Celebratory Dinner

[jiangzaid]

WHO: Xue Yang, Song Lan, Xiao Xingchen, Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian
WHEN: January 30, evening
WHAT: Xue Yang's celebrating being in Gazin for a year with his family! And...extended family that he knows about. Something of a mingle!
WHERE: His house at the edge of Gazin
WARNINGS: Shouldn't be any but will update as needed!


Prep time!
Xue Yang has barely been aware of the passage of time, it's true. And he's not entirely sure when he first arrived, only that it looks around this time. And so much has happened! He knows he's amusing his Daozhangs with his extra energy, but he only grins and keeps going. So much to cook! So much to bake!

Including a couple vegetarian options, with a thought to the rumored diet of the GusuLan, that they do not eat meat. Not that it's difficult, for Xingchen rarely does too - he thinks. He doesn't mind making sure everyone will have something to eat. There are mild flavored dishes and spicy ones, as well as a stew. And of course there is a tasty fruit tart that mingles sweet and tart, as well as an assortment of candies - sweet, tart, or with a nice kick of spice.


General bouncing around
In between prep sessions, Xue Yang is working on making sure the cabin and immediate surroundings are clean and tidy, and the horses are tucked away, cozy in their stable with plenty of hay, oats, and fresh water that is in a trough magicked to not freeze courtesy of Merlan. He'd sent a messenger the day before to invite his Senior and Hanguang-Jun - Lan Sizhui would have been invited too if he knew the boy was in Gazin.

And there's a nice fire roaring away, keeping the cabin nice and toasty. There's no sign of Jiangzai, or any weapon at all on the gremlin, and there are pretty little decorations scattered here and there, arranged just so to not appear cluttered. But to personalize the warm home he and Song Lan have made for the three of them.

Comments

[jiangzaid]

Xue Yang stares back, not shying from his husband's solemn regard. "Do you remember when A-Chen first left us here? And again when I told you both everything, how I was before we reconnected? I could have gone back to who I was before. Easily. I didn't...because that's not who I am anymore.

"You two are special and important to me. But I won't...revert to the monster I used to be. I like who I am now. You both showed me the way and have given me so much...so many ways to stay...Free."

He purrs into that kiss, opening himself to it freely, joyously. Just as fiercely loving as Zichen gives him.

The little squirrel makes him grin again and he rubs a thumb gently over her sweet head, encouraging her to sleep - and to admire her soft fur! He stifles the laugh when the baby wraps her tail around her and very carefully withdraws his hand. So cute! "And full of mischief," he adds with a glint of that himself.

[zichen]

"I do." he answers calmly, letting Xue Yang speak the truth without interruption. Without judgement. This is a truth that makes him happy, however, unlike what he had been told before. Zichen nods, expression open and sweet at his beloved's choice.

"You were in so much pain. Not just physically, either. Your heart was broken and you were writhing, taking down those who ventured close enough to you. I know why you sought out Xingchen; why you wanted his attention. He is someone you need; someone pure and good who can give you another chance." he pauses and adds, less steadily, "I'm not like him. I'm not nice to you because I'm innocent or naive; I'm nice to you because you have earned it. You have proven yourself to be a good man, Xue Yang."

Just the sort of man who makes Zichen's blood burn and his body come to life after a long season of frost. The kiss takes his breath away and he pants, licking his lips as they part.

"Yes, love. Always full of mischief." he grins down at the sleepy baby and strokes over her ears with his fingertip, "She will do well. I want her to bond with you especially. Do you have any old fabric that smells like you, by chance?"

[jiangzaid]

This skill Zichen has, to just let him talk and talk and talk, not interrupting or judging; it's something Xue Yang needs, too. He knows he can tell his husband anything, that he doesn't need to hide even the smallest thing. Zichen has come to accept him, and that belief in him is something he relies on.

And he repays that respect, happy to listen openly to anything his Zichen has to say. He holds his sweet husband at that unsteady note, his expression remains open and soft. "And that is a gift, love. That you can love me, be nice to me, for who I am, despite what I used to do. You two gave me a chance and showed me how to take it."

The fact they've learned how to drive each other mad with desire is just another bonus~ Xue Yang enjoys teasing his husband into ravishing him.

He kisses his husband's cheek at the question and carefully pulls away to get the old under tunic he'd worn when he first came to Gazin. He hasn't worn the old robes since that first couple weeks, choosing to adopt the style of the locals here. And this old tunic has certainly seen better days. He carefully folds it up as he returns to his husband's side. "Make it into a bed for her?"

[zichen]

"It's in the past." Zichen raises one of Xue Yang's hands to his lips, kissing his fingers, "If we were all held accountable, endlessly, for our mistakes, how miserable would we be? Forgiveness exists for those who are truly filled with regret. And once forgiveness is given, the past holds no power over the future."

Speaking of said mad desire, Zichen knows, soon, he will have no choice but to pin his husband to a wall...or their bed. But he won't ravish him mid-party. That would be impolite.

Still, he smiles to himself at the thought, feeling a little mischievous.

"Yes. Then she will equate your scent with comfort." he arches a brow, "Will you lift her, love? Cradle her in your hands and I will see the bed made."

[jiangzaid]

He hums in agreement, watching as his hand is pulled up for those kisses, a quiet softness in his eyes. "I love you, A-Lan," he murmurs.

Oh dear, what ever will he do?

Xue Yang grins, just getting to see that mischief. He sets the cloth on his husband's lap before carefully reaching in to gently scoop up the little squirrel. He holds her close, eyes going wide again in awe at how tiny and delicate she feels.

[zichen]

Xue Yang's other hand is given attention too and Zichen gives him a smile that can't be described as anything but radiant with love.

"You are part of my family, A-Yang."

There can be no higher honor. And hopefully Xue Yang won't try to escape should Zichen be unable to behave himself. Some of that mischief must have been passed on!

The baby gives a little stretch and rests her cheek against Xue Yang's palm.

"You have good hands. I've noticed how gentle you can be." Zichen quickly remakes the bed, tucking in the tunic so she can burrow under it if she likes.

[jiangzaid]

That makes his breath catch and his cheeks flush, along with that particular smile. And he knows what those words mean to his Zichen. It's not even just being married. It's a far deeper thing for this man - and for him. "And you are part of mine," he answers with a rather besotted sigh.

Oh no. He has no intention of ever trying to escape his A-Lan~ Zichen is far too serious! He needs to get to be playful, and Xue Yang loves encouraging it!

The stretch the little squirrel does is unfairly cute and makes his heart melt just a little more! He can't resist leaning down to press a very careful kiss to her little head. "She's so delicate," he answers, hushed. "I don't want to hurt her." And yet he's reluctant to set her down, when his husband has the new bed ready for her.

But Xingchen is likely making tea for them by now, and so he gently sets her down and tucks her in with one last gentle rub of a fingertip.

[zichen]

Family is everything. He is like a wolf in that regard. Once he recognizes someone has a pack member, that is an honor they will keep for life. Furthermore, he will do his utmost to protect them for life.

"Mm I like that. I want to be part of A-Yang's family." Zichen nuzzles their noses together, nipping at Xue Yang's lips. His newly discovered mischief can't always be contained and today is special. Gazin has had a good effect on his beloved and he is grateful to this village. To this world.

Xue Yang will discover that baby squirrels - especially clean babies - smell sweet and like their mother's milk. Since Zichen can't acquire squirrel milk, he has been feeding the baby goat's milk. A farmer generously offered after seeing her and she has taken to it hungrily.

"She's stronger than she looks." Zichen whispers, kissing the side of his husband's head, "You won't. Remember how soft you are with Xingchen's bandages? That's all she needs."

Promisingly, the baby wiggles under the tunic as soon as she is set down. It must be a good scent!

[jiangzaid]

He loves his wolf fiercely. He snickers at the nipping and playfully nips right back. He reaches up to thread fingers through his sweet husband's hair, brushing strands back behind an ear and runs a fingertip along the shell.

The people of this world have been great. He likes laughing with them, exchanging stories, and sharing to make sure everyone has what they need. And his attitude has been rewarded, as he's proven himself both an able and amiable barterer, but also fair. If someone who needs something from the forge can't pay entirely in coin, but what they can afford isn't quite enough, some other arrangement is made - be in in manual labor or food.

Xue Yang smiles at the reassurance and kiss to his head, and hums at the comment. "That's easy. She's too cute and sweet to treat rougher than even A-Chen." And his smile turns mushy when the sweet baby proves his point by wiggling under the tunic.

[zichen]

The return of his nipping inflames him and he looks over Xue Yang hungrily. His scalp tingles and he arches against the hand, unable to stop himself. Want is written all over his face and body and it's hard for him to think beyond his heart pounding in his ears.

"Exactly." he manages, voice husky, "She needs you - just as we do. Xingchen and I."

Only her bottom sticks out from under the folded tunic and it's clear, by her breathing, that she is fast asleep again. Zichen chuckles and rises back onto his feet.

"She's a good girl. I had one in my care for a short while at the temple. He slept when he liked and kept me awake when he liked."

[jiangzaid]

Xue Yang smirks, meeting that hungry look without any hint of shame. He loves feeling wanted. And knowing it's not an act. He nudges their noses together though. "Save that thought for after dinner, love," he murmurs.

"And I need you all."

He immediately stands, following his beloved's lead when they see proof the little squirrel is asleep. He reaches for a hand to hold and lead Zichen back downstairs. "We can take turns feeding and cuddling her."

[zichen]

"I have more than a few thoughts for after dinner." Zichen responds impishly, his low voice carrying in its amusement. But he doesn't mind if he is overheard. They are married and it would be wrong if they weren't besotted with one another.

"I'm not leaving you." he slides their hands together, lightly touching before he takes hold, "I like that idea."

Their bed surely has room for a squirrel! They won't be able to resist her when she starts to toddle.

[jiangzaid]

That makes him giddy! "Ooooh," he purrs, eyes bright in answer as he grins. "Are you going to remind me just how sweet you taste?" Oh so married~

He likes how their hands slide together even before clasping together. "I know you aren't," he answers. "Just as I won't leave either of you."

A squirrel, a third adult...Though at first the basket will need to stay her bed, so they don't accidentally squash her!

[zichen]

"If you want a taste, I won't deny you." he grins slowly, provocatively, bowing his head so no one will see the expression as they make their way downstairs. No, he knows if his A-Yang has any choice in the matter, he will stay.

"Have a good time, love. This gathering is for you." Zichen pauses at the base of the stairs to give Xue Yang a sweet kiss, "I'll come get you in about an hour for her feeding."

[jiangzaid]

That sends a shiver through him and he studies his lover intently, considering the tempting offer. But after a moment he sighs and the sweet kiss remains chaste as he reigns in his hot desire for this naughty husband of his.

"The wait will be worthwhile," he decides. He tilts his head, wondering if he is, in the end, pushing too hard. "Will you not join us for dinner? Senior and Hanguang-Jun are probably just going to be here for it and not stick around."

[zichen]

"Yes, it will." Zichen promises, sensing that his lover is torn. The chaste kiss ends with a small nip at Xue Yang's lower lip. Well, he can't completely behave himself!

"I wanted to make sure the dishes are ready." he flushes at the sight of that expression and nuzzles their noses together, "A-Yang, don't look so sad. I'll be there. But I want everything to be perfect for you."

[jiangzaid]

He growls quietly, playfully and answers that nip with one of his own, leaning against his husband for a lingering moment.

And his A-Lan soothes him and he smiles, relaxing at the sweet nuzzling. "You and A-Chen will be there with me, and we're having guests who probably won't kill me." The cheeky little grin will hopefully soften the wording. "Of course it will be perfect."

[zichen]

The adorable weight of his husband against him earns a few more kisses - pressed over Xue Yang's cheeks and the tip of his nose. His hands come to rest on the small of his lover's back.

"They won't have a chance." Zichen answers seriously, "I will throw them out if they try."

The cheeky grin doesn't soften him on that issue, either.

[jiangzaid]

Each kiss is soaked up with happy little hums and he steals a few little kisses of his own.

And that protective streak rises again and Xue Yang kisses his beloved softly. "And that is why they will not try. It would upset you and A-Chen. And I haven't given them a single reason to here." Nor will he.

[zichen]

The kisses help to relax him again, but he doesn't take back what he said. Zichen is a man of his word. If his husband is put in danger, he will protect him; it doesn't matter who is at the other end of his sword point.

"You won't. You are not that man anymore." he kisses Xue Yang's temple, tucking him close for a moment, "Tell me or Xingchen if you feel unsafe."

[jiangzaid]

Xue Yang won't ask him to. He loves feeling protected. He snuggles into strong, warm arms with a happy sigh.

"I will. Getting hurt upsets you and I don't like upsetting you." That above all else is his reason for changing jobs. That, and he'd gotten really tired of being gored by stupid beasts.

"Did you see? I've left Jiangzai up in our room. I think it might help our guests be a little less on edge, so they might enjoy the evening too."

[zichen]

Ah yes, his husband is such a monster! How ever will Zichen cope with him snuggling so close? He smiles suddenly, amused at Xue Yang's reasoning.

"I don't like being upset. I doubt anyone does." he cocks his head, his expression calm and loving, "What upsets me most is seeing you backed into a corner or punished unnecessarily."

He gives him a small squeeze around his waist, completely charmed by what his A-Yang says next.

"Jiangzai looks so happy next to Fuxue." Zichen drops a kiss onto Xue Yang's neck, "I like your sword, A-Yang. There are so many good uses for your Jiangzai. Today, you don't need him. You have me."