Work Text:
25th of December 2025
10:47am
"Truly?"
Davrin nods with a smile, running his hands over Assan's back. "Yep. Assan dove out right in front of them and tackled them to the ground. Held them by the neck until we caught up." He starts to rub Assan's ears, cooing at his beloved dog. "You got them good, didn't you? Who's a good boy?" He laughs as Assan's tail wags, clearly happy with the praise.
Emmrich chuckles at the scene, his own heart swelling with pride for the beloved German Shepard. "And you have had him since he was born?"
Davrin nods, easing Assan back down into his lap. "Uh-huh. He was the liveliest puppy you ever saw. I watched him grow up from birth, but he chose me at the companion assignment meeting. After that day, I've been training him and handling him ever since." He gives Assan a final pat on the head before he returns his full focus onto the other man. "So, tell me about Manfred."
The Professor cannot help but beam. "Oh, where to begin! Well, I've always wanted a companion since I was a boy. I used to cuddle up to my neighbours pig whenever I could, so wanting that companionship is something that has been a goal of mine for many years. Eventually, four years ago, I decided to head to my local shelter and finally choose a companion for myself."
"Let me guess, it was love at first sight?" Davrin questions with a tilt of his head.
Emmrich laughs softly, nodding. "I was taken to the cat room, as I specifically requested a cat. I would have loved to have a dog, but I was afraid of the work on my aging body." He purposefully ignores Davrin's frown at the mention of his age. "There were so many to choose from! From senior, slow cats to the most energetic kittens! Oh, it was almost too difficult to choose." He tilts his head, smiling at the memory. "But there he was, approaching me as soon as I entered the room, full of curiosity and confidence. Oh, and those beautiful eyes! I knelt down and he hopped into my lap without hesitation, choosing to stay there the entire time I was there. Safe to say, I went back the following day and took him home with me."
Davrin chuckles, shaking his head. "And now he's a big cuddle-bug who acts just like his father?"
Emmrich can feel himself flush as he nods. "Indeed."
The door to Davrin's apartment suddenly opens and a familiar figure walks into the living room. Assan was up in an instant, jumping off of the couch and over to the newcomer, his tail wagging wildly and small, happy noises leaving his body.
"Hello, Dove." Davrin greets his boyfriend, having a dreamy look on his face.
Emmrich covers his mouth to hide his smile.
Lucanis flushes brightly, but does not stop giving affection to the eager German Shepard circling him. "Hello, mi amor."
The Professor deems it time to take his leave, knowing the two lovebirds will want their privacy. "Well, I appreciate you inviting me over for tea, Davrin. I best be off."
"Emmrich, hold on a sec." Lucanis shuts him down, shaking his head. "Stay, please. At least for a little longer. I don't want you to get caught up in all the chaos out there."
"Ah, yeah. The Christmas chaos." Davrin gestures for Emmrich to stay. "Unless you want to be trampled by many people or stuck in traffic for hours at a time, you're better off here for a little longer."
Emmrich hesitates before he agrees, seeing their points. "Ah, well, perhaps another hour won't hurt?"
Lucanis nods in satisfaction, circling the couch to take a seat next to Davrin. Assan climbs into his lap and is rewarded with multiple pecks to his snout. "Hello, trouble."
Assan lets out a loud bark as he fully pins Lucanis to the back on the couch and starts to smother him with kisses.
Davrin and Emmrich burst into laughter whilst Lucanis splutters and tries to get Davrin to remove Assan from him.
The man proceeds to just laugh and smile as his dog showers his boyfriend with love.
—
11:34am
Lucanis phone buzzes.
He reaches out and picks it up from the coffee table, tapping the screen a few times to see the notification. He barks out a laugh when he sees a message from Arendil, in all caps.
~~
Arendil
HELP! THIS CHRISTMAS RUSH IS KILLING ME!
(Sent at 11:34am)
~~
"Is that Arendil complaining about the chaos?" Davrin asks, wearing a knowing look.
"Yep. What do you both think? Shall we head over to the bakery and see if Arendil is being tortured?" Lucanis looks at the other two men in the room, smirking.
Emmrich frowns. "Is he truly that busy?"
"He's always busy, Emmrich. But yes, he's extremely busy around this time of yeah. Come on, let's go and see if he needs rescuing."
—
12:03pm
"Oh my…"
Arendil perks up as three figures enter his bakery and he sighs in relief. "You have no idea how good it is to see you three!"
Davrin whistles, frowning. "You good, Arendil? You look…awful."
Lucanis gently elbows his arm, narrowing his eyes in warning.
"No, Lucanis…he's right. I'm a mess…" Arendil looks down at himself, sighing. He was covered in flour, icing and crumbs. His hair was a tangled mess and his eyes held a shine of exhaustion. "You guys didn't have to come all this way. I wasn't actually asking for help."
Emmrich hums, looking around at the empty café. "Have you finally reached a moment of peace, Arendil?"
The man nods, his caramel locks swaying over his shoulders. "Yep. I finally got through the rush. …After about 200 customers."
Lucanis' eyes widen. "You've been open for an hour!"
"I. Know!" Arendil waves his arms in exasperation. "Thank Maker I am only open until 1pm today." He jolts and looks down when he feels something paw at his legs. "Bloom! There you are, girl!" He bends down, rubbing his hands over the Great Dane's ears. "Where's your sister?"
Bessie suddenly barks, nudging Emmrich in the back of his legs. "Oh!" The man chuckles, reaching down to give her some affection. "I believe she was behind me the whole time. Aren't you a quiet one?" The St. Bernard puppy just barks again, leaning into the Professor's hands.
Davrin walks over to the counter, reaching over to squeeze Arendil's shoulder. "If you want us to stay and help a while-"
"No. I can't ask that of you three. Besides, the worst of it should have passed by now." Arendil throws him a small smile. "I'll be okay. Now, can I get you three anything?"
The three men give Arendil a quizzical look but, knowing there was no winning against the stubborn baker, decide to indulge in his question. Lucanis requests a large coffee and a hazelnut crème donut; Davrin orders a berry smoothie and a lemon bar; Emmrich looks down at the display cabinet and chooses a strawberry frosted pretzel and a lavender honey tea.
The four of them converse whilst Arendil readies their orders, with Bessie and Bloom earning tons of affection.
Everything was put on hold, however, when Emmrich's phone chimes. He pulls it out of his pocket and proceeds to let out a happy laugh. "Finally!"
"Everything alright, Emmrich?" Lucanis asks, nursing his cup of coffee like it was his own child. Davrin hums in question, one hand holding his smoothie whilst the other was tightly wrapped around his boyfriend's waist.
"My housing is finally ready! I can move in today!" The Professor sighs in relief. "I no longer have to sleep on that awful lumpy mattress!"
Arendil chuckles, leaning against the counter. "Are your things being delivered?"
Emmrich shakes his head, smiling. "No, for they are already there! Everything is in boxes, so I will have to unpack, but it's nothing I can't handle. It's only Manfred I'm missing and he'll be arriving by train in about an hour!"
"Want some help getting your things unpacked?" Davrin offers, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, I simply cannot-"
"Alright, I'll get in touch with the others. Send us your address Emmrich and we'll make a start whilst you're picking Manfred up." Lucanis states, already pulling out his phone to send a message in the group chat.
Emmrich waves his hands, spluttering out a response. "There is no need for you all to-"
"I'm coming with you to pick Manfred up." Arendil states, laughing loudly when the Professor just slumps in defeat. "Sorry, Emmrich, but you're one of us now. Even if you don't want our help, you're still going to get it."
"I see that now, Arendil." Emmrich sighs, pulling out his phone to send them all his new address.
—
1:38pm
"Is that him?" Arendil questions, full of excitement as Emmrich approaches with a cat carrier. "Can I see him?"
Emmrich chuckles and holds the carrier up higher, so Arendil could see. "He seems at ease, which is a litter surprising. He's usually a little restless during train rides."
A pair of bright green eyes watch Arendil through the clear door as the man looks over him.
"Awww, I can't wait to actually pet him!" Arendil coos, chuckling to himself. "Well, cat acquired, now let's get you both to your new home!"
Emmrich follows the excited man, chuckling at Arendil's antics.
—
5:08pm
"Thank you, all of you, for your help."
Taash simply waves Emmrich's gratitude off, whilst Harding just shakes her head. "No need to thank us, Emmrich! Sometimes, moving in is much easier with friends! If you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out to any of us!" With a wave, the two leave to go on their planned date.
Lucanis and Davrin soon follow, saying their goodbyes as they quickly leave, but not before Davrin takes a swipe at his boyfriend's ass and earns a mantra of curses flung at him.
Neve chuckles as she places Manfred down on the couch, rubbing behind his ears one last time before she takes her leave with a nod and a smile. Bellara follows after her, quickly spouting out a quick goodbye before she chases after the detective.
Arendil closes the door behind them, choosing to stay for a little while longer. He marches over to where Manfred stood and picks the cat up for himself. He holds Manfred against his chest, smiling when his actions earn his a loud continuous purr. "Awww, you are just too precious!"
Emmrich chuckles, walking over to scratch under Manfred's chin. "You were being so friendly today! I'll give you a treat in a moment." His hazel eyes dart up to his remaining guest. "Arendil, would you like to stay for some wine? I have a bottle of red, if you would like a glass?"
"If you are alright with me staying for a little longer? I just want to make sure you and Manfred are fully settled before I head back to the bakery." Arendil states, leaning down to pepper Manfred's spotless, white fur with kisses.
"Of course I don't mind. Please, make yourself comfortable." Emmrich gestures towards his couch, quickly heading down the hallway and into the kitchen.
Arendil walks around the back of the couch, still smothering Manfred with love when his feet catch on a cardboard box that had been left on the floor. "Oh! Hey, Emmrich, I think we missed a box!" He carefully places Manfred on the couch before reaching down to pick up the box, setting it gently on top of the coffee table.
"Would you mind opening it? Tell me what is inside and I'll tell you where it should go. Leave the contents inside! I will take care of it after you leave!" Emmrich calls from the kitchen, clearly struggling with opening the wine.
Corks can be stubborn.
Manfred mewls as Arendil does as the Professor requested, prying the tape away and opening the box.
His heart stops at what he sees.
His hands tremble as he pulls out a perfectly preserved record sleeve. On the cover was a beautiful woman. She has stunning, caramel locks that drape over her left shoulder and bright blue eyes, the colour of sapphires. Her skin was fair, spotless and smooth. Freckles coat over her cheekbones and the bridge of her nose.
"Ah, I wondered where my records were." Emmrich's voice came from behind, too close, too sudden. At Arendil's flinch, he quickly reaches out to steady the man. "Apologies, I didn't mean to startle you."
"I-it's fine!" Arendil quickly responds, shaking his head. He turns his eyes back to the record, feeling his heart hammer against his ribs.
Emmrich looks at the record with a content smile, reaching over to run a finger over the sharp corner of the sleeve. "Melody Aldwir. Such talent. She was the star of whimsical and fantasy music. Every song of hers held such beauty, and it was not just her voice that captivated so many, but the way her music told a story." He sighs, his smile fading slightly. "It was a shame that her story ended so early. Her murder was a cruel crime, something that never should have happened."
Arendil loses grip on the record, the tears he has been holding back started to course down his cheeks in endless streams.
Emmrich, seeing Arendil's state, panics. "I-I'm sorry!" He quickly takes the record and shoves it back into the box, quickly taking the other man's hands in his. "I-I apologise if I said s-something to upset you-"
"I-It's not you, Emmrich. I…" Arendil sniffles, shaking his head. "I just haven't seen her face since…"
The Professor frowns, confused. "You've…seen her before?"
Arendil sighs, looking up into Emmrich's confused but comforting eyes.
"My last name is Aldwir, Emmrich."
The silence rung heavy in the room.
It took a few moments for the words to register, but when they do, they slam into Emmrich's heart and shatter it to pieces. "You're…you're her son."
Arendil nods, trying to blink away his tears. "She was murdered when I was five. I…I was the one who found her laying there in the hallway, stabbed to death."
Emmrich sweeps Arendil into his arms and holds him tightly, tightening his hold further when the other man just breaks down. "That was completely unfair. You deserved to have your whole life with her. I know words cannot bring her back, but I am so sorry, Arendil…"
Manfred circles them as they hold onto each other, letting the feeling of grief and comfort wash over them both.
Arendil won't forget Emmrich's kindness. He won't forget how Emmrich never judged him, or never once treated him differently just because his mother was a famous singer.
Despite only knowing Emmrich for a week, Arendil feels like he will treasure this man for eternity.