Love Is Blind

[Baron Tseng]

Baron was already late meeting Nao at the lower level restaurant in their business’ headquarters and perhaps it was that realization that made Baron more . . . hasty than usual. More reckless. He had walked down these steps many a times, both before and after losing his vision. He had calculated the distance in each step, meticulously setting his foot in the proper angle so that he would not miss it. Once he had needed to grip the handle so strongly, but now . . . he had memorized every inch. But apparently that was not good enough. The miscellaneous toolbox that someone had left was unexpected. And by the time Baron felt it, it was too late. The tip of his foot hit it and in addition to the box and all its contents falling down the stairs, so did Baron.

Reflexes set in enough that he broke the fall at the bottom with his hands, but there was a minor sacrifice that went along with it. In that the impact was his hands and the tools, feeling the way the sharp parts scraped his skin while the other hard ones slammed against his palms. Baron froze, not having heard anyone nearby and was relieved that it was late and thus, no one was around apart from security. But the fact that no one rushed to him, assured him that he was truly alone.

Taking a few deep breaths, Baron rose to his feet, trying to shrug off what happened. It was humiliating, and foolish to have not been so careful. But, it could have been a lot worse he supposed. He reached around for his glasses, quickly putting them back on and straightening his jacket, brushing himself off, and setting towards the restaurant. Once he reached there, he opened the door. "Naoya," he greeted, closing it behind him and glad that he wasn’t walking with any sort of limp in his gait. The last thing he needed was for Nao to find out his clumsy actions.

Tag: Naoya Kom Azgeda

[Naoya Kom Azgeda]

If you call on me, I'll come running like a coyote.

tag: Baron Tseng

The slight creaking noise of the restaurant door as it opened caught his attention. Again. He’d compare himself to a lonely dog waiting for the next person to walk down the street to be his master. Each time, however, he was disappointed, though never discourteous. He’d been scribbling notes when the door creaked open once more, this time it was just the person he’d wanted to see.

“Welcome Mr. Tseng!”

He announced as he strode to the entryway to receive his boss. Despite Baron’s attempts at a coverup, Naoya almost immediately sensed something had happened and upon further inspection noted dirt on the man’s jacket and a mild dishevelment of his hair.

“Sir?”

Nao inquired as he reached for the man’s hand.

To be honest, he didn’t know exactly what to expect. Had someone tried to rob him? Was there a fight? All he really knew was that Baron had pulled back ever so slightly when Naoya reached for him, exposing injuries to the palms of his hands.

“Sir, what happened?”

Nao took his bonded brother by the elbow and lead him to the closest table where he had him sit and wait until he returned with a first aid kit.

[Baron Tseng]

here were many uncertainties when it came to the loss of vision. Presentation was one of them. He could feel the throbbing of his hands, but he didn’t realize there were actual markings on them until he could feel the air of Nao’s hand, skin brushing against his before he pulled them back. “I’m fine,” he insisted, voice nonchalant and casual. Perhaps he should have cleaned himself up before meeting the man. Having to explain to him that he tumbled down the stairs was – as he previously recognized – rather embarrassing. Even if he knew that there would be no judgement form the other male.

Still, he followed his lead to the chair where he complied with the silent urge of sitting down. Hearing the footsteps grow distant, Baron cocked his head to the side. “What are you rummaging for?” Though part of him already knew the answer. “Nothing happened. I’m really fine. So that better be coffee you’re bringing over.” Though, he knew it wasn’t, it was yet another attempt to dismiss the topic of whatever injuries his hands showed. Though self conscious of them, he clenched his hands shit, joined by a clench of his jaw at the uncomfortable result of his actions.

Tag: Naoya Kom Azgeda

[Naoya Kom Azgeda]

If you call on me, I'll come running like a coyote.

tag: Baron Tseng

Naoya set the first aid kit down with a cynical look and a roll of the eyes that he knew Baron couldn't see, but he hoped he felt. It was fine, actually. If Baron didn't want to discuss it, Naoya wouldn't push but he definitely wasn't going to dismiss the fact that injuries were indeed present.

Behind him a waitress named Qirong set down a cup of coffee made just the way her boss liked it and dismissed herself. Naoya smiled and pushed it to the side. 

"You can have that once you're patched up. May I see your hands?"

Naoya's hands were gentle, soft yet accustomed to work and good at what they were doing. Nao had lots of practice over the years patching up his younger siblings and he treated Baron with the same pressure and consideration. 

But it didn't stop him from wondering how such injuries could have occured. Despite being blind, Baron was incredibly strong and confident. Half the time if one didn't know better, they'd believe Baron fully capable of seeing everything. Something out of the ordinary must have happened.

Once the scrapes were cleaned out and the dried blood wiped away, Nao wrapped Baron's palms with gauze and set them back on the table gently, admiring his handiwork.

"Not too bad, if I don't say so myself."

There was an air of playfulness to his tone that he knew Baron would understand.

[Baron Tseng]

Baron tried to keep his body from tensing, knowing that someone else was in the room and potentially saw the stupidly and recklessly acquired injuries. Fortunately, she made her leave soon enough and the aroma of coffee filled the air. Though, Nao seemed to read Baron's mind for Baron could hear the cup sliding away, the smell growing distant, and Naoya telling him that he could drink it after he looked at his hands. Sometimes, Baron felt that Naoya knew him better than he knew himself. Reluctantly, but conceding, he extended his hands for Naoya to look at. His jaw clenched, not from the tender way that Nao cleaned his wounds . . . but just the fact that he had to. The gentleness in which he tended to him was . . . well, enough to calm Baron's body, soul and mind. But then, Naoya often had that effect on him. He gave a smile when Nao complimented his own word.

"I'll take your world for it," he told him with the returned playfulness. He felt the immediately loss of the warmth and soft touch of Nao's hands when he placed them now wrapped in a bandage, back on the table. It was, probably for the best. To not let such touches linger. "Thank you," Baron told him with sincere gratitude. He then leaned slightly forward before speaking again. "May I have my coffee now please?" He asked him. It was indeed ironic, considering Baron's position and rank. Yet, at the same time, there was no hierarchy between them. Baron complied with Nao's words, whether they be requests or demands. And he was perhaps one of the few that held that sort of . . . power over Baron.

Tag: Naoya Kom Azgeda