Moving Day + Open prompts

[jiangzaid]

WHO: Xue Yang and open and closed prompts
WHEN: Middle to late November
WHAT: Moving from merchant's apartment to the house they've finished building, horse hunting, forge work, tavern visit
WHERE: Various
WARNINGS: None planned, will update in specific threads if/as something comes up.



Moving Day! Closed to Song Lan

They haven't accumulated a whole lot of stuff in the half year they've lived together. They've actually been fairly frugal, especially since they'd started on plans for a house of their own. Mostly just clothes they've bought, their weapons, and what cooking supplies they've purchased which hadn't come with the small apartment Xue Yang had rented from his former employer.

He reaches out and playfully tugs on his husband's sleeve after shouldering his bag. "Ready to go home, love?" It's a pretty little log cabin with a really rather luxurious bathroom. There are still a few last things to put in, but they can wait until they have more money again.


Visit to horse breeder! Open to any who wish to go see horses and buy a few!

Zichen had made the suggestion to get a few horses, back before Xingchen's most recent disappearance, and now they're finally going to take a look at the breeder for what is available. Sorry Zichen, but Xue Yang is only not actually bouncing because he knows it would make him limp all the way home. He's just Excited! And considering how hurt losing Xingchen yet again he'd been...?

This is a good thing. But at least he hadn't fallen apart as he had the first two times. He peers into stalls with wide eyes and a childish grin, moving from stall to stall saying hello to every cute horse within and listening as the breeder describes each one.


Merlan's Forge: OTA

Xue Yang so far has been enjoying the new job. It's both physically demanding, which helps his level of energy, and safer. Merlan has many protections around her home, nothing can get in that she doesn't want in. And he has a lot of energy to work out. But that's fine! He's doing fairly well, learning how to work the forge as well as helping her make various things.

He has a sturdy new outfit, too. And a good, protective glove for his mangled left hand. It doesn't get in the way though, and thanks to his husband's efforts and diligent work, there is much less pain in daily work. He's taken to pulling his hair back so it's out of the way, too. Anyone who visits is treated to a quick grin and he leaps to help take orders or show what's already been made.


Tavern: OTA

He's still a fairly common sight in the tavern, though usually just passing through to get new ideas for meals to make with Zichen, and when or if Xingchen comes back. Even for if Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji ever decide to visit the new house he has with Zichen! He'd be a poor host if he didn't keep looking for new ideas. And tasting them.

But also the tavern is a nice place to see people and check to see how the town itself is doing. Any news is gathered and chatted about for any new or extra juicy tidbits. Especially to hear of any new comers or lack of a face that people notice.


Wildcard! [ ooc: Have something you want Xue Yang for but can't work it into any of the existing open prompts? Start it up here or poke me on the discord server or fireduck! ]

Comments

[zichen]

Speaking of money, Song Zichen has been working odd jobs - some more dangerous than others. He has managed to hide the results of one job that went astray. Now is not the time to frighten his husband. This should be a happy day, shouldn't it? So he keeps himself well-bandaged under his robes and tries to walk normally.

As the day goes on, however, all color leaves his face and he can feel that the bandages are...damp. The tug on his sleeve has him looking at his husband in a panic.

He doesn't mean to...ruin things. He really doesn't.

[jiangzaid]

A happy day indeed! But he senses something wrong when Zichen gives him that look. Xue Yang immediately turns to fully face him with a furrow between his brows.

"What's wrong?"

Had he missed something important? What?! The tug turns to a gentle hand on Zichen's arm and he searches for signs of whatever it is that has his husband panicking.

[zichen]

His vision swims and he sways dangerously, grabbing onto Xue Yang's arm in return. He feels cold and hot, the pain of his wound making him sick. It was a mistake to hide it; why does he make such shoddy decisions during crucial moments?

"Bandits...surrounded me...on my ride. I took on one of your old jobs." Zichen tries to explain, closing his eyes, "I was stabbed. I thought I...tended to it...but it feels..."

Bad. He tries to tug open his robes, his hands shaking.

[jiangzaid]

Fear shoots through him at the swaying, and he immediately slips an arm around his husband's waist to support him. It makes him both sick and furious - furious at the bandits and sick...because his husband had tried to hide wounds from him.

He can scold later. For now, he guides his husband to the table and gets him to sit before kneeling and helping in pulling those robes open. "You should have told me," he murmurs, voice a little shaky despite his efforts. "Did you just bandage it or did you also put healing herbs on it?"

[zichen]

His reasons for hiding them are rather silly in hindsight, but this...

This is a special day for them. He hadn't wanted to see Xue Yang worried like this. His husband's smile - and his joy - are precious to Zichen.

He sits with a groan and pulls open the fabric of his robes. The bandage is red and he hisses lowly, letting Xue Yang unwind it. He has been stabbed in the abdomen - not too deeply, but just enough to make it messy.

And painful.

"B-Both." Zichen frowns at the wounds, "Can you help me...with stitches?"

[jiangzaid]

Xue Yang sets his bag down and gently looks over the wounds. They make his heart hurt and he impulsively leans in to press a very light kiss over his husband's heart. He can tell it's not life-threatening, but it's painful. And could get infected. But at least his Zichen had tended it with herbs and bound it.

The question has him huff as if offended Zichen even needs to ask! "Of course." Of course he will take good care of his precious husband. And since their medical supplies had been in this last bag...he turns to open it and pull out fresh bandages, a salve of healing herbs for such injuries, and needle and thread.

"Do you want to lie down while I work?"

[zichen]

The kiss helps him fight the panic. He has his A-Yang; what is there to fear? Zichen strokes the backs of his fingers down Xue Yang's cheek and nods.

"Help me onto the table."

It's flat, so he won't be moving around (or sinking into it) and it's at a good height for Xue Yang to be comfortable while he works. He trusts his husband fully and completely and once he is laying on the table, he squeezes his beloved's hand.

"You will do a fine job, my A-Yang."

[jiangzaid]

He rubs his cheek against those fingers and immediately, carefully, helps Zichen up onto the table and helps him stretch out. Then takes a moment to kiss him properly to help him relax and reassure them both that their bond is simply far too strong.

Xue Yang manages a smile and presses another kiss to that hand. "I know how to fix wounds up, especially stab wounds!" Considering how many times he's had to fix himself up after being stabbed... "I'll have you all better quickly. Then we can get you home and in bed to rest. I can finish bringing the last bags over once you're comfortable." And the fire going, of course!

He moves to the sink to get water, then returns to his husband's side to get to work. "Did you deal with the bandits?" He asks to help distract Zichen from the pain. His stitches are tidy, and then he wraps it with a fresh bandage with over a cloth treated with the salve.

[zichen]

Their bond is what, finally, helps him find his calm. Xue Yang used to be a source of frustration and fear for him; now he is like a gentle fire, seeking to warm him and melt every last bit of ice in his heart. Zichen adores him and he trusts him with his life.

The kiss earns a smile and he lays back on the table, doing his best to keep absolutely still. Pain doesn't frighten him, but it is entirely unpleasant to feel yourself gushing blood.

"You've had too many." he watches his beloved softly, gritting his teeth when he gets to work, "Yes. I am...fond of horses...like you...and they tried to kill my stallion too." his brow furrows at the memory, "How can anyone be so cruel?"

So even stabbed, he had the energy to finish them off and get his poor frightened stallion friend home.

[jiangzaid]

Xue Yang used to be only chaos and horrible, murderous mischief. Now...Zichen and Xingchen have taught him how to calm that chaos. How to be kind and helpful. How to steady.

"Good," it's just shy of a growl. If Zichen hadn't finished them off, Xue Yang would have hunted them down himself. "Is your poor stallion alright?"

'How can anyone be so cruel?' He frowns, but his hands don't shake as he keeps working. "Humans can be horrible people. I would have gone after the person, not the horse though."

[zichen]

The word sends a pleasant tingle down his spine and he has to swallow before he answers.

"Yes. He isn't mine, but I am fond of him. He greets me every time I walk by his yard."

It's sort of hard to dislike an animal that hurries to you and nudges your cheek with their nose. Zichen carries apples for him and tiny sugar cubes.

The stitching is nice, tight and neat. Pride swells in his chest and he pulls Xue Yang down into a kiss the moment the other man is close by.

"You wouldn't have harmed an innocent animal, A-Yang. Men can be terrible and justice comes in many forms, but animals are blameless." he pauses and adds, "Thank you, love. It feels better."

[jiangzaid]

"I'd love to meet him! And soon we can go talk to the breeder about our own horses." He wouldn't be surprised to hear what his sweet husband does for the horse!

He finishes his work up with a fresh bandage treated with healing salve before he's tugged in for a kiss. He huffs before relenting and melting into it with a hum. Xue Yang rubs their lips together before pulling back and wiping his hands clean.

"Not even a tiny wound! They're too sweet and cute!"

Xue Yang moves to help his husband to sit up. "A-Lan...Please don't hide any injury from me...I don't care what day it is or what we have planned. I want to take care of you just as you take care of me."

[zichen]

"He is on the way to the breeder. We could stop and say hello together." Zichen smiles into the kiss a split second later, burying a hand in his A-Yang's soft hair. He will thank him fully when he is more healed, but until then, his sweet husband will be kissed senseless.

"Nn..." he groans as he sits up, moving carefully so the stitches don't pull overmuch, "...I'm sorry, A-Yang."

Guilt is written clearly on his face.

"I've been looking forward to today and I didn't want to think about anything else." he smiles a little, "You take excellent care of me. Help me to our new house, please?"

Forge~

[obliviouspatriarch]

Wuxian is still all sorts of hesitant with Xue Yang, but after the other had actually managed to poke and prod him into snapping and losing his composure, he's reluctantly decided to give him a chance. A chance it has seemed, to be one that hasn't derailed into wanting to stab him.

And so a wander to the forge he's heard about happens, just to check it out at the very least, and to his surprise sees Xue Yang hard at work. Instead of going and saying anything, Wuxian for the time being just observes the chatter, watching the other's movements closely.

[jiangzaid]

Sometimes a good snap is all one needs to actually feel better. Xue Yang knows that so very well. He's glad he got to help his senior so well! And he's still not been stabbed!

He knows Wuxian is watching, but since he hasn't spoken up, he keeps working. He enjoys the rough work, poking the fire to keep it awake and roaring hot enough to mold steel and metal. He's been learning in leaps and bounds, soaking up all the knowledge Merlan has to share with him as if he's a sponge.

But eventually...he wanders over to Wuxian and plops down beside him with a canteen and wiping his face cleaner. "Thirsty, Senior?"

[obliviouspatriarch]

He wouldn't dare admit it, but the snap did make him feel better, as did punching at him. That lash out made him in a much better mood when he saw Wangji as well, not that he's going to thank Xue Yang anytime soon.

Observing the entire time has been interesting, watching each movement and interaction, not even seeing anything out of the ordinary besides the cheeriness of the man he's been watching. He's startled for a moment when spoken to, lost in some thought.

"Hm? Ah. Yes I could use a drink." Which he'd forgotten to bring a canteen with him, just his luck. "This is a nice place."

Not much of a conversation starter, but it's civil, no punches thrown at least.

[jiangzaid]

He doesn't expect to be thanked. As long as his Senior feels better, he's happy!

Xue Yang holds out the canteen with a pleased smile and glances around at the compliment.

"I've said it before, but...I like it here." He shrugs and his head tips to one side as he peers back at Wuxian.

"Did you find Hanguang-Jun?"

[obliviouspatriarch]

Hesitantly he takes the canteen, but thirst wins over and he takes a drink, happy enough to get some water.

"What is it about this place that has you liking it so much?" Colour him curious, but he does want to know more about it since he's got no ways of returning home. "And yes, I found him. I've been staying with him since I ran into him."

[jiangzaid]

The water is actually deliciously cool!

Xue Yang rubs at his face again, then over his neck as he tries to nail down the reason. It's more than just his Daozhangs, though they're a big part of it.

"People...look at me. And they're not afraid. I have an actual chance here, and a reason to take it."

He smiles at the confirmation. "Good." Really, he's glad for his Senior. "Being with someone you love is important."

[obliviouspatriarch]

He's grateful that the water is cool, and refreshing, it wouldn't have been as quenching if it were warm.

"While I've sat here, I've noticed that people are smiling and cheerful around you. It must be nice, not being seen as a monster when they learn your name." Whether that's directed at himself as a wish, or a passing compliment, not even he knows. Though he nods, absentmindedly, at what Xue Yang says about being with someone he loves being important. It was, no, is important for sure that Wangji had shown up.

"I'd keep looking for him if he didn't, I would never give up on him." Even if that stubborn promise made him exhausted beyond belief.

[jiangzaid]

He beams when Wuxian mentions that. It's one thing for him to think that's what he sees, but for someone who clearly doesn't trust him? It means a lot. Even more since it's his dear Senior!

"They'll see you like that too. Just show them." Yes. Yes he does know his Senior.

Xue Yang nods, sobering in understanding. "A-Lan and I didn't stop looking for A-Chen after he vanished each time. And he kept coming back. I can't imagine how much harder Hanguang-Jun would fight to get back to you."

[obliviouspatriarch]

He's already chatted with a few, making friendly conversation as he went, but it was still so surreal that they didn't recoil in fear or hatred upon hearing his name. It was... Nice even. But the lingering fear and doubt remains, no matter how much anger he vented before.

"I will, in enough time. For now I think it's best to watch them first."

He inhales a little sharply, then exhales through his nose. Whether it is intentionally or not, Xue Yang just hit a sore spot that Wuxian still has yet to heal from and doubts he ever will, but he twitches a smile back that'd quickly faded in the inhale.

"I don't ever want to make him wait for me again like that... He already waited for thirteen years."

[jiangzaid]

Making friends is nice! Xue Yang has come to like several of the villagers. And they've helped his daozhangs out a time or two, along with himself! He also knows the lingering distrust after years of fingers being pointed and tongues wagging mockingly.

He nods, lips quirking in understanding. "You'll see. It's worth watching." So when Wuxian is ready, he'll hopefully accept it.

...Woops. He actually, visibly winces and the look he turns to Wuxian is genuinely apologetic. Then grim and serious, unlike most of the expressions one familiar with Xue Yang would expect from him. "It's miserable, Senior. To wait for someone that long." He knows this keenly.

"But also, when they're back with you, it's wonderful. All those years of waiting fade away to memory."

[obliviouspatriarch]

"I'll take your word for it, but... It's nice that they don't flee upon hearing a name."

He takes a deep breath, calming himself, unsure if this was more taunting or genuine accident. He needs to remember that he's giving the man a chance and that he shouldn't just jump to conclusions, as easy as it was for him when his temper rises.

"I can't imagine how he felt waiting for so long, even me waiting a week wasn't fun." That week was miserable in of itself, thirteen years would destroy him.

[jiangzaid]

Xue Yang nods, holding his tongue then. He's sure his Senior will see for himself.

He remains contrite as Wuxian gathers himself and decides how to act. He can't take his words back, but he'd tried to soften them a little and show he hadn't meant to hurt the other man. No, not this time. He doesn't want to now.

"He's strong," he murmurs. "Much stronger than I was. That's why I...went crazy without A-Chen...where he remained strong and focused."