[SE] Bromantic Baecation

Where there's life there's hope.

Knowing full well that Koa is probably feeling left out of the welcoming party for Sol, Zavien makes it a point to invite him on a one day, all expenses paid, luxurious trip to Frey's Breath! He packs up his dragon and a bag of snacks before setting off the to hot springs, eager to enjoy the steamy spa once again. 

When they arrive, there is blissfully no one. Not a soul in sight to be annoyed by the hatchling that promptly decides that Zavien's arms are inferior to the giant pool of water. Sol leaps down, racing to the edge before sticking his head under and watching the bubbles of his breath break the surface. Chirping in excitement, he begins prancing around, as if to say 'Look what I can do!' Chuckling, Zavien looks to Koa before saying for the millionth time, "I am sorry I didn't invite you, but I thought you were busy! And I figured you'd want to meet him without a bunch of other people arpund. Now you don't have to share the attention!" It's a sad excuse, but he had promised Lena and Tal they would meet Sol first and that already seemed like a lot of people and companions for his little house. Hopefully the excursion in combination with his many apologies and puppy dog eyes would be enough to earn Koa's forgiveness.

Zavien

Koa

There's an art to life's distractions

"It's fine, I promise," you reassure your remorseful friend, also for the millionth time. "One day we'll forgive you," you add with a playful grin, clapping Zavien's shoulder beneath your hand. And while yeah, at first you were a lot little butthurt about not being invited to Sol's arrival party given that you're a literal Dragoon with a literal dragon and I thought we were closer than that, Zavien, the older man's genuine (and plentiful) apologies have long since eased your wounded pride.

Chuckling fondly to watch Sol investigate the water, you send a mental and physical nudge for Pip to join in. Draped across your shoulders and playing at sleep, the long catsnake only blinks annoyedly in response: she is not enjoying the heat, and is far too mature to play with pups. "I remember when you were fun," you complain theatrically, sighing with a shake of your head before going to join Zavien at the water's edge.

Besides, it's too nice a day and place to be grumpy about bygones. Having only been to the hot springs a handful of times, you remain rather awed by their quiet beauty and the reprieve they offer from the otherwise rather eerie system of caves. "I have been busy. There was a lot to catch up on, after coming home." Dragoon business, mostly, though you're finally beginning to feel like things are enough in order for you to put some of the projects you'd been neglecting into motion soon. "This whole last year has been such a blur, man. Sometimes it feels like time's just... I dunno, crawling and flying by at the same time, if that makes sense."

To somehow escape the burning weight, the art of scraping through

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

Where there's life there's hope.

Koa may say he's fine, but Zavien looks doubtful. Perhaps it's his own worries or maybe he's picking up on subtle expressions of betrayal as he vows to make it up to the Dragoon. Accepting the clap on the shoulder, he gives his friend an uncertain smile. "If you say so..." Although he's sure it will come up again when he least expects it.

At least Koa seems to agree with his reasoning, further assuring Zavien that there are no hard feelings between the two right now. Setting down his pack, he strips off his boots, a large grin on his lips. "And that is precisely why we're here. To relax." As if in emphasis, he pulls off his outer clothes, letting them fall into a pile. He lays his weapons down next to everything else, ensuring the blades are protected from the moisture that may threaten to tarnish them. 

When he is satisfied with the arrangement of his clothes and supplies, he pauses to stare at the Dragoon in disbelief. "That's an understatement. I swear it's like we're living multiple lives simultaneously!" His laugh is lighter than before. Zavien hops down into the water just as Sol splashes past, his wings slapping the water. He seems to be trying to catch the tendrils of steam in his tiny maw. Each missed snap only makes the little dragon more frantic, rippling the waters with his antics. 

Shaking his head, Zavien looks to Koa as he lounges against the side of the pool. "Anything new with you?" It feels like they've seen each other so much recently but haven't had a chance to really talk. Settling down into the water, he lets the heat pull the tension from his muscles, the water creating a sheen that accentuates the definition of each strong line.

Zavien

Koa

There's an art to life's distractions

You would like to follow Zavien straight into the water, but first there's the matter of the living feather boa wrapped across your shoulders to deal with. Pip catches onto your thought patterns a half second too late; by the time she squawks and tries to get away you've already grabbed her by the scruff of her neck, and she's only made it easier to dislodge her from your back. The gangly furball squawks indignantly as you extend out your arm, her body writhing above the steamy water before plop!. With a final indignant shriek she's dropped into the springs, wings beating splashes as she drops beneath the water before emerging to swim, snakelike, toward a nearby rock.

Freed from the burden of Pipsqueak's ire, you're quick to strip out of your clothes. A lifetime of living in and out of barracks means you aren't precious about nudity, and so nothing is left to the imagination as you slip from rocky edge into the steamy water of the spring with a long, satisfied, "Ahhhhhhh."

Your head lolls back as your body melts into the comforting heat. "Oh, the usual. Trying to train up against the Void stuff. Thinking about Stormbreak's future. Girl problems." He cracks an eye, trying to gauge Zavien's reaction. "You got anyone special in your life, Zav?"

To somehow escape the burning weight, the art of scraping through

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

Where there's life there's hope.

Pip's presence in the water immediately catches Sol's attention, causing the tiny dragon to follow in a less graceful manner. Zavien almost feels bad for the snakelike dragon, but he lets the younger golden dragon test his relationship with his fellow companion. If they are going to be spending much time together, they'd need to learn to get along. 

Having spent plenty of time in the locker room with the other Dragoons, Zavien isn't shocked when Koa strips down to his birthday suit, and with no one else in the hot springs, he doesn't see a reason to argue. He does scoot over a little, making room for the naked man to slip into the steaming water. As his appreciative sigh echoes, Zavien chuckles, turning so that his back is supported against the stone while he sits deeper in the water. It really is relaxing, and he lets his eyes drift shut for a brief second before smiling warmly at his friend.

As Koa speaks, he nods his head in understanding. They have a lot in common, although the last admission piques his interest and Zavien raises an eyebrow. A lopsided grin splits across his face as he teases, "Oh? Don't hold back on my account. Who's the lucky lady?" He would have said 'person' if Koa hadn't specified 'girl' because Zavien isn't actually sure what the man's preferences are. He's obviously attractive and confident enough to play both sides, but one can never be too certain.

Then the question is turning on him and he has to cough to try covering the blush that spreads across his face. "I wouldn't say - I mean, there's not really - I don't think she -" His words run over each other and Zavien immediately realizes that he's giving away much more than he would like. With all the insanity going on, he hasn't really had a chance to analyze the feelings that may be developing, but being confronted with the question so suddenly, only one face comes to mind. Zavien can't meet Koa's eyes as he sinks nearly to his nose in the water, hoping the Dragoon might believe the heat to be the cause for the bright redness reaching his ear tips.

Zavien

Koa

There's an art to life's distractions

Picture an imperious older cat, batting at a kitten who dares to think they can approach Her Majesty. Now make the older cat a soaking wet furry pool noodle with wings who's somehow both too long and too small, and the kitten a perfectly delightful example of what you'd expect to pop up when googling 'baby golden dragon'. And yeah, there you have it: the comical companion scene. Oh, Pip will soften eventually, once she is able to convince Sol that she's in charge. She's got Big Small Animal Energy, that one. Gotta be dominant, even if the competition could slurp her like a plate spaghetti and still be hungry afterwards.

You can't help the fond smile that comes to your face as you think of Flora, more than heat warming your cheeks. "Dunno if you'd know her. She lives in Torchline," you says a touch evasively, not sure if Flora would want you broadcasting your semi-relationship around. Which in itself is a troubling thoughts, and one you'd rather not dwell on, all things being the same. "We've kinda been off and on since we were kids, but decided to finally make a real go of it." At least, you think that's what you're doing. For all her effervescent energy, Flora is somewhat of an enigma to you.

But then there's Zavien, and your grin becomes Cheshire-like as he stumbles over his words. "'She'?" you echo, eyebrows waggling as mischief fills your face. Having no shame about pressing forward (and a reputation as Caido's Best Wingman to uphold), you turn to give him your full attention, elbow on the rock and hand on your head in a classic Willy Wonka go on pose. "Anyone I know?" And yeah, you certainly have your suspicions. But you'll let Zavien say it, first.

To somehow escape the burning weight, the art of scraping through

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

Where there's life there's hope.

Now picture a puppy pestering the old family cat, darting in and out in a playful manner, barking with excitement. That might be the image you get as Sol splashes and flits through the water, trying to instigate any form of response from Pip. He doesn't care who's in change, more interested in making a game of their first visit to the springs. It may not earn him any points with the dragon, but the dragonet doesn't stop his chirping and energetic antics. 

"I guess we won't know unless you say a name." His eyebrow comes up in friendly and playful invitation. Zavien may not have met many people in Torchline, but he has met a particularly pretty queen. However, if Koa doesn't want to trust him with his secret, he won't blame him. Instead, he asks more broadly, "Yeah? How has it been going so far?" 'On and off again' relationships don't sound very fun or hopeful to the Dragoon, but he doesn't want to discourage his friend, especially considering the fact that not every relationship is the same. 

Then Koa's facing him, a knowing grin that has him feeling very sheepish, as if the man knows exactly who. Had he been that obvious? "Well... um.. yeah." The admission has his face disappearing more as he dips his head lower into the water for a moment. Although Koa is being more reserved for privacy's sake, Zavien has barely begun to recognize his feelings, let alone said them aloud, so he pauses, debating how much to reveal. Should he say it? Will it change anything? It's not like Koa will laugh at him, right? 

Working up his courage, he runs a dripping hand through his hair, making it slick back. His words come out certain but quiet. "I guess I have a small crush on Lena." Having finally said it out loud, Zavien looks to Koa, the flood gates opening a fraction. "But I don't think she feels the same way. And I'm not very experienced with relationships. And there's so much going on. And I don't want to risk our friendship. And I -" The words stop as he keeps himself from running into his own insecurities, choosing to glance down as he wrings his hands beneath the water, wondering what his friend might say about his confession while the redness spreads its way to his hairline.

Zavien

Koa

There's an art to life's distractions

Having decided that the only way to gain respect is through engagement (sound, right?), Pip now shifts gears. Letting her long, serpentine tail unwind from beneath her, she waves it teasingly upon the stone for Sol to chase - which is, of course, a trap. The moment the younger dragon dares to attack her most fluffy appendage Pipsqueak will strike, pouncing onto the golden wyrm and wrapping herself around him like a snake. You respond to this careful planning with a mental reminder for Pip to be nice, then let the dragons do their thing. There's enough scars on your arms and shoulders for you to know better than to get in the way of animals trying to play.

"Flora Kaito-Taliesin?" you respond, trying to be nonchalant and failing miserably. "Maybe you've heard of her?" You can't help it: just thinking her name makes you smile, copper eyes gleaming and a smile on your face at the incredible knowledge that she wants you. "We just had, like, a great date, and I told her I want to be exclusive. There's a lot in our pasts - she's still not really over me dating Sohalia, and she's been kinda seeing someone else - but... I dunno, I think it can work."

Poor little idiot, how wrong you'll turn out to be.

And speaking of poor little idiots- sorry to Zav, but you totally laugh. Not at him, though, not even a little; it's more of a cheering whoop of satisfaction, delight with your suspicions being confirmed. "I knew it!" you cheer with a shit-eating grin, splashing water toward Zavien. "Dude, she totally likes you. What's not to like?" You gesture toward your friend with a general you seeing all this shit? wave of your hand. "You gotta ask her out. You guys are great for each other."

Wingman mode: activated.

To somehow escape the burning weight, the art of scraping through

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

Where there's life there's hope.

Being the unashamedly naive little hatchling that he is, Sol immediately falls for the trap, too enraptured by the feathery texture to notice (or care) that the owner might be baiting him. In a flurry of splashing wings and stubby limbs, the dragon dives forward to try and catch the tail in his paws. Zavien doesn't even glance their direction, too focused on the topic at hand. 

"Have I heard of the Queen of Torchline? Who hasn't?" His laugh is light and playful. Of course he's heard of the leader. She isn't exactly easy to miss with her dazzling eyes and confident personality. Smiling, he shakes his head. "I've even met her a couple times, and I must say, you guys would make a handsome pair. A power couple that would surely make everyone jealous." Although Zavien can't even imagine the heartbreak that would follow in the Dragoon's wake. The death of another bachelor. 

Tilting his head, he considers the listed obstacles. "I don't see why it should matter who you used to date. It's not like Sohalia's in the right headspace for a relationship right now, so she's not really a threat." His words and actions look like a general formulating motives and strategies, assessing the situation from all angles. Grinning, he gestures to the man in a (vaguely familiar) extravagant manner. "And how could she not pick you?" Zavien says the words, but he worries about Koa seeing Flora when she's actively seeing someone else. That's a lot of stress for someone to have, always comparing themself or competing for affection. He doesn't like the idea of his friend getting hurt by someone he obviously cares so much for. Yet he keeps the playful smile on his face, not willing to discourage the Dragoon from finding love. 

Contrastingly, Koa's laughing claim has Zavien groaning, rubbing his cheeks to dispel the growing heat and spreading the splashed water, but it just makes them even more red, nearly matching the blood pool only feet away. "Was it that obvious?" His question is small and filled with mortification. If his friend has noticed, Lena might have noticed. It makes him want to sink under the water and scream with embarrassment, replaying every moment that he might have revealed the feelings he hadn't even recognized until recently. 

Hanging his head, he says, "I don't know..." The words are a combination of multiple response. 'I don't know if she does like me.' 'I don't know if I'm good enough.' 'I don't know how to do it.' 'I don't know if I should.' He tries to hide the uncertainty, but the Dragoon does a poor job of it, his eyes shifting to avoid Koa's while he lets his hands run through the water distractingly. 

Student mode: activated.

Zavien

Koa

There's an art to life's distractions

"I mean, there's also the part where we were never really in a relationship, but yeah. You get it." If only Flora got it, too, but that's a problem for future you. Zavien's assessment has you grinning broader, chest puffed out in an asinine display of masculine pride. "Fuck yeah. I'm a catch!" you declare. And then, punching your friend on the shoulder: "We both are!"

Zavien's anxiety tempers your mood - or at least, makes you quell your overt excitement into something a little more subdued. You watch his hands float through the water, resisting the urge to grab his shoulder and shake some sense into the man. "There's one way to find out," you remark with a gentle smile, raising an eyebrow at Zavien. If only it was so early to make sense of relationships when inside them, because from out here the whole thing is pretty much clear as day. "I just think... y'know, after the year we've had, it'd be a shame to let a good thing slip away. Especially without even giving it a chance."

To somehow escape the burning weight, the art of scraping through

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

Where there's life there's hope.

Even not knowing the whole situation, Zavien still gets the feeling that things are very complicated and he finds himself praying again that Koa doesn't end up hurt in the end. However, whether things work out or not, he vows to be there for his friend. Through battle or heartache, through thick or thin, Dragoons always have each other's backs. For the moment, he lets himself laugh at the show of confidence, punching the man back playfully. "You know it!" There's a pang of jealousy for his friend's lack of visible insecurity, but there's too much excitement for the emotion to get very far. 

Back to Zavien's love life (if it can be called that), everything Koa says is sounding very logical. How many times has he told others to live in the moment? To take advantage of the time they have? To live? It all seems so obvious, yet Zavien still finds himself hesitating, nervous of causing tension between him and Lena. "I suppose..." His voice is still unsure, but more agreeing than before. The blush has dissipated slightly, replaced by nerves as he makes his way back towards his friend. Running a hand through his hair again, he lets out a deep sigh. "I just... I guess I don't know where to start." He doesn't voice the fact that the only girl who'd ever caught his attention growing up had promptly shut him down at the ripe age of seventeen. Since then, he's been so focused on joining the Dragoons, he hasn't taken the time to pursue anyone. That's not to say he hasn't had admirers or stolen kisses, but nothing more serious than that. He doesn't want to fumble this delicate shift to 'relationship.' Zavien looks to Koa with wide eyes full of embarrassment and a screaming cry of 'help'.

Zavien

Koa

There's an art to life's distractions

"Maybe start by asking her out?" Easier said than done, of course, but Occam's razor and all that. "Doesn't have to be anything too serious - just like, 'Hey Lena, let's get lunch sometime, also I love you'." Your laugh rings boyishly through the springs, grin playful as you wink Zavien's way. "Or maybe not that much, but y'know. Buy her flowers. Let her know you see her as more than just a friend. Sometimes girls don't even realize you're into them unless you say it straight up." Truly ironic coming from you, a boy who utterly failed to notice Flora's affection for literal years.

But hey, all's well that ends well, right? Things worked out for you in the end.

JKLOLRIP

Glancing over to where the dragons are playing (Pip, having claimed Sol as her vassal, is now engaged in the all-important ritual of grooming the whelp), you let out a contented sigh. "We may not have found any of those flowers, but I'd still call this trip a win. Especially if it leads to you getting a girlfriend," you add, waggling eyebrows Zavien's way.

To somehow escape the burning weight, the art of scraping through

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

Where there's life there's hope.

'Love' was a strong enough word to have Zavien covering his face again, a playful groan preceding his laughter. "Okay okay. I get it. I'll ask her." He says the words playfully, but they hold the weight of expectations and accountability. If he hasn't asked Lena out by the next time the boys meet up, he'll never hear the end of it. Yet it might be just the push he needs to take that leap. He only hopes the fall doesn't hurt too much. 

Zavien's eyes follow Koa's, spotting the bonding companions, realizing that they've been up to their own devices for far too long. Contrary to expectations, Sol is quite content to receive the grooming, sitting patiently through Pip's mothering. After all his energetic taunting, the little dragon lets his eyes drift closed. He even lets out a little sound reminiscent of a purr, fluttering his wings contentedly. 

The Dragoon just shakes an amused head before nodding along with his friend's assessment of their trip. It has given him a lot to think about, and lots of plans to make. "Only time will tell. And who knows, maybe we'll both have girlfriends soon," (sorry Koa) he says it quietly, but a warm smile gives his words an optimistic light as Koa's encouragements take root, setting things in motion.

New quest obtained: Ask Lena out.

[FIN]

Zavien