[ 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.
[ Vash, fortunately, does not have any money, but he'd donate it all to someone trying to scam him because likely they need money to get out of their bad situation, right? It's part altruism, then also part having scant worldly attachments. When he passes, he'll have only his clothes and gun to this name. Nothing more, nothing less.
Vash laughs a bit as they make their way. He understands that it's childish... But consider they had nothing to do. People hang at IKEA all the time. That's going to BE US SOON. ]
Never made or been in one? You're missing out! [ Present tense...? Like it's something adults can easily make? There's no shame in nurturing your inner child. He listens to Alhaitham and he doesn't consider it bragging. It's about tone and delivery, context and inference.
Though he really is like wow you love studying. ] If you're ever interested in expanding your education on a galactic level, you should visit No Man's Land. I think you'd get a kick out of studying Plants and how they communicate.
[ It's a genuine offer, tinged with teasing since "education" would imply Alhaitham is a bitty student, but to an old soul like Vash everyone is relatively young. It passes as he takes in the sights of the Akademiya, eyes rounding and sparkling. Even if he has seen spaceships and there's futuristic technology in Sumeru, it's dressed differently with its arches, curves, and colors, and that earns awe nevertheless.
Importantly, the last bit has him snap his head to Alhaitham, excited like a goldie (his hair is black but it's okay) tapping its paws in place though behaved enough to not bolt. ]
[ Vash's motivations for being charitable might be slightly different from Kaveh's, but that is still the most Kaveh thing to do ever. The same hat...
Fast forwarding to them at the Akademiya, but the idea of visiting No Man's Land does have Alhaitham's attention. He glances directly at Vash in the moment to confirm that the invitation is a serious one. (He doesn't take any offense to how Vash phrases it, but he does understand that it's teasing. Yeah he's a scholar! What about it!!!)
Vash is such a puppy. Alhaitham stops them by the entrance to the Akademiya and shakes his head. ]
I'm afraid Lessor Lord Kusanali has her hands full at the moment. Right now she's overseeing construction efforts in Aaru Village, a residential area in the desert. Kaveh and his travel companion will be meeting with them later in the day.
[ Genuine disappointment, but it's true he can just visit again whenever he remembers to... Which hopefully will be sooner than a year, but we'll see. He has an awful sense of time.
He felt the gaze on him on the way to the entrance, but it takes him a moment because he isn't a mind reader. As an answer, a bigger smile stretches across his lips with the cant of his head. ]
I don't have a place, but I can ask the colony for a room or two. It won't be spacey like your house, just so you know.
[ Assumes that Kaveh will want to come to supervise. Is that serious enough? May he push forward and open the gates for them? He'll let Alhaitham walk in first because he's a little scholar. ]
[ A little scholar.... How tall is Vash anyway. Also, Vash doesn't need to open the gates because they ease open automatically as they approach. Genshin!
Inside, Vash will see a vast foyer with a working fountain in the middle. Students and staff are scattered around, walking or conversing with peers. Those in student uniforms wear six different variations of the same cap, each with slight differences in embroidery or ornamentation. Some individuals are in different uniforms entirely.
Me telling you all of this because idk how far you got in Sumeru. Anyway, unless Vash stops him, Alhaitham walks them around the fountain towards the back of the hall, each strike of their heels echoing off the vaulted ceilings.
So Alhaitham's interest earlier was more obvious than he thought. Still, because he's a jerk: ]
One room is fine. [ Decides without Kaveh's input because he's gay. ] I won't need much space for only a visit. I expect Kaveh will be the same unless he decides to bring equipment with him.
[ He is probably shorter than Alhaitham, but 'little' in this aspect is 'little guy.' There's no way Alhaitham is going to hurt him, right? What. Is he going to give him a papercut by smacking him with a book? But also like... Teasing.
I basically finished the main Archon quest for Sumeru, right when Kaveh showed up for the very first time, then abandoned genshin while waiting for more quests. Doesn't mean I remember every location well, though. Vash is enjoying himself being a very obvious tourist visitor, looking at everything with awe scribed over his features. It tapers off when Alhaitham poses his gay stance in front of Vash and God. ]
You sure? The capsule rooms are pretty small.
[ Not the implication that Kaveh and Alhaitham are spoiled. ]
[ You say this while Alhaitham's abs and arms are just out there
And yeah he's gay! So is Vash!!! ]
Without seeing them firsthand, I can only defer to your judgment. If that's your opinion, it might be best to reserve two rooms. We can decide if we want to keep the other room when we get there.
[ The implication that they're spoiled goes whizzing by his head. The two of them have gone on expeditions to the desert before, so he figures this will be something like that. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
no subject
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?
no subject
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.
no subject
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?
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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?
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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?
no subject
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.
no subject
Vash laughs a bit as they make their way. He understands that it's childish... But consider they had nothing to do. People hang at IKEA all the time. That's going to BE US SOON. ]
Never made or been in one? You're missing out! [ Present tense...? Like it's something adults can easily make? There's no shame in nurturing your inner child. He listens to Alhaitham and he doesn't consider it bragging. It's about tone and delivery, context and inference.
Though he really is like wow you love studying. ] If you're ever interested in expanding your education on a galactic level, you should visit No Man's Land. I think you'd get a kick out of studying Plants and how they communicate.
[ It's a genuine offer, tinged with teasing since "education" would imply Alhaitham is a bitty student, but to an old soul like Vash everyone is relatively young. It passes as he takes in the sights of the Akademiya, eyes rounding and sparkling. Even if he has seen spaceships and there's futuristic technology in Sumeru, it's dressed differently with its arches, curves, and colors, and that earns awe nevertheless.
Importantly, the last bit has him snap his head to Alhaitham, excited like a goldie (his hair is black but it's okay) tapping its paws in place though behaved enough to not bolt. ]
Nahida's at the top? Let's go say hi!
no subject
Fast forwarding to them at the Akademiya, but the idea of visiting No Man's Land does have Alhaitham's attention. He glances directly at Vash in the moment to confirm that the invitation is a serious one. (He doesn't take any offense to how Vash phrases it, but he does understand that it's teasing. Yeah he's a scholar! What about it!!!)
Vash is such a puppy. Alhaitham stops them by the entrance to the Akademiya and shakes his head. ]
I'm afraid Lessor Lord Kusanali has her hands full at the moment. Right now she's overseeing construction efforts in Aaru Village, a residential area in the desert. Kaveh and his travel companion will be meeting with them later in the day.
no subject
[ Genuine disappointment, but it's true he can just visit again whenever he remembers to... Which hopefully will be sooner than a year, but we'll see. He has an awful sense of time.
He felt the gaze on him on the way to the entrance, but it takes him a moment because he isn't a mind reader. As an answer, a bigger smile stretches across his lips with the cant of his head. ]
I don't have a place, but I can ask the colony for a room or two. It won't be spacey like your house, just so you know.
[ Assumes that Kaveh will want to come to supervise. Is that serious enough? May he push forward and open the gates for them? He'll let Alhaitham walk in first because he's a little scholar. ]
no subject
Inside, Vash will see a vast foyer with a working fountain in the middle. Students and staff are scattered around, walking or conversing with peers. Those in student uniforms wear six different variations of the same cap, each with slight differences in embroidery or ornamentation. Some individuals are in different uniforms entirely.
Me telling you all of this because idk how far you got in Sumeru. Anyway, unless Vash stops him, Alhaitham walks them around the fountain towards the back of the hall, each strike of their heels echoing off the vaulted ceilings.
So Alhaitham's interest earlier was more obvious than he thought. Still, because he's a jerk: ]
One room is fine. [ Decides without Kaveh's input because he's gay. ] I won't need much space for only a visit. I expect Kaveh will be the same unless he decides to bring equipment with him.
no subject
I basically finished the main Archon quest for Sumeru, right when Kaveh showed up for the very first time, then abandoned genshin while waiting for more quests. Doesn't mean I remember every location well, though. Vash is enjoying himself being a very obvious tourist visitor, looking at everything with awe scribed over his features. It tapers off when Alhaitham poses his gay stance in front of Vash and God. ]
You sure? The capsule rooms are pretty small.
[ Not the implication that Kaveh and Alhaitham are spoiled. ]
no subject
And yeah he's gay! So is Vash!!! ]
Without seeing them firsthand, I can only defer to your judgment. If that's your opinion, it might be best to reserve two rooms. We can decide if we want to keep the other room when we get there.
[ The implication that they're spoiled goes whizzing by his head. The two of them have gone on expeditions to the desert before, so he figures this will be something like that. ]