Chanyeol had always had a lot of friends as a kid. No matter whether he was six or fourteen, chubby or lanky, he'd never had any trouble finding friends. Having sleepovers was nothing out of the ordinary for him. He was a bit of an annoying person to share a bed with, apparently, but he was pretty low-maintenance and could make due with just about anything.

Whether or not that included sharing a bed with Jongdae was a different matter entirely though. It wasn't like he was... scared of the other or anything. Or disgusted. There really was hardly anything to be disgusted about, considering the other was ridiculously fussy regarding hygiene and was probably more groomed than an award-winning horse.

No, it was simply that sharing a bed felt so... personal. It would be ridiculous to label it 'intimate' even though it kinda felt like it.

What was even more annoying, however, was that his friends clearly intended to have them force-bond. Or maybe they just wanted to gain some entertainment from watching them squirm. Either way they had made it very clear that should they not be able to get along, they could feel free to sleep on the floor instead (Luhan's words).

Chanyeol didn't appreciate being forced to do things, and as he was sitting in the bathroom, toweling his hair dry, he was still pondering which course of action would be the spiteful one now. Was he supposed to act like it's not a big deal just to disappoint them? Or should he and Jongdae be extra insufferable, to teach them a lesson?

The first option would bruise his pride a little, while the second would be stressful, but very easy to slip into. People liked to blame Chanyeol for all their quarrels, and so far, Yixing seemed to be the only one observant enough to notice and comment on the fact that Jongdae was indeed responsible for them as much as he was. Not only did Jongdae indulge every comment thrown his way with smooth, spiteful replies, he also definitely took pleasure in taking the initiative to make verbal jabs at Chanyeol when he was feeling bored.

He paused in his movements when he heard a muffled voice coming from the hallway.

"I'm sorry about earlier."

It took him  a moment to realize that it was Yifan speaking, and another second to make the terrible decision of hiding around a corner of the bathroom when the door opened.

"About what exactly?" he heard the typical drawl of Jongdae echo around the bathroom. This would be the perfect moment to walk past them and leave, but his legs didn't move as he heard Yifan mentally flounder.

"You know," he began, clearly agonizing. "My mothers. They don't mean any harm. They're just a little... like this."

"I don't know what you're apologizing for," Jongdae replied swiftly, with a rustling of clothes suggesting that he was undressing. "You should be proud of them just like they are proud of you."

There was no hesitation in his voice, but something about it sounded slightly off, anyway. Like it had to be pushed out quickly, hoping to slip by unnoticed. It was very uncharacteristic.

Yifan didn't give a verbal reply for the longest time, and when he did, it was surprisingly close-

"I guess you're right-" he muttered, only to bump into Chanyeol. It was hard to say who of them flinched harder.

"Oh god, how long have you been standing there?"

"I mean, I was here first," Chanyeol trailed off awkwardly. A mop of chestnut-colored hair peeked around the corner if only to shoot him a judgemental look.

"I'm not a voyeur," Chanyeol insisted, feeling the heat crawl up his ears already.

"The fact that you even know this word suggests otherwise, but sure," Jongdae commented drily, already strutting past him as if the conversation was officially declared over. Which, to be fair, was very much the case, considering that the other wasn't wearing anything other than a towel. Chanyeol scurried off, grumbling something to himself about nobles always assuming they owned the place, but it was mostly for show, to distract from the fact that the little exchange was still echoing around his head.

You should be proud of them.

It didn't sit right with him to admit it - even just to himself - but it was nice of Jongdae not to make a fuss about Yifan's parents having zero sense of formality and hadn't given him even the slightest special treatment. Basic human decency? Well, yes, but that was not something one could expect of people of Jongdae's rank. Especially considering how eager this entire town seemed to kiss his feet.

The mere thought made him want to roll his eyes. Visiting Bareahard might only be half as annoying if not for Jongdae being with them. Then again, some cranky noble might have picked a fight with them. And it was not like Jongdae himself seemed to enjoy visiting his hometown. Ever since they had exited the train, he'd been even more stuck up and insufferable than usual, really. More bossy, too. If not for them walking a social minefield, Chanyeol would have given the other a piece of his mind already-

...but he had decided not to give Yifan a hard time, so Chanyeol would play nice. At the end of the day, they all just wanted to return to the academy without unintentionally having started a civil war.

That only left the question of why the other's tone had been so ambiguous earlier. It was hard to imagine stuck up, prissy Jongdae genuinely liking Yifan's parents.

It was a little annoying how much of his brain capacity was dedicated to trying to decipher Jongdae, but now that he'd started, he refused to stop until he'd found an answer.

God, if only this guy would be a little more transparent. But no - with Jongdae, everything was ambiguous. How anyone could be so brazen and straight-forward while simultaneously saying nothing at all was mystifying. And mildly infuriating.

He'd love to just shake the boy's narrow shoulders and demand him to clarify what exactly he thought of Yifan's mothers and why he'd been so weird about them - but that would feel like losing. No, Chanyeol would learn to understand without admitting out loud that this was bothering him in the first place.

With a small groan, he buried his face in the cushions of his stupidly luxurious hotel bed.

"Giving up already?" he heard Luhan ask from the other end of the room, voice sickeningly sweet. Chanyeol lifted his head to glower at him.

"And have you win your bet? In your dreams."

To his utmost satisfaction, that put a dent in the other's smug expression.

"What bet-"

"Don't even bother," Chanyeol sniffed, turning over to face the wall and keep his own, satisfied grin hidden. "You're way too eager about this and I'm not an idiot. Jongin and Yifan are too nice to make bets, which leaves Yixing, who probably bet on us getting along. Serves you right for putting such little faith in me."

"Not like anyone could fault him for it," Jongdae piped up as he entered the room, brushing down his now wet hair.

"You didn't even listen," Chanyeol began, ignoring the odd fluttering sensation in his stomach when Jongdae stopped at the foot of the bed, all arched brows and flushed cheeks.

"It was a statement that deserved support either way - besides, who said you could sleep on that side? Did you miss my book on the shelf or did you choose to ignore it?"

"Oh, don't worry, I noticed it alright," Chanyeol replied in fake obliviousness. "I put it on your nightstand."

He watched him take a deep breath, obviously considering whether or not fighting Chanyeol would alleviate his headache or drive it home further. Chanyeol stared back at him, daring him to complain, but ultimately, Jongdae sat down on the other side with a light shake of his head. With a shrug, Chanyeol sat up to grab his own book and a pen to take some notes for his report. If he wanted to feel like the bigger person, so be it. This side was cozier and Chanyeol didn't intend on giving up on it.

Being relatively close, he heard the small sigh from his right.

"Not only is your hair still wet, but you're also doing your work in bed. Why am I not surprised."

Chanyeol rolled his eyes for real this time.

"It's a notepad and not a full breakfast. Relax."

When Jongdae only shot him a mildly judgemental look, he blankly added, "that means to take that stick that's lodged up your-"

"I know what that means," Jongdae cut him off icily, only to get to his feet again with an exasperated groan. "I'll go dry my hair."

It lacked his usual wit, and Chanyeol had a fair idea of what to blame the lack of bite on.

"Don't be so harsh," Yixing spoke up as soon as Jongdae had closed the door behind him, placating and gentle as ever. "Today was quite exhausting for all of us."

Chanyeol knew Yixing well enough to know that while he was referring to all of them, he really had Jongdae in mind.

"You don't seem very exhausted," Yifan commented from where he was sitting on his bed. It was unusually... poignant by his standards and Yixing actually chuckled.

"Is that so? Well, I can assure you I'm looking forward to getting a good night's sleep."

"Didn't even refute that Chanyeol just accused him of being the type to make bets," Luhan muttered, sharing Yifan's dubious expression.

"Someone's bitter over losing said bets," Chanyeol teased vindictively, while Yixing retained a sunny expression.

"Aren't you guys lively tonight?"

"Jongin," Luhan groaned in free petulance, "Say something!"

Next to Yixing, Jongin looked up from his book.

"Hm?"

"Yixing is bullying me!"

Jongin blinked.

"What? Yixing has to be the nicest person I've ever met," he admitted freely, causing Yixing's smile to grow even more candid.

Chanyeol ignored their bickering and simply finished off his notes, refusing to acknowledge Jongdae slipping under the covers a while later, smelling like vanilla and flowers. Both bed and blanket were rather generously-sized so technically, they wouldn't even brush sides if he was being a bit mindful. And if he wasn't as tall as he was.

He sniffed.

Well, Chanyeol was nothing if not determined to make this work, and if it meant waking up with cramped limbs for one day, so be it.

As he was adding a section about their tour at the orbment factory, he had to sneeze.

"Bless you," Yifan yawned.

"Gross," Jongdae sighed.

Chanyeol sniffled again, willing the itch down.

"Okay, look," he began, paused as he suppressed another sneeze, and finally picked up again, "I don't know what kind of fancy stuff you're dumping over your head, but it just- it's-"

He sneezed again.

"Allergic reaction?" Jongin asked sympathetically. "We can still swap places-"

"No," Chanyeol cut him off, both hands on his face now, pressed against his nose as he willed himself to just breathe through his mouth instead. "I'm fine. All good."

If he gave up now, Luhan would win. It was dumb and he knew it, but losing was simply not an option. So he placed his work utensils aside and laid down properly, facing the wall and burrowing his nose in the blanket to escape even the last molecules of whatever sinfully expensive shampoo the other was using.

"I didn't know your nose was that sensitive," Jongdae said, but it was a halfhearted jab at best. Chanyeol didn't dignify him with an answer.

He was honestly hoping to fall asleep before the lights were switched out, leaving him to actually be aware of the slightest jostling whenever Jongdae turned, or of the vaguely uncomfortable breeze of air suggesting the other was still sitting with his knees raised.

At first he thought he'd be having no such luck, with time seemingly stretching on forever as he lay there with his eyes closed, listening to the soft chattering of his dormmates.

Then he came to, however, and it was evidently morning.

At least he gathered as much from how sleep seemed to sit in his every bone, and how cozy and warm he was feeling. Despite his best attempts, he'd woken up on his back, one leg folded in. It was then that he realized the warmth against his other, outstretched leg was more than just the blanket reflecting his own body heat; there was a calf resting against his. It was obviously an accident, and by the time Chanyeol had pinpointed the source of heat, he'd already been lying there for quite some time already. He should move. He should have moved right away, but all he did was lie there, taking deep breaths. Feigning to be asleep, really.

Unlike Chanyeol - who preferred to sleep in shorts and t-shirts - Jongdae had been wearing a very proper pajama, complete with buttons and everything. Which was why it took him a moment to realize that his pant legs must have slipped up because there was smooth, warm skin against his. He was reminded of the night when he'd applied wet packs over his slightly fuzzy legs. Maybe he'd shaved. Or waxed. Or whatever it was that nobles did.

Honestly, this situation was ridiculously harmless and had no right feeling as strangely thrilling as it did. To feel as forbidden as it did.

He wasn't a ert, was he? He hadn't initiated this, and considering his rather self-contained posture, it was likely Jongdae who had shifted his leg over his in his sleep. Chanyeol had simply woken up and hadn't moved yet. No fault to be detected there.

Aside from the fact that he was dragging this out deliberately, that is. He felt half-asleep still, clinging onto the haziness as an excuse to just... enjoy the mix of sensations this was giving him. In a dream, he could move his leg now, just rubbing against the warm skin ever so slightly, push a little further, drown a little more-

"Morning."

Chanyeol twitched away from Jongdae like he'd been burnt, sitting up straight within a second with his heart beating so hard he felt it in his throat. Luhan, who'd evidently been talking to Yixing, shot him a somewhat accusatory look.

"And good morning to you, too," he commented drily.

"You- caught me off guard," Chanyeol began defensively, refusing to look Jongdae's way as the other sat up slowly.

Luhan shot him a dubious look.

"Is that what you tell your alarm clock as well? We should really be getting ready if we want to be at the base on time."

He nudged Yifan, who's only reaction was a gravelly-sounding grunt, which only barely contrasted the indistinguishable sounds coming from Jongin.

"It's just a thirty minute walk from here so we'll be fine," Jongdae stated, clearing his throat to smooth the sleep out of his voice.

As Chanyeol slipped out of bed and into a fresh pair of socks, he couldn't help but notice that Jongdae sounded far too awake for someone who had supposedly been startled awake mere seconds ago. Since the implications of that thought were way too embarrassing to deal with, he decided to ban them from his head along with the entire morning.

All of this could just vanish like a dream dissipating under the pressure of consciousness.

That's what he told himself at least.

The headquarters of the provincial army were in the heart of the noble district. There was really no need to point out that much but Jongdae did it anyway, continuing his quiet city tour, every bit as curt and to the point as he'd been the day before. Chanyeol would be a liar to say that the other's restrained attitude wasn't making him somewhat nervous - the noble district was essentially his neighbourhood, so there shouldn’t be a reason for him to walk like he was entering a royal gala with every spotlight shining on him. To be fair, Chanyeol had to constantly remind himself that this was an area the other should be used to; that this was a place one could get used to. It was impossible to truly believe it, though, walking the pebbled streets of the richest district Chanyeol had ever set foot in. Every single building looked like a mansion large enough to fit three families. There wasn't really a room for luscious gardens (he suspected those to be located on the backsides) but the luxury was still noticeable enough to be surreal. There were no stores or performers or children drawing on the ground with chalk. In fact, it was eerily quiet. Despite the streets not being nearly as large as the main streets, they felt bigger, and strangely empty. It was simply rows and rows of buildings large and opulent enough to pass for a governmental building where Chanyeol was from, all melting together like parts of a castle, really, with the only sign of life being a few maids and butlers bustling around somewhere on the vicinities.

It was utterly ridiculous.

"Are these residential buildings?" Jongin asked into the slightly tense silence, just as they crossed a picturesque bridge over a stream.

"Yes."

It was all Jongdae said about that, and since he didn't follow it up with some form of assessment or judgement, it was hard to tell what he was thinking of them.

Chanyeol kept staring at the buildings as they walked past them, taking in the polished fences and old stone structures decorating the buildings. There was no way a person could grow up in this place and not become a stereotypical noble like Zitao. Something about these houses, about the idea of living in them, was somewhat uncomfortable. Because deep down, Chanyeol knew everyone felt a greed for luxury, being pulled towards it like moths to fire - only to either constantly flutter around the light with no purpose or burn themselves out entirely. They felt like a thinly disguised trap, and yet the security that he, like so many others, would never get to suffer from falling for it... stung.

Chanyeol swallowed the thoughts, focusing on the task at hand instead. There would be plenty of time to allow his thoughts to wander when he didn't feel like walking across a silver platter for powerful people to judge.

"Oh, is it over there?" Jongin asked in casual interest. Chanyeol was truly grateful for his presence right now. Luhan was being more quiet than usual as he took in the absurdity the nobility called their homes, looking vaguely judgemental, while Yifan gave Jongdae a run for his money with his very own impression of a walking stick. And while Yixing acted quiet and reassured as ever, he was, well. A noble. Having someone as removed and optimistic as Jongin with them was comforting.

Jongdae followed the other's gaze to the large stone path leading up to what appeared to be a stone wall worthy of protecting a castle. His expression twitched, the emotion flitting by too fast to be read.

"No."

"I'm guessing this is Jongdae's home," Yixing filled in the gaps, sounding calm, but more subdued than usual. Chanyeol could tell he wasn't the only one glancing back towards the enormous stone ramp, but no one said a word about it.

Chanyeol had naturally assumed the ramp would lead to another district, maybe even to an airport, but-

"We're here."

They had stopped before a building that would have blended in with the more stoic-looking apartment buildings, but the banners and soldiers stationed outside suggested otherwise.

Deep down, Chanyeol had always thought that the provincial army was some sort of knock off version of the imperial army - it must lie in their colorful uniforms and fancy helmets that seemed to put more weight on aesthetics and reputation than functionality. Oh, and the fact that the general public put more trust and faith in the other, real soldiers. It was much easier to respect those who had trained hard to stand on actual battlefields over the individuals who reigned in regular civilians, more often than not abusing their power. But as the two soldiers saluted, emanating a ridiculous amount of attentiveness and professionalism for two people who did nothing but watch the gates of what had to be the least likely place for a crime in all of Bareahard... Chanyeol couldn't help at least reconsidering his prejudices. Though they might just be putting on a show for Jongdae.

"Good day, young master," one of them spoke up. "It's nice to see you again."

Jongdae nodded.

"Sergeant Suh, Sergeant Qian."

It was a clipped exchange but it lacked the awkward vibes Chanyeol had gotten from just about every other conversation he'd witnessed Jongdae having so far in his hometown.

Before they could say another word, the door opened to reveal a middle-aged man wearing a uniform and badges suggesting a higher rank. Not that Chanyeol had a lot of attention left for those details, with how the other made a beeline for Jongdae, wearing a disarming, relaxed smile.

"Jongdae! There you are. I would have expected you to show up yesterday."

To their surprise, Jongdae's expression not only softened, there was even a small smile ghosting on his lips.

"I'm sorry to disappoint," he said, managing not to make it sound neither apologetic nor sarcastic. "Thank you again for making this possible."

"There's no need to thank me," the man verbally dismissed him, now taking a look at the group of students standing half a step behind him. "After all, I'd be surprised if none of your friends was a resident of our province - and who knows, maybe they'll like what they see. Either way, we're honoured to add to the education of this countries' finest students."

Chanyeol wasn't sure whether to feel honoured or embarrassed, and to his horror, Jongdae chose that exact moment to be chatty.

"Since your optimism is so inspiring, I think I'll hold back on putting a dent in it," he joked dryly, and the man laughed. Like that, he looked younger and heartier than the high-ranking military members Chanyeol had seen so far.

"I see your tongue is sharp as ever. But I know you guys are on a schedule, so let's put aside the chit chat. I'm Captain Choi of the Provincial Army, and I'll be your guide today."

"He's been stationed here for many years now and is doing an excellent job," Jongdae added matter-of-factly. "He has also taught me much of what I know about combat today."

It was this random bit of information that really drove home what had been obvious right from the start - Jongdae respected this person.

And judging by the way the Captain smiled, that respect was not going by unnoticed.

"Now, now, Jongdae, you don't want to go around discrediting your wonderful fencing teacher, do you?"

"Nothing would be further from my mind," Jongdae rattled down, blank and unassuming, and very much indirectly confirming the accusation.

Captain Choi actually patted Jongdae's shoulder with a good-natured smile.

"One day your cheeky attitude will get you into trouble, young man. Well, in any case we should get started. Let me give you a brief introduction-"

"Young master."

They simultaneously turned to catch sight of an old man wearing a very pristine suit. He walked towards them with an uncanny grace for his age, bowing deeply as soon as he was before them. Chanyeol had seen a few maids and butlers on campus but they usually weren't decades older than their proteges, and none of them behaved this formally.

Jongdae stepped away from the captain without his expression or voice betraying anything.

"Seongsu," he acknowledged the other, all previous hints of relaxation vanished just like that. Chanyeol couldn't put it against him - the old man looked strict and untouchable, almost as if he were a noble himself.

"I am happy to see you safe and zestful," the man said, eyes fleetingly traveling over to linger on Yixing. "I'm also glad you managed to find companions at the academy."

Chanyeol couldn't help feeling embarrassed over being treated like air, but for once, no words left his lips.

Jongdae didn't even smile.

"Is there a reason for your visit?"

The old man didn't even pretend to cling onto the smalltalk any longer than purely necessary.

"Indeed there is. The duke requests your presence."

For the first time that day, Jongdae looked apprehensive.

"I'm here on an official field trip," he stated. "As a student."

The butler didn't share his hesitation.

"I am aware of that."

Jongdae's gaze dropped to the ground in a vain attempt at hiding the conflict dancing in his eyes.

"Well, it's not like you don't know this place by heart already," the Captain spoke up, a barely noticeable tinge of comfort lacing his words. "We will simply proceed without you-"

"Oh, your companions are very much invited as well," the butler cut him off with a stiff, unrelenting smile. The fact that he had interrupted someone of the Captain's rank with such ease already spoke volumes. Now Jongdae’s facade cracked entirely, making room for reluctance.

"That won't be necessary," he began, voice actually wavering. The butler's smile remained unfazed.

"He explicitly stated that it would be his pleasure to welcome them."

There was a moment in which Chanyeol expected the other to protest even further but after a mere three seconds, his clenched fists relaxed, shoulders dropping.

"I see," Jongdae said quietly, not meeting any of their eyes despite holding his head high. "We will be there in a moment."

The butler nodded.

"Wonderful. I'll be contacting the Imperial Army about your potential delay. I’m sure it won't be long though."

It was a sad excuse for comfort and if Chanyeol were in his place, he'd feel humiliated more than anything. Jongdae remained still, however, until the butler was out of ear shot.

Then he took a deep breath and turned back to them.

"I'm very sorry about this," he began, eyes wandering from Jongin to the others, skipping Chanyeol entirely. "It probably won't be long, as he said, but it's up to you whether or not you want to come with. It's your choice."

The mood had dropped significantly, and even Captain Choi didn't seem inclined to change that, instead watching over them with a neutral expression.

Yixing was the first to break the silence, stance relaxing a little now that the butler was gone.

"I don't mind," he said softly, reassuringly, really, and Jongin immediately seconded that, looking worried for Jongdae more than anything.

"I mean, I kinda got the impression that we don't really have a choice," Luhan hummed dubiously, but it was all in good fun - or at least an imitation of such. "But sure. It'll just be a quick visit, right?"

Yifan looked somewhat ashen, but he managed a stiff nod, anyway. Now Jongdae's eyes were flitting up to meet Chanyeol's, and something about the other's attention, about all the dozens of things left unsaid, had heat crawl up his ears.

"What?" he blurted into the round. "It's not like my opinion really matters here. But fine," he added after a beat of silence, "let's just get it over with."

When Jongdae still looked hesitant, Chanyeol actually took the first step leading back towards the residential area.

"Come on. The sooner we leave, the sooner we're back, right?"

Luckily, Captain Choi didn't seem mad at all over the disruption of their schedule. It made sense since the Provincial Army essentially just existed to serve Jongdae's family, but Chanyeol couldn't shake the feeling that the Captain would have had a soft spot for him regardless.

"Private fencing teacher, huh?" Luhan asked, filling the silence as they walked up the stone ramp. "Why am I not surprised?"

Jongdae sighed.

"She's a true master," he replied vaguely.

"And yet you preferred to hone your skills at the army base," Yixing commented, tone ever so light as he spilled uncomfortable observations.

"It's not about the teacher as a person, but the skills they teach," Jongdae said, tugging at the seams of his suit to get rid of any wrinkles (of which there were none to begin with).

Yixing hummed, nice enough not to push for further details.

"Why do I feel like I'm trespassing?" Luhan muttered, saying out loud what Chanyeol had been thinking. It felt wrong to walk up this path, knowing it led to a private building. Weird, too, since they were practically elevating themselves over the people that might actually be walking down these streets later in the day. And every single step towards the gate only solidified that wariness - the villa awaiting them behind it was not only at least a two minute walk away, it also looked like a castle.

The gates were opened without Jongdae having to say a word, and they followed him in silence. Even the greenery surrounding the estate looked expensive and perfectly groomed. To Chanyeol, whose hometown was infamous for its lack of plants of any kind, seeing so many trees and flowers was quite breathtaking - and bittersweet, considering that there was nobody around to truly appreciate them, making the effort somewhat wasted. He wondered whether Jongdae had been playing around the rose garden and pond as a child, and concluded that that would have probably been frowned upon.

All this didn't quite manage to distract him from the nagging nervousness lingering in his stomach though. It was hard to pinpoint and impossible to get rid of it.

What was he like, the most powerful noble in the country?