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

[cantseeyoursin]

Preparation

Xingchen doesn't necessarily know at first what has Xue Yang so full of energy. But he quietly listens to him scurrying around to make preparations. He doesn't know what he can do to assist and so for the most part he stays out of the way. When he finally figures out that this is a kind of anniversary for him, he realizes just how different things are.

When he arrived there hadn't been a break in time when he wasn't in Xue Yang's presence. So it is still a little surprising to hear that he has been in this place for a year. Of course he is also aware that he has been here a few times himself even if he doesn't remember it...but that just makes this whole world that much more peculiar.

And so he settles into helping with what he can. Either cutting vegetables or simply staying out of the way.

Dinner

The lovely smells of the meal have been filling the house through the day and so when it is finally time to eat, his stomach is ready. He feels grateful to finally be able to fill it as well as enjoy the company of so many in one place. He has slowly been getting more accustomed to living in this place and although it still seems like he just got here, in reality it is going onto two months and it is surprising how quickly the time has been passing.

He settles at the table, quietly listening to the chatter among them all. Smiling softly at the warm feeling this gives him. It has been a very long time since he has been a part of such a large gatherings. Even though just five or six people isn't that big...when one is used to eating alone or with the small group they had at Yi city...this almost feels massive. Especially when people are feeling lively.

He eats, happy to converse with anyone wanting to do so but also content to simply listen to the enthusiastic hum of all the other conversations.

Prep!

[jiangzaid]

Silly Xue Yang! Not making it clear to his poor Xingchen what he intends! He tries to slow down sometimes to step up to the sweet man and show him something he could help with. And of course steals a kiss or three.

A year ago, he got Xiao Xingchen back. For a few months, then he was gone. But he had Song Lan. Then they had Xingchen again, for far too short a time.

Now Xingchen is back. Warm. Beautiful. Kind. And he wants to make sure Xingchen knows his presence makes this celebration better. "Thank you for helping, A-Chen~ It's always more fun this way!"

[cantseeyoursin]

He tries not to let him get too distracted from his preparations, knowing there is a lot to be done. Or at least guessing so by the speed in which Xue Yang has been moving around the kitchen. But he accepts those kisses even if he does shoo him away after to get back to work.

"It wouldn't be fair for you to do all the work when you are trying to celebrate." One wouldn't be making their own cake on their birthday or wrapping their own gifts. But Xue Yang insists on going to all this trouble so that they can celebrate this anniversary.

"Simply place things in front of me and let me know what you need me to do."

[jiangzaid]

Xingchen is the perfect distraction though! Xue Yang laughs when he gets shoo'd back to work. He obeys though, spirits far too light to be dampened.

"I like cooking for others, and you're all family now."

It's completely true now, too. Enjoying doing things...for other people. Especially his Daozhangs, yes, but also his Senior. He hopes to wear Wangji down too.

Xue Yang happily places various fruits and vegetables before Xingchen, and reaches for a hand to bring it to the pot to put the vegetables in, and the bowl for the fruits. "You're doing great!"

[cantseeyoursin]

Once he is guided to where the finished food should go he begins the work he can handle, slicing and peeling what has been laid out in front of him. He feels over the fruit carefully before cutting to make sure he knows what he has and to make sure he doesn't do anything that will leave seeds in the bowl. And doing much the same with the vegetables so that no skins or stems will be consumed unless they are supposed to be.

"How domestic you have become in a year." He is teasing, but it is remarkable the change from the person he used to know. He has only been able to encounter the finished product and now the process that changed Xue Yang into this. But he can respect the effort that changing in such a way must have taken.

"Do not hesitate to push me out of the kitchen if I slow you down."

[jiangzaid]

He grins at the tease, utterly delighted by it and how true it is. "I started when we were living together in Yi City. You showed me how to...be kinder." Even if he'd still done horrible things back then. "I've just built on it, and A-Lan has helped guide me."

Meditation has done wonders. Along with Zichen's stubborn refusal to let him fail.

He wiggles up to Xingchen again to wrap gentle arms around the blind man's waist and leaning in to press a fond kiss to a pale cheek. "You're not in the way, A-Chen."

[cantseeyoursin]

Xingchen hardly feels like he is capable of helping anyone change who they are. He might have had hopes at one time that he might have been able to guide people down a good path or help them have a place they could feel welcome. But so much of his life changed very quickly. To think he might have had a hand in Xue Yang's development gives him a pleasant feeling.

He pauses in his chopping as once again Xue Yang places himself against him. "You say that but then you keep getting distracted." Being a distraction is just as bad as being in the way.

But he is smiling and clearly intends to let him hold on for as long as he chooses as he resumes his chopping.

[jiangzaid]

He chuckles softly as he gives himself a moment to just hold onto Xingchen, soak up his warmth and the reality of him. Of being allowed to hug him like this again.

"Only when there's a lull in what else I can do. And I set aside plenty of time to get ready, just so I can snuggle my Daozhangs!"

Xue Yang rests his chin on Xingchen's shoulder a little longer, content to watch this marvelous man work just as well as anyone with eyes. And to watch that sweet smile, too.

"Is it warm enough?"

[cantseeyoursin]

"When you are attached to their back, how could anyone be cold?" His gentle teasing of the other man is going to be non-stop, his good mood rather infectious as it trickles it's way into Xingchen's bones.

He is certainly warm enough considering how much heat the various things being cooked are generating. But it is a comfortable warmth and so he is content with it.

He holds up a piece of apple for Xue Yang as he finishes chopping it.

[jiangzaid]

He loves it. He basks in it! Xue Yang laughs with his delight and tightens his warm embrace just a little. He'd have pulled away then except Xingchen holds up something to nibble on - of course he accepts it!

He hums at the subtle sweetness of it. "Tasty! You can nibble on some fruits too, if you want, A-Chen. You don't need to go hungry!"

One more fond squeeze and he pulls away to get back to setting things up.

[cantseeyoursin]

He picks up a piece of apple as well and takes a bite of it, "I wouldn't want to ruin my appetite and see any of the food you are working so hard on, go to waste."

But he will enjoy this one slice of apple before continuing on with his own task. He still has quite a few things laid out for him to work on.

"Is everything else progressing well?"

[jiangzaid]

Xingchen can't see the soft look Xue Yang throws his way at those words, but it's there. It's there in the quiet moment, how he even moves. Xingchen and Zichen are two precious people who can settle Xue Yang right down.

"Yes! I checked on the horses this morning, we should do that again just before dinner though. Other than the last bit of cooking and baking the tart, we just have the table to set up."

Not alone. None of them are, even in this strange world.

[zichen]

Prep

He purposefully excuses himself, now and then, giving Xingchen and Xue Yang plenty of time to bond and celebrate the day. However when he is in the kitchen, he is hard at work, adding spices, cleaning vegetables and fruits before he slices them into small, even pieces. The look of a dish is just as important as the taste! Especially on a day like this one.

He has a present for his husband, of course - one that he hopes encourages his A-Yang to be gentler still. Occasionally he will check on said present, hiding something up his sleeve. Could that be...a makeshift bottle?

General

He is not a sociable sort. When voices rise, he falls quiet, unsure what to add. But he is eager to make sure everyone has enough to eat and drink! His wolf pendant, given to him by his gremlin of a husband, is pinned to his robes and he glances down at it now and then to gather his courage.

"Do you need anything?" Zichen asks the person nearest to him, giving them a little bow in respect.

Prep!

[jiangzaid]

His husband is hiding something! Xue Yang sits on his curiosity for as long as he can stand it. But then he wiggles up to his A-Lan and wraps his arms around him, peering up at him with a little grin.

"What are you up to?"

Whoever claimed Xue Yang has tact when he's excited hasn't known him long. But there's also no hint of fear or distrust as he gazes lovingly at his husband.

[zichen]

Zichen is an abysmal liar, so there is no use in trying. He looks away from his husband's curious gaze and tries to find some answer that doesn't include giving away Xue Yang's present prematurely.

"I was just... I needed something from our room."

It is difficult for him to leave said present behind - even for short periods.

"You don't need to worry, A-Yang."

[jiangzaid]

Not a lie. He knows his husband can't lie, especially not to him. But the attempt to find a way to soothe him without really answering him spikes his curiosity even more.

Only the love he has for this man keeps him from bounding up the stairs to their room to find...whatever it is that's there. Zichen says he doesn't need to worry. Which means he'll find out...when his husband wants to show him. He could push, but he finds himself reluctant to do so.

Which leaves him with only one option: to tuck his head against his husband's shoulder, leaning against him to will himself to patience.

"I don't have anything to worry about when you're with me." Zichen has proven that to be true.

[zichen]

His heart leaps at the snuggling, his body flushing with sudden warmth. Zichen wraps his arms around Xue Yang after stowing the little bottle behind him on the counter. A well of nerves rises in him then and he clutches tighter, licking his lips nervously.

"A-Yang, I'm not sure about my present for you. I wanted to celebrate and I wasn't sure... Certain circumstances brought your gift into my hands." he frowns at his own rambling and finally pulls back, taking hold of Xue Yang's good hand, "You must be quiet and gentle."

[jiangzaid]

Those arms curling around him make him hum, relaxing instantly. Then Zichen holds him tighter, showing all signs of nerves, and that has him concerned. He peeks up at his husband again, listening.

He doesn't cling when Zichen pulls back, letting his husband take his hand - Zichen could take his bad hand if he wanted and he wouldn't complain or resist. Quiet and gentle? "It's from you. I'll love it." Xue Yang gently squeezes Zichen's fingers in encouragement.

"You know me very well by now. Can I be quiet and gentle enough for it?" He thinks so. But he trusts Zichen's opinion more.

[zichen]

Almost in apology, Zichen leans in and kisses Xue Yang's lips softly, giving his fingers a gentle squeeze. He brushes his nose against his husband's cheek before leading him to their bedroom. Yes, he believes this man he has come to love so much can be quiet and gentle enough.

In one of the corners, there is a basket. Laying sleepily on a soft, worn blanket is a black squirrel. The baby is in a haze of sleepy contentedness - they have just been fed - and they barely notice that they have visitors.

"Sometimes they fall from trees and the mother is no longer interested in caring for them. I have examined her and she has no broken bones. She can be tamed, A-Yang, and live a much longer life indoors." Zichen speaks softly, unsure.

[jiangzaid]

It was tempting to deepen the kiss, but no. Not right now. Xue Yang lets it stay sweet, understanding the near-apology behind it. He smiles lovingly at the cute nudge of Zichen's nose to his cheek and lets himself be led up to their room. It's enough of an answer, and his husband's faith in him warms him.

He still draws in a quick breath of surprise at the tiny bundle in a basket, all wrapped up and clearly half asleep and comfy. Awe flushes his face and there's a tenderness that sweeps over him, rarely seen outside of when he's watching his Daozhangs in a quiet moment.

"She's beautiful," he whispers, hushed. He hardly dares to look away from her, but he turns a bright smile to his husband. "Thank you for bringing her home, A-Lan. We will take good care of her," as his sweet husband has already begun to. And he leans up to press another soft kiss to Zichen's lips, nuzzling their lips together.

[zichen]

Later. Zichen has every intention of claiming time with Xue Yang - and if Xingchen wants to join them, he is welcome. But it will just be them. Days like this only serve to strengthen their bond and help them remember what they have overcome.

That is why Zichen would never be able to leave a scared or hurt animal to the whims of nature. He has been given help and blessings beyond number. He likes passing those blessings on. And black squirrels are rare - at least he hasn't seen many. She reminded him of his A-Yang immediately.

Despite her size, he senses a strength in her - a will to live. So he has been feeding her every hour, comforting her when she cries and snuggling her when she feels cold.

Xue Yang can do those things too.

"She belongs with you." he blushes before that beautiful smile, sighing when he is kissed. He deepens the contact a little, proud of his husband.

"In the next hour, you can feed her. A little milk and water if she's thirsty. She can have as much water as she likes." he softens, "She's soft. You'll like holding her."

[jiangzaid]

Dinner will have their home a little more crowded than usual, but he doesn't expect Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji to stick around long afterward. Which suits him too. He wants them both to see how he is with Zichen and Xingchen now.

Xue Yang flushes too at being told the sweet young creature belongs with him. And the deepening of the kiss, just a little, warms him just that much more. He listens to the instructions and forces himself not to bounce in anticipation, leaning against his husband again to remind himself to remain still.

"She will want for nothing," he promises his sweet Zichen. He can't quite help looking over at her again, a shy delight and wonder returning to settle over him and helps calm his usual energetic bounce of excitement. "I've never seen a black one before."

[zichen]

Zichen wants the pair to see their relationship too. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were pulled into the mix - and the disaster - and they deserve to know that the danger has passed. He also wants them to befriend his A-Yang and A-Chen. They would benefit from it, surely. Zichen knows he has.

The baby squirrel's back leg kicks a little as she dreams, her tongue barely peeking out of her mouth.

"She will be a good companion and if we keep the house warm during winter, she won't hibernate."

Though she might be a bit chubby from preparing for the harsh season, but they can play with her and that chubbiness won't last long.

"I haven't seen one either. Her mother might not have recognized her as one of her own."

His lips tingle and he gives his beloved a soft smile, drawing him into his arms.

"Soon we will have our anniversary. How would you like to celebrate it?"

[jiangzaid]

He thinks Wuxian doesn't hate him anymore. He has at least let himself be teased in playing, which had made Xue Yang full of delight. And no stabbing has happened, neither with Wuxian (though admittedly more, at first, because he'd hidden anything sharp from Wuxian when he'd dragged him home) or Wangji.

The baby squirrel is too cute! But he resists moving over to pet her - patience, he reminds himself. When she wakes because of hunger, he will get to welcome her home himself, and feed her. "I'm tired of being cold," he murmurs. "A-Chen won't say it, but I'm sure he is too. Yi City was very cold, except...we weren't alone. It's better here." He is better.

"That's sad," he whispers, heart suddenly aching for the little squirrel. "We'll be her family now."

Then he's pulled into warm, strong arms, and his husband smiles so softly at him that he melts into those arms. The question and reminder brings another bright smile to his lips. "Maybe a visit to the hot springs again? But then just...stay home together. A quiet dinner, the three of us if A-Chen wants to join us."

[zichen]

No stabbing! Zichen would panic if that happened and have some strong words for both men. Gazin is brand new for all of them and they need to be open to every possibility - even the ones that once seemed impossible. He never saw himself loving Xue Yang. Someone so cruel and violent could never capture his heart. And yet, here, he has discovered that the cruelty and the violence were merely masks; covers for Xue Yang's pain and bitterness.

The more he reached out to soothe that pain, the more he was rewarded by seeing this man before him. Of course Zichen fell in love.

"Then stay right here." he wraps his husband in his arms and rests their foreheads together, nuzzling with a contented smile, "You're not in Yi City and neither is Xingchen. You're in a house we built."

A house that he loves because he can sense the presence of either Xue Yang or Xingchen (or both) in every room.

"Her story won't stay sad...and neither will yours." he rubs over his A-Yang's back and hums his approval at the ideas, "We can do both. A nice soak and then we can return for dinner."

His cheeks pink and he smiles a little more.

"We can both ask him when the time comes."