for Dorian (makingmyway)

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

(( continuation of this au ))





[It has been a hell of a night. This isn't exactly unusual, really. Orym realizes he's lucky enough to have a roof over his head given the debt that he owes, and if he doesn't work, that debt won't pay off itself. But he's still ready to call it a night and deal with the repercussions of that come tomorrow.

His last client had been... unkind. He has a reputation for being able to handle himself, despite his size, so it's not a surprise that he winds up with clients who have a taste for rough. And he can handle himself, but that doesn't mean he isn't sore and exhausted and worn down by it.

There's a large bruise in the shape of a hand at his throat, that he has tried to hide with a collar of ivy and flowers, bitemarks and other assorted bruises that are only mostly hidden by the scant clothing that he's currently wearing. He had to come out long enough to be on stage or he might have stayed in his room after the man left. But dancing is fine; he likes the dancing. He can fall into the music, into the feeling of letting his body move to the rhythm, let the rest of his thoughts fall away. It reminds him of combat in a way, and there's some familiarity in that.

But dancing done, he hops down from the stage and looks around, very ready to stealth off, when a flash of blue stops him in his tracks. Is that..? Did he actually come back?]

Comments

[makingmyway]

[ If Dorian is being honest with himself, he had been thinking of Orym a lot after his initial trip to the brothel. Like a lot. Perhaps more than was strictly healthy. But he couldn’t get the image of the halfling out of his mind - of his gentle touches, or charming smile, or kind and bright eyes - or from his dreams when he tried to settle down for the night.

Trying to find time to return had been an issue. While he was sure that he and Cyrus had gotten back that night unnoticed, their parents had seemed to suspect they had been up to something in the days that followed. So they had given them both more work to do, adding to their responsibilities, and along with the usual politics, societal gatherings and networking, days turned into weeks turned into months before Dorian had any free time.

But with his parents away on business for a week, he finally had some time to slip away to see Orym again. He had arrive just near the tail-end of the halfling’s dance, but he had been as graceful and beautiful as Dorian remembered him. He’d been among many of the enthusiastic patrons cheering for him when he’d finished his routine.

And he would have gone immediately to the stage to see Orym if not for getting intercepted by another worker, trying to entice him to share their bed, and him struggling with how to politely decline their company without offending them by saying he was here to see someone else. ]

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[Orym had thought of Dorian too, but as weeks bled into months, he'd told himself that he'd gotten his hopes up for nothing. Dorian wouldn't be coming back; of course he wouldn't. A handsome young noble, Dorian had gotten what he'd paid for, and that would be all. The halfling would count it as a good memory, think back on it fondly, that shy nature and gentle touches.

But here he was, looking at that familiar face -- he wouldn't have forgotten a single detail of those handsome features -- and feeling his heart flip over itself. He's here. He's back.

He makes his way to him quickly, a breathless rush as he calls out,] Dorian!

[He ignores the vaguely annoyed look he gets from his coworker when it becomes clear that Orym has some connection here and their chances of enticing Dorian are quickly dwindling.]

[makingmyway]

[ His heart skips as the familiar voice reaches his ears, and as he turns to look he spots the halfling that had occupied so many of this thoughts. A smile breaks across his face, and he finally manages to excuse himself from the other worker. ]

Orym!

[ As he gets closer to the other man, though, his smile fades a little. Even in the low lighting of the house, he can help noticing the dark spots along Orym’s neck peeking out from under his collar, and stark against his skin even under his lightly sheer clothing. ]

Are…you all right?

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[He came. It's an almost giddy feeling. Seeing that smile on Dorian's face has an answering smile blossoming over his own features.]

Better now.

[It's an honest answer and it also deliberately sidesteps the concern he can hear in the other man's voice. He sees where Dorian is looking and knows full well that he probably looks like he's been been on the receiving end of a beating which isn't entirely inaccurate.]

You're really here.

[makingmyway]

[ There’s still an expression of worry, which Orym can see better as Dorian gets down on one knee so they’re closer in height. But he can see the bruises better this way too, as he gently cups Orym’s cheek. ]

I promised you I’d be back. I’m sorry it took so long.

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[Orym leans into the touch like a sunflower seeking out the sun, eyes falling shut for just a moment as if soaking in the affection.

He shakes his head at the apology.]

You're here now.

[He will try to ignore the worry in the other man's expression. That's not why Dorian came here, and Orym doesn't want to ruin this for him. He reaches out for Dorian's other hand and takes it in his.]

You're staying a while, right? [A gentle tug as he steps back. Come with him? To his room?]

[makingmyway]

[ The worry doesn’t go away, but he at least manages a smile as he nods. ]

I’ve got all night.

[ He doesn’t have to worry about Cyrus asking for him. He’d be able to get back in the morning before he notices.

Getting back to his feet, he lets Orym take his hand and lead him to the privacy of his room. ]

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[The halfling beams at that. And all the weariness and fatigue has fled entirely from his body, aches and pains as forgotten as they can be. Dorian is here, and he's very willing to do whatever the Air Genasi wants, be what he needs him to be.]

Yeah? Good. Let's make the most of it.

[And Orym does lead Dorian back to his room, relieved when he shuts the door behind him and closes out the rest of the world, so it's just him and Dorian.]

[makingmyway]

[ He’s more than willing to follow Orym to where it could just be to two of them, private and locked away from the rest of the world.

A quick glance around shows the room is much the same as he remembers it, the last time he had been there. The only difference was that the bed was about messier.

Like it had been used recently.

He swallows a bit, trying not to think too much about it. This is Orym’s job, after all. He knows that the halfling has to entertain other clients, he’s always known that.

He ignores the way his stomach twists at the thought. ]

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[The halfling is a little too observant for his own good. He notices the way that Dorian looks around the room, notices the way he tries not to react. It makes something in him twist unpleasantly as well, this reminder of who they both are in this equation. But no, he pushes those thoughts aside. He won't let his own insecurities ruin this.

Orym hasn't let go of Dorian's hand yet, and is already leading him towards the bed, urging him to sit. There's an ulterior motive to this, really, since once Dorian is sitting, that means that Orym can make himself at home in his lap.]

I've thought about you a lot, you know.

[makingmyway]

[ It’s a good distraction, really, as the words have him looking to Orym in surprise, even as he follows the halfling’s direction and sits on the edge of the bed. ]

Really? [ He knows that Orym has been on his mind a lot, but that’s hardly a surprise. But Orym must have had plenty of people to satisfy him, especially these past few months. Why would he think about him out of anyone? ]

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[As Orym settles into Dorian's lap, he winds his arms around his neck. A little nod at the question, smiling almost in bemusement that Dorian sounds disbelieving.]

Yeah, really. [He leans close to find Dorian's lips with his own, sighing almost in relief at kissing him again.] Hard to forget you. And I didn't want to.

[Even if he was certain he'd never see him again.]

[makingmyway]

[ He sucks in a breath, the reminder of how warm Orym’s body is in his arms sending a swarm of butterflies fluttering in his stomach.

Carefully he wraps his arms around Orym’s waist, gently pulling him closer. ]

I’ve…I’ve thought a lot about you too, to be honest. I haven’t wanted to forget you either.

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[It's been a few months since the blissful week that Dorian was able to spend so much time with him, and Orym isn't at all surprised that his feelings for the Air Genasi haven't faded at all. If anything, he's found himself falling deeper and deeper for Dorian, through late night chats via the sending stones, through the visits that the other has been able to make, even if they are nowhere near as frequent as Orym would wish. It's still enough to provide a bright spot in his life.

His boss likes to remind him that he can't simply wait for his prince to come. He may have had a honeymoon week, but she assures him that the handsome blue nobleman will tire of him eventually, that he had better not forget the debt he owes. She makes certain that the halfling remembers his place in all this, and it chips away at some of that impossible hope that keeps trying to take root in Orym. But it's a stubborn hope that won't be so easily uprooted.

He's finishing on stage one night when he's summoned to the madame's office. Everything that happens after that is a blur. He's informed that his debt has been purchased, that he'll now be in the service of this new benefactor, and he'll be leaving immediately. He starts to protest that he can't just leave, but it's made clear that it is non-negotiable. He's not even allowed to go to his room, assured that his things will be packed at sent along. Orym tries not to panic. His sword and shield are there, of course. But also the sending stone. How will he contact Dorian and tell him what's happened? How will he tell him that he'll never see him again?

That thought settles like a lead weight in him, and it's a very subdued, quiet halfling that is bustled out of the brothel to wherever his new destination will be. He's welcomed by servants who seem kind enough, though with a certain brusque efficiency. He's bathed and dressed in fine clothes, far nicer than he's ever worn, in the regalia colors of this strange and beautiful floating city that he's been taken to. And then he's left to wait in a bedroom that is larger and brighter than where he's lived for the last few years, soft linens drape over a large bed, a pair of glass doors that open to a balcony currently bathed in the soft gold light of the late afternoon sun.

He's told to wait, and so he waits. And he tries not to think about Dorian, but it's impossible.

Meanwhile, the mastermind behind this whole series of events is strolling the halls of the Wyvernwind home looking so intensely pleased with himself. Cyrus, after not too much detective work, has figured out why his little brother seems so distracted and wistful lately. He's been pining and in love and after following him stealthily (somehow) on one outing, he's realized that Brontë's gone and fallen for the pretty halfling he met at the brothel.

And that's something Cyrus can do something about! Right? So he does. He purchases Orym's debt, so that Orym can come away from that place. That way Brontë doesn't have to miss him! This is fool proof, clearly. It's a love story, right? It must be. He watched the way Orym lit up when he saw Brontë arrive the time that he followed him, saw the way they both looked at each other. It's so obvious. Even he's seen it.

Cyrus knocks on his brother's door, and when he answers, insists on dragging him off to see a surprise that he has for him.]

It's in here. Go ahead, go inside.

[makingmyway]

[ It may not be the most ideal, but to be honest Dorian is happier than he can ever remember being. The past few months of chatting with Orym on the stones, getting to visit him as often as he’s able to. He hoards all those moments together deep in his heart, even if he’s sure that these feelings would drive him mad.

And through it all, he’d tried to come up with plans - trying to figure out a way to take Orym away from that life, to find a way to someday provide for him. He knows he’s still a long way from that, but it’s something he can eventually work towards.

When he finds his thoughts once again drifting to Orym, as they often do, he pulls out the Sending Stone to call up the halfing. But after a while of receiving no answer, he starts to worry. Did something happen?

It’s during a moment of panic when his brother finds him, and he isn’t able to stop him as Cyrus drags him off to another room. ]

Cy, please, I don’t have time for this…

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[Cyrus rolls his eyes for dramatic effect and gives his brother a little shove towards the door.]

Then stop stalling, open the door, and then you can get back to whatever you were doing, if that's what you want.

[Cyrus has a feeling that Brontë will not want that at all. Really, he's way too pleased with himself for this.]

I put a lot of thought into this, you know. You shouldn't be so unappreciative when someone gives you a present.

[Inside the room, Orym hears the muffled sound of voices and moves to stand. He doesn't know what to expect. His debt has been bought, so what does that mean for him? Is he meant to warm some rich stranger's bed now? For just a moment he considers fleeing out the doors and over the balcony. But where would he go? The brothel won't take him back, and while all he can think about is Dorian he doesn't even know how he'd begin to go about finding him -- or if Dorian would even want to be found.]

[makingmyway]

[ Dorian bites back a groan, running a hand down his face. A small part of him can tell that Cyrus seems to be beaming for some reason, but the rest of him that’s still worried about Orym doesn’t bother guessing as to why.

Still, the sooner he gets this over with, the sooner he can get back to trying to reach the halfling. ]

Fine, all right. Let’s see what this present is.

[ Taking a breath, he turns to the doors and slowly pushes them open.

And freezes. ]

…Orym?

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[Of all the things that he's expecting, the door opening to reveal Dorian standing there is not anywhere even close. The halfling goes still as well, green eyes widening as he stares at the other man in surprise and confusion,

And a wash of relief that is so strong it nearly floors him, that he isn't going to never see him again.]

Dorian...

[Cyrus glances between the two of them and smiles, though pauses on confusion.] Dorian? OH. Oh right, yeah, right. Dorian. Anyway, surprise little brother.

[makingmyway]

[ Dorian is caught in indecision for a moment, not sure whether to demand what the hell Cyrus had done or rush to Orym and gather him into his arms. Eventually he does turn to his brother, leveling a finger at him. ]

You and I are going to talk later.

[ And his tone hints that it isn’t going to entirely be pleasant.

But that attitude drops as he turns back to Orym and quickly crosses the distance between them, until he’s close enough to drop to his knees in front of him. And while he doesn’t quite pull the halfling into his arms, he can’t help cradling his face in his hands. ]

Are you okay? No one hurt you, did they?

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[Cyrus shrugs. Sure they can talk! He's not entirely certain why Brontë seems to cranky about this. This is for his benefit! So the pining and heartache can stop.]

Sure, we'll talk later, Bron.

[Most people say thank you for presents. Ah well.

Orym is still staring as he starts to put together what's happened here, bit by bit. Clearly this was not Dorian's idea, and he's not sure where to begin. But then those hands are at his face and the tension in him eases. He sets a hand over one of Dorian's, leaning into the touch.]

I'm good, yeah. I'm not hurt. They told me someone had bought my debt...

[A glance past Dorian at Cyrus, who waves. Yes, that was him. He is the mastermind. ...and it's about here he mutters something about giving them privacy and moves to leave, shutting the door behind him.]

And they brought me here. They didn't even let me get my things, so I couldn't let you know...

[makingmyway]

[ Dorian’s eyes widen a bit. Cyrus bought Orym’s debt? But then that would mean…

He finally looks back in Cyrus’ direction just in time to see the doors close behind his brother. Grumbling a little under his breath, he turns back to Orym. ]

Orym, I’m so sorry. Honestly, I didn’t know about any of this. But I’ll make sure we get your things back, I promise.

[ Though he knows Orym doesn’t own a lot, the few possessions he does have are important to him. And he won’t let them be lost with whatever Cyrus has done. ]

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[Orym glances back to Dorian after that door shuts as well. He shakes his head at the apology.]

I know you didn't. You would've said something.

[He's certain Dorian would have asked his permission first -- though really, Dorian seems to be the only person who truly cares about that.]

They said they'd send them. [He doesn't have much, but his sword and shield are important. And the sending stone and the sheet music that Dorian had given him.

He hesitates before asking the next question.]

Are you upset that I'm here?

[Because it keeps echoing in his mind that Dorian didn't ask for this. Dorian didn't ask for him.]

[makingmyway]

[ He isn’t entirely sure he trusts them to handle Orym’s things, given how Orym’s been treated all this time. ]

I’ll make sure it’s all taken care of.

[ He’ll see to it personally.

Dorian certainly would have asked before doing anything, but he had avoided this course of action specifically. Particularly for the implications of it. ]

I…no, not that you’re here. What bothers me is how it was handled. Purchasing your debt like that…it just means that you’re indebted to us now.

[ Like his family owns Orym now, and the thought churns his stomach. ]

It makes you being here no better than being back there.

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[Orym doesn't know what to say to that, not at first. Dorian is right, of course. He's still beholden to the holder of his debt, but now it's Dorian's family -- the Wyvernwinds. Well he'd always known that Dorian came from some noble house.

He looks down then, frowning faintly. His life hasn't been his own for a while, he realizes. Now he's effectively been purchased for Dorian. And there it is, the one thing that being here has that the brothel doesn't, and it's the man kneeling in front of him. If he can't belong to himself, well, being Dorian's would be his only other choice.

Dorian clearly isn't pleased about it though.]

They might take me back, if you contacted them about it.

[He's certain it'd add to his debt, but he can deal with that.]

[makingmyway]

[ Dorian watches Orym, trying to take in his reaction even as his mind is racing. So when Orym looks away, he mistakes it as the halfling’s disappointment, maybe even something worse for the situation he’s now ended up in.

And as much as it hurts, Dorian can understand that. This is certainly the last thing he wanted. He never wanted to own Orym, like he was some sort of property. He wanted Orym to be free, to have a choice of where he wanted to go, who he wanted to be with.

And selfishly, he never wanted Orym to see him like this; to know who he had to pretend to be as Brontë Wyvernwind, the Secondsun of a powerful noble family who didn’t always measure up to the expectations his parents placed on him. He’d always felt more like himself as Dorian, especially when he was with Orym.

But now that Orym was here, he would see him being Brontë all the time, and the halfling was meant to be…what, his servant? His attendant? Something…else? What had Cyrus planned when he’d bought Orym’s debt to “give” the halfling to him anyway?

Whatever his brother’s intention, it all settles uncomfortably in his stomach. But so does the thought of sending Orym back to the brothel. As bad as this situation is, he can at least make sure Orym is treated well here. And it gives him more time to figure out a way to free him, without worrying that something might happen to him when he isn’t there.

Here, he can at least protect Orym.

So he shakes his head and hesitantly, as if afraid that it wouldn’t be welcomed, he reaches to take Orym’s hands in his own. ]

No…I’ll figure something out. You’ll be safe here, and I’ll take care of everything.

[ I’ll take care of you. ]