Wahahaha, how cute! [ he tells the store owner. ] These look delicious!
[ Servants only needed mana to survive — in this world, chroma — but Yan Qing takes care not to eat the cupcakes until he is home. He couldn't look too happy where others could see him. He's tasted the finest dishes and tightened rope around his stomach, but no one needs to know why or how his smile reaches his eyes when he takes a bite. It is delicious, of course, but after all that has happened lifetimes before, he is grateful.
The night after, Elmott gets a knock on his window. Or... wherever Elmott sleeps. No, Elmott didn't tell Yan Qing where he lives. He just knows because he's a fucking shady guy who shakes bystanders down for info. ]
Heeeey! You awake?
[He bangs the window with his fist, ready to wake up the neighbors if Elmott doesn't get up the first time.]
[ a thank you text would have been fine??? why this.
fortunately (or unfortunately), elmott is a light sleeper, so when yan qing starts knocking on his window, he's up before anyone else can start freaking out about a shady guy on his balcony in the middle of the night. there's the familiar scowl on his face, though it's less menacing and more resigned at this point. ]
The hell're you doin' out there? [ yq probably can't really hear him at the moment but whatever. he pulls the glass door open and steps aside to let yan qing in. ] Ain't anyone teach ya how to use the door?
[Texting is far too impersonal! Yan Qing slides into Elmott's apartment without a fuss, not moving too far in despite the cold weather.]
Sorry, it's a habit of mine. Anyway! [His hands on his hips move behind his back, and he starts shyly kicking at the floor.] Uh, so... I gotcha something as thanks for the cupcakes yesterday, they were good and stuff. And like, we're not gonna stay here for long 'cause we both got worlds to go back to or something, so we gotta make the most of our time here and, um. Something something, holiday spirit.
[ yan qing looks uncharacteristically nervous and it makes elmott a little nervous too, as he tries not to focus on the way he's kicking at the floor. he wasn't expecting yan qing to give him anything back, or even acknowledge it at all — something something holiday spirit, he guesses. ]
'S fine, [ he says, moving over to sit at the couch next to the door so he's not awkwardly standing around feeling like a dumbass. ] You didn't have to get me anythin' either, you know.
[ yan qing's not wrong about them both having places to go back to. maybe that's the real reason why he got him something to begin with; making connections was a concept he never placed much thought in before, but it's sort of changed his life enough that he's come to realize how important they are, no matter how brief they may be. ]
[That's a positive reaction, right? It's a bit embarrassing to be so unlike himself, but if Elmott's going to help him cut to the chase, that makes things easier. Yan Qing follows quickly, plopping onto the couch as he regains his composure.]
Nah, don't be like that! See, I never let myself owe anybody anything, [he says with a grin. Nothing in this world is free. Yan Qing knows that much.] And I can't just put things off. After everything's done, there probably won't be a next time... Well, we haven't known each other that long, but I thought about it aaaand I gotcha this!
[Finally, he shows Elmott what he's been hiding: a small, red cylinder that fits perfectly in his grip.]
[ the not wanting to owe anybody anything. elmott can respect that, which is why he takes that small, red cylinder, turning it around in his hands. what is it? can he open it?? is it a flashlight??? a dildo???? a flashing dildo????? ]
[The moment Elmott takes it, it turns into a golden-tipped staff. Surprise! The surprise is for Yan Qing, who deflects the weapon when he nearly gets stabbed in the chest with it.]
Woah, watch where you point that thing. I didn't buy it to make a killer outta you, alright?
[ elmott wasn't expecting the thing to extend either, quickly moving it out of the way with a shit, sorry once yan qing deflects the end of it.
it's fancier than what he's used to, he's only ever had his staff and lantern for as far as he can remember. but it's a good weight, balanced and easy to handle. ]
Getting me a weapon for the holidays, huh... [ there's a lopsided smile on his face as he pushes one end down, bringing it back to its previous size. ] You tryna tell me something?
[Elmott's giving him a better reaction than he expected. Most people would question his choice of gifts — with good reason! But if he can get a smile out of someone, that's good enough. Satisfied, Yan Qing shrugs as he leans back, his arm on the backrest.]
I ain't sayin' you ain't a great mage, El. I just don't want you getting your ass kicked. That staff of yours is hard to carry around, yeah? Think of this one as backup. Do you know how to use it?
[ listen, not all of us are blessed to be legendary martial artists, ok. he spins the new staff around his fingers idly, frowning a little. ]
It's not that bad, I'm used to it. [ yq isn't wrong that it does get in the way sometimes, especially now that he's in a city like this one rather than the ship back home. ] I was gonna treat it like the one I've been using, unless it's got some special stuff I don't know about.
[ where did yan qing even get this anyway? should he be concerned about walking around out in the open with this thing?? ]
[That doubt is totally understandable, but it's okay. Yan Qing would never do anything wr—okay he did steal it. So Elmott might want to punch him when he says,]
Don't sweat about the small stuff! I got it as a gift. Figured you need it more than I do. [His smile is hard to believe. Anyway, it's not stealing if you take it from a bad guy. Come on.] It ain't fancy, but you could do a few tricks with it. Like the Monkey King!
[ he has no idea who the monkey king is, but he has seen a few staff-users doing cool stuff. wasn't there a monkey girl on the ship? andira, or something? ]
Alright. Since you know what you're doing, why don't you show me how it's done?
[Stealing is such a strong word. Also, he can't believe Elmott wouldn't trust him with something like this! But since it's true, he's not even offended. He's not going to confirm it, though.
Yan Qing scans the apartment, measuring the size of it as he pictures the maneuvers he's about to do and... Yeah, this isn't going to work out. He rubs his chin as he pretends to think about this more deeply than he already has. In reality, he's using it as an excuse to look around. It's sparsely decorated; is that something Elmott's also used to? Finally, as if something finally clicked, he grins.]
Okay!
[Much like the aforementioned Monkey King, he grabs Elmott by the waist, carries him out the window, and starts climbing up the apartment complex. This is not weird at all.]
[ no he just knows his bullshit, like how he can guess that yan qing is checking out his apartment rather than really putting that much thought into it. elmott doesn't really have very many possessions, he's used to travelling light as part of djeeta's crew, so the sparse decor doesn't really bother him much.
what does is the way yan qing suddenly grabs him, carrying him out of the window to start scaling the building. ]
The fuck — [ they're fairly high up and he makes the mistake of looking down at the staggering drop below, immediately squeezing his eyes shut. ] Use the damn elevator, asshole!
[ his voice hardly carries over the wind rushing past them, holding on to yan qing tightly as he tries to keep still. he doesn't think yan qing would drop him, but give a guy some warning next time?? ]
Relax! Live a little! [He climbs up a floor each time he leaps from balcony to balcony.] Uh, and don't look down. When people panic, it makes me wanna drop 'em.
[Things he probably shouldn't say when the fear is real. He pauses halfway through the climb to ask a question:]
And not appreciate the view? Damn, you're no fun. Well, nothing but stars to see, but I guess some people ain't into that...
[He keeps climbing.
A chilly breeze blows across the rooftop, blanketed in a thin sheet of snow. Once Yan Qing is away from the edge and has both feet planted firmly on the floor, he gently sets Elmott down and takes off his jacket to place it around the Erune's shoulders. It's easier for him to move around without it, and he's aware Elmott wasn't exactly prepared for an impromptu excursion in this weather.
yes he's wearing a shirt he's not a heathen]
Alright, here we are! [He brushes the snow off Elmott's bangs, adjusts the jacket to cover as much skin as it can, and gives Elmott's face a firm pat.] Don't fall for me, that's not why we're here. Now I'll be borrowing this for a minute!
[And he snatches the staff before Elmott can say anything.]
No one said I wasn't. [ he huffs, pressing his face against yan qing's shoulder to save it from getting buffeted by the wind. ] I can appreciate it at the top.
[ elmott wasn't prepared for going up to the roof, so he's only in a thin shirt and sweatpants. thankfully, he tends to run warm anyway, only gritting his teeth a little when his feet touch the cold concrete of the building. he's about to refuse the jacket yan qing gives him, but snaps his mouth shut when he sees the other man is actually wearing a shirt this time. cool.
he does grumble a little at his fussing, though. ]
Hey, can it, alright? [ he moves his face away when yan qing pats him, pulling the jacket tighter around his shoulders like wants it to swallow him up. his cheeks are pink, but he's hoping yq won't notice. ] Come on. Weren't you gonna show me?
[Yan Qing saunters a safe distance away, extending the staff with his chroma and twirling it around and behind his back in one fluid motion. He's too up his own ass to notice anything for sure, but he's also the guy who keeps glancing behind him to see if Elmott's watching. There's no point in this if he's not! He likes the validation.]
Sounds like someone's excited to watch me play with his long, hard thing. [God. Make him shut up.] Can't say I blame ya. I'm pretty good at that!
[He thrusts the staff into the roof. It cracks. Yan Qing grips the free end of the staff and pulls himself up, feet in the air as his steady, effortless handstand wedges the metal further into the concrete. He holds the acrobatic feat for a moment to let it sink in. His balance is perfect — a condition only achieved through hard work and discipline. And then, he is a tornado. His legs sweep away his imaginary enemies before he is back on the ground. The staff slips out of the concrete cracks without so much as a strained grunt from him, creating scarlet waves and circles from the afterimage of his attacks. He thrusts at an opponent at the front, jabs at an opponent behind him, and another low sweeping kick—
Wait, he's missing something.]
Oh yeah, and your staff's like on fire for this entire time. Hah!
[He rolls with the grace of a swan as he leaps back onto his feet and into fighting position. It's absolutely ridiculous.]
[ yes, he's watching. he couldn't look away even if he wanted to — yan qing has this thing about him that always commands his attention. maybe it's the way he holds himself like he expects people to be watching, or his charm and charisma; sometimes elmott finds himself caught between wanting to be like that and wanting him in a way, even if that's a thought that's best left alone. mostly, he still doesn't understand why the guy is still talking to him.
but anyway, elmott's expression is the flattest its ever been to what yq says, and he's thankful when he starts doing what they came up here to do. he's already gotten a taste of yan qing's skill back at the ramen shop that one time, and while that was impressive already, it doesn't really hold a candle to this. it's absolutely ridiculous (who the fuck does a handstand on the top of a pole anyway?), but it's also really cool, and elmott's cheeks burn a little hotter the longer he watches. ]
Ya sure you don't wanna keep it instead? [ it's a lame attempt at a joke and there's a smile on his face despite his embarrassment. ] You look pretty comfortable already.
[Yan Qing chuckles and shoves his hands in his pockets, walking back the same way he left. It's easy to be around Elmott. It never feels like he looks down on Yan Qing for what he says or what he is. Maybe that's why he doesn't mind the man's company. But sometimes he thinks he might be getting carried away. Elmott's going to get tired of him someday...]
Nah, don't need it. [He's a Heroic Spirit. Magical ghosts don't need weapons! The staff shrinks to the size of a small baton, and he tosses back to Elmott. Catch!] It's yours! But I don't mind teaching ya if you want. Come on, let's get back. [His smile is sheepish.] Sorry about dragging you out here.
[ he catches it with one hand and twirls it in a more contained spin than what yan qing was doing earlier, extending back out until it reaches the same length as the staff back in his apartment. elmott lacks the proper core strength to do handstands with it or any of that spinning stuff, but he can light it on fire.
arson link regulates his flames, providing a conduit where he can channel his magic into. this new one operates in sort of the same way as he feeds his chroma into it, glowing a bright red in response as both ends light up. when he brings down one end onto the roof, a large ripple of fire rushes out across the concrete, burning away the snow and ice that had gathered earlier. yan qing won't feel anything but a bit of warmth as the flames lick over his feet. ]
I'll hold onto it, then. Thanks. [ he looks satisfied when the staff shrinks back down again, and he tucks it into his pocket. ] And don't worry about it. We're going down the elevator this time, though.
[ he doesn't care what yq says, he's making his way over to the fire escape and back to the top floor to take the elevator down. ]
[Yan Qing's met a few mages, but no one had quite the same control over the flames as Elmott did. The feats of Servants are different. The way Yan Qing sees it, ears aside, Elmott seems to be no different from a human. The snow melts in an instant, and a breathless word of awe and wonder escapes him. The flames don't hurt. Is that Elmott's doing, too?
In a better mood, Yan Qing follows him bavk into the building, smiling all the while. Elmott was already cool, but it's nice to know he's consistent.]
You sure you don't want me to carry you? Wouldn't want your feet to get cold! [He's just looking for an excuse.]
[ it's just some lame little parlor trick, the kind of magic he'd show the kids back home. but he doesn't miss the way yan qing looks at him, which doesn't help abate the flush on his cheeks at all.
elmott picks up the pace, nearly taking the stairs two at a time in an effort to stay ahead of him and jams his finger onto the call button for the elevator. ]
What, you carrying me all the way up here wasn't enough for you?
[Elmott's behavior has Yan Qing nearly reaching out every two seconds. He wonders what Elmott's rushing for. After casting those fire spells, is he really so cold that he needs to go back?]
Yeah, I guess I was hoping for a little more action.
[In the most literal sense, okay. Probably. Even with his hands in his pocket, he finds no trouble with keeping up as they make their way to the elevator. If it's not the heat Elmott's worried about, well... He doesn't want to be too presumptuous about it. It's likely that Elmott's just shy, so Yan Qing slips in after him, placing himself a comfortable distance away as he makes note of the floor Elmott's room is on. He already knows, but committing it to memory is another thing.]
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[ Servants only needed mana to survive — in this world, chroma — but Yan Qing takes care not to eat the cupcakes until he is home. He couldn't look too happy where others could see him. He's tasted the finest dishes and tightened rope around his stomach, but no one needs to know why or how his smile reaches his eyes when he takes a bite. It is delicious, of course, but after all that has happened lifetimes before, he is grateful.
The night after, Elmott gets a knock on his window. Or... wherever Elmott sleeps. No, Elmott didn't tell Yan Qing where he lives. He just knows because he's a fucking shady guy who shakes bystanders down for info. ]
Heeeey! You awake?
[He bangs the window with his fist, ready to wake up the neighbors if Elmott doesn't get up the first time.]
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fortunately (or unfortunately), elmott is a light sleeper, so when yan qing starts knocking on his window, he's up before anyone else can start freaking out about a shady guy on his balcony in the middle of the night. there's the familiar scowl on his face, though it's less menacing and more resigned at this point. ]
The hell're you doin' out there? [ yq probably can't really hear him at the moment but whatever. he pulls the glass door open and steps aside to let yan qing in. ] Ain't anyone teach ya how to use the door?
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Sorry, it's a habit of mine. Anyway! [His hands on his hips move behind his back, and he starts shyly kicking at the floor.] Uh, so... I gotcha something as thanks for the cupcakes yesterday, they were good and stuff. And like, we're not gonna stay here for long 'cause we both got worlds to go back to or something, so we gotta make the most of our time here and, um. Something something, holiday spirit.
[Dammit, he's being so uncool right now.]
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'S fine, [ he says, moving over to sit at the couch next to the door so he's not awkwardly standing around feeling like a dumbass. ] You didn't have to get me anythin' either, you know.
[ yan qing's not wrong about them both having places to go back to. maybe that's the real reason why he got him something to begin with; making connections was a concept he never placed much thought in before, but it's sort of changed his life enough that he's come to realize how important they are, no matter how brief they may be. ]
But thanks anyway.
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Nah, don't be like that! See, I never let myself owe anybody anything, [he says with a grin. Nothing in this world is free. Yan Qing knows that much.] And I can't just put things off. After everything's done, there probably won't be a next time... Well, we haven't known each other that long, but I thought about it aaaand I gotcha this!
[Finally, he shows Elmott what he's been hiding: a small, red cylinder that fits perfectly in his grip.]
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[ the not wanting to owe anybody anything. elmott can respect that, which is why he takes that small, red cylinder, turning it around in his hands. what is it? can he open it?? is it a flashlight??? a dildo???? a flashing dildo????? ]
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Woah, watch where you point that thing. I didn't buy it to make a killer outta you, alright?
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it's fancier than what he's used to, he's only ever had his staff and lantern for as far as he can remember. but it's a good weight, balanced and easy to handle. ]
Getting me a weapon for the holidays, huh... [ there's a lopsided smile on his face as he pushes one end down, bringing it back to its previous size. ] You tryna tell me something?
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I ain't sayin' you ain't a great mage, El. I just don't want you getting your ass kicked. That staff of yours is hard to carry around, yeah? Think of this one as backup. Do you know how to use it?
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[ listen, not all of us are blessed to be legendary martial artists, ok. he spins the new staff around his fingers idly, frowning a little. ]
It's not that bad, I'm used to it. [ yq isn't wrong that it does get in the way sometimes, especially now that he's in a city like this one rather than the ship back home. ] I was gonna treat it like the one I've been using, unless it's got some special stuff I don't know about.
[ where did yan qing even get this anyway? should he be concerned about walking around out in the open with this thing?? ]
... You didn't steal this, did you?
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Don't sweat about the small stuff! I got it as a gift. Figured you need it more than I do. [His smile is hard to believe. Anyway, it's not stealing if you take it from a bad guy. Come on.] It ain't fancy, but you could do a few tricks with it. Like the Monkey King!
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[ he has no idea who the monkey king is, but he has seen a few staff-users doing cool stuff. wasn't there a monkey girl on the ship? andira, or something? ]
Alright. Since you know what you're doing, why don't you show me how it's done?
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Yan Qing scans the apartment, measuring the size of it as he pictures the maneuvers he's about to do and... Yeah, this isn't going to work out. He rubs his chin as he pretends to think about this more deeply than he already has. In reality, he's using it as an excuse to look around. It's sparsely decorated; is that something Elmott's also used to? Finally, as if something finally clicked, he grins.]
Okay!
[Much like the aforementioned Monkey King, he grabs Elmott by the waist, carries him out the window, and starts climbing up the apartment complex. This is not weird at all.]
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what does is the way yan qing suddenly grabs him, carrying him out of the window to start scaling the building. ]
The fuck — [ they're fairly high up and he makes the mistake of looking down at the staggering drop below, immediately squeezing his eyes shut. ] Use the damn elevator, asshole!
[ his voice hardly carries over the wind rushing past them, holding on to yan qing tightly as he tries to keep still. he doesn't think yan qing would drop him, but give a guy some warning next time?? ]
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[Things he probably shouldn't say when the fear is real. He pauses halfway through the climb to ask a question:]
You ride an airship, so you're used to it, right?
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[ take off is slower and he's prepared for it, not like this. and listen, an airship is bigger and relatively safer than being on yan qing's back?? ]
I ain't lookin' down, alright? [ he's so tired. ] Just shut up and get to where you're going already.
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[He keeps climbing.
A chilly breeze blows across the rooftop, blanketed in a thin sheet of snow. Once Yan Qing is away from the edge and has both feet planted firmly on the floor, he gently sets Elmott down and takes off his jacket to place it around the Erune's shoulders. It's easier for him to move around without it, and he's aware Elmott wasn't exactly prepared for an impromptu excursion in this weather.
yes he's wearing a shirt he's not a heathen]
Alright, here we are! [He brushes the snow off Elmott's bangs, adjusts the jacket to cover as much skin as it can, and gives Elmott's face a firm pat.] Don't fall for me, that's not why we're here. Now I'll be borrowing this for a minute!
[And he snatches the staff before Elmott can say anything.]
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[ elmott wasn't prepared for going up to the roof, so he's only in a thin shirt and sweatpants. thankfully, he tends to run warm anyway, only gritting his teeth a little when his feet touch the cold concrete of the building. he's about to refuse the jacket yan qing gives him, but snaps his mouth shut when he sees the other man is actually wearing a shirt this time. cool.
he does grumble a little at his fussing, though. ]
Hey, can it, alright? [ he moves his face away when yan qing pats him, pulling the jacket tighter around his shoulders like wants it to swallow him up. his cheeks are pink, but he's hoping yq won't notice. ] Come on. Weren't you gonna show me?
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Sounds like someone's excited to watch me play with his long, hard thing. [God. Make him shut up.] Can't say I blame ya. I'm pretty good at that!
[He thrusts the staff into the roof. It cracks. Yan Qing grips the free end of the staff and pulls himself up, feet in the air as his steady, effortless handstand wedges the metal further into the concrete. He holds the acrobatic feat for a moment to let it sink in. His balance is perfect — a condition only achieved through hard work and discipline. And then, he is a tornado. His legs sweep away his imaginary enemies before he is back on the ground. The staff slips out of the concrete cracks without so much as a strained grunt from him, creating scarlet waves and circles from the afterimage of his attacks. He thrusts at an opponent at the front, jabs at an opponent behind him, and another low sweeping kick—
Wait, he's missing something.]
Oh yeah, and your staff's like on fire for this entire time. Hah!
[He rolls with the grace of a swan as he leaps back onto his feet and into fighting position. It's absolutely ridiculous.]
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but anyway, elmott's expression is the flattest its ever been to what yq says, and he's thankful when he starts doing what they came up here to do. he's already gotten a taste of yan qing's skill back at the ramen shop that one time, and while that was impressive already, it doesn't really hold a candle to this. it's absolutely ridiculous (who the fuck does a handstand on the top of a pole anyway?), but it's also really cool, and elmott's cheeks burn a little hotter the longer he watches. ]
Ya sure you don't wanna keep it instead? [ it's a lame attempt at a joke and there's a smile on his face despite his embarrassment. ] You look pretty comfortable already.
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Nah, don't need it. [He's a Heroic Spirit. Magical ghosts don't need weapons! The staff shrinks to the size of a small baton, and he tosses back to Elmott. Catch!] It's yours! But I don't mind teaching ya if you want. Come on, let's get back. [His smile is sheepish.] Sorry about dragging you out here.
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arson link regulates his flames, providing a conduit where he can channel his magic into. this new one operates in sort of the same way as he feeds his chroma into it, glowing a bright red in response as both ends light up. when he brings down one end onto the roof, a large ripple of fire rushes out across the concrete, burning away the snow and ice that had gathered earlier. yan qing won't feel anything but a bit of warmth as the flames lick over his feet. ]
I'll hold onto it, then. Thanks. [ he looks satisfied when the staff shrinks back down again, and he tucks it into his pocket. ] And don't worry about it. We're going down the elevator this time, though.
[ he doesn't care what yq says, he's making his way over to the fire escape and back to the top floor to take the elevator down. ]
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In a better mood, Yan Qing follows him bavk into the building, smiling all the while. Elmott was already cool, but it's nice to know he's consistent.]
You sure you don't want me to carry you? Wouldn't want your feet to get cold! [He's just looking for an excuse.]
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elmott picks up the pace, nearly taking the stairs two at a time in an effort to stay ahead of him and jams his finger onto the call button for the elevator. ]
What, you carrying me all the way up here wasn't enough for you?
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Yeah, I guess I was hoping for a little more action.
[In the most literal sense, okay. Probably. Even with his hands in his pocket, he finds no trouble with keeping up as they make their way to the elevator. If it's not the heat Elmott's worried about, well... He doesn't want to be too presumptuous about it. It's likely that Elmott's just shy, so Yan Qing slips in after him, placing himself a comfortable distance away as he makes note of the floor Elmott's room is on. He already knows, but committing it to memory is another thing.]
Sooooo... You didn't go to Nevei?
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1/2
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messes with the timeline, I don't give a fuck
hell yeah
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