[Having Laslow as a retainer was difficult sometimes. Xander never has a problem with Laslow when it comes to duties or missions to send him off on. The man works hard, he's efficient and ever loyal. In that aspect, Laslow is wonderful and easier to manage than Peri, honestly. The difficulty with Laslow comes when Xander gets reports of the man being a salacious flirt in taverns late at night. The reports don't only come from taverns, either. Xander has heard it from the castle staff too. Laslow, despite the endless rejections, was just a straight flirt - with every gender! This sort of behavior not only reflect badly on Xander, but it also made Xander BURN with jealously, which is something he never wanted to feel. If he's learned anything from his siblings laid to rest, it's that a prince and jealously are not a good mix.
But putting his petty jealously aside, Laslow's reputation sullying the Nohr family name is a genuine problem that needs fixing.
If this only happens on Laslow's down time... then clearly Xander just has to give him more to do. Overworking him isn't an option, though. If he's going to give Laslow something to do in the evenings, it shant be something strenuous. it has to be something more casual that wont leave Laslow exhausted and something that Laslow might even enjoy.
Xander's drawing a serious blank until he remembers something that has continuously been mentioned but only in passing.
Laslow is a dancer.
Xander is not a dancer.
He's had lessons, but only the basics when he was a child. And since the tension with Hoshido, he hadn't gotten much of a chance to exercise those lessons. He's gotten rusty.
He explains as much to Laslow one evening. They're alone in the ballroom after dinner and though his story is all true and Laslow has no reason to say no to his proposal, he still feels nervous.]
[ As flirtatious as Laslow gets, Xander is one of the few people he never flirts with. Not from a lack of interest (who wouldn't fall for a handsome man like Xander? he's exactly his type.) but because his feelings run too deep, and he fears something he knows he shouldn't say slipping out between honeyed words. Nohr isn't his home, but as the days go by it feels more and more like it - and he doesn't want to jeopardize this, his place within the castle and his relationship with Xander, by speaking too easily.
Because he loves him. He truly does. The rare moments where Xander's dropped his guard around him and smiled are among Laslow's most cherished memories... so as long as he can stay by his side as his ever loyal and reliable retainer, that's good enough for him.
But the idea of dancing with Xander, admittedly, brings a small but warm smile to his face. ] Of course, milord. I would be happy to be your dance partner. [ The proposal makes sense to Laslow - it wouldn't be any good if the crown prince made a fool of himself on the dance floor, after all. He just has to wonder if he's allowed to enjoy this, too. ] Where do you want to start?
[This is probably one of the most selfish and embarrassing things he’s done and he’s surprised it’s working without a hitch. So if he’s allowed to enjoy it, Laslow is too.]
Well… I’ve taken classes before but it’s been a regrettably long time since then. Perhaps brushing up on the basics would be best?
I'll try my best to live up to your expectations. [ He just hopes that bar isn't too high...
But anyway. Laslow takes Xander's hand in his (taking a very, very gay moment to marvel at how big and warm it is in his - he's really a larger than life guy, isn't he...) and rests a hand on his shoulder. ] We'll start with a simple waltz - just follow my lead, and let me know if I need to slow down.
[ And once Xander's ready, he'll begin to move his feet, and try not to think too hard about how pleasant it'd be to actually be his dance partner. ]
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But putting his petty jealously aside, Laslow's reputation sullying the Nohr family name is a genuine problem that needs fixing.
If this only happens on Laslow's down time... then clearly Xander just has to give him more to do. Overworking him isn't an option, though. If he's going to give Laslow something to do in the evenings, it shant be something strenuous. it has to be something more casual that wont leave Laslow exhausted and something that Laslow might even enjoy.
Xander's drawing a serious blank until he remembers something that has continuously been mentioned but only in passing.
Laslow is a dancer.
Xander is not a dancer.
He's had lessons, but only the basics when he was a child. And since the tension with Hoshido, he hadn't gotten much of a chance to exercise those lessons. He's gotten rusty.
He explains as much to Laslow one evening. They're alone in the ballroom after dinner and though his story is all true and Laslow has no reason to say no to his proposal, he still feels nervous.]
What do you say, Laslow?
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Because he loves him. He truly does. The rare moments where Xander's dropped his guard around him and smiled are among Laslow's most cherished memories... so as long as he can stay by his side as his ever loyal and reliable retainer, that's good enough for him.
But the idea of dancing with Xander, admittedly, brings a small but warm smile to his face. ] Of course, milord. I would be happy to be your dance partner. [ The proposal makes sense to Laslow - it wouldn't be any good if the crown prince made a fool of himself on the dance floor, after all. He just has to wonder if he's allowed to enjoy this, too. ] Where do you want to start?
no subject
Well… I’ve taken classes before but it’s been a regrettably long time since then. Perhaps brushing up on the basics would be best?
You’re the instructor now, Laslow.
no subject
But anyway. Laslow takes Xander's hand in his (taking a very, very gay moment to marvel at how big and warm it is in his - he's really a larger than life guy, isn't he...) and rests a hand on his shoulder. ] We'll start with a simple waltz - just follow my lead, and let me know if I need to slow down.
[ And once Xander's ready, he'll begin to move his feet, and try not to think too hard about how pleasant it'd be to actually be his dance partner. ]