The Hermit's Retreat

Chapter 10

Grian sat on Mumbo's bed. They were discussing the upcoming season, which would start in a couple of days, and their plans, both for the season and the retreat itself.

"I think this will be good for me." Mumbo said.

"How so?" Grian asked.

"Well I've sort of got a crush on Iskall. And I was talking to Xisuma, who told me I should tell him. And I think it will be good if I can do it in person while we're both here."

Grian sighed. Why did everyone come to him to talk about relationships? Pushing aside his confusion, he brought his attention back to his friend.

"So what do I have to do with this?"

"Well, you're engaged."

"Really? I'd almost forgotten."

"Yeah, shut up. I just mean... how would you tell him?"

"This won't be the answer you want, but I can't really tell you that. It has to come from you, otherwise it sounds fake."

"When-"

Grian cut him off. "Whenever you feel like it. It has to be something you choose to do when it feels natural. Don't try to be too romantic or anything yet, or it'll feel forced and cliche, and if it goes well there'll be time for that later. Don't overthink it."

"That's easy for you to say, you're engaged."

Grian huffed. "Yes, Mumbo, I'm engaged. Do you want to know what I didn't do?"

"What?"

"Overthink it."

"So..."

"So tell him."

Mumbo nodded sagely.

"Anyways... how long has this been going on for?"

"About four months."

"And you didn't think to tell him then?"

"Well it wasn't an issue when he was fourteen hundred kilometers away and we only spoke over Discord."

"And it's an issue now?"

"I'm a bumbling mess."

"Great job."

"Yeah I know. But this should be sorted out by the end of the month."

"What will you do if he feels the same, and then we have to go home."

"If that happens, I get the feeling I'll be making some trips to Sweden."

"You're really serious about this." Grian mused.

"Do you think I'd bother with any of this if I wasn't?"

"Fair enough."

"I've got one more question."

"I suppose you're going to ask me no matter what I say, but go ahead."

"Do you think... do you think it's reciprocated?"

"Honestly? I can't be sure. To me, it seems as if he likes you as well, but you're closer with him than I am, so I could be way off base. It's totally possible that I'm wrong, but... I think all you need to do is tell him, and the rest will work itself out. Besides, he'd be an idiot if he didn't feel the same."

"Why do you say that?"

Grian pondered how to phrase it. "Because in a different world, I could see how it might be easy to fall for you."

Thankfully, Mumbo understood what he was trying to say and nodded, deep in thought.

"Thanks, man." He said, and Grian knew he meant for more than just the advice and the compliment.

"Any time."