Wei Wuxian | 魏无羡 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
singlelogbridge) wrote2022-02-25 01:37 pm
singlelogbridge) wrote2022-02-25 01:37 pm
Inbox: Ximilia
// Wei Wuxian
TEXT • AUDIO • VIDEO
XIMILIA
[ yet another flyer ends up on every orber's door, evidently by the same culprit as last time, except now it's a more colorful display:
the back of the flyer features more details about the play and its characters, and soon enough, an announcement from rita herself goes public, giving more context about the event, which all can sign up for. ]
the back of the flyer features more details about the play and its characters, and soon enough, an announcement from rita herself goes public, giving more context about the event, which all can sign up for. ]
His name is Uchiha Madara.
（ an answer to an unasked question. he has no especial reason to conceal the name, nor their purpose that night on the roof. it is only his natural recalcitrance that has seen him have any privacy at all here, when so much of his life is public in his own world. he has grown accustomed to the curation of information — that memory was not wei wuxian's to take, but he has it now. short of ripping it out of his head altogether, wei wuxian will make more a victim of the child itachi had been than the truth of the circumstances can ever allow. ）
（ an answer to an unasked question. he has no especial reason to conceal the name, nor their purpose that night on the roof. it is only his natural recalcitrance that has seen him have any privacy at all here, when so much of his life is public in his own world. he has grown accustomed to the curation of information — that memory was not wei wuxian's to take, but he has it now. short of ripping it out of his head altogether, wei wuxian will make more a victim of the child itachi had been than the truth of the circumstances can ever allow. ）
[This time when he gets Itachi's message, he doesn't respond right away, instead taking a sharp breath and then carefully pausing to choose his words. He's been hiding his misery fairly well over the week since they'd last spoken—no one but Gwen able to see through his false cheer—but it's been getting heavier with each passing day. It isn't his fault that he was there, Wei Wuxian knows that. And at least a part of Itachi is angry with a violation that Wei Wuxian had no part in, he knows that too.
But every time he remembers I asked you to leave and you remained, a vice closes tighter around his chest and guilt washes over him in waves.
He doesn't want to fuck this up and he's not sure he knows how not to.
Eventually though, he does reply—afraid that Itachi will take any lingering silence as a response in and of itself. And he's the one who brought it up, so.]
Your elder?
But every time he remembers I asked you to leave and you remained, a vice closes tighter around his chest and guilt washes over him in waves.
He doesn't want to fuck this up and he's not sure he knows how not to.
Eventually though, he does reply—afraid that Itachi will take any lingering silence as a response in and of itself. And he's the one who brought it up, so.]
Your elder?
[What a loaded question. He stares at it for several moments before summoning
a response.]
Aside from dealing with some very rude spirits or perhaps a very rude orb, I'm alright, Zewu-jun. I'll definitely be glad to see the end of this mission though. How are you?
a response.]
Aside from dealing with some very rude spirits or perhaps a very rude orb, I'm alright, Zewu-jun. I'll definitely be glad to see the end of this mission though. How are you?
Upgrading from haunted buildings to haunted fog tonight?
〈 one foot drawn up, gwen perches comfortably on the windowsill. when did she get there? who knows. how long has she been waiting in his bedroom? it's a mystery. is it an odd claim for her to make considering she had to cross the deepening fog herself to get here? you betcha.
in the spirit of halloween eve, she has continued her stevie nicks inspiration, now drawing on the full look. gwen playfully tips her top hat toward him. the halter style leaves her arms and back bare.
is she cold? how about you mind your fucking business…! 〉
〈 one foot drawn up, gwen perches comfortably on the windowsill. when did she get there? who knows. how long has she been waiting in his bedroom? it's a mystery. is it an odd claim for her to make considering she had to cross the deepening fog herself to get here? you betcha.
in the spirit of halloween eve, she has continued her stevie nicks inspiration, now drawing on the full look. gwen playfully tips her top hat toward him. the halter style leaves her arms and back bare.
is she cold? how about you mind your fucking business…! 〉
[He gives a startled blink at her sudden appearance, and then quickly dissolves into a grin, stepping closer to the windowsill. His eyes brighten as he takes in her look—pretty, but Gwen is always pretty—and definitely unique. (God, but she really must be cold. His hands twitch to reach for his blanket, and he stops himself for now.]]
Am I about to be robbed?
Am I about to be robbed?
[When his feet are back on the ground after he JUMPED INTO THE AIR and cursed, he obligingly follows because what is he going to do, say no? Eyes wide, he fixes his friend with a curious look.]
Where are we going? [Also] Did you just get here? [God, he wishes he could be that sneaky.]
Where are we going? [Also] Did you just get here? [God, he wishes he could be that sneaky.]
Okay so
don't get too worried, but I'm going to have to miss a lesson or two.
Doctors orders to take it easy.
[Hi, this is her way of letting you know she's in the infirmary.
It's always good to lead lighthearted, right?]
don't get too worried, but I'm going to have to miss a lesson or two.
Doctors orders to take it easy.
[Hi, this is her way of letting you know she's in the infirmary.
It's always good to lead lighthearted, right?]
Doctor's!
Aiya, what happened? How bad is it?
Aiya, what happened? How bad is it?
[There's a little box outside the door with a note that says "For Wei Wuxian. Happy birthday!" on one side. On the reverse, simply "Rosinante".
The mission probably hasn't left any of them in a celebratory state, but he was determined not to forget, even if it meant putting this package together shortly after returning and then making his way through the halls with an actual slight limp this time due to his actually injured leg, rather than the one he'd faked early on in the mission as part of his cover story.
Inside are just a couple small things - a silver charm shaped like a cutesy ghost on a fabric band, the sort of thing that could be tied to hair or a flute or a bag, and then a package of pumpkin blondies from a bake sale in that quiet little town.
He's not intending to be noticed or make a big deal out of this, but it wouldn't be hard to find him afterward, reading in the common room, should Wei Wuxian feel so inclined.]
The mission probably hasn't left any of them in a celebratory state, but he was determined not to forget, even if it meant putting this package together shortly after returning and then making his way through the halls with an actual slight limp this time due to his actually injured leg, rather than the one he'd faked early on in the mission as part of his cover story.
Inside are just a couple small things - a silver charm shaped like a cutesy ghost on a fabric band, the sort of thing that could be tied to hair or a flute or a bag, and then a package of pumpkin blondies from a bake sale in that quiet little town.
He's not intending to be noticed or make a big deal out of this, but it wouldn't be hard to find him afterward, reading in the common room, should Wei Wuxian feel so inclined.]
[When Wei Wuxian finds the package and the note, he lets out a soft huff of exasperation even as his chest swells with affection. Where he's from, with the exception of a few notable ages, birthdays are not celebrated the way people on the Ximilia seem to celebrate them. He isn't used to the gifts and attention, and it makes him feel strangely vulnerable to receive such kindnesses from those who were aware of the date.
After opening the box, the fabric band quickly finds a new home dangling around his qiankun pouch, and after a quick sampling (delicious!) the blondies get set out on the desk for sharing later with Gwen.
And though he more than appreciates Rosinante's discretion, he still sets out to find him. He can hardly let this pass without a thank you. It doesn't take him long to discover his friend in the common room, and he approaches him with a smile twitching against his lips, his arms crossed in mock upset that his smile completely gives away.]
You! [He says accusingly before sighing dramatically.]
You shouldn't be so nice to me. I'll get a big head. [He grins and then glances away, almost shy.] Thank you though. That was very thoughtful.
After opening the box, the fabric band quickly finds a new home dangling around his qiankun pouch, and after a quick sampling (delicious!) the blondies get set out on the desk for sharing later with Gwen.
And though he more than appreciates Rosinante's discretion, he still sets out to find him. He can hardly let this pass without a thank you. It doesn't take him long to discover his friend in the common room, and he approaches him with a smile twitching against his lips, his arms crossed in mock upset that his smile completely gives away.]
You! [He says accusingly before sighing dramatically.]
You shouldn't be so nice to me. I'll get a big head. [He grins and then glances away, almost shy.] Thank you though. That was very thoughtful.
（ it doesn't matter where wei wuxian is, or what he happens to be doing. itachi is very abruptly just there. there's no indication that the man is facing a clone. itachi's expression, after all, is still very him. largely impassive, with just the faintest hint of annoyance. ）
We need to speak regarding Matt Murdock.
We need to speak regarding Matt Murdock.
[Where Wei Wuxian is, is on his way back to the simulation room where he'd just encountered Matt Murdock. He'd let the man go with only a single punch and the more time has passed, the more he'd regretting it with every moment. Screw getting in trouble with Viveca, it would be worth it. Murdock deserved it and whatever punishment Viveca doled out, he'd accept it.
At the appearance of Itachi, he blinks in surprise and then brushes past him.]
Good, you already know. He's over this way.
At the appearance of Itachi, he blinks in surprise and then brushes past him.]
Good, you already know. He's over this way.
[Finn walks up to the box, squinting down into it thoughtfully. Apparently, gift giving was the custom around here. A human custom, as far as Finn could tell. The thought gives him a weird fluttering in his stomach as he focuses on one of the new people he's met -- human or not -- racking his brain for what they might want...]
Man, this dude's so nice... [Like, so nice. Finn couldn't help feeling a little pressure to get him something he really enjoyed.] He spends a lot of time in the sunlight room, so... maybe a sunhat? Sun clothes in general? ...Is that a thing?
Later...
[This month's supply drop has arrived and with it, a little something special for Wei Wuxian. He'll find several boxes, each wrapped in rich gold paper, gold bows, and a small glittery gold tag with 'From Finn' printed on it. The wrapping job is too neat to be from Finn himself, clearly created by the ship's replicator based on his gift request.
Inside the boxes, he will find all the components of this outfit. More specifically, sunglasses, a sunhat, and a sundress. Sunclothes. It works, okay??]
Man, this dude's so nice... [Like, so nice. Finn couldn't help feeling a little pressure to get him something he really enjoyed.] He spends a lot of time in the sunlight room, so... maybe a sunhat? Sun clothes in general? ...Is that a thing?
Later...
[This month's supply drop has arrived and with it, a little something special for Wei Wuxian. He'll find several boxes, each wrapped in rich gold paper, gold bows, and a small glittery gold tag with 'From Finn' printed on it. The wrapping job is too neat to be from Finn himself, clearly created by the ship's replicator based on his gift request.
Inside the boxes, he will find all the components of this outfit. More specifically, sunglasses, a sunhat, and a sundress. Sunclothes. It works, okay??]
["Christmas" and all other related festivities are new to Wei Wuxian. By the time the gifts begin arriving, it's been explained to him—sort of—so he at least understands the basic idea. He hadn't actually expected any gifts, especially from a newer arrival like Finn, and so the boxes with his name on them are gently pulled from the pile and then carried back to his room with an uncharacteristic care.
He waits until Gwen is out somewhere else to open them, carefully pulling back the paper and ribbons. He's unsure what people usually do with wrapping paper after it's been removed so he folds it and sets it aside to ask Gwen later.
The actual contents of the boxes produce a radiant smile from him, and he laughs softly to himself as he dons the glasses and hat and takes a look at himself in the mirror. He will absolutely be taking those with him on missions from now on. The sunglasses especially—something he's seen on others but never worn before—will be useful.
The dress gets much more thought as he runs a hand along the gauzy material. He is aware by now that among the cultures present on the Ximilia, this item of clothing is more commonly worn by women. He also, quite frankly, doesn't have any opinion about that. Dresses like these are just as foreign to him as the jeans everyone loves so much, and from their make he can tell quiet a deal more comfortable than the latter. And anyway, it's very pretty.
With a smile, he adds the addition to his closet, making a mental note to ask Gwen or Ziggy with help styling it.
When he is done opening the gift and storing the items, he finds the glittery golden tag and pins it to the wall next to an assortment of sketches and photos already pinned there.
And then he gets to work.
Most of his more practical talismans are available to all crew members for use on missions and when they can be helpful around the station, but there are a few frivolous ones that he has only given or shown to others here as a token of his affection. He's quick to ink and empower five of his butterfly talismans and then fold them between a simple piece of paper in which he inscribes his name and Finn's in the same fashion as Finn had.
When Finn finds the makeshift card taped to his door, it will contain five rectangles of yellow talisman paper with an assortment of characters written on them in red ink. Directions on the card instruct him only to activate them by throwing them into the air, and to do it in the dark. The reason for the dark becomes clear whenever Finn should activate one. The paper bursts into a dozen or so butterflies each made out of colorful lights—the color a recent tweak to his original design. The butterflies will fly around for around thirty minutes before they will begin to fade.
It really isn't much, but he hopes Finn will like them anyway.]
He waits until Gwen is out somewhere else to open them, carefully pulling back the paper and ribbons. He's unsure what people usually do with wrapping paper after it's been removed so he folds it and sets it aside to ask Gwen later.
The actual contents of the boxes produce a radiant smile from him, and he laughs softly to himself as he dons the glasses and hat and takes a look at himself in the mirror. He will absolutely be taking those with him on missions from now on. The sunglasses especially—something he's seen on others but never worn before—will be useful.
The dress gets much more thought as he runs a hand along the gauzy material. He is aware by now that among the cultures present on the Ximilia, this item of clothing is more commonly worn by women. He also, quite frankly, doesn't have any opinion about that. Dresses like these are just as foreign to him as the jeans everyone loves so much, and from their make he can tell quiet a deal more comfortable than the latter. And anyway, it's very pretty.
With a smile, he adds the addition to his closet, making a mental note to ask Gwen or Ziggy with help styling it.
When he is done opening the gift and storing the items, he finds the glittery golden tag and pins it to the wall next to an assortment of sketches and photos already pinned there.
And then he gets to work.
Most of his more practical talismans are available to all crew members for use on missions and when they can be helpful around the station, but there are a few frivolous ones that he has only given or shown to others here as a token of his affection. He's quick to ink and empower five of his butterfly talismans and then fold them between a simple piece of paper in which he inscribes his name and Finn's in the same fashion as Finn had.
When Finn finds the makeshift card taped to his door, it will contain five rectangles of yellow talisman paper with an assortment of characters written on them in red ink. Directions on the card instruct him only to activate them by throwing them into the air, and to do it in the dark. The reason for the dark becomes clear whenever Finn should activate one. The paper bursts into a dozen or so butterflies each made out of colorful lights—the color a recent tweak to his original design. The butterflies will fly around for around thirty minutes before they will begin to fade.
It really isn't much, but he hopes Finn will like them anyway.]
[ it is the notes of a flute being played that catch her attention — they flow through the air to her, and though they do not sound the same as a doriathrin flute would, elven make, of the best wood, the haunting sound draws her in, and without noticing, she starts to follow.
eventually, the music leads her to the sunlight room: there, among the white, a lone figure in black stands in stark contrast, on the bridge that curves above the now-frozen brook.
with a half-smile, lúthien opens her mouth and joins in; she follows the melody effortlessly, her voice as high as wei wuxian's flute and as light as the snow around them. as if drawn by her singing, snow starts to fall, little crystals that seem to slow in descent, just to glitter in the air like diamonds.
once the song comes to an end, she fixes wei wuxian with her smile, spring-bright, the light of elbereth dancing in her eyes. ]
Apologies, my friend. It has been long since I have sang to the accompaniment of a flute well-played.
eventually, the music leads her to the sunlight room: there, among the white, a lone figure in black stands in stark contrast, on the bridge that curves above the now-frozen brook.
with a half-smile, lúthien opens her mouth and joins in; she follows the melody effortlessly, her voice as high as wei wuxian's flute and as light as the snow around them. as if drawn by her singing, snow starts to fall, little crystals that seem to slow in descent, just to glitter in the air like diamonds.
once the song comes to an end, she fixes wei wuxian with her smile, spring-bright, the light of elbereth dancing in her eyes. ]
Apologies, my friend. It has been long since I have sang to the accompaniment of a flute well-played.
[He startles for a moment when the voice joins in, but he recovers quickly and by the time the impromptu duet has finished, his eyes are bright with excitement. He lowers the dizi to his side, already shaking his head back and forth and stepping forward to slip into a bow at the new arrival. It's a habit he's somewhat broken here, but one that somehow feels appropriate now.]
Please don't apologize! It was my honor and luck to be accompanied by such a beautiful voice. I'm more than sure your talent far outreaches my humble dizi. [He twirls the flute once in indication and beams up at her.]
My name is Wei Wuxian. May I have your name, Lady?
Please don't apologize! It was my honor and luck to be accompanied by such a beautiful voice. I'm more than sure your talent far outreaches my humble dizi. [He twirls the flute once in indication and beams up at her.]
My name is Wei Wuxian. May I have your name, Lady?
[Left in a decorative bag in front of Wei Wuxian's room is a kind of interesting puppet, along with a note stuffed into the tissue paper. The handwriting is horrible, but mostly readable.]
If you can make the accordion play while possessing this, you have to show me.
--Clayton
[Clayton knows just enough about this man to make him a menace, apparently.]
If you can make the accordion play while possessing this, you have to show me.
--Clayton
[Clayton knows just enough about this man to make him a menace, apparently.]
[When Wei Wuxian opens the bag and reads the note, his ensuing laughter is long and loud. The puppet is hideous, and he loves it immediately even as it offends every single one of his senses. Whether he'll be willing to place his soul into it is another question entirely, but for now he places it carefully onto a shelf near his work station, grinning all the while.
Though its been explained to him, he really doesn't know what to make of this whole Christmas thing. He has come to understand the reciprocity of gifts though, and feeling uncomfortable with leaving Clayton's gift unanswered, Clayton will later find an envelope taped to his door with a small assortment of useful talismans, each with an explanation of how to use. (The envelope contains two lighting talismans, two silencing talismans, and one warming talisman useful for heating liquid or keeping food warm.)]
Though its been explained to him, he really doesn't know what to make of this whole Christmas thing. He has come to understand the reciprocity of gifts though, and feeling uncomfortable with leaving Clayton's gift unanswered, Clayton will later find an envelope taped to his door with a small assortment of useful talismans, each with an explanation of how to use. (The envelope contains two lighting talismans, two silencing talismans, and one warming talisman useful for heating liquid or keeping food warm.)]
It's strange, honestly. I'm a little sad. I'll be fine of course, but I wouldn't have expected to be sad.
We'd begun clearing the air.
We'd begun clearing the air.
〈 the very last stop on the gift parade is wei wuxian himself.
gwen lets herself inside the shared room around the hour he usually first grumbles awake. today, something special accompanies her: the hot, cheesy, ultra-spicy-for-his-benefit goodness of quesadillas.
just to ensure he is awake, gwen throws his other present at him: a small and soft, oddly cylindrical package wrapped in festive paper, which bounces off his head. 〉
Get up, loser. It's Christmas.
〈 a portrait of the christmas spirit, this girl. 〉
gwen lets herself inside the shared room around the hour he usually first grumbles awake. today, something special accompanies her: the hot, cheesy, ultra-spicy-for-his-benefit goodness of quesadillas.
just to ensure he is awake, gwen throws his other present at him: a small and soft, oddly cylindrical package wrapped in festive paper, which bounces off his head. 〉
Get up, loser. It's Christmas.
〈 a portrait of the christmas spirit, this girl. 〉
Hnnm? [Is the very awake sounding noise that Gwen gets in response as he rubs at his head and blinks blearily into the room. A moment passes and he yawns, sitting up and rubbing his face. There is a delicious smell in the room and Gwen definitely said something to him, so he endeavors to swipe at his eyes and stretch himself awake.]
Hmm? [And then] I smell food.
Hmm? [And then] I smell food.
Did something happen to him? Was he hurt?
[A beat passes, a dozen thoughts crowd his mind, and then—]
There is a celestial being known as the Jade Emperor, 玉皇, who rules over all of the heavens and the heavenly court. One of his duties in the celestial realm is to create the elixir of immortality that all celestial beings must consume in order to maintain their immortal lives.
It's an important job, but a tedious one, and so there came a time when the Jade Emperor sought someone to help him in this duty. He knew that humans couldn't be trusted with such an important task and would surely use it for selfish gain, and so he decided to find an animal worthy of the task.
The Jade Emperor disguised himself as a starving beggar and came down to the mortal world where he sat himself in a forest and cried out for help. Three animals came to him then; a fox, a monkey, and a rabbit. The disguised emperor told them that he was starving and begged them to help him find some food. All three animals were touched by his need and ventured into the forest to do what they could.
The monkey returned with all of the fruits he could carry, gathered from high within the trees, and the fox returned with an armful of fish, cleverly caught in the stream, but the little rabbit was unable to find anything at all from the forest floor to offer the man.
When the rabbit returned and saw the gifts provided by the monkey and the fox, he felt great sorrow over not being able to help the starving man, though as he gazed upon the fire that the beggar sat at, an idea came upon him. Without a second thought, the rabbit leapt to cast himself into the fire and offer himself up as a sacrifice to fill the man's stomach, but as he leapt the Jade Emperor rose and caught him, transforming back into his celestial form.
"You're certainly the most noble of all the animals in the world," the emperor told the rabbit, and he carried him up in his arms to the heavens. The rabbit became the Jade Emperor's assistant in creating the elixir of immortality and learned all of his duties with wisdom and care. He worked hard and became a master of all medicinal elixirs, and the Jade Emperor was so pleased with the rabbit's goodness and brilliance that he gave him a white coat as beautiful as jade. The rabbit became known as the Jade Rabbit 玉兔 and he still lives on the moon to this day, making the elixir of immortality for all the heavenly court.
There is a celestial being known as the Jade Emperor, 玉皇, who rules over all of the heavens and the heavenly court. One of his duties in the celestial realm is to create the elixir of immortality that all celestial beings must consume in order to maintain their immortal lives.
It's an important job, but a tedious one, and so there came a time when the Jade Emperor sought someone to help him in this duty. He knew that humans couldn't be trusted with such an important task and would surely use it for selfish gain, and so he decided to find an animal worthy of the task.
The Jade Emperor disguised himself as a starving beggar and came down to the mortal world where he sat himself in a forest and cried out for help. Three animals came to him then; a fox, a monkey, and a rabbit. The disguised emperor told them that he was starving and begged them to help him find some food. All three animals were touched by his need and ventured into the forest to do what they could.
The monkey returned with all of the fruits he could carry, gathered from high within the trees, and the fox returned with an armful of fish, cleverly caught in the stream, but the little rabbit was unable to find anything at all from the forest floor to offer the man.
When the rabbit returned and saw the gifts provided by the monkey and the fox, he felt great sorrow over not being able to help the starving man, though as he gazed upon the fire that the beggar sat at, an idea came upon him. Without a second thought, the rabbit leapt to cast himself into the fire and offer himself up as a sacrifice to fill the man's stomach, but as he leapt the Jade Emperor rose and caught him, transforming back into his celestial form.
"You're certainly the most noble of all the animals in the world," the emperor told the rabbit, and he carried him up in his arms to the heavens. The rabbit became the Jade Emperor's assistant in creating the elixir of immortality and learned all of his duties with wisdom and care. He worked hard and became a master of all medicinal elixirs, and the Jade Emperor was so pleased with the rabbit's goodness and brilliance that he gave him a white coat as beautiful as jade. The rabbit became known as the Jade Rabbit 玉兔 and he still lives on the moon to this day, making the elixir of immortality for all the heavenly court.
Edited 2023-02-05 04:23 (UTC)
[Ziggy had had her hands full on their quest to the gates to South Naelor, to Fort Gorlouch — especially when it came to the hallucinations that had plagued so many of them in their trip. The aftermath of it had left her a solemn and quiet thing, self-isolated to the back of her party as they make their way to the fortress walls. Truth be told, it had been an experience she couldn't fully explain yet to the others, not without getting worked up and feeling the awful memory of home strike her like a semi truck.
So she shrinks away and hides in on herself, goes quiet and deflated, not only with the horror of nearly hurting her own crewmates, but also having images reburned into the backs of her eyelids from final moments that she has never quite recuperated from. No, not just from her final moments — from everything that had followed after. From gasping in pain the day she woke up on the Ximilia, from the nightmares she'd relived in that castle, from the bandits who had tried to smother her before she took their lives —
All of it.
Wei Wuxian is wandering about the groups himself, and it's when she finds herself walking toward him that she feels it — the shame and regret and childish fear that months and months of training with bows and swords and cultivation hasn't repaired inside her. It's strange to say the adrenaline has only just began to seep out of her — that the anxiety of something terrible happening is finally dimming.
Recognition of who it is crosses her face, just before it crumples and her eyes wet with tears that only just begin to form.
Before he has even a chance to fully grasp the situation, she bridges the short space with long strides, urgent strides, and wraps her arms suddenly around his middle to squeeze tightly.]
So she shrinks away and hides in on herself, goes quiet and deflated, not only with the horror of nearly hurting her own crewmates, but also having images reburned into the backs of her eyelids from final moments that she has never quite recuperated from. No, not just from her final moments — from everything that had followed after. From gasping in pain the day she woke up on the Ximilia, from the nightmares she'd relived in that castle, from the bandits who had tried to smother her before she took their lives —
All of it.
Wei Wuxian is wandering about the groups himself, and it's when she finds herself walking toward him that she feels it — the shame and regret and childish fear that months and months of training with bows and swords and cultivation hasn't repaired inside her. It's strange to say the adrenaline has only just began to seep out of her — that the anxiety of something terrible happening is finally dimming.
Recognition of who it is crosses her face, just before it crumples and her eyes wet with tears that only just begin to form.
Before he has even a chance to fully grasp the situation, she bridges the short space with long strides, urgent strides, and wraps her arms suddenly around his middle to squeeze tightly.]
[He has a moment to meet her eyes. A moment in which his usual smile begins to make its way to his lips, but then something in her expression shifts and Wei Wuxan knows something is wrong. There is no time to process anything beyond that before Ziggy is hurling herself into his arms, and it's instinct the way he wraps his arms tightly around her even as his own pulse skyrockets with adrenaline and concern.
Without even thinking about it, he bustles her away from the crowds, never once letting go of her. Only when they're off a little on their own does he let out the breath he'd suddenly begun holding and reach up to smooth a hand down her hair.]
It's okay. Ziggy, it's okay, I'm here. I've got you. You're okay. [He whispers words of comfort to her, and pauses running his hand over her hair so that when he steps back just an inch, just enough to see part of her face, he can thumb away some of her tears.]
Ziggy, I'm here. [The words are fierce and protective, and he leans forward to kiss her forehead the way Shijie used to do for him.]
No one will hurt you, A-xing You're safe now.
Without even thinking about it, he bustles her away from the crowds, never once letting go of her. Only when they're off a little on their own does he let out the breath he'd suddenly begun holding and reach up to smooth a hand down her hair.]
It's okay. Ziggy, it's okay, I'm here. I've got you. You're okay. [He whispers words of comfort to her, and pauses running his hand over her hair so that when he steps back just an inch, just enough to see part of her face, he can thumb away some of her tears.]
Ziggy, I'm here. [The words are fierce and protective, and he leans forward to kiss her forehead the way Shijie used to do for him.]
No one will hurt you, A-xing You're safe now.
（ the simulation is a high mountain pass. it would be perilous were it real — were he not who he is — but as it happens, it is simply mildly taxing. he and wei wuxian have been in the room for nearly half the time allotted to the security lock — and in that time they've gotten a substantial way up the cliff face, at times moving from place to place by metal steps driven into the rock, others simply by navigating a path worn by many feet.
they've found a place that overlooks the valley below, where lush greenery extends for miles and beauty sings in the air, and are sitting down with their feet dangling over what feels like endless nothingness. itachi passes over a water bottle, content in the moment with the company alone and not especially inclined to conversation. ）
they've found a place that overlooks the valley below, where lush greenery extends for miles and beauty sings in the air, and are sitting down with their feet dangling over what feels like endless nothingness. itachi passes over a water bottle, content in the moment with the company alone and not especially inclined to conversation. ）
[In spite of how talkative Wei Wuxian usually is, it's easier for him to sit in the calm quiets with Itachi than it is for him with most people. He isn't sure if it's because he doesn't feel the need to fill the silences with conversation or something else, but either way, it's nice. For a while at least.
He takes the proffered water bottle and takes a long drink of his own, passing it back and allowing his gaze to linger on the vast emptiness beneath them.]
I've always wondered what would happen if you fell in here. Or drowned or...you get the picture. Do you think the simulation would end? [Alright, he likes the calm quiets but his mind is an unending chaotic mess of curiosity.]
He takes the proffered water bottle and takes a long drink of his own, passing it back and allowing his gaze to linger on the vast emptiness beneath them.]
I've always wondered what would happen if you fell in here. Or drowned or...you get the picture. Do you think the simulation would end? [Alright, he likes the calm quiets but his mind is an unending chaotic mess of curiosity.]
master wei —
for all the weight that our titles bear, they are not the sum of who we are or what makes a man bad or good, right or wrong. grievous crimes are committed in the name of comfort disguised as greater good and while nothing is so simple, it is the man who stands for people he loves and remains true to his virtue that is admirable; who is the good man and stands on the right side of a delicate line.
for all the blood on all of our hands, you stood on the right side of it.— lan xichen
[Kazuma doesn't have a particular destination in mind. He just needs to go. To be anywhere other than where he'd been.
The problem is he doesn't have anywhere to go. His own quarters are too close to where the argument happened, and he's already gone from the area by the time his brain catches up to him. He certainly can't go back now, when Felix could still be there. But everywhere else is too public. He tears through the hallways of the station mindlessly, willing himself to stop shaking, to compose himself before someone else sees him.
It's ridiculous to even be this worked up about this. As embarrassing as it is to have that fragile of self-control, Kazuma is hardly the first person to strike someone out of anger. Arguably, Felix even deserved it. Except: Kazuma had recognized that blinding, white-hot fury that had overcome him in the moment, and what it had meant the last time he'd felt it. That he'd had nothing else on hand but his own fists was pure luck. If he'd had his sword out...
Might he have attacked Felix regardless? Just for stealing? Kazuma doesn't know if he can answer that.
That thought is enough for Kazuma to stop where he is, turning to brace against the wall for support. He's supposed to be doing better than this now, he's supposed to be more in control of himself now that he knows what his problem is, isn't he? But instead it only feels as if he's losing progress. Is it this place making him worse? Is it him?
Naturally, that's when he hears footsteps approaching from around the corner ahead, and a completely different panic spikes in him. There's no time or place to hide, so he needs to get a grip on himself now. Quickly, he runs his shaking hands through his hair and down his face, trying to smooth out the distress in his expression, straighten his shoulders before whoever it is rounds the corner, but--]
The problem is he doesn't have anywhere to go. His own quarters are too close to where the argument happened, and he's already gone from the area by the time his brain catches up to him. He certainly can't go back now, when Felix could still be there. But everywhere else is too public. He tears through the hallways of the station mindlessly, willing himself to stop shaking, to compose himself before someone else sees him.
It's ridiculous to even be this worked up about this. As embarrassing as it is to have that fragile of self-control, Kazuma is hardly the first person to strike someone out of anger. Arguably, Felix even deserved it. Except: Kazuma had recognized that blinding, white-hot fury that had overcome him in the moment, and what it had meant the last time he'd felt it. That he'd had nothing else on hand but his own fists was pure luck. If he'd had his sword out...
Might he have attacked Felix regardless? Just for stealing? Kazuma doesn't know if he can answer that.
That thought is enough for Kazuma to stop where he is, turning to brace against the wall for support. He's supposed to be doing better than this now, he's supposed to be more in control of himself now that he knows what his problem is, isn't he? But instead it only feels as if he's losing progress. Is it this place making him worse? Is it him?
Naturally, that's when he hears footsteps approaching from around the corner ahead, and a completely different panic spikes in him. There's no time or place to hide, so he needs to get a grip on himself now. Quickly, he runs his shaking hands through his hair and down his face, trying to smooth out the distress in his expression, straighten his shoulders before whoever it is rounds the corner, but--]
[He's tired.
Not the kind of tired that can be resolved with sleep but the bone deep wariness of having been through too much in the last several weeks and not having taken the proper time to digest any of it. If he tries to sleep now, his mind will only spiral into any number of unhelpful thoughts, so after leaving Finn in the Sunlight room, Wei Wuxian decides to simply walk the halls and see where his feet will take them.
Mostly, he's hoping for a distraction; something to help take his mind off of things.
If he can't find something to do, maybe he'll find some place to work on a talisman. It means he won't sleep at all if he does that, but it'll be worth the trade off. He's just resolved himself to do exactly that when he turns a corner in the hallway and comes across a man who appears to be hastily trying to compose himself.
Another time he might have looked away and given the man some face, but not now, not when it's the perfect distraction to his own troubles.]
Hey. [He says, watching the man carefully for his reaction.]
Would you like to get a drink with me? Looks like you could use it.
Not the kind of tired that can be resolved with sleep but the bone deep wariness of having been through too much in the last several weeks and not having taken the proper time to digest any of it. If he tries to sleep now, his mind will only spiral into any number of unhelpful thoughts, so after leaving Finn in the Sunlight room, Wei Wuxian decides to simply walk the halls and see where his feet will take them.
Mostly, he's hoping for a distraction; something to help take his mind off of things.
If he can't find something to do, maybe he'll find some place to work on a talisman. It means he won't sleep at all if he does that, but it'll be worth the trade off. He's just resolved himself to do exactly that when he turns a corner in the hallway and comes across a man who appears to be hastily trying to compose himself.
Another time he might have looked away and given the man some face, but not now, not when it's the perfect distraction to his own troubles.]
Hey. [He says, watching the man carefully for his reaction.]
Would you like to get a drink with me? Looks like you could use it.
I know it really isn't the time, but could you teach me how to play the flute?
[It's a while before Wei Wuxian responds. Probably not long for some, but far longer than is usual for Wei Wuxian. When he does finally respond, it seems normal enough though, if perhaps slightly less excitable of a response than Chuuta might have come to expect.
Given everything, it probably isn't hard to guess why.]
there is never a bad time for music. when would you like to start learning?
Given everything, it probably isn't hard to guess why.]
there is never a bad time for music. when would you like to start learning?
I hope you found a way down from the tree.
[There's a soft sigh before he responds.] Aha...I'm fine now. You saw that, huh? I'm sure most people did. [He groans.] It's stupid I know. I just have this thing about dogs.
Can you pretend you didn't see?
Can you pretend you didn't see?
I don't know if you are a person who finds comfort in embraces. But if there is ever a need, and your people who would aren't around...
Cloak is good with hugs. Is what I'm saying. I can always ask it for you.
( yes. she can ask stephen strange's magical cloak to offer a hug, probably, because she has it on personal authority that while it does tend to freakily pick you up off the ground, it also manages to do a surprisingly compelling embrace.
and it can't talk, is not inclined to judge, and cannot, in any way she can determine, manipulate emotions. it's just a rather nice cloak. )
Cloak is good with hugs. Is what I'm saying. I can always ask it for you.
( yes. she can ask stephen strange's magical cloak to offer a hug, probably, because she has it on personal authority that while it does tend to freakily pick you up off the ground, it also manages to do a surprisingly compelling embrace.
and it can't talk, is not inclined to judge, and cannot, in any way she can determine, manipulate emotions. it's just a rather nice cloak. )
[It takes him a very long time to realize that she's referring to the "flying cloak" that had been one of the hot contenders in the most eligible bachelor's contest from a while back, and when he realizes he lets out a loud laugh.]
Is that so? I can't say I've ever embraced a sentient piece of cloth before, I have to admit I'm skeptical.
Is that so? I can't say I've ever embraced a sentient piece of cloth before, I have to admit I'm skeptical.
[Generally, Kazuma does not make a habit of frequenting pubs. He doesn't even know why he stops to look into one, except perhaps that the anxiety of being here is getting to him. Alone in a large city, apprenticing to a prosecutor--ultimately it doesn't really resemble the situation he'd found himself in several months ago, but it's close enough to set him on edge at baseline. At least here he has allies and his memories.
He's just made the decision to walk on by after all when he realizes it's Wei Wuxian he sees at the bar--and then he's walking on in before he even realizes he's changed his mind. Kazuma has been meaning to have a conversation with him anyway; he doesn't need to actually get a drink, he tells himself. There's good humor in his expression as he approaches Wei Wuxian.]
Is this typically how you spend your afternoons?
He's just made the decision to walk on by after all when he realizes it's Wei Wuxian he sees at the bar--and then he's walking on in before he even realizes he's changed his mind. Kazuma has been meaning to have a conversation with him anyway; he doesn't need to actually get a drink, he tells himself. There's good humor in his expression as he approaches Wei Wuxian.]
Is this typically how you spend your afternoons?
[The familiar voice has him looking up and his face breaks out into a grin at the sight of Kazuma. In answer, he lets out a laugh and shrugs his shoulders.]
Only when I'm very lucky of course. [He winks.
In truth, he's here after a long day of orchestra practice, his musical talents having been his in for the fundraisers that Emerton loves to frequent. It's fun in a way, but the practices are certainly more demanding than any other cover he's ever developed on these missions before. It's nice to unwind every now and then.]
And what about you? Come to join me for another drink, Asogi-xiong?
Only when I'm very lucky of course. [He winks.
In truth, he's here after a long day of orchestra practice, his musical talents having been his in for the fundraisers that Emerton loves to frequent. It's fun in a way, but the practices are certainly more demanding than any other cover he's ever developed on these missions before. It's nice to unwind every now and then.]
And what about you? Come to join me for another drink, Asogi-xiong?
[ Fresh off his conversation with Itachi, Wei Wuxian was stuck in Jake's head in a bad way. Fondness mixed with guilt, which then mixed again with unspoken gratitude. Warm oranges, diluted with sour greens, coming together to make the dog feel muddy and brown inside whenever he thought too long about the man he simultaneously considered a brother and a friend.
Jake's preferred method for avoiding guilt was to distract himself, but the boredom of Emerton's empty apartment made that challenging. With a grim sort of determination, he decides to look at that as an opportunity. Time to rip off this band-aid. ]
hey, man. bad time?
Jake's preferred method for avoiding guilt was to distract himself, but the boredom of Emerton's empty apartment made that challenging. With a grim sort of determination, he decides to look at that as an opportunity. Time to rip off this band-aid. ]
hey, man. bad time?
[Its a surprise when he sees the username pop up, but one he quickly recovers from. While his heart still gives a little jump in his chest, the safety of the apartment he's sharing with Sizhui and the complete and utter lack of dogs means the fear dies down vey quickly.]
No, I'm not doing anything important. Is everything ok?
No, I'm not doing anything important. Is everything ok?
[His expression softens immediately upon receiving this message.]
I'm still me, memories all in tact. I'll be careful. You be careful too, if you forget me, it's going to take so long to make you like me again!
I'm still me, memories all in tact. I'll be careful. You be careful too, if you forget me, it's going to take so long to make you like me again!
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