jikan_rpg | ✵ [Jan Catchall] Hope is not pretending that troubles don't exist.

[Dohalim hums softly to himself as he thinks of another question to ask Red Wine, now wanting to learn more of the smaller tidbits about the man. maybe learn something favourable that he can tuck away and surprise him with at a later date and time, if it calls for it]

What do you like to do in your spare time?

[it just dawns on him that he isn't sure what Red Wine likes to do leisurely, aside from spend some time with him. he feels bad that he hasn't asked this question before, but he supposes that now would be a great time to find out]

Mm... aside from you?

[He flashes a grin at Dohalim when he says that, knowing it will only take a moment for the crassness of the words to sink in. Red Wine laughs, tucks one hand behind his head and keeps the other curled around Dohalim's body.]

I read, sometimes I just explore... I play piano, so I do that when I get the chance. [The Food Soul shifts, making the position of his shoulders more comfortable against the bed.]

If there's work that needs doing, I'll do it. I've helped a few people fix their roof, things like that.

[the crass comment earns Red Wine a look from Dohalim, before he himself chuckles softly. Honestly, this man...

There's a small smile on his face as he lists off his hobbies; imagining Red Wine fixing roofs is an endearing image enough. But there's one particular hobby that piques his interest as he lifts his head up slightly with a look of curiosity on his face]

You play piano?

Mm, I do. You didn't think hands like this only knew how to use a blade, did you?

[He lifts one up into view. Pale, slim-fingered, entirely unblemished... it hardly looks like he has ever lifted a sword in his life. Though Dohalim has never seen him wielding a weapon he does know he was made for combat.]

I learned a few things at my first Master Attendant's request. Piano, violin, paper folding. I can sew, as well, and my cooking is passable, though usually too bland for most.

Ah, you play the violin as well?

[little does Red Wine probably know, he's speaking Dohalim's love language right now. Not only does he know how to play a musical instrument, but two, and one happens to be one that he's well versed in. There's an almost shine in his eyes as glances at Red Wine's hand, noting nimble fingers perfect for such instruments]

...Do you happen to have one here in Nippon?

Edited 2022-03-09 19:38 (UTC)

[Better not tell Dohalim he's also not too bad with a flute either, or he'll really lose his mind. Red Wine glances across at the man, studying him for a moment as he lets his hand fall lightly against his own stomach. He shakes his head a little then, humming a small 'mm-mm' behind closed lips.]

Good violins are expensive, and I don't have the money to spare.

[Though it would be nice to play again, he has other priorities.]

There's a piano, at a social centre in Higashiyama where they don't seem to mind my spending time.

Ah, yes... I would imagine so. Forgive my insensitivity.

[Dohalim has to kick himself for the comment; while not hard to come by in Lenegis (compared to anywhere in Dahna outside of Menancia), the more elite were able to afford more luxurious things more often than those lower on the social ladder.

His mind wanders for a moment, as well as his gaze, to his closet where his own violin (a sudden gift he'd found waiting for him as a new year's gift) is stashed. As much as he wants to start playing it again, he still doesn't have the heart to pick it up just yet, still feeling like he's not worthy to play it again.

However... he glances back at Red Wine]

...If I were to provide a violin, would you play me a piece?

[Red Wine is by no means struggling - he does keep himself well-dressed and has even given Dohalim a couple of fine gifts - but his love of the finer things does not extend to an instrument that he might barely use when there are other things he wants long before he considers a piano or violin.

A curious smile flickers across his expression and he shifts to look the other man in the eyes, his hand moving up off his stomach to brush back a few bright curls instead.]

I don't see why not. Are you going to tell me you have a violin just... laying around somewhere?

I wouldn't necessarily say it's "laying around," but I've yet to purchase a violin stand for it.

[he won't mention yet that every time he sees it, he's reminded of the friends he's lost... despite the fact that he had it displayed in his chambers in the palace. to be fair, he wasn't prepared to see his violin again; he'd even left it in Autelina Palace when he'd left Menancia. so for it to show up suddenly... it was a shock to the system, to say the least. and as much as he's glad to see it safe and sound, it still serves to remind him of what happened.

though, lately, he's been feeling nostalgic for it, but Dohalim can't place a finger on as to why.

sitting up, and pulling a sheet around him (more to keep himself warm rather than modesty; they're well past that at this point), Dohalim steps over to his closet, opening it and pulling out a leather bound violin case. as he rejoins Red Wine back in bed, he sits down, laying the case between them. he runs a hand against the smooth grain of the leather, fingers tracing along the stitching. there's a bit of hesitance before he unlatches the case and opens it; the white body of the violin is already unique enough, and is a beautiful contrast to the black neck and chin rest. but the golden embellishment gives it that extra something, truly making it a unique instrument]

This is my most prized possession.

[he pulls it out of the case carefully, inspecting it for a moment, before holding it out to Red Wine. he isn't even sure it's still tuned, but... he just isn't sure he can find it in himself to even hold it up in position, much less try to play it again]

[He watches, quietly appreciative of the shape of Dohalim's body beneath the sheets but restraining himself from making any comments about it. His gaze falls to the violin case, noting its quality even before it's opened, and the soft sound of appreciation he makes to the appearance of the instrument itself is clearly audible.

But just because something looks pretty does not necessarily mean it has any real finery about it. Still, he doesn't think Dohalim would settle for anything less than the best.

Before he takes it from Dohalim's hands he has the foresight to snag a corner of the sheets and pull it over his lap. Touching such a thing feels... strange to do while entirely nude. Then he smiles a little, receiving the case delicately into both hands and setting it in front of his knees. He lifts the instrument out with care, then the bow, and gives the other man a quick glance as if for permission before he sets the chinrest into position.

His fingers find the strings - fumbling, just for a moment, with unfamiliarity - then he brings up the bow and pulls it deftly, slowly across the strings. It produces a soft, shivering note, entirely in tune.]

You're sure you don't mind?

[Dohalim watches Red Wine as he lifts his violin up, giving him a permissive nod to continue. there's a sort of anticipation he can't help but feel, wanting to hear his violin's song ring in the air, like the many times all those years ago, when times were simpler, and he didn't have to worry about the loom of the Crown Contest, and those he'd have to contend with. all that mattered in those moments was the beautiful music he'd play with his dearest friends, only ever vaguely aware of those watching and listening to them play.

as the note is played, Dohalim's eyes slip closed for a moment, as if he could feel it play with the very fibre of his being. there's a small smile on his face as he opens his eyes, nodding again and gesturing for Red Wine to continue]

I don't mind in the slightest. Please, continue.

[Red Wine nods, adjusting his grip and settling the violin more firmly against his shoulder. He straightens his back and shoulders, pauses a moment in thought, then lays the bow to the strings again.

What comes out would be something entirely unfamiliar to Dohalim. A composition from Nevras, Red Wine's home country. It begins slowly, almost sparsely, as if it ought to be accompanied by something, but quickly comes into its own as Red Wine fills in some of the gaps himself. His fingers move smoothly over the strings, his eyes half-closed in concentration, and he can't help but admire the sheer quality of the instrument.

Far beyond its unique and elegant appearance the notes it produces are so crisp.

He only plays for a minute, then lets the last note fade. His wine-red eyes are curious again as he looks over at his companion.]

It's a lovely instrument.

[Dohalim's smile widens slightly as he listens to Red Wine play, his attention on watching his skilled fingers dance along the frets of polished black wood and strings. he'd forgotten how easy it was for everything else to melt away when it came to playing and listening to music; he'd become so immersed in it that it takes him a moment to realise that Red Wine had finished his piece.

if Dohalim were honest with himself, it's almost enough to inspire him to play again. almost. he's still not sure if he could play it again.

he doesn't say anything for a moment, but instead leans in to press a gentle kiss to Red Wine's lips. only when he pulls back does he speak again]

Thank you. Both for the compliment and for breathing life into it again. I think it was yearning to be played again.

[He does feel a little rusty with it, in all honesty, but Dohalim seems pleased regardless. Red Wine smiles against the kiss and leans towards it, then places the violin back into its case with as much care that he had lifted it out with.]

I haven't had much need to play since she passed. [By now, the 'she' that he refers to is no doubt obvious. He always speaks of his first Master Attendant with the utmost fondness despite what he has told Dohalim about the origins of his kind.]

But since it's you, I suppose I can play for you any time you'd like me to. [His head tilts thoughtfully.] Though perhaps more suitably dressed, next time.

It seems she had good taste.

[Dohalim gives Red Wine a fond smile before looking back down at his violin. feeling the instrument under his fingers was so familiar to him, as if he hadn't kept it locked away for years. it almost seems like yesterday that he'd picked it up, feeling the bow glide effortlessly against the violin strings, hearing the notes flow freely]

I would love for you to play more for me, if you don't mind. It deserves to be played more, and I'm not sure I have the heart to play it again.

[He shakes his head and the smile on his face does, for once, hold a hint of modesty.]

I wouldn't mind.

[Hell, he might even do so eagerly, though it's really only because Dohalim is asking. His softer talents are reserved only for those close to him - those who earn high enough regard in his eyes to be allowed to see him as more than just a sword.]

And one day, perhaps, you might play it for me.

Ah...

[Dohalim's smile fades ever so slightly as he keeps his eyes trained down at the instrument. he had a feeling that Red Wine would ask it of him, especially when he so graciously played a piece for him. but even just touching the violin makes him nervous; what if his own feelings, anxieties and past get in the way to the point where he can't play it anymore? or what if he'd put off playing for so long that he isn't nearly as good as he used to be? he doesn't want to give Red Wine a subpar performance after all... perhaps he's making excuses at this point.

but even then, those thoughts weigh on his mind. but then again, what else is new?]

I... Am afraid that may not be for a while. I would like to, but...

[he lets out a heavy sigh, shaking his head. he looks back up at the man, the smile back on his face to hide what he's really feeling]

It's been a while since I've picked it up. I'd like to be able to play a piece perfectly for you.

[Dohalim doesn't need to explain. Red Wine connects the dots easily enough and he reaches out his hand, taking the other man's fingers lightly in his own. With his eyes trained on Dohalim's face he lowers both of their hands together to the body of the violin and touches it lightly.

The smile hides everything, but it tells Red Wine more than Dohalim might want it to. He knows the man too well by now to be so easily fooled.]

It's all right. [He won't push him to play, not for him or otherwise, but there are baby steps that can be taken regardless...] Whenever you're ready, hm..? One day we might be able to play together.

[his eyes trail back down to their hands resting upon the instrument; a part of him tells him to pull his hand away, that he isn't worthy enough to so much as touch the violin in such a way, but he doesn't. he keeps his hand where it is, and honestly, if the Food Soul's wasn't there to hold onto his, Dohalim would have pulled away. this man and the effect he has on him, sometimes...

the idea of being able to play music with Red Wine gets Dohalim to look back up at him, the smile faded into something akin to curiosity]

...Would you truly like to?

Have you ever known me to suggest something that I don't fully intend to follow through on?

[Would he waste his breath on something like that? A question like that one need not even be asked. But, as if he senses Dohalim's discomfort, he lifts both their hands up from the instrument and holds the other man's fingers between both of his palms.]

If there ever comes a time when you feel you'd want to, just let me know, hm?

I will, then.

[Dohalim smiles softly, looking up from their hands to those deep red eyes, highlighted with the amber of his own, a sight he'd gotten used to seeing. lifting his free hand up, he cups Red Wine's face, his thumb brushing along the outer corner of his eye]

Have I ever mentioned that your eyes are beautiful with that amber in them?

[Red Wine hums, tilting his head into the touch. The comment on the amber only makes the colour grow all the more noticeable, the specks of it almost seeming to glow in response to the compliment. Much like Dohalim's eyes do when he's deep into the throes of his own arousal.]

I think you have, but I can stand to hear it again.

[As the other man knows, Red Wine can always stand to hear his praise directed at his appearance.]

It only happens with you.

[watching the specks shine brightly in the deep red depths pulls a soft but pleased sound from Dohalim, before leaning in to give Red Wine a quick kiss. he's even more pleased when he hears that this only occurs around him]

If I may be so selfish to say, but I'm glad.

[he is, by no means an envious or possessive person; if Red Wine chooses to have more than one partner, that's his choice. he'd be hypocritical if he were to tell the man otherwise. but for him to see that this particular kizuna affect is present only when he is, Dohalim can't help but be happy about it. and for it to be displayed so beautifully...]

They sparkle like precious gems. Absolutely beautiful.

[This has been an interesting hour. With Dohalim's background he would have always expected that the man would know how to play an instrument, but not that his ability to do so would be so weighted with difficult memories.

He doesn't sense that the change in topic is anything to do with Dohalim wanting to avoid anything, though, and noticing that warms him just slightly.]

Just when you thought I couldn't get any more appealing to look at, I manage to surprise you.

[Look, he knows he's aesthetically pleasing.]

You always do seem to have something in your back pocket. But luckily, I like pleasant surprises.

[Dohalim knows of Red Wine's confidence in his own looks, and the fact that he enjoys having his tailfeathers stroked every so often. and he's more than happy to give the man more of these compliments, only to show his appreciation for him. leaning in, Dohalim presses a gentle kiss to the corner of the other's eye]

You say that I'm gorgeous, but there are not enough words to describe how ravishing you are.

✵ [Jan Catchall] Hope is not pretending that troubles don't exist.

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