kodachi | REAL WORLD, REAL LIFE

[He woke up late today, the bed beside him empty, and rather than tidy himself he instead elected to go straight to work, only pausing long enough to pull on a set of flannel lounging trousers.

It's been several hours now and he hasn't finished reading and note-taking Rousseau, to say nothing of other readings he has due before next week. It's with a sigh that he settles himself again in Hassan's chair with a fresh cup of coffee and a new page in his notebook. It's still strange to him, that he has something to apply himself to, and he finds his mind wandering more than he's willing to admit as he considers how his life has changed in only a few months.]

[Most likely Shryke won't be expecting him home so early, but Hassan has no intention of letting this be anything other than a gentle surprise. It's taken time for Shryke to begin seeming comfortable in his home - a young man too accustomed to feeling unwelcome - and the tenuous beginnings of routine and ease are not something he wants to disrupt.

So Hassan enters without hush, closing the door and placing his briefcase momentarily to one side so he can set about removing his coat. It's possible, he considers, that Shryke might not even be here at the moment... except that the scent of freshly brewed coffee gives hint of his presence, and Hassan can't help but smile fond regard to find Shryke seated at his desk, working diligently. And, hm.]

Late in the day to still be so undressed, isn't it?

[He starts even at the small sound of the door opening and looks around wildly for the time—but it isn't so late as he thought, and he makes himself relax before Hassan joins him. He dots his book with a pencil and turns, drawing his knees up onto the chair to do what little he can to cover himself.]

Sorry. I didn't have any lectures today, so I was just working... It didn't seem important to get dressed more than this. I didn't know you'd be... back early.

[He nearly stumbles into the word 'home', and that knowledge makes him skittish. It's good, though. He thinks he'll get used to it eventually.]

I hope you don't mind.

[Perhaps it's unkind to use a teasing tone with Shryke, and Hassan makes sure to offset his words with a smile light on his lips but warm in his eyes. Shryke seems nervous, knees drawn in, and Hassan takes his time about placing the briefcase down once more before raising his hand to softly graze his knuckles over Shryke's shoulder. This sort of familiarity has been a gradual process between them - better for both, he thinks, that no part of this has been rushed.

A brief glance shows the topic of today's study. Rousseau, it seems.]

Is it going well?

No. I don't... mind. [Shryke smiles softly, ignoring the way gooseprickles rise up under Hassan's gentle touch. He shivers while rising to his feet, glancing around for a loose shirt to tug over his head while he answers.] It's okay. I don't really agree with him, but it's interesting. It's not something I've thought about before.

[He isn't uncomfortable with Hassan, but he wasn't yet prepared for Hassan's return. He needs his startled mind to follow-through with the knowledge that yes, Hassan is here and no, that isn't a problem, and he chews his lower lip while he focuses on that knowledge. A moment later, he meets Hassan's gaze and offers a fleeting smile, along with a suggestion.] Should we start dinner?

REAL WORLD, REAL LIFE

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