📖 INBOX: hotel caelum

[animated]

charlie 📖

bookwizard

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BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY QR CODE

NAME: Charlie Maxwell BIRTHDAY: June 21st FAV CAKE FLAVOR: Strawberry WHAT THEY WANT MOST FOR THEIR BIRTHDAY: To go dancing! Someone sweep me off my feet already!

Comments

during the lantern festival

[nonexempt]

[ Nanami has been lingering around the festival for most of the night, enjoying himself. He is dressed in a simple yukata to enjoy the festivities in the right style, and it has a little space for his tail to come out, curled against his back most of the night. He has spent his time eating and talking to people he knows and right now, he's watching people dance from off to the side.

His tail wags a little at the sight, even if his expression remains fairly stoic but he hasn't decided to go dancing himself. On one hand, no one's asked him but on the other, he hasn't asked anyone himself. Maybe he should be brave and take the chance? Or maybe someone should ask him instead. Either way, he doesn't seem closed off and without his sunglasses, his expression looks rather soft. Maybe that certain someone should approach him as well. ]

[animated]

[ In contrast, Charlie has ended up with something in-style but much more modern looking by way of outfit.

He's been making the rounds, finding every aspect of the festival interesting, from the clothes to the food to the riddles, but oh... the dancing. That's one of his favorite things ever, but having just arrived, it's not like he knows anyone well enough to ask, right?

Well, maybe not. That's sure a familiar figure eying the dancefloor, and his tail is giving him away.

Charlie sidles up, his own canine tail (blonde, like the rest of him) wagging with enthusiasm. ]

Something you want over there?

[ Nanami should recognize the voice, at least. ]

[nonexempt]

[ Nanami does recognize the voice, and he'll look to the body it's attached to soon after. Dashing, handsome, blonde. Just like he said. It's kind of funny how apt it is. Nanami will bow his head slightly in greeting and let his eyes roam over Charlie to take in his outfit and his appearance as a whole. When he's finished, and seems to like what he sees, he meets Charlie's eyes again. ]

Charlie-san, I take it? You are much more handsome as a human.

[ Just to get that out of the way. He also is less compelled to eat him. Or, at least, not as much. There's still some bite-y feelings in him.

As for what Charlie said... ]

And no... no, I was just enjoying watching everyone dance. People seem to be very happy tonight, don't they?

[ For someone who is used to being mired in misery and pain, this is... nice. ]

[animated]

[ Charlie can very much tell he's getting a once over, and arches a brow in response. Not that he thinks he sold himself short (pun not intended), but it's not like he knows Nanami well enough to know the man's tastes.

But as it turns out, he's got good taste indeed. Charlie chuckles a little. ]

The one and only. And thank you for saying so. I have to keep up with present company, don't I?

[ In terms of handsomeness. He's got eyes, and he has to admit that Nanami looks much better when not seen from a bird's perspective.

His gaze flicks back over to the dance floor, his own tail wagging as he watches. ]

They do. I've never been to a festival like this before. It's pretty nice, isn't it?

[nonexempt]

[ Keep up with present company... ah. He gets it. This is not the first time he's been told he's handsome but it's still not common for him. He feels a little warm at the compliment.

He doesn't say anything back, just lets his eyes look back to the dance floor when Charlie looks as well, noticing how eager Charlie looks about it out of the corner of his eye. The tail wagging helps.

He'll nod his head in agreement there, considering. ]

It is. I've been to similar festivities at home but there are a few differences here. I know the man who put together the festival is not from Earth, if I recall, so that make sense to me.

[ A pause, he keeps thinking about Charlie's enthusiasm. He's never really asked anyone to dance before and he's not usually keen on putting himself out there but. Well. New experiences, right? He's trying so hard to shake off the terror and misery that comes with being a sorcerer and instead live in the moment here in the hotel so... ]

Er. Do you... want to dance?

[animated]

Ah. That explains the kind of sci-fi bent to everything.

[ It's not terribly obvious, though it is there in small ways. It's interesting to him that someone not from Earth would still come from a culture that so strongly resembles that of China. There really are all types out there in the universe, huh?

He's still watching the people dancing, wondering if Nanami might like to join him for a bit, when he's beaten to the punch — a touch awkwardly, but that makes it all the more charming. Charlie glances over, ears perking and tail wagging all the more. ]

I was just about to ask you the same question. I'd love to.

[ Offers his hand! ]

[nonexempt]

[ At Charlie's agreement, Nanami's expression doesn't change very much — still as stoic as ever. But. His tail does wag just a little at his response and the offered hand. He's not... entirely prepared to dance, not a lot of experience with it in the first place but he does want to dance with Charlie. He's not going to look into that desire too deeply though.

Instead he'll reach his hand out and take Charlie's, curling his fingers around his palm to grasp his hand gently. Then he looks back up at the man and he doesn't smile but his features soften a little with a short nod. ]

Let's go.

[ And he'll step forward to head to the dance floor with the other man! ]

un: nanami.k | after his visit with yuji while gojo is gone

[nonexempt]

Hi.

Are you available for a drink?

[animated]

hey handsome

for you? always.
everything okay?

[nonexempt]

[ It is... remarkable how much his mood immediately improves upon getting that message back. Enough that he finds the tension leaving his body already.

At the question, he pauses for a moment but... he doesn't want to lie to Charlie either. Gojo had said he should let others take care of him, didn't he? This is part of that. ]

Itadori-kun was having a rough day and needed me. He's better now but it was hard seeing him so down.

[animated]

ah, gotcha

[ Charlie doesn't fully understand what's going on in Nanami's world, apart from the bits and pieces he's picked up along the way. What he does understand is that it's A Lot, and that poor Yuji seems to be involved somehow.

That's a lot for a kid to take on. If he's sharing those burdens, then great. Charlie is all too happy to share whatever Nanami's part of that burden is, too. ]

wanna go out or stay in? i've got stuff at my place

[nonexempt]

[ It is A Lot. Nanami hasn't even figured out yet all he wants to share about it with Charlie, but he has shared that he's Yuji's mentor and he finds it rather fulfilling a role. He cares so deeply about Yuji, but he can only do so much in his position here.

He doesn't intend to burden Charlie too heavily, he just... wants to see him. Wants to hear his voice, see his smile, feel a little lighter after such a heavy day. It's been nice, having someone like that in his life suddenly. Nice to just embrace the feeling wholeheartedly. ]

Let's stay in. I'll head towards your room.

[ He's not intending to get drunk, he just wants a drink. And some conversation. Maybe they could read a bit together and — and cuddle. God, he wants to cuddle so bad. How embarrassing. ]

[animated]

i'll be here 🩵

[ Yes, with the heart emoji. This is just how he is.

Anyway, Charlie will indeed be there. Nanami will find that when he steps up to the door to knock, it simply swings open for him obligingly. Once he's inside, it swings shut again. Wizards, man.

Said wizard is on the couch in the sitting area with a book, and gets to his feet when he hears the door open. He gives Nanami a soft smile. God, it's good to see him. Even if the circumstances maybe aren't the happiest, it's always good to see him. ]

Hey, you.

[nonexempt]

[ Look, Nanami may not be an emoji man but even he's happy to get a heart emoji from the guy he's dating. Come on, he's not that above it all.

He definitely moves to knock when he gets there but then the door just... opens up and then. Closes for him and you know, he's seen weirder, objectively speaking. So, he just goes with it.

When he approaches the sitting area and spots Charlie, he finds himself softening slightly and at the smile he gets when Charlie stands up, his heart aches. He's not in his suit but rather a sweater and slacks, so at least he doesn't look so severe, though he has his sunglasses on. He'll approach Charlie then and take his hand, squeezing it. ]

Hi.

[ And then he's going to kiss him, cupping Charlie's cheek with his free hand and bending down to capture his mouth in a sweet kiss. ]

early to mid march

[vecna]

[The third floor is a familiar place to Henry....... because he literally lives there.

But also, because it's a floor that specifically suits a talent of his that never truly got the chance to grow due to a myriad of reasons cropping up in his lifetime; but the inclination to dabble, to create some manner of art, still compels him. It's an outlet. It kills the time when it sometimes feels as though there are too many idle hours in the day. It's a little fun.

He's walking into one of the studios--the kind for painting--finding himself stilling at the entrance when he realizes someone else is already here. It's a shared space, so that's not surprising, but he doesn't think he's seen this man before. (Well, in a human shape, anyway.)

As usual, Henry defaults to arms-length politeness.]

...Need help looking for something?

[animated]

[ Kanji’s message over the network might have gotten Charlie a little motivated to start looking for supplies (and minis) for painting. At least he already knew where to find the paints, having been down to the third floor once already.

He’s busy rifling through a disorganized bin of paintbrushes when a familiar-sounding voice addresses him. The wizard straightens, turning with a grin.

… Jeez. Even the spider guy is tall. ]

Hey there! You probably don’t recognize me without all the feathers, huh?

[vecna]

[Henry's brows hike up in recognition. Oh, it's-]

Charlie?

[And Charlie's another blond twink. Go figure.]

You definitely look different than the last time I saw you. But I guess I do, too; a lot less eyes and legs. So what are you doing in here?

[animated]

[ Hotel Caelum’s biggest import is apparently blond twinks. ]

Yeah, we’re both definitely more human-shaped.

[ A laugh. ]

I’m after some supplies for painting minis. Like, really fine tip brushes and stuff.

[vecna]

We are.

[He has no remark to make on whether being human-shaped is better than spider-shaped, and instead walks in to eye the bin that Charlie's fossicking around in.]

Fine tip brushes... You won't find them in there. I can grab a few for you, but what kind of "minis" do you mean?

[mini what]

[animated]

Guess I should have consulted an expert to begin with! Thanks for the help.

[ He’ll leave the bin, then, ready to follow Henry to wherever might have what he needs. ]

They’re like little figurines. [ He holds up his hand, thumb and forefinger poised at about regular D&D mini size. Definitely no bigger than a couple of inches. ] I use them for game nights at my bookstore.

on white day

[nonexempt]

[ Today, Charlie will find a little box with a bow on it on his kitchen counter. There is a note attached, written in Japanese but with the hotel's translator Charlie will be able to read it just fine. ]

Charlie-san,

I wasn't able to do this for Valentine's Day but I thought White Day might be appropriate, in order to pay you back for all the sweetness you have shown me.

Please enjoy.

- Nanami Kento

[ And in the box will be a mix of white, milk, and dark chocolate hearts. Handmade by Nanami, of course. ]

[animated]

[ It honestly takes Charlie’s American ass a few moments to remember what White Day even is, though that certainly doesn’t make getting such a heartfelt gift any less special.

A bit later, Nanami will get a string of texts: ]

thank you for the chocolates!!
but like, you really don’t owe me anything, you know. i’m just as glad to have you in my life 🩵
like sincerely, i’ve never known anyone like you before. it’s like i’m living in a fairy tale every day and i couldn’t be happier

[nonexempt]

You're welcome.

It isn't about owing you anything, more showing my appreciation. Promise.

I do hope I can continue to please in that regard. If it's a fairy tale, I aim to give you a happy ending. [ NO INNUENDO MEANT. ]

[animated]

[ No, innuendo like that isn’t really Nanami’s thing. Charlie knows he’s being quite genuine, and it warms his heart. ]

you do. every day.

[nonexempt]

[ Not much needs to be said beyond that but Nanami isn't inclined to just leave Charlie on read after his sweet message. So, he'll just reply with a — ]

❤️

[ An acknowledgement, and a form of digital affection. Nanami isn't that much of an old man. ]