tampered | Log; Complete

When; Shortly after this conversation.
Rating; G.
Characters; Subaru [

fateddance].
Summary; Zhang He offers to Subaru a way of cheering a friend up.
Log;

For what Zhang He had in mind, space was necessary, so asking Subaru to meet him in Xanadu had been the obvious choice. His idea of a spirit-lifting gesture was simple; in cultures like his and Ranmaru's, dance was something meaningful, so the samurai was likely to appeciate the end results. At the same time, learning a dance would keep Subaru from worrying too much, whether or not the thought would be recognised. It was an effective solution, and one he did not think Subaru would object to.

The Wei General had made sure to bring some refreshments, given the physical nature of the activity, which he left inside the gazebo with his zither -- accompanying music would make the process easier. Once he was satisfied that all that was left to do was to wait, Zhang He walked to the edge of the gazebo and leant against the painted framework, as he looked to the waterfall ahead. Even with all his issues with the City, he could not fault the scenery here. "Simply beautiful..."

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Subaru hesitated, unsure if he should have asked such a question. There was a stillness that had settled upon his companion, and he slowly began to recognize it at a sense of nobel loss known to a solider of war. Subaru, who had never lost anyone completely, but felt that he was losing people all the time, wondered if they felt the same.

"He sounds like a magnificent person. I would feel honored to meet him someday." Not wanting to press, he switched the subject. "Have you played very long? I cannot decide if you are more adept at dance or at music.."

"Sadly, he is not the easiest of people to know," Zhang He said with some amusement, before he rose to his feet in a fluid motion. "he is a man that must first be convinced of your worth."

Once he was standing he answered the next question, gesturing elegantly with arms as he spoke. "I have been playing for many years now; beauty should be loved in all of its forms."

With a flourishing movement, he turned towards the gazebo's entrance, and then looked back over his shoulder with a calm smile. "Shall we resume?"

Smiling, both in appreciation of Zhang He's considerable beauty and grace, but also his passion about such things, Subaru rose to his feet quickly. "Yes, I would love to."

He was determined, once again, to do his best--now not only for Ranmaru-san, but for his teacher, who had gone out of his way to help and who was treating him with such kindness and respect.

At the reply Zhang He nodded, then walked outside, back to their previous spot. When Subaru had caught up he folded an arm across his waist, and touched his free hand to his cheek. "Now we shall move onto perfecting your timing..."

And so the process began again, this time with the focus on teaching the right speed of motion; Zhang He kept a close eye on Subaru's balance and ability to keep his movements correct at a faster speed, ready to correct as necessary.

Already he had forgot some of the moments, and he quietly asked for reminders, not letting his frustration get the best of him. He had always been a little slower than his brother, and so asking for help was not something his pride obstructed--rather, he had pride in doing it correctly.

But in a way, it was a little easier going the proper pace; the movements flowing more smoothly into each other and the emotion connected with each gesture more apparent. Perhaps, just perhaps, he could be able to dance proudly for Ranmaru.

Zhang He kept Subaru working and repeating until it was free of mistakes, and he then proceeded to add in a few embellishments that he thought Subaru could handle. Once it looked good, he called a halt, so that they could move on to the last part of his lesson.

"One's performance must always come from one's soul. The truest beauty in your dance will come from your devotion. Do not forget your reasons for learning and you will flourish. Now..." he took a a step backwards and bowed, spreading his arms wide in a dramatic sweep, "I will be honoured if you would so graciously perform."

With a satisfied smile, he straightened up, turned on his heel and moved into the gazebo, then returned a few moments later with his zither. "I will provide a majestic accompaniment."

He seated himself, and poised his hands, ready to play upon Subaru's call with his gaze trained upon the other.

"Eh? Ah.. uhm.. O.. of course."

Blushing darkly for a moment, Subaru cleared his throat and took a deep breath. Of course Zhang He would want to see it, and of course he would eventually be preforming, but it still took him a bit by surprise. He couldn't dilly dally, however, and casting a shy glance over, he took the first stance.

Before starting, he closed his eyes for a moment and thought of Ranmaru. This would be for him, to some how show his appreciation and care, to somehow lift his spirits and perhaps just maybe show him that there still was good things in the world. His determination outdoing his modesty, Subaru opened his eyes and began to dance.

Subaru's shyness was endearing, and Zhang He wore an encouraging smile as his fingers danced across the strings of his instrument. He played a sweet and gentle song, of peach trees blossoming in the spring and bonds of love, tailored to match the movements. Surrounded by the beauty of Xanadu, it was a beautiful few minutes of tranquility.

When the danced reached its end the music trailed off, and the Wei General stood up and moved to meet Subaru.

"Such elegance!" he praised, "the beauty of your dance will see his heart blossom once again."

Now there was no more he could do, other than to wait to hear how it was received, once Subaru had gifted Ranmaru. "Remember this feeling, and take strength from it," he advised, before he bowed respectfully in parting. "You have been a pleasure to teach, master Subaru."

Blushing brighter than ever, Subaru could only smile as the dance ended, not sure how to put his gratitude into words, and not sure how bring himself back from the dance. It had been enjoyable, and taken all his concentration and he was not so used to being that focused.

"T..thank you, Zhang He-san. It is only because of your fine teaching that I've been able to do anything." He took a deep breath, feelings of thankfulness and affection welling up inside him, and he had to blink back the beginnings of tears. "I will remember.. and not waste what I've learned. Thank you."

It was hard not to feel touched by the depth of Subaru's sincerity, and so one last warm smile was bestowed upon the other before Zhang He moved to collect the items he had brought with him.

Once they were rounded up the Wei General took one last glance around, before he made his exit, satisfied with his day's work. There was little in life more pleasing than sharing beauty with someone who would understand it well, after all.

((OOC; Sorry for the delay in finishing this off! :X I promise a pretty little sketch to make up for it! ;) ~~It's too cute not to abuse in art-form!~~ Feel free to write a finishing post yourself if you want; I'll mark this as complete now.))

[ooc; Seems like a goood ending to me! ahdlsjh oh Zhang He-sama *33* so wonderful. EEEEEEEKKKK a pichar?!?! th.. that would be too fabulous for words!!!!!]

Log; Complete

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