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

[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?"

[jiangzaid]

About that~ He knows someone who can heal his A-Lan up real quick! Xue Yang helps support him as he sits up, wrapping a supporting arm around him. Then releases him long enough to settle his clothes back in place.

The apology has him flush a little, but then he leans in to press another gentle kiss to Zichen's lips. "I'm not...angry. I just can't lose you. Ever." He'd break and all the progress he's made would be undone.

"Merlan can heal you the rest of the way, but let's get you home first. Then I'll go get her."

He makes short work in repacking the healing supplies into the bag, then slings it over his shoulder before reaching to help his husband stand.

"Lean on me, love. I won't let you fall or stumble."

[zichen]

The gentle care leaves his cheeks pink; how can he possibly interfere with his Xue Yang's sweet fussing? His robes are loose enough that they won't aggravate the newly stitched wounds, however Zichen is feeling somewhat drained. Communicating as much feels like admitting defeat - he is a prouder man than he lets on - but he trusts his husband to lead him.

"You won't lose me." he wraps an arm around his A-Yang, closing his eyes to get his bearings. The news about Merlan has him open them again, his voice softer, unsure:

"If she doesn't mind?" Zichen has a cardinal rule about not bothering anyone. The only one who he might break said rule with is Xue Yang. But he trusts he would tell him if he had gone too far.

"Your leg...?" he lays a hand on his husband's chest, "You've carried so much today. Just hold my hand and we will make it."

[jiangzaid]

They're a lot alike in that, though for Xue Yang it's more he's used to have to fix himself up and then suffer through the healing process. Alone. And so he knows his husband must be feeling drained, it doesn't need to be said.

He nuzzles his beloved's cheek fondly. "She told me to let her know if I came across anyone hurt or sick, that she can heal them up. I'd say you qualify!" But he thinks as he starts them out of the small set of rooms. Stubbornly keeping an arm wrapped around Zichen's waist instead of just holding his hand.

"It's fine. I'll soak it when we get home. Then we'll rest. But if she doesn't want to come to the house, we can go to her in a day or so when you've regained some energy for the trip. Maybe I can borrow a horse to help..."

[zichen]

The nuzzling, strangely, makes everything feel...right. Safe. Zichen doesn't understand how his husband has this effect on him, but he does.

"It's only a few stab wounds." he murmurs, his lips twitching as if he too knows that is a ridiculous statement. A few stab wounds could kill someone else. He's lucky he has a strong Core.

Sighing, he allows the hold around his waist, his arm sneaking around Xue Yang in return. If he is held, he can hold too.

"I'll be strong enough. My Core will replenish the blood I lost and my energy will return." Zichen turns his head to kiss Xue Yang's temple as they walk, "I'll show you how to use spiritual energy to heal."

[jiangzaid]

Zichen has the same effect on him. He's happy if he can return the feeling even a little.

The comment startles a snicker from Xue Yang and he can't resist pressing a kiss to his husband's cheek. "I'm good at stitching, if you don't stress yourself too much, they won't open. They shouldn't even leave much of a scar." Not that he thinks scars on Zichen are ugly, just means his poor lover got hurt. But also that he survived.

"I know how to heal myself with it. It's others I'm not good at using it for." He smiles as Zichen wraps an arm around him and helps keep him steady. Just a bit more of a guiding arm than anything more, really. Making sure nothing tries to trip Zichen up as they head out of town and to the house.

[zichen]

"You are." he agrees, raising his free hand to touch his abdomen lightly, "I want to better your healing skills, A-Yang. I think you could prove to be very talented."

Zichen isn't frightened of scars - they are not in an occupation that is safe enough for that fear. In a way, he finds them beautiful; each mark tells a story and he has traced those reminders on his husband with his lips and his fingertips.

"Then let's work on that." he gives his beloved a little squeeze around his waist, taking a deep breath when they are outside. His chest and his abdomen complain about it, but he ignores the pain.

"Your heart is sound, love. You hid it behind cruelty, anger and pain. I know you can be empathetic - you are so aware of my pain. That is the best quality of a healer."

[jiangzaid]

Xue Yang. A healer. Wouldn't that shock his Senior? The idea makes him grin before he really thinks about it. Then it makes him feel...Warm. Good. And makes him miss Wen Qing all over again. She could have taught him. But Zichen knows a good deal too. "You know I'll learn anything you want to teach me, to the best I can."

They've both spent hours exploring each others' scars with fingertips and lips. Soothing any imagined or old ache with tender love. He's learned to not hate his mangled left hand quite so much, and it really does feel a lot better than ever before. He has more use with it now, too.

"I'd like that," he murmurs, watching his husband's expression when they get outside. He huffs a little. "Be nice to your chest, it works hard to keep you safe!" The old him would have been annoyed if his hard work had just been undone, but this him? Is more worried Zichen is just hurting himself all over again.

He flushes at being told he can be empathetic. "...That's because I love you. I feel your pain better than my own. I'm...trying...to expand it, it just doesn't come as easy as it does with you."

[zichen]

A good shock - and further proof that Xue Yang has chosen a new road to travel. Zichen wants to walk beside him, hand in hand, for as long as he is allowed. This man his sweet husband is becoming can - and will - do a lot of good. Seeing his transformation has proven something to him: the dream he and Xingchen share is possible.

They can help others. But no one will be like his - their - A-Yang.

"We can start with herbal remedies. I am not as well-versed as Wen Qing, but I can teach you the basics." as he has done for Xue Yang's hand and leg. Surgical procedures are beyond him - except where he can assist a full-fledged healer - but he knows what medicines are traditionally used to aid in healing wounds. And he can stitch quite well.

"My head feels better when I can breathe deep." he explains, looking a little guilty, "I'll be good to your work, A-Yang."

No, he has no desire to pop a stitch. And the way his beloved phrases his concerns makes him even more determined to keep himself in decent shape.

"I am no different from everyone else. Xingchen is..." his lips twitch, "Beautiful. I think we an both agree on that. But he too is no different from others. There are men and women out there just like him; just like me. Would you leave them bleeding, hurt and frightened? I don't think you would."

[jiangzaid]

It's a road he'd be very happy to walk with Zichen! He'll go anywhere with his Daozhangs, just as long as they let him come with them. Or he'll follow as long as he can.

"I think you can teach more than just the basics, love," he teases fondly, a grin tugging at his lips. But there's that eagerness about him again, too. He gets to actually be properly taught. Finally. It's starting to soothe some old pain in him, that people actually are interested in teaching him good things. Guide him.

He accepts the explanation and presses a kiss to his husband's cheek. But he's watching you, Zichen!

When his husband describes Xingchen, a laugh escapes and he nods in agreement. "So are you, love." His A-Lan is gorgeous and no one will convince him otherwise! But then he listens to the rest and his head tilts as he realizes...Zichen knows him better than he knows himself.

"...But that's...something I can see. I can see and smell blood when it's spilled. Before I wouldn't have bothered. Now though...no. I'd stop and do what I could, if I had the supplies with me."

[zichen]

Zichen's soul isn't going to leave Xue Yang behind. He is a stubborn man; surely his spirit is just as hard-headed. Somehow, some way, he will hold Xue Yang and Xiao Xingchen close to him and keep them safe.

"We will go as far as we can. I don't mind learning more in the process." he likes lessons too - but not for the same reason. As a quiet soul, Zichen has often found comfort in reading and learning. Now that he can share what he has absorbed, it's...exciting.

The kiss against his cheek will only make his skin warmer. Yes, please watch him. Carefully.

"Mm?" he looks at Xue Yang as if he has said something amazing, "I'm...not. He's...so kind. You can see it on his face. I wouldn't have left the temple with anyone else. He made it so easy on me."

But that's Xingchen. He is a natural parent and friend to all in need. Zichen can't imagine anyone not adoring him.

"I think you would stop anyway, supplies or not. Sometimes...when someone is difficult..." his eyes twinkle affectionately, a little amused, "I remember that they were once a child. So as I tend to them, I see the fragile child."

[jiangzaid]

They're both rather stubborn men! Now that they have each other, they won't be letting go!

"Actual lessons, not for fear of being beaten, can be fun." Even better beside Zichen, he decides. "I wonder what books we might find...?" It's a quiet thought he's never given voice to. But it...would be nice. To get to read sometime. Maybe double with curling up with Zichen? There's an almost shy tilt to his smile as he thinks about it.

But then his focus is back on his husband and his smile brightens at that expression. "You are! You are both stunning." He nuzzles his husband's cheek with his smile.

"Hm...I think..." Then he laughs at that fond tease in his beloved's eye. "I'll remember that." And treat them gently. Firmly, but gently.

[zichen]

"The only reason I would beat you is if you truly crossed a line, A-Yang. I wouldn't enjoy it and it would hurt me deeply." Zichen blinks at the mention of books. Would Xue Yang enjoy reading? Is that something they could do together? Perhaps in their bed in the the soft light of a candle?

"I will look." he can't say no to that little smile. Before feeling too bashful to act, he presses a soft kiss to the edge of his husband's lips. The nuzzling...and the words...make him feel like he is on fire.

"You're not teasing me?" Zichen peers at him for a moment before basking in the laughter his tease brings, "A-Yang, I love you. Love should always be shared once it is felt."

[jiangzaid]

The thought of hurting Zichen again makes his stomach churn and he shudders, immediately shaking his head. "You won't need to! Ever again! I don't even want to disappoint you." Even that much would make him sick, and he knows it. Before, it would have disgusted him, how much Zichen has come to mean to him.

Not anymore. Never again.

But the promise his sweet husband makes to look for books, and that soft, shy little kiss, quickly soothe him again and he settles, keeping them moving to their new home. Trying not to hurry, but...he's anxious to get home and get his beloved comfortable.

"No," he can't help the smile. "I wouldn't tease about that." Every time Zichen says those words to him, his heart leaps and he feels like he could fly without any help at all. "...I'm doing my best to learn how to share it. I'm still...new. To love. Knowing love."

[zichen]

"How can you when you're trying so hard?" Zichen holds him closer at the shudder, wishing to drive the foul sensation away, "I will never make ridiculous demands of you, A-Yang. As long as you are true to your best self, I am content."

More than content, he is proud.

The journey is longer than he would like, but he couldn't ask for better company. The kiss tingles on his lips and he can't help flushing happily despite the soreness in his abdomen.

"You are showing it now." he murmurs, glancing at his beloved with a small smile, "Love can be grand...and it can be simple. Helping your husband to our new home is definitely what I would call a loving act."

He looks up when they are close, brightening at the house's welcoming facade. This is...their home. Zichen turns his head to nuzzle Xue Yang's cheek, sighing.

[jiangzaid]

"Because I have always tried my best. You are the first to not punish me for still not being good enough, or just because you felt like it. You and A-Chen," he amends with the latter. He puts his all in everything he does. But his sweet Daozhangs are so very good to him. He smiles softly at his husband. "I'm learning to keep that in mind."

It helps that the merchant's building was already at the edge of town, but it's still further to their new house than either of them would like. Xue Yang doesn't falter though, happy to support his beloved along the way. Then flushes as his care and display of love is pointed out, smiling shyly and peeking through his hair up at Zichen.

"I do love you. I like getting to help you. I like...cooking with you." Then he grins a little. "Even getting dirty while building our house was fun!"

And speaking of their house...they're coming to the end of the marked path they've also worked hard to make. He also brightens as they come into view and happily nuzzles right back. "Almost home~" He says...just...so he can say it.

Home. An actual home for them. Zichen and Xingchen are his real home, but this is a house he hopes to settle into for as long as possible.

"Just a couple steps then we can get inside and sit you down!"

[zichen]

"I cannot abide cruelty." Zichen speaks tightly, scowling at those who had treated Xue Yang so poorly, "Even if you fail to do your best, I will not harm you. Violence teaches nothing and it only causes more of the same."

There are many people to judge when it comes to the man Xue Yang became. Zichen understands that, in the end, it was Xue Yang's choice to be so dangerous, so heartless, but it isn't like he was given a better example to follow either.

The little smile captures his heart and he leans in, stealing a kiss, not caring that a few strands of hair get caught between them.

"I love being with you." no matter what they do or where they go. He can't help feeling...happy and proud...when their house is before them. Yes, they are home.

Zichen nestles closer to Xue Yang for those last few steps, wanting to make a point. They are in this together. Always.

"I want you to sit with me." and rest that leg.

[jiangzaid]

That answer has his heart just melt all over again for this precious man. He knows his expression shows how much he adores Zichen, and it doesn't bother him. Why should it?

And that stolen kiss has him smile and meet it. Only when it breaks does he reach up to tenderly tuck the loose strands of hair back behind his husband's ear.

He feels all warm when he's with Zichen. Cared for. Precious, even.

And being nestled into as they take those last few steps has his heart flip-flop around and his cheeks to flush in understanding. He tightens his hold around his husband's waist in answer.

Together. Yes.

He can't even muster up a pout - but why should he? His husband worries over him just as he does about Zichen.

"I want to make us some tea to drink before I sit with you. It will be good for both of us."

[zichen]

The adoration is returned. Zichen may not be as expressive as his mischievous husband, but his eyes are always warm when he watches him and his smiles come rather easily - for him, at least.

Once they are over the threshold, he gives a little sigh.

"I should have carried you over that."

Isn't that the best way to christen a new house? Giving his head a shake, he finds a seat - in the kitchen - so he can keep a steady eye on his beloved. Should that leg give out, he won't care if he pops a stitch catching his husband.

"Don't push yourself too hard, love. Everything can wait; we are not approaching some deadline."

[jiangzaid]

"When you're healed up, you can carry me wherever you want," he promises with a soothing kiss.

"Up the stairs," kiss. "Into our new bedroom," another kiss, but he's struggling to hold back his laughter. "Back outside," a fourth kiss and he gives up, laughing against his husband's shoulder.

He gently checks Zichen's bandages for any fresh blood to show a stitch has been popped once his sweet husband has taken a seat. He rewards the lack of any blood with another kiss after calming.

"We've both used a lot of energy today. Tea will only do us good, love. I'll make us soup later." Because he can tell he's nearing his new limits before he needs to rest. Xue Yang pulls away to set the kettle on and purposely leans against the counter, off his bad leg and lets it be noticeable for his precious husband.

[zichen]

"I will." he states without hesitation. The kisses are only a further incentive and he smiles a little more with each one, returning the delicious pressure. The laughter is sweet and he nuzzles their heads together, soaking in his husband's joy.

The lack of blood helps him settle too. He had trusted the stitches to hold, but it helps ease his mind to know his trust wasn't misplaced. The kiss that follows has him humming his pleasure.

"You are more important to me than tea or soup." he frowns a little before he notices the precautions Xue Yang takes. Already he is planning on giving that leg a good massage that may or may not include a lot of kisses.

"I think we will enjoy having the horses. Even if we're injured, we won't be immobile."

[jiangzaid]

The promise sends anticipation thrumming through him. Each growing smile warms his heart a little more.

Xue Yang trusts his work. He knows his skill with a needle. Combining it with his love of his precious husband, no. Not a single stitch would dare come out prematurely. But he would be remiss to not bother checking.

"So are you," he answers steadily. And so he takes better care of himself, especially when his husband shouldn't be on his feet yet!

He nods, turning enough to watch Zichen while the water heats up. "And we can travel further when we want to. Explore more than just where the merchant I worked for went." He grins. "And they're sweet animals."

[zichen]

He runs his fingers over the stitches, giving Xue Yang a softer, sweeter smile. Yes, he trusts his work too. He knows his husband worked on him with love and concern in his heart. Soon - very soon - he will show him his appreciation so passionately that Xue Yang won't be in any doubt of how much he is loved in return.

"Is there such a thing as a sweet soup?" he teases, "I'm surely not more important than it if so."

The plans make him chuckle and he leans back in the chair, letting himself relax.

"They will be sweeter still with you caring for them. I look forward to getting them comfortable. Loyal horses can't be ordered or forced; we want to inspire their loyalty through love and trust."

[jiangzaid]

He laughs at that tease and immediately shakes his head, grinning cheerfully at his silly husband.

"You are! Much much more important! Even more than any candy!" And not just because Zichen can be enjoyed more than once.

He'd rather have Zichen for the rest of time than even a lifetime's worth of candy.

"Mm, and with you helping!" Xue Yang shakes his head, moving diligently through the usual tea ritual before pouring them two cups. He carries them over to his husband. "They'll be treated very well, as they should be. As friends, not...things that just happen to be useful."