slicings | band au;

band au;

[ yingxing exhales hard.

his ears still ring with the music, his blood thrumming with excitement. for all the years that highcloud has been together now, he never really tires of this work. he loves what he does, loves his bandmates no matter how often they butt heads, loves everything about their music. it's hard work, exhausting even at the best of times, and there are certainly many downsides to fame and celebrity status, but this.. playing together, making music, performing, he's passionate about it. the riches and fame are secondary to doing what he loves.

they're halfway through their rehearsal now, splitting up to take a break and rehydrate, and it's as he's guzzling down some water from a bottle that yingxing spots dan heng, dan feng's quiet, elusive little brother.

they've met before, but only briefly, only in passing. while dan heng is supportive of his brother and the band, he's a bit of a recluse, and he's never really gone out of his way to interact with any of them beyond dan feng - so what's he doing here right now? yingxing can't resist the urge to pester him, not when he knows he might not get the chance to again for some time now.

so, wiping sweat from his brow, yingxing wanders toward the table where dan heng has set up shop, surrounded by books and papers, lit by the glow of his laptop and tablet. ]

Long time no see.

[ entirely uninvited, yingxing pulls up a seat across from dan heng, straddling it backwards, leaning his forearms on the back of the steel chair. his hair is wild and his skin is flushed and dewy with sweat, adrenaline still pumping, his grin broad and easy. ]

Surprised you can concentrate with all this noise.

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[ A hundred times after being told, and a hundred more times before heading out of the house. But Dan Heng can't really complain, not when he's going on a date. With Yingxing. The guy he's liked for ages now.

He's dressed relatively casually, wearing black slacks and a form-fitting black shirt over his binder, a loose white overshirt worn over the top. He's wearing his human "disguise", as different from Dan Feng as he can possibly be while still being himself.

He smiles when he spies the starskiff, hurrying over so he can climb in—and offering the other man a small, warm smile. ]

Hi. [ A pause, and then: ] You look really good.

[ yingxing, meanwhile, is also dressed rather simply, in expensive fitted jeans, with a navy button down shirt, the top open just enough to be appropriate. around his wrist is a sleek silver bangle, and his hair is held back by an elegant pin. he grins, watching dan heng stride up, and pulls the hood back over the top of the starskiff so he can loop an arm right around that waist and tug him in. ]

So do you.

[ he mirrors, then dips his head to kiss him, slow and warm and soft. maybe it should wait until the end of their first date, really, but yingxing couldn't possibly wait that long. it's only been a few days, but those days have felt very long. ]

Got everything you need for tonight?

[ Dan Heng's slight smile broadens—still small, but something quiet and private for Yingxing—as he's tugged into the starskiff and straight into the other's embrace, Yingxing's mouth lowering to his. And maybe such a thing should wait until the end of their first date, but he'll have no complaints from Dan Heng, whose head tilts up into the kiss, answering it with the same slow sweetness.

It's illogical to even think it, but he's pretty sure his heart is fluttering in his chest.

When they separate, he looks up at Yingxing in silence for a moment, taking a second to realize that the older man has asked him a question—and then laughing at his own expense, lifting what looks like a sports bag. ]

Mm, yeah. There's stuff here for dinner, and I have a change of clothes for tomorrow.

[ It's embarrassing how hard it is to pull his gaze away from Yingxing. ]

Perfect.

[ dan heng is cute, looking at him the way that he is, and yingxing can't help his smile, or the warm way his heart lifts. things may have had a bumpy start, but he's happy. he wants this. ]

Let's get going, then.

[ he locks the doors, kisses dan heng one last time, then releases him to maneuver the starskiff away from the busy dock and out into the skies. the aquarium isn't too far from here, but friday night traffic makes things a little slow going - even still, it isn't very long before they're touching down at the aquarium's dock, sliding into a space in the empty parking bay.

turning, he lifts his own bag over his shoulder. ]

Ready?

[ He hums into the other's mouth as he's kissed once more, only pulling away when Yingxing needs to drive—and even then, he sneaks one of his hands across, wrapping his fingers loosely over the other's forearm as if to hold his hand even as he drives. The drive isn't over too fast, but also quickly enough that he doesn't get restless, nodding to Yingxing and then sliding out of the starskiff once it's parked.

They've just set foot outside the car when there's a voice, shrill and excited, calling Yingxing's name, and Dan Heng blinks as a girl comes rushing up to them out of nowhere, putting herself square in the rock star's way to start talking with him.

Dan Heng bites his lip and holds back. He's seen this happen before, with Dan Feng, but... this is a little different... ]

[ yingxing isn't unused to fans, but the sudden shriek through the silence nearly makes him jump out of his skin, before he's suddenly being rushed by a young girl. he looks puzzled, glancing briefly toward dan heng. ]

Uh.. hey. You know this place is closed, right?

[ he says, frowning, rubbing his nape with his free hand. ]

You should probably get going before you get in trouble.

[ The girl reaches out to take Yingxing's hands in hers, her eyes wide with excitement. She's not thinking about the place being open or closed, just... this is Blade in front of her, Ren of Highcloud, this is so exciting...

She starts to babble, asking for him to sign something, or perhaps to stay and talk with her for a bit...

Dan Heng bites his lip, holding back as he watches the two of them, not really sure what he's meant to say or do. ]

[ oh, yeesh.. yingxing knows full well that this is part of the job, that this is one of the perks and downsides to his fame, but he hadn't expected that he would get sighted here of all places, at an aquarium after hours. had someone told her that he would be here..?

it doesn't matter. yingxing offers a smile, but he shakes his head. ]

I'm a little busy right now.

[ he says, sliding his hand free of hers to settle it on dan heng's back instead. ]

Somewhere to be. But I'll tell you what, there's a fan meetup next friday at Aurum Alley, I'll sign something for you there, okay?

[ Dan Heng looks up in surprise. He had tried to step back so that he wasn't in the immediate conversation, not wanting to cause Yingxing any problems—and yet, without any hesitation, he calls himself busy, brings Dan Heng right back into the thick of it as the girl's eyes travel over him and then back to the rock star, a pout forming on her lips.

"A fan meetup..."

The disappointment on her face is visible, but she lowers her hands despite being tempted to reach for him, her eyes flicking between him and Dan Heng.

"...Can I at least have a photo?" ]

[ ah, what a sticky situation.. yingxing is always kind to his fans, never refuses a photo or an autograph, and seeing the disappointment on her face disappoints him, too. she's young, and he knows what it's like to feel starstruck by a celebrity you really admire. he doesn't want to burst that delicate bubble.

but he has to consider dan heng's feelings, too. he knew what he was getting into by dating a rock star, sure, but this is their first date, and he wants dan heng to feel as special as he is. he could tell the truth, that this is a date, and he needs to pay attention to his partner, but he has no idea if dan heng wants that information made public, it's not something they've discussed. yingxing heaves a sigh. ]

How about I give you two photos at the fan meetup, and a backstage pass to our next show for a meet and greet? Then you can get photos with all the rest, too.

[ seems like a fair offer, right? ]

[ Dan Heng is trying to work out if he should say anything, to try to ease the situation for Yingxing somehow... but then the other man handles it for himself, answering smoothly in a way that the girl seems to accept, smiling as she gathers her things back together. ]

Ah...! Really? Then... I'll look forward to it! Remember me, okay? My name's Sushang... don't forget!

[ And with a brilliant, victorious smile in Dan Heng's direction, she darts off again, leaving the two of them standing there in silence for a moment. ]

I... wow. We should... we should get inside, huh. So that that doesn't happen again...

[ It's not that he minds being seen with Yingxing, but he doesn't want to cause him any trouble... ]

[ whew, crisis avoided. hopefully dan heng isn't too irritated.. ]

Yeah.. let's go.

[ he says, sliding his hand down to the small of dan heng's back so he can lead him toward the aquarium's front doors, where security leads them inside. the lights are a little low, and it's very quiet, save for the hum of a hundred powerful filters, but it's nice. the atmosphere is peaceful.

with a smile, yingxing leaves his bag at the security station up front, assuring dan heng that he can do the same - that they'll be back for them after they tour the place. and then.. ]

Well, ready to go see everyone?

[ the animals, they're everyone. ]

[ Yingxing will quickly see Dan Heng isn't irritated—just worried. In fact, as they move into the aquarium and through the front doors, he finds himself leaning into the circle of the other man's arm, content to tuck into his side as they drop off their bags.

It's beautiful, here. Quiet. He's happy to be here with Yingxing, to explore the place together, now that they're alone.

And so to the other's question, he inclines his head. Nods. ]

It hasn't even really started yet and I already know how perfect this date is going to be. [ He smiles. ] I'm ready.

[ yingxing smiles. ]

Yeah, it is.

[ it was a pretty good idea, he thinks, if he does say so himself. he'll have to work hard to make sure the next date is just as good. leaning his head down, yingxing touches their brows together with a hum. ]

Lead the way, then.

[ this is more dan heng's wheelhouse than his own, after all. ]

We've got all night to see anything you want to see.

[ All night, Yingxing says, but how can the time pass so quickly? Even just wandering around the aquarium together is a level of fun that they shouldn't be able to have doing something so simple, Dan Heng talking about the various wildlife they see and even sharing things that the passages written onto the walls don't have to say... and yet, every time he looks at the other, he seems to be holding on to every single word Dan Heng has to say.

It's wonderful.

It hardly seems like any time at all—and yet, when he looks at his watch, it's been at least a few hours—before they reach the main tank, wall-to-wall glass in front of a small auditorium-like area, lit in dim blues from the water and nothing else. He makes his way to the center of the floor, where, thankfully, the staff have come to bring his bag over, letting him take out the things he needs for the picnic: sandwiches, bottled drinks, pasta salads and potato salads in bowls, a few other similar things. He lays the spread out and takes a seat, offering Yingxing a smile. ]

Look good?

[ yingxing is, in fact, hanging on to every single word, enraptured by dan heng's excitement and the information both. though he doesn't have the same interest in scholastic pursuits as dan heng does, everyone can enjoy an aquarium, and without the noise of the usual crowds, the experience is almost surreal. watching the wildlife move through the water.. it's beautiful.

watching dan heng's face light up as he speaks is even more beautiful.

but soon enough their stomachs are growling, so they make their way to the main tank, where their bags are waiting for them. dan heng sets out the spread, and yingxing grins. ]

Looks great. You outdid yourself. [ he snags a sandwich for himself, and a bowl of pasta salad. ] Thanks for making all of this for us.

[ Seeing the look on Yingxing's face when he sets the food out is enough to make it all worth it. Dan Heng smiles, sitting down amidst the spread and getting food for himself too while he watches the wall, the creatures swimming through the generated waves for them to enjoy. ]

I don't know how long they'll let us stay, but I wouldn't mind sitting here for a while and watching them swim. [ He smiles up at the other man. ] Would that be okay with you? This date is for both of us, so I don't want to.... [ He bites his lip. ] You've been really patient with me. I want to make sure you're enjoying yourself too.

[ Because as for him, Yingxing couldn't have picked a better place for them to enjoy. ]

[ digging into his meal without further preamble, yingxing swallows a mouthful and looks at dan heng, smiling. ]

I've been enjoying every moment. I'm not trying to be patient, I'm just enjoying my time here with you, that's all. This might be more your scene than mine, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy it. Who doesn't like aquariums?

[ he gestures to the glass, to the numerous beautiful fish darting through the water, a large, speckled ray, the colorful corals.. ]

Oh, and - right, the surprise. [ he grins. ] We're staying as long as we like. Well, until morning, at least.

[ Dan Heng finds himself smiling in response to Yingxing's answer, and he's about to follow up on it, but...

Wait. A surprise? His head tilts, and then in the next moment his eyes widen. Staying until morning? He brought night clothes with him but... ]

Where will we sleep?

[ He blinks, realizing too late how that sounded. ]

Ah, I mean. I'm excited, I am. This is really wonderful, Yingxing... Honestly, I kind of... We could sleep here, it's beautiful.

Right here.

[ he pats the space beside him, then gestures to the pack he brought with him, and the second, too, that had been brought in by security - one that yingxing dropped off earlier. a large bag, full of something that looks soft. ]

I thought you might like to fall asleep watching the tank.

[ he smiles, finishing off his sandwich and washing it down with some water. ]

Sound good? We can go back to mine or yours instead, if you prefer.

[ Once again, Dan Heng is left to blink, to sit and look at Yingxing in stunned silence for a moment. His eyes travel, looking at the packs that the other brought, and then back to the older man, and he shakes his head wordlessly. Only once the other finishes his sandwich does he lean forward, sating his lips on the other man's, a brief kiss, but sweet, alight with all the affection he deserves after doing something so thoughtful. ]

It sounds perfect. I can't... you thought of everything.

[ He settles back, and the soft smile on his lips is genuine, for Yingxing's eyes only. ]

This is an amazing first date. I'm... I don't even know what to say.

[ dan heng's soft kiss, his smile - they make yingxing's chest tighten up with warmth and genuine affection. ]

You don't have to say anything. I'm just glad you're enjoying it.

[ he says, his smile fond and lopsided, one hand lifting to sift through dan heng's hair, callused thumb smoothing over the warm apple of his cheek. he's so cute, so beautiful, like this, or in his other skin - yingxing enjoys both, likes both, likes dan heng. ]

I just wanted you to have a good time.

You've done an amazing job of making sure that happens.

[ It's breathed back in response, Dan Heng's head tilting into the softness of those touches, a soft smile on his lips. He wonders how he'll ever be able to think of dates anywhere near as good as this, or how he can...

He pauses, thoughts interrupted by a wandering thought, and he bites his lip. ]

Was it difficult, before? With that girl? I don't want to put you in an awkward position with your fans. I.. I know how much they look up to you.

Good.

[ that's what he wanted to hear. the way dan heng tilts his head into yingxing's touch is warming, and he hums, gently tapping the end of dan heng's nose before he pulls away to begin attending to their dinner again. ]

Hm? Ah, no, you didn't do anything wrong.

[ yingxing is quick to shake his head. ]

It's.. I'm just sorry it happened. Poor timing. Unfortunately it's something you might have to get used to.

[ Dan Heng offers a small smile as he listens, shaking his own head when Yingxing mentions it's something he might have to get used to. ]

I don't mind it. I knew this would be part of it. I just... don't want you to feel as if you're in a difficult position, that's all. With me being there.

[ His nose wrinkles. He knows what he's trying to say, but he worries he's being assumptive, too. Or that it will sound like he's asking for more than he is. Or... ]

I know you have a reputation to worry about.

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