Shen Qingqiu 【沈九】 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
originalshen) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
prismatica2019-11-02 12:13 am
originalshen) wrote in prismatica2019-11-02 12:13 am
video
[The feed opens to a trio of pretty prismal girls in what appears to possibly be a Caihong brothel, judging by the aesthetic. Another young woman can be heard from the recording end: "There, it's on! Say hello, girls!" The girls happily wave at the camera!
"And now if you press this right here—" Ah there we go, selfie mode! Instead of those other girls, we now get a vision of another local lady with a curious-looking man in soft green robes.]
That easy, is it?
["That easy!" as she hands the communicator back to its rightful owner. He stares at the screen for a moment, contemplating whether he should just turn it off - but those girls are coaxing him to try saying something, so eventually he relents.]
So people can see this, is that right? [Awkward!] ......Well. I suppose if anyone here knows of quiet areas to visit or stores that serve good tea, I'm...open to suggestions. [Ahem.]
That is all.
[Aaand after some fumbling (and more help and laughter from his friends), he manages to turn the thing off. All replies will be in voice from here on out!]
"And now if you press this right here—" Ah there we go, selfie mode! Instead of those other girls, we now get a vision of another local lady with a curious-looking man in soft green robes.]
That easy, is it?
["That easy!" as she hands the communicator back to its rightful owner. He stares at the screen for a moment, contemplating whether he should just turn it off - but those girls are coaxing him to try saying something, so eventually he relents.]
So people can see this, is that right? [Awkward!] ......Well. I suppose if anyone here knows of quiet areas to visit or stores that serve good tea, I'm...open to suggestions. [Ahem.]
That is all.
[Aaand after some fumbling (and more help and laughter from his friends), he manages to turn the thing off. All replies will be in voice from here on out!]
permavideo, Binghe gathers up this special treatment and treasures it forever...
All that he's known and been told makes it easiest to believe the circumstances that brought Shen Yuan to their world was a matter of rebirth. A reincarnation of one person into their next life, albeit in a less than literal or linear sense.
Yet however it truly happened, in whatever way things can be explained away, two men with the same face and form aren't easily differentiated when the thread of fate between them is so clear. So Binghe can't help if that attachment bleeds over, despite the bad blood and mistreatment he's long since forgiven the man who chose him as a disciple all those years ago. ]
I've learned a lot about these devices since arriving. I'll be right over to show you.
[ He's! Not! Asking! Binghe's already moving about, gathering himself together to step out the door. What he lacks in directions Binghe makes up for in sheer determination to stick to the other man's side. ]
no subject
[But he's already coming, isn't he? He can feel it in his bones, that feeling of dread when a place you'd hoped was safe suddenly comes under threat. Should he leave? Should he stay? If he stays, what will happen to—
Then again the beast is probably homing in on this place through his demon blood, so if Shen Qingqiu moves somewhere else that'll solve one issue of many, right? He therefore bids a hasty farewell to his companions and starts heading out into the busy street, hoping to find some quiet deserted corner somewhere.
If he can't escape his nightmare, at least he can keep the collateral damage to a minimum. Even if the collateral damage is nothing more than his own pride.]
no subject
Don't worry, it's no trouble.
[ With that the video, and any idea of where Luo Binghe may be lurking, goes dead as the darkened screen. Only then does he lock up and take to the air on his Zheng Yang sword.
The benefits of a bird's eye view give him the ability to see a large portion of the city unobstructed, without the nuisance of buildings blocking his line of sight at every turn. Such that the unmistakable soul, done up just as he had been dressed in the recording, is all the easier to notice amid the hustle and bustle.
Not that he simply drops out of the air right in front of Shen Qingqiu. Binghe can be a little more patient than that; preferring instead to descend out of sight and then waiting for the man's own feet to take him down a particular road that lands him directly in Binghe's path.
Skittish as Shen Qingqiu is in every form when they first meet, he doesn't waste time for him to run. His master always runs, and that just looks too much like abandonment for him to resist the urge to hold on even more. So Binghe steps forward, intending to close the space between them while reaching to try and gather up one of Shen Qingqiu's hands in his. It's an amicable but slightly grounding act that hopefully will keep the man from fleeing. ]
There you are... [ The visible relief he feels at seeing Shen Qingiu's face is something he doesn't fake. ] Looks like you found me this time.
no subject
It's no surprise, however, when he finds himself running right into Binghe's arms like a fool into a brick wall. Shen Qingqiu manages maybe two steps back at most before his hand is caught, tugging futilely despite it never having worked in the past. When has Luo Binghe ever been willing to let go? His own fate is a testament to the man's stubbornness.]
...You're distressingly easy to find. I couldn't avoid you if I tried.
[Another tug. Honestly the way this man treats him, while different from the Luo Binghe he's used to, still manages to make his skin crawl. That voice, that smile...it's as if he's being seen as a part of the demon lord's harem, another new toy for him to play with in ways different yet somehow worse than the torture that had killed him the last time.]
Are you that eager to help your old teacher, that you'd go chasing me around the city?
no subject
The past shapes people. That much Binghe is certain. And whatever life filled with a loving family Shen Yuan was given in a world far beyond the one he's known, is something he attributes to the man's kindness. A history far different than his own, or even what little he knows of this Shen Qingqiu's.
It's one reason Binghe finds less fault with this man than perhaps he should. The fondness for and comprehension of Shen Yuan making him understand Shen Jiu by accident. Thus he doesn't see the man who locked him in a shed, sent disciples to bruise or bloody him, nor a man who only looked at him with scorn. He's forgiven Shen Yuan far worse trespasses than this. ]
I didn't mean to give chase. It's just as Shizun said; I got carried away with the idea of helping out.
[ If Luo Binghe possessed a tail it would be wildly thrashing in an excited wag, thrilled at the idea of being of any use to the teacher he's been reunited with without knowing he'd been lost for all these years. ]
If you'd like we can go back to your prior establishment. Unless you're finished there.
[ Reluctantly Binghe allows Shen Jiu's hand to slide away. His thoughts shift to the painted ladies he'd seen on screen, trying to pretend like his first impulse wouldn't be to chase off the brothel's working girls in order to serve him tea or wine himself. Such a service has become a lingering habit that isn't about to die any time soon.
Binghe poses another option more aligned with his own idea of a relaxing evening. The night is young and he's hardly gotten to know the man that might as well be a mirror-image of the master he knows. Perhaps a night on the town, with a more reputable place to appreciate a good drink, would solve both this issue and the one concerning learning his device. ]
In that case, you did mention wanting to visit a proper tea house. This one can lead the way if you're interested in those.
no subject
[Whatever this other Binghe thinks of him, Shen Jiu's own thoughts towards him are nothing but wary and afraid. The man is treating him kindly, yes - but the Luo Binghe he knows is an actor who hides blades behind his smiles, and the over-exaggerated kindness being given now only serves to deepen Shen Jiu's mistrust.
His reactions are slight: A tiny widening of the eyes when his hand comes free against all expectation, cradling it against himself for the barest second as if he'd just pulled it free from the jaws of death before willing himself to move into a more self-assured posture.
He petulantly turns his face away at the mention of the brothel.]
There's no need, I've nothing left to do there. [Lies, he was absolutely not finished there, he'd been planning to stay the night! But now here he is, outside with his worst nightmare, hiding his face behind the flimsy protection of a silken fan.
But regardless of all the things going through his mind, there's a moment's silence, his gaze turning cautiously back to the man before him, when Luo Binghe suggests the tea house.]
...Would you leave me alone if I said no?
no subject
[ The man he's come to know as Shen Yuan has attributed worlds of good to Binghe's life, but this one gift that made the rest possible is still undeniably Shen Jiu's doing. ]
This one knows he has trouble containing himself. But if Shizun wants to teach me patience, then I'm happy to listen.
[ It's a fact, but also an admittance that opens the door for the other man to take pride in his assessment. Because what teacher doesn't appreciate being told his deductions are flawless and his beliefs right?
Except the notion, or perhaps something more akin to a pipe-dream, of happily falling into old roles that the two of them never healthfully observed is sidetracked by Shen Jiu's next question. One which makes Binghe's exuberant expression flicker for a moment. ]
Why would I abandon you over that? There are plenty of other places to visit, and I'd be happy to accompany you to any of them.
[ And he means every word, offering out a hand for Shen Jiu to take or ignore, but with the clear invitation to escort him to any local the city has to offer. ]
no subject
[Abandon? Oh, how he'd love to be abandoned by this man, this beast, this sham of a disciple. And yet saying all these provocations aloud, he can't help wondering if it'll be the last straw that cracks the kindly facade Binghe insists on keeping up - doesn't take that offered hand, only watching it like maybe the next instant he'll find it wrapped around his neck, or rending his arm from his body once more.
If only the man would just snap his neck and get it over with.]
...If you wish to accompany me, heavens know I couldn't stop you if I tried. If you wish to learn patience, on the other hand—then see how long you can manage to keep out of my sight.
no subject
[ If Shen Jiu is happy to let relinquish some of his refinements to take a jab at Luo Binghe, then it's only fair if he too steps out from behind the version of himself better suited for Shen Yuan. The harmless disciple persona that he's fashioned to mold himself around his other master's demeanor doesn't seem to work here.
So perhaps bold-faced honesty and taking three steps closer will. ]
I'd offer, but some of those things are better off not being aired in public. Unless Shizun can't restrain his curiosity?
[ All smiles, his expression contrasts starkly with the message, making it sound a little like Binghe is threatening to reveal exactly what he means. ]
I do wish to, very much. [ A nod, eager once more. ] Now that it's settled, where should we go?
[ Shen Jiu may not take his hand but Binghe isn't deterred enough to passively sulk over the rejected invitation. There's more than one way to hold hands, and he takes the initiative to reach for Shen Jiu's before the man changes his mind altogether about Binghe's company. Once done he gradually starts off towards the thick of the city, gently coaxing Shen Jiu along like a little boat at his side. ]
no subject
Certainly, having the world hear what a disgusting murderous freak he is would be nice; but on the other hand, they'd be thoughts about Shen Qingqiu himself, and isn't it possible he might start going through his long list of supposed crimes as well? A repeat of Jinlan City, a brand new imprisonment in a brand new world. Considering the way this new Binghe acts, he's afraid a "brand new imprisonment" might involve being imprisoned in the man's bedroom—
As usual, he backs away with every step the demon takes toward him, only to get caught regardless and coaxed along like a pet on a leash. And though he gives in to being led along like this, that doesn't stop him from continuing his useless acts of protest, this time by going silent. If his disciple can play at having selective hearing, then he can do the same.]
no subject
Then this one will not speak a word of it.
[ For just a short while, in the duration of silence that follows Shen Jiu's insistence on staying quiet, things almost appear far better than they are. There's a clear relief in the lack of scathing insults reducing him to the ugly truths of what he is, being an orphaned bastard or the issue of his bloodlines reducing him to a beast in Shen Jiu's eyes. Even for all that he's gained in life- those are more effective injuries than this man can know. Without them his tension drains, alongside the white noise of nervousness that made it harder to appreciate anything but the fury of the person at his side.
The seasons are colder now, more so at the hour creeps on. In the city there's little to buffer the occasional chill that whips through the air. While Binghe is resilient and Shen Jiu a cultivator himself, the issue still sparks an idea in his mind. ]
Has Shizun been able to shop for winter attire yet? He may be able to endure the cold, but being comfortable seems like it'd be much better.
[ There are shops decorated for fall and eateries offering strangely flavored beverages and foods, many of which are some bizarre spiced pumpkin flavor which he mulls over. But what draws his eye are the places whose shop windows sport warmer things; all in a familiar traditional style the Prismals prefer which luckily mimics their own world's tastes. Alongside layered robes with thick linings are assorted fans and hairpieces on mannequins posed despite their complete lack of faces on white lacquered forms. ]
What do you think? Is there anything you'd like to go look at?
no subject
His gaze had been sweeping over the streets as they walked, but it's only when the beast in question brings up winter attire that he actually blinks and focuses on the stores they've been passing.]
....Your concern is unnecessary. The coldest winter weather would be more comfortable than the water prison.
[Whether that's true or not, he honestly doesn't care. The words do acknowledge his lack of a wardrobe though - with everything else that's been happening, new clothes have been the last thing on his mind.]
no subject
Many of which have been nothing short of horrifying; nearly too much to believe as more than mad ramblings at first. Talk involving taking limbs and lives important to a man he once called teacher more than a decade ago.
Now one of the few places he's wronged his own Shen Qingqiu finds itself brought up, leaving his blood to go so ice cold at the mention Binghe can't stop himself from stilling in his tracks. Anything would have been preferable to facing his master now, with thoughts of his own crimes playing guilt out upon Binghe's features, but he cannot stop himself from wholly facing Shen Jiu like a man on trial. ]
You- [ Mouth dry, he doesn't know where to begin. ] ...Shizun is familiar with the Huan Hua Palace's water prison?
[ Of course he must be, considering it was infamously inescapable and gained such fame throughout the land that a Peak Lord such as Shen Jiu must not have been unaware. That much at least isn't too bold an assumption, even if everything else about the man might be. But he's not really asking if the man has only heard of it in passing; not when Shen Jiu brings it up like an experience he knows. ]
no subject
Shen Qingqiu levels a firm glare at the demon before him, his expression that of a man who has been denied all other forms of defiance but this. So what if this is a different Luo Binghe? He's still just as overbearing, just as despotic, just as greedy as the one he knows. A creature who bites onto its prey and refuses to ever let go.]
Where else do you think your dear shizun must have spent his last days, but the cell you so kindly chained me in? Or did you lock up the other one in your palace instead, with immortal binding cables as a welcome gift?
[His words are bitter and biting, his tone tired and worn; he'd hoped that last stroke of the blade would have finally given him peace, but even in this foreign land he's stuck staring at the face that now haunts his every nightmare, trapped with no place to go. The grip on his hand feels like a soft vice, the eyes on his like spikes nailing him down—the more Luo Binghe pushes, the more he simply wants to give up and close himself off to the world.
Everything this new beast has done so far has consistently made him feel like a rabbit being toyed with by an affectionate tiger, and honestly, he's exhausted to the core.]