[Finished] Testing the waters

[Saaga Sun]

“Cute and endearing sometimes, obnoxious and annoying at other times?”

Saaga did not voice her thoughts; self-doubt came to her from time to time without her even fully realizing it. She suspected it was due to so many people always pointing out the many things that were wrong with her, so much so that compliments seemed almost suspicious to her. She gladly accepted them of course, with a smile or a laugh, whichever was more appropriate for the situation but there was certain wariness towards what she thought of as ‘undeserved praise’.

For the most part she did not linger on any negative thoughts, in fact she usually found it in her to ignore what others thought of her and she even went out of her way to do things her own way just because she could. But it was not easy to get rid of the specter of insecurity; after all it was a human emotion just like any other. Not many things made her feel insecure, but she’d found that Narye had a knack for accomplishing just that.

She gave him a little twisted smile and leaned forward, elbows on the table, her hands against her cheeks.

“Just a thing or two? That’s disappointing,” she chuckled and if Shou had been accusing her of baiting, she guessed that was exactly what she was doing right now. Even if Narye said he didn’t think any less of her for her inexperience the way he chose to put it into words, made Saaga feel like she was a child receiving a pat on the head. She did not want him to make her feel like that.

She paused as the server returned again, this time with their drinks. She waited while he poured the both of them a glass of the beverage of their choice and then watched as he dashed away towards another table in need of his services.

“You might have to guide me more than you know then. I mean, I never had so much as a crush on someone before. And my life was so complicated for a while, it feels like I became a little disconnected emotionally,” she confided in him, thinking he should at least know she wasn’t being cold intentionally.

[Narye Matsuya]

"Well, just a thing or two to get you started. Then we'll, y'know, move onto other things..."

To Narye, that sounded like a challenge if he had ever heard one before. Of course it should have come as no surprise that Narye had more romantic and intimate experience than the girl that sat across from him just by sheer virtue of age. It was just that sometimes he forgot when around Saaga since she was a very mature girl, cool and level-headed and easy to talk to without having to put up a front. The whole deal made for a nice dichotomy that kept Narye on his toes and... excited.

Taking a sip from his drink, he felt a small twinge of regret about not going the whole way on fanciess and getting a bottle of wine to share with Saaga. The wine would have been more romantic, but he was certain that he wanted to avoid alcohol of any kind for awhile.

Hearing Saaga's little confession didn't bother Narye at all. In fact, he still smiled at her kindly and even reached a hand across the table to hold her's.

"You could've fooled me sometimes. You're so warm and sweet when we're together. It's kinda nice to know that, uh, some fool boy hasn't colored your experience negatively."

There was some irony in him saying that to her. No doubt there were some girls out there with broken hearts, or used to be broken hearts, and all because of Narye being who he was in the past. Now in his mature years, he had to fall for a girl whom was free from past disappointments of am unreliable young man.

"You think I'll get know a side of Saaga that no one else knows, maybe?"

[Saaga Sun]

In Saaga’s eyes Narye was very much unlike any man she knew or had known. He had a certain firmness about him, like he knew what he wanted and how to get it but she had also found that he could behave very immaturely at times, like a petulant child. That had been especially obvious when they had gone to the bar and the talk about his wife had ensued. If someone had asked her the question of what ever did she see in him, she was not really sure she’d have an answer ready. Their personalities were total opposites with her acting reserved and cool and him being…well him.

And yet there was something that drew her to him. Like when he offered his hand for her to hold, she took it without thinking, drawing circles on his knuckles with her thumb eyes fixed on his face. Maybe it was that boyish charm of his, or the fact that for all his straight forwardness, Saaga could never really figure out what he was thinking at any given time. At least he wasn’t boring to be around. There were not many character flaws she disliked more than someone being boring.

She let out a light little laugh when he commended her of being ‘sweet’ and such. She didn’t really get what part of her Narye thought was warm and sweet. Maybe they had different interpretations for those words or was she really acting differently around him in comparison to others? It was a rather curious thought.

“I guess you could say that since a person doesn’t have experience she doesn’t have many expectations either. I guess I could’ve done a lot worse,” she jested with a smirk and took a sip from her glass. It felt like she was beginning to relax finally, being able to talk like she normally did. She squeezed his hand lightly and smiled; it was a comfort.

“I think you got to know such a side the first time we met. What other kinds are you expecting to know?” Saaga chuckled and thought to herself how their relationship had a very backwards kind of start. It seemed to be the equivalent of putting on trousers when you already had shoes on your feet, though the results were not as disastrous. It was weird noting how reality differed from what she’d come to expect of relationships, based on what she was taught.

[Narye Matsuya]

It was a simply gesture. Holding hands. But to Narye, their hands touching and holding each other felt like so much more than simple... hand holding. The way he could feel her skin and warmth in his own palm, and the way she caressed his fingers with her thumb, just felt like a real connection. Without words and with only a simple look to accompany it, their hands together seemed like an intimate and, dare he say, loving touch. A kiss was probably the only thing that could rise above the way they held hands right then.

Narye was having such a wonderful time with Saaga that he found himself no longer caring what other people in the restaurant might be saying or thinking about them, or him. Here he was, an older gentleman dating a girl nearly half his age. Some people had no problem with it, but others can only see either a lecherous old man or a girl looking to take advantage of him. Whatever their thoughts were, though, Narye could not have have cared less in that moment. Especially with Saaga giving an adorable little laugh at his comment about her being "sweet".

"No really! You're your own kind of sweet. Hearty and strong, yet cute."

Now he wasn't one to think that he was a prize catch(Most of the time), but Narye nodded a little smugly when she said that she could have done a lot worse. He had his baggage and his own imperfections, and he fully that. In comparison to some other guys, however? Yeah...

The little squeeze she gave his hand elicited redness on his cheeks as he squeezed back, taking pleasure in how smooth her skin was.

"Well, let me rephrase that: I hope that the Saaga I met that night becomes MY Saaga. I wouldn't want to share that girl with anyone."

[Saaga Sun]

Not too long ago Saaga could not have even imagined a time when she’d be sitting at a restaurant with a man that for all terms and purposes could be called her significant other. She had expected to spend her days working, saving money and maybe after some years she’d finally have enough funds to get her own place and start a business. There had been no such thing as a romance in her plans. That plan had been so simple too and now things had gotten complicated like relations between people had a habit of doing.

She had thought of keeping the whole affair to herself, but that wasn’t in the cards apparently and now everyone at her work knew about it. Well, three people was not that bad, but she had a fear that at some point one of the girls would find out. It was not like she wanted to hide Narye, but more like she wanted to keep this one thing that was hers and hers alone. She was always sharing and compromising, even if it went against her very nature.

She raised an eyebrow at his smug little nod and gave him a dissatisfied look before laughing it off. Not many people appreciated her brand of humor, but she was confident that even if Narye did not share all of her quirks, he at least understood when she was not being serious.

“I hope that the Saaga I met that night becomes MY Saaga. I wouldn't want to share that girl with anyone."

She felt the redness in her cheeks deepen and thought for a moment that no amount of powder would be able to hide it. Her heart also seemed to skip a beat at his words. No one had ever said anything like that to her. The only time someone had called her ‘my Saaga’ or ‘our Saaga’, it had been a family member. Her mother had used it to brag about her accomplishments to neighbors, what little accomplishments she’d had and her father had been much the same, except he had usually embarrassed her by telling all sorts of ‘funny’ things she’d done, all around the village. But this was a different kind of possessive.

“It’s funny actually…Not too long ago I swore I’d never be anyone’s, ever but you make me waver.”

Some other thoughts popped into her head as well. She wondered if he felt insecure with her because of the way things had ended with his wife, if he was afraid that she’d run away as well. She did not voice her concerns on the matter; instead she leaned a little closer and raised his hand to kiss it softly.

“So how are you planning on making me yours? Or is it a surprise?” she asked with a smile and tilted her head a little to the side, watching his face curiously.

[Narye Matsuya]

Despite being in a position that most older men would would most likely brag about proudly, which was dating a younger woman, Narye kept it to himself most of the time. "Hiding" would be a poor choice of word because Narye was actively keeping his relationship with Saaga a secret. If someone noticed or asked about it, or asked if he was single, he would tell them honestly. At the moment, he was a taken man, technically, by a young woman and he felt no inclination to turn away from her.

He could tell that his statement had touched a chord in in her heart. Narye had seen Saaga blush before, but never quite like she was now at the table. The redness she was showing was remincient of someone hearing something exceptionally embarrassing or someone immediately after strenuous physical activity sans sweat and heavy breathing. Narye, on the other hand, was holding steady with a confident grin.

To say he was surprised by Saaga's belief that she wouldn't be anyone's would be a bit of lie. Not because he didn't think she couldn't attract anyone! Far from it. Narye still couldn't believe a girl as pretty as Saaga hadn't had at least one boyfriend before him. But more because she didn't seem like the kind to put herself out there for a relationship, instead wrapping herself up in work or other practical matters.

"While I don't want to tear you away too much from your work, which I know you're dedicated to, I hope to continue make you waver. To me."

Kissing his hand felt a little strange. That was usually a gesture he thought only men did to other women. It wasn't a bad thing. Just unfamiliar. Exciting too! In response, he started tracing fingers up and down her wrist and arm.

"I don't really have anythin' planned out, but I'm sure I could think up a few surprises. Perhaps I could spring one after dinner if you're so inclined."

Knowing that the draped table cloth hid their legs from view, Narye played the part of the flirt and slipped his foot out of his shoe to rub Saaga's ankle a little. Sure it seemed a little out of his element, but it just felt right.

[Saaga Sun]

”Hah, master Zhang would have a fit if he heard you say that. He’s still giving the evil eye to Tseng’s wife whenever she comes by the shop, and it’s been six years since they got married. I’m fairly sure he doesn’t want anyone of his workers wavering in any direction. It’s such a pity I seem to be inclined to do the exact opposite of whatever he happens to want,” Saaga laughed and turned her gaze to his fingers which were brushing against her skin, raising goosebumps and the small hairs on her neck in the process, but not in a bad way.

It was true that work was important to her, in fact it was her life, but she found herself wondering more and more often if it should remain that way. She’d never felt guilty about working long hours or prioritizing her job over people, but lately it was becoming increasingly difficult to justify why she should be chained to her work station, instead of, well doing something else. It felt like she was missing out, though so far she’d managed to ignore it.

Her eyes darted back to his face the moment she felt his foot against her ankle, bright with surprise. She knew she shouldn’t be, it was very like him to be physically forward, but then again she didn’t spend her days expecting men to touch her legs in this manner, or any manner at all.

“You asking me over?” she asked him, not completely opposed to the idea, if that indeed was his intent.

The server came back just then with two large trays laden with their orders. He looked them over eyebrows raised but said nothing. Them holding hands was rather telling, but it was not his job to judge customers. He placed a tray in front of the both of them, bowed deep and wished them a good meal before whisking away. Saaga thought he looked like he was gliding on ice with such long graceful strides.

[Narye Matsuya]

Narye raised an eyebrow at her description of her boss reacted to other people's relationships, and not just their own. He had already "met" Master Zhang on one occasion and it wasn't the best meeting. He caught them kissing after their first tea outing, and to say he was displeased would be something of an understatement. He and Zhang didn't talk, at all, and that arrangement seemed to be working out pretty well for everyone. But hearing that he disproved of any of his employees having a relationship made Narye feel less like a dirty old man since Zhang seemed to really take notice of their age discrepency.

"Pfft. With a guy like that, I'd rebel against him on principle. Even now."

At first that kind of attitude could have just been chalked-up to youthful rebelliousness, typical stuff. But as he grew up, Narye found that it was kind of ingrained in his personality. It really only manifested in that particular situation, which was someone who stubbornly expected him to be a certain way all the time.

Now Narye was about to respond to her question, perhaps with a thinly-veiled innuendo or invitation to sit on his lap, but he was interuppted by the presence of their server and their food. He hadn't noticed him, instead being entirely focused on Saaga, and jumped slightly though he kept his hand on Saaga's. His foot was withdrawn as their food was set in front of them. After a few more strokes on her hand, Narye took his hand back and prepared to eat. The meal looked like it belonged in that kind of place, fancy and well-made.

"Y'know... I recognize most of these ingredients. Unless they're using some expensive spices, I think I could make somethin' like this at home. You think they'd give me the recipe?"

He was only half-joking. Unlike other couples he had met, Narye seemed to be the one of the two that had the most interest in cooking. Not to say that it was Saaga's place to cook, but it was slight reversal of the norm that he had seen.

[Saaga Sun]

The mere sight of food made Saaga realize just how hungry she really was. Her nervousness had made her lose some of her appetite and forget the rest, but now that she looked at the meal laid out in front of her it came back with a vengeance. She took her set of chopsticks in hand and just stared at the dish for a moment, trying to decide which part to start from. Finally she settled on eggplant since it was the least likable item on the plate.

Not one to stand on ceremony Saaga started eating, savoring the taste of each bite. Tseng did know how to recommend a good restaurant, she had to give him that. The place might have some shoddy interior design going on but at least the food was good.

Glancing at Narye, she thought it was nice he’d accepted her invitation. When she’d made the phone call, she had been fretting whether he’d be busy or uninterested, even though he’d given no reason for her to think that. Call it nerves or whatever; it was nonetheless tiring to keep feeling insecure and his ‘yes’ had given her some much needed assurance.

“Aren’t restaurants usually very guarded where their recipes are concerned? If you want to try making it, I volunteer for tasting. I love food,” Saaga replied laughing and took a sip from her drink to wash the eggplant down.

She had never been an especially picky eater but after spending some time living on the streets and before that stuck in quarantine not knowing when she’d get to eat and how much, she’d come to appreciate food like she never had before. Things she’d previously taken for granted seemed that much more important after she’d had to live without them. That said, she was not at all interested in cooking nor was she a very accomplished cook. She rather cleaned and fixed things, leaving cooking to those who were any good at it.

“This is actually very good. You want to taste?” she asked Narye and offered him a bite from her chopsticks. It was an intimate gesture, even she knew that much, and she could feel her pulse quicken slightly while waiting for him do something.

[Narye Matsuya]

"I think they could trust me with their recipes. Y'know, just a random customer who likes their food. Trustworthy!"

With his hand on his chest, Narye feigned being offended by the insinuation that he was not the kind of person to be trusted, by a high class business, with possibly secret information. If he weren't a school teacher to teenagers, there actually may not have have been much reason to trust him with sensitive information just judging by some of his behavior and personality quirks.

Meanwhile, his other hand was fiddling with his chopsticks while he readied himself to try some of his own dish. Like Saaga, Narye didn't really have a pre-meal ritual and simply started eating. He had to admit, it was pretty damn good.

He was midway through a bite when Saaga made the most adorable gesture for him: Holding out a bit for him. It was a little thing, sure, but it was still so cute. How could he refuse? Also, how could he not refuse a nice set-up like that?

"... Only if I get to taste you later."

Without waiting for a reply, Narye nipped at the bite offered to him and took it back with a devious little smile on his face while he chewed. Even he had to blush slightly at the forward-ness of his tease. He made no other mention of what he just said as he went back to his own meal, though he kept his eyes on Saaga, stilling grinning, guaging her reaction.

"You're right. It's good stuff."