ic inbox, ryslig.

[daozhangs]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, XIAO.XINGCHEN. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 018.07.154.55 *** XIAO.XINGCHEN has joined 018.07.154.55 <XIAO.XINGCHEN> You have reached Xiao Xingchen. <XIAO.XINGCHEN> I am often away from my laptop, but I will do my best to answer as soon as I'm able.

Comments

[daozhangs]

( a predictable question, just as predictable as the fact that xingchen's proper answer would leave him no more satisfied than he is now. and so, after a pause, )

I suppose that finding a means for you to sustain yourself without having to kill is just as important to me as it is to you.

( the truth, even if only a facet of it. )

Is it not the simplest solution?

[legbreakings]

It would be the simplest solution. But I don't want to be a burden to you. You should not have to concern yourself with my feeding.

[daozhangs]

You aren't a burden, and you know as much. How many times shall we loop through this same disagreement? You, telling me what is or isn't my duty or concern as if such a thing ever stops me, anymore - and then me, telling you again that nothing I do on your behalf comes from debt or duty or feeling as though I have to, and hoping that this time you might actually manage to take it to heart.

[legbreakings]

Does it surprise you that we must?

I can't let you risk coming to harm simply to make my life easier. There is always a chance I won't be able to stop, though with my feeding mechanisms being on my hands it should be easier to force me.

[daozhangs]

You wouldn't allow yourself to harm me.

I'm quite confident in that, so I recommend against wasting breath attempting to convince me otherwise.

[legbreakings]

You know what we are all capable of when the hunger overtakes us.

I would rather trust in your combat skills than in my own self-control.

[daozhangs]

Trust in those as well, then. I'm more than capable of protecting myself, if the need arises.

[legbreakings]

See that you use your skills if it becomes necessary. I don't want to be responsible for damage that could have been avoided. I have done enough damage here that couldn't stopped.

[daozhangs]

So you accept?

[legbreakings]

You offer me a way out. It would be irresponsible to refuse it, wouldn't it? Even my pride isn't boundless.

[daozhangs]

I'm glad for it.

I've done a bit of research, and were I entirely human, I'd be able able to spare a pint of blood per five or six days and still offer enough for . There are less-than-ideal long term effects, but seeing as I'm not entirely human and heal with each fog, that shouldn't be an issue.

If it is, we'll address that when it comes.

[legbreakings]

[ ??? ]

You have thought about this a lot.

[ That's putting it mildly. ]

[daozhangs]

I have.

[legbreakings]

I won't refuse your offer. It is very generous and I owe you a great debt of gratitude for it.

[ Even if he dislikes owing anyone, or relying on anyone. But this is not about him or his pride. ]

[daozhangs]

Repay me by never again claiming to owe me. I seek neither your debt nor your gratitude.

[legbreakings]

How can I not feel like I owe you both?

I owe you both for what you are doing for me. It is the least I can offer in return, in a place where I have nothing else to offer.

[daozhangs]

You truly wish to repay me?

[legbreakings]

Of course!

Not because I consider it a transaction. There can be no price be put to what you are offering to do for me. Simply because it is the right thing to do.

[ And because he doesn't like owing anyone, too. But it is the right thing. ]

[daozhangs]

In such a case, do me the equally priceless favor of believing me in the following:

In this, as is almost always the case, I seek only your happiness.

I know such a thing is impossible here. I’ve never quite gotten the hang of setting reasonable goals.

[legbreakings]

What you are doing is setting yourself up for disappointment then. But I appreciate the gesture for what it is.

[ He just... isn't someone who can simply say thank you and move on. He's bad at thank yous anyway. ]

[daozhangs]

It’s not a disappointment. Once in a while, I succeed.

You’ll tell me when you’d like to attempt to feed? I wonder if it wouldn’t be smarter to make the attempt during the fog.

[legbreakings]

It would. It should permit us both to heal as needed. And I'm not feeling the hunger yet so it should be easier to.keep from losing control.

[daozhangs]

Precisely my thoughts.

If my estimate is correct, the fog should linger for four more days.

[legbreakings]

Tomorrow? That leaves time for healing.

[daozhangs]

Tomorrow, then. I’ll come to you?