vengeful lotus

affiliated with isola

[yunmeng-pride]

Jiang Cheng ⋆ 38 ⋆ he/him

   ↳ Mo Dao Zu Shi

⋆ the man who lost everything except his virginity ⋆ [slaps him] this bad boy can hold so much trauma ⋆ angry and fiercely protective ⋆ family is the most important thing to him (the one nephew he has left) ⋆ his bark is worse than his bite, but his bite is deadly if he wields it

[yunmeng-pride]

anonymous asked:

You're like a dad. Happy father's day have a cookie🥠

〝 I don’t have any children, just a bratty nephew. 〞

[yunmeng-pride]

temperateskies​:

A bright eye flits up from the parchment laid before him and occasionally steals fleeting glances. His lips curve ever so lightly to indicate mirth, his gaze then falls and returns to his work. He’d been mulling over his brush strokes for awhile, each character neat and elegantly placed in perfect lines of three are taken from a place of tender fondness. Ichimokuren lowers the brush and finally, when he thought his masterpiece was complete, rotates the paper for A-Cheng to read.

Your eyes are fire. Their image burnt through my soul, Scarred by their beauty.

“It’s not my best haiku but I hope you like it.”

@yunmeng-pride​

〝 What is- 〞

Jiang Cheng had waited, patiently, while Ichimokuren toiled away over his calligraphy. Although curious, he hadn’t been rude enough to try to read what he was writing upside-down. He’d expected some form of poetry; something Ichimokuren had written a lot of recently, in their language-learning exchange. But this?

〝 Don’t be absurd. 〞He slaps his hand down onto the poem, covering it and averting his eyes off to the side. The ink is still wet. He can feel it staining his palm.  〝 At least write about something more interesting, if you’re going to take so long to do it. 〞

[yunmeng-pride]

xsuibianx​:

➤ @yunmeng-pride​ ❥ Canvas pt. 2

𝄢There’s a pause in Wei Wuxian’s mindless wandering through the halls, as purple robes are quick to grab and hold his attention longer than he had hoped. Ah, surely the harder they tried to stay away from one another fate always seemed to trick them back into one another’s presence. This a shift in his posture as he contemplates turning on his heels and running down a different direction. But unfortunately, he was being hunted and he had just managed to lose the monstrous creature. Though he takes note that the other has not paid mind to him, which causes Wei Wuxian to follow his line of sight. His eyes landing upon the rather hauntingly realistic rendition of Lotus Pier. 

𝄢Soon enough he finds himself walking closer to the painting, his feet moving on their own and before long he is standing beside the one who he fears the most. Sharing in the sickening nostalgia. Wei Wuxian for once is silent. One could say that he looked as though he was admiring the rendition, taking a moment to fully comprehend the beauty of it all. Until there was a brief flash of sorrow in his eyes. No. He didn’t belong here. He didn’t deserve this type of luxury.  He shouldn’t be allowed to linger in the presence of home he no longer belonged to. A home he betrayed. His heart at that moment felt heavy and his eyes were quick to search for a distraction. An escape. 

𝄢 Though leave it to Wei Wuxian to fail in noting the figures which stood amongst the scenery. 3 to be exact, off hidden amongst the details but still ever-present. 

𝄢  ❝ Ah– Have you been here since the start? I mean I don’t blame you the details are immaculate almost like you can step right in. Hm?? This seems like a pretty quiet section too, not much to worry about. Ahaa. Don’t worry I’m only passing through I’ll be out of here before you even acknowledge my presence. ❞ of course, the silence didn’t last long. As expected. He couldn’t let himself be consumed by grief, at least not now. So it was better that he rambled away and displayed himself as usual. A smile on his face and his carefree nature out in the open. 

He can hear the gently lapping of the current against the posts of the pier. The rustle in the lotus stems as a breeze picks at the surface of the water, carrying the sweet scent through him and off, into the bright blue sky. It’s summer, water bugs skimming along, being picked off by fish, eliciting a giggle from one of the trio every time the gaping fish-mouths break the surface.

Jiang Cheng doesn’t startle at the voice, but his hands curl into tight fists at his sides. He has the distinct urge to shove the man away from the painting, protecting it’s sanctity from that which does not deserve to be in the presence of such a pleasant memory. His restraint is strong, however, and a conscience that he has taken some time to grow in Spirale reminds him:

This is his memory, too.

〝 No, 〞 Jiang Cheng replies, sharp and cold, as he tears himself away from staring at the canvas.  〝 I found it while looking for more of--those. 〞 What timing. A hideous, unflattering, creature of a painting lopes into view at the end of the hallway. The Yiling Patriarch, in all of his ugly glory, the way the tales remembered him.

If Wei Wuxian is as new to the city as Jiang Cheng expects, the man is likely armed with little more than a stick. He steps in front of the other, the ring on his finger flashing to summon Zidian to his grip.  

〝 I’ll hold it off. Make yourself useful and find water to wash this thing away. 〞

[yunmeng-pride]

fuujinyumi​:

@yunmeng-pride​ liked this post for an event related starter

Seeing a statue of the Dawn dragon had never been an ill omen—It’d been something to respect, to revere as something of a god and even his ancestor—Yet suddenly it was very much starting to feel like an ill omen. As much respect as Takumi has always held for the Dawn Dragon, having a statue of it crawling toward him with murderous intent is not very comforting at all.

But hey, at least this one isn’t his dead mother!

Takumi’s about at a loss of what to do when he notices someone who seems to like a capable fighter in his own right. Much as Takumi hates to ask for help, he can at least admit here that he’s out of his depth on his own.

“I sure hope you know how to fight a stone dragon, because there’s one headed right here!”

As soon as one problem is solved, another one picks right up in the gap. At least this man seems more capable than most in a dangerous situation. No whip this time, Jiang Cheng is wielding a mallet in one hand and a chisel in the other. He flips the mallet with a flourish before tossing the chisel over to the man as the large stone beast comes crashing around the bend.

〝 I’m actually getting rather adept at combatting statues these days, 〞 he quips back. He holds his ground, planting his heels into the floor and waiting for the dragon to get close enough to strike.  〝 They’re weak to what created them. If you have good aim, go for the eyes. 〞

[yunmeng-pride]

afluffydoctor​:

somebody’s hands are on him, just like that. he feels his body hoisted up and supported, making him realize how exhausted he really is even as he tries not to lean too much of his weight on the stranger. but his body won’t uphold itself at all and the jostling movement of being lifted and moved does him no favor in helping him feel better.

he’s so tired. he barely registers what’s happening around him as he tries to parse the quick escalation of the situation, the sudden appearance of a weapon almost making him think he’s started to see things…

the loud crash of the pursuing statue being yanked with brute force into another and the following wince he gives at the loud sound ringing out around them makes it all seem very much more real. that was close, way too close for comfort, and it’s a relief that he might now have a brief window of safety from the ongoing threat… but he’s still on the question he’d been asked, his mind barely putting two and two together at first until it clicks. it was something he’d eaten here that poisoned him, wasn’t it? when and how had that happened?

“i-i did…but…” 

he tries desperately to remember everything he ate, as if it could help him pinpoint just when he had possibly come into contact with a harmful substance in any form at all…

…but there’s no time to waste right now, and even he knows that through his muddled thoughts.

granted, he tries as much as he can to hold himself up only to feel his body trying to give on him again. he grips at jiang cheng now to keep from losing his footing once more.

“n-no.” he manages in a strained tone. “i… i thought i could but– i’m… i need help.”

he hates how pathetic he sounds right now.

Throwing the statues about like the rocks they are isn’t going to put them down for good, but it buys Jiang Cheng enough time to help this idiot man away and put distance between them and the pursuing figures. His skills in healing are lacking, and he knows he doesn’t have time to stop and try to sap the poison from this man’s body if they don’t want to be mashed to pulp. He lets out a frustrated sigh as they round a corner.

〝 Has no one told you not to eat strange food? 〞 Jiang Cheng scolds further. He bends down and lifts the man onto his back, shifting to wear him like a backpack.  〝 What are the statues? Did you make them? 〞

[yunmeng-pride]

WHAT SKY ARE YOU?

sunrise.

no matter how many times you get knocked down, you always get back up. you defy expectations and stay true to yourself. you are a leader - maybe not in a traditional sense in that others follow you, but you've carved out your own path in life. you are kind but unyielding. you have strong opinions and values. there's a part of you that just wants to make everyone else around you happy, but you know your limits - that you can only share what you have to give. you may seem unassuming to others at first but in time they will watch as you grow into something incredible

[yunmeng-pride]

temperateskies​:

Ichimokuren sighs, gaze catching on one of the passing leaves before sinking into the earth. The sound of joined laughter rings harmoniously through the trees, scattering birds that had settled on their boughs for the evening and leaving a sense of peace in his heart. It felt.. wonderful. To be held so intimately and feel at ease with the world. This carefree laughter that came after the storm dissipates any strain he felt during their struggle and now he doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

He almost feels lightweight, like a feather drifting unhurriedly in the air, caring not where the wind takes him or when he’ll reach his destination. He hadn’t felt this secure in years, not since Lord Seimei intervened and gave him a second chance at living. There’s so much he wants to say. He wants to give Jiang Cheng reassurance, to urge him to look towards the future as new beginnings are on the horizon but the words don’t come. His lips are claimed and he falls silent. 

There must’ve been some mistake. Surly Jiang Cheng didn’t meant to.. not with him. His body reacts as if it’s panic, trying to reign it in and quash it. But he knows as well as the next person that there’s no running from something nourished in one’s own chest. He yearns in between those shared breaths, a rising crest of desire to lean in and claim those dewy lips as his. But he dares not go through with the idea, to be so demanding of Jiang Cheng in such a manner would be … even though he..  

Ichimokuren leans in until their lips brush, but doesn’t seize the opportunity. Instead he allows himself to be swept up in the moment, breath catching in his throat and pulse racing beneath his skin. He lifts his hand and caresses the smooth line of Jiang Cheng’s jaw and sinks into the kiss that envelops them both, deep and warm.

Everything Jiang Cheng had known of Ichimokuren before, he feels now ten-fold. His warmth, his kindness, his gentleness. A patience and care for every action that Jiang Cheng can’t fathom. All of the things that Jiang Cheng isn’t, Ichimokuren embodies. As he holds Ichimokuren against his chest, so too does he hold all that Ichimokuren is. Close to the warmth of his core, close to his heart.

Jiang Cheng pulls away only when he remembers his need to breathe. A sharp gasp against Ichimokuren’s lips before he turns his face away. The heat on his cheekbones spreads to his ears, and down the back of his neck, his whole body bristling as his senses catch up to him. He knows he should apologize for his boldness, but the words don’t come to him. Instead, once he’s found his breath,  〝 You’ll catch ill if you stay out here like that. 〞

Even as Jiang Cheng pushes to his feet, one arm stays firmly around Ichimokuren’s shoulders. He still can’t look at the other man’s face, knowing it will break the small amount of composure he’s managed to find in this moment.  〝 I’ll take you somewhere to dry off and rest. You shouldn’t go alone, after that. 〞

[yunmeng-pride]

afluffydoctor​:

@yunmeng-pride​

he still hasn’t given up. walking has become a rather large task for the weakened doctor, and he’s upholding himself with one hand on the wall as he shuffles himself slowly forward. his other arm is wrapped about his stomach tightly, as if it will do anything. by now, he’s most certainly aware that he must have ingested something poisonous. and as much as he’d tried to purge it from his system, too much of it had already likely been absorbed into his body.

a last ditch effort that did him little good, only leaving him with a rolling nausea despite his emptied stomach that has him pausing every so often to stave off the urge to retch.

and unfortunately, something appears to be on his tail, too. there’s a dragging sound against the floor coming from somewhere behind him. he hasn’t looked to find out what, because he doesn’t want to know. the dolls were bad enough, and by now he’s barely managed to escape from whatever pieces of art had sprung to life to try and chase him down. he doesn’t have a clue how he’s managed to escape their clutches up to this point. 

this is awful. the absolute worst.

and whatever is after him now doesn’t intend to give up. every time he has to stop, it gets closer to him.

he hates this. 

but squinting ahead he- he thinks he sees an actual human being and in one last determined effort manages to sprint forward with as much might as he can put into the motion.

this person, they look like they’d be able to help him! even if they can’t save him from the poison, he recognizes someone who would more then know their way around in combat. and maybe it’s a lot to expect out of a stranger, but he has no other options in the current situation. he has to try, has to hope he’s not seeing things or that he hasn’t run across a too-realistic statue.

“h-help– help me, please. i– i don’t…”

but before he even reaches the man completely, his legs give on him altogether, and there he lays collapsed - conscious but too weak to get up even when he tries to push himself up off the floor.

A voice--a rather pathetic and sickly voice--reaches Jiang Cheng’s ears and he turns towards it, expecting just about what he’s faced with. Someone collapsed on the ground, a statue not far in pursuit. In one step, he’s standing over the man, reaching down and grabbing him by the back of the shirt to hoist him to his feet. He hooks one arm under both of the stranger’s, holding him upright.

〝 Get ahold of yourself, 〞 he scolds, but his actions make it clear that he intends to protect the man. With a flash, the ring on his right hand coils out into his favored whip.  〝 You ate the food, didn’t you? 〞

He flicks his wrist and the whip shoots out, wrapping tightly around the arm of one of the statues and wrenching it into another beside it.  〝 Can you walk, or do you need me to carry you? 〞

[yunmeng-pride]

dandelionfangknight​:

❝ I have heard the flowers that blossom in this ash garden can even come from your home. ❞ cerulean fall on a myriad of foreign flowers in bloom as she says this. ❝ But I haven’t been able to affirm so yet. Not a single dandelion or pinwheel aster… has your luck fared different? ❞

@yunmeng-pride

Jiang Cheng always assumed the strange flowers were just from the nature of how unusual this place was as a whole. He’d never considered that the lotus blossoms in the pond were from his home. He bends down to take one of the large, pink flowers between both palms and snaps the stem before standing back up.

〝 The ones you mention aren’t any I’ve heard of, 〞he admits to the bloom in his hands.  〝 But, these grow in the river that my home is built upon. 〞

[leneemusing]

more prompts for your feels

“  what am i supposed to do when i can’t even trust my own mind?  ”  “  i have to believe death is the end. because all that waits for me in the afterlife is a debt of sin i don’t think could ever be paid off.  ” “  what do you see when you look into my eyes?  ”   “  it doesn’t always have to be you, you know?  your shoulders aren’t the only ones that can bear the weight of the world.  ”   “  i don’t think hearts break. shattered things can only be broken once. but torn things can be mended again and again until it’s all scars and stitching.  ” “  i can’t remember what it’s like to be truly wanted.  ” “  every time you look at me i feel invisible.  ” “  loneliness is a slow and cruel poison.  ” “  i’m afraid that if i let you see every side of me, you should shrink back in fear or disgust.  ” “  for once in your life, what is it that you want.  ” “  i’ve been wrapped in my sorrow for so long, i’m afraid i’ll feel too cold without it.  ” “  i just want to see you smile again.  ” “  can’t you stop running for one second?  ” “  i’ll be here. when you’re ready to talk.  ” “  being strong doesn’t mean never asking for help or admitting you’re in pain.  ” “  don’t shut me out. please.  ” “  don’t look at me like that.  ” “  the world isn’t made up of heroes and monsters. just broken people balancing between the two.  ” “  i just wanted to do something good for once.  ” “  why can’t you tell me what’s wrong?  ” “  just trust me. please.  ” “  why can’t you let me in? what are you so afraid of?  ” “   you’re so worried about losing me/them you’re missing everything in front of you.  ”   “  i’m not leaving you.  ” “  you’re not alone. i’m here.  ” “  you see everyone so clearly except yourself.  ” “  don’t you understand? i love you. and nothing you’ve done, no matter how much of a monster you think you are, is gonna change that.  ” “  i find broken things interesting. maybe that’s why i like you so much.  ” “  i want to be whatever it is you think i am.  ” “  you see the good in everything. that’s why i like it when you look at me.  ” “  i’ll still be here when you wake.  ” “  i promise i’ll never hurt you again.  ” “  as long as i have you, the rest doesn’t matter.  ” “  what did they do to you?  ” “  i’m not sure i should leave you alone.  ” “  i won’t hate you. i know you think that’s what you deserve but it’s not.  ” “  i want to love the parts of you that you hate.  ” “  i’m scared of what you’re becoming.  ” “  i’m sorry, i’m not what you think i am.  ” “  you’ll always have a home with me.  ” “  what happened to you?  ” “  i thought i’d never see you again.  ” “  you’re such a fucking coward.  ” “  i envy anyone who has the privilege of being loved by you.  ” “  you scared me.  ” “  please, don’t ever give up on me.  ” “  i’m not giving up on you. not ever.  ” “  i know you love me. but it’s not the way i want to be loved.  ”

[yunmeng-pride]

temperateskies​:

Kind eyes watch the lowered gaze and when Jiang spoke of his worth Ichimokuren falls silent. That he should have to worry about something as one’s own reputation struck the caller of wind as perplexing. His head tilts with a thoughtful slant and lips part as though he wished to voice his concerns. Looking at him Ren is filled with an overwhelming feeling, he doesn’t know why… but a part of him would very much like to hold his dear friend. If only to chase away his demons. Jiang Cheng had suffered much in his own way and it seems he still suffers.

“I will not say I understand your meaning but.. your reputation.. matters little to me. Are we not alone? Is there no one else around but you and I to speak ill of such things? I won’t pass judgment for something that was out of your hands.” The wind flits by in gentle gusts, blowing the grasses and boughs of trees to the east, making the water ripple where it laid. 

The sudden warmth of callus fingertips against him is startling at first, the careful mask of peace shedding for a moment to an expression of bewilderment…then acceptance…and finally, a profound happiness that sets his heart ablaze. Its almost euphoric to be held like this, so intimate and close he can hear the pleasant thrumming of a lively heartbeat. 

In turn Ren rests his head against Jiang Cheng’s chest, his arms come around to embrace him and his hands slide up his back. Fingers gently grip the purple fabric and he hides his face away in an attempt to mask the prickling warmth that seeps its way to his visage and blooms to the very tips of those pointed ears. When his smile comes its faint, laughter half suppressed to the point where his shoulders begin to tremble in mirth. Was he laughing out of relief or happiness? 

It was a bit of both.

“Now this..  this Jiang Cheng is new to me. Where has he been hiding all this time?” He inquires, shifting his chin and peering up at him though petal pink lashes. 

The very moment the word alone passes Ichimokuren’s lips, Jiang Cheng becomes incredibly aware of just how alone they actually are. The sounds of the empty forest press in on them; the faint rustle of creatures beginning to stir after a storm, the breeze that jostles the wet leaves and scatters the water droplets. The hum of the city is so far from here that it reach them. He almost swears he can hear Ichimokuren’s pulse, though that might just be because he can feel it under his palm.

Laughter, mingling with his own; a sound so soft and sweet it brings color to Jiang Cheng’s cheeks. His hold on the other loosens enough to put breathing room between them. Space enough that he can look down and see Ichimokuren’s face. The gentleness of Ichimokuren’s features shoot a spark through his nerves and he suddenly finds himself short on breath.

〝 He’s new to me, too, 〞 Jiang Cheng forces out, hardly above a whisper. Perhaps new isn’t the right word, though Jiang Cheng surely hasn’t known this version of himself since he was a young man, long before he knew tragedy, when he could flirt with the pretty women at the foot of the mountain in Gusu with relative ease. There are many more words Jiang Cheng wants to follow with. More apologies, explanations, maybe a scolding or two for being out alone so late. They never come, lost forever to the emptiness of the forest around them.

The kiss is clumsy, Jiang Cheng’s lips falling into the sweet curve of the corner of Ichimokuren’s mouth. All those little sounds of the forest are lost behind the pounding of his own heart in his ears. His eyes shut tightly, expecting reprimand, for Ichimokuren to lash out at his boldness, but he can’t help himself. The first taste only encourages him to try again, this time properly capturing Ichimokuren’s lips with his own. The second kiss is harsh and strong, just like the man giving it, but it brings with it the release of passion long kept secret.

[yunmeng-pride]

|| ooc || happy pride (:

[leneemusing]

misc sentence starters

“  i wish i knew how to talk about it.  ”   “  you don’t have to talk, we can just sit together.  ”   “  i don’t want to be alone anymore.  ”   “  i wish i could hate you.  ”  “  take a seat, we’re gonna be here a while.  ” “  i need you to trust me.  ”   “  i missed/miss you.  ”   “  she/he won’t listen to me.  ” “  let me do this for you. please.  ”   “  is there anything else you want to say to me?  ” “  tell me something happy.  ”   “  promise me.  ” “  i just want/wanted to help.  ”   “  let me explain.  ” “  i didn’t/don’t need you to understand, i just wanted/want you to support me.  ”   “  i’m on your side.  ” “  i’ve got your back, okay? ” “  please, tell me you have a plan.  ” “  stay with me tonight.  ” “  don’t go. please.  ”   “  i’ve been alone for so long i’m afraid i don’t know what it’s like not to be.  ”   “  talk to me.  ”   “  i did what i had to do.  ” “  we can’t keep going on like this.  ” “  i’m just tired.  ” “  i’m scared.  ” “  it’s okay to be afraid. fear can be good. use it.  ” “  it’s better to expect disappointment.  ” “  hope is dangerous.  ” “  i like seeing you smile.  ”   “  you look beautiful.  ”   “  be patient with her/him. they’re trying. ”   “  i’m trying my best and it’s not good enough. it’s never good enough. ” “  i’m starting to think i’m just fucked up.  ”   “  have a drink with me.  ” “  she/he is better off without me. but i guess that’s their choice.  ” “  you can’t dictate what’s best for someone else. ” “  can i help you?  ” “  i thought you’d like this.  ” “  do you wanna get out of here?  ” “  walk with me?  ” “  well, shit.  ”

[rpmemesandmusings]

text message starters pt. 1

[naturallygoblin-deactivated2018]

[ text; ] this is a terrible idea

[ text; ] fuCK you f*ck your cartoon hotdog husband fuck his stupid sunglasses and FUCK the ketchup kids (and fuck THEIR sunglasses)

[ text; ] i need help.

[ text; ] i don’ t know wh a t to fuckign do w i th myself a nymo re

[ text; ] i got a dog!!!!! I GOT A DOG!!!!

[ text; ] please let me come over and pet your dog?

[ text; ] anyway i’m bleeding, like, really badly. no worries though i’m good

[ text; ] i love death and dying

[ text; ] i fucked up. i fucked up really badly.

[ text; ] I BROKE EVERYTHING

[ text; ] AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[ text; ] don’t freak out but i’m in the hospital.

[ text; ] leave me alone.

[ text; ] i said not to talk to me.

[ text; ] QUICK WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL SONG

[ text; ] some-

[ text; ] this might be the last text i ever send you.

[ text; ] i’m going to do it.

[ text; ] i’m sorry.

[ text; ] fCUK I PUNCHED MYSELF I NTHE FACE

[ text; ] i’m playing club penguin and you wouldn’t believe the shit these 9 year olds are saying to me

[ text; ] you okay?

[ text; ] i’m so worried please text back please please please

[ text; ] ‘i don’t drink coffee,’ i say, before chugging an entire pot of it

[ text; ] what would happen if i just, like, downed seven five-hour energies. does that equal 35 hours of energy

[ text; ] brb, descending into hell.

[ text; ] it’s 3 am and i can’t sleep

[ text; ] GO TO BED!!!!!!!!

[yunmeng-pride]

temperateskies​:

“Yes. I’m here.” A blue eye follows the steady rise and fall of his hand where its held gently against Jiang Cheng’s chest. He’s relieved to see some semblance of coherence return to his dear friend, he sees it in the way taut shoulders gradually relax and feels the air around them shift to a temperate calm. Politely waving the concern off, he remained as he was, regarding the other with a warm smile. He seems unfazed by the incident, exuding an almost near perfect aura of tranquility were he not looking the wayward wanderer battered and bruised in wrappings and dirt stained yukata.

“ A couple of scrapes is hardly concerning, these aches of mine will heal in time.” He shifts and reaches out again, brushing muddy fingers along a strong jawline until it stills and cradles Jiang Cheng’s face in the palm of his hand. His caressing touch is slight, barely there but encompasses all the compassion he has to give. Ichimokuren is fiercely proud and forgiving, he couldn’t possibly condemn the cultivator for something he had no control over. 

“I do not blame you in the least for your actions.. they were done by a man who is not Jiang Cheng. I know who he is and he would not harm without reason. That you’ve returned.. has gladden my heart.” 

The mud is cool against Jiang Cheng’s skin. Only made more prominent when a heat prickles up his neck and into his cheeks. Even alone in the woods, he’s embarrassed by such close and intimate contact. And after what he just did, it’s hard to imagine Ichimokuren is comfortable being so close.

〝 My reputation would say otherwise, 〞he scolds, knowing exactly what people say about him. His voice is low, gaze pointing downwards in an apology, despite the forgiveness he’s being shown. A forgiveness he doesn’t deserve. Truly, Jiang Cheng is a man who no longer believes in second chances.

His body is heavy with a spiritual weariness. He leans his head back against the trunk of the tree, where the wood is splintered from the impact of Ichimokuren’s body. He closes his eyes, this thumb running along the dampened silk collar of the dragon god’s kimono. There is a very real fear in him, that he had almost killed Ichimokuren here. The shadows of past betrayal haunting him, even now.

In a rare act of vulnerability, his fingers slide to hold the back of Ichimokuren’s head, pulling the man back into Jiang Cheng’s chest. His other arm comes up to wrap around the slim shoulders. He holds Ichimokuren there, his face falling forward into the crown of the other’s head.

His hair smells of mud.

A quiet chuckle tumbles in his chest, the regret mingling with relief in an odd emotion that he doesn’t know how to express. He isn’t sure what he had been expecting Ichimokuren to smell like. Silk and spring breezes, maybe. Cherry blossoms, perhaps, in accordance with how they’d met over a year prior. But instead, he smells of mud. Of course he does. They both do.

[isolaradiale]

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