[Daqiang had managed to guide the two of them deep into the swamp where the extra large lotus blooms grew, but now Daqiang was uncertain how to harvest them. They were to be set in special lanterns. And their properties of attracting fireflies made them useful for gathering the creatures for the lantern research Elah's MANTA Board. But did they want just the flowers... or the entire stalk the flowers were on, as well?]
Mortal flowers don't survive having their blooms plucked...
[Daqiang muttered, hands hovering in the air just beneath the bloom he had gone to take, the water it bloomed out barely an inch below that.]
[ Orchid is perfectly happy to go pick flowers with Daqiang, it feels like something a couple would do together, though he's not aware of his own feelings or hers on this particular matter. Walking around a strange new place is a lot nicer when she has him at her side, there's nothing here that she has to worry about.
When she sees him hesitating over whether to pick the flowers or uproot them, she has to hold back a giggle. He really has become quite the gardener. ]
Sometimes it's necessary to pluck flowers so that other buds can blossom. I can keep them healthy for a long time.
[ She does tap her chin with a finger as she considers the flowers. ]
We could take a plant back and add it to our garden.
[Daqiang replied, already upping the ante because if Orchid wanted one, then she'd probably be much happier with a dozen. There wasn't a lot of space on the barge for plants that thrived in water, but there was enough for a dozen giant lotuses if they were scattered about between some large pots and the 'mini pool' on the back deck that had already been converted into a fish pond.]
We will take up the roots for the ones for the garden and pluck the blooms for the ones to bring back to the village.
[That seemed reasonable. And the fireflies that supposedly liked the blooms would follow, which would allow him to give Orchid a much better firefly lantern than the empty stone she carried on her.]
We don't need to take a dozen. If we only take a pod, I can grow plenty of flowers from the seeds in a short time.
[ She doesn't want to take too many of them when she can just grow more from one single lotus. This way, Orchid can manage how many and how much space they take up on the barge. There is a danger of being overrun by lotuses, which she wouldn't want the fish to suffer. ]
This way we only need to take a few blooms now to bring back, the seeds can be for our garden.
[ Orchid reaches out to grab hold of his arm with one hand, knowing that she couldn't even use all of her strength to make him move, and leans over the water to reach for one of the pods. ]
[With her grabbing his arm, he abandons his immediate plan to pick one of the blooms and instead puts a hand over hers to hold her steady - the hand of the arm she'd grabbed going first to her waist and then to her elbow. They may have gotten this deep into the island safely enough, but he did not want to risk Orchid falling in when the denizens of the waters were mostly unknown.
Daqiang did not tell her to be 'careful' or to wait. That would be pointless when she was already reaching out and pulling her back could destabilize the boat they were on. Holding her in place, ready to pull her into the safety of his arms, would be enough.]
[ Orchid has so much trust for Daqiang that she doesn't falter when his grip changes, knowing that he will be there for her. Whether that means they tip the boat and both go in, or get to stay on top of the water.
It does tip dangerously just as she grabs the stem of the closest lotus pod. ]
[It starts to tip and Orchid just keeps reaching for the pod. Daqaing shifts his grip, pulling himself to her so he could wrap his arm around her waist and hold her up while she bent further forward. They were no longer standing on the boat, however, as he had resorted to hovering in the air while holding her to prevent them falling in. Below them the boat splashed hard as the opposite side landed back in the water and sent waves out from the vessel.
His power was sealed such that he could no longer simply hold her in the air as he wanted. Or cut the seed pod from it's stem and call it to them. No he had to assist in the most troublesome way that also let him hold her tight and hold her close. With the boat rocking inches below where they now floated in the air, he finally said:]
[ The way his grip shifts to hold her around the waist has her distracted for a moment, long enough for the boat to mostly settle back into the water with very little ripples from the sudden lack of passengers. It's his voice that makes her recall her task, gently squeezing the stem. ]
Oh, all right.
[ With all the practice of someone who has been gardening for a thousand years, Orchid snaps off the seed pod in one clean move. She straightens to show it to him, the move brings them very close together. ]
I got it! Now we can have dozens of lotus flowers without removing many flowers from the marsh.
[They are nearly nose to nose. Something which throws him off for a moment as he stared down at her, blinking a few times, mouth softening into something almost like a smile before he remembers himself.
Swallowing hard, he sets her back down on the boat before landing on it a few steps away. With distance between them, he let his hands fall to his side. Eyes wide and expression still open, he made a weak gesture towards the baskets brought along for the blooms.]
If all we need for the garden is the seed pods, then we can... harvest the blooms safely?
[Asked more to have something to ask because thinking about the fact that she had been so close - close enough to kiss - was not going to be helpful. And he didn't want to scare her or make her upset when she was so happy. No matter how tempting kissing her might be.]
[ Perhaps surprisingly, Orchid isn't the one to pull away first after discovering their closeness. She looks up at him as if waiting for something, gaze flitting down to see that almost-smile upon his lips. Part of her wants to use her fingers to help him finish that smile, but it doesn't seem like the right time.
Daqiang places her on the boat before landing further away from her, and she wants to close the distance again. To always be close to him, but it's clear that Daqiang is floundering where she isn't. ]
Mm! [ A sound of agreement and a nod of her head. ] How many lanterns did you want? We should look around for the best ones to harvest.
[ Orchid had wanted him to kiss her, for him to want to for no other reason but that. No one to make jealous, no body swapping back, no saving her from drowning. Simply because he wanted to. ]
[One day he would discover that she would let him do just that: grab her and kiss her for other reason than he wanted to. But it would not be this day. This day he his stomach still turned with the fear of making her mad at him. At ruining the happiness she was feeling. He couldn't feel it, with the hairpin in, but seeing her smile was enough. She was happy in his company. As she had been when they shared time in Shuiyuntian. That was enough.
His eyes broke contact first as he glanced sideways at the blossoms.]
With as large as they are, we can fit nearly a dozen in the boat. They will attract fireflies on the way and we can provide both the lotuses and the fireflies to those who have requested them.
[One hand curled into a loose fist and he tucked it behind him. To keep him from stepping forward and touching her arm.]
This venerable one can retrieve the blossoms. Whichever ones you choose.
[ Before that day ever comes, Orchid might be the one kissing Daqiang first. She may still be shy about it in front of others, but has discovered where her heart truly lies. For now, Orchid simply waits for him to develop and understand his own feelings - rather than try to figure out hers without the hairpin.
When he looks away, she's still looking at him. ]
I'm certain we can find a dozen that require trimming. There will be so many fireflies with that many flowers.
[ It's when his arm tucks behind his back that Orchid looks around at all the lotus blossoms, determining which ones are ready to be picked. ]
Don't fall in, Damutou. I'm not strong enough to pull you back in. [ A gentle tease.
She starts pointing out a few nearby that are at the peak of their blossoming, that are surrounded by many buds waiting to bloom. Seeing as how he's been trying his hand at gardening, it may be something he notices. ]
[He's mostly been dabbling in single blooms in individual pots. Pruning a plant of blooms to make room for more to open and grow was still something he had not yet learned the proper signs of.
When she joked about him falling in, he gave her sarcastic frown, but stepped out into the air where she directed him. Laughing at him was something she'd done since they first met and never was it malicious. Not truly. It was... 'teasing'. The good, friendly kind. The kind Rem attempted to do with him quite often that still left him confused. Especially when she did it through the shellphone.
Floating to the first cluster of blooms, he knelt down and pointed at the one he thought she was indicating.]
[ It's fine if he hasn't reached that stage yet, because Orchid can teach him before he learns any bad habits.
She can only laugh lightly at the frown he gives her in return, but moves to sit in the boat so that she can lean over the edge to see what he's doing. Where he's going and what he's pointing out. Orchid waits until he points at one and asks her if it's right. ]
To the left! See how big it's bloomed compared to all the others? That's the one you want to pluck. This way, the others get all the sun and other things they need to bloom next.
[He moves his hands over to the one indicated and carefully separates it from it's stem. One down, many to go. He was still skeptical this would be healthy for the flowers. But considering that she was very careful with those plants in her care (even if she wasn't careful with herself), he couldn't really justify his skepticism. He just... didn't want to mess it up.
Any of it.
Daqiang put the bloom away and moved to the next - and the one after that - following her instructions the entire time. When finally they had enough, he returned to the boat and settled into it so they could stand together. Safely. No rocking. Fireflies had already begun to gather around the centers of the lotus blooms. And the light had begun to fade - leaving only the lotus and the fireflies to really light the way. If night had not yet fallen, then it would come soon. This deep in the swamp, it was difficult to tell.
Orchid looked very pretty in the light of the fireflies. Almost as pretty as she did in the light of the rising sun.]
[ Orchid very much got caught up in the whole process and directing Daqiang to the plants to pluck from that she only notices the fireflies when he's back on the boat. Her attention is on the fireflies dancing around them, her expression one of joy and happiness as she holds her hands up to one drifting nearby.
It lands on her finger, and she carefully holds it up - as if he isn't already looking at her. ]
Daqiang, Daqiang! Look!
[ Her eyes lift from the bug to his face, realizing at that moment just how intently he's watching her. Suddenly, the view of the fireflies isn't as captivating. ]
[Her eyes meet his and he finds his mouth has gone dry.
His eyes, as always, are the first to look away. Unable to hold the intensity of her gaze. Unable to hold onto the feelings that bubbled up inside whenever she looked at him with that happy, wonder-struck expression.
[ For the length of time that their gaze is locked, Orchid has the desire to kiss him. Then he looks away, and the desire still lingers - but she's not sure his heart does yet.
Since he's looking away, she moves to stand on her tiptoes to press a kiss to his cheek. ]
Daqiang, thank you.
[ The words are for things he's done (even if his life is tied to hers or had other motives), and things he will do, for picking the flowers for her now and making her happy.
With that, she turns away and nods - using it to hide her blush. The lotus flowers they picked are already in full bloom, but the buds that are still left behind on the water suddenly become so. ]
[A not-quite smile bloomed on his lips as the lotus in the water spread their petals. He nodded, a bit too eagerly, where she couldn't see it because she'd already turned away... So he managed to get control of himself before she could look back after he reached out to help steady her as she got seated in the boat. Then he was lifting the steering pole and pushing them back towards civilization.
His heart beating far too faces and his chest far too full. But she had kissed him! Of her own choice!
[ There is no one to interrupt them this time, no Shangque to rush in and start speaking, or Jieli with her knowing looks. It's only the two of them out here on this boat, and nothing bad lurks on the horizon. Orchid is reminded of those days in Arbiter Hall, when it was only the two of them - only without the worry of being caught having a criminal with her.
She takes her seat and keeps her focus on the lotus pod that she'd plucked earlier, counting the seeds. Trying not to wonder what sort of expression Daqiang had on his face after receiving the kiss. ]
Daqaing had been trying to learn a little grace and knock before entering the rooms of his crew - but that habit was still forming and in this case, it was Orchid's room so he had a proprietary view on it anyway. Which meant he simply walked in and asked without any warning:]
Do you not want to bear this venerable one's children?
[ Orchid has gotten used to Daqiang just barging into her room, though she isn't afraid to kick him out whenever she doesn't want him in here. Or closing the door in his face. After getting a book recommendation from Joshua, she had gone out to find that book and is currently reading it when Daqiang enters today.
The question has her staring in shocked silence, but the few flowers she keeps around the room are blooming, and her cheeks are turning red. It was a question that she hadn't gotten around to truly thinking about, even after their lie. So why is he suddenly bringing it up now! Has he somehow gained the memories from his future? ]
You... you... da mu tou! [ HUFF! She doesn't know if she should use the book to hide her face or march up to him in her huff, so she does both. Then tries to push Daqiang out, even though they both know that he won't move unless he wants to, or she catches him by surprise. ]
She was upset with him - that was clear from the attempt to push him out the door.
She was also happy about something because all the flowers in the room were blooming like they hadn't seen the sun in a decade or more and were soaking up whatever they could.
She used 'damoutou' which could mean anything from annoyance to happiness because she called him that when she thought he was being funny just as often as she did when scolding him. But it was all still frustratingly unclear!
He allowed himself to be pushed back a step as he thought about it. Two. He was still inside the room but slightly closer to the still very open door. Then stood his ground while she continued to push at him.]
Are this venerable one's children that offensive to you?
[ This is a very complicated situation! The Daqiang that is here now still believes that Orchid has feelings for Lord Changheng - which she did have at the time. Perhaps he has doubts, or even feelings of his own.
Or perhaps he's being jealous and that's why he's asking this question of her now. Orchid doesn't know why he's suddenly asking it, when he found out about their lie months ago.
Even when Daqiang plants himself, Orchid still attempts to push at him to no avail. Soft sounds of exertion with each one, and her expression one of determination. ]
We aren't even married yet! Why are you thinking about children already, da mu tou? [ Her tendency to almost be always truthful allows the small slip-ups in her words, which she doesn't realize have been said out loud. ]
[ Everything is fine at first, they're still arguing over this topic that seems to have come up out of nowhere. She doesn't look for Daqiang's ID on the shellphones whenever he converses with other people, she doesn't know the conversation he had with Kaveh and Alhaitham.
Then he just stops speaking, and Orchid looks up at his face as he processes the words she still doesn't realize she said.
Her eyes widen at the question that comes out of his mouth next, lets out a small squeak, before spinning around and bringing her hands to cover her face. As if she can't believe she let that slip. He was just so... frustrating and his question has both startled and flustered her at the same time. Orchid had been too worked up trying to get him to leave so she didn't have to answer his question. ]
I... I don't want Daqiang to marry anyone else!
[ It's an answer, that's certain. In her mind, she can see Daqiang in wedding clothes - yet it's not her standing at his side. Someone stands there between them, someone about to marry him while she marries another person. ]
So that meant that if he was to marry, it could only be her?
Yes. The logic of that was correct. If he married, she didn't want him to marry someone 'else', and the only person in question was her, so she didn't want him to marry someone other than her. Yes. YES. The logic was correct.
So maybe... maybe she wanted to marry him? She could want to leave him unmarried entirely, which would be terribly presumptuous of her to assume she could control who he did and did not marry - perfectly reasonable because he would let her control that, but very presumptuous to do so...
But maybe... marriage?
He stared at her back for a long minute, thinking through this and trying to stop himself from jumping at the assumption that the logic followed, because she was nothing if not very emotional and illogical. He tucked a hand behind his back to keep it from reaching out and grabbing her. The other curled into a fist while he stepped forward to close the small gap between them and stand right behind her. Close enough his breath could whisper over her hair and send a stray strand or two fluttering to the side.
Dangerously close. She had a habit of knocking into him. But he wanted to be close enough he could- could-
He sucked in a deep breath and let it out, the heat of it tickling along her ear. Shuddering and hesitant. Uncertain.
She could rip his soul apart with a single word.
Hopeful.
He'd come back for more if it meant she still looked at him.
Scared.
He broke his control and reached out shy fingers to curl into her sleeve.
[ Behind her, Daqiang is awfully quiet over her words. It's no wonder considering the fact that her feelings of love have changed, and she never once felt jealous over someone before. Orchid wants to turn around to see what his face is doing, but she's scared that it will be the Daqiang who yelled at her - said that the only reason he protected her was because his life was unhappily tied to hers.
That he may lock her away again and punish her with lightning. Though she hadn't said she wanted to go "home" this time, wanted to leave him.
Orchid can feel his presence at her back growing closer, feel his breath upon her neck. It should feel threatening, but it's merely become a comfort and a pleasure to have him so close. Despite all the kisses they've shared, she's still so terribly shy.
His fingers curl into her sleeve so gently, as though afraid of her. Of her answer. It isn't too much of a surprise to her after learning about his father and the servant who once cared for him. Love is an emotion that was tortured out of him, leaving him believe no one loved him... not even his own family.
She slowly turns back towards him, towards the hand holding on to her so as to not dislodge his touch. ]
Daqiang. [ How she wants to say yes and jump into his arms. Orchid reaches up to rest her palm against his cheek, her gaze looking up at him as though searching for his soul. ] Has your Seven Emotion Tree regrown?
[ Orchid wants to marry him, but she has to know. ]
[It had begun to. It was furiously sprouting tiny green leaves under the bright sun that warmed his sea of heart and made the waters sparkle and shine like a dragon's pearl. It was enough that when he tried to kill it, he hadn't been able to bring himself to.
Because he wanted it to feel.
He shut his eyes and leaned his cheek into her gentle touch.]
It has not flowered... but it is green and flourishes.
[He said it and mourned the loss of her. If she was asking, then it was something she would judge him on. If she thought him lesser for it being grown, then it growing would be what made her say no. If she thought him lesser for it being so stunted, then it being so weak and new would be what made her say no. Whenever he was judged by those he cared about he always seemed to fall short. Why would this be different?
So he mourned because she was going to reject him. Again. And his heart already felt so fragile...
A tear gathered at the corner of his eye. Tumbled down his cheek and against her thumb. He trembled, holding himself back from holding onto her in the desperate way he wanted to.]
I... I couldn't kill it. I tried. But I couldn't.
[A soft sob before he broke entirely and admitted the most painful part of it all.]
I don't want to. I want it to grow. I want to feel. I want to know happiness and sadness and all the things that cause them for myself.
[He pulled her hand to his lips and cradled it there. Fighting the tears as best he could.]
[ Orchid has only seen his tree twice, once upon touching it and causing it to come alive again - and the second time when she admitted that it was her doing. She hasn't seen it since her arrival here, so she doesn't know the state of it.
When Daqiang does tell her, part of her is both relieved and hurts for him. The last time he had decided that he wanted his tree to grow, it had come with the reveal that his father had sacrificed himself to be killed at his own son's hand. That Daqiang would have to live with that pain and guilt. She doesn't know if his memories of that time have come back with the thriving state of the tree, but perhaps it's better this way.
It will allow him to process one and then the other.
Somehow, she is not surprised to hear that he tried to kill it. Without his emotions, he could wield Hellfire and no one would be strong enough to stop him. With them, that power will most likely leave him.
When his emotions bubble up, Orchid brings up her other arm to wrap around him in an embrace. To tell him that he can hold her in return. ]
I love you, Daqiang. I want to marry you.
[ There are probably still things they should talk about, such as the fact that she's responsible for bringing the tree and his emotions back to life. But she wants to remove any doubt in his mind that whether the tree has life or not doesn't matter. ]
There was a time I thought that we couldn't be together because I don't want you to wage war with Shuiyuntian, while you cannot let your people suffer at their hands. I thought we couldn't love each other because that would tear us apart.
[ Orchid steps closer, her head tilted up, and she doesn't try to get her hand back from him, despite the position. ]
Shifu once told me that all that exists is fate, only love is not fate. I understand what she meant now, because of my love for you.
[His arm wrapped around her and he pulled her closer. Her hand and his now tight between them while he pressed his face to her shoulder and a wretched sob wracked him.
She said she would marry him. She said she loved him.
She said she would marry him and he was crying. The sudden burst of tension, the relief, the joy flushed through him all at once and shouldn't he have laughed or something? But no. He was crying.]
[ Orchid doesn't even resist being pulled closer, merely lifts a hand to caress his hair when he cries into her shoulder. ]
You can cry when you're happy, da mu tou. [ There is no doubt at all that this time, she's happy when using it. Her tone light and airy, just like all the other times she was happy around him.
Emotions are complicated and he's just getting started. ]
That didn't make any sense. He was experiencing it, and it still didn't make sense to him. But what did it matter. She was holding him back and she had said she would marry him and he didn't think his heart had ever felt so full.
He wanted to kiss her.
He didn't want to kiss her with tears in his eyes. But he didn't think he could stop them. And if they were happy tears, did it matter so much that he was crying if did kiss her?
No.
Daqiang pushed her back just far enough to release her hand and get both of his on her face. Just enough to look in her eyes and see her smile, to see that it was real - that she was happy and looking back at him with love. Just enough to awkwardly attempt a smile back (he needed to learn how to do that. another time)-
And pulled her back in, lips to hers. Aggressive as he only really knew how to be, but not demanding. What did he have to demand of her now? She gave it freely. She chose him.
[ It seems as though their first kiss beyond body-swapping and possessiveness is done with a tearful face. For hers, she was the one crying over the thought of losing him, while also being happy and relieved he was alive.
Perhaps their next time will be without them. She will also help him learn how to smile again.
Her face tilts up to meet his in the kiss, eyes fluttering closed before they even touch. With her hands now free, they drift to curl into his clothing. Orchid won't be the one to pull away first, like so many other times before. ]
[ "Do you not want to bear this venerable one's children?"]
[ What the fuck.]
[ Dojima had just been walking the halls of the ship, minding his own business, Iron Bundle following him cheerfully while flapping those robo flippers of his, Ichigo the Strabby riding his shoulder when he stopped short just to the side of the room that belonged to Miss Orchid, Dongfang's... girlfriend? Fiancée? Lover? Betrothed? Willing Kidnap victim? Puppy dog crush? He wasn't sure and he wasn't sure either of them knew--]
[ Only to hear that come out of Dongfang's goddamn mouth like it wasn't one of the more presumptous questions a man could ask. ]
[ So of course hearing that, he was going to listen in and just make sure the young woman was okay. Hopefully this was just Dongfang being that weirdly naive dumbass he could be at times, and not anything... else. ]
[ He'd press his back against the wall beside the door frame, grabbing hold of Iron Bundle to make sure it didn't go any further to blow his cover, holding it to his front, hand on it's beak so it wouldn't squawk while he listened in. ]
That was... a hell of an awkward love confession, but. Also oddly... sweet? ]
[ --Seven Emotion Tree...? Growing?
...Huh. Was the reason Dongfang was that way he when they first met due to something magical... literally stunting his emotional growth? And being with her was helping it start growing again? ]
[ ...Literally something out of a fairytale.
Well. Seems like she was fine, so he really should just butt out and let them enjoy-- ]
[ And that's when he realised Iron Bundle was slipping out of his grasp with a squawk, heading right into that open room to investigate. Dojima tried to pull the Pokemon back, swearing under his breath, but his hands slipped on that chrome like skin, he lost his balance--
So the two love birds would get a third bird for their troubles, chirping a digital sounding greeting at them with a wave of it's flipper, before ski-waddling to look around at all the plants around the room, maybe to see if one of them was edible--
Annnd for a bonus, a detective fall flat on his face, just in the doorway of the room. ]
[ It seems to never fail. Every time they have a moment together where they're having a serious conversation, something or someone interrupts them. The very first kiss they shared that wasn't either to swap bodies or his possessive nature was also intruded upon by one dragon. Why is this a thing that happens to them?
Orchid is the first to pull away with a squeak of surprise, bringing her hands up to hide her very red face from the view of everyone. Even her new fiancée. At least this time, she doesn't completely pull out of his arms and mumble to herself in her embarrassment at being caught.
[He had been so focused on Orchid this whole time he hadn't paid attention to where anyone else on the crew was - or how close they may be. So when there is the sound of an 'oh, shit--' from behind him, followed by Orchid letting out a distressed squeak and pulling out of the kiss----
...it takes Daqiang a couple moments to figure out what just happened and what just went wrong. He blinks down at Orchid (still in his arms), then at Iron Bundle (happily sniffing at some flowers and opening it's mouth to take a bite of one), and then turns just far enough to look at Dojima in the doorway (on the floor).
He takes a deep breath.
When it settles, there is a very frustrated glare being directed first at Dojima, then at the Iron Bundle (now chomping happily on a flower).]
You-!
[He doesn't want want to let go of Orchid, but he's going to have to, to stop the pokemon from (further) destroying Orchid's flowers.]
Ryotaro Dojima! Get Turo's pet out of here!
[His arms looped around Orchid in a more protective manner and brushed some of the lingering tears away from his face. So that Dojima wouldn't catch him crying on top of catching them kissing.]
[ Oof. That was going to smart later. Felt like he hit that part of his ribs that still were... tender from the car crash.
He heard the young woman squeak in shock--
Annnnd there was the Captain, right on cue. ]
--Yessir.
[ They'd hear a pained groan as he pulled himself up, but-- no complaints or excuse, already moving into the room-- ]
--Damnit, Bundle. C'mon, that's not yours to eat--
[ He'd reach under the Pokemon's little robo-flippers, getting a good grip before hefting it up, though not without another beeping cry from the robo-bird, it's digital eyes making a >o< face in protest--
Annnd then even when he pulled it back, it's head popped off like a long spring, still connected to the main body with a long tub, taking ONE more bite at that flower-- ]
[ It's the pained groan that has Orchid forgetting about her own embarrassment and leaning to peer around Daqiang at the source. ]
Are you all right? Did you hurt yourself falling?
[ Her face is still a little pink, but that might be expected after being caught kissing Daqaing with the door so wide open. She won't think about just how much he might have heard.
When Dojima comes in to remove the creature that is eating her plant... ]
They can have it! I can always grow more.
[ The more precious plants aren't kept in her room, these are from seeds that she bought at a shop. They are simply to brighten up her room, and Bundle is clearly hungry for those specific flowers. Maybe she should buy more just for the creature.
There's a gasp when Bundle's head pops off - because that is usually not a good thing at all with most species! And yet, the creature is still eating away at her flower. ]
[An even dirtier glare was shot at Dojima over the top of Orchid's head when she turned in his arms to ask after Dojima's health. He should have been out the door already and not giving Orchid time to worry over him!
This was- There were too many people in Orchid's room. If he still had the power to snap his fingers and make both Dojima and Iron Bundle appear over the ocean waves outside the ship, he would have done it just then.
Shuffling Orchid to one side so he was firmly between her and Dojima, Daqiang reached out and picked up the pot the flower Iron Bundle had decided belonged to it. He held it up while that springy head continued to munch on the plant. Then shoved it towards Dojima to take with him.]
[ He was going to try and tell her to keep the plants, didn't need to give the damn Pokemon what it wanted just because-- especially when it misbehaved-- ]
[ Buuuut he caught that glare from the Captain, and if looks could kill-- or maybe just turn him to stone, he'd definitely be a statue by now--
And only just managed to grab the pot, hefting Iron Bundle to one side in order not to drop that too--! ]
Right, sorry--
[ Give him a sec to juggle all this, but he is trying to walk backwards out of the room. Though... really, Dongfang was the possessive type, huh? The Captain really shouldn't worry about him of all people. Orchid was-- or appeared to him, anyway-- way too young for him, let alone the fact that he was ...well... with Turo, but it wasn't like the Captain knew that, anyway. ]
I'll get out of your hair. Pardon the intrusion--
[ All while Bundle, now shoved under Dojima's arm, happily snacked on the gifted flowers. So tasty! It'll definitely need to come back...! ]
[ She looks up at Daqiang and reaches up to place both palms on his cheeks. Using it to get his attention. ]
Daqiang, it sounds like Dojima is hurt. Let's help him.
[ "I'll be fine" is not the same "I am fine". Orchid will try to squirm free of her fiancée's arm to try to go help Dojima juggle the plant and the odd creature.
Then they can close the door and continue the conversation if they want. Though... the mood might be ruined. ]
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Paladin Quest: Serenity Illuminated + Rotacorc Revisited: Lotus Blooms (Event Log)
Mortal flowers don't survive having their blooms plucked...
[Daqiang muttered, hands hovering in the air just beneath the bloom he had gone to take, the water it bloomed out barely an inch below that.]
Are we to transport the stems and roots, as well?
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When she sees him hesitating over whether to pick the flowers or uproot them, she has to hold back a giggle. He really has become quite the gardener. ]
Sometimes it's necessary to pluck flowers so that other buds can blossom. I can keep them healthy for a long time.
[ She does tap her chin with a finger as she considers the flowers. ]
We could take a plant back and add it to our garden.
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[Daqiang replied, already upping the ante because if Orchid wanted one, then she'd probably be much happier with a dozen. There wasn't a lot of space on the barge for plants that thrived in water, but there was enough for a dozen giant lotuses if they were scattered about between some large pots and the 'mini pool' on the back deck that had already been converted into a fish pond.]
We will take up the roots for the ones for the garden and pluck the blooms for the ones to bring back to the village.
[That seemed reasonable. And the fireflies that supposedly liked the blooms would follow, which would allow him to give Orchid a much better firefly lantern than the empty stone she carried on her.]
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[ She doesn't want to take too many of them when she can just grow more from one single lotus. This way, Orchid can manage how many and how much space they take up on the barge. There is a danger of being overrun by lotuses, which she wouldn't want the fish to suffer. ]
This way we only need to take a few blooms now to bring back, the seeds can be for our garden.
[ Orchid reaches out to grab hold of his arm with one hand, knowing that she couldn't even use all of her strength to make him move, and leans over the water to reach for one of the pods. ]
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Daqiang did not tell her to be 'careful' or to wait. That would be pointless when she was already reaching out and pulling her back could destabilize the boat they were on. Holding her in place, ready to pull her into the safety of his arms, would be enough.]
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It does tip dangerously just as she grabs the stem of the closest lotus pod. ]
Just a little more...
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His power was sealed such that he could no longer simply hold her in the air as he wanted. Or cut the seed pod from it's stem and call it to them. No he had to assist in the most troublesome way
that also let him hold her tight and hold her close. With the boat rocking inches below where they now floated in the air, he finally said:]Be quick.
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Oh, all right.
[ With all the practice of someone who has been gardening for a thousand years, Orchid snaps off the seed pod in one clean move. She straightens to show it to him, the move brings them very close together. ]
I got it! Now we can have dozens of lotus flowers without removing many flowers from the marsh.
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Swallowing hard, he sets her back down on the boat before landing on it a few steps away. With distance between them, he let his hands fall to his side. Eyes wide and expression still open, he made a weak gesture towards the baskets brought along for the blooms.]
If all we need for the garden is the seed pods, then we can... harvest the blooms safely?
[Asked more to have something to ask because thinking about the fact that she had been so close - close enough to kiss - was not going to be helpful. And he didn't want to scare her or make her upset when she was so happy. No matter how tempting kissing her might be.]
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Daqiang places her on the boat before landing further away from her, and she wants to close the distance again. To always be close to him, but it's clear that Daqiang is floundering where she isn't. ]
Mm! [ A sound of agreement and a nod of her head. ] How many lanterns did you want? We should look around for the best ones to harvest.
[ Orchid had wanted him to kiss her, for him to want to for no other reason but that. No one to make jealous, no body swapping back, no saving her from drowning. Simply because he wanted to. ]
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His eyes broke contact first as he glanced sideways at the blossoms.]
With as large as they are, we can fit nearly a dozen in the boat. They will attract fireflies on the way and we can provide both the lotuses and the fireflies to those who have requested them.
[One hand curled into a loose fist and he tucked it behind him. To keep him from stepping forward and touching her arm.]
This venerable one can retrieve the blossoms. Whichever ones you choose.
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When he looks away, she's still looking at him. ]
I'm certain we can find a dozen that require trimming. There will be so many fireflies with that many flowers.
[ It's when his arm tucks behind his back that Orchid looks around at all the lotus blossoms, determining which ones are ready to be picked. ]
Don't fall in, Damutou. I'm not strong enough to pull you back in. [ A gentle tease.
She starts pointing out a few nearby that are at the peak of their blossoming, that are surrounded by many buds waiting to bloom. Seeing as how he's been trying his hand at gardening, it may be something he notices. ]
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When she joked about him falling in, he gave her sarcastic frown, but stepped out into the air where she directed him. Laughing at him was something she'd done since they first met and never was it malicious. Not truly. It was... 'teasing'. The good, friendly kind. The kind Rem attempted to do with him quite often that still left him confused. Especially when she did it through the shellphone.
Floating to the first cluster of blooms, he knelt down and pointed at the one he thought she was indicating.]
This one?
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She can only laugh lightly at the frown he gives her in return, but moves to sit in the boat so that she can lean over the edge to see what he's doing. Where he's going and what he's pointing out. Orchid waits until he points at one and asks her if it's right. ]
To the left! See how big it's bloomed compared to all the others? That's the one you want to pluck. This way, the others get all the sun and other things they need to bloom next.
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Any of it.
Daqiang put the bloom away and moved to the next - and the one after that - following her instructions the entire time. When finally they had enough, he returned to the boat and settled into it so they could stand together. Safely. No rocking. Fireflies had already begun to gather around the centers of the lotus blooms. And the light had begun to fade - leaving only the lotus and the fireflies to really light the way. If night had not yet fallen, then it would come soon. This deep in the swamp, it was difficult to tell.
Orchid looked very pretty in the light of the fireflies. Almost as pretty as she did in the light of the rising sun.]
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It lands on her finger, and she carefully holds it up - as if he isn't already looking at her. ]
Daqiang, Daqiang! Look!
[ Her eyes lift from the bug to his face, realizing at that moment just how intently he's watching her. Suddenly, the view of the fireflies isn't as captivating. ]
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His eyes, as always, are the first to look away. Unable to hold the intensity of her gaze. Unable to hold onto the feelings that bubbled up inside whenever she looked at him with that happy, wonder-struck expression.
Daqiang cleared his throat.]
We should head back.
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Since he's looking away, she moves to stand on her tiptoes to press a kiss to his cheek. ]
Daqiang, thank you.
[ The words are for things he's done (even if his life is tied to hers or had other motives), and things he will do, for picking the flowers for her now and making her happy.
With that, she turns away and nods - using it to hide her blush. The lotus flowers they picked are already in full bloom, but the buds that are still left behind on the water suddenly become so. ]
Mn, let's go.
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His heart beating far too faces and his chest far too full. But she had kissed him! Of her own choice!
On the cheek.
Still a kiss!]
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She takes her seat and keeps her focus on the lotus pod that she'd plucked earlier, counting the seeds. Trying not to wonder what sort of expression Daqiang had on his face after receiving the kiss. ]
Action!
Daqaing had been trying to learn a little grace and knock before entering the rooms of his crew - but that habit was still forming and in this case, it was Orchid's room so he had a proprietary view on it anyway. Which meant he simply walked in and asked without any warning:]
Do you not want to bear this venerable one's children?
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The question has her staring in shocked silence, but the few flowers she keeps around the room are blooming, and her cheeks are turning red. It was a question that she hadn't gotten around to truly thinking about, even after their lie. So why is he suddenly bringing it up now! Has he somehow gained the memories from his future? ]
You... you... da mu tou! [ HUFF! She doesn't know if she should use the book to hide her face or march up to him in her huff, so she does both. Then tries to push Daqiang out, even though they both know that he won't move unless he wants to, or she catches him by surprise. ]
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She was upset with him - that was clear from the attempt to push him out the door.
She was also happy about something because all the flowers in the room were blooming like they hadn't seen the sun in a decade or more and were soaking up whatever they could.
She used 'damoutou' which could mean anything from annoyance to happiness because she called him that when she thought he was being funny just as often as she did when scolding him. But it was all still frustratingly unclear!
He allowed himself to be pushed back a step as he thought about it. Two. He was still inside the room but slightly closer to the still very open door. Then stood his ground while she continued to push at him.]
Are this venerable one's children that offensive to you?
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Or perhaps he's being jealous and that's why he's asking this question of her now. Orchid doesn't know why he's suddenly asking it, when he found out about their lie months ago.
Even when Daqiang plants himself, Orchid still attempts to push at him to no avail. Soft sounds of exertion with each one, and her expression one of determination. ]
We aren't even married yet! Why are you thinking about children already, da mu tou? [ Her tendency to almost be always truthful allows the small slip-ups in her words, which she doesn't realize have been said out loud. ]
1/3
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Not even married. Yet.
Not even married YET
Was she... was she thinking about marrying him?]
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...you would marry this venerable one?
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Then he just stops speaking, and Orchid looks up at his face as he processes the words she still doesn't realize she said.
Her eyes widen at the question that comes out of his mouth next, lets out a small squeak, before spinning around and bringing her hands to cover her face. As if she can't believe she let that slip. He was just so... frustrating and his question has both startled and flustered her at the same time. Orchid had been too worked up trying to get him to leave so she didn't have to answer his question. ]
I... I don't want Daqiang to marry anyone else!
[ It's an answer, that's certain. In her mind, she can see Daqiang in wedding clothes - yet it's not her standing at his side. Someone stands there between them, someone about to marry him while she marries another person. ]
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That wasn't a yes!
...it also wasn't a no.
But it was a-
...a no one else.
No one else
So that meant that if he was to marry, it could only be her?
Yes. The logic of that was correct. If he married, she didn't want him to marry someone 'else', and the only person in question was her, so she didn't want him to marry someone other than her. Yes. YES. The logic was correct.
So maybe... maybe she wanted to marry him? She could want to leave him unmarried entirely, which would be terribly presumptuous of her to assume she could control who he did and did not marry - perfectly reasonable because he would let her control that, but very presumptuous to do so...
But maybe... marriage?
He stared at her back for a long minute, thinking through this and trying to stop himself from jumping at the assumption that the logic followed, because she was nothing if not very emotional and illogical. He tucked a hand behind his back to keep it from reaching out and grabbing her. The other curled into a fist while he stepped forward to close the small gap between them and stand right behind her. Close enough his breath could whisper over her hair and send a stray strand or two fluttering to the side.
Dangerously close. She had a habit of knocking into him. But he wanted to be close enough he could- could-
He sucked in a deep breath and let it out, the heat of it tickling along her ear. Shuddering and hesitant. Uncertain.
She could rip his soul apart with a single word.
Hopeful.
He'd come back for more if it meant she still looked at him.
Scared.
He broke his control and reached out shy fingers to curl into her sleeve.
And softly... so softly.]
Xiao Lanhua. Would you marry this venerable one?
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That he may lock her away again and punish her with lightning. Though she hadn't said she wanted to go "home" this time, wanted to leave him.
Orchid can feel his presence at her back growing closer, feel his breath upon her neck. It should feel threatening, but it's merely become a comfort and a pleasure to have him so close. Despite all the kisses they've shared, she's still so terribly shy.
His fingers curl into her sleeve so gently, as though afraid of her. Of her answer. It isn't too much of a surprise to her after learning about his father and the servant who once cared for him. Love is an emotion that was tortured out of him, leaving him believe no one loved him... not even his own family.
She slowly turns back towards him, towards the hand holding on to her so as to not dislodge his touch. ]
Daqiang. [ How she wants to say yes and jump into his arms. Orchid reaches up to rest her palm against his cheek, her gaze looking up at him as though searching for his soul. ] Has your Seven Emotion Tree regrown?
[ Orchid wants to marry him, but she has to know. ]
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Because he wanted it to feel.
He shut his eyes and leaned his cheek into her gentle touch.]
It has not flowered... but it is green and flourishes.
[He said it and mourned the loss of her. If she was asking, then it was something she would judge him on. If she thought him lesser for it being grown, then it growing would be what made her say no. If she thought him lesser for it being so stunted, then it being so weak and new would be what made her say no. Whenever he was judged by those he cared about he always seemed to fall short. Why would this be different?
So he mourned because she was going to reject him. Again. And his heart already felt so fragile...
A tear gathered at the corner of his eye. Tumbled down his cheek and against her thumb. He trembled, holding himself back from holding onto her in the desperate way he wanted to.]
I... I couldn't kill it. I tried. But I couldn't.
[A soft sob before he broke entirely and admitted the most painful part of it all.]
I don't want to. I want it to grow. I want to feel. I want to know happiness and sadness and all the things that cause them for myself.
[He pulled her hand to his lips and cradled it there. Fighting the tears as best he could.]
I want to know love.
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When Daqiang does tell her, part of her is both relieved and hurts for him. The last time he had decided that he wanted his tree to grow, it had come with the reveal that his father had sacrificed himself to be killed at his own son's hand. That Daqiang would have to live with that pain and guilt. She doesn't know if his memories of that time have come back with the thriving state of the tree, but perhaps it's better this way.
It will allow him to process one and then the other.
Somehow, she is not surprised to hear that he tried to kill it. Without his emotions, he could wield Hellfire and no one would be strong enough to stop him. With them, that power will most likely leave him.
When his emotions bubble up, Orchid brings up her other arm to wrap around him in an embrace. To tell him that he can hold her in return. ]
I love you, Daqiang. I want to marry you.
[ There are probably still things they should talk about, such as the fact that she's responsible for bringing the tree and his emotions back to life. But she wants to remove any doubt in his mind that whether the tree has life or not doesn't matter. ]
There was a time I thought that we couldn't be together because I don't want you to wage war with Shuiyuntian, while you cannot let your people suffer at their hands. I thought we couldn't love each other because that would tear us apart.
[ Orchid steps closer, her head tilted up, and she doesn't try to get her hand back from him, despite the position. ]
Shifu once told me that all that exists is fate, only love is not fate. I understand what she meant now, because of my love for you.
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She said she would marry him. She said she loved him.
She said she would marry him and he was crying. The sudden burst of tension, the relief, the joy flushed through him all at once and shouldn't he have laughed or something? But no. He was crying.]
I don't understand. I'm happy. I am.
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You can cry when you're happy, da mu tou. [ There is no doubt at all that this time, she's happy when using it. Her tone light and airy, just like all the other times she was happy around him.
Emotions are complicated and he's just getting started. ]
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That didn't make any sense. He was experiencing it, and it still didn't make sense to him. But what did it matter. She was holding him back and she had said she would marry him and he didn't think his heart had ever felt so full.
He wanted to kiss her.
He didn't want to kiss her with tears in his eyes. But he didn't think he could stop them. And if they were happy tears, did it matter so much that he was crying if did kiss her?
No.
Daqiang pushed her back just far enough to release her hand and get both of his on her face. Just enough to look in her eyes and see her smile, to see that it was real - that she was happy and looking back at him with love. Just enough to awkwardly attempt a smile back (he needed to learn how to do that. another time)-
And pulled her back in, lips to hers. Aggressive as he only really knew how to be, but not demanding. What did he have to demand of her now? She gave it freely. She chose him.
She loved him.]
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Perhaps their next time will be without them. She will also help him learn how to smile again.
Her face tilts up to meet his in the kiss, eyes fluttering closed before they even touch. With her hands now free, they drift to curl into his clothing. Orchid won't be the one to pull away first, like so many other times before. ]
1/?
[ What the fuck.]
[ Dojima had just been walking the halls of the ship, minding his own business, Iron Bundle following him cheerfully while flapping those robo flippers of his, Ichigo the Strabby riding his shoulder when he stopped short just to the side of the room that belonged to Miss Orchid, Dongfang's... girlfriend? Fiancée? Lover? Betrothed? Willing Kidnap victim? Puppy dog crush? He wasn't sure and he wasn't sure either of them knew--]
[ Only to hear that come out of Dongfang's goddamn mouth like it wasn't one of the more presumptous questions a man could ask. ]
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[ He'd press his back against the wall beside the door frame, grabbing hold of Iron Bundle to make sure it didn't go any further to blow his cover, holding it to his front, hand on it's beak so it wouldn't squawk while he listened in. ]
[ Just what was going--? ]
3/4
That was... a hell of an awkward love confession, but. Also oddly... sweet? ]
[ --Seven Emotion Tree...? Growing?
...Huh. Was the reason Dongfang was that way he when they first met due to something magical... literally stunting his emotional growth? And being with her was helping it start growing again? ]
[ ...Literally something out of a fairytale.
Well. Seems like she was fine, so he really should just butt out and let them enjoy-- ]
4/4
So the two love birds would get a third bird for their troubles, chirping a digital sounding greeting at them with a wave of it's flipper, before ski-waddling to look around at all the plants around the room, maybe to see if one of them was edible--
Annnd for a bonus, a detective fall flat on his face, just in the doorway of the room. ]
Ow, shit--
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Orchid is the first to pull away with a squeak of surprise, bringing her hands up to hide her very red face from the view of everyone. Even her new fiancée. At least this time, she doesn't completely pull out of his arms and mumble to herself in her embarrassment at being caught.
She'll let Daqiang handle this one. ]
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...it takes Daqiang a couple moments to figure out what just happened and what just went wrong. He blinks down at Orchid (still in his arms), then at Iron Bundle (happily sniffing at some flowers and opening it's mouth to take a bite of one), and then turns just far enough to look at Dojima in the doorway (on the floor).
He takes a deep breath.
When it settles, there is a very frustrated glare being directed first at Dojima, then at the Iron Bundle (now chomping happily on a flower).]
You-!
[He doesn't want want to let go of Orchid, but he's going to have to, to stop the pokemon from (further) destroying Orchid's flowers.]
Ryotaro Dojima! Get Turo's pet out of here!
[His arms looped around Orchid in a more protective manner and brushed some of the lingering tears away from his face. So that Dojima wouldn't catch him crying on top of catching them kissing.]
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He heard the young woman squeak in shock--
Annnnd there was the Captain, right on cue. ]
--Yessir.
[ They'd hear a pained groan as he pulled himself up, but-- no complaints or excuse, already moving into the room-- ]
--Damnit, Bundle. C'mon, that's not yours to eat--
[ He'd reach under the Pokemon's little robo-flippers, getting a good grip before hefting it up, though not without another beeping cry from the robo-bird, it's digital eyes making a >o< face in protest--
Annnd then even when he pulled it back, it's head popped off like a long spring, still connected to the main body with a long tub, taking ONE more bite at that flower-- ]
Oh come on!
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Are you all right? Did you hurt yourself falling?
[ Her face is still a little pink, but that might be expected after being caught kissing Daqaing with the door so wide open. She won't think about just how much he might have heard.
When Dojima comes in to remove the creature that is eating her plant... ]
They can have it! I can always grow more.
[ The more precious plants aren't kept in her room, these are from seeds that she bought at a shop. They are simply to brighten up her room, and Bundle is clearly hungry for those specific flowers. Maybe she should buy more just for the creature.
There's a gasp when Bundle's head pops off - because that is usually not a good thing at all with most species! And yet, the creature is still eating away at her flower. ]
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This was- There were too many people in Orchid's room. If he still had the power to snap his fingers and make both Dojima and Iron Bundle appear over the ocean waves outside the ship, he would have done it just then.
Shuffling Orchid to one side so he was firmly between her and Dojima, Daqiang reached out and picked up the pot the flower Iron Bundle had decided belonged to it. He held it up while that springy head continued to munch on the plant. Then shoved it towards Dojima to take with him.]
Out.
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[ He was going to try and tell her to keep the plants, didn't need to give the damn Pokemon what it wanted just because-- especially when it misbehaved-- ]
[ Buuuut he caught that glare from the Captain, and if looks could kill-- or maybe just turn him to stone, he'd definitely be a statue by now--
And only just managed to grab the pot, hefting Iron Bundle to one side in order not to drop that too--! ]
Right, sorry--
[ Give him a sec to juggle all this, but he is trying to walk backwards out of the room. Though... really, Dongfang was the possessive type, huh? The Captain really shouldn't worry about him of all people. Orchid was-- or appeared to him, anyway-- way too young for him, let alone the fact that he was ...well... with Turo, but it wasn't like the Captain knew that, anyway. ]
I'll get out of your hair. Pardon the intrusion--
[ All while Bundle, now shoved under Dojima's arm, happily snacked on the gifted flowers. So tasty! It'll definitely need to come back...! ]
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Daqiang, it sounds like Dojima is hurt. Let's help him.
[ "I'll be fine" is not the same "I am fine". Orchid will try to squirm free of her fiancée's arm to try to go help Dojima juggle the plant and the odd creature.
Then they can close the door and continue the conversation if they want. Though... the mood might be ruined. ]
No no, we are the ones who left the door open.