[Ah! Jiang-xiong was here as well? Wasn't that fantastic news? But the formal terms used ... well, it how such things were, he supposed. It could be a product of whatever interactions his earlier self had had or any number of other factors. It was enough to inform his own response.]
Greetings Jiang-zongzhu. Yes, I have only just found my way here. For the second time as I understand it. What a curiously unique country this is revealing itself to be. Have you found it to be the same?
Of course there are no need for apologies. I have no doubt that there are countless things requiring your attention as I am experiencing the same in the short time I've been here. If you would like to meet for tea or a meal, I welcome that greatly.
[Biting his lip, he read over the message once, twice, then three times. Yes, that was acceptable. He sent it along via the curious little device. Wouldn't Wei-gonzi love to play with something like this? He'd have it detecting resentful energy or Lan-er-gonzi's position in no time.]
[And despite what happened...it was nice to 'speak' to him. Even though all sorts of emotions were coursing through him. Again, he's conficted with the contrasting and often contradicting feelings]
I know it seems quaint here. Nippon does have its charms. But like any place, it also has its dangers. Any large, fancy parties, be aware of the food and drink. People like to lace them with drugs.
And a very happy new year to you as well Jiang-xiong. May the coming year be filled with good luck and countless blessings.
[The card makes him smile and he tucks it away carefully in a box dedicated to special keepsakes. The money however will be most helpful in acquiring the new ink set he was looking at. ]
[He's not one who likes to make a big deal out of gift giving. Especially not over...trinkets. But he wanted to get his brother something he's pleased enough with his gift.
So while his brother is out one day, he goes into his chambers and leaves a box on his bed with a tassel for his fan in it. Is there a note or anything to say who left it? Of course not. That would be far too much.
And that's that. Just a random box with a gift for his brother to find.]
[Seeing the box immediately, Huaisang wasted no time in opening it. A smile lit up his face as he lifted the tassel and admired the color and craftsmanship.
As he affixed it to his fan, Huaisang wondered what he could do for his brother in return as thanks. Because of course this was a gift from da-ge.
Placed on the doorstep of where Huaisang lived, was a simple box. Within was the makings for a paper lantern and fine ink, brush, and a candle. On the bottom was a note in impeccable penmanship.
Restitution that is long past due. Happy birthday.
Returning home, Huaisang frowned a little at the package there at his door. Curious at the contents while being confident that it couldn't be anything nefarious, he took it inside and set it on the table.
With his usual care in such things, he opened the box and removed each item piece by piece. Admittedly it took him a moment to understand what was laid out before him then it dawned on him. The card underneath it all had him gasping a little, his hand coming to cover his mouth. Looking over the supplies and he was transported back how many years to night of the lantern festival in a time before .... well, just before.
His birthday had been gone without note beyond his brother's usual taciturn and brusque hug and a wish for blessings in the coming year. This gift was exceedingly touching and meaningful.
He couldn't wait to find Jiang-xiong to thank him for thinking of him on this day. Taking up the curious device he sent a message to his friend.
[TEXT: Ah Jiang-xiong! Thank you so very very much for the gift. I can't express just how touching and meaningful it is. Will you help me keep to the tradition of the lanterns? Might we craft it and decorate it together before we send it off?]
[If only he had his charts at hand but unfortunately he had yet to rebuild that particular portion of his library. Instead of lamenting that, he held tight to the fact that Jiang-xiong had accepted his invitation, sentimental creature that he was.]
My schedule is largely open. I can make time whenever would suit you best. I am completely at your disposal.
Yes. Noon would be fine. At the hotel or did you want to come out to my home? Or perhaps some other place?
[To his knowledge Jiang-xiong hadn't been back to the Unclean Realm since he had returned to Nippon in this newer version of himself. It would be understandable if Jiang Cheng wished to keep his distance.]
He was nervous as it was. He hadn't really seen Huaisang in this kind of setting... well... ever? Had they ever gone on a date? Cheng couldn't remember, really. But he shouldn't think of this as a date, either! Huaisang had made it clear that he wasn't interested and Cheng didn't want to lose a friendship over his stupid heart. But his heart still hoped. Would that ever end? He still believed he had room in his heart for more but he wasn't an indiscriminate lover. Maybe he should talk about this with Kim and see what his thoughts were on it.
Still, he was here, before the ominous doors of the Unclean Realm and knocked on them smartly to announce his arrival.
Huaisang had been particularly fussy about the state of his home, making sure everything was just so while ignoring the looks from da-ge and Xichen. With a little pressuring, they agreed to be elsewhere for the afternoon. After that it was a simple matter to make sure there were refreshments to offer as well as tea. And of course there was the gift of the lantern waiting to be constructed.
Huaisang wanted things to be just so. He had kept the room that had clearly belong to Jiang Cheng as it was. Not that he was expecting Jiang-xiong to be here longer than the afternoon. For reasons he couldn't adequately explain, it was important that his friend felt he still had a place here should he wish.
The knock at the doors had his heart jumping which was ridiculous of course. They had agreed to be friends and not revisit the travesty that had been wrought by his other self. More to the point, whispers had been heard that Jiang-xiong was exploring a relationship with the younger Theerapanyakul brother and Huaisang would respect that as a good friend should.
"Jiang-xiong!" He greeted the other man with genuine happiness. "You made it. Come in, come in."
So he may have made certain he looked extra crisp for this regardless of the fact they could get ink all over on them. At the sight of Huaisang, he smiled warmly-something that was true and sincere and reserved only for people he was close to. "I did. Thank you for inviting me."
It had been... hell, it'd been a year since he stepped through these doors. He still wasn't certain about being here but he would soldier on for his friend. "How have you been? Is your tea house busy?" He had heard things too, though more than likely Cheng wasn't as informed as Huaisang was.
Huaisang stepped aside as Jiang Cheng entered. He was quite the sight but his friend had always been able to carry off a very precise elegance. "You're very welcome. There are few who would understand the meaning behind the lanterns and it is always best when dear friends work together. It makes the wish so much stronger."
He lead the way through to the open courtyard where he had refreshments laid out as well as the lantern. The blossoms from the cherry trees (an odd but welcome addition to this version of his home) shifted in the slight breeze.
"I have been quite well, thank you. The tea house is doing very well. I had worried that there wouldn't be enough demand but it has been a delight to be shown I was wrong. What of your frozen wine treats?"
He had to admit, it was really nice to participate in something that was so common during his time on his homeworld. It was somewhat bittersweet but not to the point where he felt he needed to stop. In fact, he didn't want to stop. He wanted to recapture the good things he remembered in his past even if it would never completely negate what trauma he endured during it.
"When it's a little warmer, I will be bringing it out. I only plan on a weekend here and there since I enjoy it for fun, not for profit." He eyed the halls and then offered a bit of a smile when they came to the courtyard, noting the spread of treats as well as the pieces to the lantern. "Last summer, I was in the park with it."
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momijizukamori
Text, UN: Zidian (Sometime after new years)
Sect Leader Nie, I had heard you arrived. Many apologies for not welcoming you here when you did. I have been distracted.
[Brave enough to send a message. Not brave enough to show his face, yet.]
no subject
Greetings Jiang-zongzhu. Yes, I have only just found my way here. For the second time as I understand it. What a curiously unique country this is revealing itself to be. Have you found it to be the same?
Of course there are no need for apologies. I have no doubt that there are countless things requiring your attention as I am experiencing the same in the short time I've been here. If you would like to meet for tea or a meal, I welcome that greatly.
[Biting his lip, he read over the message once, twice, then three times. Yes, that was acceptable. He sent it along via the curious little device. Wouldn't Wei-gonzi love to play with something like this? He'd have it detecting resentful energy or Lan-er-gonzi's position in no time.]
no subject
[And despite what happened...it was nice to 'speak' to him. Even though all sorts of emotions were coursing through him. Again, he's conficted with the contrasting and often contradicting feelings]
I know it seems quaint here. Nippon does have its charms. But like any place, it also has its dangers. Any large, fancy parties, be aware of the food and drink. People like to lace them with drugs.
I think I would be amenable to a meal.
Text, UN: Zidian
Double Happiness New Year- Jiang-xiong
TEXT | UN: shuixian
[The card makes him smile and he tucks it away carefully in a box dedicated to special keepsakes. The money however will be most helpful in acquiring the new ink set he was looking at. ]
Gift
So while his brother is out one day, he goes into his chambers and leaves a box on his bed with a tassel for his fan in it. Is there a note or anything to say who left it? Of course not. That would be far too much.
And that's that. Just a random box with a gift for his brother to find.]
Re: Gift
As he affixed it to his fan, Huaisang wondered what he could do for his brother in return as thanks. Because of course this was a gift from da-ge.
He would have to give it some thought.]
no subject
Restitution that is long past due. Happy birthday.
Jiang-xiong
no subject
With his usual care in such things, he opened the box and removed each item piece by piece. Admittedly it took him a moment to understand what was laid out before him then it dawned on him. The card underneath it all had him gasping a little, his hand coming to cover his mouth. Looking over the supplies and he was transported back how many years to night of the lantern festival in a time before .... well, just before.
His birthday had been gone without note beyond his brother's usual taciturn and brusque hug and a wish for blessings in the coming year. This gift was exceedingly touching and meaningful.
He couldn't wait to find Jiang-xiong to thank him for thinking of him on this day. Taking up the curious device he sent a message to his friend.
[TEXT: Ah Jiang-xiong! Thank you so very very much for the gift. I can't express just how touching and meaningful it is. Will you help me keep to the tradition of the lanterns? Might we craft it and decorate it together before we send it off?]
text
I'm glad it was so well received. Of course we can create it and send it on its way. WHen would you like to do that?
Re: text
My schedule is largely open. I can make time whenever would suit you best. I am completely at your disposal.
Re: text
I have time this weekend. Shall we meet about noon?
Re: text
[To his knowledge Jiang-xiong hadn't been back to the Unclean Realm since he had returned to Nippon in this newer version of himself. It would be understandable if Jiang Cheng wished to keep his distance.]
Re: text
I think your home is large enough that we won't accidently set fire to it.
Re: text
Marvelous. I will see you then. Thank you once again for the gift and accepting my invitation.
Text to NOT!DATE
*******************************=
He was nervous as it was. He hadn't really seen Huaisang in this kind of setting... well... ever? Had they ever gone on a date? Cheng couldn't remember, really. But he shouldn't think of this as a date, either! Huaisang had made it clear that he wasn't interested and Cheng didn't want to lose a friendship over his stupid heart. But his heart still hoped. Would that ever end? He still believed he had room in his heart for more but he wasn't an indiscriminate lover. Maybe he should talk about this with Kim and see what his thoughts were on it.
Still, he was here, before the ominous doors of the Unclean Realm and knocked on them smartly to announce his arrival.
Re: Text to NOT!DATE
Huaisang wanted things to be just so. He had kept the room that had clearly belong to Jiang Cheng as it was. Not that he was expecting Jiang-xiong to be here longer than the afternoon. For reasons he couldn't adequately explain, it was important that his friend felt he still had a place here should he wish.
The knock at the doors had his heart jumping which was ridiculous of course. They had agreed to be friends and not revisit the travesty that had been wrought by his other self. More to the point, whispers had been heard that Jiang-xiong was exploring a relationship with the younger Theerapanyakul brother and Huaisang would respect that as a good friend should.
"Jiang-xiong!" He greeted the other man with genuine happiness. "You made it. Come in, come in."
no subject
It had been... hell, it'd been a year since he stepped through these doors. He still wasn't certain about being here but he would soldier on for his friend. "How have you been? Is your tea house busy?" He had heard things too, though more than likely Cheng wasn't as informed as Huaisang was.
no subject
He lead the way through to the open courtyard where he had refreshments laid out as well as the lantern. The blossoms from the cherry trees (an odd but welcome addition to this version of his home) shifted in the slight breeze.
"I have been quite well, thank you. The tea house is doing very well. I had worried that there wouldn't be enough demand but it has been a delight to be shown I was wrong. What of your frozen wine treats?"
no subject
"When it's a little warmer, I will be bringing it out. I only plan on a weekend here and there since I enjoy it for fun, not for profit." He eyed the halls and then offered a bit of a smile when they came to the courtyard, noting the spread of treats as well as the pieces to the lantern. "Last summer, I was in the park with it."