jigokulogs | [CLOSED] AUGUST CATCH ALL

[All things considered, Hu Tao was rather surprised that she managed to make a new friend. Or rather, it was rare that somebody would ask her to meet up when it was usually the other way around. Not that she was complaining, it was nice to know that she may or may not have found someone whom she would talk to often.

That being said, as she walked over to their meeting spot, she gave a wave toward Marie before letting out a giggle.]

Look who it is, it's been quite a while since I last saw you! Time has definitely flew by, huh?

[While there wasn't any birds, she couldn't help herself. Get it?]

[It seems that she didn't have to wait too long, and her eyes trail over to Hu Tao with a wide smile. Glad to see that the younger woman found her through the crowd that was beginning to form around the tea shop. About to greet her, until she completely pauses at the pun. Her eyebrows furrowed, before laughing at the horribly good pun, in her honest opinion.]

It sure did! I'm glad you didn't get pecked along the way... With the way those birds were chasing after us, I was honestly expecting them to follow us home.

[She finally stands up from where she had been sitting before, and slides open the door to the tea house so that Hu Tao can go in first. Honest to god contemplating a cigarette before tea, but she'll have one after they depart.]

I heard the snacks and tea are good here. Hopefully they'll please your palette, Hu Tao.

[Ah yes, it was wonderful to see how Marie didn't seem to mind puns. It was quite nice to know that she has found another person who seems to enjoy her sense of humor. That said?

As Hu Tao stepped forward into the tea house, she couldn't help but take in a deep breath. Again, it was oddly nice to be reminded of Liyue. Even if it was for a split second.]

That depends, what kind of snacks and tea do they have? I'm afraid I am a little picky! A funeral director can have a rather particular taste!

[No, not really. She just wanted to see how fancy this place was.]

[Once Hu Tao takes a step in, Marie follows right behind her, with the door sliding closed behind her. The shop keep immediately greeting the two, and motioning them to sit down at one of the nearby, private tatami rooms. It's a particularly clean, and well furnished room. One where they can certainly spend a lot of time indulging in tea and snacks if they so choose.]

I'm actually not too sure myself! I chose this place because they had the private rooms. Didn't look too much into the menu, but there's one on the table.

[Marie slides off her shoes, and climbs up the few steps leading up into the tatami room. Luckily, there's a menu on the table, that has countless savory, and sweet snacks that pair well with the long list of premium teas they have. Needless to say, this place is starting to appear quite expensive. Not that she minds; she had a bit of stardust on her.]

[Now that wasn't quite like what she seen back home. If anything, it reminded her of she had heard of in Inazuma. Or at least, what people have told her as she had yet to ever leave Liyue. As she sat in one of the seats, she was rather impressed as her eyes took in the scenery.

Of course, that was before she looked at said menu. Raising an eyebrow or two, she stared at her before looking back at the piece of paper once more.]

The items here are rather expensive! I am curious as how we can afford it.

[Not that she wanted to insult Marie but after dealing with a certain undertaker? She had to be prepared to pay if she had to!]

[Marie can't help but lean into the windowsill to enjoy the scenery outside. Her eyes peering over at a small lake just outside of their seat, before turning her gaze back to the younger girl with a smile. Not too surprised that she looks a bit skeptical, she honestly would have too, if she was brought here. But she doesn't hesitate to reach for a small baggy that she kept hidden by her chest.]

I found some stardust during the festival, so don't worry too much! But I do have some yen left over as well.

[She wasn't going to make the young girl pay for her, that wouldn't be right!]

I could probably pay for you, too, actually. Sharing the wealth and all.

[One of the waitresses pops her head in, ready to take their tea order first. Marie staring at the list of tea in front of her, and getting a simple jasmine tea for the two to enjoy. The waitress bowing to them, before she retreats to grab their pot of tea. But not before telling the two that she'll take their food order when she comes back.]

[Well! That was certainly a surprise. Or rather, she wasn't expecting Marie to obtain such a thing. But then again, she wasn't one to talk after what she did with Matoba a while back. Still, it didn't erase the look of shock on her face.]

Only if you want to. It just means that I'll have to pay for you the next time I take you out.

[When the waitress left, she couldn't help but ask.]

Although, I have to admit, I wasn't expecting you to have some stardust on you. Here I was, expecting to pay for your half of the expense!

[That look of shock on her face is cute, but understandable. Still, it doesn't stop her from smiling despite everything. Eyes staring at the bag, before reaching for it again to place it back into her breast pocket for safety. A content hum leaving her once they're alone again, and her eyes peer back at the menu to see what she can eat while she's here.]

Is that something you're used to? Who would make you foot the bill at such a young age?

[She looked rather young to be footing the bill for someone else. Still, it pipes her curiosity.]

Well, as long as I have a means to pay, I'd be happy to pay for you, my dear. I'm used to it back home, since, well. I have to admit, I have quite a bit of money back home. I'm pretty generous about treating people and giving away money, and I don't mind doing the same. Don't need too much here.

[For a moment, Hu Tao wondered if she should say anything. The last thing she wanted was to bad mouth someone who just got here but at the same time...? She glanced upward before crossing her arms. Oh, what a decision she had to make.]

I'm afraid so but it doesn't matter. As long as he is willing to help me with my business, it cancels out!

[Nevermind that Zhongli sometimes can leave a pretty big bill but now wasn't the time for that! Instead, as she continued to ponder, she gave a small smile.]

Even so, it's still only fair that I pay you back the next time we go out! Although, please do be careful. I wouldn't want you to get a rather nasty receipt later!

[She tilts her head to the side in curiosity, but when she does not name the person, she figures that she still has a good standing with this person. A smile slowly spreading upon her lips in amusement at their relationship, finding it typical of a sibling relationship, if anything.]

Business? What kind of business do you run?

[Marie can't help but be a bit curious, since Hu Tao seemed so young. Still, she finds it admirable that she has a business to begin with, especially at such a young age.]

Alright, alright. Deal. The next time we go out, you can choose, and I'll keep the bill low.

[Luckily, she wasn't a person that required much to be pleased. Her bill here wouldn't be too bad, since she didn't intend to order much. Wanting to spoil Hu Tao, rather than herself, but she keeps that to herself for now! Proud that she loved to spoil her friends, but finding it a bit embarrassing to admit.]

I think I figured out what snacks I'm gonna get. How about you?

[There was a moment of hesitation. Despite knowing that people were accepting of death, it always made her wonder if she should be so outspoken about her profession. As she stared at Marie, there was a look of worry before giving a slight smile.]

I work as a funeral director. It's certainly a profession to die for!

[She giggled to herself before looking at the menu once more. There were so many things she wanted and yet? She knew that she didn't want to leave a large bill for her new friend.

She couldn't impose on such a thing...!]

How about some onigiris? I think that would go well some tea! What are you getting?

[Oh. Maybe she shouldn't have asked that question; having caught that look of worry on her face. About to speak, to let her know she didn't have to talk about it. Only to stop when Hu Tao reveals what she does, along with that pun. Marie left blinking a few times, before she does laugh. Her humor always being a bit darker than others. Still, she wasn't one to judge Hu Tao, and to ease her worries, Marie smiles in turn at the girl. Merely shaking her head at Hu Tao's unease.]

Is that so? I could have used you in the war; there were a lot of dead bodies and you would have made a ton of money.

[Her dark humor shows, but really, she isn't bothered by Hu Tao's profession. In fact, she finds it quite admiral that someone so young is able to handle death so well. She certainly couldn't, when she was that age.]

I think I might get these taiyakis and mochis to go along with our onigiri then!

[With that, the waitress finally comes back to take their order. Marie ordering what she stated before, as well as the onigiris that Hu Tao had mentioned.]

We'll see how we feel and then order some more food if we're still hungry afterward.

[Now that caught her off guard. Raising an eyebrow or her, she couldn't help but look up and down at Marie. From what she could tell, she certainly didn't look like somebody who was a soldier. But then again, looks can be tricky.]

I didn't know you fought in a war. Or is that rude of me to assuming that?

[After all, she could only make assumptions based on what she was saying. Still, her thoughts couldn't stay too focused on the topic for long. Instead, she paid attention to the food.]

I hope you are prepared because I will admit, I do have a bit of appetite myself! I like to think that I can eat a lot more than you think!

[Granted, she was joking but she might as well order just a tiny bit more if she was paying!]

It's not rude of you! Not a lot of people would assume I'm a soldier... But now that you know that I am, if you ever need any extra protection, I'm your gal!

[Not that she thinks Hu Tao would need protection. She saw her power up some of her fire magic during the festival, after all, and that power was certainly something. But still, the offer was still there for her, just in case she needed Marie for anything of that sort.]

I don't mind if you get more! It's a special occasion; to a new friendship and all, my dear.

[Luckily for them, it doesn't take too long for the waitress to come back with their onigiri. It was placed neatly, and nicely for that matter, on an intricate dish. Said dish being placed in the middle of the table, and right next to the pot of tea.]

Oh! I think my friend wanted to order something extra!

[That gets the waitress' attention, and she turns her head to Hu Tao again. Pen and paper already in hand to write down her order.]

Fear not, I shall ask you should the time come! That and it lets me know that I should be careful when I'm teasing you.

[Not that she should be worried, she knows Marie can handle a joke or two. However, that does make her see the older woman in a new light. A solider was the last thing she expected and it does make her wonder what kind of things she had seen in battle.

Still...

As she was about to say something, she found herself talking with the waitress. Giggling to herself, she wondered what she could say.]

I do believe that hell also has something called "Pocky", correct? If so, I would certainly like to try the most recommended flavor. Although, I am aware there is a spicy flavored one!

Oh no, please don't hold back when it comes to teasing me! I can take a joke or two, my dear! My war buddies and I tend to crack jokes, and poke fun at each other all the time.

[The last thing she wanted was for Hu Tao to hold back in their friendship. She wasn't as sensitive as other people, so she didn't mind in the least. Though, her attention is quickly brought to something that Hu Tao mentions. She knew what pocky was, given the fact it existed in her world, but. Spicy flavored...? There was intrigue about it, to be sure.

Even more so when the waitress mentions that it's a chili-oil flavored pocky that was quite spicy. They would bring out the chocolate pocky, but also bring out a sample of the chili oil flavored pocky that surprisingly paired well with the chocolate, since the sweetness and spiciness complimented each other well.

The waitress bows to them, and leaves once more to get the remainder of their order. Marie quick to raise an eyebrow, as she finds herself ever more curious about this chili oil pocky.]

I do enjoy spicy food... But I won't lie, this diabolic pocky sounds kind of weird.

[That was good to hear. At least it meant that she didn't need to worry about what she might say around her. That said, as she raised an eyebrow or two at Marie and then back at the waitress?

She wondered if she should order something else. Although, it seemed that she didn't need to wait for long. The mere mention of chocolate with chili oil was enough to bring her to a smile.

The moment the waitress left, Hu Tao couldn't help but give a light giggle.]

Then all the more reason why we should try it? As the saying goes, we only live once! Why waste that time when we should enjoy the moment? I do believe the saying is... YOLO?

[Oh the wonders of internet slang.]

[There's definitely a look of uncertainty on her expression right now. Not that she didn't like spicy food or anything! She certainly enjoyed it, but this was a bit... Weird, to say the least. Still, it's as Hu Tao says. Even if she practically wants to spit out her tea. Immediately having flashbacks of her students yelling out that particular phrase before doing something stupid.]

Oh, my dear... You're starting to sound like one of my students. They love to scream out YOLO before scaling off a building or something stupid like that.

[That reminds her...]

I better add that to my book of slang. I don't know if you're familiar with Xingqiu, but I made a little notebook for him that's just filled with a bunch of slang words. I think I might have forgotten some, so thanks for reminding me.

[She carries around the book with her, justttt in case. About to pull it out, before she notices the waitress coming back with their food, and... That pocky that was stacked neatly on the plate and smothered with chili oil. The smell radiating through their little room.]

... Oh. That's um. A lot of chili oil.

You make it sound as if it was a bad thing! I like to think that staying with the times on what is fashionable is me making sure I fit in!

[Although, she had to admit, it was strange to hear that such phrases were used in other worlds. However, she wasn't complaining. Instead, it made her feel as if she knew what the young folks knew these days!

And yet...]

Oh, I wasn't aware that you knew him. He's my roommate! If I had known you given him notes, I would have asked and looked into it myself.

[That said? She chuckled to herself at the imagine of her and her best friend throwing slang at one another. Perhaps they might add that into their poetry sessions. But her thoughts were cut short when she saw the snack before her.

Raising an eyebrow, she looked back at Marie and then back at the snack.]

Then shall we try it? You want to go first?

It's not a bad thing! I try and keep with the times myself, so I'm not called this dreaded "boomer" thing.

[She has to wonder if Hu Tao knew what that meant, given what she said. If she was in the loop with what these kids were saying these days, certainly she knew what a boomer meant. And god forbid, if she knew, hopefully would never call Marie that.]

Oh! Yeah, I have the little notebook on me right now, actually. I keep it just in case someone says something that I've never heard of before, or I remember some slang in the middle of the day. If you want, you're more than welcome to have a look at it.

[With one hand, she reaches out for the notebook that was hidden behind the breast pocket of her kimono. More than happy to place it on the table, where she can take a look at it. After, well. They eat this pocky, that was just absolutely drenched in chili oil.]

Uh... Sure...

[She was the adult, after all.

With that said, she reaches for the pocky, careful not to get any chili oil on her fingers. Eyes staring at it for a bit longer, before she leans in and takes a big bite of the pocky. Marie chewing it a few times, before she tastes the chocolate, and the chili oil, well. Surprisingly balancing each other out.

But it is spicy. Oh, is it spicy.]

My god that's pretty damn spicy, but the chocolate balances out the hot flavor of the chili oil.

[Ah yes, the dreaded "boomer" term that she heard about. From what she had gathered, it was for people older than her and does not know what all the latest trends were. While she had one certain person in mind, she kept that to herself. Instead, she'll just chuckle.

The moment she got the notebook, she raised an eyebrow or two at a few words. Goodness, she never even heard of "cap" or what a "Karen" was supposed to be. Regardless, she'll have to keep scanning for them at another time.

Right now, she had to partake in what was probably known as a hot chili challenge. As her eyes widen at Marie taking the big bite, she was shocked to hear her response.]

Really? Then perhaps I should try it too!

[That said, as she dipped the pocky in said oil, she too took a big bite! And the moment she did, all she could do was immediately look around for some water!]

T-They weren't kidding, this thing is spicy! I need something to drink, my tongue is burning....!

[Oh man, her mouth was on fire at this point, and her hand seeks out the ice water that had been melting on the table right beside her. Hand already grasping the cup, and chugging it down with ease. Practically swallowing the ice with the water, as she tried to get some relief. Why did they add so much chili oil to begin with? She understood this was a challenge, but good lord.]

At least we can say that we partook in the challenge... I think.

[She downs that glass of water, and on cue, the waitress comes back with the remainder of their snacks, and two glasses of soy milk to help with the heat of the pocky. The woman looking like she's trying to stifle a laugh at her two patrons. Which, Marie catches, and finds herself smirking a bit in amusement herself.

Still, she's grateful for the soy milk, and with that, takes a sip of it.]

I should be able to finish the rest of it, but first... I'm going to enjoy our other snacks.

[Following right behind her, she immediately grabbed the nearby iced water before drinking as much as she could. For somebody who was a little adventurous, she had to admit. This was a little too much!

The moment that she drank the last sip, she gave out a gasp before coughing.]

You're telling me! I never thought that would be enough to burn my tongue off!

[With the look of the waitress and the soy milk, all Hu Tao could do was give a sigh. Looking at the other snacks, she couldn't help but nod in agreement.]

Who would have known that chili oil would be that spicy?

[CLOSED] AUGUST CATCH ALL

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