anxiouscat | Labyrinthum IC Inbox

You think?

[ He flashes that sly smile Xie Lian is certainly familiar with. Meeting his gaze with an amused tilt of his head. ]

Pure? I don't think I'm that good.
Wandering between villages sounds like a lot of work. Is there a Daozhang that gets to stay where they are?

{What a dangerous smile! Xie Lian arches a brow and tilts his head too.}

You could live at some temple, I suppose. The bigger towns and villages have great need for spiritual guidance.

{From a naughty cat.}

[ Xie Lian definitely hasn't seen him be THAT naughty. Teasing, definitely, but the flirting tone is plenty clear when he shifts back, a convenient space left beside him on the couch. ]

Of course. That's my specialty.

Do you need some spiritual guidance, Xie Lian?

{The potential is there, palpable to an ancient like Xie Lian. His eyes widen as the teasing continues and he laughs softly, lowly. Goodness, is he seeing a new side to Kenma?}

I do suggest you get plenty of practice.

{He walks over and lowers himself onto said convenient space on the couch~}

Try.

[ There's no subtlety to the way his arm slides around the slightly shorter man's middle, drawing the god in towards him with an almost lazy leeeean. Sharp eyes watch, mostly his reaction, pausing if there's any hesitation. If not, he sneaks a kiss along the side of his housemate's jaw. ]

I'm pretty sure you have to close your eyes, first... Then clear your head of thoughts.

[ Another kiss, two, trailing across. Not too distracting, is it? ]

{This is a kiss attack! He lets himself be drawn into the danger zone, his eyes twinkling merrily. When the first kiss lands, he grins and runs his fingers through Kenma's soft hair.}

Do I?

{Well so be it. He laughs under the subsequent kisses and closes his eyes.}

You're not playing fair, Mister Spiritual Leader.

Hmm? Am i not? Why?

[ Cheeky, his hands slide along Xie Lian's sides, drawing him in and lingering on that modern waistband with a hint of amusement.

Kisses continue, trailing across the corner of his lips as he lingers near. Muttering beneath his breath. Don't mind the easy tilt of his head into the combing fingers. ]

That doesn't sound like clear thoughts-

Most Daozhangs don't pepper their visitors with kisses.

{The sliding motion makes him shiver. Kenma has no idea how nice it is to just...have this little intimacy. It makes Xie Lian feel less alone. He feels himself melting under the kisses and his hands move around Kenma to pull him into a snug embrace. All the while he keeps his eyes closed.}

How can I have clear thoughts...? {Who would in this situation?}

[ As if expecting it, Kenma sliiides over, slipping his good leg across to come to rest in his lap, tucked in close so their chests can rest together as he sneaks a few more kisses in, lean figure nice and easy to wrap his arms around and hold. ]

Sounds like you need more practice...

[ What a tease. His lips trail, finding one ear and gently nibbling at the lobe. Seems he's intent on giving the god some difficult spiritual tests, letting his fingers glide up along the other's back to encourage him closer. ]

Kenma... {Xie Lian half-laughs, half-gasps, pleasant shivers tingling along his body. This is some test! It reminds him a little of how he used to borrow spiritual energy from Hua Cheng.

And that worries him. Kenma is young - a proper teenager. Is Xie Lian using him to...what? Feel good? Swallowing once, he tries to speak calmly:}

Am I...taking advantage of you? You've been wonderful to me. I don't want you to feel like you have to... That you have to do or say anything around me.

Mh?

[ He draws back, a faint head tilt as a frown forms. Those sharp eyes linger on him for a moment, weight resting on Xie Lian's legs as he thinks the question over. ]

I don't. Though.
If I didn't want to do something, I wouldn't.

[ He says it like he's stating the obvious, because it's obvious to him. His brows furrow, ever so slightly with a huff. ]

I'm doing this because it's fun, for me too. Is it strange to do something fun for me and someone I like?

{Kenma's focus has weight to it and though Xie Lian wants to look away, he is fixated on those cat-like eyes. His embarrassment increases when their activities are labeled as "fun" and he shakes his head at himself. He must be overthinking again.}

I've seen how you can ignore everyone with your games. I'm honored to have your attention.

{He shakes his head again, smiling.}

You know how long I've lived and yet, even though I'm married, I have such little experience with...affection. I like being close to you, Kenma. Being here hasn't been easy for anyone - you especially - but having something like this makes it worthwhile.

Mmmmh, there's been a few challenges but...
It's been nice, to spend this time with everyone. You especially. It doesn't really matter if you're immortal, right?

[ His arms relax, falling loosely around Xie Lian's shoulders with a soft sigh. Ageless or not, they're both only here as long as this world seems to whim it. ]

I don't want to make you uncomfortable... But, small stuff like this is nice, too. I enjoy it. [ His head tilts, curious now they're on the topic. ] Is it a bit too much?

No, it doesn't matter. {It just feels like a gulf of time and experience lies between them. Xie Lian is aware that he could harm Kenma. He knows what it's like to be taken advantage of - to be wrapped around someone's finger as they torture him again and again.}

I care about you, Kenma. I want you to know that you are free to do and say anything you like with me. I will do all I can to protect you, but I will never, ever use you.

{He smiles sadly and kisses Kenma's forehead.}

I enjoy it too. My heart...hurts. I'm lonely when I'm by myself. I know I'm being silly. I won't be here forever, but then we're plagued with nightmares or curses and -

It reminds me of times I want to forget. You've helped me so much.

Mmh- I know... I mean. The same goes to you, right? I want you to be happy as well.

[ His arms fall, slipping around Xie Lian's middle to draw him in, comfortable, just resting on his lap in this quiet, cozy intimacy. ]

You've helped me just as much. However long we're here, I'll be around. Don't worry.

[ Neither of them can promise to stay forever, they have no control over that, but he can offer comfort while he's here, as long as he's here. ]

{Xie Lian relaxes and slides his fingers into Kenma's soft hair and down the back of his neck. He can't help a soft laugh of awe.}

I promise you the same. However long we are here, I will protect you and comfort you.

{And hope that Kenma returns to a kind world that appreciates him.}

[ Not that either of them know, but Kenma's got a pretty cozy future ahead of him. The benefits of being from a positive medium, right?

His head tilts forwards, eyes slipping closed with a soft lean, hair parting between his fingers with a smooth draw. Mmh- gosh that's nice. ]

I know... That's the kind of person you are.

[ His fingers curl in, gently brushing along the small of his back with a sigh. ]

{Seriously! Xie Lian can't really complain about his future, either. A loving home, a doting husband, adventures and ghosts/gods to look after.

Just like a cat. He can't resist pressing a kiss to Kenma's cheek.}

Do you mind?

{He really should ask that more often.}

Edited 2025-07-22 11:29 (UTC)

[ There's a lighter puff, and he can't help but grin. ]

Not at all.

[ His head tips, sloowly bringing his nose to bump into the other's with a gentle nudge. ]

We can kiss more, while I'm here. If you want-

Very well. {The little bump earns a soft smile and, in answer, he kisses Kenma warmly, carefully. He embraces the other to him and gives a little sigh.}

[ The secret is, Kenma's a LITTLE greedy, sometimes. He likes Xie Lian and he likes these bits of affection, so sometimes it's easy to get lost in them. Perhaps he should spare a little more thought for the other's past and relationship. Is this really fine?

But then, arms draw him in and he can't help but lean in for a longer kiss, visibly sinking into the touch. ]

{If Hua Cheng turns up, Xie Lian will be honest with him. But he doubts the ghost will hold this against him - or Kenma for that matter. It's thanks to Kenma, in part, that Xie Lian has been able to keep his sanity.

And what's wrong with showing affection? He smiles at the way Kenma relaxes in his arms, pressing further kisses over his friend's cheek.}

You're very cute.

[ And these two are sponges for it, aren't they? His eyes slip closed, casually nudging up into each kiss and encouraging Xie Lian further. Fingers curl, arms pull, and he's happy to keep drawing him in.

What a comfortable lazy lifestyle. ]

{Sponges. Yes. His kisses continue, pressing against Kenma's temple as he tries to tuck the other man as close as possible. He might have lived for eight hundred years, but he has done so as a teenager - with all the awkwardness that entails. It's nice to be calm and comfortable with someone without expectations.}

I've decided on my next wish. I want to show you one of my swords.

Mmh?

[ Briefly lost in the moment. His eyes flutter, brushing his cheek into Xie Lian's chin and peering up as they sink into each other. ]

Does that... Mean a lot to you?

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Fading here mayhaps?

Works for me!