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?"
He pauses for a moment, studying David's face. Then he nods. Because now he's going to wonder. Besides, he's doing this for the facial expressions. Mostly.
"It was silly," he admits after a moment. "The second time you took me to the tavern to eat, and you chose to sit down with me rather than talking to some familiar people there. You just... you paid attention to me, this mess that had walked into your life."
David absolutely gets a look on his face that Balthier wanted to capture, but he's aware there's a warm, dreamy look on his own. That early, really? And for something that was entirely Balthier, not a performance. He laughs to remember his worry that he was either being overbearing or not supportive enough.
"I fail to see how that is silly." They've had the argument about his being a mess before, so Balthier won't sink into it today. But he does offer, "You know when it was for me? Another night we were out, and I'd introduced you to some people I knew. Someone made a slight at me, I don't remember what it was, but you shot it down. Threatened for the both of us to leave."
David laughs at the information of what it was for Balthier.
"You didn't need me to defend your honor, but I couldn't just stand there and take it. I refused to stand by and let someone talk like that about a friend."
"I know," he says. "Just like I couldn't let someone addled and far from home spend an evening alone."
He finishes the sketches he's making, warmed up enough that he's getting what he wants quickly. His body is stiff, and he's getting hungry; it's worth it though. He goes to sit beside David on the couch, handing him the drawing pad as he drapes an arm around him.
"Your labors." There are a few full body drawings, a few busts, and a few more of his face. All easier to do when he's already drawn him a hundred times, but easier too for being able to really look. It's very clear there's love in those depictions.
Balthier wraps his arms around his very naked boyfriend and pulls him close, kissing the side of his head as he flips through the drawings. Even with everything they've been through, this is still vulnerable, a part of him he hadn't entirely shared before.
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"An interesting question to ask of me, Balthier. Are you sure?"
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"I am."
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"I fail to see how that is silly." They've had the argument about his being a mess before, so Balthier won't sink into it today. But he does offer, "You know when it was for me? Another night we were out, and I'd introduced you to some people I knew. Someone made a slight at me, I don't remember what it was, but you shot it down. Threatened for the both of us to leave."
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"You didn't need me to defend your honor, but I couldn't just stand there and take it. I refused to stand by and let someone talk like that about a friend."
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He finishes the sketches he's making, warmed up enough that he's getting what he wants quickly. His body is stiff, and he's getting hungry; it's worth it though. He goes to sit beside David on the couch, handing him the drawing pad as he drapes an arm around him.
"Your labors." There are a few full body drawings, a few busts, and a few more of his face. All easier to do when he's already drawn him a hundred times, but easier too for being able to really look. It's very clear there's love in those depictions.
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"You make me look as beautiful as your words often make me feel. For this I thank you."
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"Just giving you the truth, love."
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Gonna wrap this one
It's been a good day.
It's been a good year, all things considered. What a magical thing, the promise of more days like this.
roger, ftb here I think.
"Now, let's see if we can get something other than your eyes on me."