[when Dohalim had received the message from the NRL about being able to go home, that time had been fixed, and that his journey can continue on, he’s left with a conundrum. on one hand, he had his friends, his closest companions back home, he had his duties to perform, a world to save. there were many things he had left to accomplish, a people to lead, to serve once their adventure was over. a busy lifetime ahead of him, despite what he knows now of the Dahnans and Renans. there are truths that need to be revealed to the people, after all, and he feels like, truly, he is the only one who can do it (with the support of his friends).
however, the life in Nippon, the simpler one, where he can live a life as a florist and herbalist, with his other small group of friends and acquaintances, with his lover… it’s the other hand that also holds weight. in this life, there are no worries of duties to lead, no heavy hearted decisions to make. here, there is no lake of death, no reminder of his own transgressions. he will never forget what he’d done back home, but here… here, it’s an easier pill to swallow. as much as he would like to go back home, his home in Nippon is one he is loathe to part with, as well.
Dohalim had sent a message to Red Wine earlier, before he’d received the message from the NRL. today was– is a day worth celebrating, not for the fact that the time loops have been fixed, but for themselves. to celebrate their love for each other. Dohalim had invited Red Wine over to his house for dinner, and there’s an effort to not let everything weigh heavily in his heart; he’s excited to see the man (when is he not is the real question), but before he knew it, he finds himself pondering on this choice. he’s sure he knows Red Wine’s decision, which only bears down on him even more.
he still has the magi-comm in his hand, opened to the message; Dohalim’s eyes dart between that and the neatly tied bouquet of roses set beside him to give to the Food Soul. what to do…]
[The news had no doubt rattled many people here. Some would be relieved, Red Wine thinks, to know they can finally go home and put this place behind them. Some would be conflicted, torn between the relationships they had made here and the life waiting for them to return to it.
For Red Wine, it comes with a strange kind of finality. There is no returning for him, there is no life for him to go back to, there is only this and he is not quite ready to face the reality of what he still might lose.
But there is something to celebrate, and it is nothing to do with the time loops or the NRL. It's something just for he and Dohalim and not something that he would choose to miss simply because the earth has abruptly shifted under his feet. It could, after all, be their only opportunity to have such a celebration.
He makes his way over to Dohalim's home having taken an extra level of care in his appearance even beyond what he would normally do for such occasions. His hair is neat and tied up off his neck with a few tantalising wisps curling against his cheeks. His clothing has clearly been picked out to cater to his partner's tastes - he has chosen things that the other man has commented on as liking before.
The Food Soul lets himself in, as always, and does not stand on ceremony. He moves to where Dohalim is and without a word sweeps him up in a hard, possessive kiss.]
[Dohalim supposes he shouldn't be all that surprised that there are no words exchanged between them before Red Wine had pulled him into that searing kiss. he supposes there are no words that can be said at the moment, not when they're lip locked, and not when Dohalim himself is reaching up to desperately cling to him. it's silly to think about, and he knows it's just his own anxieties at play, but he's worried that the Food Soul will slip from his fingers, that he'll lose him somehow. he needs to catch breath, but he doesn't want to part from the other man.
when they do part eventually, Dohalim pants soft breaths against Red Wine's lips, not wanting to part away too much. a hand comes up to brush the locks framing his face as he takes in the beauty of this man, to commit to memory every part of him. he can feel himself getting just a little emotional, a warm prickle in the back of his eyes betraying the small smile on his face. there's no doubt that he feels love for the Food Soul, but at that moment, he can feel his heart bursting]
You're still here...
[again, Dohalim had no doubt. but to actually see Red Wine, to feel his body against his, his warmth, and to look into those deep red eyes he's always so drawn to... he has to let out a soft breath of relief]
[Though the course of their time together, Red Wine has delighted in seeing Dohalim become more secure and emotionally stable. He will credit that in no small part to himself and his influence and will readily admit that over that time he has become immeasurably fond of the man. When he clings onto him like that it's easy to read - his anxieties are easy to read - and Red Wine gently rubs one hand against his back.]
Tch... of course I am.
[Surely Dohalim did not think that he would simply leave without saying anything? Especially when he has everything to stay here for.
He presses another soft, warm kiss to the other man's mouth and smiles against it. Oh, but he is such a ridiculous person... and Red Wine loves him so very much.]
Considering our respective situations, I feel like I'm the one who should have been more concerned.
[Dohalim lets out a soft chuckle as he leans in to rest his forehead against Red Wine's, eyes slipping half closed as he lets the warmth between them linger. every small touch, down to the simple rubbing of his back quickly calms Dohalim's lingering anxieties down]
I suppose you're right. Forgive me.
[old habits are hard to break, after all, despite all that the other man had done for him. but he does have a point. Dohalim still has his own duties to perform back home, and a life to go back to. there's the other dilemma of leaving everything here to go back, and while a part of him wants to (is it a want, or is it more of a need), the much bigger part wants to stay. the life he built here, the friends he's made, the love he's felt... is he so willing to leave it all behind? he thinks not.
not wanting to part too much just yet, Dohalim awkwardly bends down to slip a rose from the bouquet resting on the table, before holding it between them as a small offering]
The sentiment is the same; I couldn't leave without seeing you. And... I'm not entirely sure I want to leave just yet.
Red Wine had not expected that the other man would simply leave without a word, though he isn't insulted that Dohalim was worried he might find himself alone. He's like that, he's always been like that, and it was something that Red Wine had anticipated having to soothe.
He smiles as he takes the offered rose, holding it gently against his chest.]
I had hoped we could talk about it before you came to a decision.
[Shifting the rose to one hand, he wraps his arms around Dohalim's shoulders and leans in close to him, lightly nudging the tips of their noses together.]
But I'll keep you here with me for as long as I can.
I'm not sure what there is to talk about. I had no doubts as soon as I heard the news.
[with all of his uncertainties, this is something Dohalim is sure about. he doesn't want to leave Red Wine; the idea hurts his heart too much to even think about it.
a hand comes up to brush away a lock of hair framing the other man's face, entwining it gently around his finger before tucking it behind Red Wine's ear. his fingers brush up against the pointed tip for a quick moment]
I want to stay here with you. That's all there is to it. Even when I grow old and grey... I still want to stay here with you, if you'll have me.
[He exhales softly at that light touch, tilting his head into it and briefly lowering his eyelids. As if he could think, even for a moment, of leaving Dohalim if he was willing to stay with him here.
No. He couldn't. This man is too well tangled in his soul.]
But it seems there is nothing to talk about, after all... and here I was prepared with a list of very persuasive reasons why you should linger a little longer.
[Not really, but he feels there's room for levity.]
[smiling warmly, Dohalim leans in for a soft kiss, hand sliding down to rest against the back of Red Wine's neck. fingers gently bury into silken hair, careful not to disturb the locks neatly tied up at his nape. honestly, he can just bask in the Food Soul's presence, and he would be satisfied.
as he pulls away, he laughs softly as he nuzzles Red Wine, not wanting to part from the man anytime soon, despite their little dinner date he'd planned out]
I'm almost inclined to ask you to indulge me in all the reasons why I should stay. Perhaps I could ask you to stroke my tailfeathers, so to speak.
[as much as the Renan sometimes has a hard time asking for something for himself (even though he's gotten so much better about it), there are moments where he does allow himself to be just a little selfish. he just has to remind himself not to take any declines too personally, if they arise]
And what makes you think I wouldn't just talk about what you'd be missing out on if you left?
[Red Wine smirks and cocks his head, still leaning just slightly into any contact Dohalim cares to give him. He could go on for some time about why he would wish this man to stay with him, and it would be nothing he had not said to him before, but he could also show an astonishing lack of humility in detailing just what he would be leaving behind.
Rather than say anything at all though, Red Wine just moves in to kiss the other man instead. It's not-quite-chaste, with a soft nip against the Renan's lower lip in the moment he parts from it.]
This evening is going to take a turn if you allow it, you know.
[Not surprising - the Food Soul has historically rarely been able to keep his hands off Dohalim, after all.]
And what makes you think I wouldn't want to listen to you while you go off on a tangent?
[how could he really deny himself the luxury of listening to his lover speaking in those dulcet tones? honestly, Red Wine could be talking about the most mundane thing and it would still easily draw him in.
Dohalim reciprocates the kiss in kind, feeling the building heat behind it this time, and the sharp canines nipping at his lip pulls a soft gasp from him]
Would you blame me if I were to say that it might just be my intention? Dinner could wait, I suppose.
[offering a cheeky grin, Dohalim leans in for another kiss, a little softer this time. but when he pulls away, there's only a hair's breadth between them]
At least allow me to give you your gift before you ravish me all night.
I suppose dinner could wait. I've never been one to deny myself spoiling my appetite on dessert.
[Red Wine grins a little but doesn't press the matter as Dohalim mentions a gift. His eyebrows twitch slightly upwards, then he tilts his head and lets out a soft, curious hum.]
But all right, I can behave myself for a minute.
[Such jesting. Keeping his hands to himself around this man has always been a task.]
Well, hopefully you can last longer than a minute.
[but Dohalim's hands slide down Red Wine's arms to grasp at his hands, taking them gently in his. as he looks down, he has to admire the contrast of their skin; dark against pale, so different, yet so complimentary. thumbs draw small circles on the back of the other man's hands for a moment, before Dohalim tugs at them as he leads the Food Soul to the yard]
It may be a little cliche, but said gift would be better suited to be given to you outside.
[it may seem like a hint alluding to something plant-like, knowing him, but nothing of the sort is presented to him as they step out onto the engawa. instead, there's a seat cushion with a thick blanket folded by it, as it's rather chilly still, especially at night. but the more interesting thing is a familiar violin resting on its stand, the white wooden body gently reflecting the moonlight, almost making it glow.
Dohalim gestures to the cushion, inviting Red Wine to sit down and make himself comfortable, before picking up the instrument]
It occurred to me that I've... Never actually played for you before. I took some time to reflect on myself and the past, and if I'm honest, I'm not sure I could have ever done that without you.
So, as I pondered on what to give you, I figured, what better gift could I give other than the gift of music? So, if you would allow me to play something I've written for you...
[there's the most subtle hint of hesitation in his voice, partly because he's worried that Red Wine wouldn't like it (even though he's also told himself countless times that the man would), and partly because there's still a part of him still caught up in the past. that a part of him still doesn't deserve to pick up the violin again. but... it brought him so much joy in such a cold upbringing, and even though it's painful to think about sometimes, he was happy when he played. so why not share that happiness with Red Wine?]
[Red Wine would do just about anything Dohalim asked of him and go anywhere he told him to, with the trust and care that has been built between them transcending even the bond of a Food Soul with their Master Attendant. He wouldn't comply because he was compelled to but because he wanted to... and he has informed Dohalim of this before.
No need to be worried about anything here. Red Wine follows the man outside and sits when told to, a curious smile on his face as he spies the violin. Dohalim had yet to play anything for him, that is true, and he had not expected to hear it now...]
A fine gift.
[He murmurs softly, emotion swelling in his chest. That Dohalim would want to play something for him is one thing but that that piece would also be something written especially for him..? No one had ever written music for him before.]
Nothing would delight me more than to hear it. Consider me your captive audience.
[Dohalim offers Red Wine a warm smile before leaning in to press his lips against the other's briefly. as he pulls away, he takes a deep breath in, as if to calm the remaining nerves of uncertainty; he takes a few steps back before holding up his violin and positioning it in between his shoulder and chin.
the first draw of the bow lets out a strong, yet soft note that rings out and echoes gently within the garden. he lets it hang in the air for a moment longer before he draws the bow again, his fingers dancing along the frets of the neck of the violin as he plays the piece for Red Wine. the emotion within the composition is clear as day, with how lighthearted the tune is, but also reflecting the romance and love he has for the other man. it's clear that he's in his element right now; it's easier to convey his feelings in song rather than words. he's always been like that, and it's not something he hid away from the Food Soul. and while he's gotten a lot better about it, sometimes, he finds himself falling back on old habits, especially when something flusters him so.
but now... now it's so easy to show Red Wine his emotions. to let him hear them, and hopefully feel them in the piece. and while it's a little cheesy that he brought his lover outside to listen to him play, there is another reason as to why. as the plant life around them shifts, they start to grow and move, almost as if they're dancing to the rhythm. Dohalim pays them no mind for the moment, nor does he pay mind to the small rose blooms in his hair, not until he's finished.
when the song ends, Dohalim lets the last note hang in the air much like the first one, before lowering the instrument and looking up at the man. the nerves are back, but only just, as he waits for Red Wine's thoughts and reaction]
[Even with all the progress he's made, Red Wine knows that Dohalim still struggles to make his wants and his emotions known sometimes. The Food Soul has learned to read the man well, to be able to coax him along to open up when he's holding back, but this is something entirely different.
Everything that Dohalim might have struggled to put into words comes through in the passion of his music and the shifting, blooming of the plant-life around them. Red Wine listens, enchanted, his gaze barely leaving his lover's face while he plays save for the occasional moment where he will glance at the deft movements of his fingers over the violin.
When it ends and that last note shivers away into silence, Red Wine exhales a slow breath that he didn't realise he was holding.]
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ninetydegrees
(no subject)
however, the life in Nippon, the simpler one, where he can live a life as a florist and herbalist, with his other small group of friends and acquaintances, with his lover… it’s the other hand that also holds weight. in this life, there are no worries of duties to lead, no heavy hearted decisions to make. here, there is no lake of death, no reminder of his own transgressions. he will never forget what he’d done back home, but here… here, it’s an easier pill to swallow. as much as he would like to go back home, his home in Nippon is one he is loathe to part with, as well.
Dohalim had sent a message to Red Wine earlier, before he’d received the message from the NRL. today was– is a day worth celebrating, not for the fact that the time loops have been fixed, but for themselves. to celebrate their love for each other. Dohalim had invited Red Wine over to his house for dinner, and there’s an effort to not let everything weigh heavily in his heart; he’s excited to see the man (when is he not is the real question), but before he knew it, he finds himself pondering on this choice. he’s sure he knows Red Wine’s decision, which only bears down on him even more.
he still has the magi-comm in his hand, opened to the message; Dohalim’s eyes dart between that and the neatly tied bouquet of roses set beside him to give to the Food Soul. what to do…]
(no subject)
For Red Wine, it comes with a strange kind of finality. There is no returning for him, there is no life for him to go back to, there is only this and he is not quite ready to face the reality of what he still might lose.
But there is something to celebrate, and it is nothing to do with the time loops or the NRL. It's something just for he and Dohalim and not something that he would choose to miss simply because the earth has abruptly shifted under his feet. It could, after all, be their only opportunity to have such a celebration.
He makes his way over to Dohalim's home having taken an extra level of care in his appearance even beyond what he would normally do for such occasions. His hair is neat and tied up off his neck with a few tantalising wisps curling against his cheeks. His clothing has clearly been picked out to cater to his partner's tastes - he has chosen things that the other man has commented on as liking before.
The Food Soul lets himself in, as always, and does not stand on ceremony. He moves to where Dohalim is and without a word sweeps him up in a hard, possessive kiss.]
(no subject)
when they do part eventually, Dohalim pants soft breaths against Red Wine's lips, not wanting to part away too much. a hand comes up to brush the locks framing his face as he takes in the beauty of this man, to commit to memory every part of him. he can feel himself getting just a little emotional, a warm prickle in the back of his eyes betraying the small smile on his face. there's no doubt that he feels love for the Food Soul, but at that moment, he can feel his heart bursting]
You're still here...
[again, Dohalim had no doubt. but to actually see Red Wine, to feel his body against his, his warmth, and to look into those deep red eyes he's always so drawn to... he has to let out a soft breath of relief]
(no subject)
Tch... of course I am.
[Surely Dohalim did not think that he would simply leave without saying anything? Especially when he has everything to stay here for.
He presses another soft, warm kiss to the other man's mouth and smiles against it. Oh, but he is such a ridiculous person... and Red Wine loves him so very much.]
Considering our respective situations, I feel like I'm the one who should have been more concerned.
(no subject)
I suppose you're right. Forgive me.
[old habits are hard to break, after all, despite all that the other man had done for him. but he does have a point. Dohalim still has his own duties to perform back home, and a life to go back to. there's the other dilemma of leaving everything here to go back, and while a part of him wants to (is it a want, or is it more of a need), the much bigger part wants to stay. the life he built here, the friends he's made, the love he's felt... is he so willing to leave it all behind? he thinks not.
not wanting to part too much just yet, Dohalim awkwardly bends down to slip a rose from the bouquet resting on the table, before holding it between them as a small offering]
The sentiment is the same; I couldn't leave without seeing you. And... I'm not entirely sure I want to leave just yet.
(no subject)
Red Wine had not expected that the other man would simply leave without a word, though he isn't insulted that Dohalim was worried he might find himself alone. He's like that, he's always been like that, and it was something that Red Wine had anticipated having to soothe.
He smiles as he takes the offered rose, holding it gently against his chest.]
I had hoped we could talk about it before you came to a decision.
[Shifting the rose to one hand, he wraps his arms around Dohalim's shoulders and leans in close to him, lightly nudging the tips of their noses together.]
But I'll keep you here with me for as long as I can.
(no subject)
[with all of his uncertainties, this is something Dohalim is sure about. he doesn't want to leave Red Wine; the idea hurts his heart too much to even think about it.
a hand comes up to brush away a lock of hair framing the other man's face, entwining it gently around his finger before tucking it behind Red Wine's ear. his fingers brush up against the pointed tip for a quick moment]
I want to stay here with you. That's all there is to it. Even when I grow old and grey... I still want to stay here with you, if you'll have me.
(no subject)
[He exhales softly at that light touch, tilting his head into it and briefly lowering his eyelids. As if he could think, even for a moment, of leaving Dohalim if he was willing to stay with him here.
No. He couldn't. This man is too well tangled in his soul.]
But it seems there is nothing to talk about, after all... and here I was prepared with a list of very persuasive reasons why you should linger a little longer.
[Not really, but he feels there's room for levity.]
I love you.
(no subject)
[smiling warmly, Dohalim leans in for a soft kiss, hand sliding down to rest against the back of Red Wine's neck. fingers gently bury into silken hair, careful not to disturb the locks neatly tied up at his nape. honestly, he can just bask in the Food Soul's presence, and he would be satisfied.
as he pulls away, he laughs softly as he nuzzles Red Wine, not wanting to part from the man anytime soon, despite their little dinner date he'd planned out]
I'm almost inclined to ask you to indulge me in all the reasons why I should stay. Perhaps I could ask you to stroke my tailfeathers, so to speak.
[as much as the Renan sometimes has a hard time asking for something for himself (even though he's gotten so much better about it), there are moments where he does allow himself to be just a little selfish. he just has to remind himself not to take any declines too personally, if they arise]
(no subject)
[Red Wine smirks and cocks his head, still leaning just slightly into any contact Dohalim cares to give him. He could go on for some time about why he would wish this man to stay with him, and it would be nothing he had not said to him before, but he could also show an astonishing lack of humility in detailing just what he would be leaving behind.
Rather than say anything at all though, Red Wine just moves in to kiss the other man instead. It's not-quite-chaste, with a soft nip against the Renan's lower lip in the moment he parts from it.]
This evening is going to take a turn if you allow it, you know.
[Not surprising - the Food Soul has historically rarely been able to keep his hands off Dohalim, after all.]
(no subject)
[how could he really deny himself the luxury of listening to his lover speaking in those dulcet tones? honestly, Red Wine could be talking about the most mundane thing and it would still easily draw him in.
Dohalim reciprocates the kiss in kind, feeling the building heat behind it this time, and the sharp canines nipping at his lip pulls a soft gasp from him]
Would you blame me if I were to say that it might just be my intention? Dinner could wait, I suppose.
[offering a cheeky grin, Dohalim leans in for another kiss, a little softer this time. but when he pulls away, there's only a hair's breadth between them]
At least allow me to give you your gift before you ravish me all night.
(no subject)
[Red Wine grins a little but doesn't press the matter as Dohalim mentions a gift. His eyebrows twitch slightly upwards, then he tilts his head and lets out a soft, curious hum.]
But all right, I can behave myself for a minute.
[Such jesting. Keeping his hands to himself around this man has always been a task.]
(no subject)
[but Dohalim's hands slide down Red Wine's arms to grasp at his hands, taking them gently in his. as he looks down, he has to admire the contrast of their skin; dark against pale, so different, yet so complimentary. thumbs draw small circles on the back of the other man's hands for a moment, before Dohalim tugs at them as he leads the Food Soul to the yard]
It may be a little cliche, but said gift would be better suited to be given to you outside.
[it may seem like a hint alluding to something plant-like, knowing him, but nothing of the sort is presented to him as they step out onto the engawa. instead, there's a seat cushion with a thick blanket folded by it, as it's rather chilly still, especially at night. but the more interesting thing is a familiar violin resting on its stand, the white wooden body gently reflecting the moonlight, almost making it glow.
Dohalim gestures to the cushion, inviting Red Wine to sit down and make himself comfortable, before picking up the instrument]
It occurred to me that I've... Never actually played for you before. I took some time to reflect on myself and the past, and if I'm honest, I'm not sure I could have ever done that without you.
So, as I pondered on what to give you, I figured, what better gift could I give other than the gift of music? So, if you would allow me to play something I've written for you...
[there's the most subtle hint of hesitation in his voice, partly because he's worried that Red Wine wouldn't like it (even though he's also told himself countless times that the man would), and partly because there's still a part of him still caught up in the past. that a part of him still doesn't deserve to pick up the violin again. but... it brought him so much joy in such a cold upbringing, and even though it's painful to think about sometimes, he was happy when he played. so why not share that happiness with Red Wine?]
(no subject)
No need to be worried about anything here. Red Wine follows the man outside and sits when told to, a curious smile on his face as he spies the violin. Dohalim had yet to play anything for him, that is true, and he had not expected to hear it now...]
A fine gift.
[He murmurs softly, emotion swelling in his chest. That Dohalim would want to play something for him is one thing but that that piece would also be something written especially for him..? No one had ever written music for him before.]
Nothing would delight me more than to hear it. Consider me your captive audience.
(no subject)
the first draw of the bow lets out a strong, yet soft note that rings out and echoes gently within the garden. he lets it hang in the air for a moment longer before he draws the bow again, his fingers dancing along the frets of the neck of the violin as he plays the piece for Red Wine. the emotion within the composition is clear as day, with how lighthearted the tune is, but also reflecting the romance and love he has for the other man. it's clear that he's in his element right now; it's easier to convey his feelings in song rather than words. he's always been like that, and it's not something he hid away from the Food Soul. and while he's gotten a lot better about it, sometimes, he finds himself falling back on old habits, especially when something flusters him so.
but now... now it's so easy to show Red Wine his emotions. to let him hear them, and hopefully feel them in the piece. and while it's a little cheesy that he brought his lover outside to listen to him play, there is another reason as to why. as the plant life around them shifts, they start to grow and move, almost as if they're dancing to the rhythm. Dohalim pays them no mind for the moment, nor does he pay mind to the small rose blooms in his hair, not until he's finished.
when the song ends, Dohalim lets the last note hang in the air much like the first one, before lowering the instrument and looking up at the man. the nerves are back, but only just, as he waits for Red Wine's thoughts and reaction]
(no subject)
Everything that Dohalim might have struggled to put into words comes through in the passion of his music and the shifting, blooming of the plant-life around them. Red Wine listens, enchanted, his gaze barely leaving his lover's face while he plays save for the occasional moment where he will glance at the deft movements of his fingers over the violin.
When it ends and that last note shivers away into silence, Red Wine exhales a slow breath that he didn't realise he was holding.]
... Beautiful.