A whole new world

[sawnoevil]

WHO: Xiao Xingchen, Song Lan, and Xue Yang
WHEN: September
WHAT: Xiao Xingchen settling in
WHERE: At the newlywed's house
WARNINGS: None, but I'll update if needed.

After a conversation with Zichen and Xue Yang that was as confusing as it'd been uplifting, Xingchen decides to follow through and move in with the two of them. Their marriage is a surprise, but Xingchen had also managed to live with Xue Yang himself without realizing him to be an enemy. Outside of tendencies that both claim are under control, he's a pleasant man. There's still work to do in regards to their relationship, but while Xue Yang continues to handle his darker urges, a new life can begin.

It's their home. The three men approach the house that Xue Yang and Zichen have made their own. The invitation to live with them caused his hesitation, but not because of any lack in desire. It feels a bit invasive. It's only with both of their insistence that he's able to accept.

Obviously, he's not able to see the structure. In time, his movements and sound will create a picture, but as he stops in front, he's already curious. This is the home Xue Yang and Zichen chose together.

"Is it very large?"

Size only matters as it means more for Xingchen to learn.

Comments

[sawnoevil]

Xue Yang really does seem to have changed. It hasn't been a very long time since Xingchen has come to a world that isn't his own, but he's lived with him for years without suspecting his true identity. Here, he's built a life free of the violence that defined him back home and has transformed into someone that even Zichen can forgive.

It will take time for wounds to mend, but there's certainly been a lot of progress already. So much that his hand doesn't flinch away from Xue Yang, nor does it move when he feels Zichen on the other side. He stands between men, one that seemed almost born to complete him and the other since shifting to fit in as well.

It's a far cry from the loneliness he used to feel.

"You've both been very busy."

Creating a life here.

"You said you're building another house?"

After a moment of hesitation, fingers curl around both hands. It's going to take a bit of time to adjust to the more open physical affection, but it feels nice to have them by his side.

[jiangzaid]

Pulled apart. Shattered. Broken.

Then pieced back together. Encouraged to do better. Shown how. And supported. Xue Yang has many reasons to change, and he's leaped at the opportunities to start over fresh in Gazin.

He'd do it just for the smile of these two men. To get to hold their hands and revolve around them.

Seeing Zichen being able to reach for Xingchen's hand has him smile proudly, and then his own hand isn't tossed aside. That almost has him bouncing. He knows he's grinning with joy but doesn't care. The gentle curl of fingers around his is priceless.

He feels like he could fly without any help at all. "Of course!" There's a bright, eager spark in his voice as they move inside.

"It'll be just outside of town, but it's well protected. We want to get it all done before winter."

[zichen]

It feels good to hold Xingchen's hand, the soft press of fingers and palms. He listens to their voices too, the mingling of his soulmate's and his husband's. Something about the combination feels right and he imagines waking in a house where he can hear them both daily.

Can he make them happy?

"You're here." he murmurs, his grip tightening on Xingchen's hand, "We can weather any season."

Whether the house is finished or not. Zichen tugs gently on Xingchen's hand, knowing Xue Yang will be led along too, taking both men into the house carefully. What better way to guide their beloved once-lost-now-found A-Chen?

He takes them to the kitchen first, knowing it is one of the more vital rooms in the house.

[sawnoevil]

For a moment, Xingchen feels a bit of uncharacteristic jealousy at a past self, odd as it is. He knows that there were moments that lead to the comfort, the gentle and easy touches. He knows there were times he can't remember where they grew closer, where the touch of a hand was normalized. It feels nice, even based on the few days he's spent with them, but it's also a new feeling for him.

It passes as quickly as it comes when his more natural empathy kicks in. That self has lost this, which was likely more painful. Xingchen never expected Zichen to forgive more, nor did he expect Xue Yang to become a person that he'd wish to spend time with, though he'd known the faceless friend he'd made later was someone he cherished. Who could have predicted they'd be one and the same?

Inside, Xingchen doesn't look around, but he uses his other senses. Despite a lack of sight, he's adjusted to the world around him and can navigate it smoothly.

"The kitchen. It's the first room in the house?"

It's a nice idea, especially with what a kitchen presents. Really, is there a room that represents home more than a hearth?

Probably, if he released either hand, he could learn more, but who knows how long he'll have those hands? Another him had them and then lost them.

[jiangzaid]

Xue Yang walks in after the other two, keeping hold of Xingchen's hand with both of his. Light. Gentle. Careful - easy to throw off if Xingchen really wanted to. But sharing his hope that Xingchen won't.

Zichen's words echo in his heart and warm him.

"Yes. The kitchen has a small seating area that we've put a few cushions around to sit even when not eating or cooking." And when they're not in their room or out working or building. "To the left are the bedrooms with the wash room in between. We've settled into the one closest to the door. Your room is clean."

He pauses, then doesn't let himself continue. Instead, he looks to Zichen with a question in his eyes - to offer to share their room and their bed with Xingchen already...or to wait.

[zichen]

They all lost something precious when Xingchen left. Zichen had mourned heavily and then, upon seeing Xue Yang just as broken, had reached out to him. What they found together is now something they are more than happy to share with Xingchen. He has always been part of it; part of them.

He guides the hand he holds to the countertops, so Xingchen will know where they are placed and how high. However he is loathe to let go and his thumb brushes over the other man's knuckles.

The glance doesn't miss his notice and he decides to take a chance...or, at least, extend an offer.

"Our bed is yours, Xingchen." he raises the hand he holds to his cheek, "Whenever you are ready to join us, we will keep you warm."

Why wait? Time has never been on their side and Xingchen is here. If nothing else, the option will always be open and Xingchen should be aware of that.

[sawnoevil]

Again; it's a new but nice feeling. Xingchen, in this form, hasn't been here long enough to adjust to the simple touch but it's already become something he'll miss should it be gone.

With a smile — somewhat shy, somewhat warm — he looks down at the counter, long strands of black hair falling to cover the sides of his face and Zichen's hand. Yi City wasn't cold; he had his two friends, and they'd built a life. Still, though he misses A-Qing as well, it's a bit like stepping into a bright ray of sun or into a dream he daren't hoped to dream.

But the offer... it's too much. Zichen and Xue Yang are married.

"You've welcomed me here." The smile stays. "I'm glad, but I can't take your beds, too."

They're married. Xingchen might have grown up on a mountain, but he's well aware that married couples need time to be alone.

[jiangzaid]

...Well. He wouldn't be Xue Yang if he didn't take chances. All Xingchen can do is push him away, right? So he gives in to the desire to reach out and wrap an arm loosely around Xingchen's waist, to lean against him with his chin on the taller man's shoulder if allowed.

"A-Lan's right! You're welcome to join us. You wouldn't be taking our bed."

Because his husband is one of the two best people he has ever had the joy of knowing. He smiles brightly at Zichen though, grateful they are of the same mind in this too.

"But if it's too much, we will wait. Just know that you're welcome with us. Always."

[zichen]

Married, yes, but their marriage always had - and has - a space for Xingchen. That had been part of their vows to one another; they understood from the beginning that their love encompasses Xingchen too. Without him, none of it is complete. They aren't complete.

Zichen raises the hand he holds to his lips, kissing Xingchen's knuckles while Xue Yang speaks.

"Our bed was made to hold three." he murmurs, "Join us when you are ready and we will welcome you so warmly, your doubts will flee."

[sawnoevil]

For a moment, he tenses. The move will be read badly, he knows, and yet he's not accustomed to such an intimate touch. Xue Yang did sometimes touch his waist when Xingchen risked ladders and other dangerous activities, but he knows this is very different.

All of this is different, but nothing of it feels wrong. It's overwhelming in some ways, but Xingchen finds it's all very pleasant.

"I'm sorry. All of this... it's new to me."

There's no move to shake Xue Yang away or pull his hand away from Zichen.

"I'm very grateful to have found you again, Zichen. And Xue Yang, I've heard of how you've changed, and we have grown closer these past few years. I have to learn this kind of relationship, but if the two of you are patient with me, I'd like it to be with you."

Bending his head to the side, he lays his face against Xue Yang and squeezes Song's hand.

"Both of you."

[jiangzaid]

So very different. Xue Yang had wanted this closeness before, but had never acted on it. Now...this is all they have. He's trying to be careful in reaching for more, trying to be gentle and kind. The way Xiao Xingchen and Song Zichen deserve.

So he holds still, waiting to see if he'll be allowed to stay close - he wasn't expecting an apology. But he also isn't shoved away, even if Xingchen tenses, so he stays. But he also doesn't try for more.

"Be true to yourself, Daozhang. Always," he murmurs with a low hum. He can't and doesn't try to hide the smile as he listens to what Xingchen has heard.

And then his heart leaps and his smile brightens as he feels the gentle pressure of a head against his!

"We will be patient! We love you. You are always worth the wait. Even if you decide you don't want it...we just...want to be near. That's all."

[zichen]

"Mm." Zichen agrees gently, flushing when he sees the affection between the other two. He values both men more than life and if they can be happy - to some degree - together (and with him) then he can't help but celebrate it.

"Xingchen..." he murmurs, lifting the man's hand again for a soft kiss, "You cannot intrude. You are part of us regardless of your decision."

Very carefully he takes the lead to show Xingchen the rest of the house, leaving it to Xue Yang to make sure Xingchen doesn't trip or stub his foot. He spends time in the bedroom, knowing the other man will need to navigate the room when he is half asleep. He should know it well so he is safer.

"Here is the bed and the doors are here..."

[sawnoevil]

Throughout the tour, Xingchen draws pictures in his head to create an internal map. He wasn't born blind so he's blessed in his ability to know how rooms normally look, to take memories of wood and doors and repurpose them to create an image of everything being described.

It helps to have two very patient teachers.

"Is it very close to the bedroom you share?"

It's important to know where the other two will be located at night. Xingchen won't have the same ease in finding them as most.

[jiangzaid]

Xue Yang adds a few silly details along the way, making sure nothing trips Xingchen or makes him stumble or bump into something. He gently guides the other's hand to anything that is unusually sized or shaped.

The question has him grin before he leads the way down two doors. "Here, Daozhang!" They're both fairly tidy at home. Nothing is left lying around. Everything has it's place and is put away in quick order. He leads Xingchen inside, and the bed there is indeed larger than Xingchen's. There are warm blankets draped over the foot, and extra pillows.

And there are two small tables on either side, with a book on each and an unlit candle.

[zichen]

"It is." Zichen reassures, following patiently as Xue Yang takes the lead. Having Xingchen here warms his heart and he, selfishly, takes a moment to press against the other man's back. Very lightly. Just enough for him to understand that his Xiao Xingchen is here.

Along with his A-Yang.

"Welcome home, Xingchen." he murmurs, wishing, dearly, he could give the man his eyes back. He would. In a heartbeat. He knows Xue Yang would take care of him if he was blind.

[sawnoevil]

Home. It's not a word that's had meaning for a while, but he does bow his head again as if trying to hide his smile. He isn't; he smiles far too much to be ashamed of it. The warmth of the meaning spreads throughout his body.

"Thank you for..."

'Letting me stay here' feels wrong. That's not what they're doing. With a shake of his head, he tries again.

"I'm home."

[jiangzaid]

He loves making Xiao Xingchen smile and laugh. And he's been getting Zichen to smile, too. Every single one, from both men, is special to him.

And then Xingchen says that. Xue Yang draws in a shaky breath before resting his cheek to the white-clad shoulder, giving it a nuzzle.

"You are. This is your home, A-Chen. You are safe."

[zichen]

How can they not embrace Xingchen from both sides? Zichen shifts to do just that, his heart soaring. He can finally admit how he feels; how he has felt since he first met Xiao Xingchen.

And now he feels that way for Xue Yang too. Without the pair, he knows he would feel lonely and empty.

"We never stopped waiting for you." he smiles a little, "Our gentle breeze..."

[sawnoevil]

"I'd like to hear more about my time here before."

It's so odd to think that he doesn't recall that time at all. It sounds like so many things happened, and there's no recollection. He found something he didn't know he was searching for, left, and now returns to find it waiting for him.

[jiangzaid]

Zichen's move has him grinning. Xue Yang snuggles in on his side of Xingchen, understanding the oddity this sweet man must be feeling at knowing there are things he doesn't remember.

"We'll tell you!" No need to leave Xingchen wondering!

"Are you hungry? We can tell you while we cook."

[zichen]

"Yes, when was the last time you ate?" Zichen looks over Xingchen, trying to judge if he has been going without. Just in case, he pulls away to make his way to the kitchen. Cooking is easy for him - and therapeutic.

"Speak truthfully to him, A-Yang." he urges over his shoulder, yet he knows his husband will.

[sawnoevil]

"Early this morning."

What time is it now? It's not always easy to tell without some kind of clue. When he learns this world, it will become easier. What insects are present at which time of day? Are people closing up shops as the night draws closer? His lack of sight is never as obvious as when he enters a new place.

"I'll accept the offer for food. Thank you."

[jiangzaid]

Oh that won't do! Xue Yang gently guides Xingchen in following Zichen into the kitchen and shows him where he can sit if he wants.

He throws a mock pout at his husband though. "I promised not to lie to either of you, and I won't. I haven't." There's no sulky emotion behind it though and he's quick to smile again.

"Daozhang, the first days we were here, we danced together! And I was naughty and stole some kisses."

[zichen]

"You needn't thank us. It's important that we all eat." Zichen blinks, touched when Xue Yang urges Xingchen to follow him. The little gestures tell him far more about the other man than anything grand. As amazing as it seems, Xue Yang is allowing himself to be an empathetic man.

"I trust you, A-Yang." he returns the smile gently and sets about preparing a meal. He slices up vegetables, listening to the pair all the while. Just hearing their voices lightens his heart.