Shipping

[animatedsmoke]

Who: Potemkin and Ky Kiske
What: Potemkin has a wingman he never wanted.
When: Xrd-ish
Where: Various

Potemkin is the sort of person to assign some significance to dreams. What better medium is there for man to express his inner thoughts than a form of pure imagery and absurdity? However, the time has come for him to be exposed as a hypocrite, as he is sorely tempted to throw this one out. It took place in a vague location that he couldn't name or describe, but there was warmth, natural sunlight, and at his side the form of a man he respected very much, reclining on him like his body was as non threatening as the arm of a couch. It was pleasant, enough so that Potemkin woke up not dramatically, without shame or disgust. All that was of his reaction was a quiet moment of thinking. He had lain there, awake and in darkness, holding his own subconscious to judgement, if he really believed Ky would accept him like that. Or anyone would, for that matter.

He is perfectly fine never finding out.

"Potemkin, you know the importance of a warrior's heart, am I wrong?"

The Secret Service Agent slash Ambassador's attention is summoned the moment when he is called, in the personal office of the President of Zepp. So far it had been an ordinary day of duty. "Of course, sir. A man has no power worth using if nothing from the heart is at stake."

"And it's not worth it for a man to neglect the matters of his own heart. "

He's not sure where this is heading, but he holds his turn of the conversation, prepped to listen to every word coming from his commander.

"Potemkin, even the cadets who skip physical training can tell that you've come down with something. I, who have looking over you for many years, know these things on sight."

Somehow, despite not yet understanding what he could be referring to, Potemkin can feel dread chill his skin.

"You seem to be hoping that these feelings can be waited out, for months, for years, but I won't stand to watch you wait that long in solitude. Potemkin, you should know I welcome anyone who could offer my understudy companionship."

"Mister President!" Potemkin couldn't keep in a small outburst. Disrespectful, undoubtedly, but it's not like this is something that could possibly be happening. Another impossibility is that, although half his face is covered by his arms bent on the desk, Potemkin can swear that Gabriel is grinning behind those hands.

"Anyone, whether they be a Zeppian or an Illyrian, a serf or a king. But, these things can come with more complications than what is warranted. So I've taken the liberty to write a persuasive missive for you that accentuates your natural charm. No one on this earth could see this and not be convinced to at least check you out. An initial date should do for now."

Running will not help even if he could; Potemkin's legs have been frozen in place. Potemkin is cornered and facing the terrifying question that he doesn't know the man in front of him. Perhaps he never did.

"Sir, I don't think that's necessary - "

"Your input should have been asked for sooner. I had the transmission sent 35 minutes ago."


From the State Office of the Independent State of the Zepp Republic

It has come to my attention that the finest soldier of my personal guard holds affection for you, so great it weighs down the conscience to ignore. You've already been made familiar with his personage based on incidents in the past, but the occasion calls for a reintroduction.

Single, male, not overly antisocial but the quiet type. Requires little upkeep in terms of time or attention, since he is able to occupy himself with work or independent hobbies. Very little experience. He is a late bloomer in that respect, but like the blossoms that are earned from years of nurturing a flowering tree, it is a devotion more rewarding than any other. As someone who has placed the security of my life in his charge, I can state that your happiness will be the only thing on his mind. He is an impeccably neat man and does all his own housekeeping, and has a practical level of cooking.

Any further inquiry can be forwarded to this address.

Comments

[gearsexual]

To say Ky was surprised to see the message is an understatement. If it had come from anyone else, he would have thought it some sort of unusual prank. But President Gabriel was not the sort of man who would throw a trusted soldier's pride to the wind over something so frivolous. Which meant this was either a genuine message of interest or a message with a hidden meaning. It was rather difficult to tell; it wouldn't be unusual to receive the latter, after all, particularly if the message was one that couldn't be said aloud. Receiving a message of interest would be far more unusual in comparison.

But still. This is from President Gabriel. A decent and honorable man. If he had no choice but to disguise his letter this way, then surely he would use himself rather than his subordinate as the subject.

Well. Either way, Ky's interest is piqued. Wanting to get to the bottom of this, he responds positively and offers to schedule time to meet with the President's dear soldier. A date, a time, a place — preferably someplace private — and Ky would give his word to be there.