[ this suddenly feels too much like a game with hidden pitfalls, as if a careless word here and a casual misstep there might plunge him into the icy depths of the sea. he hardly feels the pinch to his cheek, too busy asking himself if he can really attend this party without getting into some sort of trouble, but the opportunity feels too good to pass up — and then there's the looming reality of their relationship being made public to the world, something he knew would have to take place eventually, but wanted to drag his feet on for a bit longer. ]
He doesn't know. Not really. I orchestrated a meet-cute to introduce the two of the, but I went as someone else. I have an... alter ego, if you will. Not being a Lantsov makes getting through certain situations easier for me. But, Alina —
[ he trails off, looking away as he thinks, his mind turning over possibilities as quickly as he discards them. briefly, his teeth catch his lower lip before he meets her eyes once more with a troubled gaze. ]
I know you value your privacy. And I don't want you to have to remain a secret. But it's one thing to introduce you to my family, and quite another to show up at a public gathering with people who run in the same accursed circles as they do. I'm proud to stand by your side, Alina, but I want you to know that this will change things. And I don't think you'll find that change will be for the better.
[ he can't help but feel as though this is the beginning of the end. it was for him and dominik, and he can see all the ways that alina will hate what's coming next. there are questions he needs to ask her, things he needs to tell her to prepare for, but he's silent as his chest sinks around a soft exhale, reaching for her hand to wind their fingers together. the weight of what goes unspoken hangs heavily between them. ]
I'll go with you. If you'll have me. [ a brief smile flickers over his lips, and then he presses a kiss to the top of her knee. ] I can't go to your board meetings with you, but at least in this you don't have to be alone. I'm with you, Alina. Always.
no subject
He doesn't know. Not really. I orchestrated a meet-cute to introduce the two of the, but I went as someone else. I have an... alter ego, if you will. Not being a Lantsov makes getting through certain situations easier for me. But, Alina —
[ he trails off, looking away as he thinks, his mind turning over possibilities as quickly as he discards them. briefly, his teeth catch his lower lip before he meets her eyes once more with a troubled gaze. ]
I know you value your privacy. And I don't want you to have to remain a secret. But it's one thing to introduce you to my family, and quite another to show up at a public gathering with people who run in the same accursed circles as they do. I'm proud to stand by your side, Alina, but I want you to know that this will change things. And I don't think you'll find that change will be for the better.
[ he can't help but feel as though this is the beginning of the end. it was for him and dominik, and he can see all the ways that alina will hate what's coming next. there are questions he needs to ask her, things he needs to tell her to prepare for, but he's silent as his chest sinks around a soft exhale, reaching for her hand to wind their fingers together. the weight of what goes unspoken hangs heavily between them. ]
I'll go with you. If you'll have me. [ a brief smile flickers over his lips, and then he presses a kiss to the top of her knee. ] I can't go to your board meetings with you, but at least in this you don't have to be alone. I'm with you, Alina. Always.