[It's certainly better! The last few weeks have been rough what with their trip to Dragonspine and what they found there. So seeing Rean in lighter spirits was worth whatever he was inevitably going to have to consume - even if it ends in food poisoning.]
You taste-tested them? [Rean what if they had been poisonous-- nope nope, good vibes. He sighs] Aha, good to know! Better we don't repeat that time Millium found mushrooms.
[Boy that was a rough night]
But chili pepper huh... [Elliot wasn't the BEST with spice but he could handle a little. Still, he does remember Rean's cooking. He'll pat his arm encouragingly]
It'll be fine! Just remember you can always add more later but you can't take any out, so start small!
[Rean's face falls a little. HAVE SOME FAITH IN HIM, ELLIOT!! Actually, don't, he's an idiot.]
Only little bites, at first! I wasn't just shoving the whole thing in my mouth! ...Besides, once I was taking bigger bites, I found out pretty fast that that's a bad idea with the pepper. [Mostly to himself:] The seeds hurt...
But yeah, yeah. I'll keep it in mind. I'll let you test once I think I'm getting close with the spice levels, too, just to make sure it won't mess you up too badly.
[He's going back into his things to get out some other ingredients - some cabbage, some ham - and some prep tools.]
Think you could set up a cooking station for me while I'm doing the prep?
Ouch, found that out the hard way huh? [Oh...poor Rean. Elliot laughs a little sympathetically listening to Rean's plight. ] I'll remember that so your pain wasn't in vain.
[He says it in a cheerful manner, rubbing Rean's arm in sympathy before pulling his hand away. Just some casual physical affection towards two bros huh]
Thanks, I'd appreciate it. [Healing magic did nothing against spice, so yeah he is grateful Rean is taking steps to make sure his mouth is not on fire.
At the request, he'll give a bright "sure!" and move to get to work doing that. Set up the firepit and make sure it's able to hold a cooking pot. Something he's done dozens of times before, so it comes easy.] Anything I can do to help with the recipe or do you wanna take this one solo?
[Rean hangs his head a little at the arm rub. Your sympathy is appreciated, Elliot. Two bros, casually touching each other, having no sense of personal space because they're not gay.]
Someone had to take one for the team... right...?
[...We'll go with that.]
No, I can handle this, I think. Besides, you're always the one handling our meals and such. I think it's high time you get treated for once.
[...If he can make this work, that is! Onion tear gas is a treat for no one at all.
But he's already getting to work setting up his little prep area, and starting to slice and dice the ingredients. At least this part he probably can't mess up. Rean knows a blade better than most, after all.]
[He won't point out to Rean that he could've just asked the Liyuans they were traveling with but....nah. He'll be nice.]
Oh? [Threat of poisonous food aside, Elliot is happy. Nothing gets the dokis going like the idea of getting special treatment] Hehe, well if you insist, I'll leave it to you!
[He'll move to sit nearby, so he can watch and still talk to Rean while he works. ]
[Thank you for protecting his small, fragile ego, Elliot. You do Aidios' work.
Elliot's chipper reaction to being treated though definitely earns a soft smile from Rean, even if he doesn't look up from his work.]
Haha. I do insist. [♫
As for Liyue:]
Yeah. ...Probably the most fun I've had since we got here, if I'm honest. But it's been really cool to see all of these things in person. Everything Eastern we had in Ymir was just a gift from Master Ka-fai, and while I'm sure these things aren't exactly the same... it's almost like getting a glimpse into that.
[...And, of course, the nerd has to come out:]
It's really cool how rich of a history they have around here, too. Everything's so well documented. And even their novels are just steeped in all of it! Haha, if you dropped me off in a library here, I might get just as lost as you do in your music.
Edited (where did all those extra spaces come from? i didn't invite you to this gay. shoo.) 2021-06-18 01:28 (UTC)
Oh yeah, I thought some of the stuff here reminded me of the Eastern stuff I've seen. [Particularly the east street of Crossbell...but mm let's not mention that city by name right now. Rean's in a good mood. ] Maybe this is Teyvat's version of the East.
[Rean was going into full nerd mode and frankly, it was endearing to see. He leans forward, resting his chin in his hand as he listens to him]
Haha, I wouldn't stop you if you did! I'll even make sure you get some sleep each night like you did for me. It sounds like we'll have some downtime before we'll be needed, so you might as well enjoy yourself.
[Rean knows not that he is being protected, but if he did, he would be thankful.]
Oh? Well~, in that case, I'm going to have to make it just as hard for you. [Rean glances over at him with a teasing little grin.] "Just let me play through one more song— I mean, read one more chapter!"
[He teases because he loves. But, like, in a bro way.
With the ingredients all chopped up to his liking, Rean goes over to the pot. He examines his ingredients for a moment, deciding on a cooking order, before scooping up some of them and dropping them in to get started.]
Haha, or we'll both get too caught up in our studies and we'll both be zombies by the time it's time to go. We'll see.
Hey, I wasn't that bad. [Yeah ok he knows he was] Okay, maybe I was. But libraries do have closing hours, Rean. If you don't come with me, you'll get thrown out into the street by some librarian.
[Sure librarians are all book nerds, but so is Machias and he's completely jacked in his own way. Can't be too careful!!]
...Alright, that's a risk too. [He'll concede there] I do wanna catch some concerts while we're in town. You should come with me!
Haha~ well, I'm glad you came to that conclusion on your own before I had to pull out examples.
[He loves you, Elliot. Like, in a bro way, totally. But even so, all's fair in love and teasing.
As for that librarian thing goes, though...]
...Okay, well, you have a point, there. The librarian back in Mondstadt could definitely be scary enough, and she was smiling the whole time... I don't think I want to have a run-in with one when they're mad.
[Rean, that's just how she is. They're not all into electrotorture. ...Probably.]
Oh? Well, if you catch wind of one, let me know! I'm no musical connoisseur, but I'd certainly be happy to hear what this place has to offer. It's got to be way different than what we're used to.
[Meanwhile, cooking progress: Getting there. It shouldn't be too long before Rean's got to start wrapping up the little parcels in the cabbage leaves.]
[unlike a certain swordsman who is convinced that they are just bros and not basically married]
You thought she was scary too? [Always nice to have his anxieties confirmed to be legit!] So it wasn't just me. There was something about her, I just couldn't shake the feeling that crossing her would be a really bad idea.
[It was probably the electrotorture. ]
Mm, very different! Zhongli told me a lot about the different styles, most of them were ones even I've never heard of before. Though rock is getting a foothold here, so it's not all unfamiliar.
[He's eying those cabbage parcels. So far, it's looking pretty good! Appetizing even! Elliot isn't too surprised, when Rean is motivated by a dish (read: if it's eastern), he could have quite the knack for it]
[Hey, listen. This isn't about the no homo block in Rean's walnut brain. Still, Rean laughs a little before moving back to the talk of the electro librarian.]
Yeah. I mean, she was fine when she was calm and just enjoying her tea, but... let's just say I was in there for when people got a little too loud in the library and I never wanted to open my mouth in there again.
[And he wasn't even one of the ones causing trouble!]
Wow, though. Styles of music even you haven't heard of? This place really is something special.
[Of course there are styles of music Elliot hasn't heard of, but this is Rean. Rean is firmly of the belief that Elliot is the best musician in the entire multiverse, so this is shocking to him.]
It's kind of hard to imagine the people here rocking out, though. Not that people here don't know how to have fun, it's just... everything seems so rooted in tradition, way more than things are back home.
[Wrappin' the parcels, doot doot doo~
Dinner will probably be ready in just a moment. Wanna prep some, I don't know, mess kits or something? Whatever they're gonna use as plates out here.]
Gah, really? [SHEESH. Fears confirmed!!] That's scary. Here's hoping the Liyue librarians are less intense.
[Sure is making a mental note to never break a library rule here. Perhaps it was good that Crow wasn't here. With his tendency to never return books, there's a good chance he'd get himself killed, again.]
[His demeanor lightens up again as the subject goes back to music, like usual. But ah, there Rean goes again- assuming way too much about Elliot's own skills ]
Eheh, that's really not that special. There's plenty of styles I'm not familiar with, even in just Zemuria alone. It's one of the wonders of music, how vast it is.
[He'd probably have to live as long as Zhongli if he wanted to learn everything there is to know. Though since that's not really on the table, he'll just have to learn as much as he can
Seeing that the meal is reaching completion, Elliot will move to prep. He pulls out some bowls from their bags. It's not the finest dining set, but it's what's best to travel with so it'll have to do. ]
I know what you mean, it is a little surprising. But if you think about it... [Oh is he going to wipe out some great music insight]
...What land is more suited to have rock music than the nation of geo?
[No. Nevermind. He's even smiling sheepishly, a bit more proud of himself than he should be.]
[But ah, there Elliot goes again— being way too humble about his own abilities.]
I guess that's true. But that's probably good for you, yeah? Means you'll always have something new to chase down and learn about, and your own work will never stop evolving.
Heh. Can't wait to hear what this place adds to your repertoire.
[Rean offers a warm smile before getting back to the food. You can be humble all you like, Elliot, but you're never going to make this man not be your #1 stan.
Call it love. But, like, no homo, though.
Rean offers a quick thanks, taking the bowls from Elliot and starting to plate up the completed Jade Parcels. He does pause when Elliot starts talking again, glancing over at him...]
[He gives a nod and a "that's right!" at the first part. He loved learning about music as much as he loved creating it, so the thought he'd always have more to learn was a great one.
But more important, was Rean's pun. Elliot, a shameless lover of puns, giggles and beams at it as he takes the plate. ]
That's right! And so I'm sure Liyue rock will be boulder than most!
[Truthfully, just getting Rean to laugh like this is a fresh dose of serotonin. This journey hasn't been an easy one, so having moments like these were something to cherish. ]
Don't hold back on the wind puns just because we're not in Mondstadt! I do have an Ameno vision! Besides, I miss hearing Gaius's puns.
[It's been too long since he's heard from their friend - not since coming to Teyvat. Though luckily, this radio silence wasn't because of anything Gaius did - lucky for that guy. ]
Hehe, it's more than edible, try it! Though you've always been good at Eastern dishes, so I shouldn't be surprised.
[Rean has to agree with that. Laughter, especially from someone you cherish... it truly is better than any medicine, in some ways.
At the mention of the puns, though, Rean can't help but grin mischievously.]
Well~ I'm sure plenty of them are sure to crop up on their own the more we shoot the breeze.
[Booooo. Still, Rean's got himself a plate, and with that settled, he goes to take a bite.
...
SUCCESS! It is, in fact, delicious! Hell yeah.]
Mm! [He swallows before actually speaking. He's polite.] I actually pulled it off! [...Please don't sound so surprised, Rean...] I know that's usually the sort of thing I do better at, but I was kind of just running on a lucky guess, here.
Better to be lucky than it is to be good, sometimes, huh?
[Booo indeed. But Elliot will still giggle a little and grin at the pun. It's stupid, but he still loves it. ]
Hehe, see? I was telling the truth! [It wasn't like some other times where he PRETENDED it was good to spare Rean's feelings]
You have a point. Though, there's nothing saying you can't be good and get lucky sometimes too, you know?
[He says it with a playful wink. Perhaps that statement has a double meaning, but he has complete faith that the second meaning will go straight over Rean's head.]
[Yep, just as he suspected. He's been making remarks like that for over two years now man. He's accepted that Rean's obliviousness is more resistant than the armor on an Achtzehn tank. ]
Haha, good! Because this is great! [He takes another bite, chewing and swallowing with a smile] Thanks Rean, really.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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You taste-tested them? [Rean what if they had been poisonous-- nope nope, good vibes. He sighs] Aha, good to know! Better we don't repeat that time Millium found mushrooms.
[Boy that was a rough night]
But chili pepper huh... [Elliot wasn't the BEST with spice but he could handle a little. Still, he does remember Rean's cooking. He'll pat his arm encouragingly]
It'll be fine! Just remember you can always add more later but you can't take any out, so start small!
[PRO TIP THERE]
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Actually, don't, he's an idiot.]Only little bites, at first! I wasn't just shoving the whole thing in my mouth! ...Besides, once I was taking bigger bites, I found out pretty fast that that's a bad idea with the pepper. [Mostly to himself:] The seeds hurt...
But yeah, yeah. I'll keep it in mind. I'll let you test once I think I'm getting close with the spice levels, too, just to make sure it won't mess you up too badly.
[He's going back into his things to get out some other ingredients - some cabbage, some ham - and some prep tools.]
Think you could set up a cooking station for me while I'm doing the prep?
[Just like the old field study days.]
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[He says it in a cheerful manner, rubbing Rean's arm in sympathy before pulling his hand away. Just some casual physical affection towards two bros huh]
Thanks, I'd appreciate it. [Healing magic did nothing against spice, so yeah he is grateful Rean is taking steps to make sure his mouth is not on fire.
At the request, he'll give a bright "sure!" and move to get to work doing that. Set up the firepit and make sure it's able to hold a cooking pot. Something he's done dozens of times before, so it comes easy.] Anything I can do to help with the recipe or do you wanna take this one solo?
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Someone had to take one for the team... right...?
[...We'll go with that.]
No, I can handle this, I think. Besides, you're always the one handling our meals and such. I think it's high time you get treated for once.
[...If he can make this work, that is! Onion tear gas is a treat for no one at all.
But he's already getting to work setting up his little prep area, and starting to slice and dice the ingredients. At least this part he probably can't mess up. Rean knows a blade better than most, after all.]
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That's right! Now we know.
[He won't point out to Rean that he could've just asked the Liyuans they were traveling with but....nah. He'll be nice.]
Oh? [Threat of poisonous food aside, Elliot is happy. Nothing gets the dokis going like the idea of getting special treatment] Hehe, well if you insist, I'll leave it to you!
[He'll move to sit nearby, so he can watch and still talk to Rean while he works. ]
I take it you're enjoying Liyue, huh?
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Elliot's chipper reaction to being treated though definitely earns a soft smile from Rean, even if he doesn't look up from his work.]
Haha. I do insist. [♫
As for Liyue:]
Yeah. ...Probably the most fun I've had since we got here, if I'm honest. But it's been really cool to see all of these things in person. Everything Eastern we had in Ymir was just a gift from Master Ka-fai, and while I'm sure these things aren't exactly the same... it's almost like getting a glimpse into that.
[...And, of course, the nerd has to come out:]
It's really cool how rich of a history they have around here, too. Everything's so well documented. And even their novels are just steeped in all of it! Haha, if you dropped me off in a library here, I might get just as lost as you do in your music.
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[Rean was going into full nerd mode and frankly, it was endearing to see. He leans forward, resting his chin in his hand as he listens to him]
Haha, I wouldn't stop you if you did! I'll even make sure you get some sleep each night like you did for me. It sounds like we'll have some downtime before we'll be needed, so you might as well enjoy yourself.
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[Rean knows not that he is being protected, but if he did, he would be thankful.]
Oh? Well~, in that case, I'm going to have to make it just as hard for you. [Rean glances over at him with a teasing little grin.] "Just let me play through one more song— I mean, read one more chapter!"
[He teases because he loves. But, like, in a bro way.
With the ingredients all chopped up to his liking, Rean goes over to the pot. He examines his ingredients for a moment, deciding on a cooking order, before scooping up some of them and dropping them in to get started.]
Haha, or we'll both get too caught up in our studies and we'll both be zombies by the time it's time to go. We'll see.
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Hey, I wasn't that bad. [Yeah ok he knows he was] Okay, maybe I was. But libraries do have closing hours, Rean. If you don't come with me, you'll get thrown out into the street by some librarian.
[Sure librarians are all book nerds, but so is Machias and he's completely jacked in his own way. Can't be too careful!!]
...Alright, that's a risk too. [He'll concede there] I do wanna catch some concerts while we're in town. You should come with me!
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[He loves you, Elliot. Like, in a bro way, totally. But even so, all's fair in love and teasing.
As for that librarian thing goes, though...]
...Okay, well, you have a point, there. The librarian back in Mondstadt could definitely be scary enough, and she was smiling the whole time... I don't think I want to have a run-in with one when they're mad.
[Rean, that's just how she is. They're not all into electrotorture. ...Probably.]
Oh? Well, if you catch wind of one, let me know! I'm no musical connoisseur, but I'd certainly be happy to hear what this place has to offer. It's got to be way different than what we're used to.
[Meanwhile, cooking progress: Getting there. It shouldn't be too long before Rean's got to start wrapping up the little parcels in the cabbage leaves.]
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[unlike a certain swordsman who is convinced that they are just bros and not basically married]
You thought she was scary too? [Always nice to have his anxieties confirmed to be legit!] So it wasn't just me. There was something about her, I just couldn't shake the feeling that crossing her would be a really bad idea.
[It was probably the electrotorture. ]
Mm, very different! Zhongli told me a lot about the different styles, most of them were ones even I've never heard of before. Though rock is getting a foothold here, so it's not all unfamiliar.
[He's eying those cabbage parcels. So far, it's looking pretty good! Appetizing even! Elliot isn't too surprised, when Rean is motivated by a dish (read: if it's eastern), he could have quite the knack for it]
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Yeah. I mean, she was fine when she was calm and just enjoying her tea, but... let's just say I was in there for when people got a little too loud in the library and I never wanted to open my mouth in there again.
[And he wasn't even one of the ones causing trouble!]
Wow, though. Styles of music even you haven't heard of? This place really is something special.
[Of course there are styles of music Elliot hasn't heard of, but this is Rean. Rean is firmly of the belief that Elliot is the best musician in the entire multiverse, so this is shocking to him.]
It's kind of hard to imagine the people here rocking out, though. Not that people here don't know how to have fun, it's just... everything seems so rooted in tradition, way more than things are back home.
[Wrappin' the parcels, doot doot doo~
Dinner will probably be ready in just a moment. Wanna prep some, I don't know, mess kits or something? Whatever they're gonna use as plates out here.]
1/2
[Sure is making a mental note to never break a library rule here. Perhaps it was good that Crow wasn't here. With his tendency to never return books, there's a good chance he'd get himself killed, again.]
no subject
Eheh, that's really not that special. There's plenty of styles I'm not familiar with, even in just Zemuria alone. It's one of the wonders of music, how vast it is.
[He'd probably have to live as long as Zhongli if he wanted to learn everything there is to know. Though since that's not really on the table, he'll just have to learn as much as he can
Seeing that the meal is reaching completion, Elliot will move to prep. He pulls out some bowls from their bags. It's not the finest dining set, but it's what's best to travel with so it'll have to do. ]
I know what you mean, it is a little surprising. But if you think about it... [Oh is he going to wipe out some great music insight]
...What land is more suited to have rock music than the nation of geo?
[No. Nevermind. He's even smiling sheepishly, a bit more proud of himself than he should be.]
1/2
[But ah, there Elliot goes again— being way too humble about his own abilities.]
I guess that's true. But that's probably good for you, yeah? Means you'll always have something new to chase down and learn about, and your own work will never stop evolving.
Heh. Can't wait to hear what this place adds to your repertoire.
[Rean offers a warm smile before getting back to the food. You can be humble all you like, Elliot, but you're never going to make this man not be your #1 stan.
Call it love. But, like, no homo, though.
Rean offers a quick thanks, taking the bowls from Elliot and starting to plate up the completed Jade Parcels. He does pause when Elliot starts talking again, glancing over at him...]
2/2
He's a sucker for a good pun, so sue him.]
Haha, you make a good point! Getting back to their foundation, yeah?
[Oh no look at what you've done.
Rean finishes the first plate and hands it over to Elliot.]
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But more important, was Rean's pun. Elliot, a shameless lover of puns, giggles and beams at it as he takes the plate. ]
That's right! And so I'm sure Liyue rock will be boulder than most!
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...There are worse ways to go.]
And I'm excited to hear it! But your dinner's going to go stone cold here if we keep on about it.
[...]
...Haha, well, actually, it's probably still pretty hot. But I ran out of ideas for another pun.
[Honesty is the best policy!]
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[Was this a competition? Who even knows. He's kidding anyway. He'll take one of the parcels though, luckily still hot and take a bite. ]
Mm..!! The is delicious, Rean!
[he sounds more surprised by it than he meant to]
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He's glad to be able to just talk like this with Elliot. This whole experience would be hell without him.]
I'll grant you this battle, Elliot. But the war is not over!
Haha. Almost wish we were back in Mondstadt. That one would be easy. I've got plenty of practice with wind puns after spending time with Gaius.
[Ah, Gaius. Rean wonders what he's up to. It's been a long while since he's heard from him...
Oh! Elliot tried the food! Rean also seems surprised by the reaction, so Elliot's in the clear in terms of Rean being offended.]
Really? I was just hoping for "edible," but I'm glad to hear it!
[...He should probably get himself some, too. Working on that now.]
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Don't hold back on the wind puns just because we're not in Mondstadt! I do have an Ameno vision! Besides, I miss hearing Gaius's puns.
[It's been too long since he's heard from their friend - not since coming to Teyvat. Though luckily, this radio silence wasn't because of anything Gaius did - lucky for that guy. ]
Hehe, it's more than edible, try it! Though you've always been good at Eastern dishes, so I shouldn't be surprised.
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At the mention of the puns, though, Rean can't help but grin mischievously.]
Well~ I'm sure plenty of them are sure to crop up on their own the more we shoot the breeze.
[Booooo. Still, Rean's got himself a plate, and with that settled, he goes to take a bite.
...
SUCCESS! It is, in fact, delicious! Hell yeah.]
Mm! [He swallows before actually speaking. He's polite.] I actually pulled it off! [...Please don't sound so surprised, Rean...] I know that's usually the sort of thing I do better at, but I was kind of just running on a lucky guess, here.
Better to be lucky than it is to be good, sometimes, huh?
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Hehe, see? I was telling the truth! [It wasn't like some other times where he PRETENDED it was good to spare Rean's feelings]
You have a point. Though, there's nothing saying you can't be good and get lucky sometimes too, you know?
[He says it with a playful wink. Perhaps that statement has a double meaning, but he has complete faith that the second meaning will go straight over Rean's head.]
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Maybe it's best to just focus on the success.]
Haha... yeah, yeah, all right.
I can take a compliment just this once. Even I can't deny a job well done.
[...Yup. Sorry, Elliot. You will remain unravished for the foreseeable future.]
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Haha, good! Because this is great! [He takes another bite, chewing and swallowing with a smile] Thanks Rean, really.
and scene! ...gay scene!!