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Wise sits on a small foldable chair deep in the heart of Suibian Temple, idly gazing at the sky and scenery as night befell once more.
After the latest updates with the investigation in Waifei, it was safe to assume that everyone was tired, and deserved a well earned break. So, after hearty food and shared laughter for one night, the team had chosen to retire to their own duties for now.
Except for one fairly new member.
Eyes fluttering as the evening sky blends into a bitter blue hue, the unexpected sight of another chair joining his space wakes him up a little.
The stocky construct, Banyue, sets down the furniture lightly, giving Wise a pleased glance.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you?"
Wise sits up, adjusting his posture. "No no, not at all. I’m glad to have some company, actually."
Following his eyes, Banyue looks to the sky too, arms crossed.
"I noticed you were here alone. Is something troubling you?"
Wise waves lazily before himself.
"No, I'm just.. thinking."
Banyue hums, tail giving a brief and low swish against the cold ground.
"May I ask about what, exactly?"
Wise looks at him, but the lion seems fixated on the sky still. He rests his head on his hand.
"Nothing in particular. Just everything that’s happened, I guess. I'm always super tired after missions like these." Wise focuses his attention, salesman attitude taking the front again. “But nevermind that, did you need me for something?”
“Hm? No, of course not. I have nothing to ask of you at this hour.” Sounding genuinely confused by Wise’s insinuation, he then adds, “I suppose I’m merely checking on you.”
“Checking on me?”
Banyue’s tail flicks briskly to and fro, before settling beside himself. He looks forlorn, distracted. “I.. felt bad, about how the mission went. Suffice to say, it wasn’t my.." He looks down. “Ideal outcome. Consider it an apology.”
Wise tilts his head. “I’m afraid I don’t understand.”
Banyue looks up at this, and he seems to get more comfortable. “Well, between the upbringing and subsequent reveal of my past, and brash actions during the investigation, I can’t help feel I‘ve made you worry. More than you already need to.” He shakes his head. “So, if I have, I want to tell you that it wasn’t, and never was my intention.“
Finally getting the full picture now, Wise stretches. “You’re more than fine. This job is never easy.” He smiles in his reply. Banyue glances away. “I don’t blame you for anything, no hard feelings. Trust me. I'm glad you're alright."
Wise slouches in his chair, listening to the rhythmic sounds of shifting water.
“I recall you saying you were tired.” A faint laugh emits from Banyue’s voicebox. “May I suggest you go to sleep earlier? Stargazing is nice, but feeling well rested is too.”
Wise snickers at his recommendation, “You might be onto something there.. but I’m fine. I can sleep in tomorrow since everything’s been wrapped up for now.”
Surprisingly, Banyue leaves it alone. “Makes enough sense.” before piping up with another question. “I recall you saying something about company a moment ago. Not a fan of crowds?”
“.. Is it obvious?”
“Surprisingly not.” He redirects his gaze, falling undoubtedly on the Proxy before him. “Your friends say you aren’t the biggest fan of socialising.”
Wise snaps a finger, “That I am not.” leaning back again. “I can do it, but I don’t like doing it for hours on end. Makes me feel gross.”
“I see..”
Yet again, the construct’s tail swishes behind him.
“In that case, would you mind accompanying me to watch the stars tomorrow night then?"
Wise stares blankly, dumbfounded. He suddenly feels very warm despite the air being crisp and cold.
“You.. like stargazing, Banyue?”
“I do. It’s been a while since I have. It’s always nicer with more people. I know a nice spot for it. Rest assured, no one else will attend."
Wise finds the words and breath escaping him for a second, before they return.
".. Yeah, that’d be nice. Just tell me when to be there.“
“I was thinking an hour or two after everyone’s gone, if that’s alright with you?”
“Works for me.”
Moonlight shimmers on the shifting waters, and Wise is hit with sudden exhaustion he can’t ignore. He stands and waves.
“I should probably get going.. never know what tomorrow brings, y’know?”
He dusts himself off, stretching and yawning. Banyue rises as well, before stopping when Wise strides before him.
“I’m gonna head to bed now. Thanks for staying with me.”
For a man of many words, Banyue finds himself lacking them.
“Of course, anytime.“ Is what he says.
Just when Banyue thinks they’re both to retire for the night, two warm arms encircle his waist in a hug. He peers down, rather incredulous.
“Proxy?"
Just like that, he pulls away, a tired smile plastered on his face. For a small moment, Banyue regrets not returning the gesture when he could.
“I don’t know if you need to sleep, so if not, then I hope you have a good night.”
Wise packs up his things, waving. “But if you do, then sleep tight. Don’t forget about me tomorrow.”
He then disappears behind the temple walls, echoing footsteps fading along with him.
He departs before Banyue can answer. Banyue, who was now standing, alone and wordless. An odd warmth clouds his internal systems that makes him sink into thought.
Tail entertaining a constant rhythm, he leaves his things where they are, in a better mood than before.
Banyue leaves the same way Wise does not too long after, and stops before the archway to see him slipping through the temple doors, the warm orange light from his room turning him a pretty pastel color before he vanishes, off to sleep hopefully.
Seeing the Proxy comfortable and happy grants him a kind of peace he can't quite place. But he welcomes it anyhow.
“I won't forget.” He whispers, before sauntering off to somewhere before a railing with a nice view, letting the glow of the water entertain him while he surrenders to his thoughts.
I must admit, I've grown rather fond of you.