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

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

[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.

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[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.]

[ 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.

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.)]

[ 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. ]

[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.]

[ 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.

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.]

[ 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.

[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.]

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.

[Xiao Xingchen smiles at that, though his expression becomes pensive. So many here had been kind and supportive of him, likely all of them knowing of his eventual fate, perhaps hoping that he would have a chance at a better life. Of course, his fate has always felt tied up with that man.]

I'm grateful for your hospitality and everything you've given me so far. I can't stay for too long, but... thank you so much. Our paths might never have crossed in our world, so I'm very lucky that they have here.

[But despite fears and everything else he's had to give up, everything is under control now. So that should be fine, shouldn't it? He's used to it by now.

If only moments together like this didn't make his mind wander, forming an image of a different life. One where he didn't have to worry about returning soon enough.]

[ Wen Ning brings Xiao Xingchen's hand closer to his chest. ]

Stay... as long as... you wish.

[ He knows he can't keep his friend from returning to one who only knew how to hurt people. All he can do is reassure him that he will always have a place here. Always have a place with him.

At least in this, Wen Ning can allow himself to be selfish. It's for Xiao Xingchen's sake after all. ]

[Xiao Xingchen can feel the place where his hand touches as it grows warmer. From Wen
Ning's words and manner, he exudes more warmth than many people, but his body does not reflect that.

The world is certainly strange. If only he could really stay that long...]

I've been meaning to ask, but do you have a bed here? Perhaps I can retire to that for a little while.

[Wen Ning could at least have such comfortable things, even if he can't make use of it-- or would it be more insulting, given his limitations?]

Mm, I do.

[ Of course, Sizhui and Wei Wuxian would insist on it, even if Wen Ning does not truly need it. They still did their best to make him feel as much one of them as they could. ]

I can... lead you.

[ Which would, admittedly, be the first time Wen Ning has ever brought anyone to his bed here. Not that he would have much need to. ]

[Xiao Xingchen nods ad lets himself be led over to it. He could listen to the man's steps for where to go, but being led by the hand works just as well!]

Today was... something else. This place has been fraught with perils, but I feared today would really have been the end for the city.

[And Xiao Xingchen would have fought to his last if he could protect everyone, not retreating to another area.]

The city is... strong. So are... the people. We need to... believe in them.

[ He opens his bedroom door for the man so he can bring him to the bed. ]

Mn. You are right.

[Yet at the same time, every preventable loss always weighs on his head.

For now, he's tired enough that he can will himself to sleep. That also makes him wonder...]

Is it possible that... you can sleep in some kind of way? You can share my bed, if you wish.

[Even if Wen Ning can't feel the soft comfort of a bed, Xiao Xingchen would readily allow him to rest next to him and feel the warmth of moonlacing for a while, if he can.]

I... cannot sleep. But I can... join you. If... you like.

[ It is yet another request he never would have expected to be made toward himself. Xiao Xingchen seems to do that so often. Maybe that's why he can't help but turn it back on his friend. A way to ensure that he really heard what he thought he heard? That Xiao Xingchen feels comfortable enough to have him at his side while he rests. Wen Ning has never even made such a request of Wei Wuxian.

He shuffles on his feet, as he awaits the man's response. ]

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

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