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 Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 5:23 pm
The Masquerade wasn't exactly Qiao's cup of tea. Sure, it gave her an excuse to dress up and wear a silly mask, but it was far too crowded and everyone she knew was busy doing something else.
Rather than spend the day standing in line for greasy food behind a bunch of sweaty guys, she decided to go for a swim.
She took walk to a lake the circus had passed by on it's way to the area to find it perfectly deserted.
"Well, I guess there's nothing wrong with a little skinny-dipping." She thought out loud before diving into the lake totally au natural.
"Who needs that stinkin party?" She murmured, floating happily on her back across the calm cool water.
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 5:46 pm
Shen-ru took a brief break from the festivities, having watched performers and eaten far more food than he should have, and now ventured off towards where the circus was - he didn't travel with it so much anymore, at least not far and not for long, and he had a feeling this would be his final stop this time... The thought made him sad, but he had already purchased a small home for himself the last time they were here, and there was no reason to keep it if he didn't plan on living in it, and ... he didn't want to give it up.
The poet carefully made his way out of the crowd and into the open again, taking a breather and sighing it out slowly, taking of his mask as he approached the lake that had caught his eye on their way here. What he didn't expect was to see Qiao in there, already, and... wearing less than he expected. "Goodness, being bold today?" he called out, grinning teasingly.
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 7:30 pm
Not expecting to have her peace disturbed so suddenly, Qiao lost all concentration and flailed wildly to keep herself afloat. Once she collected herself she was able to see who it was that called her. Seeing that it was just good ol' Shen-Ru, she decided not to yell and throw rocks. Rather, she swam closer to the shore, wearing a smile and obviously nothing else.
"Hey, you. I've been wondering where you were. What's goin' on, I haven't seen you around lately. Or anyone really. And you already know how bold I am, do you even need to ask?" This would've been a time to put her hands on her hips but seeing how Qiao was swimming she decided against that.
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 7:43 pm
Shen-ru eyed her a bit warily, swallowing hard when she came closer and made no real effort to cover herself - it was a bit awkward. He stepped closer though, sitting on the shore and smiling crookedly at her. "I don't need to ask at all - I know you well," he said, taking off his shoes and wiggling them in the sand a little. "I've been enjoying some of the masquerade a bit, but needed some air. There are lots of people there..."
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 7:56 pm
"I know, right?" Qiao nodded and began swimming in little circles. Stopping every once in awhile when she got dizzy. "It was so crowded, I couldn't even breathe. Or eat! Do you know what it's like when I'm too irritated to eat? You don't, obviously and you shall never understand."
She reached out of the water and tickled the tops of Shen's feet, kicking hers behind her to keep afloat.
"So who was that guy you were talkin' to at the teashop? He must've been super important to call you away and leave me to drink my tea all alone. So lonely." Sighs melodramatically.
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:01 pm
Shen laughed when his feet were tickled, drawing them away and out of Qiao's reach, slowly getting to his feet to undress down to his undergarments, getting into the water with Qiao with a shudder. "S'cold," he mumbled, goosebumps rising on his pale skin, before he blushed the faintest bit. "I... His name is Ghazan.. I'm not sure who he is, but... he's charming."
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:14 pm
"Ghazen, eh? Charming, eh?" Qiao quirked an eyebrow, grinning slyly. Upon entering the water, Qiao latched onto Shen, hugging his chest. "Dang, you ARE cold. But you're blushing an awful lot for someone with goosebumps. Is this Ghazan your boyfriend? Huh?" She asked, making kissy faces and loud smacking noises.
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:25 pm
Shen-ru squeaked when he was latched onto, curling his arms around Qiao with a laugh. "Please, no. I just said he was charming. That doesn't mean I'm... I'm dating him or anything," he explained, blushing more and shaking his head, pushing his hand into her face playfully. "Stop that! Really, I just met him."
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:31 pm
Qiao laughed and rubbed Shen's back while they hugged. "Yeah, whatever. Give it time, I'll design your wedding robes." She smiled, resting her head against him. "You need to tell me your secret on how you get guys, I'm stumped."
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:37 pm
"W-wedding robes? I think you're jumping way too far ahead!" cried Shen-ru, looking very alarmed and blinking owlishly at his friend, before sighing heavily and hugging her close. "I don't... do anything to meet them. I'm not dating anyone, Qiao... you're probably going to have greater luck in finding someone than I am."
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:44 pm
This made her laugh even more. Nothing was more fun than making Shen jumpy, it was so easy. She meant well, of course and he knew that. At least she thought he did. Then again, she doesn't like to think that hard about anything.
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Well, I'm not, but still. Even I know it'll be awhile before you're whisked away into romance." Swooning sigh.
"It's just you attract people like moths to a light. I'm in no hurry but if I ever need to be, I want your skills." Sighs again and draws little circles on his back. "I won't have that sort of luck, I like weirding people out too much. Anyway, who needs a guy that can't appreciate a good laugh, right? Right."
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:53 pm
Shen chuckled, shaking his head and petting her hair lightly. "I understand, I think. I'm really not trying to draw anyone to me... It just sort of happens. I doubt Ghazan is interested in me that way, anyway. He's much older than I am, and I'm probably too immature for his liking."
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:57 pm
"I see. Well then, I want some of that. People just coming up to me. Of course that could get pretty annoying. I guess it's not something you can turn on and off, huh?"
She purred at the petting, nuzzling against him softly. "What? Don't be like that, you're plenty mature. Immature people can't write poetry. Unless they're really drunk. I've seen some mean drunks write some nice stuff. And you don't even have to get drunk to do that! You're just talented!"
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 9:02 pm
Shen laughed softly and shrugged, noncommittal. "I suppose... I'm still just a child, though, I guess," he murmured, resting his head on top of Qiao's and closing his eyes. "Do you want to go back to the party with me?" he asked after a moment. "Eventually, I mean. I want to be there for the dance."
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 9:10 pm
"Yeah, so am I. But you must remember that girls mature faster than guys. That's why you see so many guys still eating bugs while girls are already wearing make-up." She replied, enjoying the closeness.
"Hm? The dance? Sure, I guess. But not right away and only if you promise to dance with me."
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