pcs with psyche

[diabolizes]

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[diabolizes]

[ There’s always doubt in the back of his mind when he hears those things, but he tries to push it down. ]

And so have you. You can’t forget that either.

[ After all, she didn’t have much of a chance to spread her wings growing up. That’s hard too. ]

[chrysaline]

[ Does she sense that doubt... she studies his expression a little before giving him an almost defiant kiss on the tip of the nose. ]

I have. [ She knows it, even if she doesn't talk about parts. ] And I'm going to keep going, too. Every time I think I want to give up, I'm going to try to be stronger instead. That's what I've decided. You'll keep up with me, right?

[diabolizes]

Of course I will.

[ He lifts their hands up, giving hers a tight squeeze. ]

I have half a mind to say that you should keep up with me, but I have a feeling I'll need to do some catching up from time to time.

[ After all, he has a lot of faith in her. ]

[chrysaline]

Say it if you want to. Don't think I'll let you leave me behind, either.

[ Is this what it feels like when someone means that? Not "that's too difficult for you, Psyche" or "all you need to do is please His Highness, Psyche." No lies dressed up as concern. Her gaze warms and she squeezes his hand back. ]

[diabolizes]

With how stubborn you are, I'd be shocked if you ever let me.

[ He laughs, leaning close to her so he can rest his head atop of hers. ]

It's a good trait to have.

[chrysaline]

[ She laughs and tucks her head there comfortably, closing her eyes. ]

Are you just saying that because you're so stubborn? But... I'm a little proud of it.

[ She did work hard! It wasn't easy. ]

[diabolizes]

I might be.

[ He laughs. ]

I think it's a good thing, though. It means you're willing to persevere.

[chrysaline]

"Hardships will make you stronger." Someone... [ the pause there is a little hazy, more than half-forgotten ] ...someone told me that once. If I'm strong enough, will you depend on me, too?

[diabolizes]

Wise words.

[ Words that he honestly finds himself agreeing with. He smiles softly, giving her a small nod. ]

Of course I will. It may take work on my part, but that's only because I'm used to doing everything on my own. I hope you don't ever see that as a failing on your part.

[chrysaline]

I can promise that I'll try not to, too. It... might take a little work. We can both keep at it.

[ She knows that she won't hold it against him, anyway. Him saying he'll work on it... she closes her eyes for a second against the warmth of that happiness. ]

[diabolizes]

Work for us both.

[ He smiles a little, his shoulders relaxing. ]

I think I like that better than just me working on it.

[ It's less intimidating that way. There's room to make mistakes. ]

[chrysaline]

Did you think I'd push all of the work onto you?

[ She laughs softly, leaning up to kiss his jaw again. ]

I'm still learning so many things. I'm sure we each have things to overcome that might make it harder, but... as long as you remember that you're not alone, I'm happy. I hope you can get used to that in time.

[ She's not in a position to say so, but it's a little sad to hear him say that, honestly. ]

[diabolizes]

[ Ah... right. Psyche isn't the kind of person who would just push everything onto him in the way that he's so used to. ]

...Before coming here, I subscribed to the philosophy of walking a single-plank bridge on my own into the darkness over the crowded, broad road.

[ ... ]

This won't be easy for me, but I think you're up to the task.

[chrysaline]

[ She lets that sink in a little while she considers that with a slight pang; it's no wonder it's hard for her to ignore the similarities, sometimes. ]

Mm... I think I understand. But the right path is the right path, isn't it? I don't care if it's hard. I can still be there with you. Right behind you, if not beside you. I promise that I'm up to it. [ She pauses again, then shakes her head slightly. ] And if it's a path you wouldn't want me to follow... then, don't expect me to let you go down it without a fight.

[diabolizes]

[ He glances away, looking over at the other couches in the planetarium as he thinks over what she says. ]

…Alright.

[ Is what he’s doing now something he would want Psyche to join him in doing? No, but he can’t backtrack on his decisions either, which is where the problem lies. ]

I’ll believe in your ability to keep up. Where I’m at back home isn’t an easy place to be, so my first inclination is not to allow you to follow me, but I realize that isn’t fair.

[chrysaline]

[ She gives a little nod at that, watching his expression as he considers. ]

To be honest... I think the only times in my life that have been peaceful were because I was too ignorant to understand what was wrong. I'm not afraid of struggling. [ Just of him trying to shoulder all of that alone. ] I still want to hear everything about your home.

[diabolizes]

[ He squeezes her hand. ]

I'd like to hear everything about yours as well. I want this to be an even exchange between us in all ways.

[chrysaline]

[ She squeezes his hand back, her smile softening. "Even." That's all she's always wanted, isn't it? ]

Everything. I already don't have any secrets from you.

[diabolizes]

Then, anything you’d like to know about me… all you have to do is ask.

[ He’s an open person in general, but he has a tendency to leave things out. With Psyche, though? He won’t do that. ]

[chrysaline]

I don't know where to start, though. [ But she laughs, because that won't stop her in the least. ] What about at the beginning? If I made you tell me all of it from your earliest memories? You said your early childhood was happy.

[ He could talk for a few hours and she'd be pleased, honestly. ]

[diabolizes]

The beginning?

[ He grins, letting out a soft laugh. ]

My parents were good people, so from what I remember of them, I remember fondly. I had a good few years growing up, but they passed when I was five.

[chrysaline]

[ She gives his hand another squeeze for that and nods. It was a long time ago, but still. ]

I'm sorry. And I'm glad they're such warm memories. Is it alright if I ask what happened?

[diabolizes]

They were killed on a night-hunt. [ He pauses. ] Cultivators expel creatures with negative energy during night-hunts.

[ He figures she wouldn’t know. ]

After that, I lived on the streets for a few years and fended for myself. I was around nine years old when a family friend of my parents found me.

[chrysaline]

So they were cultivators like you.

[ Her brow furrows a little at that, but she nods, pressing herself closer. It's a familiar thwarted ache, knowing someone she loves was hurt and that she couldn't change that. ]

And that's when you met your brother and sister... [ Wait. ] And you tried to run away again a year later? Wei Wuxian!

[diabolizes]

Not quite like me, but yes.

[ But he laughs. Honestly, he deserves to be scolded. ]

I ran away because I know I made Jiang Cheng upset. He had several puppies that Uncle Jiang had to get rid of because I was too afraid of them. I already felt like I was imposing, so to know I made him so upset… I felt like I had to run away.