[Since the day they met was on the network, it was easy enough for jun to track down the day. And so, on the first day of May, the bento box will reappear on Varian's workspace area in the fortress. With it is another bouquet of elderflowers and roses. Inside the box, today's meal will consist of raccoon shaped onigiri with a curry chicken filling, some fresh berries, and a slice of chocolate cake.
This time, there will also be a note:]
Happy anniversary, Varian!
I know you probably have mixed feelings about today, and I understand if you want to be alone. But I just wanted to let you know I'm really happy I met you 3 years ago. You've brought so much happiness to my life, and I feel blessed knowing you'll be in my life in the future too.
Love you with all my heart, Jun
PS: No pressure, but if you're up for it, how about we go to Denny's with the family? Your dad or any friends you want to invite are welcomed too! Who knows, maybe you'll get lucky and finally meet the real Denny. (´• ω •`) ♡
[ The day had not passed Varian by - it's hard to forget the date where you get ripped from your home world and have to learn to adapt to a completely different one. Especially when you're a good few centuries behind the curve compared to the world you came from. He still remembers what it was like seeing his first light bulb switch on.
The flowers are as lovely as they always are- but the bento with the raccoon shaped onigiri really makes his heart flutter. He hadn't really thought of doing anything for the day. Sure, he still felt the pang of homesickness moreso on this day than any other, but it just felt like... a day, ultimately. Another year passed in a place he can never leave anyway. He's never done anything for the last two years, but now... well, now he really does have something to celebrate for being here. ]
Danke, Mein Herz,
I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss Corona a little more today compared to other days... but I think I have a lot more to be glad for, for coming to this world. Especially you. I'm so glad I met you too, even if I wanted to throttle you when I first met you.
And many times after that.
And sometimes still too, if we're being honest. But you bring ME so much happiness too. I'd never change it at all, not any of it, not for a second. I'm really looking forward to the future we have together.
I love you too, with everything I have. Varian xx
PS. Oh my god, okay look, I never saw a diner before in my whole life and in MY defence, Denny IS a name!! You little shit. But yes, that would be nice, thank you. I'll see if Dad wants to come along.
[He'll smile when he gets the message, happy to see his present had been well received. Varian's talk about wanting to throttle him sure did leave him to chuckle too. He had been hoping to send a wholesome, loving message back- but with all the mentions of wanting to throttle him. Well.]
Haha, well... I'm not sure I'd be down with neck throttling, but admittedly, I did enjoy our experiment with handcuffs awhile back more than I thought I would.
To our bright future. Not sure what's going to be ahead, but as long as I'm with you, I'm looking forward to it.
Love, Jun
PS: Hahaha! I'm happy you remember. (ღ˘⌣˘ღ) And good! It'd be nice to have the whole family together.
[ A cornerstone of their relationship has always been Jun annoying Varian to the point of him making angry chicken noise. The wholesome just gets added into all that- which honestly, Varian loves as much as he grumps about it. He'd never want it any other way. ]
Metaphorical neck throttling, Darling. But yes, I DID notice that. I noticed that a lot.
I think the same. I'm really looking forward to sharing my future with you.
Love, Varian.
P.S. Yes, I remember, I will never forget. I was convinced there was a whole conspiracy going on for the better part of a year because of you. Smartass.
It would, and I think we could all use a little downtime.
[Jun can't see it over text, but he can probably imagine just how much Varian is blushing over that statement. Because oh boy, he is blushing a lot. ]
Look. LOOK. It's a nice reminder to have sometimes. It's an enjoyable reminder.
I was thinking of maybe spending a few more nights a week with you in the Fortress... if- if you'd like, obviously. I mean, in the future we're gonna live together permanently anyway, I thought it couldn't hurt to get used to that a little. And if I do it slow and gentle-like, it might give Dad enough time to get used to living by himself, too. He has his chocobo now so hopefully I can navigate too much loneliness for him when I'm not there.
I mean... if you'd like that.
[ Because yes, even if they are engaged and literally going to be married, Varian still feels the need to check that his presence is wanted. He's working on that nasty little self-loathing part of himself, and it's telling he's at least able to ask now, and be pretty confident in Jun's answer. But that part of him is still there enough that he needs to double check, all the same. ]
[Fortunately, there's no hesitation on Jun's part. If anything, he lifts his head when he realizes that Varian is broaching THAT subject. they've been dancing around it for a bit now.
The answer is easy for him]
Fine by me! I'd love that.
I've been actually wondering how to broach that topic for awhile now. I know how close you are to your dad, so I didn't want to pressure you.
[ Naturally, here is something Varian has been fretting over for the better part of a couple months, and Jun just accepts and welcomes it like it's the easiest thing in the world. He huffs out a soft, fond laugh. He doesn't know what he did to deserve Jun in his life, but he is endlessly glad for him. ]
Thank you. I'd love that, too.
You know me. I... overthink. And I do love Dad and love being with him, but I love being with you, too. I still worry about him sometimes, being alone, which is why I wanna take it slow, for his sake. I don't want him to think I abandoned him.
[The "like G'raha did" is in his chest, he doesn't type it, but it stays lodged there anyway. Add that to the people in his father's past and... well, so many people have left Amal behind. Left him alone. Varian never wants Amal to think he did that to him, not for anything. ]
But I think giving him time to get used to the idea is the way to go.
[Of course Jun would welcome him with open arms. He loved Varian and being with him. And plus... it just who is Jun is. Always happy to take someone in who needs a place. ]
I completely understand, it's the same reason my first place was next door to my dad's, before I moved down to the fortress. If you feel doing it slowly to help him get used to it is best, then I'll be with you every step of the way.
[Because he gets it. He loves his own dad a lot too, and leaving his dad alone was a big concern]
Besides, we'll need time to prepare our place anyway. Right now, my place is pretty much set up with just myself in mind. If both of us are going to be living there, then it'd be good to change some things so it's OUR home.
Thank you for understanding. That really does make me feel better. I'm really looking forward to being able to live with you more and more. But there's always that anxiety that I want to do right for my dad too, you know?
[ But having Jun come from a place of understanding and similar experience means the absolute world to him. It makes him feel a little less like he's being paranoid about it.
And... oh. That comment does make his heart feel so very full. He has to tamp down the desire to say he's fine with things as they are, or that he doesn't need anything changing, to lessen his presence in the apartment. Because he knows that's his brain lying to him. Jun wants him to live there, he's shown time and time again that he loves every part of Varian- even the parts of him that are chaotic and messy. The parts Quirin always told him to quieten down. They are a part of Varian and he does know Jun loves those. He doesn't have to worry about his own quirks being an inconvenience at best or at worst an embarrassment. ]
I'd really like that. I mean. Making it OURS. That sounds really nice. I really do want to build a home with you.
Haha, I get it. Don't worry, we don't have to rush into anything. We got more than enough time to take things slow.
[Jun has the sense that the slow move-in is more for Varian's sake than Amal's. Amal is an adaptable guy, and an extroverted guy. Jun's pretty sure if Amal got lonely, he wouldn't have issue going out and talking to people. But.... he's not going to point it out. If this is what helps Varian feel better, then he doesn't mind taking it slow]
Me too. It might be a bit tricky to renovate with us being under the water, but I'm sure it's a challenge you can handle!
Though uh.... I do have one stipulation, if that's alright, based on the room you have already in the fortress:
Any materials that'd be considered a health hazard must stay in your production zone workspace, okay? And that includes tetanus.
Of course we have, but I appreciate your patience all the time.
[ Because Jun is right, Varian's fears are very much on his own. He's finally got a father who loves and encourages him- someone who calls him his little spark and treats every invention, every win and failure like an incredible achievement. He's afraid if he spreads his wings too quickly, he'll somehow lose that- and only time will prove his demons otherwise. ]
It's a challenge I'll be glad to test out!!! I know I can manage it!
[ And at some point in that work, he'll find his serenitea pot he forgot he had and that will make life a lot easier. Currently it's in his dumping room in the Fortress, gathering dust, forgotten, speaking of... ]
You know what? I think that's an extremely fair stipulation. Even if I WORK in organised chaos, I probably shouldn't live in it and you definitely shouldn't. Okay, I can live by that stipulation, nothing dangerous in our room!
I know you'll be a big help! I might be better at building, but you have a MUCH better eye for style than I do. I'm relying on you to make whatever me manage to build to look good!
[Varian has all the faith in him on that! He LIKES what Jun can bring to the table, he's so much better at it than Varian is. ]
We are. I already feel so much less anxious about it. I love you.
Delivery! Backdate to May 1st
This time, there will also be a note:]
Happy anniversary, Varian!
I know you probably have mixed feelings about today, and I understand if you want to be alone. But I just wanted to let you know I'm really happy I met you 3 years ago. You've brought so much happiness to my life, and I feel blessed knowing you'll be in my life in the future too.
Love you with all my heart,
Jun
PS: No pressure, but if you're up for it, how about we go to Denny's with the family? Your dad or any friends you want to invite are welcomed too! Who knows, maybe you'll get lucky and finally meet the real Denny. (´• ω •`) ♡
no subject
The flowers are as lovely as they always are- but the bento with the raccoon shaped onigiri really makes his heart flutter. He hadn't really thought of doing anything for the day. Sure, he still felt the pang of homesickness moreso on this day than any other, but it just felt like... a day, ultimately. Another year passed in a place he can never leave anyway. He's never done anything for the last two years, but now... well, now he really does have something to celebrate for being here. ]
Danke, Mein Herz,
I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss Corona a little more today compared to other days... but I think I have a lot more to be glad for, for coming to this world. Especially you. I'm so glad I met you too, even if I wanted to throttle you when I first met you.
And many times after that.
And sometimes still too, if we're being honest. But you bring ME so much happiness too. I'd never change it at all, not any of it, not for a second. I'm really looking forward to the future we have together.
I love you too, with everything I have.
Varian xx
PS. Oh my god, okay look, I never saw a diner before in my whole life and in MY defence, Denny IS a name!! You little shit. But yes, that would be nice, thank you. I'll see if Dad wants to come along.
no subject
Haha, well... I'm not sure I'd be down with neck throttling, but admittedly, I did enjoy our experiment with handcuffs awhile back more than I thought I would.
To our bright future. Not sure what's going to be ahead, but as long as I'm with you, I'm looking forward to it.
Love,
Jun
PS: Hahaha! I'm happy you remember. (ღ˘⌣˘ღ) And good! It'd be nice to have the whole family together.
no subject
Metaphorical neck throttling, Darling. But yes, I DID notice that. I noticed that a lot.
I think the same. I'm really looking forward to sharing my future with you.
Love,
Varian.
P.S. Yes, I remember, I will never forget. I was convinced there was a whole conspiracy going on for the better part of a year because of you. Smartass.
It would, and I think we could all use a little downtime.
no subject
So you'll marry me?
[Look it does not matter if they're already engaged, he'll still ask it from time to time. It's a thing]
Seriously? A better part of the year? Wow. I figured you would've forgotten it among all the other new stuff you were adjusting too.
no subject
[They may already be engaged, but the question still makes his heart do a little flip in his chest. ]
Of course I will, no matter how many times you ask me, the answer will always be yes.
No, I never forgot it. I had more important things to focus on, but it was always in the back of my mind.
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[They still gotta compete after all
His own heart does a flutter at that, even if he knew what the answer would be. ]
I'm glad. And that'll always be my answer too.
I see.... so in a sense, you could say I was always on your mind~? [Bruh.]
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[ They're always gonna be the way they are, and Varian wouldn't want it any other way. ]
Good to know, because I'll probably keep asking, too.
...
Uggggggggggggggh. I hope you're proud of that one.
Actually. I was wondering if I could run something by you. I was thinking about it, with the anniversary and all.
no subject
[Not that he ever would, but apparently that turns Varian on!]
Hehe, very proud indeed. \( ̄︶ ̄*\))
Oh? What is it?
no subject
Look. LOOK. It's a nice reminder to have sometimes. It's an enjoyable reminder.
I was thinking of maybe spending a few more nights a week with you in the Fortress... if- if you'd like, obviously. I mean, in the future we're gonna live together permanently anyway, I thought it couldn't hurt to get used to that a little. And if I do it slow and gentle-like, it might give Dad enough time to get used to living by himself, too. He has his chocobo now so hopefully I can navigate too much loneliness for him when I'm not there.
I mean... if you'd like that.
[ Because yes, even if they are engaged and literally going to be married, Varian still feels the need to check that his presence is wanted. He's working on that nasty little self-loathing part of himself, and it's telling he's at least able to ask now, and be pretty confident in Jun's answer. But that part of him is still there enough that he needs to double check, all the same. ]
no subject
The answer is easy for him]
Fine by me! I'd love that.
I've been actually wondering how to broach that topic for awhile now. I know how close you are to your dad, so I didn't want to pressure you.
no subject
Thank you. I'd love that, too.
You know me. I... overthink. And I do love Dad and love being with him, but I love being with you, too. I still worry about him sometimes, being alone, which is why I wanna take it slow, for his sake. I don't want him to think I abandoned him.
[The "like G'raha did" is in his chest, he doesn't type it, but it stays lodged there anyway. Add that to the people in his father's past and... well, so many people have left Amal behind. Left him alone. Varian never wants Amal to think he did that to him, not for anything. ]
But I think giving him time to get used to the idea is the way to go.
no subject
I completely understand, it's the same reason my first place was next door to my dad's, before I moved down to the fortress. If you feel doing it slowly to help him get used to it is best, then I'll be with you every step of the way.
[Because he gets it. He loves his own dad a lot too, and leaving his dad alone was a big concern]
Besides, we'll need time to prepare our place anyway. Right now, my place is pretty much set up with just myself in mind. If both of us are going to be living there, then it'd be good to change some things so it's OUR home.
no subject
[ But having Jun come from a place of understanding and similar experience means the absolute world to him. It makes him feel a little less like he's being paranoid about it.
And... oh. That comment does make his heart feel so very full. He has to tamp down the desire to say he's fine with things as they are, or that he doesn't need anything changing, to lessen his presence in the apartment. Because he knows that's his brain lying to him. Jun wants him to live there, he's shown time and time again that he loves every part of Varian- even the parts of him that are chaotic and messy. The parts Quirin always told him to quieten down. They are a part of Varian and he does know Jun loves those. He doesn't have to worry about his own quirks being an inconvenience at best or at worst an embarrassment. ]
I'd really like that. I mean. Making it OURS. That sounds really nice. I really do want to build a home with you.
no subject
[Jun has the sense that the slow move-in is more for Varian's sake than Amal's. Amal is an adaptable guy, and an extroverted guy. Jun's pretty sure if Amal got lonely, he wouldn't have issue going out and talking to people. But.... he's not going to point it out. If this is what helps Varian feel better, then he doesn't mind taking it slow]
Me too. It might be a bit tricky to renovate with us being under the water, but I'm sure it's a challenge you can handle!
Though uh.... I do have one stipulation, if that's alright, based on the room you have already in the fortress:
Any materials that'd be considered a health hazard must stay in your production zone workspace, okay? And that includes tetanus.
no subject
[ Because Jun is right, Varian's fears are very much on his own. He's finally got a father who loves and encourages him- someone who calls him his little spark and treats every invention, every win and failure like an incredible achievement. He's afraid if he spreads his wings too quickly, he'll somehow lose that- and only time will prove his demons otherwise. ]
It's a challenge I'll be glad to test out!!! I know I can manage it!
[ And at some point in that work, he'll find his serenitea pot he forgot he had and that will make life a lot easier. Currently it's in his dumping room in the Fortress, gathering dust, forgotten, speaking of... ]
You know what? I think that's an extremely fair stipulation. Even if I WORK in organised chaos, I probably shouldn't live in it and you definitely shouldn't. Okay, I can live by that stipulation, nothing dangerous in our room!
no subject
[And he truly did mean that.]
Haha, I know you can! And I'll be there to give what help I can too.
[He's not a great engineer like Varian, but hey, at least he can do manual labor- and decorating! He's pretty good at that]
Good! Glad we're on the same page there!
no subject
I know you'll be a big help! I might be better at building, but you have a MUCH better eye for style than I do. I'm relying on you to make whatever me manage to build to look good!
[Varian has all the faith in him on that! He LIKES what Jun can bring to the table, he's so much better at it than Varian is. ]
We are. I already feel so much less anxious about it. I love you.