pcs with psyche

[diabolizes]

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[chrysaline]

[ That would in fact be here and there. But Psyche doesn't know, so she smiles for the answer he actually offers. ]

They sound like good people. [ And so does he, because that's a very honorable reason to help. ] I wish I could say something more reassuring... but if we put our heads together, I hope we can find a way to get you back to them soon.

[ ...Which feels like slightly empty words, with the powers she actually has on hand. ]

[diabolizes]

[ He smiles before shoving the rest of the pastry in his hand into his mouth. Thankfully, he waits until he's swallowed before speaking. ]

I appreciate it. Don't feel like you need to be reassuring, though, especially if you don't feel it in your heart.

[ He'd rather she be honest over anything else. ]

Are there people you need to go back to?

[chrysaline]

I just don't want to give empty words.

[ But he kept his promise and told her something he was worrying about, so... she'll figure out something. She takes a very determined bite of the muffin. ]

Hm... I've been thinking hard about it, but I think my parents might actually be safer with me here. There's a friend I'm worried about... but if she heard me say that, I know she'd call me foolish.

[diabolizes]

[ As someone who doesn’t care for empty words, he’s grateful that she won’t give them.

Reaching into his bag for another pastry, he pauses at the mention of her parents. Is something going on there…? ]

And why would she call you foolish?

[chrysaline]

[ Oh, it's not hard at all for Psyche to channel her inner Medea. She draws herself up a little taller and more proper... ]

"You were kidnapped into another world, and you had your head in the clouds about what was going on here? Just how careless can you be? Keep your eyes on what's in front of you. I know what I'm doing."

[ And she lets the tension out of her shoulders again and laughs a little. ]

She always acts strong like that.

[diabolizes]

[ That little impression has Wei Wuxian laughing. ]

Ah, reminds me of my brother. Except, he’d be a lot harsher with his words.

[ He clears his throat, putting on an angry expression. ]

“Wei Wuxian, what were you thinking, getting kidnapped to another world? I thought you liked causing trouble, but I never thought you’d cause this much!”

…Something like that.

[chrysaline]

[ Pfffft, him trying to sound stern... Psyche breaks out in more giggles. ]

I knew you seemed like a troublemaker. He must be your older brother?

[ With how happy Wei Wuxian looks about it, she can't imagine there's hurt feelings behind the harsh words. ]

[diabolizes]

[ Ah, so she figured out that he’s a troublemaker. Oops. Must be impossible to hide. ]

Younger, actually! We aren’t related by blood, but by bond. We grew up together.

[ He smiles, and it’s obvious he loves talking about his family. ]

But the sternness of your friend is really reminiscent of him. Have the two of you been friends for a long time?

[chrysaline]

[ Maybe it was the smiling at being chided that tipped her off... or maybe it was the network crimes against Little Xiao. Who can say. ]

You sound very close.

[ By blood or not, the connection is what's important, isn't it? She grins back in return, and it's just as obvious that she's happy to talk about her friends. ]

Yes! She's my oldest friend. I've known her four years now. Not nearly as long as growing up together with someone... that must be wonderful.

[diabolizes]

It has its ups and downs, actually. Knowing someone so well means it hurts more when something bad happens.

[ Such as injuries, amongst a myriad of other things. ]

Although… the length of time you know someone might not matter in that case, as feelings trumps all of that.

[chrysaline]

[ Aha... her expression turns introspective for a moment at that, a little wry. ]

That's true. The longer you've known each other, the more difficult times you've been through with each other. It always hurts to see someone you care about in pain.

[diabolizes]

[ Ah... he looks down at the pastry in his hand, his expression pensive. ]

It does. And often, you'll do whatever you can to make that pain stop.

[chrysaline]

Yes. But I think caring about people is still worthwhile.

[ He's worrying again... she leans in a little, tilting her head as she studies his expression. ]

Was your brother in some kind of trouble?

[diabolizes]

[ Oh no, are they about to be in a little worry cycle? Because now Wei Wuxian is worried about her worrying over him. He smiles, trying to ease the mood. ]

He was, but I got him out of it! He's doing quite well now.

[chrysaline]

[ They absolutely are. She gives his smile a searching little look. But it would probably waste the effort he's putting in to smooth things over if she presses... ]

...I'm glad, then. You know, you sound terribly responsible for a troublemaker. You have a lot of people you take care of, don't you?

[diabolizes]

I do, but I'm sure some would say they're taking care of me instead!

[ He laughs. ]

For all that the people on the Burial Mounds consider me a leader, they do plenty on their own. I think everyone's just happy to have some semblance of peace.

[chrysaline]

Then you're all taking care of each other. That's always better.

[ She startles a tiny bit at "Burial Mounds." It sounds spooky. But then, he works with ghosts, doesn't he? Perhaps it's ordinary for him. ]

Because of that war you mentioned before? I hope the peace lasts.

[diabolizes]

[ He's slightly relieved she doesn't ask about the Burial Mounds, even if he'd tell her. It's just a lot to handle on top of the whole ghost thing. ]

As do I.

[ He has his doubt, though, but he'll enjoy it as it lasts. ]

But that's enough about me. What's your home like, Psyche?

[chrysaline]

I like hearing about you.

[ But it's only fair, she supposes. Her home, hm... ]

Vasilios is a large and prosperous empire. They've had a lot of conflicts in recent years to expand territory or secure trade routes... but the capital is isolated from most of that.

[ If it sounds like she's rattling off a history book, well. Maybe a bit. ]

[diabolizes]

[ It does, but he doesn't pay that too much mind. Maybe she hasn't travelled enough to know the ins and outs of the empire. ]

Do you live in the capital?

[chrysaline]

That's right. I've really only left there once. Actually... before a few years ago, I'd never even been outside. It's kind of embarrassing, but there's a lot I don't know about my own country.

[ So he's more than a little right in his guess. She gives a sheepish laugh. ]

[diabolizes]

It isn't embarrassing.

[ Just saying!! ]

There must have been a reason why.

[chrysaline]

You think so? Even if there's a reason, it's so important.

[ But it's nice of him... she can't help but smile. She tears her last bits of muffin absentmindedly between her fingers as she weighs how to phrase it. ]

It's nothing much. People in Vasilios don't have things like... um, cultivation. So my parents wanted to keep me close until I was old enough to hide my ability.

[diabolizes]

Important or not, it’s a testament to how difficult things were for you. So, it’s not embarrassing.

[ And he’ll be adamant about that! He played outside so much as a kid that he can’t imagine not being able to, which makes her upbringing difficult. ]

It makes sense, though, that they wanted to keep you hidden. But even so… do you wish they let you take the risk of going out?

[ Sorry for the difficult question, Psyche… ]

[chrysaline]

I wonder...

[ Ah... definitely a difficult question, judging by the way her nails briefly dig into her palms. ]

Yes. Even if it was the wrong choice. There are so many things I would have done differently... But if I was only able to meet the friends I have now because of it, then I think I wouldn't trade that for anything.