video | o2

[kryo]

[ Laurent looks as he always looks when addressing the network at large - the epitome of relaxation. He has his phone wedged up against a book on the coffee table for a better vantage point, one leg bent at the knee, the other stretched out before him, an arm draped elegantly against the edge of the couch, wrist loose. As ever, it’s a very careful production. If he’s aware his last post made quite the negative impression on the people, then he doesn’t show it. In fact, his expression seems almost friendly, if a little cold. ]

I want to talk about the Porter cities. [ Not politics this time, everyone is very safe. Well, mostly] It has come to my attention that the information I had before is outdated, and what better way to fix that than to ask those who live there? Currently, I reside in Heropa. I’ve yet to be charmed by the alligators. But what of the rest? What do you like about living where you do? What do you not? Is it a safe area? Or do the vigilantes of this world rule over it? How are imPorts treated on a daily basis?

[ He could go on, but there’s a flicker in his composure when a door is opened off screen. His face instantly transforms. It loses the sharp politeness and softens, eyes warm as he regards the man who’s just walked in. This might be the first time Laurent’s smile has lost its thinness. It’s certainly the first time it has been so helplessly genuine and it makes him look younger, sweeter. Damen has that effect on him.

Damen had been busy in the kitchen, as is evident when he comes into view. He's carrying a large tray with an assortment of what looks like finger food. He's learned to use the microwave, it's called progress. His smile is as warm as Laurent's, though he manages to look confused at the same time. ]

Were you talking to someone?

Just asking questions. [ Gone too, is the frost in his tone. It might not have been noticeable in the first place, but there’s no denying it now. Laurent shifts slightly, as his lover takes the seat beside him, carefully balancing the plate before them. Without thinking he picks up a small pastry and holds it before Damen’s mouth as if in offering waiting for him to take it. There is no embarrassment in the action, no self-consciousness. In fact, this new smile is like a private joke. ]

[ Damen is fixed on Laurent, his smile amused while he accepts the little quiche. He seems to be in on the joke. He may even be about to comment on it, but then his eyes fall on the camera and he looks suddenly alarmed. ]

You are filming this?

[ Of course Laurent is filming this. Damen pushes the tray aside while Laurent turns back to the camera. ]

Yes. [ His smile is still real, but more amused now. ] How else would I speak with people? [ But he should probably get back to talking and not looking like he’s hungry for more than mini quiches, actually. He doesn’t care but people here are very small-minded. ]

Tell me anything you would have liked to know upon your own arrival in these cities, that would help greatly.

( ooc: Laurent is in blue and Damen is in red. )

Comments

[kryo]

[ Laurent leans forward, turning the camera off until such a time that he has a response. It means when he settles back and lifts a hand to push Damen's hair from his eyes they are entirely unwatched. ]

I like the personal touch.

[ He cannot stop looking at Damen. That is the peril of being helplessly in love. ] Why should they not see that I love you?

[ Without even a hint that more is whirring away with several different plans. ] And we said we'd think of moving one day. I thought perhaps we'd be better equipped were we to know what we were getting in to.

[barbarus]

It's not our love that I dislike them seeing.

I am interested in what they think, even so. I have travelled to each city, but a visit tells me little. I liked Nonah.

[ He doesn't know if that helps remotely.

Now that the camera is off, Damen comes around again to sit next to Laurent. He chooses one of the canapés and lifts it, now offering it to the other man in turn. There's amusement in his eyes. ]

Sweetmeat?

[kryo]

Nonah.

[ He smiles, like that's a particularly interesting answer. In reality, it's extremely helpful. He's seen some places there he liked. ] It seems the more evenly tempered of the four.

[ One single golden brow lifts and Laurent leans in a little to take the treat, lips just ghosting over his fingers like before. He's quiet as he eats, thoughtful. ]

I might look into our options. Do you have any requirements I should keep in mind?

[barbarus]

[ Damen shakes his head now. He stays close to Laurent, their bodies almost touching. The ghost of his lover's lips is on his fingers, and he can't stop thinking about them.

What does it matter where they go, when they have this? ]

Only that we stay together. This is not the life we planned, but a life with you is what I want.

The place matters little.

[ He means that. Nowhere in this world is really going to feel like home. But even in their own world, he doesn't know where they'll make that home. He's not sure it even matters. All he wants is Laurent. ]

Would you be happy in Nonah?

[kryo]

[ Laurent knows he means it, Damen does not lie. When he is sweet and honest like this it is almost impossible to defend oneself against it. ]

I'm happy now.

[ He is with the man he loves, how can he not be? ]

But I think I could be comfortable in Nonah. [ His research suggests it is the best of this world. And he wouldn't turn into a chargrilled mess of a prince, living there. ]

[barbarus]

[ Damen smiles at him. That means a great deal, to know that Laurent is happy with him even though he knows he does not like Florida. He nods, as though this means the decision is set.

As far as he's concerned, it does. ]

Then we shall seek a new home in Nonah. I want you to be comfortable.

[ He reclines back on the sofa, pillowing his head against his hand. ]

We should go there together. See it for ourselves, and confirm it is all you have heard.

[kryo]

[ Some days looking at Damen is like looking into the heart of the sun. As a boy he had tried to do that far too often, as if by sheer force of will he could see beyond all that bright and figure out what lay beneath. He knows the shape of this man, though. He knows what he is made of, and that is far more of a rewarding thing than blinding oneself in the pursuit of knowledge. ]

I love you.

[ It's soft, earnest, his lips curling up at the edges as he shifts closer to press a kiss to his lover's cheek. ]

I am glad we ended here together.

[barbarus]

[ Damen's heart flips over in his chest. He wants to say I know, because he does, and has not doubted it for some time. Instead his fingers trace over Laurent's cheek, sliding across his jaw. ]

I could not have settled if we did not. I would have walked this world until I found the way back to you.

[ Which isn't actually how it works, but regardless, Damen means it. He tilts his head to press a soft kiss against Laurent's lips. Soft though it may be, it sends his useless stomach fluttering.

Quietly now. ]

I love you, Laurent.