[D0, LA] Late Afternoon is for Tea (Open)

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

"I'm from Scorpion lands, things aren't very direct there", he said, naturally alluding to that he hadn't had many compliments and no he doesn't handle them well.

[Seppun Unsei]

"Should I give my compliments more subtly then?" They tilted their head to the side, sending their cowlick jutting out like some odd coat hanger.

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

It's certainly not for me to say that...

"Having pretty eyes isn't my doing..." especially since I don't have them. "I think Seppun-sama is rather cute when they give compliments the way they do."

[Seppun Unsei]

"Being cute isn't anybody's doing, you're just born with it... usually anyway." They said before smiling happily. "And thank you, Shosuro-san. That's very kind of you, but I shouldn't be top surprised given how sweet you've already proven to be."

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

How could they not see the difference between being called cute, and doing something cute? It's clearly different.

"And Seppun-sama continues to make me wish my tea were finished so I count put on my mask properly."

[Seppun Unsei]

Everything was cute to Unsei. Doing and being was one in the same and their dumb little face proved that.

"Ah, I tried to be more subtle with that one. Was it not good enough? I can always try again, or you could teach me."

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

"Where I come from, the words are insults as read on a scroll, but a person saying them can reveal their intention to you in personal way", the Scorpion explained.

[Seppun Unsei]

"Yeah! It's all in how you say it! Like, if I say something like..." They cleared their throat.

"You look totally beautiful today, Shosuro-san!" They said in a bright, cheery voice. Then a moment later

"You look totally beautiful today, Shosuro-san." Their tone this time was a bit more neutral and sarcastic, along with an emphasis on totally, done in a sarcastic way.

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

"...erm...yes", he said, keeping his cool, which is easier to do when your eyes are dead. "Something like that." He did finish his tea again though. "Though I guess it's more like...saying something insulting with love."

[Seppun Unsei]

Unsei pondered on that for a moment before nodding some. "Hmm, I can sort of see that, yeah! Like a mean joke, but when you say it with friends, they understand it's with love. That's more than just tone though. Oh! Do you want some more tea, or do you want to put your mask up and hide your smile from me?"