kingincognito | sticks inbox/inventory

[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.]

[ Joshua tries to remain firm in the face of Dion's reverence, but how the man is looking at him, as though he - not the Phoenix, he - hung the moon and stars in the sky, is serving to melt away any reservations he may have. Oh, Dion deserves all the love in the world. It pains him to withhold any of it because of propriety, so he won't. He will ensure that Dion knows how much he is loved. ]

I promise you, my view is just as beautiful no matter where I am.

[ He lifts a hand, gently stroking strands of hair from Dion's face for just a moment. But it doesn't last long, because indeed, water needs to begin boiling before they get too distracted with each other.

And so, as Dion moves away to set the kettle, Joshua... watches. He shouldn't, perhaps, not on the first day, but Dion moves with so much grace, so much purpose with every movement, that he can't help but look. He is a beautiful man, he truly is, and Joshua's heart feels overfull with adoration. And not just physically beautiful, either - his actions speak far louder than words ever could, and his heart is full of such kindness and love that it feels like it may eclipse his own.

And when Dion finally returns from his task, Joshua's smile could warm the coldest winter day. He gladly takes Dion's hand in his own, lacing their fingers together, half-turning as he does to look at his wonderful, beautiful partner. ]

You have me alone, Your Highness, and the water will take time to boil. What would you do?

[It's hard to say if Dion realizes what a treacherous crossroads he finds himself at. No longer did they need to hide behind the teasing excuse of decency and appearances. They were both grown men, ones who had mutually agreed to whatever such a relationship might entail. The only thing really holding them back was the threat of the kettle's steam inevitably interrupting whatever they got up to.

But such thoughts are as far from Dion's mind as they could possibly be. Right now, he thinks only of the radiance in Joshua's smile. He returns the gesture from only a scant few moments prior, pushing stray hair behind Joshua's ear. It's become such a familiar, comforting gesture, the act of reaching out and caring for him. Dion's already grown so used to it.]

I admit that I am at a lost. I find myself... terribly distracted by what's before me, and cannot form a single thought.

[It isn't a lie. He tries to think forward, but finds himself drawn back by the gravity of Joshua's gaze. In the end, it's instinct alone that wins out, his body naturally leaning forward as he's pulled into the orbit of Joshua's person. He hesitates for only a second, giving Joshua his own chance to pull back. Failing that, though, he steals a quick and chaste kiss.]

[ The feeling of Dion's fingers pushing his hair back behind his ear brings to mind the sensation that had awakened him little over a week ago, when he had fallen asleep at Dion's bedside, and the realization softens his smile considerably. Clive had been right, of course - Dion had truly cared for him even then. Just how long has he...? Joshua had seen his kind heart even back at the rememberance ceremony all those years ago, but what of Dion?

Not that it matters, not right now. He has Dion, and Dion has him. ]

Not a single one?

[ It's a soft, amused murmuring that borders on a laugh, partially because they are already close, but also because they are leaning notably closer. It's difficult to fight the pull, and so Joshua finds it's easier to just not fight it at all. Dion is kind enough to give him a moment to pull back, but he remains right where he is.

And once Dion brushes their lips together, a sweet and chaste thing, Joshua is more inclined to make it less fleeting. Chasing down Dion's lips, he presses in once more, a tiny bit more firmly, a little bit more experimental. They are in the privacy of an inn room - they have the time and the space to let themselves go, if they should so choose. ]

[This is... new.

Not in the grand scheme of things, perhaps — Dion is far from inexperienced. But Joshua himself is foreign to Dion. He's a breath of fresh air, a force of warmth and radiance, but he's still brand new. He doesn't know what might yet make the man tick, or what preferences he may have. If he's honest, he doesn't know that Joshua knows that. And for a brief moment, he finds that it breaks his brain. He's almost hesitant to move forward, to tread new ground and ruin the experience.

But if there's one thing he's confident in, it's that Joshua will tell him what he needs. After reminding himself of that much, he allows himself to reach out. One hand settles against Joshua's hip, while the other lays at the center of his chest. The reminder that Joshua is no longer marred by Ultima proves to be a pleasant reminder.

The other, meanwhile, settles at first on Joshua's hip. Dion decides better after just a moment, allowing it to slide around to the small of his back. He pulls ever so slightly, coaxing Joshua that much closer to him, before allowing his fingers to instead massage through the fabric there.]

[ Oh. Hands are new. Joshua hadn't considered what to do with his hands, only what to do with his lips. But if Dion is moving his, perhaps he should do more than keep his own on his knees. His hands lift in kind, though one of his moves to press against Dion's side, the other shifting to cup his cheek and thread fingertips into his hair.

Dion's hand briefly at his hip makes his skin break out in a wave of goosebumps for reasons Joshua only vaguely understands, but most of the response is hidden beneath clothing. When the hand moves instead to his back, urging him to shift closer, he is all too happy to indulge. He moves, just until his thigh presses flush to Dion's, sighing gently into the kiss before pulling back just enough to breathe but still staying in range enough that their lips brush as he speaks. ]

By the Founder, Dion, you are intoxicating.

[ He truly is. He cannot bring himself to part from the prince, wanting to stay as close as possible and let their breaths mingle. He huffs a soft laugh, opening his eyes to look into Dion's. ]

You make me feel like a child again. As though I could close my eyes and imagine that we were but lovestruck teenagers slipping off into a darkened alcove.

[ Perhaps they could have been, in a time that didn't happen. He thinks that he would have liked that. ]

[Even that slightest bit of increased contact threatens to drive Dion wild. Something slightly more electric courses through him, and he has to thank Greagor herself that Joshua pulls back when he does. He has a feeling Clive would have his head if things went so far, so fast.

Not that their current position is much better. He can all but taste Joshua in their air with their current position. Close as they are, he doesn't hesitate to tip his head forward and steal a second kiss the second Joshua stops talking, before meeting his eyes once more.]

As if you yourself do not possess the same quality. [Another kiss. He can barely contain himself.]

We are only a decade or so off, and there are plenty of alcoves in the grove, should you desire. [He shifts to brush their noses together. It's a sickeningly sweet gesture, and he simply can't help himself.] I would do anything that you asked of me, I hope you know.

[ Just seeing that even Dion can't fully hold off from stealing more kisses makes Joshua's heart skip a beat, his pulse firm beneath Dion's fingers. They are both under the same spell, then. Caught up so much in the other that they cannot separate themselves. The excitement is near enough to make him laugh, but he only just barely holds back.

Instead, he steals kisses of his own. When Dion is not, when Dion finishes speaking. He lets his eyes slip closed once more, smiling against his partner's lips. ]

And I, you. It seems we are in agreement.

[ His lips curl up into a smile so wide, it bares part of his teeth. His fingers stroke through Dion's hair, as if the man before him were something fragile and precious. ]

But I should very much like to keep kissing you. [ Which he does, briefly, almost breathless. ] You are a very difficult man to resist.

no subject

not here/gag

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject