Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Sept 9, 2020 1:05:53 GMT -5
Zander still very upset. There was a sack of sand he'd moved into the little house Briella had been staying in some time ago. He'd been using it mostly as a way to train his sister but at the moment it was a good way for him to release his frustration. Briella watched him from a small couch. It'd been a while since she'd seen her brother this irritated and it worried her. "Who's the new man?" Zander huffed but didn't pause in his assualt on the bag.
"That is Mister Lockheeds cousin." Briella nodded as she rested her chin on her arms. "Do you not like him?" Deep down there was something about him that really rubbed the redhead the wrong way. But he couldn't admit that outloud. "I don't know him. He's Pearce's family so be kind to him." Saying that left a bitter taste in his mouth. He stopped hitting at the bag when someone entered their space. "Lord Lockheed would like to speak with you." Zander frowned but nodded.
After pulling on a clean shirt, that just clung to the sweat dripping off of him, Zander ruffled his sisters hair. "I'll be back. Keep an eye on Whisky." He followed the servant to the tea room but didn't sit down. Instead he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned on the doorframe. "What can I do for you, Mister Lockheed?" Of course he wasn't really mad at Pearce. He couldn't be. Though he was hurt and irritated.
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Sept 9, 2020 6:59:09 GMT -5
The bottle of brandy arrived before Zander and Pearce was shocked it was a bottle and glasses and not just a glass. It made him feel a little transparent consider he did indeed want more than one drink. Heather had worked for him for...well, as long as he could remember.
He poured two and downed that as Zander entered. Pearce didn't drink besides wine with dinner sometimes. Not because he didn't like to.
The man's confrontational tone and word choice and pose were a lot harder to swallow than his drink.
"...Zander..." he looked up at him with a mess of anxious emotions. This was his fault. And he didn't deserve comfort for it so he didn't ask. "I'm s-sorry. I...mmmmy family d-doesn't..." Spit it out. That was what his father had always said. Pearce wanted to. Everything would be easier if he could just make words come out normally. Not that this moment still wouldn't be distressing. "I shouldn't have c-c-called you that. You are mmmore important to me that that. B-but I'm not ready to...I can't..." He blushed and looked away, wishing he could be more elegant right now. "I sh-shouldn't have told you to leave like that."
He gestured at the drinks wordlessly and poured both of them a drink. Well, provided Zander joined him otherwise he might have both.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Sept 9, 2020 23:23:08 GMT -5
Seeing how distressed Pearce was made his heart ache. As hurt as he was Zander couldn't stand seeing the man this upset. It also made him feel rather guilty for being upset himself. Sure, it hurt to have the noble brush their relationship under the rug like that but he understood why he needed to. With a small sigh he pushed himself away from the door frame and made his way over to his boyfriend.
He snatched up the glass and swallowed down the brandy in one quick knock back. Zander wasn't really a fan of brandy but alcohol was alcohol and he needed a drink. Though it was more distressing seeing Pearce drinking. Normally the redhead had to drag him out and beg him to drink more than a glass of wine with dinner. Instead of sitting down he crouched in front of the noble and took one of his hands. "Hey, hey it's alright." He ran his thumb over the back of the mans hand before pressing a soft kiss on his knuckles.
"Breath, love." With his free hand Zander poured himself another glass and knocked it back just as quickly as the last. His nose scrunched at the taste but he shook his head before turning his attention back to Pearce. "Look it...hurt hearing you just call me a student," He wasn't going to lie and say it hadn't. "But I understand. It's just me and my little sister so it's easier for me to be out now. But I know..." He trailed off for a moment and chewed on his bottom lip before pouring himself another glass. Though he didn't drink this one right away.
"I know you have a name and a status to maintain. A much larger family to keep happy." He took a deep breath as he tried his best to shove down the pain and anxiety welling up inside of him. "It wouldn't be the first time I've been someones dirty little secret." Zander hated That he had to change his life just because one person came in. But if he could cover everything up with humor it wouldn't have to be so bad.
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Sept 10, 2020 0:30:52 GMT -5
Pearce nervously watched Zander move into the room and take the offered drink. He still hadn't said anything and that made the noble hesitant. Watching the young man drink was both adorable and awkward. He knew Zander didn't like brandy but he rrally didn't have much besides that and wine and it was telling which he had asked for.
Zander's first words to him were just as mixed. He desperately wanted it to be alright but he was very positive it was not. He smiled faintly though and nodded, gripping Zander's hand lightly. The physical confirmation helped. So did hearing Zander use a term of endearment on him like that. He really didn't deserve this. Really didn't deserve Zander.
He didn't touch his second (more like third from how much was in the first glass), instead he looked down at Zander as he spoke and nodded apologetically. He knew Zander hadn't had a supportive home life either. This was actually the first time Pearce was admitting to the same. He hadn't talked much about his family before. He certainly hadn't mentioned that his family didn't know, let alone how...unsupportive his father had been.
It made him uncomfortable, Zander using his name and rank as an excuse for him. He could still feel his heart slamming into his chest and this didn't help him calm down. Or maybe it was more than he couldn't calm down. "I...That's n-not an excuse for my...behavior," he forced out. "With my family around, we can't...We're friends b-but more than a student." More than student. He really shouldn't have said that before and still regretted it intensely. He could tell Zander was upset.
Pearce's heart lurched at 'dirty little secret.' He wanted to say no, but he couldn't find the ability to get the words out, shifting awkwardly. He put a hand out to the redhead's shoulder hesitantly, moving Zander so he could look him in the eye, taking a breath finally. "N-no. You're not." He wanted to say more but couldnt, focusing on relaxing. He took a drink of his brandy and closed his eyes for a moment.
Breathe.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Sept 10, 2020 1:00:14 GMT -5
Zander never asked much about Pearces family so that was mostly on him. He didn't even know the name of the mans father. It mostly had to do with the fear of Pearce returning questions about his family. Thinking about his parents or his life back in Teronna as a child hurt too much. He didn't want to talk about it so he never expected the nobleman to talk about his. If there was something Pearce wanted him to know the redhead figured he would tell him.
The name and rank didn't really feel like an excuse to him. Pearce was a noble, the head of his family. There were certain things that were expected of him. Having a relationship with a nineteen year old nobody soldier was not one of those expectations. Certainly not a male soldier. That thought came along with the idea that Pearce would one day leave him to get married. That idea made him feel like he was going to be sick though and he quickly shoved it down.
The term 'friends' hurt almost more than just being called a student. "Friends..." It had taken long enough for the two to get past that term. Still he grit his teeth and swallowed down a pained groan that tried to leave his throat. Pain, anger, anxiety, all swirled around inside of him and made Zander look at the ground. What if having his cousin around made Pearce want to fulfill those family expectations? He chewed on his bottom lip hard as he tried to shove those thoughts away. Pearce loved him. Right? His stupid cousin coming to stay for a spell wasn't going to change that. Right?
When he was moved to look up at Pearce Zander feared the look in his eyes might betray him. Just be funny. Just laugh it off and don't think about it. He took a drink from his own glass to force down a hard lump of emotion in his throat.
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Sept 10, 2020 1:16:56 GMT -5
He didn't ask Zander because he knew family history made the boy anxious and his life was different now. He didn't share because he too found history...difficult to process. So he didn't, even of talking might have helped.
He winced as Zander repeated the word and pulled himself together a little, at least on the surface. "Zander," he said, setting down his drink and pulling the young man into his lap. He was still anxious and almsot felt a bit faint but he pushed through it, ignoring the discomfort and everything else.
"You're mmmore to me than that. I love you." His tone eased with each word and he tried to smile. "Always," he added, trying to be reassuring. Be wasn't going back on what he had said before he just...wasn't comfortable enough with his family to be himself. Someday, maybe.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Sept 10, 2020 14:08:57 GMT -5
Hearing the noble say his name made him ache. He bit his lip hard though before he could begin scratching at his wrists he was pulled up onto Pearce's lap. The redhead took a deep breath to try and calm his nerves as he pressed his face into the crook of his neck. Hearing the confirmation that he did in fact love him made him feel slightly better.
Still that didn't change the fact that Zander was having to change his life for one person coming to stay with them. Of course he wouldn't force Pearce to come out to his family. If the man wasn't ready, he wasn't ready. But the idea that he couldn't be close to him or even sleep in the same bed was enough to make that anxiety well up again. "I love you too." He managed out with a sigh.
Zander placed his hand on Pearces chest as he tried to bury his emotions further down. This couldn't be helped. He couldn't expect the nobleman to just throw out his own family. He also didn't know how this Perci boy would react if Pearce did in fact come out. Though if the way he reacted to him and Briella was any indication it wouldn't be good. He sat up to take a smaller drink from his glass, instead of just knocking it back entirely and looked at Pearce. "So do all of your names start with P or is his just a coincidence?" Perhaps if Zander could lighten up the conversation a little bit it might help Pearce calm down.
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Sept 10, 2020 18:23:40 GMT -5
The blonde enjoyed being close to Zander immensely. But he still wasn't comfortable announcing that affection in public. It had nothing to do with Zander and more to do with himself and his family but saying as much wouldn't make anything better.
Hearing Zander return the gesture with a sigh didn't help him feel like any less of an asshole. It seemed more like he was saying it out of obligation or to convince one of them. Pearce wanted to be more comfortable with himself and with Zander. Around his family and in public. The fact that he invited Zander out so much and that Zander and his sister lived very nearly with him...those were major public steps considering he hadn't dared be seen in public with anyone before. Hopefully, having Percival around would help him get used to family, to see them as normal and nothing to fear. Sure Perci wasn't the most tender and comforting person, but he was family.
"You know..." he mused slowly, trying to control his breathing as he pulled Zander close. "They make these things called 'locks' and 'keys.' We should t-try them out sometime," he said, his voice trailing off slightly, almost embarrassed at what he was suggesting, despite it not being anything new. He didn't like the idea of not sleeping with Zander every night any more than Zander did. He'd gotten quite used to it. Just...maybe not every night. "Or...I have a p-private carriage..." At that he blushed a little.
Pearce was more or less certain his family wouldn't be all that supportive. Even if they ultimately got used to the notion that their brother and cousin liked men, he was still expected to have a family. Percival had made it clear that was still a heavy weight looming in the background.
He gestured for Zander to get his glass for him, since he had a rather large handsome man in his lap and in the way. Exactly where he wanted him. He chuckled. "My sister is Primrose. S-so what do you think?" Not to mention his other cousins. His father and uncle had a thing for the letter. He felt slightly better, but he still wasn't sure he should stand. And the alcohol was starting to get to him already considering he hadn't eaten much for lunch. At least it made relaxing easier. Maybe a little too easy. Pearce pressed slow gentle kisses into Zander's hair before he realized what he was doing and stopped. He directed his affection to his check and neck rather than his hair.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Sept 10, 2020 19:34:55 GMT -5
Zander was rather confused when Pearce began mentioning locks and keys. Of course he knew locks existed. What did they have to do with a rich prick staying over though? Still, when the man mentioned a private carriage his eyes lit up with a realization that made him snort. "What are you suggesting exactly?" He teased with a mischievous grin.
Hearing that he had a sister named Primrose made the redhead let out an exasperated groan. "There can't possibly be that many P names in the world." Well there certainly could be. Obviously. Still, it was nice to know the name of his sister. Nice to know he had a sister. Though Zander didn't suspect he'd ever meet her, at least not officially. Perhaps as one of his students. That thought made him start to feel upset all over again so he quickly pushed it away before reaching over to grab the nobles drink.
Admittedly it was easier to relax being so close to Pearce. Though he suspected the liquor was also helping in some aspect. As he felt the mans lips in his hair he felt his heart flutter in his chest. The affection was greatly appreciated and earned a soft hum from the redhead.
When he suddenly paused Zander was more than a bit confused until the focus was turned to his neck. A shiver ran down his spine as he let out a chuckle. The redhead tipped Pearces chin up to look at him with a smile. "I truly do love you. So much." He purred quietly before pressing a kiss to his lips.
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Sept 10, 2020 20:29:17 GMT -5
"I am suggesting...our bedroom is still private. We just have to be mmmmore...subtle," he said vaguely. It wasn't as if his cousin would be around all the time, he just wasn't prepared to be so blatant. His staff might know to keep things to themselves but he did not have control over his family.
Of course, some of his fears were residual from his upbringing, specifically his father. The man was no longer around. Pearce couldn't very well be disowned from the family. Well, he could...but the holdings were in his name since moving here so nearly everything would stay with him. It was more about the obligation. He would do anyrhing for his family. Even things that made hin uncomfortable. But he didn't enjoy making Zander suffer for it.
He smiled faintly. "Prim is a very lovely woman," he said. They weren't that close as it was so he didn't bring her up much. Or ever. Maybe he should. "There are quite a lot. Unfortunately." He liked his name. He liked most of his family's names. Pearce was named after his grandfather he had hardly met. But he did often stumble over the consonant.
"Thanks," he murmured, taking the glass and slowly finishing the drink before leaning back into the sofa and pulling Zander with him. His heartbeat wasn't nearly so frantic as it had been but Pearce still felt mildly uncomfortable and he couldn't explain why. "I don't deserve you," Pearce mumbled into his lips.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Sept 10, 2020 20:48:51 GMT -5
The term 'our bedroom' made him both feel happier and sadder. If it was his room as well why did he have to be kicked out of it? Though that wasn't really worth asking. The last thing he wanted to do was make Pearce upset again. "I'm so happy my mother didn't pick a letter she enjoyed to name all of her children." He teased with a chuckle. While he wanted to say he would love to meet the nobles sister he wasn't sure how well that would go over. Just more stress of introducing the redhead as not his boyfriend. He'd rather not deal with that. "I almost had two more little siblings who's names were both going to start with A." He stated casually as he took another sip from his own glass.
Hearing Pearce say he didn't deserve him made Zander frown. He moved to properly straddle the blondes lap and held his face gently in his hands. "Don't say that." He said with a small pout. "I am a nineteen year old nobody running away from Teronna so they wouldn't kill me for magic. You deserve so much more than I could ever give you." He smiled then as he peppered kisses along the mans face.
"But I'm selfish."
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Sept 10, 2020 21:05:07 GMT -5
Pearce actually really like his name. Whether it fit very well...he was less sure. "My mother would have preferred otherwise. She liked variety."
"Almost?" He asked hesitantly, uncertainy how much of an invitation that opening was. The noble considered asking for refill but...he knew he had already gone two glasses deeper than he should have. Best to cut himself off.
He grunted as Zander moved on top of him. "You're somebody to me," he corrected softly, smiling at Zander's hands on his cheeks. "I like your weather magic..." Pearce was more or less aware Zander had magic. Hearing it now, especially while he was heavily buzzed, lessened the surprised and impact of Zander saying it blatantly.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Sept 10, 2020 21:15:56 GMT -5
"My father didn't want anymore children." He remembered all too clearly how his father screamed about not wanting anymore mistakes like Zander. How one useless son was enough. The memory made his heart drop to his stomach as he tried to push it away. To help he finished off the rest of his glass quickly and set it down. He didn't feel like delving into just how his mother lost his younger siblings.
Hearing that Pearce liked his weather magic caught the redhead by surprise. Had his brain been functioning fully he may have even panicked. Instead though he simply blinked then laughed. It was the first time he'd ever heard someone say they liked his magic. Certainly his mother had told him there was nothing wrong with it but that was about it. "Really? Most people think magic is scary."
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Orion
35
Unmarried
Marquis | Tutor
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Post by Pearce Lockheed on Sept 10, 2020 21:30:44 GMT -5
'Almost' combined with 'Zander's father,' the nobleman had a sinking feeling that it wasn't a happy story. For a mother to plan names for her children and then lose them at some point. He rubbed his arms around Zander comfortingly. He didn't need to talk about it. The drinking was telling too.
Pearce could have been a little more subtle. He hadn't entirely expected Zander to confess to having magic. He didn't need him to. It didn't bother Pearce one way or the other, magic didn't inherently frighten him. He realized in the same manner as Zander that this wasn't how that reveal was supposed to happen. It was almost...too casual. Maybe that was what made it better. More real.
An enthusiastic nod preceded his reply. "It's sexy. Controlling the weather." He wasn't sure of the details obviously.
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Ollie
19
Dating a nobleman
Infantry Soldier
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Post by Zander Brogthamon on Sept 10, 2020 21:43:06 GMT -5
This was in fact not at all how he'd planned on telling Pearce he was a mystic. Had he actually thought about how to tell him? Not really. But tipsy in the tea room while sitting on his lap was certainly the furthest thing from his mind. Still, it did make things easier. Less anxious. "Maybe I need to get drunk to tell Briella about her magic too." He muttered to himself. Though that would probably not be the best idea.
Explaining to a nine year old girl that communicating with animals wasn't normal needed to be done sober. When heard Pearce refer to his magic as 'sexy' Zander had to bury his face in the mans shoulder to muffle his laughter. His body shook with it as his brain tried to wrap around the concept that controlling weather was sexy.
"So...So you think it's sexy that when I'm scared or anxious or angry it rains? You think it's sexy that if I get pissed enough I can make a tornado?" To be fair Zander had only ever done that once in his life and it left him so drained he'd slept for three days straight. He hadn't even done it on purpose. He'd been so angry with his father it just happened.
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