[Lyney drags out the letters a bit, trying to keep that playful lilt to his voice. But when he speaks, there's a faint touch of bashfulness that underlies his words.]
I do know there are some lovely eateries to be had along the leviathans, especially in Eltrut. The coffee and tea isn't quite the same as I'm used to in Fontaine, but it's still quite enjoyable. And of course, there's no shortage of entertainment venues here, should you be amenable...
[...is that a shy blush touching his cheeks? Of course not, your eyes are lying.]
[Heizou blinks, eyes widening ever so slightly in surprise. Oh. Oh. Lyney really wants to just... spend more time together. Not just in either of their homes, but- out and about. Eating meals and keeping each other company. It's very normal, isn't it?
But it brings a bit of color up into Heizou's cheeks as well, as he has to bite down the sheepish smile that starts to spread across his face. And as he realizes he's still kind of holding Lyney's hand, he gives his fingers an affectionate little squeeze.]
...I think I'd like that. We should definitely do that some time~
[It’s only after he speaks the idea that he realizes how… intimate it sounds. Sure it would just be spending time together or eating out together, but it would be going beyond their casual little thing they have. A part of him is about to laugh it off and say that it’s fine, they don’t have to if Heizou would prefer to keep things casual.]
[But then the detective smiles the sweetest smile, and Lyney’s heart skips a beat. A sheepish grin forms on his own face, but one that is genuine and happy.]
Ah… great! I’m looking forward to it, mon coeur.
[The word slips out easily, but he can’t help himself. Nor is he in the mood to really take it back right now.]
[He can see how real that grin on Lyney's face is, and it makes the one he's wearing grow as something pleasant flutters in his chest. The more Heizou thinks about it, the more he starts to like the idea. They've always gotten along outside of the bedroom anyway, and being around Lyney makes him feel kind of warm and happy. Isn't that why Heizou wanted to talk this whole thing out in the first place? So he could keep that feeling?
Though... Maybe it does make him a little extra happy to think that maybe Lyney feels the same way.]
Just say when and where, and I'll be there~
[And, as if to seal the deal, Heizou leans forward to press their lips together in a sweet, lingering kiss.]
Why of course! I can think of a few places even now…
[It’s easy to possibly get carried away, but though a part of him wants to jump up and take Heizou to all the little cafes he’s discovered during his stay, he also enjoys the warm comfort of being on Heizou’s couch as well. He squeezes Heizou’s hand back and gets settled into the cushions.]
Though, perhaps… we could spend some time here tonight?
[He doesn’t say it in a suggestive tone, but rather leaves it open for Heizou to decide. Does he want something heated? Or something more relaxed like this? Personally Lyney wouldn’t mind something more calm after their rollercoaster of a discussion, but he would never turn down a night with Heizou if he could afford it.]
[If Lyney wanted to go out somewhere right now, Heizou would eagerly switch gears and go with him. But when he settles more into the couch cushions and squeezes his hand, Heizou can't help but chuckle at the idea of staying in. To be fair, that is kind of what Lyney initially contacted him for, right? Things just... ended up going a little differently.]
You texted me first tonight, didn't you? So we can do whatever you like~
[He does kind of... go ahead and put both of their long forgotten teacups to the side for now. But not without taking his eyes off of Lyney. Obviously there's interest there just from the mention of spending their time together here at home, but his gaze is warm and soft. Something gentle for tonight sounds pretty perfect to him.]
[Lyney lets Heizou put the teacup to the side, since he hasn't really touched it since talking. But seeing Heizou's own warm gaze makes that warm, fuzzy feeling within his chest grow even larger.]
I've missed you too. I just... didn't know how to approach you since that incident.
[He lets out a forlorn, wry chuckle.]
I thought that maybe if we just went back to business as usual, it would be fine, but... well... I'm glad we had this talk.
[With the teacups put away Heizou is quick to snuggle in a little closer, as if he wants to be perfectly in kissing range. Which isn't untrue. But he does also prop an arm up on the back of the couch and lean his head on it, still watching Lyney with a fond chuckle and going back to playing with his fingers in his other hand.]
I almost let you, you know! But it didn't sit right with me to not even try, so...
[He shrugs a shoulder, letting his gaze flit back down to their hands, rubbing his thumb over Lyney's knuckles.] I'm glad, too. This... feels good.
[Not that he can pinpoint why, exactly. Heizou's best guess is that it's just because deep down they're pretty similar creatures. But whatever the reason... It's nice. And he's glad that somehow their circumstances have thrown them together like this.]
[Lyney had gotten used to their physical intimacy over their many nights together, but this seems somehow even more intimate. He scoots in closer too, within kissing distance, but he doesn’t move to close the gap either. Rather, he scoots close in a way to just feel Heizou against him, resting his head against that propped up arm and allowing Heizou to play with his fingers.]
It does, doesn’t it? I’m glad we could work things out.
[And though he does lean in to offer a quick peck to Heizou’s lips, he pulls back enough to just bask in the soft attention. He briefly closes his eyes, and then says quietly,]
Thanks for choosing to stay and work through things.
[A little admission of fear, but the tension in his body melts as he sees it’s a fear that has now been assuaged.]
[He genuinely smiles into that kiss, making a pleased little noise even when Lyney settles back. It's such a tiny thing, especially compared to their many long, heated nights, but somehow that gesture, this gentle closeness, seems so much sweeter and real. It brings back that warm, fluttery feeling in Heizou's chest. The one he's started to associate entirely with Lyney.
And when he notices how much more relaxed Lyney is, now that they've worked everything out, Heizou leans in that tiny bit more until their foreheads are touching.]
Thanks for not running away.
[They're close enough that Heizou can give him a quick, soft kiss of his own.]
[It's funny, really; Lyney is comprised of so many grand gestures, so many elaborate performances, and yet it's the smaller, almost unconscious little acts that provide more into the world of Lyney than anything. The subtle gestures, like how he leans in as well, the way he further relaxes against Heizou, looking like he could sleep peacefully now that they've reconciled. He hums into the kiss, but blinks when Heizou asks him a question.]
[This peek into Lyney's world, however small and subtle, means so much to Heizou. He's used to reading into every gesture a person makes, unconscious or otherwise, but it's amazing to have someone simply open up of their own volition. Especially when it's someone that he finds himself wanting to know so much more about, for really no other reason besides wanting to. Because that in and of itself happens to him so rarely.
It makes Heizou smile softly again, letting their fingers twine together as he closes his eyes. It's his own small show of trust, that he's not going to use his detective skills to watch how Lyney reacts and let that taint the way he interprets his response.]
I already said that you don't have to tell me everything right away. I know there must be a lot that's hard for you to talk about. But can you at least promise... not to lie to me?
[There might be something in his voice that will tell Lyney that this is important to him. Like he's been burned by liars before and he's done everything in his power to avoid that ever since.]
I'd rather you just tell me if there's something you can't talk about than lie for the sake of giving an answer...
[Heizou may not be able to see Lyney's reaction, but there's no doubt he'll still be able to feel it; the slight hitch of Lyney's voice, the way his body tenses, the way his hand, which had begun to rub its thumb against Heizou's, stills. Being asked not to lie... was that even possible for someone like Lyney? Who's life was defined by the many lies he's had to tell, had to weave to keep his family safe? In a way it was a safety, a defence mechanism to keep that which he cared for safe, enabled him to get the information he needed... And isn't all of Fontaine built upon such smoke and mirrors, illusion and lies despite being named the Nation of Justice?]
[Then again, that very same web of lies was what caused tension between himself and the Traveller, even if it was simply lies by omission. The Traveller had been upset with him because of his lies... he'd almost lost a trusted friend because of them. And now, thinking of Heizou turning his back on him, being upset about him lying... Lyney can tell that Heizou has some scars as well. And he did want to get better at letting people in, really. Which is why after a brief pause, he takes a breath and begins to speak.]
I... will try. It's not that I don't trust you, it's just... there's a lot I can't talk about. Be it about my life, or my family...
[His voice sounds wavering, but he pauses to clear his throat. When he speaks again, it's firmer, with more stability.]
But you're... [He hesitates, looking away as he feels heat creep up his neck.] You're someone I don't want to hurt. So... I'll do my best not to lie to you. I'll tell you if I can't talk about something.
[He's trying, he really is. He hopes Heizou can see that.]
[Those tiny movements don't go unnoticed, and the hesitation behind them is a message sent loud and clear. But that, at least, is expected. Heizou may not know every single detail, but he knows that Lyney's life is one shrouded in many levels of secrecy. Which is exactly why that hesitancy to let go of what has probably become something of a defense mechanism is understandable. Admittedly that air of mystery is indeed something that Heizou feels drawn to, as if Lyney is a puzzle he can try to solve. So far every new puzzle piece he discovers has only endeared the magician to him more. It also makes him greedy for more.
And while Heizou hopes that Lyney chooses to make this promise... He'd understand if he can't. That's part of why he shut his eyes; he doesn't want to see Lyney's reaction if he were to say "no." He'd end up reading into it, find himself overanalyzing what it might mean. If it would just be Lyney wanting to keep guarding all his secrets, or a sign that he can't trust Heizou as much as he wants him to. Having that hanging over them would only hurt. Heizou's sure of that.
Except then he hears I will try, and it makes Heizou's eyes flutter open in surprise. I will try. I'll do my best. It's not exactly what he hoped for, but it's already so much. It's enough. It makes Heizou smile, just a little bit, but it's soft and warm and accepting.]
..Thank you. I know I hardly have any right. I'm already asking so much of you... But this means a lot.
[He idly reaches up to brush some hair out of Lyney's eyes, just as a fond gesture, just so he can get a better look at his face. The magician can probably see the way Heizou relaxes now that he has that response, how it's flushed out any remaining tension. How relieved he is to not have to worry about Lyney lying to him.]
[Even though he’s good at it, and wonderful at misdirecting an audience, Lyney doesn’t like seeing people hurt from his lies. And while he doesn’t mean to be so cagey and secretive, honestly… he’s more terrified of Heizou discovering just who he is, and what that might do to their relationship. This thing they have is so fragile and strange, he isn’t sure how damaging the nature of his real identity could be to it. Still, Heizou accepts his terms, and Lyney lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding.]
I’m glad… I’m sorry I can’t tell you everything, but… I’ll do my best to tell you as much as I can. And that’s the honest truth.
[He hopes that’s enough compromise for Heizou, but given the redhead’s relieved reaction, Lyney has a feeling it’ll be okay. When the hand brushes his hair, Lyney sighs and leans into it, basking in the touch. And seeing that relief, that tension vanish from Heizou… it makes Lyney’s insides stop knotting in anxiety.]
[Heizou shakes his head and smiles, dismissing the apology.]
There's no need to say sorry, my dear magician. I think you're already spoiling me enough.
[He leans up to press a gentle kiss to Lyney's forehead before settling back into the comfortable closeness they were in just moments ago. Smiling warmly while he just looks into Lyney's eyes.]
So if there's anything you'd like from me, you need only ask~
[He lets out a little hum, leaning against Heizou. That gentle kiss, the way they're sitting curled up together like this... it makes Lyney feel warm and secure. Secure enough to speak up once more.]
Then, is it alright to ask... if we can just spend the night like this, together?
[He's... honestly not minding this more simple intimacy.]
[The simple request surprises Heizou for a moment, eyes widening ever so slightly as he just blinks at Lyney. He'd expected something... more, maybe. After all, Heizou has asked him for what is probably more than he can even give (especially right now), and it would only be fair to give back just as much. This is such a sweet little thing, and it immediately has Heizou softening back into the same warm, happy smile as before.]
It's more than alright. [He lets their foreheads rest together and shuts his eyes with a content sigh.] And if there's ever anything else, at any time... My offer stays open~
[Though with that said, he snuggles in a little closer, sliding his arms around Lyney to pull him in against him. As requested, there's nothing sensual about it or anything; just a desire to stay close and warm.]
[It would be easy to just go back to that casual intimacy like nothing happened. But after sharing what they shared together, and working through their problems, Lyney feels strangely drained; drained in a way that he demands comfort and security, rather than intimacy and pleasure. So he nods, a content smile forming on his own face.]
Of course, I would be foolish to not accept your offer. But for now, if you're agreeable to it... this is enough for me.
[How funny it is, to seek out gentle cuddles rather than their usual heated activities. But as Heizou wraps his arms around him, Lyney finds himself curling up against Heizou's body, not unlike a cat seeking warmth and comfort. He curls up close, letting out his own soft sigh as he settles into the crook of Heizou's neck and against the space of his side.]
[Heizou frees up a hand for a second just to pull that blanket over both of their laps, and then settles back into this positioning easily. He has to smile a little as he rests his head against Lyney's, starting to rub little circles into the small of his back. This... is good. It feels good, getting to be tangled up together like this. It's new for them, though, and in some ways that's a little bit scary for Heizou. Like they're crossing some line that until now they'd both been fine with preserving.
But intuition says that this is good. And Heizou always listens to his intuition.]
It's enough for me, too. [He nuzzles his cheek against Lyney's hair with another soft sigh.] We can stay just like this for as long as you like, my dear magician.
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book2thehead
no subject
Date: 10 May 2024 03:05 (UTC)[Lyney drags out the letters a bit, trying to keep that playful lilt to his voice. But when he speaks, there's a faint touch of bashfulness that underlies his words.]
I do know there are some lovely eateries to be had along the leviathans, especially in Eltrut. The coffee and tea isn't quite the same as I'm used to in Fontaine, but it's still quite enjoyable. And of course, there's no shortage of entertainment venues here, should you be amenable...
[...is that a shy blush touching his cheeks? Of course not, your eyes are lying.]
no subject
Date: 10 May 2024 03:32 (UTC)But it brings a bit of color up into Heizou's cheeks as well, as he has to bite down the sheepish smile that starts to spread across his face. And as he realizes he's still kind of holding Lyney's hand, he gives his fingers an affectionate little squeeze.]
...I think I'd like that. We should definitely do that some time~
no subject
Date: 10 May 2024 15:11 (UTC)[But then the detective smiles the sweetest smile, and Lyney’s heart skips a beat. A sheepish grin forms on his own face, but one that is genuine and happy.]
Ah… great! I’m looking forward to it, mon coeur.
[The word slips out easily, but he can’t help himself. Nor is he in the mood to really take it back right now.]
no subject
Date: 10 May 2024 15:43 (UTC)Though... Maybe it does make him a little extra happy to think that maybe Lyney feels the same way.]
Just say when and where, and I'll be there~
[And, as if to seal the deal, Heizou leans forward to press their lips together in a sweet, lingering kiss.]
no subject
Date: 10 May 2024 21:55 (UTC)[It’s easy to possibly get carried away, but though a part of him wants to jump up and take Heizou to all the little cafes he’s discovered during his stay, he also enjoys the warm comfort of being on Heizou’s couch as well. He squeezes Heizou’s hand back and gets settled into the cushions.]
Though, perhaps… we could spend some time here tonight?
[He doesn’t say it in a suggestive tone, but rather leaves it open for Heizou to decide. Does he want something heated? Or something more relaxed like this? Personally Lyney wouldn’t mind something more calm after their rollercoaster of a discussion, but he would never turn down a night with Heizou if he could afford it.]
no subject
Date: 10 May 2024 22:34 (UTC)You texted me first tonight, didn't you? So we can do whatever you like~
[He does kind of... go ahead and put both of their long forgotten teacups to the side for now. But not without taking his eyes off of Lyney. Obviously there's interest there just from the mention of spending their time together here at home, but his gaze is warm and soft. Something gentle for tonight sounds pretty perfect to him.]
I wasn't lying earlier when I said I missed you.
no subject
Date: 11 May 2024 21:53 (UTC)I've missed you too. I just... didn't know how to approach you since that incident.
[He lets out a forlorn, wry chuckle.]
I thought that maybe if we just went back to business as usual, it would be fine, but... well... I'm glad we had this talk.
no subject
Date: 11 May 2024 22:28 (UTC)I almost let you, you know! But it didn't sit right with me to not even try, so...
[He shrugs a shoulder, letting his gaze flit back down to their hands, rubbing his thumb over Lyney's knuckles.] I'm glad, too. This... feels good.
[Not that he can pinpoint why, exactly. Heizou's best guess is that it's just because deep down they're pretty similar creatures. But whatever the reason... It's nice. And he's glad that somehow their circumstances have thrown them together like this.]
no subject
Date: 15 May 2024 17:39 (UTC)It does, doesn’t it? I’m glad we could work things out.
[And though he does lean in to offer a quick peck to Heizou’s lips, he pulls back enough to just bask in the soft attention. He briefly closes his eyes, and then says quietly,]
Thanks for choosing to stay and work through things.
[A little admission of fear, but the tension in his body melts as he sees it’s a fear that has now been assuaged.]
no subject
Date: 15 May 2024 18:40 (UTC)And when he notices how much more relaxed Lyney is, now that they've worked everything out, Heizou leans in that tiny bit more until their foreheads are touching.]
Thanks for not running away.
[They're close enough that Heizou can give him a quick, soft kiss of his own.]
...Can you promise me something?
no subject
Date: 20 May 2024 22:35 (UTC)Mm? What is it?
no subject
Date: 21 May 2024 00:19 (UTC)It makes Heizou smile softly again, letting their fingers twine together as he closes his eyes. It's his own small show of trust, that he's not going to use his detective skills to watch how Lyney reacts and let that taint the way he interprets his response.]
I already said that you don't have to tell me everything right away. I know there must be a lot that's hard for you to talk about. But can you at least promise... not to lie to me?
[There might be something in his voice that will tell Lyney that this is important to him. Like he's been burned by liars before and he's done everything in his power to avoid that ever since.]
I'd rather you just tell me if there's something you can't talk about than lie for the sake of giving an answer...
no subject
Date: 22 May 2024 06:39 (UTC)[Then again, that very same web of lies was what caused tension between himself and the Traveller, even if it was simply lies by omission. The Traveller had been upset with him because of his lies... he'd almost lost a trusted friend because of them. And now, thinking of Heizou turning his back on him, being upset about him lying... Lyney can tell that Heizou has some scars as well. And he did want to get better at letting people in, really. Which is why after a brief pause, he takes a breath and begins to speak.]
I... will try. It's not that I don't trust you, it's just... there's a lot I can't talk about. Be it about my life, or my family...
[His voice sounds wavering, but he pauses to clear his throat. When he speaks again, it's firmer, with more stability.]
But you're... [He hesitates, looking away as he feels heat creep up his neck.] You're someone I don't want to hurt. So... I'll do my best not to lie to you. I'll tell you if I can't talk about something.
[He's trying, he really is. He hopes Heizou can see that.]
no subject
Date: 23 May 2024 03:38 (UTC)And while Heizou hopes that Lyney chooses to make this promise... He'd understand if he can't. That's part of why he shut his eyes; he doesn't want to see Lyney's reaction if he were to say "no." He'd end up reading into it, find himself overanalyzing what it might mean. If it would just be Lyney wanting to keep guarding all his secrets, or a sign that he can't trust Heizou as much as he wants him to. Having that hanging over them would only hurt. Heizou's sure of that.
Except then he hears I will try, and it makes Heizou's eyes flutter open in surprise. I will try. I'll do my best. It's not exactly what he hoped for, but it's already so much. It's enough. It makes Heizou smile, just a little bit, but it's soft and warm and accepting.]
..Thank you. I know I hardly have any right. I'm already asking so much of you... But this means a lot.
[He idly reaches up to brush some hair out of Lyney's eyes, just as a fond gesture, just so he can get a better look at his face. The magician can probably see the way Heizou relaxes now that he has that response, how it's flushed out any remaining tension. How relieved he is to not have to worry about Lyney lying to him.]
no subject
Date: 23 May 2024 21:21 (UTC)I’m glad… I’m sorry I can’t tell you everything, but… I’ll do my best to tell you as much as I can. And that’s the honest truth.
[He hopes that’s enough compromise for Heizou, but given the redhead’s relieved reaction, Lyney has a feeling it’ll be okay. When the hand brushes his hair, Lyney sighs and leans into it, basking in the touch. And seeing that relief, that tension vanish from Heizou… it makes Lyney’s insides stop knotting in anxiety.]
no subject
Date: 23 May 2024 22:43 (UTC)There's no need to say sorry, my dear magician. I think you're already spoiling me enough.
[He leans up to press a gentle kiss to Lyney's forehead before settling back into the comfortable closeness they were in just moments ago. Smiling warmly while he just looks into Lyney's eyes.]
So if there's anything you'd like from me, you need only ask~
no subject
Date: 29 May 2024 02:14 (UTC)[He lets out a little hum, leaning against Heizou. That gentle kiss, the way they're sitting curled up together like this... it makes Lyney feel warm and secure. Secure enough to speak up once more.]
Then, is it alright to ask... if we can just spend the night like this, together?
[He's... honestly not minding this more simple intimacy.]
no subject
Date: 29 May 2024 22:10 (UTC)It's more than alright. [He lets their foreheads rest together and shuts his eyes with a content sigh.] And if there's ever anything else, at any time... My offer stays open~
[Though with that said, he snuggles in a little closer, sliding his arms around Lyney to pull him in against him. As requested, there's nothing sensual about it or anything; just a desire to stay close and warm.]
no subject
Date: 30 May 2024 06:33 (UTC)Of course, I would be foolish to not accept your offer. But for now, if you're agreeable to it... this is enough for me.
[How funny it is, to seek out gentle cuddles rather than their usual heated activities. But as Heizou wraps his arms around him, Lyney finds himself curling up against Heizou's body, not unlike a cat seeking warmth and comfort. He curls up close, letting out his own soft sigh as he settles into the crook of Heizou's neck and against the space of his side.]
[Funny how easily they fit together like this.]
no subject
Date: 30 May 2024 22:51 (UTC)But intuition says that this is good. And Heizou always listens to his intuition.]
It's enough for me, too. [He nuzzles his cheek against Lyney's hair with another soft sigh.] We can stay just like this for as long as you like, my dear magician.