indigently | 𝒪𝓅𝑒𝓃 𝓅𝑜𝓈𝓉 🏛️

[ ...

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. ]

[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?

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?

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!

[ 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.

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.]

[ 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. ]

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!

Edited 2023-09-19 20:50 (UTC)

[ 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?

[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?]

[ 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.

[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!

[ 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?

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.

[ 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. ]

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!

[ 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.

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.]

[ He eats in silence for a little— but he notices those looks, and he can tell that she's waiting for something, but... ]

Madam Faruzan? Is there... something the matter?

[ If there's something on her mind, he'd like to assuage it— but first he needs to know what it actually is. ]

No, it’s nothing. I assumed you had something you wanted to say.

[He was always someone who wanted his opinions heard but maybe that was her own assumptions. Instead, she’ll keep to herself for now.

...Oh. [ He laughs. It's true that he has many things to say, but he's also not the type to unload them on people without warning— especially when those people have cooked for him and are doing everything in their power to be nice! ]

If I seem that way, maybe it's because I'm waiting for questions.

If that's the case...

[She said before trailing a little. Was she was trying to build up the anticipation for said question? Either way, she couldn't help but smile a little.]

Don't worry, I don't have any. I was simply curious how your days as been lately.

[ He pauses— and then laughs, the relief and amusement alike written clearly over his features. ]

Madam Faruzan, that was cruel, [ he admonishes her— but he's smiling. ]

But as for how my days have been... busy, I suppose. But it's good work. Did I tell you I'm working on a library for Aaru Village?

Is this what you youngsters are saying it? Is this one where calls it teasing?

[Not quite but it seemed close enough. But she'll just keep on smiling.]

But no, I'm afraid not! I think that would be perfect for you and especially with trying to make ties with Sumeru city too. It seems that I would need to figure out what to do to 'catch up' with you.

[ His brows raise at that, and his head tilts.

Not so much the 'teasing' thing— they can revisit that later— but the part where she needs to "catch up" with him somehow? ]

Senior, you're not serious? Your achievements are leagues ahead of my own...

𝒪𝓅𝑒𝓃 𝓅𝑜𝓈𝓉 🏛️

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