reflective-muses

Look at our new babies!! THEY'RE SO CUTE I LOVE THEM!!

Also, sorry for the impromptu lull, a lot has been going on irl. I got a flat tire, car needed routine maintenance too, extra DnD with friends, and then CATS (YAY!!), and this week a friend is staying with us from out of town.

"Oh?"  Lyney's interest was piqued by this answer.  Freminet had his full attention, whether he wanted it now or not.

"Who is this letter for?" Lyney asked, "Depending on who it's for, I might be able to help you figure out a gift to send with it."

“Uhm…” His voice wavers in embarrassment. Freminet does need help picking out something suitable but at the same time! Can he take his brother’s inevitable teasing down? Jury’s out on that one. 

“Okay I’ll tell you but…promise you won’t make a big deal out of it?” 

His pinky finger is extended.

He lifted his pinky and hooked it with Freminet’s.

“I promise,” he affirmed with a nod.

As they sit and wait for their orders, Veritas taps the desk with his finger - not quite impatient, they've only been sitting for less than a minute - he's a little bit nervous. "So..." since this is technically a date, they should probably do something that signifies it. What do people even do on dates anymore?

“I appreciate a lot of things,” he confirmed with a grin.

As they sat, Aventurine leaned back into the chair.  It’s comfortable enough, about what you’d expect from a quaint, little cafe.  Wooden furniture and a cozy atmosphere filled with the smell of fresh brewed coffee.

Ah, right.  This had been propositioned as a date.  He hadn’t expected Ratio to take that part too seriously, though.  That usual confidence the blond had faltered briefly.

“I haven’t either.  Not like I’d typically have the time to,” Aventurine replied, his left hand idly fidgeting with the fabric of his jacket. Truthfully, he hadn't properly dated anyone before.

It wasn't often she sought out the Millelith on her own accord. In fact, it was the other way around. An unwilling client or two attempting to make a complaint with each promotion. With each passing day she did feel she had been walking on thin ice around those who served as guards for Liyue.

This time was different.

Per suggestion from her consultant, she had arrived at the Heyu Tea House to pick up an order so that the parlor could offer it to their clients while arrangements for burial services could be made. However, just as she was leaving something caught her eye. An unfamiliar wallet tucked off to the side on the nearby stage. That's right there was quite a few performances that went on over the weekend.

Picking it up, she decided to glance inside to get a clue to who it may have belonged to. Whoever it was, they were certainly keen on keeping their identity a mystery.

And so she delivered the wallet to the Millelith explaining the situation. A few were surprised that the director wasn't up to those 'usual antics'. Before she left to retire, it was suggested she provide a note with her name and contact info. Lo and behold this was provided on the very coupon slips that she had become infamous for.

It wasn't until later that night, the owner of said wallet would finally make their way to the funeral parlor. At the moment Hu Tao had been resting on the sofa located in the study. One of the stray cats stretched out across her lap. Really she should be heading out at that hour. So why was she still lounging about there?

A sudden knock derailed those very thoughts. Really? A client at this hour? Now this was a pleasant surprise. The moment she moved the feline made a protesting mew before leaping off onto the wooden floor. Even darting toward the very front door where Hu Tao was heading toward.

From the other side Lyney would soon find the door slowly creak open. Great way to make a good impression, director. Her blossom irised eyes scanned over the magician. They looked familiar?

As the door slowly opened he was surprised to see such an energetic young lady.  He could spot a cat in the background, as well.

“Your services?--Oh!  No, nothing like that,” Lyney replied with a sheepish chuckle.  He held out the piece of paper that had been left in his wallet.

"why  would  you  not  be  looking  for  one?"  alhaitham  crossed  his  arms  in  front  of  his  body.  it  was  obvious  how  some  ladies  tried  to  flirt  with  kaveh,  but  the  same  could  be  said  about  the  few  males  that  approached  him  with  ulterior  motives.  did  he  not  realise  that?  he  couldn't  help  the  bubbly  chuckle  slipping  from  his  lips.  kaveh  was  an  airhead.  an  adorable  one.  "you're  gorgeous,  but  i  never  see  you  with  anyone,  so  i  was  worried  if  i  slow  down  progress,  because  you're  living  with  me."  he  moved  a  tad  closer,  moving  to  stand  behind  the  blond,  very  boldly  leaning  over  to  look  at  the  broth,  chest  inevitably  pressing  against  kaveh.

Kaveh listened as Alhaitham continued to speak.  “No, no, you’re not impacting me or my ability to see someone.  I never really gave it much thought,” he reassured.  That was a lie and he knew it.  How was Kaveh supposed to look for a partner when there was already one very specific person he wanted?  Even if he was trying to remain in denial, too afraid to potentially ruin what they already had.

As he felt warmth against his back–this time deliberate–a breath hitched in his throat.  For a moment, he almost felt his heart sink until he realized who exactly Alhaitham was talking about.  Scarlet eyes widened as it all dawned on him; all this time…  His heart surely was going to beat out of his chest, and his stomach felt as if there were hundreds of butterflies flitting around.  He feared that they may fly right out of his mouth if he opened it to speak.

The blond turned around so he could meet Alhaitham’s gaze.  He swallowed and took a deep breath, trying to make some sense of his jumbled thoughts.  A hand reached out to take one of Alhaitham’s.  Kaveh was certain his hand was trembling.

“I assure you that you’re exactly who he searches for…  there’s no one else.  There never was anyone else,” he confessed, glancing down at their hands before up to meet teal again.

Eyes like gems✨

“Why is there glitter in your hair?”

“Why don’t I just leave?”

“Why does it smell like eggs in here?”

“Why are you yelling?”

“Why doesn’t anyone like me?”

“Why is the ceiling covered with tomato sauce?”

“Why didn’t you answer your phone?”

“Why can’t you let this go?”

“Why won’t you just die already?”

"Why can't I come with you?"

"Why did you dye your hair that color?"

"Why are you watching that?"

"Why am I so dizzy all of a sudden?"

"Why does it look like a bomb went off in here?"

"Why do you have a chainsaw?"

"Why can't we go back to the way things were?"

"Why did the chicken cross the road?"

"Why are you crying?"

"Why am I covered in peanut butter?"

"Why not sit and talk for a little while?"

"Why didn't you invite me?"

"Why won't this damn thing work?"

"Why should I help you?"

"Why are you driving so fast?"

"Why did you put this sign on my back?"

"Why are you taking their side?"

"Why won't they leave me alone?"

"Why is there a ski mask in your backpack?"

"Why don't you go take a nap?"

She chuckled. "This is how I really look." She smiled at him. "Or at least as much as I remember." She tilted her head.

"I hope I can learn more about you in the future." She smiled at him warmly.