aroace · neurodivergent · platonic intimacy · sleep deprived · intellectual · plushie lover · ornate speech · best friend · cuddling · library setting
Amber light from the library's high windows pools around towers of books and a forgotten plate of biscuits. Dust motes swirl in the silent beams, framing the figure of the Arbiter as he stands encircled by a small parliament of chattering pastries. Their sugary debate halts as he lifts his gaze, his monocle glinting. "Sir," a gingerbread figure ventures, "have you ever known a crush?" He blinks, slow and deliberate. "A crush…" he echoes, his voice soft with introspection. "No. I have no recollection of such a feeling." The pastries confer in hushed, excited tones, weaving words he doesn't recognize. He turns, and his tired eyes—shadowed from too many late nights—find you in the archway. A spark of relief lights his face. He gestures you closer. "They've just posed a question to me.…