![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[ After Sizhui realizes Xue Yang has joined them... he takes up making daily visits to Xiao Xingchen daozhang. It's not because he has any illusions that he can stop Xue Yang, but because he has thought about the story that Senior Wei told them, and a part of him is very sure that one of the reasons why it ended up so badly is because Xiao Xingchen daozhang felt alone and abandoned.
He knows that the biggest part was what happened to Song Zichen daozhang, he knows that the thing that Xue Yang did went too hard against Xiao Xingchen daozhang's core, but there was always that little part where Xiao Xingchen daozhang tried so much to give to people, to help the cultivation world be better, and in the end, nobody came to help him. Sizhui knows that the cultivation world never forgot Xiao Xingchen daozhang, but what would Xiao Xingchen daozhang know about that?
He tries to make sure he shows up when Xue Yang is elsewhere, however brief that time might be, and brings small things. ]
Daozhang, this is Lan Sizhui. I have brought you some fresh tea.
[ Announcing himself before he approaches is good, right? ]
He knows that the biggest part was what happened to Song Zichen daozhang, he knows that the thing that Xue Yang did went too hard against Xiao Xingchen daozhang's core, but there was always that little part where Xiao Xingchen daozhang tried so much to give to people, to help the cultivation world be better, and in the end, nobody came to help him. Sizhui knows that the cultivation world never forgot Xiao Xingchen daozhang, but what would Xiao Xingchen daozhang know about that?
He tries to make sure he shows up when Xue Yang is elsewhere, however brief that time might be, and brings small things. ]
Daozhang, this is Lan Sizhui. I have brought you some fresh tea.
[ Announcing himself before he approaches is good, right? ]
[While everyone else may be walking on eggshells around Xingchen, or simply know more than he does, he's just happy to have one of his friends near again, even if he'd rather none of them get mixed up in all this trouble. He can handle falling into strange situations, but he worries about his wards, his closest companions being here.
All things considered, and compared to what he's experienced back home, this isn't the worst life. Confusing, sure, and pretty lonely up until recently, but still with opportunities for him to help, almost like the old days.
And when he hears a now-familiar voice call out to him, he smiles. While he's grown hesitant to make too many close friends after...everything, it's still nice to have a social network outside of two other people. Xingchen was always more social than Song Lan was.
He's sitting near a campfire, just stretching out his legs in front of him. His friend has wandered off, though probably not too far; he's very protective of Xingchen, a trait a lot of people tend to share for some reason, and usually comes back to cling to him relatively quickly. But Lan Sizhui is a welcome change, or rather an addition, to the daily routine, it seems.]
Kind as always, Lan-gongzi. Thank you.
[He pulls his legs back and sits up more properly.]
I must admit, though, sometimes it feels like I'm an old grandfather being doted on. Which doesn't feel right, if my suspicions are correct. I don't think you're that much younger than me.
All things considered, and compared to what he's experienced back home, this isn't the worst life. Confusing, sure, and pretty lonely up until recently, but still with opportunities for him to help, almost like the old days.
And when he hears a now-familiar voice call out to him, he smiles. While he's grown hesitant to make too many close friends after...everything, it's still nice to have a social network outside of two other people. Xingchen was always more social than Song Lan was.
He's sitting near a campfire, just stretching out his legs in front of him. His friend has wandered off, though probably not too far; he's very protective of Xingchen, a trait a lot of people tend to share for some reason, and usually comes back to cling to him relatively quickly. But Lan Sizhui is a welcome change, or rather an addition, to the daily routine, it seems.]
Kind as always, Lan-gongzi. Thank you.
[He pulls his legs back and sits up more properly.]
I must admit, though, sometimes it feels like I'm an old grandfather being doted on. Which doesn't feel right, if my suspicions are correct. I don't think you're that much younger than me.
[Xue Yang has always been a light sleeper and circumstances haven't changed that. He often doesn't like getting up in the morning, but that's a different matter. As it is, he's spent most of the night looking at Xiao Xingchen, watching his chest rice and fall, closing his eyes and focusing on his warmth.
Dawn is creeping up by the time he leans in and presses his lips against his throat, where he knows a cut to be. He sucks some skin between his teeth, but doesn't bite down. He wants to mark him, wants something to be there, as if it could keep the cut from ever appearing.
His hands are on Xingchen's shoulders and he leans over him, anticipating that he will win up. His eyes are closed and he does what he can to think of nothing but the moment. Nothing but him, alive and under him.]
Dawn is creeping up by the time he leans in and presses his lips against his throat, where he knows a cut to be. He sucks some skin between his teeth, but doesn't bite down. He wants to mark him, wants something to be there, as if it could keep the cut from ever appearing.
His hands are on Xingchen's shoulders and he leans over him, anticipating that he will win up. His eyes are closed and he does what he can to think of nothing but the moment. Nothing but him, alive and under him.]
[While his companion struggles to find rest, Xingchen fares much better. The ground is hardly comfortable, but after traveling the world as a rogue cultivator and then settling down in the coffin home, he's gotten used to sleeping in places most people would consider inhospitable. This strange world is just the latest in the list of odd places he's laid his head, but he still manages to find sleep.
That is until something starts to drag him back to consciousness. It's distant, at first, as if trying to get to him through thick murkiness, but then he registers...not pain, but some kind of discomfort. At his neck.
Which isn't good.
Xingchen might not have the best self-preservation skills, but some things are just naturally innate. Something is at his neck and it really probably shouldn't be there. A groggy, confused noise sticks in his throat and he slowly lifts his hands to push at whatever is attacking him, only to find quite a large presence there instead. His hands clumsily get an idea of its shape. Human, he thinks.
And that's just odd, isn't it?]
...What?
That is until something starts to drag him back to consciousness. It's distant, at first, as if trying to get to him through thick murkiness, but then he registers...not pain, but some kind of discomfort. At his neck.
Which isn't good.
Xingchen might not have the best self-preservation skills, but some things are just naturally innate. Something is at his neck and it really probably shouldn't be there. A groggy, confused noise sticks in his throat and he slowly lifts his hands to push at whatever is attacking him, only to find quite a large presence there instead. His hands clumsily get an idea of its shape. Human, he thinks.
And that's just odd, isn't it?]
...What?
Shh, daozhang.
[The words are whispered against his neck and Xue Yang's hands quickly find their way to encircle Xingchen's wrist, to hopefully discourage him from pushing him off, should his voice not be enough. It's not too tight a grip, he isn't pinning him, because - truthfully - he wants him to want him there.
Although by now he's no longer marking him, just looking at the mark he has left, faintly as he can make it out in the dim light, but still clear enough against Xingchen's pale skin.]
Did you sleep well?
[The question is so innocent, as if nothing unusual has happened, as if nothing unusual is happening still, while he lays on top of him, hands around his wrists, lips still so close to his throat.]
[The words are whispered against his neck and Xue Yang's hands quickly find their way to encircle Xingchen's wrist, to hopefully discourage him from pushing him off, should his voice not be enough. It's not too tight a grip, he isn't pinning him, because - truthfully - he wants him to want him there.
Although by now he's no longer marking him, just looking at the mark he has left, faintly as he can make it out in the dim light, but still clear enough against Xingchen's pale skin.]
Did you sleep well?
[The question is so innocent, as if nothing unusual has happened, as if nothing unusual is happening still, while he lays on top of him, hands around his wrists, lips still so close to his throat.]
[As sleep trails off, Xingchen starts to become more aware of his physical body and all his limbs and the weight on top of him, acting almost as its own kind of blanket. And then the weight speaks and, yes, of course, it all makes sense now. He isn't in any real danger. It's just his friend continuing to be shamelessly close to him.
Letting out a breath, Xingchen stops resisting the hands catching his wrists and relaxes where he lies.]
As well as can be expected.
[He's about to ask the same of his friend but frowns a little. It's not common for him to wake before Xingchen, even if Xingchen can't rely on the sun anymore for his daily routines. Still, as he lies there, he tries to listen for any noises among the caravan, signalling the start of their day.]
Has the sun already risen?
Letting out a breath, Xingchen stops resisting the hands catching his wrists and relaxes where he lies.]
As well as can be expected.
[He's about to ask the same of his friend but frowns a little. It's not common for him to wake before Xingchen, even if Xingchen can't rely on the sun anymore for his daily routines. Still, as he lies there, he tries to listen for any noises among the caravan, signalling the start of their day.]
Has the sun already risen?
Nah, not yet. [Which, yes, is unusual for him. Staying up is one thing, getting up before he absolutely has to? Usually there seems to be little reason to.
But he's not slept much, not well, and his eyes burn in a peculiar way that he's not fond of, so being awake and being with him? It seems much nicer than staying asleep.]
Won't you spar with me, daozhang? It's been too long.
[He lets out a quiet laugh, tightening his grip around Xingchen's wrist as he moves them, to hold them together above his head, pinned to the ground.]
If you can get up.
But he's not slept much, not well, and his eyes burn in a peculiar way that he's not fond of, so being awake and being with him? It seems much nicer than staying asleep.]
Won't you spar with me, daozhang? It's been too long.
[He lets out a quiet laugh, tightening his grip around Xingchen's wrist as he moves them, to hold them together above his head, pinned to the ground.]
If you can get up.
Well.
[ Sizhui settles nearby, and pours the tea he has brought. ]
On the one hand, right now not very. On the other hand, I was maybe three years old when the Yiling Patriarch passed, so no more than a toddler when you came down the mountain. So I grew up with stories about you. Not quite as a grandfather, but someone I greatly respect.
[ There is no lie about this answer, so Sizhui's voice doesn't waver or hesitate. ]
[ Sizhui settles nearby, and pours the tea he has brought. ]
On the one hand, right now not very. On the other hand, I was maybe three years old when the Yiling Patriarch passed, so no more than a toddler when you came down the mountain. So I grew up with stories about you. Not quite as a grandfather, but someone I greatly respect.
[ There is no lie about this answer, so Sizhui's voice doesn't waver or hesitate. ]
[Xingchen keeps finding reasons to be grateful toward Wei Wuxian, or rather just their conversation back in the farmhouse that brought to light how all of them could have been brought here from different times. Otherwise, some of the interactions he's had, including this one, would not have gone so smoothly.
Ah, but it's been a while since anyone really regarded him with respect. Not that the people of Yi City weren't good and kind to him, but after... Well, he's kind of faded out of society's sight. And why wouldn't he? While he goes on nighthunts with his friend, it's all more localized. He doesn't travel like he once did. To be honest, he wouldn't be surprised if the world had already started to forget about him.
This Lan boy hasn't, though. Xingchen smiles a little to himself. It's kind, so kind, but he's not the cultivator or the man he used to be, nor does he want to completely shatter the image Sizhui might have of him. He bows his head in Sizhui's direction.]
I'll do my best not to disappoint you, then.
Ah, but it's been a while since anyone really regarded him with respect. Not that the people of Yi City weren't good and kind to him, but after... Well, he's kind of faded out of society's sight. And why wouldn't he? While he goes on nighthunts with his friend, it's all more localized. He doesn't travel like he once did. To be honest, he wouldn't be surprised if the world had already started to forget about him.
This Lan boy hasn't, though. Xingchen smiles a little to himself. It's kind, so kind, but he's not the cultivator or the man he used to be, nor does he want to completely shatter the image Sizhui might have of him. He bows his head in Sizhui's direction.]
I'll do my best not to disappoint you, then.
You're up early.
[Stating the obvious, but he's still in the process of waking up. He doesn't even fight being pinned unceremoniously like this, though it does help with shaking the sleep off a little bit, as well as making more sense of his friend's request. If they were back home, he'd acquiesce, easily. Here, though, they're in danger and need to keep themselves ready for anything.
Clearly, his friend doesn't seem to mind. Xingchen just lies there for a moment, but then moves to wrap his legs around his friend's, trapping him in his own way. Once he's started retaliating, though, he knows he has to keep the momentum going. He arches up into the body lying atop him and hopes to bump him off enough so Xingchen can roll them over, effectively switching places.
Maybe it's effective. Maybe he'll just make a fool of himself and inevitably suffer more of his friend's insinuations.
...No, that's probably going to happen, regardless.]
[Stating the obvious, but he's still in the process of waking up. He doesn't even fight being pinned unceremoniously like this, though it does help with shaking the sleep off a little bit, as well as making more sense of his friend's request. If they were back home, he'd acquiesce, easily. Here, though, they're in danger and need to keep themselves ready for anything.
Clearly, his friend doesn't seem to mind. Xingchen just lies there for a moment, but then moves to wrap his legs around his friend's, trapping him in his own way. Once he's started retaliating, though, he knows he has to keep the momentum going. He arches up into the body lying atop him and hopes to bump him off enough so Xingchen can roll them over, effectively switching places.
Maybe it's effective. Maybe he'll just make a fool of himself and inevitably suffer more of his friend's insinuations.
...No, that's probably going to happen, regardless.]
[He says nothing in response at first, too focused on what is happening, especially once he feels that beautiful arch of Xingchen's body under him. His mouth is too dry to talk, even if he'd wanted to, and there haven't been many times in life that he'd been speechless.
Not that it matters right now. What matters other than the movement beneath him? Still, his instincts are well-honed and he has been wrestling on the streets as far back as he can remember, so it is a conscious decision when he does let Xingchen switch their position. Looking up, it is his turn to arch his body, at the same time as he lifts his eyebrows.]
Seems like you are up as well, daozhang~ [Yes, together with that teasing lilt, his speech has returned.]
Not that it matters right now. What matters other than the movement beneath him? Still, his instincts are well-honed and he has been wrestling on the streets as far back as he can remember, so it is a conscious decision when he does let Xingchen switch their position. Looking up, it is his turn to arch his body, at the same time as he lifts his eyebrows.]
Seems like you are up as well, daozhang~ [Yes, together with that teasing lilt, his speech has returned.]
[The ease with which he switches their positions takes Xingchen by surprise, so when they do roll over he can't stop from collapsing on top of his friend. Of course, his wrists are still clutched in the other man's grip, too, so he can't exactly prop himself up, either.
With their legs tangled and the rest of their bodies flush, Xingchen can feel practically every movement below him, intentional and otherwise. So. Needless to say, when his friend copies him from just moments before, it leaves little to the imagination. And Xingchen was right. He's earned those questionable words.
He buries his head against his friend's shoulder and breathes out heavily, trying to ignore what's going on. He also tries to pull his hands free so he can at least make some semblance of getting ready for the day.]
With their legs tangled and the rest of their bodies flush, Xingchen can feel practically every movement below him, intentional and otherwise. So. Needless to say, when his friend copies him from just moments before, it leaves little to the imagination. And Xingchen was right. He's earned those questionable words.
He buries his head against his friend's shoulder and breathes out heavily, trying to ignore what's going on. He also tries to pull his hands free so he can at least make some semblance of getting ready for the day.]
Daozhang, you wouldn't disappoint me! How could that be?
I know that hearing stories about someone and meeting them in person is very different, and I know to expect you to be... a person, not a legend? And that while the things you have done are true, some actions are not all that there is to a person.
You would not disappoint me, daozhang. I-- [ I don't think you've ever disappointed any decent person.
But saying that would open up questions that Sizhui isn't sure how to answer without bringing up other things that will be incredibly upsetting. This may not be the time. ]
-- promise you that. I just... know that getting to know the person behind the stories is a good thing, that I still have much to learn, and that in this strange place I have been lucky and have three of the people who raised me, but not everyone has that many people, and not being alone is better.
I know that hearing stories about someone and meeting them in person is very different, and I know to expect you to be... a person, not a legend? And that while the things you have done are true, some actions are not all that there is to a person.
You would not disappoint me, daozhang. I-- [ I don't think you've ever disappointed any decent person.
But saying that would open up questions that Sizhui isn't sure how to answer without bringing up other things that will be incredibly upsetting. This may not be the time. ]
-- promise you that. I just... know that getting to know the person behind the stories is a good thing, that I still have much to learn, and that in this strange place I have been lucky and have three of the people who raised me, but not everyone has that many people, and not being alone is better.
[That's a reason to tighten his grip, whereas before it had mostly just been a light hold. Now he actually wants Xingchen to stay in his grip, turning his head at the same time to press his lips against where he's marked him before. This time he bites down - if only lightly - while he shifts his hips, moves under him, chasing friction.
There is no need to think much beyond this moment, beyond what he's looking for.
He wants. Wants him, so badly.]
There is no need to think much beyond this moment, beyond what he's looking for.
He wants. Wants him, so badly.]
[Well. That wasn't the right thing to say. Now Xingchen is going to sit here and be embarrassed to death. But he listens to every word and accepts the younger man's passionate defense without interruption. It's refreshing, in a way, if he tries not to think about how all of this is directed at him. Sizhui feels strongly about this and doesn't seem to have any intention of backing down. In fact, Xingchen almost feels like he should apologize for offending him, as ridiculous as that would be!
He wonders how much of the world Sizhui has seen. He speaks with a rooted sort of wisdom, but also with so much hope and optimism. Xingchen can't help but think of himself when he was younger, when he was still on the mountain or when he had just descended into the cultivation world for the first time. He smiles, hopeful for this young man's bright future, but sad for his own rocky path.]
The people who raised you must be very proud. Lan-gongzi is a kind and sincere young man.
[He's not quite sure how to take that last comment, though, about being alone. Yes, Xingchen had been terribly lonely for the first few months here, but now he has his friend and that's already improved his mood so much.]
I'm glad you have loved ones here for you. I'm sure it makes all of this strangeness more bearable.
He wonders how much of the world Sizhui has seen. He speaks with a rooted sort of wisdom, but also with so much hope and optimism. Xingchen can't help but think of himself when he was younger, when he was still on the mountain or when he had just descended into the cultivation world for the first time. He smiles, hopeful for this young man's bright future, but sad for his own rocky path.]
The people who raised you must be very proud. Lan-gongzi is a kind and sincere young man.
[He's not quite sure how to take that last comment, though, about being alone. Yes, Xingchen had been terribly lonely for the first few months here, but now he has his friend and that's already improved his mood so much.]
I'm glad you have loved ones here for you. I'm sure it makes all of this strangeness more bearable.
[Sure, it might have been easy to flip their positions, but his luck clearly isn't working for two successful escapes this morning. He still tries to tug his hands free, even if he knows it's probably futile until his friend grows bored or distracted by something else, but immediately stops when he feels lips on his neck.
Lips, and teeth. And they're joined by the writhing body underneath his own and before Xingchen can even properly process anything that's happening, a moan escapes his throat. The sound is loud in his ears and Xingchen freezes, mortified. Did anyone hear? Does anyone see their undeniably compromising position?
This really is not the time or place.
Feeling his face, his neck, probably his entire body flush from embarrassment - and an ignored desire - Xingchen tries to pull away from the mouth at his neck, even as he whispers.]
Stop.
Lips, and teeth. And they're joined by the writhing body underneath his own and before Xingchen can even properly process anything that's happening, a moan escapes his throat. The sound is loud in his ears and Xingchen freezes, mortified. Did anyone hear? Does anyone see their undeniably compromising position?
This really is not the time or place.
Feeling his face, his neck, probably his entire body flush from embarrassment - and an ignored desire - Xingchen tries to pull away from the mouth at his neck, even as he whispers.]
Stop.
[It's just a whisper and it would be easily ignored. Maybe should be, because how serious can Xingchen really be about it, when it is just whispered like that?
But there's something about his gentle voice that cuts through like nothing else could. How long as he dreamed of hearing that voice again? In that tone, directed to him, it's unlikely to happen that much more often.
That reality is sobering enough that he lowers his head, a shuddering breath against Xingchen's shoulder, his head to the side. He holds still under him, but it is an effort.]
Daozhang. You started it!
[Or so he claims.]
But there's something about his gentle voice that cuts through like nothing else could. How long as he dreamed of hearing that voice again? In that tone, directed to him, it's unlikely to happen that much more often.
That reality is sobering enough that he lowers his head, a shuddering breath against Xingchen's shoulder, his head to the side. He holds still under him, but it is an effort.]
Daozhang. You started it!
[Or so he claims.]
[ Of course he is late - but how could he know that daozhang's bane would show up? He... still probably should have showed up more before, anyway.
Sizhui immediately waves his free hand, no matter that it can't be seen. ]
Ah, I wouldn't dare, I try my best but I can only hope to do my best and not disappoint them. Hanguang-jun is not a name I can measure up to...
But also, daozhang, new friends can still be made, no?
Sizhui immediately waves his free hand, no matter that it can't be seen. ]
Ah, I wouldn't dare, I try my best but I can only hope to do my best and not disappoint them. Hanguang-jun is not a name I can measure up to...
But also, daozhang, new friends can still be made, no?
[Oh. That worked. Xingchen still lies there, though, a little hesitant to move in case his friend changes his mind and wants to be obstinate again, but eventually, he breathes in and angles his face lower.
What happens next could be explained by any number of excuses. Xingchen is still tired and having been woken up in such a sudden way leaves his mind pretty addled. Or maybe it's an effect of his friend's body pressed against his own and everything unsaid, but still clear hovering around them. Perhaps he's just crazy and his mountain upbringing is rearing its strange head.
Whatever the case, Xingchen gently nuzzles his friend's cheek, until the tip of his nose bumps against a jawline. And, without thinking, Xingchen presses his lips so softly to that ridge, just for a moment, and responds to the allegations in a quiet voice.]
Mm. My apologies.
[...They really can't lie here like this forever, though. So, once more, he tries to tug his wrists free, albeit more gently this time, not as urgently.
His heartbeat, however, hammers in his chest. He's sure his friend is able to feel it, too.]
What happens next could be explained by any number of excuses. Xingchen is still tired and having been woken up in such a sudden way leaves his mind pretty addled. Or maybe it's an effect of his friend's body pressed against his own and everything unsaid, but still clear hovering around them. Perhaps he's just crazy and his mountain upbringing is rearing its strange head.
Whatever the case, Xingchen gently nuzzles his friend's cheek, until the tip of his nose bumps against a jawline. And, without thinking, Xingchen presses his lips so softly to that ridge, just for a moment, and responds to the allegations in a quiet voice.]
Mm. My apologies.
[...They really can't lie here like this forever, though. So, once more, he tries to tug his wrists free, albeit more gently this time, not as urgently.
His heartbeat, however, hammers in his chest. He's sure his friend is able to feel it, too.]
[Recalling he heard Sizhui pour some of the tea earlier, he carefully reaches out to search for the cup meant for him, but then freezes for a moment.]
Hanguang-jun? Might I presume he is one of the people who raised you?
[Xingchen, of course, has never met the man, except for a brief conversation over the quartz here, but he back home he didn't know too much about him, either. His name would come up often when stories were recounted about the Sunshot Campaign. People spoke highly of him, but then the Lan Sect is probably one of the more righteous sects, in Xingchen's opinion, so that's not too surprising.
He doesn't remember ever hearing word of Lan Wangji marrying, but that doesn't mean anything. And even if he didn't, would that stop someone so seemingly good from adopting a child? All the same, Xingchen ducks his head for a moment.]
I think I can understand the pressure you must feel. And yet, if Hanguang-jun is anything like the stories, then I imagine he wouldn't be disappointed by a genuine effort.
[Once again, he searches for that teacup!]
Of course, new friends can be made. I think it's necessary in our situation.
Hanguang-jun? Might I presume he is one of the people who raised you?
[Xingchen, of course, has never met the man, except for a brief conversation over the quartz here, but he back home he didn't know too much about him, either. His name would come up often when stories were recounted about the Sunshot Campaign. People spoke highly of him, but then the Lan Sect is probably one of the more righteous sects, in Xingchen's opinion, so that's not too surprising.
He doesn't remember ever hearing word of Lan Wangji marrying, but that doesn't mean anything. And even if he didn't, would that stop someone so seemingly good from adopting a child? All the same, Xingchen ducks his head for a moment.]
I think I can understand the pressure you must feel. And yet, if Hanguang-jun is anything like the stories, then I imagine he wouldn't be disappointed by a genuine effort.
[Once again, he searches for that teacup!]
Of course, new friends can be made. I think it's necessary in our situation.
[Of course his heart is beating fast as well, but he's ignoring that, just as he is ignoring that tightness in his chest that has turned painful at the feeling of Xingchen pressing his lips against him. His eyes burn, so he presses them shut tightly, and he swallows to keep that tightness in his chest from spreading to his throat.
Of course, lower parts of his body are having reactions he understands a lot better, but for now he refrains from arching, turning hia head instead. So close to Xingchen's face, he suddenly leans in and quickly licks his lips, letting out a quiet laugh immediately after.]
Ah, daozhang! You taste so sweet, you have cured me.
[And then he quite suddenly lets go of Xingchen's wrists to brace his arms against the ground instead, to thrust himself up and try to turn them around. Whether that succeeds or not, he is immediately back to pressing against him, this time in order to whisper by his ear.]
I will owe you for that, daozhang.
Of course, lower parts of his body are having reactions he understands a lot better, but for now he refrains from arching, turning hia head instead. So close to Xingchen's face, he suddenly leans in and quickly licks his lips, letting out a quiet laugh immediately after.]
Ah, daozhang! You taste so sweet, you have cured me.
[And then he quite suddenly lets go of Xingchen's wrists to brace his arms against the ground instead, to thrust himself up and try to turn them around. Whether that succeeds or not, he is immediately back to pressing against him, this time in order to whisper by his ear.]
I will owe you for that, daozhang.
[His bout of bravery does not prepare Xingchen to be licked. He gasps and stills, giving his friend ample time and opportunity to get Xingchen where he wants him. So, of course, Xingchen ends up on his back again, though at least now he has use of his hands.
Hands, which now automatically find his friend's waist, neither holding him in place or pushing him away as he does his best to eliminate all space between their bodies. Even if he does manage to get his friend to behave - doubtful - Xingchen knows he's going to have to...take care of things anyway. There are certainly worse ways to wake up, but there are better ways, too. He's just not mentally equipped to deal with his body's reactions right now and, what's worse, he is sure his friend can feel what this early moment "spar" has done to him.
Letting his head fall heavily back against the ground, Xingchen lets out a huff of air and whispers his reply in turn, though he goes for a much different effect.]
You can owe me later. When we're not here.
[Here, of course, being out among the other caravan members and the ghost army and in real, actual danger.
He tightens his hands on his friend's waist and tries to push him off.]
Hands, which now automatically find his friend's waist, neither holding him in place or pushing him away as he does his best to eliminate all space between their bodies. Even if he does manage to get his friend to behave - doubtful - Xingchen knows he's going to have to...take care of things anyway. There are certainly worse ways to wake up, but there are better ways, too. He's just not mentally equipped to deal with his body's reactions right now and, what's worse, he is sure his friend can feel what this early moment "spar" has done to him.
Letting his head fall heavily back against the ground, Xingchen lets out a huff of air and whispers his reply in turn, though he goes for a much different effect.]
You can owe me later. When we're not here.
[Here, of course, being out among the other caravan members and the ghost army and in real, actual danger.
He tightens his hands on his friend's waist and tries to push him off.]
[A huff is the answer to Xingchen's whisper, followed by heavy breaths against his neck as Xue Yang fights to control what feels like a fire within him. Burning with desire, apparently more than just an empty phrase. He can't remember ever before having wanted like this. Not anything.
Not sweets, not revenge, nothing has ever made him feel this urgency. How much he wants to be with Xingchen, to feel him, to have him in all ways. To be his. Maybe the urgency is fuelled by his knowledge of how limited their time is. It is what makes his chest feel tight and what made his eyes burn, not that he realises that. Not that anyone is likely to realise, because Xingchen is blind and can't see red-rimmed eyes from tears that fell without awareness and no one else is close enough.
All Xue Yang knows and understands right now is his body's need and his hot breath against freshly marked skin is testimony of that.
Knowing that he has to stand up in order to win this, he braces his hands against the ground and lifts himself, eyes on Xingchen beneath him. He moves his hips, just once, grinding down, then he forces himself off of him, getting to his feet and looking down. Beautiful sight.]
Are you hot, daozhang? You look flushed.
[The gentle mocking tone is back, but his voice still hoarse enough to badly mask his desire.]
Not sweets, not revenge, nothing has ever made him feel this urgency. How much he wants to be with Xingchen, to feel him, to have him in all ways. To be his. Maybe the urgency is fuelled by his knowledge of how limited their time is. It is what makes his chest feel tight and what made his eyes burn, not that he realises that. Not that anyone is likely to realise, because Xingchen is blind and can't see red-rimmed eyes from tears that fell without awareness and no one else is close enough.
All Xue Yang knows and understands right now is his body's need and his hot breath against freshly marked skin is testimony of that.
Knowing that he has to stand up in order to win this, he braces his hands against the ground and lifts himself, eyes on Xingchen beneath him. He moves his hips, just once, grinding down, then he forces himself off of him, getting to his feet and looking down. Beautiful sight.]
Are you hot, daozhang? You look flushed.
[The gentle mocking tone is back, but his voice still hoarse enough to badly mask his desire.]
[ Sizhui gently places the teacup in the path of daozhang's hand, and keeps it steady so it doesn't get overturned, then removes his fingers when daozhang's wrap around it properly. ]
Yes. When... when everyone was gone, he found me and took me back to the Cloud Recesses.
[ Then there is a soft, adoring smile reflected in his voice. ]
As with everyone that people tell stories about, he is not exactly the same, of course. But he is strong, gentle, merciful, decisive. Normally, he is very kind, even if his quietness makes it a little hard to see, but when he is angry or determined, it would be difficult to stand against him.
[ ... which, admittedly, is not that difficult from Xiao Xingchen daozhang. And, perhaps, from Song Zichen daozhang, either. ]
Yes. When... when everyone was gone, he found me and took me back to the Cloud Recesses.
[ Then there is a soft, adoring smile reflected in his voice. ]
As with everyone that people tell stories about, he is not exactly the same, of course. But he is strong, gentle, merciful, decisive. Normally, he is very kind, even if his quietness makes it a little hard to see, but when he is angry or determined, it would be difficult to stand against him.
[ ... which, admittedly, is not that difficult from Xiao Xingchen daozhang. And, perhaps, from Song Zichen daozhang, either. ]
[His fingers bump into Sizhui's and at first he wonders if he's somehow overreached and gotten the younger man's cup, but it's simply too close to him. So he takes it bows his head in thanks before taking a sip. It's good tea, or at least better than what he's had around here or even back in Yi City for a long time.
He continues to sip comfortably as he listens to Sizhui speak. So he is adopted, and if Xingchen is not searching too far into the wording, then it seems Sizhui was not from the Lan Sect at all, originally. Perhaps still in Gusu. Mostly likely still in Gusu, just for geographical simplicity. It doesn't matter, but it is a point of interest. He's still an extremely kind person.
The description of Lan Wangji from someone who actually knows him is not the most descriptive of who he is as a person, but Xingchen can form a clearer picture, all the same. It still matches what he's heard before, but now with a more fond tint, a more human touch. And yet, something in Xingchen's gut twists. Not from any sickness - physical, that is - but rather...
This description sounds so much like Song Lan. Over the past few years parting from Song Lan hasn't gotten easier, exactly, but Xingchen can make it through the day. Xingchen still thinks of him, and often, but these days it's more of a melancholic fondness, if also lonely. He wishes he could be in Song Lan's presence again, but he understands why that will never happen. It won't happen. They've both moved on. Apart.
He takes another sip; hopefully he hasn't sat there too long without responding. Hopefully nothing has shown on his face.
It probably has. He's never been good at protecting his emotions.]
He sounds wonderful.
He continues to sip comfortably as he listens to Sizhui speak. So he is adopted, and if Xingchen is not searching too far into the wording, then it seems Sizhui was not from the Lan Sect at all, originally. Perhaps still in Gusu. Mostly likely still in Gusu, just for geographical simplicity. It doesn't matter, but it is a point of interest. He's still an extremely kind person.
The description of Lan Wangji from someone who actually knows him is not the most descriptive of who he is as a person, but Xingchen can form a clearer picture, all the same. It still matches what he's heard before, but now with a more fond tint, a more human touch. And yet, something in Xingchen's gut twists. Not from any sickness - physical, that is - but rather...
This description sounds so much like Song Lan. Over the past few years parting from Song Lan hasn't gotten easier, exactly, but Xingchen can make it through the day. Xingchen still thinks of him, and often, but these days it's more of a melancholic fondness, if also lonely. He wishes he could be in Song Lan's presence again, but he understands why that will never happen. It won't happen. They've both moved on. Apart.
He takes another sip; hopefully he hasn't sat there too long without responding. Hopefully nothing has shown on his face.
It probably has. He's never been good at protecting his emotions.]
He sounds wonderful.
Page 1 of 8