Xie Lian rests his cheek against Jun Wu’s knee. He closes his eyes, trying to empty his mind.
His eyes fly open only a few seconds later. He’s too vulnerable in these clothes. He needs to be ready for anything that might come his way.
"I wonder what /his/ problem is, Xianle," Jun Wu sighs, stroking Xie Lian’s hair. "Being Heavenly Emperor is so tedious. Everyone wants a piece of my time."
/Maybe you should abdicate, then,/ Xie Lian thinks but doesn’t say. He’s learned better by this point.
The god at the entrance to the Palace of Divine Might enters. Xie Lian fixes his gaze at the man’s feet. He can see any movements he might make, but he can’t see the expression that the man might have when looking at him - or whether he even does glance at Xie Lian. Xie Lian can’t bear to see his face.
The god moves forward. Above Xie Lian, a conversation begins. Xie Lian fidgets with the lace on his legs, stares at a pair of feet, and dissociates.
It’s better that way.
#Junlian