[ 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.
[Luca doesn't know if that's the newfangled, modern slang or not, but it does make him laugh to hear Joshua say it. Not that he's wrong about it.]
You would think the younger folk would be the ones coming up with the more outlandish ideas, and yet...
[He might have had more to say, but the kiss Joshua chooses to impart manages to stun him into silence. All his earlier bravado seems to melt away beneath actual reciprocation, tender and innocent though it might be.]
I had no doubt that you would, Joshua. Not that there is a single thing you could do to impact this evening in any negative way.
And yet. Perhaps we have underestimated our peers' ability to be chaotic.
[ He hums a soft laugh, turning his head just enough to finish off the wine in his glass. It is delicious, but he finds the company far more enjoyable. He would much rather spend his focus on Luca, and have a free hand besides. ]
Let us hope you are correct. I may have been gifted with a silver tongue, but I am still capable of missteps, as is anyone.
We ought to stop doing that, at this point. They have proven themselves formidable in that regard, time and time again.
[Luca lifts his own glass, long neglected for his ogling, and takes a sip for himself. It gives him a moment to sit idle and reflect, or perhaps simply gaze fondly at his partner.]
Be that as it may, I still have my doubts. If nothing else, I know that you would not want to jeopardize this moment.
And they will continue to do so. Indeed, it would be wise to expect the worst.
[ Though, he's not sure he wants to know how much worse it could be. That might be tempting fate. Best to keep his mouth shut and be glad for it not being too chaotic so far. ]
You're right. I would not. Though... Admittedly, I am also trying not to let both our past experiences encourage me to act hastily. There is a balance somewhere that must be met.
Ah, how could I ever forget your chivalry, my dear Joshua.
[He says it through his amusement, and his words wobble with barely contained laughter. It's sweet the way Joshua seems to want to take this slow. Luca has long forgotten what it felt like to even play at being courted. Inclined though he is to rush, he makes a point of keeping this to himself.
Mostly, at least.]
However slow you want to take it, I will accept. But know that I will not think less of you, or even protest, should you wish to move forward.
[ Luca won't think less of him. Or protest. That reassurance strikes something in Joshua, and he pauses for a moment, silently thoughtful. Oh, how he would love to move forward, beneath his sense of decorum. The both of them had had their previous relationships torn from their hands nearly as quickly as they had taken form.
And, Joshua has to remind himself, this is not Dion. The two of them had the hurdle of princely restraint holding them back. But in this case, Luca... sounds as though he wants to move forward, as well. ]
My restraint is born largely out of respect for you. You deserve to be courted properly.
[ He takes a breath, pulling back just enough to be able to look down at Luca, and for the other man to be able to look at him, should he so choose. ]
But it is our relationship, not just mine. And I would have no problem properly courting you regardless of whether we moved forward or not. Therefore, I will leave that door open to you, should you choose to take it.
[Luca is silent for a long span. He does his best to reassure Joshua, making sure to lay a little more weight upon his side. He is not angry. He appreciates the offer. But that does not keep his mind from warring over it all the same.]
I am of two minds. [His voice is soft, distant from thought as he speaks.] The first... The first is that we both know all too well how quickly this place takes from us. Clive and I took our time, and the results were...
[Well. He doesn't need to elaborate on that. He makes a flourish with his wrist as he trails off.]
And yet... I cannot deny that I enjoy being courted as I am. Treated as how I ought to have been, back home.
[This would have been what his father wanted for him. In a perfect world, this was the sort of relationship he was meant to wind up in. And yet...]
To be honest with you, Joshua, I do not really know what the best course is. All I know is that I am happy, no matter what course our relationship may take.
[ As Luca explains his positioning, Joshua listens intently, soaking up that added weight pressed into him. And Luca's thoughts make sense. It's understandable to want both things. They're both in the same boat, really. Not wanting to risk having things torn away from them, but wanting to put in the deserved effort all the same.
It gives Joshua an idea. ]
Then, allow me to make a proposition.
[ For this, he turns a bit more, turning toward Luca and taking the hand not occupied by a glass of wine. ]
You and Clive took your time. As did Dion and I. We both know the risks associated with it, but we want to take our time, as well. So, I propose that we continue to do so... and if the spark is felt, we act upon it, rather than attempt to suppress it for the sake of courting.
[ To punctuate this, he lifts Luca's hand to his lips, gently pressing a kiss to the back of it. And once he has finished, he leaves his lips hovering close, but glances up with a sparkle in his eye. ]
After all, should we skip ahead a bit, I still fully intend to court you as is befitting those of our station. I do not intend to stop simply because we have progressed further on our path.
[A middle path. Joshua describes it so effortlessly that Luca almost feels foolish for not considering it further. Would, if not for the fact that his beloved partner would surely scold him for it.]
Ever the diplomat, I see. [Luca speaks through the fluster, through the way his heart swells so heavily he swears he might burst. It is... so typically Joshua Rosfield that he knows he should not be surprised. touched on the other hand, is another matter entirely.
It is a wonder he does not explode, or perhaps keel over, from all of this warm, determined affection. As it is, he cannot meet Joshua's eyes as his lips alight on the back of his hand.]
Yes that sounds... more than amenable.
[This is all he will allow, lest he embarrass himself.]
Thank you for proposing such an... elegant solution.
[ One of many things, he knows. But arguably, finding a solution that suits all parties rather than some or just one is what he has strived for all these years, and it is not stopping now. The situation is just... a little different, that's all.
But Luca's acceptance makes him sigh softly, a warm smile on his lips. ]
You are welcome. And thank you for accepting it. This way, we do not need to stress ourselves by refusing something that we want.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
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.]
no subject
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.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-12 04:47 pm (UTC)You would think the younger folk would be the ones coming up with the more outlandish ideas, and yet...
[He might have had more to say, but the kiss Joshua chooses to impart manages to stun him into silence. All his earlier bravado seems to melt away beneath actual reciprocation, tender and innocent though it might be.]
I had no doubt that you would, Joshua. Not that there is a single thing you could do to impact this evening in any negative way.
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Date: 2025-11-12 05:49 pm (UTC)[ He hums a soft laugh, turning his head just enough to finish off the wine in his glass. It is delicious, but he finds the company far more enjoyable. He would much rather spend his focus on Luca, and have a free hand besides. ]
Let us hope you are correct. I may have been gifted with a silver tongue, but I am still capable of missteps, as is anyone.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-14 01:14 am (UTC)[Luca lifts his own glass, long neglected for his ogling, and takes a sip for himself. It gives him a moment to sit idle and reflect, or perhaps simply gaze fondly at his partner.]
Be that as it may, I still have my doubts. If nothing else, I know that you would not want to jeopardize this moment.
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Date: 2025-11-14 01:44 am (UTC)[ Though, he's not sure he wants to know how much worse it could be. That might be tempting fate. Best to keep his mouth shut and be glad for it not being too chaotic so far. ]
You're right. I would not. Though... Admittedly, I am also trying not to let both our past experiences encourage me to act hastily. There is a balance somewhere that must be met.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 06:34 am (UTC)[He says it through his amusement, and his words wobble with barely contained laughter. It's sweet the way Joshua seems to want to take this slow. Luca has long forgotten what it felt like to even play at being courted. Inclined though he is to rush, he makes a point of keeping this to himself.
Mostly, at least.]
However slow you want to take it, I will accept. But know that I will not think less of you, or even protest, should you wish to move forward.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 02:35 pm (UTC)And, Joshua has to remind himself, this is not Dion. The two of them had the hurdle of princely restraint holding them back. But in this case, Luca... sounds as though he wants to move forward, as well. ]
My restraint is born largely out of respect for you. You deserve to be courted properly.
[ He takes a breath, pulling back just enough to be able to look down at Luca, and for the other man to be able to look at him, should he so choose. ]
But it is our relationship, not just mine. And I would have no problem properly courting you regardless of whether we moved forward or not. Therefore, I will leave that door open to you, should you choose to take it.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 07:24 pm (UTC)I am of two minds. [His voice is soft, distant from thought as he speaks.] The first... The first is that we both know all too well how quickly this place takes from us. Clive and I took our time, and the results were...
[Well. He doesn't need to elaborate on that. He makes a flourish with his wrist as he trails off.]
And yet... I cannot deny that I enjoy being courted as I am. Treated as how I ought to have been, back home.
[This would have been what his father wanted for him. In a perfect world, this was the sort of relationship he was meant to wind up in. And yet...]
To be honest with you, Joshua, I do not really know what the best course is. All I know is that I am happy, no matter what course our relationship may take.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 07:41 pm (UTC)It gives Joshua an idea. ]
Then, allow me to make a proposition.
[ For this, he turns a bit more, turning toward Luca and taking the hand not occupied by a glass of wine. ]
You and Clive took your time. As did Dion and I. We both know the risks associated with it, but we want to take our time, as well. So, I propose that we continue to do so... and if the spark is felt, we act upon it, rather than attempt to suppress it for the sake of courting.
[ To punctuate this, he lifts Luca's hand to his lips, gently pressing a kiss to the back of it. And once he has finished, he leaves his lips hovering close, but glances up with a sparkle in his eye. ]
After all, should we skip ahead a bit, I still fully intend to court you as is befitting those of our station. I do not intend to stop simply because we have progressed further on our path.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 09:18 pm (UTC)Ever the diplomat, I see. [Luca speaks through the fluster, through the way his heart swells so heavily he swears he might burst. It is... so typically Joshua Rosfield that he knows he should not be surprised. touched on the other hand, is another matter entirely.
It is a wonder he does not explode, or perhaps keel over, from all of this warm, determined affection. As it is, he cannot meet Joshua's eyes as his lips alight on the back of his hand.]
Yes that sounds... more than amenable.
[This is all he will allow, lest he embarrass himself.]
Thank you for proposing such an... elegant solution.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-16 10:10 pm (UTC)[ One of many things, he knows. But arguably, finding a solution that suits all parties rather than some or just one is what he has strived for all these years, and it is not stopping now. The situation is just... a little different, that's all.
But Luca's acceptance makes him sigh softly, a warm smile on his lips. ]
You are welcome. And thank you for accepting it. This way, we do not need to stress ourselves by refusing something that we want.
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