To be fair, Cian may just be kind of right about Uri, since hasn’t Mars himself said crushing on his captain is the most stupid thing he could possibly do? But, then again, that’s just Mars looking out for his friend, and when it comes down to it, he actually wouldn’t appreciate hearing Cian say rude things about Uri.
[break][break][break]
The same applies the other way around, obviously.
[break][break]
And it does also apply when it comes to Andrea.
[break][break]
”You asked her? Damn, really didn’t expect that one.”
[break][break]
He chuckles too, because in truth, there’s something nice about knowing Andrea and Cian get along.
[break][break]
”Sounds about right though, she’s the kind of person who’d like puzzles. Let’s find her a keychain too.”

[break][break]

+ CIAN MAHER

"yeah, i mean, to be honest i've always tried talking to her whenever i could. but recently we've been talking a bit more. it's nice."

even if it had been a little unexpected, their friendship is something he's starting to appreciate.

enough to mess with her, of course.

"whatever puzzle we get her, take out a piece."

Martín del Mar // [x]

☉

”I know, she used to tell me to ’tell my boyfriend to stop hitting on her’ long before we started dating.”
[break][break]
At this, there’s a smirk, and he gently pokes Cian’s cheek.
[break][break]
Back then, comments like those had made Mars uneasy, because he hadn’t thought himself ready to be in another relationship after everything that had happened and he had worried that may not have been what Cian wanted either. Now, it’s almost funny to think about all that, since for a time there were probably a lot of people who thought they were dating before it actually happened….
[break][break]
It’s sweet, and the thought of it makes him smile, then leaning in to kiss Cian's cheek.
[break][break]
”Evil, but I wouldn’t expect any less. Come on, let’s finish picking out gifts or we might just be here all day.”
[break][break]
Not like he would mind, but he does have a lot of things he wants to tell Cian, and a souvenir shop is definitely not the right place for them.

[break][break]

+ CIAN MAHER

there was a lot cian had to talk about as well, so at mars' suggestion, he nodded, glad to finally be leaving this small little souvenir shop.

again, he made sure to pay for them both.

once outside, he kissed mars on his cheek before reaching for his hand, tugging him along the streets of alto mare.

"that was fun. i think i'm good on souvenirs for now."

Martín del Mar // [x]

☉

In the end, Mars found himself buying more souvenirs than what he had intended (especially considering that he hadn’t intended to buy any at all to begin with), and there was a slight pang of guilt when Cian once again offered to pay for it all. Money may not be an issue for him, sure, but it’s different for Cian, isn’t it?
[break][break]
Still, they make it out of the shop carrying even more bags than what they were before, and still, despite this, his hand easily finds its place with Cian’s, their fingers intertwining.
[break][break]
”You sure you didn’t miss anyone? We can come back later or in the morning, if anything. What do you wanna do now?”
[break][break]
He can’t help but smile, because even something as simple as walking down a street with Cian while holding his hand has a way of truly making him happy and glad.
[break][break]
Glad to be with him.


[break][break]

+ CIAN MAHER

"pretty sure. it's fine, i'll just give them roman's. i'm pretty sure that kid's going to sting me in the eye with a weedle soon."

how soon, exactly? maybe as soon as they get back and he returns to his minor league gym. oh! he should probably tell mars about that, huh?

at the question, he smacks mars' arm.

"art museum, remember? lead the way."

Martín del Mar // [x]

☉

”A Weedle? Damn, the hell did you do to deserve that?”
[break][break]
The question comes as a joke and in the company of a chuckle, but it does make Mars wonder how much he doesn’t actually know about the things that happen in Cian’s life. Even if this is hypocritical of him. After all, there’s so much that has happened lately that he hasn’t told Cian about yet...
[break][break]
Maybe today.
[break][break]
Maybe later.
[break][break]
The slight pain of his arm being smacked steals him away from all those thoughts, and he simply pouts when looking at Cian.
[break][break]
”Ow.” Dramatic, and if only for his sake, since this is immediately followed by a smile. “Okay, okay, let’s go.”
[break][break]
And so, to the art museum they go.

[break][break]

+ CIAN MAHER

"no idea."

he had an idea, actually, but it wasn't something he wanted to share on such a joyous day. they'd find out eventually — at the soiree, perhaps!

for now, he focused on mars, on them, and on their perfect little day.

the art museum is smaller than he expected, but there was a sense of elegance that accompanied it. he smiled up at the small building, excited as ever to enter.

"it looks beautiful."

Martín del Mar // [x]

☉

It doesn’t make much sense, does it? Cian thinks his nephew might sting him in the eye with a Weedle but doesn’t know why? There’s obviously more to it, things Cian hasn’t mentioned, but as per usual, Mars doesn’t pry.
[break][break]
Even if he has a right to pry, today is not the day for that.
[break][break]
It probably is something he doesn’t want to talk about, and so why would they talk about it on this day that’s supposed to be all about making him happy?
[break][break]
It’s easier to just focus on things like going to the art museum – to smile at his excitement.
[break][break]
”It’s even better once inside, come on.”
[break][break]
After a moment of waiting in line, tickets are bought, and Mars leads him inside.


[break][break]

+ CIAN MAHER

inside, the first exhibit featured a famous abstract artist from alto mare. cian had never heard of them, of course, but he turned to mars, fully expecting him to explain all there was about the artist.

"so, who are they?"

Martín del Mar // [x]

☉

Abstract art has never been one of Mars’ favourite styles, but he does have the same appreciation for it that he does for all other art. He has books on the subject at home, he has been to this museum before, and when it comes to the particular painting they find themselves looking at, he may just know more than most.
[break][break]
A monochromatic red canvas with a single knife slash through the center of it.
[break][break]
”Spatialism. He kind of started the movement in Alto Mare.” The words are no more than a whisper between them, because for once, perhaps if only because they’re at an art museum, Mars is considerate enough not to be the sort of person who talks loudly and prevents others from enjoying the exhibits. ”He was interested in how forms occupy space. So, see here… The slash creates a shape out of space and nothing else.”
[break][break]
There’s a faint smile, even if the sight brings back memories of knives and blood, and things Mars would rather not think about. It’s poetic in its own way.
[break][break]
”For someone with such a dramatic style, dude had a pretty boring life, though. He dedicated it all to his art.”
[break][break]
Wouldn’t that be nice, though? To live life solely for the things he loves?
[break][break]
While he doesn’t say it, Mars thinks so.


[break][break]

+ CIAN MAHER

cian knew very little of art. it had been one of his electives in university: art history, of all things, but he had picked it on a whim, likely not caring much about it, and it showed in the way he stared at the piece of art, finding little to appreciate about it.

so instead, he chose to appreciate mars.

he leaned in to whisper:

"huh. i didn't know you were this into art. it's cute."

Martín del Mar // [x]

☉

You.
[break][break]
The word rings just as it has all day. Even when it’s just a whisper.
[break][break]
Is he really into art? Mars never gave things like those much thought, but when turning to look at Cian, the question forms itself in his mind, and he can’t help but chuckle. Then, there’s a slight shrug, and he looks at the painting once more.
[break][break]
”A few years back I found out my mum used to really like painting, but I’ve never liked doing stuff like that, so I guess I just… got really into art instead.”
[break][break]
There’s much that is left unsaid, like the fact that this is one of the only things that he knows about her – one of the only ways he had to actually feel closer to her. But, those are things Cian can probably guess, and they don’t need to be said.
[break][break]
”I always wondered if she ever came here.”
[break][break]
Another comment said with a slight smile, tugging Cian towards the next painting.

[break][break]

+ CIAN MAHER