[UN: swordcandy | Video]

[cultivatingsin]

Fuck it. Considering we're all stuck here until further notice, being heroic and shit, tell me where you would rather be and what you would rather be doing. I'll go first.

I want to be in a city full of coffins, making dinner for...someone. And myself. No one else. [Take that A-Qing. Take that Song Zichen.] We just finished a successful Night Hunt and we're tired, hungry but happy.

[Is it sad that these are his favorite memories? A city full of coffins, really?]

Comments

[bright_moon]

[ He's needed. Not just by what Aurora states as the reason for him being brought here. But...Xue Yang needs him. And he gains strength from seeing how the other man heals, and gentles. For his sake, but it's a start.

And Xingchen is blessedly ignorant of Xue Yang's desire! He only shakes his head with a fond smile again as he walks beside the other man. ]

Friends are good to have. Have you met anyone here yet that might become a friend?

[cultivatingsin]

[Yes. He needs him more than air or water. His mind is starting to stitch itself back together and Xue Yang, honestly, isn't quite sure who he is at the moment. But he knows he belongs to Xiao Xingchen.

It's a decent start.]

Mostly kids, which is weird. I make deals with them so they bring me sweet treats.

[And then he ends up sharing the treats with them.]

Don't worry, I'm not greedy. I share.

[bright_moon]

[ Xingchen is starting to have hope for Xue Yang. Real hope. Each day shows him a little more, and slowly his soul is starting to heal.

He frowns at the mention of kids being here. ]

Have you been helping keep them safe?

[ He squeezes Xue Yang's hand gently, rewarding him for that kindness in sharing treats. And resolves to start giving Xue Yang candy again every day, as he had in Yi City. ]

[cultivatingsin]

[Xue Yang opens the doors to the cafeteria for them and gently guides Xingchen through. It's just...natural...to be softer with his Daozhang. But he is also hyper aware of people seeing. He doesn't give a damn about being judged. Rather, he fears Xingchen being hurt or used against him.]

I offer lessons. Some of them are pretty strong as it is. One of them can make tornadoes.

[The squeeze makes his steps lighter and he beams.]

If a kid named Aang finds you, don't be startled. I told him about you.

[bright_moon]

[ Xingchen is used to people staring at him. It isn't all that normal to see blind people walking around, and he supposes even less so in other cultures. But he does his best to take the stares in stride and ignore them beyond the needed awareness to avoid bumping into any but the most careless. Xue Yang's guidance helps. ]

You are doing well, A-Yang.

[ The nickname slips out and he hardly even hears himself use it. ]

Tornadoes? That is quite impressive! [ He smiles. ] I look forward to meeting him, then.

[cultivatingsin]

[Anyone who carelessly or purposefully runs into Xingchen will find themselves regretting it a split second later. Xue Yang has the strength and ferocity to push anyone against a wall - particularly when enraged. His Daozhang deserves way better than that!

He almost loses his step upon hearing the nickname. O-Oh. His cheeks turn red and he stares at Xingchen in wonder.]

...y-yes. It's... [What the hell was he talking about earlier?]

What are you hungry for, A-Chen? I'll get it for you.

[bright_moon]

[ So very belatedly he realizes what slipped out, and his cheeks flush darkly as he ducks his head. But he doesn't apologize for the daring. Xue Yang has worked hard. And...this Xue Yang is cute. Sweet. Considerate. And makes his heart race and he wants...he doesn't know what he wants.

He gently squeezes Xue Yang's fingers, feeling the stare keenly.

Oh! A-Chen. It's...only right. And he finds he doesn't mind. No. Not at all. It warms him and he draws in a steadying breath before lifting his head a little. ]

You know what I'm used to eating. I trust you to bring something I can eat.

[ So no tongues! ]

[cultivatingsin]

[Aw he would never feed Xingchen a tongue! He knows that's disgusting. With a genuinely happy smile, Xue Yang rubs his cheek against Xingchen's hand, his breath puffing over his knuckles.]

I'll bring you something delicious.

[He helps Xingchen to a good place to sit and, quickly, places a kiss against the side of the man's head. Then he darts off to get their food, blushing harder than ever.]

[bright_moon]

[ Good boy. Xingchen can't resist the giggle at how Xue Yang rubs his cheek over his hand. It's so cute! ]

Thank you.

[ Taking a seat, he flushes at the kiss to his head and waits, amazed at the excellent steps the other man has taken in so short a time. ]

[cultivatingsin]

[Xiao Xingchen is alive. For that, for Xingchen's happiness, Xue Yang will do anything. He gathers two plates for them, ordering (and receiving) what he hopes is one of his Daozhang's favorite meals. Then he carries them over and pours them some tea.]

Did you miss me~?

[bright_moon]

[ His senses are sharp enough to follow Xue Yang's progress across the room, even crowded. Xingchen is rather surprised at himself to find that he...missed the warmth of his hand being held. So the chirping question when the impish man returns with food and tea has him smile. ]

I did.

[ Not the wicked Xue Yang. But his Xue Yang. His A-Yang. ]

[cultivatingsin]

[Grinning, delighted, he sets a plate in front of Xingchen and makes sure he has all the utensils he needs. Then a full tea cup follows.]

Be careful, it's hot. [The food and the drink. But there is also a cup of water in case Xingchen is thirsty now.]

No one bothered you, right? [He sits down beside Xingchen instead of across from him.]

[bright_moon]

[ More care and thoughtfulness that warms him. Xingchen gently picks up the cup of tea, partially to warm cool fingers, but also because it's habit for him. He breathes in the steam without taking a sip immediately. ]

No, no one is bothering me.

[ He likes the fact Xue Yang chooses the seat beside him rather than across. Closer. ]

No one upset you while you were getting us food?

[cultivatingsin]

[So damn adorable. Xue Yang watches Xingchen adoringly, ready in case the sweet man needs anything.]

Then I wasn't away for too long.

[He picks up a dumpling and bites into it, chewing and swallowing before he answers.]

Nope! The robots are alright. They do get us good food.