[There is no cry of alarm when the child hits the ground face first. He briefly wonders if he's hungrier than he thought because it isn't like him to be so clumsy. Then he realizes the cause - he's been had! And worse, the guy is probably some kind of onmyoji and he knows they're as protective of their secrets as anything, and that thing around his ankle must be a shikigami. Just his luck, caught like a rat in a trap!
He flattens his ears against his head, letting the wild mass of hair keep them covered, and if he keeps his mouth thoroughly shut, this guy probably won't see his fangs. Pass as human, return what he stole (it feels like some kind of jewelry), pray he's the sort who would prefer to protect a perfect scholarly image than punish a street urchin in broad daylight (he doubts it), and then he'll bolt for greener pastures where there, hopefully, aren't anymore onmyoji (you never know - they travel in packs).
Surreptitiously, he fishes the ring from his sleeve to give back so that he doesn't have to lose any of his other trinkets in a shakedown, meanwhile trying to make up an excuse as to why he's got this man's jewelry, and coming up short. Let's hope he's gullible.]
Show mercy, rich onii-san. I think something of yours got caught when I tripped.
[Please, please, please fall for it. He can only stare up with a face too stern for his short nine years! He has no puppy eyes to fall back on like the rest of the riffraff!]
[As the child hits the ground, Xie Lian winces. Why couldn't ruoye have grabbed him by the waist?? It's not like he wants to hurt the boy-just stop him from getting away!
Running over his eyes widen- as the haunting realization dawns on him. Stopping dead in his tracks, stricken with fear as his hands clutch his chest frantically feeling for his most precious ring, but to no avail. Yes indeed this child is holding up the only thing in this world or any other he would die for.
Approaching slowly, extending an open palm he waits for the ring to be placed back in his hand. Mind going in too many directions to really process what he's been told. The only words he can get out] Be gentle [His voice holds a soft commanding quality, much like an older sibling scolding a younger unruly brother. But the look in his light eyes tells a slightly different story-a mix between sadness and some other well hidden emotion. ] It's very important to me.
[For an instant, he looks almost contrite. The child has no care about he propensity for sticky fingers, but he at least feels a little bad he took something that held more than monetary value.
He carefully pushes the ring back into the stranger's outstretched palm, brows knit as he anticipates the other shoe dropping and how quickly he can beat a hasty retreat when it does.
Of course onlookers have thronged around to rubberneck, of course. What a headache.]
...Is it an heirloom?
[He tries to look innocently curious when he asks. It doesn't work very well, but he tries.]
[ A sense of relief washes over Xie Lian when the ring touches his palm. Grounding him and bringing his reeling mind back to the present. Taking the moment in completely, before placing the ring around his neck once more. Making extra sure to tuck it back under all those layers in case anyone else decides to finish the job.]
[Honey brown eyes glance towards the child, making direct eye contact- he wants to answer him, but he notices agency and maybe even some discomfort. It's understandable, afterall he's just been caught and now everyone and their brother thinks they're in for some kind of show. Well think again. A surge of heat swells through Xie Lian's chest, his voice hitches]
Is amusement that hard to come by here? [Do they all really have nothing better to do? Granted some great leisure to neglect all other duties and just stare. Ruoye still holds a grip on the child's ankle. A hushed gentle voice urges.] Please follow my lead. [ Xie Lian turns his back, shielding the boy from all those pressing eager eyes.
Not wanting to make the child unwelcome here in the future, he forces down his disdain for the useless onlookers. Bowing his head .] Please forgive the commotion, like all children, my brother here likes to play games and this one went too far. [His voice warm, stately and genuine. Raising his head a friendly smile on his lips. ] There's really nothing more here to see, if you'll excuse us.
1/2 (No worries and welcome back! I hope you're feeling bettew <3)
[As they stride away from the bewildered throng, the child playing the dutiful little brother (because heaven forefend that any onmyoji have his reputation tarnished by an urchin), he wonders if it is some misplaced altruism that drives the man, or if he just intends to take his revenge for the slight in private.]
If onii-sama is thinking of selling me, or beating me, or cooking me in soup, be forewarned...
[He turns to face him with a shrewd and chilly smile that doesn't belong on the face of any child.]
[As the two rush off he can't help but to blurt out] haha "rich" where do children come up with these things? [With not a cent to his name, he literally can't afford for people to think he's well off. How else will he explain asking for donations or scraps in the future? ]
2/2 Right after Medicine Seller's *ahem* threat xD
[If it was possible his jaw would have hit the ground right then and there with the boy's declaration of ludicrous claims. His eyes widen in shock and horror. Just what has this child been through exactly?! ] What do you take me for? Some kind of deranged criminal?! [And when did he become the one on trial here??] That's quite a lot of harsh assumptions, wouldn't you say? It seems that tongue isn't the only thing that's sharp in that mouth of yours? [Referencing those teeth he caught a quick glimpse of when he flashed that wicked little smirk. ]
[The child specifically hasn't had too terrible of a time of it. At least, he has it about as good as one can expect of a scrappy urchin in feudal Japan. But he has working eyes and ears - he hears things and sees things and has had enough near misses that he knows exactly what petty cruelties adults are capable of. All in all, when Xie Lian asks if the child takes him for a deranged criminal, the long, accusatory stare is all the affirmation needed.
Though the mention of his fangs has the child jerking his head to look away, reflexively covering his mouth with his hand to hide his fangs and what is definitely not a furious pout.]
...I know how to use those too...
[The child takes a deep breath, regaining his composure with practiced ease.]
Anyway, I am not the one throwing a shiki around in broad daylight.
[Disarmed. A soft chuckle escapes his lips. He can't help but to laugh at the child's indignant expression. The prospect of thinking he's more agitated with Xie Lian when clearly he made the first transgression is quite funny really.] You'd think I stole from you with that face. [Taking a deep breath to gain some composure. ]
I apologize if Ruoye scared you, it wasn't my intention for you to trip. Understand I only was stopping you from taking something very important. [Reaching into his sleeve] [ Had you picked this [revealing the plump steamed bun] I would've let you go.
[He shoots Ruoye a wretched look. Shameful thing, trading freedom to be some onmyoji's pet! He, however, is assured that he is much more clever than that, and will never be tamed.
His monotone takes a sullen edge to it, eyes falling to the ground.]
I did not mean to take something important though. I was just --
[Whatever he 'was just' is never spoken because Xie Lian has procured something much more valuable to the child than money or jewelry. Food.
He snaps his gaping jaw shut, but it's his stomach that betrays him, growling loudly at the smell. He looks away sharply. Don't pay it any mind! This guy is just going to taunt him with it and then eat it himself, and the child can't afford to show any more weakness.]
Hungry. [ Quietly finishing the sentence. Why does it seem, no matter where one may travel, there's no escaping this ? From the boy in the battered shrine to the young one back at Paradise Manor. All different people, trapped by various circumstances but affected the same way by the world. Disposable at worst and entertainment at best. It's sad really.
One would think that society would learn to grow and protect its most vulnerable, yet it never fails that when given the chance, most people simply don't care . Ruoye's grip goes limp from around the small ankle, before coiling back up, and taking its place on Xie Lian's forearm.
Breaking the boazi in two, releases a robust warm spicy fragrance into the air. The process is a bit messy, but he manages to keep most of the hearty filling inside with just a tiny bit dripping down his left hand. Gently extending his right hand forward offering the cleaner piece.] Here, take this, you can have more after you finish. [ His soft silvery voice is soothing and empathetic. He can't help but feel for the boy's plight, and even if it's the only food he's acquired in the last day, he simply can't watch the child go hungry.]
[The child freezes. Well, he was going to say 'looking for your money pouch' and get whatever punishment he had coming over and done with so he could scurry off and lick his wounds.
Pity works too, though. Sucker.
(As the child grows into adulthood, he'll be more inclined to see the injustice of it all, but as it stands now, all of this is simply normal for him. One does what they must to survive - that is how it is in the wild, and that is how it is among humans. At least the pickings were more abundant here in the heart of winter.)
He eyes the half of the baozi warily, skeptical of everything, even this apparent altruism before reaching with only the slightest hesitation to take it from Xie Lian's hand. Shockingly he doesn't just wolf it down, but rather stares seriously up at the other man.]
...Onii-san should eat the other half or he will go hungry.
[He says this because he has an acute sense of stranger danger and needs to be sure this sudden windfall isn't drugged, and definitely not because he feels a little bad for taking this kind person's food.]
[ With the growl he just heard explode from that stomach, absolutely not. Eyes close like moon crescents and a small smile appears. ]I won't go hungry, I ate before coming into town. This is just a leftover from lunch. [ Oh but how he wishes that statement was actually the truth. ] My favorite are the seafood filled ones with fresh salmon and the little[ mimicking someone picking a flower or blade of grass ] fresh pieces of ginger that they shape to look like hay. The garlic really helps enhance the natural flavors of the fish and it's great for reducing inflammation as well as ... [ stopping himself before he begins to make his own stomach start talking and bore this kid out of his mind about the benefits of specific vegetables all in the same breath. ]
Well, unfortunately the shop was out of them so I ended up with --[ eyebrows furrow and head tilts to the side ] wait what did I get?? [ Having got the bun as a form of payment in exchange for helping out the vendor, he really had no idea what he actually ended up with. The thought to check or ask never crossed his mind because food is food. Licking the fine trail of sauce that dripped down his hand causing his mouth to instantly salivate . ] Pork [ shaking his head ] that's definitely pork. It's very good too, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
[The child's expression barely changes more than a slight narrowing of the eyes, and yet the look he's giving Xie Lian can only be described as smug and accusatory.]
...Liar.
[And terrible at it too. Liars always love to talk, to say much more than needs to be said and this stranger just rambled a whole screed about salmon.
A perfunctory sniff of the bun doesn't yield any bitter scents that might indicate poison. The stranger was likely just putting on a brave face.
And if the child commits to memory that Xie Lian likes salmon bao with garlic and ginger the best, that's nobody's business but his own.]
Eat the other half. A city like this will swallow onii-san alive if he does not keep his strength up.
[As if a nine year old is one to talk. But then again, spring is right around the corner, and he knows how to make snares and nets, and soon he'll be feasting on plump hares, fat squirrels, drowsy fish and frogs, and fresh butterburr shoots. He knows how to survive - this stranger looks like a stiff wind could knock him over.]
[He wholeheartedly disagrees. Xie Lian did in fact eat before coming into town; it was just that it was two days ago. It's not a lie in his mind but more like a slight stretch. Being deceitful is not his intention but if the situation calls for it, he's not above resorting to white lies. Especially if the truth maybe more damaging then a small fabrication.
One eyebrow raises and his head quirks to the side at the accusatory statement] … What reason would I have to lie to you? [That childish expression may have aggravated him in his younger days, but at this point he's pretty used to all kinds of provocation. With the exception of a very irritating family member, most people, especially kids, can get away with quite a bit. ]
I can always get more. But I do appreciate your concern for me [ a polite smile ] however I can assure you, I'll be fine, besides your stomach sounds like it would appreciate it.
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no subject
He flattens his ears against his head, letting the wild mass of hair keep them covered, and if he keeps his mouth thoroughly shut, this guy probably won't see his fangs. Pass as human, return what he stole (it feels like some kind of jewelry), pray he's the sort who would prefer to protect a perfect scholarly image than punish a street urchin in broad daylight (he doubts it), and then he'll bolt for greener pastures where there, hopefully, aren't anymore onmyoji (you never know - they travel in packs).
Surreptitiously, he fishes the ring from his sleeve to give back so that he doesn't have to lose any of his other trinkets in a shakedown, meanwhile trying to make up an excuse as to why he's got this man's jewelry, and coming up short. Let's hope he's gullible.]
Show mercy, rich onii-san. I think something of yours got caught when I tripped.
[Please, please, please fall for it. He can only stare up with a face too stern for his short nine years! He has no puppy eyes to fall back on like the rest of the riffraff!]
no subject
Running over his eyes widen- as the haunting realization dawns on him. Stopping dead in his tracks, stricken with fear as his hands clutch his chest frantically feeling for his most precious ring, but to no avail. Yes indeed this child is holding up the only thing in this world or any other he would die for.
Approaching slowly, extending an open palm he waits for the ring to be placed back in his hand. Mind going in too many directions to really process what he's been told. The only words he can get out] Be gentle [His voice holds a soft commanding quality, much like an older sibling scolding a younger unruly brother. But the look in his light eyes tells a slightly different story-a mix between sadness and some other well hidden emotion. ] It's very important to me.
no subject
He carefully pushes the ring back into the stranger's outstretched palm, brows knit as he anticipates the other shoe dropping and how quickly he can beat a hasty retreat when it does.
Of course onlookers have thronged around to rubberneck, of course. What a headache.]
...Is it an heirloom?
[He tries to look innocently curious when he asks. It doesn't work very well, but he tries.]
1/2
2/2 Sorry for the delay! I was sick!!
Is amusement that hard to come by here?
[Do they all really have nothing better to do? Granted some great leisure to neglect all other duties and just stare. Ruoye still holds a grip on the child's ankle. A hushed gentle voice urges.] Please follow my lead. [ Xie Lian turns his back, shielding the boy from all those pressing eager eyes.
Not wanting to make the child unwelcome here in the future, he forces down his disdain for the useless onlookers. Bowing his head .] Please forgive the commotion, like all children, my brother here likes to play games and this one went too far. [His voice warm, stately and genuine. Raising his head a friendly smile on his lips. ] There's really nothing more here to see, if you'll excuse us.
1/2 (No worries and welcome back! I hope you're feeling bettew <3)
Yes, rich onii-sama and I were only playing.
2/2 cw: allusions to child trafficking and child abuse
If onii-sama is thinking of selling me, or beating me, or cooking me in soup, be forewarned...
[He turns to face him with a shrewd and chilly smile that doesn't belong on the face of any child.]
...I know where to kick.
1/2 right before they leave the crowd
2/2 Right after Medicine Seller's *ahem* threat xD
What do you take me for? Some kind of deranged criminal?! [And when did he become the one on trial here??] That's quite a lot of harsh assumptions, wouldn't you say? It seems that tongue isn't the only thing that's sharp in that mouth of yours? [Referencing those teeth he caught a quick glimpse of when he flashed that wicked little smirk. ]
no subject
Though the mention of his fangs has the child jerking his head to look away, reflexively covering his mouth with his hand to hide his fangs
and what is definitely not a furious pout.]...I know how to use those too...
[The child takes a deep breath, regaining his composure with practiced ease.]
Anyway, I am not the one throwing a shiki around in broad daylight.
no subject
I apologize if Ruoye scared you, it wasn't my intention for you to trip. Understand I only was stopping you from taking something very important. [Reaching into his sleeve] [ Had you picked this [revealing the plump steamed bun] I would've let you go.
no subject
[He shoots Ruoye a wretched look. Shameful thing, trading freedom to be some onmyoji's pet! He, however, is assured that he is much more clever than that, and will never be tamed.
His monotone takes a sullen edge to it, eyes falling to the ground.]
I did not mean to take something important though. I was just --
[Whatever he 'was just' is never spoken because Xie Lian has procured something much more valuable to the child than money or jewelry. Food.
He snaps his gaping jaw shut, but it's his stomach that betrays him, growling loudly at the smell. He looks away sharply. Don't pay it any mind! This guy is just going to taunt him with it and then eat it himself, and the child can't afford to show any more weakness.]
CW Hungry Children
One would think that society would learn to grow and protect its most vulnerable, yet it never fails that when given the chance, most people simply don't care . Ruoye's grip goes limp from around the small ankle, before coiling back up, and taking its place on Xie Lian's forearm.
Breaking the boazi in two, releases a robust warm spicy fragrance into the air. The process is a bit messy, but he manages to keep most of the hearty filling inside with just a tiny bit dripping down his left hand. Gently extending his right hand forward offering the cleaner piece.] Here, take this, you can have more after you finish. [ His soft silvery voice is soothing and empathetic. He can't help but feel for the boy's plight, and even if it's the only food he's acquired in the last day, he simply can't watch the child go hungry.]
no subject
Pity works too, though. Sucker.
(As the child grows into adulthood, he'll be more inclined to see the injustice of it all, but as it stands now, all of this is simply normal for him. One does what they must to survive - that is how it is in the wild, and that is how it is among humans. At least the pickings were more abundant here in the heart of winter.)
He eyes the half of the baozi warily, skeptical of everything, even this apparent altruism before reaching with only the slightest hesitation to take it from Xie Lian's hand. Shockingly he doesn't just wolf it down, but rather stares seriously up at the other man.]
...Onii-san should eat the other half or he will go hungry.
[He says this because he has an acute sense of stranger danger and needs to be sure this sudden windfall isn't drugged, and definitely not because he feels a little bad for taking this kind person's food.]
no subject
Well, unfortunately the shop was out of them so I ended up with --[ eyebrows furrow and head tilts to the side ] wait what did I get?? [ Having got the bun as a form of payment in exchange for helping out the vendor, he really had no idea what he actually ended up with. The thought to check or ask never crossed his mind because food is food. Licking the fine trail of sauce that dripped down his hand causing his mouth to instantly salivate . ] Pork [ shaking his head ] that's definitely pork. It's very good too, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
no subject
...Liar.
[And terrible at it too. Liars always love to talk, to say much more than needs to be said and this stranger just rambled a whole screed about salmon.
A perfunctory sniff of the bun doesn't yield any bitter scents that might indicate poison. The stranger was likely just putting on a brave face.
And if the child commits to memory that Xie Lian likes salmon bao with garlic and ginger the best, that's nobody's business but his own.]Eat the other half. A city like this will swallow onii-san alive if he does not keep his strength up.
[As if a nine year old is one to talk. But then again, spring is right around the corner, and he knows how to make snares and nets, and soon he'll be feasting on plump hares, fat squirrels, drowsy fish and frogs, and fresh butterburr shoots. He knows how to survive - this stranger looks like a stiff wind could knock him over.]
no subject
white lies.Especially if the truth maybe more damaging then a small fabrication.One eyebrow raises and his head quirks to the side at the accusatory statement]
…
What reason would I have to lie to you?
[That childish expression may have aggravated him in his younger days, but at this point he's pretty used to all kinds of provocation. With the exception of a very irritating family member, most people, especially kids, can get away with quite a bit. ]
I can always get more. But I do appreciate your concern for me [ a polite smile ] however I can assure you, I'll be fine, besides your stomach sounds like it would appreciate it.