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“Weiss.”
The name ran over his tongue with comfortable familiarity. It was a name Encio spoke in many different tones; with trust, with superiority, with affection. The man, code-named “Courier” by the people of Rhodes Island, was one of his surest most trusted confidants. Encio knew there was a far-too eager devotion behind Weiss’ smile, he could tell, but he never took advantage or abused the man’s sincerity. Not like he could, of course.
The man in question turned, blue eyes attentive as his ears perked forwards. “Hmm? You called, Master Silverash?” He never dropped the formalities.
The snow around them fell slowly, gently, for Kjeragandr must be in a good mood. Up on the mountains, you never knew what the weather brought so for a mild sun-graced afternoon, it was lucky.
“Stray not too far. The air is getting colder.” Enciodes warned, looking out over the jagged peaks. Hunting in his territory was something done as often as he could and walking through the drifts along trails used by generations of his family comforted him. His father had walked these paths, ones you couldn’t even see through the snow that were only marked by stone cairns and cracked lanterns.
He never needed to genuinely warn Weiss, though. The Itra was as skilled as any, being a resident of the Snow Realm. Weiss could pick his way through the rocks and ice with an expert eye others would be jealous of. With light steps and keen senses, he tackled mountains with ease. A toolbox useful in Kjerag.
“Master Silverash, there's no need to worry.” Chirped Weiss with a smile; it wasn’t one of his veiled smiles, for he smiled brightest at Enciodes.
By the time they were almost back to the paths leading to Turicum, the sun had dipped down behind the peaks of the mountains, coating everything in a purple glow.
Mind plagued with a sudden topic, Enciodes stopped walking. Having been next to him, Weiss stopped a few feet ahead and turned his head around with an eyebrow raised. A wordless question covered his face.
“Weiss.” Began Enciodes. “You trust me implicitly, yes?”
The query surprised Weiss and he waited for his master to continue. “You obeyed my plans without complaint and never questioned my intentions. Part of me conceals a desperation to know what you think of me.” The Silverash lord’s eyes turned down to stare at Weiss, suddenly cold. “I don’t care what others think nor does the thought pester my mind. But you… Your opinions would torment me.”
Eyes wide, Weiss was quiet. Then he chuckled. “Master, you should already know my opinions.”
“I want to hear it from you.” Enciodes pressed, the crease in his brow unbecoming.
Weiss was smiling; there was a hard edge to it. “Enciodes, no matter what you ask of me, I will see it done. I always promise this, don’t I?”
Hearing his name fall from Weiss’ mouth wasn’t uncommon, no, it was saved for moments like this or in the darkened hallways when no others were present. Still, sometimes it made the tip of Enciode’s tail still and his heart clench.
“You promise and the ease you promise is…” Putting a hand to his chin Enciodes regarded Weiss with an air of apprehension. What was making him feel this so strongly? He didn’t know and he had never experienced these kinds of emotions. Not that he was devoid of emotions as others seemed to think; sometimes he was turbulent.
Approaching Enciodes slowly, Weiss looked up at the feline with an open yet… guarded expression. His fingers twitched then reached towards Enciodes, putting his hand over the others with a finger teasing under the sleeve. Still as a statue, Enciodes watched the guise on Weiss’ face change, becoming more fond.
“Ah, I do cherish that I am the only one to see such worry in you, Encio.” The nickname melted the snow around them as Enciodes felt his shoulders relax. Weiss said it was such care that outsiders would question their relationship. “You want to hear it from me? Very well then.” Another laugh bubbled out of his lips.
Fingers coiling around the hand he held, Weiss leaned his face up towards Enciodes’ and spoke with a serious tone. “I decided my life was yours, Encio, in more ways than one. I have never thought of leaving or going anywhere besides next to you. It will not change.”
Then he rested his cheek against Enciodes’ chest, closing his eyes to feel the man’s heartbeat; fast, nervous, loud… “Others may call this some kind of warped love, but for me this affection is the only thing that feels right for me.”
Wrapping his large cloak around them as they stood in the snow, Enciodes couldn’t help but squeeze his arms around Weiss’ smaller frame. It was agonizingly intimate and the combined warmth of their bodies made the realm’s cold seem so far away.
“In that burning building Ratatos had me join her in, I trusted my subordinates. My life was in no danger. My thoughts went to you… I hope you didn’t need to do anything rash.” Explained Enciodes with a small smile, feeling Weiss nuzzle into his shirt.
“I admit I… almost had to have Matterhorn stop me. Degenbrecher is certainly qualified for the job, but I rather like to see to your safety personally.”
They both had a small laugh about it even if the subject was serious. Their embrace lasted another few minutes, enjoying each other’s warmth, until Weiss lifted his head. “Let us get back home, shall we? I could whip us up a meal.”
“I have no complaints.”
====
The kitchen of the Silverash home was well-stocked, large, and usually inhabited by staff that saw to the family or present when the manor saw important visitors. Today it was devoid of the bustle, instead only Weiss and Enciodes gracing the room. A blazing hearth with pots and pans dangling around it sat at one side of the room, Weiss walking back and forth from counter to steaming pot.
Fresh bread with dark jam on the counter and warm tea was being enjoyed by Enciodes. His cloak and jacket hung by the fireplace to dry, Weiss’ scarf and coat on the hook right next to it. Water dripped onto the floor mat as the cold seeped away.
Weiss dropped a bowl of various crushed spices and herbs into the pot, a comforting aroma rising up into the room. It smelled comforting so he nodded and covered it again. Poking at the fire to turn the coals over before he retreated over to where Enciodes sat, taking his own cup of tea and sipping.
The fragrant smell of soup must have alerted others and footsteps approached from the main rooms. Sure enough, Gnosis, dressed in comfortable clothes with books under his arm peeked into the kitchen. His face fell slightly when he saw who was there.
“I thought the staff was here. Loathe am I to see both of you.” He said simply even after walking over to the table where Enciodes and Weiss sat. Tilting his head in greeting, Enciodes offered him a cup and the kettle. “Loathe? That’s a strong word, my friend.”
“Mm. I’m sure he’s talking about me. Gnosis sometimes prefers talking about business with only you in earshot.” Weiss explained, eyes and mouth curved. His smile was different.
Taking the cup gratefully Gnosis helped himself to some of the bread, lathering the jam on in a heap. Taking a bite he raised an eyebrow. “Who made this?” He asked, seeming quite taken by the bread. Motioning to Weiss, Enciodes’ looked quite satisfied at Gnosis’ enjoyment.
“I’m not an exceptional cook like Matterhorn, but I have a few tricks up my sleeve.” Said Weiss with a proud puff of his chest. Enciodes took another piece with anything but a modest coating of jam. “The jam was a gift from the Doctor. They said the Master would enjoy it and ah, there he goes.”
“Something so sweet… I never took you as the type, Enciodes.” Pointed out Gnosis, even if he was enjoying it also.
“The Doctor surely knows me so well. Friends take note of these things, yes?” His words had a playful bite to them as he glanced at Gnosis. Tail resting in his lap, Enciodes glanced at the pot over the fire, flicking an ear towards it. “That should be ready, hmm?”
Turning over to it, Weiss saw the top shaking and hurried over. “Ah, ah! The meat can’t cook too long. Hopefully it's alright.” The steam wafted up and the aroma was mouth-watering. Even Gnosis sat down, expecting a bowl to be handed over to him. In a comical display of disregard, Courier grabbed Enciodes’ bowl and his own, spooinging plentiful heaps of stew into them. He pointed at the cabinet as he sat down across from Enciodes, smiling as Gnosis got up to help himself. “What is this?” Gnosis stared into the pot, observing the cuts of meat, vegetables, and herbs floating in a milky broth.
“It’s seal.” Weiss explained. “We went hunting.” Giving it a look, Gnosis nevertheless scooped some into a bowl. A calm look fell over him instantly once he took a bite and he continued to eat.
Once the three had their fill, Enciodes sat back in his chair, hands folded in his lap atop his fluffy tail, and looked at his subordinates. He watched Weiss clean dishes and save the rest of the soup, leaving it in the covered pot to cool off. Gnosis was going through a stack of papers as he nursed his cup of tea.
Ah, thought a bored Enciodes, time to put a wrench in the day.
Turning to Weiss, Enciodes leaned on the counter, eyes glinting with mirth. “Weiss, the tea is cold.” It wasn’t an order, of course, but he just wanted the itra closer.
Turning and wiping his hands on a towel, Weiss glanced at the kettle. Indeed the steam was gone and he wouldn’t dare pour his master anything but hot tea. “Of course.” He chirped, walking over to grab the handle. Instantly, Enciodes grabbed at the man’s hand, tugging him closer with a playful smile.
“Weiss, leave that for later.” He saw Gnosis’ face warp and felt satisfaction blossom up through his chest. “Accompany me, would you?”
Bashful all of a sudden, knowing Gnosis sat right there, Wiess’ eyes darted around. “Ah, Master, what could you mean by that…?” The red of his cheeks intensified as Enciodes rubbed a thumb along his bare wrist.
“To my room, of course.”
“Pardon…?”
“I’m afraid I’m being quite selfish today.”
“Master Enciodes.”
Weiss’ stern voice made the feline’s mouth turn further upwards into a delighted grin.
“Are you two… Enciodes, you could not possibly be involved with him.” Came Gnosis’ voice, sounding like he was desperately trying to reign in his reaction. Turning over to him Enciodes’ hand continued to hold Weiss’, and he brought the itra ever closer, wrapping his tail around him. Weiss closed his eyes with a wrinkled frown, looking quite content with the fluffy tail around him despite the circumstances.
“I’m appalled I had to spell it out for you. It’s been a few years, though I admit you never care about my personal relationships.” Pointed out Enciodes with a raised eyebrow.
“This man is barely nobility. I don’t care who you bed but others will. Being with common birth is a touchy subject depending on who one talks to.” Waving his initial reaction off Gnosis went back to his tea, enjoying it a little too intently. “Being Lord Silverash and all.”
“The master hardly cares about those matters. You should know.” Reminded Weiss, trying to pull himself away from Enciodes’ tail; it was futile.
“Does your facade continue even behind closed doors?” Gnosis suddenly asked, eyeing Weiss suspiciously. That made Courier’s expression change within seconds. Noticing the atmosphere of the room changing, Enciodes leaned back, letting the conversion play out. He could feel Wiess’ body tense and saw the itra’s smile turn in a particular way.
Enciodes knew this about Weiss. When he smiled like this, there was only a guard. A front around his personality that only those he trusted could get past. Weiss and Gnosis trusted each other from a coworker-like standpoint. In the regard of Enciodes, they had different opinions that they briefly bickered on. Enciodes knew Weiss didn’t like Gnosis for the betrayal they so perfectly orchestrated and assumed things had been resolved; amusingly, it had not. Petty of him to fan the flames, yes, but that meant he wasn’t bored.
“I assure you, Gnosis, the Master is the only one who knows and reads me better than even myself. You’d be hard-pressed to find something he doesn’t know about me.” His voice was even, like an icicle just frozen in the morning. Though it threatened to crack and fall at the slightest provocation.
That made Enciodes’ ear twitch and he looked to Weiss with expertly hidden irritation. “The only things I don’t know about you, Weiss, is where you get your scars and who can contest with your blade.”
“Aha~ Master, you don’t know those things because you don’t need to know.”
An uncharacteristic grumble sounded in Enciodes’ throat but he dropped the subject.
“It’s not my place to wax about who you should and should not be with, Enciodes. It’s none of my concern.” Gnosis remarked, shutting his book with a particularly loud snap. “It is annoying, however, to parade your rapport in front of me. Good day.”
And then he stomped away, making Enciodes chuckle briefly.
Turning to him with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, Weiss hummed. “Master, was that truly necessary? You scared Gnosis off.”
“That I did. Would it surprise you to discover it was on purpose?”
“Of course not.”
Breaking away from Enciodes and going back to cleaning up, Weiss basically told him to wordlessly wait. So the feline did, even through the impatient twitching of his tail. Finally, after hanging up the towel he had been using to wipe the counter, Weiss put his hands to his hips with a satisfied huff. “There. I would hate to leave that for somebody else.”
Tapping his fingers on the table, Enciodes heaved himself off his chair. “Hmm. There are faults in your kindness.”
“Such as?” Weiss asked with an amused smile, fixing his shirt so it lay more comfortably. The two walked out of the kitchen through the foyer, up the main staircase towards the back end of the manor. Untying his tie, Enciodes let out a long sigh as he retreated into his room. Weiss followed, closing the door, locking it and going over to the hearth.
He went out lighting it, stacking the kindling just right so the firestarter’s early flames billowed up to catch them. Soon enough, a cozy looking fire started to emerge, making the black stone of the fireplace glow.
“It’s best to get into bed, Encio, it’s been a long day.” Pointed out Weiss, swinging his coat over his shoulder. Humming in lazy affirmation, Enciodes sat in a large chair by the fire, looking into it with a pondering expression. Seeing he wasn’t going to budge from that spot, Weiss rolled his eyes. “Master Enciodeeeesssss.” He urged, getting up and slowly slipping the man’s loose tie from his shirt. The feline opened an eye, the color of pale stone glinting in the darkened room.
“Hmm.” Was all he said, watching the itra fold the tie and put it away before closing his eye again. Proceeding to hang the man’s jacket and cloak, fluffing the collar of the latter a bit, Weiss’ habit of cleaning up after Enciodes got the better of him.
With a disgruntled sigh, Eniodes waved over at him. “Enough, there’s no need for that. I’ve hardly been in this room.”
“But it’s still messy. You’re so orderly unless you’re preoccupied.”
“There’s been much to be preoccupied about.”
“That there is.”
They were quiet again, the only sound the crackling of the fire and Enciodes’ drawer and closets opening and closing. Ear witching, Enciodes’ leaned his head back against the chair, hiding his hands under his fluffy tail again. Weiss watched the behavior from across the room as he kneeled in front of the fireplace, a light smile softening his features. Suddenly he beckoned Enciodes over, dragging blankets and pillows over the hearth’s warm stone.
“Sit with me, Encio?”
Even though it was the floor, Enciodes wasted no time. He stepped over the pillows, sidling up right next to Weiss and laying against the itra so his head was in the other’s lap. Weiss saw the feline’s tail curl over his lap like a self-made blanket. It was a habit among the snow realm’s leopard people and Weiss thought it was quite cute.
Deciding against pointing it out, Weiss settled into the pillows. He dared to run his hands through Enciodes’ hair, pleased when he started hearing a soft rumbling through the man’s back. “Gnosis can be quite the odd fellow.” Noted Weiss, breaking the silence with a small chuckle. Enciodes shifted against Weiss to sit more comfortably, rummaging in his pockets to take out a small book. Kjeragandr’s name glittered in silver print, signifying it was some manner of teaching from the snow realm’s god. He put it safely to the side, fingers lingering over the well-worn cover.
Finally responding to Weiss, he raised an eyebrow. “He worries for my well-being. Pay him no mind.”
“I’m surprised he didn’t catch on. Usually he’s quite perceptive, mm?.” Weiss’ tone was dark. “Though, more often than not he’s nose-deep in his research.”
The angry crease of Enciodes’ brow was the only thing about his face that changed. “We are not his business.”
“Aah, imagine his face if I told him about your purring.”
“And I would rather you not open your mouth on such matters. I don’t want Encia to find out and interrogate me.” That comment made Weiss’ laughter louder but Enciodes’ frown deepened. “I would rather our relationship not sour further than it has.”
“Sour? I think she’d be happy someone cares so much for you. And she does care, believe me, Encio.” Laying his head on Enciodes’ shoulder and wrapping his arms around the man, Weiss sighed contentedly. “Ah, but such are your worries.”
“My worries amuse you?”
“As I said before, I’m simply pleased to be the only one privy to these things.”
Silence followed, though it was pleasant, and Weiss felt the heaviness of sleep tempt his eyelids closed. So he relented as Enciodes purred against him and the fire warmed his legs. These moments didn’t last forever. In fact they were few and far between so he wanted to enjoy it as long as possible. The two of them were busy people after all.
“Weiss.” The name called out to him, breaking him out of his personal peace. He felt Enciodes move, turned so that they were face to face.
“Hmm?” Weiss hummed sleepily, reaching out to cup the feline’s cheeks in warm palms. It made Enciodes pause, caught in the domesticity for a moment. His tail curled upwards and he pressed his nose to Weiss’. Just for a second, before kissing the itra with soft passion.
Brushing aside his surprise, Weiss leaned into the kiss, one of his hands roaming to hold the back of Enciodes’ head. The other trailed down to Enciodes’ waist, thumb teasing at a sliver of bare skin. He felt Enciodes hiss with the sudden touch and smiled.
“Sensitive?” He watched a fluffy ear twitch in his direction.
“Ssshh.” Began Enciodes, voice hushed. “No one but you touches me so.”
Smile curved with delight, Weiss’ hand dared to drift further. With both hands now, he smoothed them over Enciode’s stomach to feel the ripple of toned muscle. The man’s skin shivered beneath his touch and a satisfied tremble went down Weiss’ spine.
“Apologies, Encio.” He said shakily, not letting Enciodes respond before making the man fall backwards onto the floor. Blankets and cushions softened his fall and he stared up with wide eyes. They narrowed as Weiss leaned over him, but not in irritation.
Smiling, a fang teasing over his lip, Enciodes chuckled. “Having your way?”
“I always do. Because you let me.” Reminded Weiss with a playful pop of his shoulder. Rolling his eyes, Enciodes nevertheless said nothing.
Weiss leaned down to kiss Enciodes again, softly but greedily. He took note of how Enciodes’ waist narrowed, quite liking his hands there. He rode up the man’s shirt, deciding to start unbuttoning a few.A hand stopped him, and Enciodes started doing the deed himself. Then the feline went to Weiss’ shirt, zipping it down. He tugged at the belt along Weiss’ chest, making a rumbling sound. Leaning away from the kiss Weiss laughed.
“Sorry, sorry.” He clicked the buckle off and it all fell to the floor, leaving his softer, sleeveless shirt on. “Don’t get in a twist.”
“It’s a flattering piece of equipment.” Noted Enciodes, regarding how it tightened just beneath the itras chest.
Blinking stupidly, Weiss then grinned. “Aahh, maybe I should take my jacket off more often?”
Taking off his gloves, Enciodes faintly touched one of Weiss’ scars. He trailed along the others in turn with ghost-like touches, eyes far away as he observed them. “No.” Was all he said and Weiss understood. It was a faint possessiveness of his privacy. Those scars were because of Enciodes and only Enciodes would see.
Weiss’ smile turned gentler and his head bobbed with a barely visible nod.
“More.” Enciodes said with sudden impatience, leaning up to discard his shirt. His own scars criss-crossed along his torso and shoulders, new and faded alike. It made Weiss growl, knowing there were people who had laid their hands on this man. On his Enciodes.
Baring his teeth, fangs more sharp than even Enciodes’, Weiss nipped at the feline’s neck. A drop of blood appeared under the prik of his teeth but no more than that.
With a heated chuckle Enciodes brought a hand to hold Weiss’ chin,tilting it so their gaze met. The itra’s eyes looked a bit dangerous. “You know… I would allow it.”
“I wouldn’t dare hurt you.” Said Weiss in almost a whimper.
“You are the only one with permission.”
“Still, I-”
“Ssshh.”
That instantly quieted Wiess and he looked down at Enciodes with a hungry expression. Then he opened his mouth, teeth bared.
====
Sitting on the edge of Enciodes’ huge bed, Weiss sat with his face in his hands. His ears and tail drooped pathetically as the feline behind him lounged in the bed. Book in hand, Enciodes seemed completely unbothered while Weiss had a crisis to himself.
Marks looking like bites covered Enciodes’ shoulders and he seemed pleased with it all. Everything looked like it had been carefully washed and a few spots had small bandages. The book in his hand went to his lap, closed, and he eyed Weiss with a smirk. “Come now, I asked you to, didn’t I?”
“That… isn’t the problem.” Mumbled Weiss, not lifting his head. “I got a… little out of control, I think.”
Enciodes huffed. “I'm not hurt. You’re too gentle with me.”
Finally raising his head, the scowl on Weiss’ face made Enciodes’ smirk curve a bit higher. “Gentle? Encio, please look in a mirror.”
Book back in hand, Enciodes turned to the page he left, ignoring the comment.
“You want to treasure me, is that it?” He then asked, not looking at the itra.
Weiss looked at Enciodes, expression collapsing into something like desperation. “Yes. I told myself you deserved what others wouldn’t give you.”
“Won’t give? …Or can’t give?”
“Both.” Weiss’ back straightened and he climbed over to where Enciodes sat. The feline discarded his book yet again, replacing it with Weiss leaning towards him. Fingers delicately running over the new blemishes of the man’s skin, Weiss’ tone was reverent. “Though I am also to blame. I don’t want others to touch you.”
Enciodes’ tail wrapped around them and he put his forehead to Weiss’, listening quietly.
“Is that why you are so marred?” Enciodes put a hand to a particularly jagged scar on Weiss’ arm; it looked as if it was hastily sewn closed with dots from the stitches clearly visible.
“I’m embarrassed to even have scars. That means I messed up plenty of times.” A light chuckle from Weiss and he finally relaxed into the spot next to Enciodes. He melted into the pillows, suddenly bashful. “You know I would do anything for you, Encio.”
“You must stay by my side.” Enciodes pressed, a serious note to his voice. “These scars also mean you have lived another day.”
His eyes glinted against the firelight, sharp and abruptly dominating. “You will never leave me. This I know, this I require.”
Staring up at him in silence, Weiss then beamed. “Ahaha! That isn’t even a question, hmm?”
“No.” The reply was blunt; Enciodes was certain.
Simply humming in acknowledgment, Weiss wormed his way underneath warm blankets. He patted the blankets covering Enciodes’ legs with a cheerful perk of his ears. “Aahh, it’s late and the Doctor has requested us at Rhodes Island tomorrow. Sleep, Encio.”
Trying to look unbothered by the shift in conversation, Enciodes put his book down indefinitely. In an uncharacteristic motion he curled around Weiss, arms tucked against the itra in comfort. Watching Weiss drift off to sleep, Enciodes’ eyes narrowed.
Pressing himself closer to Weiss’ smaller form, he stopped thinking about everything and slept. In his dreams, like life, he wasn’t alone.