video | un: guzhu

[soakedinvinegar]

(( The sepia-toned face on the screen is pale with dark, curious eyes. There's something in the curve of his lips that isn't quite a smile, yet it is. Overall it's a pleasant expression on a pleasant face. ))

I'm curious. Who else got up close and personal with the Emperor at his, ah, party.

Comments

[gentledawn]

No, we would be different people. I would like to think we would be drawn to each other still, but I can't know that for certain.

[soakedinvinegar]

I like things the way they are, don't you?

[gentledawn]

I'm honored by your attention. I feel...blessed. Friends are dear to me - dearer than gold or silver. To have you and A-Shu in my life...

Yes, I like it. [To put it lightly.]

[soakedinvinegar]

(( A sly smile settles on Kexing's lips and mischief lights up his dark eyes as he peers intently at the image of Xingchen on the screen. ))

Perhaps we can share you one day.

[gentledawn]

[Share? The images that fill his mind are not suitable for the network and he laughs shakily.]

You might. I have a difficult time telling either of you no.

[soakedinvinegar]

We would never pressure you into something you don't want, A-Chen.

[gentledawn]

I...never said I didn't want it. [Now his gaze drops to his feet.] Is it wrong for me to want it?

[soakedinvinegar]

Look at me.

[gentledawn]

[He takes a breath and obeys, cheeks pink.]

[soakedinvinegar]

It is not wrong to want people who love you.

[gentledawn]

[The color deepens and spreads.]

I love you both.

[soakedinvinegar]

I feel confident in saying we share those feelings. I am quite fond of your Zichen, as well. He is a good man, much like you.

[gentledawn]

My Zichen is a thousand times the man I am. [So good, so strong and handsome enough to break any heart on top of it!] I know he is in good hands when he spends time with you.

[soakedinvinegar]

You give me too much credit.

[gentledawn]

Do I? Should I be angry with you?

[soakedinvinegar]

Not at all. I wouldn't do anything to hurt your Zichen.

[gentledawn]

I trust that. He's my everything.

[soakedinvinegar]

Trust that I have no cause to bring harm to good men. My only goal is to eradicate evil that wears a noble disguise.

[gentledawn]

He detests evil. [Ask Xue Yang. Song Zichen eradicated him with Fuxue.] You will hear nothing but the truth from him.

[soakedinvinegar]

We have a great deal in common, then.

[gentledawn]

I'm not as worldly or...bright...as you. I know I was taken advantage of.

[soakedinvinegar]

(( The heat of anger flares in his dark eyes. ))

By whom?

[gentledawn]

A man named Xue Yang. He isn't present. [He would know, surely, if he had arrived.] He is the reason Zichen lost his eyes, his tongue and his life.

[soakedinvinegar]

Should he turn up here, I will protect you both.

[gentledawn]

For what he did to Zichen, for how he tricked me, I want justice served.