‿ ’ 𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐗𝐈𝐍𝐆. 〞

it was only after meeting them that he found a purpose...

“ Ehhh~ is it really important? Shouldn't we just...focus on the product and not the equation?” He's trying to escape the topic—.

⠀
“ ...It's your lucky day. If I didn't get the feeling, I would very much find it hard to believe.”

After all, Yingxing had felt hopeless for the longest time. After his world being destroyed by the Borisin, and the huge change that it meant for him to live in the Xianzhou as a short life species,

eating to ease the ride.”

Drinks again. A little, satisfied smug can be seen on his guilty lips.

even alive, before he came to his life.

“ Who do you think got rid of her?”

...
Said out loud it sounds way more violent than intended.

“ ..I did not harm her. Just convinced her that the High Elder wasn't as much of a catch as she thought. Maybe lied to her about a bad habit of yours while »

⠀
“ Now, don't exaggerate. You spent lots of time without me before we got to meet— surely, you had methods to survive before I became a part of your life?”

At least, he guessed that much. It's been so long since they've met, he feels like he's known Dan Feng his entire existence. Like...he wasn't

let go wanting to have a private conference with you.”

to him...but that only means he has to enjoy his time as much as he can right now, correct?

“ I see. If I had to give you an example...” He slowly moved his wrist, making the left over wine dance against the glass. “ Do you happen to remember than one young, foxian lady? The one who wouldn't »

All the time in the world was not enough.

“ Cocky? Me? Haha~ I surely don't know what you're talking about!” He openly laughed, putting his arm around the Imbibitor Lunae's shoulders to pull him into a friendly embrace.

It was meant to happen. Sooner or later, his short life span will catch up »

⠀
“ See? I told you, you wouldn't like it. Although I think you're very much able to survive without this poor old me, considering how much time your meetings take away from us.”

As responsible as they both were, more often than not did Yingxing find himself wishing he could just...be by his side.»

find someone as experienced as me. This body may be growing more and more frail each day, but my will will not waver.”

As he took another sipp himself, he looked to the Vidyadhara by his side, full of curiosity.

“ Since when are you so interested in what I may or may not do for you, Dan Feng?”

⠀
“ Don't look at me for answers! I asked first. The only thing that comes to mind is trying separation, but I don't know if you'd like that.”

Because Yingxing already knows he very much wouldn't. It would get too lonely, too empty without him.

“ Oh, I do not doubt my skills. None of you will »

just the hold of their hands away—...just an act of bravery away.

“ Don't test me. You know I'll do it.”

“ ...I'm flattered, but you know that I'm not that special as much I do. How could a short life species like me compare to the Great Imbibitor Lunae? I would need this life and a few more just to be enough to reach you.”

Which was ironic by itself, considering he was right there. Just a sigh away,

⠀
“ And what do you think we should do about it, hm? Perhaps it is not too late yet. We can save you from your Yingxing-ification.”

Careful and oh so full of affection, the albino leaned against the Vidyadhara— finding that perfect spot where his head perfectly rested against the other's. »

He needed a pause to drink. All this chatting was making his mouth grow dry...

“ Atrocities, I tell you.” By the tone of it, he was most likely joking...but what if his words held some truth to them...

nothing else mattered.

” I'm the one who feels honored! To be trusted so much by the High Elder...to be able to call myself your friend? The fact that someone as amazing as you thinks of me, as an equal? Aeons, you could even make The Greatest feel the most special person in the world.”

»

“ Your 'poor heart'? Hahaha! Oh, I'll start to fear we spend too much time together. My dearest Dan Feng, you're starting to sound too much like me.”

Perhaps it was his age, making it easier for him to get that deeply drunk, or...how free he felt when it was just the vidyadhara and him— when »

can be pretty jealous.”

...Whatever that means in this context.

easier to do it freely.

" I know.” He reassured, thumb gently stroking where their touches reunited and tangled. “ ...With you in my life, I wouldn't mind living a few years more.”

Appreciating the drink with a nod, a soft laugh escaped his lips. “ I sure hope so! Keep this one a secret, but I »

⠀
“ Dan Feng...are you by any chance planning my demise? You can be honest with me. If it's you, I won't hold resistance. I'll even make your work easier.”

In case it wasn't obvious enough, he wasn't really thinking before he spoke. Words came naturally to him, and perhaps, the alcohol was making

I mean. Never thought I would be lucky enough to have someone like that in my life.”

He was being 'honest, too.'
...
Maybe the correct way to put it it's 'too honest.'

“ Aren't I already?” He jokes, waiting as the other serves them both.

⠀
A soft laugh escaped Yingxing's lips.

“ Be careful! Even I won't be immune if you soft talk me like that, you know?” Being so pale came with a disadvantage; it was pretty noticeable as soon as his cheeks were dusted pink. “ I also think it's nice. To have someone you can trust unconditionally, »

few minutes can't kill me!”

A gentle pat. There's a slight chance that...all that energy reveals maybe he hasn't waited as much as he is promising he has...

“ But if you need fun... I'm your man!” He's eyeing the wine bottle, still holding him close.

Telepathy, do your thing.

⠀
“ Doesn't it go both ways? I know you too well, you know me too well. I can tell when you need to disconnect, you save me from disintegrating my hands at the forge...”

And a very, very long 'etc' list.

“ Don't be ridiculous, Dan Feng. I would wait for an eternity for you, as you can see, a »

strength will if you don't take care of yourself, my High Elder.”

He said he was all his now, right?

⠀
“ You may try and fool this old man all you want, but I tell you, my eyes don't deceive me. Not yet.”

A gentle arm traveled its way to hold the vidyadhara's back, offering as much support and comfort as he could.

“ I'll understand if you pick rest over fun today. Wine won't disappear, but your »

⠀
“ Finally! What took you so lo—...”

As he turned around, the exhausted expression decorating his friend's face made all his impatience disappear, shifting into pure concern.

“ ...It's alright. Someone looks a bit tired, hm?” A bit, he says...

he's

⠀
Somebody end them......his getting restless waiting for Dan Feng.

.......The wine will get warm.....

cómo tratarán a tu pobre amigo en la Shackling Prison?

( Aprovechó la 'conmoción' para apoyarse en su hombro; rostro escondiendo para dramarizar. )

Roto. Desolado me encuentro, Dan Feng. Pensé que era más para ti...