localweirdo | JIGOKU INBOX

30%? Isn't that a reasonable amount? After all, typically I only make enough for just the two of us.

Are you suggesting that I should more? Be careful, I might end up getting your share by accident.

Are you capable of eating more than your share? That's really what you should be asking yourself first.

Depends on how I'm feeling that day.

You'll be surprised at how much I can eat.

...show me.

Are you at the apartment now? Perhaps I should eat the food in the refrigerator to show you.

I'll be arriving soon. I just went to check out a few things. Give me about ten minutes?

Then I shall await your arrival. I will be on the couch until you do.

[With that, she was true to her word. Should he arrive, she'll find a certain young lady on said couch reading a book. What was she reading? That was up for him to find out!]

...That's my bed.

[ That is all he has to say about that subject because well... that is where he slept. On most nights anyway. He would arrive soon enough, not exactly within ten minutes but close enough that any tardiness wouldn't be noticeable unless she was running a stopwatch. He will enter their shared flat, and set a package down on the dining table before sitting beside her on the couch. ]

So... what do you have there?

What a pity.

[Yes, that's all she is going to say about that. Although, it wasn't out of maliciousness. She just wanted to see what his reaction was. However, she would find out what it was the moment he entered into the room. With a smile on her face, she gave a chuckle or two.]

It's a story called Dracula! Such a tragic tale of a creature who turns into a vampire and now seek the blood of the living! It's a good story to read at night.

Sure. At night. By candlelight.

[ A short little laugh follows, of course, he doesn't expect her to get the humor behind the comment but he once spoke of the atmosphere created by the soft glow of a candle's burning wick. He also spoke of damaging eyesight. No, it isn't something to engage in often, the artificial light created by some lamplight found within this city made for much better use in reading before bedtime.

Although, that book title does spark some recognition in his gaze. He may have read something similar at some point but he wonders what the tragic part of the tale is, perhaps the vampiric creature's malevolence leaving a trail of horror and death in its wake? The ending, that ending, however, there is hope in it. ]

How far along are you?

Only in the beginning, sadly. I have yet to read much as it was a book I recently picked up. I must say, whoever written this has quite a unique take to story writing!

[Or rather, it was a little unusual for her to read stories that there outside of Liyue. With a sigh, she leaned back against the couch before stretching out her arms before standing up. That said, she made her way toward him before gesturing said book to him.]

Although, I suppose this kind of story isn't anything new to you.

[ There is a nod of agreement from Xingqiu which would be indicative that he is acquainted with the tale of the vampiric creature, however, it's not so much the setting that causes him to align his thoughts with that of his friend's rather the presentation of the story. The epistolary style of the novel is most unusual to him; the letters, diary entries, and newspaper articles through which the story is conveyed is not often something he has gotten a chance to experience. Changing protagonists also give the tale a unique feels.

However, he is well read and a successful novelist even if his friend is unaware so even before setting foot within this city he has read stories that take place in far off lands and other worlds even. Flowers for Fischl one such example, derived from one of his favorite works. Even as an author his own novel takes place far away amid a sea of stars that spin in reverse.

He follows her with his gaze alone as she stands, then settles to looking at the book's cover. ]

In a manner of speaking. It's the composition that I find unique.

Is that so? Could you elaborate?

[While she might have read many books, she barely had much time for it. Between trying to run her funeral parlor and with her various other hobbies, who had time to sit down and read? Granted, as she leaned in closer to hear his response, she figured that he would have more insight into novel writing compared to poetry.

With a sigh, she stared at the cover before looking right back at him.]

Because based on the cover, it doesn't seem anything different.

Hm? So then you've been fibbing? If you had commenced the novel then you would not need my explanation. The first chapter alone would reveal an astounding difference in the narrative. It's Jonathan Harker's journal, in shorthand. That character is the protagonist of the first few chapters since the story is told from the perspective of his journal entries. From then I believe a news article follows, then we changed protagonists as the story is told through Mina Murray's recollection. If I am remembering correctly that is.

There is a movie.

If you would prefer. Although I can't verify how close to the original author's work it remains. These things sometimes deviate from their source.

[ His own gaze is on the cover of the book, it would appear she got a copy of her own. That's fine. Although he really wouldn't mind sharing his personal collection with her. ]

You know, you are allowed to read from my collection.

Oh no, I was curious to see how much you have read! I only read the first few chapters and I merely wanted to know what you know about the story. That said, I was not aware there was a movie based on it.

Perhaps I should watch that instead of reading the book.

[Although, she had to admit, it would ruin the enjoyment of comparing what the movie had compared to the story. That said, she raised an eyebrow at him.]

I could but it would be terrible to grab one without your permission. You are fairly protective of your books!

[ Due to him having added that title to his ever-growing hell collection means he has already gone ahead and read the whole thing. That's typically what he engages in after purchasing a book, or has she not noted how many novels there are within their small flat? Of course, because he has devoted so much time to a hobby, Xingqiu has neglected to do other things — that is mostly to continue his research to expand the story he wrote some months back. Sure he has scribbled other things here and there but he really needs to focus.

The moment she raises an eyebrow at him he shakes his head. That's not it, he is protective only if there was no care taken to maintain them in pristine condition. Accidents are another matter however, he can't fault anyone for something unintentional. Besides, he had difficulties maintaining his books even back at home when some need to remain hidden... ]

I finished that book some time ago. If you wanted to know that you could have just asked.

As for movies, plenty of novels seem to have some sort of adaptation. If you wanted to watch some movies, well we can arrange that.

By the way, I do trust you. Enough that you are currently living with me. I know you would care for my possessions, so you're welcome tot hem.

Then perhaps we should watch that, I am curious as I wish to partake in a lot more of these movies! Especially when they can evoke such graphic details about how one should die.

[Although, despite the small smile on her face, she had to admit. While there was some element of fun to see the various ways one could die, it still left a bad taste in her mouth. Perhaps she wasn't used to seeing it being played out so explicitly.

It seems that she should probably stop watching them?

Oh, who was she kidding? Of course she wouldn't.]

But if you are telling me that I can borrow your things, that is giving me permission to read through just about anything correct?

[ If her comment about seeking realistic portrayals delineating the path leading to death had not caused a quirk of an eyebrow certainly her suggestion that she would read through just about anything found within his possessions does. Yeah. Good luck with that. What for so long has been a hindrance, a cause of shame, seems to be serving him well here. His handwriting has not seen any improvement, aside from a few individuals within the Feiyun Commerce Guild, no one else could pick through that chicken scratch.

He opts to make no comment on that suggestion so she can interpret that as an invitation to peruse through his notes and other writings. He knows well she won't be able to glean anything, but he wonders if she is aware. ]

Right.

Anyway, should I take your suggestion to mean you are weighing which path to take when you're ready to depart the living realm?

What makes you think that? I certainly hope you don't think I would that morbid to think such things when I see the movies!

[Not that she hasn't thought about her own death given the various times she had fought her and back in her own world. Although, the more she thought about it now, the more she did have to wonder just how much time she had left here.

Between nearly getting herself in a dangerous mission a couple of months back and all the strange ongoings here, it seems liked it was only a matter of time.

Sighing to herself, she sat back down on the couch before leaning back against it.]

Because I would question who the funeral director is truly is!

Thought and action are two different things. Entertaining some idea doesn't necessarily lead to its application, which in fact would be far more morbid than innocent musing. You don't believe I'm free of grim ideas while I read through novels, do you? Certainly, I wouldn't call my thoughts morbid. But valiant, brave, and noble heroes' lives aren't always the most joyous.

[ If he appears serious for a second, he isn't the next because he is soon laughing lightly. Really, at the end of the day the sunsets, that hasn't escaped him and he is certain Hu Tao (a funeral director) is aware. Life isn't an endless song, not just for humans, but gods and adepti can also witness the unfolding twilight of their lives.

watching her retake her place on the couch (his bed), his smile settles into something softer, kinder. There is a certain ever-growing fondness for her that perhaps would have taken far longer to discover while they lived in Liyue. Perhaps that's what happens when people live in close proximity. ]

So, are you going to question me?

Because I do hope you realize you do have a business to attend to and you don't need to affirm what you are.

[Hu Tao stared at Xingqiu before tilting her head to the side. She wasn't expecting a serious tone considering the nature of their banter. However, she shouldn't be surprised as she knew he seen his fair share of deaths in Liyue.

Quickly glancing at the floor and then back up, she gave a small sigh.]

Of course not, not when being brave and noble would probably require one to do some questionable times sometimes.

[That said, she resumed her cheerful tone.]

Such as myself! I'd like to think I am doing something noble but alas, such a thing might not be acceptable within my profession. Can you imagine a brave a noble funeral director?

Edited 2022-09-17 17:20 (UTC)

[ There is an understanding that he has diverted the tone of the conversation, yet she steers it right back to its initial humor. Only he remains behind as if fallen overboard.

Aware of what her words imply, he doesn't think that once he has strayed from his path. There is nothing questionable about what he has done. The moment he begins to doubt himself, then he is longer truly just. But somewhere, to someone, he must be the villain of their tale.

Through the use of manners and polite words, he seeks to initially solve most issues. He also prefers to resolve most problems on his own, which isn't always so neat to tidy up. ]

...

[ Fine. Allow him to get caught up. ]

Valor is needed to face death, honor in the care given to those departed. Or am I wrong? Well, then my brave and noble funeral director? What say you, we book a day to watch a movie together? How does this weekend sound?

[Well, she wasn't expecting him to play along with her whims. When in doubt, she only knew to be cheerful and make light of such terrible things when times weren't desperate.

Again, raising an eyebrow or two, it seems that there were a lot of things she had yet to know about her friend.]

Well, you aren't wrong. I could say the same for you, you certainly seem like you have the requirements to become the hero you wish to be.

[Or at least, she hoped that he thinks he does.]

But yes, that sounds wonderful! It'll give me a break from my duties anyway. You'll be surprised at how picky people are about how to be buried here!

[ There is a need he understands he has to fulfill, it is the reason he allows himself to be drawn in by her playful whims. As long as she is content, then that's fine with him, why should he be the cause of someone else's unhappiness?

Yet, her words marking some supposed aspiration of his, get no response. He doesn't wish to become a hero. To be good, he must do good. That in itself should be enough. ]

I'm not all that picky. Just keep my father and older brother's requests out of it and that will be enough for me.

[ There is a certain implication in that statement that he isn't going to give her the time to fully understand. He keeps on speaking. There is something more important to decide. ]

Then we're settled on the weekend? What about Saturday evening? Does that sound good to you? I'll pick out a few movies, if you have any requests let me know. Text me if you want. And yes, we're going to watch Dracula so no need to mention that.

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localweirdo - 2022-09-19 22:48 (UTC) - Expand

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