Chapter Text
Erwan's widen almost comically.
"Staying? No way!"
Rowan shrugs.
"No no no, I can't trust the food here, you need a proper holiday meal and presents and all that!" He's getting excited, now. "I could write to my da and ask for you to come with- if you want, of course."
"R-really? You're sure? I don't want to intrude or anything, you don't have to offer."
If Rowan wasn't bouncing slightly on the balls of his feet, Erwan might doubt himself and think, perhaps, Rowan doesn't want to and is trying to refuse politely. But he's perked up in a way he doesn't think he can mistake.
"I'm sure! It would be fun to have someone my age around."
He goes through his back, pulls out a half-written letter and adds quickly, in a different ink because he can't be bothered to find the right pen:
Tadig, can you ask cousin Derek if I can bring a school friend? Rowan doesn't have anywhere to go but here for the holidays, and I'd really like for him to come over.
"There! Done."
"But… didn't you say you were going to to family-"
"They love taking in strays, and that includes people," Erwan laughs softly. "I pinky promise they won't mind."
He extends his finger, and smiles as his friend takes it hesitantly. It's short notice, sure, but he knows his father enough not to be surprised when the reply comes nine days later, positive. Smiling, he rushes out of his room, still holding the letter.
"Rowan! Rowan!"
He's almost jumping up and down with excitement. Peter and Rowan, on the couch, look back at him like he's a complete lunatic.
"Sorry, loud. Just. Dad said yes!"
Rowan's wings flare and he sits up, eyes bright.
"Wait, really? He… he actually said yes?"
"Of course! Told ya." He pulls out his tongue, teasing. "My tad is sweet, and he heard a lot about you. He'll be happy to meet you."
He talks a lot about his friends in his letters, and that very much includes Rowan. The other boy stands up, hesitant.
"That means I've got to pack…"
"Want help?"
Rowan nods, and the two of them go off together with twin smiles. Once they're in the room, Rowan wraps his arms around him. The hug is unexpected, but Erwan relaxes into the touch with a smile and holds him back. The two break apart and start stacking clothes and packing Rowan's bags, Erwan advising him to pack a few solid warm outfits for the farm.
Together, they chat about their plans extensively during the last few days of class, warn the teachers of the change of plans, and that Rowan isn't actually staying ; and quietly get themselves worked into the kind of excitement one would expect from boys their age before Christmas.
Eventually, the day comes, where they're both standing outside the school with their luggage, hugging their friends goodbye and chatting animatedly as they wait for Erwan's dad to get there. Finally, the green car pulls up into the parking lot and the two of them turn. Erwan takes his friend's hand and turns to him.
"Ready?"