When Lesley Fell for Christien CH4
When Lesley Fell for Christien CH4
Christien was outside on the grounds brooding with a toothpick in his teeth, while Clive chattered something in his ear about the stables. The boy apparently loved the magical animals, and wanted to add to the ranks. Christien had no complaints with Clive, hoping he would be more agreeable outside with his men than cooped up with the stale Councilors. His men were running drills around them, becoming the efficient team Christien knew was in them.
Christien had caught Ged sending him concerned, near pitying looks recently, and it was beyond unsettling. So he had put Ged hand to hand against Haille, keeping the nursemaid off Christien's back and on his own faerie backside for the training session. Haille had a particular way of licking the half faerie commander when his guard was down that seemed to keep them blithely wrestling long hours.
“So, I thought to start, some dragons. Small ones, non flying type.” Christien shook his head, focusing on Clive.
“How about something that won't burn the castle down, hmm? Thestrals... or hounds?”
“Boring. Although, we could use some mounts. Already have plenty of hounds with that lot,” Clive chuckled, indicating the Enforcers. “I think a proper dog would just get confused around them.”
“Probably... but I'd like something with enhanced tracking.” There had been some questionable comings and goings around the Magistrate's Ministry office and Christien felt a beast to guard would suit.
“Let me see what I can come up with. I'm visiting my Clan in a few weeks, and they tend to have plenty of trackers of one sort or another.”
“Something that can handle long hours with humans. Not too dependent on company... Oh, and as frightening as possible.” He did have to keep up appearances.
Clive nodded, smirking as Ged was thrown head over heal backwards, only to be crushed down by Haille's bulkier form and licked from chin to forehead. “I do believe he likes that...”
Christien was fairly certain Ged did as well, seeing as Ged immediately twisted Haille and pinned him down with his elbow in his back until Haille howled. Christien spat his toothpick out, grinding it into the ground with his boot. “They're about ready to wrap up if you want to get some practice in. I've got some paperwork to get to.” He gave Clive a curt nod, and then walked up to the castle, his mind preoccupied with dark thoughts.
The Ministry had started to calm down a bit, but rumors were still wild about the possible return of Voldemort. Infeasible, they were all saying, but Christien wasn't so sure. Whether it was Voldemort or some other power hungry fiend, peace was always bound to end eventually.
Christien paused as he entered the castle, eyes drawn immediately to where Lesley was standing in the hall. He didn't feel like fighting with the blue haired Councilor, not with such unsettling thoughts on his mind.
“I was waiting for you,” Lesley said simply, before Christien had a chance to turn.
The words were passive enough, no hint of anger or mischief. Christien allowed himself to stop, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Well, here I am.”
Lesley didn't speak at first, some sort of silent battle keeping him back and staring at the floor. Christien frowned and moved to the pillar so he could lean and wait for the First Chair to say what he needed to say.
Lesley had been absent a lot lately, from meals, from bonfires. He hadn't visited the men in at least a week. Ged told him Lesley was eating, but that was all he would say about Lesley's behavior. When Christien did spy Lesley on the rare occasion, the man was usually deep in thought, eyes downcast... Very similar to how he was now.
“Lez, I have paperwork,” Christien prompted when Lesley still made no move to speak.
“Oh... sorry. I'll leave you to your work, then.” Lesley took hesitant steps backwards, and then turned.
Christien gave a great sigh, and strode after the man. “Wait. Tell me what you want.”
Lesley turned back, looking a bit confused. “Nothing. I, uh... I hadn't seen you in a while.” He broke free from Christien's gaze to stare at the floor. “I just wanted to see you...” He shrugged.
Christien felt his face go red, his eyes widening in surprise. “Oh... okay.” Lesley was glancing awkwardly at him, hand grabbing his long ponytail carelessly. “...Was that all?”
Pursing his lips, Lesley shook his head no. “This evening... if you're not already occupied, that is...”
Christien waited, fairly certain he was dreaming because he had never known, nor even imagined, Lesley to blush.
“Would you join me for a walk?” Lesley finally finished, looking at Christien inquiringly.
Christien nodded dumbly. Something inside his stomach felt like it was melting, dripping
hot into his gut and fluttering oddly. Was... was Lesley asking him out?
“This evening... maybe around nine?” Lesley added, taking a step towards Christien's frozen form. “To talk... or what have you. Chrissy?” He touched Christien's arm lightly.
Christien gave a small gasp from the contact, staring at Lesley wide eyed.
“Are you unwell?” Lesley was confused. Christien's energy felt very different from when the man had first walked in the door. No fae rage. No human anger... Much less crackle... It felt very warm and glowing.
“Uh... I'm fine. Just... just a little surprised...” Christien blinked down at the hand on his arm, and then up at Lesley's searching gaze. “Nine?”
“Yes. I have some things to see to before I can retire. And you did mention paperwork.”
“Right...” Christien felt lightheaded. Lesley was staring at him as if he had just lost his mind. Maybe he had.
“I'll leave you then. For your work.” Lesley gave Christien another long hard look and then stepped away down the hall. Christien stared after him, feeling much like a lovestruck idiot.
*****
The feeling only returned, hours later as Christien fiddled with his clothing. He had chosen green and black, heavy boots peeking out from the hem of his black jeans. Christien had no idea why he felt compelled to change his clothing, but he did, as well as brush his hair into some sort of tolerable mess. It was idiotic. He was being idiotic.
Grumbling to himself, he walked down towards the south wing, realizing he hadn't asked Lesley where they should meet. Lesley was strolling up from the corridor, not looking surprised to see Christien once he did.
Christien couldn't help but notice that Lesley was not in the same clothes he had been wearing previously, now wearing a formfitting gray shirt with leather pants and knee high black boots. His long hair was loose, blue shining around Lesley's face and making his gold eyes seem brighter.
Lesley smiled once reaching Christien, touching the sleeve of his dark green shirt. “I rarely see you in color. You look nice.”
Well, that certainly sounded like a compliment. Christien took an unconscious step back, biting at his lip. Lesley smelled delicious, and looked it too. Lesley fell in step beside him, arm brushing Christien's as they walked.
“I thought we could walk down by the barrier. It's rather pretty at night.” Lesley looked down at Christien's bowed head, smirking at the blush still on the man's face.
“That sounds nice...” Christien glanced up, catching Lesley's eye and quickly looking away.
Lesley stopped, blocking Christien's path. “Chrissy... you're being adorable.”
Christien growled, his face turning redder. “Shut up.”
Eyes sparkling with laughter, Lesley grabbed Christien's hand and continued walking. He did not let go, not even once hitting the cold air of the night outside. The moon was rising in the sky, a thin crescent surrounded by clear bright stars.
Christien barely noticed it, his attention full of Lesley's heat and scent as the man walked too close, fingers twined together. Lesley was persistently leading them down the lawn to where the barrier rose high and shimmered in the night sky. It was very pretty, a thin silver curtain with shifting iridescent colors stretching out across the horizon, the mountains looming tall in the darkness behind.
“See? It's one of my favorite sights out here. And look, no dust.”
Christien smiled at that, chancing another glance at Lesley. He was silver in the light of the barrier, lips parted slightly as he breathed. Lesley turned, raising a brow as he caught Christien stare.
“You haven't said much. I'm not boring you, am I?”
Christien shook his head. “No, Lez... just thinking.” He tilted his head towards the barrier. “Its actually quite lovely. I'm glad you showed me.”
Lesley smiled wide, and Christien's heart did a small jump. Idiot, Christien thought to himself even as he gave a small smile back.
Lesley stepped behind him and wrapped strong arms around Christien's chest and held him tight. Christien closed his eyes, feeling dizzy and not quite on the earth.
“What are you doing, Lesley?” Christien asked softly, feeling Lesley lean down and breath against his neck. “Why are you... doing this?” He put his hand out, indicating the world around them.
“Do you like it?”
Christien shrugged, Lesley's arms giving slight resistance. “I'm not sure... It's all very different. Sweet, even.”
Lesley nodded into his neck. “I didn't know how to show you what I thought of you... Not without some sweetness.”
Christien was pretty sure this was what it was like to go insane. He scrabbled forward, pulling free of Lesley's warm embrace. “This is madness. You don't-I know you don't!” He ran a hand up and grabbed his curls fitfully. “Not after all this time. Things just don't change like that...” Glaring, Christien sat down in the grass, knees weak.
Lesley continued to stand, a pained expression on his face. He knew part of being a better match for Christien was to actually feel the hurt the man had hidden beneath all his anger. But it was very uncomfortable, painful even to face. It made Lesley hurt, and he had spent long years running from such feelings.
Taking a steadying breath, Lesley sat in the grass across from Christien, feet laid out in front nearly touching the other man's boots. “You're right... things don't change that fast. But I wasn't being honest for a long time either, so this change isn't as big as you think it is.”
If Christien was listening, he didn't show it, pulling up pieces of grass and tearing them between his fingers. Lesley continued in the hopes that he was.
“I've spent a very long time alone, Christien. And I've grown used to it, even if it has not been eventful. Its been quiet. Years of quiet.” Lesley looked up at the stars, thoughtful. “Any noise after all that was deafening to me. It didn't matter how beautiful the melody, I just thought I wanted to go back to the quiet. But... In the quiet I miss you and your call.”
He looked again back to Christien, but the man was still tearing at the grass. “I guess that wouldn't make much sense to someone like you, always around people that care about you.”
Christien furrowed his brow, stabbing a stick into the dirt. “No... I can understand.”
Lesley licked his lips, nodding. “I'm in this place now, where I cannot bear the quiet without you. But... I do not know how to be around you with all this activity and emotion. I am confounded.”
The panicked flutter in Christien's chest was starting to calm. Lesley sounded sincere. And the man was suggesting emotions Christien had been waiting long years to hear. Maybe Lesley was just confused, and did not understand fully and would reject Christien once he got his wits together. But he had not been toying with Christien, or trying to pretend an emotion he knew he didn't have, and for that Christien was relieved and grateful.
Christien emptied his hands of grass and sticks and patted the space next to him. “...If you want.” Lesley got up and sat next to him, hip pressing into hip.
Lesley was not sure how he was going to prove to Christien that he was heartfelt in his affections for the young man. It would take time, of that he was certain. Time for Lesley to learn how to feel. Time for Christien to let go of all his anger and let Lesley in. But that was okay. Time moved easy for Lesley, more so now that he had found Christien.
Christien sighed, Lesley leaning against him, arm wrapped around his waist. It felt nice, comforting. And when Lesley kissed against his throat, that felt just as nice. Even more so.
“Just a kiss,” Lesley promised, mouth slowly pressing to Christien's, opening up and carefully exploring.
Christien breathed deep, leaning in and forgetting for a while how crazy he must be to pursue this man. It was a very good kiss.
END
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Christien was outside on the grounds brooding with a toothpick in his teeth, while Clive chattered something in his ear about the stables. The boy apparently loved the magical animals, and wanted to add to the ranks. Christien had no complaints with Clive, hoping he would be more agreeable outside with his men than cooped up with the stale Councilors. His men were running drills around them, becoming the efficient team Christien knew was in them.
Christien had caught Ged sending him concerned, near pitying looks recently, and it was beyond unsettling. So he had put Ged hand to hand against Haille, keeping the nursemaid off Christien's back and on his own faerie backside for the training session. Haille had a particular way of licking the half faerie commander when his guard was down that seemed to keep them blithely wrestling long hours.
“So, I thought to start, some dragons. Small ones, non flying type.” Christien shook his head, focusing on Clive.
“How about something that won't burn the castle down, hmm? Thestrals... or hounds?”
“Boring. Although, we could use some mounts. Already have plenty of hounds with that lot,” Clive chuckled, indicating the Enforcers. “I think a proper dog would just get confused around them.”
“Probably... but I'd like something with enhanced tracking.” There had been some questionable comings and goings around the Magistrate's Ministry office and Christien felt a beast to guard would suit.
“Let me see what I can come up with. I'm visiting my Clan in a few weeks, and they tend to have plenty of trackers of one sort or another.”
“Something that can handle long hours with humans. Not too dependent on company... Oh, and as frightening as possible.” He did have to keep up appearances.
Clive nodded, smirking as Ged was thrown head over heal backwards, only to be crushed down by Haille's bulkier form and licked from chin to forehead. “I do believe he likes that...”
Christien was fairly certain Ged did as well, seeing as Ged immediately twisted Haille and pinned him down with his elbow in his back until Haille howled. Christien spat his toothpick out, grinding it into the ground with his boot. “They're about ready to wrap up if you want to get some practice in. I've got some paperwork to get to.” He gave Clive a curt nod, and then walked up to the castle, his mind preoccupied with dark thoughts.
The Ministry had started to calm down a bit, but rumors were still wild about the possible return of Voldemort. Infeasible, they were all saying, but Christien wasn't so sure. Whether it was Voldemort or some other power hungry fiend, peace was always bound to end eventually.
Christien paused as he entered the castle, eyes drawn immediately to where Lesley was standing in the hall. He didn't feel like fighting with the blue haired Councilor, not with such unsettling thoughts on his mind.
“I was waiting for you,” Lesley said simply, before Christien had a chance to turn.
The words were passive enough, no hint of anger or mischief. Christien allowed himself to stop, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Well, here I am.”
Lesley didn't speak at first, some sort of silent battle keeping him back and staring at the floor. Christien frowned and moved to the pillar so he could lean and wait for the First Chair to say what he needed to say.
Lesley had been absent a lot lately, from meals, from bonfires. He hadn't visited the men in at least a week. Ged told him Lesley was eating, but that was all he would say about Lesley's behavior. When Christien did spy Lesley on the rare occasion, the man was usually deep in thought, eyes downcast... Very similar to how he was now.
“Lez, I have paperwork,” Christien prompted when Lesley still made no move to speak.
“Oh... sorry. I'll leave you to your work, then.” Lesley took hesitant steps backwards, and then turned.
Christien gave a great sigh, and strode after the man. “Wait. Tell me what you want.”
Lesley turned back, looking a bit confused. “Nothing. I, uh... I hadn't seen you in a while.” He broke free from Christien's gaze to stare at the floor. “I just wanted to see you...” He shrugged.
Christien felt his face go red, his eyes widening in surprise. “Oh... okay.” Lesley was glancing awkwardly at him, hand grabbing his long ponytail carelessly. “...Was that all?”
Pursing his lips, Lesley shook his head no. “This evening... if you're not already occupied, that is...”
Christien waited, fairly certain he was dreaming because he had never known, nor even imagined, Lesley to blush.
“Would you join me for a walk?” Lesley finally finished, looking at Christien inquiringly.
Christien nodded dumbly. Something inside his stomach felt like it was melting, dripping
hot into his gut and fluttering oddly. Was... was Lesley asking him out?
“This evening... maybe around nine?” Lesley added, taking a step towards Christien's frozen form. “To talk... or what have you. Chrissy?” He touched Christien's arm lightly.
Christien gave a small gasp from the contact, staring at Lesley wide eyed.
“Are you unwell?” Lesley was confused. Christien's energy felt very different from when the man had first walked in the door. No fae rage. No human anger... Much less crackle... It felt very warm and glowing.
“Uh... I'm fine. Just... just a little surprised...” Christien blinked down at the hand on his arm, and then up at Lesley's searching gaze. “Nine?”
“Yes. I have some things to see to before I can retire. And you did mention paperwork.”
“Right...” Christien felt lightheaded. Lesley was staring at him as if he had just lost his mind. Maybe he had.
“I'll leave you then. For your work.” Lesley gave Christien another long hard look and then stepped away down the hall. Christien stared after him, feeling much like a lovestruck idiot.
*****
The feeling only returned, hours later as Christien fiddled with his clothing. He had chosen green and black, heavy boots peeking out from the hem of his black jeans. Christien had no idea why he felt compelled to change his clothing, but he did, as well as brush his hair into some sort of tolerable mess. It was idiotic. He was being idiotic.
Grumbling to himself, he walked down towards the south wing, realizing he hadn't asked Lesley where they should meet. Lesley was strolling up from the corridor, not looking surprised to see Christien once he did.
Christien couldn't help but notice that Lesley was not in the same clothes he had been wearing previously, now wearing a formfitting gray shirt with leather pants and knee high black boots. His long hair was loose, blue shining around Lesley's face and making his gold eyes seem brighter.
Lesley smiled once reaching Christien, touching the sleeve of his dark green shirt. “I rarely see you in color. You look nice.”
Well, that certainly sounded like a compliment. Christien took an unconscious step back, biting at his lip. Lesley smelled delicious, and looked it too. Lesley fell in step beside him, arm brushing Christien's as they walked.
“I thought we could walk down by the barrier. It's rather pretty at night.” Lesley looked down at Christien's bowed head, smirking at the blush still on the man's face.
“That sounds nice...” Christien glanced up, catching Lesley's eye and quickly looking away.
Lesley stopped, blocking Christien's path. “Chrissy... you're being adorable.”
Christien growled, his face turning redder. “Shut up.”
Eyes sparkling with laughter, Lesley grabbed Christien's hand and continued walking. He did not let go, not even once hitting the cold air of the night outside. The moon was rising in the sky, a thin crescent surrounded by clear bright stars.
Christien barely noticed it, his attention full of Lesley's heat and scent as the man walked too close, fingers twined together. Lesley was persistently leading them down the lawn to where the barrier rose high and shimmered in the night sky. It was very pretty, a thin silver curtain with shifting iridescent colors stretching out across the horizon, the mountains looming tall in the darkness behind.
“See? It's one of my favorite sights out here. And look, no dust.”
Christien smiled at that, chancing another glance at Lesley. He was silver in the light of the barrier, lips parted slightly as he breathed. Lesley turned, raising a brow as he caught Christien stare.
“You haven't said much. I'm not boring you, am I?”
Christien shook his head. “No, Lez... just thinking.” He tilted his head towards the barrier. “Its actually quite lovely. I'm glad you showed me.”
Lesley smiled wide, and Christien's heart did a small jump. Idiot, Christien thought to himself even as he gave a small smile back.
Lesley stepped behind him and wrapped strong arms around Christien's chest and held him tight. Christien closed his eyes, feeling dizzy and not quite on the earth.
“What are you doing, Lesley?” Christien asked softly, feeling Lesley lean down and breath against his neck. “Why are you... doing this?” He put his hand out, indicating the world around them.
“Do you like it?”
Christien shrugged, Lesley's arms giving slight resistance. “I'm not sure... It's all very different. Sweet, even.”
Lesley nodded into his neck. “I didn't know how to show you what I thought of you... Not without some sweetness.”
Christien was pretty sure this was what it was like to go insane. He scrabbled forward, pulling free of Lesley's warm embrace. “This is madness. You don't-I know you don't!” He ran a hand up and grabbed his curls fitfully. “Not after all this time. Things just don't change like that...” Glaring, Christien sat down in the grass, knees weak.
Lesley continued to stand, a pained expression on his face. He knew part of being a better match for Christien was to actually feel the hurt the man had hidden beneath all his anger. But it was very uncomfortable, painful even to face. It made Lesley hurt, and he had spent long years running from such feelings.
Taking a steadying breath, Lesley sat in the grass across from Christien, feet laid out in front nearly touching the other man's boots. “You're right... things don't change that fast. But I wasn't being honest for a long time either, so this change isn't as big as you think it is.”
If Christien was listening, he didn't show it, pulling up pieces of grass and tearing them between his fingers. Lesley continued in the hopes that he was.
“I've spent a very long time alone, Christien. And I've grown used to it, even if it has not been eventful. Its been quiet. Years of quiet.” Lesley looked up at the stars, thoughtful. “Any noise after all that was deafening to me. It didn't matter how beautiful the melody, I just thought I wanted to go back to the quiet. But... In the quiet I miss you and your call.”
He looked again back to Christien, but the man was still tearing at the grass. “I guess that wouldn't make much sense to someone like you, always around people that care about you.”
Christien furrowed his brow, stabbing a stick into the dirt. “No... I can understand.”
Lesley licked his lips, nodding. “I'm in this place now, where I cannot bear the quiet without you. But... I do not know how to be around you with all this activity and emotion. I am confounded.”
The panicked flutter in Christien's chest was starting to calm. Lesley sounded sincere. And the man was suggesting emotions Christien had been waiting long years to hear. Maybe Lesley was just confused, and did not understand fully and would reject Christien once he got his wits together. But he had not been toying with Christien, or trying to pretend an emotion he knew he didn't have, and for that Christien was relieved and grateful.
Christien emptied his hands of grass and sticks and patted the space next to him. “...If you want.” Lesley got up and sat next to him, hip pressing into hip.
Lesley was not sure how he was going to prove to Christien that he was heartfelt in his affections for the young man. It would take time, of that he was certain. Time for Lesley to learn how to feel. Time for Christien to let go of all his anger and let Lesley in. But that was okay. Time moved easy for Lesley, more so now that he had found Christien.
Christien sighed, Lesley leaning against him, arm wrapped around his waist. It felt nice, comforting. And when Lesley kissed against his throat, that felt just as nice. Even more so.
“Just a kiss,” Lesley promised, mouth slowly pressing to Christien's, opening up and carefully exploring.
Christien breathed deep, leaning in and forgetting for a while how crazy he must be to pursue this man. It was a very good kiss.
END
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