nightimmortal | Seasons

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[No, it wouldn't, would it? Xingchen can't help giggling as tentacles wrap around him. Is this just a curious little...

Oh an octopus! He stares in delight and that emotion only grows when he hears Runyu's voice. Floundering - no pun intended - he gently scoops the octopus into his arms, making sure to keep his dear friend underwater.]

You shouldn't! A-Yu, is that really you?

[ So very curious~

Being scooped up and held as his voice is recognized makes him happy, and he wraps himself around Xingchen in a mimicry of a hug. ]

It is. Don't worry, I won't let any harm come to you in the water.

[A wave of protectiveness washes over him at the little hug. He pets over Runyu's head and caresses his cute tentacles.

Then, belatedly, something occurs to him that turns him bright pink.]

I'm not...ah...wearing much, am I.

[ The caress to his tentacles make them wiggle happily before curling around those hands again.

Then. Ah. Yes. Well.

Runyu exerts effort to keep his tentacles from drifting down to explore a really enticingly warm part of Xingchen. It's a lot harder than he was expecting! ]

...No. You are not...

[ One tentacle naughtily wiggles free to curl around one of Xingchen's thighs. ]

[The little motion makes him smile and he dunks his head under the water to kiss right above Runyu's eyes.

Once he surfaces, however, he remembers...ah. He probably should find some attire to swim in, but bathing suits and the like don't exist in his world (at least at his time). Besides, this water is warm and he likes the sunshine on his skin for a little while.]

Forgive me. [He whispers, jumping a little when his thigh is touched.] A-Yu...

[Does Runyu not mind?]

[ He's being selfish. Again.

He doesn't deserve anything like this. Not with what he's done. No matter how much he aches to be loved, to be wanted...he doesn't deserve it.

The apology makes him jerk and he forces his tentacles to unwind, and he pulls away with even more effort. He can accept that pain more than forcing himself on someone who has only been kind to him. ]

...No...Xiao Xingchen, please forgive me.

I...I have no right to...

That was too bold of me.

[Oh...! Oh no. Xingchen had meant the apology to be for his lack of clothing - not...

Runyu is attracted to him. He realizes those feelings aren't easy for the poor dragon. He has been treated abysmally and made mistakes - mistakes he owns up to without any hesitation or difficulty.

Here is another soul that deserves encouragement and -

Love. Taking the lead, Xingchen pulls the octopus back into his arms and shakes his head slowly.]

I was apologizing for my...nudity. [He flushes.] I'm not very good at understanding when someone cares for me, A-Yu. You have to tell me plainly or I might make mistakes.

[ He offers no resistance as he's pulled back against the kind man. Only stares uncertainly up at him, forcing his tentacles to behave - but there is tension and a vibration that shivers through every part of him. ]

I...made the mistake of trying to get between my brother and his soulmate...I will not make that mistake again. You have your soulmates.

I will be fine. I only forgot that lesson for a moment. [ A quiet little sigh escapes. ]

Our...our friendship is too dear to me. [ And he's afraid he's destroyed it with that flash of hot desire. ]

[That uncertain stare goes straight to his heart and he lowers himself, holding Runyu against his chest and his shoulder. He wants to quiet those shivers.]

Zichen has gone home. [He rocks Runyu gently, holding onto one of his tentacles.]

I love A-Yu. What if I want to get to know you better? You could come spend time with A-Yang and I. We...

Your company might be what we need. [And he knows they can be affectionate! Runyu might find what he is looking for and learn to be gentler with himself.]

[ Instead of withdrawing, Xingchen pulls him closer. No one has ever done that, not with Runyu. He feels himself melting helplessly into the embrace and sighs sadly at the news. ]

A-Chen, I'm sorry. [ This time for Xingchen's loss. The tentacle the sweet man holds curls gently around his wrist. The color of his skin abruptly goes crimson at being told Xingchen loves 'A-Yu.' Him. ]

You...do? You think so?

[ They might need him? ]

Then I'll come. [ How could he not? ]

[Xingchen is charmed by that red tentacle and he brushes a kiss against it. From the first time he met Runyu, he has cared for the dragon. He also can't see any reason why Runyu wouldn't come to love his A-Yang. But he might be biased where his mischievous love is concerned.]

Come live with us. We have the room and you can get to know Xue Yang. He has had a difficult life - one that I think you can understand even better than I can. If you open your heart to him, I promise you won't regret it.

[ Even in this form, Xingchen gives him a kiss! Runyu stares at him with open awe. Maybe he should be more cautious still, but it's difficult when he's lonely and this is offered. ]

If you're sure I will not intrude. Dream Beast is quite fond of you and would be happy with the company...as would I.

I like what I've seen of Xue Yang, though we haven't spoken much yet.

[Why shouldn't he? Runyu is Runyu. The form doesn't matter and...

Xingchen understands the loneliness; the intense desire to be wanted and loved. It's something he shares with Xue Yang too.]

You're so kind, A-Yu, and he will love Dream Beast. A-Yang has a soft spot for animals.

[He then smiles gently.]

Give us a chance.

Edited Date: 2023-11-08 01:37 am (UTC)

[ He draws in a breath (needless as an octopus) then releases his hold on the smaller form. Shifts to his true form so he can curl around this sweet man who...

Loves him.

Loves him.

He rubs his face against Xingchen's as he offers himself as something to relax against. ]

I will. I...want what you are offering.

[Xingchen blushes at the transformation and immediately embraces Runyu, snuggling against him. As their faces rub together, he smiles brightly and lays a hand over Runyu's chest.]

I want you to be with us. I love you, A-Yu. We might live in Winter, but I promise our house and our hearts are warm.

[ The dragon wraps a few coils loosely around Xingchen, the tip of his tail flicks playfully as he snuggles happily into those warm arms. ]

Teach me what real love is, A-Chen. I only know...jealous love myself. You deserve better than that.

[Xingchen reaches down to caress that beautiful tail before he holds Runyu against him, heart to heart.]

You'll feel more confident with time, A-Yu. You've never had someone who is loyal to you. You've never been able to trust the love will last.

What I'm offering isn't just for tonight.

[ The dragon's heartbeat is slow and steady, but he feels lighter than he has in a while. Maybe he can believe this now? What is being offered? Even asked for?

It feels different than with Jinmi.

Runyu nuzzles Xingchen's cheek. ]

You already understand me so well. You accept me more than anyone else has.

[Xingchen kisses Runyu's cheek and holds him as best as he can, wanting the dragon to feel safe. He deserves that. And if... If this works out, Xingchen knows he will spend a lot of time snuggling his loves and helping them heal.

It doesn't sound like a bad way to live at all!]

I remember when you became a cat and let me hold you. I could feel your heart then. You're not a bad person, A-Yu. Your heart is gentle and injured. You need a warm home.

[ No. Living for love and healing those one cares for is not a bad life at all. Runyu had only ever wanted to be loved and seen for someone worthy. He rules in fear, and is alone because of it. Even if the evil he'd done is centuries past.

He smiles at the memory. ]

That was the first time I'd felt warm in a long time.

[Xingchen caresses the scar on Runyu's chest before resting their heads together. He smiles at the dragon's handsome face and hums when he sees Runyu's smile.]

Let me hold you every day if it helps. I want to.

[ He covers Xingchen's hand, humbled that such a sweet man would be interested in touching his scars. Resting their heads together like this brings a sense of peace that has him sigh quietly. ]

I'm tired of being cold.

[Those words fracture his heart and Xingchen cups Runyu's face between his hands, rubbing their foreheads together gently.]

You won't be cold anymore. Come home with me and we'll spend tonight getting to know one another. The Dream Beast can nap before the fire.

[ Is this what it's like to be cared for? Runyu dares to press into those hands, nuzzling them and then Xingchen's forehead rubs against his. He curls more around the other man at those sweet words and he dares to hope. This can't last and he knows it, but maybe for a little while, he can be a little happy. ]

That sounds like a good plan.

[Xingchen hopes the happiness follows Runyu all the way to heaven. If he has the ability to encourage someone in Runyu's world to step forward and love this precious dragon, he will do just that. Or maybe he, Zichen and Xue Yang can be reborn in that world and find Runyu together.]

We do have a little fairy hound. Her name is Ling and while she can be loud, she quiets quickly if you gather her into your arms.