An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
For a pinch of context:
- Based on a rp's server version of Tohma and Romeo's relationship. (Soulmates where one always meets a tragic end).
- In this server, Taiga found out about Romeo being with Tohma and nonfatally shot himself to the reality anchor implanted in his chest to help satiate his hunger.
- An undertow is a layered expresso shot with two distinct layers: bitter, strong expresso, and sweet, mild cream with sugar. It is also the name of a type of current in the ocean.
- A demitasse glass is the small glass expresso is usually pulled into or served in. A Royal Albert is an antique teacup, but it takes a discerning eye to know which ones are antique and valuable, and which are modern makes recreating that style.
Fragile Things
- from Tohma's POV.
There’s a difference
In the way fractals wash
Across the crema of espresso,
And the way milk blooms
In the undertow of tea.
There is a difference
In the harsh grains of grounds
And delicate loose leaves
Of the sound of a groaning machine,
Pressing flavor from stone,
And the song of a spoon
Stirring sugar into a porcelain
Goblet. But while one is bitter,
And the other sweetened,
They are drawn up to our lips
All the same. They are our mornings.
And in my mourning, the kitchen
Lacks sugar, lacks aroma, lacks steam.
Your demitasse glass rests by my Royal Albert.
They each go cold. They will, for some time.
You see, I have started drinking water, now. It is easier
Than finding one beverage without the other,
Or leaving the shot loaded on the other side
Of our kitchen table. Of course it shall be
That shot that undoes me, down my throat,
Clinging to my breath; It is, in all ways,
The closest I can get to speaking your name
Without my voice breaking, airless.
But, you will not sit at the table.
It is little more than a piece of us,
One that can be transformed into the other,
And yet, so painfully devoid of our colors.
We were never quite aligned, but you
Still make up the most of me.
More coming soon!
Please feel free to request pairings or poem topics!
