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The waves were settled as it washed up shore along the beach, the sun just peeking from the horizon. A gentle wind caressed the grass and gently ruffled the forest behind him. It is not often that he allows himself time to take in the scenery like this especially for the sake of clearing his mind.
No moments like those are spent in his chambers within Waloeds walls, using such time to sort through paperwork, writing out commands for the army, making sure resources are distributed properly throughout his kingdom and their inhabitants. Especially reviewing reports written by his commanders.
Benedikta is currently training a batch of recruits for the army, using that opportunity to sniff out which of them have the traits required to join Waloeds intelligencers. As for his lord commander Cidolfus.
Barnabass let out a sigh, closing his eyes to feel the warm breeze caress him, small droplets landing on his face indicating the first sign of rainfall. Taking one last look along the shore, he rose to his feet from the tree stump he occupied and started the trek back to the castle. He is normally accompanied by a small group of soldiers for such detours, or by one of his commanders. Though this time he wished for the privacy to ignore the small flicker of thought that has been nagging his mind recently.
Cid.
Nothing was out of the ordinary between the two of them, their interactions went about professionally, reports given, as it should between a King and the Lord Commander of Waloed. But there were subtle differences in their conversations that lead to Barnabass looking back on it more than he normally would allow. More physical demonstrations between the two of them that he would not allow at all if it were someone else.
Shoulder pats after giving a report, smirks and eye winks freely shown to him after a battle. Bumping shoulders while they watched the soldiers go through their drills. If someone noticed no one said anything, except for Benedikta who watched the two of them with an odd look in her eye whenever she was around them both.
Cid stormed into his chambers, a smile gracing his face, hips swaying as he held two goblets in one hand the other holding a bottle of wine. Approaching his desk as though he owned the place, though he is his right hand man so that does allow some leniency.
“You’d think at this hour our king would be in bed by now, what say you Barnabass?”
Barnabass who was delved deep into a report about Rosarias recent celebration of the dominant of fire finally appearing in the Rosefields family, looked up- eyeing the bottle of wine held in Cid's hand “unlike the king's servants and people, the king has matters to attend too that requires his attention only” replying dryly. The response only deepened the grin sporting his face, chuckling Cid placed the two goblets on the desk, as he opened the bottle to pour them both a drink, “then you surely would not mind the company as you work my king, it is only natural that your lord commander ensures that you are well rested for tomorrow's trip to Eistla”.
Barnabass leaned back in his chair resting his head on his hand face impassive“I do not recall whether I rest in my chambers or not part of your responsibilities Cidolfus” amusement seeping into his voice, extending a hand to receive a goblet, then brought it to his lips to taste the sweet aroma of berries
“Perhaps not but it does not hurt to be among friends is it not?” Cid retorted back.
Barnabass paused then took a sip from the cup.
Friends.
He honestly never quite placed that term between the two of them, never thought of it before. Is that what they were? Friends? It was a foreign concept that felt out of place in his life, it had no place in it to begin with during his upbringing and his reign as the King of Waloed, dominant of Odin. After his mothers death did he see the cruelty men brought upon this world. For a long time he despised men, women, and humanity. Never wanting to get too close to anyone as the one person whom he truly loved in this wretched world was ripped away from him too soon. If it weren't for that fateful day Barnabass would never have become Waloeds current King, nor leading an army to face Sanbreque on the fields of Valisthea.
No.
He would have stayed on that tiny farm with his mother keeping her happy and safe until she took her final breath.
Barnabass would have been happy with just that.
But alas fate was cruel.
“You okay Barn?”
Head snapping back to the occupant across from him brought Barnabass to the present. Cid looked at him with concern, eyes shifting from him to the goblet in his hand. Looking down he realized he devoured the whole drink in a minute. Suddenly warm calloused hands cradled his face forcing him to look directly into Cids eyes, his own widening as well, who was now towering over him as Barnabass sat still in the chair.
“My King?” Cid whispered softly, concern lacing his words Barnabass eyes flickered to his lips briefly then back to bright blue eyes. The touch of skin to skin felt overwhelming especially with such gentleness he never experienced in such a long time. When was the last time someone showed him this sort of attention, so used to obedience, fear from others especially his soldiers he honestly forgot what it was like to feel another person's warmth. His heart stopped beating for a moment as he slowly brought his own hands to cover Cids.
Cid realizing their close proximity released his own hold as a lovely pink tinge flushed over his cheeks, Barnabas felt cold when Cid let go of him.
The rain poured heavily as Barnabass arrived back at the castle armor soaked as it provided little protection against the element. Reaching the castle gates he realized there were very few guards to greet him, only to see that Cid waited for him under the gates archway with a cloak in his arms. ‘Ah how long has he waited’ he wondered, he left the castle as the moon was rising above the trees, leaving only a small note in his study in case his commanders wondered of his whereabouts, and only returning as dawn broke through.
Cid continued to wait from where he was, watching him with a soft look? Barnabass slowly walked to stand in front of him, finally under the protection of the gate's archway, water dripping from his body as he locked eyes with his lord commander.
Cid adjusted the cloak in his arms opening it to wrap around Barnabass’ shoulders then slowly with both hands bringing the hood up to cover his head “You would think that our King has the sense to have some protection against the elements as well” he spoke softly, hands resting on his shoulders.
Barnabass stayed silent, unable to bring himself to respond with his own dry humor, simply enjoying the moment between the two men, the rain muffling whatever noise they may procure to prying ears. He only brought his own hands to cover the softer ones resting on his shoulders, with a moment of faith, Barnabass leaned forward his and Cids foreheads touching and resting against each other and closed his eyes. He felt Cid stiffen for a second then relaxed. They remained like that for a while, basking in each other's company, he heard a breath escape Cid.
“Let's go home Barnabass” Cid whispered.
Warmth filled Barnabass’ chest