jikan_network | {Video; UN: gambler}

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{Video; UN: gambler}

{He looks like a shell of a man, pale and perfect, but...empty. Nearly empty. This is what happens when someone is used and used for years on end without a shred of gratitude or genuine affection thrown into the mix. And now...}

The thread that joins us has snapped. {Xie closes his eyes, privately mourning, before he focuses on the network, sharp and alert.} I am interested if anyone recognizes me?

{Or is this truly a new beginning? The Glazed Armor hangs heavy around his neck and he wants to laugh...and cry.}

What good are names anymore? I could call myself anything...

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{Did he say anything about shoulder-blades?}

Clinics would be no help to me. {Thank...fully?} I admit, I do not know you well enough to understand your judgement.

[ Zishu's eyes narrow very slightly at that. Not...suspicious, exactly. But there's something in those simple words that concern him. Somehow he doubts he'll be answered where just anyone can hear.

And so he does something that will likely get him scolded. ]

You are probably hungry. I have enough to share, if you are interested.

{He blinks at this unexpected turn, quickly sifting through the possible outcomes. He could die, he supposes, but that has stopped being a sharp, tangible fear.}

How am I to know you haven't some poison waiting for me?

[ He raises a brow, smiling a little. ]

You don't. But there are things we should say that I am not sure you want widely shared.

...

{How can he argue?}

Give me directions. {He presumes the...apartments. What a strange abode!}

[ He can't. That's the point. ]

If you can find your way to this apartment building, I'm on the roof. [ An address of the particular building pops up. ]

{On the roof? Alright. He can work with that. Nothing more is said until Xie lands on said roof not far from Zishu's figure. He walks across the slanting tiles and comes to a halt beside the other man.}

Are you sure you want to speak with me?

[ By the time Scoprion arrives, there's a second set of dishes and wine waiting beside Zishu. He doesn't move when the other approaches, only takes another drink of wine before gesturing at the food. ]

Why not?

{The extra food is...unexpected. Though Zishu had said there was enough for two...

Scorpion is accustomed to pretty lies; not with men following through on their promises. He lowers himself gracefully and tries to adjust himself to this new situation.}

I caused you problems.

[ He's not in the habit of not following through with something he's said he'd do. Not without extenuating circumstances.

Problems? He raises a brow, a bit curious, then shrugs it off. ]

Forget it. If you really mean to change, then let the past stay there.

{Everyone matters to Zishu. That isn't the case with Zhao Jing. Xie jerks again, in surprise, at the answer and he frowns. This isn't...

He has no experience with this.}

I am...unhappy. That would mean I need to change.

[ Zishu shifts a little, moving to refill his cup. Scorpion hasn't attacked, or even acted threatening. So far, he seems genuine.

And yes. Unhappy. ]

Mm. Have you decided what might make you happy? How to accomplish it?

{What...might make him happy? Oh he knows the answer to that and it isn't possible. He has to move beyond that and focus on the wider world. He has to gamble again.}

I've worked for years on my desire and it still evades me. {As it always will.} I must discover another.

[ ...He wishes he didn't understand. He doesn't quite blink, gaze dropping to the small cup before draining it. He sighs upon finishing it and sets it down gently but decisively, then turns his attention back to Scorpion. ]

There is plenty here to occupy your time and interest. You are intelligent and patient, when you wish to be. Apply yourself. This place may surprise you.

{His thirst draws him to the cup meant for him and he sips on it, detecting nothing but wine. He is skilled with poisons by now - as a Scorpion should be. The liquid has a nice effect, warming him and he feels less flustered and panicked.}

You are surprising me. I did not expect for you to be so fair.

[ No, no poison. No blade drawn, either, though his sword is in its usual place around his waist. Unobtrusive, but his hands are no where near the hilt.

The comment makes him smile a little, shifting again, this time to lean against one leg more than the other. ]

Why shouldn't I be? I am no longer part of the Window of Heaven. I go wherever, and do as I wish.

{He can't say the same. Poisoned daggers line his robes, ready to be drawn and used. He also has a metal, braided whip that can easily carve through flesh. Yet none of it is touched as he sits beside Zishu and, at last, begins to eat.}

You did change your name too, didn't you? I have never had a full name. Xie Wang is the closest, I suppose.

Edited 2021-05-21 12:57 (UTC)

[ Of course Scorpion is heavily armed. Zishu would be more alarmed if he wasn't. Hearing this man has never even had a full name though...bothers him. And paints a worse picture than he'd assumed. ]

...You were a tool. You don't need to be, here. [ Dismissing the question - Xie already knows the answer. ]

{Telling the truth feels like rubbing dirt or salt on an open wound. Xie's mouth twists unhappily, though the food is good. Comforting. He has to accept that his foster-father never loved him.}

I was...Scorpion. That's all. {He lifts his gaze.} Should I punish myself for failing my family?

[ A sad story, for someone strong and creative. Just as ruthless as he is. He looks down at the question, then absently refills his cup. ]

That isn't for me to say. What I did to leave...is a regret I would wish on no one else.

{He looks over Zishu's body and nods slowly. Asking would be rude, so he won't.}

I think I've suffered enough. {His smile is tremulous and there is a certain quality to his eyes... Like he is holding back tears.} He won't hurt anyone else.

[ Xie doesn't ask, and Zishu doesn't offer. He's already said more than he normally would to most. He hears that tone and doesn't need to look to see it echoed in the other's face. ]

Ah? [ But doesn't specifically ask how Xie knows this fact. ] I see. [ And he does. ] Including you.

Including me. {He repeats. He had fed the poison to Zhao Jing, to hold that silver tongue still. The man will live, but he won't be able to move on his own or speak.}

I was hardly the only one. A man like that shouldn't have sons.

[ In a way, similar to what Zishu had done to Prince Jin, by making it so the man can never leave his bed again. He'll live, but...not well. ]

It's rare for there to only be one victim.

[ He doesn't quite chuckle, doesn't quite cough, but his posture shifts a little before he steadies himself. ]

Find a way to be happy here. That is the best revenge I can think of.

{Happiness... It is so fleeting for him, rising up when he makes that man - that monster - content and then fading when he is chastised or hit. Xie drinks more wine to stifle his hurt and confusion. How does he seek happiness for himself?}

You look tired. {It's easier to focus on another and he shifts closer, ready to support Zishu.} I can get you back to your rooms if you need it.

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