ic inbox

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INBOX TEXT ► un: jueyun chili

AUDIO ► call: "Hello, this is Chongyun. Please leave a note and I will respond as quickly as possible."

VIDEO ► facetime

ACTION ► [ a small mailbox with a rusty latch, with the characters 重云 scribbled across the front plate in neat handwriting; the worn old door has #19 blazed across its wood, in a building just off one of the main streets in Tamamo territory. ]

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[ Chongyun lands in the chair with a small thump, easily pushed while caught so off guard.

Skin is one thing. He's grown up with Xingqiu and his friend has always been partial to shorts. Hell, Chongyun's even gotten used to pranks where his friend shows up in revealing uniforms from his various jobs. It's the chaste and demure nature of the maid's uniform that manages to slay him; it's so wholesome yet so attractive at the same time that the poor boy doesn't know what to do with himself.

Apparently this is another uniform and Chongyun once again has to wonder what jobs Xingqiu's been covering. He isn't in Tamamo, so why is he always wearing something that makes the heart race? The exorcist takes a moment to steel his nerves and collect himself. ]

It's okay, I'd like to spend time with you first. I actually grabbed some stuff from the bakery on the way that I thought we could share.

[ The bag is, blessedly, a distraction from Xingqiu and his charming offer to draw him a bath while wearing a maid's uniform. He pulls out a few boxes from the bag, ]

They had stuffed buns, croissants, and tarts.

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[ The mention of a bakery promptly causes him to recall what could be considered their first official date, they never did get a chance to purchase any pastries that night but he had been thoroughly satisfied by something far sweeter. The warmth spreading across his face only compliments his soft smile as he fondly watches Chongyun unpack the boxes from the bag; already knowing that all these treats were obtained conscientious of his preferences.

It's undeniably cute that Chongyun demonstrates such a degree of thoughtfulness for him despite this day actually being about celebrating the exorcist's birth. There is a thought to scold him, if only lightly as a means to tease him but it's an indisputable fact that it is Chongyun's kindness that he finds endearing. It's also what foments his friend's spirit to do right.

Aware that the boxes have become a distraction, rather than allow Chongyun to continuously avert his attention Xingqiu draws him back with a hand out and fingers caressing his friend's chin. ]

Dear Chongyun, please, allow me to be the one to provide entertainment today.

[ And that's all he needs to say before opening one of the boxes, the tarts mentioned are found there and he picks one up before pressing the dessert against Chongyun's lips. ]

Open up.

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[ Somehow, his attempt to distract from Xingqiu in a maid's outfit offering to draw him a bath have ended up in vain. The box of treats is swiftly used against him as his friend takes a tart and, instead of enjoying it himself, presses it up to Chongyun's mouth to feed him. The exorcist finds himself frazzled again—but, obediently, he slowly opens his mouth to take a bite of the treat.

It's true that he'd bought them thinking solely of Xingqiu's preferences, but they're good. Creamy, with fruit, whipped cream ... and as someone with a sweet tooth, Chongyun relishes the flavor on his tongue before he swallows. It's a thick swallow because he's still overwhelmed by all that is Xingqiu, but a swallow nonetheless. He doesn't choke. Even if it kind of feels like he's going to.

The bite leaves whipped cream all over his lips. Which he doesn't notice, because he's still dumbfounded. ]

What else did you have planned?

[rainswords]

[ Had his friend stubbornly refused to take a bite then Xingqiu would have shown a greater degree of obstinance. There is an objective in mind, he will see it fulfilled. His expression brightens as he watches Chongyun take that first bite, content to watch him enjoy the tart it takes him a moment to note the traces of whipped cream left behind. Unfortunately, Xingqiu is far too practical to pick on the implication (and opportunity) that's arisen.

A napkin would be dabbed across Chongyun's lips wiping his face clean. There, good as new. And for a second time, the tart would be offered to him. ]

To be honest, I didn't expect you would come home with these sweets. I prepared a full meal for you but that can wait now. I am just happy that for once we can celebrate together — it also hasn't stopped feeling strange. Oh. Well. I guess I can tell you or surprise you some more.

[ It takes a bit of maneuvering for him to fish his phone from some obscure pocket in the skirt of the uniform. It takes him a little longer to navigate through it as he insists on Chongyun taking another bite. When he finds what he is looking for his eyes brighten up. A deep breath is taken, before he shuts his eyes, embarrassment is present and he attempts to restrain yet all the same he makes the needed selection. Soon a song plays, instrumentals only, of course. Otherwise, that time used to practice singing would have been for naught. And he will do his best to sing for Chongyun. ]

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[ A full meal, too? So it's true. Chongyun had been so dumbfounded when he came in that he hadn't noticed the aroma from the kitchen, but now that it's been pointed out, he does. He hadn't expected Xingqiu to go so far—he's touched. Which is why he goes quiet again for a moment, overwhelmed by his emotions. Such a thoughtful gesture ... ]

I know. Even if we were brought here unwillingly, being able to be together like this is nice.

[ Silver linings, right? It's better to look at the good than the bad. Small moments like this, which they wouldn't have back home, need to be treasured.

He blinks at the phone that Xingqiu draws from his skirts. Another surprise? The start of the music is enough to remind him of the one other time he heard his friend sing, which has his face heating up straight away. The nosebleed is instantaneous, dripping down over his mouth and chin within moments.

Maybe he does need that bath after all. ]

[rainswords]

[ Barely two notes sung and already he sees the results of his efforts. All he can say is this outcome is worse than the last time he attempted to sing for Chongyun. Displeasure is present but suppressed knowing all his efforts had been for nothing; this marks his lack of improvement.

Quick to pinch Chongyun's nose shut with his free hand, the tart would be set down among the other sweets before he is able to grab a napkin. It's disheartening to see Chongyun's blood-smeared face despite his efforts; no drastic strides in skill were expected with only a few months to practice and only having proper guidance the past few weeks. This isn't at all what he wanted to cause and yet he can't deny the bloody mess that is his friend's face, the very one he attempts to clean with a napkin. ]

Your nose is bleeding.

[ So perhaps in all this time they have been able to avoid spending so much time together (especially on these types of occasions) may have been for the best. Or he will just have to consider never singing in Chongyun's presence. Or at all. Good thing he was never inclined to follow a musical career path then.

His gaze shifts over to his phone set on the table. The song without lyrics still plays and finally, he takes the opportunity to shut the music off. ]

Come on. Let's get your face washed off.