closed: let them measure us by what they will

[bymyheelies]

Mercutio has always been fond of fashion. Specifically -- sparkly, colorful things, things his father would call gaudy or womanish. It is no wonder that arriving here was like a revelation, free to wear what he pleased and feel no judgment for it, whether it be a sparkly floor-length gown with fishnets and combat boots or a ratty Iron Maiden t-shirt and jeans. It is time, he has decided, that Benvolio gets to discover all this as well. Will he give Benvolio a choice in this? It is quite unlikely.

Therefore, it should be no surprise¹ to Benvolio that Mercutio appears at his door one morning, looking intent and not at all like he's mildly singed any eyebrows recently or anything like that. "Ho, art thou up?"

¹ Doubtful. Mercutio is always surprisingly chaotic, that's one of his charms.

Comments

[bymyheelies]

“‘Tis in good hands, then,” he says teasingly.

[keep_the_peace]

"Such compliments from the king of mischief himself!" he says, pretending like he was just bestowed a great honor.

[bymyheelies]

“The king?” He snorts and hops up to give an over dramatic bow. “Then thou art my con—my knight, surely.”

[keep_the_peace]

"Oh ay, ready for whatever thou shalt wish of me, in the honorable name of mischief."

[bymyheelies]

"'Tis well, then." He steals the silly string -- if Benvolio will let him -- and sprays it at the other, laughing.

[keep_the_peace]

As Mercutio sprays him with the silly string, Benvolio kneels down as if this is some sort of knighting ceremony, and tries his very best to keep a straight face (to medium success).

[bymyheelies]

Mercutio cannot help but laugh more, fonder than the first. This is stupid, and silly, and charming, and so incredibly Benvolio that he wants to kiss him about it --but he just ruffles Benvolio's hair with a fond smile. "Thou art ridiculous, my Ben," he says, as though he is not just as ridiculous far more often.

[keep_the_peace]

"All knights of the kingdom of mischief are highly trained in the art of ridiculousness, an thou shouldst be well aware, as king."

[bymyheelies]

“Mm, yes. I had forgotten for a moment.”

[keep_the_peace]

"Our wise king must be ageing indeed, for it seems his memory is slipping. Alas, he hath no heir to inherit the throne upon his--" Benvolio cuts himself off, looks panicked for a second, and then, "--abdication."

[bymyheelies]

He snorts. "Go to, I am not so much older than thee."

[keep_the_peace]

"Not true. Thou art a whole year's time older now than thou wert previously. Thou'rt an elderly man, while I remain a youthful babe."

[bymyheelies]

“Ay,” he says solemnly. “Thou’rt squalling for thy mother even now.”

[keep_the_peace]

"Wilt have to rock me to sleep, and sing a lullaby." He gets up off of the floor so that he can sit on Mercutio's lap, sideways, one arm wrapped around his back.

[bymyheelies]

Mercutio promptly flicks a bit more of the silly string at him.

[keep_the_peace]

"'Tis not the proper way to behave towards an infant as young as I."

[bymyheelies]

"A king may do as he likes."

[keep_the_peace]

"A tyrant most cruel! And I, a simple child, unable to protect myself from such treachery!"

[bymyheelies]

He just boops Benvolio's nose, grinning.

[keep_the_peace]

He snaps at Mercutio's finger, making an attempt to bite it. Payback, or something.

[bymyheelies]

"'Tis poor manners to bite thy king," he points out, grinning.

[keep_the_peace]

"Infants know nothing of manners, nor can they be expected to act mannerly."

[bymyheelies]

"Thou art an exceptional infant indeed, then."

[keep_the_peace]

"Quite tall for my age."

[bymyheelies]

"Thou'rt tall anyhow."