[ 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.
[An accurate title for Joshua? Maybe not. But as far as pet names go, Luca is fond of it all the same. And not just because it fills him with such a thrill to even consider.]
It seems rather adult of us, doesn't it? Mature and some such. [Luca's laugh is gentle, if muffled as he finishes off his glass of wine.] All that said, I believe we did have other plans to carry out this evening?
[ 'My prince'. The title, for all that it isn't quite accurate, still makes his ears erupt in a warmth that steadily spreads to his cheeks. Joshua only lets the surprise catch him in stillness for a moment before he shakes it off, laughing softly as he lowers his head. Too late to hide the flush, but it isn't like he minds.]
Indeed. I believe I was to read to you to lull you to sleep.
[ He collects Luca's empty glass, setting it aside with his own and collecting the book in exchange. ]
Feel free to make yourself as comfortable as you see fit, and then tell me where you would have me.
[No small amount of satisfaction floods through Luca when he sees that response. He resists the urge to grin deviously, to revel in his triumph. No, if he is going to bask in anything, it is how utterly charming Joshua is in moments like these.]
Well, we ought not delay any further.
[Luca stands, and is very much about to offer the same advice to Jsohua. Instead, he muffles a laugh with his hand, before shaking his head.]
I am afraid I must insist otherwise. You get comfortable first. I will be just a moment.
[If he's going to fall asleep, he's going to be dressed down. Luca quickly pilfers a few items from his dresser, before stepping into the washroom to disrobe. Have fun with free reign of the bed-nest, Joshua!]
[ Oh. Luca's words take Joshua by surprise, and he pauses a moment, expression sobering into a flushed and innocent confusion. Perhaps he has made a habit of falling asleep wearing his clothes. The idea of Luca wanting to change for bed hadn't even occurred to him. ]
Ah. All right.
[ He will at least wait until Luca leaves the room before he turns to assess what "getting comfortable" means. The bed-nest certainly looks comfortable, but if he is to read, he should be sitting on the edge of it, yes? Besides, his wings take up far too much room, and he assumes he will be departing the room once Luca is good and asleep. So, he fluffs the pillows, arranges the blankets, and sits primly near the foot of the bed to wait.
When Luca returns, he will find Joshua sitting there with one knee crossed over the other, his wings tucked neatly against his back, and the book held in one hand. ]
[When Luca emerges — dressed down in a pair of sleeping shorts and a button up — he finds himself tilting his head in the slightest. He gives Joshua a once over as he pads toward the bed, then swings himself up and toward the center.]
Do you always read so... rigidly?
[Maybe he gets where Joshua is coming from. He probably wants to easily slip away should Luca fall asleep. It's on him for not being more specific, probably. But even still...]
Maybe you ought to get comfortable yourself? I am certain no one will judge if you find yourself falling asleep at the same time as I.
[ Oh. Those are indeed pajamas, aren't they. A stark contrast to the sweater and trousers that he's wearing. ... and the boots. He's still wearing his boots. Founding Flames take him. ]
Well, I. Ah. I didn't want to assume.
[ But, if Luca is asking... Joshua shifts, tugging his boots off before anything else. And once they're off, he will very carefully find a way to climb in to the bed beside Luca, without either hurting his wings or hitting Luca with them in the process. He ends up on his side, wings tucked against his back and book held to his chest. ]
[By the time Joshua has settled, Luca has buried himself beneath a near impenetrable mound of blankets. He peeks over them, makes a show of looking Joshua up and down, before nodding once.
When he settles once again, it's with his head angled toward Joshua.]
Much better, I think. But how do you feel? [He meets Joshua's eyes, earnest as can be.] Are you comfortable? I will not force you to remain in this position just for my own whims.
[ It's adorable, frankly. Even if he was uncomfortable, he thinks he'd feel it melting away under that gaze. Joshua smiles, lifting a hand to push some hair from Luca's face. ]
Perfectly comfortable. You are not forcing anything. Should I find myself dozing, I would have a perfect night's sleep.
[ He will still try not to, but... maybe not as hard, now that he's been given permission. This, like many possibilities, is a spark issue - and Luca has felt it, so who would he be to deny it, when he'd been the one to propose the solution in the first place? ]
Now, are you prepared for the thrilling tales of local botany?
[Luca doesn't once hesitate to lean his head into that hand, humming out his contentment as he does. When that alone doesn't feel like enough, he even angles his head to press a kiss to Joshua's palm. Sue him, he's feeling affectionate.]
That's good, then. You are always welcome here, by my side.
[With that in mind, Luca allows himself to stretch out, languidly as you like, before finally settling. His eyes fall to the book.]
Ah, yes. Nothing like a riveting explanation of the local flora. By all means.
[ At this rate, the flush will never truly leave his face. Joshua smiles, soft and gentle, and leans in. To return the kiss to his palm, he leaves one against Luca's lips. ]
Then I shall ever be here, as long as you will have me.
[ He lingers there for a moment, inches away and looking so fondly, so lovingly into Luca's eyes. But it doesn't last for long. They do have a book to get to, after all. ]
Well, I find it riveting. But if you do not, that means it will be a perfect bedtime story.
[ His fingers part the pages, moving to a random section. ]
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-17 03:56 am (UTC)[An accurate title for Joshua? Maybe not. But as far as pet names go, Luca is fond of it all the same. And not just because it fills him with such a thrill to even consider.]
It seems rather adult of us, doesn't it? Mature and some such. [Luca's laugh is gentle, if muffled as he finishes off his glass of wine.] All that said, I believe we did have other plans to carry out this evening?
no subject
Date: 2025-11-17 04:32 am (UTC)Indeed. I believe I was to read to you to lull you to sleep.
[ He collects Luca's empty glass, setting it aside with his own and collecting the book in exchange. ]
Feel free to make yourself as comfortable as you see fit, and then tell me where you would have me.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-17 05:18 am (UTC)Well, we ought not delay any further.
[Luca stands, and is very much about to offer the same advice to Jsohua. Instead, he muffles a laugh with his hand, before shaking his head.]
I am afraid I must insist otherwise. You get comfortable first. I will be just a moment.
[If he's going to fall asleep, he's going to be dressed down. Luca quickly pilfers a few items from his dresser, before stepping into the washroom to disrobe. Have fun with free reign of the bed-nest, Joshua!]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-17 11:51 am (UTC)Ah. All right.
[ He will at least wait until Luca leaves the room before he turns to assess what "getting comfortable" means. The bed-nest certainly looks comfortable, but if he is to read, he should be sitting on the edge of it, yes? Besides, his wings take up far too much room, and he assumes he will be departing the room once Luca is good and asleep. So, he fluffs the pillows, arranges the blankets, and sits primly near the foot of the bed to wait.
When Luca returns, he will find Joshua sitting there with one knee crossed over the other, his wings tucked neatly against his back, and the book held in one hand. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-11-18 12:09 am (UTC)Do you always read so... rigidly?
[Maybe he gets where Joshua is coming from. He probably wants to easily slip away should Luca fall asleep. It's on him for not being more specific, probably. But even still...]
Maybe you ought to get comfortable yourself? I am certain no one will judge if you find yourself falling asleep at the same time as I.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-18 12:36 am (UTC)Well, I. Ah. I didn't want to assume.
[ But, if Luca is asking... Joshua shifts, tugging his boots off before anything else. And once they're off, he will very carefully find a way to climb in to the bed beside Luca, without either hurting his wings or hitting Luca with them in the process. He ends up on his side, wings tucked against his back and book held to his chest. ]
Is this better?
no subject
Date: 2025-11-18 03:58 am (UTC)When he settles once again, it's with his head angled toward Joshua.]
Much better, I think. But how do you feel? [He meets Joshua's eyes, earnest as can be.] Are you comfortable? I will not force you to remain in this position just for my own whims.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-18 07:23 am (UTC)Perfectly comfortable. You are not forcing anything. Should I find myself dozing, I would have a perfect night's sleep.
[ He will still try not to, but... maybe not as hard, now that he's been given permission. This, like many possibilities, is a spark issue - and Luca has felt it, so who would he be to deny it, when he'd been the one to propose the solution in the first place? ]
Now, are you prepared for the thrilling tales of local botany?
no subject
Date: 2025-11-18 11:29 pm (UTC)That's good, then. You are always welcome here, by my side.
[With that in mind, Luca allows himself to stretch out, languidly as you like, before finally settling. His eyes fall to the book.]
Ah, yes. Nothing like a riveting explanation of the local flora. By all means.
no subject
Date: 2025-11-19 01:39 am (UTC)Then I shall ever be here, as long as you will have me.
[ He lingers there for a moment, inches away and looking so fondly, so lovingly into Luca's eyes. But it doesn't last for long. They do have a book to get to, after all. ]
Well, I find it riveting. But if you do not, that means it will be a perfect bedtime story.
[ His fingers part the pages, moving to a random section. ]
(no subject)
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