realpolitik | Leon Magnus | Stahn Aileron

[and that satisfied nod seems to make it worthwhile in itself just to have asked. seeing leon with that expression is good—it does have some semblance of warmth to it, especially because he knows leon is only doing this for his sake.

for someone who can fuss so much and still continues to have a difficult time expressing himself pretty often, leon does a good job of doing little things like this that express how much he cares, since stahn knows well enough he wouldn't take time out of his morning routine to help just anyone out of the goodness of his heart.]

Got it... [he's just following instructions though. but even though it's been a peaceful sort of quiet, there's something he should say—there's an action to go along with it, but that'll have to wait.]

Thanks, Leon. [he can easily frame it as appreciation for helping him, but it's probably obvious that it's more the fact that leon is indulging him right now than anything else.]

[It doesn't really require a lot of thanks--but as Stahn leans forward, Leon just rests both palms gently on his shoulder blades, again just giving that additional, gentle push.

It's not much, but...well, he probably could have done this with one hand--there was no need to touch Stahn this much, but maybe, just maybe he was enjoying having an excuse to do so that made it easy.

He's helping Stahn with his stretching and learning this routine.

So this sort of thing is, of course, perfectly acceptable.

He clears his throat.]

... It is not as though teaching something like this is particularly difficult.

[leon can make all those excuses to himself, but stahn isn't totally oblivious to the fact that it's intentional. he'll never call it out; he's fine with just embracing these moments quietly and then expressing his affections in different ways when the opportunity arrives.

there's a slight hitch to his breath though, likely more from the discomfort of the stretching than leon's touch (that's just a nice bonus). at least it's not bad enough for him to be unable to continue the conversation, which feels as subdued as this entire morning.]

No, but... it's not something you have to do, either. [he knows that. and he knows that the whole thing is probably just a little self-indulgent for the both of them.]

And you're a good teacher, too. [there's no lie here, either. leon's doing a good job with this and it makes stahn feel really at ease.]

[He keeps count on automatic after how long he's been doing this; he pulls back when the time's up, humming quietly under his breath.]

Switch legs.

[They will get through this routine if it kills him!!! (no dying here).

But Leon is honestly pleased with that. He likes knowing that, when he actually settles down and tries to be patient...he really is a good teacher. It was something he didn't know until meeting and teaching Stahn new things, but he...likes that it's something he's good at.]

Regardless, if you wanted to learn something that is in my power to teach, of course I am going to teach it to you.

[That's just a given, he feels.]

Right.

[he continues to do as instructed, switching legs and following the same routine he'd done just moments earlier. really, it's just so impressive that leon does this every single day, and probably had for years. it's kind of exhausting and yet relaxing at the same time, which is a strange set of mixed feelings to have about it.

stahn's always been the type to just get up and go, even before a fight. which has definitely lead to discomfort that leon probably doesn't deal with so much simply because he does a routine like this.]

I think I'd keep you too busy that way. [he jokes; stahn knows there's a lot he wants to learn from leon still. there's definitely not enough time in the day for that. especially not for someone as busy as leon. but after a moment, he'll add something too.]

I'd want to do the same too though, if I had something to teach you. [but alas, all he can do is try to help leon open his mind a little and further expand his worldview... and to stahn, he doesn't see that as the same at all.]

[And, as before, Leon will gently press with both hands against Stahn's back to assist.

Honestly, assisting Stahn like this is relaxing too, though that's not entirely what he's intending to spend his mornings doing generally. It's silly, though. They have...all the time in the world, don't they? Sure, Leon's busy a lot, but there's no rush--they'll be spending......

(The rest of their days?)

--a lot of time together from here on out. And Stahn teaching him, huh.....

Honestly, Leon thinks there's a lot Stahn has taught him, and a lot he could continue to teach him, which is why the words escape him at first, quiet and simple and--]

That is...

[...And then he shakes his head to himself, cutting himself off.

Way too sappy.

He can't tell Stahn that he thinks that Stahn has even more to teach him than the other way around. MOVING RIGHT ALONG.]

... We're finished here, now, aside from the butterfly.

[there's a small, inquisitive hum that comes from his mouth when leon initially starts to speak, but the words seem to die off, and whatever it was leon was going to say never seems to materialize.

...all stahn can do is assume that it's either not important, or maybe he was just imagining that there was really even something to be said at all. he doesn't think that's it though, but stahn doesn't ask either.

as curious as it is.

as much as he wants to know what's on leon's mind.

as much as he would like to know the things that he thinks about but never dares to even voice.

but stahn is still stahn, so even if he's gonna better at trying to pull things out from leon when he tries to bottle them up... he also still has a respect for boundaries. he recognizes that there is a time and place for it—and right now, he'd much rather embrace these peaceful moments than do something that could dredge up an argument.

so instead, he'll just focus on what's being done.]

...The butterfly? [simply spoken, "what's that?"

obvious as it probably should be, stahn has never heard of it.]

[For now, it's going to be kept quiet--Leon's more comfortable that way, and this morning is so quiet and comfortable that he's not interested in disturbing it with his own uncertainties.

Instead, he quietly shifts to stand in front of Stahn again instead of behind him, and then neatly sitting. He'll assume the necessary butterfly position--soles of his feet pressed together, knees out--in lieu of trying to explain.

For Leon, this is one of the easier positions in general, if only due to how long he's been doing this--he'll sit like this in the mornings on occasion simply because it's comfortable. But, well... he knows that's not the case for just anyone.]

The goal is to be able to rest your legs flat on the floor, like this.

[stahn's gaze follows leon as he moved into sitting position, and watches what he does. okay, that seems easy enough?]

Mm, I'll try it. [well, he gets the first part down easily enough. his hands clasp over his feet as the soles touch; it definitely looks a bit silly like this simply because he's not exactly svelte; it just makes his legs look a bit lankier than they actually are.

but it's fine. so far, so good—if it were just this much, he'd say he nailed it. but leon's instructions are for more than that.]

Get my legs flat.... [his brow furrows a bit as he looks down at his legs—it's almost like he's intensely concentrated on trying to actually do this. it doesn't seem like it would be too hard... until he actually tries it. he gets his legs about two-thirds of the way to the floor before it's obviously too much to go more than that, indicated by the slight wince.

this stuff is pretty tough, he can't get over that part.]

Edited 2016-04-17 16:54 (UTC)

[He gave it a good effort, that much has to be respected.

Leon's quiet as Stahn does so; this is the last part of his own routine, and he hadn't done it before Stahn woke up, so now in a way he's absorbing the last bit of the peace and quiet before he has to tackle his day, eyes sliding shut and breathing slowing as he rests his hands on his hands and leans forward to further stretch out his legs.

He likes helping Stahn and being able to do this much, and he likes having Stahn's company and care as well.

He just also likes to enjoy just a small shred of peace and quiet before he has to tackle his undoubtedly crazy day.]

[maybe leon respects it, but stahn finds it a little frustrating. even if even kows that this is how it goes, that leon has had a lot of time to practice and get used to it... well, stahn just doesn't like feeling so incapable. the shreds of envy are pretty harmless though, since the most that really comes of it is a brief pout.

stahn looks back up after leon's closed his eyes and... well, he can't help hismelf but to watch for a moment. leon looks so peaceful this way, doing something that is so natural and comfortable for him. he's seen leon in a relaxed state plenty of times by now, but it still feels like a precious rarity when moments like this crop up.

of course, in getting caught like this, it means that stahn is relaxing a bit; his posture shifts to a more comfortable (and tired) hunch, and his legs seem to naturally return to a position that isn't taxing on his muscles, though he keeps the butterfly position otherwise. it's a moment stahn doesn't really want to disturb with the interruption of words, not when leon looks so peaceful in this moment.]

[It's definitely relaxing and comfortable in a lot of ways. Leon's satisfied like this, and he doesn't seem to notice how Stahn is relaxing a bit as well (or slacking off, depends on how you'd want to look at it). The silence drags on briefly, until finally Leon opens his eyes, arching an eyebrow at Stahn.]

... That is all there generally is to my morning routine along these lines.

[He moves to stand, then, shaking his head.]

I suppose I had best finished getting prepared.

[...........]

Do not slack off too much, if you truly wish to get better at this.

[It's definitely a teasing tone though.]

Mm, I guess it's that time already...

[he does plan on keeping up with it, at least. teasing or not—leon is still right. he won't get better at things if he slacks off. and stahn knows he probably won't be able to get up early and do this with leon on most days (though it's tempting, even if he just goes back to sleep afterwards), he's diligent enough to keep up with it.

so he smiles and nods as he brings himself to his feet, taking a step closer to leon. maybe he needs to finish the rest of his morning routines to get ready for his day, but now that stahn is awake, he's not going to just let leon get away from him so easily. not that stahn will really hold him back or make him late...]

I won't let your lessons go to waste, Leon. [he says it with a grin and then...

well, naturally, he has to steal a kiss. it's short and chaste, and serves a dual-purpose as a thanks for his efforts and a "have a good day," because he knows that once leon steps away from him, it's all business until they retire to their room for the night. he feels comfortable enough to be able to do that much right now, though.]

[It is that time already--and Leon's ready. He's been awake long enough, he feels comfortable and prepared to face the day, and this little interlude before he dived into things was good.

... Honestly, it might have been more than good, having this time to spend with Stahn, but he's just accepted that he's satisfied and is calling it good at that. No need to delve any deeper into his thought processes--

And then Stahn's there, pressing his lips gently to his, and Leon freezes, startled.

It's...warm, though, and unbearably gentle, and Leon enjoys it, he really does, even if all he can do in response is linger there for a moment as well...

And then, finally, he steps away. He does have to leave, after all, even if that was a rather incredibly nice feeling. But he does manage to somehow not blush too much, even if he does have to look away, gently clearing his throat.]

... Yes, well. See to it that they don't.

[But...he won't complain about the kiss, either. He wavers there, as if maybe contemplating taking another--but then he shakes his head to himself, taking another step away. Gotta be strong, Leon. No matter how tempting Stahn might be in that moment.]

Right.

[it's fine. even if stahn would like more than most things for leon to be able to stay there—to stay home so they could spend more time together and do something fun and simple—he knows it's just not possible. stahn can't take offense to leon stepping away, and he doesn't look put out by it.

he may enjoy his time with leon, but he's not that needy, after all.

instead, stahn himself takes a seat at the edge of the bed, leaning back and only propping himself up with his elbows. there's a 100% chance this is the start of him definitely going back to sleep for another hour or two, especially now that he feels pretty content about things.]

Go get ready. I don't want you to blame it on me if you end up running late. [it's stahn's turn to tease again (even if there's probably some truth to that, though he knows leon won't be running late), but it's also an easy out for leon to move on with his day. turning the temptation for leon down, something like that.]

[Of course Stahn would go back to bed. That's just like Stahn--Leon honestly has no idea how he survived as a sheep herder or whatever it was he did before this. Don't you have to wake up early to take care of farm animals? Leon isn't sure, but he thought that was how it worked--

But well, here's Stahn going back to bed, and Leon prepared to handle the day. After all, it was...a sincerely good morning.

That counts for quite a lot.

Quietly, Leon nods, though he snorts softly under his breath at the teasing. Please....]

I will not be late. [Hmph.] Do not waste your day away sleeping.

[And with that final comment, he'll turn to leave the room, to wrap up his morning routine and head out to his work for the day.]

[it's been a pretty long day.

stahn doesn't mind the long days, where he goes out and chips away at various tasks in the city for other people while he figures out just exactly what he wants to do with himself in the long haul. it's not exactly an impressive career path, but he gets to talk to people all over darilsheid and help out people who need it. talking to a lot of people and learning so much about living in the capital all at once—it's a good deal.

but some days are more exhausting than others, so by the time stahn gets home, he's ready to unwind. first comes bathing and getting comfortable, and then comes deciding what to do next. —well, it's not much of a decision, in all honesty. he was given a newly released book by the bookshop owner as an extra bonus for his work, and stahn honestly wants to read it.

a novel, an adventure story about a pirate seems pretty interesting. so once he's settled in and had a cup of tea brought to their room (sometimes leon's influence on him shines through in the most subtle of ways), he curls up on the daybed with the book, content to get started on it. with leon still not home yet, it gives him time to sit and read a couple of chapters and get into the story.

it's cozy, really—stahn can't even remember the last time he just sat with a book. it had to have been well before he left leane, given how little time he had once they were adventuring and saving the world twice and all.]

[Leon's found that he has more to look forward to these days when he returns from his missions and his daily duties. It used to be that he looked forward to Marian, and her tea, and her sweets on occasion, when she'd make them for him, and he still looks forward to those things, of course.

But now he can also look forward to returning to Stahn as well, Stahn and his sunshine and his gentle contentedness and the way that he's always so honestly happy...

It's strange, but it's nice, and Leon tends to return in a pretty decent mood all things considered, aside from when his missions go poorly.

But that's not what happened today. Today was fine, if a little chilly outside (Leon does feel a bit chilled, so he's ready to warm up now), and so he's reasonably content as he wanders his way into his room (their...room? Now? Hm.) and...blinks. Stahn's reading. It's peaceful, and there's no complaints there, but... it's odd. He wasn't really expecting to see Stahn.... sitting there reading.

So for a moment, he can only stand there in the doorway, blinking. It's not like it's a bad image at all, Stahn curled up on their shared bed with a book and a cup of tea, cozy as can be.

Huh.]

[stahn's so into the book that at first, he doesn't even realize that leon's entered the room. his eyes don't shift away from the pages at all—it's pretty clear that whatever it is he's reading, he's enjoying thoroughly.

it's not until he turns the book over to hold the page in his lap while he reaches for his tea that he notices leon standing there. ...why is he just standing there? stahn doesn't know, but he smiles contentedly at leon.]

Oh... [and a little wider.] Welcome back, Leon... I didn't realize you'd be back so soon today.

[things must have gone smoothly, which is good. surely, he'd have been later and much more sour if the mission didn't go well.]

[It's oddly quiet and calm, honestly. Not that they aren't able to enjoy quiet times together, but it feels like those are rarer and thus more precious to Leon himself, who treasures that sort of thing. Not that he doesn't enjoy Stahn's sunshine-y personality and cheer, but...

Sometimes, some quiet and calm is exactly what he needs.

So he walks into the room properly then, closing the door neatly behind him, moving to strip himself of his cape and then tunic as he makes his way into the room to leave them draped over a chair. It's infinitely more comfortable to just be in his long-sleeves and pants anyway.

Though he does end up just standing next to the bed, arching an eyebrow at Stahn thoughtfully.]

It isn't that early. [Just mildly.] You must have been rather absorbed in your book.

Eh?

[he seems pretty surprised by that statement, if only because it really doesn't feel like it's been that look at all. but when his eyes shift towards the window to see the way the light in the sky looks, followed by actually looking at the clock..]

Oh... hahaha, wow... I didn't realize it's been that long. [he laughs a bit sheepishly... oops. it's probably hard to help when the book is just that good—stahn forgot how much fun it is to read a good story when he got so busy living the stories.

regardless, he scoots over on the bed, making room for leon if he wants to sit. he's not so involved with the book that he'll refuse to put it down; he wants to talk to and spend time with leon after not seeing him all day anyway.]

[Leon... inspects the space that Stahn makes for him for a long moment, before flicking his gaze back towards said book. Stahn may not think anything of putting his book down to talk to Leon, but Leon doesn't intend to get in the way if Stahn's really enjoying it that much.

(Leon knows the feeling of curling up with a good book and thoroughly enjoying it, though for him it was more a form of escapism than anything, and he doesn't think that that's the case for Stahn.)]

There's no need for that. Simply give me one of the blankets.

[He's cold from the chill outside, but he'll just sit in the chair with a blanket and call it good.]

It's fine... stay here, Leon.

[even if stahn ends up going back to his book relatively soon, he'd still rather do it with leon close anyway. it's just better for him, stahn would much rather embrace the time they can spend together.]

The book's not going anywhere. Besides, you had a long day! I was just waiting for you to get back. [as in "he was reading to pass the time," even if he is excited about the book.

leon is more important, and he's not going to relegate leon to a chair over a book. they can share a blanket right here.] You'll warm up quicker that way.

[There's only a bit more of a pause at that, before Leon just sighs softly under his breath and shrugs to himself. It's not really worth fighting, he think--especially when he does want to warm up, and Stahn's right that he'll warm up more quickly in the bed.

Especially by Stahn, since Stahn is basically a space heater in human form.

So after that, he just makes an acknowledging noise, shifting to sit on the bed without much more of an argument. He's not going to lean against Stahn or anything like that, of course, because he's still Leon; instead, he tugs at one of the blankets to wrap it around his own shoulders, because he really is ready to just relax and warm up now.]

It was not as though it was a particularly long day. [It was fine.] Go back to your book.

[Though... he is curious about said book, and what it could be about to hold Stahn's attention so well.]

[leon doesn't have to lean against stahn, but mostly because stahn himself will take that initiative. he picks the book up long enough to use the cover flap as a bookmark and set it beside him.

and then he'll scoot back closer to where he'd be curled up earlier, arm just barely grazing against leon's. he never minds lending a little of his body heat if it's to warm up leon, after all.]

Mm-mm. [he hums, smiling.] It can wait until later. I don't want to read it too fast anyway.

[maybe leon's day was fine and nothing exciting, but it doesn't mean that he wants to ignore the time they can be spending together, either.

...at least stahn is aware enough of the dact that he so rarely has had time to read since coming to darilsheid that leon probably didn't expect it.] Did it surprise you that much?

[his chiding is so gentle that it can barely even be called that, but it does amuse stahn. sometimes he does have to wonder if leon really thinks that lowly of him just because he's from the country.]

Leon Magnus | Stahn Aileron | 071

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

reading;

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject