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

[jiangzaid]

He nods even as his husband gathers the wolf pup up. Said pup doesn't resist after glancing uncertainly at him, which has him smile encouragement at it, rubbing a knuckle under the furry chin. The pup's teeth are still young, but have clearly sunk into meat when inspected. But there's no attempt at growling or snapping, just a quiet whine as one of the hind legs is inspected.

"I found a few other traps, unsprung. Jiangzai got rid of them."

[zichen]

"I am grateful to you and Jiangzai." Zichen remarks without hesitation or apology. He cradles the puppy in his arms and inspects that hind leg closer, noticing marks that prove the story he has been told.

"Come." he murmurs before turning back to the house. He uses the sink to bathe the little pup, rolling up his sleeves and talking in a soothing voice.

"You're safe. I'm sorry it grabbed your leg. Metal teeth hurt."

[jiangzaid]

Endless support. Xue Yang stands and stays close as they walk back home, moving easily around and with his husband as they work on the pup. He leaves only long enough to get some herbs for healing that he thinks might work for animals too.

The pup licks at Zichen's fingers with another little whine.

Xue Yang is back a moment later and spreads out what he grabbed. "I think these could help soothe that poor leg."

[zichen]

"I know." Zichen uses a soft cloth to work the dirt and grime from the baby's fur. He does the same for the wounded leg, trying to be quick about it. The water and soap will sting, but not for long. He blows on the little wounds to cool any burning.

"A-Yang..." he looks up when his husband returns, nodding, "They will."

Using a towel, he lifts the baby from the water and settles him in Xue Yang's arms.

"I will wrap his leg. It could be sprained and the cuts need to be cleaned daily. I...know of animals that chewed their limbs off to be free of traps." his expression falls, miserable at his knowledge, "You came in time."

[jiangzaid]

The stinging draws a louder whine from the pup, but still no snapping of teeth, just that quiet sound of distress and that tail tucks between legs. But no resistance.

Xue Yang snuggles the baby with a low crooning sound to help soothe him. "I know. That's why I destroyed the other traps when I found them." He knows how it feels to be trapped like an animal. But also he'd been angry at them! He rubs the towel over wet fur and directs his next words at the poor little creature. "We'll get you fixed up, don't worry!"

[zichen]

What a good nature! Zichen rests his forehead against the baby's, nice and soft. This is what the little one can expect from now on: care and comfort. No more metal teeth!

Grabbing bandages, he gets to work while Xue Yang distracts the little pup. The herbs are rubbed over the wounds and then he binds the leg so that it is supported. He finishes the task by kissing the side of the wolf's head.

"You have been very brave. I think it's time you had some rest, hm?"

[jiangzaid]

The pup does his best to lick at whatever part of Zichen's face he can reach! And Xue Yang's, which makes the later laugh and nuzzle as that poor leg is bound. As if in answer to Zichen, the young wolf's attempts at licking them ends in a wide yawn.

"Where should we tuck him in to rest? Maybe by the fire?" Somewhere warm where they can keep an eye on him.

[zichen]

Zichen chuckles too and rubs that furry belly once the leg is bound. He smiles gently at the yawn and nods towards the fireplace.

"There would be good. He needs to be watched."

To make the baby comfortable, he lays out a blanket and surrounds the small space with some pillows. Almost like a makeshift crib.

"He has had a difficult day."

[jiangzaid]

He nods and follows, letting his husband get the makeshift crib ready while he settles before the fire, gently continuing to dry off the pup's fur before bundling him up. He knows how secure he feels when he's all bundled up, he hopes it gives the same feeling to the poor pup.

As soon as Xue Yang settles the pup into the little crib, he sees those eyes close which makes him smile softly and run a gentle hand over the sweet head.

"Rest little one, we're here. You're safe now."

[zichen]

The area is warm, dry and soft. Zichen wants the puppy to have some comfort - like he is surrounded by siblings or his mother (thus the pillows). He watches the little bundle of fuzz close his eyes when he is set down and he smiles in relief.

Crouching down beside Xue Yang, he caresses the man's cheek.

"You have saved a squirrel, a wolf and...me." he whispers shyly, "Who else is on your list?"

[jiangzaid]

Warm, dry, soft, and there's the sense of safety and affection. Xue Yang waits until he's sure the pup is truly asleep before sitting back with relief.

He smiles and leans into the hand to his cheek, nuzzling it. The smile fades as he thinks - who else? "I think I helped Senior? And I want to help A-Chen more."

He has a list!

[zichen]

"I won't lose you, will I?" Zichen sits down and crosses his legs, "I've encouraged you to become a great man and now I don't want to let you go. Does that make me selfish?"

He fears it does. Xue Yang can have the sort of effect he and Xingchen had wanted to have on...anyone. Everyone. They found a gem and after some shining (healing) he is ready to better the world.

[jiangzaid]

"A-Lan!" He gasps, then crawls over to settle in his husband's lap - just to curl around him in an attempt to reassure him. "I know where I belong, and it's with you and A-Chen."

As for Song Zichen being selfish? He shakes his head with a huff. "I am far more selfish than you if you are."

Another huff and he leans forward until there's barely any air between their noses. "I'm not letting you go."

[zichen]

Getting an armful - a lap full - of Xue Yang is a wonderful surprise! Zichen gathers him into his embrace without thinking, stroking a hand over that tumble of soft hair.

"Will you always be happy with us?" he smiles at the comment and turns his head just enough so he can breathe a kiss against the other man's lips, "I love you. That means, if the time comes, I will let you go where you desire."

His lips twitch and he adds: "I will of course follow."

[jiangzaid]

It's the lack of thought that he's met with when he's pulled into that embrace that settles him the fastest. Xue Yang immediately snuggles in as close as he can get, holding on tight.

"Always," it's more a growl of a promise than anything else. "You have my heart and I don't want it back."

The feather-light kiss mollifies him a little, along with the sweet words of love. "Wherever you go, I will follow too."

[zichen]

It feels good to be held onto with so much need. The growl resonates through him and he bites the inside of his cheek to silence a groan. His hands slide up his A-Yang's strong back, tracing his shoulders and caressing his neck.

"I don't want my heart back either." he brushes their noses together, expression serene, "I prefer for my shadow to be shaped like you."

[jiangzaid]

Xue Yang does need Zichen. He's known it for months now. Just as badly as they need Xingchen.

Those hands sooth him too and he relaxes with a breath, enough he grins as their noses nudge together. "All sharp edges with teeth and claws?" He likes this idea of being his A-Lan's shadow~ Ready to lash out at anyone who tries to hurt his husband.

[zichen]

"Oh my shadow has the softest, sweetest center. You wouldn't believe how charming he can be when he puts those teeth and claws and sharp edges away." Zichen embraces Xue Yang tighter, his arms around his waist, keeping him nice and snug on his lap, "I upset you with my question, didn't I? I'm sorry, A-Yang."

[jiangzaid]

He flushes at all those sweet words being used to describe him. Xue Yang holds on tighter, pressing their foreheads together. "I don't have much. I'm a selfish guy. You would have to throw me away before I'd even think of leaving." And even then he'd just come back, watching from the shadows.

[zichen]

"You have me." Zichen murmurs, closing the space between them to kiss his A-Yang once, twice, "You have Xingchen too. I wouldn't say you have little."

And the idea of throwing him away is met with a longer, harder kiss. Zichen gasps when it ends, resting against the other man.

"I won't throw you away."

[jiangzaid]

The kisses make him sigh and help him relax. "Mm...You're right. I should say...before coming here, before even Yi City...I had nothing. Now I have a lot. And I don't want to lose anything." He'll fight to keep his daozhangs.

The harder kiss makes him mew, eyes fluttering closed. He tucks his face in against his husband's neck when it breaks, lips tingling. He finds himself smiling at the promise.

"You proved that already, love."

[zichen]

His hand drops to caress that poor hip. He wants Xue Yang to feel his absolute best when they are alone together.

"As you are now, you cannot lose us. We would only distance ourselves from you if you changed." he falls silent at the next kiss, losing himself in the petal softness of his A-Yang's lips. Then they are tucked even closer and he pants for breath, flushed.

"Only a fool would throw away a treasure. I've been a fool and I won't make that mistake again."

[jiangzaid]

It's because of Zichen that most days he doesn't disgust himself.

Xue Yang goes limp under his husband's touch, curled up against him just the way he likes. "I'll fight to keep you." But he also recognizes one thing, and another huff escapes. "But even if this place takes you from me...know that I won't change who I've become." Not even just because doing any less would hurt his daozhangs' memory. But because he likes who he's become.

He smiles into the next kiss and nuzzles their lips together even when it breaks, delighting in that panting for breath and rather pretty flush.

"You are no fool. We've both learned our lessons on what matters."

[zichen]

There is no reason for him to be disgusted with himself in Gazin. This has truly been a fresh start. For both of them - and Xingchen too.

"Who will you fight?" he murmurs affectionately, breathing a kiss against the shell of Xue Yang's ear, "You should be proud of yourself and there is no reason to cut that short, love. Whether I'm here or not, I am pleased with your decisions."

More than pleased. The nuzzling sends little shivers across his skin and he smiles shyly.

"My A-Yang matters to me. My Xingchen does too." he glances down, cheeks reddening, "My family is small, but they are mine."

[jiangzaid]

He's grabbed for that fresh start with both hands and clung to it with all the stubborn tenacity he has.

"Anyone I need to," he mock growls, though he's serious. The kiss to his ear makes him shiver and snuggle in again. He flushes at being told anyone, let alone someone as good as Zichen, is pleased with his choices.

"A family doesn't have to be big, A-Lan. Ours is strong and good." He nuzzles a flushed cheek, occasionally pressing a kiss to dark skin.