I gotta do it to em - the boys are back
The peace of a quiet evening observing Orpheus dance was suddenly broken by a voice at Corin’s side. He quickly turned, surprised by the intrusion.
As Corin faced the man, he was shocked to see Ilyas, removed from his previous discussion with a lady, and seemingly in worse spirits.
[color= #0E6251] “Ah, Keats, I seem to be asking myself the same.” [/color] Corin couldn’t help but smile at Ilyas’ tired expression. It seemed his conversation had not been a pleasant one.
In all honesty, Corin had been exhausted of the night as well despite having no sufficient conversations outside of his own kin. The smell of alcohol and the hustle of a crowded room was enough to peak his anxieties.
Instinctively, he reached out to embrace Ilyas, patting him on the back and resting his arm across Ilyas’ shoulder as he turned back to face the crowd.
[color= #0E6251] “A sea of hungry mamas…” [/color] Corin’s hand gestured to the other side of the room where each mother of the ton seemed to have gathered to gossip and chat about the festivities of the day.
[color= #0E6251] “A hoard of desperate young ladies…” [/color] Corin’s hand continued across, drawing Ilyas’ eyes to the young women standing apart from the group of dancers, their gazes each fixated on a man of their choice. Some, even landing on Ilyas and Corin.
[color= #0E6251] “And a young Duke to be…”[/color] Corin turned back to Ilyas, letting his arm fall from his shoulders. [color= #0E6251] “How you’ve managed all this time without me is a wonder.” [/color] Corin smirked, handing Ilyas a champagne flute from the table behind him.
[color= #0E6251] “It is good to see you, my friend.” [/color] Corin breathed. The relief he had felt upon seeing Ilyas was nothing compared to being fully reunited.
He had often considered Ilyas a brother where he, now, lacked one. It was as if his heart had always softened most around him, and his usually cold and hardened sensibilities seemed to melt away when they were together.
When Ilyas was around, Corin did not have to be Mr. Blackwood. He did not have to be a business man. He did not have to be a gentleman. He could be fully himself around Ilyas, but more than that, he could be kids again with Ilyas near.
And that feeling was more freeing than any of his travels had lent him.
mentioned :
Ilyas (@Madilfill)
and everyone’s mama…I know you’re gossiping old ladies I see you