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Uh. Cigarette?

[As he pulls his pack out to withdraw one, and then follows up by retrieving his lighter.]

[Upon Rosinante producing the cigarette and lighter, Wei Wuxian grows even more confused.]

What does it do? [There are braziers that can produce medicinal smokes in his world, but what Rosinante is holding up is completely foreign.]

I assume it produces smoke but why? Is it medicinal? [And how? It's so tiny and flimsy looking.]

[This is enough of a distraction from his memories of Yanli that his eyes actually widen briefly in surprise and he gives an almost-smile. Cool. He likes finding these differences between people and the worlds they come from.]

Sure, medicinal. Helps me focus. They're... addictive.

[Which he's not ashamed of, exactly, because it's so common where he comes from, but he figures he should add that just for context. It's less that he needs to focus and more that he just wants one.]

Smells strong, so some people aren't a fan, that's why I ask.

[The topic shift wasn't an intentional one, but it's one he grabs onto with full force, more than happy not to talk about Jiang Yanli for a moment longer. Instead, he listens to Rosinante's brief explanation with interest, raising an eyebrow at the mention of its addictive qualities, but not saying anything about it.

It's the last part that has him coming to a decision though.]

Ah, I'm sorry, if it's strong maybe we can go elsewhere? I'd hate to leave a lingering scent for my roommate.

It's all right. I can wait.

[He's strong enough to resist, he just has his cravings, plus it's always a helpful way to deal with heavy topics and stressful situations. But he can power through, and stuffs them back into his pocket.]

Anyway, I... take it you knew her well.

[He doesn't entirely hide his flinch when the conversation returns to Jiang Yanli but after a moment of silence, he resigns himself to seeing this through. It's not like he hasn't spoken of her at all, though it has generally been with those here he trusts most, or with complete strangers with whom he could only speak of her as having been from his world.

No one has been so direct in asking his relationship to her, and despite his willingness to lie by omission, lying directly to him—denying their history however tainted—feels like another betrayal to her. Eventually the smile slides off of his face and he sighs deeply, turning to stare at the wall though his gaze is much farther away.]

We grew up together in the same sect. She was my martial sister. [That their relationship was far closer to one of blood siblings—that Shijie herself had stood up in front of Jin Zixuan's useless cousin and declared in front of half of the leaders of the cultivation world that she viewed him as a blood sibling—is a detail he chooses to leave out.

In the end, he wasn't worthy of her loyalty or love so he won't lay any claim to it.]

I knew she was here, but you're the first person I've met who was her friend. [A pause and then] She was one of the best people you've ever met, wasn't she?

[His sister. Maybe not by blood, but the way he speaks of her clearly shows how little that matters. And how fortunate he is, to have someone like her in his family.]

Truly. Endlessly kind, and patient, and - well, you said it. One of the best people I've ever met. I'm glad to have gotten to know her.

[He knows exactly why this is so hard, too. Yanli had always been hesitant to state outright what happened, but like him, she didn't have much life left to go back home to, so he can't really wish that she's doing well now that she's home.]

I know she had others here who cared about her also, but some of them have gone, too. I suppose we're the ones best able to carry her memory forward here, now. I... it's dumb, but I still make some of the soup recipes she loved so much, sometimes. Still trying to get better at them, though. She always used to leave a bunch of food in the kitchen for whoever wanted it.

[I suppose we're the ones best able to carry her memory forward here, now.

It takes more effort than he's willing to admit, but he manages not to burst into hysterical laughter at Rosinante's words. Rosinante was her friend and is clearly someone who cared about her deeply, but Wei Wuxian? He doesn't deserve to even utter her name let alone do anything with her memory. Hasn't he done enough? It would have been better if he'd never met Jiang Yanli. Better for all of the Jiangs. Better for her certainly.

(It isn't true, if only because of the war. If it were true, it would have been a simple thing to make that his regret and fix everything. But he couldn't remove himself from the Jiang family because for as much of a disaster as his presence was, he doesn't know if the war could be won without him.)

It takes him a moment to regain himself and he looks away, a thousand different emotions flickering across his expression before he gets his face under control.]

You...she taught you her recipes? [This time his voice breaks on the last word and he swallows hard and closes his eyes, opening them again when he's wrestled back control.] She loved cooking for people. And she was the best cook. I'm not surprised to hear she cooked for people here. It must have...she must have enjoyed that.

Yeah. Never wanted anything in return for it. She liked making people happy.

[That, and she struggled sometimes with fitting in here - not because anyone disliked her, but because home was culturally a very different place from the worlds like Earth where so many of these people come from. That, and he never fully understood her home world and family life, but it was clearly complex, and being on her own and able to make her own decisions outside that context was new and perhaps a little overwhelming. Cooking, then, was something she could do. She could cook for people. Sort out the rest as it came.

He's quiet a moment, then offers a gentle smile.]

Anyway. I didn't mean to bring us down with that. I miss her, but I'm happy I got to meet her.

[With all of the willpower left in him, he summons a smile, waving Rosinante's apologies off and tucking away the vulnerable parts of himself back where they belong; out of sight.]

Anyone who met her was lucky. I'm glad you did, and I'm sure she was just as happy to have had your companionship.

But I'm sure you came here for something else, hmm? [He gestures to the kit Rosinante has brought with him in curiosity.

There's only so long he can talk about her and he's at his limit. If he's lucky, Rosinante will allow the rather obvious subject change.]

Yeah. [And actually, he's a little grateful himself for the subject change, and so he opens up the kit, revealing its many shades of lipstick, eyeshadow, and more, complete with brushes and other assorted tools to apply it all.]

You mentioned wanting to check out some makeup ideas, so I thought, why not now? And I still want to see more of your artwork, too. Your stuff is incredible.

[His eyes widen in fascination and he leans in to see all of the different types of pigmented powders and sticks. He's unfamiliar with most of the applicators, but that's to be expected.]

Aha, thank you. I can show you some things if you'd like, but this is much more exciting! What's this one for? [He points to a tube of mascara. It's a thinner longer tube than the ones he's come to realize are lipsticks.]

Edited (I can read) 2022-08-03 02:40 (UTC)

Mascara. Makes your eyelashes darker, which makes them look longer, too. I don't use that as much, but I bet it'd really work for you.

[Something about Wei Wuxian's more delicate facial features plus his long black hair, maybe, but he can definitely picture that looking good - well, depending on the look the guy wants to go for. He pulls it out of the kit and uncaps it so he can have a look at the brush.]

Want to try it? I don't know if it's easier if you put it on yourself or if I put it on for you. Up to you, if you're interested.

[There are cosmetics for eyelashes where he's from, and coal for the eyes, color for the lips and all sorts of ways for people to accentuate their features. But the tube of mascara is foreign and he glances at the uncapped wand with fascinated interest. He's never worn makeup before and he can't say he's never been curious.]

I'm not sure I wouldn't mess it up, but if you'd be willing to help me with it? [He smiles at Rosinante.]

I don't know much about any of this, so I'll put myself in your hands!

Well, I'll warn you, I'm kinda clumsy.

[This is one hell of an understatement, but at the same time, he does manage to get his own makeup on without too many mishaps every day. He has great hand-eye coordination most of the time.

But warning aside, he's happy to go ahead and give it a try.]

Just try to keep still, and don't blink.

[And if all goes well, it won't take long at all.]

[He laughs lightly and nods.] Sure, I can do that. [He said. You know, like a liar.]

So I just close my eyes...? [He's never actually seen anyone apply makeup. Well, he'd seen Shijie apply lip pigment, but that involved a piece of paper and none of the lipstick tubes he's come to recognize here, and he's never watched anyone do anything to their eyes. It seemed precarious.]

That's fine for now, but you'll have to open them eventually so I can get all the way in there. Let's start that way though so you can get used to how it feels.

[Because look, he'll agree immediately if anyone says applying mascara is kind of annoying. It's not the main reason he doesn't do it often at all, but it sure doesn't make him want to. He's poked himself in the eye more than once.

But he's sure willing to try putting it on someone else, so he reaches forward with the brush dipped in black mascara and carefully gets to work.]

[He has to open them??? Sounds sus but alright. He closes his eyes and allows Rosinante to get to work, managing to stay still for almost a whole thirty seconds before he starts fidgeting with his hands. He can talk and still stay still right? Talking doesn't count.]

So have you done this before? For other people I mean. I can't imagine I'm the first one to admire your talents. [As he asks, he adjusts one leg, doing his best not to move his face in the process. He is...mildly successful. Good luck, Rosinante.]

[It's either the fidgeting or the clumsiness (honestly, probably the latter) that winds up in him sort of jabbing Wei Wuxian in the cheekbone with the brush. Oops, that's a smudge. Oh well, easy enough to clean up in a bit.]

Yeah, here and there. People ask sometimes. Law, Peter... [hold on he has to concentrate. And then decides, well, Yanli has been mentioned enough already, no need to bring her up again and make them sad all over again.]

I'm glad to have something I can share with people, you know? Most of my other daily skills don't apply well here. I don't know the first thing about hacking, and nobody needs to know how to sail here.

〈 the door slides open.

gwen studies her phone’s screen as she walks in, white earbuds half-hidden by her hair. proof that she is aware anyone else is in the room comes in the form of a single syllable. 〉

S’up.

〈 laying a hand on the wall, she easily pulls herself up by the pads of her fingers until she is standing upside down on the ceiling. despite wearing a red pinafore skirt, the skirt, like its wearer, seems impervious to gravity; only her hair indicates that particular force’s presence. she strolls barefoot across the ceiling, instinctively avoiding the drum set, to reach the the bookshelf. two web-lines attach to a textbook and a notebook. she catches both in one hand without looking, and turns on her heel.

at the door, she hits the pad to open it with another web and steps through, continuing comfortably on the ceiling. a close watch might reveal shoes forming out of nothing around her feet just before they touch the hallway.

at no point did she look away from her phone. 〉

[Before Wei Wuxian can respond to Rosinante's words, the door opens and he instinctively opens his eyes, probably smudging something and then grinning sheepishly at Rosinante. When he doesn't spot Gwen right away, he looks up to the ceiling and then waves before lowering his head again and laughing quietly.]

Ah, sorry. [Gwen is gone again before he can ask her if he looks prettier than usual, and he grins up at Rosinante again.]

My roommate. Anyway, you were saying about your other skills that don't apply? You mean like the silencing?

[Yep, that's gonna wind up making a nice splotch of mascara on his face to accompany the first one. Rosinante also quickly turns to look as someone - Gwen - comes in, and watches mildly fascinated until she leaves.]

You know, I've seen her around, I just didn't know about the... sticky part.

[Or however you describe all that. But, anyway. He can go find her later and ask about it, because that's actually very cool. He loves seeing other people's powers.

Attention back on Wei Wuxian, though,]

Well, that one's useful on missions sometimes, sure. But it's taken some work to figure out how to be effective when working with other people. I'm used to working alone.

[See? Sticky! Wei Wuxian grins.]

As a marine, right? Is that not also a team? [He'd been under the impression that it was, but perhaps its members worked more independently. Or, perhaps it was merely in Rosinante's nature to do as such.]

Mostly, sure, but I've been doing solo missions for the last few years prior to this. Recon stuff where it wouldn't be useful to go with a whole crew. Besides, any teamwork here is a completely different thing, anyway. Lots of different training styles, lots of people with no military background at all, so none of it's cohesive. Just in case it wasn't hard enough to figure out how to work with people all over again.

[But, he chuckles as he gets back to work doing the mascara on the other eye. He's not complaining, really. He's flexible, and good at learning his way around new situations, so he's made do here. Being too rigid to adapt to change is for old men with desk jobs, and he'd like to hope he now has a long time before he reaches that point in life.]

[He makes a noise of agreement as he tries to go still again, keeping his eyes open this time and somehow resisting the need to blink.]

You're definitely not wrong about that. [His own relationship with teamwork is decidedly different, and while he wouldn't say he prefers to work alone exactly, he doesn't have much experience with the way people run things here.]

Where I'm from, cultivators largely belong to sects unless they've chosen to wander on their own, and while sects function in unison, there's a hierarchy to things that makes everyone's roles clear. The sect leader makes decisions with the advice of the clan elders.

I was first disciple of my sect, so I was in charge of the juniors in a lot of things. But that...I wouldn't call it teamwork. [It was leadership, more like.]

But I suppose...I've always liked working in a partnership, with the right partner. [he smiles vaguely before coming back to himself.]

The more people in a team without clear structure, the messier it gets though. And everyone here comes from different worlds with different views and rules, and different roles in their societies. I'm not sure if true teamwork is possible here.

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