metalogs | (open) | Making My Way Downtown

Entry tags:

(open) | Making My Way Downtown

Who: Balthier

portolan, David

helpdesk_hero, Otto

doctopoda, MCU Peter

tinglsense, Diana

monomachy, Bucky

sinistral, and anyone else who wants to play
What: House guests, dates, work, shopping, idk he’s learning to be a person here
When: Late March / Early April
Where: Excelsior, mostly Balthier’s house and place of work
Content Warnings: Will update as needed

[ OOC: I’m happy to match brackets or prose and have no actual preference. Will match your top-level style. ]

I. Purveyor of Fine and Rare Goods | OPEN | The Antique Store

[ The shop is majestic, with antique wooden floors covered in antique Persian and Navajo rugs. You can find anything here from Revolutionary War Era candlestick holders to a 500-year-old desk to legitimate medieval earrings. There are also less…traditional goods, if you know how to ask. Magical items. Strange technology from other universes. Whether you’re just browsing the collection or looking for something specific, Balthier will gladly greet you, probably in something antique or outlandish himself.

Between customers, he can usually be found drinking tea, doing work on his laptop, drawing, or occasionally playing with tarot cards. He might also wander across the shared hallway to the contemporary art gallery next door, which sells Warhols and Lichtensteins on the regular.

This is a long established Society shop, so it’s also not uncommon for guild members to stop by. ]

II. Finally Some Peace and Quiet | Closed to David | Balthier’s House

[ It’s a little strange, having the house empty with none of Eddie or Peter’s things downstairs. He’s maybe a little glad Eddie is staying longer, a little sad Peter’s gone. It’s nice in the evenings to chat with them, to always have some sort of life in the house.

But it’s nice, too, with everything tidied and quiet and something he’s brought into the space. There’s already a fire started in the living room, the heat turned down low in anticipation of tonight’s fire filling the house, as it was designed to do 130 years before.

He gets antsy in the hour leading up to David’s arrival. The house is already clean, so he brings down a sketchbook, but mostly finds himself pacing to check that he has everything: tea, wine, his room in order, music, supplies for the fire.

Scions, this is the most nervous he’s been to see David since this all started. ]

III. Oh No, Not Again | Closed to Bucky | A Park in Excelsior

[ Last time Bucky and Balthier tried to get hot beverages and go to a park, they ran into a man who could command birds to attack people. That had been a nightmare to sort out, and they’d agreed to try hot beverages again. One way or another a month had passed, but here they were.

Coffee and tea in hand, they make their way again to a local park. The weather is a lovely 55, the sun is shining, they’re just getting settled in conversation when a giant, pink, stuffed jackalope the size of an SUV comes hurdling onto the scene. ]

You have to be joking.

[ He’s had, like, a quarter of his tea. Come on. ]

IV. Science Dad | Closed to Otto | Balthier’s House

[ Otto was kind enough to come spend the afternoon looking at Balthier’s bike in the garage downstairs. Sufficiently tired from their efforts, the two retreat upstairs for some tea.

The main level of the house has a galley kitchen next to a formal dining room, which sports a regal antique table and a China cabinet. Balthier puts the kettle on then retrieves two teacups out of the China cabinet from a set that’s white porcelain trimmed in gold. ]

Caffeine or no? And are you hungry?

[ Hosting is as natural to him as speaking. It’s honestly nice to have an excuse to do it with someone new. Peter and Eddie are both out this afternoon. ]

V. Junk Food and Feelings | Closed to MCU Peter | Balthier’s House

[ Balthier had noticed Peter’s absence regarding the haunted house incident and had shown up to try to save the kid. He wasn’t the one who found Peter, but he was glad someone got him out, and that much more relieved he’d taken Balthier up on crashing with him for a few weeks.

But he hadn’t quite been himself since the incident. So when Peter discovered one day that Balthier has literally never tried junk food and was insisting Balthier had to remedy that, he gave Peter a wad of cash and told him to go buy a spread (with every intention of making Peter keep the extra cash).

So now they’re in the living room as Balthier is investigating the brightly colored packaging with an increasingly perplexed expression on his face. It makes terrible noises when touched and all of the snacks smell slightly chemical. ]

This is standard fare here?

VI. Get In, We’re Going Shopping | Closed to Diana | The Mall TM

[ The third or fourth time it comes up that Balthier doesn’t actually own casual clothes, he decides maybe it’s time to fix that. His boyfriend has been busy, and he doesn’t particularly want to go alone, so he texts his only other friend who is not remotely from this time to go shopping.

So now they’re at some huge mall in Excelsior, boba tea in hand, trying to decide where to go next. ]

I have been here three months and I still do not understand why casual clothing is so beloved on this world.

[ Look, yes, it’s comfortable, but Scions above he can’t tell half of it apart from pajamas. He just wants to go to a formal party. A gala. A musical performance. Somewhere that he isn’t aggressively the best dressed person. ]

VII. User Error | Closed to Stephen | Balthier’s House

[ A few minutes after Balthier sends an affirmative text, there’s a knock on the door. He abandons the notes and computer work he was doing upstairs to answer. He was not expecting Strange to be on the other side, though now that he considers what he knows about the man, he should have. ]

I see traffic was terrible.

[ He steps back, inviting Stephen into a restored 19th century townhouse mostly furnished with antiques. There are some pillows on the couch because Peter has been staying here for a few weeks, but it’s otherwise extremely tidy and quiet, like stepping back in time.]

VIII. Wildcard | Open

[ Feel free to top level something unrelated, or hit me up here or on plurk (

portolan) to chat. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"I think it might be entertaining to watch from my end too," David answers. "Until such point we both feel that we've found a way to keep each other secure."

If he gets enough leverage, enough influence, enough power then maybe it won't matter that he's involved with someone from the Society. Maybe then it will be okay.

"Speaking of friends, do you have any experience with chicks? Bart's going to be getting some soon at the farm and I'm supposed to come over, but I admit, I'm sorta clueless about how to interact with little baby animals."

This? This was David actively trying to involve Balthier in the lives of his friends. Though it could wait until the dinner party. Because now he really wanted to have one.

He quirks an eyebrow. "Going to try to make it difficult for me to restrain myself?" Not to gloss over the real concern there, though. "I'll behave so long as I need to. Safety is important." As is feeling like they're doing right by their partner; he understands that.

Balthier also isn't planning to be particularly visible. So maybe that will help. Scions willing that he doesn't get dragged into anything. He really is keeping his head down here, though.

"Chicks as in chickens, yes?" So long as they aren't Chocobos. "I have a little experience. I've had reason to spend time in both farms and menageries. You'll be fine. Gentleness goes a long way, as does quiet and stillness. All young ones are curious. They'll come to you."

Balthier completely misses that this is also a nod to him going with David to see Bart.

"I mean, I won't try as it were, but I think you're going to like my outfit, whatever it is," David answered with a grin. He moves to lay a light kiss on Balthier's cheek, a reminder of affection.

"Chicks as in chickens yes. And I don't know if I want to have them come to me. But maybe if you're there with me, I can be brave enough to try?"

See, an invitation. Which David will clear with Bart later.

That gentle touch is a very welcome reminder of affection. Honestly, this conversation has been much easier than he's anticipated. Probably why it took him a month to bring it up.

"I will be hard-pressed to find something I don't like you in," he agrees. "But I suspect this will be particularly alluring." This is David's domain, and he wears bright colors and bold shapes well. Balthier is going to have a harder time with it.

That gets a grin from Balthier, both at the invitation and at the absurdity. "David, you could probably fit three in one hand. But if you need me to come protect you, I obviously will."

He considers something else. "If we're going to be running around a farm and handling livestock I might actually have to get work clothes." There's no way he's wearing nice sweaters and good slacks. He's not an idiot.

"I would appreciate if you did protect me," David answered. Mostly, he wanted his friend to meet his boyfriend. Rather than his friend meeting the guy David's flirting with and about to commit minor crimes with.

"Jeans and a t-shirt is my advice. I don't know that you have any. But you can borrow one of my t-shirts if you like."

IT might be attractive.

Then the beeping went off and David smiled.

"Come on, let's plate."

"Just tell me when and where and I'll be there," he agrees. And his stomach feels tight and fluttery about it.

"You are correct that I own neither of those, but I will not turn down the offer to wear your clothes." Maybe it will help, because he tried jeans with Diana and did not like them. And he likes the idea of being claimed as David's in that way.

He lets himself be led back toward the kitchen but pauses at the buffet. "Which first?" That will determine which dishes to move; counter space is at a premium, so best not to move it all. He's happy with how the buffet assists with that predicament.

"I'll text you once I have details lined up."

Success! Friend meet boyfriend get!

"Maybe I'll leave one of the t-shirts I brought behind, just so you can have that to use."

And given it would be in David's favorite colors and a smidge too large for Balthier, it should be clear it was his.

"Let's see, if you can take the asparagus off and get that done..."

David, meanwhile, takes the duck out of the oven and moves to set it on a good part of the counter. Of course he still has to sprinkle the last fresh blackberries reserved for this over top but it's perfect in his opinion.

"One of?" Balthier asks. "And bringing extra food. Sir, if I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to spend all weekend with me." Which he is not remotely protesting.

He pulls a round serving dish with higher sides for the asparagus, pulling serving utensils from a drawer.

"That is truly beautiful," he says to the duck. And now that he can smell it in full force, he's aware he's getting hungry. "Do you want it on a serving dish or directly to plating?" He has dishes for anything. It's fun to get out some of the ones he hasn't used yet.

"Yeah, I didn't know how long you'd have me over, so I brought stuff for two days beyond today. And sometimes I get indecisive about how I dress, so I always keep a backup shirt when traveling."

If he could, he would stay longer. But he doesn't expect it.

"Well, it's cut in quarters, so we could directly plate it, but dinner might well be prettier if we plate it. What do you think?"

Because David wants to make his love smile too.

That preemptive decision goes a long way in convincing Balthier where David stands on their relationship and the truth of not having liked being apart. That gets Balthier to set down the asparagus and slide his arms around his boyfriend, kissing him above the ear. "Always so practical," he says. "Even when presumptuously planning to linger with me. Which you are more than welcome to do, always." He'll ask more directly tomorrow. There's no need right now.

"And I think that I like unnecessary pretty things. So serving dishes first. It will make a lovely photograph, too." Another way to remember things they've done together.

He releases David to go get the large platter for the bird, along with a gravy boat in case he wants that for the sauce. The buffet already had a thick runner down to absorb any heat from the dishes.

Oh, that kiss was not expected at all. But it was so fucking good. To just have this casual affection he thrived on.

"I'm not presuming. I expect my invitation to run out after breakfast. I'm hoping to win your attention and regard to maybe earn extra hours. Or whatever you will spare."

Yes, he's 'welcome' but he wants to get more and more time with the other man.

"They're necessary if they make you smile. So yes, dishes, then a picture. Together, with our meal. It will be a good meal because I'm sharing it with you."

It would be nice to pour the excess sauce in too, so that's going to be a relief. And man, this looked tasty.

"Hopefully this is to your liking."

"Alright," Balthier agrees. "Woo me."

He disentangles to finish plating and arranging, taking David's direction on moving the duck to the new dish. In a few minutes, it's all assembled on the buffet and it's stunning. He even disappears briefly to go get his phone from upstairs, and returns with a small vase of flowers for the center of the table, retrieved from his desk. Nothing that will block his view of David, though.

He takes a picture of the spread, and then one of David because he can.

Well, he will be glad to woo the man. Quite glad.

"I promise I will," David said, more a whisper to himself than anything he intends the other man to hear.

With that he follows his love out to the buffet and... Wow. That looks good. So good. Even with the flowers.

"Wow. I did this. For us," he says, grinning before moving to embrace his boyfriend. And then hugging him as thanks for the picture.

Balthier accepts the embrace gladly. “Yes, you did, and it is stunning. And deserving of the good china. Look here.” And he positions the phone to take a picture of both of them in front of the buffet because what else are phones for.

Phones are for so many other things. And this was pretty amazing as it was. He's happy for the picture, and when it passes he is left taking up a plate.

"I'm hungry from all that work."

90% of Balthier’s phone use is texting David, maps, and googling.

Balthier grins at his boyfriend. “You should be. I’m going to go get us water and then I’ll join you.”

He returns a few moments later, then joins David in serving himself and taking a seat. He lifts his glass — “To finally having some real time together. And to courting properly.”

David has faith that it will change to be far more comprehensive than that.

While his love goes off to do that, David settles himself down at the table and snaps a quick picture of his plate. Not normally his thing, but he is proud of it this time.

"To all of that and to the way you make my heart flutter to see you," he answered.

Balthier clinks their glasses to that, sipping the wine briefly. He's happy with the choice.

"Alright, my love, do I have a directive in what to try first, or are you just staring dazedly while I eat?"

"No directives," David promises, before taking up his fork and starting into his own meal. Mostly into the duck. He had been so eager for it.

He lets off teasing because it's genuinely endearing to see David so excited about food. Usually when people perform around him, they either ask for compliments all the way through or remain stoic. He likes David's mix better.

It tastes as good as it smells. Better, even. The flavors are complex and the textures are so pleasantly balanced. "I admit I'm impressed," Balthier says. "Better than anticipated, and I had already set my bar high."

Oh, David's horrible at accepting compliments for anything but his cooking and his computer work. So he doesn't need to solicit them. Maybe it's arrogant of him, but he expects they'll come in their own time.

The comment even earns a radiant smile from David. This was a pride he was happy to have.

"I'm really glad you enjoy it, no joking."

He grins and takes a bite of some of the asparagus and he sighs happily from that.

"Cooking is amazing for me, and it's soothing too. I feel whole, just having made this for you."

Well his boyfriend is the last person who is going to criticize arrogance, especially arrogance well-earned. Truly, he's pleased to see David so proud and radiant.

That said, Balthier isn't entirely capable of processing that this is, at least in part, for him. He understands and artist showing off. He understands a soothing medium. He doesn't entirely understand part of the impetus being to feed him.

"I am a willing audience," he assures David, though. "And I'm happy to help you feel whole." He reaches a hand out for his partner's, squeezing it briefly. "Truly, though, this sauce is divine."

"You're someone I care about. I can find willing audiences easily. That isn't the same thing at all."

But he is happy for the physical contact and squeezes back.

"I'm glad. It's not an all year meal because berries are dreadful to get in the spring, but it's like having a taste of late summer. Which I always think is a good choice in the early spring."

Alright, that gets through to him a little better. He takes a sip of wine, then swirls his glass, not sure what the shape of these words should be.

"David, thank you. For this. For wanting to share it with me."

Direct affection is new. He doesn't have a script for receiving it.

And while he's excellent at spinning tales, he isn't used to presentations that are so tangible.

"I want to share a lot more than this with you," he admits with a grin before returning his attention to the duck. "Remember, leave the bones on the side."

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