[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
( ... )
[Zhang He is genuinely awed by the depth of Ranmaru's dedication and by the inner strength the boy clearly possesses, as he listens. He has known many great officers in his time and Ranmaru is certainly no exception.]
You are truly incredible, Ranmaru.
[He falls silent after he says those words, and he can't help but feel proud to know someone of such great beauty. He has no doubts that Ranmaru could rival the likes of Zhao Yun one day.]
[ The compliment snaps him out of his thoughts, and he blushes brightly as he stares at the older man's hair, once sure that it is in order, he begins to tie it in the manner that he has seen him wear. ]
I appreciate your words, Junyi...
[ He looks over at him in his reflection and smiles a bit shyly now. ]
What of yourself...? Ranmaru has admittedly asked you very little about your own life. If it is permissible to ask...
[Zhang He answers initially, then he pauses and falls deep into thought, as if trying to figure out where to begin. Eventually, he simply quirks his lips.]
There is not much to be said... long have I been a loyal officer of Wei; I fear it would be dull if I were to speak in any detail, so I shall say I have played my part in numerous campaigns, both successful and ill-fated; I have received a number of titles and promotions, and I have fought both alongside and against many great men.
[He supposes the answer isn't particularly satisfying, but his past is not something easily summed up. He glances at the reflection in the mirror almost as he then adds to his words.]
I am sure there will be times suited for sharing stories in the future.
[ When he is done with his hair, he steps back and looks at it in admiration, before pulling out something out of his own belt-pouch, looking at it for a bit, then at the back of Zhang He's head, where the tie is, he puts the object on his hair, revealing it to be a beautiful butterfly tie hair ornament, similar to the one he wears, except that this one is adorned in red stones, then moves his hands to Zhang He's shoulders from behind to look at him in the mirror. ]
Nobunaga-sama gifted Ranmaru with this for a victory well-made. This person thought it would be best to wear it with longer hair, but... it looks like it's meant for a better purpose now.
[ Smiling, he pets Zhang He's shoulders before stepping to a side. ]
We have all the time we need, ne? Come, let us take a walk outside...
[Zhang He watches their reflections as Ranmaru ties in the butterfly hairpiece, and is touched by the gesture as he listens. How fitting, to swap such fine gifts tied to their respective loyalties. He admires it for a few moments, before he speaks.]
It is beautiful. I shall wear it with great pride and honour.
[Using the view in the mirror as his guide, he lifts a hand to ghost the tips of his fingers across the ornament almost reverently.]
How appropriate... I have been called the Deadly Butterfly.
[After a last glance in the mirror, Zhang He gets to his feet in a smooth movement, and turns. He smiles warmly at Ranmaru, then wordlessly nods, before moving to the door.
It seems that however fickle fortune is in this land, there is much beauty to be found here.]
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You are truly incredible, Ranmaru.
[He falls silent after he says those words, and he can't help but feel proud to know someone of such great beauty. He has no doubts that Ranmaru could rival the likes of Zhao Yun one day.]
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I appreciate your words, Junyi...
[ He looks over at him in his reflection and smiles a bit shyly now. ]
What of yourself...? Ranmaru has admittedly asked you very little about your own life. If it is permissible to ask...
Reply
[Zhang He answers initially, then he pauses and falls deep into thought, as if trying to figure out where to begin. Eventually, he simply quirks his lips.]
There is not much to be said... long have I been a loyal officer of Wei; I fear it would be dull if I were to speak in any detail, so I shall say I have played my part in numerous campaigns, both successful and ill-fated; I have received a number of titles and promotions, and I have fought both alongside and against many great men.
[He supposes the answer isn't particularly satisfying, but his past is not something easily summed up. He glances at the reflection in the mirror almost as he then adds to his words.]
I am sure there will be times suited for sharing stories in the future.
Reply
[ When he is done with his hair, he steps back and looks at it in admiration, before pulling out something out of his own belt-pouch, looking at it for a bit, then at the back of Zhang He's head, where the tie is, he puts the object on his hair, revealing it to be a beautiful butterfly tie hair ornament, similar to the one he wears, except that this one is adorned in red stones, then moves his hands to Zhang He's shoulders from behind to look at him in the mirror. ]
Nobunaga-sama gifted Ranmaru with this for a victory well-made. This person thought it would be best to wear it with longer hair, but... it looks like it's meant for a better purpose now.
[ Smiling, he pets Zhang He's shoulders before stepping to a side. ]
We have all the time we need, ne? Come, let us take a walk outside...
[ He pauses, then adds with a softer tone. ]
Aniue.
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It is beautiful. I shall wear it with great pride and honour.
[Using the view in the mirror as his guide, he lifts a hand to ghost the tips of his fingers across the ornament almost reverently.]
How appropriate... I have been called the Deadly Butterfly.
[After a last glance in the mirror, Zhang He gets to his feet in a smooth movement, and turns. He smiles warmly at Ranmaru, then wordlessly nods, before moving to the door.
It seems that however fickle fortune is in this land, there is much beauty to be found here.]
Reply
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