#they're BOTH a little awkward and uncomfortable but they're both trying!! 😭 WE ARE PROUD

[howthesleeplesswander]

While Ryunosuke didn't press the subject further (demonstrating an astounding wisdom, for a mere human), Xiao felt the weight of his gaze as he studied the seafoam brand on his skin. He sensed the confusion that was the ultimate result, and was relieved by it.

Good. This human didn't know of Alatus' reign of terror in a bygone age. He was better off for it.

"Then you have much to learn," was all Xiao was willing to say on the subject.

Despite the unfamiliarity and discomfort of an interaction such as this, at least all the adeptus had to do was listen when the conversation turned to his mortal companion. And yet, the explanation Ryunosuke gave for his foolish behavior was far more selfless than he was accustomed to—and hit far closer to home than he was prepared for.

Most humans came to Jueyun Karst under some ridiculous notion that they could earn the adepti's favor. They sought blessings, gifts, boons—anything they could get their hands on for their own personal gain. Oftentimes, it was only Xiao's warnings of exactly how receptive his fellow adepti would be to a heart mired in such greed that steered them away.

But this human...he'd wandered into one of the most dangerous places in Liyue...for the sake of a dear friend?

Caught off guard, Xiao's stride hesitated as well. This time when the adeptus' gaze studied him, a bit more of his coldness melted away in favor of a somber sort of curiosity: as if Xiao were seeing his companion for the very first time.

"You...are searching for a dear friend?" So much for simply listening. He forced his voice to remain neutral: not allowing the scars on his own heart to bleed on those who should remain spotless. Still, he couldn't help but ask, "What happened to him?"

Ryunosuke was sorely tempted to announce such an answer to his question only begged for more questions. —if not for the very distinct feeling that the “inorganic” form walking alongside him was rather against the idea of entertaining this topic for longer than necessary.

Something novel struck here. Hardly the same uncomfortable humming in the air as before: not so much a gracelessness that came with lacking experience in the art of humoring random strangers on the road (and Ryunosuke most certainly was not blaming him for that), but a specific crack like an invisible bolt of lightning. And there, in its aftermath, that humming became tendrils of static that itched and gnawed under the skin. A warning. An understanding.

Don’t tread any deeper. Respectfully, Ryunosuke wouldn’t.

But that didn’t stop him from angling his head this way and that, squinting, screwing up his face as he drank in the faded green twisting down from Xiao’s shoulder. He came to a conclusion: I have no idea what that’s even supposed to be. Something more than a confusing amalgamation of shapes making up a picture Ryunosuke couldn’t visualize, it would seem. Even so, all he mustered as a comment was a simple, “That hardly looks ‘beastly’ to me.”

Then, it was his turn to receive an interrogation. The only difference was that Ryunosuke was surprisingly more accustomed to this exact inquiry. “Yes, I, ah… You’re right. I actually hadn’t realized just how far I’d wandered.” Wonderful. Put another nail in the This human has no idea what he’s doing coffin, then. “Truthfully, I’ve been searching for a dear friend of mine. I imagine he could be in Fontaine by now, but… I-I haven’t quite gotten there myself, as you can see.”

His steps faltered, albeit temporarily, as his gaze plummeted to his feet in quiet command that they move again. They obliged. “At this rate, I’m hoping I may just find some sort of sign. As I can’t be positive where he’s ended up, it’s...” The airy laugh was as much at himself as it was a method to alleviate a tightness in his lungs. “It’s rather senseless at times.”