.:Private Conversations Between Huaisang and Yeager:.

[biyishuangfei]

Comments

mdzs spoilers ig for whomever reads this later

[biyishuangfei]

...Yes, I would, actually.

[ He almost doesn't know where to begin. So he closes his eyes, composing himself, before opening them...but they're on the painting. ]

He was my big brother. My last living immediate relative.

After things went awful for Wei-xiong back home, he was all I had besides San-ge.

[ ... ]

He was murdered and back-stabbed by his sworn brother. The last I saw of him, he was dying...and it wasn't pretty. [ It was a mess. VERY visually traumatizing; he's doing Yeager a favor on not elucidating on the how. ] It's been a decade since he was alive, but it still stings.

mdzs spoilers continuing, probably!!

[scythegun]

[Ten years... Maybe not exactly ten years, but it's still a little unsettling to think about. So he won't.]

I'm sorry. I can only imagine how difficult it was to suddenly see him there.

[There's a face he's really hoping he won't see from ten years ago as well, so that actually is a genuine attempt at comfort and one he can understand a bit better.]

Especially considering he was betrayed... It isn't a pleasant reminder to begin with, let alone here.

[Where there are still people who could be working for Hamelin, where people will inevitably kill and may betray those who care for them.]

What was he like? If you don't mind my asking.

[He's not sure if it's a good topic to bring up, but maybe talking about how he was in life will make the sting of it a little easier to bear.]

oh absolutely!

[biyishuangfei]

[ He actually appreciates the attempt, Yeager. He'll smile slightly even if it's tellingly bittersweet. ]

It's...more difficult than I had imagined. I really should've figured that I would, probably, but...

[ He'll shake his head as he decides to leave the hanging thought unfinished because he can't find the words. But as for the next question, he has answers. ]

I don't mind it at all.

To be honest, my brother was really morally uptight, strict, and had a terrible temper at times. But he was protective, caring, and thoughtful in ways I don't think people ever knew just because of how straightforward he was. If he was ever here instead of me, though, I'm not sure if he could've took being in a situation like this. He hated lies and deceit, you know.

And betrayal. Something we have in common, I guess.

[ Or specifically the fact that on his profile it states what kind of betrayal Huaisang dislikes. ]

[scythegun]

[He remembers, and the idea that there are traitors here likely doesn't sit well with Huaisang. Still, that's a problem for future them, and maybe one they'll be able to address at the next meeting.

For now, Yeager nods.]

That's understandable, ja. He sounds like quite the incredible man! I can imagine how difficult he'd find a situation like this. It's already difficult enough, but a setup like this rewards underhanded tactics and sneaky behavior.

[biyishuangfei]

[ Sure is. That's going to be a boatload of fun at the time. ]

...Exactly.

[ He feels content to end it there unless Yeager has any further questions, which he'll be happy to answer. For now, he moves on, just as he dips his paintbrush to make a go for a lighter color. ]

That's about it from my side, but...what about your end? Do you mind me telling about what relation those girls had to you, to start with?

[scythegun]

[It's good that Huaisang's calmed down quite a bit since the initial scare, and if that's where he wants to leave it, Yeager certainly doesn't mind.

As for the question... Well, it's not like it's a secret or anything, but he still hesitates for a moment anyway.]

They're Droite and Gauche, my daughters. I adopted them several years back, and over time they've trained to become excellent additions to Leviathan's Claw.

[...]

Droite is the green-haired one, and Gauche has red hair. They're twins, of course.

[As if their mirrored waving didn't give that away?? Okay not all twins are Like That.]

[biyishuangfei]

[ It's really helped for him to talk about his brother. Sure he rarely speaks about him in general because he actually doesn't like the reminder sometimes, and...well, Huaisang has difficulty trusting people enough for that (he's hardly spoken about him here before.)

But today he hasn't gotten a chance to think to hard about it, even if it's something he feels he needed to do before. He wonders if it's because he's being careless, but he's told Yeager without feeling that he might regret it. Anyway, here is, listening to what the other is saying about his daughters. ]

Oh?

...Can you please tell me what they're like?

[ He'll smile a little, feeling a bit of curiosity. They seemed lively even from just that waving but honestly he does not want to go off on what an illusionary image presented. ]

[scythegun]

[That gets a quiet exhale that's almost a laugh out of him. It's so surreal to be in a position where they aren't around, where he gets to talk about them like they're just... well, like they're just his kids. He's still baffled anyone let him adopt them and even more confused that they turned out alright under his guidance. Parenting, he supposes.]

Gauche is quite serious and stoic - she has her eyes set on the mission at all times and never strays from it! She's dedicated and focused, but she does have a bit of a hard time expressing herself! Though she tends to act quite severe at all times, she has a soft side.

Droite is almost the exact opposite - she's flighty and carefree, and very eager to fight. She's quite a prankster as well! Though it seems like she doesn't take things seriously, she's a skilled fighter and is quick to step in whenever she's needed.

Honestly, I can't imagine what my life would be like right now without them.

[biyishuangfei]

[ Yeager just has those amazing one of a kind father skills.

Anyway, when the other man laughs, that gets Huaisang to turn his attention away from the painting with a small smile on his lips. He seems so happy talking about them? It's actually really nice.

He's glad he asked for them to talk about what they'd seen. ]

They really do sound like they have colorful personalities, and like they've already grown up well under you. Though, I have to wonder if Droite gets being a prankster from you?

[ His smile was slightly teasing now. Yeager does like to mess around and can be rather fun, he's not forgetting that any time soon. ]

But, I can understand that...they're clearly important to you.

[scythegun]

[There's a brief pause like he's only just now considering that for the first time.]

I'd be flattered if she did!

[That's... really cute actually... But poor goddamn Gauche who has to deal with this every damn day.]

They are, ja. It's been a very long time since I went anywhere without them - they've more or less decided to be my bodyguards, after all! So it's a bit strange to be away from them.

[It's something he knew before, certainly, but this makes it all the more clear that he really does miss them.]

[biyishuangfei]

[ Poor Gauche...how does she deal indeed.

But anyway he'll nod, and then pause as he returns his gaze back to the ocean he made in front of him. ]

I'm sure they're capable bodyguards too, from what you've described of them to me.

[ ...Yeager has spoken of their abilities well and he more or less has likely trained them, so. ]

It's also difficult being away from loved ones, but...I do hope we can get through all of this soon so that's no longer the case. Even if it sounds like they may be able to take care of themselves.

[scythegun]

They will. I have no doubts about that.

[They can handle monsters, and there isn't much back in Terca Lumireis that they'll have to worry about right now. They won't be happy that he vanished, but they'll be safe until he can return. Yeager trusts that much, at least.]

But you're right, it certainly isn't easy being here... Just being away from everything that's familiar for so long is certainly difficult! Hopefully we'll be able to find a way to put an end to all of this soon.

[biyishuangfei]

...I'm sure we'll manage.

[ He'll pause, considering his words more carefully. Ah, well, there's nothing wrong with a little positivity, right? ]

Even if I don't know how, I just feel like this group has enough of a chance to succeed. As awful things have been, it certainly could have been going worse, I suppose.

[ He's started on the island now. ]

[scythegun]

We do, ja.

[Whether they will or not is definitely up in the air, but at the very least we're chaotic enough to throw a wrench in Hamelin's plans, that much Yeager believes.

He returns his attention to Huaisang's work after that's out there.]

You really are so skilled! I enjoy watching you work.

[It's relaxing... And Huaisang seems to be having fun so that's definitely good!!]

[biyishuangfei]

[ He's relieved to hear all of those things, so a small laugh escapes him. ]

Well, I'm glad you don't think it's an absolute bore. It's best if the both of us are able to get something out of this. Or at least that's what I think.

[ Huaisang's probably one of the few artists he knows, thinking about this personally, that even likes to have people watch him paint. ]

[scythegun]

How could I possibly find it boring? You're able to create something so easily - it's a fascinating process!

[He's absolutely not an artist, but he definitely appreciates watching Huaisang work!]

Of course, I'm pleased you don't mind sharing as well~

[biyishuangfei]

Well, yes...it's definitely taken awhile to get here, that being said. I might have neglected a few other things to get as successful in this in the first place.

[ Huaisang will playfully put a finger to his lips like 'shh', kinda. ]

I also don't think you've really struck me as a painter, but if you ever want lessons, I don't mind teaching you a few things.

[ He's only offering since they do have some downtime in the middle of all this. ]

[scythegun]

The only way you get good at anything is if you practice, and sometimes that means putting aside some other important things.

[No judgment here! He put all his time and effort into murder weapons and here he is, so it's definitely fair!!]

I wouldn't mind learning, though I can't guarantee I'll have any talent!

[biyishuangfei]

Exactly.

[ ...See, this is why he likes you a lot, Yeager. Sometimes you just put a lot of time and effort into a hobby. He's used to people not appreciating what he does back home, though. ]

That's alright, it can prove to be a bit of fun on its own whether you do or don't. I'm sure whatever the case, you'll be able to make something that's memorable to you. And since you wouldn't mind, we could probably start with something simple. Grass, trees, flowers...those are easiest to begin with in my opinion.

[ And there! He's done. It probably looks amazing, because this is where the bulk of his talent truly lies (as far as he's concerned, anyway.) ]

[scythegun]

My, it really is quite gorgeous.

[Watching the process is really interesting, sure, but the finished work is always incredible. Huaisang's talent is definitely worth slacking off on other things!!]

I would like that, though! Teach me the basics and we'll see how quickly I can pick up on them!

[biyishuangfei]

Ah...thank you.

[ He seems honestly pleased to hear it, feeling a bit of warmth from the praise...it's kind of embarrassing but in a good way. He knows Yeager said his other paintings were gorgeous too, but hearing the compliment given earnestly on another finished product as well does make him feel happy. ]

I've just up and finished with this painting, so if you don't mind we can even start now?

[ ...and probably like handwave him explaining things or something, whatever is easiest. The mun is an artist but what is explaining. ]

Post-Trial, Week 5

[biyishuangfei]

[ So!

Trial was an absolute shitshow, like every other week. But this time it was even moreso than last week's in Huaisang's opinion. Which is probably like...biased?

It is what it is, though. He couldn't change any of what happened even if he tried.

One of his concerns now happened to be someone he cared about; he didn't miss that reaction at trial! Which was reasonable for a variety of reasons he could come up with, and some of which he was sure he wouldn't know even if he tried to imagine. So here he was, knocking on Yeager's door. ]

Yeager...? Can we talk?

[scythegun]

[There are only two people that knock could be from, and one of them seems infinitely less likely than usual right now. Yeager still considers remaining where he is and not getting it, but... He sighs and moves to get the door. He's pleased that he was right and it's Huaisang, and he holds the door open for the other man to enter.

Like before, Yeager's room is still in great condition, though there's something new going on with the mirrors. It looks like he had them covered up during the week, but one of them has the blanket tossed aside haphazardly, and is currently showing a woman with brown hair smiling. She looks serenely calm, and perhaps that's why Yeager is as calm as he is when he shuts the door behind Huaisang.]

Make yourself at home.

[biyishuangfei]

[ Huaisang fidgets, a little worried and nervous that Yeager's not going to open the door. But he remains rooted to the spot, feeling a bit determined, and out of a desire to speak with the man. He really doesn't want to leave him alone in all of his.

So he feels a small portion of relief when Yeager opened the door. He does also take stock of the room, looking around to gauge its appearance.

He nods his head all the same and takes a seat in the chair. Though he does peer back over at the mirror showing the woman, before directing his gaze back to the other man. ]

...I know you're not doing well. But, I wanted to keep you company for awhile.

And...um, if there's something you want to talk about, I'll listen.

[scythegun]

[Yeager picks up the blanket like he's going to cover that mirror back up, but after a moment he shakes his head and tosses the blanket aside on the bed as he takes a seat. It's fine. Casey can just sort of chill in the background watching us.]

I appreciate that you're always willing to come check on me. It's kind of you.

[It isn't necessary, but it's something he's come to expect and in some ways... it really is nice.]

I'm... rather frustrated that Hamelin decided to mess with the votes. I can't exactly be surprised given that he did the same thing earlier when it was my life on the line, but that doesn't really make it any better.

[Hamelin counted the abstained votes for SQ. He counted them for Raven now. It's the sort of thing that is rather funny, in a deeply upsetting way.]