escordvi | (no subject)

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Who: Kaveh and the Cafe Regulars
Status: Open
Where: Surasthana Cafe
What: catch-all
Warnings: the chaos gays are here and doing PDA, but we'll keep it at a solid T. Probably.

[A. Day to Day at the Cafe]

[Life is fairly simple, currently. Kaveh and Alhaitham open the cafe most afternoons and Kaveh helps serve coffee and putters about with his other work, small mechanical things and bits of jewelry. Lately, he's been talking to local bakeries about serving their baked goods here, so there are some small pastries in a case available for purchase! Right now it's largely just croissants, muffins and cookies, but he has hopes of expanding that selection someday. If only for some naan.

Either way, for your relaxing, day to day needs, the Surasthana Cafe is here.]

[B. Chaos Gays; Public Menaces]

[...On the other hand, where Kaveh is, Alhaitham is almost certainly not far. A non-exhaustive list of what one might walk in and catch them doing is as follows:

1. Holding hands while leaned over the front counter, right next to the register, instead of Alhaitham actually picking up his coffee. They are likely engaged in debate.

2. A large pile of adult men cuddled up together and fast asleep in the middle of the afternoon on one of the couches. Bonus points for Kaveh being too tall for half of these and his legs dangling over the side. Maybe have Azul or Mehrak take your order?

3. They are straight up kissing behind the counter. At least it's fairly chaste but it is right in front of your muffin.

Good luck.]

[C. March Madness]

[Kaveh regularly gets new books in to stock, because it is a book cafe and new reading material is part of the point. Here is the problem; most of the sellers on Eltrut are under the (correct) assumption this cafe is 85% built to woo Kaveh's reclusive husband, and the additional (incorrect) assumption the man is a connoisseur of the romance genre. There's also the factor that the period after Dragon's Gale and up to First Tide is a very lucrative period for new romance books to come out, and so when Kaveh puts in an order for hot new releases, well...

The upshot is Kaveh now has two or three crates of newly released romance novels to shelve and most of them are of the non-human romance variety. A lot of dragons. a fair amount of bird and snake people. A bit of mermaids. A great deal of this has to go on the shelves marked EXPLICITLY not for the younger clientele.

Kaveh has sighed sixteen times in the last ten minutes. He's not impressed. He has to shelve all these. He's suffering.

Come laugh at him.]

[D. Wildcard]
[DM me or taso if you want a different starter, or just make up your own! live freely!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Since Azul works here part time, there's a chance that anyone visiting the cafe will run into him today. One place he can be found is off to the side looking over what seems to be notes on various subjects. Some are related to the cafe as he's actually helping Kaveh a bit by doing inventory and letting him know what is currently in stock and what may need to be ordered in, while other papers appear to be Azul studying up on current affairs in Escordvi and making notes on what might help with marketing for both Kaveh's cafe, and for his own business plans elsewhere...

... Or he is the one you're going to have to ask to serve you your drink today while the cafe owner and his husband are busy making out behind the counter. To which he tries to ignore, or attempts to politely clear his throat to get them to redirect their attention to notice their customers or move out of his way to reach for something he needs here, because this is apparently his lot in life now. This is one of many reasons he prefers work that lets him just count money in the back smh...]

Edited 2025-03-15 00:28 (UTC)

[Coughing? Huh, coughing's a weird noise to hear while kissing, wonder what that's abou--

Oh god someone's behind them. Kaveh jumps a bit like a startled cat but at least he didn't yelp.]

Ah--um, yes, hello, did you need something?

[Smooth.]

[Azul, to his credit, doesn't look too flustered from having watched Kaveh making out with his husband... the bad news is that he's instead giving you a look now like "really?" which might be worse, honestly.]

Yes. I need to get the coffee beans behind the two of you here. Do you mind moving aside for a moment?

[Sorry Azul but your disappointment does nothing for Alhaitham. He's not even ruffled at all about being interrupted like this, expression bland and carrying absolutely no trace of shame.]

...mmn. [For better or worse Azul does have a legitimate reason to bypass them, so Alhaitham doesn't say anything beyond that hum of acknowledgement before he shifts as asked—and with his hands on his husband's hips it means that Kaveh is moving along with him too.]

[Azul raises a slight eyebrow at how Alhaitham moves himself and Kaveh out of the way, but otherwise doesn't say anything since he's now able to move past them and take the coffee beans he needs before he walks a few steps away to work on the order he needs these for.

After a moment, however, once said coffee has started brewing...]

Kaveh-san, have you had a moment to take a look at the report I wrote up for the cafe's inventory yet?

[Or have you both been too busy making out to look at it yet.]

The inventory?

[Kaveh pauses in the middle of pinching Alhaitham's ribs as his mind shifts gears.]

Ah, yes. We're low on the darker roasts already, right? We should have more stored at the old house, but at the rate it's going we should probably buy it in bigger quantities.

[He makes a thoughtful noise, as he thinks.] With the seasons changing, maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to stock some floral teas, as well, since we'll probably use less of the hot cocoa.

[...Surprise, Azul! He's actually very meticulous about this before he makes out with his husband on cafe time.]

[Perhaps one day Alhaitham will ask why Azul addresses people like somebody from Inazuma... but that day is not today because he's far more occupied with his husband as it is. Though he does not go out of his way to interrupt Kaveh (despite the very rude pinching of his ribs, mind you), he does keep himself entertained by slipping the very tips of his fingers right underneath the hem of his senior's shirt and ghosts his touch over the other man's skin.]

Don't get the ones that turns the water red. [He pipes after the part about the floral teas.] I don't like the smell of it.

[...what, did anyone think Alhaitham was actually going to say something practical here? Yeah that's not going to happen.]

[Oh, thank goodness. Azul actually looks a little relieved now when Kaveh actually responds to his inquiry with something sensible, taking out his notepad to write down what Kaveh is saying.]

I agree, having a menu that invokes the feeling of spring would be the most desirable... ah, come to think of it, I wonder if this place has anything similar to cherry blossom season, when there are certain trees like sakura or similar gorgeous trees that bloom around this time of year. We could sell floral teas and look into procuring the easy to make type of snacks that pair best with them, then look into whether or not this place has anything like a flower viewing event planned to celebrate the change of seasons, and thus drum up more marketing for the cafe via that route...

[But then he pauses in the midst of his businessman-style rambling when Alhaitham speaks up.]

Huh? [...] Is it just the smell that bothers you, or is the taste not particularly that desirable?

Cherry blossoms...I'd heard they're celebrated in Inazuma, but I didn't know it could be used to brew tea.

[Kaveh makes a thoughtful noise and wiggles so he can turn around to face Azul. This may end up with him wearing Alhaitham like a coat but surely the man will behave, right?

...Right???]

There's the First Tide festival, I think it should be next month. Not exactly the same tree, but florals might still go well with it. [A pause.] And turtles. The people here have a fondness for turtles for obvious reasons.

[He does take a moment to snort as Azul addresses Alhaitham--he knows the reason--but he'll let Alhaitham answer for himself.]

[Alhaitham makes no attempt to stop Kaveh from turning around, but he does make sure to stay close, so Azul does in fact have to now deal with his boss now having his husband draped over him with no ounce of shame whatsoever.

As the two of them continue to converse Alhaitham seems to be pretty content with the current dynamic—he doesn't do much else beyond keeping himself draped over Kaveh, arms wrapped around Kaveh's waist so that he can stay in place. He's more or less content to just soak in and enjoy his husband's presence—up until he's compelled to make his earlier statement about the teas, and then Azul asks him why back in return.]

All of it. [He answers without missing a beat, and there's a twitch of his nose that Kaveh would probably know as Alhaitham resisting the urge to wrinkle it. Sorry Azul but your boss's trophy husband is a very fussy man and knowing that Kaveh made this place for him only gives him more reason to be bold.]

[For a moment, Azul looks like he wants to say something argumentative--if Floyd had been the one to provide reasoning like that to him at the Mostro Lounge for not wanting a particular food or drink added to the menu, Azul probably would have told him to get over it. Now however, he seems to think better of it, holding his tongue as he looks down at his notes. Mentally reminds himself that he is only an employee here, he cannot act the same as he does when working at the Lounge back home.]

... Very well, I'll keep that in mind then. There should hopefully be enough different floral teas to choose from out there that won't have an odor or taste that would not be to your liking, Alhaitham-san.

He's just being fussy about the rooibos because he's sensitive to strong scents in general.

[Kaveh will just casually expose his husband here, don't worry about it. He will smile quellingly at Azul, though.] It's one of the more expensive teas on the market, and since we primarily serve coffee, swapping it out for a different type of tea shouldn't pose too maybe problems.

[He pauses, thoughtful.] I wonder... I've grown padisarahs and sumeru roses from home here. We'd have to dry them ourselves, but they're used in deserts, so I suspect they'd make a flavorful tea, don't you? And I know this one doesn't mind those scents at all.

[Given Kaveh made his current perfume with them.]

[Even if Azul did decide to say something chances are that Alhaitham wouldn't have listened or cared, since that requires him to actually bother with the opinions of somebody else who is not distinctly Kaveh, which he very much does not. So yeah, no dice there.

But in the same token, since he does actually sort of care about Kaveh's opinions, it also means that he likewise cares about what his husband is saying, and this very blatant expose from his husband is going to be noted. Alhaitham narrows his eyes, but doesn't say anything to protest against it, since denying his husband's word would mean lying and there is no point in doing such a thing here.

He does, however, make a small snort when Kaveh goes on to suggest using the Sumeru flora that he'd grown for the teas, the arms around his husband giving a little squeeze.]

I'm not sure if drinking something that smells like you will be effective in making me smell like you, but I suppose there's no harm in trying.

[...yeah how Alhaitham can say something like this is beyond anyone's guess.]

[Azul is nodding in agreement to Kaveh's suggestion--that should be worth trying, he thinks. Especially if it still makes for a flavorful floral tea that also does not bother Alhaitham too much scent or taste-wise. Azul is willing to compromise in that case...

... and then Alhaitham says that, and now Azul cannot help but respond, an eyebrow raising high, an almost amused smirk touching his lips this time. This at least is easier to find, well, sweet in comparison to... well, blocking the counter with a makeout session while trying to get work done.]

My, you really don't hold back at all on any opportunity to express your affection for each other.

Alhaitham?! [Well. Well. Kaveh turned absolutely beet red and make a kind of breathless, strangle squeak of mortification. Thankfully it isn't too loud. He does, however, promptly jam his elbow into Alhaitham's ribs. It wasn't that hard but he can't let a comment that out of pocket go unpunished.]

I'm sorry, Azul, no one ever taught him how to restrain himself in public and now he refuses to learn.

[...So he says, but how'd Alhaitham get those hickies anyway, Kaveh?]</sm

[Alhaitham, of course, is completely unaffected by the reaction that comes from either Kaveh or Azul after what he says, though he does let out a small grunt at being elbowed by his husband. Kaveh's pointy elbows don't exactly make that a pleasant experience anyway you slice it.]

He would have stopped me a long time ago if he truly didn't like it.

[Says this with a small huff. Yeah he's gonna call you back out in turn here, Kaveh. At least 99% of the hickies that are on him now are actually covered by his clothes—though nothing in Alhaitham's wardrobe can hide the one that's high up on his neck, right underneath his jaw, and the man himself certainly hasn't bothered keeping it hidden either, even when its now close enough for others to see it.]

["no one ever taught him how to restrain himself in public and now he refuses to learn", huh?]

Sounds like someone else I know...

[But then, Azul's gaze catches sight of that hickey on Alhaitham's neck, and for some reason instead of thinking of Floyd, like he had initially said that comment about, his mind for some reason rather unhelpfully thinks of Leona of all people instead. What the hell? Is it because of that stupid kiss that happened? That was practically months ago! Why does he still think about it at times like this...

Azul quickly shakes his head, trying to dislodge the thought.]

Regardless, I'm not really all that bothered by it... provided that it doesn't interfere with work and productivity, of course.

[Kaveh has reached up to violently muss Alhaitham's hair as his punishment for exposing him, but he catches Azul's shake of his head and his attention suddenly hones like a shark. Mentioning someone he knows...and Kaveh didn't miss Azul's eyes stray to Alhaitham's neck before his head shook.

A friend or a friend, hmmmm?]

Oh? Someone from home, Azul?

[He is a little embarrassed about being lowkey called out about being at the counter but that's not important! Kaveh senses ~~blood in the water~~ ~~gay feelings~~ gossip.]

[Alhaitham makes a face and attempts to shake Kaveh's hand off him, though it doesn't really get anywhere at all as the aforementioned attempt is half hearted at best. Not that Kaveh seems to have noticed, because he apparently has picked up on something else entirely, and he can recognize the gleam in his senior's eyes that only suggests Trouble.

...but he's not going to do anything to stop it since Alhaitham would be lying if he said he wasn't a little intrigued, and Kaveh is already doing the work here, so. Don't mind him just listening in oh so casually.]

[Azul frowns a little at that in momentary embarrassment, realizing immediately that he got caught looking--he doesn't want to talk about it if he can avoid it, its too embarrassing...before he suddenly smiles.]

I could tell you, but it would cost you. I don't give out such tantilizing information for free, after all.

[Attempt at dodging the topic number 1: demand compensation of some kind!]

[Kaveh smiles back, incredibly bright and sunny.]

Would you prefer cash, goods or favors?

[Call and raise.]

[In contrast to Kaveh's bright and sunny smile Alhaitham is frowning a little, because no matter how much his husband wants to tease and obtain gossip it should not be at an unnecessary cost.]

No favors. [He vetoes the last option without any warning, giving a brief look to husband as he says that to show that he means it. No owing people favors for something like this!!]

[Azul raises an eyebrow, amused by Kaveh willing to try to call his bluff here. However, before he can say something about owing him a favor in the future, Alhaitham suddenly cuts in and snuffs out that option.]

Well, that's no fun. [But, he does not argue against that decision for now.] Seeing as I already get paid working for you, Kaveh-san, I suppose I should ask what kind of goods you would be willing to trade for this information.

Don't be rude, Haitham. [It's fine! He wasn't gonna offer anything bad!]

Well, accessories are the obvious go-to--tie clips or brooches, perhaps, to go with the cufflinks. Lamps, small heaters, rings...I've made hairpins that have a tracking function before, but I doubt you'd really need something like that.

Perhaps perfumes or cologne...or skincare products, Azul? There's a variety of options, here.

[He's noticed you seem to take care of your skin! You look great, young man.]

[It doesn't matter if Kaveh isn't going to offer anything 'bad' its the principle of the matter! Don't lower your standards just for the sake of a bit of gossip!

Alhaitham doesn't interrupt the conversation this time, at least, but he does shoot over a very unsubtle look at Azul after Kaveh leaves the other to make his choice. You better choose wisely, mister, or you won't know what's coming.]

open toplevel to everyone except kaveh and his trophy husband who get b3 here i guess

I'm sorry, Kaveh's Sorry, Alhaitham Isn't

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throws the rainbow apple of discord at Azul

chaos gays strikes again

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