noblerise | IC Inbox

[Alas, it is Zhongli. Jusis' favorite migraine.

Jusis' offer to handle the whole thing is... extremely generous. Unfortunately, Zhongli is very particular about his uhhhhhhh everything. There are options to consider, though... Being close to the rest of the Order means that he can help more easily if something goes wrong... even if the area isn't exactly celebrity real estate.

It does have a nice courtyard, but the inside needs to be immaculate.]

I appreciate the offer to handle it all. Fortunately, I'm not so busy that I need to burden you with the entirety of the process. I should be able to search as well, and negotiate the terms of the lease at the very least.

In terms of location I would prefer something within a kilometer or two of shopping. I'd also like to have a ground floor or second floor apartment, no higher if possible. If Arcadia qualifies for those things then I'll consider touring them.

[This is your chance to run, man.]

[Jusis feels like he's about to sign his own death warrant with this, but it's so much better than the alternative. He sends a silent prayer of forgiveness for who he's about to inflict upon the second floor of Arcadia.]

Very well, then I would greatly appreciate you taking the lead on lease negotiations. I shall assist you however I can.

You're in luck. Arcadia does qualify. Though they don't have ground floor apartments, as far as I'm aware, they most certainly have second floor openings. It'd be my honor to personally guide you for inspection.

[Somewhere, perhaps Jun gets a cold shiver of dread and blames it on Mikleo shoving ice down his shirt.]

I only know a little about the law, so anything to do with the rights of renters is probably dated. The foundation of a proper lease, however, is unlikely to change.

[He talks about it like he last managed real estate in the 1950s or something.]

In that case, I have no reason to refuse a tour.

Edited 2023-03-27 07:29 (UTC)

[The eternal question Jusis has whenever he speaks with Zhongli: how old is this man?]

I have enough familiarity with renters rights that it shouldn't be a problem. If you have any questions about what may have changed, I can at least help with that.

Very well. If you have time today, I can meet you in the courtyard.

[Older than dirt.]

I'll be sure to lean on your expertise.

[He isn't doing anything particularly pressing right now...]

I do. What time works best for you?

I'll be free in about an hour. If you require more time to prepare, let me know.

[Migraine, thy name is Zhongli. Oh, well. He's signed up for this at this point.]

Then I'll meet you shortly.

[Since he has nothing else to do, he heads over early so that he can get a better sense of what the apartment complex feels like. The vibes aren't as terrible as they could be, and he quite likes the courtyard... even when he sees them.

Beautiful lilies that bloom only in the night, with delicate white and blue petals, though they're all closed up right now. They're undeniably familiar, enough to make him stop in his tracks and gaze at them for a long, long time. In fact, he doesn't even notice when the time of their meeting happens, and Jusis approaches... He's just staring at the bed of glaze lilies in deep contemplation.

A girl with an infectious but rare smile, billowing dusty sleeves, a brilliant mind. Small hands pressing a stone puzzle into his own. A field of the blue and white flowers, endless like the horizon, dwindling to nothing almost overnight.

He kneels beside the flower bed and presses his gloved fingertips to the soil to examine it. Normally this is something done with bare hands, but he doesn't need to-- he's cheating a little, and using his own magic.]

Someone has been watering you faithfully all this time... but who will sing to you now that she is gone?

[Jusis is free to assume he's completely fucking lost it.]

Edited 2023-03-28 00:45 (UTC)

[Jusis comes out to the courtyard at the appointed time, but he pauses when he sees Zhongli looking at the lilies. He can tell, even from here, that the older man seems to be lost in the past. It's... a look the blond recognizes, both from other Guardians and when he, himself, gets lost in his own.

He approaches slowly and carefully, and he does catch what the other man says. For a second, he pauses and closes his eyes briefly as he recalls Fie and her love of gardening. Jusis takes a deep breath before making his presence more audibly known.]

Zhongli. Have I caught you at a bad time?

[For now, at least, Jusis' tone is softer. More understanding and less businesslike. One lost reincarnation to another.]

[There comes a time when you're as old as Zhongli that the line blurs. The line between present and past, between the human he was long ago and the god he was for a long, long time before that. He's unable to recall huge periods of time despite knowing his own memory is of unfailing, crystalline quality. Perhaps if he had a storyteller to jog his memory... but all he has are history books written hundreds of years after he marched across the battlefields. He doesn't flinch when he's addressed, nor does he respond immediately. Like in all things, his words and actions are measured and deliberate.]

Do you know what these flowers are? They're known as Glaze Lilies, and they're native to a land far from here.

[He rises to his feet.]

Glaze Lilies were once widespread. They covered the plains nearly without end, until a war between many gods flooded the land, destroying the Assembly... and with it, the habitat the flowers depended on. They thrived in other places for a time, but in the thousands of years since the Archon War, they dwindled to nearly nothing. The ones you see cultivated by humans are not nearly as fragrant or beautiful as the ones that grow in the wild, since they reflect the world around them.

... You won't find another flower as sensitive to the world around it. They bloom brightest when someone sings to them or plays music, even midday, though they prefer moonlight to open their petals. Noise and strife tends to kill them faster than overpicking. Such tender blooms are rare among people, too.

[He finally looks over at Jusis. Rather than stony and unreadable, there's a trace of sadness.]

... My apologies for keeping you waiting. I'm ready.

Edited 2023-03-28 17:47 (UTC)

[Jusis actually listens as Zhongli begins to speak. He can hear it in the brunet's voice that there's a long, sad history with these flowers and that they're connected to his past life. Though, there's a certain point where he thinks that Zhongli isn't talking about the lilies anymore.

Flowers that bloom brightest when sung to or music is played for them, huh. A rare flower, indeed. Perhaps this is one Elliot—

Ah, but Elliot might not think very highly of him after all is said and done. Guilt weighs him down like stones in his pockets, dragging him down into a sea of dark emotions. Jusis puts them away, as he's been doing far too much of lately, and makes a decision.]

Perhaps I shall start singing to them. It's been a long time since I've had an audience.

[It isn't much, but it's all he can do. Still, as Zhongli apologizes, Jusis shakes his head.]

Please, no apologies are necessary.

[They mean much to Zhongli. How can he possibly feel anything but empathy for such emotions?]

Follow me, then.

[He'll start leading the older man up the stairs that are in the courtyard.]

These stairs lead directly to the second floor. There's an elevator over there [Jusis points towards the direction of the elevator.] and a stairwell near them.

[Zhongli actually looks surprised. He thought perhaps Jusis would shrug him off, but here he is pledging to take care of the flowers instead. Perhaps he underestimated the serious young man. Wouldn't be the first time, really—every time he thinks Jusis might make a misstep, usually because of something Zhongli himself did, he handles the situation with grace and acuity.]

I... [It really did take him off guard, but Jusis' reward is a very rare smile.] I think they would like that.

[Perhaps one day he'll share the other tidbits he remembers. But as for her... those memories are ones he always kept close to his heart, and he sees no reason to change that at the moment. As if merely breathing her name could cause the remaining grains of sand to scatter like wind scrubbing dust from a stone. He still hasn't recovered that puzzle she gave him. Maybe when he solves it, he'll finally...

Ah. Right. There's a tour to be had. He follows Jusis up the stairs without difficulty or complaint.]

It seems easy enough to get around. The area is walkable, isn't it?

[The blond only nods at that. It's the least he can do after hearing that story, and it gives him a good excuse to practice his singing more.]

Indeed, and there's a bus stop nearby that can take you to Shopping Street, the park, and other major areas in Kaisou. Admittedly, the public transportation here isn't as good as what I'm used to from my home country, but it's better than North Carolina, where I used to live before being assigned here.

[If that hadn't been the biggest culture shock of coming to America from Berlin. Jusis had to learn how to drive as a matter of necessity.]

Currently, they have a couple of two-bedroom apartments and a few studio apartments available on this floor. Do you have a preference on where we start?

[If he's still a little shaken, he isn't showing it. He's taking in everything Jusis says and looking around with curiosity and keen eyes used to observing the tiniest details about everything.]

Public transportation tends to deteriorate as the size of the country increases. For my part, I am happy to avoid riding in another horse-drawn cart. [Even thinking about it makes his back hurt. Bumpy, dirty, noisy... it offended every single one of his delicate sensibilities, and yet that was the best way to get across his homeland for ages and ages.

It's also something people haven't mentioned using extensively in like a hundred years. Bro what. Zhongli failing the sus test once again.]

I'd prefer more space to less, as long as it's tenable.

[He won't mention it's because he likes to stretch out.

As a dragon.]

[...Zhongli....]

Hm. I'm beginning to wonder about your age. And whether or not I should be hearing this.

[He's been wondering, to be fair, but Zhongli's absolute piss-poor ability to not say things that other people probably shouldn't hear reminds him all too well of the Orion sisters. A very strange comparison, but it feels a little apt. He doesn't really recall Millium growing that much older from what little he remembers.]

At any rate, let's look in on each one and see what feels like it's pleasantly spacious for you.

[Jusis pulls out the keys and leads Zhongli to the first two-bedroom apartment they've come to inspect. He opens it up, and lets his colleague go in first.]

This one doesn't have a fireplace, but the other two-bedroom does.

[Zhongli, for his part, just looks puzzled.] Horse-drawn carts are still common in poorer countries, are they not? [He doesn't think he said anything strange at all.] I'm old enough to retire if that is what you are about to ask. If you see me as younger than that, it's merely your personal impression.

[............... anyway]

The other one has a fireplace?

[He looks thoughtful as he takes in the size of the living room, as well as the exit to the patio. He might be able to work with this, but... fireplace...]

I want to see the other one, then.

[HE HASN'T EVEN SEEN THE BEDROOMS]

[Jusis has to count backwards from 10 or else he'll throw Zhongli into traffic.]

You don't look at all like you're in your 60s, old man.

[Really bringing out a side of him that usually only Machias can, here, Zhongli. It's quite impressive.

The blond will be silent for a moment and then shrug. His Royal Geo Majesty has decreed he wishes to see the other room. He might as well comply if this gets the torture done with earlier.]

Very well. Follow me, then.

[Jusis will lock the door behind them once they exit, and then takes the older man to the other two-bedroom apartment. He unlocks it and opens the door for Zhongli, allowing him to enter first.]

[Zhongli is perfectly oblivious to this.] Many people in our line of work don't look exactly their age for one reason or another. Though perhaps in my case it's simply good food, good wine, and good company that allows me to retain some semblance of youth.

[And a lot of good money poorly spent.

He walks into the second apartment and breathes in. It smells like new paint. The floor creaks as he walks across it, stopping in front of the fireplace... and then he moves to the balcony. The view isn't pristine, but it's enough to give him some people-watching opportunity. Not bad.

Then he moves onto the bedrooms. Each one looks rather small, but he's taking a note of just how big the spaces are. He'd prefer something more spacious, but the location... Well, at least the flow of the rooms isn't inherently disastrous.

He steps back into the main living area.]

This one will be easiest to work with, I suspect.

[Jusis just thinks about petting Rean and Elliot in their cat forms. The urge to commit homicide is soothed away by the thought, for now.]

Somehow, I doubt that very much.

[The blond lets Zhongli wander around the apartment. In the meanwhile, he's checking the place for more practical things, such as how well the water's running; if there's any significant damage poorly concealed by the previous tenants, etc.

Jusis doesn't miss how Zhongli phrases that, but it's not his problem.]

Very well. Is your heart settled on this one or do you want to see the studio apartments?

[As much as he wants the torture done with early, he can't bring himself to be less than thorough.]

[One day, Jusis, you will understand.

Or not.

He glances over at Jusis, and not at the patio, which he would like to do for a bit longer.]

Hm... I'd like to look at the studio ones too, if you still have time.

[Zhongli feels he's been very reasonable, since he hasn't simply walked out.]

Edited 2023-03-30 00:06 (UTC)

[Jusis gives him a nod.]

I do have time. Fortunately, all three of the studio apartments do have fireplaces.

[He's caught on that the absence of a fireplace is something of a dealbreaker for Zhongli. The blond leads the older man out, locks the door behind him, and leads the brunet to the first of the studio apartments.]

This one's a little on the small side, but the pictures made it look inviting enough from what I could tell. However, that could just mean that their photographer was quite skilled.

[Well, if he has a choice...]

I see...

[He wasn't born yesterday. He's seen deceptive real estate before. This one is small, but it's built in a way that is meant to be inviting. He takes a small tour... There's enough space to live, but he would have to get creative with his furniture. The reason for this is the patio, which takes up space that would otherwise be devoted to the bedroom.

He walks into the kitchen, looks around, and abruptly delivers his judgment:]

... No, this won't do. The stove and sink are directly opposed. If the elements clash, then energy will become stagnant and could affect one's health and fortune. There isn't enough room for an island, either...

The next apartment, if you would.

[Jusis follows after him, mostly so he can do his own inspection. The layout of the room leaves much to be desired now that he's in it with Zhongli. Though, at his companion's judgement, the blond won't even blink. Given that spiritual energy is real and tangible, he's not going to question the assessment.]

Mm, and there's nowhere near enough room to make it comfortable if you desired company.

[He heads out of the apartment and locks it behind them. Jusis then leads Zhongli to the next, and unlocks the door.]

This one I noticed something suspicious on the patio and in the bathroom. I couldn't tell from the photos if it was surface damage or something that could turn into an expensive problem.

[He's somewhat relieved he doesn't have to fight to convince Jusis on something like that. Sure, he can tolerate being within a space that's... not exactly up to par, but he'd prefer not to live in one. Explaining the taboos of interior living to people not from his homeland would be exhausting.

He looks thoughtful as Jusis mentions something suspicious about the patio and the bathroom.]

Let me look.

[He walks through the living room, which is otherwise unremarkable, and straight to the patio. He takes one single step onto the concrete and stops.]

There are cracks in the stone. [He looks around, feeling them more than seeing them. Finally he sees a crack leaking out from the siding of the building near the edge of the back door, and reaches out to touch it.] It's likely due to water damage. You have a good eye—it's old enough that it's begun to affect the integrity of the patio. It isn't about to collapse, but it will need to be renovated in the next five years. It's also begun to affect the angle of the slab.

[Jusis follows the man out to the patio first. He sees Zhongli freeze as if he's sensed something within the concrete itself, which he makes a mental note of. It's entirely possible that their new teammate is a highly sensitive Earth user.]

That'll be a very involved process of repair work. Are you able to see if it's near the bathroom? It's possible that the angle is causing problems for that side of the building whenever it rains.

[Of course, this is just a theory, but he's no stranger to this kind of damage leading to other problems. North Carolina's old buildings are great for practicing how to look for it, that's for sure.]

[Jusis could just ask, but this is more fun.]

Possibly. Something this severe usually extends inside until it becomes impossible to ignore.

[He walks back in and makes his way towards the bathroom, noting the creak of the floorboards. The bathroom is a good size and smells of bleach and fresh paint. Zhongli, however, is looking at the details of the wall that also faces outside.

He makes a thoughtful noise and kneels beside the backsplash.]

This was installed recently, most likely to mask the evidence of flooding. But you can tell because of the ripples in the wall and the ceiling that it's an ongoing problem... as well as the scent. Water damage in this climate freezes during the winter, causing cracks to accelerate.

Thankfully there are no units on the first floor, or I would be concerned about water damage there as well.

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