aterat | Cherishment Makes The Heart Grow Fonder [Open]

Entry tags:

Cherishment Makes The Heart Grow Fonder [Open]

Who; Rhy, Llewellyn, Yuki, And whoever
What; Get Your Cherishment Gifts Here, and Husband time
Where; Markets, Rhy's Apartment.
When; February
Warnings; None?

I. A Pop-Up Gift Shop
Cherishment was coming. It was a term that Rhy didn't understand but he heard whispered time and time again in the shop, whispered between Tiana and the other seamstresses as they worked on fancy dresses and even, from time to time, a more romantic garment or two made mostly from lace. BUt they talked and talked in anticipation until Rhy finally asked what was going on. And what he learned set Rhy to thinking, thinking and preparing.

Which was what led to him out in a small stall in the open air markets through the month. It had been one he'd convinced Tiana to rent for the time of Cherishment, and from there he'd even went and bought his own small charcoal brazier to help him stay warm, even going so far as to drape the whole thing in a tent-like covering to keep the heat in. Granted the tent-like covering was made of discarded fabrics that were less desirable or had gone out of fashion years ago. It made the whole stall a bit warmer where he sat, though it had to be open in the front, so Rhy himself was in warm clothing and covered with a blanket, his hands often dipping under the counter so he could work his fingers inside a warming pocket.

All in all though, the stall was well decorated with his holiday offerings. There were all sorts of stuffed fabric hearts and small bowls and cups filled with a variety of fabric flowers. All of them were made from cast offs of the store, things too small to work with back there ot make real garments. Yet they were all very vivid in color, or rich in texture, or had subtle patterns worked into them or lace decorating them. They were a marvel of little things, stuffed in the case of the hearts with sawdust, flakes of ceder, and some herbs that were good at keeping moths away so they would keep well. The roses were lightly perfumed.

And all of it sold by a cheerful man calling out to whoever passed by.

"How about a lasting fabric creation for your dearest friends, or greatest love? A fabric creation will be rich in color, and meaning, for many years to come!"

II. An Evening In Love
Selling to others wasn't the only thing Rhy was doing, though. No, he had his own love to think about. Which was why he had come home one night with plenty of gifts. Pampering a lover was a very Kingly thing to do. Which suited the armload of gifts he came home with. Boxes with watches, an armload of hand made fabric roses, even a box of hand crafted chocolates he'd bought in town, nothing was too good for his beloved, and Rhy wanted to make sure that his love knew it.

And, of course, a nice soft and oversized heart that he'd stuffed with soft cotton just to give Pretzel to chew on.

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Llewellyn, of course, was a little behind Rhy in returning to the apartment. He was doing a lot better with spending more time with Rhy and Pretzel than spending too much time at one of his jobs (thank goodness for Aerith), but he still did lose track of time now and again.

Though tonight he’d made a point of leaving early, if only because he had realized something was up this morning based upon his husband’s mood (he'd be a poor detective and husband if he didn't take note). It hadn’t been hard to see how excited Rhy was about the ‘Cherishment’ celebration this world was hosting. He couldn’t help but muse over how much it reminded him of Valentine’s day from his world, and the Sphere had something similar… But this was the first time he’d paid closer attention to it himself, and found himself rather enjoying it.

The excitement, the atmosphere, the fact that he could choose to enjoy it with Rhy however they wished… It was wonderful, and so he was happy to embrace both it and Rhy’s joy.

For all that Llewellyn had guessed there was something special about that evening, he was still rather puzzling over what Rhy’s plans were. He was not expecting to be spoiled, certainly. Maybe he should have, but it was something he’d need to learn to expect, given how his life had been before Rhy. At least it meant he’d never take his beloved for granted.

He, of course, had something for Rhy without thinking the man had anything for him. A bottle of Rhy’s preferred red wine, a small box wrapped carefully with a bow from a shop he’d discovered in the market. Both were already sitting on the counter, having stashed them there on his lunch break earlier that day with the intent of getting home before Rhy.

Instead, he was a bit tardy (but still earlier than most evenings) with a dozen crimson roses he’d had picked out from Aerith's before he left for the day. The detective couldn’t help but wistfully think that perhaps next year they could have them fresh from their own garden… Pretzel was eagerly tugging him along by the leash into the red building, and Rhy would likely hear them nearing as the pup let out some excited barks to be home.

The barking had Rhy rushing around the apartment to try and put in the final touches. The candles were lit, the box of chocolates laid out. The dinner, provided by Ignis of course because the man was a genius, was laid out on the table, and Rhy was dressed in his finest clothes.

Tonight would be special if he could help it. And he could.

When the barking got to the door Rhy moved to open it.

"Sweetling."

Llewellyn looked a little surprised when Rhy opened the door, eyes drawn to the man’s outfit choice. He looked, in Llewellyn’s opinion, stunning in his finest clothing. Which, even after all this time, managed to derail his thoughts a bit. He even dropped Pretzel’s leash, and the pup darted by to head right into the apartment for his water dish. Needing a moment to get his thoughts in order, his arm raised to display the roses tied off with a gold ribbon first, before a clumsy sound escaped. “Good evening, my love. You look-” He smiled, tilting his head slightly as he gave the display another look. “You look very striking, so much so that my words seem to have left me somewhat.”

And, he realized, perhaps he was somewhat under-dressed by comparison.

He would notice the rather romantic state of the apartment in the next moment or two, of course, but first he was focused on his rather breathtaking beloved. Let him admire you for a moment, Rhy.

Roses. Oh Rhy smiled, happily taking them from his husband. He remembered.

"I always look ravishing. But I'm happiest to be ravishing for you, my sweetling. Come in so no one else gets to enjoy me."

While there were occasions that Llewellyn could be oddly forgetful, there were at least some things that he found committed to memory rather easily. Why and his preferences were one of those things, certainly.

He hummed, though, delighted by the other’s words. “I don’t disagree with you there, my love.” He didn’t need to be told twice to get into the apartment, slipping in through the doorway and letting it click shut behind him. “Mm… I certainly would not want to share you at the moment, selfish as that may be.” He added lightly, tilting his head and then…

Then he paused, his eyes darting around the apartment to see it lit up with candles and clearly there had been much he missed from being later than intended. “Beautiful…” He murmured, awestruck again. It took him a moment to take it all in, surprise on his face. Finally, he offered a soft smile to the other, admiring how the candlelight caught his husband’s eyes. “You’ve been quite busy, I see.”

"I have," Rhy agreed. Candles. Flowers, the chocolates. He felt like he'd done good.

"Oh, but first the little love."

He moves away from Rhy so he can go fetch the new toy for this lovely little pup.

"Alright, here's a gift for you."

He had done very well, and Llewellyn was more than a little distracted by it all. Emotion welling up in him at how much Rhy had done to surprise him that night. He almost felt silly for not having accurately guessed it before, but this was quite a lot… “It’s lovely, Rhy.” He finally commented softly, before he allowed his husband to tend to their pup for a moment.

It gave him time to take off his hat and shrug out of his heavy coat to get a little more comfortable. He rather felt like he should change.

Meanwhile, Pretzel was delighted by this present. The little hound cared not for the atmosphere or the candles and flowers, they were not something of interest at all. But the soft, stuffed heart being presented to him? That was an exciting thing. His tail wagging eagerly and he let out a little bark as he excitedly accepted his present from Rhy. It would keep him busy for quite a while, especially as he found it was light enough for him to toss about and mess with on his own.

If he wanted to change, Rhy wouldn't stop him. but he might find rose petals on the bed. Oops.

"Like you are," Rhy told his lover before petting their puppy. "And like Pretzel is. Such a good boy. Daddy made you a toy. Just for you. You don't have to share."

When the puppy took it, Rhy was happy to let it go.

"Well, love, I need to get dinner into the oven to heat up."

Llewellyn flushed a little at his husband’s words, and couldn’t help but smile a little at the excited sounds Pretzel was making over his new toy, clearly it was a hit. “I think he likes it quite a bit. That was a good idea.” The little hound loved to have things to entertain himself with, and it seemed like this one would keep him occupied for a while.

At the mention of heating up supper, Llewellyn glanced at the kitchen curiously. “Oh, yes- of course, I um- should probably get cleaned up from work at the garden shop, anyway.” He commented, yes, he absolutely wanted to at least tidy himself up a bit. “So I’ll leave you to it, and… I’ll be back soon, my love.” He added with a smile, not wanting to be long.

Of course, the rose petals would be another surprise. They made him come to a small halt in the middle of the room, eyes drifting to the bed and then back to the other room thoughtfully. It was sweet, and romantic, and something that was strange to think was done for him… This was one of those moments where he realized what a vast difference his life was from what he’d ever expected. “How have I gotten so lucky…” He murmured to himself, swallowing thickly.

Yes, Rhy deserved someone a little more cleaned up this evening. He set to quickly getting cleaned up and changed without getting too far into his own head again. After all, he didn’t want to keep the other waiting.

He fussed a bit, still feeling a little uncertain as he looked in the mirror, before hurrying out of the room and seeking his husband out.

"I realized when I was making little ones for people, that Pretzel might enjoy something to chew," Rhy answered with a smile. So he might have to try and make more plushes.

"I'll wait for you," Rhy said stepping over to their small kitchen. "Take the time you need, beloved."

From there he worked on getting the final things prepared. Taking the cake out of the fridge, arranging the dinner table, working through everything else too. And when his lover returned, he smiled, warmly.

"Hello, love."

Pretzel certainly would encourage further plushes, spoiled pup that he was. He was already running around with the toy, looking more than a little pleased. It would undoubtedly keep him occupied, at least until they sat down to eat and real food became a possible target.

"Hello, my love. I'm sorry to keep you waiting." Llewellyn move back into the next room, eyes still drifting to the various details around him as he moved towards the small kitchen and where his husband was setting up dinner. He’d spotted the chocolates earlier, and now he noticed the cake to go with dinner... “You really have thought of everything tonight.” He commented quietly, straightening his shirt cuff with a last fuss before he moved forward to see if there was anything left to help with.

“It looks amazing.” He added, before leaning in close to steal a small kiss on Rhy’s cheek, not wanting to make him drop anything. “Not as amazing as you, but I don’t think anything is.” He added with a playful tone, moving to discretely remove the box he’d left on the counter next to the wine to pocket for later, and grabbing the bottle as well. The least he could do was get that open and breathing for later.

Good thing the pup liked it. Rhy would be so sad to lack him again. But his main attention was for Llewellyn who he moved from his work to go and meet to kiss.

"Tonight is a romantic night, of course I thought to things."

But then Llewellyn was going to get them further along for food. Rhy watched oven, smiling at it as well.

"So, love, how was work?"

“Mm... Every night with you is a joy to me, but tonight is, well, certainly exceptional.” He commented small smile as he accepted the kiss, before following Rhy around the kitchen once he had the wine open and breathing. He, of course, added a couple of things to the table absentmindedly in an attempt to keep assisting. “I knew you had something in mind this morning, but I wouldn’t have guessed all this... It’s all beautiful.” He commented, eyes glancing around at the candlelight again.

The question gets his attention again, though, and Llewellyn was happy to tell Rhy about his day. He enjoyed talking about the days at Aerith’s shop a little more than the investigations. They ranged from dull to rather dark... And he liked sharing brighter things with his love when the atmosphere was this nice. “Ah- well, it was busy? Aerith’s shop has had quite the increase in business. I spent a lot of the day helping to prepare and wrap or tie arrangements for people. Some even wanted my opinions when they were picking things out.” He grinned, tilting his head thoughtfully. “It was nice, seeing so many people leave looking rather happy or hopeful.”

"You're beautiful," Rhy countered with delight as he made sure the candles were good. Then he lit the smaller ones. IT was time. He moves to pull a chair out for Llewellyn to invite him to sit."

"I've been dealing with more work as well. Seems the season bespeaks need for pretty things right now. But if she's asking for your help, I'm happy."

Llewellyn felt his cheeks warm up at that, a small, clumsy smile on his face at the compliment. “Thank you, my love... I did um- try to put something a little nicer on.” He responded, but he took the seat offered. It was such a sweet gesture, and he couldn’t help but feel a bit spoiled.

He nodded though, “It does... It’s certainly inspired people to seek out lovely things and thoughtful gestures for their friends and loved ones... It reminds me a little of Valentine’s day in my world. Though... Nicer, I think.” Llewellyn was glad to be allowed to help Aerith, too. It had been busy, but ultimately a pleasant way to spend the day. “I wish she would more, been trying to uh- make sure she gets some breaks and food in. She says she eats with her plants... But she should be around people more, I think. It saddens me to think she expects she shouldn’t bother people.” At first he thought she must be spending a lot of time with Cloud... But then she said some things that worried him.

For someone who was insisting he spend less time working and more time with his husband, she was quite stubborn herself.

"Valentine's day? I've not heard of that," Rhy said. His brother didn't tell him uch of the gray world, bu that was in part because his brother didn't get to see much of it.

"Perhaps I should endeavor to be her friend? You know I'm charming with people."

“It’s... celebrated similarly. Sweethearts send each other little postcards or flirtation cards, sometimes flowers and sweets as well.” He responded with a small, vague wave of his hand. He’d never really celebrated there for fairly obvious reasons. This was much nicer in his opinion, especially now while he was sitting across from his husband.

The suggestion is met with a bright, fond smile. “You are very charming, my love. I think that’s a nice idea.” A lovely idea. Llewellyn liked the idea of the two of them knowing each other. Aerith could use more people around, in his opinion, even if she seemed to think otherwise. “I think you’d like her, and she’s done such wonderful things with the space she set up her shop.”

'Then I shall try. She deserves something cheerier around than her not-beekeeper."

Yes, he had brought that up with Rhy.

“She does. She tries so hard to be cheerful already. Could use another bright person around, I think.” He responded with a small shake of his head as he looked at his plate thoughtfully. He sometimes wondered how much of it was genuine and how much of it was her simply trying.

He laughed softly at the mention of Cloud, leaning forward with interest. “Not-beekeeper? Did you figure something out since our um- discussing during the crystal rain?”

Well, he was bright, usually. He would be glad to help. The best he could at least. WHich wasn't always flawless.

The timer on the oven beeped and Rhy rose to go fetch their dinner out.

"He said he was helping someone that had a Honeybee Inn. But he wasn't paid in honey for his hard work. How sad."

No one was perfect, Llewellyn certainly wasn’t either some times... But trying was what mattered.

He perked up when the oven beeped, almost moving to get up himself when Rhy was already ahead of him on getting to the oven. So, instead, he turned slightly in his seat and leaned an arm on the back of the chair. “That so? Mm... Maybe honey was a precious commodity, and he thought it best to accept payment in some other currency? Seems like the sort. For all his grumpiness, he seems to mean well.”

"He seemed upset when I said he should be nicer and sweeter to Aerith," Rhy sighed as he carried the roast to the table and put it down. And then he fetched the vegetables.

Llewellyn’s brow rose a little at that. “I can’t imagine he liked to hear it, though I expect he’s just… clumsy about expressing things. He seemed it last time I spoke to him.” The detective could understand that, even some of the severe frowning… Well, Llewellyn had been a little like that for a while, before he found people he could trust. Though he had a feeling that Cloud was more prone to it than he had ever been. A little more like… Well, Llewellyn could name a few people.

His eyes lit up though, at the side of dinner, it looked amazing… Still, he continued speaking a moment later. “They need to have a proper conversation about some things, I think… He indicated to me that he was trying to wait for a good time to talk? I… may have pointed out that waiting for a good or right time that might never come was a bad idea.” Because then they might never get to talk, and that would be sad… It had taken him a darn long time to realize that at the Sphere. It would be a shame to let that happen here to someone else by not pointing it out.

"He reminds me of Kell," Rhy answered, but that was an observation he'd had before. His brother could be quite hostile. But with dinner out he starts fillign their plates, happy to serve his beloved. Though he wanted to roll his eyes at the idea of waiting for a good time.

Rhy had the same conclusion as Llewellyn did.

"Love can so easily slip through our fingers. I know this so well."

“He really does, when I think about it.” Llewellyn responded thoughtfully, offering his husband a soft thank you for the plate. It all looked so good, and the atmosphere just made it that much more lovely.

He shook his head a little, offering his husband an understanding expression at his words. Llewellyn remembered well what Rhy had been through, what he’d told him. “Mm… I really hope he does talk to her, rather find myself disliking the thought of them letting things slip by if they feel strongly about one another.” He’d find it sad, and given how fond he was of Aerith? He’d like to see his friend and Cloud happy if they could be. Llewellyn always had this particular instinct to try to make the people he cared about happy, which sometimes meant meddling in things he probably shouldn't.

II.

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Re: II.

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