farsickness | They were all that mattered.

Entry tags:

xue yang | the untamed

They were all that mattered.

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.

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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.

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?"

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."

"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.

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!

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

Edited 2021-02-13 20:12 (UTC)

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.

Zichen is a passionate man. Underneath his fears, he loves deeply and fiercely. Xue Yang has helped him express himself and there have been times - many times - where Zichen shocked himself. But this feels right and he can see the man he loves becoming someone...remarkable.

"I might need you for a little longer."

He loves the snuggling and he turns his head to lean into the kiss to his cheek. The reassurance helps him focus on the road before them, but he takes hold of one of his A-Yang's hands nonetheless.

"I love you, A-Yang, and I love this life we've built together."

He loves stroking that passion brighter and hotter. Encourage Zichen to open up, knowing he won't be hurt in the process. And in the process...Xue Yang has also found himself opening up. Learning and growing and he likes himself a little more each day.

He grins. "You can have me as long as you want me." The playful note in his voice is so very suggestive though. And he happily threads their fingers together as he settles in to enjoy the ride with his beloved husband.

"I love you too. This life is...far more than I'd dreamed to have. So much better and brighter."

He won't hurt Xue Yang. Not now. Not ever. He loves the lessons his beloved has taught him; how he pushes him to explore and give into desires he hadn't given any thought before he came to Gazin.

And, each time, Xue Yang meets him in the middle, matching his passion and his curiosity.

"I'll make you come through on your word, you realize." he might sound a bit playful too, however he is wholly serious. Zichen directs the mare to a place that is under the cover of some old trees. He slows her gait so they can enjoy the beauty of the snow-covered branches and leaves.

"You are to thank for much of it, A-Yang. I am grateful for you."

No, neither will Xue Yang hurt Zichen, or Xingchen. Never again. They guide him to be better and he loves the way they teach him. He loves teaching them, too, teasing all the way. But with a lot more care than ever before, so they enjoyed the time spent.

He laughs with surprised delight at the answering tease and squeezes Zichen's hand as he grins, nuzzling his husband's shoulder. "Wicked taskmaster!" But perhaps his sweet A-Lan feels how his heart leaps in anticipation. Then hums as the mare's pace slows and he looks around in appreciation.

And rests his chin on his husband's shoulder, rolling those words over and over again, memorizing them.

"You are just as responsible. You took the time to guide me. I like watching you."

Zichen loves how gentle Xue Yang can be with Xingchen...and himself. When he was stabbed, his husband's hands had been so gentle and his arms had been a safe place for him to heal. All three of them are orphans, yet that hasn't stopped them from trying (and succeeding) to make a family of their own. One that won't disappear.

He lifts Xue Yang's hand and places it over his beating heart.

"I have given you this, A-Yang. I can be a wicked taskmaster now and then in exchange." he feels the pressure on his shoulder and leans his head to the side, nuzzling his beloved's soft hair, "I held out my hand to you. That is all. The rest has been your efforts."

And those efforts are nothing short of awe-inspiring.

He loves getting to be sweet to these two men, especially because they've returned it and then some. Xue Yang chose to change what he did to support them, to stop worrying his husband so much, and what he'd ended up doing is so much better. He's learned so much from Merlan! And she'll be teaching him how to farm in the next couple months.

He quiets again when his hand is moved over to press against his beloved's heart, and those sweet words have him hum softly. "I've given you mine, too." He smiles at the sweet nuzzling.

"You held out your hand. That's more than pretty much anyone else had ever done. And you haven't taken it away, like everyone else has."

He is proud beyond words of his A-Yang and he can't possibly have enough of his smiles and his affection. Furthermore, Zichen has seen for himself that his husband's golden core is repairing itself and becoming stronger. Emotions are tied into that process after all. If he can manage to keep his A-Yang happy, how strong will he become?

Zichen wants to see.

"I'll protect it." he promises in a deep voice, "And you. I won't take my hand away. I'll hold it out for as long as you need."

Pulling the mare to a halt, he frowns at some birds pecking intently at a frozen pond. Water is hard to come by in weather like this. He dismounts and walks to the pond's edge, using his power to crack the surface.

He loves seeing his husband's face when he's done something that makes Zichen proud. That only encourages him to keep doing such things! And he feels the difference in his core - it's still bright and chaotic, but it's also stronger and gaining stability every day.

All with Zichen encouraging him. Guiding him. Loving him.

"We protect each other, love." He loves that deep voice that rumbles through him and wraps around his heart, warming it. "Just hold my hand. I won't let go."

Xue Yang sees what his husband does and shifts forward to take the mare's reigns, murmuring to her to stand still with a gentle hand against her neck. "We should come by every day and check on this pond."

Xue Yang's core is beautiful in all its chaos; it's not as if it ever needs to be perfect. Zichen just wants his husband to feel better and understand his true potential. There is no need for him to bow before others or to rely on them.

"Why would I let go of your hands? I love them - and you - too much." he caresses one hand and then the other, keeping those nimble fingers safe and warm under his cloak.

Then he sees the pond and he immediately moves to help. The little birds scatter, but as he moves back, they return, drinking the free flowing water, balanced gracefully on the cracked ice.

"Yes, that would be good. They need water more than food."

But they can offer the birds both.

"Let's bring seed and berries next time."

Xue Yang loves learning from his Daozhangs how to cultivate their way. There are days he looks inward to see his core and just stares at it in awe, remembering the first time Zichen had taught him how to look at it. He won't bow to another ever again, but he will curl around those he loves and do anything he needs to to make them happy and safe.

He flushes at being told Zichen loves his hands, and knows his husband means it - even his mangled left hand. Zichen has spent hours and hours lavishing love and affection and healing onto it that he can look at it these days now and not utterly despise it.

"We can also leave seed, nuts, and berries out around the house. And keep an eye on the river so there's always a hole for drinking."

He is welcome to curl around Zichen! Xue Yang is the best bed warmer and when he wakes, Zichen is happy to cover his husband's adorably mischievous face with a flurry of kisses. Just don't tell anyone about his weakness, dear delinquent.

As far as that poor left hand is concerned, Zichen loves it. He loves the fingers and the scars. They are part of Xue Yang's story and he likes paying attention to each digit until he hears his A-Yang sigh.

"Those are good ideas." he praises and walks back to the mare, rubbing over her nose and forehead, "Do you like little birds? I noticed that our baby squirrel has grown."

He likes warming his husband up~ And those kisses his husband gives him every morning stay with him all day, making him grin when he thinks of the other man. No, no weakness his Daozhangs have are ever spoken of. He likes getting to see them relaxed around him! And relaxing with them too.

Very few things can make Xue Yang melt faster than his A-Lan lavishing affection onto his left hand. There are many reasons he loves their frequent shared baths!

He beams at the praise. "Babies are cute, and I like animals." He reaches forward to rub at the mare's ears. The mention of the sweet little ball of mischief makes him grin. "She's being very silly. Wore herself out today! She's sleeping right now."

He is part of them, now. Zichen knows of no better way to build this family of theirs than through affection. A lot of affection. That was something they all lacked at one point or another. There is no harm - and a lot of good - in indulging.

During their baths, he massages that beaten hand and showers it with kisses. Instead of those scars being hidden away, he wants them out in the open when they are together. When he sees them, he just wants to love his A-Yang all the more.

"They are." Zichen climbs back into the saddle and waits for Xue Yang to hold onto him again, "Has she? She needs as much sleep as she can get. Her fur is growing in rapidly. You might lose sight of her if she were to climb into your pocket."

No, no harm in showering each other with love and affection.

He's starting to wear his brace only when working, because of Zichen's firm stance about how that hand is not ugly. And because of how much he seems to like seeing bare, scarred skin. With all the care Zichen pays it, the scars are slowly softening and he has a lot more feeling and flexibility in the remaining digits.

Xue Yang shifts back to let his husband get back into the saddle, then settles back against him, arms curling right back around his waist. He hums his contentment at the position, snuggling in close. "Mm, maybe. But I always know when she's tucked in there. She's safe. And beautiful!"

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