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@unfinishedjulyrain
"BLESSED RAIN AFTER THE DROUGHT."
@unfinishedjulyrain // independent multimuse original character blog, inspired by Asian mythology & crossover-friendly, ocs of course more than welcomed. low activity. written by dana, thirty plus.
rules・❥・muses !
types of yearning sentence starters
if you are sending to a multi-muse, remember to specify the muse that the sentence starters are being sent for .
“ Don’t make me choose between my duty and you. ”
“ Duty demanded I leave you behind. My heart never did. ”
“ Even magic couldn’t erase what I feel for you. ”
“ I didn’t realise how much I missed you until you were standing right in front of me again. ”
“ I don’t care what it costs - just don’t walk away. ”
“ I hate how much I look for you in every competition. ”
“ I hate you… so why does it hurt when you look at someone else like that? ”
“ I hear your name in every whispered rumour and wish it were mine to claim. ”
“ I keep looking for you in places you’ve never been. ”
“ I kept that thing you gave me. I don’t know why. ”
“ I learned how to live without you. That doesn’t mean I wanted to. ”
“ I never deleted your number. ”
“ I never told you… but I think you knew. ”
“ I still have every letter you never meant for anyone to read. ”
“ I still remember how you take your coffee. ”
“ I think I loved you long before I knew what love was. ”
“ I think part of me will always belong to you. ”
“ I tried to forget you. I failed. ”
“ I was right there, and you still let me slip away. ”
“ I wonder if you ever think about what we could’ve been. ”
“ I would bargain with gods again if it meant keeping you. ”
“ I would tear the world apart just to have you back. ”
“ I would’ve stayed. I would’ve stayed for you. ”
“ If I asked you not to leave… would it change anything? ”
“ If I asked you to run away with me, would you? ”
“ If loving you is a mistake, I don’t want to be right. ”
“ If loving you is betrayal, then I’ve already crossed that line. ”
“ If you were anyone else, I wouldn’t hesitate to destroy you. ”
“ In another life - one without titles or expectations - I would have chosen you. ”
“ It hurts - wanting you this much when I know I shouldn’t. ”
“ It’s strange… how everything reminds me of you. ”
“ I’d choose you. Every time. Every version of this life. ”
“ I’m happy for you. I just wish it had been me. ”
“ I’ve memorised every weakness of yours… including the way you hesitate around me. ”
“ Just give me tonight. I won’t ask for anything else. ”
“ Maybe in another life, this would’ve worked. ”
“ Meet me where no one knows our names - just once more. ”
“ No one knows me like you do. That’s what scares me. ”
“ Say the word, and I’ll forget my place. Just this once. ”
“ Say the word, and I’m yours. I always was. ”
“ Sometimes I think I hear your voice in crowded rooms. ”
“ Take me with you. Anywhere - just not away from you. ”
“ Tell me to stay. Please - just this once. ”
“ Tell me why losing to you feels better than winning against anyone else. ”
“ There’s a space beside me that only ever felt like yours. ”
“ This was supposed to be simple - you, my enemy. Not… this. ”
“ We push each other to the edge—and I don’t know how to stop. ”
“ We were almost something. That’s what hurts the most. ”
“ We were never meant to stand on the same side - and yet here I am. ”
“ When did you stop being just my best friend? ”
“ When I reach the top, I want you there beside me. ”
“ Why wasn’t I enough to make you stay? ”
“ Winning doesn’t feel the same if you’re not there to see it. ”
“ You chose a life that didn’t have room for me in it. ”
“ You crossed my mind today. Like you always do. ”
“ You don’t even know what you do to me, do you? ”
“ You don’t get to come back and pretend nothing changed. ”
“ You feel like something I lost a long time ago. ”
“ You were in my dream again last night. ”
“ You were supposed to be my competition, not my weakness. ”
“ You were the one scandal I would have risked everything for. ”
“ You were the only thing tethering me to my humanity. ”
“ Your name almost slipped out - I had to bite my tongue. ”
“ You’re the one thing I can’t seem to let go of. ”
“ You’re the only thing that’s ever felt real to me. ”
“ You’re written into every prophecy I tried to escape. ”
you don't have to appeal to everyone! not every blog will be interested in your muse, not every writing style will click with yours, and not every person you follow will become someone you write with regularly. and that's okay. because it doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong or that your character isn't good enough or that your writing has no value. sometimes, things just don't line up, and that's perfectly normal. there will be other people who enjoy what you bring to the dash; they'll love your interpretation, your ideas, your style, your excitement, your headcanons, and the way you breathe life into your muse. you don't need to change yourself — just keep doing what feels right for you!
He had to give it to her - even after his various screw-ups, especially with people so dear to her, Hana didn't end up running over his balls with a truck. Instead, encouraged him to give this 'heart to heart' thing another go. For a guy who was used to keeping people at arm's length, he certainly received the greatest gift of a friend who didn't give up on you, and introduced precious new people into his life.
"Her drawings, huh? Remind me not to team up with her in art class, then," he smirked. A little jibe, but not too much to make Hana sneeze in another part of town again (and not to make another poor impression on Gin.) But the two of them fell silent for a relaxing moment, with only the sound of their breathing and the tick of the clock on the shelf, a room filled with sunlight, as their warmth seeped into one another from the chaste touch. No, he was not being particularly sentimental, but he had to admit that something within him felt lighter after this.
He opened his eyes, too, smiling at Gin's eagerness to spend the rest of the day together. There'll be days after this one, too, was what his eyes suggested, but he dared not voice for his ego, mixed with a little anxiety. "The restaurant is really nicely decorated - I'm sure you'll love it. It's like being on an island getaway." He took his hand and they escaped onto the street, pace leisurely as they made their way to their first destination of the evening.
Gin would always be on Hana's side. In all her chaos, there was reason and even if sometimes the opposite seemed to be the case, she had been a loyal friend ever since. To himself and to Kazuhiko as well. While Gin had witnessed the other two and their curious interactions before, he still could not quite get behind them. Which was more than alright. And he knew she would learn all about this soon enough as well which put a grin on the man's face.
"Her sculptures might look like straight out of a nightmare but her drawings are ... she loves details, let's keep it at that." They were good enough for detective work and giving precise information to the clients ( and sometimes police ) if needed. She once drew a sketch of Kazuhiko and Gin too - something Gin would keep for the time being. A quite good one, just too... risqué to mention it now. The moment fell quiet yet the amusement remained and all too often, he had to thank his friend for the silent help. As loud as she might appear, Hana knew how to calm a situation.
Gin had no intention of rushing or pressuring the other, not before and certainly not now. There were things left unsaid for a later time, for a time either one would be ready. All was fine to Gin, as long as they were able to spend time together like this. His hand remained clasped around Kazu's, squeezing it every on occasion. "I love a nice atmosphere. I mean, as long as the food is delicious but the ambiente surely adds to the appetite, don't you think?"
I intend to be back when my arm is better. I was slow before but poofing entirely was/is necessary. My silly characters want to get back into action eventually.
"Oh, come on, you are so sappy." This she said with nothing but fondness, however. The smile on her face was also one of a woman who knew she was well loved. She pressed her cheek into his palm. With a pleased hum she gave her breasts another soft squeeze. Haru didn't make her wait long for his very own strip show. Those lithe limbs and well toned muscles, built through long hard hours at the gym and in the pool, were bared before her eyes as though she had become the judge.
Pinky slid her fingers over his chest, tracing one collarbone. Her smile grew as she gave his earlobe a playful tug. "Since my heart might have skipped a beat there when you said 'pet'... you should kneel like one." She swung her legs over either armrest, thighs proudly open to give her boyfriend a very generous view. There was nothing more exciting than watching the tall athlete sitting before her, brows knitted with a quizzical sort of hopefulness, eyes shining with eagerness to please.
"Let's do a warm up," instructed Pinky in a velvety hush. "Touch yourself. Give my favourite dick a nice squeeze for me... and stroke it slowly." Her hand travelled down her pelvis to spread her outer lips apart. "If you do good, you can even have a taste, puppy... look, she's clenching so much. She's hungry."
Haru found himself through Pinky again. She reminded him it was more than alright to live for yourself and whoever disagreed along the way, was not even meant to stay. She meant more to him than a piece of paper attesting their relationship and even without it, the swimmer knew they loved each other. "Every now and then, you adore sappy," he returned, a grin adorning his features as he also gave Pinky more to look at. Despite not active in the way Haru used to be, the swimmer still competed in smaller tournaments, often for good causes so he obviously knew how to stay in shape. His girlfriend gave him even more reason as her reactions and eyes on him further fueled his desire to have a toned body.
Haru gulped, a gasp for air releasing as she widened her legs in such a position, his hand nearly dropped to his length even without her command. While the man never lost hope to get to action right away, he also couldn't help enjoying these games, bringing not only goosebumps but also feverish needs and deep desire. He then knelt with his own legs apart, back arched to show of his abdomen, chest heaving as breath got heavy. "I'll do anything to excite you," Haru cooed, indeed looking like a pup waiting for orders.
"Fuck... I could watch you all day..." His sigh was sweet, loving, quite appreciating her playing with herself in return. "But I won't disappoint you. Or her." Since he was already hard, working on that part had been ticked off the list and even if Haru had not been before, these fingers on her own clit were reason enough to get aroused. With a hold of his length, the swimmer squeezed it and a moan escaped parted lips. More, longer, with intensity... His strokes were precise, had a clear goal and he switched from looking down, to the ceiling and eventually into her eyes. Yet he couldn't help the stare onto her center.
The cat was out of the bag... but it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Any woman who had eyes could easily tell there was something going on between the boss and her busty subordinate, anyway... Mutsuki did not hire people she trusted to help keep these secrets, but it certainly helped. It looked like Himari-chan wasn't an exception, but her reaction was surprisingly... enthusiastic. Bordering on excessive...
"It's not weird - I'm... I'm quite flattered, actually. Thank you, Himari-chan..." she cleared her throat awkwardly, then picked up her glass to take a few more swigs. Alcohol would help her forget any embarrassment sufficiently. (And that's how she got into trouble with Miran last time - a very good kind of trouble). Could it be that Himari-chan was one of 'those' people... the fan girls...
"It's a relief that Miran and I can feel supported in a work environment," Mutsuki continued in a low voice. "I know that it's not the best context for us to have a relationship like that..." She shook her head briskly. "That is not Himari-chan's problem, however. And - what about you? Do you have someone special in your life? Himari-chan is so sweet; anyone who has you is so very lucky."
Perhaps Himari liked to write stories in her free time that revolved around passionate romances of any gender and the prospect of her boss and coworker to have that kind of special bond only worked in her favor... well, in her fantasy rather. Getting to know both of them individually, she could ( from her perspective at least, she did not dare to meddle since it was not her business what they did in real life ) see how the two women grew fond of each other. Miran was a strong, protective type of person who also knew you were perfectly capable of taking care of things yourself. She was a supporter. And Mutsuki knew how to speak to her subordinates in a respectful, assuring as well as challenging way - always for the better.
"O-oh, that's a relief then..." Himari too sipped from her glass, blushing as the young woman clearly imagined the other two in a tight hug. She just admired these women beyond the moon, going for what they wanted and doing their utmost to protect what was theirs. "I promise I won't mention it further if you don't want to! I'm just very in awe of you both so I'm positively surprised and happy such great people got together!"
Himari then dared to grasp both of her superior's hands, the glasses set aside for a second, a supportive gesture with bright eyes following as she shook them gently. "Don't worry, I'll support you!" And as soon as the sweet gesture happened, it ended yet the blush remained. "Me? No, I don't really have anyone... someone with muscles would be nice... ah, what am I saying? My apologies, I guess I was just getting more comfortable with Mutsuki-san and blabbering. Is it odd?"
"Guilty, huh? You're a naughty girl, Mon-chan." It was his turn to give her a mind-blowing experience, and he was eager to prove himself! Deep down, not that he would admit it... he lacked a bit of confidence. Who wouldn't, when he had been dumped that many times? Poor Ryosuke was just a bit of a dumbass when it came to women. It seemed that he was saved by one particular woman who didn't mind his bumbling ways.
His lips and his tongue made all sorts of smacking noises as they lavished her breasts and nipples with attention. It was intentional, but it was no lie that Ryosuke was enjoying himself to the brim. "Mm, yummy," murmured the bear between sucks. "Milky and sweet." Nope, definitely no fucks given to sounding very cringe here. "How're you liking these fingers? Thick, huh?" He pumped them into her, maybe going a little fast in his rising excitement, but he remembered to give attention to her clit, too (yes, he found it!)
Her soft apology, though, gave him pause. "Eh?" His face lifted from her breasts, his cheeks quite red from an extended period of tiddy-enjoyment, and also having been found out... "er, no, it's cool! Don't worry about stuff like that. I mean I was a bit gro- I mean I wasn't used to it, but like, I think it could be pretty hot too?"
Ryosuke swallowed back his further ramblings, and settled for giving a big wet smack of a kiss upon her lips. "Don't worry about it, honey bun," he cooed. His fingers pressed deep, up to the knuckle, before crooking slightly to tickle inside her.
Monika wasn't afraid to speak up and apart from the few close friends she had, Ryosuke seemed to be the one guy who also didn't mind her peculiar ways. They could grow together and complented each other in an odd ( but for them natural ) way so even admitting a mistake or revealing a fear could lead to something unexpected - not only in the bedroom. The young artists adored his nickname for her, cute and melodious, especially when spilled from the man's lips. And his lips... they were working their firm magic indeed.
"I l-like... no...! I love them!" Her response turned into a dragged out moan, followed by a sweet high pitched cry. He apparently knew which spots to hit or was kissed by luck but Monika basked in his attention as well as his digits with pure delight. "So thick..." Soon her back bent to meet his fingers yet also the hardworking tongue and mouth. Licking, slurping, sucking, Ryosuke did all of these things with utter devotion. A bit sloppy perhaps, though she knew exactly why.
Despite the shift in their topic, slick walls tightened around his pumping digits, eager to show off how much she needed him. Monika too craved affection from a specific, from a special person and she truly hoped Sano Ryosuke would be hers. When he explained how it startled him at first, a weight seemed to have been lifted off her chest ( and no, not his juicy mouth ), perky buds especially thrilled after. "Ryo-chan's kind," Monika cooed, cheeks flushed and lips parted to heave a needy sigh. Still, you could see concern in such gorgeous eyes. "But I only want to do what Ryo-chan and I both enjoy..."
"Ryo-chan....." Monika whined, seemingly touched by the man's reassurance while he continued to push into her, her hips rocking in unison. "Kiss me again," she then demanded, breathing heavy and skin sweaty, doing its utmost to enjoy their heated intimacy. What she longed for was to taste and experience Ryosuke in any way possible, as much as she could, no restrictions other than fatigue at the end. Caution appeared to be a second thought mostly, manicured nails burried themselves in his hair, combing, pulling, playing. "I'm addicted...!"
— ; Hana & Hanae.
He would always put himself first should it turn out she was a snitch after all, but it was very easy to charm and be flirty; hence, his interest was quite sincere. For a man like him, it was not rare to have all kinds of thoughts at once. Maybe it felt a little too movie-like that a handsome lady came in like that and just agreed to actually see him again.
“Nah, I am not much of a singer,” he joked casually but that was the truth. It seemed she was just as smitten with him; thus, if she would sell him out, well, that would be fair! Not that he had any more feelings of her actually knowing what he was doing here.
“I am one that will definitely support it. One should not forget to enjoy themselves here and then.” he winked casually as he held the door open for her. They likely would look like big losers to the younger ones out there. Hanae was pretending that he was, in fact, not that old just yet.
The man should rightfully have doubts; not that Hana was about to betray him! If he was as clever as he appeard to be, it would make things more intriguing for the private detective. Attraction aside, men who were smitten right away without even a little ounce of skepticism were not truly interesting in the end and as she had now laid her eyes upon him, she hoped he was indeed of the clever sort. "Yes, yes. So I hope you can certainly enjoy yourself with me." And with that, without paying the younger people around them any mind as she stepped outside, Hana gave the man a last playful wink before being on her way.
And Hana meant what she had said; this time she left the costumes at home and came in wearing a dress fitting the early summer heat. No cases for a while, as her plans included getting to know him more - whatever business he had was no concern of hers. Spotting the man as soon as she entered, Hana approached in light steps. "Today, I'll act as your assistant until you close the store and go out with me. I think I timed it quite well so therefore, my plan can't be a miss. Right?"
"Dilly, dilly, if-" Pinpirin's singing was interrupted by a snapping outside her treehouse. In her experience, such noises indicated a hurt bird, or a fallen squirrel, some poor animal that had gotten injured, or perhaps two silly ones fighting for no reason. It was within her nature to always rush out and help such creatures, so this was no different.
Pinpirin bounded, barefoot over her fluffy rug and laminated wooden floorboards. She opened her front door without a second thought, and was stunned at... what was actually at her porch. Not a helpless animal, but a person!
There's a moment of awkward silence, where she's not sure what to say or do, until she realises the sound might have still meant the stranger had an accident.
"O-oh! Are you hurt-hurt?"
Perhaps she was a little bird that got hurt, Tiānxī truly couldn't be considered a threat ( unless given a reason to ). Though she managed to hold on and keep worse from happening, the apothecary still felt wobbly, even more so after startling the stranger she was peeking on - not like a creep! As soon as the door opened, Tiānxī's and the stranger's eyes met. Silence fell upon them and albeit slightly awkward, there seemed to be no hostility between the two women. Still, the 'intruder' hoped the other would be on guard regardless as you never knew who exactly stumbled upon your doorsteps.
"...oh uh, no actually. I managed to hold on. My apologies, this wasn't... I didn't mean to scare you." Tiānxī secured herself, got on her two feet again and bowed deeply. "I was surprised to see such a curious abode in these woods and couldn't help but take a look. I'll be on a leave then. It was a very sweet song you were singing, albeit I had no idea what's it about. I was searching for herbs, I mean no harm, by the way."
"It's no big deal. And no need to be overly formal with me, Asakura-san." Mutsuki gave her a soft smile and led the way. The lights were flicked off, the doors locking behind them, leaving the office in a gloomy darkness. It was definitely not a space for young women at their prime of their lives to be lingering on a Monday evening.
She opened up the passenger door to her silver Lexus for Himari to climb in. Quite a few of her workers had taken a ride with her in the past - they all knew each other fairly well, and all referred to her by first name as per her explicitly stated preference. When the engine switched on, the music player also clicked into life, continuing the soundtrack to a fantasy drama that she had been watching.
"What's your address?" She took out her phone to put in the navigation. She remembered that Himari lived an hour or so away via public transport. That was pretty standard for most office workers, even lucky, but doing that in bad weather would make for quite a miserable end to the first day at work.
Her first day had come to an end. Himari looked back for a brief moment before following her superior into the night - as mysterious and alluring it sounded, the two women simply left their work place after a long day. Work was work and now, the two of them would try to enjoy the evening by unwinding in their preferred ways. "I... alright, I'll try to be less... stiff," she answered. "But I truly respect you and I will show you that I mean it!" As much as fatigue had won, Himari would make sure her boss knew of her determination.
The gasp that left the young woman at the sight of the car was one of surprise, quite obviously. Himari knew nothing of cars but that didn't stop her from being quite impressed. And this time, she startled herself by wondering if she could one day have a car this fast as well. She settled in her seat, squealing over how comfortable it felt! Could this be a dream and she would wake up any second?
Quick to tell Mutsuki her address, Himari waited until everything was typed in before looking out of the window, indeed beyond thankful she could come along dry and not soaked to the bone. "You saved me," the young woman thanked her superior again with her head slightly bowing. "Getting home in this weather only means freezing in the cold. Wow, these seats even have a seat heater? I mean, not uncommon but I usually take the train, I forget this even exists..."
— ; So-ra & Momiji.
He was appreciative that she never was one to push him but just took those gentle means he used to avoid topics. There were many difficulties in his mind and heart, some that were unlikely to really be resolved. It was not so much about the debt rather than the guilt. One would always carry guilt, and was it not even that a death caused by an accident lay heavier in the heart than a matter of self-defense because, unlike then, nights always would be spent wondering if maybe, if he moved differently, if he pulled another move, the unfortunate wouldn't have happened. But there was nothing that could be done about that.
“Mh, you want to be spoiled, noted,” he replied with a lazy smile and pressed a small kiss onto her cheek. “Then, I better hurry up here to have that said good time with my girlfriend and the honoured lady dog of her best friend.” With that, the motivation was given and, in a little more time, they indeed finally wrapped up, and he locked the door of the study, taking her hand as they were swinging it slowly like a couple in the movies. “What would you like to cook? Something where you can watch me properly or more of a cheat, giving us more time together because it's a fast one?”
Momiji would always be there and listen, share his burdens but she also understood more than anyone that sometimes, the things you wished to say were so scary, the people around you might see you in a different light. And because he was so important to her, she never pushed for answers, only signaled him one certainty: she would stay. When Momiji told So-ra bits and pieces of her past, mostly fragments she could remember, he listened and comforted his lover. What else did she need in this moment other than him? For someone as tough and straightforward as Momiji, to calm down and be quiet after revealing your innermost, it gave her a certain sense of peace. And in his pace and as much as he wished to share, she wanted to be the same for So-ra.
How good it felt, to feel the warmth of his hand as they walked side by side, finally about to have more alone time together ( which more than often included Miss Butter, of course ). Tilting her head, she wondered and decided to give him a break rather than act upon her selfish desires. "The latter. You had a long day and as much as I'd like to see your sexy self sweat in the kitchen, I'll do with a quick session and help where I can. You worked hard, you also deserve some rest. Oh and I'll give you a massage as a thank you," Momiji winked. They had enough options on the way to her place to grab some ingredients, her suggestion being omurice for the evening, indeed quick and simple but oh so delicious.
Who said that Iwai was playing favourites with Mononosuke? It was really hard not to do so when he was so polite and kind, not trying to climb out of windows or do strange science experiments in the microwave... He thanked him for the impromptu lesson, happy to present a better version to his fiance next time. But they stopped short of feeding it to one another, for now... (It could become rather dangerous).
"My one is really thick!" declared Botan without warning, though everyone would instantly feel guilty for their mind going in the wrong direction when they saw him holding up his wrap over his head with such a sparkle of pride in his eyes.
Munehisa huffed softly, turning back to Miran to agree: "not just rice paper rolls, but other dishes too. It seems like we've all been too busy to have dinner all together lately." Seeing her cheeks like a chipmunk when she chewed, he felt like the luckiest man in the world.
"Um... if anyone wants to bring their friends or... significant others over... please feel free to do so - with sufficient notice, of course! At least two weeks." The offer was posed to the rest of the table quickly, before the blushing co-head of household turned his focus back to rolling another wrap.
Hana might have loved to complain how Iwai had a favorite child but she knew all too well how it was like to be abandoned. Not by his late mother who had done her utmost to bring the (half)siblings together, no. Momo was her younger brother, she cared and would rather have Iwai be too doting than her sibling having no father figure at all. Nobody talked about how each of them was not that far apart in age and yet, it was clear who had the parental roles. The student only stumbled slightly when Botan called out, showing off his triumphant... roll and hummed in approval. As it turned out, he was the supportive younger ( older brother ). "Botan-kun needs to make them thick, for Momiji-san." Ah, as always, Miran was the one who said it out loud.
Afterwards, she stuffed her mouth with the rolls Iwai had made for her, nodding at every word and taking a sip so she could respond sooner. "Well, but it's not bad, isn't it? Sitting together like this? We do so more often lately, that's true. We should cherish the times when we can, somehow I appreciate it more this way." At his suggestion Miran then pecked his cheek and caressed the skin as if to applaud him for his bravery. "That's a splendid idea. We can do such gatherings once in a while, no pressure and everyone can bring something. My Mune-chan truly has the best ideas."
Many sleepless nights lay between when the first of Sūn Huānxǐ's comrades began to disappear and that very moment as she sat at her desk, staring at blank sheets ahead. The faces that appeared at the yámén steps tore at the seams of her heart. Once smiling, now they looked back at her with wells and aching in their eyes. Every lead she had turned out to be a dead end. Except for the one she was afraid to take as truth. So, she continued to sit and stare, and simmer with her thoughts. One of their own? How could it be? More importantly, why would it be? Huānxǐ would have said she knew her peers better than that. But now it was a matter of internal affairs—of corruption from within..
The announcement of a distinguished guest's arrival drew her out of the haze she stuck herself in. “I'm sorry, Xiǎo Bái.. Who did you say just arrived? It sounded like you said a minister..?” It wasn't entirely out of the ordinary for ministers and esteemed officials to pay visits, or at least not in the capital—especially when they were trying to pull favors for those they knew and loved. A deep sigh upheaved from her chest, as she considered the possibilities and sipped from her cup. Yet, when Xiǎo Bái announced the title for a second time, Huānxǐ's posture stiffened and erected. “Th– the minister…? Are you certain?” It was unusual for her to appear so suddenly animated. Her feet, which had been lazily crossed on the table moments earlier, immediately met the ground and she was off to meet the new arrival.
Through the grapevine, she had heard the Minister of Justice had, had a say in her trial. An upstanding young man, or so was said of him, as he apparently defended her name without even knowing her. So, she met him with great respect in her greeting. “Liú Dàrén. ... Your Excellency, forgive us for not learning of your arrival sooner. Please come in,” she invited him, her footsteps guiding them toward a side hall for hosting officials. A tray of tea and whatever meager pastries they were so used to were brought in by one of the yá yì. “I apologize. This is no special residence. We have only what we lower classes can afford.” There were lines in her forehead that spelled her worry about the matter.
“May I ask.. To what do we owe the honor of your presence?”
送至 · · · Liú Hàorán
Seeking the help of others was no weakness in his eyes but you never knew who would either betray or take advantage of you. Liú Qiángwěi had a sharp mind and an even bigger heart. His younger sister and cousin both praised and scolded him for it at times. For him to speak in favor of the female constable one prime example. The minister needed answers, a way to solve this puzzle before people grew too anxious and started commotions. Yet attempting so all by himself would not work out, the help of someone exceptionally skilled and righteous were of need, hence why he had rushed here.
Still, minister or not, he refrained from barging in. He was at his destination after all, now he only had to wait for the person he wished to meet. People did a lot of things to survive, some turned to thievery, some tricked people, others took odd jobs or any they were offered. And a few took on another identity, just to have a chance to live and do good. A person like Constable Sūn, man or woman, deserved to this chance, Liú Qiángwěi would have never found peace with his own consciousness if he had not tried. The second he could finally connect name with a face, the minister of justice bowed in greeting, gesturing for her to relax. "I gave you little time to prepare. I should be the one to apologize. Thank you for having me on such a short notice."
Hàorán wondered whether or not to address that it was him who had spoken in her favor but now was not the time as they had other things to discuss. "Those happen to be my childhood favorites. I might just eat them all." His attempt to joke showed his more lighthearted side, a man who knew of his position and still wished to be close to the people. Her inquiry however made the minister clear his throat and he nodded, getting to the point. "Constable Sūn, I come to ask for your help in the missing soldiers case. I can only work with someone capable and trustworthy. My choice fell upon you. This case cannot become bigger than it already is. I need you."
“I heard about it!” she replied cheerfully. Cat cafés were not a very common thing around here, and when you worked with animals, then there was no way you didn't hear about the most recent addition to this business branch. “I am Bān Yě. I own the pet care down the road. We mostly provide dog care for those who work and do not wish to leave their pets alone at home, but we also have a small ‘pet hotel’ where we take in pets for up to two weeks for those going on vacation. If you are ever looking for help around here or something, we have a pinboard you are happy to use. I can also ask around, or well, I mean obviously, if you want to make some advertising.”
Someone with positive energy, Hikaru liked that. "Bān Yě-s...an?" He tilted his head as he added the suffix yet realized it was not exactly suitable, even with his best intentions. "Miss Bān then... unless you'd like me to address you differently? I want to do so the right way so apologies for my mishap." He probably was also too enthusiastic after hearing where the young woman worked at, immediately wishing to connect with a fellow animal lover. His smile remained polite yet his eyes were already shining. "A pet care is a wonderful thing, what a coincidence my neighbor shares my love for animals. I'll be shameless and would truly appreciate any help for that matter. Oh, let me start by thanking you with a beverage of your choice. As it so happens, I am a skilled barista. Do you have a minute to spare or were you about to leave?" @yiyiren
— ; 阮卉山 . . . & Jiāng Guìyīng.
“I do not hold any standing for you to go on your knees for me. You must not do so,” he brought his hands together and offered her a formal bow. Huìshān was quite simple and not known to be overly emotional. Thus, he let her go with a minor nod before turning around to prepare the journey back to his own place. He could consult with the Crown Prince about tonight, but there was little even his friend could do. For as long as the king ruled, the favor shown to the Princess was unlikely to end until true tragedy took place. After all, she was the last child born by the late Queen, who had always been dearly cherished by His Majesty.
“Send one of our men to quietly look over the young Miss while she travels. Make preparations for a donation to her establishment here and while visiting relatives. We still have contact with the merchants who deliver herbs to the palace. Make a request to send me some of their best packages to her.” He made a few orders to his aide once he was back in the carriage. While he could not speak openly about it, there could be worse than receiving the quiet support of the Duke of Wén’ān.
His family upheld their dukedom not only because of their continued service to the Crown, but also because of their skill in handling affairs quietly and their status as respected landowners who greatly cared for the people who rented their farmlands. Thus, she surely would feel the benefits of it, if mostly quietly, in repayment of smaller favors that should not make her uncomfortable.
Jiāng Guìyīng was a woman who knew when to express her feelings and when to conceal them. The duke showed her nothing but respect in a situation hard to grasp right away yet the physician trusted him as he had trusted her with his son. "Very well then..." Her words were of simple choice yet the gentle voice carried gratitude and faith in the person standing in front of her. And when he turned, she couldn't help but stare for a moment longer than initially intended. Perhaps she would hear from him in the future and if not, at least about the recovery of the young child.
Quick to follow the instructions, she still had to wonder about the matter at hand. Not hers but his. He could have not cared about the life of a simple female physician, as gifted as she was or the reputation of her family. And yet, Guìyīng was not only taken care of but would also continue serving the people who fought bravely or made sure to cultivate the lands. With the few belongings she held dear to herself, the young physician returned to where she believed Duke of Wén’ān's men were still residing and offered a polite bow. "Everything has been dealt with but I don't know whom to talk to exactly..."
Almost shy, she then followed along, curious yet also frightened about what was waiting for her at the Northern boarders. Jiāng Guìyīng knew how to treat patients, not how to meddle in state affairs. Hopefully, she would never have to. Occasionally, she gave the men accompanying her advice on how to take care of flesh wounds or how to lower a fever, some quite eager to remember such ( sometimes ) life saving methods.
