thespherelogs | April/May Log dump

A few weeks had passed since the couple’s wedding, though the memory hadn’t faded overmuch since then. The after-affects, a lightness in his chest and genuine happiness when he looked over at Rhy, persisted for quite some time. Llewellyn found that it helped more than a little with adjusting to other changes in their lives. Both their usual routines had been significantly jarred by certain disappearances, and knowing the other was there helped. Even if they were only enjoying each other’s space while they were doing something individually on their own.

Without the shop, Llewellyn had welcomed Rhy into his office more regularly. Giving him a space aside from home to work on sewing or on council paperwork that he needed to sort through. Meanwhile, Llewellyn benefited as well from having his husband around. Breaking up the silence that he wasn’t used to being here when he had a partner, occasionally rousing him from his thoughts when it was high time they went home on the rare days that he was more stationary and lost in his notes.

It was a nice arrangement, with almost a cozy atmosphere that had inspired him to follow through with some small changes...

Which was how they’d come to this.

One morning, while Rhy was cleaning up for the day, Llewellyn left a small letter on the counter sealed with the gold wax his husband had given him to go with the signet ring that had become his wedding ring.

It was a cute thing that he’d taken to doing, writing little notes (or sometimes writing or quoting a poem he liked) to Rhy. It was silly and sweet, but Llewellyn felt more than a little silly these days. They both needed the levity, regardless of how silly it was when they could easily communicate through the Sphere’s connection.

Today’s letter had a purpose though, as Llewellyn had plans. He’d considered leaving it on the pillow for the other to wake up to, but... He felt anxious about the idea of waking up alone as it was these days, and didn’t really like the idea of leaving Rhy to do so either. So he’d waited and chose a better moment before he slipped out.

The letter was brief,

‘Sorry I couldn’t stay for breakfast, my love. I have some business to attend to at the office this morning. Do you think you could bring Pretzel along with you later? He’s a bit rambunctious this morning, and I fear he would be disruptive during my first meeting.

With love,
Llewellyn

P.S. - I left you an apple cinnamon roll with a honey glaze on the counter for breakfast.

...

P.P.S. - It’s worth noting that Pretzel’s hyper mood might be because I dropped mine and he ate half of it. Don’t let him fool you if he acts like he hasn’t had anything, he’s a little scoundrel.’

The wrinkly scoundrel in question was found sitting under the counter ‘guarding’ Rhy’s breakfast (or wishing he could be tall to reach it). His tail thumping audibly in greeting, though his focus on the plate above was astounding. He’d definitely started getting noticeably bigger of late, filling out and becoming the more solid anvil he was meant to be.

The letter was a wonderful thing, and a reassurance. IT was just as assuring to touch the embedded communicator and make sure that Llewellyn's name still came up on it, now with their shared name. Rhy breathed a sigh of relief as he set the letter aside and looked to Pretzel.

"Fiend," he teased the pup before reaching for his breakfast. "You really need to respect your diet, because if you do then we can get you special T-R-E-A-T-S."

Spelling helped.

When Rhy finished his meal and packed up his supplies for the day he leashed the dog and set out. It was a few hours later when he finished his early council business and arrived with a pile of containers for food, a bag of his work and stitching on one shoulder, and of course a leashed dog.

"Darling?" Rhy called out. "I brought Pretzel. He's had a good long walk today."

Pretzel let out a soft, huffing whine at the comment. He respected his diet quite a bit, as long as the diet was large and full of tasty things. The hound was rather well behaved for Rhy though, following the man dutifully to the council offices and staying (mostly) out of trouble until he was finished. Because usually behaving meant treats, and he was intent upon being the goodest of all good-dogs.

He did miss being small enough to be carried around, especially since he never got taller. How unfair was that?

Still, he trotted ahead of Rhy when they got to the office. The long walk meant he was ready for a nap in his little bed by Llewellyn’s desk.

Llewellyn was, at the moment, nowhere to be seen. Instead, the office that usually looking like a windstorm had hit it with papers everywhere and file-folders left about... Was tidy. A new desk not far from Llewellyn’s with writing supplies set out, and (less noticeable perhaps) an carved box next to the sofa Llewellyn usually used for napping filled with sewing supplies to save Rhy from carrying so much around.

Sure, Llewellyn’s desk still looked like a small tornado, and there were still books haphazardly organized on shelves, but it was far cleaner than it had been since the day he’d opened the office.

The detective was heard a moment later, calling from a closet in the back. “Oh— Rhy, I’ll be right there!” Llewellyn indeed came into view a few minutes later. Jacket off, sleeves rolled up past his elbow and looking a little dusty as he’d been caught up in organizing the space for most of the morning. “Just um... Just cleaning. Meant to be done before you got here.”

Oh dear. Rhy looked around, touched by the progress. This, he knew immediately, was for him. He dropped Pretzel's leash to let the dog wander off, moving instead to Llewellyn to catch him with a kiss.

"Darling, I wasn't expecting this so soon. Thank you."

The kiss was a pleasant greeting, and he leaned into it, lightly wrapping an arm around Rhy in return. The comment is met with a small shake of his head, “I know you weren’t, but... I wanted to. I like having you around, dear. As it was, I’d rather let things get out of hand.” More than he should have, if he were being honest.

“Now we can use the whole space without having to mind where we walk or sit... Or that uh— Pretzel might chew on a file.”

He moved then, drawing Rhy gently over to the desk to show him some of his work. “Now you can do some of your council paperwork, without worrying about it getting mixed up in whatever I’m working on.” He’d tried to make it comfortable, a nice chair and a little lamp... But he was sure Rhy would decorate it a little more to his liking.

It was wonderful, and Rhy laughed in pleasure. It was nothing like his father's office, Rhy's now actually, but he did accept it for what it was. Their space.

"Ah my love, my husband, I thank you for this. It is the most magnificent space I could ever ask for."

And that’s precisely what Llewellyn had hoped, that he could make the space more theirs. Something for them both to share and use when they needed. So his expression is delighted as Rhy expressed how much he approved of it.

And he really loved to hear those words from him... To be reminded that he was the other’s husband. That they could have each other here that way... “I’m so glad you approve. I still have a little left to move around, but I think it was a good start.”

A start, but it wasn’t all. He pressed a small kiss to the man’s temple before steering them towards the couch next, “And when you’re in the mood to work on your sewing...? I thought it would be nice if you had supplies here so you don’t need to carry them around.” He gestured to the box, before crouching and pulling the light lightly to show the supplies inside. “I um— I got some help to figure out what you might need, but I thought we could go and get whatever I missed at the market.”

Oh Llewellyn. He smiles and moves to look over the box. He reaches out to touch the supplies and he smiles.

"For this, I'm embroidering another vest for you, you kind man."

But this looks good. And he still has the key to the shop, so perhaps he can get a bit more from there too.

Humming at the suggestion, he tilted his head curiously. “Will you? Mm... You know I am always happy for a new vest, but only if the mood strikes you to, my love. I didn’t do this to inspire gifts, and I’ll be just as happy to have company while I work too, you know. I’ve... gotten accustomed to having someone around, and I’ve been informed bouncing thoughts and ideas off Pretzel is rather silly.”

Standing back to let Rhy go through the supplies he’d collected, Llewellyn moved to shuffle a few papers around as he spoke over his shoulder. “It’s actually nice to have things tidier, sort of uh— like spring cleaning? The two of us moving forward.” What with Inesa’s shop closing, it was nice to welcome Rhy here. Especially with his own investigation assistant gone. It meant the office would otherwise be empty aside from himself, so why not share it?

On the subject of keys, resting next to a pincushion shaped like a tomato was a key to the office, just in case Rhy needed to get in without him.

"There are no more commissions at the shop for me to work on."

It was a simple statement, but a reminder. He had no other way to work on the craft he had come to care for. So yes, he was going to make gifts. There isn't much more he can do.

"There are maids to spring clean at the palace. I wouldn't know how to do it."

Llewellyn was silent for a moment. He supposed that was true, as sad as it was to remember... But that just made this task all the more important to his mind... He was glad that he’d done it. “Of course, then in that case I’ll be glad for whatever you give me.” Moving a stack of books to a shelf, he glanced back again with a smile. “And if there’s anything I can do to help with a project, at least I’m not far, hm?” He gestured to his own desk.

With a final look around, he supposed that was enough sorting for now. He wanted to redirect his attention to Rhy. Rolling his shirtsleeves down and fixing the cuffs, shook his head a little. “Luckily, I’m uh— used to cleaning up. Well... When it’s necessary, I suppose.” Llewellyn knew he was a disorganized, scattered person, and he’d never deny that. But he’d never really had anyone to clean up after him outside of someone tidying and transcribing notes for him for work, so this much he could do when he put his mind to it.

Rhy moved to the couch, happy to sit on it. He even moved to lift Pretzel onto the thing with him, though he made a noise to lift the more dense animal.

"You've made this cozy for us. I love it."

Pretzel cast his droopy eyes up at Rhy when the man made a noise, surely he’s not that heavy yet, Father...! So rude... Luckily he’s a gracious canine and he could forgive that with a little nuzzle before he settled his head on Rhy’s lap.

Huffing out a little chuckle at the dog’s dramatics, he smiled and crossed the room to lean on the arm of the sofa next to Rhy. “I’m glad you approve, it’s rather what I was going for. No reason why we shouldn’t have a little comfort while we’re being productive, right?” He looked to his blackboard (blank currently) and hummed a little, “I have a few things left I’d like to do... But the list is getting smaller— that said, I wouldn’t mind hearing if you have any ideas for additions to the office?”

With Pretzel settled Rhy shifts to pull his legs onto the couch, curling them around the dog.

"My comfort is you, dear. But perhaps we can add a microwave?"

Now that was just the coziest sight, and Llewellyn couldn’t help the soft smile that crossed his face at the two... He almost missed what Rhy said, too distracted for a moment.

He did finally snap out of it though, “Ah— you know I hadn’t thought of that... It would make eating here more convenient.” He stopped leaning on the arm of the sofa to cross the office to where the coffeemaker was settled on a table near the wall. That had been his first and only appliance purchased for the office, “Probably fit... right here?” He commented, pushing the coffeemaker to the right slightly and glancing back to Rhy.

“I was thinking perhaps finally getting some plants as we discussed.”

Coffee. Yes he was glad that machine was here.

“Perhaps a table for us to dine at? And speaking of, food, dear. We should eat. Fuel the fires of cleaning.”

Coffee makers were truly the greatest of modern day improvements in Llewellyn’s opinion, which was why he’d purchased one as soon as he secured the office space.

“Oh... You know, I hadn’t thought of that...” He moved around the room a little, spreading an arm out as he visualized where one might just fit. “Might be good for having a meeting as well, should something happen and more than one of us need to gather...”

The suggestion gets his attention easily enough though, and he snapped out of his thoughts once the idea sank in. Breakfast had been a while ago now... “I suppose I have rather been at this a while, and someone did eat half my breakfast.” He added with a humorous glance cast in Pretzel’s direction.

Not that tea wasn't truly lovely, but he did like the idea of coffee anyway. And especially some of the tasty, flavored ones.

"It could also be used for you to spread out your papers, if you need to think bigger."

But he chuckles over the breakfast comment.

"Pretzel definitely didn't believe he'd already had breakfast. He insisted."

Llewellyn didn’t mind tea either, of course, though admittedly he preferred it when Rhy made it... He wasn’t very good at making it himself. So his go to, whether he should drink it as much as he did or not, was usually the coffee maker.

But he smiled at the suggestion, “You know me well, dear. Or uh— at least you know my penchant for getting carried away with my notes when I’m in a particular frame of mind.” And he appreciated that, Llewellyn was used to being side-eyed or questioned on his rather chaotic process.

Moving back over to the sofa, he crouched in front of it to give the dog a good little head scratch. “I’m sure he didn’t, he’s far too good at looking woebegone and innocent when he wants to be. You’re a little scoundrel, aren’t you?” The dog gave a rather unimpressed sigh before turning his big sad eyes to Rhy. “But we’ll get something we all can share, hm? Lunch at the market would give us a chance to see if anything else we need for the office sticks out.”

"Well," Rhy answered, gesturing to the bags he had brought with him and so easily forgotten in the change of the space. "I brought curry for today. It was so wonderfully scented today that I could not resist. If that would not suit, I also brought a beef and cheese sandwich."

Llewellyn’s gaze shifted to the bags. He’d somehow missed that were more than just Rhy’s sewing work or papers from the council. Went to show how focused he’d been on his other task, it seemed.

“Curry and sandwiches...? You’re so kind, my love.” He felt his smile grow at that. Feeling more than a little fond over the thoughtful gesture from his husband.

“The curry sounds delicious though, I’ve become rather partial to it the last few months so I believe that will make an excellent lunch for the two of us.” He moved to pick up a few books off an end table to make due until he could get them a proper table to sit at. “As for Pretzel, I have some of his food in the cabinet by the closet.”

"I am always kind to you," Rhy offers with a grin, rising from the couch. Sorry Pretzel, it's food time.

"Where can I fetch appropriate chairs from?"

“You are, and I’m always grateful for it.” He responded, moving to the aforementioned cupboard next to get something for Pretzel.

The dog didn’t mind that it was food time, of course, hopping off the sofa and landing with a thud before he followed Rhy. People food was always more interesting than dog kibble.

Chairs... Llewellyn paused to look around the office thoughtfully. Cleaning had been a good start, but there really were things left to do. “Oh! That’s another thing for the list, I guess. Something to go with a table... For now uh— I would say the two chairs in front of my desk should suffice?” They were generally meant for clients, but they were light enough to be moved around as needed.

"Alright then," Rhy agreed, moving to grab one and carry it to the table. Once it's settled he does the other.

"We should get dishes too."

Once Pretzel had a bowl full of kibble (though he made short work of it), Llewellyn helped Rhy get the food out and situated on the little end table with a curious look. Once the lids were off the smell was distracting enough that he almost missed the next suggestion.

He does though, a small grin on his face a moment later. “You know, I hadn’t thought of that either. You’re right, though, I fear I’ve gotten too used to eating out of the takeout boxes. We should find something in a nice pattern? Perhaps some new drinkware as well...”

"Look at us, being domestic," Rhy laughs. "You know, I'm not... Like this at home. I never had a chance."

Llewellyn sat down, chuckling a little at that. It’s... honestly wonderful to think of it that way. Domestic. Them. “I confess... I’m not either. Never really had the chance to be either, probably never would have.” Pushing the curry closer to Rhy, he gestured a little for the man to take his share. “I suppose we can both consider ourselves lucky for this...? That we have the chance now.”

A chance. They definitely have a chance. And it's a thing he likes too.

"You make me feel like a person. Just like a person."

Llewellyn’s gaze softened a bit... He’d never been any more than he was, though he often tried to be more. To seem like more for the world to justify his presence and place in it. Rhy on the other hand certainly had the pressures of a country resting on his shoulders, even as a prince there likely had been expectations.

Sure, he hadn’t wanted for much in the sense of having a roof over his head or clothing or food... But that didn’t necessarily mean it was always easy. Didn’t mean one’s sense of self could be lost among the Royal expectations. “I’m glad I can do that for you. I’ve grown very fond of the person that you are...” He added, hand reaching across the table lightly to squeeze the other’s before he pulled his own food closer.

"I think I have become fond of the person that I am," Rhy answered.

He knew that he'd spent so much of his life living up to the other expectations, being who they wanted, that he hadn't found himself. Not until he came here. And Llewellyn had done a lot of that for him. He loved it.

"You give me the strength to continue finding that man."

“And I look forward to continuing to see those undiscovered sides of you, dear.”

He hummed a little, “And... Well, it should be noted that you’ve helped me as well.” And Llewellyn doesn’t just mean with accepting himself, or learning specific things... “You’ve reminded me that it’s not always bad to hope, or to take chances for happiness. More than simply indulging and trying to make up for the lack in my life before.” Rhy’s presence had gone a long way for starting to heal over the wounds in his heart from past hardships that had held him back from much.

Really, had he? Well he was glad to hear it. Really glad. For now he just smiled at the other as widely as he could. This was good. Very good.

"Then I guess we make a better man together."

He had, and Llewellyn truly was a better man for it... “A better man together... Yes, I uh— I think that sounds about right.” He responded with a nod.

“And now we have food, and a game plan! We’ll see what we can get up to after lunch.” He added with a little gesture around the room, still a little surprised at himself for how neat he’d managed to get the place.

House work? He's expected to clean this place?

Okay.

"Sounds like a plan, love. Come on, sit and eat first."

Don’t be silly, Rhy. Llewellyn means other things, he’s gotten enough cleaning done for today. If he cleans much more, he might not remember where he put some of his notes. Next time, however, it’s hard to say.

“Of course, I’m rather hungry to be honest...” And he was usually honest, and usually hungry. “Lunch first, then other things... Maybe dessert between.” He added with a lighter smile.

"Dessert? I didn't think to purchase any of that," he mused, frowning. He should have bought some of those cupcake things.

Llewellyn shook his head a little, “That’s quite alright, I actually was thinking I could treat you to dessert for bringing me lunch. Maybe get Pretzel a walk while we’re at it?” He responded, offering a small smile as he worked his way through his own portion of lunch.

"That sounds glorious, beloved," Rhy agreed, smiling softly at him

Leaning back in his seat, he returned the expression. “Then I believe we have our afternoon plan.” And that in itself was nice, just to make plans with his husband for an afternoon stroll and a treat... This really was going to be a lovely setup, sharing the office like this.

April/May Log dump

A wax-sealed letter @ Rhy

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May be time to ftb?