{ the promise of getting to know the other (and by proxy, kaeya) was actually something for ayato to look forward to. it isn't often he finds someone who has had similar circumstances to his own, but especially after the memory portal he feels as though he's begun to know him a little better already.
the cafe chosen for this meeting is fairly quiet, but has a selection of different types available, along with snacks if they get peckish.
in this case, he's tried mocha and he'd offered to let diluc introduce him into other types, so instead of heading straight inside, he'll wait at the door for the other to arrive. }
Ah, hello. { as soon as he's near enough, he'll smile in greeting. } Shall we head inside?
[Though he is always somewhat guarded against people he doesn't know well when it comes to matters concerning his past, Ayato has already struck Diluc as someone who might... understand, at least in part, what it means to lose your parents too young and the kind of responsibility that falls on your shoulders because of that.
He finds the other man easy enough to spend time with and when he arrives at the café (quiet, thankfully) he offers a faint smile in greeting.]
{ the smile is returned, not out of politeness but because he is genuinely looking forward to catching up. there may be a little nervousness he's keeping to himself, due to some other unrelated questions he wants to ask, but there's no sign of that on the surface. }
Not at all, I've only been here a few moments myself.
{ but he'll step inside, holding the door open for him. }
I believe I agreed to let you choose a type of coffee for me to try, since I've only had mocha and a latte so far. From what I've seen, there are quite a variety of flavours and styles?
That would be an understatement. I didn't even see this many varieties when I was travelling Fontaine.
[He's not intending to give Ayato anything weird to try, but he's definitely been exploring the different options while he's been here and has a few in mind that the other man might enjoy sampling.
Diluc steps in through the door, pauses a moment to wait, then moves to find them both a table.]
Do you have anything you dislike, to begin with? Flavour-wise.
[He points Ayato over to a table and heads up to make an order for them both. Not long after he comes over with two cups, setting one down in front of his companion.]
Caramel cappuccino. I hope you don't mind that I let my own tastes dictate my choice.
[He blows lightly on his own drink and brings it up to his lips, sipping carefully at the hot beverage. It isn't so hot that he can't drink it almost immediately and he does enjoy the taste. It's well-made and he's confident that Ayato will enjoy it.]
We don't have all that many in comparison to some nations, but you can ask... If I have an answer, I'll give it to you.
Indeed. It's a rather... personal question in nature, but I was hoping to gain insight into whether there's anything a person from Mondstadt would do when proposing marriage to another?
{ his fingers clench a little tighter on the cup, but his face is staying rather blank on what the question means in its entirety. }
[The initial response is an entirely inelegant, though very succinct one. Diluc's attention flits briefly from Ayato's face to the cup, where the tight grip of his hand betrays him, then back up to his eyes.]
We don't have any particularly grand traditions. While a couple is dating, one may give the other a promise ring to symbolise their intention... but that isn't mandatory. Should they get engaged, they would both wear a simple band on the ring finger of their left hand. [He cocks his head, curious.] After the wedding vows, the band is moved to the same finger of the right hand.
{ the inelegant response actually gets him to crack a small smile, even if his hand doesn't change. }
I see. So there's no specific way to offer the ring? People can decide to do it however they like?
{ he brings the cup to his lips, blows on it again before taking a tiny sip. for what its worth, he doesn't flush or show embarrassed asking this. the hand motion clearly show more nervousness than that. }
You're talking about the Land of Freedom. Do you think the people would allow themselves to be beholden to strict traditions when it came to matters of the heart?
[Not one bit, and he's sure that Barbatos would not approve of such a thing either. He can see Ayato is still... nervous about something, though perhaps it's now only thoughts of something he intends to do in the future that play on his mind.]
Or were you hoping for some, to better guide your plans..?
I may be, but my entire life has been quite the opposite. Perhaps... it's a little difficult to comprehend. Until arriving here I didn't even consider having the freedom to choose who I could marry. I wouldn't wish to force the responsibility of carrying the family line onto my sister, unless she were happy with someone she loved and wanted children for herself.
{ he pauses, takes a sip of his coffee and glances away. }
I had assumed I'd reach an age where I'd be forced into it for the sake of politics, if I'm honest. Having some freedom to make a choice instead... it's a little overwhelming in a way.
[He just shakes his head a little at the idea that it might be difficult to comprehend - it isn't, and although he professes to come from the land of freedom himself, any partner that he chose would also be closely scrutinised. Though it wouldn't be likely he would be forced into anything as Ayato may have there was still the weight of that expectation.]
I do understand, at least enough to sympathise.
[Diluc sips his drink to give him a moment to think.]
You should enjoy it while you can. Though I'm sure I don't need to tell you that.
{ a small smile is given in return to that first statement, along with the shake of diluc's head. perhaps he'd assumed the land of freedom had become more open, but perhaps it's a given that some family lines still had expectations. }
Mm. Ayaka is very happy with someone now, enough that I've been told to think of myself more. That's why... I wanted to make it very clear I was making this choice for myself.
It can be difficult to think of yourself when duty has always demanded that you put others first. [Be it family, responsibility, your country... there can always be something that feels so much more important than your own wants. Diluc knows it well.]
If you're wanting to make it obvious that you're choosing something for yourself then you've chosen a very clear way to go about it.
I wouldn't even say duty is the only reason. My family mean more to me than anything else. I would always put them first, duty or no.
{ but yes, given the way officials back home had kept pushing him, this is very much a big fuck you to those people. }
But no, not in the same way. Quite often marriages are for the safety of the family, for encouraging bonds between families or... for politics. At least, these are the only ways I've known marriage to come into being. Of course, there are times when the couple are truly in love, but the proposal was still a discussion rather than an event.
[Not a blanket judgement, merely a comment between friends, but that kind of thing would not pass in Mondstadt. Even the nobility there regard themselves as normal people, after all, and would marry who and how they liked.]
You must feel a freedom to choose here, then, that you don't have back home.
[It goes without saying given everything they have spoken of already but there is more to what Diluc says than simply labouring the point. He does not think that marrying Thoma is something that Ayato would ever get approval for...]
Your sister would join the family of whoever she married, wouldn't she?
Inazuma is, sadly, a little behind the times, shall we say? But regarding my sister... { this time a small frown does tug at his face. } That would depend on the circumstances. As it is, she has met someone from another world who wishes to remain by her side.
It's a relief, really, that she should be able to marry for love rather than political gain.
I would give up my own freedom for the sake of hers, Diluc. If I am unable to keep my relationship for the sake of my sister's happiness, I would give it up.
{ there is 0 hesitation in his voice with this. ayaka is his world first and foremost. as much as he may love thoma as well, they both would likely put ayaka above themselves in a heartbeat. }
[If nothing else, Diluc does understand how important family can be. He has nothing but respect for the sacrifice that Ayato would choose to make for his sister's sake and he gives a short, solemn nod to indicate that he understands.]
Then I hope, for the sake of you both, that it doesn't come to that.
[If Ayaka cares for Ayato as much as he cares for her, which Diluc expects she very much does, she wouldn't want to see her brother give up his own dreams for her.]
Perhaps it is time for Inazuma to begin to move forwards. Changes to tradition are rarely easy, but someone needs to make the first steps.
We'll see what happens. I believe I may have mentioned before about Ayaka being from different places to begin with, correct? I recall telling you about Aether and Lumine, and how I remember Lumine but Ayaka remembers Aether. The Ayato she likely will return to won't have any account of any of this anyway.
{ he takes a sip of his drink }
Apologies, I may have turned this rather... solemn. Shall we move on to discussing childhood stories?
[He was quite prepared for Ayato to speak further if he wished to unburden himself of any worries, but... the man does have a point. With what they had already spoken of still in mind Diluc nods and then tilts his head, idly casting his mind back to his childhood.]
I'm not sure how much Kaeya has told you about how we grew up, but he became a ward of my father when he was eight years old. It may surprise you to learn that I was the wilder of the two of us while we were children. Kaeya would far too often find himself in trouble on my account.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
COFFEE!!!! DATE!!!!!! i'm finally here after 84 years
Date: 2023-10-19 09:19 pm (UTC)the cafe chosen for this meeting is fairly quiet, but has a selection of different types available, along with snacks if they get peckish.
in this case, he's tried mocha and he'd offered to let diluc introduce him into other types, so instead of heading straight inside, he'll wait at the door for the other to arrive. }
Ah, hello. { as soon as he's near enough, he'll smile in greeting. } Shall we head inside?
whee
Date: 2023-10-22 04:56 pm (UTC)He finds the other man easy enough to spend time with and when he arrives at the café (quiet, thankfully) he offers a faint smile in greeting.]
Let's. After you.
[Diluc nods and makes a small gesture.]
I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long.
\o/
Date: 2023-10-23 10:22 pm (UTC)Not at all, I've only been here a few moments myself.
{ but he'll step inside, holding the door open for him. }
I believe I agreed to let you choose a type of coffee for me to try, since I've only had mocha and a latte so far. From what I've seen, there are quite a variety of flavours and styles?
no subject
Date: 2023-10-29 06:26 pm (UTC)[He's not intending to give Ayato anything weird to try, but he's definitely been exploring the different options while he's been here and has a few in mind that the other man might enjoy sampling.
Diluc steps in through the door, pauses a moment to wait, then moves to find them both a table.]
Do you have anything you dislike, to begin with? Flavour-wise.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-31 11:27 pm (UTC){ he'll follow the other easily though, gently closing the door behind them. }
I have no preferences, so whatever you like the sound of will be perfectly fine.
no subject
Date: 2023-11-03 05:54 pm (UTC)[He points Ayato over to a table and heads up to make an order for them both. Not long after he comes over with two cups, setting one down in front of his companion.]
Caramel cappuccino. I hope you don't mind that I let my own tastes dictate my choice.
[Diluc being fond of sweet things as he is...]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-04 10:53 pm (UTC)Caramel? How interesting, I don't believe I've tried a drink with that in it before. Thank you very much.
{ he'll curl his gloved hands around the cup, lifting it to his lips to blow on the surface. }
Before we get started in sharing stories, I wondered if you would mind if I asked you something regarding a Mondstadt custom?
no subject
Date: 2023-11-18 11:44 pm (UTC)[He blows lightly on his own drink and brings it up to his lips, sipping carefully at the hot beverage. It isn't so hot that he can't drink it almost immediately and he does enjoy the taste. It's well-made and he's confident that Ayato will enjoy it.]
We don't have all that many in comparison to some nations, but you can ask... If I have an answer, I'll give it to you.
no subject
Date: 2023-11-19 09:32 pm (UTC){ his fingers clench a little tighter on the cup, but his face is staying rather blank on what the question means in its entirety. }
no subject
Date: 2023-11-24 11:18 pm (UTC)[The initial response is an entirely inelegant, though very succinct one. Diluc's attention flits briefly from Ayato's face to the cup, where the tight grip of his hand betrays him, then back up to his eyes.]
We don't have any particularly grand traditions. While a couple is dating, one may give the other a promise ring to symbolise their intention... but that isn't mandatory. Should they get engaged, they would both wear a simple band on the ring finger of their left hand. [He cocks his head, curious.] After the wedding vows, the band is moved to the same finger of the right hand.
no subject
Date: 2023-11-26 10:54 pm (UTC)I see. So there's no specific way to offer the ring? People can decide to do it however they like?
{ he brings the cup to his lips, blows on it again before taking a tiny sip. for what its worth, he doesn't flush or show embarrassed asking this. the hand motion clearly show more nervousness than that. }
no subject
Date: 2023-12-03 07:04 pm (UTC)[Not one bit, and he's sure that Barbatos would not approve of such a thing either. He can see Ayato is still... nervous about something, though perhaps it's now only thoughts of something he intends to do in the future that play on his mind.]
Or were you hoping for some, to better guide your plans..?
no subject
Date: 2023-12-04 07:59 pm (UTC)I may be, but my entire life has been quite the opposite. Perhaps... it's a little difficult to comprehend. Until arriving here I didn't even consider having the freedom to choose who I could marry. I wouldn't wish to force the responsibility of carrying the family line onto my sister, unless she were happy with someone she loved and wanted children for herself.
{ he pauses, takes a sip of his coffee and glances away. }
I had assumed I'd reach an age where I'd be forced into it for the sake of politics, if I'm honest. Having some freedom to make a choice instead... it's a little overwhelming in a way.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-09 09:37 pm (UTC)I do understand, at least enough to sympathise.
[Diluc sips his drink to give him a moment to think.]
You should enjoy it while you can. Though I'm sure I don't need to tell you that.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-16 05:55 pm (UTC)Mm. Ayaka is very happy with someone now, enough that I've been told to think of myself more. That's why... I wanted to make it very clear I was making this choice for myself.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-24 03:02 pm (UTC)If you're wanting to make it obvious that you're choosing something for yourself then you've chosen a very clear way to go about it.
[Marriage can be a bold statement, after all!]
Does Inazuma have its own proposal traditions?
no subject
Date: 2023-12-25 12:08 am (UTC){ but yes, given the way officials back home had kept pushing him, this is very much a big fuck you to those people. }
But no, not in the same way. Quite often marriages are for the safety of the family, for encouraging bonds between families or... for politics. At least, these are the only ways I've known marriage to come into being. Of course, there are times when the couple are truly in love, but the proposal was still a discussion rather than an event.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-31 09:41 pm (UTC)[Not a blanket judgement, merely a comment between friends, but that kind of thing would not pass in Mondstadt. Even the nobility there regard themselves as normal people, after all, and would marry who and how they liked.]
You must feel a freedom to choose here, then, that you don't have back home.
[It goes without saying given everything they have spoken of already but there is more to what Diluc says than simply labouring the point. He does not think that marrying Thoma is something that Ayato would ever get approval for...]
Your sister would join the family of whoever she married, wouldn't she?
arrives 2 weeks late with boba
Date: 2024-01-13 09:25 pm (UTC)Inazuma is, sadly, a little behind the times, shall we say? But regarding my sister... { this time a small frown does tug at his face. } That would depend on the circumstances. As it is, she has met someone from another world who wishes to remain by her side.
It's a relief, really, that she should be able to marry for love rather than political gain.
smoochies
Date: 2024-01-15 08:11 pm (UTC)[Since they're having a frank discussion about it, and all, Diluc asks the question a moment after it comes into his mind.]
We have certain unprecidented freedoms here, but once we return home, will we still retain that freedom?
[Though, given what has been said so far, he expects that Ayato would fight for his sister's happiness.]
my boba expired
Date: 2024-02-05 09:20 pm (UTC){ he pauses. }
I would give up my own freedom for the sake of hers, Diluc. If I am unable to keep my relationship for the sake of my sister's happiness, I would give it up.
{ there is 0 hesitation in his voice with this. ayaka is his world first and foremost. as much as he may love thoma as well, they both would likely put ayaka above themselves in a heartbeat. }
no subject
Date: 2024-02-09 04:41 am (UTC)Then I hope, for the sake of you both, that it doesn't come to that.
[If Ayaka cares for Ayato as much as he cares for her, which Diluc expects she very much does, she wouldn't want to see her brother give up his own dreams for her.]
Perhaps it is time for Inazuma to begin to move forwards. Changes to tradition are rarely easy, but someone needs to make the first steps.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-23 08:54 am (UTC)We'll see what happens. I believe I may have mentioned before about Ayaka being from different places to begin with, correct? I recall telling you about Aether and Lumine, and how I remember Lumine but Ayaka remembers Aether. The Ayato she likely will return to won't have any account of any of this anyway.
{ he takes a sip of his drink }
Apologies, I may have turned this rather... solemn. Shall we move on to discussing childhood stories?
no subject
Date: 2024-02-27 10:13 pm (UTC)I'm not sure how much Kaeya has told you about how we grew up, but he became a ward of my father when he was eight years old. It may surprise you to learn that I was the wilder of the two of us while we were children. Kaeya would far too often find himself in trouble on my account.