riegan | ➵ xie lian

[ hello, claude. xie lian thought he might find claude somewhere outside, and his intuition was correct!

when he finds him, he's holding a bottle of cold green tea between his hands, and xie lian clears his throat as he approaches, bowing his head but not really saying anything, just giving him a small, gentle smile in greeting.

hi, buddy. you ok. ]

(Always assume Claude is outside when he needs to collect his thoughts! It helps him think.

It's easy to tell that he has thoughts on his mind, and when he thinks he's alone, he lets his shoulders drop and his head hang a little lower. When Xie Lian gets close enough, he'll probably be able to tell that the air around Claude feels much heavier. He still has his usual drive but it's muted by grief that he quickly tries to shrug off as soon as he notices Xie Lian.

A leader is always strong. At least, that's what he'd been told was expected of him. He doesn't completely agree with that but he understands the expectation. He's used to putting on a strong face and carrying a certain weight (more than anyone truly knows) and he can set aside his own feelings easily enough,)

Ah, Xie Lian. (He smiles in greeting, warm and friendly! But eyes betraying the way it doesn't quite reach,) Did you come to check on me?

You didn't have to.

(He's fine.)

[ he gets that, really. xie lian spent so much of his immortal life sleeping under the stars, that even now, it can be kind of soothing.

he watches for a little while before he does approach, and feels the way that his emotions sort of fade away. it's met with a quiet sense of empathy - xie lian has certainly been there before, and that reflects in his expression as he nods, and comes to join him properly, moving to go settle down on the ground.

there's a beat, where he opens his mouth, and then closes it, and offers him the tea bottle instead. here! this is for you.

.....

xie lian can't not say something. ] ...was worried 'bout ya. [ okay, a little weird, but that could've been worse. ]

Edited (they're outside sisi you fool ) 2020-10-17 14:12 (UTC)

(He figured it was for him and yet, he wasn't going to reach for it unless it was offered. So he accepts it, holding it in both of his hands and turning it over thoughtfully.

He raises an eyebrow at Xie Lian. What's that? It didn't quite sound right but...)

You're not the only one. I've had a few come and check on me. (And he laughs lightly, just a little embarrassed,) I didn't expect so many...

(He isn't used to being the one that gets checked on.)

[ xie lian's quiet for a long moment longer. like maybe he's just being really thoughtful, this evening.

... ]

Arr...Lots o' lubbers 'n the Realm care for ya.

[ there's a beat

and then xie lian puts his face in his hands. ]