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]

"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."

[zichen]

"More than candy?" he queries, his eyes wide as if he can't believe what he is hearing, "You should have put that in your vows, A-Yang."

Though that would have left them laughing and a temple isn't the place for that sort of behavior. Still, he would have enjoyed it and likely kissed Xue Yang thoroughly for his humor.

"Of course I will help." he likes watching his beloved move about and when he accepts his cup of tea, he kisses Xue Yang's hands, "No one deserves to be treated like that. And they won't be with us."

Because they know how painful that can be.

[jiangzaid]

He laughs again, utterly delighted to get teased so well by such a man as Song Zichen! "I thought you liked my vows!"

Xue Yang is still rather pleased with what he'd come up with for them. And Zichen had certainly seemed eager to show what he thought of them. He still feels all warm and happy when he thinks of their first night together.

He settles beside his beloved, tucking himself in close and pressing a kiss to Zichen's cheek. "We'll have to be careful not to spoil them too much though. That's also not good for them."

[zichen]

"I loved them." he states without a hint of hesitation, his gaze suddenly solemn. He will never forget a word of what his A-Yang said; he holds that vow in his heart.

And that night have been spectacular. It was like all of their pent-up emotions found the best outlet and, afterwards, there was nothing left but pure, happy love.

Zichen leans into the kiss and wrap an arm around Xue Yang to keep him close.

"You sound like an excellent father."

[jiangzaid]

He immediately kisses his sweet husband before nuzzling their lips together. He'll never forget their first night. How gentle and generous Zichen had been then and every day and night since.

Xue Yang snuggles in close with a happy little sigh before flushing with a shy grin. "I've never been a father! Have you ever tended to a child?"

[zichen]

He hadn't been gentle and generous alone! Xue Yang had been so patient with him, allowing him to learn and be adventurous without fear of...messing up. Zichen needs a bold partner to guide him - to coax him out of his fears. Otherwise he is stuck in a horrible cycle.

"No..." he admits quietly, unsure why Xue Yang's happiness at the idea makes him feel...so warm. So good.

"Do you like children, A-Yang?"

[jiangzaid]

They're both learning how to be together. Life is a learning process, and Zichen has shown him so many things. He loves coaxing his sweet husband into things he knows will be enjoyed. He's never once been disappointed.

Xue Yang kisses his husband again. "Mm. They're innocent and look at the world in a different way."

[zichen]

The kiss makes him tingle and he nuzzles their noses together, happy to steal another after Xue Yang's answer.

"There are parts of you that are rather...innocent, too. Not child-like necessarily, but those qualities amaze me." Zichen kisses his beloved's shoulder, "You've been through so much and yet you've managed to keep those important parts intact."

[jiangzaid]

He hums happily, content to nuzzle right back and lean into the kisses. Only to flush when his husband says anything of him amazes him. "That...for you, of all people, to say that...A-Lan, that means a lot to me."

Xue Yang snuggles in close, mindful of the injury but needing the comfort and love that he's learned to get from his beloved's arms.

[zichen]

"Then you should know that I find almost every part of you amazing." Zichen likes seeing Xue Yang so radiant, so happy, and what he says isn't a lie. He feels like he is learning something new and wonderful about his A-Yang daily.

The snuggling is something he needs too and he tucks his arms around the other man, kissing his hair.

"The Wens...or the Jin...might arrive and demand you back, but I would stand in their way. You are only answerable to yourself, A-Yang."

[jiangzaid]

Xue Yang shudders and tucks himself into those arms before setting to peppering his sweet husband's face with kisses. "When you talk like that, I have to kiss you!"

And the promise of protection from the two clans who had used him in the past... "I'm yours, A-Lan. Yours and A-Chen's. I won't answer to any other." Never again. He doesn't want to! And there's no need to.

[zichen]

The kisses make him feel light-headed and he forces himself to breathe deep, his eyelids fluttering almost closed.

"You must?" he chuckles at that logic, the soreness in his abdomen stopping his amusement prematurely. He pushes himself out of the chair and bends ever so slightly to kiss his husband's forehead.

"I'm going to change my robes. Keep resting your leg, A-Yang."

[jiangzaid]

He grins and keeps up those kisses! He loves showing his husband just how much he means to him. "Yes! You're so kissable, A-Lan~" He means it, but also...he loves being allowed this close, especially to this man.

He huffs at the order though, brow creasing in concern as he stands, stubborn. "We'll both change, then rest in our new bed." He won't forget his poor husband's wound. "It's easier to get up the stairs with help when wounded."

[zichen]

As a result, Zichen is very pink when he rises, the color reaching his ears. He's...kissable? He smiles to himself, pleased.

"You are too, A-Yang. Infinitely kissable." those flirtatious words are said when he isn't looking directly at his husband. He's...braver...like that.

Only for his husband to be even sweeter. Zichen gathers him close and kisses his cheek.

"I trust you to help me upstairs in that case."