Goodly Commander and Navigator of the Saltburning Seas - I've left a gift for you somewhere on the grounds.
I'm afraid you'll have to locate it yourself. I've left a map to assist you, but I'm certain you'll have no trouble.
[ the map will lead koby everywhere - to the indoor pool, to one of the studies, to the solarium, the dining room... every stop having a little slip of paper hidden somewhere with an haphazardly elegant scrawl on it - a clue to find the next strip in the next location.
why, yes. a navigator has made another navigator a scavenger hunt of sorts.
the final spot - where the little X is marked? koby's room - a single little bloom left on the pillow he used, and a little scrawl of paper - fair winds and following seas - a sailor's thank you for a piece of home. ]
Because the messages come in written form, scraps of paper he can hold and fold up and study, ink he can trace as he puzzles out the hints, chases them here and there throughout the house. Because the map is written in a practiced hand, neat corners and skillful charting, a navigator's work. Because as Koby follows the map, seeks out the clues, he's smiling like a fool because of who's responsible, because of the care and attention put into creating it. Because it's a hunt specifically for him, someone who delights in maps and mysteries and puzzles and riddles.
Because honestly, just a message from Quentin would've been enough, would've made Koby grin just as helplessly, just as happily as he does when he makes it back to his room, finds the single bloom on the pillow. He flops down, breathes in the faint scent of Quentin still on his sheets and stares at the flower for much, much longer than he'd admit.
But, finally:] Found it. Thank you. It's a really good map, too.
I think that might've made it mildly harder to read. But I think I could've figured it out.
Did you get home all right? The other night? Or I guess morning? I sort of remember [Snuggling, tucked up against Quentin’s chest, sleeping heavier than he has in months] you saying goodbye.
It was mid-afternoon, but yes. I made it all four doors down to my own rooms, a harrowing quest but I survived, somehow.
You were very tired when I left so I tucked you in and went on my way. And why wouldn't there be a next time? I must get to know all the maps on your walls - I cannot be a good navigator if I am not snooping through all your materials to know the way of this world.
Was it really? I'm so sorry, I don't usually sleep in that late.
[But he also usually sleeps alone. Koby almost mentions that, almost...thanks Quentin, maybe? But how do you say "thanks for rocking my world repeatedly and cuddling afterwards I haven't felt this rested in years" without saying that?
So instead:] Four doors down, wow. To think you underwent such a treacherous journey at the early hour of mid-afternoon, all alone. No dragons or sea beasts, I hope?
I mean, I'd like there to be a next time. For the maps and You know Everything else. Once you're healed, of course. Are you resting? You should be resting. Do you need anything? I can bring it from the kitchens or infirmary or wherever, but you should be resting.
You looked too comfortable to wake. But I was hungry and had to piss something fierce.
No dragons, but there was quite the sea beast in your bed. Many armed, suctioning, relentless. It was harmless, though.
But tell me - everything else. I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re speaking of. I am a simple sailor, Commander. My body will rest but my mind is aflutter with questions - tell me all the everythings I don’t know.
[There's a moment of mustered courage, then:] You could've come back. If you wanted to.
Relentless, really? It's a miracle you survived, then.
You're teasing me. But I'll be blunt: if you wanted to come over for reasons not having to do with cartography, that'd be okay.
Actually, that's too mild. I'd like it. I'd like that a lot. I'm asking you to come back whenever you want, whyever you want. If that's something you want.
[Can Quentin feel him blushing from four doors down? Probably, which is why Koby's hiding his face in his pillow now.]
Good, I'm glad you approve. I think they've performed admirably. Though more practice is always good, right?
That
I walked into that one, I can't even be annoyed. Even if only part of that innuendo makes ANY sense. There's nothing seductive or sexy about swabbing decks.
Practice can improve even the best of techniques, yes.
But - you're simply not thinking creatively. Tell me, if your body is the veritable ship I am meant to sail upon, then why would I not find ways to maintain it?
I don't flatter myself by thinking I'm the best at anything. But I learn fast. And I want to learn. I didn't Know anything could feel like that. Until here.
No, perhaps I'm not. Still, you're the more experienced navigator. Just sail me somewhere nice and I'll be happy.
Then you should make your former lovers walk a plank into the sea. It is an experience best shared equally, in whatever way that looks like.
Maybe it looks like two navigators both charting the unknown, with a spinning compass and strange lands on the horizon. I think it best they both try and sail for something nice.
And whether or not this house has decided to move my rooms, yes. Four doors down. Why do you ask?
I don't have any of those. I mean Besides the ones here, and they've all been very nice, so I wouldn't want to penalize any of them for my personal inexperience.
[Meaning -- yes, he was a virgin when arriving at Saltburnt. Somehow.]
How very treacherous. You're putting a lot of faith in my navigational skills, sight unseen. At least I have some of your work for reference, now.
I just like knowing where you are. In case you need anything or in case you'd ever want me to visit. I like checking in on people. Is that okay?
[ there's something to be explored about the fact that koby is only beginning to experience the many of firsts here. something that makes quentin's stomach roil with heat. ]
I've seen the maps on your walls - your maps are elegant and precise. Do not undersell yourself.
But if you want to map out where I am and visit my shores then by all means - who am I to stop a handsome man from passing through my threshold. The company is nice - I'm unused to being on land for so long.
You noticed? When? [Koby hardly remembered that he had walls, in the midst of the decadent heat of the other night. Then again, Quentin had woken up first -- maybe he'd examined the maps then?] Thank you. This place gives me lots of practice.
Me too. It has it's perks, though. I like the library. And the company, of course.
[ oh yes, he's acknowledging that he likely fucked koby into a good night's rest. ]
I haven't. I'm currently enjoying the exquisite company of this fine bed and myself. But if you insist I have to play at breakfast before I play at having you for breakfast, then who am I to deny you, Commander?
Please do. I'm sure it will be ripe, the juice will drip down my chin and the taste will linger on my tongue all morning. I might have to have a second.
But no scurvy - are you? I would eat more grapefruit on your behalf.
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a couple days post-party;
I'm afraid you'll have to locate it yourself. I've left a map to assist you, but I'm certain you'll have no trouble.
[ the map will lead koby everywhere - to the indoor pool, to one of the studies, to the solarium, the dining room... every stop having a little slip of paper hidden somewhere with an haphazardly elegant scrawl on it - a clue to find the next strip in the next location.
why, yes. a navigator has made another navigator a scavenger hunt of sorts.
the final spot - where the little X is marked? koby's room - a single little bloom left on the pillow he used, and a little scrawl of paper - fair winds and following seas - a sailor's thank you for a piece of home. ]
text, eventually
Because the messages come in written form, scraps of paper he can hold and fold up and study, ink he can trace as he puzzles out the hints, chases them here and there throughout the house. Because the map is written in a practiced hand, neat corners and skillful charting, a navigator's work. Because as Koby follows the map, seeks out the clues, he's smiling like a fool because of who's responsible, because of the care and attention put into creating it. Because it's a hunt specifically for him, someone who delights in maps and mysteries and puzzles and riddles.
Because honestly, just a message from Quentin would've been enough, would've made Koby grin just as helplessly, just as happily as he does when he makes it back to his room, finds the single bloom on the pillow. He flops down, breathes in the faint scent of Quentin still on his sheets and stares at the flower for much, much longer than he'd admit.
But, finally:] Found it.
Thank you.
It's a really good map, too.
no subject
[ don't ask him where he stole it from - it's not worth it. ]
But impressive - I'll have to make the map more difficult next time.
[ yes. next time. ]
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Did you get home all right? The other night?
Or I guess morning? I sort of remember [Snuggling, tucked up against Quentin’s chest, sleeping heavier than he has in months] you saying goodbye.
Next time?
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It was mid-afternoon, but yes. I made it all four doors down to my own rooms, a harrowing quest but I survived, somehow.
You were very tired when I left so I tucked you in and went on my way. And why wouldn't there be a next time? I must get to know all the maps on your walls - I cannot be a good navigator if I am not snooping through all your materials to know the way of this world.
no subject
[But he also usually sleeps alone. Koby almost mentions that, almost...thanks Quentin, maybe? But how do you say "thanks for rocking my world repeatedly and cuddling afterwards I haven't felt this rested in years" without saying that?
So instead:] Four doors down, wow. To think you underwent such a treacherous journey at the early hour of mid-afternoon, all alone. No dragons or sea beasts, I hope?
I mean, I'd like there to be a next time. For the maps and
You know
Everything else.
Once you're healed, of course.
Are you resting? You should be resting. Do you need anything? I can bring it from the kitchens or infirmary or wherever, but you should be resting.
no subject
No dragons, but there was quite the sea beast in your bed. Many armed, suctioning, relentless. It was harmless, though.
But tell me - everything else. I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re speaking of. I am a simple sailor, Commander. My body will rest but my mind is aflutter with questions - tell me all the everythings I don’t know.
no subject
You could've come back.
If you wanted to.
Relentless, really? It's a miracle you survived, then.
You're teasing me.
But I'll be blunt: if you wanted to come over for reasons not having to do with cartography, that'd be okay.
Actually, that's too mild.
I'd like it. I'd like that a lot.
I'm asking you to come back whenever you want, whyever you want.
If that's something you want.
[Can Quentin feel him blushing from four doors down? Probably, which is why Koby's hiding his face in his pillow now.]
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Have you taken a breath? How red are you now? Has your lip bled for how you've bitten it to pieces?
[ teasing, teasing, teasing. ]
Whenever and whyever. That's a dangerous thing to say to a sailor, you know.
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[There's actually an affronted gasp, because -- Koby is absolutely blushing, holding his breath and biting his lip. Stop perceiving him, Quentin!]
My lips are perfectly fine, thank you very much for your concern.
Why? Are you going to tie knots or swab some decks with me? [Koby.]
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But if you would like me to demonstrate my ability to tie knots and swab your decks then who am I to say no, sweet Commander?
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Though more practice is always good, right?
That
I walked into that one, I can't even be annoyed. Even if only part of that innuendo makes ANY sense. There's nothing seductive or sexy about swabbing decks.
no subject
But - you're simply not thinking creatively. Tell me, if your body is the veritable ship I am meant to sail upon, then why would I not find ways to maintain it?
Though I certainly don't have to.
no subject
And I want to learn. I didn't
Know anything could feel like that. Until here.
No, perhaps I'm not. Still, you're the more experienced navigator. Just sail me somewhere nice and I'll be happy.
You're really only four doors down?
no subject
It is an experience best shared equally, in whatever way that looks like.
Maybe it looks like two navigators both charting the unknown, with a spinning compass and strange lands on the horizon. I think it best they both try and sail for something nice.
And whether or not this house has decided to move my rooms, yes. Four doors down. Why do you ask?
no subject
I mean
Besides the ones here, and they've all been very nice, so I wouldn't want to penalize any of them for my personal inexperience.
[Meaning -- yes, he was a virgin when arriving at Saltburnt. Somehow.]
How very treacherous. You're putting a lot of faith in my navigational skills, sight unseen. At least I have some of your work for reference, now.
I just like knowing where you are. In case you need anything or in case you'd ever want me to visit. I like checking in on people. Is that okay?
no subject
I've seen the maps on your walls - your maps are elegant and precise. Do not undersell yourself.
But if you want to map out where I am and visit my shores then by all means - who am I to stop a handsome man from passing through my threshold. The company is nice - I'm unused to being on land for so long.
no subject
Me too. It has it's perks, though. I like the library. And the company, of course.
Can I bring you anything?
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[ he's nosy ]
You could bring anything you wish and my door would still be open to you. That's the fun in it, isn't it?
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[But instead -- curled up like a kitten in Quentin's arms, dead to the world for hours and hours.]
The possibilities are limitless, yes, but I was more asking if you'd had breakfast. I'll start thinking bigger after you've eaten.
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[ oh yes, he's acknowledging that he likely fucked koby into a good night's rest. ]
I haven't. I'm currently enjoying the exquisite company of this fine bed and myself. But if you insist I have to play at breakfast before I play at having you for breakfast, then who am I to deny you, Commander?
no subject
So...thank you.
I'm glad you understand the proper order of things. Any particular requests?
For breakfast. The food kind.
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Is that helpful?
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[Brat.]
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But no scurvy - are you? I would eat more grapefruit on your behalf.
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