𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎.

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

— 》a portrayal of partitio yellowil.

[dearly beloved @coldfallout]

Try to find the right place for yourself. If you can't find it, at least dream of it.

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

@ScholarAflame is somehow making this all rather difficult for him, too. ]

Heh, y'know, I... I was willing to throw in the towel already on this sorta thing. Heck, it was in the basket by now. Guess miracles do happen. I'm the luckiest man in the whole world.

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

@ScholarAflame [ Partitio swallows hard. He swallows down his nerves, his heart, his guts, his urge to burst out in excitement and laugh and jump.

Surely none of that would necessarily encourage the flustered man before him, but seeing someone who is usually so stoic and composed become red +

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

@ScholarAflame tell you.

( Even if at this point, I'm so hopelessly enamored with you that I'm okay with being number two for as long as I stand. )

I think... I think everything deserves a try.

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

@ScholarAflame [ Partitio gives a smile, neither too big nor too small. He's a negotiator—and he always comes prepared no matter what.

He knows where he stands. He also knows his own worth, even with his heart pounding. ]

I gotcha. And if it's too much for me... I'll be honest with you n' +

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

@ScholarAflame himself that he's having trouble admitting it; but given the person he is, Partitio will always /try/. ]

I... Well, I want what any man in love wants. I wanna be with the fella that makes my heart pound n' feel all warm n' fuzzy. [ His face is /burning/. ] I-is that bad?

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

@ScholarAflame [ Face redder than a strawberry, Partitio almost finds himself at a loss. He knows what he wants—he's always thought it to be too selfish to voice.

Is it still selfish if Osvald feels the same for him? Is it justified?

He's gotten so used to the idea that he'd keep it all to +

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

@ScholarAflame I mean... I'm sure you must've caught on, right? Even just a little? ...I /like/ you, Osvald. I've had feelings for you for a real long time.

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

@ScholarAflame [ The world is spinning, and with it, Partitio is spinning in the other direction. He doesn't know where he is; or rather, he just can't believe it. ]

I-I'm... I'm at a loss, Osvald. Really. 'Cause I... [ He pokes his shoe down at the ground, bashful and heart pounding. ] +

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

@ScholarAflame R-romantic feelings for... For /me/?

[ Okay, yes, now he definitely knows that he's not in the right mind. Still, even as he stands there in shock, the bewilderment feels too aware and too real for a dream. ]

I ain't sure I'm really following... You wanna know what I think?

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

@ScholarAflame Ohhh. Gee, Osvald, that sure does sound like you've got some real trou—

[ Pause. Blink. Blink, blink, and his face goes completely bright red and his heart leaps out of his chest—he's definitely hallucinating.. ]

Wh-what?! Sorry, I musta misheard you! What w-was that?

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

@ScholarAflame [ Bumping shoulders with him!
( Gently, of course! ) ]

Howdy, Osvald. I know that look. You're thinking real deep and hard again.

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

@ScholarAflame Sure thing! I'll wear my favorite hat n' everything! ...Not that I ever take it off, but still!

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

🍎 @ScholarAflame?

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

@ScholarAflame Gosh, you seem so certain! [ And there's something flattering about it. It makes Partitio smile, hands shoved in his pockets. ] Well, if that's what you think, I'm sure you're right. Still, I'm gonna be on my best behavior!

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

@ScholarAflame Well, that'd be a downright honor.

[ A smile comes from him, light and natural. There's no need for them to dwell; the mere offer is enough. ]

I'll make sure to make the best apple pie I ever could t' make a good first impression.

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

@ScholarAflame Don't know how I could do more than that, but if you say it, then I know it's gotta be true.

[ Rocking back on his heels then, smiling up at Osvald. ]

One day, I'll make you a whole apple pie. Unless ya don't like pie?

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

@ScholarAflame ( 😀... 😅! )

Aw, that means a lot for me t'hear. Doing good in your book is all I could ask for.

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

@ScholarAflame [ Cheeks bursting a bright red. Blink blink. Then he laughs, scratching the back of his neck. ]

Shucks, Osvald! D'you know many merchants?

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

@ScholarAflame Only the best for my favorite scholar!! Hope ya enjoy it!

[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎. @fortunearrow]

@ScholarAflame !!

[ Hands on his hips looking happy! Like 10 days late. ]

Picked that one myself. The reddest I could find!