No, Lyney, I don't want to see your Magic Stick [Wriothesley x Lyney]

[CRYBABY]

The Duke did have a lovely smile, it was one of his most favored features personally and it garnered a lot of attention from others. Though in his opinion, there was nothing that compared to the shiny metal that illuminated Lyney's perfectly aligned teeth. With every smile he was gifted from the magician, Wriothesley couldn't help examining what was normally hidden by his lips. When Lyney first showed up in Meropide there was no metal adorning his teeth, Wriothesley rather liked this new addition. They were quite cute, making Lyney look more like a preteen than the successor to the House of the Hearth. He wondered what those would feel like against his--

Ahem. That's a child, Mr. Duke.

Curse his conscious.

Wriothesley agreed, being unable to note the subtle rose color that covered the boy's face he was unaware of the effect he had on the other. He relinquished Lyney from his grip, deciding to place his hand back on his hip while the other held the beautifully wrapped box. "I'm looking forward to it. See you around [enter time here idk]." When they departed the raven couldn't help but have a vague sinking feeling in his chest. Could it be that he enjoyed their interaction so much it was a shame to return to his mundane duties? Maybe it was deeper than that. The Duke hadn't become administrator of the Fortress of Meropide by sheer coincidence... trusting his gut feelings was something he had learned to value.

Later that evening when the fortress halls quieted down, Wriothesley was busy in his office preparing for his special guest. Reality had hit around mid day when he came back from lunch at the Cafe that his office was in no way presentable for guests. Sure, it was fine for anyone that came by for work reasons, but to have a calm evening with a friend..? Acquaintance? Business associate? He wasn't too sure what to call Lyney. Not like that was too important anyway, he had a lot of cleaning up to do before the magician arrived.

Luckily for Wriothesley, he had finished arranging his office appropriately by the time the boy knocked and entered. The Duke rose from his seat with the intention of greeting his guest at the door but when he heard the alluring click of heels against the stair case he let out a silent "Fuck." Did he truly expect Lyney to show up in the same outfit he saw him in that morning? Well, no, but he also didn't expect to feel so underdressed in his typical gray pants, black boots, and a red button down shirt with the sleeves folded up to his elbows.

He approached the edge of the stair case as he spoke. "No need, Lyney, you're right on time." His heart beat matching those clicks in anticipation of what he'd see when the boy reached the top.

[cynnabnnuy]

Wriothesley's added attention to his new metal made the magician shy back, embarrassed by his own mouth as he closed his lips again. He didn't hate it, he actually enjoyed the tension of the slow shifting, but that didn't make him any less self conscious or less frustrated he only had them because someone was blessed with straight teeth. Still, he nodded at the time offered and made sure he'd remember. Like he'd ever forget... Hah. Anyway, he was off with a bow and a smaller, less... bold smile as he made his way to go through the remaining processes required of him upon his entry.
It was a bit sad leaving the other, but the fact he'd be in his office within a few hours was enough to settle him. For now.

Reaching the office, he was no less composed externally and no more internally, his heart jittering in his chest as he made his way in. He couldn't wait, and while initially, he'd intended to remain by the door a moment, his excitement had him jogging up to the middle steps before he slowed. There was no need to look desperate, after all. Not yet, anyway. Still, he was pleased to see the other approach to greet him, his wider smile returning as he made a small flourish with his arms as he bowed.

He took notice of the clean office space as he reached the top step, wondering if the other was naturally tidy or if he'd cleaned just for him. Hopefully the latter... Although, he also noticed the same outfit the other had worn that morning and felt his hope drastically decrease. The other man wasn't treating it particularly special, not noticeably, at least, but he was still pleased to be there, stepping into the other's den.

"Wonderful!" Hands clasping together, he gave a soft laugh, lowering them together as he looked around again more openly. "Your office is a lot more... vast than I expected. Although, I suppose that's to be expected for someone of such importance." Humming lightly, his attention returned to the Duke, tongue grazing the center of his lips just slightly before the bottom one caught between his teeth a hint. It was barely noticeable, but nevertheless, upon taking in the room, he took a few steps from the stairs, not wanting to fall unintentionally as he approached Wriothesley. "It's a pleasure to be back in your presence, though, Your Grace. Thank you for allowing me your time." While the words were fully genuine, he left a playful lilt in them, his smile faux-innocence incarnate as he let lavender meet silver before speaking again. "I do hope your day wasn't too troublesome?" (Read: "How was work, honey?")

[CRYBABY]

Had Wriothesley been blessed with the ability to read minds like Lesser Lord Kusanali, he'd be horrified to know of Lyney's disappointment in his attire. Granted he looked good, he always did, it was hard to look bad with a physique like his BUT that didn't change the fact that he was still in his work clothes, probably still smelling like a day's work, and ... oh fuck was his hair brushed? Quickly Wriothesley swept his hand through his hair in a nonchalant attempt at making sure it wasn't standing up in any crazy fashion. For a moment he felt like an idiot. Hopefully he'd be able to redeem himself with deliciously brewed tea and engaging conversation.

As Lyney approached the final few steps a gentle smile spread on Wriothesley's face as he tried very hard not to drool. The boy looked stunning. His body was dangerous in that outfit, if the Duke didn't know any better he'd mistake the boy for being in his 20's... Lucky (or unlucky?) for them both Lyney's face still held it's boyish charm coupled with the braces to remind Wriothesley that he needed to behave.

"Ah, yes, the architect really outdid themselves with this room though there are days I wish I didn't have to climb all those stairs." he chuckled, eyes fixated on Lyney's lips. Had they been closer, Wriothesley may have absentmindedly reached out to run his finger along the slit, freeing his lip from the brief confinement. "You flatter me. Though I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to your visit all day," he motioned to the couch across from his desk, adorned with a knitted blanket Sige had made him last winter and a few decorative pillows, "Please have a seat. I'll put some music on." As the Duke moved to do just that, he continued to speak. "Same ol' same ol', to be honest. Not much excitement happens down here." Not exactly a lie but not exactly the truth either. When the Duke returned after putting on some low classical music--one of his favorites when trying to wind down-- he took a seat opposite Lyney and smiled once more. "And your day? I bet it was much more interesting than mine." he teased, shamelessly looking the magician from head to toe.

Archons he's pretty.

[cynnabnnuy]

Fuck, that man was too attractive for his own good... He'd certainly be able to redeem himself, but it was unlikely any conversing or tea was going to be what did it. Nevertheless, the man's smell (which was shockingly a good thing) and appearance were cast entirely when the man smiled so openly at the teen. Their heart twisted, making them falter just a moment before letting his smile widen a bit, a soft laugh escaping at the comment on the stairs. "I suppose that does make sense, doesn't it? The stairs do seem like quite a hassle, and they're certainly not a common choice for an office. It does make you far more intimidating, though." And fucking... incredibly sexy when he ascends or descends them purposefully...

But! Regardless of any thoughts on the stairs, the blonde noticed the other's eyes lingering just short of meeting his own. Did he have something on his face? Was his makeup smudged? Did something- Agh- no! It's fine, Lyney! Calm down.

His breath caught at the admission, though, his heart twisting as the man motioned to the seat offered to him as his face tinged more. Archons... he probably looked embarrassing... that's not how he wanted this to go! They were supposed to be suave and smooth! Not the attention seeking slut who had to stop themself from keening at the other's inadvertent praise!!! Lame!!

Taking the seat, though, he forced his smile to remain soft. "Thank you, sir. You're too kind. I'm glad the excitement was mutual." He wasn't actually too kind, Lyney was loving all the attention, however, they hummed quietly at the answer to their question. The one for him following that answer, paired with the other openly checking him out, though? They melted inside, biting their lip again slightly after pouting as the man seated himself across the small coffee table rather than beside him. "Ah- no, not really. Truthfully, I spent far too long picking an outfit and-" Words cut off before he embarrassed himself further, Lyney shook his head slightly and shifted on the couch, one hand resting on his lap while the other settled onto the cushion next to his, resting there as he debated patting it and asking the other to sit with him.

[CRYBABY]

"Does it?" he chuckled, recounting the few times he nearly tumbled down like a cartoon character when he'd lose his footing and go to grab the railing with his god damn phantom arm. It wasn't until he was adept to the prosthetic---like 5 months post Fuckening---did he resume descending the stairs in any sort of intimidating manner. No one tells you how losing an arm could possibly fuck up your balance but it sure does.

It wasn't obvious to the Duke that Lyney was anxious though he truthfully had no reason to be. Wriothesley was just as excited about this get together as the magician was, despite his stoic face probably saying otherwise. He was no stranger to informal gatherings, especially having been a prisoner himself he had a lot of supporters that he'd still entertain from time to time, but never did the Duke let his guard down. He was an administrator, the sole person responsible for all of the lives in the underworld, so even when he was having fun he was never as relaxed as he is right now in Lyney's company. Strange.

He noted the slight pout on Lyney's face when they took a seat, unsure what it could possibly mean. Was the atmosphere off? Did he not like the music Wriothesley chose? He'd offer to change it in a few, pretending it's not to his own taste as to not purposely out the magician. "Well, your time was not wasted in the slightest. You look stunning, Lyney. Though I'm not surprised with you being a representative of the House of the Hearth." he smiled teasingly, crossing one leg over the other as he rested his chin in his prosthetic hand. "Or am I to assume you got all dressed up just for me?"

[cynnabnnuy]

Stupid sexy man and his stupidly sexy laugh... ugh. "Mmhm, on occasion, I suppose." Trying to joke it off with a wink, the blonde forced themself to remain composed. They couldn't just geek out about the man sitting right in front of him like they were talking to one of their siblings, after all. But, of course, the duke just made them want to do that all the more, his outright compliment leaving the magician even more flustered. Flirting was one thing. Having someone flirt back? Having Wriothesley flirt with him? He could've died then and there!

"Ah? The reassurance is much appreciated, Your Grace." Voice light, sheepish, he paused at the final question posed, heart leaping into his throat. That was not at all fair! However, shifting to cross their leg over the other as well, they gave a vague motion with their hand. "Well, you could certainly assume that, I can't say I'm keen on stopping you from doing so." Trying to regain his bravado, Lyney purred his words in response before letting himself lean back on the sofa a bit. "Although, I can't say you'd be wrong either... It's not everyday I get to visit one of the most handsome bachelors in all of Teyvat, you know." Okay, that's a bit forward, but better that than getting all nervous, right? Right! Probably.