ellipsanet | [Video; UN: gentlebreeze]

You're better to me. [ He'll stubbornly maintain Xiao Xingchen is a far better person than he could ever be. Xingchen, and their Zichen. He doesn't like how his chest aches thinking about their missing third...even as he marvels that he'd once believed it impossible for there to ever even be a third where he's concerned.

He pushes that aside in favor of cuddling the sweet dove in his arms, and presses a tender kiss to the feathered head. ]

Anywhere with you is home~

Someone needs to take care of you! [Xingchen is amazed at how it had worked out, how seamlessly they had all fallen in love and just...lived. It was almost like that was how it should have always been. But, for their Zichen's sake - and because Xingchen loves Xue Yang fiercely, Xingchen has put his mourning behind him to enjoy the time he has left with his A-Yang.]

I haven't tried flying yet. I thought it would be safer if you watched over me. Do you mind?

[He rests his little head against Xue Yang, peering up at him.]

[ That same love is the only reason Xue Yang hasn't gone on an utter rampage - property damage was one thing, and had only lasted until Xingchen had reached him. He hasn't harmed anyone in his grief.

It's been a hard lesson, but he shares that determination to make the most of this time left with Xingchen.

Rubbing gentle fingers over the beautiful white, soft feathers, he beams. ]

Of course not! I won't let you fall. Wanna go outside so you have plenty of space?

[Xingchen doesn't mind being the calming force in Xue Yang's life. He always has room in his arms and his heart for his love and he knows how to make him smile.

Cooing his joy, he blinks peacefully under those gentle fingers. The hands that hold him could easily kill him, but he knows they won't. His A-Yang is a changed man.]

Oh yes, please! But dress warmly. I don't want your leg to ache.

[ Xingchen is warmth and light and love and so many other things Xue Yang hardly has the words for. For Xingchen and Zichen, he's learning to behave closer to what good society would ask. There's less malice in him and he thinks before acting.

And he loves being the reason for Xingchen's smiles and laughter, and this particular look in those pretty eyes. No. He'll defend this man in any form with everything he is. ]

The robes you gave me are nice and warm!

[ And he loves wearing anything Xingchen got just for him. Wrapping himself up in this man's presence is incredible for him. Carrying his dove to their room, he gently sets Xingchen on the bedside table just long enough to change into the warm, thick trousers and robes. Then it's back to the door, where he pauses long enough to wiggle into his warm boots and cloak too. ]

Better, A-Chen?

[Xingchen never expects Xue Yang to conform with society. What they have built together will likely always be rejected on some level, but he doesn't care. He is incredibly stubborn when he knows, to his core, that he is needed and, in this case, wanted. Why shouldn't he be a little selfish and wrap himself up in Xue Yang's love?]

I hope so.

[He waits on the bedside table and watches his love change, cooing his approval. Of course having a few glimpses of the body beneath the clothes is nice too~]

Mm! [Nodding, he walks to the end of the table to be picked up again.] You look so handsome too.

[ Just another reason to love this sweet, gorgeous man. Maybe he's obsessed and besotted. But Xue Yang knows he needs Xingchen. And loves him fiercely.

Of course he wiggles a little more than precisely necessary as he changes! Gotta show his love what he can enjoy later~

Xue Yang laughs and immediately scoops his dove back up, cuddling him as they head outside. ]

They're cozy. I like wearing them.

[Oh he will enjoy him later. Xingchen isn't shy about initiating such things and most nights they fall asleep in a contented tangle.

However, beyond sexual desire, Xiao Xingchen finds Xue Yang beautiful. The laughter makes him feel warm and his feathers fluff around his neck as he is brought into those gentle hands again.]

I'll find you more. [He stretches out his neck when they are outside and gets accustomed to the wind. He should try to fly in the same direction.] Can you lift me up a little?

[ Xue Yang loves every second of it.

He holds the pretty bird close as he takes them outside and watches Xingchen adjust to the wind. ]

I'll have to find some pretty robes for you too!

[ Well. He has his eyes on a couple sets already.

The request has him immediately lift Xingchen up, hands supporting the light body. ]

[As does Xingchen. His A-Yang keeps him so warm.

Just like now. He rubs his cheek against Xue Yang's chest, gathering his courage. His love would be adventurous with this, so he will be too!]

I just want your company; you don't have to get me anything.

[Fluffing himself, he then extends his wings and gives a little hop, catching a gust of wind. He glides for a moment and then begins to flap, flying in a gentle arc.]

[ The way Xingchen rubs against him warms his heart and he strokes over the white feathers with open adoration. ]

You're so soft, A-Chen...

[ He beams. ]

You have me. Always.

[ But then he has the joy of watching Xingchen move his wings, then helps him lift into the air. Of course Xue Yang follows below, taking his responsibility seriously of being right there to catch Xingchen if needed. ]

So graceful!

[He likes being soft for his A-Yang. The other man seems to like snuggling with him in his various forms and Xingchen encourages it!]

You will be too.

[He coos a happy note at the promise before taking flight. He is doing well until a gust of wind throws off his balance. Fluttering uncertainly, he falls towards Xue Yang, trusting he will be caught.]

Oh! [Winter winds are tough on little doves!]

[ He loves snuggling Xingchen! It doesn't matter what forms they're in at the time.

Now he gets to admire the beautiful first flight. Then his heart almost stops when the gust makes his dove fall, but he's still right there with gentle hands to catch Xingchen. He pulls him close to his chest and nuzzles the pretty feathers as he reassures himself his love is fine. ]

I've got you, A-Chen. That was beautiful!

[Dazed, Xingchen coos distantly until he feels Xue Yang's heart beating against his little body. Gentle hands cradle him and he grips onto the fingers with his toes. Then he breathes deep and nods to himself.]

I know how to do it. I'm just not big enough to fly against this wind.

[He peeks up at Xue Yang tenderly.]

But you will be. Do you want to try transforming?

[ Those toes are petted too, and Xue Yang watches Xingchen calm down and collect himself. ]

Mm. All the more reason for me to be a big bird so you can be on my back!

[ He presses a tender kiss over white feathers. ]

Yeah! I wanna see what kind of owl I am.

[He giggles and tries to be careful with his talons. They are tiny, but sharp!]

You will be a magnificent owl.

[His eyes close under the kiss and he flutters up to land on Xue Yang's shoulder, snuggling against his cheek.]

Calm your mind and feel the magic of this land, A-Yang. You have tapped into it before - this is no different. Then think about growing wings.

Edited 2023-10-25 17:01 (UTC)

[ He's not afraid of his A-Chen's talons. He trusts this one man not to hurt him.

Another nuzzle when Xingchen moves up to his shoulder, and he lets the other help his mind to focus. Closing his eyes, he calls to mind the lessons Xingchen and Zichen had spent so much time in teaching him. Feeling the magic.

Then. Wings. There's an itch in his body, but he doesn't fight it. Embraces it. A moment later, and there's a large snowy owl in his place. ]

[He can't hurt Xue Yang. His love for him goes too deep. They both know he is more likely to hurt himself if things go awry.

Xingchen keeps careful watch over his love, his eyes warming and brightening as the body underneath him changes. Then he gasps, absolutely charmed by the snowy owl.]

Oh A-Yang! [Hopping into the snow, he maneuvers himself so he can nuzzle his owl's face.] You're a snowy owl!

[ Xue Yang feels the same way. He'd rather hurt himself a thousand times over now than let either of his precious people hurt.

He fluffs his wings and feathers, wiggling in the snow before opening his eyes at the nuzzle. He laughs with delight and flaps his wings playfully, making the snow around them swirl. ]

It's so much easier with you guiding me, A-Chen~

[ He ducks down, wiggling his wings again to invite his cute dove to hop onto his back. ]

[That's part of their bond and the soul deep trust they have forged. The worst thing they can do to one another is leave or die.

Giggling at the sudden swirl of snow, Xingchen flaps his wings too. Then he gives his owl more affection, preening him with his beak.]

You just have to quiet your mind. I know you can do anything.

[The ducking delights him and he gives a little hop, landing on Xue Yang's soft, warm back. He snuggles against him to reduce drag. And also because he loves him.]

[ He leans into the preening with a happy sigh, eyes closing in bliss. ]

I can do anything if my A-Chen believes in me.

[ Xue Yang puffs his chest out when Xingchen hops up onto his back, even more when he feels the snuggling! Stretching his wings out again, he gives more concerted effort in the flapping, launching himself with powerful legs into the air in combination of his wings, and soon they soar on silent wings over the white ground. He's learning to trust the instincts of these forms. ]

[He will gladly preen such pretty white feathers! Snowy owls are some of his favorites; they remind him of little fluffy ghosts. But his A-Yang is alive and vibrant. That energy just makes this new form lovelier.]

I do believe in you.

[Which is why he settles on his lover's back, tucking himself against him without hesitation. The way Xue Yang takes off amazes him - the power! - and he gasps in quiet wonder when they soar over the snow.]

...so beautiful...

[ He loves them too. But it's the attention and the affection he loves most. Those simple words wrap around his heart and soul. He won't forget them.

Especially with how his lover trusts him and settles on his back, willing him to keep his Xingchen safe. He laughs his joy at that gasp of wonder and angles their path a little higher. High enough to almost float over the treetops. ]

I've liked each of the forms I've tried here so far. The wolf is always fun, and I like running as a reindeer with your stag. Now we can fly together!

[This feels like a dream. Xingchen nuzzles Xue Yang the moment he hears his laughter, resting his cheek against the back of his lover's neck.]

My sweet wolf. [He croons adoringly, chuckling at the mention of their deer forms.] We do have a lot of fun. I think it's...best...to transform together.

[So they can have these moments and grow closer.]

[ It's a good dream. Xue Yang doesn't want to wake up. His eyes brighten at the feeling of his dove resting against him. ]

We do! I like having fun with you.

[ Joy flows through him at the suggestion and he angles their path into a large, lazy circle, heading somewhat back to their cozy home. ]

I like transforming with you.

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