Chapter 450 - 451: You Coming Or What?

Chapter 450: Chapter 451: You Coming Or What?

But at the same time, Gandy’s not exactly wrong ; this time doesn’t feel like one of his usual sulks.

Coz when Khobi’s missing in action Loac tends to resort to gratuitous violence to see him through until he can get his fix, but where usually he’d be throwing tantrums and stropping like a kid who’s been cooped up on a sunny day, these last few days he’s been no bark and no bite.

​Off, like Jaga’s said.

​There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that there’s something Khobi-related at its root, but this feels like something more than just being pissy about not getting to play with his favourite person.

Like, physically he’s there with them --which is more than can be said for years gone by --but whether at mealtimes or mid-fight, it’s like his mind’s somewhere else entirely, and the dumb, idiotic grin that Montrel’s started to (gods forbid) expect to see plastered over his face is suddenly nowhere to be found.

​"...He’s been quiet," Montrel eventually admits, because honestly, he has and it’s kinda been bothering him. Once upon a time that would have been a blessing rather than a cause for concern.

​How times change .

​Resigned, he sighs, scrubbing one hand back through his hair and adjusting his grip on his sword with the other. "...I’ll talk to him."

​The other soldiers all stare at him like he’s just ripped a massive fart.

Fricha, leading the drill today in lieu of Ynoro, gives them a curt reminder to keep up and stay focused.

​"What?" Montrel deadpans, waving a gruff apology in Fricha’s general direction.

​" You’re gonna go talk to him?" Gandy parrots in disbelief.

​"S’not that weird," Montrel complains, even though it is and the expression Gandy’s wearing very clearly highlights that.

"Shut up, I got somethin’ else I need to talk to him about anyways."

​"Montrel- san , you’re really not setting a very good example for a new recruit," he hears Rogard call from a row or two over –just far enough out of earshot to have not overheard their conversation, but close enough to know that he’s having one when he shouldn’t be.

"Binny’s gonna learn bad habits~"

​Montrel decides to be the bigger man and not flip him off.

​But he does make sure to spank the kid with the flat of his sword when they paired together in the sparring ring.

It’s a classic gag, and one that always, always gets a reaction from anyone who’s watching (especially the way Rogard squawks), and it really goes to show that there’s something going on that Loac doesn’t so much as crack a smile.

​...

​As much as Montrel hates to admit it, Loac’s kinda got the right idea.

Training is definitely less fun without Khobi. For as much as they bemoan his absurd enthusiasm, it’s kind of infectious, and regardless of who he’s facing off against he always puts on a show.

It never matters whether he wins or loses; either way makes for great heckling and endless entertainment.

And without him hogging a ring all the damn time it means everyone else actually has to spend their fair share of time out their practicing.

So by the time training’s beginning to wind down and he’s trying to find a good reason to be in Loac’s general vicinity, Montrel’s really feeling it in his bones. More than he usually would, that is.

​It feels very weird trying to approach the guy with an agenda, especially with an audience. Shit, from how gleefully they’re watching him you’d think he was a teenager trying to ask out a pretty girl.

One that they’re very obviously hoping is gonna slap him.

​Hopefully he doesn’t get slapped. That would really suck.

​Loac very clearly notices him sidling up alongside him, and while he doesn’t immediately tell him to shove off or go fuck himself, he’s definitely suspicious.

Particularly when he glances past Montrel and sees a couple of the others looking.

​"What?" he drawls flatly, eyes narrowed but a little low on lustre. And even though most of the soldiers have gotten pretty used to getting their heads bitten off by their prince when he’s in a mood, a couple of the closest ones still jump.

Montrel’s pretty used to that sort of thing, though, and barely even flinches.

​"Nothing."

​Smooth .

​He hastily gestures for Gandy to fucking shoo already, the nosy fuck.

​Unsure of exactly how to proceed, and trying to figure out a way to do so without getting his face caved in, Montrel busies himself with dusting off his boots while he tries to find an opening.

And then, when a suitable one fails to arise, he decides fuck it and forces his way into one.

​"I feel like a drink," he declares loudly, and glances across to where Loac’s busy chewing on the rim of a waterskin, "...D’you feel like a drink?" he quizzes, nevermind the what the fuck do you want expression that he’s greeted with.

"Let’s go get a drink, huh?"

​" Huh ?" Loac’s brow furrows, and the waterskin drops away from his mouth like he’s wondering if Montrel’s finally taken one too many knocked to the head, "...What, you an’ me?"

​Gandy’s right, that does sound insane.

​" Sure, why not ?" Montrel squeaks, a little hysterically, clapping him on the shoulder as he gathers himself to his feet. "C’mon, you look like you could use one."

​It comes out like an insult, and Loac glares at him accordingly.

​Ugh , force of habit.

​Montrel sighs and tries again. " I’ll buy . And don’t worry, we can go somewhere that has that gross sugar water you like."

​Loac considers the offer, which is something.

Then without another word he rises to his feet, rolls a crick out of his neck, and turns his back on him.

Montrel fights the urge to grind his teeth coz that’s only gonna put the vein in his forehead at risk of popping, and would you know it, his self control pays off because after a couple of paces Loac shoves his hands in his pocket and flings a glance back his way.

​"...You comin’ or what?"