ǫ | quentin toma (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
longitudinal) wrote2024-07-06 09:29 pm
longitudinal) wrote2024-07-06 09:29 pm
inbox;
WELCOME TO THE SALTBURNT NETWORK
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longitudinal
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quentin toma NOTES: sailor, navigator, loverboy, war-bringer. |
WELCOME TO THE SALTBURNT NETWORK
USERNAME:
longitudinal
text ❖ audio ❖ video
Well I suppose we could try and sneak in? Check things out.
The door might be locked but I'm sure we can find a way.
It's strange that it happened with no warning. Has anyone mentioned if they'd done something to harm the library?
The door might be locked but I'm sure we can find a way.
It's strange that it happened with no warning. Has anyone mentioned if they'd done something to harm the library?
[ something about tim apologizing gnaws at him in spite of their little game. he allows tim to move back and take him in and he groans, unable to process anything but the tight, velvety heat that consumes him at first. he reaches an arm down to tim's hips, stopping him from moving any further. a kindness, letting himself sit pressed deep into him to stretch, to settle.
his mouth slides along tim's shoulder in the meantime, pressing soft kisses against his skin, worshipful in a way. ]
Apology accepted.
[ he moans again just from the way he feels like he's being consumed by the other man's body. ] You've done so well. So very well.
[ his free hand slides round tim's front as well, softly palming the aching, hard line of tim's dick as he draws out of the man slowly, hand following the motion as he pushes back in just as slowly. ]
Let me take care of you now, hm? You've done well. You listened, you took everything you deserved. So good.
his mouth slides along tim's shoulder in the meantime, pressing soft kisses against his skin, worshipful in a way. ]
Apology accepted.
[ he moans again just from the way he feels like he's being consumed by the other man's body. ] You've done so well. So very well.
[ his free hand slides round tim's front as well, softly palming the aching, hard line of tim's dick as he draws out of the man slowly, hand following the motion as he pushes back in just as slowly. ]
Let me take care of you now, hm? You've done well. You listened, you took everything you deserved. So good.
Through the windows? It's high up, though, that's dangerous. I don't want anyone to get hurt trying.
I'd ask Giles, but I don't trust him as far as I can throw him.
No, it was perfectly fine when I was there yesterday. Nothing amiss. Though
I did have a strange
Project.
I wasn't supposed to talk about it when it was happening, but I think I can now? Maybe you'll have a better idea about its motivation than me. You're clever like that.
I'd ask Giles, but I don't trust him as far as I can throw him.
No, it was perfectly fine when I was there yesterday. Nothing amiss. Though
I did have a strange
Project.
I wasn't supposed to talk about it when it was happening, but I think I can now? Maybe you'll have a better idea about its motivation than me. You're clever like that.
A project?
What sort of project?
I'd not ask Giles, either. I think he hates everyone. Not even sure if he really likes himself, poor old lad.
What sort of project?
I'd not ask Giles, either. I think he hates everyone. Not even sure if he really likes himself, poor old lad.
Sort of an information-gathering one? I'll show you, I'm on my way back now. You're at home, right?
If he doesn't like you, there's something deeply wrong with him. [Then again, Koby thinks that about anyone who doesn't like Quentin. Untrustworthy behavior.]
If he doesn't like you, there's something deeply wrong with him. [Then again, Koby thinks that about anyone who doesn't like Quentin. Untrustworthy behavior.]
[ she doubts very much quentin is well-versed in christmas, so she feels little apprehension in having a present delivered to his door by a helpful staff member, especially since it is not delivered on christmas. inexpertly wrapped in brown paper and tied with twine, sealed with a green wax stamped with a bird in flight.
inside reveals a piece of embroidery; a ship on the sea, bubbles made of tiny pearls instead of thread, real shells and sand dollars at the bottom, small hunks of bleached coral, a tiny starfish, delicately and near invisibly attached to the embroidery with the thinnest silvery thread that catches the light when he shifts the piece to look at it. the scent of salt water like a ghost in the air, just the hint of it caught in the physical threads of magic.
a note at the bottom of the box reveals an incredibly delicate and old-fashioned cursive: ]
Darling Q,
I much prefer this to the infernal texting you have subjected me to.
I've only just discovered the concept of Christmas and while I do not think Christ will convert me, I enjoy the idea of gift giving. My hope is that you will be able to look at the waves and some of the ache for the sea will abate.
Ever fondly yours,
P
inside reveals a piece of embroidery; a ship on the sea, bubbles made of tiny pearls instead of thread, real shells and sand dollars at the bottom, small hunks of bleached coral, a tiny starfish, delicately and near invisibly attached to the embroidery with the thinnest silvery thread that catches the light when he shifts the piece to look at it. the scent of salt water like a ghost in the air, just the hint of it caught in the physical threads of magic.
a note at the bottom of the box reveals an incredibly delicate and old-fashioned cursive: ]
Darling Q,
I much prefer this to the infernal texting you have subjected me to.
I've only just discovered the concept of Christmas and while I do not think Christ will convert me, I enjoy the idea of gift giving. My hope is that you will be able to look at the waves and some of the ache for the sea will abate.
Ever fondly yours,
P
I don't think Giles likes anyone.
[ facts. but it's deeply amusing. ]
I'm home - come tell me all about your information-gathering project. Though I'm in the bath if that might dissuade you. I can always get out to better receive you.
[ facts. but it's deeply amusing. ]
I'm home - come tell me all about your information-gathering project. Though I'm in the bath if that might dissuade you. I can always get out to better receive you.
He likes sighing just loud enough to let you know he's exasperated by you, and I think that's about it.
No, no, you'll catch a cold, running around with wet hair. Don't rush yourself. I can talk in the bathroom just as easily as anywhere else.
[He's absolutely only acting out of concern for Quentin's health and well-being. Obviously. No ulterior motives here.]
No, no, you'll catch a cold, running around with wet hair. Don't rush yourself. I can talk in the bathroom just as easily as anywhere else.
[He's absolutely only acting out of concern for Quentin's health and well-being. Obviously. No ulterior motives here.]
[Alia’s gift is wrapped somewhat clumsily in brown paper, likely taken from the kitchens, and taped excessively to ensure it’s secure. Inside, resting in sparkly, star-studded tissue paper: A warm, anchor-patterned scarf.
A smooth-polished rock from the lake (yes, everyone gets a rock) with the gift-receiver’s initials carefully carved into it (with what? Don’t worry about it.)
A business card for Sol & Scroll, because if you aren’t patronizing it, you should be.
There’s also a note, scribbled on notebook paper stolen from Alina (sorry, babe):]
Quentin -
Son of the stars, anchor to lonesome souls: keep yourself warm, until the sun rises on us again. Keep yourself safe, though never doubt: my eye is always on you. I will keep you safe.
- Alia
There’s also a note, scribbled on notebook paper stolen from Alina (sorry, babe):]
Quentin -
Son of the stars, anchor to lonesome souls: keep yourself warm, until the sun rises on us again. Keep yourself safe, though never doubt: my eye is always on you. I will keep you safe.
- Alia
Will you tell me something nice? That has nothing to do with anyone getting gored or spiraling out of control or wearing mourning black on Christmas. Do we have any of that?
There are good people here. People with big, loving hearts and sharp minds. There's one I know, actually. Took him some time to warm up but I'd say he's charming, clever, maybe funny even if he won't admit it.
I've been reading a book from this world that's about an older time period than now. I drew Koby, actually. You as well but it is far less accurate considering I do not have the model before me in the flesh!
[ it's not at all nice and grand here, but quentin finds hope in its people instead. ]
I've been reading a book from this world that's about an older time period than now. I drew Koby, actually. You as well but it is far less accurate considering I do not have the model before me in the flesh!
[ it's not at all nice and grand here, but quentin finds hope in its people instead. ]
:)
I should be offended that you can't remember every inch of me. Unless you've made me taller, then I forgive you.
I should be offended that you can't remember every inch of me. Unless you've made me taller, then I forgive you.
I remember the mole on your lower back, right under your ribcage on the left. I remember more than you think, you know.
But I'll beg your forgiveness when I see you in a bit.
[ presumptuous! and also a sign he will make him come join him, if only so that quentin can cuddle him a little. koby's out doing all the busy things koby does, so sue him! ]
But I'll beg your forgiveness when I see you in a bit.
[ presumptuous! and also a sign he will make him come join him, if only so that quentin can cuddle him a little. koby's out doing all the busy things koby does, so sue him! ]
[ Very! But Quentin's earned the right. Tragically, ]
I'm at Aemond's. His mom just got eaten by another monster, I can't leave.
Talk some more about the freckles, though.
I'm at Aemond's. His mom just got eaten by another monster, I can't leave.
Talk some more about the freckles, though.
Edited 2024-12-19 02:08 (UTC)
[The library is still closed, but Koby's turned his room into gift-wrap central, no peeking boyfriends allowed, so that's where he texts from.]
How do they celebrate holidays where you're from? Or do they? I realized I never asked.
Also papercut count: 5.
How do they celebrate holidays where you're from? Or do they? I realized I never asked.
Also papercut count: 5.
You realize you could just hide my gifts and let me help you?
We celebrate the winter solstic like you do this holiday. But there are no stories about a fat, jolly man.
On the sea we didn’t celebrate too much. We were never landside long enough to worry about it.
We celebrate the winter solstic like you do this holiday. But there are no stories about a fat, jolly man.
On the sea we didn’t celebrate too much. We were never landside long enough to worry about it.
I'm almost done! I promise. You can help me deliver. I have a couple more than I can carry, but I made a map of the most efficient way to drop things off.
I don't care for that part, honestly. Why is he going into everyone's houses? It seems suspicious.
Us neither. I mean, even when I was on land, there was something else to worry about. Did you celebrate anything else? Birthdays, summer solstice, things like that?
When IS your birthday?
I don't care for that part, honestly. Why is he going into everyone's houses? It seems suspicious.
Us neither. I mean, even when I was on land, there was something else to worry about. Did you celebrate anything else? Birthdays, summer solstice, things like that?
When IS your birthday?
If you're almost done then there's no harm in showing up early.
[ is he going to? probably. but he'll give it a little time for koby to panic a little bit. ]
But I agree - the stories don't seem quite right. Coming down a chimney? Eating cookies left out from every child he delivers to?
Oh. December 12th. I never remember. I suspect it was you who kept me occupied that night, maybe.
[ is he going to? probably. but he'll give it a little time for koby to panic a little bit. ]
But I agree - the stories don't seem quite right. Coming down a chimney? Eating cookies left out from every child he delivers to?
Oh. December 12th. I never remember. I suspect it was you who kept me occupied that night, maybe.
Alicent? I'm sorry, Tim.
[ they hadn't been on the most excellent of terms but all the same - it makes his stomach twist sickly.
but he can forgive tim's absence. and he opts for the lighter for now - tim had asked for good things after all. ]
The freckles. You should get some sun - let a few show up on your nose. But you have another one on the back of your right shoulder. Where I always get my mouth and leave a mark. Another one on the inside of your knee. That one I like best, especially when I'm lying between your thighs.
Your freckles are cute.
[ they hadn't been on the most excellent of terms but all the same - it makes his stomach twist sickly.
but he can forgive tim's absence. and he opts for the lighter for now - tim had asked for good things after all. ]
The freckles. You should get some sun - let a few show up on your nose. But you have another one on the back of your right shoulder. Where I always get my mouth and leave a mark. Another one on the inside of your knee. That one I like best, especially when I'm lying between your thighs.
Your freckles are cute.
Yeah.
Thanks.
Everything's messed up.
The one on my knee is ticklish. Sorry again for kicking you :(
Thanks.
Everything's messed up.
The one on my knee is ticklish. Sorry again for kicking you :(
Not almost done with YOURS there are PIECES. I can cover everything, just knock first if you come by.
It's nearly as strange as the whole god-as-a-baby thing, but please never tell Tim I said that. He takes this very seriously.
The 12th? That was a week ago!
Yes, I did, we watched part of some movie about an unpleasant green man trying to ruin some nice people's holidays. I remember because you were wearing that sweater I like and my hands were cold so I kept reaching under it.
It's nearly as strange as the whole god-as-a-baby thing, but please never tell Tim I said that. He takes this very seriously.
The 12th? That was a week ago!
Yes, I did, we watched part of some movie about an unpleasant green man trying to ruin some nice people's holidays. I remember because you were wearing that sweater I like and my hands were cold so I kept reaching under it.
[ A package delivered to Quentin's doorstep, neatly and lovingly wrapped. Inside the box is a large hooded scarf with pockets, to keep him warm, and nestled inside it for safekeeping, a fragrance that smells as advertised, and so of course, reminded him of Quentin.
A second package is a tin with a variety of Christmas cookies, and a homemade card with a felt snowman on it. ]
Quentin,
I know you don't celebrate Christmas, but it wouldn't feel right leaving you off my list. You've been a better friend to me than I could have hoped for, ever since the night we met. A lot of things here feel so impermanent, but you're one of the few things I know I can count on. So thank you for being you, for being so patient with me, and for teaching me all you have. You've done more for me than you know.
Merry Christmas.
With love,
Tim
A second package is a tin with a variety of Christmas cookies, and a homemade card with a felt snowman on it. ]
Quentin,
I know you don't celebrate Christmas, but it wouldn't feel right leaving you off my list. You've been a better friend to me than I could have hoped for, ever since the night we met. A lot of things here feel so impermanent, but you're one of the few things I know I can count on. So thank you for being you, for being so patient with me, and for teaching me all you have. You've done more for me than you know.
Merry Christmas.
With love,
Tim
[Quentin’s gift, after much deliberation, is a touch different. There’s the nautical paper, the blue ribbon, the tissue and card and everything, and there’s a lushly knitted blue scarf folded in the box, the same color as the deepest pulses of Quentin’s magic. However, when the card is opened, it just says:]
For the cold days. Go to the back booth in the restaurant, where you made me laugh until I couldn’t breathe at the party. - K
[When Quentin follows directions, goes to said booth, there’s another box – this one with a (mildly tacky) glittering suit fit to his exact measurements, and another note:]
For the next party. Go to the balcony outside the game room, where I stopped being scared of who was watching us, because you made me forget everything but you. - K
[The balcony is snowy, icy, but there’s another box right by the wall Quentin had pressed Koby up against in the head of summer, this one containing a less-formal outfit - a sweater, patterned with ducks, and of course, a third note:]
So Abe doesn’t feel left out. Go to the place I told you I loved you, for the first time. -K
[The lake is frozen over, the rowboat overturned to keep from gathering snow, but beneath it, a fourth box, this one filled with charcoal and smooth paper, gathered into a leather-bound sketchbook.]
For your maps or your art or your list of places to go and things to see and movies to watch and books to read and anything you want. Go to the place where I first KNEW I loved you, where you made me come alive the first time you touched me. - K
[Koby’s room, of course – rarely used anymore, not since October, not since he’d come to stay with Quentin on that first terrible day and sort of…never left. They’ve split time since then, periodically spending the nights in the suite where the notes and papers and supplies live, but more often than not they’re in Quentin’s room. In fact, when he opens the door to the rarely-used bedroom, it’s completely cleaned up, papers and files gone, all Koby’s belongings having been packed up and put away, bit by bit over the last few weeks.
All that’s left, on the cleaned-off desk, is a slightly crooked, homemade bookmark, made from a map in Quentin’s handwriting and a dried pink flower – the first two things he’d ever given Koby, that first little scavenger hunt from all those months ago. And one last note:]
For as long as I can, for the rest of my life, I want my home to be where you are. And I want that to start officially, today.
My first mate, my siren, my sailor, my love. Come home to me.
-Koby
For the cold days. Go to the back booth in the restaurant, where you made me laugh until I couldn’t breathe at the party. - K
[When Quentin follows directions, goes to said booth, there’s another box – this one with a (mildly tacky) glittering suit fit to his exact measurements, and another note:]
For the next party. Go to the balcony outside the game room, where I stopped being scared of who was watching us, because you made me forget everything but you. - K
[The balcony is snowy, icy, but there’s another box right by the wall Quentin had pressed Koby up against in the head of summer, this one containing a less-formal outfit - a sweater, patterned with ducks, and of course, a third note:]
So Abe doesn’t feel left out. Go to the place I told you I loved you, for the first time. -K
[The lake is frozen over, the rowboat overturned to keep from gathering snow, but beneath it, a fourth box, this one filled with charcoal and smooth paper, gathered into a leather-bound sketchbook.]
For your maps or your art or your list of places to go and things to see and movies to watch and books to read and anything you want. Go to the place where I first KNEW I loved you, where you made me come alive the first time you touched me. - K
[Koby’s room, of course – rarely used anymore, not since October, not since he’d come to stay with Quentin on that first terrible day and sort of…never left. They’ve split time since then, periodically spending the nights in the suite where the notes and papers and supplies live, but more often than not they’re in Quentin’s room. In fact, when he opens the door to the rarely-used bedroom, it’s completely cleaned up, papers and files gone, all Koby’s belongings having been packed up and put away, bit by bit over the last few weeks.
All that’s left, on the cleaned-off desk, is a slightly crooked, homemade bookmark, made from a map in Quentin’s handwriting and a dried pink flower – the first two things he’d ever given Koby, that first little scavenger hunt from all those months ago. And one last note:]
For as long as I can, for the rest of my life, I want my home to be where you are. And I want that to start officially, today.
My first mate, my siren, my sailor, my love. Come home to me.
-Koby
I know he takes it very seriously. It is a very odd story but he likes it, so I listen when he says it.
But the green man! Yes. He had a name. Grunch? Grounch? Grouch? I wasn't paying attention - you had your hands up my sweater after all.
I'll keep away until you tell me I can come join you, but know I'm sorely missing you. I might need to warm up my own cold hands all on my own.
But the green man! Yes. He had a name. Grunch? Grounch? Grouch? I wasn't paying attention - you had your hands up my sweater after all.
I'll keep away until you tell me I can come join you, but know I'm sorely missing you. I might need to warm up my own cold hands all on my own.
Edited 2024-12-27 03:23 (UTC)
Maybe I liked it when you kicked me. :)
And there's nothing messed up about you, Timothy Laughlin. Your heart contains oceans with so many ships lost at sea until you set them back on course.
[ what he would give to be there - get his arms around tim and pet his hair and kiss his brow, help him weather the storm just a little bit. ]
I think next time I see you I'll bite that little freckle at your knee. Leave little marks all along the insides of your thighs. They're so soft, you know. I can't help myself.
And there's nothing messed up about you, Timothy Laughlin. Your heart contains oceans with so many ships lost at sea until you set them back on course.
[ what he would give to be there - get his arms around tim and pet his hair and kiss his brow, help him weather the storm just a little bit. ]
I think next time I see you I'll bite that little freckle at your knee. Leave little marks all along the insides of your thighs. They're so soft, you know. I can't help myself.
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