Best Man in the School

[François Laffont]

Nothing that night went as planned. It began so well though. He managed to avoid people asking nosy question to Felix. They enjoyed some music and the drinks and food had been nice. Perhaps more alcohol in it than he would have imagined. Considering Franck didn’t think there’d be any, it wasn’t hard. It made him feel slightly light-headed but he wouldn’t say he was drunk. He could walk without wobbling and had a straight mind. But perhaps he was smiling more than he should. He definitely said more than he should.

Why Erika had to show up? Said like that, it was harsh. She was allowed a prom too. The reasons he gave to Felix also counted for her. But why did she have to come to them, talk to Felix as if nothing happened between them? Franck had to admit, he didn’t know the whole story. But from what Felix had told him, not only did she turn him down as a potential lover but more or less ended their friendship. In a way, he couldn’t believe she’d do such a thing but tonight was not the time to talk about it. Not only that but she didn’t listen to him when he politely, it did sound polite in his head, to leave the boy alone.

Franck had seen Felix running out of the gym. He meant to join him but Elsa then decided to give away the thanks and name the prom court. And Franck’s name came out. Before he could get away, he found himself stuck for a while. Not to add that he wanted to confront Erika about this. He asked her, as a friend, to leave their friend alone for the night. And she ignored it and now who knows where Felix ran to.

As soon as he managed to get out, Franck did. He figured Felix’s room would be a safe bet as to where he might be. It was worth a try. He wanted to apologize for the way this night ended. And make sure he knew he was always there for him. Franck didn’t know Trevor and if Erika was happy with him, well good for her. But she’s hurt probably the best man in this school and he wanted to tell him that.

[Felix Nicholas]

The radio host almost wished he could remain forever up on the roof of the Academy, in the cool night air, gazing across at the lights of Kalispell below. It had felt so far from the heated arguement still running painfully through his mind. The late night roof jaunt had provided some small comfort in the sense it gave the young man room to think in relitive quiet, once his near overwhelming rush of emotions had finally qwelled at least; He thought on what had happened, why it had and the new information just this night revealed to him... Although he no longer felt numb, this drowning sadness was far, far worse; How could he ever bring himself to face Erika again, to face anyone who'd witnessed the way he'd snapped and raged at the girl he once called his best friend? He was embarrassed, hurt, and wanted nothing more then to have the ground swallow him up.
Despite all of this however, Felix had been growing gradually more concerned for Franck. After some time on the roof he'd grown more and more guilty at the thought of having left the poor guy at Prom by himself, especially as he'd come with him in the first place. Could Felix face even him right now, though? He feared he'd only break down and cry all over again if he heard what would no doubt be comforting words from the Frenchman. He didn't deserve to be dragged down into this chaotic mess... The poor guy deserved a good prom... And so, after some thought during his slow walk from the roof back to the winding halls and corridors of Bellefonte, the radio host came to a decision.

He'd leave bothering Franck any further tonight, and simply return to his room, where he'd originally wanted to spend the evening. How he wished he had done... After sending a hurried "Not feeling well" text despite the fact Franck would likely hear all about the confrontation with Erika, Felix retreated to the safety of his quarters. Quiet. Safe. Comforting.
He took a deep breath and sighed, staring up at the ceiling above his bed from his laying down position, one hand behind his head and the other resting on his chest. He'd taken off his jacket and tie, which laid strewn carelessly on the floor, and was flicking a piece of quality printing paper between his fingers. The radio host slowly closed his eyes, sighing again as he contained to fiddle with the item in his hand; It was a prom ticket. Felix had come across it when he put his hand into one of his jacket pockets which attempting to locate his room key; It had been the ticket he'd intended to give to Erika when he asked her to come as his date... Well, the best laid plans of mice and men...

[François Laffont]

Franck overheard some of the argument Felix had with Erika. Then again, he bet everyone did and those who did not must already know of it thanks to the others. He didn't want to stay at the prom right now. The rumor mill had started and who knows what silly nonsense this whole story would end up by the end of the night. It already took proportions way bigger than it deserved.

François was positive his two friends could get over what happened. That is, he did think that before the fight. He still wished there could be a way to reconcile them eventually. But in his head, Erika was the one who fucked up tonight. He asked her not to talk to Felix. Of course, he didn’t expect that kind of outburst. He assumed he’d have to deal with an even more depressed Felix, not an enraged one. He didn’t know all of the details of what happened between the two and frankly, he didn’t want to know. Not now. He told Erika this was not the right time to have a little heart to heart with the boy. Why didn't she listen to him? It wasn’t like Franck was not the expert in feelings, it was his bloody power! Still, he knew he might have overreacted with Erika and will have to apologize to her. Right now, he had more important matters. He didn’t want his other friend to become depressed again, not after all the effort Franck put into making him feel better.

Sadly for Felix, Franck had turned his phone off for the night. He kept it only to call his father, as he had no car of his own and required either another student going to town or the old man to get back home. Since there was still plenty of time before prom ended, there was no reason for his father to worry about his son not calling yet. And so no reason for Franck to take his phone out of his pocket and notice the text message. The alcohol was also going to his head but Franck was still able to walk in a straight line. But unlike earlier, before Erika showed up, he was not longer smiling thanks to it. At most was it making him more fidgety.

He was certain he’d find Felix in his room. This was where the boy had planned to retreat for the whole event before Franck dragged him out. Therefore, it was the most logical place to look out first. He hesitated though when he reached the door. He might not want to see him. Well, he won’t bother him too long, just to make sure he was there and fine, well as fine as he could be in his state, ask if he needed anything and be on his way if he wanted to be left alone. Yeah, that was a good plan. That said, Franck gave one soft knock at Felix’s door. “Felix? You don’t have to open up if you don’t want to, I just want to make sure you’re here and... I’m sorry man, I guess it wasn’t that good of an idea. I don’t want to bother you I just wanted to make sure you...” You what? Didn’t do something stupid? He wasn’t even sure what he wanted. See that Erika didn't destroy all efforts he put on their mutual friends. That is, if anyone was to remain anyone’s friend after tonight.

[Felix Nicholas]

To think, years of friendship, of starlit jaunts to the lake, of movie nights, of so very many memories could be reduced to this in a matter of weeks. All those once happy thoughts of past experiences with his once best friend now nothing more then painful reminders. He didn't want to think about it anymore... Could he ever again call himself amongst Erika's friends? No... That was a ridiculous thought and even he knew it. If she really, truly, needed him, despite everything, Felix would be there; But when it came to simply being friends... Sometimes people just grew apart, and friendships that once felt so steadfast could feel like they were poisoning you. For the benefit of his own well being and hers, the radio host knew he had to leave her alone. They had to stay away from each other, else they only further reduce what was left, if anything was left between them at all, to a relationship which brought nothing but misery. She wasn't the woman he'd fallen for anymore... Perhaps the events with SPECTRE changed her, or perhaps this was always how she was going to be... But she wasn't his Erika. She was long gone now.

Felix continued to fiddle with the prom ticket, flicking it between his fingers a little rougher so that it ripped slightly, furrowing his brows before letting out a long sigh, pushing himself up into a sitting position. He stared down at the ticket, tracing his fingertips over the printed words spelling out the time and place; He'd thought through so many various ways to ask her... It all seemed so pointless now. The radio host suddenly began to rip up the ticket into pieces, before flinching violently at the sound of the soft knock at the door. He remained silent as his prom "date" began to speak, the concern evident in his voice. For a moment the radio host considered remaining silent, fearing speaking out in response would cause the wave of emotion to sweep through him once more; He didn't want to be a sobbing mess in front of his friend... But at the same time, the guy's voice had brough the radio host such comfort. He'd come to find him... Despite all the festivities, Franck had come to find Felix just to see if he was okay... And that thought warmed the radio host.

He slowly stood, a little shaky, the alcohol he'd drank at the party not exactly helping his current emotional state; He knew he shouldn't have consumed so much punch... He made his way to the door, pausing before he reached it as he looked down at the wastepaper basket on the floor next to his desk; With a small grin, Felix brought his hand containing the ripped up prom ticket to his lips, blowing the pieces into the bin. He then slowly unlocked the door, swinging it open; What a sight he must have been with a tear stained face and glossy eyes, managing to force a small grin to his mouth. "Hey... Franck," He began. "You should be at the party... Come on, it's a big night for you. You don't exactly what to spend it with a wallowing heartbroken mess."

[François Laffont]

This seemed to be the big question for the night: will there be any friendship by the end of it? Felix and Erika had a fight for all to see and enjoy. And then it was Franck’s turn to go after the girl. Her two best friends, ganging up on her. Franck didn’t want to know what the repercussions for tonight will be like. To think he once asked Elsa that, if she was to feed him to the Dirty Laundry, to make it about some romantic scandal or whatnot and not something n how opportunistic he was to befriend the most popular kids in school. Well, one of the most popular might no longer be his friend after that and he did feel sorry for Felix if anything romantic rumours started to spread about them. Then again, it would probably be one-sided on his part. Not that he could blame them to say such a thing. Who could resist Felix? Even Erika wanted a taste at some point.

Of course, Franck was not thinking of Felix as a potential lover. He knew the man to be terribly straight. And despite how often Frank told him his French accent could swoon over just about anybody, the young French boy highly doubt it could make one switch teams. No, if Franck came to see Felix right now, it was not out of love but friendship. And concern for his friend. He wanted to fix things, to assure him everything will be alright. He knew it might be best to let things drift apart on this matter but Franck simply could not. They were friend, they knew each other for years. He could not accept the fact this could be over so easily. Even if that matter did not concern him directly when you think about it. He wanted to do something for them, to help repair their relationship and have them reconcile. Somewhere, he already knew they would never be as close as they used to. But Franck still had to try something. And it started with Felix because, well Franck considered himself partly responsible for the state he was in. Had he not forced him to come with him to the party, none of this would have happened.

When the door opened, it was more than Felix Franck saw. The boy’s emotions hit him hard like a tidal wave. The pain, the anger, the sadness, the sad determination also. Franck stretched his arm, as if ready to take hold on the boy but he stopped himself before doing so. He stared at Felix, his eyes asking him how he could ask such a thing out of his friend, to leave and enjoy his night while he was here. “How can you expect me to have fun when I know you’re in here and looking... like this?” he said, gesturing at Felix from head to toe as he was the only evidence needed to explain why Franck had to come up here. “I’m sorry man. I was supposed to have your back and not let this happened but... I can’t believe she didn’t listen to me,” he said, looking away, almost whispering the last part. He looked back at Felix. “I’m not staying if you want to be alone. But don’t put yourself in that state for Erika. In my opinion, she turned down the best guy she could ever have,” he told Felix. He was still concerned about his friend and would like to stay but he didn’t want to force his presence any longer on the boy. He pushed him enough tonight.

[Felix Nicholas]

As soon as the radio host had set eyes on the Prom Prince, all of the feelings he'd been trying so desperately to push as far down as possible in his very being flared up to the surface, mixed with guilt for having ruined his poor friend's prom. He knew he should have remained in his room in the first place, spent the night here and just forget about the event which was supposed to be one of the best nights of a young person's life; Yeah, right. Felix wanted nothing more then to forget this entire evening, the idea of having it somehow wiped from his memories incredibly appealing. He also knew that keeping Franck around when he was in this state didn't bode well for the poor guy, since he'd only feel even worse then Felix. He couldn't do that to the guy... And yet seeing him now, Felix didn't want him to leave. He needed someone.

He bowed his head, not even having the strength now to hold back as the wave of emotion shifted now even more guilt at the realisation of how selfish he was being; He couldn't ask the guy to stay with him, that was unfair, no mater how much he needed a friend.
"...Franck... I know you want to help me, but I don't want your night ruined even further because of me," He spoke with a weak smile, shaking his head slightly at the clearly concerned Frenchman. "... And you know how bad being around me right now will make you feel... I don't want to put you through that..." He trailed off into silence, not wanting the guy to go but at the same time not wanting to force him to wallow in his misery as well. He frowned at the floor a moment before sighing, a faint chuckle escaping his lips as he ran a hand through his hair.
"Do I... Really look that bad?" He spoke, his voice barely a whisper as it threatened to break. "... Don't answer that. I know I do... But come on, you know being around me will only make you feel just as bad if not worse." He then paused, slowly raising so that his gaze locked with Franck's. The best guy? If only Felix could believe that... He clearly wasn't, otherwise he'd be the one Erika wanted to be with. He simply hadn't been good enough... But the comment was a slight uplift to hear. "You think I'm the best guy?" He spoke, before chuckling weakly. 

[François Laffont]

Franck felt deeply sorry for Felix. And also terribly guilty. He dragged him out of his room, stating that a party would be good for their mood, promising he’d keep an eye on him. And what happened? Erika cornered him and they started a fight, for all to hear and see. He could feel the boy’s feelings right now and Franck had the impression all the work he had done so far had to be done all over again. It annoyed him, not because it would take more work and convincing to force Felix out again but because their mutual friend refused to listen to him and made everything worse. He told her she could talk to Felix and deal with whatever unfinished business they had, but not tonight. Not when Franck was trying to cheer him up. To see his work crushed so easily, that annoyed him.

Felix wanted him to go. He shook his head when he talked of the night, not wanting to ruin it further for his friend. Like it mattered! He stopped before saying a word, gulping down as Felix pointed out it was not good for the French boy to be around him right now. Felix knew how his feelings would rub on Franck. Not just because they were strong feelings, Franck could still fight them off with enough concentration. But it was his friend feeling bad in front of him. So of course Franck would have a hard time shutting himself to what he was feeling. Still, seeing how Felix was ready to endure the pain on his own for the sake of his friend only made Franck want to stay even more. “The way I see it, I either go back home and feel terrible for leaving my friend in a bad state or I stay here and force a smile on my face while I take some of his pain,” he said, forcing said smile on his face. Franck couldn’t do otherwise. He always had the biggest smile when feeling the lowest. To cheat things a little, and perhaps convince himself it isn’t that bad.

“Of course you are,” he replied as Felix didn’t seem to believe he was the best guy in this whole school. Maybe Erika couldn’t see it, maybe she chose this Trevor over him. But no matter how good Trevor was he wouldn’t beat Felix in Franck’s mind and heart. At this point, he didn’t quite think. And would alter blame it on the alcohol. Had he thought of it a minute, had the punch not took away a good piece of his judgement, then perhaps he would have stopped before doing it. But Franck didn’t think about it and simply planted a kiss on Felix’s lips.

[Felix Nicholas]

Felix didn't blame Frank in the slightest for what had happened... He should have listened to his own judgement and remained in his room, or at least shouldn't have argued with Erika the way he did. That had to be the single biggest regret of the night... Why hadn't he taken the high road and ignored her trying to prevoke him? Her actions had simply pushed the poor guy over the edge and all of his built up feelings had writhed their way out in a violent outburst... And he shouldn't have allowed it too. All Frank had done was to try and get the radio host's spirit up... Try to pull him out of this withering despression he was threatenin to fall into.
Despite all of this however, despite how Felix had ruined his poor friend's evening and being in his presense in the state he was in would only harm himself, here Franck still was... Refusing to leave, determained to remain with the radio host for as long as Felix needed him.
Felix shook his head a little with a chuckle at his friend's reply, knowing full well that Franck had no intention of leaving him alone, and even though he knew it was selfish of him, Felix was glad. "You're a true friend, Francois Laffont," He smiled, deciding that perhaps he should invite his friend into his room, so that they could wallow in his sadness together. Not exactly what he'd hoped for when the night began... But spending the rest of the horrific evening with his friend... Well, at least it was better then spending it alone.
He was about to step aside and gesture into his quarters when Felix was faced with an unexpected incident... Franck had kissed him.
Strangely, Felix's first reaction wasn't to push the man away; His first thought was of the feelings of comfort the action brought him, of actually being kissed by someone whom he knew cared so much for him... And in his current state, he was willing to latch onto any amount of good feeling he could, although the amount of alcohol he had drunk certainly didn't help. For a moment he did nothing, before applying a little pressure in return, his eyelids lowering a little, his mind simply following the usual reply to this action; And at this point the obvious issues forced their way triumphantly through the fog in his depressed, emotional, slightly drunken brain, screaming forward with violent intensity; This was FRANCK. At once Felix pulled away from the guy, staring at the man with widened, startled eyes. He opened his mouth, knowing he needed to speak, the words sticking in this throat before he took a deep breath and breathed out, holding both of his hands up defensively. "Woah... F-Franck..." He spoke. "Franck, look I'm sorry, I... Look, that was the last thing I needed about now."

[François Laffont]

Franck was right when he talked to Felix. If he was to head home right now, he’d worry about what happened, about the things he could have done differently, about the state his friend was right now and what he could do because of it. Not that he expect Felix to do some overly dramatic. Losing a friend and making a seen in public was sad but not the end of the world. But he was worried. He could tell just how close to an emotional breakdown Felix was and Franck felt partially responsible. Because he dragged him here tonight. And because he told him he should talk to Erika about his feelings, making him feel like he was responsible since almost the very beginning of this. If he could just tell things would get better tomorrow or in a not so distant future, it would be easier for him to leave Felix.

Of course, he didn’t plan the kiss. Because if he could plan something, he wouldn’t have kissed Felix in the first place. He knew the guy to be straight. A hundred percent, without even a hint of curiosity, straight. But he kissed him nonetheless. It was not super romantic. There was no tongue, Franck didn’t held him close to his body. His lips pressed on Felix’s and stayed there, simply stayed there for a few seconds, not really bothering to do anything else than that. The fact Felix didn’t push him away helped for them not to move. Then Franck felt a light pressure and he was pretty sure it didn’t come from his part. He still had a hand holding onto Felix’s neck and his fingers brushed his hair a little bit as he applied more pressure just to keep the guy close to him while the moment last.

Which was very little once Felix started to realize what was going on. Just the way he was staring back at Franck was enough for the French boy to no longer feel light-headed. Whatever effect the alcohol might have had on him was now entirely gone. He did seem to realize just now what he had done. How stupid was he! After all that Felix came through, all the drama in his life, he did this!? It was not like he didn’t know the boy had no tendencies. He stepped back too, suddenly feeling not so well. He was sick of himself right now. And hurt that he let things go that far. It was not like he wasn’t attracted by him but he knew better than that normally. Felix was now talking but Franck was not really listening.

He lifted a hand to make him stop talking. “No, no, it’s... I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to...” None of this made sense. But what could he say, really? “I think I’ll just go. I’ll call my father, anyway he’s expected it to pick me up. I’m sorry. I’ll... go...”he said, pointing behind him as he made another step backward. That was awkward and clearly not something neither of them needed right now.

[Felix Nicholas]

Now this was the LAST thing Felix needed. After everything he'd been through this night, being unexpectedly kissed by Franck was only adding to emotional drama going on in his head. It was clear Franck hadn't been thinking straight, especially since the radio host had smelt the alcohol on his breath when he'd been so close to him... But still he couldn't help but stare at his friend almost in a state of disbelief of what exactly had just occurred. It was however more the circumstances which were upsetting Felix more then the fact the french boy had kissed him... Everything felt like it was piling on top of him and right now he wasn't sure if he could cope with the weight.

The fact he'd, however slightly, kissed a man back wasn't at the forefront of his mind; It was the fact it had been with FRANCK. The guy knew everything he'd been through, and despite being tipsy, had still made a move on the radio host... And yet, while it lasted, the sensation had been pleasant enough for Felix to gain some comfort from the action, which was the reason for not pushing Franck away the moment their lips had touched... But this was likely due to the fact the feeling itself, knowing it had been done with such affection, had been pleasant rather then the comfort caused by who had kissed him.
This guy, though; This man who had proved himself such a dear friend to Felix, now looked like an animal in headlights, a stuttering mess of nerves, declaring that he was sorry and was going to leave the radio host be. Felix furrowed his brows, his own cheeks flushing with warmth as the embarrassment of what had just occurred hit him, his eyes looking downward a moment before locking firmly on the Frenchman.
"... Hey... H-Hey come on," He spoke, lovering his hands as he saw how much of a fluster Franck was getting himself into. Having Franck feel awkward around him after everything that had happened was emotionally just too much to deal with, so if the radio host could quell this situation here and now then he was going to. "Franck... Franck please, don't go. What's a... What's a kiss between friends, eh?" He forced a smile on his face, trying his best to lighten the mood.

[François Laffont]

It was not like Franck never had a crush on Felix. He did and quite frankly, was certain anyone knowing him had one at some point. He was a kind guy, funny, caring. And pretty handsome too. But whatever feelings he had for Felix, he never developed them over friendship. Because he knew Felix was out of reach for him. It was the reason he could ‘flirt’ with him and have the two of them find it funny. Because Felix knew he was gay and he knew the radio host was straight. It meant nothing. It never meant to mean anything.

Now, Franck was just realizing the damage of such a stupid move. Anything he’ll do, now Felix will wonder if there isn’t a hidden message. He’ll look back at the things they did or said in the past and wonder if Franck ever meant those things. What made it just worst was that fact Frank could feel his friend’s emotions right now. He almost wished Felix had freaked out or something. What he got instead, it was worse. Franck didn’t want to stay around Felix right now. He wanted to go to bed and wake up and find out he dreamt this whole night.

Felix was trying to soften the edges however. He knew what Felix said was only to try and reassure him. A kiss between friends, that was a big deal. He was the best placed to know it. Of course, Franck didn't love Felix, not that way. That didn't change it was not nothing. “Please, don’t pity me,” he said very seriously, no longer moving and staring at Felix straight in the face as he said that. He didn’t need that, it just made things even more humiliating than it already was. He looked away, trying to stay calm. Felix’s heart was messed up enough already, he didn’t want this to make things even worse for him. “It was a mistake, an accident, it wasn’t supposed to happen. Just... ignore it,” he said, gulping down with difficulty. “Let’s just forget it happened,” he repeated. At this point, Franck was ready to run away. Just like Felix, this was just too much he could deal with right now.

[Felix Nicholas]

Felix had always taken Franck's playful flirting in stride, even flirted a little back himself, all in good spirit; He actually enjoyed their playful banter, and was pleased that Franck was comfortable enough with him and his sexuality in order to do so. But now... After what had just happened, Felix feared that his dear friend would know always think twice about how acted around him now, overthink every word, reconsider every move... And that disheartened the radio host even more then he already was, if that was even possible at this point. He NEEDED Franck, now more then ever... He couldn't bare to lose him too; He was certain it would break him.

He was well aware that the boy could sense how he felt, so Felix desperately tried to push down his feelings in order to try and calm his friend, but he was far beyond managing that now... He could just about contain the urge to sob uncontrollably. He stared at Franck, his smile fading away as the boy spoke, his words causing Felix to drop his gaze to the floor. He didn't pity him... He didn't... He was digging himself a deeper hole, he could feel it; Franck clearly wanted to leave, and Felix felt as though if he forced him to stay it would only become awkward and emotionally painful for the Frenchman; The radio host had to step up, and for Franck's benefit, handle tonight alone.
"... Franck... It's okay," He spoke softly, his eyeline still looking towards the floor as he mustered what strength he had left. He waved a hand at his friend. "... Just, go home. I've put you through enough tonight..." He then raised his gaze, managing a weak smile and a nod. "Don't... Worry about... What just happened. Consider it... Never mentioned again."

[François Laffont]

Felix never minded really whenever Franck ‘flirted’ with him since the boundaries were clear between them. Franck never tried to flirt for real with the guy, he knew it would be pointless. It was all for fun. He remembered how he liked that Felix was comfortable enough to actually not freak out about this. Kissing him, of course, was crossing the line. In movies, they often had two straight best girl friends kissing each other and laughing, claiming it was nothing. But he couldn’t see how it was nothing. And somehow, he could see it even less when it was two men involved.

It was all Franck’s fault. He would take the blame for it. He should have known better. But the alcohol and the overwhelming emotions he got from his friends and the people gathered for the prom, it resulted in this. And now Franck was certain their relationship could only take a turn for the awkward. How would Felix take it, if he chose to sit next to him, like close? Even if it was just to cheer him up. To think he’d get some second thought from his best friend now was tearing him apart. And the feelings he was getting from Felix right now did nothing to help him. He did feel like the boy was trying to calm him somehow. But he was not calm himself so it failed miserably.

He stared at Felix when he talked again, said his name and told him to go home. A part of him wanted to stay of course. When you feel bad you want your friends around. But that would be just too awkward. He knew he needed to put some space between them for a while, the time for things to calm down. He could already feel the fear holding his stomach in a cold snare at the thought this might just be too awkward now for their friendship to remain what it had always been.

Franck stepped backwards again. Felix kept saying it was nothing. Just like Franck, he wanted to forget it ever happened. It was easy to say it now. He might sing another tune tomorrow. He mouthed a good night, the words barely whispered anyway for his friend to hear them no doubt. He wasn’t looking at Felix anymore at that point. He simply turned around and left, forcing himself not to run away like he wanted to do. He pulled out his phone to call his father to bring him back home. He had enough for the night, if anyone wished to stake him down further, they’ll have to come to his house.