hugtopia_logs | Reclaiming Lost Felicity

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Reclaiming Lost Felicity

♥ Who: Regis, Cor, and Cor's closest friends & family
♥ Where: The Lucis Caelum Home: Senior Version ;-P
♥ When: Evening, May/Ealom 5th
♥ What: A celebration of the birth of a man truly worthy of celebration, even if he thinks differently.
♥ Rating: PG/PG-13, please mark if it goes beyond that!

[Perhaps it shouldn't be surprising that the first time Regis really seems to come back to himself--or at least the self he was before having returned home and lived those five years--is when it comes time to plan Cor's birthday. Much like Regis himself, Cor would rather his birthday go unremarked on, and much like Cor himself, Regis can't let that happen. It's an even trade really, which is probably why they've never gotten too mad at each other for all those surprise and not-so-surprise birthday celebrations over the years.

About a week before the party, Regis sends out invitations to all of their closest friends and family through his tablet. Cor doesn't do large gatherings when he can avoid it, so it is best to keep this out of the public eye.

Warmest Greetings!

I hope this letter finds you all doing as well as possible. It has been a rough month for our extended family, but this is not something I wish to linger on. Instead, I would rather speak of a much happier topic; one I would like to request your assistance in handling.

For those who don't know, and I suspect this is most of you considering how our dear lion is, May 5th--or Ealom 5th as the natives apparently call this month--is Cor's birthday. He is like me in that he doesn't really feel a celebration is necessary, but as he would not allow my birthday to pass with no celebration, I feel it is my duty to return the favor.

On the evening of the 5th I would like you to join us at the house for a small celebration of Cor and all that makes us love him. I have asked the owners of Affurgato to prepare the food for us, so there is no need to bring food unless you really wish to.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Regis Lucis Caelum CXIII

P.S: In my personal opinion, he should be showered with gifts, but they are by no means necessary. I know he will appreciate your presence more than any gift.

In the evening on the 5th, Regis will be waiting with a welcoming smile to greet anyone who shows up. Cor will be there, even if it takes a little coaxing on Regis' part. However, Regis cannot guarantee how easy it will be to find the birthday boy at times. Cor is Cor, after all. Fortunately, Regis and Noctis have both had a hand in helping those at Affurgato prepare foods both with an Eosan taste and that Cor really likes.

Using them as bait may just be a valid option...]

(OOC: Mingle for Cor's birthday is a go! Post your top levels and have fun! For reference, the house's layout is here.)

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[Only once the party has begun to wind down--food is being packed away, people are saying their goodbyes--that Regis seeks Cor out. The gift he has to give will likely provoke an emotional response, and he is not going to make Cor deal with that on top of having to deal with people, no matter how close those people may be to him.

There is a slightly guilty smile on his face when he approaches his old friend.]

I hope you managed to enjoy yourself a least a little? Lup and the rest of the staff at Affurgato did an amazing job with the food.

[He's said his goodbyes for the most part. Half the people here are simply going to retreat back to their individual rooms for the night so it is casual at best.

The look Regis gives him when he approaches earns a sigh, exasperated but affectionate. He takes another step, closing the distance between them, curling his arm around his King.]

You know I did. And yes, Lup is... well, literally magic in the kitchen.

[Regis settles into Cor's hold without hesitation, head coming to rest on the other man's shoulder.]

Truth be told, I probably paid her more than was necessary, but it was worth it.

[He then turns his his gaze up toward his friend.]

Do you have the energy for one more bit of celebration? I have something for you.

[Cor tilts his head when Regis settles against his shoulder, pressing his cheek against soft curls, savoring the contact for a moment before his King looks up at him. A small smile tugs at his lips, his forehead coming to rest lightly against Regis']

For you? Always.

[How could he ever deny Regis anything. He doesn't bother to protest the present, he's learned to accept his fate by now. Besides, he made Regis' chess set. He's not surprised the other man went and found something for him in return, no matter what protests Cor could have made.]

[Cor's answer pulls a contented hum from Regis' lips. It's hard to pull away from the hold, but eventually he does, taking Cor's hand and pulling him farther out into the yard. Once there he drops his friend's hand, stepping away and linking his own hands behind himself. As he looks up toward the sky, he starts to speak, though there is a bit of uncertainty in his voice. Much like with the gift he gave Ardyn not long ago, as sure as he is this is the right thing to do, he is also concerned with how the gift will be received.]

There are certain gifts that are given with expectations in mind, even when those expectations are not what the giving party intends. This gift is likely one of those, but it is something I want to give you anyway, with none of those expectations implied unless you wish them to be. We both have a habit of forgetting things.

[He finally turns back to Cor, a self-conscious smile on his face.]

Important things. Like who is there to support us when we need them the most. I would never have made it through the last month without you no matter how much I tried to go it alone. Honestly, this may be a reminder for me as much as it is to be a reminder for you. I want you to remember I am here no matter what happens. You have surrounded yourself with so many others here and I could not be prouder to see you reaching out to them. But should you need me still, I am here.

[Cor follows obediently into the yard, though his brow furrows when Regis steps away from him. With his hands clasped like that, his gaze cast skyward, it's far too reminiscent of times when he would stand at the window of the Citadel looking out at things he could no longer have. It makes Cor's heart ache for his King... but the words pull him back to the present before he can get too caught up in the same old pains.

Cor, at least, has the decency to look a little sheepish at being called out. They both are terrible about taking care of themselves, always pushing to try to do more for everyone around them. The last has the Marshal shaking his head though, closing the distance between them once again, concerned and a little hurt.]

Regis... I will always need you. [He reaches out to take the younger man's hands, threading their fingers together if Regis will allow it.] Don't talk like that. I-

I love you. I've always loved you and I always will. Nothing will change that and... I'm sorry if I've made you feel- [He struggles for a moment, lips wrapping soundlessly around the start of one word after another, none of them quite what he wants. In the end he has to settle on something that's still not right but as best he can come up with.] ... neglected.

[Of course he would focus on the part that he sees as negative, worried that he's done something to hurt Regis. As much as he cares for the others, the idea of doing his King harm is a weight he cannot abide.]

[For a moment, all Regis can do is listen as Cor works so hard to get the words out of his mouth. He doesn't fight when his old friend laces their fingers together, but he does have to bite back a laugh. Ah, leave it to Cor to assume he has done something wrong.

Regis steps forward, drawing them closer again and then presses a gentle kiss to Cor's lips, silencing him and making sure no more words come out.]

This is why I have a speechwriter. Aulea would be getting ready to throw something at my head if she was here.

[Part of his heart wants to cry out in pain, but he pushes the feeling away. Aulea would also kick his ass if he backed out of this now.

Gently, he pulls one hand free and a small box appears in it along with the soft chiming of crystal. Yes, Cor. That is a ring box. With a smile, he holds it out to his old friend.]

You aren't neglecting me, so put that thought out of your head. I also don't want you to think this is to be taken as some sign that I am trying to keep you away from any of the others who have won your heart. I just know we both need reminders now and then.

[Once Cor opens the box, he will find the inner band of the ring has been engraved with the words, 'My love. Always. -R']

[Cor closes his eyes for a moment, accepting the kiss and the moment to just... consider all the rest of what was said there. All this fuss over a gift is making him nervous, now. The mention of Aulea gets a soft snort of amusement and he finally blinks down at Regis,
confused and-

oh. a box.

a jewelry box.

A-

Nonsense, it's likely a pendant or something. But even so Cor simply stares at it for a long moment, barely hearing Regis' words, barely able to comprehend the implications of-

His hands are shaking when he takes the box from his king, barely daring to breathe as he eases it open. For a moment everything freezes, his eyes wide in disbelief, mouth hanging open, absolute awestruck wonder on his face. Breathe. Breathe.

It takes a moment longer for his lungs to obey and when his eyes finally lift from the ring to Regis his vision is blurred with the threat of tears. ]

Y-you...

[The box snaps closed with a sharp click as his hand curls tight around it and he nearly falls into Regis' arms, throwing his arms around him and clutching him close. He has no idea how to react to this, what this could mean for them. His heart feels like it might burst from his chest even as the nagging little voice in the back of his mind tries to remind him of all the reasons he never told Regis in the first place. That he should argue that he doesn't deserve this, that-

none of it matters, not with Regis in his arms.]

I love you.

[Cor isn't the only one who forgets how to breathe for a while. Regis has never been good at reading Cor when he freezes like that. Perhaps part of it is how much he hated it whenever he saw Cor as a much younger man freeze like that before his father. The other part is just his own concerns getting the best of him, throwing all the 'what ifs' they can think of into his head. In this case, it's worry that Cor will be angry, not because of the sweet gesture, but because of what the others might think if they see him wearing such a thing. It's a valid concern which is why Regis has plans to tell him he doesn't have to wear it on his hand if he doesn't want to. On a chain would be fine or even just in his pocket. Just so long as it is nearby in case he needs the reminder.

Of course, all his worry vanishes as soon as he see the tears of joy in Cor's eyes. Before he can say anything, he's pulled into a tight hug. One he returns, even as he laughs more breathlessly than necessary.]

I love you as well, my lion, but I'm afraid it's still treason if you crush your king to death out of joy.

[It is only a joke, of course, but that joke is purely Regis as he was before he went back home. Before his son was born and his wife was lost. Before he started to hide everything behind the thickest walls he could.

Boy, does it feel good to feel that way again.]

[The tease startles a laugh out of him, something sharp and loud that is part laughter, part sob. He does loosen his hold slightly, though, nuzzling against Regis' cheek, breathing still wobbly and unsteady. But it's so good to hear him laugh again, he's been so much quieter, more distant. But here he was laughing freely again. How many more years did it take for he and Clarus to get anything like that old laugh back at home?

Cor sniffles for a moment longer, leaning his cheek against his King's, trying to get his hands to stop shaking. Slowly his free hand trails down Regis' arm, fingers ghosting over the back of his left hand. His touch is hesitant, not sure what to expect for a moment, before sliding down to feel lightly at the ring that occupies his hand.

The Lucii. Of course, it would be silly to think he might have- No, it's not silly. It's worrisome, terrifying in some ways, the idea of making anything close to an assumption about something so important. To make himself seem that important. But Regis had said a reminder for them both.]

Shouldn't you have one, too?

[Quiet and uncertain but hopeful all the same. This is for both of them, together, as they always should have been.]

[Ah, there is a laugh, if an emotion-filled one. Perhaps Cor's ladies won't kill him if they find out he made the birthday boy cry as long as they are tears of joy?

Regis lets Cor have all the soft touches and nuzzles he needs to settle himself for he's doing the very same thing. The touch is calming, grounding, right up until Cor's hand trails down over the ring on his hand. The question that follows has Regis bowing his head, expression guilty.]

I...had one designed, but I didn't want to be too presumptuous or make the others think I was trying to make some kind of exclusive claim on you. You are theirs as much as you are mine. The jeweler asked the same, but in the end I told him I needed to wait for your input before I had something made.

[Regis looks down, away from him, and Cor pulls his hand away from his King's to cup his face. His thumb smooths over the swell of one beautifully high cheekbone, gently tilting Rgeis' face up to look at him.]

Please?

[A soft whisper, something hopeful, and a little worried. He pressed a shaky kiss to Regis' lips, breathless and shaky.]

You don't need to- of course I wouldn't-

[He bites his lips, cuts off more apologies that he logically knows are unnecessary, but the very concept is so huge, something so impossibly out of the scope of anything he'd ever believed possible he might just start crying again any moment.]

You'd.... wear a ring for me?

Of course! There is very little I wouldn't do for you.

[Regis straightens quickly, no hesitation in his words. There is concern in his expression though, and so, after taking Cor's hand from his cheek and giving it a gentle kiss, he gently pulls his old friend toward the deck chairs. As shaky as he is, he really needs to sit down before he falls down.

Once Cor lets him coax him to a chair, Regis kneels next to it to give his hands a squeeze.]

We could go back to the shop together if you want? The jeweler still has the design. Would you pick an inscription to put inside for me?

[Cor lets Regis guide him, drops into the deck chair hard enough to jostle the table, his gardening tools wobbling precariously for a moment. And Regis... Regis kneels in front of him while giving him a ring and asking for Cor to chose the inscription for it's mate. Part of his mind is reeling with possibilities and excitement, the other side is scolding him for assuming his King meant things more than precisely what he said. Just a reminder, something to think about that is not their own shortcomings, to help each other.

Regis squeezes his hand and Cor's turns in his, gripping his wrist lightly so he can keep him still while he leans down to kiss the younger man again, gentle and sweet and still trembling slightly.]

I'd love to... [Murmured against his lips before Cor finally lets him go just enough to press the box back into his hand. That's how it's supposed to go, right? The party doing the asking puts the ring on their partner's finger. He can remember the photos for the press of Regis doing just that to Aulea so many years ago... of course they had both known and wanted it for years before that. It wasn't a surprise for her.

Cor wasn't sure his heart could handle this particular surprise, he felt like he might just shake apart.]

Will you...?

Of course.

[Regis carefully takes the box back from Cor's shaking hand, pulling the ring free before setting the box on the table next to them. It's funny. Cor may be getting caught up on how touching it is Regis is kneeing, but he can't help but think himself that, if Cor does happen to faint, at least he will be in a good position to catch him!

It's an amusing thought that Regis may share with his old friend sometime, but not now.

He takes Cor's hand and presses a gentle kiss to the knuckles before straightening the ring finger and sliding the ring into place. Another kiss follows and then Regis turns a fond smile up at Cor.]

A reminder that you own a large part of my heart. You are worthy and always have been.

[He's not going to faint thank you. He can't guarantee he's not going to cry more, though. Not when he's so overwhelmed.

He wouldn't have, he really wouldn't have... until Regis had to go and tell him he was worthy and his next breath is wet and sniffly all over again. A wobbly, disbelieving laugh catches in his chest and he has to clear his throat before he can be sure he's not going to lose it.

Cor's hand, now with that beautiful dark band on it, slides up to cup Regis' face, tilting his head back ever so slightly as Cor leans over him. This time, no matter how off kilter he still feels, it is not quite the same as the others. Not chaste and sweet lest he start crying but something more intense, needy and passionate as his arms wrap around Regis' shoulders and he slides from his seat to kneel over his King, desperate just to keep him close and savor this moment. ]

[Are you sure? Because from this side...

Okay, so no. Regis isn't going to argue with the birthday boy, not even in action text. He is, however, going to let himself drown in the honest and heartfelt response Cor is having to all of this. It is so much more than he had dared hope for and Regis can't help but hold tight to Cor once he moves, returning the kiss with just as much passion as it is given with.

It's probably his imagination, but he can almost hear Aulea laughing in that delighted way of hers in the background.

Yes, yes, they are fools and it took forever, but it did finally happen and that is what really matters.]

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Reclaiming Lost Felicity

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