[It's a normal day in the most normal house/compound/kidnapping safe house. Dan Feng is lurking (somewhere near a pile of books. He is throwing longing looks at it), one of the rooms is locked and may have someone banging from the other side (sorry Valencia), and the pond has one (1) sad looking koi fish in it and three (3) turtles of suspicious origin.
Where are you today?
[If you're looking for a reason for ur char to be here you can assume DF brought you (by passive aggressiveness, by tantrum, by chloroform)]]
[Because of their bond, she'll be able to tell Dan Feng is close. Very close. In fact , is he just lying down in front of her door and ignoring her? What?]
[Dan Feng immediately jumps her the moment the door breaks, tackling her into the… deck…?
The room she’s in apparently opens into a small courtyard, lifted from it by a wooden deck. Dan Feng is wearing her clothes - the scarf in question, one of her overcoats around his elbows, and one of her socks (?) as a hand warmer (?)]
[Naturally Dan Feng does not do what she wants and leans in to kiss her stupid instead. He smells like wood smoke and herbs for some reason, and there's a smudge of soot across his jaw.]
Why do I have to ask? I own Heng'er and Yuan'er. I own the Mourning Actor Heng'er, he is merely unaware. Yingxing is [He twitches again,] wherever I am. If I say I want you here then you are here. Do you not like this room? There are many. But some are drafty.
Valencia you know what my kidneys look like. You put them back in. You eat my carrots for me. You feed my Tottonids.
You- took me back on your ship after - [His gaze goes distant in that distinct way that means he's thinking about one (1) specific man.] he threw me out of an airlock. You know what I look like when I'm truly asleep, because I do so on your bed. What do you think?
[There's some squirming, but Val is old hat by now with squirming, attention-wanting Emanators, so she can get her scarf and coat and one (1) sock off while Dan Feng throws a tantrum on the deck.]
[His braincells are busy thinking about this, because 90% of him is allergic to openly caring, but he did see her as family, and huh what is she doing? He blinks down at her. His eyes glow a little. His tail swishes against the deck.]
Stop being stupid, why would I bring you here with your entire wardrobe.
[Perhaps all of her clothes are in a pile somewhere… Maybe a scavenger hunt of them… sorry Val!! He doesn’t say yes to anything, but starts stroking her hair instead.]
I am fundamentally incapable of treating anyone properly, do you think I have not tried? Do you think I wanted to be like this? Even as I look upon you now I want to tear out your throat and burn this place to ashes and all of you with it.
[He is telling the floor this. It's a little muffled.]
You know what I am like. You have my full dossier backed up in your ship's cold storage. I had faith that you would stay with me like all the times we have stayed together. Was I wrong? Tell me now.
You're making excuses. You are not incapable. You have given me kindness, in this place.
[ she watches him, brow furrowed and frowning. ]
... You said you would try, with me. So don't go back on that now. My staying still hinges on the others being amenable to my presence, but even if I don't live in this house I will not leave you.
Crawls to him and tries to drape over whatever of him he can reach and this may be cute on a cat but it is not cute on a grown Vidyadhara who crawls like he has no bones.]
You are right. Snake venom, at least, is useful, especially to stimulate the humors, when taken a hundredth part with rice wine.
[One of the more basic medical prescriptions, really, but it needs a dose of cloudhymn to activate. The hand starts stroking her hair, carefully avoiding her horns.]
[That hand in her hair tightens, violent and immediate, and the man- thing(?)- behind her takes a breath. A rasp? It doesn't sound like anything familiar. It sounds wrong.]
[Fortunately, that hand is letting go of her hair.
Unfortunately, this is so whoever it is can try and pick her up to physically throw her into the pond.
This is enough for her to squirm in that grip, though- so she can see exactly who is trying to dunk her into the (admittedly shallow) pond- someone who has Dan Heng's face, one horn broken, and Dan Heng has never looked so hateful.]
[ But even if offensive cloudhymn is decidedly her weakness, she's not going to stand around and try and do nothing. She spreads her arms above her head and calls forth a wall of water-- well, at least it peeks above her own head? It's something! As she points towards Dan Feng, it rushes towards him and...
...well, honestly, it hits with about the force of a child's slap, at best. It certainly wouldn't cause anyone any real harm. ]
[Dan Feng was too distracted by the electricity gathering somewhere he'd never quite thought to do so before, so he doesn't dodge the incoming tail, which smacks him wetly with full force.]
You-
[He stumbles backwards and falls into the water, and he looks up at Bailu, wide-eyed, jaw bruised.]
In your tail?! [He sounds more scandalized than hurt actually.]
[He leans back on his hands and then sort of oozes into lying down completely, while giggling. It's a little unsettling, especially when those water spears are still floating above them.]
Do you mean the general? I was kind of inspired by him, but no one's taught me anything about how to fight. All I've really been taught about is healing arts.
[He doesn't answer, but there's an ominous lull, before the spears start coming down, hard, stabbing into the water and barely missing her. Like a test of her reflexes, and Dan Feng isn't even watching.]
[ She does see the spears and jumps backwards, flailing a little bit but managing to get some distance. She nearly unbalances, but by wheeling her arms in circles, manages to recover without falling over. ]
Hey!
[ She is very deliberately splashing him using her own cloudhymn. Not only does it not hurt, it doesn't even have the force of trying to hurt him. She is just making him soggy. ]
[And then: the last water spear hurtles towards them- and stabs right through Dan Feng, through his own belly, disappearing in a splatter of blood. He curls over.]
[ That being said, her movements are assured and instantaneous. She isn't going to be able to do a zerosum healing to 100% health-- her cloudhymn doesn't work that way-- but the water flows with purpose around his wound, swiftly stemming the flow of blood. Arteries heal, flesh stitches itself back together, the pain ebbs away.
It's not perfect, he'll still be sore once the painkilling aspect wears out, but he's a damned sight better off than he was a moment ago. ]
I'm gonna give you a prescription for when the pain soothing subsides. You're gonna need to limit physical activity for at least a few days while your body recovers.
[ this is your catchall for ogling a sweaty hot grandpa at work.
either he's hammering away at the forge, or hauling beams and stones into place, carefully securing everything exactly where it needs to be with utmost precision. he's focused. entirely in his element. ]
[He points- makes a turn the stone around motion- honestly because this gives him a great angle of Yingxing's ass when he bends over to pick the stone up again.]
[Dan Feng sticks his tongue out. He's never done that before. But he does so now, lounging back into the pile of paving stones Yingxing actually needs to finish paving.]
[Yingxing’s streaked with dirt and sweat and he’s looming over Dan Feng with that voice and Dan Feng has never gone from zero to wet faster in his entire life. His ears shade red and pin down, and he valiantly tries for cool and unbothered and he can’t help but watch a bead of sweat trail down Yingxing’s chest help-]
What an impudent thing to say to your better.
[He sounds really strained but at least he’s looking up at Yingxing’s eyes— nope he’s looking at Yingxing’s mouth.]
I don't get you, sometimes. You'll casually break open someone's ribcage in a public space and suck the jelly out like fruit, but somehow this is too much.
[But never let it be said that Dan Feng is a coward, so he lifts a hand to
Okay. The hand pauses. Dan Feng's face flames. He's right; though Dan Feng doesn't remember some of it, his braincells too dredged in mara, they had fucked in that gore made of them, and that was really, incredibly, hot, and now his hand is groping at Yingxing's pec, when did that happen???]
Nnngh. [Dan Feng says intelligently. His eyes stray down to Yingxing's crotch, and he licks his lips.] I. [He can't say it he will die help.]
[ yingxing does not see how it is at all different. what a freak!!
but he won't argue it for the moment, not when dan feng's hand is on him, his eyes flicking south momentarily. a low chuckle rolls from his throat like a purr, and yingxing lifts one hand from its perch on the stone to curl his knuckles beneath dan feng's chin, lifting it. ]
Having trouble with your words, there? [ he teases, but he can't help the way his expression softens a little, looking into those arresting eyes. ] .. you're so fucking beautiful, do you know that?
[ yeah. definitely can't tell at all. definitely can't see his eyes, or anything, or feel them boring into him. yingxing keeps working for a few seconds, securing a beam in place before he wipes his brow and glances over his shoulder. ]
Dan Heng would like to be entirely focused on work, but it's hard when Yingxing is... well, Yingxing.
He's surprised much of anything got done in the artisanship commission during his time. Dan Heng makes his way over, offering Yingxing the beam and doing his best to pretend he hasn't been staring.]
[Jing Yuan was helpful for awhile, but he's quit now in favour of lounging around and watching other people work. At the moment he's enjoying a bubble tea he got somewhere and leaning against a post, oggling Yingxing without an inch of shame.]
We're going to have to make sure you never run out of projects.
[Jing Yuan laughs, light and sunny, free of the melancholy haze that usually surrounds him. He's having a good day. All his people are here and it feels almost like home.]
[ whenever someone finally lets her out of her imprisonment she'll be... around. Tucked somewhere out of the way, mostly, and looking particularly awkward-- and out of place, being the only penacony bird among xianzhou lizards (and jing yuan).
that said she did literally get drugged so she is just. recovering from that a bit. but. ]
And I'd rather see you safe than potentially hurting yourself helping out.
[His tail swishes a little, betraying his happy mood. All the lizards seem to share a weird habit of liking to keep their people close and cared for, okay.]
Do you feel any other side effects, or just grogginess?
[ Would he not... She supposed they weren't exactly strangers, and neither was she with Dan Feng or Yingxing, but she reasonably assumed the others wouldn't see it the same way, surely. She glances at his tail curiously, for a beat, but-- ]
Oh, no... Just tired, that's all. I won't hurt myself, please don't worry-- I know my limits.
... I couldn't possibly impose. You're very kind, and I'm sure Dan Feng would prefer me closer by, but I cannot imagine my presence would be-- permanently welcome. I am a guest.
I-- well, I-- I cannot imagine it is so...? It would be a terrible infringement upon all of your privacy, when Dan Feng is the only one I am involved with in... that sort of way.
...Yes, he supposes he can see the picture forming here. He frowns slightly at the way her wings tuck close, eying the feathers for a moment.]
Beyond asking you to try and believe me when I say I find your company enjoyable--
[Because he has a feeling that directly saying so might not have as much impact here--] I genuinely believe you being here is a good thing. For me, for Dan Feng. For everyone. Even those who do not know you yet. There is a reason I bought this house, you see.
[ It's a clearly self-conscious movement, meant to tuck them in close and out of the way; if he's eyeing them anyway it's clear to see that the places where she'd lost patches of feathers before are slowly growing back in, all spiky with pinfeathers.
she looks pretty embarrassed by his words, though, because why would her presence be that good of a thing-- when Dan Feng acts the way he does, and when she's a perfect stranger to half of the house-- ]
[He does see. It's concerning, because if it's anything like scales... well, regrowth must be unpleasant, to say the least. Were they pulled out? It didn't look like a natural shed pattern.
His tail taps against the floor as he considers his words, smiling wryly.] I would not have wanted a permanent place for myself only. There's only so much room in the dorms, and Dan Feng and I are both... happier, when we know where everyone we care about is.
[He won't speak for the other Dan Heng, of course.] Dan Feng especially needs stabilizing influences. Having you here gives him someone he cares deeply for that he can go to, someone that isn't linked to his past [And mara--] and that balances things out for everyone.
[It's a complicated tangle of people, but Val was unique in her position here.] ...And I've wanted to get to know you better for quite awhile.
I'm... not so stabilizing an influence as you might think, for him.
[ but she says nothing of the rest, her face deeply flustered. She doesn't respond any more for a long moment, but eventually: ]
If... the others are not opposed then-- then perhaps I could... stay.
[ It's not that she doesn't want to stay, even, because being wanted is, certainly, one of the things she is weakest to. But it's at odds with her natural politeness, and distance she was raised to have, and a natural disinclination to believe she has any priority at all in Dan Feng's life, especially compared to people like Yingxing-- this she knows to be true. ]
[He was worried he might embarrass her, and it seems he was right.]
I wasn't upset by the sight, but concerned. if it's anything like when scales get patchy, it must be uncomfortable. Is there anything that can be done?
[ she rubs her face a bit, as if trying to fight off the fluster. ]
I can groom them myself, mostly, so-- you don't have to...
[ but she quiets a moment, thoughtful, because Dan Heng is being so nice and welcoming and he's offering something and even though it's fairly intimate and distasteful to look at surely she should... ]
...
But, I. It would be-- nice, if you could help. Just a bit.
[ she lowers her hand, spreading a lower wing to demonstrate on one of the pin feathers there, carefully breaking some of the keratin sheath with her fingers and releasing the feather within. ]
Like this-- the dry ones will crumble easily. I'm sorry, it can be a little messy...
[There's fascinating alight in his eyes as he watches, considers the process with clear interest.] Again, it's nothing to apologize for. I'm more than happy to help, and any mess can be easily cleaned.
[Dan Feng might sulk if he uses his cloudhymn to clean, but he's learned to ignore it.]
Would a change of location help you feel more comfortable before we start?
[ She considers the options, red-faced. The bedroom is certainly more comfortable, but she cannot fight the feeling still that she is a guest here, nor the feeling that it would still be particularly messy for her to drop featherdust all over his space But the bathroom........................ ]
... I think-- the bedroom, if you wouldn't mind. I'm sorry to intrude.
[She keeps apologizing for things she really doesn't need to apologize for... he just shakes his head and offers her a smile.]
Bedroom it is, then.
[He'll lead her to one of the bedrooms-- one with a makeshift futon slash nest tucked in a corner, a bucket of tools that have clearly been recently used near the slightly weathered windowsill. It's... not entirely certain who is residing here, since Dan Heng has mostly been sleeping in his study when he's not getting dragged into Dan Feng's nest.
Honestly he'll probably end up moving it soon enough, or ceding it to someone else.] Have a seat.
It's nice to meet you, Miss Bailu. My name is Valencia... um, you don't have to excuse yourself on my account. Is this not your house with the others? I'm the temporary guest here.
I only got here a few hours ago, I don't think anyone's inviting me to live here. Oh, but Yingxing invited me to visit and I already know Dan Heng! And since I'm new here, I'd like to get to know more people.
[ Stares, for a moment. Either... from a different time, or a different timeline, much like Dan Heng-- it's possible she's from the past, but from what little she knew of Imbibitor Lunae as a position rather than just Dan Feng, they were always male, and certainly not... this. But she definitely wasn't a normal vidyadhara either, with a tail like that. ]
... I see. You hold a very important position, then.
[Dan Heng has been keeping busy with repairs and various other necessities. Though on one or two occasions throughout the day there might be a rather suspicious sounding thump and hiss of pain when he misjudges his height against doorways and bangs his horns or forgets his tail is different now. His poor dignity…
And when he isn’t fixing what simpler parts of the house he can handle, he can be found attempting to decipher the instructions for what is essentially a knockoff ikea bookshelf.
He’s pretty sure there’s a part missing. Or the instructions are just that bad.]
[Jing Yuan was helping with the labour... but he got tired and decided to go flop in the half-finished courtyard instead. He's shirtless, laying on his stomach next to the pond and trailing his fingers in the water to interact with the single sad koi.
The whole family of cats he brought with him are out there, the kittens playing and the mother sleeping in the sun. The all-black kitten is playing with his braid. There are songbirds in the one big tree and along the edges of the eaves, and three of them are perched on Jing Yuan's head and back.
It's warm and comfortable in the sun and he is a happy man who is definitely also stealing glances at the others. Especially the sweaty ones.]
[ he certainly looks happier than when they met...
She doesn't approach for a while, because. Well. Nervous. But after a while of him laying in the sun she does come over to place a cup of water next to him for whenever he might want it. ]
[He leaves it to her to approach, hearing her nervously hovering around. When she finally does he twists to lounge on his elbow and smile up at her. The cup is taken in one hand, and lifted in greeting.]
[He sighs, longsuffering but mostly amused, and sits halfway up to turn and look. The kitten gets comforting ear scritches, and a bird nestles into his fluff.]
[He motions to the- house, in general, shifts on his feet, and then sits down on thin air, the exact same way Jing Yuan would remember he'd usually do to meditate.]
[And Dan Heng is checking over the roof, patching any cracks he sees in the tiling that hasn't had to be fully replaced. The house is well on it's way to being weatherproofed, but some of the unused rooms are still drafty and in need of better insulation and roofing.
He steals glances towards Jing Yuan as he works, and while he doesn't make his way down yet he does make a few fond comments to nearby birds.
Which is how Jing Yuan will end up finding flowers being dropped on his head from above, over the next while, by playful songbirds.]
[The first flower, he picks up and admires without realising anything is up. The second, he looks up and does a cursory check for the source. He shrugs and accepts the mystery blossoms for awhile longer -- and then he finally catches sight of a flower-carrying bird in his peripheral vision.
He sits up, watching the birds with a puzzled expression.]
[And Dan Heng watches as Jing Yuan goes from admiring, to curious, to puzzled. It's cute. He's said as much to the birds: how lovely Jing Yuan was laying in the sun, lax and warm. How gentle the sight of him, with the animals around him. He's not at all surprised by the cats lounging about him: He would have, too.
It was a sight he greatly enjoyed, and the birds were happy to encourage. Fluffy nest man was very nice, very comfortable. The newest bird lands atop his head, threading the flower into his hair as if intending to start building a nest of them.
There's a quiet little breath of laughter that Jing Yuan might locate the source of if he follows the path of some of those birds.]
[ It's likely just at the corner of his eye where a flash of purple runs past, gasping with delight. ]
Kitty!
[ Sometimes, she tries to act mature, but who can blame her for losing a little bit of maturity in the face of an adorable, pettable kitten? She is trying to get close enough to pet one of them. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Day 47
Where are you today?
[If you're looking for a reason for ur char to be here you can assume DF brought you (by passive aggressiveness, by tantrum, by chloroform)]]
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banging on the door of a locked room. it may actually have been a couple of hours since she was brought there, but, well. drugging and all.]
Dan Feng!
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Dan Feng. Let me out right now.
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Is it not to your liking?
[The room is traditional Xianzhou, even if the furniture is mismatched, and smells strongly of incense. There's a suspicious stain on the ceiling.]
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[ puts her hands against the door, frowning. she could probably break this with enough force... ]
-- If you wanted to bring me somewhere you could have invited me. Why am I locked in.
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It’s so you are prepared. [He does not elaborate.] You are home. I am washing your clothes soon. Does that burgundy scarf need hot water?
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Home? My clothes are clean! Do NOT wash them.
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But I am wearing them?
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SHOULDER RAMS THE DOOR SO HARD IT FUCKING BREAKS ]
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The room she’s in apparently opens into a small courtyard, lifted from it by a wooden deck. Dan Feng is wearing her clothes - the scarf in question, one of her overcoats around his elbows, and one of her socks (?) as a hand warmer (?)]
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just kind of stares out at the courtyard, baffled, then back to him--
and puffs with indignation. ]
Take them off!
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She makes an irritated noise, but she's dizzy and disoriented and his smell is different enough that it gives her pause and--
She pushes at his shoulders, after a moment, to tilt her head away. ]
Dan Feng--
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Dan Feng twitches, but he doesn't look away from her, opting to bury his face in her hair instead.]
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... Where am I?
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[ exhales slowly. ]
Why did you-- you could have just asked me to visit. Take my clothes off before you rip them. Peanuts are fine.
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... I don't own this. I don't have the funds for this.
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It is ours. Communal. Are you stupid?
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Did... you ask the others if I was allowed here? You have to ask...
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Why do I have to ask? I own Heng'er and Yuan'er. I own the Mourning Actor Heng'er, he is merely unaware. Yingxing is [He twitches again,] wherever I am. If I say I want you here then you are here. Do you not like this room? There are many. But some are drafty.
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They have... their own thoughts and feelings. If they don't want a stranger here, I can't...
...
I would have rather have a room that I wasn't drugged and locked in though.
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[And then as if that wasn't incredibly concerning,] I wish to live with my family again all under one roof. You will all get together; have patience.
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[ quiet, for a moment. ]
"Family?"
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Are we not?
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... You want that?
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You- took me back on your ship after - [His gaze goes distant in that distinct way that means he's thinking about one (1) specific man.] he threw me out of an airlock. You know what I look like when I'm truly asleep, because I do so on your bed. What do you think?
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Her cheeks darken, and she looks away for a moment, her feathers fluffing. ]
I didn't... think you thought of it that way.
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Take my clothes off. Then come here.
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[Comes closer first, and then reaches for her clothes??? The ones she's wearing???]
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No, these.
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Why! You are not in need of them! Selfish!
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[ starts removing them from him herself then, slowly. ]
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[There's some squirming, but Val is old hat by now with squirming, attention-wanting Emanators, so she can get her scarf and coat and one (1) sock off while Dan Feng throws a tantrum on the deck.]
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[ takes them and tosses them into the room.
Then she reaches up to take his face so she can pull him back in to her. ]
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What?
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Don’t leave.
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[ relaxes against him, face buried into his shoulder, fighting off the rising nausea from his stupid fucking chloroform. ]
Ask if they're okay with it. And don't drug me again.
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[Perhaps all of her clothes are in a pile somewhere… Maybe a scavenger hunt of them… sorry Val!! He doesn’t say yes to anything, but starts stroking her hair instead.]
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... The issue is-- if they do not want me here... I cannot force them to tolerate my presence. It's a matter of my comfort as much as theirs.
Ask them, Dan Feng. Please.
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[He turns his head to drop a kiss in her hair.] If you worry this much your face will get stuck that way.
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... mm. Probably.
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And then pulls back to punch him in the stomach as hard as she can, face flushed with indignant embarrassment. ]
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-- You don't get to say that and then kiss me!
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[ her voice wobbles a little. ]
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[He squints at her.]
Are you just saying this to make me feel better?
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Would you kill me ever again?
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[ tiredly ]
Not unless I had no other choice.
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[ pushes away from him and wobbles to her feet, unsteady. ]
I'm going back to Clubs.
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You always leave me. Everyone does. [He presses his face into the deck.] Cruel!
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[He is telling the floor this. It's a little muffled.]
You know what I am like. You have my full dossier backed up in your ship's cold storage. I had faith that you would stay with me like all the times we have stayed together. Was I wrong? Tell me now.
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[ she watches him, brow furrowed and frowning. ]
... You said you would try, with me. So don't go back on that now. My staying still hinges on the others being amenable to my presence, but even if I don't live in this house I will not leave you.
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. . .
turns so df is less in his line of sight,]
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Crawls to him and tries to drape over whatever of him he can reach and this may be cute on a cat but it is not cute on a grown Vidyadhara who crawls like he has no bones.]
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Dan Feng.
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You must help me with something.
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With what?
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I knew you'd be jealous.
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[???? Is that what it means]
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You are pouting.
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I'll prove it.
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then tossing his phone at the nearby nest, hoping its softness is sufficient. and grappling with dan feng.]
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Are you not on my side!
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I'm on my side. Which is not the same as yours!
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a warm cup is offered to him over one of the stacks, carefully. ]
Coffee?
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Thank you.
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[tipping his mask back to inhale the scent of the coffee.]
You?
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I can start helping them more when I'm feeling a bit better. For now this is all I can do.
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[another inhale, savoring it.]
They'll worry if you overdo it.
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... Do you mind company? For a time.
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Fortunately.
You can join me.
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[ She moves over to sit near, but not close enough to accidentally touch, her wings all tucked up and out of the way. ]
What are you reading?
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He needs a friend.
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[From behind her:]
Do not turn around, please. Who needs a friend?
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He did say "please," after all. ]
The fish. Don't you think he's lonely, all alone in there?
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It's just something I picked up somewhere. Don't you agree?
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[There’s the sound of soft footsteps, stopping just behind her right shoulder.]
Are you acquainted with Taoran?
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We've met. And I wouldn't mind never doing it again.
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Better the snake you know, my dear.
[There's a pause, and then a hand tries to pet the top of her head.]
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That's something to think about, along with the fragmented dreams she has on rare occasion. ]
That's an insult to snakes.
[ There is a small start when she feels his hand, but she doesn't immediately swat it away. ]
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[One of the more basic medical prescriptions, really, but it needs a dose of cloudhymn to activate. The hand starts stroking her hair, carefully avoiding her horns.]
What is your given name, Imbibitor Lunae?
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[ She hums thoughtfully, contemplating as she continues to accept the pettings. ]
My name is Bailu. What's yours, Mystery Man?
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[ She's twisting, trying to turn and look, but the grip on her hair makes that more difficult. ]
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[ Yeah he sounds familiar, but she's absolutely positive it's not the voice of any of the preceptors. ]
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Unfortunately, this is so whoever it is can try and pick her up to physically throw her into the pond.
This is enough for her to squirm in that grip, though- so she can see exactly who is trying to dunk her into the (admittedly shallow) pond- someone who has Dan Heng's face, one horn broken, and Dan Heng has never looked so hateful.]
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Hey, wait a minute, you--
[ And then she's being dunked and she gasps, more surprised than anything else (it's not like she'd drown). ]
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Call your cloudhymn, successor.
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That's not--
[ But even if offensive cloudhymn is decidedly her weakness, she's not going to stand around and try and do nothing. She spreads her arms above her head and calls forth a wall of water-- well, at least it peeks above her own head? It's something! As she points towards Dan Feng, it rushes towards him and...
...well, honestly, it hits with about the force of a child's slap, at best. It certainly wouldn't cause anyone any real harm. ]
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But this isn't the time for that now. ]
Oooooooh!
[ She's not good at this but she really, really wants to prove herself. That being said, her strongest attack isn't really hitting people with water.
So she focuses enough electricity to her tail to focus her strongest lightning charge....
and runs at him, jumping up to hit him in the face with a fat, electrified dragon tail. ]
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You-
[He stumbles backwards and falls into the water, and he looks up at Bailu, wide-eyed, jaw bruised.]
In your tail?! [He sounds more scandalized than hurt actually.]
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No one's gonna expect it!
[ She actually sounds proud of herself. ]
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How charming. Did Yuan'er teach you?
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[ She does see the spears and jumps backwards, flailing a little bit but managing to get some distance. She nearly unbalances, but by wheeling her arms in circles, manages to recover without falling over. ]
Hey!
[ She is very deliberately splashing him using her own cloudhymn. Not only does it not hurt, it doesn't even have the force of trying to hurt him. She is just making him soggy. ]
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You are a useless little thing. [His cloudhymn collides with hers, and it starts raining, localized over them.] What can you even do?
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Just because I can't fight yet doesn't mean I'm useless. I'll have you know I'm really good at healing! One of the best!
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Are you?
[And then: the last water spear hurtles towards them- and stabs right through Dan Feng, through his own belly, disappearing in a splatter of blood. He curls over.]
Heal me, then.
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Why would you do that?!
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It's not perfect, he'll still be sore once the painkilling aspect wears out, but he's a damned sight better off than he was a moment ago. ]
I'm gonna give you a prescription for when the pain soothing subsides. You're gonna need to limit physical activity for at least a few days while your body recovers.
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And Dan Heng is nearby, starting to cook lunch.]
Which would you prefer, chicken or books?
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All of that disappears instantly in favor of invading both kitchen and Dan Heng's space.]
Are you making the food?
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The moods of this dragon...]
I am. Do you have any preferences? I was thinking chicken, but I haven't decided yet.
[It's a little different, crowding his space when he's taller now. RIP Dan Feng.]
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[He only says this to be contrary, his hand already trying to pet Dan Heng's tail.]
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[He knows Dan Feng is just being contrary, his tail booping the other in the forehead.]
...I need to concentrate on cooking.
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[He might be a little shit, but he's the one plastering himself up Dan Heng's side like an amorous limpet.]
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[His tone is flat and a little chiding-- but his tail is tucking around whatever part of Dan Feng it can reach, curling snugly against him.
He's been... a little more touchy, since his return. He has done his best to pretend it's happenstance, but his tail betrays him as always.]
day 47
either he's hammering away at the forge, or hauling beams and stones into place, carefully securing everything exactly where it needs to be with utmost precision. he's focused. entirely in his element. ]
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Can I help you with something?
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[ he'll bend down to retrieve the stone anyway, hefting it up, muscles straining.. then carefully turn it. ]
I don't know. I think it looked better before.
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[ he's the artist here, thank you. also, he places his hands stubbornly on his hips. ]
Ask nicely.
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[Dan Feng sticks his tongue out. He's never done that before. But he does so now, lounging back into the pile of paving stones Yingxing actually needs to finish paving.]
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Did you just stick your tongue out at me, you little shit?
[ stepping forward, yingxing leans over him, both hands planted on the stone to either side of dan feng's hips. ]
Put it back where it belongs, or I'll put it to use.
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What an impudent thing to say to your better.
[He sounds really strained but at least he’s looking up at Yingxing’s eyes— nope he’s looking at Yingxing’s mouth.]
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You know, it's funny.. the Dan Feng in my memory wasn't nearly so prudish. You are the Imibitor Lunae. You can take anything you want.
[ well okay, dan feng was prudish.. but only before they started fucking. after? all bets were off. ]
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[Dan Feng seems to be saying this to Yingxing's left nipple. His tail curls around Yingxing's ankle though.]
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[ .. ]
My eyes are up here, darling.
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[But never let it be said that Dan Feng is a coward, so he lifts a hand to
Okay. The hand pauses. Dan Feng's face flames. He's right; though Dan Feng doesn't remember some of it, his braincells too dredged in mara, they had fucked in that gore made of them, and that was really, incredibly, hot, and now his hand is groping at Yingxing's pec, when did that happen???]
Nnngh. [Dan Feng says intelligently. His eyes stray down to Yingxing's crotch, and he licks his lips.] I. [He can't say it he will die help.]
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but he won't argue it for the moment, not when dan feng's hand is on him, his eyes flicking south momentarily. a low chuckle rolls from his throat like a purr, and yingxing lifts one hand from its perch on the stone to curl his knuckles beneath dan feng's chin, lifting it. ]
Having trouble with your words, there? [ he teases, but he can't help the way his expression softens a little, looking into those arresting eyes. ] .. you're so fucking beautiful, do you know that?
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Yeah?
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playing dumb.]
Yeah?
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All right, well, ogle all you want, I suppose. I'm giving it away for free, here.
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Quite generous, considering.
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[ he'll just haul up another beam into his arms, biceps flexing.. ]
Though you could at least ask me to dinner.
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I could?
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...He still isn't looking away though.]
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Woah, hey, be careful!
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[He barely feels it????
Mostly because he's been extremely distracted by the intent, focused look on Yingxing's face and the sweat... running down his jaw...
Ow. He winces, looking embarrassed.]
..It barely clipped me.
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[ he glances down, then up to dan heng's face again. ]
It's still there.
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[He wants to lick hi--
Ahem.]
...Ah, right...
[Don't mind him bending down to pick up that beam. He feels a little warm. The work they've been doing, surely.]
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well. a little bit. he is in work mode right now, which means he's got his professional pants on. ]
Heh. Right. You can bring that over to me.
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[Have mercy on his poor soul, Yingxing.
Dan Heng would like to be entirely focused on work, but it's hard when Yingxing is... well, Yingxing.
He's surprised much of anything got done in the artisanship commission during his time. Dan Heng makes his way over, offering Yingxing the beam and doing his best to pretend he hasn't been staring.]
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Good, thanks.
[ he takes the beam, sitting it neatly beside its brothers to be fastened into place shortly. ]
You look a little warm.
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[Yingxing please stop standing there with your chest and your sweat and your--]
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Sure, sure. That's all?
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He wants to lick that sweat off of him.
Wait, did he say something?]
Hm?
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Right. [ he laughs. ] I'll tell you what, how about you help me secure this last beam into place, and we'll enjoy a shower together? Sound good?
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That suggestion gets an immediate reaction: His tail perking up, his ears perking up, face flaming.]
A shower... together?
[That last word is said with a slight rasp.]
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[ thirstiest little shits, and yet so easily scandalized. yingxing shakes his head, and chuckles. ]
Yeah, together. Unless that sounds terrible for you. Don't let me twist your arm.
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yeah. that's good soup. ]
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Here to help?
[ he gives his head a shake in the sunlight. sweat glistening. fabio moment. ]
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... I'm afraid Dan Feng decided to poison me. But I would be happy to help later, as repayment for letting me rest here.
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[ yingxing's hold on the stone he's carrying slips, and he has to tip forward to renew his grip. ]
Goddamn lizard -
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Watching you work helps.
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[ yingxing heaves another large paving stone up into his hands. ]
Feel free to enjoy the show all you like. Consider it a different sort of healing.
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-- I don't mean to ogle you like some sort of-- object, of course... I appreciate all the hard work you've been doing.
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Please, ogle away. So long as you keep a safe distance, you're welcome to look.
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[ carefully, yingxing settles the stone into place in the sand, making sure it's turned just right. ]
But if you're itching to find something to do, I'm sure there's some busy work.
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[ watches him silently for a moment. but. ]
... I'm fortunately very resistant to most... poisons, and most illnesses. I recover quickly.
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We're going to have to make sure you never run out of projects.
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You too, huh? I should start charging by the hour.
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[Jing Yuan laughs, light and sunny, free of the melancholy haze that usually surrounds him. He's having a good day. All his people are here and it feels almost like home.]
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Maybe I do, but I might as well make some silver off of my hard work, too.
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[There was an opening and he had to take it.]
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What favors did you have in mind?
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that said she did literally get drugged so she is just. recovering from that a bit. but. ]
...
Maybe I should be helping...
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Are you still groggy?
[Sorry about. Y'know. That kidnapping thing.]
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with a tired air: ]
Dan Feng seems to think my immunity to most toxins makes me entirely impervious to sedation so he needs to use pack animal-sized dosages.
... So yes.
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I imagine you would need a larger dose than most, but that is overkill...
[A shake of the head.]
Hydration should help your system clear it out faster, but you shouldn't engage in any strenuous activity until it's cleared out completely.
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[ pauses. ah, ]
... Thank you for caring, Dan Heng.
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[Said with a shake of his head.]
And I'd rather see you safe than potentially hurting yourself helping out.
[His tail swishes a little, betraying his happy mood. All the lizards seem to share a weird habit of liking to keep their people close and cared for, okay.]
Do you feel any other side effects, or just grogginess?
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Oh, no... Just tired, that's all. I won't hurt myself, please don't worry-- I know my limits.
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[He'd probably have to make medicine to clear her system out if Dan Feng had.]
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[ huffs a sigh. ]
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Visit? I assumed he intended to invite you to stay.
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[ makes a face like. yeah that's clearly what he wanted, but. ]
-- I cannot possibly impose on you all like that. It would be terrible entitled of me.
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[A pause, as if he's weighing her words a little. But he needs to ask first.]
Do you want to stay?
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I...
[ embarrassed, and looks down at her lap. ]
... I couldn't possibly impose. You're very kind, and I'm sure Dan Feng would prefer me closer by, but I cannot imagine my presence would be-- permanently welcome. I am a guest.
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Why wouldn't you be permanently welcome?
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[ quiets, awkward, her feathers slimming and wings pressing tighter against herself. ]
... I do not... see why I should be wanted, were that not the case.
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...Yes, he supposes he can see the picture forming here. He frowns slightly at the way her wings tuck close, eying the feathers for a moment.]
Beyond asking you to try and believe me when I say I find your company enjoyable--
[Because he has a feeling that directly saying so might not have as much impact here--] I genuinely believe you being here is a good thing. For me, for Dan Feng. For everyone. Even those who do not know you yet. There is a reason I bought this house, you see.
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she looks pretty embarrassed by his words, though, because why would her presence be that good of a thing-- when Dan Feng acts the way he does, and when she's a perfect stranger to half of the house-- ]
... A reason?
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His tail taps against the floor as he considers his words, smiling wryly.] I would not have wanted a permanent place for myself only. There's only so much room in the dorms, and Dan Feng and I are both... happier, when we know where everyone we care about is.
[He won't speak for the other Dan Heng, of course.] Dan Feng especially needs stabilizing influences. Having you here gives him someone he cares deeply for that he can go to, someone that isn't linked to his past [And mara--] and that balances things out for everyone.
[It's a complicated tangle of people, but Val was unique in her position here.] ...And I've wanted to get to know you better for quite awhile.
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[ but she says nothing of the rest, her face deeply flustered. She doesn't respond any more for a long moment, but eventually: ]
If... the others are not opposed then-- then perhaps I could... stay.
[ It's not that she doesn't want to stay, even, because being wanted is, certainly, one of the things she is weakest to. But it's at odds with her natural politeness, and distance she was raised to have, and a natural disinclination to believe she has any priority at all in Dan Feng's life, especially compared to people like Yingxing-- this she knows to be true. ]
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[About what??? But his tail swishes behind him, betraying his own happiness at her agreement.]
I can't speak for Jing Yuan and Yingxing, but I don't see why they'd say no if you asked. There's more than enough room for everyone here after all.
[A pause. Hesitantly, like he's not sure he's allowed to ask--] May I ask a personal question?
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-- Yes?
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[Slightly worried.]
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[ they relax a bit, and she reaches up to touch one of her neckwings... ]
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[ She looks. Pretty embarrassed by that, in a different way than before, subtly covering the one she was touching with a hand. ]
... It seems-- one of my taboos causes my feathers to fall out, and so... Well, they're growing back fine, I think. I'm sorry they're unsightly.
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[He was worried he might embarrass her, and it seems he was right.]
I wasn't upset by the sight, but concerned. if it's anything like when scales get patchy, it must be uncomfortable. Is there anything that can be done?
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I can groom them myself, mostly, so-- you don't have to...
[ but she quiets a moment, thoughtful, because Dan Heng is being so nice and welcoming and he's offering something and even though it's fairly intimate and distasteful to look at surely she should... ]
...
But, I. It would be-- nice, if you could help. Just a bit.
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I'd be happy to help, if you're comfortable with me doing so.
[He's... curious honestly. You didn't meet many halovians outside of the Family's territory. And Val's shyness is cute.] What do I need to do?
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Like this-- the dry ones will crumble easily. I'm sorry, it can be a little messy...
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[Dan Feng might sulk if he uses his cloudhymn to clean, but he's learned to ignore it.]
Would a change of location help you feel more comfortable before we start?
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[ setting aside the iced tea so she can sweep up the bits she just flaked off with her hands to throw away. ]
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[The kitchen is probably not the ideal place for this regardless.]
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... I think-- the bedroom, if you wouldn't mind. I'm sorry to intrude.
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Bedroom it is, then.
[He'll lead her to one of the bedrooms-- one with a makeshift futon slash nest tucked in a corner, a bucket of tools that have clearly been recently used near the slightly weathered windowsill. It's... not entirely certain who is residing here, since Dan Heng has mostly been sleeping in his study when he's not getting dragged into Dan Feng's nest.
Honestly he'll probably end up moving it soon enough, or ceding it to someone else.] Have a seat.
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[ There is a smaller lizard girl pointing at Val. ]
You're going to stay put until you've recovered.
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a baby is scolding me? ]
I'm-- sorry...
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[ Bailu doesn't have all the details, but she's able to see the signs of being drugged. ]
But you should have plenty of fluids-- water, soup, etcetera. It'll help flush out your system faster.
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[ with the sort of gentle indulgence one might use for an actual child, bc she has no idea. ]
What's your name?
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My name is Bailu. I hope you don't mind me coming by to visit. It's nice to meet you.
[ She has not realized dragons will kidnap her yet. ]
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It's nice to meet you, Miss Bailu. My name is Valencia... um, you don't have to excuse yourself on my account. Is this not your house with the others? I'm the temporary guest here.
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I only got here a few hours ago, I don't think anyone's inviting me to live here. Oh, but Yingxing invited me to visit and I already know Dan Heng! And since I'm new here, I'd like to get to know more people.
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I see... Do-- Do you have a guardian, here...? This place can get rather dangerous, at times.
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I came here partly to get away from them. Besides, I don't need a guardian! I wanna grow without having them bossing me around and locking me up.
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[ awkwardly, gentle: ]
Nobody's going to lock you up here. But even for adults it can be terrible, at times, so-- if nothing else, someone you can rely on...
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[ She considers for a moment. ]
Well, I can rely on Dan Heng. He's my mentor, and I trust him.
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I'm glad you have him.
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[ She smiles at that. ]
I came here with the idea of not knowing anyone, but I can't say I'm mad about finding him.
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Do you know people here? I mean, I guess you're friends now, but what about before you got here?
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[ That has to be a coincidence, but she knows that name, and there are two Dan Hengs so--
But would that even be possible? ]
I'm glad you had someone too, though. It's a little less lonely, having someone.
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[ She's guessing, or else Val wouldn't be glad to have him around. ]
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[ She huffs, and adds-- ]
But he really shouldn't drug you.
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There's not a lot I can do to help, but--
[ She concentrates on Val's water, and it ripples with her effort, pretty fiercely for a moment before it calms down again. ]
It should help with any lingering grogginess. I'd also recommend you eat some soup, if there's any around.
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I'll get a can from the shops, later. It seems like you know your way around some illness, huh?
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[ There's a touch of pride to her voice, and her eyes are sparkling. ]
I help people who visit me on the Loufu.
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[ Stares, for a moment. Either... from a different time, or a different timeline, much like Dan Heng-- it's possible she's from the past, but from what little she knew of Imbibitor Lunae as a position rather than just Dan Feng, they were always male, and certainly not... this. But she definitely wasn't a normal vidyadhara either, with a tail like that. ]
... I see. You hold a very important position, then.
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Uh-huh, I'm a high elder and I'm gonna be the next Imbibitor Lunae. But for now, I'm called the Healer Lady.
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Shall I call you Healer Lady? I wouldn't want to be impolite.
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Nah, I prefer just "Bailu." I'm proud of my abilities, but I wouldn't want to be known only by them.
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My name is Valencia. It's very nice to meet you.
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Day 47
And when he isn’t fixing what simpler parts of the house he can handle, he can be found attempting to decipher the instructions for what is essentially a knockoff ikea bookshelf.
He’s pretty sure there’s a part missing. Or the instructions are just that bad.]
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Also Day 47
The whole family of cats he brought with him are out there, the kittens playing and the mother sleeping in the sun. The all-black kitten is playing with his braid. There are songbirds in the one big tree and along the edges of the eaves, and three of them are perched on Jing Yuan's head and back.
It's warm and comfortable in the sun and he is a happy man who is definitely also stealing glances at the others. Especially the sweaty ones.]
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She doesn't approach for a while, because. Well. Nervous. But after a while of him laying in the sun she does come over to place a cup of water next to him for whenever he might want it. ]
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Why thank you. Lovely day, isn't it?
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Yes, it is... Thank you for your hard work.
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Eventually, though, he catches the black kitten and holds it in the crook of his arm, talking to it with a light and humorous tone.]
Ever the bold little one, aren't you? I wonder if our friend over there would like some attention too?
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I don't think I can compete with your braid for fun.
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What do you think? [About what-- he doesn't elaborate.]
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[He sighs, longsuffering but mostly amused, and sits halfway up to turn and look. The kitten gets comforting ear scritches, and a bird nestles into his fluff.]
What is it you want my opinion on, Dan Feng?
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[He motions to the- house, in general, shifts on his feet, and then sits down on thin air, the exact same way Jing Yuan would remember he'd usually do to meditate.]
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[He hasn't deserved such an idyllic life since That Night. He's not even particularly upset by the question.]
But I have it, so I'll enjoy it. Isn't it the same for you?
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[The fluffy tip of his tail moves to brush against the kitten, and by extension, Jing Yuan.]
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...amd so does Jing Yuan.]
I am not him, but we are cut from the same cloth. I expect every "Jing Yuan" would have a good deal of overlap.
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He steals glances towards Jing Yuan as he works, and while he doesn't make his way down yet he does make a few fond comments to nearby birds.
Which is how Jing Yuan will end up finding flowers being dropped on his head from above, over the next while, by playful songbirds.]
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He sits up, watching the birds with a puzzled expression.]
Now what's all this about?
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It was a sight he greatly enjoyed, and the birds were happy to encourage. Fluffy nest man was very nice, very comfortable. The newest bird lands atop his head, threading the flower into his hair as if intending to start building a nest of them.
There's a quiet little breath of laughter that Jing Yuan might locate the source of if he follows the path of some of those birds.]
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Kitty!
[ Sometimes, she tries to act mature, but who can blame her for losing a little bit of maturity in the face of an adorable, pettable kitten? She is trying to get close enough to pet one of them. ]