Many things are known about Xue Yang - few of them good - but one trait is kept relatively secret. Unless you happen to be one of the fair ladies of Jin. No matter how many times he is rejected, Xue Yang can't stop trying and he certainly can't say no to admiring their beauty and charm. When it comes to the heiress, especially, he is, mostly, on his best behavior.
"The flowers can't compare to you~" but he has brought her a bloom anyway, dressed in his best robes and scrubbed clean. He wants to give himself the best shot!
For all of Xue Yang's faults, he has never once forced himself on another. Jin Zixuan can at least appreciate that fact, even with the many times she's rejected his advances. Even when he's at his most charming, as today seems to be among those days.
Perfectly groomed and bearing a lovely flower, spouting pretty words that almost soften her severe expression. It makes her glance pointedly at the flowers she's been given today already. "Then this is to enhance my beauty?" She knows his temper, but he needs to show he's worthy of her time.
He's a sucker for graceful beauties! Zixuan makes it even more appealing because she rejects him. Xue Yang likes games and he loves challenges. Extending the golden flower to brush against her fair cheek, he chuckles:
"Nothing about you needs to be enhanced. This is just a present to make you smile!" he beams at her, both respecting her self-control and wanting to defile it. The latter would be really nice. He has yet to have a noble succumb to him.
There's a reason Zixuan is as highly regarded in her generation of cultivators - she has grace, bloodline, manners, and a strong golden core to match her skills in the arts. Only rivaled, really, by Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian. She has many suiters and so far, accepted none. She won't say, but the flowers today are from her brother, Ziyao - and for the same reason Xue Yang claims this single bloom!
Her eyes narrow just a little when he dares run it over her cheek, studying him intently for signs of mockery. "Why should I smile at you?" At least she's speaking to him, right?
She deserves flowers! Xue Yang has had his fun with Ziyao, but why shouldn't he flirt with both siblings? Zixuan, in a lot of ways, is the sweeter of the two - though she likely doesn't know it. That look she gives him almost makes him laugh, but he hides it, pressing his lips together.
"Because the day is gorgeous and you can go wherever you like if I accompany you." he tucks his arms behind his back, pretending to be a proper cultivator, "I'll keep you safe."
Why not indeed! Zixuan knows of Xue Yang's flexibility in who he flirts with, she and Ziyao keep very little from each other since their father had finally, publicly, took Meng Yao in and made him a legitimate son. Even if Zixuan remains the heiress of their sect.
She arches a brow at him, giving the impression of amusement without the actual smile. "Perhaps I am the one who would protect you, if I agreed to such a thing."
"Lady Jin, are you flirting with me?" he gives her a look as if he can't believe her audacity! But it quickly changes into a playful grin. Things have improved for him too since Meng Yao was accepted, but he can't help being a little...lonely.
"I might need your protection, you're right. I get myself into the worst situations and I never mean to."
That gets a reaction, a touch of color to her cheeks and the amusement turns to embarrassed irritation before she manages to reign it in with a disdainful sniff and looks away.
Zixuan finally stands, holding herself properly (if stiff), hands folded before her at her waist. "I am sure my brother will rescue you. I'll even go now and tell him to expect to need to."
"Oh no no, I'm sorry." Xue Yang hurriedly whispers, realizing his error, "I was only playing with you. I like you, you know. I would be honored if you spent some time with me." he flushes a little himself now, "If you're not too busy?"
Yes. Keep her in the seat of power. That's what she likes, right? That must be the Jin in her.
Though her back is mostly to him now, she pauses at the apology. Can she believe it? Her sect is one dangerously close to corruption behind the beautiful, wealthy exterior. It's one of the many points of contention between her parents, and it's often left to her to play mediator. Her father doesn't listen to her brother in private, and Ziyao is too aware of his tenuous standing to risk pushing too hard in public.
She's tired of being used, of always having to be perfect. "Do not play with me, Xue Yang. My brother is fond of you and so we work to keep you safe while you behave here. Fact, not a threat." We. Because she stands firm with her brother, knowing how desperately he needs friends.
So now it's for her brother's sake that she half turns back to him. "I was...thinking of going to the lake." Away from the majority of the hustle and bustle of the sect. Away from most of the eyes that judge and watch for any hint at a mistake.
Corruption is a given, he believes; nothing can stop it and nothing can prevent it. Meng Yao - Ziyao now he has to remind himself - knows the true depravity of his father. Zixuan is still, somewhat, in the dark. Xue Yang has no intention of guiding her into the light - rather, he wants to be a distraction. The gods know she needs those, right?
"I'm not." he sobers, flushing harder when she admits to helping him, "I mean it. I like you, Zixuan. I'm as much on your side as your brother's."
Well, that is technically the truth. He smiles and steps up beside her, offering her his arm.
"I would be happy to escort you. I can make sure you're not bothered too."
In so many places, yes. Even she would have to agree. But there are those who aren't. Maybe not pure in their society, but not steeped in filth. Zixuan knows she doesn't know everything. She doesn't, honestly, wish to. But she knows enough, and knows she can trust her brother. He doesn't have to be perfect or pure for that.
To a degree, even she would need to admit - privately - that a bit of ruthlessness is needed to survive.
The flush on those cheeks is rather cute, adding to his innate charm. She knows he seeks to be a distraction for her, though she doesn't let that awareness be seen.
She considers the offered arm and the promise of protection from prying eyes, then finally accepts it enough to rest a hand in the crook of his arm. With how close her brother is to Xue Yang, she believes she doesn't need to worry too much over being lied to.
Staying ignorant is a blessing at times. The less she knows about Guangshan, the better. He is an abysmal human being who somehow managed to have two gorgeous children. Xue Yang doesn't mind taking care of both of them, either. With his strength, with his cunning...with his body...if they let him.
The light touch of her hand makes his day! Xue Yang tilts his head merrily and hums in agreement. Off they go~
"Be careful not to fall in. I'm not the best swimmer." he guides her to the lake as he talks, enjoying the warm Spring air.
Oh, she knows her father isn't a very good man. She's always known that. It doesn't change the fact she loves him, or her efforts to keep a relatively peaceful relationship between her immediate family.
Zixuan can admit to herself that those like Xue Yang are needed. And so she helps keep him as safe as possible.
It's easy to walk with him, and they both know the way so it seems seamless. She nearly rolls her eyes at the caution. "I am a strong swimmer. If you fall in, I can pull you out." So there~
"You would rescue me?" Xue Yang has a little bounce in his step at the potential promise, "I think I need to take a dip in that case." he smiles, pleased, chuckling as he gives her hand a soft squeeze.
At the lake's edge, he bends down and splashes the water with his fingertips.
"Do you want to take one of the boats out? I'll row for you." he glances up at her, wrinkling his nose when a strand of hair tickles his nose.
"I could." Is that teasing? Maybe! The gentle squeeze almost makes her blush, along with that charming chuckle and bounce - it's not fair! But most guys would feel slighted at the prospect of being rescued by a woman. Not looking for a reason to make it happen.
But then, Xue Yang is not the average guy, is he?
Zixuan pulls away to dip fingertips into the water before deciding how to answer. Glancing up, about to say yes, she's distracted by that strand of hair and reaches out without thinking about it to tuck it behind an ear. Then blushes and pulls back quickly, looking down.
"I would be honored to be saved by Lady Jin." and he means that! Some men might feel weaker or lesser, but not him. He knows his strengths and he knows his weaknesses. Xue Yang has spent his life being shown or told what he can do and where he has failed. He won't let anyone make him feel useless.
His eyes cross momentarily when she helps him with the errant strand of hair and then he grins. She is so much better than her family. He wants to protect her, but how can he?
"Too bad you didn't bring one of those cute umbrellas." he stands up and looks to the sky, "The sun shouldn't be too bad."
Zixuan finds she believes that. She's learning, with Xue Yang, that when it's just him (no missions or orders) he can be rather sweet. It makes it easier for her to put her foot down when necessary to keep him safer.
And she likes his grins and smiles.
The care for her comfort finally earns him a flicker of a smile even as she quickly looks away. "The boat's cover will protect me from the sun. It won't bother me."
When he likes someone, yes, he can be sweet. Zixuan is in a tough position and she handles it with grace and dignity. He might be attracted to her, but he respects her too.
Besides, who else does he have if the Jins get rid of him?
"Alright if you're sure." he chooses the safest path to the dock and prepares one of the boats, humming as he works. A stray cat meows at him insistently until he lifts her into the boat too, grinning at how she purrs.
Neither of them have enough actual friends to be casual in discarding people who are, or could be, friends.
She nods and rises, following him to the dock and watches him work. He isn't handsome in a beautiful sense. There's something a little too wild about him for that. But he also isn't an ugly man, and the strength in his body is obvious as he moves about.
The cat's demands for attention and how Xue Yang responds to them simply make it a little too easy to accept his company. Zixuan waits a moment longer, then steps into the boat and takes a seat under the cover. The cat leaps up into her lap and she just shifts to make a little more comfortable a perch, resting a gentle hand on the creature's back.
That's definitely the case for him. Xue Yang finds it difficult to connect with people - unless they use him. Meng Yao was one of his first friends...ever...and that's why he has given the newly christened Jin Ziyao his loyalty.
Which extends to her too.
Lifting his head when she joins him, he smiles at the cat's chosen spot. He has definitely seen that fuzzy girl before and he knows she's a favorite of the servants.
"She won't bite." he reassures Zixuan, pushing the boat away from the dock once it's untied. Then he grabs an oar and steers them out into the lake.
"Let's see if we can catch her a fish!" he snickers when the cat chirps as if in agreement.
Too many people like to use others for their own gain. Zixuan is used to people flocking to her for her status, hoping to gain her favor so their families can rise a few ranks. They don't fool her. Mianmian is genuine in being her friend, and she values her company and intelligence.
She hums at the reassurance and gives the sweet feline some scritches as the boat moves away from the dock.
"Are you going to fish as well?" This has her curious! And maybe a little amused.
"Why not?" he nods at the fishing rod and bait, "She clearly wants some payment for keeping us company."
Not that he minds! The little cat deserves a good meal and fishing is pretty peaceful. Once they are out in the middle of the lake, he stops rowing and readies the rod. The feline lifts her head and licks her whiskers. She's hungry!
"Good girl." he soothes before tossing the baited lure out into the water.
Zixuan rubs over the cat's head and ears, sitting close enough to where Xue Yang tosses the bait out into the water that the cat can almost pick what fish she wants.
"It is good company," she agrees, not minding at all. And since he doesn't seem to mind, there's no reason to protest.
"Perhaps catch enough for us as well?" Just because she's been raised in luxury doesn't mean she's helpless when it comes to preparing food - as much as Wei Wuxian and Jiang Wanyin would scoff at the idea. And there are plenty of wild herbs to season any fish caught.
Xue Yang smiles a little softer and reaches out to rub over the cat's cheek. She paws at him impatiently and he laughs throatily.
"I understand! Don't think I've forgotten you." since the baited hook is waiting out in the water for the first tug. Zixuan's idea has him staring at her in awe. A noble lady wanting...fish? Freshly caught?
"I'm good at preparing them if you don't mind cooking?" he attempts. He won't make her do the nasty stuff, of course.
"I can build a fire." he adds, leaning forward curiously when he feels the line tighten. Using the rod, he carefully reels in their fish, catching them with his hand.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2022-04-08 03:37 am (UTC)"The flowers can't compare to you~" but he has brought her a bloom anyway, dressed in his best robes and scrubbed clean. He wants to give himself the best shot!
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Date: 2022-04-08 03:44 am (UTC)Perfectly groomed and bearing a lovely flower, spouting pretty words that almost soften her severe expression. It makes her glance pointedly at the flowers she's been given today already. "Then this is to enhance my beauty?" She knows his temper, but he needs to show he's worthy of her time.
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Date: 2022-04-08 03:49 am (UTC)"Nothing about you needs to be enhanced. This is just a present to make you smile!" he beams at her, both respecting her self-control and wanting to defile it. The latter would be really nice. He has yet to have a noble succumb to him.
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Date: 2022-04-08 04:27 am (UTC)Her eyes narrow just a little when he dares run it over her cheek, studying him intently for signs of mockery. "Why should I smile at you?" At least she's speaking to him, right?
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Date: 2022-04-08 04:31 am (UTC)"Because the day is gorgeous and you can go wherever you like if I accompany you." he tucks his arms behind his back, pretending to be a proper cultivator, "I'll keep you safe."
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Date: 2022-04-08 04:38 am (UTC)She arches a brow at him, giving the impression of amusement without the actual smile. "Perhaps I am the one who would protect you, if I agreed to such a thing."
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Date: 2022-04-08 04:42 am (UTC)"I might need your protection, you're right. I get myself into the worst situations and I never mean to."
As if.
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Date: 2022-04-08 04:50 am (UTC)Zixuan finally stands, holding herself properly (if stiff), hands folded before her at her waist. "I am sure my brother will rescue you. I'll even go now and tell him to expect to need to."
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Date: 2022-04-08 04:56 am (UTC)Yes. Keep her in the seat of power. That's what she likes, right? That must be the Jin in her.
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Date: 2022-04-08 05:06 am (UTC)She's tired of being used, of always having to be perfect. "Do not play with me, Xue Yang. My brother is fond of you and so we work to keep you safe while you behave here. Fact, not a threat." We. Because she stands firm with her brother, knowing how desperately he needs friends.
So now it's for her brother's sake that she half turns back to him. "I was...thinking of going to the lake." Away from the majority of the hustle and bustle of the sect. Away from most of the eyes that judge and watch for any hint at a mistake.
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Date: 2022-04-08 05:12 am (UTC)"I'm not." he sobers, flushing harder when she admits to helping him, "I mean it. I like you, Zixuan. I'm as much on your side as your brother's."
Well, that is technically the truth. He smiles and steps up beside her, offering her his arm.
"I would be happy to escort you. I can make sure you're not bothered too."
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Date: 2022-04-08 07:19 am (UTC)To a degree, even she would need to admit - privately - that a bit of ruthlessness is needed to survive.
The flush on those cheeks is rather cute, adding to his innate charm. She knows he seeks to be a distraction for her, though she doesn't let that awareness be seen.
She considers the offered arm and the promise of protection from prying eyes, then finally accepts it enough to rest a hand in the crook of his arm. With how close her brother is to Xue Yang, she believes she doesn't need to worry too much over being lied to.
"Then let's go."
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Date: 2022-04-08 07:28 am (UTC)The light touch of her hand makes his day! Xue Yang tilts his head merrily and hums in agreement. Off they go~
"Be careful not to fall in. I'm not the best swimmer." he guides her to the lake as he talks, enjoying the warm Spring air.
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Date: 2022-04-08 07:42 am (UTC)Zixuan can admit to herself that those like Xue Yang are needed. And so she helps keep him as safe as possible.
It's easy to walk with him, and they both know the way so it seems seamless. She nearly rolls her eyes at the caution. "I am a strong swimmer. If you fall in, I can pull you out." So there~
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Date: 2022-04-08 07:51 am (UTC)At the lake's edge, he bends down and splashes the water with his fingertips.
"Do you want to take one of the boats out? I'll row for you." he glances up at her, wrinkling his nose when a strand of hair tickles his nose.
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Date: 2022-04-08 08:24 am (UTC)But then, Xue Yang is not the average guy, is he?
Zixuan pulls away to dip fingertips into the water before deciding how to answer. Glancing up, about to say yes, she's distracted by that strand of hair and reaches out without thinking about it to tuck it behind an ear. Then blushes and pulls back quickly, looking down.
"Yes. Thank you."
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Date: 2022-04-08 08:32 am (UTC)His eyes cross momentarily when she helps him with the errant strand of hair and then he grins. She is so much better than her family. He wants to protect her, but how can he?
"Too bad you didn't bring one of those cute umbrellas." he stands up and looks to the sky, "The sun shouldn't be too bad."
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Date: 2022-04-08 08:43 am (UTC)And she likes his grins and smiles.
The care for her comfort finally earns him a flicker of a smile even as she quickly looks away. "The boat's cover will protect me from the sun. It won't bother me."
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Date: 2022-04-08 08:48 am (UTC)Besides, who else does he have if the Jins get rid of him?
"Alright if you're sure." he chooses the safest path to the dock and prepares one of the boats, humming as he works. A stray cat meows at him insistently until he lifts her into the boat too, grinning at how she purrs.
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Date: 2022-04-08 09:01 am (UTC)She nods and rises, following him to the dock and watches him work. He isn't handsome in a beautiful sense. There's something a little too wild about him for that. But he also isn't an ugly man, and the strength in his body is obvious as he moves about.
The cat's demands for attention and how Xue Yang responds to them simply make it a little too easy to accept his company. Zixuan waits a moment longer, then steps into the boat and takes a seat under the cover. The cat leaps up into her lap and she just shifts to make a little more comfortable a perch, resting a gentle hand on the creature's back.
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Date: 2022-04-08 09:09 am (UTC)Which extends to her too.
Lifting his head when she joins him, he smiles at the cat's chosen spot. He has definitely seen that fuzzy girl before and he knows she's a favorite of the servants.
"She won't bite." he reassures Zixuan, pushing the boat away from the dock once it's untied. Then he grabs an oar and steers them out into the lake.
"Let's see if we can catch her a fish!" he snickers when the cat chirps as if in agreement.
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Date: 2022-04-08 09:17 am (UTC)She hums at the reassurance and gives the sweet feline some scritches as the boat moves away from the dock.
"Are you going to fish as well?" This has her curious! And maybe a little amused.
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Date: 2022-04-08 09:22 am (UTC)Not that he minds! The little cat deserves a good meal and fishing is pretty peaceful. Once they are out in the middle of the lake, he stops rowing and readies the rod. The feline lifts her head and licks her whiskers. She's hungry!
"Good girl." he soothes before tossing the baited lure out into the water.
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Date: 2022-04-08 09:29 am (UTC)Zixuan rubs over the cat's head and ears, sitting close enough to where Xue Yang tosses the bait out into the water that the cat can almost pick what fish she wants.
"It is good company," she agrees, not minding at all. And since he doesn't seem to mind, there's no reason to protest.
"Perhaps catch enough for us as well?" Just because she's been raised in luxury doesn't mean she's helpless when it comes to preparing food - as much as Wei Wuxian and Jiang Wanyin would scoff at the idea. And there are plenty of wild herbs to season any fish caught.
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Date: 2022-04-08 09:38 am (UTC)"I understand! Don't think I've forgotten you." since the baited hook is waiting out in the water for the first tug. Zixuan's idea has him staring at her in awe. A noble lady wanting...fish? Freshly caught?
"I'm good at preparing them if you don't mind cooking?" he attempts. He won't make her do the nasty stuff, of course.
"I can build a fire." he adds, leaning forward curiously when he feels the line tighten. Using the rod, he carefully reels in their fish, catching them with his hand.
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