*Nightwhisper
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"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Oct 9, 2022 18:52:28 GMT -5
Anya smiled at the excited behavior the dogs got at the mention of going outside. Honestly, she would enjoyed it just as much. Growing up with all the space in the world at her disposal made being stuck in the cave system a bit difficult. But she did need that shower, so she didn't give into the temptation to join them. "I know," she whispered in response to Seth's promise, feeling her chest blossom in warmth. It was nice to not feel that twinge of worry that maybe, just maybe, he wouldn't be back. But now she didn't have that worry at all. Now she fully believed that he would find his way back to her, one way or another.
~*~*~
Parker tried to push Sol's hands away, knowing that if he stopped and had nothing else to focus on, it'd be harder to regain his composure. But he inevitably lost that fight as his hands were captured anyway. He closed his eyes, switching his focus instead to keeping his breathing level. He was aware of the kiss on his skin, but it just wasn't enough to pull him from his mind. "I can't," Parker muttered, opening his eyes but can't bring them to meet Sol's.
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png)
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Oct 9, 2022 19:59:22 GMT -5
This time, letting the dogs out was quick and easy. But on the way back, Aidan mentioned being hungry again, so they took a quick detour to the communal dining room to grab dinner to go. Seth got something for himself and Anya as well, though he didn't feel hungry.
They returned to the room, and Seth set Aidan up at the table to eat, promising to join him after a shower. Then he headed for the bedroom.
☆~☆~☆ Once Sol had his undivided attention, he started moving slowly backwards, bringing Parker with him without once breaking the kiss. And as soon as they were clear of the room, Sol had him up against the closest wall. That's when he finally broke the kiss. "Can't what, Parker?" he asked, lips trailing across his skin.
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*Nightwhisper
![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png)
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Oct 9, 2022 20:28:20 GMT -5
Anya took her time in the bath this time around. Her tolerance for the cold was much better than her twins, but she still enjoyed and appreciated a nice warm bath during the winter months. So she drew herself one of them, and grabbed one of the two bathbombs she had bought during their trip to town. If she was going to have a relaxing soak, might as well pamper herself.
Thirty minutes later, she was comfortably warmed, refreshed, and feeling better. She drained the water, wrapped her towel around her, and walked into the bedroom. She didn't think so much time had passed, and she didn't hear any noises from the living room to indicate that the boys had returned. So she figured she had plenty of time to get dressed.
~*~*~
Parker moved with him, knowing that it was much easier, and more preferrable, to follow than to resist. He didn't know where Sol was taking him, didn't really care. So long as he didn't have to think about the mess and his worry, he would go wherever he wanted him to. But that wasn't Sol's intentions. He took a deep breath to try and steady himself. "I can't do this," he muttered.
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*Nightwhisper
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"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Oct 9, 2022 21:10:08 GMT -5
The second that the door opened, Anya froze. She had dressed three-quarters of the way, and all that was left was Seth's shirt. Said shirt was currently being held in lifted arms, ready to pull the clothing over her head. Just like him, she couldn't help but remember the last time they had found themselves in this situation. Last time she remembered that she had screamed at him for not knocking. Now, however, no words came as she stared, face red as a tomato and looking like a deer in head lights.
~*~*~
"The party," Parker clarified. "I thought I didn't care what your mom thought, but if she doesn't even see me as worthy to try and be polite to, then why should all the other people who belong at this party? I'm just a farmer playing dress up, and you'd probably have an easier time avoiding people without having to watch after me as well."
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*Nightwhisper
![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png)
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Oct 10, 2022 8:16:33 GMT -5
Anya fought the urge to move away as he stepped closer. This was Seth. He had seen her like this while swimming, so it shouldn't have been anything to be embarrassed about. Yet it felt different now in their room, much more intimate. "It's fine. I didn't realize you two were back yet. I must have taken longer in the bath than I thought."
~•~•~
Oh. Parker's heart sank to the floor. The months spent in Sol's, and the others on the Comet, company had almost made him forget the sting if prejudice. The shame of his youth came back, the feeling of needing to hide, to put distance between them nearly choked him. If the queen herself had an issue with him being a guy, then surely there would be others that would not be afraid to make those opinions known. "Then maybe it is best if I don't go," he murmured.
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*Nightwhisper
![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png)
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Oct 10, 2022 8:52:09 GMT -5
Anya nodded. She knew he felt her unease, and she hated that there was any. They've been together for a while, and she had seen him in similar states of undress plenty of times. Why shouldn't she get used to him seeing her like this? Maybe because it felt like a big step forward. "If you want your shirt back, you're going to have to come and get it," She said in an attempt to get herself to get more relaxed.
~•~•~
Parker leaned his cheek into his hand, trying to find the comfort that he was offering. He knew Sol didn't care about all of that, but it didn't —
His eyes snapped to the captain's as soon as the last sentence was spoke, not even hiding the mixture of emotions showing on his face. "You do?" He asked. He hadn't meant to say it, but it slipped out anyway.
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png)
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Oct 10, 2022 10:50:23 GMT -5
Seth's hold on her tightened slightly. "You don't need to apologize to me, Anya."
☆~☆~☆ Sol took Parker’s hand and together they left their rooms, Apollo and Artemis accompanying them. Even the dogs had been dressed up, so to speak, with both of them sporting freshly brushed fur and their diamond-studded collars. They walked on either side of the two men as Sol led Parker first to the main hallways — distinguishable from the servants hallways by the level of grandure — and then to the great foyer.
Sol stopped in the side doorway they were about to enter the great room. He knew Parker would need a minute to take it all in, and Sol didn't mind the opportunity to take note of everyone coming in whom he did and didn't recognize.
It was a vast room, but not nearly as vast as the ballroom that it opened into on their right. The front doors to their left were also thrown open, emitting guests as they ascended the stairs in pairs or small groups, each one dressed in their finest clothes and jewelry. Both fireplaces found in the foyer were roaring in their hearths to try and beat back the winter chill that everyone was doing a marvelous job ignoring. Their coats, cloaks, and other assorted outerwear were taken by handfuls of valets standing on either side of the ballroom doors. Then each guest was announced as they descended the stairs to the ballroom floor.
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png)
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Oct 10, 2022 11:25:06 GMT -5
Seth ran one hand up and down her back. "Honestly, Anya... I don't know what's normal when it comes to this. All the women I was with between Ari and you... well, my only concern was getting them out of their clothes, and then leaving the next morning before they woke up. And with Ari, we never shared a room, and I only went to hers when I knew I was expected."
☆~☆~☆ After a minute or two of silent observing, Sol gave Parker’s hand a squeeze and stepped out into the foyer. He crossed the room, his shoulders back and his head high, ignoring everyone who saw and recognized him. He bypassed the line of people waiting to enter the ballroom and walked right up to the herald.
No introduction was necessary. The man bowed. "Your Highness."
Sol barely stopped his lip from curling at the title. "Caprain is fine," he said.
The man bowed again. "Of course, Your— Captain. And your friend?" The nan was too well trained to stumble over the word as he looked at Parker.
Sol turned to Parker as well, letting him decide hiw he wanted to be announced.
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*Nightwhisper
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"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Oct 10, 2022 11:54:21 GMT -5
That sounded about right. After all, Seth had admitted that he hadn't dated after Ari, hadn't had any committed relationships until now. "I guess I just assumed couples who have lived together for months would have gotten used to each other changing in front of the other," she murmured.
~*~*~
Parker followed Sol, trying to mimic the same confidence that his lover portrayed. Yet it was hard when he saw heads turn in Sol's direction, and in turn his. His mind knew they were really only interested in their prince, but his overthinking mind couldn't completely stop the possible judgement that they might be silently making about him as well. The only thing that pulled him out of his thoughts was when Sol began talking to the herald. His eyes glanced between Sol's to the herald, then back a couple of times, trying to gather his words. "P-Parker Dorreh, is fine," he said. After all, he had no fancy titles to add to it, nothing to make him sound more impressive than he was like all the others.
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png)
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Oct 10, 2022 14:04:54 GMT -5
"Well... we haven't really been changing in front of each other," Seth pointed out. "Unless you're think about the times we've gone swimming."
☆~☆~☆ If the herald was impressed or disappointed, he didn't show it. He simply nodded and went to stand in his announcers position.
"Captain Solaris Comet Arkain, Prince of Alagäsia. And Parker Dorreh of the Sun's Comet."
Sol showed no reaction to the herald's addition to Parker’s introduction; it wasn't wrong, after all, and it shed Parker in a brighter light than just his name would have. He started down the stairs, looking around at everything without meeting anyone's eyes.
The large room was barely half full, with the space in the center filled with dancing couples while everyone else miled around the outskirts of the dance floor. A buffet table stretched the length of the left wall; the far wall was windows, showing off one of the many palace gardens in its wintery glory; and to the right were the thrones on a raised dias. Two were larger and grander, and in them sat the king and queen. On the king's right sat Jupiter in a slightly smaller throne, and on the queen's left were Kylo and Cleo. There was no throne for Sol.
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*Nightwhisper
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"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Oct 10, 2022 14:27:51 GMT -5
"You'd think that would count, wouldn't it?" Anya asked with a small laugh. "After all, I've gotten used to that. What makes it different here?"
~*~*~
It did surprise Parker when the herald added that he was from Sol's ship. Neither of them had mentioned anything about that, yet he had taken it upon himself to make an assumption. He wasn't wrong, of course, which was what surprised him the most. But he tried not to get caught up in that thought as he followed Sol down the steps.
A quick scan of the room showed him the general layout of the room, but he didn't let himself get too distracted. The last think Parker wanted was to trip and make a fool of himself. But his eyes did linger on the dais where the royal family were seated. He noted the amount of chairs and only briefly felt insulted on Sol's behalf that there was no honorary place for him to join his family. At the same time, though, he couldn't see Sol happily sitting in a throne. The only place he could sit for a long period of time was his desk, burying his nose in his work. A throne wouldn't have suited him at all.
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_blue.png)
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Oct 10, 2022 15:38:08 GMT -5
"Probably the bed," Seth answered simply. "It can hold a certain... weight in a new relationship."
☆~☆~☆ When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Sol led Parker toward the royal's dias, as it was custom to greet the royal family first. When they reached the base of the dias, Sol bowed, but only just low enough to be acceptable. Jupiter's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing, and neither the king's nor queen's expressions changed.
"Your Majesties. Your Highnesses. Thank you for having us tonight."
King Phineas grinned. "Solaris, my boy. You know that's not necessary."
Sol straightened. "Yes, you've told me. But old habits die hard, Your Majesty. Surely you have some of those yourself."
The king chuckled. "I do, I admit. We'll have to get drinks later, you and I, catch up. But until then." He sat forward, clasping his hands. "Who's your friend, Solaris?" The hint of a challenge was barely discernible in his voice.
Sol tilted his head. He couldn't otherwise react to such a challenge from the kind, but Artemis let out a low growl on his behalf. It had Jupiter's hand sliding toward his sword, but Sol's eyes stayed steady on the king. "He is my boyfriend, Your Majesty. And no, that is not up for debate." He let a bit of the Pirate King enter his voice with that statement.
The queen's eyes flared, but she said nothing.
King Phineas rubbed his jaw and sat back again. "I'm not judging you, my boy, but... are you sure this is something you want to make public?"
"I'm sure," Sol answered curtly.
Phineas nodded. "If you insist." He waved them away. "Please, go enjoy yourselves."
Sol bowed his head. "Thank you, Your Majesty." And with that, he walked away, taking Parker with him.
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*Nightwhisper
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"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Oct 10, 2022 17:06:55 GMT -5
Anya didn't want to admit it, but he had a point. She had a similar line of thinking just a second ago after all. "But I like the bed," she said.
~*~*~
Parker wished their first destination wasn't to the royal family, but there was hardly anything he could do about it. He walked close, following Sol's lead and bowing to the King and Queen, a little deeper than Sol had. He didn't dare to look towards Jupiter, not wanting to have the prince try and do anything to rile him up. He barely wanted to look at the queen, but he somehow managed to do so as he straightened and listened to the King and Sol talk.
For a moment, he feared that the king was going to publicly make a scene. It was one thing to be snubbed by his mother in a private dinner, but another to have a whole ballroom within earshot. Yet his fears were proven wrong. They were dismissed without even a word to him. He wasn't sure if he was glad or offended, but he said nothing as he followed Sol once more, way from the eyes of his family. "Well that went better than this morning," he commented.
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