Chapter Text
The second time Flins noticed something unusual with his heart, a couple of months has passed since the first time it happened.
Today, Flins feels a little bit down. He has been the past few days. Despite being busy, his mind randomly wanders to a certain Knight and his whereabouts. He hasn't seen Varka since 2 weeks ago, he and his party have traveled somewhere North and it is unknown when they will be back.
Flins has been musing a lot about his current state and has came to a singular conclusion: he is finally experiencing what humans like to call as 'missing someone.'
As to why, Flins doesn't understand it yet. Perhaps it's because Varka is the only one he can label as a close friend after all these years asides from Nikita. Perhaps he misses the moments when they exchange stories. Or the warmth that the man brings. Or he just misses looking at those blue eyes and to be look backed by them. Oh those eyes, they always look at him with such intensity and gentleness, Flins could drown in those depths and he'll be such a happy fairy.
"Higher, and with more power."
The trainee did as she was told and Flins is satisfied with her performance. "Very good, Elsa."
"Thank you, senior."
"I'll give you an hour to unwind and replenish your energy, then we shall resume."
Flins sighs internally as the Ratnik trainees scattered to take their breath. The headquarters has given him a group of hopeful trainees to train in combat and to teach them the values and conducts of being a Ratnik. By far, only one of them is promising.
Flins took a peek at his current students, Elsa and her twin sister, Anna, are sitting near him and are memorizing the survival guidebook of the Ratniks while eating. Elsa carries herself well and is good at combat, though she needs more polishing. He can already see that she'll make a great Ratnik in the future. Anna, on the other hand, has low stamina and is easily the weakest among the group. However, she makes up for what she lacks with her passion and intelligence. She never complains even though she's obviously struggling a lot to keep up with the others. Flins would never recommend her to be one of the fighters in the field; he thinks she'll suit being behind the scenes: monitoring the Wild Hunt activities, mapping, formulating strategies and whatnot.
On the other side were a group of friends who seemingly joined on a whim. The Ratinks generally need people so they welcome all those who are interested to join. There are people who join because they genuinely wanted to be part of their noble cause and fight, and there are those who join simply because it would be cool and boost their popularity. It's obvious which one do these group of friends belong to.
During their first week with him, Flins had tried to encouraged and motivate them to take the training seriously, even giving them one by one lessons to no avail. They were just simply not giving any real effort and was instead already looking forward in getting their uniforms so they can show it off to their other family and friends. Since they have no desire to listen, Flins would simply reciprocate their treatment. He has no interest in teaching students who are old enough to know what to do and what not to do.
Flins is confident that once they begin their immersion training where they'll deal with low level Wild Hunt activities, these people would struggle so hard and will be the first ones to flee or give up. Flins hopes it'll be enough to serve a lesson not to treat their training, or joining the Ratnik even, as a light matter.
"Senior, it seems like we're running low on bread and milk, and some wine. As well as some bandages." Anna said as she approaches him.
"Hmm, what else?"
"I think we also need to stock up on some drinking water."
"Alright, I'll head over to Nasha Town. You continue to train on your own."
In other words, Elsa and Anna will continue to train, while the others would continue to play.
Flins didn't waste a moment to immediately walk towards his destination. Luckily, the town isn't too far away from one of the Ratnik's training facility where he and the students currently reside. He is admittedly eager to take a break away from his students... And to hopefully hear some news about when will the Knights of Favonius come back. He wants to see Varka before the training period ends because by then, he'll go back to his own residence, in which he isn't keen on leaving unless absolutely needed to be.
While shopping, Flins took the chance to introspect on his feelings once again. Varka is... A friend, yes. A comrade. Someone he admires and appreciates. Someone who makes him feel safe. Warm.
Are those reasons valid enough to miss someone?
Perhaps it's time to buy more books about humans and their emotions.
A gathering of people caught his attention just as he's about to enter the town. Curiousity influenced him to drew closer, and upon the sight of glinting armors his spirit immediately lifted.
He eagerly scans the faces of the travel worn knights- who were all still brightly smiling and greeting back the residents who are welcoming them back despite the obvious tiredness in their bodies- and was disappointed not to see the man who was occupying his thoughts these past few months.
'Where is Varka? He's not injured is he?' Flins thought, feeling worried for the missing Grandmaster. Then, he and a Knight who happened to glance in his direction locked eyes.
"Sir Flins, you're here!?"
"Madame Frederica, hello. May I ask what do you mean by that question?"
Frederica broke away from her group and walked towards him, laughing awkwardly. "Nothing really, just surprised to see you here. You see, we encountered some Ratniks on duty while we're traveling, and they mentioned that you had been assigned to train some new recruits nearby. Varka decided to head there first instead of going back here with us. Buuuut, you're here~ which means our unlucky Grandmaster has missed his chance to see you immediately."
'Oh, so he's safe. Nothing bad has happened to him, thank goodness.' Flins thought as he calms down. "That explains why he isn't here. Why would he go there? Does he have some urgent business with me?"
The knight pursed her lips, then mumbled to herself that Flins' barely caught what she said, "Lord Barbatos, if its your will for me to be a bridge of love then so be it."
Then she perks up and smiles brightly at him, "No, Sir Flins. Our Grandmaster simply misses you. He missed you so much that he wanted to see you first."
"Oh."
Unbeknownst to himself, the Fae has a beautiful blush on his face that even Frederica was stunned with his beauty for a second. She smiles wryly, 'Looks like Varka's crush isn't so hopeless afterall.'
"I must excuse myself now Madam, for I still have errands to do. It wouldn't be a good look for me too to have a guest waiting, if there's a chance another time, I would love to talk with you more."
Frederica smirks, "No worries, Sir Flins. May the wind bless your travels."
Try as he might, Flins wasn't able to completely hide the effect of what Frederica said to him. While his face remains clear of emotions, the tip of his ears are red and his eyes are shining, but only those who knows him well would even notice the difference compared to the usual dull glean of his eyes. The most noticeable difference though that those who spoke with him did a double take, is the small smile on his face that is usually only seen when he's buying gemstones for his collection, or on the rare occasions he banter with the merchants.
Varka misses him! Just like how he misses him! What a joyous day to be alive and awake!
In less than an hour, the Ratnik has bought all the necessary supplies he needs and headed back towards the training facility. He may have used his own natural powers to travel faster, but who is around to see and tell?
He couldn't wait to see the Grandmaster again; he wants to tease him, talk with him for hours, share some drinks and food, and maybe they can walk again to somewhere with a beautiful view.
As he nears his destination, Flins switches back to his human form and walk.
"Welcome back Sir Flins, you have a guest waiting for you. He's at the grounds with your students." A Ratnik on his way out said as she and Flins came across each other.
"I see, thank you."
Instead of heading towards the pantry to put away the things he bought, Flins headed towards where Varka is first. He can hear the man giving out instructions. 'Is he...teaching his students?'
The Fae can feel the smile in his face and he touched his heart. It was beating so loud.
The smile instantly vanished on his face. He has to immensely restrain himself from bursting into flames and burning his surroundings. His face and eyes are devoid of any emotions as he stares at the scene.
Varka is indeed teaching his students. He was guiding them how to use their own chosen weapons. He's touching them in order to correct their stances, brief contacts and with respect.
His students however.... Flins narrowed his eyes as one student accidentally stumbled while using her weapon and acting pitiful because it was 'too heavy.' Varka was quick to ask her if she's okay before getting a lighter spear for her. The damn girl is so giddy accepting the new spear from the Knight and Flins knows that she intentionally brushed their fingers together. That lovesick look ain't fooling anyone. She even have the audacity to touch Varka's arm. Then, another girl touched his arm to get his attention. A boy was doing energetic movements nearby to show off his skills and have Varka's praise or assistance.
The longer Flins look, he can see how the unmotivated group in his students were suddenly this lively: they were all vying for Varka's attention. They're all impressed and infatuated by the man.
Flins feels so... bothered and hot and angry, he can see his pink flames manifesting around himself.
Wait...
Pink?
Flins nearly dropped the things he's carrying in his arms as he quickly hid himself from view. He observes in quite surprise as pink flames flickers along his body, bright and real. He summoned his lantern to float in front of him and indeed...
His flames are burning pink.
When he was a kid, he is very familiar with this color. His flame usually is pink back then because he is so possessive of his precious gems and coins. He doesn't like others touching them so casually, and he also doesn't like it when a gem he wants doesn't belong to him.
He also see this pink flames on his parents. They're older and have more control of their flames, but there are times when mother's flame turn pink whenever someone attempts to seduce his father. And to his father, whenever someone looks inappropriately at mother for a long time.
Pink flames.
Jealousy. Possessiveness.
His flame hasn't turned pink- and not this strongly- for a very, very long time.
The fact that his flame turned to this color when he's looking at the Grandmaster.
Oh.
He's in love with Varka, isn't he?
He considers Varka as his, that's why he feels so possessive over him and why he feels so bothered while watching over them because he's jealous.
Varka is his. His attention should only be on him. His gentle voice, his guidance, and his warm laugh should only belong to him and not to his undeserving students.
"Flins? Are you alright?"
The Fae jumped a bit. He was so absorbed in his realizations that he didn't notice the Knight has drawn near.
"My apologies, did I startle you?"
Flins inhales- not that he needs it- and made sure there are no pink flames on his body or in his lantern before facing Varka. The Knight is walking towards him and the Fae Prince could only hope he didn't see it.
"Sir Varka, I must appreciate you taking time to teach my students."
Varka chuckles, his voice deliciously low that Flin's flame flickered a deep red in want. "Think nothing of it, I love teaching young ones. If you like, consider it as payment for the times you taught me about Nod Krai."
Varka reached out his hands and took Flins' groceries from his arms. "Let me take this from you. This is a lot, eh? Where should I put them down?"
The ratnik blinked, a protest forming on his lips before he realized that arguing about the situation is pretty futile. "I'll take you to the pantry."
"Lead the way then, my dear Lightkeeper."
If Flins' heart fluttered after being addressed as that, that is between him and his lamp. Outwardly, Flins only chuckled in response. He glanced at his students who are all awkwardly trying hard pretending that they were not watching them. The most obvious ones being the girls who were with Varka earlier; all of a sudden Flins remembered his jealousy.
With deliberate slowness, Flins let his fingers dance along Varka's biceps- muscular, firm, big, perfect for--- before wrapping his own arm around it. The fae presses close to the knight, their arms wrapped tightly together. He looks up at Varka, who was looking down at him with mild surprise, "My dearest knight; first, we shall take this door to our right."
Varka simply laughs again. Hefting the groceries higher in his arms, inevitably pulling Flins closer too, the Knight of Boreas begins his journey towards the mysterious pantry.
Flins separated a part of his consciousness to peek at his students' reaction through his lamp. Almost all of them are gawking; someone is even rubbing his eyes in disbelief and the aforementioned girls earlier have an indescribable expression on their faces.
He feels so satisfied he is sure that his flames won't turn pink for at least a week.
Varka is telling him how did his little teaching stint went by as they walk, his voice gently soothing his being, and his arm warmly against his.
Yes, Flins could get used to this feeling. Content. Warm.