[closed/complete] Characters: Osiris [lordofsilence] & Syrinx [syrinx] Date/Time: Before Osiris' departure to Niflheim Location: Babylon, Syrinx' home Rating: PG Warnings: None! Summary: Osiris visits an old friend.
Being fluffy and fluttery was a Syrinx thing, she liked singing but since birth she had been cursed with a weak body and a literally, non-existent immune system. Whatever was going around? Syrinx would catch it and it would be much harder for her to get over it than most. She ate in small bites, nervous and eager to get away most of the time. However, whenever she performed with her cousins, it always made her feel stronger- like putting more of herself into it. Singing did that, alone too, but in company she always wanted to make them proud. Whenever Osiris was about? She'd try hard too.
It was a shame he was away so much, but Syrinx looked forward when he came about. Usually bringing something from abroad or small doses of opium for some of her pains. Tonight was one of those nights, where she had spotted him among the audience and had literally jumped off stage after finishing, made a bee-line straight for him.
The traveling was something of a perk that came with the otherwise heavy weight of his job. Osiris took an interest in the cultures of their surrounding regions, enjoyed the exotic foods and clothing, the different art and musics of the locals. But returning home was always a relief, because he knew the familiar sound of Syrinx's sweet voice would be there to greet him. Not even all of the music in Ryugu-jo and Nilfheim combined could replace that, because when she sang it was as if the rest of the world didn't matter.
To be away from her so long never got easier, no matter the distractions and the endless diplomatic duties. And while he'd bring her back trinkets from his trips, he liked to think that it was his presence that brought such a smile to her face. He wished he could bring her along with him, give her a chance to see the outside world, but along with the other complications her health was always such a worry that he wouldn't dare ask it of her to push herself for his sake.
After her performance, Osiris presented Syrinx with a neatly wrapped gift (not of his own doing, he was awful with getting the corners even and the bows nice) and a soft smile, admittedly pleased how eager she was to get to him.
It was his presence, Osiris could've brought back a rock and it wouldn't have mattered to Syrinx, because the important thing was that he was back home, safely. Beaming openly, she took the present offered, but didn't open it- instead she threw her delicate little arms around his waist and pressed her cheek against his chest in greeting. "You're back."
Back, safe, and solid beneath her grasping fingers. That was enough, she didn't need more, but the fact he'd through of her and brought her something? Was so kind, she would never be able to repay his kindness.
"You didn't have too, but thank you." She pulled back, cradling the gift in both her hands.
It was a rock, albeit a beautifully polished one carved in the shape of a small bird that reminded him of Syrinx, which he admitted to her while waiting for her to open it, slightly embarrassed at how cheesy that sounded. Nothing expensive, but Osiris wanted to avoid the implications or obligations that too nice of a gift would imply, as if he were trying to buy her affections when he was more than content with their ongoing friendship. She was a lovely woman, and there was nothing more he'd ask for than her easygoing company.
The news that he wasn't staying for long, that in only a few days he'd be traveling to Nilfheim on behalf of the Sultan to deal with the growing concerns of the safety of Babylon's borders, could come later. Osiris didn't want to cause her any alarm, although the outlook of the situation was making him plenty uneasy. But that wasn't what Osiris wanted to think about for now, not in her presence when the time they could spend together was so fleeting.
"You look well," he observed, and despite her fragile health he always admired her quiet inner strength, inspiring him not to give up so easily with his own struggles.
Her eyes lit up as she opened the present, carefully unwrapping it with nimble fingers. It really was lovely, she looked up at Osiris, smiling, "You really didn't have to, but it's beautiful." By instinct she wrapped her arms around him and gave him a small squeeze before pulling back and grabbing his hand to lead them out of the area while another spectacle took the stage.
"You look like you should rest a little more." Syrinx looked back, quietly muttering those words as if worried she would cause offense. On her part, yes, she felt well enough, Babylon's climate had always been good for her health, which is why Syrinx couldn't travel. The stress of it, plus changing climate would do more harm than good.
"Is everything going well?"
Little interest in the next performance, Osiris allowed Syrinx to lead him away to where they could speak without distraction, glad to have her all to himself for the moment even if she always shone so brightly while on stage. "If you rather I didn't..." he began, hoping that she wasn't uncomfortable with the gift but willing to take the hint if so. Osiris didn't like to overthink things, but he did try to be careful where it mattered.
He was tired, but Osiris never got as much rest as he would have preferred these days. Rubbing a bit at his eyes with his knuckles in acknowledgment, he had been hoping that it wasn't that obvious before she called him out on it. He hadn't slept since he arrived back in Babylon and debriefed with the Sultan, but seeing her was definitely a priority when bed could wait. "As well as expected," he responded with a casual shrug, not wanting to hide anything from her but definitely needing the break from politics at least for the night. The previous ambassador had died of a stroke, and Osiris would prefer to avoid any unnecessary stress. And she'd probably find the details rather boring, anyway.
Syrinx shook her head, "I'm very happy when you bring me something, would hate to be any trouble though." She side-glanced at him, trying to gauge if he thought she was or not, but she couldn't really tell. The next performance was lovely, Syrinx would've normally stayed for it, but Osiris coming was a rare treat so she would much rather get out of here.
Whatever politics were weighting in his mind, the singer didn't ask, instead she gave his hand a warm squeeze and lead him along. "Come over, I'll make you some tea and you can rest a little, yes?" The last word was uttered timidly, again, like him, not wanting to overstep her boundaries. "It is very good tea, relaxing." Not with Opium.
Syrinx didn't live too far from where she worked, it was the top floor of a small building, the space not very big at all, but nest-like, with a large couch, pillows and small kitchen.
"There's never any trouble," Osiris reassured, keeping a light hold on her hand and matching the pace of her steps along the route they'd walked together plenty times before. It'd been too long since the last. But even if it were a bit more of a hassle than he'd admit, mostly from his wanting to research and understand exactly what he was buying and the history and meaning behind the gift so he could retell her later, Syrinx's smile was more than worth it. If she could never get out to see the rest of the world on her own, then he'd have to bring back what he could for her to experience what was out there.
Ever since he met her, Osiris developed a fondness for the singer and her soothing presence, finding it impossible to worry around her. Perhaps it was a bit selfish of him to ask for so much of it when he spent so much time away, but she was always so graciously accommodating. Her place was as comfortable as everything he associated with the petite woman, and familiar enough that he felt welcome to settle in. Tea was a tempting offer, and relaxation even more so, but he'd had followed her even without the promise of either.
Syrinx left her dainty fingers curled with Osiris' as they walked the short trek back to her place. Part of her thought he might come over even if she hadn't offered tea, but Syrinx never wanted to take the chance - they saw each other little so she wanted to make sure he had a reason to stay longer.
Once inside she slipped away to heat the water and prepare two cups, allowing Osiris to make himself at home in her nest-like abode. It didn't take long for her to return with the tray of tea which was set down on the coffee table. Then, and only once Osiris was attended to, she took her gift and placed it delicately on the table with other ornaments. It really was beautiful. She beamed at it and then up at the ambassador before moving to sit by him.
Far too relaxed from the warm tea that was just as soothing as promised and the comfortable shared silence between them that was interrupted and restored in a familiar rhythm of smalltalk, it didn't take too long for Osiris to drift off on her sofa when keeping his eyes open began to take too much concentration and the softness of her voice lulled him to sleep.
He'd be embarrassed and apologetic when he finally awoke, didn't intend to overstay his welcome or cause inconvenience, but he'd stay around to help her prepare breakfast and wish every morning could start the same.
Syrinx noted that he fell asleep at some point, and got up to fetch him a blanket. She half-covered him, being careful not to wake him up and settled by his side. Before she knew it, she nestled against him and slept well until morning. That was alright though, Syrinx liked Osiris being around, besides making breakfast together was kind of nice. She really wished this could be a daily thing.