[Video; UN: heavenly four seasons]

[eternallywandering]

[Climbing lighthouses is just...beyond him. Unless someone wants to carry him on their back? So he is resting in the garden with the chickens. What? They're cute. Except when they try to steal his food.]

Tell me what you've found, hm? I'm ready to help. [Thus the sword that rests across his lap.] I can get you free even if I pay for it later.

[Rolling his shoulders, he pushes himself onto his feet and takes hold of aforementioned sword. He moves in a blur - like a dancer - striking out at invisible foes. Why? Because he can and because he needs to strengthen his stamina.]

Comments

[Action]

[flirtatiousdancer]

[ Kexing loves watching his soulmate. Zishu could be doing absolutely nothing and he'd still be entranced.

So he's right there when Zishu picks up Baiyi and starts fighting an imagined opponent, and smirks as he leaps to take position to 'attack'. His fan deflects the sword and he lashes out with his other hand, gaze intent on his beloved. It's a dance they are very familiar with, and there is no actual danger to each other. ]

If you wanted to fight, A-Xu, you should have told me.

[Action]

[eternallywandering]

[What about when that chicken climbed into his lap? Did Kexing like watching that? It had been cute how the hen ate out of his hand.

Grinning when he has a willing and capable partner, Zishu falls into their dance. Baiyi flashes, playing with that deflecting fan and Zishu's footsteps are intricate (as well as too quick for most to follow). But Wen Kexing can keep up and that makes their spars fun.]

I was giving you a break!

[flirtatiousdancer]

[ He wants to eat that chicken for daring to be on his A-Xu's lap!

But spinning his beloved around in their 'deadly' dance calms his bloodlust, and he matches his A-Xu's gorgeous footwork before laughing at the idea of him needing a break. He reaches out to snag Zishu around the waist, tugging him close to spin them around. And, naturally, to steal a kiss. ]

You wound me! [ He pouts playfully, letting his eyes go wide and his lips purse. ]

[eternallywandering]

[How dare you, Lao Wen! The cute hen will be rescued from your jealousy!

Zishu laughs breathlessly, feeling slightly light-headed. But that isn't uncommon when Kexing touches him. Or holds him. Or kisses him for that matter! Swallowing hard, he bends Baiyi so that it reaches beyond the fan and grazes Kexing's throat. Just...barely.]

I haven't, but I could.

[flirtatiousdancer]

[ He most certainly dares~

Kexing loves that breathlessness, how just his touch can affect his beloved like this. He tips his head back, baring his throat to that elegant sword as his eyes lid. His heart races, but not from fear - or even exertion. But from excitement. He loves this deadly dance they flirt with. ]

Of course you could. I'm yours.

[eternallywandering]

[They don't need chicken stew yet.

Baiyi barely has a chance to make contact with Kexing's throat before Zishu replaces the blade with his lips. He sucks on the sweet skin and he smiles slowly, pulling back to see his Lao Wen's perfect face.]

I have already wounded you, love. And it will never heal.

[flirtatiousdancer]

[ But when his A-Xu gets hungry...

The replacement of that blade with the softest lips has him sigh, eyes closing in enjoyment as he presses into the pressure. When Zishu pulls back, he slowly lowers his head, eyes blinking lazily open. ]

You're healing. It's enough, A-Xu. Just stay with me.

[eternallywandering]

[He won't eat the cute hen.

Oh he could spend hours...days...kissing such a lovely throat. But he wants to see his Lao Wen's face. And he isn't disappointed! Zishu beams and rubs their noses together, peppering Kexing's lips with more kisses.]

I promised, didn't I? [He glances up at the lighthouse.] Do you want to investigate? I can handle a couple of floors, I think.

[flirtatiousdancer]

[ If it's cooked and put in a stew, will he recognize the cute hen?

He could spend eternity enjoying those lips and hands and body. On his body. Against his body. Claiming those lips in so many kisses. He'd never tire or grow disappointed. The silly little kisses make him laugh as he tries to answer each and every one of them!

Then tightens his hold on his beloved, turning his attention up to the lighthouse hanging over them. ]

Only if I can carry you up the stairs.

[eternallywandering]

[You monster.

He doesn't know when or why the gods decided to give him such a precious and loving soulmate. Zishu won't question them or push his Lao Wen away. He might be insane, but he isn't a fool. For as long as this beautiful man wants him, he will fight to live.

Groaning softly, he nestles against Kexing, burying his face against his neck. Then he chuckles, hugging his beloved tighter in return.]

That doesn't leave your hands free for foes.

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[ambitiousblond]

Impressive but I have to ask - how do you do that without getting tangled up in your robes?

[It really is impressive, Rufus is all about layering but nothing so loose-fitting. He's sure if he tried he would get tangled up and end up falling flat on his face even trying to walk.]

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[eternallywandering]

Practice. [Zishu grins, unhelpful, before adding:] The footwork is a secret of the Window of Heaven sect. My sect. It takes years to perfect.

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[ambitiousblond]

I'm sure. [So helpful but not surprising. He's used to mystery though, everyone has their secrets.] Window of Heaven... can you really see into the afterlife?

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[eternallywandering]

[He laughs softly at the presumption. If only. If only.]

Sadly, no. If we could, losing our allies wouldn't be so difficult.

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[ambitiousblond]

I've lost allies of my own, it's never easy.

What does your sect do?

un: daozhang | audio

[binghua]

[Oh, hey, this is a friend's voice! And does Xingchen hear the gentle cluck clucking of...chickens?

He has some questions, but mostly he's just happy to talk to Zhou Zishu again.]

Who might you be freeing?

audio

[eternallywandering]

[Yes! The chickens like him - much to Wen Kexing's dismay. But Zishu has a soft spot for animals - even if they are animals they might end up eating.]

Anyone who needs it. Are you alright?

[binghua]

[Xingchen lowers his voice to a conspiratorial whisper.]

Is it the chickens?

[He could get behind a chicken liberation front. Probably.

But he just as quickly tucks his playfulness away to answer more seriously.]

I am as well as one can be here. It's pretty dreary, isn't it?

[He was given the gift of fish sight for a day, after all, so he remembers some things.]

[eternallywandering]

[Zishu gasps comically and brings his communicator closer to a chicken.]

Daozhang, you might be onto something!

[Peck, peck... Cluck, cluck... seems to be the answer, however. Chuckling, Zishu sits down and stretches out his legs.]

It is. I don't think I'll be vacationing here.

[As if he gets a choice.]

Can you sense where you are?

[binghua]

[This is all silliness, but it's also nice to be a little silly when he's spent so much of this world excursion being miserable with himself. He giggles a little.]

Our little chicken army sounds very enthused.

I am up in my quarters as of now, but I can join you if you don't mind.

[eternallywandering]

[Poor Xingchen. Zishu wants to pull him close and make him laugh some more! The man has endured enough misery.]

Don't they? I think we have a good flock.

[He smiles at the idea and speaks enthusiastically:]

Please. I want to see you again.

audio -> action

[binghua]

With an army that can feed itself, we'll be unstoppable.

[The smile in his voice only becomes more evident the more he speaks. This place is bleak and full of mysteries they definitely shouldn't ignore, but that means they also have to find the levity where they can.]

Of course. Please give me a few moments.

[Blind man versus stairs and all that. But it doesn't take Xingchen too terribly long to descend the lighthouse and from there on it's a matter of following the clucking and other various livestock noises.

Is there a gate to the chicken pen? There's probably a gate. Otherwise, the chickens wouldn't need to be freed.]

Zhou Zishu?

action

[eternallywandering]

[Laughing softly at the image of a chicken army, Zishu puts Baiyi away so there are no accidents. Then he waits, hoping the cute daozhang makes it safely down the stairs. He almost...almost...enters the lighthouse to check on him, but he knows he shouldn't without his Lao Wen. As he is now, he is vulnerable.

Thankfully Xingchen appears a few minutes later and Zishu hurries forward, embracing the blind man warmly.]

I'm here. You don't have to worry about tripping. I'll be your eyes out here.

[binghua]

[The embrace comes as a surprise and it takes Xingchen a moment to relax into it, patting Zhou Zishu on the back.]

You're quite sprightly today. The chickens must be taking good care of their freedom fighter.

[He chuckles again and pulls away.]

It gladdens me to know you are recovering well.

[eternallywandering]

[Zishu likes showing affection; it comes easily to him, especially with those he considers friends.]

Ah they don't get all of the credit. My Lao Wen has been caring for me tirelessly.

[Letting go, he smiles at Xingchen's independence. That's a good trait and speaks well of the man's bravery.]

I've had a lot of help. You've done your part too.