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November 10, 2008 - Outside Setsushi's Udon-ya (pages 86-90)

Kanna smiled as she walked through the town again, hoping to find the small shop she had visited earlier in the week. Now she had tickets for the concert that was coming up, and wanted to return the favor. After all, she did want someone to hear that lovely symphony.

And sitting at the shop's outside table is a small Porcelain girl--the one who served her yesterday in fact. She's reclined, her chair only on two legs and her feet propped on the table--with her smug, sleepy face she looks like a Bandit Queen might. As Kanna grows closer, the girl's eyes begin to peek open slowly.

Kanna smiled seeing the familiar face. "Hello again." She greeted, giving a bow to the princess.

And that makes Shuuken lean forward, her eyes wide--it's the rich girl! She's probably come to shower them with gold again! Positive feelings flow from the Porcelain as her legs dart from the table and she moves to stand. She proceeds to bow before Kanna, her voice slightly hoarse as she mimics Setsushi's typical greeting.

"Hel-lo, Madame!"

Kanna smiled brightly at the greeting, filled with happy feelings at the cute Porcelain girl bowing at her.
"How are you today?" She asked, the smile still upon her cheeks as she tilted her head. Perhaps this little one would like to go to the concert as well!

The little Porcelain seems to smirk slightly before a bright, warm smile replaces it. She clasps her hands together, attempting to milk her lack of vocal expression for all its worth.

"Sh--Shuuken is ple--pleee--" The Porcelain pauses, her eyes narrowing slightly as a hand moves to rub her chin. How does that go again? She proceeds to bring her fist to her lips as she clears her throat, the princess' eyes closing as she gives it another go.

"Shuuken is ple--pleased to mee-meet you again!" announces the Porcelain, her features bright.

Kanna's smile only grew wider, trying to keep from squealing at the cuteness of the princess.

"Same to you, Miss Shuuken." She replies, bowing again. It never hurt to be polite, expecially to a little girl. Ah, how cute children were! It only made her wish to take care of one even more! No matter what species!

"Wha--what do you ne--need, Madame?" asks the Porcelain, "Obon?" Curiosity, as well as the happiness, continues to flow from her as she watches Kanna.

"We are he--here to serve!"

"I wanted to come visit." Kanna smiled, still thinking the Porcelain was rather cute. "I brought something for you and your friend who served me yesterday." She explained. The tickets remained in her pocket, sitting inside a gold and pink envelope from the Orchestra.

Lettuce, check. Celery, check. Carrots, tomatoes, green onions... check, check and check. Lemons... hm.

Hitching the canvas grocery tote higher on his shoulder as he walked, Gongjin tried to remember where that little fruit stand he thought he saw was. Certainly he hadn't passed it already... if it even existed on this side of town. Which he hoped it did, since lemons looked like the last thing he had to pick up.

He paused for a moment in front of a certain udon restaurant, nose buried in the list and completely focused on double checking it.

The little girl's eyes widen slightly as the memory of the gold piece leaps into her mind. It's all she can do to keep from dancing on another table. Feelings of warmth and joy roll off of Shuuken, her hands clasping at her knees.

"Sh--Shuuken is unworthy!" claims the Porcelain, her head shaking from side-to-side, "You ha--have already do-do--done so much!"

"It's the least I can do for such wonderful service." Kanna smiled, taking out the delicate envelope. The mark of the Barton symphony was in gold in the upper left, and a gentle caligraphy in the center reading 'To The Udon-ya owner and his friend'. She held it out to Shuuken with another smile, bowing as she did so.

Shuuken eyes the envelop for a few moments before looking up at Kanna. She blinks a few moments before looking back down at the envelope. ... That's not gold. That's not gold at all. Shuuken's eyes narrow and she's about to voice her mind when Gongjin appears in view.

The Porcelain presses a hand to Kanna's side and peeks around her at the Porcelain. He just doesn't even know where he is, does he? Shuuken snaps her fingers a few times before mentally calling out to the male.

Hey, hey, wake up!

WAHWHOZAT?!

Gongjin's head snaps up comically and eyes wide, he looks around for the source of that call. After a few moments of frantically looking about, his eyes fall on the udon shop and the two in front of it. More specifically, on the one that's a Porcelain.

He hitches the bag again and hurries over while trying not to hurry too much. He bows to both and apologizes sheepishly.

Gongjin is sorry, he was making sure he had gotten everything and wondering where he could find lemons and didn't expect to see another Porcelain since he hasn't run into one in a long long time.

Kanna watched the exchange between the two, not sure if her gift had upset the princess. She stood there rather sheepishly, starting to notice the lack of words and yet the clear communication between the two Porcelain. Were they telepathic?

Shuuken blinks at his response--he hasn't seen a Porcelain but he has arrived here to make a delivery? She actually laughs, her voice ringing like light bells inside the heads of all of those around. She proceeds to place a hand on her hip before pointing at Gongjin.

He's lucky--he arrived at the right place! Gongjin is at the Porcelain Haven of this world, Setsushi's House of Udon! She proceeds to jerk her thumb at the shop, a smirk on her face.

The Porcelains would be happy to have him! At a price, of course.

... The price of Gongjin's immortal soul! Shuuken pauses for a moment, noticing the fact Kanna is behind her--and is able to hear all of this. Her face instantly becomes more demure and she bows her head.

"Tha--thank you ve--very much," says the princess.

Kanna blushed lightly, trying to keep herself from being overly grateful. "I...I would be overjoyed if you would attend, Miss Shuuken." She smiled. All of her work over those months was not going to go to waste! She wanted everyone to enjoy the music! Music...Mmmm.... Kanna couldn't help but hum a few measures of Solas Ane from her sophomore year in high school, letting it whisk her away again.

No, Gongjin is picking up groceries for home and happened to wander by and get scared by... er, Gongjin does not know the little one's name. But he is happy to hear that there are more Porcelain about! He misses his friends from Tsukiba's cottage.

... Wait. What was that about his immortal soul?

Gongjin peered at Kanna and felt sheepish himself again. The little one was speaking to her out loud and Gongjin wondered if she could pick up on it. Just in case, he decides to greet her verbally.

"H-Hello." His voice is a bit hesitant, as though he's not entirely sure the syllables he's saying are correct.

Shuuken watches the woman, her eyes blinking softly at her request. ... They have only just met but the woman already looks so invested in the idea of her coming. She is quiet for several moments before her hand launches out, grabbing the envelope before she bows her head.

"Shuu-Shuuken will be ha-haaappy to come," says the Porcelain seriously. She looks up to Kanna, the facade having faded away as she grabs the woman's shoulder.

Shuuken promises on sie's honor as a man that sie will do it!

Kanna, for the first time, picked up on it. Words in the voice in her mind? O...Oh...Oh my. Somehow it was rather disorienting and confusing and-! Does not compute.

"D-Did you just do that..?" Kanna murmured, in a bit of a daze. Everything was new and-..Oh so shiny. Her ears simply blurred, every sense besides that seeming to heighten for a moment before sound came rushing back. She coughed lightly, the entire rush leaving in a second. Woooow.

Gongjin blinks at Kanna. "Is... is the lady al.. alright?"

Shuuken expected a few reactions, but that certainly wasn't one of them. Shuuken moves a hand to rub lightly at Kanna's arm, trying to calm her as Shuuken smiles. Her voice comes out hesitant, unpracticed, much like Gongjin's.

"We speak--we speak different," explains Shuuken with a bit of a smile, "But--but will speak li--like this for yo--you." Shuuken proceeds to glance back to Gongjin, sending a private message his way.

So, what about that deal Shuuken offered him?

Gongjin nods vigorously as Shuuken explains to Kanna, then eyes the girl.

Gongjin thinks his soul is an odd request to see more Porcelain. How about fudge. Gongjin is learning to make it and he's certain it tastes loads better than his soul would. Would Shuuken accept that?

"I..I'm fine, thank you..." Kanna pieced herself together, shaking off the disorienting feelings. "It's...Amazing..Truly amazing. S-Sorry about that...." She blushed, feeling highly embarrassed in front of others. The last time she had gotten like that was when she had first tried playing piccolo. And that buzz wasn't able to be shaken off for hours!

Shuuken blinks slightly--she certainly doesn't think it's amazing. However, a smile slips along her lips as she pats Kanna's arm once more. "We welcome yo--you, and tha--thank you for your gifts," announces Shuuken to the dazed woman. Shuuken's body actually freezes at Gongjin's offer and she slowly, ominously looks over her shoulder to stare at the Porcelain.

How much fudge are they talking, there?

... Perhaps Gongjin should have just offered his soul.

Gongjin beams at Kanna and then blinks uncertainly at Shuuken.

Er... as much as one recipe makes? Gongjin isn't entirely sure how much that is yet, because he knows it's possible to sometimes get more out of a recipe than the estimate says. He will bring the first whole successful batch for Shuuken and the shop owner.

"I'm glad they're appreciated." Kanna smiled at Shuuken before turning to Gongjin as well. "Would you like a ticket or two to the concert as well?" She asked, trying to be polite and equal to all.

And Shuuken spins around, her fingers display "two" to Gongjin! Shuuken demands two batches of the sweets or Gongjin can go back to grocery shopping! Kanna's bright, kind self seems to be more calm by now, and Shuuken glances over her shoulder to eye the woman. She then looks back to Gongjin, sending him a private message.

She's not sure what a "concert" is, but it sounds interesting--and it's free! Shuuken thinks Gongjin should try it!

Gongjin reaches out and gently touches Kanna's shoulder. If physical contact helps pick up mindspeak, he'll be happy to use it because it'd probably take him forever to work out a response verbally.

Gongjin is thankful for the offer from the lady, but he's not sure if it would be in Aryn's schedule for them to attend. If it does not trouble the lady to offer so many tickets, he could see what he could do about dragging his caretaker to it.

To Shuuken, Gongjin sends: a concert is live performance, usually of some kind of music with stage antics, that people gather to see. They are interesting.

"It's really no problem at all. I have more than-." Kanna began, looking down at her watch. Oh no! She was late! "Here, take them. I'm late to practice, come if you can! Sorry I couldn't stay to talk more! Have a good day!" Kanna quickly bowed, gently handing Gongjin the two tickets before rushing off towards Barton.

Gongjin may have to bring the fudge in installments in that case. He's not sure he can handle two batches at once or that they have big enough tins to hold it all at home.

Gongjin bows to the fleeing Kanna. "Thank yoooou!"

Shuuken blinks as Kanna runs off before she turns her eyes to Gongjin. Shuuken has to head off as well and prepare the shop for opening! However, Gongjin is welcome to come in depending on the veracity of his fudge trades.

Shuuken begins moving to the shop, thinking on the idea of a concert--before shaking her head. Gaians are odd! Music is for plays, not for... well, whatever that woman said.

Gongjin smiles wryly. Gongjin will make good on his fudge promises (and hopefully the shop owner will keep Shuuken from getting sick from too much fudge).

Gongjin thinks Shuuken's idea of music is odd, but then he's been subjected to Aryn's arguable taste in music for several years and it might have grown on him or something. He projects a goodbye and hitches the tote again before heading off in search of those elusive lemons.

November 11, 2008 - Barton Town/Setsushi's Udon-ya (pages 98-103)

Trying not to look like he was hurrying and failing utterly, Gongjin half ambled and half trotted down the street. Every building he came to he checked to see if it was a shop or had customers loitering about. If it was/did, he slowed down and checked if it was an udon shop or if the loiterers were delicate and if mindspeak was in the air before hurrying on.

He admitted to himself that this would be a LOT easier if he had thought to check the address of the shop yesterday. But he was so shocked to find another Porcelain, not to mention a spot where they often came, that he failed to pay attention. Oh, and the concert tickets were a very nice bonus.

Meeting Liwazo was fun, but it didn't really answer any of Xue's questions. So he decided to go out again, on his own this time. The place where he had met the other Porcelain was a good place to start.

Still clad in the bathrobe and penguin pajamas (since sadly, the tailor working on his robes was slow), he bounced down the street. Last time, he hadn't really gotten a good look at the house that Liwazo was standing outside of. This time... he would have, if he could find the place. But to him, most of the buildings looked the same.

Was Xue lost? Noooo, Xue couldn't be lost? Someone had to know where this was! Anyone? ... help? No, that wasn't the way to ask. A better way would be HELP! Someone would have to hear that!

Gongjin skidded to a halt for a moment and listened. He thought he heard something coming from... somewhere over... there maybe? He listened again and hoped his true-Porcelain-mindspeak deprived mind wasn't playing tricks on him as he trotted towards where the sound might be coming from.

At the very least, maybe it was someone he could ask directions from? Gongjin was man enough to stop and ask!

Xue had stopped moving. He remembered hearing once that if you were lost, you were supposed to stay where you were so you wouldn't get more lost. Except nobody was looking for him, and there wasn't much he could do to get himself more lost.

Mouth quivering for a moment, Xue wondered if anyone would notice him gone. Then the moment passed, and he shook his head firmly. There was no time to think about sad things! He was on a mission, and a silly thing like getting lost wouldn't stop him!

Yeah! Did Lost hear that? Xue was not going to surrender to the Lost monster! So there! >P

... did Xue hear something? Was someone else there please?

Ok, Gongjin definitely heard something and it's definitely nearby and it's DEFINITELY EMPATHIC YAY! Maybe he's on the right track and in the right place and...

Gongjin peeks around the corner of a building and spies a boy in an odd assortment of Gaian clothing... or at least odd for the middle of the day in the middle of public... then again, Aryn did that sometimes. And the boy looked kind of familiar.

What's a Lost Monster? Gongjin has never heard of one of those. And how does one defeat them, because Gongjin would be happy to help!

Someone heard Xue! And even better, someone Porcelain heard Xue! Almost jumping up and down with excitement (and a little relief), he looks around for the person.

The Lost Monster is a monster that makes people lost, he asserts confidently. Xue is an expert on monsters, because he and Kar draw them a lot. There are nice monsters and scary monsters, but the Lost Monster is a scary one. Next time, Xue will make sure to bring its fatal weakness, the weapon called a "map."

Finally he spots Gongjin peeking around a corner and runs over, trying not to trip over the bathrobe. It is nice to meet... no, something is wrong about that.

Oh oh Xue remembers this one! Not his name, but Xue knows he remembers somehow!

Hee, Gongjin did not know that there were so many monsters in the world. Maybe the little one could tell him all about them sometime so Gongjin can be more aware of them! He beamed at the younger Porcelain as he walked over, trying to place where he knew him from.

Gongjin is Gongjin. And Gongjin remembers the little one from somewhere... ah! Gongjin believes the little one and his friends helped Gongjin with the two shiny sapphire stones a few years ago! The little one's name is right on the tip of his mind but old Gongjin wouldn't mind some reminding.

AS IF ON CUE Yousei peeks her head around the corner from down the block.

What was going on? Who is over there being so loud? Well, not loud-loud, but loud-feeling.

Of course! Xue has lots of pictures of monsters. He likes the nice ones better, but that doesn't mean that he's scared of the not-so-nice ones. Well, not really scared.

Oooooh, yes! Xue remembers that! The stones were very shiny, and then they were too shiny, and then they were people! That was really weird. o.O

Xue is Xue! He is happy to see Gongjin again. Really, he is happy to see just about anyone again... but he is extra-specially happy to see Gongjin right now, especially if Gongjin knows where they are.

NinjaEdit: And suddenly, Xue feels someone else. Maybe he isn't as lost as he thought he was, which makes him feel a whole lot better. Who is over there?

Xue must be very brave then! Would Xue protect Gongjin from the not-so-nice ones?

The shiny stones are very interesting people now! One doesn't stop running around and talking unless she's asleep and the other is competing with Gongjin on reading all the books in the house.

Gongjin is glad he found Xue. He has a good enough idea where they are, but he doesn't know where the place he's trying to go exactly is. Maybe Gongjin and Xue can find it together?

Like Xue, he notices someone else and sends out teasingly: Gongjin and Xue are being so loud! With very good reason too! Who wants to know?

Gongin! Yousei remembers Gongin. Kind of. Maybe? Does Yousei know the little one?

In any case, Yousei is heeeeere. She will save them from the Lost monster! Yousei points at the blue-green cloth flapping gently from the awning of Setsushi's udon-ya.

There. All saved! Were they looking for the others?

Xue isn't sure Gongjin needs his protection. But he thinks that if they work together, they could probably beat any monster!

The people sound like fun! Ying told Xue that she came from a stone too, but Xue wasn't sure he believed her... until he saw the other shiny stones, anyway.

And then he looks at Yousei, and smiles. Xue remembers this one too, he thinks. And thinks. The red one is very pretty... of course! Red! Xue remembers Red, doesn't he? In other cases, he might remember more, but everything is so confusing and Xue doesn't know what to think about anything.

Was that the building? The last time Xue was there, it didn't have the pretty cloth. And... were there others? Xue doesn't remember many other people, but he is always happy to meet new ones!

The especially nice Gongjin remembers Yousei and her combat boots! Yousei liked to tease Gongjin about... things! And look at her now! More grown up than Gongjin saw her last and Gongjin and Xue's savior to boot! All hail the mighty Yousei!

Team Xue and Gongjin! Gongjin likes that. Gongjin will also see if he can bring the little sapphire girls to see Xue some day. Maybe they'd like to try the udon from the shop too.

Ah, of course! Xue, yes -- Yousei remembers Xue now. Please forgive Yousei her terrible memory. So many things have been going on lately that Yousei's mind is all muddled. As an apology, Yousei hopes Xue will accept a gift! Of... ah... of a cookie! Yes.

Cookie

Yousei is glad to see Gongin and Xue again. She's not sure if anyone else is inside right now, but why don't they look together?

(... Does Gongin want a cookie, too?)

(Gongjin would not mind a sweet cookie as long as there's still one/some left for Yousei!)

Gongjin thinks that is a fine idea. Gongjin is so giddy with running into old friends and possibly running into more... friends or Porcelain or more curious humans like the nice music lady yesterday!

Yes, Red is the hero! She defeated the Lost Monster! Hooray for Red!

Xue would like to be on a team! It is much nicer than trying to do things alone. And he would definitely like to meet the shiny-stone girls, and... what is udon?

And Red shouldn't worry! Xue thinks that maybe everyone isn't feeling right. His brain, for example, hurts when he tries to think too much. Which isn't a big change, like the growing-thing, but it isn't fun either.

... that said, COOKIE. Hurriedly projecting his thanks, Xue munches down half of the cookie in one bite. Yummy!

And he would like to see other people, if they are there.

Well, uh, Yousei may have already had one or two. ... four. In any case, Gongjin should try these -- they look tasty! Yousei had some that didn't look as sugary, but that is merely a personal preference. She's sure these are good. And Xue seems to agree!

Now for people-meeting...

She leads them to Setsushi's door and opens it a little bit, peeking inside. Hellooo?

Gongjin beams at Xue and ruffles his hair. Xue is so very adorable. And udon is thick noodles in a broth with veggies and sometimes a variety of other things. It's quite tasty.

Gongjin bows and accepts the cookie from Yousei. He's sure they're very very good and Gongjin thanks her. He nibbles on the cookie as they follow her inside.

Nobody's home...

Xue considers protesting, but then decides that no matter what the boys in the house say, he likes being adorable.

Udon sounds yummy! Is that what they cook here? The cookie was good, but Xue could go for a nice big noodle soup.

Hitching up his bathrobe, he follows the two older Porcelain inside, looking around. Hellooooo?

Hmm. It doesn't seem like anyone is here after all; what a shame.

Well, maybe Yousei and Gongjin and Xue can all sit down for a while and catch up, then! And perhaps Setsushi will return soon.

Yousei reaches down to ruffle Xue's hair. Yes, he is pretty adorable at that. Perhaps some other time they will be able to have some udon together! But for now he'll have to settle for the cookie, she supposes.

But, ah... Is Xue aware of what he's wearing? Yousei doesn't mean to offend, she's just... wondering.

Ah well, Gongjin is still very happy that he ran into Yousei and Xue and is happy to sit down and catch up. He just needs to remember to write down the address before he leaves later so he doesn't get lost again. He'll write it down for Xue too if he wants.

No one's here? Awwwwww.

But Xue would like to talk to Red and Gongjin and... who is Setsushi? Xue feels like he's missing a lot here.

His disappointment lightens significantly as Yousei ruffles his hair. The cookie was super-good! And even if they can't have the noodle soup now, that just means there's something to look forward to next time!

And of course Xue knows what he's wearing. His robes were suddenly too short and a little too tight, so they needed to be fixed. Des and his family offered lots of clothes in the meantime, but Xue likes these best. Aren't they fun? Xue twirls in a circle to show off every inch of his temporary duds. They're warm too, and soft! Not as nice as his robes, but still fun.

Meanwhile, another Porcelain carrying several shopping bags full of food pauses in the street, confused. The past several days have been extremely trying on her mind, and today is the first time she has left her home since. She had been hoping food shopping would help her, but something a short distance away- like listening to conversation through a door- is distracting. She doesn't recognize the true meaning of what she feels yet; rather, she just wants them to quiet down.

Sneaky tugs on Nusumu's sleeve. Are they done yet?

Not until Nusumu finds out who's being so loud, and why! >.>;

Giving the bags to Sneaky, she darts towards the source of the jumbled projections, demanding some sort of explanation. Nusumu can't think with all this in the air!

Gongjin thinks Xue looks rather spiffy! The penguins are a very nice touch, doesn't Yousei think so? And Gongjin thinks Setsushi might be the owner of the shop? He didn't get to meet this Setsushi yesterday, but he did meet a little girl named Shuuken who is probably his helper. Xue might find her interesting too.

Gongjin tilts his head toward the door. Did Xue hear someone else telling them they're too loud again, or was that Gongjin's imagination possibly acting up again?

The penguins are Xue's favorite part! There was another pants and shirt set with lobsters, but Xue didn't like that one as much. He does wonder though, why the people at home only wear these fun clothes at night when no one can see them. The clothes they wear during the day are boring.

If this Setsushi-person makes good udon, then Xue would like to meet him! And Shuuken-person, if she helps. Xue helps Des with her cooking a lot, but he can't make anything by himself yet.

And Xue heard it too! It sounded familiar!

Having identified the udon-ya as the source of the noise, Nusumu sticks her head in the door. Nusumu is sorry if she is interrupting, but could the nice people here please KEEP IT DOWN PLZKTHX?

Nusumu-oneechan?

Onee-chaaaaaaan! <3

Ackwaitno-

Before she can get anything else across, she is pushed outside by a slightly overeager Xue, wiggling unhappily. That did not solve anything.

The man of the house finally returns, carrying not groceries this time, but a very large red and purple mess of robes and hair over his shoulder. Setsushi is moving as quickly as he can with this weight, single-mindedly intent on getting home as soon as possible.

He is so focused that he charges in through the gate and through the door, pushing gently but hurriedly past any small Porcelain in his way to get to his bed, where with a bit of effort he lifts the burden from his shoulders and deposits it on top of the covers.

As Setsushi rushes to the bathroom, it becomes apparent that it is a young Porcelain man, disheveled and unconscious, strikingly beautiful despite a large, bloody superficial wound on the side of his head.

In addition to the traditional eye-markings of male, he has a (slightly smudged) character for "Water" painted on his forehead.

Kouyo

Gongjin supposes that they are comfier and less restricting than then clothes Gaians normally wear during the day. All the better to laze around in. Could Xue imagine them sleeping in their day clothes?

But sometimes they do wear the night clothes in public. Aryn has gone to class in them a few times years ago. And sometimes she wears them all day long if she's home all day.

Gongjin is sure that Xue will make a fine cook someday! A lot of Porcelain seem good at that! Like...

Gongjin turns suddenly at the "shouting" and before he can place it, Xue was pouncing the shouter!

Nusumu-oneech---? WAITAMINUTENUSUMU! Gongjin scrambles out of the chair, rights it after he knocks it over, and sprints out the door to.... either rescue Nusumu from Xue or Xue from Nusumu he isn't sure which but he's hoping there's a hug at the end of it.

No, Xue can't see how they would sleep in their day clothes. But why have such boring and stiff day clothes, when the night ones are better on all levels?

Nusumu doesn't care- she just wants Xue OFF OF HER.

As she tries to get up, she is knocked over again- this time by a much larger Porcelain in a great hurry. Even though she can see that it wasn't intentional, she doesn't feel any better. Would people please stop knocking Nusumu over and tell her what is going on?

Rather than deal with a cranky oneechan, Xue darts inside to try and get a look at the newcomer. Is this the Setsushi-person of the yummy noodle soup? Or somebody else? Either way, Xue is pleased to meet this person- or perhaps, these people?

Gongjin dodges the teal and red and purple thing, focused only on Nusumu. Is she ok, can Gongjin help her up, Gongjin doesn't quite know what she means by "going on" but he and Xue got lost and found each other and Yousei rescued them from lost by showing them the shop and they were talking and then Nusumu crashed in and Xue crashed into her.

Gongjin debates whether to scoop her into a hug or if she might react not so happily to that but Gongjin missed her so much and...

Gongjin is babbling to himself. Again.

Forgive Setsushi, please excuse him, Setsushi is rude but--

He fires off only these quick apologies, concentrating on finding disinfectant and bandages, hurrying back to the other man's side, and tending his wounds.

What on earth did Kouyo do to himself? ...And how is he here...?

No, Nusumu is not okay! She wants people to stop knocking into her, and being loud, and-

... waitwaitwaitNusumuismissingsomethinghereomgomgomg!

Nusumu is not okay, then. She is very, very good, and would love to be helped up, and what is Gongjin doing there? Not that it matters, because she is glad he is there, but she is curious. And trying not to spontaneously combust.

Oh, so it is the Setsushi-noodle-man! And someone else... someone hurt? D:

Is there anything Xue can do to help the noodle man take care of the not-noodle-man?

... Alright then!

Gongjin helps Nusumu up, then proceeds to cling to her in a GIANT HUG. Gongjin is here because here is a place where Porcelain hang out and Gongjin was trying to make sure he could find in again and he ran into Xue and Yousei and he's so happy that he found something BETTER than a Porcelain gathering place.

And he's totally hugging her right now!

How has Nusumu been? Gongjin is very very sorry he hasn't seen her in forever but he thought about her a lot and now he's going to stop babbling for a bit so Nusumu can answer him.

Setsushi sends brief but sincere thanks to Xue but requests that he stay to the side for now. Setsushi needs to clean up his friend first.

... He's also not sure he wants a child to have to look at that yucky wound up close. He immediately deals with that, cleaning it up and bandaging it gently.

He then begins feeling the man's limbs, trying to determine if he has anything broken. It's hard to tell, though, through all those layers of robes...

...Setsushi tries to determine if this situation is serious enough that he should disrobe his friend in front of two ladies.

Yousei's head is buzzing from the rapid-fire thoughts sloshing all over the place. She attempts, however, to focus on what appears to be the most urgent thing going on: the bloodied Porcelain.

He looks so distressed that it's making Yousei feel upset, as well. She doesn't know this one, though, so it would be inappropriate to attempt physical contact. Yousei doesn't like not being able to help, but there's really only one thing she can do. She bends slightly to get a look at the Porcelain's face around his hair, and holds out one of the cinnamon cookies she'd been saving for herself.

... Cookie?

Gongjinhug! Nusumu didn't even realize how much she had missed these until just now. <3

Hmm... Nusumu didn't know that there was another place that Porcelain were coming to. But if Gongjin was looking for other Porcelain, why wasn't he looking for her? She asks half-teasingly, but half waiting for an answer.

But Nusumu is sorry too. She thought about Gongjin a whole lot, and is very, very happy to see him again! She was just out to buy groceries, but this is absolutely better!

Keeping her distance- mostly just in case any other fully-grown Porcelain stampede- Sneaky watches with interest. She isn't sure if this is better than delicious Nusumu food, but it may explain some things.

Somewhat reluctantly, Xue agrees to stay back. He doesn't want to get in the noodle-man's way, but he stays nearby in case there is anything he can do. Also because, with everyone else occupied, there is little else for him to do at the moment.

He also agrees with Yousei. Cookies make everything better!

The man is most definitely unconscious.

After a thorough, ummm, groping (done in complete ignorance of the current poll) Setsushi determines that Kouyo's only apparent injury is the scrape on his head. Setsushi sighs with relief, and now sets to arranging his friend in a more comfortable position.

He gives Yousei a funny look, and suggests they set the cookie to the side of the bed for now, so Kouyo can have it when he comes to. And now...

Setsushi stands up, smoothing out his robes a little. He hopes his guests will forgive his impropriety. Can he be of assistance to them...?

Er, Gongjin ran into the place by accident. He was looking for lemons, a little Porcelain girl yelled at him and then bartered visiting privileges for his immortal soul. He managed to lower the price to fudge, which he still needs to figure out how to make well. Maybe Nusumu can help him with it?

CLING.

Huh? Oh yeah people and... Tall Porcelain is TALL.

Yousei looks a little disappointed when she realizes he isn't conscious, but places the cookie on the the small bedside table. Yousei knows quite well that people often heal faster when they are happy, so she hopes that leaving it for him helps a little. She turns to Setsushi.

Setsushi shouldn't have to deal with a lot of other people if he needs to tend to his friend. They can certainly come back at a later, more convenient time. She frowns a little bit, looking back at the unconscious Porcelain. Does he require any other medicinal items? Yousei knows Setsushi only arrived fairly recently and may not have all the things he would usually keep in stock.

And then Nusumu found it by accident as well? That is very strange. She is very glad that Gongjin did not give up his soul (not that she knows how that is even possible), and would be glad to help make fudge! Nusumu has been practicing a lot, and is even better at cooking now! But her favorite things are still sweets, and she is trying to get better at pastries now.

CLING!

Tall Porcelain is tall... and rude! But Nusumu forgives him, because he seems to be sorry about it. Is he the owner of this place?

The noodle-man has it wrong, sort of. Xue did not want anything from him (except maybe noodles, but maybe this is not the best time for that). He just wanted to help. ^^;

... and maybe to play, but it probably isn't the best time for that either. Sniff.
Setsushi thanks Yousei for her considerate thoughts, but Kouyo seems to be all right. Setsushi isn't sure how he got that injury, but that seems to be about it.

Perhaps Setsushi should prepare a meal for when he wakes up, and make servings for his guests as well, to apologize for his rudeness?

sweatdrop ...And, um... Setsushi is tall, yes... redface

...

Gongjin's heart and soul belong to Nusumu only!

And yay, Gongjin would be very grateful for Nusumu's help. The little girl seemed very demanded and Gongjin would prefer to not have her mad at him just in case. Gongjin misses Nusumu cakes in addition to missing Nusumu! CLING!

Er, Gongjin is sorry if he was accidentally rude and embarrassed Setsushi. Gongjin is just surprised is all. ((And thinks he's seen basketball players smaller than him.))

Setsushi is just terribly impressive, that's all. Certainly nothing wrong with that. Yousei's grandfather was fairly tall, too! ... but that's really neither here nor there.

With that, Yousei walks over to Nusumu and gives her an affectionate pat on the shoulder. It is good to see her again! And how fitting that it be on a night when Yousei has brought cookies. Yousei remembers the good old days back when she snuck a cookie from Nusumu and almost didn't get caught!

Rouka followed the strange gaian lady down the street to where she claimed that other porcelain were. She seemed to know what she was doing, and he did need some help in this strange place he had to admit.

Siyanna stopped in front of a house and quietly opened up the door, motioning for Rouka to follow.

Lady said there were other Porcelain in there, Rouka wants to see, would make him feel better to know he wasn't alone in scary Gaia place! He steps inside.

Setsushi feels even more embarrassed for embarrassing Gongjin about embarrassing Setsushi... err... nevermind. He doesn't take offense. He just feels a little awkward...

Ah! More guests? He had better start a pot of water boiling... Is it all right if he prepares something quick and then rushes to the the store to buy some pain-dulling potions for his friend?

Nusumu wouldn't have it any other way! In fact, if Gongjin would like, Nusumu can make a cake for him soon! <3

Though, if this girl talks about wanting Gongjin's immortal soul again, she and Nusumu are going to have to have a talk. >_>

... and she did not mean to make the tall one upset, if she did. She forgives him! Really! (though she is still wondering how a Porcelain managed to be quite that tall...) NinjaEdit: If the tall one would like to leave, Nusumu could watch the stove for him? It sounds urgent!

And oh, Yousei! Nusumu detatches herself from Gongjin long enough to offer a hug to Yousei. It has been so long! Next time, she will have to bring more cookies- that no one will have to sneak, she hopes. Sneaking is her job.

Xue watches, unable to help but feel a little left out. Everyone else knew each other better, and while he was sure they didn't mean to exclude him, well...

As soon as the other Porcelain entered, Xue practically pushed his way to the door. HELLONEWFRIEND!

Everything is fine then Setsushi!

Eeeeeee~ Nusumu cake~ And Nusumu~ <3 Gongjin is in heaven. And Gongjin is sure that the girl was mostly joking, especially since she liked the idea of fudge much much better. Scarily better.

Oh crap. Gongjin told Aryn he was going out for a little while and it's probably been more than a little while. Would his sweet Nusumu forgive him for having to run off? And Xue and Yousei and everybody? He will come back as soon as he can, maybe tomorrow even!

Atlas carried Hikari all the way to the udon shop he had helped clean up earlier. Originally planning to stop by after getting some wood polish, Atlas decided that it would be best that Hikari met other Porcelain first.

Knocking on the door and then pushing it open, Atlas announced his arrival "Hello, is anyone here?" turning his head back to check on the napping Hikari. The poor boy must have been so scared and exhausted that he fell asleep.

Yousei returns Nusumu's hug before turning back to Setsushi. Yousei can help look after the place until he gets ba--

Oof! Yousei stumbles as Xue rushes past her, bumps into the foot of the bed, and promptly crashes face-first into the floorboards, narrowly avoiding knocking over Nusumu as well.

Yousei can't wait for this clumsiness to go away. She still isn't used to being so much taller... !

Rouka is startled by the sudden greeting but settles back down. He sends his curious but confused at the whole situation greetings to the other porcelain, he is Rouka, who is he?

Is Miss Nusumu a chef? Setsushi will trust the meal to the capable hands of Nusumu and Yousei, then. He indicates the locations of the ingredients -- which won't be hard to find, as he only has one small refrigerator. He starts the noodles cooking, then goes to grab his wallet and hurry to the store.

He will repay Miss--

... He pauses to help Yousei up. Miss must not injure herself; there's only one bed in the house, and it's being used by a patient already!

With that, he rushes out the door, pausing to bow quickly to Rouka (who's this? A new young Porcelain, dressed as if he is from the Empire as well?), Siyanna, Atlas (he has a Porcelain child...? This is new!) before sprinting down the street to go to the store.

... Now, will Setsushi be able to identify a modern painkiller when he finds one...?

The new guest stirs slightly after several moments, gradually coming to as he hears voices. He can feel his head throbbing, but somehow it is not anywhere near as bad as ... whatever had happened to make it hurt like this. ... What had happened anyway?

Not wanting to make an attempt to get up just yet, Kouyo shifts backwards a little, trying to get his head propped up on a pillow or something. He puts one hand to the side of his head and winces a little at the pain, then slowly ventures to open his eyes.

He is in... a room? Things are out of place, though - it was not one of his rooms. Any room with a bed - the facing wall here is too close. Even with his vision swimming a little, Kouyo can tell that this is Someplace Different. And he is not at all sure how he got here.

With a small sigh, he tries to sit up a little more, in an effort to see where the voices and thoughts were coming from. None of them are familiar, are they....

... Oh GODS there is BLOOD on him! gonk Starting to hyperventilate, Kouyo holds his blood-smeared hand out at arm's length and forces himself to sit up, glancing around wildly for ANYTHING familiar, even as the room spins. He hit his head and has a headache but there's BLOOD and he is going to DIE and he does not even know where he is! The High Priest gasps a few times, then a panicked shriek escapes him before he can stop it.

Nono, Yousei is perfectly fine. Not a scratch. She rubs her cheek a little, but it's true -- no sign of injury, just a little redness where her face met the floor.

Poor Setsushi. Everyone is always wandering around in his house, and he doesn't have the luxury of a nice, roomy cottage like Grandpa did. As she watches him leave, she finally notices the new arrivals, including two unfamiliar Porcelain.

Ah, hello there!

... Wait did Setsushi say Yousei should cook something because somehow that doesn't seem like such a good idea...

[edit] Yousei jumps a little when the bed-ridden Porcelain shrieks, and whips around.

Shhhh... she projects soothingly into his mind. Then, privately to him, It's all right. You're with friends. Setsushi will return soon -- you know him, correct? He's going to help you.

Fudge is doable. Nusumu will look through her cookbooks and try to find a recipe she thinks the girl will like.

While Nusumu is not thrilled with the idea of Gongjin leaving, she will forgive him as long as he promises to come back soon. And Nusumu and Sneaky's home is nearby, so she can come anytime! Especially if the tall Porcelain will be more prepared for guests another night.

She narrowly dodges Xue on his mad dash, and offers Yousei a hand, but it seems to be unnecessary. Being taller was very strange... at first, Nusumu refused to go outside. Today is the first day she has. And she has fallen over twice- though those were mostly other peoples' fault. Still, she does not like not being able to fit in some of her favorite hiding places.

And yes, Nusumu is a chef! She can say that now, since she is much better than she was when she was first learning, though she admits that she still has much to improve on. She would be pleased, however, to watch the stove and add the other ingredients.

Xue is Xue and is happy to meet Rouka would Rouka play with Xue pleeeeeease?

He also distractedly waves to Gongjin; Xue will not be upset if he leaves, but would like to see Gongjin again to tell him about the monsters!

He starts when the sleepy man wakes up, and is torn between going to try and help and staying with Rouka and the other newcomers, who he hurriedly projects greetings to. So many people, and only one Xue!

Gongjin will come back! He promises! Cross his heart and hope to die if he makes his Nusumu cry!

He plants a quick kiss on her cheek and wave to Xue and various people, new and old, on his zigzaggy way out. This was a good good day~

[fix color issues]

RP continues after Gongjin's departure, pages 103-106

November 19, 2008 - Barton Town? (pages 165-167)

"And that's it for today. Pack up and get some rest. The concert will be your best, and nothing but!" The conductor ordered, packing away his fancy stick. Kanna sighed, leaning back in her chair as she looked up at the ceiling. It had been a long rehearsal full of solos and repetition.

As she packed away her instruments, she glanced out at the audience. The doors were always open, and people loved to wander in for the symphonic melodies. On occasion, one of her old friends would come. Of course, it was a rare coincidence, but cheery nonetheless. Maybe one of the Porcelain would wander in, now that they had the tickets that clearly stated where the symphony was.

"You know you're getting a little too big for this, right?" Aryn asked playfully over her shoulder.

Is Aryn calling Gongjin fat? Last Gongjin recalled, Gongjin was still small enough for piggy-backs and is definitely a lot lighter than her little brother! And shouldn't Aryn be watching where she's going before she trips over her own feet and send them both flying?

"Ok, fair," she laughed, bouncing the Porcelain a little to get a better grip on his legs. "Speaking of where we're going, are you sure this is the right area? I'd hate to end up in the completely wrong spot if we have the free time to go."

Gongjin is a sure as Gongjin can be without digging out the tickets. Which he will do once they stop for a bit and Aryn lets him down. Maybe Aryn should try over there.

Kanna hesitated as she picked up her piccolo to clean it. The solo still needed a little refinement. The higher octave always was hard to reach, especially in such a fast tempo. Instead of continuing the cleaning, she took out her metronome and tuner, setting them both on the stand. A simple push of a button turned them on, both correctly set. At that, she started to play again.

A chromatic rush, a fall to the lower octave, jumps...All of these alone were fine. But together, they became a deadly triumvirate. Even the best players struggled with it. But, as they said....Only perseverance will make it possible.

Adler wanders down the street from the other direction, paying relativly little attention to anything but the...silver key? hanging from a string in her hand, glancing away occasionally to make sure she doesn't run into a building. "You have GOT to be kidding me," she mutters to the key as she finally wanders to a stop in front of the building, "What in the world is going to be interesting here?"

She shakes the key a little, staring at it suspiciously before walking around a little in every direction...and coming dangerously close to backing over Aryn and Gongjin before she sighs and hangs the key and string back around her neck.

Gongjin hears music. FOLLOW! He throws out a hand to point at the open doors and nearly unbalances Aryn.

"Ack, now who's going to send who flying?" she laughed, trying to steady herself.

Ooops, Gongjin is sorry. Gongjin is just excited that they found it.

"Yeah, I can tell," Aryn murmurs as they nearly collide into a backing up Adler. "WHOA, person!" She backs up quickly to just avoid being run over and has to resteady herself again.

Kanna continued to play, imagining the rest of the symphony with her. One and...Three-ee-and-uh...Baradadum~! The silly little repercussions running through her head.

Music majors had the funniest ways of counting things.

"Eep!" Adler jumps, spinning around to face Aryn and Gongjin, staggering sideways a step before catching her balance. She tugs her headphones off of her ears so she can hear, "Oh, wow, I'm sorry," the girl says, before quirking one eyebrow at the porcelain. "What do we have here?" she says, taking a closer look. The running conversation in her head, which is debating the exact metaphysical nature of what she's looking at, is exceedingly odd. Its like she's thinking three things at the same time.



Crisis averted, Aryn let's Gongjin down and turns to Adler, she smiles brightly. "It's not a problem, really. I should apologize too; it wasn't like we were watching that carefully ourselves. I'm Aryn and this is Gongjin." Noticing the Adler's curious look, she adds. "He's a Porcelain."

Gongjin is Gongjin! He beams up at the newcomer and makes a quick polite bow. He didn't know if Adler could pick up on mindspeak or not, but Aryn could cover the verbal stuff until he found out.

Adler smiled cheerily, "Ah, I see," she tilts her head, "Well, I really don't see, but..." she grins, "Call me Adler, all my friends do," she concludes, holding out her right hand while the left traced patterns in the air at her side, trailing the faintest image of phantasmal threads.

Mentally, the triple-voices quiet into one and a message that, while clearer than the average porcelain's mindspeak has all the subtlety of an orchestral trumpet fanfare at 5 feet away, pops into Gongjin's head, 'Telepathic, eh?'

Aryn shakes Adler's hand, blinking a bit off guard at the faint image and vaguest feeling of something happening but still smiling brightly. "Nice to meet you Adler, and glad we didn't have to untangle ourselves from a heap before introductions."

Gongjin jumps at the voice in his head, so startled for a moment that he looks around for the source before realizing it was Adler. He smiles wider, grateful that he doesn't have to stumble through speech this time around.

No, Gongjin doesn't mindspeak quite like that. Gongjin speaks like thiiiiiiisss...

... Gongjin sends a nebulous cloud of his excitement at Adler, about the music they had followed and wanting to see the music lady again (and realizes he never did catch her name) and meeting more new people, and on and on for a moment....

... but a little more organized. Gongjin thinks only Lucids can do the direct, clear thought telepathy thing.

Aryn rolls her eyes playfully at Gongjin's response. "Yeah, it's kind of like having too much info about any given thing directed at you all the time."

IS NOT!

"Close enough."

Less teasing, more talking/conversing with new person!

Adler giggles a little, shaking her left hand and letting the threads of the spell dissolve back into the background, "I think its probably best if I just stuck to talking, though. Too much time spent with that Russian," Adler jumps at the distant rumble of what was surely a cymbol crashing, as there are no thunderstorms nearby.

"It certainly is interesting. I've never met someone exactly like you, Gongjin," the mage says, flicking her mp3 player off and pulling the headphones back over her head to tuck them in her bag, shaking her hair to get it into a moderatly cooperative mode. "Actually, I've never even HEARD of anyone like you. Which is saying something."

Talking is fine and Gongjin likes whatever's easiest for Adler.

He isn't sure if he should ask about the Russian and tries to politely not "giggle" too much at Adler's jump.

Gongjin is pleased to have made Adler's day then! Gongjin isn't entirely surprised that Adler hasn't heard of Porcelain before. As far as Gongjin knows, there aren't really many around. But he does know a place where Adler might be able to run into more if she likes!

"Gongjin, and all the other Porcelain I know of, came from a place called Dragonlamp that's not in Gaia," Aryn adds.

"That would explain it," Adler nods, "'specially since I'm not exactly from here myself. Maybe. Its hard to be sure. Transdimensional metaphysics isn't exactly my area of personal expertise," She shrugs.

"I would rather be interested in meeting more of you, Gongjin. You're quite intriguing, from a communications standpoint. I wonder if...hmmm..." Adler seems to trail off on some abstract theoretical tangent for a few moments before snapping back to reality with a quick shake of her head. "The concept of a species with innate semitelepathic abilities raises some interesting questions," she says, nodding.

Aryn makes a slightly distracted bobbing gesture with her hand and head, trying to make sure she's following what Alder's words, before nodding herself. "You know, I'm willing to bet a nice chunk of Gaia came from somewhere else, but melting pots like Gaia make things interesting."

Gongjin was faring better on keeping up. Adler can ask Gongjin all the questions she wants... though he might not be able to answer all of them. But he will try! As for the place he knows with the other Porcelain... there's a noodle restaurant in Barton run by a man named Setsushi... he's also a Porcelain and a lot older than Gongjin and maybe he can answer the questions that Gongjin can't! Gongjin can't tell Adler much more about him, since Gongjin only met Setsushi for a moment.

"I'm sorry that we can't give you the exact address. Someone forgot to write it down on his last visit..."

Gongjin had good reason to be distracted, thankyouverymuch! Gongjin's pale cheeks were a little flushed as he stamps down on lovey-dovey thoughts of a Porcelain girl in purple robes.

"... but if you might be able to feel it out if you're close enough by looking/listening for mindspeak." Aryn's smile was a little sheepish, knowing quite well how feeble her suggestion was though it HAD mostly worked for Gongjin on his second visit.

Adler chuckles, "A little distracted were we, Gongjin?" she says, arching one eyebrow. "Well, I know what THAT's like." The mage grins, shrugging, "I'm pretty sure it won't be too hard to find some of them again, now that I know what I'm looking for."

Gongjin fumes for a moment, embarrassed, before regaining his composure. He knows Aryn knows what it's like too, and that's why she teases him so much. And Gongjin will get the address next time he runs by, for sure this time.

"Glad we could be of help, sorta," Aryn giggles, ruffling Gongjin's hair. Her phone chose that moment to chime at her and she pulled it out to check the newly received text. "Ack. Sorry to run out on you Adler, but it looks like we're going to be late meeting with a friend if we don't get going soon. It was an absolute pleasure to meet you and I hope we can run into each other again."

There was a pause and Aryn grinned sheepishly. "Not so almost literally, preferably."

Yes, Gongjin would love to talk with Adler again someday! He wishes her luck with finding Setsushi's shop!

Gongjin gives her a parting bow before taking Aryn's hand and dragging her off, knowing she'd stand there with lingering awkward goodbyes forever if allowed.

Adler nods enthusiastically, "Yah, I defiantly want to meet you two again soon," the mage says as Gongjin starts to drag Aryn off. "Safe travels!" she adds, her hand grasping at invisible threads and twisting before waving as they leave, adding a tiny blessing of fate to speed them to their destination.

April 17, 2009 - Aryn's home

"Ok, this has got to stop."

Aryn had a personal policy of letting things and people be, no matter how badly she thought things would turn out or how badly things could affect her. It had gotten her in trouble numerous times, especially with her fiance and ALWAYS with Gongjin. Talking was decidedly NOT her thing.

But upon seeing the soggy pile of blue bent over the small writing desk yet again, she had had it.

The usually tidy room had at least three small mountains of crumpled and discarded papers, the second table was covered in open and dog-eared books and notes, and the futon was rumpled and probably had acquired more than a few ink stains. The writing desk had it's own share of note piles and Aryn suspected that a few of them would soon damply join the discard mountains.

Loaded brush in hand, Gongjin paused dramatically and flicked his gaze to Aryn where she leaned on the door frame of his room. The handle of a mop rested on the other side of the door frame.

Gongjin must perfect this! Aryn has no call to stop Gongjin on his task.

"Actually I do. First of all, you're dripping fish water all over the house--"

Meditation is required to calm the mind and achieve enlightenment! And the fish nibbling on Gongjin's toes and fingers is relaxing. Gongjin cannot help it if his robes try to bring the pond in with him!

"Again." Aryn continued as though Gongjin had not "spoken". She sighed and attempted a small smile to show him she was only mildly irritated at the mess of puddles from the back door to his room. "And second, you're going to ruin that before you start."

Gongjin had been preparing another retort but blinked and followed the gesture she had made to the damp robe sleeve that was creating its own puddle on the desk. A puddle that was slowly drifting toward the blank sheet of paper he had been preparing to write on. He frowned and pulled it back out of the way, then frowned at his damp arm. It would cause a different sort of damage.

Perhaps Aryn is right.

A very undignified and unladylike snort was the only reply.

But that should not deter Gongjin from Gongjin's goal! Gongjin should have known proper preparation would be worth the small amount of time wasted, but Gongjin was too impatient to get to writing and not lose the insight he gained. This must be perfect!

"Gongjin." The word was full of exasperation and concern, so much so that the blue Porcelain looked up at Aryn again. She closed her eyes and rubbed at the bridge of her nose. "She will not care if it is perfect."

Gongjin blinked, startled by this. But--

"Gongjin, NO." Aryn sighed and steeled herself to look Gongjin in the eyes and hope she got through to him. "Gongjin, listen to me please. SHE. WILL. NOT. CARE."

Gongjin's face fell as he processed this. She wouldn't? But Gongjin is putting so much effort and it... it needs to be perfect because she's... it... how could she not care... and... gonk !

He looked so crestfallen that Aryn's heart nearly broke for him and she was afraid for a moment she had been too direct. She walked into the room and knelt next to him. "Gongjin, sweetie, she's not going to care if it's perfect," she repeated. Aryn paused a moment before smiling gently. "She'll think it's perfect because YOU wrote it."

... Really?

Aryn's smile grew more steady at the return of hope to his eyes. "Yes. Girls are suckers for the thought behind letters." Her smile grew more wry. "Of course, that would be after she smacks you for disappearing on her."

Gongjin eeped.

"Or maybe before. You can never tell."

Gongjin only eeped again.

Aryn glanced around at the discard mountains. "You know, I am tempted to iron out each one of these, bind them into a book, and MAIL it to her."

NO! Aryn mustn't! They're horrible! They are not the least bit perfect enough even by 'perfect is written by Gongjin' standards! Incoherent babbles and gibberish of distress followed.

Aryn plopped fully down on the floor and tilted her head at Gongjin. "Why in the hell does it have to be 'perfect' anyway?"

Gongjin stopped flailing and sheepishly ducked his head.

Gongjin hopes he can sweep her away straight to being happy to see him and past any fight or Gongjin feeling more horrible about disappearing.

"Oh, sweetie," Aryn sighed, ruffling Gongjin's damp hair. "I know it's been a rough few months--"

Aryn's fault.

"... Alright, yes, I'm largely to blame for the more recent months and I'm sorry, but I'm human and as a human it's a basic right to be irrational and stupid at times." She paused and poked Gongjin in the side. "Besides, it gives me an edge with the advice giving right now."

Whatever. Gongjin sighed and gestured with not!serious impatience. On with it then.

Aryn poked him again before continuing. "Trying to avoid the possibility of a fight like this will only make it worse when it happens. And supplying a single, perfect gesture of affection is only a temporary balm. You gotta talk, apologize, get it all out, then you'll feel better and things will be better."

She glanced again at the piles of paper. "Though is all honesty, I think my book idea would work better than your single perfect letter. At least that way she'd know you'd been thinking about her for a while."

... Perhaps Aryn is right. Again.

"Yes, rare occurrence, I know," she said wryly. "Another thing I'm right about, you need to get out this house for a bit. Go see if you run into your friends around town. They probably think you don't like them anymore, or something."

Gongjin considered this. But what if Gongjin runs into...

"Then you apologize, hug, and probably get horribly lovey-dovey after she forgives you." Aryn rolled her eyes. "Probably seeing you in person would do worlds more good than that 'perfect' letter or a book of imperfect ones."

That is three times. Perhaps Aryn should stop before the world ends.

"Oh, very funny, buddy." Aryn stood up and ruffled Gongjin's hair again. "Perhaps you should go take a warm shower or something. In your robes if you must, as long as you dress in something dry afterwards. You wouldn't want to run into your friends, or God forbid Nusumu, smelling like fish water."

Gongjin narrowed his eyes. Gongjin thinks this suggestion is a good one but must take it under consideration first. Protocol of listening to an advisor and all.

"Protocol my a**." Aryn paused at the door and took up the mop again. "If you're not in the shower within an hour, I'm going to send Dawn and Twilight to MAKE you and let them dress up 'Lady Qiao' for a tea party."

Gongjin sputtered for a moment. LOW BLOW! scream

"Yeah, but tortured, damp poet is not a good look for you. Now get." She smiled triumphantly.

Fine. Gongjin is "getting." He grumbled as he righted his hair and clothing and made as dignified an exit as he could muster in soggy robes.

Aryn watched him until the bathroom door slammed shut with some indignant fervor, then went to see whether or not she was too late to dissuade the twins and Rey from playing slip and slide in the puddles on the floor.


[note to self: get Gongjin some interaction, then work on growth form for Silver World development]