─ slow

yawns

@mu qing. ˣᵘᵃⁿ ᶻʰᵉⁿ he doesn't catch the color that begins to rise to xuan zhen's complexion, focused on where their hands are joined and drawing up another small smile when the warmth is reciprocated. you have a way of reaching people, of caring for and about them. and in turn, they wish to care for and about you too. he whispers. the stutter in xuan zhen's voice isn't lost to ace, he gently rubs a thumb over the back of the god's hand. no one, not even a mother, would say that if her love wasn't true. he raises their joined hands closer to him, pressing the back of xuan zhen's palm against his cheek – whether for his comfort or the other's, he's not sure. maybe that's why you have such capacity for love, and why others wish to give you that love too. you were embraced in it all your life ... even in misery ... even through hardship ... even in death, she's still with you.

@jing yuan. [sh] Are you saying you haven't been doing exactly that? At all?
Quirks a brow, some surprise coming through in his expression
Though.. maybe I wouldn't be opposed to it if you did.

his cheeks take on a rosy hue, but does not pull his hand away, squeezing back as his eyes dart elsewhere. after my mother died.. i lost more people in my life.. and for 800 years, i did not think i would ever get them back. wouldn't you know- the idiots came back anyway. i know it's not quite the same, but i think- when you lose people.. someone new may show up to put themselves in that space- not.. not quite a replacement but something else. he thinks back on his mother and smiles. i don't know about that but.. you know our life was miserable.. we were poor and my mother was weak on most days, still tried to work when she could so we could make ends meet.. but just before her death.. i think we both knew it was coming.. she... she told me that she was ready.. that she had no regrets.. and it had very little to do with my ascension- she said.. he takes a deep breath and prevents himself from choking up. she said that having me as her son was more than enough- tch.

he listens, quietly, attentively. eyes forward to the horizon, until soon dropping to the ground between them as xuan zhen continues to speak, as his tone shifts and bends around each word. ace reaches for one of his hands and squeezes it. i fear death. like you, i've lost too many to it... and i fear what else it would take from me. but most of all... i fear what i'd leave behind. another squeeze to xuan zhen's hand. but if i was like your mom and had someone who loved me as much as you loved her by my side til the last moments, perhaps it wouldn't be so scary.

oh? hm.. he looks off in the distance, nowhere in particular, as he gets his thoughts in order with a frown on his lips. death comes for all of us, it does not matter how many worshippers you have or the power you hold. All I've done is prolong it.. and I.. hope it never catches up with me. he sighs and looks down at his hands. my mother was sick even when i was still a child and i did everything to lessen her pain and prolong her time in the world- even achieved godhood- but still.. she is gone.

@dan heng. ᵈᵃⁿ ᶠᵉⁿᵍ [sh] one has waited a few too many centuries for this. should i make a move on you at last?
dips his head low to meet dan heng's gaze, lips pressing against soft cheek gently.

hmm. taps his chin. let me rephrase. as someone who lives forever, have you considered death?

how do you mean?

no, water is great. almost like you knew i was parched. cracks a grin, though it slowly falls as his stare strays into the distance ahead of them. have you ever put life into perspective before?

it's nothing. i believe typically alcohol would be much more appreciated but i don't drink unfortunately.. clears his throat. is something on your mind

his eyes follow xuan zhen as he settles and offers him a drink, his lips twitch up a moment higher as he mutters a soft “thanks” and takes the container from him. he brings it up to his mouth taking a short sip before returning it. ’ppreciate it.

@jing yuan. [sh] That's- alright then.
Hides his grin by nudging his head against jing yuan's shoulder
I'll.. be keeping that in mind.

his lips press together in a frown and he moves closer to sit by ace, pulling out a jug to offer ace. water?

oh, xuan zhen – didn't expect to see you here. just doing some deep breathing.. a flash of a solemn look passes his gaze before an easy smile returns to him. why don't you join me?

everything alright, ace?

@dan heng. ᵈᵃⁿ ᶠᵉⁿᵍ [sh] what else would i be, my love? it's a dream of mine. (⌒▽⌒) ♡

@jing yuan. [sh] I never knew you said this- but a bride to be? Going on a hunch that you're the groom.

takes a deep breath and exhales slowly

@dan heng. ᵈᵃⁿ ᶠᵉⁿᵍ [sh] you look like a bride to be i mean what

@dan heng. ᵈᵃⁿ ᶠᵉⁿᵍ [sh] spelling hasn't been my thing since i've been overworked... ( ◠‿◠ )
how is my beautiful dragon doing? i missed you...

@jing yuan. [sh] Gor-
Jing Yuan, hello to you too. It's been a while.

@dan heng. ᵈᵃⁿ ᶠᵉⁿᵍ [sh] Hello Gorgjus

lays down...

he keeps his hold on jiang cheng, smiling a little before he presses a kiss of his own onto jiang cheng’s cheek
i’m doing okay, actually… i’ve just been working a lot..
he sighs softly before closing his eyes, focusing on the other’s warmth
just being beside you is healing enough.

of course, but for now-- i just want to be here.
a small smile grows over his sharp features. nose brushing over clark's all the while he resides in clark's warm, steady--sturdy--embrace.
have you been taking care of yourself? do you need anything from me?

okay… but still, if at any point it gets worse, i’m here. pain meds, water, anything you need, i’ve got it. or, i’ll get it-
he stops again when jiang cheng’s presses closer. he smiles, leaning in close as well
i missed you too. you have no idea how much i’ve wanted you beside me.

i am sure. it is just a tension headache, clark.
he mentions, his arms wrapping around clark's neck as he leans in to rest his forehead upon the other's. eyes falling shut.
i missed you...

are you sure…?
he trails off at the kiss, then smiles and curls an arm around jiang cheng’s waist
of course… i thought for a second something might’ve been wrong..

ah- no i'm okay.
he smiles up at clark and presses a kiss to his cheek.
did i worry you?