[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: 2022-10-19 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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.]
no subject
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.]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.]