The next morning, Cyno is woken up by yet another alarm from Tighnari's alarm clock. Cyno sighs, looking at Tighnari dead asleep in his bed. It was a cute sight. Tighnari was curled up into a fetal position with his long tail tucked under his legs and to his front. On the tip of his tail rests Tighnari's hand. This is the tenth alarm that has failed to wake him.
And the worst part is that Cyno doesn't know how to turn it off, all he thinks to do is hit the "snooze button" to delay the noise again. Cyno look out the window, the sun high in the sky around the noon time. He looks back at Tighnari, and as much as Cyno wishes he could let Tighnari sleep, he knows that Tighnari would want to be woken up.
Cyno has been friends with Tighnari long enough to know that Tighnari hates the idea of "sleeping in". "The day will just waste away when you can do so much with the time." Tighnari has repeated multiple times over the years, it may as well be his personal motto. Stay active. Well, that really kicked his ass this time around.
Cyno nudges his friend's shoulder, softly and then with a little more momentum. Tighnari stirs, grumbling with a sleepy tone. "Tighnari…
"…it's noon."
Tighnari groans and turns his head to glare at Cyno.
"Why must you torture me like this?"
"You needed the rest."
"Not that much." Tighnari sits up slowly in bed. He leans against Cyno. It was his way of showing that he appreciated getting help, although he would never verbally say it. Cyno holds Tighnari close for a few moments before Tighnari stands up. "I need to shower, and brush my tail." Cyno smiles.
"I'll make breakfast."
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After an extended period of time to untangle his matted tail, the pair soon pack up their bags and walk out of the village's reaches. As always, Tighnari takes in every sense of the forest. Sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste as soon as he found an edible berry.
Cyno is observant in the opposite manner, quietly alert for any disruptions or possible ambushes. Learned behavior, perhaps predisposed from genetics for Tighnari.
As they walk, Cyno can't help but look at Tighnari at a rate that is abnormal. Words are not necessary as Cyno analyzed Tighnari's every movement. Darting eyes that bounce between every species in his vision; the habit to flick his forefinger on his thumb as he thinks; and the twitch of his long ears when they react to the slightest sound.
"Cyno." Tighnari's voice cuts through Cyno's focus, his friend had slowed down his walk in front of him.
"You mentioned that this waterfall was recommended by the Traveler?"
"Ah, yes." It was true that it was the Traveler's advice. Cyno asked them nearly a month prior. For romantic advice. The request has surprised the Traveler, who was being commissioned near Caravan Ribet. Given that the Traveler had a natural affinity with people, Cyno would assume that they had experienced romance.
Although slightly flustered, the Traveler was mainly calm and complacent, giving suggestions of possible romantic gestures. A dinner date, a vantage point, and stargazing for a few example. Putting Tighnari's interest into thought, Cyno came up with the perfect plan.
A waterfall.
A nature scenery far removed from distractions is the best medicine for Tighnari's stressful weeks. A well-needed vacation to relax. And maybe…
Just maybe… be true to each other. Just thinking about the potential outcomes of the plans makes Cyno nervous. But he doesn't show it, only his unserious side shows as he jokes with his best friend. For now, Cyno will push down his nervosity and fear of his anticipated confession to focus on spending time with Tighnari.
Because with only a few words, their friendship may crumble, shift, or somehow become stronger and more elaborate.
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Working their way through dense brush, Tighnari steps into what he'd define as an isolated oasis. Oasis in terms of beauty and relaxing appeal. Cyno and Tighnari sit down their packs and arrange a small area for themselves, complete with a large blanket with a pack of food in its center and a few bottled beverages.
Tighnari gazes at the waterfall, small yet plentiful with life. Bright plants and flora surround the clearing; vines with tiny buds climbing down the cliffside; and the communication of birds in a lighthearted tone. Oh, how Tighnari had missed a travel like this. Where he didn't need to have a quill and ink within arm's reach to record observations or details of different species.
Cyno opens a bottle of wine and stares into it for a moment. He takes a whiff, it was Tighnari's choice. Smooth, with a fruit flavor and a tangy aftertaste. Even after a sip, Cyno cannot tell if he likes it or not. Instead of deciding, he passes the bottle to his friend who happily takes a sip.
Tighnari isn't an avid drinker, but he enjoys a drink when it calls for a celebration. After taking one last sip, Tighnari joins Cyno in the process of removing shirts and walking to the small pond that awaits them.
A hiss from the cold water had Cyno smiling. Without a lot of care, Cyno easily slips into the water. His white hair floats on the water as he looks at Tighnari expectantly, with only his eyes above the water. Tighnari scoffs, yet a smile is on his face as well. And his eyes… mischievous? Only an archon would know.
After slowly easing into the water, Tighnari floats on his back, his body still adjusting to the water; although, it was very soothing for his muscles. He closes his eyes and a few minutes past.
And then he feels it, but a second too late. Tighnari's foot is pulled beneath the water, submerging him rather quick. Tighnari thrashes until he connects with a body part; his fist to Cyno's side. When Tighnari gets back to the surface, he can hear through waterlogged ears the laughter from Cyno.
"You scared me, you idiot! At least wait until my eyes are open!"
"It was too perfect, Nari." Cyno holds his side from all of his laughter.
"Oh really, then just wait until you're on the other end!"
Tighnari lunges towards Cyno, and while Cyno tries to deflect, his friend is successful with dunking him under the water. There is a struggle in the water, along with splashing and shouting from both. Tighnari has not had this much fun in a while, and he laughs so hard at moments that he chokes on the water, coughing yet still laughing in spouts of air.
While regaining his breath, Tighnari watches as Cyno disappears under the water, seemingly in place. It isn't until Cyno emerges again with a joking wide, yet malicious smile that puts Tighnari on edge. Oh Archons.
Cyno had found a stick.
With an evil cackle, Cyno chases Tighnari to the waterfall, the stick raised threateningly above the water. Tighnari is only a foot away from the stick when he flees underwater, hoping to swim fast enough away or to find a stick of his own. In exhilarating thoughts, Tighnari feels the nearby rumble of the waterfall. "Perfect, perhaps I can swim behind? What if there is a cave?" Tighnari takes the chance and swims as fast as he can.
"Surfacing, the roar of the falling water is loud and rhythmic. There was not a cave behind the waterfall, but only a ledge of a smooth rock. It looked almost to be the size of a bed. A beautiful, tranquil place to fall asleep after a long day or lengthy travel. Tighnari keeps himself low in the water, gazing through the stream to keep an eye on Cyno's movements. And Cyno was getting too much joy from this game.
"…Nari…?" Cyno taunts from nearby. It is too bad, really. The waterfall would have been a perfect hiding spot if not for Tighnari's dark hair and ears. No matter how much Tighnari may flatten his ears against his head for camouflage, Cyno knows that the dark shifting blob behind the stream is him.
Cyno moves slowly; well, it is not as though water propels all movements; and finally, he moves behind the waterfall. Right when the water hit his eyes, causing them to close… the timing was right. "Ambush!"
Tighnari grabs the stick in Cyno's hand, not managing to lurch it free but the grip is fine for now. Tighnari's other hand pushes Cyno's back until he's flat against the ledge. Cyno smirks, finding the position amusing.
"Arresting the General Mahamatra, huh?"
Tighnari scoffs, "Drop your weapon, Cyno."
In that moment, Cyno is distracted from his friend's words. All that he can see is Tighnari, standing straight in the water up to his waist, skin shimmering in the reflection of the waterfall. And Tighnari's hair… straighter when wet clings to the sides of his neck… and those eyes. Cyno can't look past those eyes.
Tighnari clears his throat and Cyno is jolted back to reality. "Fine." Cyno drops the stick only for it to be picked by Tighnari and chucked off beyond the waterfall. Cyno is released and Tighnari laughs. And the two relax under the falling stream of water, listening to its roar.