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"Okay, Bal," a sigh behind the folding screen, "When I come out, promise you won't laugh at me."
"I promise," Ballister chuckled as he was sitting on Ambrosius's bed, waiting for him.
Being the descendant of Gloreth meant going to whatever ridiculous event he was invited to. Photoshoots, lots of annual galas and interviews for magazines and KTV occurred in his life way more often now that he was sixteen. Ambrosius didn't like them, but it's not like he had a word in what events he would or wouldn't participate in.
All Ballister was able to do was to support Ambrosius in the meantime. His social life wasn't quite as active, but he was able to imagine the pressure Ambrosius felt to perform — who could know this better than Ballister, the first commoner knight-in-training? That's how him and Ambrosius bonded, after all. Once both isolated, they found comfort in each other, and became friends.
And, recently, boyfriends.
The folding screen shook a little, a scrawny shadow figure of Ambrosius behind it fixing his hair, before he came out.
"So... What do you think?"
For a second Ballister forgot how to speak.
Bleached hair slicked back and covered in a ridiculous amount of hair spray, smooth tan skin glowing, a soft, charming expression on the face Ballister found way too handsome for its own good. Ambrosius was wearing a white tunic, a vest thatched with golden embroidery (in Ambrosius's case the threads used were, most likely, indeed golden), beige leggings and a pair of shoes so clean Ballister could see his reflection in them. Ambrosius was...
"Beautiful," Ballister whispered under his breath. His eyes widened, blood rushing to his cheeks. "You are beautiful."
"Really?" Ambrosius lit up, the corners of his lips turning upwards. He and Ballister shared one very intense eye contact for a few seconds. Ballister felt his heart beat faster.
"Y-yes," Ballister muttered. He couldn't handle normal eye contact for too long, and to have Ambrosius's eyes bore through him? Straight up unbearable.
Ambrosius smiled wider, "Thank you! I knew this vest was a hit!"
The vest was, in fact, a hit. It suited Ambrosius perfectly, completing the outfit and giving it a distinguished look. Not to mention how snatched Ambrosius's waist was in it! Ballister couldn't help but stare.
And with how Ambrosius stared back, he seemed to have noticed. A teasing smile made its way to his face.
"Ba-a-al," he slurred, knowing brown eyes crinkling, "Where are you looking?"
Ballister's big eyes turned even more bigger. He scratched his neck, looking away, "Uh-h, at your vest..?"
"You sure?" Ambrosius cocked his brow and grinned. Ballister smiled bashfully.
"Okay, my eyes could have hypothetically moved lower. Just a bit! Sorry, I'm not trying to make you uncomfortable!"
Ambrosius laughed, soundless, his eyes closing adorably, "Bal, I don't mind at all!" He came closer to Ballister, sitting next to him on the bed. "You are my boyfriend. I'm flattered, if anything!"
Ballister looked away in embarrassment, blushing furiously. Did Ambrosius have to be so amazing? So soft and understanding? So handsome? So wonderful?
Before Ballister could break the silence, Ambrosius's hand travelled to his cheek, tracing it gently. Ballister felt as if he was made of wood and Ambrosius's elegant long fingers were matches, setting him on fire with each meek touch.
"Look at me?"
Ballister turned his head to face Ambrosius. They were impossibly close, their noses brushing at this point. There was nobody in the world but them.
"I'm glad you like my looks," Ambrosius whispered, his thumb moving lower along Ballister's cheekbone, catching slightly at his chapped lips. Ballister's chest erupted in butterflies.
"I like so much more than just your looks," Ballister replied, "I... I like you so so much, Ambrosius."
"I like you too."
They breathed into a small space between their faces. Ambrosius's glance went down and up to meet Ballister again.
"D-do you feel like kissing?"
Ballister nodded, "Yes."
Tentatively, Ambrosius leaned in, covering Ballister's lips with his. The latter gave in, kissing back eagerly. His eyelashes fluttered as he closed his eyes.
The first person Ballister has ever kissed romantically was Ambrosius, and vice versa. Their exploration of this lovely relationship aspect went much further ever since. Ballister didn't even notice how awkward, fleeting kisses turned into full make-out sessions in-between classes. Not like he minded, of course! It was always a pleasure to hold Ambrosius close and express how much he meant for him — if not in words (which Ballister struggled with), then in touch.
Except... Well...
Ballister wondered whether Ambrosius enjoyed it as much as he did. While kissing, the latter usually took on the leading role, leaving former on the receiving end. And, although Ballister liked taking whatever Ambrosius gave him, be it hugs or neck kisses (which appeared in their romantic deeds catalogue not so long ago), he found himself a little selfish. All of this felt really good, and robbing Ambrosius of such experience seemed criminal.
Ballister breathed out, taking Ambrosius's hands in his. He squeezed them slightly. Ambrosius took notice of this and pulled away.
"Is everything alright?" he asked, voice breathless. It took all of Ballister's willpower to not attack Ambrosius's mouth with his again. Why is he so considerate and so Gloreth-damn attractive!?
"Yeah," Ballister replied. A second ago brave and determined, he suddenly got shy.
"Do you wanna tell me something?"
Ballister took his time to answer, thinking of every possible way he could suggest such a scandalous thing.
Ambrosius, do you want me to kiss your neck?
Would it be okay for me to put my lips on your neck?
I want to make you feel good... now that would be way too passionate!
"May I... do you... would you like to... Uh... To have your neck kissed? By me? Perhaps?.." was what Ballister muttered in reality. By the end of said phrase he was a blushing mess, not even daring to look at Ambrosius. The big wardrobe on Ballister's left became a very interesting piece of furniture. He regretted every said word. "Or we could just... continue kissing? Yeah. Sorry for suggesting that-"
"I'd love to!" Ambrosius blurted out. Ballister glanced at him in surprise. The boys shared another intense eye contact before their cheeks flushed another, deeper shade of red. Ambrosius chuckled nervously. Ballister pursed his lips.
"So... Uhm," he moved closer to Ambrosius, and their legs touched. Ballister raised his hands, trying to figure out where to put them. His choice fell on Ambrosius's shoulders. "You mind if I..?"
"Ah! Here, let me," Ambrosius turned his head and pulled at the tunic, exposing his neck. The neck had a faint pink tone to it and was adorned with beaty marks Ballister haven't noticed before. Ballister also saw Ambrosius's collarbone. He tried not to think about the elegance and grace Ambrosius held himself with, how noble his presentation was. How pretty he looked.
Ballister breathed in. Ambrosius deserved to enjoy himself and be cared for. So Ballister will give him what he deserves.
Finally, Ballister tilted his head and pressed his lips to Ambrosius's neck. Ambrosius's uneven breath tickled Ballister's crown, sending shivers down his spine.
"...so that's what it feels like," Ambrosius said softly. Ballister kissed his neck repeatedly with a quiet smooching sound.
He knew exactly what Ambrosius was experiencing — an exciting, warm, tickling feeling which made one's pulse skyrocket. Ballister wondered how his small moustache affected the process.
"Oh..." Ambrosius breathed out and grabbed a fistful of Ballister's hair. And, before the latter could ask, he muttered, "Please, go on."
It seemed like he enjoyed being on the receiving end of affection. So Ballister continued.
With each time he pressed his lips to his boyfriend's neck, Ballister paid lesser and lesser attention to his actions. The world and its worries drowned in darkness, warmth of Ambrosius's skin being everything he cared about. At some point, Ballister seemed to have touched a very sensitive spot, because otherwise the sound Ambrosius made would be downright unexplainable. Too loud to be a sigh and too quiet to be a groan. It made Ballister's brain short circuit. And, with Ambrosius topping it off by harder hair tugging, Ballister just couldn't control himself. His lips sealed around Ambrosius's skin, and he sucked it into his mouth.
"Bal!" Ambrosius exclaimed and sucked the air through his teeth: he sounded more surprised than pleasured this time around. Ballister jumped in shock and pulled away. His aim was to show Ambrosius affection in a way he hasn't experienced before, not harm! Oh Gloreth, was Ambrosius hurt? Would he be mad at Ballister for doing this? He basically bit him!
Both breathed heavily, staring at each other. Ballister lowered his eyes in shame — he couldn't bring himself to look at Ambrosius.
"Agh, I'm sorry! I really didn't mean to-"
"It's okay, Bal, it's okay! I-"
They were interrupted by a loud buzzing sound. Ambrosius's phone rang! He grabbed it and smoothed his hair.
"Sho-o-ot, it's the producer! I'm late!" he jumped off the bed, voice all panicky. "We'll discuss this later, okay?" he ran to Ballister and pecked his cheek. After that, he basically flew out of the room, leaving Ballister all alone to process... Whatever this was.
Ballister wasn't known for being irrational. Sure, he was a passionate person and, hell, even when he jumped over the fence seven years ago, he knew what he was doing. His little ten-year-old head had a plan in it. A childish and naive one, yes, but a plan nevertheless! He tried to be cool-headed, and he usually was in control of the situation.
This though? This wasn't him at all! Ballister had full control over his body at all times, knowing how to move it — he hadn't become an excellent student of the Academy for nothing! Yet, it was different with Ambrosius. Even as friends they weren't strangers to physical affection, and it only multiplied as they started dating.
Ballister wanted to kiss Ambrosius all the time, hold him close, maybe even see more than his collarbone in a context different from a gym shower or a dressing room... What?
Good Gloreth, Ballister thought as he shook his head. The thought of topless Ambrosius made his chest swell. It's unfair how beautiful Ambrosius was.
He caught himself thinking about Ambrosius again and pressed his palm to his face. Why is he like this!?
So yeah. It's hard for Ballister to control himself when he's around Ambrosius (not like it's easy for Ambrosius! It was him who was bold enough to suggest neck kissing as a new thing to explore). His hitched breather, his pulse getting faster, the sounds he made... Ballister did get distracted and maybe got carried away — just a little!
Probably it's for the better that Ambrosius is usually the one who leads. Ballister just screws everything up.
He sighed and turned on the TV (of course Ambrosius had a TV in his room). Ambrosius's interview was shown live.
"Good evening, folks!" a young news anchor greeted, his toothy smile blinding white. "It's me, Nate Knight, and you are watching 'K-Teen', the best channel for teens, by teens."
Knight winked into the camera.
"And in today's evening program of 'Your knight crush', we are coming to you live from the Academy of ILEH itself! And today's special guest is Ambrosius Goldenloin!"
And there he was, on the screen, beautiful as ever. Minutes ago disheveled and mussed up, tan skin flushed from all that kissing, now he was composed, completely cool and laid back.
"Hi," Ambrosius said with his signature smile. "Thank you for having me. I'm glad to be here."
Ballister smirked. He admired this ability to lie without blushing.
"And we are happy to have you," Knight sat in the chair in front of Ambrosius. The place where they filmed seemed to be... The fencing class? "Now, the subject of this interview is the annual ball in the ILEH Academy which will take place next week. Tell us, what is your attitude towards the upcoming event?"
Ambrosius replied almost immediately, as if he knew about the script and learned it by heart, "The annual ball is something every cadet waits for with anticipation, and so do I. It's a thematic event too, and I can't wait for the reveal of this year's theme."
Ballister chuckled. The theme of this ball was revealed two weeks ago, so this lie was quite unnecessary. Maybe they told him to say that, he thought as he continued watching.
"Great," the interviewer cleared his throat. "Now, next is the question asked by many viewers," he lowered his voice, giving it a playful flair, "Particularly female viewers, if you get what I mean..."
Ballister snorted. Ambrosius's face didn't even change, not a muscle shook on his face.
"...cadets usually have a pair they go to the ball with, and you have always been on your own. Are we to expect any changes this year?"
"This is usually kept a secret until after the ball itself, but I suppose I could tell you," Ambrosius smiled into the camera, Ballister thought he was looking specifically at him, "I am not taken, nor do I have a partner. I'm currently focusing on my studies to become a worthy protector of the realm."
Ambrosius, you liar! Ballister laughed imagining how many teenage girls breathed a sigh of relief (as if they knew Ambrosius personally). They didn't know Ambrosius was taken for half a year now. "Focusing on studies" like he didn't get a C+ on his last test because he was busy making out with Ballister instead of studying that Wednesday evening (Ballister got an A-).
Nate Knight grinned, nodding, his coily hair bobbing along. He cocked his brows, squinting a little.
"I suppose, this hickey on your neck is a proof to that, huh?"
"What!?" Ballister exclaimed, his heart dropping. He looked closer. "This can't be-"
That's right, there was a bruise on Ambrosius's neck — right where Ballister kissed him way too hard.
Oh.
Oh.
"Hickey? What hickey?" Ambrosius asked. He wasn't as calm as before, clear anxiety in his eyes, but tried to stay composed. He touched his neck and traced the hickey with his fingers, "Ah, this? This is a bruise from, uh... training."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, from yesterday. I fell off a horse."
"I am sure bruises don't look like that, but..." Nate Knight looked at someone behind the camera, tilting his head up a bit. He nodded and cleared his throat again, "Alright, so, going back to the ball... What is, like, the overall experience do you have with balls? You attend all of them, don't you?"
The interview went on about five more minutes before it was changed to another stupid program. Ballister turned the TV off. And as he did it, to the room ran Ambrosius. He was breathing heavily.
"This might be the worst interview of my life!" he exclaimed, "Ratings rose immediately after Knight pointed the hickey out. There is no way the whole Kingdom won't be talking about this tomorrow! We're doomed!"
"Ambrosius, I'm so sorry, it's my fault," Ballister said, his face red from shame, "I shouldn't have kissed your neck!"
"And I shouldn't have agreed! It's my fault, not yours; you just wanted to make me feel good!"
Ballister fought the urge to ask if Ambrosius had liked it and instead lowered his head. "We're both guilty, I s'pose."
"I guess..."
Ambrosius breathed out.
"Nate Knight is always like this, ready to do anything to get his ratings higher! I hate the guy!" he said and pouted. He looked like he was ready to explode in any second, so Ballister, being bad with words, tried to calm him with touch, squeezing Ambrosius's hands.
"Let's just..." he squinted. Gloreth, why were words so difficult? "...hope his words are taken with a pinch of salt."
***
His words were not, in fact, taken with a pinch of salt.
Next morning, as cadets were having breakfast, with Ambrosius and Ballister sitting at their own table, a bunch of their classmates ran up to them. Ballister pursed his lips.
"Ambrosius, dude, what in Gloreth's name was that interview!?" Todd Sureblade — of course Todd was there — laughed. Ambrosius rolled his eyes.
"Mind your business, Todd."
Todd huffed and crossed his arms, "Director is gonna beat your ass, man, I'm telling ya."
"Is the hickey rumor true?" Blanche, their other classmate, teased, a sly grin on her pale face. "Ambrosius 'I'm busy studying' Goldenloin getting busy with some sweet thing without revealing him to public?"
"He's wearing a turtleneck, Blanche, of course it's true," Chad pointed out.
Ambrosius grunted, "If you don't stop talking about it I swear I-"
"Cry more, bro," Todd plopped down next to Ambrosius, "What are you gonna do, punch me? You're totally in trouble already!"
Blanche took out her phone and put it to Ambrosius's face. "Haven't you seen the news outlets?"
Ballister moved his head to see what Blanche was talking about. He gulped.
The news page was full of articles with quite scandalous headlines.
“Youngest Goldenloin Shocked EVERYBODY During The Interview!”
“A Bruise Worth Talking About: Ambrosius Goldenloin Drama Explained”
“You Won't Believe Your Eyes When You Look Closer To Ambrosius Goldenloin's Neck... “
“Ambrosius Goldenloin Finally Proving That His Last Name Fits: Who Is That Lucky Person?”
“Ambrosius Goldenloin Hickey Situation Is Getting Out Of Control!”
"Good Gloreth," Ballister whispered, wide-eyed. Ambrosius seemed to have the same reaction.
"Good Gloreth indeed," Todd smirked, "Bro, did you think about how disappointed Gloreth would be to see you taking it up the a-"
"Can you stop being gross for one second!?" Ambrosius snapped, "We didn't even do anything! Just kissed, is all!"
He closed his mouth. Ballister internally face-palmed. Chad and Blanche exchanged glances and ooh-ed.
"So Knight wasn't making shit up?"
"Who's the lucky girl?"
"Bold of you to assume he likes girls, Chad."
Ambrosius stood up and slapped his hands against the table, making plates shake.
"Leave me alone, for Gloreth's sake!" he exclaimed, face red. Ballister put his hand on Ambrosius's arm and looked at him, not dropping a word. Ambrosius looked back, his lip shaking, exhaled and sat down.
"Ballister really has you wrapped around his filthy peasant finger, huh?" Todd cocked his brow. "What's up with your obsession with this guy?"
Blanche observed Ballister and his solid grip on Ambrosius with her icy blue eyes and smirked. "I have an idea or two, actually."
Before Blanche could voice these ideas (Ballister was acutely aware of — and it was partly his and Ambrosius's fault; they weren't secretive at all with their affection), the Director appeared literally out of nowhere. She coughed a few times, making all five cadets shiver. Chad turned around and became stiff as a thin reed.
"Good morning, Director!"
"Good morning, Director!" other four said as one. The Director tilted her head.
"Greetings, cadets. May I ask you why you are not at your seats? Knights-in-training should be well-fed to get enough nutrients and study better. Especially you, Mr Sureblade."
Todd's cheeks turned red, "Ma'am, us and Ambrosius were simply talking! Discussing news, y'know!"
"News regarding yesterday's interview? This is not an appropriate place for such discussions. I would strongly recommend you three to go back to your table."
Todd huffed and rolled his eyes, but he surrendered pretty quickly. He threw a quick disdainful glance at Ambrosius and Ballister before him and his mates went away. Ballister sighed with relief. Ambrosius did as well, squeezing Ballister's hand in his under the table.
"Thank you, Director," Ambrosius tilted his head down to show respect. The Director sighed.
"Ambrosius, this situation you have got yourself into is very, very uncharacteristic for you. You are a mature, responsible young man who should know better.”
"I know, Director. I am deeply sorry for the inconvenience I caused."
"I would also like to speak to you after breakfast, tête-à-tête," she looked at Ballister with a corner of her eye, and he felt himself burning under her gaze. "As for you, Ballister, I am glad you are not involved in this situation. Your position and reputation would suffer much harder if it were you."
Ballister gulped. The Director looked at him once more (was that amusement he spotted in her porcelain-like face?) and went away.
Ambrosius and Ballister stared at each other. Ambrosius turned away.
"I lost all my appetite."
***
The day dragged torturously slowly, Ballister checking if five more hours were added to twenty four of the day. Each class felt like it lasted twice its usual time.
Now, Ballister was standing next to the Director's office, fidgeting with the cloth of his shirt. At this time of the day him and Ambrosius usually spent time together: read books, played games, studied, kissed (all activities mentioned above included kissing in some way). Now the whole Kingdom media was going insane!
Ballister decided to open Kwitter — not the best idea ever since a stuck-up, crazy rich lord bought it because he had too much money he would do anything with but to end poverty in the realm, but Ballister was interested in what people said about Ambrosius online. After all, he was famous when he hadn't even been born yet, so maybe people would speak of him with respect and decency, as Gloreth's blood runs in his veins.
Ballister opened the comments under the news post.
banana.monster.slayer94: "I'm still not okay about Goldenloin having a hickey on his neck like?? Sir??? YOU'RE SIXTEEN WHAT ARE YOU DOINGGG"
69yourmomsdreamknight69: "i still wonder who's to blame for that hickey ;)"
lilythewarrior: "Ambrosius dating someone and not telling us is so weird. Why would he keep that information to himself? He knows we won't judge him! I'm SO disappointed."
toxickwispyfan: "Are y'all even sure this is a hickey? He said it's a bruise! And if it's not, let the kid have SOME privacy in his life, good Gloreth I can't with you people"
sarah300623: "M Y P U S S Y I N B I O"
"...that's enough Internet for today," Ballister mumbled as he closed the app. He heard the door closing — it was Ambrosius. Ballister glanced up at him and smiled weakly.
Ambrosius looked like he saw things he didn't need to see. Eyes wide open, lips in a thin line, he scratched his nose. Ballister ran up to him.
Neither dropped a word. They started walking along the empty halls.
Ballister put his hand on Ambrosius's shoulder, "So, how was it? Did the Director scold you?"
Ambrosius stayed silent for a few seconds, struggling to find correct words. Ballister could see him worry the inside of his cheek.
"Bal... Bal, she..." Ambrosius laughed nervously and scratched his neck, "I... I don't even know how to say it."
"Say the truth."
Ambrosius pressed his lips together. His face was practically red.
"She... She gave me The Talk."
Ballister's jaw dropped.
"...she what?"
"She said it's unacceptable for the descendant of Gloreth to be so immodest. And that I need to record an apology where I explain the situation by saying this truly was a training accident. And that I should think with my head and not with... lower parts. My loins, if you will," Ambrosius's shoulders shook — was he about to burst into tears or laughter? "And I need to use protection if I do get, uh, intimate with anybody."
"She is right though, no?"
"Yes, but it was just so awkward! The head of the government talking to me about... this! She's friends with my mother!" fear flashed in front of Ambrosius's eyes, "Oh, oh no. Do you think my parents know!?"
Ballister didn't reply, but Ambrosius seemed to have understood what he meant.
"I'm a dead man, Bal," Ambrosius closed his face with his hands. "Why can't everyone just leave me alone and let me love you? I'm so tired!"
Let me ... you?
Ballister's heart dropped and then grew twice in size. The words rang in his ears.
L-word wasn't a commodity in their relationship yet. Sure, they said it a ton of times while being simply friends, but it was much, much different when dating. Ambrosius might have slurred it while cuddling, or hinted at it, but straight up say it? To Ballister's face?
Ambrosius didn't seem to notice that though, as he was spiralling.
"I'm so tired of playing pretend! Descendant of Gloreth this, descendant of Gloreth that. I'm very honored to be the holder of her legacy, but why can't I just be a teenager once in a while? You think Gloreth didn't get hickeys? Hickey isn't even a scandalous thing, it's a bruise! Everybody expects me to be modest yet there are people who count the days until I become 'legal' — yes, I'm aware of this! Everybody talks about my life as if it doesn't belong to me, and," he sniffed, "it's stressing me out. Why couldn't I be born a commoner?"
Ballister sighed. If this was a different time, he'd probably point out that Ambrosius would not want to be born a commoner, but now all Ambrosius needed was Ballister to support him. So Ballister did.
He wrapped his arms around Ambrosius's shoulders and held him tight. Ambrosius sniffed one more time and hid his face in Ballister's neck. His hot breather made Ballister exhale soundly.
They stayed like this for a while, until Ambrosius calmed down. He wiped the tears with the back of his palm and laughed nervously.
"Sorry, Bal. You're having it much worse than me yet have to soothe me. Are you not mad with me?"
"No, no, why would I be?" Ballister caressed Ambrosius's cheek. "You're my boyfriend, and I'm yours. It's only logical for us to support each other."
Ambrosius leaned into the touch and smiled, "Yeah."
"It's time for our study session in your room," Ballister grabbed his hand and squeezed it gently. "Let's go, shall we?"
"Will we end up kissing again?" Ambrosius chuckled. Ballister huffed.
"Probably. I won't kiss your neck again any time soon though!" Ballister scratched his neck awkwardly — he still felt guilty about the situation.
Ambrosius squinted and grinned. He jumped in front of Ballister and bent down in an all too chivalrous bow, "Well, then I will gladly accept the honor of kissing your neck, Sir Ballister. Maybe leaving a lovebite as a revenge, huh?"
Ballister rolled his eyes, his eartips burning. The only thought of Ambrosius leaving a mark on his neck made him excited — and immediately ashamed, "You are an idiot."
"Your idiot." Ambrosius did a step back, stairs right behind him. "Now, if you excuse me, I'll-"
He did another step, his back to front. He did not consider there was no room for him to put his legs though.
Ambrosius fell, screaming something incoherent. Ballister rushed to him, but it was far too late.
Ambrosius rolled head over heels.
Three more seconds, and he fell on the floor with a comedically dull thump.
***
A day has passed.
The news spread like wildfire.
"Ambrosius Goldenloin In A Tragic Accident!"
"Young Goldenloin Found On The Floor, His Classmate Screaming For Doctors!"
"The Descendant Of Gloreth Broke His Bones In An Incident That Nearly Cost Him His Life!"
Ambrosius Goldenloin turned off the TV, sat on his bed, his left leg in a cast. Ballister sat next to him. They were silent.
Ambrosius broke his leg. Nothing too serious, because doctors immediately patched him up, but he now had to walk with the cast for two more months.
Clearly, that week wasn't Ambrosius's at all. He exhaled soundly, clicking with his tongue.
"...well," he said with a straight face, "At least they don't talk about my hickey anymore."
Ambrosius turned to Ballister. They were staring at each other for a solid minute before began chuckling. Chuckling turned into snorting, and snorting turned into a hysterical laughter. Ballister hid his fully dark red face in the crook of Ambrosius's neck, brushing his lips against the bruise lightly.
"You w-wanna leave a new-w one or som-mething?"
Ballister huffed, "You are not letting this go, are you?"
"Never.”