“Sorry.” That was the first word out of Theo’s mouth, as they walked from the reception to the baths.

Jenny said nothing, just staring pointedly at the floor.

Not a word was shared between them as he followed her.

It wasn’t a very luxurious bath. It was clear that this was a place to wash and then leave. It was as barren as the rest of the College of War, just treated wood at right angles and water. The air free of steam, as any rising off the surface of the bath flowed easily into vents. It left it a cold place.

But even so, it was a Fesday night. Someone was bound to make the most of this.

There were some people in there, flushed red (Theo couldn’t tell if that was from the heat or from any drinks), being rather loud and splashing about. It was a welcome change to the compromise of silence between him and Jenny on the way. She stayed in the doorway, and Theo ventured in slowly.

As he entered, the conversation quietened down. He realised he recognised nobody in there, and he was having difficulty looking at them regardless, given their state of dress (aka stark naked).

---

Theo didn’t think he could prefer that silence, but at least he knew Jenny. Being naked around strangers, unsurprisingly, made Theo feel very vulnerable. Especially after his recent, visceral lesson on how fragile the body can be.

They walked through the halls of the College, as Theo rolled his shoulders, getting used to the spare standard uniform he’d changed into. He carried what he’d worn in on his back, with the Coins of Unity in his hands once more as they followed its directions, this time with Jenny following Theo. It was a rather practical set of clothes, made of thick itchy linen.

Theo realised he was focusing on the clothing to avoid doing what was actually important. Talking to Jenny.

“So…” He trailed off, unsure how to start. Jenny looked over, pensive as she chewed her lip. “I’m sorry I didn’t see it sooner. I’m sorry I didn’t realise how it would look, and for taking up your Fesday night and getting your hopes up and-“

“I’m sorry for getting my hopes up.” Jenny interrupted, and Theo was just thankful she could still speak. “I- why did I think you’d be interested in me? I should have known better.” She started to slow down, arms crossed as she shrank, back hunching.

Theo stopped. Jenny almost ran into him, so focused on the ground that she missed his feet. They faced each other, neither having the courage to look the other in the eyes.

“I…” For a bard, Theo could be shit with words sometimes. He chuckled internally as he tried to put things into words. He’d never been a charmer, never been the kind of bard that could talk to anyone and make them fall in love (not that he’d want to…sow his seed that widely, but nevertheless). “I’m… not not interested? You’re attractive.”

Jenny’s eyes widened, before she shrank back in on herself, looking anywhere but at Theo. “But I’m…not.” Ah. He stayed silent, letting her think things through.

“I’m strong. I know I’m brash. Blunt.” She squatted down, hugging her knees (and doing a great impression of a shrinking violet). “I never felt pretty growing up, but that was fine because I grew up fighting. Had to.” She gingerly reached up to touch her nose, tracing the jagged angles.

“So what if I broke my nose? Nobody would be interested anyway.” Jenny sighed. “It gets lonely. And yeah, I’ve got friends...but nobody who wants me. Because who would?”

“I’m not a shrinking violet. I don’t need saving. I don’t stroke egos. I don’t have a pretty face or a cute voice or-“

“I like the fact you’re muscular and intimidating.” Theo blushed, half-mumbling an admission.

Theo instantly regretted saying that out loud. He paused, looking around. The coast was clear. Nobody was near them, nor could Theo hear any footsteps or movement. Thank Gilth for that.

He knew the type of person Jenny was talking about. The kind that would brag about bedding someone very loudly half a drink in, trying to prove how manly they were. He was the exact opposite of that, and if that was the kind of person Jenny was trying to attract, then maybe he should just find the chest as fast as possible to avoid her disgust.

Or, he could run out of Union City, join Sparrow on his mission to Etol, and not see her for a long enough time for things to get better between them. Either way, he couldn’t unsay what he had said, so it was probably his cue to start rushing.

Jenny froze, mouth open, brain clearly working overtime. After enough time that Theo was starting to get concerned about her wellbeing, she suddenly stood up, looked around, found an unoccupied room, and pulled Theo in by the arm hard enough that he’d probably bruise if he didn’t have internal magic.

“Hey, what’s goi-“ Theo was cut off by her lips meeting his.

---

They left the room, as Jenny finished tidying her hair. Theo ran a hand through his, making it acceptable again.

“You know, I thought a bard would be a better kisser.” Jenny teased him. It would have felt mean-spirited if her face wasn’t splattered with the kind of messy smile that indicated a deep satisfaction with what had just occurred.

“I’m not that kind of bard!” Theo protested. “I play fun music to drink and dance too. I’m usually in the background when other people are doing… all that.” He’d gotten rather good at ignoring it when it happened during his sets at The Pub, but apparently that experience didn’t carry through to staying calm when he was the one in the action.

Nor did witnessing drunken dalliances complete with sloppy groping in a public setting do anything for his ability to kiss. Then again, considering the spit she was currently wiping off her very red face, apparently enthusiasm did count for something.

Jenny looked at him with the eyes of someone who heard a blatant lie. “You’re telling me that a tall, tanned, built man who is talented at multiple forms of magic studying at one of the four great Colleges isn’t fighting off suitors with a stick?”

Theo blinked. He knew all the combat and training had changed his physique. And all the time in the woods had changed the colour of his skin to something more palatable than his previously sickly complexion. And he did have an affinity with magic. And he was studying at the College of Song, as the direct student of a very famous bard.

He was starting to see her point. “I guess I just don’t really think about it? I spend most of my time either in class, in The Pub, or doing something else that’s related to the College. So I’m either always surrounded by professionals, by other students of the Colleges, or people who saw me grow up.”

“And he’s humble too.” Theo didn’t blush at her teasing this time, which he counted as a win. “You grew up in The Pub?” She asked.

“I’m not humble…just insecure.” Theo admitted. “I grew up as a poor, dirty kid who The Pub adopted as their mascot. All of this is new stuff that happened in the past few months, and I guess I’m not used to it yet. And even then, I’m in a class full of the most talented people I know. Never thought anyone would be interested in me.”

He fiddled with the Coins, which he had somehow held in his hand the entire time that they had been kissing. The hologram flickered on, and showed that they hadn’t strayed too far. They were close. “Why do you like me, anyway?”

Jenny let out a short, harsh laugh.

And then realised he was serious. “Besides what I said already…the number of people who practice internal magic who can keep up with me is very small. And you’re a nice guy. You’re more charming than you realise, apparently.”

She leaned over, planting a peck on his cheek, and giggled as he turned red once again. Theo liked her giggle. “Anyway, let’s go find you whatever it is you’re looking for.” Jenny was quite close to his face, and she took this opportunity to quietly whisper into his ear. “And if it’s somewhere private we can…take our time.”

Theo didn’t (or more accurately, couldn’t get his body to) respond, pointedly focusing on the Coins’ display as Jenny cackled next to him.