[Closed]

[justscribing]

WHO: (fussiest), (justscribing), (cashewlater), & (wreatharrow)
WHAT: Sumeru crew have a little huddle.
WHERE: Some little cafe with outdoor tables.
WHEN: Early July
WARNINGS: N/A







[It's been a couple days for them all to try and orient themselves in this situation. And, given it's already a strange situation, it might as well just get stranger when Alhaitham is the one who makes a decision that they need a gathering between the four of them that already know each other and have the same place to get back to.

In the morning, he scouts nearby blocks until he finds a small cafe, empty as every other place is but with small tables outside which are a suitable meeting space. Also, maybe he can take some coffee bags to go.

Then, he sends a message to Tighnari and Cyno:]

You're not busy this afternoon, right? [Trick question none of them are busy.] Come meet with Kaveh and I around 1 pm. We should establish a routine with each other and share what information we've found.

[And he'll send along the location, and a photo of the cafe front. Just in case.

Kaveh gets less warning, because Alhaitham decides to just tell him in person when he catches him: they're meeting with Cyno and Tighnari (did he know they were here? Well, anyway,). They'll walk there together. Alhaitham brings one of those blank books and a pen, because he's sure he'll want notes.

And slides into one of the cafe seats, just a bit before the designated hour.]

Comments

[cashewlater]

[ crossing his arms, cyno sits back in his seat, exhaling a hard sigh through his nose. stubborn as a bull. ]

Teamwork is one thing. Personal responsibility is another. [ cyno frowns, his brow knitting. ] .. but you have my word that I won't be reckless, and I won't do anything alone.

[fussiest]

[ kaveh looks. and then, because he is kaveh, he breathes out in the way of a sigh. ]

That is as much as I'll get out of you. But it's reassurance and a promise in both, so I'll take it.

Just... tell us if something feels off, or changes, alright?

[cashewlater]

[ a promise indeed, and cyno does not go back on his word. he won't work alone, here, not unless he's forced to. those days are over. he nods. ]

I will. You'll all be the first to know. Where are you two staying?

[fussiest]

[ it is a promise that cyno knows to keep, kaveh knows. it's why it had been important to have it said. but what is said next causes kaveh to stilt. he looks, and then, after a moment, runs his hand through his hair until they run in against the red of his clips. ]

Well, actually - my apartment is to the south-west in District 1. And Alhaitham's is north-east. Are you and Tighnari living together, then?

[cashewlater]

[ .. huh. given the way cyno's eyebrows lift, he's a little bit surprised, though after a moment, he nods. well, he knows how the two of them get on, and for kaveh, having his very own space must feel incredibly liberating. ]

We are, yes, we're sharing an apartment for now.

[ perhaps at some point that would change, but they both very much wanted to be able to keep an eye on one another. he couldn't say that he liked the idea of the four of them being so far apart. ]

[fussiest]

[ cyno's eyebrows lift. the finality of his nod, however, is reassurance that kaveh hadn't been seeking. he looks for a moment, and then, slowly, nods in turn. ]

I'll draw you a map. [ kaveh says, relieved without knowing why. it had been the first time he has shared that with anyone. it ought to be the norm, now. he breathes out. ] Of where we live, and a few other notable locations that we've discovered along the way. This city isn't all that large, but it's good to be able to start from somewhere.

[cashewlater]

All right. Thank you.

[ it's not a bad idea, to know where to find each other should things go south. much as cyno might wish that they were all clustered close together, he trusted them, as well; they were capable, grown men. ]

How are you doing?

[fussiest]

Me?

[ if it were anyone else, kaveh has room to deflect. but it's cyno, and it's them, and it's the cloistered stability of home in a way that kaveh hasn't been able to find since their off-kiltered arrival. cyno is there, and sure. kaveh breathes out; it comes out in the form of a stuttered laugh. ]

A little guilty, actually. I ought not feel so free when the circumstances are so strange - but I do.

[ after all, he is debt-free. ]

[cashewlater]

[ cyno's head tilts thoughtfully, and he crosses his arms loosely over his abdomen, leaning back in his chair. ]

I don't think you need to feel guilty about that. Better that you can get something good from this place.

[fussiest]

Is it truly a good when it's at the expense of so many people? And in any case, it's a temporary thing - or should be. I ought not get too comfortable about it.

[cashewlater]

Yes, but you're not responsible for that expense. There's no reason to suffer needlessly if you can instead enjoy even a moment of relief. This isn't on you, Kaveh. Take from it what you can.

[fussiest]

But Cyno, I'm not suffering.

[ kaveh says this with a smile. it's a smile that suggests he ought to. kaveh shakes his head. ]

That being said - I know, I know what you mean.

[cashewlater]

[ cyno is silent. his arms around his abdomen tense a little, and he drums his fingertips against his upper arm, his gaze on kaveh not unkind, but certainly knowing. he might be able to fool a great many people, but he cannot fool cyno, whose eyes are sharper than most, who relies on his powers of perception to be able to efficiently do his job. a hunter must study the body language of its prey.

but he won't push. just know that he knows, kaveh. ]

Well. Just know that the road goes both ways.

[ kaveh wants cyno to lean on him, well, he'd better be ready to lean right back. ]

[fussiest]

[ cyno's silence steeps. kaveh looks. then, as if the breaking of a wave, the silence relents. it isn't, kaveh knows, the end of the conversation, but he is being provided a measure of grace. his heart swells in affection for his friend. it's more than what kaveh deserves.

so what kaveh smiles and cants into that nod. ]

I know. If anything, you'll be tired of me showing up at your door. That reminds me then - it'll be good to have a standing dinner invitation. Say, once a week? We can oscillate between our places, use that as an opportunity to share information and catch up.

[cashewlater]

[ at that offer, cyno's mouth curves into a nearly imperceptible smile, his expression softening around the edges. ]

I'd like that. A little familiar routine would be nice.