baxiasprice | Erku

Mingjue was thrown, well and solidly, and for a moment he simply stared at A-Yao in bafflement.

"I did what?"

Because while the information that receiving was uniquely pleasurable was something to consider for later, it also wasn't surprising. Not if so many people did it.

He trained literally every morning without a shirt. Certainly he had realized there were those who liked to visit and watch, he wasn't an idiot, but, "I was busy. I didn't make time for that kind of thing, and it wouldn't have been right otherwise. But surely I didn't—you? Really?"

“‘well you were half, responsible for it. Er-ge was the other half. I remember distinctly thinking that he was the most beautiful man I had ever seen when we were on the run.

But you, sweaty and muscular training with such raw power and grace. A force of nature or a martial god made flesh. I can still remember when it happened. I was seventeen I was about to give you the updates on your morning missives, the light hit you beautifully and your muscles were gleaming with sweat.

All I could think of was how badly I wanted you.

That memory powered many youthful endeavors... I’m sure I wasn’t the only one, there were many who watched you. “ he coughed and blushed prettily.

“‘Of course I know you wouldn’t. I mean you aren’t the type to take advantage of the difference in our positions. But the fantasy was there. I like that we get the opportunity now.

I would love to suck your cock. All you need to do is ask.”

"Ah," was all he could think to say to that. "Huh. Well, fuck. I knew people watched me, but—"

But in the abstract. At least in the 'found him desirable' aspect. He currently had a lapful of someone very much not abstract.

He let out his breath and very firmly tried not to think about he was half-hard hearing A-Yao talking about wanting him back where they came from. He could blame the rice? "I agree with you on Xichen. He is the most beautiful man that either of us will ever have a chance to meet." He utterly failed in not thinking about it or the fact that they in fact did have more than enough time and space for all of the opportunities.

With a huff, he leaned forward to bonk his forehead against the nearest bit of A-Yao and said, "A-Yao—please tell me you don't mean right now?"

"Isn't he just? I hope he feels better soon. I'll go check on him later and you should do the same." He looked over to the door for a moment.

He craned his head up to kiss the part of him that was the closest to him.

"My dear one, that is up to you. If you want me to now I would do so happily, but if you would rather relax after all of this information we can certainly do it later. I want to make certain that you're comfortable in this regard." he touches the ribbon on his wrist.

He was well aware of how deeply and quickly he was falling for the two of them again. Like all those years of buried feelings were wrapping around him and brought to the forefront.

"I belong to the both of you.

And we have time, opportunity, and no worries about what the cultivation world thinks of us.

The thought is freeing."

"Later," he breathed. Because, yes. A-Yao was right about the need to, well, digest. Both information and their breakfast.

Mingjue wasn't so much overwhelmed as he wanted to get out and do something rather than stay inside and indulge all day. He needed to prowl his new territory. He said as much with: "Later. I need to get out. Time and opportunity yes, but I can't just laze around."

But he paused after he said it, gruffly thoughtful, because A-Yao had said something meaningful, something he didn't quite know how to respond to. That A-Yao was his in any capacity was like a flick against a bell in the center of his being and it rang sharp and hot through him. He did the next best thing to words, for him, he reached out to grasp at the ribbon tied around A-Yao's wrist. Then he did his best with, "I'll try to be worthy of both of you."

"I think that may be for the best. Today I was planning on putting together our meals for the week. Or at least begin to make the stock for it. Master Xiao Xingchen brought fresh fish that needs to be salted and dried for later."

Jin Guangyao kept himself busy most days, usually to the point of exhaustion but he liked feeling helpful.

He leaned up to press a soft kiss against his lips. Something about those words warmed him in a way he didn't expect. This beautiful, protective man.

Would it be okay to try and trust him? That it will end better this time?

He hoped so. He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead against the other's

"You already are Nie Mingjue."

The kiss carried something with it he didn't understand. It was softer than he'd expected. Sweeter. Something that he would be able to carry with him as he learned how to busy himself in new ways without nearly so many to be responsible for.

Letting out his breath, he could say no more in response to A-Yao's words, if only because he could only argue or agree otherwise. He pressed his forehead to A-Yao's in return and let the moment go.

~Fin~

They are. His death was... unexpected. Natural causes with unnatural timing.

[Another riddle but Nie Mingjue is a smart man, more than capable to puzzling out his meaning. Huaisang wouldn't give him information in this manner if he was not confident in his brother's ability to reason things out. He might not be quick about as Huaisang is after years and years of practice, honing his mind to the point he could compete with Jin Guangyao.]

Not all poisons go in wells or rivers. Some travel on the wind with a plucking of strings. Sometimes the most beautiful music can stir the deepest discord in one's heart. One might be wise to beware the song and those who love it the most.

[He's speaking borderline nonsense but it's difficult to be properly poetic and subtle on a subject so close to his heart, on a matter so painfully raw. For a long moment, Huaisang's eyes are filled with raw grief before he looks down again, voice dropping with a sad murmur.]

The melody brings much sorrow. Once heard, it won't soon be forgotten.

Edited 2021-06-04 11:03 (UTC)

Riddles.

[It's a rough-voiced complaint, and he's still frowning, but he is listening. And he's agitated. Can't help but be agitated. Mostly it's worry directed at Huaisang. Because he can see the shape of what he's telling him, and he doesn't like it one bit.

That and the grief is what finally gets to him.]

Songs and melodies. Fine.

[The 'fine' is not dismissive but rather a firm acceptance, accompanied by a decisive nod. He'd not been training more than a moment, hasn't even broken a sweat, so with a quick seal he sends Baxia to rest against one of the racks at the edge of the courtyard.]

Warning received.

[Then, however, he hesitates, very much uncharacteristically. As much as they both have and have not been around each other since Mingjue first arrived, Mingjue knows he's partially to blame for that distance. This Huaisang is older, vastly more scarred, and different, and Mingjue cannot bring himself to treat him the same he would the barely sixteen-year-old brother he'd left behind. He's caught in a limbo between his instincts and the evidence of his eyes.

But what he wants is to hug is brother until that horrible look of grief goes away now that he know that this isn't an immediate thing, thathe has to puzzle over it later. His brother takes priority, and so after that little pause, he reaches roughly out to offer a hug.]

[Huaisang exhales a sigh of relief. He dares not say more than this. Not at this time, at least. If not for his promise, he'd reveal everything so that Nie Mingjue would be fully prepared when dealing with the viper he's in bed with. He can tell his brother understands enough by his agitation and hopefully, that'll be enough to keep him alive in the days ahead. In the end, not even Jin Guangyao's nephew he'd helped raise had been safe from him. What faith could Huaisang have that whatever impulsive fancy the man has for his older brother would be strong enough to protect him if things don't go well for him now?

He swallows hard before closing the distance between them, flinging his arms around Nie Mingjue just as he'd done that first day he'd seen him at the diner. He's trembling a bit; speaking of what had happened, even in cryptic metaphor still hadn't been easy on him. But if it helps his brother be any safer, bringing those painful memories back to the surface after finally starting to put them to rest will make this one last sacrifice on his behalf worth it.

He buries his face in Nie Mingjue's shoulder and lets himself cry. Maybe if he sheds enough tears, the horrible fear and anxiety he's lived with for so long will finally leave him. It was finished. He doesn't want to keep living in constant fear, turmoil, and misery here, too. After a bit, he pulls his head back, wiping at his eyes with a sleeve.]

Be careful, da ge. I don't think I could take losing you a third time. Not until it's time for either of us to go home again.

[The sea could call them home at any time, he's discovered, and he's already preparing himself for that eventuality.]

[Mingjue squeezes him into the hug, all of his other concerns irrelevant in the face of a trembling Huaisang. He remains steady against the storm of tears like a mountain weathering a tempest, able and willing to be the stability Huaisang needs in the moment.]

I will. I promise.

[Huaisang will know he's good for a promise.]

Take care of yourself.

I will. I promise.

[He echoes, lingering a long moment. They're both different from the brothers they'd last seen but after living alone with only memories, both happy and horrible, to sustain him for so long, it's just nice to held by a version of his brother that isn't so consumed with rage that there's nothing left.

Once he feels steady enough to let go, he wipes his face with his sleeve. He gives one last worried look before turning to head back to his rooms.]

[The camera comes up, with Jin Guangyao, now Jin Ziyao sitting outside in what looked like a garden. A high stone wall with various plants could be seen behind him. He looked better than the last time Nie Mingjue had seen him. Less frantic and panic, mostly looking calm and composed and actually well-rested.

His hair was pulled up in a high pony tail and he was dressed in modern clothes. He was a little bit anxious to make this call but knew it was important that he touch base with his eldest sworn brother after everything that had happened.

He held a bottle of expensive-looking liquor.]

Hello Da-ge, it has been a little bit. I really do hope that you are doing well. I know that I haven't seen you since the banquet, but I've been busy settling back into my jobs and moving here. I do feel a lot better now. Having a small space that is my own to rest and relax in has been doing me wonders.

I wanted to check-in and see how you were. I also wanted to give you this gift for dealing with me as much as you did.

It was a lot to handle. More than anyone can reasonably be expected to.

I am grateful that you did, so how about this fine wine and dinner to show my appreciation? I would really love to catch up as well. Let me know whenever you are free and we can set up a day to meet and catch up. You did well to leave when you did the party got pretty silly after you had left.

[He wondered if he should ask about Xichen, he was still a bit sore there but he at least wanted to acknowledge him.] Please give my regards to Sect Leader Lan, and I hope that he is having a good recovery as well.

Take care, Da-ge I hope this message finds you well. Let me know if this is something you want to do. It would be good to talk.

[Text (at least to start~)]

You look better. Good. We'll have dinner. Soon. Where?

[He nods in satisfaction at everything properly conveyed and hits send.]

Oh!

Yes, I feel much better. Well, there are several options, we can test out some of the restaurants, the safer bet may be to meet at a park, I'll get together the food for a picnic. We can go to the botanical gardens, if you like, and catch up.

[Somewhere nice and neutral, not the beach or Koi tower, or the Unclean Realms.]

[Mingjue snorts in amusement at the length of the text. After some thought, he decides:]

Park with a picnic. Then gardens. Much to catch up on, I bet.

Most certainly so. I have missed talking to you Mingjue, it will be good to see you, again.

So noon, in front of the park gate? Bring yourself and I have everything else taken care of.

I missed you too. Noon. Meet you there.

Meet you there, fly safe.

[Ziyao laughed at the curt responses, smiling at the memory of the time he was let loose upon the network.

He really did poor Nie Mingjue through a lot, through his own trauma and selfish actions. He had been a good friend and even lover through all of that. And even though their relationship was intrinsically different now, he still wanted to show him his gratitude.

These were the thoughts he was musing over as he got a picnic together, Char Siu, fresh vegetables, spicy fried chicken, and rice. Some of Persephone's baklava for dessert.

With tea in a thermos and two bottles of the very fancy liquor he had bought for this occasion, he was off on Hensheng.

With his new core, he was much faster than he had been in the past and it would barely take any time at all to glide over to the park gate.]

[Mingjue does fly safe, if a bit fast. And he brings himself and little else. The island has become...predictable in its unpredictability. So he drops down into the park to scout around for any of the island nonsense before he circles back around to meet up with A-Yao.

He spots him at the gate to the park and, sheathing Baxia on his back, strides toward him with one hand lifted in greeting.]

A-Yao.

[His greeting is booming, called over probably more of the gap between them than was really necessary, but he closes in quickly after that. As he does, he appraises A-Yao with sharp eyes. He looks better in person, too, not just through video.]

Your retirement has been treating you well.

[He halts with a comfortable armspan between them and offers a rueful smile. Mingjue's smile come a little easier this many months after he'd been pull from the war, but he's well aware that he hasn't truly settled here.]

Da-ge!

[Ziyao offered the large man a smile as well as he approached him, waving with his free hand. The other held a large picnic basket.]

Thank you, It isn't just my retirement though. I...recently managed my goal of getting a proper core as well. I'll be much more formidable in our next spar match. [he smiled with a saucy little wink. It may be fun to actually fight sometime and test things out.] I promise not to cry next time...

You're looking well yourself. I take it running the Unclean Realms has been a bit easier these days?

[Probably quieter at least.]

Here, let's find a nice shady spot to have lunch.

Some. It's boring.

[He holds his hand out for the basket and makes a 'gimme' gesture. It's large enough that it looks like Mingjue's job to carry it. Even as he does, though, he can't help the surprise on his face or how high his eyebrows have decided to wing upward.]

Give over and pick someplace nice.

[His bemusement deepens a little.]

If we do spar, I won't go easy on you, but I think I need all of your news before we even try. Core?

I can imagine it would be without any disciples to train or war to fight.

But you've been at this for so very long, I imagine you would need a little bit of break as well. [He offers the basket with a grateful smile.]

Perhaps there are projects or something you can help with if you get too bored. People are doing all kinds of amazing things out there.

You can check out the community pantry that Peter Quill is running. I've been cooking ready-made meals for it. It is so that newcomers can have some non-aphro foods. It is a valiant effort. Perhaps they would need some help procuring meat.

[It was lovely today, being the day of the sun. There was a large tree inside. He settled down in front of it and set a blanket he had brought with him.]

Well, yes of course. I don't expect you to go easy on me. It won't be fun at all if you did. Please pass me the basket so I can set this up.

I do have a lot of news. I got my core at eighteen and that was a weak one since I developed it so late in my life. Recently I managed to fill an entire line on my card and requested the Diety for a proper one. Da-ge.

Feel my meridians. It's stronger than I have ever felt in my life, the small wrinkles I had by my eyes are gone. I can move faster and fly higher than I ever did. I'm so happy.

[Relieving A-Yao of the basket, Mingjue hums a low agreement.]

I might. The Unclean Realm only needs so much meat. Could work. [A conflicted shadow dims his expression for a moment as he furrows his brow.] I'm not good at being idle.

[But the comment is shaded with a hint of...relief, maybe, that he has been.

Once they're at the chosen tree, he passes the basket back and tries not to be too obviously gobsmacked by A-Yao's news. That's...a lot of very significant news. He'd known that Meng Yao hadn't really had a chance to cultivate, and he'd been so young. But a proper core—]

Show me when we sit.

Thank you.

[Ziyao shook his head. There was a sad expression that flitted across his face. Mingjue always had a harder time during peacetime than he did during the war. It didn't help that the war took so much from him.

He looked at him sympathetically.]

You never were.

However, If I am being honest, neither am I. If you ever need to find things to do let me know and I'll be happy to help connect you to some projects. I keep getting scolded for taking on too many things.

Alright.

[He laughed softly, Jiang Yanli has been taking him to task and he knew better than to argue with a woman of Yunmeng.

He knelt on the grass and set the food and plates out, serving Mingue first, making sure there was a healthy amount of meat there. He then set up the tea and offered him the bottle of very fancy alcohol.]

This is a gift for you. I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the sheer amount of stuff you had to deal with from me. You didn't have to but you gave me stability when I didn't have it.

I'm grateful for our friendship.

Erku — Inbox

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this also took more brain than I've had all week orz

I feel it! :highfive:

and he's crying again hahasob

Ahha, whoops. /slides you a very short tag here, too. Tho now one might be done/almost done?

done now, I think!

Video; UN: Lianfang-zun

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UN: Lianfang-zun: Text

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[Text -> Action]

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