[ The boy yelps and wrinkles his nose, but he doesn't apologize. The man really does look cold! It looks like he has other priorities, though. Without skipping a beat, Yan Qing takes the star lantern and gets back on his feet. ]
Okay!
[ He walks with Elmott, immediately in high spirits. Maybe it's Elmott's fire. Compared to the Yan Qing Elmott knows, this one speaks without the lilt and drawl of a more worldly ruffian. Every word is said in earnest. ]
My master's cool, but he's kinda dumb.
[ Yes, even that. ]
I can do everything better than Li Gu can, but sometimes he makes Li Gu do them instead. Oh, Li Gu's his other servant. Anyway, since my master's too nice, I have to look out for him. He could be giving someone his entire wallet right now! Don't give money to strangers, mister. You don't look like you have a lot.
[ he can't help it, he laughs, a quick chuckle even if it's at his own expense. this yan qing might be younger than the one elmott knows, but it looks like he's kept some of his old habits. the difference in height makes it easy for him to reach out and ruffle yan qing's hair though, like he would with his students whenever they give him sass. ]
A brat too, huh. [ he's smiling even as he says it, not nearly as offended by it as he lets on. the star lantern emits a soft red glow in yan qing's hands, casting a warmer glow on his face as they make their way down the dark streets. ] Maybe that's why your master makes the other kid work instead. He's gotta keep an eye on the bigger troublemaker.
[ Why is this guy ruffling his hair? Hey! Yan Qing isn't too annoyed by it, though. It's a bit different from what he's used to, but it's not bad. ]
Right! I've been doing a pretty good job so far, haven't I? One day, he's gonna see— [ But when Yan Qing turns around and expects affirmation, he's distracted by something far more magical. ]
Woah, it's glowing! How'd you do that? How did you light it without opening the lantern, mister? Are you a magician or something?!
[ he's not sure if he wants to get into the mechanics of the lanterns right now, because he'd ultimately need to explain chroma and it'll probably lead into him explaining his feelings, which he is not eager to do at the moment. the magician thing is a good segue, however, and elmott holds his fist out to yan qing. ]
Here, give me your hand.
[ when yan qing does, he opens his fist to drop a little fireball in his hand. it takes the shape of a tiny dragon, a miniature bahamut, puffing little streams of fire as it hovers over yan qing's palm. ]
[At first, he's afraid. He's burned himself from lighting fireworks and learning how to cook, but when Elmott releases his flames, they never touch Yan Qing's palm. They float above his skin, only letting him feel their warmth as they transform into a creature he's only seen on paper.]
This is sooo cool! Do more, mister! More! [But as soon as he says this, he pats his pockets and his smile falters.] I don't have anything to pay you with, though...
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no subject
Okay!
[ He walks with Elmott, immediately in high spirits. Maybe it's Elmott's fire. Compared to the Yan Qing Elmott knows, this one speaks without the lilt and drawl of a more worldly ruffian. Every word is said in earnest. ]
My master's cool, but he's kinda dumb.
[ Yes, even that. ]
I can do everything better than Li Gu can, but sometimes he makes Li Gu do them instead. Oh, Li Gu's his other servant. Anyway, since my master's too nice, I have to look out for him. He could be giving someone his entire wallet right now! Don't give money to strangers, mister. You don't look like you have a lot.
no subject
A brat too, huh. [ he's smiling even as he says it, not nearly as offended by it as he lets on. the star lantern emits a soft red glow in yan qing's hands, casting a warmer glow on his face as they make their way down the dark streets. ] Maybe that's why your master makes the other kid work instead. He's gotta keep an eye on the bigger troublemaker.
no subject
Right! I've been doing a pretty good job so far, haven't I? One day, he's gonna see— [ But when Yan Qing turns around and expects affirmation, he's distracted by something far more magical. ]
Woah, it's glowing! How'd you do that? How did you light it without opening the lantern, mister? Are you a magician or something?!
no subject
[ he's not sure if he wants to get into the mechanics of the lanterns right now, because he'd ultimately need to explain chroma and it'll probably lead into him explaining his feelings, which he is not eager to do at the moment. the magician thing is a good segue, however, and elmott holds his fist out to yan qing. ]
Here, give me your hand.
[ when yan qing does, he opens his fist to drop a little fireball in his hand. it takes the shape of a tiny dragon, a miniature bahamut, puffing little streams of fire as it hovers over yan qing's palm. ]
no subject
This is sooo cool! Do more, mister! More! [But as soon as he says this, he pats his pockets and his smile falters.] I don't have anything to pay you with, though...