for Dorian (makingmyway)

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

(( in their soul-bonded AU, early on ))


[Life has been brighter in so many ways since that moment that he and Dorian connected, when the bond that each of them had been trying to hide was suddenly allowed to see the light, to connect with its other half. Orym is happy. Despite everything that is going on, despite the dangers and the risks, things are good. He wants nothing more than to be with the bard, to make him happy.

And the bond that was denied and suppressed for as long as it was, well, that has certainly given both of them motivation to make the most of their time.

So it's probably no surprise that the two of them have excused themselves from dinner early to retire to their room for the evening. And that Orym is currently planted in Dorian's lap -- quickly becoming one of his favorite places -- hands curled in the front of Dorian's shirt, holding the other man close as he does his best to kiss him breathless.]

Comments

[makingmyway]

[ It’s exactly that look on Orym’s face that he feared, why he had never wanted to tell him any of this in the first place.

Uncurling himself, he gently tugs on Orym’s hand to draw him closer. ] I’m glad you’re not, honestly. The people my parents always tried to set me up with were the worst. I could never be happy with them as I am with you.

My parents just…can’t understand that.

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[Orym is all too eager to move closer. He won't admit it, but he has his own insecurities about being enough, about doing enough. Dorian's arms are the best cure he's found for those thoughts.

He leans into him, shutting his eyes.]

As long as I make you happy, that's all that matters. [But still,] It's not fair your parents can't be happy for your happiness.

[makingmyway]

[ Orym’s presence helps soothe him as well, but he still sighs as he nods. ]

I know. Cyrus says he’ll do what he can to talk to them, but I hate that it’s even necessary. I hate that they’re still trying to control me and make decisions about my life.

But is it weird that I still want them to be part of my life, even after all this?

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

I know.

[Orym murmurs softly. He does know, and he hates how it weighs on Dorian. He'd fix it if he can. Family is a strange thing. Orym has always been of the opinion that family is who you make it. His mother is a wonderful woman, and he loves her dearly. His biological father seldom even enters his mind, a non-presence as he'd chosen to make himself.

But family is still family.]

Of course not. They're your parents and you love them. Even if they don't understand you entirely... that doesn't make that any less true.

[makingmyway]

[ Dorian certainly has learned what it’s like to be able to choose your family, with the friends he’s made during his adventures. But his biological family is still an important part of his life, and on some level he will always feel a sense of duty towards them.

Even when it’s difficult. ]

Yeah. [ Another sigh as he glances towards the sky again. ] I don’t want to give into their whims, but…I still want them to be there. I want them to meet you, to meet all our friends, everyone who’s taught me so much about myself and the world. I want…I want them to get to know the person I’ve become… [ His voice skips a bit, as he rubs the heel of his free hand against an eye. ] I want to know that they’d still love me as I am…

[ And isn’t that the heart of the matter? That deep down, he’s just afraid that his parents wouldn’t love him if he isn’t the son that he’s supposed to be. As happy and as proud of the person he’s found in himself, there’s that fear that his parents might reject him for it. ]

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

Oh love.

[Orym murmurs, rising up on his knees now so he can wrap his arms around Dorian more securely, pull the other man in against him. From this position he can bury his face against that soft hair, lips half brushing his ear as he speaks.]

They love you. They will love you. You're an amazing person, and they should see that. The things you've accomplished, the people you've helped. All of it.

[Orym will help sing his praises, because he is fully aware of Dorian's habit of selling himself short.]

[makingmyway]

[ Dorian leans against Orym, heavier than he might usually but he can’t help it at the moment. He holds Orym close, almost clinging to him, as he presses his face against Orym’s neck. ]

…I don’t know what to do.

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

I know. And neither do I. But we'll figure it out, all right?

[One way or another. His fingers brush through Dorian's hair, soft and gentle. It's a little hard given their bond, not to feel a building anger for someone who has hurt his bonded this way. But he calms that down, a reminder that it is Dorian's family.]

We can talk to Cyrus and figure out a plan.

[makingmyway]

[ Dorian nods a little. Their parents might listen to Cyrus a bit better, so hopefully his brother will be able to help.

With a sigh, he nuzzles more into Orym. ] I’m sorry. I hate that all this has to be so complicated.

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

I'm not.

[Orym informs him, nuzzling into Dorian's hair in turn.]

Complicated or not, getting to be with you for the rest of my life, that's worth whatever it takes. And this is nothing. No one's actively trying to kill us over it, so that's gotta count for something, right?

[makingmyway]

[ Dorian can’t help a smile, marveling - not for the first time - how Orym always knows what to say, and how to help him feel better. ]

Yeah, I guess so.

[ The silence settle over them for a moment, and he takes a breath, drinking in Orym’s scent and presence.

Then suddenly, he snorts a laugh. ]

…Is it too late to say “fuck it” and just elope?

[ He’s only sort of joking. ]

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[Orym sinks into the silence and proximity as well, enjoying the warmth of Dorian pressed against him, the faint but pleasant chill of the air a sharp contrast.

He lifts his head to look at him with a laugh of his own.]

Never too late. Say the word and we can leave tonight.

[He's also only sort of joking.]

[makingmyway]

[ He laughs himself, though his is a bit more surprised as he shifts back a bit to look at Orym. ]

Really?

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[Orym looks back at him, a soft smile still on his face.]

Yeah, really. Like I said, as long as I end up married to you at the end of the day, anytime anyplace is perfect.

[A pause.] I do have this vision of you in something pretty though. During the ceremony. [Another pause and a glint of mischief creeping into smile as he adds,] Or after.

[Just saying. So maybe just a little shopping before eloping.]

[makingmyway]

[ With another laugh, Dorian grins playfully. ] I’m more than happy to do both.

[ It just means he’d get to buy more.

Releasing a breath, he does sober a bit as he glances out towards the distance again. ]

As tempting as it would be to get to be married to you tomorrow…I feel like it would just be running again. I couldn’t take the pressure my parents put on me before, so I ran away. But I’m…tired of running. If I really want my parents to see who I am, I’m going to have to face them eventually.

[ It’s certainly a sign of the development he’s experienced since he’d first left home. ]

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

Best wedding present. [Orym nods sagely before a grin surfaces as well in response to that laugh. It's a nice sound to hear.

Though his own expression falls serious as Dorian continues. He nods in agreement.]

Then we face it and figure it out. [Together. They'll manage it. He's certain of that, and he's sure that Cyrus will be on their team for helping as well, and that will hopefully help.]

[makingmyway]

[ He smiles and nuzzles into Orym. ]

We will. [ Somehow. Even if it means his parents aren’t in attendance, at least he’ll know for sure where he stands with them. ] Thank you.

[ He doesn’t deserve Orym, his wonderful bonded who’s willing to deal with all his family drama just to be with him. His parents may never appreciate Orym, so he’ll be more than happy to love him enough to make it up to him.

After another moment, he glances at Orym with another playful smile. ]

I still wouldn’t say no to going shopping though.

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[Just a shake of his head adn a nuzzle right back at the thank you. Whatever they have to deal with is more than worth it. Dorian saved his life and his heart and given him something bright and wonderful to live for.

His turn to laugh at the shopping comment.]

What an unexpected turn of events. [A gentle tease before he plants a kiss against Dorian's cheek.] Sounds like fun to me.

[makingmyway]

[ He snorts a laugh as he turns a bit pull Orym into his arms. ]

You knew what you were getting into.

[ But he fully plans on getting Orym something nice too. ]

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[The halfling laughs again, though there's an almost giggly tone in it as he sinks into those arms.]

Mm... I did. Eyes wide open.

[So he can abide by shopping trips quite happily.] So let's go. And instead of wedding planning we can talk honeymoon instead.

[Because you know who needs a vacation? It's definitely Orym.]

[makingmyway]

Sounds like a plan.

[ Then with a more mischievous smile, he leans in to whisper in Orym’s ear. ]

Plus anything we buy today doesn’t have to wait until the wedding to be put to use.

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[Saying things like that, with that smile on his face is dangerous. Orym manages not to fall right off the roof, but that's only because he's got excellent reflexes.]

That... is true. We really should give them a test run.

[Just saying. Orym was already looking forward to the shopping trip. Now he's looking forward to it even more.]

[makingmyway]

[ Dorian laughs a little as he helps keep Orym steady, and gentle nips at the tip of his ear. ]

Exactly. We have to make sure they’re good enough for our honeymoon.

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[Orym's eyes flutter at the feeling of those teeth. Not playing fair at all, Dorian. But the halfling would not dream of complaining about it.]

Can't just leave that to chance.

[He moved to his feet then, urging Dorian up as well.]

Come on. [Not that he's eager or anything.]

[makingmyway]

[ Dorian is definitely eager, as he gets to his feet as well, keeping his hand entwined with Orym’s as they make their way down from the roof. ]