Resting Dragon (Open)

[dragonrising]

⌛ Who: Runyu and anyone living at or visiting the Four Seasons Manor
⌛ What: Catch a dragon napping/enjoying the gardens!
⌛ When: First few days of the month
⌛ Where: Four Seasons Manor
⌛ Warnings: Potential discussion of traumatic childhood. But I will warn for that in a thread if it comes up. (Spoilers for Ashes of Love in the thread with Mingye/child abuse cw. Also sexy times in the thread with Kexing!)

Dragon Nap Version

Runyu wasn't really much of a daytime person. Typically he was awake at night, still used to a schedule he kept hundreds of years ago when he was the Night Immortal. So at times during the day he could find himself drifting off while sitting in the gardens. Normally it was just him in his human form resting but this time walking into the gardens meant that there was a beautiful white silver dragon body wrapping around it.

Through bushes, around trees, gently avoiding crushing any plants... It seemed to glimmer in the sunlight. Though, there was no obvious head anywhere nearby. It was almost like this was the long tail end of the dragon...

Looking further one would be able to find Runyu fast sleep leaning against a tree. Careful inspection would show that where his feet should be was the long dragon tail instead. Like this was simply a part of his body extending outward now that he was fully relaxed for a change.

A rare sight. Even if that wasn't obvious just yet.


Tea Version

Though he tended to spend much of his time alone out of habit, he often didn't feel so lonely anymore. But the gardens were a sad nostalgic place for him really. It was true that he'd requested a room looking at them but that didn't mean they were any less sad for him. They brought about so many memories. Good and painful.

Yet, the Dragon Emperor still loved to sit outside his room with tea on a little table so he could admire them. Let the memories wash over him. It was easy to see the sad expression in his eyes when walking up to him but he quickly covered it up when he realized he wasn't alone anymore. With a smile, he turned to face the person who was joining him.

"Forgive me, I didn't see you there."

Comments

Dragon Nap

[reliesondirtytricks]

Of course, there's a stray cat up in the tree that the dragon is fast asleep against. He's never seen Runyu in dragon form, but the demonic cultivator isn't scared. Why would he be? No matter what form the other is in, he feels safe.

He can't remember, for the most part, if Runyu has seen him since the feathers and tri-colored eyes started. Xingchen has seen them. It's also possible that he even took a nap in his tree.

It doesn't, however, mean that he doesn't wake a little later and gets a bit more comfortable in his tree, xiao to his lips and playing a soft tune. Trying to wake the dragon? No. Just enjoying his company and playing his music.

[dragonrising]

Runyu wasn't aware of his company just yet. More than that, the music relaxed him more for a time. He was able to sleep peacefully without being aware of the world around him at all, drifting in dreamless rest. But, all sleep had to come to an end eventually.

His eyes drifted open, his mind slowly becoming aware of familiar music. Curious, he looked upward at the tree, catching sight of a foot up there. It brought a smile to his lips as he started to become more aware, his tail retreating until he had legs again.

"Mingye? Is that you?"

[reliesondirtytricks]

The music only stops when he hears that voice. It doesn't, however, mean that he comes down out of his tree. Not yet, at the very least. Though, his voice holds a hint of amusement to it, and a slight laugh escapes the demonic cultivator.

"Who else would it be? Unless, of course, you co-partner another xiao playing person," he smirks, teasing.

[dragonrising]

Resting his head back against the tree, he laughed softly and closed his eyes. "Not here anyway."

There was one person that he knew who also played the xiao. A beautiful one of green jade. He could picture his face still and recall the last time he'd seen him. When they'd sided against each other in the Flower Realm. It was a memory that made his heart ache to think about because he knew that he missed him greatly.

Runyu was sure he'd never see or hear from him again. "You're the only one here."

[reliesondirtytricks]

Using a bit of his dark energy, not that he needs to, he jumps down from the tree and lands beside Runyu. His hair is down instead of up like it normally would be, if only because he doesn't want to harm the feathers. He hasn't figured out how to pull his hair up without ruining them and ruining them kind of hurts anyway.

Blue, grey, and brown eyes, tri-colored eyes, watch Runyu rather closely for a moment before he gives the dragon a soft smile. Even with the man's eyes closed, he can probably hear that smile in the demonic cultivator's voice. After all, it's a smile meant for Runyu and Xingchen only anyway.

"You look breath taking like that, you know."

[dragonrising]

So he'd come out of his tree to join him. That was nice. It made him smile a little more as he shifted his now human legs to make himself more comfortable. He looked breathtaking though? It brought a soft laugh to his lips.

"Like what?"

His eyes opened and he looked over. The feathers and the eyes were new. But, he didn't comment on them, didn't show worry or the like. Instead, Runyu just kept giving him a gentle smile while he waited for his answer.

[reliesondirtytricks]

Of course he'd come out of his tree to join him. He liked spending time with Runyu, so his feet on the ground wasn't a bad thing. Besides, did he forget that the tree didn't have custody like him and Xingchen had? Even if he knows the other wouldn't have minded if he stayed in his tree. It's where he normally was anyway, when not being the stray cat he was. He's pretty sure his own little apartment misses him. Especially when he'd rather be with Runyu or Xingchen.

"The dragon form. I mean you're breath taking in either form, but the dragon form is breath taking."

He gives him a soft smile and sits down at the base of the tree after a moment. Surely Runyu has heard that before. Hasn't he?

Tea

[wu_xi]

Wu Xi often finds himself at Four Seasons Manor and if not him his critters are often to be found, mostly spying on Zishu and making sure he is still doing well. Today, Sable is with Wu Xi, curled around the back of his neck on his shoulders and a small snake wrapped around his wrist under his robes. He had been quiet and content in the garden but he does venture close to where Runyu is. He remembers meeting him in passing but he hadn't been aware he was staying with Zishu.

He offers a warm smile and shakes his head.

"I was not being particularly noticeable."

[dragonrising]

"That can be nice."

To not be noticed. While he remembered a time where it had caused him pain there were many days now where he welcomed it. To just fade into the background for a time. Part of the tapestry of life. Runyu was trying to remember to do that less these days but it wasn't always so easy to remember.

"Ah. If you'd like tea I have some to offer, by the way."

[wu_xi]

Wu Xi nods in agreement. It can be nice, useful. He doesn't often mind being seen anymore. Used to, some subterfuge had been necessary in his life.

"I would," Wu Xi smiles, coming closer to the other then. "I didn't know you were staying here."

[dragonrising]

Sitting at the table again, he poured another cup of the tea to serve to him. Not really something one of his station would do but he didn't care about that. Right now he wasn't the Heavenly Emperor because he didn't have to be.

Offering the cup, he sat back again. "I was invited last month. It was a kind offer and I was grateful for it."

[wu_xi]

Wu Xi nodded in thanks as the other poured him tea and takes it, settling down with a sip.

"Lord Zhou can be very thoughtful sometimes -- when it comes to others."

Wu Xi is still a bit irritated at Zishu's habit of not taking care of himself.

[dragonrising]

"It's good that he has people to worry over him. Sometimes people need that in their lives."

He'd never really had that himself. At least, not until here. Now there was at least Xingchen worrying about him and wanting him to be alright. It wasn't something he was used to yet but at the same time it felt good.

"Do you live here as well? Or is it just that you like to keep an eye on him?"

Nap

[soakedinvinegar]

Since relocating to the Four Seasons Manor, Kexing has kept mostly to his husband's side, still worried over his health though he seems to be doing well since the removal of the nails. But there were always people visiting and staying. He didn't mind, even if it meant he had more than a handful of mouths to feed. What he didn't expect as he wandered through the garden to fetch some herbs was to see a glistening dragon in the sunlight.

Wen Kexing followed the long, winding tail until he found Runyu. Of course, he looked the other man over once, deciding he is indeed an incredible beauty (there are so many beautiful people in Nippon, it's almost ridiculous). He snaps his fan open and hides behind it in a demure manner.

"Well, well, what have we here?"

[dragonrising]

It was the fan that made him stir. Eyes slowly opening, he became aware of his surroundings and looked up at the man. Not someone he recognized. But with how he kept to himself that wasn't a surprise really. He should really talk to more people, shouldn't he. Far more than just idle questions now and then on the network.

"My apologies. I didn't realize I wasn't alone anymore," he said politely, wondering how long he'd actually been asleep. Obviously enough time to have not noticed someone coming so close to him.

Rising to his feet, the tail vanished into what looked like a shimmering blue mist. Runyu paid it little mind and instead offered a polite bow to the other man once he was standing. Perhaps more polite than his station should but he'd been keeping it quiet for a little bit now.

It was nice to just be an ordinary person for a change. "Greetings."

[soakedinvinegar]

"No need to apologize. We always welcome more beauty to Four Seasons Manor," Kexing all but purred. The fan closes with a flick of his wrist revealing a warm grin. He makes a salute with his hands and bows in turn. "I am Wen Kexing. And you are?"

His tone is light, inviting, and curious. He simply has to learn more about this beautiful stranger.

[dragonrising]

Him? Beautiful? People kept making observations about his appearance here. He had to admit that he wasn't at all used to it. But, he was used to years and years and years of being overlooked for others.

Attempting to hide the surprise that he'd so obviously displayed, he gave a soft laugh and shook his head. "I am Runyu. I hadn't realized you lived here as well. I should have introduced myself sooner."

[soakedinvinegar]

"Runyu." He repeats the name, tasting it on his tongue. Kexing likes the way it sounds, a warmth coming to his dark eyes. He takes note of the 'as well' and nods subtly.

"You are not at fault. I have been busy looking after my husband, the master of this place." Just throwing that out there because he's such a possessive beast, sometimes. "It is I who should have made introductions sooner."

[dragonrising]

"Oh. I wasn't aware he was married. It's good to meet you." He offered another bow to him to be polite before straightening up again. The possessiveness? It washed right past him without him acknowledging it at all. After all, he'd never made any moves on Zishu so he had no reason to be concerned so far as he could tell.

"I have not been here long. But he was kind enough to invite me. My rooms are actually right over there," he indicated, highly unaware of how close they were to Zishu's.

Tea

[gentledawn]

Xingchen comes upon Runyu quietly, wearing robes in a dark pink. He lowers himself to press a kiss to the Dragon Emperor's cheek before asking softly:

"May I join you?"

He won't be offended if the other says no. There are times that it is nice to be alone, to reflect on all that has happened. But Mingye has shared some good news with him and he wants to congratulate Runyu.

[dragonrising]

"Of course. Please."

Waving his hand, he beckoned him to join him at the table. Already he was turning to pour another cup for the man. Once it was offered to him, he gave him a warm smile.

"Here. The fragrance of this one is good."

[gentledawn]

Xingchen bows his head, shyly pleased at the assent. He sits down and accepts the cup, curling his fingers it. Runyu is so kind and that only makes his connection with Mingye all the sweeter. They will be good for each other.

"I have spoken to Mingye." he returns the smile, "I admit I had hoped you two would find each other."

[dragonrising]

Runyu glanced up in mild surprise before lowering his gaze with a soft laugh. Good, Mingye had gotten in touch with Xingchen. He'd known he would, of course. But it was good to hear that it had happened.

"You did? To be honest, I was surprised that it happened. But it all just...flowed together."

[gentledawn]

"There is suffering in both of your pasts and that has led to understanding." Xingchen sips on the tea before placing the cup gently on the table, "Do you need anything for your new home? I can search the marketplace for you."

[dragonrising]

"I'm not sure honestly. I've never actually built a home for myself. Everything I ever needed was given to me. Even my palace." Runyu looked behind him at the rooms he now shared with Mingye. The white walls with dark blue trim, the rich dark furniture, the bedding far off to the side that was a mixture of all their colors.

"I've just been transforming things to change them to suit us."