{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

[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.

[thescorpionking]

{He won't allow himself to be used again. After realizing Zhao Jing's true nature and silencing him, Xie accepted he had always been a fool. But he is a fool that learns.

Baiyi is a good man. Even so, he is frightened of what he has come to mean to him in a short time. Will he always be a gambler?}

I'm no danger to you.

{Xie covers the hand, warming the fingers.}

Swords do not make music.

[yeoldmonster]

[He'd wanted to keep the young man at arm's length, thinking he'd learned his lesson before. That hadn't worked at all as Baiyi's care for the Scorpion King has only deepened day by day.

At the promise, he smiles.]

Nor am I to you, so long as you behave yourself.

[Could he really lift his sword against the young man? He truly doesn't know. He'd promised those at the Four Seasons Manor to keep them safe and by giving Xie'er some support and guidance, he thinks he is.

He chuckles at the retort, but he can't argue with it.]

There are some here who would pay well for a musician, particularly a refuge one. Once you're well, you might consider doing that or offering lessons.

[thescorpionking]

{Hearts will betray you like that. Xie doesn't mean to make things complicated, but love has always been complex for him. The emotion twists and turns and binds him up in ways that make it very hard for a little Scorpion to resist.}

I have no reason to hurt anyone.

{His reasons died on the mountain with him. Baiyi might find himself as a new reason for Xie to become defensive - in the man's favor - but he won't use his poisons, his whip or his blades.}

I must be good enough to attract students. Don't worry, I'll practice daily.

[yeoldmonster]

[When Xie'er is healthy enough, Baiyi will encourage him to start training with his weapons again. The young man is much too skilled at those to let his talent go to waste. If nothing else, it'll be something fun they can do together.]

Good.

[Xie'er having something to work on every day like that can only benefit him, in the old man's opinion. Since it's something the little scorpion obviously loves, it will hopefully make him happy too.]

For now, your duty is to keep getting stronger physically and mentally. We have money from the natives and our needs aren't great.