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 Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 7:05 am
____________________Warning ::
This journal contains,
Boy X Boy
Boy x Girl
Foul Language
Blood, Fighting, and Violence
Gang themes, information, and values 8D
100% of your daily calcium intake
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Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 7:07 am
RP: Warm Welcome, part 1
Reihai meets Fai Li ( Ogre x Britain )
The Empty Cup was not a particularly quality establishment. In fact, it was the lowest 'tea house' in the area; whatever class it might have once possessed had long since rotted away as the clientele became rowdier and the drinks became more alcoholic. They still served tea out of habit, but that wasn't why people came by.
Reihai worked there because he had to. Once educated in some of the finest Japanese schools, he'd been brought low a long time ago by gambling debts; now the Yakuza took every penny he earned, leaving him only enough to survive on...barely. He was the Empty Cup's all-around menial worker. He did all of the cleaning, handled the dishes, and served the customers, all while half-dressed so the patrons could enjoy his slender (read: underfed) and attractive form. He hated it, but it was a job he needed badly, and he huffed as he tossed long hair over his shoulder. Time to stop and pin it up roughly again.
-----
Once Reihai was finished with his hair, he found his way blocked by a leg. The patron sitting at the closest table he was near had his foot propped up on the wall- blocking his path. The man was tilted back in the chair, regarding Reihai's 'finer' assets with narrowed eyes. He was one of the few drinking REAL tea in the room.
He tilted his head at him, a smile tugging at the curve of his lips. He was dressed in traditional Chinese garb (only sleeveless), all in dark greens with accents of lighter shades. The pants underneath were white- and his shoes were steel-toed combat boots. They looked like they'd stomped through a couple spines in their time.
The man had an exotic look about him, with white hair cut short around his face and long around the back- it was tied up in loops out of the way. He was well built, arms cut with muscles and covered in tattoos- the most prominent a red dragon coiled around his upper bicep.
He arched an eyebrow at Reihai, offering his teacup out to him. "Hello."
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Annoyance flickered in the pretty man's eyes- quickly smothered, and covered by a respectful bow. This man looked fairly dangerous, but that was beside the point- if he was caught being rude to customers without due cause, he could kiss this job goodbye, And he really, really needed this job. Not many people were willing to hire someone with Yakuza debts.
"Excuse me, sir," he murmured. "What kind of tea are you drinking? I will get you a fresh cup."
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"I'd like that one back, actually-" He murmured, nodding to the cup. "I brought my own... can't trust yours at all." His foot remained in place, keeping Rei where he was. "All your tea tastes like s**t, so bring me whatever kind you have-" He shrugged.
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Oh, it did, did it. The spark was back in Rei's eyes, but his expression remained pleasant- he'd give this arrogant b*****d a taste of their 's**t tea.' He knew how to make it RIGHT, and though he didn't usually make the tea himself, he'd make an exception.
"I will bring you one of the house specials, then." He tilted his head, flicking his hair back over his shoulder to reveal the eyes of a black-lined butterfly inked on his shoulder. "If you will please move your foot? You are blocking my way to the kitchen."
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"If you'll do me a favor, of course." He lifted his chin slightly, regarding Rei with a smile.
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"It would depend on the favor." His smile remained in place, but there was no give in his tone. "May I hear it first?"
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He reached into his pocket, taking out a silver lighter. He shifted slightly, tossing it a few feet onto the floor. "Hand that lighter back to me, hmm?"
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.......a*****e.
Rei was not one to meekly give in if he had a choice. Certainly not to lecherous customers like this one! He searched mutinously for another alternative for a moment...and was all too pleased to find one readily available.
His broom was leaning against the wall nearby where he'd left it, caught up in serving customers. With a last raised eyebrow at Fai, he plucked it from it's position and brushed it sharply across the floor. The lighter flew from the ground to slam into the wall, bouncing off and coming open; he caught the lit thing in his hand, snapping it shut with a decisive sound before offering it back to Fai.
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Fai frowned a little, taking it back. "You scratched it." He glanced up at him. "You know how much this thing is worth?"
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"All I know is how to make tea- which you are preventing me from doing," Rei told him pointedly. The man was raising his temper from it's cold grave. The lighter DID look expensive, but maybe the man would think twice next time he harassed someone. "Now please move."
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"That's alright. I'll talk to your boss and work something out- you and me'll work this out later." He moved his leg, standing to his feet. "I think you could repay it's worth with some 'private' time at my place." He smirked, walking off toward the other bosses main sitting area.
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The wooden end of the broom didn't snap- but he did crack it slightly. Oooooh, he was all too willing to kill that son of a b***h if the opportunity ever presented itself. If he thought that Rei was some pretty toy to be used at will...he'd best not get naked anywhere in Rei's vicinity. It could be bad for his health.
Forcing himself back to calm, he went and made the tea as requested. His tea was GOOD- much better tan the establishment usually offered. He drifted to his boss' area with a small tray, setting the cup down serenely at Fai's elbow.
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Fai was speaking to the other man, nodding every once in a while. He shifted a little when Rei appeared, then glanced up as if noticing him for the first time.
"Alright then…it's settled." He stood, taking the tea cup and tossing it's contents aside- untouched. "You'll come to my place tonight. I can't wait. You're boss'll tell you how to get there." He flicked a smirk towards Rei's boss, then made his way out of the place.
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Coldly, Rei stared at the tea he'd worked so hard to make correctly. It MEANT something to him, and to see it so tossed aside...he flicked those same acid eyes up to his boss, though his tone was perfectly respectful.
"What exactly have you signed me up for?"
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"You owe him now, so whatever he wants." The man shrugged. "Go upstairs and clean yourself up."
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Great. Just great. Rei gave him one last, flat stare before heading to his room like a good slave- mouthing off wasn't worth it. When he actually clamed down and thought about it, nothing the stranger could ask was too bad to loose his job over...he seemed a minor threat, compared to the Yakuza.
Dressed in clean- if very plain- jeans and a relatively decent white button shirt, hair tied in a slightly neater mess out of his way, Rei accepted his directions and went to the address he'd been given like a man on his way to his own execution. Better to get this over with...as soon as possible.
-----
The directions lead him a few blocks to the west. The shop was tucked in between a couple of old buildings- one the local Chinese market and the other an old book store. The sign was a black lotus, various versions of languages reading "The Broken Lotus".
The doorman glanced up as he approached, a very slender figure leaning against a pillar. He tilted his head at him. "... ?"
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"I was sent by the owner of the Empty Cup," he told the other man, voice and expression neutral. "I would assume that I am expected."
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"You must be Reihai." He pushed off the pillar, walking over to offer his hand out. "I'm Yoh- the night watchman. I'm out here during the evening... I watch the bar during the day."
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Rei bowed over the man's hand, little frown crossing his lips- he didn't like that they already knew his name. "Yes, my name is Rei. It is a pleasure to meet you, Yoh- I hope. Do you know where I am supposed to go...?"
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Yoh... accepted his hand back -since it had been ignored completely. He tucked it into his pocket, glancing toward the door. "Inside."
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"Thank you." When he was nervous, he reverted to the Japanese formality he'd been raised with; he regretted not taking the man's hand instantly, and gave him a little smile to make up for it. With a deep breath, he stepped inside; hopefully he'd have a chance to make it up to Yoh later...or he'd never see him again.
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Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 7:12 am
RP: Warm Welcome, part 2
The inside of the place was beautiful. Everything was dark green and gold. It smelled like incense and herbs. Someone in formal Chinese clothes darted past, all gold and white- they flicked him a quick glance before disappearing into another room.
The room was open, with a hanging lantern above that illuminated the darkness. It felt like a comfortable den. Two sets of staircase winded up around the back, leading to a balcony like area that allowed someone to look down over the front area. This, was where Fai was waiting.
He was leaning against the upper railing, watching Rei as he moved inside and looked around. He was dressed in black this time- a contrast to his hair and his eyes stood out electric green. He lifted a hand and beckoned Rei up.
-----
The place...took his breath away. He didn't want to admit it, considering, but the place had CLASS. It had been so long since he'd been surrounded by such that he'd almost forgotten what it was like. He hated himself for softening towards the man, based solely on the place he owned.
Resolutely, he walked through the place with his head high and headed up the stairs. He stood out badly in his cheap clothing...a trace of color was bright on his cheeks, ashamed of what little he owned. Tch.
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"Hello," Fai murmured, offering him a smile. He stepped away from the rails edge when he appeared up beside him. "I didn't think you'd actually come." >]
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"You overestimate my situation." He offered the man a slight bow, as perfectly polite as the one he'd given at the bar. "I am aware that you have been given my name- but I have not had the honor of yours."
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"Fai Li-" He turned, heading down the long hallway. The deep greens faded into reds and gold, darkening the back area. "Follow me."
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Letting out a slow breath, Rei followed him. His footsteps were neat and quiet, and he didn't disturb the air around him when he moved- graceful and trained for poise and elegance, no matter where he worked now. With his shirt on and the tattoos out of sight, he seemed a bit younger, and more delicate.
He kept his silence as they walked, simply taking in the details of the place around them. So nice...his fingers itched to touch the walls, and he sternly told them to be still.
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"Why do you work for him?" Fai asked, taking them into a near-dark room. He moved around, lighting some candles to illuminate it better. He turned around, regarding Rei curiously.
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"It's a paycheck." There was an under layer of anger and frustration in his tone, carefully quieted; Rei clasped his hands in front of himself, watching Fai with sharp eyes. "I didn't have much luck anywhere else."
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"So.. you work for him for the money?" He arched an eyebrow. "There are better playing jobs out there..."
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"Not ones that will hire me...once they've put my name out on the streets." His smile was brittle. This wasn't information the man needed- he REALLY disliked being interrogated. >.<
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"What are your talents?" Fai flopped himself back on a pile of pillows, propping one foot on the low wooden table set out in front of it. It was set with a few dishes of food and warm water for tea.
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"Talents...?" What an odd question. Still, it was better than the other possibilities he'd imagined, so he simply tilted his head and considered the question before answering. "I have my Bachelor's in Politics, and my Master's in Asian Foreign Policy. I also have my teaching license. I speak Japanese by birth, but am also fluent in English, Chinese, and Korean. I cook...and make excellent tea." The last was said with a trace of cynicism, remembering the previously discarded tea.
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"That's a lot of potential to be in such a s**t hole-" Fai murmured. "Have a seat, hmm?"
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Rei nodded once, sitting on his knees with hands folded neatly in his lap. "My scores were excellent. I worked briefly for the government..."
He looked away, jaw tight. Even now he was drawn to the bright gambling lights, despite the trouble they'd caused him. "That was a few years ago."
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"I can help you." Fai shifted forward, pouring himself some tea before curling back on his side. "You've got too much talent to be working there.. I could use you here."
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"Doing what, if I may ask?" He knew it was a bold question, but....well, this wasn't exactly working out the way he'd imagined. "You don't really know enough about me to make that decision."
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"Being my personal assistant." Fai replied. "I need someone with your skills to help run my business. I can pay off whatever you owe and pay you a reasonable salary."
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It was such a good offer that part of Rei denied it instantly. It couldn't be possible- surely. "I owe some fairly unbelievable debts to the Japanese mafia," he told the man, emotionlessly. Distancing himself from that nightmarish fact. "They have already killed my cousin as proof of their seriousness. No one person has the leverage it would require to remove such a debt."
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"Is that a challenge?" Fai looked up, eyes cold green stones. "You have no idea who I am... You think the Japanese mafia is scary?" He barked a laugh, shaking his head. "Please."
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"Forgive my boldness, but you do not seem much of a threat to me, chugokujin," Rei snapped, eyes flashing as he spat the word. His hands were curled to tight fists in his lap- how could this man so easily mock his own personal horror? He was shaking and he knew it, sick with the thought of being so close to something so good...and knowing it couldn't be true.
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Fai tilted his head. "Fine, go back to your 'job'." He knocked back the drink, setting it aside. "Get out, I'm finished with you. My desire has died completely."
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"You did not have the capability to begin with," Rei told him viciously, getting to his feet in one sharp, smooth motion. There were tears in his eyes and he had missed dinner...but it didn't matter. This man was a fool. "You may keep your desire. I hope it keeps you warm at night."
He turned and stalked to the door, fingernails leaving bloody crescents in his palms.
-----
Rei felt his wrist get yanked backwards- viciously enough that it hurt for a split second. That pain disappeared as he felt himself being shoved back against the hallway wall. Fai slammed a fist beside his face, boxing him in. He was close enough that Rei could smell the cologne he favored.
"What's it going to take, hmm?"
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That the violence had become something he expected told Rei a lot about how his life had been since he'd acquired his debts. His eyes slammed shut for a moment, but he forced them open- glaring at Fai through fogged vision, pressed as far against the wall as he could manage.
"For what," he growled through gritted teeth. Though he shrank away from the man, he wasn't beaten yet- a caged rat bites hardest.
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"For you to accept my offer?" He tilted his head, nose brushing across Rei's. "You don't believe I can pay off your debts?"
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"I don't believe in anything anymore," Rei whispered, eyes closing. The man was...impressive, he'd give him that. That he WANTED Rei so badly made his heart ache- it felt nice to be treated as something other than trash...even for a moment.
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"I'm not asking you to believe anything. I'm asking you to stay here and work for me." He lifted his other hand to touch Rei's face, brushing a thumb across his eyelid. "I've already paid off your debts. You don't have to go back to that place if you don't want to work there... " Rei felt the light press of Fai's lips against his as the other man moved forward to press his body against him. "If you accept my offer, stay. If not... go- but don't act like you weren't given the chance."
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Rei stopped breathing for a moment- then gasped when he remembered how, eyes flying open to stare at the man who was so close to him. He couldn't think- his mind reeled and desperately searched for something stable for a long moment.
"You- you did what?" He managed, flushed with the strangeness of the moment and his (unfortunately undeniable) desire for the other man. Tch, there went dignity. "H-how..."
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Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 7:13 am
RP: Warm Welcome, part 3; Final
Fai was rather pleased with himself (yet again). He liked the fact that it was overly obvious how Rei 'felt'.
"I negotiated with your boss, sent a payment through my private bank..." He placed a butterfly kiss against Rei's jaw. "You're free to ******** up again."
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"I'd l-like to avoid repeating history," Was Rei's slightly dazed reply. His fists unclenched slowly, wanting to trust this man- which, he realized, was probably not a bright idea. "Who ARE you...?"
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"I'm a Triad...we're a bit more hardcore than the Yakuza." Fai smirked and licked him across the throat, stepping back away from him. "My offer still stands for you to work for me. I can't promise you I'll bail your a** out of debt again if you go off and act like a fool... Think about it."
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One hand came up to brush his hair back out of his eyes; it had come down again, since it was never really stable to begin with. "I can't refuse an offer like that," he said softly, still not quite grasping the situation. If what Fai said was true, he OWED this man. If he was really 'one of the Triads' or even part of one, his situation might have actually just gotten a lot worse. At least the company would be better, along with the environment.
"What...do you want me to do?"
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Fai offered him a leer, lighting a cigarette. "Well, where shall I start?"
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"....At the beginning, with how much I'm already in debt to you for that lighter," Rei told him dryly, finding some of his old practicality again. The man seemed to smoke like a chimney. He crossed his arms over his chest, raising an eyebrow at Fai. "And by telling me what I'm expected to call you. I warn you, there's a few words not in my vocabulary."
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"Fai, will suit me just fine." He replied. "You don't owe me anything for the lighter- it was scratched before you touched it. I just wanted a reason to get you here." Fai flashed him a smile, sharp teeth showing through the grin.
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"You ARE an a*****e...Fai-san." Against his will, Rei felt a smile pulling at the corners of his lips. Arrogant the man might be, but he was regretfully starting to almost like him.
"So...what happens now, hmm?"
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"You sleep with me," He said off-hand, flicking his ashes into an ashtray that just happened to be sitting on the hallway table. He floated back into the room they'd been in previously, peeking out. "Tea?"
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"I'm boring, and unimaginative." Rei followed, shaking his head- he really WASN'T sure if Fai was joking or not. "It had best be very good tea, or I will force you to let me make it myself. Oh, I brought your teacup."
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"What does boring and unimaginative have to do with it?" Fai arched an eyebrow, dropping back onto the pillows. He gestured to the tea area. "Please, make me some. And thanks- I was beginning to miss the cup."
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"It's a turn off, to most people." So much for that idea. Rei pulled the cup from his pocket and set it aside, turning his attention to the tea preparations. He proved he actually knew what he was doing, taking great care that seemed habitual before offering a clean cup (not the one he'd brought) to Fai.
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"You know... you might be boring an unimaginative- but that doesn't mean I can't show you what you've been missing." Fai grinned, taking the tea.
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"I like boring. It keeps my life from being too unstable." Rei's expression was serene as he went back to the tea, pouring himself a cup. He liked his own tea a good bit stronger, though it didn't help settle his nerves any. He still didn't know if Fai was serious. "You mentioned that you wanted me to help run your business...?"
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"I might have, but we can chat about that over a couple of pillows naked." Fai sipped his tea, taking a moment to smoke in silence and watch the tendrils of silver float to the ceiling.
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"But how will I take notes? If I can't concentrate, you might as well not tell me anything," Rei pointed out practically, moving to sit across from him with his tea. "Is Yoh downstairs really a doorman...or is he as sinister as you, underneath that friendly face?"
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"Who said you'd need to concentrate- I'm referring to pillow-talk, which comes after. You'll have enough time...pending you don't crash due to exhaustion. I can be a little fierce at first." He exhaled a smoke ring, arching an eyebrow at him.
"Yes, he's my night doorman. During the day he tends the bars... he's still learning that part though."
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"I have been doing menial labor for the past several years. Exhaustion and I don't often meet." The sweet smile Rei gave him implied that it would, in fact, take a great deal of work...IF he let Fai get that far.
"He's nice. I've probably offended him, but you seem to have good people working for you."
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Fai leaned forward, smirking. "Believe me baby, this ain't gonna be 'menial'."
He shifted back, shrugging his shoulders. "Yoh's an easy going person. I hardly think he gives a ******** what you did .. as long as you didn't' hit him in the-" He grunted, realizing his cigarette had burned down to nothing. "... hm."
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Rei had seen a small jade container of cigarettes while he was making tea; he plucked one from the jar, then leaned forward to offer it to him with a little shake of his head. "Nothing so violent..."
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Fai took his wrist, moving Rei's hand to his lips and accepting the cigarette. His nodded toward the lighter, releasing his hand so that Rei could retrieve it.
"Then, he should still like you."
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"What are you, invalid?" Rei demanded, but he retrieved the lighter, and flicked it open with a practiced gesture. It was hard to believe he was speaking so to the man who effectively owned him now, but...it felt comfortable. "I will have to help him practice at the bar...I've gotten fairly good at that over the last few years."
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"Good, consider it part of your job then." Fai shrugged, not really caring WHAT he did as long as he did what he wanted when HE needed something.
He laid back against the pillows, smoking. "Where do you live?"
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Sitting back on his heels, Rei examined the lighter. He liked the pretty silver thing, and wondered where it had actually acquired the scratch. "At the teahouse. Though...I suppose that's not true anymore, if I'm working for you. I hope he hasn't thrown out any of my things."
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"I had 'em moved over while you were here." Fai smirked. (OH THE CLEVERNESS OF ME.) "You can stay here, there's plenty of room... in my bed." 8D
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"Mmm, but my things will look terrible anywhere you are, they're mostly cheap and bare substitutes for what I used to have," Rei replied breezily. "Not fitting for a place like this. I'll be happy in some little corner, out of the way and out of the rain."
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".. Shut up." Fai snorted. "You'll have money enough to buy nice clothes." He darted forward, grabbing Rei by the front of his shirt and jerking him forward into his lap. "You're stronger than that," He purred under his breath.
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Rei gave a little yelp, knocking his teacup over as he was yanked. It looked like Fai HAD been serious...after all. Practically speaking, he knew that this likely wouldn't be unpleasant...privately, he admitted he was almost starting to look forward to the man's company, given their banter. He'd put up a fight, and was proud of himself for it.
"Tch! I can't even do business here in the things I have!" He scoffed, realizing he'd ended up half-straddling the other man. Eeeeek. "I can barely even walk through the BAR without crumbling in humiliation!"
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"I said it would be taken care of... Do you doubt me still?" He tilted his head at him, taking a final drag of the cigarette before snuffing it out in the ashtray. "I'll give you some money tomorrow.. you can go buy yourself something to wear." Fai sat up, hands moving to Rei's legs and pulling him fully into his lap. "Better?"
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Hands on his hips, Rei eyed Fai...tiny smile trying so hard to find it's way past his lips, and the dimples he hid in each cheek. Oh, but the man was a sneaky b*****d. "While you're at it, I could really use a car..."
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Fai leaned forward, cheek brushing against Rei's. His breath was warm against Rei's skin, lips brushing across his ear as he murmured. "Work for it."
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"Right after you buy me a suit," Rei growled back, hands coming up to Fai's shoulders- nails digging in slightly. Through the thinness of his shirt, Fai could see the tattoos that had been so visible before. "Your work ethic is disturbingly predictable, Fai-san..."
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"You don't need a suit for this kind of work," Fai murmured, peering curiously at the tattoos. "Nice marks. Is there a story behind them?"
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"Hmm." Rei sat back a little, frowning at the butterfly on his shoulder. Though (again) he knew this wasn't the brightest idea, he unbuttoned the top buttons of his shirt so Fai could see the detail. "Most of them aren't good stories. This one the Yakuza gave me...the hard way...when I first fell in debt to them. The wings became a little more elaborate, the longer it took to pay them."
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"... So it's just a mark that you owe them money?" Fai arched an eyebrow, slipping an arm around his waist and pulling him close to peer at it better. "Sounds like a stupid reason to give someone such a nice tattoo."
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"They did it with knives. And without any sort of painkiller. I think it was more a reminder than anything else." Rei took a breath and put those memories aside; it still hurt so MUCH, sometimes. "There's a tribal one on my ribs that came from a lost bet...the stars across the small of my back are the amount of money I owed. There's a lotus on my ankle that covers an old scar..." he hesitated over the last mark, smothering a smile. Fai could find out about that one when he FOUND it.
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"Mmm, hesitation. Do I hear the sounds of a final tattoo?" He turned his head just enough to look at Rei and smirk, fingertips light across the butterfly wing. "You should get one that you want, be proud of the others."
"I'll show you mine~"
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"You might." Rei grinned, finally, and turned his face away to rest his cheek on Fai's shoulder. It was the closest he'd come to giving in, so far. "You'll have to help me figure something out, then..."
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"A dragon, definitely." Fai replied without skipping a beat.
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Laughing, Rei slipped an arm around Fai's waist, closing his eyes. This was...surprisingly comfortable, and to hell with it, anyways. If rape awaited the resisting, then he'd prefer that Fai prove to him how easily he could change 'boring and imaginative.' "Alright, fine...dragon it is."
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Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 7:14 am
Journal / Fai Li ____________________ //
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Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 9:58 am
RP: The Temple, part 1
It was early in the morning, far earlier than Fai usually woke up. He slipped out of his room unnoticed, moving through the still hallways to a large set of wooden carved doors. It was a room that usually remained closed, no-one saw what was inside except the owner of the Lotus.
The hallway flickered with light briefly as the doors opened, letting out the flash of candle light across red walls and black lacquered wood. He glanced over his shoulder for a moment, green eyes searching the shadows before he turned and dissapeared inside the room.
---
Reihai didn't usually wake up when Fai left...largely because he was usually up and moving before or with his boss. The chill of his lover's warmth being gone, however, woke him confused and disoriented.
After a moment of staring at the walls in confusion, he dressed and went sleepily looking for Fai. Maybe something had happened? That the wooden doors were usually off limits didn't occur to him in his half-aware state, and he slipped inside tracking the scent of Fai's cigarettes.
"Fai-san...?" He asked softly, rubbing at his eyes. "Are you here?"
---
The inside of the room was like a small temple. It was as if everything around it had been built differently- the room has lower ceilings, solid wood flooring across the entire expanse, and wall to wall screens of different painted patterns across silk stretched on wood. Candles were placed in strategic places to illuminate the room equally, creating stretching shadows in places the light didn't touch. The room was huge- much larger than it possible could have been with the dimensions of the Lotus.
Fai was standing in the center of the large open area, darting around in a martial dance. His hands flicked out batting at imaginary targets, moving at an incredible speed. He was fast, and his movements cut the air creating a gust of wind that sent tiny breezes across the room. The candles danced along with him.
---
Breath caught, Rei could only stop to watch. It explained why he never saw Fai practice, though he knew the man's level of skill was incredible; watchign him was like an act of mercy. He sank to his knees just inside the door, leaning back against the dark wood. He wasn't awake enough to take in the strange dimensions...that could come later.
---
Fai was dressed in a pair of loose training pants, a shirt was draped across one of the smaller screens to his far left. His feet were bar and his hands were wrapped tightly with white bandages. His hair was braided, falling down his back to barely touch the floor.
He spun around, dropping to the floor in a crouch to lock eyes onto the intruder into his sanctuary. One eyebrow raised slightly as he caught his breath from the exercise.
"What are you doing here, hmm?"
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"I got cold...and you left the door open," was the murmured reply. Rei sat as he'd been taught when in a temple out of reflex, neatly on his knees with hands resting on his thighs. He'd thrown on a loose silk robe and pants, not awake enough for his preference of REAL clothes. He didn't apologize- never assume fault unless you're given reason. He'd wait to see what Fai did.
---
"I see... I'll throw another blanket on your next time." Fai smirked, shifting back to sit and rest one arm over his raised knee. "Welcome to my special place. This is where I like to train."
He flicked a hand, gesturing around them. "Not many people get access to this place... even with the door left a little open."
---
"Why is that? It's just a door...or have you intimidated them too much?" Smiling a bit, Rei crawled over to lean against him. Fai was warm, and he was still chilled.
"It's beautiful," he told him softly, candle flames flickering in his violet eyes. "It suits you. You and this place are made richer by being together."
---
"This is ... my place. I told them to leave it alone. I'm around them all the time." He shrugged, wrapping an arm around Rei's shoulder.
"That's true."
---
"Do you want me to leave?" He asked softly, serious. It was Fai's place...he didn't want to intrude upon what little solitude the man had. "I could probably manage to sleep a bit longer, if you'd rather be left alone."
---
It pleased him that Fai had so much respect for thep lace- not that he'd really come to expect anythign different, but he loved to see such a beautiful place cherished. He stretched as he rose, reaching up to high his hair out of his face in a high ponytail.
"I can't promise I'm particularly intelligent at the moment, but I'll do my best." Maybe someday he'd get to see this entire practice from start to finish...there was a peace here he liked.
---
"Eh, I think you'll be okay." Fai tugged him out of the room, closing the doors tightly after them. He'd snatched his shirt on the way out and slipped it on as they walked down the hallway toward the stairs.
"Today is a special day, I'll be heading to pray. I was wondering if you wanted to join me? I know this isn't your culture and you're a little ... adverse toward it. I won't be offended if you'd rather not come with me."
---
The offer stunned him into silence; it was true that he'd been raised Christian, despite his respect for the temples, but he knew it meant much to Fai...and for the man to be so open-handed after Rei's habitual irritation at being drowned in Chinese culture was amazing. He slipped his fingers through the other man's, shoulders brushing lightly as they walked.
"I would be honored," he told him softly, and meant it. "Much as I b***h about it, Fai-san...it makes me happy to be here with you, and be there for what is important in your life."
---
Fai snickered, glancing at him sidelong. "You know Reihai.. you'll make someone a real nice wife someday." XD
He lead them downstairs into the main sitting area, lighting up a cigarette as soon as they passed through the doors. It smelled of coffee and the kitchens waking up- already. He checked his watch, frowning slightly.
"You've got enough time to do whatever you like before we go- I still need to find my good clothes and shower." u_U; "That'll take me kicking Koh's a** out of bed and throwing him into my closet."
---
"Koh should be awake by now," Rei replied offhand, restraining himself from shoving the b*****d into a wall. Wife, indeed. "He's been getting up much earlier to handle paperwork and help me when I get lost. I'll go get dressed...check my office, that's where he usually ends up." <3
---
Fai grabbed his hand, tugging him forward into his arms. He kissed him softly, smiling at him through the mischief in his eyes.
"I'm glad you're coming with me." He kissed him again, before wandering off to check Rei's office for his assistant.
"Koh, the hell are you?" ;
---
Containing his blush admirably, Rei flitted off to get dressed and wipe the silly smile off hsi face. As his footsteps receeded, Koh's voice raised from Rei's office. His laptop was open on one side of the man's desk, and he'd pulled up an extra chair so he wouldn't be in Rei's way when the man arrived.
Glancing up from his paperwork, he frowned at Fai. He was actually very alert and dressed in his good clothes, as well- he'd remembered. "You're early, boss. I didn't think we'd see you for a few hours, yet."
---
"The Japanese invaded," Fai murmured, walking in to regard him curiously. "Do you want your own office...?" He flicked a hand around, gesturing to the small space that TWO people were now taking up.
"I need you to find my suit."
---
"I'm starting to need it...no place for paperwork and s**t. I'm used to working out of my car, but I'm spending too much time working with Rei to keep hauling this s**t back and forth." A file box sat at his feet, next to his laptop case- both full of paper. The way he talked, this had been a regular thing for a while.
"I thought he couldn't get in there? You're a lot more attached than you let on," Koh told him with a lopsided smile, closing his laptop and shoving his stuff aside. "Suit's clean, and in MY closet. I figured it'd be easier to find." >.o
---
"Ah, well go get it and bring it to my room. I'll figure out what to do about your office." He snorted, walking off to take a shower.
It wouldn't be hard for him to convert a nearby room to Koh's office. They held all kinds of random s**t that it wouldn't be a problem to just have it moved and throw a desk in one. After he went to the temple- he had to clear his mind and focus for today.
---
Koh appeared in his room shortly, ignoring the sounds of the shower with amusement as he set out Fai's suit. He'd stolen a tray of breakfast form the kitchen for both of them and left it behind as well before returning to tie up his loose ends. All business was on hold, of course, until they got back.
Rei dressed in on of his best suits when he'd successfully won a towel from Fai, taking the time to dry his hair and make sure he was presentable. "How often do you go to the temple like this, Fai-san...?"
---
"Twice a year," Fai replied, floating behind him with a towel around his waist. "Every six months, on these two days. Sometimes the amount between is different, depending on the calander of course."
He grabbed his suit, looking it over. It was a mandarin gown in dark shades of green and black. When he was dressed he tied his hair up in loops and attatched the red tassle.
"You ready to go?"
---
Rei, dressed, had paused to watch him- soft little smile on his face. He stepped close to brush the lines straight across Fai's chest.
"You look good..." he murmured, and glanced up at him. "I'm ready, whenever you are."
---
"Thanks, this is my second suit.. the first one got shot up." He frowned slightly, then nodded toward the breakfast. "You should grab something to eat. I need to go handle some last minute things- meet me downstairs when you're finished."
He stepped away from him, moving out the door toward Rei's office again. He got a few people along the way, ordering them to clear out the room across from Rei's for Koh to use. They'd handle that while he was gone.
"Koh, go ahead and get yourself some real office s**t.. eh?"
---
"Yeah, yeah," Koh murmured, scribbling hasty notes across a few of his papers. Once he was done, he stuffed them in his box; his laptop was put away as well, removing his presence from Rei's office. And he did this DAILY. "You ready...?"
---
"I'm waiting on you, of course I'm g'damn ready. Move your a**! If I'm late to this..." He growled, getting anxious about the trip as it got closer to the time he was supposed to arrive.
---
"Shhh, it's okay boss...chill out. Car's out front and I just saw Rei step outside." Koh glanced up and grinned at him, patting his shoulder as he moved to join him. "We're never late, and we ain't gonna start now."
---
"Don't pat me-" Fai growled, walking after him to the car. His snarls were normal, and weren't meant to be hateful... that's just the way he got. If you lived with him, you got used to it. He climbed into the back of the car, kicking the drivers seat.
"Drive already!" D;
---
Rei slipped into the seat next to him, smiling as the youthful driver (who was NOT Koh) squeaked. Koh himself dropped into the front passenger seat, nodding to the kid to get them on the road. The kid drove like Koh, efficiently and without wasting anybodies time. It left Koh free for a cell phone conversation, dropping final orders before they went to temple.
Leaning against Fai, Rei shook his head. "So tense...what makes this so important?"
---
"Ask me when it's over," Fai murmured, eyes locked on his window. He was tense. He glanced at his watch, nodding to himself. Just enough extra time to smoke before he had to go inside.
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Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 2:49 pm
RP: The Temple, part 2
Once off the phone, Koh gave quiet directions to the driver to make sure they got to exactly the right place. They arrived with plenty of time; Rei was silent, unnerved by the tension, not wanting to make Fai's life harder.
Koh stepped out of the car and went to open Fai's door once they parked, stepping aside without a word. He was tense with anticipation, too.
---
Fai climbed out and immediately lit a cigarette, walking toward a set of benches off to the side of the temple. He flopped down, watching the wind blow through the cluster of trees that surrounded the small building.
---
They all had tea and chatted, going over everything from the weather to the daily news around the streets. Luan was as up to date on the goings on of the streets around Fai as the man himself was.
Rei didn't know the man enough to understand that there really wasn't anything wrong; he hung back to talk to Koh, who smiled and shoved him. Together they waited in quiet, patient.
---
Once he'd had his smoke, Fai rose and wandered back to the others. He looked calmer, by far.
"Alright- Koh, you coming in or staying here?"
---
"I'll come next week," he replied calmly, and gave his boss a smile. "I owe her a cup of tea, anyways. I'll be out here if you need me."
Still quiet, Rei slipped up next to Fai, watching him from the corner of his eye. He DID seem better, but...he wasn't taking any chances.
---
"Suit yourself, if she's pissed isn't my fault." Fai shrugged, winking at Rei as he moved forward up the stairs of the temple.
The front doors were open, letting the breeze in and the thick smell of incense out. A young man knelt beside the entrance, head bowed. He looked up as they approached, smiling.
"Welcome back Fai Li."
Fai nodded to him, waiting there. "Lao... How is she doing today?"
The boy smirked, shaking his head. "She's been up longer than you have today... already cleaned the grounds and has me working twice as hard because of the season." He sighed. "I'd say she was pretty good today."
---
Blinking, Rei peered around Fai at the young man- wondering who he was, and who this woman was that everyone kept mentioning. She sounded energetic, whoever she was; Rei assumed she was an older woman, from the way they spoke. His eyes traveled over the place, taking in all of the details...it was a fascinating place.
---
Fai chatted a little longer, before heading in through the doors. The inside of the temple was close to the small room in the Lotus. It even smelled the same. Fai walked over to a large statue, kneeling in front of it to mumble something that sounded like a curse under his breath.
---
Rei nudged Fai's foot with one shoe, raising an eyebrow at him as he smothered a smile. How typical of Fai- bad child that he was. Rei bet he gave someone fits in this temple.
Himself, he glanced up at the enormous dragon and nodded once. He wouldn't bow to any of these spirits...but he was smart enough to respect them.
---
Fai glanced at him sidelong, tongue sticking out just enough to be seen. He shifted to place a hand on the bottom of the platform, then stood to his feet.
"This is Shen."
---
"So informal," Rei scolded lightly, but smiled at him. "He's impressive. Why don't you have a very good opinion of him...if I'm allowed to ask?"
---
"We've got mutual agreements on our opinions of each other." He stepped around him, heading towards the back of the temple. The screens were all pulled to the sides, revealing the huge garden in the back.
---
"It figures that you'd find some way to have 'issues' with a God...thing," Rei snorted, and trailed after. The gardens made his eyes widen, and he looked around curiously. "This place is so beautiful..."
---
"Mmhmm, closest to Heaven as we're allowed to come." Fai replied, making his way down the stairs to the rock path. A few feet away, in the middle of a large set of willows was a lake. A small bridge went over it, giving it a very scenic and beautiful appearance. A figure stood in the center, peering out over the water.
She had dark black hair, straight and tied at the bottom. It was long enough to touch the ground and part of it was twisted and pinned up with decorative hair things. She was dressed in chinese robes, layered and flowing in crimson and gold. She turned as they approached the water, eyes bright and outlined in black. She couldn't have been older than her mid-twenties... but she had an air of age around her.
"Did you properly greet your Father, Fai Li?" She smiled, eyes turning to look at Rei curiously.
---
This couldn't be the woman they'd been speaking about...surely. Rei nodded respectfully to her but stood back, letting Fai go to greet her; he didn't want to intrude. Something about the woman said that she was someone important...very important, to Fai.
---
"Of course," Fai grumbled, walking around the waters edge to where the bridge started. He looked back toward Rei, waiting for him to follow after him before making his way up toward her. "Same way I say hello to him every time."
---
Blinking as he realized Fai wanted him there, Rei stepped up after his lover- peering around him to examine the woman curiously. One of the temple maidens, perhaps?
---
Fai pointed at the woman, looking back at Rei. "This is Luan. She runs the Temple. She helped build it a long time ago. Luan, this is Reihai." He nodded, nudging Rei toward her.
---
...Long time ago?
More than slightly confused, Rei bowed to the woman and gave her a smile. "Shinoda Reihai," he murmured. No point in worrying about it too much, he'd harass Fai for the details later. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miko-san." <3
---
"Pleasures all mine. This is the first time Fai Li has brought someone to meet me here..." She raised an eyebrow, glancing at him with a faint smile across her features. "Interesting."
Fai gave her a flat look, nodding toward the temple. "It's tea time..?"
---
"He's been trying to convert me for as long as I've been with the Lotus," Rei told her with a straight face, clasping hands behind his back. "He keeps saying something about 'Japanese pigs.' We've had a lovely little war going- he probably thinks you'll have better luck."
Leaning forward slightly, he smirked at Fai as he whispered to her. "He's probably right." ^_~
---
Luan blinked, tilting her head. "Converting you to what?"
Fai grunted at Rei, walking back toward the house- leaving them to banter back and forth. He had tea to make, dammit.
---
"Chinese, of course." He offered his arm to her, and his smile softened as he watched Fai irritably roll off.
"Truthfully, though, he has done so much for me...been so kind, despite his rough exterior," he told her quietly. "I...love him."
---
"I have no reason to convert you to... 'chinese' as you say it." She patted him on the arm, but didn't accept it. "I'd rather you come have some tea with me." She smiled, walking beside him.
"Do you, now? How long have you known him?"
---
"He doesn't either, but the Lotus makes a show of it." Hands behind his back again, he fell into step with her and considered the question.
"Not very long, really. Tch, everyone told me to stay away from him, that it was a bad idea, that I was being blinded by the favors he'd done for me...but it wasn't so simple." Shrugging, he reached up to tuck ash-brown hair out of his eyes. "He is...special."
---
"Then why do you love him? Because he was so kind and generous to you?" Her eyes were on the temple as they walked, moving almost soundlessly across the gravel path.
---
"That would be a poor way to use the word." After the way Fai had worked so hard to get him there, the sound of the door breaking open when Fai couldn't take the heartrending way he played violin, the months when he'd been gone on business because he believed it was wrong as much as Rei had...
"Because...when I steal his favorite teacup, he doesn't make me give it back." It brought a smile to his face; it was such a perfect example of who Fai was. "Because when I stumble over his secrets, he lets me in rather than blocking me out. I can see no better reason to love someone, than that they give you everything they are."
---
"That's a good set of reasons." Luan murmured, smiling to him. "I hope you two are happy together."
---
"I hope so, too. I don't know enough about him, still, and sometimes it makes me nervous to think I might screw something up...but he needs looking after, and I'm willing to carry his occasionally dead weight." Rei grinned, and looked down at his pretty companion. "He was really nervous about today...I never see him so tense."
---
"He's usually like that here at first," She shrugged, moving up the temple steps into the large main area. Fai had already set out places and tea things.
"Please, have a seat."
---
"Thank you," Rei murmured, and took a seat neatly to Fai's left. He was amused by the thought of Fai preparing tea- since he usually stole the task away from him. He gave his lover a little smile; he still didn't know what was going on, but he liked the woman.
---
They all had tea and chatted, going over everything from the weather to the daily news around the streets. Luan was as up to date on the goings on of the streets around Fai as the man himself was.
---
Rei was thankful for the chance to not look liek an idiot. He was still so uncertain in this strange environment...but at least the streets and the news were something he knew a lot about. He stayed quiet for the most part, participating form time to time while spending most of his time listening.
---
Much later in the afternoon, when the sun was beginning to set, Luan glanced up toward Rei.
"Would you mind terribly if Fai Li and I went to chat for a little bit? Lao Ren can take you on a tour or you can wander the grounds as you wish."
---
Nodding once, Rei set his cup aside. "Of course. Please don't let me intrude- I would be delighted for a tour, if it isn't too much trouble." <3
---
Luan nodded, sending for Lao Ren to escort him around. She and Fai dissapeared to the back area of the temple to speak.
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Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2007 6:43 pm
Solo RP: Child of the Night
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Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 1:09 pm
RP: Outside The Temple / The Trip Home
It was several hours from when the two of them left Rei and Lao to wander the grounds that Fai reappeared. His arm was wrapped around something curled against his shoulder bundled up in a soft white blanket. He gave Reihai a brief glance before moving down the stairs toward him. Lao gave his goodbye and slipped back into the temple.
---
Murmuring his own polite farewells to Lao, Rei blinked at Fai...tilting his head as he noticed the bundle. It certainly LOOKED like- but no, not Fai, it didn't make sense at all. Clasping his hands neatly behind him, Rei went to meet the other man as he came down the steps.
"Fai-san...?"
---
Fai looked a little worn around the edges, but otherwise the same. He was holding the soft wrapped thing carefully, listening to it but not LOOKING at it.
"Reihai, we need to talk... " He replied, adding. "-quietly."
---
A plummeting, sinking feeling hit Rei in the stomach. This definitely had the air of a confession, or a woman on the side who had just given Fai some interesting news...had he been wrong about the man? What if Yoh and Lynn had been right all along, and Fai really didn't care for him?
"We should go sit in the garden, then," Rei replied, voice and face perfectly neutral and calm. "I doubt anyone would disturb us there."
---
"Good idea," Fai walked past him, heading into the garden without another word.
He weaved through the hedges and flowers until he found a bench and sat himself onto it with a sigh. Fai waited for Reihai to join him before glancing at him with a little smile. "So... Luan spoke to me inside the temple...."
---
Carefully, Rei took the seat next to him and folded his hands in his lap. "I gathered that you msut have a lot to catch up on...so what happened?" He asked flatly, voice slightly strained. He was more afraid of this conversation than he really wanted to admit.
---
"Well... she said I needed a little responsibility since I was 'improving myself' so much." Fai murmured sarcastically. "A few weeks ago she found a baby in the temple. She's raised a lot of kids but right now she can't do it... so she gave him to me to look after. That's what this is-" Fai pointed with his free hand to the thing DROOL sleeping on his shoulder.
---
"Oh." Rei relaxed convulsively, lifting a hand to rub at his eyes in relief. "Is THAT all? God, you had me so worried...have you ever raised a child before? Let me see him!"
The smile returned to Reihai's face, and he leaned forward to brush noses with his lover. "She must have a lot of faith in you," he teased gently. "Now gimme the baby." ;D
---
Fai snorted, glad Reihai was so enthusiastic about it- HE'D be the one stuck caring for the little creature... afterall. >>
"Tsk- what the hell you think I was gonna say?" He shifted the bundle, handing it over to Reihai. A little noise of protest sounded from within the blankets as the warmth and bed the baby had been using was suddenly taken away.
---
"Something that I didn't want to hear." Changing that subject as quickly as possible, Rei cradled the little fluffer securely in his arms and blinked. "He's so light. My mother would say he needs fattening up. And..."
His voice trailed off as he shifted the blankets and got his first look at the baby's...unusual appearance. "Fai? Care to explain this to me...?"
---
"He's blue." Fai replied, shrugging his shoulders. "Luan says he's 'unique'... she thinks he's a spirit child. He looks like a Jiang Shi to me... but I'm not sure. It would explain the bit of paper we have to keep on him to ward off evil." He pointed to the little slip of paper painted with characters. It was pinned to his hair at the moment since he was sleeping- or had been. Bright red eyes were peering curiously up at Reihai from the blankets.
---
"Hello there," Rei murmured, bouncing the little thing slightly. He was ADORABLE, no matter what he was, and Rei felt strong protective urges kicking in. "Jiang Shi? The only translation I know for that word is 'vampire,' but he doesn't look much like one." Squinting as he tried to remember details, he frowned at the charm. "Forgive my lack of spirituality but...why are you worried about spirits?"
---
"He's a spirit child... without the charm anything with evil intent could take over since he's a vessel. It protects him and helps to keep him from dissapearing completely. Jiang Shi's can be reanimated dead, sorcerers or powerful monks could create the slips of paper and use them as a control device as well." Fai shook his head. "He's not a vampire, but he does survive on spirit Essance."
---
"That's going to make feeding him a bit difficult."
It was sort of redundant, but that was the first thing that came to mind as Rei blinked at Fai. "How are we going to take care of him, then?" Too late he realized he didn't really have a right to say 'we;' this was Fai's son, not his, and they had both been very hesitant to say the words that would have automatically made them a family. He looked down at the baby, brushing a soft finger down his cheek.
---
"...'we' won't be feeding him." Fai replied. "-'you' will be taking care of him, since I'll be busy with... life. I've been thinking of shifting Koh into a more busy position and giving him a lot more work. That will let you have enough time to raise the child." He sighed, shaking his head. "Luan assured me that it wouldn't be hard to feed him. He eats the same things other babies do, but at the end of the week I have to bring him spirit essance. She said it wouldn't be difficult to get, but it's something she needs to teach me."
---
"How exactly is that YOU taking responsibility?" Rei pointed out dryly, absently grateful Fai hadn't reacted badly to his words. He'd figured he would have a large part in this baby's life, but Fai wasn't getting out of it so easy. "Koh needs the opportunity, but I'll expect you to be this baby's father, Fai Li! I'm not so sure how I feel about being kicked out of my office to be a nursemaid."
---
Fai raised an eyebrow. "Oh, shut up Reihai." He snorted. "I know what I have to do... I'm not pushing him off onto you completely. I don't have the security, time, or patience to deal with him all at once right now. You will be protecting him while I work on preparing my SYNDICATE for a babies prescense. Do not lecture me."
---
Standing, Rei lifted the baby to his shoulder and faced the gardens, back to Fai- controlling his voice and expression with difficulty. The casual words had hurt. "You should pick your words more carefully," he said softly. "I do not like to hear you treat anyone so lightly- Koh, myself, and most especially this little one who has no choice but to rely on you for everything in it's life. I love you, but what am I, exactly- a servant in debt to you, or someone you trust?"
---
There was silence and the sound of a lighter being snapped open then closed. Fai shifted to raise on knee up to rest his arm across it as he smoked and stare off into the dark of the garden.
"I don't pick my words, Rei... they just come to me. It wasn't how I meant them to sound... the way you interpreted them. I don't know how to say that you're the only one I'd trust with him during the day... or that I want to be a part of it too but I know that if I shifted all my attentions to him then the rest of my life would crumble around me. I will be there for both of you... but don't assume that I'm dumping him onto you and that you're nothing but an indentured servant to me after all that's happened."
---
Gah. The man could be such a b*****d, but sometimes Rei though he needed hugs more than the baby in his arms did. "Try saying that next time," he sighed, "and just...slowing down. You don't need to give orders right this second...we were supposed to be 'talking.'"
He returned to the bench, though he sat down on the opposite side; smoke wasn't good for babies. "Does he have a name?"
---
"Luan calls him Tirasei... so that's his name." Fai didn't move from where he was.
---
Brat. Rei frowned at him, but let him sit in silence for a moment and smoke- he knew the man probably needed it. Tirasei, hmm...pretty, even if it didn't really sound Chinese OR Japanese.
After several minutes, he moved again, leaning his back against Fai and shifting the blanket to lightly cover Tira's face. "Are you alright?" He murmured, one arm shifting to wrap around Fai's.
---
"I'm fine," Fai replied, glancing sideways to look at him. He snuffed out the cigarette, waving the remnants of smoke away. "Are you alright? Has it drooled on you yet?"
---
"I am fine, when I am close to you," Rei replied softly, and smiled a little as the cig was extinguished. Good Fai, he'd have to remember to give him a treat. There was no avoiding the smoke in the Lotus, but when Tir was a baby, at least, they could protect him from it.
"HE...has been very quiet and well-behaved. Unlike some people I know." <3
---
Fai nodded, untangling himself from Rei's grip and standing. "It's time to leave. You should say goodbye to Luan and Lao Ren... I need to go pray before we leave."
---
Following his movements, Rei stood as well- pausing to tug the taller man down where he could kiss at least a little of his worries away. "We'll meet you out front. Take your time."
---
".. right." He flashed him a tight smile before walking back through the garden to the inside of the temple, where he dissapeared.
Luan and Lao were both back in the very from of the temple, chatting between themselves.
---
"You've certainly put the fox in the chickens, Luan-san," Rei intruded quietly, shifting Tir in his arms as he approached. "I hope Fai is still speaking to me or anyone after this...I've never seen him so shaken."
---
Luan raised an eyebrow, glancing toward Rei and the bundle. "He accepted the task himself... he could have told me no at anytime. Ultimately, it was his choice to go forward with the child or to leave him with me. I'm glad he accepted."
---
"He wouldn't disappoint you," Rei told her, shaking his head. He KNEW that much was true. "We'll be fine...I just hope I don't feed him the wrong thing or forget to do something. I'll be taking care of him during the day; Fai told me some of his more...unusual traits."
---
"Yes, he cannot touch the floor.. if you place him down you will find that he floats a certain degree above. That's normal, so do not worry. As far as spirit essance, it's achieved through prayer... so every weekend Fai and the child must return to me to pray in the temple until the boy is old enough to pray for himself in Fai's sacred room."
---
The fact that the baby was going to float was almost enough to send Rei into a fit of giggles. Fai was going to LOVE that- it sounded damn cute, to Rei. "What about the charm? What if something happens to it- Fai said he would need it to protect him from 'spirits.'"
---
"The baby will never need to be 'changed' like normal babies to.. instead, all you need to do periodically is remove the paper slip and give him a new one. If he loses it or it falls off on accident he won't immediately be attacked by darkness... It has protections that linger around him."
---
"Thank goodness." The lack of logic behind FEEDING a baby that didn't need to be CHANGED could be thought out later- for now, all that mattered was that this little bundle of responsibility would be safe. "Is there anythign else I hsould know...?"
---
"Be patient with him-" Luan smiled. "The baby, too." She stood to hug Rei, then floated back inside the temple. Lao Ren grinned at him and said his own farewells, before he too floated inside to attend to his duties.
Several moments later Fai reappeared. "Ready?"
---
"Yes." Rei looked forward to his next visit to the temple, because he liked these people- though he hoped the next visit wasn't so eventful. "Are you SURE you're alright, Fai...?"
---
Fai nodded, placing a hand on the small of Rei's back to lead him back out toward the car. He assumed Koh and the driver were back out waiting for them.
"Everything is fine. I'm just a little tired."
---
"You should sit down with Koh and handle some paperwork when you get back- I'll bring you lunch. That will give you time to get your bearings again." Rei smiled back at him, hoping to lighten the man's expression as they walked.
Koh had been on the phone with Lynn, leaning against the car- he said his goodbyes quickly and hung up, blinking at the baby as he opened the door. "Uh, boss? You picking up strays again?"
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"I sleep after trips like this," Fai murmured back to Reihai. "I have some things to think about."
As they approached the car, Fai shot Koh a look that said he wasn't in the mood to banter with him. He moved past him and into the back seat, offering to take the baby from Rei.
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"I'll introduce you later," Rei told Koh softly as the man's eyebrows shot up, and he let Fai take the baby so he could get in and get settled. Koh took the hint and sat up front with the driver this time, giving them some space.
"Would you like company, or would you rather be alone?" Rei's voice was light, calm- he wanted whatever Fai needed, right then.
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"I'll take the kid." Fai replied, eyes on the window. Tir was curled up in his arms, back to sleep. The little slip of paper covered one eye and shaded the other from the occasioanl street lights they passed.
---
"...Alright." Rei had paperwork he needed to do anyways...it would be good for the two to bond for a while. Head bowed and hands clasped in his lap, he considered the things they would need for the baby; that was another reason he should be up and doing things. They didn't have ANYTHING for a baby at the Lotus. He frowned slightly, planning the items they would need...it was a long list.
---
Once the car returned home, Fai stepped out with Tir in his arms. He turned toward Rei, voice quiet. "Go ahead and plan for whatever we'll need. I'll speak to you about things when I wake up."
He turned and moved inside, heading for his room.
---
Watching them go, Rei felt a little lost- hopefully htings would even out as time went on. It was early enough that there was almost no one in the bar, and he beckoned Yoh and Koh over where he could share secrets.
"Alright, boys. Luan-sama has given Fai-san a baby to raise as a token of his responsibility; his name is Tirasei and he's a bit odd, but he's ours, so get used to the idea."
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Yoh blinked, tilting his head. "Odd like.. special.. or odd like... He's got sharp teeth and likes to eat people?" D8;;
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"The second," Rei told him with a lopsided smile, feeling fairly tired himself. "He's a...ah, I don't remember the Chinese word...something like a cross between a vampire and a zombie? He's got bluish skin and bright red eyes, and he has to wear a charm to keep the evil spirits away."
"Jiang shi," Koh reminded him, and frowned as he leaned elbows on the counter. "Leave it to Luan to find the weird ones- not that Fai is normal or anything. He's crazy tense, though, much more than he usually is after leaving the temple."
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"A baby is a lot of work... And just after he hooked up with you-" Yoh mumbled, shaking his head. "Guess it was a little much at once."
Yoh shrugged his shoulders, grinning. "But, he'll bounce back as soon as he has a nap. SO- what do you need to plan for?"
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Hurrying to avoid the conversation about the INSTANT BLUSH that happened when Yoh mentioned him and Fai, Rei leaned over the bar to snag a napkin and pen so he could start making a list. "Two cribs, one for Fai's room and one for my office, clothes, food, toys...we're going to be busy."
Tilting his head slightly, Koh stole the list and gave Rei a little shove. "You...go nap. I don't care if he seems a little standoffish right now, you need to rest and he needs YOU. C'mon Yoh, there's nothing going on today...let's go shopping." ;D
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Yoh nodded, smiling at his brought. The idea of going shopping to by crazy stuff was fun and he was looking forward to it. "Alright! We'll take care of everything Reihai!"
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Startled, Rei looked back and forth between the two- then gave them a rueful smile and stood. "Alright boys, I'll leave it to you then...don't do anything TOO crazy."
He went to go see if he could sneak in with Fai and the baby, leaving the other two to their own (hopefully contained) mischief.
---
Fai was curled up on his bed, laying on his side with Tira curled up infront of him. They were both sleeping, but Rei could sense that Fai was alert and sleeping restlessly.
---
The door closed almost silently behind him, and Rei slipped over to the bed...watching the two sleep for a long moment. So cute...but he felt the unease from Fai. Carefully perching on the bed behind Fai, he ran fingers through the silk of the man's hair, petting him quietly.
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Fai let out a sigh, relaxing a bit when Rei touched him. He shifted a little, eyes opening to glance toward him.
"....?"
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"You weren't sleeping very well," Rei murmured, giving him a little smile. His fingers trailed across the man's face as he turned. "You're supposed to be napping...not fighting yourself."
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"I am napping, you can join me or be quiet." He murmured, eyebrow raised as he turned back around and resettled himself against the silk pillows.
---
......Right.
Trying not to be offended or hurt or any of the other htings Fai apparently didn't mean today, Rei took a slow, deep breath and stood. He curled up in one of the piles of cushions in the room, fingers wrapped around the teacup he always stole from Fai; it wasn't the most comfortable, but it was better than going back to his own little-used room to sleep.
---
.... Well now he couldn't sleep at all. Not with Reihai in the room sleeping somewhere ELSE. He sat up, careful not to disturb the baby. He sighed, staring off into the dark of the room. ~____~
---
And with Fai sitting up and so moody, Rei couldn't sleep either. Fine pair they made. With a sigh, he got up and rubbed at his eyes, floating over to the pot of hot water that was always kept in Fai's room and making tea. The intricate process calmed him down a little, and he took Fai a cup when it was ready...still silent. The man had, after all, told him to be quiet. >.o
---
Fai took the tea cup, setting it aside before grabbing Rei's wrist and climbing out of bed. He dragged the other man outside, where he could talk and not disturb the sleeping kid.
"What is it, Reihai."
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"Nothing," Rei half-growled back, snapping his wrist out of Fai's grip once they were outside. "I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt and trying to live with you today, trying to make things easier, despite you being a jackass to everyone around you. If it hadn't been for the baby, I'd have called you on it the first time you bit my head off."
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"How should I act to please you, Reihai?" Fai growled back venomously. "What would you have me do? I obviously fail at every attempt."
---
"Stop being such a hurtful son of a b***h and remember you aren't the only one who's life has been completely turned upside down today," Rei bit back, temper flaring in his violet eyes. His voice raised slightly as he spoke, fighting tears and not guarding his words as well as he would have liked. All he was trying to do was help, dammit!
"I didn't go with you to the temple to be brushed aside, I didn't wake you up to disturb you, I didn't make you tea so you could set it aside and ignore it- I'd really like the chance to just take a nap with you and, if everything continues as it has, the baby who might as well be my son!"
---
The fact that Reihai was willing to take everything Fai said and did, and still come back growling at him meant a lot. Rei wasn't going to take his s**t, he wasn't going to roll over and allow himself to be pushed over and bullied. He wasn't afraid of HIM. Fai blinked, looking into his angry eyes and see that he truely meant every damn word he was saying...
Fai stepped forward, placing his hands on either side of the smaller man's face and kissed him. "I love you, Reihai." Compared to the yelling and growling, the words spoken were whispers and only between them. The rest of the house, by now, was listening to the snarls.
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"You b*****d," Rei whispered back, and glared at him hopelessly. "How the hell am I supposed to be angry with you and get in your face when you're curled up with the cutest baby in the WORLD?"
---
"I'm not sure, maybe I should take him to negotiation meetings and use his cute powers against my enemies, hmm?" He grinned softly, wrapping his arms around Reihai to hug him tightly. "I need your help with this, Rei... I can't do it alone. I think that's what Luan meant when she said because of you I was ready."
---
"She...she said what?" He was blushing again, dammit, and he snuggled close to Fai so he could bury his face in the man's shoulder. "I'm here for you...no matter what happens. I've been so worried about you today..."
---
"That because of you I had grown up a little... maybe." He grunted, bowing his head. "I'm okay... I've had some time to think. If you want to continue your work here at the Lotus, I would appreciate that. Your office is big enough to have a little box to sit the kid in... I can't protect him during the day because I move around a lot. He's safer with you until I can come home at night."
---
"I've already handled those arrangements; Yoh and Koh went to pick thigns up and sent me to rest." He closed his eyes, letting out a slow sigh. "He's a baby, not a job. If I can't keep up with business I'll cut back...until then, I don't see why anything needs to change otherwise."
Leaning back a little, Rei met the taller man's eyes, hands flat on his chest. "I love you, too," he whispered. "You must believe in yourself, and trust those around you- we'll make sure everyhting is alright."
---
Fai smiled, nodding. "Good advice." He placed a light kiss against Rei's lips before tugging him back into his room. "Stay and nap with us, please? I sleep better when you're beside me."
---
"As long as you don't growl at me again," Rei snorted, and let himself be pulled. The tea was long since cold...but it didn't matter. He didn't need tea to sleep clsoe to Fai. <3
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Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 1:13 pm
Journal / Fai Li ____________________ //
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Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 1:19 pm
Journal | Reihai ____________________ //
Well...there's a baby in the house.
I'm not really sure what to say about that. It's a complicated situation; on top of the fact that Fai and I still don't exactly know what to do with each other, things have been a little uneasy. Still, Tir is such a beautiful, sweet baby, and I love taking care of him. Mother always told me I'd make a good father someday.
Things haven't changed too much, otherwise. Business still runs as usual. Tir being with us means I need a babysitter for meetings and Koh is handling a good bit more of Fai's paperwork...but everything seems very normal.
I'm happy, like this. With my family.
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Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2007 9:17 am
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