srsbznss | private PSL

private PSL

[Part of the problem with being a financial advisor, Ali realized, was that it meant he had to work. And it wasn't even the fun kinds of 'work' like stacking coins and sorting them by the quality of their gold or silver, oh no. The king had made it quite clear that any coin-counting was to be done only when requested, or outside of working hours. No, Ali had to do things like read and fill out paperwork, or run analytics on tax revenue and what kind of surplus or expenditures there were in the quarter. Or, at the very least, he had to assign all of that work to one of his several secretaries. After all, he at to at least keep up the appearances of being a financial advisor, and over the last few decades he had gotten pretty good at that. It wasn't impossible, but it also wasn't nearly as fun as counting coins.

Of course, he would get odd looks if he just sat around counting coins all day. To anyone else looking in, they did not see the fearsome dragon Aligrezoph, guardian of the kingdom's treasury. They saw Ali, a normal- albeit quirky- man who kept a very small social circle in the finance department and spent most of his days trying to keep expenditures to a minimum while saving up as much as he could. All for the kingdom's benefit, of course. It totally wasn't so there would be an even bigger pile of coins for Ali to count on his breaks.

Indeed, most who looked at Ali would just see an average-looking man. shoulder-length black hair tied back with a black ribbon, piercing blue eyes, a perpetual frown stuck on his face in most situations. A lean body that was more built for flexibility and speed than strength, and a very simple style of dress in neutral colors. He looked every bit like a stuffy accountant, though Ali would argue that he wasn't really THAT stuffy. He was just comfortable with the form!

He also would not talk about his other form under any circumstances.

On that day, Ali had an armful of expense reports with him. There was to be a meeting, and he had stayed up all night with two of his secretaries preparing these reports. With the midsummer festival coming up, the festivities had to be decided upon and paid for. And, as usual, Ali wanted to keep the expenses as low as possible. For the good of the kingdom, of course. Ultimately his team had prepared a few possible expense reports, with varying amounts spent on decorations, hiring out staff, and paying guards for keeping the peace. Any one of his plans would be acceptable, but Ali was sure that someone would complain. There was always someone who complained and called him a 'coin-pinching cheapskate', but those complaints had picked up more in recent years. Already Ali was annoyed just from the thought of the argument that would happen that day when he butted heads with a certain other advisor. Sparks would fly as usual, and these weren't the good kind of sparks.

But Ali was willing to give it a chance. As people arrived at the meeting- a meeting between the king and his dozen or so advisors in the various ways of running the kingdom- Ali worked to lay out one set of expense reports at each desk. It was only two pages of paper per table spot, so hopefully everyone liked to read!

Of course, when Ali passed a certain advisor, he had to fight the urge to make a snide comment. Instead, he just held out the two-page document to him, trying not to show too much contempt when he spoke.]

Do take care of those papers, will you? My staff stayed up all night finishing them.

[He was a dragon in hiding, not a snake in hiding, but his words still had bite to them.]

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[Ali answers and Concord is promptly overthinking every moment of this interaction.

Ali could have just shoved the coat at him and slammed the door, but no. He's invited in. Why? To talk? Is there something to talk about? Ali closes the door behind him. Doesn't lock it. Okay. So, he should be leaving soon enough. They're not going to... get up to anything. Again. Probably. Not with an unlocked door.

Had the door been unlocked that first time? Could someone have walked in on them?

He takes a deep breath in and out before responding. He notes how much it smells like wine. His tone is usual; level and quiet. Unreadable.]

Yes. It did. Did yours? [Small talk-? They're doing small talk, now!? His mind races so much more than anybody could ever know. It can gallop a mile a minute while he's standing stone still,]

[He could have just shoved the coat at Concord, it's true. It would have been the most logical choice. But for some reason, Ali is struggling to make logical choices when it comes to Concord. He still can't figure out why for the life of him, and part of him worries that the 'hormonal teenager' accusations he had made against Concord yesterday might also apply to himself.

Concord staying calm helps Ali stay calm too though. It's hard to get into a yelling feedback loop when there is no yelling going on yet.]

As much as can be expected. The work is never boring at least.

[This is when he steps over to where the coat is and picks it up. He looks at it for a moment, inspecting it for the tenth time to make sure all of the stains are gone. It's not because he wants to touch it of course, or because he can still faintly smell Concord's scent on it beneath the washing soap.

After a moment, he will step back over to Concord, offering him the jacket.]

I do apologize for, er, the inconvenience. Of you having to come back here for this.

[Ali rarely offers apologies, and even this one isn't quite straightforward. Is he apologizing for his actions the night before, or just for the extra work in cleanup that was needed? For someone so strict with his budgets and making plans, he can sure be vague when he wants to be.]

Your work has always seemed very tedious to me. [a bland, if honest remark. It isn't biting, it's not even calling Ali tedious, just the kind of work he does so. Given his comments the night prior on Ali's valor- is that what started all this? A simple, truthful compliment?- it is actually said with respect. Ali's work is not something Concord could do, even if he wanted to. He's not of that sort of mind.

He takes the jacket, also looks at the front. No stains. Impressive, given the paleness of the cloth. He hums in the back of his throat.]

I should thank you, for cleaning it. So. Thank you. [He folds it over the bend of an arm before another hum escapes him. Concord reaches to his slacks and pulls something from his pocket.]

Right. I found you this. [he offers his hand, awaiting Ali to reach a palm out to take it. Concord drops a single silver coin into Ali's hand. It has been shined to a pleasant gleam and is stamped with a horse insignia. Not of their country, so likely worthless beyond the silver it was made from, but Concord continues]

... you know. To make fun of you. [Very difficult to tell if he's being funny, tender, or snide.]

[To make fun of him. Of course.

Briefly Ali's mind flashes back to their conversation from the night before, and he quickly assumes that it's not just for the purposes of teaching. But he can't just accept that, can he? No, he is not one who is so quickly wooed, and even if the attention to detail is practically screaming that Concord cares enough to try Ali is going to go with the 'teasing' explanation. He lets out a soft snort- somewhere between acceptance and faint amusement- before pocketing the coin.]

Of course. It's only fair, given that I pulled on your braid. Tit for tat, and all.

[He is absolutely keeping that coin and adding it to his own private collection later. Even though he's trying to be cool about it, there's something a bit too genuine about the way the corner of his mouth turns up in a smirk.]

[Concord should go. He should nod, reach for the door, and leave. They're settled up, they could go back to normal, couldn't they? Not mention this again.

That little upturned smirk, though.

He reaches forward the arm not occupied with his spare coat, pressing his palm into the door behind Ali. Stepping forward, Concord closes the distance between them, effectively pinning Ali back against the door without actually touching the smaller man. He leans in to speak closer, close by Ali's temple. He's very quiet in the private space,]

Now, Ali... [he almost used that full name again, but no. That won't work twice, will it? Saying it all heated and warning, like he had, baiting Ali to do something about him-] ... did you want to do that again, with me?

[that being very vague, but Concord wasn't sure what precisely what he was referring to. Pulling his hair? Kissing him? Having sex-? Whatever that is... Concord wants to know if it is still on the table. He really must know.]

[Even without being touched directly, Ali sure does feel pinned down right now. There's not that much of a height difference between them- a couple inches at most- but he absolutely feels smaller in this moment. He might have been bothered by it, if Concord's actions hadn't left him feeling so turned on. Even that near-whisper right by the side of his face sends a shiver down his spine. It takes all of his restraint to keep from grabbing onto Concord and making further questionable choices.

He can't give in so easily though. Ali can tell, Concord is doing this on purpose. And Ali definitely wants to give a smooth response in turn, but the problem is that Ali is anything but smooth. Attempts can be made, but he's a bit on the neurotic side and overthinks things too much. Which is why there's a long pause, during which Ali is wide-eyed and emotionally exposed, before he collects himself and at least tries to look more neutral.]

If we're going to do that- [Emphasis on that word, still being vague in the same way Concord had been.] -then you will do things my way.

[Does he want all of 'that' again? Yes, yes he does. His body is practically humming with excitement at the thought, and he has to press the palms of his hands against the wall to keep them steady and not give his excitement away. Does Concord really want a repeat of last night? Would he even agree to doing things Ali's way?

In all honesty, Ali doesn't expect Concord to agree. He doesn't even know what he'll do with himself if Concord does agree. He's flying by the seat of his pants here.]

[Concord is also, entirely and thoroughly, out of his depth here. He practically locks himself into place, solid as a soldier should be, posture strictly held. It's largely out of nerves, an automatic response he finds some comfort in the familiarity of. There's no loose and casual with him, he's not really that type.

While his tone can remain utmost composed, like none of this is really effecting him all that much, his heart is absolutely pounding. He can hear it in his ears and worries that Ali might be able to catch on to it. Don't dragons have very good hearing? Unicorns can... it's usually a defense mechanism of their kind. For a moment like this, it feels like it betrays his confidence.]

What would your way be, then? [cautious, not giving too much away, not fully agreeing without testing the waters. Smart of him to be reserved, see what Ali has to offer... even though he wants to just agree with his whole chest. Yes, whatever you please, I want it, he holds his tongue from letting slip]

[Ali might have picked up on that heartbeat, except his own was pounding in his ears. He couldn't hear the subtle sounds over his own racing heart.

His mind is racing here too. Concord didn't say no. Instead, he wants examples. Just the thing Ali hasn't thought of yet. So he draws it out a bit, trying to come up with a good enough answer as he stalls for time.]

Well...for one, it should be in a bed. With our clothes safely out of the way, so I don't have to spend the whole morning doing wash.

[He can feel his hands twitch against the door, and he can't stay still for much longer. He wants to touch Concord so badly, to just break through the tension they're both building up and finally claim his lips. But not yet, he tells himself. He broke first last time, he has to make Concord take the first action. So instead, he finally pulls a hand away from the wall and slips it up behind Concord's neck, gently touching the back of his neck to try and get Concord to lean in more closely.]

There's a lot more we could do that way, after all.

[While Concord's expression could remain unyielding, as if none of the tension was effecting him at all, what he couldn't help was the reddening of his face. Ali reaches for him neck and his skin prickles under the touch, rushing hot beneath his eyes and across his nose. Cute, maybe, contrasted overtop his stoic look. Ali's fingers travel over hickies hidden by his mane of hair. Hair he really wouldn't mind being tugged on, about now...]

That is... amicable. To me.

[He clears his throat with a grumble. Not taking the bait just yet. He's good at containing himself, or at least, always had been. Ali broke first, he reminds himself. It's good, that way. He likes it that way.]

And what more are you thinking of, Ali?

[It is very cute indeed. Ali thinks he likes that look, actually. The contrast between a stoic man and the way his face flushes is quite a thing to see, and Ali wants to find out if he can goad more of a response out of him.

Taking a bit of a risk, Ali swirls his index and middle finger around at the base of Concord's neck, catching a few of the loose hairs there at the base of Concord's braid. It's not tight enough to be a pull, but those fingers are definitely getting the wispy hairs to curl around them. It's a light, teasing touch, one aimed to provoke.]

I saw a few things in a book that might be better than what we did last time.

[He has to bite back to keep from automatically saying 'You DO know how to read, right?']

[Playing with his hair absolutely gets a rise out of Concord. He lets the coat hung over his arm simple slip off, fall into a heap on the ground. That arm is needed to reach for Ali, place a broad hand to the dragon's hip. He rubs his thumb in place, crumpling fabric slightly beneath his touch. All their clothing off, Ali says. Demands. As apart of his way... Concord wants to see all of him.

Two responses to Ali's words again come to mind. Suave, "so, you'll teach me something," or vulnerable "you may need to take your time, with me". Again, neither make it to his voice.

Instead, he defaults to making fun of Ali. Tone dry as ever,]

You had to read up on it? [It isn't that he knows any better, but it sounds like such a funny way to explore this. What part of the castle library has those tomes, he wonders...]

[It's a part of the library that Ali had sought out on his own, too embarrassed to ask for help with searching. He hadn't had time to read everything in it, of course, just browse a few sections. He would have to investigate it more thoroughly later.

It's hard to ignore that hand on his hip though, and he let out a surprised breath at the sudden touch. But he quickly covers it up by looking vaguely annoyed, which is a look Concord should be familiar with by now.]

Of course I did, do you really think I would try anything without gaining some base knowledge?

[To vent his frustrations, he gives a gentle tug of those hairs wrapped around his fingers.]

I should like to see you try to impress without reading up first.

I thought- hh! [a short, in the throat grunt escapes him at that pull. Now they can share in that peeves look between them. One born of mutual frustration, of course. How much can they wind one another up, now? In this new, novel way?

No, no getting distracted. That was a key admission, from Ali. Concord can't breeze past that! He grips Ali's hip in his hand, rubbing his thumb again in place, wondering if he can feel the swoop of a bone there, given how slim Ali is]

... I thought you had experience, Ali. Not just study. I already admitted I am... lacking. [in both experience and study, really. Ali had seemed more confident, more knowing. If that was just bravado, Concord has to commend him for it. Was Ali also riding entirely on instinct?

That made sense. They were both pretty sloppy about it. Not that there was much wrong with that, aside from the mess left in their wake...]

[Oh, right. He had talked like he had a lot of experience, hadn't he? His hubris is coming back to bite him in the ass again, he's going to have to fib on the fly and he's not the best at that.]

Of course I- it's different like this!

[He uses his free hand to vaguely gesture between the two of them. He can blame his inexperience on human bodies, sure.]

Especially when it comes to men, I've never been with another man before!

[He's sounding flustered now, partially from being called out and partially from that very intimate touch Concord is giving him. He can feel that thumb on his hip, and it makes him jump in place just slightly.]

I think I understand. We would only be compatible in these forms... [Concord has never seen Ali as a proper dragon, nor Ali seen him as natural unicorn. They're both secretive about such things, it didn't benefit them to flaunt what they truly were, even if many knew. As men, though, they could have such... intimacy between them.

He moves in just a bit, closing the bit of distance between them and the door at Ali's back. Concord doesn't put any weight against the dragon, but he's there if Ali pressed forward to draw them flush. His hand pressed to the door shifts, bends so Concord is leaning onto his forearm over Ali's head.]

I have only heard stories. Soldiers talk. Exaggerate, frequently. I do not know what it is really like. [homosexual relationships weren't exactly normal in the kingdom, but far from outlawed, not all that taboo. Especially not among soldiers, who often search for comfort among themselves wherever they could find it.

Still, Concord can't trust what he's heard, men tell all kinds of wild and raucous tales to entertain themselves.]

[Ali is absolutely not going to bring up just how small he is in dragon form. Concord is free to assume that the physical incompatibilities of their original forms is because Ali is much larger than Concord, not the other way around.

Not that he has much time for seething about his tiny stature anyway. Suddenly Concord is in his space and Ali is reminded of just how big this man is. Not just in height, but in stature too. For some reason, this makes Ali's heartbeat speed up in excitement rather than annoyance.]

...well. You did like yesterday, didn't you?

[It's a fair place to start, and with how close Concord is, Ali can guess what the answer will be. Even shifting in place slightly causes Ali's knee to brush against Concord's leg briefly. He could close the gap so easily...but no, he's trying to goad Concord into doing it, isn't he? He has to be strong, even if he can feel his resolve wavering. He can make one last attempt at enticing Concord though.]

[The difference in their stature is exaggeration enough, isn't it? Concord leans in further, nosing the side of Ali's face to speak to his ear. In part because he can speak even more quietly to his desires. Another part... is being embarrassed to look Ali dead in the eyes while admitting such things.

They just kind of spill out of him, he's been thinking too much about it and it has only been a single damn day...]

I like your taste. I like how... warm you are. [is any of this actually arousing to say to a man? To Ali, of all people? Concord tries not to stammer out what he's really so turned on and hung up over]

Makes me wonder how such a heat would feel inside of me. [he might deserve to get his hair pulled, for talking like that]

[Oh good. That was going to be another one of Ali's stipulations- at least for their first time together- but it sounds like Concord wants to be on the receiving end anyway. That smirk from before is back on his face, and he presses back against Concord's nosing. It's surprisingly intimate, to have a conversation like this, but they're beyond the point of politeness at this point.]

That can be arranged.

[His voice is quiet, but his breath is hot against Concord's ear.]

But you know what you need to do first.

[Be the first to break. Kiss him, Concord. Admit that Ali has won this round.]

[Ali nuzzles back against him, agrees softly to his ear in turn, and Concord is pretty certain he can hear that smirk. When he pulls back just enough to search Ali's expression, there's no surprise to see it there, planted firmly on his face. Meanwhile, Concord does look absolutely desperate to kiss him. Still, though! He resists. He speaks, instead, low as ever]

What would that be? Decide on which of our beds-? Because... it should be yours. [his is much too out in the open, Ali entering and going at odd hours would draw much more attention up nearby the King's quarters and soldier's barracks than him traveling to the Ali's liar near the castle vault.

He'd apologize for being so dense, if he knew he was being so!]

Edited 2023-01-17 02:51 (UTC)

[That smirk is now accompanied by a 'hmph' of amusement from Ali. Concord really is inexperienced with all of this, his relative naivety is kind of cute even. For a moment, Ali nearly breaks his stubborn vow and actually considers kissing Concord to fry his brain a bit more, but he stops himself short as he starts to lean in. Instead, he speaks again:]

Well yes, but how can we go there when we're like this? Unless that's what you want, to do it right here?

[He's still practically pinned to the wall by Concord after all. He does intend to take Concord to his quarters, but he's reluctant to pull away to do that.]

You say that, as if it is not tempting... [Concord says with such frankness it definitely reads as humor as much as absolute truth. They're so close, talking about all this far more directly than he would have ever guessed either was capable of, hands on one another- Just grabbing hold and humping Ali against the door of his office is shockingly possible. Desirable, even, if not practical. Probably not to Ali's way.]

Tonight is not... good, for more than this. I have early morning arrangements. [how badly he wants to, though, just follow Ali back to his room and crawl into his bed. When would be a subtle time to sneak off?]

What about during the festival? That night, everybody will be occupied. With no work the following day. [can they last until then? Keep their hands off one another for just a few more days? They are already failing at the task, Concord's hand trailing up Ali's hip to his side, cradling his waist in his strong fingers. He wants the dragon on top of him, again. He's going to think of little else until that happens again]

[The thought of having to wait a few days is an absolute mood-killer. How dare Concord get him so worked up just to say 'let's wait'? Ali couldn't even hide his disappointment at that, it's hard to pull back from a heated moment so suddenly. Especially with Concord's hands all over him still.

He knows Concord is right though. Anyone could come looking for either of them, and it's a bad idea to overtire themselves with vigorous activity when they both have work in the morning. The festival will be a much-needed reprise, and nobody will go looking for either of them during that time.

There is just one problem, however.]

Didn't you say you were working the festival?

I'll be working with you. Some... confidential matter. Of which we should not be disturbed during. [is that a fine enough excuse, to cover for them both? To keep anybody from knocking save for an absolute emergency requiring the Knight Commander and Keeper of the Treasury? It's the two of them, they're such long time rivals. Concord would likely hear condolences from his men that he's getting stuck spending the holiday with Ali.

None would suspect this.]

Best of all, you need not pay me. I shall volunteer. Amicable?

[None would suspect it at all, except maybe the king, and he wouldn't speak a word of it to anyone. He had always encouraged Ali and Concord to settle their differences and get along, hadn't he? This is just their way of settling differences. If anything, they should be praised for their cooperation.

Not that Ali is going to tell a soul about what is going on between him and Concord. This is a private matter, Ali would die of embarrassment if it got out.]

If you think you can keep your hands and eyes to yourself for the next few days? Then very well. It's amicable.

[Ali was slightly off-put by the wait, but it was merely a small setback. The reward at the end of the wait would be worth it tenfold.

He did let go of Concord's hair though, freeing up the man to step back if he chose to. Ali is worked up and a bit stiff in the pants, but he's no longer expecting anything to happen tonight. He'll take care of that problem in private. At least he knows how to handle himself without reading a book.]

My eyes... really, Ali? I should not be looking at you until then?

[While Ali is taking his hand back, Concord is reaching his own upward. He hooks fingers beneath the dragon's chin and tilts it upwards towards, him, just slightly. His own gaze is slightly lidded, still clearly aroused and in the moment despite the boundaries that there is a too much for tonight.

He is, still, so frustratingly close without actually kissing Ali,]

You will give us away, if you get flustered by only a look. [says a very flushed man, but he's still more confident in keeping his own composure than Ali, it would seem]

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