realpolitik | Leon Magnus | Stahn Aileron

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Leon Magnus | Stahn Aileron | 071

[this is a catch-all for boyfriends

here's a list

- ice cream ✓
- seasickness
- stahn sacrifice ✓
- reunion: judas ✓
- taming stahn's hair ✓
- piggyback rides ✓
- just imagine
- family dinner
- why is there pow hammer
- possessive leon
- apologies
- post-barbatos afterlife meeting
- AND MORE]

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[It makes him frown more deeply as Stahn speaks, and just keeps going, and Leon doesn't agree with any of this at all, honestly. He doesn't like hearing Stahn say anything self-deprecating; if it was anyone else saying these things about Stahn, he'd deck them without hesitation.

But it's Stahn saying them, so instead his brow furrows and he finally pulls his hand and face away--but not to pull away from Stahn. Instead, he shifts then to push Stahn back to the mattress, rolling on top of him, shifting his hand then to pin Stahn's to the mattress. This is something he doesn't intend to back down on, and he wants Stahn to know it, which is why he looks down at Stahn fiercely, bangs framing both of their faces.]

I do not intend to have to say this multiple times, so pay attention.

[This isn't going to be the thing he'll repeat--but it's too important not to be said.]

Those people you are talking about--the refined, self-centered idiots who pretend as though they are worth more due to that, they are not in the least of any import to me. They do not know me. They do not care about who I am, and they never have. The things they care about are immaterial.

[They've never been anything but leeches to him, as far as he's concerned--caring solely about his rank, his wealth, his appearance, and nothing else....]

But you... [His tone grows a little more gentle then, even as he uses his other hand to gently cup Stahn's cheek, a contrast to the other hand still pinning Stahn's hand to the mattress.] ...You are not like that, and you never have been. You have only ever been... kind. [And warm.] Willing to try to understand me, even when I did nothing but push you away. [Important, and gentle.]

If a choice truly has been made here [because he feels like it's natural they came together like they did, that it was inevitable--] then it was the correct one.

[well, of all the things that stahn could have been expecting...

this sure wasn't one of them.

there's never been any doubt in his mind that leon isn't some kind of delicate flower. he can be forceful and commanding, and he has a very distinct, powerful presence. even if he's petite and slender and some could see him as somewhat feminine, everything about her personality betrays that.

stahn is pinned to the mattress with leon positioned over him so precariously; his expression conveys his distaste for what's being said, and for the people that stahn is sort of comparing himself to. stahn isn't sure why, but he can feel his breath catching from his throat from the surprise of the declaration.

it's not like stahn doesn't know that leon doesn't like those types, but there's still something surprising about it. there are definitely people of his class that are good, kind and gentle people—people like ilene had been, and stahn's sure of that much.

but it's not like stahn can say anything, because as he opens his mouth to do so, leon is speaking again. and now...

he's more gentle. he's loving and reassuring, and he can feel the warm of leon's hand against his cheek.]

Eh...

[he tries to reply, but the words get caught in his throat. there's something so reassuring about his words. there's something that warms him to the core in knowing that stahn's treatment of him—his earnest attempts to be friends and forge a connection—really did affect leon so much that he'd choose a dumb country bumpkin over someone who was more suited to his upbringing.

his breath catches in this throat a second time, and when he exhales, it's definitely a bit shaky. his heart is racing—something about the position and use of power combined with leon's words and tone is leaving him completely speechless and breathless.]

Emilio... [he won't make leon repeat it, but it's probably very clear that he's floored by the response and the sentiment.]

[... That's just like Stahn, really; Judas' lips quirk vaguely into an amused expression, and he wonders what Stahn would say about his fighting style now. He changed it so radically to try to separate himself from Leon...

Well, knowing Stahn, he'd probably still think it's cool.]

Yes, well... we were hardly friends then.

[Implying that they're friends now, yep.]

[he'll definitely think it's cool when he sees it—it's not like stahn doesn't have a few tricks up his sleeve, either. being able to wield dymlos' power without use of a swordian and the magic advancements that have allowed them to use elemental artes without swordians has changed things.

there are definitely a few artes he knows now that he didn't when they last fought together.

...though he'll probably recognize them as kyle's artes.]

No, but that was the start of things, wasn't it? Things really changed after that!

[he lets out a boistrous laugh, completely fine with this.

...until he's not. there's a rustling nearby, and stahn is still sharp enough to catch it.]

—Something's coming.

[Judas is quiet for a long moment, pinpointing where the noises are coming from--and once he's certain of it and certain of the monsters, he slowly draws his sword.

It feels...odd. it's been so long since he had to carry a sword now, he was starting to get used to not having to lift one.

For all that the peace and quiet was getting to him, and the adventure is a relief, he didn't actually want to have to fight again.

But there's no way he's going to hesitate longer than a moment. Then he's lifting his blade, nodding to Stahn simply, and moves towards the monsters that will appear soon enough.

He'd rather take the fight to them, if they must.]

[It's fine that Stahn is shell-shocked because Leon isn't done. He looks down at Stahn almost tenderly for a moment before he shakes his head, expression solidifying into something more serious, and mutedly fierce. It was this of all things that convinced him. Stahn having doubts...that makes him certain.

He's not going to ever want anyone or anything else. Stahn, with everything Stahn is, is what he loves.

His country bumpkin nature, his warmth and his sunshine, his fierce fire and gentle sweetness all together....he loves him. He loves him for the night before, when Stahn had been both passionate and careful, respecting Leon's boundaries even as he tried to embrace what they both wanted and needed.

So certainly, he leans down, slotting their lips together firmly and certainly, gentle intensity in his kiss, even as he settles properly against Stahn's chest, no longer holding himself up, allowing his body to slump against Stahn's chest, fingers still intertwined with Stahn's.

This is what he wants. Whether Stahn believes it or not...well, Leon wants him to believe it. In all of his fierceness and certainty in his kiss...he hopes Stahn believes it.

Because Leon is sure.]

Are you ready?

[stahn knows he is, but he still asks as he draws his own sword, looking over to judas with a smirk. lifting a sword isn't too strange for him, considering how often he trains with kyle and how much he used to with loni when he was younger.

stahn's usually the one who takes the out-of-town trips, so it's not uncommon when they need to get something from way out in aigrette for him to do this. it's less common, and there aren't nearly as many monsters on seinegald's landmass as their were before dycroft fell, but they're still there.

he's with judas in wanting to get the upper-hand here, though, so—]

Let's go! [he's not yelling like he would have when he was younger, but it's still a firm command before lunging forward to where the monsters are lurking, prepared to make the first strikes before they can.]

[Judas certainly can't back down now, not now that Stahn is throwing himself into things fullheartedly. So Judas follows suit, reaching for his second sword with his free hand. Upgrading from a dagger to a sword was ridiculous, but...on the other hand, it's just too familiar now.

It'd be weird to fight in any other way.

So he engages the first monster immediately, slicing and diving quickly and certainly, fierce and fast. At the very least, his skill doesn't seem to have faded much at all from the long period of no fighting at all.]

[it's difficult not to believe when it's like this.

when leon's lips reach his, it's almost as if he's transferring his feelings directly into stahn; they're so much love and passion in his kiss while still feeling sweet and gentle—somehow, it's different from every other kiss they've shared.

there's a feeling that swells in stahn's chest, because he's tasting leon's certainty, he's tasting a defiance that says "it's only you," and the smallest sound seems to get stuck in his throat. it's overwhelming, honestly, and that's why stahn is squeezing leon's hand.

he's not completely still though, because his own fire can't be extinguished, even when he's taken aback by things a bit. he kisses back to match the intensity, laced with "thank yous" and "i understands." there aren't words needed, because he can feel how much leon really loves him as his weight settles against stahn's chest.

and he's embracing it.

part of him feels foolish for even suggestion it was an issue—though it's no less true. he feels incredibly lucky that someone so classy, so smart, so talented and attractive could look past his lack of education and worldliness and still love him for the person he is.

leon is a good soul.

he's a warm, kind person and though his exterior is cold and harsh, sometimes biting, when leon is laying against him in this way, all he can feel is gentle, loving warmth.

and that's why stahn's free hand wraps around leon's body to steady him in place, embracing it with squeeze that also says "i'm sorry," because he wants leon to know that his intent is never to doubt leon.

he's lucky.

he's so lucky, and he's so in love to the point that he's not even sure how to contain it and stop it from spilling over.]

—!

[two... swords. he knew judas carried a second sword, but he had no idea that he was actively using them in battle.

impressive.

it's really impressive, though stahn knows he doesn't have much time to gawk. so out the gate he comes using hell sword, using the fire to cut into the second monster. he's not as fast as he used to be, but it's pretty obvious that stahn is still very much so in fighting shape—and likely just how much of kyle's fighting style comes from the same place where stahn's evolved.]

[Stahn's actions make it clear--he understands and he feels it too. He isn't doubting it as much anymore. Leon knows better than to think that he'd be able to resolve those issues just from this, but...maybe if he made him doubt it even a little, that would be enough.

Leon loves Stahn, after all.

He loves him and he wants him to be happy. He wants him to believe that Leon loves him and wouldn't ever want anyone else.

He wants him to never doubt that.

He pulls away from the kiss when he can't linger any longer, breathing out a slow, satisfied sigh. He remains close, eyes half-shut, but entirely focused on Stahn and Stahn's face and eyes. He's personally satisfied. That's more than enough for him, and his own uncertainties have long since faded.

This is more important, and he can't help how his lips curve slightly into a pleased, satisfied expression.]

I don't want anyone else.

Do not ever believe otherwise, because that is what I believe, and that shall never change. I am not a fickle person, so if nothing else, have faith in that.

[If nothing else, he's confident and certain.]

[It's so nostalgic, honestly.

Stahn's as much of a powerhouse as he remembers him being, and the firey artes that he's using are pure nostalgia. Judas can't quite help the smile twisting around his lips, even as he lunges forward as well, using his speed and agility to engage the monsters and knock them to the ground.

Honestly, Stahn might be in better fighting shape than Judas at this point. While Judas is still physically the same 16 he was before he died, Stahn is the one who actively spars with Kyle and Loni and the other children, and Stahn is the one who does most of the physical labor around the orphanage. In the meantime...Judas has actively avoided picking up a blade, even for practice, though he's still very much capable.

Some things aren't forgotten, even with a few months without practice.

Still, when he's only very narrowly able to avoid a monster's strike, instincts dulled by a lack of practice and a willingness to embrace that peaceful existence, he grimaces a little. He's not used to feeling out of practice. But it's...definitely not a good feeling, and he supposes--he's going to have to practice after all.

It's not time to throw in the towel yet, not on his fighting abilities, which may someday be of use to them all.]

Mm... I know.

[he knows that leon isn't the sort of person who would change his mind once he's made a decision. he's steadfast and stubborn, and the type to get too set in his way to change—even reaching this point together has been a long journey because of that.

but stahn's expression is warm and very touched to hear those words. there's that slight glassiness to his eyes—he isn't crying, as he's able to rein in his crybaby tendencies just a bit, but... it's obvious.

it's obvious how important it is for him to actually hear those words pass leon's lips. even if it's something he knows in some base way—that assurance is everything to stahn right now. leon wants him and him alone. leon wants to be with him, and he doesn't have an intention of ever being with someone else.

there's a warm stability in that, there's something that... well, he's wanted it and hoped that would be the case, but now he's hearing it and his heart his racing hard enough that he feels like it could burst straight out of his chest.]

That's... how I feel, too. You... Emilio. You're the only one I want to be with. [he doesn't say it with the same confidence—he's honestly so floored by leon's that he's just stunned and flustered.

but it's warm and sincere and everything. it's absolutely everything, because he bets so much on the fact that leon won't leave him behind.]

So... I'm happy that you feel that way too. That you won't leave for something better. [that's one of his few fears, as silly as it sounds.]

[Leon is satisfied, honestly. It's warm, it's comfortable, and the way Stahn smiles and settles into it is perfect. That's what Leon wanted. Leon wanted Stahn to be comfortable and certain. He wanted Stahn to be certain in the knowledge that Leon loves him--because he does, even if he can't say so yet.

But his expressions shifts when Stahn keeps talking. It bothers him that Stahn would say something like that--"so much better", he says which is nonsense. There isn't better.

Stahn is the better.

The gentleness is gone then--he leans in and shoves their lips together more fiercely then, a kiss with a bit of teeth and a lot of certainty, almost scolding. When he pulls back, it's with a shaky, short breath.]

Shut up.

[He doesn't want Stahn to ever think that he's not the better. He doesn't want Stahn to ever say anything like that.

And he won't allow it to happen without doing something.

Don't say there is better--because there isn't, not to Leon.]

[stahn's still sharp enough—and maybe thanks to his fatherly nature? even more protective than ever.

his eyes catch that narrow evasion, and stahn's instinct is to fire off a demon fang in-between the attacks to the monster he's fighting. it's a quick motion, one that only serves to give judas a bit of distance to hold onto his footing.

they're not the strongest monsters, but they're strong enough when one is out of practice, so stahn backsteps a couple of times, baiting his monster—but he's actually using that time to cast an arte.

in the past, it would have been fire ball—a tried and true attack.

here and now, though?

it's burn strike, sending the small, burning meteorites down on their enemies—just one of those artes that kyle clearly learned from his old man.]

Are you okay?! [he'll ask in the interim, just to make sure; he seems fine, but stahn has to ask, almost instinctively.]

[there leon goes again, for what feels like the hundredth time already this morning. he's stunned stahn once again, leaving him breathless from such a fierce kiss.

it's almost hard to believe that this is the same leon that arrested him in harmentz and treated him like an impossible child. now it's leon who is fiercely expressing his love, and even scolding stahn in a strangely intimate way. he finds himself biting his own lip when leon pulls back.

if nothing else, he does look apologetic.

leon... he really does feel strongly about stahn, doesn't he?

that's why leon regains control of the hand that hand been interlocked with leon's, lifting it up to cup his cheek.]

I didn't mean it that way. I'm... happy, really happy... if you think there's nobody better to be with than me. Because... there's nobody else for me but you.

[he speaks softly. ultimately, he's just happy, because their feelings are mutual and full of love even if they're saying it in just about every way but the direct words.

though he wants to. even if he's sure by now that leon knows how he feels, he just wants to say it, because it's like an elephant in the room at this point. they both know it. they love each other. they're in love. they want to spend their lives like this.]

I... [—he's chickening out, only breathing out a quiet breath.]

I'm not doubting you.

[Leon does subside when Stahn cups his cheek, though there's something almost petulant about the way he looks at Stahn. He doesn't want Stahn to imply that he's not good enough for Leon, because Leon loves him how he is. This is what he wants, this is who he wants, and he's happy.

Stahn shouldn't say that anything else could ever have been possible, because Leon doesn't think that's the case.

Stahn had been the one who was so kind to him, who was so careful about his boundaries, who was always there for him. It was Stahn who protected him, even before he was willing to be kind. It was Stahn who was there for him no matter what happened, and Stahn who defended him and took care of him.

Stahn is who he loves, and Leon only really settles when Stahn finally admits that... there's nobody better. Because that's what Leon truly thinks.

Slowly, he breathes out, meeting Stahn's eyes, and nods simply. This time, he doesn't hear the unspoken words; he was too focused on convincing Stahn, so he doesn't know how close he came there.]

See to it that you don't. As I said, I do not intend to repeat myself, so if you continue to doubt, I will have to take other measures.

[Who... knows what that would be, honestly, Leon can be surprisingly creative when he's decided to do something.]

[... Ah.

It's unsurprising, probably--after all, Kyle had to learn what he knew from somewhere, and of course Stahn continued to learn and perfect his fighting as he grew. But it's still surprising to see it from Stahn, and it's another of those moments where Judas has those uncanny moments of overlap--when he sees Kyle in Stahn, or Stahn in Kyle. It's so much...

But then. Isn't that why they're both so important to him?

He staggers back away from the monsters, but not for long; for Judas, it's important to shake off these lingering vestiges of unwillingness so he can properly fight--so he lunges into the thick of things, unwilling to let even a close call bother him.]

I'm fine! [Seems he's as snappish as ever in the middle of a fight.] Focus on your own foes!

[it's probably for the better that he doesn't hear the unspoken words, since it allows stahn to bite them back a little further while reminding himself... this isn't the way he wants to say it.

(of course, the way it'll be said versus how he wants to are going to be two different things.)

his expression is still warm, but stahn can't help himself but to laugh just a little at that statement.]

...When you say it like that, it makes me want to doubt myself. [is stahn... teasing?

yeah, he's definitely teasing. because he knows leon could be creative, and if his first measure had been to kiss him, and the second had been to kiss him harder and tug with his teeth...

what would the third be?

what would the fourth?

would they get more risque, because stahn isn't sure he'd be able to say no to something like that.]

Mm, got it!

[of course, stahn trusts in judas; if he says he's fine? he's fine. the snappish nature indicates just that much, because he detects nothing that would point to him being injured. but it's fine, because he's staggered the monster that had been targeting him, giving stahn the opportunity to strike, strike again, and strike a third time before firing off any more artes.

not everything in his moveset has changed though, which is precisely while he can chain a hell pyre directly into beast, knocking back the monster and giving himself a moment to catch his breath. he's still in fighting shape, but his stamina does take a hit when going at this pace...

but if nothing else, it's clear that stahn has learned very well how to use his weaknesses to his advantage, for what that's worth. while he catches his breath, he can shift his gaze back and forth between the monster and what judas is doing in order to see how his fighting has changed as well.]

[Excuse you. Leon quirks an eyebrow at that and Stahn's teasing tone, before he just snorts quietly. He gets what Stahn's getting at here, and honestly? Despite himself and his earlier crisis, he is a little amused. This is new and unexplored territory for both of them, but on the other hand, this morning has been enough to get Leon to be a bit more confident.

So when Stahn says that, with that look on his face...well, he's being teased, and that just can't be allowed to let stand.

Leon gives him an almost thoughtful look, before he shifts then, sliding one of his legs between Stahn's. He doesn't apply much in the way of pressure--yet--but he does apply enough to make it very clear to Stahn that it's There.]

Perhaps, then, I should reward you for not doing so instead.

[He smirks a little then, almost teasingly, and presses his lips to the back of Stahn's jaw, right beneath his ear.]

Do you still think you aren't worth this?

[A few things have changed, of course.

Leon isn't doing much in the way of earth artes now; instead, the artes he flings off towards the monsters are heavily light and darkness-based, and he seems content to focus on using those. Despite his somewhat halting start, these monsters really aren't that dangerous; he's able to shake off a lot of the rust and focus on just slamming them down as quickly as possible.

It's so natural, though, to fling off artes in such a way that Stahn will be able to take care of them next; even if it's been awhile for the both of them since they fought together, some things have been ingrained and can't be forgotten.]

[okay, so leon really doesn't mess around here.

he lets out a shuddering breath almost immediately when leon shifts his leg; seeing the look on his face doesn't really help, either. his teasing is so much more direct and deliberate—it's surprising.

for leon, who had always been so serious and seemed to never have a sense of humor about things... it feels like a big step. he's playing around, actively teasing stahn... and it only gets more intense. before he has much of a chance to respond, he can feel the warmth of leon's lips against his skin, and the words that follow are so baiting that he can't help but to crane his neck a little. he lets out another heavy breath—partially just excited for the way leon acts so boldly, and partially from being surprised.

his hand shifts a bit thanks to the movement, finding the back of leon's neck. he allows his fingers to thread the hair as he responds.]

Mm... I— [he doesn't actually know how to respond. is that too cocky to respond to? it's an odd question to answer, but he knows that... whatever will let leon keep at this, he's okay with.

and that's why his only real response is a quiet, choked:] Don't stop.

[whatever it is he's doing. wherever it leads. even if it's just this... it's fine.]

[it takes stahn just a minute of adjustment, a moment of time to see what artes judas has now—he really did change on that journey with kyle, and it seems like he's gotten even stronger.

even with a little rust from how idle they've been in cresta, he's amazing. there's no doubt about that. but even with these new artes and new styles, his fighting style feels very much the same, and it's easy for stahn to bounce off of, firing off artes of his own until they're back to back and each once again faced with one monster each.]

Heh... You ready to finish them off?

[...Alright, look, Leon was pretty sure there were only a small handful of answers to that question. He was pretty sure he knew exactly how Stahn was going to respond, except... he doesn't.

And it's...almost painfully endearing.

Stahn can't even now say that he's worth this, huh? He still can't say that he's the best thing to ever happen to Leon. He's too modest, and too incapable of something like that.

But... he can say that he doesn't want Leon to stop, and...well, Leon has no intentions of stopping. Stahn wasn't putting himself down, at least, so that's going to have to be good enough.

Especially because Leon's more than capable of saying what needs to be said for him.]

You are worth this.

[Saying something like that comes surprisingly easily--Leon supposes it's because talking about Stahn's worth? That's something he is very certain about.]

I am more than capable of determining worth. And yours has been clear from nearly the beginning.

[He gently, slightly increases the amount of pressure his leg applies with each statement, words still murmured right beneath Stahn's ear.]

I determine who deserves this myself.

[Leon gets to decide who is the best for himself, and who is worth this sort of attention, and he's decided long ago that it would be Stahn.]

And I've clearly made my choice.

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Page 74 of 95

Leon Magnus | Stahn Aileron | 071

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