ellipsanet | [Video] un: runyu

[If he isn't careful, he will be a full white stag again! A fuzzy one at that. The horror.

And if genuine kindness exists, most of it has taken root in Xiao Xingchen. He is very close to being Spring incarnate!]

I can come to you. I'm sure the city is confusing. Will you show me your surroundings, please?

[ Oh no, not that! Not that cuteness!

Runyu needs kindness. Desperately. He just doesn't believe he deserves it after everything he's done.

His gaze lowers briefly, but then he shifts the screen aside to show the city center. ]

I would like to find where I have been assigned to stay.

I will help you. [He isn't far from Runyu! After leaving his apartment, it only takes him fifteen minutes to find the immortal. Bowing at the waist, his arms in a half-circle before him, Xingchen introduces himself properly.]

Forgive me for looking a little silly.

You have my thanks.

[ Runyu waits, one hand settling at his back as if he were wearing his usual imperial robes. Seeing the man's arrival, he notes that Xingchen is mortal. But it doesn't matter here and now, does it? And the greeting is warm and feels genuine with respect, so he lifts his arms and cups his hands before him in a bow only slightly less deep.

The apology draws a sudden smile from him as he straightens. ]

I disagree that you look silly.

[He is a little flustered upon seeing Runyu in person. There is...might to this person. A presence. And he is handsome. Xingchen would have to be blind not to notice!

Once he straightens, he smooths over his white robes and chuckles.]

Then you are kinder to me than I am to myself! [Xingchen motions at the antlers.] The magic can change us into animals if...we so will it. A stag is my other form.

[ Oh no, Runyu would say Xingchen is far more handsome than he is!

He studies the antlers again, brow furrowing just a little at the words Xingchen gifts him with. A warning. Information. He takes it as both. ]

Did you want that form, or was it forced on you?

That's a good question. [Xingchen considers it and then smiles.] I wanted it. It was awkward and a little frightening, but I was curious what it felt like. Now that I've had a little time to learn, I can shift between a stag and a man through meditation.

[ He doesn't like the idea of this bright soul being frightened, but he searches Xingchen's eyes for a moment before quietly humming. ]

The change, does it hurt?

[ He can't help but have trouble with the idea of wanting to change forms. All his life he's struggled to hold to his human form. Every time he's shown a sliver of his real self...he's been rejected. Abused. ]

No! It doesn't hurt at all. [Which makes it a little more startling?] Don't be frightened, Runyu. If you ever consider it, I would be happy to keep you company. Then if you find yourself in difficulty, I can help you.

[ The reassurance makes his heart ache. He'd thought such a thing impossible, and yet...

Runyu tries for a smile and knows it is weak, so lifts his arms and bows deeply in mute gratitude for the kindness extended to him. ]

You have my thanks again.

[He blinks in surprise and hurries, hesitating a moment before he lifts Runyu gently.]

You needn't thank me! Come, let's find your apartment. Then I can show you the markets.

[Xingchen is trying to distract from his pink cheeks. Is it working?]

[ To be lifted from a bow by anyone is a shock. It leaves him speechless once again, staring with rather wide eyes at Xingchen as he's brought upright. Noone has ever done such a thing. Not to him.

The suggestions (and those rather cute pink cheeks!) are distractions he leaps on. ]

That...would be nice.

[ Finding his apartment really doesn't take long. Stepping inside to find his Dream Beast pacing the length of the main room startles him into moving swiftly over with a relieved breath and actually kneeling before the sweet creature to stroke over its head.

He's not alone here. The coo of greeting the little creature gives him makes him smile as his hand is leaned into. ]

[Xingchen doesn't mind bows for greetings or even farewells! But not for gratitude. He isn't worthy of that. Besides it puts a wall between them and he likes Runyu.]

This way. Can you tell me your apartment number?

[He shows Runyu the elevator - and the stairs if he prefers them. When they arrive at the right door, he stays behind while Runyu enters. From his vantage point, he can see the Dream Beast and he gasps in delight.]

Aw he was waiting for you.

[ He gives the number he'd been told, and soon they go up the stairs - elevators are something he'll have to be talked around to trying more than once.

Runyu rubs over the Dream Beast's head and neck as he soaks in the creatures gentle peace. He smiles over his shoulder at Xingchen even as the Dream Beast peers at the man, wiggling as if to pounce to defend him before Runyu pets him in reassurance before standing. ]

This is my Dream Beast. My father gave him to me when I was young.

[ Looking down at the antlered little creature, he smiles again. ]

This is Xiao Xingchen. He is a friend. Behave yourself.

[ Another coo, and the Dream Beast's wiggling turns more playful before it bows its head. ]

[He can't blame him there. The elevator is strange! He doesn't like when it starts and stops.

Xingchen edges into the room carefully, aware that he might be seen as rude. But he can't help it! He kneels down in front of the Dream Beast and smiles softly at the cute defensive stance.]

Anyone who thinks of harming you and your Master truly is a monster. I wouldn't dare.

[He reaches out to stroke that cute face, grinning.]

When you say Dream Beast, what do you mean, Runyu? Does he create dreams?

[ Runyu doesn't mind Xingchen coming in at all!

He can't resist a quiet little laugh that he quickly hides behind a hastily raised sleeve. Then sinks back down beside Xingchen, feeling better having the Dream Beast with him even here.

The little creature coos at Xingchen and butts happily into the stroking, clearly deciding it likes Xingchen too. ]

He can observe dreams, and eat nightmares to sooth the one dreaming them. That is how he eats. It doesn't harm the dreamer. Through dreams, a record of potential memories can be gathered.

[ He hesitates, but the Dream Beast's obvious liking of the mortal meshes with his own. ] I have also used him to guide the stars' path. It is one of the tasks I most enjoy.

[His cheeks flush darker and he focuses on the cute Dream Beast because... Well, the little creature is less complicated. And less handsome. Runyu's voice seems to reverberate through him and he realizes that he wants this...man...this presence?...to be happy.]

Nightmares must be bitter! [He pouts at the little creature.] Don't let them give you a tummy ache.

[Xingchen touches a jade ornament at his waist and smiles a little.]

I fear my dreams would be boring. I'm blessed to have few nightmares.

[Oh that will change in his future. He is somewhat aware of that.]

You guide...the stars? [He stares in awe.]

[ Runyu might be enchanted by that flush! But he's trying not to stare. The Dream Beast is a very good thing to focus outwardly on, and he watches it with open affection. ]

He's rather spoiled, I'm afraid.

[ Lofty. But the smile remains as the little creature makes a sound of protest and prances over to rub against him just to earn another gentle stroke over those versatile antlers. ]

He likes eating nightmares because in doing so they help the dreamer, and they do him no harm. [ Because he finds he doesn't want Xingchen to worry about even a creature having a tummy ache. ]

It is good that your dreams are rarely darkened.

[ The Dream Beast peers at him, then looks to Xingchen before wagging its tail in encouragement. Of course it softens him into giving a little more information. ]

I have been called the Night Immortal in my world. I guide the constellations and make sure everything is in the order it must be. The stars give warning, and I ensure the warnings are headed.

[He is in the presence of a deity. Xingchen realizes this fact much - much - too late and he panics. His cheeks redden and then pale and then redden again. What should he do?

In all of his desperate - inward - scrambling, the worst happens.

He turns into a stag. To his credit, he is as white as the Dream Beast - though much bigger - and fluffy. He isn't sure at all how to bow in this form and so he...inclines his great antlered head.

Then he reveals that he can talk. Even like this.]

I... I hope I haven't offended you, my lord.

[ Oh it's much worse than that. But Runyu won't admit to exactly who and what he is. Not yet.

Especially as he watches Xingchen's rapidly changing color in a way that worries him. The sudden change has him gasp, and the Dream Beast's ears go forward. But rather tellingly, the smaller creature doesn't leap between Xingchen and Runyu.

Runyu can't resist looking over the stag, admiring the regal beauty of his new friend's form. The words ring hollowly in his heart as his heart sinks. His gaze moves back to the Dream Beast, who looks back to him and coos encouragingly, soothingly, at him. ]

Runyu. You have given me no offense to forgive.

[His fluffy ears shift bashfully, fluttering and pressing against his head. Xingchen is a very regal stag - just the sort a hunter would like to shoot. But he is still a humble man underneath his fur.]

I've never been in the presence of a... [He snorts instead of sighing, further embarrassing himself!] I'm just a humble Cultivator. I was raised on my Master's mountain. I only recently left that life in order to...to do good in the world and protect innocent people from monsters.

[ No hunter will even touch this stag. Runyu won't allow it. His fingers dig into the cloth at his knees before he forces them to relax - they itch to stroke those fluffy ears! Xingchen has beauty and grace no matter what form he's in. ]

If how you greeted me is what you show your world, you do very well. What I am...I do not need more followers. I need...I hope...for a friend.

[His ears straighten in surprise! Pleasant surprise. Xingchen lays down at Runyu's side and, tellingly, his tail is wagging.]

I want to be your friend. [He gives into the urge to press his nose against Runyu's cheek.] I feel that you're not like me. I just didn't expect for you to be a god! But you are a kind deity and...

I like you, Runyu.

[ He resists the stronger urge to stroke that fluffy fur. But there's a blatant misery around him now as Runyu gazes at Xingchen. ]

No. I'm not like you. I'm not nearly so kind or selfless as I sense you are. But I want to be better. I want to learn...

[ The nose to his cheek brings a flush to his cheeks and he has to pause, swallowing. Then confesses. ]

I have done horrible things, Xingchen. I am alone for a good reason. My wishes to have a friend are selfish, I do not deserve to be near someone as gentle-hearted as you.

[His fur is good to stroke! Xingchen has no issue with his friends enjoying the softness. But Runyu's misery worries him and he waits patiently for his new friend to explain.]

Be gentle with yourself. Everyone makes mistakes; I have and will continue making mistakes for as long as I live, I'm sure!

[His brown eyes gentle and he nods slowly at what he is told.]

Do you regret those deeds? Do you desire to be a better person?

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