Alexander "I know how to people" the Great (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
towards_okeanos) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
thenearshore2019-07-16 11:02 am
towards_okeanos) wrote in thenearshore2019-07-16 11:02 am
Above us only stars.
Who: Iskandar and Waver
What: A trip to Mauna Kea Observatories with a twist.
When: June 20th
Where: Near Shore, Hawaii.
Summary: Iskandar’s current space obsession is a perfect opportunity for him to do one important thing right this time.
[Waver has barely returned from his current round of godly business when he is ambushed in his own Temple. By none other than his King.]
I hope you don’t have plans because I intend to steal you for the evening.
[Those must be some plans indeed because Iskandar is definitely dressed up for the occasion. The fact that he’s not wearing his usual set of jeans and whichever t-shirt from his gaming t-shirts collection should be an indication that something serious is brewing. He didn’t go full suit and all route though this option certainly was on the table but still with a nice shirt, a tie and dress pants to match, he looks less like a military on leave and more … lawyery.]
So what do you say? In a mood for a short trip?
What: A trip to Mauna Kea Observatories with a twist.
When: June 20th
Where: Near Shore, Hawaii.
Summary: Iskandar’s current space obsession is a perfect opportunity for him to do one important thing right this time.
[Waver has barely returned from his current round of godly business when he is ambushed in his own Temple. By none other than his King.]
I hope you don’t have plans because I intend to steal you for the evening.
[Those must be some plans indeed because Iskandar is definitely dressed up for the occasion. The fact that he’s not wearing his usual set of jeans and whichever t-shirt from his gaming t-shirts collection should be an indication that something serious is brewing. He didn’t go full suit and all route
So what do you say? In a mood for a short trip?
no subject
I think there might be a sanctuary on the Big Island where you can interact with them. I know I've read about it too.
[No demons. Not tonight. Let them have just joy. They get so little of it.
The future will come tomorrow. The sun slowly sinks below the horizon as Maui recedes behind and the Big Island grows in the distance. The stars come out as parts of Hawaii begin to glow with the light of streetlamps. It glows colder and Waver nestles in a little snugger to Iskandar's side. Technically as Servants, their bodies aren't as affected by extremes, but doesn't mean he doesn't want Iskandar's body heat anyway.
The Milky Way unfurls in all its glory as darkness takes hold in full.]
They weren't exaggerating. It truly is something tonight.
no subject
[Iskandar laughs. He wouldn't be able to say how many times he saw them in his childhood only. A lot.]
There are no dolphins in the seas around Britain? Or you didn't have a chance to see them?
[The nights can be cold even in the tropics. He was forewarned that at the mountain top the temperature could drop even lower. That's why he came prepared. Technically, he always is. His famous red mantle is a good addition to every outfit. So as the darkness falls Iskandar calls it and wraps them both in it. Now they can fear no cold.]
Indeed, truly something.
[But he's not looking at the stars in the sky. His eyes are fixed on the man at his side. He's the star of this evening, even if he doesn't know that yet.]
no subject
[Waver tips his head up and drags Iskandar in for a kiss as his lover wraps them in his mantle.]
Mm...
You know... they look even more magnificent reflected in your eyes.
[Shining as they are, they really can't compare to the man beside him. Nothing in Waver's eyes can.]
no subject
You're quite a poet, you know that?
[He drops all pretence that he's even steering the chariot as he dips for another kiss. The bulls know where they're headed and baring the unexpected situations where they could panic, him holding the reigns is more formality than a real need. They're intelligent beasts, they'll get them safely to the destination. He can concentrate on Waver until that happens.]
no subject
Hmmm? [He may have an idea.] It's poetry to state the facts?
[Waver's lips curl in a content smile as they part from that kiss, staying cuddled close and in easy reach of more kisses.]
no subject
[Good because there are more kisses coming. Iskandar is going to exploit to the fullest the fact this trip is not exactly a short one. Almost as if he planned it so.
He could watch the ocean as is flies below them or the star-strewn sky that stretches above. But why should he? All the nature wonders pale in comparison to the beauty of the one he holds in his arms.
It was fate that they met for the first time. Fate that brought them back together again. No matter how much time they will have or what would happen to them next, Iskandar plans to make most of it.]
no subject
Some things... words fall short... you know?
[He never wants to be taken from Iskandar ever again. He never wants to be subjected to the shinki state again and forget. Two simple wishes that he'll fight like hell to have.
Making out is a better activity than sight-seeing and the ride passes by blissfully. But the Big Island looms larger and larger as they pass from the sea and over land as they head to the peaks and the observatories dotting Mauna Kea.]
no subject
As the chariot lands softly on the rocky ground Iskandar almost regrets they arrived so fast. They are late for Centre's announcement but certainly not for what he considers the main event of the evening. Iskandar has to let Waver go. For a brief moment, he considers simply carrying his lover as he steps down from the chariot but ultimately, he decides against it. He'll get his chance later. It's not entirely impossible for him to take his hands off Waver for one full minute. Even if it is a great challenge.
Once they're both outside Iskandar dismisses the bulls.]
Let's go inside. I think we missed all the boring speeches but I'm sure we're not late for the champagne.
[In other words, perfect timing.]
no subject
Waver joins him, and wraps an arm around Iskandar again as they stroll through the lot and weave in between the rows of parked cars on the way to the building. Another round of applause echoes forth as they approach the double doors of the visitor center, which automatically slide open to admit them.]
I think you're right. It sounds like the party is getting into full swing now.
[Because that's music starting up. Waver's ears strain to catch the tune floating above the increasing din of the crowd as they get closer to the room holding the event. It sounds almost like they have a few live musicians there instead of piping in recorded music over a sound system.]
I wonder what the announcement was. Everyone sounds quite excited.
no subject
[Iskandar chuckles as they enter the building. Of course he does. He leaves nothing to chance.
Waver is right about the live music. There’s a band on the stage at the far end of the room playing some easy on the ears jazz. Above them on the screen last slide of what was most likely a presentation accompanying the annoucent lingers for a brief moment with the date and the name of the project before switching to a slideshow of photos showing the Observatories, the summit and the island.
June 15 2019. Thirty Meter Telescope.
The room is completely packed, with some people near the stage dancing, some just standing and talking.
Iskandar snatches two glasses of champagne from the waitress that passes them by as she weaves through the crowd with a full tray propped on one hand with what looks like a supernatural agility. He gives the glass to Waver.]
In my time it was custom to pour libation for the gods in beginning of a new enterprise, be it a war campaign or construction of a temple or palace or even building a new house.
[He raises his glass.]
So, to us.
1/?
[Oh, it looks like a new telescope. For here or in space? Waver thinks likely for here because of the location and then that's confirmed a second later thanks to the slideshow. What kind of telescope will be interesting. He knows there's a variety that can measure different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. As will what they plan to research.
It's wall to wall people, and Waver has to admire the seasoned grace of the servers as they navigate the crowd without suffering any unfortunate collisions. Most of them in heels. One with canapes passes them by and another with champagne swings by Iskandar, and she barely spares a glance at the two now missing glasses from her tray as she melts into the crowd. A normal turn of events with this many people.
He takes the glass. Listens as Iskandar begins to speak.]
2/2
To us.
[... is he? Waver's hanging on the edge of anticipation, nearly trembling as he touches the ring on his left hand.]
Iskandar?
no subject
He knows.
Smile turning to a grin when he takes Waver’s hand, the one with the ring, and leads them through the crowd to the back exit.]
Come, let’s go outside for a moment.
[Of course, he knows. It’s Waver. There’s no way he wouldn’t find out. Iskandar is surprised it took so long for him to dismantle the deception. That he will, he had no doubts. It was only a matter of time. He was going to take him to Hawaii anyway. The party at the observatories just happened to be at the right time providing a completely plausible excuse.
There’s not a soul at that side of the building just a row of telescopes usually free for visitors to use, now all covered to protect them from the nighttime temperatures and humidity.
Far in the distance higher on the mountain shadows of the existing telescopes barely visible like ghosts of sleeping giants.
Above them the Milky Way stretches across the black. Light of its myriad of stars spilling over the night sky. The goddess connected to this constellation would not give them her blessing. If Hera ever find out Iskandar existed she would rather want him dead, not happily married. It doesn’t change the fact that she was divine protectress of marriages. That her stars shine above them now, Iskandar considers extremely auspicious.
It is this moment that he chooses to stop and turn to Waver before dropping to one knee with a smile that could rival the lighthouse of Faros.]
Since I’ve already gave you the ring there’s one more thing I want to do.
[He lifts Waver’s hand to his lips. Just a light kiss on those slender fingers.]
Waver, you are the light of my life, my star in the darkness, will you marry me?
no subject
It's not a common sight for a modern man like Waver, whose home is the city. He's never seen that cosmic band, sacred to so many deities in world religions, quite so clearly. The Silvery River of Heaven. That's how Grandmother referred to it once. In this area of the world there's a festival for it. It's known here in Japan as Tanabata.
They glow in Iskandar's eyes as he drops to a knee and a smile that could rival any supernova.
Then he asks, kisses Waver's fingers, and Waver's thundering heart explodes in joy and so many other emotions.]
Yes! Yes! Of course I'll marry you!
[And dives to kiss him, overcome, and incandescent in joy. This is... this is...
There are no words to describe the things he's feeling in this moment.
There's a weight in his suit pocket that reminds him that he has a ring to give.
After the kiss. After they come down from the high.]
Speaking of rings, I have something for you. [He laughs a little, overcome with everything.] I've been waiting for the right moment...
no subject
If I knew that means so much to you, I would have done it a lot, lot earlier...
But then there's no room for any more thought as Waver drops to kiss him and the world around them ceases to exists. Among the dark of the night, under the starry sky, all is light, all is bliss. It's simply beyond words.
Iskandar chuckles as Waver repeats the words he himself spoke when he gave him the ring.]
I suspected you might.
[He stands up lifting Waver with him. The air acquires more of a chilly bite with every minute they stay outside. Soon they'll have to hide in the warmth of the center but not yet.]
You were acting quite mysterious lately. Now I know why.
[As if he wasn't acting mysterious himself. The very fact that he was able to keep his surprise a secret up to the last moment is a source of incredible joy for him.]
no subject
It's joy upon joy. So bright it shines right out, as he smiles, cheeks pink and lashes fluttering.]
I got it for you before the change. I was just getting it sized when it happened.
[As he fishes out a small black box from his suit pocket as the kiss breaks and Iskandar lifts him up. He opens it, revealing a ring that's been restored to pristine condition, featuring Achilles and Chiron. They had had the same idea.]
You beat me to the punch. [A+ Rank Luck truly strikes. He knew he was plotting, but...] I was just figuring out how to ask...
[Because modern marriage traditions are not quite the same as ancient ones and he was trying to feel out how receptive Iskandar would be to the idea first. Question answered.]
no subject
So is Waver.]
It is splendid, thank you.
[He takes the ring, turns it around in his fingers a couple of times, just to have a better look, before putting it on. From this moment there can be no doubt they belong to each other. As if there ever was. Anyone who knows them would have to be blind no to see it. But now there is additional physical confirmation of it clearly advertising the fact for all to see and Iskandar is quite content with it.]
no subject
And another. And another.
Finally...]
I don't think I've ever been so happy.
[He shivers slightly as the breeze picks up on the mountainside. Servants are resistant to the elements, but that doesn't mean they don't feel them either. Yet he doesn't want to be chased inside yet; unwilling to leave the moment.]
no subject
Then I have achieved my objective.
[Cold rarely bothers him but Iskandar feels Waver shiver in his arms. Good thing then he still has his mantle. Red and gold fall down as Iskandar puts the mantle on Waver's shoulders. He smiles.]
It looks good on you, love.
no subject
Red and gold are my colors. [As a slight blush stains his cheeks at the compliment and he smiles up, suddenly a bit bashful.] What about you, though? Not cold?
[The night is deepening and they are high up. It's going to get colder the longer they stay out here.]