Elian sat stiffly in his chair, watching as his uncle gestured for Rylan to take a seat across from him. The morning light filtered through the windows, casting soft shadows across the table, but the tension between him and Rylan was thick.
Rylan settled in smoothly, exuding the kind of confidence that made Elian itch to wipe that look off his face. He accepted the tea offered by the housekeeper with a polite nod, his every move controlled, deliberate.
"Elian rarely has visitors these days," his uncle commented, sipping his tea. "It's good to see him surrounded by successful people."
Elian resisted the urge to roll his eyes. His uncle had always valued connections, especially with influential figures. He was certain that if Rylan weren't who he was, this meeting wouldn't be happening so smoothly.
"I'm honored," Rylan replied, glancing at Elian. "I only wanted to check in on him."
Elian met Rylan's gaze over the rim of his cup, giving a lazy smirk. "I don't remember needing to be checked on."
Rylan's lips curled slightly, as if he was enjoying this. "I suppose I was just being thoughtful."
Elian set his cup down with a soft clink. "Thoughtful? Funny. You didn't seem that way before."
His uncle raised an eyebrow. "You two seem familiar. Did something happen?"
Elian waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, nothing important. Just a misunderstanding with Uncle Rylan."
Silence.
Rylan's fingers stilled against his cup. His gaze darkened for the briefest second before he forced a polite smile. "Uncle?"
Elian shrugged. "Well, you're much older than me. Isn't it respectful to address my elders properly?"
His uncle chuckled, clearly amused. "Elian, don't tease your guest."
"I'm not teasing," Elian said, tilting his head in mock innocence. "I was just being polite. Right, Uncle?"
Rylan took a slow sip of his tea, his expression unreadable. Then, he leaned back, resting an arm on the chair. "If that's the case, shouldn't you listen to your elders and be more obedient?"
Elian's smirk faltered for a fraction of a second before he scoffed. "Nice try."
His uncle, unaware of the silent war between them, nodded approvingly. "It's good to see you two getting along."
Rylan's smirk widened. "Oh, we get along very well."
Elian's grip on his cup tightened, but he refused to take the bait. "I suppose even old men need company."
Rylan chuckled, setting his tea down. "You have such a sharp tongue for someone so young."
Elian feigned a thoughtful look. "Must be why older men keep trying to talk to me."
His uncle stood, adjusting his suit. "I should get going. Elian, see to it that our guest is taken care of."
Elian barely held back a sigh. He was hoping his uncle would cut this conversation short. Instead, he was leaving him alone with Rylan.
"Of course," Elian said with a tight smile.
His uncle gave Rylan a respectful nod before stepping away, leaving the room. As soon as the door closed behind him, the polite masks dropped.
Rylan's smirk lingered as he leaned forward slightly. "Uncle?"
Elian leaned back, crossing his arms. "What? Not used to being called old?"
Rylan exhaled a quiet laugh. "You really do like provoking me."
Elian's lips twitched. "It's fun."
Rylan tilted his head. "Then I guess I'll have to return the favor."
Elian's amusement wavered slightly, but he covered it up with another smirk. "Oh? And how exactly do you plan to do that, Uncle?"
Rylan's smirk widened. "You'll see."
Elian refused to let the unease settle in his chest. He wouldn't let Rylan win.
Not this time.