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Flins is odd even to the lightkeepers, this is a fact no one can deny. In recent times many recruits have noticed they can higher the chances of him appearing by involving a few things. Alcohol, Gems and Coins, or Captain Illuga. All holding high effect in their various tests. So today in a casual gathering many lightkeepers gathered to unwind by simply drinking and talking.
They employed two methods this time around. They couldn't usually get Illuga to join in such a thing since he was always rushing into the first battle that he could take part in, but a rare prolonged quiet had kept him there, so he had no reason to refuse.
"Mr Flins, are you going to join us tonight? We got some special fire-water!" One recruit nudged him. Another got on his other side, leaning in close. "We also convinced Captain Illuga to join! He's finally not running out to battle today."
Flins hummed, he had already been well aware of what they were doing, he didn't ever hear them inviting anyone else to things as cheerfully and pushy as they did with him. However he couldn't deny they did do well in pinning the things he was fond of.
"Sure, I don't believe i have anything planned for tonight." He nodded. The two happily ran off, high-fiving and cheering. Humans are so endearing…
Despite his claim of being free, he forgot he did have something to take care of quickly, which left him arriving later than he would've liked. It was a usual gathering, everyone sitting or standing with snack or drink in hand, however he scanned the room for one in particular.
He wasn't sure what surprised him about this all still, the fact they got Illuga to agree to stay off of patrol a night… Or the fact he was seemingly on his third cup. Flins slowly sat next to the other who's face was still hovered over his mug. His eyes were half lidded and his face as red as his earring. Flins waved his hand in front of Illuga's face. Nothin…
Flins then cleared his throat. "Evening?" He spoke slightly louder than usual, Illuga slowly looked over and up at him. Oh what big wet eyes… he's totally gone right now… Flins decided to be a good fae and take the cup from him, he drank the rest and set it asi- wow that really was good alcohol.
Flins placed his hand on Illugas head, then standing and walking off. He returned… stuffing a bottle in his coat. He then held his hand out. "How about I help you home now… since rest and water will do you well."
Illuga stared at his hand before at his face before closing his eyes. He knew the other usually got really really emotional like this… but right now he just seemed sleepy. 'Maybe I'll get him home before anything-'
Illuga took his hand and stood, and proceeded to in a thankfully inside voice ask a question… that shouldn't be asked in a room full of your coworkers… (the worm shall leave this open to your interpretation.)
Flins just stared at him for a moment, mostly trying to process if he misheard that but also cause he knew he didn't and that made it worse. Illuga was about to start speaking again but without warning he slung him over his shoulder. Very quickly leaving the dining hall. He'll have to thank them all later… and apologize too…
After one quick walk with many confused glances and pick-pocketing Illuga for his keys he set the other down on the couch and sighed deeply. "You weren't kidding when you told me you were a handful when drunk…" He shook his head. Illuga laid there staring up at him, he had been very quiet since he picked him up obviously, so when he slowly sat up it alarmed Flins a little. "I didn't shake you too much did I? How about I go get you a glass of water." He turned to leave but was promptly pulled by the belt tail of his coat.
Flins turned back around to see Illuga getting up. He held his hands out to try an gently seat him again. "Easy… I think it would be best if you-"
Bap
Bap
Bap
He started… Punching him… though punching was an overstatement… they didn't hurt, they were like light presses instead of punches.
"Have I done something to upset you?" Flins hummed. Illuga had started tearing up, he was always really emotional when he drank… so maybe it was that…
Flins watched him continue on, though after a moment while… he stopped and stared wiping his face. Flins took the opportunity to go grab a glass of water for him.
The two sat in silence as Flins watched Illuga drunk his water, he was just sticking his tongue in it over and over… guess that counts as trying? When Illuga noticed Flins staring at him, he would pause and stare back, sometimes with his tongue still in the water. So Flins would slowly look away. The silence was finally broken after a long while, Illuga set the cup down and stood again. "… Flins."
He hummed, turning towards him. At his hand motion he stood and walked up. "Can I get you something…"
Sad wet eyes again… he just frowned. "… promise me you'll stay alive…"
Huh?
"Huh? I didn't plan on dying any time soon, that I assure you of." He lowered his voice, speaking gently.
"Liar…"
Huh??
"Hmm??" He tilted his head, he was met with punches again and these ones actually hurt. His poor victorian child build is no match for those muscles.
"You… always… say that… and then… you get… caught up… in who… knows what… and… i never… i never know… if… you're… coming back…" He stopped punching, and simply broke down into sobbing.
Flins was yet again frozen for a moment. Twice he opened his mouth to say something but he stopped himself. Gently, he took Illugas hands and pulled him closer, leaning down so their faces weren't too far apart.
"You have my word… I won't be leaving this world. I wouldn't want to leave you all alone after all." He spoke softly. "I, too, wish for you to stay long as well… so I ask that you rest… and I'll stay by your side if it allows you better dreams."
Illuga didn't say anything, he simply still stood there sobbing. Flins let go of his hand and wrapped his arm around him. With his other hand he used his teeth to remove his glove before cupping his face, using his thumb to wipe his face. "I will stay here all night if it assures you, but if you're truly that cross with me, I will give you your space."
Illuga looked up at him, big sad wet eepy eyes… he just nodded slowly. He's gonna assume that nod is a yes to stay.
So he stayed the rest of the night. Not too long after that small conversation Illuga immediately passed out. Flins kinda saw it coming, he did look quite tired. He, respectfully, removed his jacket and boots to place him in bed and laid back next to him.
In the morning, of course, he wasn't shocked to hear the sound of the other puking in the bathroom.
Oh well.
Guess that's an excuse to stay around another day. =w=