In truth, Fane half couldn't believe it when his request to visit England had been allowed. Yes, he had given such a convincing appeal for his request, going on and on in flowery words about how such a visit would surely be beneficial for improving relations between empires. Whether his request was granted because he actually did make valid points, or because everyone was just tired of hearing him speak, he did not know. He did not care, either, not when it meant he could escape from his life for a few days. That was why he was so quick to leave, as most could assume; that, and he didn’t want to give anyone ample time to change their mind.
The trip to England had been forgettable, even if he had been awake for nearly all of it. Most could use travel as a time to get some rest, but not the Romanian. Adequate amounts of sleep had been hard enough to catch before the war, now it just felt impossible on most days. As much as Fane loved to challenge impossibility, he knew a losing battle when he saw one. Instead he willfully stayed awake, kept company by his thoughts. This trip was long overdue, in his opinion. Yes, he could have made it happen sooner, by being discreet and sneaking away to see him. Others had done as much, he was sure. But, things could be tricky when your ex knew to keep an eye on you, knowing full well what kinds of trouble you could hang yourself with if given ample rope. And things got even trickier when you had a little brother you had to think of, one that your actions could directly affect. No, for once he was better off playing along with the rules of others.
As for seeing Arthur, when he did make it to London? It had been a pleasant sort of day. Pleasant was all he could really call it, at first. The Englishman looked tired, moreso than Fane had seen him look in the past, but he didn’t comment on it. The Romanian’s aura wasn’t as vibrant as it should have been, and he winced when he moved, but it wasn’t pointed out. They had managed a few jokes, and Fane had told all about how his brother was doing… and maybe talked him up a bit too much with all his praise. But what was the point in having a treasured little brother if he couldn't brag? Arthur had a new sibling to speak of, some little child named Peter. Of course it would be another brother, as if he didn't have enough of those already. If Fane ignored the a few snippets from their conversation, he could almost pretend they were back in time, chatting happily as they did before the world became a mess. It worked out… as long as some topics went unspoken, and goodness were they good at avoiding those kinds of topics. Fane didn’t need those weighing down on his mind, ot when he had just got there.
When alcohol had been suggested at a later point, any unsavory topics were all but forgotten. Sure, this was a trip that was supposed to be used for the sake of diplomacy, but anyone who saw them now would understand how much of a weak excuse that truly was. Unless of course diplomacy now looked like laughter after a few too many drinks in Arthur’s living room. Were that the case, Fane would be so happy to volunteer to visit others more often. He much preferred the diplomacy of shots and good company.
Somewhere between his second and fifth drink, Fane had decided resting against Arthur was preferable to sitting in his own seat. It hurt when the other man made the slightest movement, and he had caught sight of some of his foundation rubbed off on Arthur’s shirt after resting his head on his shoulder so nonchalantly, but how could he care right now? Those were trivial matters that could be addressed later. Or never. He liked the sound of never.
“....It’s all so stupid, this is the stupidest scenario.” Fane mumbled after finishing his last drink. He wasn’t sure if he was still on topic. Just what were they talking about, again? ”What a mess.” ….What was a mess? He was a mess, but this wasn’t about him. Besides, he was a perfectly fine mess, his clouded mind hoped.
