After that small fiasco with Mukotsu, Zhifeng had been in the foulest of moods the past few days. Normally he were impeccable at keeping his temper under control against even the rudest of socialites or handsiest of evening dates. But he had lost his temper against first Kaede and now Mukotsu. What had once seemed unbreakable now felt like the brittlest of glass. Maybe it was Kaede’s fault somehow, he was the commonality in both scenarios.
Zhifeng sat glumly at his vanity, a few choice pieces of jewelry laid before him as he sifted through the glittering items. The only thing that had offered him any measure of peace the last few days. Upon hearing his door open and the sound of footsteps entering, Zhifeng turned to find the very topic of his thoughts entering.
“What, are you here for blood?” A statement that would have normally been biting, but now lacked any real heat behind it. If anything, a pout had taken residence on Zhifeng’s lips. A moment of silence passed before the dragon eventually sighed and pushed his jewelry away. “I blew up at an ally the other day, and now we’ve probably lost his aid. I think I even broke one of his glasses, though I can’t quite remember that part exactly,” he confessed irritatedly. “Altyn says to pay it no mind, but still. It was a sloppy move.”
@arcxnumvitae
"You're wasting your time."
The words are said with no bite to them, but Rio's words pierce Kaede just the same though there is little change in his face.
"They've seemed....upset. Distant. I'm just going to check on him."
The roll of his brother's eyes is almost audible in response to his words and Kaede doesn't offer anything more as he makes his way. To be honest he's been feeling...uneasy. The realization that Zhifeng could just decide one day to never seen him again has been.....unpleasant. What did Senri call these moments?
A reality check.....or something.
He let's himself in, following the scent easily to find his gem at the vanity, not an unfamiliar sight, sparkling amongst the jewels, though to the pureblood, Zhifeng was the most beautiful one.
The words are familiar too, a common question. Expected.
"No, actually I was just worried."
The silence stretches on for a moment and he thinks that may be the end of that before an explanation fills the space, Kaede stepping closer at each word until he's close enough to reach out and hold the dragon's face in his hands.
"If anyone has enough wit and charm to smooth over a messy situation, it's you. Things may be tense at the moment but you can still try and meet again to sort things out." Thumbs brush over smooth cheeks. "Although, you're very cute when you sulk."
