𝖏𝖎𝖆𝖓𝖞𝖚:
there was something, almost knowingly dangerous with how they spoke to each other. the wink sent his way had a shiver rolling down jianyu’s spine that he tried his best to not acknowledge. he knew that there were places and people in the world that did not have concerns over his preferences. some would even celebrate it. but there was the very idea of bringing dishonor to his parents that always kept him carefully walking a line he didn’t wish to cross. if only for them. that line, of course, was even more difficult when alasdair stood in front of him.
it was in those moment that he focused far too much on the warmth, from where the other touched him, that seemed to somehow be stronger than the sun beating down on him. how his eyes seemed to light up when they conversed. something he had with his closest friends but, it was always different with the other man.
“you too look well,” he replied softly, as they matched their steps while walking through the way. a hint of meat in the air they seemed to be tracing. didn’t he always look well? pushing the thought away, jianyu did his best to focus on the conversation. of course, al’s father would wish him to wed. all father’s seemed to wish such a thing. handsome man deserved handsome wives. nearly a law of nature, he was certain.
“adventure certainly seems to be your true life mate,” he smiled softly, a tease tilting edge of his words just right. “climbing that tower for instance. a tradition and a love all its own.” he continued, the statement stayed light and in truth, he truly believed it. happiness didn’t always come in the form of big moments. sometimes, it was the small things, like finding a good tree to climb, that would amount to all of the happiness in the world.
“outside of the normal tower climb, any other enjoyment you are looking for?” he questioned easily while doing his best not to run into any of the people they were walking near. it was easy to lose himself in the presence of alasdair. not a good idea in such a public setting. “the regatta, maybe?”
❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖
❧︵┈𝖆𝖑𝖆𝖘𝖉𝖆𝖎𝖗 𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖑𝖊┈︵❧
there was this soft caress that was always carried in jianyu’s voice that was damn near enchanting. something alasdair might have called magic or enchantment if he wasn’t fully aware that it had come with a deeper connection and over time. he was under no spell. there was no amulet or charm swaying his favor, what he experienced with the other was genuine. this was a fear of its own devising, but he had never shied away from experiences that caused a thrill. indeed, it was not his name or reputation that stayed his hand when around the man from the imperil city, but his own understanding of the beliefs that were held.
his own preferences were not a secret, his reputation had a way of proceeding him, and most knew he was as likely to seduce a daughter as he was a noble's son. this gave him freedom. he had friends aplenty, and more adventures awaited him than could be numbered, still. he might be swayed from his mistress adventure if only the object of his own desire was free to make decisions as he pleased. ah well. it didn’t bear fretting upon.
“dissuade me,” he chuckled, an affectionate grin lifting his lips as he resisted the urge to cross those careful boundaries drawn in the sand between them. “lest i climb a tower simply for the pleasure of your viewing it.” well, perhaps he would toe the line that was drawn. a flirt could only abide so many rules, and impeccable behavior had never been in his breeding.
“i confess i’m a man of the forest, but me in water and i’m a bear with all the grace of a fresh hunt of salmon in the spring, but i am still looking forward to the regatta. i have a feeling a few maidens of the season will put on a daring display of chivalrous bravery and give us men a run for our coin,” his grin was filled with delight at the prospect, enjoying those brave few who put being themselves above societal standards.
“and what about you, our stoic dignitary? will you be climbing aboard my ship and helping us towards victory or will i have to celebrate my efforts with you back on land?”













