❝ I can't save us ❞
in which the Foxling and the Codfather exchange
trades, looks, and blue orchids in a world of war,
death, and political alliances.
❝ my Atlantis ❞
( male!oc x solidarity )
( empires smp...
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FORGOTTEN ORCHIDS | CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
ATTICUS DIDN'T EXPECT TO SEE the Codfather in Vulpesterra that morning; it was truly by chance that he was headed deeper into the kingdom to make sure everything was running smoothly. Had he not literally run into the Codfather outside of Gary's bakery, he's not sure he ever would have known the Codfather had ventured into Vulpesterra that day.
As it was, Atticus accidentally ran into him, and the Codfather nearly dropped his bread.
Atticus' apology died in his throat when he met the man's eyes, confusion pinching his features together before panic set in. "Did I forget we had a meeting?" he blurted out, so sure that he'd given himself a free day to check in on the kingdom.
The Codfather smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "No, no," he assured. "I'm on my way to see Pix and decided to stop by for some bread since it was so good last time." He motioned to the bakery window; Gary waved at Atticus.
Atticus smiled. "A strange compliment for Vulpesterra, but I'll take it," he said. The Codfather chuckled lightly. Atticus pulled a few coins out of his bag and gave them to Gary. "For the bread," he told the man. The Codfather attempted to protest, but Atticus simply ignored it. "The corruption hasn't spread further yet," he commented. "How is the Cod Empire?"
The Codfather sighed, knowing Atticus would not accept repayment. "Nothing has been reported and I haven't seen anything," he said. "You've heard Scott's headed to the End to put an end to Xornoth?"
Atticus nodded, uneasiness twisting his stomach. Any mention of the End only reminded him of how much he had lost. "I'm sure it'll be fine," he said, saying the words out loud for his own benefit and the Codfather's. The thought of losing anyone else to the End, no matter how close he was or was not to them, left a bad taste in his mouth. "Have you received Katherine's invitation for the ball?" he asked.
Without either realizing it, they had begun walking together, in the direction Atticus had come from and toward Pixandria.
"I have!" the Codfather confirmed, smiling. "I'm going with Scott." After a moment, his eyes widened slightly. "As friends, of course!" he rushed out, ears turning pink. His expression of startlement almost made Atticus laugh, but he held back; had Scott not reassured Atticus of the same thing a week prior, Atticus might have thought the Codfather was lying to him.
Atticus smiled, shaking his head. "That's nice. I'm planning on going alone," he commented.
The Codfather relaxed. He shot Atticus a bright smile. "You could join Scott and me if you'd like?" he offered.
Atticus waved the offer away, shaking his head. Even if they were going as friends, he didn't want to be a third wheel. Besides, he had already cemented his plans for that night. "I want to spend the night totally unrecognizable," he told the Codfather. "It'll be nice to be someone other than myself for once."
