[The answer briefly sets Reisi's mind to work, wondering if the reason he and Tatara had never done this together is because they're in opposition. After all, he and Suoh can never seem to agree on anything, and if Suoh is to the reds as Reisi is to the blues, then—
The unknowing King suddenly pauses in his work, momentarily sickened by his train of thought. Normally, he'd appear unfazed and unaffected, but his thoughts moved too quickly, and the onset of nausea swept over him so suddenly he couldn't mask it. Inwardly, he reminds himself not to go too far before slowly taking a deep breath. Pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, he composes himself and tries to pretend that nothing happened, continuing to set things up.]
Indeed it will. [He manages a small, polite smile in recovery.
Despite his lack of memories, tea ceremony is something Reisi gravitated toward. For all its formalities,] I find it quite relaxing, and I certainly hope that you will as well.
[ Tatara’s mistake is a well-intended one, and just as easily identifiable as exactly that -- a mistake. In fact, he doesn’t realize he’s made a grievous error until the atmosphere shifts just enough to be noticeable.
Briefly, Reisi is quiet in a way that seems wholly out of place, and for just a moment, something feels... off. The god can’t put a finger on it; it’s just wrong somehow. Enough so that Tatara, without any semblance of forethought, puts a hand on the man, faintly and fleetingly.
Is this what Shun mentioned...? ]
Munakata-san...?
[ But, with a push of his glasses and the subtlest bid to recover, it’s all past. The god’s smile rebounds, a hand withdrawn. ]
Mm, I’m looking forward to it. [ Though even as Reisi moves away, it’s clear Tatara’s still perplexed by that sudden shift, what could have caused it, and if it was what Shun had told him about. ] Say, did you bring one tea, or a selection? I have a few here, if we want to try them!
[ Meaning, he’s accumulated more needless things, as per usual. Nothing changes, even in this strange afterlife. ]
[Not that Tatara's touch had gone without notice at the time. Rather, Reisi had felt too ill in that moment to process it. Now that it's passed, the shinki turns that moment over in his mind as he works on wrapping up his preparations.
With a soft and slightly amused smile,]
Traditionally, tea ceremony is only performed with powdered green tea.
[And Reisi is nothing if not a stickler for tradition. But this isn't to say he's unwilling to make concessions after its completion.
Once he's finished setting everything up, he seats himself seiza on the floor and beckons the god to join him.]
[ If it had been a conscious move to touch rather than reflexive, perhaps the perceived lack of response would have earned one from the god. However, once Reisi recovers and replies, Tatara is left only to laugh sheepishly. ]
Aah, I see...
[ Though that doesn’t stop the god from thinking about the strange sensation of moments ago, even as he follows the shinki’s lead once he’s invited to sit. Instinctively, he seats himself across from his guest rather than next to him, and can’t help but lean in and peer at the set-up with conscientious curiosity. ]
So, is this something someone here taught you about?
[ Since it doesn’t seem as though he would remember it from before... ]
[Tea ceremony is also meant to be practiced in silence, but Reisi decides against mentioning that. Besides, he'd also offered to make tea for Tatara because... well, he's grateful for that spark on the runway. Maybe it didn't really mean anything at all, but it was quite an enjoyable gesture that really stirred something inside him.
So even as Tatara speaks to him, Reisi sets about making the tea with great care. His movements are steady and graceful from what may have been countless hours of practice in his life before. And while he may seem focused, he's actually quite relaxed.]
Alas, it wasn't. [The level of concentration and respect for the art doesn't appear to impede Reisi's ability to respond.]
But rather, I saw some equipment and decided to do some research on it. When I tried it out, I found that I'm quite good at it.
[Or that he's a natural, even. Which can be said of a number of things and came as no big surprise to the shinki for whatever reason.]
[ If Tatara knew, he'd quiet immediately. Since he’s woefully ignorant, however, conversation suits him better.
On that note, lately he’s been having a lot more of that with Reisi Munakata than he ever did -- or would have had -- back home. And, if he thinks about it, things have been a rather steady progression: A couple casual meetings at first, happenstance at best; then a closer encounter at the shopping mall; and finally today, where he put a hand on the man, however innocently. He’s done it with Izumo before, just to rib him, but this was vastly different. If he lets himself dwell on it, he acknowledges that he liked it, but won’t go searching for the reason why.
Another time, perhaps. For now, Tatara hums his initial understanding. So it seems he has no recollection, but undeniable muscle memory. Unexpected, then, that he lets that be that -- no further comments made as to what else he might have done as a hobby back home. Still, there’s something to be said for the research Reisi put in of his own volition, which, to someone who knows him as he was before, is not surprising in the least. And of course, the more research he does, the more he’ll learn.
Shun can’t hope to restrain him for long. ]
Aah, maybe it was!
[ Settling himself back down from where he’d leaned forward to peer at the tea, Tatara’s typical, gentle smile returns. ]
So, Munakata-san, how was the rest of the event? Sorry I couldn’t stay for the rest of your walks... [ Though he earnestly considered it. ]
[It's said that curiosity killed the cat, and Reisi's seemingly unquenchable thirst for knowledge and understanding is potentially deadly to an enormous extreme. But that's only to be expected when someone who had such absolute control is reduced to his current position. Information, knowledge, and understanding are power, and Reisi likely feels the need to make up for what he lacks in control.
In that sense, Tatara's probably right—Kurosaki won't be able to restrain Reisi for long. Though that's probably why Reisi's leash has quite a bit of slack. The god has no idea what brought the Blue Sword to its devastated state in his vision. However, he does know that he doesn't want a repeat. Giving Reisi some room to operate on his own appears to mitigate this but does so at the risk of Reisi's fall. It's likely the closest thing they'll get to a somewhat 'happy' medium.
Even as Reisi focuses on the task at hand, he sees Tatara's smile from the corner of his eye. Feeling its gentle warmth and bright anticipation teases the faintest of soft and peaceful smiles on Reisi's lips.
...What is it about this that makes it feel so nice?
Meanwhile, Reisi whisks the tea without really moving his arm, the movement of his wrist quick, light, and rhythmic. The green tea in the bowl takes on an even foam. He's quiet for a couple moments after the question as he reminisces before his expression shifts to his usual polite smile.]
Overall, it went rather well... [A slight irritation sweeps over his features as he continues.] Although I was in a bit of an altercation with one of my runway partners.
[ Tatara doesn’t envy Shun his job as Reisi’s keeper here, nor does he dare disrespect the man who now holds the power of the Blue King, (even if, with as much of HOMRA is here, this formerly-fallen clansman is very, very well-protected). He’ll have as little to do with any ‘discoveries’ as humanly possible, though even that won’t save things for long. It’s only a matter of time.
For now, however, there’s only tea and good company -- which, who would have thought the Blue King to be that? But, here they are... ]
An altercation?
[ Tatara’s head tilts curiously. What, exactly, would one need to do to get into a fight with the Blue King? Sure, he’s fiercely combative -- the Red Vassal has seen he and Mikoto brawl enough by now to know that -- but keeping the peace has never been all that complex a task. Simply keep everything in its natural order, obey the rules, and there’s no need for any quarreling. Appeasing Reisi isn’t exactly hard. Mikoto’s just shitty at obeying rules, that’s all.
...as in really, really shitty.
But that’s where Tatara Totsuka comes in: his clan’s friendly flagship, ever well-intentioned. Possessing boundless power by way of whom he represents and whom he commands, he’s able to smooth things over relatively simply, more often than not.
However, make no mistake about it -- this gesture is no mere peace offering. No, this is something Tatara’s done of his own volition, for reasons even he himself hasn’t properly considered yet. He’s an impulsive sort, after all; if he likes it, he does it. (At least, until whatever it is loses its appeal.) ]
Were you hurt?
[ Will he admit to physical wounds, or is he too proud for that, like Mikoto? That’s the question within the question here. ]
[It was a general question, the sort one asks when making small talk. Reisi didn't have to mention the fight, and yet he did. He opened this can of worms that he doesn't really want to talk about, but he'll honestly answer any questions about it if they come up. Perhaps he'd have to mention that he'd started it by carelessly offering to indulge the god, and that resulted in others having to evacuate the premises...
However, Tatara winds up asking a question that Reisi hadn't really expected or even considered answering. There's another brief silence as a thoughtful look sweeps away the irritation in his features, though his hands continue their work without interruption.]
...Not in any serious capacity.
[Reisi wouldn't consider Suoh his equal otherwise. In any normal battle, Reisi could easily come out unscathed. But Suoh was a challenge, one that Reisi took quite seriously. It's only natural to have received some physical damage dealing with him, but nothing he couldn't easily recover from.
With a slight frown,] Though I suppose I should've seen it coming. I'm the one responsible, after all. I was unusually careless.
[...It's actually quite a painful admission, now that he's mentioned it. But given his lingering thoughts on the matter and how he continues to mentally review their battle over and over, it's also a relief. Reisi feels like he's somehow conveyed all the information that Tatara needs to know about it without going into its overly frustrating specifics.]
[ And he means that sincerely, both because of his inherent pacifistic tendencies, and because, well... he’d hate to see Reisi get hurt. Perhaps in their life before, he would have held less sympathy for the man, getting into conflicts and scuffles. He was always more than acutely self-aware, (from what Tatara could see), and well-informed of his own capacities. The Blue King knew what he was and wasn’t capable of.
Here, however... he doesn’t even know who he was, let alone who he’s up against.
Tatara knows, though. There’s only one person he could possibly imagine starting a brawl with Reisi at a charity event. The god smiles wanly. ]
...King has a tendency to not hold back, if I’m not there to help him. Eheh.
[ With nervous laughter appended as a sort of apology for being absent. And for potentially admitting just a bit too much there. Whoops. He’ll just... shift things along, then! ]
Sorry! I should have offered some kind of snacks to go with the tea, shouldn’t I?
[By "King", Tatara means Suoh. Suoh is Tatara's King, which means—
Reisi cuts off the thought, commanding himself to focus his attention on his present situation. Tatara is the incarnation of Minerva, this is his temple wherein Reisi is making tea.
Tea ceremony is relaxing. Yes.]
If not, rice crackers should suffice.
[He takes a deep breath and exhales slowly, peacefully.
Wearing a soft and peaceful smile,] I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
[ Tatara repeats the name thoughtfully, but not as though he struggles to identify what such a thing is, merely if he has any available. He does have quite a penchant for bringing home snacks, (and other various items), to Sakon, but if he’s done so with the wagashi, odds are it’s all eaten by now. Shinki are always hungry, after all.
So, it’s on that note that he heads to the kitchen to flip open this cabinet and that, diving nearly headlong into the pantry to be absolutely certain they have to settle for rice crackers, which Tatara definitely has. Ultimately, that’s what he returns with, wearing a smile tinged in a wry hue, vaguely apologetic. ]
Sorry, Munakata-san, but I’m afraid this is all I could find...
[ Hardly a snack fit for a king. The Red Clansman has zero doubt that Reisi Munakata, as not a shinki but the leader of Scepter-4, would at the very best acknowledge receipt of the offering before discreetly tossing it out. But this man isn’t that one -- not quite, at least. He’s still the same very stilted figure, very much repressive of his own emotions, but they’re starting to peek through in spots now -- in fleeting smiles and discreetly playful gestures.
And as where Tatara Totsuka couldn’t concern himself with the Blue King before one way or the other, here he finds himself inexplicably rapt by the idea of what might be hiding underneath such carefully-placed concealment. So then, that’s why--]
You don’t need to thank me! [ He takes a seat once more, resuming the previous posture, but smiling brighter. ] It’s my pleasure.
[As Reisi continues working on the tea and tries to avoid thoughts about his past life, it occurs to him that he isn't wholly who he once used to be. He lacks context for his relationships and overall situation without his memories. So why should it matter if Suoh's a King and Tatara's... whoever he is to Suoh. Ha, he doesn't know what. Now, isn't that saying something?
Anyway, accepting this as his reality calms him, and so Reisi starts focusing on the sound of Tatara’s voice, faraway as it is while the god searches his pantry. Reisi can’t help looking genuinely pleased and even slightly amused the god’s antics during his search.
But then, of course, he refuses Reisi’s thanks.]
Then if you would kindly accept my feelings. [The expression is extremely polite and quite traditional—if Tatara won’t accept Reisi’s thanks, then it’ll be enough if the god accepts his feelings of gratitude.
After that, he almost cautiously but innocently steals a glance at the god and feels warmed by his bright smile.]
Besides, as I said earlier, rice crackers should do just fine. Despite my observances in formality and decorum, I just as easily appreciate simplicity as well.
[ Meant in a number of ways, truly, though none of them bear negative connotation. There’s a small nod of his head. ]
Of course, then I accept your feelings.
[ Why does he feel as though he’s just been confessed to...? (If so, it’d be a pretty rude way to reply.) ]
Still, next time, I’ll be sure to have some wagashi ready.
[ Did he say ‘next time’? He sure did. There’s not much commitment to it, however -- merely, if Reisi decides to pay another visit, he’s more than welcome. Appreciated, even. But there’s nothing holding the shinki to it; no obligation to be found.
If that comment isn’t sufficient, however, he’ll be sure to extend an express invitation before the evening is through. Why? To put it simply, he’s curious. Having caught mere glimpses of it by now, the god wants to see more of that playful side emerge out from underneath all his formalities and decorum. Title and status aside, who is Reisi Munakata? He’s well-intentioned, and -- from what Tatara can tell thus far -- warm-hearted, (if the latter is infinitely well-guarded). But what else is there to the man? Is he playful? Kind? Clever?
He’s amazed how much he doesn’t know just yet; and before, likely never would have. Here, however, he’s got a fighting chance. He’s not about to squander it. ]
[Are they really such strong words? Reisi lets out a tiny chuckle as Tatara continues, moving on to accept Reisi's feelings. It's quite a relief, actually, even if it's done perhaps as a gesture of politeness. His smile seems to broaden just a little bit.]
If that's the case, I look forward to it. I'd be more than happy to return to perform tea ceremony with you.
[Then, it seems like he considers something.]
I admit this performance was slightly impromptu. Apologies for not mentioning it sooner.
[Reisi sets the bowl of tea down with a sort of finality.]
If you’d like, perhaps we can go over that next time as well? Though, it's not entirely necessary, and besides... tea ceremony is but one hobby.
[So he wouldn't mind other opportunities to share his interests with the god, and this is his way of saying so.]
[ Tatara is about to graciously accept, when instead, Reisi continues.
Truly, it’s fascinating to see a man once gauged as so single-minded come into three-dimensional shape. The god would say he’s underestimated his guest, but they were hardly well-acquainted enough in their last life for opinions to properly form. ]
You have more hobbies, Munakata-san?
[ That’s his primary takeaway, here; and, consider his interest thoroughly piqued! As made evident by his slight lean forward. ]
Namely doing jigsaw puzzles... Though I also quite like taking opportunities to experience new things if and when they present themselves.
[Within reason, of course.
Reisi wordlessly offers the newly-finished bowl of tea to the god with the expectation that the other man should inspect as well as appreciate it. Its presentation, its scent, its bowl, and so on. Tea ceremony is sophisticated like that.]
Regardless, Tatara smiles warmly all the same. At least Reisi seems open-minded to new hobbies. And, if worse comes to worst, there’s nothing wrong with building a puzzle together quietly, now is there? So he offers a nod in response.
Though he’s inexperienced with this whole ceremony and its proceedings, he’s keen enough to take a hint and follow his guest’s lead. Smelling the tea is rather... well, it smells as expected, the god can certainly say that. The bowl attracts his hands to more closely discern its design, but only fleetingly. ]
Do you think you might be willing to try some new ventures with me, Munakata-san?
[ Why is he asking? Who knows. But there is something unique to Reisi's company that Tatara seems to enjoy. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2017-10-23 12:08 am (UTC)The unknowing King suddenly pauses in his work, momentarily sickened by his train of thought. Normally, he'd appear unfazed and unaffected, but his thoughts moved too quickly, and the onset of nausea swept over him so suddenly he couldn't mask it. Inwardly, he reminds himself not to go too far before slowly taking a deep breath. Pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, he composes himself and tries to pretend that nothing happened, continuing to set things up.]
Indeed it will. [He manages a small, polite smile in recovery.
Despite his lack of memories, tea ceremony is something Reisi gravitated toward. For all its formalities,] I find it quite relaxing, and I certainly hope that you will as well.
[He moves behind the bar to fetch some water.]
no subject
Date: 2017-10-23 12:43 am (UTC)Briefly, Reisi is quiet in a way that seems wholly out of place, and for just a moment, something feels... off. The god can’t put a finger on it; it’s just wrong somehow. Enough so that Tatara, without any semblance of forethought, puts a hand on the man, faintly and fleetingly.
Is this what Shun mentioned...? ]
Munakata-san...?
[ But, with a push of his glasses and the subtlest bid to recover, it’s all past. The god’s smile rebounds, a hand withdrawn. ]
Mm, I’m looking forward to it. [ Though even as Reisi moves away, it’s clear Tatara’s still perplexed by that sudden shift, what could have caused it, and if it was what Shun had told him about. ] Say, did you bring one tea, or a selection? I have a few here, if we want to try them!
[ Meaning, he’s accumulated more needless things, as per usual. Nothing changes, even in this strange afterlife. ]
no subject
Date: 2017-10-23 03:01 am (UTC)With a soft and slightly amused smile,]
Traditionally, tea ceremony is only performed with powdered green tea.
[And Reisi is nothing if not a stickler for tradition. But this isn't to say he's unwilling to make concessions after its completion.
Once he's finished setting everything up, he seats himself seiza on the floor and beckons the god to join him.]
no subject
Date: 2017-10-23 03:53 am (UTC)Aah, I see...
[ Though that doesn’t stop the god from thinking about the strange sensation of moments ago, even as he follows the shinki’s lead once he’s invited to sit. Instinctively, he seats himself across from his guest rather than next to him, and can’t help but lean in and peer at the set-up with conscientious curiosity. ]
So, is this something someone here taught you about?
[ Since it doesn’t seem as though he would remember it from before... ]
no subject
Date: 2017-10-24 11:38 pm (UTC)So even as Tatara speaks to him, Reisi sets about making the tea with great care. His movements are steady and graceful from what may have been countless hours of practice in his life before. And while he may seem focused, he's actually quite relaxed.]
Alas, it wasn't. [The level of concentration and respect for the art doesn't appear to impede Reisi's ability to respond.]
But rather, I saw some equipment and decided to do some research on it. When I tried it out, I found that I'm quite good at it.
[Or that he's a natural, even. Which can be said of a number of things and came as no big surprise to the shinki for whatever reason.]
Perhaps it was one of my hobbies before.
no subject
Date: 2017-10-26 02:10 am (UTC)On that note, lately he’s been having a lot more of that with Reisi Munakata than he ever did -- or would have had -- back home. And, if he thinks about it, things have been a rather steady progression: A couple casual meetings at first, happenstance at best; then a closer encounter at the shopping mall; and finally today, where he put a hand on the man, however innocently. He’s done it with Izumo before, just to rib him, but this was vastly different. If he lets himself dwell on it, he acknowledges that he liked it, but won’t go searching for the reason why.
Another time, perhaps. For now, Tatara hums his initial understanding. So it seems he has no recollection, but undeniable muscle memory. Unexpected, then, that he lets that be that -- no further comments made as to what else he might have done as a hobby back home. Still, there’s something to be said for the research Reisi put in of his own volition, which, to someone who knows him as he was before, is not surprising in the least. And of course, the more research he does, the more he’ll learn.
Shun can’t hope to restrain him for long. ]
Aah, maybe it was!
[ Settling himself back down from where he’d leaned forward to peer at the tea, Tatara’s typical, gentle smile returns. ]
So, Munakata-san, how was the rest of the event? Sorry I couldn’t stay for the rest of your walks... [ Though he earnestly considered it. ]
no subject
Date: 2017-10-26 10:19 pm (UTC)In that sense, Tatara's probably right—Kurosaki won't be able to restrain Reisi for long. Though that's probably why Reisi's leash has quite a bit of slack. The god has no idea what brought the Blue Sword to its devastated state in his vision. However, he does know that he doesn't want a repeat. Giving Reisi some room to operate on his own appears to mitigate this but does so at the risk of Reisi's fall. It's likely the closest thing they'll get to a somewhat 'happy' medium.
Even as Reisi focuses on the task at hand, he sees Tatara's smile from the corner of his eye. Feeling its gentle warmth and bright anticipation teases the faintest of soft and peaceful smiles on Reisi's lips.
...What is it about this that makes it feel so nice?
Meanwhile, Reisi whisks the tea without really moving his arm, the movement of his wrist quick, light, and rhythmic. The green tea in the bowl takes on an even foam. He's quiet for a couple moments after the question as he reminisces before his expression shifts to his usual polite smile.]
Overall, it went rather well... [A slight irritation sweeps over his features as he continues.] Although I was in a bit of an altercation with one of my runway partners.
no subject
Date: 2017-10-26 11:07 pm (UTC)For now, however, there’s only tea and good company -- which, who would have thought the Blue King to be that? But, here they are... ]
An altercation?
[ Tatara’s head tilts curiously. What, exactly, would one need to do to get into a fight with the Blue King? Sure, he’s fiercely combative -- the Red Vassal has seen he and Mikoto brawl enough by now to know that -- but keeping the peace has never been all that complex a task. Simply keep everything in its natural order, obey the rules, and there’s no need for any quarreling. Appeasing Reisi isn’t exactly hard. Mikoto’s just shitty at obeying rules, that’s all.
...as in really, really shitty.
But that’s where Tatara Totsuka comes in: his clan’s friendly flagship, ever well-intentioned. Possessing boundless power by way of whom he represents and whom he commands, he’s able to smooth things over relatively simply, more often than not.
However, make no mistake about it -- this gesture is no mere peace offering. No, this is something Tatara’s done of his own volition, for reasons even he himself hasn’t properly considered yet. He’s an impulsive sort, after all; if he likes it, he does it. (At least, until whatever it is loses its appeal.) ]
Were you hurt?
[ Will he admit to physical wounds, or is he too proud for that, like Mikoto? That’s the question within the question here. ]
no subject
Date: 2017-10-28 11:10 am (UTC)However, Tatara winds up asking a question that Reisi hadn't really expected or even considered answering. There's another brief silence as a thoughtful look sweeps away the irritation in his features, though his hands continue their work without interruption.]
...Not in any serious capacity.
[Reisi wouldn't consider Suoh his equal otherwise. In any normal battle, Reisi could easily come out unscathed. But Suoh was a challenge, one that Reisi took quite seriously. It's only natural to have received some physical damage dealing with him, but nothing he couldn't easily recover from.
With a slight frown,] Though I suppose I should've seen it coming. I'm the one responsible, after all. I was unusually careless.
[...It's actually quite a painful admission, now that he's mentioned it. But given his lingering thoughts on the matter and how he continues to mentally review their battle over and over, it's also a relief. Reisi feels like he's somehow conveyed all the information that Tatara needs to know about it without going into its overly frustrating specifics.]
no subject
Date: 2017-10-30 02:38 am (UTC)[ And he means that sincerely, both because of his inherent pacifistic tendencies, and because, well... he’d hate to see Reisi get hurt. Perhaps in their life before, he would have held less sympathy for the man, getting into conflicts and scuffles. He was always more than acutely self-aware, (from what Tatara could see), and well-informed of his own capacities. The Blue King knew what he was and wasn’t capable of.
Here, however... he doesn’t even know who he was, let alone who he’s up against.
Tatara knows, though. There’s only one person he could possibly imagine starting a brawl with Reisi at a charity event. The god smiles wanly. ]
...King has a tendency to not hold back, if I’m not there to help him. Eheh.
[ With nervous laughter appended as a sort of apology for being absent. And for potentially admitting just a bit too much there. Whoops. He’ll just... shift things along, then! ]
Sorry! I should have offered some kind of snacks to go with the tea, shouldn’t I?
no subject
Date: 2017-10-31 01:17 am (UTC)[By "King", Tatara means Suoh. Suoh is Tatara's King, which means—
Reisi cuts off the thought, commanding himself to focus his attention on his present situation. Tatara is the incarnation of Minerva, this is his temple wherein Reisi is making tea.
Tea ceremony is relaxing. Yes.]
If not, rice crackers should suffice.
[He takes a deep breath and exhales slowly, peacefully.
Wearing a soft and peaceful smile,] I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Thank you.
no subject
Date: 2017-10-31 09:32 pm (UTC)[ Tatara repeats the name thoughtfully, but not as though he struggles to identify what such a thing is, merely if he has any available. He does have quite a penchant for bringing home snacks, (and other various items), to Sakon, but if he’s done so with the wagashi, odds are it’s all eaten by now. Shinki are always hungry, after all.
So, it’s on that note that he heads to the kitchen to flip open this cabinet and that, diving nearly headlong into the pantry to be absolutely certain they have to settle for rice crackers, which Tatara definitely has. Ultimately, that’s what he returns with, wearing a smile tinged in a wry hue, vaguely apologetic. ]
Sorry, Munakata-san, but I’m afraid this is all I could find...
[ Hardly a snack fit for a king. The Red Clansman has zero doubt that Reisi Munakata, as not a shinki but the leader of Scepter-4, would at the very best acknowledge receipt of the offering before discreetly tossing it out. But this man isn’t that one -- not quite, at least. He’s still the same very stilted figure, very much repressive of his own emotions, but they’re starting to peek through in spots now -- in fleeting smiles and discreetly playful gestures.
And as where Tatara Totsuka couldn’t concern himself with the Blue King before one way or the other, here he finds himself inexplicably rapt by the idea of what might be hiding underneath such carefully-placed concealment. So then, that’s why--]
You don’t need to thank me! [ He takes a seat once more, resuming the previous posture, but smiling brighter. ] It’s my pleasure.
no subject
Date: 2017-11-01 02:30 pm (UTC)Anyway, accepting this as his reality calms him, and so Reisi starts focusing on the sound of Tatara’s voice, faraway as it is while the god searches his pantry. Reisi can’t help looking genuinely pleased and even slightly amused the god’s antics during his search.
But then, of course, he refuses Reisi’s thanks.]
Then if you would kindly accept my feelings. [The expression is extremely polite and quite traditional—if Tatara won’t accept Reisi’s thanks, then it’ll be enough if the god accepts his feelings of gratitude.
After that, he almost cautiously but innocently steals a glance at the god and feels warmed by his bright smile.]
Besides, as I said earlier, rice crackers should do just fine. Despite my observances in formality and decorum, I just as easily appreciate simplicity as well.
no subject
Date: 2017-11-01 06:23 pm (UTC)Strong words, Munakata-san!
[ Meant in a number of ways, truly, though none of them bear negative connotation. There’s a small nod of his head. ]
Of course, then I accept your feelings.
[ Why does he feel as though he’s just been confessed to...? (If so, it’d be a pretty rude way to reply.) ]
Still, next time, I’ll be sure to have some wagashi ready.
[ Did he say ‘next time’? He sure did. There’s not much commitment to it, however -- merely, if Reisi decides to pay another visit, he’s more than welcome. Appreciated, even. But there’s nothing holding the shinki to it; no obligation to be found.
If that comment isn’t sufficient, however, he’ll be sure to extend an express invitation before the evening is through. Why? To put it simply, he’s curious. Having caught mere glimpses of it by now, the god wants to see more of that playful side emerge out from underneath all his formalities and decorum. Title and status aside, who is Reisi Munakata? He’s well-intentioned, and -- from what Tatara can tell thus far -- warm-hearted, (if the latter is infinitely well-guarded). But what else is there to the man? Is he playful? Kind? Clever?
He’s amazed how much he doesn’t know just yet; and before, likely never would have. Here, however, he’s got a fighting chance. He’s not about to squander it. ]
no subject
Date: 2017-11-04 12:25 am (UTC)If that's the case, I look forward to it. I'd be more than happy to return to perform tea ceremony with you.
[Then, it seems like he considers something.]
I admit this performance was slightly impromptu. Apologies for not mentioning it sooner.
[Reisi sets the bowl of tea down with a sort of finality.]
If you’d like, perhaps we can go over that next time as well? Though, it's not entirely necessary, and besides... tea ceremony is but one hobby.
[So he wouldn't mind other opportunities to share his interests with the god, and this is his way of saying so.]
no subject
Date: 2017-11-08 03:46 pm (UTC)Truly, it’s fascinating to see a man once gauged as so single-minded come into three-dimensional shape. The god would say he’s underestimated his guest, but they were hardly well-acquainted enough in their last life for opinions to properly form. ]
You have more hobbies, Munakata-san?
[ That’s his primary takeaway, here; and, consider his interest thoroughly piqued! As made evident by his slight lean forward. ]
no subject
Date: 2017-11-17 11:15 pm (UTC)[Within reason, of course.
Reisi wordlessly offers the newly-finished bowl of tea to the god with the expectation that the other man should inspect as well as appreciate it. Its presentation, its scent, its bowl, and so on. Tea ceremony is sophisticated like that.]
no subject
Date: 2017-11-20 03:37 pm (UTC)Regardless, Tatara smiles warmly all the same. At least Reisi seems open-minded to new hobbies. And, if worse comes to worst, there’s nothing wrong with building a puzzle together quietly, now is there? So he offers a nod in response.
Though he’s inexperienced with this whole ceremony and its proceedings, he’s keen enough to take a hint and follow his guest’s lead. Smelling the tea is rather... well, it smells as expected, the god can certainly say that. The bowl attracts his hands to more closely discern its design, but only fleetingly. ]
Do you think you might be willing to try some new ventures with me, Munakata-san?
[ Why is he asking? Who knows. But there is something unique to Reisi's company that Tatara seems to enjoy. ]