jikan_rpg | November Catch-all

On the way to visiting the Shrine of Moonlit Frost, almost at the door, Zishu doubles over with a hiss as it feels like his entire body is on fire. Again. Blood seeps from his mouth as he's brought to his knees with the pain and he struggles to keep breathing. It's not just his body that hurts, though.

It's his very soul.

He doesn't have to hunt for the reason to know it instinctively. Wen Kexing is gone.

But he'd made a promise, a vow, an oath more binding than anything. To live. His soulmate isn't dead. He's just not here right now.

So he can't die so easily. He knows this even through the growing, horrible numbness that settles around him as a chill, as if he'd lost all the progress he's made since arriving.

He is reading, sinking deep in a discussion about the various uses of spiritual energy when dread settles in his stomach. His rabbit ears perk up at once and he leaves his book behind, his white robes fluttering as he hurries to the door leading to the shrine. He finds Zishu in a terrible state and wraps the man in his arms.

"A-Shu!" Xingchen can feel the emptiness, the numb void, and his breath catches. A-Xing has left them.

But no matter. He must care for the man in his arms. Turning away from Zishu, he tugs the other man onto his back. If Zishu agrees to be carried, he will be taken straight to a guest bedroom.

Familiar arms wrap around him and he can't help the breath of relief as he sags against Xingchen. He doesn't need to see his friend to know those arms.

He doesn't resist even when Xingchen offers his back to him, and slips his arms around his shoulders in silent acceptance. Once settled, he presses his face to his friend's neck and breathes in the familiar warmth. Not his Lao Wen, but...someone warm and someone he can trust with his weakness.

Xingchen lifts Zishu against his back, cradling him with his arms in case Zishu is too weak to wrap his legs around him. Then he hurries to one of the guest bedrooms - the one nearest his and Zichen's, in fact - and lays his precious charge on the bed. Turning, he takes off Zishu's boots and tucks the blankets around him.

"You are staying here." he announces, pausing before he kisses Zishu's forehead, "I'll make you tea for the pain."

He doesn't try to hold on more than with his arms. He'd almost fell to the ground before Xingchen had reached him as it was. Zishu doesn't fuss as the sweet man tucks him in, and knows his forehead probably feels cool to those soft lips.

He manages a wan smile at the announcement. "Thank you," he murmurs, voice rough with suppressed emotion.

Zishu's pain is palpable - he can't question it - and though he wants to linger and soothe his dear friend, he knows he needs to get medicine in him. Xingchen is quick about it, however, brewing the tea, adding the herbs and a powder that will help Zishu sleep without dreams. Once he has a steaming cup prepared, he adds honey to it and carries it to his friend.

"I will find help for you, A-Shu." he promises, helping him to sit up, piling the pillows against Zishu's back, "Tonight, you rest. I can promise to keep your nightmares at bay."

Edited 2022-11-06 02:58 (UTC)

Xingchen could have him drink poison and he wouldn't question it. Zishu trusts him that much. Xiao Xingchen has earned that trust from the very start of their friendship.

So he pushes his aching body up when the other man comes back with tea, ignoring how every nerve screams in protest. It won't stop him any more now than when the nails had been in him, or when the spikes had been impaled through him. But he doesn't need to fight like this right now.

"I won't die, A-Chen. He's not dead, just not here. So I can't die."

But the promise of a dreamless sleep strengthens the quiet smile he manages for his sweet friend. "You already help."

He would never give him poison! Xingchen perches himself on the side of Zishu's bed and helps him hold the cup steady.

"Sip slowly." he murmurs, paling at the mention of A-Xing, "No, he had no choice in the matter. He waits for you in your world."

There is comfort in imagining Zishu and Kexing reunited. He sighs and pushes his own sense of loss to the back of his mind. Kexing had been good to him and special seeing as he was...technically...Xingchen's first.

"I'm glad you came." he dabs at the blood on Zishu's lips, "This is your home too."

Exactly. Xingchen is too pure and sweet and good. Zishu obediently sips slowly, ignoring the slight bitterness of medicine - helped by the drop of honey.

"He does," he agrees, willing everything he is to believe it. He's been told by many people that they both live on after the last memory they have of their world.

He leans against his friend, resting his cheek on a slender shoulder.

"I was on my way to visit you when...his presence vanished." Meaning he'd already planned to spend time with Xingchen. The timing was pure coincidence.

He doesn't feel that way, especially right now. He feels useless and this is the only scenario where he wishes, with all his might, that he could be powerful enough to heal anyone.

"He loves you so much. I can't imagine him giving up." Xingchen smiles tearfully and shifts to cradle Zishu against him. He drops another kiss on the top of his head and nuzzles his hair.

"I felt something was very wrong. We have definitely bonded, my A-Shu." he chuckles, though the sound is sad, "I will send out prayers for our A-Xing in the shrine."

Silly Xingchen. Zishu sighs quietly and rubs his cheek tiredly against his friend's shoulder. "He is my life just as I am his. Of course he won't give up. So I can't either."

But he also has those he loves here. One of whom is this sweet man, his A-Chen. The confirmation of the bond being felt makes him finally chuckle quietly and he slips an arm around his friend's waist. "I am very lucky to know you, and to have your friendship, my A-Chen."

Yes, he is very silly. But he probably wouldn't try so hard if he wasn't and that would make for a very different man.

He takes the cup once Zishu is done drinking and helps him ease back comfortably on the pillows. Then he snuggles beside him so his friend doesn't have to let go.

"Shush. I'm the lucky one. I had no idea I would meet such a handsome fox." he hugs Zishu gently.

He loves the silliness. It makes Xingchen even cuter. And sweeter.

Zishu drains the tea, and it does help him feel a little better. But nothing compares to the comfort of Xingchen's care. He leans back against the pillows, relieved he doesn't have to let go of Xingchen just yet. He snuggles close, not afraid to cling just a little. He knows he needs to check on A-Xiang, and he will.

"Or I, such a sweet, handsome rabbit. I usually eat them." And he did...in a way! More than once!

He can cling all he likes. Xingchen has sent his Zichen a mental nudge to let him know where he is located. He suspects his beloved has already felt the shift. Kexing had been important to him too.

"I wouldn't make a tasty meal! I don't have enough meat for a hungry fox." yet he flushes nonetheless, sensing what Zishu is talking about. His long ears wiggle and he taps Zishu's nose for being naughty.

Zichen's answer is simple - he's preparing tea for Jingyi who'd been training with him today when the pain hit them. But a wave of love and support wraps around his Xingchen too.

Zishu manages a little grin at the chiding tap, but there isn't a hint of remorse for it. Instead he kisses his sweet rabbit on the cheek. "A snack then."

And the love is returned fiercely along with a promise to be with Zichen later. Then Xingchen returns his attention to Zishu, amused at the grin.

"I'll be whatever makes the handsome fox happy. He is very dear to me." he strokes over Zishu's hair, "He has supported me since we met."

The answering pulse is warm and accepting before they each turn their attention back to their respective charge.

Zishu snuggles closer again, letting himself drift a little in the warm friendship Xingchen offers. "Just be Xiao Xingchen," he answers sincerely. "He is a very precious person to me, who has helped me heal from the moment we met."

He knows he can rely on his Zichen and that gives him the strength to support Zishu. The tea is beginning to take effect, he sees, and he snuggles his sweet friend closer, smiling.

"It has always been an honor." to heal, to protect, to spend time with him, "I will keep you safe now. All you have to think about is resting."

Always. Zichen will never betray his Xingchen ever again.

Zishu hums quietly, breathing in the warm comfort that he associates with Xingchen. "Tonight. Tomorrow, I need to check on A-Xiang." But tonight...he needs to lean.

Feeling Zishu warm and solid in his arms makes him smile softly. This man is part of his family and Xingchen loves him. He makes a silent promise to Kexing, to look after their precious A-Shu.

"I will go with you if you like?" he worries that her pain will trigger a relapse in Zishu's agony.

To just not be alone right at this moment helps immensely. Part of him feels guilt for not forcing himself to find A-Xiang immediately. Instead, he presses a kiss to a clothed shoulder at the offer.

"Would you mind if I call her and give her the option of coming here?" Because forcing her to do anything is just wrong.

There is no reason to feel guilty. She will understand what this loss has done to Zishu and, truly, she might already know. Xingchen's doors are open for her too.

"I wouldn't mind at all." he nudges their noses together, "I would rather you not go anywhere for awhile. Your body needs to heal again."

[Backdated to shortly after Kexing vanished.]

Zishu where are you? You were not at your home.

Edited 2022-11-09 17:50 (UTC)

[ It's a few minutes before he responds, and really, he looks pretty dreadful. ]

I'm at the temple Xiao Xingchen and Song Zichen run.

[Baiyi frowns as he takes in his descendant’s appearance.]

I’ll be there shortly. Is there anything you need for me to bring you?

[ As gruff and grumpy as his ancestor often acts, Ye Baiyi clearly cares. ]

...A fresh set of robes. They have anything else I need. Xingchen doesn't want me trying to go anywhere for a few days.

Good. At least one of your friends has some sense.

[After a quick farewell, Baiyi gathers up some belongings and travels to the Four Seasons Manor. He collects a few things, including the robes, before stopping by a market.

When he finally arrives at the Shrine of Moonlit Frost, he has wine and a box of muffins in tow. Finding the younger man's door, he steps in and sets everything down nearby. Kneeling next to the bed, he passes over the liquor first.]

You look awful.

[ The comment earns Baiyi a painful laugh before they end the connection.

The guest room he's staying in at the temple is easy to find, even if Xingchen isn't immediately right there when the immortal comes in. Zishu has been tucked back in, blankets pulled almost all the way to his chin.

When Baiyi comes in though, he forces himself up onto the pillows, pushing them up to something he can lean against. And snorts at the comment as he accepts the liquor with a wan smile. ]

Sorry to disappoint Ancestor Ye, this won't kill me.

[In an uncharacteristic moment, the ancient man moves to help Zishu when he sits up. He huffs a laugh at the retort.]

I'm starting to think I'm never going to get rid of you.

[He holds out his hand to take Zishu's wrist. He'd normally simply grab it, but there are apparently different rules for today.]

Would energy help you feel any better?

[ He won't tell. But it still earns Baiyi a quiet little smile as he settles. ]

Ah. It is very unlikely to happen.

[ Zhou Zishu is stubborn that way, now he has a reason to live. Even if said reason isn't here at the moment, his Lao Wen exists. It's enough.

He doesn't comment on the silent request, and simply sets his wrist in the other's hand as he takes a sip of the wine. ]

I do not know. Possibly.

[Baiyi closes his eyes and concentrates for a moment evaluating the other's health. Despite already seeing what condition Zishu is in, feeling his energies tells the old man it's even worse underneath the surface.]

Let me help you.

[Even if Baiyi isn't at his best either, he draws on his qi. His descendant needs the strength more than he does and they were in a situation where Baiyi sees no reason to hold back. They were safe and he could easily meditate the rest of the night. Whoever these doazhangs were that ran this shrine, Zishu trusted them a great deal.

It's slower than he would've been able to do if he were behind Zishu and pushing with all his might, but he can still achieve the same result. He goes quiet as he gives everything he can.]

[ Zishu has been meditating and resting, and drinking each medicinal tea Xingchen has brought him. He hates bedrest, but knows he needs it to recover.

He doesn't decline his ancestor's help, only sets the wine down and settles in to accept what Ye Baiyi offers him as his eyes close to welcome it. He trusts Xiao Xingchen and Song Lan completely. No, they aren't his Lao Wen. But they are good, kind, generous men who have opened their home to him. He's safe here.

He doesn't cause a fuss, for once, letting Baiyi concentrate. The pain doesn't fade, really, but he can feel strength seep back into his weary body. So it's easier to bear. ]

[When Baiyi finally draws back, he covers his mouth with a handkerchief and coughs. It's been a long time since he's tasted blood.]

You should try and sleep after you've had some wine.

[He looks for a separate bowl to pour himself some.]

[ The cough has him open his eyes to give the other many a concerned glance, but he doesn't do more than shove lightly at him. ]

You gave me too much.

[ Fussing goes both ways! ]

You should meditate too.

[ But he nods and reclaims his bowl of wine to drain, watching Baiyi closely. ]

Want me to take it back?

[The scold quickly turns to a weary smirk.]

I'm in no danger, brat. No one needs rescuing here but you.

[After taking a sip of the wine, Baiyi reaches for the box of baked goods and opens it.]

Eat one. They're something called a 'muffin'.

Ye Baiyi is feeling better than he had for a while. Not only is he progressively getting stronger as he recovers, but having a certain young man return to him and stay the night had healed much more.

It's around lunch time when the immortal taps on Zishu's door. He'd been visiting his descendant a couple times a day since they both found themselves here and often would spend time simply meditating in the room with him. This time, though, he has two steaming bowls of food with delicious smelling meat skewers laid across them.

"Are you awake brat?"

November Catch-all

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