“Today, I will teach you common tactics in a battle of wits,” Chiron declared to Achilles and Patroclus.

With a raised brow of uncertainty, Patroclus shared a perplexed glance with Achilles. The two young boys didn’t understand the importance of such a thing, especially compared to Chiron’s other lessons, such as surgery and carpentry.

Noting their confusion, Chiron strictly explained. “Sometimes, a man’s strongest weapon is not his sword, but his tongue.” He then gave each boy a rock as big as their small hands. “We will begin with a short exercise. I would like to observe what type of conversationalist you both are before I teach you.”

“What are we supposed to do with these?” Achilles inquired, rolling his rock along his palm.

“Attempt to use persuasion to obtain the other person’s rock, while still keeping your own,” Chiron instructed curtly. “You may begin.”

Once again, Achilles and Patroclus shared a look. Chiron usually gave them very specific instructions during lessons, but this was oddly vague. Silence fell between them as they eyed each other up and waited for the other to start.

Patroclus went first. “Can I have your rock?”

“No!” Achilles laughed and shook his head. The sound of his amused laughter made Patroclus smile.

“Come on, I’ll trade you for it!” Patroclus replied determinedly.

His chuckling coming to a gradual stop, Achilles glanced to the side in ponder. “What are you offering?”

“How about a flower?”

The thought of receiving a flower from him was such a heart-fluttering gesture, but he denied the feeling. “I don’t want a flower.”

“A… leaf?”

“Not interested.”

“Okay, okay, fine, do you want my rock then?”

“Are you serious?” Achilles scoffed. “You’re exchanging my rock for your rock?”

“It’s the only way we can both sort of win, right?” Patroclus shrugged with a lopsided grin.

“Hm, yeah, I guess.” Achilles leaned forward with his rock, preparing to make the exchange. But then, he hesitated. His face scrunched up in scepticism. “How do I know you won’t deceive me?”

“You can trust me,” Patroclus said in a tone so reassuring, it was almost suspicious.

Neither of them budged. Achilles looked at him up and down as he leaned back, clutching his rock against his chest again. He couldn’t help but grin at his friend’s slyness.

Seeing as Achilles wasn’t going to trust him anytime soon, Patroclus sighed deeply. “Fine. Do you want me to be honest?”

“Yes,” Achilles nodded, his voice a pitch higher in amused wariness.

Patroclus leaned in and put his lips next to his friend’s ear. He whispered something with a playful smirk, his breath hot on his neck. His soft words caused Achilles’ cheeks to flush with pink.

Then, seizing the opportunity, Patroclus took Achilles’ rock while he was off guard.

“Wh— hey!” Achilles tried to grab at his rock, but it was too late. He put his hands to his head in fluster. “What… how?!”

“I figured there was something else you wanted from me other than my rock.” Patroclus said coyly.

Chiron exhaled a short huff of a faint chuckle, allowing himself a smile as he watched the boys begin to tease each other back and forth. He knew what was going on between them, so he let it play out and have their fun for now.

As the boys talked the day away, Chiron couldn’t wait to watch them grow up and see what kind of future they would have together.