heng_like_a_dragon

[The dragon only makes a sound of acknowledgement at that. He looks up at Blade for a moment before looking away.]

It was both to save face and to remind future incarnations of Imbibitor Lunae what Yubie had done. A monument to the Vidyadhara's continued sacrifice, and the high elder to blame for the loss of our home at Dragonvista Palace.

[Dan Heng won't deny what the statue symbolizes in truth. It's both a testament and an accusation. Yet... Dan Feng turned it around to also represent a place of serenity after growing close to the High-Cloud Quintet. At least, it was so for a time. Ultimately, it became the site for another tragedy and another sacrifice.

The Vidyadhara man makes a soft noise at that.]

I would not have blamed you for that, either. They took Dan Feng's horns away after his hatching rebirth. I can't imagine that was all they took from him during his imprisonment. And as for Bailu... they kept her isolated as much as possible, but she was more clever than they gave her credit for.

[It's not something Dan Heng wants to think about too much.

As Blade takes him into his arms, the dragon wraps his own arms around his partner. He buries his face in the other man's chest. His entire body seems to relax, especially with the affectionate nuzzle and kiss to his ear. Dan Heng turns his head so that his voice isn't too muffled.]

... She is, and there are feelings that I need to sort out. [He sighs softly.] I don't know what to do at this point. If she's been reincarnated like we have, she may very well have her own family. If she arrives as an outworlder... I'm uncertain.

I do believe she deserves to know the truth of her birth, but it would be a question of timing and if she even wants to know in the first place. It may be that we should take it at her pace regardless.

[He sighs at that.]

The injustices done to you and your past lives are innumerable.

[To say nothing of how they had engineered the fall of the High Cloud Quintet. Oh, they hadn't killed Baiheng themselves, but all they had to do was throw gasoline at the fire.]

They couldn't have been doing anything good. But... I'm glad she was able to look after herself.

[He closes his eyes for a moment and lets that old anger wash off him, thinking instead about the feeling of Dan Heng in his arms. He's warm and soft, and he fits perfectly, and Blade takes a minute to breathe in and allow the cool wind coming off the water to swirl around them. He can hear the snippets of conversation from the other end of the ship, but he ignores it.]

I imagine she would have her own feelings to sort out as well. So we'll go at her own pace, and tell the truth if she asks for it.

[He pauses.]

... I'll tell her the same thing that I told you. You are not Dan Feng, and she is not Baiheng either.

[softly]

What was Bailu like? Did you know her well?

[Dan Heng doesn't say anything to that. He's not sure he can, truthfully. He can only be glad that they're not in this life at the present, even if their shadow lingers over him.

The dragon is happy to take in this moment of comfort. Blade's arms help to keep him grounded. Slowly, his heart begins to settle, though the question of his feelings on Dan Feng technically having a daughter with Yingxing remains. His thoughts are interrupted by Blade's promises, and he feels a sudden surge of affection for the other man.

Dan Heng takes a moment to gather his thoughts to answer the question.]

It's hazy still, but I remember that she was bright, mischievous, and free-spirited. I'm sure you know that Vidyadhara don't have family units, but she wanted me to be her teacher. Honestly, she taught me some things about medicine, too, so she wasn't just a student to me. Her healing powers were phenomenal, though it... admittedly saddened me that I didn't have the same power of rejuvenation like Dan Feng did. I still don't.

But she taught me emergency medicine, and that had to be enough.

You two had more in common than you had differences. You weren't just a mentor, you were a peer. As High Elder, she didn't really have that before she met you.

You made her feel less alone.

[He says it so easily because Dan Heng makes him feel the same way.]

... I know what it's like to feel as if you can't reclaim part of yourself. But you learned what you could, and you still have the power to help others as you are now.

[He smiles a little, as confident as he sounds.]

You are fine just the way you are, [he says, planting another kiss in Dan Heng's hair,] —I promise.

[Dan Heng looks up at Blade when he says that, like it's coming from experience in a way. He's never really thought much about his presence in that way. In his past life, he remembers feeling more like a burden or a stain, or someone who only brought trouble and death with him wherever he went. Some of those feelings have carried over into this life, too. Yet here Blade is, talking about how his presence has brought an alleviation of loneliness to people within his small circle.]

... Baiheng, Yingxing, all of you in the High-Cloud Quintet alleviated Dan Feng's loneliness. Even I could feel that, or at least an echo of it. Some of the samsara we were in wasn't all because of bad karma.

[The dragon closes his eyes as his partner buries a kiss in his hair. He presses one side of his face against Blade's chest, listening to his steady heartbeat as he closes his eyes. That reassurance makes him feel much better about himself, and reminds him just how much he loves this man.]

I will keep that in mind. [Softly, he says:] Thank you, A-Xing.

[He falls quiet for a moment.]

That being said, if I could heal you, it would do much to ease my worries whenever you climb into a mech for testing. You have done enough harm to yourself with them to last many lifetimes.

[Hearing that surprises Blade a little, but then he smiles, soft and real.] Yeah. I don't regret meeting you in any life. Either of us could have parted ways in this life, and it would have been fine... but that wasn't what we chose. [He might regret the sin they committed, and the actions he took when he went mad, but he doesn't regret entering Dan Feng's life and that of the Quintet.]

You're welcome.

[He gives Dan Heng as long as he needs to speak up again. He's... expecting this lecture, honestly.]

If I told you I meant to take better care of myself from now on, would you believe me? I can't exactly surpass my past self if I die before he did. I have to live another twenty years and then some just to make up for all the time I lost.

[He plays with a little bit of Dan Heng's bangs.]

But accidents around the forge are inevitable. If I need a beautiful doctor to help me change my bandages, you'll always be my first choice.

[That gets a small smile from the dragon.]

I don't regret that choice, either.

[And he knows that Blade also doesn't regret it. At least this time things can be different.

Dan Heng looks up a little at his partner. He doesn't seem to mind Blade playing with his bangs. However, being called a beautiful doctor gets a blush from him. He glances away in a moment of fluster.]

Honestly, Yingxing. [Despite the exasperation, there's undeniable affection underneath it.] ... But you know that I'll answer any time you call for me. Although I'll believe you if you say you'll try to take better care of yourself, I will need substantial evidence to prove you'll eat and sleep regularly like you're supposed to.

[He smiles a little as he takes Blade's hand in his own.]

On the other hand, I like joining you for lunch and dragging you away for dinner. So it's not all bad.

[Blade's smile only grows when he sees the fluster. He leaves another kiss in Dan Heng's hair, and chuckles warmly at the exasperation in his love's tone.]

I... well. It's a work in progress. Like making mechs that don't explode when they have a catastrophic failure.

[He lets Dan Heng take his hand, and squeezes a little.]

I like those things, too. Besides, we both know if you made me feed myself I'd starve.

[He takes their joined hands and presses them against his own stomach. Which is still very muscular, by the way, even if he's acting like it isn't.]

Maybe I've been eating a little too well. What do you think?

The day that you don't wind up in an exploding mech will be a true feat of engineering, and possibly divine intervention.

[He's teasing, though. Blade's kiss and warm chuckle has him smiling a little wider, and he gently squeezes his hand back.]

True, you'd likely go right back to believing that espresso shots in Monster is good enough as a meal.

[Dan Heng allows it, even if he gives his boyfriend a raised eyebrow. With the most deadpan look on his face and the driest of tones:]

You could stand to eat a bit more with how much you're burning off at the forge. [He moves the two of them so that Blade's back is to the rest of the ship. Dan Heng really doesn't want anyone else to goddamn see or hear this. The Vidyadhara man moves his hand up to Blade's chest with a thoughtful, teasing hum.] It's either that or all the food is going here instead.

[He laughs at that.] Oh, probably... [He has a pact with Venti, after all.]

Oh, come on. That was one time. I needed something to offset the bitterness of the espresso and it worked in a pinch...

[Dan Heng's deadpan is something to be reckoned with. Blade stares right back, his canine ears perked up and attentive. He lets his boyfriend maneuver him around as needed, only barely fighting back a smile.

And then he feels the hand on his chest and goes red. He tries to be smooth about it, but Dan Heng being forward always gets him flustered like this.]

Could be a little of both, [he manages with minimal stammer.] I won't complain about eating more of your food.

[He leans in, then, pressing more purposefully against the hand on his chest. His voice drops to a heated whisper:]

I wouldn't mind adding more dragon to my diet, either.

As I recall, it was several times in one night with different Monster flavors.

[He loves and adores this man, but good Lord his meal intake when they first met had been the stuff of depressed nightmares.

Dan Heng smiles at that, feeling satisfied that he's gotten Blade to blush. His comment about adding dragon to his diet does get a bit of pink in Dan Heng's cheeks, though. He runs his hand flirtatiously up Blade's chest before putting it over his boyfriend's mouth.]

Dragon is off the menu while we're on this ship.

[His blue eyes glitter with a hint of mischief as he takes his hand off of Blade's mouth to let him speak again.]

If you're a good boy by being patient until we get back home, I might consider something nice as a treat for a belated Valentine's Day.

... Okay, but I had to do science.

[He's not doing very well stifling his laughter. He knows he's ridiculous, and he's just happy to see Dan Heng teasing and being alive instead of hiding away from his emotions.

The anticipation crawls up his chest along with that hand, but then he's silenced. His ears pin against his hair. Even so, his tail wags furiously at the key phrase... He can't help his dog brain. Before Dan Heng pulls his hand away completely, though, he leaves a kiss on his palm.]

Fine with me. I can't plan any surprises for Valentine's Day while we're on this ship, anyway.

[Even if that surprise is as simple as something like top shelf baijiu and moongazing.]

... Thanks. For listening to me earlier. [If he kept it to himself any longer, he might explode.]

Did you?

[Blade's absolutely ridiculous, but that's what Dan Heng loves about him. Besides, he feels a lot more comfortable and secure around the blacksmith, even with the specter of Teresa hovering at his shoulder.

The dragon blushes a shade pinker at the kiss to his palm. Cheeky dogboy.]

I... may have had some ideas since our date at Fireside.

[A lot of ideas, really, but not all of them are limited to just Valentine's Day. His eyes seem to soften at the thanks.]

I'll always listen to you and your troubles. [Bracing himself with both hands on Blade's chest, he gets up onto the tips of his toes to kiss his boyfriend.]

[cheekily] Of course.

[Blade's eyebrows rise. Okay, so he's still blushing too.]

You... have? I see... [He clears his throat and glances off to the side.] Haha, you're not the only one. But I want to see what you came up with first. When we have the privacy, that is.

[Blade's tail swaying slows. His crimson eyes are so, so soft, like red velvet. He leans into Dan Heng without even being asked, meeting him halfway in the kiss; his arms slide around the shorter man's waist, and then after a moment they slip down further to his rear.

He's not trying to cop a feel, though. Mostly. Blade hoists him up so the dragon can wrap his legs around Blade's waist if he so chooses, while Blade draws him into a kiss as deep and rich as dark chocolate.]

[Ideas, thoughts, dreams, and hopes... All of which he's had to put on hold until after Blade recovered from the confrontation against Mara. Not that Dan Heng's brave enough to say that right now.

He seems to melt against his partner as he's met halfway for the kiss. Blade's eyes are as beautiful and soft as ever, and he feels like he could get lost for hours in those crimson depths. The dragon makes a soft, startled noise when he's suddenly hoisted up and instinctively wraps his arms around Blade's neck. Dan Heng's not anywhere near bold enough to put his legs around Blade's waist when they can be seen by other people.

However, he doesn't mind being drawn into a deeper kiss. With a soft, affectionate sigh, Dan Heng tilts his head back to give his lover a better angle. One hand grips his shoulder for stability while the other filters through inky hair to gently cradle the back of Blade's head. His eyes flutter closed as he returns the kiss with sweetness and an undeniable yearning.]

[To Blade, it feels less like things have to be put on hold and more like he's finally taking things slow like he should have from the beginning. He loves this. It feels like falling in love all over again. He gets to appreciate the little things, like Dan Heng's smile when he thinks Blade isn't looking, and the sound of his laugh, and the warmth of their clasped hands. He treasures every moment like it's his last, because it almost was.

He savors the kiss, too. A quiet, happy noise escapes his throat, low and warm, as they settle into it. His tail sways happily from side to side. He could hold him like this forever, just kissing Dan Heng and sighing at the fingers in his hair.

Eventually, however, his leg starts to hurt. He's putting too much weight on it again. Still, he breaks the kiss with the utmost reluctance, and his expression is one of someone waking from a long dream. If Dan Heng's yearning can be felt in the kiss, then Blade's can be seen on his face, as if he misses every second they aren't intimately close.

He gently lets Dan Heng back down onto his feet. Then he slips one arm around the dragon's middle while he grabs his crutch with the other. Ahem.]

Why don't we finish this conversation in the cabin? It's a little breezy out here.

[Dan Heng's a bit dazed when the kiss breaks. Blade's good at doing that, though. The love that his boyfriend gives him so freely can be overwhelming sometimes, but it also fills his heart with warmth and comfort. He's just as reluctant to exit this moment. However, the dragon knows that it's for the best that they stop here.

He clears his throat gently as he brings his hands down to his sides. At least, that's the plan until Blade puts an arm around his middle. Dan Heng looks up at his partner for a moment before returning the gesture gently. He can see that shadow of pain in the other man's eyes.]

Is it? I couldn't tell.

[There's a hint of amusement in his voice.]

It's about time for your painkiller and antibiotic anyway. There's still some ice cream left, so that can be your probiotic in an hour if you want.

I see I'm putting the 'furnace' in Furnace Master.

[He chuckles a bit. Despite the heavy conversation, he's beginning to understand how it feels to be as light as the wind. He wonders if Venti knew from the beginning that he could feel like this.]

You saw right through me, [he admits with a sigh.] As much as I don't want to admit it, I'm not completely healed yet.

At least there's ice cream. [He leans down and kisses Dan Heng's temple.] Though nothing's as sweet as you.

I will neither confirm nor deny that, Furnace Master.

[If it sounds a little flirtatious, it's totally accidental. Totally. (It's on purpose.)

He leans into the kiss to his temple and starts to lead Blade back to the cabin. Dan Heng keeps their walk slow to not disturb his partner's wound too much.]

I don't think I'm quite that sweet, but thank you. That said... It's alright. You're getting better every day, and it's best you continue to take it easy for a little longer.

[He pulls Blade tighter against his side in a one-armed hug.]

I know patience doesn't come easy to you, but you're doing well and the end is in sight.

[Blade chuckles again. This must be revenge for the High Elder tease he recently remembered... Well, it won't stop him.]

Mmm. You're right.

[He leans into the hug, and squeezes back.]

Thanks to you, I haven't gone entirely crazy.

[As they make their way to the cabin door, an idea occurs to him.]

Would you mind if I curled up in your lap after I take my medicine?

[Dan Heng will be kind this time and not say that he's doing Kaisou a service by making sure Blade doesn't go crazy.]

I wouldn't mind at all. [His eyes soften and warm slightly.] Maybe, if you fall asleep, I'll take a nap myself. If you don't mind a long dragon on you.

[That goes without saying.]

Oh? [His ears perk, giving him away.] I wouldn't mind. You've been working hard, too.

[He sets his crutch against a table, and reaches over to rub Dan Heng's cheek.]

No matter what form you take, you're always welcome to lay on me, tiánxīn.

[Blade needs to stop being so cute with his dog tendencies. Though, Dan Heng's a little distracted from that thought by his partner rubbing his cheek. In retaliation, he reaches up to scratch behind one of Blade's ears.]

The same can be said for you, A-Xing. [He pauses and looks at his partner in consideration.] Hm... though, I hope that you're somehow smaller if you ever develop a dog form. I can't imagine a big husky would find it comfortable trying to be a lap dog.

[Dan Heng's admittedly assuming that Blade is a husky or malamute based on his height. Still, he smiles a little at his partner and toes off his shoes.]

Go take your medicine, starlight. I'm not going anywhere.

[And he'll go make himself comfortable sitting on the bed.]

[Blade sighs noisily and leans into the scritches, unable to help himself.]

Smaller? [He realizes he never told Dan Heng about that one time he jumped in the bath and turned into a puppy.

Still, the pet name of starlight makes him feel soft. He blushes.]

Yes, yes, I'm going.

[He takes off his shoes, too, and goes over to the cabinet so he can take his pills. Thankfully he's on more of a general painkiller now and not something so potent that he starts ambien posting on Libra again, but it's still enough that he misses it when his leg starts hurting.

After knocking back his meds with a full glass of water—antibiotics demand it—he makes his way over to the bed and cuddles up to Dan Heng with his head in his lap.]

The past couple of months were... a blur to me. I forgot to tell you about something.

Edited 2024-02-17 01:45 (UTC)

[Blade has definitely not told him about the puppy bath incident.

The moment his boyfriend lays his head on Dan Heng's lap, he starts combing his fingers through his dark hair. He turns it into a scalp massage, occasionally giving the same treatment to the base of Blade's ears and at his temples. His movements are slow and methodical with the goal of helping his partner relax. Dan Heng blinks at that, which is the only show of his mild puzzlement.]

Oh? What did you forget, starlight?

[He's testing out the pet name again since he didn't miss that blush. It's so cutesy that Dan Heng's fairly certain he's only going to call Blade that in private.]

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