Golden Peacock TDM Overflow

[bardische]

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Overlfow 2l
Overflow 3

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[philancer]

[ Sylvain smiles against the back of his shoulder, holding him close as they both catch their breaths.

Which is, of course, when the elevator door dings and slides open behind them, prompting a chuckle from the redhead as he glances over his shoulder.

Luckily, the gardens up here look pretty empty right now - he’d assumed everyone would be at the masquerade and it looked as if he were right. ]

Come on. Let’s see if we can go find a quiet corner somewhere before someone else needs to use the elevator.

[ Even if that back wall… is very telling of what they’d been up to. He just smirks, however, as he straightens and releases his grip on Basch’s arm. ]

[bardische]

[ Basch privately suspects the elevator somehow knew to wait until they’d finished, but he is not opposed to its choice and so he says nothing. If anything, he hopes it somehow cleans itself before someone else steps in. But the thrill it might now is still a thrill.

He’s reluctant to leave Sylvain’s hold, but there’s no protest; he trusts this night isn’t finished, and he would rather enjoy it more comfortably. The gardens smell sweet and earthy and that puts him at ease, even if walking naked in semi public is still enough to make him shy. But there’s no real use getting dressed again, and this place is full of oddness. So he uses his discarded shirt to clean himself off, then is following after Sylvain, the odd desire to take the other’s hand skimming across his mind. He doesn’t act on it, but he does tuck it away, something strange and unfathomable and oddly precious. ]

It’s beautiful up here. Quiet.

[philancer]

[ Sylvain had bent to scoop up his own clothes and had turned to offer something to Basch to help clean up when he saw he was already too late. Grinning sheepishly, he just tucks them under one arm instead and steps out into the massive stretch of gardens that extend under a domed skiy. At least he thinks that’s the sky. With the magic in this place, who knows? ]]

It is. It’s also much larger than I thought it would be. Although I guess that shouldn’t surprise me, considering this place. Everything here seems designed to be big and flashy.

[ He glances back over his shoulder at Basch and then grins before holding out his free hand in invitation. ]

Shall we go explore for a bit? It’s quiet enough that we might have the whole place to ourselves right now.

[bardische]

[ Basch does rescue the pants, if only because he will have to return through the hotel at some point, but the shirt only comes with him to be a further cleaning aid.

He looks up, unsure what to make of Sylvain’s sheepish grin. He hasn’t connected it to the desire to offer aid, and so he wonders if he’s done something odd; he hasn’t seen anything remotely like shyness on the other man. Puzzled, but loathe to make it worse, he just follows Sylvain out. The other man’s comment draws his attention to the sky dome. Beautiful. But something in him still feels wrong. Trapped. A prison is a prison, and the air doesn’t move right. He won’t say it though. What he does say is ]

The building is enormous across, so it follows the gardens would be large.

[ And then he’s glancing back at Sylvain, more interested in that view, and his brow is twisting, lips parting. He looks at Sylvain’s hand in confusion, gaze darting back to his face in question. There’s just a smile there.

Were the rules just different where Sylvain was from? Or — he realizes his heart is beating faster — was whatever that deeper, messier thing he was feeling…mutual?

He wants to shake his head, write it off, hide from the vulnerability that if he accepts, he can be so much more hurt. But—

But he doesn’t. Almost like someone else is reaching in and steering, he sets his hand in Sylvain’s. His smile, though, small and sheepish as it is, is all his. It takes all his not-small a line of self restraint not to say anything stupid, which essentially means limiting himself in words altogether. ]

Yes. I’d like that.

[philancer]

[ Sylvain just waits, hand outstretched as Basch struggles with the decision to take it or not. He’s patient about it, though, not wanting to put too much pressure on the other man. Although he wonders if that was a step too far.

Which seems a silly thing to wonder when he’d been buried in the man’s ass a minute ago.

The rules are slightly different where he comes from. While it’s not as common, it’s also not unheard of. Although he, being of the noble class and a Crest bearer to boot, might incite scandal over preferences leaning that way. At least until he safely had an heir to secure his lineage. Then he was pretty sure no one gave a damn about anything past that. It was yet one more way those lucky enough to be born without a Crest had a freedom he could rarely dream of, and one they so often took for granted.

But he doesn’t dwell on it now. Not when Basch finally comes to a decision and slips his hand into Sylvain’s He gives the man’s fingers a light squeeze before tugging him closer, falling into step at his side and keeping their fingers entwined for now.

He lets his gaze drift around them as they wander - aimlessly for the moment, although that’s mostly because he’s never been here before and has no idea where they’re going. But while he thinks he sees a glimpse of a familiar piece of greenery every now and then, many of the plants here seem foreign to him. ]

Are the plants in your world like this? [ he wonders aloud after a moment, glancing over as he gestures to the greenery around them. ]

[bardische]

[ it’s that sensitivity to what Basch may or may not be ready for that’s making this possible, even if Basch hasn’t put his finger on it yet. He is not so skittish he will run regardless, but he is skittish enough to spook. Time to make his own decision without pressure is a godsend. Because thus far, this has been worth every discomfort and risk.

He’s further surprised as Sylvain squeezes his hand and slides in close beside him, but he manages to simply squeeze back and fall in step. If pressed, Basch wouldn’t know how common or uncommon this was at home. He just knew members of his rank were not to fraternize with each other, and so everything was secret, always someone asking him to bend so they could keep from breaking. And he always did. They had to win their battles, win the war so they could have peace. This was…different.

The question is a relief. Safe. ]

Some species seem familiar, at least in family. But I have traveled desert, tundra, jungle, plains, and forest. I wonder if certain climates don’t produce certain form, regardless of world.

[philancer]

[ He gives a thoughtful hum as he glances over to study Basch curiously at that answer. ]

That might be true enough, I suppose. I haven’t seen nearly as much of the other regions in my world as I have my own territory, and those neighboring it. [ Excluding his time at the Academy, anyway. And the war had kept him too occupied to travel much for pleasure for the past several years. ] You’ve traveled extensively, from the sound of it?

[bardische]

Only from necessity.

[ His voice and expression are strained, hand tightening without his realizing. Then his actions catch up with him, and he tries to smile. ]

My country was conquered when I was still a youth. I moved to an allied territory, but the war was still on, and I often served on sensitive missions. My latest duty had sent me even farther afield. I am not sure I’d consider myself well traveled; cultural differences elude me, and I am a man of simple tastes.

[ He looks around them, feeling his spirit ease in the presence of nature. It’s something he’s always sought solace in. ] I do enjoy the landscape, and I know the basics of medicinal herbs.

[philancer]

[ Sylvain’s pace pauses, hesitates as he glances over at Basch, understanding in his gaze. But he continues on, not wanting to stop, not wanting to drag out a painful moment if Basch doesn’t wish to dwell. This doesn’t seem the time, not after they night they've had together. He doesn’t want to drag shadows into it now. ]

I’m sorry. [ His voice is sincere - both over what Basch had endured for most of his life, and the fact that he’d accidentally reminded him of darker times in the first place. ] My own realm has been caught up in war for the past half-decade or so and I’ve spent most of it keeping the Empire from invading our lands, even as they encroached ever further. Any dreams I’d had for seeing more of the world after my days at the Academy got stomped underfoot like so much of our Kingdom.

[ An explanation - not to keep the topic dark, but to show he understood, in a way. Maybe not to the extent that Basch had endured, but war was terrible, no matter what.

But he smiles a bit at the mention of herbs, something he was familiar with as well. ] I had a friend who was very knowledgable about plants and gardening. Things that were used for cooking, for spices, for medicines. I used to escape there to hide, back in our Academy days, because it was always quiet, and he would sometimes tell me about them while I worked beside him.

[ Dedue’s quiet strength had been a lifesaver in and of itself. Basch reminded Sylvain of him, a little. ]

[bardische]

[ It isn't your fault is a useless dismissal, especially when he sees how sincere Sylvain's offering is. He has no more desire to cast a shadow on their evening than the other man. He listens though, his hand coming to briefly squeeze the other's arm. ]

You understand, then. It consumes you; how can it not? I wish you peace and travels upon your return.

[ It's out before he thinks better, leaving an odd taste. He means it, of course, but if he does, then it wishes whatever this is to either run its course, or to be a painful loss. Was that not the fate of all trysts, though? Basch had said he would consider love and family and home when the Empire was defeated, and that was twenty years ago.

Sylvain, thankfully, is more facile with conversation than he is, and seizes an opportunity to adjust. ] Funny how those of us who like plants and rocks have a tendency for quiet. Something you enjoy, though do not share, it would seem.

[ It's a warm observation, teasing even. ]

[philancer]

[ His return. He doesn’t want to think about that. What or who might be waiting for him when he gets back. And who might not. As much as the shadow of Gronder still hangs over his presence here… he’s in no hurry to find out. Or return.

Who knew that getting kidnapped might have possibly saved his life? Or the lives of people he had no desire to end. He only hoped it hadn’t cost those most important to him, too.

He was trying not to let it consume him. With varying success, depending on the moment. Sometimes it was easier to fake than others. Although coming face to face with Edelgard and Hubert had certainly been a test of his control. And acting skills.

But he latches onto that teasing comment for the distraction it is, happily letting the conversation steer away into a new direction. They’re still meandering through the gardens, although the greenery seems to be growing a little wilder here, not quit as structured and controlled. He finds he likes that better, he thinks.

But for now he gasps and clutches his free hand over his chest like he’s been mortally offended, even though his eyes are warm and dancing with laughter. ]

Did you just imply I talk too much?? I would never… [ he stops abruptly, as if to rethink whatever he’d been about to say, and then just gives a nonchalant shrug with a wink aimed in Basch’s direction. ] Nah, you’re right, on second thought. I absolutely talk too much. Feel free to shut me up again whenever you like.

[bardische]

[ Basch laughs, bright and open. He's not sure he remembers laughing like that. And before he can think better of it, he stills his walk, tugging Sylvain to him so he can catch the other's face and kiss his temple. ]

I did not say too much.

[ He'll make good on shutting him up though, lips moving to lip and kissing deeply, enjoying the soft heat of their skin pressing together under the fresh air of the gardens. He'd like to fuck Sylvain outdoors, he passingly notes. Near a waterfall and go swimming; in the warm sun on a big slab of sandstone; in a soft meadow. And then hear him talk too much as one or both of them dozes.

He doesn't know who this person is, who wants companionship and intimacy, who wants so freely, but in this moment, he's happy to be him, and happy to be here. ]

[philancer]

[ Sylvain’s gaze brightens at the sound of that laughter. It looks good on him, he thinks, and it has his own expression softening with warmth as he winds his arms around the man’s waist, drawing him in close.

He leans in to meet him for that kiss, still smiling as he slides a hand gently down Basch’s spine. He lingers there, drawing it out, warm and teasing. It’s quieter, not holding the frenzy and impatience of earlier, but just as good, just as enjoyable. Maybe even more so.

But after a long moment, he pulls back, although he steals one more kiss before doing so, as if reluctant to stop. He does tug on the man’s hand again with a fond smile. ]

Come on. I think I see a rope bridge up there. Shall we see where it leads? It seems an odd choice, for the type of garden we walked into.

[bardische]

[ Basch's eyes close, and he just lets himself get lost in the warmth of lips on his, the hand around his waist, the feeling deep in his belly. Balthier had been on about this, just being in the moment and in the body and turning off that damn head, and Basch had always thought he was talking more to himself, but this, he thinks, is what the other meant. And he'd been right.

Sylvain pulls back -- only after teasing wonderfully -- and Basch has the urge to cradle his face, like he could touch the brightness and warmth coming off it. He's relieved to be diverted and led, because he doesn't know what to do with this feeling. ]

This whole place is odd choices. They have not steered me poorly tonight, though. [ He squeezes Sylvain's hand. ] Let's see where it leads.

[philancer]

[ Sylvain chuckles as he heads in the direction of the strange bridge up ahead. The greenery and growth beyond it looks wilder still. ]

So. What adventures did you find tonight at their little masquerade? Anything fun?

[ He tosses a playful wink over his shoulder at Basch, grin playful and curious. And maybe holding a faint hint of teasing mischief.

Although he was curious. There had been a lot to experience, after all. ]

[bardische]

[ Basch relaxes further as the gardens give way to more natural, wilder growth. This was a good suggestion.

The question pulls him back a little, and he looks down, shy and disoriented. Was that really just an hour ago? But a glance at Sylvain reminds him it's not to mock or to judge. He could say anything, or nothing. ]

I mostly observed. [ And...maybe was guiltily tantalized by some things, repulsed by others. ] I was certainly given offers for other couplings. It was a strange thing to express I was spoken for. This helped. [ He touches the collar at his neck, having near forgotten it. But it had been a pleasant shield and promise when he was otherwise overwhelmed. ] I think that made me more desirable to a few.

[philancer]

It would. [ He chuckles a little at that, giving Basch’s hand a light squeeze. He hoped he hadn’t embarrassed him by asking, but he’s relieved when the man answers. ] Not being allowed to have something - or someone - makes them crave it even more. Or sometimes it’s just that being desired by someone makes others take a second look and seek out what it is that might draw them, too.

Were there any that tempted you? [ He glances back at him again, and then deliberately slows his pace enough that they’re side by side instead of him leading the way. ]

And don’t worry, I’m not going to be upset at your answer. You’re still here, after all. I’m just curious.

[bardische]

[ He'd done alright with the first question, but not he flushes. These were always the sorts of exchanges where he was honest, but inevitably said something that annoyed the other, either in his being too simple or his attaching when he was not supposed to.

But he's been honest this far, and he is a terrible liar. So breathes out a little more deeply. ]

That would explain my popularity over the years, though I wonder at no one putting it so succinctly for me. In honesty, no. Keeping one of my wants centered this long was a feat itself, and why would I want something unknown when I had something good waiting? I did, a few times, talk myself out of seeing you again, but then you would claim me again, and I decided to stay a little longer.

[ This feels like the most he's said at once in years. ]

You're not a jealous man then, even though you like to mark? [ He surprises himself with his smile, affectionate, and even teasing. He could respect that, really. Someone who could indulge but also didn't try to restrict others. ]

[philancer]

I'm not. [ He can confirm that easily enough, even if... well. ] Not over things like this, anyway. People getting jealous over my attentions, my affections, was something that happened a lot, back home, and that's not something I would want to put anyone else through.

Besides. I tend to believe people's hearts can hold enough room for more than one person. I've seen families do it, parents, friends. Why should this be different?

[ He might not have experienced many of those firsthand, but he had seen it in others. And it was what he wanted to perpetuate. Maybe the world wouldn't be so fucked up if that were more normal. ]

But I do enjoy having your attention all to myself like this. And that I was on your mind so much tonight. I may have sought you out on purpose a few of those times, just to catch your eye again. Considering that apparently helped talk you back into seeing me again, I'm glad I did.

And, [ he adds, tugging Basch closer as he smiles at that very obvious mark he'd left on the man's flesh. ] I like knowing that every time you see that in your reflection, or every time you catch someone's eyes landing on it, you'll think of me all over again. And when I gave it to you.

[bardische]

[ Basch nods thoughtfully. He'd seen that sort of stress and infighting over some of those he served beside. It was why it was easy to agree to keep things secret. He wasn't sure how he felt about the idea of many or one; he loved those he worked with, and he served whoever needed it, but he suspected that was different somehow.

The idea that people's hearts can hold space for many makes sense to him, even if some part of him balks at taking so much space. Is not one meal enough? For him. For Sylvain, he wants the world.

It's not until Sylvain says he likes having Basch's attention that he realizes there was some sadness vying in him too. It's not something he can untangle now, but the relief he's willing to hold onto. ]

Mmm, not jealous, but certainly possessive. [ He closes the space between them to kiss again, a little firm, a little teasing, pleased to be wanted and wanting it to continue. ] I'll think of you with or without memory on my skin, but I cannot deny I enjoy it.

And you? Your reflection suggested your wish to be equally claimed in this way. [ Teasing, beginning to wind up for their inevitable next round, but genuinely asking too. He wanted to give Sylvain what he would enjoy, to the greatest extent of his ability. He wanted to be thought of fondly, whether they met again or not. ]

[philancer]

[ His lips curve into a crooked smile at that, something Basch will no doubt be able to feel against his lips as he leans into that kiss, chasing the brush of the other man’s mouth against his own. ]

Possessive is probably a good word for it. [ A playful nip to Basch’s lower lip before he pulls back enough to see his face. Amber eyes warm and lit with teasing now. ]

Was that your subtle way of expressing you wanted to leave your marks on me, too, Basch? Because I assure you I’ve got no objections to that. That’s not an offer I’d make to many, but it seems you’re my exception to a lot of things today.

[ Then again, people being possessive of him back home rarely had good connotations. Or dire consequences. ]

[bardische]

[ he thinks, perhaps for the first time, he can see how people become addicted to another. It is a strange thing for his mouth to run so loosely and have another meet it with grins and teases.

He’s been possessed, marked, kept before — but always as a sort of game, a joy in the scandal of it. It wasn’t that he’d never cared for those he laid with. Quite the opposite. It was just clear that care was not meant to be spoken of, and certainly not detectable outside the privacy of those engagements.

That Slyvain wanted him marked was heady enough. That he invited it back, and when it wasn’t his custom, makes Basch’s breath catch. ]

And here I was congratulating myself for being so direct. I do not know what it is I have done to charm you so, but I pray it continues. And if you look at the marks on your skin and think fondly of me, I will be quite satisfied.

[ All spoken close to Sylvain’s lips, so that it is easy to lean in and nip back. He can feel his cock beginning to stir; it had been enough time to recover, and the anticipation of what else they’ll get up to has him taut with anticipation. ]

[philancer]

Oh, I intend to make you much more than just satisfied. [ A cheeky grin accompanies the words as he chuckles, lingering in that kiss. He can feel the stir of arousal against his hip - with neither of them wearing clothes still, there’s little enough to disguise it.

Which is yet another reminder that they’ve yet to find a place that’s private enough for them to spent the next few hours. Or the night, at this rate.

So it’s reluctance in his movements as he draws back again, but only to lead the way across the swaying rope bridge they’d been headed towards. The gardens on the other side are more wild jungle than garden, in his mind, with massive trees with what looks like treehouses and rope netting strung up between many of them. There are soft lanterns lighting their path and moss that grows on the trees with a strange glow to it, giving their surroundings an otherworldly glow. A quiet river runs beside the path, winding away into the underbrush and then back again, the current slow and lazy.

It’s not until they come to a small side path that splits off that Sylvain pauses, taking a few steps down it until he sees where it leads. And then he just laughs, glancing back over his shoulder at Basch with an impish grin. ]

Now I see why the trail split so many ways, if something like this was down them.

[ Because the path has led to a small, cozy clearing, surrounded by vibrant plants and trees. There’s a massive nest of cushions set among soft moss, waiting invitingly to be lounged on. Something that looks like a wide hammock - or a swing, maybe? - is suspended from a nearby tree. The netting drapes overhead with the occasional ladder, or the occasional lose strands of rope dangling conveniently downwards, in case someone below had need of it. And the river had carved out a small shallow pool here before meandering on, making the private little glade the perfect place to stop and relax and enjoy… well, what most people probably came to these gardens for in the first place. ]

It seems we have it to ourselves tonight. What do you think? Comfortable enough?

ty for the beautiful setting description

[bardische]

[ Basch notices the change too, and recognizes some of this from how he woke up here. It reminds him some of Golmore, but is still so clearly pleasure garden; the air is not so thick, and the heat is not oppressive. That's fine. Preferable even.

It's also...beautiful. Peaceful. Lights aglow and little quiet places to tuck away. It moves him, for some reason. Perhaps just the sense of a natural space -- false or no -- that knows no war. So he follows silently, eyes taking it in, anchored by the hand in his as his mind tries to reject any of this as real.

Sylvain's laugh brings him back. It's beautiful, and if he could catch it up, he would. But his words guide Basch's attention back to the scenery. He would never have designed this for himself but -- in a flash of honesty he could see himself coming back to this place and enjoying all of it, if Sylvain were with him, and that's a dizzying thought.

He just nods, tightening his grip in Sylvain's hand for a flash. ]

Significantly more comfortable than we're used to, at this point.

I hope it works! feel free to add whatever you want or what might useful/fun ;)

[philancer]

[ Sylvain’s smile is bright and warm as he tugs Basch closer and bends to press a kiss against his lips, pleased with their discovery. ]

I don’t think it would have been hard to outdo the dressing room. The mirrored lift was nice, however. [ He winks, teasing the man still as he steals another kiss.

Then he leans back and gives a thoughtful hum as he surveys the little clearing they’ve found for themselves. ]

So. [ He leans close to murmur in the man’s ear, almost as if confessing a secret. ] What would you like to try first?