"Baobei, are you free later to help me with some maintenance on Dahongpao?" Even though used at only one time of year and placed in careful storage for the rest of it, the lion dance costume regardless requires a level of care to maintain Hu Tao's standard of pristine. Especially since their routines are well-practiced and adventurous!

@riteburdened​ || Lantern Rite Shenanigans WOOHOO!!!

"One will make time for you and Dahongpao.” Already they’re pulling up a mental image of their day’s plans, and rearrange it to accommodate their darling’s request. The time for festivities nears the horizon yet again, but the main difference this year is that the ancient adeptus now holds genuine excitement for it. For some of its events, anyway. Ones that involve Tao àiren.

Of course, as usual, the two of them having their own crucial responsibilities and tasks to undertake throughout the festivities’ timespan-- and not to mention all the preparations they must cover now-- mean that neither can afford to waste precious time and energy until the Lantern Rites come to a close. Thankfully, they’ve both realized that they work so well together that as long as they carefully and meticulously manage their schedules and help each other with the tasks, they will have just enough free time to enjoy the festivities themselves. Even with the addition of their Lion Dance duties, neither think it all a source of stress thus far. 

And it’s so... so relieving. Nearly strange, even. For the Yaksha Xiao to be unafflicted with the usual intense pressure and worry leading up to the events. They catch their own expression softening as their gaze flits over to their beloved’s countenance, unaware of their own look returning the smile Tao themself displays.

“Once one finishes tonight’s duties, where shall we meet for maintenance?”