nightimmortal | Seasons

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[ 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.

[ Runyu would much rather have the chance to gather Xingchen, Xue Yang, and Zichen to his world, reborn and raised to immortality! Then he'd protect them and enjoy watching them blossom.

He hears himself chuckle a little and ducks his head at the description of Ling. ]

I will keep that in mind.

[Runyu will likely end up loved by three if that happens! What a terrible fate. And Xingchen will never get tired of seeing their dragon's gorgeous stars.

The chuckle makes his heart flutter and Xingchen kisses Runyu's cheeks.]

I wish you could have seen her as a pup. She had wings, but had no idea how to use them. A-Yang and I taught her how to build up their strength.

[ The worst! Save him!

The stars will shine even brighter for Xingchen!

Heat flushes his cheeks at the kisses to them. ]

She had the best teachers. I can imagine it.

She would leap from my hands and flutter to A-Yang's. When we praised her, she would howl.

[Xingchen chuckles and drops his head to kiss the scar on Runyu's chest.]

[ He chuckles at the images. ]

That would explain the howls I would hear sometimes. They were cute.

[ His breath catches in his chest at that kiss and he feels how his heart races. ]

A-Chen...do they not...upset you? Disgust you? [ His scars. ]

Doesn't she sound a little like a bell? [Xingchen grins and then nuzzles the scars too, peeking up at Runyu.]

Why would they? The only reason they could upset me is if they cause you pain.

[He frowns, worried.]

I want to help if they do.

[ A shiver runs through him at the nuzzling, then the worried fussing. His eyes close briefly before he shakes his head with a gentle smile. He embraces Xingchen. ]

They don't hurt now.

[A flutter of emotions leaves him...vulnerable. The magic of Spring takes control and suddenly Runyu is hugging...

A dove. A soft, white dove that coos bashfully and tries to keep out of the water.]

A-Yu!

[ The sudden appearance of a pretty dove startles him, but Runyu immediately shifts to keep the beautiful bird above the water. He holds Xingchen up with a soft smile and presses a kiss to the feathered head. ]

Even like this you are beautiful.