The letter Harland had set where Alistaire would find it, wherever that might be (on the pillow next to him, by his door, on his own desk). It bore a red seal, with a ring imprint in it, and Harland had hand-written the note within on cream coloured stationary. It was the same paper on which Harland had written the love letter before their promotion.
The letter invited Alistaire on a date "under the stars." They seemed like night time was their private time anyway, so why not on a blanket under some trees, removed from the chaos, or at least he hoped? The heavy rain had, by now, stopped. At the last moment, however, Harland had opted for an entirely different approach. There were stars, it was true: he'd adhered some small ones to his ceiling. A little ridiculous, perhaps, but he wanted them to be able to relax without any fear of someone walking by them. As a result, the original letter had been tossed out. The new one asked Alistaire to please meet them in their? his? room. And the time.
He had set a blanket on the floor of his own dorm room, a room which was now a little nicer than it had been and sporting a mini-fridge for Alistaire's coffee accoutrements. He still wasn't sure what he could call Alistaire, but at that moment he considered him his partner if only in the literal sense and a hopeful sense.
On the blanket there were some snacks, and a bottle of champagne he was attempting to keep chilled long enough for Alistaire to get there. Next to the small spread there were a few small wrapped gifts.
Harland paced his room, rolled his shoulders, tried to suppress the urge to do pushups or chin-ups while he waited just to get rid of some of the stress of waiting.
Given Harland often worked by candle light, it was perhaps not so significant that most flat surfaces in the room were adorned with candles in dishes. He had, however, apparently acquired a silver bowl and filled it with water and floating candles. That was on his desk. Why was he so nervous?
kuroopu
Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2014 9:09 pm
Alistaire had found the letter on his desk, in his own room, tucked neatly against the lamp as though it had always been there. He spent approximately half of his time in the room assigned to him, working on things necessary to his new division; but the other half of the time was spent in Harland's company, whether training or sleeping or merely sitting in the same room together. He found, strangely enough, that it was much easier to be around the other man now that they had been promoted; and not only that, but ever since that night, he'd started being slightly more accepting of this fact. Maybe because it was because he'd finally admitted - both to himself and to Harland - that he had no intention of being with anyone else but Harland that made it better, but regardless, it was strangely liberating to not have to worry so much.
(He still had no idea what to refer to Harland as, but that could be decided at a later date; for now, "partner" suited him just fine, if not a little stiff.)
He wasn't sure what he was supposed to wear, exactly, to a date under the stars, but Alistaire dressed the part anyway, in somewhat more casual clothes than his usual pristine attire. It took him longer to get dressed; he was strangely nervous, and he kept putting on things that he was unsatisfied with, finally dragging out the white sweater from the back of his closet and throwing it on.
When he arrived at Harland's room, he didn't bother to knock; these days, Alistaire just let himself in, slipping past the door silently and making himself at home - which was exactly what he did this time, only he was a little more hesitant, quietly turning the knob and stepping into the room.
"Mr. Belle?" he said (calling people by their last names was a hard habit to break, after all, but at least he did call Harland by his first name when they were alone together, mostly), but he stopped short upon seeing the room, lips parting slightly as a surprised expression flickered across Alistaire's face. He shut the door slowly behind him with a soft click, his chest feeling oddly tight as he leaned back against it, gloved hands still on the doorknob.
"...good evening," he managed to get out, after a moment's pause.
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Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2014 4:28 pm
Whether or not the term partner was stiff, it was better to Harland at the moment than continuing the sometimes dark late night thought chain that without anything to die them together, what if Alistaire simply walked away?
The morning light always reminded him that would not, and could not happen. Their business agreement had transitioned into something a lot more feeling and alive.
The instant Alistaire let himself in, Harland turned, stopped his pacing, and watched Alistaire as a soft and warm smile spread across his face. He turned a little red just looking at Alistaire; handsome wouldn't do to describe the sight, and he took a step towards Alistaire, looping his thumbs into his belt loops just to prevent him from reaching out to grab hold of him. "Good evenin', Alistaire," Harland answered, quietly. "Thanks for comin'," he said.
He did not understand why he was so nervous. He just couldn't help it; they were not trainees anymore, and their relationship had remained, evolved. They were together, whatever they called it. He knew that. He drew hope from it, heat, light-- strength, at times, even.
The strength to progress constantly. Even if he was a little distracted at times. Like now.
"Would ye care t' sit with me? I've got a gift, of the material kind-- picked 'em up while I was shoppin' with Molly," he asked, giving in. He stepped towards Alistaire, and though his throat constricted, he slowly closed the space between them, slipped a hand behind Alistaire's neck, and leaned in to press his mouth to Alistaire's.
It was like ambrosia. He couldn't help it.
kuroopu
Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2014 4:40 pm
He let his gaze roam around the room, taking in all the small details that Harland had put together, from the candles to the blanket to the food - but his gaze kept straying back to the man standing a few feet away, like it was a magnet he was drawn to.
Alistaire didn't know why he was nervous either, but he quelled the feeling beneath his layers of pretending to be calm and gave Harland a slight smile. "Thank you for inviting me," he said, and it was slightly stiff, but genuine, as he pushed himself away from the closed door.
Hearing that Harland had a gift for him made him look back towards him, eyebrows raising in mild surprise, especially since Molly's name had come up. The two combined made him curious, but the thought was lost when Harland stepped closer, his hand feeling warm against the back of his neck, his mouth gentle against his. Alistaire sucked in a small breath of surprise - he was still getting used to this - but then he relaxed, the tension in his shoulders easing away as he leaned more fully against Harland, one gloved hand resting against his chest, the other on his upper arm. A little sigh escaped him, muffled against Harland's lips.
"That wasn't the gift, was it?" Alistaire asked, sounding amused, and leaned back slightly, though he didn't move away just yet. "You sit first and I will join you."
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Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2014 4:50 pm
His body leaning into Alistaire's, engrossed in the kiss; Harland was actually still getting used to this, too. The urge to ask for permission nearly overwhelmed him every single time. He was so afraid he'd hurt Alistaire one day, just by failing to make sure it was alright. He never wanted that.
But he supposed now was the time when he had to take some risks. Being slow and careful was the beginning, and without risk they would never grow. He wanted them to grow together.
Harland relaxed as Alistaire did, finally, and reached his other hand up to press Alistaire's against his chest for a moment before he let go, and leaned his face away, resting his forehead briefly on Alistaire's.
As he withdrew, he laughed, shaking his head. "It certainly could be, each an' every time we kiss, but no-- those're the gifts," he said, gesturing to the few wrapped boxes beside the champagne.
It had been an expensive outing, but he knew he could afford it with the promotion, and he'd never stressed too much regardless. The other things Hunters worried about, he seldom did: runic charges for electronic devices, for example, hardly concerned him. He'd lived without that almost all his life. And he'd quit smoking a very long time ago.
Harland smiled and sat down, unused to the action. He was barefoot. "Care for a glass?" he asked, suddenly unsure, gesturing to the bottle of champagne. "An' presents now, or later?" he asked.
"Keep a secret, mo chroi? I'm feelin' nervous, but I'm not sure why," he admitted, and then laughed, "I know it's just us an' we're alone so it's not like there's anythin' t' fret over, but seein' ye... it makes my pulse race an' my thoughts dart away like fish an' I cannae catch any of 'em..."
kuroopu
Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2014 6:03 pm
Sometimes he almost thought that Harland would still ask permission; his morality ran along with his desire to make Alistaire comfortable, but at the same time, they were almost too the point where asking for things like kisses wasn't required. Alistaire was getting slowly used to just accepting what Harland gave him - slowly - and although sometimes he felt frustrated at his own lack of abilities, Harland was endlessly patient, and that made all the difference.
Alistaire let out a thoughtful hum and spread his fingers out against Harland's chest. "You really shouldn't have," he said, with a glance at the gifts, half exasperated, but half curious as well, because he wasn't used to receiving gifts from anyone, let alone someone like Harland. His hands fell away from the other man as Harland sat down, and Alistaire watched him at first and then carefully took his place beside him, sitting cross-legged.
His stomach twisted over, his pulse fluttering. He wasn't the only one in the room feeling nervous; he wasn't the only one wondering if his thoughts were right, if his actions were correct, if everything he was doing was what was supposed to be done. Hearing that Harland was just as nervous as he was made everything slightly more easy, and the tension eased entirely away from Alistaire's shoulders.
He twisted where he sat and leaned over, touching a hand to Harland's face and turning it so that he could press a light kiss to his lips, lingering for a moment before drawing back, his cheeks pink.
"Thank you," he murmured, and smiled a little, almost shyly, touching gloved fingers against Harland's jaw. Alistaire made himself comfortable again, and one arm was left draped over Harland's leg, his hand on the other man's knee, his shoulder pressing against Harland's.
"Presents and wine first," he said.
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kuropeco
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Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2014 9:07 pm
Sometimes Harland could be a little simple. Even if his memory was disturbingly good, photographic and detailed, when he had to replace old information with new information at times there were some glitches. It was hard, in effect, for him to understand that he wasn't going to perpetually need to be hesitant, perpetually ask for permission.
In time, he'd get better. Just like how Alistaire needed time.
Harland rolled his eyes and smiled as Alistaire said he shouldn't have. "I'm thinkin' gettin' ye gifts t' celebrate bein' promoted isn't on the list of things I can and can't do," he teased Alistaire, his voice low. Harland enjoyed the kiss, again. He always did. Especially after he'd just admitted that he was nervous for no logical reason.
He was surprised that Alistaire thanked him, though, and the shy smile was beautiful. It almost broke his heart with how much he loved him, in that moment, but couldn't tell him. He filed that away for later. He was so content to have Alistaire draping an arm over his leg, and hand on his knee, he thought that this was far more than good enough. "Gladly," Harland replied, and poured a glass of champagne for each of them, handing Alistaire's over first. He kissed Alistaire's cheek.
The lights were catching in his eyes, making them look like green-tinged starlight. He was so happy in this moment, he couldn't find the words to say it. He was glad he could just slide a gift over.
[[Open one of the spoiler tags to see what's in the gift Alistaire opens first? there are 3! <3 ]] Choice One]]
1 In Brilliant Navy, Harland had been confused when he bought the tie. There was one called Deep Green, but it seemed far more blue. Either way, it was one of the very few green accessories Burberry offered, and as a result that was what he had chosen. It just had to be green, and not terrible.
Harland hoped a tie from a fake cowboy was not the worst gift Alistaire had received. The sales clerk had told him that it was handmade in Italy, pure silk, inspired by British vintage wall prints.
Choice Two]]
2 Something about the shades of the shirt reminded Harland of how he'd perceived Alistaire at first: predatory, dark, cold. In the end, he had found it to be remarkably untrue. Alistaire was patient with him, Alistaire was kind to him. Alistaire was working hard to overcome his demons. Nevertheless, there was a kind of slick handsomeness to Alistaire's sharp side, and Harland got the shirt thinking of that.
Choice Three]]
3 The french press in its copper tones would, Harland hoped, help solve their terrible coffee problem. He'd already invested in a minifridge, some cream and sugar, and a kettle. There were a few sample pre-ground choices. He wasn't sure about what Alistaire would drink, and didn't think to get a coffee grinder.
kuroopu
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 9:09 pm
Alistaire was not nearly as simple as Harland was - but he was learning that not everything had to be as complicated as he made it out to be. And it was this, perhaps, that made things like sitting close and being close much easier to bear.
"I will admit that gifts are rather nice, on occassion," said Alistaire, with some amusement, and reached out to accept the offered glass of wine, his face flushing as a kiss to his cheek was offered along with it. He took a sip of his drink, trying not to let his flustered expression show too much.
The first of the gifts was slid over, and Alistaire raised his eyebrows. He took another swallow of wine and then set the glass down, reaching to carefully unwrap the paper with gloved fingers, every movement careful and precise. It took him a few moments to do it, but then he finally managed to get everything off to reveal -
- a tie. It was a very lovely tie, if Alistaire was being entirely honest with himself; elegant and understated with its muted colors, and he ran his fingers along the silk, letting out a little hum of appreciation.
His eyes flickered towards Harland.
"It's...very nice," Alistaire said, a little awkwardly; accepting gifts, giving out thanks - it was all very new and unfamiliar to him, but he was doing his best not to be terrible about it, and as if to prove his point, Alistaire leaned a little more fully against Harland's shoulder.
"Thank you," he said, curling his fingers around the tie. "I like it very much."
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kuropeco
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Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:21 pm
When he was a kid, Harland probably hadn't had the best childhood. The way he remembered it, though, he'd cut away some of the more painful moments. Alistaire had, in his own way, excused Harland of the last great burden he carried: the notion that he was responsible for his family falling apart. Harland could not forget that moment.
He tried not to watch Alistaire too closely, tried not to stare at him with that spark of wonder that he felt every time he looked at the once-prickly hunter. They were alive, and prospering, against the odds.
He'd literally rather die than ever let that change.
Harland laughed, suddenly, surprised. "I didn't ruin anythin' or pick terribly," he said. He wrapped his arms around Alistaire's shoulders for a moment, kissed the top of his head, and let one arm ease back so he could pull the other two gifts closer. Harland kissed his way gently down Alistaire's neck, speaking against the skin, "Two left," he said, then smiled again. He leaned back so he could take a sip of his drink, which he'd set down.
Choice Two]]
2 Something about the shades of the shirt reminded Harland of how he'd perceived Alistaire at first: predatory, dark, cold. In the end, he had found it to be remarkably untrue. Alistaire was patient with him, Alistaire was kind to him. Alistaire was working hard to overcome his demons. Nevertheless, there was a kind of slick handsomeness to Alistaire's sharp side, and Harland got the shirt thinking of that.
Choice Three]]
3 The french press in its copper tones would, Harland hoped, help solve their terrible coffee problem. He'd already invested in a minifridge, some cream and sugar, and a kettle. There were a few sample pre-ground choices. He wasn't sure about what Alistaire would drink, and didn't think to get a coffee grinder.
kuroopu
Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2014 2:38 pm
He was getting more used to this - to being with Harland, and the more he grew used to being with Harland, the more comfortable he was. Public displays of affection were still abhorred, for the most part, but when it came to being just the two of them, it was easier, safer - more comforting, not just comfortable. Harland's presence was a stabilizing force in Alistaire's life now; there was no changing that, even if he had wanted to.
"No, you did not," said Alistaire, and his heart gave a little flutter as Harland's arms wound around him, his eyes flickering at the kiss to his head. He allowed himself a few moments of the warmth, letting go of the anxiety that had once been there in order to just enjoy the moments he could. "You picked very well."
He reached for the second gift, but was severely distracted by the lips against his throat. Alistaire's breath caught, and he fumbled with the present, almost dropping it, his face reddening as he attempted to remain calm. His head turned; Alistaire lifted a hand, touching gloved fingers to the side of Harland's face to draw him down into a brief but gentle kiss. He pulled away after only a second, smoothing tenderly along his jawline.
"Later," he said quietly, though not dismissively - in fact, it almost sounded like a promise - and dropped his hand back to Harland's leg as he fiddled with the next present. Opening it revealed a box that was easily recognizable. A smile found its way across Alistaire's face, genuine for once as he smoothed a hand over the French press.
"It's perfect," he said. "I have wanted one of these for quite some time, thank you, Harland, it is a wonderful gift."
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Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 8:43 pm
Perhaps knowing that it was important to Harland, Coyote had been uncharacteristically silent. He hardly ever put up a fight when Harland was with Alistaire, any more. It was nice, and Harland didn't really notice the absence; it was possible Coyote was actually kind of glad for him.
Harland wasn't sure why he'd been so bold, and for a moment he marvelled at the change. There was a time he'd have been afraid to even touch Alistaire without direct permission. He'd just kissed his way down Alistaire's neck, and felt pretty comfortable doing it. His pulse had definitely quickened, but perhaps not for that reason alone.
The gentle kiss he received following his own kisses reassured any quiet apprehension that may have been building, however small and subtle. He felt loved. He hadn't heard the words, and he didn't know anything for sure, but Harland let himself feel loved and basked in the sensation. The more Harland was happy, the more he seemed to glow with his own internal light. Alistaire had, amusingly enough, brought out the best in him. Alistaire had given him hope.
"Now let's hope ye've got a better knack for it than I do," Harland said, with a grin. "An' that this model's any good. Wish I'd bothered t' look 'em up before I left for my trip," he added.
"Last gift, mo chroi," he said, quietly, taking another sip of his drink. Harland tried to very casually survey Alistaire, admiring the angles of his face, the shade of his skin, the way his hair fell. Harland felt his face grow warm. It was so difficult for Harland not to tell Alistaire that no matter what he'd brought back, it could not repay the hope and warmth and light that Alistaire had brought into his life.
The way they had to act around other people didn't actually bother him very much. This was what mattered. Harland was happy.
kuuropii
Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 8:52 pm
The fact that Harland had clearly been so thoughtful and so attentive in picking out the gifts for him made Alistaire feel a little ashamed of himself. He was not exactly the emotional, nor the sentimental type; he had difficulties in trying to gauge his own emotions well enough as it was, but now he was learning to take into account the emotions and feelings of another person as well. And it wasn't that he didn't want to - for the first time in his life, he wanted nothing more - but he felt entirely uncertain how to go about doing things on his own; like a child learning how to walk again.
"I'm sure I - we - will put it to good use," said Alistaire, stumbling a bit over the words but offering Harland a brief and hesitant smile as he sat the French press aside and reached for the last gift. "I am sure that it will be adequate for what we need, don't worry."
We. Not I anymore. His stomach twisted with nerves as his fingers unwrapped the next gift, and the paper fell away to reveal a shirt, a little stiff because of the folding, but smooth against his hand. Alistaire exhaled a breath, and smiled.
"It is very nice," he said, looking sideways at Harland. "It really is, you have excellent taste, M...Harland."
He didn't have to put on a show, put up any walls or masks. It was just the two of them here, and that meant that he didn't have to try so hard to hold onto something that didn't matter anymore. Alistaire leaned back against the bed and more against Harland, the shirt resting in his lap as he turned. He pressed his face into the crook of Harland's neck, one arm beginning to wrap around his waist.
"You are very good to me," Alistaire mumbled, angry at himself for not being able to return the favor. "I am very grateful."
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Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 9:17 pm
kuuropii
If anyone was glad to be there to walk quietly and contentedly beside Alistaire while he learned these things, it was Harland. With no expectations, no agenda, no timeline... Harland had nothing to worry about, and his mind was often a quiet hum of peace. Being simple in some ways was really not as bad as it might seem. At least, when he wasn't forced to go over all of his memories; there was a safe space he could occupy away from those details.
That safe space was, essentially, the present. In the present, as he was living it, he was immeasurably content. Hearing the we only made him more so. In fact, he practically felt his heart racing at the thought.
"Can't say I don't appreciate your look somethin' fierce," Harland said, quietly, grinning ear to ear as Alistaire complimented his taste.
And then the full weight of the words hit him, and he relished the sound of his name from Alistaire's lips. For a very long moment, Harland searched for exactly the words he wanted, Harland's free arm circling loosely around Alistaire, one hand smoothing at his back slowly and gently."Ye've given me gifts twice in the last few minutes alone, an' countless others," he said, finally, his voice low. Soft.
"How can I even try t' return the kindnesses? My name, an' callin' us somethin' together," he said, leaning his face against Alistaire's head for a moment. He kissed his hair.
"I won't be so overwhelmin' with gifts all the while, mind," he added, with a grin, "Seein' as we're newly promoted an' I don't know how often we'll make it off this island, thought it'd be more sensible if I got it all at once an' honestly I'm not much good at holdin' onto presents once I've gotten 'em," he said.
Unless they were very, very special. Like the ring hidden under his pillow.
Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 9:36 pm
The sound of Harland's voice was soothing; he could feel it thrumming through his broad chest, whispered into his hair like he was something precious to be taken care of. Alistaire certainly did not feel precious, but with Harland he almost could feel everything else: wanted, needed, taken care of, adored. Sometimes the sheer force of Harland's feelings almost overwhelmed him; but then there were times like this when Alistaire let himself be wrapped within them, cocooning himself in the safety of the man beside him. He'd never, ever thought that things would have turned out this way, but they had, and now he had to learn how to work with it to make it as best as he could.
Harland's arm around him, the hand on his back, made some of the tension ease from Alistaire's shoulders. An ungraceful snort escaped his lips, muffled against Harland's shoulder. "I'm not so sure what gifts you're referring to, but.."
The explanation drowned out what he was trying to say, whatever it was. Alistaire felt his face grow redder, and he felt lips in his hair, a gentle kiss. His fingers curled in the back of Harland's shirt, and he leaned back a little to look up at him, his face flushed a little, expression uncertain. Carefully he shifted his legs, sliding one over Harland's and then easing himself into the other man's lap to sit facing him, his hands against Harland's chest.
"We are..." Alistaire struggled with the words, the proper phrasing, with everything. He wasn't good at this, and he most likely would never be perfect at it, but he had to say something, do something to try and ease the gap between them when it came to taking care of the other.
"We are...together," Alistaire said quietly, his face growing redder. "I don't...intend to change that status anytime soon."
