[Duke Laurent does not like to dwell.]
[there's no point in clinging tightly to the past; it's happened and cannot be changed. if you focus too long on what-could-have-beens, you'll stumble. it's not worth the risk.]
[—that's why he's especially irritated he can't get Luca @way2rich4this off his mind since their carnival performance and that stupid fucking kiss.]
[over the years, they haven't talked about it, whatever it really is. they've had moments that some might call romantic— but that was never the intention. it never goes anywhere. it stays buried in the dark of night, in the shadows of backstage, somewhere between Duke's ribs where no-one else can reach it. except goddamn Luca Fauntleroy, apparently. every stupid time he impulsively decides to kiss Duke when neither of them expects it.]
[it had started with a simple] "Have you ever even left the city, Luca?"
[naturally the ginger had spluttered in response— some quip about his father's money and being able to go wherever he wants, probably. Duke hadn't cared to listen, because that wasn't what he'd meant.]
[he'd noticed, since their travels began, that Luca rarely left the hotel rooms. never stepped off the train carriage until reaching their destination, no matter how alluring the different stops along the way. there is a distinction between being on a ship and taking a dip in the ocean. you can't be a traveling magician without the slightest sense of adventure.]
[so, one night, after a late arrival in yet another city— long after stiff "good-night"s and "don't be late tomorrow," Duke finds himself rapping on Luca's room door at some godawful hour. he will get this man to have fun.]
