{Video; UN: gambler}

[thescorpionking]

I have searched as best as I am able... {Which isn't a lot considering his current state.} I wish to order a pipa since mine was left behind. It will be some time before I am able to play again, but I don't expect it to be an easy project for a luthier.

{The title sounds funny on his tongue and his nose wrinkles faintly.}

For those who do not know, a pipa is a stringed instrument.

{And they are amazing.}

Comments

Video

[yeoldmonster]

Xie, there's a pipa upstairs. I'll bring it down to you when I get home.

[He also has the other Scorpion's ring, but he isn't going to mention that.]

Video

[thescorpionking]

{He stares in wonder at the face... Why does this man - the Sword Immortal - give him attention? And he has his pipa?}

Where? I'll come.

[yeoldmonster]

[Baiyi is going to pointedly ignore the look on the young man's face. He hates it when someone notices he's being nice.]

Don't. Not with your injuries.

[The last thing they need is the little scorpion to try climbing the stairs and falling while he's out of the house.]

Why do you want it yet? You can't play it with your arm the way it is.

[thescorpionking]

{He can hardly help it! Since losing everything, Xie is well-aware of his position at the bottom.}

The chair I acquired has been helpful. {A motorized wheelchair. It only needs to be charged - usually at night while Xie sleeps.}

I suppose I was feeling nostalgic.

[yeoldmonster]

It's a good invention.

[He certainly understands feeling nostalgic.]

You should know the pipa was a gift from Zhou Zishu then. If you feel up to it, I can show you the instrument store it came from.

[thescorpionking]

Why am I not surprised? {He exhales.} Even when I strike at him with all my might, he sees through my armor.

I would like to see what else the store produces.

Video to Action

[yeoldmonster]

Hm.

[He agrees in a very noncommittal noise. A moment later, he abruptly ends the call.

A couple minutes after that, Baiyi walks in the door. There's a basket with food hooked on one arm. He walks closer and offers it to Scorpion.]

Eat this before we go.

Action

[thescorpionking]

{He takes the basket with his good arm and smiles down at the contents. At least Baiyi won't ever be taken for granted!}

What about you? Did you eat?

[yeoldmonster]

[They'll have to wait and see if that turns out to be true.]

Yes, but don't worry about that. Now that I know you're eager to get out and do things I'll make you do the errands.

[This isn't really true. While Xie might be ready to stretch his proverbial legs, Baiyi doesn't think he's really well enough to go far on his own.

He doesn't wait for a response as he goes up the stairs and picks up the pipa. His gaze lingers on it for a moment, but he dismisses any emotion as he comes back down. On his way, he also snags a dagger that might also look familiar to Xie.]

It's a basic piece. Once you earn money here you'll be able to buy yourself something more suited to your tastes.

[He offers both the instrument and the weapon.]

[thescorpionking]

{Xie has never been able to take anything for granted in his life. He knows all too well what emptiness and loneliness feels like.

Resting the basket on his lap, he takes a bite of the food within, his dark brows rising at Baiyi's conclusion.}

Will you now? Do you expect me to bribe everyone or to find some spell to transport what we need?

{He smiles to himself and sets the basket to the side. When Baiyi returns, he takes the knife first and...

Removes the casts on his legs. The one on his arm has already been torn off. Then he uses the wheelchair to carefully leverage himself onto his feet.

He stands...for a minute...and then reaches for Baiyi's hand.}

I'm not back to myself yet, but my bones are intact.

{Grinning, a little breathless, he glances at the pipa and finally takes it. His fingers move across the strings almost affectionately.}

No instrument is basic. The talent lies in the performer.

Oh and I encountered a god earlier today. In case you were wondering how I healed so suddenly. He is apparently a fan of music.

[yeoldmonster]

[He smirks at Xie's challenge. This one had a backbone. He liked that.

When he comes back downstairs, he frowns at Scorpion as he cuts his casts off. He tenses when the young man stands. Baiyi waits though to see what Xie does next. His eyebrow rises as his hand is taken.]

How?

[He rolls his eyes about the comment about the pipa.]

A god? You met Runyu?

[thescorpionking]

{And a stinger when pushed or cornered! He will just need to acquire his poisons again.

Once on his feet, he holds onto Baiyi and shakes his head.}

No, not Runyu. Xue Qianxun. {His legs begin to feel weak and he eases himself back a step before sitting back down again. It will take time for his strength and coordination to return.}

[yeoldmonster]

Him?

[He wasn't a fan of that one. Although his opinion of the man rose slightly hearing he helped this young one.]

Be careful.

[As Xie starts looking strained, he moves with the little scorpion to help ease him back into the chair.]

Tell me what happened with him.

[thescorpionking]

Have you met? {He squeezes Baiyi's hand as he is lowered back on the seat. It's strange how fast his heart races from so little effort! But he will work his way back to prime condition.}

He arrived suddenly, healed my broken bones and all he wants is a concert once I begin playing again.

[yeoldmonster]

He's a brat.

[He is suspicious that this 'god' only wanted a concert from Xie Wang. Baiyi had eyes. The young man was beautiful and it angered him to think someone was taking advantage of him- again.

He moved his hand to Xie's shoulder and lightly squeezed it.]

Put him off for a while. If he's a god, he can wait.

[It'd be an appropriate payback for Xue Qianxun being treating him like a common thief at the Four Seasons Manor.]

Do you feel too tired from standing to go to the music shop?

[thescorpionking]

He was abrupt, but gods are surely... {He grins up at Baiyi.} A bit like you. I don't mind oddities if I benefit in the end.

{Walking is a nice benefit. He doesn't want to be an anchor weighing Baiyi down. Xie softens and rubs his cheek against the hand on his shoulder.}

I'm in no rush. I will concentrate on walking first. Then I will exercise my arms.

{Shaking his head, he brightens again.}

If you made me walk around the house, yes, but just standing isn't too taxing.

[yeoldmonster]

[Baiyi huffs a laugh.] You think I'm odd?

[He taken back by Xie being so affectionate. It reminds him of how the other would slip into his bed at night after he knew Baiyi was asleep and leave before he woke. It would wake the immortal up anyway, but he hadn't let on that knew.

It surprises him that this one, who seems so much stronger, would warm up to him the exact same way.]

We'll take your chair. I won't make you walk, Xie'er. Have you finished eating?

[thescorpionking]

I didn't mean to offend you. Your oddities are what draw me to you.

{Baiyi doesn't give a damn about public opinion and Xie finds that freeing. He has been stuck in a damn cage for too long.

Of course he likes the one who opened the door and gave him a chance.}

Yes, I'm ready. {He settles himself into the wheelchair, rubbing his legs to rid himself of cramping.} Have you ever played an instrument?

[yeoldmonster]

[He chuckles and shakes his head. He's a long way from being offended.

Baiyi had hoped when this one arrived he wouldn't get attached so easily, but he knew he was failing at that. The evidence is oh so clear when he feels a ripple of pleasure go through him hearing Xie'er had been 'drawn to him'.

He leads them out the door where he's just recently placed a couple of thick, flat boards to serve as a ramp. The other building in their household had one as well and the gazebo.]

Hmm.. I had a hulusi once, but it was quite a while ago. Eventually the hulusi became brittle in the cold of my mountain. My erhu lasted a bit longer. Do you play anything other than the pipa?

[thescorpionking]

{Attachments are difficult for Xie to make, though extremely powerful when they are forged. Baiyi has no reason to pay any attention to him, but daily Xie sees the kindness the other grants him and he wants to know him. And to be near him.

Maybe they will only have one mortal life to understand one another, but that's fine. Xie has experienced death and his memories - brief as they are - of it are peaceful.}

...both? {His eyes brighten and he twists to make sure Baiyi isn't fibbing.} We must get you replacements!

I...have spent time on with a guzheng and guqin.

[yeoldmonster]

[Ye Baiyi smirks.]

Both. I'm old, remember? I couldn't spend all my time in the mountain meditating and practicing martial arts.

[He hasn't thought about his instruments in quite a while. The idea of replacing them, or at least one of them, is more appealing than he would've guessed.]

Perhaps. You have a fondness for zithers.

[thescorpionking]

{He opens his mouth to argue. Baiyi is too handsome to be called old.}

You are experienced; not old. {And he can't imagine a life without music! Especially on a lonely mountain.}

Would... Would it interest you to play with me?

{They could practice together.}

[yeoldmonster]

[In the violent world of Martial Arts, being old is a point of pride. However, it's unfairly endearing when Xie'er argues with him.]

And you are experienced at flattery.

[He sighs. He doesn't like revealing that he isn't perfect at a skill to others, but something in how Xie'er has treated him is reassuring to his pride. It's not overly likely he will be mocked by his ward.

It's sort of why all their meals aren't things Baiyi has cooked. They're purchased and either brought home or delivered.]

If you'd like that, then we can. We will see what they have in these stores. I might find something new.

[thescorpionking]

{Considering his growing attraction, Xie is painfully aware of his age in comparison with Baiyi's. He doesn't want the man to think they are too far apart.}

Is it flattery? Your handsome face and your healthy body say my assessment is correct.

{Never. Mocking isn't really something Xie does - unless he is cornered, hurt and defensive. Baiyi has made him feel the opposite, so even if the man fails at something, Xie won't say a word about it.}

I would like to see you find your match.

[yeoldmonster]

[He laughs, finding Xie'er's words only confirming what he'd just accused him of. Flattery or not, the compliments are messing with his head.

He can't- won't- use Xie'er in the same way as Zhao Jing. The young man is worth a lot more than his beauty and he's trusting Baiyi to treat him well. Easier said than done, when Xie'er says things like that.]

Seeing that means you have eyes. Saying that means you're a dangerous little scorpion up to no good.

[He rests a hand lightly on Xie'er's arm for a moment.]

I have and it's strapped to my back.