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A few days ago, Belle noticed how much work Wise was doing– always out and about, helping people with their commissions, all while also tending to the store– and suggested he let her take some responsibility sometimes. He had declined, since he enjoyed being busy.
Last night, however, the exhaustion hit him like a truck.
So (at the expense of his pride) he finally handed over some of his work to Belle, who said "I told you so" approximately a hundred times before letting him leave.
First, he decided to go back upstairs and check his phone, deciding that relaxing for a bit is what an off-day is supposed to entail, and was surprised to get a text from a number that hadn't contacted him since he first reached out so long ago. The text included some pleasantries, and then quickly dove into what was clearly the intended topic. Long description short– Anton was inviting him to hang out.
Wise had stared at the text for a while before responding. He hadn't hung out with anyone that wasn't from the Cunning Hares or Belle in so long that he was a bit nervous at the suggestion. Nervousness aside, he accepted the offer enthusiastically.
An hour later, he finds himself standing near the coffee shop, waiting for Anton to arrive. The tall man had proposed a more formal get-together, but Wise had assured him that they were friends enough to meet up without it needing to be under the pretense of business. Anton also asked if it would be inappropriate to bring his 'bro', to which Wise had chuckled and told him that (at the very least) he wouldn't care either way.
So it's hardly a surprise when Anton walks up to him toting his jackhammer, looking a little nervous– but not as nervous as when they first met. Wise waves him over, and Anton grins.
"Hey, bro!" Anton says, clapping Wise on the shoulder with one large hand. "I'm glad you had the time to see me."
Wise smiles, patting Anton's hand gently. "Same here." He opens the door to the coffee shop with his free hand. "What kind of coffee do you want?"
Anton gives him an incredulous look. "I'm not letting you pay for me, I hope you know. I asked you to come here, so this is on me."
"Well, sure," Wise shrugs. "I just wanted to pay. It's my off-day, so I feel a bit more relaxed." Then he nods at Tin Master. "One Fruit Foam Latte please."
"I'll have a Black Tea Latte," Anton adds quickly. "Separate payment, if you don't mind."
Tin Master nods, already working on Wise's coffee. Wise notices how he eyes Anton's jackhammer nervously, but otherwise doesn't comment.
When they both have their lattes in hand, they sit at the table outside. Anton places his jackhammer down on his lap so he can hold his cup with both hands, then chuckles.
"Jeez, it's probably pretty uncomfortable for everyone, isn't it?" He asks, glancing around at the few people walking by. None of them spare either man a glance.
Wise finishes his sip of coffee, then tilts his head. "What do you mean?"
"I mean," Anton sighs, staring at his hands. "Carrying my bro around. It's really out-of-place here."
"If it makes you feel any better," Wise offers. Anton looks up, hopefully. "Everyone here looks a little out-of-place. If anything, you fit right in."
Anton is quiet, taking a moment to observe the people around them. Then he laughs. "I guess you're right! Thanks, bro. You really know how to cheer a guy up!"
Wise smiles into his next sip of coffee. "Of course."
After their coffee, Anton thought that Wise would have to leave, but was informed that the latter had nothing else planned for today.
Surprisingly, Anton revealed that he had also taken a day off, so they decided to walk around the city, window-shopping and chatting. The hours passed faster than they ever did when Wise was working, and he found himself disappointed at the thought of going back home.
Thankfully, it didn't seem like Anton was quite ready to head back any time soon, so they grabbed a late lunch and eventually an even-later dinner before Wise suggested they head back to his place.
So now, it's late at night, they're on the rooftop of Random Play– a blanket spread so they can lay down without dirtying their clothes and music playing from a disk Wise snatched from Belle's room– and Anton is telling Wise about the different constellations.
He points at a section of the sky, leaning close to Wise so he can be sure to point in a direction accurate for both of them, and explains how one can only see that particular set of stars during autumn. He also begins giving a detailed backstory about exactly how he started learning about constellations, not moving away from Wise as he does.
Wise nods along, listening intently but also just enjoying the company.
Anton leans on him at some point, gesturing at another set of stars, and Wise never tries to get him off, instead secretly enjoying the contact.
Eventually, they find themselves practically laying on top of each other, and the conversation has shifted drastically.
"So," Wise asks, running his hands through Anton's hair idly. "Do you always feel like that? Alone?"
"Of course not," Anton shakes his head slightly, adjusting the arm tossed across the smaller man's torso. "I have Ben and Koleda and Grace, and they're all there to support me..." Then he sighs. "But, I dunno, I guess I feel bad asking them for help all the time."
Wise frowns, looking up at the starry night sky. His eyes find the constellations Anton pointed out before without even really trying. "I don't think you should feel bad."
"I know, I know," Anton yawns. "Everyone always tells me that. Honestly, though..." He hesitates for a second, then continues. "What you're doing right now is perfect."
When Wise doesn't say anything, Anton coughs nervously.
"Ah, jeez, sorry. That's probably a weird thing to say, huh?" He starts to pull away, but Wise holds him firmly in place (a difficult task, seeing as how their strength is on wildly different scales).
When Anton lays back down– albeit bit stiffly– Wise speaks. "You don't need to apologize. I'm happy to be here with you, and I'm glad you don't mind cuddling up with me." He chuckles. "After all– it's pretty chilly out, and we only have the blanket on the floor to keep us warm."
Anton opens his mouth to reply, then closes it. After a while of silence, he slowly relaxes back into Wise's arms.
Wise has to admit to himself– he's never been a super touchy person. He's not sure why that changed when it comes to Anton, but he sure as hell isn't complaining.
Anton is warm, and his breathing is shallow and steady. He's a comforting weight on top of Wise, who is beginning to realize certain things about himself he was previously unaware of before meeting the large man.
Above all, though, Wise finds himself immensely comfortable with Anton's presence. Since they talked all day, they had lots of time to get to know each other, and now Wise feels oddly close to the man in his arms.
Perhaps the sounds of the city have died down, or maybe it's just Wise going crazy, but all he can hear is Anton's gentle breathing and his own heartbeat. He's glad that Anton isn't looking at him, because otherwise he'd see the small smile spreading across his lips.
"You know," Anton breaks the spell of silence, his voice softer than before. "You really know how to cheer a guy up. Thanks."
"Of course."
Wise really is going crazy.