[Naesala is well aware of all the gossip circulating around about himself and Leanne, and he makes no effort to put a stop to it. Why would he when he’s partly the cause of it all, and it’s partly true anyway? He and Leanne do make quite a pair – an exceptionally beautiful couple. They are inseparable (which warrants the bonus of keeping more.. undesirable nobles from other houses away from Leanne aka white herons’ house sweetheart). And, who knows, maybe they will meet at the Goddess Tower the night of the ball –
-If only because the person Naesala really wants to invite is a Grade A idiot.
Here’s the thing: Yes, Naesala flirts endlessly with Leanne but it’s a special sort of flirting that they’ve been doing since they were kids. He would do anything for her, including marry her if the situation called for it! But it’s all very platonic. Now, the way he flirts with Reyson? That’s different. That’s real. It’s just more subtle and overlooked in favor of their assumed house rivalry vibes, so no one picks up on it. Including Reyson, unfortunately.
Goddess, Reyson is so dumb. But Naesala loves him endlessly.
And when he calls, Naesala is sure to answer.
The Sapphire Ravens' house leader is perched, slouching, on the railing of a balcony as he always does before finally retreating to his dorm room for the night. At Reyson’s call, he looks over his shoulder and gives Reyson a very special smile reserved only for him.]
[ Reyson quietly moves to Naesala's side, crossing his arms over his chest in an attempt to keep warm. (he really should've brought another jacket, but he figures this conversation will be quick. he'll get a yes or no answer out of naesala, then go to bed bitter or relieved. either way, he'll dread the ball for how he'll have to play nice with all the people who'll want him as a beautiful dance partner, but by the following morning it'll just be a memory.)
His gaze shifts between Naesala and the open sky above them. ] It's about Leanne.
[ His hands tighten just slightly over his forearms. ] Tomorrow, during the ball... are you planning on taking her to the Tower?
[Naesala just about pitches himself off the balcony.
But Reyson sounds legitimately concerned about this. So before he can do any sort of dying, Naesala has to answer him. And before that, he inches closer so he can wordlessly put an arm around Reyson’s shoulders. It’ll be a short conversation for sure, but Naesala’s never been able to ignore Reyson when he’s uncomfortable.]
I don’t know. [It isn’t a lie. He doesn’t know. Going to the Goddess Tower doesn’t actually mean anything in the long run. It's just a legend and wish.] What? Do I not have your blessings?
[Reyson is oblivious but Naesala is still a coward.]
[ It's a small gesture, but Reyson's still appreciative. The weight of Naesala's arm around him is just as comforting as ever.
He gathers his words. ] ... No. You do. And I'm certain Leanne would be happy to go with you, if you asked her. [ And if they do share a vow and all the talk of being bound together forever is explicitly romantic, then, well... Reyson will just have to be happy for them. ]
[He makes a small, affirmative noise.] I love Leanne, but if there’s any truth to the stories around the Tower then I think, perhaps, she should go with someone else.
[Before Reyson has a chance to assume he’s being self-depreciating (not entirely untrue), Naesala continues. He can stand to be a little less of a coward so that Reyson, at the least, knows for certain that he doesn’t have eyes for his sister.] There’s someone else I’d rather go with, too. And she knows it.
"Someone else"? [ That makes Reyson pause. Sure, Naesala acts chummy with other students, but he really isn't close with many. Micaiah and Sanaki, maybe, but they are more or less spoken for (or completely off-limits, in Sanaki's case). And while Reyson's seen their relationship improve, he's sure both he and Tibarn would die before setting foot in the tower together. Which realistically leaves Leanne, who he's already addressed, and... ...
Oh.
Oh.
He quietly studies Naesala's face, looking for something, any sort of sign that he's not just making some wild logical leaps here. ] Then, are you asking them?
[Well, it’s taken a couple years, but it looks like Reyson finally gets it. He can see it in his eyes and, for once, Naesala does not avert his own in hopes that Reyson can find the answer he’s looking for.]
[ In retrospect, he should have realized it sooner. All the pieces have been there from the start - he doesn't know how or why he didn't connect the dots. What was he thinking?
No matter. It's taken him some time (which he plans to make up for eventually) but he's here now, standing on this balcony with Naesala on a chilly winter night with love shining in his eyes.
His lips lift into a tiny smile, and he unfolds his arms to slip one around Naesala's waist. ] If that's your way of asking... yes. I would.
[Naesala smiles that special smile of his - the one that reaches his eyes and makes his cheeks a touch warm. The one reserved just for Reyson.] I can ask properly. Only the best for you, angel.
[But joking aside.. Naesala leans in the little bit he needs to, to press a kiss to Reyson's hair.] Thank you.
[ Reyson closes his eyes, content, and shifts to fully embrace Naesala. ]
You don't need to thank me. If anything, I should be thank you, for being... patient with me. [ While he has no idea how long Naesala's been harboring feelings for him, he could confidently guess it's been A While. ]
[Naesala so desperately wants to say it: I’ve been flirting with you for years now, thanks for finally noticing. But he refrains and they end their night in each other’s arms.
The White Heron Cup comes and goes, and it’s no surprise that Reyson wins. His competition didn’t stand a chance; Naesala almost feels bad for them. And with the competition over, it’s time for the main event: the ball.
Naesala is social by nature. He keeps people at arm’s length but has no problem being charming and captivating an audience. That’s what he’s been doing the duration of the ball thus far: chatting it up with his fellow students and the faculty, and having an overall pleasant time. However, he is very guilty of not dancing with even one person. He’s turned down enough offers that he thinks he’s successfully dissuaded anyone else from asking him.
[ Naesala only thinks he's dissuaded everyone from asking him to dance. In truth, there's still one more person who needs to ask - and this one's too stubborn to take a simple "no" and leave it at that.
Reyson, for most of the evening, has been occupied. He hasn't had much of an opportunity to breathe, between polite conversations, the White Heron Cup, and keeping the sketchy nobles away from his sister. Still, when he finally gets a moment to breathe, he doesn't run away from the ball - he instead makes his way to Naesala.
Once there's a break in whatever conversation he's taking part in, Reyson touches his arm to get his attention. ]
Hey. [ He waits until Naesala turns toward him to offer his hand.
(he hadn't gotten a good look at naesala the whole night but oh no..................................... he's hot.) ] Dance with me?
["Oh no, he's hot" is right. As if Naesala would pass up a chance such as this to dress in his finest and really show off. But if Naesala is not the only hot one.
Reyson is always attractive but he is stunning tonight. Naesala gets his first real good look at him when he approaches and whew, he could swoon.
That's not enough to get Naesala to dance, though. He at least has the decency to look apologetic before making a show of turning down Reyson.] My apologies, angel. [Naesala bows, one hand to his chest, and head down.] But I must decline.
[ Reyson raises a delicate eyebrow at him, keeping that hand extended out toward him. (naesala should be thankful he's not leanne - she would've dragged him out to the dance floor by now, kicking and screaming if she had to.) ]
Why? It'd be an honor to dance with me. [ He says in a tone revealing that while he doesn't believe it himself, he's heard it enough times tonight from his flock of admirers. ]
Naesala catches his wrist.] Hold on now, isn't that jumping to drastic measures? [And he releases Reyson's wrist to run his hand through his hair.] Geez, what are the other student's going to think when they learn you're a bully.
[ Reyson, this time, takes Naesala's free hand and threads his fingers through his. ]
No one would believe you. Everyone thinks I'm the softest between the three of us. [ Including Tibarn. And this is with the incident where Reyson broke his hand punching a professor in the nose in mind. ]
You're very lucky I have a terrible reputation and no one trusts me.
[And yet, he still sighs as fond and in love with Reyson as ever.] Just remember I tried to decline. I wont be kissing your feet after I've stepped all over them.
[ Reyson kisses the back of Naesala's hand softly, a gesture he hopes passes as gentlemanly to others, opposed to completely and utterly affectionate. ]
Just follow my lead, Naesala. You'll be fine. [ It's not like he doesn't know he has two left feet. For someone who carries himself with so much bravado on a daily basis, he's, well... uncoordinated, to say the least. But Reyson and Leanne still loved dancing with him as a child, laughing as they spun each other around and around without a care.
He's just as happy to lead Naesala out to the dance floor now, but he won't be spinning him so wildly. Hands still clasped tight, he rests his free hand on the middle of his back and starts to move to the music.
After a few moments of helping Naesala find his rhythm, he gives him a little smile. ] That wasn't so bad, now, was it? [ stubborn binch ]
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-If only because the person Naesala really wants to invite is a Grade A idiot.
Here’s the thing: Yes, Naesala flirts endlessly with Leanne but it’s a special sort of flirting that they’ve been doing since they were kids. He would do anything for her, including marry her if the situation called for it! But it’s all very platonic. Now, the way he flirts with Reyson? That’s different. That’s real. It’s just more subtle and overlooked in favor of their assumed house rivalry vibes, so no one picks up on it. Including Reyson, unfortunately.
Goddess, Reyson is so dumb. But Naesala loves him endlessly.
And when he calls, Naesala is sure to answer.
The Sapphire Ravens' house leader is perched, slouching, on the railing of a balcony as he always does before finally retreating to his dorm room for the night. At Reyson’s call, he looks over his shoulder and gives Reyson a very special smile reserved only for him.]
That sounds ominous. About what, angel?
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His gaze shifts between Naesala and the open sky above them. ] It's about Leanne.
[ His hands tighten just slightly over his forearms. ] Tomorrow, during the ball... are you planning on taking her to the Tower?
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But Reyson sounds legitimately concerned about this. So before he can do any sort of dying, Naesala has to answer him. And before that, he inches closer so he can wordlessly put an arm around Reyson’s shoulders. It’ll be a short conversation for sure, but Naesala’s never been able to ignore Reyson when he’s uncomfortable.]
I don’t know. [It isn’t a lie. He doesn’t know. Going to the Goddess Tower doesn’t actually mean anything in the long run. It's just a legend and wish.] What? Do I not have your blessings?
[Reyson is oblivious but Naesala is still a coward.]
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He gathers his words. ] ... No. You do. And I'm certain Leanne would be happy to go with you, if you asked her. [ And if they do share a vow and all the talk of being bound together forever is explicitly romantic, then, well... Reyson will just have to be happy for them. ]
But you're not sure if you'll ask?
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[Before Reyson has a chance to assume he’s being self-depreciating (not entirely untrue), Naesala continues. He can stand to be a little less of a coward so that Reyson, at the least, knows for certain that he doesn’t have eyes for his sister.] There’s someone else I’d rather go with, too. And she knows it.
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Oh.
Oh.
He quietly studies Naesala's face, looking for something, any sort of sign that he's not just making some wild logical leaps here. ] Then, are you asking them?
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Would they accept?
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No matter. It's taken him some time (which he plans to make up for eventually) but he's here now, standing on this balcony with Naesala on a chilly winter night with love shining in his eyes.
His lips lift into a tiny smile, and he unfolds his arms to slip one around Naesala's waist. ] If that's your way of asking... yes. I would.
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[But joking aside.. Naesala leans in the little bit he needs to, to press a kiss to Reyson's hair.] Thank you.
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You don't need to thank me. If anything, I should be thank you, for being... patient with me. [ While he has no idea how long Naesala's been harboring feelings for him, he could confidently guess it's been A While. ]
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The White Heron Cup comes and goes, and it’s no surprise that Reyson wins. His competition didn’t stand a chance; Naesala almost feels bad for them. And with the competition over, it’s time for the main event: the ball.
Naesala is social by nature. He keeps people at arm’s length but has no problem being charming and captivating an audience. That’s what he’s been doing the duration of the ball thus far: chatting it up with his fellow students and the faculty, and having an overall pleasant time. However, he is very guilty of not dancing with even one person. He’s turned down enough offers that he thinks he’s successfully dissuaded anyone else from asking him.
Good.]
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Reyson, for most of the evening, has been occupied. He hasn't had much of an opportunity to breathe, between polite conversations, the White Heron Cup, and keeping the sketchy nobles away from his sister. Still, when he finally gets a moment to breathe, he doesn't run away from the ball - he instead makes his way to Naesala.
Once there's a break in whatever conversation he's taking part in, Reyson touches his arm to get his attention. ]
Hey. [ He waits until Naesala turns toward him to offer his hand.
(he hadn't gotten a good look at naesala the whole night but oh no..................................... he's hot.) ] Dance with me?
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Reyson is always attractive but he is stunning tonight. Naesala gets his first real good look at him when he approaches and whew, he could swoon.
That's not enough to get Naesala to dance, though. He at least has the decency to look apologetic before making a show of turning down Reyson.] My apologies, angel. [Naesala bows, one hand to his chest, and head down.] But I must decline.
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Why? It'd be an honor to dance with me. [ He says in a tone revealing that while he doesn't believe it himself, he's heard it enough times tonight from his flock of admirers. ]
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I know this and yet, I must still decline.
[Reyson is going to have to play dirty to convince him.]
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Then I guess I have no choice but to ask Tibarn. He won't turn me down.
[ And he turns, ready to disappear into the crowd of students to find the other house leaders. ]
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hey Reyson.
Fuck you.
Naesala catches his wrist.] Hold on now, isn't that jumping to drastic measures? [And he releases Reyson's wrist to run his hand through his hair.] Geez, what are the other student's going to think when they learn you're a bully.
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No one would believe you. Everyone thinks I'm the softest between the three of us. [ Including Tibarn. And this is with the incident where Reyson broke his hand punching a professor in the nose in mind. ]
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[And yet, he still sighs as fond and in love with Reyson as ever.] Just remember I tried to decline. I wont be kissing your feet after I've stepped all over them.
[So, yes, he'll dance. You rat.]
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Just follow my lead, Naesala. You'll be fine. [ It's not like he doesn't know he has two left feet. For someone who carries himself with so much bravado on a daily basis, he's, well... uncoordinated, to say the least. But Reyson and Leanne still loved dancing with him as a child, laughing as they spun each other around and around without a care.
He's just as happy to lead Naesala out to the dance floor now, but he won't be spinning him so wildly. Hands still clasped tight, he rests his free hand on the middle of his back and starts to move to the music.
After a few moments of helping Naesala find his rhythm, he gives him a little smile. ] That wasn't so bad, now, was it? [ stubborn binch ]
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Well, what do you know. You really bring out the best in me.
[But Naesala is just as stubborn and will not be admitting anything aloud.]
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Are you surprised?
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Not at all. If it weren't for you, I'd just be pond scum.
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So you keep saying.
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