Xie Lian

My head drooped down, and my eyes fluttered closed -- it's been an hour since San Lang left.

I yawned softly, the clutch on my sword lightening. About to fall asleep, I took another breath before the door swung open. San Lang stared at me, his eyes widened, as if this was a sight to see.

He was in his other form, the other beyond his own, humanized and younger in facial features. He must have gone to see the town..

"San Lang," I paused and smiled more. "Where did you go?"

"I heard a noise." He answered back, walking over to me. He blinked a few times before grabbing my waist, hoisting me down. "Why aren't you asleep?"

"They wanted a place to sleep. I wanted to wait for you to return," I yawned and rubbed my eyes.

San Lang scoffed slightly and stared at me with a face I've never seen before. "Why did you not thank me when I had given you a gift? Must you be so ashamed?"

"A-Ashamed? What? I love your gift-!" I panicked back, taking a step backward. I quickly looked away, my face reddening from his persistence -- did he know of my talk with Windmaster and a Lang Qianqiu?

"Then why aren't you looking at me?" He pushed, taking a step forward.

"I do appreciate your gift! I'm deeply honored!-" I laughed nervously, taking a few steps back before bumping into the table -- I jumped as a bowl clashed onto the ground, the fruit inside rolling to a stop.

The room got quiet.

San Lang huffed, watching me scramble to the floor. I hastily grabbed the bowl and put fruit back inside, I'll have to wash them again. Never will I serve dirty fruit to my friends.

"Why are you so nervous?" He questioned, before taking my hand in his.

Something had jumped inside me -- I pulled my hand away, curling it into a fist.

San Lang stared at me, he looked into my eyes before moving his hand to his side.

"I- I'm sorry," I stood up and clutched the bowl, shaking my head a bit more. "Excuse me-" Before rushing outside.

The talk about intimacy got stuck in my head, it exhausted my mind. I must wrap my head around something else. It was too hard to remain eye contact with the person I truly wanted to share yin energy with.

I gripped an apple and wiped off the dirt, I sighed and covered my face in my hands.

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Everyone had woken up soon after -- I tried my hardest to make something edible, but it just lacked..a lot.

The soup was a poor, sickly green, and the vegetables I placed inside weren't even floating to the top. I tugged my sleeves to my elbows, taking another breath of air.

San Lang hadn't returned ever since I dismissed him. I dread the way I spoke to him, it was not worth this ache in my heart.

Windmaster had been watching me cook -- his nose scrunched in disgust. "Dear God- it smells terrible-"

"I might fear for my life if I tasted that." Lang faltered slightly.

"Ah-" I laughed sheepishly -- I was never a good cook to begin with, and my curse had ruined the chance to learn. "I suppose it is a bit awful. San Lang always cooked for me.."

Windmaster hummed a bit, closing his fan before sighing. "I'm surprised he is still sticking around."

"You- can't flirt, can you?" Lang mused out of nowhere, causing me to drop the laddle in the soup. "Why would there be a time or a place for such!? I- He has always been kind to me-!"

I fished out the laddle, before cleaning it with a towel.

"I never said anything about 'him." Lang teased, chuckling more.

"Who has?" Windmaster tilted his head a bit in confusion.

Lang facepalmed before chuckling. "This guy Xianle likes! He needs some lessons on how to talk to people, stat. You are an expert, aren't you?"

"Of course I am! How foolish of you to think other wise!" He huffed before moving to the bed, plopping down on the floor. "Xianle, come here. We must teach at once."

"What-!"

Lang urged me forward. "As much as I hate the guy, it's even worse seeing you crumble to him. It'll be worth your time, help with the growing worry on your shoulders."

I suppose..it would help. I have been starting to pull away from San Lang lately, and everytime feels awful. Led to the floor, Lang sat beside me, giving me an encouraging nod.

"Now! You know nothing, as I am fully aware," He chuckled and winked. "Maybe me and my friend could give a wonderful example."

"Friend?.." I questioned, before getting interrupted by a loud knock to the door.

Windmaster squealed a bit and moved off his knees, opening the door. My eyes glanced to someone I've seen around with Windmaster.

Her name is Ming Yi -- an Earthmaster and heavenly offical that resides with Windmaster as far as I've seen.

She took a glance around before staring at Windmaster. She scrunched her eyebrows, seeming annoyed. "Why have you called me here with such great importance?"

"Well-" He chuckled. "I need you for a demonstration for Xianle, once we're done, we'll make our leave with you."

"Is that all?" She scoffed, muttering under her breath. "How typical."

He gave her the puppy eyes, in which I laughed and watched. She couldn't deny that look in his eyes. "Fine. What do you want."

"Oh, joy!" He walked back over to me and sat down. "We're teaching him how to talk to people, help him get a chance to get this guy."

"I suppose you love this man then?" Ming questioned to me.

"I..I'm been getting so flustered around him. And he's been pulling away from me, I just- want to help be a little closer to him." I said back, fiddling with my fingers in my lap. "I know something is wrong."

"Mh." She gave me a soft nod before Windmaster scooted in front of her.

"Let's practice shall we?" He mused, in which Earthmaster let out a heavy sigh. "If we must."

Windmaster leaned in, his eyes fluttering at her -- his hair swerved down his shoulders with big bright eyes. He bit his lip and chuckled softly.

"Ugh- Oh, God- you're ugly- Stop that-!" Ming complained, disgust written on her face. "You're scaring me-!"

"Oh, don't be dramatic!" He huffed back, frowning as he narrowed his eyes. "Come on, Ming! Stop playing around. This is for your own good, we must help Xianle!"

"I never play around!" She spat back, crossing her arms.

"See, Xianle, a stubborn one-" He nudged my shoulder, chuckling as Ming fumed. "Careful with these ones, might bite."

"Shi!-"

"Let me get into character now, I'll be Xianle, and Ming will be the significant other!" Windmaster explained.

I was about to protest, but Windmaster wasn't playing when he said he'd play me.

He sat up straighter, setting his little crown down before clearing his throat. He then rested the palm of his hand against his cheek, licking his lips a bit. His eyes narrowed slightly, sparkling. There was a tint of red on his cheeks. "What is it you wanted to tell me?"

That was me-?

"Oh well- uh-" She quickly cleared his throat, regaining composure. "Why don't you tell me about some of your hobbies?"

"Well, I like to eat pasta and look at the stars for some reason~" He mused, covering his mouth as he giggled.

"He's pretty good at you-" Lang snickered, nudging my shoulder.

I can't tell if I should be flattered or concerned.

She set her hands in her lap, watching Windmaster's face get more suggestive. "Really? What sports do you like?"

"Ping Pong," He scooted closer to her, resting a hand on top of hers.

"What's your favorite color?"

"Magenta.." He whispered breathlessly.

"Magenta? What's Magenta?" She questioned.

"Oh, come on, Ming-" He groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ah, what the heck is wrong with you?.."

"I did what you wanted." She rolled her eyes.

"How do you not know what Magenta is?!" He blurts. "I wanna kiss you- And you ask for my favorite color?-"

"You- what?" She began before Windmaster beamed at me. "Now your turn! To Lang! Go ahead!"

My- turn?..

Lang snickered -- he was fully aware of the idea of me and San Lang, so I knew he would do his best to mimic.