equivocations: (Default)
Lán Huàn | Xīchén | Zéwú-jūn ([personal profile] equivocations) wrote2020-05-24 01:18 am

open rp post




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zidianing: (Default)

[personal profile] zidianing 2020-12-03 05:54 am (UTC)(link)
He hated the idea from the very beginning. But outwardly accepted it; he wanted his father's approval after all. But it never came. Especially when Wei Wuxian entered court. He had gotten so mad at how his dogs were given away that he had run off into the forest, shifting into his family's trait of a purple tiger cub and hidden in the tall grass. His father didn't want him; his mother was angry; his sister was already fussing over the new addition to their court. He both wanted to be left alone and seen by someone.

What he had seen and met was a white and blue dragon with dark amber eyes. One that was so kind to him and wanted to listen and share his adventures as well. They had met often the years, knowing each other and learning of each other without learning much about their families or the kingdoms they hail from. It was nice. He could just be Jiang Cheng.

But the arrangements had been made. He had been promised so that his kingdom could be united with the Gusu Kingdom. Jiang Cheng keeps stoic as he and his family make their way up into the Cloud Recesses, royal residence to the powerful Lan family to finally meet his husband to be.

"Lan Xichen," his own voice as neutral as he could get it. If he could switch, he would flick his tail in annoyance.

Jiang Fengmian chuckles quietly. "We'll let you to get to know each other." His father takes the rest of his family along the hallways to perhaps meet with the famous Lan Qiren.
zidianing: (Default)

[personal profile] zidianing 2020-12-03 07:09 am (UTC)(link)

He doesn't want to be rude. There was a lot that rode on this marriage.

"A tea would be nice after our journey."

He knew he had to meet his dragon friend. He recalled that he was from Gusu. And he'd visited Gusu time and again to meet with his dragon friend. Playful, kind, sweet, and so understanding. He could have tea with Xichen for a little while. As soon as the sun dips below the horizon, he would excuse himself. That seemed to be a good plan.

"Lead the way."

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[personal profile] zidianing 2020-12-03 10:41 pm (UTC)(link)

He must not be petulant. It isn't becoming of a king and he's sure word would return to his mother about it. He stands straight as they enter what had to be his quarters. Jiang Cheng looks around the room before glancing at the teas and snacks that had been set up for him. At least Lan Xichen is trying. Perhaps they could...no. There is no way he would be able to dishonor their marriage and unification by having his dragon on the side. His hands clench behind his back. He didn't want to tell his dragon friend. Not yet. Not until they arrived in Gusu.

He takes a seat and waits for Xichen to do the same. His entire body is tight, not ready to give anything up just yet. Wei Wuxian had run off and gotten married...eloped. His sister had a profitable marriage with the Jin that he's still not quite happy about. This is the last marriage that had to be arranged.

"I'm not as familiar with Gusu's delicacies."

zidianing: (Default)

[personal profile] zidianing 2020-12-04 10:58 pm (UTC)(link)

"Thank you. That is very courteous of you."

Damn Wei Wuxian. Damn Wei Wuxian and eloping with Lan Wangji and putting him in such an awful position that they needed to make this legitimate just so the families could save face. Didn't his brother think of anyone other than himself? That perhaps Jiang Cheng had a love too? Not that he'd said anything. He supposes he could've said something. But..how could he? They had met only in secret, only with each other, and only in their shifted forms. He could be a real dragon for all Jiang Cheng knows. He's a little distracted and shakes himself of it.

"I'm sure that there will be...some influence of Yunmeng's cuisine here. But I will make sure it won't be so spicy that you would not be able to have any."

zidianing: (Default)

[personal profile] zidianing 2020-12-05 06:20 am (UTC)(link)

He nods before reaching for the cup of tea and toasting it to his future husband before sipping it. Xichen is right, they could do a lot of good for their respective kingdoms by influencing each other. He looks across the top of his cup at Xichen. It's true - the girls had reason to swoon over the handsome King. He certainly is as handsome as many seem to mention.

Jiang Cheng reaches for one of the snacks and has one.

"The food is good," he admits quietly.

zidianing: (Default)

[personal profile] zidianing 2020-12-06 06:32 pm (UTC)(link)

"A tour would be nice," he replies. "And some day, perhaps, I'll take you on a tour of Yunmeng. It's warmer than here. And there's..."

There's a sense of unrestraint in Yunmeng. Something he noticed upon setting foot in the Cloud Recesses.

"There's other delicacies that I would like for you to try. Though there tends to be more meat there, I know of a few vegetarian dishes that would be more suitable for your palette."

He wishes it were something else. He wishes every happiness on the Lan prince. He wishes every happiness on himself but he knows what that would look like. He clears his throat.

"...but I heard that Gusu and the Cloud Recesses are quite beautiful in their own way."

zidianing: (Default)

[personal profile] zidianing 2020-12-08 05:24 am (UTC)(link)

It’s on the tip of his tongue. He has enjoyed some parts of Gusu. The ones revealed by his dragon friend. But perhaps he couldn’t. He knows he shouldn’t. It would look bad and he couldn’t compromise their marriage. What would haven if he recognized his dragon friend as one of his subjects? Ignore him?

“Surely, I will as it produced someone as kind and handsome as yourself.”

Though not as kind minded and warm hearted as his dragon.

“I’m afraid I will not be able to attend dinner this evening.”

zidianing: (Default)

[personal profile] zidianing 2020-12-08 05:55 am (UTC)(link)

He waves off the compliment. A pang of guilt goes through him. He just needs time for one last goodbye to his dragon. One last time with him. Perhaps to even watch the sunrise together. To tell him how he feels and why they could no longer see each other.

“Yes. Thank you.”

If his mother could believe his excuse of fatigue from the journey as well then it would work out. He looks at Xichen.

“...just tonight, I swear to you.”

He stands and walks over to where Xichen is, bowing formally and taking his hand to kiss the back of it.

zidianing: (Default)

[personal profile] zidianing 2020-12-09 04:55 am (UTC)(link)

He nods.

"Lunch. Then a tour of Gusu and the Cloud Recesses to familiarize myself with it and...perhaps you could show me some of your favorite spots."

Then he could watch the sunrise with his dragon. Spend as much time as possible with him before never seeing him again. Jiang Cheng feels a pang in his heart, a sadness for Xichen. Someone so kind deserves someone better; someone who isn't in love with someone else as his spouse. He squeezes his hand back, feeling that guilt compound within him. He knows that they could eventually grow close as partners, friends, but Lan Xichen will never have Jiang Cheng's heart - that belonged to his dragon.

zidianing: (Default)

[personal profile] zidianing 2020-12-09 05:25 am (UTC)(link)

Not that he would be there for very long. But it is one of his last nights as a bachelor more or less. Their wedding is set for tomorrow evening after all. Starting tomorrow, he and Xichen were to share a bed, to share chambers, to share...everything. Jiang Cheng nods, letting go of Xichen's hand and straightening again so that his betrothed could lead the way.

As they walk, Jiang Cheng has to take a moment to ask quietly, "have you heard from Wei Wuxian and your brother?"

Not that he would ever say it but he wanted to know his brother is happy.

zidianing: (Default)

[personal profile] zidianing 2020-12-09 05:49 am (UTC)(link)

He lets out a breath he doesn't realize that he had been holding when Xichen reports that Wangji had written. That meant that Wei Wuxian is happy as well. All this would be worth it to know that his brother is happy somewhere out there. He wishes that Wei Wuxian would write to him. But from their last explosive encounter, it isn't likely to happen anytime soon.

"I am glad you were able to hear from your brother."

When they approach his chambers, temporary as he is only temporarily a guest in the Cloud Recesses, he bows before Xichen, prince to prince.

"Thank you for your company and for sharing some of Gusu's delicacies with me."

zidianing: (Default)

[personal profile] zidianing 2020-12-09 06:12 am (UTC)(link)

"Sleep well, Lan Xichen."

Jiang Cheng slips into his chambers and shuts the door, locking it. He leans against it, touching his forehead against the door, still feeling that sadness for Xichen...the man deserves someone to love him, not Jiang Wanyin. Imperfect and closed off. Over time...long over time, he could...grow a certain kind of fondness to Lan Xichen. Perhaps. He puts out the candles, making sure all semblance of light had been snuffed to give the illusion that he is sleeping off the journey.

He walks over to the window and easily slips out in the quiet of the night. Once he lands on the ground, he shifts into his tiger form, giving a little sigh at the freedom he feels through his entire body. He bounds off in the shadows to where he and his dragon had agreed to meet this evening. He has to tell him. He has to tell him everything.

zidianing: (Default)

[personal profile] zidianing 2020-12-09 06:39 am (UTC)(link)

He keeps his eyes to the skies, knowing that his dragon would fly in as he always does. Jiang Cheng does his best to not jump when he lands, but meets him in his lunge, wrapping his arms and paws around him and tumbling to let his dragon comfort him and surround him. When he feels that muzzle against his neck, he turns and playfully captures that muzzle in his jaw, not really biting him but greeting him. There is a sadness as they tumble and Jiang Cheng revels in the few sweet moments he has with his dragon. He keeps his paws on him for as long as possible.

I need to tell you something. He says it through their telepathic bond.

Jiang Cheng gives a soft, almost mournful growl. He nuzzles against his dragon, not wanting to tell him yet. He knows he must but he is determined to spend the rest of his evening enjoying his dragon's presence.

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