[ Following events with their get-together, Nie Huaisang had been kind of thinking to himself, and feeling antsy. Especially as time went on and he recalled the offer the man had made to everyone.
He didn't have much control over the situation right now, and to think one of his friends had actually been dragged into it. A friend who's arrival was strange because of his appearance, but was still a friend.
So, Nie Huaisang would eventually come upon the other's door later in the night, giving a knock. ]
[ The door isn't locked! When he comes in, he'll find one Yiling Patriarch sitting on the floor with a couple of simple science books and some cute fairy themed stationary. His familiar chicken scratch writing is scrawled across a couple of envelopes and note cards about light bulbs and electricity. The only other odd thing is that his bed looks pristine. Maybe he actually made? ]
[ Huaisang kind of made a face like he just swallowed a bug for a split second. ]
I'll take your word for it. Though, if you don't, one of these nights you might wake up with embarrassing doodles on your face, and then you'll be sorry when someone spots it.
[ Anyway. ]
I think I'll leave the hard work to you, then. [ But he knew the other didn't seem like he was struggling over there. Probably finding the new technology fun. ] I plan on putting together a party tomorrow; you can drop on by if you want.
Even if the doodles were a legion of butts? Wei-xiong, you're tempting fate!
[ Huaisang might dare to do such a thing. ]
I'm sure you'll be fine as always with the work. If you really need a second set of eyes, you can grab me at any time, and I'll even bring extra "research material".
[ In other words he will be just as useful about this as WWX expected ]
Anyway, you stopping by is good enough for me...though, when you leave, I'll see you off properly to your room.
[ No one would be able to give Wei Wuxian trouble too much trouble in the event something happened, and even if they dressed in a way that could indicate they're from the same world, he's sure no one really knew they knew each other for sure.[1]
1Hamelin was an rude, kidnapping buttface, and didn't count. ]
[ Some time after the party, he will head to his friend's room. His hand moves to the handle, but after a pause he opts to knock first before testing if it's opened. ]
[ Huaisang blinked as if in surprise and then there's the sound of someone hurrying as well as rising from their bed, and stumbling to the door. ]
One second!
[ He'll open it wide open, because it was locked. ]
Did you want to come in?
[ If he did, he'll find papers everywhere with some doodles with whatever they have in stationarylando. Pencils, color pencils, he'd have used them all in absence of proper painting materials, not that it stopped him from also attempting calligraphy things. ]
[ Some of them are doodles of this place, the archives, the kitchens, a door, Qinghe, you name it!
But anyway, there's a moment where he made a face, even though Wei Wuxian had stepped in. ]
No, don't go!
[ WWX probably did not ask for a sudden hug, but that was what happened. His eyes were a bit red rimmed from actual crying earlier and then again so he's not going to be crying once more. Whether they be crocodile tears or real ones. ]
I didn't get a chance to thank you for saying something back then. Everything was happening so fast.
[ He's stiff for a moment, before relaxing. Reaching a hand up to give his friend's shoulder a squeeze. The only one that has hugged him in months was A-Yuan, and even then it was just his legs. ]
Were you crying?
[ To tease or not to tease? Okay, he won't tease until later. There were a lot of emotions running high and people were quick to be suspicious... even when Zola was being obviously suspicious for a while ]
We're friends and they were getting upset over a misunderstanding. I couldn't just sit by without saying something.
Okay, though, he had been legitimately scared that he was going to die and it's hard to account for situations even if he tried to think them out in advance, so it was stressful.
Also as selfish as it was (which he had no regrets being), he was grateful for having a friend here. He would never trust any of these people as far as he could throw them if he could help it. Maybe playing up being pathetic will at least seem more genuine to the others because of this, though. ]
You've never been the type to, really, and I'm grateful for that. [ ... ] But it's a bit ironic things had turned out that way.
[ He'd thought it may have been easier for WWX to get into trouble than him, and was prepared to say something in case, but whoops. ]
[ Him never being the type is why he gets in trouble, but it did help take some of the heat off his friendo. He might have to get in more trouble so people will look at him as the possible danger of the pair of them. ]
It is. Usually I'm the one who is suspicious while helping others. That said, maybe we stick together towards the end of the week, Nie-xiong.
[ A part of him almost wants to stack books every where on murder night... or do something else. ]
But if they were staying together towards the end of the week, maybe they could do stuff together, or keep an eye for each other while they were...this could work well. Besides, it put him at ease, to know his friend's whereabouts. ]
Yes, I'm thinking the same, Wei-xiong. If SQ wants to still crash, we could even consider it a huge sleepover party.
[ Since regardless the other would need to know where he was, he figured he should tell him what he's thinking of already. ]
...And, well, I actually still want to do something like put that 'tape' from the general store across the kitchen door ways. It is kind of transparent and sticky, so having the strips stuck across doorways could make it difficult for people going to use those places for a murder. They might not notice it sticking to them once they walk through the doorway.
That'll be fine. SQ seems like a fun addition to any night.
[ Sleepover! Maybe they will get access to alcohol again to make it even more interesting.
He starts to laugh after the suggestion of the tape. ]
That's a good idea! They probably wouldn't expect it. [ Imagine if a killer was caught because of walking into tape. ] I could see if there's anything else we could use from that workshop. [ There's so many interesting tools he can play with ]
[ That was going to be hilarious if they ever got their grubby hands on it, huh. Flashbacks to shenanigary at Cloud Recesses, kind of. ]
Yes, you definitely should, and let me know. [ He'll finally pull back and look up at his friend properly. ] It's...been awhile since we have seen each other, and I still don't like this, but I'm glad to see things haven't changed between us.
[ He really was. He knew by now Wei Wuxian was more intelligent than others presumed he was, so regardless he was sure that if something came of it, it'll be good. ]
...But, yes, something like that. You look absolutely different from last I had seen you, and admittedly I've lost track of time how long that had been when we saw ourselves together, but much younger.
[ But he's been happy to resume their camaraderie. ]
[ As night falls, Wei Wuxian seeks out his friend. Once he spots him, he gives something of an awkward smile. He's a little out of his comfort zone dressed in a dress shirt and a pair of suit pants on top of looking more and more like the dead he normally controls thanks to sleepless nights. ]
[ He had been hanging out in the mansion kitchen when Wei Wuxian found him. He looked really tired...honestly the two made a pair, looking like they just rolled out of bed.
And then he looked up at the other, rubbing at his eyes. Due to mostly lack of sleep. ]
Wei-xiong! Let's head back to my room, okay?
[ He'll lead him back to his room and shut the door behind them should the other one follow. ]
[ Huaisang would be the type as soon as he drank it he fell asleep this was my headcanon now. Because it's funny that it wouldn't do much for him.
Honestly as he listened all he could think about how troubled he and WWX were. He's not really so kind to be worrying about other people too much. People he didn't really know and who could just probably stab them in the back at the moment's notice like Jin Guangyao did.
Except like Nageki. He needed to get to know everyone else better, honestly. ]
...Though everyone else for the most part seems to have done well to hide the fact. I don't think I've run into many people talking about it, or showing it so easily, for one thing.
[ He sat down on the bed. ]
Maybe he's hoping someone will snap and kill another person because of it. I just hope he gives up soon on doing this, it's absolutely unfair...showing twisted scenes of things back home in nightmares should be banned!
[ Just like that, whatever he was thinking, and however he thought to act in a way so that he felt he could relieve this pain dissipated as he felt he was splashed with cold water in the face. ]
Wei-xiong...don't give in. I don't want to lose anyone else.
[ There's a pause as he digested what he said, but now he's too busy being furious. Say what you will about the Nie Clan, but even without being affected by Saber spirit, there was bound to be a temper still. Slowly, more and more exhaustion just showed on his face before it turned somewhat sad as he was thinking of ways he could make Hamelin's time painful, but he's got nothing. He almost couldn't believe he's more angry on WWX's behalf than his own.
At the very least, the kind of loss he spoke about would be something familiar to his friend. Even if by now Huaisang figured there were...some shenanigans going on. When he spoke next, his tone was soft. ]
I lost my brother. All I could do is just watch, and the nightmares remind me of just how much I was a good-for-nothing who couldn't do anything about it.
[ He'd had his revenge, but it didn't mean it was something he'd want to consistently be reminded of seeing in its intensity. He could feel some real tears gather in his eyes. He's always been like this...quicker to cry than most people.
He was prepared to suffer through it until they can bring an end to this. It was purely out of spite. ]
Even if that's the case, though, I don't want to give him any satisfaction...I don't want you to either.
He freezes as soon as his friend shares that Nie Mingjue is dead. He remembers seeing him among the other cultivators there at Nightless City just before he raised all of those corpses. ]
When did your brother die?
[ He is hoping it wasn't during his own rampaging. He barely believes he's worth Huaisang's friendship after what he already knows that he's done but if he was the reason he lost his brother?
He would be even more low than the worthless son of a servant people see him as ]
This Wei Wuxian...he was from somehow a different point than he was. With all of the people coming from different lands, times, worlds, and whathaveyou...somehow this seemed the least surprising.
Either way this changed nothing as far as he was concerned. He was still his friend. ]
You weren't there when it happened. But it wasn't long after...well, Wei-xiong, I was home when I heard about you attacking the others at Nightless City. When my brother died as a result of his qi deviation following sometime that incident, you weren't there, and he had been at home.
[ Huaisang believed maybe it would work better for there to be some vagueness in the timeframes. So for now what he said wasn't exactly wrong. ]
You do know somewhat about the cultivation method of the Nie Clan, don't you?
[ So yes they did catch one killer but on the other hand...
Well, it was obvious how that other case went. Huaisang had made a beeline straight to his room following all of that, and hadn't even so much as wanted to speak to anybody, not straight away at least.
Once he was in his room, though...
Huaisang started throwing things...before stopping. He wasn't a child anymore.
He also knew he wouldn't be able to look SQ in the face ever again. And it's not like he was unused to casualties when he's been planning things before. But he hadn't planned anything other than do what he could at trial, and look how that turned out.
...So, uh, if WWX was coming to his door, he might have heard a bit of stuff being thrown until just silence. ]
[ Once the results were in, he immediately looked for his friend. Upon seeing an empty spot where he was standing earlier, he headed towards their lodgings. The ruckus is why he's rushing over and trying knob immediately instead of knocking. Is it unlocked? ]
Nie-xiong?! Is something wrong?
[ He's hoping there isn't an attack or his friend didn't injure himself ]
[ In a rare fit of carelessness, the door was unlocked, yes.
He'll see Huaisang on the bed, with his pillow in hands, and then looking up and over at the other who... probably just let him into the room. ]
Oh... no, sorry. I didn't mean to worry you, Wei-xiong.
It's just...i-it's just...
[ Oh no. He told himself he wasn't going to cry again unless he planned for it. It was one thing when he pretended but he already cried enough and it won't stop SQ from dying or reveal who did it, so he just let himself fall silent for a moment. ]
[ He'll close the door behind himself to keep anyone else from seeing into the room. Relief hits him when he sees his friend appears to be physically okay.
He hesitates for a moment before moving to sit on the edge of the bed. Placing his hand on the other's back. He knows he lost the right to try to make anyone feel better, but he still wants to try. ]
We'll figure out how to bring her back, Nie-xiong.
[ He just can't be sure how many more deaths will happen until then. Hamelin did confirm to wanting to stroke that particular fire, but he's not going to bring that up at this moment. ]
[ He felt his hand on his back and he felt some of the tension leave him.
Huaisang wanted to just turn towards him, hug him, and cry on him saying he wanted to go home. But he didn't do that either because he wasn't really up to it. He was feeling more sulky now. ]
I'm not even sure how we're going to bring her back.
[ He'll blink and then let out a small sigh. ]
But, I want to try. [ ... ] Wei-xiong...I'm also glad nothing happened to you.
[ Maybe he can make her the next Wen Ning- no. He is pondering for a moment about ways of bringing someone back. He knows he has notes and ideas written down back home, but... his method doesn't seem to work here.
Focusing back on his friend. ]
It might take some time and a bit of information gathering, but I'm sure there's a way. You just have to hold on until then.
[ He is a master of putting confidence and assurance in his words. Aim for the impossible is his formal sect's motto.
There is a pause after Huaisang's words. ]
Even if something were to happen, I'm a tough opponent to bring down. I've already came back from the dead once before.
Wei-xiong...I'll do my best. But I'll also be dragging you into something with me next week if I have my way, so be prepared.
[ Huaisang felt the impulse for a hug to return again. So he'll go for it, though it's slower and less sudden than last time (that last time had earnestly felt like his life was in danger, but this time it wasn't that, he just wanted hugs. And he felt like nobody else here would allow him to do that.)
But there's also a pause on his end when the other spoke about coming back from the dead once again. ]
...You're right. But, I'm not going to even think about losing you again.
[ He wondered why, when they had that final talk back home before parting ways, that he couldn't even be honest enough to tell him that he was happy he had brought him back. Once again, he never regretted doing what he did, but he did regret being a not so great friend after all that time. ]
Oh? Will it be raiding the library again or do you have something else up your sleeve?
[ There's a playful note to his words.
This time, he actually partially expects something to happen. There isn't any pause as he adjusts his arm to be around the other in an one-armed hug. ]
That goes for you, too. Stay close to me, and I'll watch your back for you.
Later on we could try temporarily sleeping in room 5, but also this week let's check out that workshop together. Maybe if we look around with two eyes, we could find something. I doubt there'll be anything really scandalous in there, though.
[ No trashy novel collection would be found in a workshop of all places...!
But, also, good. That made him feel much better...that might make him really simple, but so what? His friendships in the current time were very limited, and strained at best. The one other person who would have indulged him had been killed through his own designs for the betrayal against him. It was at times like this that he earnestly wondered if there had been a way for things to be as they were before. ]
I won't be out of your sight. So that goes for you too...I'll look out for you in my own way.
[ If someone as so much as looked at his friend wrong he would stare them down! And...look nonthreatening while doing so because he had that kind of face that usually wouldn't work well with that, but it's the thought that counted, right? ]
[ He should learn to pay more attention to who is in the rooms beyond those just next to his.
Also you never know... maybe they will find Hamelin's porn stash. ]
The workshop would be good. I could find bamboo to use to make a new flute.
[ The only person who was physical like this to him was his Shijie. He lost any and all rights to talk to her after being the reason her son will be without his father. ]
I know you will. You are much more capable than anyone ever gives you credit for, Nie-xiong.
[ He always did think that his friend was capable, just would be happier with life with his fans and birds. ]
Oh, nothing. It's just completely fine, but there are some mirrors in there, so I figured why not?
[ Maybe they'd see something there if they stuck around! Probably not but no one has stayed the night in room 5 before as far as he could recall, so...why not?
At that comment, though, he'll feel himself continue to smile. Wei Wuxian always knew him best. Sometimes maybe even better than his brother, though some may think that is a merely a difference of a pinion (yes bird puns live here.) ]
I don't know about that, Wei-xiong. In a place like this especially...I feel like I'd be better suited to just a life where I could paint things and relax with the birds. You, on the other hand, well. I was always waiting for when people would realize your talent.
[ Okay, so...a lot had certainly happened in the meeting.
Huaisang wasn't very pleased where things went at a part of it, and after he took care of some things, he was already thinking of a way to address it. ]
Wei-xiong, can you tell me what you were thinking when you brought that up during a meeting?
[ He'll start off softly. He's not like his brother; his anger wasn't all sharp blades and harsh blows, it was like a simmering heat that could rise. Quiet, and almost unnoticeable to the point where it barely showed on his face. Annoyance was far easier for him to display than true anger, really. ]
[ A part of him was hoping that his friend would have moved on from the topic. There is a noticeable pause, before he gives his best carefree smile. ]
Don't worry about it, Nie-xiong. I won't bring up such a topic again.
[ Nie Huaisang is getting a taste of what Jiang Cheng had to live with. It's easier to either distract or piss those close off and get them to forget afterwards with some other kind of antic. ]
[ Huaisang was the last person who could be really distracted. He knew that the other man wasn't the type to really let something really go once he had the idea in his head.
He knew this because he's witnessed or heard of Wei Wuxian's actions. So it's frustrating.
He could feel tears well up in his eyes, and he began to rub at them. He was trying to be just mad, but hearing those words frustrated him. ]
I know I'm a terrible friend, but do you think I can forget it so easily? I know I'm not smart or intelligent like you are...
[ He felt his tears dry for a moment. ]
Wei-xiong, I have something to say to you, so listen closely. For a long time I was alone. After my brother died, and you were gone...my world was thrown into turmoil. I couldn't trust anyone. I didn't even know why I was even alive.
Everything changed then. I stopped caring about people as I saw what the cultivation world was capable of.
I only became capable of hiding that I could think at all. By the time you had returned, things between us had changed so much. We saw the end of a man who had grown so power hungry he would stop at nothing to cut down whoever got in his way. But I couldn't even say that I missed you, but now...
[ He's trembling, feeling tears roll down his face. ]
I'm not sure if I can even care for what's right or wrong anymore, not really. But I care about you...and it hurts when you offer yourself up like that. After all you said you were a tough opponent to kill, and that I'm capable. If you want me to keep going, then you have to at least try to keep moving yourself too...haven't you thought about how I'd feel if you died?! I'd miss you!
I don't know who these people are! I don't even think I care about them!So maybe I'd just toss them all to the side like San-ge did and say fuck them if I could just get you back! Because that's the type of person I've become!
I'd be good with that. I wonder if they happen to have any buckets around...
[ Though he's not sure how they would construct it, it'd be useful if a bucket fell on top of the person's head who was coming straight into here. ]
...
...It's unfair that things are like that. I've always thought you deserved better.
[ It makes him put out whenever he thought about it. He was unfortunately unaware of shit going down because he had been mostly at the Unclean Realm, taking it easy. And was only made aware of all that transpired afterwards, but still... ]
[ His friend manages to keep surprising him almost daily during their time here. His fingers twitch at seeing those eyes get watery, and he folds his arms to keep from giving into the urge to wipe them away. He does listen, and lets the words really sink in for a moment. He honestly isn't sure what to do in the face of such honest emotions. He can count on one hand the amount of times he's seen such a state, and they were about losing loved ones.
There are nuggets in Huaisang's words that he will have to store away to reflect on another day, but at the moment he has to focus on the more important aspect of all of this...
That he made his friend cry. The tears that seemed to dry for a moment were now pouring out. With the effect of the week as well as his own awkwardness with not liking to see someone he cares about cry, he finally does bridge the space between them to brush away the tears. His own eyes widen for a moment at his own actions before he moves his hands quick to Huaisang's shoulders. Giving them a squeeze. Looking him in the eyes and giving a gentle smile. ]
Did you know there are two phrases that must be said no matter what? I never really was one to say them, even though I really should have. I'm going to say them to you, Nie-xiong.
[ There's a pause, before he continues... ] I'm sorry and thank you.
[ Shifting his hands to pull the other into a hug. This is still something new, but he's going to try. ]
I know it's not easy being my friend, and I might not always remember that, but I do appreciate it. Much more than I can ever properly express. You're right, I wasn't thinking earlier about what my words and actions could do to you.
[ He never does, but maybe... maybe he really should. After everything that has happened and all that he has lost... maybe he really should. He could even start here with his friend. ]
[ It's been such a long time that Huaisang had a time where he was actually honest about himself to somebody else. He had spent a decade wearing a mask to basically almost everyone he had met with, and he'd never dare to tell anyone what he was really thinking at any given time. Why would he when the world had proven to him that people just existed to be duplicitous vipers who'd snap at you at the first chance they'd get?
Even in the end, when he got what he wanted, it'd seem that wouldn't change. Deep down, however, he had never felt all that satisfied. No matter how much he desired for it to be so, he couldn't bring his brother back. He wasn't able to have Jin Guangyao's actions reversed, and be able to stop it in time. He wasn't able to be true to one of the few friends he had, Wei Wuxian...
Those vivid and horrid nightmares last week reminded him of that fact and that he was weak, unlikely to get through any of this no matter how clever he had been before, and afraid WWX wouldn't either. Until he cracked open without even planning to at seeing the other offer himself so readily.
He's looking a little surprised when his tears were wiped away and the other was smiling softly, saying those things. He couldn't even say anything in return, not just yet, and when the other man hugged him, he returned it, burying his head into the other's chest, just now letting out quiet sobs.
But he managed to speak, hiccuping in between. ]
G-good...y-you better remember you said that to me...b-because I won't forget. D-do you get understand, W-Wei-xiong? I won't let you forget what you said anytime soon...
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biyishuangfei) wrote2021-05-30 09:18 pm
Week 1, Wednesday
He didn't have much control over the situation right now, and to think one of his friends had actually been dragged into it. A friend who's arrival was strange because of his appearance, but was still a friend.
So, Nie Huaisang would eventually come upon the other's door later in the night, giving a knock. ]
Wei-xiong? It's me.
no subject
[ The door isn't locked! When he comes in, he'll find one Yiling Patriarch sitting on the floor with a couple of simple science books and some cute fairy themed stationary. His familiar chicken scratch writing is scrawled across a couple of envelopes and note cards about light bulbs and electricity. The only other odd thing is that his bed looks pristine. Maybe he actually made? ]
What brings you here to visit?
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Maybe he was being too paranoid, but all the same, he was kind of leery about someone taking Hamelin up on his offer soon. ]
Oh, it's not locked? I'm guessing you won't leave it like that, though...
[ He'll hold in a sigh and close the door behind him. ]
Not much, really; I just felt like coming by. I see you're already at work, though?
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Don't worry about it. I'll be sure to lock it later.
[ Maybe. ]
I am. I've been working pretty hard, Nie-xiong. [ Is it hard work if he's enjoying it? ]
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I'll take your word for it. Though, if you don't, one of these nights you might wake up with embarrassing doodles on your face, and then you'll be sorry when someone spots it.
[ Anyway. ]
I think I'll leave the hard work to you, then. [ But he knew the other didn't seem like he was struggling over there. Probably finding the new technology fun. ] I plan on putting together a party tomorrow; you can drop on by if you want.
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[ He doubts anyone would even dare to do such a thing. Or maybe they would since they aren't from the same world? ]
What? Not even going to help out even a little bit? [ He's not actually expecting him to be down with research. ]
I'll be sure to stop by for a moment.
[ The last party he crashed went... bad ]
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[ Huaisang might dare to do such a thing. ]
I'm sure you'll be fine as always with the work. If you really need a second set of eyes, you can grab me at any time, and I'll even bring extra "research material".
[ In other words he will be just as useful about this as WWX expected ]
Anyway, you stopping by is good enough for me...though, when you leave, I'll see you off properly to your room.
[ No one would be able to give Wei Wuxian trouble too much trouble in the event something happened, and even if they dressed in a way that could indicate they're from the same world, he's sure no one really knew they knew each other for sure.[1]
1Hamelin was an rude, kidnapping buttface, and didn't count. ]
Week 1, Saturday
Are you in, Nie-xiong?
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One second!
[ He'll open it wide open, because it was locked. ]
Did you want to come in?
[ If he did, he'll find papers everywhere with some doodles with whatever they have in stationarylando. Pencils, color pencils, he'd have used them all in absence of proper painting materials, not that it stopped him from also attempting calligraphy things. ]
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Were you resting? I could come back another time.
[ He will come in though, looking over at the art supplies. He's glad that some things never seem to change. ]
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But anyway, there's a moment where he made a face, even though Wei Wuxian had stepped in. ]
No, don't go!
[ WWX probably did not ask for a sudden hug, but that was what happened. His eyes were a bit red rimmed from actual crying earlier and then again so he's not going to be crying once more. Whether they be crocodile tears or real ones. ]
I didn't get a chance to thank you for saying something back then. Everything was happening so fast.
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Were you crying?
[ To tease or not to tease? Okay, he won't tease until later. There were a lot of emotions running high and people were quick to be suspicious... even when Zola was being obviously suspicious for a while ]
We're friends and they were getting upset over a misunderstanding. I couldn't just sit by without saying something.
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[ He had some pride. Maybe.
Okay, though, he had been legitimately scared that he was going to die and it's hard to account for situations even if he tried to think them out in advance, so it was stressful.
Also as selfish as it was (which he had no regrets being), he was grateful for having a friend here. He would never trust any of these people as far as he could throw them if he could help it. Maybe playing up being pathetic will at least seem more genuine to the others because of this, though. ]
You've never been the type to, really, and I'm grateful for that. [ ... ] But it's a bit ironic things had turned out that way.
[ He'd thought it may have been easier for WWX to get into trouble than him, and was prepared to say something in case, but whoops. ]
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It is. Usually I'm the one who is suspicious while helping others. That said, maybe we stick together towards the end of the week, Nie-xiong.
[ A part of him almost wants to stack books every where on murder night... or do something else. ]
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But if they were staying together towards the end of the week, maybe they could do stuff together, or keep an eye for each other while they were...this could work well. Besides, it put him at ease, to know his friend's whereabouts. ]
Yes, I'm thinking the same, Wei-xiong. If SQ wants to still crash, we could even consider it a huge sleepover party.
[ Since regardless the other would need to know where he was, he figured he should tell him what he's thinking of already. ]
...And, well, I actually still want to do something like put that 'tape' from the general store across the kitchen door ways. It is kind of transparent and sticky, so having the strips stuck across doorways could make it difficult for people going to use those places for a murder. They might not notice it sticking to them once they walk through the doorway.
What do you think about that?
no subject
[ Sleepover! Maybe they will get access to alcohol again to make it even more interesting.
He starts to laugh after the suggestion of the tape. ]
That's a good idea! They probably wouldn't expect it. [ Imagine if a killer was caught because of walking into tape. ] I could see if there's anything else we could use from that workshop. [ There's so many interesting tools he can play with ]
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[ That was going to be hilarious if they ever got their grubby hands on it, huh. Flashbacks to shenanigary at Cloud Recesses, kind of. ]
Yes, you definitely should, and let me know. [ He'll finally pull back and look up at his friend properly. ] It's...been awhile since we have seen each other, and I still don't like this, but I'm glad to see things haven't changed between us.
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I'll do you even better and show you if I figure something out. [ Time to do the thing he does best after being an oblivious fool, which is tinker.
He'll let his hand drop from his shoulder as he searches his face for a split second. Giving a smile. ]
It feels like it's been longer than it has been for me. I'm sure it's been much longer for you, Nie-xiong.
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[ He really was. He knew by now Wei Wuxian was more intelligent than others presumed he was, so regardless he was sure that if something came of it, it'll be good. ]
...But, yes, something like that. You look absolutely different from last I had seen you, and admittedly I've lost track of time how long that had been when we saw ourselves together, but much younger.
[ But he's been happy to resume their camaraderie. ]
Week 2: wednesday
Feeling up to a bit of company, Nie-xiong?
[ Hewwo ]
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And then he looked up at the other, rubbing at his eyes. Due to mostly lack of sleep. ]
Wei-xiong! Let's head back to my room, okay?
[ He'll lead him back to his room and shut the door behind them should the other one follow. ]
...It's been awful, hasn't it? Trying to sleep.
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He pauses before giving a nod. He's still not quite used to people outside of the Wen Clan wanting to spend time with him. ]
Lead the way.
[ Following after him. ]
It looks like it's been more awful for some people.
[ He's already heard of a kid having a hard time and, after searching his friend's face, it seems like he's not alone. ]
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Honestly as he listened all he could think about how troubled he and WWX were. He's not really so kind to be worrying about other people too much. People he didn't really know and who could just probably stab them in the back at the moment's notice like Jin Guangyao did.
Except like Nageki. He needed to get to know everyone else better, honestly. ]
...Though everyone else for the most part seems to have done well to hide the fact. I don't think I've run into many people talking about it, or showing it so easily, for one thing.
[ He sat down on the bed. ]
Maybe he's hoping someone will snap and kill another person because of it. I just hope he gives up soon on doing this, it's absolutely unfair...showing twisted scenes of things back home in nightmares should be banned!
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Wei Wuxian's desire to play hero and NHS' loyalty to just friends and family is why they would be sorted in different Hogwarts houses. ]
That's very likely the reason. I will admit that waving around one of my deepest regrets is making it tempting to give in.
[ The only thing stopping him so far is waiting to see who is the biggest asshole of the group. ]
If you don't mind, talking about it may help.
[ Maybe ]
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Wei-xiong...don't give in. I don't want to lose anyone else.
[ There's a pause as he digested what he said, but now he's too busy being furious. Say what you will about the Nie Clan, but even without being affected by Saber spirit, there was bound to be a temper still. Slowly, more and more exhaustion just showed on his face before it turned somewhat sad as he was thinking of ways he could make Hamelin's time painful, but he's got nothing. He almost couldn't believe he's more angry on WWX's behalf than his own.
At the very least, the kind of loss he spoke about would be something familiar to his friend. Even if by now Huaisang figured there were...some shenanigans going on. When he spoke next, his tone was soft. ]
I lost my brother. All I could do is just watch, and the nightmares remind me of just how much I was a good-for-nothing who couldn't do anything about it.
[ He'd had his revenge, but it didn't mean it was something he'd want to consistently be reminded of seeing in its intensity. He could feel some real tears gather in his eyes. He's always been like this...quicker to cry than most people.
He was prepared to suffer through it until they can bring an end to this. It was purely out of spite. ]
Even if that's the case, though, I don't want to give him any satisfaction...I don't want you to either.
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He freezes as soon as his friend shares that Nie Mingjue is dead. He remembers seeing him among the other cultivators there at Nightless City just before he raised all of those corpses. ]
When did your brother die?
[ He is hoping it wasn't during his own rampaging. He barely believes he's worth Huaisang's friendship after what he already knows that he's done but if he was the reason he lost his brother?
He would be even more low than the worthless son of a servant people see him as ]
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This Wei Wuxian...he was from somehow a different point than he was. With all of the people coming from different lands, times, worlds, and whathaveyou...somehow this seemed the least surprising.
Either way this changed nothing as far as he was concerned. He was still his friend. ]
You weren't there when it happened. But it wasn't long after...well, Wei-xiong, I was home when I heard about you attacking the others at Nightless City. When my brother died as a result of his qi deviation following sometime that incident, you weren't there, and he had been at home.
[ Huaisang believed maybe it would work better for there to be some vagueness in the timeframes. So for now what he said wasn't exactly wrong. ]
You do know somewhat about the cultivation method of the Nie Clan, don't you?
week 2, post-trial
Well, it was obvious how that other case went. Huaisang had made a beeline straight to his room following all of that, and hadn't even so much as wanted to speak to anybody, not straight away at least.
Once he was in his room, though...
Huaisang started throwing things...before stopping. He wasn't a child anymore.
He also knew he wouldn't be able to look SQ in the face ever again. And it's not like he was unused to casualties when he's been planning things before. But he hadn't planned anything other than do what he could at trial, and look how that turned out.
...So, uh, if WWX was coming to his door, he might have heard a bit of stuff being thrown until just silence. ]
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Nie-xiong?! Is something wrong?
[ He's hoping there isn't an attack or his friend didn't injure himself ]
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He'll see Huaisang on the bed, with his pillow in hands, and then looking up and over at the other who... probably just let him into the room. ]
Oh... no, sorry. I didn't mean to worry you, Wei-xiong.
It's just...i-it's just...
[ Oh no. He told himself he wasn't going to cry again unless he planned for it. It was one thing when he pretended but he already cried enough and it won't stop SQ from dying or reveal who did it, so he just let himself fall silent for a moment. ]
I don't know. I don't know anymore.
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He hesitates for a moment before moving to sit on the edge of the bed. Placing his hand on the other's back. He knows he lost the right to try to make anyone feel better, but he still wants to try. ]
We'll figure out how to bring her back, Nie-xiong.
[ He just can't be sure how many more deaths will happen until then. Hamelin did confirm to wanting to stroke that particular fire, but he's not going to bring that up at this moment. ]
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Huaisang wanted to just turn towards him, hug him, and cry on him saying he wanted to go home. But he didn't do that either because he wasn't really up to it. He was feeling more sulky now. ]
I'm not even sure how we're going to bring her back.
[ He'll blink and then let out a small sigh. ]
But, I want to try. [ ... ] Wei-xiong...I'm also glad nothing happened to you.
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Focusing back on his friend. ]
It might take some time and a bit of information gathering, but I'm sure there's a way. You just have to hold on until then.
[ He is a master of putting confidence and assurance in his words. Aim for the impossible is his formal sect's motto.
There is a pause after Huaisang's words. ]
Even if something were to happen, I'm a tough opponent to bring down. I've already came back from the dead once before.
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[ Huaisang felt the impulse for a hug to return again. So he'll go for it, though it's slower and less sudden than last time (that last time had earnestly felt like his life was in danger, but this time it wasn't that, he just wanted hugs. And he felt like nobody else here would allow him to do that.)
But there's also a pause on his end when the other spoke about coming back from the dead once again. ]
...You're right. But, I'm not going to even think about losing you again.
[ He wondered why, when they had that final talk back home before parting ways, that he couldn't even be honest enough to tell him that he was happy he had brought him back. Once again, he never regretted doing what he did, but he did regret being a not so great friend after all that time. ]
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[ There's a playful note to his words.
This time, he actually partially expects something to happen. There isn't any pause as he adjusts his arm to be around the other in an one-armed hug. ]
That goes for you, too. Stay close to me, and I'll watch your back for you.
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[ No trashy novel collection would be found in a workshop of all places...!
But, also, good. That made him feel much better...that might make him really simple, but so what? His friendships in the current time were very limited, and strained at best. The one other person who would have indulged him had been killed through his own designs for the betrayal against him. It was at times like this that he earnestly wondered if there had been a way for things to be as they were before. ]
I won't be out of your sight. So that goes for you too...I'll look out for you in my own way.
[ If someone as so much as looked at his friend wrong he would stare them down! And...look nonthreatening while doing so because he had that kind of face that usually wouldn't work well with that, but it's the thought that counted, right? ]
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[ He should learn to pay more attention to who is in the rooms beyond those just next to his.
Also you never know... maybe they will find Hamelin's porn stash. ]
The workshop would be good. I could find bamboo to use to make a new flute.
[ The only person who was physical like this to him was his Shijie. He lost any and all rights to talk to her after being the reason her son will be without his father. ]
I know you will. You are much more capable than anyone ever gives you credit for, Nie-xiong.
[ He always did think that his friend was capable, just would be happier with life with his fans and birds. ]
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[ Maybe they'd see something there if they stuck around! Probably not but no one has stayed the night in room 5 before as far as he could recall, so...why not?
At that comment, though, he'll feel himself continue to smile. Wei Wuxian always knew him best. Sometimes maybe even better than his brother, though some may think that is a merely a difference of a pinion (yes bird puns live here.) ]
I don't know about that, Wei-xiong. In a place like this especially...I feel like I'd be better suited to just a life where I could paint things and relax with the birds. You, on the other hand, well. I was always waiting for when people would realize your talent.
Week 3, Post-Meeting, Room 5 (Thursday afternoon)
Huaisang wasn't very pleased where things went at a part of it, and after he took care of some things, he was already thinking of a way to address it. ]
Wei-xiong, can you tell me what you were thinking when you brought that up during a meeting?
[ He'll start off softly. He's not like his brother; his anger wasn't all sharp blades and harsh blows, it was like a simmering heat that could rise. Quiet, and almost unnoticeable to the point where it barely showed on his face. Annoyance was far easier for him to display than true anger, really. ]
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Don't worry about it, Nie-xiong. I won't bring up such a topic again.
[ Nie Huaisang is getting a taste of what Jiang Cheng had to live with. It's easier to either distract or piss those close off and get them to forget afterwards with some other kind of antic. ]
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[ You know... during possible murder night. ]
People only realize my talent when it aligns with their goals.
[ Or when it's certain tools that they want to get their hands on. There is a little bit of a bitter note to his voice. ]
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He knew this because he's witnessed or heard of Wei Wuxian's actions. So it's frustrating.
He could feel tears well up in his eyes, and he began to rub at them. He was trying to be just mad, but hearing those words frustrated him. ]
I know I'm a terrible friend, but do you think I can forget it so easily? I know I'm not smart or intelligent like you are...
[ He felt his tears dry for a moment. ]
Wei-xiong, I have something to say to you, so listen closely. For a long time I was alone. After my brother died, and you were gone...my world was thrown into turmoil. I couldn't trust anyone. I didn't even know why I was even alive.
Everything changed then. I stopped caring about people as I saw what the cultivation world was capable of.
I only became capable of hiding that I could think at all. By the time you had returned, things between us had changed so much. We saw the end of a man who had grown so power hungry he would stop at nothing to cut down whoever got in his way. But I couldn't even say that I missed you, but now...
2/2
I'm not sure if I can even care for what's right or wrong anymore, not really. But I care about you...and it hurts when you offer yourself up like that. After all you said you were a tough opponent to kill, and that I'm capable. If you want me to keep going, then you have to at least try to keep moving yourself too...haven't you thought about how I'd feel if you died?! I'd miss you!
I don't know who these people are! I don't even think I care about them! So maybe I'd just toss them all to the side like San-ge did and say fuck them if I could just get you back! Because that's the type of person I've become!
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[ Though he's not sure how they would construct it, it'd be useful if a bucket fell on top of the person's head who was coming straight into here. ]
...
...It's unfair that things are like that. I've always thought you deserved better.
[ It makes him put out whenever he thought about it. He was unfortunately unaware of shit going down because he had been mostly at the Unclean Realm, taking it easy. And was only made aware of all that transpired afterwards, but still... ]
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There are nuggets in Huaisang's words that he will have to store away to reflect on another day, but at the moment he has to focus on the more important aspect of all of this...
That he made his friend cry. The tears that seemed to dry for a moment were now pouring out. With the effect of the week as well as his own awkwardness with not liking to see someone he cares about cry, he finally does bridge the space between them to brush away the tears. His own eyes widen for a moment at his own actions before he moves his hands quick to Huaisang's shoulders. Giving them a squeeze. Looking him in the eyes and giving a gentle smile. ]
Did you know there are two phrases that must be said no matter what? I never really was one to say them, even though I really should have. I'm going to say them to you, Nie-xiong.
[ There's a pause, before he continues... ] I'm sorry and thank you.
[ Shifting his hands to pull the other into a hug. This is still something new, but he's going to try. ]
I know it's not easy being my friend, and I might not always remember that, but I do appreciate it. Much more than I can ever properly express. You're right, I wasn't thinking earlier about what my words and actions could do to you.
[ He never does, but maybe... maybe he really should. After everything that has happened and all that he has lost... maybe he really should. He could even start here with his friend. ]
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Even in the end, when he got what he wanted, it'd seem that wouldn't change. Deep down, however, he had never felt all that satisfied. No matter how much he desired for it to be so, he couldn't bring his brother back. He wasn't able to have Jin Guangyao's actions reversed, and be able to stop it in time. He wasn't able to be true to one of the few friends he had, Wei Wuxian...
Those vivid and horrid nightmares last week reminded him of that fact and that he was weak, unlikely to get through any of this no matter how clever he had been before, and afraid WWX wouldn't either. Until he cracked open without even planning to at seeing the other offer himself so readily.
He's looking a little surprised when his tears were wiped away and the other was smiling softly, saying those things. He couldn't even say anything in return, not just yet, and when the other man hugged him, he returned it, burying his head into the other's chest, just now letting out quiet sobs.
But he managed to speak, hiccuping in between. ]
G-good...y-you better remember you said that to me...b-because I won't forget. D-do you get understand, W-Wei-xiong? I won't let you forget what you said anytime soon...