Work Text:
In the relative safety of the Flagship and a celebratory cheer in the air, Varka had over done it tonight. Usually, he held his alcohol frighteningly well. Tonight though, he had gotten a little carried away. Perhaps it was the carefree energy of his knights that got to him. A quieter part of his buzzing mind figured it might have more to do with a certain Miss Nefer, who had spoken to Demyan and suggested a few drinks to Varka- paid for by herself of course. Well, that would likely be a problem for future Varka. Current Varka had pressing issues, such as finding somewhere comfortable to pass out for the night.
"Hey, I know you're not completely out of it yet. A little less dead weight, yeah? You're heavy enough as is." A familiar voice snarked from under his arm.
Varka straightened his back and glanced down to whoever was guiding him towards the Flagship's rooms. He grinned and nearly stumbled them into a wall. "H-hey, Lohen... didn't expect to see you here..."
Lohen's brows pinched together, though Varka couldn't tell if he was focusing on keeping them in a straightline or if he was upset. Probably both, judging by the slight exasperation in Lohen's voice, "I wouldn't be if you hadn't dragged me here. I'm not sure why though... unless you were planning on getting this sloppy. Forcing your poor subordinates to make up for your drunkenness, Grand Master?"
Varka laughed boisterously at Lohen's mocking tone, though he wasn't entirely sure why. "Heh, more that I knew you would pick fights well until dawn if you weren't by my side. If it bothers you so much, you can leave me here. I can walk."
"Barely," Lohen snorted, "I'm holding onto this for a future favor. Though... I suppose with your other knights preoccupied, it falls on me to ensure your safety."
The vice captain paused to get the door, leaning Varka against a wall. Varka watched the small knight through half-lidded eyes. Despite Lohen's protests and mocking tone, he was still here. Part of Varka was surprised, expecting Lohen to have taken advantage of the opportunity to flee. It was no small secret that Lohen held disdain for drunk people; more for the rowdy crew that the knights made. Lohen had every opportunity to leave once Varka became inebriated. Yet, he stayed. The rest of Varka found this made perfect sense. Lohen might be an unorthodox knight with a keen bloodthirst but he was always there when push came to shove. As headstrong as he was, Lohen showed up when needed.
"Done gawking? Let's go in, you big oaf." Lohen got underarm to guide Varka into the room. He somehow managed to manhandle, Varka onto the side of the bed. "Oh no you don't. No lying down yet."
Varka pouted as he was forced to sit up on the edge of the bed. Lohen's deft hands started to work on Varka's armor pieces. He worked with a efficiency and ease that came from being a seasoned knight. "You can thank me later. The bed is going to be uncomfortable anyways given how freakishly big you are."
Warmth bloomed in Varka's chest that he was certain wasn't the alcohol. It was strange to see this thoughtful and dare he say... caring side of Lohen. Clearly, he knew that Lohen cared for his fellow knights. There was a reason why those who fought beside Lohen experienced less casualties. Lohen just had a funny way of showing his care. Typically it came in the form of strange training drills and throwing himself in front of the battle field as bait. This quieter show of care was unusual yet endearing.
"Aaaaand, down you go." Lohen shoved him. Varka grumbled something incoherent but obliged laying down. The vice captain yanked the thin provided blanket over him. He continued to speak, "Don't worry- I already put this room on your tab. Though you might want to dispute that with Nefer... but that isn't any of my business. You were the one to accept her offer at the bar. Now, anything you desperately need? No?"
Varka found it hard to focus on Lohen's words. His gaze was stuck on the younger knight's lips. The cadence of Lohen's voice became background noise, melting in with the soft murmur coming down the hall. The alcohol in Varka's veins urged him to do something reckless. So he grasped the nape of Lohen's neck and tried to give his knight a kiss.
Lohen could have darted away or broken free instantly. Instead, he placed a gloved hand over Varka's face to intercede. Those mesmerizing eyes of his widened before narrowing in the way they always did when he was thinking hard about something. A smile, somewhat softer than a smirk, formed on his lips. Varka felt the urge once more to kiss Lohen.
"No," Lohen crooned, "Not when you have drunk enough to blame the alcohol. As drunk as you are, you wouldn't be up for much fun anyhow. Come to me sober and I might let you."
Lohen broke free from Varka's hold and stepped back. He turned to leave. Right as he reached the door, he glanced back and paused. His somewhat flirtatious smile faltered when he saw Varka's expression.
The vice-captain sighed, "I can't stay and babysit you. Someone has to make sure your knights don't end up robbed naked in an alleyway."
Jumbled words came to Varka's mind. Arguments on why Lohen has to stay. Alas, nothing coherent enough for him to utter. So he just laid his head down and stared at Lohen pathetically. Lohen lingered a bit longer to see if Varka would say anything. He then scoffed and shook his head, leaving Varka.