animated | 📖 INBOX: hotel caelum

Look at you, a renaissance man of literary taste.

[ It might be better that neither one of them are trying all that hard. They just... are, and it's working out to a wonderful degree. Opposites attract, after all, and in personality, they are very much that, but at the heart of it, they also have a lot in common.

They compliment each other, and mesh well. The best of both worlds. ]

Man, I feel that. My TBR list seems like it grows by the second sometimes, and life and work are always getting in the way. Well, were, I guess, now that I'm here. I'm looking forward to making some headway.

[ It's also nice that Nanami is just... easy to talk to. Charlie is a personable man, and meshes well with most, but there's a certain ease to this conversation that he enjoys. ]

[ That gets an amused huff, a little embarrassed at the light teasing but he likes it too. He likes that Charlie is feeling comfortable enough with him to joke with him like that. It feels good, for a man who usually keeps people at such distance.

Charlie is easy to talk to for him as well. There's a level of playfulness about him that is familiar but maturity there that makes Nanami not feel like he has to be on the defense or be ready to step up to fill in the gaps. He's also not being overfamiliar in a way Nanami doesn't like, even though there is attraction here and they're getting to know one another — Charlie hasn't acted as if he knows Nanami already. It's kind of nice. He feels... respected, which means a lot to him. ]

It's one of the nice parts about the hotel. Getting up for the day and deciding to go somewhere and read for a while. Treat myself to a good lunch in the middle of that. It isn't a pleasure that I was afforded back home.

[ That's because Charlie is an actual adult and treats his fellow adults accordingly! You know, no shade to Nanami's usual company.

In seriousness, that's just how Charlie is. He's always been quick to mesh with others, making connections and conversations easily. His family would have demanded nothing less of him, and it was the one and only role they forced on him that he ever enjoyed filling. The only one where he could really be himself. ]

Sounds like exorcising curses doesn't leave a whole lot of room for downtime.

[ No, no, complete shade to his usual company, to be honest. They deserve it. One particular man deserves it, at least.

But he'll continue walking with Charlie and maybe his elbow will brush lightly against Charlie's own but he doesn't withdraw or step away. Just enjoys the light brushes of their arms as they move. ]

Not so much. It's a... harrowing career path. Thankless. I left it for a bit after graduating but returned despite everything. I'm just most suited for it, in the end.

[ Charlie glance over at the first brush of their elbows together, thought that's all the attention he draws to it, choosing instead to simply be... quietly pleased.

Whatever happens, happens, right? ]

I think anyone could turn their back on that kind of work, suited for it or no. It says something about you that you still went back to it.

[ What happens, happens indeed. ]

I...

[ He pauses, usually not one to share so much of himself with someone right off the bat. But he wants to share this with Charlie, wants him to understand where he's coming from. Even if he didn't share it today, he'd likely share it tomorrow on their date. So, he speaks, even if he feels embarrassed doing so. ]

I wanted to do something where I was appreciated, even in a small amount. Where the work I took on actually mattered in some way. I was working in finance for a while, making rich people get richer and while the money was good — it was soulless. As a sorcerer, I am helping people, even if they don't know it. Even if... even if it's fruitless in the end. At least I'd have helped someone, once.

[ As Nanami speaks, Charlie glances up to watch him again. He gets the sense that this isn't something he shares often, and he feels honored having gotten to hear it so soon after their meeting. ]

I knew it.

[ There's something undeniably warm in that statement, and Charlie leans over to gently nudge Nanami with an elbow. ]

You've got a big heart under all that stoicism.

[ That... is not what he expected Charlie to say back, though he's not sure what he was expecting. All he knew is he wanted to share what he shared with Charlie. So there's a widening of his eyes and then he lifts a hand to cover his face, closing his eyes and trying to hide his face, which goes a light shade of pink for a moment. ]

You...

[ There's a huff then, he doesn't know what to say. He's just. Flustered. Congratulations, Charlie, you've flustered Nanami. He's just going to keep his face covered for a moment as he tries to get his dignity back a little bit. ]

[ And that reaction is not at all what Charlie expected, either. A crack in Nanami's demeanor, the subtle way color rises to his cheeks. It's so endearing, and Charlie was just thinking it would be impossible to be more endeared to this man. He was so, so wrong. ]

What? I mean it. Even if you hadn't told me that, I saw the look on Itadori's face when he talked about you.

[ A beat. Charlie's smile flashes wide. ]

Nanamin.

[ No more dignity, only teasing. ]

[ Oh, he wants to kiss this man. The urge strikes him a little painfully in his chest and he has to take a breath to recover himself. His tail wags a little too earnestly for his taste as he tries to school his expression back into something a little more neutral. For a moment, he wishes he had his glasses if only to have something to distract himself with.

But okay. Right. Charlie is enjoying this and the ground won't open up and swallow Nanami anytime soon so time to focus. His voice is a bit of a mumble as he says — ]

It is... not my responsibility how other people view me. If that's what you've come away from this conversation with, then I won't argue.

[ Translation: KILL ME. KILL MEEEE. ]

[ This man would have absolutely no objections to being kissed, if Nanami should want to act on that urge at some point. Charlie is finding himself more twitterpated by the second, endlessly endeared and attracted by Nanami's reaction to being teased, and his attempts to regain his composure. It's so cute. Charlie was right to think that there was something soft under all that deadpan, and what a sight it is to see. ]

You won't argue because I'm right.

[ He gives Nanami one more nudge, one last light little jab. ]

Don't worry, it'll be our little secret.

[ He will act on that urge. Maybe even soon. He's just going to store it away for now because he can't... kiss Charlie... out of nowhere like that. Probably. Ugh, what a pain. Ugh, this guy. Ugh, He likes him so much.

He glances over at Charlie when he's nudged that last time and holds his gaze this time, hand dropping from his face. He still looks a little pink but — ]

I suppose it wouldn't be the worst thing, sharing a secret with you.

[ He feels so embarrassed over saying something so... like this, but he wants to make his desire to be closer to Charlie clear. So, here he is. Flirting(?). ]

[ What a surprisingly earnest thing to say in the face off all Charlie's teasing. It takes the wizard aback a little, and he gives Nanami an owlish blink in return. ]

You think so?

[ Ah, now it's his face that's feeling a bit warm. Payback, he supposes. He drags his fingers through his hair, gaze cutting to one side while he makes the effort to regain composure for a change. ]

Guess we could share all sorts of things, if you wanted.

[ The fact that his simple reply made Charlie feel as off-footed as Nanami is very nice for Nanami. His expression softens as he watches Charlie and enjoys the way he flusters, the way his gaze averts. So, his voice is soft in reply. ]

I want that, if you do.

[ And, feeling a little bold, he's going to reach out then and take Charlie's hand in his own now that it's out of his pocket after the nudging. He wouldn't have been so bold if Charlie hadn't already asked him out, but now he knows that there's romantic interest here so... yeah, he's going to hold his hand. ]

[ Oh, what is this moment becoming? Just a bit ago he was joking and teasing and now here he is, being offered a hand to hold in somehow the sweetest way possible??

Charlie is ever one to make light of his own abysmal track record when it comes to romance. Not that he's not a catch — he knows he is, thank you — but there's always so much stuff going on in his life that a relationship just isn't sustainable. So, he just makes jokes. Wonders aloud to the universe when his prince will show up, or when someone will sweep him off his feet.

In this little moment, with such a simple gesture, it really feels like he's no longer standing on solid ground. And, apparently, all he had to do was go to an interdimensional space hotel to find that feeling. ]

I do. Oh, I really do.

[ He slides his hand into Nanami's, fingers curling around his. ]

You... god. You're a dangerous man, you know that?

[ That's what Nanami wants to be to anyone who will have him. A prince — or a gentleman, rather. He wants to woo them. He wants them to feel that light feeling in their chest when around him. If he knew he was getting Charlie to feel that, he'd feel even more assured about whatever this is between them.

As their hands curl into each other, Nanami squeezes Charlie's lightly and raises an eyebrow at him, curious. He's dangerous, huh? ]

Am I? How so, if I may ask?

[ Though he's already got a feeling he knows why Charlie said that. Probably the same feeling he's feeling in regards to Charlie. ]

This is, what? Like the second time we've talked? And you're already... well, sweeping me off my feet.

[ So, yes, Nanami is definitely wooing him. Or wooed him? The wooing might have already happened, to be honest. Charlie isn't typically the type to jump into anything just because of one or two good experiences, so he's really not sure if it's the atmosphere or the change in locale or if the chemistry is simply that good or what.

But what he does know is— ]

I really like you a lot.

[ Nanami is quiet for a moment after Charlie says that, letting it settle in his chest and warm him all over as he thinks of how to reply. He gets it though. This is... new for him but he likes Charlie a lot. He likes him so much and the more he talks to him, the more he likes him. This doesn't happen to Nanami, not being the pessimistic recluse that he is.

But...

He's going to stop walking then, letting them fall to a halt and facing Charlie after. He'll look at Charlie, a little earnest, as he replies with — ]

I spend a lot of time thinking about how bad things can be. I'm not the most... cheery person you will meet. And I'm quick to judge and dismiss people based off my first impression of them.

[ His mouth pulls in a bit of a grimace then, because he doesn't want to just... lay out all his faults for Charlie. But he does want to be honest. ]

Since arriving here, I've tried my best to take it a little easier. A lot of why I am the way I am is because of the world I come from and how vicious it can be, I'm well aware of that. I'm actively trying to be more open here because my free time is no longer in such limited supply. Meeting you, having lunch with you, was a pleasure and a novelty. Meeting you again now just reinforced how pleasant I find your company.

I don't... date often, another result of the life I live back home. I don't have a lot of experience. But I am honest about the things that I feel and what I want — even if that's usually to say what I don't like and don't want. Right now, what I do like is you and what I do want is also you. I know I've already agreed to your request for a date but I want to be completely transparent going into it. I like you, Charlie-san. I like you a lot. If you'll have me, I would like to spend a lot more time with you and learn everything I can about you.

[ A pause and finally — ]

... I'm going to stop talking now.

[ When they slow to a stop, Charlie can't be certain where this is going, but he is ready and willing to listen to whatever Nanami has to say, good or bad. As it turns out, for being someone who says he doesn't have a lot of experience, Nanami certainly doesn't do anything halfway.

There's a lot to sift through here, though Charlie had guessed at some of it already — the harsh reality of Nanami's world and how that might affect him as a person. But he is also so, so earnest, that even his remarkably straightforward words find some way to coil tightly and warmly around Charlie's ribs.

He was right to call this man dangerous. ]

Nanami, I... [ "I'm going to stop talking now." ] Good, because I'm going to kiss you now.

[ That's all the warning Nanami will get before Charlie's free hand comes up to curl around the back of Nanami's neck, tugging him down for a kiss. Something sweet and warm and chaste, but lingering. ]

[ If Nanami was expecting anything, it wasn't to be kissed. He wasn't really trying to get there either, he just wanted to be honest with Charlie about where he was at, how this was new for him, and how he was trying to be more open. This is a place where they can take it easy, bit by bit by bit. And Nanami is adjusting to that.

But Nanami moves easily with Charlie as he's pulled down into the kiss. A soft, surprised noise is pressed into it initially before Nanami lets his eyes fall closed and he kisses back just as sweet and warm. There's something a bit embarrassing about kissing in public, he's not much of a PDA guy but. Despite that, he lingers in Charlie's space after the kiss, not quite pulling back just yet. Their breath will mingle and something warm spreads across Nanami's expression.

He lets out an amused huff and his voice is warm as he replies. ]

Now what am I supposed to do? I'm going to be thinking about kissing you for the rest of the night.

[ That's... oh, that's gorgeous, the way Nanami melts into him, hard, stoic edges softened by warmth and intimacy. It doesn't escape Charlie's notice that they're out in the middle of the promenade, so the kiss doesn't overstay its welcome, but even fleeting as it is, it is wonderful.

The warmth lingers in Nanami's face, in his voice, when they separate, and Charlie can't help but feel a bright surge of joy knowing that he's the one who put it there. ]

Kiss me again later, clearly.

[ The corner of his mouth quirks, playful, though his expression smooths into something softer and more fond a moment later. ]

In all seriousness... thank you, for your honesty. It's nice to know where you stand, in general and with me. I don't think there's any question about it now but... "if you'll have me," you said. Absolutely. I want to learn all I can about you, too.

[ Nanami's hand not already in Charlie's will lift up then and slides across Charlie's cheek, tender. His thumb brushes over his skin then and he lifts his head to press a follow up kiss to Charlie's forehead before he drops his hand and pulls back completely. Charlie is warm and soft and Nanami can tell already that he's going to have a hard time not kissing him over and over and over again. He just hopes that's what Charlie wants. ]

I just might.

[ He'll keep their hands joined together though, warm and solid together. Charlie's words leave him feeling humbled, grateful, and his heart clenches somewhat. ]

Thank you. For listening. For wanting the same. I'm looking forward to... this. Us.

[ Once again, Charlie is taken utterly off-guard by the tenderness that Nanami displays, and his heart does a definite flip behind his ribs when his lips alight briefly on his forehead. Having literally no time for dating has got to be the only reason this man has stayed single for any amount of time. He's perfect otherwise. ]

Me, too.

[ "Us." Is it too soon to think about all the possibilities in that little word? This whole situation has thrown him for a loop, got him thinking about things he wouldn't even consider before they've even had their first date.

Oh, actually, now that he thinks about it... ]

So, uh. Is this date number one? Or is that still tomorrow?

[ Nanami would never agree to being called perfect so it's a good thing Charlie doesn't say it. Otherwise they might get into a cheesy little back and forth about it. They can save that for later. For now, he just feels happy at the response he gets from Charlie and squeezes his hand gently.

His eyebrows raise lightly at the question and he considers it for a moment. They have gotten to know each other and they also kissed so — ]

We're most certainly not acting like strangers. Nor just friends. I wouldn't mind counting this if you don't.

[ Then date number two happens tomorrow and Nanami will feel a lot less shy about kissing Charlie as much as he wants to if it's the second date, not the first. ]

I don't mind at all.

[ That assessment is right on the money. They both kind of jumped into this with both feet, but perhaps that's a good thing instead of dancing around their mutual attraction for who knows how long. Charlie is much too old for that kind of thing.

He gives Nanami's hand a squeeze in response, smiling brightly. If this is date number one, and tomorrow is date number two, that means they're officially dating. Funny how things have worked out. ]

Though, since we're putting some cards on the table and I'd hate to spring this on you way later, unless sorcerers have some kind of extended lifespan thing going on too, it's very likely that I'm... how to put this? Significantly older than you are.

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