[ Open ] This is What I Brought You

[portolan]

Who: Balthier portolan and you
What: Tarot Reading, return from off-world, open post
When: Mid to late November
Where: Excelsior, his shop, around town
Content Warnings: None so far



OOC: As always, will match prose or brackets.

I. Sign of the Times

[ Business has been...odd...since the near world-ending, since everyone started leaving town, since the guilds have cracked down. It's all the more important he keep the shop safe, but he's that much more wary of people wandering in. So far, the normal folk don't seem to suspect the shop is anything more than a beautiful man with beautiful objects.

But he's been getting restless. So he puts a message out on Our Powers; stop by, guild discounts (either side) and also he's reading tarot.

There's an antique table and two comfortable antique chairs. There are a few decks to choose from. ]

You have a question in mind? You don't have to tell me, but you should think about it while you shuffle.

II. No Place Like Home

[ It's not like Balthier to be low or keep to himself. But between the world almost ending, and then his friends slowly moving our of Excelsior, the anti-meta sentiment threatening the safety of he and his loved ones. He honestly hadn't noticed it eroding his energy.

But after two weeks home, both relieved that his loved ones there are safe and buffeted by the pain of being away from them, he's trying to make a better effort.

So he's reached out, invited people over for tea or dinner, trying to keep this house full and warm as the need to just jump on a ship and go steadily increases. ]

You know this is the longest I've spent tied to one location. There's something enchanting about watching the weather change.

[ He sets out a tray of tea and snacks, all in beautiful antiques. Honestly, eleven months ago, he'd never have expected to get this much comfort out of being so domestic, but here he is. ]

III. Wildcard / Catch-All

[ All your Balthier needs ]

Comments

[helpdesk_hero]

[Yes, it's pretty uncommon he expects.]

Soreness is a teacher. And no, you're quite unfair at times.

[portolan]

[ Balthier laughs. ]

Am I getting a lecture on how to properly learn?

[ He kisses the side of David's face. ]

I missed you, you know. Chiding and all.

[ It's not the first time they've seen each other since he returned -- that was the first place he went. But he's still a little in awe of how much of a gap he felt, the strange worry in the back of his head that somehow this life was a dream. ]

[helpdesk_hero]

I think, in this instance, you are. But face it, love, one of us was a competitive athlete, and one of us was a pirate. We learned lessons in different ways. Though yours was more charming.

[Maybe he is given a kiss, but David responds to that by reaching out to embrace Balthier very actively. He had missed his lover as well, and hadn't wanted to say too much about it. He was worried he might make Balthier feel guilty about acting.]

I'm glad the chiding is valuable.

[portolan]

[ He laughs at that. ]

Alright, fair point. And I did not like breaking skin. Though I will defend both my dance and combat skills.

[ Conning came easier than a lot of physical activity, and he preferred ranged weapons and magic for a reason. It was dance that really gave him a base for anything physical. He's not sure if ending up homeless or risking others' safety when he misstepped was charming, but he'll take David finding him charming.

David's embrace, though, surprises him, although he laughs to himself as he realizes it shouldn't, shifting to hold the other back tightly. He hadn't said anything because he felt guilty missing the other when he was the one who left. ]

Your input is always valuable. Even when it's wrong.

[helpdesk_hero]

Your dance skills are completely charming and wonderful, my star. However, skating it about a different sort of balance, and different muscles.

[Ah the wonder of being embraced in turn.]

Which we both know is exceedingly rare, dear.

[portolan]

Do you think your muscles still remember all that training? Not the coordination, but the strength?

[ He chuckles with affection at David's obstinance. ]

When it comes to facts, anyway. [ Truth be told, he'd missed David's wit and observation, felt weirdly dull without it. He'd reached for his illusions more than once, missing David each time he realized what he'd done. ]

I wish I could have had you with me. So many beautiful places. And good food.

[ He did write David while he was gone, and he'll slip that bundle of letters in his things before he leaves. For now, he's reluctant to let the other out of his arms. ]

[helpdesk_hero]

The specifics of what is needed for skating? Probably not. But the strength is there seeing as I keep up my fitness.

[He's going to be shocked at how sore he is the first time it happens.]

I'm going to a specialty shop this weekend to get a set of blades made and fitted. You want to join me?

[He finishes his drink and sets it aside as he considers Balthier.]

My love, I would have happily gone with you, could I have. I want to be there, to support you.

[portolan]

Of course.

[ Any opportunity to spend time together is welcome, but this matters to David; he's pleased to be invited. ]

I know you would have. Maybe it's best you couldn't. I -- I went back to where I'd been pulled from. [ He swallows hard. It was a rough day. A rough few days. ] I was back on that ship, not sure if Fran was -- she wasn't. I got her out, we made it away, but I was clumsy with my magic and Ivalice is in turmoil from the fall of the Empire, all the fighting. It was quieting down some, I think, but we went southwest to lay low. I couldn't even see anyone else.

[ He knew they were alright, at least. And knowing Fran was okay, wasn't worrying about him missing -- that meant something. And now she at least had warning. ]

[helpdesk_hero]

[And here David was wishing he could have because he could have supported Balthier through it all. But he listens now and decides to nod along.]

Sometimes, even after the world is saved, it takes some time for it to get back on its feet. Trust me, I've seen it.

[portolan]

[ If Balthier had his rathers, he'd rather David have been there too, honestly, but it wasn't an option, and so he'll find the value in this situation. ]

Honestly, you're the only person who can tell me that and I'm going to believe it. [ Which he appreciates dearly. ] Barring the ocurria intervening, or a political faction rising up, I think they'll be alright.

[helpdesk_hero]

[They deserved more options then.]

That's rather kind of you to believe me. I really do enjoy that. But I hope good things for your world. I want to have faith in the people you care for.

[portolan]

[ Balthier smiles. It's always a joy that David will express exactly how he feels about something. ]

I know you do. Thank you. I think, at the bottom of my heart, I have faith in them. But I never gave myself time to worry, or grieve, and I think that's making its way to the surface now that I know the worst is not going to come to pass.

[ He shifts so he can see David's face, cupping it in his hand and just smiling at this man he loves so much. ]

Fran was very kind in not getting tired of hearing about you. She'd like to meet you.

[ He'll ignore it's not possible just yet, but he's heard rumors of people taking others home since he got back. Maybe some day. ]

[helpdesk_hero]

You know you will always have a shelter with me, a space to think and to grieve. I will be your safe harbor, my lovely pirate.

[He laughs to hear that he wasn't fatiguing to hear about though. Loves it quite a bit.]

I would love to meet her.

[He doesn't want to meet Ashe though.]

[portolan]

[ Of course Balthier knows that, but he's starting to actually understand it, and that makes him feel warm. ]

You take such good care of me, love. And Fran would be thrilled for me to have someone else to drag around. I think I made her eat everything I missed, half of which she doesn't particularly care for.

[ Ashe is plenty busy running a new kingdom, and Balthier has no intention of going anywhere near Rabanstre or Archades for awhile, even if they can go back together. ]

You know, we didn't have my ship, and I found myself missing the place just as much. [ Maybe more, though he did particularly miss the lack of easy transport. ]

[helpdesk_hero]

Oh you're so cruel, to make that poor woman eat different things. But I'm glad she indulged you. You came back looking like you were aglow with joy.

[And sadness to be gone again, but that was just his opinion.]

I'm sorry to hear that, dear. I know you loved the thing. I just hope it survived. Maybe your friends took it to safety?

[portolan]

[ Balthier laughs. Fran isn't picky, but she's less impressed with food than he is, and she certainly had a point about lying low. ]

It was good to visit. And such a relief to know she's safe and knows where I am if time progresses there without me.

[ Honestly it...makes it easier to stay here too. He really expected to never get closure. There will always be sadness, perhaps, at a chapter closed and dear ones far away, but -- not enough to outweigh what he has here.

To the ship though, he laughs, shaking his head. ]

I know exactly where it is. Two teen pirates are watching it for us, and they're intimidated enough by Fran they won't dare harm it. Told my maintenance crew to keep an eye, too.

[helpdesk_hero]

[Well there was that. Meanwhile there was David, who didn't want to return to his world at all. How did he even consider going back and telling Tommy 'I'm seeing someone else there'? He didn't want to go if he remembered here. It would be fair to no one at all.]

I'm glad she'll get to know that about you. And maybe now that you can see her, you'll be more willing to tell me more about her, and even more of your world?

And I'm glad you're sure it will be safe.

LOST THIS ONE IN MY MIGRAINE HAZE

[portolan]

[ The idea of David having the option to go home but only if he forgot this -- it would be hard for Balthier not to encourage him to take it, even if it would break his heart. ]

I don't know how often I can go, or if it will put my back when I left--

But [ His focus comes back, smile soft as he squeezes David to him ] yes. Whatever you want to ask, you're welcome to. I'll try to be mindful of it too.

[ It's a lot less painful, knowing she's okay. Knowing maybe he could show David. ]

Re: LOST THIS ONE IN MY MIGRAINE HAZE

[helpdesk_hero]

Well, for one thing, you've only vaguely described the Viera as a people. I want to know what the woman who has guarded your life so well looks like.

[portolan]

[ That's a much easier request when he doesn't feel like looking at her is like looking at a ghost. And he likes that David wants to know. ]

You know I didn't have my illusions there. I'll have to take a photograph of you next time -- she asked too.

[ As he talks, he pulls an illusion of her, fresh with having just seen her. It's strange, seeing her likeness in his home, and it makes his heart tense, because the only thing he'd really, truly like that he doesn't have is Fran here with them. ]

[helpdesk_hero]

[Well, he wasn’t expecting that, though it makes David smile. He has an idea for a christmas present just from that statement.]

She’s beautiful. And looks wise. And you tell me she hangs out with you? Hard to believe. Look at that grace.

[Teasing was a form of affection for David, so hopefully Balthier took it in stride]

[portolan]

[ Once he would have taken poorly to that kind of teasing, but he'd long since felt comfortable and respected with David.</small. ] I've raised similar concerns but she assures me I have my uses.

[helpdesk_hero]

[And David was glad to keep his lover happy.]

You most definitely do. For one thing, you keep me warm and happy.

[portolan]

Mmm, and you keep me warm and happy and full of good food.

[ Truthfully, Balthier's still happy to hear it, still somewhat in awe they've been together this long and only grown closer. ]

Truly, you've made me happy to have roots, my moon. Though some day I'll properly show you the skies.

[helpdesk_hero]

[Well, he keeps the guy full of other things too from time to time, including knowledge and love.]

I would like that. A lot. Though for now I’m just as happy on your bike. It gives me some glimpses without as much fear of falling.