[7rings] catchall for douman

[shiftingwinds]

i'll make this pretty later

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[shiftingwinds]

But... we're friends, aren't we?

[a beat.]

It's impossible not to be concerned.

[commedia]

Is that what friends do?

[Douman shakes their head.]

I have found that concern can tip over into pity, and...I hate being pitied. But nevertheless...I appreciate it, Qingxuan.

[shiftingwinds]

...it's not meant to be pity...

[she'll. try to keep it at concern? she gives their hand another squeeze.]

Friends support each other. So - I know it, you'll definitely come out of this. [they'll get healed, and... they can work on their Omi Trauma... it'll be fine.] You will.

[commedia]

[Sorry, SQX, Douman just has Issues.]

...Will I.

[They sound doubtful.]

Nothing can return to the way it was, hm.

[shiftingwinds]

[honestly, that's fair.]

You will. Things may not be able to be exactly as they were, but you're still here. [...] How you proceed from here is up to you, but...

You're here. That's something.

[commedia]

Ahahaha.

[Isn't that a nice sentiment.]

Qingxuan...did I ever tell you why I came to this place?

[shiftingwinds]

[she shakes her head



and then remembers they can't see it. please. please let their eyes be healed soon.]

No... you didn't.

[commedia]

[They adjust their grip on Qingxuan's hand.]

...

I came here because I wanted to learn how to love.

[shiftingwinds]

[well that's unfortunate. all this murder is probably not very conducive to learning to love.]

...these circumstances aren't the best for that, are they...

[she doesn't let go of their hand, though.]

But you haven't given up on that, have you?

[commedia]

Its not as if I expected chaos or murder, haha!

[Even though that's fun, in its own way.]

I don't know! You know...I don't know! Its much harder than I expected!

[shiftingwinds]

...well... these things take time.

[it's also different from person to person, she assumes. how to love isn't really something she's ever had to learn, but - she's met a lot of different types of people in her time!

but the only way to never learn is to not try, so.]

But... in the end, it's worth it, I think.

[commedia]

Do you think so?

[A squeeze of the hand.]

I...I want nothing more than that. I don't want to fail, Qingxuan.

[shiftingwinds]

You won't fail.

[she squeezes their hand in return.]

I believe in you, Douman.

[commedia]

Ahaha...what kindness...

[They just draw her hand up to their bloody face, and rest a cheek against it, like a child seeking affection.]

[shiftingwinds]

[well that's fine. she can wash the blood off later.

for now, she stays close, cupping their cheek with her hand for as long as they seem to want her there.]

[commedia]

[How nice.]

[They turn their head, kissing her palm.]

You know...I didn't ever think I could be friends to a god. [A huff.] I've only ever been an advisor to them, I think.

[shiftingwinds]

[it's a good thing they can't see, maybe. because shi qingxuan's expression falls entirely at that, but the kiss to her palm draws out a soft gasp, which buys her some time before she answers.]

...then I'm lucky, to be able to have you as a friend.

[commedia]

Lucky? A cursed existence like mine?

[They smile, and its...not exactly a nice one.]

I've harmed many, you know. You saw that.

[shiftingwinds]

...you said that wasn't by your own will.

[and she believed them!]

You're more free to do as you wish now - so, I think what you do here is more important than what happened in the past.

[commedia]

...

[Another kiss, light, to her fingers.]

And if I do something terrible...what then? I just can't escape my own nature? After all, this humble priest wasn't made to do good in this world.

[shiftingwinds]

[stop distracting her with kisses, douman. well, at least they can't see the way her cheeks heat up.]

...no, it just means... maybe it just means you need more time to learn another way. [...] ...but what you came here intending to learn, that's... A good thing. If that's what you want, then I think you'll be okay.

[commedia]

[Sorry, indulgences are in a peak this week, and kissing is better than just thinking about Trauma!]

Love is a good thing? Ah, but I heard love hurts, you know? And besides...sometimes I can't help myself.

[They smile against her hand.]

I'm a carnivorous beast, you know. If I'm not careful, I'll just eat someone right up.

[shiftingwinds]

[she cannot tell if they're being literal or if that's an innuendo. like two weeks ago "innuendo" wouldn't have even crossed her mind, though, so. progress?]

...it can hurt, but it can make you stronger, too. [she takes a breath. calm down, sqx, they literally don't have eyes right now, don't get carried away just from the feelings of their lips on your palm.] Ah... do you really think you would do that...?

[commedia]

Stronger...I see. One must get strong, somehow.

[And a laugh - their breath is hot against her skin.]

Who knows? Sometimes I feel like something takes over me, sometimes. I act by instinct.

[shiftingwinds]

Mm...

[she is steadfastly attempting to not get distracted by their breath on her skin. they're injured. please.]

...ah, everyone does that, sometimes. It's - just a matter of deciding what it is you want to do, despite those instincts...