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 Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2022 7:27 pm
The boys were at the Reids. They were out to some museum that weekend, or craft fair, or something that both Oliver and Atticus seemed super excited for, and of course Asher and Elliot were excited to be with them. There was no doubt in Michael’s mind that convincing the Reids to move so close to them had been the right choice. Being so close to each other put Elliot and Atticus at ease, and Michael could keep a lookout for any auras near them.
It also meant that the boys were safe with Asher and Oliver when they weren’t with Michael and Devyn. Which… also meant that Michael was able to get some time alone with his fiance.
“That’s pretty,” Michael said as he leaned over the couch to see what Devyn was embroidering. It looked like it was a silk shirt that belonged to Atticus, but there were now golden and purple flowers along the collar.
“It looks like the flowers from Elliot’s first-- ah…” Well, that explained why Atticus had requested it, then. He did seem to pick up on things that he liked and copied it in a way that was unobtrusive and endearing. A subtle reminder of someone he cared for. It was more to honor Elliot than to mimic him.
“You’re very good at that. It’s impressive, Dev.” And thankfully, if either of them were injured, they could both use their skills for stitching each other up.
Michael leaned a little further over the couch to press a kiss against Devyn’s cheek, his hand resting on his shoulder to massage it and his neck.
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Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2022 7:38 pm
Devyn smiled but didn’t look up from his work. He could hear the recognition in Michael’s voice. “You are very sweet,” he said, with absolute seriousness. He was almost done with the flowers and it looked like he was just making the finishing touches, but that was nearly impossible to focus on when Michael was kissing him, and massaging his neck.
“I could make something for you, too, you know.” Now, his eyes darted up, albeit briefly. “You could let me sew some on the inside of your sleeves. No one else would have to see, just you. I could stitch something distinct, something you could run your thumb along and feel. You know, for when you miss me.”
He was smiling, maybe a little playfully, but he didn’t want to fluster Michael or give him too hard of a time. Of course, that didn’t stop him from leaning a little closer, or tilting his neck a little more to give him better access.
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Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2022 7:56 pm
Michael didn’t say anything at first, but he did let out a quiet breath of a laugh. Not because what Devyn was saying was funny, but because it was thoughtful and honestly…--
“Okay,” he agreed, his fingers working their way along the back of Devyn’s head too, scratching at his scalp. “That way I can stop being so obvious by messing with the necklace all the time,” he joked, but reached up to fondly brush his fingers over the glowing orb.
“Maybe a sun. It’s hard not to think about your eyes, you know.”
He was in a good mood. He was happy to have some time to spend with Devyn, even if they were partaking in their own hobbies. Not that he didn’t enjoy Atticus being around! But he didn’t feel as pressured about needing to do something when it was just Devyn. Atticus himself wasn’t high maintenance or anything like that, but Michael didn’t want to let him down. He was probably overthinking it.
“What about you? Are you adding something to your clothes to remind you of me?” he teased in return.
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Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2022 8:13 pm
“Oh, I’ve always been partial to oak leaves,” Devyn said, but didn’t know if that was really fair to Michael or if it was just a Sessrumnir thing. And, him playing with his scalp sent a shiver down his head that had him lower his project so he could tilt his head and give Michael more access to it. He was neither particularly discrete nor at all ashamed of how much he enjoyed this attention.
“I suppose I could always add a boat,” he mused. There was something distinctively like a purr in his voice, and he was making no effort to hide how much he liked this attention from Michael.
“Unless you have a better idea? I thought about putting in some lines of poetry, but you haven’t recited enough to me for me to have any favorites, yet. Although the first one was good, I think. ‘And miles to go before I sleep,’” he said, as if it were justification to stay busy constantly.
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Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2022 8:26 pm
Maybe Michael knew Devyn’s intention by repeating that line, and he let out a sigh, even if he was still smiling. They were all sweet ideas, and Michael was pleased by all three suggestions, even though he didn’t want to encourage Devyn to keep working and working.
He hummed to himself for a moment, still working his fingers though Devyn’s hair and the back of his head and neck, seeming to decide on something before speaking again.
“I carry your heart with me - I carry it in my heart. I am never without it - anywhere I go you go, my dear. And whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling. I fear no fate, for you are my fate, my sweet. I want no world - for beautiful you are my world, my true. And it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you. Here is the deepest secret nobody knows - here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide. And this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart. I carry your heart - I carry it in my heart.”
Devyn was right. It had been a while since Michael had recited poetry to him. Back then, he thought Devyn needed something to think about, something to hold on to. And Michael was glad that he did -- enough that he remembered the poem, which probably meant more to Michael than he could say.
“I could always be your moon,” he smiled, gently teasing. “I have the wolf for it. But oak leaves or boat or poetry works too.”
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Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2022 4:43 pm
Devyn laughed again, but the smile on his face was genuine and not completely from amusement. “Are you sure? The sun and moon have a cruel fate, always dancing on opposite sides of each other. Oh, I still have to take you dancing. But you could be my moon,” he said, and finally lowered the shirt altogether so he could turn and face Michael.
He reached a hand to cup his cheek, and let his fingers graze lightly over his skin as he did so. He was tender and his touch was light and gentle, because Michael deserved so much softness.
It was easy to look into his eyes, and easy to get lost in them.
“That’s a very romantic poem, I like that one, too. It’s very sweet. Almost as beautiful as you. How many more like that do you have tucked away? I’ll have to find some to recite you, but I’m starting to worry that you might already know them all.”
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Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2022 6:47 pm
“Ah, but that’s the thing about the sun and the moon,” Michael smiled as Devyn so softly touched his cheek. “People are always aware of the sun’s presence and warmth, but the moon is there, too. Maybe the sun’s light makes the moon impossible to see, but it’s there. People just don’t always notice.”
That was fine with him. In their relationship, Devyn was definitely the one to shine. He had the energy and enthusiasm and hope. Michael was more reserved, preferring to quietly watch and listen. Not because he didn’t care, but because he did. Like the moon, rarely ever having the need to step in front of the Sun’s radiance.
“I don’t know about me being beautiful, but you definitely are. Don’t worry about finding something you like that I already know. I only memorize them so I can think about them later,” he admitted, resting his elbow against the back of the couch so he could remain close to Devyn.
“But you do still have to take me dancing. I’ll have to take you to some places for you to get your energy out. Ice skating, perhaps. Or just roller skating if you don’t feel like being somewhere cold. Bowling. Minigolf. I was trying to think of places to take Atticus and Elliot, but I think you’ll have just as much fun.”
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Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2022 10:08 pm
Devyn nodded; a half smile remained on his face and there was no shortage of fondness in his expression as he observed Michael’s new position. He didn’t have to recite poetry to sound poetic.
“Well, trust me when I say I know a thing or two about beauty, and you’ve got plenty. I mean, I suppose I could call you handsome, but you’re more than that. I don’t mind the cold. Just means you’ll have to stay close to me, right?”
He did give off a lot of warmth, and he was always happy to share. “I think I’ll have just as much fun there as the boys might. I haven’t done any of those things. Of course, we don’t have to plan for things to do with the boys. We should have made more plans for what we could do when we had some time alone.”
Not that he was complaining, nor would ever complain, about having the boys around. He’d been enjoying this time with Michael, even if they were just doing their own things in a shared space. “What places would you go if you weren’t thinking about bringing the kids along?”
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Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2022 7:47 am
Michael hummed thoughtfully to himself, taking a moment to go over the places he might go without the boys.
“Being on the boat can get pretty boring for kids after a while. Ah, it would probably be pretty boring for you, too,” he added with a small laugh. “I don’t know. I guess we could do all of those things without the boys. Maybe when they’re distracted by the Reids and doing other things. My family has a couple places in the mountains. Maybe you could get your energy out with some hiking. No caves, I promise,” he added after a moment with a playful grin.
“Other places… I don’t know. I would feel bad taking you and not Atticus. Neither of you have seen much of anything. Maybe a trip to Alastor and you can show me around there? Or Sessrumnir. Fix that portal you mentioned. Or maybe we can just stay here. I could wash your hair or something,” he suggested, but looked like he was trying not to make it too weird of an offer.
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Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2022 8:56 am
Devyn laughed when Michael suggested no caves, and while he was appreciative, he gave him a look, too. It was probably for the best that they took a break from them, he wasn’t going to miss them any time soon. He should probably stay out of them, with the penchant he had for getting lost and getting into trouble.
“I do like your fingers in my hair. But you know, it might be good to soak in those springs, too. Oh, and pet Princess. I feel like I’ve spent hardly any time with her. And I’ve got so many stories to tell her. Does she even know that we’re engaged? We’ll have to have a celebration on Sessrumnir so she can attend, add that to the list.”
A playful list, where Devyn decided to add every place they liked to be included in ‘somewhere to celebrate their relationship’. He might not have been serious about most of it, but he did seem keen on taking advantage of enjoying his time with Michael, and making sure they had all the fun they deserved.
He couldn't imagine getting bored with Michael there. He’d spend time on his boat, or go hiking, or even go explore caves if he wanted. But, he didn’t want Atticus to feel excluded, so he really didn’t mind making sure he got to come along anytime they got into something new. Especially because he liked spending any time with Michael, even just here at the house.
“You’ll get plenty of trips to Alastor, I promise. I still want to show you everything. I’m going to pull out some maps next time so we can look over things and make a plan. Honestly, I don’t even think I need to do anything special. I like going out and doing things, but I’ve been enjoying this, too. You’re wonderful company, you know. I don’t remember the last time things felt so peaceful.”
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Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2022 9:35 am
“I hope it stays this way,” Michael smiled, brushing his fingers up and down through Devyn’s hair, slowly working on moving his long hair from where it rested over his shoulder to expose his neck some more.
“I’m always worried when things get too peaceful. It’s usually the calm before the storm,” he sighed, and leaned close again so he could press a kiss to Devyn’s temple.
“We could go to the Springs. I’m sure Princess would like the chance to lap you a few times around the atrium,” he teased and kissed Devyn’s cheek.
“We’ll add it to the list. I don’t know how many people I’d be able to ferry there, but… we’ll figure something out.” At least it was safe at Sessrumnir. Safe from Chaos, at the very least.
“I’d like to see everything you have to show me of Alastor. Maybe I’ll talk to Soleiyu about figuring out a way to bring more things there than just what we can carry. If I can get a riding lawn mower there, we could at least clear everything inside the walls faster. Then we can figure out the damage that was done,” he said as he kissed Devyn’s jaw.
“But I’ve been enjoying this with you, too,” he added after a moment, leaning down just a bit further to kiss Devyn’s neck.
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Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2022 9:51 am
Truthfully, Devyn didn’t care how many people could attend a celebration with them on Sessrumnir, it could have been just them and he’d be happy. But, maybe if they asked the Wonder nicely, it could do something special for them. Alastor itself had brought people–people he didn’t even know–up to help.
“Well, it can’t storm all the time, so maybe we’ll get a long calm. I’ve got more strength now than ever, do you really think Princess can do laps around me? I might surprise you. I’ll just grab her and carry her so she can’t win, if I must.” He tilted his head again, all too eager to expose his neck, but he was patient and didn’t move enough that Michael couldn’t still do whatever he liked. Devyn was enjoying all of it, so he wasn’t going to fuss too much. He was getting spoiled with all of these tender touches and kisses but he didn’t want them to end.
He laughed, not really ticklish, and it eased into a gentle, contented purr. “That feels nice, Michael. I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on this for so long. I’ll pay you back, just give me a moment more of this. If we can’t bring a riding lawnmower, maybe we can bring up a few goats instead. Although, I don’t know where to find them. And I don’t know if we could leave them up there. The boys might like to have some goats in the backyard, though.” The neighbors, not so much, but Devyn seemed amused with the idea so he might not have been actually considering it very deeply.
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Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2022 12:38 pm
“Have you seen Jupiter?” Michael let out a sigh of forced exasperation, although he remembered Chris telling him how the rain at Valhalla had let up enough for him and Paris to go outside. “I think Princess has been holding back. But I’d like to see if she’ll be able to outrun you,” he teased, and pressed another kiss to Devyn’s neck as he draped his arm over his shoulder and across his chest.
He enjoyed this. He liked knowing that Devyn was okay with this. He liked knowing that he didn’t just have to think about touching or kissing him, but that he could do it and Devyn clearly enjoyed it. It was reassuring.
But he didn’t comment on Devyn paying him back, because he had no idea what that meant and he could feel his cheeks warm a little… Luckily, Devyn didn’t spend too long on the topic.
“Goats would be useful. There are companies that rent out goats for clearing areas. I could look into it. I don’t know if we’ll be able to smuggle many with us off world, but we can try,” he laughed. He wasn’t sure if their homeowner’s association would allow for animals, but… “Maybe not in our backyard, but Chris and Paris have plenty of space. Maybe we could ask if they’d let us make use of their stables,” he suggested, and then added one more kiss.
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Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2022 1:53 pm
Devyn considered this and nodded. “Well, maybe Chris and Paris would let us go over and pet them or something. I’m not much of an animal person, myself. It isn’t that I don’t like them, it’s just that I don’t know what to do with them. I’m afraid I’ll hurt them. Don’t know my own strength, sometimes. But I feel like Atticus would appreciate having the opportunity–a petting zoo, that’s what we should do. For him. And me, I want to see the animals. Some of ours look similar, but some look different. Your chickens look much nicer than mine. I mean, in the eyes. Alastorian chickens are much prettier, of course.”
He hummed, because there was a part of him that was still adamant about finding them. He’d said before that hoped the better weather would encourage them, but for now it was still wishful thinking.
“Cows look the same, I like that. I like their big eyes. Goats are close enough, but ours didn’t have that weird eye thing yours do.” His nose wrinkled a bit and he shook his head. “Our sheep were bigger. Really big, I’m surprised yours are so small. Horses are the same. Well, mostly. I think ours were a little thicker, but I haven’t gotten to see a horse up close. We should go riding sometime. Oh, but we should share a horse.” The corner of his lip was twitching, like he was working very hard to suppress a smile. “I’m rusty, I might fall off. I’m sure Id feel safer if I could hold onto you.”
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Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2022 4:42 pm
“You haven’t been on Earth all that long and you’re already critiquing our animals?” Michael laughed, but pulled back a bit to give Devyn some space again. He didn’t mean to interrupt what he was working on. Well, maybe a little. But he didn’t want to keep him distracted if he was trying to finish up.
“I’m not an expert on chickens, but… we missed it this year with everything going on, but next year we should find a county fair to go to. They have competitions for best looking animals. Might be fun and educational,” he suggested, because making sure Devyn knew how to fit in on Earth was as important as making sure he had a good time. And that Atticus got to be a kid.
“We’ll have to see about doubling up,” he laughed, scratching at the back of Devyn’s neck again. “I don’t think many horses can take both of our weight.”
He knew Devyn was just teasing him, and Michael was trying to be a good sport and let him joke, but it was a habit he was trying to break by making sure Devyn wasn’t being misled or confused about things. He knew Devyn knew a lot, but he was still being cautious.
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