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Player never really figured when the boredom hit them exactly, but they did know that there was absolutely nothing to do at the moment. It could be something to laugh about, considering how badly Player wished for some free time while they were out exploring and basically playing the hero of everyone's story. It was valid back then, with so much on their shoulders, it'd surely become a burden soon enough. Something in Player misses it, misses the adrenaline of solving mysteries piece by piece when they were commanded to continue doing so.
Honestly? Player even thought of getting a part time job to have a distraction for their mind, but they never really got to it for whatever reason.
It certainly wasn't the worst, people would've wished for such freedom. One thing that Player could still do was attempt to explore and revisit places for nostalgic purposes, despite it not being that long. What also turned out to be one of their only hobbies in this situation was paying visits to everyone they've met.
It was a heart-warming feeling seeing and knowing that they're all thriving, even Griefer and Mayor Thaniyel. They've been concerned about those two the most with Griefer's terrifying transformation and the obvious sorrow in Mayor's eyes when he looked at the creature he still called his son, despite everything his little boy's done.
The latest adventure Player has set up for themself was a way to cure poor Griefer. Whether they did it out of boredom or kindness, for their own desire or to lessen the hurt in Mayor Thaniyel's heart, Player didn't really know and they didn't dare put their mind towards figuring that out either. They could never hope to forget the look Mayor's face held as he got his son back, they hoped it cured not only Griefer, but his father's troubles too. Player has never felt parental towards anyone, really. Maybe Red and Blue, but they could definitely begin to sympathize in a way.
Griefer has definitely attempted to control himself now that he's finally... him, again, even if he hasn't really lost himself if he thought about it hard enough. His ego remained unshattered and he's actually grown somewhat fond of the vines hanging around his body now, he just seemed to tense up at the mention of the sword he went insane over.
Player had actually been planning a visit to Griefer's place, check up on how he's doing, if everything was okay and all. However, they couldn't really get the idea that coming over just for that was a bit stupid out of their head. Griefer had to be interacted with with care, Player knew that, or at least they believed so. That isn't a nicer way to say that Griefer is sensitive, he really just seems like someone who ought to stop pushing kindness and help away from himself.
The walk never felt longer than this. One part of Player forgot to realize their body is even taking them somewhere, merely because Griefer flooded their mind — not in that kind of way, or maybe it was in that kind of way, Player had better things to convince themself about. The other part was almost dreading going anywhere, what if they just end up having small talk at the door with Griefer before having it slammed in front of their face? Not out of rudeness, Player knew Griefer was beyond that. Maybe Griefer was just as anxious as Player seemed to sometimes be?
That'd serve as a thing to drive them closer, since they'd both finally have someone that they can relate to.
Maybe Player could also thank Griefer for sometimes coming in to assist them in battles they didn't even start. Sure, that sounded like a good cover story, but it wouldn't keep them both occupied and spending time together long enough for Player to be satisfied. Griefer could be difficult, but Player does not give up, ever. They have been told how persistent they are, but it isn't usually viewed as a bad thing. Something about having Griefer around felt awarding, not in a weird way, rather — he didn't seem to be that fond of most people, so whenever Griefer stalled Player to make them hang around just a bit longer, they felt almost special.
Player almost walked past by Griefer's house. No, they totally did pass it, at least they realized so before they've walked even further away.
With a secret look around to make sure no one witnessed Player messing up, they trotted back to the correct place and knocked on the door in one swift motion. They did not expect to be greeted by Mayor Thaniyel instead, but at least he was relatively easy to talk to despite their different age groups.
Thaniyel answered the door in a polite manner, beaming at Player with a kind smile that only spoke of gratitude. "Oh! Welcome kid, it's very nice to see you." He nodded his head along and made space for Player to come through. "May I invite you inside?"
"Hello, Mayor. Thank you." Player stepped in a little cautiously just to avoid crossing any boundaries, even if Thaniyel's probably seen it all at this point. The door was already closing behind them as Thaniyel made his way towards the kitchen coutner in sight, "Care for some tea while we're here?" he suggested.
It was a nice offer, even if Player never really was the biggest fan of tea. No one could go wrong with drinking some once in a while and they also certainly did not wish to look impolite by declining. "That would be great, thank you!" Player smiled even though Thaniyel's back was turned, he was a good guy that just brought the sense of relaxing with him everywhere he went. It was a wonder why Griefer was so differently mannered compared to his father, but Player wouldn't like Griefer any different than he is now.
That being, maybe Player could ask Thaniyel himself for some advice. He seemed like he would understand and support them regardless.
"Take a seat, dear. I'll get it ready." Player did just as they were told, there was this comfortable couch in front of the coffee table that they settled on, it was actually a pretty cozy place. They wondered how different Griefer's room looked now, must be a full mess compared to the living room, or maybe it was indeed chaos, but familiar chaos that Griefer probably found comfort in. Right, why does Player's mind keep lacing Griefer into their irrelevant thoughts?
Their inner turmoil was then broken off by Thaniyel making his way back and handing Player their cup of tea, as well as bringing his own. "I am very glad you decided to visit, as if you haven't done so much for me already." Thaniyel started.
"It wasn't much bother, really." Player smiled back at Thaniyel, cup awkwardly resting in hand as they hesitated taking a sip. The ceramic was blazing hot and they were not about to get their tongue burnt. Thaniyel himself didn't seem to mind how unbearably hot the tea was, blowing on it gently.
"You saved not only me, but my son too. I hope he apologized properly to you back then." Player chuckled at that, Griefer was definitely not one for apologies, but the message was there, from both of them. "He did, or at least I think it was enough." They replied.
Thaniyel gave them a knowing smile, "He better, he owes you a lot more than he realizes."
"It's all good, really." Player kept brushing it off, it was almost a bit embarrassing being constantly reminded and praised for their acts of kindness, but it also warmed their heart. Thaniyel seemed to drop the subject for now and settled for another sip of his tea as he had a moment to think about continuing the topic.
Player also took that opportunity and decided to hesitantly shift the conversation towards more about Griefer himself. "Has Griefer been doing alright?" They started off with a simple question, being cautious even though they didn't exactly need to be. "Brad? Yes, he's doing very well." To their simple question was an equally simple reply, but to avoid losing the light of the conversation, Thaniyel added on, "Were you here to visit him?"
"Oh, well, originally yes. But I figured we could catch up as well." Player hesitated for a bit, pondering whether they should be truthful, but they then figured that Thaniyel would probably have better things to worry about. "I see, he should show his face eventually." They both chuckled in unison. In that moment, Player felt Thaniyel's gaze almost studying them for something. It was a gentle look, but as if he were trying to crack a mystery.
"What do you think of him?" Thaniyel then said with little context, it came out of the blue so Player visibly stopped to think before giving their answer. "I want to know him better, I know he's gotta be beyond the act he puts on in front of others to look tough."
Thaniyel nodded his head at that and they swore they saw his lips curve into a wider, almost relieved smile. He was probably more than glad that someone was giving his son a chance again.
Silence fell upon them for a short moment that felt longer than it actually should have, but it was actually just a small break for both of them to take sips of their tea. It's cooled down enough for Player to not flinch. "Have you two started talking more?" Thaniyel then asked, he didn't have his thoughts in piece and Player could see it on his expression. There was a reason he was asking question by question, Player hoped he didn't see right through them already. "I would say so, well — we're more in touch than we could be before, anyway." They replied with a small, barely noticeable shrug of their shoulders.
"I get it, dear. I'm happy he's found someone to be by his side." Something in Player thought that being by one's side meant being there for them romantically, or maybe it's just them twisting Thaniyel's words for nothing. Just to be safe, they nodded politely and added, "He needs a good friend."
"Couldn't you two be more than that?" Thaniyel questioned, innocently so but he clearly knew what he was doing. Player was pretty glad they stalled taking another sip of the tea otherwise they'd spit it out upon being asked that question, cartoon style. Or maybe that's an ugly exaggeration, but they'd probably forget to even swallow out of shock. A part of them was expecting this, but they didn't think it'd come this early.
Player decided to push the embarrassment beyond themself for this moment. "I guess I'd like that — well, y'know... it's up to him, really!" An awkward chuckle came out of them along with those words, but Thaniyel acted like he's had this conversation before. "He might like that idea equally as much, you never know." He smiled, that kind of a warm smile that showed reassurance and also sympathy. Player didn't really wish to get their hopes up just yet. "You say that as if you're sure of it..."
"It's a possibility. Show him he's a lucky boy!" Thaniyel would wink for a better encouraging effect, but maybe he should be more mature about this. Honestly, he was overjoyed for not only Brad but also Player, he was so sure they'd work out perfectly, filling what the other one is missing.
Player chuckled and Thaniyel soon joined in as well, so about putting embarrassment beyond them? They were definitely at least a little embarrassed now, but Thaniyel meant well, he always did. And they knew that.
The floor slightly creaked, the sound coming from the side. Thaniyel gave Player a knowing look, as if to say "Go for it!". Griefer lazily slumped down the stairs, having to watch the ceiling to not hit his head by accident. "Dad, I— Oh what the hell?" Griefer was cut off mid-sentence as he noticed not only his father but Player being there as well. He figured Thaniyel was making a phone call or something, not having a visitor here — Player out of all people? God, he really was not in any state to show his face in front of anyone other than his dad. The embarrassment was threatening to eat him alive at this point.
"Brad, be a dear and keep Player company for a while?" Thaniyel once again showed that innocent smile from before, he was obviously trying to set them up for Player's sake, they almost felt a bit guilty catching Griefer in such a situation. "Well— fine, come upstairs, punk..." And Griefer was already off back into his room at that.
Player tried to flash him a smile, they weren't sure if he caught it though. Either way, they got up and murmured their gratitude to Thaniyel before setting off and slowly following Griefer's route.
Griefer couldn't believe that Player just had to show up on the day when he looked his worst, not like he was trying to leave an impression or anything — except he totally was. It was something he would even admit to himself. He tried to quickly fix up some things that he could, like desperately curl the awkward looking strands of hair that poked out in places where they shouldn't. Player cautiously entered the room soon after, looking around to realize that his theory from before wasn't too truthful but also not the worst assumption he made. Griefer's room had this personality to it, like it was lively and... indeed very Griefer's style. Not the biggest mess, but it was filled with a bunch of trinkets that only Griefer himself could probably navigate through.
"Why'd you come over, punk?" He then spoke up, looking away from the mirror and closing the door behind Player for them. He maybe came off as a bit dismissive, but that was not his intention and fortunately for him, Player was good at figuring out his tone, somehow. "To come see you, I just got a bit distracted catching up with your dad."
"Sure, sure. That's a new one." Griefer shrugged his shoulders and lazily signaled Player to just take a seat on the bed and they got the memo, doing just as he suggested. "You wouldn't come over just to talk, dude." Griefer added on as he took his seat next to Player, getting more comfortable in his position compared to the other.
Player chuckled softly, "Are you beyond hanging out or something?" They quickly thought of that reply to mask how uncertain they still were about all this. Griefer was quick to scoff, but it was a friendly jab. "'Course not. Whatever, punk. What are you into?" He almost rolled his eyes, arms reaching to grab the laptop that looked like it's seen some things, but at least it worked without fail. Griefer didn't really know how to approach this, but everyone enjoyed movies, right?
Player hummed as they watched, "Anything's fine, I wanna know what you like." They showed a smile that Griefer refused to look at. He only replied with a small and unbothered "Sure." as he worked around all his files and stuff to find something, Player was almost expecting him to pirate the movie, but it worked somehow. Anyhow was fine, as long as it served as an excuse to spend time with him.
"Get comfortable man, it's not like I'll bite you." Griefer urged the other as he himself propped up his back against a pillow, laying back and expecting Player to do the same. They really didn't expect this out of him, being so easy-going and all, but it was a win for the both of them. "... About the biting thing," Player started with a smug grin threatening to show on their face. "Shut the hell up, I admit I was insane." Griefer cut them off immediately before they could make fun of the creature he's become in the past, but they then both burst into giggles, Player starting with it as they made sure to touch their shoulders together.
Griefer actually liked having the punk around, they weren't the worst company — in fact, sure he'll admit it, they are the only company he can have, but he wouldn't want it any other way. Player was easy to get used to, easy to be around in general, because they never pressured for anything, not even indirectly. And to think Griefer was once beating them up, god was he ashamed but also amazed by Player's dedication and forgiveness, at least they're both over that phase now.
It hurt to know Player had many choices, had so much to do with life and probably had a lot of people wrapped around their finger without even realizing it, but did Griefer feel special having them willingly spend time with him. Hold it there, who is he kidding? People would die to hang out with him even for just a second. Player was the lucky one, for sure.
And honestly? Player wouldn't argue if that would be what they'd be told since they definitely felt such a way.
Watching a movie the entire hangout was a pretty boring and simple way to start things off, as if they were both awkward teenagers who didn't know how to show love properly, but also those teenagers who would be figuring it all out together, putting their equal inexperience together to get better at these types of things.
At one point, however, Player rested their head against Griefer's shoulder. It was a bit of an uncomfortable position for Player's neck, but it felt warmer, it felt like progress. They both locked eyes with each other, confirming that they liked being this close and just didn't speak about it after that. It was like they both knew they should make a move, but neither of them did. Even the movie was not helping to distract them and they were painfully aware of how unfocused they were on whatever was playing.
Maybe this would mean something, though. Maybe it would mean that they'd start making plans together more often, actually speak and be real about their feelings, even move into the future together, whether it be for a few months, years or a lifetime.
"Player?" Griefer murmured. It made the other almost flinch from how spaced out they currently were, but they fortunately spared themself the embarrassment this time. "Yeah?" They replied to Griefer in an equally unbothered tone to match his.
He didn't look away from the screen, but he really wished to. Or, more like, he wished he had the confidence to do so. "You aren't so bad, y'know."
Player snickered at that, but before they'd have a beating coming their way for laughing at the other, they made sure to quickly reply. "Gee, thanks." It was a murmur of a reply, but it got Griefer also chuckling. Player first initiated the eye contact, they knew he knew. It was that way everyone always knows when someone else is looking at them because of the unsettling feeling gnawing at their stomach. Griefer wouldn't describe this time as unsettling, though. Player could watch all they wanted.
Griefer then turned his head to the side, lazily so. He stared back at Player with an unreadable but gentle expression, as if he were truly relaxed. Player took that as a good sign. They both leaned in and touched noses, not in an embarrassing way, in a way that they knew it was corny, but it was okay because they were the ones doing it.
Player knew they were not really prepared to spend the night, clothing and schedule wise. Saying that they should get going felt like securing their fate, even though they could come visit Griefer anytime once again. The other didn't seem particularly happy, but he did not let that show and instead acted mature about it and also agreed they should probably go.
Player then made their way downstairs, stopping there to call out to Thaniyel, who seemed busy in the kitchen. "Thank you for letting me in!" They called. Thaniyel's head then turned and he dropped whatever he was doing, always pleased to treat his guests the best.
"You're always welcome here, dear." Thaniyel beamed at Player from behind the counter, before he stopped and resisted a sigh. "Did he not even bother to walk you out? That boy, I swear." Player giggled at that as their head dipped, Griefer did say he would do just that, but he put a few things away at first and almost as if on cue to prove that point, Griefer practically slid from the stairs and pulled Player into a hushed conversation. Thaniyel couldn't make out what they were saying, so he let them have their moment.
"Thanks for... today, I guess." Griefer started off awkwardly, like he always did. Always around Player, his confidence around everyone else was clear, but he couldn't mess up around them, not when they're getting closer. Player's smile curved into a smirk and Griefer already had to resist an eyeroll, knowing some smart remark was about to come out from them.
"Let's do this again sometime, I guess." Player mimicked Griefer's speech, earning themself a gentle jab in the shoulder as they were told to shut it, yet they could see that Griefer himself seemed amused. "Alright, but seriously.. I did enjoy our time together." Player then spoke again, this time in a more hushed tone that supported their genuine words. Griefer paused for a moment, studying the other's expression as his hands cautiously met Player's hip and he leaned down for a kiss. A kiss that Player accepted immediately, it was bound to come and they really couldn't complain about the timing, since it was perfect, almost.
The kiss was not long at all, it was more like a peck on the lips, but they didn't really pull away the first time which prompted more kisses, experimental and longer. The kissing served as the words that both of them were too hesitant to share with each other, but it was all clear to them both now. Player suddenly felt warm, but not in an unfamiliar way. They felt joy filling them almost fully and they could only hope that Griefer felt the same things as they did in that moment.
Thaniyel couldn't hold himself back and looked behind his shoulder, his smile curling up into a smirk. He could finally rest peacefully now, knowing that they have each other. Their pining after each other was almost too obvious in his point of view.