O-oh, uh, I wouldn't want to impose on your reading!
[Tsutomu holds still when Silco reaches out, his face turning pink.]
Ahaha, you think so? I-I'm sure it's not that impressive! But I do like blue...
R-right, I won't keep you any further!
[Tsutomu reaches into his pouch and pulls out a heart shaped chocolate the size of a fist, wrapped in gaudy, sparkly red foil.]
I learned that today is "Valentine's Day", which seemed similar to a holiday in Eorzea known as Saint Valentione's Day, where one can give chocolate gifts to those they appreciate! I just wanted to thank you for that other day!
[He bows, and at the same time holds the heart out with both hands.]
I don't mind being kept -- [Though whatever clever remark he had planned is interrupted by the utter earnestness and sincerity with which the boy presents his gift.
It's touching, both to be gifted anything at all, but also to be appreciated. With great care, Silco takes the foil wrapped heart and presses a kiss to the top of Tsutomu's head]
We had Love Day, where I'm from. Though that was more of a Topside holiday, for people who could readily afford to give gifts. Thank you, this is... incredibly kind. [And though his tone is as dry as ever, he does sound grateful, too. Even a little fond.]
[Tsutomu straightens up and clamps a hand on his head where Silco kissed him. It was so out of nowhere that it caught Tsutomu off guard. ...Not like that's a difficult task. Silco might notice how particularly dry Tsutomu's hair is against his face.]
L-l-l-l-l...
[Tsutomu struggles to say the words, flustered by such a straightforward name for a holiday.]
Ah, I'm not trying to confess any feelings for you or anything! This is more of an admiration thing!
Edited (Silco must know about the dry hair) 2026-02-28 05:23 (UTC)
No worries, Tsutomu. I'm not trying to accuse you of anything. [Such a nervous thing. Silco needs to remember to be less blunt, perhaps. Such shy people need different handling.]
Why don't you come in, hm? We could try this chocolate together, and you can tell me what you've been up to since we stopped being handcuffed.
[Tsutomu grips his katana hilt, a habit he's formed when being shy or nervous, like gripping at a sleeve or grabbing an arm. Normally he'd make a scene about not wanting to impose, but with Silco it's different, in an unexplainable way. Like he feels that it's ruder to refuse his invitation.
Besides, Silco has been a much more pleasant person to interact with compared to others. Good at conversation, and doesn't feel quite so judgemental, and his teasing is...alright his teasing is also flustering. But regardless! He's been much more polite, and Tsutomu found questioning himself and his actions far less often. Perhaps Tsutomu could use a moment to sit down and rest, he did wall for quite a while.
He murmurs a little "sorry for the intrusion" under his breath to himself, a custom in both Doman and Hingan culture, as is removing his sandals to leave near the door as he walks inside.]
Is it an intrusion if I'm the one asking? Come in, have a seat. [Silco's apartment is fairly standard, for The Rise. He hasn't done much to change it, apart from moving a few chairs around. He doesn't feel quite secure or settled yet, still thinking there's a chance things might get taken away, and so he hasn't wanted to put down roots.]
I was thinking of making coffee, would you like some?
It's a warm drink. I have some tea, as well, but not a large selection. [He putters in the kitchen area to get the too-modern-for-him coffee maker working for him and gestures to the living area, which holds a sleek black couch and a few armchairs] Please make yourself comfortable while I figure this blasted contraption out.
Oh! I'm familiar with tea, at least. I'll gladly take any kind you have, I'm not picky.
[Tsutomu would sit down, but curiosity gets the better of him as he looks over to where Silco is mentioning a "contraption". Slowly he walks over to Silco's side, eyeing said contraption.]
Supposedly, it makes coffee. I'm used to just boiling the grounds in water, but I wanted to try to adapt. It may, however, be a lost cause, so I'll join you in that tea. [And, indeed, he puts the kettle on the stove to heat the water, then leans against the counter to wait.]
Eh? Oh. I've been fine. Doing my best day to say. I've mapped out quite a bit of the city...I think. Truth be told, it feels endless. But I'm keeping at it.
And doing my best living. Learning. Studying. Repaying debts. Trying to fit in with civilization...
[Tsutomu eyes the kettle and eases. It's rather sleek and metallic looking, but it still shares similarities with the pot he used to make tea.
...however.]
...Oi, how did you start that fire? Under the steel pot? You just...turned a knob and it appeared!
[Must he bring up pipes?? Gods, the images of Emet-Selch's smug face fills Tsutomu's mind during that fateful day. "Surely you understand the concept of pipes?" Bleh bleh bleh. Bastard.]
Eh? Erm, I-I don't mean literal debts, since everything here is free. But you know, return favors. Many people have shown me kindness and helped me with things. I simply find ways to repay them for their trouble. Give and take and all that.
What kind of ways, exactly? [The kettle whistles, and Silco turns his attention to setting the teabags in the large mugs and carefully pouring the water over them] Do you take anything with your tea, or just plain?
Ahaha, what is this, an interrogation? Favors, gifts, [Handjobs—], things like that. I don't like to be indebted to anyone or leave their kindness unappreciated. We had this conversation the other day, didn't we? Let's not mind too much about all th—
[Tsutomu jumps at the whistle, and stares at the pot like a puppy at a high pitched noise, confused and head slightly tilted.]
S-seven hells, that's startling. Is it supposed to do that?
[And as if that weren't confusing enough, he eyes the strange bags in the unusually large cups.]
The tea leaves are inside the bag, it makes the process quite a bit neater.
Listen carefully, Tsutomu. [He hands over the mug with an quiet but automatic careful that's hot that he'd grown used to doing while raising a daughter.]
If you treat life like it's a transaction, that quickly becomes all it ever is. You start to look at people and wonder what they can do for you, instead of who they are. Take it from an old man, it's no good way to live. I'd hate to see someone with so much life in front of them waste it that way.
[Huh. Tea leaves inside a bag. Wow. Decadia sure is nifty! Fortunately Tsutomu can figure out how the mug works, assuming that loop at the side is where the hand goes. He takes the mug with both hands and a small, quick bow of his head regardless, as is proper manners for his village. He looks down at the tea, curious about the dark color, but quickly looks back up when Silco begins speaking.]
E-eh?? Y-you have it all wrong, I don't see people that way! I never assume or expect them to do anything. I simply try to return their kindness when they do give it.
[Tsutomu blows on the surface of the tea, puts it to his lips, and makes a loud slurping noise. Effective in cooling the tea down as it goes into his mouth.]
I'm a samurai, a humble servant of the Star, trained to serve and protect. If anything I'm more wondering about what I can do for others.
Ah, I see. You don't see others that way, but you see yourself that way. You're only as good as what you're able to provide for others? Hm. [He sips his tea with a thoughtful noise. The slurping doesn't bother him, he's seen and heard worse.]
Even if the other person is quite clear that nothing is needed or wanted in return, you feel obligated?
[Tsutomu feels eyes on him, reading him, studying. The way Silco says it so casually, yet confidently, Tsutomu finds it hard to refute. But he'll still try!]
I...well...
[The samurai looks down, the tip of his foot swinging back and forth on the floor.]
Th-they could be saying it out of humility. I mean, no one usually wants to say "yes, you owe me", right? I mean, I guess a few might but...
[A sigh.]
I just...don't want to be a burden on anyone or mooch off their kindness.
[Much too far away. Silco has no such courtesy, and moves so that he's less than an inch away from Tsutomu, arm draped over the back of the sofa behind the younger man. Practically shoulder to shoulder.]
I'd like to give you something, today. And if you try to return the favour in any way, I'll be deeply disappointed. You need to learn, my boy, that not everything in life is going to be perfectly equal. And while your eagerness to repay what you feel is owed is charming, it might not always be possible.
Why did he move closer? Was Tsutomu too far away? Is Silco hard of hearing? Understandable, but perhaps that's too close?? Then again, the kiss on his head earlier...
Wait. No way. Is he flirting?? Oh Gods, he's definitely flirting, isn't he? Is Tsutomu his type?? Tsutomu didn't think he would be, considering their difference in age, even if Tsutomu is fully grown.
Or is Tsutomu reading too much into it? He can't say for sure yet. Maybe Silco is just...very friendly??]
Eh?? Give me something? Oh, you don't have to do that...
[Tsutomu sheepishly rubs his neck. Still...a part of him is still curious, and it may just be noticeable in his eyes.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[Tsutomu holds still when Silco reaches out, his face turning pink.]
Ahaha, you think so? I-I'm sure it's not that impressive! But I do like blue...
R-right, I won't keep you any further!
[Tsutomu reaches into his pouch and pulls out a heart shaped chocolate the size of a fist, wrapped in gaudy, sparkly red foil.]
I learned that today is "Valentine's Day", which seemed similar to a holiday in Eorzea known as Saint Valentione's Day, where one can give chocolate gifts to those they appreciate! I just wanted to thank you for that other day!
[He bows, and at the same time holds the heart out with both hands.]
P-please except this!
no subject
It's touching, both to be gifted anything at all, but also to be appreciated. With great care, Silco takes the foil wrapped heart and presses a kiss to the top of Tsutomu's head]
We had Love Day, where I'm from. Though that was more of a Topside holiday, for people who could readily afford to give gifts. Thank you, this is... incredibly kind. [And though his tone is as dry as ever, he does sound grateful, too. Even a little fond.]
no subject
[Tsutomu straightens up and clamps a hand on his head where Silco kissed him. It was so out of nowhere that it caught Tsutomu off guard. ...Not like that's a difficult task. Silco might notice how particularly dry Tsutomu's hair is against his face.]
L-l-l-l-l...
[Tsutomu struggles to say the words, flustered by such a straightforward name for a holiday.]
Ah, I'm not trying to confess any feelings for you or anything! This is more of an admiration thing!
no subject
Why don't you come in, hm? We could try this chocolate together, and you can tell me what you've been up to since we stopped being handcuffed.
no subject
[Tsutomu grips his katana hilt, a habit he's formed when being shy or nervous, like gripping at a sleeve or grabbing an arm. Normally he'd make a scene about not wanting to impose, but with Silco it's different, in an unexplainable way. Like he feels that it's ruder to refuse his invitation.
Besides, Silco has been a much more pleasant person to interact with compared to others. Good at conversation, and doesn't feel quite so judgemental, and his teasing is...alright his teasing is also flustering. But regardless! He's been much more polite, and Tsutomu found questioning himself and his actions far less often. Perhaps Tsutomu could use a moment to sit down and rest, he did wall for quite a while.
He murmurs a little "sorry for the intrusion" under his breath to himself, a custom in both Doman and Hingan culture, as is removing his sandals to leave near the door as he walks inside.]
no subject
I was thinking of making coffee, would you like some?
no subject
[They had that belief that they were always intruding of it wasn't their own home, even if they aren't actually intruding. And it suits Tsutomu.
He always feels like an intrusion in people's lives.]
Erm...kawwwfeeee, sir?
no subject
no subject
[Tsutomu would sit down, but curiosity gets the better of him as he looks over to where Silco is mentioning a "contraption". Slowly he walks over to Silco's side, eyeing said contraption.]
What is that?
no subject
You've been well, I hope?
no subject
And doing my best living. Learning. Studying. Repaying debts. Trying to fit in with civilization...
[Tsutomu eyes the kettle and eases. It's rather sleek and metallic looking, but it still shares similarities with the pot he used to make tea.
...however.]
...Oi, how did you start that fire? Under the steel pot? You just...turned a knob and it appeared!
no subject
[One phrase stands out to him, and he tilts his head curiously.] What debts could you possibly have built up in a few short months?
no subject
Eh? Erm, I-I don't mean literal debts, since everything here is free. But you know, return favors. Many people have shown me kindness and helped me with things. I simply find ways to repay them for their trouble. Give and take and all that.
no subject
no subject
[Tsutomu jumps at the whistle, and stares at the pot like a puppy at a high pitched noise, confused and head slightly tilted.]
S-seven hells, that's startling. Is it supposed to do that?
[And as if that weren't confusing enough, he eyes the strange bags in the unusually large cups.]
Is that...tea?
no subject
Listen carefully, Tsutomu. [He hands over the mug with an quiet but automatic careful that's hot that he'd grown used to doing while raising a daughter.]
If you treat life like it's a transaction, that quickly becomes all it ever is. You start to look at people and wonder what they can do for you, instead of who they are. Take it from an old man, it's no good way to live. I'd hate to see someone with so much life in front of them waste it that way.
no subject
E-eh?? Y-you have it all wrong, I don't see people that way! I never assume or expect them to do anything. I simply try to return their kindness when they do give it.
[Tsutomu blows on the surface of the tea, puts it to his lips, and makes a loud slurping noise. Effective in cooling the tea down as it goes into his mouth.]
I'm a samurai, a humble servant of the Star, trained to serve and protect. If anything I'm more wondering about what I can do for others.
no subject
Even if the other person is quite clear that nothing is needed or wanted in return, you feel obligated?
no subject
[Tsutomu feels eyes on him, reading him, studying. The way Silco says it so casually, yet confidently, Tsutomu finds it hard to refute. But he'll still try!]
I...well...
[The samurai looks down, the tip of his foot swinging back and forth on the floor.]
Th-they could be saying it out of humility. I mean, no one usually wants to say "yes, you owe me", right? I mean, I guess a few might but...
[A sigh.]
I just...don't want to be a burden on anyone or mooch off their kindness.
no subject
An idea forms, and he moves past the boy, brushing his fingers against his arm as he goes to sit on the sofa.]
Come join me?
no subject
...Nah, Tsutomu must be imagining things. It was probably unintentional.]
A-alright!
[Tsutomu follows Silco and sits a couple fulms away from him, out of courtesy for his space.]
no subject
I'd like to give you something, today. And if you try to return the favour in any way, I'll be deeply disappointed. You need to learn, my boy, that not everything in life is going to be perfectly equal. And while your eagerness to repay what you feel is owed is charming, it might not always be possible.
no subject
Why did he move closer? Was Tsutomu too far away? Is Silco hard of hearing? Understandable, but perhaps that's too close?? Then again, the kiss on his head earlier...
Wait. No way. Is he flirting?? Oh Gods, he's definitely flirting, isn't he? Is Tsutomu his type?? Tsutomu didn't think he would be, considering their difference in age, even if Tsutomu is fully grown.
Or is Tsutomu reading too much into it? He can't say for sure yet. Maybe Silco is just...very friendly??]
Eh?? Give me something? Oh, you don't have to do that...
[Tsutomu sheepishly rubs his neck. Still...a part of him is still curious, and it may just be noticeable in his eyes.]