[ At the moment, the only thought running to his mind is to get to another balcony, preferably far away from others. There's embarrassing, and then there's this, and though anyone who happened to be onlooking wouldn't care (there's people doing weird things with candy canes, even), he still doesn't want to be seen like this.
He thinks he's escaped, but is forced to stop as he feels a pull on his elbow.
Oh great, it's him. Perhaps the moonlight is enough to betray the fact that he's nearly as red as his hair. ]
What do you want now? Your clothes will come back in a few minutes.
[ Yes, Percival's definitely red. So, not nearly as unaffected as he'd seemed. Which makes Cain feel a lot calmer. His heart might be pounding in his ears and his mouth might still be tingling a little, but at least he's not the only one who's been so affected by the kiss.
The kiss.
He's only half joking as he asks: ]
So you do like them... You didn't do that just because of the clothes, right?
[ This puts him in a situation of not knowing what to do, and the best course of action seems to be to not address it. It's new territory for someone who's usually so direct and blunt, so he's not very good at it. ]
What do your clothes have to do with anything?
[ What should he say next? Think of something. Anything. ]
You may, if you wish. This is supposed to be a good viewing spot.
[ Phew. Cain seems to be going along with the BS he just spouted. To be fair, there is supposed to be a moonshower soon, but that definitely isn't his reason for running away, and he doesn't even know when it's supposed to happen.
Also, this spot doesn't have a very good view of Thesa, seeing as the balcony is lined with trees. ]
[ Cain turns to look at the trees. The very tall, leafy trees through which only a bare sliver of anything resembling a moon or stars or moonshower can be seen.
Slowly, he turns back to Percival, keeping his face carefully blank. ]
Right. [ Clearly, he's on the right track here. ] Was it the skirt you just couldn't resist...?
[ Helpfully, he flashes a little leg. Surprise, the previous line of questioning hasn't been dropped at all! ]
[ He was almost excused. Truthfully, it bothers Percival to avoid the subject altogether, but it's difficult to explain himself when he doesn't fully understand it himself.
Cain isn't making it any easier, so while his face darkens, he turns away with a small huff, defeated. ]
Find someone else to pester. I've had a long night.
[ Since Percival's not looking, Cain takes his time studying Percival's back. He smiles at Percival's huffiness, fond, very amused. He's too curious to just let the subject drop, but he can still appreciate the way Percival's so terribly dishonest about his own feelings.
More gently, he leans against the railing beside Percival, nudging at Percival's elbow with his own. ]
[ His intention was to take a few moments to gather his thoughts alone, but since that doesn't seem to be happening, Percival settles for a few moments of silence between them.
Finally, he looks over when Cain nudges him, relieved that Cain has dropped the act for now. Maybe he can even find amusement in all of this. Just a little. ]
This is a terrible spot for that. We should relocate.
[ Because of the trees, yes, but Cain's not quite willing to let Percival get away with this so easily. His curiosity is still burning at him, not to be brushed aside so easily.
He's not going to let Percival forget the cause of this whole thing.
Cain tips his head back to look Percival in the eyes, impish. ]
You already took my cloak, what more do you want? I refuse to be your servant and bring you a hot drink.
[ Besides, he has an inkling of what Cain is getting at, and if Percival can't give him a good explanation for his oddity tonight, the least he can do is oblige with this.
Besides, he wants to. It always comes back to this simple fact: he wants to be close to him.
He wraps one arm around Cain's waist, bringing him closer and then shifting so that Cain stands before him. Now, he can wrap both arms around him, looping them over his shoulders. ]
[ Cain freezes for a startled second — he'd been angling to steer the conversation back to his clothes, not to get a hug. He relaxes a moment later, though. Now that he's being hugged, it's hardly objectionable, and Cain tilts his head back onto Percival's shoulder with a surprised little laugh.
He is much warmer this way. ]
What about the moonshower?
[ His "new" clothes fade away, returning him to his suit. The glitter, after all, is only temporary. Still, Cain doesn't move away even with his pretense vanished. ]
[ At least he can finally admit that he doesn't actually know himself.
He doesn't make a further move, satisfied to linger just a few seconds longer. The view from this spot really is shit, since all they can see is branches and slivers of moonlight, but he's not really paying that much thought. ]
[ Laughter in Cain's voice, a little teasing. He wants Percival to enjoy himself at the party, to have a good night, but he can't let this go so easily. Not when the moonshower was so obviously an excuse to cover up Percival's flustered feelings.
Cain shifts, going up on his tiptoes, balancing on the balcony's railing. It's a precarious position, maybe. If he leans over much more, he might tip over and fall. Maybe. ]
Weren't you the one with the grand plans to see it...?
[ The words are accompanied by a sunny smile, directed at Percival as he tips his head back, not looking where he's going — letting Percival pull him along, trusting that Percival will lead him safely.
Really, Cain gets it. What Percival does is far more important than what Percicval says. As long as he's being kept close, it's fairly obvious that Percival wants his company, no matter how irritated Percival seems by his antics. ]
Is that what you think? If that means you plummet to an early grave sooner, you can keep fooling yourself.
[ He gives Cain a brief sidelong glance before he's pulled the both of them towards where most of the guests seem to be congregating. Surely, the crowd would eventually show them the way.
That line of thinking is right, at least, but by the time they've gotten there, the ideal spot for a clear, unobstructed view of Thesa has already gathered a sizable crowd. ]
[ Cain follows along, towed behind Percival by that grip on his wrist. It feels oddly like being led, though he won't mention that to Percival; he's sure Percival would bluster and grump and refuse to touch him for the rest of the evening, and this sort of casual familiarity is too pleasant for him to ruin it for the whole night.
Idly, Cain goes up on his tiptoes a little, trying to see over the heads of everyone who got to a real viewing spot before them. Hmm, he's just a little too short to see clearly... ]
[ Though by the time he says this, it's pretty damn difficult to make their way to any part of the balcony's edge.
The're also unlucky enough to be right behind nothing but apparent giants. Percival can barely see himself, and he notices that Cain is struggling more. ]
We should have gotten here much sooner. [ hindsight ]
Perhaps, but the view from the other terrace was worth seeing.
[ No answer for Percival's question, mostly because Cain would take that risk, his faith that Percival would catch him that strong that it doesn't need a verbal affirmation.
And besides, he doesn't really mind that he can't see. Having that moment on the other balcony where he got to tease Percival some is more than worth not being able to see the show now. He shares the blame for making them late, even if it's not entirely his fault. ]
[ The question comes with another sidelong glance from Percival's direction. Percival looks around at their sides. Others have already found an easy solution to their smaller companions not being able to see, and it's so obvious, but also very...
He hesitates for a long moment, but upon noting that Cain would likely have to stand on his toes for the rest of the evening, finally makes the offer. ]
I'm going to lift you, so that I won't have to hear you complaining about not being able to see the show for the rest of the week.
[ This is, of course, the only reason why. He's already beginning to lean down. the things i google ]
Cain blinks at Percival, then blinks again. He's... not entirely sure he heard that correctly? ]
You'll lift me?
[ Is there something in Feendrache where they train all the knights to pick people up willy nilly? Between Percival and Vane, it certainly seems so... Though at least Percival is asking rather than just scooping him up.
After a moment, Cain shakes his head, laughing softly. He's charmed once again by the way Percival couches his kindness in excuses, blaming complaints that Cain has no intention of making. ]
Well, I can't turn down such a kind offer. And for the record, I'm not mocking you.
[ He doesn't address the rest of Cain's statement, because it just reminds him of what caused the proclamation of a "great view" at the previous balcony they were at.
He's already guiding Cain so that he can launch himself off his knees. He's... never lifted another adult in this way, for this purpose, but he has plenty of confidence in his strength to pull it off. ]
[ He's laughing, too, as he braces himself, grabbing at a nearby bit of convenient architecture to pull himself up instead of using Percival as a vault. It takes a bit of wiggling, but soon enough he's on Percival's shoulders, legs hanging down against Percival's chest. Cain very cheerfully gives Percival's head an approving pat. ]
[ It's a bit of a struggle given that he's never done this before, but soon enough, he's able to get a good balance of Cain's weight on his shoulders, and he stands up straight again. It feels slightly less embarrassing to partake in this since they're surrounded by people with the same idea on all sides. ]
I'm hardly a giant. You're just short enough that Thesa doesn't want your company. [ He's a good height, he'd like to think, but it seems like Cain really just got poor fate tonight, so he's cracking a bad joke. His eyes widen when the glow of Thesa shines brighter, signaling the start to the annual display. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
no subject
He thinks he's escaped, but is forced to stop as he feels a pull on his elbow.
Oh great, it's him. Perhaps the moonlight is enough to betray the fact that he's nearly as red as his hair. ]
What do you want now? Your clothes will come back in a few minutes.
no subject
The kiss.
He's only half joking as he asks: ]
So you do like them... You didn't do that just because of the clothes, right?
no subject
What do your clothes have to do with anything?
[ What should he say next? Think of something. Anything. ]
They say a moonshower is starting soon.
no subject
It doesn't seem to have any apparent connection, so all he's left with as a response is: ]
—are you asking me to watch it with you?
no subject
[ Phew. Cain seems to be going along with the BS he just spouted. To be fair, there is supposed to be a moonshower soon, but that definitely isn't his reason for running away, and he doesn't even know when it's supposed to happen.
Also, this spot doesn't have a very good view of Thesa, seeing as the balcony is lined with trees. ]
no subject
Slowly, he turns back to Percival, keeping his face carefully blank. ]
Right. [ Clearly, he's on the right track here. ] Was it the skirt you just couldn't resist...?
[ Helpfully, he flashes a little leg. Surprise, the previous line of questioning hasn't been dropped at all! ]
no subject
Cain isn't making it any easier, so while his face darkens, he turns away with a small huff, defeated. ]
Find someone else to pester. I've had a long night.
[ What does he do... ]
no subject
[ Since Percival's not looking, Cain takes his time studying Percival's back. He smiles at Percival's huffiness, fond, very amused. He's too curious to just let the subject drop, but he can still appreciate the way Percival's so terribly dishonest about his own feelings.
More gently, he leans against the railing beside Percival, nudging at Percival's elbow with his own. ]
no subject
Finally, he looks over when Cain nudges him, relieved that Cain has dropped the act for now. Maybe he can even find amusement in all of this. Just a little. ]
This is a terrible spot for that. We should relocate.
no subject
[ Because of the trees, yes, but Cain's not quite willing to let Percival get away with this so easily. His curiosity is still burning at him, not to be brushed aside so easily.
He's not going to let Percival forget the cause of this whole thing.
Cain tips his head back to look Percival in the eyes, impish. ]
I'm still a little chilly.
no subject
[ Besides, he has an inkling of what Cain is getting at, and if Percival can't give him a good explanation for his oddity tonight, the least he can do is oblige with this.
Besides, he wants to. It always comes back to this simple fact: he wants to be close to him.
He wraps one arm around Cain's waist, bringing him closer and then shifting so that Cain stands before him. Now, he can wrap both arms around him, looping them over his shoulders. ]
no subject
He is much warmer this way. ]
What about the moonshower?
[ His "new" clothes fade away, returning him to his suit. The glitter, after all, is only temporary. Still, Cain doesn't move away even with his pretense vanished. ]
no subject
[ At least he can finally admit that he doesn't actually know himself.
He doesn't make a further move, satisfied to linger just a few seconds longer. The view from this spot really is shit, since all they can see is branches and slivers of moonlight, but he's not really paying that much thought. ]
no subject
[ Laughter in Cain's voice, a little teasing. He wants Percival to enjoy himself at the party, to have a good night, but he can't let this go so easily. Not when the moonshower was so obviously an excuse to cover up Percival's flustered feelings.
Cain shifts, going up on his tiptoes, balancing on the balcony's railing. It's a precarious position, maybe. If he leans over much more, he might tip over and fall. Maybe. ]
Weren't you the one with the grand plans to see it...?
no subject
[ No thanks. Percival "No fun" of Wales reaches forward to firmly grip Cain's shoulders and pull him back to the safety of the balcony. ]
I'm going to look for a better vantage point. [ The implication being that he wants Cain to join him, which is only conveyed with a pull of his arm. ]
no subject
[ The words are accompanied by a sunny smile, directed at Percival as he tips his head back, not looking where he's going — letting Percival pull him along, trusting that Percival will lead him safely.
Really, Cain gets it. What Percival does is far more important than what Percicval says. As long as he's being kept close, it's fairly obvious that Percival wants his company, no matter how irritated Percival seems by his antics. ]
no subject
[ He gives Cain a brief sidelong glance before he's pulled the both of them towards where most of the guests seem to be congregating. Surely, the crowd would eventually show them the way.
That line of thinking is right, at least, but by the time they've gotten there, the ideal spot for a clear, unobstructed view of Thesa has already gathered a sizable crowd. ]
no subject
Idly, Cain goes up on his tiptoes a little, trying to see over the heads of everyone who got to a real viewing spot before them. Hmm, he's just a little too short to see clearly... ]
Ah, you mean you wouldn't catch me?
no subject
[ Though by the time he says this, it's pretty damn difficult to make their way to any part of the balcony's edge.
The're also unlucky enough to be right behind nothing but apparent giants. Percival can barely see himself, and he notices that Cain is struggling more. ]
We should have gotten here much sooner. [ hindsight ]
no subject
[ No answer for Percival's question, mostly because Cain would take that risk, his faith that Percival would catch him that strong that it doesn't need a verbal affirmation.
And besides, he doesn't really mind that he can't see. Having that moment on the other balcony where he got to tease Percival some is more than worth not being able to see the show now. He shares the blame for making them late, even if it's not entirely his fault. ]
no subject
[ The question comes with another sidelong glance from Percival's direction. Percival looks around at their sides. Others have already found an easy solution to their smaller companions not being able to see, and it's so obvious, but also very...
He hesitates for a long moment, but upon noting that Cain would likely have to stand on his toes for the rest of the evening, finally makes the offer. ]
I'm going to lift you, so that I won't have to hear you complaining about not being able to see the show for the rest of the week.
[ This is, of course, the only reason why. He's already beginning to lean down. the things i google ]
no subject
Cain blinks at Percival, then blinks again. He's... not entirely sure he heard that correctly? ]
You'll lift me?
[ Is there something in Feendrache where they train all the knights to pick people up willy nilly? Between Percival and Vane, it certainly seems so... Though at least Percival is asking rather than just scooping him up.
After a moment, Cain shakes his head, laughing softly. He's charmed once again by the way Percival couches his kindness in excuses, blaming complaints that Cain has no intention of making. ]
Well, I can't turn down such a kind offer. And for the record, I'm not mocking you.
that icon slays me
[ He doesn't address the rest of Cain's statement, because it just reminds him of what caused the proclamation of a "great view" at the previous balcony they were at.
He's already guiding Cain so that he can launch himself off his knees. He's... never lifted another adult in this way, for this purpose, but he has plenty of confidence in his strength to pull it off. ]
Move faster, it's starting.
it's bad
[ He's laughing, too, as he braces himself, grabbing at a nearby bit of convenient architecture to pull himself up instead of using Percival as a vault. It takes a bit of wiggling, but soon enough he's on Percival's shoulders, legs hanging down against Percival's chest. Cain very cheerfully gives Percival's head an approving pat. ]
There. You're kind of a giant, aren't you?
no subject
I'm hardly a giant. You're just short enough that Thesa doesn't want your company. [ He's a good height, he'd like to think, but it seems like Cain really just got poor fate tonight, so he's cracking a bad joke. His eyes widen when the glow of Thesa shines brighter, signaling the start to the annual display. ]
Is that really the station?
(no subject)