Mistletoe

[finalsteps]

Because I’m mobile, please imagine a gif of mistletoe.

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[finalsteps]

[ Estinien can’t be normal. Not even on the eve of Starlight. He’s promised Aymeric that he would come by, but didn’t tell him when or where or how.

The balcony was always his favorite spot in the Borel manor, and it remains to be true. On this chilly eve he’s climbed to the balcony, awaiting the return of his overworked partner. He could go stoke the fire inside, but it’s more fun watching the streets below anyways.]

[peacetalks]

[starlight is one of aymeric's favorite holidays, and it isn't just because it's his de facto birthday. it's the one time of year that all ishgardians--highborn or lowborn, rich or poor, young or old--embrace a bit of the holiday spirit. the city streets are filled with lights and garlands and decor of all kinds, and children run about dressed as saint nymeia's helpers. so to say that borel manor is decorated for the holidays is like saying it might get a bit chilly in ishgard: it's a foregone conclusion. there are decorated trees and baubles everywhere, tinsel and garland and ribbons in every room, wrapped gifts for every member of the household and then some awaiting by the fireplace, and of course--mistletoe hanging above every doorway.

despite all of that festiveness, on the eve of starlight, the house is conspicuously quiet. having sent his servants home early, it seems aymeric fully intended to spend a solitary starlight by himself and his cat, ser clawdien--and yet the man himself is nowhere to be found.

until the front door of the manor closes, and the sound of aymeric's footsteps and weary sigh faintly echo upstairs to estinien's ears. neither starlight nor his own birthday can stop the lord commander from working late, it seems. after a few moments, the sound of aymeric climbing the stairs to his bedroom heralds his arrival, and as soon as the door is open he stops and stares, eyes wide in surprise]

... Estinien...?

[finalsteps]

Working late even on Starlight Eve, are we? Did you forget that I told you I would come?

[ The tone is light, and he just smiles. He pushes himself off of the balcony railing and walks towards Aymeric. ]

You should really not look this surprised.

[ He reaches a hand out to brush along Aymeric’s cheek. ]

1/2

[peacetalks]

I...

[aymeric is at a loss for words for a moment, quietly captivated by estinien's presence and his hand on his cheek]

[peacetalks]

[until his eyes crinkle in warmth and adoration, and he covers estinien's hand with his own, smiling]

Forgive me, it had slipped my mind. I had just returned from finishing some last-minute paperwork, and the time crept away from me... have I kept you waiting long?

[finalsteps]

Not long. Just long enough to notice you weren’t home. I thought to stoke your fire, but your attendant came up.

[He nods his head towards the cup of cocoa that he had. The butler probably thought us he was cold.]

Have you eaten?

[peacetalks]

[aymeric smiles at the cocoa--of course one of his servants would have come by to tidy up or prepare something for dinner even though he let everyone go home early]

Nay, not yet. I truly meant to come home much sooner...

[his eyes lower and he gently thunks his forehead on estinien's shoulder]

[finalsteps]

I can forgive it.

[ He leans into the forehead touches. ]

Would you like to go to the kitchen?

[ A quiet offer to help him cook something. ]

[peacetalks]

[softly]

Aye. Pray allow me a moment's respite here, first. I have missed your scent.

[finalsteps]

Aye, take your time.

[ They aren’t in a rush. They can share in each others space.]

Forgive me for being gone for so long. Things are resolved now.

[peacetalks]

Full glad am I to hear that.

[he presses a soft kiss to estinien's neck, before lifting his head]

Come, let us have dinner.

[finalsteps]

[He can’t help himself, he’s tugging Aymeric back to him, pressing his lips to his. ]

Let’s have dinner, we can talk about your work ethic while we are at it.

[ Now he’s going to stroll off to the kitchen.]

[peacetalks]

Mm--

[aymeric is distracted by the kiss, sighing into it for a moment, lost in estinien's arms--and then he exhales a soft laugh, and follows him]

If you insist, though I'll note that it is Starlight Eve.

[thankfully there is dinner already prepared (albeit a tad cold) in the dining area, left for him from one of his servants. it looks to be a pot of beef stew and some bread rolls, along with a sohm al tart for the lord commander's sweet tooth]

Oh my...

[finalsteps]

They really do go all out for you.

[ It's a fondness. Aymeric is well loved by his staff and most people around him. Estinien is pleased to see it. It means he is well taken care of in the absence of his partners. ]

We should enjoy it before it grows any colder, and then perhaps you can have your gift.

[peacetalks]

... aye. Pray allow me a moment to plate it up.

[it won't take long to reheat the stew on the stove and serve enough for two. aymeric will even take a quick detour into his wine cellar and pour them both a glass]

[finalsteps]

[ Estinien will help in his own way, by which that means supervising Aymeric doing all of these tasks. He won’t ask him to stop. It’s Aymeric’s love language after all. ]

Even after working a long day, you work more. I shan’t complain if you wish to be the one to serve me dinner.

[ Though just from the look on Estinien’s face, it’s very clear he adores Aymeric. ]

[peacetalks]

Good, as I should be a tad put out if you were to complain.

[he sits across from estinien as everything is plated, and raises his glass]

Shall we toast? To life, to love, to new beginnings?

[finalsteps]

[ he clinks his glass with aymeric’s ]

Life, love, and new beginnings.

[ he settles at the table. ]

I’ve something to speak with you about.

[peacetalks]

[clink!]

You have my undivided attention. Well... mostly undivided.

[he IS going to eat, after all]

[finalsteps]

[ eating is fine. especially since he already knew Aymeric didn’t eat anything between lunch and now! ]

I would like to have a room in the manor.

[ that’s a pretty big deal! To ask! ]

[peacetalks]

[aymeric's hand hovers in midair holding his fork, as he blinks at estinien]

... your own room? Here?

[finalsteps]

My own room, here.

[ he’s feeling a bit cheeky. ]

Or space in your room.

[peacetalks]

... my dearest Estinien, you know that you are always welcome here. Are you certain you would want that?

[finalsteps]

Where else am I to go? I’ve accommodations in Radz-at-Han, but it isn’t exactly a home.

[ He takes a few bites of his meal. ]

I may not stay put very long, but I suppose after all we have been through…it’s not bad to have a place to call home.

[peacetalks]

[aymeric's eyes crinkle at the edges as he gazes at estinien. he's feeling so sappy right now]

If a home is what you wish for, then you shall have it. The room across the hall from my bedroom is not presently in use, save for storing my father's old piano. There are other options, as well--though, I do want to tell you that wheresoever you choose, every ilm of this house may be considered your home, if you wish it.

[he reaches over and places his hand over estinien's]