--Cultivate--

[eyesofaproxy]

[When Wise was very young, or at least younger than he is now, he'd gotten lost in the forest outside Helios. He was only saved by a passing wandering cultivator, and to this day he's wanted to meet the man again to thank him. It doesn't matter that Helios fell and he and Belle moved to Yunkui Summit, he wants to find that man and thank him for what he did that day. He changed the trajectory of Wise's life, he's pretty sure, and he deserves to know that.

Granted, a wandering cultivator isn't why Wise (and Belle) is now the heir to Yunkui Summit, that is entirely because of Yixuan-shifu and their own unique abilities, but all the same. That man inspired Wise to get with Belle to create Phatheon, a nameless somebody who is able to hire people to handle things the larger temples and sects can't or won't.

Right now, though, Wise is not acting in the guise of Phaetheon. Wise is acting in the guise of a very annoyed older brother being strongarmed into going down the mountain for an annual check up, since apparently the doctors are all afraid of coming up the mountain after last year's run-in with Eous the spiritual monster rabbit. Cowards.]

I don't need to go right now, Belle, really.

Yes you do! And because there's bandits on the road, I even hired you a bodyguard!

Belle...

Comments

[fuegor]

[Lighter also glances away, shuffling awkwardly and grabbing around where he wore his red scarf. But nothing was there so he just. Ran a hand through the hair flowing down his shoulder.]

N-No, don't worry about it. If you wanna... talk about what's on your mind I'll listen.

We ought to finish bathing while we do that.

[eyesofaproxy]

Y-yeah.

[Wise ends up talking about the novels he likes, all of them romantic or extremely artsy, because if he doesn't he may end up doing something stupid.

Eventually, though, they're both done washing up. Wise hauls himself up to sit on the side of the spring.]

Oh, I needed that.

[fuegor]

[Lighter didn't mind Wise going on about his novels. He wasn't much of a reader himself, but he even asked for some recommendations! He ought to read more anyway, it's good for the brain. A good way to pass time and well, as a cultivator he's going to have a lot more of that.

Lighter sat next to Wise at the edge of the spring, wringing his hair out then letting it fall naturally against his back. He leaned backwards a little as he sat with a pleased sigh.]

Same here. It's been waaaay too long since I got to bathe in a spring for a good long while.

[eyesofaproxy]

We have bathtubs and all, but sometimes it's nice to just...relax outside, under the moon, yeah?

[fuegor]

Yeah, it is. The moon's real bright but it's not so bright it hurts my eyes. So I've really taken to appreciating it more.

[He leaned a little closer to Wise without thinking.]

It's a lot nicer with good company too.

[eyesofaproxy]

It is.

[Wise leans in a little as well.]

Nighttime is my favorite. I don't sleep well, so...

[fuegor]

What a coincidence. I'm not great at sleeping myself.

[Too many ghosts of the past creeping into his mind.]

Late sleeper, early riser up here. But that works out perfectly for a bodyguard, huh? [A light laugh.]

Still, if you think of a way I could help you sleep better, let me know. I'll do whatever you need.

[eyesofaproxy]

[Does he even know what he's saying? Wise chuckles.]

Get me the good wine? Belle hogs it all.

[fuegor]

[Nope! ... Maybe? Probably not.]

That can be arranged. I actually have some with me. I got it as part of a job I did a little bit ago. How about we share what's left?

[eyesofaproxy]

I'd love to. Back in your room?

[fuegor]

Sounds good.

[And he stood up, stretching his arms high above his head so Wise could get a nice view of all of his muscles.

And Then Some.

Then he extended a hand to help Wise up too.]

[eyesofaproxy]

[Excuse him while he ogles a little--

But he takes Lighter's hand with a smile and a tiny blush. He makes sure to grab his robes and at least try to cover up before they head back. Last thing he needs is Belle seeing and screaming.]

[fuegor]

[Of course, they're not trying to have his sister shouting then have Miyabi come around with a sword at their necks or worse.

But Lighter led Wise to his room. Not much has changed in it since Lighter is most often outside, but the writing desk seems to have seen quite a lot of use. Messages to Wolfblood Inn to be sent to Phaethon leave his space often.

The jug of wine sat at the edge of another table he sat with Wise by. There were already some saucers stacked next to it. He'd always had a few it was just rare he used more than one. He went ahead and served the both of them.]

Here.

[eyesofaproxy]

Thanks.

[He takes a drink and--this is the wine he sends out as payment for Phaethon jobs.

He should. Maybe bring that up sometime. Not right now, though.]

Good wine.

[fuegor]

[Lighter sure ain't know it yet. He just sees good wine and better company.]

It is, right? It's just a shame I don't have more of it that we can share. I know a few drinks really knocks me out every time.

[Or maybe it was just the drinks from a certain mixer among his pack of wild lesbian friends.]

[eyesofaproxy]

Where did you get it?

[fuegor]

It was given as part of my pay for that job I mentioned. You might've heard of the client before. They go by Phaethon.

[eyesofaproxy]

You work with Phaethon?

[Is that appropriately stunned?]

[fuegor]

[Yes, because Lighter doesn't have a clue that's forced.]

Surprised?

[eyesofaproxy]

[Good.]

Yeah. They're pretty famous, after all, and really secretive. What do they look like?

[fuegor]

I don't know, actually. I've never met them in person, we've only communicated through letters and middlemen. But that works just as well for me.

[eyesofaproxy]

So they really are as much of a hermit as the rumors say. But they're good?

[fuegor]

They're the one who tipped me off about the Exaltists before they even made their move. Even before I found out. They're one of the best I've seen and I've been around a while.

[eyesofaproxy]

Damn.

[Another drink of wine.]

Maybe you'll meet them one day. They sound amazing.

[fuegor]

Hopefully. Even if I don't though, it's not a big deal. I've worked with plenty of clients I never saw in person. They keep their promises every time and so do I. I'm not in the business of ruining someone's solitude.

[Lighter's been sipping gradually as well.]