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Cyno wants to propose to Tighnari right after discovering his feelings for him. No discussion or any prior notice. He’s convinced he should do it and that’s final.
“You’re insane.” Alhaitham retorts to Cyno who’s sitting across from him at Lambad’s tavern table.
They had just discussed Cyno’s plan of wanting to purchase the most extravagant ring for Tighnari, and the look on Cyno’s face is baffled from Alhaitham calling him insane. “I say it’s the best course of action. I have confirmed my feelings, and find no significance in holding back.”
“And those feelings are?” Alhaitham asks.
“Well, fondness, of course.”
“And you think he would accept your proposal for having these fond feelings towards him?”
“I wouldn't know unless I ask,” Cyno rests back with a smirk, arms crossed and all as if his mind is already set.
“I think you’re missing a few key elements in this arrangement. Do you even know the meaning of marriage?” Alhaitham asks.
“It’s when two individuals who share the same interests conjoin in a lifelong contract. A simple agreement made to form a strong bond,” Cyno replies confidently, making it clear he’s well aware of his motives. “We already share a strong bond, but I grew fond of the concept of maintaining it. Also, I'm not here to discuss this, I just want your opinion on where I can find the best ring.”
Alhaitham astounds at the simplified description Cyno threw at him. He’s now certain that Cyno knows little of the meaning behind “marriage”. But does Alhaitham want to dedicate his time to explain in full what a contractual ring signifies?
“You should talk to Kaveh, he knows much more about accessories than I do.”
//
“Absolutely not!” Kaveh burst out in shock. Cyno went to Kaveh after taking Alhaitham’s advice to account. But he wasn’t expecting to get shut down so quickly.
“Is my budget too cheap? Should I look for something over 12m mora?”
“No, no! I think 8m is already way too much for a wedding ring, but that’s beside the point!” Kaveh ruffles through his hair. Agitated. “Do you even know the meaning of marriage?!”
“Yes, and I’ve already answered that same question to Alhaitham.”
“And what did Alhaitham say?” Kaveh scrunches his brows.
“Nothing. He just directed me to you.”
This little. Obviously, Alhaitham would find this too troubling. So does Kaveh, but at least Kaveh has the heart to fully explain the situation to Cyno. “Listen up Cyno. Do you love Tighnari?”
“Yes,” Cyno nods assuringly.
“Like really love him, you would even share a bed with him?”
“We’ve already shared a bed before,” Cyno replies, confused why he’s getting interrogated yet again. He only wants to find the best ring for Tighnari. What's more to inquire?
Kaveh lets out a sigh, “Cyno, when I say sleep together I mean...” he closes in to whisper, “intercourse,” even though there’s no one else around but them.
“Intercourse? I wouldn't mind indulging in the act if it is with Tighnari,” Cyno did not even budge from the word. All he knows is that the more they discuss this marriage thing, the more he wants to propose.
Kaveh is practically on the edge of his seat at Cyno’s conviction to marry Tighnari. The thought of Tighnari rejecting Cyno is still a possibility. And Kaveh isn't sure Cyno is prepared or is even taking this seriously.
Let's say Tighnari does have feelings for Cyno and accepts his proposal, how much time would pass until Tighnari discovers Cyno isn't as fully invested in their marriage? Kaveh should at least make sure Cyno is in deep with his feelings. “Cyno, I want you to close your eyes and imagine this scenario...”
Cyno follows along with the request and closes his eyes. “Ok, now what?”
“Now I want you to imagine you’re having an argument with Tighnari over your card game.” Cyno’s brows twitch at the thought. “Imagine Tighnari wants you to put them away, and never use them again.”
“He wouldn't say that,” Cyno replies, brows narrowed and eyes still closed.
“Just imagine it!”
“And what would be his reason for requesting me to quit my passion?”
“I don't know! To look after Collei once she gets admitted at school? Just imagine it!”
Cyno huffs at the excuse, “If it's to take care of Collei, I've already discussed with Tighnari That I would take full accountability for whatever is necessary to raise her and take care of her success.”
This is not going anywhere. He can’t even envision having a full-on disagreement with Tighnari.
“Ok, fine. Let’s look at another scenario.”
“Can’t you just direct me to a good place that sells rings?” Cyno’s losing his patience.
“Absolutely not! Not until we make sure that you’re fully aware of what you're putting yourself and Tighnari into. Heck, even Collei.”
“I say I'm fully capable of making decisions on my own, Kaveh.”
“Except this isn't something you decide on your own. You need to have at least discussed your feelings with Tighnari! Or else, your feelings will be hurt if you're to get rejected.”
“Why would Tighnari reject me? It's not like he has anything to lose by marrying me. I'm easy to please, I bring a decent income, I have a great sense of humor and I'm good with kids.”
“Ok, ok. I get it! But let's just look at one more scenario, then I'll lead you to the store myself.”
Cyno peeks through one eye, “Fine,” then closes it again.
“Ok, imagine you’re in a room together,” Kaveh’s face begins to flare for what he’s about to say, “fully undressed.”
“Yes, intercourse. We’ve already established that I wouldn’t mind doing it with Tighnari.”
“I know, just— ugh, just try to give it some thought! You accepting your fate so easily is making me nervous!” Kaveh is getting frustrated at Cyno’s stubbornness.
Cyno crosses his arms and then signals for Kaveh to proceed.
“Good. Now imagine Tighnari sitting —uh, on top of you, tail wagging. Heavy breathing. Fondling your hair.” Kaveh’s starting to sweat from the thought as well, “L-leaning to you for a kiss.”
Cyno’s brows twitch to the thought.
“He blows close to your neck, then kisses you to leave marks down to your collarbone,” Maybe the conversation is getting a bit too heated. Kaveh airs his shirt to cool down. “Well? Do you feel anything??”
“I'm hard.”
WTF!!! Kaveh cannot handle this conversation any longer. He did not expect Cyno to flat-out announce his arousal for Tighnari! Could he not have plainly confirmed that it’s something he’s still down to experience?
(However, Kaveh did need that answer, out flat, from Cyno. Or else he would have still felt skeptical about this whole thing. As it turns out, Kaveh and Alhaitham’s pointless questions were a means to settle their nerves rather than assist Cyno in figuring out his feelings).
Cyno’s clearly head over heels for Tighnari, perhaps for quite some time even. It just so happens that Cyno’s way of expressing his love is a little... unique? And did not quite click right away for Kaveh and Alhaitham.
Now Kaveh suffers the consequences of prying into Cyno’s emotions.
Cyno’s eyelids flash open, “That's it!” he launches from his seat, breathing heavily. “I want to strengthen our bond and participate in intercourse with Tighnari,” he swings his arm triumphant at his newly obtained discovery. “But would Tighnari be at the receiving end? Or would he rather I receive instead? I mean if it makes Tighnari happy, I wouldn't mind taking it. I think. Would it hurt? I bet it would hurt… Would it hurt him? You're right Kaveh, maybe I should have discussed this with Tighnari,” Cyno looks to Kaveh after prancing in circles while speaking out loud.
Kaveh deflates at Cyno’s straightforwardness. Why did he agree to go along with this? He rests his head against the palm of his hands. Mind drifting to the clouds, hoping to stay there until it's safe. This is all Alhaitham’s fault for cornering him. And now he can just imagine Cyno walking up to Tighnari asking: “Would you prefer to get *beeped* or *beep* me?”. That would be far worse than his continuous quandary with his clients. He would never be able to move on knowing he brought this upon Tighnari. Cyno proposing doesn't sound so bad anymore. “A-as promised... I'll lead you to the jewelry store,” He resolves to direct Cyno to his favorite jewelry store.
Unfortunately, the most expensive ring was merely 500k mora. Much to Cyno’s disappointment, he almost proceeded to purchase two more rings (his excuse was that if Tighnari tires of one, he could use the other). Thankfully Kaveh managed to stop him. Reminding him of the symbolic juncture for having one precious item to seal their vows.
After (not so much thinking), Cyno meets up with Tighnari to inform him that he has an important announcement, and to meet him at the grand bazaar after work. It took a lot of convincing since Cyno’s serious talk usually lies in his card game. (He’s still sure it will have something to do with a newly painted card by his favorite artist Clax). So his hopes are rather slim. Still, he’s supportive of Cyno. And does care a lot about his excitement even if it's for a card game.
Next thing he knows, Cyno is on one knee Flashing an extravagant indestructible gem to Tighnari asking for his hand in marriage.
Tighnari is blinded by the glow emitting from the gem. And disbelief blotches his face at what is happening in front of him.
A minute passes and Cyno’s still on one knee, awaiting his reply.
Many people start to gather to watch in suspense what the hybrid’s answer would be.
“Uhm...” Cyno points to his hand holding the ring, and Tighnari’s tail begins to wag behind him.
“The- the ring is too luxurious,” Tighnari says after grabbing hold of his tail to prevent further exposure of his excitement. “You can get up now,” he assists Cyno from off the ground.
Cyno’s confused at the “answer” given to him. Don't proposals usually end with either a yes or a no? He slowly pulls the hand holding the ring away when Tighnari snatches it from off his fingers.
“I suppose this’ll do for now. But I much rather have something simpler since I do outdoor handy work, and I- uhm... Anyway, we could... go to the jewelry store and exchange it later.” Tighnari’s cheeks prickle from a blush.
“So... Is that a yes?”
“I s-suppose, yes.” his tail wags aggressively now that it’s free from his clutch.
Cyno smiles and proceeds to take the ring from Tighnari’s safeguarding hands. He removes his left-hand glove and slides the loosely fitted ring on Tighnari’s ring finger. He lifts his hand to rest on Tighnari’s cheek then leans to kiss him.
The crowd gathered in the Bazaar begin to cheer for their union. And though the ring does not fit Tighnari’s finger (due to Cyno’s quick-to-action ask questions later qualities) the couple fits perfectly in this moment made just for them. (End)