"There, was that so hard to say. " Shen asked, settling down again
"To say what?" Long blinked.
Shen shook his head. "Nothing. So, how ya feeling?" he asked, to fill the silence that he was sure to grow.
"A little bit more stable...I no longer feel the rotation of the earth on its axis.
Shen chuckled. "Well, I suppose that's good."
"Yes...indeed it is."
Shen took up another joint, but instead of lighting it, he just stared at it, laying all innocent in his hand, just waiting for something.
"What are you waiting for?" Long whisperd, looking not at him, but at the mirror.
Shen sighed. "Honestly...? I don't know. It's like the damn thing's mocking me.." he muttered unhappily to himself. Damn! He hated getting introspective, but when he was around Long for a long period of time, it just happened.
"Then maybe you should just put it away..." he murmured, still gazing at their reflections. It was strange to see this side of Shen.
Shen shook his head. "And what would that get me? It will still be around to dance around my subconscious later Long. It's an escape and a prison kid.... An escape and prison." he sighed.
"A double edged sword..." the Kempo Master paused, waxing philosophic. "I don't know what to say..." he sips more tea
Shen laughed at him. "Ah, so says the soul of the romantic."
"The soul of a romantic or the soul of someone who's just read too much?"
Shen looked back at his living reflection. "Well, since its you we're talking about, I would guess the latter." he snickered
"Thank you..." Long drawled as well as he could drawl. He rolled his eyes, but was humoured.
Shen paced around a bit, his over tiredness giving way to restlessness. "Well, glad to be of amusement oh mighty one." he said with a jester grin.
"You should have been a clown." The jacket curled man deadpanned
Shen laughed. "Would you believe I tried that? Of course, I couldn't keep that job for very long."
"Let me guess, you frightened the children?" an elegant brow arched inquisitively.
Shen shook his head. "Naw, those little brats loved me, It was my boss that I scared." he said with an evil chuckle. "What a wuss."
"I never would have imagined you good with kids. I'm surprised"
"Hey, they're quite easy to get along with Long. Haven't you ever noticed that?" Shen shot back.
"I'm not...I'm not so sure about that. Children aren't my speciality." he gestured with his hand as he spoke.
"Well I'm not surprised, you probably depress them. " the restless pacer said to the sitting man.
"Perhaps...they couldn't comprehend half of what I say anyway"
"Well, there is that. Most adults can't comprehend half of what you say."
"Sadly enough, this is true. The intellect of adolescents and adults these days is just amazingly...low"
Shen shook his head. "You can say that again...."
"Yes...." Long frowned, rubbing his eyes again.
Shen stopped and looked at him. "Tired?" he asked softly
"Perhaps, or maybe some lingering effects..."
Shen shook his head and laughed. "Both are solved by sleeping it off you know."
"This is true..." Long yawned. "Is it safe to sleep here?"
"Why are you asking me? The fair doesn't open for a few days." He said."No one here but us rats." Shen a added mischieviously.
"Rats?" Long went wide eyed and looked around, "...rats?!"
Shen shrugged. "Yeah, big suckers too."
"How unsanitary...then again, this is a fair..."
"What? They keep the cockroaches down. Besides, they're kinda cuuuuute!" Shen squealed.
Now it was Long's turn to psudo sweatdrop and looked at the other man oddly. "...Did you just...squeal?"
"Uhh...." Shen muttered, looking away.
"Well..." Long smiled a little, muscles starting to hurt from all the smiles he did.
"Well what?!" Shen demanded, stalking moodily over.
The man bit down on another chuckle, lips twitching
"You're...your laughing at me...." Shen sniffled
"Not at, with." he soothed, voice shaking a little with his suppressed laughter.
Shen glared at him suspiciously like a child being told that going to the dentist wasn't so bad. "Well...alright..."
"A serious expression doesn't suit you, Shenlong. It's my face."
Shen grinned. "True. Wouldn't want that. It destroys my devilishly handsome good looks."
"Egocentric" Long snorted.
"No, just stating a fact. Girls swoon over me." He said with a certain amount of pride.
"Is that so?" arches a brow incredulously. He acknowledged his face wasn't homely. But as to being swoon worthy by a simple difference in expression...?
Shen nodded. "Girls like a certain amount of smiles. The more the better, even small ones are good. It make's feel special. Sure, some will go for the moody dork type, but they eventually give up when they get dragged down as well."
"...thank you so much for calling me a moody dork."
"Well you are Long. Think about it." Shen shot at him
Long sighs, shaking his head. "Moody...perhaps. But could you call me a scholar instead of a dork?"
: Shen stuck his tounge out at Long. "dooooooorrrrrrrrk" he sang out
"Pompous bastard."
Shen bowed. "So glad you see that." He said, coming up with a wide grin
"And lets see...what else are you...an asshole. Yes, that would be the appropriate word"
"You aren't the first to say that. I'm proud of who I am Long, are you?"
"...no. I'm not proud of who I am. I admit to that."
Shen nodded. "Poor you."
"Perhaps, perhaps not." the man tilted his head*
Shen looked at him. "What do you mean?"
"I don't know...allow my thoughts to clarify in the morning and perhaps I shall tell you."
Shen laughed and nodded, turning to the side. He sighed and crossed his arms, an odd
expression appearing to flicking in the lights. He looked for lack of better words, lost.
Long sips the rest of his no cold tea, drinking slowly
Shen shook himself out of the mood. "Go to sleep Long. You're starting to make too much sense."
"I'd think that would be a good thing...unless...of course I'm starting to sound like you*
"No, I don't make that much sense. But it's not a good thing either." Shen growled.
"Why do you say that, pray tell."
"Hmfh." Was the only sound the morose rebel made.
"Hm." the Kempo Master set down his cup. "Speak." With the command, he added a prod to Shen's shoulder.
Shen smacked Long's hand. "Stop that."
"Speak!" Long kept on prodding him.
"hey!!!!!" Shen swatted Long away. " leav'me alooooooneeee" he whined
"A dose of your own medicine I believe they call it"
Red eyes glared self righteously at the other man. "I don't incessantly poke people."
"But you bug them until the acquiesce." Still, the prodding kept on.
Shen stepped away from him. "I do not...."
"You do." A smile appeared in the deep earth coloured eyes.
Shen snorted. "Not..."
"You do," Long said insistently
Shen just glowered at Long. "I. Do. Not. I will eventually leave them alone when they start to bore me."
"You leave them alone once they give in, Shenlong!" Long kept on bugging him
Shen sighed. "Fine. You win. I don't care..."
Long cocked his head. "Wet towel.
"I believe the expression is 'wet blanket'" Shen said, not looking at him.
"And you said you didn't know sayings"
"Well, apparently that is genetic"
"Oh quite blaming things on genetics." Long mutterd.
Shen shrugged. "And what else can I blame it on, hmmm?" he bristled
"Yourself perhaps? You have traits I do not and you lack some that I do"
"Well, I guess that settles the nature Vs nurture argument..." he sighed.
The Kempo Master sat back down. "Forgive my intrusion."
"Whatever..." Shen said, closing his eyes, voice evening out to sound more like Longs.
Long sighed, the voice disturbing him slightly
Shen grinned, and kept the voice up. "So, where are you going to go from here?"
"Stop talking like me"
"whhhhyyyyyy?"
"Because it's discerning to hear your own voice." changes his own a little, making it rougher to sound like Shen*
Shen blinked. "eep..."
"See?"
Shen stamped slightly. "I don't care, it gets a rise out of you, so I'll keep doing it."
"Is that all you want to do? Get reactions out of me?"
Shen shrugged. "I can't deny that it's fun."
Long sighed. "Well..." sips more cold tea
"Well what? You keep saying that and then not continuing your sentences... its annoying!"
The adressed man just looked at him. Laughter in eyes. "Well."
"Gah!!!!" Shen cried angrily. "It's not funny...."
"Yes it is"
"Its noooooooot!!!"
"Is to times infinity cubed to the infinite power."
Shen blinked at him. " Now that's just playing dirty.... Infinity cubed to the infinite power...plus one."
"Infinity cubed to the infinite power plus 5 radical 3
"Ok, fine, I admit your smarter then I, so quit rubbing it in." Shen sat down with a sigh, and rubbed a temple.
Long actually managed to look smug, then yawn again
"Go to sleep Long." Shen groused.
"You first, I insist"
"what, your afraid I'm gonna get up and do something nasty to you while you're asleep?" Shen asked with a grin
"...." Long hugged himself. "Pervert."
Shen snickered. "I ment like catching a rat and putting it down your shirt"
Long sniffed, still hugging himself
Shen just laughed at him. "Oh come on, I swear, you can be more childish than I."
"That seems quite impossible, Shenlong...listen to yourself."
"Why, its more fun to listen to you"
"That's.... Oh never mind" Long said exasporatedly as he threw up his hands in surrender.
Shen grinned. "Well, I'm glad you agree." he said, leaning his arms on the crate and laying his head down. "Wonder if the suns up yet..." he murmured quietly.
"That is a good question..."
Shen shrugged. "I don't have a watch, so I don't know."
Long gestures to his heavily cuffed wrists*
"Well if you're so smart, what time is it?"
Long paused to think, glancing around. He tilted his head, carefully listening until he could hear outside. "I'd say...it's around dawn"
"ah..mf..." Came the sleepy sound from the red eyed clone, his head leaning on his arms and his eyes closed. He seemed younger and less wild when he was asleep.
The man gazed at his clone thoughtfully, watching the red eyes close. It was odd...Shenlong didn't have the same lines of sorrow and despair that made Long seem so much older.
Shen rolled over and curled up like a cat, on hand absently over the scar on his chin.
The kempo master reached out a hand, hovering it over his face, then pulled it back, deciding against it
Shen sighed softly and yawned.
"Night"
A soft sigh was Long's only answer.
Long closed his eyes, leaning back and pulling the jacket up again
Shen whimpered softly and curled up tighter against the air contioner breeze, which he had forgotten to turn off.
The martial artist was in a ball himself, missing the warmth of the other's arms.
Shen finally woke up after a few minutes, and turned off the air conditioner, all the time he hummed 'I'm a little tea pot'
"I'm a little psychopath, tall and skinny,
Here are my claws, now give me your money..."
He sang, picking up the joint again and lighting it up.
The Chinese man frowned, eyes fluttering open at the strange singing. He could smell the scent of marijuana again and it wasn't as cold as it was previously.
Shen wasn't aware that Long was still awake, from under a crate he drew out a pistol and pointed it at the other man. "I coulldddddd...I shouldd.... Maybe, maybe not."
The martial artist kept his eyes partially closed, schooling his breathing down. This is what he came here for...this is what he wanted, wasn't it? He wanted his death by the red-eyed man's hands...
Shen giggled, one hand forcing the gun hand down. "You shouldn't give him what he wants you know.... It just ends the game too soon." he said, talking to himself.
Long's carefully schooled face remained impassive but his mind seethed with conflict. He wanted it...yet ever since earlier that night when he felt the comfort of another being's touch, the firm resolve of death wavered.
Shen pouted and tilted his head. "Well, for once the choice is miiiine. Bwhahaaaa! Too bad he isn't awake, would liked to see his face after that..." Shenlong snorted to himself, shaking his head. "One shot and BAMN! Everything's done! But what's the fun in that?" He asked the air around him.
The Kempo Master continued his masquerade, straining to hear what was being said. Years of training and meditation made it easy for him to keep his breaths and heartbeat steady.
Shen absently flipped the gun back into the crate and picked a whiskey bottle this time, and drained it dry, swaying a little, he looked over at Long. "Wonder if I'm really the one that's crazy.... Of course I am!" He snorted, continuing the conversation with himself.
The Chinese man carefully in the guise of sleep turned so he could hear better, settling himself back down with a sigh. He was confused...the clone was unpredictable and he didn't know what would happen.
Shen laughed. "You just have a weakness for pretty things.... Ok ok.... I freely admit that." His giggle turned into a snort as he took another drag of the joint. "But it'd be nice to have him gone...but I like him here...." The last phrase was said with a bit of a whine. "It's sure better then talking to you. HEY! Surely I'm not thaaaaat bad of conversation!"
Inside the martial artist blinked. Shenlong was schizophrenic? It sure seemed like it...
The clone's slightly frenzied laughter died down into a suppressed sob. "Aa, but try and get him to say something nice and it comes out a proverb... Damn it Long! You're so god damn arrogant.... Course, I am too, but that's beside the point...." He said quietly, sitting down with another brandy bottle. Shen chuckled quietly. "Talk about going for your older guys...Hey! That doesn't count...I'm sorta as old as he is...right?"
Long pondered this inside. His clone wanted him to say something nice? He could smell the alcohol wafting in the air around them, making him feel a little light-headed again.
Shen shook his head, and got up again, letting the empty bottle drop and shatter into thousands of tiny sharp pieces. "Not like I care. Yes you do! No I don't damn it! So just leave me alone. aww, you don't want that, do you?" Back and forth his conversation went. Finally the aggitated Shen settled down, and reached behind a crate and took out a dark, opaque bottle. "Aha.... There you are..." he breathed with a smile.
Long was now truly starting to be concerned. It didn't seem right...something was off about the entire thing, He heard of people arguing with themselves, but this seemed beyond that*
Shen uncorked the bottle and found a small pointed stick on the floor, dipping it in the bottle, he pulled it out, stained with dark black ink. He then started to scrawl on the crate in front of him. "Oh well, its not sooo bad being stuck with you I guess. Just wish you had a higher maturity level. Hey! I am sooooo mature, its not like you are either smart-ass!" he snickered to himself as he drew.
Long was careful as he watched, the conversation confusing him but he rode it through. He looked at what was being drawn, asking again what was going on mentally.
Shen was actually a decent artist, a scene in black slowly taking shape of figures dancing around a funeral pyre. "Ah, I don't know what the hell to do anymore...World holds nothing ne? Oh I wouldn't say that...So you do like him! Sh-Shut up! I do not!!!" he berated himself
The Kempo Master's vision swum in confusion. The figures seemed to writhe as he watched, the conversation only increasing the uncertainty of the entire thing
"Yes you do...." Shen whispered quietly. Then his whole demeanour changed, with a snarl of fury, he sideswiped the inkbottle to the floor, listening to it crash, and watching the dark liquid spread out. "I told you to shut up already!!!" He cried in frustration.
Long shifts, the violence startling him but he masked it with uneasy sleep.
Shen stood and faced Long. "See, you almost woke him up" he snickered quietly "what the hell do I care.... You cant do it, can you, your fondest wish and you can't carry it through." he said mockingly. "I can so! And I'll prove it to you!" he took out the pocketknife again and advanced.
The Kempo Master's brow furrowed, as if having a nightmare. Truth be told, this ranting was making him nervous...he knew the man was insane, but to this degree?
Shen stopped in front of the man he thought was asleep and put the knief to his throat. He pressed, but not hard enough to draw blood, paused there for a moment, then backed away, dropping the knife. "I told you so..." he whisperd quietly.
Long could feel his heart stop for a moment, then it resumed as the knife clattered to the floor. It was unnerving, but he felt a little sorry for his clone
Shen dropped to a twisted sitting position on the floor with a sigh, his head down and resting on a hand.
The Kempo Master slowly opens his eyes, gazing at Shen
Shen didnt notice that Long was really awake, as he didnt look up, he took his breath's shallowly but evenly, shoulders shaking slightly. This was not supposed to be happening, not now, he kept telling himself
Long continued watching, feeling pity for him but not knowing if he should say anything.
Shen sighed, shaking his head and pulling himself together. He then looked up, straight into Long's open eyes. His own widend when he realized that the other man was awake.
"Shen...." voice drifted up, still not quite sure. He could see the shock and confusion almsot painfully*
Shen recoiled back slightly at the sound of his name, but coverd with a jester grin. "What, did a rat wake ya or something?"
"No..." he glanced searchingly into bloody red eyes*
Shen looked down, unwilling to meet Long's gaze, but before he could, the crimson eyes showed lost and lonelyness, of a child locked away in a dark closet, never alowed to grow up or come out.
Not knowing what he was doing, just knowing it was himself that needed help, Long moved forward. He wrapped his arms around his counterpart.
Shen stiffened in startlement, but didn't pull away. In fact, he leaned forward into the embrace and leaned his head on Long's shoulder, wrapping his own arms around his original's waist.
The Kempo Master felt his heart thud as the other's arms went around his waist. He held him closer, closing his eyes and trying to will away all of those mirrors.
Shen sighed, closed his eyes and relaxed to bonelessness. He wasnt sure exactly why he was allowing this to happen, but it wasnt as if he could stop.
The Chinese man debated wether or not to ask about the schizophrenia, just holding the clone and being held, finding comfort in this contact.
It felt nice to Shen, someone acutaly being nice to him, even though he couldnt tell weather Long wanted anything for it or not. But it was better then any alcohol binge or drug fest that he had ever been on. He was actualy starting to forget.
Dark brown eyes were closed as he breathed deeply in. He could smell alcohol, ink, smoke...so many things clinging to the other man.
Shen could feel the others heart beat against him, feeling it so mirror his own. He breathed in, and his sharp nose dectected that sent that was purely 'Long', tea, sorrow and crayon.
Long sighed, sinking down to the floor and sitting. He leaned against the crate, nuzzling slightly.
Shen purred quietly in the back of his throat. Some cat traits just show true.
Long could feel the vibrations, and found them soothing
Shen was sure that he was supposed to say something sometime, but he didn't want to break this
Long sighed, stroking the other's head softly
Shen subconsiously kept the purring up, his face perfectly composed in a serene facade, but inside, his thoughts were whirling around incohearently.
Long smiled slightly at the purring, feeling an answer purr rumble.
A small smile manifested on Shen's face, driving him to a semi-consious relaxed state. Like this, he probaly would have not cared of the sky was fallign and they were all gonna die.
Long's muscles relaxed and he found himself quite comfortable just sitting there, the other's warmth seeping into his flesh and soothing it.
Shen distantly mused that he didnt know what the hell was going on, but what ever it was, he didnt want it to end, but to continue on forever, but he knew that it couldnt last. Finaly, he pulled himself together. "Long...?" he asked quietly.
"Yes?" Keeping his eyes closed just in case.
Shen sighed, "How come you stayed?" he said simply
There was no where else to go...."
"ah." was the only reply Shen gave.
"There is no need for me in this world."
Shen still stayed silent, but tightend his grip on Long.
Long thought it felt safe in the strong grip, as if the grasping claws of life could be held at bay by them, at least momentarily.
"How long were you awake Long?" Shen asked.
"Long enough." was the cryptic remark
"whats that supposed to mean?"
"Well...."
".....dont you dare start that again." Shen mutterd.
"It's confusing"
"what is?"
"Everything" Long sighed. "Nothing makes sense anymore"
Shen had to laugh at that. "I guess all those books you've read aren't any help to you now."
"Perhaps not...I've not really read any similiar to this situation."
"oh? I thought you knew everything." Shen shot at him.
"Then it's your fault for assuming. I've never claimed to know anything...not even close"
"well, no, but you've always acted like it."
"Why do you say that?" Long arched a brow, looking down at the other's head.
"you always had an answer to everything, always so damn confident that you knew how to make things work in your favor."
"Confidence and pride are bred into me...they keep me up"
"It shows."
"I'd fall otherwise..." he sighed.
Shen snickerd. "Aww, fallings not so bad. feel's a bit like flying."
"...and no one will be there to catch me on the last stop."
Shen shrugged. "We're cats Long. We always land on our feet."
"Drop a cat from more than 10 stories and his bones will crush"
"Well, that too."
Long sighed. "You see?"
"I see you still have to be a know it all."
: "And you still have to say things when people don't want to hear."
"but of course. Isn't it annoying. Some people complain i sould like the devil on their shoulder..." he said tierdly.
"But you do...you do Shen."
"Hey, i dont tell them to do things." He said, pulling away enough to look up.
"Close enough to the devil... in my opinion of crouse"
Shen laughed. "What does that make you, the angel?"
"Not even close...*
"awwwww! but you look so cute in white." Shen pouted.
"mr..." -_-;
Shen snickerd. "AW hell, i can picture it too"
"You are...most peculiar...indeed"
"I blame that one mitigating circumstances yer honer!" he crowed.
"Are you talking to yourself?"
"ummmmmmmmmmmmmm...."
Long arched a brow. "strange..."
"freak."
"Brat"
"wanna be"
"Immature fetus"
"Dork." With that, Shen pushed himself up and almost savegely, yet tenderly, pressed his lips to Longs.
Long's eyes snapped wide open. His first kiss in God knows how long...and it was from his clone! Yet instead of pushing back, he melted into it.
Shen twisted round so he was wrapped almost possesively around Long, still keeping it up.
The Kempo Master moaned softly, eyes closing and beeing dragged helplessly into the kiss.
"To say what?" Long blinked.
Shen shook his head. "Nothing. So, how ya feeling?" he asked, to fill the silence that he was sure to grow.
"A little bit more stable...I no longer feel the rotation of the earth on its axis.
Shen chuckled. "Well, I suppose that's good."
"Yes...indeed it is."
Shen took up another joint, but instead of lighting it, he just stared at it, laying all innocent in his hand, just waiting for something.
"What are you waiting for?" Long whisperd, looking not at him, but at the mirror.
Shen sighed. "Honestly...? I don't know. It's like the damn thing's mocking me.." he muttered unhappily to himself. Damn! He hated getting introspective, but when he was around Long for a long period of time, it just happened.
"Then maybe you should just put it away..." he murmured, still gazing at their reflections. It was strange to see this side of Shen.
Shen shook his head. "And what would that get me? It will still be around to dance around my subconscious later Long. It's an escape and a prison kid.... An escape and prison." he sighed.
"A double edged sword..." the Kempo Master paused, waxing philosophic. "I don't know what to say..." he sips more tea
Shen laughed at him. "Ah, so says the soul of the romantic."
"The soul of a romantic or the soul of someone who's just read too much?"
Shen looked back at his living reflection. "Well, since its you we're talking about, I would guess the latter." he snickered
"Thank you..." Long drawled as well as he could drawl. He rolled his eyes, but was humoured.
Shen paced around a bit, his over tiredness giving way to restlessness. "Well, glad to be of amusement oh mighty one." he said with a jester grin.
"You should have been a clown." The jacket curled man deadpanned
Shen laughed. "Would you believe I tried that? Of course, I couldn't keep that job for very long."
"Let me guess, you frightened the children?" an elegant brow arched inquisitively.
Shen shook his head. "Naw, those little brats loved me, It was my boss that I scared." he said with an evil chuckle. "What a wuss."
"I never would have imagined you good with kids. I'm surprised"
"Hey, they're quite easy to get along with Long. Haven't you ever noticed that?" Shen shot back.
"I'm not...I'm not so sure about that. Children aren't my speciality." he gestured with his hand as he spoke.
"Well I'm not surprised, you probably depress them. " the restless pacer said to the sitting man.
"Perhaps...they couldn't comprehend half of what I say anyway"
"Well, there is that. Most adults can't comprehend half of what you say."
"Sadly enough, this is true. The intellect of adolescents and adults these days is just amazingly...low"
Shen shook his head. "You can say that again...."
"Yes...." Long frowned, rubbing his eyes again.
Shen stopped and looked at him. "Tired?" he asked softly
"Perhaps, or maybe some lingering effects..."
Shen shook his head and laughed. "Both are solved by sleeping it off you know."
"This is true..." Long yawned. "Is it safe to sleep here?"
"Why are you asking me? The fair doesn't open for a few days." He said."No one here but us rats." Shen a added mischieviously.
"Rats?" Long went wide eyed and looked around, "...rats?!"
Shen shrugged. "Yeah, big suckers too."
"How unsanitary...then again, this is a fair..."
"What? They keep the cockroaches down. Besides, they're kinda cuuuuute!" Shen squealed.
Now it was Long's turn to psudo sweatdrop and looked at the other man oddly. "...Did you just...squeal?"
"Uhh...." Shen muttered, looking away.
"Well..." Long smiled a little, muscles starting to hurt from all the smiles he did.
"Well what?!" Shen demanded, stalking moodily over.
The man bit down on another chuckle, lips twitching
"You're...your laughing at me...." Shen sniffled
"Not at, with." he soothed, voice shaking a little with his suppressed laughter.
Shen glared at him suspiciously like a child being told that going to the dentist wasn't so bad. "Well...alright..."
"A serious expression doesn't suit you, Shenlong. It's my face."
Shen grinned. "True. Wouldn't want that. It destroys my devilishly handsome good looks."
"Egocentric" Long snorted.
"No, just stating a fact. Girls swoon over me." He said with a certain amount of pride.
"Is that so?" arches a brow incredulously. He acknowledged his face wasn't homely. But as to being swoon worthy by a simple difference in expression...?
Shen nodded. "Girls like a certain amount of smiles. The more the better, even small ones are good. It make's feel special. Sure, some will go for the moody dork type, but they eventually give up when they get dragged down as well."
"...thank you so much for calling me a moody dork."
"Well you are Long. Think about it." Shen shot at him
Long sighs, shaking his head. "Moody...perhaps. But could you call me a scholar instead of a dork?"
: Shen stuck his tounge out at Long. "dooooooorrrrrrrrk" he sang out
"Pompous bastard."
Shen bowed. "So glad you see that." He said, coming up with a wide grin
"And lets see...what else are you...an asshole. Yes, that would be the appropriate word"
"You aren't the first to say that. I'm proud of who I am Long, are you?"
"...no. I'm not proud of who I am. I admit to that."
Shen nodded. "Poor you."
"Perhaps, perhaps not." the man tilted his head*
Shen looked at him. "What do you mean?"
"I don't know...allow my thoughts to clarify in the morning and perhaps I shall tell you."
Shen laughed and nodded, turning to the side. He sighed and crossed his arms, an odd
expression appearing to flicking in the lights. He looked for lack of better words, lost.
Long sips the rest of his no cold tea, drinking slowly
Shen shook himself out of the mood. "Go to sleep Long. You're starting to make too much sense."
"I'd think that would be a good thing...unless...of course I'm starting to sound like you*
"No, I don't make that much sense. But it's not a good thing either." Shen growled.
"Why do you say that, pray tell."
"Hmfh." Was the only sound the morose rebel made.
"Hm." the Kempo Master set down his cup. "Speak." With the command, he added a prod to Shen's shoulder.
Shen smacked Long's hand. "Stop that."
"Speak!" Long kept on prodding him.
"hey!!!!!" Shen swatted Long away. " leav'me alooooooneeee" he whined
"A dose of your own medicine I believe they call it"
Red eyes glared self righteously at the other man. "I don't incessantly poke people."
"But you bug them until the acquiesce." Still, the prodding kept on.
Shen stepped away from him. "I do not...."
"You do." A smile appeared in the deep earth coloured eyes.
Shen snorted. "Not..."
"You do," Long said insistently
Shen just glowered at Long. "I. Do. Not. I will eventually leave them alone when they start to bore me."
"You leave them alone once they give in, Shenlong!" Long kept on bugging him
Shen sighed. "Fine. You win. I don't care..."
Long cocked his head. "Wet towel.
"I believe the expression is 'wet blanket'" Shen said, not looking at him.
"And you said you didn't know sayings"
"Well, apparently that is genetic"
"Oh quite blaming things on genetics." Long mutterd.
Shen shrugged. "And what else can I blame it on, hmmm?" he bristled
"Yourself perhaps? You have traits I do not and you lack some that I do"
"Well, I guess that settles the nature Vs nurture argument..." he sighed.
The Kempo Master sat back down. "Forgive my intrusion."
"Whatever..." Shen said, closing his eyes, voice evening out to sound more like Longs.
Long sighed, the voice disturbing him slightly
Shen grinned, and kept the voice up. "So, where are you going to go from here?"
"Stop talking like me"
"whhhhyyyyyy?"
"Because it's discerning to hear your own voice." changes his own a little, making it rougher to sound like Shen*
Shen blinked. "eep..."
"See?"
Shen stamped slightly. "I don't care, it gets a rise out of you, so I'll keep doing it."
"Is that all you want to do? Get reactions out of me?"
Shen shrugged. "I can't deny that it's fun."
Long sighed. "Well..." sips more cold tea
"Well what? You keep saying that and then not continuing your sentences... its annoying!"
The adressed man just looked at him. Laughter in eyes. "Well."
"Gah!!!!" Shen cried angrily. "It's not funny...."
"Yes it is"
"Its noooooooot!!!"
"Is to times infinity cubed to the infinite power."
Shen blinked at him. " Now that's just playing dirty.... Infinity cubed to the infinite power...plus one."
"Infinity cubed to the infinite power plus 5 radical 3
"Ok, fine, I admit your smarter then I, so quit rubbing it in." Shen sat down with a sigh, and rubbed a temple.
Long actually managed to look smug, then yawn again
"Go to sleep Long." Shen groused.
"You first, I insist"
"what, your afraid I'm gonna get up and do something nasty to you while you're asleep?" Shen asked with a grin
"...." Long hugged himself. "Pervert."
Shen snickered. "I ment like catching a rat and putting it down your shirt"
Long sniffed, still hugging himself
Shen just laughed at him. "Oh come on, I swear, you can be more childish than I."
"That seems quite impossible, Shenlong...listen to yourself."
"Why, its more fun to listen to you"
"That's.... Oh never mind" Long said exasporatedly as he threw up his hands in surrender.
Shen grinned. "Well, I'm glad you agree." he said, leaning his arms on the crate and laying his head down. "Wonder if the suns up yet..." he murmured quietly.
"That is a good question..."
Shen shrugged. "I don't have a watch, so I don't know."
Long gestures to his heavily cuffed wrists*
"Well if you're so smart, what time is it?"
Long paused to think, glancing around. He tilted his head, carefully listening until he could hear outside. "I'd say...it's around dawn"
"ah..mf..." Came the sleepy sound from the red eyed clone, his head leaning on his arms and his eyes closed. He seemed younger and less wild when he was asleep.
The man gazed at his clone thoughtfully, watching the red eyes close. It was odd...Shenlong didn't have the same lines of sorrow and despair that made Long seem so much older.
Shen rolled over and curled up like a cat, on hand absently over the scar on his chin.
The kempo master reached out a hand, hovering it over his face, then pulled it back, deciding against it
Shen sighed softly and yawned.
"Night"
A soft sigh was Long's only answer.
Long closed his eyes, leaning back and pulling the jacket up again
Shen whimpered softly and curled up tighter against the air contioner breeze, which he had forgotten to turn off.
The martial artist was in a ball himself, missing the warmth of the other's arms.
Shen finally woke up after a few minutes, and turned off the air conditioner, all the time he hummed 'I'm a little tea pot'
"I'm a little psychopath, tall and skinny,
Here are my claws, now give me your money..."
He sang, picking up the joint again and lighting it up.
The Chinese man frowned, eyes fluttering open at the strange singing. He could smell the scent of marijuana again and it wasn't as cold as it was previously.
Shen wasn't aware that Long was still awake, from under a crate he drew out a pistol and pointed it at the other man. "I coulldddddd...I shouldd.... Maybe, maybe not."
The martial artist kept his eyes partially closed, schooling his breathing down. This is what he came here for...this is what he wanted, wasn't it? He wanted his death by the red-eyed man's hands...
Shen giggled, one hand forcing the gun hand down. "You shouldn't give him what he wants you know.... It just ends the game too soon." he said, talking to himself.
Long's carefully schooled face remained impassive but his mind seethed with conflict. He wanted it...yet ever since earlier that night when he felt the comfort of another being's touch, the firm resolve of death wavered.
Shen pouted and tilted his head. "Well, for once the choice is miiiine. Bwhahaaaa! Too bad he isn't awake, would liked to see his face after that..." Shenlong snorted to himself, shaking his head. "One shot and BAMN! Everything's done! But what's the fun in that?" He asked the air around him.
The Kempo Master continued his masquerade, straining to hear what was being said. Years of training and meditation made it easy for him to keep his breaths and heartbeat steady.
Shen absently flipped the gun back into the crate and picked a whiskey bottle this time, and drained it dry, swaying a little, he looked over at Long. "Wonder if I'm really the one that's crazy.... Of course I am!" He snorted, continuing the conversation with himself.
The Chinese man carefully in the guise of sleep turned so he could hear better, settling himself back down with a sigh. He was confused...the clone was unpredictable and he didn't know what would happen.
Shen laughed. "You just have a weakness for pretty things.... Ok ok.... I freely admit that." His giggle turned into a snort as he took another drag of the joint. "But it'd be nice to have him gone...but I like him here...." The last phrase was said with a bit of a whine. "It's sure better then talking to you. HEY! Surely I'm not thaaaaat bad of conversation!"
Inside the martial artist blinked. Shenlong was schizophrenic? It sure seemed like it...
The clone's slightly frenzied laughter died down into a suppressed sob. "Aa, but try and get him to say something nice and it comes out a proverb... Damn it Long! You're so god damn arrogant.... Course, I am too, but that's beside the point...." He said quietly, sitting down with another brandy bottle. Shen chuckled quietly. "Talk about going for your older guys...Hey! That doesn't count...I'm sorta as old as he is...right?"
Long pondered this inside. His clone wanted him to say something nice? He could smell the alcohol wafting in the air around them, making him feel a little light-headed again.
Shen shook his head, and got up again, letting the empty bottle drop and shatter into thousands of tiny sharp pieces. "Not like I care. Yes you do! No I don't damn it! So just leave me alone. aww, you don't want that, do you?" Back and forth his conversation went. Finally the aggitated Shen settled down, and reached behind a crate and took out a dark, opaque bottle. "Aha.... There you are..." he breathed with a smile.
Long was now truly starting to be concerned. It didn't seem right...something was off about the entire thing, He heard of people arguing with themselves, but this seemed beyond that*
Shen uncorked the bottle and found a small pointed stick on the floor, dipping it in the bottle, he pulled it out, stained with dark black ink. He then started to scrawl on the crate in front of him. "Oh well, its not sooo bad being stuck with you I guess. Just wish you had a higher maturity level. Hey! I am sooooo mature, its not like you are either smart-ass!" he snickered to himself as he drew.
Long was careful as he watched, the conversation confusing him but he rode it through. He looked at what was being drawn, asking again what was going on mentally.
Shen was actually a decent artist, a scene in black slowly taking shape of figures dancing around a funeral pyre. "Ah, I don't know what the hell to do anymore...World holds nothing ne? Oh I wouldn't say that...So you do like him! Sh-Shut up! I do not!!!" he berated himself
The Kempo Master's vision swum in confusion. The figures seemed to writhe as he watched, the conversation only increasing the uncertainty of the entire thing
"Yes you do...." Shen whispered quietly. Then his whole demeanour changed, with a snarl of fury, he sideswiped the inkbottle to the floor, listening to it crash, and watching the dark liquid spread out. "I told you to shut up already!!!" He cried in frustration.
Long shifts, the violence startling him but he masked it with uneasy sleep.
Shen stood and faced Long. "See, you almost woke him up" he snickered quietly "what the hell do I care.... You cant do it, can you, your fondest wish and you can't carry it through." he said mockingly. "I can so! And I'll prove it to you!" he took out the pocketknife again and advanced.
The Kempo Master's brow furrowed, as if having a nightmare. Truth be told, this ranting was making him nervous...he knew the man was insane, but to this degree?
Shen stopped in front of the man he thought was asleep and put the knief to his throat. He pressed, but not hard enough to draw blood, paused there for a moment, then backed away, dropping the knife. "I told you so..." he whisperd quietly.
Long could feel his heart stop for a moment, then it resumed as the knife clattered to the floor. It was unnerving, but he felt a little sorry for his clone
Shen dropped to a twisted sitting position on the floor with a sigh, his head down and resting on a hand.
The Kempo Master slowly opens his eyes, gazing at Shen
Shen didnt notice that Long was really awake, as he didnt look up, he took his breath's shallowly but evenly, shoulders shaking slightly. This was not supposed to be happening, not now, he kept telling himself
Long continued watching, feeling pity for him but not knowing if he should say anything.
Shen sighed, shaking his head and pulling himself together. He then looked up, straight into Long's open eyes. His own widend when he realized that the other man was awake.
"Shen...." voice drifted up, still not quite sure. He could see the shock and confusion almsot painfully*
Shen recoiled back slightly at the sound of his name, but coverd with a jester grin. "What, did a rat wake ya or something?"
"No..." he glanced searchingly into bloody red eyes*
Shen looked down, unwilling to meet Long's gaze, but before he could, the crimson eyes showed lost and lonelyness, of a child locked away in a dark closet, never alowed to grow up or come out.
Not knowing what he was doing, just knowing it was himself that needed help, Long moved forward. He wrapped his arms around his counterpart.
Shen stiffened in startlement, but didn't pull away. In fact, he leaned forward into the embrace and leaned his head on Long's shoulder, wrapping his own arms around his original's waist.
The Kempo Master felt his heart thud as the other's arms went around his waist. He held him closer, closing his eyes and trying to will away all of those mirrors.
Shen sighed, closed his eyes and relaxed to bonelessness. He wasnt sure exactly why he was allowing this to happen, but it wasnt as if he could stop.
The Chinese man debated wether or not to ask about the schizophrenia, just holding the clone and being held, finding comfort in this contact.
It felt nice to Shen, someone acutaly being nice to him, even though he couldnt tell weather Long wanted anything for it or not. But it was better then any alcohol binge or drug fest that he had ever been on. He was actualy starting to forget.
Dark brown eyes were closed as he breathed deeply in. He could smell alcohol, ink, smoke...so many things clinging to the other man.
Shen could feel the others heart beat against him, feeling it so mirror his own. He breathed in, and his sharp nose dectected that sent that was purely 'Long', tea, sorrow and crayon.
Long sighed, sinking down to the floor and sitting. He leaned against the crate, nuzzling slightly.
Shen purred quietly in the back of his throat. Some cat traits just show true.
Long could feel the vibrations, and found them soothing
Shen was sure that he was supposed to say something sometime, but he didn't want to break this
Long sighed, stroking the other's head softly
Shen subconsiously kept the purring up, his face perfectly composed in a serene facade, but inside, his thoughts were whirling around incohearently.
Long smiled slightly at the purring, feeling an answer purr rumble.
A small smile manifested on Shen's face, driving him to a semi-consious relaxed state. Like this, he probaly would have not cared of the sky was fallign and they were all gonna die.
Long's muscles relaxed and he found himself quite comfortable just sitting there, the other's warmth seeping into his flesh and soothing it.
Shen distantly mused that he didnt know what the hell was going on, but what ever it was, he didnt want it to end, but to continue on forever, but he knew that it couldnt last. Finaly, he pulled himself together. "Long...?" he asked quietly.
"Yes?" Keeping his eyes closed just in case.
Shen sighed, "How come you stayed?" he said simply
There was no where else to go...."
"ah." was the only reply Shen gave.
"There is no need for me in this world."
Shen still stayed silent, but tightend his grip on Long.
Long thought it felt safe in the strong grip, as if the grasping claws of life could be held at bay by them, at least momentarily.
"How long were you awake Long?" Shen asked.
"Long enough." was the cryptic remark
"whats that supposed to mean?"
"Well...."
".....dont you dare start that again." Shen mutterd.
"It's confusing"
"what is?"
"Everything" Long sighed. "Nothing makes sense anymore"
Shen had to laugh at that. "I guess all those books you've read aren't any help to you now."
"Perhaps not...I've not really read any similiar to this situation."
"oh? I thought you knew everything." Shen shot at him.
"Then it's your fault for assuming. I've never claimed to know anything...not even close"
"well, no, but you've always acted like it."
"Why do you say that?" Long arched a brow, looking down at the other's head.
"you always had an answer to everything, always so damn confident that you knew how to make things work in your favor."
"Confidence and pride are bred into me...they keep me up"
"It shows."
"I'd fall otherwise..." he sighed.
Shen snickerd. "Aww, fallings not so bad. feel's a bit like flying."
"...and no one will be there to catch me on the last stop."
Shen shrugged. "We're cats Long. We always land on our feet."
"Drop a cat from more than 10 stories and his bones will crush"
"Well, that too."
Long sighed. "You see?"
"I see you still have to be a know it all."
: "And you still have to say things when people don't want to hear."
"but of course. Isn't it annoying. Some people complain i sould like the devil on their shoulder..." he said tierdly.
"But you do...you do Shen."
"Hey, i dont tell them to do things." He said, pulling away enough to look up.
"Close enough to the devil... in my opinion of crouse"
Shen laughed. "What does that make you, the angel?"
"Not even close...*
"awwwww! but you look so cute in white." Shen pouted.
"mr..." -_-;
Shen snickerd. "AW hell, i can picture it too"
"You are...most peculiar...indeed"
"I blame that one mitigating circumstances yer honer!" he crowed.
"Are you talking to yourself?"
"ummmmmmmmmmmmmm...."
Long arched a brow. "strange..."
"freak."
"Brat"
"wanna be"
"Immature fetus"
"Dork." With that, Shen pushed himself up and almost savegely, yet tenderly, pressed his lips to Longs.
Long's eyes snapped wide open. His first kiss in God knows how long...and it was from his clone! Yet instead of pushing back, he melted into it.
Shen twisted round so he was wrapped almost possesively around Long, still keeping it up.
The Kempo Master moaned softly, eyes closing and beeing dragged helplessly into the kiss.
