Adam side-eyed the window. “Frevan Lolorm?”

Theo walked over to the door to let the man in. “A family friend. He’s the one who helped me move in two weeks ago.”

Frevan stepped through the open doorway, nodding slightly to Adam and smiling at Theo. “Hello, Theo. And ah…” There was a knowing glint in his eyes.

Ears burning, Theo took a breath, feeling a calm settle over him. “Frevan, this is my… friend, Adam. He’s an adventurer with the Vanguard’s Grip. Adam, this is Frevan. He runs one of the stardust collection companies here in Romuen.”

Adam shook the man’s hand, frowning slightly. “Think you could stop casting? I get that you’re trying to make a good first impression, but- yeah.”

It was Frevan’s turn to color. “Oh ah- you noticed. Perceptive, then. My apologies, it’s ah… fairly automatic for me in my profession at this point.”

The calm over Theo shattered, nerves knotting his stomach once more. His eyes widened. “I… hadn’t even noticed.” He felt at himself as if that would change anything.

“Adventurers need to be perceptive, Theo. No offense taken from me, Frevan. I just… my parents were enough of that,” Adam said, his face darkening. “Sorry, I don’t mean to bring the mood down. Theo… I’ll go clean up the kitchen.”

“Adam you don’t have to-” Theo held up a hand, but Adam was already through the door.

Frevan frowned towards the door before turning to Theo. “I apologize, Theo. I didn’t mean to offend your friend.”

“I’ve never seen him like that. I suppose he may have something against Phrenists,” Theo said, tapping his lip. “...I’m sure he’ll be alright. Anyway, it’s nice to see you, Frevan.”

“And you as well, Theo. From what I’ve been informed, you’re been… busy. I apologize for not coming sooner but… it turns out taking a day off to help you move in allowed things to pile up,” he said, shrugging.

Theo’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh! I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to make your work harder. I-”

Frevan held up a hand. “It’s quite alright, Theo. I was happy to help you. I just had plenty on my plate coming back to work. My collectors are hired through the Merchant’s Guild. There’s always far too much paperwork. Regardless, what’s all this business with Maraz?”

“Ah, well, you see. Funny story about that, I-”

“Theo, take a deep breath. Then explain,” he said, calmness edging into Theo.

Theo let the magic affect him, his nerves settling. Some would consider it in poor taste, but he knew Frevan had his best interests at heart. He took in a smooth breath. “Thank you. First, Maraz tried to get me to change my prices, but I stopped him with an air cage. He broke it and I Snapped. Then-”

A hand stopped Theo again. “Hold on, you Snapped? Are you okay? Do I- Do I need to contact your parents or-”

He waved his hands placatingly. “No, no, no. Frevan, I’m fine. It’s… admittedly taking a bit to learn how to control my magic, but most of the leaks in my mana pool have already sealed up. It’s mostly just a matter of learning how to control my output now. My mana is so much stronger…”

His tight expression relaxed somewhat, and he let out a breath of his own. “You should send your parents a letter at the very least. Let them know what’s going on. If your mother finds out second-hand, well, I wouldn’t want to be you…”

Theo gulped, sweat building at the small of his back. “I… probably should. Mom told me to wait a month before sending a letter. She said it’d make me too homesick if I wrote it too early, but… this situation probably calls for an earlier one.”

“I do believe it does. Anyway, continue. Sorry for the interruption,” Frevan said, glancing him up and down.

“Ah, well, you see…” he continued, explaining the situation in far more detail than he had to anyone else. Frevan kept asking more questions.

He stood for a moment, cupping his chin in thought. “Well, Theo. I’m both surprised and impressed. I would say I’m surprised by your actions, and I am, but that’s also not entirely true. It’s a very Lukien way of doing it. With your disposition, however, and I mean no offense, I thought you may… avoid conflict. But I see you’ve inherited your mother’s stubborn side.”

Crossing his arms, he couldn’t help but pout slightly. “How can he expect me to change my prices so drastically? I still have profit margins at my prices. It’s pure greed. Greed and corruption.” He kicked at a speck of dust on the floor.

“I know, Theo. I’ve lived here a long time. Maraz is, unfortunately, doing his job. Just like anyone else. I don’t approve of it, and I would recommend looking into some… hired help, but knowing you, that’s not an avenue you’d like to explore,” he said, splaying his hands palm-up to his sides.

Theo chuckled slightly. “It’s not me, is it? I’ll figure something out, don’t you worry. As for your visit, it’s quite convenient for me, actually. I was hoping to place an order for some stardust? I’m lower than I’d like to be on dust and crystals. Dad always taught me to stock before I need to, after all.”

Frevan grinned, nodding. “I believe I could organize that for you quite easily. In the interest of your ventures, I’ll only charge you enough to cover the costs of collection and the delivery fee. I’m… interested. I’ll leave it at that.”

“Oh, Frevan. I couldn’t possibly accept that! You need to make money too,” he said, guilt rising in his chest.

“Not as much as you do. Your window may be repaired, but you used some of your stock on Maraz. And admittedly, I agree with him somewhat. You’re charging below what you should even if you’re trying to make a point. I don’t recommend increasing it much, but perhaps... charge a silver - or maybe a bit more copper extra here or there.

“Oh, and what enchanter lacks a stock of arms? I have a blacksmith contact I can leave for you. He may be… interested in your ventures as well. Perhaps you could form some kind of partnership. Do you have any parchment?” Frevan asked, his piercing yellow gaze scanning the room.

Already on his way to the counter, he pulled out a sheet. “Indeed I do. Right behind my counter.” He handed Frevan the parchment and a quill.

Accepting it, Frevan wrote down an address and a name in clean, swirling script. “Go to this address and speak to Neniramli. He’s a blacksmith who - and keep this a secret - is privately known for selling much cheaper than his competitors to particular adventurers. He’s as close as I can think of to someone who would be interested in what you’re doing.”

Theo committed the address to memory, resolving to visit as soon as possible. “Thank you again, Frevan. I truly appreciate the help.”

He nodded. “Of course, Theo. You’re most welcome. This is about all the time I could fit in, but I’ll have your delivery prepared in two days time.”

Offering a hand, Frevan shook his. “I appreciate it. I have somewhat of a partnership with the messenger Pina. She’s a perren with yellow petals. You could request her to do the delivery if you’d like. Might save you a bit of money.”

A warm smile on his face, Frevan turned. “Thank you as well then. It’s good to see you’re doing so well. Your parents will be proud. Oh, and tell Adam I apologize once more. I didn’t mean to offend.”

“Can do.” Theo waved as Frevan left, the bell ringing as he closed the door. For what must have been the first time, a wave of homesickness hit him. He’d been so busy, there hadn’t been time to worry about home.

Curse Frevan for reminding me that I’m so far away from home… he thought to himself, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes.

Adam walked out from the kitchen, likely having heard the bell. “Theo, I’m sorry I- are you okay?” He rushed over, laying a hand on Theo’s shoulder as the tears began to roll.

His ears burned, crying in front of Adam like this, but he couldn’t stop himself now. He missed home. He missed mom, he missed dad, he even missed the customers. The newness may have staved it off in the beginning, but now that he was thinking about it rather than his own self-preservation, his heart ached. “I- mom- and d-dad- and home.”

Warm, bulky arms encapsulated him, pulling him close. A soft hush rolled over his ears. “It’s okay, Theo. We all miss home sometimes.”

It took a bit to compose himself, but Adam was patient and held him the whole time. Wiping at his eyes, he blew his nose on his handkerchief - it possessed a self-cleaning enchantment so he wasn’t worried about dirtying it. Adam was still rubbing his back slowly. He looked up, blushing harder than before at the treatment. “I’m sorry Adam, I just-” He hiccuped, another tear rolling down his face.

Adam smiled, clearing the tear away with a thumb. “Theo. Everyone cries. You moved here what, less than two weeks ago? Of course you miss home. You’ve just been too busy to process it until now.”

His heart hammered in his chest now, which probably didn’t help the flushing in his face. “Adam I- When I’m with you it’s-” He searched for the words. “Easier. Everything is. Thank you.” He looked up at the man, smiling weakly.

Arms wrapped around him once more, hugging him tightly. “You’re gonna make me cry next. Theo, can I ask you something?”

From his position nested deep in Adam’s arms, he could hear the man’s heart thumping even faster than his own. “W-What?”

“Do you- do you think we could… go out to eat sometime? As uh, more than- than friends,” he said, pulling Theo back out to arms length but shifting his eyes to the side.

A sigh of relief escaped Theo. Thank whatever god or goddess is out there watching over me, I didn’t have to ask it myself. He smiled. “I’d love to, Adam.”

“Good, because I’ve been wanting to do this since the day I met you.” He swept Theo into one arm, pulling him close.

Lips met and his heart threatened to leap out of his chest. He’d only seen a pyromancer perform once, but it felt like that same explosive force he saw was going off inside of him.

To his side, he heard a giddy yelp. Both of them froze and turned their heads in sync. Pina stood at the door, staring through the window, mouth open in a wide enough smile that it could have swallowed both their heads.

She opened the door, tapping from foot to foot in excitement. “Hooooooomygods. I was waiting for this! I can’t believe I caught it first hand!” She squealed with excitement, unable to keep herself still.

Theo was pretty sure his entire existence was red alongside Adam. They both sat there frozen, Theo cradled in Adam’s arms.

“C’mon guys, don’t be two muddy sticks. This is great! Oh, and Adam, let Telsa know that she owes me 5 silvers,” she said, still grinning widely.

That last comment broke the freeze, finally. “Wait, what? You two had a bet?” Adam asked, his brows raising.

Pina rolled her eyes. “Duh. We were waiting to see which of you would do something first. Telsa thought you’d surprise her, Theo. Turns out I win!”

Theo frowned at her, but the effect was probably lost with how hot his face felt. “I didn’t- just because he- oh, whatever.” He sagged defeatedly in Adam’s arms. “Uh, actually, could I stand again, Adam?”

“Wha- oh. Sure. Right,” he stuttered, bringing Theo back to a standing position.

Pina’s eyes widened as she lost her smile. “Wait, Theo. Were you crying? What’s wrong?”

“He just uh, got something in his eye is all,” Adam said, squeezing Theo’s side lightly.

“Adam, it’s quite alright. I was just… homesick is all, Pina. I hadn’t realized how much I was bottling it away with how busy I’ve been until I was suddenly reminded just a little bit ago,” he said, staring out the window.

Following his eyes, Pina’s rounded further. “Oh gods, the window! I heard about it. Theo, I’m sorry you were homesick. At least you showed Maraz what for, right?” She grinned.

He met Pina’s eyes with a fiery intensity. “I hurt him and nobody helped me. I feel terrible about it.”

Pina’s face dropped. “Oh. I’m sorry, I thought- Well, I guess it is you. You know what? I’m proud of you anyway, Theo. You hurt him on accident and immediately did the right thing. Even if Maraz is a big jerk.” She glared through the window.

It was Theo’s turn for his eyes to widen. “I- thank you, Pina. I appreciate that perspective. It’s… comforting.”

She smiled. “What are friends for? Now come here, you look like you need another hug.” Widening her arms, she embraced Theo, pulling him away from Adam and wagging a finger at him. “You can share for a few seconds, Adam.”

He grumbled but stayed put.

Pina’s hug felt similar to her handshake, rough and strangely hard, but it wasn’t entirely unpleasant. After a few seconds, Theo leaned away. “Thank you, truly. Now uh, for a dramatic topic change, would you all like to go shopping? I really need more ingredients.”

She let go, nodding. “Sounds good to me, I have a little shopping I need to get done myself.”

Adam smiled at him. “I’m ready if you are, Theo.”

“Just allow me to grab my bag and I’ll be right back.” Theo ran off into his bedroom. The pile of bloody clothes was still on the ground. Frowning, he vowed to clean those later. His bag was smooth leather, fortunately, so the blood hadn’t stained it.

Slipping on a pair of square-tipped loafers that matched his bag, he pulled that over his shoulder as well and walked back out front. ...After checking himself in the mirror once more.

Out in his shop lobby, his heart ramped up its pace once more when he saw Adam. This time, butterflies fluttered in his stomach happily with less - but still some - of the accompanying anxiety. He steeled himself. Be brave, Theo.

He walked up to Adam, sliding his hand into the man’s. The hand dwarfed his in size, but it was comfortable enough, even if he had to hold his arm upward a little.

Adam looked at him, eyebrows raised. He smiled and nodded. With a few squeezes of the palm from Adam, Theo felt reassured. They walked out the door together. Pina looked ready to burst once again.

There were a few stares, but that was likely just from how much height Adam had on him. As far as he knew, people like him and Adam were mostly accepted in Romuen. Pina did hiss at one man who approached them with a scowl, however.

All-in-all, Theo felt like he was about to explode, but it was at least from a mix of emotions. His pride was on the line at this point, he couldn’t let go of Adam’s hand.

They arrived at the market eventually. The hand-hold was uncomfortably moist at his point, but Theo had a point to make, even if it was only to prove to himself that he could do this. Every inch of him was trembling, but Adam was doing a wonderful job of pretending he didn’t notice.

“You doing okay, Theo? We can uh, take a break, if you want,” Adam murmured just low enough for Theo to still be able to hear.

“I’m- I’m okay. Renwurd was a little more… backwater. I had heard it was… better for me here. At least in this aspect,” he said, giving Adam’s hand a light squeeze.

A voice called for him from across the market, tinkling like wind chimes but heavily laden with an accent. “Theo! My favorite shopkeeper! Come, come! I must see you.”

“You know Niistral?” Adam asked, quirking a brow.

“Who doesn’t know Niistral?” Pina asked, rolling her eyes.

Adam frowned. “Yeah but Theo is new- True. Niistral knows everyone.”

“Let’s go, they always give my family and me good prices,” Pina said, tugging on Adam, which in turn pulled on Theo.

They staggered up to Niistral together, trying to match Pina’s quick pace. “Uh, hi again, Niistral.”

The fulvitre bowed to him. “Hello again, Theo. It is good to see you. Are you in need of more alchemical components? I have stocked a few that you asked for last time.”

“I am, in fact. I need more vindiya roots, the same amount as last time, 30 roots - actually, make it 40. Are they still the same price as before?” he asked, glancing over at the rich green roots.

The fulvitre nodded. “For you they are. I have heard what you did to Maraz. It is good to see that man put in his place for once. I will sell these to you for 1 gold even.”

“That’s- that’s far less than it should be,” Theo said, frowning at the comment.

“But of course. You have struck the bear and come out on top. That is no small feat. He has given me trouble before. These prices hold no small level of gratitude, Theo,” they said, their voice almost reverent.

Guilt stabbed at Theo internally. “I-I can’t accept that price, Niistral.”

Niistral put their hands on their hips with the soft clink of glass. “You drive a hard bargain, shopkeeper. I can go no lower than 90 silvers, however.”

A wisp of anger flared in Theo. “That’s not what I meant. I feel horrible about what I did to Maraz. I didn’t want to hurt him, I just wanted him to leave me alone! I didn’t mean to do it.”

Their head cocked to the side. They laughed. “Oh, Theo, you are hilarious! What an odd joke. I did not realize you had such a peculiar humor. You would get along well with my melder, Mressa.”

Opening his mouth to talk once more, a hand settled on his shoulder. “He means it, Niistral.” Adam glared at them.

They backed up a step. “It is not a joke? Theo, you curious man. I would still offer the price of 1 gold piece, if you would accept it.”

Regrettably, Theo looked in his coin purse. He gave Niistral one circular gold coin with a hole punched in the middle of it - and two identical silver coins. It hurt him, but he’d barely made anything resembling a profit so far. While he couldn’t pass up such an offer, he could add a tiny tip.

After picking out the roots and explaining them to Pina, Theo was very much not in the mood for more shopping. He had to, however. By the end of it, Niistral had still lacked some of the components he needed, but he felt guiltier than ever after how much less they had charged him.

The other market stall workers had given him similarly low offers. By the end of their shopping excursion, Theo couldn’t bring his eyes up off the ground. He felt dirty. He told himself it was for the adventurers, that he’d pay those shopkeepers back some other time when he had more money, but he had to admit - the boost was helpful.

Pina followed them back to the shop, chattering away, but he could barely bring himself to respond. Eventually, she got the hint after Adam glared at her for the eleventh time.

Adam seemed to understand Theo’s reluctance to talk and tried to keep Pina occupied otherwise. While Theo went through the motions of preparing his ingredients to make potions - hopefully without Adam’s help finally - the two of them scanned through his rune books to devise a self-defense spell for Pina to manual cast.

It ended up being another wind spell, similar to the Gale Buffet wand that Pina carried with her now. The intent was that if Pina lost her wand somehow, she could still defend herself. He tried, but he couldn’t contribute any useful input on the spell. His mind just wasn’t in the right place. He didn’t even attempt to brew potions today, he just had the ingredients all ready for some other time.

When Adam finally pushed Pina out the door at night time, he pulled Theo into a hug once more, kissing him on top of his head. “I’m sorry about today.”

He leaned into the man, enjoying the warmth in the night’s chill. “It’s not your fault, Adam. I just hate that everyone is saying such nice things about me when I- I did something so horrible.”

“You’re a kinder soul than anyone I’ve ever met, Theo. You’ll make good use of those cheap ingredients, I know you. They won’t go to waste,” he murmured into Theo’s ear.

“That… helps. A little. Thank you for- for being understanding, Adam. So many of those shopkeepers laughed at me and thought I was joking…” he said, frowning into the man’s chest.

“I’ll have you know I gave each and every one of them a dirty look when we walked away. Most of them looked confused, but I hoped it’d make you feel better,” he said, shrugging, which jostled Theo slightly.

A small chuckle escaped him. “That’s… sweet.” Waves of exhaustion rolled over him, after-effects of his potion abuse from yesterday.

Adam noticed the sudden weakness in Theo. “You’re tired, huh? Do you uh, want me to… stay the night? I could… guard or something to make sure you get a good night’s rest.”

Theo’s cheeks burned. “That um- that’s fine, you should… head home. I’m sure you need a change of clothes after staying last night. Besides, you need sleep too.” He looked up at Adam. “I’d… be happy to see you in the morning though, if you’d want? Maybe for breakfast? I loved the eggs you made last time.”

Adam’s embrace tightened, squeezing some of the air out of Theo’s lungs. “I’d love to come over for breakfast. I’ll get going now then. Don’t sleep on the floor or something.”

Theo glanced over to the door out of his workshop. “I believe I’ll sleep in my bed. I just… have a few things to do first.”

“Alright, I’ll get going now then,” Adam said, letting go of Theo.

“I could um, walk you to the door?” Theo asked, smiling awkwardly at him.

Adam laughed lightly. “I’d like that. Wouldn’t want to trip and fall or something, y’know?” He grinned at him.

Theo jabbed him in the side. “You jerk.” He still mirrored Adam’s grin anyway.

At the door, Theo took the initiative and pecked Adam on the lips one last time - he had to stand on his tip-toes to even reach. Adam noticed mid-way and leaned down too, but he wouldn’t tell anyone that. His skin blazed afterward, but he felt proud of himself.

Adam smiled ear to ear. “You have a good night too.” He winked.

“Yes- good um, night. Yes. Goodnight, Adam,” he said, waving the man off. He watched him walk away. Adam kept looking back as well, smiling or making a silly gesture.

Finally, Adam was out of sight, so Theo closed the door to his shop and locked it. He allowed himself a few seconds to perform a giddy-dance around his shop before he almost knocked a shelf over.

He apologized to the shelf, not even feeling ridiculous for it in the moment. Returning to the desk in his workshop, there was one last task for him on this night.

He had a letter to write.