for darlingdatura

[suitsahero]

There is only one thing Haurchefant hates more than being the bearer of bad news and that's being the bearer of news when he's not sure whether it's good or bad news. At least with bad news, one can prepare oneself appropriately, know what kind of reaction you're liable to get. But with something like this...

He's given orders to pile the intercessory's fireplace high with logs, to try to make sure that Mikka will not be overly cold, but it seems like the poor Miqote is cold practically everywhere in Ishgard. He comes bearing hot chocolate to go with his... news of an indeterminate sort, having had one of his men fetch Mikka to the intercessory several minutes prior. It's been a habit of his to do so every time he returns from Ishgard, to brief them on how their asylum status is going and catch them up on news of the wider world, when there is any to be had in the isolationist country.

That Haurchefant has asked Mikka to come alone, though, is unusual, potentially giving away that this is no ordinary debriefing. Still, Haurchefant manages a sunny smile for the Warrior of Light as he pushes his way into the room with the chocolate,

"Sorry I'm a bit late! I had to make sure the chocolate was just right," the smile hedges more entirely genuine, touches his eyes as he sets the mug down in front of Mikka, "It is good to see you again, friend, though I suppose it has been only days since last I did. I confess, I've grown too used to it."

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[suitsahero]

"You could," he confirms softly, then leans in for another sweet kiss. "You charm me utterly just by being who you are. You're so lovely, I don't know what to do with myself. How could I possibly resist you? I don't understand how anyone could." Another kiss, lingering, and then he finally forces himself to pull away, to draw Mikka up to his feet with him as he stands.

"Come, we need to handle the more practical side of all of this, talk things over with Alphinaud and Tataru, send word to my family. They, at least, will understand that this was the best way to do this, and will be happy for us both, though I daresay my father will be upset somewhat until he sees us together." It's a string of words, more to get them to the door, to get him to stop kissing Mikka long enough to do all that needs to be done, but he stops at the door, before they return to the biting cold, after bundling Mikka into his coat with exaggerated care,

"Come to my chambers tonight?" he asks, bold as anything, though he flushes slightly and shakes his head, "I... I don't mean for it to be anything like... that, not unless you truly wish it, but... I find I miss your warmth already and I would greatly wish to have the promise of at least a few minutes more of it at the end of the day."

[darlingdatura]

It was almost dizzying to hear that soft praise from Haurchefant. To hear how wonderful the man thought he was in between those utterly addictive kisses. And honestly he could've stayed there as long as they both could bear if they continued, but then Haurchefant was drawing back in a way that had him swaying after faintly. He didn't resist being tugged to his feet, followed along as the elezen was speaking.

A soft smile crossing his face at the tender sort of way that Haurchefant helped him with his coat, ears pricking at the sudden request. Bold to be sure but the sweet words that followed just had the smile he wore widening, warming. "And you say I've charm. I... think I would like that very much though."

[suitsahero]

Haurchefant pulls Mikka's hands up to his mouth, lays several sweet kisses on his fingers, knuckles, doesn't trust his voice even just with this much of a promise, but has to express his happiness somehow.

"Come. Let's deal with the others."

He drops Mikka's hands, isn't sure what he would and wouldn't be comfortable with and there's no time to discuss it, but he places a hand warm on Mikka's back to lead him back out into the cold, to anchor them to one another.

[darlingdatura]

Mikka would have been so very easy to convince to stay. Especially with that affection from Haurchefant earning a soft, pleased little laugh from him. But there were conversations to be had, so he nodded however reluctantly at the suggestion.

A bit disappointed to have his hand released, but a bit too shy to catch Haurchefant's in his- for all he knew it was some thing in Ishgard culture that he was unaware of. But that didn't stop the little sway into the hand against his back.

The rest of the day was a swirl of activity, speaking with Tataru and Alphinaud about his decision before anything else. Both were understandably surprised, but didn't protest, which Mikka was grateful for as they dove into the next steps, figuring out what would be happening from here. To say the miqo'te was relieved when it was finally time to settle for the night was an understatement.

He had no idea what to expect when he knocked at the door to Haurchefant's chambers. He felt comfortable enough with the idea, knowing that the elezen would respect whatever boundaries Mikka put up, but he wasn't sure what sort he should, not with the memory of the kisses from earlier floating once again through his thoughts.

[suitsahero]

"Come in," his voice isn't actually any quieter than normal, might even be louder for having to raise it to be heard through the door, but there's a softer quality to it, somehow. Mikka might think that's his imagination, but when he actually makes it through the door, he'll find Haurchefant dressed down already.

He's not actually wearing any less clothing than normal, other than perhaps that he isn't wearing gloves or gauntlets, is wearing some kind of long sleeved and pants lounging pajamas and a thick smoking jacket style robe over it and lounging slippers. Although it's markedly more informal than he's seen Haurchefant before, it's not actually particularly casual nor improper for the time of day, even if Mikka had merely been a friend or if they were having a private dinner.

Even so, it's likely a little bit of a shock to see Haurchefant like this, both because it's likely the first time Mikka has seen him out of his usual armor and because it's also, therefore, the first time he's seen him looking like a young lord, rather than a soldier.

He's standing near a small sofa and chair combo near the fire and there's some light food and something in steaming mugs sitting on the low table near both.

"I wasn't sure if you would have actually eaten a proper dinner, earlier, with everything else that was going on. I know I barely did."

[darlingdatura]

Haurchefant wasn't the only one dressed a bit more down. Even if Mikka's clothing might pass for his dailywear under the vest and belts, a simple sort of shirt and pants with light shoes, a soft-looking robe over it all in deference to the cold of the evening. Even knowing he would likely be dressed for comfort, it was still surprising to see the elezen dressed in a similar manner, looking more the lord than the soldier.

It didn't stop the miqo'te from smiling at him as he slipped in, letting the door close quietly behind him as he padded over to where Haurchefant was standing, reaching to gently take the man's hands in his.

"Eat..." Mikka's ears pricked as he realized he hadn't, a soft sheepish laugh slipping from him. "Oh! Yes I should likely do that, shouldn't I?"

[suitsahero]

"It would please me if you did," he says, warm and gentle, his hands squeezing his a moment before guiding him over to the sofa. The immediate taking of his hands has him smiling and feeling fairly secure in seating them both on the sofa, even keeping an arm around Mikka to keep him closer against his side while he eats whatever he wishes from the assortment of foods. It's all very simple, bread and cheese and fruit, nothing heavy or difficult to eat, and he'll discover the hot liquid is actually some kind of warming broth of some kind, somewhere between a soup and a beverage, instead of the normal hot chocolate.

For his part, Haurchefant does seem to fully be a man of his word in this regard-- it seems to be more than enough for him to just have Mikka curled into his side and to watch him eat a belated dinner, a peaceful sort of air settling over him.

"I'm a little surprised Tataru let you skip dinner, if I'm honest. I would have thought she would be keeping fastidious track of such a thing." It's possible that Haurchefant might be appalled at how little the Scions took care of their star member. Or perhaps it's just that Mikka waves them away.

[darlingdatura]

Mikka hadn't thought about it, but was quietly pleased to have Haurchefant sit with him, especially with the warmth of the arm around him, how nice it felt to be tucked in against his side as he investigated the meal.

As chilly as things were outside the warmth of individual rooms, he gravitated towards the mug of broth at first, knees drawn up, both hands around the mug as he snuggled in just a bit. Enjoying the warmth, enjoying the peace, enjoying the solid comfort of Haurchefant there with him.

"Oh she would, if I let her fuss so," Mikka mused with a wry smile. "She's got so much to juggle without needing to mother me on top of it... and besides that my schedule is so hectic it would be near impossible. Most of the time I was already back out the door before I was able to do more than take stock of who was there when I returned from whatever task distracted me..."

He had to be independent. If he was to be this important warrior he had to be able to take care of himself... right? The rest of the Scions had enough to worry about without having to chase him down about meals or rest.

[suitsahero]

Perhaps someone else might easily not have picked up on the subtle word choices there, the tone, but they are enough alike that reading between some lines, at least, is easy, and knowing what to do about them even easier.

So he drops a soft kiss on the top of Mikka's head, right next to one of his ears,

"Well, then I am even more honored that you let me fuss a bit. It gives me great pleasure to be able to do so. Helping to take care of you is a joy, and one I am glad you grant me.

[darlingdatura]

Not that Mikka had quite realized that detail yet. Most if they did pick up on what was being said didn't push, figuring the miqo'te had his reasons for being as he was. Or simply not feeling they knew him well enough to say anything regardless.

The kiss definitely softened his opinion, a soft smile creeping over his lips, a faint flush staining his cheeks pink at the reply Haurchefant offered.

"You're going to spoil me." He mused, though he certainly didn't sound upset by the idea.

[suitsahero]

"Mm. I certainly hope so," he rejoins, warmly, "Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing the people under my care happy and well-taken care of. Knowing that I was able to do that for you would be an even greater happiness, and one I hope you will continue to permit me."

"Now eat," he pushes, gently, though the tone is still soft and sweet, "and I'll endeavor to mostly keep my hands to myself while you do."

[darlingdatura]

"Is that what I am?" Mikka murmured, though he sounded if anything, somewhat pleased at the idea. "Under your care?"

He lets out a soft laugh at the assurance, but did indeed turn his attention for the moment to nibbling a bit more at the food on offer, trying not to get overly distracted by what it would be like should Haurchefant not be keeping his hands to himself.

[suitsahero]

"Of course you are," there's another soft nuzzle against the top of his head and he pulls Mikka closer, "Ever since you came here, all of you have been. But you in particular of course, always. And... moreso now."

There's something almost overwhelmingly affectionate in his voice, warm and soft, when he says that he's moreso under his care now. It's just proving out what he had said earlier, that he didn't think he could be married and be indifferent to Mikka.

[darlingdatura]

There was a soft, pleased little chirr of noise at that gentle little nuzzle, the miqo'te quite willing to nestle in even nearer to his companion- his fiancée his thoughts helpfully supplied. If this was the plan, then Haurchefant was his betrothed.

"I... think I like the thought of it." He murmured, finding he did. He had always dreaded ending in a union like his adoptive parents, where they just... tolerated each other because it was easier than separating. That cold indifference that he could never imagine coming from Haurchefant.

[suitsahero]

"Good. I suppose if you didn't, I would genuinely endeavor to not burden you with such things, but I certainly prefer being allowed to care for you. Particularly while you're under my roof, of course, but... in general as well." He sits in silence for a moment, gives him a few minutes to eat.

"It seems a strange and lonely thing you Scions do, to me," he says, suddenly, "A necessity, of course, but in the army, here, you're never without your particular squad, a group of specific people you can depend on to have your back. Even before the Calamity, it was frequent to get caught in the snows, to only have your teammates to rely on and everyone had to watch everyone else's back. It is... lonelier," he admits, "as Commander. I can only imagine it must be even moreso for a man like Ser Aymeric. But it must be most of all for a Scion. If I can ease that loneliness, even for a moment, I should like to."

[darlingdatura]

"I am... used to it, after a fashion." Mikka admitted once a long minute or so had passed, gaze on his hands as he drew his legs up so he could settle more securely against the sturdy warmth of Haurchefant's side. "Being lonely, I mean. I don't quite remember a time when I wasn't."

He laughed softly, a genuine thing if not a bit thin and perhaps brittle. "You'll likely think me childish but 'tis what influenced my choice to become an arcanist, even with their guild being all the way in Limsa. The idea of having a companion a mere wish away... I suppose it was too compelling for me to resist, really."

For the best actually. He'd never been much of a thaumaturge, only tried it out of desperation to try and win some bit of love, of approval from his parents, but his utter failure at the art... well it didn't do much of that.

[suitsahero]

"I don't think it's childish in the slightest to wish for a companion. Is that not what everyone wishes for? I do not think we were made to be alone, any of us. If that was the only way to acquire one, why would you not have taken it?" he takes up carding his fingers through the hair near one of Mikka's ears, not quite petting him, but coming pretty close, "It seems brave to me. To travel to another nation for something you wished for yourself."

But Mikka is sharing, and he has given little in return,

"I can only relate after a fashion, though. I used to long for solitude, when I was a child, where no one was staring or judging. I grew used to it quickly, I suppose, but I still find I enjoy quieter moments all the same." He's not really used to sharing much of his past or his feelings about it and it comes out perhaps even still a bit understated.

[darlingdatura]

"I often felt I was being selfish." He admitted, even as that soft touch to his hair had him positively melting. Not petting yet, but close enough that it clearly counted. "I like your opinion better."

But then Haurchefant was speaking and he fell quiet to listen, gaze soft as he peered up at the Elezen. "Well... I'm clearly the opposite of solitude... but you can be sure there'll be no judgement coming from me."

[suitsahero]

"There are many different ways to be 'selfish'. Not all of them are bad," he muses, but that's a thing he can let drop, it's only really important in how it might soothe Mikka.

"You are," he acknowledges, "but you're the opposite of loneliness, too," he leans down and kisses him, very softly, though he lets his lips linger in the kiss perhaps longer than he ought to for someone who's trying to let the other person eat.

[darlingdatura]

It was soothing, to hear the idea that it might not be a bad thing to be selfish, even if just some of the time. But his attention was caught by the comment that followed, and anything that might be said in response was for the moment forgotten in the face of that sweet, gentle kiss.

A soft hum slipping from him as he leaned into it, a hand slipping up to let fingers curl gingerly against the collar of Harchefant's robe, enjoying the way the kiss lingered, the warmth that it had fluttering through him.

[suitsahero]

He ends up with one of his hands curled over Mikka's where it's curled against his robe and he doesn't deepen the kiss but he does linger, wraps his other arm a little more securely around Mikka's back and tugs him closer.

"Hm... not a good way to make sure you eat enough..." he says, softly, but he also takes another kiss, doesn't really let him go, this one easing gently deeper, his hand soothing up and down Mikka's back.

[darlingdatura]

"Perhaps," Mikka managed in a breathless, amused tone. "But the food will be there after, hm?"

What was the harm? Surely they could indulge in this moment, warm and sweet and so full of the affection the miqo'te so dearly craved, quite happy to be snuggled in close as he returned the next kiss with a soft purr at the feel of the hand against his back.

[suitsahero]

"I said I would care for you..." he protests, but it's a weak protest when he's also pulling him closer, won't quite drag him into his lap but will help him there if Mikka seems like that's where he's headed. He absolutely doesn't stop kissing him, either, warm, lingering ones with just that touch of heat to them, until they're both dizzy with them.

[darlingdatura]

"I certainly feel cared for..." Mikka pointed out in raspy amusement, gaze glimmering with it. And if he did end in Haurchefant's lap? Well it was more accident than design, that want to be closer encouraging the miqo'te in snuggling right in like he belonged there amidst those lovely little kisses being given and received. Dizzy he was at the moment from the feel of it, but he couldn't find a single thing to complain about either.

[suitsahero]

Mikka... probably doesn't understand how sexual that comes out, right? But Haurchefant groans softly anyway and drags him closer. In the end, Mikka doesn't end up on his lap so much as more or less on top of him-- he leans back against the arm of the sofa and pulls Mikka up so he's laying against his chest. It's perfect, at least in Haurchefant's eyes, he can keep one hand in Mikka's hair and stroke the other up and down his spine and just kiss them both completely stupid and the whole thing feels so easy that it's impossible for him to not relax more and more into it.

Haurchefant is genuinely trying to be careful, really doesn't have anything more in mind than this. But the problem with being more relaxed is that you tend to do whatever things come naturally and, in this case, that happens to include sliding his hand down a bit more on the end of one of those slides up and down Mikka's back and pulling him in a little further by his ass.