Work Text:
Fang Xin was no energetic youth - while he was of course relieved to be reunited with Xie Lian, he was not the sort to be prone to dramatics. All the more confusing then as he sat against a wall, watching the antics of the scimitar E-Ming as he shuddered and clattered around.
Their respective masters had gone out together, and hadn't felt the need to bring their swords - hardly surprising to old Fang Xin, Xie Lian had always been little eccentric. He treasured his sword, Fang Xin was certain, and yet he'd found himself left in the strangest places sometimes. But Xie Lian always made sure to return, and to clean him properly and wield him with grace and skill, so he hardly felt that he could complain.
E-Ming, however, seemed to get separation anxiety like a puppy. He was powerful indeed, and this Hua Cheng had changed the Heavens with how he wielded this mighty spiritual weapon… and yet the blade shuddered as if he wanted nothing more than to rest at Hua Cheng's hip.
No, that wasn't entirely right. Fang Xin had very much noticed this seemed to happen most when Xie Lian was around. E-Ming was calm and collected as any when his proper master wore him.
A strange little spike crawled along Fang Xin. Jealousy perhaps? Silly but not unexpected. He already found himself getting used to Ruoye's constant presence on his master, and had come to terms with this. But Ruoye was calm and mindful, eager but proper. They didn't have to compete for Xie Lian's attention because they occupied different roles. Fang Xin was a bit more confused as to why E-Ming was seemingly fixated on Xie Lian's attention.
But the reason, or his unease, was no reason not to do something. All that aside, it was hardly proper for a spiritual weapon of such great renown and power to act in such a manner. Fang Xin shifted at last, drawing the attention of E-Ming. The scimitar stopped its shuddering, confused by the sudden movement of the other sword resting against the wall.
Fang Xin didn't reproach, but calmed immediately, as if taking a meditative pose. See, young one, Fang Xin seemed to say. Be patient and all will be well. They always return. No need to fuss.
E-Ming was crafty and observant too, just as its master - the message was received and the scimitar stilled, resting in an elegant state befitting such an impressive weapon. Fang Xin was pleased with the quickness of the lesson, remaining in his calm stasis as peace descended on the small, dilapidated shrine. The world moved on, and they waited patiently as their masters finished whatever errand had taken them away.
They made it about another half a day before E-Ming began shuddering and sighing again. Fang Xin resigned himself. Ah, to be so young again and have such energy for dramatics.