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[portolan]

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for @tobesomeone

[portolan]

[ Reyes got busier than expected today -- that was fine. Balthier came by while the other worked to just be around or see to matters of his own often enough that he was used to Reyes's time being occupied. Honestly, the normalcy of it and the sense that they could keep on their separate lives in each others' vicinity was a good deal of the appeal. And maybe the affectionate looks and soft touches and stolen kisses between. It was a good spread, all told.

Balthier's preoccupied, besides. He and Fran have just returned from a trip to Ivalice -- probably another reason he just wants to be near to Reyes -- and both Ashe and Larsa have renewed their offers to make a position for him, some sort of interplanetary affairs piece. He doesn't want it. He doesn't want anything that ties him down or locks him in or forces him to play some part he hasn't agreed to.

But, Scions, they need it. He's about the only person with any experience on this side of the galaxy, who has any sense what the peoples out here want and expect, or what of Ivalice's could be valuable. He's trying. He could get the right people in touch, keep any eye; he doesn't mind being an informant. And he doesn't want Ivalice getting taken advantage of or left behind, or worse, being attacked for its resources. So he's started to massage his networks, drop information here and there, see what starts to come out of the woodwork and intelligence networks alike.

Of course, the pay of a real position would be nice. But being an official would require residency. Formal ceremonies. Dressing like his damn father.

Being away more.

He sighs. He's had this back in forth in his head about seventy times now. Fran will laugh at him later, and tell him to toss it to the skies and let the winds steer them. She's better at that than he is. ]

[tobesomeone]

[Sometimes he felt bad when Balthier came around and he was actually busy. Not just sitting on his ass in Tartarus answering emails and delegating things to his people. He'd only managed a quick kiss and the promise of being back soon before he'd headed out.

Maybe the 'soon' wasn't as soon as he'd have liked, the meet up with some contacts went slightly sideways, until it didn't and that was aggravating enough, but then Keema wanted to see him. So there was that as well. Talking through some more delicate things, policies and the like. Running a trade port was a lot of work, especially behind the shadows, but he had a lot of good people to help. Still, he's apologetic when he messages Balthier to let him know he'll be done soon.]

I hope you've not died of boredom, kitten.

[Not that he has any doubts Balthier could easily keep himself entertained. Kadara Port had more than enough ways to get into trouble, that and a good drink. Or both.

He'll sweep into his home not long after the messages, eager to pull off his gloves and get out of his suit into something more comfortable and enjoy the sky pirate's company.]

How goes Ivalice?

[Off come his boots and he'll smile over at Balthier, shrugging partially out of that damnable suit.]

It'd be nice to join you again soon, it's hard to forget how beautiful it was.

[portolan]

[ Balthier is perfectly aware of the risks that come with showing up somewhat unannounced; truly, he doesn't mind. It's worth the brief contact after some time away. And, honestly, he likes the way Reyes is conflicted about leaving -- even if he'd never dream of keeping him from work -- and the promise of returning. Besides, he likes having Reyes's full attention so he'd rather wait.

He's busy enough with his own things he needs to follow up on, and collecting his thoughts besides. He's learned to use technology, but he still keeps and honest-to-god notebook in his looping handwriting. Can't hack a notebook, and he's careful to keep it secure. At home it would have been magicked to only open for him, but, well, no Mist.

In all honesty, he's starting to wonder if he should go home and try Reyes again another day, maybe with some warning, when the text comes, and he's grinning like a teenager hanging around for their first love. ]

Deceased. I now haunt your apartment.

[ The text gives him enough time to put his things away, transition his own head back to the present, and put in a food delivery order. He suspects Reyes hasn't eaten today, and he'd very much like to stay in curled up together. When Reyes gets in, he'll have a drink ready for each of them, smiling as Reyes goes to free himself from his suit. He quite likes that he's one of the only people to see Reyes in regular clothes on the regular, and he also likes how a few of his shirts have made it into the rotation.

He'll sip at his drink, perching against the arm of a couch as Reyes moves about the apartment. ]

Chaotic. Busy. Clamoring for my attention. You'd think a territory couldn't survive without its favorite hero.

[ Which was its own headache. He still isn't used to being so recognized. Freedom of movement is more limited because of it. Anything he does is likely to be reported ten times over, make it back to Ashe and Larsa, who were lovely to see but painfully limited and distant because of the constraints of office. Nothing's the same these days. Some of that certainly makes it into his face and the pitch of his voice. ]

It was also sorely lacking a certain beautiful smuggler. Say the word and I'll whisk you away again, preferably with less near-death dramatics. I haven't even begun to show you the beauty.

[ Not entirely true; they had that stunning view, and Rabanstre is lovely. But they'd both been so tired that they'd spent a good deal of the trip in the Strahl or just wandering the city's markets. Hardly a taste of the vast region. ]

Also, come here. [ He beckons as Reyes looks more settled, crossing to catch him by the waist and kiss him properly. Hello. I missed you. ]

[tobesomeone]

[Balthier perched like a cat on the arm of his couch is a sight that's hard to keep his eyes off as he gets comfortable. He'd change into something else, but the shirt and pants under his suit are fine for the moment. Besides, he's kept Balthier waiting long enough hasn't he?]

Stop being so good at playing hero and maybe they'll forget you.

[He highly doubts it, how could anyone forget someone like Balthier? Someone like him was meant to be remembered. There's more to Balthier's words though, but perhaps that was something to question after they'd settled in. There's a drink waiting for him and he'll happily pluck that up, enjoying some as Balthier speaks of whisking him away to Ivalice again. Honestly that would be lovely and he'd not argue against it sometime in the near future, Rabanastre had been delightful with the sky pirate as his guide, he couldn't remember being so full after all of the street food they'd tried.

The nap that followed back on the Strahl had been just as pleasant.]

I'm lucky that I get a piece of Ivalice all to myself.

[Beckoned over he'll smile warmly, hand up to hold his drink out of the way as he's pulled into a kiss. Reyes sighs into it, tired, but delighted that now they can relax together. Everything is worth it to have these moments.]

It's very sexy of you when you order me around...

[Murmured into another kiss.]

[portolan]

I promise you my success at being heroic was hardly intentional.

[ Leading man, yes. Hero, no. There's an expectation of purity, of being larger than life in a way that removes humanity, that he absolutely despises about hero. Infamous pirate is preferable every time. Scions, villain is preferable. And at least then he could get things done.

None of that matters here though, in Kadara largely, but especially tucked in Reyes's arms. Of all the stories he's heard of himself, Reyes's is by far his favorite. ]

You have captured its most elusive pirate, my dear. They'll want to interview you, steal your secrets. Too bad your methods will only ever work for one man.

[ That pleased sigh puts a grin on his lips as they press against Reyes's, soft and hot and blessedly familiar. It's been too long, though admittedly it's always been too long. Reyes is like water; he'll always need more. He spreads his hand wide on Reyes's lower back, enjoying the feel of it through the thin fabric of his shirt, and presses them together. They look a bit like dancers, both balancing their drinks out like that. Besotted fools.

The kiss breaks only enough for Reyes to murmur against his lips and Scions that's always so hot. How can his thoughts be so consumed by this man, and yet his memory and fantasy never quite live up? ]

Must have missed me terribly if I'm having that much of an effect on you already.[ Murmured back, face kept close, nuzzling his nose to Reyes's. He thinks of sex when they're apart, no doubt, but even more he yearns for kisses and soft tender touches and being snuggled together. ] Kiss me again.

[tobesomeone]

You would stumble gracefully into being the hero wouldn't you? Now they can't get enough of you.

[He's more than happy to oblige another kiss, hand holding the back of Balthier's neck as he maybe steals more than just one kiss. Terribly greedy, as they've established more than once.]

Mm... I always miss you, but if you were here all the time I'd never get a damn thing done. [Chuckled as he'll pull away to sit on the couch, hand tugging Balthier to join him. Since they're not locked at the lips he'll actually enjoy some of his drink, humming appreciatively.]

They'd never get anything out of me by the way. I'm too selfish, would hate to give any secrets that could possibly steal you away.

[portolan]

[ He lets Reyes tug him down to the couch, his ass right up against Reyes's so he can worm under his arm. You'd think they'd been apart months with the way they can't let any distance between them. Balthier grins at Reyes's confirmation of missing him, the way he relaxes into this and enjoys his drink. It's not the first time it's occurred to Balthier that there are parts of domesticity he deeply enjoys. The Venn Diagram with 'includes Reyes' is a circle. ]

You can always send me away. I'll go. Just say the word. I wouldn't dream of compromising your work. [ Usually. In aggregate. When he's sure things aren't too pressing, he absolutely enjoys presenting himself as an increasing distraction. ]

Reyes Vidal, caught and being tortured for information, still worried about someone else touching me.

[ His eyes sparkle as he takes a sip of his own drink. Reyes isn't jealous, not the kind that is suspicious or keeps Balthier from work or friends or being himself. But oh is he possessive, so clear in wanting Balthier to himself where it matters, and Balthier will never grow tired of hearing it. ]

[tobesomeone]

[Arm curled around the pirate he'll hug him close against his side. Honestly he'd never have considered himself the domestic type either, but there's something inherently different about the privacy of 'home' with someone you love. The energy of a bar or club have a time and place for sure, but the warmth and stillness of home and being cuddled close with just the desire to be near one another?

Reyes wouldn't trade that for anything.]

Don't speak nonsense.

[Murmured as he presses a kiss against the side of Balthier's head. Send him away? As if he could even if he wanted to.]

They could chop me into Chocobo kibble and I'd still give them nothing. [A beat.] ... do those things eat meat?

[portolan]

[ Balthier is entirely in accordance with that. Not that they've ever talked about it because Scions forbid two men in love put words to anything they're feeling or doing. Balthier's never said those three words again, and he sure has slipped out of confirming with Reyes that they're boyfriends or that they're exclusive, things he deeply wants.

But in moments like this it doesn't matter, because he's so damned happy. As Reyes kisses his head, he curls in further, tucking his legs up. He's about two steps away from entirely being a lap cat; the drink is about the only thing preventing him. ]

Fear not, chocobos do not eat meat, but they will still bite you. Maybe next time we visit I will take you riding. [ Next time. Many next times. ] But there's plenty of other things to feed you to. Dragons. Wolves. Elemental blobs of gelatin. Dinosaurs.

[ Oh, he doesn't want to mention his one order of business before they entirely settle in. ]

By the way, I expect you'll be getting a message from an Ivalician pirate who goes by Garuda. He's a bit slippery, but he does good business, and he controls a good deal of Nabudis's sky crystal [ the stuff that makes Ivalician vehicles fly ]. I pointed him toward the Charlatan, said he could mention knowing me, and I trust you and your people will handle the rest.

[ If Reyes and Kadara can get into the sky crystal trade, they'll be the only ones off world dealing it in it, and with a good trade deal back, it can bolster both worlds' technology. What's more, the money will be going into rebuilding Nabudis, which needs it, and keeps the power balance between Dalmasca and Archades. It's taking care of Larsa and Ashe too, and preventing another planet Balthier trusts less from getting sky crystal.

He put a lot of effort and a lot of planning into this. Has been extremely careful who knows who he's talking to and what his end goal is; mostly Fran, and any in between who has had to know.

Reyes has been trying to get a good deal set up with Ivalice, too. Everything fell into place. And now Balthier is looking forward to just resting and enjoying being back where he most wants to be. ]

for @helpdesk_hero

[portolan]

The late afternoon sun tints the room a rosy gold, reflecting off the copper of the buildings to cast everything in an ethereal glow. One of the few things Balthier always missed about Archades. So many afternoons spent as a child with his mother, making art in that magical hour of perfect light.

Today, David sits out on the balcony reading, the fall air playful and lovely. Balthier has a perch in a chair, tilted out so he can see David. In his lap is a small notebook he often keeps with him but has never actually let David see; by now it's filled with small sketches of the man he loves, stolen when the other is busy.

Maybe it's how long they've been together now, maybe it's the disarming pleasantry of good light and weather from a bright spot in his youth, maybe it's the way steeling away to an apartment like this makes it easy to feel like everything else can be put aside for awhile -- whatever the reason, Balthier is more relaxed, and so when he stands to go pour himself fresh tea and pull an offering of snacks for David, he leaves the notebook open on the table beside him.

Re: for @helpdesk_hero

[helpdesk_hero]

The book is a good one, a wonderful one actually. Not a history or a play, but something purely fanciful. Which is educational in its own way, but mostly it makes him think of the peace and freedom he has found. And he cool air almost feels a bit more like home, so sitting and reading is nice.

Balthier's arrival on the balcony is almost expected, and both the man and the light repast are met with a soft smile. And the notebook with curiosity.

"Am I being afforded another measure of trust today?"

[portolan]

"Seemed like it might be time," he says, kissing David's head before settling in the chair beside him, sipping at his tea and looking out. A stunning view, high enough up to see the airships and the plants tumbling from balconies and up the sides of buildings.

When he was a boy, he dreamed of having this -- someone he loved, quiet leisure time spent together, a life full of adventure. He'd tucked that dream away, slowly, until he'd forgotten it. Looking back at David, he'll give a soft smile of his own. Peace and freedom indeed.

The notebook is sweet, intimate. There are dozens of drawings, the earlier ones a little rougher, not quite always getting his likeness, but get more consistent with time, preoccupied with the way he tilts his head or the way he curls up in a chair, some trying to capture those beautiful looks he gives Balthier without him realizing he's being drawn. It's abundantly apparent Balthier has spent a lot of time looking.

[helpdesk_hero]

"I knew you drew," he said, turning his gaze to the paper but not opening it past the page it was on now, "I just didn't realize I was considered a worthy subject."

[portolan]

"I wasn't ever cut out to be a professional artist," Balthier muses. "Terrible habit of only drawing things I like." He hasn't drawn many people in his life; Fran, yes, some childhood friends, his mother, a few actors he liked. David has been an endless source of joy in more ways than one. "Worthiness was never a question."

[helpdesk_hero]

"Don't throw around 'professional' around me. It's not about that. It's about what makes you happy. If doing this makes you happy, then you're cut out for it."

Worthiness is absolutely the question.

[portolan]

Balthier chuckles. He hadn't actually meant to get David started that time. "I promise you my self-worth is not on the line. I enjoy drawing, and if you enjoy them, then I'm elated. You can page through, you know. I'm giving you access to this secret." And no one else. He likes the privacy of sketchbooks and images. Likes making something for the joy of it. Likes the way it keeps records.

[helpdesk_hero]

The permission has the notebook in his hands moments later so he can start looking through them.

"Seems I'm a common subject."

[portolan]

Balthier laughs. "David, you are infuriating. This is positively the least interesting reaction to seeing drawings of yourself that I could have imagined." But he's smiling warmly.

[helpdesk_hero]

Well, fine, let him give the genuine one of looking up with a smile.

"No one has ever drawn me, to my knowledge. Thank you."

[portolan]

Balthier's grin widens, because he'd suspected that David would be pleased, but it was still different to see his reaction, the way he's studying the pages with that discerning eye of his.

"You know, I drew the first few before we were technically together. I was worried it would be too much, if you knew, and then I got in the habit of keeping them private. Now it seems like a silly secret to have kept."

[helpdesk_hero]

All he could do was look this over, a bit in awe that he might be worth drawing. That he might be cared for enough to be studied like this.

"Which one was that? The first one?"

[portolan]

David, love, of course he is worth drawing and caring for. And maybe Balthier is a little sentimental, and a little nervous, and wanted a keepsake and a memory for when David was away from him, for when he inevitably left. Though he's less concerned about the latter now.

"They're generally in chronological order, yes." He chuckles, pleased. "I'm glad you like them. I was afraid you might find it clingy, though I admit I'm rather proud of myself for you not realizing. Normally you can see right through me."

And there's a question hanging in his throat now. He takes a sip of tea. He'll let David look a little longer, doesn't want to rush this moment with another. Because sharing a sketchbook is high on Balthier's list of intimate gestures, and he's savoring being seen and delighted in as well.

[helpdesk_hero]

"I find it charming. That someone thinks me important enough to put on paper," David answered, letting a bit more awe linger in his voice. He flips back and he goes until there's no pictures of him and then flips back. There he is.

"I don't want to see through you. I want to see you. And here you are, seeing me."

[portolan]

"Are you fishing for me to remind you out loud, or are you being thick today?" Balthier asks affectionately. He sets down his tea and comes to hover behind David, wrapping his arms loosely around the man's shoulders and settling their heads together. "I think you're important enough to be stupidly heroic for, and the make poor decisions for, and to put down on paper so I'll always have you with me."

He kisses David's hair. "You only see through the parts that aren't pretense. That is seeing me." And he loves David for it.

[helpdesk_hero]

"I might be fishing," he admits with a soft smile and sets the pad aside to better allow for the embrace.

"You'll always have me with you, beloved. I swear it. And I like looking at you as you are."