[ Shino was, for once, simply slouched on his couch with a cup of tea he's not drinking nearby, puzzling over a book he's mildly resentful of reading. It's for studying about what's necessary for the Moon Knight initiate exam he takes in a matter of days, but the whole thing is ridiculous and half the rules don't apply in the same ways to Moonblessed, and it gives him a headache.
Shino perks up when he sees Shi Qingxuan stroll through his door, closing the book and setting it on the table to leap to his feet and stretch his arms overhead. ]
Finally! I know you said you'd come over, but then I had no idea what time...
[ He's unaware he's just a hair shy of pouting. The reality is: he's been lonely! Bored! Being responsible! This is too much of the wrong kind of responsible for him! ]
You want tea?
[ This is his reminder after glancing at his teacup and realising he never drank it in the first place. ]
[ Ah, he really was looking forward to seeing him. There's no way Shi Qingxuan doesn't catch that; Shino wasn't even hiding it! It makes a warm feeling bloom in his chest that translates out to bright laughter on his lips. ]
To be honest, I wasn't sure either. I have a lot planned, so I had to make sure everything was ready to go and that nothing important got left behind. Stores aren't going to be easy to visit today.
[ He says all this as he unloads his haul in the kitchen, pulling out parcels of meat, vegetables, noodles, and various other ingredients. Honestly, it'd be easier to go out to eat, and there are places open, but the New Year should be spent with one's family, and this is the first year for both of them to be apart from their families, isn't it? While not a reason he's openly stating, it does come to mind. This is to ease that loneliness by eating together, at home, like family.
(Though Shi Qingxuan has honestly not homecooked an important meal for his brother since they were both mortal. Today, they would absolutely be having a grand dinner together catered in the heavens if he were there instead. That's all beside the point.)
At the mention of tea: ]
Do you already have tea made? I'll have some of that tea.
[ He sweeps up his cold tea and practically runs past him in the kitchen, absolutely confirming the tea was cold. Very cold. Oversteeped even, because Shino was distracted at the time.
He pulls the electric kettle off its stand, opening the top and turning the faucet to fill it again. His mood is incredibly elevated compared to before, company energising him in a way he doesn't always articulate well. Shino is not a person suited for true solitude. Even when he's lost track of time wandering the forests and mountains with Murasame, it's because of the others he's run into that he's not felt lonely.
Just him and Murasame is nothing but an echo in a quiet space. ]
I found this green jasmine tea if you want to try that.
[ Somehow, that makes his eyes light up in wonder. Green tea is fancy at his time, and frankly, he didn't take Shino for the expensive tea type. Maybe he should have taken him out to eat instead...
Well! Too late for that now! ]
Yes, please, I would love to try it!
[ Though Shino could have said he'd give him hot water, and Shi Qingxuan wouldn't be particularly put off by that either, much like how he's choosing to completely ignore that he let his last cup of tea go cold. Their current beverages aren't the point right now! ]
Freshly brewed tea is the best, isn't it? Freshly brewed tea and freshly prepared food...
[ ...He's a little excited still. He's separating things out thoughtfully, putting together all the spice packets that will go together, organizing the vegetables... Ah, he hopes he can remember how to actually cook all this... It's been a long, long, long time since he's made anything beyond cute bento dishes. ]
[ Shino's not from the most accessible tea era, but he's certainly in a time of better trade and industry, and a booming trade with enough of a trickle down to make tea part of his life in a day to day sense. Since living in Lunatia, that's only improved, and he's enjoyed visiting tea shops for the purpose of tasting new things and eating delectable treats, sweet or savory alike.
That said, he's rinsing out the pot and getting new leaves ready, humming rather than responding to the statement from Windy. Qingxuan is right: fresh tea and fresh food is great.
It reminds him of his family, and that aches as much as ever, but at least they don't have to deal with the bizarre nonsense that happens here. ]
Did you need anything?
[ He asks, glancing over at where Qingxuan has set things up while the water bubbles and hums its way toward proper temperatures. ]
[ In all fairness, Shi Qingxuan has better access to the finer things in life than most people, but that does that lessen his excitement? Not in the least.
He's still very excited!
He blinks at the question, looking over at Shino. ]
No, no, no, I'm fine!
[ Spicy beef, tender noodles, sautéed vegetables... He's making a mental menu card. ]
Is there anything special you want me to make? What are your favorites?
[ Nothing? He accepts that answer, going back to his tea preparation and considering the question as he busies himself. Anything special he wants? What are his favourites? ]
Meat—
[ He says, which is a thoughtless but true answer. More thoughtfully... ]
Namasu, maybe? Honestly, as long as it's not liver, I'm not picky. What do you want to eat?
Namasu? [ ...He doesn't know anything about Japanese cuisine, and Shino gives him the context to make him think it's a meat dish. He looks down at the varied groceries, wondering if they have what they need to make it. Pursing his lips, he decides to just ask: ] Is that something I can make? I'm not picky either. As long as it tastes good, I'll try it.
[ Though he should at least give a real answer. Hmm!! ]
[ He doesn't bother clarifying Namasu—if he doesn't know what it is, then Shino knows he can't explain it. He's not longing for any one kind of food or another, only the company, and the fact Shi Qingxuan is here now means more than any dish that couldn't capture the people he loves and misses back home. Let alone those who, like his father, are forever beyond him.
He sneaks back toward Shi Qingxuan, seeing if he can catch a moment where he can rest against his back... which doesn't manifest right away, to his disappointment. Instead he's hovering like he's uncertain what to do, waiting to be put to some use or another, with proper tea steeped and ready to drink. ]
[ He thinks on that for a moment, and like Shino, he really can't say he cares much for the specifics. This variety and that variety don't matter so much. And there isn't a special kind that reminds him of family or home. He wishes there were now.
But, Shino is hovering around him, and that's a distraction from his other thoughts. Turning round, Shi Qingxuan smiles brightly at him. ]
Oh! Is the tea ready? Let's have some tea first before it gets cold.
[ Shino would call him out on the dodge, if he hadn't just done the same. Certain things don't need to be said to be understood, and certain lonelinesses linger regardless of loving company. With the change in subject, and the guidance for Shino's own hovering lack of certainty, he fullheartedly throws himself into the act of pouring out tea into cups and carrying one over to Shi Qingxuan, eyes bright, expectant.
Look, he can make tea just fine, for all he doesn't try to mimic his sister's healthy concoctions. He'd never studied her particular ways, and he wasn't driven to be a doctor. Hamaji was, and she knew what she was doing, no matter how gross or seemingly poisonous it came across at times.
This, however, is tea. Slightly bittre, but a pleasing colour in the cup, and held out to Shi Qingxuan with no reservations. ]
Here. Did you want to sit?
[ There's a whole mostly empty table over there they can use! See, he's a great host! Sort of! ]
[ Shino is a wonderful host in Shi Qingxuan's eyes. He happily takes the cup form him, enjoying the way the warmth soaks into his fingers and somewhat floral smell greets his face. It's very nice. Is it as nice as the tea he's had in Heaven?
Of course it is. This is tea made by a special person in his life, so it's in a special category. ]
Yes. Come here, come here, let's sit together.
[ Sliding right into a chair at the table. Sitting down, he takes a sip of the tea before commenting: ]
Ah, the tea is brewed just right. Both the taste and the aroma are gentle, and the color is very pretty.
[ He praises, both because it's true and because Shino was looking at him with that bright look in his eyes. ]
[ He's sure both Sousuke and Hamaji would have made the tea even better, but he's been doing this on his own for months, and it's paid off. He smiles, not saying anything, but that's his visible pleasure over having made something acceptable when he's been feeling rather alone.
He sat in the chair to Shi Qingxuan's right on prompting, holding his own tea but not taking a sip. ]
I can always make more, too. You should see how Sousuke brews tea, or Hamaji... they're both way better at it than I am.
[ It's sad, missing them right now especially, but not mentioning their names is so much worse for his heart. ]
But I like how you brew tea, too. It isn't as easy as people think to brew tea well. Tea is finicky.
[ He says that, but he can also feel the longing beneath his words. If Shino weren't someone so close, he wouldn't pry into it, but they're beyond politely letting these things pass.
[ He blinks, pulled out of his own thoughts with a frown. He shakes his head, sitting back and leaving his tea resting on the table. ]
No, they're my family. Sousuke's my younger... older brother, and Hamaji my younger sister. My dad took them in when I was growing up. Sousuke's mom didn't make it, but Hamaji was all alone before then.
[ No mention of his father beyond that, but he recalls him now; a man sitting on the floor of his office with his scrolls and books and the case where Murasame had sat, a dark part of even his youngest memories. A sword with its own life was something he'd been taught to hold healthy fear for and awe of, none of it meant to curry good feeling. ]
[ His younger (?) siblings, then. Shi Qingxuan nods, smiling. Not saying more on his father doesn't cross Shi Qingxuan's mind; this is about Shino's siblings, after all. (And, less consciously, he hasn't thought of his own parents enough in centuries to think there's anything strange about Shino focusing on his siblings.) More so, he thinks, that sounds like quite an assortment...but given what he knows of Shino's childhood, maybe that's not unusual. ]
So Shino's in the middle! You seem like someone with siblings; I'm not surprised at all. Even of you aren't related by blood, you've still known each other since you were young.
[ It's also nice and easy to talk about things like this... Taking a sip of his tea, he lightly continues: ]
What are they like? Did they usually take care of the cooking or just the tea?
[ He's truly an only child as far as he's aware, when it comes to blood, but adopted siblings are siblings, and that's that. There's no difference to him. He's glad Qingxuan doesn't make it a point that they're not blood related, as it better reflects his own opinions on the matter. ]
Mm, what are they like... Hamaji is always researching and learning more when it comes to medicine, or things like it. She's frankly frightening sometimes—did you know she ordered books on poisons?! I had to deliver those to her at her dorm, what the heck!—but she's dedicated to her dream of becoming a doctor, and she looks to traditional medicine and stuff out of further West, too.
[ He sounds proud, and resigned: ]
Some of what she comes up with tastes horrible, but the ingredients are all healthy, so... you learn to endure it.
[ Particularly when it's because she wants to be helping your health, knows how you'd grown up and died, knows that if it weren't for the demon you're joined with, you wouldn't have lived to see eighteen even without the murder and burning. ]
Sousuke can do everything. It's unfair, really, and annoying! The kids respect him whenever he's teaching, he cooks, he bakes, he helps with services at the church if he's asked, he's tall... If there's anything he puts his mind to, he can do it better than most can. Really, they're both like that, you know? Only Hamaji has a much stronger personality, she speaks more of what she thinks, and probably can weather more than either of the rest of us. Not that she ever should, but... she probably can.
[ To Shino, they're his siblings, and that's all that matters in terms of their bonds. Shi Qingxuan has no reason to say anything contrary.
And also, it's nice hearing about them. The feelings Shino has for his siblings wrap Shi Qingxuan in a warmth that he can't help but indulge in. His tail sways off the chair. ]
Medicine usually doesn't taste good, but if she's your younger sister, then she's very devoted and hardworking for her age. Wanting to be a doctor and make sure you stay healthy is very noble.
[ She sounds like a good person... He can imagine her, a strong, studious, and maybe eccentric little sister who loves her brothers. And an older brother who's tall and talented and respectable. The fond smile on Shi Qingxuan's face isn't going anywhere. Really, they sound nice... ]
Sousuke is your older brother, so it's only natural that he's taller and skilled with many things. Older siblings should definitely be like that.
[ His tail swishes back up onto his lap. ]
Though, I think you're strong, talented, and caring, too. You three take after each other.
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no subject
Shino perks up when he sees Shi Qingxuan stroll through his door, closing the book and setting it on the table to leap to his feet and stretch his arms overhead. ]
Finally! I know you said you'd come over, but then I had no idea what time...
[ He's unaware he's just a hair shy of pouting. The reality is: he's been lonely! Bored! Being responsible! This is too much of the wrong kind of responsible for him! ]
You want tea?
[ This is his reminder after glancing at his teacup and realising he never drank it in the first place. ]
no subject
To be honest, I wasn't sure either. I have a lot planned, so I had to make sure everything was ready to go and that nothing important got left behind. Stores aren't going to be easy to visit today.
[ He says all this as he unloads his haul in the kitchen, pulling out parcels of meat, vegetables, noodles, and various other ingredients. Honestly, it'd be easier to go out to eat, and there are places open, but the New Year should be spent with one's family, and this is the first year for both of them to be apart from their families, isn't it? While not a reason he's openly stating, it does come to mind. This is to ease that loneliness by eating together, at home, like family.
(Though Shi Qingxuan has honestly not homecooked an important meal for his brother since they were both mortal. Today, they would absolutely be having a grand dinner together catered in the heavens if he were there instead. That's all beside the point.)
At the mention of tea: ]
Do you already have tea made? I'll have some of that tea.
[ Surely that tea in his cup hasn't gone cold. ]
no subject
[ He sweeps up his cold tea and practically runs past him in the kitchen, absolutely confirming the tea was cold. Very cold. Oversteeped even, because Shino was distracted at the time.
He pulls the electric kettle off its stand, opening the top and turning the faucet to fill it again. His mood is incredibly elevated compared to before, company energising him in a way he doesn't always articulate well. Shino is not a person suited for true solitude. Even when he's lost track of time wandering the forests and mountains with Murasame, it's because of the others he's run into that he's not felt lonely.
Just him and Murasame is nothing but an echo in a quiet space. ]
I found this green jasmine tea if you want to try that.
no subject
[ Somehow, that makes his eyes light up in wonder. Green tea is fancy at his time, and frankly, he didn't take Shino for the expensive tea type. Maybe he should have taken him out to eat instead...
Well! Too late for that now! ]
Yes, please, I would love to try it!
[ Though Shino could have said he'd give him hot water, and Shi Qingxuan wouldn't be particularly put off by that either, much like how he's choosing to completely ignore that he let his last cup of tea go cold. Their current beverages aren't the point right now! ]
Freshly brewed tea is the best, isn't it? Freshly brewed tea and freshly prepared food...
[ ...He's a little excited still. He's separating things out thoughtfully, putting together all the spice packets that will go together, organizing the vegetables... Ah, he hopes he can remember how to actually cook all this... It's been a long, long, long time since he's made anything beyond cute bento dishes. ]
no subject
That said, he's rinsing out the pot and getting new leaves ready, humming rather than responding to the statement from Windy. Qingxuan is right: fresh tea and fresh food is great.
It reminds him of his family, and that aches as much as ever, but at least they don't have to deal with the bizarre nonsense that happens here. ]
Did you need anything?
[ He asks, glancing over at where Qingxuan has set things up while the water bubbles and hums its way toward proper temperatures. ]
no subject
He's still very excited!
He blinks at the question, looking over at Shino. ]
No, no, no, I'm fine!
[ Spicy beef, tender noodles, sautéed vegetables... He's making a mental menu card. ]
Is there anything special you want me to make? What are your favorites?
no subject
Meat—
[ He says, which is a thoughtless but true answer. More thoughtfully... ]
Namasu, maybe? Honestly, as long as it's not liver, I'm not picky. What do you want to eat?
no subject
Namasu? [ ...He doesn't know anything about Japanese cuisine, and Shino gives him the context to make him think it's a meat dish. He looks down at the varied groceries, wondering if they have what they need to make it. Pursing his lips, he decides to just ask: ] Is that something I can make? I'm not picky either. As long as it tastes good, I'll try it.
[ Though he should at least give a real answer. Hmm!! ]
I like dumplings myself.
[ So specific! ]
no subject
[ He doesn't bother clarifying Namasu—if he doesn't know what it is, then Shino knows he can't explain it. He's not longing for any one kind of food or another, only the company, and the fact Shi Qingxuan is here now means more than any dish that couldn't capture the people he loves and misses back home. Let alone those who, like his father, are forever beyond him.
He sneaks back toward Shi Qingxuan, seeing if he can catch a moment where he can rest against his back... which doesn't manifest right away, to his disappointment. Instead he's hovering like he's uncertain what to do, waiting to be put to some use or another, with proper tea steeped and ready to drink. ]
no subject
[ He thinks on that for a moment, and like Shino, he really can't say he cares much for the specifics. This variety and that variety don't matter so much. And there isn't a special kind that reminds him of family or home. He wishes there were now.
But, Shino is hovering around him, and that's a distraction from his other thoughts. Turning round, Shi Qingxuan smiles brightly at him. ]
Oh! Is the tea ready? Let's have some tea first before it gets cold.
[ Total subject change. ]
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Look, he can make tea just fine, for all he doesn't try to mimic his sister's healthy concoctions. He'd never studied her particular ways, and he wasn't driven to be a doctor. Hamaji was, and she knew what she was doing, no matter how gross or seemingly poisonous it came across at times.
This, however, is tea. Slightly bittre, but a pleasing colour in the cup, and held out to Shi Qingxuan with no reservations. ]
Here. Did you want to sit?
[ There's a whole mostly empty table over there they can use! See, he's a great host! Sort of! ]
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Of course it is. This is tea made by a special person in his life, so it's in a special category. ]
Yes. Come here, come here, let's sit together.
[ Sliding right into a chair at the table. Sitting down, he takes a sip of the tea before commenting: ]
Ah, the tea is brewed just right. Both the taste and the aroma are gentle, and the color is very pretty.
[ He praises, both because it's true and because Shino was looking at him with that bright look in his eyes. ]
Thank you.
no subject
He sat in the chair to Shi Qingxuan's right on prompting, holding his own tea but not taking a sip. ]
I can always make more, too. You should see how Sousuke brews tea, or Hamaji... they're both way better at it than I am.
[ It's sad, missing them right now especially, but not mentioning their names is so much worse for his heart. ]
no subject
[ He says that, but he can also feel the longing beneath his words. If Shino weren't someone so close, he wouldn't pry into it, but they're beyond politely letting these things pass.
Shi Qingxuan lets his tea sit in his hands. ]
Are Sousuke and Hamaji your friends from home?
no subject
[ He blinks, pulled out of his own thoughts with a frown. He shakes his head, sitting back and leaving his tea resting on the table. ]
No, they're my family. Sousuke's my younger... older brother, and Hamaji my younger sister. My dad took them in when I was growing up. Sousuke's mom didn't make it, but Hamaji was all alone before then.
[ No mention of his father beyond that, but he recalls him now; a man sitting on the floor of his office with his scrolls and books and the case where Murasame had sat, a dark part of even his youngest memories. A sword with its own life was something he'd been taught to hold healthy fear for and awe of, none of it meant to curry good feeling. ]
no subject
So Shino's in the middle! You seem like someone with siblings; I'm not surprised at all. Even of you aren't related by blood, you've still known each other since you were young.
[ It's also nice and easy to talk about things like this... Taking a sip of his tea, he lightly continues: ]
What are they like? Did they usually take care of the cooking or just the tea?
no subject
Mm, what are they like... Hamaji is always researching and learning more when it comes to medicine, or things like it. She's frankly frightening sometimes—did you know she ordered books on poisons?! I had to deliver those to her at her dorm, what the heck!—but she's dedicated to her dream of becoming a doctor, and she looks to traditional medicine and stuff out of further West, too.
[ He sounds proud, and resigned: ]
Some of what she comes up with tastes horrible, but the ingredients are all healthy, so... you learn to endure it.
[ Particularly when it's because she wants to be helping your health, knows how you'd grown up and died, knows that if it weren't for the demon you're joined with, you wouldn't have lived to see eighteen even without the murder and burning. ]
Sousuke can do everything. It's unfair, really, and annoying! The kids respect him whenever he's teaching, he cooks, he bakes, he helps with services at the church if he's asked, he's tall... If there's anything he puts his mind to, he can do it better than most can. Really, they're both like that, you know? Only Hamaji has a much stronger personality, she speaks more of what she thinks, and probably can weather more than either of the rest of us. Not that she ever should, but... she probably can.
no subject
And also, it's nice hearing about them. The feelings Shino has for his siblings wrap Shi Qingxuan in a warmth that he can't help but indulge in. His tail sways off the chair. ]
Medicine usually doesn't taste good, but if she's your younger sister, then she's very devoted and hardworking for her age. Wanting to be a doctor and make sure you stay healthy is very noble.
[ She sounds like a good person... He can imagine her, a strong, studious, and maybe eccentric little sister who loves her brothers. And an older brother who's tall and talented and respectable. The fond smile on Shi Qingxuan's face isn't going anywhere. Really, they sound nice... ]
Sousuke is your older brother, so it's only natural that he's taller and skilled with many things. Older siblings should definitely be like that.
[ His tail swishes back up onto his lap. ]
Though, I think you're strong, talented, and caring, too. You three take after each other.