IC Inbox for Erku

[illicitly]

	Sexscape Navigator
	» Age: 30s » Species: Human » A5 Card: Open » Seeking: Companionship, mainly. Friends, allies, and lovers, also welcome. » Preferences: Likeminded men and women. Not too old, not too young. » Interests: Fashion, art, calligraphy, antiques, poetry, politics, astronomy, bird collection, strategy games, and erotic literature. » Bio: Single sect leader seeking potential wife and cultivation partner, sexual companionship, and business associates. Additional benefits available.
	base code by photosynthesis
	Nie Huaisang

Comments

[illicitly]

[He lets himself be soothed, to lean into that touch, be comforted by that squeeze. There's wisdom in those words and Shi Qingxuan has years of experience he'll never have.]

I don't want to be that man anymore, Shi-xiong. He destroyed my life. Back home, I'm all alone. I have my disciples but they don't need me. I don't have any friends, not anymore. I've spent the past ten years pretending to be someone I haven't been in a long time.

[While the admission is quiet and sad, there's less raw anguish in his voice now. Just tired resignation and acceptance.]

The mistakes I made can't be undone but I want to atone for them. I want to set the wrongs I did right as much they can be. But those I hurt are beyond my reach now.

[Even if Huaisang had felt that Lan Xichen deserved an apology, the one here isn't the same man. Any act of contrition he gave would be empty and lacking true sincerity, a pale imitation of what it should be.]

I don't know what to do about Jin Guangyao anymore but I'm speaking with my brother tomorrow. I can't keep silent about him anymore. What Da Ge chooses to do from that point onward is his decision. After that I'm leaving the Unclean Realm, Shi-xiong. I've asked the Augur for a new residence separate from here.

[It's not the way Huaisang wanted to break the news to Shi Qingxuan but he had to tell him sooner or later.]

[air_head]

You're not alone!

[He blurts out before wrapping his words in a soothing context, spots of color rising to his sleep addled skin. Shi Qingxuan's seeped in loneliness for as long as he's been alive, and long before his ascension, a natural part of him that his utterance sounds superfluous and indulgent to his own ears.

His fingers flex before they smooth down the sides of Huaisang's sleeves.]

How could you say that when I'm here? How would you even hesitate to do what's right when it comes to this man when I'm around? If you think I'm leaving you to your devices, then you're wrong, my friend.

[He couldn't very well or at all explains this mess of a matter to the older Nie, but he Qingxuan will be present if needed. His ardent determination and resolve wane into something else at the other man's quiet confession.]

You're... You're leaving?

[Is he taking the larger, more intimidating Nie sect leader to start anew, away from all of this? Qingxuan's mind races into conclusions with no end in sight, his tongue mercifully tied by surprise.]

[illicitly]

[Huaisang knows that anxiety as well as he knows his own so without hesitation, he leans over and gives Shi Qingxuan's lips a gentle, chaste kiss. He lingers there for several long moments before pulling back to continue speaking softly.]

I intend to. My brother was leader before me and he is new to this world. The Unclean Realm was his home, too, and familiarity might help him better adjust to living here. On the other hand, living here hurts me now. My brother's murder... It happened here. This is where it all happened in our world.

[He blinks back a sudden fresh wave of tears.]

I could handle it before they came. I'd handled it for ten years. But all of us being here again... All of us in these walls, trying to keep the peace... Trying to give the killer a second chance to redeem himself... Knowing that he's in bed with my brother again acting like none of it ever happened and we can all just move on so easily.

[The old familiar anger and bitterness starts creeping back in, the hatred that robbed him of reason and conscience until all that mattered to him was Jin Guangyao's total destruction, no matter the price he had to pay. But Huaisang still has enough self-control to catch himself before his thoughts slip down that dark and twisted passage again. He takes a deep breath, the fatigue showing on his face again.]

....I can't do it, Shi-xiong. I won't do it. Not again. What has he done to deserve the amount of mercy and compassion he demands from me after ruining so many lives? My life? My brother's life? The lives of the women he murdered or locked up to conceal his crime? Why should he get his happiness when I'm always forced to sacrifice mine? It's not fair. It's not right.

[And he's starting to get worked up again. More steadying breaths.]

.I don't know if the Augur will grant my wish. Or if it'll be like this. But I... I was hoping you'd come with me, Shi-xiong. I don't do well living alone. And I don't want to be where you aren't. This... This place isn't home to me anymore. You are.

[air_head]

[This is soft. Shi Qingxuan isn't used to tenderness.

And it's over before he can blink in response, the sweep of hair and fabric pulling away just as he tilts his chin up for more. His lips still tingle from the contact, little pricks of pleasure yet to dissipate.

His hands are on Huaisang's face before he knows it, fingertips doing away with the budding tears, plump with roundness before they can roll off each cheekbones. It's sticky work, grounding him even as the blood is thudding in his ears at Huaisang's revelation. None of this is right. None of this has gone the way it should have been in the end. He could taste Huaisang's own helplessness on his tongue, and it's bitter.

Suddenly, he is aware once more of his immense luck. If anything, Qingxuan has never been physically alone. The desire for companionship eats away at him like rapid fire feasting on dry wood.]

May I, Nie-xiong? [His desires are not wholly selfless, damp hands alighting on Huaisang's shoulders.] I won't be a burden, I promise you! I can't cook, but we could purchase our food. And I'm not so dreadful with a broom, either! You will never find a better drinking companion than me.

[He winks, red rimmed eyes sparking with mirth after all.]

You would do well to have the lord of Fortune in your household, after all.

[illicitly]

[Huaisang sniffles, managing a watery but sincere smile.]

Yes, you may. Thank you so much, Shi-xiong. I... I really don't deserve you but thank you for coming with me.

[He kisses him again, this one a little bit more firm, as sudden flare up of excitement goes through him. He truly is luck to know Shi Qingxuan, to have such a wonderful and supportive friend. He's been so patient and kind with him, the desire to give him everything he can to keep that beautiful smile from never dimming remains intact. After a moment, he breaks it, an almost dreamy little smile playing across his lips.]

The place we'll be going to is your home, too. You can leave your mark on it. And me, too, if you want.

[That last part just sort of slipped out subconsiously. It is late and he is very tired after all.

[air_head]

[This time, Shi Qingxuan allows himself to melt into the kiss, his body relaxing and surrendering in a way it hasn't be allowed to in a while. He tilts his head so his lips are more pliant, shoulders more relaxed, blood thudding in his ears with something close to want.

His face is flushed pink and eyes are glittering when he pulls away.]

I would be honored to, my dear young master.

[Not so young anymore, from the tired look in his eyes. And yet it does not stop Qingxuan from reaching swiftly for a hand, pecking the slim knuckles on the back before pressing it firmly against his chest. It really is his second chance at happiness.]