heng_like_a_dragon

[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.]

[Blade unwinds like a ball of yarn, all the stress melting away from his limbs and even making his face relaxed. He gives a great big sigh and forgets that Dan Heng asked him a question, he's that enamored with the fingers in his hair.]

Mmmm...

[His tail swishes happily for a minute longer, then his brain catches up.]

Oh. Yes. Before Christmas, I went to take a bath, hoping it would relax me enough that I could sleep. Then... I went to step in, and I was up to my shoulders suddenly.

[He concentrates, leaning into the dog instinct that much more. And then—poof!—he becomes a fluffy Pomeranian with the fur patterns of a Husky, and makes it a point to turn his head and gaze up at the dragon, paws up to his chin.

Oh he's a natural at this.]

[Dan Heng can't help smiling as he sees how Blade instantly melts. He's ridiculously cute, honestly. However, his boyfriend's answer to the question has him furrowing his brows in confusion. He almost asks for clarification when—

There's.

There's a pomeranian-husky mix in his lap.]

[Dan Heng stares at the little pomsky.

Holy shit.

He's....]

[He's so cute and tiny.

Dan Heng gently starts to pet his ears and use his other hand to rub his belly. It's taking literally every mote of self-control to not start cooing at his boyfriend-turned-dog. He keeps himself quiet until he's confident he can talk normally and not in babyspeak.]

Well, I can't say I was expecting you to be a pomsky, but you're quite adorable. I have a feeling you're going to get away with a lot more mischief than I should let you.

[The dragon sounds amuse, though.]

[Blade wriggles happily beneath the pets and rubs. He's obviously enjoying himself. He's... not actually sure how much he can talk in this form, so he tries.

woooooOOOoooOOOooooooeeeeeeeeeerrrrr.

He closes his mouth and looks a little startled.]

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