forum one on one! (experienced writer's preferably)

Started August 29, 2021 by @_luxlibson

tune

Not too sure about plot but really interested in an experienced, romance type plot!

Sure!!

Do you have any specific plots you're interested in? I usually am better at mxm if you're okay with that

We could maybe try some sort of Victorian Era? I've been really into Pride n Predjudice for no reason, and I feel like an old timey mxm could be so cute

Okay!! Let me post a character template and mine should be up in an hour or so :) then we can maybe start?

Name:
Age:
Gender:
Sexuality:
Class:
Appearance:
Personality:
Usual Attire:
Backstory:
Likes and Dislikes:
Other:

Here he is!

Name: Adler Jude Gray
Age: 19 years
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Bisexual, leans heavily towards men
Class: Upper class
Appearance: Adler has a charmingly boyish appearance, lean and lanky build with long, clumsy limbs. His height rounds off at about 5'10, less angular edges to his body and has softer features, as if he spends more time around the estate. His skin is tanned, olive complexion, save for a few freckles near his eye, nose and chin, with a darker signifying mark by the corner of his mouth. His features are structured, with a sharper jaw and high cheekbones, dark brows, his tawny eyes pulled in a narrowed almond shape and lined by thick, dark lashes, almost giving him a feminine appearance. Almost gives off an expensive appearance, face healthy and colored, signifying good food and home. He always seems to have a sleepy gaze, as if he's lost in his thoughts…or actually didn't get enough of sleep. Adler's hair is almost always in a mussed style, chestnut locks falling in thick waves, always has a bit of stubble along his jaw that he rarely acknowledges.
Personality: Adler could be described as aloof and a young soul, gentle and soft-spoken in his nature. He's artistic and feels deeply, soulful, charmingly charismatic. He can be quick to lose his patience and jump from project to project, gets attached and falls in love too easily, naive and quick to trust. Cares fiercely for his family and likes doing everything the easy way, even if that means doing nothing all day.
Usual Attire: Often in his family's colors; deep grays and olive greens. He often wears dark colored trousers or slacks, a simple mussed button up and some sort of woolen sweater around the estate, often paired with riding boots. He prefers to keep his appearance and attire comfortable around the house, usually forgetting to button a shirt or only tucking in one side. As for the public or family balls, he'll opt for a dark olive green tailcoat and flatter leather shoes.
Backstory: Adler was born into a higher class family, the Gray's, who have lived in Derbyshire for several generations, his ancestors specializing in medicine and apothecary work. He's lived quite a sheltered life, which has allowed him to develop a free spirited way around life, making him quite naive to outside problems but not entirely ignorant. As for sexuality, he's hidden from it and has covered his "urges" with several flings involving women, though finds it hard to entirely hide such an important part of his life away. His mother and father are not supportive of this kind of "behavior," and has been caught in an act when he was much younger with a boy by his mother…though she had never truly shared that story with Adler's father. These days, he's even more reluctant to share that part of himself with anyone and is planning on following in his father's footsteps.
Likes and Dislikes: Horseback riding, fog, his mother's scones, sweet perfume, soft leather, the smell of old books, cobblestone paths, playing violin.
Other: Some reference photos I used! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/845269423817432243/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/845269423817442075/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/845269423817442057/

Name: Julias Heir St. Worth
Age: 21
Gender: Male h/h
Sexuality: Very much gay
Class: Upper class, but.. well, none of the money is really his
Appearance: Curly raven black hair with hints of crimson that fall just above his brow, accompanied by deathly pale skin dotted with minimal freckles. He’s quite the skinny boy, yet he has broader shoulders and thinner legs, as well as a small waist. He has a sort of top-heavy frame, standing at roughly 6’3” and strikingly angular. Sunken grey eyes the color of factory smog, that always seem to have a longing for a far off place. Ju’s resting face is more sad or melancholic than you’d expect due to his calm demeanor, but there’s something about how his eyes droop and his fine brows press together when he’s just passively thinking. He constantly seems to be homesick, no matter where he is, and often acts as wistful as he looks.
Personality: Quiet, dark, calculating. Ju is a very dominant personality, assertive in his own nature and seemingly very confident. That’s simply because he couldn’t care less what other people think of him or how he acts. He doesn’t make rash decisions and always needs to flesh out the pros and cons of something before he does it. He’s not impulsive, but because he acts out of character sometimes, people coin him that term. In reality, is he wants to do something, he will have already planned for it, and all of it’s possible outcomes. Ju isn’t quiet in a stealth sort of way— more intimidating, than anything. You’ll never forget he’s there due to the sheer cold presence he brings to the table. However, despite all of this, when he cares for someone he cares very deeply. Beware, though; he constantly plans on losing those he gets close to, so he never lets himself dive fully deep.
Usual Attire: Long black coats with high collars, and fitted dark undergarments. He’s a fan of vests that have subtle designs, but designs nonetheless. A shocking amount of jewelry— all silver— including three small round earrings on each ear, and two cuffs. Also countless necklaces, chains, and bracelets. Despite how many he has, they still don’t seem to stand out much. They fit right in.
Backstory: He never knew his parents, and instead grew up with his little brother at an old woman’s house on the outskirts of the nearest town: Hollewin. The old woman mainly took care of the brothers, trying to offer them a good home. However, Ju, trying to help, got tangled in the wrong crowd of people. He was an errand boy for different “organizations” and often got in trouble with the law. He tried desperately to crawl out of that, but as of now he is still a wanted man.
Likes and Dislikes: Loves the rain, the sea (he wants to sail around the world someday), books, artwork, the little things in life, and people. He dislikes when people underestimate him or those he loves and HIGHLY dislikes when people give up too easily or roll over for others / let people step on them.
Other: His little brother’s name is Dawson (17 yrs old) and the old woman’s name is Shaiya (91 yrs)

(sorry this was so long!! Ju’s a new character of mine and i really love him so i wanted to do him justice^^)

Adler longed to stay in the morning fog.

He found himself more than reluctant to return to the estate, gaze faraway and numbed as he focused on the lawn's hazy horizon. The air was cold and brisk, cutting against his flushed cheeks, and the fog leaving a thin spray of moisture across his lips and mussed hair. It was comfortable–the numbing weather. The cold slipped between the folds of his coat and thick gloves, seeping in his softened leather boots. He felt secure, his hands tightly bound against his horse's reigns in a comfortable position, tight enough that his knuckles cracked. Being alone in the lawn was Adler's control. But dread for tonight filled the warmth of his chest, like a hot syrup he couldn't swallow all the way.

His parents hadn't been as discreet in their conversations as they had most likely intended. Unfortunately, the walls to the reading room were thin. Adler dreaded the possibility of courting several women tonight, each of esteemed value in the town…and to his mother. Balls were just an overwhelming fuzz of strong perfume, laughs, blonde girls, miles of tules and silk, all of which just left him confused and dazed. He longed for the smell of pine, fog, solitude in the morning air…not women.

Adler's soft brows stitched together in an expression that looked foreign on his boyish features, displeased with himself for not enjoying the company of pretty girls. He longed to be…normal? Ordinary. Exactly what his parent's wanted for him. The sentiment of not belonging created a nauseating tangle in his stomach, forcing him to release the thought and instead focus on the chestnut horse that trotted under him, watching the gravel road.

Now wasn't the time to focus on his apprehension. Lovely food, music, and friends. You'll be fine. Surely his cousins could keep him company if the night got stressful?

Adler nodded to himself in reassurance, fixing his grip on the reigns as he brought the horse to a faster trot. Tonight would be just fine…right?

Julias probably took too much time by the fence.
The metal dug into his back, no doubt leaving little criss-crossed imprints upon his shoulders, even through a thick coat and multiple layers of shirts beneath it. He couldn’t help it, though. He was tired.
Exhausted, even.
He’d been walking all night, soaked to his bones by the previous passing sheets of rain. Luckily, it had turned into a more passive mist— leaving the morning surprisingly arcadian. While Ju was inherently a critic, he found it easy to appreciate the simpler things. Like the way the early dew settled upon his collar and tips of his boots. The way he could feel the deep calm in his body, a serenity so clear and unhindered that he almost thought he could fall asleep. But alas, he just stood there, uncannily still as he watched droplets of water collect on his eye lashes. Though they flicked away as he looked up, passively watching a passerby on a horse, gravel crunching beneath its hooves.
Ju kept his gaze on the traveler crossing into the estate before him, simply appreciating the sight of another person. He found people so fascinating. This man, this random stranger, had a story to tell— he was on his way somewhere, and while Ju didn’t know where, he was sure it was grand. People were amazing like that. Everyone had their own purpose.
With silent reluctance, Julias looked down again, closing his eyes. He didn’t recognize the man— to no one’s surprise. This was a city entirely new to him, and while he was an avid wanderer, there were still places new to him. It was both exciting and irritating, because if people knew him in a city, it was either very good or extremely bad. Being wanted by the law and countless other “gangs” left him with only a few allies, so it was refreshing to enter a place where no one knew his name.
A town like this one, with flora down the cobble roads and the most verdant beauty he’d seen in a long while. He’d finally gotten here last night, slept for just a few hours under the tree which he currently stood, pressed against this same ornate metal fence. Was it a place for his future? Could he actually have a life outside of… well, his responsibilities?
He didn’t really know. And those were too hard of questions to answer right now.
So he just breathed in the cold air, leaned more of his weight on the gate, and basked in the morning fog.

Adler's eye was caught by a tall, lean man standing by the side of the gravel path as he brought his horse to a slower trot in order to pass. He appeared to be soaked to the bone, thick coats damp and dark, even more moisture collecting on the woolen strands from the morning air. It caught him by surprise, his tawny eyes widening in wonder and warm charisma. It had been a while since he had seen many people outside of the estate.

Adler slowed his horse down considerably, running a hand through his mussed, dark locks as he approached the new stranger. He wasn't exactly prepared to see someone this early in the morning, sleep still present on his young features and slight stubble on his jawline.

"Aren't you freezing out here, sir?" He called out into the brisk wind, pulling on his horse's reigns to come to a complete stop. Here, he was able to fully take in their appearance. The seemingly older man's gaze was nearly to Adler's abdomen, with long limbs and a cold stature and only signifying his height. But what caught him the most were those misty eyes, a piercing grey that seemed to hold Adler's own warm gaze. He had to force himself to look away. Staring was rude after all.

Julias was very used to being ignored. So much so that he barely even noticed when this mysterious traveler had changed his course. What raised his attention was the feeling of the pair of warm eyes on him, causing Ju to look up and meet them with a sort of practiced ease.
Ju didn’t, by any means, look relatively approachable. He had his arms across his chest, head hung low and legs crossed. A very closed-off sort of posture, but the way the traveler spoke caught him off guard. It had a lilt of genuine concern— something people hadn’t regarded Ju with in years.
Although it made sense. This man— well, boy Ju assumed, as he got closer— seemed younger and exploratory and there was a hint of curiosity to him as he regarded Julias’s soaked clothes. And of course, Ju had to admit, he admired it. He admired the sociability and blatant friendliness he was granted, despite the two being complete strangers.
But then again, Ju was sure that the boy didn’t know he was approaching a fugitive. And maybe he was also getting too philosophical again. Fair enough.

To be completely honest, Ju hadn’t really registered the cold. It was chilly, yes, but his mind had been occupied with countless other thoughts and hypotheticals.
“I…,” he trailed off, fishing for words. “I’m alright. Though, thank you for the concern.”
There was a raspy deepness to his tone, only one accomplished through lack of sleep and overexertion. Yet, he seemed genuine enough.

Adler tilted his head to the side in contemplation, continuing to eye the soaked clothing of the stranger below him. After a short pause, he began to dismount his horse, deciding it would be a bit more polite to be level with the man. By level, he meant several inches shorter.

"Well, I wouldn't want you to catch pneumonia out here," Adler started, placing his riding helmet at his hip as he looked up at the other man. His chestnut locks were mussed from the helmet, almost like permanent bedhead, which only rendered him to look more like the teenager he was. He continued to pause, taking in the stranger completely at the close proximity– the angles of his jaw, his light spray of freckles. Adler had to admit they were attractive, much to his displeasure of the immediate thought. He rushed to distract himself of the thought, words leaving his mouth before he could even fully comtemplate them.

"I happen to be apprenticing under a renowned doctor…so I happen to know what I'm saying." He added quickly with a soft grin, though his tone implied polite concern for the stranger in front of him. Surely, the estate wouldn't mind another passerby. And, Adler would finally have someone to treat…or help change clothes at least.

Julias tilted his head up and to the side, looking down at the boy with a furrowed brow. Not much emotion struck his face but he was inclined to question why there was such a sudden sense of politeness. It wasn’t often that people went out of their way for others just for the sake of it, but it happened every one in a million days. And Ju, old and waylaid, hoped that was today.
He inwardly smiled at the gesture. The boy before him seemed rather sincere and quite frankly, innocent. Ju even had it in him to call it cute, the way he leaned forward and smiled and tried to conceal the faint hints of.. excitement? Nerves? He didn’t know— Ju couldn’t really read it. Regardless, he still seemed casual, and it put the man totally at ease.
“A doctor, hm?” he asked, voice oddly debonair. And while Ju was never good at body language during first impressions, he couldn’t seem to break eye-contact with the boy. Ju still hadn’t moved, so insufferably still that even the tree behind him looked more active. He suddenly grew too aware of the water dripping from his hair, not quite slicked against his head but not too puffy either. Stiffly, he readjusted himself, folding his hands together.
“I promise you, I’ll be alright. Although, if you insist, I suppose I could use a change of…,” he glanced up at the clouded sky, “… scenery.”
It wasn’t raining yet, but Julias really didn’t want to take his chances. So in one swift motion, he held out his hand.
“But first I suppose I should introduce myself,” he began, offering a slight bow. When he stood back up, straightening out his posture, he was arguably even taller. “My name is… Ju.”
Using his nickname as a pseudonym was second nature to him now, even though anyone with more than one working braincell could probably piece it together.
He flicked his eyes back up, studying the man through dark lashes. “And you are, darling?”

Adler went to open his mouth, breath hitching at the notion of 'darling,' though he quickly shook his head to focus. It wasn't everyday that an attractive man called him that, but he had to remind himself what he was here to do. And, there's courting to do tonight. Lots. Of courting. He mustn't get distracted now, and Ju seemed to be a lot older than him anyways.

"Adler…Gray," he offered his name with a soft smile, grabbing his horses reigns and motioned for Ju to follow along the gravel pathway. He motioned to the large home at the edge of the horizon, the glow of light present in a few of the windows. "Across the lawn is our family estate. I'm sure we can find you a change of clothes and some shelter from the rain in the meantime." He added as a light sprinkling began to fall on the field, droplets coating his wavy locks in a bright sheen of moisture.

The pair began to move down the path before the darkening clouds would fully cover the lawn, and Adler was even more unsure of what to say. He had no problem extending favors to strangers, but Ju was a tad bit…intimidating. He pinned it on those startling eyes.

"If you don't mind me asking, why were you out here this morning? Usually the whole town is asleep and I can have the quiet to myself," Adler questioned, cocking his head towards the taller man as they walked side by side.

“It’s very kind of you, Alder,” Julias nearly hummed the name, beginning to follow him across the pathway. “My sincerest gratitude, really.”
His mind should have been more focused on the subject at hand, and the fact that he was following a stranger into his manor, but Ju was too amused at the little cues Alder gave him. The little pause he gave and the way he held himself— even the way he talked was interesting to watch and pay attention to. Of course, Ju kept that all to himself, face as stoic as ever as he stared forward. Yet there was still something oddly comforting about Alder’s presence by his side.

The sudden question had Ju pondering for a moment, clasping his hands behind his back as his coat flowed around him.
“I guess you could say I’m a traveler,” he began, voice more lively as he warmed up from the movement. “I was originally just passing through— you see, I arrived late last night. But… I suppose I took a liking to it. It’s a beautiful town, is it not?”
He paused for a moment, letting footsteps fill their silence.
“I’m sorry if I disturbed your early morning ride, love. I just wanted some peace and quiet myself.”
It was basically a lie through his teeth, but he didn’t necessarily care. This strange boy didn’t really need to know the details of it.
It was then he looked back down to Alder.
“Instead, it seems as though I’ve found some welcoming hands. Tell me, are all of the townsfolk as charming characters as you? If so, I may have just found a new place of residence. It doesn’t seem like it’d be too hard to live in a place like this.”
With his last line, he held out his hand with a gentle flourish, gesturing to the misty morning.

Adler would noticeably tense at every little name Julias would give him, mostly out of nerves that he was in the presence of an older man. He tried to shake it off, instead gripping the riding helmet at his side a little tighter in order to truly focus on what the other was saying.

"I do love Derbyshire," he replied, a thoughtful expression replacing his usual lopsided grin, a faint stitch appearing between his brows as he listened to Ju. "Though, I don't leave the house as much as I should. I stay at home and tend to my father's medical needs and mentorship most days. Or ride Apollo here." Adler added with a light smile, fondly smoothing a hand across his horse's back.

"The townsfolk–" Adler started, tilting his head to the side in thought as he rubbed the morning stubble across his jaw. "It depends what circle you're in. For me, it can be difficult surrounded by barons of every sort…or women that my mother wants to see me married off too." He added the final comment with a clear displeasure on his features as they approached the manor.

"There are upsides to living in certain circles, but also the downfalls of being pitted with fake smiles and actions from nobility that only live to please," he sighed with a final comment, a small yawn escaping his lips as he realized how truly tired he was. Thankfully, they arrived towards the back of the manor where Adler decided to let Apollo roam nearby, close to a water tank and salt block, making his way towards a back kitchen door. "Unfortunately, I'll have to spend my whole evening with those kinds of people at a ball tonight."

While Julias found Alder's reactions quite entertaining, he decided to ultimately lay off the little nicknames. He had gotten in such a habit of it down in one of the southern countries, a sketchy place he had to weave his way through with a silver tongue. This place, even the way Alder described it, seemed more tame. Like Julias could finally sit back a little, and relax. He wasn't one to usually let his guard down, but it seemed peaceful.

He listened intently, keeping his eyes on Alder as he bumbled around. Ju had to admit, he focused more on the sweet cadence of Alder's voice– the way he moved and how his face changed expression with each new addition to the thought. Maybe it was because it had been years since Julias had a normal conversation that he found himself enjoying the simplicity of it, and the charm that came with learning about mundane things.

"Oh, arranged marriage," Ju murmured, tone also mildly judgmental. "I've never understood it. It's been explained to me countless times, but I think people should fall in love… naturally. On their own time."
He stretched out his shoulders, stepping after Alder to the door, close in tow. "But, a ball? It seems nice you have that, at least. Socially draining, in my opinion, but making the most of it wouldn't prove detrimental. Who knows? Maybe you'll actually find someone who suits you."

Adler frowned softly, the expression strange on his usual alight features, but he nodded along with Julias. The thought of an arranged marriage tormented him, but he was willing to do what was necessary for the family. After all, he was his direct families only male lineage, setting his several cousins aside.

"The girls," he started with a sigh, though caught himself swiftly as the two entered the back kitchen. Adler didn't want to flat out say that none of them appealed to him, because he had surely had flings with a few, but he didn't find himself enamored with a single one. He was drawn to the tailcoats and officer badges at balls…much to his displeasure. "They are all agreeable–pretty– but I've yet to find the one. I've only just turned nineteen, so hopefully I'll still have a bit of time.

He motioned for Julias to sit down at the large wooden table in the back kitchen, where he was sure that none of the family would venture. Most likely, his cousins were getting dressed to head out to town before the ball, engrossed in lace and tule for the rest of the morning. No one could bother them. Adler headed out of the room for a few minutes before retrieving a large coat, new collared shirt and trousers that were several sizes too big on him, a sweet pine scent clinging to the olive green tones of the Gray family house.

"Why don't you put these on? We can dry your wet clothes by the fireplace, and in the meantime–" He trailed off, setting the stack of clothes on the table. Adler wasn't sure what he meant by and, but part of him wanted to spend more time with the older man. Something about his quiet confidence and hard gaze somehow set him at ease, as if there was more to unbox and learn.

"You'd be able to stay here for as long as you need–to be out of the rain of course," Adler explained slowly, careful to not make it too apparent he wanted Ju to linger…though he struggled evidently. Being around the Estate could be lonely without his cousins or riding companions. "Did you know that we have one of the best libraries in the county?"

Julias gracefully received the clothing, tucking it under an arm as he removed his coat. He slung it over his chair, resting his hand on one of the pegs.
Wet clothing was difficult to remove, and to make it worse, his cold hands slipped over the buttons on his shirt. The joints were stiff, fingers tingling as he tugged his vest off.

Luckily, his undershirt was still relatively dry, so he kept it on. Just a loose white top, missing the first three or so buttons to showcase the necklaces hanging on his chest. The sleeves synched at the wrists, leaving the fabric flowing quite effortlessly around his arms. Comfortable, of course, but still far from elegant.
He pulled on the shirt, dully noting how nice the components seemed. It was soft, warm, and dry– so much better than his previous clothes. He instantly felt more relaxed, body noticeably easing up.

"Do you, now?" he asked, obviously lighting up at the mention of a library. "Amazing– I'd love to see it."
He casually kept talking as he slipped off his pants. It didn't really matter, considering he had on knee-level undergarments, and long stockings that covered the rest. And even at the action, he didn't seem perturbed. Julias was inherently confident in himself and the way he looked, most of the time. And even if he wasn't, he really didn't care what people thought of him. That was their problem, not his.
He was sure it probably would have been more professional to do it elsewhere, but like he'd discovered before, he was exhausted. Exhausted and wet and so undisturbed by the external world that if he wanted warmth, he'd bend the knee for just about anything right here, right now.
"But, of course, I don't want to be a bother at all," he continued, adjusting the belt on the new slacks before he bent down to tie on his shoes again. Ju glanced up to Alder, nodding to the door. "It seems as though your family has plenty of work to do, if you have such an important event tonight. I wouldn't want to be dilatory."

Adler glanced down as Julias began to change, quickly busying himself with his own appearance in a means to give the other man more privacy. He ran a hand through his hair, which seemed to stay in a bedhead state no matter what, the evident sleep under his eyes proving that he didn't get too much rest. He saved for a few glances, trying to keep his features as stable as possible. He changed with his own mates all time, Julias shouldn't change anything.

"You wouldn't be a bother, most of my family should be out in town for business," Adler explained, pushing himself away from the kitchen counter he had been resting on. Julias was now wearing the new clothes, and his mind couldn't help but flit to how the dark green complimented the taller man. Stop! He scolded himself, realizing he had been starting intently at them, tawny eyes practically looking them up and down before he could glance away.

"Well–er– I could show you to that library then," Adler offered, running a hand through his wavy locks in nervous thought as he began towards the doorway. The pair exited the hall and were able to make their way towards the main room and staircase, lighting dim in the mahogany wood of the panelling, the ominous rainclouds outside casting a dark glow. He loved the cold weather, especially when he was sheltered at home, with the soft glow of the flax lamps and the smell of pine on the furniture.

"There, uh, should be a fireplace up there so you can warm up and escape the storm. I wouldn't want you out in that rain after all," Adler added, glancing towards Julias, who was nearly towering over the younger man in the hallway. Somehow, it didn't bother him to have a stranger in his home, perhaps out of young naiveness, or his gentle charisma…but any way, part of him hoped Julias didn't have any bad intentions.

(also a thought, should the storm continue and as Julias and Adler get more acquainted with another…he would possibly have to stay during the ball? ofc Adler would beg him to stay)