The Lord Commander, deep into a night of work, would soon feel a cheek come to rest atop his head. Familiar, strong arms would snake around his shoulders, a deep, honey-smooth hum of delight loosened only moments later. The metalsmith had melted against his beloved, a meal tin in hand — something for him to eat, as he had not been able to take a break in some time.
❝ Thank you, as always, for your diligence and hard work~ ❞ Theophilain would mutter softly as he pressed a kiss along the top of that fluffy, jet-black hair. ❝ Whenever you are near... I take great comfort in the safety I feel wash over me. Physically, emotionally... I truly do feel as though I can wholly trust you with every fibre of my being. I simply hope that you, in turn, feel just as loved and well cared for. ❞
Soon, the sound of a chair shifting could be heard; Theophilain had found one from nearby and pulled it close, allowing him to now occupy his starlight's side. With his head now come to rest 'pon dearest Aymeric's shoulder, those eyes of his took in the numerous pages that occupied the desk space before them both.
❝ Is there aught I may assist you with, my dear? ❞
Ishgard is ever improving, by no SMALL effort of so very many, but there is still so much to do, seemingly ENDLESS whenever Aymeric steps back to take a look from the outside. The politics of it all could be so exhausting, relationships with other nations far BETTER than they had been but years ago, but alongside, the PERSONAL aspect--- making himself known and seen amongst his PEOPLE so they could lower their heads 'pon their pillows at night, KNOWING they were being protected and cared for by a man who would give his very LIFE for them without hesitation.
Aye, Aymeric de Borel had always been like that, even as a young, starry eyed boy, wholly dedicated to this beautiful, snow blanketed land called Ishgard, but NOW, he had another who cared dearly for her well-being. The days and nights did not feel as long, his body aching less, these days, and his eyes less HEAVY. Aymeric de Borel turned Aymeric de Borel-Valeriant had welcomed the loving presence of one Theophilain into his life, first as a dear friend, now as a soulmate. Already, he feels the tension FLEE from his shoulders as the taller elezen slipped behind him, and as Theophilain melts into him, Aymeric, too, slumps back and indulges.
" Thank you. When did you slip in, my love? " He whispers, eyes now lifted into crescents as he turned, just slightly, to eye the beautiful man he'd had the unrivaled PLEASURE of calling his own. The smith had this impressive skill of STEALTH despite being so very large in stature, and, surely, Aymeric's deep involvement in his work helped little. Always so sweet, loving, this one... that such a pure man now felt so safe and whole within the Lord Commander's presence, as he deserved, was all Aymeric could truly desire. " ... it is as you claim, aye. I endeavor to put your well-being and happiness first, my beloved, just as you prioritize mine. I feel... WEIGHTLESS, truly, due largely in part to you. I do not know how I got so lucky... "
His heart leaps in DELIGHT, watching his better half drag over a chair to seat himself close. A hand lifts to thread through lovely, hershey strands, face turning so he might bestow upon his darling a chaste kiss. " Stay with me... " He whispers, grin widening. " I seek not to bore you with this paperwork, eager as I know you are to help. Just to have you here shall give me the energy I need to finish, so we might retire together. " And the thought of being wrapped up in Theophilain's arms, too, when he would, eventually, allow himself to HAPPILY find a stopping point, rather than exhausting himself through the entirety of the night, as he once would have.
