( finn, who had been enjoying his second cup of tea, takes a big gulp to finish it off. he licks his lips with a smile. the staff already know to save the leftovers for finn ( and possibly yuri ) to find for a midnight snack.
he politely sets his napkin on the table and brushes his hands off over his plate before getting to his feet. it was his intention to move to yuri's side with confidence but he ended up tripping over his foot, stumbling without falling flat on his face. coughing lightly, he holds his hand out. )
Let's go? We can start in this wing and work our way around until we're at the gardens!
[ oh. oh, no. well, yuri's already decided that this whole getting married to finn thing is going to actually be just fine. he doesn't think he'll have to pretend to be interested in his husband because he's relatively certain he's going to be absolutely enamored by everything this man says or does.
he lifts a hand to hide his smile, though the way his eyes crinkle as he does gives it away anyway. yuri pulls it away from his face and places his hand into finn's instead and uses the hold to pull himself up, not letting go once he's standing. ]
A walk through the gardens.
[ and then he's leaning in a little, pressing lightly against finn's side as he directs them toward the door. ]
W-well, if you want it to be, ( finn stammers, blushing at both tripping in front of his fiance and the prospect of actual romance between them. he hasn't had a single expectation for this partnership other than merely working together for the sake of family strength or... something.
honestly, he would've been happy to get on with the ceremony, do his one duty to his mother, let his spouse do whatever they wanted while he returned home for most of the year to spend it quietly with his father.
given how they seem to be hitting it off, perhaps finn should look into preparing quarters for his dad as well to hopefully find some kind of compromise.
finn gives a spirited tour of the place, a few attendants trailing behind them. he shows yuri the passage to the kitchen ( important ), some of the meeting rooms ( less important ), and where they will have dinner later. the attendants station themselves at the door to leave finn and yuri to their own devices once they reach the gardens. it's lush and gives the impression of wildness while being meticulously maintained. )
[ yuri does his absolute best to remember where everything is; or, at the very least, to remember where everything he'll really need is, like that passage to the kitchen. he keeps his arm looped with finn's the entire time, maybe a little worried about his scent eking out around his patches as they go along. if finn were an alpha, he'd be more concerned about it.
as it is, he's just... happy. to be spending his time, really. finn's a better person than yuri thinks he deserves, if he's being honest, and he hasn't even known him that long.
he takes in a deep breath when they step outside into the garden and he closes his eyes, tilting his head back to enjoy the sunlight and the breeze. ]
( the reluctance he felt walking into this has faded considerably considering how much he has already come to like yuri already. if there is truly no way out of this, at least he will come to care about his future spouse. at least they won't make each other miserable. they might even make each other happy in the long run.
finn's eyes light up when he watches yuri enter the garden. )
Doesn't it? The peonies are in bloom right now. ( he gestures to the soft pink flowers to the left. the blooming season isn't going to last that long but it seems like they will be around for their actual wedding. )
We have plenty of time before we have dinner so we can spend the rest of it here!
[ yuri gives finn's hand a little squeeze before he pulls away from him to move closer toward the mentioned flowers, smiling more than a little as he leans in to look at them. he turns back toward finn and tilts his head to put it closer to the nearest bud and giggles. ]
It looks like I'm in bloom, too.
[ he turns back toward the flowers again, his head tilting as he reaches up toward the blossom. he doesn't touch it (he's heard that's bad for the flowers), but he does hold his hand near it. ]
You fit in perfectly out here, ( he decides, letting his gaze openly linger on yuri this time to appreciate him next to the peonies instead of shyly redirecting it. ) I'll mention the bouquet to my mother.
( after a moment, he turns a corner and gestures for yuri to follow him. hidden away is a floral archway covered in climbing vines leading to a rustic bird bath. he smiles and actually skips towards it. )
I found this my first day here! I really like come out here and just ... sitting.
[ yuri can feel finn's gaze linger and maybe he straightens his back out a little, stands a bit taller, tucks some hair behind his ear. it feels nice to be looked at so... politely.
which is a weird thing to think but here he is.
he follows after finn, a smile breaking out across his face as he watches a completely grown man skip toward a bird bath. he's so cute. ]
Cute.
[ ok maybe he couldn't help saying it out loud.
yuri stops at the archway and reaches out to lightly run his fingers along one of the vines, his eyes going up to look at the arch going over his head. maybe... well, this wouldn't be such a bad place to take their vows, would it? might not have enough space...
they could take their own vows here. privately.
yuri you're getting ahead of yourself. ]
I've never been one to just go outside much but... maybe being around you can convince me.
Well, I wouldn't try to force you to do anything but -
( finn blushes lightly, ducking his head. he hadn't really imagined anything past the actual wedding. if he's lucky, maybe they might be able to develop a nice friendship. )
If we're gonna be married, it'd be nice to spend a little time together out here. Whenever you wanted.
( he takes a seat on the elaborately carved bench positioned across the arch, gesturing for yuri to come see. ) Look at the view from here. It's perfect!
[ yuri takes one last look up at the archway before he finally moves over to join finn on the bench, crossing his legs as he settles in. he looks now in front of them and his breath catches in his throat. ]
Oh, Finn. It's beautiful.
[ he slides a hand down finn's forearm so that he can take hold of his hand, lacing their fingers together as his eyes sweep across all of the flowers and beautiful hedges. ]
I think I like this spot.
[ he says it softly, as though if he says it any louder he'll break whatever quiet spell has settled over him.
( finn doesn't give much weight to yuri taking his hand so much, even if it's more intimate than the typical escorting etiquette. he is rather moved by yuri taking the time to really appreciate something finn has come to take comfort in during his short time living here. )
It's been kinda hard. I didn't grow up here - I was with my dad and he raised me and I didn't know who my mom was for years. And suddenly, I'm needed because she needs help and - ( finn exhales, shaking his head. )
Being here reminds me of all the plants we have in our apartment, so I hope it'll make you feel better sometimes, too.
[ something kind of sad tints yuri's face even as he smiles, gaze straight ahead as he continues to take in the view in front of him. it's cute, he thinks, how much finn seems to enjoy plants. yuri's pretty certain he could kill a cactus, but... well, he'll have to learn how to care for them, won't he? ]
I'm sorry, you know.
[ his voice is soft as he says it and he turns to look at finn. ]
That you have to be dragged into this, I mean. I don't-- I was never the one that my parents were focused on. The moment my sister presented as an alpha, I was basically freed of any obligations to the family. I guess things changed for all of us pretty abruptly, huh?
They did. ( finn is quiet for a moment, his smile dimmed. they had made it sound like they didn't have any other options. at least he could be certain that his dad would be taken care of in future years now that he had been more or less accepted by the family, making it clear that he would not fully abandon the life had had grown up with. )
But I think we could be friends at least, ( comes a hopeful addition as he lifts his head. ) It would be nice to get to know each other better anyway. I don't really have other expectations outside of that!
( finn tries to recover, wanting to make this a nice first day for yuri. they're both doing their best! )
[ yuri smiles a little bit to himself and tips to the side, pressing his arm against finn's to lean into him. he still has a grip on his hand, thumb absently stroking across the back of it as he gazes down at their fingers curled together.
finn's hands are so large. yuri decides very quickly that he likes that. ]
We can certainly be friends. [ a pause. should he be so forward already? ] Though I might not be entirely opposed to something more.
( gulp. finn looks down at their joined hands, blushing as he becomes very aware of their instant intimacy. yuri feels very warm against him and he smells sweet, though finn can't immediately pin down what it reminds him of. his nose isn't as sensitive as that of an alpha's or an omega's.
he coughs quietly. )
Well, you're also. Very handsome and pretty. Yes, pretty. ( that sounds fitting for yuri, especially now that they're sitting amongst the flowers. )
[ yuri smiles and lets out a little giggle, giving finn's hand a small squeeze before he finally pushes himself back up to his feet again. he pulls finn up along with him and he steps in closer to him to tuck close, still smiling as he looks up at him.
finn smells nice too, yuri decides. subtle. almost delicate. ]
( that giggle is very pleasant to his ears, finn finds himself thinking, blushing still. )
You're quite assertive, ( he observes gently, letting yuri hoist him up. lumbering forward, he decides to show him through the rose garden. it isn't quite their season, but they're still putting in a good effort to look pretty, still well-cared for as the seasons change. )
I - I mean that as a very good thing, too! It's a very good thing. I'm not assertive at all, ( finn admits, stammering, hoping not to offend. )
[ yuri wouldn't want to scare his future husband away, after all, but he does also very much want to see if maybe... well. if maybe finn would want something more than a friendship. ]
I won't change myself to make you like me or anything, but I don't want you hating me either. So if I ever make you uncomfortable... let me know? Until then...
[ he tips his head to the side and rests it against finn's shoulder with a smile, eyes sweeping across the rose bushes. ]
Wh- yeah! Sure, I can do that. ( says a boy who has never confronted anyone in his entire life. but now that he has permission and encouragement from yuri, he thinks he might be able to bring it up if he does toe the line too much. )
I don't want you to change either though, ( finn adds quickly, smiling to himself as yuri rests his head on his shoulder. ) I'm just, ah! I'm not used to courtship or anything. I was never really interested in it before, but maybe ... ( he hums thoughtfully, scratching his chin. )
Well, I suppose we're too late for little dates now! But we can spend time together and get to know each other a lot better.
( and quietly, ) I don't think anyone could ever hate you, though.
You'd be surprised. There's a lot of hatred in the world.
[ if he's speaking from experience or just trying to sound wise, he doesn't make any sort of indication.
he stays where he is, even if walking with his head on finn's shoulder is a little bit awkward and bumpy. yuri wants to stay here, wants to remain as close to finn as he can. his eyes drop to their joined hands and he smiles. ]
We can still do little dates, you know. Married couples go on dates all the time. As a matter of fact, I'd love to see what kind of outing you could plan for us.
( finn's light up at the prospect of planning a little hangout for them, something outside official aristocratic business. he's already being put through the ringer, being made to sit through lessons on how to do important adult things like run the estate. it won't be for a while - his mother is in good health - but it's important that he begins learning now even if he will be working with trusted advisors. )
What kind of dates would you like to go on? I have some ideas with things I like, I think. But I'm curious about you.
[ yuri pauses for a second to look at a blossom that's decided to bloom early, full and beautiful, and he smiles a little to himself before letting finn continue to pull him along. he wants to take it as a good sign. ]
( he turns abruptly to take yuri's smaller hands in both of his, running his thumbs over his knuckles affectionately. yuri's come from such a long way and surely won't see his family for long stretches at a time. finn has moped over this arrangement long enough and now that he can put a face to a name, it feels more real and. interestingly enough, more comforting.
yuri seems soft and sweet and finn wants to at least try to do right by him even if he isn't the alpha they would have wanted for yuri. )
Would you help me learn how to dance for our wedding?
Absolutely. A married couple's first dance is very important, right?
[ everyone will be watching, after all, and it wouldn't do for either of them to suddenly decide they have two left feet.
yuri looks down at their hands and he really can't wipe the smile off of his face. he lifts them and tips his head down in order to lightly brush is lips against the back of finn's hand. ]
Who knows, maybe that's how you'll fall desperately in love with me.
( oh. their first kiss. sort of. first little kiss? finn blushes as soon as yuri's plush lips touch his knuckles. )
That - that would be nice, wouldn't it? ( finn stammers, half-committed to the words coming out of his mouth, thrown by their jump to the next level of affection. at least yuri seems to be taking a shine to him! it would be a hundred times more unpleasant if they couldn't get along.
though, what does finn know? he's a beta who doesn't think much about courtship. )
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2023-10-17 04:25 am (UTC)( finn, who had been enjoying his second cup of tea, takes a big gulp to finish it off. he licks his lips with a smile. the staff already know to save the leftovers for finn ( and possibly yuri ) to find for a midnight snack.
he politely sets his napkin on the table and brushes his hands off over his plate before getting to his feet. it was his intention to move to yuri's side with confidence but he ended up tripping over his foot, stumbling without falling flat on his face. coughing lightly, he holds his hand out. )
Let's go? We can start in this wing and work our way around until we're at the gardens!
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Date: 2023-10-20 10:13 pm (UTC)he lifts a hand to hide his smile, though the way his eyes crinkle as he does gives it away anyway. yuri pulls it away from his face and places his hand into finn's instead and uses the hold to pull himself up, not letting go once he's standing. ]
A walk through the gardens.
[ and then he's leaning in a little, pressing lightly against finn's side as he directs them toward the door. ]
How romantic.
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Date: 2023-10-20 11:48 pm (UTC)honestly, he would've been happy to get on with the ceremony, do his one duty to his mother, let his spouse do whatever they wanted while he returned home for most of the year to spend it quietly with his father.
given how they seem to be hitting it off, perhaps finn should look into preparing quarters for his dad as well to hopefully find some kind of compromise.
finn gives a spirited tour of the place, a few attendants trailing behind them. he shows yuri the passage to the kitchen ( important ), some of the meeting rooms ( less important ), and where they will have dinner later. the attendants station themselves at the door to leave finn and yuri to their own devices once they reach the gardens. it's lush and gives the impression of wildness while being meticulously maintained. )
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Date: 2023-10-21 03:27 am (UTC)as it is, he's just... happy. to be spending his time, really. finn's a better person than yuri thinks he deserves, if he's being honest, and he hasn't even known him that long.
he takes in a deep breath when they step outside into the garden and he closes his eyes, tilting his head back to enjoy the sunlight and the breeze. ]
Oh it smells wonderful out here.
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Date: 2023-10-21 03:51 am (UTC)finn's eyes light up when he watches yuri enter the garden. )
Doesn't it? The peonies are in bloom right now. ( he gestures to the soft pink flowers to the left. the blooming season isn't going to last that long but it seems like they will be around for their actual wedding. )
We have plenty of time before we have dinner so we can spend the rest of it here!
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Date: 2023-10-22 01:51 am (UTC)It looks like I'm in bloom, too.
[ he turns back toward the flowers again, his head tilting as he reaches up toward the blossom. he doesn't touch it (he's heard that's bad for the flowers), but he does hold his hand near it. ]
They'd look lovely in the bouquets, I think.
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Date: 2023-10-22 03:34 am (UTC)You fit in perfectly out here, ( he decides, letting his gaze openly linger on yuri this time to appreciate him next to the peonies instead of shyly redirecting it. ) I'll mention the bouquet to my mother.
( after a moment, he turns a corner and gestures for yuri to follow him. hidden away is a floral archway covered in climbing vines leading to a rustic bird bath. he smiles and actually skips towards it. )
I found this my first day here! I really like come out here and just ... sitting.
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Date: 2023-10-31 03:48 am (UTC)which is a weird thing to think but here he is.
he follows after finn, a smile breaking out across his face as he watches a completely grown man skip toward a bird bath. he's so cute. ]
Cute.
[ ok maybe he couldn't help saying it out loud.
yuri stops at the archway and reaches out to lightly run his fingers along one of the vines, his eyes going up to look at the arch going over his head. maybe... well, this wouldn't be such a bad place to take their vows, would it? might not have enough space...
they could take their own vows here. privately.
yuri you're getting ahead of yourself. ]
I've never been one to just go outside much but... maybe being around you can convince me.
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Date: 2023-11-01 02:03 am (UTC)( finn blushes lightly, ducking his head. he hadn't really imagined anything past the actual wedding. if he's lucky, maybe they might be able to develop a nice friendship. )
If we're gonna be married, it'd be nice to spend a little time together out here. Whenever you wanted.
( he takes a seat on the elaborately carved bench positioned across the arch, gesturing for yuri to come see. ) Look at the view from here. It's perfect!
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Date: 2023-11-01 05:10 pm (UTC)Oh, Finn. It's beautiful.
[ he slides a hand down finn's forearm so that he can take hold of his hand, lacing their fingers together as his eyes sweep across all of the flowers and beautiful hedges. ]
I think I like this spot.
[ he says it softly, as though if he says it any louder he'll break whatever quiet spell has settled over him.
them?
he hopes them, if he's being honest. ]
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Date: 2023-11-02 03:59 am (UTC)It's been kinda hard. I didn't grow up here - I was with my dad and he raised me and I didn't know who my mom was for years. And suddenly, I'm needed because she needs help and - ( finn exhales, shaking his head. )
Being here reminds me of all the plants we have in our apartment, so I hope it'll make you feel better sometimes, too.
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Date: 2023-11-20 12:46 am (UTC)I'm sorry, you know.
[ his voice is soft as he says it and he turns to look at finn. ]
That you have to be dragged into this, I mean. I don't-- I was never the one that my parents were focused on. The moment my sister presented as an alpha, I was basically freed of any obligations to the family. I guess things changed for all of us pretty abruptly, huh?
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Date: 2023-11-20 08:03 pm (UTC)But I think we could be friends at least, ( comes a hopeful addition as he lifts his head. ) It would be nice to get to know each other better anyway. I don't really have other expectations outside of that!
( finn tries to recover, wanting to make this a nice first day for yuri. they're both doing their best! )
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Date: 2023-11-25 12:12 am (UTC)[ yuri smiles a little bit to himself and tips to the side, pressing his arm against finn's to lean into him. he still has a grip on his hand, thumb absently stroking across the back of it as he gazes down at their fingers curled together.
finn's hands are so large. yuri decides very quickly that he likes that. ]
We can certainly be friends. [ a pause. should he be so forward already? ] Though I might not be entirely opposed to something more.
[ yuri lifts his gaze and smiles up at finn. ]
You're very handsome.
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Date: 2023-11-26 05:48 am (UTC)( gulp. finn looks down at their joined hands, blushing as he becomes very aware of their instant intimacy. yuri feels very warm against him and he smells sweet, though finn can't immediately pin down what it reminds him of. his nose isn't as sensitive as that of an alpha's or an omega's.
he coughs quietly. )
Well, you're also. Very handsome and pretty. Yes, pretty. ( that sounds fitting for yuri, especially now that they're sitting amongst the flowers. )
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Date: 2023-12-10 07:05 am (UTC)[ yuri smiles and lets out a little giggle, giving finn's hand a small squeeze before he finally pushes himself back up to his feet again. he pulls finn up along with him and he steps in closer to him to tuck close, still smiling as he looks up at him.
finn smells nice too, yuri decides. subtle. almost delicate. ]
Shall we continue?
no subject
Date: 2023-12-11 07:54 pm (UTC)You're quite assertive, ( he observes gently, letting yuri hoist him up. lumbering forward, he decides to show him through the rose garden. it isn't quite their season, but they're still putting in a good effort to look pretty, still well-cared for as the seasons change. )
I - I mean that as a very good thing, too! It's a very good thing. I'm not assertive at all, ( finn admits, stammering, hoping not to offend. )
no subject
Date: 2023-12-13 05:32 am (UTC)[ yuri wouldn't want to scare his future husband away, after all, but he does also very much want to see if maybe... well. if maybe finn would want something more than a friendship. ]
I won't change myself to make you like me or anything, but I don't want you hating me either. So if I ever make you uncomfortable... let me know? Until then...
[ he tips his head to the side and rests it against finn's shoulder with a smile, eyes sweeping across the rose bushes. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-12-14 03:44 am (UTC)I don't want you to change either though, ( finn adds quickly, smiling to himself as yuri rests his head on his shoulder. ) I'm just, ah! I'm not used to courtship or anything. I was never really interested in it before, but maybe ... ( he hums thoughtfully, scratching his chin. )
Well, I suppose we're too late for little dates now! But we can spend time together and get to know each other a lot better.
( and quietly, ) I don't think anyone could ever hate you, though.
no subject
Date: 2024-06-04 04:08 am (UTC)[ if he's speaking from experience or just trying to sound wise, he doesn't make any sort of indication.
he stays where he is, even if walking with his head on finn's shoulder is a little bit awkward and bumpy. yuri wants to stay here, wants to remain as close to finn as he can. his eyes drop to their joined hands and he smiles. ]
We can still do little dates, you know. Married couples go on dates all the time. As a matter of fact, I'd love to see what kind of outing you could plan for us.
no subject
Date: 2024-06-04 03:18 pm (UTC)( finn's light up at the prospect of planning a little hangout for them, something outside official aristocratic business. he's already being put through the ringer, being made to sit through lessons on how to do important adult things like run the estate. it won't be for a while - his mother is in good health - but it's important that he begins learning now even if he will be working with trusted advisors. )
What kind of dates would you like to go on? I have some ideas with things I like, I think. But I'm curious about you.
no subject
Date: 2024-06-05 02:47 am (UTC)[ yuri pauses for a second to look at a blossom that's decided to bloom early, full and beautiful, and he smiles a little to himself before letting finn continue to pull him along. he wants to take it as a good sign. ]
Like a cooking class, or dance. Or painting!
[ especially if there's wine involved. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-06-05 03:18 am (UTC)( he turns abruptly to take yuri's smaller hands in both of his, running his thumbs over his knuckles affectionately. yuri's come from such a long way and surely won't see his family for long stretches at a time. finn has moped over this arrangement long enough and now that he can put a face to a name, it feels more real and. interestingly enough, more comforting.
yuri seems soft and sweet and finn wants to at least try to do right by him even if he isn't the alpha they would have wanted for yuri. )
Would you help me learn how to dance for our wedding?
no subject
Date: 2024-06-05 03:57 am (UTC)[ everyone will be watching, after all, and it wouldn't do for either of them to suddenly decide they have two left feet.
yuri looks down at their hands and he really can't wipe the smile off of his face. he lifts them and tips his head down in order to lightly brush is lips against the back of finn's hand. ]
Who knows, maybe that's how you'll fall desperately in love with me.
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Date: 2024-06-05 04:31 am (UTC)That - that would be nice, wouldn't it? ( finn stammers, half-committed to the words coming out of his mouth, thrown by their jump to the next level of affection. at least yuri seems to be taking a shine to him! it would be a hundred times more unpleasant if they couldn't get along.
though, what does finn know? he's a beta who doesn't think much about courtship. )
We can practice out here, too.
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