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It is not trouble if it is for something like this. [From anyone else maybe it would’ve sounded like a line, but she says it as if it’s the most obvious truth in the world.

She has him sit on the couch, then settles herself down on the back of it, letting her legs rest on either side of him as she begins to undo his hair]

Can play? Shizun—ah, Chuchu— [She says, as if he has any idea who that could be] has been teaching me, a little! Can not play well, but I can sing! Want to hear you play for me. And one day, we can, hmm, what is the word? Duet!

[She says so many things so easily.....Jiu can't help respecting that, as much as he's embarrassed by it.

Changing the subject to music makes things a little easier though; he relaxes somewhat as his hair comes undone, sitting nice and proper so it's easier for her to do her thing.]

Is this "Chuchu" a good teacher? If not, you're free to come to me for help. [He sure is glad he didn't get a nickname like that--] And I'd be happy to play a duet with you whenever you like, regardless.

He is very good! Has taken as, hmm, the word...Disciple? Yes. Gave me pretty robes. Next time, will wear them for you and show you! [They weren't the ones she was wearing at the party.] Are all white, but do not ever get dirty! So, do not have to clean them as much.

Ah, but it is still so much... But you humans are so... [She trails off not sure what the right word is to use. 'Prudish' but that's not in her vocab at the moment.] Care so much. Would rather not wear anything. [Huff!!]

But, can teach me too! Want to learn. Want to sing for you.

[Well if she's calling this Chuchu guy Shizun then it makes sense she's his disciple, as much as the thought irritates him. Robes that never get dirty though....sound useful, and more importantly, it sounds like proper clothing that she's happy to wear.

He can't move his head right now, and she can't really see his face in this position, but he puts on a (playfully) judging expression anyway.]

Weren't you the one complaining of cold during the snows? [He remembers!!] Not wearing anything certainly wouldn't help on that front....but if you'd like to show me your clothes, or sing with me, you know my doors are always open. [Figuratively, if not literally.]

Edited 2020-03-02 17:27 (UTC)

Ah...

[HEY don’t call her out like this. She gives his hair a light tug] Is different! Was cold! Besides, would it be so bad? [Her tone turns sly and she leans down to whisper against his ear] For you?

[Hey, don't tug!! He opens his mouth to comment on how the weather isn't exactly warm yet-

Aaaaaand closes it again.]

I.

...You should at least keep covered in public.

[Determinedly! Not looking at the mermaid by his ear!! (Avoiding eye contact sadly does not prevent blushing.]

[She’ll yank his hair all she wants!! But she soon gives it up and pulls back to continue weaving the pieces of the hair ornament through it instead.]

Ah, only in public? Will keep in mind.

[She laughs low and it tapers off into a pleased little hum. She continues to work in silence for a little bit before she sort of continues that last train of thought.]

Qingqiu, I will not do things yu do not like or do not want to do. I will promise that.

[It's pretty hard to keep calm when there's a humming laughing woman with her hands in your hair suggesting she'd be happy to go naked regardless of the location—or more like outright saying it? Oona just doesn't seem to like clothes at all. Which makes sense for a mermaid, but is hard to reconcile with the fact he's only ever seen her on land...despite how cool and aloof he generally tries to appear, deep down Shen Qingqiu still craves affection as much as any other human being, if not more.

So he falls silent as well, organizing his thoughts and pushing himself to try to relax as she works. And it is soothing, really; gentle touches in a quiet room, with no threats or irritations to be wary of...he's contemplating how to show her the song he'd put together when she speaks up again, the words surprising enough that it takes a moment for him to answer.

"I trust you" gets swallowed before the words can reach his lips, a level he's still afraid to acknowledge aloud when his ability to hold faith is as fragile as it's become. But even if he doesn't acknowledge it aloud...he can't help the tiny smile that creeps onto his face.]

...I'll hold you to that promise, then. And I--will try to do the same.

[As she finishes weaving the pieces through his hair, smoothing her hands over it, she gives a pleased and content hum. Trying is all they can really do—it’s inevitable things might happen that will accidentally hurt, but she doesn’t doubt that they wouldn’t do so to each other purposefully. That’s all she can ask for.]

Done. You do not have to wear these all the time, but...For now, I like to see them in your hair.

Qiuqiu, can stay, for little while? Do not have to talk or play, just... Wish to be with you. [And finally he gets a cutesy nickname too!!]

[Once upon a time, Shen Qingqiu had put very little thought into his hair. He'd tie it up nice and neat to keep it out of the way, or when he became peak lord he'd put it up with a nice little hair crown for the same purpose but a little more flair. But these days it seems if Oona isn't doing something his own twin is, giving his hair all sorts of braids and hair ornaments and what-have-you, and while he can't help worrying that maybe they make him look more feminine than he'd like he also can't bring himself to stop it.

He'll stand proud regardless. If anyone disses his hair he'll just murder them or something, it's fine.

Hair aside, there's a very short pause - the slightest stiffening of shoulders - at that nickname....which he immediately covers up by raising a hand to carefully feel his new hairstyle for the day.]

I did say I wanted to play for you, didn't I? Though you can certainly stay longer than that. [And having overcome whatever short-lived mental block he just had--his expression softens again.] ...Your company is appreciated, regardless of what you do.

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