[ He survived this long?! Maybe he will suffer and Alhaitham or Kaveh would find him on the ground in an alley, but he won't DIE. The chances he would make enemies by accident is high, though. Maybe...... If he becomes a wanted man here........ Alhaitham can bail him out....
Closing the door and trailing after him, his expression goes through a roller coaster of curiosity and interest, confusion, astonishment, then landing on curiosity again and 'oh no.' Straightening up, he wonders if he should make his presence very small, nonexistent, plain scarce, but there's nowhere to go and no one else here to buffer them. ]
Woah... You're telling me this?
[ Honestly, he would have understood if Alhaitham kept it to himself—they aren't friends. Plus, their very first conversation remedied whatever worries he had for Kaveh and his infamous roommate...
Not that he isn't invested. He very much is. Their happiness is a part of his happiness. ]
[ He moves to set the lid and crowbar on one of the shelves nearby, but before he goes about removing the nails from the lid, he turns back to inspect Vash for a moment. ]
It's not serious, if that's what you're thinking. We argue like this fairly often.
[ He can kind of understand what that means after seeing them bicker. It's familiar and similar to what he and Wolfwood go through. Sometimes you fight... To fight...
The difference is Wolfwood seldom makes it up to him in drinks. Anyway, Vash comes over to size up Alhaitham, but somehow not get in the way of him preparing his apology bottles. ]
Sooo your feelings aren't hurt? I'd let you cry on my shoulder, if you want!
[ He scoffs and begins to pull the nails from the lid, speaking between the creaks of wood. He sets away the nails that aren't bent out of shape. ]
Kaveh has enough tears for us both, I'm sure. [ Metaphorical tears. ]
Now that we've agreed to date, he assumed he had free rein to empty the house of decor he doesn't approve of. It became yet another argument regarding aesthetics and some imaginary rubric of what a good partner would and wouldn't allow.
[ And Vash watches! Oh... To receive a crate of alcohol to assuage any small hurts from a small argument with your boyfriend. That's sweet and romantic. He smiles at the thought while Alhaitham pries another nail out of the lid.
[ Alhaitham's expressions are generally neutral with the slightest shifts, but he thinks he can read him enough.
The shock is too much. Would Alhaitham be peeved that Kaveh wants to be more private??? Did they even talk about this???? What should he do to not complicate their budding romance?????? He believes in true love????????? Cracking a big grin, he tries to think of something. ]
M-maybe he would have told me today?!
[ Maybe Vash doesn't need to cover for Kaveh here, even if this is the worst cover ever. It's giving their little architect the benefit of the doubt!
If there are still nails on the lid, he will take the tool and pull them out. It isn't a big deal! It isn't! ]
[ VASH IS BEING SUCH A GOOD FRIEND... Alhaitham, not privy to any of this, is just weirded out that Vash decided to do his work for him? Why is he acting so unwell ]
You don't need to do that.
[ He holds up a hand defensively, because he's not about to reach in there. ]
[ Vash misunderstands this entirely, thinking Alhaitham is saying he should drop the act rather than drop the tool in his hand. Why wouldn't he defend Kaveh? The two men here are not on the same page at all.
... He also works weirdly fast and efficiently while unwell. ]
[ There weren't many nails left, so Vash gets to finish before Alhaitham can breathe another word. At least it got done, but now Vash will have to find something else to nervously fidget with. ]
Forget it.
[ Alhaitham picks out the few nails that aren't bent and collects them in a small pile. Kaveh will want to use those later for something or another, along with the crate's lid. ]
Kaveh did mention that he didn't want you finding out.
[ Alhaitham isn't bothered by it, though. It's on Alhaitham for thinking Kaveh wouldn't be stubborn for once. ]
[ He will nervously fidget over the tool now. First he places the tool on the unnailed lid, but then lays it back where Alhaitham initially left it, only to return it back on the lid because it's at higher elevation for the adult joints.
Vash oscillates between anxious and chill (sometimes this is depression or old weariness) so quickly. ]
Oh... [ What does he even say to that? ] How come?
[ He can come up with a couple of reasons, but might as well ask. ]
[ Alhaitham watches Vash's fidgeting before looking back at him. Vash... chill... Although Kaveh's taught him a degree of understanding when people are affected by trauma or just. How their world is. Alhaitham still isn't good at soothing nerves when there's really nothing to nervous about.
They really need a teapot, if only for some kind of calm, lush, untouched space in their world to just relax. But even that might be a little jarring for them.
Anyway. Alhaitham smiles and it reaches his eyes. ]
[ Alhaitham is giving him such a generous and charitable read when simply he's nervous over something he shouldn't be nervous about—even he knows he shouldn't be nervous. Still... The chance of true love shattering?
Can't let that happen, especially when he imagines their path to get here barely has cobblestone left to tread. It comes to a surprise to him, after his devotion to the veracity of love, that Kaveh would think he'd be worse than he already is. There's a ceiling for insufferable and he's sure had hit it before Kaveh was conceived. ]
Okay. I know I'm annoying and I gave him a hard time before, but I wouldn't have if he didn't push back so hard!
[ The anxious display melts off instantly and the tool is abandoned onto a nearby counter. ]
All I'd do, which is what I'm going to do now, is congratulate you two—[ And then he perfectly sees Alhaitham's smile. It earns a small twisted scowl, indignant like a child. ] What are you smiling about?
[ He doesn't LIKE that (joke). Seeing the smile grow (is he imagining it) pulls him from scowl to comically aggrieved. His cheeks puff up first, imitating an angry puffer fish which he has only ever read about, before he deflates like a balloon. ]
I'm starting to see why Kaveh thinks you're annoying. [ Alhaitham's just SMILING over his suffering. Where's the comfort! The reassurance! Instead he's here like "yeah, you two are both obnoxious." ] You enjoying yourself, mister antisocial scholar?
He won't be upset because I'm not going to be as insufferable as he thought.
[ However, that wouldn't affect Kaveh being upset with Alhaitham. Vash would not save him from that, but he's sure that Alhaitham can handle that himself... Which is unfortunate.
Alhaitham can peruse his tomes while Vash watches him, but eventually he stands up and approaches. He casts the spines a glance, checking to see what are the usual reads here. ]
There are some texts I need to return to the House of Daena. We'll be stopping there while we're outside.
[ On cue, he slides out two books and stacks them against his side. Unsaid: Kaveh had told him to clean out these shelves again a day or two ago. He'll be in a better mood if Alhaitham does this today. ]
Nope! I was going to wander and see where the wind takes me. [ Extremely relaxed tourism. ] If you got errands, we can get them down.
[ So, really, Alhaitham could tell him what they're doing and he's nod along and follow him... Though if something takes his attention, he may drift away from plans. ]
[ As long as nothing blows up that Alhaitham is going to have to answer for later....... ]
No, nothing else. Let's go.
[ He won't leave a note. The new, open crate of wine should be an obvious enough as an apology. He leads them back out the door and locks it behind them. ]
[ They can skip off to the bustle of Sumeru, though maybe Alhaitham should lead. If he simply wants to follow, that is fine, but whatever consequences to follow are his. Vash would be aimlessly walking, following after whatever piques his interest in that moment, and that can end up with him being lost.
Stroking his chin, he tilts his head and his eyes roll up. ]
Don't think I've visited a school, actually... [ They're mostly for children, then the higher education was dotted to numbered cities exclusively. At times, he would sneak into their library and research facilities, if that counts stepping onto academic grounds. ] You and Kaveh studied there, right? He never mentioned what you studied in his complaints.
[ Alhaitham will assume the lead, since he's taking them up to the Akademiya. Thankfully for Alhaitham, the walk from his house to the Akademiya's main building is uneventful. He'll slow down if somethingcatches Vash's eye; the less time Alhaitham spends in the Akademiya, the less of a chance there is that he'll be bothered by other people. ]
Really. [ He's a little amused, briefly sliding his eyes to Vash. ] He's quick to bring up differences between our Darshans when he's grumbling, but I suppose that means less to people who aren't familiar with the Akademiya's structure. Kaveh is a representative of the Kshahrewar Darshan, which specializes in technology and includes fields such as architecture and craftsmanship. I graduated from Haravatat, which focuses on the systematic study of sign processes and the communication of meaning. People tend to reduce this to linguistics, but it includes the study of non-linguistic signs as well.
[ Rather than something, it's likely people... If vendors try calling out to him or wares look interesting, he'll stop to simply chat and ask about what they're selling or what they're doing. Someone's very social.
Fortunately, he doesn't stick for long and no trouble comes that would force them into place. They are at the Akademiya and Vash is listening to Alhaitham's little lesson. ]
That makes sense. He helped me fortify my pillow fort during the first two weeks and was very passionate about it. [ Kaveh is very much. ] So you study markings and glyphs, too?
[ Alhaitham will let Vash do his social butterfly-ing while he leafs through his library book, revisiting some annotations he left behind. He does glance sidelong every once in a while, ensuring that the vendors aren't taking advantage of a friendly-looking outsider. Thankfully Vash doesn't buy anything and they're soon on their way up the ramp.
He actually smiles, giving a little huff through his nose. ]
A... pillow fort? [ Alhaitham, whose friends have been mostly books, has never experienced a pillow fort before. He can get the gist, though. ] Sounds like he enjoyed himself. And yes, I studied markings and glyphs as well as sign and body languages, even those found in nature. I was able to take courses from other Darshans as well.
[ But he's not one to brag, so he changes the subject. As they step onto the platform, the Akademiya pans into view. ]
This is the front entrance to the Akademiya. Above us is the Razan Garden, which Kaveh will doubtlessly show off to you when he has the time. The highest point of the Akademiya is the Sanctuary of Surasthana, which is Lessor Lord Kusanali's residence.
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Closing the door and trailing after him, his expression goes through a roller coaster of curiosity and interest, confusion, astonishment, then landing on curiosity again and 'oh no.' Straightening up, he wonders if he should make his presence very small, nonexistent, plain scarce, but there's nowhere to go and no one else here to buffer them. ]
Woah... You're telling me this?
[ Honestly, he would have understood if Alhaitham kept it to himself—they aren't friends. Plus, their very first conversation remedied whatever worries he had for Kaveh and his infamous roommate...
Not that he isn't invested. He very much is. Their happiness is a part of his happiness. ]
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It's not serious, if that's what you're thinking. We argue like this fairly often.
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The difference is Wolfwood seldom makes it up to him in drinks. Anyway, Vash comes over to size up Alhaitham, but somehow not get in the way of him preparing his apology bottles. ]
Sooo your feelings aren't hurt? I'd let you cry on my shoulder, if you want!
[ Teasing. ]
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Kaveh has enough tears for us both, I'm sure. [ Metaphorical tears. ]
Now that we've agreed to date, he assumed he had free rein to empty the house of decor he doesn't approve of. It became yet another argument regarding aesthetics and some imaginary rubric of what a good partner would and wouldn't allow.
1/2
...
Boyfriend? ]
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You guys are dating?!
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He hasn't told you?
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The shock is too much. Would Alhaitham be peeved that Kaveh wants to be more private??? Did they even talk about this???? What should he do to not complicate their budding romance?????? He believes in true love????????? Cracking a big grin, he tries to think of something. ]
M-maybe he would have told me today?!
[ Maybe Vash doesn't need to cover for Kaveh here, even if this is the worst cover ever. It's giving their little architect the benefit of the doubt!
If there are still nails on the lid, he will take the tool and pull them out. It isn't a big deal! It isn't! ]
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You don't need to do that.
[ He holds up a hand defensively, because he's not about to reach in there. ]
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[ Vash misunderstands this entirely, thinking Alhaitham is saying he should drop the act rather than drop the tool in his hand. Why wouldn't he defend Kaveh? The two men here are not on the same page at all.
... He also works weirdly fast and efficiently while unwell. ]
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Forget it.
[ Alhaitham picks out the few nails that aren't bent and collects them in a small pile. Kaveh will want to use those later for something or another, along with the crate's lid. ]
Kaveh did mention that he didn't want you finding out.
[ Alhaitham isn't bothered by it, though. It's on Alhaitham for thinking Kaveh wouldn't be stubborn for once. ]
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Vash oscillates between anxious and chill (sometimes this is depression or old weariness) so quickly. ]
Oh... [ What does he even say to that? ] How come?
[ He can come up with a couple of reasons, but might as well ask. ]
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They really need a teapot, if only for some kind of calm, lush, untouched space in their world to just relax. But even that might be a little jarring for them.
Anyway. Alhaitham smiles and it reaches his eyes. ]
He said you would "be insufferable about it."
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Can't let that happen, especially when he imagines their path to get here barely has cobblestone left to tread. It comes to a surprise to him, after his devotion to the veracity of love, that Kaveh would think he'd be worse than he already is. There's a ceiling for insufferable and he's sure had hit it before Kaveh was conceived. ]
Okay. I know I'm annoying and I gave him a hard time before, but I wouldn't have if he didn't push back so hard!
[ The anxious display melts off instantly and the tool is abandoned onto a nearby counter. ]
All I'd do, which is what I'm going to do now, is congratulate you two—[ And then he perfectly sees Alhaitham's smile. It earns a small twisted scowl, indignant like a child. ] What are you smiling about?
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You two are alike in a lot of ways. Him calling you insufferable seems like the pot calling the kettle black. Appreciate the congratulations, though.
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I'm starting to see why Kaveh thinks you're annoying. [ Alhaitham's just SMILING over his suffering. Where's the comfort! The reassurance! Instead he's here like "yeah, you two are both obnoxious." ] You enjoying yourself, mister antisocial scholar?
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Just making an observation.
[ Yes he is. Nails, lid, and tool now safely set aside, he leaves the crate be for now and moves to search through the books on his shelves. ]
Kaveh may be upset that I told you, but what's done is done. I see no reason to hide it.
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He won't be upset because I'm not going to be as insufferable as he thought.
[ However, that wouldn't affect Kaveh being upset with Alhaitham. Vash would not save him from that, but he's sure that Alhaitham can handle that himself... Which is unfortunate.
Alhaitham can peruse his tomes while Vash watches him, but eventually he stands up and approaches. He casts the spines a glance, checking to see what are the usual reads here. ]
Book for the road?
[ Since Alhaitham offered to accompany him. ]
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[ On cue, he slides out two books and stacks them against his side. Unsaid: Kaveh had told him to clean out these shelves again a day or two ago. He'll be in a better mood if Alhaitham does this today. ]
Unless you had other plans for the day.
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Nope! I was going to wander and see where the wind takes me. [ Extremely relaxed tourism. ] If you got errands, we can get them down.
[ So, really, Alhaitham could tell him what they're doing and he's nod along and follow him... Though if something takes his attention, he may drift away from plans. ]
Anything else you need from the house?
[ Or are they good to skip off. ]
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No, nothing else. Let's go.
[ He won't leave a note. The new, open crate of wine should be an obvious enough as an apology. He leads them back out the door and locks it behind them. ]
Have you been to the Akademiya's campus?
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[ They can skip off to the bustle of Sumeru, though maybe Alhaitham should lead. If he simply wants to follow, that is fine, but whatever consequences to follow are his. Vash would be aimlessly walking, following after whatever piques his interest in that moment, and that can end up with him being lost.
Stroking his chin, he tilts his head and his eyes roll up. ]
Don't think I've visited a school, actually... [ They're mostly for children, then the higher education was dotted to numbered cities exclusively. At times, he would sneak into their library and research facilities, if that counts stepping onto academic grounds. ] You and Kaveh studied there, right? He never mentioned what you studied in his complaints.
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Really. [ He's a little amused, briefly sliding his eyes to Vash. ] He's quick to bring up differences between our Darshans when he's grumbling, but I suppose that means less to people who aren't familiar with the Akademiya's structure. Kaveh is a representative of the Kshahrewar Darshan, which specializes in technology and includes fields such as architecture and craftsmanship. I graduated from Haravatat, which focuses on the systematic study of sign processes and the communication of meaning. People tend to reduce this to linguistics, but it includes the study of non-linguistic signs as well.
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Fortunately, he doesn't stick for long and no trouble comes that would force them into place. They are at the Akademiya and Vash is listening to Alhaitham's little lesson. ]
That makes sense. He helped me fortify my pillow fort during the first two weeks and was very passionate about it. [ Kaveh is very much. ] So you study markings and glyphs, too?
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He actually smiles, giving a little huff through his nose. ]
A... pillow fort? [ Alhaitham, whose friends have been mostly books, has never experienced a pillow fort before. He can get the gist, though. ] Sounds like he enjoyed himself. And yes, I studied markings and glyphs as well as sign and body languages, even those found in nature. I was able to take courses from other Darshans as well.
[ But he's not one to brag, so he changes the subject. As they step onto the platform, the Akademiya pans into view. ]
This is the front entrance to the Akademiya. Above us is the Razan Garden, which Kaveh will doubtlessly show off to you when he has the time. The highest point of the Akademiya is the Sanctuary of Surasthana, which is Lessor Lord Kusanali's residence.
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