It was an incredible windfall, happening upon a place like this. True, the people of this country were often generous to a fault, and around this time of year when winter began to creep at the edges of all living things' souls, it was more important than ever to share in bounty. But for these two particular travelers, it was somewhat lifesaving. Their meagre funds were growing thinner all the time... and Grimmer was determined to keep his somewhat eternally-withering friend as healthy as he could be. Tenma seemed to have a tendency to stress-starve, Grimmer had observed; it wasn't an uncommon reaction to anxiety and tension, especially for someone as self-sacrificing as his shorter friend. But... it just wouldn't do. Tenma deserved to eat well... he deserved to relax for a moment, and not fear that the authorities would be at his back within the minute.
"It's quite beautiful in here, isn't it, Dr. Tenma?" Grimmer chirped cheerfully, a hand humorously held over his eyes as though taking in a great view from a mountaintop, rather than observing the inside of a lavish dining hall. Tenma couldn't help but be reminded of the equally lavish dinners that Eva had taken him on, what felt like a lifetime ago. He'd never quite felt like he fit, there in his suit and tie. But now he felt like he fit even less, wearing clothes that most would assume were thrifted from a previously homeless person's possessions. Holes, loose threads, and all.
"It is," Tenma murmured, admittedly captivated by the warm light, the orange glow from lanterns and candles. It put him more at ease than he felt he deserved, quietly sinking his posture until his arm gently brushed Grimmer's longer one. And after a beat of quiet, Grimmer gently moved that arm to wrap around Tenma's shoulders, squeezing soft and guiding them forward. "It
smells lovely in here, too."
Grimmer perked up at that, a cheerful chuckle in his voice as he nodded and clapped his hand gentle, affectionate, to Tenma's shoulder. "It does! I hope they have delicious warm bread, a fine cheese... maybe some mulled wine we can share?" Tenma couldn't help but look up at the taller man with a tired, but fond smile. It...
was a pretty thought, sharing a bottle with him again, like they'd done on that mountaintop...