[ Likewise, there are other things that Joshua would like to be doing right now. But, if they get their tasks out of the way, then they will be uninterrupted for the remainder of the night.
Though Luca doesn't give him a chance to respond, he still nods at Luca's back anyway, and then to his dishes he will go. It doesn't take long to gather the rest, and he even washes them - quickly, but thoroughly, of course. And when he emerges from the kitchen afterward, he smells of clean and soap. Well, his hands do, anyway. ]
[When Joshua reemerges, Luca certainly seems done. The broom has been put away, and he has two glasses of wine poured — one overly sweet, the other a drier red. He leaves the glasses on the bar for now, though, and instead saunters over. Given the height difference, it's a bit hard to lean up and steal a kiss, so Luca has to settle, instead, for grabbing Joshua by the collar first, and giving a light little tug.]
[ --oh. Joshua stops in his tracks, eyes widening just a little as he takes in the sight. Luca certainly finished his sweeping quickly... The glasses of wine don't escape him, but Luca approaching takes precedence over all else for now. Especially with how he's being reached for and tugged down. ]
O-oh. Of course.
[ It wouldn't do to keep Luca waiting. He's more than happy to lean down, following the tug, to let Luca do as he pleases. ]
[Thankfully, Luca isn't planning on pushing his luck too much. He is tired after all. Entertaining as the night had been, a large portion of it had been spent in a working mindset. More than anything, what he wants is to retire with their wine and make good on their plans.
But he's still a touch greedy. That's why he twines his arms around Joshua's neck, sighing once before quickly leaning up to press their lips together. It doesn't last terribly long, but when he parts he does make sure to keep their foreheads close.]
I have been thinking about that all night, you know.
[ Honestly, if Luca wants to be greedy, Joshua isn't inclined to stop him. It's still a fairly tame and gentle kiss, all told, and the closeness afterward is a great comfort after a night of socializing. He puffs out a soft laugh against Luca's lips, closing his eyes. ]
Have you truly?
[ He's tempted to lean in for another kiss, but not just yet. He wants to soak in the closeness a bit more. ]
I do need to make it up to you for having you drink that awful concoction.
Of course. [His expression sobers in the slightest, though no less adoration shines within his eyes.] It was good to see you ssimply enjoy yourself. We all need more moments like those.
[Thankfully, the more grounded moment doesn't last, and Luca finds his lips tilting upward once more.]
Indeed we do. Particularly after the last few months.
[ Ah, but if Luca is tilting upward again, how can Joshua refuse? As he presses against those lips, his own curve up into a smile, and his hands settle... on Luca's shoulders, after a moment of thought. Placing them any lower would feel a bit abrupt. Particularly so in a public space. ]
I promise. Whatever recompense you deem worthy of such an affront.
[Those hands settle onto his shoulders, and Luca can't help but let his imagination run wild. They're so close now that stealing a kiss or three would not be so out of the question. And yet beneath all of that there is another, secondary urge that he cannot help but fall victim to.]
If that is the case then...
[He twists carefully from Joshua's grasp with a warm laugh, already making toward the stairs of his room.]
[ While Joshua had a few things queued in his mind as possibilities, reading to Luca had not been the first one to rise. But all the same, here it is, and he did ask. Joshua can't help but laugh, warm and fond. ]
So you did. And I would be glad to.
[ With Luca going on ahead, that frees him up to get any doors, so Joshua turns to retrieve their glasses of wine, one in each hand. Then, he turns to follow. ]
Between good wine, better company, and my apparently soothing voice, I dare say we shall have an excellent evening ahead of us.
[Luca's laughter echoes off the tight walls of the spiraling staircase. It's a light noise, relaxed despite the turmoil they've faced over the last few months. The night had gone a long way in easing some of his tensions.]
Do you really not believe that your voice is soothing? You are a noble, Joshua. Was oration not part of your duties?
[At the top of the stairs, he pushes the door open. The room is just as chaotic as ever, bed-nest included.]
[ By the Founder, it's such a good feeling, hearing how easily Luca laughs. Joshua doesn't think that he's heard Luca laugh like this the entire time he's known the man. It makes his heart flutter and soar, knowing that he is at least partially to blame for this shift in mood. Partially, because the evening prior to now has also been wonderfully relaxing. ]
It was, to some extent. I had only practiced for a couple of years before I found myself throneless, so I suppose what skill you have to appreciate must come naturally.
[ It's easier to accept when Luca pushes back on his disbelief, so his voice completely foregoes being somber due to the topic at hand and settles easily into teasing.
As soon as they are safely in Luca's room, door closed behind them, he will offer the glasses to Luca. He has no idea which one contains the less sweet option. ]
[Every day it seems to come a little easier. There had been set backs, ones Joshua was all too painfully aware of. But by and large, he felt more like the man he was before his father died than the one that had crawled back from Cataega. He owes it largely to the company he keeps, and the fact that he has no longer been able to run from his problems.]
Regardless of where you have picked it up from, I am glad that you did.
[Luca takes the redder wine for himself, but doesn't drink right away. Instead, he plucks a book off of his desk, one of the tomes Joshua had recommended looking into. It's hardly light reading, but it's what he has on hand. Phoenix Boys make do. Luca sets the book on the bed, before settling down himself.
[ Ah, the more red one. Joshua had wondered. For all that he's drank wine, he doesn't know much about it. Lucky for him, he has someone here that does. He gladly hands it over and watches as Luca selects his book for the evening - one Joshua is familiar with - and only settles down once Luca does. This time, unlike their last evening spent talking in this room, he doesn't hesitate to sit much closer. ]
We are toasting to the light that has taken hold of your heart tonight.
[Of all the things Luca had been expecting, this particular toast hadn't crossed his mind. There is a moment where his brows lift and his eyes widen, any of his earlier flirtation and bravado swiftly wiped out. He gives a breathless little huff in response, quickly tucking his head away to hide the influx of warmth that flows to his cheeks.]
That - [He grumbles under his breath a few times before finally summoning the courage to look back at him.] Is certainly a thing we could toast to.
[He doesn't hate it though. Beneath the embarrassment, he has to admit that it is rather nice for his progress to be acknowledged.]
To light in our hearts, then.
[He finally looks back at Joshua, allowing their glasses to clink together.]
[ It's the exact response he'd expected. Progress should always be acknowledged. And that's why, when Luca turns it to acknowledge Joshua's own, he doesn't argue. ]
To the light in our hearts.
[ The glasses clink, and he lifts his to his lips. It is indeed a sweeter wine, and he sighs, pleased. ]
[If Luca were in the mood to wax poetic, he might reflect on the fact that Joshua does not seem keen on arguing when praise is turned around on him. It brings something all the better, warmer out of Luca.]
I thought you might like it. Your sweet tooth happens to be on par with my sibling's, you see.
[Which hey, if it keeps the sickeningly sweet options off his shelves, he's all for it.]
[ Maybe it's the fact that it's Luca pointing it out. Maybe it's that he's finally learning to realize that praise isn't a terrible thing to receive. Hell, it could even be both.
Right now, he's inclined to believe that Luca makes it easier. ]
Ah, is that so? I will have to remember that for special occasions.
[ A well-liked wine makes an excellent gift. Or bribe, depending on what he needs it for, but he doubts the latter will ever be necessary. Probably. ]
Would you prefer to finish our wine before we read?
[They bring out the best in one another, which is still such a foreign concept to Luca. His partners back home, especially River tended to do the opposite.]
A wise decision. She's much easier to deal with when she's pacified, after all.
[He doubts Kiera has anything bad to say about Joshua though. Especially considering said previous relationships.]
Probably for the best. While I might enjoy listening and drinking at the same time, I feel like it would not be as easy for you to partake.
[What with him having to use his mouth for other things.]
[ It doesn't take long for Joshua to find that Luca's good mood is contagious. Well, that or it's an effect of the alcohol he's imbibed over the course of the evening. It could be a combination of both, and he's never been a strong drinker.
Nonetheless, he lets out a soft, lilting laugh of his own, and shifts just enough that their legs are now touching where they sit. ]
Then, by all means. Let us enjoy each other's company while we enjoy the wine. I would hate to put you to sleep so soon.
[Since Joshua is encouraging it, Luca will take the liberty of leaning heavily against him. His head tucks into his shoulder, while his free arm carefully twines around his waist. The upper levels of the Watchtower can get rather drafty, so Luca appreciates the warmth.
Not that he wouldn't even under the most temperate of circumstances.]
I can only imagine. You have only just gotten me alone, after all.
[ The warmth and the closeness are incredibly comfortable. Joshua laughs softly, shifting his wings to tuck one around Luca like a blanket. Like back up on the mountain, except far warmer and far more intimate. ]
Indeed I have. And I intend to make the most of it.
[ He takes a sip of his own wine. And then pauses, and clears his throat. ]
[Luca feels his cheeks begin to rapidly warm. Putting on the moves for someone else is one thing. Having them turned back around on him is another entirely. Luca huffs once, but naturally melts against Joshua. Despite the trouble that erupted on the mountains, it still brings back fond memories.]
Proper and gentlemanly, of course. How could I forget.
[Luca hums around the rim of his glass. Between the evening in general and the alcohol of the present moment, he feels looser and more at ease than he has in months. To say nothing of the company, either.]
I am glad you came this evening. You deserve to have pleasant memories like those. We all do.
[ Rapid warming is far better than succumbing to the drafts up here. Which Joshua files away in his mind for later - drafts, at least, can be repaired. But, for now, he will indulge himself while keeping Luca warm and blanketed. ]
We all do. [ A nod. ] Though the tasks were... strange, it did well to get me out of my comfort zone, I think. And despite it all, I shall look back fondly on this night.
[ For more reasons than one. But he doesn't have to say that out loud. ]
And I am even more glad for it, ending the night with you.
[Luca probably could have fixed it himself long ago. However, why do that when you can bury yourself in a thousand blankets. It's working out for him in this case, considering all the positive affection it's managed to net him.]
I shudder at the imaginations each of our companions are in possession of.
[Some truly terrible things were thought up tonight. Biting a lemon, of all things? What monsters.]
All the same, it may go down as one of my favorite nights spent in this place. Especially with an ending like this.
The first rounds seemed considerably more tame by comparison, certainly. I feel as though when the younger crowd departed for the evening, it all became a little... unhinged?
[ Is that the word the kids use these days? He's heard it used, and he feels as though that's correct.
But he shakes his head, turning to press a gentle kiss to the top of Luca's head. ]
I will ensure that it continues on this course, then. The last thing I want is for a fond memory to be tarnished.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2025-11-07 08:45 pm (UTC)Though Luca doesn't give him a chance to respond, he still nods at Luca's back anyway, and then to his dishes he will go. It doesn't take long to gather the rest, and he even washes them - quickly, but thoroughly, of course. And when he emerges from the kitchen afterward, he smells of clean and soap. Well, his hands do, anyway. ]
Finished?
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Date: 2025-11-08 12:58 am (UTC)Almost. Come down here, will you?
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Date: 2025-11-08 01:34 am (UTC)O-oh. Of course.
[ It wouldn't do to keep Luca waiting. He's more than happy to lean down, following the tug, to let Luca do as he pleases. ]
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Date: 2025-11-08 01:39 am (UTC)But he's still a touch greedy. That's why he twines his arms around Joshua's neck, sighing once before quickly leaning up to press their lips together. It doesn't last terribly long, but when he parts he does make sure to keep their foreheads close.]
I have been thinking about that all night, you know.
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Date: 2025-11-08 02:09 am (UTC)Have you truly?
[ He's tempted to lean in for another kiss, but not just yet. He wants to soak in the closeness a bit more. ]
I do need to make it up to you for having you drink that awful concoction.
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Date: 2025-11-08 06:13 pm (UTC)[Thankfully, the more grounded moment doesn't last, and Luca finds his lips tilting upward once more.]
Do you promise?
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Date: 2025-11-09 12:47 am (UTC)[ Ah, but if Luca is tilting upward again, how can Joshua refuse? As he presses against those lips, his own curve up into a smile, and his hands settle... on Luca's shoulders, after a moment of thought. Placing them any lower would feel a bit abrupt. Particularly so in a public space. ]
I promise. Whatever recompense you deem worthy of such an affront.
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Date: 2025-11-09 01:34 am (UTC)If that is the case then...
[He twists carefully from Joshua's grasp with a warm laugh, already making toward the stairs of his room.]
I believe I asked you to read to me, did I not?
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Date: 2025-11-09 01:40 am (UTC)So you did. And I would be glad to.
[ With Luca going on ahead, that frees him up to get any doors, so Joshua turns to retrieve their glasses of wine, one in each hand. Then, he turns to follow. ]
Between good wine, better company, and my apparently soothing voice, I dare say we shall have an excellent evening ahead of us.
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Date: 2025-11-09 03:27 am (UTC)Do you really not believe that your voice is soothing? You are a noble, Joshua. Was oration not part of your duties?
[At the top of the stairs, he pushes the door open. The room is just as chaotic as ever, bed-nest included.]
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Date: 2025-11-09 03:40 am (UTC)It was, to some extent. I had only practiced for a couple of years before I found myself throneless, so I suppose what skill you have to appreciate must come naturally.
[ It's easier to accept when Luca pushes back on his disbelief, so his voice completely foregoes being somber due to the topic at hand and settles easily into teasing.
As soon as they are safely in Luca's room, door closed behind them, he will offer the glasses to Luca. He has no idea which one contains the less sweet option. ]
May I propose a toast?
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Date: 2025-11-10 12:08 am (UTC)Regardless of where you have picked it up from, I am glad that you did.
[Luca takes the redder wine for himself, but doesn't drink right away. Instead, he plucks a book off of his desk, one of the tomes Joshua had recommended looking into. It's hardly light reading, but it's what he has on hand. Phoenix Boys make do. Luca sets the book on the bed, before settling down himself.
Only then does he raise the glass.]
By all means. What are we toasting to?
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Date: 2025-11-10 12:54 am (UTC)We are toasting to the light that has taken hold of your heart tonight.
[ Joshua smiles, lifting his glass. ]
I rather like the sound of your laugh.
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Date: 2025-11-10 12:59 am (UTC)That - [He grumbles under his breath a few times before finally summoning the courage to look back at him.] Is certainly a thing we could toast to.
[He doesn't hate it though. Beneath the embarrassment, he has to admit that it is rather nice for his progress to be acknowledged.]
To light in our hearts, then.
[He finally looks back at Joshua, allowing their glasses to clink together.]
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Date: 2025-11-10 01:22 am (UTC)To the light in our hearts.
[ The glasses clink, and he lifts his to his lips. It is indeed a sweeter wine, and he sighs, pleased. ]
Oh, this is very good.
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Date: 2025-11-10 02:36 am (UTC)I thought you might like it. Your sweet tooth happens to be on par with my sibling's, you see.
[Which hey, if it keeps the sickeningly sweet options off his shelves, he's all for it.]
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Date: 2025-11-10 03:35 am (UTC)Right now, he's inclined to believe that Luca makes it easier. ]
Ah, is that so? I will have to remember that for special occasions.
[ A well-liked wine makes an excellent gift. Or bribe, depending on what he needs it for, but he doubts the latter will ever be necessary. Probably. ]
Would you prefer to finish our wine before we read?
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Date: 2025-11-10 03:53 am (UTC)A wise decision. She's much easier to deal with when she's pacified, after all.
[He doubts Kiera has anything bad to say about Joshua though. Especially considering said previous relationships.]
Probably for the best. While I might enjoy listening and drinking at the same time, I feel like it would not be as easy for you to partake.
[What with him having to use his mouth for other things.]
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Date: 2025-11-10 04:07 am (UTC)Nonetheless, he lets out a soft, lilting laugh of his own, and shifts just enough that their legs are now touching where they sit. ]
Then, by all means. Let us enjoy each other's company while we enjoy the wine. I would hate to put you to sleep so soon.
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Date: 2025-11-10 05:28 am (UTC)Not that he wouldn't even under the most temperate of circumstances.]
I can only imagine. You have only just gotten me alone, after all.
[He takes a sip of his wine and sighs warmly.]
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Date: 2025-11-11 12:58 am (UTC)Indeed I have. And I intend to make the most of it.
[ He takes a sip of his own wine. And then pauses, and clears his throat. ]
In a proper and gentlemanly way, of course.
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Date: 2025-11-11 01:40 am (UTC)Proper and gentlemanly, of course. How could I forget.
[Luca hums around the rim of his glass. Between the evening in general and the alcohol of the present moment, he feels looser and more at ease than he has in months. To say nothing of the company, either.]
I am glad you came this evening. You deserve to have pleasant memories like those. We all do.
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Date: 2025-11-11 02:34 am (UTC)We all do. [ A nod. ] Though the tasks were... strange, it did well to get me out of my comfort zone, I think. And despite it all, I shall look back fondly on this night.
[ For more reasons than one. But he doesn't have to say that out loud. ]
And I am even more glad for it, ending the night with you.
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Date: 2025-11-11 07:05 pm (UTC)I shudder at the imaginations each of our companions are in possession of.
[Some truly terrible things were thought up tonight. Biting a lemon, of all things? What monsters.]
All the same, it may go down as one of my favorite nights spent in this place. Especially with an ending like this.
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Date: 2025-11-11 07:54 pm (UTC)[ Is that the word the kids use these days? He's heard it used, and he feels as though that's correct.
But he shakes his head, turning to press a gentle kiss to the top of Luca's head. ]
I will ensure that it continues on this course, then. The last thing I want is for a fond memory to be tarnished.
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