(One Open + One Closed)

[eternallywandering]

Who: Zhou Zishu & Open
When: Mid-July
What: Practicing (i.e. Window of Heaven/Four Seasons Manor techniques) and eating snow. No, really.
Where: Around the home he shares with Wen Kexing. Feel free to see him launching himself around like some kind of superhero.
Warnings: TBD

(Spar)

The weather doesn't agree with him - it is too damn hot - but he has to stay in shape. Even immortals can be lazy and he isn't about to let his husband win their sparring matches. So Baiyi, his sword, is in his hand as he strikes at an invisible opponent. Zishu kicks up dust and grass-blades as he maneuvers his feet in complex rhythms and patterns. Then, suddenly, he launches himself into the air, landing on the roof of his house.

He continues his "battle" up there, dipping and weaving as if gravity has never held him down. When he finally lands - on the ground - again, he isn't even out of breath.

(Snow; Closed to Wen Kexing.)

Hunger pangs demand his attention when he lets himself into the house. They have magic to keep the ice and snow cold, at least, and he fills a cup with the latter, eating it steadily. He refuses to go into the town - or anywhere, truly - without enough snow on his stomach to keep him satisfied. Otherwise the scents...

They are very tempting.

"Lao Wen? Are you here?"

Comments

[flirtatiousdancer]

They both have. They both gave all of themselves to the other, just because they knew they couldn't live without the other half of their soul. What they've lost is unimportant.

Kexing scoops the pup up, standing when his beloved does. There's a shyness to his expression as he rests his chin on the playful puppy's head. What he'd once told A-Xiang will hold true here - except he's certain of his ability to keep this little life safe. Just as he'll fight to keep his A-Xu safe.

"Now we need to get food for him." Such a hardship!

[eternallywandering]

Souls are meant to be whole. Zishu only realized his was cut in half when they met. Even then, he hadn't been immediately convinced that he wanted or deserved to be whole. He is thoroughly grateful that his soulmate is so determined.

The puppy snuggles in close, sensing safety and affection. The villagers have taken good care of him and some of his brothers and sisters have been adopted, but not him. His fluffy tail wags now that he has been chosen too!

"Meat and vegetables?" Zishu queries, unable to say no to anything Kexing says when he is hugging a puppy. The gods help him!

[flirtatiousdancer]

Stubborn, because the moment he'd laid eyes on this man, even disguised, he'd known they belonged together. He doesn't regret chasing after Zishu.

Kexing beams when that cute tail starts to wag, and at the tacit agreement this fuzzy child is coming home with them. "A-Xu. Of course he should eat both." Which means they definitely will need to find a way to earn money, now they have a hungry mouth to feed.

...And he'd like to be able to dress his beloved as he should be, again. Perfectly and beautifully.

[eternallywandering]

Zishu knows better than to turn his back on a blessing. He will work - physical labor is no problem for him now - and support his loves. Watching Kexing crumble before his eyes once had been one too many times. He wants to give his soulmate an easy life where Kexing can enjoy the simple pleasures - like playing with his new puppy.

"I'll find a job." he announces, smiling as he leads the way further into the marketplace, "Workers are needed everywhere, I'm sure. I just need one that allows me to come home to my Lao Wen at night."

[flirtatiousdancer]

Never again. Kexing hadn't been willing to lose his soulmate to that agonizing death - so he'd happily given his life to prevent it. Now they support each other, sharing energy every day to stay alive. To stay together. It's something he can't tire of, because his reason for everything is right there with him.

He happily follows after Zishu, cuddling the puppy as they explore the market for what they need for their newest member of the family. "It should be something you enjoy, A-Xu." He doesn't want his husband to be miserable in whatever job he does.

[eternallywandering]

Meat is acquired. Vegetables too. A few bowls - one for water, one for food - and even a collar and leash are found. Zishu then grins at his Lao Wen and purchases toys. What? Every baby needs friends!

"I'll enjoy it." he promises, tucking their purchases away in a bag, "I like physical labor, you know, and if it's doing good for the village, that's all that matters to me."

[flirtatiousdancer]

Part of his amazed smile is hidden by puppy fur as he follows at his beloved's heels, far too happy to protest...anything. The buying of toys makes him laugh and grins back.

But knowing his husband will enjoy whatever he decides to do is what's important. He still steps in close, bringing his lips close to Zishu's ear to murmur into it. "As long as you come home to me every night, I will be happy." And ends with a kiss to that perfect ear before pulling back with a playful, meaningful smirk.

[eternallywandering]

He wants to give their new baby a good home. Anyone who makes his Lao Wen happy deserves spoiling. With the various items tucked away in a few bags, he is just about to turn onto the path to take them home when he hears that voice in his ear. Shuddering, he forces himself to take a breath before answering.

"Where else would I go? Don't be silly..." he gasps at the kiss and pushes his lips out into a pout, "Lao Wen, don't tease me in a place where I can't have my way with you."

[flirtatiousdancer]

They will. Kexing will get work cooking somewhere - just because he can't eat anymore without diminishing, doesn't mean he can't still cook delicious dishes for others. His smirk turns just a little more wicked at that pout and he leans in to sooth it with another kiss.

"Then let's get home so you can fulfill this promise."

[eternallywandering]

He will be jealous of whoever is enjoying those meals, but he will also be happy for them and his creative husband. A gift like Kexing's shouldn't be wasted just because they are on a strange diet!

Zishu narrows his eyes and goes in for another kiss...

Only to kiss the puppy's head instead.

Then he grins and hurries onto the path that will lead them home.

[flirtatiousdancer]

"A-Xu!" He pouts, laughing in protest as that kiss goes to their sweet puppy! "Now we can't keep him, I'll be too jealous!" But his arms remain warm around their precious puppy and he snuggles him closer. "A-Xu!" He cries again and hurries after his naughty husband, grinning.

[eternallywandering]

He glances over his shoulder and smirks, shaking his head.

"You will never get rid of him."

And the puppy seems to know that fact, wagging his tail at all of the attention! He has a fun new family~

"Don't be so slow, Lao Wen!" Zishu waits for his beloved to catch up regardless, chuckling, "Mm it's best if you don't run."

The puppy might get dizzy.

[flirtatiousdancer]

Kexing pretends to sulk as he slows down again now that his wicked husband has let him catch up. He can't resist nuzzling the top of the sweet puppy's head though, silently apologizing if he'd made him dizzy.

But at least they can finish the walk side by side, as they should.

[eternallywandering]

"Good boy." Zishu croons, leaning to the side to nuzzle the puppy too. The little one relaxes and wags his tail again. All is forgiven! He just doesn't understand what's going on!

"Where do you want him to sleep? I was thinking we can make that room warm for him." with different seals around doorways and windows.

[flirtatiousdancer]

The puppy gets more kisses over his head and ears between the two of them.

"The room by the kitchen, since we'll keep his food there." It just makes sense! "We should also think about making a little door for him to come and go, with a fence to protect him from going too far without us."

[eternallywandering]

All deserved! Who could say no to that precious fuzzy face?

"Fine by me." Zishu agrees and carries the puppy's belongings into the house, "He should be fine with that thick coat, but he will enjoy resting in a warmer room."

The ideas make him smile.

"I'll start on the fence today. Would you like to carve him out a little door?"

[flirtatiousdancer]

Definitely not Wen Kexing!

He follows his husband inside, smiling at the obvious curiosity and interest the puppy displays, and sets him down to explore. They're both tidy people, not prone to keep a messy home. Now they have a puppy, that is a very good thing.

He absently dusts himself off before leaning in to claim a soft kiss from his soulmate. "I'll help you once I'm done with the door." Because the fence will be a much bigger task.

[eternallywandering]

The puppy sniffs around the room once he is free, bounding from one spot to another, tail wagging. So many smells! Ohhh what's this? What's that? Zishu fills the water bowl with fresh water and sets it down so the puppy can drink. They might keep several of those around the house - just to make sure the little one can always find one.

He closes his eyes at the kiss and wraps his arms around Kexing's waist.

"I think we'll have help regardless."

The puppy is watching them very curiously. With water dripping from his furry face.

[flirtatiousdancer]

Many choices to drink from, yes!

Kexing cradles his husband's face as they kiss and smiles as those arms curl around his waist. Thumbs rub over Zishu's cheeks and he nudges their noses together.

"I agree, A-Xu." Puppy help is the best help!

[eternallywandering]

He falls easily under his Lao Wen's spell. Is the enchantment shared? Zishu grins and nudges his face against those hands.

"And if you do a fine job, I will find other ways to reward you." his eyes lid and his lips curve flirtatiously, "Building onto our home makes me happy."

[flirtatiousdancer]

If one is under the other's spell, there can be no doubt the other way is just as true! Kexing chuckles at the adorable gesture his husband does and claims another kiss before grinning at the promise.

"I'll do the best job you've ever seen!" Another kiss, this one just because he can. "I like having a home that is just ours."

[eternallywandering]

He can have all the kisses he likes. Zishu beams when they part, thrilled that his other half, the one who makes him whole, is within arm's reach. He can handle anything, conquer anything, with his Kexing beside him.

"I know you will." he laughs and nips at Kexing's lips, "Me too. I've learned how to do so many things thanks to this house. Our mountain will be much more comfortable when we return."

[flirtatiousdancer]

So. Many. KISSES! He loves their kisses and...everything else they get up to together. Together, they can do anything. And have proof of this fact.

Kexing grins at that nip and confirmation, then licks his beloved's lips for the fun of it (and for another laugh, he hopes!). "It's been nice here," he murmurs. "Though I'd gotten used to having you almost entirely to myself." He pouts playfully.

[eternallywandering]

If the lick doesn't make him laugh, that pout will. Zishu wrinkles his nose and gives his Lao Wen a look that says "I'm not a treat!", but maybe he's wrong? He wouldn't mind being wrong.

"Do you honestly think anyone could come close to you in my eyes?" he kisses those pouting lips tenderly, "You're my Lao Wen. There is only one of you."

[flirtatiousdancer]

He struggles against a laugh of his own at that wrinkled nose! It's just too cute! Along with that look, he can't resist a snicker and he presses into that next kiss as any pout melts away, replaced with a look of utter adoration and love.

"There is only one A-Xu."