Work Text:
Mollymauk Tealeaf was proud to say that they had a plethora of talents - a word which here means ‘skills they’d developed and ones that were instinctive in such a way that Molly really didn’t want to think too deeply about’. Though one thing in particular didn’t quite fit into the category of ‘talent’. Perhaps ‘bonus feature’ was a better fit. A side effect of existing. Their skin was unnaturally warm. Well, unnaturally warm by most people’s standards. For a Tiefling, they were fine . Or at least, so they’d been told. More than once during their time at the circus, Yasha had ‘conveniently’ decided she wanted to spend time close to her best friend on the colder nights. (Not that Molly had ever minded).
As time went on, it just became another quirk; another little oddity that played a part in the puzzle that made up Mollymauk Tealeaf. And Gods know, their existence was a puzzle. By the time they found themself and Yasha part of the dubiously named Mighty Nein, their body temperature had just become a footnote. Something not even worth mentioning - particularly as they weren’t even the only Tiefling in the group! For the most part, it didn’t seem important - not by any definition.
That was, of course, until it was.
Caleb Widogast was an oddity. And coming from Molly? That said a lot. Whilst Molly tried to hide their anxiety and uncertainty behind their showmanship, Caleb shrouded himself in misery. There were moments when something else shined through; glimpses at the possibility of something more. But each time they were gone just as soon as they appeared. Mollymauk understood what it was like not to have a past, but they had no idea what it was like to have one they were afraid of. But it was those glimpses that always played on their mind. Small smiles. Dry humour. His fondness for Nott. The moments of pure humanity that Molly always got a little bit lost in.
It felt like forcing two puzzle pieces from different puzzles together but Molly couldn’t help but dream. Dream of more than one night stands with strangers and something with meaning. Something worth holding onto. But maybe… maybe Mollymauk spent a little too long dreaming.
For the most part, they liked Zadash. It had been a city of chaos and chaotic action so far. Just the way Molly liked things. Even if they really didn’t enjoy being recognised as a man they could never remember. Though something about the city left them restless or maybe it was some lingering guilt about being such a bad roommate to Fjord. No, it was definitely the former. Mollymauk was positively shameless about the latter. Regardless, they were restless all the same. A restlessness that led to them leaving their room in the dead of the night and creeping out of the inn. If there was no comfort in the night air, Molly would at least get to watch some drunkards making damn fools of themselves.
What they hadn’t expected was to have a very familiar figure who seemed to share their same plan.
“Well, fancy seeing you here.” Mollymauk practically purred the words as they made their way towards Caleb, almost wishing they’d brought their coat with them for some dramatic effect. “What’s a pretty thing like you doing in a place like this?”
To his credit, the wizard just rolled his eyes in an attempt to hide his bemusement. “Perhaps I should ask you the same, Mister Mollymauk.” And Gods, wasn’t there always something in Molly’s chest that twisted at the fondness at which he said their name. Still, Caleb’s bemusement was short lived as he let out a sigh. “…The bed’s too soft.”
That was a sentiment Molly wished they understood more. Travelling with the Circus had let you a variety of odd sleeping arrangements until Molly could decisively say there were few places they wouldn’t sleep. Evidently it wasn’t the most shared experience. Though, they also suspected the man before them didn’t have much knowledge at the concept of comfort - something Molly hoped the Nein would be able to rectify for him. “I can’t say out here is a better sleeping arrangement. You look like you’re freezing in that coat.” Because Caleb’s coat did really look like it was on the verge of falling apart.
“Says the person that came out here without one.” To which Molly gave a small shrug. The cold had never overly bothered them - at least in the small doses they’d received it - but was more a curiosity. A sheer juxtaposition to their eternal warmth. Well, not eternal. A transient warmth that only lasted as long as Mollymauk did.
Now it was Mollymauk’s turn to shrug. “No need for it. I’m all but an anthropomorphic campfire.” To prove their point, Molly pressed one of their hands against Caleb’s face. The man seemed as if he wanted to pull away from it before slowly leaning into the warmth. “Oh, you’re freezing.” The concern in Molly’s voice seemed to surprise them both. They were allies, of course and maybe friends in some sense of the word, and Molly certainly entertained the prospect of that friendship reaching far further. “C’mere. We can’t have our resident wizard freezing to death.”
Later, Caleb would insist the blush on his face was from the cold and Molly would indulge him in that lie. “That’s… That’s not n-“
“Gods, Caleb. I’m trying to warm you up! Not ravage you. Although…” Molly couldn’t help but laugh at the almost-playful way Caleb shoved them. “Point made.” Still, they moved one of their arms out in a silent offering to pull him close to their side. Caleb hesitated for a moment before moving closer, practically leaning into their warmth.
A comfortable silence fell over the two at that, both allowing their thoughts to wander. Eventually Caleb broke that silence. “It’s quiet tonight.”
“Far quieter than I expected.” Molly glanced over at him. “Given how close it is to the festival, I was hoping for at least some drunken drama to pass the night. Add a bit of flavour to it, if you will.”
Caleb let out a quiet snort. “Not everyone is as loud and… extroverted as you. Some are more tame with their celebrations. More controlled with it.”
“I wouldn’t know. That’s one of the downsides to travelling constantly.” They hummed. “Hardly time to linger or celebrate anything other than the occasional birthday or a show gone well.” It felt almost ironic to talk about given how much of a fuckup Fletching & Moondrop’s final show had been. “But telling stories comes with learning them and the many celebrations and traditions they hold.”
Caleb watched them with an expression that wasn’t entirely readable. “I didn’t think you’d be the type to be interested in the traditions of the Empire.”
That caused Molly to shake their head sharply. “Not just the Empire. The world. There’s so much out there. So many celebrations to be seen, indulged in, and just… enjoyed.” Because Molly have the body and kind of an adult, there was still an almost ignorance of the world; a desire to explore it and understand it - to find all the pleasures and delights it could hold.
“Did the carnival take you far? For you to be able to pick up such stories?” Genuine curiosity laced his voice.
“We stuck to the Empire mostly but the Menagerie Coast was good for hearing all sorts of things.” They rested their head back against the exterior wall of the inn. “A fair few sailors seemed to come from Tal’Dorei - or at least those that came to our shows did. Very curious about the tales of a tinkerer from there, even had one try to correct me on it once.” Molly stopped themself before they went off on a tangent that would most likely last until morning.
“Winter’s Crest was the one they mentioned often. A gift giving festival, apparently. One dedicated to the joy of others is certainly one I could get behind.” After all, Molly was determined for their mark on Exandria to be a happy one. “Most stories were from Emon but a few swore hands down that the best place to experience it was further north. White Rock or somewhere like that.”
“Whitestone.” Caleb corrected, tensing for a moment. “I’m… aware of it.” Even Molly had moments where they knew not to pry. “But it does fit you. Leave every place better, ja ?” He paused. “You are not who I expected you to be when we first met.”
If it were possible, Molly felt their cheeks grow warmer and hoped the shadows of night were enough to hide it. A comfortable silence fell over them. In act they hoped wasn’t too bold, Mollymauk held Caleb a little closer, letting the arm wrapped around him become two in a full blown hug. The man just leaned into it, pressing himself against them in a way that reminded Molly of Frumpkin’s when the cat grew comfortable. They couldn’t quite work out how long the two of them stood there for but it still didn’t feel like long enough when Caleb eventually began to pull away.
“…I should get back inside before Nott starts to worry.” Despite his words, Caleb still seemed reluctant as he pulled himself away from Molly’s side. “But I hope you get visit such places one day, Mister Mollymauk, and enjoy your festivals.”
“I hope you’re there to enjoy them with me, Mister Caleb.” His footsteps faltered for a second before he soon disappeared back inside.
Molly wouldn’t call what happened between them a spark by any means but it had the potential to be, and maybe… maybe travelling with the Nein would allow that spark to grow into a non-trauma-inducing flame. After all, who knew what adventures they were going to find themself thrown into?