[ Open Post 2020 ]

[fishtanks]

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[allahuakbar]

Jibril supposes that makes some sense. It’s still strange and Jibril isn’t quite sure that he likes how it’s making him feel. “It’s just making me feel odd and... fuzzy.”

[unbreakable_king]

"That, my dear, is being tipsy. Alcohol is a mood altering substance. mind altering too. Like coffee or cocaine. But perhaps a bit nicer."

He takes another sip.

[allahuakbar]

“I’ve never done such things,” Jibril confesses although it must be obvious to Rhy. “You have done it often?”

[unbreakable_king]

"It is expected of royals. We have wine or other things with every meal in the evenings," Rhy agrees, smiling at his partner. "You dont' have to drink it if you don't want it."

[allahuakbar]

“Why?” Jibril questions. He looks down at his glass and he has every intention to drink it.

“I was not saying I did not want to.”

[unbreakable_king]

"Because it is... it's cultured."

He doesn't make the rules.

[allahuakbar]

That just seems silly to Jibril but he'll never really understand the world Rhy comes from.

"Okay."

[unbreakable_king]

It's a very foolish world. But Rhy reaches his hand out.

"Allow me to free you of hte burden of intoxication if you are uncertain."

[allahuakbar]

Jibril shakes his head, his hand covering Rhy’s for a second before he pulls away.

“I chose to drink it.”

[unbreakable_king]

Oh, so brave Rhy gives the warmest smile at his young friend. And definitely smiles the wider at the touch on his own hand.

"I will ensure you are not too foolish, dear."

[allahuakbar]

"I think I will trust you on this," Jibril smiles and he takes another sip of the wine as if to prove it.

[unbreakable_king]

Trust him? Oh but Jibril, he wishes so many bad things for you. And he smiles. No refills he thinks.

"Enjoy it then, my dear."

[allahuakbar]

Jibril smiles a little and he nods. “I will do my best to,” he laughs soft.

“My mother would have been very upset with me for this,” he murmurs.

[unbreakable_king]

"For drinking? Oh dear, I don't know why she would. Provided one monitors their intake and doesn't drive, it's easy."

[allahuakbar]

"We didn't really drink," he knew his mother would have never approved of it. He smiles a little, there's sadness when he thinks of his parents because it reminds him of everything he had lost.

[unbreakable_king]

"Well, I find it something usually best in moderation. Even if I am not good at that moderation myself."

Because he had spent much time and more carousing with and without his brother over the years.

[allahuakbar]

"You really aren't," Jibril says softly. That'd been an easy thing to learn about Rhy, known from their first meeting practically.

[unbreakable_king]

Oh dear, what a thing to say. Rhy just laughs and shakes his head.

"If nothing else, I know how to gauge the intake of an inexperienced youth. I shall take care of you, my sweetling."

[allahuakbar]

Jibril smiles a bit at Rhy and he does take another sip after that.

"You are always taking care of me now."

[unbreakable_king]

"Well, I care for you," Rhy points out. "Deeply.

[allahuakbar]

Jibril swallows at that, blushing and he lifts a shoulder. He still doesn’t know how to handle it. Rhy’s affections and attention.

“It’s been a while since there was anyone to do so.”

[unbreakable_king]

"Is it wrong for there to be someone to do so now?" Rhy asks, reaching out to card his fingers through Jibril's hair. "I want to see you happy and content, my dear. To see you reach for whatever heights you desire."

[allahuakbar]

"Everyone that has, dies... or leaves," Jibril frowns and he's been sort of waiting for Rhy to get bored of him.

[unbreakable_king]

No. No no no. Rhy moves to catch the other man in his arms.

"I will no nowhere, my little dove."

[allahuakbar]

Jibril’s brow is still furrowed as the others arms take hold of him. The wine is just enough to loosen his tongue.

“You don’t know that. You’re a prince... I’m nothing. And anything could happen to anyone,” he tries not to let emotions get the better of him, grief for his mother, for Samer... a seed of resentment for Al Masih, his deceit. On most days he forgave but there were times where he blamed Al Masih for Samer’s death. If he had never followed him then Samer would have never been recruited by such a terrible man. Surely they would have both died in Syria but they would have died free.

It’s all there and keeping his composure is difficult. “I’m sorry.”

Their interactions are always light, happy things or at least a sort of banter. This is something entirely different.