[ Thankfully these devices alert to who is making the call, because his response to a stranger phoning in would be vastly different than knowing Shen Qingqiu is reaching out to him. A fact which brings questions to mind, even if he's answering before Binghe has time to dwell long on all the reasons why this is happening now. ]
Shizun?
[ Speaking not too close or too far from the device, there's an unasked inquiry giving an added weight to Luo Binghe's voice. A near tangible level of concern over whether something has gone wrong enough to prompt a level of contact they've not had before. ]
[ When you accidentally frighten your disciple because you decided to call instead of text: a saga of also hoping Luo Binghe never figured out how to backread on his device to learn what Shen Qingqiu sent when he was, well, dead. ]
Binghe. Yes, everything is [ unresolved? ] fine. I was calling with a question. Would you be willing to spar with a martial god? I'd hazard a guess he'd be at least a passing challenge, even if he has limitations on his use of spiritual energy.
[ The icy grip of fear sending a chill through his veins wanes soon as he knows that this isn't a dire call for urgent aid or to pass last goodbyes his way. Yet it's something recent events of battle and bloodshed have left Binghe suffering, this paranoid expectation he may one day receive such a call for help he cannot give. A fact that's grown deep enough roots to cause his hair-trigger response; all coiled fear and apprehension now melting like ice come springtime. ]
Shizun can always ask me anything he'd like.
[ An open invitation for future discussions he feels they've yet to have but may need. ]
A god? [ That's enough to shock even him, but not discourage. ] If you wish me to.
[ Binghe's most recent battles have been out of necessity, including the one that had left him in a crystal casket and his master suffering scars unseen by anything but the heart. Still, if it's a bit of training with someone Shen Qingqiu has suggesting he cross swords with, Binghe won't deny the request for the sole reason of who has made it. ]
Will you be there to lend a hand in case this one runs out of energy?
[ There's a smile in his voice, and ah, of course; he has so much faith, and it's tempered and aware and not failing, but too aware of what can't be taken for granted in this world, with this man.
Or he thinks he's aware now. And in many respects, he's correct. In others, he is not. ]
This one plans to be in attendance for both parties, yes, but suspects he need only be on hand for you, Binghe. Most likely Shi Qingxuan will be persuaded to act as Xie Lian's similar assistance, as they're good friends.
[ A selfish little corner of his mind alights with joy at the knowledge that whatever holds Shen Qingqiu may offer up for the event, those are kept tucked away for him alone on this particular occasion. Unfortunately, the whole of him wants those the very moment they're promised to come. But how can he claim rewards without earning them? It's less possible still when those come in the form of aided recovery in the aftermath of a pre-planned skirmish.
So Binghe swallows down the tightness in his throat at the idea of arms around him, trimmed by the voice he now hears that lingers with an audible smile. Something he can all too easily imagine echoing as they're pressed together, chest to chest in a healing hold, with the whisper of Shen Qingqiu's words in his ear. ]
Perhaps we should elevate my levels before the sparring as well?
[ It sounds like an innocent suggestion, but if it means more contact then Binghe isn't above hoping he'll be lucky enough to soak up Shen Qingqiu's touch twice in a single day. Such a thing might kill him from the joy of it all. Or hold the potential for being a constant distraction when swinging swords come into play. But he's willing to take the risk. ]
Shizun only needs to let this one know whenever it would be best to plan for this.
[ He leaves that decision up to those who have come up with the idea, ready and willing to oblige whenever the others involved could gather. ]
[ Sly, Binge, sly. As it is, Shen Qingqiu finds himself quirking his eyebrows, a flicker of worry burning in his chest. ]
It's not ill advised, but Binghe... how are your Chroma levels right now?
[ There's no mystery behind Shen Qingqiu's worries on this point, or his tendency to lecture over it, and it's unlikely to stop being that way for... ever, at this rate. Look, e's got reasons for it! Big, dying, bloody reasons for it! ]
The when is something you and he are better meant to converse over without this old man [ who is seven hundred plus years younger than Xie Lian, but details ] standing in the middle conveying words.
[ If you like him sly, then how do you feel about your Binghe slightly teasing you in such a way to prompt a response? He'd prefer a positive one, but beggars and chooser, you know the saying. ]
If Shizun is worried he's welcome to stop by and examine this disciple's health for himself.
[ How paternal of you, ushering him off to actually interact with others. He doesn't miss the gentle nudge for him to be more social, though old habits die so hard he's still prone to bristling at the idea of making small talk with anyone that isn't Shen Qingqiu. Something he's working on, slowly but surely. ]
Then this one will, soon as he can. I'll relay that information to Shizun once I have it.
[ For a moment, his mouth opens, and words are frozen on his lips. Concern? Yes, he feels that. Irritation? It comes not long after, because that's fucking transparent, Luo Binghe! Also it's not! Funny! No fucking teasing about this, you trainwreck of a protagonist!
He speaks with light tone that hints at is lack of appreciation for his sly Binghe teasing, even if he's glad, at the same time, they can talk like this in this bizarre world. He... missed the easy moments before he'd done what the System asked. And the years after... they hadn't been the same.
It's nice. Weird, and nice. ]
Has your memory for the importance of knowing your chroma levels as intimately as your... others............................
[ He trails off, struck by a thought and just... ]
You haven't experienced any issues with siphoning extra energy, have you?
[ How balanced is everything staying, does something need to be worked out before your energies try to go nuclear someday, because Binghe, you seem like the guy who'd conceal don't feel even when you really! Need! To! Reveal!
(Says the kettle, regarding the black coating on the pot.) ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Shizun?
[ Speaking not too close or too far from the device, there's an unasked inquiry giving an added weight to Luo Binghe's voice. A near tangible level of concern over whether something has gone wrong enough to prompt a level of contact they've not had before. ]
...Is everything alright?
no subject
Binghe. Yes, everything is [ unresolved? ] fine. I was calling with a question. Would you be willing to spar with a martial god? I'd hazard a guess he'd be at least a passing challenge, even if he has limitations on his use of spiritual energy.
no subject
Shizun can always ask me anything he'd like.
[ An open invitation for future discussions he feels they've yet to have but may need. ]
A god? [ That's enough to shock even him, but not discourage. ] If you wish me to.
[ Binghe's most recent battles have been out of necessity, including the one that had left him in a crystal casket and his master suffering scars unseen by anything but the heart. Still, if it's a bit of training with someone Shen Qingqiu has suggesting he cross swords with, Binghe won't deny the request for the sole reason of who has made it. ]
Will you be there to lend a hand in case this one runs out of energy?
no subject
Or he thinks he's aware now. And in many respects, he's correct. In others, he is not. ]
This one plans to be in attendance for both parties, yes, but suspects he need only be on hand for you, Binghe. Most likely Shi Qingxuan will be persuaded to act as Xie Lian's similar assistance, as they're good friends.
no subject
So Binghe swallows down the tightness in his throat at the idea of arms around him, trimmed by the voice he now hears that lingers with an audible smile. Something he can all too easily imagine echoing as they're pressed together, chest to chest in a healing hold, with the whisper of Shen Qingqiu's words in his ear. ]
Perhaps we should elevate my levels before the sparring as well?
[ It sounds like an innocent suggestion, but if it means more contact then Binghe isn't above hoping he'll be lucky enough to soak up Shen Qingqiu's touch twice in a single day. Such a thing might kill him from the joy of it all. Or hold the potential for being a constant distraction when swinging swords come into play. But he's willing to take the risk. ]
Shizun only needs to let this one know whenever it would be best to plan for this.
[ He leaves that decision up to those who have come up with the idea, ready and willing to oblige whenever the others involved could gather. ]
I'll be sure to show up.
no subject
It's not ill advised, but Binghe... how are your Chroma levels right now?
[ There's no mystery behind Shen Qingqiu's worries on this point, or his tendency to lecture over it, and it's unlikely to stop being that way for... ever, at this rate. Look, e's got reasons for it! Big, dying, bloody reasons for it! ]
The when is something you and he are better meant to converse over without this old man [ who is seven hundred plus years younger than Xie Lian, but details ] standing in the middle conveying words.
no subject
[ If you like him sly, then how do you feel about your Binghe slightly teasing you in such a way to prompt a response? He'd prefer a positive one, but beggars and chooser, you know the saying. ]
If Shizun is worried he's welcome to stop by and examine this disciple's health for himself.
[ How paternal of you, ushering him off to actually interact with others. He doesn't miss the gentle nudge for him to be more social, though old habits die so hard he's still prone to bristling at the idea of making small talk with anyone that isn't Shen Qingqiu. Something he's working on, slowly but surely. ]
Then this one will, soon as he can. I'll relay that information to Shizun once I have it.
no subject
He speaks with light tone that hints at is lack of appreciation for his sly Binghe teasing, even if he's glad, at the same time, they can talk like this in this bizarre world. He... missed the easy moments before he'd done what the System asked. And the years after... they hadn't been the same.
It's nice. Weird, and nice. ]
Has your memory for the importance of knowing your chroma levels as intimately as your... others............................
[ He trails off, struck by a thought and just... ]
You haven't experienced any issues with siphoning extra energy, have you?
[ How balanced is everything staying, does something need to be worked out before your energies try to go nuclear someday, because Binghe, you seem like the guy who'd conceal don't feel even when you really! Need! To! Reveal!
(Says the kettle, regarding the black coating on the pot.) ]
As for the rest, this one thanks you.