Not surprisingly, no one answers the door right away. Instead, Jing Yuan will hear footsteps approaching him from down the hall. Lucky him, Tatara's just returning to his room. ]
Oh! Jing Yuan! [ He gives a wave as he nears. ] Did you need me?
forgot to specify, but meant 'afternoon of the next day following the incident'
[ Indeed, but such is the nature of things, so Jing Yuan merely patiently waits just as the tide slowly moves to greet the earth. Even if his words are unheard due to the other being absent that changes little the fact he does wish to speak with Tatara.
And fortunate still, his timing isn't too off. ]
Greetings, Tatara. You're right in that I certainly did. For more than a moment of your time.
...That is, if you're not too busy.
[ Jing Yuan turns to fix Tatara with an easy smile, box still in hand. ]
[ He may have been busy, and he may have been on his feet since early this morning, but that doesn't matter now that he's coming back to his room at last. ]
Good timing, too. I was just going to nap.
[ He comes to stand next to Jing Yuan, and he pushes his door open. No, it was not locked.
His eyes drop to the box in Jing Yuan's hand, and he grins. ]
Though, you should keep your door locked in the future. What if I surprised you from inside when you least expected it? It could be unpleasant.
[ Pointedly, even if he says this with a breezy smile. Recalling the way the other eagerly stepped into his room before, he decides to just do so as well (and at least both are running low on sleep.)
That said, perhaps someone back home would be screaming at his lack of decorum and manners, but the present will make it worth it, no? Plus, he will need to set this upon a table...there's gotta be one of those somewheres, right? While he's looking for a proper place for it, he then says, gently, yet playfully: ]
Just for you. Can you take a guess as to what it is?
[ That draws a laugh out of Tatara, and he beams up at Jing Yuan. ]
What could be unpleasant about that? That sounds like a fun surprise!
[ He swings the door open and steps in, motioning for his guest to come inside. Light streams in through the window, and it's pretty obvious this room has been lived in longer than many of the other wizards'. Knick-knacks and oddities sit on the windowsill, on his dresser; there's a desk with an empty spot just for the box, but it's clear by the way clothes drape over the chair that it isn't normally used as a desk. ]
Mm. [ He wanders over to the table, then peers curiously at the box. ] I dunno. A new scarf? A set of bowls?
[ At that, Jing Yuan can't help but chuckle himself...ah well. He was hoping to instill something like caution, though this is also colliding with his playful side. ]
Very well, then.
I shall surprise you in that manner in the future. Look forward to it.
[ Jing Yuan says this in an imitation of a serious tone to indicate he means it. For real. Look out, Tatara.
But, he takes in the appearance of the room very closely and intricately. There are a myriad items to suggest it's been lived in for quite awhile, and other signs as well. ]
Haha, no. Though, it sounds like I will have an idea of some other things you may like for my personal reference. How fortunate for me.
Now, I will unveil your present...
[ Drum roll, please.
Anyway, Jing Yuan places the box right onto the empty spot on the desk, uncovering the top to reveal...red velvet cake! There's also some utensils with it and some plates that are ridiculously tiny, but when he takes them out, he transform their size to something reasonable. Heh. ]
[ Look forward to it? Oh, he absolutely will. And though he doesn't acknowledge it verbally, the way he grins should say everything.
He can't really concentrate on the prospect of more gifts when there's one right in front of him. His eyes dart back and forth between the box and Jing Yuan like an eager puppy. Can he open it yet? Please? Open his present? Please?
He doesn't realize he's leaning forward when Jing Yuan opens the box, and for a moment, that blank little expression, the one he wore in that brief moment when they first met.
But then, he bursts to life. He gasps and puts a hand to his chest, and he stares at the cake in awe, delight, joy. ]
Red velvet! You remembered!
[ His gaze snaps up to Jing Yuan, and he leans towards him, peering up at his face, huge grin over his expression. ]
[ That it does. Jing Yuan can't help but let out a little chuckle.
...He also sees the way that blank expression falls over Tatara's face. Once is happenstance, perhaps, but twice is not a coincidence at all. So, the question now is that how he expresses genuine surprise...? Among other things.
That said, baking is not one of his strong suits, and the kitchen did actually have quite a few failures that were not minor with magic being involved. But, once the expression vanishes again, he smiles warmly at the other. ]
I hope I hadn't surprised you too much with it, but...
You'll find that I have an excellent memory. I also made sure to research extensively on your request...though, I ask you give your true thoughts on the result.
[ Jing Yuan still speaks his words with something like pride (and some genuine giddiness that he's unable to contain?), because he worked hard!
He begins to cut them a piece each. ]
It's not a problem.
But, yes, let's, as I've ensured that we have our own plates and utensils. Perhaps we could even take those 'aesthetic pictures' of us enjoying our meal? What do you think?
Aww. [ His tone is theatrical, and his hand still stays on his chest, but the expression that crosses his face is...interesting. Hard to read. He seems equal parts touched, surprised, and unsure of what to do with himself. ] You shouldn't have!
[ That is not said in earnest, though. He's delighted. Jing Yuan went through all of that effort for his sage?
He senses the giddiness in his voice and he laughs in turn. At least, if he was genuinely upset or sad about this somehow, he wouldn't smile like this. ]
Oh, that's a great idea! [ He holds out his plate so that he can be served easier. ] Should I pose with my cake? What kind of face should I make?
Ah...it is simply entirely possible he might be unused to this. The amount of ridiculous pride rises up in him like a foundation even if he tries to push it down, so the giddiness does not dissipate. Still, he is not some kind of youngling who has just barely reached adulthood looking for praise, or something.
But, no, it is rare he's able to make others happy and when he's aiming for exactly that and succeeding? Yeah, it feels good. And he made Tatara laugh again...ahem, anyway. ]
On the contrary, I believe I should've.
[ Placing the slice on the other's plate. Then, he will settle himself so he's at the other male's side, with his own slice. He's going to get them both in the picture at once. ]
Hmm...a pose could be good, so why not? As for your face, whatever comes most naturally will do. Though, smiles are always good for this type of photo, in my opinion.
Trust me, there is no need to apologize. I have had associates who were reticent, and one who I believe would react the same were I to try to take a photo of him.
[ All the same, getting too caught up in the moment? Jing Yuan understands that; one might forget their anxieties, until it's brought to the forefront, before their very eyes.
He is glad, in that case, he didn't exactly go ahead and snap the photo; he isn't an impetuous person by nature. But, it serves him well here.
Instead, he decides to change the direction of the cellphone, so that it isn't pointing at Tatara (and by extension, himself.) He isn't disappointed, and instead offers the other an easy, welcome smile. ]
How about...we set the two slices down near each other and take a picture of that instead? We'll both know what represents, even if our faces aren't exactly in the frame.
[ He chuckles with delight at the suggestion. It's hard not to smile when Jing Yuan smiles at him. ]
That's a way better idea! I like that.
[ Tatara actually reaches to take Jing Yuan's plate, and he arranges both neatly side by side on the table. The clutter around them actually add a nice ambience, and would be perfect for Insta, if that were a thing.
He stands back, looks like he's ready for the other to take a picture, but at the last second, he throws up a peace sign by his piece of cake.
[ Jing Yuan is more than happy to make the other content, so he is glad to see it goes over well. He chuckles when the other man reaches on over to take his plate, because that surprises him just a little, but hey, that's fine. Anyway, he moves in closer, feeling a little...indulgent. Particularly as he looks at him to take in that expression unrepetantly once more, golden eyes darkening and then twinkling with mischief. ]
...Though, it is quite the pity.
I thought the expression you were making a moment ago was quite cute. I would have liked to capture it, as you did mine before.
But, memories are more private, aren't they? And they can linger, long after machinery have been discarded. I shall cherish it, like I have each one before it.
[ There's something nice about that too, isn't there? A moment, just to themselves. Then, just like that, he takes a photo of the slices, with that little peace sign in there. Wonderful. ]
Now, let's indulge ourselves. Though, there is something that had been brought to my attention, of a slightly urgent nature. So, while we eat, shall we take to your...hm...
[ ...Oh. Tatara feels Jing Yuan lean in, and he turns to look up at him as he reaches to take their cake back. He hands the other's serving back, absently, and he...isn't? really sure? what to do with himself? He's never really been called cute before, and his eyes are gold, and he's so close,
He cuts his own shock with a laugh. ]
Aw, c'mon. Stop. You're gonna make me blush. [ He is, in fact, blushing, if the faint pink on his cheeks and ears mean anything.
His eyes drop, briefly, to the cake in his hands. His chest hurts, for reasons he doesn't really understand. The way he talks about memories strikes a chord with him and the way he talks about being cherished makes him feel uncomfortably exposed. It's a...weird feeling. And he can't decide if he likes it or not.
But the topic moves on, and back on his sage hat (figurative) goes. He quickly glances around the room before gesturing to the small, plushy couch at the foot of his bed. ]
You don't mind the couch, do you? [ He wanders over to it, quickly tossing the blanket and pillows over the back and onto the bed. Yes, he normally sleeps on his couch. Yes, his bed is still immaculately made.
The spot appropriate for sitting, he takes to his cushion and settles his plate in his lap. He pats the spot next to him with a smile. Come sit, Jing Yuan! ]
My apologies, but I can't make any guarantees I won't.
[ Cute...so cute...does Tatara remember when he called him that as well? Some might say it lightly, but Jing Yuan does not. They are words tinged with affection.
Jing Yuan feels his resolve to be responsible weakening (not in the sense of evading important conversation), and it makes him question what he's doing. How dangerous. But he remembers how many times he's lost the chance to say what he could to those he cared about. How many people have died, have left him behind, and now...
Now is the time for a normal and calculated response. If he thinks about how when he questions the Trailblazer on Dan Heng's state, he can manage that. And so, with that, he sits next to Tatara. ]
...I don't mind the couch. I hope you don't always use it to sleep, though.
[ Sleeping on the couch is bad for one's back, is the implication. As he is sitting on the couch, he will try to judge the make of it just fine...though he'll also just end up yawning once he does, raising one hand to rub at one eye. He will wait until they've had a few bits of their slices to speak again; he refuses to spoil the painstaking hard work with serious talk until after the flavors have had time to settle. Tatara should find it indeed to his liking, if he is a man who likes such tastes in truth; if he is not, then, well. The results will speak for themselves. ]
Now, I hope I don't spoil the dessert, and I am not a fan of graceless openers. Still, I must ask, in regards to the matters of promises...
Is your preference for us to have the information regarding that spread amongst ourselves, to each other? Or, will you eventually hope to reveal it to everyone next get-together that we have?
[ Tatara is just going to ignore that first statement, because if he dwells on it for more than two seconds, he feels like his brain will fry.
But it doesn't make it any easier when Jing Yuan comes to sit beside him, and Tatara becomes aware of the sheer presence the man exudes. It's, hm. It's familiar, but different. And it's pretty overwhelming.
The sleep remark makes him laugh, and that's all he can really give when he's munching on his cake. He does sleep on the couch. Let him sleep on his comfy couch!
In the midst of the silence of their eating, Tatara does murmur: ]
This is really good... [ Smooth, sweeter than he was expecting. But perfectly red. He loves it. He flashes Jing Yuan a smile, but doesn't let it linger.
He's not totally finished when the business talk starts, and he looks up at the lionesque man with filled cheeks and red crumbs dotting his lips. He stares for a moment, finishes chewing, and then replies.
(He's kind of glad, though, because the room feels a bit cooler now.) ]
I told a few people when it came up in hopes they'd tell others. [ He smiles, cutting of his next bite for his fork. ] But it sounds like people didn't really like that method.
[ He holds his little piece up, on his fork, and faces Jing Yuan again, crumbs everywhere on his face. ] Are you mad?
[ For once, the smile drops from his face, golden eyes set on Tatara's face. Taking in the compliment, the transient smile which is more or less indicative of the other's enjoyment of his efforts. Good, he nearly blew up the kitchen several times even before he enlisted help just practicing his magic. It makes it worth it.
Anyway, with a face like that, he knows exactly what he wants to do, and it is completely impulsive.
It's in this moment he's made a decision that will irrevocably change everything and likely for the worst.
But, first. Business. ]
I wish I was. [ Jing Yuan sighs. He was mad actually when he first got told but he had time to mull over it and that adorable face...he couldn't, even if he tried. ] But, it's for the best to be levelheaded; at most, I am only disappointed. As such, I have some words to grant you.
Knowing important information that is imperative to people's survival demands being disseminated more properly. As a leader, it would be your responsibility to have ensured that everyone is in the know, particularly since it means the ultimate consequence could be death.
If that is how you wish to proceed forward even in the future, there is nothing anyone can do to change it. But, I strongly advise you to at least be ready to grant information in a better-suitable fashion if you wish for everyone to keep their trust in you. The last thing I desire is for it to have any reason to fade to the point of disrepair.
And I have no desire for everyone's lives to be simply rendered to a sudden end. And I mean everyone.
[ Using this as an excuse for him to, in between bites, reach over one of Tatara's hands, the touch gentle, and furtive, to cover it, and turn his head to look at the other. ]
Do you see how well our hands fit together, but are yet so different? [ He's trying to logic this as he's speaking, though his mind is other places. ] You must understand people are the same. The easy way trust can fall apart at its seams. How all can suddenly be at a loss.
You were around a leader yourself. But, life is cruel and hard on us all. And neither single one of us is all-knowing. Yet to be a leader is to be treated as such, to held to a pedestal where barely dare to reach out.
Where, in most people's hearts, they can't see the person for who they are. Where, for the good of all, responsibility rules for reasons of practicality.
Just as you guide us as the Sage, I will hope you allow me to support you as such, and as the person I am beginning to know as Tatara as well...
...That is why...
[ That's it. Jing Yuan can't do this anymore. He gets off of the couch, and he will drop to one knee before Tatara, hopefully with that hand in his (but if the other drew it away, that's fine, he will still roll with things.)
If it is still within his grip, he will give a kiss atop it; it's early and he's going to shoot his shot even if it is strategically unwise. But regardless of the answer, he's hoping they can be amicable; that shouldn't be too difficult to manage. He just knows he needs to say this or he will be distracted and act a fool. ]
I humbly also ask for your permission to properly court you, with no guarantee of the result or your assent. I know I ask this so soon, in a period of turmoil no less, but I have swiftly become quite fond of you, and I have experienced many times nothing is ever so certain to ever leave to chance.
[ Jing Yuan speaks, and the hue in Tatara's expression shifts slightly. He goes from irresponsible 22-year-old to sage—a calm colors his eyes, and he listens, attentive. His own leader, in his past life, wasn't really the sort to take charge, so he thinks about Kusanagi-san, and it kind of makes sense. But they had smartphones and texting and Tatara doesn't know if he'd be able to dissimenate that information with the same speed.
Still, he takes the advice with stride, and nods firmly several times. Noted. He is trying, and he doesn't want anything bad to happen to his wizards. Maybe it's the way the gold of Jing Yuan's eyes hold his attention, he doesn't acknowledge the advice with a flippant "I know, I know," like he would have anyone else.
He would say something, if his mouth weren't full.
He isn't expecting Jing Yuan's hand to come over his, though he doesn't do much beside let his gaze drop to the touch. Being a (literal) human battery has forced him to get used to the contact, and he finds he doesn't really mind it so much. Especially since. well—
His gaze flits back up to his when he hears his name—
And he really isn't expecting Jing Yuan to slip from the couch, to get to one knee. ]
...
[ Tatara's face burns when Jing Yuan's lips meet his hand, and he's as red as the mane of his beloved king. His lips part in surprise, but he makes no noise. ]
[ What a way. What a way to ask this, this one thing Tatara has never really been asked before...?
He feels the warmth of Jing Yuan's hand spread over his own, slowly crawl up his wrist, his arm. He feels his heart beating painfully in his chest and in his ears and he finds it very hard to look away.
Images of a cooler blue flash through his mind, and he feels a twinge of guilt. There's a little voice in the back of his head, one implanted by the idea of being sage that somehow speaks above it all.
He sets aside his plate on the couch and slips to the floor to kneel, like Jing Yuan. There really isn't much space between them, their legs doubtlessly touching, and Tatara is dwarfed by the lion of a man. ]
Jing Yuan.
[ Still. Still. He feels nervous in a way he's never really felt until recently, and there's a slight waver to his voice. ]
I, um... I don't know if I could. [ He forces a little smile, but it's apologetic, and strained. He might not be speaking from the heart. ] I'm the sage, and you're my wizard. I don't know if a relationship is a good idea...
[ He turns his hand over to squeeze Jing Yuan's, and the soft warm hues of his eyes remain fixed on Jing Yuan's gold; he leans forward, as though trying to get a closer look through the windows of his soul. ]
But I... [ There's a swirl of impulses and emotions in him that he has no name for, and he tries to find the words above the deluge. ] I still like you. I still want to hang out with you. And I still think...you're...
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no subject
Not surprisingly, no one answers the door right away. Instead, Jing Yuan will hear footsteps approaching him from down the hall. Lucky him, Tatara's just returning to his room. ]
Oh! Jing Yuan! [ He gives a wave as he nears. ] Did you need me?
forgot to specify, but meant 'afternoon of the next day following the incident'
And fortunate still, his timing isn't too off. ]
Greetings, Tatara. You're right in that I certainly did. For more than a moment of your time.
...That is, if you're not too busy.
[ Jing Yuan turns to fix Tatara with an easy smile, box still in hand. ]
o7!
[ He may have been busy, and he may have been on his feet since early this morning, but that doesn't matter now that he's coming back to his room at last. ]
Good timing, too. I was just going to nap.
[ He comes to stand next to Jing Yuan, and he pushes his door open. No, it was not locked.
His eyes drop to the box in Jing Yuan's hand, and he grins. ]
Aww, a present? For me?
no subject
Though, you should keep your door locked in the future. What if I surprised you from inside when you least expected it? It could be unpleasant.
[ Pointedly, even if he says this with a breezy smile. Recalling the way the other eagerly stepped into his room before, he decides to just do so as well (and at least both are running low on sleep.)
That said, perhaps someone back home would be screaming at his lack of decorum and manners, but the present will make it worth it, no? Plus, he will need to set this upon a table...there's gotta be one of those somewheres, right? While he's looking for a proper place for it, he then says, gently, yet playfully: ]
Just for you. Can you take a guess as to what it is?
no subject
What could be unpleasant about that? That sounds like a fun surprise!
[ He swings the door open and steps in, motioning for his guest to come inside. Light streams in through the window, and it's pretty obvious this room has been lived in longer than many of the other wizards'. Knick-knacks and oddities sit on the windowsill, on his dresser; there's a desk with an empty spot just for the box, but it's clear by the way clothes drape over the chair that it isn't normally used as a desk. ]
Mm. [ He wanders over to the table, then peers curiously at the box. ] I dunno. A new scarf? A set of bowls?
[ There could be anything in there... ]
no subject
Very well, then.
I shall surprise you in that manner in the future. Look forward to it.
[ Jing Yuan says this in an imitation of a serious tone to indicate he means it. For real. Look out, Tatara.
But, he takes in the appearance of the room very closely and intricately. There are a myriad items to suggest it's been lived in for quite awhile, and other signs as well. ]
Haha, no. Though, it sounds like I will have an idea of some other things you may like for my personal reference. How fortunate for me.
Now, I will unveil your present...
[ Drum roll, please.
Anyway, Jing Yuan places the box right onto the empty spot on the desk, uncovering the top to reveal...red velvet cake! There's also some utensils with it and some plates that are ridiculously tiny, but when he takes them out, he transform their size to something reasonable. Heh. ]
no subject
He can't really concentrate on the prospect of more gifts when there's one right in front of him. His eyes dart back and forth between the box and Jing Yuan like an eager puppy. Can he open it yet? Please? Open his present? Please?
He doesn't realize he's leaning forward when Jing Yuan opens the box, and for a moment, that blank little expression, the one he wore in that brief moment when they first met.
But then, he bursts to life. He gasps and puts a hand to his chest, and he stares at the cake in awe, delight, joy. ]
Red velvet! You remembered!
[ His gaze snaps up to Jing Yuan, and he leans towards him, peering up at his face, huge grin over his expression. ]
Thaaank you! Can we eat it?
no subject
...He also sees the way that blank expression falls over Tatara's face. Once is happenstance, perhaps, but twice is not a coincidence at all. So, the question now is that how he expresses genuine surprise...? Among other things.
That said, baking is not one of his strong suits, and the kitchen did actually have quite a few failures that were not minor with magic being involved. But, once the expression vanishes again, he smiles warmly at the other. ]
I hope I hadn't surprised you too much with it, but...
You'll find that I have an excellent memory. I also made sure to research extensively on your request...though, I ask you give your true thoughts on the result.
[ Jing Yuan still speaks his words with something like pride (and some genuine giddiness that he's unable to contain?), because he worked hard!
He begins to cut them a piece each. ]
It's not a problem.
But, yes, let's, as I've ensured that we have our own plates and utensils. Perhaps we could even take those 'aesthetic pictures' of us enjoying our meal? What do you think?
no subject
[ That is not said in earnest, though. He's delighted. Jing Yuan went through all of that effort for his sage?
He senses the giddiness in his voice and he laughs in turn. At least, if he was genuinely upset or sad about this somehow, he wouldn't smile like this. ]
Oh, that's a great idea! [ He holds out his plate so that he can be served easier. ] Should I pose with my cake? What kind of face should I make?
no subject
Ah...it is simply entirely possible he might be unused to this. The amount of ridiculous pride rises up in him like a foundation even if he tries to push it down, so the giddiness does not dissipate. Still, he is not some kind of youngling who has just barely reached adulthood looking for praise, or something.
But, no, it is rare he's able to make others happy and when he's aiming for exactly that and succeeding? Yeah, it feels good. And he made Tatara laugh again...ahem, anyway. ]
On the contrary, I believe I should've.
[ Placing the slice on the other's plate. Then, he will settle himself so he's at the other male's side, with his own slice. He's going to get them both in the picture at once. ]
Hmm...a pose could be good, so why not? As for your face, whatever comes most naturally will do. Though, smiles are always good for this type of photo, in my opinion.
no subject
Ah...
He sees his own face and is immediately embarrassed. He lifts the cake to partially hide his face from himself, and he peers up at Jing Yuan. ]
Er, sorry... I actually don't really like having my picture taken...
[ Homra's wall of photos containing everyone but him is pretty telling.
He smiles apologetically. ]
no subject
[ All the same, getting too caught up in the moment? Jing Yuan understands that; one might forget their anxieties, until it's brought to the forefront, before their very eyes.
He is glad, in that case, he didn't exactly go ahead and snap the photo; he isn't an impetuous person by nature. But, it serves him well here.
Instead, he decides to change the direction of the cellphone, so that it isn't pointing at Tatara (and by extension, himself.) He isn't disappointed, and instead offers the other an easy, welcome smile. ]
How about...we set the two slices down near each other and take a picture of that instead? We'll both know what represents, even if our faces aren't exactly in the frame.
no subject
That's a way better idea! I like that.
[ Tatara actually reaches to take Jing Yuan's plate, and he arranges both neatly side by side on the table. The clutter around them actually add a nice ambience, and would be perfect for Insta, if that were a thing.
He stands back, looks like he's ready for the other to take a picture, but at the last second, he throws up a peace sign by his piece of cake.
He laughs up at Jing Yuan. ]
Now you can take it!
no subject
...Though, it is quite the pity.
I thought the expression you were making a moment ago was quite cute. I would have liked to capture it, as you did mine before.
But, memories are more private, aren't they? And they can linger, long after machinery have been discarded. I shall cherish it, like I have each one before it.
[ There's something nice about that too, isn't there? A moment, just to themselves. Then, just like that, he takes a photo of the slices, with that little peace sign in there. Wonderful. ]
Now, let's indulge ourselves. Though, there is something that had been brought to my attention, of a slightly urgent nature. So, while we eat, shall we take to your...hm...
[ Is there more than one chair in here? ]
no subject
He cuts his own shock with a laugh. ]
Aw, c'mon. Stop. You're gonna make me blush. [ He is, in fact, blushing, if the faint pink on his cheeks and ears mean anything.
His eyes drop, briefly, to the cake in his hands. His chest hurts, for reasons he doesn't really understand. The way he talks about memories strikes a chord with him and the way he talks about being cherished makes him feel uncomfortably exposed. It's a...weird feeling. And he can't decide if he likes it or not.
But the topic moves on, and back on his sage hat (figurative) goes. He quickly glances around the room before gesturing to the small, plushy couch at the foot of his bed. ]
You don't mind the couch, do you? [ He wanders over to it, quickly tossing the blanket and pillows over the back and onto the bed. Yes, he normally sleeps on his couch. Yes, his bed is still immaculately made.
The spot appropriate for sitting, he takes to his cushion and settles his plate in his lap. He pats the spot next to him with a smile. Come sit, Jing Yuan! ]
no subject
[ Cute...so cute...does Tatara remember when he called him that as well? Some might say it lightly, but Jing Yuan does not. They are words tinged with affection.
Jing Yuan feels his resolve to be responsible weakening (not in the sense of evading important conversation), and it makes him question what he's doing. How dangerous. But he remembers how many times he's lost the chance to say what he could to those he cared about. How many people have died, have left him behind, and now...
Now is the time for a normal and calculated response. If he thinks about how when he questions the Trailblazer on Dan Heng's state, he can manage that. And so, with that, he sits next to Tatara. ]
...I don't mind the couch. I hope you don't always use it to sleep, though.
[ Sleeping on the couch is bad for one's back, is the implication. As he is sitting on the couch, he will try to judge the make of it just fine...though he'll also just end up yawning once he does, raising one hand to rub at one eye. He will wait until they've had a few bits of their slices to speak again; he refuses to spoil the painstaking hard work with serious talk until after the flavors have had time to settle. Tatara should find it indeed to his liking, if he is a man who likes such tastes in truth; if he is not, then, well. The results will speak for themselves. ]
Now, I hope I don't spoil the dessert, and I am not a fan of graceless openers. Still, I must ask, in regards to the matters of promises...
Is your preference for us to have the information regarding that spread amongst ourselves, to each other? Or, will you eventually hope to reveal it to everyone next get-together that we have?
no subject
But it doesn't make it any easier when Jing Yuan comes to sit beside him, and Tatara becomes aware of the sheer presence the man exudes. It's, hm. It's familiar, but different. And it's pretty overwhelming.
The sleep remark makes him laugh, and that's all he can really give when he's munching on his cake. He does sleep on the couch. Let him sleep on his comfy couch!
In the midst of the silence of their eating, Tatara does murmur: ]
This is really good... [ Smooth, sweeter than he was expecting. But perfectly red. He loves it. He flashes Jing Yuan a smile, but doesn't let it linger.
He's not totally finished when the business talk starts, and he looks up at the lionesque man with filled cheeks and red crumbs dotting his lips. He stares for a moment, finishes chewing, and then replies.
(He's kind of glad, though, because the room feels a bit cooler now.) ]
I told a few people when it came up in hopes they'd tell others. [ He smiles, cutting of his next bite for his fork. ] But it sounds like people didn't really like that method.
[ He holds his little piece up, on his fork, and faces Jing Yuan again, crumbs everywhere on his face. ] Are you mad?
1/2 please hold
Anyway, with a face like that, he knows exactly what he wants to do, and it is completely impulsive.
It's in this moment he's made a decision that will irrevocably change everything and likely for the worst.
But, first. Business. ]
I wish I was. [ Jing Yuan sighs. He was mad actually when he first got told but he had time to mull over it and that adorable face...he couldn't, even if he tried. ] But, it's for the best to be levelheaded; at most, I am only disappointed. As such, I have some words to grant you.
Knowing important information that is imperative to people's survival demands being disseminated more properly. As a leader, it would be your responsibility to have ensured that everyone is in the know, particularly since it means the ultimate consequence could be death.
If that is how you wish to proceed forward even in the future, there is nothing anyone can do to change it. But, I strongly advise you to at least be ready to grant information in a better-suitable fashion if you wish for everyone to keep their trust in you. The last thing I desire is for it to have any reason to fade to the point of disrepair.
2/2
[ Using this as an excuse for him to, in between bites, reach over one of Tatara's hands, the touch gentle, and furtive, to cover it, and turn his head to look at the other. ]
Do you see how well our hands fit together, but are yet so different? [ He's trying to logic this as he's speaking, though his mind is other places. ] You must understand people are the same. The easy way trust can fall apart at its seams. How all can suddenly be at a loss.
You were around a leader yourself. But, life is cruel and hard on us all. And neither single one of us is all-knowing. Yet to be a leader is to be treated as such, to held to a pedestal where barely dare to reach out.
Where, in most people's hearts, they can't see the person for who they are. Where, for the good of all, responsibility rules for reasons of practicality.
Just as you guide us as the Sage, I will hope you allow me to support you as such, and as the person I am beginning to know as Tatara as well...
...That is why...
[ That's it. Jing Yuan can't do this anymore. He gets off of the couch, and he will drop to one knee before Tatara, hopefully with that hand in his (but if the other drew it away, that's fine, he will still roll with things.)
If it is still within his grip, he will give a kiss atop it; it's early and he's going to shoot his shot even if it is strategically unwise. But regardless of the answer, he's hoping they can be amicable; that shouldn't be too difficult to manage. He just knows he needs to say this or he will be distracted and act a fool. ]
I humbly also ask for your permission to properly court you, with no guarantee of the result or your assent. I know I ask this so soon, in a period of turmoil no less, but I have swiftly become quite fond of you, and I have experienced many times nothing is ever so certain to ever leave to chance.
1/???
Still, he takes the advice with stride, and nods firmly several times. Noted. He is trying, and he doesn't want anything bad to happen to his wizards. Maybe it's the way the gold of Jing Yuan's eyes hold his attention, he doesn't acknowledge the advice with a flippant "I know, I know," like he would have anyone else.
He would say something, if his mouth weren't full.
He isn't expecting Jing Yuan's hand to come over his, though he doesn't do much beside let his gaze drop to the touch. Being a (literal) human battery has forced him to get used to the contact, and he finds he doesn't really mind it so much. Especially since. well—
His gaze flits back up to his when he hears his name—
And he really isn't expecting Jing Yuan to slip from the couch, to get to one knee. ]
...
[ Tatara's face burns when Jing Yuan's lips meet his hand, and he's as red as the mane of his beloved king. His lips part in surprise, but he makes no noise. ]
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He feels the warmth of Jing Yuan's hand spread over his own, slowly crawl up his wrist, his arm. He feels his heart beating painfully in his chest and in his ears and he finds it very hard to look away.
Images of a cooler blue flash through his mind, and he feels a twinge of guilt. There's a little voice in the back of his head, one implanted by the idea of being sage that somehow speaks above it all.
done
Jing Yuan.
[ Still. Still. He feels nervous in a way he's never really felt until recently, and there's a slight waver to his voice. ]
I, um... I don't know if I could. [ He forces a little smile, but it's apologetic, and strained. He might not be speaking from the heart. ] I'm the sage, and you're my wizard. I don't know if a relationship is a good idea...
[ He turns his hand over to squeeze Jing Yuan's, and the soft warm hues of his eyes remain fixed on Jing Yuan's gold; he leans forward, as though trying to get a closer look through the windows of his soul. ]
But I... [ There's a swirl of impulses and emotions in him that he has no name for, and he tries to find the words above the deluge. ] I still like you. I still want to hang out with you. And I still think...you're...
[ ...
He laughs, and looks away. ]
See? You're making me blush.
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