a lil thing for @lysanderfels, prompted by the make it rain art this morning. :)
There certainly isn't anything quite like the Gold Saucer, Hien must admit.
He's not sure that he has ever seen so many bright lights in one singular building before, nor has he struggled to hear things over music like this before. But Hien can see why all the children sprinting through hallways are so overjoyed—it's as if their imagination has come to life to entertain them, let them forget the ills of the world if only for a little while.
He can certainly understand why Master Manderville would invite them to see the wonders he has built, though hopefully he will not take too much offense if Hien would rather meet elsewhere next time for business.
He can't help the laugh that bubbles up when he turns to see Lysander's expression as they step off the airship that bore them here. "Surely the wonders of the Gold Saucer are not deserving of such disdain."
Lysander's frown softens a hair, but he still looks displeased. All he says by way of explanation is, "…It's loud."
"Aye, it's close to deafening, is it not?" Hien lets out a breath, before peering around the corner to see what appears to be the main thoroughfare. "Well, I hope that this shall be a simple meeting—so we need not stay overlong."
They pair fall into silence as they approach the front desk of the Gold Saucer, and it is not long before they are whisked off to a quieter corner upstairs to discuss the business matter Master Manderville had in mind.
The meeting does take longer than Hien might have preferred—this was meant to be the final meeting regarding some minor trade agreements for Doma and the Ul'Dahn Syndicate, but some of the finer details that Hien thought to have already been ironed out are brought back up for further discussion. Lysander, who had mostly come along at Hien's request, stares out into the distance as the talks continue.
But eventually, the meeting ends on the good terms Hien had been hoping for, and he gently sets a hand on Lysander's shoulder. "I hope we've not bored you to death."
Lysander only lets out a long-beleaugered sigh when Master Manderville is out of earshot. "Unfortunately I think the volume of sound would force me to remain on this mortal plane. Though it seems things ended well?"
"Aye, they did! For that we can be grateful." Hien tugs Lysander to his feet, smiling warmly as the Elezen leans down for a kiss. "Shall we be going, then?"
At this, Lysander blinks, expression one of surprise. "You don't wish to see what else is here?"
"I admit to some level of curiosity." Hien's brow quirks. "But I got the distinct impression that you'd rather be elsewhere."
"Well…yes, I certainly cannot deny it." Lysander tilts his head, looking a bit more sheepish now. "However, it is your first time at the Gold Saucer, so I am braced to stay as long as you like."
Hien opens his mouth to reply, but the words don't come. He should not be surprised when Lysander is willing to endure things he dislikes for the sake of his partners, but it still manages to sort of take the wind from his chest.
So instead of pushing too much, he pulls Lysander down for another brief kiss, murmuring, "Just long enough to see the sights properly. The noise is a bit much."
Lysander nods, pressing their foreheads together for a moment, for two, before letting Hien take his hand and lead him on.