Chapter Text
Thunsheer 13th, 1301 PC (Post Calamity)
How had this happened? How on Exandira had Caleb Widogast found himself in this situation? He stared, mouth agape as the lavender tiefling leaned over to grab something from the back of a cupboard… the ties of the pale yellow apron he wore riding up and highlighting the fact that he was wearing nothing but a pair of turquoise silk boxers. Tail swishing gleefully, Mollymauk looked back over his shoulder and smirked.
"Enjoying the view darling?"
Caleb gulped.
Part One: Caleb
SIX MONTHS AGO: Quen'pillar 10th 1300 PC
Caleb was putting away books. He liked putting away the returned books, it gave him a chance to get away from the desk and stretch his legs. It was also a very good way to find new books to read, once he was off the clock of course. As he finished tucking a very old, very worn History of Exandria tome back into its place on the shelf, he felt his pocket buzz. He sighed, the only people who texted him at work were Veth (to make sure he was alive) and Beau (because she was also at work, and bored). He pulled out the severely outdated flip phone and clicked open the message
Beauregard: hey man, we're still on for tonight right?? The band is killer and Yash says they’re pretty chill too
Caleb: Yes Beauregard, I said I would come with you so I will. Get back to work before Archivist Zeenoth catches you.
Beauregard: whatever, Zeenoth can bite me, it's dead in here neway 🙄
Caleb sighed again. Beauregard was one of his closest friends, but her lack of work ethic could be frustrating….and he was already regretting agreeing to the outing tonight. Not that he didn't love Fletchings, the local bar and occasional concert venue in their neighborhood, he just usually avoided Friday nights. They were much louder, and more crowded, than he preferred. He finished putting away the books on his cart and headed back to the main desk. Beauregard was, as expected, typing away on her phone ("probably to Yasha…" Caleb thought) and only looked up when he got close to the desk.
Beau was human like Caleb, with tanned skin and dark hair that was shaved in a neat undercut, the long section pulled back in a topknot. She had sharp blue eyes that never missed much, and generally dressed more for comfort than fashion. She was in shape, which made sense since any time that wasn’t spent in the library was spent training with the Cobalt Soul. She took it much more seriously since getting named Expositor at the beginning of the year.
"Just about time to leave" she began, looking him up and down with a mild frown.
"What." He asked, dreading the answer.
"Don't take this the wrong way but … you ARE going to change before we go, right?"
Caleb pinched the bridge of his nose, and sighed. He always felt like he sighed more around Beauregard.
"What is wrong with this outfit exactly?" He asked, mildly annoyed.
Beauregard shrugged "look man you just… you just kinda look like a librarian or something. I mean come ON, you're wearing a freakin' sweater vest."
"If I take off the vest will that suffice?" He asked, rolling his eyes "I really wasn't planning to go all the way home first."
She eyed him for a moment, then nodded. Caleb resisted the urge to roll his eyes again.
The rest of the shift slid by without incident, and by 9 they were headed to the bus that would take them off campus to their slightly-less-than-desireable neighborhood. It wasn't particularly nice, but it was cheap, and the landlord didn't bother you as long as your rent was paid on time. Caleb lived in apartment 212, with Veth. Veth was a young halfling woman who had met Caleb in jail, while she had been a goblin. Caleb, once they had gotten out, had helped reverse the spell and given her back her original form. They had been inseparable for almost 4 years. Beau lived in apartment 312, with their mutual friend Jester. Jester was… something. A blue tiefling, with more energy than she had any right too, and a sweet tooth bigger than her.
Veth was moving out. Caleb wasn’t all that surprised, she had gotten back together with her childhood sweetheart almost as soon as she had her body back. Yeza was sweet, much calmer than Veth, and loved her dearly. Over the last year, ever since she and Caleb had moved to Zadash for Caleb to join the university there, she had been spending more nights and weekends at Yeza’s place. So when she had sat Caleb down the month before and explained that Yeza had asked her to marry him, and to move in… he hadn’t been shocked. Sad, nervous, and worried about keeping the apartment yes, but not surprised.
Now, Caleb was sitting at the bar, his long (slightly ratty) coat hanging over the back of the chair and a glass of his favourite whiskey in front of him. He had managed to get his favourite seat at the corner of the long bar, far enough away from the dance floor than no one would bother him, but close to the stage. If he was going to see a live band he figured he may as well have a good view. Beau had gone to check in with Yasha, who worked here as a bouncer, and who Beau was absolutely enamoured with. Caleb liked the towering woman well enough, she was quiet and a little bit intimidating at first, but kind overall. Caleb took a sip, thinking about his room-mate situation. He had enough left of his scholarship money to hold him over for a bit along with his shifts at the library… but he would definitely need to get someone to take Veths room sooner rather than later.
“Evening there Caleb” came a familiar voice from behind the bar. Caleb looked up and smiled slightly. Standing there was the owner of the bar, Gustav, or Gus to the regulars. He was a half-elven man, probably in his 40’s (though it was always hard to tell with anyone of elvish descent), his long hair was tied back and his sleeves rolled up to the elbow.
“ Guten abend Gustav, looks like a good crowd tonight ja ?” Caleb raised his glass slightly before taking a sip.
“Should be yeah, the band always brings in a good crowd” he raised an eyebrow at Caleb “we don’t usually see you around here on Fridays though, Beau drag you out?”
Caleb laughed softly “am I that predictable mein freund ?” He took another sip and sighed “but ja , Beau was concerned that I have not been ah… ‘getting out much lately’ as she puts it”
Gustav chuckled “was there ever a time you got out much?”
“Ah, nein , not really” Caleb thought for a moment “actually… Gustav-”
But before he could finish the thought, the main lights dimmed, and the stage lights flared to life. Caleb turned the barstool so he could see the stage more clearly as the band trooped out to loud cheering (“they really are popular” Caleb thought absently). He went to take a sip and nearly choked as the last member of the band strode onto the stage. The tiefling was lavender . Plum curls wild around rams horns that were dripping in gold and silver chains and dangling charms. A shining gold sun caught Caleb's eye as the man tossed his head back, absolutely preening for the audience. Caleb's eyes slid down from the sparkling charm to a billowing white shirt, v-neck open to almost his navel and the strings dangling. He felt his cheeks warm as he took in the skin tight multi-coloured pants that lead into knee high leather boots with what had to be a 6 inch heel.
And then… he began to sing. Caleb couldn’t keep his eyes off the tiefling, he looked like he belonged on stage. He knew exactly when to strut, when to pose, and how to interact with the audience. To Caleb’s horror? Delight? He turned his gaze towards the bar, Caleb’s heart thudded in his chest as bright red eyes caught his…. And winked . Gustav was chuckling, not that anyone could hear him, as he repeatedly re-filled the glass in front of the poor ginger.
Once the band was done, they waved and left the stage yelling thank you’s to the crowd as they did so. The singer blowing kisses as he somehow managed to back off the stage in those insane boots. Beau found her way back over and plonked down in the seat next to Caleb, sweating and ruddy faced.
“Yo Gus, can I get a beer? I am dyyyyying I fuckin’ swear” Gus slid one over, not bothering to ask which ‘thanks man!” She turned to Caleb, smiling brightly. “SO what did you think? Fuckin’ awesome right? Yash knows all of them, I knew you’d be into it.”
Caleb blinked slowly for a moment before responding “ahh.. Ja, ja they were ah… very gut ” he tried to nod for emphasis, but it made his head swim. Beau looked at him funny for a second, eyes darting between his rosy cheeks and the glass in front of him before she burst out laughing.
“Shit dude, you’re drunk ” she laughed again as he furrowed his brow “Gus! Gus, how much did you give him??” Gus smirked “seven doubles, if you count the one he’s nursing now”
Beau laughed again and Caleb huffed at her.
“It -hic- it wasn’t my fault. It got very heiß in here ah- und I was ah…” he pondered for a moment, trying to find the word “... durstig ?”
Beau rolled her eyes “I so don’t speak Zemnian dude….” she watched Caleb’s face and her eyes went wide “wait…. Wait do you mean thirsty ? The band made you thirsty ??”
Caleb nodded, looking confused, and Beau laughed even harder, clutching her stomach. Caleb glared, considering leaving her here to her ridiculous laughter. He knew he was missing some stupid play on words, but Common was frustrating enough when he wasn’t drunk. He shook his head, it was only 11:04 anyway, it would be a waste to go home so early… especially when there was no one but Frumpkin there waiting for him. He was shaken out of that melancholy thought by Beau speaking again, laughter still evident in her voice.
“Oh man. Oh man do NOT let Molly hear that, he’ll never shut up about it” she choked out between fits of laughter.
“Don’t let Molly hear what, darling?” came a lilting voice from behind her, making her jump and just barely keep her beer from toppling.
“DUDE.” she jerked her head to look up beside her “don’t sneak up on people! My fists are registered fuckin’ weapons man!”
Caleb followed her eye line, and felt his mouth go dry once again.
Part Two: Molly
Molly was thrilled , that show had been one of their best yet. The crowd had been even bigger than usual, and super into the show from the look of the packed dance floor. He towelled off slightly in the back room, touching up his eyeliner just a bit before heading back out. Yasha would be waiting, she had mentioned wanting to introduce him to one of Unpleasant One’s friends. Hopefully this one wouldn’t be a complete lesbian, he was in the mood to flirt. He met up with Yasha just outside the back room and smiled brightly at her.
“Excellent show don’t you think love?”
She smiled back her usual soft smile and nodded “yes, everyone seemed to be having a good time”
They headed over to the bar, he could already see Beau, she was doubled over laughing at something her companion had said. As they stepped up beside her he heard her say, still laughing
“Oh man. Oh man do NOT let Molly hear that, he’ll never let it go”
Oh now that was interesting…. Molly felt a smirk slide into place as he leaned down and said slyly “Don’t let Molly hear what , darling?”
It was already worth it to see her jump practically out of her seat, nearly toppling her beer in the process. “ DUDE-” she started, but Molly had caught sight of the person she had been talking to… and well, this was definitely much more interesting than whatever she was yelling about.
The human before him was pale, with long slightly curling auburn hair that was tied in a loose pony at the nape of his neck. He was wearing black jeans, loose fitted, and a black long sleeved shirt that fit much better than the jeans. His cheeks were rosy, probably from the whiskey Molly could smell on him, and dusted with freckles. His chin sported a scruffy auburn beard, probably a few days old from what Molly could guess and…. Oh.
The man looked up at Molly as Beau finally stopped talking and Molly could have sworn his heart stopped for a moment.
Those eyes. Molly was sure he had never, ever seen eyes so blue in all his life.
Don’t get him wrong, Molly had seen plenty of gorgeous blue eyes in his time. Pretty pale cornflower blue, bright ocean blue-green…. Those blues that turned grey in the right lighting et cetera, et cetera. But these… these were capital “B” Blue , warm and bright and mesmerizing. The man's lips parted in surprise as they looked at each other, and then he jumped. Beau was talking again. Damn her.
“Oh fuck right, you two haven’t actually met” she pointed at the human “Molly, this is Caleb, he works at the library with me” she pointed to Molly but he cut her off. He stepped forward, holding out his hand with a flourish and smiling his most sultry smile
“Mollymauk Tealeaf at your service, Molly to my friends” he winked, Beau groaned and he could swear he heard her roll her eyes.
The man, (“ Caleb …” Moly thought, testing out), looked shocked for a moment, blinking before taking his hand lightly.
“Ah- ja , I am Caleb, Caleb Widogast. Nice to meet you Mr Mollymauk”
Molly tilted his head, still smiling. “Now that’s an accent I’ve never heard… Where on Exandria are you from dear?”
“Oh ah.. It is a small village called Blumenthal… Part of the ah-Zemni Fields” he flushed as he spoke (“oh that is cute ” Molly thought).
“And is everyone from there as gorgeous as you are darling?”
Molly had to try his very very best not to laugh, the poor man's face had gone a deeper shade of red and it had travelled down his neck. (Molly couldn’t help but wonder just how far that blush could go….)
“Molly quit being a dick, Caleb’s not one of your one-night stands” Molly let go of Caleb's hand and turned to smirk at Beau.
“Listen Unpleasant One, I was just asking .” He rolled his eyes and looked at Yasha, who looked sternly back at him. He sighed.
“Fine fine” he turned back to Caleb “I’m sorry, I’m an awful flirt and just can’t help but tease cute boys. Forgive me?”
Caleb nodded slowly “ah- ja , it’s fine?”
The conversation flowed more easily from then, Molly taking every chance to flirt with the quiet human. The accent was too cute, all the “w’s” turned to soft “v’s” and the slight slur from the whiskey just made it all the more obvious. Molly found himself poking at the man just a bit more, trying to hear him speak. At one point, somewhere around 1am (“1:13” said Caleb, when Beau mentioned the time) Beau sat up suddenly.
“Oh! Caleb, did you ask Gus about the notice board?”
Caleb's eyes widened slightly “oh, no I was distracted by the show and forgot….” he trailed off, looking across the bar where Gus was serving a few other patrons. Beau waved him over
“Gus! Hey Gus! Caleb needs to ask a question!!” Caleb rolled his eyes, sighing.
“You sigh a lot ” Molly observed as Gus finished his conversation with the other patrons and started over to them.
“ Ja , spend enough time with Beauregard and you will too” Caleb deadpanned. Molly burst out laughing as Beau cussed Caleb out. Gus smiled at them all, clearly bemused.
“What’s up Caleb? Something I can help with?” Caleb turned away from Mollys laughter to look at Gus.
“Oh, yes.. I was wondering if I could put something on your notice board?” He pointed to the corkboard by the end of the bar.
Gus nodded “As long as it’s nothing illegal, yeah that’s no problem…” Caleb nodded solemnly and pulled a book out of his coat, sliding a piece of paper out of that before putting the book carefully back where it came from. Gus looked at it curiously “mind if I ask what it is? Just curious is all”
Caleb nodded and held it up “Veth is moving in with her fiance, so I need a new room mate before the landlord kicks me out” Beau rolled her eyes.
“Jess told you we can help if you’re in a pinch man, her mom always sends over like… way too much money” Caleb glared for a moment, then sighed.
“ Ja I know you would, but I would rather not take ah... das almosen …. Hand outs”
Gus looked between Caleb and Beau for a moment before his eyes landed on Molly and he raised an eyebrow. It was Molly’s turn to sigh
“Gus…. Don-” but Gus cut him off “It sounds like a discussion worth having to me”
Beau and Caleb both looked over at them.
“You lookin’ for a place Molly?” her voice was disbelieving “I thought you lived above the bar”
Molly nodded, but before he could respond Gus cut in. “Yeah, he lives above the bar, in an attic, illegally . Despite the fact that he makes enough to get an actual place, you know, like a adult ”
“Alright listen Dad- ” Molly started
Beau smirked, clearly about to say something, but Caleb interrupted, his voice soft but unmistakable.
“Well… would you like to move in with me?”