(no subject)

[inwhite]

WHO: xiao xingchen + open
WHEN: march
WHAT: a blind cultivator out and about
WHERE: around gazin
WARNINGS: none, will update if necessary



Gazin.

Xiao Xingchen's time since arriving in Gazin has been...turbulent. The change in location hasn't bothered him as much as it might some. He does still worry for A-Qing every day, but reminds himself that she's a clever girl. He can only hope that she doesn't find too much trouble.

The other member of their strange little family had arrived here with him, a great help and a comfort....until Xiao Xingchen finally found out who he really is, a question that he'd never asked. And that's when his heart had truly been unsettled for the first time in his life. His arm is still bandaged from the injury he received during a recent night hunt, bad enough to keep him from going on one since, though it's mostly healed now. It redirected him back to the other task that he needs to accomplish: finding a job.

It's not easy. For the most part people are nicer here, but they still doubt a blind man's abilities. Others are too wary of any man with two swords across his back now to take a chance.

He's discouraged, but he buys a small bit of bread in the marketplace, a piece of fruit. It's cheaper than the tavern nearby, and Xingchen just needs something to fill his stomach to fuel him forward. He finds an out-of-the-way place in the market to eat, listening to the sounds of life around him.

Returning home. (closer to dusk)

There were many days when he did not expect to ever return here, this place that his companion - that Xue Yang found for them. The man had been persistent after he left, making sure that Xingchen was taken care of even when all of his gifts were rejected.

His heart hasn't completely righted itself, but he knows one thing for sure: Xue Yang has killed no one here. He hasn't even attacked, and barely even has the means to do so after surrendering everything over to Xiao Xingchen. He'd like to think that he's been made less naive, but maybe he's not, because he keeps thinking that maybe he can keep the other man on the correct path, one of harmony with this new life. Xingchen's made it clear that he must submit himself to justice if and when they return, because those that he's murdered deserve nothing less. But for now..maybe he can be a sheath for that dangerous blade.

Xingchen steps up onto the small porch, pausing when he hears the first approach of footsteps.

"Is that you?"

He tilts his head a little more, waiting to hear if they're familiar or not.

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[jiangzaid]

Xingchen will probably smell drying blood in the air too, but the footsteps are steady. Xue Yang pauses, just watching the blind man for a moment before smiling to himself.

"I'm here," he confirms. There are days for him too where he half expects to come back to find it empty again, Xiao Xingchen either still dead or just gone again. Each time the man comes back, or is there when he comes home for the night, joy flashes through him all over again.

He hefts the basket of groceries a little, shifting his weight so it rests more on a hip than his own, freshly wounded arm. His job, after all, isn't the safest. And without Jiangzai, Xue Yang has to rely on being that much faster in getting his dagger close enough to work on whatever is attacking the merchant's wares.

"Are you hungry?"

[inwhite]

Xiao Xingchen's heart stops. He smells blood, and he doesn't know if it's Xue Yang's or because of Xue Yang. He only has a dagger now, but his steps sounded so steady.

Xue Yang asks him that question, and at that moment he's definitely not hungry. He's on the verge of trembling. If he's hurt someone...if he's murdered someone...

Xingchen's breath catches. There's something strange about the way Xue Yang is standing. He can't see it, but he can tell in other ways.

"Xue Yang, what happened?"

He comes back down the steps and reaches a tentative hand out to touch the other man.

[jiangzaid]

He watches the other's expression as closely as ever. Sees the doubt, the recognition, and then the strange...fear? It has him frown, but he doesn't pull away when Xingchen approaches and reaches for him. Had he thought-? Of course he had. He rolls his eyes tolerantly.

And then he sees when Xingchen figures out the blood is his, rather than someone else's. Or at least suspects enough to ask. It's enough that he smiles again. "I had to get the merchant and his wares safely through the forest today," he begins. "Some of the creatures there didn't like it." He doesn't sound too concerned with being mostly unarmed, even with the wounded arm.

[inwhite]

There's no lie there, though Xiao Xingchen might've made his mind up evn before he heard his story. A story which makes him frown even more.

"You shouldn't have been in the forest with just a dagger." Wasn't he the one Who asked Xingchen to protect Lady Wen for that very same reason? He reaches for the basket before guiding him inside.

"I'll heat some water. How far up does it go?"

[jiangzaid]

Xue Yang doesn't even look at his sword strapped to Xingchen's back. Watching the other man move and breathe is far more captivating even than his own precious sword. He still doesn't regret handing everything over when only his sword had been asked for. Not when it had gotten Xingchen to move back in with him.

The scold has him laugh though, even as he lets himself be led inside, sans basket. "That's where the job took me today, it's alright, Daozhang." The continuing hints of care and concern are more than enough to make the pain vanish.

But he's also not going to just ignore the question. Not from Xiao Xingchen. So he prods at the arm, tugging cloth away without regard to making fresh blood seep out from under the forming scabs. "Four slashes across the whole left arm," he informs the other man, tone unconcerned.

[inwhite]

"You should've came and got me." Because that would've impressed Xue Yang's boss, his bodyguard needing a bodyguard, and a blind one at that. But Xingchen doesn't care, he only knows that it was dangerous for him to go there on his own.

"Be gentle." He smells the fresh blood, and it's strange to need to remind someone to be careful with themself when injured, but apparently Xue Yang needs that sort of reminder. "Take your shirt off." While he busies himself with heating the water, with finding a rag and some soap. Xingchen gathers everything up and brings it over, turning a chair for the other man to sit in.

"Take this. It'll help with the pain."

Xingchen unwraps something and holds it to his lips - not an elixir, just a regular candy. But if he tells him that, he just might believe it.

[jiangzaid]

There's a flash of delight at the clear care in that statement, and he knows he's grinning. "It's better I attack the monsters Daozhang, I can handle them." And better than attacking people. Xue Yang still needs an outlet for his aggression and love of violence. Fighting the beasts of the forest is a good one, full of the thrill of danger as well as being useful to his employer.

He blinks at being told to be gentle with himself, confused because he's never been all that gentle with his own wounds. But if Xiao Xingchen wants him to be...he'll try. He's a bit more careful when he removes his shirt, though the motion still coaxes a little more blood out so by the time he takes a seat, most of the matted blood has fallen off, with fresh slowly dripping down his arm.

He smiles again when the piece of candy is pressed to his lips, and he takes it, unable to help the quick flick of tongue at fingertips in the process. "I feel better already, thank you!" But. Because it's Xingchen, wanting to take care of him.

Gazin

[ibelieveintruth]

Nearby, on break from working the tavern, is a Clark, wearing local clothes at this point, and smiling as he polishes off something vaguely like an apple, slowly, savoring it.

Spotting the other man, he raises a hand in greeting, a smile on his face. He's a fairly common sight around town, between working the tavern and wandering to check out local lands.

"Fine day for it, yes?"

[inwhite]

Xingchen recognizes his voice, from visiting the marketplace nearby and even resting in the tavern a time or two, even if they've never spoken before. He lifts his head, the proximity of the man's greeting leading him to believe it was meant for him.

"The weather is very pleasant here." He smiles at him. "It sounds like you're enjoying it too. Are you working outside or simply finished for the day?"

[ibelieveintruth]

"On break, currently. I'm working a long shift at the tavern today. Not that I mind, but it makes getting outside to breathe the air all the more important I think."

Clark smiles as he talks and his warmth and happiness, for whatever it is worth, likely shows in his voice. A simple life is no bad thing to him.

"How is the day treating you?"

[inwhite]

"Hard work makes you appreciate such things all the more I believe." Xingchen slides down the wooden bench that he's sitting on, making room. "Please, sit and rest yourself. I have food to share if you're hungry."

He enjoys the simple life himself, though it's all he's ever really known. He had his chances though, when all of the Sects tried to recruit him for their own. His life could've been completely different. But he wouldn't have had it any other way.

"It's been long. I started early, but I haven't had much luck in my searching."

[ibelieveintruth]

"It does, yes." Clark follows and settles next to the other man. "I have food, but thank you."

He smiles at he listens to the man.

"What have you been searching for?"

[inwhite]

"Work, I'm afraid."

But Xingchen laughs despite his long morning.

"I understand. Hiring a blind man is a risk for many reasons." He takes a bite of his bread, smile still on his lips. "I'm fortunate that my friend keeps a roof over my head. But I'm not used to being so dependent on another."

[ibelieveintruth]

Clark considers this.

"What do you know how to do? What are you used to doing?"

Because for Clark, it is as instinctive as drawing in air to help another, so... yes. Welcome to those who have been adopted by Clark, Xingchen.

[radishlobbyist]

"Excuse me, sir, can I interest you in some..."

Standing behind the apothecary's stall, selling healing teas and simple remedies, Wen Qing has been addressing people in the hope to lure them to her table all morning, but this is the first time she comes across a familiar face. She falls silent before speaking up again, realizing that of course he wouldn't have taken notice of her.

"Xiao Xingchen! Over here!" she says and fiddles noisily with one of the containers of tea. "How are you?"

[inwhite]

There are so many people in the marketplace that their voices tend to run together. He tries to be aware of the crowds, stay out of the way, and so he doesn't recognize her until she calls him by name.

"Wen-guniang?" Xingchen tilts his head to pinpoint her location, then walks over to her stall with a soft smile. "I'm well, thank you. Do you have any new patients today?"

[radishlobbyist]

"Ah... No. No, I do not." She ducks her head, looking down at the market stall, feeling a little chagrined by the selection she is trying to hark. "I'm just here to make some extra income for the apothecary. The owner likes to sell to casual customers here, simple herbal teas and minor pain relievers or poultices, such small things people might want to have at home."

She sighs, looking a little mournful. "I miss working as a proper doctor," she admits quietly, "I spend most of my time as a store clerk right now. But there's no point to that here, is there? I won't be here long enough."

[inwhite]

"Sometimes such simple things eliminate the need for larger ones. You do Gazin a great service." Xingchen smiles, honest in his feelings but hoping to cheer her at the same time. His smile softens a little at her last words.

"Every day is its own point. Have you had any luck in that area?"

[radishlobbyist]

Wen Qing shakes her head, then catches herself, a chagrined expression flickering over her face.

"No," she says aloud, "I haven't." The frustration she has been trying so hard to contain bleeds into her voice. "I have spoken to so many people, merchants and sailors and adventurers, but nobody knows of any place that is familiar to us. They haven't heard about magical means of travel either. Nobody could make sense of how or why we were brought here, and how it can be reversed."

[inwhite]

It's a day that Xiao Xingchen knew was coming, one that filled him with dread. It's a day where there isn't much for him to do. There are no home repairs that need his attention. There's plenty of firewood. He's even started baking, no less than a dozen loaves of bread that he intends to share with friends and neighbors. His last few night-hunts have been uneventful too. Any monsters or trouble around town seem to be keeping their distance.

So when Xue Yang tells him over breakfast that he has the day off, the blind man is visibly relieved. Xiao Xingchen isn't someone who necessarily needs company, but he enjoys the right kind. He enjoys his.

It's mid-morning before the volley of 'let's do what you want to do' finally comes to an end. It's too nice of a day to stay inside, and while they've both explored much of the town separately, reasons have kept them from exploring it together.

Xingchen waits while Xue Yang looks at something, listening to a few village children whispering nearby before they scamper off. It leaves him with a question for when the other cultivator is finished with his browsing.

"Xue Yang, would I be the 'wife'?"

[jiangzaid]

Everything Xingchen cooks or bakes, Xue Yang very happily enjoys. Not even just because Xingchen was the one who made it, but because it tends to taste pretty good too. His arm has healed up well, though there are still scars, slowly smoothing out and fading. Along with the odd other injury that slips past his guard.

None of them bother him, though he's increased his efforts not to let even a scratch get through. And less and less do. He doesn't want to be the reason for Xingchen's laughter and smiles to fade away again.

Xue Yang hears the whispering of children as he browses and treats them to a sharp look that sends them scampering off. He heads back to Xingchen's side only to grin at the question, reaching for his boyfriend's hand.

"You're beautiful enough to be the best wife, but I think we'd need to be married first." And his tone says that isn't a bad idea in his opinion.

[inwhite]

"Oh, that's right. We'd need to be married first."

He laughs at himself. How silly of him, it's a pretty big detail to overlook. Xingchen's smile becomes softer, almost shy when the other man takes his hand.

"Those children were whispering about whether we were married or not." He explains. "They were a little confused about it at first, but finally agreed that I must be the wife."

[jiangzaid]

His heart does a funny little leap and his grin only brightens. Xingchen doesn't seem repulsed by it, so he gently squeezes the precious hand he holds.

"Children don't know better. But I would love to marry my Daozhang, if he'll have me."

He could sound flippant, or teasing. But there's an air of seriousness in the quiet words, for Xingchen's ears only.

"If you are the wife, then it must be because I'm good at protecting you!" He doesn't think any less of Xiao Xingchen for 'being the wife'. Nothing could be further from the truth.

[inwhite]

He's not repulsed by it. Cultivational partners can be any combination of genders, all that matters is the bond. And he has one with Xue Yang, one that's been tested and remains flawed, but the strength of it can't be denied. Xue Yang will hold his hand for as long as he'll offer it to him, Xingchen knows this.

"Children see things honestly, and they speak the same."

Which means they saw the bond between them too. And in a child's innocence, it could only mean one thing to them.

But not just to them, apparently. Xiao Xingchen stops walking, but he doesn't let go of his hand. He's reminded that after years where he could barely feel his heart beat, it's been Xue Yang who's reminded him that it still does. Like right now, his proposal, light but serious in a way that only he could make it.

Xingchen lowers his head a bit, taking a few breaths to have better control over his emotions. He doesn't want to leave Xue Yang thinking the worst, thinking it of himself. That's only led to tragedy. When he finally responds, it's with a voice that's as soft but as determined as Xiao Xingchen himself is.

"I would have you."

[jiangzaid]

Always watching. Always listening. What would Xiao Xingchen say? How would he react? He thinks, he hopes that all they've said mean more than what they've done to this point. That there's more Xingchen wouldn't mind doing, if he only learns what more there is they can do.

Xingchen had told him that if they're to be together, they'll be together. This. Marriage. Cultivation partners. Just the next step towards that.

Xue Yang still waits, heart beating loud enough he's sure the other man can hear it as he holds onto Xingchen's hand. Carefully gentle. Gentle...gentle...

And then that precious voice answers, speaking the words he'd desperately, suddenly, wanted to hear. His breath huffs out in relief and he doesn't care who sees as he laughs and reaches out to tug Xingchen in close to dance him around in a silly little circle.

It doesn't even occur to him to doubt his Daozhang.

"It's decided!" Just. Not when. But details! "We should celebrate!"