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It's true, there are so many places to go for food... it would take weeks to try them all!

[sizhui follows suit, taking bite upon bite of the sandwich, almost to the point he might look a little ravenous, though he does finish after a couple moments. going out and ordering food, whether they stay at the restaurant or get their orders to go, is a much easier way to feed themselves if they're not using their kitchen. however, sizhui's gotten rather good at cooking, sort of likes pouring his energy into planning meals, prepping the ingredients then tossing it all together into something delicious that he can enjoy, with someone or by himself. if wei wuxian would like, they could go to the market and find something that sizhui could cook for them both.

while it's tempting to immediately start explaining what the party was, perhaps it's best that he focuses on talking about the flower problems instead, this way he can consider what details he might have to omit in case they're a little too, ah, risqué to put forth. (because yes, he'd dipped into the emote-spiked punch and done some questionable things, but his father doesn't need to know that!)

he shakes his head,] No, I don't think so? I'm not coughing up flowers anymore and there are no chest pains or other side-effects I've experienced.

[such a good dad! but he needn't worry, not when his son figured out the trick to getting rid of the strange disease.]

[Wei Wuxian would be over the moon if his son cooked for him. He is pretty sure he would swell with pride and happiness that he would likely burst. He would love to try his cooking at some point. He has so many ideas for things that they could do together...of course a lot of them are revolving around food at the moment. Probably because they are both hungry and filling their stomachs.

His father certainly wouldn't know whether to swell with pride that his son has grown up enough to enjoy the more risque parts of a party...it is probably also better he doesn't know all the details.]

Good, good...If you ever have problems like that make sure you contact me. I want to make sure I can do anything I can to make it go away. Ah...I know I can't help with everything...but..[He waves his hand with the utensil and a piece of chicken attached to it in the air dismissively. He will not help his son when things are more...sexual...in nature since he knows that this world has some weird effects. But he is willing to help with anything else.]

I will help any way that I can! I don't want you to suffer.

[well, that's settled then! at some point, they'll come back around to food, and sizhui won't waste any time suggesting the idea. whatever they both decide on, he'll cook, even if that means working with something a little bit out of his league. (and yes, spices will be included with that offer!) offhandedly though, he can recall a few other things they might try out; the waterfront park, the arcade, some walking in the night gardens, a night at the eqinox for karaoke! or perhaps they could travel a bit and maybe see the dangu street cafés with their delicious teas and coffees and adorable animals? check out hana-sa gardens?

—the point is, there are plenty of places for them to go, it's just deciding which ones they want to start with.

what sizhui also thinks is a good decision is leaving out some details here and there, both about the party and the flower problems; mostly the latter because, while there aren't any lingering side-effects, it'd been a bit painful when it was happening, so he's unsure he wants to worry wei wuxian with that problem now that it's already over.]

I'll remember for the next time I start coughing up flowers. [a wide grin brightens his features, followed shortly thereafter by a laugh because, though he knows it's a possibility, he hopes it won't be happening again anytime soon. lucky for them both, there's absolutely no way he'd approach his father with anything of a sexual nature, far too embarrassed by even considering the idea he would've had to ask about the whole ‘birds and the bees’ talk, but thankfully, he already knows enough about it with the help of the network, the many stores around noctium and zhuque (although he isn't an option anymore, sadly).]

Thank you, A-Die, I hope you know the same offer extends to you from me. We have to take care of each other, after all.

[They will have many adventures together since even if they are places they have been before, it will feel like they are new when they attend them with one another. He will be happy to see all of these places with his son at his side. there is also still much to this world they haven't seen. he is sure that they have only been able to scratch the surface of what is available. Much like the hotel it seems like they get glimpses of new areas every so often.]

Of course! I've been lucky enough to avoid a lot of the unpleasant stuff but none of us are completely safe from it. Next time I'll be sure to call on you.

[And some of the things he has ended up with he certainly wouldn't discuss with his son either. They both are going to have their secrets and that is inevitable. There are just certain things that shouldn't be shared...

But for now he can enjoy the pleasant meal and conversation since they both seem to be free from any of those pesky problems at the moment.]

How is your meal?

[aw gosh, that's so true though? sizhui will have to suggest places he's gone and whatever ones his father hasn't visited, they'll have to go re-experience them together and vice-versa for whichever ones wei wuxian has been to and his son hasn't. there are loads of new places sizhui's not visited and what better way to expose themselves to new things than with one another? it'll be great, he knows it, anything that involves spending time with wei wuxian usually is and nobody can change his mind on that.]

Good, and I'm glad you've been able to avoid most of it, honestly. [some of these events haven't been great, to say the least, and he'd much rather those he cares about avoid it instead of suffering any consequences.

he's certain they've both got their fair share of secrets and is also one-hundred-percent fine with this; there really are things that don't necessarily have to be shared with everyone.

but they needn't worry about such things, not when they're making up for lost time.] It's great. [so much so, sizhui's only just now realizing he'd devoured that second sandwich in-between their conversation, prompting him to reach for the fruit next.] Thank you again, I really do appreciate you bringing food to share with me.

I'm even starting to feel a bit more like myself.

Good! {Wei Wuxian has definitely noticed that the sandwiches seem to have disappeared fairly quickly which he is pleased for. He wanted his son to feel better and he wanted to be sure that he was eating. At least his plan seems to be working so he can call this operation a success.]

Food is an important part in keeping up our strength.

[He reaches out and gives his son a little pat on the back of the shoulder. Just a gentle reminder that even the casual touches and the feeling of affection they have for each other is also necessary to continue on. He is happy to give his son those pieces of help as well.]

And contact is as well. So make sure you don't forget the important pieces. I don't want you turning to stone.

[Like he almost did a year ago...That had been a rough time but he was glad he had so many family members to drag him back to his senses. A lot of that family might be gone now but that just means they have to make sure they take even better care of each other as best that they can.]

[frankly, he feels a bit embarrassed at how quickly he'd eaten them, but it makes sense he would be rather hungry after not having anything for... longer than he wants to admit. instead of thinking about it too much, sizhui opens the fruit container and chooses a piece of mango, which he promptly pops into his mouth, further emphasizing his father's point of them needing to eat.

he nods, offers a muffled mm! in response, then casts his attention to where wei wuxian pats his shoulder, his eyebrows faintly arched with surprise. being touched isn't all that astonishing, especially not by his parent, yet he can't help it, as it feels like it's been some time since his last physical contact with anybody.

after swallowing, sizhui's non-sticky hand lifts and rests on his father's arm again, gently squeezing for reassurance.]

Right, yes, we don't want that to happen either. Thank goodness, Synchrony can be obtained through platonic affection too.

[it hadn't occurred to him until this very moment that'd be a problem; with zhuque gone, he wouldn't be able to produce manna like normal, and given the loss of their other cultivator family, it also reduced their synch partners down to just each other— but they needn't be deterred by this because they do still have one another! even now, his emerald is glowing slightly, warming between his shoulderblades with their mutual contact, the enjoyment of sharing a meal together.]

[When he has almost turned to stone last year it was the fact that he had taken up living with Yanli that kept him from being completely turned. The love she felt filled the house and just that feeling was enough to keep him living. He would gladly do the same for this son. He is grateful that the rules of this world do not restrict them to more intimate connections for survival. Even he can feel the warmth of their connection in that red gem in his forehead.]

If you ever feel a little off or it has been too long, make sure you call on me immediately. We will do whatever you want even if it is just sitting together.

[He says this firmly but with a smile on his face. this benefits them both after all. He is still fondly watching his son eat, only occasionally nibbling on his own meal as he just enjoys the contact between them.]

You should remember which of these things you like the most so that we can get them again sometime.

[that's so wonderful though; yanli could always fill any home with such a warm, loving sensation, it's a shame she also left all those months ago. sizhui misses her a whole lot, even more-so now when he realizes how little family he has left, and that only solidifies his decision to try and spend as much time with the father he has left. in-person check-in once a week, maybe? he'll text message him every day, however, just to ask how his day is going at the very least.

he upturns from his food, letting his gaze drift all the way up to wei wuxian's ruby gemstone, lingering for a long moment then finally lowering to his eyes again.] Sitting together is completely fine, but it's you and I. I'm sure we can find something far more interesting to do around here.

[why shouldn't they have fun, huh? there's so much they can do on noctium, after all, and it'd prove great distractions from their sadness. it's instinctive to move closer, but sizhui figures he shouldn't crowd too much of his father's space – just in case! – and stays where he's at (for now). later, perhaps he'll scooch closer, he is fine where he's at currently, though.]

Well... I definitely liked those sandwiches. This fruit is good too and, to be fair, you can never go wrong with cake.

[He laughs and reaches over to collect a piece of cake. He definitely can agree to that. He has found he has quite the sweet tooth since traveling between all these worlds. There are just far too many good desserts out there.]

I don't know how many of the cakes you have tried, but there isn't a bad one out there.

[Even if Shizui doesn't move closer, his father will eventually do so. The more contact, the better! This is his son after all. He would be happy if the boy checked in on him every day. There would be nothing that would brighten his day more.]

I have a personal goal to try every piece of cake that exists. But since there are different shops and every makes cake differently it is a very long process.

[to no one's surprise, sizhui has learned the same thing while on noctium. he hasn't quite finished his fruit, but after seeing wei wuxian reach for cake, he can't help closing that container and reaching for the double-chocolate cupcake he'd set aside earlier; it seems like it'll be a lot, though at this point, he's not too worried about a sugar overdose that could lead into a crash later.]

The ones I can remember off the top of my head are vanilla, lavender-lemon and chili-chocolate. [all of which were ones he'd tried with lan wangji and the other wei wuxian, so of course they bring fond memories alongside sad, reminiscent ones, but they were all good cakes.

however, briefly coming back to that aforementioned crashing, he might just very well do so against wei wuxian's shoulder if it hits him hard enough! so hopefully, he won't mind if his son decides to sleep on him, either.]

Oh goodness, I can only imagine how much cake you've already eaten, just from Noctium alone! As long as you don't make yourself sick while doing so... I'm sure there isn't anything wrong with trying them all.

The key is not to do too many in one day. Just a treat after a good meal. But obviously not every day.

[If he did have one every day he might have actually been able to try everything but it was impossible to expect to enjoy a dessert after every dinner. But he has already lost count of how many different flavors of cakes he has tried. And of course...sometimes he doesn't try something new and just goes to a favorite because cravings happen.]

Have you tried to make any of the cakes yourself?

[Even his cakes tend to be spicy...but he has tried to be a little more restrained with what kind of things he puts into his food.]

Every other day might suffice though, yes? As long as one doesn't consume too much sugar before then too.

[overdoing it with sweets can upset one's stomach, sizhui knows from experience, so he's been careful to not eat nearly as much throughout the week and, if he has a really bad craving, he does his best to choose something that won't overwhelm. after having learned what a sweet tooth he has, it's been hard to resist, but he sees no harm in enjoying sweets, aside from the havoc it can wreak on his insides if consumed in excess.]

I did try recreating the vanilla bean cake once, but... it didn't taste quite the same. However, it was still very good, I just wanted to see if it was possible to make instead of going and buying it all the time. [if it were easy to recreate though, the tea shop wouldn't make as much money as it does now, would it?]

These places have their own recipes that they like to keep secret. It is no surprise you couldn't make it to match it perfectly. But that also means you can make it your own and sometimes that will be even better.

[He believes in his son's ability to cook things and he would enjoy being able to taste even the experiments. Of course he has a fair amount of pride of Shizui and believes his son can do nothing wrong.]

It makes sense though. Having more people know the recipe opens up the chance for other competition, even if I wouldn't be recreating the cakes to make a profit off them. [he smiles faintly, unsure if he could make something better than the miniature layered vanilla cake he's grown a fondness for, but he appreciates the confidence anyhow.]

Well, one of these days, I'll have to make it again and gauge your opinion. I find the main difference between them is mine isn't as sweet?

I look forward to trying it. There are probably ways to make it sweeter if you desire to do so. I can't say I know a lot about cooking and what would make it that way but there are probably ways to find out.

[He tends to stay away from libraries but that doesn't mean there aren't other options for looking up what makes things sweet. He finishes his own treat and sets the empty container aside.]

But I also don't need it to be very sweet. So don't make it any sweeter on my account if you don't want it to be that way.

Experimenting with more sugar or vanilla would be a couple of ways, I'd think. Perhaps getting onto the network and seeing what recipes other people have made? If we're being honest, however, I find it plenty sweet as is and almost prefer it that way.

[while the network is one way, sizhui could also check out bookstores and libraries himself then report back with his findings. (speaking of which, he's finding all this chocolate to be richer than he'd thought, so he'll either be taking his time or saving some for later— unless wei wuxian happens to be interested?)]

Then, if I may be so bold, I would say you'd probably like the cake I make. It's just sweet enough without overpowering the vanilla.

[He won't take his son's treat. He'd rather see him save it for later and eat it slowly. The more food that is left over, the less Sizhui will have to worry about cooking for himself. He had brought all this food just so his son would have plenty of leftovers.]

Sounds perfect! We can have a baking day at some point and I can taste it!

[For now he will start to collect some of the empty containers and trash and separate them from the containers that still have good food in them so that they can be put in the appropriate places later.]

[all good points, really, and it's not like they have to divvy anything up between them when they both live in the same house! not having to cook will take that pressure off them for a little bit while they recover from their loss and then they can make more solid plans for a baking day.]

We'll have to be careful or else we might make too much and then we'll have to figure out something to do with the leftovers.

[sizhui spares a thoughtful look toward his remaining fruit, takes another bite of the cupcake then closes it up, sets it aside in their growing leftovers pile and returns to nibbling on his fruit instead.]

I'm sure there are plenty of people that would be willing to take baked goods off our hands. Especially if we are just giving them away for free.

[It's not like they need the money. And he would enjoy being able to share and brag about his son's cooking to anyone that would listen.]

Most definitely! I don't think there are many people that would turn down free food, no matter what it is.

[gosh, he'll be a little embarrassed and sheepish after all his father's praise, but he'll one-hundred-percent support their mutual interest to share delicious food with other people.]

It would be nice to have a big banquet meal and party some day.

[He places his hands behind him on the bed and rests his weight on them, looking up towards the ceiling of the room thoughtfully. It would be a lot of fun but with most of their family gone it wouldn't quite be the same. But he is sure they have both made friends in this place that would be happy to get together for a big meal.]

There aren't enough reasons to party on this world.

We'll have to invite all the people we know and maybe ask them to extend the offer to some folks they know? If we really want it to be big, that is.

[with most of his fruit polished off now too, he sets the container and his utensil aside, lifts both arms above his head in a long, deep stretch before dropping them and resting his hands in his lap. he sighs afterward, shifts slightly then leans his head against wei wuxian's shoulder, suddenly feeling sleepy again now that he's content and not nearly as hungry anymore.]

You don't think so? [sizhui casts him a sideways glance, considering.] The native gems seem to find reasons to celebrate all the time.

Of course! The more, the merrier! Everyone would be welcome as long as they know at least one person that is coming. And even if they didn't...we wouldn't turn them away.

[Parties are more fun when there are lots of people around to enjoy it. The festive atmosphere is infectious. He lets his son rest, staying as still as he can so that he doesn't make it difficult for him to keep his head there.]

The festivals and things are nice but sometimes seem to be overshadowed by darker things. But do you really hear much about birthdays or weddings? We celebrate the native parties...but what about our own?

Surely not. It isn't proper cultivator behavior to turn away someone in need. [and yes, food definitely counts, even if it's someone who hasn't struggled with that, either. noctium provides its residents with just about anything they need, but it doesn't mean they aren't someone who might need help in some sense.

this is also true; what's the point of throwing a party if you can't invite many people, right? (small get-togethers are also okay too, just different when compared to what they're currently talking about.)

sizhui will stay leaned against his father's shoulder for however long he's allowed, not quite drifting off, although his voice has softened somewhat compared to the higher-energy responses he'd been giving earlier during mealtime.] Ah, yes, I do suppose there's that. [it's been a while since the last ‘party’, hasn't it? was the masquerade the last one? haah, he doesn't quite remember, but.] Not much? I've seen a few birthdays on the network, most of people asking what they can do for their friends... No weddings, I don't think, and I've not seen anyone celebrate anything from back home.

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