riverview | video; @damen

[The video clicks on to the face of a young man with dark olive skin and unruly dark curls, damp from a shower. It's strangely unfocused, and shifts around for a moment before he realizes how to hold it best to get the right angle - he clearly isn't used to technology like this.] Is this- Yes, the flashing light means 'recording'... [He mumbles to himself, eventually setting the device down on a table in front of him.

When he smiles, it's brightly, pleasantly.] Hello. I'm Damen, I'm... newly arrived, within the last couple of weeks, as many others are, and I admit I am not quite used to this city yet, nor all it has to offer. Back home, I'm a soldier, but here...

I keep remembering when I was young. I cheated once, when my tutor was to test me on my history lessons. My friend Nikandros gave me all the answers beforehand, so that we could go to the training yard sooner. My tutor was very impressed with my knowledge, but my father knew immediately. I could never trick the King.

He said to me, Damianos- [And here, he says something gravely in a language that has similarities to Greek, in the nouns and verbs, though a different grammatical structure. After, a translation,] Only a fool pretends to know what he has the opportunity to learn.

[His smile takes on a slightly sadder note, but he banishes it quickly.] So, I am searching for a combat instructor and sparring partner, one who can teach me the things that my world has not yet discovered. There are so many weapons here I do not recognize, and I'm sure techniques I have never seen before. I am no beginner, however, and so I would prefer someone experienced. You will be adequately compensated for your time. Thank you.

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[Damen's expression softens immediately when he sees his fiance on the other end. He got out of a gym photo shoot about an hour ago and has already showered back at their apartment. He's sitting in the living room on the floor, hair still dripping a bit onto his tanktop.

Laurent must still be there. The blue shadow brings out the color of his eyes, but Damen can't help but smile in amusement.] I thought you hated paint.

And who says you are not invited?

For one, it isn't paint. It's some sort of powder. [ Laurent's smile curves a little further, becoming something smugger. He knows he's splitting hairs, but that's what makes it all the more amusing. ]

And I do. But my client doesn't, and I am here to take pleasing pictures for them, am I not? I'll endure.

[ Laurent waits a beat, leaning back and revealing his throat, where a band of silver and delicate lace encircle his throat. His shoulders seemed bare, but with his features as close to the camera as they were, it was hard to tell. ]

Oh good. Then it shall save me the trouble of inviting myself, and crashing regardless.

How ridiculous. You're even lovelier without all that. [He fights down the brief flash of jealousy that someone else gets to see the bare curve of his fair shoulders. It's just a job, the same way it's just a job for Damen to pose shirtless or in the thin, comfortable 'athletic' clothing they put him in, but still. Laurent is his.] If you aren't having a good time, you can come home. [Damen can endure this, so long as he knows Laurent wants to be there.]

Your presence is never unwelcome. Lessons would be good for both of us.

[ Laurent hummed, though if this were agreement or dismissal, it was hard to tell. He closed his eyes, smiling softly and inclining his head just slightly to the side, shadowing his features with the fall of his hair to hide the soft heat of his blush where it rose upon his cheeks from the other's gentle flattery. ]

Soon. [ He promised instead, slowly opening his eyes and levelling the other with an affectionate look. ] We are nearly finished. A few more photos, I think.

And you know I would prefer to join you. To know more about the makings of the weapons here would be advantageous. [ Both for knowing how to use such things, and also in order to know what they are up against. ]

[He tilts his head, but Damen can catch the slight glow of the blush on his cheeks, and he smiles so warmly at the sight. It still doesn't feel real, that they have time to just be together, with no responsibilities or duties or worries. It's a huge weight off them both, being here.]

Soon, then. Should I order lunch before you get here? [It's all so domestic. It's nice, after so much stress and worry and fighting.]

It would. These are things we should know. We shouldn't be caught unawares.

If you'd like. [ He finally turns back to the camera, still smiling softly. He tilts back a little, dragging a jewelry laden hand through the fine strands of his hair. ]

Surely ordering in will be a far better idea than attempting eggs again. [ He huffed out a breath of laughter, shaking his head gently. ]

I think they were far better served as their secondary life as street filler. They certainly were rubbery enough.

[Damen's lips curl into a pout when Laurent makes fun of his one attempt at eggs. He had been trying to be romantic and bring breakfast in bed at the time.] You said to make sure they weren't too runny. They overcook fast!

Excuses, excuses. [ Laurent clucks his tongue, favouring the other with a coy smile, and batting his long lashes at the other's pout as he laughs. ] Surely, with time and practice, you'll get better at it.

Perhaps bring me home another cooking book from the library the next time you go. The one I bought at a stall is practically written in Vaskian, for all that I can understand it. [The recipes are way too complicated technique-wise (his fault for not looking at the book before buying it - the cover had had a lovely looking roast on the front). He does not know what the fuck 'confit' or 'concasse' are, though.]

[ Laurent laughed as the other admitted to his short comings with the cook book he had purchased, grinning and shaking his head gently. ]

I will find you something simpler, hopefully written in a language that the both of us may understand.

One day I will be able to make you a nice dinner. [He laughs quietly, his smile wide. He might not be a good cook yet, but he's trying.]

I know you will, love. Very little stands in the way between you and your stubborn determination. [ No matter that he's teasing, Laurent's expression is soft. All gentle smiles, and warm affection. ]

Should I leave you to your work? [His answering smile softens in reply.] I'm going out soon to meet with someone for a spar, but I should be home around the same time as you.

video; @damen

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