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Torbek, like most of his friends, was smarter than he looked. Sure he was overlooked by others often but he was also quick on his feet and pretty thoughtful. Sure, Torbek couldn’t read or write but, he felt like he noticed a lot. A lot more than people thought he did.
So, he did notice something peculiar happening when he would be eating. When Torbek would take a second to look away from his plate and engage with the group. When his eyes returned to his food he had more than he had had previously. This happened at every meal. Every day for the last 3 months. He doesn’t recall anything changing that would prompt this. In fact since they left the feywild, life had been almost mundane.
Of course Torbek did think he was imagining it at first. His mind wasn’t exactly protected from delusions. Though Frost had said his voices weren’t delusions, Torbek didn’t have a better name for them yet. However, after it happened over 5 times, he had to accept, that for whatever reason, someone was adding food to his plate.
Torbek wasn’t sure who would be compelled to do this. That’s not to say Torbek didn’t expect kindness from his friends. It was more why they would hide the act from him. Why the secrecy? That seemed odd. Torbek needed to get to the bottom of this. Sooner than later hopefully.
So at dinner that night he let his eyes travelled round the group looking for the culprit. As his eyes flinted around he made a list mentally of why or why not the person could be responsible. Torbek tried not to get too distracted though. He didn’t want anyone noticing his odd behavior and calling it out. Good news was after so many years with The Other, he was very good at multi-tasking.
Torbek started his investigation with Gideon. Though to be honest, he thought he could probably eliminate Gideon right away. The fire genasi burned just as many calories, if not more than Torbek did. He would eat his portion and everyone else’s, if Kreamy would let him. Plus he also sat on the other side of the fire, closest to Kremy and his cooking utensils. It was unlikely his arms could reach Torbek and his bowl. Besides, Gideon wasn’t really the giving type. Not that he was selfish but unless your name is Kremy Lecroux, he doesn’t really think about it. It only works for Kremy because Gideon is wrapped around his little finger. So, if Kremy was the one receiving more food, Gideon would be the obvious choice. Not the same could be said about Torbek. Torbek felt like saying it wasn’t Gideon was a pretty safe bet.
His eyes continued their journey over all his friends. Next up was Kremy, as his eyes moved to Kremy he thought, “Could the Gator be giving him a bigger portion all along?” It is very possible. Yet Torbek felt like he would have noticed, right? It would be a very obvious change. In fact Torbek thought back a few weeks and Kremy DID start giving him larger portions.
Kremy had said it was because he was the muscle with Gid and he needed to keep his strength up. Also mentioning offhandedly that they had extra food to spare for once. However, after that change Torbek’s portion didn’t appear any bigger when he received it from Kremy. Kremy had magic of course… Yet it seemed unlikely that he would use it to sneak food to Torbek. In fact, knowing Kremy he would be very showy about the extra food like he was when he upped Torbek’s portion a few weeks prior. Kremy loved to make a show of it if he felt that he was being especially kind. Drawing all those facts together Torbek realized how unlikely Kremy being his food gifter would be. Actually, Torbek was very sure it absolutely wasn’t Kremy.
His eyes moved around the circle. Next to Kremy was Hootsie but Torbek knows the owlbear is not that stealthy. Plus, she was a growing girl and needed all her food.
So Torbek moved on to the person to his left, Gricko. It would be fairly easy for the goblin to gift the bugbear food. The Bugbear’s permanent spot was right between the goblin and the tabaxi. Plus, Gricko was always fretting over the others, especially Torbek, Frost and Hootsie. Also, because of his size Gricko didn’t eat a whole lot as is. He always joked that he has to keep up his figure. However, it was probably just that he had a smaller appetite. Yet, there were still a few things that poked holes in the Gricko theory. For one thing, the goblin was always talking during meals.
Gricko was a natural storyteller and he loved to make his tales overly theatrical. Kremy used to get annoyed, but it was always good for moral when they were in the Feywild. So he eventually stopped commenting. Another problem with this is that Gricko was very prone to distraction. Sometimes getting so into the story that he forgets to eat his own food. At least until Frost or Kremy would remind him. The tiger with a gentle nudge and the gator with a snarky comment.
There was also the fact that Gricko was the center of attention while they ate for most of them. Torbek’s mind went back to their tougher days and remembered how the stories provided a lovely distraction from any stressful or persistent thoughts. His voice was soothing and comforting after so many horrors. He also loved a funny story so that would be great for breaking up tensions.
However, that made it very hard to do much of anything. Much less sneak food to Torbek. Not saying he couldn’t but Torbek was finding it more and more unlikely. Especially since the goblin hadn’t even noticed Torbek’s attention was fixated on him. He was in the middle of a wild tale from when him and Frost first met.
Frost….could it be Frost? The thought made a warm feeling go through Torbek’s chest. His heart rate speeding up slightly at the idea of being given special treatment from the sorcerer. It was an open secret among the group that Torbek had a not so little crush on the tabaxi. I mean how could he not? Morning Frost was always kind to Torbek. Along with Gricko he made Torbek feel like he really belonged after he found them again.
Frost was also known to take Torbek’s side in arguments and any discourse. The tabaxi took his words seriously and treated his concerns with the depth that some of the others often wouldn’t. Actually, for him almost killing Frost when they remet, Frost was almost too kind in Torbek’s opinion. Not that Torbek remembered that encounter. However, he believed what Frost had told him. Frost wasn’t one to lie for the fun of it. So…..could it be Frost?
Torbek was pulled from his thoughts as he caught movement from the corner of his eye. On instinct Torbek looked down. While he had been thinking about the food gifter someone had snuck him another portion of the stew Kremy had made. At least from what he could tell. He swears had much more than he had a moment ago.
Torbek took a chance and let his eyes lift from his bowl and over to Frost’s. He swallowed down a gasp as he noticed Frost’s bowl, a bowl that was almost full a moment ago, was half empty! It was unlikely that Frost would eat the stew that fast. He took his time with food, always commenting on how he’d like to avoid choking. So Torbek could only come to one conclusion…It was Frost! Frost had been giving Torbek food!
The joy of the revelation was quickly replaced by worry and shame. Why did Frost feel like Torbek needed the food more than him? The tabaxi wasn’t small by any means, but he still needed the proper nutrition. His powers took a lot of energy. Torbek found himself feeling terrible that Frost was giving him his food. Torbek didn’t need it anymore than Frost did! So with as much grace as he could he snuck the stew back into Frost’s bowl. The tabaxi was distracted at the moment as he was adding some much needed context to Gricko’s current tale; giving the bugbear the time he needed to make the switch.
After he successfully gave Frost back his food, Torbek turned back to his bowl and tried to act natural. Not noticing that another member of their group had noticed the exchange. Kremy’s eyes flashed between the tiger and the bugbear. He had actually picked up on the exchange when it first began; Frost wasn’t as stuble as he thought her was.. It did raise some concerns about Frost getting enough food. This is what pushed Kremy to give Torbek a bigger portion in the first place! However, despite that the tiger continued giving his food away.
Frost listened to the rest of Gricko’s tale before turning back to his bowl. When he did he gasped in surprise. His stew appeared to have risen again. Frost looked up and around in confusion. Torbek was quick to look anywhere else besides the tiger. Unfortunately this only made Frost zone in on him and his almost empty bowl Had Torbek realized what was happening and returned the food? Why? Frost tried to catch Torbek’s eyes but the bugbear continued to ignore him and focus all his attention on finishing up his dinner. Once finished he stood to return the empty bowl to Kremy. The gator was still watching the pair with an amused grin, plotting on how best to call out the tiger. His thought process was interrupted when the bugbear stood up and made his way over to him.
“Thank you, Mr. Kremy,” Torbek told Kremy, carefully handing the bowl back, “Torbek found it very delicious.”
“You are very welcome Torbek,” Kremy said, taking the bowl with a smirk, “Though in the future I can make sure to offer you seconds, maybe then Frost will stop sneaking you food off his own plate.”
Frost flushed softly and visibly flinched at the callout. Of fucking course Kremy would notice. He was always watching like some kind of voyeuristic freak. However, Frost hardly had time to mentally rage at the warlock right now. Considering his words had caught the attention of the whole group and all their eyes had turned to stare him down. Frost clammed up and pulled his hood forward to cover his face. Doing what he could to hide the growing flush of embarrassment at being caught. He was hoping to completely avoid Torbek ever finding out about his actions.
Not that he was embarrassed at about what he did. He just needed to avoid questions about his actions and motives. Questions that he was very unwilling to share. Such things as the not so small amount of affection he held for the bugbear. Unfortunately, he made the mistake of underestimating Torbek’s observation skills and overlooking Kremy’s intuitiveness.
“Why are you giving food to Torbek, Frosty?” Gricko asked with a growing smile. The goblin had recognized the emerging feelings between his two friends ages ago. He might have even noticed before they did. He prayed this meant it would finally be time for something to come out! At least he hoped! Cause watching them dance around each other was almost as painful as watching Gideon and Kremy dance around each other. Almost. Besides, he had a feeling they shared the same viewpoint on each other. One of love and trust. Gricko found it very cute, but again they didn’t need another Coal-Lecroux situation.
“That’s what i’d like to know,” Kremy commented, the smug look had not left his face, “Not like we are low on food.”
“Also, I’m offended it was only given to Torbek,” Gricko added, feigning hurt, “I thought we were best mates, Frosty, where was my extra food?”
“You barely eat as is,” Gideon input with a hearty laugh, “If anything he should be giving me extras, Kremy has me practically starving.”
“Oh hush you,” Kremy said with a light swat causing Gideon and Gricko to snort,” You get more than enough.”
Frost was glad they all found this so hilarious….
“Frost?” Torbek asked, drawing the tabaxi’s attention back to the object of his affection, Torbek’s eyes bore into the tabaxi’s form, “Why have you been giving Torbek food?”
Frost panicked internally. What could he say that wouldn’t be a huge giveaway!? Frost paused for a moment…he could lie. He was nowhere near as good at lying as Kremy was but he was still rather convincing. He could come up with something. Yet that brought about the question. What kind of lie could explain his bizarre behavior?! He had tried to lie to himself and say he didn’t know the reason. However, he did. Frost did it because he liked the smile that the bugbear wore after a hearty meal.
That’s not how it had started, mind you. It had started as a thank you to Torbek for helping Frost. He can’t remember what he had helped with, but Frost is certain that was were it all started. After that first time, Torbek had been so happy and appeared to sleep so well after eating. That it made Frost want to do it again and again. Plus, the extra weight was good for the bugbear. Gideon and him were their muscle after all. So what if the tiger also found the extra weight appealing to look at. That was besides the point!
“Frosty?” Gricko said with a teasing tone, “We’re waiting.”
Shit! He hadn’t answered the bugbear, yet. He needed to say something and quick!
“You…You need more calories,” Frost lied, working his words carefully so they came off sincere, “You have become the muscle of the group with Gideon so logically you both need to keep up your caloric intake to account for any calories burned.”
It was a very convincing reason, despite it not being the true reason. He could see the Torbek was buying it. If only Kremy would have kept his big maw shut!
“They do,” Kremy agreed, he was wearing a devious smile, he was really enjoying this, “However, Torbek already gets the same portion size as Gid, I upped it a few weeks ago,”
Frost looked up slightly to glare at Kremy. The gator was enjoying his embarrassment much too much. It was times like this that he wished the gator was still pining for the genasi. At least then Frost had something to hold over his head. He almost regretted getting them to talk. Of course it was better than the pining, but it left Frost with no leverage!
He had to figure something else out, now! Either another lie or a way to shut Kremy up. He hated when the gator was smug like this. It was the worst way for him to be. Frost knew he would need to plan to get him back for this later.
Unfortunately, Frost was coming up short on another convincing lie. He wasn’t as trained in the art of bullshitting like Kremy was. He sighed, he couldn’t exactly get away from the conversation without more questions. Regrettably, there was only one option….Frost has to tell the truth. Dammit!
Frost let out a huff and turned to Torbek, “I wanted to repay you.”
“Repay Torbek?” Torbek asked, surprised, “Why?”
“You are very helpful Torbek,” Frost explained, “Especially towards to me.”
“Torbek is happy to help,” Torbek reasoned, “Torbek doesn’t need any reward.”
“Also, I don’t see you “rewarding” anyone else,” Kremy pointed out. Frost decided his revenge would be harsh and ruthless.
“Yes, but Torbek means…means a lot to me,” Frost confessed, the last sentence muffled as he hid his face in his cloak.
Torbek’s eyes widened. Did this mean? Did Frost feel the same way Torbek felt? There was no way….right?
“Torbek doesn’t understand,” Torbek replied, “Torbek cares about you, too, Torbek cares about all of you.”
Torbek heard Kremy snort but his attention wasn’t drawn away from Frost. He had to know what the tabaxi really meant!
“I don’t think Frosty meaning just caring,” Gricko told Torbek, trying to help, “Right Frosty?”
Revenge on all of them, his friends were the worst!
Frost gulped down a breath and looked up and into Torbek’s eyes. The bugbear’s eyes seem to plead with him to be honest. Frost found his resistance waning but he wasn’t going to keep revealing things here! This was a private manner!
Frost let his face take on a neutral expression as he rose and took his bowl over to Kremy.
“Dinner was fine,” Frost said, passing him the bowl, “Maybe a little more salt next time, thought.”
Kremy’s grin turned into a scowl at the slight towards his food. Frost had already turned away and was walking back to Torbek. The bugbear was looking at him, cautiously.
Frost stopped and stood in front of Torbek, “Torbek will you join me for a private conversation in my tent?”
Torbek expected a lot but not that. However, in his shock he did manage a nod.
“Wonderful, please follow me if you have completed dinner,” Frost replied, turning and swiftly walking back to his tent. Torbek sat in a stupor for a moment before the invitation really struck him. He was quick to rise and follow the tabaxi. The flap was closed so Torbek tapped as carefully as he could on the outside. It opened slightly, allowing Torbek to enter. He had to duck down but was able to make his way in. He found Frost sitting on his bed, staring hard at the floor.
“Frost?” Torbek called out, bringing the tiger back to the present moment. Frost looked up and patted the space next to him on the bed.
“Have a seat Torbek,” Frost instructed. Torbek was unsure but did what the tabaxi requested. The bed was soft but firm. It held their combined weight without problem. That was reassuring.
“I wanted to explain my action, but to you alone,” Frost started.
Torbek nodded, he could understand that. Their friends did love to poke fun. No reason to give them ammo.
“I promise it did start first as a thank you,” Frost explained, “However, after a hearty meal you would always have this smile…”
“Torbek isn’t used to a lot of food,” Torbek confessed. Growing up on the street Torbek took what he could get when he could get it. That’s why Frost’s actions confused him so much. In his life people had barely tolerated him, why would someone go out of their way for him?
“I know, seeing you happy…it made me happy” Frost continued, “That’s why I kept doing it.”
“I’m sorry Frost, Torbek is still confused,” Torbek admitted. It wasn’t that Frost’s reasonings weren’t valid but it didn’t provide a true why. Or at least the why Torbek was looking for.
Frost sighed, unfortunately he had to be completely honest. He hoped it wouldn’t ruin things between them.
“I have…developed feelings for you, Torbek,” Frost confessed, he wasn’t looking at Torbek instead choosing to fiddle with his hands, “I do these things because I care about you.”
Torbek was gobsmacked, he never dreamed…no he needed to be sure before he got too excited.
“Torbek cares about you, too,” Torbek replied, “Torbek cares about you a lot, so Torbek doesn’t want you to go hungry either.”
Frost allowed himself to look up and lock eyes with the bugbear, “Care how?”
Torbek barely hesitated, “Torbek loves you, Torbek loves you very much, that’s why Torbek doesn’t want you to give up your food for Torbek”
Frost’s outside was a mask of stoicism but inside he was freaking out. Torbek loved him, but he had upset Torbek by giving away his food. He did it because he loved Torbek but the bugbear didn’t want it because it means less food for the tabaxi! The tabaxi who he loved!
“Frost?” Torbek called out nervously, drawing the tabaxi out of his thoughts and back to Torbek. He readjusted himself to be completely facing the bugbear.
“I did not intend for you to worry about me,” Frost explained, “I just wanted to make you smile cause I love you, too.”
Torbek grinned widely, “Well Torbek will smile more if Frost takes care of himself.”
Frost nodded, “I can do that.” He was slowly inching forward toward the bugbear.
“Good,” Torbek said. The words leaving his lips only moments before Frost capture them in a long awaited kiss. The kiss was clumsy and rushed but perfect nonetheless. Torbek slowly hooked his arms around Frost’s waist bringing him closer. Frost followed suit and wrapped his arms around Torbek’s neck, pulling them flushed against each other. They kissed for a short time before needing to break to breathe. Both pulling out of the kiss but not the embrace.
Frost had moved to trace his paw on the Torbek’s neck. He grinned when he heard a soft purring coming from Torbek.
“Now that we have that settled,” Frost broke the comfortable silence, “I need your help to get back at Kremy.”
Torbek laughed but nodded, “Torbek would be happy to help.”