farsickness | January Catch-all

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January Catch-all

WHO: Xue Yang and open!
WHEN: Mid-late January
WHAT: Shenanigans! Xue Yang hasn't gotten into trouble in far too long. Also probable cuteness with his Daozhangs.
WHERE: Gazin
WARNINGS: Violence! Will update/add in thread headings any ones that crop up.

I. Meditation
Ever since Song Zichen had taken the time and effort to sit him down and teach him how to meditate properly, it's become one of his favorite things to do in quiet moments. Even when it's cold out, Xue Yang tends to do his daily meditations outside. Focusing on keeping himself warm from the inside, bringing the energies out so he doesn't freeze when there's snow on the ground.

II. Dark part of Gazin - Closed to Song Lan (Xiao Xingchen is welcome to chime in too)
Xue Yang is a man used to living dangerously. The fact he's stopped in the past year, has turned his talents and strengths to forge work and farming changes nothing. He doesn't usually go looking for trouble either, sometimes...it just finds him anyway. Today he'll admit was partially his fault, as he'd taken his spirited stallion out for a gallop and they'd ended up in the opposite side of Gazin on the way back. The shield works quite well, but there are still some creatures in the city itself that are...less than happy.

And they're making sure he knows it now. He slashes with Jiangzaid, his stallion wheeling and striking out with furious hooves and angry teeth - together they make a mighty team! But it's not enough he escapes completely unscathed as claws slice through the air in a lunge that otherwise misses. Those claws rake over his back, earning angry hisses of pain as he urges his horse to run as fast as the mighty beast can.

It pisses him off of course, and his teeth remain bared the whole way home. He could go to Merlan for healing...but right now all he wants is the tender care of his husband and Xingchen, even if they might scold him for getting hurt again.

So by the time he manages to slow by the house, he's sagging against the stallion's neck and slips down to the ground, held up only by the strength of the horse. If Zichen isn't already outside, the stallion whinnies his distress. Jiangzai is at least sheathed, though he hasn't set it back across his gashed back.

III. Wildcard!

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He has spent the day seeing to various household chores. The stable needed to be cleaned and filled with fresh hay and grain. The rooms inside of the house needed to be swept and tidied. He has washed most of the blankets, sheets and other linens in the house and he used his golden core to dry them. Now all of the beds are fresh and neat. A certain little squirrel helps him with his tasks and he is reminded of his gremlin as he works.

Perhaps it is because his thoughts stray to Xue Yang that he feels something amiss. Washing his hands after gently depositing the squirrel into his pocket - she does like to go where he goes - Zichen moves outside, frowning into the distance. The stallion's whinnying makes his heart clutch and he is quick take the reins of the poor beast, calming him with gentle words.

"A-Yang, what's happened?" he notices how his husband moves and he holds out his arm, "Who harmed you?"

The stallion thrusts his nose against Zichen's chest, settling under the gentle words and the assurance his rider will be cared for now. Xue Yang feels his husband's calm help soothe him as well, and only grumbles a little as he pulls from his horse to lean against Zichen, trusting this man to hold him up now.

"Was trying to get home, we just came through the wrong side of town. Some of the monsters there got pissed off at us being there and attacked."

See? Not precisely his fault! He just breathed wrong.

As usual.

He turns a wane smile to his stallion though and pats the strong neck. "He's a good protector, he just can't guard his back all that well." To put it mildly, for all the horse had done his best with all the wheeling and kicking he'd done.

Zichen rubs over the stallion's ears and mane, gently checking to make sure the horse isn't injured too. Then he wraps his arm around Xue Yang, grimacing when he feels the gashes on his husband's back.

"To the stable." he murmurs to the stallion; the horse is smart enough to let himself into his stall. There is fresh water, grain and hay waiting for him. Zichen will come to brush and tend to him later.

First, he needs to stop the bleeding. He half-carries his husband to the house, his heart hammering in his chest.

"How deep? I'll need to...see." he takes Xue Yang to a bathroom and undresses him, pulling the fabric away from the claw marks.

One last pat and the stallion nods his head before trotting off to his stall, giving the two humans one last look over his shoulder. All of their horses have been trained to do just that - to fight, to flee, to protect their rider. Specific commands even outside of that.

Xue Yang winces a little as his husband's arm meets his wounded back, but doesn't shy from Zichen. He lets himself be practically carried into their home without fuss, Jiangzai is set by the door before they head up to their bathroom. He's panting for breath by then, between pain, shock, and dwindling adrenalin that makes him plop down on the low stool. He lets Zichen pull the clothes off, doing his best to help, and turns, pulling his hair over his shoulder to display the gashes that start almost at his waist and go up almost to the opposite shoulder. Not horribly deep, but deep enough to be painful even to someone with his high pain tolerance.

"It's alright." Zichen assures the sweet beast, deciding to bring the stallion an apple when he returns to him. Or maybe a sugar cube. The stallion has earned a treat!

However Xue Yang must come first. He takes them to their bathroom, feeling guilty when he hears how his husband pants. Gently batting the hands that attempt to help him away, he sees to the wounds himself. After wetting a towel, he dabs away the blood and quickly determines that stitches won't be needed.

"A-Yang, you must wear armor or...learn to fly." he tries to sound serious on that last bit, but his lips twitch, "You frighten me when you are hurt."

Kneeling down, Zichen pulls off his husband's boots and trousers. Yes, Xue Yang, you are getting into the bath.

The stallion nickers softly at him, watching until they've closed the door.

Xue Yang finds himself smiling softly at how his hands are batted away, and gives himself happily over to his husband's tender care. He doesn't shy from the dabbing, though he holds himself stiffly.

The suggestion to learn to fly startles a snicker from him, eyes closing before he forces them open as he glances up at his husband - the grin fades at that last. Turns utterly besotted. He's important to someone so good it makes his chest hurt just thinking about upsetting Zichen.

"I was almost flying today! A few more days and I'll have mastered it!" His horse is fast. But softer, "We almost got away without a scratch, love." Almost.

He flushes as he's fully stripped, but doesn't protest. A bath sounds heavenly.

Such a good boy. Zichen will show him all the care he deserves soon.

The stiff posture as he cleans the wounds saddens him, but he has to carry on with it. Infection is nasty and it could claim his A-Yang's life. Zichen won't allow that.

He smiles helplessly at the little snicker, bending down to undress his beloved. They have seen each other completely bare countless times, but even so, he understands feeling embarrassed.

"Were you?" Zichen tips his head back and touches Xue Yang's cheek, "Always watch your back." his forehead furrows, "Armor wouldn't be such a bad idea. Something that can be attached to your back."

They just need to find the right material. That search is for another day. As he rises, he steals a kiss, lifting his A-Yang into his arms and carrying him to the tub. Filling it with hot water is easy enough - he uses his golden core to heat the liquid - and then he helps his beloved sit down in the middle of it.

Some pain in cleaning the wounds is expected. Xue Yang might still be somewhat of a vindictive person (though he's working on changing that), even he knows that hurting him isn't Zichen's intent. His golden core is stronger now, but infection, if allowed to take root and go untreated, can take even a strong cultivator.

He won't make his beloved A-Lan a widower.

He leans into the hand on his cheek, adoration shining as his breathing slows, calming under the force of this man's love. "I'll work on something at the forge, something to wear that covers my chest and my back." Whenever his beloved husband lets him return to work, of course.

The stolen kiss makes him grin and he wraps his arms around Zichen's shoulders as he's picked up, and steals a kiss of his own. He nuzzles their noses together before he's settled in the tub as the water rises.

He wouldn't feel whole if his A-Yang left him. There are two who hold his heart and if either of them perishes or disappears, he is missing a vital piece of himself. And, he fervently prays against it being so, if there is ever a time they both leave him, he knows he will be like a ghost. A phantom. Until he rejoins them.

"Something light, but durable." he suggests, "We can think of ideas while you heal." which his husband will be doing in their bed. Zichen won't take any risks - any work that needs to be done can be completed by him. His mare isn't as spirited as Xue Yang's stallion, but she's smart and he trusts her judgement.

His lips tingle as he lowers Xue Yang into the bath. He loosens his beloved's hair and sits on the edge of the tub, washing those beautiful strands first.

Edited 2022-01-13 10:56 (UTC)

Each time Xingchen had vanished had been hard. Only Zichen's steady presence had kept Xue Yang from returning to his brutal ways out of pain and despair. He's stronger on his own now, stronger in being a somewhat decent person.

But he knows himself. Without even one of his daozhangs, he'd be utterly lost.

"Mm," he hums in agreement, eyes slipping closed as Zichen works on his hair. He leans against him, needing his husband's solidity to bolster him. He knows he'll be spending a few days in bed, but he doesn't mind all that much - Zichen is so sweet and cute when he fusses over him! It always makes him feel warm.

His features soften at the quiet trust his husband gives him. Zichen pauses in washing his A-Yang's hair and kisses the top of his head. He believes in his lover - and he has since before they married. Otherwise that ceremony would have never happened.

"Relax and let me do the washing." he murmurs and goes back to his task, rinsing the suds from Xue Yang's hair. Then he brushes the shining black strands over his lover's shoulder and uses soap on those wounds. He is quick about it - but thorough.

"I'm sorry, love." he knows it hurts and pulls Xue Yang into his arms when the soap is rinsed.

Trust that Zichen has earned. Patiently. Stubbornly. Lovingly, to the point he can't deny he has given it with all his heart. He can't imagine life without Zichen now! Doesn't want to.

He smiles, humming at the kiss, and relaxes under the quiet affection. This is someone he trusts to bathe him without purposely hurting him, or humiliating him.

Even when soap hits the open wounds, making him hiss, he doesn't pull away. He's learned, too, that his husband prefers hearing his pain verbally than for him to internalize it and hide it away. It still leaves him shuddering by the time the pain eases to just a sting and he burrows into those sheltering arms as he catches his breath again.

"Better to get it clean," he murmurs reassuringly, and turns his face to nuzzle his husband's chest.

He doesn't have to imagine being without Zichen. Even if they are separated, Xue Yang can rest assured Zichen is merely on his way to find him. Nothing is more important to him than keeping his dear ones close and safe.

He also hates causing his lover pain and he is paler when the deed is done. Gathering Xue Yang against him, stroking over his cheek and his arm, Zichen tries to help his husband breathe. Thankfully he has a paste that will numb the pain, but this must be done first.

"Yes. It's done, love." he smiles faintly under the nuzzling, "The pain will improve."

Laying his hand over the gashes, he gives his A-Yang his spiritual energy, healing him enough so the pain's intensity lessens immediately.

He knows this now, too. Trusts it. Relies on it. Snuggles right in to that feeling of having the heart of one of the most perfect people to ever exist.

Xue Yang knows his Zichen hates making him hurt, and only presses closer to try and convey he isn't upset because the cleaning hurts. And the stroking helps him calm. And the heat, as well.

But the best part is when Zichen shares his energy, healing sinking into those gashes. He melts! "Mm...What pain?"

He isn't perfect. Far, far from it. He feels very lucky to have seen the best side of Xue Yang and to have earned the man's trust and love. In return, his husband has shown him how to...trust...too. To not let his fears run rampant and embarrass him. He remembers freezing and trembling the first time they tried to make love and instead of mocking him, his A-Yang had talked to him so sweetly. So patiently.

Zichen had found it easy to fall in love.

He gives his power to his lover now, knowing the gashes are clean. Helping them close won't cause his A-Yang harm.

"I like that question." he chuckles and bends down to kiss those oftentimes silly - but lovable - lips.

A part of Xue Yang that even he hadn't known existed. Had been afraid to let it be seen, even when he realized it might exist. Xingchen had been the first to encourage it, to coax it to life. But then Zichen had appeared in Gazin. And they'd had to learn to live together, then it had become easier as Zichen taught Xue Yang, and Xue Yang had blossomed.

It had been simple after that to only encourage Zichen, to show him that touch doesn't have to be painful. That intimacy is a beautiful thing. He hasn't looked back since.

He laughs at the chuckle and tilts his head up for those kisses, letting the memory of pain wash away with the grime of riding and battle.

"Pain can't touch me when my A-Lan is here~"

Intimacy with his A-Yang and Xingchen is beautiful. And special. He holds those memories locked in his heart and sometimes one of them slips free, causing him to smile during his daily chores. Who else can boast that they have two people in their life that understand them and accept them inside and out?

Zichen deepens the last kiss, stroking his fingertips along Xue Yang's jawline.

"They wouldn't have injured you if I was there."

As gentle and quiet as Zichen can be with his loves, he is strong and fierce in battle. Fuxue is a sword that understands his desire to protect and it too will lash out at foes.

Grabbing the soft cloth again, he washes the rest of his lover, smiling secretly when he sees to the more intimate parts.

He loves being the cause of smiles from his daozhangs, rather than pain! To be wanted...relied on...is a feeling he'd always craved, but never believed he'd get. Now he has it, and he will never jeopardize it.

Xue Yang hums happily into the deeper kiss, leaning into it as he savors the feeling of love and safety this man brings him now. He nuzzles their lips together at that promise. "Of course not. But it's not your fault you didn't come with me today." So no blaming yourself, Zichen.

He flushes with quiet, shy delight at the tender washing, but does nothing to stop his husband. Zichen is someone with every right to see and touch every bit of him. And he likes the pampering.

The hum vibrates between them and Zichen smiles when they part, resting their foreheads flush for a few lazy moments.

"I can't be with you always, but I'm never far, love." he lays a hand over Xue Yang's chest and reassures himself that his heart is steady and strong, "I've found that I usually know when you've been hurt. I have been...sensitive...to that with Xingchen too."

It means their bond is deep and it makes him happy that part of Xue Yang reaches out to him. Zichen washes his adorable gremlin tenderly - even getting between his fingers and toes. Then he lifts him out of the water and wraps him in a soft towel.

"Bandaging can chafe; I think you will be more comfortable wearing a soft robe." he sets Xue Yang on the stool, "But if you would rather be bandaged, I can use fabric."

A hand lifts to trace that smile - each one is treasured. Xue Yang relaxes as their foreheads rest together, just gazing at his husband. Memorizing every little feature, as if he could ever forget even an imagined wrinkle.

He leans into that hand, knowing his husband only wants to make sure his heart beats strong, and beams at the statement. "Whenever I get hurt, I come straight to you. I like how strong our bond is." He'd never had it before.

He can't help but wiggle as his toes are washed! It makes him laugh! But then he's scooped up again and held close before carefully dried and set on the stool. Options.

"If I need to go out before I'm completely healed," which, well. He will. Just to the stables, to fuss and fawn over his sweet stallion for being such a good boy. And for fresh air. "Then I should have bandages. But just here, the robe is fine." To let the skin breathe. They're all used to and good at getting blood out of fabric.

Also he likes wearing as little as he can get away with when with his husband.

Eventually Zichen will be wrinkled and his hair will turn white, but his heart will remain the same. Xue Yang will be met with warm smiles and strong arms no matter Zichen's age!

He caresses the soft skin over his lover's heart and presses a kiss to his temple.

"I do too. The gods have given us a gift, A-Yang." a gift he pays attention to because he knows how awful it is to take something precious for granted and then to lose it.

Those toes are washed whether Xue Yang wiggles or not! He grins at the laughter and lifts his lover out of the dirty water, wrapping him in a towel to dry off. Nodding at the logic, though he does give his husband a sharp glance (going out?), Zichen sets fabric bandages on the counter.

"I don't think you will bleed unless you push yourself." he gives him a stern frown, "This will be fine for tonight."

Bringing out a soft robe in grey, he sets it on the counter too. Then he busies himself drying off his husband, chuckling at how his hair sticks up adorably from the static friction.

Wrinkled and white haired, Xue Yang will love Zichen no less.

He nuzzles their heads and lips together, unafraid to be utterly ridiculous. "I know," he murmurs, voice a bit rough from sudden emotion. "Being with you and A-Chen is worth everything." He'd ruined it in their world. And yet here...here he's done things right. Somehow. Or at least right enough to have gained his daozhangs' hearts.

The sharp look only gets Zichen a loving kiss. "If I go out, it'll be to see the horses, and I'll make sure you're with me." So there. He knows how his beloved worries and fusses. Then grins, though there's undeniable joy in his eyes. "How can I overdo it when my A-Lan is here with me?"

He pouts playfully at that chuckle as his hair is dried and sticks up in absurd angles. But even that isn't enough to shake his love, where it would have been before. His husband laughs because it's funny! Not out of malice. He can see the difference with Zichen now.

Xue Yang with white hair and wrinkles will be just as loved. Zichen will make sure their bed is warm and neat even then.

He presses in tighter, kissing those lips that tease him...and love him. The emotion in his lover's voice makes his heart ache and he isn't sure how to express it.

"Being with you...being with Xingchen... I would give my life a thousand times to make that possible." he lifts Xue Yang's damaged hand and kisses over his knuckles, nuzzling what is left of that pinky finger, "That is acceptable."

The charming addition makes him snort and he smooths down his lover's hair, kissing his forehead.

"Don't look so sad, A-Yang." and, yes, he laughs because it's funny and also because he thinks his husband is precious. Tossing the towel to the side, he helps Xue Yang into the robe, nuzzling their cheeks together as he does so.

Edited 2022-01-13 14:07 (UTC)

They tease each other now out of love. Not malice or pain.

Xue Yang snuggles in, curling into those arms as his body relaxes due to far less pain. It's only because of the love and trust he has in Zichen that he doesn't recoil as his mutilated hand is taken and kissed - instead it makes him flush and shiver as affection is lavished on it. Because of Zichen, he doesn't hate it anymore.

"I'd rather have you with me those thousand lifetimes."

He grins at the snort, deciding victory! Then laughs, too, joining his love in the happy sound and giving up his feigned sorrow. He settles into the robe, happily nuzzling right back and playfully purring at his silly husband.

"How can I be sad? My husband is being cute!"

Zichen knows how negative thoughts surround the poor hand. But, truly, isn't the hand a sign of Xue Yang's strength and resiliency? He doesn't see anything disgusting; the scars are a testament, written on his husband's skin. A declaration that his A-Yang wants to live; wants to be happy; want to be loved.

He holds that hand against his cheek, giving it more love with a soft smile.

"As would I. A thousand would be a good start."

Their laughter echoes in the room and brightens his soul. Zichen ties the robe closed around his A-Yang's waist and then grabs a brush. He straightens out any tangles and then grins, slipping his arms around his husband again. Just to hold him.

"Your husband wants to take care of you."

He almost even likes looking at it now, because it reminds him of his Zichen. It doesn't bother him at all, now, for his hand to be pressed against his husband's soft cheek, and he rubs that hand's thumb over precious features.

He grins at the idea of thousands of years with this man and kisses that sweet smile. "Just a start," he chirps cheerfully.

But for someone else to brush his hair for him...yes. He melts with a sigh, eyes fluttering closed as he enjoys the pampering. It's made even better when Zichen's done by those arms wrapping around him. He leans against his husband, snuggling in and tucks his face to the strong shoulder.

"My husband can do anything he wants."

He captures that thumb for a kiss and then leans into the kiss he is given, his eyes almost closing. Zichen craves contact with his A-Yang and Xingchen too. He never thought he would like touch, but with them, it's different. It's perfect.

"Only a beginning. I'll need at least a thousand lifetimes more to love you."

Retrieving the hair brush, he slides the bristles through his A-Yang's hair, massaging his scalp along the way. It delights him to hear that sigh and he can't resist embracing him.

"Ah...that is a dangerous thing to say." Zichen flushes and tilts his head, "Where would you be most comfortable? Everything is fresh and clean. I washed our bedding today."

All three of them have been starved for affection. For touch that doesn't hurt. Now they have each other, and his sweet Zichen doesn't fear it with them. Any flicker of doubt he might have that his husband enjoys making love with him is easily swept away by how passionate he is.

Xue Yang smiles and shakes his head. "Not with you, A-Lan." Anyone else, with the exception of Xingchen, yes. It would be dangerous and he wouldn't even consider saying those words. But his husband? Their A-Chen? No. He's safe with them.

"Mm...You've been working hard. Where were you going to spend the rest of the day?" Because that's where he wants to be. Anywhere near his beloved.

Touch had always hurt him; he remembers the first time he was used and the scars that left on his body and in his mind. He had felt safe with his Master, but that couldn't last forever, and when he left the temple, he had been afraid. Defensive. Until he met Xiao Xingchen. Then his fear began to ease, bit by bit, yet it never disappeared. And his Xingchen never pushed.

Xue Yang has managed to cross that barrier, to break it into pieces and show Zichen that touch can feel amazing. He recently shared that gift with Xingchen too and found new joy. All thanks to his A-Yang.

"I'm going to make dinner. You can sit at the table while I work." he smiles, pleased that he is the exception. Or one of the exceptions.

Zichen takes hold of his lover's hand and squeezes it warmly.

"I'll carry you. Just wrap your arms around my neck."

Kassandra is well aware that there are people who have no choice but to live out in the elements, even in the cold. She's lived that life herself, in her tiny run-down house on Kephallonia with never enough food and barely enough to survive. But this place does not have the mild climate of Kephallonia, and although she's travelled far on her quests and climbed snow-topped mountains, Kassandra still doesn't particularly like the cold. So she's wrapped heavy cloak over the top of her armour as she makes her way back into the city from a hunting expedition.

So she's surprised to see a man sitting on the ground, apparently unbothered by the snow.

It speaks to her, a little, of the things her fellow Spartans like to pride themselves on: toughness, austerity, resilience.

So she pauses on her way and calls out to the man, her voice still heavily accented even after months of speaking this new, strange language.

"I think you must be from somewhere colder than I am."

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January Catch-all

II.

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CW: nudity

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