[audio] event after the broadcast interception, un: meiyouren

[blindforlove]

[The audio starts with the chanting of the possessed claiming that EVERY EYE SHALL SEE THEM. Different voices fade in and out. Unaffected by Majestas' spell without any eyes to see, but also unable to see where Majestas is and join the fight just yet, Xiao Xingchen has to turn to the network for help.]

Is there anyone still out there who can answer me? What is everyone seeing? I must ask, because... I cannot see - at all - and I can't find anyone who will say anything to me. Other than this.

Comments

[goodboyplaydead]

[ Wen Ning takes the lead and starts moving away from the crowd, waving his arms at them in case that better captures their attention. He would rather have them target him than his companion. ]

[blindforlove]

[Xiao Xingchen would reprimand him, if he only could see what he was doing! But he hears the footsteps drawn away from him, soon joined by wingbeats.

It is a long, arduous fight until Majestas leaves, and even Xiao Xingchen, who often ends battles without even dirtying his robes, has taken on a few injuries. They're almost completely superficial and easily dealt with, like a thin cut across his arm or a bruise from a glancing blow.

His main concern is that of Wen Ning.]

Are you all right?

[Before Wen Ning can answer, his hands already start searching the man for any injuries. He isn't sure what sort of injury is of concern to fierce corpses, however, but he has to try to do something about it.]

[goodboyplaydead]

[ Wen Ning takes his fair share of bloodless damage as always. There are numerous wounds from various weapons that the cursed Moonblessed used against him in their attempts to reach others, as well as some magical burns. His outfit is a mess, tears and rips throughout. But the most prevalent damage is the significant loss of Chroma the fight has resulted in. He struggles to find his footing, as his usual supernatural strength seems to drain from him. Xiao Xingchen's touch only makes him further falter, as he tries to escape concern. ]

I am... fine. I do not... take much damage.

[blindforlove]

[Xiao Xingchen hums in confusion, and for a moment, it appears as if he will take Wen Ning at his word and let him be as he hears him shamble away from his touch.

But he then holds out his arms, as if asking for a hug.]

Then... if you don't mind, could you help me with moonlacing for my own wounds?

[Of course, just like Wen Ning, Xiao Xingchen wouldn't ask for someone to care for them on any ordinary day. But he's already figured that Wen Ning would say this, given what he knows of him. So needlessly self-sacrificing! (Of course, he himself can't relate.)

So this is a sort of a compromise.]

[goodboyplaydead]

[ Wen Ning's ears spring to attention. ]

—Ah, yes, daozhang.

[ There is no second-guessing in the way Wen Ning pulls Xiao Xingchen into his arms, his gaze raking over him for any dangerous wounds. Maybe there was something he had missed. Either way, he is all too happy to help chase away the superficial ones as well. ]

[blindforlove]

[Xiao Xingchen feels a pang of guilt about calling attention to his own minor wounds to get Wen Ning to cooperate, but it doesn't last too long when he thinks of how Wen Ning would suffer these wounds on his own. If he thinks of it like this, this was the right thing to do... wasn't it?

Just in case Wen Ning tries to slip away early, Xiao Xingchen tightens his arms around the other man, squeezing tight. The moonlacing sends a wave of warmth through him, as he rests his chin on Wen Ning's shoulder.]

[goodboyplaydead]

Does it... hurt badly?

[ Xiao Xingchen is holding him so tightly, he must need immediate healing. Only that doesn't seem right. Xiao Xingchen is not one to cling to others when in distress. He is too proper for that. Does this mean that he feel comfortable enough around him to do so? Wen Ning must do whatever he can to be worthy of such trust.

He drops his head to nuzzle more into Xiao Xingchen's neck, understanding that the closer intimacy will better supply the healing Chroma. ]

Ah, forgive me...

[blindforlove]

Not to worry. It'll feel much better if we're sure that everything's treated.

[Xiao Xingchen ought to be concerned how easy it was to give a vague answer to avoid lying, but again, he knows Wen Ning wouldn't agree otherwise.

Though the the light nuzzle brushes against a somewhat sensitive, technical spot, and he laughs softly as he rests his head on Wen Ning's shoulder.]

Don't apologize. If it's something we both enjoy, what trouble is there to be apologized for?

[While Xiao Xingchen easily falls back around people with more outgoing personalities, he also can lead with those who are... less so. It feels nice to, somehow.]

[goodboyplaydead]

[ It is true that Wen Ning is enjoying this. But if Xaio Xingchen is as well, then he cannot argue with the cultivator's point. Moonlacing is supposed to be pleasant and beneficial for both parties. It is all right to indulge a little with a willing partner.

He keeps his head where it was. ]

Is there... more I can... do?

[blindforlove]

Well... there is one thing.

[It has been a while since last time. And since Wen Ning sounded open to the idea-- ah, but it's still embarrassing to say aloud!]

[goodboyplaydead]

I will... do it.

[ Not that Wen Ning even knows what Xiao Xingchen means to ask. But he needs to help his friend however he can. Not to mention, that he can't help wanting to prolong this moment just a little... ]

[blindforlove]

[Xiao Xingchen leans back a little, just enough so he knows that they're face to face, and taps a finger to his lips.]

I won't trouble you much longer. If we do it this way, I'll feel better much faster.

[goodboyplaydead]

Ehh?

[ Wen Ning is a bit taken aback, ears flickering rapidly, at first since he hadn't expected such a bold request. But he reminds himself that 1) this isn't the first time and 2) kissing is one of the more powerful forms of Chroma restoration here.

3) Kissing Xiao Xingchen had been among the most pleasant experiences he ever had. And not just counting here.

4)The excuse is one he can't bring himself to pass up. Even if he wanted to. Which he doesn't.

He covers up his previous surprise with a quick nod. ]

Ah, all right...

[ His hands move up to Xiao Xingchen's shoulders for purpose, as he leans in carefully to press their lips together. ]

[blindforlove]

[With a soft laugh against Wen Ning's lips, Xiao Xingchen returns the kiss. The feeling might be cold at first, but the moonlacing warms it up again quickly, as if no different from any other kiss with a living person.

No, that's not right. Whether he kissed another person, aware fierce corpse or not, it wouldn't be the same!

Getting even more bold now, he wraps his arms around the back of Wen Ning's neck and pulls him even closer. A moment like this almost is enough to make him forget the grueling battle that had just happened. That, or maybe the battle makes this even sweeter.]

[goodboyplaydead]

[ Wen Ning isn't sure whether the new intensity has something to do with Xiao Xingchen's injuries or something else. He also isn't sure whether he actually wants to know. Because right now all he wants to do is keep kissing the cultivator. ]

[blindforlove]

[Wen Ning might not need air, but Xiao Xingchen does! After a long moment - taking his time - he breaks the kiss with another contented laugh, tilting his head back.]

There we are. I could go out and keep fighting now, if I was still needed for that.

[He doesn't pull back yet however, still holding onto the other man.]

[goodboyplaydead]

[ There are the occasional perks to being a fierce corpse. Though they can make situations like this slightly more awkward. But Xiao Xingchen's laugh eases any of those feelings. His tail gives its own contented swish. ]

I am... glad. You feel... restored.

[ He pauses before he manages his next words, unsure if they will come across too bold. ]

I also... feel... better.

[blindforlove]

And for that, I am glad as well.

[Xiao Xingchen smiles as he gives a light, comforting clap to Wen Ning on his shoulder, feeling quite pleased with himself. Not like that helping Wen Ning was the reason he did this or anything. Perhaps he should feel bad for not being upfront with his intentions, but if it helped, isn't that all that matters? Besides, it's an opportunity to help that likely no trouble for the either of them with how pleasant it is.]

But for now, we should rest somewhere.

[With the situation under control, they can help with the relief a little later. Cultivators might not need as much sleep as the others, but it helps him to keep sharp, which he especially needs. Surely even fierce corpses need some downtime as well? (He's still not sure how that works.)]

[goodboyplaydead]

[ Wen Ning gives an almost too fond sigh at the touch. Even such brief contact feels like a gift when it comes from the other man. ]

"Do you want... to go back? To your... place?"

[ Which probably sounds more suggestive than it actually is. ]

[blindforlove]

[Xiao Xingchen has to give it a moment of thought. His roommate will not be pleased to find unexpected company. Better to not deal with that at all, because even after a long battle that threatened the city, he can expect that said roommate will make it a big headache (and that alone would be the optimistic outlook).]

Ah... well, perhaps it'll be less trouble to stay where you're staying.

[He can just stay there a little while and be on his way, without making Wen Ning go through another trip. A decision with far less drawbacks.]

[goodboyplaydead]

[ Wen Ning does not second guess the offer. He's just pleased enough that Xiao Xingchen wants to spend more time with him. And he knows that the guest will be well received by the Lan household. Yes, it is the best approach. ]

I will be... happy. To have you... there. For as long... as you like.

[blindforlove]

All right. Then if you would please lead the way?

[Xiao Xingchen takes Wen Ning's hand in his. Perhaps he could figure out the way himself - he still has the address from when he'd been there - but it's nicer this way, he thinks.]

[goodboyplaydead]

[ Wen Ning is definitely going to be leading them away much faster than might be necessary. But he would rather avoid any other interruptions to his time with Xiao Xingchen. It's not long at all before he's guiding him through the front entrance, glancing around him to see who might have already returned. Not that they require privacy. But he still finds himself inappropriately relieved that the other occupants seem to still be out for now. ]

The others... are not back. Not yet.

[blindforlove]

[Xiao Xingchen follows closely by Wen Ning with every step, unease creeping into his heart suddenly. He wants to spend more time with Wen Ning and rest just as he said, and he still wouldn't have brought the man back to his own apartment, but... it feels like another lifetime has passed since he was last here.]

I hope they won't mind my presence. When I was last here, I departed without any word. That was terribly rude of me.

[Leaving without actually announcing his departure was terribly rude of him, Xiao Xingchen knows, but he didn't dare to risk any certain someone following him back here. Of course, he's fairly sure that it's no secret why he left.

That doesn't keep Xiao Xingchen from feeling guilty about it.]

[goodboyplaydead]

I was... worried. Because of... what happened.

[ When he found Xiao Xingchen bleeding and beside himself with misery. Misery that no doubt be blamed on a certain other demonic cultivator. But if Xiao Xingchen had chosen to return to him, Wen Ning has no further say in the matter. He cannot tell others who they should and should not be around. No matter how much he worries for them. ]

But... I am glad. You are here... now.