disdelusioned | Songerein Inbox

[Diluc notices that she's back to cleaning up soon after their all-too-brief moment together at the bar, but he doesn't dare try to encourage her to stop. She has a mind of her own and a strong inclination to be useful. And it's not like he can't use the help, given how busy a night it is.

After her and Van Zieks finish closing the bar up for the night (and talking about how recent events have affected them both), he goes out looking for her. He sees her wandering among the vines, gaze tilted upward and expression filled with wonder, and can't help but simply watch her for a few moment before approaching. She's an amazing person, beautiful inside and out, and he's very lucky to have her and Thoma both so close to his heart.

When he does finally approach, he slips an arm around her shoulders.]

Sorry to keep you waiting.

[ She hears his footsteps approaching and spares a momentary, sidelong glance at him with a smile before he steps up and slips an arm around her. With an approving hum, she presses just a little closer against his side. It's not until he's there, warm as he is, that she realizes how cold she's gotten outside in the cool spring night. ]

How did it go? Hpefully Mister Van Zieks as pleased with how today went, too.

[ Ori can't exactly imagine the man looking pleased about anything at all, really, but hopefully he still thinks today was a success - because it was! ]

It didn't feel like I was waiting for very long, by the way. The sky is really pretty tonight, and now I get to be alone with you, so it was worth it.

He was.

[Diluc has gotten to know Van Zieks enough to read him, dour as he tends to come off. With how busy they've both been with the winery and everything else happening around them, tonight was the first night they really had a chance to talk in awhile. It was nice.

But now he's here with Ori under the stars, and she has his full attention. He pulls her in a bit closer as she leans into him and kisses her head.]

Is it laying things on too thickly to say that the stars are almost as beautiful as you are?

[There's a hint of a laugh in his voice as he speaks, his tone soft in a way that's almost exclusively for his two loves.]

[ Oh, but when his voice takes on that playful tone, when it's airy with the hint of a laugh, she can't help but smile fondly up at him. She knows well that he only sounds like this when he's comfortable, when he's with her or Thoma (or both), and that makes it a precious treasure. She gives a quiet laugh in turn. ]

Maybe a little bit, but I don't mind.

[ She did wear a dress that's a little more nice than what she usually wears, after all, for this opening. It's also why she's feeling a little cold, but that's fine. ]

I think I would say something like, "And you're as heavenly as the moon," but...

[ There's no moon. Still, she turns her head to press a kiss to his shoulder ~~because that's what she can reach without stopping to go up to tip-toed~~. ]

[True, the lack of moon certainly makes that comparison a bit less romantic. But he appreciates the sentiment, hypothetical as it may be. It's the thought that counts.

He smiles down fondly at her, after a few moments of watching her causes him to furrow his brow ever so slightly.]

You're shivering.

[Not much, but enough that someone as keen-eyed as him would notice. He unwinds his arm from around her and shrugs off his jacket, then proceeds to drape the garment over her shoulders. It's a lot of fabric for her small frame, but it should help with the chill.]

Is that better?

Diluc, it's—

[ —okay, she wants to say, but ultimately the word is swallowed just as her form is swallowed in his jacket.

... It's warm, and she loves how much it smells like him, so ultimately her objections are forgotten. Goodness, has anyone ever done this for her before? It's quite the chivalrous gesture, and she's glad that she gets to experience the kind of thing that she'd only read about in fairy tales with someone as wonderful and charming as Diluc. ]

... Thank you. Hah, it's really quite large on me. It's not touching the ground, is it? I'd hate to get it dirty.

[That either Diluc or Thoma would do this for her was simply a matter of when, not if. They're both the sort to take action in care of another, in their own way, so this sort of chivalrous act was inevitable.]

It isn't dragging on the ground, but don't worry about getting it dirty. Dirt and the like washes off.

[In looking at her, he realizes that there's an added benefit that he hadn't quite considered before now: Ori looks adorable curled up in his coat like this. Given, he's a biased source (even more than usual, given the flirting they did back in the tavern), but he's the only one present besides her so the bias wins.

Speaking of... now that there are no other prying eyes he takes the opportunity to lean down and kiss her briefly.]

I've wanted to do that all evening.

[ As it often is with Ori, her worries always come with a slew of other worries behind it, and she mutters a quick, ]

But—

[ only to be silenced by Diluc kissing her. Which is really all for the best, as he once again manages to derail whatever train of thought she had been on until that moment. Goodness, he's perfect, warm and sweet and soft as he's being, and when Ori looks up at him as they pull away from their brief kiss and she sees the fiery red of his hair pulled up into a high ponytail and his handsome face framed by the stars above, he takes her breath away.

As is habit for her, she bites down on her lip as though to keep the smile on her lips from becoming too dumbstruck. ]

... Me, too. I... I've wanted to kiss you all night, too. So...

[ They should kiss again, she thinks. ]

I see.

[Were he Thoma, Diluc would warn her about the effect that expression she wears has. The sparkle in her eyes coupled with the way she chews her lip is irresistible, and he's almost positive that it's largely unintentional on her part. Which, of course, only makes it that much more charming.

But he isn't Thoma, nor is he as good a man as him. So instead, he cups a hand to her cheek and kisses her again, this time lingering there and parting his lips for her.]

[ There will come a time, perhaps, when she truly learns to weaponize that look. But for now - even having been made aware of the effect it has on her lovers - it remains unintentional and, as Diluc notes, that much more disarming.

Her eyes slip shut as he leans in and kisses her, and when she feels his lips part against hers, they flutter open again. They are out in the open in the vineyards, after all, and she knows that Diluc values his privacy especially in moments like this.

But, it is quite dark out this late at night, and most everyone else has long since left the premises... So she closes her eyes once more and does the same in parting her lips, letting him taste the sweetness of her and that which lingers from the Gray Valley Sunset he had made for her. Her arms, all the while, wrap around his waist to pull him even closer against her. ]

[There's no one else around, which is why Diluc is emboldened in his affections. The romance of the setting is also not lost on him, being alone with this beautiful woman with nothing but the grapevines and the stars to witness whatever it is they get up to. It's a deeply nostalgic feeling--all that's missing is the moon and the crystalflies.

Ori, Archons bless her, opens up for him, and his heart skips a beat as a result. He tastes the sweetness of the juice combined with a flavor that is so uniquely her, and there's something perfect and intoxicating about the taste.

She pulls him closer, and he reaches up with his free and and cups her face properly between both of his hands. Eventually, when they part for air, he brushes his thumb lightly across her cheek as he looks her over with a new, more sensual appreciation.]

I never did compliment the dress you're wearing tonight. You look lovely.

[ Her face is flushed when they pull away from each other, and she feels as though her heart is swelling with affection even as it beats quickly in her chest. Her eyes are half-lidded as she gazes up at him and hums approvingly when he caresses her cheek. Spirits, she hopes that there will never be a day that him kissing her breathless or him calling her lovely or him keeping her close will ever not feel like a miraculous, magical moment to remember for the rest of her life. ]

I love you so much.

[ She moves her arms so that she can bring herself up to the tips of her toes and bring her arms up to link together behind his neck as she catches his lips in another deep kiss. The movement causes his coat to loosen and slip off of her shoulders, ultimately falling onto the ground at their feet— but at least he can see more of the dress that he admires. Besides, she knows that she won't remain cold, being so close to a man who wields the power of fire and warmth at his fingertips. ]

[Ori's arms snake behind his neck to kiss him once more, and he's all but happy to oblige her and kiss her just as deeply and passionately in return. Something warm and wonderful runs through him, and he realizes where this is headed if they aren't careful. Not that he's especially inclined to redirect the course of what's unfolding between them.

An idea occurs to him, and he removes his hands from her face to scoop her off her feet and hold her in his arms in a princess carry. Sadly, he's not quite able to accomplish it without breaking the kiss, but it's worth it for being able to hold her close like this.

He beams at her before leaning in to nuzzle her neck ever so lightly.]

Oh—!

[ Diluc literally sweeps her off of her feet and she clings to him tightly with a quiet yelp that speaks more to a delightful surprise than any sort of shock. Though they've broken the kiss, she feels no less enraptured with him as he carries her in his arms like a princess - which is the last thing she would have ever likened herself to - and she sighs as he leans in to nuzzle her neck. She has found over the last few months that she really loves when her partners kiss or touch her there, after all. ]

Are you taking us somewhere, my moonlight?

[Diluc can't help but enjoy the small yelp from lifting Ori up or the soft sight from nuzzling the sensitive skin of her neck. Every reaction from her is absolutely perfect, and encourages him to keep going with this. Not that he has a plan or anything--mostly, he's just going with what feels right in the moment.]

I am. Where is still to be decided, however.

[Much as this location brings no small amount of joy to his heart, it's probably best not to linger if they're to continue down the path that they're all-too-eagerly on.]

Did you want to head home, starlight? Or maybe find somewhere more private where we can enjoy the night air?

[He's happy to do either, although there's a part of him that hopes she picks the latter.]

[ And for her part, simply going with what feels right in the moment is a treasure in and of itself, and especially with Diluc. Both of them share in a tendency to mull over the past or the future, but more and more they're learning to be present in the present.

And in the present, Oriphi would really like to continue to kiss him, and to feel the warmth of his body against hers however they may end up. And when he calls her his starlight, she realizes that she would really love to do all of that underneath the stars. Her fingers come up to idly toy with his necktie as she contemplates how exactly to express this desire before at length, she looks up at him with pleading eyes and says, ]

The night air does feel really nice, tonight... And, maybe...

[ She averts her gaze, finding herself suddenly feeling shy about what she's about to suggest. ]

Maybe you'd like to see your starlight under the stars...?

[It would seem, from her shy request, that they are on the same page as far as their respective desires goes. He smiles and leans in to nuzzle her cheek reassuringly.]

I would like nothing more.

[Especially after she puts it so beautifully. He's tempted to add something about the moonlight, but the lack of moon in the sky makes doing so a bit awkward. Better to leave her statement as it is.]

I know just the place. If you'll grab my coat...

[He crouches down so that Ori can collect the garment from the ground, and once she has the coat in hand he proceeds to carry her off. Where they ultimately end up is a small clearing not far into the forest, just private enough for the two of them without exposing themselves to any unnecessary danger. During his stint as a vigilante, he used this very clearing to rest and do some basic first aid on himself.

This is a much better use of the space. Carefully, he sets her down onto her own two feet.]

What do you think?

[ Ori will, of course, gather his coat up in her arms when prompted, holding it to her chest as though it is a most invaluable gift - and it is, at least to her.

Perhaps she should pay attention to where he's taking her, but ultimately she finds herself unable to pull her gaze away from his face as she continues to simply look up at him. Her moonlight is so beautiful, and it's so kind and loving of him to carry her like this, like she's a precious little thing, even though she's sure that he must be tired from working all night. It isn't until they've arrived at the clearing that she finally spares a moment to look around as he's setting her down, but it is exactly that— a moment, and soon her gaze fixes upon him once more, amber eyes wide with admiration and filled with him the stars overhead. Her arms, meanwhile, tighten around the bundle of coat as she replies, ]

It's perfect. You... You really are like a dream come true for me, Diluc.

[ Because, truly - a druid such as herself, whose heart will always belong to the woods in part, having the chance to express her love for one of her partners beneath the stars like this? She sincerely cannot think of anything more perfect for her. ]

[Ori is too precious a person for someone like him, much as she would insist otherwise. It's all the more reason he treasures her so, especially after all the damage he's done to this relationship they (and Thoma) share.

And still, she calls him a dream come true. The way he looks down at her is painfully fond and tender, and he reaches over to gently brush some hair behind her ear.]

I think that's my line, starlight.

[He leans down to kiss her briefly, pulling back only a few inches with a slowly widening smile.]

Given who you are, I cannot imagine a better setting for us than this. I'm sure you've imagined it before.

[There's no point in being coy about what it is they've snuck off to do. Not when it's just the two of them, the plants around them, and the stars.]

[ Her lips curl into a smile against his as they kiss. The three of them are quite prone to such sweet exchanges in which they insist that the other is one way or another, but Ori loves every minute of it just as she loves every minute spent with Diluc and Thoma. Even when some moments in recent in memory have been full of pain and hurt— those, too, have irrevocably shaped their relationship, and she doesn't take any of it for granted. Not when not all that long ago, she believed she would live the rest of her days never knowing what it was like to love and be loved so wholly and wonderfully as she is with her moonlight and her sunshine.

To his comment, she huffs a quiet laugh. Speaking of not all that long ago, back then she surely would have flustered and denied having pictured this sort of scenario. But she has been learning not to let herself shy away from her own feelings, and so she brings herself up to kiss him softly once more before she mutters, against his lips, ]

I have... Shall I show you what else I've imagined about this moment?

[ She stands a little taller as she presses a trail of kisses along his jawline as one of her arms falls away from holding his coat, hands outstretched as wisps of dreamotion fall from her fingertips and onto the ground behind her. Slowly, vines begin to emerge, growing and twisting around each other to form something resembling a ~~fainting couch~~ daybed, upon which a covering of soft flowers and foliage spreads and blooms and unfurls.

She tosses his coat towards the newly-formed furniture, and that hand now similarly free, she curls her fingers around his tie to pull him down as she parts her lips for a deeper, more passionate kiss than the last. ]

[Her kisses along his jawline causes him to sigh softly, and he wraps an arm around her and places a hand at the small of her back to bring her in close as she works her magic--both figuratively and literally, as it turns out. He watches in wonder as she brings the floral daybed into being behind, his mind idly wandering a bit as he wonders what it would feel like to be tied down to it with those vines.

Depending on how this night goes, he may just ask her to show him.

Ori pulls him down with her, and he is all too happy to follow her lead and fall atop her while returning her passion with plenty of his own. When she allows herself to set her insecurities aside, she is a force to be reckoned with. With the way she's leading him around by his necktie, it seems she's finally realizing it. The thought makes his blood run that much hotter.

He shifts and starts kissing and biting at the skin on her neck and shoulder, murmuring into her skin as he goes.]

I should wear a tie around you more often, if you're going to pull it like that.

[ She really does love it when her partners lavish their attentions there, sensitive as her skin is along her neck, and she cannot help but hum approvingly as he kisses and bites her there. Her fingers weave into his hair just above his neck, gently pulling and loosening strands from his ponytail. ]

I hope I didn't pull too hard, love.

[ But, regarding the aforementioned tie: her other hand begins to loosen it, if only so she her fingers can work the top buttons of his shirt open. Surely, she hasn't forgotten his request from the time they spent casting magic upon the vineyards, and she fully intends to return that which he gives her in this moment. For now, though, she's happy to let him continue, and each sigh that falls from her lips is a wordless encouragement for him to keep going. ]

Not at all. If anything, you could pull harder.

[He punctuates the statement with a firmer bite to her collarbone, followed by sucking on the tender skin until he's certain he's left a mark.

One of Diluc's favorite parts of his relationship with Ori and Thoma becoming physically intimate is the sense of discovery that has come along with it. Learning what each of his lovers likes, and realizing what he likes as well. He's never really allowed himself to explore his own wants and desires, especially in a relationship, and it's been eye-opening to say the least.

What has surprised him most--and yet also hardly surprises him at all--is how much he appreciates when his lovers are rough with him. Not mean, degrading, or cruel. Just rough enough to get him fighting back. Win or lose, the rush of the push and pull of it is intoxicating.

(He'll never admit it out loud, but he's lost on purpose at least once. The appeal of being so thoroughly dominated by someone he loves and trusts so deeply is worth the hit to his pride.)

Thoma, as good as he is with reading people, picked up on it almost immediately. Ori, however, is a sweeter, gentler version of himself that requires a bit more convincing. He knows it's within her. And he knows he's done for once she fully embraces it.

Archons, he cannot wait.

With a soft kiss to the mark he's just made, he repositions himself so that his face hovers above hers.]

I promise I'm not fragile, beloved. Whatever you do to me, I accept it gladly.

Edited 2022-05-03 05:07 (UTC)

[ Oriphi, meanwhile, has felt much of same; the truth is that she doesn't have that much more experience than Diluc— the messy, confused trysts of her youth do little more than give her a general idea of what happens, and naturally, things are different with her sunshine and moonlight.

But everything is different with them, and that's what makes this love that they share so special, so singular and precious. They may reside in a realm of dreams, but not even Ori's most fervent dreams could ever muster two such beautiful and perfect people for her to love and be loved by. She values each and every moment they spend together, each little thing that she comes to learn about her lovers. The fact that Diluc enjoys sweet fruit juice, to Ori, is just as significant and precious as knowing that he likes to be treated a tad roughly in their intimacy. She knows that her knowing these comes with a great deal of trust imparted on his side, and that in itself is a treasure, something sacred that she would never squander.

That, she realizes, is what has surprised her the most about herself. That she would so deeply appreciate coming to know what makes her lovers look at her feverishly, how much she would enjoy asking them what they would like and the pleasure that comes from giving them exactly what they wish for. She would break worlds for them, do anything in service to them, and that holds true whenever they find themselves entangled in one another, as well.

So when he tells her that she can pull harder, that she need not worry about hurting or treating him too delicately, she simply smiles in understanding. There is a lingering uncertainty in her eyes that comes simply from her not having much experience in behaving in such a way, but... she has undoubtedly seen him and Thoma be rough with each other.

And Diluc isn't the only quick study between the three of them.

Her hands come up to frame his face, brushing the pads of her thumbs against his cheekbones. There's something to be said for being sweet and gentle and rough, perhaps, that is so characteristically Oriphi. In the same way that her magic can be both nourishing but destructive, that she can be kind but unforgiving, she can be gentle but rough. ]

Alright. I understand...

[ Her hands tug on his loosened tie once more, and she catches his lips in another searing kiss as she pulls his body down onto hers, her legs shifting to press against his sides firmly. The kiss is parted only so that she can say, ]

So tell me what it is that you want from me, then, my sweet.

[Given their respective inexperience, it's not often that these sorts of trysts happen between the two of them without involving Thoma's guidance. Which is a shame and ought to be corrected. He adores this woman, gorgeous and perfect as she is, and the combination of the gentle way she holds his face followed by the way she pulls him down to her causes a low noise to rise up from his throat as they kiss.

He's reminded, briefly, of their conversation while walking the fields together. All parts of her magic are beautiful, even when it's dangerous and ferocious. The same holds true here.

When she asks him what he wants, he doesn't hesitate.]

I want you to tie me down with those vines of yours. And I want you to play me like an instrument.

[He steals another kiss from her, brief but heated. When he pulls back, his eyes are searching as he gauges her reaction to the request.]

If you're comfortable doing so, of course.

✨

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I already iconed the new birthday art

ori is the real winner on diluc's birthday actually

love that for her

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