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This time of the day is the perfect time for a good book.
Is what Ulysses always told himself, and it was true.
Nobody to interrupt him, no noises or sounds to distract him, just silence and peace for once.
Well, that first one didn't last so long. Ulysses sighed calmly but heavily when he heard the door open.
He didn't turn around when he spoke to whoever was behind him. Which probably wasn't the best idea.
"I cannot get a moment of silence in this school, can I?
His words were sassy as he reached forward to grab a book, that's when the person replied in a deep and gentle tone.
"Is that so? Hmm, well then, I shall let you be. I was in the mood for reading but alas, if you do not wish for any company I will leave...
Ulysses froze, his breath stuck in his throat as the person closed the door behind them, he slowly turned around to see Tozu.
His immediate reaction was to apologize, he sucked in a breath and began to ramble.
"S-sir Tozu! I apologize for my selfishness, it's not acceptable is it? I shouldn't be babying over something so-
"Human.
Ulysses gave him a confused look, his nervousness giving away as the host walked towards the bookshelf he was at.
When Tozu figured the historian wasn't going to reply, he smiled and went on.
"There is no need to apologize for your wishes, you simply feel like that because of the situation you are in. If anything, that is purely human of you and not selfish in any way.
Hearing those words come out of Tozu's mouth was incredibly surprising for Ulysses, hell, they would be for anyone who knew the host's true intentions.
He watched Tozu searching through each book carefully before taking out a rather large one with it's cover being caramel brown with photos of pyramids and rock statues.
"T-that is...true, t-thank you for reassuring me about it, I was starting to think that I was being selfish to everyone else and I couldn't help but think about-
Ulysses stopped himself from completing his sentence, clearing his throat and chuckling awkwardly before apologizing again.
"I-I'm sorry, but still, thank you.
"Apologizing again? I already said it isn't necessary.
Ulysses couldn't tell if he was mad or not, so he just gave a small smile and hoped for that to work.
He was glad when when the host returned it before offering him the book in his hands.
"Since you are an historian I believe that this book will be of high interest for you, also, if it's not a bother would you let me join you? I enjoy reading here more than in my own room.
Ulysses nodded rather quickly as he took a seat on one of the couches nearby.
"OH! I should get myself s-something to drink, would y-you like something?
Just as Ulysses was going to get up, Tozu stopped him by pushing him back down.
"I'll go get us both some tea, yes? I've heard it helps soothe one's nerves, which you clearly seem to be struggling with.
Ulysses just nodded, surprised that the host was able to see through him so easily as he opened up the book in his hands while Tozu headed to the kitchen to grab some tea.
"Ancient facts you must know about"
Well that summed it up, Ulysses read the first one and grimaced a bit. He read a few more when Tozu returned with two cups of chamomile tea.
"Sir Tozu, did you know that ancient Romans used urine as mouthwash back in the old days?
Just as expected, Tozu grimaced at the fact. He scrunched his face and Ulysses couldn't help but laugh half-heartedly as the host sat beside him.
"Is that so? Just thinking about it makes my stomach stir, are there anymore facts I should know about that are less...disgusting?
Ulysses turned pages and nodded.
"Y-Yes, there are a lot of facts in this book, 34 to be correct.
"Well then...
He handed Ulysses a cup and helped sustain the book with his free hand.
"Let us read and enjoy the time we have, I remind you that it is almost bedtime.
Ulysses wasn't too happy about that but nodded eagerly as they began to read in their heads.
So many facts yet only a few of them caught Tozu's interest by a lot, some of those facts having to do with pyramids and others about mummies and such, he seemed to be interested in the most oldest things.
There was also one that said that ancient Egyptians kept baboons as pets, he told Ulysses that it sounded kind of cute.
"Just imagine them playing with their owners! As hairy and troublesome they may be, they must have been like dogs to them.
Yeah, maybe they were.
Ulysses had smiled and shifted closer to the host before asking him-
"Would you have one as a pet if you could?
Tozu thought about it for a moment before answering with a grin.
"Perhaps I would, perhaps I wouldn't. It would depend on what kind of baboon I got.
The historian had simply nodded and continued to read on facts in comfortable silence.
After about half an hour Ulysses was starting to get sleepy, and Tozu gently running his red gloved fingers through his hair occasionally was not helping him stay awake one bit.
He had been surprised when the host began it, but it was nice, so he just thought it was a habit of the man and continued to read.
His eyelids were growing heavier and heavier until they finally closed shut, falling asleep right on Tozu's shoulder, who gave him a gentle nudge.
"Peasant...? Are you awake?
Tozu smiled when he heard light snoring, he took the empty cup from the boy's hand and placed it on the table near them.
He did the same thing with the book before carefully getting up from the couch, he looked at the sleeping historian and found himself pondering on what had happened.
He didn't regret it, but his heart was starting to soften with each moment he passed with his participants.
He sighed before taking the boy into his arms, he couldn't just leave him here. That would cause suspicion to happen in the morning by Damon.
He quietly took him back to his room, after setting him on his bed he carefully smoothed his hair back.
"Goodnight, Ulysses.
With that, he left and locked the door just to be safe. Well, for Ulysses safety, but he wasn't about to say that.
He headed back to his own room with a smile, tonight had been nice...
Although somebody was going to question 'why' a pair teacups and a book were on the library table tomorrow morning...
But that was the least of his worries, as long as Mara doesn't find out, everything will be fine.