Video | un: nightwanderer

[dragonrising]

[He's been thinking about this for a few weeks now, dwelling on it as he continues to settle in here. It's enough that he feels he could ask about it. See how many have a similar connection...]

Good evening. I had a question I thought I'd like to present to you all. A curiosity really.

How many of you are familiar with those known as Immortals? It is alright if you only know of them through stories or myths. Largely I'm just wondering how much is known of them. What you know of them.

Whatever you wish to share, I will listen to. Thank you.


[ooc: Spoilers for like...almost the whole of Ashes of Love in the thread with Xingchen btw!]

Comments

[dragonrising]

I keep such odd hours. I'd hate to do that to you.

[He sleeps, yes. But regularly? No, not really. Of course he's been sleeping better since Baku's been eating his nightmares but that's another story.

For now, he just finds himself leaning into the other man and closing his eyes. When is the last time anyone pulled him into an embrace? Have they ever?]

[gentledawn]

Odd hours do not bother me. Message me and I will hear.

[His ears are sensitive still - besides he isn't someone who sleeps deeply. Unless he is absolutely exhausted.

Xingchen holds Runyu against his shoulder, rubbing over his back slowly.]

I like being available for my friends.

[dragonrising]

To be honest, it's been hundreds of years since I've had anyone close to me at all. I may forget and get lost in my own head.

[He's not even trying to make excuses really. It's just that Runyu knows himself. He knows what his habits have been for hundreds of years now while he's been living his punishment.]

I will try to remember though.

[gentledawn]

I will remind you by checking on you now and then. [He sees good in Runyu and a lot of it. That good needs to be fostered. Punishment served its purpose, but now Runyu needs to move on from it.]

You're not alone.

[dragonrising]

I might start to wonder if you are friend or guardian at this rate. [Or both? He can't say he minds either way. Just having someone who knows his sins but is willing to touch him like this?

It's...it's honestly enough.]

[gentledawn]

Sometimes we need both. There is no shame in that. [He finds great comfort in touch and so he is always happy to give that feeling to others.] I do not believe you are the same immortal you once were.

[dragonrising]

I'm sure I'm not. Often I feel a shadow of myself. Passing through time as everything passes me by.

[A static figure in an ever changing landscape.] A sad thought, I know. I have a lot of those these days.

[gentledawn]

That is not what I see. You are filled with unlimited potential; potential that needs to be encouraged.

[Ghosts can't be embraced. He nuzzles Runyu to make that clear.]

[dragonrising]

[That actually makes him look up even if he hasn't stopped leaning against Xingchen yet. After all, he knows that's not something he's ever heard before.]

I have potential?

[gentledawn]

You do. [He meets that gaze, blushing faintly at the proximity of their faces.] You have a kindness about you that makes others feel safe and secure.

[dragonrising]

[The flush catches his attention. If only to note that Xingchen looks beautiful when he blushes...] The way you talk about me... At times it almost feels like it's someone else. Someone I always wanted to be but failed...

[gentledawn]

You are alive; you haven't failed. [He brushes a hand over Runyu's cheek.] You have lived in grief and remorse, but life has found you again. It would be a shame to run from it.

[dragonrising]

[That hand is so warm. Given how much he hates being cold, he can't help but to lean into the touch. Runyu's sure he's painfully obvious in how starved for touch and affection he is but he can't help himself. He feels like a starving man being allowed food finally.]

I haven't failed because I'm alive...

[He's...never thought of it that way.]

[gentledawn]

Change and forgiveness are possible as long as we are alive. You might not ever have the forgiveness of those you slayed, but you can begin to be gentler with yourself. I like Runyu.

[He wouldn't be like this with someone he didn't like. Xingchen kisses a handsome cheek, eyes closing.]

I want you to stay alive.

[dragonrising]

[Slowly, he lifts a hand to the cheek where those lips were. It's not that he's never been kissed before because he has. But this is certainly the first kiss he's ever had from someone who values him this highly.

He looks to Xingchen again.]

I won't die. I promise.

[gentledawn]

[Everyone needs to be valued. Runyu has gone too long without support, without affection. Xingchen hurts for him, but there is more to it than that. He respects that Runyu told him the truth. He respects that Runyu has changed and doesn't shy from what he has done or the punishment set upon him. There is so much good in him that needs to see the light.]

Thank you. [He gives him a little squeeze around the waist.] Have you eaten? Do you require food?

[dragonrising]

If you mean to ask if I require food to survive then yes. But I haven't eaten yet.

[He always makes sure to eat to keep himself alive. Even if things simply don't have the same flavor anymore. But, much of that has to do with the weight of the sadness he carries and even Runyu is aware of that fact.]

To be honest, I haven't been awake that long. I got up not long before I made the post.

[gentledawn]

So a light meal would suit your palate.

[He raises himself onto his feet, letting go of Runyu carefully. He has learned a thing or two about cooking since he arrived and he pushes back his sleeves as he walks to the kitchen.]

Are there any flavors you prefer?

[dragonrising]

Flavors? No. My only request is that I not be given alcohol.

[A pause as he remembers...] Though I have none here. And I'm not sure I have food to cook since I don't know how to do more than prepare tea...

[gentledawn]

[Xingchen laughs softly at the obstacles and walks back to Runyu.]

Then that leaves us with two choices: I can take you out for a meal or you can accompany me back to my apartment?

[dragonrising]

Yours? You must really wish to cook for me if that is an option.

[It's kind of him really. Runyu finds himself smiling some because of it.]

Alright. We can go to your apartment.

[gentledawn]

Well...I do. [He murmurs shyly, pleased at the agreement.]

I went to the market recently, so all of the vegetables are fresh.

[dragonrising]

Then I would be honored to taste your fresh food. Please, lead the way.

[gentledawn]

[Xingchen takes the lead, humming contentedly, his robes fluttering like wings. Zichen is out, likely seeking the place for his training academy, when they arrive, so Xingchen motions to the chairs in the sitting room.]

Make yourself at home. I promise I won't use any alcohol.

[He tucks his sleeves at his elbows again and gets to work. After revealing so much, he can't help but think that a soup or a stew might be comforting for Runyu. The fresh vegetables are cleaned, chopped and cooked along with chicken and a tasty broth. He adds some herbs when the bowl is poured and ready before carrying his offering to Runyu.]

[dragonrising]

[Though he's left on his own for a time, he doesn't mind. It's nice to move about, to see how these two have made a home together. Even though he's never met this other man.

Hearing Xingchen come in the room later, he turns to look at him and offers a smile before coming to sit.]

It smells good. Thank you.