farsickness | 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Mm it will." Zichen agrees and covers Xingchen's hand with his own, giving the fingers a little squeeze, "I have been preparing him for the task with a baby squirrel."

He hadn't planned on finding such a small squirrel, but circumstances converged and worked out well.

"She has been a handful and I help when he is busy, but she is thriving." and, in the end, that's all that matters with animal young, "I know he would want you involved too. You have gentle hands and a kind voice."

He feels unsure about caring for anything young. He fears that his impairment would make it difficult. Cleaning and dressing wounds are something he knows. It's familiar and just takes a gentle hand a knowledge of what to do. He has had to do that enough times that it is like second nature. But caring for a young animal...

Being kind is not enough. There is a carefulness that has to be used and Xingchen isn't confident he has what it takes. "I wouldn't want to overwhelm the creature...seeing too many new people early on might worry it. But...I will help with what I can."

He appreciates both their desires to include him in their plans.

"We are their family." he straightens the blanket on the horse's back before laying a hand on Xingchen's cheek, "The foal should know all of us. I am certain you can hold a bottle now and then to give the mother a break?"

Zichen does want him to be involved. He loves him and the life they have in Gazin just isn't complete without Xingchen.

"If you wish, that is. I don't mean to force you."

He nods with a soft smile, "Of course. I'd be happy to help." He reaches up and covers that hand with his own for a moment. It's a short touch, not wanting to keep Zichen from his progress with saddling the horse.

"I'd do anything for the both of you if you simply ask it of me." And even if they don't ask. He would give them anything he could whether it be help with something or be there in moral or emotional support. He never wants either of them to feel overwhelmed, sad, upset or angry about anything ever again.

Xingchen might mean for it to be a briefly touch, however Zichen draws him into an embrace too, nuzzling his face against Xingchen's neck. It feels so good...so right...to be with him again and he will do whatever he can - whatever necessary - to make sure Xingchen is happy.

"It's not just about us." he murmurs, pulling back reluctantly, "It's about you too. Think about what you want."

Zichen finishes preparing the stallion and smooths a hand down his neck.

"I can help you get on the saddle?"

The hug is always a little surprising, still getting used to such affection. But it is so easy to feel safe and relaxed in Zichen's arms. He brings his hands up to hold him in that far too brief of an embrace and misses the contact almost the instant it is gone again.

What Xingchen wants...he already has it. It takes very little to make him happy and being here with Zichen is it. Even if he has nothing else besides the warmth of his presence by his side. Xingchen would feel selfish if he asked for anything more.

Drawn from his thoughts he turns his face towards the stallion and places uncertain fingers against the saddle. He nods and reaches higher to find something to grip to make pulling himself up easier.

"I'm ready."

But Xingchen can ask for more. Much more! Zichen is ready to give it to him; to meet his precious soulmate's needs. Xue Yang has been an excellent teacher and Zichen can, at last, be as giving as he once wished he could be.

"Grip the saddle here." he directs Xingchen's hand accordingly and then lifts the other man high enough so he can slide his leg over the saddle. In case Xingchen is still unsteady, Zichen is quick to follow him, using the stirrup to place himself behind him.

"If you feel dizzy, let me know."

Xingchen hoists himself over and settles as he feels Zichen join him. He feels a little heat in his ears just from the fact that they are going to be riding in such a way.

"I'm fine and I'm sure I will continue to be." He turns his face slightly so that Zichen can see the corner of the smile on his lips. "I'm excited to be able to go on this ride with you."

It is nice to be able to get out of the house together.

Xingchen isn't alone in feeling a flush of warmth at the positioning. Zichen is pressed against Xingchen's back and his arms can wind around him. They have to, in fact, for him to hold onto the reins. But the contact has an effect on him and he likes holding Xingchen close.

"I'll keep you safe." he promises, braving a kiss to his soulmate's cheek, "And warm. Stay under your cloak."

With a gentle nudge of his feet, he urges the stallion forward and out of the stable.

Xingchen feels his breath catch in his throat briefly as he feels those arms go around him. He tries to keep his heart steady but it is hard to focus on anything besides the feeling of Zichen against him. That kiss bringing color to his cheeks as well.

He nods and relaxes against him, reaches up briefly to make sure the cloak is in place and tilting his head forward slightly to try and keep some of the wind from hitting him right in the face. He doesn't trust his voice at the moment.

They were all that mattered.

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