[ Please don't get ketchup paste on his face while you fling that fry around like that. Or on his clothes, he just cleaned this and it's his favourite shirt. ]
I guess that makes sense when you put it like that. It was never a choice for me though, not really.
[ Eating was a break from training, from learning etiquette or politics or history or languages, eating meant something else. He also wasn't always forced to eat with his family, there were a lot of times when eating took place with the guards that were also training, other officers in the palace.
In other words, nothing like what He Ming was used to.
Ras watches with a faint smile as another fry is found, reaching in to find and consume another of his own. Tries not to choke on it with how pleased He Ming says when they are friends eating together. Not that Ras didn't consider them friends, just-- it was something else to hear it from He Ming.]
[ Then they just rank eating as a pleasure differently. He Ming enjoys his fries, still. But—he gets the most enjoyment from seeing Ras fluster a bit. ]
Right. [ He Ming moves close enough to nudge his knee against Ras'. ] Now eat up.
[ Like he thought before, you are clearly here to test him. Ras is fairly sure it is impossible to know He Ming and not find him strangely endearing despite the levels of idiocy that also seem to happen around him. There were times when Ras might actually find that idiocy entertaining, but like the void he would say that out loud.
Ras huffs, pushes his knee back against He Ming's before grabbing another fry to swirl in the ketchup.]
I liked these snacks you could get at convenience stores. [ Do they have convenience stores in other sectors of space? He Ming continues regardless, letting the touch of Ras' knee be unreturned for now. ] They're like, crispy rice sticks... but really spicy, and they come with this extra sauce tub you can dip them in. The sauce is spicy too.
[ He brings his fingertips together repeatedly, as if there's something stuck to them other than a bit of salt from the fries. ]
Makes your fingers sticky and all red. Then you lick them clean and feel your lips burn even more, haha.
[ Do you see the confusion on Ras's face? It is equal parts because he has no idea what a convenience store is (but can extrapolate based on the word) and partly because, well, that sounds not great? Sticky? Burning? Yeah, no thanks.
But yeah he might be a little curious still.]
So was it the spice that you enjoyed more or the sauce? Or the combination of both together? [ He shoves the last bit of a fry into his mouth before grabbing another one completely unthinking.] I feel like the rice sticks could be pretty delicious on their own honestly....
Fun? [ If he sounds skeptical it is because he is, highly. That sounds a little too uncomfortable for him to call it fun.
Though with the way that He Ming continues, Ras isn't quite sure they are talking about food anymore. Slowly, Ras finishes chewing his fry (and grabs another, what is this witchcraft) before he answers, furrow between his brows.]
I'm not sure, there wasn't a lot of things that were spicy when I was growing up, and what was available wasn't really my favourite. Though I suppose I can see how that kind of thing would be addictive.
[ It's fun to have some pain with the pleasure. Exciting.
Yes, addicting. ]
Then I'll cook you something spicy, sometime. And it's the thrill of it!
You've never done something kind of dangerous just because it'll be fun?
[ He Ming leans forward now. He wants to poke that little furrow in
his brow. Instead, he taps his shoe against Ras' and grabs another fry for
himself. ]
Would you be able to teach me how to cook something spicy?
[ Because he is trying to expand his repertoire, also he just likes learning things honestly. Also, it might give him a little bit more of an understanding on just how spicy is spicy.
There is a raised brow at the question, the implication of 'seriously, have you met me' clear. But still--]
Not in a long while, not since-- not since I was a teenager really. [ And he learned that lesson quick. ] But I guess I see your point.
I could try! [ He Ming laughs, because right now he's feeding Ras fries for the first time in his life. He's not sure if they're going to succeed in cooking spicy regional dishes from his hometown.
But yes, they must try. ]
You're not so old yet. You still have time to try things. And you're around us—we're fun. Or at least, I am.
[ He Ming raises his eyebrows a bit, though he doesn't name any names. ]
[ The fact that Ras is eating fires is one hell of a triumph really, and him learning something in the processes is going to make it all the better for him. If there was one thing that Ras did enjoy it was learning, one of the things that he didn't hold bitterness towards in his past.
There is a snort while he finishes the fry, absently licks the ketchup that made its way onto his thumb before nodding.]
I still have well over a century left, sadly. [ He actually looks a little upset about that oops. There is an amused smile at that though, well, twitch of his lips. ] Fun? That how you describe yourself?
[ Look at that, you've unlocked Ras's almost goodnatured teasing as well. ]
Yeah. Isn't it obvious? [ Because he's always doing things and
"being himself". That's fun in his book. Still, he knows he sounds
exaggerated, and he shrugs to dull the effect somewhat. ]
You don't think I brighten your day? Look, what would you be doing if I
didn't invite you to eat with me?
[ Well, you have a point there. Ras hums as he lets his fingertips drill against the tabletop, the almost smile still curling at the corners of his lips.]
[ There is a flicker of surprise on his face at the contact, something Ras still isn't completely used to despite everything.]
I mean, nerd is better than idiot isn't it? [ He isn't pointing a finger at you, honestly. Others who shall not be named. ] Hey! Who said I don't get out of my room!
[ Everyone, Ras. Literally everyone, unless there are actual things to be done, Ras is in his room.]
[ rolling his eyes now wow. but he is still grabbing another fry and the smile hasn't quite faded from his lips so yeah okay maybe you are allowed to be smug.]
Mmhmmm, I can help clean up. Oh, you want some tea?
[ he gestures to the pot on the counter, possibly a little strong at this point but Ras is pretty sure that He Ming will be okay with that. ]
[ in his defence he was making tea beforehand. it was a ritual thing that he did in order to keep himself calm and centred and from overthinking as he was prone to doing. that and it gave him a reason to come here that was more than 'meeting He Ming'. like he needed an excuse.]
Mmm it is. Might be a bit over-steeped but still decent.
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I guess that makes sense when you put it like that. It was never a choice for me though, not really.
[ Eating was a break from training, from learning etiquette or politics or history or languages, eating meant something else. He also wasn't always forced to eat with his family, there were a lot of times when eating took place with the guards that were also training, other officers in the palace.
In other words, nothing like what He Ming was used to.
Ras watches with a faint smile as another fry is found, reaching in to find and consume another of his own. Tries not to choke on it with how pleased He Ming says when they are friends eating together. Not that Ras didn't consider them friends, just-- it was something else to hear it from He Ming.]
Y-yeah. Social, like this.
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Right. [ He Ming moves close enough to nudge his knee against Ras'. ] Now eat up.
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Ras huffs, pushes his knee back against He Ming's before grabbing another fry to swirl in the ketchup.]
Mmmm, what was your favourite spicy food then?
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[ He brings his fingertips together repeatedly, as if there's something stuck to them other than a bit of salt from the fries. ]
Makes your fingers sticky and all red. Then you lick them clean and feel your lips burn even more, haha.
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But yeah he might be a little curious still.]
So was it the spice that you enjoyed more or the sauce? Or the combination of both together? [ He shoves the last bit of a fry into his mouth before grabbing another one completely unthinking.] I feel like the rice sticks could be pretty delicious on their own honestly....
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Both together! The spicier the better. It makes them fun to eat.
[ He Ming's eyes flick down to the disappearing pile of fries, and smiles, eyes crinkling slightly at the corners. ]
The rice sticks are kind of bland on their own... you don't like a little bit of spiciness? The burn is addicting.
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Though with the way that He Ming continues, Ras isn't quite sure they are talking about food anymore. Slowly, Ras finishes chewing his fry (and grabs another, what is this witchcraft) before he answers, furrow between his brows.]
I'm not sure, there wasn't a lot of things that were spicy when I was growing up, and what was available wasn't really my favourite. Though I suppose I can see how that kind of thing would be addictive.
[ Maybe. ]
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[ It's fun to have some pain with the pleasure. Exciting. Yes, addicting. ]
Then I'll cook you something spicy, sometime. And it's the thrill of it! You've never done something kind of dangerous just because it'll be fun?
[ He Ming leans forward now. He wants to poke that little furrow in his brow. Instead, he taps his shoe against Ras' and grabs another fry for himself. ]
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[ Because he is trying to expand his repertoire, also he just likes learning things honestly. Also, it might give him a little bit more of an understanding on just how spicy is spicy.
There is a raised brow at the question, the implication of 'seriously, have you met me' clear. But still--]
Not in a long while, not since-- not since I was a teenager really. [ And he learned that lesson quick. ] But I guess I see your point.
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But yes, they must try. ]
You're not so old yet. You still have time to try things. And you're around us—we're fun. Or at least, I am.
[ He Ming raises his eyebrows a bit, though he doesn't name any names. ]
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There is a snort while he finishes the fry, absently licks the ketchup that made its way onto his thumb before nodding.]
I still have well over a century left, sadly. [ He actually looks a little upset about that oops. There is an amused smile at that though, well, twitch of his lips. ] Fun? That how you describe yourself?
[ Look at that, you've unlocked Ras's almost goodnatured teasing as well. ]
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Yeah. Isn't it obvious? [ Because he's always doing things and "being himself". That's fun in his book. Still, he knows he sounds exaggerated, and he shrugs to dull the effect somewhat. ]
You don't think I brighten your day? Look, what would you be doing if I didn't invite you to eat with me?
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Probably reading honestly.
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[ He Ming returns the smile. With a movement of his foot he hooks it behind one of Ras' ankles and tugs lightly. ]
Nerd. But that's okay. I'll invite you to do more stuff so you can get out of your room once in a while, 'kay?
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I mean, nerd is better than idiot isn't it? [ He isn't pointing a finger at you, honestly. Others who shall not be named. ] Hey! Who said I don't get out of my room!
[ Everyone, Ras. Literally everyone, unless there are actual things to be done, Ras is in his room.]
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[ He Ming laughs and jostles his foot again. ]
It's okay. I'll keep bugging you to make sure you're not dead.
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Hey that's what the nutrient packs are for! Now, at least. Less so before. [ A beat before, quieter:] But thanks.
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[ He Ming might sound a little too pleased with himself. The smugness dissipates, after a moment. ]
Now eat up. I'll clean up after.
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Mmhmmm, I can help clean up. Oh, you want some tea?
[ he gestures to the pot on the counter, possibly a little strong at this point but Ras is pretty sure that He Ming will be okay with that. ]
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[ Not really something that goes with fries and ketchup, but He Ming is not picky. He gets up to fetch some cups. ]
Is this tea you made earlier?
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Mmm it is. Might be a bit over-steeped but still decent.
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[ He pours some into each cup and slides into his seat again, holding his drink with both hands as he takes a measured sip. ]
Mm. Where did you get this? What kind is it?
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Spiced tea, from the Eta Carinae system.
[ home. or what used to be home. ]
Found some at a marketplace a while back, decently priced.
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[ A longer slurp. ]
I don't know if it's supposed to taste fancy or not...
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[ blockades. a tightening of the System Lord's grip there. ]
It is a fairly common tea there, hot or cold. There is a whole planet that just grows the plants used to make it.
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