( he closes his eyes to savor the tea, humming happily and licking his lips like a little kid might. he is extra pleased that yuri seems to enjoy the tea as well, feeling closer to him already.
with that boost of confidence, he leans forward to take a pistachio macaron from the tray, taking a little nibble before popping the whole thing into his mouth. )
Oh? ( he doesn't fully process it, but yuri's tone makes him blush all the way down his neck. )
Are - were you taking lessons or something? We can definitely arrange for more here!
[ he's so... cute. he's so cute? isn't yuri supposed to be the stereotyped cute one here??
yuri nods at the question, tearing off a piece of the sandwich before popping it in his mouth. ]
I was taking lessons for a while, though I stopped when. ...Well, when everything happened. Starting them up again would be fun. Maybe you could join me?
[ yuri's head tilts as he smiles. ]
I'll need to get used to my dancing partner sooner or later, after all. And then we could treat ourselves with a dessert after.
( but he hasn't said no yet! just ... maybe. it could be a nice bonding activity. even if yuri will clearly be levels ahead of him.
wait, wasn't he dreading this a second ago? )
I'd be a good audience for you! ( oh, finn. he pops a bite of a jellyroll into his mouth and puffs his cheeks out as he eats ) Mm! You gotta try some of that one. Want a piece of mine?
I'll help you find the right one somewhere along the way.
[ look at them, making plans for things to do together. maybe... maybe this won't be so bad. maybe yuri will actually find himself looking forward to it. he's already been looking forward to maybe holding that large hand so...
his eyebrows lift just a little and he pauses for a second, thinking. maybe too hard. but then all thought of holding himself dissipates and yuri leans forward across the table with a smile before opening his mouth with an expectant little aaaah. ]
( mmaybe this won't be so bad. if they're locked into this deal - and finn certainly won't try to put anyone's family at risk, even if he hadn't been thrilled about being plucked out of obscurity.
yuri seems sweet and he seems interested in getting to know finn. he doesn't think his hobbies are silly and they're already talking about engaging in each other's interests. that's not a bad start at all.
he cuts a small piece of his slice of jellyroll and offers it to yuri without thinking much of it, holding it up to his lips for him to taste. )
[ oh he's actually doing it. yuri would have been just as fine if finn had simply sliced a piece off and put it onto his little plate in front of him but-- ok. ok!
yuri leans in and takes the bite of jellyroll before he settles back against his seat again, his eyebrows lifting as he chews. he makes a happy noise and nods with a thumbs up before swallowing, covering his mouth as he grins. ]
Delicious! There's really a fantastic team working here.
[ he smiles and tilts his head just a bit. ]
Though, I wonder if certain present parties aren't what inspired the hiring of a particularly talented patissier.
( finn blinks a few times before breaking out into a shy smile. ) Oh. Oh, n-no, I don't think so. I don't even think my mom really knew how much I liked sweets until I came here, but now all the staff do.
( it isn't that he doesn't want a relationship with his mom. it's just difficult for him to accept certain olive branches right now, very skittish around the attempts. he will, at least, accept her offers of cakes and such. )
We'll have to make sure we have all our favorites for the celebration, ( finn declares, ready to make a mental list of everything yuri likes. )
[ yuri can't say for certain, obviously; he doesn't know the kind of relationship finn has with his parents. but he also wouldn't be surprised if his mom wasn't completely aware about finn's preferences for sweets.
he nods, though, smiling as he taps a finger against the tabletop. ]
I'll have to start coming up with a list.
[ he laughs and lifts his tea to finish off his glass before lightly dabbing his mouth with a napkin. ]
( finn, who had been enjoying his second cup of tea, takes a big gulp to finish it off. he licks his lips with a smile. the staff already know to save the leftovers for finn ( and possibly yuri ) to find for a midnight snack.
he politely sets his napkin on the table and brushes his hands off over his plate before getting to his feet. it was his intention to move to yuri's side with confidence but he ended up tripping over his foot, stumbling without falling flat on his face. coughing lightly, he holds his hand out. )
Let's go? We can start in this wing and work our way around until we're at the gardens!
[ oh. oh, no. well, yuri's already decided that this whole getting married to finn thing is going to actually be just fine. he doesn't think he'll have to pretend to be interested in his husband because he's relatively certain he's going to be absolutely enamored by everything this man says or does.
he lifts a hand to hide his smile, though the way his eyes crinkle as he does gives it away anyway. yuri pulls it away from his face and places his hand into finn's instead and uses the hold to pull himself up, not letting go once he's standing. ]
A walk through the gardens.
[ and then he's leaning in a little, pressing lightly against finn's side as he directs them toward the door. ]
W-well, if you want it to be, ( finn stammers, blushing at both tripping in front of his fiance and the prospect of actual romance between them. he hasn't had a single expectation for this partnership other than merely working together for the sake of family strength or... something.
honestly, he would've been happy to get on with the ceremony, do his one duty to his mother, let his spouse do whatever they wanted while he returned home for most of the year to spend it quietly with his father.
given how they seem to be hitting it off, perhaps finn should look into preparing quarters for his dad as well to hopefully find some kind of compromise.
finn gives a spirited tour of the place, a few attendants trailing behind them. he shows yuri the passage to the kitchen ( important ), some of the meeting rooms ( less important ), and where they will have dinner later. the attendants station themselves at the door to leave finn and yuri to their own devices once they reach the gardens. it's lush and gives the impression of wildness while being meticulously maintained. )
[ yuri does his absolute best to remember where everything is; or, at the very least, to remember where everything he'll really need is, like that passage to the kitchen. he keeps his arm looped with finn's the entire time, maybe a little worried about his scent eking out around his patches as they go along. if finn were an alpha, he'd be more concerned about it.
as it is, he's just... happy. to be spending his time, really. finn's a better person than yuri thinks he deserves, if he's being honest, and he hasn't even known him that long.
he takes in a deep breath when they step outside into the garden and he closes his eyes, tilting his head back to enjoy the sunlight and the breeze. ]
( the reluctance he felt walking into this has faded considerably considering how much he has already come to like yuri already. if there is truly no way out of this, at least he will come to care about his future spouse. at least they won't make each other miserable. they might even make each other happy in the long run.
finn's eyes light up when he watches yuri enter the garden. )
Doesn't it? The peonies are in bloom right now. ( he gestures to the soft pink flowers to the left. the blooming season isn't going to last that long but it seems like they will be around for their actual wedding. )
We have plenty of time before we have dinner so we can spend the rest of it here!
[ yuri gives finn's hand a little squeeze before he pulls away from him to move closer toward the mentioned flowers, smiling more than a little as he leans in to look at them. he turns back toward finn and tilts his head to put it closer to the nearest bud and giggles. ]
It looks like I'm in bloom, too.
[ he turns back toward the flowers again, his head tilting as he reaches up toward the blossom. he doesn't touch it (he's heard that's bad for the flowers), but he does hold his hand near it. ]
You fit in perfectly out here, ( he decides, letting his gaze openly linger on yuri this time to appreciate him next to the peonies instead of shyly redirecting it. ) I'll mention the bouquet to my mother.
( after a moment, he turns a corner and gestures for yuri to follow him. hidden away is a floral archway covered in climbing vines leading to a rustic bird bath. he smiles and actually skips towards it. )
I found this my first day here! I really like come out here and just ... sitting.
[ yuri can feel finn's gaze linger and maybe he straightens his back out a little, stands a bit taller, tucks some hair behind his ear. it feels nice to be looked at so... politely.
which is a weird thing to think but here he is.
he follows after finn, a smile breaking out across his face as he watches a completely grown man skip toward a bird bath. he's so cute. ]
Cute.
[ ok maybe he couldn't help saying it out loud.
yuri stops at the archway and reaches out to lightly run his fingers along one of the vines, his eyes going up to look at the arch going over his head. maybe... well, this wouldn't be such a bad place to take their vows, would it? might not have enough space...
they could take their own vows here. privately.
yuri you're getting ahead of yourself. ]
I've never been one to just go outside much but... maybe being around you can convince me.
Well, I wouldn't try to force you to do anything but -
( finn blushes lightly, ducking his head. he hadn't really imagined anything past the actual wedding. if he's lucky, maybe they might be able to develop a nice friendship. )
If we're gonna be married, it'd be nice to spend a little time together out here. Whenever you wanted.
( he takes a seat on the elaborately carved bench positioned across the arch, gesturing for yuri to come see. ) Look at the view from here. It's perfect!
[ yuri takes one last look up at the archway before he finally moves over to join finn on the bench, crossing his legs as he settles in. he looks now in front of them and his breath catches in his throat. ]
Oh, Finn. It's beautiful.
[ he slides a hand down finn's forearm so that he can take hold of his hand, lacing their fingers together as his eyes sweep across all of the flowers and beautiful hedges. ]
I think I like this spot.
[ he says it softly, as though if he says it any louder he'll break whatever quiet spell has settled over him.
( finn doesn't give much weight to yuri taking his hand so much, even if it's more intimate than the typical escorting etiquette. he is rather moved by yuri taking the time to really appreciate something finn has come to take comfort in during his short time living here. )
It's been kinda hard. I didn't grow up here - I was with my dad and he raised me and I didn't know who my mom was for years. And suddenly, I'm needed because she needs help and - ( finn exhales, shaking his head. )
Being here reminds me of all the plants we have in our apartment, so I hope it'll make you feel better sometimes, too.
[ something kind of sad tints yuri's face even as he smiles, gaze straight ahead as he continues to take in the view in front of him. it's cute, he thinks, how much finn seems to enjoy plants. yuri's pretty certain he could kill a cactus, but... well, he'll have to learn how to care for them, won't he? ]
I'm sorry, you know.
[ his voice is soft as he says it and he turns to look at finn. ]
That you have to be dragged into this, I mean. I don't-- I was never the one that my parents were focused on. The moment my sister presented as an alpha, I was basically freed of any obligations to the family. I guess things changed for all of us pretty abruptly, huh?
They did. ( finn is quiet for a moment, his smile dimmed. they had made it sound like they didn't have any other options. at least he could be certain that his dad would be taken care of in future years now that he had been more or less accepted by the family, making it clear that he would not fully abandon the life had had grown up with. )
But I think we could be friends at least, ( comes a hopeful addition as he lifts his head. ) It would be nice to get to know each other better anyway. I don't really have other expectations outside of that!
( finn tries to recover, wanting to make this a nice first day for yuri. they're both doing their best! )
[ yuri smiles a little bit to himself and tips to the side, pressing his arm against finn's to lean into him. he still has a grip on his hand, thumb absently stroking across the back of it as he gazes down at their fingers curled together.
finn's hands are so large. yuri decides very quickly that he likes that. ]
We can certainly be friends. [ a pause. should he be so forward already? ] Though I might not be entirely opposed to something more.
( gulp. finn looks down at their joined hands, blushing as he becomes very aware of their instant intimacy. yuri feels very warm against him and he smells sweet, though finn can't immediately pin down what it reminds him of. his nose isn't as sensitive as that of an alpha's or an omega's.
he coughs quietly. )
Well, you're also. Very handsome and pretty. Yes, pretty. ( that sounds fitting for yuri, especially now that they're sitting amongst the flowers. )
[ yuri smiles and lets out a little giggle, giving finn's hand a small squeeze before he finally pushes himself back up to his feet again. he pulls finn up along with him and he steps in closer to him to tuck close, still smiling as he looks up at him.
finn smells nice too, yuri decides. subtle. almost delicate. ]
( that giggle is very pleasant to his ears, finn finds himself thinking, blushing still. )
You're quite assertive, ( he observes gently, letting yuri hoist him up. lumbering forward, he decides to show him through the rose garden. it isn't quite their season, but they're still putting in a good effort to look pretty, still well-cared for as the seasons change. )
I - I mean that as a very good thing, too! It's a very good thing. I'm not assertive at all, ( finn admits, stammering, hoping not to offend. )
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2023-09-30 03:58 am (UTC)with that boost of confidence, he leans forward to take a pistachio macaron from the tray, taking a little nibble before popping the whole thing into his mouth. )
Oh? ( he doesn't fully process it, but yuri's tone makes him blush all the way down his neck. )
Are - were you taking lessons or something? We can definitely arrange for more here!
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Date: 2023-09-30 04:32 am (UTC)yuri nods at the question, tearing off a piece of the sandwich before popping it in his mouth. ]
I was taking lessons for a while, though I stopped when. ...Well, when everything happened. Starting them up again would be fun. Maybe you could join me?
[ yuri's head tilts as he smiles. ]
I'll need to get used to my dancing partner sooner or later, after all. And then we could treat ourselves with a dessert after.
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Date: 2023-09-30 05:36 am (UTC)( but he hasn't said no yet! just ... maybe. it could be a nice bonding activity. even if yuri will clearly be levels ahead of him.
wait, wasn't he dreading this a second ago? )
I'd be a good audience for you! ( oh, finn. he pops a bite of a jellyroll into his mouth and puffs his cheeks out as he eats ) Mm! You gotta try some of that one. Want a piece of mine?
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Date: 2023-09-30 07:41 pm (UTC)[ look at them, making plans for things to do together. maybe... maybe this won't be so bad. maybe yuri will actually find himself looking forward to it. he's already been looking forward to maybe holding that large hand so...
his eyebrows lift just a little and he pauses for a second, thinking. maybe too hard. but then all thought of holding himself dissipates and yuri leans forward across the table with a smile before opening his mouth with an expectant little aaaah. ]
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Date: 2023-09-30 09:28 pm (UTC)yuri seems sweet and he seems interested in getting to know finn. he doesn't think his hobbies are silly and they're already talking about engaging in each other's interests. that's not a bad start at all.
he cuts a small piece of his slice of jellyroll and offers it to yuri without thinking much of it, holding it up to his lips for him to taste. )
There!
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Date: 2023-10-12 03:59 am (UTC)yuri leans in and takes the bite of jellyroll before he settles back against his seat again, his eyebrows lifting as he chews. he makes a happy noise and nods with a thumbs up before swallowing, covering his mouth as he grins. ]
Delicious! There's really a fantastic team working here.
[ he smiles and tilts his head just a bit. ]
Though, I wonder if certain present parties aren't what inspired the hiring of a particularly talented patissier.
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Date: 2023-10-13 05:14 am (UTC)( finn blinks a few times before breaking out into a shy smile. ) Oh. Oh, n-no, I don't think so. I don't even think my mom really knew how much I liked sweets until I came here, but now all the staff do.
( it isn't that he doesn't want a relationship with his mom. it's just difficult for him to accept certain olive branches right now, very skittish around the attempts. he will, at least, accept her offers of cakes and such. )
We'll have to make sure we have all our favorites for the celebration, ( finn declares, ready to make a mental list of everything yuri likes. )
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Date: 2023-10-13 10:59 pm (UTC)[ yuri can't say for certain, obviously; he doesn't know the kind of relationship finn has with his parents. but he also wouldn't be surprised if his mom wasn't completely aware about finn's preferences for sweets.
he nods, though, smiling as he taps a finger against the tabletop. ]
I'll have to start coming up with a list.
[ he laughs and lifts his tea to finish off his glass before lightly dabbing his mouth with a napkin. ]
I feel refreshed. How about that tour?
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Date: 2023-10-17 04:25 am (UTC)( finn, who had been enjoying his second cup of tea, takes a big gulp to finish it off. he licks his lips with a smile. the staff already know to save the leftovers for finn ( and possibly yuri ) to find for a midnight snack.
he politely sets his napkin on the table and brushes his hands off over his plate before getting to his feet. it was his intention to move to yuri's side with confidence but he ended up tripping over his foot, stumbling without falling flat on his face. coughing lightly, he holds his hand out. )
Let's go? We can start in this wing and work our way around until we're at the gardens!
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Date: 2023-10-20 10:13 pm (UTC)he lifts a hand to hide his smile, though the way his eyes crinkle as he does gives it away anyway. yuri pulls it away from his face and places his hand into finn's instead and uses the hold to pull himself up, not letting go once he's standing. ]
A walk through the gardens.
[ and then he's leaning in a little, pressing lightly against finn's side as he directs them toward the door. ]
How romantic.
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Date: 2023-10-20 11:48 pm (UTC)honestly, he would've been happy to get on with the ceremony, do his one duty to his mother, let his spouse do whatever they wanted while he returned home for most of the year to spend it quietly with his father.
given how they seem to be hitting it off, perhaps finn should look into preparing quarters for his dad as well to hopefully find some kind of compromise.
finn gives a spirited tour of the place, a few attendants trailing behind them. he shows yuri the passage to the kitchen ( important ), some of the meeting rooms ( less important ), and where they will have dinner later. the attendants station themselves at the door to leave finn and yuri to their own devices once they reach the gardens. it's lush and gives the impression of wildness while being meticulously maintained. )
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Date: 2023-10-21 03:27 am (UTC)as it is, he's just... happy. to be spending his time, really. finn's a better person than yuri thinks he deserves, if he's being honest, and he hasn't even known him that long.
he takes in a deep breath when they step outside into the garden and he closes his eyes, tilting his head back to enjoy the sunlight and the breeze. ]
Oh it smells wonderful out here.
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Date: 2023-10-21 03:51 am (UTC)finn's eyes light up when he watches yuri enter the garden. )
Doesn't it? The peonies are in bloom right now. ( he gestures to the soft pink flowers to the left. the blooming season isn't going to last that long but it seems like they will be around for their actual wedding. )
We have plenty of time before we have dinner so we can spend the rest of it here!
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Date: 2023-10-22 01:51 am (UTC)It looks like I'm in bloom, too.
[ he turns back toward the flowers again, his head tilting as he reaches up toward the blossom. he doesn't touch it (he's heard that's bad for the flowers), but he does hold his hand near it. ]
They'd look lovely in the bouquets, I think.
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Date: 2023-10-22 03:34 am (UTC)You fit in perfectly out here, ( he decides, letting his gaze openly linger on yuri this time to appreciate him next to the peonies instead of shyly redirecting it. ) I'll mention the bouquet to my mother.
( after a moment, he turns a corner and gestures for yuri to follow him. hidden away is a floral archway covered in climbing vines leading to a rustic bird bath. he smiles and actually skips towards it. )
I found this my first day here! I really like come out here and just ... sitting.
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Date: 2023-10-31 03:48 am (UTC)which is a weird thing to think but here he is.
he follows after finn, a smile breaking out across his face as he watches a completely grown man skip toward a bird bath. he's so cute. ]
Cute.
[ ok maybe he couldn't help saying it out loud.
yuri stops at the archway and reaches out to lightly run his fingers along one of the vines, his eyes going up to look at the arch going over his head. maybe... well, this wouldn't be such a bad place to take their vows, would it? might not have enough space...
they could take their own vows here. privately.
yuri you're getting ahead of yourself. ]
I've never been one to just go outside much but... maybe being around you can convince me.
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Date: 2023-11-01 02:03 am (UTC)( finn blushes lightly, ducking his head. he hadn't really imagined anything past the actual wedding. if he's lucky, maybe they might be able to develop a nice friendship. )
If we're gonna be married, it'd be nice to spend a little time together out here. Whenever you wanted.
( he takes a seat on the elaborately carved bench positioned across the arch, gesturing for yuri to come see. ) Look at the view from here. It's perfect!
no subject
Date: 2023-11-01 05:10 pm (UTC)Oh, Finn. It's beautiful.
[ he slides a hand down finn's forearm so that he can take hold of his hand, lacing their fingers together as his eyes sweep across all of the flowers and beautiful hedges. ]
I think I like this spot.
[ he says it softly, as though if he says it any louder he'll break whatever quiet spell has settled over him.
them?
he hopes them, if he's being honest. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-02 03:59 am (UTC)It's been kinda hard. I didn't grow up here - I was with my dad and he raised me and I didn't know who my mom was for years. And suddenly, I'm needed because she needs help and - ( finn exhales, shaking his head. )
Being here reminds me of all the plants we have in our apartment, so I hope it'll make you feel better sometimes, too.
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Date: 2023-11-20 12:46 am (UTC)I'm sorry, you know.
[ his voice is soft as he says it and he turns to look at finn. ]
That you have to be dragged into this, I mean. I don't-- I was never the one that my parents were focused on. The moment my sister presented as an alpha, I was basically freed of any obligations to the family. I guess things changed for all of us pretty abruptly, huh?
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Date: 2023-11-20 08:03 pm (UTC)But I think we could be friends at least, ( comes a hopeful addition as he lifts his head. ) It would be nice to get to know each other better anyway. I don't really have other expectations outside of that!
( finn tries to recover, wanting to make this a nice first day for yuri. they're both doing their best! )
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Date: 2023-11-25 12:12 am (UTC)[ yuri smiles a little bit to himself and tips to the side, pressing his arm against finn's to lean into him. he still has a grip on his hand, thumb absently stroking across the back of it as he gazes down at their fingers curled together.
finn's hands are so large. yuri decides very quickly that he likes that. ]
We can certainly be friends. [ a pause. should he be so forward already? ] Though I might not be entirely opposed to something more.
[ yuri lifts his gaze and smiles up at finn. ]
You're very handsome.
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Date: 2023-11-26 05:48 am (UTC)( gulp. finn looks down at their joined hands, blushing as he becomes very aware of their instant intimacy. yuri feels very warm against him and he smells sweet, though finn can't immediately pin down what it reminds him of. his nose isn't as sensitive as that of an alpha's or an omega's.
he coughs quietly. )
Well, you're also. Very handsome and pretty. Yes, pretty. ( that sounds fitting for yuri, especially now that they're sitting amongst the flowers. )
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Date: 2023-12-10 07:05 am (UTC)[ yuri smiles and lets out a little giggle, giving finn's hand a small squeeze before he finally pushes himself back up to his feet again. he pulls finn up along with him and he steps in closer to him to tuck close, still smiling as he looks up at him.
finn smells nice too, yuri decides. subtle. almost delicate. ]
Shall we continue?
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Date: 2023-12-11 07:54 pm (UTC)You're quite assertive, ( he observes gently, letting yuri hoist him up. lumbering forward, he decides to show him through the rose garden. it isn't quite their season, but they're still putting in a good effort to look pretty, still well-cared for as the seasons change. )
I - I mean that as a very good thing, too! It's a very good thing. I'm not assertive at all, ( finn admits, stammering, hoping not to offend. )
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