mercysfool

[mercysfool]

BRO WTF I USED A SINGLE GOLD TICKET BC I HAD AN ODD AMOUNT OF THEM AND GOT BLADE'S LIGHTCONE I'M 😭😭😭 i deserve this after how much i spent e2'ing luocha </4

[mercysfool]

[mercysfool]

his reaction is both exactly what he'd wanted it to be, and more than he could've hoped for. catching his shock just from a glance alone almost makes him crack, and it is only through the carefully crafted demeanor he has up to this point worn so diligently that he does not lose himself to the stunned silence that momentarily befalls them. out of everything he could've read to him in the eve of everything he'd gone through, luocha is at least certain that dan heng had not foreseen this interaction. it lightens the mood, however brief, to see him laugh so subtly. he thinks that is all he could really ask for, how low his shoulders had been when he'd found him. no matter the change, he'd wanted to help.

his expression softens, the stagnant deadpan he usually wore shifting in a rare display of amusement. he smiles, eyes narrowing as he tilts the book over for him to look at himself.

"yes. the entire book is not erotica, mind. i feel that perhaps makes the ones that are a touch worse. this is the reason i bought the book from the stand, however. i couldn't walk away without it." which he's sure says plenty on his person : his sense of humor is strange, but oh, what a fun game he'd made of collecting oddities he found on his journey. were it that this time, it'd just so happened to serve a rather sweet purpose, despite its content. "desperate or ... imaginative, i suppose. both, even. such colorful use of language."

his attention shifts, briefly, to the tail that sways behind them. what a disaster the luofu has had on its hands as of late, though he doesn't muse that aloud. one thing after the other. he almost thinks it a funny coincidence, but maybe it's more than that. never a dull trip, for him.

"naturally." luocha does not miss a beat, responding without a moment's pause, as he delicately closes the book. he moves it over into dan heng's lap, tapping the surface. "i'm a very surprising person. if you don't find my plan to have you wilting into my sheets at the behest of horrifically written erotic prose, i'll simply find another method. i am nothing if not fallible, yet flexible." he pauses, hums. "keep it. maybe there's something heartwarming hidden somewhere in those blasphemed pages just for you, in your darkest moments. who knows."

     Even if he tried his best to ignore it, he catches the glances that were thrown his way. He wanted to know what happened. It was understandable, he realizes, after all the two had gone their separate ways and suddenly the next time they see each other is with a flipped worldview. He looked different, acted rather hostile at first. Guilt pricked in his heart, yet he tries to not show it as he watches the man dig through his bag. He deserved an explanation. Both as a friend, and if they were to continue.. whatever it was they had between them. But the Vidyadhara was simply not ready yet.

Trust was not the issue. He keeps note of how Luocha is doing what he can to keep him comfortable, and he is grateful for it. It must not be easy, he knows, and for a brief moment he questions if this is what love looked like. And if he is able to reciprocate and find the words to tell him what is buried in his heart. Fears and all.

     Course there wasn't time to think too hard on it. He breaks out of his daze when he hears the sound of pages being flipped, staring down in silence. His tail moves in beat with Luocha, ensuring that the both were comfortable as he finally finds the right page. His head tilts slightly, listening carefully to the comedic tone as he hears some of the most out of pocket things he could never imagine Luocha saying. From the start it was not what he expected, and when the other glances over he can catch Dan Heng's hand hovering over his lips, eyes slightly widened. Processing what it is he just heard. Suffice to say the distraction was a success.

     His voice trialing off is what made Dan Heng look up at him. Seeing the change, it gave the guard the okay to let out a short snicker. The hand now moves over his face, pinching the bridge of his nose as he mumbles out, "Ahh. Is this supposed to be some form of erotica?" There was a dash of humor in his voice, in contrast to his one note expression. Curiosity gets the better of him as he looks through the pages as Luocha holds the book, sure enough, there was more. His tail lets go of the merchant and moves away, only so the tip of it can comfortably sway side to side.

"Dear, oh dear. Whoever wrote this must have been desperate." He sighs as he lets the pages fall and return to it's original story, humming as he rereads the poem. He speaks his next words without missing a beat, not attempting to look up at him. To the untrained eye one would think his mouth ran faster than his head. "Is this your way of seducing me? I didn't think this would be your method."

[mercysfool]

hope i can finish this wip some day 🥹

[mercysfool]

he's still comfortable with him, he notes. the way he leans against him, trails after him when he moves to put space between them — it speaks volumes, especially now. he would be lying, to say he wasn't curious at all, or confused. and he doesn't hide that fact, inquisitive glances spared where it makes sense to do so ... but he is true to his word, biting his tongue against asking, and otherwise the same as he has always been while in his company. he has seen far stranger, in worlds beyond this one, even without context. stoic as he is, it's comforting to both of them, he thinks, to let slip the mysterious mask he oft wore, if only for a moment. he does not smile often, nor invite people into his space. but he invites him, far more than anyone else.

if he is surprised by the tail that curls around him, he does not show it, and accepts it with ease. he is quick to adjust, at the least. the book he pulls out from his travel bag is physical, unfortunate for he, who now held it within his possession. outwardly, it is unassuming.

"lets see..." he starts turning through some of the pages, his brow furrowing as he reads some of them, attempting to find something to ease him into it. after a moment, he pauses on one of them. "here we go." he clears his throat, then shifts just enough to face him without disturbing his tail, book held spread 'tween his fingers. to his credit, both his expression and voice maintain a monotone that is near comical with what he reads aloud, "the symphony i see in thee / it whispers songs to me. songs of hot breath upon my neck / songs of soft sighs by my head," he pauses, glances up at his face, then back down to the pages, all without missing a beat, "songs of nails upon my back / songs of thee come to my bed." his voice trails off, lips pressing together idly. he almost laughs, but the shift in his expression is so subtle, one could miss it if they weren't looking. "it keeps going, for three pages. there are also more."

He was aware of how different he was acting. Perhaps that is what scared him the most. Vulnerability did not suit him. Doubting himself much less so. He was able to push the other's concerns, but Luocha was different. The man was secretive, but genuine. He felt no need to hide himself away from him, he knew even if he tried there was a chance Luocha would notice anyway. He already did.

     So when he pulls him closer, Dan Heng gives in, settling his head on the merchant's shoulder. Eyelids flutter shut for a heartbeat, blinking up at him once he speaks up. "Really? Mm. Interesting." He purses his lips, shifting so that his face could be hidden in his shoulder and long hair. He doesn't address his thoughts aside from his hum. Simply because right now wasn't the time to question it. How funny, to be this concerned over a person they haven't known long. "I can take care of myself. Trouble is simply part of our work. And hey, I didn't think you were suspicious." He sighs, leaning back once he felt him start to move.

     With the height difference of theirs the guard was able to stay standing, quirking a brow at the other as he settled himself on the floor. "..Did you now?" There was a lilt to his otherwise tired tone. What came was a similar feeling that would arrive whenever he puts himself in front of the Data Bank after a restless night. A safe haven of sorts, the only difference being this brought a warmer feeling compared to cold and calculated.

Carefully he sits down next to the merchant, serpentine tail traveling along the floor until it was protectively curled around Luocha's hips. Dan Heng himself pays no mind, finding himself captivated by the comfort in his smile. I don't see that often. "Now you have me curious. I read some practically offensive material in my time, what do you have to offer?"

[mercysfool]

well, that's a relief. thought, but not spoken aloud. he closes his eyes, letting them readjust again to the darkness fallen back over him, only to open them a second later in attempt to follow his form as it moved through the room. he can see him, just enough to catch him approaching before he hears his fingertips trailing the bed. his lips part, ready to comment, but he lets the silence linger just a moment longer, anticipating, inevitably, the moment he'd take his hand. and he's right to anticipate it. hardly a second passes between the thought and feeling his palm curl over his own. there he is.

"with good reason. you should try to get more rest, with all the work you do." he hums, knowing he's preaching to the choir. if his friends can't get him to take better care of himself, he knows that he certainly can't ... but he can be here, he supposes, and that is as comforting an alternative.

he tilts his head up to get a better look at him, now that he's used to the only light being the moon that filters in through just barely closed curtains. he doesn't expect him to meet him halfway in the gesture, his lips pressed 'gainst his cheek. he straightens his posture, lips parted in something not unlike what would be embarrassment, were he the type. instead, his eyes narrow, soft, as dan heng's lips trail to his jaw instead. ah. his hand instinctively squeezes the other's, and diligently does he ignore it, the ache in his chest. it's more suble, at least, than his own breath catching, however briefly. "there is." alas, he doesn't lay back down, nor let go of his hand. he's so close, he's able to search his expression in the faint lighting. "i'd rather you spend one night off the floor, at least." he sounds as if he is scolding him, and perhaps he is. but it's more than that, too, a beckoning, of sorts. gently, he tugs him forward. "lay with me."

     Dan Heng makes sure that the door was locked once more before stepping away from it. He listens carefully to the other shifting around, giving him a chance to wake up by carefully navigating the room until he finds the coat hanger. He could hear the sleepiness in the other's voice, and in the darkness he smiles to himself as he takes his jacket off and hangs it up. At first, the question was answered with a head shake, but he then remembers that it was hard to see, so he moves to verbalize it; "Everything's fine. The day was spent helping the citizens. Far as we can tell, things are alright."

He can faintly see the outline of the man and his outstretched hand, so he carefully makes his way over to him. Fingers tread along the bed, stopping once he is able to take his hand in his. "Hm. Something like that. Simply couldn't settle down. I've been scolded enough with using the Data Bank as an excuse to stay up."

     Both with his eyes adjusted to the dark and getting closer to him, he was able to see the other much clearer. He leans down until he was able to leave a kiss on Luocha's cheek, shifting until he can place another along his jaw before murmuring, "Go back to sleep. There's an extra blanket in the closet right?" As always, he intends for the routine to continue.

[mercysfool]

"let me help you." knelt down, he takes the injured party's arm in his own, light dancing off his hands as it spreads to him, mends the bloodied tears in his skin. what damage the knife had done, now, is near moot. jack-of-smiles is long gone, scared off, but he stays here, helping him up to his feet. and in doing so, he brushes the man's hair from his face, politely. "are you okay?"

@londonfallen › silas.

[mercysfool]

her demeanor gives her away before anything else : he doesn't really need her to answer his question, but still he stays at her side, hand held out in silent hopes she will accept the aid he can offer. so used to having to chide those who stand by him to take care of themselves, he is almost surprised she even answers him without too much struggle.

"mm." he hums, taking her arm with gentle regard for her comfort. a nasty wound it is, his brows furrowing at the sight of it. aeons, she'd been walking around with this? "will you let me treat you?" his gaze shifts back up to her face, gaze softening. perhaps it is a silly ask ... but there are those, aplenty, offended by his abilities. "i can heal it for you." in his opposing hand, a golden chain drops from his finger, shining softly with green light.

@mercysfool - ‘  does  it  hurt?  ’ \ 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒

( 🐇 ) HER GAZE FLICKED upward as the question hit her ears ; expression betraying her surprise to be asked such a thing - especially in the middle of such an instance. they didn't . . have time to STOP AND WORRY did they ?

AEONS SHE . . HOPED so. she's running out of steam as it was. her pause ends with her shaking her head she offered a sheepish look 'pon her face. < YES . . BURNS ACTUALLY. > a hand moves to pull up the jacket that covered a festering wound of shadow. DIDN'T FEEL GREAT.

[mercysfool]

he's surprised? he supposes he shouldn't be caught off guard by it : this is, perhaps, the lowest he's ever seen the other's confidence. and why wouldn't it be, he muses. in his eyes, he must be standing before him, someone completely different from the man who had stupidly confessed to him on the sidelines of luofu's skyways. he doesn't say it, then, because he doesn't think now is a good time ... but he's exactly the same idiot now as he'd been then. a little less lovelorn, and a little more broody, but still just as tender.

"i don't try to be kind." he clicks his tongue, but it's clear there's a slight curl to his lips that he holds back. he can see him hesitating to step towards him, perceptive, but it's for the best he doesn't. he ends up tugging dan heng along with him, anyways, as he pulls him closer to him, vying for privacy they already have. thus, it's pointless. just an excuse. "i'm never not worried for you. your group likes to get into trouble, hm? and here you all were accusing me of being up to no good."

he huffs, but it's not serious. shifting, he sits down on the floor, still holding his wrist, and tilts his head up to look at him. "come here. i want to read to you some of the worst poetry i have ever read in my life." his eyes squint, and finally, he smiles. "i picked it up from a vendor. and i must warn you... it's abysmal."

He meanwhile had his eyes trained elsewhere, staring out of the corner of his eye and towards the ground as he awaits patiently for his reply. He very clearly needed him at the moment, someone who has proven to be able to keep him grounded. But of course he was not going to force him to stay. Admittedly, a part of him assumed he would leave. None of what transpired is his business after all, he was perfectly free to keep himself separated from it.

     When he gets reassurance, he blinks up at him. A bit surprised, but incredibly relieved. "...Thank you. You are far too kind to me." He murmurs after a beat of silence, staring down at his hold. It was a comforting touch, and ever slowly does his mind start to crawl out of the pit it landed in. "Mm. Were you worried for me? I would have been fine regardless. But, you are here now, right?"

His body subtly sways forward, hesitating, unsure if it wanted to commit to closing the distance completely. He decides not to, standing straighter as he carefully nods. "That... would be nice."

[mercysfool]

he isn't ... unused to it, despite how unusual others who look in from the outside of their relationship — he supposes it can be called that — may find it. he's equal parts cautious from mere common sense as he is willing to compromise himself for the sake of special exceptions. he'd simply never expected that exception to come in the form of a person. but he's a light sleeper ... and so, as he does every time, he stirs when the door clicks open, slowly opens his eyes against the dim lights of the hallway bleeding into his otherwise dark room, and squints under his hair fallen across his face and body. it takes a moment, for his eyes to adjust : and by time they have, his visitor speaks.

he shifts to sit up, one hand lifting to move his hair out of his face, tucked messily behind his ear. he is a mess, however understandably, 'cross the man who stands against him, put together and calm, even this late at night. like clockwork. he could just leave his door unlocked, he thinks. "dan heng." now he scoops his hair over onto one shoulder, shifting so that he can sit on the edge of the bed proper. "you don't have to apologize." that's what the key is for. "is everything alright?" he'd stand, were he not so hazy, waiting for the fog of sleep to wear off. but still, he holds out his hand, beckoning him. "or just another flight of fancy?"

──── @mercysfool / unprompted

     This has started to become a routine at this point. They land somewhere new, Luocha goes off to do his business, Dan Heng stays with the crew so he can do his. Once night falls and the stress of the job eases away, Dan Heng has consistently found himself in front of the cozy hotel building. His reasons for wanting to stay with the merchant range night by night; from wanting his company to simply having nothing better to do. This time it was because he could not get to sleep. Being with Luocha was better than burying himself into his work all night, he figured.

Thankfully his companion was incredibly intuitive. Seeing what it is Dan Heng needed before he himself realized it. Using the gifted key that was given the first night of their arrival, he very carefully opens the door, seeing that the room was dark. He was silent as he stepped inside the room, pupils narrowing when he heard a shift coming from the bed. "Its just me." He murmurs, closing the door behind him. He almost feels bad for the number of times he has woken him up doing this. But Luocha has yet to kick him out, or tell him to stop, so he was under the assumption that it was fine. "Apologies."

[mercysfool]

𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐌 𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐒 

from this generator.

❛ close your eyes and hold out your hands. ❜ ❛ what are you smiling at? ❜ ❛ i can’t leave you alone for one minute, can i? ❜ ❛ was it you? did you do all this? ❜ ❛ i don’t know how you do this every day… ❜ ❛ that is not an appropriate question to ask a lady you’ve just met. ❜ ❛ i’m not sorry. ❜ ❛ i did warn you not to trust me. ❜ ❛ do you remember anything? at all? ❜ ❛ you’re lucky you’re cute. ❜ ❛ why don’t you just kill me? ❜ ❛ did you hurt yourself? ❜ ❛ i could show you the way. ❜ ❛ i don’t feel so good. ❜ ❛ you owe me a dinner. a very nice dinner. ❜ ❛ don’t go. please. ❜ ❛ you wanna know what your problem is? ❜ ❛ i’m here to drink alone. ❜ ❛ don’t run away from this. ❜ ❛ i’m just saying, murder is an option. ❜ ❛ i didn’t realize you were in so much pain. ❜ ❛ i guess it runs in the family, huh? ❜ ❛ you wouldn’t understand. ❜ ❛ we’ve been through a lot. i think we should just lay low and take it easy. ❜ ❛ dangerous to be out so late. ❜ ❛ i hope you haven’t been standing out in the cold this whole time. ❜ ❛ i made a mistake. ❜ ❛ am i not good enough? ❜ ❛ i’m going to get you out of here. ❜ ❛ why did you bring me here? ❜ ❛ aren’t we in a good mood today? ❜ ❛ don’t shut me out. please. ❜ ❛ the storm’s getting worse. ❜ ❛ i never meant to hurt you. ❜ ❛ you’re about as intimidating as a butterfly. ❜ ❛ have you come to laugh at me in my miserable state? ❜ ❛ here, take this. you’ll catch a cold. ❜ ❛ this is the part where you leave. ❜ ❛ why are you talking like we’ll never see each other again? ❜ ❛ you stepped on my foot! ❜ ❛ you’re not a very convincing liar. ❜ ❛ we’re in completely different leagues. ❜ ❛ how did you find me? ❜ ❛ i don’t need you anymore. ❜ ❛ rough day today? ❜ ❛ snap out of it! ❜ ❛ you look better in my clothes than i do. ❜ ❛ why are you still here? ❜ ❛ can i ask… what happened? ❜ ❛ are you saying you care about me? ❜ ❛ i won’t let anyone hurt you. ❜ ❛ it’s not stealing if it was mine to begin with. ❜ ❛ well, this is where i live. ❜ ❛ we’re not so different after all. ❜ ❛ how long have i been asleep? ❜ ❛ no more lies, no more secrets. ❜ ❛ can you forgive me? ❜ ❛ i thought you… i saw you get shot. ❜ ❛ why are you really here? ❜ ❛ i wish we never met. ❜ ❛ you look like you need a hug. ❜ ❛ would you run away with me? ❜ ❛ see? i’m not just a pretty face. ❜ ❛ we can stop them. i can help you. ❜ ❛ what now? i’m tired. ❜ ❛ i didn’t want you to see me like this. ❜ ❛ i can’t do this without you. ❜ ❛ if you tell me yours, i’ll tell you mine. ❜ ❛ are you threatening me? ❜ ❛ did you ever care about me? ❜ ❛ treat me like the princess that i am! ❜ ❛ i’m not leaving you. ❜ ❛ why did you come? ❜ ❛ i need your help… and you need mine. ❜ ❛ i wish i could hate you. ❜ ❛ i see you don’t recognize me. well, it was a long time ago. ❜ ❛ you’ve lost a lot of blood. ❜ ❛ i had my suspicions, but until now i wasn’t sure. ❜ ❛ there’s nothing left for me here. ❜ ❛ that is… literally illegal. you’re describing something illegal. ❜ ❛ wait. i’ve heard that sound before. ❜ ❛ just try to hang on. ❜ ❛ so why’s it so important anyway? ❜ ❛ i’ll stay in tonight, thanks. ❜ ❛ we can’t keep going on like this. ❜ ❛ in about a minute, you’ll be sorry you didn’t listen to me. ❜ ❛ is this seat taken? sorry, it’s a bit crowded here. ❜ ❛ you can’t leave me here alone! ❜ ❛ i’ll believe it when i see it. ❜ ❛ why are you laughing? this is a very serious situation. ❜ ❛ i bought two. here. ❜ ❛ i’ve seen you before, walking by. ❜ ❛ why can’t i come with you? ❜ ❛ c'mon. aren’t you worried what might happen if we go? ❜ ❛ walk with me? ❜ ❛ it’s very rude to stare. ❜ ❛ how many times have i told you? you can’t visit me here. ❜ ❛ we can’t fix this. can we? ❜ ❛ are you going to kill me? ❜ ❛ it’s not like you can stop me. ❜ ❛ it’s not safe for people to see us together. ❜ ❛ take me with you. ❜ ❛ some risks are worth taking. ❜ ❛ let them go. take me instead. ❜ ❛ what do you want in exchange for it? ❜ ❛ is being drunk an excuse? ❜ ❛ promise me you won’t overreact. ❜ ❛ how can i possibly trust you? after all you’ve done. ❜ ❛ how long have you been standing there? ❜ ❛ why did you wake me? ❜ ❛ i’m not here to talk about my feelings. ❜ ❛ you were going to leave without saying goodbye? ❜ ❛ for some reason, i’m attracted to you. ❜ ❛ promise me? ❜ ❛ it’s nothing, i’m just tired. ❜ ❛ i feel safe with you. ❜ ❛ i don’t need your help. ❜ ❛ i think i have a bit more experience with this thing than you do. ❜ ❛ no way, i’m not doing that. ❜ ❛ i do care. ❜ ❛ you snore in your sleep. it’s adorable. ❜ ❛ i have a spare bed. ❜ ❛ you’re very kind. some day it’ll get you killed. ❜ ❛ you’ll always have a home with me. ❜ ❛ of course i care. you’re my family. ❜ ❛ you shouldn’t insult people that are bigger than you. ❜ ❛ i never wanted to hurt you. ❜ ❛ i swear it wasn’t me. ❜ ❛ we can just sit here, you don’t have to talk. ❜ ❛ did you miss me? ❜ ❛ this isn’t just about you. it’s about what’s best for all of us. ❜ ❛ you can never admit when you’re wrong! ❜ ❛ is this what you wanted? ❜ ❛ what are you doing out here by yourself? ❜ ❛ sorry to put you through that. i guess i owe you one now. ❜ ❛ the only time you talk to me is when you need something. ❜ ❛ i’m still learning. ❜ ❛ if you have something to say, spit it out. ❜ ❛ you… don’t like me very much, do you? ❜ ❛ i’m on your side. ❜ ❛ i risked my life for you! ❜ ❛ whatever you’re going to ask, the answer is no. ❜ ❛ you can stay with me. ❜ ❛ i just need time. ❜ ❛ please don’t do this, don’t act like you care. ❜ ❛ who the hell invited you? ❜ ❛ what? no witty remark? nothing clever to say? ❜ ❛ i just wanted to say i’m sorry. ❜ ❛ think of it as a compliment. ❜ ❛ do you ever stop being so serious and dull? ❜ ❛ it’s rare to see your kind around here. ❜ ❛ you remember me. that’s good. ❜ ❛ you’re a terrible flirt you know. ❜ ❛ are you kidding me? we’re not ‘fine’! ❜ ❛ right now i wish i was dead. ❜ ❛ i guess i should’ve told you. ❜ ❛ you’re not alone. i’m here. ❜ ❛ you’ve been so quiet. what’s on your mind? ❜ ❛ knowledge is power. ❜ ❛ you scared me. ❜ ❛ well, what’s so strange about that? ❜ ❛ don’t look at me like that. ❜ ❛ i want to be there when you get what’s coming to you. ❜ ❛ just who do you think you are? ❜ ❛ you look… amazing. ❜ ❛ we’re safe, aren’t we? ❜ ❛ you know, i really hoped i’d never see this place again. ❜ ❛ don’t touch me. get away from me. ❜ ❛ i thought you’d like this. ❜ ❛ it’s too dark, i can’t see anything. ❜ ❛ what’s that smug look for? you think you can do any better? ❜ ❛ who did you piss off this time? ❜ ❛ you should’ve thought about that before you got into a fight. ❜ ❛ i only wanted to help. ❜ ❛ you knew and you didn’t tell me? ❜ ❛ you don’t scare me. ❜ ❛ wow, look who remembered my existence. ❜ ❛ change isn’t easy. ❜ ❛ why did you help me? ❜ ❛ why do you hate me? ❜ ❛ i can’t even trust myself anymore. ❜ ❛ i was making sure you weren’t dead, since you never called. ❜ ❛ you look awful. what happened? ❜ ❛ are you here to kill me? ❜ ❛ you know you aren’t allowed in here, right? ❜ ❛ was that a friend of yours? ❜ ❛ two years later and you haven’t changed. ❜ ❛ you look like you just saw a ghost. ❜ ❛ nobody tells me what to do. ❜ ❛ you’re too scared to do it, aren’t you? ❜ ❛ come on. it can’t be that bad. ❜ ❛ i hope to repay your kindness someday. ❜ ❛ just let me do this for you. ❜ ❛ why were they coming after you? ❜ ❛ how many people have you killed? how many? ❜ ❛ how much do you value your life? ❜ ❛ you don’t know when to give up, do you? ❜ ❛ don’t lie to me. ❜ ❛ i’m not sober enough to talk about this. ❜ ❛ have a drink with me. ❜

[mercysfool]

𝐌𝐈𝐗𝐄𝐃-𝐁𝐀𝐆 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 — part one.

🧸 — Various sentence starters from the reaction images and memes saved on my phone. Some fluffy, some angsty, some just downright silly. Some have been altered for readability. Feel free to customize to your needs! Trigger warning for language and violence.

“ Hey, want to see a trick? ”

“ I am going to punch you in the throat. ”

“ You almost had it. ”

“ I have had a very long day… I am very small and I have no money, so you can imagine the kind of stress I am under. ”

“ No time to explain, get in! ”

“ Aight, I'm gonna cry now. ”

“ Congratulations! ”

“ I know more than you, thanks. ”

“ Guess I'll die. ”

“ I love this [ thing ] more than I love myself. ”

“ Give me a kiss right now or else. ”

“ Uh-oh! ”

“ Don't laugh. ”

“ My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined. ”

“ Another day, another migraine. ”

“ Man. ”

“ I am a beacon of joy. ”

“ I'm in the mood today to be praised by others. ”

“ I expect nothing, and I'm still let down. ”

“ I've killed before. ”

“ Cheers, I'll drink to that, bro. ”

“ Say sike right now. ”

“ What the Cinnamon Toast fuck is this? ”

“ Don't… ”

“ [ name ], I crave violence. ”

“ Good morning, dudes! ”

“ Peace was never an option. ”

“ I see great rage in your future. ”

“ I'm fine. I just got excited and stopped breathing. ”

“ My love language is gentle acts of violence. ”

“ I'll see if you're worthy. ”

“ It's all so tiresome. ”

“ You'd leave a wretch alone in the eve with naught a morsel? ”

“ I am a genius. ”

“ It's so ugly… I love it. ”

“ Look. ”

“ This worries me. ”

“ Everyone knows what a [ thing ] is. ”

“ I don't know anything. ”

“ I know everything. ”

“ Hey, do you need some help? ”

“ I'm seriously at my limit. ”

“ Free lunch! ”

“ What are you most afraid of? ”

“ Now isn't this nice? ”

“ I am going to enact terrible violence. ”

“ I can do nothing but ask for forgiveness. ”

“ Goodbye. ”

[mercysfool]

his own surprise is gentle, and a touch unnoticeable : his lips part, as dan heng reaches out to him ... but luocha himself doesn't startle, nor does he try to pull away. instead, he watches, waiting, and the desperation of his request is what shocks him. he supposes it shouldn't.

"okay." he doesn't think he needs to say much more than that, but he steps forward, an olive branch 'tween them in closing some of the distance between them. "i'll stay." in attempt to comfort him, he supposes, he turns over his hand, and holds his wrist in his palm, too. "that should be my line, i think. were it i got to play role of your protector this time, but alas." he hums. "i'm not going to ask right now. i can distract you, if you want."

The response essentially puts the deity into shock. Any emotion that was in his eyes quickly melts away, as he starts to remember who it was that he was speaking to in the first place.

     Beautiful was the last thing he expected someone like Luocha to call a creature like him. "No." Once his mind clicks, his body moves faster than his head, reaching over to hold the other's wrist. He stiffens a bit, being put off guard but his own actions. "Stay. Please. There is so much going on." He sounds almost pathetic, he has take a moment to take a breath in and bring back his usual demeanor. His hold loosens, in case Luocha wanted to move away. "I'm.. relieved that you're safe."

[mercysfool]

he is not taken aback by the hand that reaches to grab his wrist, and rather than flinch away from it, he simply adjusts, brow perked in silent inquiry as he holds his gaze, no falter 'pon his own features, where dan heng, shockingly, cannot say the same. his blessings are to be counted, he supposes, that he had not been lounging off duty in a overtly populated area. he can only imagine, the things it would do for his business, to see him so close to someone so endearingly suspicious. the irony is not lost on him, so much so he almost snorts when he gets such an animated response from his company.

ah. that's unexpected.

luocha twists his wrist after he jerks away from him, humming in gentle lament at the force of the gesture. he'd scold him, if he weren't so sympathetic of a delicate moment between the two of them. instead, he only squints in his direction, silent, good natured mockery on his part. but he doesn't comment. rather, he seems surprisingly empathetic, if not slightly dumbfounded. he's better at hiding the latter. how he had said all of that without it dawning on him, truthfully, is far beyond the merchant's understanding.

"ridiculous?" he fills in what he supposes he's trying to say, expression unmoved. dan heng doesn't need to say what it quite obvious, but despite his own observation, it doesn't seem as if he's admonishing him. "it's not impossible, but it is rather silly to ask me the state of your heart, isn't it? i'm only commenting on the information you've given me. love at first sight, though, isn't it... you speak of your romance novels, but the concept seems foreign to you. perhaps just unthinkable? and yet." there's amusement buried somewhere 'neath the way he reads him, nose crinkling enough to give 'way he's trying not to smile. it is rather ridiculous, the entire concept. oh, but he's never seen it in action, has he? racing hearts and long stares, all towards someone this man had only just met days ago... all over the universe he'd traveled, but he'd never thought he would be the object of such blossoming affections.

it's sweet, and no small amount of thrilling. his reaction is charming, even if he is somewhat dim for it. "how endearing."

he clicks his tongue, letting his opposing hand raise now so that his own cheek can rest in his palm instead. he'd played his cards so close to his chest 'til now, he thinks : aside from offering a friendly hand, he hadn't overstepped his boundaries, nor grown too familiar. not to say he hadn't noticed, either, each glance he'd caught from dan heng in his direction, or how he'd gravitated to him, even when there had been three of them in a party. his lips quirk, smile soft as he only spares his own glances to the other occasionally, watching the gears turn in his own head as he works it out for himself. dim, but sweet. that did about sum it up, didn't it?

he's only somewhat surprised, when he relents, or rather confesses, more properly, to his own affliction. he's been nothing but painfully honest, and more than that, painfully obvious, but ... his posture straightens again, letting himself lean back, but not closer again, so that he can turn towards him proper. his hair falls over his shoulder as he does, and some into his face, but that's fine. he can observe him better, like this. "perhaps you've fallen in love at first sight? that's picturesque, isn't it..." he hums, but smiles. he'd not crush this man's heart, not today. "i find you charming, and romantic to be in the company of. i don't believe in love at first sight..." despite the likely disappointing answer, his expression softens, and the hand that had been released from his grip now seeks to press his palm against dan heng's, fingers splayed against one-another. "...but my heart is ever open to being swayed, if you wouldn't mind the chase. i promise i won't run far."

Letting emotions out, having someone there to hear him out, those were all incredibly new things to him. Perhaps there was something pathetic about the way he was able to open up to a man he has only known for a week more than he ever did with someone from the Express. His mind was not trying to discredit the times there have been comfort and worries exchanged between, but in the moment he has never allowed anyone else to peer so deeply into his heart. Welt's warning was a whisper in the wind, having hardly made a dent in the wall that Dan Heng had already let fall.

He was rewarded with Luocha's presence. Himself being the only one to break the silence but still having the reassurance that the other was listening to his every word. He heard his reply, but chose to not acknowledge it nor think of a way to say something back. It only hits home that the whole situation was just odd. A short span of time, yet timeless all the same. Luocha had made an impact on Dan Heng more than he realized, perhaps after this rant he has learned by now, but there are promises still left on the guard's tongue that spoke of what went through the quiet man's head. A hand raises to gently rest above his chest, still remembering the moment he looked into the then-stranger's green eyes for the very first time.

     Past the chaos, the fear, the adrenaline of wanting to find his family, he saw him.

He waits patiently once his words come to a clear finish. It was now that he could sort of understand what it was like for others to interact with a man like him; Luocha and Dan Heng both were individuals that were difficult to read. Neither of them were the sort to be openly expressive. It leads one's mind to wander over the possibilities of what they could be thinking, until there was even a hint of confirmation for any of it. He half expected to be rejected for these thoughts in some way, unfamiliar on how these confessions usually go.

A huff of air that he didn't realize he was holding in was suddenly released. "Hmph. My lack of ability to be able to make a joke is often a complaint." Was his response, voice noticeably hoarse. He can't remember the last time he talked this much in a single go. Taking a moment to collect himself, his head turns to peak over at Luocha before turning away once more in a bashful manner. "I. Well, yes. But part of it is because of the manner of this conversation."

     While stuck trying to come out of his daze he had not realized that he had gotten closer. When he felt a touch under this chin no matter how gentle, there was an immediate reaction. As his head was turned to face him, the well seasoned warrior returned briefly to grab hold of Luocha's wrist with a grip. Eyes narrow into a glare, but there was no denying the tenderness that was hidden within him that made his hold start to soften almost right after. Now he was even more grateful for the quiet environment around them. If someone outside of their bubble caught them like this it would either be something to gawk at or alert a guard over.

"-!" Somewhere in his heart he expected that answer. But his mind didn't, and there was a shake that passes by him and turns into a jolt, forcing his head up and free from the hold. "What?!" He gasps, but does not move back nor does he let go of Luocha's wrist. "That-.. I don... It's-.." Ridiculous. Sudden. Stupid. Unlike him. So many responses that plagued his tongue that he refuses to release. Partially to not make the other feel bad, but also because.. could it?

He breaks eye contact with him to stare at nothing in particular. Shock was unmistakably present, but anything close to distaste was nowhere to be found. Pupils dart back and forth as the gears in his head turn. "Is that possible..." He questions the air, head lowering as his mind is filling with complete and utter confusion and embarrassment. Could he truly have formed such a deep emotional connection to him? In that short span of time? And for it all to form into romantic love? Heat is trapped inside the hooded cloak that was wrapped on him, and he wished it was safe enough to take it off and breathe.

A shaky breath comes in, then releases. Of course. No wonder the idea that he read this from a romantic novel made sense to him. Idiot. What an idiot he was. His inexperience was clear as day, obviousness that he had never in his short current life that he had ever fell for someone like he did now. It was currently a miracle that Luocha did not in fact tease him about something so obvious and minuscule. There was a bubbling in his chest that could have made him burst out laughing if he was anyone else.

     So that's what it was. All this time. There was truly no room to deny it. When uncertainty left, all that remained was that 'love' felt right. "Perhaps I have.." he murmurs, tone softer than it ever has been. His body starts to relax, raising his head to see his hand still holding Luocha's wrist. He slowly lets him go, but allows to let his empty hand hang in the air, curious to see what the other would do. Looking back at him, he quirks a brow, desperate to regain any form of control no matter how much his insides were burning. "If I really had." His voice is strained, but he attempts to keep it as even as he can be, "What then?" How do you feel about me?

[mercysfool]

what is he meant to say, he thinks, that could possibly ease the tension. a tall order indeed, when silence had fallen so heavy over them. usually, it's comfortable, but ...

" — you're beautiful." and so oddly distant, for a change. "but you're prettier when you talk to me. of course ... i can go, if you would prefer to be alone."

     "..You have been staring at me since my arrival. If you have something to say, speak up."

[mercysfool]

🐝  *  ―  𝑫𝑰𝑭𝑭𝑬𝑹𝑬𝑵𝑻 𝑾𝑨𝒀𝑺 𝑻𝑶 𝑺𝑨𝒀 '𝑰 𝑳𝑶𝑽𝑬 𝒀𝑶𝑼'.

❛  you make me complete.  ❜ ❛  i'm nothing without you.  ❜ ❛  you are the light of my life.  ❜ ❛  i'm so lucky to have you by my side.  ❜ ❛  you mean the world to me.  ❜ ❛  you always know just how to make me smile.  ❜ ❛  you're my favorite person on this whole planet.  ❜ ❛  i love you more than coffee, and that's saying a lot.  ❜ ❛  i don't want to live in a world where you aren't with me.  ❜ ❛  you really have no idea how much you mean to me, do you?  ❜ ❛  every single day i fall a little more for you.  ❜ ❛  i want to spend the rest of my life with you.  ❜ ❛  you'll always have a place in my heart.  ❜ ❛  you mean so fucking much to me.  ❜ ❛  you're the best thing that has ever happened to me.  ❜ ❛  you're a beautiful person, inside and out.  ❜ ❛  i'm here for you ... always.  ❜ ❛  i would do anything just to see you smile.  ❜ ❛  i'm completely lost without you.  ❜ ❛  life would be boring without you.  ❜ ❛  sometimes i look at you and wonder how i got so lucky.  ❜ ❛  you're amazing just the way you are.  ❜ ❛  no matter what, i'll always have your back.  ❜ ❛  you and i make a wonderful team.  ❜ ❛  every time i see you, i fall in love all over again.  ❜ ❛  i'm not scared of anything except losing you.  ❜ ❛  you take my breath away.  ❜ ❛  i love you more than words can say.  ❜ ❛  love might be hard, but with you, it seems easy.  ❜ ❛  you make me feel things i've never felt before.  ❜ ❛  you bring out the best in me.  ❜ ❛  you are my sunshine.  ❜ ❛  with you, i feel like everything is possible.  ❜ ❛  you're the love of my life.  ❜ ❛  when i'm with you, it feels like home.  ❜ ❛  i appreciate everything you do for me.  ❜ ❛  you are the most amazing person i have ever known.  ❜ ❛  you make me believe in love.  ❜ ❛  i love you with all my heart.  ❜ ❛  i am truly and unconditionally in love with you.  ❜

[mercysfool]

he's comfortable in silence. that likely isn't surprising, even to someone who has known him only the timespan of a few days : he prefers it, oftentimes, to the busy chatter of the world around him. so is it with ease he lets the topics of his express and idle meandering about their time with sushang die off. he does watch him for a moment, still, to gather what his angle for their conversation is. when he sees that he is gathering his thoughts, he hums in acknowledgement, but doesn't push him. instead, he lets the silence draw out, attention once more on the chain he weaves 'tween his fingers in absent mind.

in truth, he didn't expect him to break through the quiet so suddenly, nor curtly. he supposes he should've, given what he'd gleamed of dan heng's nature, yet nevertheless, he startles not from the sound of his voice, but how sharp it is.

he pauses his fidgeting, but doesn't look up at him. his first instinct is to assume he must be suspicious of him, as such would make sense given his crew's apparent impression of him. he'd never met them, of course, but if welt's warnings were anything to go off of, it was probably for the best that be the case. what he doesn't account for is the subsequent explanation that it isn't in negative connotation ... or for anything that comes after.

he is a good listener, contrary to one might expect of how distant he oft presents himself. not quite cold by any means, but never personable either. calling him shady wouldn't truly be an insult so much as observation : but he does pay attention, where it benefits him. his gaze stays trained on the gold of the trinket he holds, but his lips part, eyes shifting to glance at him only from the corner to read what little of his body language he can at this angle. he expects to find him laughing, smiling, something to prove to him that he'd been incorrect in assuming that dan heng had no sense of humor whatsoever. he expects that he is joking. he is simultaneously unsurprised and rather confused to see that is not the case. an impression he doesn't quite have to voice, when his company has taken the liberty to do that for him. he's right. he isn't the type to be open, nor heartfelt, he had made that much clear with sushang in their party. sentimentality, then, is the last he'd expected.

"i hadn't thought i'd have made that much an impression, to leave you fumbling with your own feelings." his voice is quiet 'gainst the traffic that races past, and the soft bustling of the city around them. they're only a small part of the heartbeat of luofu's public that day, but for all it's chaos, dan heng certainly has his attention now. he finally shifts to look at him proper, eyes narrow in both thought and shockingly tender regard. he has a feeling, call it intuition, he should approach this subject rather delicately, whereas there are perhaps plenty who may wrongly think someone like his companion, cold as he comes off, may be acting overdramatic. "lady sushang ... wasn't me." parroting him feels strange, but it takes a moment for him to realize exactly what he's saying.

... it seems he'd picked up an admirer, in the chaos of the luofu's infestation. self admitted, in his own words, but watching him now, luocha couldn't possibly fathom how. he had hardly let anyone overstep their boundaries in his company, always playing his cards close to his chest. sushang had parted his company friendly but distant, as expected of a professional. he had figured dan heng would do the same, no matter how longingly he'd caught him staring unbeknownst to him, he's sure. his assumption, then, incorrect.

he let's him speak, because it is polite, and because he thinks he needs to. but he realizes it, somewhere between his mentioning of losing focus when he looks at him, and the long-winded, near never-ending speech about things that could only be summed up as sweet nothings that follow. taking his hand during the uproar of the tree's springing to life had been a tactic to calm him at the time, and it seems he'd done quite the opposite : but now the realization makes him stare in abject curiosity, far too gentle to be offended, yet too confused to fully understand.

he's being confessed to by someone who does not even realize they are pouring their heart out to him.

"were you not so straight-forward, dan heng, i would think you were making fun of me. that's not the case, though, is it? shockingly genuine, aren't you." he's aware his own words could come off as mockery if not worded correctly, but the way he speaks carries some form of delicacy : soft enough that he would hope it comes off as the opposite. he is staring at him in awe, partially struck speechless by the outpour of emotion he had so calmly offered, but also perhaps, to some degree, a little embarrassed. no one walking by could deign to notice it, of course, so subtle is the way his eyes have widened, nor the faintest fluster of his cheeks. his expression hardly changes, but the emotion with which he looks at him certainly does. he ... is blindsided. "and what about now, i wonder? is your heart beating that fast, now?"

he truly doesn't know, does he? he almost feels sorry for him, but he doesn't voice that part. not when he is on the receiving end of it, listening to someone ramble for what must have been a good several minutes about things almost unfathomable. this is something out of a book, he laments inwardly. romantic literature, indeed. what a dense boy.

though the bait is there, he cannot take it, for teasing him with a doctor's diagnosis would be, in honesty, rather cruel. instead, he reaches out to gingerly take the other's chin 'tween his fingers, forcing him to meet his gaze. "pardon me, dan heng." there is so very little he can say in the face of all he has just been bombarded with. he does afford him his full attention, though, chain tucked safely back away as his body shifts to face him proper. "have you fallen in love with me?"

     A small grin appears, slightly relieved that it seemed Luocha didn't think any less of him. He watches the way he messed with his chain out of the corner of his eye, sitting up properly now that the coast was clear. "Hm. I see. I hope I get to see more of those talents of yours." Flowers. He makes a quiet note of that, absentmindedly shrugging at the mention of security. "I understand. I am very aware of how the officials are around here, they can be.." Hostile. Though perhaps at times Dan Heng himself was as well. He could be sympathetic with them, if he didn't carry a delicate distaste toward them. "We were lucky we found Sushang when we did. She was more lenient. The three of us needed each other, in a way, differences and morale aside." It was nice to have a Cloud Knight as an ally. Though maybe they were also lucky she was new in the profession.

"He is," he admits, clicking his tongue, "he is very protective of us, but his feelings can often get the better of him. I simply hope he gives you a proper chance." Especially from what he read there was no reason for those suspicions. He sighs, wanting the topic on Welt to end there. He feels almost bad for talking about his superior like this, but everyone on the train knew how much respect he had for him.

He turns his head to properly look at him. The space between them was comforting. It's only been at most a week or two since they first met, but they spoke to each other as if they were old friends. He catches the way he looks at him, pupils very briefly looking at his smile before looking away with a hum. "Sure. I was. But neither of us could have made it out with so few injuries without you." There was a slight tension in his body as he remembers what he wanted to say before they got interrupted, dissipating as quickly as it appeared as he gently shakes his head.

     "No.. of course not. It was initially to see how you were doing, in all honesty." And something else. But that would have to be put in the back burner for now. He doesn't think that giving him a proper invitation to the train now would be in good timing. What he was going through had been weighing on his mind for days, and even if it was embarrassing to discuss those feelings with its target, he felt as though the two were at constant similar wavelengths. He trusted Himeko, Welt, March, but no one in that group would be able to help him. Not in the emotional or blatant blunt level that he needed. And Aeon forbid he could avoid March's teasing on what was going on.

"I feel off around you." The start of it was curt, perhaps too straightforward. He keeps his eyes on the skyways, watching as a crane bird flies by before clarifying; "Not in a bad way. Which is why I never said anything before. But they're... mm."

He pauses, hesitant. Brows furrowing as he tries to figure out a way to word this. Dissecting his emotions out loud was not something he was built for. And certainly not in front of someone else. Not he, who was so cold and reserved, who seemed more interested in shutting himself away with his books and papers than dealing with casual chatter with the others. He had to be read like a book by Himeko to crawl out of his shell enough to seek comfort, and even then he was a struggle.

So he was quiet for far longer than he expected it to be. Silence is broken by an inhale as he admits, "They're different. And I don't know what's going on. You probably have figured out by now, I'm not exactly an open person. I sit and deal with everything. I take what's in my head at face value, and there is nothing deep to look at. I can accept pretty much anything.. I know what it is. But not this time." And it's annoying. And I don't know why I think you would know the answer either. Perhaps he doesn't, but either way, the feelings revolve around him. It'd be rude to not admit something that could affect their relationship, wouldn't it?

     Truth be told this was already the most he has been open to someone already. He starts to fidget a bit, tugging on the cloak he wore around his shoulders before continuing; "I admire you. That I know. I liked having you at my side when the tree exploded. Sushang too, of course, but she..." Pushed my buttons. Annoyed me at times. And Aeons forbid the number of times he almost snapped at her when his stress came at its highest. "But she wasn't you."

Perhaps that was the root of his concerns. His inexperience showing. Sushang was more like March. A friend. An ally. Someone that he had to take a while to get used to. And sure it was the same for Luocha, he wasn't used to his presence or having to journey with him right off the bat, but.. "The moment things were calm, and I looked at you, it felt as though something clicked. Like I found something I didn't realize was missing in the first place." Thinking that he viewed him as a friend didn't sit right. This was not how he felt towards his friends, it was plain as day for him. It was as though anything he liked about a friend was incredibly heightened to the point he had no name for it.

His focus was gone, he was clearly not looking at the skyways. His mind was entirely elsewhere as he mumbled something under his breath before continuing on. "Do you remember when you calmed me down after the tree came to life? When you told me to hold your hand and think of anywhere else? I believe that was when it became worse." Better? He isn't sure. But it was agony for him either way. "Everytime you look at me, or talk to me.. I don't know. It feels like things are okay. You smile and for a second I lose my attention on anything else. How annoying."

He tilts his head back, eyes slowly falling shut for a moment. His words felt as though they were going no where. The stoic, cold protector that he had developed for so long was faltering moment by moment. Now he just looked like a lost individual who was picking at what he said as if he was nervous of saying the wrong thing. Unsure of himself, unfocused, picking at his cloak as if trying to find an outlet that would ensure he doesn't bolt. From this point forward he may as well say what came to mind for several days now.

His eyes only open halfway, trained down to the floor as his voice lowers. "You're something special to me. We were separated for a short period of time and yet it felt as though something was left behind. The idea that we would have to go our separate ways at some point just... did not sit right with me. Sometimes my heart beats so fast whenever you look at me it was as thought I was in the middle of an anxiety attack. That is not normal now is it? Aeons forbid I even think of you at all, it makes my chest hurt and my head fog in a way that Welt would have scolded me for if he saw how distracted I became."

     He finally lets go of his cloak, fingers aching a little as he runs them through his hair, careful that the hood doesn't fall and expose his face completely. "I must sound like a damn fool don't I." He was completely flushed by the time his hand dropped back down to his lap, gaze anywhere but Luocha. "This isn't everything, but the rest is hard to put into words. Everything is just.. something I would read from a romantic piece of literature I had found in the library." The connection flies completely over his head. If it weren't for the fact he was glaring at a flower vase one would assume he was absolutely joking, even with the exhausted and serious tone he held in his voice.

He falls silent now, a weight partially lifted from his chest. Himeko would be so proud, how open he was with everything. He spares Luocha a mere glance to check if he was actually still sitting next to him before looking back at the vase. He takes the time to adjust his hood, humming, desperate to ignore that he had a complete rant. "Well, doctor, you have a clue what's wrong with me?"