Ah, Xue Yang, welcome back. [ xie lian senses him before he makes it into the temple, and he can’t help the fond little smile. his little hanger on indeed—time passes quickly in the human world, and it seems like only yesterday he was a child praying to the god of misfortune. it had been so odd that it had immediately caught xie lian’s attention: heartstrings tugged, he’s since taken him under his wing.
they make quite the pair. xie lian clad in white, still holding the match, and xue yang, dark colors, rakish grin, blood at his nose— wait a second. ] You—oh, you’re bleeding again, Xue Yang, were you fighting again?
[ the silken band around his wrists ruoye responds immediately: the end of it flicks away from his wrist and wriggles upwards to press against xue yang’s nose, cleaning up the blood like some kind of fussy parent. ] There’s more than enough room in the heavens for plenty of gods. I don’t even spend my time in the courts, so how am I to know who’s up there or not?The people here are happy, and we should coexist in peace.
[ his tone is lightly scolding, though not meanly so. as xie lian allows ruoye to tend to xue yang, he turns around to look at his work. it’s a bit crooked, but the greenery is pretty and his newly lit candles flicker lovely in the breeze. there’s even a sprig of mistletoe, wrapped cutely in a bow at the top. . xie lian claps his hands together, pleased. ] Besides, I think it’s neat, don’t you? It’s pretty—alright, Ruoye, come; leave him be.
[ turning that sweet smile on xue yang, all sunshine, as Ruoye wraps back around his wrist (though not after giving xue yang’s cheek a happy, friendly nuzzle.) . he clearly really is enjoying this. ]
[ Xue Yang just sighs in relief as Xie Lian finishes his task without incident, straightening again as he prepares to answer the question about having gotten into a fight when Ruoye starts its fussing. It tickles a little and makes him laugh, the pleased, half-impish, half-shy expression on his face implying that getting this kind of doting treatment only encourages him when it comes to street brawls. As it departs, Xue Yang blows Ruoye a parting kiss in thanks. ]
Hmm... [ Making a show of looking thoughtful, Xue Yang scoots the rest of the way up to Xie Lian and slides an arm around the other man's waist, giving him a fond squeeze. ] I guess it's not terrible. Since you did it.
Was I that late? You could've waited for me to come home and help.
[ as if in response, the silken band wriggles, almost shyly, before wrapping itself around xie lian's wrist again. he mutters a "really, you..." at said spiritual device, as it settles right back into place like it wasn't just swooning over his companion's actions. to say ruoye has a mind of its own is really putting it lightly.
but! he doesn't complain at being pulled over. the sudden arm around his waist isn't particularly unfamiliar either, and xie lian rests one of his free hands against his chest, settling it there as he glances briefly above their head to the decor. ] Mnn, I thought maybe Xue Yang wouldn't want to put the decorations up...though it was a bit of a hunch.
[ this is just faintly teasing, mouth curled up into a small, pleasant smile. reaching upwards with his other hand, xie lian, as fussy as an old grandmother, licks his thumb, then nudges softly at a bloodier spot. ] Is that what you were fighting about? I've told you, it's not worth it.
[ fuss, fuss, fuss. at least you get lots of attention this way, considering. in the gentle flickering candelight, maybe it could be romantic. ]
[ At getting groomed by Xie Lian in turn, Xue Yang beams with barely restrained pride. Not at the fight, exactly, but he definitely doesn't seem particularly ashamed of his reckless actions. The pride is from all the attention he's getting, which makes any beating he might've taken along the way more than worth it. Honestly, Xie Lian, you're a terrible enabler.
At the chide, he shrugs carelessly, jostling Xie Lian a little only to pull him in tighter. ]
Daozhang is the only thing that's worth it on this miserable mortal plane, and I'll beat up every person on the street until they get it.
[ He sniffs, then smiles, then pecks Xie Lian indulgently on the cheek. ]
Anyway, I still think it's dumb but. C'mon. Name one thing I wouldn't do for you.
[ as to be expected, xie lian immediately flushes a delicate, pretty pink high in his cheekbones—truly, the lovely flower crowned martial god does right by his genes as the former prince of xian le. even hundreds of years later beyond his cultivation path, open affections often leave him embarrassed, and xue yang’a roguishly charming and sudden affections are no different.
though he doesn’t immediately chide for such fighting, xie lian gives him a tolerant look, instead, which turns into a huff of a laugh. ] A god of misfortune and scraps can’t do much for a place like this. There are only so many prayers I can attend to—and, don’t call it miserable, either: the heavens aren’t any better.
[ tbh they’re kind of worse.
okay maybe he’s being a little too scolding. xie lian’s expression softens, and his sheepish smile returns. ] Thank you for bringing the groceries. Try not to incite a riot, alright? Maybe we can practice the traditions of this new holiday together. .
It's definitely miserable here, but trust me, I know it's better than the heavens. [ Grinning at that, Xue Yang beams with pride at the blush he's put on Xie Lian's face. ] Because you're here.
[ At being reminded of the groceries, he nods and reluctantly peels himself away so he can retrieve their food, knowing it's his turn to make their dinner. He likes it better when it's his turn anyway, because Xie Lian is generous with compliments and praise is honestly all Xue Yang lives for. ]
...if you don't want any riots, guess you'll just have to keep me here and occupied, huh? [ Xue Yang laughs to show he's teasing, carrying the basket over to their little kitchen. ]
So, what kind of traditions are there? I was too busy punching faces to really listen.
Xue Yang is really too kind. [ sometimes, xie lian doesn’t know what to do with all the attention. he’s long overcome being the darling little prince, and after being humbled over and over (and over and over....) being truly worshipped as a god so directly feels even a bit surprising. he wasn’t supposed to show himself to this mortal, either, but xie lian has no interest in letting xue yang get kicked around, and his interference (though very much not allowed) is what’s bonded them together this way.
besides, his spiritual energy is still locked up, so it’s not like he’s that godly. but, xie lian’s won low opinion of himself doesn’t need to come into play here. he responds with a duck of his head in thanks, tucking a lock of his own dark hair behind his ear, and thankful for the distraction.
following xue yang to the kitchenette, he brightens, starting to tick them off on his fingers. ] Let’s see.... there were songs, and prayers of course, and gift giving to your loved ones. I heard a few girls in town talking about some kind of plant for lovers, or something, too, but I’m not sure.
[ he slips easily past xue yang into the kitchen, stretching his arms upwards. thankfully for both of them, xie lian won’t be preparing the meal..... ]
Hmmmm... [ Xue Yang mulls over these holiday customs, trying to picture them in his mind as he starts unloading the basket. He got whatever he could get a good deal on since Xie Lian doesn't like it when he steals, so out of the basket comes a white radish, half a beetroot, a large onion, two small cucumbers, a sweet potato, a small pouch of assorted beans, one duck egg, an apple, and three small dried fish. He starts cutting up all of it to put into a stew. He learned from the best, after all, and though he's learned some skills over the years, flavor profiles have never been one of them. ]
I guess songs are okay. Hard pass on the prayers, though. There's only one god I want to worship and I've already got some ideas on how to go about it today. [ Grinning, Xue Yang gestures playfully in Xie Lian's direction with his knife as he winks, then goes back to chopping. Do you know you're supposed to remove the papery onion skin before putting it in a dish? Xue Yang doesn't. Thanks, Xie Lian, who is definitely someone who should be raising children. ]
Gift giving doesn't sound bad, but I'd have to go back out... Hm...
[ Then his eyes brighten, expression shrewd as he glances Xie Lian's way once more. ]
[ of all the things to have learned from xie lian, cooking is probably the worst skill. fairness? humility? swordsmanship? garbage collecting? absolutely. but xie lian is more than aware that he's an absolutely garbage cook... then again, it's not like he's had to cook for anyone but himself in you know, hundreds of years. he'd gotten quite used to his own taste.
he watches xue yang unload the groceries and joins him. mostly banned from the kitchen, xie lian takes the moment to toss another piece of kindling on the fire and stoke it instead. he's pretty sure those foods...probably...don't go together?
well, that little side comment doesn't give him much time to process it. xue yang winks at him, flirts, and xie lian's face goes red immediately, the gratification of a flustered dianxia as easy to obtain as ever. at least he doesn't trip--instead, he clears his throat, focusing suddenly very hard on the fire. hm, interesting, this fire really needs stoked today.
...and he's gone and gotten himself in a little deeper than necessary too. xie lian pauses, backtracking to figure out where he said lovers, realizes his mistake, and feels the back of his neck heat up too, under his hair. ] We-well-- [ well he's not going to lie. ] En-- or families, or siblings, or close friends. It's got white berries on it. I think you're supposed to -
[ he's gonna die. CLEARS THROAT. ] Kiss someone under it, or something. Pei Ming has been talking about it in the spiritual communication array--ah, um, I didn't get any, though.
[ at least not on purpose. that's not to say that there isn't some mixed into his bag of scraps, which is innocently laying on the table, where xie lian had been fixing up broken things to resell, as he usually does. the only reason he even knows about this is because of the playboy general pei ming himself, loudly talking about how much he likes this holiday for all the girls that seem to want to snuggle up to him, especially disguised as a human. ]
[ Yeah Xue Yang has retained very little of the good qualities Xie Lian's tried to impart on him, but you know cooking and eating is a daily survival sort of thing so that's the one that stuck. He's not too bad at foraging either. And his knife tricks aren't bad, but to call them swordsmanship would be far too generous. The rest? Eh. He'll get around to it, maybe. But right now he's focused on far more important things, like his beloved daozhang's fluster.
He senses blood in the water and goes for the throat. ]
Huh, that doesn't sound like something that'd be for lovers and siblings. Really seems like it'd be one or the other.
[ Dumping the rest of the stuff he's cut up into the pot, he lets it simmer as he skips off to the pile of Xie Lian's findings for the day. White berries, white berries... Spotting just that, Xue Yang snatches it up, grinning with teeth as he heads back. ]
Daozhang, we're in luck! You picked some up without knowing.
[ Laughing brightly he walks right up to Xie Lian and dangles the strange plant right above them, waiting to see what the already flustered god does. ]
[ well, it’s not like xie lian has any siblings!!! he just has an obnoxious cousin who he’d actually rather die than get near with any sort of affection (at least it’s mutual.) he lets xue yang move about his business, peering into the pot and reaching to give it a stir, though not touching it more than that.
hopefully that’s the end of this point for lovers business.
naturally it is not. xie lian turns back towards xue yang; then, slowly his eyes travel upwards to said offending plant. it’s a long moment as he considers it. that—that would happen. ] If it’s lucky, that can’t have been me.
[ his face starts to color again, pale pink flushing to red, across his nose and decorating his cheekbones. he looks more like a deer in the headlights than anything else, embarrassed and vaguely panicked with it as usual. doesn’t he suddenly need to go to pack...,or clean the shrine.... ]
Well, I think it's lucky and you're definitely the one who brought all this stuff back, so...
[ Before Xie Lian can even finish thinking about making his escape, Xue Yang slides catches his hand with his own and grips tight, tugging at him petulantly to make him come closer. He dangles the little sprig of white berries and shiny leaves, leaning in to peer into Xie Lian's face. ]
Wasn't it your idea to celebrate this new festival? I've changed my mind. I like it after all.
[ xue yang's definition of lucky is definitely a little skewed... he's feeling a bit like a mouse caught in a trap here, but xie lian doesn't tense or try to run away from it, either. its a mouse caught in a trap with a playful cat instead of a murderous one--though that doesn't mean he's not feeling vaguely panicked.
the red at his cheeks deepens in color and starts to spread down his face, blotching underneath ruoye to his neck. lately his cultivation has been a bit... well, there are vows and things that are supposed to be followed, and his stone in water heart lately seems to be picking up a few cracks. ] Isn't that a bit shameless? [ has that ever stopped xue yang? no, never, but it's worth pointing out.
...and it's absolutely like xie lian to spoil someone into said shamelessness, too. inevitably, he's gotten himself into this own mess--not to mention, his hand doesn't leave xue yang's, allowing him to pull him in that much closer. his own hovers for a moment, before settling delicately, palm down, at his chest.
there's a brief pause. ] ...well, it is for the holiday...
[ don't quantify this to yourself????? that is an excuse for kisses ]
[ Indeed, being called shameless only urges Xue Yang along, the accusation both pleasing and delightful to his ears. That acquiesce, too, is all he needs, however slight. In part because Xue Yang is the kind of unreasonable person who normally wouldn't even wait for that much except that he really loves Xie Lian, but also because he's been around long enough to know that the roundabout allowance is the most Xie Lian has ever managed for anything even remotely romance-adjacent. It might as well be a 'yes, kiss me now' shouted from the rooftops, considering the source.
And so, with that, Xue Yang smiles quietly and nods, drawing Xie Lian in with one arm fitted around the flustered god's thin waist until Xie Lian is pressed against him, the berries still held playfully aloft. But then, as he leans in for the kiss, he drops them in favor of cupping Xie Lian's cheek, his breath caught in his throat and his pulse rushing, deafening in his own ears.
His lips press lightly against Xie Lian's own, hesitant and uncertain at first, but once the softness and warmth of it all hits him he melts into it, firm and unrelenting in his hold. ]
[ xie lian doesn’t know how to react, at first: it feels like his brain reaches a total boiling point the minute xue yang nods and leans in. he will dizzily tell himself over and over that it’s just because they’re testing out a holiday tradition. that’s all!
that does not explain how nice it feels.
xie lian makes a little noise against his mouth, muffled and soft. surprised, maybe, confused, a little, into it, definitely. it’s naturally this chaste cultivator’s first kiss ever, too, so xue yang isn’t the only one who melts. his fingers twitch, hands half flailing around xue yang for a moment longer like he’s deciding where to put them. what’s the appropriate response here? hold his hands??? grab his face like xue yang is touching his??? he eventually settles for curling them against the front of his robes, trying to sort his wild panicky thoughts somewhere between “I shouldn’t do this” and “ITS FINE ITS FOR A HOLIDAY” and “never stop doing this ever.”
he kisses back, though, head tilting to the side, eyes closing. that he never stops doing. in fact, behind him, his foot comes off of the ground, toe pointed, because his body is much smarter than his brain at the moment. body in abyss, heart in paradise indeed. ]
[ Before long, both of Xue Yang's arms are slotted around Xie Lian's waist to keep him from running away, the only thought in his mind being that this is approximately the best thing to ever happen to him aside from meeting Xie Lian to begin with all those years ago. He wasn't out there alone on the streets for long, but he was there long enough to learn that if life offers you the slightest good, you grab on and you never let go.
He continues to kiss Xie Lian softly, the way he feels his companion should always be treated, knowing full well the other man is a god and not the frail creature he looks but not caring either way. Each press of lips is gentle, searching, tentatively exploring as he aims to kiss Xie Lian's breath away, to keep going until the next step makes itself clear.
Meanwhile, dinner bubbles, starts to scorch. Xue Yang makes an irritated gesture behind Xie Lian's back, snuffing out the flames. The only thing he's interested in having is more of this anyway. ]
[ slowly but surely, xie lian starts to relax a little. his thoughts are a mess, bouncing around in fourteen different places---what he should be doing with his hands, or his mouth, or how he should probably push xue yang off now, or how the guoshi would probably kill him for even thinking like this, or how nice and warm and soft his mouth is and how kissing is a good, good thing--but he takes in a breath through his nose and tries to use it to center himself.
(what's enough? is there a point where they should stop? on the one hand, yes, probably. on the other hand xie lian has no idea where that point is, and also, he's really enjoying this a lot.)
so, slowly, the grip he has softens, inch by inch. slowly, he returns the kiss with the same curious, gentle fervor, less white knuckle as he tilts his head to the side to return the favor. his hand lifts, again, this time pressing soft knuckles against xue yang's cheek, the brush so tender and sweet it's barely there, hesitant, but exploring. xie lian is the opposite of frail--he can be savage in his emotions and his actions--but here he's unsure. even so, he treads forward, cautious steps into the darkness.
he doesn't notice the flames going out, or the smell. what he does notice is when he shifts to press just a little closer on instinct, his foot brushes against what has to be the mistletoe plant. it's that that finally gets him to break away--xie lian lets their lips press together one last time, lingers just a moment too long, and then pulls back.
his eyes flutter open, finally, still close enough to feel xue yang's breath, and slowly, he shifts to look down at the mistletoe, on the ground between them. xie lian doesn't say anything, though, just stares at it for a solid moment, as his entire face turns red.
he hasn't let go of xue yang, either, fingers still loosely gripped against the front of his robes.
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no subject
they make quite the pair. xie lian clad in white, still holding the match, and xue yang, dark colors, rakish grin, blood at his nose— wait a second. ] You—oh, you’re bleeding again, Xue Yang, were you fighting again?
[ the silken band around his wrists ruoye responds immediately: the end of it flicks away from his wrist and wriggles upwards to press against xue yang’s nose, cleaning up the blood like some kind of fussy parent. ] There’s more than enough room in the heavens for plenty of gods. I don’t even spend my time in the courts, so how am I to know who’s up there or not?The people here are happy, and we should coexist in peace.
[ his tone is lightly scolding, though not meanly so. as xie lian allows ruoye to tend to xue yang, he turns around to look at his work. it’s a bit crooked, but the greenery is pretty and his newly lit candles flicker lovely in the breeze. there’s even a sprig of mistletoe, wrapped cutely in a bow at the top. . xie lian claps his hands together, pleased. ] Besides, I think it’s neat, don’t you? It’s pretty—alright, Ruoye, come; leave him be.
[ turning that sweet smile on xue yang, all sunshine, as Ruoye wraps back around his wrist (though not after giving xue yang’s cheek a happy, friendly nuzzle.) . he clearly really is enjoying this. ]
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Hmm... [ Making a show of looking thoughtful, Xue Yang scoots the rest of the way up to Xie Lian and slides an arm around the other man's waist, giving him a fond squeeze. ] I guess it's not terrible. Since you did it.
Was I that late? You could've waited for me to come home and help.
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but! he doesn't complain at being pulled over. the sudden arm around his waist isn't particularly unfamiliar either, and xie lian rests one of his free hands against his chest, settling it there as he glances briefly above their head to the decor. ] Mnn, I thought maybe Xue Yang wouldn't want to put the decorations up...though it was a bit of a hunch.
[ this is just faintly teasing, mouth curled up into a small, pleasant smile. reaching upwards with his other hand, xie lian, as fussy as an old grandmother, licks his thumb, then nudges softly at a bloodier spot. ] Is that what you were fighting about? I've told you, it's not worth it.
[ fuss, fuss, fuss. at least you get lots of attention this way, considering. in the gentle flickering candelight, maybe it could be romantic. ]
no subject
At the chide, he shrugs carelessly, jostling Xie Lian a little only to pull him in tighter. ]
Daozhang is the only thing that's worth it on this miserable mortal plane, and I'll beat up every person on the street until they get it.
[ He sniffs, then smiles, then pecks Xie Lian indulgently on the cheek. ]
Anyway, I still think it's dumb but. C'mon. Name one thing I wouldn't do for you.
[ A pause. ]
Don't say stop fighting, that one doesn't count.
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though he doesn’t immediately chide for such fighting, xie lian gives him a tolerant look, instead, which turns into a huff of a laugh. ] A god of misfortune and scraps can’t do much for a place like this. There are only so many prayers I can attend to—and, don’t call it miserable, either: the heavens aren’t any better.
[ tbh they’re kind of worse.
okay maybe he’s being a little too scolding. xie lian’s expression softens, and his sheepish smile returns. ] Thank you for bringing the groceries. Try not to incite a riot, alright? Maybe we can practice the traditions of this new holiday together. .
no subject
[ At being reminded of the groceries, he nods and reluctantly peels himself away so he can retrieve their food, knowing it's his turn to make their dinner. He likes it better when it's his turn anyway, because Xie Lian is generous with compliments and praise is honestly all Xue Yang lives for. ]
...if you don't want any riots, guess you'll just have to keep me here and occupied, huh? [ Xue Yang laughs to show he's teasing, carrying the basket over to their little kitchen. ]
So, what kind of traditions are there? I was too busy punching faces to really listen.
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besides, his spiritual energy is still locked up, so it’s not like he’s that godly. but, xie lian’s won low opinion of himself doesn’t need to come into play here. he responds with a duck of his head in thanks, tucking a lock of his own dark hair behind his ear, and thankful for the distraction.
following xue yang to the kitchenette, he brightens, starting to tick them off on his fingers. ] Let’s see.... there were songs, and prayers of course, and gift giving to your loved ones. I heard a few girls in town talking about some kind of plant for lovers, or something, too, but I’m not sure.
[ he slips easily past xue yang into the kitchen, stretching his arms upwards. thankfully for both of them, xie lian won’t be preparing the meal..... ]
no subject
I guess songs are okay. Hard pass on the prayers, though. There's only one god I want to worship and I've already got some ideas on how to go about it today. [ Grinning, Xue Yang gestures playfully in Xie Lian's direction with his knife as he winks, then goes back to chopping. Do you know you're supposed to remove the papery onion skin before putting it in a dish? Xue Yang doesn't. Thanks, Xie Lian, who is definitely someone who should be raising children. ]
Gift giving doesn't sound bad, but I'd have to go back out... Hm...
[ Then his eyes brighten, expression shrewd as he glances Xie Lian's way once more. ]
Wait, what was that about lovers?
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he watches xue yang unload the groceries and joins him. mostly banned from the kitchen, xie lian takes the moment to toss another piece of kindling on the fire and stoke it instead. he's pretty sure those foods...probably...don't go together?
well, that little side comment doesn't give him much time to process it. xue yang winks at him, flirts, and xie lian's face goes red immediately, the gratification of a flustered dianxia as easy to obtain as ever. at least he doesn't trip--instead, he clears his throat, focusing suddenly very hard on the fire. hm, interesting, this fire really needs stoked today.
...and he's gone and gotten himself in a little deeper than necessary too. xie lian pauses, backtracking to figure out where he said lovers, realizes his mistake, and feels the back of his neck heat up too, under his hair. ] We-well-- [ well he's not going to lie. ] En-- or families, or siblings, or close friends. It's got white berries on it. I think you're supposed to -
[ he's gonna die. CLEARS THROAT. ] Kiss someone under it, or something. Pei Ming has been talking about it in the spiritual communication array--ah, um, I didn't get any, though.
[ at least not on purpose. that's not to say that there isn't some mixed into his bag of scraps, which is innocently laying on the table, where xie lian had been fixing up broken things to resell, as he usually does. the only reason he even knows about this is because of the playboy general pei ming himself, loudly talking about how much he likes this holiday for all the girls that seem to want to snuggle up to him, especially disguised as a human. ]
no subject
He senses blood in the water and goes for the throat. ]
Huh, that doesn't sound like something that'd be for lovers and siblings. Really seems like it'd be one or the other.
[ Dumping the rest of the stuff he's cut up into the pot, he lets it simmer as he skips off to the pile of Xie Lian's findings for the day. White berries, white berries... Spotting just that, Xue Yang snatches it up, grinning with teeth as he heads back. ]
Daozhang, we're in luck! You picked some up without knowing.
[ Laughing brightly he walks right up to Xie Lian and dangles the strange plant right above them, waiting to see what the already flustered god does. ]
no subject
hopefully that’s the end of this point for lovers business.
naturally it is not. xie lian turns back towards xue yang; then, slowly his eyes travel upwards to said offending plant. it’s a long moment as he considers it. that—that would happen. ] If it’s lucky, that can’t have been me.
[ his face starts to color again, pale pink flushing to red, across his nose and decorating his cheekbones. he looks more like a deer in the headlights than anything else, embarrassed and vaguely panicked with it as usual. doesn’t he suddenly need to go to pack...,or clean the shrine.... ]
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[ Before Xie Lian can even finish thinking about making his escape, Xue Yang slides catches his hand with his own and grips tight, tugging at him petulantly to make him come closer. He dangles the little sprig of white berries and shiny leaves, leaning in to peer into Xie Lian's face. ]
Wasn't it your idea to celebrate this new festival? I've changed my mind. I like it after all.
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the red at his cheeks deepens in color and starts to spread down his face, blotching underneath ruoye to his neck. lately his cultivation has been a bit... well, there are vows and things that are supposed to be followed, and his stone in water heart lately seems to be picking up a few cracks. ] Isn't that a bit shameless? [ has that ever stopped xue yang? no, never, but it's worth pointing out.
...and it's absolutely like xie lian to spoil someone into said shamelessness, too. inevitably, he's gotten himself into this own mess--not to mention, his hand doesn't leave xue yang's, allowing him to pull him in that much closer. his own hovers for a moment, before settling delicately, palm down, at his chest.
there's a brief pause. ] ...well, it is for the holiday...
[ don't quantify this to yourself????? that is an excuse for kisses ]
no subject
And so, with that, Xue Yang smiles quietly and nods, drawing Xie Lian in with one arm fitted around the flustered god's thin waist until Xie Lian is pressed against him, the berries still held playfully aloft. But then, as he leans in for the kiss, he drops them in favor of cupping Xie Lian's cheek, his breath caught in his throat and his pulse rushing, deafening in his own ears.
His lips press lightly against Xie Lian's own, hesitant and uncertain at first, but once the softness and warmth of it all hits him he melts into it, firm and unrelenting in his hold. ]
no subject
that does not explain how nice it feels.
xie lian makes a little noise against his mouth, muffled and soft. surprised, maybe, confused, a little, into it, definitely. it’s naturally this chaste cultivator’s first kiss ever, too, so xue yang isn’t the only one who melts. his fingers twitch, hands half flailing around xue yang for a moment longer like he’s deciding where to put them. what’s the appropriate response here? hold his hands??? grab his face like xue yang is touching his??? he eventually settles for curling them against the front of his robes, trying to sort his wild panicky thoughts somewhere between “I shouldn’t do this” and “ITS FINE ITS FOR A HOLIDAY” and “never stop doing this ever.”
he kisses back, though, head tilting to the side, eyes closing. that he never stops doing. in fact, behind him, his foot comes off of the ground, toe pointed, because his body is much smarter than his brain at the moment. body in abyss, heart in paradise indeed. ]
no subject
He continues to kiss Xie Lian softly, the way he feels his companion should always be treated, knowing full well the other man is a god and not the frail creature he looks but not caring either way. Each press of lips is gentle, searching, tentatively exploring as he aims to kiss Xie Lian's breath away, to keep going until the next step makes itself clear.
Meanwhile, dinner bubbles, starts to scorch. Xue Yang makes an irritated gesture behind Xie Lian's back, snuffing out the flames. The only thing he's interested in having is more of this anyway. ]
no subject
(what's enough? is there a point where they should stop? on the one hand, yes, probably. on the other hand xie lian has no idea where that point is, and also, he's really enjoying this a lot.)
so, slowly, the grip he has softens, inch by inch. slowly, he returns the kiss with the same curious, gentle fervor, less white knuckle as he tilts his head to the side to return the favor. his hand lifts, again, this time pressing soft knuckles against xue yang's cheek, the brush so tender and sweet it's barely there, hesitant, but exploring. xie lian is the opposite of frail--he can be savage in his emotions and his actions--but here he's unsure. even so, he treads forward, cautious steps into the darkness.
he doesn't notice the flames going out, or the smell. what he does notice is when he shifts to press just a little closer on instinct, his foot brushes against what has to be the mistletoe plant. it's that that finally gets him to break away--xie lian lets their lips press together one last time, lingers just a moment too long, and then pulls back.
his eyes flutter open, finally, still close enough to feel xue yang's breath, and slowly, he shifts to look down at the mistletoe, on the ground between them. xie lian doesn't say anything, though, just stares at it for a solid moment, as his entire face turns red.
he hasn't let go of xue yang, either, fingers still loosely gripped against the front of his robes.
hm. ]