Hmph, you sound exactly like my cousin, Zhongli. Perhaps I should introduce you to him.
[At least Dan Heng didn't think Jing Yuan would get the subtle hint. He has his work cut out for him, but he wouldn't want the former general any other way, either. That being said, the Vidyadhara wonders if that makes him a masochist at heart or if he simply likes the challenge.]
For the vegetable side dishes, there are some things I can do with broccoli, carrots, and asparagus. There's a recipe for caramelized broccoli with garlic that I haven't tried yet, but the aftertaste might not be pleasant. That would need to be paired with something to help neutralize the garlic after eating it.
Oh? Do I? Perhaps you should, I would love to meet him.
[ it is not necessarily that he has gotten the hint it is more... well, while the conversation with wei wuxian was a productive one he can't exactly say he is prepared for this so soon. ]
Personally, I like the sound of caramelized broccoli with garlic. As for something to help neutralize the garlic? [ he is not much of a cook per say, most of the meals he has made for himself tend to be simple and easy. a habit from the days of old, when he was little more than a soldier in the cloud knight's ranks. ] Perhaps some Green Tea would help? A drink is always good to have with a meal.
[Dan Heng has to debate with himself whether or not to let Jing Yuan know that his cousin is a god, but... maybe not right now. He can inform his friend of that at a later time. It's not as if Zhongli is good at keeping that a secret anyway.
He hums softly in thought at that.]
That would work... perhaps a cold green tea.
[He starts to get out the ingredients and the appliances he needs. The knives are clearly of Blade's make. Their favorite husky would've rioted if they used "inferior" kitchen knives. At the same time, maybe it's a little strange to see Imbibitor Lunae look so at home in a kitchen. One can only imagine the looks on his Preceptors' faces if they saw him now.]
By the way.... [As he speaks, Dan Heng is cutting the broccoli into neat, even vertical slices while the tea kettle gets to work.] I heard A-Xing fell asleep at the forge again, but you brought him home. I'm glad you were there to help him this time. I'm afraid I might not have been there until it was time for him to eat.
[At least princess-carrying Blade across the island is preferable to the... other times he's carried Blade that way. A lot less blood and worry for starters.]
[ jing yuan can certainly imagine the looks on the preceptors' faces if they saw imbibitor lunae like this. truly they would be appalled by it and for that reason jing yuan finds himself enjoying the sight even more. he likes to see dan heng relaxed and at ease with his surroundings, moving about to collect the supplies and tools that he will need.
he has always enjoyed watching them work; be it the furnace master plying his craft, or the high elder preforming his cloud hymns. it seems that like has followed him through to this life as well. ]
Hmm? [ jing yuan blinks, head tilting to the side. ] Ah, yes. I remember well those days where Yingxing would work for days on end with very little sleep, it was little surprise to find him there like that. [ a low chuckle. ] As a friend to you both I thought it better to make sure he actually slept in a bed rather than waking with a crick in his back.
[ however did he hear about that? did wei wuxian spill the beans? ]
[Dan Heng can't help scoffing softly, though his lips twitch in amusement.]
If I thought that would teach the lesson well enough to make him stop, it would be tempting to leave him there. It's almost a pity he's as stubborn as you and I are. As it stands... his friend, Wriothesley, also had to carry him out of the forge when he fell asleep at a separate time.
[Done slicing the broccoli, he begins work on smashing the cloves of garlic underneath the flat of the blade.]
As much as he teases me, our favorite star is more like a princess than I am given that seems to be his favorite way to be carried. [He glances at Jing Yuan with another faintly amused look hidden under his placid expression.] Does that make you his knight or his prince?
It is almost a pity, although I know you wouldn't have him any other way. [ neither of them would have blade any other way, in truth, but he has not decided when he will broach that subject with them. ] I fear he won't learn his lesson no matter how many times you wish to teach it, he is determined to surpass his previous self after all.
[ how much did wei wuxian say? his gaze narrows as dan heng continues to prepare the food, sharp golden meeting the dragon's just as realization begins to dawn. that little snitch. ]
I have never heard a truer description of our dearest Yingxing. [ slip of the tongue? maybe, maybe not. he holds dan heng's gaze, lips pressed into that lazy smile he always wears. ] I would make a good knight, don't you think?
And neither would you, right? [He knows the answer to that question, but he still poses it to Jing Yuan. He's curious of the other man's response.
The dragon holds the general's gaze without flinching. Yet, underneath the ice, there's a slight warmth there that thaws his expression a little. Being cold and distant comes more easily to him than warm and friendly, but... Jing Yuan has been one of those people who understands that Imbibitor Lunae has always had a heart. He's just good at hiding it and turning his loneliness into a constant companion. The latter of which has changed significantly in this life, at least.]
Hmm... you would, but I think you and A-Xing have played knight enough for me. [Dan Heng tosses the ingredients into the pan to start caramelizing the broccoli. Then, he turns around to face Jing Yuan, leaning against the countertop lightly.] Would you permit me to be your knight this time?
[ the edges of his expression smooth just a bit, the familiar smile he always tends to wear falling away for something far more genuine. much like imbibitor lunae, the divine foresight has always been good at hiding parts of himself, indulging in the rumor of his laziness and cowardice. he finds it easier when people underestimate him, especially in times of war, allowing him to position the necessary pieces with little to no resistance.
but he has no desire to hide himself from dan heng nor from blade, the mask slips so easily in their presence as it does now. ]
Oh? [ his gaze flicks to the pan then back up to dan heng, his head tilting to the side as he curiously tries to puzzle the other man out. it is a curious request, one he almost understands but at the same time blindly looks away from. ] I recall you having done so before in the past, so I will happily permit it. It does beg the question, however, whatever could I possibly need such a dashing knight to protect me from?
[Dan Heng cants his head slightly at that. He debates just how bold he wants to be, or perhaps should be, with Jing Yuan. In the end, as mirror-like eyes regard the older man carefully, he decides on sincerity and honesty.]
Many things come to mind. There are physical threats, of course, but you know as well as I do that there's always more than just that. So....
[He pauses for the moment in hesitation, and a light pink dusts his cheeks as he looks away. It's hard to be emotionally vulnerable. Even with Blade, that's still a work in progress for him.]
I could protect you from loneliness and the ghosts that haunt you, or at least I can try to. Whatever sorrows still linger, I want to try to quell them. Whatever dreams you still wish to pursue, or decide to pursue later... I want to help you attain them, if not protect those dreams from whoever would say you should hold yourself back.
[His blush darkens a shade before saying, more softly:]
As long as I have A-Yuan and A-Xing in my life, whether as your romantic partner or your friend... I want to protect you. Just as you have for me across lifetimes.
[ he feels taken aback by dan heng's honesty and sincerity. it is not something often witnessed, nor is it something easily done, and that alone speaks just as loudly as the words that fall from the other man's mouth.
a seriousness finds jing yuan's expression as dan heng speaks of loneliness and ghosts, of sorrows and dreams, and he thinks of wei wuxian's words. he had been so determined to ensure their continued happiness that he didn't dare consider that it could include him, that they would want him in their lives in such a capacity. ]
I... [ truly, he was not ready for it all to come out so soon but jing yuan is not a fool to shirk away from the opportunity the moment it presents itself. ] I would gladly have you and A-Xing by my side, I will not deny that you both mean an incredible amount to me. [ and yet he was so blind to how much they might feel for him. ] I have been told I should have said something to you both sooner, but I was foolish-- I am foolish.
[ he should have known sooner. blade all but told him as he carried the man in his arms, but jing yuan had all but ignored him. ]
You can have me however you wish, A-Heng. I have always belonged to you both.
[Dan Heng glances back at Jing Yuan's face as he listens to what the man has to say. His pointed ears twitch minutely at being called A-Heng, a light dusting of pink spreading along the tips of his ears and across his cheeks. Most people he would be against calling him that, but... he finds himself making an exception for Jing Yuan.]
I would not go so far as to call you foolish. Rather... I'd call you selfless. A trait you and I know very well can be a double-edged sword. Had I been in your shoes, I would make the same decisions.
[It's a trait he shares with Jing Yuan to their detriment. The former High Elder can easily imagine what he or Dan Feng would do had Yingxing and Jing Yuan been the ones to enter into a relationship first. Putting the happiness of other people far above his own is... something he's used to doing even in this life.]
It sounds like we had the same source, then. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised you know each other. [He shakes his head, but there's a very tiny smile at the same time.] Still, had he not said anything, I wouldn't have talked to A-Xing about it until later.
[Without looking, Dan Heng suddenly uses the pan to flip the vegetables over onto the other side. The fact none of the contents spilled is a testament to his skill. He doesn't even look like he did anything out of the ordinary. Still, his mirror-like eyes are soft.]
We would have you join us rather than looking on from afar at the shore.
[ oh, he enjoys the way that light dusting of pink spreads along the tips of dan heng's ears and across his cheeks. jing yuan cannot help but look pleased with himself for it, the corners of his mouth curving upward into a familiar grin; the same sort of grin he would often get when he successfully bothered yingxing for long enough that he flew into a tanget. ]
You are too kind, but perhaps you are right. It seems that my habit of looking after others rather than myself has followed me into this lifetime also.
[ of course the former high elder would understand his plight and not fault him for it, though jing yuan cannot help but feel even more foolish for it. ]
He all but beat the truth out of me and immediately spilled the beans, I will have to throw Wei Ying into a pond the next time I see him. [ he doesn't sound upset, in fact, there is a fondness to his words. ] Although I won't deny that I am glad he did considering what it has resulted in.
[ still, gonna throw that man in a pond.
his eyes widen as dan heng flips the vegetables over to their other side without breaking eye contact, to say that it is impressive is an understatement. that same fondness from his words spreads to his expression, head canting to the side as he looks into those mirror-like eyes. ]
[Dan Heng recognizes that smile and he pretends to not notice it. If he doesn't acknowledge it, then he can't be flustered by it. Obviously. Still, his tone is dry.]
So has mine, for better or for worse. [He shrugs lightly with a small smile.] Yet that seems to only be encouraged by both you and A-Xing. And some mutual friends of ours.
[His ears seem to twitch slightly when Jing Yuan says 'Wei Ying.' Well, well, well.]
So Wei Ying is Lotus' name. I'll be certain to remember that. That said, I'll help you throw him in since he didn't wait all that long to try weaseling out information from me.
[Which ended in Wei Wuxian getting hung up on and then blocked for a few hours by Dan Heng. As friends do for the bit.
The dragon glances at the caramelizing vegetables and takes the pan off the heat, turning off the stove. He then strides over to Jing Yuan with a confidence he's faking that he feels before grabbing the taller man by the collar. Dan Heng tugs to make him bend forward a little and kisses his cheek. He's not so bold as to kiss his lips, unfortunately, but he is bold enough to tease Jing Yuan a little bit after that.]
...You're only going to get bolder in teasing A-Xing, aren't you, A-Yuan?
[It's just a little bit ruined by the fact that his voice is a bit softer given their proximity.]
For better or for worse. [ the chuckle that leaves him is warm and fond. ]
Ah, yes. As dear of a friend as he is, I do believe a little bit of revenge is in order. [ it hardly surprises him that wei wuxian did not wait long enough to try and weasel information out of dan heng─ a part of him expected that to happen, in fact. ] I will give him a day, let him think he has escaped punishment.
[ he is about to shift out of dan heng's way when the other strides back over to him and grabs him by the collar. he stills immediately, golden eyes blinking a couple of times before he is he is tugged down enough so that dan heng can kiss his cheek. suddenly he is keenly aware of himself, of dan heng, and the way his cheek almost tingles where he had kissed it. jing yuan blinks, breathes out, and focuses on those mirror-like eyes.
is he going to get bolder? well, of course. so bold that he only smiles in response and rests a hand on the side of dan heng's face. he lets it sit for a moment, idly brushing his cheek with the pad of his thumb, before leaning into press his lips against dan heng's. it is hesitant, gentle, and lasts a mere momemt before jing yuan pulls back just enough to speak. ]
[The moment Jing Yuan's hand rests on his face, Dan Heng pauses. His eyes meet those that are as bright as the sun, eyes that have retained their brilliance across lifetimes. He couldn't look away even if he wanted to. Although he should expect it, the dragon's eyes widen a little in surprise regardless as Jing Yuan kisses him... but it's too hesitant for his taste. It's enough to more fully embolden him, at least.
He puts his hands on Jing Yuan's hips and then kisses him more firmly, but still gently. When Dan Heng pulls back just far enough to speak, he looks subtly satisfied with a small smile on his face. Then, the former High Elder reaches up to gently scratch behind both of the taller man's fluffy lion ears.]
Perhaps I'll help you tease him this time as we lure him away from his work. He needs to be kept on his toes.
[Also it'll be funnier to gang up on Blade right now.]
[ he hesitates because if he doesn't they won't make it out of the kitchen and the food will go to waste. because if he doesn't everything he has wanted for all those long years may come bursting out like a tidal wave before they are able to even reach blade. the dam almost bursts when dan hen returns his kiss with one of his own, like an almost silent admonishment for his hesitance.
jing yuan laughs softly, leaning into dan heng's touch as the hands that sat on his hips reach up to scratch behind the round ears in his hair. for a moment he almost sounds like he is purring, golden eyes shining with amusement and barely restrained affection. ]
Only this time? [ give into your inner gremlin, dan heng. ] I'll happily welcome your aid, knowing him it will take our combined efforts to tear him from his work today.
[ he takes a step back, looking to the pan and the caramelized vegetables, then back to dan heng. ]
I can make the tea while you finish with the vegetables.
[If Jing Yuan can purr, Dan Heng will be extremely delighted. He can't help it. He likes seeing if he can coax out certain animal quirks, like Blade's tail wagging (even if that one is easy enough when all he has to do at minimum is enter the blacksmith's sight line). Still, he smiles a little at that.]
It wouldn't be fair to gang up on him all the time. And I should save some of that mischief for you, too, A-Yuan.
[Dan Heng's on his own side.
He lets his hands fall to his sides and nods, walking back over to the stove.]
Alright. There are some thermoses in the cabinet above the stove and to the left.
[The dragon starts to evenly divide he caramelized broccoli into three equal portions. Then, he begins to place them nicely within the bento boxes. After a moment of thought, he completes the dish by adding some pickled red onions and a small cucumber salad. The cucumbers are quickly yet meticulously cut into the shape of flowers with the trimmings added in to make them look almost like shooting stars. A creative way to avoid food waste. Dan Heng pours some dressing into small containers and places them neatly within the bento boxes. He looks critically down at what he's accomplished and nods as he closes them up.]
Hm... I think I'm done. I'm looking forward to both of your verdicts.
[ then he will be delighted about the deep rumble that comes from him, a sound that only mimi and snowmoon have had the pleasure of hearing until now. ]
Haha, of course. I would expect nothing less.
[ he does not expect to get away with his mischief after all, especially now.
jing yuan nods and moves to the cabinet, pulling out the thermoses from it. putting them on the bench he prepares the tea, pouring warm water into each of the thermoses before adding in the green tea leaves. as he waits for the leaves to steep he look over at dan heng, watching as he cuts the cucumber's into the shape of flowers, then he turns back to his task observing the flasks. this is almost second nature of him having spent a lot of his youth preparing teas for his grandfather during his visits, he smiles to himself as he scoops the leaves from the tea and closes up them up. ]
The tea is ready, shall we go find our Forge Master?
[He neatly puts the boxes, thermoses, and a blanket into a picnic basket. The dragon walks with his General out of the house towards the forge. He's content to enjoy Jing Yuan's company, whether there's small talk or not.
On arriving at the forge, the dragon doesn't hesitate to head inside and make his way over to where Blade is. He assumes that Jing Yuan is going to follow along.]
A-Xing, it's time for lunch.
[While Blade gets ready, he gives a meaningful look to Jing Yuan with a subtle glint of mischief in his eyes. Dan Heng goes over to Blade's side, putting his arm around his waist, and gets on his tiptoes to kiss his cheek.]
[ jing yuan follows him faithfully taking the walk to wrap his head around everything that has happened and enjoy the company he no longer needs to deny himself. truly, he would not have thought things would have progressed how they have, that everything would not only be laid out but returned.
it is almost funny.
he follows along as they arrive at the forge, catching the mischievous glint in dan heng's eyes. ah, so they aren't going to broach it gently, are they? well, he certainly doesn't mind this approach. as dan heng goes over the blade's side jing yuan moves to the opposite, pressing a quick kiss to his opposite cheek. ]
[Blade has been hard at work, as one can imagine; even without the bulk of his powers, his mind and hands are intact so he's resumed making weapon prototypes. He'll save the real work for when they return to Kaisou, but even as prototypes these are still solid weapons. He's in the midst of polishing a blue steel blade when he hears the call.]
Ah, Dan Heng. You've returned. [He wipes off his hands and sets the rag and sword down on a table. He approaches them but doesn't see what's happening until it's too late.] And I see you brought—
[Dan Heng sees how this practically melts Blade's brain a little bit and he can't fully hide the smug satisfaction. He'll pay for it later, but it's worth the price to fluster him.]
I asked you to bend over, as I recall. A-Yuan is taller than you are, anyway.
[He steps away and starts to head out. However, before he does, his tail materializes just long enough to swat at Blade's ass before disappearing again. Casual as can be at that.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[At least Dan Heng didn't think Jing Yuan would get the subtle hint. He has his work cut out for him, but he wouldn't want the former general any other way, either. That being said, the Vidyadhara wonders if that makes him a masochist at heart or if he simply likes the challenge.]
For the vegetable side dishes, there are some things I can do with broccoli, carrots, and asparagus. There's a recipe for caramelized broccoli with garlic that I haven't tried yet, but the aftertaste might not be pleasant. That would need to be paired with something to help neutralize the garlic after eating it.
[Maybe some freshly cut sprigs of mint? Hm....]
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[ it is not necessarily that he has gotten the hint it is more... well, while the conversation with wei wuxian was a productive one he can't exactly say he is prepared for this so soon. ]
Personally, I like the sound of caramelized broccoli with garlic. As for something to help neutralize the garlic? [ he is not much of a cook per say, most of the meals he has made for himself tend to be simple and easy. a habit from the days of old, when he was little more than a soldier in the cloud knight's ranks. ] Perhaps some Green Tea would help? A drink is always good to have with a meal.
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He hums softly in thought at that.]
That would work... perhaps a cold green tea.
[He starts to get out the ingredients and the appliances he needs. The knives are clearly of Blade's make. Their favorite husky would've rioted if they used "inferior" kitchen knives. At the same time, maybe it's a little strange to see Imbibitor Lunae look so at home in a kitchen. One can only imagine the looks on his Preceptors' faces if they saw him now.]
By the way.... [As he speaks, Dan Heng is cutting the broccoli into neat, even vertical slices while the tea kettle gets to work.] I heard A-Xing fell asleep at the forge again, but you brought him home. I'm glad you were there to help him this time. I'm afraid I might not have been there until it was time for him to eat.
[At least princess-carrying Blade across the island is preferable to the... other times he's carried Blade that way. A lot less blood and worry for starters.]
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he has always enjoyed watching them work; be it the furnace master plying his craft, or the high elder preforming his cloud hymns. it seems that like has followed him through to this life as well. ]
Hmm? [ jing yuan blinks, head tilting to the side. ] Ah, yes. I remember well those days where Yingxing would work for days on end with very little sleep, it was little surprise to find him there like that. [ a low chuckle. ] As a friend to you both I thought it better to make sure he actually slept in a bed rather than waking with a crick in his back.
[ however did he hear about that? did wei wuxian spill the beans? ]
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If I thought that would teach the lesson well enough to make him stop, it would be tempting to leave him there. It's almost a pity he's as stubborn as you and I are. As it stands... his friend, Wriothesley, also had to carry him out of the forge when he fell asleep at a separate time.
[Done slicing the broccoli, he begins work on smashing the cloves of garlic underneath the flat of the blade.]
As much as he teases me, our favorite star is more like a princess than I am given that seems to be his favorite way to be carried. [He glances at Jing Yuan with another faintly amused look hidden under his placid expression.] Does that make you his knight or his prince?
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It is almost a pity, although I know you wouldn't have him any other way. [ neither of them would have blade any other way, in truth, but he has not decided when he will broach that subject with them. ] I fear he won't learn his lesson no matter how many times you wish to teach it, he is determined to surpass his previous self after all.
[ how much did wei wuxian say? his gaze narrows as dan heng continues to prepare the food, sharp golden meeting the dragon's just as realization begins to dawn. that little snitch. ]
I have never heard a truer description of our dearest Yingxing. [ slip of the tongue? maybe, maybe not. he holds dan heng's gaze, lips pressed into that lazy smile he always wears. ] I would make a good knight, don't you think?
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And neither would you, right? [He knows the answer to that question, but he still poses it to Jing Yuan. He's curious of the other man's response.
The dragon holds the general's gaze without flinching. Yet, underneath the ice, there's a slight warmth there that thaws his expression a little. Being cold and distant comes more easily to him than warm and friendly, but... Jing Yuan has been one of those people who understands that Imbibitor Lunae has always had a heart. He's just good at hiding it and turning his loneliness into a constant companion. The latter of which has changed significantly in this life, at least.]
Hmm... you would, but I think you and A-Xing have played knight enough for me. [Dan Heng tosses the ingredients into the pan to start caramelizing the broccoli. Then, he turns around to face Jing Yuan, leaning against the countertop lightly.] Would you permit me to be your knight this time?
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[ the edges of his expression smooth just a bit, the familiar smile he always tends to wear falling away for something far more genuine. much like imbibitor lunae, the divine foresight has always been good at hiding parts of himself, indulging in the rumor of his laziness and cowardice.
he finds it easier when people underestimate him, especially in times of war, allowing him to position the necessary pieces with little to no resistance.
but he has no desire to hide himself from dan heng nor from blade, the mask slips so easily in their presence as it does now. ]
Oh? [ his gaze flicks to the pan then back up to dan heng, his head tilting to the side as he curiously tries to puzzle the other man out. it is a curious request, one he almost understands but at the same time blindly looks away from. ] I recall you having done so before in the past, so I will happily permit it. It does beg the question, however, whatever could I possibly need such a dashing knight to protect me from?
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Many things come to mind. There are physical threats, of course, but you know as well as I do that there's always more than just that. So....
[He pauses for the moment in hesitation, and a light pink dusts his cheeks as he looks away. It's hard to be emotionally vulnerable. Even with Blade, that's still a work in progress for him.]
I could protect you from loneliness and the ghosts that haunt you, or at least I can try to. Whatever sorrows still linger, I want to try to quell them. Whatever dreams you still wish to pursue, or decide to pursue later... I want to help you attain them, if not protect those dreams from whoever would say you should hold yourself back.
[His blush darkens a shade before saying, more softly:]
As long as I have A-Yuan and A-Xing in my life, whether as your romantic partner or your friend... I want to protect you. Just as you have for me across lifetimes.
no subject
a seriousness finds jing yuan's expression as dan heng speaks of loneliness and ghosts, of sorrows and dreams, and he thinks of wei wuxian's words. he had been so determined to ensure their continued happiness that he didn't dare consider that it could include him, that they would want him in their lives in such a capacity. ]
I... [ truly, he was not ready for it all to come out so soon but jing yuan is not a fool to shirk away from the opportunity the moment it presents itself. ] I would gladly have you and A-Xing by my side, I will not deny that you both mean an incredible amount to me. [ and yet he was so blind to how much they might feel for him. ] I have been told I should have said something to you both sooner, but I was foolish-- I am foolish.
[ he should have known sooner. blade all but told him as he carried the man in his arms, but jing yuan had all but ignored him. ]
You can have me however you wish, A-Heng. I have always belonged to you both.
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I would not go so far as to call you foolish. Rather... I'd call you selfless. A trait you and I know very well can be a double-edged sword. Had I been in your shoes, I would make the same decisions.
[It's a trait he shares with Jing Yuan to their detriment. The former High Elder can easily imagine what he or Dan Feng would do had Yingxing and Jing Yuan been the ones to enter into a relationship first. Putting the happiness of other people far above his own is... something he's used to doing even in this life.]
It sounds like we had the same source, then. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised you know each other. [He shakes his head, but there's a very tiny smile at the same time.] Still, had he not said anything, I wouldn't have talked to A-Xing about it until later.
[Without looking, Dan Heng suddenly uses the pan to flip the vegetables over onto the other side. The fact none of the contents spilled is a testament to his skill. He doesn't even look like he did anything out of the ordinary. Still, his mirror-like eyes are soft.]
We would have you join us rather than looking on from afar at the shore.
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You are too kind, but perhaps you are right. It seems that my habit of looking after others rather than myself has followed me into this lifetime also.
[ of course the former high elder would understand his plight and not fault him for it, though jing yuan cannot help but feel even more foolish for it. ]
He all but beat the truth out of me and immediately spilled the beans, I will have to throw Wei Ying into a pond the next time I see him. [ he doesn't sound upset, in fact, there is a fondness to his words. ] Although I won't deny that I am glad he did considering what it has resulted in.
[ still, gonna throw that man in a pond.
his eyes widen as dan heng flips the vegetables over to their other side without breaking eye contact, to say that it is impressive is an understatement. that same fondness from his words spreads to his expression, head canting to the side as he looks into those mirror-like eyes. ]
I do not have the strength or desire to deny you.
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So has mine, for better or for worse. [He shrugs lightly with a small smile.] Yet that seems to only be encouraged by both you and A-Xing. And some mutual friends of ours.
[His ears seem to twitch slightly when Jing Yuan says 'Wei Ying.' Well, well, well.]
So Wei Ying is Lotus' name. I'll be certain to remember that. That said, I'll help you throw him in since he didn't wait all that long to try weaseling out information from me.
[Which ended in Wei Wuxian getting hung up on and then blocked for a few hours by Dan Heng. As friends do for the bit.
The dragon glances at the caramelizing vegetables and takes the pan off the heat, turning off the stove. He then strides over to Jing Yuan with a confidence he's faking that he feels before grabbing the taller man by the collar. Dan Heng tugs to make him bend forward a little and kisses his cheek. He's not so bold as to kiss his lips, unfortunately, but he is bold enough to tease Jing Yuan a little bit after that.]
...You're only going to get bolder in teasing A-Xing, aren't you, A-Yuan?
[It's just a little bit ruined by the fact that his voice is a bit softer given their proximity.]
no subject
Ah, yes. As dear of a friend as he is, I do believe a little bit of revenge is in order. [ it hardly surprises him that wei wuxian did not wait long enough to try and weasel information out of dan heng─ a part of him expected that to happen, in fact. ] I will give him a day, let him think he has escaped punishment.
[ he is about to shift out of dan heng's way when the other strides back over to him and grabs him by the collar. he stills immediately, golden eyes blinking a couple of times before he is he is tugged down enough so that dan heng can kiss his cheek. suddenly he is keenly aware of himself, of dan heng, and the way his cheek almost tingles where he had kissed it. jing yuan blinks, breathes out, and focuses on those mirror-like eyes.
is he going to get bolder? well, of course. so bold that he only smiles in response and rests a hand on the side of dan heng's face. he lets it sit for a moment, idly brushing his cheek with the pad of his thumb, before leaning into press his lips against dan heng's. it is hesitant, gentle, and lasts a mere momemt before jing yuan pulls back just enough to speak. ]
Naturally.
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He puts his hands on Jing Yuan's hips and then kisses him more firmly, but still gently. When Dan Heng pulls back just far enough to speak, he looks subtly satisfied with a small smile on his face. Then, the former High Elder reaches up to gently scratch behind both of the taller man's fluffy lion ears.]
Perhaps I'll help you tease him this time as we lure him away from his work. He needs to be kept on his toes.
[Also it'll be funnier to gang up on Blade right now.]
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jing yuan laughs softly, leaning into dan heng's touch as the hands that sat on his hips reach up to scratch behind the round ears in his hair. for a moment he almost sounds like he is purring, golden eyes shining with amusement and barely restrained affection. ]
Only this time? [ give into your inner gremlin, dan heng. ] I'll happily welcome your aid, knowing him it will take our combined efforts to tear him from his work today.
[ he takes a step back, looking to the pan and the caramelized vegetables, then back to dan heng. ]
I can make the tea while you finish with the vegetables.
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It wouldn't be fair to gang up on him all the time. And I should save some of that mischief for you, too, A-Yuan.
[Dan Heng's on his own side.
He lets his hands fall to his sides and nods, walking back over to the stove.]
Alright. There are some thermoses in the cabinet above the stove and to the left.
[The dragon starts to evenly divide he caramelized broccoli into three equal portions. Then, he begins to place them nicely within the bento boxes. After a moment of thought, he completes the dish by adding some pickled red onions and a small cucumber salad. The cucumbers are quickly yet meticulously cut into the shape of flowers with the trimmings added in to make them look almost like shooting stars. A creative way to avoid food waste. Dan Heng pours some dressing into small containers and places them neatly within the bento boxes. He looks critically down at what he's accomplished and nods as he closes them up.]
Hm... I think I'm done. I'm looking forward to both of your verdicts.
[Dan Heng looks over to Jing Yuan curiously.]
Do we still need a few minutes on the tea?
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Haha, of course. I would expect nothing less.
[ he does not expect to get away with his mischief after all, especially now.
jing yuan nods and moves to the cabinet, pulling out the thermoses from it. putting them on the bench he prepares the tea, pouring warm water into each of the thermoses before adding in the green tea leaves. as he waits for the leaves to steep he look over at dan heng, watching as he cuts the cucumber's into the shape of flowers, then he turns back to his task observing the flasks. this is almost second nature of him having spent a lot of his youth preparing teas for his grandfather during his visits, he smiles to himself as he scoops the leaves from the tea and closes up them up. ]
The tea is ready, shall we go find our Forge Master?
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We shall.
[He neatly puts the boxes, thermoses, and a blanket into a picnic basket. The dragon walks with his General out of the house towards the forge. He's content to enjoy Jing Yuan's company, whether there's small talk or not.
On arriving at the forge, the dragon doesn't hesitate to head inside and make his way over to where Blade is. He assumes that Jing Yuan is going to follow along.]
A-Xing, it's time for lunch.
[While Blade gets ready, he gives a meaningful look to Jing Yuan with a subtle glint of mischief in his eyes. Dan Heng goes over to Blade's side, putting his arm around his waist, and gets on his tiptoes to kiss his cheek.]
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it is almost funny.
he follows along as they arrive at the forge, catching the mischievous glint in dan heng's eyes. ah, so they aren't going to broach it gently, are they? well, he certainly doesn't mind this approach. as dan heng goes over the blade's side jing yuan moves to the opposite, pressing a quick kiss to his opposite cheek. ]
We brought you something to eat.
[ :3 ]
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Ah, Dan Heng. You've returned. [He wipes off his hands and sets the rag and sword down on a table. He approaches them but doesn't see what's happening until it's too late.] And I see you brought—
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Wait.
Wait.
He's being kissed. He's being... kissed? By two people? At the same time?
The funny thing was they'd talked about this, but it was Jing Yuan they were going to fluster, not Blade.
Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal.]
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???
??????
????????
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No. He whirls around to look at Dan Heng.]
Th-that wasn't how it was supposed to go! You completely turned it around on me!
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I asked you to bend over, as I recall. A-Yuan is taller than you are, anyway.
[He steps away and starts to head out. However, before he does, his tail materializes just long enough to swat at Blade's ass before disappearing again. Casual as can be at that.]
I'll go set up lunch at our usual spot.
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