The door opens for him after the first knock; and Jedao is smiling and waiting. He's brewed up one of the teas he rather likes, an entrancingly delicate white tea, clean and herbal and light. He's raided the kitchen for fresh fruit, so there are green apples and one orange in a bowl on the table as well.
Shen Wei steps just far enough into the room for the door to slide shut behind him, then bows at the waist, graceful and deliberate, until his his hands rest shadowy his upper thighs and his torso is parallel to the floor. He straightens just as deliberately, just as gracefully, then repeats the obeisance twice more.
When he finally straightens his eyes are bright in a way they haven't been since before he was demoted, since before Flotilla, and he swallows roughly before managing to murmur, "Thank you. For the very great gift of your trust. And your care."
He doesn't really believes the latter, not yet, but he's disinclined to argue about it, at least.
His smile is wider and softer than anything Jedao's likely ever seen on his face, unless he's seen him looking at Zhao Yunlan in a particularly happy and unguarded moment. "I-" He hesitates for a moment, the smile dropping away as he presses his lips together before continuing, quiet and steady- "I was wondering, if you might ask the Admiral for the return of one more of my power?"
"My ability to share my senses with others." He dips his chin slightly, and adds, "You asked once, how I normally perceive the world, and... I would like to show you what your gift has returned to me, if you're willing."
His smile is smaller now, as much in the way his eyes crinkle with pleasure as the curve of his lips. But it's no less radiantly pleased, and it's so very different from what he normally allows anyone to see, willingly or otherwise. Not serenely distant, or gently concerned... or terrified, confused, lost. It transforms his face, makes him look vibrant and alive, and very very young.
"Thank you," he murmurs, and waits in hope the Admiral will agree, waits to feel that power at his fingertips again.
He's paying close attention, so he feels the change, and he dips his chin smile spreading slightly wider as he feels something within himself stretch and settle just that fraction more, feels the energies in his body thrum to a slightly deeper, richer chord. He gives himself a moment to feel the contours of his expanded, however minutely, self, then lifts his head and opens eyes he hadn't noticed shutting.
"Thank you," he murmurs again. "If... if you would place your hand on my shoulder." It feels less intrusive, less forward, than touching, just as he'd done with Zhao Yunlan the one time he'd shared this with him so long ago. "And close your eyes, if you don't mind?" It's not essential, but the woman he'd learned this gift from had said it made it easier on those she shared with.
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"Come in, uncle," Jedao welcomes him.
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When he finally straightens his eyes are bright in a way they haven't been since before he was demoted, since before Flotilla, and he swallows roughly before managing to murmur, "Thank you. For the very great gift of your trust. And your care."
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His smile is wider and softer than anything Jedao's likely ever seen on his face, unless he's seen him looking at Zhao Yunlan in a particularly happy and unguarded moment. "I-" He hesitates for a moment, the smile dropping away as he presses his lips together before continuing, quiet and steady- "I was wondering, if you might ask the Admiral for the return of one more of my power?"
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He quickly pulls out his communicator to add the addendum.
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"Thank you," he murmurs, and waits in hope the Admiral will agree, waits to feel that power at his fingertips again.
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"Thank you," he murmurs again. "If... if you would place your hand on my shoulder." It feels less intrusive, less forward, than touching, just as he'd done with Zhao Yunlan the one time he'd shared this with him so long ago. "And close your eyes, if you don't mind?" It's not essential, but the woman he'd learned this gift from had said it made it easier on those she shared with.
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