Oh, oh, oh it's magic (Xie and Kevin)

[xie_er]

Zhao Jing used to be a nobody, born into influence and wealth but always in the shadow of those around him. In magical circles he was even worse, a barely-remembered witch that didn't have enough power for any familiar to even consider looking twice at him.

Somehow, though, after many years (and a few suspicious deaths), he's managed to climb his way to the CEO of Five Lakes, his power - of both kinds - growing exponentially.

The previous CEO was surrounded by some unfortunate rumorus before his death, so Zhao Jing has been focused on repairing the reputation of he company and solidifying his support, mundane and magical, which means it is far too delicate a moment for Xie to be in the spotlight, even if he was promised he'd be allowed to stop hiding when the position was in Zhao Jing's hands.

He just has to wait a little longer, that's all, and it's not like it's difficult to only appear in his animal form whenever Zhao Jing is in public, just uncomfortable, and the last thing they need is for somebody to recognise Xie for any of the things he's done to help his witch get where he is today, when his position is still so precarious...

He tells himself all the excuses he's heard from Yifu, repeats them in his head like a mantra as he sits through all the meetings and negotiations, a little black cat and Zhao Jing's feet, watching the men and women he's speaking to for anything Yifu can use. He hangs around when Zhao Jing steps out the room, listens to what they say behind his back - that's his job with normal people, to be a pair of ears they don't realise are there. Even paranoid types who scan for bugs would miss him, which he finds funny, privately, because he is a bug of a sort.

Not that he's allowed to take his original animal form - a scorpion would be out of place if anybody caught sight of him, and Yifu doesn't like the idea of him hiding in pockets or anything like that. He says it's dangerous, that something could happen to him, but Xie privately thinks he just finds the form creepy. Even around other magical people, the cat is preferred - his job with them is to be a reminder that Zhao Jing has a familiar, and a relatively powerful one at that.

It's hard for familiars to change the form they can take, but he did it, for Yifu.

He tells people the cat is called Scorpion, and that somebody else named him - which is technically true, Xie does mean scorpion, and his parents named him - and that he's vaguely embarrassed to have such a fiercely named cat.

(He doesn't tell magical people anything at all, they know Xie isn't a pet so they're less likely to ask, at most they will wonder why his familiar always stays in animal form. Zhao Jing just tells them he's shy. He isn't, he doesn't care about people seeing him, but it's easier to do the things Yifu wants him to do when nobody knows what he looks like)

Xie hadn't always known he was powerful - when Yifu had taken him in he'd been told he wasn't much, but that maybe he could be useful. Later, when some witch had made an offhand comment about it, the story had become that Yifu recognised his power and took him in before anybody else could steal him away, that he just wanted to protect Xie from the people who would use him for his power. Xie was already so far gone by that point that he accepted it, that he told himself he was lucky he had Yifu to protect him, to guide him.

It's funny how easy it is to lie to yourself.

When the meetings are over for the day he finally shifts back to human form, spending a few minutes stretching out the kinks that come from forcing himself into a form that isn't quite his, especially with how much he's had to do it over the last few weeks, and then going in search of something to eat. He could probably just head back to his own apartment since he doesn't think Yifu needs anything else from him, not today, but the outsiders have all left and everybody in Yifu's manor at least knows Xie, even if they don't know that Xie and Scorpion are one and the same, so it's safe to be around them.

He likes to spend as much time here as he can get away with, likes to remind Yifu he can be useful in other ways... and maybe he likes to keep an eye on this new apprentice Yifu has taken on. He doesn't understand why he needs anybody else when he has Xie, but the last time he'd questioned somebody new in the house Yifu hadn't spoken to him for a week, so he doesn't voice that thought out loud - he just watches the guy suspiciously every chance he gets, and wonders how easy he would be to get rid of.

He's halfway to the kitchen when something makes him stop. A tug of power, the vague echo of chanting, there's a ritual happening and something about it is drawing him close. He frowns, confused, and follows the pull...

Comments

[xie_er]

"Always."

Is it a little too sappy? Probably, but the word is out before he can stop himself. He twists his hand so he can grab hold of Kevin's and let himself be lead downstairs.

It's easy to relax back into a routine again - occasionally joining Kevin at work, but mostly staying at home during the day. He starts work on the garden. In the evenings, Kevin cooks and they watch TV or play chess. Everything settles back to whatever normality they managed to approach every now and again.

Before long the trial date is finally set, Xie has to spend a lot more time talking to his lawyers - he finally starts to see some benefit from them, and he can't deny their arguments are sound, even if he still hates some of them. The press attention had died down but it ramps up again. Xie stops leaving the house.

When it does come, the trial is surprisingly short. Xie isn't denying anything he's done, he's been nothing but cooperative and he was acting under orders at the time. It doesn't hurt that he's handed over a lot of evidence that has helped them clean up a significant portion of the magical underworld.

(Except anybody Xie actually liked. Unfortunately for most of the magical underworld, that didn't include them)

It's torturous to rehash everything all over again, but before long it's finally over and he can hardly believe his ears when the judge returns for sentencing.

It's exactly what he'd been hoping; community service. Working with Kevin to actually do some good. He's basically on a kind of parole, he has to do regular check ins and a certain amount of work and a bunch of other criteria he barely pays attention to because he's too busy being overwhelmingly relieved that he's not going to get locked up.

He apparently has to attend court-ordered psychiatry appointments as well, which dampens his enthusiasm for the judge a little bit, but still, when he and Kevin go back to the safehouse that evening he's ridiculously happy to see the place. They're still going to stay there a little longer, at least until the press coverage dies down, so they have some time before they need to figure out what they're doing next.

They have a few days to recover, which he desperately needs, but then it's time for his 'community service' to begin. So about a week after the trial, when Kevin gets up to get ready for work, Xie does too.

[weird_cop]

Kevin isn't going to make any bones about it: he loves his current routine. Working, feeling useful, wrapping up the Five Lakes Operation, and then he's basically forced by Lofthouse to take leave over the trial so he can actually do the work of being a supportive partner.

(They've all just started calling Xie his 'partner.' Kevin didn't quite pin down when Lofthouse and Quill started meaning it in the romantic sense, but he eventually realises they do.)

And actually working with Xie - he'd want to do that whether there was a court order or no.

From the bathroom as he brushes his teeth, he says:

"There's a New Age fair I want to pop into today. Our equivalent of walking a beat, more than anything else. I'd like you to come with me."

[xie_er]

It makes a sort of sense to start with something small, even though it wasn't what he expected to be doing and he's still wary of being out in public, so he just nods - even though Kevin can't see, because he's still in the bedroom doing his braids in the mirror.

"Are you going to be in uniform?" It's mostly a question to distract himself from his own uncertainty, but he's a little curious - and vaguely amused by the notion. He expects the answer is no, though he idly wonders if he could convince Kevin to get hold of one.

For non-work reasons.

[weird_cop]

Kevin hums a laugh.

"No. But even with the blanket, even after all these years, according to Tony the ethnic makeup of these things hasn't changed much. So anyone who matters is going to know who I am."

He pauses for a second and adds:

"Which means if you're with me, they'll probably know who you are, but I had a thought if you're not up for that?"

[xie_er]

"That's because you're memorable, handsome" Xie tells him, flicking his final12 braid over his shoulder and picking up his eyeliner.

(He already hogged the bathroom for his skincare routine before he let Kevin in there)

He does, briefly, think about maybe toning down his hair or makeup, but if he's going to stand out anyway he's going to be comfortable about it.

"What was your idea?" He'll put up with it, since it's not like he can just... never leave the house again, but he's willing to listen to options.

[weird_cop]

Kevin spits out his toothpaste, and starts the process of lathering up his chin as he continues:

"Well, I could show up with a drop dead gorgeous man on my arm, in the wake of a big news cycle featuring the man in question. Or..."

And because he's dramatic he lets a pause fall.

"Or I could turn up with my familiar."

[xie_er]

Xie can't begrudge anybody else being dramatic when he knows full well how much he enjoys being extra, so he just smiles indulgently at the pause - it doesn't hurt that it follows such a delightful compliment.

He pauses, eyeliner half done, and glances towards the bathroom.

"Cat, or...?"

[weird_cop]

Kevin pauses in his shaving and... unknowingly, glances back in the same direction.

"Up to you. But scorpion would be more comfortable, right?"

[xie_er]

"It would, but I know if you're being seen in public it might not send the right message..."

It's his voice, but they're not his words and he knows it. He'd understand, if Kevin agreed, but he can't deny he'd be a little bit disappointed.

[weird_cop]

Kevin frowns the frown he always has when he hears Xie's voice speaking words that aren't his. They're rarer, now, but that makes him sadder to hear them.

"What message? That I'm a super cool witch with an awesome scorpion for a familiar?"

The cat form is uncomfortable, he knows. It's tiring. It's not natural for Xie and he only learned it to satisfy Zhao. Kevin sees some advantages to it, but a cat - he doesn't see the point.

"Any basic bitch can have a cat."

[xie_er]

Xie smiles at the mirror, soft and sweet and genuine - the kind of smile that he used to fake, or hide, but that now come naturally around Kevin almost every time they talk.

"Come here." He says demandingly, putting the finishing touch on his eyeliner and turning towards the bathroom "You need kissing."

He really doesn't understand how somebody like him managed to find someone like Kevin, somebody so accepting and encouraging and perfect, but now that he has found him he never wants to let him go.

[weird_cop]

"Yessir."

Kevin wipes the last shaving cream from his smooth face and obediently comes into their bedroom, holding his arms out like a child demanding a hug.

"I'm not even being cute, though. Scorpion is legitimately cool."

[xie_er]

Xie smiles, standing up and stepping into Kevin's arms, his own wrapping around Kevin's waist as he leans in for a kiss.

"I know I am." He replies smugly - he's wrong, though, he is being cute. He's pretty sure plenty of people would find a scorpion creepy, the fact that Kevin is willing to see the good in his animal form is cute, to his mind.

[weird_cop]

Kevin closes his eyes and sinks into the kiss, taking his time to enjoy this little reward just for saying true stuff.

After a while though he pushes Xie away so they can leave the house and actually drive to the fair.

It's in Westminster, a big hireable venue filled with small store holders with a variety of goods to sell, and Kevin manages to find parking not too far away.

"How do you want to travel?" he asks, reaching into the back seat for his backpack

[xie_er]

Xie stays in human form for the drive, but he shifts once they're parked up.

"How subtle do you want me to be?" He asks "Your shoulder is probably best, so I can see what's going on, but I can be in a pocket or something if you prefer it"

It'll probably make his presence kind of pointless if he can't actually be seen, or help to keep an eye out for anything, but he'll sit in Kevin's pocket or backpack all day if that's what he needs to do.

[weird_cop]

"Shoulder is fine," Kevin says, holding his hand out for Xie to walk on to it.

"I don't care about subtle. Even normal people will just think you're a cool but kind of weird pet. Not that out of place in this place."

Although Xie can also see fine if he uses Kevin's eyes.

[xie_er]

He hadn't thought about using Kevin's eyes, though by this point he probably should. Still, he's pleased that Kevin really is happy to have him visible.

Pleased enough to want to kiss him again, so he makes do with what he has - unfortunately, that means that when he reaches Kevin's shoulder he reaches out with one claw to pinch his cheek affectionately.

"Okay, I'm ready." He says, once he's found a spot that's comfortable and secure enough.

[weird_cop]

"Did you just pinch my cheek?"

That's adorable, really. Kevin lifts a finger and puts it lightly on Xie's head.

He slings his backpack on the other shoulder and heads on in, moving from stall to stall like a normal patron.

Most of this place is normal (for a new age fair) and unmagical, but Kevin still gets some attention, mostly because everyone else here is white.

[xie_er]

Xie is neither confirming nor denying any cheek pinching.

Even though he obviously did.

He's acutely aware of all the eyes on them, but it's hard to tell if those are 'hey we recognise you for magical reasons' eyes or 'look at that black guy with a scorpion on his shoulder' eyes.

The first person that approaches is almost certainly the latter, though, it's a little boy about ten practically dragging his mother by the hand.

"Is that a scorpion? Cooooool!"

[weird_cop]

Kevin grins at the kid, and then up at his mother, one of his charming people pleasing smiles that he actually learned from Costain.

"Yeah," he says, crouching down partway to see him.

"Cool, right?"

"Told you you're cool."

[xie_er]

"So cool! Can I hold it? Mum can I hold it?" The kid glances excitedly between his mother and Kevin.

"Scorpions are very dangerous..." the mother says uncertainly, though she does smile politely back at Kevin.

"Pleeeeeease?"

"Cool to a ten year old boy isn't the same as actually cool." Xie tells Kevin, but okay, he's maybe a little bit smug at how excited the kid is.

"He can only hold me if his hands are clean." He adds. He's trying to be nice, at least.

[weird_cop]

"Are your hands clean?" Kevin asks, and flicks a look up at the mum.

"He's doesn't sting," he says helpfully, checking for permission.

He crouches down further and takes the kid's hand gently, turning it up to a flat palm as he reaches up to pick Xie up with his other hand.

"Be careful, okay? He's delicate."

"Actually ten year old boys are the arbiters of cool. Look at dinosaurs."

[xie_er]

The boy holds his hands out quickly, eagerly showing off that they aren't grubby. Xie leans forward a little bit to inspect them and decides they're acceptable.

"Unless you deserve it" Xie amends the comment about stinging, though he doesn't expect Kevin to repeat that part. The mother nods, conceding in the face of her son's excitement and Kevin's easy reassurance.

"Okay!" The kid says, doing his best to keep still. Xie crawls onto Kevin's hand when he brings it near rather than letting himself be picked up, and then crawls onto the boy's hand when Kevin brings him close enough.

"It tickles!" the boy laughs, leaning down a little bit to stare with fascination. "Does he have a name? What is it?"

"I worry about your taste level sometimes." Xie says, amused.

[weird_cop]

Kevin lets Xie take the lead, of course, in how he is handled, and keeps his hand on the boy's, in case he gets overexcited and hurts Xie.

"Xie," he says. "It's Chinese for scorpion."

"I have fantastic taste. I chose you, didn't I?"

[xie_er]

"That's why I only worry sometimes"

He moves around a little on the boy's palm some more while the kid watches excitedly, occasionally looking up at his mum to check she's watching. After a couple of minutes, Xie steps off his palm and back onto Kevin's, crawling up his sleeve and back to his shoulder.

This delights the kid and he watches with wide eyes.

"That was so cool. Mum did you see that!? Did you train him to do that?"