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]

[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.

[gentledawn]

[The home Zichen and him have made is warm and comforting. They have plenty of blankets, pillows and books should Runyu like to read. There are even some games tucked away in a corner - games Xingchen had played with Zishu while he was bed-bound.

Carrying the steaming bowl of soup on a tray, Xingchen rejoins Runyu and smiles warmly.]

I hope you like it.

[He sets the bowl down before Runyu and then hurries off to gather some tea and water. Then he joins his friend, lowering himself contentedly onto a cushion.]

Soup will warm you.

[dragonrising]

I appreciate it. To be honest I hate being cold more than just about anything.

[But keeping himself warm when his energies are Yin based? It's almost impossible. Especially when he's on his own.

Enough of that though. Runyu takes up the spoon so he can have that first bite.

Warm. Comforting. The herbs give it a gentle flavor too. After a few bites, he smiles again.]

The flavor compliments the aroma. It's wonderful.

[gentledawn]

In that case... [Xingchen grabs a blanket and drapes it over Runyu's shoulders.] Please ward off the chill with this.

[He has plenty! What? There was a sale! And they're so soft.]

I'm glad you enjoy it. [His cheeks pink with delight and he hides his smile behind a teacup.] I like hot foods too, though not spicy.

[dragonrising]

[Runyu is surprised by the blanket, reaching up to touch the soft texture. It really is warm...

Looking over he sees the pink of those cheeks again. He lets out a soft laugh, speaking before taking another bite.]

You are cute when you blush, you know.

[gentledawn]

I am? [Inward flailing in one...two...three... He glances down at his lap and struggles to find words. What are words? How does he speak?] You make me feel...special. Warm.

[dragonrising]

[Oh cute. He finds he quite enjoys flustering him. He'll have to remember that.

Though special? Warm?]

I do?

[gentledawn]

[He lifts his gaze and smiles slowly, his eyes brightening.]

You do. That is why I was comfortable coming to listen to you.

[dragonrising]

[He was comfortable listening to him for this reason? It seems so hard to believe. Then again he's so used to bringing pain that being capable of otherwise feels so new.]

Forgive my surprise. I just... I suppose I hadn't realized. You are so kind and gentle that my greatest concern has been I'll scare you away.