Chapter Text
A familiar feeling, a tug inside at his heart where there had been nothing like it before. Cold water rushing through his limbs, a hot tickle at his cheeks, and the incredible urge to start crying.
Kafe stared at the man who had come beside him, the aloof but pleasant nature of the tall elezen nostalgic. He couldn't recall ever seeing this man before, but every fiber of his being wanted to grab onto him and never let go. Instead Kafe turned away, back to the drink in front of him, eyes wide as he tried to ignore the overwhelming feeling inside of him. The elezen sat at the stool next to him, attention focused on the bartender as he ordered a drink with a smile. He seemed to not have noticed Kafe's stares, blissfully unaware.
Kafe stared into his cup, feeling his ears shiver. He had no idea why this feeling of want and sadness was so powerful, and he would much rather keep to himself than find out. Faintly aware of the other bartender trying to get his attention, Kafe looked up.
“Ser Oubastet, doesn't your night shift start pretty soon?” They were a young hyur, voice pleasant and gentle. Kafe had become friends with this person rather quickly, but spoke little anyway, as he often did. Tilting his head to look at the clock above the bar, Kafe downed the rest of his drink, sliding it towards the end of the counter.
“Thank you, as always.” He said with a small smile, shouldering his coat to make the small trip across the street. It was another bar, more of a club really, and he was a bouncer. No one believed him half the time because of his small stature, but Kafe never had a problem taking down elezen or au ra twice his size without too much effort. It paid well and let him sleep during the day when it was more prime to lay on his couch in a ray of sunlight.
Hopping off the stool, Kafe made his way towards the door when the elezen suddenly turned to him, ice blue eyes looking surprised. “Oubastet? Why, that’s an uncommon surname.”
Stopping in his tracks, Kafe could feel that warmth spread through him again. Even the man’s voice made that urge to sob resurface. He didn’t turn to look, not wanting the man to see his face for fear he was actually beginning to cry.
“My family is very old.” Says Kafe simply, shoving his hands into his pockets. The elezen gave a contemplative hum in response. “Well, most anyone would be able to tell you that it’s the surname of our beloved Warrior of Light from so very long ago.”
Ears twitching as his eyes narrowed, Kafe turned his head slightly to look back at the elezen. “Not like I don’t hear that every day.”
Raising his hands defensively, the elezen laughed; it was a lovely laugh that threatened to sweep Kafe away with just the sound. The elezen continued in a more gentle tone, putting some money on the counter before going to follow Kafe towards the door.
“My family owes a great deal to the Warrior of Light’s. We haven’t heard from them in a good century and feared they had all died out.”
“Sorry. I don’t know you.” Kafe replied bluntly, heading back towards the door.
“I am Haurchefant of House Fortemps. Must that not ring a bell?” Pleaded the elezen, not finding it difficult to keep up with Kafe thanks to his longer strides. One ear twitching, Kafe’s frown deepened. Oh, he knew of them alright.
“A rich pretty boy, are you? Sorry, all I know of the Fortemps is that even after countless years they still sit in their little Ishgardian tower looking down on everyone else.” He snapped, stopping at a crosswalk to wait for a passing chocobo carriage to clatter by.
“You think I’m a pretty boy?” Haurchefant said with a poorly hidden excitement.
Kafe blushed, tail lashing as he all but sprinted across the road. He heard the elezen call out to him, but ignored him, scooting down the side alley to the back of his place of work. He rushed through the door, almost knocking into a waitress as he did. She hissed something to him, disgruntled, but he continued to push any other voices away as he headed for the changing room.
Putting on his collared shirt and tie messily, Kafe rolled up his sleeves and let his tattoos flaunt themselves; a large image of Midgardsormr and Nidhogg coiled over his right while Ala Mhigan patterns covered his left. Sometimes it helped intimidate on the job.
Luckily for Kafe that night, an unruly elezen was causing trouble, so he was able to flip him over onto his back to subdue him. It was a flawless tumble, and left Kafe feeling a little more refreshed; all he had to do was imagine Haurchefant’s smug, handsome face instead.
Kafe felt his face pinch at the thoughts crossing his mind. The elezen was indeed handsome… just his type, actually… So much so that it was irritating. The rest of his shift went by in a blur, mixed with a few drinks on top of almost getting into a fight with a customer.
Apologizing to the manager later that night, Kafe left early, knowing he wasn’t in the right mood to be properly civil at his place of work. It happened once in a while, due to Kafe being riled at the simplest thing despite his patience. In the back room, he changed out of his dress shirt, simply leaving a tank top on underneath his coat. Slipping out the back door with a wave to some of his coworkers, Kafe began the short trek home. He lived in an apartment building a few streets away, by the Old Gridania gates.
Gridania was still very much a land of trees, the landscape changing to one of larger tree trunks that were turned into living buildings. Houses and such still littered the city, but in an effort to keep true to their nature, plants and people coexisted.
Walking briskly past the chocobo stables, Kafe resisted the urge to pop in and check on his bird, feeling sleep tugging at his vision. He reached the front door of his building, being as quiet as he could despite the beep of his keycard. Rummaging in his pockets, he took out his apartment key just so he wouldn’t have to do it later.
Kafe’s apartment was cold, an effect of an effort to keep his heating bill as low as possible. The sky was just getting light, and Kafe gradually tossed his clothes off as he padded to the bath with a yawn. After a short soak, he wobbled towards his bed, shooing his coeurl off one of the pillows. The small cat-like creature gave a noise of irritation, but immediately snuggled against Kafe’s shoulder once he laid down.
Staring up at the ceiling, Kafe brought his arm up to cover his eyes, willing sleep to overcome him. He was unusually tired, and a pain thudded in the back of his head. Ears twitching uncomfortably, he rolled onto his side, closing his eyes.
====
Uneasy dreams. Either a nightmare or some far off memory, maybe both. A miqo’te so similar to him, down to the way he walked. But this one was running. Running along a stone walkway high enough to reach the clouds, a taller elezen man next to him. There was a bright flash of light, almost blinding, and then the sound of something cracking. Blood spilled onto the white stone, and the elezen fell.
The miqo’te was sobbing. Harsh, greuling sobs as he clutched at the elezen’s hand. But the wounded man only looked softly up at the miqo’te, eyes pained but so full of warmth and love. Unconditional, mesmerizing love. He spoke, those bright eyes dimming...
“A smile better… suits a hero…”
====
Jolting awake, Kafe felt an unimaginable pain flare throughout his chest. Tears rolled down his cheeks in a steady fall, and his chest heaved with the remnants of dreams. He wound himself into a ball, trying to gain control of his emotions.
The dream felt so real, and it was hurting so much. Kafe had never felt something so powerful, like heartbreak had manifested into his very being. It was nauseating, and his legs shook as he tried to quickly get to the washroom. Coughing into the sink, Kafe’s shoulders trembled fiercely until finally he was able to lift his head.
He had no memory of crying so messily, but he looked awful.
Splashing water onto his face, Kafe wiped himself with a hand towel, beginning to calm down. The elezen in his dream had looked far too much like Haurchefant, down to the Fortemps symbol on his shield. And the miqo’te… his hair was different, and he had scars on half of his face, but he had an eerily similar appearance to Kafe himself. His clan had said there were a few children every so often that looked far too much like the past Warrior of Light.
Shaking his head to clear it, Kafe left the washroom, wandering into the small kitchen. He glanced at the clock, seeing that it was around noon. He had about a solid five hours of sleep, that was enough.
Sitting at the table with a glass of water, Kafe tried to make some sense of his dream. The vivid feel of it was on par with other occurrences, other few times a dream felt too real to be just a dream. His mother, before her death, had told him of a power the Warrior of Light had possessed, called the Echo, given to him by a goddess of a crystal. He had shrugged it off, but now this was the fourth time it had happened.
The first was the first time he had taken up music after being far too interested. It had felt so right, and the next few weeks were recurring dreams of two men seemingly in some kind of lover’s spat. Kafe didn’t know how to take it, but they seemed so close, looking out for each other.
The second time had been at a museum, seeing a portrait of a past ruler of Ishgard; Aymeric they had called him, and Kafe had gone on to have pleasant dreams of a long-ago Ishgard at peace. A man put down in legend as one of the best leaders Ishgard had ever known, and Kafe felt like he knew him in some way.
It had only happened a few weeks ago, but the third was after meeting a lovely young woman, long blonde hair held behind her head with a clip. Minfilia she called herself, and Kafe had felt a sadness after meeting her, not as extreme after meeting Harchefant, but similar. It had been a steady ache in his chest, like he had happened upon her smile many times before, her soft voice bidding him home.
Yet this dream… this seemingly ancient memory, had been enough to make him feel ill.
Too exhausted to cook for himself, Kafe took another bath, soaking far too long until the water felt lukewarm. Limbs protesting and stomach rumbling, Kafe trekked downstairs to find a nearby cafe to have lunch. He usually frequented one just a short walk away, as their homemade croissants were the best he’d ever tasted.
Hoping there were some even left, Kafe quickened his pace, turning a corner and keeping his eyes out for the sign. Arriving at his destination, he peeked through the window, seeing a sparsely stocked counter window. The door let out a ringing sound as Kafe entered, and ordered what he always did; a milk tea with croissant, and a egg sandwich for after.
Curling up in one of the corner armchairs, Kafe took out a book he had been reading; a cheesy romance novel he was only invested in for a good laugh. It was embarrassing really, but delightfully funny. Sipping at his tea, Kafe zoned everything else out, far too busy with the poor au ra knight who couldn’t get the miqo’te princess to even give him the proper time of day. Engrossed in his book, Kafe of course didn’t notice the tall man coming to sit across from him, until a jovial voice called out, “Hello again!”
Practically leaping out of the chair, Kafe’s tail bristled as he gained his composure. Turning to the voice, he scowled upon seeing none other than Haurchefant. The elezen had tugged a chair over to his table, sitting all prim and proper, his coat already hanging off the back of the chair as he smiled over at Kafe. A steaming drink sat in front of him, and Kafe could smell the calming aroma of hot chocolate.
“I saw you through the window and decided to join you. This is one of my favorite cafes, the atmosphere is quite charming, isn’t it?” Haurchefant gazed around the room, giving a satisfied huff as he admired the decor. Kafe’s brow furrowed.
“How rude of you to interrupt me.” He said with lowered ears, feeling a pain behind his eyes.
“Did I? I’m sorry, I know how people like to quietly enjoy their books.” Apologized the elezen, seeming genuine.
“Then leave.”
“I can’t very well do that now, I didn’t get my hot cocoa to go.”
Grumbling, Kafe closed his book, sitting in a more respectable position. He leaned back in the chair, chewing on the crusts of his sandwich with narrowed eyes pointed at Haurchefant. “Why do you insist on bothering me?”
Haurchefant smiled, putting his hands around the cup in front of him. He looked somewhat sad suddenly, and Kafe decided to reign in his hostility. “You piqued my interest the moment we met. It felt like seeing an old friend. I had a dream about you last night! I’m sorry, that must sound quite uncomfortable, but it was an unnaturally sad dream.” He explained, his voice taking a more somber tone.
Eyes widening, Kafe finally leaned forwards in his seat, feeling a strange tug in his chest again. After a stunned moment, he lowered his gaze, saying in a mumble, “I… had a dream about someone who looked like you.”
Surprised, Haurchefant straightened his posture. He seemed a little too excited. “About me? Pray tell it was happier than mine, as I seem to have perished in your arms!”
Flushing, Kafe ignored how dramatic that sounded in the other man’s voice, focusing on the exact similarity to his own dream. “No that’s… exactly what happened. I still feel awful.”
Seeming to go into a stunned silence, Haurchefant then put a hand to his chin contemplatively. He was quiet for what seemed like too long, and it was beginning to make Kafe nervous. Finally, after taking a slow sip of his drink, a sparkle was back in Haurchefant’s eyes.
“This seems like fate, having met you! Our family’s history aside, we seem to have some kind of magnetic pull towards each other, don’t you feel it?” He was smiling from ear to ear.
Kafe’s frown returned. “I don’t think so. You’re just being dramatic.”
“I get that often. But having you say it makes it quite embarrassing.” Face flushing slightly, Haurchefant looked away, smiling almost a little meekly. For a moment Kafe stared, finding Haurchefant quite charming there. While Kafe knew the other man’s bright personality wasn’t an act, he much liked seeing his walls come down, seeing a quieter almost less wise version of how he seemed to be. That made Kafe want to give the man a chance.
Tail flicking back and forth in amusement, Kafe put his chin in a hand as he leaned his elbow on the counter. He tapped a finger on the table to get the elezen’s attention, which was instant, and asked in a tired voice, “Would you like to join me for a drink tonight?”
It took a moment for the question to sink in, but Kafe could practically feel the energy radiant from Haurchefant. Leaning forwards in his chair, the man tried to hide his excitement. “Y-yes! That would be lovely! Where would you like to meet?”
“I work at a bar. I’m off tonight but the bartender is quite good. It’s across the street from where we met last night. Do you remember?” Raising as eyebrow, Kafe watched Haurchefant nod.
“Good. Ten o’clock, then?” More vigorous nodding. Content for the time being, Haurchefant then stood, finishing the last of his drink. “I shan’t be late then! I look forward to tonight!”
The elezen made his way towards the door, but then he suddenly stopped, slapping a hand to his forehead. Kafe resisted the urge to grin, watching as Haurchefant rushed back to the table, not even bothering to sit. His face was flushed and he seemed quite shy all of a sudden. Yet he asked, in an enthusiastic voice, his whole face beaming with the effort, “I am… terribly sorry, but I don’t know your name.”
Chuckling, the corners of Kafe’s eyes wrinkled as he smiled. He saw a blush spread to Haurchefant’s ears when he did so, instantly cementing the charming part.
“My name is Kafe. I’m sorry for insulting your House last night. You seem kind.”
Grinning, Haurchefant’s face blossomed. “Tonight I’ll tell you that the Fortemps are all exceptional people! We pride ourselves in the efforts we have made in goodwill and support of those less fortunate. It’s what the family has done for generations.”
“Alright. Until then.” Hummed Kafe, smiling slightly. Haurchefant held out a hand to shake, and Kafe took it, but as their hands met, a pain flared in the back of Kafe’s head. He flinched, clenching his shoulders as some memory took hold of his vision.
A warm hearth, snow falling outside and visibly covering the windowsill in a small layer. The same miqo’te from his dream, sitting next to the same elezen that looked too much like Haurchefant. The elezen seemed to be consoling the miqo’te, who looked quite miserable. He talked in a soft voice, petting the miqo’te’s hair, the smaller man curling up closer to his companion. They seemed close, like lovers, the atmosphere dripping with gentle assurance and love. Kafe felt that sadness again, and the vision vanished as quickly as it had come.
Coming back to the real world, Kafe was leaned over the table, seemingly clutching at Haurchefant’s hand. Breathing heavily, he looked up at the elezen, seeing the worry in the other man’s eyes. “I’m… I’m fine…” Huffed Kafe, attempting to stand. His knees wobbled, and Haurchefant steadied him with gentle hands.
“You look unwell. Is your house nearby?” He asked, putting a hand on Kafe’s back to further steady him.
“Yes… I told you I’m fine…” Now Kafe grumbled, resisting help as he had always done.
“You can barely stand.” Pressed Haurchefant uneasily, seeming to not want to let Kafe go one more step by himself. With an irritated lash of his tail, Kafe stepped away, albeit unsteady, and fixed his coat. “I won’t miss our night out, don’t worry.” And before Haurchefant could say anything more, Kafe dashed down the street.
Breathless upon returning to his tiny apartment, Kafe collapsed on his couch. The late noon sun was peeking through his curtains, making the couch a lovely place for a nap. So after fluffing a pillow, Kafe tiredly closed his eyes, willing sleep his to be dreamless.
====
Perturbed by Kafe’s eager escape, Haurchefant made his way back to his family’s Gridanian home. Thoughtful the whole way, he tried to make sense of the seemingly shared vision they had had in the cafe. It had had eerily similar decor as the original rooms of House Fortemps, as even after centuries the family was still stuck in some of their old ways. While he did not lie about the Fortemp’s House generosity and willingness to help others, they sure did love their castles atop Ishgard.
His younger sister was currently staying with him, as she preferred Gridania’s milder winters, and while she looked much more like their mother, their personalities had equal amounts of dramatic flair to them. She greeted him as he stepped into the foyer, an arm around the shoulders of her bride-to-be.
“Haurchefant, I thought you would be out far longer. I know how much you love the Gridanian markets.” The bright-eyed elezen woman said, the small Xaela at her hip equally as sparkly.
Letting out a sigh, Haurchefant sat down on of of the plush armchairs nearby, handing his coat to a maid who scampered off. “Anntelle, I don’t know how you have such an easy time wooing those you have taken interest in! I seem to be doing a dreadful job.”
The Xaela with Anntelle hopped over to him, leaning on the armrest as she smiled quite mischievously. “It took quite a while for Ann to actually win me over. Sometimes she’s too dramatic, like you!” She grinned, sharp teeth glinting.
“Fenyang!” Anntelle whined, the tips of her ears turning red. Putting a hand to her mouth modestly, Fenyang laughed. “Oops, she only calls me by my full name when I’m being mean.”
Laughing, haurchefant felt his spirits lift. He was very close with his sister and her bride, so being with them always made his bad moods slip down through the soles of his shoes. He loved them both dearly. A sudden realization came to him, and he leaned forwards in his chair.
“Anntelle! You remember the Oubastets, don’t you?”
Tilting her head, his sister nodded. “Why, of course. That clan was always close to the Fortemps. We haven’t heard from them in about two centuries, though. Such a shame, they were always so very secretive.”
“The miqo’te I’ve been trying to impress is an Oubastet! It completely escaped me to tell you!”
Anntelle’s mouth fell open and she rushed towards Haurchefant, Fenyang trying to avoid her eager steps by sliding behind the chair. “An Oubastet! A descendent of the Warrior of Light! We must tell grandmother, she’ll be so pleased.” She stopped. “And you’re trying to woo them? Oh goodness, this feels like one of the stories told about a Greystone that lived so long ago. I’m sure he was almost married to the Warrior.”
Nodding, Haurchefant couldn’t hold back his pleased smile. “He was my namesake! Described to be a knight of knights, steadfast and loyal! He died an untimely death before he would wed, but this truly must be fate.”
“I can’t believe you’re trying to date an Oubastet. What’s their name?” Anntelle put a hand on her hip, a smile spreading across her face. Fenyang looked on eagerly, lounging ungracefully on the back of the chair as her tail swayed back and forth.
“His name is Kafe, and he is quite stubborn. I’m finally meeting him later tonight for a drink, I’m just surprised he was the one to suggest!” Bashfully, Haurchefant laughed a little, feeling a hot flash on his cheeks. Anntelle smiled wider, twirling a lock of hair around a finger.
“Oh, you’re quite taken with him already. I’ve never seen that look on your face.”
“Haurchey has a crush!” Fenyang giggled, but Haurchefant always appreciated her more laid-back nature to stuffy aristocrats.
“I won’t deny he is very handsome. I would so very much like to see him without a coat on for once. His arms and chest look lovely already.” Haurchefant sighed, making both Anntelle and Fenyang laugh. “Goodness, Haurchefant, tell us how you really feel.” Anntelle scolded playfully, giving his shoulder a pat.
Standing, Haurchefant fixed his shirt with a little tug. “If you’ll excuse me, I want to rest before I go out this evening. I’ll let you know when I depart, but please don’t stay up for me.”
Fenyang gave a click of her tongue. “No promises. We’ll want to know all the details, brother-in-law.”
“Not yet for that, my dear.” Haurchefant tutted, grinning from ear to ear, making the Xaela stick out her tongue. He walked away, back towards his room for a hot bath to get started.
====
Kafe didn’t know how long he slept, but by the time he woke up, it was almost nine in the evening. He had been grateful to sleep like a log, head not pounding for the first time since yesterday afternoon. A moment of panic set in, knowing he had to get ready with his meeting, date? Whatever it was with Haurchefant. It had been far too long since he had properly done something like this, mostly keeping to one night stands every so often if in the mood.
Dumping food in the coeurl bowl and hopping into the bath for the second time that day, he resisted the urge to stay in for just another 5 minutes. After that, he set out some clothes, wondering on earth he should wear. Something brighter probably, so no one at the bar would assume he’s there working. Blue tank top and black slim jeans… that should be fine. He donned a collared shirt just in case Haurchefant was turned off by tattoos.
Stopping himself mid-thought, Kafe ran an irritated hand through his hair. Why should he be so worried about impressing Haurchefant? It wasn’t as if they were dating. Half of him was kind of interested, but that wasn’t the point. Well, ok, the elezen was quite handsome and just his type; tall, nice shoulders, bright personality.
“Rrrghhh!” He growled, stomping around the room. He shouldn’t be so nervous, this was ridiculous. But yet here he was, acting like a kitten on his first date. Catching the time, he noticed it was far too close to ten for him to arrive on-time, so he grabbed a coat and rushed out the door. He ran down the street, enjoying the brisk air on the verge of winter and grateful his place of work was so close.
The lights of the bar flashed, fizzing in and out on a few letters and Kafe noted to tell his manager to get that fixed. Stepping in through the front was always weird, but he was greeted by his coworkers with a smile and knowing nudge. One of the other bouncers, a tall Raen with a scar over his nose, winked at him and beckoned him closer.
“How cheap of you to invite your date here, Kafe.”
Playfully narrowing his eyes, Kafe gave him a light shove. “You think I have the money to do anything fancy? Let me borrow some money and then we can talk, Gyo.”
The au ra chuckled, shrugging his shoulders innocently. He pointed then at the bar, patting Kafe on the back. “He’s at the bar already. Ordered an appetizer for you, what a gentlemen.” Rolling his eyes, Kafe left Gyo to man the door, heading over to the bar.
Haurchefant was there, chatting with the bartender, a dark-skinned Roe woman Kafe was quite friendly with. Despite that, Kafe grimaced, knowing all his coworkers would tease him endlessly after tonight. He hopped up to the stool next to Haurchefant, two pairs of eyes turning to him instantly.
“Kafe! You made it, I was beginning to think you had gotten too nervous.” Teased the woman behind the bar, giving her friend a teasing grin. Kafe’s ears lowered irritably. “I’m on time for everything.”
“Uh-huuuh, says the miqo’te at least 5 minutes late to work every day.”
“I like sleeping.”
“Obviously. Do you ever not have the bedhead look?”
Haurchefant suddenly interjected, leaning at elbow on the counter as he smiled. “I think he looks quite handsome. Some people can pull off that look no matter what. You, my dear Sasha, must need a good time in your morning for that lovely hair.” And to that both Kafe and Sasha flushed, with Kafe turning away quite quickly. Sasha simply laughed. “Oh, you’re a charmer! It’s no wonder Kafe took a liking to you.”
As the food Haurchefant had ordered arrive, Kafe took to stuffing the vegetable and fish wraps into his mouth, trying to ignore the current conversation. The elezen next to him spared a glance, his interest piqued. “Oh, how can you tell?”
“The fact he agreed to a date speaks volumes with Kafe. Usually he just brings someone home and is done with it.” Sasha almost rolled her eyes, turning and beginning to pour different drinks into a shaker. “I’ve never actually seen him in a relationship, though.”
“Sasha, you can stop talking now.” Kafe growled, running a hand through his hair.
Haurchefant stared at him as he did so, eyes suddenly widening is surprise. “Are those… au ri limbal rings? On a miqo’te?”
Kafe took the drink Sasha slid to him, taking a tentative sip. A bit too much alcohol, but he had a feeling his friend was trying to get him to loosen up. Deciding to humour Haurchefant instead of staying his usual closed off self in an effort to try, Kafe nodded slowly. “The Oubastets settled on the Azim Steppe after the wars. Our original ancestor was with a ruling Xaela and so I have a mixed heritage. I’m surprised I still have both bloods in me. It’s been far too much time and we’ve... died out.”
Voice taking on a more apologetic tone, Haurchefant hummed in response before saying, “I’m sorry to hear that. As I said before, our families used to be close. If I may… can I ask why your clan went even further into hiding? The Warrior of Light and my namesake were betrothed.”
It took a few minutes before Kafe spoke, piecing together bits of stories and memories passed down from his mother. He knew of the Fortemps, and he remembered how sad his great-grandfather was come holiday times. Apparently they used to celebrate together, and the Fortemps bread pudding was legendary. Taking a larger sip from his glass, Kafe twirled it around, staring at the various liquids smoothing over its own mixture.
“There’s some Garleans that still hate us. And they were tired of our existence. Some of us were taken, so my mother and uncle hid us away. I can’t recall any other clan family besides my uncle at this point, though Hydelean knows where he is now.”
Looking positively horrified, Haurchefant’s gaze turned onto the counter, and he stared in silence. He put a hand up to his face, covering his eyes, then dragged it down tiredly. Kafe’s heart ached, seeing the look on the elezen’s face; a mix of guilt, grief, and the fact he had not been ready for such an uncomfortable outcome. Without turning to Kafe, Haurchefant said quietly, hand still covering part of his face, “I am… so sorry.”
“You didn’t do anything.” Kafe consoled, wanting to seem aloof but failing. “We… we should have told your family. My great-grandfather raved about your holidays dinners.”
With that Haurchefant’s mood improved, and his face crinkled into a smile. “I’m glad. Though our families were never connected how our predecessor’s would have wished, I…” He paused, seeming to try and get his bearings. “I would like for you to join us this holiday. And I would truly love to get to know you better! You charmed me the moment we met, despite your attitude.”
Finally Haurchefant laughed, and Kafe couldn’t help but smile back. The alcohol must surely be working, as he felt warm and a little playful. He leaned on the counter, staring up at Haurchefant with enlarged eyes and drinking in the elezen’s features; silver hair, blue eyes, he wore a green collared shirt under a dark grey blazer with a red unicorn embroidered on one chest pocket, and his ears were pierced with a simple metal band wrapping around the top. Ugh… he looked stuffy, but Kafe was strangely smitten.
Rolling up his sleeves as he ordered another drink and a proper meal, Kafe gave Sasha a hopeful look. She winked at him, adding a little extra of something to the shaker. Haurchefant suddenly gave a small sound, staring at Kafe’s arms with a raised eyebrow.
Preparing to unroll them, Kafe panicked. “I’m sorry, the tattoos must be off-putting.”
“Hardly! I would love to admire them! You like dragons?” Haurchefant leaned in closer, his eyes almost sparkling as he seemed to be forcing himself not to touch.
Kafe shrugged. “It’s a kind of… tradition. There were stories that the Warrior of Light had Midgardsormr as a type of confidant so many of us adorned ourselves with his image in some way. Nidhogg is just… cool.” He flushed, covering his mouth with a hand to hide his embarrassment. The man next to him chuckled. “I’ve never met a soul in Ishgard who finds him “cool”, but your ancestor bested him twice so I can only assume you have no fear.”
“Oh, there’s fear. He sounds awful. But his visage must have been quite something.” Kafe laughed, low and quiet. He saw Haurchefant’s ears redden at the sound and felt an odd sense of accomplishment.
The rest of the evening went by somewhat in a blur, and Kafe couldn’t remember the last time he had such a nice evening. All he and Haurchefant did was talk, but the man was pleasant and never took the reigns on the conversation. It felt like they had known each other for all their lives. There was a sense of normalcy and comfort that Kafe had not felt with anyone else. In a moment of stupidity while they began to part ways, and a little too much alcohol, Kafe tugged Haurchefant’s face towards his, kissing him deeply. The elezen returned the kiss in kind, putting a hand on the small of Kafe’s back and dipping the smaller man down to kiss harder.
Kafe could faintly hear cheering in the bar, but ignored it, his brain on autopilot as he wanted to kiss Haurchefant more and more. Haurchefant pulled away for some air, staring into Kafe’s face and smiling that smile that had all but stolen Kafe’s heart away.
“I’m tempted to steal you away.” He breathed out, and Kafe nibbled at his ear impatiently. “You’ve already done that, why not finish?”
“You’re drunk.”
“I’m mentally sound. Maybe I’ve wanted to do this since before the drinks.”
They laughed together, and straightened their posture. Kafe twined his tail around Haurcehfant, a purr rumbling deep in his chest. The elezen leaned in for another kiss, but stopped himself and gave a playful grin. “My bed or yours?”
“You have a mansion, this is a no-brainer.” Growled Kafe, meeting him for that kiss.
====
These weren’t his bedsheets. Nor even his bed or his room. There wasn’t a small grey coeurl nestled near his pillow. It took a few minutes, but once Kafe pushed the haze of sleep away he could register where he was and how he had gotten here.
He lay in a bed much too large, a canopy of green curtains parted on the sides. Fancy wood flooring and walls, stained glass window panes, silver filigree on the dresser and nightstand. Panic set in, and Kafe could feel the sweat forming on the back of his neck.
This was Haurchefant’s estate. And they had come here after their evening at the bar and--
A sore feeling spread up from his hips suddenly, and Kafe leaned over and whined. Ooohhh okay. So they really did end up having sex. A wave of embarrassment flowed through him, and Kafe’s tail fluffed up as his mind whirled with about a thousand different voices yelling at him. He was definitely going too fast, and should leave with a polite goodbye after getting dressed. Standing up with wobbly legs, Kafe looked down at himself, scowling. Marks all over him… Haurchefant was truly ravenous.
Someone abruptly knocked, sending Kafe into the air. Startled, he frantically looked around for something to cover himself, grabbing a sheet and haphazardly wrapping it around himself. If it was Haurchefant, he’d tell him he needed to go feed his cat, and if it was some kind of butler he’d ask for clothes and rush out. Nevertheless, a silver-haired head poked into the room, and Haurchefant gave a lovely smile at seeing Kafe awake.
Instantly, Kafe soaked in that smile, completely forgetting about his urgent need to escape. The elezen opened the door wider, carrying a covered silver tray into the room and closing the door. He placed it on the circular table by the windows, then turned to Kafe sheepishly. “I hope you can forgive my, hmm… appetite, if I may call it that. Are you feeling unwell?”
Kafe shook his head a little, ears perked as he tossed various thoughts out of his head. Escaping could wait, especially when a lovely food smell was beginning to permeate the room.
“Um, no, I’m fine. A little sore.” He admitted, standing in the same spot despite the comfort replacing his panic from just moments ago.
Haurchefant blushed, scratching at the back of his head with an apologetic look. Taking a picture of that face for his memory, Kafe finally approached the other man, still wrapped in bedsheets. He leaned over the tray, mouth watering as he smelled sweet.
“I took the chance to have breakfast privately with you. My sister is begging me to meet you, but best get a meal settled, no?” Haurchefant said, sitting in one of the chairs. Kafe did the same, watching Haurchefant take the cover away. Toast with eggs, bacon, sausages dipped in syrup, with tea to accompany the meal. “I didn’t know what you fancy so I grabbed a few things.”
Eyes wide, Kafe stared at the food, then to Haurchefant expectantly. Laughing, Haurchefant beckoned towards the plates piled high. “Eat! Don’t be shy, I insist.”
Tail swaying back and forth, Kafe stacked food onto a plate and dug in. He couldn’t recall the last time he had enjoyed such a nice breakfast, seeing as he usually got up around late afternoon to cook a pathetic lunch or go out to eat. Bacon was usually a luxury, and forget about syrup. The tea was lovely, too, he’d need to inquire as to what kind it was.
Haurchefant ate more politely, but seemed to enjoy watching Kafe eat so happily, and while he was finished and enjoying his tea, he talked.
“Now I’m sure you woke up with… less than desirable thoughts.”
Kafe paused midway with his fork to his lips, but stuffed the food into his mouth anyway. He chewed slowly, seeing Haurchefant steel himself to continue.
“I understand if you would rather put a hold on this, as much I would very much like to continue. I do not want to make you uncomfortable. We were somewhat… desperate last night, as my dear sister so put it.” The elezen gave a small cough, his cheeks gaining a pink color to them. Clearing his plate, Kafe took a large gulp of tea now that it had cooled, allowing himself to lounge against the arm of the chair.
“I admit I woke up and would have leapt out the window if possible. But..” Kafe started, averting his eyes. He could see Haurchefant wilt slightly, and held in a smile to up the tension. “But I guess I tossed that feeling out the window.”
He saw Harchefant visibly relax, and continued. “I’ve… never been in a proper relationship before and we are extremely new to each other. Yet I can’t stay away from you.” Kafe ended with a sigh and shrug of his shoulders, beginning to chew on another piece of toast.
“Really? Oh, you’ve made me the happiest man in Gridania!” Cried Haurchefant, reaching out to grasp Kafe’s hands in his own. Still with toast in his mouth, Kafe recoiled, tail shooting up as the quick movement startled him.
“Oh wait.” Kafe suddenly mumbled through the toast, feeling his hands already start to get too hot in Haurchefant’s own. The elezen tilted his head, pulling away in case he did something wrong. WIth a chuckle, Kafe looked down at his impromptu clothes, then back to the man across from with with a sheepish grin.
“I need to go feed my coeurl… Might my clothes be somewhere?”