Open Post

[portolan]

Comments

[portolan]

"I want to draw you without having to hide what I'm doing," he chuckles. "If you're comfortable, of course. It will involve a lot of staring. I can offer back that I shall be terrible self-conscious when it's not going the way I want."

[helpdesk_hero]

Oh! David smiles. Of course he's going to have to allow this.

"Where do you want me? And how?"

[portolan]

Balthier laughs. He hadn't anticipated David being ready now but he's not complaining. He loves when David's enthusiasm grips him like this.

"Somewhere you're comfortable. You could go back to reading or just talk with me. I could put you in a pretty chair or on the sofa or the bed." He's still behind David so the other doesn't see his smirk, but he probably hears it. "Or you could let me do some proper figure study, document you in various states of undress. It's up to you, love. Model has to be comfortable."

[helpdesk_hero]

"You know that I'm comfortable with being bare before you. Please, just tell me what you want."

And he wants it, so much. To see what the man draws him like.

[portolan]

He didn't want to be pushy, not if David wasn't in the mood for something like that, but he's thrilled that David is, hears the wanting in his response. Well, maybe he doesn't regret waiting this long to tip his hand.

So Balthier tilts his face down close to David's ear, lowering his voice. "I want you naked on the couch pinned under my gaze, and I want to spend the hours it takes to make a good image inspecting every inch of you. And then when I'm done looking for the day, I'll come check the accuracy of my rendition against the feel of you in my hands."

[helpdesk_hero]

Oh jesus. David shivers, trying not to make a soft noise of wanting. Damn.

"You're getting back at me for that whole four hour worship sessions, aren't you?"

[portolan]

Getting David to make noises was half the fun; he was so good at restraining himself. Balthier feels that shiver though, and his body answers with a pang of warmth. Well.

"Getting back at you implies some level of complaint and I assure you, there were none." He'd like to be very clear on that, thank you. That day had been incredible and he'd been entirely wasted for two days after. And maybe, privately, he'd teared up at how utterly loved he felt.

"Returning the favor while attempting to dishevel you, well, what can I say. You fell in love with a menace." He disentangles from David only so they can move inside.

[helpdesk_hero]

"It is a propensity of mine," David agreed as he selected another snack to nibbled on as they head back in. "but I'm not on display for everyone, so make sure you position me in a place that means no one will look in."

That was what he needed.

[portolan]

Balthier’s possessive heart is thrilled that David, while so open and willing, wants to keep seeing him naked to Balthier only. What can he say, he’s weak for feeling special and chosen.

“Of course, my love. Here, take this for me.” He hands him the notebook and his pen so he can take the tea and snacks. Inside he’ll pull the gauzy inner layer of drapes over the patio doors, obscuring the outside view from the inside of the apartment. He wants the good light though.

[helpdesk_hero]

Of course he takes the items, and strides in himself to consider the room. The drapes earns a smile, because the concern is so immediately addressed. He appreciates that.

"Will this be bright enough?"

[portolan]

He sets the food and drink on the coffee table, freeing his hands to take David by the shoulders and press a kiss to his brow. “Plenty. But if it gets too chill tell me. Now, my love, your job is to disrobe and let me know if I can get you anything else before I limit you to that couch.”

It’s a good room for this, really. Lovely couch, good lighting, good clean background. He will depart briefly to go get a pitcher of water and refill the snacks.

[helpdesk_hero]

"Of course," he smiles, setting the things by Balthier's chair before starting to strip.

"This is where back home I'd joke 'paint me like one of your french girls'."

[portolan]

“What is French?”

He arranges the refreshments where David will be able to reach them then goes to select another notebook. It’s bigger, and more importantly, “I’ll keep these separate and not in the notebook I carry with me.” Because he does respect David’s privacy.

And then he’ll enjoy watching David strip the rest of the way, something he’s seen a thousand times now, but with the context changed and Balthier not joining him it’s suddenly tantalizing.

[helpdesk_hero]

"Larger? I'm being flattered here," he teases as he finishes stripping down. Bare as Balthier could want, and he moves to sit lightly on the couch.

"French is, well, it's like calling someone Arcadian. It's just a place people are from."

[portolan]

“Oh, did you catch on to that?” He teases right back.

“Alright I’m going to arrange you, and while I do, let me address a few common misconceptions. You’re welcome to eat and drink and shift naturally. The beauty of drawing is capturing an essence not a perfect likeness. If you stray too far I’ll correct you. If you’re uncomfortable, shift as needed.”

He’ll guide David to lie on his side, one arm propping up his head, elbow cushioned by a pillow, and then bending one leg to be up with the other outstretched. His hands linger more than they strictly need to, to tease and admire.

“You’re beautiful,” he murmurs.

[helpdesk_hero]

Oh wow, that's definitely interesting to hear Balthier talk about.

"Thank you, dear. I didn't like the idea of getting too stiff in one position."

It's easy to let himself be posed, but he's very intrigued by it all, if he's honest. The whole process feels nice, because he knows it will mean he's being appreciated.

"I love that you feel that."

[portolan]

Balthier grins, sliding a hand up David’s side and stealing a kiss. “The point is to spoil you not to torture you.” And he can see that glow already spreading, the one David gets when he feels doted on. The one that always makes Balthier feel weak.

[helpdesk_hero]

"Waiting and being watched isn't very much a spoiling thing."

Still he smiles and settles into position.

"You make me feel beautiful, dear."

[portolan]

“It is when I know you like the anticipation and attention,” he grins. “Besides, the outcomes will be worth it.” Because Balthier will be watching and waiting too.

He kisses David once more with a. Quiet “thank you.” He’s been wanting to do this for awhile. And then he goes to settle in, already warmed up. He starts blocking in. “Talk to me while i work,” he orders. Because he knows David likes that too.

[helpdesk_hero]

"Yes, you do know that very well," he groans, because that makes sense. He loves it. A lot.

"You're welcome," he says with a whisper. "I love it. And what do you want me to say? Or talk about?"

[portolan]

Balthier sees him so much. And is rewarded with David’s obvious pleasure.

He wants David relaxed and he wants that beaming expression the other gets.

“Tell me a good memory,” he says. And he won’t keep him in this pose too long because that arm will go to sleep.

[helpdesk_hero]

"A good memory, huh? I guess I could tell you about Jean-Paul taking me on to X-Factor. I don't know if I've told you so far."

It's very interesting to consider just what he has or hasn't spoken of before.

"You'd love him, actually."

Feel free to time skip telling; I’ll skip him through the drawing at some point

[portolan]

He’s heard pieces but he likes hearing about David’s past life. For him, it’s like legends and pirate stories except the star is the man he loves.

Also the look David gets is exactly what he wants.

“Tell me that one,” he says. “Why would he love me?”

[helpdesk_hero]

"Oh dear, that's a whole thing... So, Jean-Paul is an orphan, twice over, with a twin sister. He can fly and can probably move faster than life itself. And he is dramatic."

David smiles to himself, shaking his head.

"He's fought for freedom of our people, he argues with our own establishment, he's got a flair for the arts, but is at his core, a lot kinder than he seems on the outside. Even with the damage done to him in the past."

[portolan]

“Set you up to like me did he? I owe him then,” Balthier grins. His own expression is intense, moving between his paper and David. It’s an intimate thing, and he loves the way it makes lines and shapes he hasn’t noticed before stand out. He really is mapping his love.