Chapter Text
G’raha’s finishing off some of the blandest kebabs he’s ever had the misfortune to eat when he feels the heat of another body slide up behind him. Two hands come to rest on either side of him and his right ear twitches under the hot breath of the man towering over him. Tension makes G’raha stiffen and one hand twitch for the bow he has leaning against one leg.
“Easy, now, my Baldesion friend,” the faint Sharlayan accent stills his reach comes on a familiar voice. “I find myself in a bit of a tight spot and could use some help if you don’t mind.”
G’raha swallows and tilts his head enough so he can flick his ear sharply against the man’s face. “Must be pretty bad for you to be asking for help, Thancred.”
The Circle of Knowing are close friends and allies, but it’s been a while since G’raha saw any of the members. His confidence in naming this one is warranted as the Archon slides to one side to lean on the bar. Choosing the side that puts his back to the wall and G’raha is glad he heard the man’s voice first because he definitely would not have recognized him by sight alone. He’s dressed as the average miner complete with a layer of dust, and a close fitting cap that rides low over his face so there’s no hint of his white hair to be seen. He looks like any other local to the area looking to wet his throat after a hard day of work as he casually leans into G’raha’s space.
Or not so casually going by the wicked grin the man sports and the fact that his far arm had stayed on the bar and now is curved rather familiarly around G’raha’s back.
“It is,” he assures with a serious tone, his eyes flicking to the boor of the tavern before leaning closer. His lips barely move as he demands, “Kiss me.”
G’raha doesn’t get the chance to answer as Thancred closes the distance between them to kiss him firmly. G’raha’s tail lashes out behind him before he can still it and relax into the arm around him like he was fully expecting this. Thancred’s lips are hot from the Thanalan sun and there’s a hint of rum. One broad hand comes up to cup the back of his head and move it, tilting his head back to an angle that turns the chaste kiss into something deeper that makes his tail curl despite himself.
“Hm,” Thancred hums appreciatively as he breaks the kiss to nuzzle at G’raha’s cheek. Allowing him a chance to take in a deep breath or two and steady himself. The man had a certain reputation back in the Studium, and G’raha has zero reason at all to doubt it now. “Much appreciated, you’ve done much to help me elude a most annoying tail. I am in your debt G’raha Tia, but I am afraid tis one that will need to be repaid later.”
Thancred pulls away with a rakish wink and the last kebab firmly in hand. Leaving G’raha rather bemused and craving for rum.
.