judgementor | [Jikan IC Inbox][un: redwine]

You could do that too.

I couldn't allow myself it. I've already rudely woken you up. To ask for you to come over is a bit too much, is it not?

I suppose that's a matter of opinion.

If you don't want my company I won't force the suggestion.

It's not that I don't want it, I just don't want it to make it seem like an obligation.

I'm sure you noticed that I offered, and you didn't ask.

I feel like this is coercion.

However, if you would like to come over, I won't be opposed.

It certainly is and I fully commend you for noticing.

But I would, so I'll be there shortly if you would be so kind as to give me your new address.

[And he will be tapping on Dohalim's door in relatively short order once he knows where he is. When it's answered, the man would find him in a state of mild disarray, with his hair only loosely tied back and his usual finery replaced with little more than a pair of smart trousers and a white shirt.

The chilly night are doesn't seem to be bothering him.]

[which is perfect timing as, in a bid to stop himself from lamenting the fact that he's just basically inconvenienced Red Wine, Dohalim is up and about brewing tea. he'd hoped that tea at his house would have been at a better time, but... ah well, it is what it is.

so when he hears the soft tapping, he quietly answers it, as to not disturb the other inhabitants. the fact that Red Wine is outside in nothing but a shirt and pants is shocking, considering just how nippy the evening air is. then again, Elde Menancia had always been more temperate, despite being so close to Cyslodia. perhaps it was the mountain range stopping the cold air from reaching the realm proper.

digression aside, as he mentally gives himself a shake, Dohalim steps aside to let the man in]

You must be freezing. I have a pot of tea brewed if you would like to join me.

Hm? No, not really.

[That is, he's cold but it doesn't really seem to be bothering him. Still, he steps inside and idly rubs his hands up his arms for a moment to shake off the chill before he casts a curious look around.]

You were trying to sleep, Do. Tea might not be the best option for you.

I'd found several blends of herbal and floral teas that don't contain any caffeine.

[Dohalim leads Red Wine to the kitchen as he talks; while the light is dim, if not off completely, it's not hard to see the plants lined up against the walls and tucked away in corners. he just... really likes flora]

And I think I've given up on sleep for the time being. I was growing more and more restless the longer I was in bed.

Hmm.

[Hard to tell exactly what that thoughtful sound was directed at, but he follows along with Dohalim and appears to have no trouble at all with the low light.

And he does spot the plants.]

In that case, I'll join you for the tea.

Wonderful.

[the house is easy enough to navigate, and despite the plants, the decoration is oddly minimalistic (and betrays the notion of other people living in the house). Dohalim never really did like the gaudiness of Autelina Palace; it just served as a reminder of the class disparity between the Renans and Dahnans. at least here, he could live a little more humbly... though, he does miss the odd antique here and there.

Dohalim gestures to the table set in the middle of the kitchen; just as simple, but still more than sufficient for what they need]

Please, sit. I'll bring the tea over.

[While they're walking through the house he gently snags Dohalim's hand with his, loosely lacing their fingers together. While not always physically demonstrative outside of sexual intimacy, they had had quite the intense conversation before he invited himself over here.

He lets go when he's offered a seat, and slides into it while stifling a small yawn against the back of his hand.]

Mm... Thank you.

[and really, Dohalim does appreciate the small act of affection; as Red Wine takes his hand, he does give it a small squeeze. it's not enough to melt all of the tension away so he could finally sleep, but... he's thankful the man is there with him.

but as he takes his seat, Dohalim does notice that stifled yawn, and sighs, shaking his head]

...I should not have asked you to come. You're tired.

We've talked about me being perfectly capable of making my own decisions.

[Red Wine pulls the ribbon out of his hair, shaking it free and pushing both hands through it. He finds a knot, works it loose and then sets to tying it back again.

His dark eyes flick up in Dohalim's direction and he lifts both eyebrows slightly.]

Do you think you can coerce me into doing anything I don't want to do?

I am not trying to coerce you into doing anything.

[pulling out two cups from a cupboard, he places them down on a tray with the teapot. tea leaf strainer, and a small jar of sugar and two spoons, before carefully picking it up and walking over to Red Wine]

But you can't deny that you're tired and should be in bed.

[lowering the tray onto the table, Dohalim places a cup in front of the other man, before placing the tea strainer over the lip. as he pours the tea, there's a floral aroma emitting from it, almost sweet enough that sugar might not even be necessary. he makes quick, but delicate work of it, before picking the strainer off the cup and placing it over his own; he sits down after his own cup is filled]

Just because I cannot sleep, it doesn't mean I should be keeping you up, as well.

It's fine, Do. I won't suffer for getting a few hours less sleep than normal.

[He leans back in his seat and watches Dohalim put the tea out with a clear appreciation for the specific artistry of it. The tea smells good, too, even to someone like himself who was so sensitive to strong aromas.

As he picks up the cup and brings it to his lips, he closes his eyes and softly inhales the scent.]

Besides, I'm always groggy for a while when I wake up.

[He's never been a morning person.]

If you are sure.

[Dohalim gently brushes his fingers along the now warm ceramic, his other hand reaching out to gently place over Red Wine's arm. his touch his reluctant, but... he just wants some of that contact, right now]

...I do appreciate you coming over.

[Red Wine huffs out a soft breath through his nose and lowers his cup, smiling faintly. He slides his arm out from under Dohalim's hand and laces their fingers together instead, looking idly around the kitchen space.]

I know you are. [He squeezes the man's hand.]

Is there anything you still want to talk about?

[he offers another squeeze of his hand, before smiling bitterly. his other hand pulls away from his cup, coming up to press his fingers against his temple to massage it]

Aside from wanting to scoop out my brain and punting it into the darkness so I can maybe get some sleep, finally?

[He stares for a moment and then lets out an abrupt snort of laughter at Dohalim's choice of words. Red Wine hides his mouth behind his cup but it doesn't hide the smile on his face.]

When we're done here, we're going to bed and you're going to sleep.

[Nothing else. Not that he doesn't know how to exhaust the man... but it looks like he's exhausted enough already.]

Rather ambitious of you to think you can put me right to sleep.

[Dohalim lets out a soft sigh, before dropping his hand to his cup again and finally moving to take a sip from it. the flavours were delicate and subtle, but it served to warm and relax him just a little]

I've tried mostly everything, just short of a nightcap.

But not company.

[Just company. Sometimes a racing mind might be brought to peace simply by the presence of someone else or the sound of their heart beating.

That's something else that Red Wine has ample experience with.]

At least let me try, hm? What harm can it do.

Mm, since you're here already, I suppose it's worth the shot.

[he can feel his eyes start to ache from being awake for longer than he should be, but he'll ignore it, for now, as he takes another sip of his tea]

I'm not asking for much, either. Just... A few hours.

[maybe it's the exhaustion, but there's a hint of desperation in his voice now, but it's just as subtle as their tea]

I wouldn't mind a few more hours either.

[There's a wry smile with that, given Dohalim's already repeated insistence that Red Wine should not have come and should have just gone back to sleep.

He takes another sip of his tea.]

But hopefully we can do a little better for you.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject