January Catch-all

[fated_dance]

⌛ Who: Zhou Zishu and open! Some closed prompts within
⌛ What: Catch-all for January
⌛ When: January
⌛ Where: Various
⌛ Warnings: Smut and canon warnings


Cursed spoons: Locked to Wen Kexing
Of all the things he'd received or expected from this world, a set of spoons was utterly unexpected. He waits until getting home before opening the package though, then has to draw in a breath as a wave of heat washes over him. He closes his eyes, one hand moving to his head as he tries to figure out what happened, teeth gritted.

"Lao Wen!" He calls, voice rough as he says the only name that comes to mind. The only person who is always in his thoughts.


Spar: Open to Four Seasons Manor + guests
Zishu trains every day, not just with his student Chengling, but alone, to keep his skills strong and practiced. He meditates, just as if he were back home. But also, even after a couple months of being back to full health, he is a man who is well aware he'd slipped during his long 'illness'. He has some strength to rebuild, and health to regain.

And it shows. He no longer has to use a disguise to appear healthy. He can go out as himself, and feel like others aren't staring at him or waiting for him to keel over. Kexing's good meals every day, along with the efforts of those around him, have done wonders as well.

He'll grin if someone makes a move to join him and indicate them to begin - just forgive him for using live steel!


Gardening: Open to Four Seasons Manor + guests
He's a warrior, true. But he's also the lord of the Four Seasons Manor, with all the beautiful display of flowers and so of course he's someone familiar with how to tend to everything on his property. He enjoys the work, too. He moves between the trees, checking on the health of every single one as well as each bush. Anything that seems to be lacking, he tends to. Daily.

He's not a man afraid to get his hands dirty by digging into the ground. He also gathers herbs, and makes medicines out of them for the clinic Xingchen works in, and for their daily use. Sometimes he still has dreams that wake him, even with his soulmate's company.


Wandering various cities Open to all
Zishu still finds time with his busy schedule to explore the various cities, too curious about everything that is to be offered. And he enjoys the speed of travel that is freely given. So he can be found anywhere, heavy winter robes and cloak wrapped around him. Selling some of his medicines and taking orders for others.


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Comments

Spar >:3

[gentledawn]

He comes from above, floating down gracefully, Shuanghua drawn. Crossing blades with Zishu takes all of his focus - and his energy. But he can tell that his dear friend is getting better! Thus he enjoys these spars, wielding Shuanghua nimbly, the pretty blade flashing in the sunlight.

"Mercy, Baiyi!" he teases, grinning as he ducks and dodges the whip-like sword, "Mercy, A-Shu." he adds in a lower tone.

Why can't he flirt while they fight? Are there rules against it?

>D

[fated_dance]

Beautiful. Zishu grins as they spar, blades lashing in a friendly way as they spin and dance together. He laughs at the playful plea for mercy and dances close to steal a kiss before spinning away.

"Does my A-Chen really wish mercy?"

There are no rules against flirting between them!

owo

[gentledawn]

There is no aggression in this spar - Xingchen's eyes are far too bright to mean Zishu an ounce of harm. In fact, he seems to be focused on Zishu's footwork most of it, which has him ducking when Baiyi cuts a little too close. Their swords sing when they make contact and Xingchen laughs at the kiss.

"I might! I am facing a great and terrible warrior." who gives him kises.

[fated_dance]

Oh no, he won't harm his A-Chen. This is just some fun! He grins as they part, spinning in another graceful arch. Baiyi is also having fun, singing and dancing with Shuanghua just as their wielders do.

"Why should this warrior harm someone he loves?" When kisses and making love are so much more fun!

[gentledawn]

And he would never harm his A-Shu! Shuanghua is clearly enjoying this bout as much as Xingchen and that makes him happy. His sword hasn't gotten much use in Jikan! Mirroring Zishu's spin, pursuing his opponent, his sword outstretched, Xingchen blinks at those sweet words.

"He... He wouldn't!" he flushes and gives Zishu a shy smile.

[fated_dance]

Spars are a good thing! And he likes playing with his A-Chen.

Zishu laughs as they move as if in a dance, twirling and lunging at and around each other. He loves making Xingchen blush and smile.

"Exactly."

[gentledawn]

He takes a chance and wraps an arm around Zishu's waist, pressing their swords together as they spin. This time he steals a kiss, trusting that Zishu won't struggle or cut him for his daring.

Then, bunny ears perked, his tail wagging, he leaps back, landing in the flowers.

Come and get him~

Wandering Around

[amethystfiend]

She may not, entirely, know what it is they're doing, but curiosity definitely caught the attention of the cat. Which is how she ended up out and about with her other father figure. The one person who had her master's heart. Of course, no matter what she's wearing, nothing hides the ears and tail.

"Where are we going now?" She did, though, like the smell of the herbs that Brother Zhou used when it came to the medicines he made.

[fated_dance]

She doesn't need to fully understand, he's just glad she's willing (and well enough) to come outside. Zishu doesn't hurry along on these errands, his pace is always moderate - even more so, honestly, when his 'daughter' is with him. Also, the herbs do some of their own sales, depending where they go.

"There's a market nearby that often buys these medicines, or the sellers do a mix of exchange and payment for some herbs I can't easily grow myself."

[amethystfiend]

There are still some days where she doesn't feel that she's well enough, but deep down knows that she is. Her master had done what he could to make sure that she'd gotten better. As had that hospital, one she doesn't trust, before she'd ended up home at the Four Seasons with them. Either way, she's more than willing to come outside with Zishu. If anything? It was to enjoy his company. Not quite mess with herbs, with things she doesn't understand.

"So, they exchange herbs for your medicines? That way you can make more?"

[fated_dance]

Baby steps. The fact she lets herself be drawn out at all makes him proud. He can't imagine life without his soulmate - and that is precisely what she's struggling with right now.

"Aah," he hums, nodding his agreement with a smile. "And money for Lao Wen to spend." On them. On those they care about. It's why they both have warm clothes now, and reliably good food and drink at home.

[amethystfiend]

There was a lot that she was struggling with. A lot that made her remember, and believe, what she'd been told. Ghosts and mortals didn't mix. Except where she'd found out differently. She'd had her soulmate and then she hadn't. Her whole world had been ripped out from under her.

The mention of money, however, gets a slight laugh out of her," You spoil him." Then again, Zishu spoiled all of them, if she was being honest.

[fated_dance]

He has faith in her strength to overcome a great deal. But this? The loss of one's other half, he balks. So he just tries to give her other things to live for.

Zishu grins at that laugh, knowing it to be a victory. "Aah?" As if startled by the accusation. "Spoiling him would be buying him walnuts," which...well. He does. Even though he hates them himself. And he likes spoiling those he cares about too.

Wandering

[baeyuan]

To be quite honest he isn't entirely sure where exactly he is, just that he is wearing one of his warmest cloaks and the sight before him brings an easy smile to his face. It feels like its been forever and yet just a day.

"In this weather you should be nursing something warm and delicious, curled up in the arms of--" he pauses, "oh, I might need some of this if WuXi is still here. I'm anticipating a beating for up and disappearing."

[fated_dance]

He pauses, staring for a moment, then a blinding smile spreads over his face and he makes a beeline for his friend. The smile turns to a grin and he reaches for a wrist to grab hold of the sorely missed prince - no, no he isn't going to let go until he's deposited Beiyuan to Wu Xi.

"He is. And you're late. Again. So bribes would be a good idea." And of course Beiyuan will also be given some of his healing supplies.

"And honey for the Sable." Many bribes. "Come, I'll help make sure you get what you need, then take you home." Home to Wu Xi of course.

[baeyuan]

There is an intense wave of relief that washes over him at that news. If Wu Xi hadn’t still been here he would have right from the start decided to drink and sleep for his stay. He’d rather be unconscious than live without his partner.

Zishu’s grip draws him from those thoughts and he hums knowingly, “Yes, bribes are a must. More so with the animals than Wy Xi, though.”

He laughs quietly and draws the other man in for a hug, “I’m happy to see you. And to see you as well as you are. Have you been taking care of mine as well?” Wu Xi, he means.

[fated_dance]

Relief that he understands. Has felt (briefly) for himself, back when he'd first arrived. And he'd have helped Beiyuan wile away his time, had Wu Xi vanished. But it's unnecessary.

Zishu sighs at the embrace, leaning into it and hugs back with another soft smile. "I'm well thanks to Wu Xi, Lao Wen, and Xiao Xingchen. And of course I've been looking after yours." Making Wu Xi sleep, obviously. "We've been drinking through your stash of wine," this comes with a smirk.

[baeyuan]

Beiyuan's mouth opens in a 'Oh Really?' expression before the laughter comes.

"Hopefully not all of it!" He smiles and hooks his arm through the other mans, "How about you quit early and walk with me. It makes me happy to know you're more yourself now. And, it will help me relax so I can face my little venom."

[fated_dance]

He grins at the laughter, feeling it unlatch a little more of the part of him that's missed his friend almost as much as Wu Xi has.

"As you command," he teases instead of reassuring Beiyuan that there's some wine still left. He obligingly turns their path towards where the appropriate treats tend to be sold.

He sobers next though, keeping the pace moderate and perfect for a rather lazy stroll. "You've been gone a couple months, Beiyuan," he murmurs.

Spoons, ofc

[soakedinvinegar]

Of course, Kexing arrives when called. Something sounded wrong in Zishhu's tone and worry lances itself through him. He comes up beside his husband, peering curiously at the package of spoons.

"What's wrong?"

[fated_dance]

"Don't touch them," he warns, pushing them away. Then leans against his husband, shaking his head to try and clear it. Wrong and yet...right. Now that he's not alone, and with his soulmate. It makes his heart race in a completely different way.

[soakedinvinegar]

His brow lifts as he looks between the spoons and his beloved. When Zishu leans against him, Kexing's arms immediately come around him in support. He holds the other man in a protective embrace, suddenly suspicious of the spoons. Very little is what it seems in Nippon, that much Kexing's learned.

"A-Xu, are you alright?"

[fated_dance]

A breath in, then out and he relaxes when those arms wrap around him. Zishu turns to press against his beloved. "Better...I think I am." Just warm. Very very warm.

[soakedinvinegar]

It calms his immediate concern when he feels Zishu relax into his embrace. Kexing smooths his hands along Zishu's back and hums softly as if to soothe.

"What happened?"

[fated_dance]

Nippon has it's wonders, but also can be unpredictable.

It is far from unendurable though, he has his soulmate. And several others he's come to care fiercely for. He also has his health and strength back.

Zishu lets those hands and voice soothe him.

"I was given these spoons, but opening the package...I feel warm, Lao Wen." And yet he doesn't want to pull away from Kexing's embrace.