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[hideawayparadise]

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[hideawayparadise]

I'm really happy for you both. Thank you so much for showing me around. You didn't have to but it means a lot to me that you'd let me see your heart like this.

[Because that's what this place is to Riley. Their hearts on display.]

[theatrics]

(( This home is very much a combination of all who live here, a collection of the things that matter most to them. Ouyang simply nods his head once, though he feels a warmth in his chest at such high praise. ))

Come. Let us get started.

[hideawayparadise]

Yes!

[Immediately, he bounces after him to go to the training grounds. His sword isn't even unsheathed yet and it's already bright orange with excitement!]

[theatrics]

(( He might notice that the sword he gifted to Ouyang is now on his belt. ))

[hideawayparadise]

[He does and it makes him smile so brightly even as he tries not to call attention to it! It's supposed to be serious time now!]

[theatrics]

(( As long as he notices, that's good.

They go through their usual sword exercises before Ouyang adds a few new items to the routine. He finds it's always better to build on a solid foundation and, as he's not dragging Riley off to war at any given moment, he feels more comfortable taking his time. After that, he begins to show him archery: how to hold the bow, how to notch the arrow, how to focus and take aim.

Several hours pass before, covered in sweat from the exertion, Ouyang calls their session complete. But before he dismisses Riley completely, he pats the sword the Fae gave him. ))

This is a fine weapon. I thank you for it.

[hideawayparadise]

[He's so sweaty and panting now. But something that both of them are likely to notice is how he doesn't pant as hard anymore. And he even still has energy after. Because even when he's not taking his lessons he's still practicing what he's been taught, even during that time when they had to take a break.

Right now his fingers ache from learning the bow but he fully plans to get himself a bow so he can practice that now too.

Ready to go, he pauses at the comment about the sword. And then his face lights up.]

I'm so glad. I was really admiring yours and so I wanted to get one commissioned in your style. So I drew out the style I wanted and figured out the measurements to get them to the smith.

[theatrics]

(( Ouyang's eyes widened a fraction. ))

You designed this?

[hideawayparadise]

[Riley nods and then trots over to his bag. Pulling out his sketchpad he flips to the pages. On one he's carefully drawn out Ouyang's original sword and figured out all the measurements to get the lengths and widths right. On the other page is all the stages of he design right up to the final product.]

I gave a bigger version of the picture to the smith and had all the measurements written on it too.

[theatrics]

(( Ouyang’s eyes fill with first surprise, then awe, then pride. That Riley could figure the weights and measures without ever handling his sword was nothing short of impressive. And as Riley is his student, Ouyang wants him to see that in his expression. ))

I am moved.

[hideawayparadise]

[It doesn't matter how tired he is, his face lights up as if he has all the energy in the world.]

I'm so happy you like it. You've believed in me and you've never held back while I learned. I will always appreciate you for that because it meant I truly got stronger.

[theatrics]

(( A small, proud smile turns up one corner of his mouth. ))

I will not take all the credit, Park. Your desire to learn took you far.

[hideawayparadise]

You can thank my parents for that. They taught me that if someone was willing to give you the energy to teach you something that you don't know then you should give them the same energy in return to open yourself to learning what they have to teach.

[And he's so proud of that fact.]

[theatrics]

You honor their teaching.

[hideawayparadise]

[He lights up so much at that then gives Ouyang a bow.]

Thank you! I try my very best every day!

[theatrics]

You are a good son.

[hideawayparadise]

[His gaze warms and he clearly is so happy to hear that. Enough that he tears up a little but he keeps the tears from falling as he smiles.]

You really think so?

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I would not say so if I did not.

[hideawayparadise]

Yeah. That's really true, huh. You always say exactly what you mean and believe in. It's something I admire a lot about you and have since we met.

[He smiles wider at him. A tear does fall but he's just happy.]

I know we don't know each other well but you're a very special friend to me.

[theatrics]

(( Oh no! Ouyang isn't sure how to deal with this 'burst' of emotion. He actually looks around (presumably for help?). Then he realizes they're basically alone and blinks. ))

You... consider me a friend?

[hideawayparadise]

[He nods right away and quickly.]

Yes!

[theatrics]

(( Oh... Well... Ouyang's never really had friends before. Esen, maybe, but the inherent inequality of their relationship made that... Well, it was what it was. ))

Will you come inside for tea?

[hideawayparadise]

[Riley's eyes widen and he points at himself.]

Me? You don't mind?

[theatrics]

(( Oh no. That's kind of cute. ))

Yes, you. I do not see any other here.

[hideawayparadise]

[He stands up straight but there's no hiding how big his smile is.]

I would really love that!