Communications Array work

[jiangzaid]

WHO: Xue Yang AND YOU
WHEN: End of March
WHAT: Experimenting with talismans
WHERE: Gazin
WARNINGS: N/A

For all of his experimenting and playing with talismans and the rest of what the cultivation world has to offer, and learning from his daozhangs, Xue Yang has a thought to make life a little better for his new adopted home.

Specifically, to find a way for people to communicate more than just in person. He knows there are ways for messages to be sent via talisman, but that only helps those who can use spiritual energy! Not everyone in Gazin can. Which sees him plopped down in various places working on runes before putting them down on talisman paper. Even if there are only set places such messages can be sent to or from, it would help speed up alarms.

His little black squirrel is curled up on a pile of leaves he'd found for her, Jiangzai is resting just beside him, and a knee keeps wiggling back and forth as he thinks over various successes or...when something burns instead of floating off.

Comments

[zichen]

Zichen is quick to move his robe - and the slumbering squirrel in his pocket - before Xue Yang gets properly settled. He much prefers being free to hold his husband as tightly as he wants. Since his A-Yang has sought out this contact, he must need it and, frankly, Zichen needs it too.

Dropping soft kisses over his lover's ear, he moves from Xue Yang's silky hair to his back, finding tense muscles and massaging them with patient, practiced fingers. When those legs wrap around him, Zichen touches the thigh that is injured, sending his A-Yang waves of healing energy.

"That is an easy task for you, love. Don't I wake to you each morning?"

[jiangzaid]

His trust is complete, even with the little life that could so easily be squished if they aren't careful. And he doesn't shy when Zichen doesn't immediately just wrap his arms around him, sensing the reason without being told and it spurs him to kiss his husband's throat in silent thanks.

Maybe he doesn't need this contact as he usually does. Maybe he simply just wants it. But his precious A-Lan gives it with such ease that he can't help but settle under it. And he can feel how Zichen relaxes too, which makes him smile that he can give right back. Only for those massaging fingers to draw a low groan as tension he hadn't even noticed eases. Even the old wounds are tended! As always, his husband is thorough in his fussing.

He presses a happy smile against his love's neck. "I wake to you, too."

[zichen]

Their baby girl has been an important part of their lives since Zichen found her. She took to them as her parents and that isn't something Zichen takes lightly. Her first storm had frightened her so badly that he had heard her squealing from the soft pouch they had made her. No thought had occurred to him besides comfort her and he done just that, carrying the shivering baby to their bed and tucking her between A-Yang and himself.

Zichen makes a soft sound and then wraps Xue Yang in his embrace, caressing him until he feels his beloved relax. The warm weight and his A-Yang's scent help him to do likewise, but he doesn't forget that poor leg. Never.

"Is that a joy?" he teases, "I'm not as welcoming of mornings as you."

[jiangzaid]

Zichen had brought her home and the moment Xue Yang had seen her, he'd loved her. Getting to see her personality blossom has been a joy! He doesn't mind sharing their bed with her, even when there isn't a scary storm!

He laughs with delight at that tease and lifts his head to kiss the tip of his husband's nose, grinning into those beautiful eyes. Xingchen's eyes, but his Zichen's heart.

"That's what I love most! Waking you up is fun~"

[zichen]

She has Xue Yang's energy and that makes it fun to watch her. Zichen likes giving her puzzles, encouraging her to solve them by hiding treats along the way. There is a sense of pride from her when she accomplishes one of said puzzles and Zichen is reminded of his love.

His A-Yang is safe with him no matter the storm they face. Even if the walls come crashing down, Zichen won't let go of him.

Color blossoms from the place those lips touch. His guilt over his eyes hasn't eased much - especially with Xingchen blind - but he does love them.

"Meaning you like to tease me into -" his blush darkens, "Well, you know." he huffs, "It is a good start to the day, I admit."

[jiangzaid]

They both give her puzzles to solve, keeping her active both physically and mentally. And rewarding her with little treats! Xue Yang also likes seeing that pride at a job well done, as well as feeling it for himself when he manages challenges in a more positive way than before.

He trusts that strength and loyalty now, more than he's ever trusted anything before. He's no longer alone, and that has done wonders for him. Even the guilt he feels at having hurt his poor daozhangs so badly in the past can't eclipse his love for them, and his determination to make them happy now.

He laughs with delight but only tightens his embrace and claims a soft kiss. "Of course I know." He nuzzles his love, unrepentant in this teasing if only because he knows Zichen doesn't actually mind how they start many days.

But he sobers, softening. "It's the waking up beside you that I love most."

[zichen]

She lifts herself up on her back feet and fluffs her tail so proudly that even Zichen has a difficult time denying her anything. He has wondered if she is learning to be charming from Xue Yang? If so, he is doomed to be a slave to her whims.

Not that he will ever complain, mind you.

As for their guilt... The fact that his A-Yang can feel it, well, that's all Zichen wants from him. It means his beloved understands what he did and how much he hurt them...and others too. They can't stay in that place and he refuses to blame Xue Yang endlessly for things he can't change.

Instead he wants to love him and lift him away from the murky water, the darkness. He wants his A-Yang to see the light that makes those like Xiao Xingchen so sweet and forgiving.

"I'm glad you haven't forgotten." he replies gruffly, tilting his head to enjoy the nuzzling, "Really?" his voice shakes and he swallows against it, "Your face is so soft when you're sleepy."