eastbound | [Video; UN: heavenly four seasons]

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[Video; UN: heavenly four seasons]

[He sits before a mirror, smoothing his hair into a tight top-knot. His expression is cold. Blank. A bottle of something strong - liquor most likely - sits on the table before him, half-full. Pushing himself onto his feet, Zishu rises and takes another, smaller, bottle from his robes, downing the contents in one swig.]

Welcome to all of the new faces. I must ask, shamefully, if any healers have arrived since my last request?

My name is Zhou Zishu and should you find yourself in danger, please feel free to call upon me. I will not fail you.

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[He sucks in a soft breath and turns to face Xingchen. The other man deserves the truth.]

They never settled; I don't think healing is possible.

[Xingchen nods. That is the impression he had gotten after everything, but it still hurts to hear.]

I can share some qi with you, if that would help calm them.

[Xiao Xingchen, you are a precious man. He shakes his head before finding his voice.]

Your energy is better used elsewhere, I'm sure. There has to be other possibilities. I'll find an answer.

[At first Xingchen doesn't move, but then he takes a few steps into the room, reaching out to take one of Zhou Zishu's hands. He doesn't share his energy, though, respecting his friend's decision.]

I have plenty to spare, should you ever change your mind.

[Now that he's closer, he gets a whiff of something on Zhou Zishu's person. He breathes in a little deeper and lowers his voice.]

Are we indulging in some drink?

[His hand is cooler than usual, but he returns Xingchen's grip immediately. He searches his friend's face for signs of distress or depression, but he ends up smiling at what is said.]

I don't doubt your strength. [He only doubts if he is worthy of any of it.

Blinking at the question, he laughs and pulls Xingchen closer.]

It helps the pain, but you're welcome to take a drink too. I didn't know you were interested!

[Okay so he is being a brat.]

[Today there is just concern for a friend. Otherwise, Xingchen looks fairly well. He does, however, rub his hands over Zhou Zishu's own, trying to get some warmth back into them. And then he's pulled closer with a little inhalation, but he shakes his head with a smile.]

I won't tell you if you won't tell. Though I usually don't let myself get carried away. I can get rather silly if I have too much.

[Silly, hm? Zishu reaches behind him and picks up the bottle, uncorking it with his teeth. Then he presses the opening to Xingchen's lips for a sip.]

I would never tell on you. [He squeezes Xingchen's hand to reassure him.] We're friends, aren't we?

[He jumps a little when the bottle is pressed to his mouth, but he pulls one of his hands away to hold it and take a sip. Just a small one; he did invite himself in here, after all, and to Zhou Zishu's little drinking party, so it wouldn't be right to get too greedy.]

We are friends. I am glad to have met you.

[He would be easily forgiven if he was greedy. As it stands, Zishu laughs softly and lowers the bottle.]

Likewise! You've taken excellent care of me.

[So no guilt where that is concerned, alright, Xingchen?]

Nonsense. You have taken care of this one just as much, if not more.

[He clears his throat.]

But if you want me to play that part, then I will tell you that you shouldn't drink so much when you are ill.

[But Xingchen has yet to make a real effort to stop Zhou Zishu.]

But taking care of you is fun.

[Which is true, actually, because the younger man is adorable. Besides Zishu is hardwired to be protective of those around him.]

You're probably right.

[But with all the damage he has done to his body, the alcohol hardly even factors.]

[Xingchen can't stop a laugh from escaping, though he belatedly lifts a hand to cover his mouth. Taking care of him is fun? When he gets so unbearably sad and dull that he gets upset with himself for letting anyone else see him like that?]

You're funny. But thank you.

[He lowers his hand, a soft smile still on his face.]

Sometimes I get things right.

[The sound lifts his heart and he sets the bottle aside. Fussing over the ever adorable Xiao Xingchen is a much nicer pastime. He strokes the soft skin under his friend's blindfold and speaks, amused.]

My jokes are legendary.

[No, they're not. They are hardly existent. But he likes seeing his friend smiling.]

More often than not. People are just stubborn.

[The smile doesn't leave his face even when Zhou Zishu's touch comes close to the blindfold, but he does tense ever so slightly. Not that he thinks his friend would jolt away in disgust were he to accidentally dislodge it and glimpse his empty sockets, but it's a habit for him now to keep this part of himself hidden. Physically. Emotionally. Maybe one day he'll let that guard down in front of Zhou Zishu. Maybe.

Still, he hears that bottle of alcohol gently thunk back onto the table, temporarily abandoned. That means something.]

They are. I can be, as well.

You can be as stubborn as you like with me. It won't change my opinion of you.

[He is very careful about not dislodging that blindfold. Part of him wants to - he suspects Xingchen knows how to care for his wounds - but he respects the other man enough to not push that desire on him. Instead he strokes his thumbs over his cheeks and enjoys the simplicity of companionship.]

I wasn't trying to change your opinion. Fear not!

[As they stand there, Xingchen gently captures one of Zhou Zishu's hands between his again, once more trying to rub some warmth into the cool skin.]

Are you in any pain?

[Zishu smiles softly and places a kiss against Xingchen's forehead. Why should he stop himself? He is glad the daozhang came to visit him.]

No more than usual. But I would rather not deteriorate.

[The more time he spends with Zhou Zishu, the easier it is to accept these little bouts of affection. It's nice, too, to be so comfortable with someone again in this physical sense. Not intimate, like he had been with Xue Yang, but just...there and present and not alone. Someone he can touch and help ground himself because of it.]

Of course not. You will tell me if it gets to be too much?

[No, Xingchen isn't alone. He just has to reach out his hand or raise his voice and Zishu will come to him. Hadn't they found each other even in death?]

What will you do then? [All he sees is pain for Xingchen if he admits that.] I'm choosing how to spend my time. I just need enough help to...stay strong enough.

Then I will help in any way I can.

[He keeps rubbing warmth into Zhou Zishu's hand, as if this conversation isn't something with which to argue.]

I may not be able to heal you or make things much better when it comes to your body, but I can offer small comforts. Food, a blanket, conversation...any of it. You do not have to suffer alone needlessly.

I believe you. [He exhales and smiles at the effort. Bringing one of Xingchen's hands to his chest, he bows his head.] I'm very blessed to have your companionship. It does me more good than you realize. If I reach my limit, I will let you know. I'm sure you can help me.

[Ever pliant in the hands of those he trusts, Xingchen lets Zhou Zishu move him as he will. But he also breathes a little easier at the reassurance. Good.

Of course, whether or not Zhou Zishu actually follows through is another matter entirely.]

See? I told you I was stubborn.

[Cute. Impossibly, unfairly cute. Zishu can't stop himself from beaming, ignoring how exhausted he feels. No, exhausted isn't the right word. Hollow would be better. Like his inner fire has been blown out.]

I give up. Your stubbornness has conquered me.

[He pats Zhou Zishu's chest gently a few times in acknowledgment and general companionship.]

Are you hungry? I think I can grab something from the kitchen without too much trouble.

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[Video; UN: heavenly four seasons]

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