heng_like_a_dragon

[Ah, there's that word again. Not something he hears often. His cheeks burn a little, and he glances away, looking instead at literally anything else in this classroom and hoping the blush isn't terribly obvious.]

It... was nothing.

[He thinks he might have been convincing if not for the stammer. Uggghhh.

He listens attentively, though, as Dan Heng talks about the spear. It's clear that it means a lot to him, and Blade has some idea as to why. But should he... tell him? That he's not sure of.

Then he glances over and sees Dan Heng holding it out to him. Blade hesitates... then he nods, and reaches out to take the lance like someone being handed a famous painting.

Once it's in his hands, though, Blade forgets about everything else. He first checks the length of the thing, then tests the balance. He barely resists the urge to twirl it, partially because he's afraid he'll drop it entirely. Then he combs over it with the discerning eye of a craftsman, checking first the socket of the sharp blade at the end, then the smaller one at the opposite end. The very last thing he does is flick the pole and listen to the noise it makes.

... By all accounts he probably looks insane.]

It's exactly like I remember. Elegant and strong like its master. Cloud-Piercer... Do you know who made it?

[He offers it back to Dan Heng.]

You've maintained it perfectly. I have nothing to add.

[Dan Heng lets it go, at least. Clearly, Blade's embarrassed by something he's said, and he'll let the man retain some of his dignity this time.

He sips at his boba only so that he doesn't fidget nervously. His eyes are on Blade, watching his movements with the spear. Dan Heng's not lying when he said this weapon is important to him. He doesn't think Blade's insane, just a craftsman appreciating a beautifully made weapon, but he doesn't hesitate in taking Cloud-Piercer back. Though, that "elegant and strong" bit does have Dan Heng blushing faintly.]

I almost can't believe you said that with a straight face.

[As he remembers, though.... He suddenly has an idea of who might've made it. However, Dan Heng's going to keep the suspicion to himself until he can confirm it.]

To answer your question, no. All I have are feelings instead of a full memory. [He raises an eyebrow at Blade.] Curious how you know the name when I haven't told you what it was.

[Blade blinks at Dan Heng. ???????] Is there some reason I wouldn't? [This isn't even shameless, really-- just a fact, seeing as Cloud-Piercer had originally been made for Imbibitor Lunae, who Blade still holds in his heart despite being a life removed from that situation.

He starts to fold his arms but then... oh shit.

Dan Heng never said the name of the thing, did he.

Uhhh, fuck.

... Out pop the dog ears again, and they are back. If that's not a look of vague panic then nothing is.]

[Curse his big mouth. He may as well come clean, then.]

... It was Yingxing, [he says after a minute.] The Furnace Master. He made weapons for everyone in the High Cloud Quintet: a sword, a recurve bow, a devastator glaive, and this lance... Cloud-Piercer was created to work with Imbibitor Lunae's powers of both destruction and rejuvenation. It won't ever respond to anyone else the way it responds to you.

[He leans on a nearby desk.]

I... remember. I... he worked on it for a week straight without sleep. The metal alloy's components were not common or easily obtainable, and it resisted the usual methods.

[...]

It's good that it found its way back to you.

Edited (English is hard) 2023-09-14 19:39 (UTC)

[Dan Heng almost chuckles at that, but instead Blade gets a tiny smile. He's getting wise to the man's ways.]

Don't worry about it.

[Oh, and there are ears again. This is now a vaguely panicking dog man. He hides his amusement with a cough and by putting his papers carefully back into his bag.

Still... now that he knows that Yingxing is the one who made it, a few pieces fall into place. Dan Heng's starting to suspect that Dan Feng cursed his later relations to be the protagonist of a danmei for the rest of time. If he gets in the middle of a weird love triangle, he's requesting an immediate transfer from Professor Oak. That it's supposed to work with his rejuvenation magic as well... that saddens him. He gets the feeling that neither he nor the previous Dan Heng gained that knowledge over cloudhymn.]

... I'm glad as well. I hadn't realized how wrong it felt to be without it until Cloud-Piercer suddenly appeared before me.

[Dan Heng will just casually not get into what other feelings he gets from the weapon. Yingxing has left his mark on him for three lives. A constant, shining star that's still bright even when he doesn't fully remember the man. It's just a pity that Yingxing's next life continues to be plagued by tragedy.

Instead of focusing on that, he dismisses Cloud-Piercer and moves to examine the sword more closely.]

Yingxing truly had been a remarkable craftsman, and it seems that's passed on to you as well. You have your work cut out for you if you intend to do better than Cloud-Piercer.

[Dan Heng then glances with a sharp shrewdness at Blade.]

And how many days straight did you work on this?

[Dear god that smile is almost enough to take him out. Blade nevertheless persists because he can always have his gay panic in the comfort of his own home where his gunpla won't judge him.

It felt wrong, huh... Just like it felt weird not having a sword with him when he went somewhere.]

I'm not going to do better than Cloud-Piercer. [He crosses his arms.] I'm going to surpass that other Yingxing entirely.

[How does this arrogant craftsman get worse with every incarnation?

—Although, Dan Heng's pointed remarks appear to have struck true, yet again.]

Less than that, [he says evasively.] I prototyped it first.

[Dan Heng's really starting to wonder this himself. How does a man like Blade only get more arrogant? Well, at least he still has passion and a goal to strive towards, no matter how lofty.]

Hm. Somehow, it seems fitting that you would consider the 'other' Yingxing competition.

[He may not remember much, but this is one thing he does remember.

The evasiveness only serves to prove Dan Heng right. Again. He sighs softly, and his gaze goes back to the sword. It's a beautiful weapon, but he has absolutely no idea how to wield one properly. He's uncertain if he wants to, either, with how attached he is to Cloud-Piercer. Perhaps he'll give it a fair shot....]

Honestly... where is your forge?

If he could surpass his limits, why wouldn't I surpass mine? [BLADE PLEASE YOU ARE ONLY SOUNDING WORSE.

Still, there's something about the way he watches Dan Heng's reaction to the sword... as if he's waiting to hear some criticism. It isn't because he thinks Dan Heng will yell at him somehow over it, but more because he is still learning and anything pointed out can be improved upon.]

My forge? ... It's in Hyrule, not far from the gate. I don't have everything running yet.

[... hm.]

You don't have to go out of your way, though I will need to reapply the lightning enchantment on that sword every few weeks. I don't mind picking it up so you save time.

[He's not being nice. He's not being nice. He's not being nice.]

[He looks at Blade for a long moment before putting his glasses back in its case.]

Just try not to hurt yourself as you do. You can't surpass him if you neglect yourself. It only makes you weaker for it in the long run.

[Does Dan Heng have everything? ... Yeah, it all looks like he's put all of his things away. Other than the sword, which he ties carefully and securely to his belt.]

That's very kind of you. I'm not much of a swordsman, but I know someone who can try to teach me.

[He's going to try. It's a beautiful blade, and he'll feel so guilty to not at least try to make sure Blade's hard work gets put to good use.]

That being said, it's also possible that I may run across problems with my weapons that I can't fix. Given you once made Cloud-Piercer, it's only right that I turn to you for any major repairs or reforging if it comes to that.

[Dan Heng says this, but he also has a secret reason. That reason being he's going to drop by every damn day to make sure this idiot takes a break and eats.]

[He blinks at Dan Heng. Is that... concern? He wants to point out that hurting himself is literally how he uses his magic, but decides against it, because he actually doesn't want Dan Heng to worry about him. Blade thinks that the man has enough to worry about.]

Lapis said something like that, too. I suppose I don't have a choice, do I?

[He resists the urge to rub at the back of his head.]

It's good to know multiple weapons, in any case. [He thinks he remembers disarming the other man at least once, and it ended badly for Dan Heng.]

I don't know how much magic you possess, but you don't have to draw on your own power to use this. Anything that you cut with that blade will also be shocked by lightning. Consider it practice until I'm able to imbue it on my own without a ritual.

[He looks thoughtful and relatively unsuspecting of Dan Heng's true reasons.]

I always assumed a weapon like that ought to come with a lifetime warranty, anyway. How fortunate that the blacksmith's successor is here. Don't you dare think about paying me, either—the other Yingxing meant it to be a gift, and I intend to do the same with what I make for you.

[It's a shame that he's going to worry about Blade anyway.]

You have a choice, but I also have a choice.

[Dan Heng crosses his arms loosely.]

Mm... I might be too old to change my ways at this point. [He's only 27, but having been reincarnated over 90 times....]

Interesting. I've been showing signs of developing Light elemental magic since arriving, but it'll be nice to have something that doesn't draw upon my limited magic.

[Dan Heng fights another smile of amusement, but he's unsuccessful.]

His successor already, hm? [He shakes his head.] I suppose it would be disrespectful of you and him. In that case... thank you for your gift. I've treasured it for three lifetimes, and I'm certain I'll continue to do so.

[He chuckles at that. It doesn't sound half as deranged as usual.] Somehow that sounds like a threat. [Okay so maybe a little bit of him thrives off confrontation, but listen...]

Nonsense. Whether you're hatched from an egg or born in Boston, you're here in the modern day. Just having a desire to learn sets you apart from half the population at the very least, and you have a wealth of resources at your fingertips. You'll see.

[There's that confidence again.]

Light, is it? Mine is wind magic, but I suppose that's not a surprise.

[He might have said something else, but Dan Heng's smile completely sidetracks him, as does the tease.

I've treasured it for three lifetimes.

Despite only having the memories of the person who made it, despite only having touched it in this lifetime today... despite forging a whole other weapon under the assumption Dan Heng had no way of defending himself—

—Blade finds himself turning red. Really red. The heat rises to his cheeks in a way he'd normally associate with eating Sichuan food, and his fluffy dog ears advertise all of this with the way they pin against his hair again.]

That's...

[Once again he has to ask if this is flirting because he has no idea what flirting looks like??? Nor is he emotionally prepared to deal with the thought of his former fiance's reincarnation having feelings for him the same way he—god.

He should say something. He needs to say something before he passes out.]

W-well, [he mumbles, glancing off to the side,] there wouldn't be a Cloud-Piercer without someone like you to wield it, and there wouldn't be Skyshatter, either. I made them with you in mind.

[He straightens up.]

Anyway... I'll walk you to your car. It's getting dark earlier.

[LIKE DAN HENG NEEDS PROTECTION, and yet it's a surprisingly polite and normal thing to offer. As long as no one points it out.]

Perhaps.

[Dan Heng's not rising to the bait, sir. Still, he stares at Blade for a moment when he's given that rebuttal.]

... I suppose I will, at that. But, yes, Light. I had expected Water, or perhaps Wind, but Light is often associated with being a spiritual element.

[It's as good of an explanation as any he can come up with right now. Being the former Vidyadhara High Elder of the Luofu has probably made him highly spiritual.

Oh, that's quite the blush from Blade. He really didn't think that would be the reaction he'd get. Dan Heng's simply being sincere and honest about how much the weapon has meant to him and his previous lives. Maybe Blade's not used to such praise? Or maybe he considers it flirting? The shorter man blinks as his... friend (?) says he's made these weapons with him in mind. Is Blade flirting on purpose, now???]

All the more reason to do my part in taking the best care of them as I can.

[Dan Heng decides to have mercy on Blade. It's a sweet thing to offer, and he honestly is happy to have someone else walk with him back to his car. Yes, he can defend himself, now, but... past experience has taught him a different lesson.]

I appreciate it, thank you.

[He slings his bag over his shoulder, and makes sure that the sword is secure at his belt.]

Alright, I think I have everything. I'm ready if you are.

Edited 2023-09-15 14:18 (UTC)

I don't know much about magic or the elements, but your past life was... related to a god, wasn't he? The name... [He winces. Better not push it.] It escapes me. Never mind.

[Fuck you, demon. Like, seriously, he's trying to have a moment.]

I'm ready. [He puts his sunglasses back on, and goes to hold the door open for Dan Heng like a gentleman.]

... So, what got you into biology?

[Dan Heng hums softly at that.]

Yes, the Aeon of Permanence created the Vidyadhara, and gave us high elders parts of their strength. Though we were worshiped by our people, we weren't truly gods, at least in my opinion. I believe we're more along the lines of demigods.

[Wow, what a gentleman. He says a quiet 'thank you' to Blade as he steps out into the hallway, and starts leading the way out. Dan Heng's in no real rush to leave, judging by his easygoing gait.]

Well, my parents wanted me to go into law or medical school. I wanted to be an archivist, though, so I compromised with them. I double-majored for my Master's in Archival Science and Biology with the intent to continue with a PhD in Research Biology.

[He might be looking a little self-conscious, but it's subtle. It's mostly seen in his eyes. Dan Heng's not used to talking about himself, but he knows that information can sometimes get some... reactions.]

I love learning. This felt like the best way to make a career of it.

[And all without sacrificing his parents' dream for his future.]

I see.

[Blade takes in all of this rather attentively. He doesn't recall a lot about his past life yet, but this feels... correct? If vibes are a way to judge memories. Even more reason to find Imbibitor Lunae awe-inspiring, but he knows it's more than that. Dan Heng is, after all, just a guy like anyone else.

He walks by Dan Heng's side easily, close enough to grab but not to be oppressive. His body language is surprisingly relaxed, though as soon as they get outside he'll be vigilant.]

A double Master's? [He sounds impressed, even for him.] I was lucky to finish my Bachelor's. You may be the most persistent person I've ever met.

[Still... Hearing Dan Heng admit that he loves learning is... cute. He is trying not to smile but it sort of slips in anyway.]

... It suits you.

Edited 2023-09-15 19:10 (UTC)

[Dan Heng appreciates being just a guy in Blade's mind, even if he doesn't know that yet. He has to forge his own path, since he's essentially forever relieved from his duties as Vidyadhara High Elder. His people are gone. The Abundance is gone. There's nothing left for him to protect, other than the small amount of people he lets himself get close to.

He tilts his head in acknowledgement.]

It was what I wanted, so I went and did it. It was... difficult, but worth it.

[Blade has a pretty smile, which is an observation he can't help making. He's never been told that this suits him, either. Already, Blade's been giving him some new experiences. Positive ones, he thinks.]

Um... thank you.

[What else is he supposed to say to that??? Oh, God, he's bad at small talk, but Blade's trying so... he should try, too, right?]

What got you back into blacksmithing?

[Hopefully Dan Heng hasn't just stepped on a mine. It wouldn't be the first time, granted, but he's trying.]

Then that's what matters, is it not? I doubt many other people can say they wanted something and were able to go out and accomplish it, especially at our age. [He's reminded of how Dan Heng thought he couldn't identify the Pokemon quickly enough.] You really undersell your abilities. [...] You shouldn't.

[Just telling it like it is.]

As for me... [Blade actually looks a little uncertain.] Blacksmithing runs in my family. My grandfather told stories about helping his grandfather in the forge, according to my aunt. My father was an architect but he still liked to work with his hands. I spent a lot of time in his shop while growing up. Not that I recall much of this—it was all told to me by my cousins.

[He shoves his hands into his pockets.]

Anyway, I think that's why I went into engineering. Architecture is interesting but it's too far removed from what I like to do. It's not just blacksmithing, for me. Why limit myself to one discipline? So I learned carpentry, leatherworking, glass-blowing, sewing, even how to make and repair different kinds of jewelry. I wanted to know everything. If it could be made with human hands, I wanted to take it apart and remake it better.

[He's tipping his hand a little bit with the hyperfixation, here.]

Where most might see a pile of junk, I see pieces of a puzzle waiting to be put together. Tools to make something new. I've always... had that instinct to create. Even after I woke up in the hospital, I looked down at my scarred hands and I realized—

I realized that if I stopped creating even for just a moment, I'd die. That's what it felt like.

[Has he said this before? He doesn't remember. Probably not. But it's more than he usually says to Dan Heng.]

Maybe I've always been possessed by something.

[Dan Heng isn't certain what to say in response to Blade telling him he shouldn't undersell his abilities. Maybe he makes a good point. Just because he doesn't see it as remarkable doesn't mean others see it the same way.]

Perhaps you're right.

[He listens attentively to Blade's story, and returns the favor of being a gentleman by holding open the door outside for the taller man. Although Dan Heng looks more alert to their surroundings, it's clear that he's still paying attention to what his companion has to say. He's finding that they're similar, in a way. Where Blade doesn't want to limit himself to just one craft, Dan Heng doesn't want to limit himself to just one field of study, either.

Blade's someone special. He doubts he'll ever find another soul like him, no matter how far and wide the search.]

... I don't think so. I think you simply had a moment that allowed you to reevaluate exactly where your passions lie. It sounds to me like that's what saved you.

[Dan Heng glances at the other man thoughtfully.]

If you really wanted to die, you would've never gone through the pain of relearning those techniques. You still saw what you wanted and you went for it. ... Perhaps you sell the value of how much you truly want to live too short.

[Maybe he's gone too far with this, but it feels important. He promised to try teaching Blade how to live again, didn't he?]

[A murmur of thanks as Dan Heng beats him to the door. Well... that's nice. But he still feels like he should be the one holding doors open.

Then he hears what Dan Heng points out, that maybe he reevaluated what he loved.

That's what... saved him?

Blade pulls his eyes from his surroundings, meeting that brief glance with a surprised and... almost vulnerable look. His eyebrows knit together as he realizes his own words are what's being thrown back at him. His cheeks pinken.

He lowers his eyes after a moment, and there's just a little softness he'd never admit to.]

Hmph. Maybe I have found a reason after all.

[... ahem]

What do you drive?

[Dan Heng will pretend he doesn't see that softness in Blade's eyes. He's having to contend with a lot of soft and warm feelings of his own right now. The older man can safely say that he likes Blade, but he doesn't want to admit how much. In his mind, it's almost too fast. Too easy. Even his small crush on Theo took years to develop, though he did squash those feelings for... reasons. Reasons that dealt with a certain, toxic woman in Theo's life.

Plus, there's that damn demon to consider in all of this. That puts a mountain in the way of pretty much anything other than friendship right now. Annoying. Frustrating. And Dan Heng will never admit that.]

Ah... an Accord. A 2016 model, I think. It's black, but I put a stuffed toy on the dash as an indicator. A gift from my sister. I have a feeling you'll know it when you see it.

[Yes, it's a dragon. A familiar dragon.]

[Blade makes a thoughtful noise. He knows the common car models because of course that was one of the first things he did when he was free from the hospital... go to a junkyard and start building shit with old car parts.]

Smart. It's a very common model, so you'd be able to tell from a distance.

[They come up on it and, sure enough, there's a dragon on the dashboard. But Blade... doesn't recognize it. Dan Heng has spent enough time with him to be able to tell that he's... maybe a little upset by this?]

Ah. It's cute, but I don't... [He shifts his weight to his other foot.] I don't remember.

I know I should sit down and watch a bunch of things so I understand the memes, but I'm too busy.

[He's always too busy, but it's also daunting. Like where does one even start if they want to reenter pop culture?]

The color makes it more difficult as well once it gets dark.

[Dan Heng also sees it, but it's the subtle tell of Blade being upset that commands his attention more. He debates with himself for a moment before... well. He takes some pity on him. It's not easy to deal with something like this, and Dan Heng does have compassion. He just... tries to keep it from hurting himself in the process.]

It's a character from the movie Spirited Away. [He hesitates. It's not a date, really, but....] ... If you have the time either tonight or later in the week, we could watch it.

[Blade's not expecting Dan Heng to make such a kind offer. If anything, he thought he'd have to explain again... Thankfully, that's not the case. He gazes at Dan Heng for a long moment. It's probably in his eyes, he's not expecting an invitation of any sort at all.]

... I can make time.

[For you.]

There are a lot of things about myself I don't know. My favorite movies, my favorite food, my favorite color... my favorite holidays. I don't remember any of it. I don't like people feeling sorry for me, so I never bring it up. It's easier.

[He adjusts his jacket.]

But as long as you don't mind having me around, I don't mind working on the first thing, at least.

[The way Blade says that... he can hear the silent words. That he'll make time for Dan Heng. He's just going to ignore how he feels about that, which is definitely not warm. Definitely not.]

How fortunate that we're coming up on a string of holidays.

[His tone is dry, but there's faint amusement that can be heard. Though, the way Blade says that part about not minding having him around... Dan Heng doesn't think he can be his normal, reticent self about it. He's been around the other man enough to recognize low self-worth and self-esteem. Long knows he's guilty of the same.]

I think I can safely say that I like your company. [He very briefly contemplates watching the movie at the apartment and then kills that thought. For one, Xiao. For another, it's small enough to make it awkward with a third person who definitely isn't family.] Since you haven't told me otherwise, I suppose I'm driving to your place first to watch it with you.

[Last chance to back out and make it a different day, dog man.]

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