[ Psyche draws in a quiet, sharper breath. She normally does read the messages, but... she'd missed that one.
She doesn't want to cry. Not now. So she closes her eyes and forces herself to breathe deep and steady. ]
And what if... I said we should run away to Wang Lu's world? Would I be able to talk you both into it? Or would you be too worried about what you have to do in your own world?
[ His eyes open partially at Wei Wuxian's words. There's a pause as he looks over at the other worrying his lip. Too bad he's trapped under leggies or he would have done something about it. He does give his thigh a squeeze. ]
I would happily take you both, but I would never wish to bind the pair of you to me if there are goals you both wish to accomplish.
[ He knows how it feels to have your wings clipped for love and not wanting to go for what you want because there's someone who wants you to remain stationary. ]
[ Congratulations, you have both made Wei Wuxian speechless! It takes him a long moment before he can finally, finally say something. Were he with anyone else right now, he wouldn't say a word, but promises of opening up and being honest compel him forward. ]
I think that... If I were to go back... the people I've been protecting will be dead.
[ Time away has allowed him to think reasonably, and as such— ]
...I also think that the resentful energy is hurting me.
[ It's so incredibly obvious, but Wei Wuxian is as arrogant as they come and so he had pretended he was immune. ]
I have things I want to do, people I want to see, but I'm not so sure it's feasible. What do I accomplish, going back to find everything I've worked for gone?
[ It's not the answer she was expecting. That, more than anything, makes her open her eyes again. She looks down at Wei Wuxian first, touching his face lightly. Then over at Wang Lu.
She doesn't know what to feel for this. Hopeful? Does it hurt more? ]
Is it... selfish to say that I don't want you to go back, knowing you'd only be facing more pain?
[ She doesn't cultivation. But she knows what she saw in memories, and it worries her. ]
I don't know enough about your world, really. I just...
[ He really just wants to erase the pain that is clouding Wei Wuxian's features. He looks from him up to Psyche, searching her expression a moment as he mulls it over. ]
Maybe we should just kidnap him. [ He'll shift, letting go of Psyche's hand for the moment to get in a better spot. Lifting up one of his legs and moving it behind him so he's now between them. Hello ] I have been wondering what all that resentful energy did to you. I do think there has to be a fix for it and my master would likely know what we could do. [ Time to tap where the core should be ]
She may even know how to fix what you have lost.
[ Since getting something of a confirmation when Wei Wuxian was poisoned, he has been ruminating on it. ] Psyche would make quite the cultivator as well.
[ He doesn't think Psyche is selfish for it, and all he can do is shake his head when she asks. After all, he would want the same thing for both of them. He raises an eyebrow when Wang Lu is suddenly between his legs, but it's not exactly an unwelcome thing either, nor is it the first time. For now, though, he resists any thought he has to squeeze him with his legs as his hand gravitates to his chest instead, where his core once was.
Wang Lu knows and Psyche might have an inkling that he's missing something important, and so...
Might as well just say it. ]
...Could it be fixed, Wang Lu? I willingly gave it away to someone else. It would need to be cultivated from scratch again, and you know that's essentially impossible.
[ Being flustered by whatever is unfolding right in front of her eyes is certainly one way to jolt her a little out of her melancholy. A tiny laugh escapes her as she watches the two of them. ]
...Isn't what you did already impossible? And Wang Lu's master sounds amazing. Maybe his world has something yours doesn't.
[ Cultivation is still largely a mystery to her. But she's used to that, and used to picking up half-complete pieces of information to fit together. She can infer well enough. ]
[ What dirty minds they must have. He'll give Psyche something of a wink before he moves a bit to to lay on top of Wei Wuxian and settling his chin on his chest. He'll then reach past the ye olden necromancer for Psyche's hand once again. ]
I've only started cultivating myself recently. I had to have two years of prep work before I could. My Sect also takes older apprentices... twenty-three is the oldest I believe?
[ His world does has differences after all. ]
My Master has also been around for hundreds of years and enjoys being unorthodox with her methods. [ Wei Wuxian would honestly fit in. ]
As much as I would love to make promises to reassure you, we both know that's not possible, but I do want to do everything in my power to help you. I also would like to see where this path will take us.
[ He's laying on the best pillow (Psyche's lap) and has the best weighted blanket (Wang Lu) on top of him... it's such a shame he can't relish in that right now, his thoughts instead going at a thousand miles a minute. ]
...Perhaps it does.
[ And he does think Psyche would make for a good cultivator, and maybe it would allow her some peace away from those who have hurt her so much. He falls silent again, his heart pounding in his chest, something Wang Lu can feel. ]
[ Oh... that's not a fair question. Psyche swallows hard and turns a slightly plaintive look towards Wang Lu even as she tries to keep combing her fingers soothingly through Wei Wuxian's hair. ]
I think... you should. It would at least be worth trying, wouldn't it? Even if there aren't any certainties, it's still a hope.
[ Meeting her look before he closes his eyes to listen to that heart beat ] You already know the answer to that, unless you're trying to get another confession from me.
[ Hmm ]
I want to know how badly you want it though. Do you want to give this a shot?
[ He does know the answer, and so he lets out a breath. ]
I do.
[ Wei Wuxian doesn’t balk and change, and it isn’t as if he would be leaving his family behind when they’re so far removed from him now. This is probably for the best for everyone, but— ]
You know I cause trouble whenever I go. Can the two of you manage that? I’ve stayed out of it here, but it won’t be that way forever.
[ And he wants to think Psyche will go, even if her answer just now focused solely on what he should do. ]
[ He's not exactly wrong to twig to the evasion. But her expression softens in contentment to hear him say that, and she leans down to press a kiss to his forehead. ]
I don't think either of us would expect you to. ...And it's a little hard to believe that Wang Lu hasn't caused any trouble of his own.
[ Look at him. Really, between the two of them, which is the bigger problem? ]
[ Caring about him isn't easy? She wonders how different things would have been here if that were true at all. ]
...Caring about you is so much easier than imagining being able to stop. Both of you. That won't ever change.
[ And she really can't keep stepping around her own answer, so. She smooths her hand over Wei Wuxian's hair again. ]
I'm not afraid of change. I want it... more than anything. But I... I just need a little longer to think. Even if I can't go with you, it really would be enough for me to know that you're both happy.
[ He makes a note to share all about his Master later, because Wei Wuxian might find familiarity in it.
He'll give another look to Psyche at his words. ]
You've been so easy to care for that I forgot about my other admirers completely. [ Snaking his arm under him. ] The truth is that I like challenges and whenever I'm told something won't be easy or will be a challenge, I will take it on out of spite. Or in this case it'll be out of love. I have no plans on giving up or backing down after we've come this far. [ He will take all the ups and downs.
Speaking of the downs. It wouldn't really feel complete or fair without Psyche, but if she needs more time... ]
While I do understand that you need to think it over, it is tempting to kidnap you anyways. I just couldn't bare the thought of you despising me for taking away your choice. Take you time, Psyche. I will always have a hand for you.
[ He wraps an arm over Wang Lu too, letting out a long, long sigh. When he said he liked this sentimental side of Wang Lu, he absolutely meant it, and it brings a small smile to his face.
If neither of them will give up then... it's okay. He can allow himself this. ]
Should you decide to go back home, Psyche, neither of us will hold it against you. After all, you have a lot to take care of. [ He tilts his head back so he can smile up at her. ] That won't change how I feel, and I won't carry bitterness towards your decision.
[ He can't bring himself to push her one way or the other. If she's going to choose to come along, then it has to fully be her choice. ]
[ The two of them will be fine without her. It eases a little pressure in her heart, half of her guilt. Why do her choices always seem to hurt someone she loves? But maybe somehow, this time, it won't be. ]
And I wish I could ask you to kidnap me. But that wouldn't be fair. I don't want to push my decision onto anyone else, either.
[ That's a little more to Wang Lu, although it's for both of them. She glances down at Wei Wuxian with a smile. ]
I want to be there. I hope neither of you think I'm hesitating because I don't wish for that, deeply. I feel like... I belong where you both are. But I promise I'll let you know once I settle my heart a little.
[ It's optimistic of them, isn't it? Making plans and daydreaming as if they're certain of their escape from here. Being able to choose where to go next. She likes that. ]
[ They will just have a big Psyche-shaped hole in their hearts but will carry it with them with hope of a future meeting. At least, Wang Lu will. ]
You already know that I value your happiness above all else. [ It was a conversation before they became a thing and when he was nudging the pair of them together. Look where that landed them now. Tucking his face against the cultivator beneath him to keep from saying anymore. He's not repeating any of the sappiness he's said before.
Sometimes it's nice having a spot of happiness just before everything falls apart. ]
[ Wang Lu's sappiness is sweet, though. But she doesn't need to make him say it again when she already knows full well what he means. And hearing Wei Wuxian say that so easily...
It would be so ridiculous to cry just because she's happy. But she's been biting her tongue for at least a week, not wanting to retread past mistakes. "I know. Don't you ever tire of saying that, Psyche?" ]
I love you, too.
[ She reaches out to cover Wei Wuxian's hand, then strokes her fingertips lightly over Wang Lu's hair. She wants him to know she means him, too. ]
And this is where my heart is. No matter what happens. I've been able to keep going this far because you're both here.
[ In horror stories or murder ones, you really shouldn't say I love you. The words are out from them and he just smiles against Wei Wuxian's top. ]
I could kiss you both, but that would mean moving from this spot. [ Also hard to kiss them both at the same time. ] I love you both. That'll be the first for me. [ Saying the words. ] You both own me fully in heart and in body and there won't be anyone else.
[ He turns his hand palm up to lace his fingers with Psyche’s. ]
Likewise.
[ He sighs, closing his eyes. Maybe it really is a bad idea to put it out there when that seems to be a death knell for everyone else around them, but if it allows Wei Wuxian to live without regrets, then so be it. ]
I think you’re just too much of a coward to kiss us.
[ Psyche squeezes Wei Wuxian's fingers in return, her breath hitching softly. It's a powerful amount of affection to be directed at her all at once. A little dizzying. Even after everything that's happened, maybe it's okay to be happy in these moments. ]
Wang Lu... you're brave enough to say something that sweet, but are you still a little shy? Even though I've already seen you kiss him once before?
[ And of course, she's happy to throw her allegiance in with whichever of them is doing the teasing. It's the greatest benefit of loving them both. ]
no subject
She doesn't want to cry. Not now. So she closes her eyes and forces herself to breathe deep and steady. ]
And what if... I said we should run away to Wang Lu's world? Would I be able to talk you both into it? Or would you be too worried about what you have to do in your own world?
no subject
I would happily take you both, but I would never wish to bind the pair of you to me if there are goals you both wish to accomplish.
[ He knows how it feels to have your wings clipped for love and not wanting to go for what you want because there's someone who wants you to remain stationary. ]
The choice is yours.
no subject
[ Congratulations, you have both made Wei Wuxian speechless! It takes him a long moment before he can finally, finally say something. Were he with anyone else right now, he wouldn't say a word, but promises of opening up and being honest compel him forward. ]
I think that... If I were to go back... the people I've been protecting will be dead.
[ Time away has allowed him to think reasonably, and as such— ]
...I also think that the resentful energy is hurting me.
[ It's so incredibly obvious, but Wei Wuxian is as arrogant as they come and so he had pretended he was immune. ]
I have things I want to do, people I want to see, but I'm not so sure it's feasible. What do I accomplish, going back to find everything I've worked for gone?
no subject
She doesn't know what to feel for this. Hopeful? Does it hurt more? ]
Is it... selfish to say that I don't want you to go back, knowing you'd only be facing more pain?
[ She doesn't cultivation. But she knows what she saw in memories, and it worries her. ]
I don't know enough about your world, really. I just...
no subject
Maybe we should just kidnap him. [ He'll shift, letting go of Psyche's hand for the moment to get in a better spot. Lifting up one of his legs and moving it behind him so he's now between them. Hello ] I have been wondering what all that resentful energy did to you. I do think there has to be a fix for it and my master would likely know what we could do. [ Time to tap where the core should be ]
She may even know how to fix what you have lost.
[ Since getting something of a confirmation when Wei Wuxian was poisoned, he has been ruminating on it. ] Psyche would make quite the cultivator as well.
no subject
Wang Lu knows and Psyche might have an inkling that he's missing something important, and so...
Might as well just say it. ]
...Could it be fixed, Wang Lu? I willingly gave it away to someone else. It would need to be cultivated from scratch again, and you know that's essentially impossible.
no subject
...Isn't what you did already impossible? And Wang Lu's master sounds amazing. Maybe his world has something yours doesn't.
[ Cultivation is still largely a mystery to her. But she's used to that, and used to picking up half-complete pieces of information to fit together. She can infer well enough. ]
no subject
I've only started cultivating myself recently. I had to have two years of prep work before I could. My Sect also takes older apprentices... twenty-three is the oldest I believe?
[ His world does has differences after all. ]
My Master has also been around for hundreds of years and enjoys being unorthodox with her methods. [ Wei Wuxian would honestly fit in. ]
As much as I would love to make promises to reassure you, we both know that's not possible, but I do want to do everything in my power to help you. I also would like to see where this path will take us.
no subject
...Perhaps it does.
[ And he does think Psyche would make for a good cultivator, and maybe it would allow her some peace away from those who have hurt her so much. He falls silent again, his heart pounding in his chest, something Wang Lu can feel. ]
How badly do you want to see where this could go?
[ He's posing that question for them both. ]
no subject
I think... you should. It would at least be worth trying, wouldn't it? Even if there aren't any certainties, it's still a hope.
no subject
[ Hmm ]
I want to know how badly you want it though. Do you want to give this a shot?
no subject
I do.
[ Wei Wuxian doesn’t balk and change, and it isn’t as if he would be leaving his family behind when they’re so far removed from him now. This is probably for the best for everyone, but— ]
You know I cause trouble whenever I go. Can the two of you manage that? I’ve stayed out of it here, but it won’t be that way forever.
[ And he wants to think Psyche will go, even if her answer just now focused solely on what he should do. ]
no subject
I don't think either of us would expect you to. ...And it's a little hard to believe that Wang Lu hasn't caused any trouble of his own.
[ Look at him. Really, between the two of them, which is the bigger problem? ]
no subject
[ Is he ]
I don't think I've told you about my master. She's quite the troublemaker. Whatever you could do will pale in comparison to what she's done already.
no subject
[ As long as there are no wars, he should be fine. If he has nothing to get super worked up over, then… ]
I care about the both of you, and I know that caring about me isn’t easy, and that it won’t be easy.
[ So, he can’t help but worry. ]
But I’m not afraid of the change if the two of you aren’t either.
no subject
...Caring about you is so much easier than imagining being able to stop. Both of you. That won't ever change.
[ And she really can't keep stepping around her own answer, so. She smooths her hand over Wei Wuxian's hair again. ]
I'm not afraid of change. I want it... more than anything. But I... I just need a little longer to think. Even if I can't go with you, it really would be enough for me to know that you're both happy.
no subject
He'll give another look to Psyche at his words. ]
You've been so easy to care for that I forgot about my other admirers completely. [ Snaking his arm under him. ] The truth is that I like challenges and whenever I'm told something won't be easy or will be a challenge, I will take it on out of spite. Or in this case it'll be out of love. I have no plans on giving up or backing down after we've come this far. [ He will take all the ups and downs.
Speaking of the downs. It wouldn't really feel complete or fair without Psyche, but if she needs more time... ]
While I do understand that you need to think it over, it is tempting to kidnap you anyways. I just couldn't bare the thought of you despising me for taking away your choice. Take you time, Psyche. I will always have a hand for you.
no subject
If neither of them will give up then... it's okay. He can allow himself this. ]
Should you decide to go back home, Psyche, neither of us will hold it against you. After all, you have a lot to take care of. [ He tilts his head back so he can smile up at her. ] That won't change how I feel, and I won't carry bitterness towards your decision.
[ He can't bring himself to push her one way or the other. If she's going to choose to come along, then it has to fully be her choice. ]
Of course I'd want you there, though.
no subject
And I wish I could ask you to kidnap me. But that wouldn't be fair. I don't want to push my decision onto anyone else, either.
[ That's a little more to Wang Lu, although it's for both of them. She glances down at Wei Wuxian with a smile. ]
I want to be there. I hope neither of you think I'm hesitating because I don't wish for that, deeply. I feel like... I belong where you both are. But I promise I'll let you know once I settle my heart a little.
[ It's optimistic of them, isn't it? Making plans and daydreaming as if they're certain of their escape from here. Being able to choose where to go next. She likes that. ]
no subject
You already know that I value your happiness above all else. [ It was a conversation before they became a thing and when he was nudging the pair of them together. Look where that landed them now. Tucking his face against the cultivator beneath him to keep from saying anymore. He's not repeating any of the sappiness he's said before.
Sometimes it's nice having a spot of happiness just before everything falls apart. ]
no subject
I don't see it as hesitation, Psyche. I'd rather you give something serious thought so you don't regret it in the end.
[ Not that he thinks that Psyche would regret caring for either of them, but that doesn't always have to do with regrets of leaving home. ]
I love the both of you. What happens after this won't change that.
no subject
It would be so ridiculous to cry just because she's happy. But she's been biting her tongue for at least a week, not wanting to retread past mistakes. "I know. Don't you ever tire of saying that, Psyche?" ]
I love you, too.
[ She reaches out to cover Wei Wuxian's hand, then strokes her fingertips lightly over Wang Lu's hair. She wants him to know she means him, too. ]
And this is where my heart is. No matter what happens. I've been able to keep going this far because you're both here.
no subject
I could kiss you both, but that would mean moving from this spot. [ Also hard to kiss them both at the same time. ] I love you both. That'll be the first for me. [ Saying the words. ] You both own me fully in heart and in body and there won't be anyone else.
no subject
Likewise.
[ He sighs, closing his eyes. Maybe it really is a bad idea to put it out there when that seems to be a death knell for everyone else around them, but if it allows Wei Wuxian to live without regrets, then so be it. ]
I think you’re just too much of a coward to kiss us.
[ And he goads Wang Lu on, as always. ]
no subject
Wang Lu... you're brave enough to say something that sweet, but are you still a little shy? Even though I've already seen you kiss him once before?
[ And of course, she's happy to throw her allegiance in with whichever of them is doing the teasing. It's the greatest benefit of loving them both. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
emotional whiplash between this and the 1/???
crying
i've done nothing wrong
(no subject)
can't believe they're helping the group with this
(no subject)
(no subject)
the real heroes, you're welcome murder island
(no subject)
slaps nsfw warning down I GUESS
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)