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[notfoul]

You have reached Thomas Barrow's voicemail. I am unavailable at the moment, but please leave a message and I will respond later. Thank you.

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Comments

[notfoul]

Ah. Fair enough. It's just something I'm used to back home.

[He replies with another smile. Knowing what wine to pair with certain foods was part of being a butler back home. Also serving the wine to the guests - they never poured their own glasses unless the men were having brandy after dinner.

Thomas follows Huaisang down the aisles, continuing to listen.]

Hm, I think I would like to try one of each, try to find out which one I like the best.

[fanoperator]

[Huaisang picks one of each for him, adding them to the basket, and picks out a couple for himself as well.] There we go. Now you're all set for those. Is there anything else you're curious about, before we head home to drink these?

[notfoul]

I think I'm fine for now. Thank you, Huaisang.

[Offering the other man a smile, Thomas heads to the counter to pay for his purchases, thanking the cashier as they are placed carefully into a bag. He waits for Huaisang to finish up with things, already holding the door open with his free hand so the other man can exit the store.]

[fanoperator]

[Once Huaisang has paid, he carefully loads the bottles into the little silk pouch at his waist, all of it disappearing even though the pouch never looks any fuller or heavier.

Thanking Thomas for holding the door, Huaisang nods his head toward his own home, assuming that it's closer. It occurs to him briefly that he doesn't actually know where Thomas lives. As with most of his friends, Huaisang prefers to be the host.]

[notfoul]

[Thomas doesn't always have a lot of company over, and he's never really hosted a dinner party. He actually preferred to go to Huaisang's home, finding it beautiful and lovely, much like the owner.

It doesn't take them too long to arrive at the home and Thomas makes sure to help his friend with the doors if he needed it.]

Where would you like me to set everything?

[fanoperator]

[Huaisang leads him into the library, taking a couple of glasses from the dry bar cabinet on one wall and bringing them over to the coffee table in front of the couch. He curls up comfortably, patting the cushion next to himself to invite Thomas to sit down.] I'm thinking we start with the honey wine.

[notfoul]

[He takes up the free spot next to Huaisang, making himself comfortable as well. It wasn't difficult, given how plush and well-made the cushion was.]

That sounds like a lovely idea. Shall I pour for us both?

[Thomas offers with a smile, happy to do so.]

[fanoperator]

Yes. Please. [Huaisang snuggles close against his side, tucking up his knees and leaning them against Thomas' thigh.]

[notfoul]

[Pouring them each a generous measure, he passes one of the glasses over to Huaisang and gets comfortable against him. Thomas feels content.]

This is lovely. Thank you, Huaisang.

[fanoperator]

I'm glad. [Huaisang gives him a happy smile and then leans in to give him a soft kiss on the cheek.] As you know, I'm always excited to be able to share my pleasures with people, and it's fun to introduce people to new experiences. [Sipping at his wine, he makes a contented noise, savoring the flavor of the liquor and under that, the honey, the hint of the flowers that the bees visited.]

[notfoul]

Oh, I know very well about sharing pleasure with you and being introduced to new experiences.

[He grins, his tone flirtatious. Then Thomas takes a sip from his glass, taking his time to enjoy the taste of the wine, ] Aside from that, I've enjoyed getting to know you over the past while and I value your friendship.

[fanoperator]

[Huaisang wiggles a little with pride at Thomas' words, snuggling close against his side.] I'm glad to know you as well. You've always been so kind and lots of fun. I value your friendship, too.