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[ Both listening is the part that has him so confused, even if he's finding himself deeply relieved to have read this very very wrong.
The use of his pet name -- of endearment, affection, pleasure despite him being a mess and behaving poorly some other time -- eases his fear further and again when Reyes touches his face, then presses their foreheads together. He's not certain he deserves this, but maybe this conversation is past keeping a ledger of who did what and to what end. Maybe he forgets to leave that at work sometimes; this is something entirely different than piracy, entirely different than anything else he's ever done.
He sighs, sliding his hand further up Reyes's thigh, gripping more tightly to assure he's no longer thinking about bolting, that the last thing he wants between them is distance.
That's why he was upset, after all. ]
We do both have our enemies. Don't think I haven't spent a good deal of hours and energy considering what danger I am to you and how to mitigate it. Watching you nearly die in arms once was enough, thank you. [ He's honestly touched that this is coming from a place of...of fear of loss, of him. But that doesn't mean it isn't condescending in some way, that it doesn't leave him feeling like he's being told off for being himself within the unfair constraints given. ]
We are both dating dangerous men, hmm? [ Because they are. Dating. ] That isn't going to change, and I'll be damned if I'm going to lose you -- or leave you, mortally or otherwise. So have a conversation with me. Let me know what I'm up against, or what I'm avoiding, instead of leaving me to bang around in the dark and cross some line I didn't know about and feel set up to fail.
I'm a good listener, Reyes. But I can't hear what's never been said to me. [ That leaves him to try to fill in the gaps. And clearly he hasn't done so correctly. ]
The use of his pet name -- of endearment, affection, pleasure despite him being a mess and behaving poorly some other time -- eases his fear further and again when Reyes touches his face, then presses their foreheads together. He's not certain he deserves this, but maybe this conversation is past keeping a ledger of who did what and to what end. Maybe he forgets to leave that at work sometimes; this is something entirely different than piracy, entirely different than anything else he's ever done.
He sighs, sliding his hand further up Reyes's thigh, gripping more tightly to assure he's no longer thinking about bolting, that the last thing he wants between them is distance.
That's why he was upset, after all. ]
We do both have our enemies. Don't think I haven't spent a good deal of hours and energy considering what danger I am to you and how to mitigate it. Watching you nearly die in arms once was enough, thank you. [ He's honestly touched that this is coming from a place of...of fear of loss, of him. But that doesn't mean it isn't condescending in some way, that it doesn't leave him feeling like he's being told off for being himself within the unfair constraints given. ]
We are both dating dangerous men, hmm? [ Because they are. Dating. ] That isn't going to change, and I'll be damned if I'm going to lose you -- or leave you, mortally or otherwise. So have a conversation with me. Let me know what I'm up against, or what I'm avoiding, instead of leaving me to bang around in the dark and cross some line I didn't know about and feel set up to fail.
I'm a good listener, Reyes. But I can't hear what's never been said to me. [ That leaves him to try to fill in the gaps. And clearly he hasn't done so correctly. ]
"Or perhaps they were more professional than you, my dear."
Still, he's pleased that Balthier is enjoying himself, and lets his own eyes drift closed for a moment.
"I don't think I'd ever let anyone else draw me like this."
Still, he's pleased that Balthier is enjoying himself, and lets his own eyes drift closed for a moment.
"I don't think I'd ever let anyone else draw me like this."
"I am a professional scoundrel and you wouldn't have it any other way," he says. Nevermind the years of lessons, or that he's probably been around more artists than most of Ivalice.
He smiles to himself as David's eyes close, at the admission. "Good. I'd be terribly jealous if you were posing nude for some other dashing sky pirate."
He smiles to himself as David's eyes close, at the admission. "Good. I'd be terribly jealous if you were posing nude for some other dashing sky pirate."
"You're a professional scoundrel that makes my heart sing," David counters.
Though he laughs at the very idea of them being dashing sky pirates being after him.
"There's only you for me."
Though he laughs at the very idea of them being dashing sky pirates being after him.
"There's only you for me."
Maybe if we're lucky we'll cancel each other out?
[It's a gentle tease, trying for a bit of normalcy. Wouldn't it be nice though if their lives of danger overlapped and negated one another? Would make all of this worrying easier.
But Balthier is right, it's not fair of Reyes to expect him to understand and follow rules when he's missing half the rulebook.]
Sometimes the darkness has its uses, but you're right... not like this.
[God but he wants to kiss him so badly now, but things are probably still a little too tense for that. He sits back, but is still close, fingers lightly brushing along Balthier's ear, toying with the earrings that adorn it.]
I've no doubt you've heard of the Outcasts and the name Sloane tossed around while on Kadara. Before you took flight to the stars they ruled Kadara Port, that is until the Charlatan killed Sloane and her vermin scattered. Needless to say we've had some problems squashing the rest of the Outcasts and there are others with their views too. Detractors to those who work with the Initiative. The people the Pathfinder works for, Ryder works for.
[Scott Ryder, the human Pathfinder for the Initiative. The people that those from the Milky Way galaxy came with to the Andromeda galaxy, looking for new worlds, new chances at life. Ryder with his crew had been working tirelessly to make multiple planets livable so they could set up outposts that would one day grow to be proper cities and civilizations. It was still very much a work in progress every where, Kadara was no different.]
There are people who would do anything to get to the Charlatan, to me, for... revenge, to take back Kadara as some sort of middle finger to the Initiative, but they don't have the numbers to take Kadara by force. So they're looking for any one they can get to who could possibly know, even just an inkling of the Charlatan's true identity.
[Reyes shifts to lean back against the couch, hand resting on Balthier's arm with a squeeze. Any distance between them right now still needs that reassurance he feels.]
It's all very dramatic, but dangerous. Keema is all but trapped in Kadara Port under constant guard as she's the obvious direct connection to me. Not that I think she would ever give me away, but... I'd rather her not get hurt because of me, nor do I want that for you. [He sighs, heavy, tired, but not at Balthier.] Any trade that the Charlatan would set up with Ivalice would be seen as gain for the Initiative, more reason for my enemies to snatch up whatever and whoever they can.
[It's a gentle tease, trying for a bit of normalcy. Wouldn't it be nice though if their lives of danger overlapped and negated one another? Would make all of this worrying easier.
But Balthier is right, it's not fair of Reyes to expect him to understand and follow rules when he's missing half the rulebook.]
Sometimes the darkness has its uses, but you're right... not like this.
[God but he wants to kiss him so badly now, but things are probably still a little too tense for that. He sits back, but is still close, fingers lightly brushing along Balthier's ear, toying with the earrings that adorn it.]
I've no doubt you've heard of the Outcasts and the name Sloane tossed around while on Kadara. Before you took flight to the stars they ruled Kadara Port, that is until the Charlatan killed Sloane and her vermin scattered. Needless to say we've had some problems squashing the rest of the Outcasts and there are others with their views too. Detractors to those who work with the Initiative. The people the Pathfinder works for, Ryder works for.
[Scott Ryder, the human Pathfinder for the Initiative. The people that those from the Milky Way galaxy came with to the Andromeda galaxy, looking for new worlds, new chances at life. Ryder with his crew had been working tirelessly to make multiple planets livable so they could set up outposts that would one day grow to be proper cities and civilizations. It was still very much a work in progress every where, Kadara was no different.]
There are people who would do anything to get to the Charlatan, to me, for... revenge, to take back Kadara as some sort of middle finger to the Initiative, but they don't have the numbers to take Kadara by force. So they're looking for any one they can get to who could possibly know, even just an inkling of the Charlatan's true identity.
[Reyes shifts to lean back against the couch, hand resting on Balthier's arm with a squeeze. Any distance between them right now still needs that reassurance he feels.]
It's all very dramatic, but dangerous. Keema is all but trapped in Kadara Port under constant guard as she's the obvious direct connection to me. Not that I think she would ever give me away, but... I'd rather her not get hurt because of me, nor do I want that for you. [He sighs, heavy, tired, but not at Balthier.] Any trade that the Charlatan would set up with Ivalice would be seen as gain for the Initiative, more reason for my enemies to snatch up whatever and whoever they can.
Balthier very much knows that, but he still likes hearing it, and he grins at David over his pad.
He keeps at this pose a little longer, but satisfied he has enough down to come back to it later, he goes to a new sheet. "Alright. I want you to just arrange yourself comfortably. I can get you a blanket if you like."
He waits for David to do so; posed images are lovely, but he really wants to get a sense of the way David holds himself, the intimacy of the two of them just being together. Plus he can do a much slower drawing this way.
He keeps at this pose a little longer, but satisfied he has enough down to come back to it later, he goes to a new sheet. "Alright. I want you to just arrange yourself comfortably. I can get you a blanket if you like."
He waits for David to do so; posed images are lovely, but he really wants to get a sense of the way David holds himself, the intimacy of the two of them just being together. Plus he can do a much slower drawing this way.
Arranging himself. That's nice. David groans in relief as he moves, instead moving to lay across the couch, mostly flat on it, as if he was going to read a book.
"I could use another blanket instead. And my book?"
"I could use another blanket instead. And my book?"
[ Oh.
He wasn't expecting--
He's equally frozen by the gentle touch at his ear, the quiet intimacy of the way Reyes likes to fiddle with his jewelry when they talk, and the words tumbling out of him. Even when he sits back, his hand lingers.
Balthier's brow knits as Reyes speaks. Is...is Reyes afraid of losing him? ]
I've had a price on my head since I was 16. I've been hunted and caught by more angry pirates than I can count. The most powerful military in the world was after me by thirty. I know how this works.
[ His hand comes up to clasp the one at his arm. ] But I'm not used to my missteps effecting someone else. [ He and Fran were so inseparable that it was different. That and they made their decisions regarding risk together. ]
I ran this person entirely through Keema. I don't think there's an issue with it sounding like I knew anything more, and I have political reason in Ivalice to want this particular pirate to get the deal. I --
[ How much has he told Reyes, really? He sighs at himself. ]
You know I killed a god. I also killed my father, to prevent more genocide, and the prevent the Empire from crushing more countries under its boot. We won, barely. That lost princess is a queen now. Another of my contacts is the king of the former empire. Scions, Reyes, they both want me there, as an advisor, as a head of intelligence, as a...a piece of all this.
I left when I was a teen to avoid all that. It doesn't matter how far I run, I always get pulled back in. Hells I ran to the other end of the stars and they're still pulling me back.
[ He's talking partly to cover that he's still thinking through Reyes's words, through being let in and the ways this fills and corrects gaps in his model of things. And partly to try to offer some understanding of why this is all hit so hard today. ]
Perhaps the best foot forward is for me to be seeking out the Charlatan. If I am too emphatic I don't know them, it could be suspicious, and claiming that I do as a sort of bravado invites someone taking me at my word.
And -- maybe we need to give each other some primers on the whose who of our worlds.
[ It's his turn to slip a hand against Reyes's cheek. It's hesitant, and some part of him is still worried it isn't welcome, that he's broken something. At least he's always been good at putting on the face he wants, not the face he feels. ]
We're going to have to find a way to make this work.
He wasn't expecting--
He's equally frozen by the gentle touch at his ear, the quiet intimacy of the way Reyes likes to fiddle with his jewelry when they talk, and the words tumbling out of him. Even when he sits back, his hand lingers.
Balthier's brow knits as Reyes speaks. Is...is Reyes afraid of losing him? ]
I've had a price on my head since I was 16. I've been hunted and caught by more angry pirates than I can count. The most powerful military in the world was after me by thirty. I know how this works.
[ His hand comes up to clasp the one at his arm. ] But I'm not used to my missteps effecting someone else. [ He and Fran were so inseparable that it was different. That and they made their decisions regarding risk together. ]
I ran this person entirely through Keema. I don't think there's an issue with it sounding like I knew anything more, and I have political reason in Ivalice to want this particular pirate to get the deal. I --
[ How much has he told Reyes, really? He sighs at himself. ]
You know I killed a god. I also killed my father, to prevent more genocide, and the prevent the Empire from crushing more countries under its boot. We won, barely. That lost princess is a queen now. Another of my contacts is the king of the former empire. Scions, Reyes, they both want me there, as an advisor, as a head of intelligence, as a...a piece of all this.
I left when I was a teen to avoid all that. It doesn't matter how far I run, I always get pulled back in. Hells I ran to the other end of the stars and they're still pulling me back.
[ He's talking partly to cover that he's still thinking through Reyes's words, through being let in and the ways this fills and corrects gaps in his model of things. And partly to try to offer some understanding of why this is all hit so hard today. ]
Perhaps the best foot forward is for me to be seeking out the Charlatan. If I am too emphatic I don't know them, it could be suspicious, and claiming that I do as a sort of bravado invites someone taking me at my word.
And -- maybe we need to give each other some primers on the whose who of our worlds.
[ It's his turn to slip a hand against Reyes's cheek. It's hesitant, and some part of him is still worried it isn't welcome, that he's broken something. At least he's always been good at putting on the face he wants, not the face he feels. ]
We're going to have to find a way to make this work.
Balthier chuckles at David's groan. "I fear you didn't take me to heart when I said you could move if you became uncomfortable." Also why he wasn't going to push things until David said to stop. He's noticed his beloved has a tendency to forgo his own comfort if Balthier's needs -- or pleasure -- are on the table.
He rises to get a blanket, and a proper pillow. "We're losing the light, so I'll shut the door. If you want this over you, let me arrange it." He leans down to kiss David's head, then his neck, because what is he if not a menace. He doesn't really give David time to react before he goes to retrieve his book, too. Reading is about the most David thing he could do. Perfect.
He rises to get a blanket, and a proper pillow. "We're losing the light, so I'll shut the door. If you want this over you, let me arrange it." He leans down to kiss David's head, then his neck, because what is he if not a menace. He doesn't really give David time to react before he goes to retrieve his book, too. Reading is about the most David thing he could do. Perfect.
"I did not. I feel more the fool for it now," David laughed.
Still, the offer of a blanket has him smiling and nodding.
"That sounds like a very good idea, dear. Please."
Still, the offer of a blanket has him smiling and nodding.
"That sounds like a very good idea, dear. Please."
Balthier comes back with his book and tucks the blanket around him so the draping will be pretty. It's a good thick blanket that holds its folds well, and there's something deeply tender about tucking David in like this.
"I'm leaving your chest bare so I can draw you," Balthier informs him, "But this time, really, if you're uncomfortable please shift. I'm going to be slower."
"I'm leaving your chest bare so I can draw you," Balthier informs him, "But this time, really, if you're uncomfortable please shift. I'm going to be slower."
"You just like my muscles," David hummed happily as he took the book and opened it to his page. "And you know I'm not uncomfortable. I love reading. Though a cup of tea to sip would be suited."
"Guilty." The thing is, Balthier's not even that preoccupied with bodies, but he adores David's because he adores David. And he loves knowing all the ways David uses those muscles, the way he moves in combat or at home.
And then he laughs. "You're enjoying this." The attention, being doted on.
And then he laughs. "You're enjoying this." The attention, being doted on.
[What he's starting to realize is for all they know the real 'them' behind their facades, there's still so much they haven't told one another. For better or worse. Here now though they've cut themselves open and are bleeding out to one another, figuratively of course.
There it is again, Balthier says he killed his own father, but this time there's a little more to it. God he can't imagine having that put on his shoulders. Killing family or letting people die. He can see now how the sky pirate could be insulted or hurt that he doesn't think he can handle some scoundrels wanting to kidnap or hurt him over the identity or one man. Not that it was ever that for Reyes. Balthier was very capable, even without his magicks, but it didn't stop him from being concerned.
It didn't make him feel any better knowing he was putting him in danger. That's what it was after all. Existing in his orbit was a danger and that was something he'd dragged Balthier into from the very start. It's best to let Balthier get it all out, he doesn't want to talk over him anyway. His head tilts into the hand at his cheek and he'll sigh softly, nodding.]
I'll put together dossiers on groups and people you should be knowledgeable about.
[His hand moves to lightly rest over Balthier's, face turning so he can press a kiss into his palm. His touch is always welcome, he wants him here, nothing has changed. Well. Things have changed, but not in that regard.]
This must all seem childish compared to your life, I guess you really weren't making it up when you said you were the leading man, mi amor.
[Reyes doesn't even realize he's slipped in the term of endearment, holding Balthier's hand in his lap.]
... I'm sorry, about your father, that can't have been an easy decision. [His fingers lightly brush over the sky pirate's hand, gentle, careful. There's hesitation in his words as he speaks again.] I-- can't say I like your idea, but you might be right. Either way you're putting yourself in danger. The Charlatan. Reyes Vidal. Your own wild life as the leading man.
[There's a lot he has to consider now. Not just in regard to Balthier.]
Maybe I shouldn't hide anymore. Either way people I care about, those who work for me, they're in danger, hiding behind titles and in shadows only complicates that. Not in a good way.
There it is again, Balthier says he killed his own father, but this time there's a little more to it. God he can't imagine having that put on his shoulders. Killing family or letting people die. He can see now how the sky pirate could be insulted or hurt that he doesn't think he can handle some scoundrels wanting to kidnap or hurt him over the identity or one man. Not that it was ever that for Reyes. Balthier was very capable, even without his magicks, but it didn't stop him from being concerned.
It didn't make him feel any better knowing he was putting him in danger. That's what it was after all. Existing in his orbit was a danger and that was something he'd dragged Balthier into from the very start. It's best to let Balthier get it all out, he doesn't want to talk over him anyway. His head tilts into the hand at his cheek and he'll sigh softly, nodding.]
I'll put together dossiers on groups and people you should be knowledgeable about.
[His hand moves to lightly rest over Balthier's, face turning so he can press a kiss into his palm. His touch is always welcome, he wants him here, nothing has changed. Well. Things have changed, but not in that regard.]
This must all seem childish compared to your life, I guess you really weren't making it up when you said you were the leading man, mi amor.
[Reyes doesn't even realize he's slipped in the term of endearment, holding Balthier's hand in his lap.]
... I'm sorry, about your father, that can't have been an easy decision. [His fingers lightly brush over the sky pirate's hand, gentle, careful. There's hesitation in his words as he speaks again.] I-- can't say I like your idea, but you might be right. Either way you're putting yourself in danger. The Charlatan. Reyes Vidal. Your own wild life as the leading man.
[There's a lot he has to consider now. Not just in regard to Balthier.]
Maybe I shouldn't hide anymore. Either way people I care about, those who work for me, they're in danger, hiding behind titles and in shadows only complicates that. Not in a good way.
[ When this started, Balthier had thought their private lives, their pasts and their current work alike, didn't matter between them. They saw the real pieces of each other, and both respected that distance. But he's starting to suspect it can't work like that. Their real lives keep going, and the deeper they become entangled, the more those omissions feel like wounds.
Right now, though, his chest pulls tight. He hasn't let himself dwell on images of a future, convincing himself that Reyes not returning his confession of love was a line in the sand. Not that it's done anything to keep him away; no, it's only made him conscious of wanting a thing he likely can't have, and he's old hat at that.
Now, though, with Reyes spilling his thoughts like this, kissing Balthier's palm and clinging to him like he'll drift away, he's wondering if he hasn't been a complete fool. Reyes, who has never said an unkind thing about him, who always has time for him, who looks at him like he's something precious. Reyes, who doesn't like to say anything directly. ]
I rarely make things up about my life; it's unbelievable enough on it's own. But the teeth of a dog are as real as the teeth of a wyrm. Both can kill. [ He doesn't recognize the words Reyes says, from his mother tongue by the way the sounds fit snugly with his accent, but he recognizes a term of endearment, some kind of claim on his heart. He squeezes Reyes's hand, and shifts so their legs are touching, because that seems important. ] I am not insinuating either of us is more or less than the other; that is my point. We are both plenty steeped in danger on our own. Let us at least enjoy the benefits of being together, then.
[ His mouth goes dry at the next part, I'm sorry about your father. He swallows but it doesn't help. Fran's the only person he's really talked to about it; he often brushes that incident off as triumphant pirate drama, but -- it hurts to hear it, the good sort of hurt. Permission for it to hurt. Followed by you might be right and maybe I shouldn't hide anymore.
He shifts again, half in Reyes's lap so he can press their foreheads together, clasp the back of Reyes's head in his hand. ]
You don't need to make any life altering decisions tonight, but I'll support you in what you choose. They both have their benefits, secrecy and being in the open.
Right now, though, his chest pulls tight. He hasn't let himself dwell on images of a future, convincing himself that Reyes not returning his confession of love was a line in the sand. Not that it's done anything to keep him away; no, it's only made him conscious of wanting a thing he likely can't have, and he's old hat at that.
Now, though, with Reyes spilling his thoughts like this, kissing Balthier's palm and clinging to him like he'll drift away, he's wondering if he hasn't been a complete fool. Reyes, who has never said an unkind thing about him, who always has time for him, who looks at him like he's something precious. Reyes, who doesn't like to say anything directly. ]
I rarely make things up about my life; it's unbelievable enough on it's own. But the teeth of a dog are as real as the teeth of a wyrm. Both can kill. [ He doesn't recognize the words Reyes says, from his mother tongue by the way the sounds fit snugly with his accent, but he recognizes a term of endearment, some kind of claim on his heart. He squeezes Reyes's hand, and shifts so their legs are touching, because that seems important. ] I am not insinuating either of us is more or less than the other; that is my point. We are both plenty steeped in danger on our own. Let us at least enjoy the benefits of being together, then.
[ His mouth goes dry at the next part, I'm sorry about your father. He swallows but it doesn't help. Fran's the only person he's really talked to about it; he often brushes that incident off as triumphant pirate drama, but -- it hurts to hear it, the good sort of hurt. Permission for it to hurt. Followed by you might be right and maybe I shouldn't hide anymore.
He shifts again, half in Reyes's lap so he can press their foreheads together, clasp the back of Reyes's head in his hand. ]
You don't need to make any life altering decisions tonight, but I'll support you in what you choose. They both have their benefits, secrecy and being in the open.
[At first their separate lives had worked well, but now... the closer they get the more entangled they become and it's no longer just good clean fun and flirting around.
But Balthier is worth this. Balthier is worth changing for, even if that change isn't that significant in the scheme of things. It's not even that he's changing because of any push or shove from Balthier's side of things, but because he wants to be a better man.
The better man Ryder saw him in, the man that Balthier sees in him too. Maybe he's already that, but sometimes he's not sure who or what he is. He's been a lot of things since coming to Andromeda, especially to Kadara... perhaps taking all those faces and masks and putting them into one would be the best thing.]
You could tell me you were a god yourself and I might believe, you know.
[It feels good when Balthier makes another point of connection between them, more reassurance for the both of them. Finally it feels like he can breathe a little easier, like there's a light at the end of whatever tunnel they'd been in. A small smile tugs at the corners of his lips, head nodding.]
All I can ask of you is to be patient with me. I'm a foolish man, Balthier. Add it to the list, right? Greedy, selfish and foolish, not sure why you put up with my nonsense.
[He's mostly joking, but a part of him does wonder sometimes.]
Promise I won't make any decisions irrationally, I have to talk with Keema about this. You'll be the second to know when I've made a decision.
[Because Keema will be the first, as his right hand woman.]
But Balthier is worth this. Balthier is worth changing for, even if that change isn't that significant in the scheme of things. It's not even that he's changing because of any push or shove from Balthier's side of things, but because he wants to be a better man.
The better man Ryder saw him in, the man that Balthier sees in him too. Maybe he's already that, but sometimes he's not sure who or what he is. He's been a lot of things since coming to Andromeda, especially to Kadara... perhaps taking all those faces and masks and putting them into one would be the best thing.]
You could tell me you were a god yourself and I might believe, you know.
[It feels good when Balthier makes another point of connection between them, more reassurance for the both of them. Finally it feels like he can breathe a little easier, like there's a light at the end of whatever tunnel they'd been in. A small smile tugs at the corners of his lips, head nodding.]
All I can ask of you is to be patient with me. I'm a foolish man, Balthier. Add it to the list, right? Greedy, selfish and foolish, not sure why you put up with my nonsense.
[He's mostly joking, but a part of him does wonder sometimes.]
Promise I won't make any decisions irrationally, I have to talk with Keema about this. You'll be the second to know when I've made a decision.
[Because Keema will be the first, as his right hand woman.]
[ He knows all about having a right hand woman who is privy to every decision, first. Likes that that's something Reyes understands, honestly.
And the rest of it, well, he's starting to reach disbelief saturation. It may be a good thing he doesn't know Reyes is feeling moved to change if not for him, in relation to him. What he does know is this man makes him feel somehow simultaneously out of his depth, utterly off balanced, and entirely rooted. Home.
Reyes's plea, gentle and playful as it is, pulls a kiss from him, quick, apology and forgiveness. There's a real benefit to not having to belabor everything with words. ]
Just how I like you. [ Because it's abundantly clear Balthier is those things too, and needs a good deal of patience, and it seems like they're both alright with that arrangement. He's thinking about addressing the end of that, or what the agreement to his request means to him, but there's a knock at the door.
He sits back, chuckling. ] I ordered us food. [ He goes to collect it -- some take out place they both like, something Reyes introduced him to, but when he comes to set it on the coffee table, he pauses at his bag, fishing out a small, pretty wooden box. He sits again, a little farther away but leg touching again, because he wants to see Reyes's face as he hands it to him. ]
Brought you something back.
[ Inside is a long glimmering green pendant on a thin chain, long enough it would sit entirely under most of Reyes's shirt necks. ]
It's a protect charm -- in Ivalice it would actually dull any physical damage toward your body. I've genuinely no idea if the spell will work away from the Mist, nor if it will work upon return, but what's romance if not symbolism and wishful thinking?
[ And maybe he worries about Reyes too, even if this is objectively not much in the way of actual protection. ]
And the rest of it, well, he's starting to reach disbelief saturation. It may be a good thing he doesn't know Reyes is feeling moved to change if not for him, in relation to him. What he does know is this man makes him feel somehow simultaneously out of his depth, utterly off balanced, and entirely rooted. Home.
Reyes's plea, gentle and playful as it is, pulls a kiss from him, quick, apology and forgiveness. There's a real benefit to not having to belabor everything with words. ]
Just how I like you. [ Because it's abundantly clear Balthier is those things too, and needs a good deal of patience, and it seems like they're both alright with that arrangement. He's thinking about addressing the end of that, or what the agreement to his request means to him, but there's a knock at the door.
He sits back, chuckling. ] I ordered us food. [ He goes to collect it -- some take out place they both like, something Reyes introduced him to, but when he comes to set it on the coffee table, he pauses at his bag, fishing out a small, pretty wooden box. He sits again, a little farther away but leg touching again, because he wants to see Reyes's face as he hands it to him. ]
Brought you something back.
[ Inside is a long glimmering green pendant on a thin chain, long enough it would sit entirely under most of Reyes's shirt necks. ]
It's a protect charm -- in Ivalice it would actually dull any physical damage toward your body. I've genuinely no idea if the spell will work away from the Mist, nor if it will work upon return, but what's romance if not symbolism and wishful thinking?
[ And maybe he worries about Reyes too, even if this is objectively not much in the way of actual protection. ]
"I'm not used to this much attention, so yes, I am loving this."
That makes Balthier grin.
He'll draw for another hour or two, chatting with David periodically and also falling into long stretches where the other reads and Balthier falls deep into focus. Anything David needs, he's happy to get, giving them both a moment to stretch and an excuse for touch.
"ALright," he says after awhile. "Last set. Take the blanket off for me, sit up, and tell me when you realized you were in love with me." This grin is wicked, and he knows he isn't going to get through these without absolutely dying to touch David.
He'll draw for another hour or two, chatting with David periodically and also falling into long stretches where the other reads and Balthier falls deep into focus. Anything David needs, he's happy to get, giving them both a moment to stretch and an excuse for touch.
"ALright," he says after awhile. "Last set. Take the blanket off for me, sit up, and tell me when you realized you were in love with me." This grin is wicked, and he knows he isn't going to get through these without absolutely dying to touch David.
[He'd thought they'd both understood each other a lot more because of their more shady lifestyle, but it seemed like only some of that was true. At least now they're learning they can come to one another with these things and talk them out. As rocky as that might be.
They'd come out the other side still together, as thick as thieves. The kiss Balthier pecks him with is not long enough, not after everything and he follows after the pirate when he pulls back wanting more. Before he can pull Balthier back in they're interrupted, but his hand still loosely manages to reach for the sky pirate's wrist, lamely letting him go at the mention of food.
Oh. Yeah, no. Food sounded great actually. His stomach agrees, grumbling at the mention of sustenance.]
This doesn't look like food.
[Reyes teases lightly when Balthier returns with a little box. Oh, the little box is for him. He takes it gently, brows pinching slightly looking at it then up at the pirate. There's no point in asking what it is, he can open and see, which he does and Balthier is happy to provide any answers he might have as his fingers gingerly pluck the long charm up.
A protection charm?
Balthier is still talking and while he hears his words, he can't stop looking at the charm in his palm now, a soft smirk on his face.]
It will be a piece of you next to my heart.
[And having Balthier with him all the time in some sort of way was better than any spell or magick he could ever ask for. Maybe not in terms of protecting him, but shh, let him be a sappy romantic. Putting the pendant on, the thin chain around his neck, he'll smile up at Balthier now and reaches for him.]
Come here-
[There may be food waiting for them, but he wants more of his sky pirate. The kiss is demanding, but quickly softens as Reyes steals one kiss after another. Cupping Balthier's face, he'll then nuzzle in against his ear, murmuring.]
Dreadfully romantic of you, mi amor.
[And this time it's not said as a slip of the tongue. Balthier may not know what it means, but he means it all the same.]
They'd come out the other side still together, as thick as thieves. The kiss Balthier pecks him with is not long enough, not after everything and he follows after the pirate when he pulls back wanting more. Before he can pull Balthier back in they're interrupted, but his hand still loosely manages to reach for the sky pirate's wrist, lamely letting him go at the mention of food.
Oh. Yeah, no. Food sounded great actually. His stomach agrees, grumbling at the mention of sustenance.]
This doesn't look like food.
[Reyes teases lightly when Balthier returns with a little box. Oh, the little box is for him. He takes it gently, brows pinching slightly looking at it then up at the pirate. There's no point in asking what it is, he can open and see, which he does and Balthier is happy to provide any answers he might have as his fingers gingerly pluck the long charm up.
A protection charm?
Balthier is still talking and while he hears his words, he can't stop looking at the charm in his palm now, a soft smirk on his face.]
It will be a piece of you next to my heart.
[And having Balthier with him all the time in some sort of way was better than any spell or magick he could ever ask for. Maybe not in terms of protecting him, but shh, let him be a sappy romantic. Putting the pendant on, the thin chain around his neck, he'll smile up at Balthier now and reaches for him.]
Come here-
[There may be food waiting for them, but he wants more of his sky pirate. The kiss is demanding, but quickly softens as Reyes steals one kiss after another. Cupping Balthier's face, he'll then nuzzle in against his ear, murmuring.]
Dreadfully romantic of you, mi amor.
[And this time it's not said as a slip of the tongue. Balthier may not know what it means, but he means it all the same.]
It takes a while, but David's happy to go through with it since he's still got his book to work through. But in the end, he's happy to take the advice from his partner, tugging the blanket aside.
"An interesting question to ask of me, Balthier. Are you sure?"
"An interesting question to ask of me, Balthier. Are you sure?"
[ The way Reyes follows after him, pulls for his lips and his wrist -- it's good for Balthier. He's been so worried that when his emotions eventually got the better of him, and they always do, all it could do was break this beautiful thing they have between them. But instead he feels like their roots have entrenched more deeply, entwined further together. A funny thing, a sky pirate wanting to take root.
He's back in a moment though, because he doesn't want to be away a moment longer than he has to. He missed Reyes, and he really thought for a few minutes -- it's past, now, and he's grinning a little too widely at Reyes's joke because he's just happy that's where they are again, and then Reyes's face changes and it will be a piece of you next to my heart. His grin is so wide even before Reyes's hand curls around him, lips taking his and he kisses back with all the fear and relief and love that's been bubbling inside him, arms sliding around Reyes's back and body shifting in close as kiss gives way to kiss and it's just so good to be here, to be okay, to -- to be okay in spite of things being rocky.
And when Reyes takes his face, nuzzles against him like that, he sighs, a shiver going through him followed by deep-seeded warmth. And here he'd been worried this was too sappy, too much like a lover's token.
Banish the thought, Balthier. This man likes you as you are. ]
You've said that one before; are you going to translate, or leave me guessing, my treasure. [ He doesn't use that one often, but it's very much on his mind right now. There is no one like Reyes; he's seen enough of the universe to feel confident in that. And he has no interest in letting the other farther from him than is strictly necessary for at least the rest of the night. And right now, admittedly, he wants to be crystal clear that Reyes is his, and cherished, and those things have not changed tonight. ]
He's back in a moment though, because he doesn't want to be away a moment longer than he has to. He missed Reyes, and he really thought for a few minutes -- it's past, now, and he's grinning a little too widely at Reyes's joke because he's just happy that's where they are again, and then Reyes's face changes and it will be a piece of you next to my heart. His grin is so wide even before Reyes's hand curls around him, lips taking his and he kisses back with all the fear and relief and love that's been bubbling inside him, arms sliding around Reyes's back and body shifting in close as kiss gives way to kiss and it's just so good to be here, to be okay, to -- to be okay in spite of things being rocky.
And when Reyes takes his face, nuzzles against him like that, he sighs, a shiver going through him followed by deep-seeded warmth. And here he'd been worried this was too sappy, too much like a lover's token.
Banish the thought, Balthier. This man likes you as you are. ]
You've said that one before; are you going to translate, or leave me guessing, my treasure. [ He doesn't use that one often, but it's very much on his mind right now. There is no one like Reyes; he's seen enough of the universe to feel confident in that. And he has no interest in letting the other farther from him than is strictly necessary for at least the rest of the night. And right now, admittedly, he wants to be crystal clear that Reyes is his, and cherished, and those things have not changed tonight. ]
[Too sappy? Never.
A lover's token... oh definitely. While Reyes has his own hang ups concerning his own baggage, this maybe untangles a little of that without either of them realizing.
And this stumble of there's was a good lesson for the both of them as well. That they could trip up, but after picking themselves up brush the dust off and keep going. Together. The way Balthier moves closer, his arms wrapped around him, there's so much relief in that. They're okay and they can get through these rough moments, still love one another.]
My love.
[Because he does love him. They're both such romantic saps with their pet names and terms of endearment, how can anyone stand being around them? He wants to do nothing than pull Balthier onto his lap, kiss him breathless and tell him he's his love over and over, but they really should get to that food... Reyes instead does neither, but keeps Balthier where he is, nudging his nose with his own playfully.]
It's Spanish, the language spoken where I was born on Earth.
A lover's token... oh definitely. While Reyes has his own hang ups concerning his own baggage, this maybe untangles a little of that without either of them realizing.
And this stumble of there's was a good lesson for the both of them as well. That they could trip up, but after picking themselves up brush the dust off and keep going. Together. The way Balthier moves closer, his arms wrapped around him, there's so much relief in that. They're okay and they can get through these rough moments, still love one another.]
My love.
[Because he does love him. They're both such romantic saps with their pet names and terms of endearment, how can anyone stand being around them? He wants to do nothing than pull Balthier onto his lap, kiss him breathless and tell him he's his love over and over, but they really should get to that food... Reyes instead does neither, but keeps Balthier where he is, nudging his nose with his own playfully.]
It's Spanish, the language spoken where I was born on Earth.
[ Balthier is figuring that out, and he's just going to get sappier as he does. Apologies to everyone who has to deal with them, except he's not remotely sorry; this is too rare and precious a thing for him to conceal it for the benefit of others. Also he's selfish. Pirate.
Right now none of that could be farther from his mind, though, because Reyes said the L word with no hesitation -- has said it three times, really -- and Reyes's eyes are so soft and his face is absolutely radiating with affection. Balthier chuckles as Reyes bats against him, nuzzling his nose right back. ]
Your mother tongue, then? Reyes, I'm flattered. [ Murmured, because they are so close.
And look, food is important, yes, but this idiot man just fixed weeks worth of what Balthier expects was undue worrying and genuine miscommunication. And frankly, he doesn't care about that, because however they got here, he's content. Elated, even.
His legs shift, more or less straddling Reyes as one hand curls around a fistful of cloth and shirt fabric, like he could hold his heart in his hand. Nosing against Reyes once more, he breaks their touch only to press their lips together, deep and slow. For once Balthier isn't thinking about anything else, isn't calculating and weighing options or trying to make the best decision. He has the man he loves -- then man who loves him, and Scions, what a fool, hasn't he know that awhile now? -- has him here, and they are okay, they are wonderful, and nothing else quite matters. ]
Right now none of that could be farther from his mind, though, because Reyes said the L word with no hesitation -- has said it three times, really -- and Reyes's eyes are so soft and his face is absolutely radiating with affection. Balthier chuckles as Reyes bats against him, nuzzling his nose right back. ]
Your mother tongue, then? Reyes, I'm flattered. [ Murmured, because they are so close.
And look, food is important, yes, but this idiot man just fixed weeks worth of what Balthier expects was undue worrying and genuine miscommunication. And frankly, he doesn't care about that, because however they got here, he's content. Elated, even.
His legs shift, more or less straddling Reyes as one hand curls around a fistful of cloth and shirt fabric, like he could hold his heart in his hand. Nosing against Reyes once more, he breaks their touch only to press their lips together, deep and slow. For once Balthier isn't thinking about anything else, isn't calculating and weighing options or trying to make the best decision. He has the man he loves -- then man who loves him, and Scions, what a fool, hasn't he know that awhile now? -- has him here, and they are okay, they are wonderful, and nothing else quite matters. ]
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