--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

[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??

[eyesofaproxy]

[Wise freezes, eyes wide, and then reaches for the wine.]

How'd you guess?! Shit, did I slip...? I'm not that drunk...

[fuegor]

[?????]

It was kind of a shot in the dark! But the way you said it made it seem like that...

I can't believe I was right!

[Especially being a little tipsy.]

[eyesofaproxy]

Fuck.

[Oh well. He sighs.]

Yeah, I'm one half of Phaethon. Belle is the other half.

[fuegor]

Makes sense that you'd work together with her. Guess it's a little silly, though, that I've been sending letters from here just for them to be sent back to you.

[...]

Don't worry, though. I know how to keep things to myself. But if you've got something for me, you can interrupt my solitude any time.

[eyesofaproxy]

Even if it's just a request for company?

[fuegor]

As long as I'm paid well. I think for that... spending a long time with you will be enough payment.

[LIGHTER.]

[eyesofaproxy]

...how long a time?

[Surely he's flirting.]

[fuegor]

As long as we agree on.

[Maybe a little!]

[eyesofaproxy]

[Wise moves a little closer.]

All night, maybe?