They were all that mattered.

[zichen]

Who: Song Zichen + Xue Yang, + Xiao Xingchen & + Open
When: Throughout February.
What: Horseback riding, bonding, doing various tasks around town.
Where: Gazin
Warning(s): Possible sexiness for the first prompt. Will update with anything else that needs to be added.

[Xue Yang]

"A-Yang, will you come with me?" Zichen is at the foot of the stairs, a cloak draped over his arm, "I think...it might be easier...if I had company?"

He likes the mare his husband chose for him - she is beautiful and sweet - but he still feels a wave of anxiety each time he climbs onto the saddle. Xue Yang, oddly and completely unexpectedly, has become a comfort for him. When his anxiety level is high, he reaches for him, remembering to breathe once they have spoken or touched.

Funny, touch used to frighten him. Now he seeks it openly. But not from just anyone.

"Please?"

[Xiao Xingchen]

Zichen gathers his courage and seeks out Xingchen, his soulmate, his better half. One of them, actually. They are overdue for some time together. Once he finds the other man, he approaches him gently.

"Xingchen..." he says the name with such warmth and love, "Will you take a walk with me? I promise I will keep us warm."

Since his fear of touch no longer stands in his way, he slips an arm around the other man, wanting him close. This feels like a dream. Maybe it is one.

[Open]

No matter where he goes, Zichen cuts a striking figure. From his black robes and ornately braided hair to the sword he carries on his back, he stands out to say the least. But he will be seen doing rather domestic tasks, helping where there is a need around Gazin. He doesn't say much, however his hands and his expressions are gentle and he always bows low when meeting someone new.

"Ah, what are you doing here?"

He is currently seeing to a pet cat that has gotten loose. A fussy meow answers his question and Zichen smiles, reaching under a very cold - and frozen! - bush to retrieve the poor feline. Then he tucks her into his robes and is rewarded with a happy purr.

Comments

[jiangzaid]

He likes the horses he'd found for the three of them. The natures of each animal suits the intended rider, along with what the rider needs.

Xue Yang blinks up at his husband, then immediately smiles and goes to wrap his arms around the taller man, peering up into his eyes. He loves how Zichen has taken to reaching for him when he feels anxious.

"Of course! Let's go." He doesn't care where they're going, it doesn't matter! And more time with his sweet husband.

[zichen]

His mare definitely suits him. She listens to his quiet commands and even seems to check on him, turning her head now and then to nudge his hand or his foot. Xue Yang has done a fine job.

Zichen wraps the cloak around his husband, tucking him into it and pressing a kiss to the edge of his lips.

"Stay close and you won't get cold." he keeps an arm wrapped around the other as he tugs the hoods of their cloaks up, "She'll like seeing you again."

The walk to the stable is a bit difficult and Zichen nudges Xue Yang inside before him. His mare is waiting eagerly, poking her head over the door to her stall, eyes bright.

[jiangzaid]

Just as he'd asked her to!

He snuggles into that warm cloak, keeping one arm around Zichen's waist. That playful kiss has him grinning and he tilts his head up enough to nudge their noses together. "I can't get cold when you're with me."

Xue Yang picks his way through the snow with the other, and finally they reach the stable and he finds himself nudged in first, which makes him chuckle fondly at how protective his husband is. He bounces over to rub at Zichen's mare's nose, "hello beauty!"

His stallion and Xingchen's poke their noses out to whicker at them in greeting and he spends an extra moment with each, giving them treats and rubs.

[zichen]

His face heats the moment their noses touch and he glances down shyly. Yet his arm is firmly around Xue Yang's waist and unlikely to let go anytime soon. Especially since his A-Yang looks adorable snuggled in that cloak.

"I'm not letting you get lost in the snow."

Zichen is protective and once the stable door is propped open, he joins his husband in the delightful task of caring for their trio of beauties. He makes his rounds to all three, chuckling at the spirit of Xue Yang's stallion in particular (and giving Xingchen's stallion an extra treat for being so sweet). Then he returns to his girl and nudges their foreheads together.

"Will you carry us both?"

The mare buries her nose against his chest, her eyes closing serenely. He takes that as a yes!

"A-Yang, will you help me put on her saddle?"

[jiangzaid]

He loves those blushes! They're so cute!

"I'm right here with you," he answers immediately, giving his beloved's waist a fond squeeze. In truth, he loves feeling so protected. Every day fills him with awe and just a little more love, somehow.

Xue Yang laughs as his stallion tosses his head and prances in place before he gives the handsome horse a hug, leaning against his strength for a moment. "We'll go for a ride and have some fun later, alright?" He rubs over the strong back and neck, grinning as he's given a playful shove.

"Of course!"

The request has him immediately pat his stallion's nose one more time before going to where they keep the saddles and bridles, and scoops up the mare's tack to carry over to Zichen."

[zichen]

"I need you." Zichen is not the sort of man that admits to weakness. However he is far more open when it comes to Xue Yang and Xiao Xingchen. They alone get to know when he is feeling overwhelmed.

He spends a few more minutes petting and hugging on his mare, his chest filled with warmth and a sense of belonging. He only hopes he helps her feel the same way.

"Thank you." he takes the tack and lets himself inside of the stall, preparing her for the ride. That includes draping her in a blanket - which will be tucked under the saddle.

"In the Spring, we can let them out together. We might get a foal out of it." he smiles gently at his husband, tightening the various fastenings so they are snug - but not uncomfortable.

[jiangzaid]

Hearing that has Xue Yang immediately step in close and lean up to press a soft, sweet kiss to his husband's lips. "We need each other, A-Lan." He's not afraid to admit that to either of his Daozhangs.

He helps his husband with the sweet mare, rubbing over her nose and peppering her face with kisses, though her temperament is sweet enough he's not worried about her giving either of them any trouble.

"That'll be nice! They'll be beautiful and sweet!" And spoiled!

[zichen]

His body relaxes and he presses into the kiss, raising a hand to cup his husband's cheek. It's difficult for him to imagine anyone needing him as much as he needs this man in his arms. But if they do, he is determined to not fail them.

"I'm easy to find."

The mare doesn't cause a fuss and Zichen smiles when her tail swishes happily.

"She will be a good mother. Already she treats me like her foal."

Not that he minds! He's honored she has chosen to care for him. Xue Yang too seems to hold a similar position in her eyes. The mare nuzzles him and tugs on his cloak with her teeth. Almost like a mother fussing over their child.

[jiangzaid]

He leans into the hand, humming into the deeper kiss. There's no rush, and he loves the affection his husband gives him. They've been through enough he has no doubts about them. Xue Yang smiles up into his Zichen's eyes. "And I'll be right there with you."

He grins at that happy swishing, and laughs at the playful tugging and fussing. "She already is! At least what I think a mother should be like." Should. Not someone who abandoned their child - though in truth, he doesn't know if his parents had meant to die or abandon him or whatever had happened.

[zichen]

He brushes their noses together after the kiss, tracing the strong line of his A-Yang's jaw with his fingertips. The answer fills him with joy and he presses his lips to his husband's forehead.

"I'm grateful for that, my A-Yang."

Zichen chuckles and scratches behind his mare's ears. He agrees with her! Xue Yang should be fussed over.

"Mm she would protect you. Even against a pack of wolves, she wouldn't abandon you." he climbs into the saddle and holds out his hand, "Come up behind me."

[jiangzaid]

His eyes flutter closed at the touches of those strong fingers, and the kiss to his forehead. Zichen's arms mean peace to him. It's far easier for him to stay calm when he's with his Daozhangs. He rubs his hands over his husband's chest, stroking because he can. And because he likes the reminder when he feels the strong heartbeat at his fingertips, even through thick winter clothing.

"That's right. I'm your A-Yang. I don't want to be anyone else."

Xue Yang chuckles fondly, head tilting as he peers at the mare. "None of them would abandon any of us. They're protective - if we can't fight off whatever it is with their help, they're trained to get us away. And they know the way home." Which was the most important part, especially with Xingchen's stallion.

He watches his husband mount and holds the doors open, closing each behind them before taking that hand and leaps up behind Zichen. He snuggles up against the other's strong back, arms wrapping around his waist. "Ready," he rests his cheek against Zichen's shoulder.

[zichen]

Those hands, which once brought him nothing but agony, now have the opposite effect on him. Zichen watches their progress across his chest and he remembers what it feels like to be curled up with his A-Yang under a nice, thick blanket after they have made love. His world is always at peace when they are like that. When they are together. He captures a hand and kisses Xue Yang's palm.

"I know I can rely on you."

And their new mounts, too. Each one has a protective instinct. Xue Yang's stallion could prove a fine fighter and Xingchen's stallion is swift. He can get their precious A-Chen out of danger rapidly.

Then there's his mare. She could be a fine fighter too. No one can conquer an angry mother easily. He also knows that she is swift - able to avoid a fight as easily as engaging in one. Any foals their precious trio has will be perfect.

He holds her steady while Xue Yang mounts behind him. Rubbing over his husband's arms, he smiles to himself - a tender expression.

"Hold onto me."

And then they are off into the snow, the mare trotting as if the weather is no matter to her.

[jiangzaid]

No. Xue Yang will use everything he has to protect those he loves. And he's learning to extend that protectiveness to others in Gazin. Even getting good at it!

He likes making his husband feel good and enjoy touch. And has been very surprised - delightfully so! - at how Zichen has responded. He rubs his thumb over Zichen's cheek, smiling as his palm is kissed.

"Forever."

He tucks himself in against that strong back and kisses his husband's cheek. "I won't fall off, A-Lan~" Not only is he holding on, but the mare has a nice smooth gait even with the snow.

[cantseeyoursin]

Xingchen smiles as he hears his name called. He turns towards Zichen and reaches out to place his hand on the man's arm. He has never known such peace and happiness as he has felt since coming to this place and living by his side again. He will be glad to go anywhere with him.

"Where are we going to walk?" He moves closer as Zichen wraps his arm around him. He would gladly go anywhere with him.

[zichen]

He covers that hand on his arm with his own and smiles, drawing Xingchen closer. In the next moment, he has the man wrapped snugly in a warm cloak, tugging up the hood around his soulmate's precious face.

"To the stables. You're going to ride with me."

Zichen has a place in mind and their horses will get them there faster. He wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he dragged Xingchen out in the cold for too long.

[cantseeyoursin]

Surprise registers across his expression at the mention that they are going riding. The cloak is nice and definitely going to keep him warm, slightly embarrassed by the way the man is treating him so gently.

"Why the sudden desire for a ride?" Xingchen isn't afraid of riding, it's just not something he has done a lot of since becoming unable to see. And he knows that Zichen won't let him get hurt.

[zichen]

"I want to spend time with you. Walking in the snow is difficult, but riding should be easier?" Zichen claims one of Xingchen's hands, carefully sliding their palms and fingers together. He can't help but stare at the contact, his cheeks pinking.

"Your stallion is perfect. A-Yang did a fine job of choosing him."

[cantseeyoursin]

His expression softens as he he takes Zichen's hand, giving it a small squeeze. He gives a little nod, "I look forward to going for the ride. I'm sure he is a wonderful horse."

He brings the hands up and rests them against his chest where his heartbeat is. He feels the warmth of being here with him in their contact.

[zichen]

"He complements you. I've never met a kinder stallion." Zichen returns the squeeze, feeling a rush of giddy joy, "I believe my mare is fond of him." based on how she tends to stick to said stallion's side when they are outside of the stable.

Much like Song Zichen gravitates to Xingchen's side. He smiles at the steady beat against their hands and presses a kiss to Xingchen's temple.

"Would you like for me to ride with you or shall we take my mare too?"

[cantseeyoursin]

"Perhaps it will be easier if we ride together. It has been awhile since I have ridden..." He won't say that he is nervous about doing so alone but there is a small bit there. If he had more practice it would be different but that is something for warmer weather.

"Will it be too inconvenient to ride together?" OF course he also worries that he would be a burden if they do so.

[zichen]

"I will steady you." Zichen promises; this is new for both of them and they have always conquered new things better together. He opens the door leading outside and tugs on Xingchen's hand so the other man follows him.

"I would feel better riding with you, Xingchen."

It's much safer! Plus he can spend some time with one of the sweetest men in existence.

[cantseeyoursin]

He feels relieved by that as he follows Zichen. This makes him feel a lot better about going for a ride. The cold air hits his face as the door is opened and there is a small shiver, mostly out of reflex. The cloak is warm enough and he moves instinctively closer to Zichen as he walks.

"I'm glad we can have this time together."

[zichen]

An arm is ready to curl around Xingchen's shoulders and, in the process, Zichen ends up sharing part of his cloak with his soulmate.

"As am I." he feels the blush on his face traveling down his neck and warming his chest, "I want to spend as much time with you as possible. I've missed you."

With every fiber of his being. With his breath and his soul and his heart. He doesn't want a life without Xingchen.

[cantseeyoursin]

"I missed you too. Every day." He had never been able to forgive himself. He had expected to live with the guilt and the despair of being separated from Zichen for the rest of his life. To be able to once again be in his presence and now...in such a loving way...it is more then he thought he ever deserved.

"I m happy to make up for that time in this place."

[zichen]

He rests their heads together as they walk, soaking in Xingchen's presence. The other man has become so precious - so indispensable - to him and Xue Yang. Zichen doesn't know where to begin when it comes to thanking him. But maybe this...is enough. Just them walking side by side again.

"This place is a gift."

And not one he is going to ruin or squander. He opens the door to the stable and urges Xingchen to enter first. Their horses peek out of their stalls curiously and Zichen is happy to guide Xingchen to each one.

"They want your attention."