[He is ready to BICKER over this, but fortunately, Alhaitham is spared Kaveh's complaints by Livio's arrival. He doesn't even have to shoo Kaveh off, because Kaveh's already darting out of the kitchen before he finishes speaking!! (But not before peeking out the window to make sure it really is Livio, because he's still irrationally paranoid, and not without a quick, excited squeeze to Alhaitham's arm, because sometimes you get back from a murdergame and things happen.)
Anyway TO THE DOOR, which he opens without hesitation, eagerly waving Livio inside.]
You made it! Come in, come--[HE'S WEARING A SUIT?? HIS WOLFWOOD COSPLAY HAS LEVELED UP Kaveh doesn't say that but he might be thinking it just a little bit]--you look so nice!
[Meanwhile he's all dressed down... but honestly, this is still better than some of the states Livio saw him in during the game, so it's whatever.]
[ yes he is cosplaying wolfwood thank you for asking. he ducks his head a bit, embarrassed at the compliment. ]
You think so....? I, um, thought I should wear something a little nicer the first time visiting you....
[ nevermind his eyes might still look a little teary from when he was staring at the foliage. it's really nice to see kaveh looking... happy, in non murder circumstances. and kaveh always looks nice and fashionable regardless of what he's wearing, in livio's opinion ]
[ he also wants to hug kaveh, but doesn't know if that'd be weird or not, so he's instead holding out one of his baggies awkwardly ]
I brought you both something... it's not much, but I hope you like it...
[ it's a bottle of wine!!! pretty mid quality. not much alcohol in it. but he went through pains to get it. ]
[ The little arm squeeze 🥺 and LIVIO IS SO BABY
Alhaitham takes a glance up from the kitchen at the hulking, nicely-dressed figure that steps inside the house, but otherwise he keeps cutting things. He'll wait until they get their hellos in first. It's been a while for them both, obviously, and he's not about to cut in. ]
[Livio is saved from having to decide about hugs because once he is inside and the door is safely closed, Kaveh will hug him first!! Mehrak also beeps happily from where it sits on its charging stand in the corner. Kaveh doesn't cling too much--okay that's a lie he definitely does, but it's definitely been long enough since the game that he's regained a sense of dignity, so he does let go and smile at him warmly.]
Oh, you didn't have to do that. [Get dressed up or bring gifts, either one!! Kaveh's just happy he's alive and well(?) and here. But he won't make Livio feel awkward by turning it down--he takes the bag, peering inside curiously before he slips it onto his arm and gestures towards the kitchen.] Thank you, we'll definitely enjoy this later. Come on, I'll get you some water and something to eat--I haven't had a chance to make the pudding yet, but we've got some fresh fruit.
[ livio's gotten so much better about physical contact, so he returns the hug easily, pretty gently from his side, but gives kaveh a little squeeze. it is really nice to see him in the flesh. outside of murder scenarios, when kaveh wasn't in the middle of all of it. the thought almost makes him emotional again, but swallows it. can't be embarrassing in front of kaveh and his partner!! ]
Ya don't have to do anything special on my account.... anything is fine, really.
[ a bit sheepishly, as he waves off kaveh insisting the same thing. but he is pretty excited for fresh fruit. it's still a commodity. ]
[ it also feels rude to ignore alhaitham, but it would be ruder to not answer, so livio gives alhaitham a shy little wave before responding ]
Things're a lot calmer.... got er, the orphanage set up with a new place thanks to Vash.... I've been trying to get them settled in. And traveling a bit with Vash and Nicholas....
[ so yeah, that's pretty close to alright! for them, anyway. ]
How about you, Kaveh? Any new projects yer working on?
Alhaitham offers back a curt nod, but he otherwise busies himself with what's on the counter while he listens in. (Who's Nicholas?) This is me realizing that they'd sooner have some variation of pita rather than loaves of bread in Sumeru, so Alhaitham is now setting a warm stack of them aside for later. The last of the fruits are also cut and fanned out on the plate Kaveh already prepared. (Probably not as nicely as Kaveh would have liked, but they're gonna eat it anyway, so?) ]
[He very much does have to do special things on Livio's account, actually, but at least he doesn't say that. He just guides Livio into the kitchen and gestures for him to sit as he fetches some glasses and the water pitcher.]
Did they? That's so good to hear. I imagine it's a little easier for them now, too, given... everything. [A.k.a. whatever went down with Knives and his lackeys. Truly Kaveh doesn't know shit about fuck but he knows they're all ALIVE and things seem to be getting better. Kind of. Sometimes Vash won't answer the phone for like a week because he's inexplicably on the run but Kaveh has learned to live with the heart attacks.] Don't let me forget, I have a few packages for you to take back with you. I don't know how much use they'll be over there, but they won't set you back.
[As he talks, he takes a seat, making a "help yourself" gesture at the spread on the table. It'll occur to him in a second that Alhaitham did all of this, but for now he's too distracted, happily chattering away.]
Yes, actually. I told you a little bit about the desert, didn't I? Well, Nahida and I have been working on developing the areas around the nearest villages--Nahida's focus has been on building roads, so she and I have been trying to pinpoint the best areas for rest stops. Oh, and the children's library I was working on should be done within the next month, we're just waiting on one last shipment of materials.
[...
.......
..........Wait he didn't put these plates out. OH YEAH--]
Oh, and, um--this is Alhaitham. [It never gets less awkward, introducing people to the man they technically already know; this one is worse than it was with Vash, who only saw Alhaitham in a background context, but Kaveh trusts that Livio is too kind to bring it up, so there's that. Hilariously Wolfwood also saw the memory Livio did, but he was CYOA-ified and also busy doing murder so Kaveh assumes (hopes) he forgot. ANYWAY--the point is, he will make unnecessary introductions, because it is polite.] Alhaitham, this is Livio.
[ livio sits awkwardly, hunching over as if trying to make himself smaller. he's clearly feeling a bit self-conscious in this cozy little hut ]
... Yeah. Vash, uh... still has a bounty on his head, but.... it's not as dangerous as it was. He's mostly behavin' himself anyway.
[ mostly. keeping a low profile. definitely bad at communication. of the three of them, livio's probably the one that messages back consistently. but he does perk up slightly at the mention of gifts!!! for vash and nicholas! and the desert!! and nahida! ]
I bet that's keepin' ya both busy.... how's Nahida doing?
[ and then he straightens comically as kaveh formally introduces them. though he does indeed know some about him from memory osmosis. and kaveh complaining. ]
[ From his position near the sink, Alhaitham lifts his brow, watching the realization about the plates dawns over Kaveh's face. YEAH YOU'RE WELCOME. Once he's introduced, Alhaitham approaches and, after giving comically straight Livio a once-over, slides into an empty seat at the table. ]
There's no need for formalities. Just Alhaitham is fine.
[ It would sound friendlier and less matter-of-fact coming from someone that isn't himself. ]
[VASH YOUR BOUNTIES!!!!! But Kaveh just shakes his head, a testament to how much he trusts the three of them to look after themselves. He'll never not worry, will always want them safe and hope for their lives to be stable and fulfilled, but he knows they're tough and used to their lifestyles.]
Nahida's doing well, as far as I've seen. She got to travel out of the country not long ago, actually! I thought we could go visit her later, if you wanted? It's on the way to the Akademiya anyway. [Which is an essential part of any Sumeru tour, given that it is the main reason anyone lives in this city to begin with.
Also, he kicks Alhaitham's foot under the table. (Gently, though.)]
You could at least smile. [HOPELESS.] Don't worry about showing him any respect, Livio, he certainly won't bother.
Vash will be fine, don't worry. [ if vash knows how to do anything, it's to scrape out of dangerous situations. plus, he has wolfwood now!! and livio. ]
[ but oh no, mom and dad are fighting...... he's pretty used to these shenanigans with vash and wolfwood, so he kind of holds his hands up awkwardly ]
H-He doesn't have to smile if he doesn't want ta! I don't want him ta feel uncomfortable...
[ livio desperately trying to keep the peace when kaveh is just giving alhaitham shit, business as usual. he does perk up a bit at the mention of seeing nahida. never in his life he thought he'd just be out here sightseeing, but it's... exciting, in a way ]
Oh, yeah! I'd love ta see her..... and the Akedemiya... and all yer work.
[Normally Kaveh would behave himself more in front of company, but yeah, Livio is used to Vashwood. Also, he wants Alhaitham to make a good impression! Be nice to sweet Livio who has never done anything wrong in his life!!!]
They were two different statements, Haravatat. And yes, he does have to show basic manners. [Jabs Alhaitham's arm with his finger!! And then takes a piece of fruit and passes it over to him, immediately contradictory.] I won't have my friends thinking you're incapable of understanding social customs, even if you're content to let the rest of the world believe you're an antisocial mad genius.
[The way that Alhaitham is known as a lunatic at the Akademiya and Kaveh got nicknamed "urchin of Kshahrewar" as a student, hilarious. They're both the worst.
He smiles at Livio, though, brightening up himself.]
Of course! I can take you to Razan Gardens while we're there. I was thinking we could go up north first, to see the Palace, and maybe a little bit of Mawtiyima Forest, if you're feeling up to it--then we can take the river down to Port Ormos. How does that sound? They're not too far away, so you'll still have plenty of time to see the city, too.
[Kaveh just wants to show off all his work... but he'll change plans if Livio wants to!!]
I-I think his manners are good...! [ livio protests weakly, but. clearly, if he wants alhaitham to respect him, he needs to act worthy of respect by being polite!! so he straightens up a little bit where he's sitting. as if this will somehow make him look more presentable. he doesn't really interject, otherwise, but livio's not one to put stock into what people say. they say a lot of things. ]
[ but kaveh getting excited about showing his work off is making livio smile, too. kaveh is always so passionate ]
Yer the expert, Kaveh, so I'll follow yer lead. I want ta see all of it.
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Anyway TO THE DOOR, which he opens without hesitation, eagerly waving Livio inside.]
You made it! Come in, come--[HE'S WEARING A SUIT?? HIS WOLFWOOD COSPLAY HAS LEVELED UP Kaveh doesn't say that but he might be thinking it just a little bit]--you look so nice!
[Meanwhile he's all dressed down... but honestly, this is still better than some of the states Livio saw him in during the game, so it's whatever.]
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You think so....? I, um, thought I should wear something a little nicer the first time visiting you....
[ nevermind his eyes might still look a little teary from when he was staring at the foliage. it's really nice to see kaveh looking... happy, in non murder circumstances. and kaveh always looks nice and fashionable regardless of what he's wearing, in livio's opinion ]
[ he also wants to hug kaveh, but doesn't know if that'd be weird or not, so he's instead holding out one of his baggies awkwardly ]
I brought you both something... it's not much, but I hope you like it...
[ it's a bottle of wine!!! pretty mid quality. not much alcohol in it. but he went through pains to get it. ]
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Alhaitham takes a glance up from the kitchen at the hulking, nicely-dressed figure that steps inside the house, but otherwise he keeps cutting things. He'll wait until they get their hellos in first. It's been a while for them both, obviously, and he's not about to cut in. ]
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Oh, you didn't have to do that. [Get dressed up or bring gifts, either one!! Kaveh's just happy he's alive and well(?) and here. But he won't make Livio feel awkward by turning it down--he takes the bag, peering inside curiously before he slips it onto his arm and gestures towards the kitchen.] Thank you, we'll definitely enjoy this later. Come on, I'll get you some water and something to eat--I haven't had a chance to make the pudding yet, but we've got some fresh fruit.
[Oooh aaahhh
He will also chatter as he leads the way!!]
You've been alright, then? Everything's well?
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Ya don't have to do anything special on my account.... anything is fine, really.
[ a bit sheepishly, as he waves off kaveh insisting the same thing. but he is pretty excited for fresh fruit. it's still a commodity. ]
[ it also feels rude to ignore alhaitham, but it would be ruder to not answer, so livio gives alhaitham a shy little wave before responding ]
Things're a lot calmer.... got er, the orphanage set up with a new place thanks to Vash.... I've been trying to get them settled in. And traveling a bit with Vash and Nicholas....
[ so yeah, that's pretty close to alright! for them, anyway. ]
How about you, Kaveh? Any new projects yer working on?
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Alhaitham offers back a curt nod, but he otherwise busies himself with what's on the counter while he listens in. (Who's Nicholas?) This is me realizing that they'd sooner have some variation of pita rather than loaves of bread in Sumeru, so Alhaitham is now setting a warm stack of them aside for later. The last of the fruits are also cut and fanned out on the plate Kaveh already prepared. (Probably not as nicely as Kaveh would have liked, but they're gonna eat it anyway, so?) ]
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Did they? That's so good to hear. I imagine it's a little easier for them now, too, given... everything. [A.k.a. whatever went down with Knives and his lackeys. Truly Kaveh doesn't know shit about fuck but he knows they're all ALIVE and things seem to be getting better. Kind of. Sometimes Vash won't answer the phone for like a week because he's inexplicably on the run but Kaveh has learned to live with the heart attacks.] Don't let me forget, I have a few packages for you to take back with you. I don't know how much use they'll be over there, but they won't set you back.
[As he talks, he takes a seat, making a "help yourself" gesture at the spread on the table. It'll occur to him in a second that Alhaitham did all of this, but for now he's too distracted, happily chattering away.]
Yes, actually. I told you a little bit about the desert, didn't I? Well, Nahida and I have been working on developing the areas around the nearest villages--Nahida's focus has been on building roads, so she and I have been trying to pinpoint the best areas for rest stops. Oh, and the children's library I was working on should be done within the next month, we're just waiting on one last shipment of materials.
[...
.......
..........Wait he didn't put these plates out. OH YEAH--]
Oh, and, um--this is Alhaitham. [It never gets less awkward, introducing people to the man they technically already know; this one is worse than it was with Vash, who only saw Alhaitham in a background context, but Kaveh trusts that Livio is too kind to bring it up, so there's that. Hilariously Wolfwood also saw the memory Livio did, but he was CYOA-ified and also busy doing murder so Kaveh assumes (hopes) he forgot. ANYWAY--the point is, he will make unnecessary introductions, because it is polite.] Alhaitham, this is Livio.
[Also thank you or whatever........ (tsuntsun)]
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... Yeah. Vash, uh... still has a bounty on his head, but.... it's not as dangerous as it was. He's mostly behavin' himself anyway.
[ mostly. keeping a low profile. definitely bad at communication. of the three of them, livio's probably the one that messages back consistently. but he does perk up slightly at the mention of gifts!!! for vash and nicholas! and the desert!! and nahida! ]
I bet that's keepin' ya both busy.... how's Nahida doing?
[ and then he straightens comically as kaveh formally introduces them. though he does indeed know some about him from memory osmosis. and kaveh complaining. ]
Nice to meet ya, Mister Alhaitham!
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There's no need for formalities. Just Alhaitham is fine.
[ It would sound friendlier and less matter-of-fact coming from someone that isn't himself. ]
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[VASH YOUR BOUNTIES!!!!! But Kaveh just shakes his head, a testament to how much he trusts the three of them to look after themselves. He'll never not worry, will always want them safe and hope for their lives to be stable and fulfilled, but he knows they're tough and used to their lifestyles.]
Nahida's doing well, as far as I've seen. She got to travel out of the country not long ago, actually! I thought we could go visit her later, if you wanted? It's on the way to the Akademiya anyway. [Which is an essential part of any Sumeru tour, given that it is the main reason anyone lives in this city to begin with.
Also, he kicks Alhaitham's foot under the table. (Gently, though.)]
You could at least smile. [HOPELESS.] Don't worry about showing him any respect, Livio, he certainly won't bother.
[Kaveh be nice to your boyfriend]
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[ but oh no, mom and dad are fighting...... he's pretty used to these shenanigans with vash and wolfwood, so he kind of holds his hands up awkwardly ]
H-He doesn't have to smile if he doesn't want ta! I don't want him ta feel uncomfortable...
[ livio desperately trying to keep the peace when kaveh is just giving alhaitham shit, business as usual. he does perk up a bit at the mention of seeing nahida. never in his life he thought he'd just be out here sightseeing, but it's... exciting, in a way ]
Oh, yeah! I'd love ta see her..... and the Akedemiya... and all yer work.
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I don't see how forcing a smile equates to having respect for someone.
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They were two different statements, Haravatat. And yes, he does have to show basic manners. [Jabs Alhaitham's arm with his finger!! And then takes a piece of fruit and passes it over to him, immediately contradictory.] I won't have my friends thinking you're incapable of understanding social customs, even if you're content to let the rest of the world believe you're an antisocial mad genius.
[The way that Alhaitham is known as a lunatic at the Akademiya and Kaveh got nicknamed "urchin of Kshahrewar" as a student, hilarious. They're both the worst.
He smiles at Livio, though, brightening up himself.]
Of course! I can take you to Razan Gardens while we're there. I was thinking we could go up north first, to see the Palace, and maybe a little bit of Mawtiyima Forest, if you're feeling up to it--then we can take the river down to Port Ormos. How does that sound? They're not too far away, so you'll still have plenty of time to see the city, too.
[Kaveh just wants to show off all his work... but he'll change plans if Livio wants to!!]
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[ but kaveh getting excited about showing his work off is making livio smile, too. kaveh is always so passionate ]
Yer the expert, Kaveh, so I'll follow yer lead. I want ta see all of it.
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[ Livio was fine with it anyway!! ]
That's quite the schedule for someone whose environment is entirely different from what they're used to.