[ Sylvain shows up a few short minutes later, looking a little rushed, but his expression brightens when he spots the familiar blond already at a booth. Waving to the server behind the counter in greeting - a sure sign that he's become a regular at this place already - he heads across the little cafe and sinks down across the table from Kaveh.
Amber eyes quickly catalogue what he finds there and he reaches out to brush his fingers against the back of Kaveh's hand as he offers him an apologetic smile. ]
[ Kaveh manages a smile when he sees Sylvain approaching, hurry and all. There's a part of him, perhaps, that wants to tell him he doesn't need to apologize, that he would have been okay if he were later. After all, it was quite a sudden agreement to meet upβ he's just grateful that the other offered to see him.
And later, he'll be embarrassed about it, but right now he can't quite help the way his hand turns, fingers lightly catch those that brush against his skin. ]
You didn't.
[ A pause, as he manages a smile. Despite everything he's going through, it's nice to see the other again. After all, the last time they interacted in a meaningful way, they believed they had feelings for one another. ]
[ He threads their fingers together for a moment, giving a light squeeze in reassurance as he smiles warmly at Kaveh and settles in across from him. And then just keeps their fingers tangled there, if the other man wants, since he seems comfortable with it. ]
It wasn't any trouble. I was happy for the chance to get out and have some tea anyway. Was there anything in particular you wanted to try or should we give the day's special a go? I've been experimenting with the blends they make here - some of them are very different than the kinds I'm used to, but it's been pretty fun trying new ones.
[ Kaveh finds his expression relaxes a little when the other squeezes his hand. He manages another small smile in return, squeezes his hand backβ and when Sylvain just leaves their hands like that, he doesn't protest. If anything, it's a comfort, one he sorely needs right now.
And as for tea... ]
I'm willing to try anything. If you said they make things that are kind of different, it might be fun for me to try too.
[ His smile wobbles a little on his face. He's not really sure what "fun" is right now. But he's glad that the other is here with him, at least. ]
[ He sees that smile wobble and feels his heart clench in reaction. Giving Kaveh's hand one more squeeze, he slides out of the booth again. ]
Then let me get us a sampler of something to try. I'll be right back.
[ he heads up to the counter, exchanging a few words with the server there and comes back a moment later with a tray holding a steaming teapot, a pair of cups, and a small line of bottles holding a mixture of different dried teas to sample.
He sets it down on the table, but this time, he slides in beside the other man instead of settling across from him again. It has his thigh pressing warmly against Kaveh's as he casts him a warm smile and a wink. ]
Here we go. A flavor for every occasion. Shall we see what we like?
[ There's a single moment where, after Sylvain says he'll be right back and stands, Kaveh nearly chases after him. A strange moment, perhaps, one drenched in fears that don't make senseβ and yet it's very real for him, making him cringe and hesitate in embarrassment even as the other comes back within minutes, a laden tray in his hands and a kindness in the way he slides in to share the booth with Kaveh, rather than sit across from him.
Embarrassed, the blonde says nothing of what was very nearly a reaction, instead just offering Sylvain another smile and leaning into him, gratitude on his face and in the way he nudges his thigh back against the other's. ]
Y-yeah. That sounds like a nice idea. There are... so many different flavors here.
[ He looks along the bottles, brows lifting to see that some of the names are flowers from closer to home, too. ]
Could we try the padisarah first? That's a flower from back home. We make custards from it... I imagine this would be really sweet and flavorful.
[ Stretching an arm out around the back of the booth, he tucks Kaveh in against his side when he presses closer, smiling down at him gentle and letting him peruse the blends of teas he'd brought over it.
Humming thoughtfully at the sound of a flower he's never heard before, he plucks up the little bottle and takes a curious sniff. ]
Huh. Well, that's one I've not tried before. I don't think we have that flower in my world - or at least not in my area of it. It doesn't smell familiar. Sure, let's start with this one.
[ He carefully sets about brewing the tea, movements comfortable and sure, speaking to someone who's done this so many times he can do it without even thinking. Then again, tea was something he'd taken pretty seriously even back home. Finding new and unexplored options here had been one of the more pleasant perks of this place, he'd found. ]
[ Kaveh enjoys tea a lot. Realistically, it probably comes second to coffee for him, but coffee isn't really something he wants to think too much about drinking right now. And besides, before Alhaitham got him hooked on the stuff anyway, tea was almost all he drank, so...
He's content to sit back and watch Sylvain brew the drink for them, finding something soothing about the practiced way the other man moves as he does so. And as for his question... Kaveh nods, allowing himself to settle a little more against the other, perhaps a little selfish about the way he absorbs his time and comfort, at least for now. ]
Definitely. It's creamy and sweet, all things a good dessert should be... [ A pause, as his teeth worry at his lower lip. ] Actually, if you find you enjoy the taste, I'd be happy to try and make it for you. Knowing we can get the flower here in some form is a good start.
[ He glances over at the other man, where he leans against his side, and casts him a crooked smile in amused interest. ]
I have no objections to that. Unless, of course, you're a terrible cook. But I'm a fan of trying new foods. It's one of my favorite things about this place. Faerghus, my country, isn't exactly known for a very creative or diverse cuisine.
[ And he tended to have a fondness for bold flavors and spices that couldn't easily be found within its borders. ]
[ Despite himself, he laughsβ genuine and warm, without for a few moments the dull, haunted look on his face. One elbow bends, a gentle nudge at Sylvain's side, and he looksβ playfullyβ like he's been grievously offended. ]
Of course I'm not a terrible cook! I wouldn't have offered, otherwise.
[ The look fades into a soft, gentle smile. ]
Sumeru is the region of Teyvat I'm from. We're known for all sorts of interesting things. I'd be more than happy to introduce you to it. [ A pause, and a sheepish smile. ] I hope you like spice. A lot of our foods are quite... strong.
[ He's actually heard of Sumeru before, and surprise lights on his face for a moment. ]
Wait, Sumeru? Did you know Tighnari? Wasn't he from there, too? [ He'd been one of the first people Sylvain had met in this place, and they'd talked quite a bit about the other man's home. It had sounded very much of what Sylvain had read about Brigid.
It's also not the first time he'd heard of Teyvat. He's met several people from there now. Then again, there had been several people from Fodlan here as well, now. He wondered if most people had big shared worlds like this? Or why, those from there, so often seemed to know one another, even if from far away. That seemed like a strange coincidence... ]
I don't mind a bit of spice. I prefer it, actually, even if I've not had the chance to try so many of them. My country does not have a lot of spices, unfortunately, but the territories neighboring it is fond of them, and I've always been fond of trying new dishes, especially ones with bold flavors.
[ Kaveh's face, perhaps, doesn't do quite what Sylvain expects it to do, when he mentions Sumeru and Tighnari. He's had his suspicions for a while that his best friend has gone the same way as Alhaitham, but he hasn't dared to check, afraid of what it might do to his heart. But the way Sylvain speaks...
He files it to the side for a moment, forcing himself to focus on the rest of what the other man says. He can answer, talk about foods and spices, and then go back to Nari...
A hard swallow. ]
Then it's settled. I'll cook for you sometime. I admit I'm not the biggest fan of hot spices myself, but I've been told before that my definition of "hot" is different to someone who isn't accustomed to it. So I suppose that's something to keep in mind.
[ There's only so long, though, before he has to come back to the first thing Sylvain said. ]
Tighnari is my best friend. I... I messaged him, when Alhaitham disappeared, and I never heard back. [ His eyes drop. ] I've been too afraid to look into why, but based on what you said... He's gone too, isn't he.
[ Silently cursing himself for sticking his foot in it again, Sylvain hesitates a moment, but that expression on Kavehβs face has him moving. Shifting to angle himself towards the blond a little more, he wraps his arms around him and draws him in against his chest. ]
I donβt know. [ Itβs an honest answer, even if itβs not the one he wants to give. ] I havenβt seen or heard from him in a while, though. He might be. I can look into it for you?
[ But as often as heβd seen Tighnari in those first few weeks, followed abruptly byβ¦ nothing. Heβs pretty sure they both know the answer to that already. As much as he wishes he could give Kaveh a better one. ]
[ His smile is sad, and it falters even as he shakes his head, reaching to lay a hand across Sylvain's forearm. ]
No... no, you. You don't need to. He's not the sort to have stopped reaching out to me for any other reason, so...
[ A close of Kaveh's eyes as he swallows again, trying to process the news. He hates thisβ ]
I need to focus on the people who are here, don't I. If I keep thinking about the people who're gone, I'm gonna find myself in trouble. With my suit mark, or the statues, or something...
[ He keeps wrapped closely around the other man, pressing a kiss to the top of his head before resting his chin there, keeping Kaveh tucked warmly against his chest. His hand slides slowly up and down the manβs spine. ]
I know how hard that can be. But youβre not here alone. Just keep reminding yourself of that, okay? You might not have known us before you came here, but you do have people here who care about you. People you can reach out to, whenever you need us.
[ He reaches down, sliding a finger under Kavehβs chin and tipping his head up to meet his gaze, his own quietly earnest. ] Tell me youβll remember that?
[ Kaveh takes a breath, his expression soft as Sylvain first presses a kiss to his head, and then tucks his chin up to force the other to look at him. The earnestness in the redhead's gaze takes him aback a little, and for a moment he can only look at him before he, slowly, nods. ]
Y-yeah. I. I'll do my best to remember it. [ His smile is a little shaky. ] Historically, I'm not the greatest at reaching out to others when I need help. But... I really will try. I'll do my best. Is... that okay?
[ The sincerity in the other man's face makes him want to cry, but he holds himself together for now. ]
[ He gives him a warm smile as he tucks him close once more, seeing the waver in that smile, the way he struggles with his emotions. Sylvain can't do anything about the cause of that, but at least he can offer Kaveh a place to hide away for a bit - and to not feel alone for it. ]
I'll just have to make sure I'm pestering you with annoying frequency in the meantime, hmm? [ It's said with light teasing as he tugs on a wayward lock of blond hair.
Glancing around them, then down at the sampler before them, he thinks of something else. Or perhaps a way for this to be a little more comfortable for the other man. ] Why don't we take the tea back to one of our rooms? We can relax there for a while and visit, if you like? It might be a little more comfortable than here.
[ The laugh that finds Kaveh's lips comes surprisingly easy. The idea that the redhead might pester him to the point of being annoying is somewhat unbelievable, if only because he doesn't find Sylvain annoying. But it's a nice thought too, that someone might want to reach out to him, to look out for him enough that they would do that. He's even a little bashful as he runs fingers through his hair, smiling.
And to the other's suggestion, he nods. Being out of the public eye sounds nice, especially when it's with someone he knows he can trust. And with both of them having reasonable enough suites, he knows they'll be comfortable. ]
That sounds good, yeah. [ A pause, and then: ] Would it be okay to go to yours? Mine's... a bit of a mess right now.
[ If strewn, half-hidden bottles of wine count as a mess, anyway. ]
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indigently) wrote2024-02-11 08:55 pm
no subject
Amber eyes quickly catalogue what he finds there and he reaches out to brush his fingers against the back of Kaveh's hand as he offers him an apologetic smile. ]
Hey. I didn't keep you waiting long, did I?
no subject
And later, he'll be embarrassed about it, but right now he can't quite help the way his hand turns, fingers lightly catch those that brush against his skin. ]
You didn't.
[ A pause, as he manages a smile. Despite everything he's going through, it's nice to see the other again. After all, the last time they interacted in a meaningful way, they believed they had feelings for one another. ]
Thanks. For coming so quickly.
no subject
It wasn't any trouble. I was happy for the chance to get out and have some tea anyway. Was there anything in particular you wanted to try or should we give the day's special a go? I've been experimenting with the blends they make here - some of them are very different than the kinds I'm used to, but it's been pretty fun trying new ones.
no subject
And as for tea... ]
I'm willing to try anything. If you said they make things that are kind of different, it might be fun for me to try too.
[ His smile wobbles a little on his face. He's not really sure what "fun" is right now. But he's glad that the other is here with him, at least. ]
no subject
Then let me get us a sampler of something to try. I'll be right back.
[ he heads up to the counter, exchanging a few words with the server there and comes back a moment later with a tray holding a steaming teapot, a pair of cups, and a small line of bottles holding a mixture of different dried teas to sample.
He sets it down on the table, but this time, he slides in beside the other man instead of settling across from him again. It has his thigh pressing warmly against Kaveh's as he casts him a warm smile and a wink. ]
Here we go. A flavor for every occasion. Shall we see what we like?
no subject
Embarrassed, the blonde says nothing of what was very nearly a reaction, instead just offering Sylvain another smile and leaning into him, gratitude on his face and in the way he nudges his thigh back against the other's. ]
Y-yeah. That sounds like a nice idea. There are... so many different flavors here.
[ He looks along the bottles, brows lifting to see that some of the names are flowers from closer to home, too. ]
Could we try the padisarah first? That's a flower from back home. We make custards from it... I imagine this would be really sweet and flavorful.
no subject
Humming thoughtfully at the sound of a flower he's never heard before, he plucks up the little bottle and takes a curious sniff. ]
Huh. Well, that's one I've not tried before. I don't think we have that flower in my world - or at least not in my area of it. It doesn't smell familiar. Sure, let's start with this one.
[ He carefully sets about brewing the tea, movements comfortable and sure, speaking to someone who's done this so many times he can do it without even thinking. Then again, tea was something he'd taken pretty seriously even back home. Finding new and unexplored options here had been one of the more pleasant perks of this place, he'd found. ]
Is that one of the foods you like? This custard?
no subject
He's content to sit back and watch Sylvain brew the drink for them, finding something soothing about the practiced way the other man moves as he does so. And as for his question... Kaveh nods, allowing himself to settle a little more against the other, perhaps a little selfish about the way he absorbs his time and comfort, at least for now. ]
Definitely. It's creamy and sweet, all things a good dessert should be... [ A pause, as his teeth worry at his lower lip. ] Actually, if you find you enjoy the taste, I'd be happy to try and make it for you. Knowing we can get the flower here in some form is a good start.
no subject
I have no objections to that. Unless, of course, you're a terrible cook. But I'm a fan of trying new foods. It's one of my favorite things about this place. Faerghus, my country, isn't exactly known for a very creative or diverse cuisine.
[ And he tended to have a fondness for bold flavors and spices that couldn't easily be found within its borders. ]
no subject
Of course I'm not a terrible cook! I wouldn't have offered, otherwise.
[ The look fades into a soft, gentle smile. ]
Sumeru is the region of Teyvat I'm from. We're known for all sorts of interesting things. I'd be more than happy to introduce you to it. [ A pause, and a sheepish smile. ] I hope you like spice. A lot of our foods are quite... strong.
no subject
Wait, Sumeru? Did you know Tighnari? Wasn't he from there, too? [ He'd been one of the first people Sylvain had met in this place, and they'd talked quite a bit about the other man's home. It had sounded very much of what Sylvain had read about Brigid.
It's also not the first time he'd heard of Teyvat. He's met several people from there now. Then again, there had been several people from Fodlan here as well, now. He wondered if most people had big shared worlds like this? Or why, those from there, so often seemed to know one another, even if from far away. That seemed like a strange coincidence... ]
I don't mind a bit of spice. I prefer it, actually, even if I've not had the chance to try so many of them. My country does not have a lot of spices, unfortunately, but the territories neighboring it is fond of them, and I've always been fond of trying new dishes, especially ones with bold flavors.
no subject
He files it to the side for a moment, forcing himself to focus on the rest of what the other man says. He can answer, talk about foods and spices, and then go back to Nari...
A hard swallow. ]
Then it's settled. I'll cook for you sometime. I admit I'm not the biggest fan of hot spices myself, but I've been told before that my definition of "hot" is different to someone who isn't accustomed to it. So I suppose that's something to keep in mind.
[ There's only so long, though, before he has to come back to the first thing Sylvain said. ]
Tighnari is my best friend. I... I messaged him, when Alhaitham disappeared, and I never heard back. [ His eyes drop. ] I've been too afraid to look into why, but based on what you said... He's gone too, isn't he.
no subject
I donβt know. [ Itβs an honest answer, even if itβs not the one he wants to give. ] I havenβt seen or heard from him in a while, though. He might be. I can look into it for you?
[ But as often as heβd seen Tighnari in those first few weeks, followed abruptly byβ¦ nothing. Heβs pretty sure they both know the answer to that already. As much as he wishes he could give Kaveh a better one. ]
no subject
No... no, you. You don't need to. He's not the sort to have stopped reaching out to me for any other reason, so...
[ A close of Kaveh's eyes as he swallows again, trying to process the news. He hates thisβ ]
I need to focus on the people who are here, don't I. If I keep thinking about the people who're gone, I'm gonna find myself in trouble. With my suit mark, or the statues, or something...
no subject
I know how hard that can be. But youβre not here alone. Just keep reminding yourself of that, okay? You might not have known us before you came here, but you do have people here who care about you. People you can reach out to, whenever you need us.
[ He reaches down, sliding a finger under Kavehβs chin and tipping his head up to meet his gaze, his own quietly earnest. ] Tell me youβll remember that?
no subject
Y-yeah. I. I'll do my best to remember it. [ His smile is a little shaky. ] Historically, I'm not the greatest at reaching out to others when I need help. But... I really will try. I'll do my best. Is... that okay?
[ The sincerity in the other man's face makes him want to cry, but he holds himself together for now. ]
no subject
[ He gives him a warm smile as he tucks him close once more, seeing the waver in that smile, the way he struggles with his emotions. Sylvain can't do anything about the cause of that, but at least he can offer Kaveh a place to hide away for a bit - and to not feel alone for it. ]
I'll just have to make sure I'm pestering you with annoying frequency in the meantime, hmm? [ It's said with light teasing as he tugs on a wayward lock of blond hair.
Glancing around them, then down at the sampler before them, he thinks of something else. Or perhaps a way for this to be a little more comfortable for the other man. ] Why don't we take the tea back to one of our rooms? We can relax there for a while and visit, if you like? It might be a little more comfortable than here.
no subject
And to the other's suggestion, he nods. Being out of the public eye sounds nice, especially when it's with someone he knows he can trust. And with both of them having reasonable enough suites, he knows they'll be comfortable. ]
That sounds good, yeah. [ A pause, and then: ] Would it be okay to go to yours? Mine's... a bit of a mess right now.
[ If strewn, half-hidden bottles of wine count as a mess, anyway. ]
no subject
But he just offers Kaveh a warm smile as he nods, and pushes out of the booth, offering Kaveh his hand. ]
Yeah, we can go to mine. It's not far. Come on.