𝒪𝓅𝑒𝓃 𝓅𝑜𝓈𝓉 🏛️

[indigently]

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[localgrandma]

[Meanwhile, here Faruzan was trying to set everything up! Granted, she didn't know if Kaveh would enjoy her cooking or not as she hadn't had much time for herself lately. Between trying to get a class started and researching various other things, it was a miracle that she managed to have enough money to buy the ingredients she wanted!

Granted, she had to wonder if she might have pushed him a little too far. She only heard of him before the tournament and knew of his issues from rumors. But the least she could do was help him out, right? So when she heard a knock on the door, she wasted no time. As she opened it, she flashed a smile before gesturing him to come inside.]

Ah, Kaveh, welcome! Please make yourself feel welcomed here!

[indigently]

[ In the end, it's not going to matter to Kaveh if Faruzan's food is sent from the gods, or from the Abyss. The truth is that, despite the awkwardness and embarrassment inherent in the whole thing, he's immensely grateful that his senior cares enough to pay attention to his troubles.

Besides, he's sure she has worries of her own. Maybe he can find a way to help her, too.

He offers a small smile when she opens the door, a nod of acceptance and gratitude, and he holds out the sharbat for her. ]

Thank you. I brought a drink. I'm not sure if you enjoy sharbat greatly, but I know it's... something of a classic. [ It's the politest way he can find to say "years and years old". He knows that Faruzan isn't backward about coming forward when it comes to her history, but the word still feels impolite. And despite his occasional reputation as something of a loud troublemaker, he's genuinely not— ]

Either way, it will go well with dinner.

[localgrandma]

[In return, she raised an eyebrow. Here, she was simply doing it as a way to help her junior out. Not after losing her own family, she didn't want others to feel as though she didn't care. It was the opposite really, even if he had a weird way of showing it.

And yet, she wasn't prepared for him to do something in return. Even with his wording, all she could do was chuckle a little. Waving her hand in front of her face, she found it rather amusing.]

Ah, thank you, you sure know how to treat your elders well! What polite manners you have!

[She said before making her way toward a table and gesturing for her guest to sit down. Once she did so, that's when she went back to the kitchen to get things ready.] Now tell me, has your day been well?

[indigently]

[ Despite himself, he smiles at the compliment; as embarrassing as this whole debacle is, he prides himself on being respectful towards his elders (even if he's forever bemoaning the lack of respect he gets from his own juniors). He sits as instructed— even if he thinks he should offer to help her out in the kitchen— and frowns as she asks how his day has been.

How has his day been? There's been a walk of shame after a night that was nowhere near rough enough for his liking, an argumentative client, a check-in from Dori's people that felt almost like a threat, and then a truly bewildering conversation—

...Mm, he's not going to share all of that. And so Kaveh smiles, the expression a little thinner than he might otherwise like. ]

It's perhaps simplest to say that it's been eventful, [ he replies, eventually. ] What of your day, senior?

[localgrandma]

[As she gathered the dishes and placed them down, she raised an eyebrow at his expression. Oh dear, did she say the wrong thing? Perhaps she did given his bad luck as of late. With a sigh, she decided not to push it.]

Eventful, you say? All I could hope is that it wasn't too difficult for you.

[And she'll leave it at that. If he wishes to continue, he could. But as she gave a pause, she pondered to herself.]

As for my day, I spent most of the day trying to research what is the newest trend. I was rather surprised that most people would much rather learn about cats than reading literature.

[After setting up the dishes, she went back to grab her pot.] Youngsters these days are interesting.

[indigently]

[ He doesn't catch her raised brow— probably for the best, lest he feel guilty about worrying her. Thankfully for both of them, her subject change is smooth, and Kaveh finds himself laughing, shaking his head. Yes, he's well aware that she's been trying to find out what the so-called "youngsters" are into, a result of his own encounter with her questioning. But her findings make him shake his head. ]

Cats are wonderful creatures, but a good book is nothing to sneeze at either. On the other hand, I'd argue that balance is important, lest you turn out like certain people of mutual acquaintance. Perhaps you're asking scholars who are simply tired of being forced to pore through book after book for their theses?

[ A pause, and Kaveh tilts his head a little, curiosity written over his expression. ]

Madam Faruzan, is it too rude of me to ask why you have so many concerns about modernity? People respect you for your experiences, and I don't think anyone would judge you for not knowing something...

[localgrandma]

[Once the pot made its way to the table, she had to stop and stare at Kaveh. He was right, there were people who wouldn't care if she didn't know much about the modern world. If anything, they would be impressed that she managed to live this long with how advanced everything was compared to how she lived.

With a sigh, she shook her head.]

No, it isn't. It's simply me trying to understand how people are as I wish to get to know them better.

[After losing her family and friends, she just wanted to know how she could connect with others again She had spent far too long in her studies to really pay much attention to her family and now that they were gone? It just served as a reminder to keep those who she cared about closer. Regardless, she gave a smile.]

Now that is a far simpler answer than you would expect, no?

[indigently]

[ ...

It's true: Madam Faruzan's answer is not what Kaveh expected; it's far from it, and it makes his heart ache with grief and shame. In his desperation to keep his own secrets, he's been so fast to shut down her questions, to shy away from anything she might ask him... and all she seeks is to know people better, to understand them.

He's been so terribly selfish.

He manages a smile in response, although it trembles on his lips for a moment until it strengthens into something proper. ]

I haven't exactly been helpful with that, have I? And you've been so kind as to treat me to dinner... [ A breath steadies him, allows him to continue. ] In that case, senior, you may ask me anything you want. Even if I've already refused to answer it. I'll answer honestly.

[ Guilt is dangerous. But... she already knows the worst of his secrets, at least to some degree. ]

[localgrandma]

[It was the pause that made Faruzan raise an eyebrow or two. Was it really that surprising she wanted to get to know people better? Granted, she knew that her approach wasn't the best but it doesn't mean that she didn't care.

She just wanted to find a way to connect with others after nearly a century of being trapped in the ruins.]

Oh nonsense, there isn't anything you have to apologize for. You feel as though you have offended me when there is none!

[That and she already heard the worst from others anyway. Either way, she gave a chuckle or two before waving the dish above her to let it cool down.]

Any reason why do you feel the need to do so?

[indigently]

Why I feel the need to open up? [ There's no hiding the slight strain to his smile as he shakes his head. At the very least, his discomfort distracts him from the way Faruzan waves the dish above her head to cool it, something that might otherwise make him raise his brows in confusion. ] It's not that I'm worried I've offended you. If I had, you wouldn't have invited me over. But....

[ He shrugs. ]

It's hard to explain, but I feel as if I second-guessed your intentions. I was too busy protecting myself to seek to understand why you were asking those questions of me. And... one good turn deserves another, wouldn't you say?

[localgrandma]

More that I was asking as though you feel the need to apologize. I'm glad that you have manners but there is nothing to fret over as I have heard worse.

[As she lets the dish cool, she didn't raise an eyebrow or two at his expression. While she might be behind the times, she knew when someone was clearly upset.]

But it's quite alright to second guess my intentions. It is human nature to always doubt what the other is thinking. It's only until you get to know them that you truly understand.

[Pause]

I certainly hope you youngsters have learned how to communicate properly!

[indigently]

[ His smile is awkward. Why did he feel the need to apologize? Why, because he has a case of eternal guilt, of course. His privacy is sacred, more important than anything else— and yet he also feels for Faruzan, for her situation, for how he may have made her feel by rejecting her questions so harshly.

And yet she's as kind as always, leaving him to falter, for his smile to become gradually more genuine, turning after a moment into a laugh. ]

I would say some are better than others, when it comes to communication. I— [ He shakes his head. ] Well, as you could probably tell from the message I sent you accidentally today, I could stand to be a little more forward with my own.

[localgrandma]

Then it just means that we need some more practice.

[But then again, based on what she already knew from him and what she knew now? She had a feeling this would be an ongoing problem. However, she won't push it. Instead, she'll focus on their dinner.

Now that it seemed to cool down a little, she grabbed a plate before attempting to grab some with spoon.]

Besides, you'll find that I am not one who is easily offended. Just call me Madam and I think you'll see I'm rather agreeable!

[..................................for the most part.]

[indigently]

[ He watches her serve the dish for a moment, before realizing that he should do his part, grabbing the bottle he brought so that he can pour it into glasses for them.

And he laughs again at the statement she makes, his smile gently amused. Oh, he's well aware of the respect that she expects from her great many juniors— but as far as he's concerned, it's well-deserved. She has an understanding of a great many topics, and unlike most Haravatat scholars (at least in his opinion), she sees the value in machines. ]

I've never found you to not be agreeable, [ he admits with a smile. But perhaps that's because he's also the type to respect the relationship between seniors and juniors. ]

[localgrandma]

I certainly hope so. If I weren't, I would never be able to get any students now, would I?

[She gave a chuckle or two before looking wearing a proud smile. Even if she might not be able to understand what these youngers are into these days, the very least she could do was treat them nicely right?]

Although, I would say the same for you. You seem to be a rather agreeable fellow yourself!

[indigently]

[ Immediately, Kaveh's eyes widen. Faruzan's choice of words seems to him to indicate that she has been successful in finding her first students, which is wonderful news— he knows that she's been having trouble for some time, what with her Haravatat name and her technological prowess.

He smiles, her own compliment going past him completely as he focuses on her. ]

Madam Faruzan, you were able to find students?

[localgrandma]

[Yeah, about that? It was then her mood slightly soured. While she dared not to let her emotions get the better of her, she couldn't help it. With a sigh, she shook her head.]

No, I'm afraid not but it just means that I'll have to find out what these youngsters are into! Although, I have to admit, I would much rather teach them some of the things most do not know about.

[After all, someone has to keep that information going, right?]

[indigently]

[ Kaveh sighs. He hates that she's having so much trouble. She's a lovely person, and she has so much knowledge to share—

He frowns. How is he meant to help someone in this situation? Of course he can make sure to spread her good name everywhere, but... ]

I know I am already a graduate. But... perhaps you would consider teaching me. I gained some small capability with ancient languages during an old research project, and I have to admit the subject was interesting.

[ Plus, he has a feeling it would irk the hell out of that guy to know Kaveh is learning linguistics from anyone other than him. ]

In return, I'd be happy to tell you more you want to know.

[localgrandma]

[For a moment, Faruzan stared at him as though he had said something odd. Although, he had truly did so. She didn't think about teaching him as it seems like he had a lot to do. At the same time, who was to refuse when he asked?

As she looked down at the food she cut for the both of them, she raised an eyebrow.]

I would not mind but please do be aware that I fully expect you to work hard! Not that you aren't a hard worker but there is more work to be done along with the work you are doing right now!

[indigently]

[ Kaveh's response is a quick smile. He understands her concern— and truth be told, his suggestion is far from a wise one. He's busy with his work, and the project he's picked up recently to help the children of Aaru Village. It's not as if he has a lot of spare time with which to play, and yet helping in some way, as it were, still comes first in his mind.

Especially a senior who has been so kind to him.

After a moment, he nods. ]

I can manage it, I'm sure. What are your hour requirements and recommendation for study?

[localgrandma]

Considering your occupation, I would recommend at least 4 hours of studying per week. In addition, I would also think that Environmental Design would be beneficial.

[She said with a smile. While it might not be too niche of a subject, it is an opportunity for Kaveh to expand his horizons just a little bit. That said, she gestured toward the food.]

Although, I would also recommend you eat the food before it gets too cold.

[indigently]

[ Kaveh thinks about that, and nods. He's halfway to formulating an answer when Faruzan points out that the food is sitting there ready to be eaten, and he startles— he was so drawn to her unique way of cooling her own food that he forgot his own was sitting right in front of him. With an abashed nod, he reaches for his own dish, taking up a mouthful and chewing on it thoughtfully.

It's delicious, and cooked perfectly. He offers her a bright smile as he swallows the first bite. ]

Thank you, Madam Faruzan. The food is delicious. And I can easily find that amount of time in my week for study.

[ He takes another mouthful, humming. ]

[localgrandma]

I'm glad to hear it! I should let you know that I worked fairly hard to make sure that the good was just right for my junior!

[No, not really. If anything, she was trying her best to figure out how to cook under a short period of time. But he didn't need to know that. Instead, she'll just take a bite out of her dish before smiling to herself.]

Feel free to take some more if you wish! Especially when you're hungry!

[indigently]

[ Even if he were to know the truth, he wouldn't be bothered. Rather— he'd be thrilled and touched that she put so much effort into making him happy— and, perhaps, quite guilty besides. ]

Thank you, ma'am. Though there's still plenty of my plate!

[ He points it out with a chuckle, continuing to eat the food bite by bite. ]

I would be happy to return the favor sometime, too.

[localgrandma]

Of course! Just make sure to know that you are always welcomed in my house! I just would hate to see anyone else be in a difficult spot.

[She smiled before taking a few bites of her own. While he didn't say much as she continued her dinner, she couldn't help but keep looking up at him. Almost as if she was waiting for him to say something.]