[Once done typing his request, Zhang He pushes aside the laptop and moves to pick up his comb, then sits and begins to brush through his for once loose, waist-length hair. The act is a comfort gesture - the Wei general feels deeply ashamed of his behaviour yesterday, and sad at the thought of what damage it has done to budding friendship. Ranmaru had been nothing but kind, and he had been more than just hostile... he had been insulting.
When Ranmaru enters, Zhang He does not look to him right away; he finishes drawing the comb through his hair and then places it down. He then lifts a hand to throw his hair over his shoulder, and pulls himself to his feet. He wears much simpler clothes today, and overall, looks far less formal than usual; it seems he is humble in appearance as well as behaviour today. His shame is clear enough in his expression, and he only briefly meets Ranmaru's eye before he casts his gaze down.
He moves to meet Ranmaru, and when he comes to a stop in front of him, he settles himself on his knees and bows his head.]
I have shamed myself. Worse yet, I have dishonoured our friendship. I cannot apologise enough for my behaviour... I do not know what came over me.
[He trails off with a heavy sigh, then steels himself and looks up to Ranmaru. He must face the consequences of his actions.]
If you could find it in your heart to forgive me...
[ He has been watching the Wei warrior with apology in his eyes, waiting patiently until his work is done, knowing he'd probably wished to calm himself before facing him this way. Ranmaru himself looks more casual than he is, for different reasons, but the moment he kneels, Ranmaru stiffens, until he's done talking. Then, he falls to his knees in front of him, and moving his arms around the older man's shoulders, he pulls him into a light embrace, careful not to hug him too tightly because of the burns on his chest which still sting despite the bandages. ]
Stop, please, your words are far too kind for one of this person's standing! It was this place making you speak as such, not you!!
[ The boy blushes, then rests his face against the side of his head, feeling his age for once. ]
Ranmaru understands that. Please forgive Ranmaru too... Ranmaru has never felt so fearful and said so much...
[Zhang He is somewhat surprised when Ranmaru drops to his own knees and draws him into an embrace, but he allows it, and as he listens to Ranmaru speak, he can't help but smile a little. Ranmaru's kindness was a relief.]
This place is truly a demon's creation...
[He lets his eyes slid shut and he carefully brings a hand to rest on Ranmaru's spine. He is thankful that Ranmaru can understand, and grateful for his presence. He cannot imagine how difficult it would have been to be here without the company of a fellow warrior.]
You are forgiven.
[He then falls silent, taking comfort in the embrace for a few moments. But it is not so easy to lift the shame of his words.]
There was no beauty in what I said. Even if we were to face one another as enemies, Ranmaru, know that I would never treat you with such disrespect...
[ Allowing the other man his words, he remains close as would be proper to be, and smiles weakly. It's not like he hadn't said his share of cruel words, and that alone makes him feel more guilty. ]
I know, Junyi. This person knows you would never address Ranmaru with such cruel words. Though perhaps, in the condition Ranmaru was in, perhaps such words were deserved.
[ His next words, however, make the younger warrior freeze in his embrace, as nostalgia reigns his thoughts and for a moment, he's rendered as speechless as he was the night of the masquerade. Cheeks coloring, and a happy smile lighting his features, his embrace grows stronger before he draws back to move a hand to Zhang He's face, without hesitation, smiling warmly at him. ]
Junyi...
[ The words are so touching that he is reminded of his own brothers, lost to the battle of Honnoji, and he holds himself back from tears, as he chuckles, a bit shyly and holds the other by his shoulders. ]
Words this person never would have believed to be spoken by one from across the ocean...
[ Drawing close, he then rests his head against the other's shoulder, laughing weakly to himself. ]
Comrades, now brothers. What would our lords say.
[ He's teasing lightly, though, and then continues to hold the other until it's clear that his words obviously triggered an emotional reaction, causing Ranmaru to shiver slightly ]
It would be this person's greatest honor and deepest pride to be of such standing in your eyes, Junyi.
[ Once spoken, he draws back to smile at him, still kneeling. ]
If you accept me as such, then anything you say will be considered a deserved reprimand to one younger, would it not? Heh..
[Zhang He returns the warm smile as Ranmaru touches his face, and he forgets his worries as the other warrior holds back tears so shyly. He cares for Ranmaru in way he would have thought equally as impossible, had it not been for Wonderland.]
Neither did we expect to be in the situation we are in. Had we met under different circumstances, things surely would have been...
[He leaves the rest unsaid, and as Ranmaru rests his head against his shoulder, Zhang He brushes a hand over the back of his head in an affectionate gesture.]
What could they say?
[He laughs gently, and then shakes his head lightly. The answer would most likely be quite a bit, but it does not seem like something they need to worry about for now. There is no need to taint something so beautiful with fear.
Ranmaru's words that follow are deeply moving, and it is his turn to feel his heart swell with joy.]
Ah, so beautifully said... there is nothing that has brought me greater joy.
[He allows Ranmaru to draw back, and takes the chance to compose himself, and then quirks his smile at the comment on brotherly responsibility.]
I feel as though I have already said plenty.
[He then places a hand on Ranmaru's shoulder, and a mysterious, amused expression washes over his face.]
Then, brother, the first thing I wish to ask of you... is for you to close your eyes and be patient.
[ The boy is absolutely warmed by the words the other uses, as well as his gestures. Such kindness he only recalls being bestowed on him by Mitsuhide or Nobunaga, both of who were fatherly and affectionate in their own ways. And now, the same things are coming from a person who by all means is his enemy, yet his words are the same. Family. Like a brother.
However then, at his words, the silver-eyed boy blinks, before looking curiously at Zhang He. ]
Close my eyes?
[ He repeats, then finds his cheeks coloring. When Zelman asked Ranmaru to close his eyes, he got a little more than what he expected. While he doesn't doubt that it will not be the same as that, he still feels awkward, but does not disobey, then kneels properly with his hands on his knees and lowers his head slightly, eyes closed. ]
[Zhang He laughs lightly, though not unkindly, at the reaction his request receives before he answers.]
Yes, perfect.
[There is the rustle of silk as Zhang He rises to his feet, followed by the sound of light footsteps as he moves across the room. He picks up a sash of material and then seeks out the small number of possessions he had arrived with, from which he picks up a beautiful, intricately carved hair ornament. It is a favourite of his, worn during his first battles under the banner of Wei, in which he proved his loyalty and worth to his late lord Cao Cao. It is perfect for the gesture he wishes to make.
He carefully wraps it in the sash and tucks it under an arm, then glances sideways and on a second thought reaches out to wrap a single ribbon of fine red silk around his free hand before he returns to where Ranmaru is sat.
He places the wrapped ornament to one side and then unravels the ribbon from around his fingers, and leans forward to loop it around Ranmaru's ponytail, tying it loose enough for a single tug to pull it free. For luck.
He then pulls back and drops his hands to gently guide Ranmaru's hands together, palm up, and places the wrapped bundle into them.]
[ Resisting the urge to open his eyes as he wants to, he remains patiently still as Zhang He moves, wondering what the secrecy is for. Then, remaining calm, he dips his head in a gesture of acknowledgment when he discovers the other is near. Then, he tenses a little when he feels something tied into his hair, recognising the gesture and wondering if red silk was used, or yellow.. then he waits until the command to open his eyes comes, after which he stills.
And stares at his hand. For a moment, he doesn't move, then hesitantly, he begins to open the silk bundle until he reveals the contents, and then his eyes widen. The object found within is beautiful, and with craftsmanship of the kind he has not seen very often! With a gasp of surprise, he raises the hair ornament very carefully, as though it was a delicate treasure, flattered beyond words can express. ]
Junyi... this is...
[ And then, he's smiling, brightly as anything and without hesitating this time, he throws his arms around the Wei warrior's neck, uncaring of what protocol asks for or what he should do. Younger brothers are supposed to take advantage of their position after all, though he's never had an older brother before! ]
[Despite the injuries, he is on his feet within moments, and motions to Zhang He to seat himself at his dresser. Then, he grabs a comb and with a hand on the warrior's shoulder, he looks at him in the room-length mirror before them, then pauses for a bit, struck by something he'd usually put off, seeing how Zhang He usually has his hair tied back.
He goes very still, then brings a hand to brush against the ends of Zhang He's hair, before hesitantly touching the comb to the crown of his head, beginning to gently comb downwards. ]
My Lord Mitsuhide used to love having his hair combed before a day of work...
[Zhang He sits as he is bidden to, and he folds his hands elegantly in his lap. He briefly turns his gaze to the mirror, to admire the cosy picture it makes, before he slides his eyes shut at the touch of the comb and enjoys the act peacefully.]
Ah... I can understand why.
[He is quiet for a few moments, before he opens his eyes and looks to Ranmaru's reflection in the glass.]
You were very close, were you not?
[His voice is soft as he asks; it is not the first time Ranmaru has mentioned his Lord Mitsuhide, and he is interested in knowing Ranmaru better.]
[ Pausing at the query, he looks down at the older man's hair before beginning to comb again with a nod of his head. A light blush touches his cheeks, making it obvious that Zhang He's words have hit home. ]
We were.
But circumstances drew us apart. Why it happened, when it could have been avoided... is something this person wishes he could have dealt better with.
[ He continues to comb his hair gently, parting them and being as gentle as he can be, admiring how thick and soft his hair is and occasionally running his fingers through the strands to make sure there are no tangles. ]
Junyi and him... have the same length of hair. Heh...
[Zhang He listens closely as Ranmaru speaks, enraptured by the way Ranmaru speaks of the other man. Such beautiful feeling is clear in his voice and expression.]
A sad fate to have...
[When Ranmaru compares their appearances, Zhang He makes a thoughtful hum in his throat. He can remember the look that had passed across Ranmaru's face, and the way Ranmaru had stepped back upon first seeing him in the garden.]
Ah, so it was he you were thinking of when we first met.
[He cannot bring himself to pry any further about this Mitsuhide, but a few moments later he does pose another question.]
...And your other Lord?
[He is of course referring to Ranmaru's relationship with one Oda Nobunaga.]
[ He blushes a little, recalling how he must have reacted on their first meeting. Smiling a little then, he continues to comb his hair as he replies. ]
Nobunaga-sama is most precious to Ranmaru. From an early age, Ranmaru vowed allegiance to him, and Lord Mitsuhide. Ranmaru has done all in his life for him, and Ranmaru would give his own life for him. He is the only one worthy of ruling our land...
[ He goes silent, remembering the incident of Honnoji, and how.. he was this close to knowing what would have happened, but failed to. Because he came here. ]
Ranmaru doesn't even know whether he is alive or dead now. Even Lord Mitsuhide...
[ His fingers tense for a bit. ]
Ranmaru had to fight against him for turning against Lord Nobunaga...
When Ranmaru enters, Zhang He does not look to him right away; he finishes drawing the comb through his hair and then places it down. He then lifts a hand to throw his hair over his shoulder, and pulls himself to his feet. He wears much simpler clothes today, and overall, looks far less formal than usual; it seems he is humble in appearance as well as behaviour today. His shame is clear enough in his expression, and he only briefly meets Ranmaru's eye before he casts his gaze down.
He moves to meet Ranmaru, and when he comes to a stop in front of him, he settles himself on his knees and bows his head.]
I have shamed myself. Worse yet, I have dishonoured our friendship. I cannot apologise enough for my behaviour... I do not know what came over me.
[He trails off with a heavy sigh, then steels himself and looks up to Ranmaru. He must face the consequences of his actions.]
If you could find it in your heart to forgive me...
Reply
[ He has been watching the Wei warrior with apology in his eyes, waiting patiently until his work is done, knowing he'd probably wished to calm himself before facing him this way. Ranmaru himself looks more casual than he is, for different reasons, but the moment he kneels, Ranmaru stiffens, until he's done talking. Then, he falls to his knees in front of him, and moving his arms around the older man's shoulders, he pulls him into a light embrace, careful not to hug him too tightly because of the burns on his chest which still sting despite the bandages. ]
Stop, please, your words are far too kind for one of this person's standing! It was this place making you speak as such, not you!!
[ The boy blushes, then rests his face against the side of his head, feeling his age for once. ]
Ranmaru understands that. Please forgive Ranmaru too... Ranmaru has never felt so fearful and said so much...
Reply
This place is truly a demon's creation...
[He lets his eyes slid shut and he carefully brings a hand to rest on Ranmaru's spine. He is thankful that Ranmaru can understand, and grateful for his presence. He cannot imagine how difficult it would have been to be here without the company of a fellow warrior.]
You are forgiven.
[He then falls silent, taking comfort in the embrace for a few moments. But it is not so easy to lift the shame of his words.]
There was no beauty in what I said. Even if we were to face one another as enemies, Ranmaru, know that I would never treat you with such disrespect...
[He pauses, then speaks softly.]
You are becoming like a brother to me.
Reply
I know, Junyi. This person knows you would never address Ranmaru with such cruel words. Though perhaps, in the condition Ranmaru was in, perhaps such words were deserved.
[ His next words, however, make the younger warrior freeze in his embrace, as nostalgia reigns his thoughts and for a moment, he's rendered as speechless as he was the night of the masquerade. Cheeks coloring, and a happy smile lighting his features, his embrace grows stronger before he draws back to move a hand to Zhang He's face, without hesitation, smiling warmly at him. ]
Junyi...
[ The words are so touching that he is reminded of his own brothers, lost to the battle of Honnoji, and he holds himself back from tears, as he chuckles, a bit shyly and holds the other by his shoulders. ]
Words this person never would have believed to be spoken by one from across the ocean...
[ Drawing close, he then rests his head against the other's shoulder, laughing weakly to himself. ]
Comrades, now brothers. What would our lords say.
[ He's teasing lightly, though, and then continues to hold the other until it's clear that his words obviously triggered an emotional reaction, causing Ranmaru to shiver slightly ]
It would be this person's greatest honor and deepest pride to be of such standing in your eyes, Junyi.
[ Once spoken, he draws back to smile at him, still kneeling. ]
If you accept me as such, then anything you say will be considered a deserved reprimand to one younger, would it not? Heh..
Reply
Neither did we expect to be in the situation we are in. Had we met under different circumstances, things surely would have been...
[He leaves the rest unsaid, and as Ranmaru rests his head against his shoulder, Zhang He brushes a hand over the back of his head in an affectionate gesture.]
What could they say?
[He laughs gently, and then shakes his head lightly. The answer would most likely be quite a bit, but it does not seem like something they need to worry about for now. There is no need to taint something so beautiful with fear.
Ranmaru's words that follow are deeply moving, and it is his turn to feel his heart swell with joy.]
Ah, so beautifully said... there is nothing that has brought me greater joy.
[He allows Ranmaru to draw back, and takes the chance to compose himself, and then quirks his smile at the comment on brotherly responsibility.]
I feel as though I have already said plenty.
[He then places a hand on Ranmaru's shoulder, and a mysterious, amused expression washes over his face.]
Then, brother, the first thing I wish to ask of you... is for you to close your eyes and be patient.
[He clearly has something in mind for Ranmaru.]
Reply
However then, at his words, the silver-eyed boy blinks, before looking curiously at Zhang He. ]
Close my eyes?
[ He repeats, then finds his cheeks coloring. When Zelman asked Ranmaru to close his eyes, he got a little more than what he expected. While he doesn't doubt that it will not be the same as that, he still feels awkward, but does not disobey, then kneels properly with his hands on his knees and lowers his head slightly, eyes closed. ]
Is this alright?
Reply
Yes, perfect.
[There is the rustle of silk as Zhang He rises to his feet, followed by the sound of light footsteps as he moves across the room. He picks up a sash of material and then seeks out the small number of possessions he had arrived with, from which he picks up a beautiful, intricately carved hair ornament. It is a favourite of his, worn during his first battles under the banner of Wei, in which he proved his loyalty and worth to his late lord Cao Cao. It is perfect for the gesture he wishes to make.
He carefully wraps it in the sash and tucks it under an arm, then glances sideways and on a second thought reaches out to wrap a single ribbon of fine red silk around his free hand before he returns to where Ranmaru is sat.
He places the wrapped ornament to one side and then unravels the ribbon from around his fingers, and leans forward to loop it around Ranmaru's ponytail, tying it loose enough for a single tug to pull it free. For luck.
He then pulls back and drops his hands to gently guide Ranmaru's hands together, palm up, and places the wrapped bundle into them.]
You may open your eyes now, Ranmaru.
Reply
And stares at his hand. For a moment, he doesn't move, then hesitantly, he begins to open the silk bundle until he reveals the contents, and then his eyes widen. The object found within is beautiful, and with craftsmanship of the kind he has not seen very often! With a gasp of surprise, he raises the hair ornament very carefully, as though it was a delicate treasure, flattered beyond words can express. ]
Junyi... this is...
[ And then, he's smiling, brightly as anything and without hesitating this time, he throws his arms around the Wei warrior's neck, uncaring of what protocol asks for or what he should do. Younger brothers are supposed to take advantage of their position after all, though he's never had an older brother before! ]
You are truly spoiling Ranmaru! Thank you!
Reply
Take good care of it.
[He then drops his hand and gives Ranmaru a moment, before he gestures with a hand.]
Let us have some tea in the garden. I cannot bear to waste such a beautiful day inside!
[Zhang He then adds curiously as he tilts his head,] How is your shooting arm?
[He has yet to make use of his new bow, after all.]
Reply
Unn! Let's go outside! Ranmaru will make the best tea ever for his Aniue!
[ He then pauses, glancing down at himself, between the folds of his robes one can see that his chest is bandaged, and he akes his head and smiles. ]
As long as we don't have to chase anyone, Ranmaru can shoot!
Reply
[Zhang He's eyes briefly flicker to the bandages, before he nods.]
There will be no chasing, I promise. Simply a straightforward, friendly contest of archery...
[He then gets to his feet in a graceful movement, and he looks warmly to Ranmaru, as he pauses on spot.]
If there are no objections, allow me to tie back my hair, and then we shall leave.
Reply
[Despite the injuries, he is on his feet within moments, and motions to Zhang He to seat himself at his dresser. Then, he grabs a comb and with a hand on the warrior's shoulder, he looks at him in the room-length mirror before them, then pauses for a bit, struck by something he'd usually put off, seeing how Zhang He usually has his hair tied back.
He goes very still, then brings a hand to brush against the ends of Zhang He's hair, before hesitantly touching the comb to the crown of his head, beginning to gently comb downwards. ]
My Lord Mitsuhide used to love having his hair combed before a day of work...
Reply
[Zhang He sits as he is bidden to, and he folds his hands elegantly in his lap. He briefly turns his gaze to the mirror, to admire the cosy picture it makes, before he slides his eyes shut at the touch of the comb and enjoys the act peacefully.]
Ah... I can understand why.
[He is quiet for a few moments, before he opens his eyes and looks to Ranmaru's reflection in the glass.]
You were very close, were you not?
[His voice is soft as he asks; it is not the first time Ranmaru has mentioned his Lord Mitsuhide, and he is interested in knowing Ranmaru better.]
Reply
We were.
But circumstances drew us apart. Why it happened, when it could have been avoided... is something this person wishes he could have dealt better with.
[ He continues to comb his hair gently, parting them and being as gentle as he can be, admiring how thick and soft his hair is and occasionally running his fingers through the strands to make sure there are no tangles. ]
Junyi and him... have the same length of hair. Heh...
[ He closes his eyes contentedly. ]
You even resemble each other, a little.
Reply
A sad fate to have...
[When Ranmaru compares their appearances, Zhang He makes a thoughtful hum in his throat. He can remember the look that had passed across Ranmaru's face, and the way Ranmaru had stepped back upon first seeing him in the garden.]
Ah, so it was he you were thinking of when we first met.
[He cannot bring himself to pry any further about this Mitsuhide, but a few moments later he does pose another question.]
...And your other Lord?
[He is of course referring to Ranmaru's relationship with one Oda Nobunaga.]
Reply
Nobunaga-sama is most precious to Ranmaru. From an early age, Ranmaru vowed allegiance to him, and Lord Mitsuhide. Ranmaru has done all in his life for him, and Ranmaru would give his own life for him. He is the only one worthy of ruling our land...
[ He goes silent, remembering the incident of Honnoji, and how.. he was this close to knowing what would have happened, but failed to. Because he came here. ]
Ranmaru doesn't even know whether he is alive or dead now. Even Lord Mitsuhide...
[ His fingers tense for a bit. ]
Ranmaru had to fight against him for turning against Lord Nobunaga...
Reply
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