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 Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2016 2:53 pm
Arian wasn't really sure how to answer Anxo's comment and he wasn't really sure that the other was actually expecting an answer and so he had settled for remaining silent. Well at least he had up until the point where Anxo's sudden cheeky grin had startled a small laugh from him. "I'm not sure that I would call it selfish" he said quietly. "Given that only one of us actually compiled a list." The laughter faded to another of his small smiles, because there was something really sweet about Anxo and whilst granted he didn't really know the other, his companion for the evening hadn't done anything to really contradict his opinion. As it turned out, the walk between museum and tea room hadn't been a long one and didn't feel like long before they were walking towards what Arian was assuming was the place. Habit had him automatically reaching out to get the door, but Anxo reached the door ahead of him and held it open for him. "Thank you" Arian's lips quirked up ruefully, before tilting into a proper smile as he stepped through the door and took in the interior of the tea room. "Oh wow this place looks lovely," and whilst the words quietly spoken, Arian honestly meant them.
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Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2016 7:22 am
The Four Seasons Tea Room was a spectacular place! At it's entrance was a small area for patrons to check out on the right, with little handmade trinkets and souvenirs sold, and on the right was a shelf that went up to it's low ceiling with teas of all flavors sold in individual tea pouches and rows and rows of unique looking tea kettles and cups. Of course, true to it's name, it was themed in a way that made one think of the Crocus flowers that enjoyed peeping through the snow. It was still February, so spring was still a bit ways away, but it didn't stop the Tea room from enjoying it a little early.
"It is... It's the best tea place around, I promise!"
With excitement near bubbling over at having finally reached their destination, Anxo slipped his hand into Arian's and led him further inside. Beyond the entryway was a double door framed with large green and gold embroidered curtains that were tied back with a large golden rope. It lead to a small place, perhaps only seven or eight tables, with an extra cozy couch pressed up against the wall right before one truly entered the room. It's walls, as mentioned, were covered with hanging hat racks. Hats of every style, every theme, every era were dangling there and a sign dangled from under one, reading Feel free to dapper up! Hats disinfected after each use!. Of course, Anxo had to grab a hat, picking one that had flowers all about the trim and lace in the style of a woman from a Noir Movie. What could he say, he loved the frills.
"Hats aren't necessary, but hey, when in Rome, love it!" Though slightly saddened by it, Anxo released Arian's hand, then seating himself at one of the two people tables up against the wall. The lights were dimmed to create a nice, regal setting, and already at the table were empty tea cups, of different sets. In fact, all over the tables were teacups, one at each seat, and on the right, there was a china cabinent filled to the brim with even MORE fancy mismatched teacups.
"Feel free to pick a different cup. Just let the staff know once they come by so they can take the old one away. I always really liked the low and wide teacups."
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Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2016 5:07 pm
Arian followed Anxo past a small space set by the entrance that appeared to be some sort of gift shop... Or rather, it was perhaps more accurate to call it an area where people could purchase souvenirs and teas. He didn't have time for more than a quick glance as a hand slipped into his, but whilst his cheeks may have flushed a little Arian didn't protest the gesture, instead allowing the taller male to tug him further into the shop. Because whilst at 21 he was a little old for hand holding, the other's enthusiasm as he talked about the tea shop being the best place around had him figuring that it was kind of an in the moment thing - an extension of Anxo's enthusiasm thing. It was something that seemed borne out in the way that the other immediately moved to check out the hats, cheerfully picking up one a lace and flower combo that had Arian's lips quirking at the somewhat goofy picture it presented, as he took the seat opposite Anxo before shaking his head at his mention of having the option to switch cups. "No this is fine," he said as he took in the smiling face painted on the teacup in front of him and admitted "This one's kind of cute." Kapoodles I trawled google for a bit before I came across this tea cup xD
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Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2016 7:00 am
"Awww... It is cute. I think it suits you!" It was such a sweet and simple teacup that Arian had chosen. He couldn't have picked a more suited cup if he tried. Atleast at the moment, with just a quick glance around. Maybe a more regal one, covered in shimmering crystals would have worked well, but for now, the adorable little smiley face was perfect.
After doing a quick gaze about for his own cup, he went over to the shelf and picked out his favorite. It didn't take long after the dozens of times he had been here for the young man to finally decide on his favorite teacup. And of COURSE it had to be as bright and sunny as he tried to be himself. This particular tea set was just sunflowers. the Cup was a Sunflower, the spoons were Sunflowers, the saucer was sunflowers! Everything was sunflowers, even the flat napkin it rested on. No matter how cold or blue the day seemed, this tea set always seemed to cheer him up. Not that Anxo needed cheering up.
"So.... For this little meal, I ordered an Afternoon Tea. Plenty of food and sweets! I'm sure there'll be plenty to take home afterwards~ Haha.... I think you'll be loaded up on sweets forever." The order had been placed already, and maybe that was a bit on the poor planning side. After all, what would have happened if he hadn't shown up? ... He'd probably have come buy and picked it up anyway. There was nothing wrong with leftovers!
"Feel free to choose any type of tea, and once we're settled in... Maybe we can learn a little more about one another. How does that sound?"
litian This one would be Anxo's tea set! Also, the teashop I blatantly took this from is here! It's a mega awesome place!
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Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 11:35 am
Whilst the cup that Anxo had picked was a lot more elaborate than the one that he had opted to stick with, Arian couldn't help but think that it probably suited Anxo better than the cup that he had opted for... At least in so much as a cup could really represent anyone - because whilst Arian couldn't and wouldn't claim to know much about flowers - sunflowers had always struck him as being pretty cheerful.. And whilst they hadn't been in each other's company all that long - Anxo had struck Arian as being not only enthusiastic but also pretty cheerful. "It doesn't sound like a bad thing being overloaded on sweets" Arian said "Since I like sweets" his voice turned rueful as he admitted "And I tend to have some at home, although they generally never really last long." Some was perhaps relative given that Arian could and did bake his own stuff in addition to visiting bakeries. He wasn't joking about sweet treats not lasting long around the apartment given that treats usually got polished off quite quickly what with his own sweet tooth and Liryn being happy to eat some of the baked goods around. "And sure that works for me" he agreed, a rueful quirk of the lips "Although there isn't that much to tell on my end." Kapoodles is it bad that I ended up picturing Anxo's tea set to look something like this?
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Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2016 12:34 pm
"That's the same as me then. I'll bake a pan of cinnamon rolls, or some doughnuts or cookies and as many as I give away to my friends ends up in my belly. I very much eat them faster than I can bake them! But that's all part of the fun, you know?" Right now, things were easy. Classes were calm and familiar, and his own personal life was stable. That left alot of free time, alot of time where he could just sit back and do what he liked, and that included baking and eating. And swimming to offset all that time he spent eating.
On the opposite side of where Arian saw Anxo, Arian had struck Anxo as someone who was just... Struggling. There must be so many storms going on Inside Arian who still struggled to smile, or atleast that's how it came off to Anxo. The first instinct of course was to take his hand and let him know he was there for the other, that he was willing to do what it took to make him smile, to keep him smiling, but at this point in their gettign to know one another, that seemed so highly inappropriate. Anxo bit his tongue from any comment that would have remarked on Arian's ever rueful tone out of consideration. He had no idea what this handsome young man was going through, and it was not yet his place to know. So he would keep the conversation light, joyful. It really was what he was best at.
Once their order was placed, Anxo leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table and lacing his fingers, giving Arian an inquisitive look, before it fell back into it's normal goofy smile.
"Not much to tell because you've already told everything, or not too much to tell because you like to keep to yourself? Or maybe you already scribbled everything you care to share on the little card. I was presented with. I remember Cupcakes, beads and jewelry, but surely there is more to you than that! After all, one cannot live on cupcakes alone!" His laugh was soft, but in the quiet murmur of the shop, it still seemed to stand out. Not in an obnoxious way, but definitely a noticeable laugh.
"So Arian, when you are quiet, full of cupcakes and done with your crafting for the day, what do you like to do? Or when you are out with your friends, what kinds of things do you like to partake in? What's your favorite weather to go out in? Please stop me if I'm asking too many questions, I tend to get carried away, for certain."
litian That's perfect! xD I like it better than the one I chose! biggrin
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Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2016 9:38 pm
As it happened Arian had always been on the reserved side, the quiet reserve a part of his personality, although he had become even more so after his friend and flatmate's sudden disappearance. However Anxo's sweet behaviour intermixed with goofiness had managed to tease a few smiles from him and - even rarer - the odd laugh. He shook his head as the other man gave him a goofy smile as he said quietly "Not much to tell because there's honestly not much to tell. I currently study jewellery and silversmithing at DCU but am in my final year for that and I also craft jewellery outside of that - some of which gets sold on etsy." A quiet shrug "And I like other sweets in addition to cupcakes - although not the ones where they try to mix in savoury stuff in them" because as far as he was concerned sweet should stay sweets. "I jog sometimes too, but not as often as I used to and I also like to read." Another slight quirk of the lips "And weather-wise I like autumn best because I prefer weather that's not too hot but not too cold and dislike summer most." Pale skin and hot sun were not a good combination and Arian often had to spend summers slathering on the highest factor sun cream he could find in order to avoid looking like a lobster.
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Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2016 8:17 pm
Anxo listened intently while the other spoke, only breaking his gaze towards him when he waitress came by to drop off their individual teapots, giving her a little nod in thanks. In this moment he watched the other speak with no other distractions, finally finding himself able to focus without the distraction of walking or of thinking of what to do. He noticed the spray of freckles that spread across the other's cheeks, and the light of his eyes that were partially hidden behind his half rimmed glasses. Even in the dim light they seemed to stand out like gems in the middle of a pale centerpiece. It was more than a little stunning, but he was not yet about to say so.
The young man couldn't help but smile to himself as he listened to Arian speak, admiring the slight smile that came as he spoke of his last question, and it certainly felt like he had gotten to know him a little more. Still, the small questions asked just led to bigger ones, and Anxo was just ready to soak up any information that Arian would be willing to give.
"Alright... So more questions, if you would not mind. Why did you decide to study Jewelry and Silversmithing? It's such a unique field to be in, I think! Actually quite fascinating! And I agree, except for the case of chocolate covered pretzels... Though that's not really Savory and sweet, but Salty and sweet, so I'm probably wrong." Of course another laugh came from him at that thought, this time his cheeks tingeing just a little as he realized just how often he kept laughing. It wouldn't keep him from continuing it, however!
"Ah.. I do love the autumn too! A perfect mix of cool and sun, and the colors are outstanding... It's so brief though... I'd give up my summer for more autumn time, to see those leaves change colors and stay so bright for longer."
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Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2016 3:39 am
Arian had nodded to the waitress that came over to drop off their teapots and had quietly told her thank you as she set first one and then the other on the table. He left the teapot where the waitress had placed it, absently fiddling with a few strands of his hair as he admitted ruefully "Actually I was supposed to study something sensible." Saffy in particular had wanted him to study something like teaching - something that would have more chance of linking into a guaranteed career instead of something that she had seen as an easy major... "But I've been crafting my own jewellery for a while and when I saw the course on the course list it was something that sounded really interesting." It had led to him having to dig his heels in about his decision, however it had been one that he hadn't regretted. "And I like pretzels - well at least I like the sweet ones - there's a place near the Techno Ice ice rink that does really nice cinnamon pretzels." Arian let go of the strands of hair between his fingers and reached out towards the teapot before pausing to look at Anxo. "Would you like me to pour the tea?" He asked quietly as he indicated both teapots because he figured the tea had probably steeped enough.
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Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2016 8:49 am
"There is nothing at all wrong with studying what makes you happy. People focus too much on making lots of money alot of the time, and forget that happiness is important too. And there are many people out there who would be more than happy to give you work. There are so many ideas that float around people's heads that they just don't have the ability to put out on their own, so they need artisans like you to give that idea life. It is certainly something to be proud of! May I ask for the name of your shop? And do you possibly do commission pieces?" It seemed a little silly to ask for such a thing during what could be considered a date, but there was no shame in enjoying a service that someone was willing to provide.
Out of habit, Anxo did not switch the subject to himself, only fascinated to hear the other speak. He would have countless questions to ask, and he would certainly answer if he were provided with some, but it just wasn't in his nature to give the story of his life. There were far more important things to listen to. And he did notice Arian's fingers fiddling with his long strands of raven hair, and he smiled at that. Perhaps it was a force of nervous habit. Either way, it was very cute to him.
"Perhaps at some point, not today since I'm sure we'll be stuffed, we should go to the pretzel place. Oh dear, and Ice Skating too? I haven't done that since I was just a child! I think that would be a delightful activity to do together when the weather gets colder. I have been in this city for a long, long time, but now it's feeling like I don't get out much at all!"
When it came to the tea, Anxo was actually rather surprised that it had been offered, and shook his head.
"No, No, it's fine! I can pour my own. But thank you, though! What kind of tea did you get?" He reached out to grab the small sunflowery tea pot that was set before him and looked at the little ribbon that was placed on the lid. "Sugar Shack Maple"... A flavor of black tea he had never had before, He figured it was a good time to try something new, after all, what was a good date without a little adventure?
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Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2016 8:57 pm
"Sure" Arian said quietly "It's called Creations in Silver" continuing "And yes I do sometimes do commissions, although if someone's interested in a commission then it's generally best to send through a convo via etsy." Because whilst his cousin generally handled most of the convos, she passed on anything jewellery-related directly to him. He nodded as Anxo said that he would pour his own tea, as he carefully reached for the teapot that had been set in front of him "I went for Earl Grey Creme" he said as he gently poured the tea into his cup. It was perhaps not the most adventurous of choices, but Arian had liked the idea of cornflowers and vanilla mixed in with the traditional Earl Grey blend - and it wasn't as if he was being traditional given the fact that he was drinking the Earl Grey with milk. He absently stirred in a bit of milk, Anxo's earlier comment about them checking out the pretzel place he had mentioned having not gone unnoticed.. Or rather the 'them' in the comment having not gone unnoticed. Because whilst Arian had been eyeing the evening as a kind of one evening thing, the 'them' in Anxo's comment suggested that perhaps the other thought differently... Although there was a chance that he was perhaps overthinking things. Arian dropped a couple of cubes of sugar into the tea and stirred before taking a sip of the contents. And even if he wasn't, he didn't think he'd mind maybe seeing Anxo again outside of the pseudo date but not really situation that was this evening. Absently dropping a few more sugar cubes into his cup, Arian once again stirred. "But it feels like I've been doing most of the talking" he said, his quiet voice amused. "So a question from me - what do you like doing when you're not finding neat but quirky tea shops?"
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Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 10:12 am
For just a quick moment, Anxo pulled out his phone to type in the name of the shop and save it for later. He would consider getting more than a few commissions if Arian had time. There were countless birthdays and holidays that were coming up eventually, no reason not to stockpile a bunch of pieces for then. As soon as it was taken out, the phone was tucked away again. His attention was solely for his partner, not for any notifications for emails.
"Your tea sounds delicious! Perhaps after my first cup of this one, I'll have to try a cup of yours." As he poured his own cup, the smell hit him head on and he smiled. It wouldn't take too much to make this cup perfect. A bit of milk just for the creaminess and a small bit of honey was more enough to make the tea now one of his favorites.
Anxo's cheeks reddened just a bit, and he absently scratched his when he realized he had been caught in the act of not talking about himself. He didn't mind, but it was still a bit embarrassing to be gently called out about it.
"Well... I'm finishing up my last year at DCU as well, and I major in Backstage Technologies. Theater stuff, but I can't act for the life of me! I work on making sets, doing lighting, occasionally helping with costumes, but I try to focus on the sets themselves." He grinned a little as well. "I think it's another case of not choosing the most 'sensible' of career fields, but there's just this outstanding feeling that comes along with being able to say 'Look at that! I made that!', you know?"
Another pause was made when a tray of sandwiches with brightly colored bread was placed before them. Two of each, chicken salad, Cucumber, and roast beef sandwiches on the small tower, small enough that they were delicious and satisfying if you ate three, but still had plenty of room for when the tower of desserts came later. He was in no rush to start chowing down however, so he waited for Arian to choose his first.
"I don't really run all that often, but I love to swim. DCU's indoor pool is one of my second homes, and I try to go swimming for an hour or two a couple of days a week. Other than that... I paint and draw alot, just random things, really, scenes that might look good up on stage, but I LOVE drawing people. They are the ones that make the world so much more exciting, I think so anyway."
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Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2016 5:22 am
"Doing backstage stuff is equally important as the acting" Arian said quietly as he took another sip of his tea. Because whilst he didn't and wouldn't claim to be a particular expert given that his acting experience equated to just a few drama lessons back when he had still gone to school in the UK - Arian knew that setting the scene and all the lighting and all of whatever went on backstage had to be just important as the actual acting. Another small smile flitted across his face "And I do know that feeling - only with jewellery." He laughed "Although I'm more about the making of it." The etsy shop had actually been his cousin's idea, rather than his with Saffy gently badgering him until he had given in and agreed on the agreement that she handled the overall running of it. He took another sip of his tea as another waitress brought over a tray of sandwiches, pausing to quietly thank her before glancing over at the sandwiches on offer. Although he didn't immediately make a move to pick as Arian was happy enough for Anxo to take first pick as he listened to the other man talk about some of his hobbies. "You're pretty talented" he said his quiet voice sincere in the compliment.
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Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2016 4:09 pm
"I think so as well... But then they have these shows in the black box, with nothing but tape on the floor to signify a certain space and.. Even with that some of the actors are able to paint the entire world before them. Now that is talent!" He thought back to a show he had seen a few years ago with two actors playing as a prisoner and a lawyer separated only by tape on the ground. And their acting alone carried the show, bringing him to tears multiple times. It was just... Outstanding.
His mind finally came back to the sandwiches and he saw that Arian had not yet picked up his own. Being the gentleman he wanted to be, he instead took the tongs provided to him and placed one of each sandwiches on both of their plates.
"If there's anything you don't like, please let me know, and I'd be more than happy to switch one with you. "
Anxo just straight up turned red at the compliment about being talented. He didn't think it was all that true, but he would never turn down such a nice compliment, especially with how sincere it sounded.
"Thank you, Arian... I do truly mean it... And I think you're pretty extraordinary yourself... Maybe if you're in the area one of these days, you could come and see one of the shows I worked on. I could even get you a few free tickets, if you'd like to bring a friend."
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Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2016 12:53 pm
"Thank you" Arian said as Anxo split the sandwiches between them, before admitting "I'm really not a fan of mayonnaise - or tuna." Although the 'not a fan of' was perhaps something of an understatement given that Arian loathed both mayo and tuna in equal measure. "Although I'm good with pretty much everything else." None of the sandwiches were tuna so tuna wasn't going to be an issue, however the chicken salad sandwich looked like it had mayonnaise in and so Arian reached for the roast beef one instead. It was his turn to flush at the compliment, because Arian tended to think of himself as relatively ordinary, although he nodded as Anxo mentioned him perhaps being able to see one of the shows that he'd worked on. "I'd like that" he admitted with a small smile before hr once again reached for his teacup.
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