[Kaveh is not so quick to notice, nor to react--partly because he's distracted for Reasons unrelated to Buzen, and partly because... well. He knows himself. Knows that he slips so easily into being needy the second he's formed a positive relationship, to the point where he has to keep an iron grip on his behavior lest his worst fears come true. His first instinct, when he notices that odd pull, is to push it down and assume that it's his own ever-present yearning for genuine companionship.
But as the day goes on, it gets harder and harder to ignore. He catches glimpses of green and red and finds himself turning, but it's never quite what he's looking for. He finds himself wandering toward the parks, the warehouses--anywhere that he's spent time with Buzen before, or that he thinks, based on his limited knowledge, that Buzen might like. Normally, he'd give up after a while, or think to send a message. But the tug is too distracting, and he finds himself wandering with ever-more-determined focus until, finally, they spot each other.
Thankfully, Buzen's words put him at ease before he can tense up and think to dredge up some excuse. Being in the same vicinity also quickly begins to ease the desperate pull. Between those things, and Buzen's general easygoing nature, he's able to wave and return Buzen's smile with a true one of his own.]
[luckily, so long as buzen is around, kaveh never has to worry about seeming over-eager. not when buzen's the one who's all but racing to close the distance between the two of them, some of that weird urge subsiding. he's still not really sure what that is - he'll maybe examine it later if he remembers? but for right now, he's just eager and pleased to find just the person that he was looking for.]
Eh, really? Lucky! Was there something you wanted to talk about?
[that'd be the normal reason to seek someone out, right? though buzen seems to manage some level of self-awareness, instead just laughing.]
I don't have anything, in case you're wondering... Just wanted to see you.
[imagine having any shame, or worry about how words sound when they come out of your mouth.]
[Wow. Literally could not be him, who is terrified about how he presents 50% of the time and losing his mind or his temper the other 50%. Wild.
Still, it's hard to feel all that uncomfortable around Buzen. His usual insecurities are always under the surface, but Buzen is effortlessly friendly, which makes it easier to feel like he's not imposing in any way. It helps that he's not human, too, even though it's easy to forget.
He can't quite bring himself to respond to the second statement, but to the first--]
If there was, I can't remember it. Are you busy? I haven't done too much exploring yet.
Haha, I've been running around a bit, but I wouldn't say that I actually got to take in much - so I'm happy to go along with you!
[assuming that was an invitation? he's pretty sure it was! in general buzen has a tendency to invite himself to parties already in progress anyway. he'll incline his head toward the cathedral that he just wandered out of - ]
You like arts and things right, Kaveh-san? I think this one looks pretty nice.
[and touch week is over, but Impulse dictates that buzen also offer a hand out in case kaveh wants to take it?]
[It was! It's a good thing Buzen invites himself, actually, though he wouldn't have been too self-conscious about extending the offer more clearly.]
I do! We have temples in Sumeru, especially ancient ones from past civilizations, but no churches like this. I've always wanted to go to the one in Mondstadt, our unit on their architecture was so brief...
[Also there's a 50/50 chance Kaveh would have taken this hand but unfortunately now that the Buzen Presence itch has been scratched he's immediately pulling out his phone and starting to take pictures of this cathedral's architecture
[(pixi voice) i got my buzen week and yet i still suffer
the funny way that buzen isn't used to being left hanging, but he doesn't mind. he'll raise his brows a little bit but otherwise just laugh, moving to circle back around so he can peer over kaveh's shoulder to try to see exactly what he's taking pictures of.]
Ah, then Mond [he'd not going to try to pronounce the rest,] has churches that are more similar to Western styles... at least as far as my Earth goes.
What's your favorite part about it? The architecture.
[buzen is fond.... he's thinking about ota dokan.]
Also this is a terrible photography lesson for Buzen. He's taking so many weird photos. Just different parts of the building, different angles of the light and shadows--no one would like more than 10% of these photos besides another architect. Wow.
At least he's more relaxed now that he's excited, though. Truly, sticking him in his element is the surest way to draw out that confidence.]
[someone is going to ask buzen to take a photo of them and he's going to be like 'oh kaveh-san knows all the artsy stuff' and will try to just take the weirdest angle
but he smiles anyway, pleased that kaveh seems to be having a good time. buzen is just happy to be invited.]
How about both?
You're only the second architect I've ever met... so I guess I want to learn more about it.
Edited (hit enter too early...) 2023-06-20 07:16 (UTC)
[Yeah honestly I was gonna have them take a selfie but I think that option is funnier.]
Well, if you're sure. But don't hesitate to interrupt me, I have a hard time stopping when I get going. [He doesn't say it self-consciously, though; he just knows that it's a little overwhelming for people who aren't in the field.
But, with that, he'll start to ramble--about how places of worship are designed to draw people's gazes upward, evoking intrinsic awe and urging people to look toward the heavens; how they blend history and nature and are often built to last for many, many years; and how the cathedral differs from the ruins and temples in the deserts of Sumeru, which are some of his favorite places.]
They're abandoned now, of course--well, except for some of the constructs that wander around. But there's one in particular I like to visit when I need to clear my head. It reminds me that no matter what I'm going through at the time, it'll all fade away eventually, while the beautiful things I design will last long after I'm gone.
buzen doesn't stop him! because this is also familiar. i keep making kotegiri comparisons, but it's true. in general, this is similar to all the gous - buzen simply likes people who hyperfixate. so he listens politely and lets memories of osaka castle come filtering in.]
.... mm, you're not wrong.
Vision and legacy last a long time - they house people and ideals long after the people who made them are done with their work. You remind me of someone I met before, Kaveh-san... An architect whose work is remembered well in history, and who I got to talk to about all the sights he wanted to see and the beauty of the world.
[Then Kaveh starts rambling on about vegetables-- no just kidding. Actually, hearing that makes him happy; it taps into that longing deep inside of him that has craved, for years, someone who truly understands. How long has it been, since he's had someone like that?
[he seems thoughtful about it for a moment but when he speaks again, his voice is full of admiration and fondness.]
He was a great man! Even though he was the architect and nobleman, he worked alongside me and the laborers to move the stones that would become a part of his castle... He was a poet too, and had a lot of wise things to say even though sometimes I needed help understanding it.
I think... I get what beauty is a little better, because I got to meet him. For that, I'm grateful.
[Kaveh listens, expression patient and fond. This is the sort of thing he loves to listen to; he nods as Buzen speaks, and feels a little wistfulness of his own. He really does sound like someone Kaveh would deeply respect. This person he describes--it's a stranger, someone he'll never meet, and mourns that lost opportunity.]
It's a good thing to learn. I've always thought that the ability to appreciate beauty is an important virtue.
[Hmmm. He leans his head back, considering that as his gaze travels over the cathedral.]
Well, in my opinion, many different factors come together to make something beautiful. I do think it's possible to set an objective standard for aesthetics; everyone's preferences differ to some degree, but beauty is a more concrete concept than you might think. If it wasn't, there would be no such thing as stylistic trends. For example, the eye is naturally drawn to symmetry--in nature, in people, and in art. That isn't to say that everything beautiful must be perfectly balanced, only that the best artists know how to manipulate dimension and proportion to tap into people's subconscious preferences. Or, if they break those rules, they do so with purpose and masterful understanding.
That's not even applying the specific nuances of architectural beauty... but if I start talking about form and function, we really will be here all day.
[ . . . he rests his chin in his hands and just settles for watching kaveh as he speaks, and smiles to himself.]
I don't mind - being here all day if you want to.
[but he reflects on that, and hums faintly. he's learning a lot in this conversation?]
I hadn't thought of beauty like that before. The technical stuff. But I guess it makes sense, if you're trying to create something lasting... then the prettier it is, the more likely it will be treasured.
[It's a very sweet sentiment; Kaveh won't take him up on it just yet, but. He tucks it away for later. Instead, he nods.]
Yes, that's certainly true. Certain treasures gain beauty over time, as well--the more removed something is from our lived experiences, the more it gains a mysterious allure.
I believe everyone deserves to learn how to appreciate beauty. It's why I never sacrifice aesthetics in my designs, not completely.
It sounds like something that's important - and especially when you want to create something that lasts a really long time, you should put a piece of yourself in it. After all, if it ends up being like me and Matsu and getting a spirit of its own, then it'll remember everything you gave it.
[he smiles at that, thoughtful]
I hope I get to see some of what you've created one day, Kaveh-san. I bet it'll be standing tall for generations to come.
[ . . . ? the complicated expression pulls a look of confusion from buzen, but he doesn't comment on it because he never does. instead he'll just smile faintly.]
I do. Though my situation is a little different - I'm kind of more phantom-like than the others.
[and he'll even bring his hands up into a hu tao-like stance to mimic a ghoul... and laugh]
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But as the day goes on, it gets harder and harder to ignore. He catches glimpses of green and red and finds himself turning, but it's never quite what he's looking for. He finds himself wandering toward the parks, the warehouses--anywhere that he's spent time with Buzen before, or that he thinks, based on his limited knowledge, that Buzen might like. Normally, he'd give up after a while, or think to send a message. But the tug is too distracting, and he finds himself wandering with ever-more-determined focus until, finally, they spot each other.
Thankfully, Buzen's words put him at ease before he can tense up and think to dredge up some excuse. Being in the same vicinity also quickly begins to ease the desperate pull. Between those things, and Buzen's general easygoing nature, he's able to wave and return Buzen's smile with a true one of his own.]
That's funny, I was looking for you too.
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Eh, really? Lucky! Was there something you wanted to talk about?
[that'd be the normal reason to seek someone out, right? though buzen seems to manage some level of self-awareness, instead just laughing.]
I don't have anything, in case you're wondering... Just wanted to see you.
[imagine having any shame, or worry about how words sound when they come out of your mouth.]
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Still, it's hard to feel all that uncomfortable around Buzen. His usual insecurities are always under the surface, but Buzen is effortlessly friendly, which makes it easier to feel like he's not imposing in any way. It helps that he's not human, too, even though it's easy to forget.
He can't quite bring himself to respond to the second statement, but to the first--]
If there was, I can't remember it. Are you busy? I haven't done too much exploring yet.
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[assuming that was an invitation? he's pretty sure it was! in general buzen has a tendency to invite himself to parties already in progress anyway. he'll incline his head toward the cathedral that he just wandered out of - ]
You like arts and things right, Kaveh-san? I think this one looks pretty nice.
[and touch week is over, but Impulse dictates that buzen also offer a hand out in case kaveh wants to take it?]
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I do! We have temples in Sumeru, especially ancient ones from past civilizations, but no churches like this. I've always wanted to go to the one in Mondstadt, our unit on their architecture was so brief...
[Also there's a 50/50 chance Kaveh would have taken this hand but unfortunately now that the Buzen Presence itch has been scratched he's immediately pulling out his phone and starting to take pictures of this cathedral's architecture
Hateful]
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the funny way that buzen isn't used to being left hanging, but he doesn't mind. he'll raise his brows a little bit but otherwise just laugh, moving to circle back around so he can peer over kaveh's shoulder to try to see exactly what he's taking pictures of.]
Ah, then Mond [he'd not going to try to pronounce the rest,] has churches that are more similar to Western styles... at least as far as my Earth goes.
What's your favorite part about it? The architecture.
[buzen is fond.... he's thinking about ota dokan.]
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Also this is a terrible photography lesson for Buzen. He's taking so many weird photos. Just different parts of the building, different angles of the light and shadows--no one would like more than 10% of these photos besides another architect. Wow.
At least he's more relaxed now that he's excited, though. Truly, sticking him in his element is the surest way to draw out that confidence.]
Hmmm. This one in particular, or in general?
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but he smiles anyway, pleased that kaveh seems to be having a good time. buzen is just happy to be invited.]
How about both?
You're only the second architect I've ever met... so I guess I want to learn more about it.
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Well, if you're sure. But don't hesitate to interrupt me, I have a hard time stopping when I get going. [He doesn't say it self-consciously, though; he just knows that it's a little overwhelming for people who aren't in the field.
But, with that, he'll start to ramble--about how places of worship are designed to draw people's gazes upward, evoking intrinsic awe and urging people to look toward the heavens; how they blend history and nature and are often built to last for many, many years; and how the cathedral differs from the ruins and temples in the deserts of Sumeru, which are some of his favorite places.]
They're abandoned now, of course--well, except for some of the constructs that wander around. But there's one in particular I like to visit when I need to clear my head. It reminds me that no matter what I'm going through at the time, it'll all fade away eventually, while the beautiful things I design will last long after I'm gone.
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buzen doesn't stop him! because this is also familiar. i keep making kotegiri comparisons, but it's true. in general, this is similar to all the gous - buzen simply likes people who hyperfixate. so he listens politely and lets memories of osaka castle come filtering in.]
.... mm, you're not wrong.
Vision and legacy last a long time - they house people and ideals long after the people who made them are done with their work. You remind me of someone I met before, Kaveh-san... An architect whose work is remembered well in history, and who I got to talk to about all the sights he wanted to see and the beauty of the world.
Your eyes look similar, when you talk about it.
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Has he ever?]
What was he like?
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[he seems thoughtful about it for a moment but when he speaks again, his voice is full of admiration and fondness.]
He was a great man! Even though he was the architect and nobleman, he worked alongside me and the laborers to move the stones that would become a part of his castle... He was a poet too, and had a lot of wise things to say even though sometimes I needed help understanding it.
I think... I get what beauty is a little better, because I got to meet him. For that, I'm grateful.
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It's a good thing to learn. I've always thought that the ability to appreciate beauty is an important virtue.
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What about you, Kaveh-san? What do you think makes something beautiful?
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Well, in my opinion, many different factors come together to make something beautiful. I do think it's possible to set an objective standard for aesthetics; everyone's preferences differ to some degree, but beauty is a more concrete concept than you might think. If it wasn't, there would be no such thing as stylistic trends. For example, the eye is naturally drawn to symmetry--in nature, in people, and in art. That isn't to say that everything beautiful must be perfectly balanced, only that the best artists know how to manipulate dimension and proportion to tap into people's subconscious preferences. Or, if they break those rules, they do so with purpose and masterful understanding.
That's not even applying the specific nuances of architectural beauty... but if I start talking about form and function, we really will be here all day.
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I don't mind - being here all day if you want to.
[but he reflects on that, and hums faintly. he's learning a lot in this conversation?]
I hadn't thought of beauty like that before. The technical stuff. But I guess it makes sense, if you're trying to create something lasting... then the prettier it is, the more likely it will be treasured.
[he's thinking of mikazuki munechika]
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Yes, that's certainly true. Certain treasures gain beauty over time, as well--the more removed something is from our lived experiences, the more it gains a mysterious allure.
I believe everyone deserves to learn how to appreciate beauty. It's why I never sacrifice aesthetics in my designs, not completely.
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[he smiles at that, thoughtful]
I hope I get to see some of what you've created one day, Kaveh-san. I bet it'll be standing tall for generations to come.
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I'd like for that to happen. [...] You have... memories, then, don't you? Of your time as a weapon?
[It seems a little traumatic to be used as a killing tool, he thinks, but Buzen is so easygoing...]
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I do. Though my situation is a little different - I'm kind of more phantom-like than the others.
[and he'll even bring his hands up into a hu tao-like stance to mimic a ghoul... and laugh]
But in general we do carry our histories with us.
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That must be a painful thing to carry. [Matsui's so fucking weird but like. Honestly. Who can blame him]