crescentview | Opening my eyes again in casted darkness... (January Catch-all)

Opening my eyes again in casted darkness... (January Catch-all)

🌊Who: He Xuan, and anyone else.
🌊What: Things happening; they're self-explanatory.
🌊When: January.
🌊Where: Varies.
🌊Warnings: Kidnapping, mentions of suicide & forced induction into harems; involvement of violence/murder. Anything else that may occur will be added or adequately warned for in the thread. TGCF spoilers, but since this already deals with memories, that's a requirement, really.

i. gravitation

[ No matter where He Xuan finds himself, whereas it's on the beach or somewhere else, there seems to be some kind of nonsense afoot. Some...feline nonsense at that.

They're all congregating rudely around him and he is essentially helpless to their attacks (cuddles and piling around his feet.)

He practically glares at anyone who catches him in the midst of this. ]

What?

ii. displacement

[ Ghost kings do not get sick, not really. But it doesn't mean that coughing or sneezing is an impossibility for him.

It just so happens he had grabbed something spicy from a restaurant and for some reason found himself sneezing due to some kind of pepper and now he's in the middle of a lake. Soon enough, he's grumbling, extricating himself from the water. What a waste of food. ]

iii. uncharted waters

[ In addition to those, anyone is free to encounter someone who seems to, for all intents and purposes appear to look like He Xuan, and is essence definitely still him. Yet, his appearance clearly differs in subtle ways. His skin isn't so pale, and his ears are not so sharp and he appears a little lost. Feel free to run into him like this, though he will be scrutinizing most people, and there appears to be a sword at his hip, which his hand is hovering on the hilt of. ]

iv. wildcard

[ Self-explanatory...! Open to things that are also not necessarily the above. ]

If you would like to plot with me, I can be reached on plurk @ leyfi, discord @ seraphkingdhaos#8538 and my plotting comment will be here.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Wow! He accepted!! Sylvando certainly didn't expect "wooing the ghost king" to be one of his accomplishments(?) today, but he's not complaining. Though brimming with excitement, he's surprisingly calm as he raises He Xuan's hand in order to plant a gentle kiss on the back of it.]

Thank you, darling, you've made me very happy.

[Whether he intended to or not!]

Tonight, though? Really? I wouldn't have thought of you to be so spontaneous! That's fine though, I can certainly make it work. There's actually this recipe for two that I've been wanting to make... What do you say to some more of Sylvando's home cooking?

[ Sylvando should win an award of some sort, perhaps...and so, when the other man dares to kiss the back of his hand like that, he realizes how nice that feels—like the press of falling, light spring petals before the seasons turn to a biting chill. It's something that He Xuan believes is only explicitly recited in the land of fiction, where two people who have met when the seasons changed, and even though they couldn't be any more different...

And on top of that, hearing him say something like that? ]

I have?

[ Unexpected, though when he looks at the brightness coming from Sylvando, he doesn't see anything else but happiness and excitement on his face. He Xuan has nothing to say about being spontaneous or not. He figures that they have already so much time on their hands, so it doesn't matter 'when'.

Maybe the fact of the matter is that he can be embarrassing in his own way, faced with such things. ]

...I've had your cooking before. It would be foolish to say no. Will you make it a surprise or tell me what it is?

Yes, you have. [He'd repeat it over and over again if he needed to, just to make sure He Xuan heard him loud and clear.] You accepted my date proposal, silly. Of course you've made me happy.

[He won't tease further beyond that, though. He doesn't want to ruin the mood going on between the two of them! Instead, he focuses his attention on their date plans. He Xuan referencing the dinner they shared back when he wasn't yet a ghost king makes Sylvando's expression soften. So he really does remember that, huh...?]

Do you remember when the Goddess had us write messages on the memo board and guess who wrote what? There was a lovely recipe for baked redfish posted there. Does that sound like something you'd like?

[ He Xuan absolutely deserves at least a bit of amount of teasing here, though he receives it as to be expected, looking half-annoyed at being called silly.

But, the fact he asserts that this is true makes his expression turn thoughtful, and there is a thread of satisfaction at that. Or, well, to be honest, more than just a thread. So here he is, watching Sylvando's facial expression soften a bit.

That's right, he hadn't made it clear he remembered all of that until now, had he...? ]

Seems like ages ago, almost.

[ The words are a bit of a murmur, but he follows up strongly with: ]

...Yes. I'd like to have something like that.

[He's really, truly glad that He Xuan remembers. Sylvando's feelings haven't changed one bit since that night, either.]

Time certainly does fly, doesn't it?

[Soon enough, they'll be in the latter half of this year on the island together. If the Goddess really wants everyone to marry by the end of the year, he really needs to get moving, doesn't he?

With He Xuan's approval, he grins and takes a step back.]

Then it's settled! I'll need to run a few errands before I head home to get ready. Want to come by around, oh...how does 6 sound?

[ He Xuan will just quietly nod.

...Honestly, the fact he hasn't tried to wreck mayhem on this island is perhaps a show of restraint in of itself. But, when it comes to actions of violence in particular, He Xuan is selective about when and where he would prefer to carry them out. Not to mention, a few selection of people aren't so bad...Sylvando included, of course. ]

I'll see you at 6, then.

[ He Xuan will take a sudden departure, because this is something he should get ready for. Of course, he always looks presentable, but he will abuse his appearance adjusting capabilities to install a bit more good onto his robes. Instead of hair being on his shoulders, it will be up in a pony tail.

And most importantly, He Xuan will ensure that he is on time.

So, Sylvando should expect a light knock at his door later. ]

[And expect it he does!

Most of the time when Sylvando is out in public, he dresses flashy to the point of gaudiness. That's intentional on his part. The more eye-catching he is, the more fun he can bring to anyone looking at him! It was no different at the hot or not competition. But when he answers the door to welcome He Xuan, it's obvious that he's dressed up significantly by opting for simplicity. A low-cut ruffled white shirt teases his lean musculature underneath and high-waisted black slacks accentuate his physique. He's definitely opting to be eye-catching in another manner entirely.

No doubt he's noticed He Xuan's efforts as well.]

Hey, darling~! I'm so glad you came.

[Not that he expected He Xuan to back out or anything, but it's just not every day that he has a legitimate date over. For how much of a romantic he is, he hasn't left much room in his life for romantic pursuits.]

Come in, come in! Everything's ready to go, I just need to get it plated.

[He gently reaches out to guide He Xuan in. Just like the last time He Xuan was here, the house is filled with Sylvando's personality...and perhaps more importantly, the aroma of freshly baked fish.

It's a familiar walk to the dining area from there.]

Would you like some wine with dinner?

[ Sylvando's current appearance is certainly eye-catching indeed; he had anticipated the other would go through the effort in dressing himself up. After all, the man places efforts in his appearance to the point that such a thing would be obvious, and...he has to admit, that his decision for what he's wearing is clever. Nothing he would consider inappropriately ostentatious in an off-putting manner—perfect for a private gathering of two.

At any rate, it would be a lie to say his golden eyes do not take in every single point, including the way the clothing hugs Sylvando's form in an attractive way. But he is not the type to allow his gaze linger for longer than what is deemed respectable. ]

There was no other choice but to come.

[ He Xuan says simply, though with a hint of lightness to his tone. He doesn't say anything else to the commentary beckoning him within, though the man does let the other guide him. It's strange how it feels like it's been years since he was in here, but it looks just the same as he remembers it.

This time is only different in the reason for his arrival and the scent of what is being cooked is not the same as last time, though it's excellent all the same. ]

...I would. Whatever you like would do. [ ... ] You've...done well in your preparations. On all counts. Though, it isn't as if I anticipated little.

[Is that teasing he hears? It's enough to make him turn toward He Xuan with an amused expression as they head for the dining area.]

Oh really? I don't remember forcing you into this. I can't imagine any attempts would go very well for me.

[Though he's not yet aware of the extent of He Xuan's power, Sylvando's always gotten the sense that the ghost king doesn't carry that air of doing whatever he wants, whenever he wants for no good reason. There's no forcing him to do anything.

The fact that he came, even if just for the food, makes Sylvando very happy.

He gets He Xuan settled in his seat and makes a turn for the kitchen when He Xuan speaks up again.]

You really think so?

[He spins back around on his heel, a smile from ear to ear on his face and perhaps a touch of extra color on his cheeks.]

I like entertaining guests, but I rarely get to do it for a date. I wanted this to be extra special. [After a light laugh,] I'm glad your expectations were high, though. I'm not afraid to meet them and then some!

[ Sylvando does not hear wrong. He Xuan has a hard time keeping his face straight at the response that follows, though he manages. Is it so strange? Perhaps, but even he doesn't exactly always have a rock solid stoic poker face. ]

As you have said, they wouldn't.

[ He Xuan's used to doing things his way, for better or worse. Mostly for better, as far as he's concerned.

Though, he considers the happiness on his face, the slight color on his cheeks. He's really lightened his mood up, hasn't he? His face may soften a little at that. For the reason behind the other man's expression and the fact that this also seems to be a rarity of sorts. ]

I can understand that. [ ...the extra special thing. ] And then some? I suppose I will keep that in mind.

Good. I want to hear more of your thoughts by the end of the night!

[This time there's a teasing tone to his voice. Haha, just kidding...unless? Anyway, he giggles and hurries into the kitchen to get everything ready.

First up is their drinks! He comes out with two glasses full of red wine.]

Rioja is a classic in Puetro Valor, and I was happy to find something similar to it here on the island.

[...he also might have sneaked a cheesy biscuit alongside He Xuan's drink to tide him over while he plates the main course. ;)

His second trip turns out to be his last. Within a few minutes he's back out with two plates carefully balanced in either hand. He sets He Xuan's down first, revealing the promised baked redfish surrounded by golden brown veggies that were baked alongside it. It all looks well-seasoned and has some crisp to it.]

Taaa-daaa~! [After taking his own seat, he holds up his wine glass.] Buen provecho, darling!

[It's the Puerto way of saying "enjoy your meal", should He Xuan be curious. Gotta start the date meal off right!]

You'll hear them.

[ He Xuan says absolutely seriously, though he hears the teasing; he isn't the type of person who is going to shy away from saying what he thinks. This included, even if by the end of the night, this will be his first time enjoying a date. Otherwise, he is going to sit patiently as the other hurries back over into the kitchen to continue what he presumes are the start of the finishing touches — aka starting serving.

Though, he is also certainly taking advantage of consuming the biscuit once that is brought alongside the drink. It's a testament to Sylvando's cooking skill and sense of good timing that ensures that not much time elapses by the time he's brought out the food. By the appearance of it he's resisting digging in by only a hair.

As for those words...obviously, He Xuan hasn't ever heard of such a term before, and tilts his head at the term. ]

...If that means 'it looks good', then I'll agree. Time to see how well it tastes.

[ But he holds up his own drink as well, like Sylvando, before setting it down, and then going to town on the food in front of him, evidently enjoying himself. ]

[Sylvando lets out a hearty laugh at He Xuan's guess, but he's pleased by the vote of confidence on how the food looks nevertheless.]

It means "enjoy your meal" in my mother tongue. If you've ever heard the phrase "bon appetite", it's similar to that!

[He won't hold He Xuan up any further than that though, and lets him dig in while he takes a sip of wine. After tucking into his own portion, he smiles at how good it tastes. He'll have to give whoever wrote that recipe a 5-star review! Hopefully they'll see it if he posts it to the memo board...

As silence passes between the two of them, Sylvando finds himself glancing over to He Xuan often. Well, he certainly seems to like it too! That's a relief. At some point, he loses himself in just watching the other man go. Some things never change... He'll have to be prepared to be eaten out of house and home if this continues.

Mm. If this continues.]

[ As to be expected, He Xuan has never heard of the phrase, and perhaps what is indicative of that is maybe the slight tilt of his head when the word falls straight out of Sylvando's mouth. This is a result of spending a time in a region of a world with no contact thus far with certain cultures—even upon his arrival here, he hasn't heard it just yet.

Until now, evidently.

He Xuan, in this very moment, is also grateful for that recipe. Though he doesn't particularly usually pay too much attention to said memo board (but, perhaps he should.)

Soon enough, he's cleared his food. Though he has taken notice of the fact the other has been watching him as he's eating. ]

It's excellent. But, you seem more distracted by me than the accomplishment of your own cooking.

[ He Xuan points out straight-forwardly, moving to rest his chin against the top of his hand for a bit, and if his words seem said in something that can be deciphered as light despite the delivery, that isn't Sylvando's imagination either. Not that he will blame him, this is a private date night between the both of them, and he had been sure to take in the other's appearance closely when he originally arrived, after all... ]

[It's only when He Xuan speaks up that Sylvando seems to snap back at attention. Clearly, his mind had drifted elsewhere.]

Oh! I'm so glad to hear it! Really, it's the one who wrote the recipe that deserves the most praise...

[He finally starts scooping some more fish onto his fork, but then his brain seems to catch up with him and finishes processing all of what He Xuan said. A light laugh escapes him, but he doesn't acknowledge it until he has a bite. He has to act cool about this, clearly.]

Sorry, honey. I know it's rude to stare! [He Xuan didn't seem upset or anything, but it's still bad manners that need apologizing for.] This is a little embarrassing, but I simply couldn't take my eyes off of you.

[Even more embarrassing is how he's looking anywhere but He Xuan now. Sylvando, bashful? Perish the thought, surely!]

[ If it's drifted well into the realm of 'distracted by the pretty face', well, once again he is not about to blame him.

There is small life of an eyebrow when first Sylvando's comment arrives and he doesn't exactly address the fact he is distracted as of yet. But, he does wait patiently. For a man who has waited for his vengeance for centuries, he is one who isn't typically driven to immediately action due to impatience — usually, he prefers to go about things not too abruptly if he can help it. More planned, than anything. That doesn't account for unexpected reactions on his part...which, of course, there would always be reason behind it, and are few and few between, but anyway, there's the proper response that comes soon enough.

It's kind of amusing to see the other male seem so off-guard, and he does admittedly take what Sylvando has said as a compliment. ]

Stare all you like.

[ He Xuan simply says, food and drink already adequately consumed, watching the other man closely as he's still having yet to finish his own meal, but surely getting there. ]

It's not as if I have had much use for associating with others in a way that is considered socially acceptable in a long time. Of course, it also means that I've prepared properly for this private time of ours.

[That- That wasn't the sort of response Sylvando was expecting at all, and he can't help but laugh all over again.]

Well, I can hardly refuse such an open invitation.

[With a light breath, he returns to his occasional gaze toward He Xuan as he works on finishing up his portion of the meal. His mild embarrassment seems to have left him for the time being.]

Are you saying this is your first date on the island? I'm surprised! Surely other people asked you for one before me.

[He's prepared though, huh...? That certainly has Sylvando curious.]

[ Good, he should be laughing. Not that He Xuan is so normally good at making people do that, but it's not a bad thing, he thinks, when he can make it possible. They're also here to enjoy this time together, after all. ]

This is the first time I've been on a date here. As for if anyone else has asked me beforehand, no.

[ After all, the keyword is 'being asked on a date' in those exact words. He Xuan has spent a good deal of time with other people on this island; it's unavoidable, though only maybe ... one or two meeting up have been planned with the other person?? But nothing like an official date.

He doesn't elaborate further on the prepared portion, though, thinking it to be more of an obvious thing than not. But that can be a failure on his part due to his lack of certain social graces. ]

Not like I'm surprised. There are still a good number of people among our 'group', and simply just because someone may look attractive doesn't mean that their personality would be suitable for most.

[ He is well aware that he has a pretty face. He is also very aware he is an extremely difficult person. ]

[It's the exact opposite of a bad thing for sure! Sylvando absolutely loves it when the more stoic types show their sense of humor.

He is genuinely surprised to hear that he's the only one to have asked He Xuan out so far, though.]

Well, I'm honored to be your first.

[He takes a sip of wine.]

It's not a pretty face that draws me in...though I won't deny that it's certainly a bonus! [Wink!] I couldn't quite put it into words if you were to ask me now, but the way I look at you has changed as we've gotten to know one another. There's an allure that just...wasn't there before.

I know the two of us couldn't be any more different, but isn't there something charming about that contrast?

[ He Xuan, on the other hand, isn't so surprised. Though, that is not to say that those things aren't exactly subject to change. At this point in time, what with it still being relatively early on in the second month of their stay, there is certainly the opportunity for others to ask.

That being said, he's not expecting the other to say anything like those words. 'Charming', huh?

Well, that's certainly true. He's giving it some thought, this time he as the one given to distraction. ]

If we were too much of the same, I wouldn't find myself here. At least, in this case.

[ He stands up, hand lightly resting on the table for a moment as he considers where he is, before letting it fall back to his side. He Xuan's eyes also slide back over to check to see if Sylvando is finished with his food as of yet; after all, they still have yet to walk on the beach. ]

Perhaps, that is only natural. Whether one is immortal or mortal, we're looking for something or someone that would be different than what we're used to. Even if we're aware of it or not.

Someone who adds a little spice to our everyday lives...

[Sylvando follows that up with a thoughtful addition as he moves to finish off the rest of his plate. He Xuan rising all of the sudden makes him worry that he's holding things up. Fortunately he wasn't too far behind, even with the distracted daydreaming.

Once he's finished, he slides out of his chair.]

Ready to pay a visit to the beach? I can handle our dishes later tonight.

[ If he is or not, He Xuan doesn't complain despite the fact he certainly did rise up. Though, there is a small pause when the other man asks the question of him, eyes flickering over to the dishes on the table still.

He glances at the dishes, and without lifting a finger, they all just conveniently float up and over to the sink, resting where they were. ]

I'm ready now. Let's go.

[ He Xuan will guide them to the beach, perhaps wait whenever the other closes the door, but stick near him as the scenery in the middle of their surroundings which must have already darkened. His eyes even glance upward at the evening sky, with their stars foreign to what are likely either one of their worlds.

When their feet hit the stand, He Xuan heads further to the water, though he stops only when the water is ankle-deep, looking ahead at the horizon which is barely lit by the moon above. ]

How much have you thought about it? What things would look like, after the goddess has had her fill, but actually honored her word, and sends us all home.

[He Xuan you can't just magic the dishes away and act like it was nothing?! Sylvando gasps, looks between He Xuan and the floating dishes, then scurries to follow them to their resting place...

Well, He Xuan is going to get to listen to Sylvando's excited squees about how fun and amazing that was for a little bit, but he quiets down once they actually hit the beach. The sky is perfect for a quiet little walk, which is exactly what he was hoping for. He enjoys the scenery in peaceful silence alongside He Xuan, inwardly thinking about how it was right here on the beach that he first found out about He Xuan being a ghost king. It...makes He Xuan's sudden question all the more poignant.

There's a sound of shuffling and shoes dropping onto the sand before Sylvando steps into the water to join the other man. It's cold, but not terribly so.]

After we defeated Mordegon and Erdrea was on the mend, I'd been considering finally fulfilling my dream of building a theater. I'd still travel every now and then, but having a permanent place to call my own just sounds so magical, you know?

[With everything finally at peace, he could make it a reality without worry. But then he was brought here.]

I'd still like to do that once everything is said and done here, whether it's in Erdrea or somewhere else entirely. But if I were to marry by the end of all of this, I'd have to make sure my partner would be supportive of it.

[ Watch him do exactly just that, Sylvando.

...In the meanwhile, He Xuan doesn't mind listening to the squees from the other man. Some people might consider it overtly childish or something to that effect, but he thinks it's a legitimate reaction. And maybe he has a habit of humoring such behaviors even if he would never say he would. Part of it is that he's used to certain reactions and mannerisms for reasons.

Though, when Sylvando answers, he'll be turning his head to face him. ]

I can see the merit in having a place to call home.

[ He Xuan thinks he never thought about it all that much and its importance because he did have a manor, and his "henchmen", but it's different when there's someone there that adds a warmth to it. ]

...I hadn't been assuming that the goddess would be allowing those who marry to necessarily bring their intended with them. But if she does, it'd make sense. No point in having someone there who would not support your decision.

[ Or Sylvando's everything, really. ]

[It's true, Sylvando is a bit of a Force and there's a lot to commit to there.

He tips his head to meet He Xuan's gaze.]

I would certainly hope she'd allow couples to remain together, no matter where they wanted to go. It would be cruel to split them up, don't you think?

[It'd be invalidating everything that happened here on the island in a way!]

But what about you, darling? What...exactly were you doing before all of this, and did you have something to return to?

[Had He Xuan completed his revenge, or was there still work to be done?]

Opening my eyes again in casted darkness... (January Catch-all)

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