creamfaced business boy (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
disasterstraight) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
middaeg2020-09-19 04:38 pm
disasterstraight) wrote in middaeg2020-09-19 04:38 pm
[closed mingle] This is family business
Who: Basically the whole Untamed/MDZS cast
When: One Mid-Septeril evening
Where: The Jin/Jiang family household
What: It's Family Dinner Time (and also time to reveal the truth about what happened back on their world)
Warnings: Discussions of murder and death, infidelity, revenge, and a lot of general family drama.
There are so many Mirrorbound from their world, and almost all of them are related in some way, through blood, marriage, or sworn bonds. After discussing it with his wife, Jin Zixuan decides it's about time they all sat under one roof to share a meal. Sure, one third of their contingent is not exactly on speaking terms with another third, and the last third is caught in the middle trying to live their lives as quietly and peacefully as they can, but Jin Zixuan has frankly had enough. He's heard bits and pieces of the future that is waiting for him once he returns to their world, but he's tired of the pretty lies, half truths, and careful dancing around subjects that everyone seems to prefer when he is around. He knows there is more to the story, and he is determined to find out what it is.
The evening begins innocently enough, with Jiang Yanli preparing delicious courses of food in their well stocked kitchen, and Jin Zixuan making sure the dining room is set for the numerous guests they are inviting. There is plenty of alcohol for the adults who like to indulge-- both bottles of grape wine and jars of baiju-- as well as sparkling fruit juices for those who are underage (sorry, Jin Ling) or who would prefer not to partake. The table decoration is tasteful and elegant, a mix of the local style and whatever Jin Zixuan has been able to scramble together that is reminiscent of their own world back home.
When guests arrive, Jin Zixuan greets them at the door and shows them to their seat in the dining room, having carefully plotted out who will sit where so as to avoid any unnecessary conflict (a skill he learned at an early age from his mother). After a few short words of thanks for everyone who came, the meal begins. The food is delicious, of course. No one would expect anything less from a cook like Jiang Yanli. And the conversation is polite, sticking to current events and the trials and tribulations of witch- or monster-dom. Then, partway through the evening, when the main course has been finished but dessert has not yet been served, Jin Zixuan speaks up, clearing his throat to get everyone's attention.
"Once again, I would like to thank you all for coming. You have all been a great help to myself, A-Li, and A-Ling as we attempt to find our ways in this world." A good start, neutral enough and gracious to boot. "However," he continues, his face losing its polite smile and turning gravely serious, "I know that there is much that you have been keeping from us. From me, in particular. We have both been made aware of our own deaths, and the many deaths that will follow. But the exact details of how and why those deaths occurred and who is really to blame have been conspicuously left out."
He turns his gaze to each guest seated at the table, each in turn. Everyone except Jin Ling and Jiang Yanli.
"I think it's time we were forthright with each other. Don't you?"
After that, all thoughts of dessert are forgotten. The table erupts into chaos. Guests can speak freely at the table, or pull individuals aside for more private conversations. Or, if the tense atmosphere is too much for them, they can simply choose to leave. But however the truth chooses to come out, Jin Zixuan is welcoming it. And keep in mind, he will know if you are lying.
When: One Mid-Septeril evening
Where: The Jin/Jiang family household
What: It's Family Dinner Time (and also time to reveal the truth about what happened back on their world)
Warnings: Discussions of murder and death, infidelity, revenge, and a lot of general family drama.
There are so many Mirrorbound from their world, and almost all of them are related in some way, through blood, marriage, or sworn bonds. After discussing it with his wife, Jin Zixuan decides it's about time they all sat under one roof to share a meal. Sure, one third of their contingent is not exactly on speaking terms with another third, and the last third is caught in the middle trying to live their lives as quietly and peacefully as they can, but Jin Zixuan has frankly had enough. He's heard bits and pieces of the future that is waiting for him once he returns to their world, but he's tired of the pretty lies, half truths, and careful dancing around subjects that everyone seems to prefer when he is around. He knows there is more to the story, and he is determined to find out what it is.
The evening begins innocently enough, with Jiang Yanli preparing delicious courses of food in their well stocked kitchen, and Jin Zixuan making sure the dining room is set for the numerous guests they are inviting. There is plenty of alcohol for the adults who like to indulge-- both bottles of grape wine and jars of baiju-- as well as sparkling fruit juices for those who are underage (sorry, Jin Ling) or who would prefer not to partake. The table decoration is tasteful and elegant, a mix of the local style and whatever Jin Zixuan has been able to scramble together that is reminiscent of their own world back home.
When guests arrive, Jin Zixuan greets them at the door and shows them to their seat in the dining room, having carefully plotted out who will sit where so as to avoid any unnecessary conflict (a skill he learned at an early age from his mother). After a few short words of thanks for everyone who came, the meal begins. The food is delicious, of course. No one would expect anything less from a cook like Jiang Yanli. And the conversation is polite, sticking to current events and the trials and tribulations of witch- or monster-dom. Then, partway through the evening, when the main course has been finished but dessert has not yet been served, Jin Zixuan speaks up, clearing his throat to get everyone's attention.
"Once again, I would like to thank you all for coming. You have all been a great help to myself, A-Li, and A-Ling as we attempt to find our ways in this world." A good start, neutral enough and gracious to boot. "However," he continues, his face losing its polite smile and turning gravely serious, "I know that there is much that you have been keeping from us. From me, in particular. We have both been made aware of our own deaths, and the many deaths that will follow. But the exact details of how and why those deaths occurred and who is really to blame have been conspicuously left out."
He turns his gaze to each guest seated at the table, each in turn. Everyone except Jin Ling and Jiang Yanli.
"I think it's time we were forthright with each other. Don't you?"
After that, all thoughts of dessert are forgotten. The table erupts into chaos. Guests can speak freely at the table, or pull individuals aside for more private conversations. Or, if the tense atmosphere is too much for them, they can simply choose to leave. But however the truth chooses to come out, Jin Zixuan is welcoming it. And keep in mind, he will know if you are lying.
kitchen time obv
Even after a month of it, it's still deeply thrilling to have a kitchen all to herself, that she can just welcome him into and not have to mind others. He can play around, talk as much as he likes, pester her, and the worst that can happen is someone looks in at the noise and rolls their eyes. If that means she spoils him terribly... well, it can be excused, she's sure. Certainly no one seems to have the heart to disrupt them.
She spares his efforts a glance, then another, longer look, to take in the ears and tails. Tries not to laugh, her lips pressed together in an attempt to look severe, and fails within moments, because his ears are twitching as she looks between him and his creations. Her hands, half-coated in flour, lift to cover her smile.
"As cute as A-Xian. But... isn't it a little strange, to make them look like you--?"
The question ends with an odd lilt, as she realises that that might have been the point.
no subject
Instead of almost as cute as A-Xian? Wei Wuxian's eyes are so round and golden at that, black ears drooping along with the smile on his lips. He reconsiders the bunny buns, the pout on his lips turning into an angry little frown.
And the Drama King of Xianxia award goes to...
"You're right. Maybe I should pinch their ears off and turn them into mice."
no subject
"Aren't they cute because you made them? Mice or rabbits, that's the same... but let them keep their ears."
no subject
"You're right." That's all it takes, just a few words from her to convince him to stop reaching for the knife and put the custard-filled bunnies back down again.
"What do you need help with next?" He turns to face her again, but sees the flour on her cheek and the endless ingredients still waiting for their transformation into something delicious. "Shijie, what time did you wake up this morning?"
no subject
"A little earlier than usual?" It can't be helped. They don't exactly have servants, and without anyone getting up early and setting things in motion, it's up to her to keep things turning. She's had a lot of stocks and preparation to do, but it's all work she's happy to learn anew.
Clearly, he needs distracting, before his attention can turn on her fully.
"The vegetables in that basket there," she nudges his arm in the direction of a large wicker basket loaded with greens. "Will you wash them for me?"
no subject
She's not the daughter of a Sect leader here, or the wife of one either really. There are no servants, and only her to take care of the family.
"Shijie, how many bonds do you have now?"
Jin Zixuan, surely. Maybe Jin Ling too.
no subject
So the question isn't unexpected, even if the topic surprises her. "Ah? Just Zixuan and A-Cheng." Her mouth twists a little, almost unhappy, "A-Ling doesn't know me very well, you see."
no subject
It's something of a question, as he waits for her to confirm it. She definitely looks sad that she hasn't bonded with her son as well. Wei Wuxian finishes his task and comes to stand before her.
"Shijie, please don't spread yourself too thin. I worry that you're already doing too much. If Jin Zixuan can't afford to hire some help, I'll do it for free! You're doing enough already!"