[ The Starlight Festival has always been one of Joshua's favorite times of year, or at least it had been when he'd been a child. With things the way they've been, he hasn't been able to celebrate it for nearly two decades. Beiwe and Ourania's ball had been a pleasant similarity to his childhood memories, at least, but it was missing one thing: gift-giving.
Joshua has other gifts, of course. He's given some of them, is holding off on others. But tonight, he comes to the Watchtower with a small parcel hidden away in his pocket. This is one gift he doesn't want to wait for.
But he will wait, at least until he's found Luca. It's important to have both parties in question involved, after all. ]
[Luca is not immediately available at the bar. Thankfully it's not untended, with Kiera gladly tending to patrons as well as their own glass. One glance at Joshua, however, has them rolling their eyes, before glancing over their shoulder toward the kitchen.
"Birdbrain, you have a visitor."
It takes another few moments for Luca to emerge, carrying a board of fresh bread. He sets down, pauses to glower at Kiera for immediately stealing a slice, then finally turns his attention to Joshua.]
Don't mind them. [He takes a step closer, and doesn't hesitate to reach out to grab hold of one of Joshua's hands.] To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?
[ For the trouble, Kiera at least gets a gentle nod and a soft smile of apology. He still isn't certain if the gesture is in jest or not, but it's better to take it honestly and have it be a joke than the other way around. ]
Must I require a reason to visit? Perhaps I simply missed your company.
[ His hand slides easily in with Luca's, and he gives his partner a warm, fond smile. ]
Would you mind retreating somewhere a bit more private? Or have I caught you preoccupied?
I suppose that is - an acceptable reason. [He's getting caught on the back foot here.] But, ah, I am perfectly free. It is actually Kiera's night to tend the bar. I was simply bored enough to do some baking.
[Thankfully Kiera seems amused enough. And though she pouts at the idea of being left behind the bar herself, she's quick to wave them off. She might even look a little fond if she thinks they're not looking?
In any case, Luca takes that hand and uses it to coax Joshua toward the stairs, heading up the enclosed, spiraling staircase toward his own private quarters.]
How fortunate, then, that I am here to rescue you from boredom. Though, your baking certainly smells wonderful.
[ He will learn that art in due time, he thinks. He knows plenty of people here who might appreciate it, himself included. But that's a task for another day.
As they ascend the staircase, the fingers of his free hand brush against the gentle shape of the gift in his pocket, as if to confirm he hasn't lost it. ]
Do you celebrate any winter holidays back home? The kitchens of Rosalith Castle were similarly awash in the scent of baking this time of year. Not just breads, but cakes, tarts, biscuits...
[Even if Joshua is right. The bread does smell delicious. But even a freshly baked loaf of sourdough will not keep him from Joshua's presence.]
We do, in fact. The year turning over is particularly special to Renova. It is a form of rebirth, after all. It has become rather symbolic of the Phoenix.
[And though Luca has his opinions regarding the former Beast, he can enjoy the concept of the holiday, at least. He has shared many fond memories on those nights, after all. Besides, for all their devotion to the creature that had made Luca's life a living hell, the ideals they had formed in its image were worthwhile.]
I admit, though, that this year I was rather distracted by the other festivities, and handed out my gifts a bit early. [He pauses, then smiles.] Your own celebrations sound like they were wonderful. Would you like to tell me more?
[ It's a bit cheeky, perhaps, and said with a soft and fond laugh, but it's the truth. He would flatter Luca to the end of the world and back if it made him happy. ]
Ah, not too different from our spring ceremony, then. Outside of when it is celebrated, of course.
[ He still remembers lighting the pyre on those cool early spring evenings, sending off a selection of remaining autumnal crops in offering to ensure the next round comes in bountiful and healthy. It feels like a world away, now. ]
Ours was called the Starlight Celebration. It marked the darkest part of the year, where we would gather together with friends and family and light every candle and lantern to help the stars fend off the winter darkness, while enjoying the food that the growing season had brought us. With the blight setting in, later years were a bit more reserved, but I can still remember being scolded by my mother for sneaking a jelly tart from the kitchens. The bakers slipped me another one anyway.
Is that so? I would love to hear more about it. Perhaps we could celebrate together, this year.
[He's been enjoying incorporating traditions from home into their lives here. So why not bring some of Joshua's along with? He continues to toy with the thought as he draws level with the uppermost floor. The door is held open for Joshua with a bit of a comical flourish.]
So a bit like a harvest festival as well? We celebrated ours at the end of the Wine harvest, typically. [He trots into the room after Joshua, then settles on the edge of the bed, as usual. He should have a couch brought up here or something.]
Still... it sounds like a delightful time, your mother notwithstanding.
I would love to. Though it is hard to keep track of the date, we can at least tell when spring is approaching.
[ With the door held open for him, Joshua proceeds within, hovering inside until Luca takes his seat on the edge of the bed. Only then does he move, taking his seat beside him. ]
It was something like that, in a way. We had our own harvest festival at the end of the growing season, of course, but this was more of... hm. A celebration to warm the hearts and celebrate the longer days that lie ahead. Our winter days are much shorter in comparison to summer days.
[ Similar to here, he's noticed. ]
Our traditions also included gift-giving. And while you have given me a gift already, my own gift to you is admittedly a bit late. My apologies. But I seek to remedy that tonight, hence my request for privacy.
[He's had to swallow that truth given recent events, after all. As long as they can map roughly by seasons, maybe it will be okay. When the leaves start to sprout, they can celebrate this holiday. When they start to fall, he'll mourn his own.]
Mm, that makes sense. A way to celebrate having made it through the long nights. [He bobs his head once, then pauses, biting back a smile.] I should have known this was leading up to something.
... You do know I did not give my gift with the expectation of receiving anything in turn, yes?
[ There's a soft laugh again at that, Joshua shaking his head gently. ]
My mind is more oft than not stirring through plans for something. But no, I am well aware that a gift does not demand one in return. I intended to give you this gift regardless.
[ Shifting, he slips his hand into his pocket. When it emerges, it holds a small leather satchel drawstring pulled tight to keep it closed. He holds it out for Luca to take, if he wishes to. ]
I needed the time to decide on the perfect option, and I may have become a bit lost in the weeds, hence the delay. But I do hope you like it.
[Quietly, Luca takes the pouch into his hands, then gently pulls it open. He removes the feather, gingerly as he can, thumbing over the individual fibers. The similarities in their gifts are not lost on him, which makes the gesture all the more touching.]
You are incredible kind. More than that - [Luca finds his throat tightening with unspoken emotion.] It is lovely.
[He holds the leather cord back out to Joshua, motioning to himself with his free hand.]
[ Indeed, it had been inspiration from Luca's own gift that had brought this one to be. Before then, he had been considering perhaps a piece of metal jewelry, but no. This is far more suiting for both of them. ]
Of course. It would be my honor.
[ He takes the cord, shifting his sitting position so he can properly reach both hands around behind Luca's neck, resting the cord gently against the nape. From there, he pulls his hands forward, situating the feather directly in the center of his chest. ]
It will protect you with one of my barriers, even if I am nowhere around. It is a way to ensure no harm befalls you if I am unable to protect you myself.
[The moment it settles above his chest, Luca reaches forward. He strokes his fingers down the feather one last time, smile spanning his lips. It only widens as Joshua explains the depth of its power. A worthwhile charm to have, even without the emotional attachment.]
Not something you will have to worry about overmuch, I am sure. [They both know that isn't true. Even if they spent all of their efforts ensuring they were never separated, the forest would surely find a way.] But it will be good to have, nonetheless.
Thank you, Joshua.
[Don't mind, Luca. He is absolutely leaning in for a kiss.]
[ Not only is it useful, but it suits him, just as Luca's feather suits Joshua. He smiles, watching his partner inspect the feather, pleased that he seems to like it as much as he likes his own feathery gift. ]
I am glad that it pleases you. I would give all of my feathers to you if it would keep you safe.
[ But Luca means to take a kiss, and Joshua is all too happy to give it. With one hand still positioned well for it, he lets his fingers slide into Luca's hair as he leans in to meet those lips. On his end, he keeps it warm and chaste - it all depends on what Luca wants. ]
[Luca will keep it chaste for a moment, if only because he has something more to say. For now, though, he traces his fingers through Joshua's hair in kind, eventually laying his hand on the nape of Joshua's neck. He lingers for a handful of heartbeats, before leaning back just slightly.]
Perhaps not all? I do also happen to like them on you, you see.
[ Warm and chaste with continued close contact is just fine by Joshua. The emotion behind the giving of gifts has him considerably softened, to say nothing of the effect Luca typically has on him. Despite the close proximity, his lips curl up into a gentle smile, and he rubs his fingertips against Luca's scalp. ]
I will keep some, then. For you. Though, the feeling is mutual - you look rather dashing with the splash of color at your throat.
[Luca leans into the touch with something of a hum, not at all unlike a contented cat. He can hardly remember the days where he'd bristled at every threat and refused to enjoy gentle moments such as these. What a fool he'd been.]
More than the usual splash, you mean? [His own feathers ruffle faintly.] I agree, though. It is nice to have your mark to wear so proudly.
[An affiliation with a Phoenix he doesn't loathe. What more could he want?]
[ But adding his own color there makes it better, too. A little bit of his blue-green added in to the shared fiery tones. Joshua closes his eyes, letting the tip of his nose bump up against the tip of Luca's. ]
[He's right, of course. There's something about the contrasting colors against Luca's own plumage. It's a reminder that the firebird is not always something to loathe, at the very least. And of course, that is saying nothing of the love between the two of them.
Luca sighs, chasing after Joshua for yet another kiss.]
No matter what happens, I will always be with you. Just as you are with me.
Mm, that is true. They will have to go through me to take you, at the very least.
[He won't let anyone else slip through his fingers, or at least that's what he tells himself. Sure, they both know it to be a naive hope — Suri could take whomsoever he wished without batting an eye. But they could at least pretend.]
But... we need not focus on that, right?
[Luca can't help himself. Adorned with Joshua's favor, and knowing that he wore Luca's in kind, it makes him feel warm, full, and in desperate need of at least a slightly closer embrace, at the very least. He shifts to perch upon his lap, facing him as he slides his arms properly around those shoulders.]
[... oh. That's new. New, but not at all unwelcome. On reflex, Joshua's hands move to Luca's hips, steadying him where he rests. It's only a moment later that he realizes, and his fingers twitch at their resting places, but he doesn't dare move them away. ]
... no. We needn't focus on it.
[ Luca seems like he wants to focus on something else, anyway. Joshua is all too happy to tip forward into that embrace, letting their foreheads rest together as his eyes slip closed. He could get very used to this. ]
[The faint twitch against his sides does draw some concern from Luca. He gaze falls for a moment, checking his positioning, before he meets Joshua's gaze once more.]
Well - let us start with this. Is it... alright?
[If it is too much, too fast, he will back off. Truthfully, he didn't know his own trajectory, only that he wanted to be like this for the time being.
But he could find something else to want just as easily.]
[ To Joshua's credit, the twitching in his fingers is only due to a lingering sense of decorum. The touch is neither unwanted nor unwilling - as he hopes is evident by how much more firm it becomes a moment later. ]
It is more than alright.
[ He enjoys the different means of closeness, to be honest. Joshua breathes in softly through his nose, soaking in Luca's warmth and scent in a brief and selfish indulgence. ]
As agreed upon before, if you decide you are comfortable with something, I am not opposed. Whatever you wish, I will gladly comply.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
after returning from the goddesses' vacation
Date: 2025-12-28 10:34 pm (UTC)Joshua has other gifts, of course. He's given some of them, is holding off on others. But tonight, he comes to the Watchtower with a small parcel hidden away in his pocket. This is one gift he doesn't want to wait for.
But he will wait, at least until he's found Luca. It's important to have both parties in question involved, after all. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-30 01:09 am (UTC)"Birdbrain, you have a visitor."
It takes another few moments for Luca to emerge, carrying a board of fresh bread. He sets down, pauses to glower at Kiera for immediately stealing a slice, then finally turns his attention to Joshua.]
Don't mind them. [He takes a step closer, and doesn't hesitate to reach out to grab hold of one of Joshua's hands.] To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?
[Don't mind Kiera's gagging, thanks.]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-30 03:33 am (UTC)Must I require a reason to visit? Perhaps I simply missed your company.
[ His hand slides easily in with Luca's, and he gives his partner a warm, fond smile. ]
Would you mind retreating somewhere a bit more private? Or have I caught you preoccupied?
no subject
Date: 2025-12-30 04:38 pm (UTC)[Thankfully Kiera seems amused enough. And though she pouts at the idea of being left behind the bar herself, she's quick to wave them off. She might even look a little fond if she thinks they're not looking?
In any case, Luca takes that hand and uses it to coax Joshua toward the stairs, heading up the enclosed, spiraling staircase toward his own private quarters.]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-30 05:45 pm (UTC)[ He will learn that art in due time, he thinks. He knows plenty of people here who might appreciate it, himself included. But that's a task for another day.
As they ascend the staircase, the fingers of his free hand brush against the gentle shape of the gift in his pocket, as if to confirm he hasn't lost it. ]
Do you celebrate any winter holidays back home? The kitchens of Rosalith Castle were similarly awash in the scent of baking this time of year. Not just breads, but cakes, tarts, biscuits...
no subject
Date: 2025-12-31 07:46 pm (UTC)[Even if Joshua is right. The bread does smell delicious. But even a freshly baked loaf of sourdough will not keep him from Joshua's presence.]
We do, in fact. The year turning over is particularly special to Renova. It is a form of rebirth, after all. It has become rather symbolic of the Phoenix.
[And though Luca has his opinions regarding the former Beast, he can enjoy the concept of the holiday, at least. He has shared many fond memories on those nights, after all. Besides, for all their devotion to the creature that had made Luca's life a living hell, the ideals they had formed in its image were worthwhile.]
I admit, though, that this year I was rather distracted by the other festivities, and handed out my gifts a bit early. [He pauses, then smiles.] Your own celebrations sound like they were wonderful. Would you like to tell me more?
no subject
Date: 2025-12-31 09:50 pm (UTC)[ It's a bit cheeky, perhaps, and said with a soft and fond laugh, but it's the truth. He would flatter Luca to the end of the world and back if it made him happy. ]
Ah, not too different from our spring ceremony, then. Outside of when it is celebrated, of course.
[ He still remembers lighting the pyre on those cool early spring evenings, sending off a selection of remaining autumnal crops in offering to ensure the next round comes in bountiful and healthy. It feels like a world away, now. ]
Ours was called the Starlight Celebration. It marked the darkest part of the year, where we would gather together with friends and family and light every candle and lantern to help the stars fend off the winter darkness, while enjoying the food that the growing season had brought us. With the blight setting in, later years were a bit more reserved, but I can still remember being scolded by my mother for sneaking a jelly tart from the kitchens. The bakers slipped me another one anyway.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-01 02:15 am (UTC)[He's been enjoying incorporating traditions from home into their lives here. So why not bring some of Joshua's along with? He continues to toy with the thought as he draws level with the uppermost floor. The door is held open for Joshua with a bit of a comical flourish.]
So a bit like a harvest festival as well? We celebrated ours at the end of the Wine harvest, typically. [He trots into the room after Joshua, then settles on the edge of the bed, as usual. He should have a couch brought up here or something.]
Still... it sounds like a delightful time, your mother notwithstanding.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-04 04:16 am (UTC)[ With the door held open for him, Joshua proceeds within, hovering inside until Luca takes his seat on the edge of the bed. Only then does he move, taking his seat beside him. ]
It was something like that, in a way. We had our own harvest festival at the end of the growing season, of course, but this was more of... hm. A celebration to warm the hearts and celebrate the longer days that lie ahead. Our winter days are much shorter in comparison to summer days.
[ Similar to here, he's noticed. ]
Our traditions also included gift-giving. And while you have given me a gift already, my own gift to you is admittedly a bit late. My apologies. But I seek to remedy that tonight, hence my request for privacy.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-04 05:04 am (UTC)[He's had to swallow that truth given recent events, after all. As long as they can map roughly by seasons, maybe it will be okay. When the leaves start to sprout, they can celebrate this holiday. When they start to fall, he'll mourn his own.]
Mm, that makes sense. A way to celebrate having made it through the long nights. [He bobs his head once, then pauses, biting back a smile.] I should have known this was leading up to something.
... You do know I did not give my gift with the expectation of receiving anything in turn, yes?
no subject
Date: 2026-01-04 05:16 am (UTC)My mind is more oft than not stirring through plans for something. But no, I am well aware that a gift does not demand one in return. I intended to give you this gift regardless.
[ Shifting, he slips his hand into his pocket. When it emerges, it holds a small leather satchel drawstring pulled tight to keep it closed. He holds it out for Luca to take, if he wishes to. ]
I needed the time to decide on the perfect option, and I may have become a bit lost in the weeds, hence the delay. But I do hope you like it.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-05 02:42 am (UTC)You are incredible kind. More than that - [Luca finds his throat tightening with unspoken emotion.] It is lovely.
[He holds the leather cord back out to Joshua, motioning to himself with his free hand.]
Will you help me put it on?
no subject
Date: 2026-01-08 12:43 am (UTC)Of course. It would be my honor.
[ He takes the cord, shifting his sitting position so he can properly reach both hands around behind Luca's neck, resting the cord gently against the nape. From there, he pulls his hands forward, situating the feather directly in the center of his chest. ]
It will protect you with one of my barriers, even if I am nowhere around. It is a way to ensure no harm befalls you if I am unable to protect you myself.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-08 12:56 am (UTC)Not something you will have to worry about overmuch, I am sure. [They both know that isn't true. Even if they spent all of their efforts ensuring they were never separated, the forest would surely find a way.] But it will be good to have, nonetheless.
Thank you, Joshua.
[Don't mind, Luca. He is absolutely leaning in for a kiss.]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-08 01:09 am (UTC)I am glad that it pleases you. I would give all of my feathers to you if it would keep you safe.
[ But Luca means to take a kiss, and Joshua is all too happy to give it. With one hand still positioned well for it, he lets his fingers slide into Luca's hair as he leans in to meet those lips. On his end, he keeps it warm and chaste - it all depends on what Luca wants. ]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-08 05:21 am (UTC)Perhaps not all? I do also happen to like them on you, you see.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-08 06:49 pm (UTC)I will keep some, then. For you. Though, the feeling is mutual - you look rather dashing with the splash of color at your throat.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-08 08:32 pm (UTC)More than the usual splash, you mean? [His own feathers ruffle faintly.] I agree, though. It is nice to have your mark to wear so proudly.
[An affiliation with a Phoenix he doesn't loathe. What more could he want?]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-08 09:16 pm (UTC)[ But adding his own color there makes it better, too. A little bit of his blue-green added in to the shared fiery tones. Joshua closes his eyes, letting the tip of his nose bump up against the tip of Luca's. ]
It is just as much an honor for me to wear yours.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-09 05:32 am (UTC)Luca sighs, chasing after Joshua for yet another kiss.]
No matter what happens, I will always be with you. Just as you are with me.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-10 02:58 am (UTC)I daresay it will be difficult to part us now. Especially with our individual protections on each other.
[ What was that about "birds of a feather"...? It certainly applies to them, in multiple ways. ]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-10 03:08 am (UTC)[He won't let anyone else slip through his fingers, or at least that's what he tells himself. Sure, they both know it to be a naive hope — Suri could take whomsoever he wished without batting an eye. But they could at least pretend.]
But... we need not focus on that, right?
[Luca can't help himself. Adorned with Joshua's favor, and knowing that he wore Luca's in kind, it makes him feel warm, full, and in desperate need of at least a slightly closer embrace, at the very least. He shifts to perch upon his lap, facing him as he slides his arms properly around those shoulders.]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-10 03:29 am (UTC)... no. We needn't focus on it.
[ Luca seems like he wants to focus on something else, anyway. Joshua is all too happy to tip forward into that embrace, letting their foreheads rest together as his eyes slip closed. He could get very used to this. ]
What would you like to focus on instead?
no subject
Date: 2026-01-10 04:00 am (UTC)Well - let us start with this. Is it... alright?
[If it is too much, too fast, he will back off. Truthfully, he didn't know his own trajectory, only that he wanted to be like this for the time being.
But he could find something else to want just as easily.]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-10 04:20 am (UTC)It is more than alright.
[ He enjoys the different means of closeness, to be honest. Joshua breathes in softly through his nose, soaking in Luca's warmth and scent in a brief and selfish indulgence. ]
As agreed upon before, if you decide you are comfortable with something, I am not opposed. Whatever you wish, I will gladly comply.
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