Open! Catch-all is for March

[jiangzaid]

WHO: Xue Yang and open!
WHEN: March
WHAT: Frolicking! Training new wolf pup! Meditating! Poking around town!
WHERE: Gazin
WARNINGS: None come to mind! Any thread that needs a warning will get one in the subject line.



Meditating: [ Semi closed to anyone who happens to be around his house. ]

As he does every day since learning how, Xue Yang settles down in the morning light and focuses on his core. He's noticed the difference in himself since Zichen had taken the time to properly teach him - his concentration is sharper, he has less nervous energy, and his core looks and feels much stronger, less chaotic underneath the outer layer that is just him. Zichen says he doesn't hate that bright layer of chaos, because it's his personality, and anything his A-Lan doesn't hate can't be bad. His precious little squirrel is curled up with him too, taking a nap in his tunic for the moment. Always just for a moment.


Wolf training/frolicking:

Rescuing the young wolf pup from an odd trap had both pissed him off and worried him, but he couldn't find any injuries so simply fussed over and fed the pup. Only to find himself essentially be adopted by the pup - maybe another orphan? He hasn't seen much in the way of wolves here. But this one has a sweet, if mischievous, personality and it makes him laugh as they start to playfully chase each other.

As the days pass though, he gently sets to teaching the intelligent creature a few things. Rewarding as needed, careful scolding also as needed - no abuse, just enforcing correcting behavior. He refuses to harm any child. And eventually, when the black pup with white muzzle and socks feels like it, they walk side-by-side, cute little ears pricked at him with frequent swiveling and nose twitching at new sounds and scents.


Going for a ride!

After that cold winter, his poor horse needs a good ride! So of course he obliges, leaping into the stallion's saddle and grinning gleefully as the strong muscles bunch before they shoot off in what looks like a wild gallop - but there is no danger. His stallion is a protective mountain of teeth and hooves when he's threatened, and they've learned how to move together. Even when the horse chooses to slow down a bit just to give his hind quarters a good kick, Xue Yang manages to stay in the saddle (mostly by throwing his arms down around the strong neck and tightening his legs) but he doesn't get kicked off.


Market/Around town

He makes a strange sight some days, animals (horse led by reigns, little black squirrel perched either on Xue Yang's shoulder or on the saddle, and now the little wolf pup trotting along with them) at his side when he comes in for supplies. But he loves it, even grinning cheerfully at the stares they get until those he's made friends with laugh and any tension eases.

So he gathers supplies - food and medicines as needed - and takes down any new orders for the forge people stop him to place and describe, and tucks them all way in the saddle bags his sweet stallion has agreed to carry for him.

Comments

[zichen]

Though it is early, Zichen is dressed for the day, prepared for what awaits them. A pink tinge rises on his cheeks when the other man looks at him. They had spent the evening, as they usually do, in the same bed and yet greeting Xue Yang in the morning always feels special.

"Good morning." he softens when he spies the squirrel, "Are they assisting you?"

[jiangzaid]

He loves that flush, it's so cute! He reaches up to brush fingertips over a pink cheek and kisses Zichen a second time, though keeps it chaste for now. He can never get enough time with his husband!

A fuzzy little ear twitches and Xue Yang grins, tilting his head down to nuzzle dark fuzz. "They're good company." Though he turns a playful look at Zichen. "Though you might be better."

[zichen]

He leans into the contact, pushing himself because he knows, as his heart stops racing, everything will be pleasant. Xue Yang has good hands - strong yet remarkably gentle - and Zichen likes when he is touched. He just can't help how his body naturally responds.

The kiss makes him smile and he leans closer, peering down at the baby squirrel who is growing.

"Hello, small one." Zichen strokes a finger over the baby's soft head. The playful look isn't missed and he bites his lip.

"Am I distracting you?"

[jiangzaid]

Patience. Encouragement. He's learned that his poor husband really does love how they touch, it's just the fear that's hard to push past at times. Xue Yang rubs his thumb over soft skin, helping with only soft, sweet touches until then.

There. He steals another kiss in reward, shifting to settle against his husband's side to shamelessly snuggle in. The little squirrel chirrs at Zichen and leans into his finger.

He grins though. "You're the best distraction~" But then, more seriously. "It's easier to meditate now. You help." Because of how supportive his A-Lan is, always.

[zichen]

He needs both patience and encouragement - the former to help him relax and the latter to help him express himself. Each time he pushes beyond his fear with Xue Yang, he is rewarded exponentially. His head bows against those hands and he welcomes his husband, wrapping an arm around him to keep him tucked close.

"Did you sleep well?" he murmurs to the baby squirrel, noticing a little food left over on the child's whiskers, "He must have fed you something good."

Then his attention returns to Xue Yang and he softens, smiling.

"I can hold you if you like?"

[jiangzaid]

He gets it. Always. Xue Yang happily snuggles in, relaxing into the protective arm pulling him close. It amazes him every day that he's not once been pushed away.

"He slept through the night!" Which was still essentially about five hours, which is usually about how much Xue Yang sleeps anyway. He's still proud of his little baby. "I fed him some berries." Because sweet, but also good for the baby growing into teeth ready for nuts.

His heart leaps at the offer and he brightens before wiggling into his husband's lap. He lets out an expressive breath when he settles. "What do you have for today?"

[zichen]

Zichen presses his lips to Xue Yang's temple, showing - and feeling - no desire to push him away. The thought doesn't even occur to him.

"Good boy." he praises in his deep voice, chuckling as he wipes away the bits of berry on the baby's cheeks, "Berries are a nice choice."

The berries give the baby all the energy he needs and essential nutrients too. Xue Yang's thoughtfulness makes him proud and his hand settles on his husband's hip.

He isn't expecting the enthusiastic wiggling, however, and his face turns red. However he embraces his gremlin of a husband immediately, nuzzling his face against his neck.

"That depends on how your leg feels."

[jiangzaid]

He leans into the fond kiss with a happy little breath. Then flushes at the praise, beaming. That deep voice does things to him. Even more so when it takes on a particular tone. Can anyone really blame him for being a gremlin in love?

Xue Yang chuckles quietly at the red cheeks and makes sure to wiggle juuuuust a little more. And leans into the embrace, nuzzling his husband's temple before peppering kisses over what he can reach.

"It's fine! I've been good and resting it." He widens his eyes hopefully at Zichen, knowing he's being extra ridiculous.

[zichen]

He had thought the reaction to his voice a coincidence - until it happened again and again. Now he is careful when he uses that tone, though it is early in the morning...

What better way to start a day?

His impish husband seems to have the same idea and Zichen chokes on a groan, eyes closing momentarily. Xue Yang knows exactly what he is doing.

"Are you sure?" he teases, smirking faintly, "Enough to do some sparring? Fuxue needs time with your Jiangzai."

CW: likely smexiness XD

[jiangzaid]

Oh no, not a coincidence at all~ Zichen has no idea how sexy he can sound!

What better way indeed? His eyes light up at the stifled groan and he grins, delighting in how he can affect his husband.

Xue Yang chuckles huskily, wrapping an arm around the other man's shoulders. His playful grin only widens. "Positive~ Jiangzai misses your Fuxue~ I'm up for it if you are!" Another impish wiggle of hips to prove his point.

He started it. >8(

[zichen]

"I - " he gasps as he realizes that his meaning has been a bit twisted, "A-Yang, I meant -"

But that wiggling continues and he can't hide that a certain part of him has been awakened.

"I cannot say no to you." and perhaps that will be his downfall, "Find a safe place for your child. They are too young to witness our passion."

Later, their true swords can clash. Once he is done kissing his ridiculously charming husband.

Yes he did~

[jiangzaid]

Oh yes, he knows what his husband meant! And seeing when his meaning hits is even better! But he has trouble resisting playing when he gets rewarded so nicely.

Xue Yang nuzzles his lips to his beloved's before pulling away, tucking the little squirrel away before...moving to where Jiangzai rests and picking it up, tilting his head as he fights dissolving into laughter.

"Whoever loses is at the mercy of the other, yeah~?"

Yes. He's ridiculous. Love him anyway?

Shaaame. Shame.

[zichen]

The meaning shifts again and Zichen makes a disgruntled noise in his throat. He married a tease. Summoning Fuxue into his outstretched hand, he rises to meet his husband's challenge. Song Lan has never backed down from a challenge.

"I will not be at your mercy."

But maybe he will? He sweeps out of the room and down the stairs. They need a nice open space. The yard out back will serve them and keep them from prying eyes.

>D

[jiangzaid]

It's the sound that makes Xue Yang laugh - oh yes. He's in for it now. And he's not at all afraid, or ashamed of teasing his poor beloved so much!

"I like being at your mercy~" He chirps without shame, bouncing (carefully, conserving energy) down the stairs after him. Anticipation thrums through him, making this even better!

Once they reach the yard out of the way of casual glances, he sweeps Jiangzai out and and to one side in a grand, playful invitation for his husband to begin.

[zichen]

Fuxue is in his hand, unsheathed, in a blink. The teasing has given him a focus and he only warns his A-Yang with a smile before he attacks. Their skills are similar and he enjoys the way their blades come together - sometimes hard, sometimes soft. Blood pumps through his veins and Zichen can honestly say he feels more alive than ever like this.

"You haven't gotten weak, have you?"

Now it's his turn to tease.

[jiangzaid]

He lives for those smiles.

Xue Yang laughs and launches himself to meet each strike. He moves easily, strikes and blocks more more flawless than before. He'd been damn good before, but now? After months of careful guidance and correction by people who are better? And every wound, past and present, tended and healed better. Yes. He's a better fighter now.

He grins at the tease, delight thrumming through him and making him side-step quickly before twirling...just because he can!

"I'll show you how weak I've become~" He dashes forward for faster strikes, trusting in both of their skills to avoid hurting each other.

[zichen]

The risk of them hurting one another is low. Zichen can read Xue Yang's moves - just as his A-Yang can read his - so it ends up being a violent dance. That laughter echoes in his ears and he twists to block his mate, using the flat edge of Fuxue. He can hear the swords ringing too, conversing in their own way.

"I'm ready."

The faster strikes are harder to deflect and he is panting, ducking under Jiangzai to give himself some breathing room. His A-Yang has become quite an opponent!

[jiangzaid]

Oh yes, he's learned his A-Lan's moves. Even more so, since they'd started training together. It's a violent dance, but still a dance and excitement and joy washed over and through him as they move so perfectly together.

"Sure?" He purrs the word, daring to get closer before laughing and throwing himself back when his husband ducks under Jiangzai. It has him spinning, breath a little too fast, but wild and carefree. And so what if his hip is aching a little? It's negligible!

Until his leg drags just a second too much with a lunge after another minute and he hisses in annoyance, twisting to avoid the next slash from Fuxue.

[zichen]

Zichen never strikes a lethal blow, but he is quick to tap his beloved's sides or belly with the flat of Fuxue when he feels he sees an opening. And that is rare these days. He is proud of his A-Yang - even when that leg drags.

Instead of slashing like his adorable husband expects, Zichen takes a chance to pounce, wrapping an arm around Xue Yang's waist and pulling him close. His breathing is rough and he nuzzles his husband possessively, Fuxue resting at his side.

"Slow, A-Yang. Breathe. You're only with me."

[jiangzaid]

He does the same, though his taps are rare too and make him proud!

The pounce takes him by surprise, but the arm wrapping around him and reminder in that split second of panic helps him in turning Jiangzai away and slump against his husband, panting for breath.

But he can't be too upset because his silly husband is nuzzling him like that! He huffs out a breath to try and settle the mad pounding of his heart. And grumbles under his breath. Only for a moment before he peeks up at Zichen with a growing grin.

"You win~" And really, he can't be mad about that, not when he knows the price of losing this particular spar!

[zichen]

Their spars are fun - they ignite their passion and keep them fit - but Zichen knows when to bring them to a close. His A-Yang is no danger to him, but his husband's blood runs hot when in combat. He could do himself further injury and there is nothing enjoyable about that.

So he brings Xue Yang out of the red haze with tenderness. The grumbling is just amusing and he meets that dark gaze without fear.

"The tables can always be turned." he nips at the other man's neck, "Go upstairs and ready us a bath. I can't go the rest of the day smelling of sweat."

And bathtubs are so useful!

[jiangzaid]

He loves clashing their blades together - especially knowing Zichen won't let him go too far. Neither of them are in real danger, their bond is too strong now to be easily broken.

And he loves how his sweet husband tugs him from the too hot passions of battle he gets pulled into. He purrs at the nip, unconcerned by the light touch of teeth. "If they do get turned, I promise you'll enjoy it," he murmurs.

The order has him smirk and he nuzzles their noses together before slipping from his husband's arms and heads inside, Jiangzai resting against a shoulder. "Don't take long coming up~" he calls playfully over his shoulder.

[zichen]

Sparring has already aroused him, though he doesn't like to fully admit it. As he watches Xue Yang sauntering away, he allows himself a deep shiver, breathing out in a rush. He can't explain what the other man does to him, but he can't say, for a second or a millisecond even, that he hates it.

Sheathing Fuxue and setting the blade aside once he re-enters their home, Zichen follows his husband upstairs and peeks into the bathroom. He can feel his body aching to be touched and he loosens his robes as he enters the room.

"I like you worked up."

[jiangzaid]

Xue Yang is no less aroused! His Zichen has that effect on him even without sparring. And he does make a point to saunter, just to tease his beloved a little more. He knows now that it's not hate Zichen feels for him, or what they do together. Oh no.

Jiangzai is set where he always keeps it, and as the bath starts to fill, he starts to wiggle free of his rougher clothes. Adding extra wiggle when he hears his husband come up behind him. He looks slyly over his shoulder at the other man's announcement, smirking.

"You're good at getting me worked up."

[zichen]

"You've let me have plenty of practice." Zichen follows Xue Yang in stripping off his robes too, laying them neatly on the counter. He chuckles at himself, the sound barely audible, at how very difficult it is for him to look away from his husband. So his boots are taken off a bit clumsily.

He considers wrapping a towel around his waist - to hide certain effects - but there isn't any point.

"Get in."

His orders are hardly rough or aggressive. However if Xue Yang follows them without fussing, he will be rewarded handsomely. Zichen gazes at his husband heatedly, approaching the tub.