isleofavalon | Open Feb/Valentine's log

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Open Feb/Valentine's log

🧙 WHO: Xiao Xingchen and his CR (feel free to assume they've bumped into each other if you want in)
⚔️️ WHAT: Dates and handing out little baskets of gifts for Valentine's "Day"/Month!
🕒 WHEN: February
🗺️ WHERE: Camelot
⚠️ WARNINGS: N/A will add any as they crop up

After learning about Valentine's Day from a certain friendly new acquaintance and then learning how to make chocolates of all kinds, Xingchen wants to put this warm knowledge to good use. That means he's been spending his free time making chocolates, experimenting with flavors, and trying to think up some fun things to invite his...well. His lover, to go out and do with him.

Because he'd been told that it could easily be stretched to the entire month, he's been extra industrious! There are baskets he's woven, various chocolates and other sweets he's made wrapped up and set in the whicker and straw baskets with names neatly written on parchment with little notes.

With the help of his sweet spirit sable, Xiu, he carries a few at a time to deliver them to where he knows the recipient lives. Then goes back for the next batch.

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Leanne was certainly not expecting anything or anyone. It was still too cold to live in her nest and she really didn't have many friends.

"Coming!"

She calls out as this was one of the few times her familiar wasn't with her and was doing his own thing. She goes to open the door and blinks in surprise at who is was.

"Xingchen?" Blushing a little, she goes to step to the side. "What brings you here?"

For Leanne, there's an extra parcel - a warm winter cloak, and Xingchen holds both basket and parcel up with a warm smile. Just ignore the flush in his cheeks - it could be from the cold, or emotion, it's hard to say!

"I have been told about a holiday that takes place this month and wanted to share it with you."

He does, however, step in when she steps out of the way, head bowing in respect to the home. Xiu scampers after him, Leanne's their last stop on this particular round, and the sable goes sniffing around out of curiosity.

Seeing that flush to his cheeks was making her own flush as well. Especially at the sight of the gifts, gently taking both the pacel and the basket.

"Thank you, you are truly kind to think of this one. What holiday is it? I don't really hear much about them."

She goes to bow her head a little before closing the door behind him. A small smile forms on her face at the sight of Xiu.

"I can brew some tea and pull out some food for her."

He's not entirely sure how to do this friend thing either! But he thinks she's cute, and sweet, and so...gifts? Yes? Hopefully she likes chocolate?

"She called it Valentine's Day, but mentioned it isn't celebrated here, so implied that celebrating throughout the month would be alright. The idea is to spread love, be it romantically or to friends."

And he might have gone a little overboard...?

Xingchen flushes happily at her thought to Xiu and nods. "Tea, and honey for Lady Xiu would be lovely, thank you."

Edited 2022-01-31 01:36 (UTC)

What is this friend thing?! At least towards humans. She has learned a little thanks to Xue Yang. Yes, she does like chocolate. She leans up to try and give him a kiss on the cheek as thanks for the gifts.

"Valentine's Day? I fear that I never heard of such a day but, I do like the idea of it. Who spoke to you of such a holiday if I may be so bold to inquire."

He might have but it was no problem with her.

"I am certain that I have some honey in here for my Lady Xiu, how much should I give her?" A small pause. "Are you picky about the flavor of the tea?"

His flush darkens at the kiss to his cheek, but his smile brightens for the same reason.

"I'd never heard of it either. A woman named Belgium told me about it, and taught me how to make chocolates and sweets."

Xiu perks at the mention of honey and scampers over to Leanne, making Xingchen giggle. "A paw full, she eats plenty at home. And no, I am happy with any kind you like to make for yourself."

There was a special type of happiness that she can see in him. The way he easily flushes at the most simple gestures. No wonder it seems like Xue Yang fell completely head over heels in love with him.

"Do you think she will teach this one how to make sweets as well?" No, don't torment the poor women with that.

A small giggle as Xiu behaves so much like Ying when it comes to treats. "A handful, got it." She teases with a wink to the familiar and pulls out the honey. "Okay, I was thinking of making a floral one with some strawberries. That we can eat with the gift you brought."

And out comes her small supply of tea ingredients, waiting a little to hear his reaction to see if she should proceed or not.

Can he be blamed for being happy? He might miss his Zichen, but...Xue Yang has become dear to him. And he has other friends, like Leanne. And he's still getting used to affection, and being affectionate with others - this is where Xue Yang has been a big influence on him.

"If she won't, I would be happy to." At least he'll try...? "I would love to spend more time with you."

He giggles as Xiu wiggles happily, nose twitching as if she can already smell the honey. Xingchen smiles softly and nods. "That sounds delicious."

No, he can never be blamed for being so happy. In fact, seeing his happiness only increases her own. Even of she doesn't deserve it, she will enjoy what happiness she experiences. And she wouldn't consider herself an affectionate person either! Xue Yang is the definition of affectionate!!

At his offer, she couldntnhelp but to blush a little bit. "I would also love to spend time with you... As long as it isn't taking too much time away from your mate." Cause she can smell Xue Yang on him.

Seeing Xiu's excitement made her smile and she finds a small bowl to pour some honey in it.... and a little extra to spoil the familiar. "I shall pray that it is, please tell me if it's not."

With that, she pulls out her tea pot and prepares her mixture. This was always enjoyable and relaxing to her. Once she added the hot water, she brings tea cups to the table before bringing the teapot. "It should be ready soon."

The mention of him having a mate has his face turn bright red, but he knows...Leanne has to know. He knows she's friends with Xue Yang, too. So he shakes his head, still flushed. "We usually are apart during the day," nope, he won't deny it. "And if we lose track of time, I'll let him know where to find me." And so Xue Yang would likely just join in!

Xingchen takes a steadying breath, trying to calm some of his embarrassed shy joy - it's easier to focus on the happiness and care of others than his own joy. And Xiu is clearly delighted with the treat, dainty paws taking the bowl and tongue laps at the sweet honey.

"Of course," he won't. Because he likes tea, without sugar or cream. He's very much of the opinion that tea should be enjoyed plain, though he indulges Xue Yang by adding some honey to his lover's cups. He follows her to the table and takes a seat, smiling softly at her. "Thank you.

"Have you been well since we last spoke?"

And that flush tells the whole story to her. A very sweet story that made her feel happy for them. A small giggle leaves her, "I am glad then that I wouldn't be taking you away from his side often then. I teased him a little that all I needed to say was cookies and he would come running." The man loves his sweets.

Xiu captures her attention briefly, allowing Xingchen the moment he needed to try and calm his embarrassed shy joy, making sure that the sable doesn't accidently drop the bowl of honey.

Xingchen was much too kind of a person to say anything negative about another, it was a comforting trait to have. Perhaps one day, when she is confident in her baking skills, she can invite the both of them over for tea. "It is my pleasure, Xingchen."

A soft smile graces her lips at his question and she goes to slowly nod her head. "Yes, I have been well. What about you? Have you been well, has Xue Yang been treating you good?"

Keith wasn't sure why anyone would be coming to visit right now. He opened the door in surprise.

"Oh, uh hey."

Honestly, he was terrible with names... but he did recognize the face.

"What's up?"

Xingchen can't help the gentle smile at that surprise, but lifts his arms up, cupping his hands as he bows a little, basket hanging at an elbow.

"It is good to see you. I hope you do not mind, my familiar helped me find you here. I wanted to...give you something, if I may?"

He holds out the basket with it's bed of assorted sweets and chocolates.

"I have been told of a holiday - Valentine's Day? And that it is appropriate to gift chocolates to friends."

"Ah... um..." Keith took the offered basket.

"Yeah. I um... heh." He smiled a little. "I haven't celebrated it myself in a long time. I didn't even realize it was close to the date." There was a pause, and then something clicked in Keith's head.

"Oh, do you want to come in?"

He didn't have anything to give in return, but it seemed rude to just take an offered gift and not at least invite Xingchen inside for a drink or something.

When Xingchen finds him, Xue Yang is drying his hair with a soft towel. The basket catches his interest immediately and he doesn't have more self-control than Ying - his raccoon dog.

"Are those...chocolates? Where did you get chocolates?" he sounds breathless, obviously smitten with the offering...er...gift? Why is Xingchen giving him a gift? His cheeks redden and he tilts his head, unsure of what to say or do.

Gifts are not given to someone like him. Not good ones anyway.

His fingers immediately itch to take over caring for his lover's hair, and so he sets the basket beside Xue Yang and settles behind him with a comb to gently swat those hands away with a murmured - "allow me?" before he gets to work gently smoothing out every tangle until Xue Yang's hair shines and lays smoothly down his back.

"Mm. I made them." And yes, yes his cheeks are rather red! "A new friend, Belgium, told me about a holiday called Valentine's Day...it's for spreading love. But it can be for friends, so I've given some to new friends here..." Babbling, Xingchen. Babbling.

He takes a breath, then shyly continues. "I made these especially for you...I know you enjoy alcohol, so the round ones have some wine baked in. The square ones have a creamy center. The ovals have nuts...and the flat ones are just chocolate." He's worked really hard on them!

A small happy smile follows the orders and Xue Yang doesn't give Xingchen any problems. It's good to be fussed over and he feels the tension in his neck and shoulders melt away. He glances over his shoulder at those quiet, sweet words and his smile grows by leaps and bounds.

His daozhang made him chocolate.

Special chocolate.

For...a holiday about...love? Even his ears burn! Turning, he slips his arms around Xingchen's waist and covers those babbling lips with a soft kiss.

"You made me candy." he grins, beside himself with delight, "We'll be making use of your creations later, daozhang. I want to share them with you."

Since the holiday is about spreading love.

He likes fussing over those he cares about. And he enjoys fixing his lover's hair in the morning. A massage to the scalp is always a pleasure, and he extends this one to those shoulders as well.

Until he's pulled into those strong arms and his babbling is silenced by a kiss that makes him sigh and curl against his lover. He smiles and lets their heads rest together, taking pleasure in Xue Yang's delight at the gift.

"It was fun, and now I can make you more candy whenever you want. And...A-Yang...would you be interested in...going on a...date? With me?" Yep, definitely blushing again. "I have been told that is traditional for lovers."

As for Xue Yang's plans to share the chocolates with him...well, he hasn't the imagination to know what that means. But he's come to trust this Xue Yang enough he doesn't worry about it. He'll find out...when it happens.

His hair always looks better when Xingchen is the one who brushes and styles it. Or maybe that's just Xue Yang's perception. He groans and arches into those hands before he captures his lover in a snug embrace. Xingchen's lips are invitingly soft and he grins into eyes that have never tricked him and never betrayed him.

"...a date?" he hears the words, but it takes him a moment to understand. This pure, beautiful man wants to take him on a date in public? Xue Yang smiles slowly, the expression open and fragile.

"I want to go on a lot of dates with you."

And he knows just how to end them too! With him placing pieces of chocolate on Xingchen's body and kissing them away.

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Open Feb/Valentine's log

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Bow is basically icon :3 sans sword obvs

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