[But he doesn't sound too irritated by it as he pours the tea out for them both and picks up his own cup. He knows how it looks - how domesticated he must seem here - and part of that is because of the dammed cat that he doesn't have the heart to kick out into the cold.]
It's an innocent animal and it's cold outside. I'm not a monster, Aether. [That is definitely the only reason.] So...
A little. You can tease me back, too, if you want. It's only fair. [He'd be rather amused if that does happen. He does light teasing to those he likes when he feels comfortable - just look at Paimon.]
I didn't think that at all. [Truly. He doesn't seen Dainsleif hurting something innocent like that.] You could've made a public post or ask someone here if they would like to have a cat. [He probably would have to ask Albedo, but he makes the offer at least.] I could even take the cat if want. [But he has a feeling that might not be necessary.] But it would be a shame since the cat seems to like you and this place.
[He takes the cup of tea, mutter a thanks, and blows on it. At Dainsleif's question, he nods.] I do, but I don't want to bring up anything you don't want to talk about either. [He respects privacy after all. He's private himself, but he's had practice with that sort of thing.] I was thinking more about things you like to do, maybe foods you like.
[Dainsleif makes a soft, amused sound and leans back a little in his seat. He cradles his cup in both hands, his eyes not quite on Aether as they sit almost opposite to each other.]
You sound like Kaeya. He was curious about such mundane details as well.
[And he hadn't really understood it then either. To find such details important is a curious thing to him, even if he realises that these are the kinds of things that 'friends' share with one another.]
I'm sure you're aware I haven't had the time for any hobbies or idle pursuits for many years. [Battling against the Abyss Order as he does? That takes up a lot of his time. And outside of that... the nature of his existence stops him from really being able to enjoy being alive in any way.]
As for food... it's been a long time since I've given consideration to having a 'favourite'. I eat what I need to survive, which is astoundingly little these days. [His expression flickers.] I don't remember what I liked before. I suppose there might have been something.
[At the mention of Kaeya, he's glad someone from Teyvat has been able to reach out to him - or anyone in general.]
Kaeya is a friendly guy. He was one of the first friends I made in Mondstadt. [It feels like a while ago yet just yesterday at the same time.] Friendship sometimes is about knowing those small things about people even if it's mundane. If people remember those things, it shows they care.
[He gives a nod. Where has he heard this before? A few times, actually.] But now you do. Unless you're doing something else? [That is possible. He doesn't expect Dainsleif to just tell him everything like Aether isn't going to tell him everything.] You don't have to give up having fun and relaxing entirely because of your pursuit. [Look at him. He's in it for the long haul but he's taken time to help others and make friends.]
I don't mind jogging your memory. I've gotten pretty good at cooking and even growing things. [He misses his teapot house, but the place with Albedo has a spot for gardening so that looks promising.] I don't know what the food was like in Khaenri'ah, but if you remember any of the spices or combinations, I'll see what I can do.
[Friendly... yes. He declines to mention the true motivation that Kaeya had to approach him, since he doesn't know how much the man might have told Aether about his origins (likely not much, since it seems a secret he guards closely and for good reason) and it is not his secret to reveal.
Dainsleif does have to softly chuckle at the other man's persistence, though. It isn't as if he doesn't know what having friends is, or is ignorant of the concept of having hobbies and personal interests, but there is a significant gap in Aether's knowledge of exactly what Dainsleif's life is like. He doesn't understand, and that's not his fault.]
I don't remember. [He replies with a small shake of his head.] Little details like that... they were the first to go when my memories began to slip away. [Looking a little subdued for a moment, he presses back in his chair and looks down at his tea with a frown.] Besides. I doubt I could appreciate them like I used to.
[The curse had taken much, and many weary years of unnatural life has erased his enjoyment of many things.]
... Don't make the mistake of thinking our paths in Teyvat are alike. They're not. You've been lucky to walk one that permits you to reach out to others along the way.
[Hearing that Dainsleif could not remember reminds him of what Zhongli showed him about erosion and Azhdaha. Someone who was once Rex Lapis' best friend lost his memory and now hates him. Would something like that happen to him, too? Aether feels for him. Not pity but... sadness, empathy. It must be a heavy on him. He puts his cup of tea down and looks at him.]
Then you don't need to remember. We'll make new memories together. I'm willing to try, what about you? I won't give up until you find at least one thing no matter how long it takes.
An you're right, I have been lucky, and I've been lucky that you reached out to me. [He's right. Aether can't dispute the part of them walking different paths, but one thing does stick out.] You let me reach out to you. If you really didn't want to try, you would've turned me down and told me to leave you alone, but you didn't. I think that counts.
[It's... something like that, something similar, but more relating to what he had told Aether about the slow, inexorable creep of the curse through his body. Taking it over, erasing him and replacing him with it. One day he would forget everything and only that thing has kept him from losing himself entirely for this long.
He watches Aether quietly while he talks. Persistent. So much like her. Back then she wouldn't have let him fall to despair either. How time changes things.]
We've been through some difficult situations together. I believe I can rely on you as an ally, even if we don't know one another on a personal level. There's no reason for me to tell you to leave me alone here. [And, though he would not admit it out loud, he does not want to be left alone. He's been alone for so long and despite his difficulties with accepting company for what it is, knowing he doesn't have to be alone here is something that is slowly sinking in.]
So you may ask me questions about myself if you wish, and I will try to answer them if I can. It isn't an opportunity that many people get, so perhaps you should take advantage of it.
[Aether understands reasons for wanting to keep things to oneself, he does it plenty with his own origins, but he also does not isolate himself and avoid others. He knows he is different though, his experiences vastly different. He wants to understand why Dainsleif wants feels he has to live a life of solitude. There is a chance it is required, or he believes it's the only way - it's hard to know. Sometimes the person doesn't realize it themselves.]
Maybe one day you can see me as a friend and ally. [Maybe it is a lot to ask for, but he's willing to try. He sees a glint of an opportunity with not being completely shut out. Yet he knows him wanting that alone isn't going to work. It'll probably take time and he doesn't mind waiting if the other needs it.]
Well, since I get such an honor. [He smiles, injecting a lighter air into this all. His eyes glance at the cat from earlier then back at him.] You never mentioned the cat having a name. Did you pick a name?
[He looks faintly bemused by the first statement. One day? Aether is already an ally, as much as such things can stretch (Dainsleif still has his doubts that if it came down to it, he would stand with him against his own sister) but to seek to be his friend as well is...
Dainsleif supposes it's to be expected. Aether does seem to make friends everywhere he goes, and people who deliberately put up barriers between themselves and him might seem strange. He really is so like her. So much that sometimes it stings just to be around him.]
Ah, I... [The cat... He looks at it as if silently accusing it of something.] ... Gingiberi. Gin.
[Aether why are you doing this to him. Dainsleif sighs, defeated by so simple and innocent a query.]
It's not a very inventive name. It means 'ginger' in my native tongue.
[It seems the question he asked has done his job as it changes the atmosphere of the conversation and catches him off-guard. If Dainsleif has a harder time recalling things about himself connected to the past, Aether will ask about the present.]
Maybe not, but it's not a boring name. [He picks up his cup of tea, his eyes looking at him.] You could've name them 'cat' or not given them a name at all. Yet you picked a name that's in your mother tongue. [It's cute that he's flustered by such a small thing. Maybe it's because it's so small he has such a reaction. He takes a sip of tea, tasting its flavor. It's quite nice.]
I also learned you can make tea well today, too. [It's not the hardest thing, but it's just a little fact about him that opens up more things.] Now you've got to learn how to bake something to go with the tea.
Dainsleif's expression is as unreadable as it usually is, but he's regarding Aether quietly as he sips his tea and then lets the cup linger just touching his bottom lip.]
You really do want to know about me, don't you. [The man murmurs. A soft chuckle bubbles up in his throat, and he sets his cup aside.] All right.
[There is a lot he has forgotten, but... there is a great deal he remembers, still. Maybe Aether has earned a little insight.]
I always wanted to learn to play an instrument, but I never did. I speak... around fifteen languages, and may have forgotten just as many more. [A small smile plays on his lips and something in his posture eases. Is this the kind of thing that Aether wanted to know? The smile is still there as he begins gesturing very slightly as he speaks. He holds up his right hand and traces a small line across the meat of his palm.] I have a scar, right here, from accidentally grabbing the wrong end of a sword as a young cadet. I-- [Ehem.]
I enjoy reading poetry, but don't ask me to write any. I can't.
[Is it truly this baffling to him Aether is curious about him? That sheds light into how the other feels about himself. Aether's gotten some hints, but those small comments and thoughts remind him.]
I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it. [He could've easily just work alongside him and be cordial enough. He's done that before so that's nothing new. His eyes widen just a little, pleasantly surprised at Dainsleif agreeing. I guess Aether finally got it across enough.
He listens attentively, smiling and looking more comfortable as he sees Dainsleif talking about himself. He hopes this is something that he can remember, and when he finds others, maybe he can befriend and share these little things when he's ready.] Thank you. [He could gloat but that's not what's needed now.] It means a lot to me that you told me those things about yourself.
[It's not too baffling, no. Only that he is so insistent on it, and Dainsleif does not really consider himself someone worthy of the effort it takes to get to know him. Maybe that is what prompts him to drop those few little crumbs about himself. They are things that, perhaps, Aether would never have even thought to ask.]
It's nothing.
[He ducks his attention to the cup in his hands, observing the tea instead of Aether's reaction to him. Something about that kind of scrutiny is... embarrassing.]
Don't think too much of it. If not for you I imagine I would have perished in the Chasm. I owe you a few personal details at the very least.
[He may say it is nothing, but from what Aether can tell, through words and body language, it's not the easiest thing to do nor is it something he's used to these days. He does not Dainsleif to tell him everything there is to him, but Aether would like him to know at least the door is there for him to be listened to if he allows him such a thing. That part is another matter, but it's a step.]
We both would have, and you don't owe me anything for that. [He seems to have quite the "luck" in the Chasm and there's a good chance he'll find himself in another situation like that one in the future.]
So, was it so bad telling me those things about yourself? [He smiles before he goes to finish up the tea that's left in his cup. He might have to find out where Dainsleif got this tea from and get some for himself.]
[Dainsleif narrows his eyes faintly for a moment, then huffs out a breath.]
Don't make the mistake of thinking I haven't told you about myself because I find it difficult to do so. [It wasn't so bad, but the other man may well have got the wrong end of the stick regarding why he had never done it before, and why he is choosing to do it now.]
I haven't told you because you don't need to know any of it. And I still don't know if I can entirely put my trust in you yet. [That might sting, but it's true. As long as the issue with his sister exists, Dainsleif cannot bring himself to fully trust him. Not yet. He knows how powerful the bonds of family can be.]
But here... such things matter less. So you may get to know me, if you like. Without the Abyss Order breathing down our necks.
[Him saying that actually shows he trusts him enough to be honest with him in that way. He could've easily lied or directed the conversation else where. Aether takes what he says to heart, thinking over it over. He trusts him to a certain degree, but there are cracking in that trust when it comes to his sister. He also knows sharing things about oneself isn't always just based on trust. He's been rather private about himself even with close friends.]
I don't want to force you to trust me, but maybe our time here together will help you decide if that's something you want to do or try. [Sure they could still be allies and not friends, but now he'd feel a little disappointed.] Getting to know each other is one way to do that.
[Guarded permission is still permission. He's finding being in a new world with people he's met in Teyvat change some of the dynamics they once had.] That would be much better. I doubt we'd be able to have tea and talk like this without an Abyss Herald somehow getting involved if we were in Teyvat.
[They do seem to pop up every time he and Aether are together. No matter how many of them he puts down there are always more to take their place. The Heralds and Lectors didn't used to be as much of a problem as they are now, and lately... lately Dainsleif has a sinking feeling that the true numbers of them have been hidden from him all of this time.]
But the less thought of them the better. I wouldn't want that Fox getting any ideas. [He doesn't know if she could eavesdrop onto their conversations, but also he doesn't entirely trust that she can't.] As for my trust, yes, you will have to earn it. But I have no doubts that you will be up to the task.
[It's still surprising he's just having tea and friendly conversation with Dainsleif. Not that he could ever imagine another side to him, but the lack of opportunity and the circumstances they both are in. Being in a new world truly does give such opportunities. He knows they both must one day return to Teyvat and complete their own journeys, but for now, there is tea and friendly conversation. Oh, and a cute cat.]
What sort of ideas should we give the Fox? I wouldn't mind getting a pet cat of my own.
[He looks over to the Dainsleif's cat who looks just as comfortable as the both of them. Aether's gaze returns to him, a the corner of his lips almost smiling not quite there yet. Dainsleif's words about earning his trust do not deter him at all. Aether wants to earn it. How he will, that's yet to be determined, but he will not give up so easily. He's not sure what things will occur in this world, but he doesn't go back on his word.]
In the end, he does not doubt that Aether will be able to gain his trust just as Lumine had done. Granted he was a different person then, but... already, he can see it. He does not think that the things Aether has said to him - the assurances he has given - have been said to lead him on in any way.
And more than that, he doesn't think that Aether will give up. He is like her in that way, too.]
[Aether is not at all surprised by that answer. In a way, assuring and in another, it would've been amusing to hear something of the wall like 'reading the mind of cats' or 'cats reading our minds'. That second one might be a little troublesome, though. Not very Dainsleif like, but hey.]
Maybe there can be some sort of festival to celebrate relaxing and cats. [He's seen quiet a few here so far.] That wouldn't be such a bad thing to celebrate.
[He raises an eyebrow at that, calling out his bluff and joke. He also doesn't mean it as he feels having the cat is a good thing for Dainsleif.]
Oh? Don't say things you don't fully mean. One day you'll return back home, wanting to cuddle up and pet something cute, and your cat won't be there. Instead, I'll be the one doing the spoiling and the belly rubbing.
[Aether surely realises that if Dainsleif did not on some level want the cat in the house, the cat would not be in the house. Maybe it's nice to have that assured company even if it is company that doesn't talk back.
But he makes a face at the other man, possibly the most animated that Aether has ever seen his expression even if only for a moment.]
Have I ever struck you as the kind of person who 'cuddles'.
[Please.]
But be my guest, try to call him. See who he goes to.
[Hearing Dainsleif say the word 'cuddle' has to be worth at least a hundred spoons alone. Overall, seeing him this way, it gives Aether some hope about their friendship and that Dainsleif will find more moments and opprotunities to let himself be happy.]
You tell me, and cats will decide for you. They'll make you want to cuddle them. [Not that Aether needs convincing of cuddling with cats or cute animals.]
All right, I'll try.
[He won't be disappointed with the cat not coming to him. He actually prefers that, but he also won't backdown against that bluff and challenge. He looks towards the cat, bending down and uses a softer tone as he tries to entice the cat.]
Come here, kitty, I'll cooking you lots of tasty things and give you cuddles anytime you want.
[The cat does, at least, react. It sits up, gazing at the beckoning hand as Aether tries to call it over, but doesn't move forward from its current spot. Dainsleif watches this for a minute, then exhales a quiet breath and moves one hand to gently pat his knee.]
Gin, come here.
[The language he uses isn't Teyvat's common tongue, but the cat responds instantly and trots over to jump up onto his lap, immediately kneading into his thighs with both front paws.
Dainsleif looks over at Aether with a faint smile.]
Unfortunately, I think that even if I allowed someone to leave with him he would find his way back here in short order.
[There's always that small chance the cat could come to him, but it at least it looks interested. He doesn't take it personally, but that would have been quite the twist.
By now, Aether's decently fluent at the common langauge of Teyvat, so when he hears those words, he can only assume it's the language of Khaenri'ah by assumption.]
Gin has made a choice, and I will respect that choice.
[In a way, Gin and Aether worked together to show that Dainsleif does have an attachment to his new friend even if not the most forthcoming about it. It's heartwarming seeing Dainsleif this way, happy and relaxed.]
I'll find myself a cat, dog, or maybe something else in no time.
If they're all as bold as this one, then I have no doubt of it.
[And he is sure that Aether must be missing some companionship with Paimon gone.
He knows very well how it looks and how clear his attachment to this cat is despite how grouchy he is about the whole thing. It wouldn't do to be too soft about it especially when the animal has invaded his home, but the way he pats Gin idly while his thigh is slowly kneaded into says far more than his words do.
Dainsleif would deny that he's at all happy here, but there are some scraps of contentment to be found.]
What do you think, though. A cat, or a dog?
[He does seem to like his seemingly random little questions.]
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2022-10-11 08:51 pm (UTC)[But he doesn't sound too irritated by it as he pours the tea out for them both and picks up his own cup. He knows how it looks - how domesticated he must seem here - and part of that is because of the dammed cat that he doesn't have the heart to kick out into the cold.]
It's an innocent animal and it's cold outside. I'm not a monster, Aether. [That is definitely the only reason.] So...
[Now to the meat of it all. His voice softens.]
You have an interest in knowing about me.
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Date: 2022-10-11 09:25 pm (UTC)I didn't think that at all. [Truly. He doesn't seen Dainsleif hurting something innocent like that.] You could've made a public post or ask someone here if they would like to have a cat. [He probably would have to ask Albedo, but he makes the offer at least.] I could even take the cat if want. [But he has a feeling that might not be necessary.] But it would be a shame since the cat seems to like you and this place.
[He takes the cup of tea, mutter a thanks, and blows on it. At Dainsleif's question, he nods.] I do, but I don't want to bring up anything you don't want to talk about either. [He respects privacy after all. He's private himself, but he's had practice with that sort of thing.] I was thinking more about things you like to do, maybe foods you like.
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Date: 2022-10-11 09:38 pm (UTC)You sound like Kaeya. He was curious about such mundane details as well.
[And he hadn't really understood it then either. To find such details important is a curious thing to him, even if he realises that these are the kinds of things that 'friends' share with one another.]
I'm sure you're aware I haven't had the time for any hobbies or idle pursuits for many years. [Battling against the Abyss Order as he does? That takes up a lot of his time. And outside of that... the nature of his existence stops him from really being able to enjoy being alive in any way.]
As for food... it's been a long time since I've given consideration to having a 'favourite'. I eat what I need to survive, which is astoundingly little these days. [His expression flickers.] I don't remember what I liked before. I suppose there might have been something.
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Date: 2022-10-11 10:24 pm (UTC)Kaeya is a friendly guy. He was one of the first friends I made in Mondstadt. [It feels like a while ago yet just yesterday at the same time.] Friendship sometimes is about knowing those small things about people even if it's mundane. If people remember those things, it shows they care.
[He gives a nod. Where has he heard this before? A few times, actually.] But now you do. Unless you're doing something else? [That is possible. He doesn't expect Dainsleif to just tell him everything like Aether isn't going to tell him everything.] You don't have to give up having fun and relaxing entirely because of your pursuit. [Look at him. He's in it for the long haul but he's taken time to help others and make friends.]
I don't mind jogging your memory. I've gotten pretty good at cooking and even growing things. [He misses his teapot house, but the place with Albedo has a spot for gardening so that looks promising.] I don't know what the food was like in Khaenri'ah, but if you remember any of the spices or combinations, I'll see what I can do.
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Date: 2022-10-12 06:56 am (UTC)Dainsleif does have to softly chuckle at the other man's persistence, though. It isn't as if he doesn't know what having friends is, or is ignorant of the concept of having hobbies and personal interests, but there is a significant gap in Aether's knowledge of exactly what Dainsleif's life is like. He doesn't understand, and that's not his fault.]
I don't remember. [He replies with a small shake of his head.] Little details like that... they were the first to go when my memories began to slip away. [Looking a little subdued for a moment, he presses back in his chair and looks down at his tea with a frown.] Besides. I doubt I could appreciate them like I used to.
[The curse had taken much, and many weary years of unnatural life has erased his enjoyment of many things.]
... Don't make the mistake of thinking our paths in Teyvat are alike. They're not. You've been lucky to walk one that permits you to reach out to others along the way.
no subject
Date: 2022-10-12 07:32 am (UTC)Then you don't need to remember. We'll make new memories together. I'm willing to try, what about you? I won't give up until you find at least one thing no matter how long it takes.
An you're right, I have been lucky, and I've been lucky that you reached out to me. [He's right. Aether can't dispute the part of them walking different paths, but one thing does stick out.] You let me reach out to you. If you really didn't want to try, you would've turned me down and told me to leave you alone, but you didn't. I think that counts.
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Date: 2022-10-15 05:49 pm (UTC)He watches Aether quietly while he talks. Persistent. So much like her. Back then she wouldn't have let him fall to despair either. How time changes things.]
We've been through some difficult situations together. I believe I can rely on you as an ally, even if we don't know one another on a personal level. There's no reason for me to tell you to leave me alone here. [And, though he would not admit it out loud, he does not want to be left alone. He's been alone for so long and despite his difficulties with accepting company for what it is, knowing he doesn't have to be alone here is something that is slowly sinking in.]
So you may ask me questions about myself if you wish, and I will try to answer them if I can. It isn't an opportunity that many people get, so perhaps you should take advantage of it.
no subject
Date: 2022-10-16 12:07 am (UTC)Maybe one day you can see me as a friend and ally. [Maybe it is a lot to ask for, but he's willing to try. He sees a glint of an opportunity with not being completely shut out. Yet he knows him wanting that alone isn't going to work. It'll probably take time and he doesn't mind waiting if the other needs it.]
Well, since I get such an honor. [He smiles, injecting a lighter air into this all. His eyes glance at the cat from earlier then back at him.] You never mentioned the cat having a name. Did you pick a name?
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Date: 2022-10-19 06:35 pm (UTC)Dainsleif supposes it's to be expected. Aether does seem to make friends everywhere he goes, and people who deliberately put up barriers between themselves and him might seem strange. He really is so like her. So much that sometimes it stings just to be around him.]
Ah, I... [The cat... He looks at it as if silently accusing it of something.] ... Gingiberi. Gin.
[Aether why are you doing this to him. Dainsleif sighs, defeated by so simple and innocent a query.]
It's not a very inventive name. It means 'ginger' in my native tongue.
no subject
Date: 2022-10-19 09:55 pm (UTC)Maybe not, but it's not a boring name. [He picks up his cup of tea, his eyes looking at him.] You could've name them 'cat' or not given them a name at all. Yet you picked a name that's in your mother tongue. [It's cute that he's flustered by such a small thing. Maybe it's because it's so small he has such a reaction. He takes a sip of tea, tasting its flavor. It's quite nice.]
I also learned you can make tea well today, too. [It's not the hardest thing, but it's just a little fact about him that opens up more things.] Now you've got to learn how to bake something to go with the tea.
no subject
Date: 2022-10-19 10:31 pm (UTC)Dainsleif's expression is as unreadable as it usually is, but he's regarding Aether quietly as he sips his tea and then lets the cup linger just touching his bottom lip.]
You really do want to know about me, don't you. [The man murmurs. A soft chuckle bubbles up in his throat, and he sets his cup aside.] All right.
[There is a lot he has forgotten, but... there is a great deal he remembers, still. Maybe Aether has earned a little insight.]
I always wanted to learn to play an instrument, but I never did. I speak... around fifteen languages, and may have forgotten just as many more. [A small smile plays on his lips and something in his posture eases. Is this the kind of thing that Aether wanted to know? The smile is still there as he begins gesturing very slightly as he speaks. He holds up his right hand and traces a small line across the meat of his palm.] I have a scar, right here, from accidentally grabbing the wrong end of a sword as a young cadet. I-- [Ehem.]
I enjoy reading poetry, but don't ask me to write any. I can't.
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Date: 2022-10-19 11:19 pm (UTC)I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it. [He could've easily just work alongside him and be cordial enough. He's done that before so that's nothing new. His eyes widen just a little, pleasantly surprised at Dainsleif agreeing. I guess Aether finally got it across enough.
He listens attentively, smiling and looking more comfortable as he sees Dainsleif talking about himself. He hopes this is something that he can remember, and when he finds others, maybe he can befriend and share these little things when he's ready.] Thank you. [He could gloat but that's not what's needed now.] It means a lot to me that you told me those things about yourself.
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Date: 2022-10-22 07:55 pm (UTC)It's nothing.
[He ducks his attention to the cup in his hands, observing the tea instead of Aether's reaction to him. Something about that kind of scrutiny is... embarrassing.]
Don't think too much of it. If not for you I imagine I would have perished in the Chasm. I owe you a few personal details at the very least.
no subject
Date: 2022-10-22 11:13 pm (UTC)We both would have, and you don't owe me anything for that. [He seems to have quite the "luck" in the Chasm and there's a good chance he'll find himself in another situation like that one in the future.]
So, was it so bad telling me those things about yourself? [He smiles before he goes to finish up the tea that's left in his cup. He might have to find out where Dainsleif got this tea from and get some for himself.]
no subject
Date: 2022-10-29 07:48 pm (UTC)Don't make the mistake of thinking I haven't told you about myself because I find it difficult to do so. [It wasn't so bad, but the other man may well have got the wrong end of the stick regarding why he had never done it before, and why he is choosing to do it now.]
I haven't told you because you don't need to know any of it. And I still don't know if I can entirely put my trust in you yet. [That might sting, but it's true. As long as the issue with his sister exists, Dainsleif cannot bring himself to fully trust him. Not yet. He knows how powerful the bonds of family can be.]
But here... such things matter less. So you may get to know me, if you like. Without the Abyss Order breathing down our necks.
no subject
Date: 2022-10-30 12:55 am (UTC)I don't want to force you to trust me, but maybe our time here together will help you decide if that's something you want to do or try. [Sure they could still be allies and not friends, but now he'd feel a little disappointed.] Getting to know each other is one way to do that.
[Guarded permission is still permission. He's finding being in a new world with people he's met in Teyvat change some of the dynamics they once had.] That would be much better. I doubt we'd be able to have tea and talk like this without an Abyss Herald somehow getting involved if we were in Teyvat.
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Date: 2022-11-04 10:59 pm (UTC)[They do seem to pop up every time he and Aether are together. No matter how many of them he puts down there are always more to take their place. The Heralds and Lectors didn't used to be as much of a problem as they are now, and lately... lately Dainsleif has a sinking feeling that the true numbers of them have been hidden from him all of this time.]
But the less thought of them the better. I wouldn't want that Fox getting any ideas. [He doesn't know if she could eavesdrop onto their conversations, but also he doesn't entirely trust that she can't.] As for my trust, yes, you will have to earn it. But I have no doubts that you will be up to the task.
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Date: 2022-11-12 01:54 am (UTC)What sort of ideas should we give the Fox? I wouldn't mind getting a pet cat of my own.
[He looks over to the Dainsleif's cat who looks just as comfortable as the both of them. Aether's gaze returns to him, a the corner of his lips almost smiling not quite there yet. Dainsleif's words about earning his trust do not deter him at all. Aether wants to earn it. How he will, that's yet to be determined, but he will not give up so easily. He's not sure what things will occur in this world, but he doesn't go back on his word.]
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Date: 2022-11-16 09:00 pm (UTC)[Dainsleif just shakes his head.
In the end, he does not doubt that Aether will be able to gain his trust just as Lumine had done. Granted he was a different person then, but... already, he can see it. He does not think that the things Aether has said to him - the assurances he has given - have been said to lead him on in any way.
And more than that, he doesn't think that Aether will give up. He is like her in that way, too.]
And you can take this one if you like.
[He doesn't mean it.]
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Date: 2022-11-18 12:26 am (UTC)Maybe there can be some sort of festival to celebrate relaxing and cats. [He's seen quiet a few here so far.] That wouldn't be such a bad thing to celebrate.
[He raises an eyebrow at that, calling out his bluff and joke. He also doesn't mean it as he feels having the cat is a good thing for Dainsleif.]
Oh? Don't say things you don't fully mean. One day you'll return back home, wanting to cuddle up and pet something cute, and your cat won't be there. Instead, I'll be the one doing the spoiling and the belly rubbing.
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Date: 2022-11-23 06:31 pm (UTC)But he makes a face at the other man, possibly the most animated that Aether has ever seen his expression even if only for a moment.]
Have I ever struck you as the kind of person who 'cuddles'.
[Please.]
But be my guest, try to call him. See who he goes to.
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Date: 2022-11-27 02:23 am (UTC)You tell me, and cats will decide for you. They'll make you want to cuddle them. [Not that Aether needs convincing of cuddling with cats or cute animals.]
All right, I'll try.
[He won't be disappointed with the cat not coming to him. He actually prefers that, but he also won't backdown against that bluff and challenge. He looks towards the cat, bending down and uses a softer tone as he tries to entice the cat.]
Come here, kitty, I'll cooking you lots of tasty things and give you cuddles anytime you want.
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Date: 2022-11-30 07:08 pm (UTC)Gin, come here.
[The language he uses isn't Teyvat's common tongue, but the cat responds instantly and trots over to jump up onto his lap, immediately kneading into his thighs with both front paws.
Dainsleif looks over at Aether with a faint smile.]
Unfortunately, I think that even if I allowed someone to leave with him he would find his way back here in short order.
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Date: 2022-12-03 01:33 am (UTC)By now, Aether's decently fluent at the common langauge of Teyvat, so when he hears those words, he can only assume it's the language of Khaenri'ah by assumption.]
Gin has made a choice, and I will respect that choice.
[In a way, Gin and Aether worked together to show that Dainsleif does have an attachment to his new friend even if not the most forthcoming about it. It's heartwarming seeing Dainsleif this way, happy and relaxed.]
I'll find myself a cat, dog, or maybe something else in no time.
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Date: 2022-12-08 09:37 pm (UTC)[And he is sure that Aether must be missing some companionship with Paimon gone.
He knows very well how it looks and how clear his attachment to this cat is despite how grouchy he is about the whole thing. It wouldn't do to be too soft about it especially when the animal has invaded his home, but the way he pats Gin idly while his thigh is slowly kneaded into says far more than his words do.
Dainsleif would deny that he's at all happy here, but there are some scraps of contentment to be found.]
What do you think, though. A cat, or a dog?
[He does seem to like his seemingly random little questions.]