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it was just another day at the zubayr theater, and at the same time not at all. nilou was being tasked with some of the most important work that goes into things- renovation. mr. zubayr thought that since all the issues with the akademiya are no longer a problem, or a hinderance, it was time to redo some things and make their performances even better than before. nilou of course being the primary inspiration. everyone agreed that she was the true star that lead them all into victory of this long-fought battle, and deserved nothing less than the perfect stage.
so here she was, on an early morning call half asleep from practicing far too late into the night to meet with none other than alhaitham. things originally started rocky between the two, but since working together to save the whole of sumeru from certain disaster of the corrupt sages? they've gotten on. it was she who actually requested his assistance with approval of the project, which surprisingly he was willing and agreed to meet and discuss it as well as sign a permit for her from the akademiya. she sat here now, swaying idly to a song that was hummed while waiting to see his familiar tall figure. it didn't take too long before the scribe came walking up in tow with- hmm, who was that again? she knew of him but the name always escaped her!
upon further thinking nilou was interrupted by the deep unsettling voice. "nilou, i trust you've been well since the feast." she nodded, smiling up at him like they've never been at odds once. "of course! i really hope the akademiya has been doing well. i mean that, really. how is everyone? how are the replacements going..?" he sighed, rubbing forehead with a pinch of annoyance. "if i had anymore work to do i might just slap the sage sticker on myself. however, i have no intension to be the head of that place as i said. so things to find replacements has been going... slowly, we are being extremely cautious after last time. no need for history to repeat itself again and miss what was right under our noses the whole time." she nodded, the blond beside him chiming up with a charming smile. "oh hello, hello! don't mind my rude roommate completely ignoring the fact i was here-" "we're in the middle of speaking, idiot. learn some damn manners and respect. unfortunately, i have brought him along because despite being mostly useless he's a well known architect that can offer some ideas for this place."
nilou blinked, peering up at the other man and shyly holding a hand out to shake in greeting. "i think i've met you before... maybe a long time ago? my name is nilou if not!" absolutely tickled to meet someone of such talent to be able to assist with the project. no doubt mr. zubayr would be grateful as well. "the pleasure is all mine, nilou. please call me kaveh." he took her hand, placing a kiss to it and charmingly winking. nilou could feel her entire face heat up in a matter of seconds being swept under with no idea how to respond for a moment.
unfortunately, that just happened to be the same exact moment that both candace and cyno arrived outside the theater to visit the oasis. ".. hn." he gleamed the interaction, following the too familiar for comfort responses this unknown person was enacting upon the dancer. he especially didn't like it by the response, sparking a response from candace before realizing the absolute look of murder on his face and in those scarlet eyes. "you know, if you stare like that it might actually send holes through the guy. i have never seen you become that angry over a simple interaction before cyno. would you care to explain?" there's the slightest hint of knowing in that tone and he doesn't like it at all. less angry and more grumpy now, turning away from her. "it matters not. we have business despite having to be around the same air as alhaitham." no, cyno was still not a fan of the way he carried himself. nor the fact he used those knowledge capsules either. however, the assistance was crucial to repairing damages by his own fault of missing certain things as judicator. for that, cyno holds minimal respect.
his acquaintance however would do well to put some distance between himself and nilou before the sharp end of his spear does it personally.
... why did that bother him so much? it has nothing to do with cyno and yet here he stood, looking on in absolute disgust with the way this stranger tried to woo and flirt with the dancer he's been growing more comfortable with. expressly so.
it's at this moment his feet bring him over before his mind can catch up and cleared throat is given to announce presence. "nilou." he greeted with kinder eyes, shifting the harsher to the other two males. "alhaitham. i do not believe i have seen you before. state your name." it might have come across harsh, but surely not more than usual... right? kaveh slightly recoiled at the acidic tone and put both hands up in mock surrender. "hey now, i come in peace. you're cyno right? i've heard about you from grump ass here. my name is kaveh, i'm a graduate architect from the akedemiya here to assist in the project." cyno's stare never wanes, but he's pulled back on the attitude enough for it to be less venomous. "... i see. i'm here to discuss business with nilou when you're both finished then. i'll wait here." standing right beside the zubayr star like a silent, protective bodyguard. it's not that he didn't trust alhaitham... but kaveh was different.
"cyno, hello! you don't need to be so mad... don't worry. they're here on good business today!" she beamed with pure joy and excitement. he couldn't help the expression soften a little, relaxing shoulders. the general was finding it much easier to be in her presence without worry the more time spent. he still recalls the request of her to smile for him in fact, feeling the tips of ears heat involuntarily. ".. i see. what is this project exactly that needs the akademiya's support. i could have provided assistance for you." it was almost an insulted tone that she would not think to come to him first, but less firm and harsh than he was with the others.
nilou's seemed not to notice, or if she did? she's being quiet about it. "oh well i wasn't sure if you could give a permit or not... i'm sorry, a-and i knew you said you'd be doing a few things in the desert so i really didn't want to bother you!" steeping fingers in idle apology and guilt. "don't worry about that. you can call on me when you need, i told you that and i meant it. i want to help as well." it wasn't that the theater itself was important, but the dancer who loved it so much. to keep her happy, he would do what was necessary within balance. "well mr. zubayr said he wanted to make an expansive update on the theater so there's more space, a bigger stage, and just some necessary changees." alhaitham spoke up before anyone could interrupt. "which is out of your jurisdiction, hence why i am here. now, as i was saying before being interrupted by everyone." he shot both kaveh and cyno a look, "nilou i will have the permit approved by tomorrow and you may start the set up for construction then. only then, or it will be breaking code. tell your people to remain patient until that moment and keep the work to design on interior for now. kaveh, explain your ideas now." he dismissed himself and went off to make a few rounds himself with a curt nod to everyone before disappearing.
kaveh took a breath, looking first at cyno like he might just be killed on the spot. what's the guys issue? was it because he was sweet on the red haired angel in front of him? must be her boyfriend. he should probably tread careful from now on. "a-aha, well now that i've gotten an audience why don't we all go have a look at the blueprints inside?" stiffly moving past the woman and careful not to touch her.
the silent candace who stood behind cyno looked heavily amused by all this, and cyno... looked less worried. "i wish to speak to nilou in private before all that", not waiting for her to reply before carefully taking by the hand to pull the dancer away from everyone else. "candace, go over things with him for now. we will return in a few minutes." candace nodded, following after kaveh who looked pretty baffled. mumbling a question of if that was his girlfriend to the other woman. shrugging shoulders, she could not answer that but did watch them go. it seems cyno's finally allowed himself to feel something, what a relief.
nilou was a bit surprised to be dragged away, but made no protest otherwise since this was cyno. she trusts him, she doesn't mind it being the two of them- if anything, that only resulted in nerves spiking up and heartbeat quickening. when they're a good enough distance away, he sighs and looks her over. "neither of them were disrespectful in anyway, correct? i wanted to be sure." waving hands in protest, she shook head a few times. "no, no! they've been nothing but kind and helpful the whole time before you came. i promise." going silent a moment after when his palm pressed gently to her cheek. ".. mm. it isn't that i don't trust it, i just know the problems you spoke of in the past. i was... concerned." yes, he was concerned but also... a tad jealous of just how close kaveh was getting. not openly admitting the fact. "i'm really okay cyno...", pressing cheek into the warmth of his hand. "thank you for worrying about me, it means a lot." he nodded simply, leaving hand there to linger a moment longer before pulling back. "good. if anything were to happen to you i could not forgive myself. you are someone i will protect just as much as sumeru now."
this caused nilou to turn bright red, gripping both sides of her hair and hiding. "y-you can't just say that outright! it's like a confession..." mumbling, shyly peeking the reflection of the oasis back at him through neverending blue eyes. "maybe. for now however, do not let anyone else touch you so freely. i don't like like it. let's go back." once more taking her hand, leading them back toward the theater.
the smile he's given at the protective state of the words... maybe it was a confession. if that was what nilou wanted, he would do whatever it takes to protect that smile.
maybe love is possible for someone like him after all.