Chapter Text
The following morning a fresh scent of dew and a light autumn breeze were what woke Olruggio from his sleep.
He opened his eyes slowly and looked around. The sun's rays slipped fleetingly through the curtains drawn across the windows, shining and shimmering in various parts of the room. It must have been dawn.
Olruggio blinks a couple of times to adjust to the light. He tried to move, but found himself unable to do so.
A warm, massive body lay on his chest, arms still firmly anchored to his waist as if it were their last resort. Qifrey's head was nestled under his chin and her soft white curls tickled his nose. Slow, even breaths accompanied the majestic sight of her elegant curves, highlighted by her classic black sweater.
Olruggio hadn't seen Qifrey so relaxed in a long time. He thought that with everything that had happened he would never have the chance again.
They remained like this for a long time, until the sun's rays intensified, illuminating the room more with various vibrant colors, from yellow to orange up to green and blue when they hit the colored glass of the windows in Olruggio's room.
Qifrey moved slowly in Olruggio's hold and lazily rubbed his nose against his friend's half-open shirt as he inhaled the aroma. He slowly raised his head and rubbed his eye trying to adapt to the decidedly brighter environment compared to the night before.
A poorly restrained laugh made its way between Olruggio's lips as he stared spellbound at the mess that was Qifrey as soon as he woke up. His hair disheveled and the trace of saliva still hanging from the side of his mouth.
"Good morning" Olruggio finally said, helping him to lie down more comfortably in bed.
“Hmm..What time is it..?” I groaned as he tucked his head back into the pillow. He must have still been half asleep.
Olruggio sneaked up to him and blew playfully in his ear, Qifrey made an annoyed sound and moved away slightly. Olruggio smiled at the reaction and then leaned down again to place a light kiss on Qifrey's right cheek.
At this point Qifrey woke up completely. A faint blush dusted both his cheeks as he fixed his hair and sat up. He had also recovered his glasses that once lay on the bedside table next to them.
"What are you doing?" He asked, still busy giving shape to his unruly curls.
“Nothing… I was just trying to wake up.” The other replied very casually and throwing the blanket to one side so he could get up.
Qifrey stared at Olruggio's figure as he stood up to open the curtains and let the morning light completely flood the room.
“Judging by the position of the sun… I'd say we still have some time before the apprentices wake up.” He finally said, walking back to the bed.
Qifrey said nothing. It's not because he didn't have anything to say, it's that he didn't know where to start. What happened last night…
“How do you feel?” Olruggio interrupted the flow of thoughts for him.
Eyes as deep as the sea looked in his direction for an answer.
"Fine thanks. My head doesn't hurt anymore” Qifrey replied, playing with the edge of the blanket. Knowing he probably wouldn't get away with such a simple answer.
“Good, do you want a coffee or would you prefer some tea?” Olruggio asked, moving towards his workbench.
He always kept some snack or drink hidden in one of his drawers while he worked. Qifrey knew this but didn't believe he also had tea.
“Tea will be fine… thanks again.” Qifrey replied slightly surprised. He didn't expect the conversation to go this way.
Orluggio returned shortly after with a cup of tea and a cup of coffee in his hand, probably that was for him. He handed him the cup and then took a chair that was nearby and sat down on it, blew on his coffee a couple of times and took a long sip.
Qifrey couldn't stop watching him, it's not like Olruggio to let him go so easily. He took a sip of his tea and burned his tongue slightly.
Olruggio saw him and let out a deep sigh, abandoning his cup of coffee somewhere on the bedside table and crossed his arms over his chest.
“You are hopeless.” The fire witch began
“Don't think you can get away with it that easily you know, I was just trying to put you at ease.” Orluggio continued, assuming the usual frown he had when he was scolding someone.
Qifrey definitely recognized him more now. He took another sip of tea this time being more careful.
“Thank you, You are always so kind. But your expression betrays you.” Qifrey said, showing off his best smile.
Olruggio remained motionless in his position, staring at him with a look that left no room for any refusal. He wouldn't make him change the subject, not this time.
“How about we start…. Explaining the situation” Olruggio asked, still very determined to get answers.
Qifrey had no escape, he knew it. He would answer his friend's questions where he could... but if things got out of hand like last time... He didn't even need to. think. He could simply omit the parts about his nightlife and his eyesight. Yes, it could have worked, and perhaps in this way, it could have also reduced the sense of guilt that he continued to carry with him from that night...
Qifrey clutched the blanket in his hands and pulled his knees close to his chest. Olruggio could see the gears in his brain working to find the right words. He was about to say something when a clicking noise came from the direction of the door.
The two looked at each other and Orluggio prepared to approach the entrance door of his room. Another pair of faint knocks rang against the solid wood and Orluggio opened the doorway slightly to peer out.
What he found outside was none other than the apprentice with short green hair looking at him with a look of apprehension on his face. She was only wearing her nightgown, she couldn't have been very hot, why was she already awake at that time?
“G-Good morning Master Olly…. I know it's still early...b-but I wanted to know how Master Qifrey was doing.”
Orluggio could see that he hadn't slept a wink all night and his eyes were red at the edges. Damn Qifrey, how do you make a young girl worry like this?!
Orluggio scratched the back of his neck nervously as he spoke.
“He's fine now. He's awake... Do you want to come in and say hello?” He asked opening the door a little more, inviting her to come inside.
"I can?" The apprentice asked hesitantly.
Orluggio wasn't very sure whether this would please Qifrey or not but he certainly couldn't leave the young apprentice outside the door to freeze. He looked over his shoulder for a second checking the state of his room, then let her enter.
"Of course, just… don't touch anything. It's full of unfinished devices here and I don't want you to get hurt." He replied, pointing to the mezzanine where his bed was located.
Coco nodded quickly and rushed inside. The warmth of Olruggio's room was truly comfortable compared to the temperature of the rest of the Atelier. The warmth that hovered in this room was different, almost magical.
Coco waited for Professor Olruggio to close the door behind him and then looked at him. Her gaze was hesitant and she seemed torn between whether to ask something or not... Olruggio had half an idea of what she wanted to ask him, so he lowered himself to his knees and looked into her eyes.
"Don't worry. You didn't do anything wrong, in fact you were very brave to help him.”
He said in a warm, low voice.
“But, what if he gets angry?... I know it's none of my business, it's just that..” Coco was brooding in her thoughts, tugging on her night robe. A habit that she had started to have since she arrived at the Atelier and that she had learned from none other than her teacher.
-In a certain sense they look alike- Olruggio thought as he brought her closer and picked her up. Her hands and feet were frozen and she must have been tired.
“ I've known Qifrey since we were kids, and I can guarantee you that he won't be angry about something like this. However…” Olruggio said as he slowly climbed the steps that led to the area where Qifrey was.
“…As great as your professor is, there are some things he won't be willing to share. So I ask you to be patient, I'm sure that when he's ready he'll talk to you about it himself, OK? Olruggio continued, climbing the last step and stopping to look at Coco's face to see her response.
“Okay…” The girl nodded.
As soon as the bed was in sight, Coco jumped out of Olruggio's arms and ran towards her professor, holding him in a deadly embrace. Qifrey almost fell back into the mattress.
The sudden action must have disoriented him a little and he immediately looked in Olruggio's direction for an explanation, but all he got was a shrug and a sigh of resignation.
Qifrey felt small warm droplets moisten his robe where Coco's face sank and quickly returned the hug, whispering words of comfort to his apprentice.
“It's okay Coco, I'm fine now. I'm sorry I made you worry, please don't cry..."
Qifrey continued to murmur sweet nothings for a few more minutes, until Coco moved a little in the embrace just enough to let her face be visible.
“I'm sorry…” She whispered as she looked at her professor with a few tears still clinging to her eyelashes.
“I didn't want to intrude on your privacy… but I was so worried.” The young girl continued, sniffling.
Qifrey's heart was sinking. He felt so guilty. He had made his student cry, he had made her worry so much that she probably hadn't slept a wink all night. He had failed as a teacher and as a mentor, he didn't deserve her trust like anyone else's, he wasn't suitable, he…
The bed next to him suddenly lowered and a gentle but firm arm rested on his shoulder, massaging gently. Olruggio was looking at him, and that look simply said to stop thinking about the worst and focus on what was in front of him.
Qifrey returned his gaze with an affectionate look and took a deep breath. He was so lucky to have Olruggio in his life, with him by his side he knew he could face any difficulty.
“My dear you have done nothing wrong. It was my fault, I should have accepted your help instead of rejecting you.”
Coco pulled away from the hug and looked at him with a confused look. She didn't seem to be convinced by her professor's answer. Understandably, Qifrey always tried to maintain a light-hearted and professional approach when he was with his students, he wanted to be the person they could rely on in times of need.
Last night unfortunately was none of these things, and now that one of his students had seen him in his most pitiful state he couldn't deny feeling uncomfortable, but perhaps all was not lost. If he played his cards well he could still save what shred of dignity he had left, at least that's what he hoped.
“I'm fine now. Olruggio took care of me. It was just a headache due to the storm.” Qifrey explained patiently, looking over his shoulder to see if his friend was listening too.
Her eyes were completely turned towards him in an expression of disbelief and Coco's mouth was slightly open at the unexpected revelation. Judging by their reactions, neither of them was aware of this phenomenon which is actually quite common.
“Yes, well… It's been happening for a while now. I think it's due to age, but I'm not sure. I only know that when there is a strong storm the chances of the headache worsening are higher.”
He quickly explained Qifrey. He had noticed it when he was young and the scar was still fresh.
During the most threatening storms it always bothered him, sometimes it throbbed, other times it itched and everything was always accompanied by an irritating headache which however had nothing to do with the one from the night before.
Qifrey suspects that the storm has very little to do with it but if this excuse can give him even the slightest way out of this situation then he prefers to use it.
Two pairs of eyes stared at him in amazement. It was entirely plausible, they were probably thinking he was teasing them.
“But is something like this possible?” Coco asked, moving in her teacher's lap to sit up straighter.
“Exactly!...You're not kidding us, are you?” Olruggio retorted.
“If you don't believe me you can just ask Sinosia.” Qifrey replied confidently.
Olruggio and Cocco exchanged a quick look, they were weighing their options. Qifrey's explanation seemed to have a solid basis but Olruggio was still not completely convinced, he felt he was hiding something. He knew his best friend better than anyone but it seems very strange to him that during all the years they shared together he never noticed this not so insignificant detail.
For now he'd decided he'd play along, both for Coco's sake and his own sanity. God knows how unnerving it is trying to unravel the tangled knots of lies and half-truths that Qifrey creates as if he were weaving a basket of wicker. He had all the time in the world to find out what the real cause behind last night's accident was.
“Well, if you say it's the weather then we'll believe it this time. But you will still go and be seen by Sinosa in the next few days. Am I clear?" Olruggio finally declared, followed immediately by Coco nodding her head vigorously.
“Okay, I think I can do that, if it will help you sleep better at night.” Qifrey said with a nervous chuckle.
As much as he could see that Olruggio was still not entirely convinced it seemed that at least Coco had believed what she had told him and that was more than enough at the moment.
Soon after Coco started asking more questions about how the weather could affect the human body and they ended up starting a much lighter and more pointless conversation than they actually should have been discussing. From where he was sitting on the bed, Olruggio seemed relieved at how things had turned out.
Coco didn't seem to be worried about her teacher anymore and Qifrey seemed satisfied with how he managed to keep the situation from falling apart. At least now he no longer looked like a condemned man just waiting to be executed, all things considered it wasn't a bad result.
As Olruggio observed the conversation the two were having next to him Coco suddenly stopped to let out a big yawn. She must have been definitely tired. Maybe it was better to end it here for today.
“It's still pretty early, how about we go take a nap until breakfast is ready? I bet you didn't sleep much last night." Olruggio proposed, glancing guiltily at Qifrey.
The latter looked away guiltily and let Coco slide out of bed.
“Olruggio is right, I promise you that to make it up to me I will prepare pancakes for breakfast” Qifrey said as he encouraged her to go towards her room.
Coco's face immediately lit up and she couldn't contain her elation. She felt that the energy that had abandoned her until a few minutes ago was returning stronger than before. She didn't need to take a nap, and as if he were reading her mind Olruggio immediately stopped her.
“Remember that good rest is what gives you the energy to become a good witch… unless you want to become like your professors.” Olruggio's Ironic Allusion did not go unnoticed by Qifrey who, this time, responded in kind.
“Speak for yourself, I'm not the one who looks like a giant panda with all that black under his eyes. I feel in perfect shape, I haven't slept so well in a long time.”
Olruggio looked at him with a challenging look. How dare this little…
Coco chuckled softly at the bickering the two were having. He was happy to see that his professor seemed to be his usual self again. He still had doubts and many questions he wanted to ask but there was a time and place for everything. For now she would just observe. She wanted to get to know her professor better, but she wanted to do it the right way, she was sure that when the time came she would receive the answer she was looking for. And as long as Professor Olruggio was at his side he knew that worrying was useless.
With a big toothy smile she spun around and ran towards the stairs, leaned over the first step then turned quickly, her big green eyes shone in the morning light making them even brighter than usual.
Those were the eyes of a happy child, a child who trembles with the desire to explore and discover the wonders of the still unknown world.
“I'm so happy to have you as teachers!” He shouted, then disappeared down the stairs and through the door, and within seconds his presence was completely gone.
Olruggio and Qifrey were surprised by the sudden statement but something in Coco's way of speaking or perhaps in her expression had warmed their hearts. Maybe it wasn't so bad to get help sometimes.
His expression softened and he let all the tension accumulated the moment Coco entered the room dissolve and he leaned his back against Olruggio's shoulder, exhaling a sigh of relief.
The other witch didn't seem bothered, in fact quite the opposite. He hooked his arms around Qifrey's shoulders again and moved him into a more comfortable position, where he was leaning against the headboard with Qifrey sitting between his legs and her back pressed against his chest.
“She's a really good girl.” Olruggio said brushing Qifrey's hair.
“Yes, she is…She will definitely become a great witch.” Qifrey replied as he closed his eye and melted into his friend's embrace. He could already see how his little apprentice was being applauded and praised for her skills, not only magical but also empathetic. The thought brought a pleased smile from him that did not escape Olruggio's attentive gaze.
“What are you thinking?” He asked flatly.
“Nothing, just how bright the future of our girls will be…” Qifrey replied without opening his eyes. As much as the implication that he had called the girls “ours” warmed his heart, Olruggio seemed troubled by how Qifrey had willfully excluded the two of them from that bright future.
“Not only their future, but also ours…” Olruggio corrected him.
Qifrey didn't respond to this, just exhaled softly and then inhaled the air around him again. He really didn't want to continue this conversation.
The room was warm and quiet just like the fire witch, whose hands kept running through his hair in a hypnotic motion and Qifrey in a moment of impulsiveness leaned further into that oh-so-gentle touch.
He knew it was wrong, giving Olruggio so much freedom to maneuver was a risky move, but he couldn't help it, it was so intoxicating and after everything that had happened he felt like he didn't have the energy to resist even this.
Olruggio immediately noticed how the other was relaxing into his touch and decided that perhaps he could drop the conversation and use a more practical approach. If even after this attempt Qifrey rejected him then he would have sworn to stop.
He let the hand in his hair remain where it was and with the other he grabbed Qifrey's chin to lift it slightly, he leaned forward, closed his eyes and let his lips rest on the other's in a chaste kiss.
Olruggio knew how to kiss; There had been situations that required it, especially when you had many relationships (even if work-related) with the nobility, basic etiquette was fundamental, but even exploring some more obscure areas was not always a bad idea. Not that he used them very often but sometimes they really saved his day.
For a very brief moment, time stopped around them. The faint heat of Qifrey's lips on his was enough to make him lose any composure he had maintained thus far. Qifrey hadn't moved, just stood still with his eye wide open in shock.
When Olruggio finally withdrew and let his eyes see the mess he had made it was too late. Lying between his legs on his stomach was a very red and confused Qifrey.
Qifrey could feel Olruggio's inquiring look on his face, he was still processing the situation, but he could feel the heat gathering in his cheeks. His hands immediately flew to his face to cover it but it was all for naught, it was so obvious.
Not that he ever tried to hide it. But even he didn't know exactly what what he was feeling now would mean in the future. This is what he always wanted but could never afford, it was so unfair.
Olruggio made a mocking face, satisfied with the answer he had gotten. He did the courtesy of letting Qifrey put his thoughts in order but, seeing the state of agitation into which he had thrown him, he preferred to start the conversation himself.
“Don't worry, you don't need to give me an answer. I've already had it" Olruggio said, holding him closer to him. He could hear Qifrey's heart beating wildly.
“It doesn't seem fair to you” Qifrey whispered into his hands searching for a better answer.
“You don't decide whether it's right or wrong. I can clearly see that you also want the same thing but something is holding you back from getting it.” Olruggio's words hit the most painful place in Qifrey's heart.
Qifrey had no hope of beating him. He knew him so well, sometimes this priceless quality of his would truly be the death of him.
Qifrey felt ashamed of himself and started to move in the embrace. Olruggio didn't let him go, he hadn't finished speaking yet.
“As a Watchful Eye, but above all as your best friend, it is my duty to monitor and support you. Whatever is happening now, I doubt you're willing to share it. But know that, I am willing to wait.” Olruggio said, releasing the hold he had held until now.
Qifrey, finally free, got up and sat on the bed with his legs crossed facing his friend. He didn't have the courage to look him in the face, after all the horrible things he had done to Olruggio, he was still there. Ready to be hurt again and again by his selfishness.
He didn't deserve it. He knew it. Yet the thought of no longer being able to enjoy the company of his best friend agitated and destroyed him in a way that not even he thought possible. He wanted to say something, Anything... He wanted to say that he was sorry, that one day maybe he could repay the love that Olruggio poured into him... but the words couldn't form in his mind. All he could do was think and hope.
“One day…” he began as he looked up and looked Olruggio in the eyes.
The cobalt blue clashed fiercely with the light blue of Qifrey's eye in anxious anticipation of the next sentence.
“One day I promise I will tell you.” His gaze was firm and resolute, Olruggio held his gaze with equal determination. He smiled and raised a hand in his direction, Qifrey took it albeit a little hesitant and shook it.
“Well, that's a promise.” Olruggio said. Qifrey nodded firmly.
“Anyway, don't think that I'll keep quiet until then. I won't give you a moment's peace." The fire witch began, pulling on Qifrey's arm to help him get out of bed and drag him down from the loft.
“You say that as if you've already cornered me.” the other replied, letting himself be dragged around the room. Olruggio led them to the door where they had left their shoes the night before, they put them on and straightened out their clothes, trying to look as tidy as possible.
Then Olruggio opened the door and started heading towards the kitchen. Qifrey called to him from behind his back and he started to turn around. Just as he turned he noticed how Qifrey's face was strangely close and another pleasant pressure moved to his lips.
They stood in the doorway for a few seconds before Qifrey retreated. Olruggio was stunned, he hadn't had time to react and he already missed those soft lips on his.
“This is my thank you” Qifrey said as he smiled at him in the most genuine and sunny way he had done in the last 2 months. Olruggio remained motionless in the doorway for a few more seconds then his face turned as red as a tomato.
“This is cheating….” The fire witch shouted in embarrassment as he prepared to follow his best friend down the hall towards the kitchen.
Even if the future was uncertain Olruggio was sure that whatever obstacle they found in their path they would overcome it, perhaps not immediately but certainly one day. Together.
The storm had passed. Now it's time to enjoy the sun.