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[deniles]

For shipping/smut/anything else.

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[lightninglobster]

You'll be fine. You're made of sterner stuff than that, my dear.

[Ryoma hefts himself up behind Niles, arm around his waist as he gently takes the reins and arranges them to best distribute their weight. The pegasus whickers and flaps its wings when Ryoma digs his heels into its side. He tugs the reins to wheel the beast around and get it up to a gallop in the length of the courtyard, digging his heels in again so the beast leaps, wings catching the air and clawing the bird upwards.

Ryoma locks his arms around Niles, holding tight as they go higher and higher by lengths, pegasus going in a long, looping diagonal to carry them around the mountain and towards the castle. The city bustles beneath their feet.]

[deniles]

And yet I haven't ever ridden on a pegasus before.

[He just holds onto the pegasus as they begin to come upwards. His head and body backwards against his fiance, trying to stay still. He looks down for only a moment, but it's far too high for him to keep watching.

He just hopes they land on sturdy ground again soon. Looking at the castle that comes out, it just makes him realize.

This is his home now.]

[lightninglobster]

There's a first time for everything, right?

[Ryoma's cheer was a bit like the rest of his emotions--a bit blunt and forward and not particularly sweet, but it's what you got and good luck on dealing with it.

Castle Shirasagi reaches for the heavens where Castle Windmire burrows into the depths; it's a beautiful tower-like structure that catches the sun's light and sends it shimmering over the gold that Hoshidans so love to adorn with. The greenery is bright and lush, and the people wandering the grounds are adorned with colorful robes--Hoshido loves color on its buildings and its people and everything.

This is home now. And Ryoma is merciful enough to bring them to ground as soon as it's safe enough to do so.]

[deniles]

Yes. And sometimes a last time.

[But he imagines Ryoma will convince him once again.

Everyone looks so well dressed up. Niles, meanwhile, is still dressed in his Nohrian outfit. And already he's starting to feel regret about not finding something cooler because he's sweating a storm.

Servants come and move to help him down, which he's more than happy to take. Looking around the place and then back to Ryoma.]

Do your siblings know I'm coming?

[lightninglobster]

[Ryoma just chuckles in response--he's missed Niles so very much. His sharp wit, sharper tongue... Niles grounds Ryoma and settles the parts of him that get so caught in what everyone else needs. It keeps him humble.

Ryoma gets off of the pegasus without aid, moving to Niles side with a pleased hum, hand coming to rest on the small of his back.]

Of course they do. I informed the court of my intentions about a month ago.

[He studies Niles for a moment, a small smile tugging at his lips.]

We should talk while you take refreshments--change out of your traveling clothes, perhaps. There are some things you can wear until your carriage makes it up the mountain.

[deniles]

[Niles does not care about others that much. That's just a fact of life. He grounds Ryoma in caring about himself like Niles care about him.

He blinked, looking behind him. He gave a quick move so Ryoma moves down to touch his rear. That's better.]

I'm sure everyone is pleased by the cruel Nohrian man Niles being a Prince-Consort.

[He smiles back.]

I don't think any of my clothes are suitable now that I can really feel how warm it is.

[lightninglobster]

[And thus, Ryoma was just... standing in the open. Touchin' Niles' ass. He gave an exasperated little sigh--and after a quick glance around, a squeeze.]

Mm. Some of the more traditional counselors are wary, but they stymie me on everything that has to do with Nohr. My siblings are just happy that I'm happy.

[He swats Niles on the rump to get him to moving, leading him towards the castle in sure, steady strides.]

Come. We'll have tea and relax in our rooms until you've had a chance to stretch out from the road. We have catching up to do.

[deniles]

[The squeeze made him feel at ease again. Yup, this was Ryoma alright.]

Well I'm fairly certainly that I won't be changing minds any time soon. Even Takumi? Forgive me for not giving your brother the benefit of the doubt.

[He lets out a yelp at the swat. Heading beside him.]

Well, we have the rest of our lives, yes?

[There is one thing he wants to speak about. Before they go further.]

[lightninglobster]

[Look, when one was presented with a backside that they found simply divine, one was near on obligated to give it a good appreciative squeeze. Or smack, whatever the situation called for.]

You'd be surprised how far Takumi's come, giving the friends he's made.

[And the crush he harbors, but nows not the time for that. Those words had been spoken in confidence.]

Of course we do. And I'd like to fill as much of my life as possible with the sound of your voice.

[He glances back with a smile, face fond and soft once more.]

[deniles]

We'll see when we talk again.

[He knows about the crush. And he plans on pushing that together.]

You're still a sap, Ryoma. I don't plan on going anywhere.

[He smiles back towards him, keeping close to him. Dear god, Ryoma was still so tall, he forgot about that when he was away from him for a few months.]

[lightninglobster]

Well, that would be dinner unless you want to claim to be too tired to eat with the family. It'd be an acceptable excuse at this point.

[Ah, is it reciprocated? Perhaps Ryoma would have less trouble than he thought about turning that spark into a flame.. though he's a little more focused on his own love affair at the moment.]

I'm happy to hear that. I want you by my side forever.

[Being sappy got him a lot of brownie points last time. A dog will repeat the trick that gets it a treat until it stops working.]

[deniles]

It's hard to sleep in a carriage. I may sleep right away then.

[It's definitely reciprocated. They can talk about it later.]

Then let's sit and talk so we can make sure.

[They're close to the tea room. He notices that a dark purple yukata was waiting for him with one of the servants.]

[lightninglobster]

[Ryoma opens the door for the private tea room--a beautifully appointed, but simple place with just enough talking pieces for a long, traditional ceremony. A servant stands with his bundle in hand, bowing deeply to Niles.]

Do you need help changing, love?

[Another pair of servants are setting the table, putting out the cups and plates as yet another servant disappears through another door.]

[deniles]

I think I'd like that.

[The servants keep moving around. He's not exactly unused to doing this, but he's one of the few who knows every private passage through Castle Krakenberg, but here?

He's got new things to learn.

A servant set up a screen and Niles moved behind it to start undressing. A servant also began to remove his clothes as he began to undress.

Safe to say, he definitely looks very out of place. Please help Ryoma.]

[lightninglobster]

[... but the servants were helping. Still, Ryoma watches his beloved with a small smile, rubbing his temples as he stood. The servants were still setting up for tea, so...

He made his way to the screen, giving a wave of his hand.]

I've got him for now. Thank you for your service.

[And now he was helping Niles undress, folding the clothes to the side to be cleaned for later.]

[deniles]

[When the servants leave, Niles lets out a sigh of relief that's definitely noticeable.]

Sorry. I'm definitely not used to being taken care of.

[He holds up the Yukata after he's finished undressing, ready to be shown how to do it.]

Except by you, of course. Because I'm sure even if I told you to stop, you wouldn't.

[And he wouldn't tell him to stop.]

[lightninglobster]

[Ryoma chuckles softly, pressing a kiss to Niles' forehead as he finishes undressing and actually relaxes, a knowing little smile on his face.]

I know that feeling. I stopped letting servants help me with most of my dressing when I was a teenager--there are certain pieces that are much easier with another person, however.

[He takes a moment to... appreciate the view, giving Niles a long look up and down before he steps forward to start clothing him.]

If you truly wanted me to, I would slow down on the caretaking. I like it, but you are a fully accomplished man who can certainly handle himself.

[Even if Ryoma is using helping Niles settle his yukata as an excuse to get his hands all over everything. It'd been a long few weeks.]

[deniles]

I do just need to learn how to do things. And then I'll be fine.

[He is watching Ryoma carefully as the man undresses him and then starts to get the yukata on.]

Mmm... can't say I do want you to slow down.

[He somehow thinks that he's only going to be dressed for a bit.]

Especially not now. You've barely taught me anything about Hoshido.

[lightninglobster]

[It's been a very long few weeks. Months? It's been a long time since Ryoma had Niles last, and had Niles last all the same.]

I'm glad to hear that. I enjoy taking care of you.

[Ryoma was a mother hen in his heart of hearts, as Hinoka had been quick to tell him the last time it looked like Ryoma's ego had the better of him.]

I figured it'd be easier to talk about Hoshido while in Hoshido. A lot of the concepts and things are better illustrated, instead of explained as lofty things-to-be.

[He continued to dress his Niles--for however long it would last--getting the under robe and then the yukata itself situated, doing the ties with a hum and voila. A nice robe with fabric that breathed and let a breeze reach the skin.]

[deniles]

Still. I like giving surprises, not receiving them.

[But he trusts Ryoma. If it had been anyone else saying that, he'd have ignored it and told them to tell him.]

We can start tomorrow then. Today, I wish to rest and spend the afternoon with you.

[And make Ryoma sleep in his bed with him. Traditions be damned.]

[lightninglobster]

Too late. I like seeing the delight in your eye when I do things for you.

[Ryoma gives a grin and follows it up with a kiss, taking Niles' hand as he leads him around the screen and to the table. As if by magic (ninja magic, to be precise), the servants filter back in, armed with food and drink to ease Niles' fatigue. Ryoma nods, that fond affectionate look making its permanent home on his face.]

Of course. I'd love nothing more than to spend hours with you, catching up.

[... that would be a bridge to cross when they came to it. Then again, Niles didn't exactly have a maidenhead to protect.]

[deniles]

Hah. And how do you know that's delight for you?

[Kissing him back, he walks out to the main room and moves to sit when directed. A tea and a light bit of fare placed in front of him, he nods to the servants.

Who are clearly uneasy around such a terrible man.]

Good... I do need to talk to you about something important.

[lightninglobster]

I watch your face a lot. You have different glints in your eye when you're playing cat to an unsuspecting canary, or when you're forcing your pleasure so that someone will get out of your space.

[Ryoma speaks as if everything is so matter of fact--for someone that often gets accused of being completely oblivious, Ryoma is far more keen that most people give him credit for. He's a general to an entire army--he has to know what makes people tick, how they actually feel about a situation versus what they'll actually tell him they're feeling.

Looking at Niles' face is a pleasure beyond that, all besides. Even if the servants are uneasy--they'll learn in time, or they'll find a new workplace.]

Mm? Something that we can talk about now, or something you'd rather save for later?

[deniles]

If I didn't know better, I would say you were stalking me. But even if I do know better, that might be the case anyways.

[Niles appreciates that Ryoma knows and watches every move he makes. It makes himself feel better. Although he's afraid of being in trouble should he slip, Ryoma is more the type to help him get back on track.]

Something I'd like to speak about... with no one else nearby.

[So once the servants are done, he'd like for them to depart.]

[lightninglobster]

If I could stalk you without you noticing, I'd be worried about how covert Prince Leo's hand in the darkness truly was.

[Someone had joked once that Ryoma was the Hoshidan equivalent to a paladin... and it was a fair enough comparison. Heavy armor, heavy steps, and little reason to be subtle about literally anything. He stifles a smile even though it glimmers in his eyes, glancing around as the servants start to settle, idle once they're done serving.]

Of course. Thank you, everyone. I'll send for you if you're needed.

[In pairs, the servants bow and make their exits, shinobi guards slipping out of the room on strangely heavy feet so that Niles knows exactly where they've gone off to.]