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[ Though Dion may redirect from time to time, Joshua never once takes it the wrong way. He's aware Dion likely has more experience than he does, so he doesn't mind being led. Like a dance, it is something he will learn, but he is nothing if not a quick learner.

But this is everything he'd wanted it to be. Everything he'd hoped it would be. The warmth of their lips pressed together, the mingling of breath, the feel of Dion's hair beneath his fingers and Dion's fingers in his own. He could - and would - do this forever, if given the opportunity. But they both need to breathe, and so when Dion pulls back, he does not protest. He simply leans into the press of foreheads, letting out a shaky exhale as his thumb strokes the prince's hair.

And then laughs, softly, no more than a breath, as Dion explains the cuff further. ]

You truly do mean to be my lance, don't you.

[ With Clive as his Shield and Dion as his lance... he should last forever, he thinks. There is no more formidable trio than the three of them together. ]

Would you put it on for me?

If you would have me. [Dion's voice is low when he speaks, as if his very words were a secret only to be shared between the two of them. He meets Joshua's eyes through his own lashes, half-lidded though his gaze is. His hand remains twined within his hair, and he doesn't plan on moving it.

Or, well. He didn't. But placing the cuff on Joshua's ear is a far more important task. He leans back, separating their intertwined hands. He carefully dusts off any residual dirt from their efforts, before leaning forward once more. Joshua's hair is gently swept behind his ear, while Dion barely swallows the urge to press a kiss behind it. It's a far too intimate gesture for this moment, he thinks.

Instead, he opens the clasp up, then carefully fastens it into place. He thumbs over it once it's settled, observing the draconic imagery etched into it. Heimr had been right to suggest Sesa, it's a truly beautiful piece.]

It's material far better suits you than it ever did me.

I would. Gladly.

[It's said with so much warmth, so much adoration. Dion could have simply asked to court him, no gifts or romantic words needed, and yet here he is. Being courted in a way that he never would have dreamed. Even if his life had gone a different way, he would have been the Archduke, and it would have been him doing the courting.

Not that that won't be the case here, of course. Dion may be courting him, but he fully intends to court Dion in return, however it may look.

Joshua lets Dion move him however is needed to put the cuff on, though the gentle touch of fingertips against the shell of his ear is enough to make the hair on his arms stand on end. But he will ignore that for now, as the metal warmed by their clasped hands is affixed to him. The weight of it on his ear is familiar in a way he hasn't known for the past eighteen years, but all the same... it feels like home. It feels right.

He lifts his hand, pressing it against the back of Dion's, cupping that hand to his cheek as he does. ]

Oh? Was it yours?

[The utter thrill that courses through Dion is one he's almost forgotten. There is such devotion in that word. He's used to a sort of reverence that comes with his post, but he knows what Joshua feels is far from it. There's no sense of duty or admiration for the dominant of Bahamut. He knows he can trust that whatever Joshua feels, it is for him.

Dion leans back to admire his handiwork, though his hand lingers. He scarcely remembers Joshua with a cuff like this. There had been far more to focus on during the summit, after all.

He can't help but wonder how different things might have been, if they had grown up alongside one another. He had fallen so deeply for Terence given how much time they'd spent in one another's company. Would he have done the same with both men, if given the chance?

It's a moot point, he supposes. The past could not be changed. Right now he has the present, where Joshua's hand is pressed to his. His heart skips a single beat as he glances away. He isn't embarrassed by his efforts by any means, but the idea of witnessing Joshua's reaction in real time? Terrifying.]

In a manner of speaking. I am sure you have seen that my armor is less practical in many regards, and more emblematic of my post. I simply... removed the pieces and had someone melt them down for me.

[ Meanwhile, Joshua's reaction in real time is one of significant surprise. Dion... had melted down part of his armor, to make this? This token of his affections, this charm that he'd specifically had enchanted to help him defend himself without using his own magic... ]

Oh.

[ But the word is warm, humbled, breathed out so softly that it's barely a word at all. But, close as they are, he knows Dion can hear it.

And, just for a moment, he closes the distance between the two of them to press another brief, gentle kiss to Dion's lips. But only for that moment. He pulls back again, and when he does, his eyes are glittering with affection. ]

Dion Lesage, you are a wonderful man. I am honored to carry a piece of you with me wherever I go.

[ Even though it's just a piece from his armor, the meaning is not lost on Joshua. ]

[The kiss surprises Dion, to the point that he remains locked in place for a handful of seconds after. Eventually, he lifts his hand, thumbing over the place where their lips had met. A shiver works through him, one that culminates with a careful half-smile.]

I am but a man. One that wants only the best for you.

[He leans in once more, though not to steal a kiss in kind. He lays his forehead against Joshua's shoulder, eyes closing as he breathes in. A weight has lifted from his shoulders, leaving nothing but light within his chest. He is no fool, knows that they yet face an uphill battle. But for right now, he can celebrate his win.]

We ought not forget about our flowers.

[He says this, but doesn't move. He's content in this moment, nestled up with Joshua as he is.]

[ The way that the motion leaves Dion responding in such an awestruck manner has Joshua unable to muffle the grin that spreads across his face. His suitor is somehow even more attractive when he's so stricken by affection.

And when Dion leans in again, Joshua is fully prepared for another kiss. But it doesn't come. Instead, Dion tucks himself into his personal space, and his heart soars. To know that he's so comfortable already, when he's always been so guarded... His affectionate excitement tempers into soft adoration. ]

You're right. We ought not. It would not be fair to keep them waiting.

[ He lifts a hand, threading his fingers into Dion's hair, holding his head gently to his shoulder and pressing his lips to the side of it. ]

But the best part, Your Highness, is that once our task is complete, we have the rest of the day to ourselves. Should you want it, I would gladly give my day to you.

[There is much to enjoy about Joshua's presence, Dion is swiftly learning. His favorite partes, however, continue to be the moments of radical gentleness. A kiss to the side of his head feels almost foreign to him, and Dion finds himself treasuring it all the more. It leaves him feeling remiss about sitting up straight, moving out of that aura of warmth and comfort for the time being.]

Glad though I would be for your time, I admit that I have not planned out any more beyond this. [He carves a hole into the earth, deep in thought. There isn't much to be done around the grove, and even if there was, Dion would be reluctant to travel too far. He shouldn't have anything to fear when it comes to the snakes, considering his own abilities, and yet...

Instead, he sifts through the memories of what Clive suggested. He remembers all the food he'd recommended, which... quickly gives him pause.]

We could... find a sugar beet?

[ When Dion lifts himself to straighten back up again, Joshua shifts to allow it, as reluctant as he is to let that warmth go. But Dion is right, they do have flowers to finish planting. So, he moves to retrieve the seed sachet, watching as Dion carves out the next hole.

And Joshua parts his lips to speak, to respond that they don't have to have anything planned, that he would be more than happy to just spend time with him however he feels comfortable.

But stops as soon as Dion utters the words "sugar beet".

Nearly immediately, he sighs, tilting his head up to look at the sky. ]

By the Founder, Clive.

[ It's little more than a soft grumble, but despite that, his shoulders gently shake in quiet laughter. By the Flames, his brother had given Dion advice and here Dion is, taking it entirely to heart. ]

A sugar beet... won't be necessary, I'm afraid. Clive likes to liken me to a chocobo. But I would be glad to have tea, or... perhaps we could have dinner?

[Oh. Dion's face falls just for a moment. The exasperation is clear, and he immediately feels a sense of regret. Clive himself had walked it all back, hadn't he? Perhaps he's now ruined the moment and -

Oh, he's laughing. Somehow the quiet exaltation is even more charming that the outright laughter. Maybe some of it is directed at Dion but, you know what? He isn't even mad. He'd be glad to have Joshua laugh in his face if it meant he was feeling some measure of delight.]

I - should have known. [He shakes his head, but maintains his good humor. He'll have to tell Clive of this. Perhaps the other man will get a laugh as well.] But I think tea would suffice for now. Not that I am opposed to food, either.

[They've just enjoyed so many pleasant moments over tea. He's starting to see the appeal of it.]

[ Not a single bit of it is directed at Dion, in fact. In all actuality, the fact that Dion had taken it so earnestly is immensely charming, and Joshua finds his lips curling up into a smile just at the thought of it. Clive had clearly given him information, and Dion was so intent on this that had remembered even the parts that weren't meant to be serious.

What else had Clive told him, he wonders?

Leaning in just a little, closing a bit of the distance between them, Joshua presses a gentle kiss to the top of Dion's forehead. Flames take him, but now that he has the freedom to do so, he wants to drown the man in affections. Perhaps, if he does it enough, it can smother the shade that seems to haunt him. ]

Tea would be wonderful. And then we can see where the rest of the day leads us.

[ He's tempted to leave another kiss, but for now, he will practice incredible restraint. Joshua sits back a little, letting a hand come to rest on Dion's shoulder. ]

If you would like to spend the rest of the day together, of course. I do not wish to hold you hostage. But now that we have been given this opportunity, I find myself wanting to spend all of my time with you.

[The kiss is innocent, and yet it sends a shiver down Dion's spine all the same. Such careful, gentle affections feel so foreign after the course of the last few months. Even now, he isn't certain his body deserved such kindness, but he's grateful for it all the same.

Likewise, he has to resist the urge to keep stealing kisses of his own. He forces himself to look down at the dirt, cutting a few more gashes into it. He's careful, but quick. Much as he's enjoying their time together, he finds himself mildly self-conscious the longer they linger in the public eye. He wants little more than to embrace Joshua, and innocent though the thought truly is, he still does not want to share it with any other.]

You may have me for as long as you wish, however you wish.

[There's no double entendre there, just a genuine admission of his feelings. Sorry, Joshua, he falls hard. Just ask Ultima.]

[ "However you wish". That... is an interesting thought, and Joshua finds his mind running off without him to a highly inappropriate place to be considering. Especially out in public as they are. Founder, Joshua, calm yourself. The thought of further kissing can wait until later!

Ah. Their kiss had been out in the view of everyone, too, hadn't it.

His ears flush beneath the edges of his hair, and he laughs softly, shifting back a bit to resume planting. This sachet... Once it is empty, then they can retreat indoors. He follows Dion's lead, filling each cut in the dirt with a seed and gently packing it down. ]

It is a dangerous thing you propose, Your Highness.

[ He glances up through his hair, eyes sparkling with giddy amusement. ]

Giving me free reign of your schedule may very well mean you will become quite sick of me.

[Dion swears his mind shorts out every time Joshua calls him that. For so long, it has been a title, an emblem of the symbol Dion was, rather than himself. With Joshua, it's different. He knows those words carry a different weight. He's being teased, but only in a playful way. Even in this, Joshua understands him so deeply.

How did it take him so long to act on these feelings? It doesn't matter if he had only just found himself with the time to do so. He's missed out for ages, it feels like.]

It is good, then, that I am no stranger to danger. [He feels himself to start to lean into Joshua's space, and quickly pulls back. The temptation to simply exist in close proximity to the other man is so difficult to resist.]

But I doubt I could ever tire of your presence. Besides, I should think my healer should be grateful to have a constant eye upon me. Otherwise, I might yet get in trouble.

[ Just being able to see that his use of the title in a playful manner doesn't seem to upset Dion is enough to make Joshua sigh softly in relief. This isn't the first time he's done it, of course, but if there was ever even a glimmer of discomfort, he would cease immediately. The last thing that he wants to do is to hurt Dion with elation-spurred mischief.

But he can see that beginning of a lean. Dion, too, is fighting the pull. Well then! They must finish planting these seeds in all haste. ]

Oh, your healer is more than grateful, certainly.

[ He smiles, turning to glance at Dion, and then reaching out to place his hand on the one holding the dagger. ]

We've only two seeds left, and then you are free to try to get into trouble, if you wish.

[Dion really doesn't need Joshua's encouragement, not like this. He's already fighting off the intensity of his desires with all his might. To know that Joshua wants to draw that out of him makes it all the more difficult to fight the urge.

Still, they have work to do. Work that Dion finds himself rushing through. He doesn't want to take away from the importance of this moment, a field of flowers for Joshua to enjoy. But if Joshua himself is encouraging what comes next, he doesn't feel as guilty as he should.

Especially when he has far more to offer up. As soon as Joshua plants the final seed, Dion is in motion. He shifts so that he's positioned in a squat. He reaches out and... promptly scoops up Joshua.]

Well ,if it is trouble you ask for, it is trouble you shall have.

[He is... absolutely carrying Joshua back toward the inn. He has no salacious intentions at the moment, but my god, the town is going to talk.]

[ Well, going from kneeling on the ground planting seeds to being scooped up into Dion's arms was not on his list of possibilities. But Joshua finds that to be his reality anyway! The motion makes him pull in a breath, arm reflexively moving to brace a hand on Dion's arm near his head. ]

Dion--!

[ But it's said with laughter. He clearly isn't upset by it, not if the way his face has lit up is any indication. The hand balancing him doesn't take long to shift, both of his arms looping up and around Dion's shoulders, which puts him in prime range for kissing those lips.

But he doesn't, because he's being incredibly good, and because if he does, Dion may not be able to properly navigate. ]

I didn't expect you to literally sweep me off of my feet.

[Joshua isn't the only one laughing. Dion's shoulders tremble with barely restrained chuckles. They spill out the moment Joshua loops his arms around him, a noise that drips with the sort of delight he hasn't felt in so long.

He shifts his arms just long enough to hand over Joshua's knife. The last thing they need is him dropping that. Or accidentally stabbing Joshua in the ass. Dion already feels as if Clive is watching them warily, and knows that he's skirting on dangerous territory if that is true. The last thing he needs is to injure his brother on top of sweeping him away.]

That is on you, my dear. Have I not been sweeping you off your feet from moment one?

[Given Joshua's position, it makes it difficult for Dion's chest to puff out in pride. He still tries, though.]

Now, tea in your room, then? Or my own?

[ Ah, yes. The knife. Joshua takes it, blindly seeking the sheathe and sliding it into place. Like Dion, he knows the danger of an errant blade, particularly when both responsible parties here are otherwise occupied. And, like Dion, he knows that Clive is likely keenly aware of their current whereabouts - he'd clearly given Dion some advice, and he may be nearby, for all he knows.

But oh. My dear. Joshua's heart soars, tightness pulling at his chest, his smile pulling so wide that his cheeks ache with it. He could be content being called that for the rest of his life. ]

You have. More than you know.

[ He is, once again, stricken by the urge to lean in and kiss him. But, again, he refrains. Not just for their assured safety, but because such things feel more suited for behind closed doors.

And speaking of behind closed doors... Joshua finds himself suddenly faced with a decision. His room, or Dion's? If they go to his, Clive could come back. But Dion's, while far more private, could look a bit more salacious...

Hmm. ]

Yours. Your tea is still there, I trust?

[Dion is going to need to start a catalogue containing each and every smile in Joshua's repertoire. He loves each and every one of them equally, with each striking him in the chest with the same amount of piercing ferocity. That doesn't mean he doesn't want to commit every single joyful expression to memory, though.]

Glad that I am to hear that.

[Navigating the door is a bit of a sticking point. Doubtless, he could handle Joshua's weight one handed, if only for a moment. But it feels more playful and relaxed to instead shift so that Joshua is the one to open the door for him.]

Would you mind? [There's a teasing note in his voice.] It would get us to my quarters far quicker.

[And to his question:]

Naturally. Though I have taken to enjoying it before bed each night, there is still plenty to go around. I might yet be able to brew it myself, too.

[ Joshua doesn't doubt that Dion could hold him with one arm. He knows he weighs next to nothing, and Dion is clearly very strong in his own right. But there's something almost scandalous about Dion not wanting to take his hands off of him to open the door himself, and the thought makes Joshua feel practically giddy. ]

Oh, but of course. Anything to expedite the process.

[ His tone is equally teasing, of course, though he truly does want to get indoors with some thrilling urgency. Imagine, being able to kiss Dion in private... while holding hands, perhaps! The door is quickly opened, pressed inward so that Dion doesn't have to worry about opening it. ]

Ah, you are learning. You'll become an outlaw yet.

[Once they're inside, Dion can at least pretend there are no longer eyes upon him. He wouldn't be surprised if Clive had a way to continue watching him, but such thoughts are easily nudged aside in favor of the delight that courses through him. He's but a few steps away from being entirely alone with Joshua, doting on him however he sees fit.

A chuckle does leave him as he begins down the hall, moving at a quick and deliberate pace. He's motivated to get there, now.]

Is that all it takes to be an outlaw? Perhaps I am yet closer than I might have thought.

[He reaches his door, lamenting that he can't have Joshua swing it open this time. Instead, he cradles his partner within one arm, fishing out his key to unlock the door. He steps inside, nudging the door behind him closed with a foot, before shifting to set Joshua down upon the bed.

And just for the added effect, he kneels upon the ground and takes Joshua's hand. A kiss is placed upon the back of it, one quickly broken by a smile. It's far easier to act upon his desires when he thinks of them as playful gestures.]

Does this suit you, my beloved?

[He didn't miss the way Joshua lit up at the earlier term of endearment, by the way.]

Edited 2025-03-16 03:19 (UTC)

[ Oh, that much quicker pace is noted. It seems like he isn't the only one keen to get there quickly. Joshua affords a soft laugh, closing his eyes and leaning in to gently bump his forehead against Dion's temple. ]

Truthfully, I wouldn't know. But being able to make one's own tea is a step removed from a noble station, so it is a step in the right direction.

[ And as Dion needs to maneuver him to reach his key and unlock his door, Joshua waits patiently, making sure that he is as effortless as possible to manage. Soon enough, Dion has him in the privacy of his chambers, and Joshua finds himself seated on the bed.

With Dion kneeling before him, kissing the back of his hand. And oh, being called like that, alongside such a sweet gesture... ]

It does. So very, very much.

[ Though he longs to have Dion seated beside him, rather than on the floor below him. But that can wait. Kissing those lips once more can wait. Dion has planned out the night thus far, and they have already arranged to have tea. He wouldn't disrupt that. ]

But please, you do not have to kneel. Join me in sitting?

[Dion cracks the faintest of smiles, one that threatens to destroy his chivalric bravado. For the moment, he lays his head upon Joshua's knee, still gazing up at him. There's a heavy amount of reverence in that smoulder, but only for the man, not the Eikon he embodied.

Dion would not have it any other way.]

Ah, but that would disrupt the beautiful view. [A weary, played up sigh leaves him, before he pushes himself to his feet.] Alas, I should set our water to boil before I yet sit.

[He struts away before Joshua can protest, moving to the kitchenette with practiced purpose. Everything has been cleaned and put away from the night before. He barely has to look as he pulls everything out, laying out their cups and tucking in their tea bags, before turning to fill the kettle.

It's only once it's set to boil that Dion turns back. He returns with a near saunter, gaze never once leaving Joshua. He takes the offered seat beside him, hand once again return to its newfound home within Joshua's own.]

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not here/gag

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