver supposes that's for the best, since he has no idea what else to say, though he still can't help but feel uncomfortable. He keeps glancing at the bandages, worried, and remains standing near the couch for now. ]
Oh... you know. Brooding.
[ It's not exactly that he was always brooding, just that he gives off that sort of air. Waver shrugs, waving a hand toward the adjoined kitchen. ]
I can put on some tea.
[ A moment of hesitation. He's not keen on embarrassing questions, but there's still that nagging feeling that he owes Flat. And that Flat is considering Berserker to Bond with, so maybe the questions are a good thing. ]
...and tell you more, if you want.
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[ flat grins, leaning against the couch. the mental image of waver and berserker living together is something that’s kind of comical to him, and he wonders if he could get details. did they share beds? fight over bathroom rights?
it’s these questions and more that pique flat’s curiosity, wishing to get answered, so it’s obvious that he nods when offered tea and the promise of a longer story. ]
I’d love to hear more! [ he stands up, following waver to the kitchen. ]
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[ Waver busies himself in the kitchen, putting on the kettle, getting out a couple of mugs. He doesn't have nicer teacups or saucers, but it's fine. Doubtful that Flat expects anything fancy. Waver had mostly invited him in because he felt awkward standing in the doorway, and worse sending Flat away. ]
Are you hungry?
[ He can put out some snacks too. Rider usually buys random stuff to try. Waver is really not used to having people over, but the least he can offer is tea and some crackers or something.
Back to Berserker, though: ]
Technically, he'd probably say he didn't live there, but he spent a lot of time around. Mostly staying with Diarmuid. They're, ah, involved. It was a bit awkward...
[ More awkward than he's willing to share, and it's no fault of Diarmuid's. Waver quickly moves on. ]
In any case, it's not like we were in such close quarters all the time together or anything. I had my own room. Diarmuid and Berserker were in the other one. Same building as this, actually. First floor.
Why are you so curious about it?
...still thinking about that Bond?
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Sure, why not? Let me help to get you something too.
[ not that he'll wait for waver to give a yes or no-- he'll open a cabinet, looking for something for the both of them. ]
Yeah, Berserker told me they're lovers. It was probably super weird, huh? Is it like a love triangle sort of thing? Or is it like...'here's my boyfriend and here's my boyfriend's boyfriend' kind of thing instead?
[ is he teasing waver? perhaps, perhaps not.
no, from the way that his smile curls, he is most definitely teasing waver. ]
Ah, right, bonds. [ he says this dismissively, like it was something that he had completely forgotten about-- he had, actually. ] Not really. I'm just curious 'cause he's my friend, you know? And so are you. Isn't that good enough?
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[ Hello?? It's rude to root around other people's cabinets???
It's not like Waver has anything secret in the pantry, but it's definitely awkward having Flat decide to just help himself and phrasing it like he's getting something for Waver in his own home. ]
It's okay. I'll get it. Don't worry about--
Wait, what?
[ Waver was just going to go nudge Flat out of the way and/or 'help' him find something for them to split, but in his shock, he ends up slamming the cabinet with a loud bang right in Flat's face, as if shutting the door to that line of questioning as hard as he can. ]
No! There's no love triangle! Stop spouting ridiculous nonsense about people's love lives!
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[ flat's initial reaction is definitely one of surprise, as the door is slammed right in front of his face. but seeing waver's reaction, watching him get so flustered and defensive over a teasing comment...well, he can't help but laugh.
it hurts a bit, laughing so loudly, but who cares? he's enjoying himself, even if it is at waver's expense. no no, seeing him like this was the true treat of this. ]
I'm sorry, I'm sorry! It's just so much fun to watch you get all embarrassed and stuff-- I can see why Miss Reines really likes it. [ he giggles again, clearly trying to hold back. ] But I guess it's only natural that you'd be as cute now if you're still cute when you're older.
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I-it's not fun!
[ not for Waver anyway... it's probably a lot of fun for Flat! it's still weird for Waver that Flat knows people in his future and he can't even imagine those relationships, so that coupled with Flat teasing him about something else he's insecure about -- his odd relationship with Berserker -- just makes for a very confusing and awkward combination. ]
Stop laughing!
[ ...cute? how is he even supposed to react to that? (by blushing furiously, that's how; he's too pale to hide it)
Waver crowds Flat away from the cabinet, still holding it firmly shut, as if that's somehow going to help. The kettle starts whistling, making his ears perk up automatically at the noise. ]
You really must be feeling better if you have the energy to make fun of me. Go sit down.
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I’m not making fun of you. It’s praise!
[ and he doesn’t seem to be lying about it either. even if waver finds it embarrassing, flat truly does think of this as praising the person he cares about.
so that’s why he retreats when asked—well, ordered to—although still stifling his laughter. it’s only when he’s sitting down that he calms down, taking a seat back in the couch. he’ll wait for waver, but he can’t help but look around the place, turning around as much as he can without wincing (which is not much, actually). he’s definitely curious, especially now that he has the chance to see how a younger waver velvet lives. ]
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[ he's still... blushing... please don't look at him.
At least Flat has the decency to retreat and let Waver breathe a moment. Now he's thinking about Berserker and
his dickhow to explain-- except it's none of Flat's business and he doesn't need to explain anything! he's an adult!!and he's... very embarrassed. especially recalling, fuzzy as the memories are, some of the other stuff he's pretty sure he got up to during the whole mist incident. goddd.
--oh, right. kettle. it's still screeching.
Waver quickly goes to take it off the stove and pour the tea, grabs some biscuits out of the cupboard and practically throws them onto the coffee table. At least he's more gentle with the hot mugs.
In the meantime, while Flat waits, he'll be able to get a good long look at Waver's living room and adjoined kitchen. The apartment is small, but in a cozy way, not a cramped one. It's tidy, though clearly lived-in, most of the furniture having come with the place. There isn't much yet in the way of personal decoration, but the bookshelf is already stuffed full.
Waver slides Flat's mug toward him and sits down on the opposite side of the couch with a huff. ]
You know, you should go to the Coven.
[ change of subject. please. ]
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idly, before waver returns with the mugs, he wonders if iskandar lives here too. he must, right? he has no doubt that waver wouldn’t let him go once he had a chance to see him again—even he understands this.
once waver returns and sets the mugs down, flat takes his. the warmth on his hands is comforting—so is waver’s presence. ]
Hm? For what?
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[ Waver looks up from his cup, less sulky now, though still slightly flushed. There's a hint of worry this time, rather than just indignation. His ears swivel, facing forward with full attention toward Flat. ]
You're still hurt?
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[ he considers his answer for a moment before shrugging. ]
It’s not that bad. [ in comparison to how he got there after their fight. ] How’s Iskandar? Does he live here too?
[ he’s also an expert at changing the topic. ]
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[ Oh, goddammit. Is Flat on about his love life again? Waver frowns slightly, but the question isn't completely inappropriate this time so at least that's an improvement. ]
He does, yes. [ of course. ] He's at work.
[ Waver shifts a bit uncomfortably, fiddling with his mug, turning it around in his hands and staring down at the tea inside. ]
...lucky he came in time.
[ he looks back up. no, Flat doesn't get to change the subject. ]
If you can't afford a proper healer, I'll pay for it.
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because he’s not interested in himself. perhaps waver is, but to flat that is already water under the bridge. he almost died, but survived. perhaps if waver had meant to do what he did, it’d be a different subject, but that was not the case.
he shrugs off the comment, and pushes on. ]
You’re so lucky, you know? Seeing him is like his biggest dream, but look at you! You did it before even turning 25! I never imagined he’d be so huge either. Is that your type?
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Of course I know.
[ He snaps, but it's not the same shallow anger from before. His eyes and voice are steady, and absolutely serious. He even ignores the question about his 'type.' ]
Do you really think I don't understand how lucky I am? How impossible this situation is?
I assure you, I'm not making light of it.
[ Imagining living the rest of his life trying to follow Iskandar without him there, never being able to reach him, preserving his memory and his dream and hoping to be together again one day... Waver had been ready to accept a life like that. Some version of him is living it.
And so of course this opportunity, having his King here with him to be by his side, being able to live together, to be with him, is not something Waver takes for granted. ]
Trust me. I understand very well how unbelievably, incredibly, ridiculously lucky I am, every single day.
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[ flat doesn’t really understand what would make waver so angry about it, but from the small, soft, smile on his face, it’s obvious that—at least this time—he doesn’t want to poke fun at waver. after all he, like others in the el melloi classroom, have noticed how haunted by the past their professor is.
so he apologizes, perhaps with even more emotion behind it than when he apologized for what happened a few days ago. upsetting waver was not his intention, nor would he ever want it to be.
he brings the mug to his lips taking a sip of the tea before setting it down. ]
I just think it’s pretty amazing, you know? Even if you say that it’s impossible, it still happened, right? I guess it just makes me kinda happy to see that at least one version of Waver Velvet made their dream come true.
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But this is different. This is the one point that matters to him more than anything.
Waver sighs, looking down into his tea. One hand drifts away from the mug and settles over his chest-- over the pendant hidden beneath his shirt, its fine chain visible around his neck. ]
It is amazing. And impossible. And it still happened, yes.
[ And yet, here he is. Here they all are. It's what makes this situation even more complicated than it already is, what makes the changes and challenges of this place worthwhile, and something he'd never change even though it's been difficult for him. He gets to be with his King here, no matter how uncomfortable the circumstances are. ]
This isn't how I imagined it going, but...
I am happy.
[ Apology accepted. ]
...I know I don't really know you. From, er, the future, I guess. But you supported his -- my -- dream, didn't you? That means something to me.
[ What that 'something' is... well, that's actually complicated, but not in an all-bad way. He appreciates it. Somehow, hearing that Flat is happy for him is a small source of happiness in itself. Flat's still mostly a stranger, but past his teasing and ridiculousness, Waver can believe he really does give a shit about him. That's been kind of a novel thing, these last few months. It feels... reassuring. ]
Thanks.
1/2
????
??????????????????????????? ]
You're--you're thanking me?
[ now it's flat's turn to look rather bewildered, looking at waver like he's suddenly growing a second head. to hear praise from waver--any waver--is enough to leave him in shock. he might as well have been told that he had won the lottery or something similar.
oh.
is this what andersen meant? ]
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[ flat laughs awkwardly, the grip on his mug tight. it's an anchor right now, keeping him tethered to the conversation. his heart is beating fast, mind racing with thoughts that he can't really comprehend at the moment. ]
Really, you don't need to thank me for anything. All I'll do is give you headaches and stomachaches.
[ he shakes his head. ]
If anything, you--well, he--has done much more for me than anybody else.
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[ Waver joins, briefly, in the awkward laughter. He takes a careful sip of his own hot tea, blowing across the top of it after he finds it too hot. ]
Yeah, I can see that.
[ But he doesn't take it back. ]
Listen, Flat...
[ Waver looks up again, fighting back a sigh that shows in the slump of his ears to either side, even if it isn't audible. ]
I already told you. I appreciate that you... [ He falters, not sure how to phrase it. Care about me? Is that too much? ]
...feel that way.
But that's not me. I'm not that person. Maybe not yet, maybe not ever.
I haven't done anything for you, not really. Your conceptions of me, your... relationship with me, however you feel about it... that's not me.
Don't get confused.
[ It sounds harsher than he means it.
He just doesn't want to let down someone whom he apparently means so much to. He doesn't want to hurt Flat again. ]
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[ flat tilts his head. being pushed away like this doesn't hurt flat as much as it probably should--he takes it all with a neutral expression.
he takes a sip of his tea before setting it down. ]
I don't think of you as my friend just because you'll become the Professor. If that were the case, I wouldn't consider you my friend at all, but, well, my Professor.
[ he chuckles a little. that'd be pretty funny, no? the idea of a 20 or so year old waver teaching him. ]
But you have to stop beating yourself up so much you know? You don't need to be a Professor or a Lord or tall-- you two are both Waver Velvet, no matter how much you wanna deny it. Really, I think you're the only one that's confused here.
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He flushes. It's not his fault he's not tall! ]
I- I'm not...
[ Why does Flat keep saying embarrassing things? Waver buries his face in his mug again, using it as an excuse to take a moment as he tries to navigate between his confusion, frustration, worry, and the weirdly fluttery feeling he's trying to place. Happiness, maybe. Tentatively. That Flat doesn't blame him, or that he doesn't expect Waver to be someone else.
This is definitely a bizarre situation, and it's always going to be that way, but it seems Flat is willing to think of him as his own person even if the reason he cares has to do with someone Waver isn't (yet). The whole thing is convoluted, but somehow it's still a relief to hear.
Waver was expecting him to be upset. ]
I just needed to make sure you understand. I'm not willing to pretend to be someone I'm not.
As long as that's clear...
[ He shrugs. ]
I guess we can be...... friends... or whatever.
a million years later..........................
[ flat's expression lights up like a thousand light bulbs turning on at the same time. from the excitement he even stands up a little too fast for his barely healed wounds to agree with, and he can't help but wince. ]
Ow, ow... [ he sits down, but doesn't seem deterred in his excitement in the least. ]
Being friends will be great, you know? I'll make sure you won't regret it in the least!
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