[Video] un: gentlebreeze

[bright_moon]

[ A little black nose nudges the screen at first before someone new to the network appears, pulling the black sable away with a wry but gentle smile. Xingchen bows his head politely, hands a little busy with the familiar. ]

Ah, yes. I am Xiao Xingchen. Xiu here reminded me that I have a question for anyone who can hear this - I understand this is how we reach a wider number of people at once than I am used to.

My question, to try and distract from the pain, fear, and uncertainty of the past week, is more a request - for stories. What are your favorite ones?

[ Someone has been begging him for nightly stories and he's running out of those he knows!

His smile grows a little shy and he ducks his head again. ]

Thank you for your time.

Comments

[Action - Off Screen]

[cultivatingsin]

[Someone is laughing. Underneath all of his snickering, he is actually touched. He won't ever admit it, of course, and he will pretend this has nothing to do with him. Stories! He doesn't need stories to fall asleep! That's madness.

All the same, thanks, Daozhang~]

[bright_moon]

[ Xingchen's cheeks pink at the laughter, but his smile remains as he looks down at Xiu. Much easier than Xue Yang's laughing face! ]

You sleep easier, don't you? After you hear a story?

[cultivatingsin]

[Yeah, yeah, he can't compete with the cute sable! He can't even compete with his cute raccoon dog. Oh woe is him!]

I like stories~ [His eyes sparkle with amusement.] You have a good voice for them too.

[bright_moon]

[ It's ok, Xingchen can't either. He peeks up at Xue Yang at the compliment, absently rubbing over the sable's ears. ]

You're a good listener.

[cultivatingsin]

[This one would argue about that. Ying hops up to get attention too, wearing a pretty green ribbon around her neck.]

It's not fair if I'm the listener all the time. Maybe I should tell you stories too?

[bright_moon]

[ Oh that just can't be allowed! He immediately reaches out to rub at Ying's ears too! ] You have a lovely ribbon today, A-Ying.

[ That thought earns Xue Yang another rather shy look. ]

I do like stories, too.

[cultivatingsin]

[Ying snuggles in close to Xiu and blinks up at Xingchen sleepily. She had been napping!]

Yeah, the bird princess said she needed one.

[The ribbon, that is.]

Okay, I'll try not to make them too bloody or scary.

[bright_moon]

[ Careful, Xue Yang, people might start thinking you're being sweet!

Xingchen proves he has two hands by using one on each familiar, paying special attention to any itchy spot he finds. ]

I hadn't thought about it before, but it does suit her.

[ Yep, definitely smiling. ]

Thank you.

[cultivatingsin]

[No! Never. He wouldn't know the first thing about being sweet!

Ying yawns, showing her "scary" fangs before sticking out her paws in front of her. Ooo big stretch! Then she licks Xingchen's hand.]

She likes collecting things. If it's shiny or green, she wants it.

[Ribbons are shiny and green~]

And if you fall asleep before I finish, I won't punish you too much.

[bright_moon]

[ Xingchen has seen evidence! He just won't shout it - it's one of Xue Yang's secrets!

That lick makes him giggle! Then tickles her tummy before Xiu pounces Ying, playfully rolling around with her. ]

I see! I cannot blame her, they are lovely colors.

[ His smile broadens. ] I would hope not to miss even a word of one of your stories.

[cultivatingsin]

[It's such a big secret that even he doesn't know about it. Xingchen may need to clue him in eventually.

Ying squeals happily and paws at Xiu, always gentle with her sable friend.]

Mm they're not bad.

[Nope. He doesn't feel warmer from that comment.]

Even if they're really bad?

[bright_moon]

[ Maybe one day!

Xiu is just as mindful of her sharp teeth and claws when playing with the raccoon dog.

Xingchen shakes his head a little, smile turning somehow fond and gentle. ] It does not matter what kind it is. It is a story you choose to share with me.

[cultivatingsin]

[Ying ends up kissing Xiu's cute ears and giving her a bath. She likes all of that soft fur!

Xue Yang gets up and moves closer to Xingchen, settling at his side.]

You're not putting on an act, are you. This is really...you?

[bright_moon]

[ Xiu stretches out against her friend, wiggling happily under the grooming.

Xingchen blinks as Xue Yang settles beside him, especially with that question. ]

I do not know how to lie, Xue Yang.

[cultivatingsin]

[Ying makes sure she's tucked close against her fluffy side. Their fur is rather pretty together and Xue Yang sneaks a pet over their backs.]

Sure you do! Tell me the sky is...black!

[bright_moon]

[ Xiu batts playfully at Xue Yang's hand before rolling over to let him pet the best part of her back.

Xingchen's brow is furrowed though at that request and he automatically glances outside. ]

...But that is not true. Even when it is dark outside, it is not entirely black. There is still light.

[ HE IS SO CONFUSED ]

[cultivatingsin]

[He tickles Xiu behind her ears, grinning as he sees to that soft, adorable back next~

Oh no. Oh no.]

Daozhang. [What is he going to do with you?] I need to protect you.

[bright_moon]

[ The sable lets out a long breath, stretching out under that attention. Yes, keep doing that, human~

Xingchen feels his cheeks heat and he drops his gaze. ]

You're teasing me.

[cultivatingsin]

[He is more than happy to oblige! Ying gets his other hand, however, and she shows him her belly.]

I'm serious! You're adorable, you know that? Someone is going to hurt you. [On that last note, he is very serious. Uncommonly so.] Let me hurt them first.

[bright_moon]

[ So obedient! She purrs happily at him.

Xingchen takes a breath at that, then shakes his head gently again. ]

I will not tell you who you can or cannot protect. But if in protecting me, you get hurt, I would not be very happy.

[cultivatingsin]

[Well she is nice to touch. As is his little Ying. In fact, both familiars are getting lifted and snuggled - one arm apiece.]

I've been stabbed, whipped, run over... You don't need to worry about me being a pincushion, daozhang.

[bright_moon]

[ Xue Yang clearly can't see himself! Xiu wiggles until she finds a good spot to settle, though peeks at Xingchen to make sure he's ok still.

He only smiles gently at her, nodding in encouragement. ]

Yes. And I do not want any of that to happen again. I feel you have suffered more than enough.

[cultivatingsin]

[Ying is already snoozing again, her white fluffy head on his shoulder. Xue Yang helps Xiu and nuzzles the top of her head against his cheek.]

Life is suffering. As long as I'm alive, it's bound to happen. [Maybe he's unlucky? He doesn't think so. The way he has had to live seems normal to him.] See I'm used to it; you're not.

[bright_moon]

[ His chin gets licked for his trouble. ]

Maybe. Will you not let me try and help ease the suffering? You don't have to be alone anymore. [ It bothers him to realize this is how anyone thinks life should be. ]

[cultivatingsin]

[Aw what a good girl~ He would expect no less of Xingchen's familiar, though.]

I mean, I won't stop you. [Hasn't he proved that by allowing his hand and body to be doctored?] I just don't know why you would bother with me.