{Video; UN: gambler}

[thescorpionking]

{Guess what he located? A pipa. It isn't his pipa, but it is a pretty instrument, carved out of golden wood.

For the enjoyment of the network, he performs a piece. The name of the piece is ironic (and fitting). "Attack on All Sides" does nicely summarize his current predicament.

When the piece concludes, he looks into the communicator with a faint, sad smile.}

Any requests?

Comments

Video; un: nightwanderer

[dragonrising]

You play beautifully. I wish I could request but you're not likely to know the songs that I know. Perhaps I can request you play another you're familiar with?

[That sad smile... It's so like the one he wears most days these days. Though, he is doing what he can to hide that for now, wanting to offer this young man attention instead.]

Video

[thescorpionking]

Thank you. {Xie has been trained since he was a child. His pipa is dear to him, but he didn't come to this world with it.} How can I deny your request?

{He picks a happier piece, but one with plenty of movement as those distract him the most.}

[dragonrising]

[He smiles a little more and closes his eyes to listen to the music. This is clearly someone skilled with the instrument and he feels honored to be the audience for it.]

I never learned to play the pipa myself. I must say I admire your skill in it.

[thescorpionking]

{Music attracts people and it can be used to perform spells too. Xie likes useful talents and so he has spent years throwing himself into the art until the pipa's strings feel as familiar to him as his own fingers.}

I prefer it because I can carry it with me. When I was sent on errands or missions, it was easy to transport.

[dragonrising]

It's much easier to carry than some, it's true. And it takes a true master to be able to take such care of it too.

[Perhaps it sounds like flattery but he truly means the words.]

Where did you find it? I haven't been able to locate instruments like that here.

[thescorpionking]

I enjoy polishing the wood and changing and tuning the strings. This child is new to me, but I like her sound.

{He hugs the pipa to his chest.}

I was lucky. I found her in disrepair in an antique shop.

[dragonrising]

You have brought her back to life. She is blessed that you found her when you did.

[thescorpionking]

I am the one who is blessed. I found her when I needed music most. {Which is...now.} We have not met yet, I don't believe? I am Liu Xie.

[dragonrising]

We haven't. I am Runyu. It is good to meet you Liu Xie.

[Action]

[heartsgambler]

[ It's a few minutes before Qianqiao comes home, but she doesn't speak. Only goes to him and settles at his feet, leaning against him to listen to the song. ]

[thescorpionking]

Hello, Runyu. Since you are a lover of music, I will perform for you when you like.

[Action]

[thescorpionking]

{Everything about him relaxes when he sees her and his music is gentler too. Between pieces, he pauses to caress her hair.}

Are you well, A-Qiao?

[dragonrising]

When I like? I will try to not be too demanding then. I would hate to lose this privilege you've extended me.

[heartsgambler]

[ Hearing the change in his music makes her smile, and the gentle touches to her hair helps her relax as well. ]

I am. You are safe and with me.

[thescorpionking]

{He bends down to claim a kiss, grasping her gently by her chin.}

How is Gu Xiang? I can't imagine you convinced her to stay in the hospital.

[thescorpionking]

Well if you called on me in the middle of the night, I would be cross with you. But I enjoy playing during the day.

[dragonrising]

[He laughs softly.]

As much as I'm used to being awake at all hours of the night, I will promise not to wake you unless you wish it.

[heartsgambler]

[ For him, she's not wearing any mask or makeup at all. She willingly lets her face be tilted up for that kiss and relaxes into it, eyes fluttering closed. The question and comment has her open her eyes, though she nuzzles his hand. ]

She is recovering with Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu. None of us wanted her to stay in the hospital.

Wen Kexing will not take your life - for my sake. [ Yes, you idiot, she asked for mercy and Kexing had granted her wish because he cares about her. ]

[thescorpionking]

I am not alone in this apartment and my Beauty deserves her rest. {He looks amused, however, grinning after a moment.} I know music can be a comfort.

[thescorpionking]

{She is stunning like this. Xie presses into the kiss, letting her feel a flicker of his desire for her. But he has never pushed her - never forced her - and he won't.}

Good. They will see her well in no time.

{The next part startles him and he blinks down at her, face paling. The pipa is set aside and he tries to pull her into his arms...into his lap.}

A-Qiao, you shouldn't have...

[dragonrising]

Your beauty? [An interesting way of putting it so he cannot help but to question it.]

Ah but there's not much for comforting me but I enjoy the melodies all the same.

[thescorpionking]

Yes, my Beauty is Liu Qian Qiao. {The Beauty Ghost as it turns out. But he finds her stunning outside of her paint and her lovely robes.}

Is it so bad to be here?

[dragonrising]

I see. I'm not familiar with this one.

And this place is well enough. However, there's other things on my mind that make it difficult for me to seek comfort. Perhaps, you could say, a lack of feeling I deserve such.

[thescorpionking]

I am a mass murderer. I wasn't remorseful about it either before I came here. But certain people have chosen to accept me, to give me another chance. I can't say why they made that decision, but it would be shameful to disappoint them.

[heartsgambler]

[ Feeling it makes her heart flutter. But not fear - he doesn't frighten her now. She knows his heart and understands him better.

That paling before he pulls her unresistingly into his lap, combined with those words, has her expression firm as she settles against him. ]

I do not want to see your death when I can prevent it. Deserved or not, I do not care. You are mine.