A Flash of Silver [Mahavari]

Mahavari walked down Penecia's crowded streets casually. The sting from the cold air that shot by in gusts seemed to pierce through his dark grey scarf and black peacoat.  He held his hands in the pockets of his coat looking down so that the scarf was covering some of his face. Sure it wasn't as freezing as he was dressed for but he was still adjusting to the colder climates around the island.  He was suddenly regretting giving into the impulse to tour the island as he had done the last  few days. Today seemed much colder than the last few days.  Mahavari shivered some feeling the wind brush against his back.

As he walked down the street his attention turned to the tantalizing aroma of the cafe he was next to. The smell of rich coffee and baked treats filled the air. He hadn't noticed it until now. He was lost in thought and an internal monologue scolding himself for having to endure the cold.  He looked up and turned his head towards the sign frowning slightly as another gust brushed by, taking advantage of his now exposed flesh.  The prospect of a warm beverage was appealing, and it'd at the very least allow him to warm up while he finished it inside, so he pulled on the glass door and walked in letting it shut behind him.

At first Mahavari walked just far enough in that he wasn't barring the door and stopped letting his eyes scan the room. He could immediately feel the heater working inside the cafe. It was rather refreshing, the goosebumps hidden under his clothes began to disappear as he warmed up. It seemed busy today. Mahavari wondered if it was always this crowded. It took a moment to get over the discomfort of having so many people around. He didn't like crowds and the roar of several conversations that made the ambiance was a bit much for the boy.  Still he made the decision to walk in, so he felt obligated to go through with it and began to hunt down a table.  After a few minutes he spotted a smaller table that was next to another man tossing a silver coin.  Mahavari gave a small grin at his own triumph in finding an open table.

It took a while for him to make an order as he indecisively perused over the menu. He now sat at the table his peacoat hung over the back of the chair with his scarf folded over it. Mahavari definitely looked like a student or someone coming from some formal event. He wore dark grey slacks with a matching collared button up shirt exposed save for the black formal vest that layered over it.  It was a strange fashion style  but Mahavari liked that it looked professional and stylish. It made him easily identified at the school since he wore the same fashion often.

He waited for sometime for his order allowing time for his near cerulean colored eyes to take in the scenery around him. Well as much as he could without having to move his hair out his eyes. Though he didn't intend to eavesdrop on his neighbor at the cafe as he filtered the ambient noise around him, he unintentionally found himself counting in Spanish under his breath just loud enough to be overheard by the man tossing the coin and counting aloud to himself.

Mahavari was still waiting on his order completely lost in his own world. His mind was better conversationalist than most of the very seldom few he communed with anyways. No need to wear a mask when it's just you in the room. Still has he seemed lost in thought his mouth was still murmuring the numbers in Spanish unintentionally. For a split moment in his thoughts his brows slanted as if he were upset but the thought was wiped clear the moment the man at the table next to him caught his coin and looked over at him. After hearing the mans question Mahavari's eyes widened with shock as he suddenly realized what he had been doing. He fumbled to make actual words through his surprise at first and finally managed to reply, "I'm...I'm sorry I didn't mean offend!" Mahavari put his hands up defensively waving them slightly to as if to dismiss the subjt. "I sorta zoned out for a second and I heard you counting in Spanish sooo." Mahavari smiled shyly in an gesture hoping to calm any assumed offense. After overcoming his starled behavior, Mahavari cleared his throat some regaining composure. "I'm sorry that came out wrong. I'm Tykal Mahavari. Though I go my Mahavari and you are?"

This was the most he had spoken to someone outside of school since he got here. He always kept things short and closed off so he didn't have to get in awkward situations like these. At school he ate alone, he spoke to the teacher, and even in his clubs, fencing being the most active one, he only said things like "En Garde" and general verbal expressions of gratitude. A few students tried to talk to him but he would simply nod or reply as usual. He had adjusted in yet anyways, like he had time to nurture a friendship before he could read everyone. The whole goal was to read people and adjust to fit in. So far the results were going... decent. So far at school most of the student who did mention him describe him as just being shy and the vibe he gave off made it clear that he needed some space. And yet, here he was having the first real conversation with someone he probably just insulted.

Mahavari sighed as a rush of relief came visibly over him. He had just got here and it was far too early to be making enemies. What was worse was this was an enemy he couldn't even make use of as he had no ties to the school.  At least if he was at the school he'd be able to strengthen relationships with other students who had negative feelings towards Sharaku, but alas...

When Sharaku introduced himself and the tension disappeared, Mahavari gave an enthusiastic nod and shook his hand formally. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Though please just call me Mahavari. The mister part sounds a bit strange." Mahavari's words were very kindhearted and spoken in a formal matter. Clearly not the natural accent for this area but no where near the accent you would image him to have with a name like Mahavari.  The simple explanation for this fact is the areas where he was shipped away to school. His culture was merely a mixture of the foreign areas he resided in for so long. If it weren't for his own intervention he wouldn't even be here now he'd probably be off in the west at some fancy prep school.  Probably one of the hardest endeavors he put himself through was creating a mask to wear when facing his parents. The facade that would allow him to accept their roles in his life as anything more than an obstacle that seemed to force their desires onto him. An assimilation that he reluctantly found himself in.

Mahavari tilted his head in intrigue when he was educated on the fact that Sharaku was speaking Portuguese rather than Spanish. "Ah, I had no idea. I don't know much Spanish to be honest. Bits and pieces and enough to theoretically order food from a menu and find out where the bathroom is. " He chuckled slightly at the fact. It was funny. He wanted to learn French but instead was forced into learning Spanish which he did just well enough in to satisfy his family out of spite.  "You don't look like your from that part of the world, may I ask where you're from?"  It took until after he inquired about Sharaku's origin that he came to the fact that in it's self could be too personal a question. He fought the urge to apologize immediately. So he figured he'd share to balance out the scales a bit. "I sorta... bounce around from country to country. My parents are so obsessed about me going to 'only the best schools' but I'm originally from India. Despite my parents being Australian. I know confusing right?" Mahavari gave another kindhearted smile turning as the waitress brought him his order. A still steaming mug of hot chocolate. The smell was save for a better word divine. He didn't normally eat many sweets but something about hot chocolate on a cold day seemed more than appropriate. He nodded and smiled at the waitress replying with a simple, "Thank you"

Turning his attention back to Sharaku he found himself enjoying the mans company. He was becoming lost in the ability to make smalltalk, something so unimportant yet... somehow not having done it so long felt good to finally accomplish.  "So do you eat here often? i'm not going to regret ordering this am I?"

Is speaking Spanish hard? Mahavari took a moment to think about it. It wasn't as if the language itself was hard to learn but he would make excuses and say it was. The only real reason he wasn't fluent in it was because it was a language he had no interest in learning. He was forced to learn the language by his parents and even then they only wanted it as an extra class in his record. So out of spite he merely passed the class at just the line of an acceptable grade for someone of his status. Retaining the knowledge was something else entirely. He forgot most of it and decided to instead focus more on his other classes. "N...Not really no. If you can speak English fluently than Spanish is pretty easy. I'm sure you could pick it up if you tried."

He was relieved at how well his origins were downplayed by his new acquaintance. Explaining exactly where he had been and the all the small details that brought his family to where they were and how they acted as puppet masters in his life was a tedious chore. The more he explained it the more confusing it became. It also helped that Sharaku wasn't a stereotype and didn't at all seem like what Mahavari pictured someone from Portugal to seem like. Though he had a good point. The question about Mahavari's name and his origin came up a lot in introductions and casual conversation seemingly everywhere he went. He didn't at all look Indian. He didn't even have a tan or the familiar accent. It felt kinda good not to be a stereotype.

While he was getting his order Sharaku said something he didn't catch. He assumed it was Portuguese but he didn't understand any of it. He decided not to pry, obviously Sharaku said it in a different language to either show off or because it was a verbal comment he didn't want Mahavari knowing. When Mahavari asked about the beverage it would seem it caught Sharaku somewhat off guard. Mahavari mimicked the confused look on Sharaku's blinking face. Did he ask something odd? He was answered with a similar motive for being here and a bit more info than was asked. Still the fact that this was a tourist cafe explained the large sum of people and ensured at least a decent hot chocolate. Mahavari took a small sip cautiously. "It's..." he took a moment to think of the words. It was a nice quality hot chocolate. Not the the kind he had in the last town he lived in though. Apparently that was the standard he broke all hot chocolates against. It was after all 'the best place to get one'. Mahavari sat his cup down and gave a relieved sigh. The warm the liquid settling well on his stomach giving him a nice cozy feeling. "It's actually pretty good, not the best sure, but no one makes hot chocolates like they do back home."

Mahavari folded his fingers on the table turning so that he was completely facing his friend. He could feel the warmth from the steam rising from his cup just under his chin as it rest on the table. "You forgot you jacket? In this weather? It's pretty cold ya know." Mahavari couldn't help but feel a little sorry for the guy. He looked outside at the well lit street from the sun being in the sky. Depending on how late Sharaku stayed at the dinner it'd only get colder as the day went on. This time of year didn't afford much sunlight either. "Well if you live on your own I'm assuming you're a functioning adult. I can see how this place would be a bit expensive." he spoke lightly with a warm smile, "I tell you what. Since you've afforded me with pleasant conversation and it IS a bit cold, why don't I order you one too. The hot chocolates not too bad and it'll help warm you up quicker." Mahavari seemed to have a triumphant smile when he suggested it. And he was enjoying himself, there were no students or social ties he had to really worry about he could relax and be himself here. That alone was worthy of a reward. That and he didn't want to chase off the grey-skinned man that was entertaining him.

Mahavari looked bewildered at Sharaku's reaction to his answer concerning the ease of learning Spanish. It wasn't what he expecting at all. Why would he ask if it were easy to learn then express that he had no intent on trying. The idea was foreign to someone like Mahavari, someone who spent so much effort educating himself and building tolerance to things he despised just for the sake of having a tool to converse with. One such example happened just recently concerning a rather friendly student who seemed to have a passion for Kung Fu movies. He had asked Mahavari if he had seen any. Naturally he had humored one or two but the genre itself was completely tasteless. In truth Mahavari hated the genre, it was cliche, poorly written, and predictable. Though Mahavari wanted friends, he yearned for a social connection. So over the next few days he researched and spent hours watching them reluctantly. When the student approached him again Mahavari had everything from the actors, special effects, list of popular ones, and the one's universally thought poor, to the storylines of enough to genre to convince the student they had a similar passion and could use that as a base to build a friendly relationship off of. Mahavari found himself at a loss for any other words than a simple, "I see."

This situation was different. Here at the cafe, there were no students, no one he had an obligation to be in close proximity to unless he chose to be. That level of dedicated effort to win people over wasn't used here. Mahavari was acting more like his normal self than the visage he wore around others. Perhaps he should've curbed his behavior some. His verbal observations about Sharaku seemed to offend him at some level. His sarcastic tone and roll of his eyes. It took another now visual swallowing of his impulse to apologize. It had never occured to Mahavari that he sounded as if he were insinuating that Sharaku was hard on cash or failing at life in the adult world. "I...uhhh... I'm..." The words staggered behind his tongue has he felt the need to apologize.

Sharaku declined Mahavari's offer to pay for his beverage but at least he did so graciously and making a point to note Mahavari's attempt at nicety. That was something rather rare. Especially given circumstances. Mahavari gave a slight grin when Sharaku noted his independence and dislike of others gifting him anything. It was a shared aspect between the two. Mahavari hated hand outs. It made him feel as if someone took pity on him when he required none. This new shift in attitude offered a chance to change the subject. "So uhhh... I'm still pretty new to the town, what's fun to do around here? You seem like a pretty cool guy. Any suggestions?"

What was Mahavari doing? Every time he opened his mouth, he either felt a need to apologize or the urge to place the facade he wore around campus. Sharaku admitted he was being cynical. If only he knew who he was talking to. Mahavari worked so hard to change himself for everyone around him that he, himself, was the one becoming cynical towards everything. Even now he thought the small talk tedious but it was at least providing entertainment and a semblance of normality. Sure he wanted the good feeling of companionship and understanding from the grey-skinned man. Wasn't that what everyone wanted? It still didn't detour him from viewing the long term outcome pessimistically. Mahavari looked down, "Don't apologize." he seemed lost in a moment of deep thought before continuing, "We all get a bit snippy sometimes. At least you're strong enough to admit it." Those words as a particular sting to Mahavari as he said them. The hypocrisy behind them left a foul taste in his mouth. He wasn't strong enough to admit HE himself had those issues, this sentence alone was only easily spoken thanks to a false bravado and different target.

Sharaku had several suggestions on what to do for fun but they were quickly dismissed as either too crowded, too expensive, or just plain and simply not Mahavari's idea of a fun evening. "Hmmm they sound fun, but not my cup of tea, at least not right now anyways. Let me ask it another way. What do YOU do on your free time? I'm sure a local knows how to spend quality time around this island without coming off as some tourist like I do."

Mahavari took another long sip from his hot chocolate. He was beginning to think small talk was becoming more of a chore. Did he really only care to say so much before the afterglow of a new conversation faded away? The idiot was aware that to make friends he had to talk to them but for whatever strange reason he felt a bit overwhelmed. Perhaps it was all the people in the room. Or maybe it was because this was the first time in a great while he wasn't wearing a mask to hide his core personality. He felt exposed... naked... and it was not comforting.

Mahavari smiled when Sharaku agreed with him. Though, what he said about some people never being satisfied with the way someone acted seemed to hit home. Mahavari was always making a painstaking effort to understand those around him and mimic their interests and preferred manner of socializing. He knew better than anyone that keeping up the rouse of being welcoming and tolerant of everything and everyone was more than a chore. It was like carving the stones and constructing a pyramid by yourself. The concept seemed ideal in theory but in practice it was often more than he could handle.

The face Sharaku made at his follow-up questions was enough to cause Mahavari to chuckle slightly before a miniature well contained laugh. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to throw you off. If I'm asking too many personal questions to tell me. I'll stop." The words contained the feint laughter in his breaths. The man's answer was slightly lackluster. He figured that Sharaku was much more interesting than that but who was he to judge. Walking was pleasant after all. It gave Tykal the time to sort out his stress in deep thought and at times escape into the scenery. Mahavari gave a sympathetic smirk as if he were lost in a fond memory. The long walks in his old town with his only true friend. Moments that were as fun as any party or event, spent in the school garden laughing and turning the soil. He wasn't devoid of quality time at all. Just here in this new town and after he left.... betrayed.... his friend, he had no one to share in those tender moments of pure bliss. He looked back up at Sharaku still wearing that faint smile, "You'd be surprised. I'm not much of a party-goer."

Mahavari finished off his hot chocolate soon after he replied. He remained pretty silent not sure of what to say just enjoying the time spent with someone...anyone at all at this point was a privilege. He opened his mouth to say something before a loud ringing came from his phone in his jacket pocket. He looked a bit surprised at first as he fished out his phone turning to Sharaku and excusing himself before answering.

"Hello?" As he listened to the other end his facial expression changed. His pleasant demeanor turned into concern then annoyance which quickly changed to frustration.

"I see... don't do anything, I'll be right there."

He hung up his phone and placed it back in his jacket readdressing Sharaku. "I'm sorry. That was work. One of our flow- I mean packages is damaged. I'm going to have to go in and try and fix things." He caught himself from completely saying the word flowers. He grabbed his peacoat and scarf dressing himself for the colder weather and walking next to Sharaku extending his hand as Sharaku did for him when they first began to speak. "It was a pleasure meeting you Sharaku. Thanks for helping out a foreigner like myself. Maybe we'll cross paths again soon, I may end up coming here again for their hot chocolates. Make sure you bring a jacket next time though." After his farewell was over he'd leave the cafe heading down the street to rush to his work. He wore a happy grin upon exiting and only until the afterglow faded did he begin to show concern for the subject of the phone call. That Sharaku guy was pretty interesting. Who knew you'd meet someone with grey skin and funny facial expressions in this town?