OOC: LOG Peony and Jade
Who: Peony, Jade and the rappigs.
What: Backstory - After Nephry's wedding
When: In the past sometime
Where: Peony's bedroom
Why: Because we wanted to log a waffle scene. :3
Warnings: Um... not suitable for those without a sense of humor?
Peony stormed into Jade's office the moment he returned to Grand Chokmah from Keterburg. "Tonight. The usual," he said, ignoring anyone else that might have been in there, only bothering to look at Jade, to wordlessly pass on just what he meant. He was gone as quickly as he came, the door slamming shut behind him.
The walk back to the palace was uninterrupted. People were making way, not because he was Emperor, but because aura exuded a warning to keep your distance.
Even the maids kept their distance, the one in his chamber scurrying out like her life depended on it. Peony dropped bonelessly down onto his bed and waited.
Not bothering make any sound in acknowledgment (after all, it would have been out of place in the already awkward silence), Jade merely gave a curt nod. He should have seen this coming a mile away. In turn, he guided the couple of subordinates out of the room. They'd visited to offer their congratulations (for his sister, Nephry) but more urgent matters needed tending to, and a celebratory card would do just as well as anything verbal, and would be ten times as fun to throw away.
Jade made his way outdoors, inhaling the salty, yet refreshing air. As his boots clacked against the entrance stones to the palace, he grabbed the arm of a wayward maid, no doubt one of the many who'd scurried away from Peony's wrath only moments before.
"His Majesty is in a mood. Would you be so kind as to place the usual order?"
He didn't need to see her frantic nodding, and so continued walking immediately after giving the servant her order. Pushing through the rest of the scattered remains of the usual crowd, Jade stepped into the chamber's first room, knocking on the door before doing anything else.
"If it's anyone but Jade, go away," Peony mumbled against his pillow. Not that he expected anyone to willingly knock on his door other than his best friend.
The door creaked open as the expected man stepped inside, "You truly know how to make someone feel special, Your Majesty." He remained by the door until he could hear the satisfied click of it shutting.
"I do my best." Peony didn't bother to look up. It was too much effort to roll over right now.
"Yes, yes." Jade tried to refrain from a tone that was too patronizing. He gently nudged a rappig away with a foot, as the animal had come to investigate the man, unused to the outfit he wore. That very same outfit proved to be a hassle once more as Jade tried to sit on Peony's bed, the various chains clinking together as the stiff fabric inhibited his movements. As if the usual military uniform wasn't enough, the Malkuth ceremonial uniform practically emanated obnoxiousness.
Peony lifted his head just enough to eye Jade. "You could have taken the time to change. I wouldn't have done anything too drastic in that time."
"The key word being 'too', Your Majesty."
"I'm putting in an order to have the ceremonial uniform changed. I never want to see that one again."
"Thank you kindly." Jade sighed. Or at least tried to. "Although, I have a feeling it's not because of how wonderfully uncomfortable they are."
"You're welcome. And it's a uniform. By definition it's uncomfortable."
"That was your cue to start talking, Your Majesty."
"Was it? I couldn't tell."
"You're not that dense."
An exasperated sigh escaped Peony's lips and he flopped over onto his back. "Your kind words always stimulate me."
"To be frank, Your Majesty, something has to."
"Plenty did until that damn letter arrived."
Jade's lips tightened into a thin line. For once, he really didn't have a quip, or the right snarky words. After all, even he knew there was a time for a well placed remark, but when Peony uttered those words, they immediately trespassed into a more serious territory. His best friend was hurting and, despite how cruel Jade could be, he wouldn't allow himself to harm Peony more. At least not until he managed to piss him off.
"Why couldn't I have just run away with her when the chance was still there?"
"Because, unfortunate as it is, we don't live in a fairy tale."
"No, we live in a tragedy."
"That's talk I didn't ever expect to hear from your mouth, Peony." Jade placed a bit of extra emphasis on the other man's name. Not enough to earn italicized text, but with that extra edge as a warning.
That shut Peony up. Maybe that had been going overboard.
Jade exhaled, turning to speak to Peony again when there came a timid knock. No doubt the maid. "...Hold that thought." He muttered, standing with some difficulty (damn that uniform), and opening the door in mostly fluid motions. In front of him stood a small cart with two covered plates, yet none of the young ladies in sight.
He smirked, wheeling the cart inside-- Peony must have made quite the impression in those few moments.
Peony noticed the lack of maids outside the door. "Don't they usually stand there giggling and peeking in to see if we're up to anything naughty?"
"When they're not scurrying in terror? Yes.
"Oh. I didn't see anyone at all on my way in. Not even outside. It was strange." Peony frowned.
A smirk crossed Jade's lips again, "I suppose that's why they call it a 'blind rage'." †He casually lifted the silver domes, and the smell of freshly baked goods wafted throughout the room. †The rappigs' heads all popped in unison, and, timed just as well, Jade gave them a stern glare, from which they retreated.
Without another word, Jade passed over Peony's plate: two waffles, toasted to perfection and, according to His Majesty's tastes, doused in whipped cream, butter, syrup and strawberries. †The other plate, belonging to Jade himself, wasn't nearly as loaded, decorated instead in a small variation of berries.
"Smells delicious. And please do something about that uniform," Peony said dipping a finger into the whipped cream and licking it off.
"Anything I want, Your Majesty?"
"Anything."
Without another word, Jade began slipping off the outer coat, not even bothering to unbutton it. Wrestling with pulling the offending garment over his head, the black undershirt hiking up part of his torso along with it, Jade finally managed to yank it off and away, knocking his glasses askew with the violent gesture. Hair mussed, and him not caring, Jade unceremoniously threw the overcoat in the rappigs' general direction, the chains clinking against the floor and virtually begging the small throng of animals to examine it.
Jade straightened his usual undershirt, and calmly picked up the lenses, crimson eyes blinking rapidly for a moment before he settled them on the bridge of his nose. As he sat to attack his boots next, Jade spoke again, "That was very liberating, thank you."
"You're welcome. They should have fun with it." Case in point, the rappigs were snorting happily and the sounds of fabric being torn into small shreds filled the air.
"Now eat your waffles before they get cold." Not that Peony was taking his own advice. He was meticulously eating all of the toppings first and leaving the waffles themselves for last.
"In a moment." Jade murmured as he slid the boots over to the wall. Despite how much he positively loathed the ceremonial uniform, he actually quite liked the boots, which were slightly more comfortable than the ridiculously tall ones attributed to his usual outfit.
"Should I tell them to keep the boots the same?" Peony asked, noticing the care Jade handled those with.
"Yes, please." Jade confirmed, grabbing his plate and swinging his legs so he lay side by side with Peony.
Peony smiled, though it wasn't quite his usual smile, but at least it was something. "No problem."
Not unlike Peony, Jade began spearing his own toppings first (although he ate with considerable more restraint). "Now, talk."
Peony forked a small dollop of whipped cream and set it on the side of Jade's plate, knowing he'd lightly dip the berries in it. "Where do you want me to start?"
"Thank you." Jade immediately poked a strawberry into the cream, savoring it before speaking again, "I suppose you can explain why I had to wrestle you down during the part where the gathering was asked if anyone felt they shouldn't be together."
"Last ditch effort?" Peony replied. He at least had the decency to look a little sheepish as he popped a strawberry into his mouth.
"Right. Of course." Jade sighed once more, "...I don't like him, either."
"I think it's pretty obvious why I don't like him, Jade."
"You can't force someone to change their mind, Peony."
"I know."
"And she can't divorce him just like that. Especially not after obtaining the position of Viscount."
"I know. you don't have to keep rubbing salt in my wounds."
"I'm not rubbing salt in your wounds, Peony." Jade's fork clattered against his plate as he placed it onto his lap, "What I'm saying is... you need to consider the future now."
"And what future is that?" Peony asked.
Jade quirked an eyebrow, "The future of your country, Your Majesty. More specifically, an heir.
"No. I'm not going to think about that."
"When do you plan on thinking about it, then?"
"I have plenty of time to think about it. In the future. That isn't right now. Or anytime soon." Peony took a big bite of waffle using it to hide his pout.
"You're in your mid-thirties, Your Majesty."
"I read about a 62 year old man who fathered a child the other day. If he can do it, I can at least wait until I'm in my mid-forties. So don't start in on that old man stuff."
"...Your Majesty. Not while I'm eating."
"You're the one who brought up heirs."
"Not with the intention of imagining sixty-two year old men fathering children."
Peony laughed, "Okay, sorry about that." He took another bite of waffle. "I just can't think about marriage at a time like this."
Jade paused, lifting the fork to his chin as if in deep thought, "...You've always the option to employ concubines."
"The only thing worse than marrying one person I don't love, is having a whole horde of them." Peony stabbed the waffles hard with his fork, as if he were trying to kill them. "No. Don't ever suggest that again."
It really was a pain when people took him too seriously... but then again, not that he'd ever admit it, but perhaps Jade had gone too far with that off-hand comment.
"Right. I'm sorry."
"I know you meant well," Peony said. And it was true, in his own special way, Jade had meant well, had meant to make a joke. "You can't expect me to be over her just like that simply because she's unavailable."
Jade gave a dry laugh at that, "Right. I forget normal human beings have hearts."
Peony ate the last bite of his waffles and then leaned over to rest his head on Jade's shoulder. "Why couldn't I have been born a commoner?"
"Because then things would have been too easy." In a rare act of compassion, Jade pressed into the corner of one of his own waffles, separating it from the rest. Poking and dipping it into the last of his whipped cream, he brought it up to his shoulder, right around where Peony's mouth would be.
"So? I would have been happy with easy." Peony took the proffered bite and chewed thoughtfully on it. "You think there's any chance of him dying of natural causes before Nephry's too old to have children?"
"...Are we talking sincerely natural, or pretend natural?"
"Sincerely."
"It's always possible. If you're really curious, I'm sure his medical records would be available to you." Jade smiled, turning his head so it gently bumped against Peony's, eyes flashing downward at his. "Now, if you were only a commoner, that wouldn't be possible."
"If I were a commoner, I could have married her years ago. But I'll keep that in mind about his medical records."
"I have to admit, I'm not entirely comfortable with being the optimistic one."
"If it helps, you didn't sound that optimistic."
"Ah. Good. That makes things a lot better." Jade offered Peony another bite, this time making sure to include some strawberry-- which he may or may not have put to the side, just in case.
"Thanks." Peony shifted so he wasn't resting on Jade's shoulder any longer. "For everything. I could have embarrassed the entire country if you hadn't stopped me at the wedding."
"You're quite welcome, Peony." Jade's gaze followed his friend as he sat up, "Although, I'll admit... if I weren't preoccupied with stopping you from doing it, I probably would have stood myself."
"Really?"
"Mmm."
"For someone without a heart, you sure care a lot."
"I assure you, there's not enough room for much caring. Family only, really."
"I'll take what I can get. I'm sure Nephry feels the same."
"Hmm. Come closer."
"What?" Peony asked, as he cautiously moved closer.
Jade gently placed his plate on the floor beside the bed. Just because Peony didn't mind being messy, didn't mean Jade had to comply. Satisfied, he straightened up, dusting crumbs away before bringing his attention to Peony. Once the other man had made his way over, Jade, in some sort of delirium (it was definitely the waffles) wrapped his arms around him, chin resting on Peony's shoulder.
As soon as Jade's arms were around him, Peony clung tightly to him. He felt like crying, but no tears fell from his eyes, no sobs wracked his chest. Instead he clung tighter and tighter to Jade, not caring if he cut off his ability to breathe.
Just like when they were kids. Jade brought his voice up to little more than a murmur, “Do you want me to stay tonight?”
Peony nodded. He didn't care what anyone thought of two grown men sharing a bed together, what conclusions they might come to or any of that. Jade was his best friend, and the closest thing he'd ever had to a brother. And tonight, Peony needed his big brother. "Please," he whispered.
“Don’t make me beg, really.” Jade remarked dryly, giving Peony one more squeeze before slowly pulling away. He had no intention of leaving, but he needed the free arms if they were going to move underneath the blankets.
"You know I love making you beg," he teased. Peony tossed his plate to the ground and got off the bed. He changed into his pyjamas before climbing back into the bed, this time under the blankets.
Jade didn’t even bother to go through the usual ritual of getting undressed and redressed. Instead, he settled for throwing the covers over himself and getting comfortable, sliding off his glasses and placing them by the boots. He knew the rappigs knew better than to dare touch his belongings, therefore making that general area safe. He turned so his back could finally rest comfortable in the mattress-despite how unkempt Peony kept his bed, for some reason, it never ceased to be comfortable. However, something seemed amiss… and then it hit Jade, subtle, not unlike the giggling outside of the room.
A wry smile touched his lips, “Your Majesty. It seems as though our fanclub has returned.”
"What... uh... Jade? Oh... not so rough...baby," Peony moaned, trying his best not to laugh. If there was one thing that never ceased to amuse him, it was making his maids gossip. It made hitting on them much more fun.
“Oh… Oh!!! Your Majesty… Oh…!” Jade didn’t miss a beat, reaching back to vibrate the headboard, just for that bit of flair.
"Oh... oh, I'm going to.... Jade!" Peony gasped. For extra measure he threw in, in the most shocked voice he could, "Gelda! Get your snout away from there."
Jade had to bite down on a knuckle to keep from laughing, his body shaking silently as he repressed his chuckles. He only spoke again once he was sure he could continue without caving, “Y-Your Majesty…! It feels s-so good! Yes!” He motioned silently for Peony to come closer.
"If Jade was having difficulty not laughing, Peony was having that much more trouble with it. He noisily shifted closer, shaking the bed as he did so. "Yes, right there. Oh. Harder. Oooooooooooooooh, Jade."
“Ohhh, yes, Your Majesty. You ride that pony! Yes!” By now, Jade was just thinking of the most ridiculous things to say. In the meantime, he reached over, running his fingers through Peony’s hair, before giving it a good shake, mussing it as much as possible. “To make it more authentic.” He explained in a lowered voice.
Peony silently laughed then sat up and flopped noisily against the bed. Breathing heavily, he said, "Jade. You always know how to wear me out. He then shifted and rested his head on Jade's chest, pulling the blankets up tight around them. It was only a matter of moments before the maids would enter, acting as though they'd just walked up to collect the plates.
In order to stop himself from giving away the entire charade, Jade immediately closed his eyes, trying to steady his breathing and feign sleep. One arm snaked around Peony’s shoulders as he rested his chin against the top of his head, waiting for the maids to finish their rounds.
Faking sleep was something Peony had never been good at. Especially not when he had to fake it for more than a minute. Before the maids even entered the room, he'd actually managed to fall fast asleep.
Jade popped one eye open once he was sure the maids had left. He let his arm fall from Peony’s shoulders, to allow him the room to roll over to the other side of the bed. However, after he gave the other man a good minute to do so, Jade prodded him gently, rolling his eyes when he realized that Peony was indeed, out cold. He sighed deeply, bringing his arm back around his best friend’s shoulders. He supposed that this was forgivable. Just once.
What: Backstory - After Nephry's wedding
When: In the past sometime
Where: Peony's bedroom
Why: Because we wanted to log a waffle scene. :3
Warnings: Um... not suitable for those without a sense of humor?
Peony stormed into Jade's office the moment he returned to Grand Chokmah from Keterburg. "Tonight. The usual," he said, ignoring anyone else that might have been in there, only bothering to look at Jade, to wordlessly pass on just what he meant. He was gone as quickly as he came, the door slamming shut behind him.
The walk back to the palace was uninterrupted. People were making way, not because he was Emperor, but because aura exuded a warning to keep your distance.
Even the maids kept their distance, the one in his chamber scurrying out like her life depended on it. Peony dropped bonelessly down onto his bed and waited.
Not bothering make any sound in acknowledgment (after all, it would have been out of place in the already awkward silence), Jade merely gave a curt nod. He should have seen this coming a mile away. In turn, he guided the couple of subordinates out of the room. They'd visited to offer their congratulations (for his sister, Nephry) but more urgent matters needed tending to, and a celebratory card would do just as well as anything verbal, and would be ten times as fun to throw away.
Jade made his way outdoors, inhaling the salty, yet refreshing air. As his boots clacked against the entrance stones to the palace, he grabbed the arm of a wayward maid, no doubt one of the many who'd scurried away from Peony's wrath only moments before.
"His Majesty is in a mood. Would you be so kind as to place the usual order?"
He didn't need to see her frantic nodding, and so continued walking immediately after giving the servant her order. Pushing through the rest of the scattered remains of the usual crowd, Jade stepped into the chamber's first room, knocking on the door before doing anything else.
"If it's anyone but Jade, go away," Peony mumbled against his pillow. Not that he expected anyone to willingly knock on his door other than his best friend.
The door creaked open as the expected man stepped inside, "You truly know how to make someone feel special, Your Majesty." He remained by the door until he could hear the satisfied click of it shutting.
"I do my best." Peony didn't bother to look up. It was too much effort to roll over right now.
"Yes, yes." Jade tried to refrain from a tone that was too patronizing. He gently nudged a rappig away with a foot, as the animal had come to investigate the man, unused to the outfit he wore. That very same outfit proved to be a hassle once more as Jade tried to sit on Peony's bed, the various chains clinking together as the stiff fabric inhibited his movements. As if the usual military uniform wasn't enough, the Malkuth ceremonial uniform practically emanated obnoxiousness.
Peony lifted his head just enough to eye Jade. "You could have taken the time to change. I wouldn't have done anything too drastic in that time."
"The key word being 'too', Your Majesty."
"I'm putting in an order to have the ceremonial uniform changed. I never want to see that one again."
"Thank you kindly." Jade sighed. Or at least tried to. "Although, I have a feeling it's not because of how wonderfully uncomfortable they are."
"You're welcome. And it's a uniform. By definition it's uncomfortable."
"That was your cue to start talking, Your Majesty."
"Was it? I couldn't tell."
"You're not that dense."
An exasperated sigh escaped Peony's lips and he flopped over onto his back. "Your kind words always stimulate me."
"To be frank, Your Majesty, something has to."
"Plenty did until that damn letter arrived."
Jade's lips tightened into a thin line. For once, he really didn't have a quip, or the right snarky words. After all, even he knew there was a time for a well placed remark, but when Peony uttered those words, they immediately trespassed into a more serious territory. His best friend was hurting and, despite how cruel Jade could be, he wouldn't allow himself to harm Peony more. At least not until he managed to piss him off.
"Why couldn't I have just run away with her when the chance was still there?"
"Because, unfortunate as it is, we don't live in a fairy tale."
"No, we live in a tragedy."
"That's talk I didn't ever expect to hear from your mouth, Peony." Jade placed a bit of extra emphasis on the other man's name. Not enough to earn italicized text, but with that extra edge as a warning.
That shut Peony up. Maybe that had been going overboard.
Jade exhaled, turning to speak to Peony again when there came a timid knock. No doubt the maid. "...Hold that thought." He muttered, standing with some difficulty (damn that uniform), and opening the door in mostly fluid motions. In front of him stood a small cart with two covered plates, yet none of the young ladies in sight.
He smirked, wheeling the cart inside-- Peony must have made quite the impression in those few moments.
Peony noticed the lack of maids outside the door. "Don't they usually stand there giggling and peeking in to see if we're up to anything naughty?"
"When they're not scurrying in terror? Yes.
"Oh. I didn't see anyone at all on my way in. Not even outside. It was strange." Peony frowned.
A smirk crossed Jade's lips again, "I suppose that's why they call it a 'blind rage'." †He casually lifted the silver domes, and the smell of freshly baked goods wafted throughout the room. †The rappigs' heads all popped in unison, and, timed just as well, Jade gave them a stern glare, from which they retreated.
Without another word, Jade passed over Peony's plate: two waffles, toasted to perfection and, according to His Majesty's tastes, doused in whipped cream, butter, syrup and strawberries. †The other plate, belonging to Jade himself, wasn't nearly as loaded, decorated instead in a small variation of berries.
"Smells delicious. And please do something about that uniform," Peony said dipping a finger into the whipped cream and licking it off.
"Anything I want, Your Majesty?"
"Anything."
Without another word, Jade began slipping off the outer coat, not even bothering to unbutton it. Wrestling with pulling the offending garment over his head, the black undershirt hiking up part of his torso along with it, Jade finally managed to yank it off and away, knocking his glasses askew with the violent gesture. Hair mussed, and him not caring, Jade unceremoniously threw the overcoat in the rappigs' general direction, the chains clinking against the floor and virtually begging the small throng of animals to examine it.
Jade straightened his usual undershirt, and calmly picked up the lenses, crimson eyes blinking rapidly for a moment before he settled them on the bridge of his nose. As he sat to attack his boots next, Jade spoke again, "That was very liberating, thank you."
"You're welcome. They should have fun with it." Case in point, the rappigs were snorting happily and the sounds of fabric being torn into small shreds filled the air.
"Now eat your waffles before they get cold." Not that Peony was taking his own advice. He was meticulously eating all of the toppings first and leaving the waffles themselves for last.
"In a moment." Jade murmured as he slid the boots over to the wall. Despite how much he positively loathed the ceremonial uniform, he actually quite liked the boots, which were slightly more comfortable than the ridiculously tall ones attributed to his usual outfit.
"Should I tell them to keep the boots the same?" Peony asked, noticing the care Jade handled those with.
"Yes, please." Jade confirmed, grabbing his plate and swinging his legs so he lay side by side with Peony.
Peony smiled, though it wasn't quite his usual smile, but at least it was something. "No problem."
Not unlike Peony, Jade began spearing his own toppings first (although he ate with considerable more restraint). "Now, talk."
Peony forked a small dollop of whipped cream and set it on the side of Jade's plate, knowing he'd lightly dip the berries in it. "Where do you want me to start?"
"Thank you." Jade immediately poked a strawberry into the cream, savoring it before speaking again, "I suppose you can explain why I had to wrestle you down during the part where the gathering was asked if anyone felt they shouldn't be together."
"Last ditch effort?" Peony replied. He at least had the decency to look a little sheepish as he popped a strawberry into his mouth.
"Right. Of course." Jade sighed once more, "...I don't like him, either."
"I think it's pretty obvious why I don't like him, Jade."
"You can't force someone to change their mind, Peony."
"I know."
"And she can't divorce him just like that. Especially not after obtaining the position of Viscount."
"I know. you don't have to keep rubbing salt in my wounds."
"I'm not rubbing salt in your wounds, Peony." Jade's fork clattered against his plate as he placed it onto his lap, "What I'm saying is... you need to consider the future now."
"And what future is that?" Peony asked.
Jade quirked an eyebrow, "The future of your country, Your Majesty. More specifically, an heir.
"No. I'm not going to think about that."
"When do you plan on thinking about it, then?"
"I have plenty of time to think about it. In the future. That isn't right now. Or anytime soon." Peony took a big bite of waffle using it to hide his pout.
"You're in your mid-thirties, Your Majesty."
"I read about a 62 year old man who fathered a child the other day. If he can do it, I can at least wait until I'm in my mid-forties. So don't start in on that old man stuff."
"...Your Majesty. Not while I'm eating."
"You're the one who brought up heirs."
"Not with the intention of imagining sixty-two year old men fathering children."
Peony laughed, "Okay, sorry about that." He took another bite of waffle. "I just can't think about marriage at a time like this."
Jade paused, lifting the fork to his chin as if in deep thought, "...You've always the option to employ concubines."
"The only thing worse than marrying one person I don't love, is having a whole horde of them." Peony stabbed the waffles hard with his fork, as if he were trying to kill them. "No. Don't ever suggest that again."
It really was a pain when people took him too seriously... but then again, not that he'd ever admit it, but perhaps Jade had gone too far with that off-hand comment.
"Right. I'm sorry."
"I know you meant well," Peony said. And it was true, in his own special way, Jade had meant well, had meant to make a joke. "You can't expect me to be over her just like that simply because she's unavailable."
Jade gave a dry laugh at that, "Right. I forget normal human beings have hearts."
Peony ate the last bite of his waffles and then leaned over to rest his head on Jade's shoulder. "Why couldn't I have been born a commoner?"
"Because then things would have been too easy." In a rare act of compassion, Jade pressed into the corner of one of his own waffles, separating it from the rest. Poking and dipping it into the last of his whipped cream, he brought it up to his shoulder, right around where Peony's mouth would be.
"So? I would have been happy with easy." Peony took the proffered bite and chewed thoughtfully on it. "You think there's any chance of him dying of natural causes before Nephry's too old to have children?"
"...Are we talking sincerely natural, or pretend natural?"
"Sincerely."
"It's always possible. If you're really curious, I'm sure his medical records would be available to you." Jade smiled, turning his head so it gently bumped against Peony's, eyes flashing downward at his. "Now, if you were only a commoner, that wouldn't be possible."
"If I were a commoner, I could have married her years ago. But I'll keep that in mind about his medical records."
"I have to admit, I'm not entirely comfortable with being the optimistic one."
"If it helps, you didn't sound that optimistic."
"Ah. Good. That makes things a lot better." Jade offered Peony another bite, this time making sure to include some strawberry-- which he may or may not have put to the side, just in case.
"Thanks." Peony shifted so he wasn't resting on Jade's shoulder any longer. "For everything. I could have embarrassed the entire country if you hadn't stopped me at the wedding."
"You're quite welcome, Peony." Jade's gaze followed his friend as he sat up, "Although, I'll admit... if I weren't preoccupied with stopping you from doing it, I probably would have stood myself."
"Really?"
"Mmm."
"For someone without a heart, you sure care a lot."
"I assure you, there's not enough room for much caring. Family only, really."
"I'll take what I can get. I'm sure Nephry feels the same."
"Hmm. Come closer."
"What?" Peony asked, as he cautiously moved closer.
Jade gently placed his plate on the floor beside the bed. Just because Peony didn't mind being messy, didn't mean Jade had to comply. Satisfied, he straightened up, dusting crumbs away before bringing his attention to Peony. Once the other man had made his way over, Jade, in some sort of delirium (it was definitely the waffles) wrapped his arms around him, chin resting on Peony's shoulder.
As soon as Jade's arms were around him, Peony clung tightly to him. He felt like crying, but no tears fell from his eyes, no sobs wracked his chest. Instead he clung tighter and tighter to Jade, not caring if he cut off his ability to breathe.
Just like when they were kids. Jade brought his voice up to little more than a murmur, “Do you want me to stay tonight?”
Peony nodded. He didn't care what anyone thought of two grown men sharing a bed together, what conclusions they might come to or any of that. Jade was his best friend, and the closest thing he'd ever had to a brother. And tonight, Peony needed his big brother. "Please," he whispered.
“Don’t make me beg, really.” Jade remarked dryly, giving Peony one more squeeze before slowly pulling away. He had no intention of leaving, but he needed the free arms if they were going to move underneath the blankets.
"You know I love making you beg," he teased. Peony tossed his plate to the ground and got off the bed. He changed into his pyjamas before climbing back into the bed, this time under the blankets.
Jade didn’t even bother to go through the usual ritual of getting undressed and redressed. Instead, he settled for throwing the covers over himself and getting comfortable, sliding off his glasses and placing them by the boots. He knew the rappigs knew better than to dare touch his belongings, therefore making that general area safe. He turned so his back could finally rest comfortable in the mattress-despite how unkempt Peony kept his bed, for some reason, it never ceased to be comfortable. However, something seemed amiss… and then it hit Jade, subtle, not unlike the giggling outside of the room.
A wry smile touched his lips, “Your Majesty. It seems as though our fanclub has returned.”
"What... uh... Jade? Oh... not so rough...baby," Peony moaned, trying his best not to laugh. If there was one thing that never ceased to amuse him, it was making his maids gossip. It made hitting on them much more fun.
“Oh… Oh!!! Your Majesty… Oh…!” Jade didn’t miss a beat, reaching back to vibrate the headboard, just for that bit of flair.
"Oh... oh, I'm going to.... Jade!" Peony gasped. For extra measure he threw in, in the most shocked voice he could, "Gelda! Get your snout away from there."
Jade had to bite down on a knuckle to keep from laughing, his body shaking silently as he repressed his chuckles. He only spoke again once he was sure he could continue without caving, “Y-Your Majesty…! It feels s-so good! Yes!” He motioned silently for Peony to come closer.
"If Jade was having difficulty not laughing, Peony was having that much more trouble with it. He noisily shifted closer, shaking the bed as he did so. "Yes, right there. Oh. Harder. Oooooooooooooooh, Jade."
“Ohhh, yes, Your Majesty. You ride that pony! Yes!” By now, Jade was just thinking of the most ridiculous things to say. In the meantime, he reached over, running his fingers through Peony’s hair, before giving it a good shake, mussing it as much as possible. “To make it more authentic.” He explained in a lowered voice.
Peony silently laughed then sat up and flopped noisily against the bed. Breathing heavily, he said, "Jade. You always know how to wear me out. He then shifted and rested his head on Jade's chest, pulling the blankets up tight around them. It was only a matter of moments before the maids would enter, acting as though they'd just walked up to collect the plates.
In order to stop himself from giving away the entire charade, Jade immediately closed his eyes, trying to steady his breathing and feign sleep. One arm snaked around Peony’s shoulders as he rested his chin against the top of his head, waiting for the maids to finish their rounds.
Faking sleep was something Peony had never been good at. Especially not when he had to fake it for more than a minute. Before the maids even entered the room, he'd actually managed to fall fast asleep.
Jade popped one eye open once he was sure the maids had left. He let his arm fall from Peony’s shoulders, to allow him the room to roll over to the other side of the bed. However, after he gave the other man a good minute to do so, Jade prodded him gently, rolling his eyes when he realized that Peony was indeed, out cold. He sighed deeply, bringing his arm back around his best friend’s shoulders. He supposed that this was forgivable. Just once.