--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]

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.]

[eyesofaproxy]

Unless they invite you in, yeah?

[Wise...may be thinking some thoughts.]

[fuegor]

Pretty much.

[Said with a shrug, as if he didn't expect it but he was fine with that.]

[eyesofaproxy]

Well...you're more than welcome to interrupt my solitude any time, Lighter.

[fuegor]

[AOL Dial-up noises.]

...

...

...

Huh?

[eyesofaproxy]

[Wise can't help it. He starts laughing because how can Lighter be so cute?]

You're allowed to interrupt my solitude! Unless I'm busy, you can come find me whenever.

[fuegor]

[...

Wait.

The DVD logo is hitting the corner.]

You... You're Phaethon??