#rafal making the effort for the limp noodle prince :holdingbacktears:

[starrook]

Rafal, in contrast to uncaring outward appearance, had been paying attention. Listening. In another world, another Alcryst had been born on this very day, and so fueled the dragon’s inscrutable stare as it trained upon his counterpart. Whether near or afar - and as if betrothed to some duty and vigil - as a statue he stood, silent and watchful of the other prince for a time.

But not forever. Gaining a moment to interject, hesitant approach brought him before Alcryst, stiff and ungainly, but above all…decided.

“Alcryst, so you are here. I know—” He swallowed. “...I have heard that it is your birthday. In that regard, I would like to wish you well, and would do so with this.”

The pouch of candy extended, cinched at the lip with a colorful pink ribbon. Contents of luxuriously handmade toffee housed within as its sole and sugary stock. He looked away. Or more rather: at his feet.

“I know little of your preferences, but I imagine there to be few in existence who would not enjoy such succulent dollops of sugar from time to time. I pray these ones are to your taste.”

A heartbeat succeeded his words, filled with so much sincerity that Rafal's expression did not waver an inch. Entirely serious.

“...I have not poisoned them, if that should prove your concern.”

"Really?" As soon as Alcryst says it, he winces at his tone, how shocked and disbelieving he sounded just now. It's just... well, Alcryst never expected Rafal to acknowledge his birthday, never mind go beyond well wishes and bring him a gift.

Alcryst wonders if Rafal knows because his Alcryst happened to share the same birthday. He inspects the candy, the buttery caramel sweetness of fine toffee, and wonders if this is a gift more for the other him. Alcryst doesn't gravitate towards candy. He's lost his sweet tooth years ago.

"Huh? N-No, I never thought you did...!" Should he have? Alcryst isn't sure, but right now he decides to believe Rafal is being sincere. The dragon could have done nothing. Alcryst wouldn't think anything of it. And yet here he is, acknowledging that he doesn't know much about this Alcryst but making the effort all the same.

Alcryst clutches the candy in his hands. Meeting the dragon's eyes, he offers a sincere, "Thank you. I, um, I appreciate that you went through the effort. It means a lot to me..."

He pauses, unsure if this is something he ought to say. "...I'm sorry, but I don't like sweet stuff too much. I know most people like the taste of sugar, but too much of it is overwhelming to me." Alcryst hopes not to offend but instead to inform. I like this. I don't like that. This makes me happy. He opens up to the fell dragon about his preferences in anticipation that there will be a next time.

"It smells good, though!" Alcryst offers. The bag has a sugary sweet smell to it, but not to the point of overpowering other scents; rich chocolate, browned butter, a faint impression of salt. Alcryst breaks the corner of one piece, determined to at least try it. A moment later, he breaks another piece and offers it to Rafal. "Here, why don't you share with me? I'll try it with you."