Winter Fun

[jiangzaid]

WHO: Xue Yang and you!
WHEN: December 15th onward
WHAT: Shenanigans! Winter fun!
WHERE: Gazin!
WARNINGS: N/A but will update as needed.


Riding - Around Gazin, OTA

Xue Yang has a stallion of his own now, and he loves fussing over him and taking him out to ride. He likes cantering along the paths outside of Gazin for a good run, across the fields and trotting through town. He chuckles as he coaxes his horse around certain obstacles, feeling the silly beast prance and toss his head in play and high spirits.

Because of how worried his hip has started to make his husband, he's begun to ride more than walk. And it is easier - not to mention far more fun and a much faster mode to get places! He has saddle packs for food when he grabs what they need while he's out, or delivering purchases to those who need the extra hand for the heavier orders.


Bonfire, Brew, Ice Pond Diving

Xue Yang loves the celebrations going on with the start of the snow. He has warmer clothes, thankfully, and the house he and his husband built is sturdy enough for the cold. Plenty of firewood has been stacked against one side of the house within reach as they come in and need more, and the stables they have mostly built are just as warm and sturdy for their horses.

But in the evenings now, he occasionally drags his Daozhangs out with him to enjoy the bonfires and warmth that comes with those of Gazin. Enjoying the food and drink they offer, and listens avidly to stories as they're told around the fire.

Of course he has to take part of the snowball fights! The very idea delights and amazes him and he's quickly dragged into various games and mock wars with snow and balls of snow. Which leads to the challenge of diving into the icy depths of the pond. Who is he to turn a challenge down?

And he must bring others with him! He'll reach out to fling a snowball at someone he knows and playfully taunt them into racing to see who will dive into the pond first.


Hot Springs

Xue Yang has been around long enough to know about the hot springs here and there. It only makes sense to start dragging certain people off to enjoy them! Especially after daring to dive into the icy pond...forgive him? See? Now you're warm again! All fixed!


Feasts, Gift-Giving - mostly for Zichen and Xingchen, but he can be dragged in for a feast if people want him.

He adores the feasts, too, though he's more likely to snag some food and bring it home to his Daozhangs so they can eat together in peace when not out for some fun. However, he learns of the gift giving - through one being foisted on him and it...stuns him. He's told about what it means, and immediately sets to making a few little gifts. Mostly carved animals. These, he gives to a few people he comes across in town.

But for his Daozhangs...they get something more special. He works away at it in the forge in between orders until he's satisfied with the gifts. He tucks them away in little boxes, each with the name of the recipient tucked in before heading home when done for the day.

Xue Yang steps back, studying where everything has been set a little more out of the way while remaining invitingly cozy. There's space, now, cleared for a very specific thing. The fire is roaring, because it really has become rather chilly, and a good hearty stew is bubbling away. There's no music, but that can't be helped. He doesn't particularly want to drag a third party in for this.

All he has to do now is wait. Wait for his Daozhangs to come home so he can drag them (one more carefully than the other) in and cajole them into dancing with him. He hears footsteps approach and trusts Merlan's wards more than enough to know it can only be those two precious men. He lets the door open before he swoops in with a bright grin and reaches for their hands.

"Welcome home! Come, dance with me!" Yes, Xingchen, you are definitely included in that!

Comments

[zichen]

Zichen feels something in his chest relax at the promise. Oh. Good. Finally. He presses several kisses to Xingchen's palm, reassuring himself that he is real. He's with them at long last.

The mention of gifts has him blinking. For him, there can be no greater gift than having them with him - and safe. But now that Xue Yang mentions it, he knows what he must do.

"You didn't need to do that, A-Yang." his cheeks flush red and not from the heat of the fire.

[cantseeyoursin]

Xingchen tilts his head slightly at the discussion of presents. He was not aware of the custom and is caught quite off guard. If he had known he would have figured something out as well. Even though he hasn't quite gotten used to the town and what is available he would have made an effort to do so.

As distracted as he was by those kisses to both his palms, and the heat that rises to his cheeks because of them, he is now drawn into wondering what it is the other man would have gotten for him. He lowers his hands so that Xue Yang can be free to get whatever it is he has obtained for them.

"I feel guilty for not having anything to give in return."

[jiangzaid]

It's a new custom and he likes getting the chance to spoil his Daozhangs! Xue Yang leans in to kiss Zichen's red cheeks before moving to Xingchen's - they're too cute not to be kissed!

"I wanted to!"

He pulls away when Xingchen lets go, and stands, moving to where he'd set the small boxes. He returns quickly, and sets one in Zichen's hands, then the other is gently pressed to Xingchen's.

Xingchen's is a small pendant that can get pinned to his robes if he wants. It's metal delicately formed into a bird - a falcon, to be precise. Zichen's is also a small metal pendant, but it's of a wolf in a noble pose.

[zichen]

"No, Xingchen..." Zichen begins, gasping under the kisses. A-Yang! He can't think when you do that. Pressing his lips together, he takes a moment before he tries again.

"How were you to know about Gazin's customs?" he, on the other hand, has no excuse. But he has a clear idea of what he wants to get his adorably festive husband. Soon. Very soon.

He glances down at the boxes curiously, waiting for Xingchen to open his before he follows suit.

"A bird..." he murmurs, scooting closer to Xingchen, reaching out to guide the other man's fingers over the wings, "You deserve to fly." his expression is warm as he smiles at Xue Yang. Then he opens his box and sucks in a small breath.

"And I have a wolf."

Is that how Xue Yang sees him? Zichen picks up the little pendant tenderly.

[cantseeyoursin]

Xingchen feels the box in his hands, curious about it's contents but waits until he is sure that they both have their gift. He then slowly opens it, letting Zichen guide his fingers to it.

He listens to the explanation and lets his fingers wrap around the pendant so that he can pull it out of the box. He uses both hands to feel over the details. It's delicate but lovely. He doesn't know if he deserves to fly, feeling like his wings were clipped years ago. But perhaps it is possible to get those feathers back with enough time to heal.

He lifts his head and offers a tender smile in Xue Yang's direction. "Thank you. It is lovely. Did you make it?"

[jiangzaid]

He smiles softly at his husband's reassurance to Xingchen. Xue Yang sets his chin lightly on Xingchen's shoulder, watching the two precious men open their gifts. He loves how delicately they touch the little figures, and their reactions have his cheeks pink in shy pleasure.

"I did." And that tender smile from Xingchen! It makes his heart flutter before melting. "A-Lan is right. You deserve to fly." His gaze turns to his husband and a playful tilt to his lips appears. "And A-Lan, you are a fierce protector. I like hearing you howl~"

[zichen]

Those wings can and will return. Zichen lays a hand on Xingchen's back, right across one of his shoulder-blades. Yes, the wings are still there. They haven't been clipped. He just needs someone to guide him and to watch his back - and he has two men who are more than willing to do that.

"You will fly." he murmurs with conviction. The little comment about him howling leads to him giving Xue Yang a bashful frown.

"I should make you a pendant too, A-Yang. Some beast with a silver tongue." he smiles to soften his tease, leaning forward to kiss the thoughtful delinquent.

[cantseeyoursin]

He gently places the pendant back in the box, hoping that he won't lose it. He will try to make sure he finds somewhere safe to attach it.

He turns his face to smile at Zichen as that hand rubs his back in such reassuring way. He wants to believe their words. IN this place, before this fire and so close to them both he feels stronger and safer and happier then he has in a very long time. Even in Yi City he had still felt that overwhelming loneliness and guilt. But those feelings are slowly starting to fade.

He stays quiet as he listens to them tease each other.

[jiangzaid]

Xue Yang will help however he can. These two simply mean the world to him. "We will help you fly again, A-Chen," he murmurs, nuzzling Xingchen's shoulder affectionately.

Only to grin at his husband's tease and kisses back with a happy hum. "Am I a dragon?" He reaches up to stroke Zichen's hair back, thumb rubbing fondly over his cheek. "I can roar while you howl!"

[zichen]

"A silly dragon." Zichen huffs before gently, carefully nudging his forehead against Xingchen's. How can he resist when the other man gives him such a precious smile? It feels good to just...be...with them. If that makes him a wolf, so be it. He will howl and gnash his teeth to keep his pack in one piece. They have endured enough.

"I'm not afraid of a Yang dragon." his lips twitch and he holds the hand against his cheek, "Xingchen can ride on one of our backs until he wants to spread his beautiful wings."

[cantseeyoursin]

He is touched by their desires to get his wings back. He believes if anyone can do it, it is all of them together. "With all this roaring and howling, I might have to use those wings to find some quiet."

He teases gently as rests his forehead against Zichen's. How is it that he ended up as the animal that could be eaten up by these two? And why doesn't that bother him?

[jiangzaid]

He laughs with delight, stroking his husband's soft cheek and cupping his sweet face. "I won't harm either of you, no matter what beast I am~ I love you too much." Yes Xingchen, you are very much included in that statement!

Xue Yang's eyes light up as the blind man joins in and he wraps his free arm around Xingchen's waist to snuggle him close. "A-Chen!" He gasps in mock horror. "We would just have to find you!"

[zichen]

Xingchen has nothing to fear from them. Not anymore. He is precious beyond measure and if anyone tries to harm him, they will be faced with so many teeth and claws that anyone would run for cover!

"There are many mighty birds." Zichen murmurs lovingly, slipping an arm around Xingchen too so that he is snuggled between A-Yang and himself, "Phoenixes. Even cranes are meant to represent grace and strength and beauty."

All qualities that Xingchen has in spades.

"We would find you. A-Yang would search the air and I would search the ground until we brought you home."

[cantseeyoursin]

Xingchen would be happy to be either of those birds. Strong and confident and free to spread his wings and soar along with these strong beasts that he has surrounded himself with. He feels safe, warm and content in this snuggle pile.

"Then I will make sure I don't fly too far so that you will always be able to find me."

[jiangzaid]

"And they're all beautiful, just like you, Daozhang," he adds, just as lovingly. Xue Yang basks in the company of these two.

He grins at Xingchen's promise to never fly too far, just so they can always find him. How can he possibly avoid pressing a soft kiss to a cheek? He can't! So he doesn't! Xingchen gets a nuzzling kiss just because Xue Yang likes kissing him.

"You are so sweet, A-Chen!"

[zichen]

"He has always been that way." Zichen remarks, resting his head against Xingchen's, completely at peace. The kisses make him chuckle, softly, pleased. Xue Yang is a good guide for him. By watching him, he can understand the joy of touch - of contact. It doesn't always have to hurt or be terrifying.

"Are you warm, A-Chen?" he whispers shyly, glancing at Xingchen's face curiously, "What about you, A-Yang?"

He can easily grab a blanket for all of them, but that would require moving and their current position feels too nice.

[cantseeyoursin]

He hardly knows how to deal with all this contact and love that he is currently basking in between the two of them. Or the compliments as they talk about him being beautiful and sweet. Xingchen hardly thinks he deserves so much praise.

"I am quite comfortable. It is very warm enveloped by all this love."

It seems a shame to have it end but if either of the others require warmth then they should have it.

[jiangzaid]

Zichen is a very good student~ And teacher, for Xue Yang also watches him when they're meditating or his husband is helping him with Cultivation and working on his Core.

He shakes his head at the question and just snuggles closer to Xingchen with a happy smile. "A-Chen is nice and warm and being sweet in sharing his heat." Plus he doesn't want to move, and doesn't want either of his Daozhangs to feel the need to either.

"If you're cold, A-Lan, just snuggle closer!"

[zichen]

"I'm not cold." he brushes his lips against Xingchen's temple - right above the line of his blindfold, "I could never be cold with both of you near."

This is a waking dream and his heart is full. There is one way they can make this better and he hasn't given up on finding a way. He doesn't think Xue Yang has given up either.

"We do love you, A-Chen." he feels the need to drive that point home, "If you need anything, tell us. You should never go without."

[cantseeyoursin]

Xingchen is silent for a moment. They have both said those words so many times and when wrapped up like this perhaps it really hits home that what they say is the truth. He wasn't sure he could simply open up his heart given the things they have gone through but his heart has healed just enough that perhaps there is one gift that he can give them on this night.

"I...I know that you will do anything for me." A hesitation, not wanting to mess this up. "I love you both as well."

How could it be anything else? Feeling this comfortable wrapped up in their arms like this simply feels right...like he belongs there.

[jiangzaid]

Xue Yang grins at his sweet husband. "Exactly~" A dream he doesn't want to wake from either. They will always find a way, somehow. He nods, agreeing with Zichen's statement that Xingchen can come to them for any need. No matter how small.

And then stares at Xingchen, eyes wide and lips parted in awe. Then he shudders and curls around him, pressing his face against Xingchen's shoulder. He has to swallow a few times before he trusts his voice.

"We love you. So so much."

[zichen]

To give love is a wonderful feeling, but nothing can quite match receiving it. Zichen feels just as much awe as Xue Yang and he too presses himself against Xingchen, being sure not to impede his husband in the process. He just...wants to be right here with them. Nothing else matters.

He eventually raises a shaky hand to card through Xue Yang's hair, soothing himself that he doesn't have to let go of one to have the other. Such a choice would be devastating and he knows they wouldn't survive it.

Like this, however, they can conquer anything.

"Thank you." he whispers, his gratitude making him tremble.

[cantseeyoursin]

"You do not have to say thank you...it is I that should be saying those words after all these promises and warm feelings."

He knows that he doesn't have the same memories as they do. He has no idea what it was like during those times he was in this place before. And he can't try to make up for the time that was lost. But he does know what he feels right now and it is something that he would fight to protect.

He brings his hands up to wrap his arms around Zichen, feeling that trembling.

[jiangzaid]

Love is a much more powerful motivator than hate or pain. Xue Yang knows how lucky he is to have the love of even one of these men, let alone both. It warms him right up and makes him melt happily, reaching for his husband's hand, holding it to his face to nuzzle it, so the three of them can hold onto each other. No. They don't have to lose one just to have the other.

"And I should be saying those words for giving me this chance." He knows he won't abuse it. He won't abuse either of these men ever again.

[zichen]

"Why do you think the love exists in the first place? You deserve it. You deserve our loyalty, A-Chen." always. Forever. No matter what separates them or what they endure. Zichen won't let go or push him away ever again.

And the same goes for Xue Yang - who once infuriated him and frightened him. Now he feels nothing but peace and love for the man.

"You've proven yourself worthy of a chance." Zichen caresses first Xue Yang's cheek and then Xingchen's.