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[ at that, tighnari's expression tenses a little, and he withdraws his hand, glancing down at his plate. he has a feeling that they are not going to be eating while talking after all, but he does at least take a sip of his coffee. ]

I don't know. I didn't want you to have to choose between time with me, and time with work. I also didn't want to potentially put your job at risk, if a relationship with me could have been seen as a conflict of interest.

[ Honestly, Cyno hadn't expected it to get tense like this when he had begun the conversation. He instantly misses Tighnari's touch but he leans back and takes a drink himself.

Cyno frowns. He doesn't like that Tighnari was making those decisions for him instead of with him. ]

You don't need to make decisions like that alone. We always work well together, we could have...

[ He sighs, crossing his arms as he studies Tighnari. He supposes for the time being it's a moot point. ]

That's not entirely fair, you know.

[ tighnari crosses his arms as well, his brow furrowing. ]

Why didn't you come forward about it, then, in that case? It's a two-way road. I won't apologize for thinking of your needs.

[ Cyno glances away because... touche. ]

In the future, let us figure it out together. Like... now.

[ the set of tighnari's shoulders eases, and he takes another drink of coffee. ]

I can agree to that. I'd like that.

Good.

[ Cyno uncrosses one of his arms and reaches for his cup, thinking of taking another drink before reaching for some food instead. ]

There are no excuses here.

[ the atmosphere still feels a little tense, tighnari thinks, but at least cyno is seeing to his food, so tighnari supposes he ought to, as well. ]

No excuses?

There's no reason to not... be honest with each other here or to hold back. Unless... you aren't...

[ He very pointedly takes a bite of food instead of finishing his thought. ]

Unless I'm not.. being honest with you? Of course I'm being honest with you.

[ tighnari, however, still hasn't taken a bite. eventually he sighs, and stands, scooping up his plate and carrying it to the counter to wrap it for later. ]

That's not what I was thinking. Tighnari... you need to eat.

[ Cyno exhales a little and watches him, forgetting food and coffee. ]

I was thinking... unless you don't want to here.

I'll eat in an hour or so. It's all right.

[ but he can't eat right now, not while his stomach feels so tight. his ears are laid back, his tail slightly bristled. ]

As for whether or not I want to be here.. well, of course I'd like to be home. I miss my family. I don't like to think that I'll never see them again. Until recently, I missed you, too.

[ Cyno sighs quietly, watching the other's body language and it kills his own appetite. He gives up eating himself but doesn't bother with his food as he gets up and moves to stand in front of Tighnari. There's a long moment of quiet, Cyno deciding what he wants to do, or say. ]

Of course, I know that. I more... I meant... do you want to try with me here? After all, as you said there are many attractive people.

Cyno..

[ tighnari had just placed the food in the refrigerator, and he's turning back when cyno confronts him, standing stock still in front of him. he's so intense, even now, but tighnari is more than used to that. ]

There were plenty of attractive people in Sumeru, as well, you know. But it's you that I wanted. You're cute when you're jealous.

[ Cyno crosses his arms at the accusation of being jealous, letting out a breath that sound suspiciously like a huff. ]

I'm not jealous. I'm just pointing out a fact.

[ But a moment later... ]

You want me still?

[ tighnari rolls his eyes. ]

Do I have to do everything myself?

[ and, lifting his hands to cyno's face, tighnari snags him by the jaw and pulls him in, pressing their mouths together in a warm, lingering kiss. this is not at all how he would have expected things to go, were he asked, but.. cyno's lips feel rough and warm, and this close, he smells so good, so familiar. ]

[ Of course you do, Tighnari.

Cyno is about to insert a very punny joke when something better happens instead. He hadn't expected a kiss but he leans into it instantly. His hand quickly came up to cup Tighnari's face as the press of lips stay. Tighnari is sweet and tangy. He presses a little more into the kiss before slowly pulling away. His hand slides back into his hair, his thumb brushing the base of Tighnari's ear. ]

So, I am the most attractive after all.

[ they pull back, and tighnari feels a little dazed, warm and content, the tension in his gut finally beginning to ease. his lips linger for a few moments, and tighnari chuckles, his ear flicking when cyno rubs at it, a soft purr tolling in his throat. ]

Yes, Cyno. You're the most beautiful man I've ever known.

[ Cyno leans in again, pressing another kiss to Tighnari's lips. Just to make sure this is all real. How many times has he dreamt about kissing this man? But he doesn't linger as long, pressing his forehead to Tighnari's. ]

I'm yours then, no refunds.

[ their brows touch, and tighnari lifts his arms to slide them around cyno's shoulders, holding to him. ]

A shame. I was going to take you back to the matra store once I was finished with you.

[ Cyno wraps one arm around the other's waist but the other lingers in his ear, his fingers brushing up against his ear. ]

This almost doesn't feel real, Tighnari.

I know.

[ the touch to his ear sends a shiver down his spine, tighnari's skin flushing warm, and he enjoys the weight of cyno's arm around his waist, holding him close. tighnari leans into him, pressing a kiss to his mouth, then another to the corner of his lips. ]

I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about it.

[ Cyno sighs softly at the press of the other's lips to his own, then the corner and he wants to chase more kisses. ]

I would be too.

[ He tightens his arm around him briefly, nosing against him briefly. ]

Will you eat now?

[ A small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. ]

[ tighnari sighs, and relents. ]

Yes, yes, all right..

[ one last kiss, and he's slipping away to retrieve his plate again. ]

[ Cyno reluctantly let’s him go as he goes back to his previous seat. He takes a long sip of his coffee. ]

Is there more you wanted to talk about?

[ together they sit, and begin to eat again. tighnari digs into his meal between sips of coffee. ]

More? Is there anything you wanted to know? I suppose we do have a lot to talk about.

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