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[true to his insistent word from yesterday, nie huaisang meets yin yu the next day, leading him eagerly through the portal and to the boutique. they'll have their date, but first: dressing up yin yu properly!]
Ah, this way, this way-! It really is amazing, I've found so many nice things here, and they all worked perfectly... it's honestly a shame we can't bring any of it back. I'm growing tired of wearing the same thing, aren't you?
Ah, this way, this way-! It really is amazing, I've found so many nice things here, and they all worked perfectly... it's honestly a shame we can't bring any of it back. I'm growing tired of wearing the same thing, aren't you?
[ in what is really true yin yu fashion, he is absolutely allowing nie huaisang to just kind of drag him along. he did agree to go on this date for the tasks, and therefore is going along with him wherever he wants to go. he's offered his arm to huaisang like a gentleman, too, as they walk towards the little shop in the village. ]
...I can't say that I really ever wear much different, young master Nie. [ as he glances down at himself...it's his work uniform... ] I'm just glad to have my normal clothing back at all, still.
...I can't say that I really ever wear much different, young master Nie. [ as he glances down at himself...it's his work uniform... ] I'm just glad to have my normal clothing back at all, still.
[huaisang is absolutely hanging off his arm, then, fan held in his free hand as he chatters on, brightly.]
Oh, you're right, that first set of clothes was awful-! It barely covered anything at all... so I suppose it really could be worse. Imagine having to wear those shorts the whole time-- and the fabric was uncomfortable on top of it all!
[TERRIBLE. but he's immediately considering his options as they enter the boutique.]
All right, then-- sect colors? Any other affiliation's colors? Or do you have a favorite? You have to at least have one you like, and don't tell me "black".
Oh, you're right, that first set of clothes was awful-! It barely covered anything at all... so I suppose it really could be worse. Imagine having to wear those shorts the whole time-- and the fabric was uncomfortable on top of it all!
[TERRIBLE. but he's immediately considering his options as they enter the boutique.]
All right, then-- sect colors? Any other affiliation's colors? Or do you have a favorite? You have to at least have one you like, and don't tell me "black".
[ you can absolutely tell he's about to say "black", mouth open, and-
yin yu closes his mouth. ] ...I don't have a sect affiliation. My master's colors are crimson, black and silver... [ so that...would be fine, he guesses?? he reaches up self consciously and tugs at his scarf, a dark navy color. ] ...perhaps not something too flashy.
[ he's boring, huaisang. ]
yin yu closes his mouth. ] ...I don't have a sect affiliation. My master's colors are crimson, black and silver... [ so that...would be fine, he guesses?? he reaches up self consciously and tugs at his scarf, a dark navy color. ] ...perhaps not something too flashy.
[ he's boring, huaisang. ]
Crimson, black, and silver... you really might look good in red, but if you don't want anything too bright, I suppose black can be worked in.
[black with crimson and silver underlayers and accents... yes, he thinks he can work with that. he's off to start grabbing pieces, crimson layers that will peek out beneath black, a black outer layer with a silver lining that will show a bit. huaisang presses it all into yin yu's arms.]
Here! Try it, try it-- tell me if you need help dressing, won't you?
[black with crimson and silver underlayers and accents... yes, he thinks he can work with that. he's off to start grabbing pieces, crimson layers that will peek out beneath black, a black outer layer with a silver lining that will show a bit. huaisang presses it all into yin yu's arms.]
Here! Try it, try it-- tell me if you need help dressing, won't you?
[ yin yu watches nie huaisang move around this room like a miniature well dressed tornado, vaguely overwhelmed with how quick he is to just. find clothes. it's like being with the windmaster.
dutifully, he opens his arms. did you at least give him ancientesque clothes. ] ...I will. [ and nods as he goes towards what looks like some sort of dressing area. on first glance, the clothes don't look to be too much. maybe he can just keep his mask on....
anyway, yin yu is listening so. after a moment, huaisang will see his layers starting to appear over the top of the door. as expected, he has lots of them; arm cuffs, overrobe, undershirt, scarf... so on and so on... ]
dutifully, he opens his arms. did you at least give him ancientesque clothes. ] ...I will. [ and nods as he goes towards what looks like some sort of dressing area. on first glance, the clothes don't look to be too much. maybe he can just keep his mask on....
anyway, yin yu is listening so. after a moment, huaisang will see his layers starting to appear over the top of the door. as expected, he has lots of them; arm cuffs, overrobe, undershirt, scarf... so on and so on... ]
[you can't just call me out on my brand like that sisi
anyway they are indeed ancientesque clothes, because this is huaisang's preferred aesthetic-- the outer layers are all robes! oh and that outer black later has some fancy silver embroidery decorating the sleeves, hem, and collar.
huaisang is also fetching those layers for him as yin yu places them over the door. where are they going? good question. he does not say.]
How is it so far, do they all fit?
anyway they are indeed ancientesque clothes, because this is huaisang's preferred aesthetic-- the outer layers are all robes! oh and that outer black later has some fancy silver embroidery decorating the sleeves, hem, and collar.
huaisang is also fetching those layers for him as yin yu places them over the door. where are they going? good question. he does not say.]
How is it so far, do they all fit?
Edited 2020-06-25 17:22 (UTC)
[ :)
it's at least familiar. he knows how to dress himself, which tie to pull to move silk into the right place, which layer to place when. the silver under layer, hints of red appearing at the cuffs. he's not looking at himself, absorbed in putting the clothing on correctly. ] It fits, yes. [ it's all adjustable, anyway... he's slender for his height, and the adjustable nature of the layers makes it easier. he pulls a piece of silk to his mouth to hold it as he tightens another piece, slips into the top layer of the robe. the bixi, the waist piece...
after a moment's pause... ] ...... if you could help with the back, I would appreciate it, young master Nie.
[ it's been a long time since he's let his sleeves dangle so freely, and it makes reaching back to tie the proper knot on the sash to hold everything properly in place. he's pinching the sash closed at the dip of his waist, still not looking in the mirror, mask still on his face, hair still in its usual functional low ponytail. ]
it's at least familiar. he knows how to dress himself, which tie to pull to move silk into the right place, which layer to place when. the silver under layer, hints of red appearing at the cuffs. he's not looking at himself, absorbed in putting the clothing on correctly. ] It fits, yes. [ it's all adjustable, anyway... he's slender for his height, and the adjustable nature of the layers makes it easier. he pulls a piece of silk to his mouth to hold it as he tightens another piece, slips into the top layer of the robe. the bixi, the waist piece...
after a moment's pause... ] ...... if you could help with the back, I would appreciate it, young master Nie.
[ it's been a long time since he's let his sleeves dangle so freely, and it makes reaching back to tie the proper knot on the sash to hold everything properly in place. he's pinching the sash closed at the dip of his waist, still not looking in the mirror, mask still on his face, hair still in its usual functional low ponytail. ]
Edited 2020-06-25 17:30 (UTC)
Of course, give me just a moment-
[there's a slight rustling outside, the reason becoming evident when he comes in with a small armful of accessories. he presses a silver wrist cuff with red stones into yin yu's hand, takes a moment to drape a chain of red stones around his neck, and sets a couple of hair ties and accessories aside for now. that can come next.
for now, he busies himself with ties and adjustments, ensuring it's all fitted and secured correctly. the mask gets a glance, but he doesn't touch it himself; he's allowing yin yu this much for now.]
There! Ah, don't look yet, let me do something with your hair first...
[there's a slight rustling outside, the reason becoming evident when he comes in with a small armful of accessories. he presses a silver wrist cuff with red stones into yin yu's hand, takes a moment to drape a chain of red stones around his neck, and sets a couple of hair ties and accessories aside for now. that can come next.
for now, he busies himself with ties and adjustments, ensuring it's all fitted and secured correctly. the mask gets a glance, but he doesn't touch it himself; he's allowing yin yu this much for now.]
There! Ah, don't look yet, let me do something with your hair first...
[ he'll take it off when he's done. huaisang doesn't have to tell him twice; yin yu keeps his eyes cast downwards instead of looking anywhere near some sort of mirror. he lifts his arms obediently when asked, moves when necessary to help him complete any ties that yin yu wasn't able to get to. for the most part, he did a good job.
he makes a little noise of acceptance and allows huaisang to do what he wants. all he can really see from where he's standing is the cuff, and he stares at it, muted. nie huaisang will see that his hair isn't crazy long, like most of the other cultivators and all of their time; it falls about between his shoulderblades, and is well taken care of and silky soft, even if it's not massive. his hair is held there by a plain tie, no decoration. ]
he makes a little noise of acceptance and allows huaisang to do what he wants. all he can really see from where he's standing is the cuff, and he stares at it, muted. nie huaisang will see that his hair isn't crazy long, like most of the other cultivators and all of their time; it falls about between his shoulderblades, and is well taken care of and silky soft, even if it's not massive. his hair is held there by a plain tie, no decoration. ]
[well, he can work with that-- his own hair was this length once, after all, even if it's been a while since he kept it that way.
huaisang hums thoughtfully, before he gets to work. yin yu seems to like it functional, so he won't make it overly fancy; he keeps it gathered back away from yin yu's face, the top layers of it tied and pinned higher on his head this time, using more silver and red accessories that stand out against his hair. the bottom layers he leaves looser; this way, it stays out of his way but remains a little loose.
then he leans in a little, peering at the mask.]
Here, remove that for a moment, won't you? You need to see how it all looks together, it'll distract from it...
[he at least has enough tact not to just take it off himself.]
huaisang hums thoughtfully, before he gets to work. yin yu seems to like it functional, so he won't make it overly fancy; he keeps it gathered back away from yin yu's face, the top layers of it tied and pinned higher on his head this time, using more silver and red accessories that stand out against his hair. the bottom layers he leaves looser; this way, it stays out of his way but remains a little loose.
then he leans in a little, peering at the mask.]
Here, remove that for a moment, won't you? You need to see how it all looks together, it'll distract from it...
[he at least has enough tact not to just take it off himself.]
[ yin yu hesitates, briefly, as nie huaisang asks him to take his mask off. he knows what he's going to see. he knows the way it feels to have accessories hanging his hair, a crown holding the bun that marked the son of a respected family. he knows the feeling of these fabrics, the weight of the jewelry.
slowly, he reaches up to find the tie that holds the mask on his head, and lets it fall away from his face and into his hands, pulling it away to look into the mirror.
he looks... he looks. for a minute, yin yu's expression is impossible to read: his breath catches, briefly, as he stares at himself in the mirror. the person standing there is well dressed, like any sort of noble. the robes highlight his strong shoulders, his trim waist, the color of his skin, and the jewels are artfully placed, reflecting a bit of color onto his face. his hair looks soft, his features more noticeable, like he's been brought into focus for, really, the first time.
...but it's wrong, too. those strong, proud shoulders are slumped more than they should be: to him, it looks more like a costume. the problem is not that yin yu doesn't recognize the person in the mirror.
the problem is that he does.
the yin yu who used to dress like this was a cultivator, a bright star in his sect's history, a well loved shixiong, someone who had been enough--for a short time, someone who was more than enough. someone who was recognized, respected, even, for the briefest moment, worshiped.
but that person's gone, now, and only he's left: the echo of a person who used to be someone worth knowing stares back at him in the reflection, playing dress up like yin yu dianxia ever still mattered.
the surprise fades off of his face, after a moment, and he gives a small nod, bowing his head out of the sightline of the mirror, fingers tightening around the rim of his mask.
yin yu can't look anymore. ] ...you have a knack for this, young master Nie.
slowly, he reaches up to find the tie that holds the mask on his head, and lets it fall away from his face and into his hands, pulling it away to look into the mirror.
he looks... he looks. for a minute, yin yu's expression is impossible to read: his breath catches, briefly, as he stares at himself in the mirror. the person standing there is well dressed, like any sort of noble. the robes highlight his strong shoulders, his trim waist, the color of his skin, and the jewels are artfully placed, reflecting a bit of color onto his face. his hair looks soft, his features more noticeable, like he's been brought into focus for, really, the first time.
...but it's wrong, too. those strong, proud shoulders are slumped more than they should be: to him, it looks more like a costume. the problem is not that yin yu doesn't recognize the person in the mirror.
the problem is that he does.
the yin yu who used to dress like this was a cultivator, a bright star in his sect's history, a well loved shixiong, someone who had been enough--for a short time, someone who was more than enough. someone who was recognized, respected, even, for the briefest moment, worshiped.
but that person's gone, now, and only he's left: the echo of a person who used to be someone worth knowing stares back at him in the reflection, playing dress up like yin yu dianxia ever still mattered.
the surprise fades off of his face, after a moment, and he gives a small nod, bowing his head out of the sightline of the mirror, fingers tightening around the rim of his mask.
yin yu can't look anymore. ] ...you have a knack for this, young master Nie.
[the surprise on his face, the silence, the way he holds the mask tighter and stops looking-- those don't escape nie huaisang. he's good at pretending not to notice, but he pays attention, and he'd been curious what yin yu would think. this isn't quite the reaction he expected, but it's certainly one he finds more interesting.
he keeps that quiet, for the moment. externally, he breathes out a little laugh that's not quite shy but attempting to be, more of an 'oh stop it' that clearly doesn't actually mean to stop complimenting him.]
I would hope so, with as many times as I've worn similar! Ah, but I think it suits you more than me, maybe...
[a little sigh, there, though still light.
maybe he's curious what yin yu will say to that.]
he keeps that quiet, for the moment. externally, he breathes out a little laugh that's not quite shy but attempting to be, more of an 'oh stop it' that clearly doesn't actually mean to stop complimenting him.]
I would hope so, with as many times as I've worn similar! Ah, but I think it suits you more than me, maybe...
[a little sigh, there, though still light.
maybe he's curious what yin yu will say to that.]
That's kind of you to say, though certainly not true.
[ yin yu's definitely not looking again, because he can't. he cannot focus on that reflection for longer than a moment. there's a ghost in that mirror, haunting him more than any monster he's ever faced. the clothes feel too heavy, the jewelry weighing down on his neck, on his head. if he could find an escape route, he'd probably run the other direction, but he's completing a task, and right now, there's no escaping the person he used to be.
yin yu can demure easily, though, dipping his head in huaisang's direction, polite. it's easier with him and young master wei--their presence is so familiar that slipping into the normal roles he's known his entire life is as comforting as a second skin. there is nothing that comes more automatic nowadays than absorbing his own reactions into that of the xianxianyue officer. ] This one is only a servant, and such fine clothing is best suited for a handsome young master such as yourself.
[ he would kill to change. maybe he can distract him. ] Did you want to pick something out for yourself, instead? I can help you get dressed, if you need it.
[ yin yu's definitely not looking again, because he can't. he cannot focus on that reflection for longer than a moment. there's a ghost in that mirror, haunting him more than any monster he's ever faced. the clothes feel too heavy, the jewelry weighing down on his neck, on his head. if he could find an escape route, he'd probably run the other direction, but he's completing a task, and right now, there's no escaping the person he used to be.
yin yu can demure easily, though, dipping his head in huaisang's direction, polite. it's easier with him and young master wei--their presence is so familiar that slipping into the normal roles he's known his entire life is as comforting as a second skin. there is nothing that comes more automatic nowadays than absorbing his own reactions into that of the xianxianyue officer. ] This one is only a servant, and such fine clothing is best suited for a handsome young master such as yourself.
[ he would kill to change. maybe he can distract him. ] Did you want to pick something out for yourself, instead? I can help you get dressed, if you need it.
I think everyone should look nice, sometimes-- you have the looks for it as well, you know! You really oughtn't sell yourself too short.
[he hums at that, satisfied with his work. yin yu really does look nice, that much is a genuine compliment-- though he brightens at the offer.]
Though you're right, maybe we should both have something a little different... not that I dislike mine, but a Sect Leader's robes aren't what fit me best, I think.
[did he mention his full title to yin yu? he has now.
of course he's still going to find something fancy in the nie colors, but maybe a little lighter. a slightly different design, something that sits just a bit less heavily. it isn't something he can ever lay aside, settled on his shoulders no matter what he wears, but if they're here and doing this...
ah, well, why not play along.]
[he hums at that, satisfied with his work. yin yu really does look nice, that much is a genuine compliment-- though he brightens at the offer.]
Though you're right, maybe we should both have something a little different... not that I dislike mine, but a Sect Leader's robes aren't what fit me best, I think.
[did he mention his full title to yin yu? he has now.
of course he's still going to find something fancy in the nie colors, but maybe a little lighter. a slightly different design, something that sits just a bit less heavily. it isn't something he can ever lay aside, settled on his shoulders no matter what he wears, but if they're here and doing this...
ah, well, why not play along.]
[ oh, shit. yin yu's eyes widen, and immediately, he bows, a fully respectful gesture, nearly 90 degrees. it looks a little silly with how well nie huaisang has dressed him--they could almost be equals like this--but they most certainly are not and he has never let his manners get away from him. ]
--My apologies, Sect Leader Nie. I've been quite disrespectful to you this entire time.
[ whoops...at least his ancient courtesies are a nice distraction from everything else going on right now ]
--My apologies, Sect Leader Nie. I've been quite disrespectful to you this entire time.
[ whoops...at least his ancient courtesies are a nice distraction from everything else going on right now ]
You see, I told you-- it doesn't suit me, right? I'd bet if er-ge or san-ge had shown up here, they'd seem like a proper Sect Leader from the start...
[he just gestures for yin yu to stand straight again, waving a hand, shaking his head.]
Ah, but it isn't your fault if I forgot to say so--! I know I corrected someone-- oh, it was that child, wasn't it...
[he just gestures for yin yu to stand straight again, waving a hand, shaking his head.]
Ah, but it isn't your fault if I forgot to say so--! I know I corrected someone-- oh, it was that child, wasn't it...
Nevertheless, it's highly inappropriate. Thank you for your kindness: it won't happen again. [ it's only when huaisang waves him off that he stands properly, and only with a second bow of his head, painstakingly polite. sure, he doesn't deal with humans that much that often nowadays, but it's still wrong for a servant to act that way. ] It is always best not to judge one by their appearances, isn't that correct?
[ speaking of appearances. yin yu gets a glance at himself in the mirror again and feels that uncomfortable stab of anxiety in his stomach for the second time. he turns away from it, looks up, and. ] ...ah. Sect Leader... where did you put my clothes?
[ speaking of appearances. yin yu gets a glance at himself in the mirror again and feels that uncomfortable stab of anxiety in his stomach for the second time. he turns away from it, looks up, and. ] ...ah. Sect Leader... where did you put my clothes?
[sisi I'm so sorry this will be so short in comparison
because he just blinks at that question, tilts his head... glances around...]
Oh... I forgot! There are so many clothes, after all...
because he just blinks at that question, tilts his head... glances around...]
Oh... I forgot! There are so many clothes, after all...
They'll be here somewhere! I'll keep an eye out for them while I find something for myself.
[he doesn't sound concerned, they'll turn up! eventually!
nie huaisang hums, though, adding over his shoulder as he rifles through a rack of robes:]
If you really must put them back on, at least keep the hairdo, it looks nice on you.
[he doesn't sound concerned, they'll turn up! eventually!
nie huaisang hums, though, adding over his shoulder as he rifles through a rack of robes:]
If you really must put them back on, at least keep the hairdo, it looks nice on you.
...If you insist, sir. [ that's a fair enough compromise. he hasn't exactly done anything to earn the relative status symbol of wearing a bun in his hair, but, if huaisang insists... besides, it will get him out of this costume of an outfit.
he steps out from behind the dressing area proper, avoids the mirror, and watches him look through the rack, hands folded behind his back. ] Are your sect colors green and gray?
he steps out from behind the dressing area proper, avoids the mirror, and watches him look through the rack, hands folded behind his back. ] Are your sect colors green and gray?
Ah, yes, I always wear them if I can help it- it's the least I can do, even here, isn't it?
[he is still sect leader, after all. pardon him while he looks through a few particularly curiously... he'll get yin yu his clothes back in a minute.]
[he is still sect leader, after all. pardon him while he looks through a few particularly curiously... he'll get yin yu his clothes back in a minute.]
[if yin yu happens to wander by the archery range, there is one (1) sect leader here, curiously inspecting the equipment. archery was a part of the conferences and tournaments, after all, so there were efforts made to teach him once... it maybe went better than the saber lessons, but not by much.
still, this is something a little familiar, and maybe he should practice with something ranged, just in case--
but he startles when he realizes he's not alone, nearly bumping into a rack of bows.]
Yin Yu-! Ah, you scared me half to death, you really are too good at sneaking around...
[huaisang, please, he wasn't sneaking.]
still, this is something a little familiar, and maybe he should practice with something ranged, just in case--
but he startles when he realizes he's not alone, nearly bumping into a rack of bows.]
Yin Yu-! Ah, you scared me half to death, you really are too good at sneaking around...
[huaisang, please, he wasn't sneaking.]
[ poor nie huaisang. it's not his fault: yin yu is very sneaky, and he was... a little bit, trying to sneak, if only because he's trying to be quick. since his disastrous monday with his memories, yin yu has done his damndest to avoid looking at literally anyone for more than two seconds at a time, only coming in and out of areas when he's fairly sure no one's around, or moving like a shadow around them. he'd been practicing with the ranged weapons himself, on his way out when nie huaisang arrived: the plan was to sneak past him and put the arrows and bow he'd borrowed away, and then be gone.
....of course, it doesn't go like that. yin yu doesn't quite jump, but he straightens, a bit embarrassed at being caught, and puts his fist to his hand to apologize with a bow. ] ...my apologies, sect leader. I didn't know you were here.
[ yes he did. it's fine. ]
....of course, it doesn't go like that. yin yu doesn't quite jump, but he straightens, a bit embarrassed at being caught, and puts his fist to his hand to apologize with a bow. ] ...my apologies, sect leader. I didn't know you were here.
[ yes he did. it's fine. ]
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