Tea Ceremony Express ( Shen / YiXue )

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Having never been there before, Shen had gotten directions, though he hadn't liked the look on the person's face giving him those directions. It seemed to say 'better you then me' but surely that it was just a tea house? What could be so bad about that? Curiouser and curiouser. "People certainly seem to have opinions about this place at least," he said turning at the corner indicated and seeing the sign. "No wonder I have never seen it before, tucked back here in the back..."

As they approached the door he caught a glimpse of pink in the window and a lacy pattern on the lower half of the windows. A touch concerned about the lace look, he opened the door for her and let her precede him inside. As with most guys, he did not care much for frilly and such that most girls did and he was glad to see it was not a place covered in it, mostly restricted to the window areas and tables. "I think not a window seat maybe, too distracting..."

But wow was it pink!

That however was not a problem for him as pink and red were very popular colors in many Chinese homes and places, warming up a corner without moving to red or bright yellow where the omens were bad. As they approached a table, Shen noticed the room was about half full without too many people there which was good. he picked up a pair of menus from the front and followed her lead trustingly as she held his hand and as he sat put the menus down saying "Well then, I imagine most people wouldn't mind this so much."

@yixue

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YiXue looked about the place and smiled. A lot of places in Hogsmeade looked a bit drab and even grim sometimes, but this place was bright and vibrant. Holding Shen's hand, she turned to her boyfriend and smiled at him too.

"It's beautiful in here," she said. "I just feel the positive vibes, don't you? I think this is going to be a really fun date."

She agreed a window seat would be too distracting and was happy with the table Shen chose.

"Great choice, Shen," she said. "It's so cozy here too." YiXue looked over the menu and saw a great selection of Asian teas. "Oh wow, look at what all they have, and they have some Chinese dishes too!"

The waitress then came over to greet them warmly and take their orders. YiXue smiled back at her and made her order.

"I'll have the Dragon's Song Tea and the Asian Combination Platter," she said. "Thank you."

The combo platter had chicken, spring rolls, dumplings, rice, and soup and YiXue figured it would be delicious given the reputation of the place. She then smiled at Shen, wondering what he would order. She hoped that it would be something different so they could share dishes.

@shava44

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YiXue took to it instantly it seemed and remarked on it. "Positive yes, they clearly like pink a lot too. Is that a favorite color for you?" They went to a table and she spoke about how it felt cozy whereas with his knowledge of feng shui he thought it was a bit crowded, maybe a bit too much. "Feels a bit close to me more, they should leave a bit more space between tables for good flow. But this table itself feels cozy yes, I agree with you there" he agreed turning back to her and forgetting about what the place looked like.

It was hardly important and thus could be ignored for the time being.

As she looked over the menu he reached across the table and held her free hand, feeling it was the perfect thing to do right then and smiled at her before he glanced down at the menu and was pleased by the variety. "They do have a wide selection of teas and I see several I know." He glanced up in complete surprise when she mentioned Chinese food! He'd never heard of a tea shop which served meals besides little snacks and he turned his menu over seeing that the back of it had food!

"Huh. Meals in a tea shop That's different." Quite surprised he glanced over it and when the woman came over to take their order he nodded and said "Um, I'll have the Jasmine Dragon Tears Green and a double order of the dim sum please. And maybe some water in the meantime?" As she left he looked still a bit surprised at the fact they had meals, but shook it off, determined not to let the place ruin his time with her. Still holding her hand he looked at her eyes and sighed. "That is not very nice, my Sack Girl, looking so pretty. Especially in your new dress! Do you not realize these people are trying to get customers to buy things, not just stare across a room at you?"

@yixue

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YiXue smiled and shrugged about the pink.

"I like all vibrant colors," she said. "They represent happiness and energy. I like pink because it represents love to me. So it's the perfect color for being with the guy I love." She then briefly kissed Shen on the lips.

"I suppose there could be more flow, but at the same time this feels intimate, and we can share our happiness when others in here," she said. Granted, a little privacy could be nice too, but YiXue liked to think positive.

YiXue raised an eyebrow at Shen about the meals.

"I thought I told you I knew they served small meals here," she said. "This is a lunch date after all, my silly Dumpling Boy. The tea shop in Diagon Alley does as well. They're not like restaurant meals. They're more like appetizers, which is why I thought we could share everything."

YiXue then blushed about his mock anger with how pretty she looked. It was so cute that he was disguising a compliment.

"Awww... well don't worry your handsome head, Dumpling Boy," she said. "People can look, but my smile and my pretty dress are all for you. We will just have to endure the negative vibes of the envious."

@shava44

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Of course, whatever the subject, a kiss made him forget about whatever importance it might have had. Colors were, after all, colors. "I've already forgotten what I was going to say next," he said with a wink feeling rather silly. As to the tables, he tilted his head as he looked around. "Ah, well I was looking at it from a feng shui point, not so much a social aspect, but I can see what you mean. I doubt they would be interested in hearing the Chinese perspective however."

The food comment deserved more talk.

"Oh I remember you speaking about small meals, I'm used to tea shops having small cakes and crackers, cheese, that sort of thing. I've never been in one that served anything more then that. Usually they just stick with things that go with the tea and enhance it. That is why I was so surprised. Something like this would seem too many flavors to match tea well." Of course, she had said meals, but he wasn't expecting anything as elaborate as even appetizers. he smiled at her thought as he added "The tea I think will far surpass anything I could have at school so I think we're in a very good spot regardless!"

YiXue spoke about the dress and how it was for him and he enjoyed her blush! Before he could say much more the lady returned with their teas to begin with, setting down a pot of hot water and a little box for each of them with tea, sugar and, milk. A pair of spoons as well and Shen thanked her, already anticipating the smell of such a wonderful bouquet as a proper cup of tea. He ignored the milk as even though he was an Englishman by birth, he knew that Chinese tea was no place for sugar or milk for him. Others could add, but he wasn't going down that path!

@yixue

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YiXue saw that she and Shen had differing views on things, but that only made their relationship more interesting in her opinion. She laughed when the kiss made him forget what he was going to say.

"I think the physical and mental aspects of the decor all go together anyway, so we both make good points," she said.

YiXue laughed about Shen expecting them to eat cheese, crackers, and cake there.

"If I knew we were just eating that here, I would have recommended the Three Broomsticks and we could have gotten a hamburger," she said. "I like that this tea shop is different. It offers something different from the other places in the village, don't you think? Actually, don't think too hard on it, Dumpling Boy. Just enjoy it. The food will probably be wonderful, as will the tea, and most of all we're together." She took Shen's hands. "Will you enjoy yourself for me?"

YiXue then fixed her tea, though she wondered why they had to dip it themselves instead of it being served already made in a pot like most other tea shops. She was beginning to agree with Shen that this was a strange place after all.

@shava44

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Shen would later reflect they made an interesting juxtaposition of opposites in some ways, his eyes looking for the natural energy of the world, hers looking for a different way of interpreting colors, his mind delighted by the making of tea and hers finding it odd. "For you? I will certainly do so for you, my enchanting Sack Girl," and he brought both their hands to his lips and kissed hers. When he saw they could do the tea themselves he smiled happily, far more pleased with the tea itself then anything else in the odd place!

He picked up the pot and poured for her first, the steamy water, sending up it's message to the heavens. Pouring for himself the cleanliness of the steam cause his to give a firm nod of satisfaction as he collected the tea balls of his particular choice into a small diffuser spoon and placed it in his cup, stirring as he looked into the cup, his feeling of enjoyment rising. "Not as sweet for my spirit as the real ceremony, but I will always adore a good tea making," he told her stirring with one hand still across and holding hers. The small irritations of the place faded for him again in the moment and it was clear in his eyes there was something very old world in his eyes as if a soul reborn.

An oddly conservative boy, Shen felt to many of the old Chinese ways even though raised in England. Not all of his siblings took so well to the old Chinese habits and pleasantries and the girl across from him was more modern in many ways of her interpretation of the world. Between them they would learn over time how to match up the rougher edges together to make a seamless whole. It was just beginning to make that realization in his mind as he gazed at her with occasional glimpses into his tea cup. "It truly is remarkable that I find you enjoying being around me so much, YiXue my love, for I confess there can not be many with your sweetness willing to do so..."

@yixue

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YiXue blushed. She just wanted Shen to have a nice time. She definitely wasn't about using her role as his girlfriend to manipulate him. That was not in her nature, and she would never do it. The only things she wanted to persuade him to do were things that would help him be happy. She loved him so much.

"Thank you," she said. "I love you."

YiXue was glad Shen enjoyed the tea making. She wasn't crazy about doing it at a place where the staff should do so, but she was still glad he enjoyed it.

"I bet you could make a really good tea," she said. "I can't, but I can make cocoa. I'll make you some when it gets colder and we stay warm together on winter nights in the Common Room."

YiXue knew some girls would coldly turn Shen down because of his disability. She had certain words she refrained from saying to such girls. But she wasn't like that. She feel in love with Shen for all the right reasons.

"Shen, why would you find it so remarkable?" she said. "Look at what all you have that's wonderful about you. You're handsome, and your spirit is so beautiful. I love every minute I am around you. You're the first person I think about when I wake up and the last when I go to sleep. I could not picture myself being with anyone else."

@shava44

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Although Shen did not see it as manipulation, he had little issue with a woman using her charms on a guy. After all, it was a map practically for a guy to follow in the realms of a woman's mind set which could be very confusing at times. The two genders didn't often mesh perfectly with mind sets and thinking and he'd gladly take up hints of this nature as a strong hint. "You are more then welcome!" He smiled, enjoying both her flush of pleasure and that he had caused it. It wasn't a feel of power either, though akin to the same rush, so much as something he couldn't name about seeing her reactions to him so positive and alight in her eyes.

He could very easily find her addictive if she remained this responsive!

As he smelled the air above the tea he nodded. "Dad always got our family together and did a tea ceremony once a week. We learned to enjoy peace and silence through it as well as an appreciation for where we come from as a family. I have always loved the peace and familiarity of a good tea made well." Removing the spoon and setting it aside he picked up the cup, inhaling the delicate fragrance, enjoying the smell of the tea's soul and personality. There was a beauty in these simple things most did not see or appreciate and he knew this, but it was clear in that moment that tea was an important part of his life.

Opening his eyes to slits he smiled and said softly "That will be delightful, YiXue! I shall look forward to it..." His own flush came, dampened a bit by the calmness in his heart right then by the tea. "Well maybe I do not see myself as so handsome as others in the dorm and in the school. I am not athletic nor well framed nor super smart, nor particularly brave. I'm just me." He shrugged, taking a sip with every evidence of complete enjoyment. "I know no other way to be."

@yixue

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YiXue had second thoughts about the making of tea as Shen spoke of what his family did. It was beautiful. She found herself wanting to participate in it some day.

"That sounds amazing," she said. "Maybe you could teach me how to make a good cup of tea. I mean, I can make the simple ones of course, but I'd love to do something like that. Since you're not with your family, maybe we can gather some friends and do one ourselves."

YiXue then beamed about the cocoa. She now wished winter would come so the two could do that. Cocoa and snuggles with her Dumpling Boy. Best winter ever!

"Awesome!" she said. "If we're lucky, it will get really cold before then and we can do so in late autumn."

When Shen said he was just him, YiXue was grinning ear to ear. She found herself just staring peacefully at him for a moment.

"I love you being you," she said. "I don't need you to be a star Quidditch Player or Head Boy or some genius wizard. I just want you to be the one I have been in love with for so long."

She then smiled as the food arrived.

"Let's eat and then go outside," she said. "Maybe find a quiet place..." She then winked at him.

@shava44

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Her interest warmed him as much as the tea did, a nice validation of his efforts. "I will get some tea to take with us and I can show you in the common room for a few days and then when you feel good about it we can invite some others to join us, or you can sit with me and my family when we do it in school." In fact, that seemed like an even better idea to him. "Let's do that actually. I'll show you the basics and then you can join me and my family when we do our weekly tea. Would you like that?"

Her words made his eyes thoughtful. "Actually, there is something I can get my mother to send to school. We don't normally make it much except in the early mornings at home in the winter, but I know she will have a batch made up in the kitchen at home. Have you ever heard of the drink Russian tea? There's nothing Russian about it, but it's a rather delightful smell." She made him blush when he explained he was nothing special; she seemed to not care about that part.

It was especially nice to be noticed and appreciated even when you didn't think you were special.

Liking the idea of quiet time especially, Shen quickly gave her half of his small wrapped appetizers, and they shared food, sipping tea. By the end of his second cup, and feeling very very content, he didn't have much concern about putting down the required galleons. As he stood he said "Maybe this place is growing on me a bit..." He received the bag holding his tea samples he had ordered and they were soon ready to go. he took her hand saying "All right, you lead..."

@yixue

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YiXue liked the idea of making tea with his family. It would be good for them to do that first, and then invite students once YiXue got the hang of it.

"Okay, I'd like that," she said. "Thank you for wanting to teach me."

YiXue shook her head when Shen asked about the Russian Tea.

"I don't think I've had Russian tea... only British and Asian, but I'll definitely give it a try," she said.

The meal was really great, and she had a feeling the two would come back to the place quite often. However, now and then she would crave a cheeseburger and a milkshake and suggest the Three Broomsticks. YiXue was all about Asian meals, but she was also all about burgers and shakes too.

After they ate and the food was paid for, YiXue took her boyfriend's hand and they headed out. With his permission for her to lead the way, she found them a big, quiet log to sit on. It was a bit into the wood so no one would really see them unless they were paying attention. But YiXue really didn't mind if someone saw them snogging, as long as they weren't jerks and made some rude comment.

Sitting down, YiXue cuddled with Shen.

"Thank you for a wonderful meal, Dumpling Boy," she said.

@shava44

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Shen paused. The truth was he would have done quite a lot of things she asked him to, but he recognized she didn't really care for that answer so much so he stopped and rethought his next words. It was good that he did so too. "Dad always told me that the best was to learn yourself is to teach others so anytime someone wanted to learn you should attempt it even if you are not an expert. because you learned more often then the person who is getting a lesson. So when you ask to learn, I shall always attempt to teach at the very least even the small stuff."

It was a good answer. It said both that he would do whatever she asked at the same time explaining a reason he thought she would appreciate, covering himself in other things as well for the future. "it comes off as an orange-lemon tea with cloves and cinnamon in it. it has a wonderful smell and different taste. Not as good as a straight tea, it's still has a charm for the winter which can be quite delightful." For a moment he almost asked what sorts of things she liked to eat the most, but then figured out he would find out over time.

And since the dishes at the table changed to include stuff from different background, he would surely see stuff as he sat with her.

As they left she didn't head into the streets so much as she headed out of the village and led them towards a log to sit on. Surprised he followed and when she sat down joined her close. As she cuddled close he opened his arms, sliding one around her shoulders properly to hold her as she leaned into him. It felt very right to have a woman there somehow, as if it was something he hadn't know he could want. "You are most welcome my Sack Girl, I enjoyed it more then I thought I would. I think the company was the best part!"

@yixue

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YiXue loved Shen's dad's knowledge and how it was passed down to him. YiXue wondered why Shen felt he wasn't highly intelligent. She thought he was brilliant.

"That was epically said," she said. "I look forward to learning from you, and I think you'll be a great teacher. I mean, you already have a favorite student, right?" She chuckled a little at that.

YiXue loved the sound of the tea Shen described. It actually sounded more delicious than cocoa.

"Mmmm, I can't wait to try it," she said. "I heard the Magic Neep here sells some unusual teas. Maybe we can look around there before we head back to Hogwarts. If not, we can go next time."

YiXue kissed Shen after he told her she was welcome and complimented her again.

"The company was definitely the best part," she said. "No matter how good the food and the tea, none of it beats being there with you." It might have been the privacy of the place, but YiXue continued to kiss Shen after that. She couldn't help it. She hated that Shen felt he was so ordinary when she knew he was so much more. He was special to her and an amazing part of her life.

(Done on my end)

@shava44

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Okay, he had to blush some on 'epically said' just because it was a great compliment in his mind. He chuckled with her on the student comment and said "Some how I think this teacher won't get in trouble for having a class favorite, though she still might get teased for it." he touched her chin with a finger, smiling as he did so for she was very striking. If he was a teacher for real he would have a hard time keeping his concentration on his lessons!

"I shall write her tonight then. I want to share everything with you, YiXue." Her idea about stopping by the grocery on the way back was good, though he had always found the name funny to him. Maybe they had some more Buddha pears in he could get as a treat. "An excellent idea. I shall be delighted to go with you for that."

He kissed her back, enjoying the taste of her lips which he was sure he would still be tasting that evening. Shen had never believed thinking oneself perfect a good idea so he had always downplayed his own abilities to be more humble. It was for certain she was going to test him on that a lot in the next few weeks, evidenced by her approaches and the kisses which he had trouble not feeling very good about...

(also done)

@yixue