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He knew he couldn't keep it a secret forever, but he'd sure as hell try. That being said, Varian had only just stopped wearing his cloak around the castle. A terrible decision really since the staff were all terrible gossips. Word would probably be around Corona soon enough, but the alchemist couldn't bring himself to care all that much.
He was on his way to bring some books to the library when he noticed someone tailing him. He snuck a glance behind him to find Lance just casually standing there, not doing anything in particular. Though he was holding a pillow case.
"Lance? Can I help you with something?" he turned around to fully face the former thief.
"No, no. Just go on about your business" the man smiled. Varian quirked a brow before he turned around again. Lance was an odd one.
He kept walking and heard footsteps as he started walking again. So he was following him. This went on for several minutes before Varian turned around at a quick enough pace to cause a few feathers to fall "Okay! What-" before he could finish he noticed Lance picking up the feathers and stuffing them in the pillow case.
"What and why!?" the alchemist almost shrieked.
"I don't know if you've noticed, but those wings you got have extremely soft feathers. The other night when I put you in your bed I was thinking how comfy it must be to be all wrapped up in a little birdie burrito. Since I can't have that I thought I'd try the next best thing and stuff this pillow case with the ones your lose."
"You've-" Varian placed a hand over his face. "I'm not even sure how to respond to that. On the one hand, it's kinda creepy, but on the other hand, its very much something you would do. So I'm not really all that surprised but..." he sighed
"Be honest kid, what were you gonna do with them? Because if I had to guess you'd probably just throw them away, and I can't let quality pillow filling go to waste."
"Fine" Varian huffed. "Do whatever you want." He continued until he reached the library, putting the books away as Lance picked up a couple stray feathers.
Lance watched as Varian placed the books back at he higher shelves, losing his footing and only remaining to stay where he was after yelping, flailing his arms and flapping his wings a few times. He then proceeded to get back off the ladder as if nothing happened.
"Hmmm" the larger man pondered.
"What?" the alchemist looked over his shoulder knowing whatever Lance was thinking, wasn't good.
"I think you need to learn to fly little man."
Varian scoffed before laughing. "Yeah, no thanks."
"Well that's a wasted opportunity if I've ever seen one."
"Lance, I know where you're coming from, but I've fallen from enough high places to develop acute acrophobia."
"I didn't know you were afraid of spiders."
"No, acrophobia is heights." He finished as he started walking away.
"Oh" Lance pouted. "Well isn't that all the more reason to learn then?" he raised a brow. "Like you said. You do tend to fall off of things more often than not, and I'm willing to bet the scientist in you really wants to try."
Varian stopped. Pouting, because damn if Lance wasn't right about that. He knew his wingspan was capable of getting him off the ground. He knew the mechanics of flying, and what was a human with wings even capable of? Still...
"Okay fine." He turned once again to face Lance. "In a controlled environment. I'll give it a try, but I need someone to take notes for me. Do you think..."
Lance smiled. Varian was placing his trust in him, even after the Rooster incident, the kid still wanted his help, and something in Lance told him Varian needed someone to give him the confidence to try this as well.
"You can count on me." He puffed out his chest.
"Thanks" he replied with a smile. "Oh and Lance?"
The man looked back at him.
"Get rid of that pillowcase."