[Delivered to Huaisang's are two boxes, each carefully wrapped in black paper with a silver ribbon tied around it. In each box is a different dress.
A note accompanies the boxes:
My dear Nie Huaisang,
Please consider these gowns as a gesture of appreciation for being such a gracious host, and for allowing me to steal your husband away from time to time.
Gratefully yours,
Georg von Krolock
A note accompanies the boxes:
My dear Nie Huaisang,
Please consider these gowns as a gesture of appreciation for being such a gracious host, and for allowing me to steal your husband away from time to time.
Gratefully yours,
Georg von Krolock
[Huaisang is delighted by the gowns, which are indeed to his taste. He puts on the white one with black flowers and arranges his hair elaborately to match, then takes a few photos of himself and sends them to Georg.] Thank you for the lovely gifts. They're beautiful.
[ A digital invite arrives! It's a photo of a very nice looking butt wearing lacy red lingerie, pulled up to show off a tattoo of a red heart with devil horns and a spade-tipped tail. Some might recognise said butt and tattoo as belonging to Harley Quinn.
Underneath, in flowy font, is written: ]
PLEASE COME TO OUR
TOTALLY ROMANTIC VALENTINE'S ORGY!
FRIENDS AND COMPANIONS AND +1'S WELCOME
BYOT (BRING YOUR OWN TOYS)
AT THE WAREHOUSE, VALENTINE'S WEEKEND (ALL WEEKEND!!)
~ LOVE AND KISSES,
HARLEY & HELLBOY ~
XOXOXOXOX
Underneath, in flowy font, is written: ]
TOTALLY ROMANTIC VALENTINE'S ORGY!
FRIENDS AND COMPANIONS AND +1'S WELCOME
BYOT (BRING YOUR OWN TOYS)
AT THE WAREHOUSE, VALENTINE'S WEEKEND (ALL WEEKEND!!)
~ LOVE AND KISSES,
HARLEY & HELLBOY ~
XOXOXOXOX
Huaisang,
As one of my closest and oldest lovers and as my boss, I thought it relevant to let you know that my permanent contract partner and lover, Rhys Dashasa is no longer in the city.
I may not be in for work at the boutique for the next few days, for reasons I’m sure you’re aware of.
I love you and I just need some time.
As one of my closest and oldest lovers and as my boss, I thought it relevant to let you know that my permanent contract partner and lover, Rhys Dashasa is no longer in the city.
I may not be in for work at the boutique for the next few days, for reasons I’m sure you’re aware of.
I love you and I just need some time.
My deepest condolences, Dorian. Take as much time as you need, and let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
Mr Huaisang… or do you still prefer ‘My Lord’?
[Max laughs, clearly joking.]
Jack Rackham has sent me to you, to find suitable clothes for work. As he is paying, he wished for me not to spend ‘a fortune’.
[She rolls her eyes. She hates that she’s taking his charity.]
Can you help me with such a request?
[Max laughs, clearly joking.]
Jack Rackham has sent me to you, to find suitable clothes for work. As he is paying, he wished for me not to spend ‘a fortune’.
[She rolls her eyes. She hates that she’s taking his charity.]
Can you help me with such a request?
Please just call me Huaisang, no titles.
I can certainly help. I know the dress code for the Neptune and I know Jack's preferences. I've seen your dress and so I can assume you like that gown? So I know whether to chose things that are more or less similar to it.
What role will you have working for him, so I can choose suitable items?
I can certainly help. I know the dress code for the Neptune and I know Jack's preferences. I've seen your dress and so I can assume you like that gown? So I know whether to chose things that are more or less similar to it.
What role will you have working for him, so I can choose suitable items?
It would appear I'm in need of a new wardrobe.
( what better way to say, hello, and to let him know she's back. )
( what better way to say, hello, and to let him know she's back. )
Peggy!!! I missed you, I was worried.
I haven't replaced you, of course, you're irreplaceable, Bela's been doing more of the managerial things but I do think she's a bit overwhelmed, please come back.
I haven't replaced you, of course, you're irreplaceable, Bela's been doing more of the managerial things but I do think she's a bit overwhelmed, please come back.
party on
[It could not be more obvious that Quentin made this thing with some kind of online template. At least it's not animated.]
YOU'VE BEEN BLASTED BY THE
( ) ) *
)\ ) ( /( ( ( /( ( ` (
(()/(( )\()) ( )\ )\()) )\))( ( )\
/(_))\ ((_)\ )((_|(_)\ ((_)()\ )((_)
(_))((_)__((_) ((_)_ ((_)(_()((_|(_)_
/ __| __\ \/ / | _ )/ _ \| \/ || _ )
\__ \ _| > < | _ \ (_) | |\/| || _ \
|___/___/_/\_\ |___/\___/|_| |_||___/
ONCE YOU'VE BEEN BOMBED, YOU HAVE TO BOMB 8 OTHER PEOPLE! IF YOU GET BOMBED AGAIN YOULL KNOW YOUR REALLY SEXY!!1 IF YOU DIFFUSE THE SEX BOMB CHAIN, YOULL SUFFER A VERY UNSEXY BRAIN INJURY! BOMB WHOEVER YOU THINK IS SEXY!!
( ) ) *
)\ ) ( /( ( ( /( ( ` (
(()/(( )\()) ( )\ )\()) )\))( ( )\
/(_))\ ((_)\ )((_|(_)\ ((_)()\ )((_)
(_))((_)__((_) ((_)_ ((_)(_()((_|(_)_
/ __| __\ \/ / | _ )/ _ \| \/ || _ )
\__ \ _| > < | _ \ (_) | |\/| || _ \
|___/___/_/\_\ |___/\___/|_| |_||___/
ONCE YOU'VE BEEN BOMBED, YOU HAVE TO BOMB 8 OTHER PEOPLE! IF YOU GET BOMBED AGAIN YOULL KNOW YOUR REALLY SEXY!!1 IF YOU DIFFUSE THE SEX BOMB CHAIN, YOULL SUFFER A VERY UNSEXY BRAIN INJURY! BOMB WHOEVER YOU THINK IS SEXY!!
have ... you ... had a 'very unsexy brain injury'? because that's what this looks like ...
YOU'VE BEEN BLASTED BY THE
ONCE YOU'VE BEEN BOMBED, YOU HAVE TO BOMB 8 OTHER PEOPLE! IF YOU GET BOMBED AGAIN YOULL KNOW YOUR REALLY SEXY!!1 IF YOU DIFFUSE THE SEX BOMB CHAIN, YOULL SUFFER A VERY UNSEXY BRAIN INJURY! BOMB WHOEVER YOU THINK IS SEXY!!
*** NO BOMBING BACK
( ) ) * )\ ) ( /( ( ( /( ( ` ( (()/(( )\()) ( )\ )\()) )\))( ( )\ /(_))\ ((_)\ )((_|(_)\ ((_)()\ )((_) (_))((_)__((_) ((_)_ ((_)(_()((_|(_)_ / __| __\ \/ / | _ )/ _ \| \/ || _ ) \__ \ _| > < | _ \ (_) | |\/| || _ \ |___/___/_/\_\ |___/\___/|_| |_||___/
ONCE YOU'VE BEEN BOMBED, YOU HAVE TO BOMB 8 OTHER PEOPLE! IF YOU GET BOMBED AGAIN YOULL KNOW YOUR REALLY SEXY!!1 IF YOU DIFFUSE THE SEX BOMB CHAIN, YOULL SUFFER A VERY UNSEXY BRAIN INJURY! BOMB WHOEVER YOU THINK IS SEXY!!
*** NO BOMBING BACK
well at least yours looks less like you suffered the very unsexy brain injury than dorian's did
what does a sex bomb even entail
what does a sex bomb even entail
Can’t believe you beat me to it with the fancy invites! I’d be delighted to attend, I’m very charmed and honored to be invited. I’ll bring my husband. Affectionately, Nie Huaisang
Hey, you're helping Eliot plan the wedding, right?
[He's like 90% sure the answer is yes, but it's so beyond his remit, so to speak, that he doesn't count on his own knowledge.]
[He's like 90% sure the answer is yes, but it's so beyond his remit, so to speak, that he doesn't count on his own knowledge.]
Yes, a little bit. He's doing most of it on his own but I'm helping to advise and provide resources.
Good evening, darling. I have a question about your boutique, if you have a moment?
[Huaisang will find a couple parcels delivered to wherever might most convenient. One os of a traditional honey and pecan tea cake, a side of a bourbon drizzle offered with instructions to use or not as he likes.
The other holds something a little more delicate and a note joins it,emblazoned with a raven.]
My deepest apologies for leaving you with little more than the occasional picture as something reminded me of you, I have a reason for my silence but I expect it will sound like little more than excuses. I would be happy to tell you in person and finally have that photoshoot we intended. Both in this and whatever else you’d like.
If you’ll have me about again. If not, I ask you take enjoy the gifts anyway.
The other holds something a little more delicate and a note joins it,emblazoned with a raven.]
![delicate and a note joins it,emblazoned with a raven.]](https://images.plurk.com/sMMuiYobHFI9XPqMg33Xw.jpg){kind=link}
My deepest apologies for leaving you with little more than the occasional picture as something reminded me of you, I have a reason for my silence but I expect it will sound like little more than excuses. I would be happy to tell you in person and finally have that photoshoot we intended. Both in this and whatever else you’d like.
If you’ll have me about again. If not, I ask you take enjoy the gifts anyway.
I can accept an apology. I did feel hurt. I figured ... [He types out and deletes a few different things. He doesn't want to be accusatory. It's only that he has an entire lifetime of making himself easy to overlook, easy to leave behind. If he shows himself as he is, desperately needy for attention, then people dislike him as an annoying, clingy pest. Better to be likeable and easy.
But Chris has been genuine with his apology, and so Huaisang figures he owes a bit of genuine emotion in return. Maybe he can try not selling himself short, not acting like it didn't matter.]
I don't know. That you didn't want to put up with me anymore.
But Chris has been genuine with his apology, and so Huaisang figures he owes a bit of genuine emotion in return. Maybe he can try not selling himself short, not acting like it didn't matter.]
I don't know. That you didn't want to put up with me anymore.
[Backdated a few days because I forgot oops]
Hello, darling! I, ah, owe you an apology for my absence from work.
[He's been AWOL for two shifts.]
I would have contacted you earlier, but my device was confiscated. I don't think I've ingratiated myself to the local law enforcement.
[Sometime on Christmas eve, a gift is delivered to Huaisang. It's this plushie with a note:]
We started off on an awkward foot, but I hope you don't totally hate my guts. This little fox or cat(?) made me think of you. Happy holidays, Chris.
We started off on an awkward foot, but I hope you don't totally hate my guts. This little fox or cat(?) made me think of you. Happy holidays, Chris.
It's a fox. It's ... you can't possibly have known this, but it looks like a fox spirit that's particularly revered in my home region, which I identify with very strongly. [He knows it's possible that Chris may have seen the painting from Huaisang that hangs in Hands' home, may have noticed the signature or might have commented on it and been told by Hands that it was Huaisang's work.
But even if he'd gotten that clue, he couldn't have known about Huaisang's fox transformation, couldn't have guessed that a white or gray fox with red markings was something precious and sacred to Huaisang, something that Huaisang identified with.]
Anyway. Thank you.
I don't hate you. You haven't been cruel or done anything wrong.
We just ... seems like neither of us can open our mouth without the other one taking offense from it.
But even if he'd gotten that clue, he couldn't have known about Huaisang's fox transformation, couldn't have guessed that a white or gray fox with red markings was something precious and sacred to Huaisang, something that Huaisang identified with.]
Anyway. Thank you.
I don't hate you. You haven't been cruel or done anything wrong.
We just ... seems like neither of us can open our mouth without the other one taking offense from it.
[ Christmas morning, afternoon, and evening, there are deliveries being made, and Elle has plenty to give. Huaisang receives a large tin of chocolate chip cookies and a silk fan in colors of red, ivory, and black. There is a card that reads:
"I hope you have a wonderful holiday and a lovely new year! Elle 💗" ]
"I hope you have a wonderful holiday and a lovely new year! Elle 💗" ]
[Huaisang's a huge fan of food being shared with friends and loved ones during the holidays, and delighted to receive his gift from Elle. A couple of days later he sends back a box of mung bean osmanthus cakes.]
Thank you for your gift, sweet Elle. I hope your long winter nights are warm and bright.
Thank you for your gift, sweet Elle. I hope your long winter nights are warm and bright.
( Javert forgoes his Sunday evening church service, choosing instead to spend his time with his husband on Christmas Eve. He's fairly certain that God will forgive him for such a thing, especially when he is doing it in service of love. He cooks for them, ordering in a few desserts for Huaisang to nibble on later, a dozen red roses to decorate the table as they eat. As Javert thanks him once more for indulging his foolish desires, understanding that Huaisang does not care for the day, doesn't care very much for the Christian religion in general, which only makes Javert want to indulge him more.
He gifts him a set of lingerie designed to cover his chest and his rear with bows, tailoring the pieces to fit him perfectly where he needs it. In a soft velvet jewelry box, there is also a set of white pearl handcuffs, beautiful and delicate and meant for somewhat softer restraint play. )
He gifts him a set of lingerie designed to cover his chest and his rear with bows, tailoring the pieces to fit him perfectly where he needs it. In a soft velvet jewelry box, there is also a set of white pearl handcuffs, beautiful and delicate and meant for somewhat softer restraint play. )
Edited 2023-12-24 16:40 (UTC)
[Huaisang has definitely warmed up on the idea of this particular holiday, even if it is connected to the deeply suspicious Christian god. This holiday means people giving him gifts for some reason. It's very nice. He kind of feels like he should give gifts back, but it's not his holiday, so he'll just settle for being generous in his own ways and on his own traditional holidays.
And he believes that the darkest nights of winter should be spent with loved ones, eating food, so he very much appreciates the food that Javert prepares and the time spent together. After dinner, they're snuggled close, Huaisang opens his gifts excitedly, gasping with delight over the lingerie and then grinning at the handcuffs. He picks them up, studying Javert's face with a pleased smirk.] Tell me more about how you imagined using these.
And he believes that the darkest nights of winter should be spent with loved ones, eating food, so he very much appreciates the food that Javert prepares and the time spent together. After dinner, they're snuggled close, Huaisang opens his gifts excitedly, gasping with delight over the lingerie and then grinning at the handcuffs. He picks them up, studying Javert's face with a pleased smirk.] Tell me more about how you imagined using these.
Edited 2023-12-25 02:13 (UTC)
[ he gets a gorgeous silk and cashmere scarf that's so fine it's translucent but still soft and warm, perfect for the colder months, carefully wrapped in a gift box with Much love, Rayflo ]
Edited 2023-12-26 09:54 (UTC)
[Huaisang sends back a small painting in return, a minimalist ink-brush style in sweeping black strokes. It catches Johnny with that half-smile on his lips that Huaisang associates with him, dressed in one of his usual suits and looking devastatingly handsome.
He attaches no note, expecting that Johnny will understand the thanks and affection contained within the little sketch, showing Johnny the way that Huaisang sees him.]
He attaches no note, expecting that Johnny will understand the thanks and affection contained within the little sketch, showing Johnny the way that Huaisang sees him.]
[ There's a long, slim package leaning against Huaisang's office door at Plumage, with Huaisang's name written in an elegant, looping calligraphy. When opened, it's an umbrella, with a note attached to the handle: I know it doesn't rain here very often, but I saw this and thought that it's fun, elegant, and charming, just like you! maybe you can use it as a sun parasol sometime too? In any case, I hope you like it--maybe as decoration, if nothing else. thanks so much for taking a chance on me. happy holidays! -- Artemis ]
Thank you for the sweet gift, Artemis. We're glad to have you at plumage and I'm very pleased to know you.
Hello,
Ah, I hope I am doing this right, and I do wish I had gotten you to write down your name's spelling for me so I could address you properly. Nevertheless, this is Hubert writing. You made hot water for me the other day.
I cursed myself right after you left, as I did not ask you how to make a good cup of coffee in this world. Does one of these "machines" do that? I have visited coffee shops, but would like to be able to make my own in order to abate the splitting headache I develop if I do not have it first thing.
Thank you,
Hubert von Vestra
Ah, I hope I am doing this right, and I do wish I had gotten you to write down your name's spelling for me so I could address you properly. Nevertheless, this is Hubert writing. You made hot water for me the other day.
I cursed myself right after you left, as I did not ask you how to make a good cup of coffee in this world. Does one of these "machines" do that? I have visited coffee shops, but would like to be able to make my own in order to abate the splitting headache I develop if I do not have it first thing.
Thank you,
Hubert von Vestra
Oh, yes, hello! My name is written 聂怀桑. [So, y'know, that's helpful. Good luck, Hubert.]
I don't think it's possible to make a good cup of coffee in this world. I don't know if that's the fault of the machines or the plants but it all tastes terrible.
Anyway I don't know how to operate the coffee machines.
I don't think it's possible to make a good cup of coffee in this world. I don't know if that's the fault of the machines or the plants but it all tastes terrible.
Anyway I don't know how to operate the coffee machines.
These are all great questions that absolutely do not have canon answers
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
abloodypath
- 2024-03-27 22:38 (UTC) - Expand[So like, Quentin isn't necessarily great at this? And he didn't seek out Eliot's help because he wanted it to be clear this was from him. He saw Huaisang's finder and didn't comment, but...like, yeah, that was obviously fucking fake. And he's got, like, just enough awareness to think he didn't get anything egregiously stupid in this endeavor.]
[So, a care package, in what is likely a repurposed Eater basket, is left on Huaisang's doorstep late in the day the finders were posted. There's some prototypical self-care items: bubble bath, massage oil, one of those face rollers you put in the fridge (enchanted to always be cold, of course) and a bigger version with bumps for your neck. Also a selection of fancy chocolate and tea, a bottle of good liquor, things of this nature. At first it appears unsigned, but once a couple of things have been taken out, a note is found buried that just has a lopsided heart on it and a Q.]
[So, a care package, in what is likely a repurposed Eater basket, is left on Huaisang's doorstep late in the day the finders were posted. There's some prototypical self-care items: bubble bath, massage oil, one of those face rollers you put in the fridge (enchanted to always be cold, of course) and a bigger version with bumps for your neck. Also a selection of fancy chocolate and tea, a bottle of good liquor, things of this nature. At first it appears unsigned, but once a couple of things have been taken out, a note is found buried that just has a lopsided heart on it and a Q.]
Huaisang;
Astarion will be unable to attend work. I am not certain, currently, when he will be able to. He is not rousing. I believe it is the city's doing.
Astarion will be unable to attend work. I am not certain, currently, when he will be able to. He is not rousing. I believe it is the city's doing.
Thank you for letting me know. These things aren't uncommon, but they're always alarming. I hope he awakens soon. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
Hello, darling. I understand Wrathion explained my absence? Apologies. I'll be back at work tomorrow.
You're back! I'm so glad. Are you okay? Is he okay? I told him he had to eat and take care of himself. Do you need anything?
[Perhaps a week after the network post, Eponine hand delivers a small, flat, brown cardboard box to Huaisang's doorstep. She rings the doorbell so he'll at least open the door, but she doesn't hang around to offer a greeting. Instead, when he opens it, Huaisang will find a delicate flower crown and a hand written note in blotchy ink and scratchy letters.]
Monsieur Huaisang,
It is not much, and I know you like showy things, only I thought delicate for you, for you have a most delicate face. Your bones are sharp, you know? And the white to sit nice against your dark hair. It's okay if you dont like it though. You can throw it away, I don't mind. Only, I'd rather, if you are going to do that, give it to me, so I might sell it. I thought you might like it though, as it is pretty.
Your 'Ponine.
Monsieur Huaisang,
It is not much, and I know you like showy things, only I thought delicate for you, for you have a most delicate face. Your bones are sharp, you know? And the white to sit nice against your dark hair. It's okay if you dont like it though. You can throw it away, I don't mind. Only, I'd rather, if you are going to do that, give it to me, so I might sell it. I thought you might like it though, as it is pretty.
Your 'Ponine.
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